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Colorado's premier gaming publication celebrating 20 years serving the gaming industry
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GamblerCelebrating 20 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Communitywww.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogambler
yr
Volume 20 • Number 28
Black Hawk Black Hawk
Casino PromotionsPages 3 - 8
Central CityCheck Central City promos & the
Mountain Submarine Pages 9 - 11
Looking BackA history of the game
of crapsPage 16
Gilpin County Fun Peak to Peak Duck Race
set for July 16Page 20
C O U P O N S • C O L O R A D O H I S T O R Y • C A S I N O G U I D E • G A M I N G • M A P • E N T E R T A I N M E N T
July 12 - 25, 2011
See ValuableCoupons on page 18
Cover storypage 6
PAGE 2 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July 12 - 25, 2011
Publisher’s Column
8933 E Union Ave, #230, Greenwood Village, CO 80111(303) 773-8313 • Fax: (303) 773-8456
Subscription rate is $60 per year
PublisherRobert Sweeney
V.P. MarketingSharon Sweeney [email protected]
To advertise call Sharon (303) 503-1388Managing Editor
Elizabeth [email protected]
ProductionTom McTighe
Jeffrey V. Smith [email protected]
Contributing Writers
www.coloradogambler.com
All articles and photos published in this newspaper belong to The Colorado Gambler and are not to be reprinted without our permission or consent.
Rosemary FetterCathleen Norman
Linda JonesRichard Harvey
Linda WommackAlan Krigman
Suzanne Paulman
John BrokoppMargaret MalsamDorothy RosbyLarry JohnsonMike EikenberryRay LundinJan MacKell
Drew Chitiea
www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogambler
Gambler
By Robert SweeneyCOME JOIN US FOR OUR GRAND OPENING
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Clear Creek isn’t so clear these daysClear Creek was running full of muddy
water last week, nothing very clear about mil-lions of gallons of snow melt cascading down the historic creek bed nibbling away at the banks and making white water waves.
The gold in the hills now is further up-stream at the gambling tables in Central City and Black Hawk. This day, prior to July 4, thousands of people were heading to make their fortunes against the odds of the thou-sand slot machines and gaming table games.
The hotel parking lots were filling up fast and the couples were wheeling suitcases into the various hotels preparing to spend the long weekend in the confines of the many air con-ditioned Colorado casinos. It was to be 101 degrees in Denver on Saturday.
There were no long lines of jammed up traffic, only short lines leading up to the cages with monthly cash and gift awards delivered by mail to faithful players. I had one and used it at the Mardi Gras Casino on a blackjack table. Matched with cash it proved to be a winner. But, like Shannon, the general man-ger at Mardi Gras knows, that is only bait to get us to the tables. The next few bets lost and the memories of the winning coupon quickly went away with some cash.
Money talks and what it says is “good-bye.” But, I got lucky and played some splits that paid off, that’s where you get the same card and you can double your bet. Secret of that bet is the dealer holding a bust card that that must be hit. I won the bet, recouped my money along with a little interest and walked away. I got a wink from the dealer who ap-proved of leaving the table a winner. Players have to know when to hold them, fold them and walk away – just like the song tells us to do.
Next stop was The Lodge, the place with the fabulous buffet; if you haven’t eaten at The Lodge buffet go do so soon. They have a com-fortable area for blackjack and a single and double deck blackjack games. Great coffee bar in the lobby adjacent to a brand new Corvette they’re giving away. They need to advertise that promotion in the Colorado Gambler so people know what to do to win one.
Hearing many tidbits about Fortune Val-ley and a new name. Up the hill, down the street past famed Dostel Alley and down the road into Fortune Valley’s parking lot. The garage was filling up fast and customers were streaming into the hotel with weekend lug-gage. Under new ownership--- some bright new red carpet greeted me off the elevator and it was thick and comfortable to walk upon.
Workmen were everywhere hanging up new lights, laying new tile in the hotel lobby, the entire casino and hotel is getting a new facelift. Met Rick who helps run the place and only had a minute to say “hello.”
Played a few hands of blackjack and won three in a row, cashed in with enough money for tank of gas. The dealer was surrounded by a construction crew really putting a new shine on the place. Watch for new names, games and promotions.
Stopped by Ameristar on the way out of
town, parking garage level five has finally been cleaned up, and the place was humming along. Visited with VP Peter for a few minutes. He’s always friendly and well liked by the ca-sino employees. The Nielson family has sold their major interest in the Ameristar casino chain and new Las Vegas management has taken over through a stock transaction. Am-eristar stock is up more than 50 percent so far this year.
I didn’t do any gambling, but a grabbed a cup of Starbucks in the lobby and headed back on the canyon road leading home. There was a steady stream of gamblers flowing up the canyon and it was going to be a very good weekend in casino land.
Gambler newspapers were out on the racks and many people were reading and en-joying the newspaper. The paper’s a good read and big promoter of gaming activities for the past 20 years and still counting.
Good luck to the players and remember to tip the dealers and work staff. What goes around comes around and good luck comes from good deeds.
Gambler search for gold in casino country
Boo Hickenlooper...for firing the gaming commis-
sion for lowering taxes a meager 5%. Shame on you.
This smacks of dictatorship.More next issue...
PAGE 4 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July 12 - 25, 2011
www.canyoncasino.com
2011 Camaro GiveawayEarn Entries daily to win a 2011 Camaro on
July 17. Every 100 base points earned gets you one entry closer to driving away in a 2011 Camaro. We’re doubling your entries every Monday and Wednesday in July earn two entries for every 100 base points earned. If you don’t have a Canyon Club card sign up for one today and get a free entry into the Camaro drawing.
3X Points Earn 3X points on all slots all day Friday and
Saturday in July.
Summer BlastWe’re having a Blast this summer and
giving you some cash. Come and play your favorite slots every Friday & Saturday between 7 and 11 p.m. in July and be selected to play Summer Blast and win up to $500 instantly. Beginning at 7 p.m. we will select a lucky winner every 30 minutes to play Summer Blast.
Gas Card Give awayWin $100 in free gas every 20 minutes on July
24. One winner will be selected every 20 minutes between noon and 4 p.m. Simply play on your Canyon Club card to win.
Connoisseur’s Club Prior to playing, register at Guest Services
to receive double points and 50 percent off at the Canyon Grille every Tuesday and Thursday.
$3.99 Canyon Grille SpecialsOn Mondays enjoy a fried chicken salad,
Wednesdays treat yourself to gyros and on Fridays try the soft corn chicken tacos all for only $3.99 with your Canyon Club card.
Bus RewardsThe Canyon Casino is now redeeming your bus
coupons. Simply earn 200 points on your Canyon Club card and receive $15 cash back.
Guest ServicesCanyon Casino has combined the Canyon Club
and Cashier’s Cage, you can now do all your cash and club membership benefits in one location.
Table GamesCanyon Casino offers craps, roulette and
blackjack seven days a week. Table games open at 11 a.m. daily. Canyon Casino is now playing blackjack switch.
Self-Parking is available Pull into our parking lot, take a right and you’ll
find close-in, self-parking spots. Canyon Casino also offers free valet parking seven days a week.
Money Bag$ GiveawayBe at the Isle on Fridays and Saturdays in
July, 6 – 10 p.m., for your chance to win up to $500. Receive one free entry each day and earn additional entries on Fridays and Saturdays for every 10 unadjusted points earned.
Hot Seat DrawingsHot seat drawings will take place every Tuesday
and Wednesday in July, 4 – 9 p.m., and you could win up to $250.
$1,500 Thursday Slot TournamentsPlay every Thursday in July, 6 – 8 p.m., in the
$1,500 Thursday Slot Tournament. All players are allowed one free session and may register for additional sessions with a $10 buy-in. Top five scores WIN.
