JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 - VOL. 24 ISSUE 1 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00
CASINO SCENE:
HOT HAPPENINGS PAGE 2
SUPER BOWL: HISTORY OF HALFTIME
PAGE 4
2021 READERS’
CHOICE AWARDS ...THE RESULTS ARE IN!
PAGE 8
PLUS: TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • VIDEO POKER & MORE! Covering casinos in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and more!
Y O U ’ V E A R R I V E D.
Ameristar Casino offers an exciting & clean place to play along with stunning views of the Mississippi River and bridges. Our restaurants offer delicious southern dishes for both dine-in or take-out, and you can rest in luxury on the banks of the Mississippi at the Ameristar Hotel. In the casino, play the way you want with over 1,000 popular slots, and all of your favorite table games. Or, for the ultimate sports betting experience, spend some time at The End Zone, a full-service sportsbook with 17 convenient betting kiosks, a spectacular viewing area with the largest HD screens around, and an expansive sports bar with lots of brews on tap! WE’LL SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET HERE!
4116 WASHINGTON ST VICKSBURG, MS 39180 | AMERISTAR.COM Must be at least 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696. ©2021 Penn National Gaming, Inc. All rights reserved.
IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER
ARTICLES & EDITORIAL
2 Casino Scene: Hot
Happenings at Our Preferred Properties
Get the scoop on what’s happening at our preferred properties around the region.
4 Super Bowl: History of 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards: Gaming enthusiasts from around the region have voted, and the awards have been announced. Check out the top properties in categories ranging from best suites and rooms to restaurants and buffets.
8 Gulf Coast 9 Tunica & Mid South 10 Louisiana & Indiana 11 Missouri & Iowa 12 Minnesota & Michigan 15 Wisconsin
18
the Halftime Shows
The star-studded Super Bowl halftime shows have grown to be almost as exciting as the game itself. Take a look at the history of the halftime shows as well as some of our favorites.
15 Top Cruise Line:
Sail the Seas with Celebrity Cruises, the top pick for cruising by our readers.
15 Top Slots:
Slot machines are evolving every year with more features and options for players. This year, Aristocrat Gaming scooped up both first and second place awards with their Buffalo and Dragon Link games that will have you reeling for more.
4 Find us on Facebook
@SouthernGaming
@MidwestCasinos
16 Video Poker: The Hat Trick In hockey, a ‘hat trick’ is when a player scores three goals in a game. So, what is a ‘hat trick’ in Video Poker?
17 Craps: Mother/Daughter Dice Controllers Take a journey with a mother- daughter duo learning the game of craps.
18 My Racehorse:
Follow along as an aspiring horse owner, and Southern Gaming horse writer, dives into the Sport of Kings at a level he’s only dreamed about.
20 Sports Betting: Check out the odds on future sporting events and the betting trends of each. Find your spot and wager when ready!
GAMING AND DESTINATIONS
CASINO SCENE
HOT HAPPENINGS AT OUR PREFERRED CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND MORE. As we put the past behind us and casinos continue to get back to normal, we are excited to continue to publish our top picks for entertainment, promotions and other features from Preferred Properties of Gaming and Destinations. These properties are supporters of G&D and we encourage you to check them out on your next gaming adventure. For more hot happenings and gaming news, visit GamingandDestinations.com. (Baton Rouge, LA) L’Auberge Baton Rouge - L’Auberge Baton Rouge is Baton Rouge’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment, and lodging destination! Enjoy live entertainment in The Event Center featuring: Bag of Donuts (Jan. 7), The Marshall Tucker Band (Jan. 15), Little River Band (Jan. 29), The Robert Cray Band (Feb. 4), Travis Tritt (Feb. 11), The Chee-Weez (Feb. 26), Frank Foster (Mar. 4) and Candlebox (Mar. 12).Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets. Also…Wanna bet? The Sportsbook at L’Auberge is now open! Over 20 sports betting kiosks available 24/7. For more information, call 866-261-7777 or visit LBatonRouge.com. (D’Iberville, MS) Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort – Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort is elevating the player experience with their great gaming options spread over 60,000 square feet of casino space, decadent dining with Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood, Butler’s Bar & Lounge and Under the Oak Café, and the new state-of the art DraftKings Sportsbook is the place to watch and wager on top sporting events. Don’t miss your chance to win your share of $80,000 of Free Slot Play on Fridays and Saturdays where the property will annount one $250 win every fifteen minutes from 7PM – 11PM on Fridays and 3PM – 10PM on Saturdays. For more information, call 1-888-752-9772 or visit ScarletPearlCasino.com. (Vicksburg, MS) Ameristar Casino Hotel - Ameristar is committed to creating a magical experience for every guest, and that goes for their room rates too. In addition to AARP, AAA and other discounts, the property also honors a “Best Rate Guarantee” that ensures you will get the best possible rate when you book your room and if happen to find a lower rate within 24 hours of making your reservation, they will happily match the rate. Enjoy! For reservations and more information, call 1-601-630-3786 visit AmeristarVicksburg.com.
