Donation From Tribe Sparks Council Feud - 2004-02-06
A $10,000 donation from the tribe eying Hesperia for a casino instigated harsh words between two council members, setting the mood for an unpleasant evening Wednesday. The Timbisha Shoshone tribe made the donation to the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce at the City Council meeting with a large novelty check to help the chamber kick off its fund-raising efforts to put on its 50th anniversary gala.

Councilman Dennis Nowicki asked Councilwoman Rita Vogler to step down from the dais for the presentation and said he was told it was her idea to ask the tribe for the money. Vogler, a staunch opponent of the casino and longtime chamber member, denied she ever said such a thing.
Read the full story at GamblingMagazine.com

Global Resorts Lays Out Plans for Possible Listing - 2004-02-06
Hotel and casino operator Global Resorts has impressive plans for growth locally and internationally which include a listing on the JSE Securities Exchange SA (JSE).

As it moves into the next stage of its development, a shake-up of its major shareholders has occurred. RMB Holdings, the single biggest shareholder with 48,4%, has sold all its shares and loans to a consortium of investors for R527m.

The consortium includes Allan Gray, Coronation Fund Managers and RMB Asset Management, all acting on behalf of clients. Others include Standard Bank, Grant Thornton Capital and Global Resorts' management, which has increased its stake to 5% from 2,23% and has an option to increase it to 7,5%.
Read the full story at AllAfrica.com