Midwest Gaming and Destinations - January 2017

2017 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

WIN A VIP CASINO GETAWAY...VOTE TODAY! PAGE 30 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 VOL. 19, ISSUE 1 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

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WIN BIG! PAGE 9

SENSATIONAL SUITES: HIGH ROLLER STATUS PAGE 6

CASINO COURTESY: MIND YOUR MANNERS

PAGE 18

DOLLY PARTON AMERICAN ICON SHINES BRIGHT PAGE 14

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

Happy New Year!

We are excited to kick off our 19th year of publishing Gaming and Destinations. Since the beginning, our number one goal has been to provide the best in gaming and the best in life for our readers. By publishing great articles, destination suggestions and winning tips we hope we have accomplished that goal and that you enjoy reading each issue as much as we enjoy producing them!

We are also excited to begin 2017 with American Icon Dolly Parton on the front cover.

Ever since her humble upbringing in Sevier County, Tennessee, she has beaten the odds in everything she has attempted and is one of the world’s biggest success stories. Accruing a net worth of over $400 million, her success has never gone to her head as she has stayed true to her roots and has always extended a helping hand to those in need. The recent wild fires in the Smokey Mountains that ravaged hundreds of homes, businesses and part of her resort and theme park, Dollywood, proved once again why the Queen of Country is loved by so many. She immediately stepped up and offered assistance to displaced families and hosted an all-star telethon where 100% of the proceeds benefited the victims of the fires. We are honored to have her on the cover and featured on page 10.

Also with the new year brings resolutions and intentions to change our lifestyles and bad habits for the better. It is also a great time to 2

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evaluate your gaming behaviors. What kind of player are you? Do you know the proper protocol when playing craps? Or if you are supposed to tip when you hit a jackpot? What about when the proper time is to ‘color up’ your chips in blackjack? Well, we’ve got you covered with John Brokopp’s Casino Courtesy article on page 18. He gives you a great run down that will make you look like a seasoned gamer on your next visit.

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

This issue also kicks off the voting for our annual Readers’ Choice Awards, one of our biggest, and most important, promotions of the year. Each year, thousands of gaming enthusiasts vote for their favorite casinos in various categories including rooms, table games, dining and more for their chance to win a great VIP getaway to the casino of their choice.

Once the votes are tallied and the winners declared, we will publish the results in the May issue and on our web-site. So, don’t delay, vote today with the ballot on page 30, or online at GamingandDestinations.com, and you will be entered to win the Casino Getaway!

Voting ends February 28th so don’t miss out!

Good luck!

Cathy Rutland

Are you a member of The Comps Club? If not, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss the chance to get coupons and special offers to casinos and our partners from around the country, plus six issues of Gaming and Destinations delivered straight to your inbox…all for just $29! Or, get the magazine subscription only, without coupons, for just $20! Fill out the subscription card on page 9, or go to TheCompsClub.com for more information and start winning today!

Happy New Year you all and as always, if you can’t be good…be lucky!

Larry Bisig LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Hill Harcourt (Ashton Advertising) CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Linda Boyd John Brokopp Erin Grothie Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Terry Parrett Frank Scoblete Henry Tamburin Matt Willinger GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

640 South Fourth Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (502) 583-0333 Fax (502) 583-6487 e-mail: editor@gaminganddestinations.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the ever-growing popularity of the gaming industry and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest.

Gaming and Destinations is published for those who seek the best in gaming and in life, and is produced bimonthly

by Gaming Media Group Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2015 by Gaming Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. This publication is printed by Publisher’s Printing Co., Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.

Opinions of columnists are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor does Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers.

POSTMASTER:

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

Send address changes

to Gaming and Destinations, 640 South Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.

Cover photo courtesy of Webster PR

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

10 Dolly Parton: American Icon Shines Bright

How a girl from Tennessee beat the odds.

WINNING TIPS & STRATEGIES

HIGHLIGHTS & HOTSPOTS

22 Craps:

26 Poker at

23 Blackjack:

FEATURE ARTICLES

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Sensational Suite Life:

A look into the lavish accommodations of a high roller.

Top Moments & Miracles A recap of past Super Bowl moments and some miracles that made them.

18 Casino Courtesy:

Playing Your Hand Correctly

24 Video Poker:

14 Super Bowl Star Power:

Simple Answers

Potawatomi Casino:

The most famous name in poker comes to Wisconsin.

28 Casino Directory:

Our preferred properties and attractions.

Machine Malfunctions

25 Poker:

Final Table Strategy

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14

18

30

Mind Your Manners

A reminder of proper etiquette in the casino.

30 2017 Readers’ Choice

Awards Voting Ballot:

Cast your vote for your favorite casinos for a chance to WIN BIG!

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Find us on Facebook

@MidwestCasinos G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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FACTS & FUN STUFF SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

DID YOU KNOW

1

?

WHERE WAS DOLLY PARTON BORN? a. Knoxville, Tennessee b. Sevier County, Tennessee c. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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d. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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WHO HAS THE MOST TOUCHDOWN CATCHES IN SUPER BOWL HISTORY? a. Jerry Rice b. Randy Moss c. Larry Fitzgerald d. Steve Largent

THE ‘EARLY SPRING’ This cocktail may be a bit premature for Spring, but once you try it, you’ll understand why it is featured as the Drink of the Issue! We found it at the restaurant Ward 426 in Louisville, Kentucky where specialty cocktails are a plenty. This one is the creation of bartender Christine Puryear as a seasonal cocktail on their featured list. With a gin base and hint of Aloe liquor, this combination of flavors provides a refreshing, light taste with a slight mint flavor and a crisp aroma. To add to the ambiance of the drink, the drink is served with an ice ball that has a Nasturium Flower frozen inside of it. The ingredients are rare, but take the time to find them, and you’ll be glad you did.

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a. 666 b. 422 c. 777 d. 373

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WHAT IS THE NICKNAME CASINOS USE TO DESCRIBE THE SUPER HIGH ROLLERS IN A CASINO? a. Star Player b. Hippo c. Whale d. Black Chipper

WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF GETTING A PAIR IN A FIVE CARD HAND? a. 62% b. 50% c. 42%

ANSWERS: 1. B, 2. A, 3. C, 4. A, 5. C

WARD 426 RESTAURANT (LOUISVILLE, KY)

WHAT IS THE SUM OF ALL OF THE NUMBERS ON A ROULETTE WHEEL?

d. 27%

Languages in which the Super Bowl is broadcast

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Ingredients: • 1.5 oz. Magellan Gin • .5 oz Chareau Aloe Liqueur • 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice • 1.5 oz Simple Syrup • 1 Nasturtium Flower frozen inside an ice ball mold.

Directions: Combine ingredients in a glass and pour over the ice ball. To make the ice ball, purchase an ice ball mold, fill it ¾ of the way, and freeze it overnight. Open mold and fill the rest of the way, placing the flower on the ice mold. Freeze again until solid throughout.

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837 Number of consecutive sold out shows by Elvis Presley at the Las Vegas Hilton.

1.25 Billion 41

Teams that have never made the Super Bowl: Jaguars, Browns, Texans and Lions.

Chicken wings consumed in the U.S. on Super Bowl Sunday

Number of Top 10 albums

by Dolly Parton

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GM Grand Detroit is a must-see if you are in the Detroit area. As with any MGM-owned property, you will find attention to detail and a luxurious resort style and ambiance throughout.

They boast the only Forbes Four-Star hotel in Detroit with the only Forbes Four-Star spa in Michigan. The AAA Four Diamond Award-winning MGM Grand Detroit is the city’s first and only downtown hotel, gaming and entertainment destination built from the ground up. The hotel features 400 chic and stylish guest rooms, including nine rooftop VIP suites and 56 opulent corner suites. Guests enjoy signature restaurants, two by world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, as well as the hotel’s own sports pub, TAP at MGM Grand Detroit; casual dining options; lounges; high-energy nightlife; and the only resort-style spa in Southeast Michigan.

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The main suites are 1,000 square feet with a grand marble entryway that opens to a small living room and sofa sitting area. Everything is at your fingertips including One Touch electronic drape closure for the wrap-around windows.

There is a deep soaking whirlpool tub, two 55-inch wall mounted plasma TVs and more. The suite price starts at $499 and also has a separate hotel entrance, including concierge level with fullservice staff.

Island Resort & Casino Harris, Michigan Island Resort & Casino is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula premier casino and golf resort. When you claim that title, you better be ready to back it up, and they do time and time again. Whether you settle into a massage at the state-ofthe-art Drift Spa, dine at one of their lavish, or casual, restaurants, or play golf at the award-winning Sweetgrass Golf Course, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing getaway--including suites!