(Mount Pleasant, MI) Soaring Eagle Casino Resort – If you are looking for great gambling and full resort experience, look no further than Soaring Eagle. With a 210,000 square-feet of gaming space, five hundred rooms and suites, a Spa & Salon with everything you need to relax and be pampered, eight dining options that will fill any appetite, including Siniikaung Steak & Chop and more. Plus, don’t miss headliner entertainment including Air Supply (Jan. 21), Chris Rock Live (Feb. 11) and Collective Soul (Feb. 19) just to name a few. For information and reservations, call 1-877-232-4532 or visit SoaringEagleCasino.com (Bowler, WI) North Star Mohican Casino Resort – As if you ever needed a reason for a gambling getaway, North Star certainly has plenty of them to ensure your stay is great from the second you step in the lobby. Guests enjoy great gambling with over 1,200 machines, plenty of table games including blackjack,Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Craps and more. Plus, don’t miss the live poker room and bingo with games for up to 124 players! If you want to stay for a few days, North Star has you covered with their luxurious contemporary hotel or the 57- site RV Park with 20, 30, and 50 amp service, pull thru sites, picnic table area and the area is pet friendly. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-952-0195 or visit NorthStarCasinoResort.com. Celebrity Cruises - Discover luxury cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and more with a variety of options and destinations with Celebrity Cruises. Offering ports of departure in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa, Florida, as well as California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington, cruisers should be able to find a convenience destination to start your vacation.There are always special offers and packages to take advantage of at CelebrityCruises.com. Check it out and start your adventure today!
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.
SUPER BOWL SUPER SHOWS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF HALFTIME AT THE BIG GAME by
For many Americans, the biggest day of the year doesn’t occur in December; it happens a few weeks later, on Super Bowl Sunday. Nine of the top ten all-time highest rated TV broadcasts happen to be Super Bowls- the only exception is entry 8, the series finale of the TV show “M*A*S*H”. And of those top nine highest rated Super Bowl broadcasts, all of them have occurred since 2010. There’s a reason why advertisers pay nearly $6 million for a 30 second commercial spot- there’s literally nowhere else in the world where you can reach between 90 and 100 million pairs of eyeballs in the US alone, plus another estimated 30-50 million around the globe. Along the game itself and the commercials, the third topic of conversation around water coolers on Monday morning is invariably the Super Bowl halftime show. Some have 4
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
TE R RY PA R R E T T
been amazing, some controversial, and some just plain weird- love ‘em or hate ‘em, the halftime show has become an indispensable part of the world’s biggest game.
entertainment between halves caught on. Colleges and high schools began featuring marching bands and cheerleaders to keep the crowds engaged, and the trend became a permanent fixture of football games.
The first football halftime show was presented in the 1920s by the owner of an early NFL franchise, the Oorang Indians. At the time, professional football was nowhere near as popular as college ball, so the owner, Walter Lingo created a spectacle to attract crowds. Lingo’s primary business was selling Airedale dogs, and his halftime show consisted mainly of his players parading the dogs around the field, attempting to entice the crowd to buy some of the dogs. While both the Oorang Indians and Lingo’s dog show didn’t last more than a few seasons, the concept of offering
The first Super Bowl halftime show in January 1967 was an unimaginably modest affair compared to the massive spectacles we’ve come to expect. The first show, presented at the LA Coliseum, featured 2 college marching bands- University of Arizona and Grambling State- along with the Anaheim High School “Hi-Steppers” Drill Team. The only celebrity present was famed New Orleans jazz trumpeter Al Hirt, who would go on the make several more halftime appearances over the next few years. The subsequent halftime shows of the 1960s and 70s were moderately
more ambitious, but generally stuck to the same format; a local college marching band, and several celebrity performers who were generally targeted to an older demographic. “Tonight Show” regulars like Carol Channing, Ella Fitzgerald, Pete Fountain, and Woody Herman popped up, along with the group “Up with People”, a somewhat odd and dated relic of the culture wars of the 50s and 60s. Things continued in a similar fashion through the end of the 80s. Along the way, several entertainment production companies, notably Radio City Music Hall and the Walt Disney Company, took over the show, and the themes of the shows reflected the commercial interests of the producers. Probably the low point of the show’s history came in 1989, when the show was under the auspices of “MagicCom Entertainment”, and the show featured “Elvis Presto”, a costumed Elvis impersonator who did what was billed as the “World’s Largest Card Trick”. To add insult to injury, the entire halftime show was broadcast in 3-D.
his popular single at the time, “Black or White”. Jackson’s presence was immensely important to the NFL- just a year earlier, the FOX network had counterprogrammed the halftime show with an abbreviated version of it’s popular show “In Living Color”, and many viewers tired of uninspired halftime shows tuned into FOX to watch the comedy; NFL brass were shocked to discover that ratings for the second half of the game dropped 10 rating points. Lesson learned- don’t give your viewers a reason to change the channel, and treat the halftime show as an important part of the overall event. Jackson’s successful performance paved the way for the modern era of halftime shows, and while the quality did occasionally leave viewers scratching their heads- and the Grambling State University Marching Band did manage to squeeze in another appearance- subsequent shows booked talent with an eye to what would keep viewers tuned in and talking.
By all accounts, the Super Bowl halftime show was rescued from eternal mediocrity by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. While Jackson had cooled down a bit from his incredible popularity peak in the mid ‘80s, he was still the biggest name that had ever performed on the halftime stage. Jackson breezed through a set of his hits, including “Billie Jean”, “We Are the World”, and
Over the next decade, halftime shows mainly starred arena rock giants. From 2000 to 2010, classic rock acts such as The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Paul McCartney, The Who, and U2 all stepped onto the world’s biggest stage. But musical tastes were changing, and once again, the NFL found itself
needing to keep up with the times. For a 20-something in 2010, watching a 66 year old Roger Daltrey singing the 40 year old song “Won’t Get Fooled Again” may as well have been Al Hirt all over again. Fortunately, it didn’t take another “In Living Color” debacle to get the NFL suits moving, and next year’s show starred The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, and Slash. The 2010s saw performances by the top musical stars of the day, including Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga. As well as the music, the staging became more and more elaborate, occasionally lapsing into near-parody- anyone remember Katy Perry’s much parodied “Left Shark” incident? The performers scheduled for Super Bowl LVI represent some of the biggest names in hip-hop music- Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and Snoop Dogg. The lineup is a clear example of the influence of the halftime show’s producer since 2019, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment company. The star-studded team of performers has 43 Grammy awards between them, and is expected to be one of the most popular performances in recent memory.
