Scott- I wouldn't deposit monopoly money at Tradewinds. A key figure in their operation is a lout named Gary Austin. He used to own and run Gary Austin's Race and Sportsbook here in Las Vegas. He went all in on the 1985 World Series between the Cardinals and the Royals. He pounded the Cardinals and they choked and lost in seven games.
There was then a "robbery" (wink, wink) at the book one night and the place never reopened. All winning tickets, future book tickets and all phone account money was gone and Gary Austin was never heard from again. The chicken s**t Nevada Gaming Commission swept it all under the rug because they didn't want it to get out that they weren't properly regulating and watching one of their licensed race and sports books.
Metro (our corrupt police dept) didn't push any kind of investigation because they were told to back off by the gaming industry. The casino industry that owns this state didn't want any kind of investigation because they have a real problem when someone may create bad publicity and/or dig up skeletons and had Metro done any digging, they would have done both.
There was then a "robbery" (wink, wink) at the book one night and the place never reopened. All winning tickets, future book tickets and all phone account money was gone and Gary Austin was never heard from again. The chicken s**t Nevada Gaming Commission swept it all under the rug because they didn't want it to get out that they weren't properly regulating and watching one of their licensed race and sports books.
Metro (our corrupt police dept) didn't push any kind of investigation because they were told to back off by the gaming industry. The casino industry that owns this state didn't want any kind of investigation because they have a real problem when someone may create bad publicity and/or dig up skeletons and had Metro done any digging, they would have done both.
Tradewinds has a 20% bonus and 10% matchplay. Only problem is you have to leave it in 90 days. Positives are you only have to roll it over 3 times and you can take out winnings anytime. I am still on the fence about joining. I also have heard they pay out great, but 90days is such a long time to leave your money in. I am thinking about depositing $3000, so is that considered a big deposit or regular??? Should I be concerned? I really like how i can take out winnings, so my account really will never be higher than $4000 there.
Tradewinds itself is very strong, and well run. The Gary Austin issue is something that goes back to the mid 80's. A lot of Vegas residents from that era remember, and some got hurt by the alleged robbery at "Gary Austin's Race and Sportsbook". I don't blame them for holding a grudge, the incident was, and remains one of the few times players were not paid wagers or account money in Las Vegas history.
FWIW. Although Gary remains affiliated with Tradewinds, I see no reason not to post up with a book that has maintained an excellent reputation in every area for well more than 5 years. The past transgressions of one of the principals in this case are well known, but like they say "who's perfect"?
wil.
FWIW. Although Gary remains affiliated with Tradewinds, I see no reason not to post up with a book that has maintained an excellent reputation in every area for well more than 5 years. The past transgressions of one of the principals in this case are well known, but like they say "who's perfect"?
wil.
MV - no need to be sorry, I was lucky and did not get burned. I can absolutely understand your feelings. I only meant to say Tradewinds today is not the Austins of 1985 Las Vegas. They seem to avoid The Rx. but that is their business. As with any sportsbook I advise any prospective player to use the principal of "caveat emptor".
wil.
wil.
