| How to Start a Casino Posted: 28 Jun 2016 05:00 PM PDT If you're looking for a business venture that can earn you a lot of revenue in a short time, then learning how to start a casino might offer you the opportunity you need. For centuries, gambling has been a favorite pastime for people of all walks of life, and it continues today. However, starting a casino requires more than a passion for gambling: it requires a significant investment, accurate planning, and good business management. EditChecking Gambling Regulations - Check if commercial casino operation is legal in your area. While forms of gambling, including charitable and online gambling, are legal in most areas within the United States, commercial casinos are only legal in some states and provinces. As of 2013, commercial casinos could only be opened in 24 states.[1] Check if commercial casinos are legal in your state by checking the American Gaming Association's website.
- Within states, commercial casino operation may also be governed or disallowed by state and local regulations or zoning requirements. Check with your local Small Business Administration or City Council to learn more.
- Some of these states may only allow certain types of gambling in casinos, such as betting on races. Be sure to check all regulations before continuing with your casino planning.[2]
- Check alcohol regulations. Odds are, if you open a casino, you'll want to serve drinks there and your customers will expect it. However, alcohol regulations are some of the most important restrictions placed on casinos. These regulations are often governed by state regulations, so be sure to check your state's gambling laws for the relevant information. This can usually be found on your state's website or with a quick web search.[3]
- For example, many states require that casinos stop allowing visibly intoxicated persons from participating in gambling. Others require that casino employees take specialized courses that involve training for dealing with intoxicated individuals.[4]
- Check age restrictions. Gambling, like alcohol and tobacco, is regulated to exclude minors. However, the exact minimum age varies by state. In some states, 18-year olds are able to enter casinos and have the same rights as an older persons. In others, all entrants have to be at least 21. Check your state's restrictions and institute a policy of checking ID's at the door so that you don't run afoul of your state's regulations.[5]
- Study cash-on-hand requirements. Casinos must have a large amount of money available to them to cover the potential winnings of their customers. Exact specifications vary between states, but are invariably large amounts of money. Casinos must be able to cover potential winnings, which means that they must actually have as much in cash available as there are chips out on the floor at a given time. This amount may also include things like cash to cover slot machine winnings or cash paid to past winners in installments.[6]
- This means that even very small casinos must have about $20 million on hand at any given time.[7]
- Check self-exclusion laws. Casinos are required to follow relevant laws that require the temporary or permanent exclusion of specific individuals. In some cases, customers can put themselves on such a list or in others it is up to the casino to do so. Each state has vastly different regulations governing this. Search for your own state's regulations to ensure that you are complying with this law.[8]
- See other restrictions and regulations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that casino regulations vary widely from state to state. Research your own state's regulations forwards and backwards before committing to a casino business plan.
- The American Gaming Association has provided a useful guide to your state's regulations. This guide can be found here.
- If in doubt about any of the wording or meaning of any regulation, consult with a lawyer in your area.
EditPlanning Your Casino - Construct a business plan for your casino. The will be a professional-looking document that describes your start-up investment, projected earnings and growth and business and marketing strategy. This is what you will be presenting to investors and/or loan officers, so make it good.
- Make sure to include a feasibility study that examines the demand for a casino and the justification of investment.
- Employ an architect to design your casino to meet all your needs and comply with local safety regulations.
- Include a scale model of the casino to show the layout and the style.
- See how to write a business plan for more information.
- Raise the capital you need to start a casino by presenting your business plan to investors like banks or private investors. Make sure to review all investment contracts with your lawyer before signing, so you understand exactly what your rights and obligations are.
- Starting a casino will always be expensive, regardless of how you set yours up. As previously mentioned, cash-on-hand requirements alone will often be more than $20 million. You will also need to buy equipment, land, build your casino, and purchase a gambling license, all of which can be very expensive.
