The oddly named Westin Casuarina is now Max Casino. While it sounds a little like changing from one strange name to another, there’s a certain logic in it, given that many will always remember the property as the Maxim. Accompanying the name change, the William Hill sports book at the Max is being moved and upgraded. The casino, along with the accompanying Westin hotel, is on Flamingo Road about a half-mile east of the Strip.

» New book at The Quad: The Quad has opened a new race and sports book. It’s a smaller version of what it was in its previous Imperial Palace incarnation, during which it was famous for popularizing "proposition bets" for big games, especially the Super Bowl.

» Megabucks hit: An unidentified player hit Megabucks last week for $12.46 million at MGM Grand. Megabucks developer IGT says it’s the 24th hit for more than $1 million this year.

» N9NE closing for makeover: N9NE Steak House at the Palms has closed for what’s being termed a "brief makeover." It’s scheduled to reopen by mid-December with a look more in tune with other changes that have been implemented during the Palms’ extensive remodel.

In the interim, NOVE will be open seven days a week, serving a "Best of N9NE" menu.

» Skate season: The Cosmopolitan’s ice-skating rink at the Boulevard pool will open Friday for the holiday season. The rink is made of real ice that’s kept cold by underground refrigeration. Tickets for all-day skating are $15.

QUESTION: What are Win Cards?

ANSWER: Win Cards are strategy cards of sorts that provide advice on how to play blackjack, craps and roulette. The cards typically cost $10 and come with $15 in play-till-you-lose chips that are worth close to face value, so their value is greater than what you pay for them (they’re sometimes $20 with $30 in chips). The cards are sold at Tropicana, Circus Circus, Four Queens, Mandalay Bay, and Riviera at the players club or casino cage.

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