Experience delicious Orchid Garden is our brand-new restaurant
offering a wide selection of delicate and exquisite Asian cuisines. Orchid Garden is located next to the Mill Street skywalk and is open Monday through Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – midnight, and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
New Paradise 50 Plus All guests age 50 or better can join the
NEW Paradise 50 Plus club Sundays through Thursdays. Take advantage of all the great benefits by registering at the guest service center prior to playing. You will receive 2X points on all slots and video poker games, free soft serve ice-cream and a Free Calypso’s Buffet for you and a friend after earning five unadjusted points. Earn 30 unadjusted points and receive a free room Sundays through Thursdays.
Newest poker room in Black HawkPull up a seat to experience the comfort and
all-in excitement at Black Hawk’s newest poker room. Something is going on daily in the poker room beginning with Sundays, play four hours and receive a free dinner buffet. Mondays, win $200 in the Super High Hand for each qualifying time, 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Win
high hand of the hour Tuesdays – Thursdays from 3–8 p.m. and receive $100. Early Bird Hold’em tournaments every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Early bird Omaha Hi-Lo tournament at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Fridays is the free lunch tournament that begins at 2 p.m. Saturdays, play in the Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em Tournament at noon. Follow our poker room manager Matthew Dodd on Twitter @BlackHawkPoker.
National Women’s Poker Day Ladies, win your way to the US Ladies poker
championship in Las Vegas. Saturday, July 16 at 11 a.m. play in a nationwide mega satellite No Limit Hold’em Tournament. Registration at 9 a.m. with a $150 buy-in plus $20 entry fee (no re-buys) and a $10 dealer appreciation bonus. The poker championship in Las Vegas is Labor Day weekend and one package will be awarded for every 10 players.
Win $500 instantlyAll new members of the IsleOne club are
winners. Each new member will receive a scratch card and could win up to $500 instantly.
Play and StayPlay 30 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club
card on Mondays thru Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., and stay the night on us. Check with Guest Services once you have earned your points to receive your hotel offer. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned.
Bus fare refundDo you ride the bus to Black Hawk? The Isle
will now refund your bus fare up to $20. Earn 35 unadjusted points on your IsleOne card and present your return bus ticket to the guest service center. Table games players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play. This offer is available daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Table GamesThe Isle has all your favorite table games
including blackjack, 3-card poker, let it ride, bonus 6, Texas Hold’em bonus, roulette and craps with 10 times odds. The Isle will always have at least one blackjack game with a $5 minimum bet.
Farraddays’ Farraddays’ has a new menu! Many favorites
from the old menu return this spring and Chef David Oliveri has added new original and delicious selections as well. Farraddays’ opens at 5 p.m. nightly. Reservations are recommended and can be made at 303-998-7777.
New menu at TradewindsTradewinds at the Isle has a new menu
that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, a green chile and chipotle, the black & blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed.
Pet friendly hotelThe Isle Hotel has Pet Friendly rooms available
for a small fee. Furry friends less than 50 pounds can enjoy a stay at the Isle with you. Pet friendly rooms will offer your pet use of a doggie bed, food and water bowls and a fenced doggie area. Disposable litter boxes will be available for feline guests. For reservations in a pet friendly room please call 303-998-7777. Rooms are subject to availability.
www.rivierablackhawk.com
Punch up the BenjaminsThis summer sizzles at the Riviera Black Hawk
Casino. Make sure to visit us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July to win your chance to Punch Up The Benjamins. One lucky winner at noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. will punch up our punch board and win up to $2,000. Everyone receives one free entry just for coming in and additional entries for every 300 points earned. Don’t miss your chance to take a fist full of Benjamin’s home with you.
Wild Wednesday windupWednesdays at the Riviera are Wild with
our Wild Wednesday Windup. Play your favorite slots and receive 2X points, Gold players will earn 3X points on slots and our Platinum’s are big winners with 4X points on all slot machines. Video poker players can play all day for Double points. Win at The Riv!
Gifts On-The-GoJuly is the month to be on the go and our Gifts
On-The-Go will keep you ready for every outing in July. Get any picnic started with our cooler tote bag for just 75 base points on July 14. July 21 will keep your thirst quenched with our aluminum sport bottle for only 75 base points. We wrap up our Gift’s On-The-Go with a portable gas grill for 500 base points. So don’t forget to be at The Riv every Thursday in July beginning at 10 a.m. More winning, more action and most fun on the go.
Diamond DaysDiamond Days Sparkle at The Riv. If you are 50
or better get 4X points on slots, 2X points on video poker and a half price buffet. Diamond Days is just one more way to win at The Riv.
www.theisleblackhawk.com
401 Main Street, PO Box 777 • Black Hawk, CO 80422 1-800-THE-ISLE • www.theisleblackhawk.com© 2011 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21. Management reserves all rights. For complete details, please see the poker podium.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
July POKER EVENTSTuESdayS
Early Bird Hold ’Em Poker Tournament – 10:00am$40 buy-in + $5 entry fee (no re-buys)
Optional $10 dealer appreciation bonus
WEdNESdayS Early Bird Hold ’Em Poker Tournament – 10:00am
$60 buy-in + $5 entry fee (no re-buys)Optional $10 dealer appreciation bonus
ThuRSdayS Early Bird Omaha Hi-Lo Poker Tournament – 10:00am
$40 buy-in + $5 entry fee (no re-buys)Optional $10 dealer appreciation bonus
FRidayS Free Lunch Tournament – 2:00pm
$80 buy-in + $10 entry feeOptional $10 dealers appreciation bonus
SaTuRdayS Deep Stack Saturday No Limit Hold ’Em Poker Tournament - Noon
$80 buy-in +10 entry feeOptional $10 dealer appreciation bonus
SaTuRday, July 16 National Women’s Poker Day – 11:00am
Nationwide Mega Satellite No-Limit Hold ’Em Tournament$150 buy-in + $20 entry fee (no re-buys)
Optional $10 dealers appreciation bonus
PAGE 6 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July 12 - 25, 2011
By Suzanne PaulmanNow that Black Hawk’s fabulous Fourth
of July Boom Town fireworks display has dazzled the mountain skies, hurry back up the hill to enjoy the mountain town’s siz-zling hot casino promotions in July.
Canyon CasinoCanyon Casino, Black Hawk’s Best Bet,
at 131 Main St. offers exceptional hot pro-mos to their club members this month. Join other lucky slot players at the casino for the Summer Blast Drawings on Friday and Sat-urday, 7 – 11 p.m. The fun keeps coming with players selected every 30 minutes to participate in the drawings. You’ll have a chance at win-ning up to $500 every half hour.
Slot players can also earn three times their points all day on their favorite ma-chines, or any slot machines, during the month on Friday and Saturday.
Chevy fans and soon-to-be Chevy fans, be sure to check out Canyon’s de-tails on their 2011 Camaro Giveaway. The Giveaway takes place on Sunday, July 17, but before then you can enter the drawing daily by receiving a Giveaway entry for every 100 base points earned.
Canyon Casino wants you to be the Giveaway winner. Every Monday and Wednes-day, the casino will double your entries for every 100 base points earned. Visit
Canyon on those two special days and dou-ble your lucky chances of winning this gor-geous car. Who doesn’t want to drive away in a brand-new 2011 Chevrolet Camaro?
New players who sign up for the Canyon Club card receive a free entry in the Give-away. Join Canyon Casino today and grab your club card to start playing for these July promotions. Call Canyon at 303-582-2743 or visit www.canyoncasino.com.
Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk
located at 401 Main St. offers its club members sizzling hot promos this month.
Money Bags Giveaway offers you a lucky chance to win up to $500 every hour, 6 – 10 p.m. Pick up your one free entry per day and receive additional entries on Friday and Saturday for every 10 unadjust-ed points earned. This is some seri-ous cash you’ll want to take home with you.
Isle is calling all slot players to enter their $1,500 Slot Tournament every Thursday in July. All guests are eligible for one free five-minute session with buy-ins being avail-able for $10 after the free session. The top five winners will receive cash prizes.
The Take It Or Leave It Hot Seat Drawings take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 – 10 p.m. Have your club card in a machine and be playing slots when the random se-lection drawings take place for a chance to win $250.
