Southern Gaming and Destinations May 2014

HIT THE ROAD JACK! FAVORITE SOUTHERN SUMMER GETAWAYS

PAGE 12

MAY 2014 Vol. 16, Issue 3 SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

HORSE FARMS & BOURBON

ONE KENTUCKY TOWN HAS IT ALL PAGE 24

STAYING THE COURSE

BUBBA WATSON

IS ALL ABOUT PRIORITIES PAGE 6

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Bisig Impact Group CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Larry Bisig

the “meat and potatoes” kind of information that is so important to making your own trip itinerary.

For example, if you have a buddy who just got back from Las Vegas and he tells you where he stayed, what he did, what was great and where not to waste your time, that information is priceless and comes without the influence of anonymous reviewers or advertising buys.

When planning a vacation, how do you determine where to go and what to do once you are there?

According to a recent survey focusing on leisure travel planning, only one in 10 travelers referenced destination websites, 5 percent used social networking and 4 percent used a mobile device to help plan their trip. In the same survey, results showed that over 50 percent relied on recommendations from friends and relatives or from their own past experiences to determine their next venture.

These results are interesting and can be interpreted a number of ways, but ultimately it means the World Wide Web serves consumers as a support and implementation system for their decisionmaking process. But, they rely primarily on friends, family and niche-interest publications like Southern Gaming and Destinations for actually making their initial decisions.

Don’t get me wrong. When I plan a getaway, I use the Internet for everything from booking rooms to finding the best restaurants and attractions.

But by the time people get to the point of booking their stay and planning their itinerary, the decision where to go has already been made, and more than half the time no one ever opened a browser window.

When you talk to people about their recent vacation or a destination they recommend, you get 2

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Our goal at Southern Gaming and Destinations is to be “that buddy” who can give you recommendations for great places to visit and things to do once you are there. Most of our suggestions focus on the Southeastern United States, but we also like to highlight places like Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Atlantic City and other hot spots. Our articles and our preferred property map on page 40 share with you our recommended places to check out on your next getaway. Some of them are gamblingoriented, some of them aren’t, but they are ALL on our list for a reason, and we ensure a great experience with each.

Additionally, we LOVE to hear from our readers!

If there is a great hotel, restaurant, attraction, or maybe even a music festival that you think your fellow Southern Gamer’s would enjoy, please let us know. There are so many great places in the South that one person could never visit them all, but we’re here to help you try!

In this issue, we highlight a few of our favorite Southern destinations (page 12) as well as some of the top casino pools, golf courses and other outdoor amenities (page 18). We hope you will enjoy them as much as we do!

Have a great summer, and as always— If you can’t be good… be lucky!

G. Douglas Dreisbach

GENER AL M ANAGER

PRESIDENT & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Chip Dumstorf GENERAL MANAGER

G. Douglas Dreisbach MANAGING EDITOR

Joseph Grove ACCOUNTING

Peggy Harris CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Beth D'Addonno Eric Floyd Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Brant Long Henry Tamburin Bridgette Varone INTERN

Lauren Reisdorf Letters to the editor, address changes and other correspondence should be sent to: SOUTHERN GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

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

Southern Gaming and Destinations is published for those who seek the best in gaming and in life, and is produced bimonthly by Bisig Impact Group of Louisville, Kentucky.

Copyright 2004 by Bisig Impact Group. 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 Southern Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers.

POSTMASTER: Send

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

May 2014

ON THE COVER

6

Bubba Unbound: Not confined by convention, the Masters Champion is free to love or leave the game

FEATURE ARTICLES

12 Southern Summer Getaways:

Sweet spots of the South

18 Casino Pools and Golf Courses:

Some of our favorite places to play and cool off

24 Horse Farms and

CONTENTS

Tips, Highlights & Hotspots 10 Blackjack: Side bets, while not sure bets, can pay off handsomely

16 Golden Nugget Open for Business: The Biloxi favorite has a brand new shine

28 Twinspires.com: Welcome to the World Wide Wager

34 Horseracing: Grinding it out

40 Boyd Gaming: Leading by listening

44 Poker: Ready to play some head games?

Bourbon Distilleries: Destination Lexington, Kentucky

30 Horseplay the Exotic Way:

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From Exactas to Pick 6’s… we’ve got you covered!

36 Living it Up in

Lake Charles, Louisiana: There’s way more here than meets the map

24

36

SOUTH E R NGAM I NG.COM

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LATEST & GREATEST

THE DIGITAL

SIPS WITH SOUTHERN GAMING

SCOOP

W ITH SOUTHER N GAMING

Southern Gaming is THE gaming authority of the South, and we prove it by bringing you the latest gambling news, incredible property reviews, insider playing tips, exclusive promotions, upcoming entertainment dates and more!

Get more tips, news, and reviews at SouthernGaming.com.

Summer heat making you thirsty? Cool off with a Mint Julep, the official drink of Kentucky and the Kentucky Derby.

Prepared correctly, this bourbon-based seasonal favorite is a wonderful way to refresh body and soul. Grab your favorite bottle of bourbon, some fresh mint leaves and simple syrup, and you are on your way!

Saltoriya Theatrical Circus Sensation

1 ounce of simple syrup 5-7 fresh mint leaves 3 ounces of Kentucky bourbon 3 ounces of water Pour the simple syrup into a large mixing glass, add mint, and muddle well to release the flavors and aroma. Add bourbon and water. Fill the glass with crushed ice and shake. Pour into a sterling silver glass (or official Kentucky Derby souvenir glass) and garnish with a sprig of mint.

SENSATIONAL SUMMER SHOW SHINES AT THE BEAU

1-888-566-7469 | beaurivage.com.

The Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss., is ready to entertain audiences with their new summer show, Saltoriya Theatrical Circus Sensation. The performance takes the audience through the mystical land of the art of the circus. Traditional and modern, funny and breathtaking, beautiful and enchanting, it creates an immersive world for audiences to enjoy, even sometimes letting them take part in its fun and mischief.

Show dates: June 17-August 17. For more information and to purchase tickets ($12.95), call 1-888-566-7469 or visit beaurivage.com.

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Percent of the world’s bourbon produced in Kentucky Average summer temperature in the United States Barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky. State population?

Only 4.3 million.

71.9

95 9.2

4.7 million

5.5

million Horses in the U.S. used for competition, sport, breeding, recreation and work.

Average number of gallons of ice cream U.S. citizens consume per year.

Dana Carvey

MAY 3 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $35*.

The Temptations & The Four Tops MAY 9 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $50*.

The stars come out this summer.

D.L. Hughley

JUNE 14 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $25*.

Neal McCoy

Hank Williams Jr.

Joan Rivers

REO Speedwagon

Vicki Lawrence & Mama

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

MAY 16 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $25*.

MAY 31 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $25*.

JUNE 21 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $25*.

MAY 24 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $65*.

JUNE 6 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $45*.

JUNE 27 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $45*.

For tickets, visit the IP Box Office or order tickets online at IPBiloxi.com or Ticketmaster.com! * Plus tax and convenience fees. Must be 21. All events subject to change or cancellation. Management reserves all rights.

Call 888-946-2847 for details. Don’t Let The Game Get Out Of Hand. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.

SM

SM

| IPBiloxi.com

GOLF

Bubba Unbound

A Matter of COURSE T H E W O R L D O F B U B B A W AT S O N I S A B O U T P L AY I N G I T R I G H T, A L L T H E T I M E by

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BR ANT LONG

HERE’S THAT KID AGAIN. Hacking little plastic golf balls around the front yard.

“I DREW IN THE DIRT DRIVEWAY. I’D DRAW A

All. Day. Long.

BIG CIRCLE, AND THAT WOULD BE MY HOLE,

If you were Bubba Watson’s neighbor in tiny Bagdad, Fla., in the late 1980s, you likely picked up your share of those plastic balls from around your house. You might have thought the kid nuts for spending so much time on a game like golf.

A 5-FOOT CIRCLE. I’D GO AROUND IT TO THE

Fast forward to April 2014. You may still think Bubba’s a little crazy if you watch him, overall-clad and rapping in a YouTube video with three other young golf stars, or arriving at a tournament in the General Lee, the famous Dodge Charger from the Dukes of Hazard television series.

trying to bend the ball around trees or fade it past a mailbox.

But there’s one thing you won’t do: You won’t ever deny his talent.

Last month when Watson rolled in a short putt to capture his second Masters championship in three years, it marked his sixth win in five PGA seasons. With a win at the Northern Trust Open and the Masters victory, the 2014 season is off to a rollicking start. With less than half of the season gone, Bubba has already earned $4.5 million and been ranked as high as No. 3 in the world. Contrast that with 2012, when he won his first Masters and finished fifth in the points standings, earning $4.6 million.

Pretty amazing for a guy who taught himself the game. This son of the South is not the product of some rigid coach at a youth academy or country club. He learned the game by picking up a club at age 6, on his own. But unlike your everyday driving-range duffer, Bubba was not content to just whack the balls. The more he hit, the more he started experimenting, 6|

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LEFT AND THEN I’D GO AROUND IT TO THE RIGHT. SO I LEARNED TO CUT IT.”

“I drew in the dirt driveway. I’d draw a big circle, and that would be my hole, a 5-foot circle. I’d go around it to the left and then I’d go around it to the right. So I learned to cut it,” Watson said. “If you know about wiffle balls or plastic balls, it’s hard to cut. Then I learned to hook it the other way, hit it high over limbs, hit it low under limbs. I’d say non-stop every day from 6 to 12 years old. Instead of playing with trucks out in the yard, I’d play with a ball and a club.”

He shined at Milton High in Florida and eventually at the University of Georgia, where he helped the Bulldogs win an SEC title. That’s also why you’ll frequently hear barking following Bubba around PGA courses. The Dawg Nation follows him everywhere.

Despite his ease picking up the game, building his winning career took time. After making his way onto the Nationwide Tour – the PGA equivalent of the minor leagues – in 2003, he finally earned his first PGA Tour card in 2002. From the 2006-2009 seasons, he missed 42 cuts. Yet, there were signs of promise. During that same period, he finished second twice and third in another event. Bigger things were just around the corner.

“We always felt like I could play golf at a high level. But then to actually do it is the hard part.” - Watson

The 2006 season was the beginning of the Bubba breakout.

He won his first PGA event and finished 8th in the world rankings-amazing for a guy who had not even made the top 50 the year before.

“The team I have around me, we have always thought that I’ve had the talent,” he said. “We always felt like I could play golf at a high level. But then to actually do it is the hard part.”

Bubba found that out again in 2013, when he finished without a Tour victory. Prior to that season, he had won at least one PGA Tour event every year since 2010. But it wasn’t all about golf. That’s a common theme when it comes to Bubba.

“I was learning to be a dad and a husband,” he said of 2013.

“Golf wasn’t the first thing on my mind.”

This year, he is back with a vengeance, showcasing a unique combination of huge power and a solid putting game. Long off the tee, Bubba leads the PGA Tour in driving distance,

averaging better than 315 yards a drive. He once hit a 442 yard drive, among the longest ever recorded on the Tour. Those youthful, front yard swings are indeed paying off.

The length also helps set him up for some low score opportunities that Bubba is converting. He’s second on the Tour in eagles. His short game has also strengthened. Inside five feet, Bubba is almost a given, hitting 98 percent of his putts from that distance. With tournaments coming down to a single stroke, misses can be costly. Bubba isn’t missing.

But Bubba’s appeal goes far beyond the driving power, prize money and green jackets. He has a humble, everyman quality that hasn’t dissipated with the rush of success. He’s a dedicated family man and husband. He eschews the lavish lifestyle of many star athletes, evidenced most recently by his choice of celebratory venue after his Masters win: Waffle House.

It showed again during the public ceremony on the 18th green at Augusta National, where Bubba received his second green

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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Watson and his wife completely altered routines and travel habits to care for adopted son Caleb.

jacket. He started talking about what made him most proud over the past week. It wasn’t the win or a specific drive or putt.

It was coming out the weekend before the Masters to watch kids compete in the PGA’s Drive, Chip and Putt competition.

Bubba wasn’t scheduled to be part of the event. He saw it on TV from his hotel room in Augusta and made his way to the course.

He simply wanted to see kids playing and loving the game.

“What a dream, what an honor, what a privilege to be here,” he told the Golf Channel. “I was looking at my son, thinking what a dream if he could eventually do something like this. So I had to be here to support them.”

