Outgoing Miss America Jennifer Berry crowns Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson on Monday at the Aladdin.
Harrah's executive Jan Jones was on the telephone Tuesday, clarifying what appeared to be a violation of one of Las Vegas' golden rules: Thou shalt not divulge confidential customer information.
In an interview with The Observer, one of London's most prestigious daily newspapers, Jones is quoted as saying Celine Dion's husband and manager, Rene Angelil, "probably gambles $1 million a week."
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Her remark, she said from Washington, D.C., was a misrepresentation.
"All I was doing was tying it into what was said by a (pathological gambling) treatment professional," said Jones, senior vice president of communications and government relations for Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. In that role, she oversees government relations, corporate communications and community relations for the company.
Jones acknowledges she mentioned Angelil in an interview with a reporter, "But it was not my comment directly. Shame on me. I should have been thinking."
The original reference to Angelil, she said, was made by a Canadian scientist at a forum she attended last week. The scientist is involved in treating pathological gamblers.
She added, "I would have no idea what he (Angelil) gambles."
According to The Observer, the reporter asked Jones, "Aren't these studies funded by the gambling industry?"
"Some are and many aren't," she replied. "The problem with problem gambling is not about how much you gamble. It really isn't. It's about gambling what you can afford. That's a very difficult determination. Celine Dion's husband is a big gambler. He probably gambles $1m a week. But he can afford to."
MISS AMERICA LEFTOVERS
Look for a Miss America parade to be held next year at the Fremont Street Experience if the pageant returns to Las Vegas for a third year. "It was being discussed and then it dropped off the table," a spy tells me...
No matter how you slice it, no beauty pageant is complete without a cheesecake mention.
We'll take the politically correct high road.
No sooner had newly crowned Miss America Lauren Nelson told the media gathering that she hoped to celebrate her win with her favorite dessert, caramel turtle cheesecake, when one arrived by the time she reached the after-party.
It had a short shelf life, with Nelson and friends digging in.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
The NBA All-Star Game entertainment lineup will include "Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton and Folies Bergere showgirls. Newton and the showgirls will perform before the start of the Feb. 18 game during the player introductions. Harrah's headliner Toni Braxton, a six-time Grammy Award winner, will join three-time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera for the halftime entertainment. Mary J. Blige will perform at a Feb. 17 event at Thomas & Mack Center. The game will air live on TNT at 5 p.m.
Dethroned Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees has a new crown and another title to add to her resume. She was crowned Miss Jet Nightclub early Tuesday and has been named to SpyonVegas.com's "30 Under 30" list of prominent locals.
SIGHTINGS
Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and friends at Social House (Treasure Island) on Monday night. ... Kevin Spacey, going unnoticed as he waited for his latte at Starbucks at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood, near the casino. ... Mario Lopez, catching lunch with friends at P.F. Chang's at Aladdin/Planet Hollywood on Monday. ... James Gandolfini and goombas, at SW Steakhouse (Wynn) on Monday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Police in Kentucky arrested a man who had over 80 pounds of marijuana hidden in his tires. Police became suspicious when they saw Snoop Dogg chasing the car for two miles." -- Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.