Isle’s Summertime Gift Giveaway on Sunday, July 17 and 24, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., makes it easy to take home some great gifts. For every 20 unadjusted points earned dur-ing that time, you can receive a gift (while available) by showing your points to the guest services desk. Cash prizes are also available depending upon the number of points earned.
The Isle also makes all of its new club members instant winners. Join the IsleOne club today and receive a free scratch ticket for food and cash awards up to $500. Every scratch ticket is a winner.
Call Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk guest services at 303-998-7777 or 1-800-THE-ISLE (1-800-843-4753) and visit www. theisleblackhawk.com.
Riviera Black Hawk CasinoRiviera Black Hawk Casino at 444 Main
St. wants to give you a cool, cool summer in July with their Gear Up for Gifts that Go. Erica Ferris in The Riv’s marketing depart-ment remarked that the Gifts that Go are “really fun” and were inspired by the idea that “people are always going places during the summer.”
These fun portable gifts are offered on Thursdays with redemption of unadjusted points earned on that day. This Thursday, July 14, the Gift of the Month is an Insu-lated cooler tote bag (75 points). An alumi-num sport bottle (75 points) is available on July 21 and a snazzy portable gas grill (500
points) is offered on July 28. Players of age 50 or better can capture
some super sparkle on Diamond Days at The Riv. On Monday and Tuesday Diamond Dayers can earn four times the points on all slots and two times the points on video pok-er. Plus, double your chances to earn bonus points and enjoy 50% off good food at The Riviera Buffet.
Punch Up The Benjamins – as in Ben-jamin Franklin’s smiling portrait on $100 bills – promo drawings will gladly keep you at The Riv for a chance to win between $100 and $2,000 stashed in cash envelopes on a slotted board. You can claim a free entry just by using your player’s card or receive an entry for every 300 base points earned with daily play. Save all your entries for one drawing or spread your entries over several drawings from the drawing barrel.
When your lucky entry is pulled out of the barrel, you have the chance at winning that $2,000 when choosing a cash envelope from the board. The drawings are on Fri-day, Saturday and Sunday at noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. The barrel is emptied after the 9 p.m. drawing on each of those days.
Win at The Riv by contacting Riviera Black Hawk at 303-582-1000 or visit www.rivierablackhawk.com.
Remember to enter all of these sizzling hot promos in your phone’s calendar and you won’t miss a chance at winning these fabulous events when you’re visiting Black Hawk in July. Escape the city’s summer heat and come have some exciting breath-taking fun in all of the always-cool moun-tain casinos.
Black Hawk in July with hot casino promos
Cover Story
sizzles
Canyon Casino
Isle Casino HotelBlack Hawk
Riviera Black HawkCasino
March 15 - 28, 2011 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years PAGE7
PAGE 8 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July 12 - 25, 2011
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YOUR ENTERTAINMENT HERE
Advertise Today!
Advertise your entertainment in this space the second and fourth issue
of every month. Call Sharon at 303-503-1388 for pricing or email your
information to [email protected]
Wide Open
SaxyLady
Relax to live entertainment on the Caribbean Cove bar stage each Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. and Sunday from 5 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy entertainment at The Riv every Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. – midnight, and Sunday’s, noon – 6 p.m.
401 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 804221-800-THE-ISLE
444 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422303.582.1000
www.black-hawk.isleofcapricasinos.com
www.rivierablackhawk.com
Open every Friday and Saturday.
No cover charge. $1 wells, wines and drafts for
women only from 9pm - midnight. DJ begins at 10 pm until closing at 2 am.
Come in and enjoy our special blend of hookah!
Smokin’ Aces Nightclub
Smokin’Aces
Crook’s Palace, 200 Gregory • 303-582-5182
Wide OpenJuly 15-17Variety
Kelly J BandJuly 22-14Country
BoogieMachinesJuly 29-311970s
Saxy Lady July 15-17
Elvis and theSuperstarsJuly 22-24July 29-31
Riviera Black Hawk Casino
Jeri won $1,712.50 playing video poker at Canyon Casino in Black Hawk.
Chris won a Nissan 370z at The Riviera Casino in Black Hawk.
Robert won a Sonata at Century Casino in Central City.
Elizabeth won $4,430.60 playing a Whales of Cash machine at Canyon Casino in Black Hawk.
Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk
July 12 - 25, 2011 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years PAGE9
Central City
Continued next page
Charlie’s OdysseyMountain submarine on display at Gilpin County History Museum
By Linda Jones
ew, if any, trucks have ever attracted so many admirers. Charlie was giv-en a name early in his life, proof he was an extraordinary specimen and an omen of the adventurous life to
follow. Charlie and the legendary Mountain Sub were reunited after 67 years on May 29.
Charlie was “born” in 1929 in a Coleman truck factory and acquired by the Public Service Company of Colorado. PSC used him to install power lines over argentine pass, 13,000 feet elevation, because he was equipped with a large winch. Jack Macken-zie, a Nederland miner, bought Charlie in the mid-1930s when he formed MacKenzie Transfer. Gomer Sterling worked for MacK-enzie and later purchased the business; Ster-ling owned Charlie when the accompanying photo was taken.
This photo was shown around the world in the 1940s because the idea that a sub-marine had been built in Central City, at 8,500 feet elevation and 1,200 miles from an ocean, was such an oddity. On its maid-en voyage in 1898 in Missouri Lake, a few miles from Central City, the builder, Rufus Owens, planned to go down in his Nauti-lus himself, but friends persuaded him to instead fill the sub with rocks for ballast. Owens did just that. The men who recently moved the rocks to the sub’s new location swear there are probably 4,000 pounds of rocks. The mountain craft submerged quickly and refused to surface. For nearly a half-century the Nautilus remained at the bottom of Missouri Lake.
During World War II interest in sub-
marines was high and a local entrepreneur decided to raise the mountain sub and dis-play it in his Central City museum. On the day of the raising, the Central City Schools, the county courthouse and several busi-nesses closed for the great event. The Cen-tral City High School band stood in forma-tion on the shore, playing Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, as Charlie went to work to pull the submarine out, in 1944.
Once the submarine was raised, Charlie returned to the ranks of forgotten trucks. The next threads of the story began to form an incredible chain of events in 1995, a chain that twined around a man named Ken Kafka.
The summer of 1995, a friend needed to get rid of an old Coleman truck scat-tered around his back yard, so he asked Ken to take it because Ken collected an-tique trucks. The friend had acquired the truck from a sand and gravel company in Ft. Collins about 10 years prior. The gravel pit was near the Poudre River and in 1983, when the river flooded, the truck fell into the water. A series of coincidences began when Ken met Charlie – the old truck.
Gilpin History Museum228 E. First High St. • Central City
The museum is located in the 1870 two-story stone schoolhouse and displays a wealth of artifacts from the Victorian era in Gilpin County.
303-582-5283 • www.gilpinhistory.orgF
PAGE 10 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July 12 - 25, 2011
Central City
When Ken first saw the truck, it was actually truck pieces: a frame and axles here, the cab there, the trans-mission and transfer case there. Ken had no idea what the truck should look like but helped his friend clean up his yard by agreeing to take the pieces, thinking he could sell them for scrap.
After hauling the pieces to his place, Ken went to an antique truck dealership in Loveland that was adver-tising a Coleman truck for sale, just to see what they looked like. The dealer had a 1929 Coleman, with a “very high price” on it. Ken learned this particular truck was a four-wheel drive, which appealed to him. He mounted the rotten tires back onto it, set the cab in place and mounted an old engine onto the frame.
But then Fate went into high gear. One thing led to another and each person to another person to fill in the gaps of Charlie’s life. Ken learned his truck was serial #2226, had been made in 1929 and was a 2 1/2 ton model that should have a Buda engine. He locat-ed a man that named the exact Buda engine his truck should have and pointed out that this particular Buda model was nearly impossible to find.
Time passed. One day a man stopped by to see Ken’s railroad memorabilia and spotted the Coleman. He remembered the truck his dad had driven deliver-ing mining machinery for Gomer Sterling and told Ken
the story of the raising of the sub. Later he brought around a couple of other old-timers with memories of Charlie. Ken learned that in his Ft. Collins sojourn, Charlie helped build Horsetooth Dam and that at one time Charlie sported a front-end loader and the hoist-ing drum on the winch operated cables over the top of the cab.