Photos courtesy of NFL.com Super Bowl LVI’s halftime show will feature Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.
G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
5
FIVE FUN FAST FACTS ABOUT THE HALFTIME SHOW 1. Artists are not paid for their performance. The NFL correctly
assumes that the exposure for artists is worth far more than any fee. Acts generally see a huge spike in streaming sales following the game.
2. Bathroom usage during the halftime show soars nationwide-
There is an actual phenomenon known as the “Super Flush”, when millions of viewers rush for relief simultaneously.
3. Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance drew higher ratings than the game itself.
4. The 1991 halftime show,
featuring boy band “New Kids on the Block” was presented after the game ended. During the game’s actual halftime, ABC played coverage of the Gulf War, which had started 10 days earlier.
5. Only 3 entertainers had the stage solely to themselves without any
opening or supporting acts- Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Paul McCartney.
MOST POPULAR HALFTIME ACTS OF ALL TIME
Blige, was a true classic.
Super Bowl XLI- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band While many halftime shows go overboard on the pyrotechnics, drones, or other visual spectacle, The Boss let his music speak for itself. Springsteen fans have been saying for years, “There is nothing like a Springsteen concert”, and viewers in 2009 got to see what all the fuss was about. 12 minutes of pure, polished rock and roll. Super Bowl XXVI- U2 Stepping into the glare of the spotlight barely 5 months after the tragedy of 9/11, U2 had an unenviable job- entertain a nation that was still grieving and in shock. U2 paid tribute to those lost by means of a large banner displaying their names, and Bono closed the set by revealing the Stars and Stripes lining to his jacket, drawing a huge response from the crowd. A tasteful and inspiring performance overall. Super Bowl LI- Lady Gaga When Lady Gaga first burst on the scene in 2008, many people were eager to see the quirky star would flame out quickly, or if she had the artistic depth to hang around for a while. 13 years later, that question has been answered, and her recent collaborations with Tony Bennett
have brought her fans that never knew her name when she released her first CD. Her halftime performance was classic Lady Gaga- high energy gimmicky antics combined with one-of-a-kind musicianship. The visual highlight- 300 drones creating a moving image of an American flag.
Super Bowl XLI- Prince
While arguments can be made pro and con for the other entries on this list- maybe Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson should be there instead of Aerosmith and Britney, maybe McCartney was better than Springsteen- there is no doubt about the all-time best Super Bowl halftime performance. On Feb 5, 2007, as ominous thunderclouds roiled over Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Prince delivered a blistering set of his classic hits- “Let’s Go Crazy”, “1999”, “Baby I’m a Star”, and “Purple Rain”, along with some classic rock covers including “Proud Mary” and “All Along the Watchtower”. Viewers who may have heard his music on the radio, but never had the chance to see the man perform were amazed at the musicianship, the charisma, the sheer power he exhibited on stage. Backed by musicians from the Florida A&M Marching Band, Prince delivered the performance of a lifetime, and as if the heavens themselves agreed, as he finished, the skies opened up and delivered a massive downpour as he finished. Perfection.
Any ranking of “best” or “most popular” acts is a fairly subjective endeavor, often reflective of not much except the listmaker’s personal taste. Regardless, here is an unscientific attempt at the five most popular Super Bowl halftime acts. The first four are in no particular order:
Super Bowl XXXV- Aerosmith, Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige
On paper, this sounds like a recipe for disaster, but somehow, one of the unlikeliest combinations in halftime history ended up coming together like one of those once-in-alifetime crazy parties where everything just works out unexpectedly. Brash frontman Steven Tyler was a terrific foil for pop queen Britney Spears, and the finale, “Walk this Way” featuring Tyler, Spears, and Prince performed his hit song ‘Purple Rain’ at Super Bowl XLI. 6
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
WANNA BET? THE SPORTSBOOK AT
PLACE YOUR BETS NOW Must be 21 or older to enter Casino and Sportsbook.
G A M B L I N G P R O B L E M ? P L E A S E C A L L 8 0 0 . 5 2 2 . 4 7 0| 0 7 . G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
THE R E S U LT S ARE IN
2021 GAMING & DESTINATIONS
READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNERS
We are excited to once again unveil the winners of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards showcasing the
GULF COAST
BILOXI, GULFPORT, BAY ST. LOUIS
top casino properties that have excelled and garnered accolades from gaming enthusiasts throughout the region. Casino resorts are the best in the world showing their guests the best of the best, and these awards are a small token of appreciation from you, the gamers, and from us at Gaming and Destinations. Our annual Readers’ Choice Awards is designed to
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
showcase the different regions for gaming options
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY
in categories that will introduce gamers of any type
1
to properties they may not already be familiar with, and to help plan their next casino visit. A full-list of awards and contact information can be found at GamingandDestinations. com Thanks to all of the voters who took the time to share their opinions. We hope you enjoy this year’s awards and find a few new casinos to add to your ‘favorites’ list.
BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO
2
IP CASINO RESORT & SPA
3
SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT Suites 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. Golden Nugget Biloxi 3. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort Rooms 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort Casino Floor 1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sports Book 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. IP Casino Resort & Spa 3. Golden Nugget Biloxi
8
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
Restaurant 1. IP Casino Resort & Spa 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Spa 1. Beau Rivage Resort Casino 2. Harrah’s Gulf Coast 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa Pool 1. Golden Nugget Biloxi 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa Golf Course 1. Fallen Oak-Beau Rivage 2. The Bridges-Hollywood Casino 3. Grand Bear-Harrah’s Gulf Coast Entertainment 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa Entertainment Venue 1. IP Casino Resort & Spa 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 3. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Nightlife 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa Casino Personnel 1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Customer Service 1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 2. IP Casino Resort & Spa 3. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
TUNICA
MID-SOUTH
Pearl River Resort
Gold Strike Casino Resort
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT
2
HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA
3
HORSESHOE TUNICA
Suites 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Tunica 3. Hollywood Casino Tunica Rooms 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Hollywood Casino Tunica 3. Horseshoe Tunica Casino Floor 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Horseshoe Tunica 3. Gold Strike Casino Resort Poker Room 1. Horseshoe Tunica
Entertainment Venue 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Tunica 3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall Nightlife 1. Horseshoe Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Tunica Theme 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Fitz Casino and Hotel 3. Horseshoe Tunica Casino Personnel 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Fitz Casino and Hotel Sportsbook 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Hollywood Casino Tunica 3. Horseshoe Tunica
Restaurant 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Hollywood Casino Tunica 3. Horseshoe Tunica
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
PEARL RIVER RESORT
2
AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL VICKSBURG
3
WIND CREEK ATMORE
Suites 1. Pearl River Resort 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Wind Creek Atmore Rooms 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Wind Creek Atmore Casino Floor 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Wind Creek Wetumpka 3. Pearl River Resort Sportsbook 1. Pearl River Resort 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg Restaurant 1. Wind Creek Atmore 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg
Pool 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Horseshoe Tunica 3. Gold Strike Casino Resort
(MISSISSIPPI - ALABAMA)
Pool 1. Pearl River Resort 2. Wind Creek Atmore 3. Wind Creek Wetumpka Entertainment 1. Pearl River Resort 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Wind Creek Wetumpka Entertainment Venue 1. Pearl River Resort 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Wind Creek Wetumpka Nightlife 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Wind Creek Atmore 3. Wind Creek Montgomery Theme 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Wind Creek Atmore 3. Pearl River Resort Casino Personnel (Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…) 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Wind Creek Atmore 3. Pearl River Resort Player’s Club 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Wind Creek Atmore
Entertainment 1. Horseshoe Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
Best Theme: Hollywood Casino
Best Rooms: Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg
LOUISIANA
INDIANA
Belterra Casino Resort
Margaritaville Resort Casino
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO 2 L’AUBERGE CASINO LAKE CHARLES 3 GOLDEN NUGGET LAKE CHARLES 1
Poker Room 1. L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles 2. Harrah’s New Orleans 3. Paragon Casino Resort Restaurant 1. Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2. L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles 3. Coushatta Casino Resort Spa 1. L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino 3. Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Suites 1. Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino 3. L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles Pool 1. L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles Rooms 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino 1. L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles 3. Coushatta Casino Resort 2. Golden Nugget Lake Golf Course Charles 1. Contraband Bayou 3. Coushatta Casino Resort L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles Casino Floor 2. Tahmaka Trails 1. Harrah’s New Orleans Paragon Casino Resort 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino 3. Koasati Pines – Coushatta 3. Golden Nugget Lake Casino Resort Charles Casino Personnel Sportsbook (Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…) 1. Margaritaville Resort Casino 1. L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles 2. Paragon Casino Resort 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino 3. Coushatta Casino Resort 3. Paragon Casino Resort
Best| GGolf: Bayou L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles 10 A M I NContraband G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C- O M
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
BELTERRA CASINO RESORT
2 BLUE CHIP CASINO HOTEL SPA 3 FRENCH LICK RESORT Suites 1. Belterra Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 3. French Lick Resort Rooms 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 2. French Lick Resort 3. Belterra Casino Resort Poker Room 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Caesars Southern Indiana 3. Horseshoe Hammond
Spa 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 2. French Lick Resort 3. Belterra Casino Resort Pool 1. Belterra Casino Resort 2. French Lick Resort 3. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa Golf Course 1. French Lick Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Rising Star Casino Resort Entertainment 1. Belterra Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 3. French Lick Resort Sportsbook 1. Belterra Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 3. Caesars Southern Indiana
Best Sportsbook: Belterra Casino Resort
MISSOURI
IOWA
Best Entertainment: Hard Rock Sioux City
Lumiere Place Casino
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
LUMIERE PLACE CASINO & HOTEL
2
AMERISTAR ST. CHARLES
3
RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL
Suites 1. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Entertainment Venue 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel 3. Ameristar St. Charles Nightlife 1. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. River City Casino & Hotel Spa 1. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel 2. Ameristar Casino Resort Spa 3. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
Rooms 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. Ameristar St. Charles
Customer Personnel 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa 3. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel
Casino Floor 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel 3. River City Casino & Hotel
Customer Service 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Restaurant 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. River City Casino & Hotel 3. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel Entertainment 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel 3. Ameristar St. Charles