Island Resort & Casino – Harris, Michigan

The studio suites are 800 square feet and the Presidential Suite stretches to over 1,620. The studio has a separate seating area, plush couch, coffee table, plush armchair, pub table and chairs, mini refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker, 40-inch TV and a contemporary décor. Plus, the full size master bathroom with jetted tub and separate shower offers plenty of private space.

Additional amenities include a separate vanity area with a stand-alone make-up mirror and deluxe bath products.

The Presidential Suite offers a couch, plush armchair, coffee table, fireplace, 42-inch TV, dining table with 6 chairs and plush his and her robes. The kitchen features the luxuries of your home kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, flattop stove, stainless steel sinks and more. The two full-size master bathrooms with jetted tubs and separate showers are nice features as well.

Additional amenities include a separate vanity area with make-up mirror and deluxe bath products and 2 king size beds along with 40-inch TVs in each bedroom. The suites can be comped for high rollers, but can also be rented for as low as $175 for the Studio suites and $500 for the Presidential. “Guests love these rooms. They love the way the floor plan is setup on both room types. It gives them some room to spread out and enjoy the luxury that the suites provide.

We have guests that will only stay in ‘their suites’ as it feels like a home away from home,” commented a property representative. “The presidential suite is great for small bachelor and bachelorette groups as well as smaller special occasion celebrations or a girls night out. It also allows our guests a place to retreat to after all the excitement on the gaming floor.”

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – Biloxi, Mississippi

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, Mississippi Beau Rivage is known to offer the best of everything. Their lavish atrium featuring fresh flower arrangements and natural light welcomes guests as they arrive at another world. Across from the main check-in area, the resort features a separate room for invited guests to check in and get everything arranged for their stay. The room features couches, premium coffees and teas, and even has its own set of elevators to whisk you away to your room. The Beau Rivage is the tallest building in Mississippi, and coincidentally, as their premium suite is located on the top floor, they also have the highest suite in the state! The Beau Chene Terrace offers unmatched views of the Gulf of Mexico and the City of Biloxi and offers all the luxuries one could imagine. You won’t find it on the property web site or advertised in Southern Gaming, as it is truly a hidden gem reserved for the highest players or for special occasions. Sprawling over 2,482 square feet located on a key access floor, guests are greeted by a marble entrance and will also enjoy a wet bar, dining room with place settings, two master bedrooms, separate his and her steam showers with a soaking whirlpool

and more. Plus, a private landscaped terrace with plush lounge furniture overlooking the Gulf of Mexico adds the perfect touch to making this the best kept secret in Mississippi!

Gold Strike Casino Resort Tunica, Mississippi When you are at the Gold Strike, you know you are in good hands. Whether you are feasting at Chicago Steakhouse or relaxing in the spa, every guest is treated like a high roller. When it comes to accommodations, they hit the high roller status there too. The property features two lavish presidential suites that are each over 1,900 square feet and have Jacuzzi tubs for two, one and a half bathrooms, a large seating area, and dining area for groups to hang out before heading to the casino. The spacious bedroom and 50-inch TV give you plenty of space and the great views from high above the rolling Mississippi River are amazing. You can stay here for $800-$2,500, or play high enough and it’s yours! “The suite offers spectacular views of the majestic Mississippi River and all of the features of home, including marble foyer and bathrooms, separate shower and Jacuzzi tub. The suite is large enough to allow for guests to entertain and have additional guests G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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stay in the adjacent bedroom,” remarked Cray Collins, Director of Hotel Operations.

Hollywood Casino Tunica Tunica, Mississippi You know a place named Hollywood knows how to treat you like a star!

Everywhere you turn you will find another shining piece of movie memorabilia ranging from the Batmobile to costumes worn by the movie stars. The property features two towers--one has five floors with rooms overlooking the casino floor, the other has eight floors with rooms overlooking the indoor pool or River Bend Golf Course--and you won’t be disappointed with either! The ultimate high roller suites offer 500 square feet and feature Jacuzzi tubs; separate living rooms and dining rooms, and some have poolside patios or balconies. While these upgrades are typically reserved for comped guests, they are occasionally available starting at $229, so not totally out of the question when it comes to living it up right!

Wind Creek Resort Wetumpka, Alabama This property is one of three under the Wind Creek umbrella and is located just north of Montgomery, Alabama, and just a couple of hours from Atlanta. The property--with 20 floors and nearly 300 rooms--opened in 2013 and has seen nothing but success since. Featuring five restaurants, a resort-style pool with private cabanas and more, you know their suites and options for high rollers are going to be exquisite. The Penthouse stretches over roughly 4,542 square feet and rivals just about anything in Las Vegas. The interior and exterior space is 1,200 square feet while the main floor of the Penthouse is 1,700 square feet.

Other than to go to the casino, you 8

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Margaritaville Resort Casino – Bossier City, Louisiana really never have to leave, as you’ll find everything you need at your fingertips.

Sleek marble countertops accent the kitchen and bar areas and a large dining area table that seats 10 makes for great entertaining. A fireplace for the interior and exterior is on the main floor and master suite areas. There is even an elevator from the main floor to the master suite floor that features a game room with billiards, gaming consoles, multiple televisions, a private exercise room with a teak dry sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi with waterfall and more. This might be the nicest suite in the South and is available for $3,000 per night or for comped guests at a minimum of $500 per night.

Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City, Louisiana We realize that Shreveport-Bossier City is located in Northwestern Louisiana, but when you step into Margaritaville, you’ll feel like you’re in Key West,

Florida, and ready to get some boat drinks! The lobby welcomes you into a tropical paradise with exotic plants and trees with background music of Jimmy Buffet and similar genres. The open floor plan makes for a comfortable casino experience and fun bars are located throughout the property. But when it comes time for a suite experience, you’ve come to the right place. The suites are between 900 and 950 square feet and feature vibrant colors, spacious sitting areas and separate dining and living rooms. As with most suites, these are usually held on a comped player basis; but if you are lucky enough to find one, they run around $300 per night and are worth every penny. “Our guests love the luxury of our Presidential Suite.

Every need is taken into account, from luxurious bedding to gorgeous views from the exclusive wrap-around balcony.

We offer the finest suites in ShreveportBossier,” said a property representative.

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A M ER ICA’ S S W EE T H E A R T by

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TE R RY PA R R E T T

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t ’s a lw ay s a plea su re when someone you think you know well surprises you with hidden talents, unexpected strengths and depth of character. It’s especially nice when that person was someone you really liked in the first place. In the case of Dolly Parton, it is even nicer still when you discover that she’s shared her success with so many people, truly earning her the title of “America’s Sweetheart.” Historically, she has been known for her compassion and outreach to great organizations and causes, so naturally she was one of the first to step up the fund-raising efforts to help with the recent Smokey Mountain fires.

Photo Courtesy: AP Photos/John Rooney

In the wake of the wildfires, which devastated the Smoky Mountain communities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Parton first announced that families in the area who were affected by the fires would be provided with $1,000 per month--any family who lost their primary residence would be eligible for the program. She then announced that she would be joined in the effort by country luminaries such as Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers and Alison Krauss in “Smoky Mountains Rise”--a 3-hour telethon to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s “My People Fund.” The event aired on December 13th, and it was a tremendous success as 100% of the proceeds went to the efforts.

They are still accepting donations at www.dollywoodfoundation.org.

Even casual fans probably know of Dolly’s upbringing in rural Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children who lived with their parents in a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Dolly began her career early on, singing and playing a homemade guitar in performances at her church. By her own account, she began writing songs at the age of seven, and to date she estimates she has written over 3,000 songs. Her first record company, Monument Records, tried to steer her toward pop music rather than country, as company executives didn’t feel her voice was suited for country music. Surprisingly, her first country single was one of the few songs she recorded that she hadn’t written, but the success of the song, “Dumb Blonde,” followed by her second single, “Something Fishy,” led to a stint as a featured performer on Porter Wagoner’s syndicated TV show, and the beginning

of a fruitful professional relationship between Parton and Wagoner. The Country Music Association named Parton and Wagoner “Vocal Group of the Year” in 1968, and over the next few years, they released a string of top ten singles. Dolly finally found solo success in 1973 with her single, “Jolene,” and by 1975 she and Wagoner parted ways. Fittingly, one of Parton’s biggest songwriting successes, the monster hit “I Will Always Love You,” was written about her professional break-up with Wagoner.

