IN BRIEF

AMARILLO, Calif.

Gasoline prices down 15 cents in two weeks

A national survey shows gasoline prices have dropped 15 cents a gallon in the last two weeks.

The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline at self-serve stations was $3.70 Friday. Mid-grade was at $3.83 and premium was at $3.95.

That's according to the Lundberg Survey of 7,000 gas stations nationwide, released Sunday. Diesel was at $3.82.

Despite the drop, gasoline nationally was almost 95 cents higher than a year ago.

Prices so far this summer peaked July 11 at $4.11 for a gallon for regular.

NLV economic forum scheduled for Thursday

Industrial development at Apex, the Veterans Affairs Hospital and plans for downtown redevelopment will be discussed Thursday at the annual economic outlook for North Las Vegas.

This year's program focuses on projects and developments planned for North Las Vegas and how they compare with the rest of the valley.

Norman James of Fennmore Craig will discuss environmental issues that could affect future development and Mukul Malhotra will give discuss his vision for North Las Vegas redevelopment.

The economic outlook is presented by the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Las Vegas Business Press. Exhibits will open at 10 a.m., followed by the luncheon and program at noon. Cost is $50 at the door for chamber members and $60 for nonmembers.

Visit www.northlasvegaschamber.com for information.

ATLANTIC CITY

N.J. casinos cutting back on player comps

_ For many slots players at Atlantic City's casinos, comps are becoming as rare as hitting the jackpot.

With a slow economy and competition from neighboring states cutting into their revenues, Atlantic City's 11 gaming halls have begun to offer fewer complimentary benefits -- and they're focusing those more on high-end players.

"No longer does everybody get a comp no matter what," Andrew Zarnett, a gaming analyst with Deutsche Bank AG, told The Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer.

Overall, Atlantic City casinos spent $375 million on premium hotel rooms and other perks in the three months ending June 30. A year ago, they spent about $422 during the same period.

In contrast, casinos in Pennsylvania increased promotional spending more than 130 percent, to about $24 million, from April to June this year compared to 2007.