Theme 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
GRAND FALLS CASINO & GOLF RESORT
2
HORSESHOE CASINO COUNCIL BLUFFS
3
AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL COUNCIL BLUFFS
Suites 1. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 2. Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs 3. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Rooms 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Casino Floor 1. Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort 3. Hard Rock Sioux City Sportsbook 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 3. Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs Spa 1. Rhythm City Casino Resort 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort
Best Spa: Ameristar
Pool 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs 2. Hard Rock Sioux City 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Entertainment 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs 3. Rhythm City Casino Resort Nightlife 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort 3. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Casino Personnel (Ie. Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…) 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 3. Rhythm City Casino Resort Best Customer Service 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort 3. Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs Best Advertising 1. Rhythm City Casino Resort 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 3. Hard Rock Sioux City Best Player’s Club 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs 2. Horseshoe Casino - Council Bluffs 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
11
MINNESOTA
MICHIGAN
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Treasure Island Resort Casino
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
TREASURE ISLAND RESORT CASINO
2
FORTUNE BAY RESORT CASINO
3
BLACK BEAR CASINO RESORT
Suites 1. Treasure Island Resort Casino 2. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 3. Grand Casino Hinckley Rooms 1. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 2. Grand Casino Hinckley 3. Treasure Island Resort Casino Restaurant 1. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 2. Black Bear Casino Resort 3. Treasure Island Resort Casino
Pool 1. Treasure Island Resort Casino 2. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 3. Grand Casino Hinckley Entertainment 1. Grand Casino Mille Lacs 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Fortune Bay Resort Casino Entertainment Venue 1. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Black Bear Casino Resort Nightlife 1. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Grand Casino Hinckley Theme 1. Treasure Island Resort Casino 2. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 3. Fortune Bay Resort Casino
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT
2
MGM GRAND CASINO RESORT
3
ISLAND RESORT & CASINO
Suites 1. MGM Grand Casino Resort 2. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 3. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo Rooms 1. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 2. MGM Grand Casino Resort 3. Island Resort & Casino Sportsbook 1. MGM Grand Casino Resort 2. Firekeepers Casino Hotel 3. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo Casino Floor 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 3. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
12
Island Resort Casino | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I Best N AT I OPool: N S . C OTreasure M
Restaurant 1. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 2. MGM Grand Casino Resort 3. Firekeepers Casino Hotel Spa 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. MGM Grand Casino Resort 3. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Pool 1. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 2. Island Resort & Casino 3. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo Entertainment 1. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 2. Firekeepers Casino Hotel 3. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo Theme 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 3. Motor City Casino Hotel Golf Course 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Bay Mills Resort & Casino 3. Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
Best Golf Course: Island Resort & Casino
G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
13
WISCONSIN
1 CELEBRITY CRUISES 2 ROYAL CARIBBEAN
BEST OVERALL CRUISE LINE
North Star Mohican Resort
BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1
NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO RESORT
2
POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO
3
LAKE OF THE TORCHES CASINO RESORT
Suites 1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort Rooms 1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. Menominee Casino Resort Restaurant 1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 3. Menominee Casino Resort Pool 1. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 2. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Entertainment 1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 14
Nightlife 1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. Menominee Casino Resort 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Theme 1. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 2. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 3. North Star Mohican Casino Resort Casino Personnel (Ie. Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…) 1 North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2 Menominee Casino Resort 3 Lake of the Torches Casino Resort Customer Service 1. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Advertising 1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Menominee Casino Resort 3. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort Golf Course 1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Oneida Casino
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
3 NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Celebrity Cruises has been catering to gaming enthusiasts and it has paid off with a first-place finish in this year’s awards. Offering several convenient ports of call to excursions around the world, you won’t have trouble finding that unique and memorable vacation you’ve been looking for. The casino is partnered with M Life (MGM’s Player’s Club) so your tier status with MGM properties can be utilized for comps and upgrades with your cruise. The casino offers the hottest slots and table games with a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with over 2000 slot machines and over 150 table games. With late hours, action-packed casino cruise tournaments, and Lady Luck on your side, experience non-stop action available right on board your cruise and discover why Celebrity is where you can cruise and play to win. For more information, visit CelebrityCruises.com
BEST SLOT MACHINE
1 BUFFALO LINK BY ARISTOCRAT 2 DRAGON LINK BY ARISTOCRAT 3 NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Aristocrat Gaming took first and second place for our Top Slot Awards this year with their recently released Buffalo and Dragon Link games. Both parlaying on the success of the Lightning Link, the gameplay was designed to coexist with the features from Lightning Link. Buffalo Link is a combination of players’ favorite features including the Hold & Spin™ functionality and five denomination sets to the Buffalo brand. Staying true to the legacy of Buffalo, Buffalo Link retains its classic Free Games feature along with exciting, new enhancements. Unique to Buffalo Link is a new mystery must-hit-by bonus, awarding either Free Games or the Hold & Spin bonus feature, bringing players an added chase on their bonus pursuit. Dragon Link also features the popular Hold & Spin trigger and offers four brilliant and colorful Asian-themed base games: Autumn Moon™, Golden Century™, Happy & Prosperous™, Panda Magic™.