After Dolly and Porter went their separate ways, she began to once again test the waters of pop music, and over the next

decade, Parton topped both the country and pop charts, both as a solo artist, and in collaborations with artists like Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and others. During these years, Parton toured worldwide and began expanding her fan bases, appearing on television specials and 2 self-titled series as well as hit movies like “9 to 5” and “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” Parton continued to write, for herself as well as other performers, and eventually she adapted her film “9 to 5” into a Broadway musical.

It’s another sign of Dolly’s versatility that she is in a very select group of performers

who have been nominated for all 4 major entertainment awards, the so-called EGOT--Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. Of course, along the way Dolly has also earned countless music industry awards: 8 Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy; 25 Gold, Platinum or Multi-Platinum records; 3 American Music Awards; 7 Academy of Country Music Awards; 10 CMAs; a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame”; multiple songwriting Halls of Fame inductions; and in 2005 a National Medal of Arts awarded by then-President George W. Bush. This was followed in 2006 by Dolly receiving the “Kennedy Center Honors” for her lifetime contribution to music and the arts.

In 1986 she expanded her entertainment empire by buying a stake in an amusement park in her hometown of Pigeon Forge. At the time, the park was known as “Silver Dollar City,” but as part of the deal, the park was renamed “Dollywood.” When Parton came on board, the park was a modest regional amusement park, but by 2010, the park had doubled in size, and is currently the largest employer in the area, with over 3,000 people on the payroll. In the years since Dolly first came on board, the original amusement park has been joined by a water park, “Dollywood’s Splash Country”; a luxury resort, “Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort”; and a dinner theater experience, “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Show,” which boasts a four-course dinner served while diners watch 30 live horses and riders perform amazing stunts, along with special effects, musical numbers and more. Parton has expanded her brand of wholesome family entertainment into Branson, Missouri, as well with the opening of a second location of the Dixie Stampede franchise. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see another location or two open in the future.

Dolly’s success hasn’t just touched the lives of those who are employed at her tourist attractions. In 1995 she launched “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” whose original purpose was to provide books to preschool children in her home county in eastern Tennessee. Each month the organization mailed high quality, ageappropriate books to children enrolled G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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in the program. By 2000 the program was so popular she offered it to any community willing to partner with her.

To date, there are over 1,600 offshoots of the original group, providing free books to over 1 million children every month.

Readers interested in getting involved in the program, or even starting a local chapter, can visit www.imaginationlibrary. com. Her charitable endeavors also include efforts to preserve the American bald eagle via a sanctuary at Dollywood, which earned her an award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as work on behalf of a hospital and cancer center in Sevierville, Tennessee.

In 1989 Parton appeared in the film adaptation of the stage play, “Steel Magnolias,” and her performance, as well as the film itself, received much critical acclaim. To some it may have seemed surprising that Parton was able to hold her own acting alongside much more experienced actresses such as Sally Field and Shirley MacLaine. Digging a little deeper, though, it seems that this was the role Parton was born to play, as she is the very definition of a Steel Magnolia.

Throughout her career, it has always been easy to view Parton as simply a pretty face and voice, and yet, hidden in plain sight has always been the ultimate feminine feminist--a woman totally in charge of her career and her destiny. Parton has been able to build a multi-faceted entertainment empire, one that will certainly be around long after Dolly herself has gone to her reward. Unlike many entertainers who are hugely successful and somehow manage to die broke, Parton’s combination of song royalties, tourist attractions, film and television residuals, etc., will continue to bring her millions for years to come. As of 2016, Parton’s fortune is estimated at $650 million, making her, not only one of the most successful country performers of all time, but one of the highest net worth entertainers alive.

An interesting insight into Parton’s business acumen concerns another music legend, Elvis Presley. In 1974 the King was very interested in recording a version of “I Will Always Love You,” and contacted Parton. During the course of negotiations, Elvis’ manager, the colorful and crafty Colonel Tom Parker, made it known to Parton that whenever Presley covered a song, it was standard procedure for Presley 12

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to be assigned half of the rights to that song. Dolly refused, and in the following years, this decision was worth millions to Parton. Whitney Houston’s version of the song became one of the best-selling singles of all time, selling over 20 million copies. Turning down Parker’s offer shows an amazing amount of foresight and confidence in her own talent. It’s hard to imagine too many other songwriters who wouldn’t have leapt at the chance to work with Elvis, even in light of the unfavorable terms offered by the Colonel. That Dolly was able to resist the Colonel’s Faustian deal shows how much Steel really is under that beautiful southern Magnolia.

Dolly and Kenny Rogers sang many duets together.

Dolly’s business empire also included a film and television production company, Sandollar Productions, which she coowned with Sandy Gallin, her former manager. The company produced an Academy Award winning documentary, “Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt,” as well as the highly successful TV series, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and films including “Father of the Bride” and “Sabrina.” Currently Parton’s newest TV production company is “Dixie Pixie Productions,” which has produced 2 highly popular autobiographical TV movies, “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love,” both of which focus on the importance faith and family played in Parton’s early years.

Parton’s private life has occasionally been the subject of rumor and innuendo, but in fact Parton has been married to Carl Dean since 1966. The couple is rarely photographed together, and according to Dolly, her husband has only seen her perform once in all the time they’ve been together. The couple has no children, although she and Dean did help raise some of Parton’s younger siblings in Nashville.

Parton is also godmother to pop singer Miley Cyrus. Their recent appearance together on an episode of NBC’s “The Voice” caused a sensation, as Dolly and Miley teamed up with the a cappella group “Pentatonix” for a stunning rendition of Parton’s solo hit “Jolene.” No doubt Miley is taking note of her godmother’s business acumen as the younger star broadens her own entertainment business into all aspects of film, television and music.

In 2016 Dolly embarked on a North American tour in support of her 43rd studio album, “Pure and Simple,” a pareddown reworking of some of her greatest hits. The tour is her most far-reaching in 25 years, with venues all across the U.S. and Canada. The tour kicked off in North Carolina in June, with stops in venues such as the Hard Rock Rocksino and Horseshoe casinos in Ohio, Grand Casino Hinckley in Minnesota, and wrapping up in Oklahoma with 2 performances at the WinStar World Casino. Fans attending the show can expect to see many of their favorite songs, including at least a few that haven’t been “heard live for decades,” according to Dolly’s website. She’ll also be performing a few new songs from the “Pure and Simple” album, ensuring that fans both new and long-time will be satisf ied. While no further tour information has been announced for 2017 or further, fans that missed the “Pure and Simple” tour can take hope in something Parton said in an interview that touched on her 70th birthday. The interviewer asked when Dolly was planning on retiring. Dolly replied, “I’ll never retire.

I wouldn’t know what to do. I’m excited every day. I still love it”.

And judging by her continued success, her fans still love her too.

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Joe Montana drops back for a pass in Super Bowl XXIII. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

S U PE R B OW L F L A S H B AC K : M E MOR A BL E MOM E N T S & M I R ACL E S by

A

s this year’s Super Bowl quickly approaches, we are

excited to provide you with a

M AT T W I L L I N G E R

will perform the halftime show. There are

always great moments in any big game, but the Super Bowl is something special. The

look back at some of the most memorable

on and off field excitement is building and

championship game. From coming up a

Montana’s 92 Yard Drive to Victory San Fran 20, Cincinnati 16 January 22, 1989

moments in the history of the NFL’s

bit short to game winning catches, we’ve got the full rundown. This year’s big game, Super Bowl LI, will be held in Houston,

we can’t wait to see what this year holds.

Texas, at NRG Stadium on February 5,

The San Francisco 49ers history books

has hosted the game (previous games were

Joe Montana. This one comes in as one of

2017. It will mark the third time Houston

Super Bowl VIII in 1974 and XXXVIII in 2004.) The game will be televised by

Fox and is headlined by Lady Gaga who 14

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

are chalked full of magical moments from

the biggest and arguably Montana’s most famous drives in his quest for Super Bowl victory number three. With just a few

minutes left in Super Bowl XXIII against

the Cincinnati Bengals, and trailing 16-13, Montana drove his team 92 yards with perfect execution.

With completions of eight yards to Roger Craig, seven yards to tight end John Frank and seven yards to Jerry Rice, they began their march down the field. Rice and Craig each had two more important passes to help get the 49ers to the 10-yard line with 0:34 left on the clock. Then on second and 3, Montana found wide receiver John Taylor in the end zone for the game winning touchdown.