By a series of coincidences Ken found a large 6-cyl-inder engine that had come from a Coleman truck and eureka – it was the exact Buda model. The carburetor was the most elusive part left to locate, but after going through shelves of old carburetors at a local junkyard, Ken saw one that had fallen behind the shelves and sure enough, it was the exact one needed. Using the old cab as a pattern, he had some parts machined and he and a friend built a new cab. They installed more than 400 rivets.
Fate again intervened in 2002 when a Christmas gift to Ken turned out to be Ken Jessen’s book Bizarre Colorado. One of the bizarre stories Jessen related was the raising of the mountain sub.
After finishing the restoration of the Coleman in 2003, Ken took it to shows around the Front Range and met the son of another man involved in retrieving the sub in 1944. This man, Joe Weaver, Jr. still has the wooden toy replica of Charlie he made when he was a boy. Ken appreciates all the friends he’s made through Charlie and learning the truck’s unusual history.
Following restoration, owner toured Front Range with truck
Charlie pulls the mountain submarine from Missouri Lake in 1944.
Continued from Page 9
July 12 - 25, 2011 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years PAGE11
www.central-city.cnty.com
Super Summer Cash: July 4 - 30Guests begin earning entries July 4 with every 250 base points. Guaranteed winner every drawing starting Friday July 8 at midnight. Barrel will be emptied each Saturday night after the midnight drawing.
Hourly Cash DrawingsFriday$250, 4-9 p.m.$500, 10 & 11 p.m.Saturday$250, 2-9 p.m.$500, 10 – midnight
Triple Point MondayFrom 8 a.m. – 4 a.m. on all machines.
Double Point TuesdayFrom 8 a.m. – 4 a.m. on all machines.
Ladies NightEvery Wednesday, ladies can register at the Player’s Club between 6 p.m. and midnight for 3X points on slots, great cash drawings at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., a $5 match-play coupon for table games, and a 50 percent coupon for either the Retro Deli or the Mid City Grill.Bingo Thursday$100 prize for each game starting at 11 a.m. Pick up your Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.
Senior Day ThursdayAre you 50+? Do you love Bingo? Thursdays at Century Casino guests 50+ receive a 50 percent discount on breakfast or lunch in the Mid City Grill and 2X points on all machines, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
BirthdaysPlay on your birthday and get Double Points. Guests with a birthday coupon redeem it at the Player’s Club for their
gift. Come in Sunday, July 17, 2 – 4 p.m. for Appetizers, Cake & Cash.
www.famousbonanza.com
2X Point Monday’sEarn 2X points all day, all machines, including video poker ($1 = 1 point).
40 and getting better?Earn 2X points, every Wednesday, all day, all machines ($1 = 1 point). Earn 200 base points and receive half off Millie’s Restaurant.
3X Points every Thursday in JulyEarn 3X points on all 25-cent machines on Thursdays throughout the month of July.
Bonanza BaseballJoin us from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. every Friday night to play Bonanza
Baseball and win your share of more than $2,000 in CASH!
New Players/Birthday’sEarn 2X points on all day on all machines on your first visit or the day of your Birthday ($1 = 1 Point).
The ParlourLocated on the second floor of the Famous Bonanza Casino, we offer 2 deck pitch blackjack, roulette and 3-card poker. $5 minimum to $100 maximum on 2 deck pitch blackjack and $3 minimum and all shoe games. The Parlour also offers pool and darts.
2X Point Monday’sEarn 2X points all day on Monday, all
machines, including video poker ($1 = 1 point).
40 and Getting Better? For those guests 40 and older, earn 2X points all day on all machines every Wednesday ($1 = 1 point). Earn 200 points and receive half off one menu item at Millie’s Restaurant.
3X Points every Thursday in JulyEarn 3X points on all 25-cent machines on Thursdays throughout the month of July.
New Players / Birthday’sEarn 2X points on all day on all machines on your first visit or the day of your Birthday ($1 = 1 Point).
Fun for KidsBring your children to the lower level of the casino to enjoy a wide variety of arcade games for our younger than 21 guests.
Central City Nuggets
July 12 - 25, 2011 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years PAGE13
CRIPPLE CREEK
Casino•Guide
This information is subject to change without notice.
CENTRAL CITY
BLACK HAWKAmeristar - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP over 1400 536 rooms B, D, SD, Starbucks free valet and self parking 720-946-4000/.ameristar.com/Black_Hawk.aspx
Black Hawk Station VP 120 No SD,SB city lot 303-582-5582/ blackhawkstationcasino.net
Bull Durham VP 188 No SB city lot 303-582-0810/.bulldurhamcasino.com
Bullwhacker’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat VP 400 No SD free valet and self parking 1-800-GAM-BULL/bullwhackers.com
Canyon - 24/7 Fri/Sat BJ, C, R, VP 415 No SD, SB free valet and self parking 303-777-1111/canyoncasino.com
Fitzgeralds - 24/7 Fri/Sat BJ, C, R, VP 700 No SD, SB on weekends free covered valet 303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/fitzgeraldsbh.com
Gilpin - 24/7 BJ, C, R, P, VP 460 No SD free valet across the street 303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com
Golden Gates - 24/7 BJ, P, C, VP 280 No D free valet and covered self parking 303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com
Golden Gulch VP 140 No V free self/free valet 303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com
Golden Mardi Gras - 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP 680 No SD,SB,D free valet and covered self parking 303-582-5600/goldenmardigras.com
Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP 1308 238 B,D,SD free valet and self parking 1-800-The-Isle/theisleblackhawk.com
Lady Luck - 24/7 BJ, P,C, R, VP 500 164 SD,SB free covered valet and self parking 1-888-Lady-Luck/ladyluckblackhawk.com
Lodge - 24/7 BJ, C, R, P, VP 975 50 B, D, SD, SB free valet parking 303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com
Red Dolly VP 149 No SD free self parking 303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net
Riviera - 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP 766 No B free valet and self parking 303-582-1000/rivierablackhawk.com
Wildcard VP 220 No D city lot 303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com
Century Casino - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 520 26 SD,D free covered self parking 303-582-5050/cnty.com
Doc Holliday VP 178 No SD free city lot 303-582-1400/dochollidaycasino.net
Dostal Alley - 24/7 VP 64 No SD free self parking 303-582-1610/dostalalley.net
Easy Street VP 205 No SD free self parking 303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com
Famous Bonanza BJ, P, R, VP 244 No SD , D free self parking 303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com
Fortune Valley - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 665 118 SD free valet and self parking 1-800-924-6646/fortunevalleycasino.com
Johnny Z’s BJ, C, R, VP 219 No SD, D free covered parking 303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com
The Brass Ass - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 250 No SD free covered self parking 800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasino.com
Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 750 23 SD free self parking 877-989-2142/broncobillyscasino.com
Century Casino - 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP 437 21 SD free self parking 719-689-0333/cnty.com/casinos/cripplecreek
Colorado Grande - 24/7 BJ, R, VP 211 5 SD, SB free self parking 877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com
Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7 BJ, P ,C, R, VP 700+ 158 SD, SB free valet and covered self parking 800-711-7234/decasino.com
Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7 VP 255 No SD free self parking w/validation 719-689-2080/johnnynolons.com
J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat VP 300 40 SD validated self parking 800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com
Midnight Rose - 24/7 P, VP 400 19 SD, B validated self parking 800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com
Wildwood Casino- 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530 68 SD, D Climate controlled self parking 877-945-3963/playwildwood.com
Casino Table Slots Lodging Food Parking Contact Games
Table Games Key
BJ - Blackjack, P-Poker, C-Craps, R-Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker
Food Key
B-Buffet, D-Deli, SD-Sitdown, SB-Snackbar, V-Vending Machine
PAGE14 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July12-25,2011
Gaming
Protocol for casino games important to learn
Four tips from which everyone can benefit
Being knowledgeable about the rules of the games in casinos doesn’t always mean a player is familiar with proper protocol. Good manners can be just as important as good strategy when it comes to making a gambling outing an enjoyable experience. Today, slot and blackjack play receive the black tie treatment.