G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
15
PLAYER STRATEGY
VIDEO POKER: Hat Trick In hockey a “hat trick” is when a player scores three goals in a single game causing ecstatic fans to throw their hats onto the ice, especially if it’s the home team. What would constitute a video poker (VP) hat trick? One example would be getting two royal flushes (RFs) close together or even back-to-back. I have and so have many others had similar, against the odds, good luck. I guess that’s what keeps us coming back. It is important, however, to avoid playing hunches, superstitions and pipe dreams when your hardearned money is on the line. Playing the Odds: A hat trick in hockey is exciting, just like winning the lottery is thrilling, because it is so unexpected and rare. Smart players, however, always play according to Zamzow, that’s Dean Zamzow, the creator of WinPoker software. You should buy tutorial software and practice your game of choice before venturing into a casino. Intuitive Holds: Some VP holds are clear, even to novices. For example, if you’re playing 9/6 JOB (9/6 Jacks or Better) and dealt a FH (Full House), then it’s obvious that you hold all cards. Other plays have closer odds and are not clear even to those who have good math skills. For example, if you’re playing a VP game that includes a progressive RF, then there will be a definitive number of coins when you should hold three to a royal instead of a paying pair in say 9/6JOB. Follow the probability data even though it may cost you in the short run. Appropriate Denomination: My friend was dealt a flush on a dollar 9/6 JOB game with four to the RF and held the pat hand, a major mistake. She refused to make the correct hold, that’s four to a RF, because she normally plays quarters and wanted the $30 sure thing. You’re better off playing a lower denomination within your budget then feeling compelled to make incorrect holds because you’re playing with “scared money”. This rule of thumb applies to all forms of gambling, including live poker. Possibility Versus Probability: I’ve seen players hold a random card, say a single seven in 9/6 JOB, and state that they once held a seven and got four sevens. Why is this a foolish hold? The reason is that you can never base future events in video poker on recent results, past events or even your memory. Prior to the deal the odds of either being dealt a specific hand or achieving a given hand after the hold remain constant. The exact statistic resides in the field of mathematics. Tutorial software will give you the mathematically correct holds and therein lies the best odds of receiving the games ER in the long run. Possibility: Anything is possible while gambling, including multiple “hat tricks”, but it’s statistically unlikely. In fact, it’s impossible to know the 16
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
by
mathematical odds of winning a major jackpot on traditional slots without knowing the ER percentage of the chip on the logic board. The casino can order identical devices that have different theoretical returns. Even in sports books with multiple factors considered, the odds are not mathematically perfect like they are in VP, assuming computer-perfect play. (Note that some jurisdictions have VLTs, video lottery terminals, posing as VP devices; they are easily identifiable with the information in my book, “The Video Poker Edge”.) Probability: The probability of an event happening is an exact number, say 1 in 10, that something will occur. By using the mathematical likelihood that you will achieve a given hand along with the payout for that hand, tutorial software will give you the statistically correct holds for video poker games. Table 1.1 below gives you the exact odds of being dealt the VP hand indicated. Table 1.1 Frequency of Dealt Video Poker Hands 1.
No Pairs 1in 2
2.
One Pair 1 in 2.4
3.
2 Pairs 1in 2.1
4.
Trips 1 in 48
5.
Straight 1 in 250
6.
Flush 1 in 510
7.
Full House 1 in 700
8.
4 of a Kind 1 in 4,200
9.
Straight Flush 1 in 72,200
10. Royal Flush 1 in 650,000 Note: Odds represent being dealt these hands, assuming a standard deck of 52 cards. The odds after the correct holds for a given game are in my book and on tutorial software. Final Thoughts: Nobody other than you will be ready to throw their hat onto the casino floor when you defy the odds and hit several major jackpots. Hat Tricks are what makes gambling and sporting events exciting and keeps us coming back for more. But if you’re successful in the sports book, it can be horse racing, football, hockey or anything else on the “menu”, then you already know each venue has a skill component and so do table games and video poker. Sure, you can bet on your favorite name in a horse race and win on a longshot or even be dealt a RF in video poker. There’s even a story about a roulette player that bet one million dollars on a single bet and then left the casino a winner, never to return. That’s the only way you’ll win in the long run unless you play the odds, only deviating for special circumstances.
LI N DA B OY D
Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for “Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations” and “Arizona Player”. You can see her videos on YouTube and her radio interviews are on iTunes. Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.
“NEVER BASE FUTURE EVENTS IN VIDEO POKER ON RECENT RESULTS, PAST EVENTS OR EVEN YOUR MEMORY.”
FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
PLAYER STRATEGY by
FRANK SCOBLETE
CRAPS: Female Crapshooters - Part Three:
Mother/Daughter Dice Controllers
There was a song long ago that stated “this is a man’s world” sung by the late, great James Brown. That song could have referred to the craps tables in just about every casino in the country. Craps was a man’s world…and still is for the most part.
Frank Scoblete’s web site is www.frankscoblete.com. His books are available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, e-books and at bookstores.
In part two of this series, I introduced you to Cindy, a school teacher (now a retired administrator) from New Jersey. You got to see her evolution from a slot player into a craps player. In her day, you would be lucky to find a single woman playing craps in a casino. Indeed, she even had to take some ill-behavior from her fellow “fellow” players when she stepped up to play. Now meet her sister Abby and her niece, Abby’s daughter Cynthia, two ladies who fancy themselves as dice controllers. Abby: “About two years after Cindy broke the family barrier by playing craps, I decided to give it a try. This was the late 1980s. I was now established in my law office.
I’VE EVEN CONVINCED MY MOTHER TO TAKE UP DICE CONTROL. IT ADDS A DIFFERENT DIMENSION TO THE GAME. YOU REALLY FEEL AS IF YOU HAVE CONTROL.
