Midwest Gaming - May 2017 - Readers' Choice Awards

2017 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS REVEALED! AWARD WIN N E R

SUBSCRIBE TODAY &

WIN BIG! PAGE 9

MAY/JUNE 2017 VOL. 19, ISSUE 3 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

TRIPLE CROWN TRIUMPH: SKILL OR LUCK? PAGE 34

CASINO GAMES: THE REAL ODDS REVEALED PAGE 28

PRISCILLA PRESLEY...

AND THE LEGACY OF ELVIS PAGE 18

PLUS: TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • HORSERACING • VIDEO POKER & MORE! Covering Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and the entire Midwest!

AWARD WIN N E R

THANKS FOR VOTING! BEST OVERALL GAMING RESORT BEST ROOMS | BEST ENTERTAINMENT | BEST NIGHTLIFE BEST THEME | BEST PLAYERS CLUB

SIOUX CITY HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM Must be 21 or older to gamble. If you or someone you know needs gambling treatment, call 800. BETS OFF. ©2015 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

#theGRANDDifference

the difference Thank You for Voting Indiana Grand the BEST! • Casino Floor • Customer Service • Poker Room The difference is at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino and your experience is waiting!

Just 20 Minutes from Indy!

I-74 East, Exit 109 Shelbyville 877-FUN-4-IND www.IndianaGrand.com Must be 21 or older to enter casino. Management reserves all rights. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT.

LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

What makes a casino property great? One person may put emphasis on the rooms, while another may go more for the food, but never stayed in a room. Or, a great outdoor pool area can make or break a great summer getaway for some, but might not mean anything to others. We can probably all agree the actual casino is pretty important.

How are the tables laid out? Is there plenty of room between the slot machines? What about the service? Did you wait a while for a drink? Or to get paid out on a big win?

This issue is dedicated to letting you know what casinos have the best of the best in everything from rooms and suites to games and eats. Our Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual testimony to which properties are really going far and above to please their guests. After tallying over 30,000 votes for this year’s awards, we are excited to announce them in this issue. Be sure to check out all of the winner’s on page 6!

We are also excited to have Priscilla Presley as our front cover featured article this issue. She has been instrumental in carrying on the Elvis’ tradition with a recent ‘Graceland Memphis’ exhibit expansion at the Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee as well as the unveiling of the 450-room Guesthouse at Graceland located right next to Graceland. Whether it is the tours of Graceland, showcasing the one-of-a-kind Elvis exhibits, or staying at the ultra-plush Guesthouse Suites, Priscilla has been monumental in creating 2

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

the ultimate experience for any Elvis fan. Be sure to check out the full overview on page 18 and start planning your visit to Memphis and the home of Elvis right away!

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Did you know that almost 9 million homes in the United States have an RV? In addition to owning RV’s, this group is also very casino oriented and love going to casinos! Once we started looking into this relevance, we also noticed that casinos really cater to the RV’ers with plush RV parks with perks and resort like settings. One of our preferred properties in Indiana, Rising Star Casino Resort, saw this trend and is excited to unveil the newest RV park in the region. Check it out on page 32!

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Lastly, The Comps Club Casino Coupon Program is going great! We are excited to have picked up a few more casino partners who are offering some great coupons! If you aren’t a member yet, visit TheCompsClub.com or check out the information card on page 9 and join today!

For just $29 per year, you will receive six member casino coupon paks, six copies of the magazine and travel advice and information. You really can’t go wrong!

(502) 583-0333

Good luck with all of your gaming getaways, and remember, if you can’t be good…be lucky!

Larry Bisig LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Hill Harcourt

Linda Boyd Bill Burton John Grochowski Jesse Oswald Terry Parrett Henry Tamburin Frank Scoblete GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

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

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

by Gaming Media Group Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2017

by Gaming Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. This publication is printed by Publisher’s Printing Co., Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.

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

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes

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

Cover photo courtesy of Graceland/The Beckwith Company.

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

18 Priscilla Presley: The Greatness of Graceland

16 St. Croix Celebration:

A Simple and Fun Game

Learning the Game

24 Video Poker:

Readers’ Choice Awards Revealed:

Probability vs. Possibility

The results are in! Congrats to

25 Craps:

this year’s winning properties!

Who are the ‘Experts’?

26 Blackjack:

The Real Odds of Winning

34 Triple Crown Triumph:

22 Let it Ride:

28 Casino Games:

HIGHLIGHTS & HOTSPOTS

23 Pai Gow Poker:

FEATURE ARTICLES

6

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

Avoiding Bad Blackjack Games

Turtle Lake Casino Turns 25!

32 Rising Star Casino:

Unveiling of the newest RV park in the region.

38 Casino Directory:

Our preferred properties and attractions.

39 Reader Review:

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Sioux City, Iowa

27 Poker:

Skill vs. Luck

40 Sports Wagering:

Is the ultimate accomplishment

skill or chance?

Future odds on major sporting events.

18

AWARD WIN N E R

6

22 Find us on Facebook

28

10

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

3

FACTS & FUN STUFF

DID YOU KNOW

1 2

?

HOW MANY VOTES DID WE RECEIVE FOR THIS YEAR’S READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS? A. 120,000 B. 32,000

4

B. 27 year

D. 24,000

C. 17 years D. 18 years

WHAT YEAR DID ELVIS’ GRACELAND MANSION OPEN FOR PUBLIC TOURS? A. 1977 B. 1990

5

Directions: Cover the bottom of an old-fashioned glass or mason jar with blueberries and a sprig of mint. (If you’re using a smaller glass, make a double layer.) Add the brown sugar and lemon juice and muddle (or smoosh with the back of a spoon) until the sugar is melted. The idea is to break the skins of the blueberries, but not to mash them into a pulp. Fill the glass with crushed ice and then add the rum. Top with ginger ale and stir.

4

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

A. Kentucky Derby B. Preakness Stakes D. None…they’re all the same

ON A SINGLE ZERO ROULETTE TABLE, WHAT ODDS DOES A SINGLE-NUMBER BET PAY? 3. C 4. A 5. C 1 ½ MILES

Ingredients: This recipe makes one cocktail.

