iPhone program creator worried

Howard Stutz

February 20, 2009 - 10:58 am

Maybe Travis Yates has watched a few too many American gangster movies.

Yates is the Australian software designer who created a blackjack card-counting application for the iPhone. Sales have soared in the past week since the Nevada Gaming Control Board told casino operators the program would convert the iPhone into a cheating device.

“I guess I should start worrying,” Yates said in an email Friday morning. “I've seen ‘Casino’ and I know what they do to card counters. What would they do to someone who's unleashed an army of card counters into the casinos, albeit unintentionally, through the A Blackjack Card Counter iPhone App?”

Yates was referring to a scene in the acclaimed Robert De Niro-Joe Pesci film about Las Vegas when the mob controlled the gaming industry. A card counter had his hand broken by casino security guards using a hammer.

Yates said sales volumes for the application have continued to climb. He dropped the price of the application to 99 cents.

RELATED STORY: Card-counting application for iPhones sees sales spike

RELATED STORY: INSIDE GAMING: Maybe that iPhone user isn't just taking calls

MGM cyberattack again in the spotlight after lawsuit, broadcast

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

April 21, 2024 - 8:00 am

While MGM’s lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission and a “60 Minutes” story offered new details, there are still unanswered questions about last year’s cyberattack.

Drew O'Connell (dudeguydrew) and Jason Rivkin (JayRiv) play heads-up in the World Series of Pok ...

Online poker play may be on the verge of a comeback in Nevada

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

April 14, 2024 - 8:30 am

Two companies, Z4Poker and MGM Interactive, ask regulators to extend the activation of their licenses a 14th time so that they can enter a lackluster market.

Next Las Vegas Strip property headed for big change: The Mirage

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

April 8, 2024 - 7:13 pm

The transition of The Mirage to Hard Rock Las Vegas will generate nostalgic memories, but it’s part of the Las Vegas way of constantly evolving to what’s next.

The Strip in Las Vegas, including including the Palazzo, Wynn Las Vegas, Fontainebleau and the ...

Fontainebleau counterclaim against Wynn got nasty in a hurry

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

March 24, 2024 - 8:05 am

A legal expert says Fontainebleau’s response to Wynn for poaching employees sounds more like a divorce proceeding than a business lawsuit.

Las Vegas is still a bargain destination, visitor survey says

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

March 17, 2024 - 8:12 am

The typical Las Vegas visitor in 2023 was younger than in the past, spent more money, chose different activities over shows — and had a great time while here.

Nick Khin, right, a COO of Gaming for IGT, demonstrates how Mystery of the Lamp game is played ...

IGT’s big return to Nevada will boost state’s gaming manufacturing

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

March 10, 2024 - 7:00 am

Gaming industry analysts applaud return of IGT to Nevada with $6.2 billion spinoff and merger with Everi Holdings Inc.

This undated illustration provided by Brightline West shows the Brightline West High Speed Rail ...

Before the LV-to LA rail project, maglev was planned

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

March 3, 2024 - 8:23 am

Former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid — the same person for whom our airport is named — had a pivotal role in backing high-speed rail instead of an innovative maglev project.

Crowds of people and backed up traffic on the Strip are seen the day before Super Bowl LVIII Sa ...

Don’t discount how meaningful February’s extra day is to gaming

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

February 26, 2024 - 10:25 am

One might think one extra day in the year doesn’t make much difference. But in gaming and tourism, it means an additional millions of dollars spent.

Travelers check their bags a Harry Reid International Airport on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, a day a ...

Super Bowl success highlights Las Vegas’ transportation shortcomings

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

February 18, 2024 - 7:00 am

By the time Las Vegas hosts its next Super Bowl, new infrastructure will help make transportation and accommodation better, but the need for another airport looms large.

A packed house watches the screens at the Sports Book at Westgate in Las Vegas, Sunday, Sept. 1 ...

Super Bowl wagering surges without competition from California

By Richard N. Velotta / RJ

February 11, 2024 - 7:59 am

Without legal sports wagering in California, Vegas sports books continue to prosper for the Super Bowl and another Golden State initiative fails to gain tribal support.