In a sport with more than its share of stoic figures, Bubba wears his emotions on his sleeve. You’ll frequently see tears in his eyes after a tournament win. It all began with his first Tour victory, at the Travelers Championship in 2010, which he won in a playoff. He dedicated the win to his father, who was battling cancer and would pass away later that year.

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“Seeing the family members with their kids. I mean, what a joyous occasion that is, having the ability to do that,” he said of his most recent Masters experience.

“So that’s really what I play the game for, because I love it. It brought me so much closer to my mom and dad.”

He punctuated his 2014 Masters win by walking through the crowd, giving as many high-fives as he could, all while carrying son Caleb. He and his wife, former University of Georgia and WNBA player Angie Ball Watson, adopted Caleb in March 2012, and Bubba, even as a busy professional golfer, seems well-suited to the role of doting dad.

“We worked out schedules, how I can practice, practice at a high level,” he explained following the Masters. “If it’s 30 minutes, if it’s an hour, just get a quick practice in and then come back and be a dad and be a husband. So we figured out our schedule and how to travel better and everything, and here we are today.”

Add time management to the list of

things Bubba is good at. He finds time to be pro golfer, husband, family man and, don’t forget, budding music sensation.

He, Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan and Ben Crane dubbed themselves the Golf Boys and produced a music video that has been viewed more than 7 million times on YouTube.

Everything Bubba does seems to come up golden. Yet, amazingly, he continues to keep it all in perspective.

“I just got lucky enough to have two green jackets. I’m just trying to keep my Tour card every year, and if people say that I’m a good player, that’s great,” he said. “But I’m not trying to play golf for a living. I’m not trying to play golf for everybody to tell me how great I am or I’m one of the greats of the game. I play golf because I love it, I love the game, I want to grow the game. The game has brought me everything that I’ve ever owned in my life.”

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PLAYER STRATEGY

T

BLACKJACK: Side Bets

O ENCOURAGE MORE PLAYERS to visit the blackjack tables and also to improve their margins, many casinos have added side bets. These innocentsounding gambles usually require a rather small wager (typically a dollar) and generally return better than the customary even-money blackjack payoffs.

It’s a competitive market for side bets. Each year at Global Gaming Expo, the casino industry’s premier trade show, you will find a countless number of enthusiastic vendors pitching their side bets to casino officials. The reality, however, is many bets never make it to the casino floor, and the few that do die quickly because of lack of player interest.

What follows is a summary of the more popular blackjack side bets you may find on blackjack tables. Note the house edge for a side bet is very dependent on the payoff schedule, which is not necessarily the same from one casino to the next.

It’s no secret that blackjack has a low house edge, around half a percent, with the relatively easy-to-learn basic playing strategy. As a general guideline, side bets have high house edges and should be avoided. But if you insist on trying your luck, at least stick to the side bets that have the lowest house edge.

21+3

House Edge: 3.2 percent The “21” stands for blackjack and the “3” is for Three Card Poker consisting of the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. If those three cards result in a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush, you win 9 to 1 for the side bet.

ROYAL MATCH

House Edge: 3.7 percent This side bet pays off if a player’s first two cards are suited (paying 2.5 to 1) with a Royal Match—a suited king and queen—paying 25 to 1. In addition, you receive a 5 to 1 payoff for a suited blackjack. The house edge is 3.7 percent.

OVER/UNDER 13

House Edge: Over 13 is 6.5 percent; Under 13 is 10 percent A player wagers on whether the sum of his first two cards will be over (or under) a total of 13.

The ace counts as 1.

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by

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

PAIR SQUARE

House Edge: 10.6 percent A player wins this side bet if his first two cards are the same rank (like a pair of 6s). An unmatched pair (like 6 of clubs and 6 of spades) pays 10 to 1. A matched pair (like a pair of 6 of clubs) pays 15 to 1.

SUPER SEVENS

House Edge: 11.4-12.6 percent The player hopes for lots of 7s, the more the merrier. If the first card is a 7, it pays 3 to 1. If the first two cards are 7s, the payoff is 100 to 1 if suited and 50 to 1 if unsuited. Draw a third 7 and now it really gets interesting. If the first three cards are unsuited 7s, the payoff is 500 to 1, and if suited, the payoff is 5,000 to 1. In some casinos, when the dealer has a blackjack and a player has two 7s, the casino won’t deal a third card to the player and the house edge on this side bet is 12.6 percent. However, some casinos will give the player a third card in this situation and the house edge drops to 11.4 percent.

Henry Tamburin is the author of Blackjack: Take The Money & Run, editor of Blackjack Insider Newsletter and lead instructor for the Golden Touch Blackjack Course (goldentouchblackjack.com).

To receive his free Casino Gambling Catalog, call 888-353-3234 or visit smartgaming.com.

LUCKY LADIES

House Edge: 17 percent Players are betting their first two cards total 20, ideally with two queens. The top payoff is 1,000 to 1 if you get two queens of hearts and the dealer has a blackjack. If you get “only” two queens of hearts, it pays 200 to 1. A matched 20 (same rank and suit) pays 25 to 1. A suited 20 pays 10 to 1.

Any unsuited 20 pays 4 to 1.

BONUS BLACKJACK

House Edge: 24 percent This simple side bet involves betting that the player and/or dealer will get a blackjack (you can bet on a player blackjack, or a dealer blackjack, or both). The house edge if you make a single wager is 24 percent. If you bet on both and get an ace and jack of spades, you win a progressive jackpot. The breakeven for the latter is a jackpot of at least $648.

Here is something to keep in mind if you win a side bet. According to IRS Regulations, the casino should give you a W-2G if you win $600 or more and the payout is at least 300 times the amount of the wager.

Good luck finding the best blackjack side bets!

AS A GENERAL GUIDELINE, SIDE BETS HAVE HIGH HOUSE EDGES AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED. BUT IF YOU INSIST ON TRYING YOUR LUCK…

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SUMMER TIME

and the living is breezy

Kickoff your summer with authentic Carribbean jams at the Kentucky Reggae Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, held annually on Memorial Day weekend.

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER TIME S O U T H E R N S U M M E R G E TAW AYS

T

HERE IS NOTHING better than a Southern summer getaway. Whether you are look ing for a ga mbling excursion on the Gulf Coast or trails to meander in the mountains of Tennessee, chances are you will find your perfect escape without ever boarding a plane. If your trip is for a week or just a weekend, you owe it to yourself to check out some of the many attractions of the region. These are a few of our favorites.

the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger and Muhammad Ali. But it also is home to a great music scene, amazing local restaurants and bars featuring the most concentrated bourbon selections you will find anywhere in the world. Louisville is to bourbon what Napa is to wine. Most of the bartenders are well versed in the different selections and will offer “tastings” to help you choose.

We can’t make a list of top places to visit without including our hometown. It just wouldn’t be right!

The Highlands area features an array of pubs and casual restaurants, including one of Louisville’s finest, Jack Fry’s, and another hidden gem, Highlands Tap Room. Both can be found on Bardstown Road, in what is arguably the coolest neighborhood in town.

On a large scale Louisville is known for

Great finds: Pat’s Steakhouse or Jeff

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

GoToLouisville.com | 502-584-2121

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Ruby’s Steakhouse for steaks. Bourbon’s Bistro or the Old Seelbach Bar for a wide variety of bourbons. For an authentic Churchill Downs experience, head trackside to Wagner’s Pharmacy, just outside the gates. Everyone from jockeys to trainers and owners have been known to frequent the small breakfast eatery.

Places to stay: The Seelbach Hilton (502-585-3200, SeelbachHilton.com) is a 4-diamond luxury hotel and on the National Register of Historical Places.

Fine dining in The Oakroom is a must, and craft cocktails in the Old Seelbach Bar are always a hit. Fans of “The Great Gatsby” will recognize the hotel as the site of Tom and Daisy’s wedding. The Galt House Hotel & Suites (502-5895200, GaltHouse.com) overlooks the Ohio

River and features several restaurants, an outdoor pool and the Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar, known to be one of the coolest bars in the country, featuring over 100 bourbons! And 21C Museum Hotel (502-217-6300, 21cmuseumhotels.com) is regularly featured in world-renown travel magazines and websites as one of the most unique hotel experiences anywhere.

Save the date: Forecastle Festival (July 18-20, forecastlefest.com) is a three-day music blowout on the 85-acre Great Lawn on the riverfront, with 60 bands ranging from Outkast to Jason Isbell. It’s one of our Top Festivals of the South. The Water Tower Music Series consists of the Kentucky Reggae Festival (May 2426), the Louisville Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival (July 11-13) and the Kentucky Bluegrass & Bourbon Experience (Aug. 30-Sept. 1), each serving its own musical genre with regional band line-ups and authentic foods. Tickets are $10 before 6pm and $14 after, kids 10 and under get in for free. (502-583-0333) SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE

SeviervilleTN.com | 1-888-SEVIERVILLE You can enjoy not only the many attractions this town has to offer, but take your sweet time sampling the fun in neighboring Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg (MyPigeonForge.com, Gatlinburg.com).

Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend in a private chalet or a funfilled day of zip lines, water slides and amusement parks, you will find it in this trio-community hidden among the foothills of the Smokey Mountains.

Tourists seem to return to the area year after year because of the accessibility, affordability and the number of things to do.

Sevierville is home to Tanger Outlet Mall, Oak Haven Resort & Spa, the Wilderness at the Smokies (indoor and outdoor water park with multiple hotels, dining facilities and activities for kids) and several other attractions.

Pigeon Forge has miles of museums, dinner theaters, go-carting and more. Here you will find the Titanic Museum, which features one of the largest collections of artifacts from the ill-fated ocean liner from 1912. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is just a few miles off Pigeon Forge Parkway. It serves as the state’s largest

Splash County Water Adventure Park offers several ways to enjoy the hot southern summers, including Dolly’s River Rush and the Polar Bear Plunge.

tourist attraction. Guests can enjoy roller coasters, arts and crafts specific to the region, live shows, restaurants and more.

The Island is a new tourist area that features the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, shopping, and restaurants. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Hotel will open soon, complete with a rooftop pool. At the Wonders of Flight, a tethered balloon ride takes guests 500 feet into the air, providing breathtaking Smokey Mountain views.

Great finds: Ripley’s Aquarium and Laurel Falls hiking trail (foothills of the Smokies) is a paved trail (1.3 miles) that leads to the popular landmark. If you are looking for more of a challenge, the Rainbow Falls trail is 2.7 miles; Cades Cover Nature Drive; Stage Shows; Titanic Museum; Dollywood; Wilderness at the Smokies.

Places to stay: Oak Haven Resort & Spa (Sevierville) Save the date: 10th Annual Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival (May 16-17, BloominBBQ.com) is a Tennessee State BBQ competition featuring top cooking teams and free concerts. The Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks have been named some of the best in the country.

With the parade taking place on the 3rd and fireworks launching at midnight, it’s also one of the first. Fall leaf changing is optimal from mid-October through mid-November.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA

Shreveport-Bossier.org | 888-915-2551 Shreveport–Bossier City sits in northern Louisiana, not far from the Texas border.

It’s home to a handful of casino properties, a racetrack, great local restaurants, outdoor festivals and Southern hospitality.

Whether you are looking for a taste of Beignets that rival those in New Orleans or the chance to zip line over alligatorinfested waters, you will find it here.

The newest casino property is Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, inspired by relaxed personality of the famed singer. The property boasts a premium steakhouse, spa, rooftop pool and a clean, open-air casino with a variety of games. There is also a Sam’s Town Casino nearby. The locally owned El Dorado Casino is a true gem with a great selection of fine Kentucky bourbons at their restaurant, The Vintage.

But the magic really happens when you explore the treasures of the local community, discovering along the way authentic Louisiana surprises you won’t find anywhere else. One of them is Lilah’s Bakery at The Outlets. Baking and selling nearly 10,000 King Cakes each Mardi Gras season, Lilah’s is known around the world for their sweet masterpiece offered in a variety of flavors.

Be sure you seek out Kim’s Seafood & Po-boy, where ow ner Duc Duong SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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has created a casual spot for locals to experience the true taste of Po-boys and crawfish. Duong is a former shrimp boat captain and owned a restaurant in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina displaced him and his family. After a period of hard work and rebuilding, his business is booming. The self-proclaimed “Asian Cajun” is on top of the world.

