Friday, March 26, 2004 | 10:30 a.m.
Even George Orwell would have had a tough time conjuring up something like this.
At least one Las Vegas casino has installed a high-tech computer system to help ensure that patrons are gambling enough before the hotel offers comps.
So, for example, players who place larger bets when pit bosses are watching so they can garner a free room will no longer get that room if they aren't wagering consistently.
"I would guess that players would be uncomfortable with this technology," Rob Wise of Casino Player magazine told The New York Times, which reported on the Mind Play 21 system.
Developed by a company in Washington state, the system uses 14 concealed cameras along with image-recognition software to capture and count all wagers at each of 12 blackjack tables at the Las Vegas Hilton.
The wired tables are mixed in with other tables on the casino floor, and identifiable only by a slim black console -- which conceals the camera -- in front of the dealer's chip tray.
But that is not the only nod to technology breaking out on casino floors.
Mikohn Gaming of Las Vegas is making gaming chips that have tiny radio-frequency tags inside that record each wager. The TableLink system is designed to keep accurate track of how much a bettor is spending, so the hotel can better hand out the freebies.
When a player puts chips in the betting circle on the felt, a transceiver under the table detects the amount and adds it to the player's computerized tally.
The company says that the system would cost a casino nearly $2 million to install -- but that they'd make that back after one year in comp savings.
Idol shoot
Las Vegas entertainer Stephen Sorrentino plays the shady talent manager Frankie Contino -- of real-life cult "American Idol" favorite William Hung -- in a video mockumentary that was filmed in Los Angeles this week.
"He wasn't sure if I was his real manager or not for the 15 hours we spent together," Sorrentino said. "I'm not sure if he was simply confused or overwhelmed by his sudden success."
The video is scheduled to air during a future "American Idol" episode.
Rumors
Some choice gossip is churning through the rumor mill this week.
First, according to a local construction executive, the Tropicana is planning to be imploded in August to make room for a newer Tropicana. Rumors about the implosion have been swirling around for years as new resorts have been built on the Strip.
Second, the popular "Blue Man Group: Live at Luxor" show is said to be picking up its stakes this summer and decamping for The Venetian.
And in more Venetian news: The whispers have the popular and long-running "V -- The Ultimate Variety Show" leaving before Memorial Day as the hotel readies itself to accommodate more lavish stage productions. Those shows are rumored to be everything from "The Phantom of the Opera" to "Chess."
Young star
Lauren Self, 9, who attends Green Valley's Vanderburg Elementary School, will appear on tonight's episode of the new ABC show "The D.A."
The show, which stars Bruno Campos ("ER") and Steven Weber ("Wings"), airs at 10 p.m. on KTNV Channel 13.
Locals might remember Lauren as the lead in last year's Southern Nevada Water Authority TV ad campaign, "Please Save Water."
New home
There was a big Henderson house party recently for musician Rick Friedman, a veteran of the entire 14-year Riviera run of Lon Bronson's All-Star band.
The talk there was that the group is headed for a long-term engagement at the Golden Nugget, where new owners Tim Poster and Tom Breitling are carving out a new showroom on the second floor.
The Fontana Lounge (Bellagio) has also expressed an interest in hosting the well-regarded music ensemble.
Movie web
Biggest news out of ShoWest (the big movie theater owners convention and trade show at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas) on Wednesday was probably the announcement about "Spider-Man 3."
That, despite the fact that "Spidey 2" hasn't even opened yet.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Vice Chairman Jeff Blake said that the third installment of the top-grossing film would open May 7, 2007. "Spider-Man 2," meanwhile, is set for a June 30 opening.
For "Spidey 3," Tobey Maguire will again play the lead as the arachnid hero, with Kirsten Dunst as his love interest. Sam Raimi returns as director of the franchise feature.
VegasBits
Fans: Rosie O'Donnell and partner Kelli Carpenter attended Elton John's "Red Piano" show at Caesars Palace the other night. Also spotted applauding Sir Elton at performances this week: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Disney exec Joe Roth ...
Art: Actor Michael Caine browsed the blockbuster Monet show at the Bellagio gallery of Fine Art on Thursday afternoon ...
Playa: Vince Vaughn ("Starsky & Hutch") stopped by the Foundation Room and then went down and played blackjack at Mandalay Bay for a few hours Wednesday night ...
Fame: Marvelous few days for celeb spotting at Paris Las Vegas. In addition to all the celebs we first cited on Wednesday (Nicole, Gwyneth, Bette, etc.), Will Smith, Faith Hill, Marisa Tomei, Burt Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, Jon Lovitz and Lindsay Lohan were all in the house for ShoWest appearances, and were subsequently spotted Thursday everywhere from Mon Ami Gabi to Ah Sin (Paris Las Vegas) ...
Day: "Las Vegas" star James Caan turns 64 today ...
"Live!" again: May 12 is the new target date for production to resume for "Vegas Live! With Clint Holmes and Sheena Easton." It is slated for a return to its new home -- KVVU Channel 5 airwaves at 10 a.m. on May 17 ...
Comes alive: Peter Frampton plays at the Aladdin on June 5. Tickets go on sale April 17. Prices have not yet been determined ...
Coming: Best new artist Grammy nominee Fountains of Wayne ("Stacy's Mom") plays at Rain (Palms) May 13. Tickets go on sale April 3 ...
Gig: Steve Rossi, who for years teamed with Marty Allen (the duo were well known for appearing on one of the Ed Sullivan shows that showcased the Beatles) has signed a three-month agreement to produce and perform nightly at the Lady Luck downtown, beginning April 6 ...
Mail fail: The e-mail system here at gossip central went down before dawn Thursday, and was in disrepair for parts of the day. So if you sent us something anytime Thursday, please do send it again, as it may never have arrived.
From Sun wires
Cruise control: Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz have ended their three-year relationship.
The couple "broke up at the end of January, and it's amicable," Lee Anne DeVette, Cruise's sister and publicist, said.
Robert Garlock, Cruz's spokesman, told People magazine that neither star is dating anyone else and the two "remain good friends."
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