“I went to the table with Cindy, after having read a few books on the game. I was determined to not let any harsh words deter me from enjoying what seemed – and was and is – the most exciting game in the casino. “I didn’t know if I would shoot the dice or not. Cindy had said to get the full experience of the game you had to take the dice in your hands and try to beat the house. That seemed a little scary because I didn’t want to get yelled at if I screwed up my turns. Cindy told me everybody has bad turns and that it was no big deal. “I got my start then and there, and Cindy and I have played craps and many other casino games as well. But craps is the key game for us. A casino visit is not the same for us unless we put in some good time at the craps tables.
FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
“By the way, I did not experience any bad behavior on the part of the men towards me. I did see bad behavior but it was directed at the game, the dealers, the box man, the pit boss – all the types of complaints you expect to see in a casino game.” In 2014, Abby’s daughter Cynthia, became a craps aficionado as well. But she took another route.
Cynthia: “I read about the game but I wanted something more than playing against the house. I wanted a way to win through skill. Could I overcome the house edge on the game?
“I read several books about dice control and I began to practice the technique at home. In 2015 I read Frank’s book I Am a Dice Controller and that convinced me this could be done. “Now my plan of attack is modeled in this way. I play the 5-Count on all the random rollers, who are almost all the craps shooters. When they get through the 5-Count I only make one bet on them. I am saving my money. I only bet Pass line or Come bets. Those are great bets and the easiest to overcome the odds. “When I shoot, I go up on three numbers right away. I do not play the 5-Count on myself. Then I hope my shooting is good enough to overcome the house edge. Many times, it is. Am I ahead at the game? Just a little but a little is better than not being ahead. “It is possible that I have just been lucky but I’ll take any good luck too. “I’ve even convinced my mother to take up dice control. It adds a different dimension to the game. You really feel as if you have control.” Abby: “Yes, I am trying to learn how to control the dice. I set the dice – and I am pretty quick in doing that so the box man doesn’t tell me to speed it up – and I take care with my roll by throwing in a calm and relaxed manner.
“Do I beat the game? Not yet. It is possible that what I am doing is not strong enough to overcome the house edge. I am not as good as Cynthia; I can tell you that. There are times when the pit people come over to watch her roll. Or, for the men, it might be that she is very pretty.” Cynthia: “One thing I know and this is true of my mother, my Aunt Cindy, and me: we only make the lowest house-edge bets. We do bet only the rightside of the game. The darkside doesn’t appeal to us. I think part of the true fun of craps is everyone at the table cheering on everyone else. You don’t get that on the darkside.”
All the best in and out of the casinos. G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
17
Air Marshall breezes with his stablemates.
MY JOURNEY AS AN OWNER IN THE “SPORT OF KINGS”
A
by
E R I C F LOY D
s sure as the sun will rise, it
Thoroughbred horse racing is nicknamed
on September 26th, 2021 that radically
happens to me every single
the “Sport of Kings” for a reason; namely, it
changed the trajectory of my life’s course.
year. Inside of that spectacular
is one extraordinarily expensive endeavor.
Having joined their email list nearly a
moment when the Kentucky
I am reminded of this callous truth on
decade prior, Pocket Aces Racing had sent
Derby winning owner hoists the race’s
“sale days” when I sit down as a spectator
me detailed profiles on the quintet of horses
handcrafted 14kt gold trophy, I become
inside of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales auction
that they had just purchased at Keenland’s
utterly green with envy. Moreover, on
pavilion in Ocala, Florida. You see friends,
world renowned September yearling sale.
each occasion when I attend a live racing
even if you do have the small fortune
card, I habitually catch myself fantasizing
necessary to acquire something remotely
So at heart, Pocket Aces Racing is a limited
about what it would be like to stand in the
competitive, it will literally cost you
liability company that specializes in turning
paddock next to my very own dazzlingly
thousands of dollars per month to keep said
average racing fans (like yours truly)
dappled and marvelously muscular
beast in training.
into bone-fide thoroughbred racehorse
thoroughbred race horse. Alas, the price
possessors by means of “fractional
tag attached to this life-long dream is well,
Despite the fact that I had basically gotten
ownership”. In other words, after they
exceedingly over and above my modest net
used to relegating my deep-seated dream
purchase a horse, Pocket Aces will
worth.
of thoroughbred ownership to the back
figuratively “split” him or her into shares
burner, I received an unexpected message
which can be purchased by those of us who
18
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
don’t sleep on a pillow-top mattress that is stuffed with greenbacks. Technically called a “racing syndicate”, the type of arrangement that I just detailed has gathered exponential momentum among turf zealots over the last decade. Although I was obviously intrigued with the fine fleet of four-legged prospects that Pocket Aces Racing had presented me with, I also retained more than a few questions. However, these logical queries (along with many others) were clearly and concisely answered via the FAQ section at www.pocketacesracing. com! Conjointly, the aforementioned website is tremendously transparent with regard to both the potential rewards and risks that are attached to thoroughbred ownership. While the financial particulars will naturally differ depending on what Pocket Aces racer one is considering, my own recent purchase will definitely give you a good feel for the fiscal basics. So after a few days of extremely intense deliberation, I decided to buy into a yearling out of a rock-solid sire named Sky Mesa. Pocket Aces Racing had made 10 total shares in the horse available (each share represents 10% ownership) for $6,800 per share. However, potential clients could also
Air Marshall is a son of Sky Mesa.