Another local creation is Great Raft Brewing Company, a working brewery and tasting room that boasts a variety of flavors, including a black lager, a pale ale and a French-inspired Saison. If you time your visit toward the late afternoon, there is a chance of food trucks showing up, offering delicious flavors to make your stop worthwhile.

Great finds: Lilah’s Bakery & Deli (318-564-2831, lilahsdeli.com) for King Cakes and other tasty treats; 2John’s Steak & Seafood for an elegant meal or relaxing live jazz in the lounge and bar area (318-841-56 46, 2JohnsRestaura nt. c om); Wi ne C ou nt r y Bist ro for fresh Louisiana-inspired dishes and a vintage cocktail menu (318-629-9463, WineCountryNet.com); Marilynn’s Place for a Beignet and Bloody Mary, or great Cajun-inspired dinner entrées (318-8683004, Marilynns-Place.com).

Places to stay: Margaritaville Resort Casino is Jimmy Buffet’s latest creation.

It’s ALWAYS 5 o’clock at Margaritaville!

(855-346-2489, MargaritavilleBossierCity. com); Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino is a regular winner of Southern Gaming’s Readers’ Choice Awards and another sure bet when it comes to great rooms, food and gambling (877-429-0711, SamsTownShreveport.com).

HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA

HiltonHeadIsland.org | 800-523-3373 South Carolina is the mecca of coastal getaways for the Southern United States.

It is a destination rich with history dating back to the 1600s, when Captain William Hilton first spotted the area. Today it is visited by more than 2 million people a year.

The resort is home to multiple golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links, home to the PGA’s Heritage golf tournament. This course is one of the regions toughest and features a flawlessly manicured layout. There are several other 14 |

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Palmetto Dunes is just one of the great golf courses among other Hilton Head attractions.

courses on the island, both private and public, ranging in price and difficulty.

A moderately priced attraction is Gary Player’s Hilton Head National, located on the main highway just before you get onto the island. Another is Oyster Reef Golf Club, located in the Palmetto Hall plantation.

Another great day getaway is Dafuskie Island, located across the Calibogue Sound. Grab the golf clubs or tennis racquets, or even an overnight bag, and spend the day at Bloody Point Golf Club & Resort, where you will find a great golf course, restaurant, pools and tennis courts to entertain you.

Great finds: Harbour Town Golf Links (843-363-8385, SeaPines.com); Hilton Head National Golf Course (843-8425900, GolfHiltonHeadNational.com); Hudon’s Seafood House on the Docks (843-681-2772, HudsonsontheRocks. com); Up the Creek Pub & Grill (843681-3625, UpTheCreekPubandGrill.com).

Places to stay: Palmetto Dunes Resort (877-460-0027, palmettodunes.com); Sea Pines Resort (866-561-8802, SeaPines. com); Bloody Point Golf Club and Resort (843-341-3030, bloody-point. com); Wyndham Vacation RentalsRe s or t Q ue s t (8 0 0 - 8 75 - 8 7 2 6 , WyndhamVacationRentals.com).

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

EurekaSprings.org | 800-523-3373 Eureka Springs is secluded in the heart of the Ozarks. This artist-friendly mecca is home to all sorts of attractions, from a railway to the Great Passion Play, museums, ghost tours and a wildcat sanctuary. The town is known as a magnet for honeymooners, motorcycle enthusiasts, craft lovers and even UFO fanatics—and there’s not a single stoplight in town.

Great finds: Flavor Café (479-253-9522, localf lavorcafe.net) is a Main Street favorite and dishes up both classics and fusion creations with flair. The Grand Tavern (479-253-6756, grandcentralresort. com) for elegant, beautifully interpreted French classics. KJ’s Caribe (479-2538102) serves up Honduran and Latin favorites derived from family recipes with a modern touch. The Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway gives riders the feel of the age of train travel. Dinner aboard is a popular option (479-253-9623, esnarailway.com). Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 100 big cats rescued from across North America, with overnight stay options available (479-253-5841, turpentinecreek. org). The Great Passion Play showcases the final days of the life of Christ, with

live animals on a permanent Holy Land set (800-882-7529, greatpassionplay.org).

Places to stay: The 1886 Crescent Hotel (800-678-8946, crescent-hotel.com) is known as the Most Haunted Hotel in America, but the rooms are great and the hotel cats are friendly. The Grand Treehouse Resort (479-253-8733, thetreehouses.com) is a unique concept that offers accommodations for couples only, no kids allowed.

Save the date: The May Festival of the Arts celebrates the area’s 400 working artists and performers with the ArtRageous Parade, gallery strolls, a Visual Feast and more. (479-253-7333, Eurekaspringsfestivalofthearts.com).

Fleur Delicious is a French-themed food festival on the first weekend after Independence Day (479-253-6807, fleurdeliciousweekend.com).

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

VisitSavannah.com | 912-644-6400 In 1994, John Berendt published Midnight in the Garden of Evil and over the course

of a few hundred pages, he put Savanah on the map. Even after two decades, the oldest city in Georgia still enjoys the visits of thousands of tourists a year wanting to more personally connect with the story.

But if the book is what brings them there, Savannah offers much more to keep them coming back.

Great finds: High on the list of attractions is Bonaventure Cemetery. Visitors compare it to a botanical garden, finding it seasonally lush with live oak, long moss, wisteria and azaleas. Though the famous “Bird Girl” sculpture from the book’s cover has been moved to a museum, the park-like setting features many more gothic monuments to its dead.

Speaking of the dearly departed, the city has a reputation as one of the South’s most haunted. Just two years ago, USA Today placed it among the top 10 of all ghostly inhabited cities in the United States. For a family-friendly walking tour, try the Grave Tales Tour. Two others, promising more chills, are for adults only: the Dead of Night Ghost Tour and the Beyond

Good and Evil Tour. Want to mix in some spirits with your spirits? You won’t go wrong with the Ghost City Haunted Pub Crawl. (Information for each at ghosttoursinsavannah.com).

Places to stay: The Hamilton-Turner Inn is a four-diamond bed-and-breakfast that sits on Lafayette Square (Hamiltonturnerinn.com). The Ballastone Inn bills itself as the city’s most romantic inn (ballastoneinn.com). For something a bit less provincial, the Andaz Savannah offers a more modern, updated approach to visiting Savannah (savannah.andaz. hyatt.com).

Save the date: Marilyn: Celebrating an American Icon is an exhibition put on by Telfair Museum at the Jepson Center for the Arts through July 27 (visitsavannah.com). From pop culture to high culture, The Savannah Voice Festival (Aug. 1-17) brings opera greats Sherrill Milnes and soprano Maria Zouves to headline an event that combines music and arts (savannahvoicefestival.org).

Where Luck Comes Your Way Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana

Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side is the ideal southern gaming destination with six riverboat casinos and one racino. The newest casino - Margaritaville Resort Casino - is situated steps away from the Outlets at Louisiana Boardwalk. Anticipation is mounting for the grand opening of Horseshoe Casino and Hotel’s $3.5 million tropical swimming pool called DARE set to open this summer. In addition to the gaming action, visitors love the fabulous entertainment, local dining scene, shopping and year-round festivals.

To plan your trip today, request a Visitor Guide by calling 800-551-8682 or order one on www.Shreveport-Bossier.org.

LouisianasOtherSide

@sbctb

1-888-45-VISIT

www.shreveport-bossier.org

D E S T I N AT I O N B I LOX I

From Golden Girl to Golden Nugget

The new gaming floor at the Golden Nugget features 50 table games and 1,200 slots.

Golden Nugget Biloxi BI L OX I ’ S OL DE S T CA S I NO BE C OM E S I T S N E W E S T HO T SP O T by

P

ICTURE IT.

It’s June 29,1990. The Mississippi legislature passes the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, legalizing gambling on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Just two years later, the Isle of Capri opens at Point Cadet in Biloxi. People stand in line for hours to roll the dice. And while the property changed over the years, the most prominent memory of it for most guests would be the wild floral designs and tropical décor. For two decades, the Isle held onto its Caribbean flair.

Now, with a more than $100 million investment from Landry’s Inc., the Isle is going from Golden Girl to Golden Nugget. Biloxi’s gaming opportunity is recharged like Betty White’s career.

Landry President and CEO Tilman Fertitta says it best, “We’ve been looking to expand the Golden Nugget footprint 16 |

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B R I D G E T VA R O N E

into Biloxi for years, and we’re excited about all the changes we’ve made to the property,” he said. “The Golden Nugget transformation is going to rejuvenate Biloxi in the same way that we have helped revive downtown Las Vegas and the Marina District in Atlantic City, New Jersey.”

Some of the changes he’s referring to include an all-new casino floor, and the addition of a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Morton’s Steakhouse, the Ultra Lounge and an amazing new pool.

Every aspect of the casino has undergone a dramatic transformation. The hotel has been beautifully polished with a very modern design and contemporary accent features. The suites are spacious and relaxing, warm and very inviting.

The views across Biloxi and the Barrier Islands along with the hospitality of the

staff are subtle reminders that you’re in South Mississippi.

BRING IT ON

Golden Nugget is buzzing with excitement right now, and it will only grow with the grand opening in May. Golden Nugget is the only property to bring gaming outdoors and poolside with 12 table games at H2O, the sultry pool experience with a swim-up bar, daybeds, fire pits, cabanas, and a gigantic hot tub. Golden Nugget’s summer concert series will be held at H2O on the first Saturday of the summer months. Look for acts such as Cowboy Mouth, Better Than Ezra, The Molly Ringwalds and Yacht Rock Revue. A small entry fee will provide access if you’re not a hotel guest. Even the original pool has been completely transformed, along with the spa salon and fitness center on the third level of the hotel, which are now state of the art.

The Golden Nugget renovation addressed everything from the exterior to parking and the suites, which are now much more warm and relaxing.

Guests may enter by the valet on the casino level. If you choose to self-park, forget the parking woes of the past, as the gaming floor is now directly accessible through the first floor of the parking garage. The newly expanded floor boasts 50 table games, 1,200 slot machines and incredible giveaways including a Mercedes GLK on Memorial Day weekend. Entertainment is what Landry’s is about, and they have brought a new venue to town that offers a place for exciting live entertainment.

addition to the property, and brings a well-rounded experience to the Golden Nugget. The first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market opened in 1996 in Monterey, Calif. Since then, the chain has grown across the United States and internationally. Food is the hero at Bubba Gump, where the hungry can feast on shrimp (of course), award-winning, Dixie-style baby back ribs and other delicious options. The restaurant has a nice view of the partygoers at H2O below.

Morton’s The Steakhouse THE VIEWS ACROSS The dining opportunities has raised the bar of BILOXI AND THE of the Golden Nugget are casino fine dining to BARRIER ISLANDS as diverse and delicious as a new level. From the the other offerings from the ALONG WITH THE spiral staircase around Landry’s family business. HOSPITALITY OF the beautiful wine cellar, From the 300-seat Golden THE STAFF ARE to the incredible views of Traditions Buf fet t hat SUBTLE REMINDERS the Mississippi Sound, includes everything from THAT YOU’RE IN Morton’s will satisfy your Asian, Southern and Italian, SOUTH MISSISSIPPI. taste for excellence before to Shrimp and Crawfish your first sip of their Boils, there is something for everyone. delicious hand-crafted beer. Here, you Michael Patrick’s is the first sports café can celebrate life’s big or small occasions, concept named after one of Tilman’s from anniversaries to a modest win on sons. Not only can you enjoy the game the playing floor. Whether for business on the big screens while you dine, but at meetings, holiday celebrations or rehearsal the same time take in an incredible view dinners, Morton’s staff is ready and of Deer Island. Lillie’s Noodles offers a waiting. Leave a lasting impression on 10 fresh noodle bar with noodle bowls, wok or 100 of your closest friends or colleagues fried noodles, sushi and sashimi dishes. when you host an event in Morton’s This Pan-Asian casual and contemporary private dining rooms. restaurant is located in the middle of the If you want to party after dark, Rush Asian gaming pit, where players can try Lounge is the place for live entertainment. their hand at Pai Gow and Baccarat.

This venue features some of the best local Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is the newest bands and DJs. EAT IT UP

In the mood for a fresh brewed coffee?

Starbuck’s is located on the first floor of the casino. For a wonderful treat, check out The Chocolate Box, a boutique shop featuring all things chocolate!