- Register your casino with the city and state to obtain a business license and employer's identification number (EIN). This will require registering with the IRS and any other regulatory bodies that have power over casinos in your area, which could include state government, local government, and gambling organizations. Check with a lawyer to be sure that you are properly registered.
- Use the same strategies as successful casinos. Casinos use a variety of tricks and strategies to ensure that customers spend as much money as possible. These tactics have been developed over years of experience in the industry and are followed by most successful casinos. Employ the same strategies to give yourself a competitive edge. The following are some common strategies:
- Provide free stuff. Casinos often provide free gifts, drinks, and rooms (if they are also hotels) to patrons to make them feel like they have more money to spend on gambling. Generally, their losses make up for these expenses.
- Disguise the time of day. Casinos often don't have any clocks or windows so that customers spend more time gambling than they mean to.
- Emphasize wins and hide losses. Casinos disallow photo and video equipment on their game floors to hide the reality of losses and set off sirens and lights to emphasize wins. This encourages customers to think that they can win.[9]
EditBuilding and Registering Your Casino - Choose the location for your casino. Make sure local zoning laws allow for a casino in the area, and that you have enough space to construct the building and parking lot. You'll likely need to employ an architect to ensure that have enough space and the right type of land to build your casino.
- Apply for construction permits to build your casino and start construction. Once you have your start-up money and location, you're ready to apply for construction permits with your city and begin building. Employ project managers to oversee the development of each part of the casino.
- Apply for a gaming license with the appropriate department in your jurisdiction. You'll need to complete an application form with your business and tax information. Each state has its own gambling control organization, so be sure to find the appropriate department to apply to.
- Schedule an appointment with your local department of health and safety if you plan to sell food at your casino. You'll need a permit from the health and safety department, which they'll issue after they've inspected your venue and paperwork.
- See more about health and safety requirements by visiting the SBA's website.
- Buy gaming equipment such as slot machines, video poker machines, roulette tables, poker tables, blackjack tables, craps tables, baccarat tables, chips, cards and card shoes, and safes.
- Because casinos frequently go out of business, you will likely be able to find this equipment at a discount from a bankrupt casino.[10]
- Purchase property and liability insurance for your casino. The amount of this insurance will vary based on the value of your property and other factors. You may also need specialized gaming or casino insurance to limit your risk of other lawsuits.[11]
- Interview and hire experienced personnel. Casino employees are also required to be licensed by their state governments. Consult [this list http://www.casinogaminginst.com/jobs-lic.html to find licensing information for your employees.
EditAdvertising and Opening Your Casino - Advertise your casino in the media. Make sure to draw as much attention as possible to it with television and radio commercials, as well as ads on Internet sites for tourism and recreation.
- Be sure that you are ready to open. Be sure that you have as much cash on hand as you are required to and that your operations are running smoothly. You may even choose to do a dry run with your employees to be sure that they know what to do in any situation.
- Open your casino with a grand opening. Invite celebrities to attend the opening, as well as press to cover it in the media. Offer benefits like free drinks or additional free chips to your first customers.
- Many of these same procedures can also be used if you plan to open a riverboat casino. However, you may also have to consider the gambling laws of neighboring states if you enter their waters.
- The above information does not constitute legal advice and it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel before exploring any of the above methods yourself. Gambling law is specific to the state in which you live. Seek the advice of an attorney familiar with the casino law in that state.
- While potentially profitable, casinos, like any business, carry a risk of failure. You stand to lose all of the money you have invested if your business fails, and more if your business is intertwined with your own finances.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Embellish a Frame with Masking Tape Posted: 28 Jun 2016 09:00 AM PDT Looking for a fun, easy project to do with youngsters this summer? One that will occupy them for a good amount of time and will result in a unique finished product? The supplies are cheap and readily available, so, whatever your needs, be it a group project or just a fun hour for yourself, this is relaxing and rewarding. Nice enough to hang as a conversation piece or to give as a one of a kind gift. - Gather your supplies. Masking tape, 3/4" or the standard size is good. Three or four people ought to be able to share a roll by tearing off long pieces for each to have at hand. Make sure the wood frame is not much larger than 11" X 14". 9" X 12" is ideal. See that it is solid and not flimsy as it will undergo a lot of handling. A tin of brown or Oxblood colored paste shoe polish.