Pittsburgh’s Perfect Interception and Reception Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23 February 1, 2009 This Super Bowl match-up pitted

Pittsburgh’s iron-clad defense and high

powered offensive attack against a driven Cardinals team looking for their first Super Bowl since 1947, the longest

drought in the league. With the Steelers hungry for their sixth Lombardi trophy,

they jumped to a 17-7 halftime lead thanks to linebacker James Harrison and

his 100-yard interception return for a

touchdown to end the half. This is said to be what changed the momentum of the game in favor of Pittsburgh for the second

half. But, Arizona wasn’t finished yet and scored 16 consecutive points, including a

safety and a 64-yard touchdown reception

by Larry Fitzgerald, to take the lead with

2:37 left in the game. Then, Big Ben Roethlisberger drove his team 78-yards for

what would be one of the most memorable game winning touchdown catches ever.

With just 35 seconds left and on the 6-yard

line, Big Ben threw the perfect pass to Santonio Holmes in the back right corner

of the end zone who somehow managed

to keep two ‘toes’ in bounds giving the Pittsburgh Steelers the victory.

Butler Saves the Game – New England Patriots 28, Seattle Seahawks 24 – February 1, 2015 It looked like the Seattle Seahawks were

set to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

Qua r terback Russel l Wi lson had

masterfully orchestrated a Seattle drive to the one-yard line in Super Bowl XLIX’s

final moments. With just 20 seconds

remaining, the Seahawks were a handoff away from defending their title from

the year before. Instead, Seattle opted

to pass the ball. That’s when undrafted New England rookie Malcom Butler jumped the play, wedged himself in front

of receiver Ricardo Lockette and made

a game-saving interception. Perhaps

the biggest Super Bowl play in NFL

words: “Helmet Catch.” Super Bowl XLII featured the undefeated New

England Patriots against the New York

Giants. With just 59 seconds remaining,

quarterback Eli Manning escaped multiple defenders to heave a pass caught by a leaping David Tyree who made the catch by pressing the ball against his

helmet. The 32-yard gain kept the Giants’ hopes alive and allowed them to score

the game-winning touchdown just four

plays later. New York would stun New England 17-14 and spoil the Patriots’ bid to be the first undefeated team since the

1972 Miami Dolphins. NFL Films’ Steve

Sabol called it “the greatest play the Super

Bowl has ever produced,” while the play was also named “The Play of the Decade (2000s)” by NFL Films.

the Patriots’ 28-24 win. To this day, fans

Broadway Joe’s Guarantee NY Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7 January 12, 1969

for allowing Wilson to pass instead of just

Super Bowl III will forever be known for

Marshawn Lynch.

of watching his AFL Champion New

The Helmet Catch NY Giants 17, NE Patriots 14 February 3, 2008

fans and media alike, Broadway Joe, the

history, Butler’s interception preserved still question Seattle coach Pete Carroll

handing the ball off to star running back

You know it’s a big Super Bowl moment when you can refer to it with just two

Joe Namath’s “guarantee.” After weeks

York Jets get disrespected by football roguish quarterback whose talent was exceeded only by his swagger, brought

some welcome spice to football’s ultimate game. As Namath approached the podium

to accept an honor from the Miami Touchdown Club, a fan heckled him at his team’s chances to beat the Don

Shula coached Baltimore Colts. Namath couldn’t help but return the barb with a

quick retort of his own, saying “I’ve got

news for you. We’re going win the game. I guarantee it.” And with that one sentence,

a star was born. New York Jets coach Weeb Ewbank wasn’t too happy when

quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed the

victory. The Colts had a 15-1 record and entered the game as an 18-point favorite.

Santonio Homes makes the game winning catch in Super Bowl XLIII.

Still, that didn’t stop “Broadway” Joe G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

15

from promising his Jets would win the game. Namath’s comments were met with

widespread ridicule, but New York lived

up to his promise. Namath passed for 207 yards and Matt Snell rushed for 121 yards as the Jets flew past the Colts 16-7.

The Jets’ win validated the AFL and more importantly, the merger of the two rival

One Yard Short: St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16 January 30, 2000 Super Bowl XXXIV featured the St. Louis Rams against the Tennessee Titans in a

game that wasn’t decided until the final

remaining in Super Bowl XXV? The

47-yard attempt sailed wide right, barely

missing the uprights and giving the New York Giants a 20-19 win. For the Bills, it was the first of four straight Super Bowl losses.

LOMBARDI CARRIED OFF:

play. The Rams were called the “Greatest

The Super Bowl trophy would eventually

but the team would need a stop at the

was carried off the field on the shoulders

seal a 23-16 victory. After St. Louis took

Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs

the final moments, Tennessee frantically

Packers to three consecutive NFL

just six seconds remaining. On the final

and 1967.

England. On the last play of the game,

Jones tackled Tennessee wide receiver

Super Bowl XXIII in Miami took place

field goal split the uprights to seal Super

goal line to prevent a potential game-tying

leagues. On a grander scale, Namath’s

Show on Turf ” for their prolific offense,

bare his name. Coach Vince Lombardi

1-yard line on the final play of the game to

of his players after the Green Bay

Vinatieri’s Clutch Kick NE Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17 - February 3, 2002

the lead on a 73-yard touchdown pass in

in Super Bowl I. Lombardi led the

drove to the St. Louis 10-yard line with

championships — in 1965, 1966,

The kick that started a dynasty for New

play of the game, Rams linebacker Mike

MONTANA IN MIAMI:

Patriots’ kicker Adam Vinatieri’s 48-yard

Kevin Dyson just one yard short of the

Bowl XXXVI. Despite the Rams and

touchdown. The tackle saved the game

guarantee served as the catalyst for the

massive, unofficial national holiday event that the Super Bowl is today.

quarterback Kurt Warner being a heavy 14-point favorite, New England pulled

one of the Super Bowl’s biggest upsets, winning 20-17. It would be the first Super Bowl win for the New England Patriots

and start a run that would include three

Super Bowl wins over a four-year period.

Just two years later, Vinatieri’s leg would give the Patriots another Super Bowl when

he nailed a field goal in the final seconds to knock off the Carolina Panthers.

for the Rams and the play would live on forever in NFL history. The image of

Dyson stretching the ball towards the goal line with Jones wrapped around him just

one yard shy of a touchdown has become a staple of the NFL’s greatest highlights.

More Memorable Moments: WIDE RIGHT: Who can forget

Buffalo Bills kicker Scott Norwood’s

missed field goal with just four seconds

on January 22, 1989. Leading the 49ers 16-13 with just three minutes to play, the Cincinnati Bengals could nearly taste the championship. They forgot

about one person – Joe Montana. Under

“Joe Cool’s” guidance, Montana and San Francisco took possession at their own 8-yard line and drove a remarkable 92

yards down the field. The exclamation point came when Montana connected with receiver John Taylor for the

game-winning touchdown with just 34 seconds to play. Nearly 30 years later,

Taylor’s 10-yard touchdown is still one of the Super Bowl’s finest moments.

LIGHTS OUT IN NOLA: Super Bowl XLVII, otherwise known as the Harbaugh Bowl, is best remembered for the power outage in New Orleans’ SuperDome. San Francisco trailed

Baltimore 28-6 in the third quarter

when power was lost throughout the

stadium. The outage caused a 34-minute

Kevin Dyson comes up a yard short in Super Bowl XXXIV. 16

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

delay and, while the break enabled the

49ers to mount a surging comeback, the Ravens held on for the win.

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17

C A S I NO C OU R T E S Y:

K NOW T H E G A M E S…GE T T H E R E S U LT S . by

W

When a new year rolls around, it often brings the desire to

implement new behaviors,

resolutions and a chance for a fresh start.

For gamers, knowing the basic knowledge

of the games you are playing, and the

courtesy that comes along with it, might

be the factor in coming out ahead or not.

Being knowledgeable about the rules of the games in casinos doesn’t always mean a player is familiar with proper protocol.

Courtesy can be just as important as good strategy when it comes to making a

gambling outing an enjoyable experience.

Here is a quick rundown of proper play for you to use on your next casino.

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| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

J O H N G . B RO KO PP

Courtesy Protocol for Slot & Video Poker Players: 1. Before you sit down to play a machine, always make certain it’s not in use by looking at the credit meter and checking to see if a player’s card is inserted.

2. If you hit a hand pay jackpot, always consider tipping an especially courteous, efficient and prompt slot attendant. They count on tips as much as dealers do. One percent of your jackpot is a good rule of thumb for average players.

3. Don’t be a “Machine Hog.” Certainly when the casino is crowded it is common courtesy to restrict your play to one machine. Nothing’s more irritating than

seeing a player reaching to the left and to the right, dropping coins into neighboring machines while there are patrons walking around shopping around for just one machine to play.

4. Use caution when you go “machine hopping.” Sometimes in less crowded situations when there are lots of open machines, you see players walking around dropping in a coin here and a coin there.

