Sparks casino closes abruptly - 2004-01-02
There was no revelry on New Year's Eve for people at Duke's Casino in downtown Sparks.

The neighborhood club across the street from John Ascuaga's Nugget unexpectedly informed its 52 workers it was shutting down, as of Thursday.

The reasons for the shutdown were not given, and all questions were directed to the casino's Las Vegas-based management company. Officials at Archon Corporation could not be reached for comment on New Year's Eve.
Read the full story at KRNV

Casino opponents mobilize in St. Louis County - 2004-01-02
With public meetings and prayer vigils, some opponents in south St. Louis County are going up against proposals for a new casino.

"None of us are of the mind-set that casinos or gambling are bad," though prospects of a gambling site near a south St. Louis County elementary school aren't acceptable, said Debbie Wirtel, a mother organizing parents opposed to the plan.

Wirtel, 41, worries about increased traffic, and said she believes after looking into the subject that gambling can contribute to societal problems, including crime and bankruptcy.
Read the full story at Miami Herald