I would also get rid of the Google ads as that room could be dedicated to more revenue generating possibilities such as ads for casinos or poker rooms or a special promo or something.
Also, instead of having people search for something right when they get to your site (the search box is above the fold), why not present visitors with interesting information that they may enjoy. It’s always easier for a visitor to just click on something rather than have to search for something right off the bat. I think most of us are lazy that way. 
Mark