Before you play a machine, always check to see if there are any coins in the tray, credits on the meter or a player’s card inserted. The machine could very well be in use and, by intruding with a play, the scene could be set for a lot of commotion.

5. Don’t use the vacant chair next to you as a footrest. The slot and video poker areas in casinos are for people to play not lounge.

Show courtesy to your fellow players by getting up from a machine that you are not playing, have no intention of playing or are finished playing when an interested slot or video poker player walks by.

6. It is accepted protocol that a slot or video poker player may “save” his or her machine for bathroom breaks by leaning a chair against the machine. But keep the break to no longer than five minutes. Players will respect your territory, and it’s just plain rude and inconsiderate to leave a machine reserved for any length of time when there are other people who’d like to play.

Courtesy Protocol for Blackjack Players: 1. Convey your playing decisions to the dealer clearly and decisively. If you wish to stand pat, make one pass of your hand, palm down, over the cards. If you want to “hit” (take a card), scratch the felt toward you with your index finger.

2. Wait until you’re ready to leave the table before you “color up” your chips, and always make the request during the shuffle. Interrupting the flow of the game with transaction and change requests is rude.

3. Avoid criticizing or ridiculing the strategy of your tablemates. It’s always best to play the game according to basic strategy, but as the man said, “It’s your money.” If you don’t agree with the decisions another player is making, simply remain silent or just move to another table.

4. Don’t hog the table by “guarding” your space with elbows and arms or using the vacant chair next to you as a footrest.

There should be room for everyone to play comfortably.

5. Remember to tip a courteous, friendly dealer. You may place a chip outside of your betting circle. When you win, the dealer wins. You may also opt to place the chip on top of your own bet and start a parlay for the dealer, a method called “riding the train.”

Courtesy Protocol for Craps Players: 1. Craps, more than any other casino game, is filled with superstition. Never, EVER, talk about the number “seven” or even cheer for it on the come out roll.

It is a word that quite simply is not said or talked about. If craps players could read minds, it’s also something that is never even thought about. That’s why it is referred to as “big red” or “red” by anyone who wishes to play it as a proposition bet.

2. Keep your hands out of the pit when the stickman is ready to push the dice to the shooter. Dealers are often heard to admonish players with the warning “hands high.” If the dice happen to hit your hand and seven out, you’ll probably wish you were never born.

3. Don’t toss in chips and call instructions to the dealer haphazardly. The dealers take instructions from players in order. They have plenty to do, calculate and think about. You’ll get your timing down once you become familiar with things. The dealers will let you know if you speak out

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

19

of turn. Many experienced dealers will even anticipate your moves once they pick up on your playing method.

4. Learn the proper method for tossing in chips. If you throw them wrong, they’ll roll all over the layout and create havoc for the stickman and dealers. Hold the chip(s) between your thumb and index finger and “spin” them onto the layout. They won’t roll and in many cases the stickman will catch them in midair and set your wager.

5. Don’t be a table hog. There should be room for seven or eight players on each half of the table. If you’re spread out all over the place with elbows resting in the rails on either side of you, you are being inconsiderate to others who may want to join the game.

6. Learn to throw the dice correctly. Hold the cubes in ONE hand and toss them underhanded to the back wall where they will bounce against the padded textured surface. If the dice fly off the table, the roll is invalid, and many superstitious players will take their bets down on the next roll fearing the dice hitting the floor is an omen of an impending seven out.

7. Don’t be afraid to tip courteous and helpful dealers, especially when things are going well. There are many ways to 20

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

tip craps dealers: Proposition bets, place bets, pass bets with odds, etc. If you want to make a dollar bet on the hard eight for both you and the dealers, just toss in the chips and announce to the stickman a “2-way on the hard eight.” He’ll know to position your chip in the appropriate place and place the dollar dealer chip in the center. You can make a line bet for the dealers yourself (if you lay odds for them they gleefully announce “dealers have shoes”), or even a place bet by announcing your intentions to the dealer. Dealers always love to be “in the game.”

Courtesy Protocol for Roulette Players: 1. The most important and the most abused rule: DON’T pick up winning chips from the layout or start to make bets on the next spin until the dealer has settled all winning bets AND has picked up the marker off the winning number. Even players who know this sometimes have a memory lapse, but the dealer is quick with a stern admonition.

2. Don’t take roulette chips away from the table when you are finished playing and don’t tip cocktail waitresses with them (they’ll let you know if you do!). Roulette chips only have value at the roulette wheel

you are playing. They are not negotiable casino checks that you can bring to the cashier.

3. Don’t hog your space at the roulette wheel. Keep your chips in front of you and don’t spread yourself all over the table.

There should be room for six or seven people to play comfortably.

4. Show courtesy to your fellow players when placing your wagers. Sometimes when the table is crowded there can be a lot of hands and arms moving in the layout when it’s open for betting. Just make your moves at the right time and in turn and everything will be fine. The dealer has a good sense of the tempo of the game and will know when it’s time to drop the ball.

5. It’s customary to tip the dealer a chip or two after you’ve won a 35-to-1 bet straight up on a number or you’ve done particularly well. You can toss in roulette chips and the dealer will convert them to casino checks and drop them in the “toke” box. You may also make a bet for the dealer and announce your intentions.

Some players will ask the dealer what his or her lucky number is. Nothing makes a roulette dealer happier than to win a 35-to-1 tip bet!

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21

PLAYER STRATEGY

CRAPS: Simple Answers We face a new year ahead of us, the number 2017. For me such a date is the equivalent of living in a science fiction novel of my childhood; home computers, smart phones with video and photography, laptops, and a host of other sci-fi technology.

And casinos, which at this writing number some one thousand that are spread out over 50 states.

For people hungry to be fed a meal of odds and adrenaline today is the day we court Lady Luck with some simple questions and answers about the casinos’ most exciting game of craps.

Simple Question: I was betting at a 10X odds game and when I asked for a comp I was given one that was much lower than what I was betting. I used a $10 line and come bet and backed it with full odds but my comp was not based on $110. How come?

Simple Answer: Almost always the casinos will not count any bet where the house does not have the edge. Your $10 line and come bets face a 1.41 percent house edge and you will be comped on that; but your odds bet has no house edge so that bet will not usually count for a comp. Comps are basically based on the house edge and how many decisions you theoretically have in an hour. Comping the odds bet would be a losing proposition for the casino and casinos do not like losing propositions.

Simple Question: How can you tell if a shooter is controlling the dice when he throws them? I mean players talk about this supposed skill all the time but I have no idea if what I am seeing a player do actually changes the game from random to controlled.

Simple Answer: Generally rhythmic rollers set the dice and throw in a relaxed, precise manner each and every time. However, is such a shooter actually changing the game or is he one who simply enjoys having a good style? Bottom line?

You really can’t tell unless you are the casino and that person comes in time and again and beats you for some decent money. My advice is to use the Captain’s 5-Count and hope (and pray) that when you do start betting you are betting on someone who can actually control those cubes. My recent book I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps will take you step by step through the 5-Count.

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by

FRANK SCOBLETE

Simple Question: Are pass line and come bets really better than place bets? With a place bet you can go up on the numbers you want and take them down if you want to. You cannot do that with pass line and come bets. So why do you keep harping on pass line and come bets being the best bets at craps?

Simple Answer: You are right about two things: With place bets you choose the number on which you wish to bet and you can take those bets down (or turn them off) anytime you desire. Sadly, that still doesn’t make these bets better than the pass line or come bets.

The place bets come in with very high house edges with the 4 and 10 being 6.67 percent (an expected loss of $6.67 per $100 wagered); the 5 and 9 coming in with a house edge of 4 percent (an expected loss of $4 per $100 wagered) and the 6 and 8 with a 1.52 percent house edge (an expected loss of $1.52 per $100 wagered).

You would have to take your place bets down (or turn them off) about 80 percent of the time to have an expected loss of about 1.41 percent – which, as stated, is the house edge on the pass line and come. Since the game is random, your ability to pick the numbers on which you wish to wager is essentially meaningless in the long run.

The house edge is going to get you.

So the bottom line here? Make those pass line and come bets and forget the rest. You can’t fool the math; you can only fool yourself.

Visit Frank’s web site at www.frankscoblete.com. His recent books are I Am a Dice Controller, Confessions of a Wayward Catholic and I Am a Card Counter. All are available on Amazon.com, Kindle and at bookstores.

“RHYTHMIC ROLLERS SET THE DICE AND THROW IN A RELAXED, PRECISE MANNER EACH AND EVERY TIME.”

Simple Question: What are the worst bets at the craps tables?

