Plan allows non-Indian casinos - 2004-02-13
Frustrated by the lack of casino developments in Buffalo and the Catskills by Indian tribes, state lawmakers are pressing a new plan to change the state constitution to allow for non-Indian casinos in those areas. The effort, similar to one that failed several years ago, faces many hurdles, though Republican leaders, including Gov. George E. Pataki, are voicing interest in the new proposal and Assembly Democrats aren't ruling out the idea's chances. Whether the new push is designed merely to jump-start Indian casino efforts is unclear, but even the measure's top backers say they hope the Indian tribes are listening.
Read the full story at Buffalo News

'Loose Slot Louie' Takes the Helm at Bally's 'Belle of New Orleans'; Orange-Clad Louie Loosens Nearly Every Slot by Almost 30 Percent - 2004-02-13
Bally's New Orleans is doing what no other casino in New Orleans has done before - loosening almost every slot in the casino by close to 30 percent.

As part of a new marketing campaign featuring the incomparable "Loose Slot Louie," Bally's management is loosening more than 1,000 slots in the company's Louisiana riverboat casino. Only progressives, participation slots and video poker machines - already set for the lowest hold available - have escaped the frenetic Louie's slot-loosening onslaught. The new loose slot policy begins on February 20.
Read the full story at Business Wire