Woke up this mornin’, got yourself a slot …

It won't be a ribbon-cutting; it will be a ribbon-whacking.

Actor James Gandolfini, who portrayed crime family boss Tony Soprano in the popular Home Box Office series "The Sopranos," is scheduled to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Global Gaming Expo, Nov. 13-15, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Aristocrat Technologies is unveiling a Sopranos-themed slot machine during the trade show.

In the recently completed final season of "The Sopranos," a trip to Las Vegas by Tony Soprano was a key plot element during one of the last episodes.

Birthdays are a time for reflecting on the past and looking to the future. That's what happened at the El Cortez last week as owner Jackie Gaughan celebrated his 87th birthday.

Gaughan, the Nebraska refugee who amassed a fortune and an army of loyal customers since he purchased the El Cortez in 1961, shook hands with old friends and visitors during a small party on the casino floor. Well-wishers included guests using wheelchairs and walkers to approach Gaughan and thank him for decades of customer service.

Gaughan isn't in the casino as much as he used to be. Michael Gaughan, Jackie's son and owner of the South Point, recently said his dad will sell much of his interest to other El Cortez insiders.

Michael Gaughan said the pending sale won't change the El Cortez. He stressed there are no plans to put the property on the open market.

But Gaughan and other El Cortez partners are not standing pat. During the birthday party they announced a timeline for the renovation of the 29,000 square-foot Ogden House, a nearby tower that houses El Cortez guests.

The new Ogden House will use 1950s-style elements, such as bright plaster and steel awnings, and will be a significant upgrade from its current state.

The renovation is expected to finish early next year. It's part of a series of improvements stemming from about a $20 million investment in the property in recent years.

Los Angeles-based SBE Entertainment took over ownership of the Sahara in August and the company, which is controlled by Southern California entrepreneur Sam Nazarian, is still formulating ideas for the Strip resort.

In an e-mail, SBE spokesman Michael Doneff said the company's hotel group is deep into the process.

"We are doing a fair amount of interim improvements to the existing Sahara property, including décor, menus, service, maintenance, operations, etc. And it's showing in room rates and casino operations," Doneff said.

The Inside Gaming column is compiled by Review-Journal gaming and tourism writers Howard Stutz, Benjamin Spillman and Arnold M. Knightly. Send your tips about the gaming and tourism industry to insidegaming@reviewjournal.com.