Choose from a vast selection of gourmet chocolates, handmade confections, novelty candy, ice cream and many more items to tempt your sweet tooth.

SHOP TALK

The Golden Nugget was sure to remember opportunities for shopping. You’ll enjoy browsing at Essentials Gift Shop and Style and Trend. Essentials provides a wide variety of Golden Nugget apparel and other offerings like Guy Harvey clothing and jewelry. Style and Trend features the latest fashions for both men and women from brands like Tommy Bahama, Robert Graham, Peter Millar, Kendra Scott, NYDJ and Michael Kors.

Most importantly, shoes, swimwear, jewelry and handbags are available.

The Golden Nugget has updated the entire property with a modern, sophisticated look. Along with new restaurants and lounges, there are stylish retail offerings and refined rooms and suites. They have created a state of the art showroom, as well as a new spa and pool that feature a live blackjack station. This will provide the coast with an incredible experience unlike anything currently available in Biloxi.

For information and reservations, visit GoldenNugget.com/Biloxi or call 228-435-5400.

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This luscious course is one reason French Lick was named Best Historic Resort in 2013.

SOUTHERN SWINGS & SPLASHES CASINO POOLS & GOLF COURSES

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ummers in the South mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but to almost everyone they mean heat and humidity. How to keep your cool? Take advantage of some of the countless Southern outdoor activities and weekend getaways, especially when they involve ice-cold cocktails, resort-style swimming pools and the occasional earlymorning round of golf.

Good thing for Southern Gamers that regional casinos feature some of the best pools, golf courses and outdoor amenities anywhere around. The right visit might make this hot summer the coolest yet.

There’s plenty of summer to come, so plan your getaway today. Just tell them we sent you.

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FRENCH LICK RESORT

French Lick, Indiana FrenchLick.com | 888.936.9360 Property Highlights: 2 hotels (almost 700 rooms combined); 3 golf courses; 2 outdoor swimming pools; horseback riding, spa, Vegas-style casino; over 10 restaurants (3 fine dining) Our journey starts in French Lick, Ind., at French Lick Resort, home to the French Lick Hotel and the West Baden Hotel.

What once was the gambling mecca of the region and a meeting spot for Chicago’s crime bosses and bootleggers is now a property that boasts the best of the best and has earned its spot as one of the premier resorts in the country.

After $500 million in renovations, the resort and its amenities continue to impress us. The most recent addition is a third golf course, designed by worldrenown architect Pete Dye. Initially, he balked at the project, saying the slopes and terrain of the rolling hills behind the property were too severe for a course. But he soon came back with a plan worked out on a napkin and took the job. People describe the result as a masterpiece. After opening in 2009, it continues to astound golfers from around the world.

The resort offers two other courses, one of which was built in 1917 by Donald Ross and was home to the 1924 PGA Championship. Guests can relax in the

Why wait for Friday when the pool at Margaritaville Resort Casino opens Thursday nights for hot parties?

festive atmosphere at a world-class spa and two outdoor pools while a courteous food and beverage team meets their needs. No wonder the resort was named America’s Best Historic Resort 2013 by Historic Hotels of America.

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO

Bossier City, Louisiana MargaritavilleBossierCity.com | 855.346.2489 Property Highlights: Outdoor resortstyle pool; spa; 7 restaurants including Margaritaville and Jimmy’s Steak & Seafood; standard rooms over 400 square feet and 35 balcony suites over 900 square feet.

It’s always 5 o’clock at Margaritaville in Bossier City. Towering high above the skyline, the property is the newest addition to this Southern Gaming hot spot city and still has that “new casino smell.” In line with the resort’s party theme, the pool serves as a refreshing retreat and an escape from reality, all in a casually elegant atmosphere. Guests can kick back, relax and enjoy their favorite cocktails poolside while overlooking the Red River. Special services include complimentary private cabanas, poolside massages, cocktail service and music to keep the vibe right.

On Thursdays, when the sun goes down, the pool parties heat up, and Margaritaville Resort Casino becomes the happening place to be. Make your reservations accordingly.

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

Biloxi, Mississippi BeauRivage.com | 228.386.7444 Property Highlights: Resort style outdoor pool, showroom, spa, salon, workout room, shopping, championship golf course, 8 restaurants (2 fine dining) and 3 bars/lounges.

Upon your first visit to Biloxi, you will notice what looks like a replica of the famous Bellagio in Las Vegas. The similarity is no mere coincidence: both are properties built by Steve Wynn. Famous for his imaginative designs and property accents, Wynn produced a masterpiece that has withstood everything from hurricanes to a down economy. It remains on top of the world, with everything from pools to golf, all under one roof.

As Southerners know, vacations and sunshine go hand in hand. There are plenty of rays, splashing and even some surf (courtesy of fabulous views of the Gulf ) by the resort-style swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Extending out over the Mississippi Sound from the secondfloor deck, the pool features lush tropical landscaping and Romanesque décor.

Perfect for lounging with the latest juicy beach read, socializing with friends or just relaxing by yourself, the pool offers diversion and entertainment for all.

The Pool Bar & Café offers walk-up or poolside service with any frozen concoction

imaginable and snacks throughout the day.

DJs Hurricane and Shimmer spin the latest tunes at the pool every Friday and Saturday from 2-7 p.m., May 23 through Labor Day and there is no better place to be than poolside during these parties. The cabanas are plush and sit right beside the pool, each housing four cushioned chaise lounges, VIP towels and pillows, umbrella, sectional sofa, 42-inch flat screen TV, refrigerator stocked with chilled sodas, water and a fresh fruit plate. It doesn’t get any better than that! There are also poolside gazebos with four cushioned chaise lounges, VIP towels and pillows, two dining chairs and four chilled bottles of water.

In addition to the on-site attractions, Beau Rivage’s golf course, Fallen Oak, is the gem of the coast. It hosts an annual Senior PGA event, the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic. The course is about 30-minutes away from the property but well worth the trip. Tom Fazio designed the course to specifications for perfection and he accomplished all he wanted. The course is reserved for invited guests of the resort only so when you make your room reservation, be sure to book your tee time too!

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO

Biloxi, Mississippi HardRockBiloxi.com | 228.374-7625 Property Highlights: 5 restaurants (2 fine SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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Left: IP Casino Resort & Spa has a beautiful pool for the times you need a break from the floor. Right: Palm trees and a waterfall make the Paragon pool seem like a tropical vacation.

dining), 2 towers with Gulf facing room views, outdoor pool, spa, showroom, night club, fitness center.

A name like Hard Rock carries a certain aura: iconic rock and roll music, a party atmosphere, great service, and out-of-thebox promotions come to mind. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi delivers.

After recently completing a $32.5 million hotel tower, the property has one of the most unique set-ups in the region. The new tower is called the Platinum Tower, because only platinum recording artists memorabilia is displayed, whereas the original tower has an enormous collection of memorabilia from all genres. The pool area is no exception to the work hard, play hard attitude displayed from the moment you check in. Surrounded by tropical landscaping, calming cabanas, relaxing floating beds and comfortable chairs, a swim-up bar, and sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico, it is no surprise this oasis on the Coast is called The Wet Spot.

Surrounding the pool is The Wet Spot Bar & Grill, serving fun cocktails and food. In addition, VIP cabanas are available and offer TV’s bottled water, fresh fruit and a 20 |

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personal cabana host to make sure all your needs are taken care of. Don’t miss Detox every Sunday with live entertainment, specialty cocktails and a pool party. Doors open at noon and music starts at 2. Get there early, stay late!

IP CASINO RESORT & SPA

Biloxi, Mississippi IPBiloxi.com | 888.946.2847 Property Highlights: Rooftop, resortstyle outdoor pool, spa, showroom, 8 restaurants (2 fine dining) Towering 32-stories over the scenic Back Bay of Biloxi is IP Casino Resort & Spa, a Four Diamond Award winner and home to Thirty-Two Restaurant, a Southern Gaming Best of Readers Choice Award winner. You can choose from more than 1,000 rooms and suites and head up to the roof-top pool that will make you forget you are in the South, as it feels more like a Caribbean resort. Located on the 11th floor of the resort’s parking garage, the views overlooking the Back Bay seem to never end. Whether you are hanging out in a private cabana or soaking up the

sun on your personal lounge chair, the poolside service from Quench offers every cocktail imaginable as well as a menu with quick snacks and full lunch options. The expansive bar and dining area is shaded for quick escapes from the sun or a spot to catch up on your favorite sporting event on the flat screens behind the bar without ever having to go inside.

GOLDEN NUGGET BILOXI

Biloxi, Mississippi GoldenNugget.com/Biloxi | 1.800.777.7568 Property Highlights: Rooms with Gulf views, 5 restaurants (2 fine dining), showroom, resort-st yle pool area, spa (opening soon) Out with old and in with the new. The latest property to redefine the Biloxi scene is Golden Nugget Biloxi. Recently undergoing a $100 million transformation, nothing was untouched, and the property is now sparkling on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring new parking, casino entrances, hotel rooms and dining, the property has put a whole new spin on the resort experience. The pool area, called H2O, is the coast’s biggest and newest

The H20 poolside bar and grill allows guests to fill up without leaving the pool area.

outdoor pool. The lounge area features contemporary built-in seating areas, fire pits, summer concerts and poolside gaming…yes, pool side gaming! The lounge gives guests the chance to relax or dance the day (or night) away. It features a heated pool complete with hot tub, 270 lounges, 16 daybeds, 12 private cabanas, restaurant, swim-up bar, five outdoor blackjack games and two fire pits. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, H2O Hydrate turns it up with the Summer Pool Party Concert Series. The first Saturday of the month from May through August, H2O Hydrate presents live performances from the hottest party bands around.

PARAGON CASINO TAMAHKA TRAILS GOLF CLUB

Marksville, Louisiana ParagonCasinoResort.com 800-946-1946 Property Highlights: A three-time U.S. Open Qualifyer host, Tamahka Trails offers “play all day” for $35 on Wednesdays.

Paragon Casino Resort is a regular recipient of Southern Gaming’s Readers’ Choice Awards for everything from entertainment to restaurants. The resort offers guests the best in gaming and amenities. Featuring three pools, one of which is indoors, and one of the best golf courses in the region, Tamahka Trails, you can’t go wrong with a stop at this premium Southern Gaming certified property.

Designed by architect Steve Smyers, the golf course lies in the natural beauty of Louisiana and offers a diverse layout in spectacular playing conditions. Smyers coupled this “new school” design with a passionate appreciation of Scotland’s legendary courses to create a pleasurable experience for players. Its numerous and massive bunkers evoke an undulating landscape that always requires acute player strategy. The carts are equipped with GPS. Also worth a visit are the 50,000-squarefoot practice facility, a 10,000-squarefoot putting green and practice greens dedicated to bunker play. Also, make time to relax in the clubhouse after your round to enjoy an ice cold beverage and panoramic views of the course.

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YOUR PASSPORT TO SOUTHERN GAMING STAY – Boyd Gaming offers the perfect places to stay, and so much more. We specialize in providing our guests with exceptional experiences. You can expect accommodations that are stylish, comfortable, relaxing and fun. Come stay with us, and experience Boyd Style for yourself.

PLAY – Casino entertainment is our specialty – whether you’re looking for the hottest new slots, high-payback video poker, classic table games like blackjack, craps and roulette or the excitement of live poker. With your B Connected card you can earn points and redeem them at any Boyd Gaming resort. Our entertainment offerings don’t stop on the casino floor. In our state-of-the-art showrooms and intimate lounges, you’ll find a year-round lineup of entertainers, from household names to up-an-coming local talent.

DINE – Our restaurants range from award-winning steakhouses to mouth-watering buffets, to quick and affordable cafes, and just about every kind of cuisine you can imagine, including down-home Southern cooking.

RELAX – You can take life easy in one of our luxurious rooms and suites or unwind in one of the many attractions designed for your leisure – tropical swimming pools, unique shops or invigorating spas and salons.

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Everything about Three Chimneys Farm says Thoroughbred.

D E S T I N AT I O N L E X I N G T O N :

Horse Farms & Bourbon Distilleries

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HERE ARE FEW PLACES in the world as eclectic as Kentucky. Known as the horse and bourbon capital of the world, the state is the birthplace of approximately 30 percent of the nation’s horses each year and home to nearly 5 million barrels of aging bourbon. The entire state’s population is only 4.3 million, if that tells you anything.

