Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 66

ii 01 03 CD PA SPARE. iPICKU Baccarat attracts wealthy players red or the black at the end of the year. It's where the whales play. Byron Liggett is a Reno-based gaming writer. Send questions co the Reno Gazette-Journal, P.O.

Box 22000, Reno, NV was $9 million ahead. QUESTION: How important is baccarat to Nevada casinos? Philip San Francisco, Calif. ANSWER: Although baccarat is a key feature at only the major casinos, the game can make the difference between the house being in the to 00 BRING IN THIS COUPON FOR A FREE KEYCHAIN. Harley-DavidsonBuell of Reno 2295 Market Street 329-2913 When we think of baccarat, images of James Bond, ladies in evening gowns, and high-rollers come to mind. A European original, it has long been a part of the aristocracy of gambling games.

QUESTION: Who is considered a high-roller and why are they attracted to baccarat? Greg Eugene, Ore. ANSWER: Michael J. Goodman has written about the high-rollers who visit Las Vegas. He describes them as bettors with 1 million-plus credit lines. He estimates there are about 200 "whales" world- This year, the baccarat win for Las Vegas casinos during the Chinese New Year was over $49 million, compared to $31 million in '97.

QUESTION: Don't some casinos put in elaborate baccarat rooms to attract rich gamblers? Estelle Sacramento, Calif. ANSWER: There may be no finer example than the Las Vegas Hilton. Two years ago, it debuted its new baccarat room, an opulent, 7,000 sq. $12 million dollar facility. The room features custom crystal chandeliers and hand-woven carpets from 9 5 BP? liirpwfl Thailand.

Two separate dining salons offer NOW APPEARING! In The Side Trax Lounge Madison fi Avenue tl vl June 4-6 3 A The Motifs I I June 11-13 i Drawing to be held every Saturday at 8:30 p.m. by BYRON LIGGETT vl 10 aI Start collecting your tickets today! ft Hail City Casino along luith Reno Ulustang Car Club presents 13th Annual mustang Stampede Car Shauu Saturday, June 20 9am-Apm at Bail City Casino! i 3 I lC LIVE, wV To the kind of high-rollers who seek the luxury of the Hilton's baccarat room are three magnificent "Sky Villas:" rooftop suites ranging in size from 10,500 sq. ft. to 15,500 sq. ft.

Round-the-clock personal service is included. QUESTION: Have you heard of a baccarat high-roller called "The Warrior?" Anthony Atlantic City, New Jersey ANSWER: The late Japanese gambler, Akio Kashiwagi, nicknamed "The Warrior," was a whale of a whale. He once took on Donald Trump in a legendary battle at Trump's baccarat tables. The agreement was that Kashiwagi would wager 1 2 million until he lost it or doubled it. The Warrior reportedly wagered at the rate of about $14 million an hour and at one point was $7 million ahead.

Ultimately, the "freeze-out" agreement was canceled because of a credit dispute. The media reported that when it ended, Trump CHAMPIONSHIP MUSTANG CLASSICS 1964-12 THRU 1973 fmm- SHINE Any Ford Mbto7 Co. Vehicle wide, mostly men age 40 or older, Asians in general, and Chinese in particular. Whales prefer baccarat because it features action, action, action. It's fast, easy to play, and the house edge is the lowest for any game in the casino, about percent.

QUESTION: Does baccarat play increase during Chinese New Year? David Reno, Nev. ANSWER: In Nevada, baccarat, Pai Gow, mini-baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker are the four Asian games that traditionally receive heavy play during the Chinese New Year holiday. The week-long event last January attracted thousands of gamblers from the Far East to Las Vegas. To accommodate the annual influx, casino operators temporarily replace blackjack and other games with the ones favored by Asian players. VJrom 1903Hiro -a BOXING THIS SATURDAY JUNE 6th at EVANDER HOLYFIELD HENRY AKINWANDE I BATTLE fblYthe AWBAIBR1 HEAWWEiGHT- CHAMPIONSHIPS7 I mi mm til' Your Friendly Neighborhood Casino 2.