• Fresh (or frozen) blueberries • 2-3 sprigs of fresh mint for garnish • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice • (Wedge for garnish) • 2 ounces rum • Ginger ale

3

WHICH TRIPLE CROWN RACE IS THE LONGEST?

C. Belmont Stakes

D. 1982 We recently came across this recipe on TheKitchn.com and had to give it a try... and we’re glad we did! The simplicity of recipe makes it a great make in a pinch, or make a batch of it for a party. Frozen blueberries will work fine if you can’t find fresh ones, and while we prefer the crushed ice, put the cubes in a blender or wrap in a towel and smash with a rolling pin. But, use whatever you have around and is easy! We hope you enjoy these wonderful flavors of spring!

A. 37 years

C. 11,000

C. 1987 THE BLUEBERRY RUM SMASH

BEFORE AMERICAN PHAROAH IN 2015, HOW LONG HAD IT BEEN SINCE A HORSE WON THE TRIPLE CROWN?

A. 136-1

1. B 2. D

SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

B. 10-1 C. 35-1 D. 2-1

Number of Visitors to Graceland annually

600,000

36

$400 $500,000 Annual upkeep of Elvis’ Graceland Mansion in Memphis when he died

Number of possible combinations of two six-sided dice.

Estimated value of Elvis Presley’s Estate

Million

91-1

1913 Kentucky Derby Winner Donerail’s Odds paying $184 on a win bet.

ISLAND Set sail on a thrilling adventure just south of the Twin Cities at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Try your hand at blackjack or any of our 2,200 slot machines. Then break for a juicy steak at Tado or an all-you-can-eat feast at our buffet. Finally, end your day relaxing at our luxury resort and spa. Find your escape today.

TIcasino.com | 1 - 8 0 0 -2 2 2-707 7 Š 2017 Treasure Island Resort & Casino

THE R E S U LT S ARE IN

2017 MIDWEST

READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNERS

THE MIDWEST region has an abundance

of great casinos and resorts each featuring their own unique characteristics you won’t

find anywhere else. Whether you are

looking for grand golf courses, magnificent mountain views or outstanding indoor and

outdoor oasis’, you can’t wrong wherever your casino adventures take you.

The area includes Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South

Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri, so there are plenty of options when it comes to planning your trip.

On the following pages, you will find the award winners from each of these

states. We hope the awards will provide

some guidance for your next casino trip and make your planning easy! Also be

sure to check out the full list of awards at

AWARD W

GamingandDestinations.com where you will find more pictures and information on the winning casinos.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards and until next time…stay lucky!

G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BEST OVERALL PROPERTIES (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) MGM DETROIT (MICHIGAN), TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO (MINNESOTA), HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO SIOUX CITY (IOWA) AND POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO (WISCONSIN) TO NAME A FEW. THE REST OF THE WINNERS ARE LISTED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES.

6

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

GOLF COURSE

MICHIGAN AWARDS

1. Sweetgrass Golf Club - Island Resort 2. The Bear & Wolverine - Grand Traverse / Turtle Creek

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…) 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. MGM Grand Detroit

ENTERTAINMENT 1. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. MGM Grand Detroit BEST

CUSTOMER SERVICE 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 3. MGM Grand Detroit

OVERALL

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

PROPERTY

1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

ADVERTISING 1. MGM Grand Detroit 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel

NIGHTLIFE

MGM Grand Detroit BUFFET BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

1

MGM GRAND DETROIT

FOUR WINDS NEW BUFFALO

2

3 ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

SUITES 1. MGM Grand Detroit 2. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 3. Odawa Casino Resort ROOMS

1. Aurora Buffet - Soaring Eagle Casino 2. The Buffet - Four Winds New Buffalo 3. Mijem Buffet - Firekeepers Casino

SPA

1. MGM Grand Detroit 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

PLAYERS CLUB 1. MGM Grand Detroit 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. Kewadin Casinos

THEME 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel

Best Spa: Drift Spa - Island Resort & Casino - Harris, Michigan

1. Drift Spa - Island Resort & Casino 2. Immerse Spa - MGM Grand Detroit 3. Four Winds New Buffalo

POOL 1. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 2. Island Resort & Casino 3. Four Winds New Buffalo

1. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. MGM Grand Detroit CASINO FLOOR 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Four Winds New Buffalo 3. MGM Grand Detroit POKER ROOM 1. MGM Grand Detroit 2. Odawa Casino Resort 3. Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel RESTAURANT 1. Wolfgang Puck Steak - MGM Grand Detroit 2. Copper Rock - Four Winds New Buffalo 3. 5 Bridges Steak & Seafood – Island Resort & Casino

Best Golf Course: Sweetgrass Golf Club - Island Resort & Casino - Harris, Michigan G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

7

MINNESOTA AWARDS

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

Best Pool: Treasure Island Resort and Casino - Welch, Minnesota

ENTERTAINMENT

Treasure Island Resort and Casino - Welch, Minnesota

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO 1

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY 2

FORTUNE BAY RESORT CASINO 3

SUITES 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Treasure Island Resort and Casino 3. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

ROOMS 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 3. Treasure Island Resort

RESTAURANT 1. Tado Steakhouse - Treasure Island 2. The Wind Steakhouse - Grand Casino Hinckley 3. Sunset Steakhouse - Fortune Bay Casino Resort

1. Treasure Island Resort and Casino 2. Grand Casino Hinckley 3. Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Treasure Island Resort and Casino 3. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…) 1. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 2. Grand Casino Mille Lacs 3. Treasure Island Resort and Casino CUSTOMER SERVICE 1. Treasure Island Resort and Casino 2. Black Bear Casino Resort 3. Fortune Bay Resort Casino

NIGHTLIFE BUFFET 1. Grand Buffet - Grand Casino Mille Lacs 2. Tradewinds Buffet - Treasure Island Resort and Casino 3. The Buffet at The Bear - Black Bear

SPA 1. Wave Spa at Treasure Island 2. Grand Harmony Spa at Grand Casino Hinckley 3. The Spa at Mystic Lake Casino