While many horse farms and bourbon distilleries are scattered throughout the commonwealth, the city of Lexington, located in the heart of the Bluegrass State, has an array of both. In addition, the city is home to Keeneland, one of the most historic racetracks in the country and 24 |

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the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, where approximately half of the 11 Triple Crown winners have been sold.

the many farms in the Lexington area are enjoyable for young and old alike.

Lexington is filled with tradition, beauty and restaurants, making for a great weekend getaway. Whether you plan to tour a horse farm, a bourbon distillery or both, you will quickly understand why it is a Certified Southern Gaming Destination.

Here are a few of our Lexington favorites.

ThreeChimneys.com | 859-873-7053

H O R S E FA R M S Even if you’re not a race fan, horse farms provide an intimate look at an industry as steeped in tradition and charm as any in the country. From watching Thoroughbreds foal, to visiting with retired champions,

THREE CHIMNEYS FARM

Three Chimneys Farm has one of the most storied pasts of any farm in the state.

Dating back to the early 1970s, the Clay family started in the business with the sale of Bold Tactic, their first colt, for $37,000.

Today, the farm is a top-5 stud farm with a business built on a simple approach to doing well: “Taking care of the horse and land, taking care of the customer and surrounding ourselves with good people.”

The philosophy has worked. To date, Three Chimneys has consigned about $500

million worth of horses with their sires’ progeny, having earned nearly $1 billion and more than 1,000 stakes victories. With over 1,000 acres, 100 employees and one of the strongest names in the business, this is a stop you surely want to make. The farm was home to Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew as well as other top Thoroughbred names, including Dynaformer and Point Given. Today’s stallions include Big Brown, Caleb’s Poss, Flower Alley and others.

Located a short 20-minute drive from downtown Lexington, the farm offers tours Tuesdays through Saturdays in April and October by appointment only.

The tours last 60-80 minutes and host 30 guests at a time.

The gated entrance to WinStar Farm leads to 2,000 square acres of Kentucky bluegrass, the perfect home for Derby-winning legends.

WINSTAR FARM

WinStarFarm.com | 859-297-1328 A successful farm depends on good soil, good horses and good people. WinStar Farm is fortunate enough to have all three. Upon entering the main gates, you feel as though you have stepped onto scared ground. A glistening lake welcomes guests as they make their way up the meticulously landscaped driveway to offices that resemble a Southern mansion.

The accomplishments of the operation are immediately evident when you enter the lobby and see trophies on display from the 2003 Kentucky Derby (Funny Cide) and 2010 Kentucky Derby (Super Saver), the 2010 Belmont Stakes (Drosselmeyer) and the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Classic (Drosselmeyer), just to name a few.

The WinStar Farm sits on almost 2,000 acres, including the original 450-acre tract of land once known as Silver Pond Farm. Settled in the 1700s by the Williams of Tidewater Virginia, the Silver Pond property remained in the family for over 150 years. Today, the original farmhouse, smokehouse, pond, bank barn and Osage orange allee on Pisgah Pike are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stallions on property are among some of the biggest names in the business, including Tiznow, Super Saver, Bodemeister, Drosselmeyer and others, with breeding fees ranging from $15,000 to $100,000.

The hour-long tours are free but by a p p oi nt m e nt on l y on Mond ay s , Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning at 1 p.m.

ASHFORD STUD

Coolmore America Coolmore.com | 859-873-7088 Ashford Stud is the American division of one of the largest racing operations in the world, Coolmoore, which operates locations in America, Australia and Ireland. The Lexington farm boasts high quality stallions, showcasing some of the best sires in the country and indeed the world. The grounds are majestic and feature Ritz Carlton-like barns that are over 30 years old.

The farm is home to 1995 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Thunder Gulch, 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, Giants Causeway, Shanghai Bobby, Uncle Mo and a few others. Whether you are interested in hearing about the history of the farm or checking out past Derby winners and racing’s royalty, this is a great tour.

Tours are extremely limited and by appointment only, Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

BOURBON DISTILLERIES What is bourbon? Well, that is a loaded question. Federal law dictates that for a whiskey to be a bourdon, it must be distilled from at least 51 percent corn, aged at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and be pure of any added flavors or colorings. A common misconception is that all bourbon must be made in Kentucky. While this is a myth, many

of the most popular bourbons come from Kentucky, where the abundance of spring-fed limestone water lends unique flavors that come from nowhere else in the world. The strong temperature swings between Kentucky winters and summers cause the barrels to expand and contract, drawing the bourbon in and out of the charred wood, imbuing the whiskey with rich notes.

On a distillery tour, you will see the whole production process, beginning with the selection of the proper corn and barley or rye, depending on the product. From there you can watch the cooking process, where the grains are mixed with Kentucky limestone water. You’ll see the inside of charred white oak barrels, how and where the bourbon is aged and perhaps you’ll get a whiff (or a taste) of the finished product.

No matter your favorite bourbon, and even if bourbon isn’t your cup of tea, the process of producing bourbon is a fascinating brew of tradition and chemistry.

ALLTECH’S LEXINGTON BREWING & DISTILLING COMPANY

Master Distiller: Mark Coffman KentuckyAle.com | 859-255-2337 Located downtown, this distillery is relatively new, since it’s the first one to open in Lexington in almost 100 years. Also making it standout is that it also houses a beer brewery. The $9.2 million complex produces Town Branch Bourbon, named after the creek that flows under the city.

The fermenting room is popular among SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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Small Batch) and on the tour, you will learn about what is unique about each label, the ingredients used, and what leads to the distinct flavor profiles.

Located 24 miles west of Lexington, the expansive distillery complex reminds you more of a resort when you arrive. Built in 1910, yellow and red colors accent the Spanish-Mission Style architecture, which is as unique as what’s produced inside. Free tours are given Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Four Roses Distillery also provides samples to guests of legal drinking age.

WOODFORD RESERVE DISTILLERY Four Roses master distiller Jim Rutledge examines a batch of bourbon, from look to smell.

guests as it displays two large open vats of the fermenting alcohol adjacent to two oldfashioned copper stills, all naturally lit by floor-to-ceiling windows. As the distillery tour ends, the brewery tour begins. Just a few steps away, across the parking lot, is a building that houses the entire brewery process from beginning to bottling. The brewery produces six different beers, including the popular Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout and Bourbon Barrel Ale. Prior to bottling, each of the bourbon beers are housed in the barrels that once contained the precious bourbon itself, giving the slightest hint of bourbon in the malty beer flavors.

Hourly tours are available daily, with the last tour beginning at 4 p.m. Visitors over 21 years of age will receive four tastings from their choice of the available five beers and three spirits.

WILD TURKEY

Master Distillers: Jimmy and Eddie Russell WildTurkeyBourbon.com | 502-839-2182 Bottled but never tamed. That is the latest marketing slogan for Wild Turkey, one of Kentucky’s finest and best-known bourbons. Located 23 miles west of Lexington, the distillery produces 11 different labels, ranging from their traditional Wild Turkey 101 (proof) to Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, which is hand-picked from the “center cut” of the rick house by Jimmy and Eddie Russell themselves. Jimmy is a third-generation distiller and Eddie is a fourth, so you know these guys have what it takes to make 26 |

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excellent bourbon. On the tour, you will see their process uses a lower proof at the distillation stage, allowing them to add less water in the end and lower the proof back down to a tolerable drinking level. On the tour, guests also learn a few more secrets about their unique portfolio of bourbons and what makes each of them special.

Tours are given hourly Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are offered Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., March through November.

FOUR ROSES DISTILLERY

Master Distiller: Jim Rutledge FourRosesBourbon.com | 502.839.2655 Whiskey has a long history, dating back to the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania, and Four Roses Bourbon is one of the few household brands that has stood the test of time. It is the oldest and longest continuously produced bourbon available today. (Production for “medical purposes” was permitted during Prohibition.) In 1933, it was the No. 1 selling bourbon in the United States and was eventually purchased by Seagram, who shifted their marketing focus and sold it exclusively overseas, where it was once again the top selling bourbon. In 2002, the Kirin Brewery Co. purchased Four Roses and returned it to shelves in the United States, where it has had a growing presence ever since. Today, the distillery produces seven different labels (Single Barrel, Small Batch, Yellow, Platinum, Fine Old Batch, Limited Edition Single Barrel and Limited Edition

Master Distiller: Chris Morris WoodfordReserve.com | 859-879.1812 Woodford Reserve proudly proclaims that it is the oldest and smallest working bourbon distillery. It recently re-opened the visitor center, featuring a new tasting room and other attractions. The location, just off Versailles Road, makes it a convenient stop on the way to Keeneland Racetrack.

The distillery offers three separate tours, allowing guests to have different experiences based on their interests.

The Bourbon Discovery Tour ($10) is a guided educational tour that explains the history of bourbon, production, bottling and much more. At the end, guests of legal drinking age can taste the finished product. This tour is offered hourly Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays, April through December). The National Landmark Tour ($30) is a two-hour session that educates guests about the history and details of the distillery and its impact on Kentucky Heritage. This tour sells out quickly as it is offered only on Wednesdays and is limited to 20 guests. Finally, the Corn to Cork Tour ($30) allows guests to immerse themselves in a two-hour session that explores the chemical and sensory aspects of Woodford Reserve’s Distiller Select. For details about this reservation-only tour, call the distillery or visit their website.

Once you’ve had your fill of bourbon, make time to have lunch at Wallace Station Deli and take in some races at the beautiful Keeneland Race Course.

For more information on Lexington, check out VisitLex.com.

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Always wager responsibly. National Gambling helpline 1-800-522-4700.

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DAY AT THE RACES IS NO LONGER LIKE it was a generation or two ago when betting on horse racing was virtually restricted to wagering at the track where live racing was being held. A boom in simulcast off-track betting (OTB) locations brought the action closer to home, to where more than 90 percent of wagering on horse racing is now done away from where live racing is taking place. An ever-growing share of that percentage is now done on the Web in what is the only legal form of online wagering in the United States.

TwinSpires.com, a wholly owned subsidiary of Churchill Downs Incorporated and the official online wagering site of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, is THE go-to place to wager on horseracing online or from your phone/tablet.

For a society busier than ever, TwinSpires.com is at the forefront of making wagering more accessible to those who would like to bet but don’t have the time to visit their nearest racetrack or simulcasting facility. Customers can pull up the odds, make a variety of wagers and then watch the race unfold. It is like having your own racetrack on your computer or smartphone!

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“There is very little that beats the thrill of experiencing live racing. What we do with TwinSpires.com is take that experience-as only we can-to players, wherever they may be,” said TwinSpires.com Vice President of Marketing Jeremy Clemons.

“The convenience of betting online and through mobile devices allows players to engage in racing on days and from locations where they never thought it possible.”

While wagering convenience is a primary goal, providing horseplayers with the tools they need to make those wagers is another benefit to those with a TwinSpires account. Free Brisnet Ultimate Past Performances and free selections are available to account holders, as well as free live video and race replays. To help develop new fans and break down barriers for those new to horse racing, TwinSpires also provides free video tutorials on how to sign-up, fund, wager and use past performance products.

“Getting started with TwinSpires.com is easy,” added Clemons.

“Players can get signed up, fund their account and start playing the races in less than 10 minutes.”

Another benefit of TwinSpires membership is free deposit and withdrawal methods, including the popular EZ Money option, which allows players to easily transfer funds in and out of their bank account.

The contests and promotions on Twinspires.com are great too. Currently, there is a $10,000 Guarantee tournament every Saturday through November where the top 15 places get paid and the first place is paid $5,000 plus an entry into the November 29 $50,000 Guaranteed Championship.

The Saturday tournament results are determined by having players place mythical $2 win/place wagers on one horse in 12 pre-selected races. The player with the highest bankroll after the 12 races get paid. To get into the Saturday tournaments, the buy-in is $100, or players can qualify for a free buy-in by placing among the top finishers in a variety of weekly handicapping tournaments.

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In the end, Twinspires.com is easy to use, has great features, promotions and contests, and allows you to enjoy the thrill of horseracing from anywhere! Give it a shot and let us know what you think!