Simple Answer: I would estimate that any bet that comes in with a two percent or higher house edge would be a bet to be avoided. The lower the house edge the better your chances of coming home a winner or (at the very least) not a devastated loser. In point of fact, many craps players are their own worst enemies because they make bets that are crippling over time.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

H E N R Y TA M B U R I N

BLACKJACK: Playing Your Hand Correctly You are probably thinking, “ho-hum, another article on basic strategy. I know that stuff.”

Let’s just see. Jot down how you would play these hands (unless otherwise stated, assume a standard 6-deck game, dealer stands on soft 17 and doubling down after pair splitting permitted).

1. You have 10-2 and the dealer shows a 3.

Henry Tamburin, Ph.D. is the author of the Ultimate Blackjack Strategy Guide (http://www.888casino. com/blog/casino-guides/ blackjack/, editor of the Blackjack Insider e-Newsletter (www. bjinsider.com), lead instructor for the Golden Touch Blackjack course, and host of smartgaming. com. For a free threemonth subscription to his blackjack newsletter, go to www.bjinsider.com/ freetrial. To receive his free Casino Gambling Catalog, call 1-888-353-3234 or visit www.smartgaming.com.

“STRATEGY CARDS ARE LEGAL TO USE IN THE CASINO, JUST DON’T LAY IT ON THE TABLE.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

2. You have 6-5 and the dealer shows a 10.

3. You have Ace-7 and the dealer shows a 9.

4. You have 2-3-Ace and the dealer shows 4.

5. You have 9-9 and the dealer shows a 9.

6. You have 8-8 and the dealer shows a 10.

7. You have 10-6 and the dealer shows a 7.

8. You have an Ace-10 and the dealer has an ace.

The dealer asks if you want even money.

9. You have 10-4 and the dealer shows an Ace but doesn’t have blackjack. The casino allows surrender.

10. You have Ace-8, and the dealer shows a 6.

The rules specify that the dealer must hit soft 17.

The answers in order are hit, double, hit, hit, split, split, hit, no, hit, double. If you got some wrong, don’t fret, because the majority of blackjack players flunk this quiz which is why casinos continue to profit from a game that theoretically can be beaten.

The basic playing strategy has been around for a long time (since 1956) and it has been refined umpteen times by many blackjack mathematicians. You must believe and trust that this playing strategy is the mathematically correct way to play regardless of what your gut instincts tell you. Any deviation from basic strategy comes at a cost. Eliot Jacobson in his book, The Blackjack Zone, calculates that in your long gambling life of 50 years you will play 10,000 hands per year and at $10 per hand playing perfect basic strategy you can expect to lose $20,000. On the other hand if you play by intuition with a flawed strategy you are likely to lose $100,000 in your lifetime. This means using the basic strategy has a lifelong value of $80,000.

That’s a lot of Moola at risk for not spending a little time to learn the right way to play your hands. If you are a little shaky on your basic strategy, here are some tips that can help you master playing every hand correctly.

1. Take a look at Chapter 2 in my new book the Ultimate Blackjack Strategy Guide which is available for free to read at this site: https:// www.888casino.com/blog/blackjack-strategyguide/. Chapter 3 contains color-coded strategy charts covering every possible blackjack game you will ever encounter. Chapter 4 contains more tips on how to learn the basic strategy, including a quiz to test whether or not you really know it.

2. Use your smart phone (or computer) to practice the basic strategy. I recommend Blackjack Mentor training software. The program’s “Drill Mode” allows random blackjack hands to be displayed, and you have to pick the correct play. The program remembers which ones you get right or wrong, and tends to pick the ones you are having the most problems with. (Software is available at www.handheldblackjack.com.)

3. Practice basic strategy by using the Hit or Stand strategy trainer on www.hitorstand.net.

This is a free online blackjack game and trainer that teaches you blackjack strategy while you play. You’ll actually see a dealer deal you your cards and you have to select the playing strategy for each hand. The software alerts you when you make a playing mistake and it keeps track of your playing accuracy.

4. Bring a basic strategy card to the casino. To absolutely ensure that will always make the right decision when you play blackjack, bring along a basic strategy card and refer to it when you are not sure how to play a hand. The strategy cards are durable (plastic laminate), and they fit in pocket and purse. They are legal to use in the casino, only don’t lay the cards on the table. (For security reasons, casinos don’t want players to lay anything on the table other than a drink.) I recommend two readily available strategy cards.

The blackjack strategy cards by Kenneth Smith are pocket size (set of six cards covers singledouble- and multi-deck games). For those that have trouble reading small type in tables, I’d recommend a set (consisting of three cards) of the Ultimate Blackjack Strategy cards. The latter contains the traditional basic playing strategy and the composition-dependent basic strategy.

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

23

PLAYER STRATEGY

SLOTS: Machine Malfunctions Not too long ago the monster of all slot machine malfunctions occurred at the Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, Queens. A lady, thinking she won almost $43 million, returned the next day to learn she was getting a steak dinner instead.

What went wrong? In this case, it really was a malfunction since the top prize on the display glass was $6,500, even though the machine f lashed $42,949,672.76 and the woman was smart enough to take a selfie. The casino grossly mishandled the situation by not just offering her the top prize of $6,500 rather than enduring a far greater loss in bad publicity. Here are some tips for what you should do if your slot machine malfunctions.

Traditional Slot Malfunctions You might think this is unlikely since you’re not using skill to make decisions on which cards to hold; however, things could go wrong and cost you money.

Open Door: This is a frequent occurrence, especially if the person playing before you was banging on the device in frustration. If it happens before the next game, then just wait for an attendant since the light will be flashing. If it happens in the middle of a game, especially a bonus round, then just stop and wait. Make no attempt to close the door yourself because if it causes you to lose the bonus then you won’t be able to recover your loss.

Recently a woman was playing China Shores in a Maryland casino and received 480 free games. She chose to play the games instead of taking the money (if you select the money you receive an amount with a given maximum and minimum; over time the two options are the same but definitely not for this given bonus). After the first few games the machine malfunctioned with a door open message and all of the games disappeared. The lady called a mechanic who closed the door and the games returned to the screen. In this case the slot supervisor was called and she told the player to choose the cash since the amounts were always the same, an untrue statement. The player refused and ended up winning over $6,800 after several multi-game re-triggers. This was significantly more than the indicated maximum payout had she done what the supervisor instructed. In this case, she was very lucky that she stopped playing, had the games restored and refused to do what the employee, who probably didn’t want to wait while she played all the games, told her to do.

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by L I N D A

B OY D

Low on Paper: If you see a light flashing on your machine it usually means it’s low on paper. Ask an attendant to check the machine and if it needs paper it will be done quickly. Otherwise you may be out of paper when you try to print your ticket and will have to wait for an attendant and usually a hand pay as well.

Defective Touch Screen: This can happen on a slot machine or the ticket redemption device. If it’s on the slot it’s usually during a bonus round and you should call an attendant immediately rather than pound on the device or hit every button in frustration. Unfortunately, this process may take a long time so once everything is resolved I would find another machine. You may be told the problem has been fixed but that’s rarely the case. That’s because management doesn’t like to disable machines, especially during peak times and sometimes the problem requires a higherlevel tech to fix. If it’s a problem with the ticket redemption kiosk, then don’t panic or leave the device. Wait for help.

Defective Buttons: If you have to pound on sticky buttons then it’s not much fun; also, you can literally jam and injure your fingers in the process.

If you’re on a machine with bad buttons during a tournament it’s an absolute disadvantage and, if you had to pay an entry fee, I would request a different machine. If it’s a free slot tournament, you’ll just have to grin and bear it.

Un-intentional Bet: Sometimes you’re eligible for the big jackpots without a maximum bet and choose to play less. If you accidentally push the “max bet” button, then don’t bother calling anyone because there’s no remedy. That’s why you should occasionally check since it’s easy to do if you’ve been playing a long time and distracted or just talking to other players.

Final Thoughts If you look on casino slot machines you’ll see the sign that “Malfunctions Void All Pays And Plays” so the house really doesn’t have to pay you when there’s a mechanical issue. They also realize that you can’t recover your bet so technically it may invalidate the pay but not the play. So if your machine malfunctions stay calm and call an attendant immediately and be both polite and reasonable. In the next issue of Gaming & Destinations I’ll give tips for malfunctioning video poker devices.

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for “Southern & Midwest Gaming” as well as several other magazine and web-sites.

You can hear her insightful interviews are on iTunes. In addition, Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.

The latest edition is available from amazon.com, Square One Publishers and book stores. Kindle edition now available.

“A LIGHT FLASHING ON YOUR MACHINE MEANS IT’S LOW ON PAPER.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

PHIL HELLMUTH JR.