opt to purchase half of a share (5% ownership) for $3,500, a quarter of a share (2.5% ownership) for $1,850 or an eighth of a share (1.25% ownership) for $1,025. Additionally, quarterly expenses were listed at $1,500 per full share (if necessary) beginning on January 1st, 2022. In back of settling on investing $1,025, I reached out to one Marc Wampler who is the Racing and Bloodstock Manager for Pocket Aces Racing. A thirty-year all-around industry veteran, Marc has selected a number of young prospects that have gone on to excel at horse racing’s highest level. Someone who literally answers to hundreds of owners, Marc nevertheless listened intently before he genuinely commented, “People who have a bad experience in this business are often the
ones who take the plunge all at once Eric.
training center, along the backside or inside
Therefore, I think you’re smart to just “dip
the paddock), being able to speak with our
your toes in the water” this first time out;
horse’s trainer and of course, a nice cozy
especially since you will still receive all of
spot in the winner’s circle should the latest
the cool perks that the larger shareholders
son of Sky Mesa happen to win!
get!”
Now since the yearling that I partly own
At day’s end, Marc’s concluding sentiment
is still barely out of the womb, and was
is the primary reason why I decided to “roll
recently named Air Marshall, he won’t
the dice”.
actually race until the latter part of 2022. Consequently, be sure to check out this
Bluntly stated, I didn’t buy into Pocket
year’s subsequent issues of Southern &
Aces’ Sky Mesa yearling to make money.
Midwest Gaming and Destinations for
Rather, I joined the syndicate in order to
updates on my muse’s progression! Until
gain the special “backstage access” that
then folks, I will hold fast to an abiding
only we thoroughbred owners receive!
feeling that could be best described as
Some of these benefits include: equine
“guarded optimism”.
visitation rights (whether that be at the
G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
19
FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com NFL – SUPER BOWL LVI FEBRUARY 13, 2022 – SOFI STADIUM INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA
KENTUCKY DERBY MAY 7, 2022 - CHURCHILL DOWNS – LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Horse
Team
Jan Nov Sept July May
Smile Happy
8/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6/1
6/1
7/1
6/1 10/1
Jack Christopher
10/1
Buffalo Bills
8/1
7/1
11/1
12/1 12/1
Rattle N Roll
21/1
Pappacap
23/1
Tiz the Bomb
24/1
Gunite
25/1
Commandperformance
31/1
Kansas City Chiefs
4/1
8/1
9/2
5/1
Los Angeles Rams
9/1
9/1
12/1
13/1 12/1
Arizona Cardinals
20/1
10/1
N/A
N/A N/A
Dallas Cowboys
10/1
11/1
N/A
N/A N/A
Giant Game
37/1
Green Bay Packers
9/2
12/1
14/1
16/1 9/1
Mo Donegal
37/1
Indianapolis Colts
18/1
N/A
N/A
N/A N/A
Major General
43/1
New England Patriots
18/1
N/A
N/A
N/A N/A
Howling Time
43/1
Tennessee Titans
20/1
N/A
N/A
N/A N/A
Classic Causeway
44/1
Epicenter
52/1
Varatti
54/1
Zandon
56/1
*All others are higher than 12/1 **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com
NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 4, 2022 – CAESARS SUPERDOME NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA Team Gonzaga
January November 5/1 6/1
6/1
January
*All 2019 Crop Fillies 41/1 *All Other 2019 Crop Colts 3/5 **Odds provided by Twinspires.com Future Wager Pool 1
Duke
8/1 14/1
NBA CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 2, 2022 – JUNE 19, 2022 (IF NEEDED)
Purdue
8/1 14/1
Team
Kansas
11/1 16/1
Brooklyn Nets
5/2
12/5
Baylor
12/1 20/1
Milwaukee Bucks
7/1
9/1
UCLA
16/1 12/1
Phoenix Suns
9/11
5/1
Texas
22/1 16/1
Los Angeles Lakers
11/1
4/1
Villanova
25/1 12/1
Utah Jazz
11/1
16/1
Kentucky
25/1 16/1
Golden State Warriors
11/2
9/1
Alabama
25/1 18/1
Miami Heat
12/1
25/1
Illinois
25/1 18/1
Los Angeles Clippers
20/1
16/1
Arizona
20/1
Philadelphia 76ers
20/1
16/1
Michigan
30/1 10/1
Denver Nuggets
30/1
22/1
Chicago Bulls
30/1
N/A
*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com 20
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
N/A
*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com
January November
AWARDS!
Including First Place for Best Customer Service, Best Casino Floor and Best Casino Personnel.
9380 Central Avenue • D’Iberville, MS 39540 • 888–752–9772 • ScarletPearlCasino.com • Must be 21 or older. See Pearl Casino Resort reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING CELEBRITY CRUISES Celebrity Cruises® would like to offer our most sincere gratitude to the readers of Southern Gaming for this award. We take great pride in providing an unmatched gaming experience with luxurious casinos which rival the world’s most prestigious gaming establishments. We look forward to welcoming you on board in 2022 for what is sure to be an unforge able vacation.
VISIT CELEBRITY COM NOTICE: Prior to booking, please consult all applicable U.S. Centers for Disease Control travel advisories, warnings, or recommendations relating to cruise travel, at cdc.gov/travel/notices. If a certain threshold level of COVID-19 is detected onboard the ship during your voyage, the voyage will end immediately, the ship will return to the port of embarkation, and your subsequent travel, including your return home, may be restricted or delayed. Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.. ©2021 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.
