It's been a long time coming, but Nevada's statewide gambling win logged a 13.9 percent increase in the February year-over-year comparison, the first double-digit gain since July 2007. More encouraging yet for Las Vegas, Strip casinos reported a 32.9 percent increase. The result was somewhat expected, because of big events such as the Super Bowl and Chinese New Year driving visitation, but it was better than anticipated. Coupled with an increase in visitors compared to this point in 2009, Las Vegas is seeing the first signs of improving business in many months. Far from out of the woods, however, and leading into the slower summer months, the casinos are likely to continue to offer the deeply discounted room rates that have been prevalent over the past year.

COSMO DINING: Most of the restaurants slated for the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, set to open later this year, have been announced. High-end eateries specializing in Greek, Spanish, Italian and "Euro-Sino" cuisine are on the roster, with many coming out of New York, including the Las Vegas version of the Blue Ribbon Brasserie.

PIZZA & BEER: Meanwhile, downtown's Binion's Casino is keeping it real with one of the city's best deals: a pizza with one topping and a pitcher of beer for $10. The pizza is a 16-inch square thin-crust and the pitcher is one of those big 60-ouncers that you can fill with MGD or Miller Lite. Separately, the combo would cost $27.45. It's available 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays and 10 to 1 a.m. weekends in Benny's Bullpen.

HIKING HIKE: The Bureau of Land Management has instituted the first fee increase at Red Rock Canyon in more than 10 years. For the first time, bikers and hikers entering the 13-mile scenic drive about 20 miles west of Las Vegas will be charged $3 for a day pass. The charge for a car has also been increased by $2 to $7.

Q: Are there any Caribbean Stud games left in Las Vegas?

A: This game has definitely lost market share, but it can still be found in a few casinos, including the Excalibur, Venetian, Palazzo and Flamingo.

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