Rules of etiquette for slot players1. Slot machine chairs are not for resting or
lounging. They’re for playing. Also, re-frain from using the chair next to you as a foot or leg rest.
2. “Saving” a machine you are playing to take a restroom break can be tricky. You can ask your neighbor on either side if they’ll watch your machine while you’re away for a few minutes and they’ll usu-ally happily oblige. Depending on the circumstances, a slot attendant may even “close” a game for a loyal customer, espe-cially when the floor is crowded.
3. Before you sit down to play a machine, always make certain it’s not in use by looking at the credit meter and checking to see if a player’s card is inserted.
4. Don’t be a “machine hog.” It’s very incon-siderate of other players to reach over to
your left or right playing neighboring machines, especially when it’s crowded.
5. If you hit a hand pay jackpot, always con-sider tipping an especially courteous, ef-ficient and prompt slot attendant. They count on tips as much as dealers do. One percent of your jackpot is a good rule of thumb for average players.
Rules of etiquette for blackjack1. Convey your playing decisions to the
dealer clearly and decisively. If you wish to stand pat, make one pass of your hand, palm down, over the cards. If you want to “hit” (take a card), scratch the felt toward you with your index finger.
2. Wait until you’re ready to leave the table before you “color up” your chips, and al-ways make the request during the shuffle. Interrupting the flow of the game with
transaction and change requests is rude.3. Avoid criticizing or ridiculing the strat-
egy of your tablemates. It’s always best to play the game according to basic strat-egy, but as the man said, “It’s your mon-ey.” If you don’t agree with the decisions another player is making, simply remain silent or just move to another table.
4. Don’t hog the table by “guarding” your space with elbows and arms or using the vacant chair next to you as a footrest. There should be room for everyone to play comfortably.
5. Remember to tip a courteous, friendly dealer. You may place a chip outside of your betting circle. When you win the dealer wins. You may also opt to place the chip on top of your own bet and start a parlay for the dealer, a method called “riding the train.”
I want to share a few tips I thought you all would benefit from in your pok-er game and s t r a t e g i e s , so here they are:
1. Look for reasons not to play a hand, harder than reasons to play a hand. Especially early in a hand.
2. If you are going to eat a big meal, quit your game before eating.
3. The biggest losing hands in a full table no limit game are a pair of jacks and King/Queen offsuit.
4. Losers leave a lot of money on the table by checking on the end with a strong hand against one or two opponents when a scare card appears.
Those of you too young to remember the old Twilight Zone television show of the 1960s (although it appears in reruns now and then) will miss the analogy of that which I will relate. If you have played poker for any length of time however, you will understand nonetheless.
During the introduction, the host Rod Serling would segué into the show by saying something like: “So-and-so has now entered a place not only of sight and sound but of mind. Where the obvious and the subtle trade places with each other on a minute-to-minute basis. Next stop: The Twilight Zone.”
We flew out to Southern California for Memorial Day weekend to see my folks and celebrate a birthday. That weekend, the Ocean’s Eleven Casino in Oceanside had a $75,000 guaranteed poker tourney; a $400 buy-in with a free lunch in a well-run well-lit tournament room. Frankly, it’s my favorite place to play
poker in San Diego County. The tournament began right on time and 197 of us were off to the races.
Almost immediately ol’ Rod made his presence known; during the third hand of the tourney the fellow to my left stayed with suited connectors in a raised pot. No waiting: His runner-runner straight cleaned out pocket aces and pocket kings. The third hand and this fellow triples up. He could go see a movie and when he returned would still have been chip leader. Well, perhaps not quite, but his ear-ly victory colored his play for the rest of the tournament – ultimately to my benefit later on when we were barely in the money.
The rest of the tourney – until we reached the money – was just like that first event; I saw probably 10 or 12 exam-ples of runner-runner catch-ing at the river and whipping much better starting hands. It was happening so often I found myself humming the Twilight Zone theme over and over. Luckily, none of these TZ’s happened to me but the ricochets did whiz by my head a time or two.
Other TZ moments in this tourney concerned pocket Aces. I had seen them cracked by runner-runner straight during the third hand, and throughout the tournament I swear I saw pocket Aces
shown at least another seven or eight times. In all but one event – and that involved me, I’m happy to say – they were cracked by someone playing “wish poker.”
You know “wish poker” don’t you? It’s the game where the player has long, long odds against him and yet keeps throwing chips into the pot ‘wishing’ his miracle card would come.
So as we got into the money – paying 19 places, in essence the last two tables – I felt sure the TZ moments were behind us as the only survivors were the ‘serious’ poker players. “Au contraire, mon Ami”… which is French for “Who do you think you’re kidding, Pal?”
As they filled the last two tables, who should sit down beside me but the fellow at my first table who tripled up with his runner-runner catch at the tournaments’ beginning. His stack was down substantially from the last time I saw it, but he could still do damage to an unwary opponent. We then had a break and while talking to another player he volun-teered that the fellow to my left (Sir Catchalot of Oceans-ide) was invariably aggres-sive. I should watch out for his coming over the top of any call or raise. Thanking my infor-mant for the free information, I devised a plan to use if and when the opportunity arose.
It did not take long for the moment to occur: Looking down at two red aces I elected to raise from three off the but-ton. He reraised that and the rest of the table folded around to me, so I decided to merely call. I did not go all-in due to a couple of factors: First, it was just me and him. Second, I was in early position and thus at a disadvantage. Third, I wanted to see the texture of the flop and then determine his hand strength possibilities and thus how to play him. The flop came Ace – King – 9 rain-bow, so that helped my odds a bit. I bet about half the pot and he smooth-called the bet. Hmmm…is he on a draw or trying to set me up? The turn was a 10, something I wasn’t too pleased about. Could he have done the kind of bet-ting he did with just a Queen-Jack? I didn’t think so.
The river was a non-critical small card; I bet 2/3 of the pot and he went all-in. Only a Q-J could beat me, so I called; he showed A - K for two pair and my trip Aces sent him home. My informant had spoken with a “straight tongue.”
I eventually finished third for a $7,500 win (and a com-memorative coffee cup.). But I’ll always remember that ‘Twilight Zone’ tournament where runner-runner came in almost a dozen times and pocket Aces were cracked ev-ery time…except once.
Tournament Tales: A ‘Twilight Zone’ Tournament
FULLHOUSEBy Drew Chitiea
July 12 - 25, 2011 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years PAGE15
The game of blackjack changed in the early 1960s. Suddenly, play-er hands at single and double deck games had to be placed facedown on the table when standing. That move was intended to thwart the ability of card counters to analyze the cards properly.
For decades, that game change indeed hurt the serious blackjack player’s ability to make precise moves. A player needs to know what’s been dealt in order to adjust his or her card and betting strate-gies appropriately.
But, after many years of R&D, I was able to crack the code. And in 2002, in the First Edition of Cut-ting Edge Blackjack, I introduced my method for identifying those facedown cards. For the first time
in 40 years, those cards were no longer a mystery.
(Howard Schwartz, Las Ve-gas’ “librarian for gamblers,” was among those who gave that meth-od, and the book, glowing reviews. He said it gave players more “op-timism” for success. And he said I was blazing “new territory.”)
And in that book – with the advent of my new facedown card identification method - I noted: “In a way, casinos are doing you a favor by requiring players to place their first two cards facedown when standing. Those hands can tip you off to conditions that make card strategy decisions easy to fig-ure if you know how to interpret the facedown cards.”
As Howard Schwartz remarked, I was the first to identify the five different categories of cards the facedown cards might fall into. Each reveals something about the composition of those cards.
The most important are the first and second categories. The
First Category includes the cards players immediately stand on. The Second Category are cards players stand on after taking hit cards.
The only author before me who took a stab at this did no research (as I’ve done) but suggested you assume cards immediately stood upon are two high cards. If you read my book, you’d see in graphic detail how foolishly simplistic that idea is.