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Horseplay the Exotic Way EV E N E X PER I E NCE D BE T T OR S H AV E A T H I NG OR T WO T O L E A R N A BOU T T H E SE H IGH-Y I E L D WAGER S by

T

E R I C F LOY D

hirty years ago, more than 90 percent of money bet on Thoroughbred racing settled inside either a win, place or show pari-mutuel pool. Today, the percentage is practically inverted: About 75 percent of the nearly $20 billion wagered annually on American Thoroughbreds filters into an exotic pool.

Before dissecting how to best use exotic wagers in everyday gaming sessions, familiarization with certain terms must take place. A few of the more common ones are:

The reason for this acute fiscal shift is horseplayers now possess legitimate opportunities to maximize their profit margin without intensively increasing gross fiscal outlay. These exotic wagers may be highly speculative, but they are able to catapult punters into a much loftier tax bracket, which is essentially the Horse Racing Nation’s collective dream.

3. Trifecta. Select the top three finishers of a race in exact order.

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1. Daily Double. Select the winners of two consecutive stipulated races.

2. Exacta. Select the top two finishers of a race in exact order.

4. S uperfecta. Select the top four finishers of a race in precise order.

5. Pick 3/4/5/6. Select the winners of three, four, five or six consecutive stipulated races.

The exactas, trifectas and superfectas

can be boxed, meaning all numeric combinations will be covered. For example, a “straight” $2 trifecta 1-2-3 obviously costs $2, yet if boxed for $2, our fictional trifecta would cost $12 because now six numeric combinations are purchased: 1-2-3/1-3-2/2-1-3/2-3-1/3-1-2/3-2-1.

Horseplayers fancy the exacta for countless reasons, but regardless of motive, one illadvised strategy seems to continually prevail. Regularly, when punters (even veterans) encounter a race where the top three or four betting choices are all evenly matched, they’ll simply “box” every short-priced contender. Punters who cover multiple favorites in an exacta box concede they have no real concrete opinion, thus paltry payouts are customarily reaped, even when victory ensues.

Horseplayers can reap big by understanding and using such special wagers as the exacta, trifecta and superfecta.

Interestingly enough, that scenario often inf licts collateral damage on daring souls who bet an exacta box containing a pursuit’s second and third choice. This is because yet again, innumerable players will always decide to box the tote board’s top three selections. In summary, a punter may courageously omit an odds-on favorite from their exacta box and still obtain a relatively deflated imbursement.

In New York up until the early 1980s, trifecta wagering was offered only on the day’s last race. As a result, the card’s finale at tracks like Belmont, Aqueduct and Finger Lakes became pivotal for those who wanted to bet a little but win a lot. Today, trifectas are practically always offered unless a field comprises of four or fewer entrants.

a minimum $2 trifecta box ($12); however, spending more dough doesn’t necessarily hedge inherent risk. In an eight horse field, there are 28 exacta box combinations, so purchasing a single two-horse box allots 3.5 percent total coverage. In the same eight-horse field, there are 336 possible trifecta box combinations, so purchasing a single three-horse box envelops six possible outcomes or similarly allots 1.7 percent total coverage.

THESE EXOTIC WAGERS MAY BE HIGHLY SPECULATIVE, BUT THEY ARE ABLE TO CATAPULT PUNTERS INTO A MUCH LOFTIER TAX BRACKET, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY THE HORSE RACING NATION’S COLLECTIVE DREAM.

A lt hough your average horseplayer will consistently dabble in exacta play, these same patrons invariably cherish or loathe the pari-mutuel mistress dubbed trifecta. More often than not, souls who net a defining trifecta early in their gaming career will continually couple three horses several times per session.

On the contrary, neophytes who tap out betting triples nearly always eternally forsake them.

Bankroll quantity generally becomes the deciding factor when a player is deciding between a minimum $2 exacta box ($4) or

Now plea se don’t let such dismal fractional d at a d i s c ou r a ge you from taking some risks, because catching one lucrative trifecta ca n i nde e d f uel a doz en for t hc om i ng ga m i ng sessions. That said, here are the mechanics, along with some advantages and disadvantages, of wagering minor and Major Trifecta Boxes.

MINOR TRIFECTA BOXES.

Example A: $2 tri-box (1-2-3) costs $12 Example B: $2 tri-box (1-2-3-4) costs $48 Example A clearly awards meager coverage, and you are banking on all three racers to fire their best shot (remember the aforementioned probabilities). Example B is a safer, albeit pricier option, but this configuration isn’t entirely efficient if a handicapper strongly favors one or two entrants.

Consider this: For the same $48 as a $2 tribox (1-2-3-4), a player can instead purchase the following four $2 tri-boxes: (1-2-3), (12-4), (1-2-5) and (1-2-6). Obviously in this scenario, No. 1 and No. 2 must both hit the board (finish first, second or third), but as a result, you’ve added two additional horses who may occupy the trifecta in any position!

MAJOR TRIFECTA BOXES

Boxing five horses in a $2 Trifecta costs $120, while boxing six horses will lighten you by $240. Luckily, virtually all parimutuel outlets I know of accept $1 trifecta boxes, which slashes fees by 50 percent.

Since most horseplayers can’t responsibly risk $120 or $240 ($60 or $120 if wagering for $1), major trifecta boxes are best avoided except when an underestimated entrant confidently can be keyed in a wide open race, or the top two favorites in a full field appear undependable.

Common $2 trifecta keys resemble (1-2, 3), costing $4; (1/2, 3, 4), costs $12; and (1/2, 3, 4, 5), costs $24. Here, the top most (or “keyed” entrant) must win and the bottom entrants must fill in the remaining two trifecta positions in any order. A major trifecta key could be a viable option if the player effectively whittles down a large field then hones in on a square price. For instance, if you love a certain 4-1 shot in a 12 horse race and can then eliminate six remaining runners, perhaps bet a $2 TriKey (1/2, 3, 4, 5, 6). This wager only costs $40, and if triumphant, you’ll be booking a three-day Caribbean cruise by nightfall.

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By reason of its propensity to “carryover” (when no one wins and unclaimed money remain in the forthcoming pool) and radically transform people’s lives, the Pick 6 is utterly revered by Horse Racing Nation. Alas, attacking the trickiest multirace exotic with a frail bankroll is like charging the gates of Hades with a water pistol. I brazenly make this comparison because with eight-horse fields, a Pick 6 brandishes 262,144 possible outcomes!

A little math and a lot of moxy can help any bettor score with exactas, trifectas and more.

Ultimately, a major trifecta box might be most effectively wielded when your strongest opinion regarding a race is the vulnerability of its favorites. Let’s say in a seven-horse race it’s painfully evident a pair of favored speedsters are destined to duel each other into submission (it happens all the time). Is it plain silly to just go ahead and box the remaining five entrants in a $1 trifecta for $60? On the surface this angle may seem somewhat rudimentary, but honestly, most effective pari-mutuel approaches customarily are.

Before we dive headfirst into the cavernous realm of superfecta wagering, I’d like to impart a vital reality check. Some days, even insightful horseplayers struggle to select an outright winner, never mind foretell a race’s top four finishers. What I’m saying is, punters intent on courting the most difficult “intra-race” exotic should appreciate what they’re up against, because in an eight-horse race, there are 1,680 possible superfecta combinations.

At one time abhorred by turf traditionalists, t h e d i m e s u p e r h a s e s s e nt i a l l y revolutionized Thoroughbred racing’s pari-mutuel landscape. Still comparatively novel, this imaginative wager perceptibly reduces capital outlay by 90 percent, yet more importantly, it permits those 32 |

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with modest bankrolls occasionally to adequately cover a race. Incidentally, naysayers frequently argue that dime supers only compromise an otherwise worthwhile payout, but truthfully, these are the same folks who’d complain about paying taxes if they won the lottery.

Since boxing four horses in a dime super only costs $2.40, it’s evident why a novice might resolve to wage pari-mutual war using loose change. Yet before one frantically engages discounted exotics, they should educate themselves with the often glaring disparity between $1 trifecta boxes and dime super boxes. Case in point, a 4 horse $1 tri-box inevitably costs $24 yet the same funds can be used in a 13 horse race to purchase the following dime super: 1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4/ALL. Logically, our Dime Super would have to pay just over ten times more than the $1 Tri-Box to affix “added-value,” so I’d personally play a dollar triple unless several long shots seem particularly live.

Daily doubles along with the Pick 3/4/5/6 are categorized as “multi-race” exotics.

Being that it’s often quite difficult to string numerous winners together, players regularly employ more than one racer per leg unless there’s a complete standout somewhere within the sequence. This is rationally referred to as “singling” a horse.

I habitually hear old-timers declare that the biggest mistake any ambitious Pick 6 player can make is to be excessively divergent. When betting individual races or possibly the Pick 3, go ahead, take a stand against heavily favored middling horses. This approach is dicey in Pick 6 circles, though, for if you honestly believe some gelding listed at 20-1 can’t lose, just bet to win! Don’t single him in the Pick 6.

What I’m trying to say is that on some occasions, everybody singles an obvious winner, so why destroy an otherwise sound Pick 6 ticket attempting to upset the apple cart? Simply accept this free space and spread your afforded bankroll across the tougher competitions. Remember, it only takes one double-digit long shot to fantastically inflate a Pick 6 payout.

In an attempt to lower costs or secure action period, many impoverished Pick 6 players form syndicates, particularly when an enormous carry-over exists. Despise collaboration? I admire your honesty! In that case, scrape together $72 (or $36 if a $1 Pick 6 is offered) and structure a basic ticket around two singles, two doubles and two triples (Ex. 1-2/1-2-3/1/1-2-3/1/1-2).

Undoubtedly saturated with sound and practical doctrine, the preceding narrative on exotic wagering is hardly comprehensive. That’s because in a single finite manuscript I (nor anyone), could ever intricately detail the sheer number of factorial elements bound to the most convoluted aspect of thoroughbred racehorse handicapping. Press on, however, for once a zealous punter pledges lasting commitment to unraveling the puzzle of pari-mutuel exotics, he’ll undoubtedly receive not only startling but previously undocumented revelation.

YOUR TRIP BEGINS HERE

Southland Park Gaming and Racing, West Memphis

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PLAYER STRATEGY

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HORSERACING: Grinding it out

H ILE A LL BONA F IDE horseplayers perpetually crave action, ghastly fiscal positioning occasionally impedes a punter’s passage to the teller’s window. We’ve all had $20 to our name yet somehow decided that tripling or quadrupling said stake is well within reach. Consequently, a courageous effort to augment individualized net worth via the ponies ensues.

This column is about betting horses on a budget.

Naturally, some folks would recoil in horror at the mere thought of gambling their last few pennies on a game as unforgiving as Thoroughbred horse racing. But in the words of fictional Titanic passenger Jack Dawson, “When you’ve got nothin’, you’ve got nothin’ to lose.”

Having launched many an offensive on the Sport of Kings with just some loose change that was retrieved from my Crown Victoria’s ashtray, yours truly has learned a thing or two about what hardened bettors refer to as “grinding it out.” As a result, here are a few survival tips for the punter who would rather not dine complements of the dollar menu until his next paycheck.

Unfortunately, astute horseplayers always incur a few dollars of incidental costs. If you sport an anemic bankroll, minimize—or better yet, eliminate—all frivolous expenditures. What is the best way? Penetrate the racetrack or OTB (off-track betting parlor) around 3 p.m. At this point the card(s), which started around 1 p.m., are mid-way complete. Several trash bins already will be overflowing with Daily Racing Forms discarded by aggressive types who’ve recklessly “tapped out” after betting four or five races. Not too proud to save $5? Great! Dig in and start handicapping!

Most literature I’ve read on how to beat the races lists discipline as a prime necessity. As bankrolls dwindle, the truth intensifies exponentially. If a player possesses only a double sawbuck (that’s $20 in gaming slang), a paltry $2 minimum bet represents 10 percent of his total bankroll.

Brother, such a steep fractional disadvantage doesn’t leave much room for error. In layman’s terms, if you’re short on dough, you’ve got to win early!

When gamblers are yoked to a diminutive monetary leash, their first few wagers bear grave implications. Soaring out of the blocks naturally puts more distance between you and utter bankruptcy yet it also fabricates confidence, an indispensible asset no horse player can live without. It basically boils down to treating your first play like the stability of all creation depends upon it. Just relax, take a deep breath and don’t bet until acquiring some tangible gain seems relatively certain. Please understand that this customarily means accepting a short win price or exploiting the place or show pool.

