Mark Gruetze has been a recreational gambler for more than 30 years, focusing on blackjack, video poker and poker. He is administrative editor of the Tribune-Review.
Mark Gruetze can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7838
U.S. gaming regulators can learn from recent online case in Europe
By Mark GruetzeOfficials who write and enforce rules for America’s nascent online casino industry could learn important lessons from the handling of allegations of rigged software at two popular European gambling sites. However, key participants disagree on whether the five-month investigation by …
National study bolsters Pennsylvania’s stature as gambling state
By Mark GruetzeA new American Gaming Association study burnishes Pennsylvania’s reputation as one of the country’s most popular, and profitable, gambling regions. Three areas of the state rank among the top 20 American casino markets for gambling revenue: Philadelphia at No. 6, …
Legal poker site in Nevada may herald online gaming boom
By Mark GruetzeIn the words of renowned comedian-composer Steve Allen, this could be the start of something big. A subsidiary of Station Casinos in Las Vegas this week launched the country’s first website where poker players legally put real money on the …
Familiar themes lure players to branded slot machines
By Mark Gruetze 12:04 p.m.If you long for a chance to negotiate a sale to Rick Harrison or another member of the “Pawn Stars” crew, head to your favorite …
Player who refuses to split Aces fell into a trap
By Mark GruetzeThe burly man who squeezed into the blackjack seat next to me made an announcement almost as soon as he traded a $100 bill for 20 red chips. “Just so you know, I don’t split Aces,” he declared to everyone …
‘Mr. Bad Beat’ wins third poker jackpot
By Mark GruetzePoker player Andy Shymske knows the thrill of losing with a big hand. He won $78,138.82 on March 1, when he got the big end …
Angry players take fun out of playing blackjack
By Mark GruetzeThe shell-shocked blackjack player in the middle seat was at a loss for words. He’d just won a $75 bet, possibly his largest of the …
NCAA bettors may find profits in underdogs
By Mark GruetzeOne of the country’s biggest betting events will tip off Sunday, when the 68 teams that will compete in the 2013 NCAA men’s basketball tournament are formally announced. March Madness ranks with the Super Bowl in terms of money wagered, …
Fair play essential to online gambling
By Mark GruetzeAmid the stampede toward legalized online gambling across the United States, lawmakers need to keep one imperative in mind: The games must be fair. Thanks …
Player’s Advantage: Penny-slot players aren’t as frugal as they think they are
By Mark GruetzeOf all the ways to spend money in a casino, slot machines rank at the top in simplicity. Push the button. Win or lose. Repeat. …
Players counting down to poker’s big event
By Mark GruetzeThe boys and girls of summer love this time of year. Everyone starts out with an equal shot at winning the World Series. Players are sharpening their skills so they can play their best when it counts. After all, with …
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