- Select a piece of art or photograph to put in the frame.
- Separate out all parts of the frame. If it has glass, help young ones with it. Remove the glass carefully and put it away from the work area.
- Check the frame over for dust and debris. Wipe the frame down with a soft rag. If anything is protruding, a staple, nail or splinter, carefully remove it. Needle nose pliers work well.
- Demonstrate how to tear off a one inch piece of masking tape and stick it onto the frame. Repeat going at a different angles.
- Keep taping until the entire frame is covered. Do the sides, too and have the tape go onto the back slightly for continuity.
- Rub the tape down hard and get in all the grooves.
- Leave the backside alone. Layering tape over it might hinder replacing glass and backing.
- Open the shoe polish. With a clean, soft rag covering your index finger, rub in a circle over the polish.
- Rub the polish over the frame. It will glide over smooth areas, but tint the ragged edges a dark color. Work until the whole frame is lightly covered.
- If a metallic look is desired, try this. At the craft store, buy a sample selection of different shades of metallic acrylic paint. These small containers range from warm golds to icy silver with shades in between. Use undiluted and apply as you would the shoe polish.
- Use the Neutral shade of paste polish last. This will seal the whole deal, but isn't absolutely necessary.
- With a clean, soft rag, buff the frame. This will removed any excess polish and give a patina to the frame.
- Place the glass back into the frame. Add the artwork or photo and backing. Close it up.,
- Affix the hanger if your choice.
- Hang and enjoy a unique, hand embellished craft. If you have used an old frame, be glad you have recycled. This frame will attract attention and generate talk.
- Use acrylic paint to create color frames. Just rub on undiluted acrylic and quickly wipe away. For a new challenge try doing rainbow colored frames.
- Any size wood frame would work, but doing it with a group, or with children, smaller might be best.
- Try to find fairly unadorned frames that are at least 1 1/2" wide for best results.
- Take extra care using glass with raw edges, like the type from a frame. Adults ought to supervise and handle the glass themselves. Always set the pieces of glass away from the work area to avoid mishaps.
|
| How to Grow and Use Aloe Vera for Medicinal Purposes Posted: 28 Jun 2016 01:00 AM PDT Aloe vera, also known as medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant that thrives in dry, hot regions of the world. Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant that can grow as high as three feet tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces. Yellow flowers may grow on outdoor aloe plants, but not on indoor potted aloe plants.[1] Aloe vera sap from the plants may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, skin dryness, and even cold sores.[2] Keep reading to learn how to grow and use aloe vera for medicinal purposes. EditGrowing Aloe Vera - Purchase an aloe vera plant. Purchase a small plant from a garden store and then repot it in a larger container. If you care for the plant properly, it will thrive and produce plenty of aloe for medicinal use.
- Choose a wide container to repot your aloe plant since aloes tend to produce offshoots, or baby aloe plants.
- Use appropriate soil. The most important point to remember while using soil for growing Aloe vera plants is that the soil should be moderately fertile and fast draining, as the plant itself contains a lot of water and will wilt if the soil is not fast draining. Use a good quality commercial propagation mix or pre-packaged "cacti and succulent mix" as they allow good drainage.[3]
- Keep your aloe vera plant in full sun. If you prefer to keep the plant inside, place in a window for maximum sunlight. If you are in mild climatic conditions, take care to provide enough direct light. Artificial light may be used if you do not have much sunlight in your region.[4]
- In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.