POKER: Final Table Strategy When playing tournament poker, knowing what style of play to use at different stages of the tournament could be the deciding factor between finishing first, or not. Here is some insight from World Champion, Phil Hellmuth, Jr. from his bestselling book, Phil Hellmuth’s Texas Hold ‘em.

The Dynamics of the Final 18

Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a 13-time World Series of Poker Champion, leading all other poker players in the world. He is the author of two New York Times best sellers, and his latest book, “Deal Me In” is also widely popular. Visit PhilHellmuth.com to check out his latest blog, clothing line and exclusive poker tips and stories. This tip column is an excerpt from his Best Selling book “Phil Hellmuth’s Texas Hold’em” found on Amazon and in bookstores around the world.

“MOST TIME I WILL SIT BACK PATIENTLY AND “PICK-OFF” THE GO-FOR-IT TYPES OF PLAYERS.”

In a poker tournament, things change as players smell the money. Disintegration, fatigue and loss of effective play all hit about now. It’s like watching the final holes of a golf major where the pressure is on and the choking begins. If it is a multi-day tournament, many times, the goal is simply to make day two. Sometimes players are so desperate to make that second day, they will fold an absurd number of hands and you can really make a good number of blind steals to fortify your stack for the final table battle.

So you do have to pay attention to making the final table, but be sure to watch for opportunities to steal some blinds along the way as the table goes from 18 players down to 10. If you do go out, make sure that you have a “Bad Beat” story to tell. Don’t just disintegrate.

Your Choices at the Final Table At the final table, it is time to decide to go one way or the other. You can either take what the universe provides while playing patiently, or go for it and try to accumulate a ton of chips by stealing blinds while others are trying to move up a few spots. Most time I will sit back patiently and “pick-off” the go-for-it types of players. I am usually able to do this because usually everyone else seems to go crazy or disintegrate.

But if everyone else is sitting back, then I’ll go for it, and pick up a lot of chips risk free. It is a fine line to walk and if I decide to go for it, then reading other players perfectly becomes essential.

One bad read and I’m crippled or gone!

Generally, when you reach the final three, a deal

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

is made that involves some sort of re-distribution of money. For example, with the prizes set at $400,000 for first, $200,000 for second and $100,000 for third, I once turned down a deal when I had the chip lead. The deal would have locked up $250,000 for me at the Harrah’s Championship event in 1999. Whoops! I finished third after two bad beats (my Ad-Qd all-in vs. his Ah-6s for a $400,000 pot, followed closely by his K-J vs. my A-10 for over $400,000), and I left the table steaming and pissed off with “merely” $100,000. Recently, most major tours have outlawed future deals, perhaps because they want to see us players under extreme pressure!

Of course, in other situations I have chosen not to make the deal and it worked out well. On one occasion, I ended up leaving with a all of the first place money and the coveted WSOP bracelet, my ninth!

The Final Three, A Different Game: Reads Baby!

The only way to get better at playing at a final table is through practice. Hold’em becomes a totally different game three-handed, and much more read dependent. If you expect or hope to win a no-limit tournament, then you better work on your short-handed game. It’s important to understand the changing dynamics and get accustomed to playing this way. These days you can improve your final table play proficiency and short-handed play by playing one-table satellites or sit-and-go’s, with ten players.

Another useful tool are phone apps, including mine Phil Hellmuth’s Texas Hold’em.

Phil Hellmuth’s Top 10 Hands in Hold ‘em

1. A-A 2. K-K 3 Q-Q 4. A-K 5. J-J 6. 10-10 7. 9-9 8. 8-8 9. A-Q 10. 7-7 G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

25

P OK E R AT P O TAWAT OM I: R E SORT TO HOS T WOR L D SER I E S OF P OK ER EV EN T S F EBRUA RY 2 – 13

T

in Milwaukee’s once desolate Menomonee Valley in 1991 and today is the most visited destination in the state of Wisconsin with more than 6 million guests annually.

Playing home to a 1.1 million squarefoot casino, featuring slot machines, table games, a new bingo hall, several restaurants and a 500-seat theater and ample meeting and event space, including a 381-room luxury hotel, this is a spot any gaming enthusiast should have on their list.

he World Series of Poker is the biggest name in poker worldwide. It all started in 1970 when casino operator, and famous gambler, Benny Binion, invited seven of the best-known poker players to a tournament at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, a casino that he owned. The tournament format back then was to have a set start and stop time, and the winner was determined by secret ballot.

Today, there are forty-five events culminating with the Main Event boasting a $10,000 buy-in, thousands of entrants and a multi-million payout. The popularity of poker spurred the series to expand beyond the confines of Las Vegas and into casinos throughout country for what is today known as WSOP Circuit Events, featuring some of the biggest tournaments of the year for many host casinos.

It was recently announced that the WSOP Circuit Events will make their first appearance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from February 2-13 at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, a Midwest Gaming Preferred Property. While most Circuit Events are held at Harrah’s-owned properties, the Potawatomi event will be only one of five non-Harrah’s properties to host a circuit event.

Organizers are expecting a guaranteed prize pool of at least $750,000 with the main event being held February 10-13. The property is expecting a large turn-out for the event and will utilize their 20-table poker room, as well the casino’s main ballroom.

“Milwaukee has been a great market for poker, and having the World Series of Poker 26

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

here will only elevate that reputation,” said Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Poker Manager Jeff Gemini. “Both the casino and its guests are thrilled that Potawatomi will be the site for the WSOP’s first visit to Wisconsin.”

There will be a total of twelve events beginning with a $365 buy-in No-Limit ReEntry Event with a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000 to kick things off on February 2, a $250 buy-in Seniors Event on February 4th and even a $135 buy-in Ladies Only Event on February 12. The main event will feature a $1,675 buy-in, will allow one re-entry and carry a $750,000 guaranteed prize pool.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is one of the premium resort-style casinos in Wisconsin. It opened as a small bingo hall

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s impact reaches well beyond the property’s four walls. Since 1994, the casino has helped fund Milwaukee-area children’s organizations to the tune of nearly $17 million. In addition, the The Forest County Potawatomi continues to build its footprint in Milwaukee through other investments.

The Potawatomi Business Development Corp. has helped diversify the Tribe’s business holdings and sustain its economic wherewithal. Its headquarters are on the former Concordia College campus, just west of downtown Milwaukee, where millions of dollars in improvements have already been invested.

The tribe has also made a significant impact from an environmental standpoint. It, along with a number of other civic and community entities, helped clean up the Menomonee Valley to allow for all of the progress that has occurred.

From a 45,000-square-foot bingo hall to a 1.1-million square-foot entertainment destination, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has a 25-year record of growing and giving in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley. That reputation is sure to remain intact over the next quarter century.

For more information and reservations, visit PaysBig.com or call 1-800-729-7244

W.S.O.P. Schedule of Events - Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Date

Event #

Buy-in

Tournament

Feb. 2 – 11:00 am

1A

$365

No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)

Feb. 2 – 4:00 pm

1B

$365

No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)

Feb. 3 – 11:00 pm

1C

$365

No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)

Feb. 3 – 4:00 pm

1D

$365

No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)

Feb. 4 – 10:00 am

$250

Seniors Event (Must be age 50+ - 1-day event)

Feb. 4 – 3:00 pm

2

$580

No-Limit Hold’em (2-day event)

Feb. 5 – 11:00 am

3

$365

No-Limit Hold’em (30-minute levels – 1-day event)

Feb. 6 – 11:00 am

4

$365

No-Limit Hold’em (2-day event)

Feb. 6 – 4:00 pm

5

$365

Pot-Limit Omaha (Re-entry – 2-day event)

Feb. 7 – 11:00 am

6

$365

No-Limit Hold’em Six Max (One re-entry 2-day event)

Feb. 8 – 11:00 am

7

$365

No-Limit Hold’em Monster Stack (Double Starting Stack – 2-day event)

Feb. 9 – 1:00 pm

8

$2,200

No-Limit Hold’em High Roller Re-Entry (2-day event)

Feb. 10 – 11:00 am

9A

$1,675

Main Event ($750K Guarantee – 4-day event)

Feb. 11 – 11:00 am

9B

$1,675

Main Event ($750K Guarantee – 4-day event)

Feb. 11 – 4:00 pm

10

$365

No-Limit Hold’em Turbo (1-day event)

Feb. 12 – 11:00 am

$135

Ladies Event (1-day event)

Feb. 12 – 3:00 pm

11

$580

No-Limit Hold’em (2-day event)

Feb. 13 – 11:00 am

12

$365

No-Limit Hold ‘em (30-minute levels – 1-day event)

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

27

MIDWEST

CASINO DIRECTORY

Below is a list of our preferred properties of the Midwest showcasing some of the great things that each property has.

