The Playboy experiment has passed its first test: The casino at the Palms has reached its first anniversary, with thumbs up all around. Both the Palms and Playboy Enterprises have labeled the venture a resounding success, with revenues from the club and casino outpacing most comparable areas at the Palms. Few particulars have changed since it opened. Admission is $20 weekdays and $40 weekends per person (men and women) and covers both Playboy and the attached Moon nightclub. Hours are 8 p.m.-2 a.m. nightly for Playboy and "late" for Moon, but both stay open till the crowds are gone. Be sure to bring an ID or you won't be admitted.

SUPER SUSHI: A new Japanese restaurant called Hachi has opened at Red Rock Resort, and it's drawing comparisons to Las Vegas' most heralded Octoberfest buffet: The Orleans will serve an Octoberfest buffet every Tuesday in this month, featuring authentic German specialties and live music. The cost is $13.95 and includes a free bottle of St. Pauli Girl beer if you're 21 or older.

POKER ROOM CLOSES: The Las Vegas Hilton is closing its poker room, bucking the ongoing trend toward more poker in Las Vegas. A spokesman says that the last day of operation will be Oct. 17.

DRIVE-IN: Access to South Point, one of Las Vegas' southernmost casinos, has been improved with the opening of the Silverado Ranch exit from the I-15 Freeway. Lack of access from I-15 had made it difficult to get to this casino and its great 75-cent hot dogs in the sports book.

Q: Has Hennessey's on the Las Vegas Strip reopened?

There's a new Hennessey's Downtown, near the big red Fremont Street Experience parking garage. The joint makes powerhouse Bloody Marys that come with a giant stalk of celery for $5.75.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.