For one thing, the composition of the facedown cards changes in likelihood depending on what up card the dealer has.
Anyway, I started with a statis-tical study of what kinds of hands players stood on in every conceiv-able card situation. But the solu-tion could not be a simple one.
Just to give you an example:Versus the dealer’s 2.57 per-
cent of the hands players tend to immediately stand upon consist of one high and one low card. But 35 percent of the hands are two
high cards. A simple-
minded analyst would suggest you assume all such hands are a high and low card. But there are two many hands of two high cards to make that foolish as-sumption.
I eventually came up with a two-tiered approach, then, to identifying the facedown cards. And in one chapter I explained the method I developed, using a card counting method I invented decades ago but no longer use for key strategy decisions. It does work fabulously well, however, in uncovering the identity of the facedown cards. In another chap-ter, I provided another way, a non-card-counting method, to ferret out what those cards are, based upon my analyses of the types of hands players stand on.
For instance, take this fact that I discovered in doing my research
for all of this:Second Category cards versus
the dealer’s 4 through 6 consist en-tirely of 2s through 6s.
That tells you a lot about the dealer’s likelihood of scoring or busting. For instance, look at the example above.
Don’t you think it might make sense to double on your 8-point hand here?
When there’s an imbalance on the table heavy in low cards, the undealt cards are heavy in high cards. So here the dealer’s highly likely to bust - much more so than normal.
Have blackjack questions? Send them to [email protected]. For more info see http://www.blackjacktoday.com.
Some slot machines and bonus side bets at table games have e x t r e m e l y high payoffs with corre-s p o n d i n g l y low prob-abilities of
success. In this sense, the jack-pots are longshots. However, the wagers aren’t simply all-or-noth-ing affairs. Rather, they gener-ally offer ranges of payoffs with chances of success that rise as the amounts in question fall. Con-sequently, players can and fre-quently do earn dough on these gambles without having to be fa-vored with extraordinary luck.
Twos and 12s at craps and single spots at roulette are more in the classic longshot tradition. They either win or lose. No con-solation prizes are awarded for intermediate results.
The craps twos and 12s are 35-to-1 propositions that pay 30-to-1. The large offsets between odds of winning and payoffs give the casinos 13.9 percent edge, ex-
plaining why dedicated dice doy-ens denounce them as “sucker bets;” for reference, edge is under 0.5 percent on line bets with Odds at the same game. Straight-up roulette bets are 37-to-1 affairs at double-zero and 36-to-1 proposi-tions on single-zero wheels, pay-ing 35-to-1 in either case. The off-sets are smaller than on the two or twelve at craps. But they’re still sizeable and lead to 5.26 and 2.70 percent edge at double-and single-zero tables, respectively, the same as for other wagers at these games.
Solid citizens frequently bet longshots like these despite the uphill battle against odds and edge. This, because the laws of probability tend to be overshad-owed by the utility principle. The former would have decisions based on objective statistical trade-offs. The latter is a more subjective matter of individuals regarding a dollar – or whatever they risk on the bet – as chump change it won’t hurt to lose, while the reward is enough to be cov-eted even if it rarely materializes.
When series of bets are made on longshots with high values
of house advantage, though, the laws of probability offer up re-sults that may surprise many purists. The wagers may actually be more promising than the nay-sayers imagine.
Make believe a craps aficio-nado sets aside $30, and bets it $1 at a time on the two. The plan is to run through the $30 once, locking up and not re-betting any payoffs in the process. Chances are 42.9 percent, under half, of losing the whole shebang in 30 straight misses. They’re accord-ingly 57.1 percent, over half, of winning at least something. In particular, the outlooks for end-ing the exercise in the money are 36.8 percent of one win with a $1 profit, 15.2 percent of two wins with a $32 net, and 4.1 percent of three wins with a $63 gain. Greater earnings are also pos-sible. Chances start slightly un-der 1 percent for four wins and a $94 payday, and plummet to the nano-percent realm for 30 wins and a $900 take. The theoretical price paid to the casino for the 30 $1 tries, in terms of the monetary equivalent of the edge for the ac-tion, is $4.17.
Alternately, pretend a rou-lette buff at a double-zero table reserves $35 and drops $1 at a time on a single spot. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the same or a different spot on successive spins. The chance is 39.3 percent, substantially under half, of never getting a hit and losing the $35. The complementary 60.7 percent is the prospect of finishing to the good. This figure includes 37.2 percent likelihood of winning once and earning $1, 17.1 per-cent of winning twice and glean-ing $37, 5.1 percent of winning three times and making $73, and 1.1 percent of winning four times and pocketing $109. The remain-ing 0.212 percent is the probabil-ity of copping between $145 and $1,225. For this, players donate a theoretical $1.84 to the casino coffers in the form of edge.
Inquiring minds undoubtedly want to know the extent to which the lower edge at single- than double-zero roulette affects the outcomes when the strategy is applied to straight-up longshots. For 35 successive spins at $1 each, the chance of a total $35 wipe-out is 38.3 percent (compared to 39.3
percent); the likelihood of any net gain is the complementary 61.7 percent (compared to 60.7 percent). One win for $1 comes in at 37.3 percent (compared to 37.2 percent), two wins for $37 have a 17.6 percent (compared to 17.2 percent) chance, three wins for $73 have a 5.4 percent (com-pared to 5.1 percent) chance, and four wins for $109 have a 1.2 percent (compare to 1.1 percent) chance. The probability of grab-bing between $145 and $1,225 is the remaining 0.238 percent (compared to 0.212 percent). The penalty imposed on players by the house advantage for the 35 bets is equivalent to $0.95. Lower edge helps, but hardly enough to notice in 35 spins.
So... sucker bets or auxiliary wagers worth a tumble? Decide for yourself, keeping mindful – of course – of this applaudable admonition from the admirable odemonger, Sumner A Ingmark:
Reluctancy to take a leap, when cost of doing so is cheap,
Sends those who will not go for it, away with naught to show for it.
Gaming
By Richard Harvey
Make the correct move by identifying facedown cards
Should you toss a buck on longshots with high house advantage?
PAGE 16 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July 12 - 25, 2011
By Rosemary Fetter
Imagine the first dice game, 2.5 million B.C., give or take a few centuries.
After a long winter, the hungry Paleolithic hunters step out into the sunlight. The leader looks around, scratches his head and turns to the group. With a shrug, he picks up a few stones and tosses them on the ground, muttering, “Odds we go north, evens we go south.”
Let’s assume they are successful. After the hunt, they toss again to determine who get the prime cuts and who has to settle for Mastodon burgers. The first roll, an appeal to the supernatural for guidance, was divination, a religious exercise. The second was plain old gambling.
Early on, the practice of casting lots often meant the difference be-tween finding a meal and becoming one. Primitive cultures used a vari-ety of small objects to peer into the future, although the true ancestors of modern dice were sheep huckle-bones or astragali, which had four asymmetrical sides. This meant
that, with a little imagination, the prophet or shaman could interpret a different outcome at each throw.
Along with piles of small colored stones, astragali have been found in numerous archaeological sites in Europe and the Near East. Since they appear so frequently, they ob-viously had a practical use - per-haps a form of craps, with an early version of dice and chips.
The Mesopotamians, who lived in modern-day Iraq, created more modern dice by filing down the sheep bones into cubes and mark-ing them with spots. The numbers on the sides usually did not add up to seven on opposite sides, like modern dice, and many different orientations have been found.
The earliest six-sided dice, with a modern configuration, were found in Iraq and date back to 3,000 B.C. By that time, the line between gam-bling for survival and gambling for fun had blurred. The ancient Egyp-tians, the Greeks and the Romans all “cast lots,” for reasons that had nothing to do with religion, as did their gods and goddesses.
The game of hazard, great-grandfather of craps, originated during the Middle Ages. As early as the 12th century, English sol-diers played hazard on their way to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade. Fourteenth century au-thor Geoffrey Chaucer mentions the game in The Canterbury Tales, both in The Cook’s Tale and the Pardoner’s Tale.
