Tax, Stud and all manor of things Vegas

I am planning on joining a trip to Vegas (and other parts of North and South America). I want to play Stud 8 or better, and stud high on my visit and would appreciate feedback on where to go for games (particularly the eight or better).


I have heard that for some ridiculous reason people have to pay tax on winnings from poker over there. Does this apply to cash games or just tournaments? What about other gambling on sports or casino games? How much is the tax (both theoretically and in practice)? I hear if you have a british passport you are exempt, but i am not so lucky.


Also, how much does it cost to live (not is squalor nor luxury) in Vegas?

Greetings,


I play regularly at Casino Arizona (Just outside Scottsdale) and they have a teriffic lively cardroom. 50 tables. Some of the best Stud-8 $6-12, Hold 'em $10-20, $20-40 and $40-80, Stud Hi $15-30, $30-60, and $75-150 to be found anywhere. It truly is a gem of a place to play. If you are coming to the States, it's a must. e-mail me at: sidepot@hotmail.com if you have any questions.


Bob

For Bob:


- How many hours (by car) from LAX to SCottsdale?

- Does Casino Arizona offer rooms?

- Can you give me their url (if they have one)


Special thanks


Marco

Casino Arizona is about a 5.5 hr drive from LAX. Several nearby hotels offer poker rates ($39up) Call 480-850-7777 or see CasinoArizona.com by the way, they have a $40K Hold 'em tourney in March.

nm

Mr. Peterson,


If you are flying into LAX you MUST play at the Commerce Casino. It is far larger and offers more action than the Vegas cardrooms. They spread all the games you are interested in both low limit and high. They have (just a guess) 50+ tables in the low limit section $1-2 to $9-18 and 40+ tables in the high limit, 15-30 and above.


I just spent the weekend in Las Vegas. Bellagio has 4-8, 15-30, 30-60 Stud, No 7CS-8. But they were taking names for a Razz game that never got started. Mirage had 5-10, 10-20, 20-40, 40-80 Stud, No 7CS-8. The rest of the casinos usually only spread 1-5 Stud. Most of the poker rooms were very small and tucked away in the corner.


The most enjoyable poker room was the Orleans, off the strip, just a short drive. Their dealers were friendly, fast, knowledgable. The drink service was also very prompt and competent. This is in sharp contrast to both the Mirage and Bellagio. They have inexpensive tournaments ($23 buy in, $10 rebuys) twice a day, noon and 7pm. They were the most efficiently run tournaments I have ever been in and run like clockwork. They have a computer screen that displays what the blinds and bet limits are, How much time is left in that limit, including breaks, clicking off by the second, how many players are left and what the payouts are. They also have a very large bad beat jackpot ( > $16K). Obviously, this room is well managed. A lot of the players are local retirees. Nice people. My only complaint was that it was too smokey; I am from California where there is no smoking in any public buildings, restaurants or poker rooms. I also came in second in the Omaha tournament and won $450! Yay!


Also, an hour and 20 minute drive south from LAX in Oceanside,CA there is a well run card room, Oceans 11. They have 1-5 Stud Hi-Low; $3-6, 4-8, 8-16, 20-40 Holdem and Omaha. The food is VERY good and is free for only two hours of play. Ask for the food ticket when you sit down.


The only time I had to report income for tax purposes is when I won a jackpot for $1900. They had to issue a W2-G form.


Good luck,

Keith O