Veteran’s idea for a charity casino faces some pretty stiff opposition - 2004-01-20
State officials say a Branford man’s request to open a veterans’ charity casino faces some formidable resistance, such as the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans.

But Lawrence Tarducci, a 56-year-old U.S. Army veteran who has spent 10 years advocating his idea, promises, "I’m not going to give up."

His most recent strategy: start a petition drive. But since he began the effort several weeks ago, Tarducci has collected just 34 signatures, including his own and that of his wife, Marilyn.
Read the full story at New Haven Register

Casino architect brings piece of Las Vegas to refurbished Helsinki restaurant - 2004-01-20
A cheerful-looking American gentleman walks around Mikonkatu 19, excitedly pointing at things around him. The new Grand Casino Helsinki run by the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY) is still a 2,600m² construction site scattered with scaffolding,
coils of wiring, and protective cardboard sheets. What casino architect Paul Steelman sees around him, however, is the world's first digital casino.

"That is where Europe's largest video wall will be, covering 42 square metres. That in itself is like an art installation. At New Year's you can have fireworks, and on Valentine's Day it can have roses if you like. The colours on the ceilings and walls can be changed to fit any mood. It can be sunny inside the casino even if it is cloudy outside."
Read the full story at Helsingin Sanomat