1. Treasure Island Resort and Casino 2. Grand Casino Hinckley 3. Fortune Bay Resort Casino

ADVERTISING 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 3. Treasure Island Resort and Casino

THEME 1. Black Bear Casino Resort 2. Treasure Island Resort and Casino 3. Grand Casino Hinckley

PLAYERS CLUB 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 3. Treasure Island Resort and Casino

POOL CASINO FLOOR 1. Treasure Island Resort 2. Grand Casino Mille Lacs 3. Grand Casino Hinckley

1. Treasure Island Resort and 2. Grand Casino Hinckley 3. Fortune Bay Resort Casino

GOLF COURSE POKER ROOM 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Treasure Island Resort and Casino 3. Black Bear Casino Resort

8

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

1. Grand National Golf Club at Grand Casino Hinckley 2. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay 3. Mount Frontenac at Treasure Island Resort and Casino Best Golf Course: Grand National Golf Club at Grand Casino Hinckley

IOWA AWARDS

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

Best Rooms: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Sioux City, Iowa

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Sioux City, Iowa

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

1

HARD ROCK SIOUX CITY

GRAND FALLS CASINO & GOLF RESORT 2

RESTAURANT 1. Prime Cut Grill - Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel 2. Riva Steak & SeafoodAmeristar Casino Council Bluffs 3. Main + Abbey-Hard Sioux City

AMERISTAR CASINO COUNCIL BLUFFS

BUFFET 1. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 2. Hard Rock Sioux City 3. Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs

SUITES 1. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 2. Harrah’s Council Bluffs 3. Hard Rock Sioux City

SPA 1. Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 3. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort

ROOMS 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Harrah’s Council Bluffs 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

POOL 1. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 2. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 3. Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs

3

CASINO FLOOR 1. Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf 2. Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs 3. Hard Rock Sioux City POKER ROOM 1. Rhythm City Casino Resort 2. WinnaVegas Casino Resort 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Course 3. Hard Rock Sioux City

CUSTOMER SERVICE 1. WinnaVegas Casino Resort 2. Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel 3. Harrah’s Council Bluffs ADVERTISING 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 3. WinnaVegas Casino Resort

NIGHTLIFE 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort 3. Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs

PLAYERS CLUB 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Harrah’s Council Bluffs 3. WinnaVegas Casino Resort

THEME 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort 3. Mystique Casino and Resort

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…) 1. Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel 2. Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort 3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

GOLF COURSE 1. The Falls - Grand Falls Casino & Golf Course 2. Blue Top Ridge - Riverside Casino and Golf Course 3. Spirit Hollow - Pzazz-Catfish Bend ENTERTAINMENT 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Course

Best Golf Course: The Falls - Grand Falls Casino & Golf Course

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

9

WISCONSIN AWARDS

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino - Milwaukee, WI

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

1 POTAWATOMI

& CASINO

POKER ROOM

GOLF COURSE

CASINO PERSONNEL

1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. Oneida Casino 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

1. Pine Hills - North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Thornberry Creek-Oneida Casino

1. Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls 2. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake 3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

RESTAURANT

ENTERTAINMENT

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. Bella Italiana - Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. The Longhouse - North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. Copper Oak - Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

1. Lake of the Torches Resort & Casino 2. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 3. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

ADVERTISING

1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. Menominee Casino Resort

1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

HOTEL

2 NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO RESORT 3 HO-CHUNK GAMING WISCONSIN DELLS Â

SUITES

Best Golf Course: Pine Hills - North Star Mohican Casino Resort

BUFFET 1. Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake

1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. Menominee Casino Resort

NIGHTLIFE ROOMS

SPA

1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Lake of the Torches Resort & Casino 3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

1. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

THEME CASINO FLOOR

POOL

1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 3. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake

10

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

1. Menominee Casino Resort 2. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 3. Lake of the Torches Resort & Casino

1. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake

PLAYERS CLUB 1. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

OHIO AWARDS

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

Best Buffet: Belterra Park Gaming Cincinnati, Ohio

Hollywood Casino Columbus

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS 1

2 JACK CINCINNATI CASINO

HARD ROCK ROCKSINO NORTHFIELD 3

RESTAURANT 1. Final Cut-Hollywood Casino Columbus 2. Prism Steak & Seafood - Jack Cincinnati Casino 3. Final Cut-Hollywood Casino Toledo BUFFET 1. Belterra Park Gaming 2. Hollywood Casino Columbus 3. Jack Cleveland Casino

SUITES

SPA

1. Jack Cincinnati Casino 2. Hollywood Casino Toledo 3. Jack Cleveland Casino

1. Hollywood Casino Columbus 2. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 3. Hollywood Casino Toledo

ROOMS 1. Hollywood Casino Columbus 2. Jack Cleveland Casino 3. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield

NIGHTLIFE

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. Jack Cincinnati Casino 2. Jack Cleveland Casino 3. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield

1. Belterra Park Gaming 2. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 3. Hollywood Casino Columbus

THEME

ADVERTISING

1. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 2. Hollywood Casino Columbus 3. Jack Cincinnati Casino

1. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 2. Hollywood Casino Columbus 3. Jack Cincinnati Casino

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…)

PLAYERS CLUB

1. Jack Cincinnati Casino 2. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 3. Belterra Park Gaming

1. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 2. Hollywood Casino Columbus 3. Jack Cincinnati Casino

POOL 1. Hollywood Casino Columbus 2. Jack Cleveland Casino 3. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield

CASINO FLOOR 1. Hollywood Casino Columbus 2. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 3. Belterra Park Gaming

ENTERTAINMENT 1. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 2. Belterra Park Gaming 3. Jack Cincinnati Casino

POKER ROOM 1. Jack Cincinnati Casino 2. Hollywood Casino Columbus 3. Jack Cleveland Casino

Best Entertainment: Hard Rock Rocksino - Northfield, Ohio

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield 2. Belterra Park Gaming 3. Hollywood Casino Columbus

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

11

INDIANA AWARDS

SPA 1. Belterra Casino Resort 2. French Lick Resort 3. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa

POOL 1. French Lick Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa BEST

GOLF COURSE 1. French Lick Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Rising Star Casino Resort

OVERALL PROPERTY

ENTERTAINMENT 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 2. Rising Star Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Resort Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa Michigan City, Indiana

The state of Indiana boasts much more than the Indianapolis 500, professional spor ts teams and John Mellancamp. It is also home to thirteen casinos that stretch from Gary, Indiana in the northern part of the state, to the banks of the Ohio River in the southern part of the state.

Whether you are looking for the rich history at French Lick Resort in West Baden, or convenience of having big cities nearby at Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Rising Star Casino or Hollywood Law renceburg, gaming options are robust throughout the state. Enjoy Indiana BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

BLUE CHIP CASINO HOTEL SPA 1

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT 2

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT 3

12

SUITES 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. French Lick Resort

ROOMS 1. Belterra Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 3. Horseshoe Southern Indiana

CASINO FLOOR 1. Indiana Grand Racing & Casino 2. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 3. Belterra Casino Resort

POKER ROOM 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Indiana Grand Racing & Casino

RESTAURANT 1. William B’s - Blue Chip Casino 2. Wellington’s - Rising Star Casino 3. 1875 - French Lick Resort

BUFFET 1. Rising Star Casino Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

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

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Resort

NIGHTLIFE 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Blue Chip Casino Resort 3. Horseshoe Southern Indiana

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…) 1. Rising Star Casino Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Blue Chip Casino Resort Spa

CUSTOMER SERVICE 1. Rising Star Casino Resort 2. Indiana Grand Racing & Casino 3. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa

ADVERTISING 1. Rising Star Casino Resort 2. Hollwood Casino Lawrenceburg 3. Belterra Casino Resort

PLAYERS CLUB 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Blue Chip Casino Resort Spa 3. Rising Star Casino Resort Best Dealers: Rising Star Casino Resort - Rising Sun, Indiana

THEME 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. French Lick Resort 3. Rising Star Casino Resort

Best Casino Floor: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino - Shelbyville, Indiana

ILLINOIS AWARDS

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

Best Nightlife: Harrah’s Joliet

Jumer’s Casino & Hotel - Rock Island, Illinois

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

JUMER’S CASINO & HOTEL

1

HOLLYWOOD CASINO JOLIET 2

3

CASINO QUEEN

3. Harrah’s Joliet

2. Casino Queen

1. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

2. Harrah’s Joliet

3. Harrah’s Joliet

2. Casino Queen

3. DJ’s Steakhouse - Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

3. Hollywood Casino Joliet

PLAYERS CLUB

1. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…)

2. Hollywood Casino Aurora

1. Harrah’s Joliet

3. Harrah’s Metropolis

2. Harrah’s Metropolis

2. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

3. Casino Queen

BUFFET

1. Hollywood Casino Joliet

3. Casino Queen

2. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

2. Harrah’s Joliet

3. Par A Dice Casino

3. Casino Queen

ROOMS

POOL

1. Harrah’s Joliet

1. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

2. Jumer’s Casino Hotel

2. Casino Queen

3. Harrah’s Metropolis

3. Harrah’s Joliet

1. Hollywood Casino Joliet

3. Rivers Casino

ADVERTISING

1. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

POKER ROOM

2. Jumer’s Casino

1. Hollywood Casino Joliet

1. Hollywood Casino Joliet

3. Par A Dice Casino

1. Casino Queen

2. Harrah’s Metropolis

1. Final Cut Steakhouse Hollywood Casino Joliet

SPA

2. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

1. Harrah’s Joliet

THEME

SUITES

1. Harrah’s Joliet

CUSTOMER SERVICE

RESTAURANT

CASINO FLOOR

NIGHTLIFE

ENTERTAINMENT 1. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel 2. Harrah’s Joliet 3. Casino Queen

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

2. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

1. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel

3. Harrah’s Metropolis

2. Harrah’s Joliet

Best Theme: Hollywood Casino Joliet

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

13

MISSOURI AWARDS

SPA 1. Ara Spa - Ameristar St. Charles 2. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa (Riverside) 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis

POOL 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

ENTERTAINMENT 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. River City Casino & Hotel

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

LUMIERE PLACE CASINO ST. LOUIS 1

AMERISTAR ST. CHARLES

2

RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL

SUITES 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis

ROOMS 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis

CASINO FLOOR 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa (Riverside) 3. River City Casino & Hotel

POKER ROOM 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis

RESTAURANT 1. Cielo - Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis 2. Final Cut - Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. 1904 Steakhouse-River City Casino & Hotel

3

14

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

ADVERTISING 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. River City Casino & Hotel

PLAYERS CLUB 1. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa (Riverside) 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. River City Casino & Hotel

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. River City Casino & Hotel

Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis

The state of Indiana boasts much more than the Indianapolis 500, professional spor ts teams and John Mellancamp. It is also home to thirteen casinos that stretch from Gary, Indiana in the northern part of the state, to the banks of the Ohio River in the southern part of the state.

Whether you are looking for the rich history at French Lick Resort in West Baden, or convenience of having big cities nearby at Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Rising Star Casino or Hollywood Law renceburg, gaming options are robust throughout the state. Enjoy Indiana

CUSTOMER SERVICE 1. Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. River City Casino & Hotel

BUFFET 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. River City Casino & Hotel 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis

NIGHTLIFE 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis

THEME 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. River City Casino & Hotel

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…) 1. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa (Riverside) 2. Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis 3. Ameristar St. Charles Best Spa: Ara Spa - Ameristar St. Charles

Best Restaurant: Cielo - Lumiere Place Casino St. Louis

SOUTH DAKOTA AWARDS

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

The suites at Gold Dust Casino & Hotel

The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

THE LODGE AT DEADWOOD RESORT 1

DAKOTA SIOUX CASINO & HOTEL 2

3 DEADWOOD GULCH RESORT

SUITES 1. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort 2. Gold Dust Casino & Hotel 3. Deadwood Mountain Grand

RESTAURANT 1. Deadwood Grille-The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort 2. Brown Rock Café - Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort

NIGHTLIFE

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

Customer Service

2. Gold Dust Casino & Hotel

1. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

3. Deadwood Mountain Grand

2. Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel 3. Gold Dust Casino & Hotel

THEME 1. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

ADVERTISING

2. Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort

1. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

3. Mustang’s - Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel

3. Deadwood Mountain Grand

SPA 1. Acala Spa-The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort

CASINO PERSONNEL (DEALERS, SLOT ATTENDANTS, ETC…)

2. Deadwood Mountain Grand

1. Deadwood Gulch Resort

1. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

2. Royal River Casino & Hotel

2. Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort

3. Deadwood Mountain Grand

3. Deadwood Gulch Resort

POOL

2. Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort 3. Deadwood Mountain Grand PLAYERS CLUB

1. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort 2. Deadwood Mountain Grand

ROOMS

ENTERTAINMENT

1. Deadwood Gulch Resort

1. Deadwood Mountain Grand

2. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

2. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

3. Deadwood Mountain Grand

3. Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel

CASINO FLOOR 1. Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort 2. Gold Dust Casino & Hotel 3. Royal River Casino & Hotel POKER ROOM 1. Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel 2. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. Deadwood Mountain Grand 2. The Lodge at Deadwood Resort 3. Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel

Best Casino Floor: Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort

3. Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

15

S T. C ROI X C E L E BR AT ION:

TURTLE LAKE CASINO TUR NS 25!

S

t. Croix Casino Turtle Lake is

22, 1992. It featured reel-type slots and

was now known as the St. Croix Casino

this year, and and it will be a

and a gift shop.

area were added later.

celebrating its 25th anniversary

celebration to remember! Over

the past 25 years, St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake has been the most popular casino

destination in northwest Wisconsin for

blackjack, a buffet, an a la carte restaurant But what set the new casino off from all

The first major expansion at the St. Croix

The casino interior resembled an Indian

the completion of the 32,000 square foot

of its competitors was its interior design.

gaming, dining and entertainment. Their

village by twilight, with twinkling fiber-

the Indian gaming business and customers

trees planted along the aisles, blackjack

hasn’t changed over the years, but the

artifacts gracing the walls.

friendly and helpful staff is legendary in

optic points of light in the ceiling, faux

agree! Its reputation as a premier casino

pits constructed as birch lodges and Indian

casino facility itself has.

The St. Croix Casino Hotel opened in

What was originally called the Turtle

December 1992 with 50 rooms. The

1988 as a bingo hall in what was once a

1993, bringing the total number of rooms

Lake Casino, the property opened in

remaining units were completed by March

dance hall. A new facility, known as St.

to 159. The construction of the hotel made

Croix Casino, opened its doors on May 16

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

& Hotel. Eight themed suites and a pool

a name change for the casino necessary. It

Casino & Hotel took place in 1994, with St. Croix Lodge. The construction of the St. Croix Lodge necessitated demolishing

the original west entrance to the casino and replacing it with two entrances, one

on the south side and one on the north side of the building. Also included in the

construction were hand-constructed rock fireplaces and a rock fountain in the new casino lobby.

The centerpiece of the St. Croix Lodge was

a convention/entertainment complex that

December 15, 2016 and celebrated its

grand opening in March 2017. Additional components of the complex – a gas station, fast-food restaurant, mini-storage facility,

car wash and trucker rest stop facilities will be completed at a later date

In September 2016, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new St. Croix

Casino Hertel Express complex, which

added catering facilities and audio-visual and remote office facilities. In April 1995,

the convention/entertainment area was named the Don Saros Room in honor of the former tribal chairman who had opened the St. Croix Casino in 1992.

craps, roulette and poker are not allowed in Minnesota.

In 2009, a major rebranding effort brought all of the casinos owned and operated by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of

Wisconsin under one umbrella. As a result,

The addition of the two-story St. Croix

the St. Croix Casino & Hotel’s name was

of slot machines to 900 and its total area

the Hole in the Wall Casino at Danbury

Lodge brought the casino’s total number

changed to St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake,

to 97,000 square feet.

became St. Croix Casino Danbury and

The final casino expansion happened

became St. Croix Casino Hertel Express.

in 20 03, with the addition of the

the Little Turtle Hertel Express in Hertel

Event Center. Used for special events,

In 2015, the Little Bear Sportsman’s Bar

Center offers full catering, remote office

facelift, featuring new colors and more

entertainment and banquets, the Event

at St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake had a

capability and meeting space. When the

comfortable chairs. The TLC Buffet was

Event Center opened, the Don Saros Room was removed from the St. Croix

also remodeled to make the floor plan more open and inviting.

will replace the original facility. The new

complex will include a casino with 200 slot machines, a convenience store, gas

station, truck stop, RV park, 850-seat

outdoor amphitheater and a cigar shop with walk-in humidor. The new facility

will also contain a veterans’ memorial

commemorating the service of St. Croix

tribal veterans. Groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for May 1. The

original Hertel Express building will be converted to a Tribal Judicial Center and Reservation Police Department.

St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake is still

growing and changing. New slots are being added to the casino floor almost

every day. Casino marketing is coming up with new promotions – and new ways to advertise them, including using digital media, both internally and externally.

Lodge area and replaced with more space

The St. Croix tribe, owners and operators

During 2017, St. Croi x Casino is

also came to the casino in 2003. The

in the community too. In June 2016,

Dining and Entertainment with a

for gaming. Live craps, roulette and poker arrival of these Las Vegas-style games gave Minnesota guests one more reason

to cross the river into Wisconsin: Live

of St. Croix Casinos, has been busy

groundbreaking was held for the new Fourwinds Market Complex in Siren.

The new Fourwinds Market opened on

celebrating 25 Years of Better Gaming,

yearlong lineup of special promotions, events, dining specials and entertainment.

And it’s also celebrating the loyalty of its

guests, the dedication of its staff and its partnership with the community.

Details on all of the casino’s 25th Anniversary events are posted on the

casino’s website, and information on current events is also posted on the casino’s Facebook page and Snapchat.

For more celebration information

and property news, visit TurtleLake. stcroixcasino.com or call 1-800-846-8946.

The St. Croix Casino staff is legendary and proud of the 25 year history of the property.

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

17

TOP SHOWS OF PRISCILLA PRESLEY: SIN CITY:

THE GREATNESS OF GRACELAND

HOT SOUNDS OF SUMMER by

18

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

BY TE R RY PA R R E T T

F

orty years. The world has changed incredibly since 1977. We’ve been through seven U.S. Presidents; the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of Communism; the technological progression from cassettes and vinyl to VHS, CDs, DVDs, and streaming ondemand media; the first home computer, giving way to the desktop, the PC, the laptop, and now the smartphone.

Someone instantly transported from 1977 to 2017 would scarcely recognize or understand a large part of popular culture and technology. However, it’s a safe bet that there’s one name that someone from 1997 OR 2017 would instantly recognizethe King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.

It’s almost incomprehensible to think that it will have been 40 years this August since the King left the building for the final time, and yet, the calendar doesn’t lie. Those of us who were around on that infamous day undoubtedly remember hearing the shocking news. And yet, unlike so many other famous names who have come and gone since then, Elvis still looms large in our collective memory. His music lives on, his face has graced postage stamps, and now, his home, Graceland, has been expanded to keep his memory alive for years to come.

Priscilla Presley, along with executives from the Presley estate, officially opened the most significant expansion to the Graceland estate since its opening in 1982. Since Elvis’s death in 1977, Priscilla has been at the forefront of keeping his memory alive, and accessible to his legion of fans. The new attraction is a state-of-the-art entertainment complex.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on March 2, 2017. The goal of the new complex is to give visitors a more complete Elvis experience. The Graceland Mansion tour was and is designed to show the personal and family side of Elvis’ life, whereas the new expansion highlights the rest of his story, allowing visitors to experience Memphis as Elvis did, seeing the sights and sounds of the city that inspired him. The cornerstone of “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” is a 20,000 square foot museum entitled “Elvis: The Entertainer”, which showcases hundreds of previously unseen treasures from the Graceland archives, including his collection of gold and platinum records and of course, his famous jumpsuits.

In addition to this stunning collection of Elvis memorabilia, visitors are also

treated to live performances by Memphis musicians and entertainers at the complex, as well as Elvis movies and concerts being played on a big screen at “Graceland Soundstage A”.

Graceland officials state that this expansion significantly broadens the narrative of the Graceland campus, and visitors now have a total of 15 attractions and exhibits to explore. These attractions include: > Presley Motors - a collection of Elvis’ cars and other vehicles, along with a theater space featuring Elvis’s car and racing-themed movie clips. > Presley Cycles - a display of The King’s motorcycles, ski boat, and other “favorite motorized toys on wheels”. > ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley” - a celebration of Elvis’ inf luence on other musicians and celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John and more. The exhibit focuses on the way Elvis influenced music artists and entertainers not only musically, but in terms of wardrobe, instruments, and other artifacts. > Fashion King - an exhibit exploring the fashion trends Elvis set with his personal style and wardrobe. > Private Presley: Elvis in the Army examining Elvis’s time in the U.S. Army through photographs and artifacts from basic training to his service in Germany. > Elvis’ Tupelo - a look at Elvis’ childhood home with rare photos and personal memorabilia.

Other exhibits are scheduled to open soon and will focus on the country music roots of rock ‘n’ roll, as well as the history of Sam Phillips and Sun Records. All told, it will give even the most devoted Elvis fans enough to explore for years to come.

For the most hard-core Elvis fan, however, there’s yet another experiencethe “Ultimate VIP” tour. This exclusive tour will take a small group of visitors on an experience unlike any other to be had at Graceland. Led by an expert tour guide, guests will tour both Graceland Mansion itself and all of the new “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” experience, as well as getting access to the “Ultimate Lounge” a special photo opportunity, access to special souvenirs available only to “Ultimate” guests, and a meal at one of the new restaurants. Guests wishing to take advantage of the “Ultimate VIP” experience can visit the Graceland website, www.graceland.com, for more information.

The opening of “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” comes on the heels of the October 2016 opening of “The Guest House at Graceland”, a A A A Four-Diamond hotel. The stunning 450 room property is located just steps from the gates of the Graceland Mansion, and many of the 20 suites were designed by Priscilla Presley herself. The Guest House is a celebration of Elvis and his legacy, and is actually the largest hotel project in Memphis in over 90 years. The Guest House features Elvis-inspired specialty suites, from the 4 “Living Room Suites” which are a nod to the famous “TV Room” at Graceland Mansion; to the 2 “Vernon and Gladys’

The 450-room Guesthouse at Graceland.

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

19

Suites”, a tribute to Elvis’ beloved parents; to the 7 “TCB Suites”, named and inspired

by Elvis’ motto of “Taking Care of Business”; and of course, the two “King’s Suites”, which offers guests the once-ina-lifetime opportunity to actually live like The King. Most of these suites are located on the exclusive top floor of the resort, known as “The Upstairs”. Previous visitors to the Graceland Mansion will recall that the upstairs at the mansion was the private living quarters for Elvis and his family, and is not part of mansion tour. Priscilla’s supervision of the design of these suites ensures that guests will receive an authentic “Elvis experience” inspired by Graceland, while her past success as a designer guarantees that the hotel experience itself will be world class.

The Guest House also boasts two fullservice restaurants, a special events space for meetings and weddings, an outdoor lawn with space for a 400 person tent for outdoor events, and even a 464 seat theater for live performances and movies.

Of course, none of this- the hotel, the expansion- would have happened had it not been for Priscilla. An interview with “The Guardian” in October 2016, she gives some insight into her motivation. She said, “My fear is that future generations will not know about Elvis. I feel a responsibility for keeping his legacy alive.” Priscilla has been doing just that since Elvis’s death in 1977. After his passing, Priscilla was the executor for his only heir, daughter Lisa Marie. At the time, upkeep on the Graceland Mansion was $500,000 annually, and expenses has eroded Lisa Marie’s inheritance to $1 million. Priscilla looked for alternatives to selling the mansion, and hired Jack Soden to help turn Graceland into a tourist attraction. At the time, Soden was working as Executive Director of a money management firm,

Prisiclla at the Grand Opening of Elvis Presley’s Memphis Museum.

20

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

The outdoor pool and sitting areas at Guesthouse at Graceland.

and he also saw the potential.

Graceland Mansion opened to the public on June 7, 1982, and it became quickly apparent that Priscilla’s instincts were correct. Within four weeks of opening, the estate made back all of the money it had invested in the transition, and in the years that followed, “Elvis Presley Enterprises” became a f inancial success beyond anything they could have imagined.

Following the success in turning Graceland Mansion into a successful and ongoing concern, Priscilla turned her newfound entrepreneurial muscle into other areas.

While she had run a successful clothing store in the 1970’s with her friend Olivia Bis, this time, Priscilla set her sights much higher. Her initial venture into women’s fragrances was called “Moments”, and was so well received that she followed it up with a second, “Experiences”. Several others followed, and one, “Roses and More”, which debuted in 1998, has been described by “Fragrantica.com” as one of “the loveliest rose soliflores of all time”. In 2006, Priscilla released a luxury line of bed linens, appropriately named “The Priscilla Presley Collection”. Collaborating with Australian fashion designer Bruno Schiavi, releasing this collection allowed Priscilla a chance to share her love of fine linens, which she traced back to her early years with Elvis, when they had luxurious custom linens and sheets made shortly after their marriage.

These ventures, along with her foray into acting and producing, were a direct product of her desire to become her own person. At one point, she stated, “When you are around that level of fame for so long, it’s easy to slip into the shadow until you almost don’t exist. I had to make a conscious effort to define myself.”

Like many successful businesspeople, Priscilla has also become involved in charity work, specifically “The Dream Foundation”, which provides terminally ill adults and their families the opportunity to fulfill life-long dreams. The goal of the organization is to provide inspiration, comfort, and closure to people approaching end-of-life. Priscilla became involved in this endeavor after helping grant a recipients wish to visit Graceland. The Dream Foundation is the only national organization of its kind, focusing on the needs of terminally ill adults and their families. She has also become an active animal advocate and supporter of children’s welfare.

Undoubtedly, Priscilla’s sense of style and aesthetics is a large reason why both the Guest House at Graceland as well as “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” are such unique attractions, and will help the entire Graceland complex continue to grow and succeed. Her personal involvement in the design of the guest suites in the Guest House ensures that each room will be an engaging and unforgettable experience into the life of Elvis, as told only by someone who lived that life with him. As she told The Guardian about Elvis, “We’ll probably never see his sort of stardom again. He was so authentic and, in lots of ways, innocent. What you saw was what you got.” And what visitors will get, at The Guest House at Graceland and Elvis Presley’s Memphis, will be the most complete Elvis experience possible, overseen by the one person in the world who could have put it together. Forty years has come and gone since Elvis left us, but thanks to Priscilla Presley, his memory will live on for generations to come.

For more information and reservations, visit Graceland.com or call 800-238-2000.

10.04.17 | LAS VEGAS

The Million Dollar Eventâ„¢

www.TOURNEVENT.com

*Payable in periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present-day cash value payment.

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

21

PLAYER STRATEGY

Let It Ride: A Simple and Fun Game Let It Ride was first introduced to the casinos in 1993 by Shuffle Master Inc, the company that makes the automatic-shuffling machines. The game is popular because it offers a potential for high pay outs. At the table, there is camaraderie among the players because they are not playing against each other or trying to beat the dealer, creating a fun atmosphere. The game and the correct playing strategy can be learned quickly.

Let Bet #1 Ride if you have…

Let It Ride is played on a table similar to the blackjack table. There are three circles in front of each player on the table. The circles are marked with the numbers 1, 2 and $. To start the game a player places three equal bets in each circle. The Shuffle Master machine deals out cards three at a time and the dealer places the three-card hand in front of each player. After each player receives their cards, the dealer discards one card leaving two cards face down in front of the dealer. The machine counts out the remaining cards into the discard tray. When this is finished the players are allowed to look at their three-card hand and makes the decision to take back the bets in circle number one or Let It Ride. To take back you bet you scrape your cards on the table toward you or make a brushing motion with your hand.

A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better.

After all the players have made their decisions the dealer will turn up the first of the two community cards in front of the dealer. This card is used as the forth card for all of the player’s hands. You now have the option of taking down your second bet or letting it ride. You may take down the second bet even if you let the first bet ride but you can not take down or put the first bet back up.

After all the players make their decision about the second bet, the dealer will turn up the second community card. This card completes the fivecard hand for every player. At this point the dealer will pay all the winning bets according to the pay table.

The House Edge for the basic game is approx.

3.5% when you play the correct strategy. You must know which hands you should take down and when to “Let It Ride”. Here is the proper strategy for this game.

22

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

by

BILL BURTON

A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better.

A Three Card Royal Flush.

A Three Card Straight Flush.

Let Bet #2 Ride if you have…

A Four Card Royal or Straight Flush.

A Four Card Flush.

Four High Cards.

A Four Card Open Ended Straight. A Four Card Open Ended Straight.

There is an extra side bet you can make for a dollar when playing Let It Ride. In 1995 Shuffle Master created a tournament. Every three to six month players that qualified by getting a Royal Flush when they made the side bet were invited to a million dollar tournament. The tournament has been discontinued but the side bet can still be made for a bonus payoff when certain hands are made. The pay table for the bonus varies from casino to casino. The House Edge ranges from 15 to 30 % on these bets. As with most side bets offered by the casino, these should be avoided because the house edge is high.

Let It Ride can be a fun game for the recreational player. The game is slower than blackjack. You will be dealt about 40 hands per hour. Some casinos offer lower limit games. If you take the time to learn the simple strategy you can enjoy the excitement of this table game. Why not give it a try.

Until next time, remember: “Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever!”