Now if an economica l ly disadvantaged horseplayer marginally creeps into the black, he can choose either to remain conservative or swing for the fences. At day’s end, the current session’s short-term financial goal should dictate due course. Basically what I’m saying is, if the power is about to get shut off, take some chances. Bet some double-digit long shots or throw together a cheap Pick 3. Simply need a few gallons of gas or a loaf of bread? Then stick with straight wagers (i.e. win, place and show).

Let’s say that upon “lightly” entering the racetrack you turn a small profit but then falter thanks to some bold, albeit failed speculative investments.

Once level, there’ll be an inclination to take greater risks, though this is where willful players invariably perish. Instead of pressing, circle the wagons, play it safe and attempt to accumulate yet another supplementary yield. Moreover, in cases where you lose a little right off the bat, you should back extremely likely outcomes, even if it means reaping 10 or 20 cents on the dollar.

Players who walk into the racetrack with $7 seldom walk out with $700. Additionally, here’s a warning for those who do in fact go from rags to riches: Don’t let greed be your undoing! Many, many moons ago I entered a Florida simulcast facility at 3:30 p.m. with $4, and within five hours, I verily clutched $85. I told myself I’d leave when I had $100 but around midnight, I tapped out. If you’re wise, you’ll learn a powerful lesson from my covetous blunder.

by

E R I C F LOY D

Eric Floyd is a turf writer for various gaming publications as well as a Triple Crown pari-mutuel consultant for several national media outlets. Excerpts from his gambling memoir, My First Decade Playing the Game, can be found at LuLu.com.

“WHEN GAMBLERS ARE YOKED TO A DIMINUTIVE MONETARY LEASH, THEIR FIRST FEW WAGERS BEAR GRAVE IMPLICATIONS.”

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LOUISIANA GOOD TIMES

in

Livin’ It Up

Lake Charles,

LOUISIANA

T H E R E ’ S M O R E T H A N O N E WA Y T O P L A Y I N T H I S G A M I N G T OW N by

B E T H D ’A D D O N O

W

ITH A FOURTH CASINO TAKING shape on its bayou waterfront, Lake Charles is a gaming destination to be reckoned with.

Opening later this year, the $600 million Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino promises world-class luxury, from top-shelf dining and a marvelous spa, to an 18hole golf course and specialty suites. The Nugget is in good company. L’Auberge Casino Resort just completed a $20 million upgrade, Isle of Capri revamped to the tune of $15 million and Delta Downs is a leader in gaming, swank suites and entertainment with a decidedly country accent.

While gaming may get you to The Festival Capital of Louisiana, there’s a great deal more going on here than what goes down on the casino floor. Situated just three hours from New Orleans and an hour from the beaches and marshes of the Gulf, Louisiana’s fifth largest city delivers distinctive cuisine, a vibrant local music scene, a rich history and a serious dose of the great outdoors.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

This corner of Louisiana has been home to pirates and cowboys, as well as a meeting point for Cajuns, Creoles, German immigrants and pioneers from the South and West who were intent on making their fortunes. As a result, the city, built around Lake Charles and the Calcasieu River, developed a unique culture, one reflected in its distinctive neighborhoods and museums. With a history of sulfur mining, logging, trapping and trade by railroad and waterway, Lake Charles produced a bumper crop of business barons, many of whom settled in the charming historic neighborhoods that are ripe for exploring.

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FROM FISH AND HUNTING TO BIRDING, GOLF AND CYCLING, THERE’S NO REASON TO STAY INSIDE WHEN THE WEATHER IS FINE. Don’t miss a tour of the stunning Southern mansions set along the lakeshore on Shell Beach Drive. Greek Revival estates, Victorian raised cottages, lavish gardens, sweeping lawns and massive live oaks. The Charpentier Historic District, which covers 40 blocks in downtown Lake Charles, is ideal for strolling. Known for its plethora of Victorians dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s, Charpentier (French for “carpenter”) is named for the carpenter-architects who freely designed as they built, creating a unique Lake Charles style.

Pick up a brochure with a self-guided walking tour at the friendly visitors center at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive.

One of 26 stops on the Louisiana African-American Heritage Trail, the Black Heritage Art Gallery, also in the Charpentier District, showcases the contributions of African Americans to Southwest Louisiana. Mardi Gras continues year-round just

A mural on an old brick wall is a perfect welcome to Lake Charles’ historic district.

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Left: The Creole Nature Trail is 180 miles of opportunity to see the best wildlife Louisiana offers, from birds to nutria to alligators.

Right: Smooth, sun-dappled waters make an ideal setting for casting fishing nets. Photo courtesy of www.monsoursphotography.com

down the hall in the Central School Arts and Humanities Center. At the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, the region’s particular style of carnival is on display, including the largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes in the world.

As beautiful to see from the outside as from within, the Historic City Hall Arts & Culture Center deserves a visit. The 1911 building was transformed in 2004 into a three-story exhibit space, with shows ranging from the art of Norman Rockwell to the traveling collection of Titanic artifacts.

TIME TO EAT (AND DRINK)

Much of the local cuisine is rooted in Cajun and Creole cultures- a matter of country style vs. city style, rustic and hearty fare vs. rich, sophisticated preparation.

Lake Charles is located in Acadiana, which comprises 22 parishes in southwest Louisiana that were settled by Cajuns, French Acadians expelled for their Catholic beliefs from what is now Nova Scotia in the 1700s. Surrounded by swamps, bayous and prairies, the Cajuns were isolated and lived off the land. Their culture remains alive and intense, evident in their language, music, and rustic, hearty cuisine. Creoles were city folk originally from Europe who settled first in New Orleans. Primarily French and Spanish, Creoles hailed from wealthy families and brought their own chefs from Madrid, Paris and other European capitals. These chefs adapted classic cooking techniques 38 |

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

to incorporate unfamiliar ingredients like mirliton, crawfish, pompano and snapper.

Add into the equation the culinary influence of the enslaved Africans who served in these households, the influence of Indians and German immigrants and a diverse gumbo indeed emerges.

At Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake (1004 N. Lakeshore Drive), Cajun specialties are what’s for dinner, including the likes of boudin and fried seafood, chicken and sausage gumbo, fried gator and Crawfish Etouffee. Along with a menu of live jazz, Luna’s Bar and Grill (719 Ryan Street) incorporates fresh local ingredients and seafood into eclectic, contemporary fare.

Try the filet Aurora with garlic cheese mash, Abita battered red fish and salmon daubed with a sweet pecan glaze.

A local favorite for more than 50 years, Pat’s of Henderson (1500 Siebarth Drive) is a charming seafood and steakhouse driven by Cajun flavors. Oysters on the half shell, gumbo, crawfish fettuccine and rib eye served with stuffed potato and mustard gravy are a few house specialties.

For boudin, the Cajun sausage made with pork, liver, rice, onion and spices, head to Famous Foods (1475 Gerstner Memorial Drive), a locally owned eatery dishing smoked and regular sausage along with three different types of cracklins served traditional, spicy or smoked.

For great cocktails and music, head to Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grille at L’Auberge, known for its devotion to brown spirits. Heist

(700 Ryan Street) is the newest—and sexiest-spot downtown for hand crafted cocktails and boutique wines by the glass.

GET OUT!

Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana in general is a nature lover’s and sportsman’s paradise. From fish and hunting to birding, golf and cycling, there’s no reason to stay inside when the weather is fine. The Creole Nature Trail is a gateway to the Louisiana Outback, more than 180 miles of highway and one of the first National Scenic Byways designated by the U.S. secretary of transportation. Download the free Creole Nature Trail Tour app for a GPSbased tour of the rugged terrain. Wildlife abounds, from gators and butterflies to nutria and muskrats.

There are several National Wildlife Refuges and nature reserves located on this trail that include the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary in Johnson Bayou and Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. You can even wander on the Wetland Walkway for an up-close and personal view of alligators and other critters.

Make it a point to visit Lake Charles.

You’ll be surprised at all this Louisiana town serves up.

For more information about planning you r t r ip to L a k e Cha rle s , v isit www.visitlakecharles.org.

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For a fun and rewarding penny slot experience, check out the new “Penny Lane” area at IP Biloxi.

Power Players

L I S T E N I NG T O T H E I R C U S T OM ER S , I N D U S T RY L E A DER BOY D G A M I NG M A K E S P OP U L A R U P GR A DE S

I

n 1941, Sam Boyd and his family arrived in Las Vegas with not much more than determination to succeed and fulfill a dream.

With less than $100 to his name, he worked his way up the ranks of the casino industry from craps dealer, to pit boss, and eventually owner. Over the years, he learned the business and how to treat his customers, and in 1962, he partnered with his son Bill to buy their first casino, the Eldorado Casino in Henderson, Nev. The dream had become a reality.

But it was just a start for the father and son team. In 1975, they formed Boyd Gaming Corporation and continued to expand the company into one of the largest of its kind in the world. Today, the 40 |

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

company owns over 20 properties across the country, including five in Louisiana and two in Mississippi, one of which is the AAA Four Diamond Award winning IP Casino Resort & Spa, which they acquired in 2011.

The addition of the property added a leading entertainment destination resort to their portfolio in one of the most attractive gaming markets in the country, Biloxi, Miss. It boasts great restaurants, especially thirty-two and Tien, a rooftop resort-style pool area, 1,100 rooms and suites and a 1,400-seat concert hall that hosts some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.

And when it comes to entertainment, Boyd knows their stuff. In addition to the

IP property, their Sam’s Town Casinos in Tunica, Miss., and Shreveport, La., regularly win Best Entertainment in Southern Gaming’s Best of Readers Choice Awards.

In 2012, Boyd bet big and acquired Peninsula Gaming for $1.45 billion, adding six properties to their portfolio and giving them the prestige of being the single largest casino operator in Louisiana. “ We have a ver y diverse group of properties, allowing us to provide guests with what they tell us they want,” said Paul Chakmak, Boyd’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“An example of this is the Costa Cucina restaurant at our IP property in Biloxi.

Guest feedback indicated there was a

“WE SAW THE PENNY SLOT MACHINES WERE POPULAR WITH OUR GUESTS, SO WE DECIDED TO DEVELOP AN AREA JUST FOR THEM.”

B OY D G A M I N G ’ S CASINO &

R ACE T R ACK S LAS VEGAS

The Orleans Gold Coast Suncoast Sam’s Town California Fremont Main Street Jokers Wild Eldorado

Above: By popular demand for good Italian fare, Costa Cucina was born to IP Biloxi. Right: The new and improved Boyd Gaming property, IP Biloxi, lights the night with the latest slots, live music, and delicious food.

demand for a good Italian restaurant on the coast, so we gave it to them and it has been really popular.”

ILLINOIS

Par-A-Dice INDIANA

Costa Cucina offers Italian favorites like lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs and veal Marsala, with all of the entrees under $20.

Chakmak also said they talk to guests about what music acts they want to see at the property, which gives them input on what shows to book.

Another example of delivering what the players want is a new concept called Penny Lane, a themed area on the casino floor that features the latest penny slot machines. The games give players the highest payback percentages, special bonus features and even their own mascot, Cool Abe. Especially appealing are the bonus opportunities and “mini-games” built into the programming. So if you are playing on Penny Lane, you will periodically be rewarded these bonus games on top of the bonus games that are already built into the game.

“We saw the penny slot machines were popular with our guests, so we decided to develop an area just for them,” Chakmak said. “Penny Lane is fun, exciting and rewarding for the players.” Penny Lane

Blue Chip IOWA

Diamond Jo Dubuque Diamond Jo Worth areas are at all of the Boyd properties and, as with all of the properties, your play at the machines and table games is tracked and a part of B Connected, Boyd’s Customer Reward program.

B Connected allows players to earn rewards and comps based on their play. The rewards can be redeemed at any of the Boyd Properties, so if you are playing at Delta Downs Casino in Louisiana, you can redeem your points for that Las Vegas vacation you’ve been dreaming about.

Whether you are in Biloxi or Shreveport, you will find a Boyd Gaming property, so be sure to stop in and find out what all of the buzz is about.

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Visit B oydG a m i ng.com for more information.

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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41

SOU THERN GAMING’S

PREFERRED HOT SPOTS Whether you’re a frequent jet-setter or simply a casual traveler, Southern Gaming and Destinations strives to recommend highquality establishments to our readers. We feel this array of our preferred casinos, racetracks, racinos, hotels and restaurants will deliver the best in accommodations, entertainment and gaming.