An early description of hazard comes from The Book of Games, commissioned in the late thirteenth century by Alphonso X of Castile.
Alphonso’s book, which dealt with everything from chess to board and dice games, maintained that the name “hazard” was derived from the Arabic word for dice, az-zahr. According to the king, the game had spread through Europe after the eighth century Saracen invasion of the island of Corsica.
Hazard was much simpler to understand than craps. A player first rolls a number and must roll it again before his or her opponent rolls it. The caster and the setter could play against one another with fairly even odds. Both men and women enjoyed the game, popular in both France and England. Haz-ard became a mercantile game in 17th century England among the higher classes and nobility, and great fortunes were wagered, won and lost in London gaming houses.
Since hazard was equally popu-lar with the English and French, the game might have come over on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims or with the French who settled New Or-leans. Louisiana Frenchmen played craps, or “crabs” as they called it, the term used when the losing roll of 2 is thrown. The game was dif-ficult to win, and in 1804, planter Bernard de Marigny suffered such severe losses that he had to sell his property. He subsequently named a street from his land, Rue de Craps.
In 1813, another Frenchman named Bernard de Manville from
New Orleans developed an updated version of craps, although his game was vulnerable to cheaters because of its betting regulations. Sometime around 1840, African Americans played the next generation, which they called African dominos. Along with jazz, they can be credited with the invention of modern craps. In the new game, like today’s craps, the shooter who got a seven or eleven on his first roll automatically won. A 2, 3 or 12 meant an auto-matic loss. Any other roll became the point, and had to be rolled again before a seven. Gambling parlors charged a flat fee each time the shooter made two passes.
Riverboat gamblers spread craps up the Mississippi and out West, but it wasn’t that profitable for the house until a dice maker named John H. Winn, “the Father of Modern Craps,” developed the game further. With Winn’s inno-vations, players could bet with or against the shooter.
“Bank craps,” played on a lay-out that included pass, don’t pass, come, don’t come and proposition and field bets, gained popular-ity among soldiers in World War I and World War II, at which time it became the predominant game in Nevada. Craps remained the land-mark American casino game until
blackjack took the lead in the 1960s.The dice themselves went
through a long evolution, moving from wood, stones and bones to ivory, precious stones and porce-lain used by the Greeks. The mate-rial for modern casino dice, hard cellulose, is transparent to protect against loading and has sharp edges and corners.
Since craps was primarily an American invention, it spread slow-ly to European casinos. An apoc-ryphal story gives actor Edward G. Robinson credit for bringing the game to Monte Carlo. Robinson, who played a gangster in American movies, was attending the Cannes Film Festival when he decided to visit a casino. After losing at rou-lette, he supposedly grumbled, “What his joint needs is a real crap game.” The rest is history.
Odds, we go northA short history of craps
Ohio children play craps on the street in 1908.
Bone die used in the 1820s.
Riverboat gamblers spread craps up the Mississippi and out West.
By Linda Wommack
l a r a B r o w n was born
into slavery, and lived the life of a slave until she was granted her free-dom in 1856. At the age of 59, Clara made the coura-geous trip west-ward for a new life. Near Lawrence, Kan., in April 1859, Clara managed to secure a passenger spot with a military troop escorting a 60-wagon caravan to the West, offering to cook for the team of escorts in exchange for her fare and transpor-tation of her possessions, including stoves and washtubs. It was a long, grueling journey, fraught with severe weather conditions from snow, rain, hail and the intense wind of the prairie. Throughout the 700-mile journey, Clara walked much of it, and attended the cooking and cleaning as best she could, dur-ing the evening stops and before the journey resumed in the morning hours. After the eight-week journey, Clara and her wagon train reached Denver City on June 8, 1859.
With this newest arrival, among the many that would become known as the ‘59ers, Clara became the first African American woman to reach the Colorado gold fields. In Denver, Clara rented a one room log cabin and set up her laundry business in the middle of the thriving little city along the path to gold riches. Through her business, she made friends, busi-ness contacts and saved her money.
Clara joined the mad rush of fortune seek-ers heading up to Gregory Gulch to the new gold strike camp of Central City, in the spring of 1860. Settling in the crude mining camp, Clara opened her laundry business, know-ing the local miners would need her services.
To further her income, Clara provided cook-ing and cleaning services. She was right, and in time, and a lot of hard work, Clara made money, friends and a real sense of communi-ty. She made contacts with people who were willing to help her with investments, and she enlisted help from a few other black friends she had made in Denver, such as Jeremiah Lee and Lorenzo Bowman. By the end of the Civil War in 1865, Clara had invested in mining claims and real estate in both Denver and Central City, and had saved an estimated $10,000. This was an incredible accomplish-ment for any sole proprietor in a small moun-tain mining camp.
As one of the few African Americans in the small but growing community of Cen-tral City, Clara’s presence brought comfort to others. She fed the needy, helped the sick and birthed the babies. It was because of her caring ways, she soon came to be called “Aunt Clara.” While Clara became endeared in this way, she also saw the importance of living within a strong com-munity. In Central City, her business and her home became a mainstay for the homeless, or the sick or in-jured miners, regardless of race, where Clara gave them a place to recover and cared for them until they were able to return to work.
Clara’s charity went further into the com-munity of Central City, and most likely was an act of true devotion. While in Denver, Clara had forged a close bond with Henry Re-itze and the Methodist Church. According to the Rocky Mountain News, Clara, along with Reitze, D.W. Collier and O.F. Goldrich, were among those who met in the cabin of Meth-odist Rev. Jacob Adriance to form the nonde-nominational Union Sunday School. The first few meetings were held in Adriance’s home, which had a dirt floor and one window. A de-voted Christian, Clara was one of the first to support the reverend who had been sent west to establish Methodist missions in Denver and Central City.
Aunt Clara continued this charity and de-votion in Central City, where she became re-united with her old Denver friends, Lee and Adriance, who was preaching his sermons in Central City. She helped the reverend start
the first Sunday school program in town, pro-viding her home on Lawrence Street, as the classroom. She became a leading supporter in the Methodist community, advocating for the need of a church, giving of her time and generous monetary contributions toward this cause. The new Methodist congregation met at Clara’s home for the first few years until the present church was built. Finally, in February 1863, ground broke on Eureka Street for the building of St. James Methodist Church. Ac-cording to Central City pioneer Henry Haw-ley, Clara was the largest donor to the effort.
Following the end of the Civil War, Clara felt it was safe to renew her search for the fam-ily she had lost. Her literate friends wrote let-ters for her, sending inquiries into the South. Receiving a few credible tips, Clara used
much of her savings and in 1886, traveled to Kentucky and Tennessee in search of her loved ones. While Clara failed to find her daughter, Eliza Jane, she was able to gather 16 of her extended rel-atives and friends together. She paid their fare to Colo-rado, where she helped them find employment, many in Central City.
In 1879, Clara was person-ally asked by Gov. Frederick Pitkin to serve as the Colo-rado representative to visit the African American groups in Kansas, where many black people had escaped from
the South and moved to black homesteads. Known in history as the “Exodusters,” it was the governor’s hope that Clara could convince these folks to come to Colorado for a better opportunity. There were many jobs available in Colorado due to mining strike and labor shortages. Clara, now 79 years old, accepted and delivered Pitkin’s invitation and donated some of her own money to support the new black communities formed in Colorado.
Clara’s health began to suffer due to her age and the high altitude at Central City. She moved to Denver where a friend generously offered Clara a small white frame house on a back lot of 517 Arapahoe St., rent free for life. Here she continued the search for her family, with the letter writing campaign.
The letter writing finally yielded a credible lead in March 1882. Clara, now nearly 80 years old, received word that a black woman
named Eliza lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The information was that the woman was born about the same time as Clara’s child, and had been taken from her mother and sold to an-other plantation. Clara, desperate to follow this lead, went to her church and friends, who supplied the travel fare. With clearance from her doctor, Clara went by train to a hopeful reunion. As Clara rode in a streetcar in Coun-cil Bluffs, she saw a woman walking along a muddy street, immediately she knew it was Eliza Jane. Clara stepped off the streetcar and held out her arms to her long lost daughter.
The story of their reunion was published in newspapers in Colorado and throughout the Midwest. The Council Bluffs local paper described Clara as “still strong, vigorous, tall, her hair thickly streaked with gray, her face kind.” More than 40 years of separation be-tween mother and daughter; Clara’s dream had finally come true. Eliza Jane was the only child out of four Clara ever found, and the two returned to Colorado where they lived until Clara’s death.
Clara Brown died peacefully in her sleep just three years after being reunited with her daughter on Oct. 23, 1885. The funeral ser-vice on Oct. 27 was held at Central Presby-terian Church and arranged by the Colorado Pioneer Association, which had made her its first Black member. The Zion Baptist Choir provided the music. Clara’s body was laid to rest in Denver’s Riverside Cemetery.
Today Clara is remembered in Colorado history as courageous, kind, devoted and de-serving of great respect. Her legacy is com-memorated by a stained-glass window in the Colorado State Capitol, and by an honorary chair in the Central City Opera House.
July 12 - 25, 2011 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years PAGE17
Trail’s End
By Linda [email protected]
Clara’s grave in Riverside Cemetery
Clara Brown
St. James Methodist Church, built in 1863, with donations from many, including Aunt Clara
Photo courtesy of Gilpin County Historical Society
PAGE18 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July12-25,2011
CANCER - (June 22 - July 22) The Full Moon this week affects your relationships and their lives. It could be time to make a commitment one way or another. You get an energetic physical boost to get a nagging project done and marked off the to-do list. Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments. There’s a new style to your walk. It’s call self-confidence. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 11, 13, 14, 17 LEO - (July 23 – Aug. 22)Something you’ve wanted to do to improve your life can happen now. You have the power of the planets to give you the confidence and direction you’ve been looking for. Your sweetie may be distant, but close in heart. Keep clear in your head about what you want to see happen. Communications become a challenge if you don’t. Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 13, 33, 35, 37 VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23)Fun and romance has never been easier. Finding someone most likely will happen in a social gathering or a meeting of same interests. This is your year for travel and excitement abroad. Or, you may just buckle down and finish that degree you’ve been working on. Can’t remember where you left something? It shows up soon enough. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 11, 14, 17, 33 LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23)A lot has happened this year and you are still on the road of change and renewal. Think of it as an adventure and a learning experience; life certainly is not boring. If you are feeling stagnate, try thinking outside the box. Become original and innovative. You will surprise yourself as well as those around you. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 13, 14, 16, 36
SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)Running into roadblocks and uncooperative situations can leave you frazzled. Take a different approach on how you usually go about things or take a new way home when out. There’s something new you need to discover. It may be that simple. Communication glitches clear up as the week proceeds. You will be glad when Friday comes. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 8, 16, 37, 38 SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)The Full Moon this weeks lands in your finance sector. There are things you need but you have to budget them in. Emotions are right on the surface, and you are more sensitive than usual. Keep life as simple as you can right now, work and play outside for spiritual renewal. Stargazing is highly recommended. Lucky Numbers: 2, 9, 24, 52, 58, 59, CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)The Full Moon in Capricorn brings you plenty of excitement and stimulation. There is a lot of change going on for you and you are not about to do this without a little noise. Life is exciting and your soul is renewing during this summer season. Work or obligations for helping others leaves little time for you. Know your limitations and de-stress when possible. Lucky Numbers: 0, 1, 3, 12, 13, 15 AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19)Your health is very important. Keep you immune system in prime condition. Check out the latest in nutritional and supplemental information. Someone is looking pretty dreamy to you right now. Allow the clouds and glitter to settle, then you can see this in a more realistic view. Imagination and creativity are running high. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 8, 16, 21, 30
PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20)Relationships should be running pretty smooth right now. Keep it all clear and grounded with good communication skills. Talk about future dreams with your partner – something has got you excited. Finances can run tight, especially when it involves your kids, and that would include your pets too. Another vacation is coming sooner than you think.Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 5, 33, 44, 54
ARIES - (March 21 - April 20)The Full Moon this week accents your career sector as well as your social status. You may be in the line of fire with a hot head at work. Keep your cool by keeping your humor. Relatives or people close by seem to be taking up your time. If someone has resurfaced from the past, it’s nothing you can’t handle.Lucky Numbers: 2, 10, 25, 26, 52, 60 TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21)This week finances take on a new direction. This may be a good time to buy a car or make plans for a cruise you’ve been dreaming about. Investment strategies could help tweak where you want to be in the future. Invitations to a wedding may be in the mail; plan for the perfect gift.Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 4, 20, 32, 34 GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21)People and connections from the past seem to sneak up on you this week. You could be surprised by the news that comes your way. This is probably not the best time to finance or buy big. If you do, it may become complicated, but end up OK. You find much joy and appreciation with your friends. Plan a get together. Lucky Numbers: 6, 17, 20, 26, 43, 60
Horoscope
Contact Mary Nightstar at [email protected] and type “horoscope” in the subject line.
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PAGE 20 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years July 12 - 25, 2011
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By Linda JonesProud sponsors of the Eighth Annual Peak to
Creek Duck Race in North Clear Creek along-side the Mardi Gras Casino are the Colorado Gambler, Red Dolly, Isle Casino Hotel, Mardi Gras, Johnny Z’s, Century, Fortune Valley, IGT and Riviera. The Last Shot Restaurant is also a sponsor. These generous spon-sors make possible this unusual festival, headquartered on the Mardi Gras patio; the extrav-agantly-decorated large rub-ber ducks draw crowds to see what the casino artists have created each year.
Casino sponsors each re-ceive a “fleet” of five large ducks to decorate in whatever theme they can create in their wild-est imagination. Fleets have entered dressed as construction workers, can-can girls, prisoners, railroad workers, clowns, NASCAR racers, the Jackson Five performing on a stage, Mardi Gras revel-ers, Shriners and many others. The most coveted trophy is the Best Dressed Fleet trophy, which is voted on by everyone attending the race. There is also a First Place trophy for the winner of the Sponsors Race and the Quack trophy is the third trophy traveling among the sponsors.
After the Sponsors Race is the Peak to Creek Race. Both races are a benefit for the Peak to Peak Rotary and ducks can be “adopted” for the Peak to Creek Race for $5 each, or a Quack Pack (six) for $25. Everyone who adopts a duck for $5 is entered in the Peak to Creek race, and the rubber ducky that comes in first wins the Grand Prize of $1,000. First Prize is a season pass to El-dora Ski Resort and Second Prize is tickets to an opera of the winner’s choice in the 2012 season, with many other prizes following.
The Peak to Peak Rotary Club represents the Black Hawk, Central City, Rollinsville and Nederland area. It is one of the tens of thou-
sands of Rotary clubs all over the globe that together comprise
Rotary International, the largest service club in the world with 1.2 million members.
Rotary’s motto is “Ser-vice Above Self” and the
funds raised through the Peak to Creek Duck Race
are used for the benefit of the Gilpin and Nederland schools. Peak to
Peak Rotary sponsors a high-school service club, called Interact, in the Gilpin School, awards scholarships and arts awards, funds foreign ex-change students, sponsors students at leadership camps, both junior and senior high, purchases needed sports equipment and backpacks filled with supplies and other projects.
Fun Peak To Creek Duck Race set for July 16
NUMBER OF DUCK ADOPTED
QUANTITY TOTAL
Single Ducks x $5.00
“Quack Pack”(6 Ducks) x $25.00
“Pintail Flock”(12 Ducks) x $50.00
“Mallard Flock”(25 Ducks) x $100.00
V.I.D. “Very Important Duck”60 Ducks
x $250.00
TOTAL DONATION
Gilpin County Fun
1 p.m. Band starts, voting begins for Best Dressed Fleet, Duck adoption certificates available2 p.m. Voting closes for Best Dressed Fleet2 p.m. Sponsors race begins2:30 p.m. Peak to Creek Duck Race begins3 p.m. Prize winners announced