WEBSITE

PHONE NUMBER

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL EAST CHICAGO

AMERISTAR.COM/EAST-CHICAGO

855-888-7289

TROPICANA EVANSVILLE

TROPEVANSVILLE.COM

800-342-5386

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA

BELTERRACASINO.COM

800-472-6311

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL, COUNCIL BLUFFS

*CC PARTNER

TABLES

MACHINES

41

1,953

40

1,000

40

1,600

812-438-1234

30

1,400

AMERISTAR.COM/COUNCIL-BLUFFS

712-328-8888

22

1,584

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

877-677-3456

32

1,150

MYSTIQUE CASINO, DUBUQUE

MYSTIQUEDBQ.COM

563-582-3647

22

1,000

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, SIOUX CITY

HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

712-226-7600

25

839

SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

888-732-4537

79

4,200

MGM GRAND DETROIT

INDIANA • •

IOWA

•

MICHIGAN MGMGRANDDETROIT.COM

877-888-2121

98

4,000

FIREKEEPERS, BATTLE CREEK

FIREKEEPERSCASINO.COM

877-352-8777

84

2,900

ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO, HARRIS

ISLANDRESORTANDCASINO.COM

800-682-6040

15

1,200

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

TICASINO.COM

888-867-7829

41

2,219

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-472-6321

44

450

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-626-5825

30

2,300

AMERISTAR.COM/KANSAS-CITY

816-414-7000

115

2,300

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS

LUMIERE.COM

314-881-777

73

2,000

RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL, ST. LOUIS

RIVERCITY.COM

888-578-7289

54

2,000

JACK CASINO CINCINNATI

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CINCINNATI

513-252-0777

100

2,000

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS

HOLLYWOODCOLUMBUS.COM

614-308-3333

76

2,200

JACK CASINO CLEVELAND

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CLEVELAND

216-297-4777

100

1,600

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, TULSA

HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM

800-760-6700

40

2,600

WINSTAR CASINO & RESORT

WINSTARWORLDCASINO.COM

580-276-4229

97

7,400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WITTENBERG

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WITTENBERG

715-253-4400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, BLACK RIVER FALLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/BLACKRIVERFALLS

800-657-4621

HO-CHUNK GAMING, TOMAH

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/TOMAH

866-880-9822

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WISCONSIN DELLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WISCONSINDELLS

800-746-2486

HO-CHUNK GAMING, MADISON

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/MADISON

608-223-9576

HO-CHUNK GAMING, NEKOOSA

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/NEKOOSA

800-782-4560

50

650

MENOMINEE CASINO RESORT, KESHENA

MENOMINEECASINORESORT.COM

800-343-7778

11

100

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO

PAYSBIG.COM

800-729-7244

100

3,000

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

WISCONSIN

28

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517 10

634 96

50

1,832 1,200

READER REVIEW * CC Partner means the property provides coupons and special offers to members of the Comps Club. For more information, visit Thecompsclub.com

# OF ROOMS

ENT. VENUE

288

•

GOLF

SPA

POOL

•

•

Reader Rating: 95%

243 689

•

•

294

•

•

•

• •

• • • •

160 201 116 54

• • •

•

•

• •

243

• • •

• • •

275

•

•

•

•

496

•

•

•

967

• •

•

•

• •

•

•

517 400

967

184 294 200

184 294 200

• • •

• •

140

•

302

• •

103

•

391

•

IndianaGrand.com - 1-877-386-4463 Indiana Grand Racing and Casino is the closest casino to Indianapolis, Indiana and offers the ultimate stop for slot players. Boasting over 2,200 slot machines and electronic table games, you should be able to find your favorite machine. In addition to the casino, the property also has a horse racing track that hosts both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing and five restaurants headlined

by Center Cut Steaks, Seafood & Martinis.

Casino Layout: 95 Cleanliness: 95 Slot Selection: 95 Table Game Selection: 75 Staff: 100 Casino Décor: 100 Will you return? YES

• • •

1,500

454

Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Shelbyville, IN

• •

•

•

•

• •

• •

•

•

Notes: On the night we were there, the casino was filled with laughter the sounds of everyone having a great time. So much fun and I won on a slot machine that had a lot of bonuses. The casino showcases clean and vibrant colors and a festive environment. Let me not forget to mention the servers/waitress’ were walking around all night which is good when you are into the game and don’t want to leave your $lot machine. We had a great time can’t wait to go again!!!

Review by: Janice S. – Indianapolis, IN Date of Visit: 12/11/2016 Let us know about your casino visits at GamingandDestinations.com G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

29

WIN THE

ULTIMATE

CASINO GETAWAY 2017

Each year, Gaming and Destinations gives you the opportunity to reward the properties that take care of you the most with our Gaming and Destinations Readers’ Choice Awards. You get to cast your vote for everything from rooms to restaurants, as well as have a chance to win a the Ultimate Casino Getaway!

THIS YEAR’S PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES: • A ONE-NIGHT STAY AT THE CASINO OF YOUR CHOICE • $200 CASINO PLAY • $100 GAS CARD • DINNER FOR TWO AT THE PREMIUM RESTAURANT ON THE PROPERTY (EXLUDES ALCOHOL) • YOUR TRIP RECAP PUBLISHED IN GAMING AND DESTINATIONS MAGAZINE

IT’S EASY TO ENTER!

Choose your favorite casino from each category. Mail in your ballot and you will be automatically entered to win the prize!

Or, complete the ballot online at www.GamingandDestinations.com Don’t miss out— the voting deadline is February 28, 2017.

One vote per person. Duplicate enteries will result in disqualification. Faxes and copies are not accepted. All fields are required. Mark N/A if not applicable. If you do not have an email address, please provide us with your phone number. All entries must be postmarked by February 28, 2017.

30

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

VOTE! MAIL! WIN! Pick your favorite Midwest properties from each category below, mail it in and you will be entered for the getaway!

Or, vote online at GamingandDestinations.com First Name:

Last Name:

Address: City:

E-mail:

State:

Zip:

Phone Number:

Do you subscribe to Gaming and Destinations?

Yes

Date of Birth: No

Are you a member of The Comps ClubTM?

Yes

No

What games do you like to play the most?

Blackjack

Craps

Slots/Video Poker

Poker

Pari-mutuel (Horses)

Other:

What kind of comps do you typically receive from casinos?

None, they are stingy

Free Buffet

Match Play Offers

Free Rooms

Whatever I want, I’m a high roller!

TELL US YOUR FAVORITE CASINOS IN THE CATEGORIES BELOW. CATEGORY:

Your Favorite Property:

State:

1. Best Overall Property: 2. Best New Casino/Casino Renovation: 3. Best Racetrack/Racino Facility: (Horse Racing/Greyhound Racing)

4.

Best Suites:

5. Best Rooms: 6. Best Casino Floor:

(Game Variety/Options) 7.

Best Poker Room:

8. Best Restaurant: (Include Name of Restaurant and Property)

9.

Best Buffet:

10. Best Amenities: (Spa, Pool, Shopping, etc.)

11. Best Golf Course: 12. Best Entertainment: 13. Best Entertainment Venue: 14. Best Nightlife:

(Night Club, Lounge, etc.)

15. Best Theme: 16. Best Casino Personnel: (Dealers, Slot Attendants, Hosts, Waitresses, etc.)

17. Best Customer Service: 18. Best Advertising: (Radio, Television, Billboards, etc.)

19. Best Players Club: 20. Best Slot Machine Game: One vote per person. Duplicate enteries will result in disqualification. Faxes and copies are not accepted. All fields are required. Mark N/A if not applicable. If you do not have an email address, please provide us with your phone number. All entries must be postmarked by February 28, 2017.

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

31

R

S' C H O I C E

2017

A

WA

E

ER AD

G& D

RDS WIN A 2-NIGHT STAY AT THE

Casino of Your Choice MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT

TODAY!

FOLD HERE AND TUCK IN FIRST

POSTAGE REQUIRED POST OFFICE WILL NOT DELIVER WITHOUT PROPER POSTAGE

2017 G&D READERS' CHOICE AWARDS Gaming and Destinations Magazine 640 S. 4th Street, Suite 300 Louisville, KY 40202-2416

FOLD HERE

Want Casino Comps?

Join The Comps ClubTM by Gaming and Destinations and we’ll send you coupons and special offers to casinos and racetracks throughout the region! Don’t delay, join today!

CALL 502-583-0333 OR VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

32 |

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G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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