Anyone interested in following the fallout from the bullshit anti-Internet-gambling act Bush signed into law today should head over to the page Card Player magazine set up to track all of the latest info. It contains the most complete coverage I’ve seen.

It’s official. Harrah’s is acquiring Barbary Coast.

Harrah’s also has announced it is the target of a $15 billion buyout bid.

Norm Clarke reports that Harrah’s is on the verge of a corporate name change, Bally’s is set to become the Horseshoe and Prince will be headlining in Las Vegas soon. Norm has a great track record with this kind of stuff (although I’m still waiting for Aladdin/Planet Hollywood to follow through on his report more than a year ago that Motley Crue would be the hotel’s regular headliner).

Interesting info from the Las Vegas Business Press about a vague reference to something happening with Bally’s, but no real detail. One thing is becoming evident about Harrah’s Las Vegas Strip plans—Flamingo isn’t going anywhere.

Las Vegas Review Journal is reporting that Boyd Gaming has agreed to sell South Coast to Michael Gaughan, former Coast Casino owner. Gaughan, who is leaving Boyd to operate South Coast, sold Coast Casinos to Boyd two years ago and, from what I understand, still called the shots at the Coast properties. I can’t help but wonder what this move will mean for the other Coast properties.

Update: Las Vegas Business Press provides additional details.

Las Vegas Business Press is reporting the rumor that Harrah’s may trade Rio to Boyd Gaming in exchange for Barbary Coast. Harrah’s really wants that Barbary land, so it’s possible. Still just a rumor though. We’ll keep you updated.

If that weren’t enough excitement for the day, a listener (thanks, Honolulu G-man) reports that Headlights and Tailpipes at Stardust has closed without notice. First Avenue Q and Hairspray close early, and now this. Shocking.

Norm Clarke reports that Vince Neil from Motley Crue is opening a tattoo shop as part of a “rock and roll vibe” in the building currently occupied by O’Shea’s (between Flamingo and Imperial Palace). Construction is set to begin in 10 days. I’m going to miss that place.

Those overpriced Prince shows at Empire Ballroom this weekend that we talked about on the past two podcasts may be just the beginning of a purple summer on the Strip. Word has it His Royal Badness may be taking up residency at Empire Ballroom (renamed Club 3121 for his performances) all summer. The shows would likely include big-name guest appearances.

Being huge Prince fans living in his hometown, we’ve seen Prince something like 35 times—mostly intimate, late-night shows at Paisley Park Studios. These Club 3121 shows in Vegas sound a lot like the shows he performed just about every weekend in July, August and September 1995. Those of us who went never knew what he would play or what time in the morning we’d be rolling home. Simply amazing shows. Good times. Very good times.

We’ll be saving our pennies because if this rumor comes to pass and Prince is performing during our July trip, there’s no way we’ll miss it.

What’s more fun than a Las Vegas hotel implosion?

In case you missed the fun, take a look at the excitement here. I’m not sure what’s more entertaining—the implosion, the painful reporting before the Boardwalk fell or the interview with Dane. That guy rules.

By the way, the clown head still stands.

I am sad to report that Sky Lounge, our favorite little-known Vegas bar with a view, has closed. I guess this shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to anyone who heard us describe during show #60 how empty the place was on a Saturday night during March Madness, but still quite a bummer. Located at the top of the Polo Towers, Sky Lounge had a great view and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The bartenders were friendly and the drinks were tasty. It will be missed.

Thanks to listener rjgottaplay for the info. A call to Polo Towers confirmed the bar closed about three weeks ago (just after our last visit) with no plans to reopen.