- Check the soil before you water your aloe vera plant. Stick your finger into the dirt to determine if you plant needs to be watered. Allow the first 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Since aloe vera plants are native to dry, hot regions, they can survive droughts, but the plants will be more likely to thrive if watered every few days.[5]
- Water your aloe vera plants less in the winter, since the plants will drain more slowly. Over watering can cause rot to form, which may kill your plant.
- Repot your plant as needed. When potted aloe plants become crowded with baby plants growing from the sides of the mother plant, they should be divided and re-potted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest infestations.
- You will have to completely remove your aloe plant from its pot to find these baby plants. Use sharp scissors or a knife to sever them from the mother plant.
- Repot the mother plant when you are finished and transfer each of the baby plants to their own pot.[6]
EditUsing Aloe Vera Gel - Collect aloe gel as needed for medicinal use. Your aloe plant's leaves are filled with aloe gel that you can harvest as needed for medicinal use. Wait until you need the gel to harvest it. When you need some aloe gel, cut one of the leaves from your aloe plant and squeeze or scoop out the clear aloe gel.
- If you are harvesting a large amount, you may need to cut the leaf in half (lengthwise) in order to get all of the gel out.
- Try to only harvest as much as you need at one time. If you have any leftover gel, you can store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to a week.[7]
- Apply aloe after exposure to the sun. You can apply fresh aloe gel to your sunburn to help cool and heal your burn. Apply the gel to your sunburnt skin and reapply ever few hours or as needed to keep your skin moisturized.
- Try refrigerating some aloe gel for an hour or two before applying it to your sunburnt skin. The chilled aloe will have a nice cooling effect.
- Keep in mind that although people have been using aloe as a treatment for sunburns for ages, there is no conclusive scientific research that aloe has a healing effect on sunburnt skin.[8]
- Apply aloe vera to minor burns. Aloe may be effective for treating minor burns. It may even reduce healing time. Apply a small amount of the gel to your burn. Do not apply aloe gel to skin that is bleeding, blistered, or otherwise severely damaged.[9]
- Massage aloe vera gel into your scalp to prevent dandruff. Aloe vera gel has been found likely to be effective for treating dandruff. All you have to do is massage a small amount of the gel into your scalp.
- After you have washed your hair, rub a small amount of aloe gel between your hands (about the same amount you would use to shampoo your hair).
- Then use your fingertips to massage the gel into your scalp and leave the gel in your hair. Repeat this process each time you wash your hair.[10]
- Apply aloe to cold sores. Aloe has been found likely to be effective as a treatment for the herpes virus, also known as cold sores. When you feel a cold sore coming on, get a small amount of aloe gel on your fingertip and dab it onto the sore. Repeat the application as needed to keep the sore covered in aloe gel.[11]
- Apply aloe to dry skin. Aloe can also be used as a moisturizer or treatment for dry skin. Try replacing your normal lotion with fresh aloe vera gel. Use the aloe gel the same way that you would use a body lotion. Apply it to the skin all over your body and massage it in until it is absorbed.[12]
- As with any natural supplement, you should consult your doctor before you add aloe to your supplement regimen. Also, tell your doctor about aloe and any other supplements that you take to prevent any adverse drug interactions.[13]
- Although some studies have suggested that oral use of aloe may have some health benefits, these studies have not been confirmed. Currently, taking aloe by mouth is not recommended since some studies have shown that aloe latex, a component in the aloe plant, may cause cancer, kidney failure, and other serious health problems.[14]
- Do not use aloe if you have a known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family.[15]
- Do not take aloe orally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause uterine contractions and even cause miscarriage. It may also cause intestinal distress in infants that consume breastmilk after the mother has consumed aloe.[16]
- Do not use aloe vera on deep wounds or severe burns. Some studies have suggested that aloe extends the healing time when used in these situations.[17]
- Do not use aloe vera orally if you are taking oral steroids, dioxin, insulin, oral hypoglycemic drugs, or diuretics.[18]
- Aloe vera may lead to low levels of potassium in some people.[19]
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment