Facing record decline, many in the casi­no and gambling industry are turning to direct marketing in hopes of winning big. Big Las Vegas hotels, including Harrah's and MGM Grand, have dropped their room rates and are offering all-inclusive packages to drive traffic in their casinos and get cus­tomers to gamble.

Luxury footwear brand Cole Haan is brushing up on tennis and direct marketing for its spring 2009 campaign. Tennis sensation Maria Sharapova is the new face of Cole Haan's marketing efforts, which will focus on the integration of Nike Air Flywire technology in Cole Haan prod­ucts.

Journal Communications Inc., publishers of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, announced today it lost $223 million, or $4.46 per share, during the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with a profit of $9.5 million, or 15 cents per share, in the same quarter in 2007.

Wine and spirit companies are taking advantage of new iPhone applications to give consumers information not only on product reviews, but where to find their products while enjoying a night out. The efforts are part of a growing push by marketers to reach consumers through mobile applications.

Integrated Business Services has introduced the Active Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) Sufferers at Home list to the market. This list is composed of individuals or families who are affected by acid reflux disease.

Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System wanted to reach businesses that hire commerical cleaning services with a message beyond looking clean. So they launched an integrated campaign that brought germs to life through characters such as Missy Coli, Sal and Ann Monella and Mike Robe.

Publishers of business-to-business magazines and Web sites say brand diversification will help them beat the economic downturn and budget squeeze.

Quick, a show of hands: How many of you recommend using e-mail to market to business-to-business prospects and customers? I suspect there are plenty of hands now in the air. According to a DMA "Power of Direct" study, the ROI for commercial e-mail marketing averages $45.65.

New Selects - Acuity Education - College / University Students - Act One Mailing List Services - Description: This file contains college and university students at their home and school addresses.

New List - Buyers 360 Grow Your Money Expo - Focus USA - Description: This file contains people who attend financial programs and seminars and want to increase their annual revenue through real estate ventures and business establishment.

New List - Integrity Direct Daily Living - List Services Corporation - Description: This file contains people who have bought worship and religious music and other religious items from Integrity

New List - BBC Knowledge - Evergreen Marketing - Description: This file contains subscribers of BBC Knowledge, a magazine devoted to information regarding science, history and nature.