We encourage you to consider any of these incredible properties when planning your next getaway.

1 GULF COAST BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (BILOXI) 1-888-750-7111 FALLEN OAK GOLF COURSE (BILOXI) 1-877-805-4657 GOLDEN MUGGET (BILOXI) 1-800-777-7568 HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE (GULFPORT & BILOXI) 1-228-867-7001 HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO (BILOXI) 1-877-877-6256 IP CASINO RESORT SPA 1-888-946-2847 MARY MAHONEY’S FRENCH HOUSE RESTAURANT (BILOXI) 1-228-374-0163 PALACE CASINO RESORT (BILOXI) 1-800-PALACE-9 THE SHED BBQ (OCEAN SPRINGS) 1-228-875-9590 SILVER SLIPPER CASINO (BAY ST. LOUIS) 1-866-775-4773

2 ALABAMA BAHAMA BOB’S BEACHSIDE CAFE (GULF SHORES) 1-251-948-2100 FELIX’S FISH CAMP GRILL (MOBILE) 1-251-626-6710 LUCY BUFFET’S LULU’S RESTAURANT (GULF SHORES) 1-251-967-5858 THE TRELLIS ROOM RESTAURANT (MOBILE) 1-251-338-5493

3 ARKANSAS ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & TOURISM 1-501-682-7777

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14 12 13

THE FADED ROSE RESTAURANT (LITTLE ROCK) 1-501-663-9734 HOT SPRINGS VISITORS BUREAU 1-888-SPA-CITY LOCA LUNA RESTAURANT (LITTLE ROCK) 1-501-663-4666 OAKLAWN PARK RACING & GAMING (HOT SPRINGS) 1-800-OAKLAWN SOUTHLAND PARK GAMING & RACING (WEST MEMPHIS) 1-800-467-6182

4 FLORIDA DAYTONA BEACH KENNEL CLUB & POKER ROOM 1-386-252-6484 DERBY LANE RACE TRACK (ST. PETERSBURG) 1-727-812-3339 SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE (TAMPA) 1-813-286-4366 MARDI GRAS CASINO & RACING (HALLANDALE) 1-877-55-SLOTS WATERMARK GRILLE (NAPLES) 1-239-596-1400

5 GEORGIA ECLIPSE DI LUNA (ATLANTA) 1-678-205-5862 GARIBALDI CAFE (SAVANNAH) 1-912-232-7118 HAL’S THE STEAKHOUSE (ATLANTA) 1-404-261-0025 ROCKS ON THE ROOF @ THE BOHEMIAN HOTEL (SAVANNAH) 1-912-721-3901

6 INDIANA BELTERRA CASINO RESORT (VEVAY) 1-888-BELTERRA

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT (RISING STAR) 1-800-472-6311

7 KENTUCKY 21C MUSEUM HOTEL (LOUISVILLE) 1-877-217-6400 BROWN HOTEL (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-583-1234 CHURCHILL DOWNS (LOUISVILLE) 1-800-283-3729 JACKS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-897-9721 GALT HOUSE HOTEL & SUITES (LOUISVILLE) 1-800-THE-GALT GOLF COURSES OF KENTON COUNTY 1-859-371-3200 JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-584-0102 KEENELAND RACECOURSE (LEXINGTON) 1-800-456-3412 LASSING POINTE GOLF COURSE (BOONE COUNTY) 1-859-384-2266 NEVEL MEADE GOLF COURSE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-228-9522 PAT’S STEAK HOUSE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-896-9234 PORCINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-894-8686 SEELBACH HOTEL (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-585-3200

8 LOUISIANA CAFÉ GIOVANNI (NEW ORLEANS) 1-504-529-2154 DELTA DOWNS RACETRACK & CASINO (VINTON) 1-800-589-7441 PARAGON CASINO RESORT (MARKSVILLE) 1-800-946-1946 SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & CASINO (SHREVEPORT) 1-877-429-0711

11 MISSOURI CIELO RESTAURANT & BAR (ST. LOUIS) 1-314-881-2105 LUMIÈRE PLACE CASINO & HOTELS (ST. LOUIS) 1-314-881-7777

SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER VISITOR’S BUREAU 1-888-45-VISIT

RIGAZZI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT (ST. LOUIS-HILL DISTRICT) 1-314-772-4900

9 TUNICA (MISSISSIPPI)

RIVER CITY CASINO (ST. LOUIS) 1-888-578-7289

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT 1-888-24-KSTAY HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA 1-800-871-0711 THE HOLLYWOOD CAFE (OLD HWY 61) 1-662-363-1225 SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL 1-800-456-0711

12 LAS VEGAS (NEVADA) ARIA RESORT AND CASINO 1-866-359-7757 THE BELLAGIO 1-888-987-6667 CAESARS PALACE 1-800-HARRAHS FERRARO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1-702-364-5300

10 MISSISSIPPI

GOLDEN NUGGET 1-800-634-3454

PEARL RIVER RESORT (PHILADELPHIA) 1-866-44-PEARL

GOLDEN GATE HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-426-1906

WANT COMPS? If you are a

15

6 11

qualified casino player, let us know!

We will be happy to connect you with some of our preferred casino properties around the world! For more information, please e-mail comps@southerngaming.com or call 1-877-582-9478.

18 7

17 3 8

16

9 2

10

5 HILTON HEAD NATIONAL (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-842-5900

1

SALTY DOG CAFÉ (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-363-2198

4

17 TENNESSEE BOUND’RY (NASHVILLE) 1-615-321-3043 CHEROKEE VALLEY GOLF COURSE (MEMPHIS) 1-901-525-4653 FOLK’S FOLLY (MEMPHIS) 1-901-762-8200 HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-473-7625 MGM GRAND 1-877-880-0880 MANDALAY BAY RESORT AND CASINO 1-877-632-7800 MIRAGE LAS VEGAS 1-800-627-6667 PALMS HOTEL 1-866-942-7777 PARIS LAS VEGAS 1-877-796-2096 THE VENETIAN 1-877-283-6423 WYNN LAS VEGAS 1-888-320-WYNN WILD WILD WEST HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-6-STATIONS

13 LAUGHLIN (NEVADA) AQUARIUS CASINO RESORT 1-888-662-5824 GOLDEN NUGGET LAUGHLIN 1-800-950-7700

HARRAH’S LAUGHLIN CASINO AND HOTEL 1-800-427-7247

14 RENO (NEVADA) ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT 1-800-723-6500 CIRCUS CIRCUS RENO HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-648-5010 ELDORADO HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-879-8879 HYATT REGENCY RESORT SPA & CASINO (LAKE TAHOE) 1-800-233-1234 PEPPERMILL RESORT SPA CASINO 1-866-821-9996

15 OHIO BLUE ASH GOLF COURSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-745-8577 ELKS RUN GOLF COURSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-735-6600

JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-784-1200 MONTGOMERY INN BOATHOUSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-791-3482

16 SOUTH CAROLINA AUNT CHILADA’S EASY STREET CAFÉ (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-785-7700 ARTHUR HILLS GOLF COURSE AT PALMETTO DUNES (HILTON HEAD) 1-866-380-1778 BLOODY POINT GOLF CLUB & RESORT (HILTON HEADDAFUSKIE ISLAND) 1-843-341-3030

GAYLORD SPRINGS GOLF LINKS (NASHVILLE) 1-615-458-1730 HALF SHELL RESTAURANT (MEMPHIS) 1-901-682-3966 THE PEABODY HOTEL (MEMPHIS) 1-901-529-4000 RENDEZVOUS BARBECUE (MEMPHIS) 1-901-523-2746 VANDERBILT LEGENDS CLUB (BRENTWOOD) 1-615-790-1300

18 WEST VIRGINIA HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES 1-800-795-7001 THE GREENBRIER (WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS) 1-800-453-4858

CQ’S RESTAURANT (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-671-2779

GOT A FAVORITE SPOT? LET US KNOW!

MARDI GRAS CASINO & RESORT 1-304-776-1000

GOLDEN BEAR AT INDIGO RUN (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-689-2200

MOUNTAINEER CASINO RACETRACK AND RESORT 1-800-489-8192

HARBOUR TOWN GOLF COURSE (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-363-4485

WHEELING ISLAND HOTEL, CASINO & RACETRACK 1-304-232-5050

We do our best to list some of our favorite places to gamble, stay, eat, drink and be merry. If you want to share a hidden gem, email us at editor@southerngaming.com or call 1-877-582-9478!

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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PLAYER STRATEGY

POKER: Head Games

I

N THIS COLUMN, WE TALK ABOUT advertising—a way of messing with players’ heads in order to confuse them and induce action later on. We’ll do it by three-betting someone with a suited connected hand, such as 6-7 suited. Why suited connectors? A suited connector is the kind of hand that you might hit easily when you’re out there making a play. It’s said that timing is everything in life, so how do you time this crazy move?

Before I go any further, I want to stress that you shouldn’t use the play too often, and when you do, it should be against the right people. I would never use it on a mouse, for example, for two reasons. First, the mouse is set in his ways and won’t give you any extra action no matter what you do. Second, why take 6-7 suited against a big pair (which is probably what he has), when it’s so hard to win that pot? Early in the evening is the perfect time to use this play, because then you may get extra action all night long! Why use it when only a few more hands are to be played, when you won’t gain the benefit of extra action?

In general, three-betting an opponent with suited connectors is a losing play for that one hand, but you make the play occasionally anyway because it will bring you extra action for another hour or two. This extra action will ultimately bring you more money, but it may also cause you to lose some pots that you ordinarily would have won when someone who now thinks you might be in there with any piece of junk runs you down with a really weak hand. Still, re-raising with this type of hand will mess up the other players’ attempts to read you. In the future when you three-bet pre-flop, they will begin to wonder whether you have 6-7 suited.

If you win one of these pots without having to show down your hand, then I recommend folding your hand facedown and trying the same play again soon. As long as the play keeps working and you don’t have to show your hand, continue to use it. But when you’ve been caught bluffing with one of these hands on the end, then flip it face-up and say, “I have nothing.”

Even better is when you do hit your hand and

flip it up at the end of the hand and say, “I have a straight!” It’s pretty funny to watch the players at the table study your hand and realize that you three-bet before the flop with your 8-9 suited!

When you show down weak suited connectors that you three-bet with pre-flop, make sure that you’re ready to play really tight for awhile, since you will get extra action for a time afterward. Just make sure that you have a strong hand when they do call you down later.

Suppose you’re about one hour into a poker game that figures to last six hours or so. You have 8d-9d in late position and a jackal has just made it two bets in front of you. You now decide to make it three bets, and everyone folds except the jackal.

The flop comes down Ah-Ks-4d, and the jackal bets out into you. Of course, you now go ahead and raise the jackal on the flop, attempting to take the pot away from him right then and there. If the jackal folds, just throw your hand away facedown.

But if he calls, make sure that you try to bluff him on fourth street and the river. If he calls you down, then say, “Nine high” and flip your hand face-up. Just the look of the other players at the table will be worth the money that you lost on this hand! Well, maybe not just the look, but the look combined with the advertising is welcome!

If the jackal folds his hand at some point, then fold your own hand facedown and try the same play again soon.

Suppose that the jackal calls pre-flop and the flop is 6h-7h-2s (assume that you’ve three-bet him pre-flop with 8d-9d). This is a great flop for you because if you hit a five or a 10 you make a straight, and if you hit an eight or a nine you’ve made a pair of eights or nines, which would be top pair on the board. Of course you need to play this hand aggressively (ram and jam), and whether you hit the winning hand or miss your hand, just flip it face-up on the end when the jackal calls you down. Obviously, it works out pretty well for you when you do win the pot while making your “suited-connectors three-bet advertising play.”

Just remember that advertising is usually pretty expensive, so make sure to look for ways to make it pay big dividends. And don’t advertise often.

by

PHIL HELLMUTH, JR.

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 bestsellers, and his latest book, Deal Me In, is also widely popular. Visit phillhellmuth.com to check out his clothing line, blog and exclusive gaming tips.

JUST THE LOOK OF THE OTHER PLAYERS AT THE TABLE WILL BE WORTH THE MONEY THAT YOU LOST ON THIS HAND!

FOR MORE FREE POKER TIPS, VISIT SOUTHERNGAMING.COM 44

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