Two slots-only casinos opened with little fanfare on the outskirts of Las Vegas last week — both part of Station Casinos' "Wildfire Casino" brand. Wildfire Casino & Lanes is about five miles east of the Strip on Sunset Road and Wildfire Boulder is even farther from the city on South Boulder Highway. Both follow the "locals-friendly" model, offering food bargains along with pool tables and other games. Wildfire Casino & Lanes also boasts an 18-lane state-of-the-art bowling venue.

TAXI RATES RISE: With a unanimous vote by the Nevada Taxicab Authority, taxi rides in the Las Vegas area will cost 20 cents more per mile beginning July 6. Also imposed was a 25 cents-per-mile fuel surcharge (making it a true 45 cents extra per mile) that can be revoked if gas prices fall below a certain threshold — or increased if they go higher.

ALIANTE OPENING: The opening date for the probable next major casino to debut in Las Vegas has been announced. The North Las Vegaslocated Aliante Station will open on Nov. 11 at 11:11 p.m. That's 11/11,11:11 if you hadn't noticed.

TASTING MARTORANO: Café Martorano at the Rio is one of Las Vegas' best and most trendy Italian restaurants, but it's just a bit pricey. To address that, a new happy hour has been established from 6 to 8 p.m. daily except Mondays, with half-price appetizers and martinis.

LADIES' PLAYS: Here are a couple of recent additions for the girls. On Tuesdays at the Las Vegas Hilton, ladies specials include 50 percent off the spa from noon to 6 p.m., 50 percent off sushi in Teru Sushi from 6 to 9 p.m., and free drinks in Tempo from 6 to 9 p.m. Ladies also drink free well or domestic beer from 9 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Club Madrid in Sunset Station.

Q. Was there another Las Vegas casino fire recently?

A. Yes, but nothing like the Monte Carlo fire last February. A fire last month damaged much of the Speedway casino in North Las Vegas and caused the evacuation and closure of the entire property. The casino has since reopened, with the hotel scheduled to resume operations any day.

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