Bill Burton is the Casino Gambling Guide and columnist for the Internet portal About.com located at: www.casinogambling. about.com He is the author of “1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets” and “Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em” available online at www.billburton.com. He an instructor for Golden Touch Craps: www.thecrapsclub.com

ROYAL FLUSH 1,000 TO 1 STRAIGHT FLUSH 200 TO 1 FOUR OF A KIND 50 TO 1 FULL HOUSE 11 TO 1 FLUSH 8 TO 1 STRAIGHT 5 TO 1 THREE OF A KIND 3 TO 1 TWO PAIRS 2 TO 1 PAIR OF TENS OR BETTER 1 TO 1

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY

PAI GOW POKER: Learning the Game If you are looking for a new game to play in the casino that is easy to learn and can be very profitable, you should consider Pai Gow Poker.

It is a combination of American poker and the Chinese domino game that shares its name.

Similar to blackjack, it is a slow-paced table game with plenty of player interaction and dealer assistance. With a 5% house vig on your winnings, this game provides the player with a huge advantage which is why the house has to take a cut. The actual house advantage is 2.3 percent.

The object of the game is to beat the dealer in two hands, a two-card hand (Low Hand) and a five-card (High hand). On a table similar to a blackjack table, up to six players are each dealt seven cards from a standard 52-card deck plus a single joker that can be used as any ace or to complete a straight or flush. All other hands rank the same as in American poker. With the roll of the dice or a randomly generated number at the table, determines who goes first and every seat is always dealt regardless if anyone is playing or not.

Once the cards are dealt (facedown), players sort them into two hands, a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. These are also referred to as the hand “in front” or “on top” and the hand “behind” or “on the bottom”, respectively. To set the cards, the high hand must rank higher than the low hand and is considered a foul to arrange cards so that the low hand ranks higher resulting in a forfeiture of the bet. Players must determine their highest hand of the seven cards then move it to the five-card hand.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

To win his or her bet, a player must beat the dealer on both the high hand and the low hand and the dealer wins ties. Most hands in Pai Gow poker are pushes. As with blackjack, don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for help setting up your hand as they will always recommend the “House Way”.

The dealer may not look at his or her hand until all players have set up theirs, so feel free to ask for help.

Players also have the option of “co-banking” with the house. To deal, a player must have enough chips on the table to cover all the other players’ wagers if they were all to win their bets. Since the rules are in favor of the house or dealer, it is in the player’s interest to bank as often as possible.

With fewer hands per hour, Pai Gow is a game for players who want to spend some time at a table. . If you’re looking for a highly exciting game that can pay off big at the casinos, Pai Gow may be the game for you.

Ten Basic Strategies for Pai Gow: 1. If a player has no pairs, straights or flushes, he can set the second- and third-highest cards in his two-card hand.

2. If a player has nothing but a single pair, he can set it in his five-card hand and put the two highest remaining cards in his two-card hand.

3. Two pair is the most common case where strategy isn’t obvious. A player can either play high pair behind and small pair in front, or else two pair behind and high cards in front. The smaller the high pair and higher the remaining cards, the more inclined he should be to play two pair behind. If his side cards are small or his larger pair is large, he should split the pairs. He should always split the pairs if his high pair is of aces, and should almost always split if his high pair is of kings or queens: they are high enough by themselves.

4. Three pair is a very good hand. A player should always play the highest pair in front with no exceptions.

5. If a player has three of a kind and nothing else, he should play three of a kind behind and the remaining high cards in front unless they are aces. He should always split three aces, playing a pair of aces behind and ace-high in front.

6. If a player can play a straight or a flush or both, he should play whichever straight-or-better fivecard hand makes the best two-card hand.

7. With a full house, a player should generally play the three of a kind behind and the pair in front.

8. With two three of a kinds, a player should play the higher as a pair in front and the smaller three of a kind behind.

9. With four of a kind, a player should play as if it were two pair, but should be slightly less inclined to split.

10. With three pair and a straight or flush (only possible with the joker), a player should play his hand as three pair (with aces in front).

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

23

PLAYER STRATEGY

Video Poker: Probability Versus Possibility We’ve all heard stories about players getting two royal flushes (RF) on the same machine just hands apart or being dealt a 4-f lush 34 consecutive times and coming up blank, meaning not a single flush after the draw. Is this possible or are people simply telling odds-defying whoppers?

Most likely these anecdotal tales are absolutely true, but they are of no use whatsoever to smart video poker (VP) players.

Possibility: Any outcome that can occur, disregarding the likelihood of that result, is considered a possibility. For example, in the game of VP you can certainly be dealt a RF and that means if somebody tells you they were there’s no reason to doubt what they’re saying. Realistically, the same can be said of winning the lottery or WSOP (World Series of Poker) but that event is highly unlikely to happen. If you look at Table 1.1 you’ll see the odds of being dealt a RF are 1 in 650 thousand. Anomalies represent possible outcomes and usually are also longshot results, but do nothing to direct playing strategy.

Table 1.1

Frequency of Video Poker Hands 1.

No Pairs 1in 2

3.

2 Pairs 1in 2.1

2.

One Pair 1 in 2.4

4.

Trips 1 in 48

5.

Straight 1 in 250

6.

Flush 1 in 510

7.

Full House 1 in 700

8.

9.

4 of a Kind 1 in 4,200

10.

Straight Flush 1 in 72,200 Royal Flush 1 in 650,000

Note: Odds represent being dealt these hands and have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Probability: This is a mathematical term from the field of statistics and gives you the likelihood that an event will happen. We can all surmise that you are more likely to be dealt a pair than a RF, but the precise odds of either event requires you use the exact science of statistics. In fact, players will argue that it doesn’t matter what the VP pay schedule is for a video poker game since it’s possible to can have a winning or losing session 24

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

by

LI N DA B OY D

based solely on luck. That’s an incorrect statement because exact odds are everything in all gambling options that have a skill component. It’s why you should never play 6/5 blackjack or roulette on a wheel with both a zero and a double zero.

Using Probability in VP Play: Increasing your probability of going home a winner requires that you locate the best VP games available and that you play them according to Zamzow. (That’s Dean Zamzow, the creator of WinPoker, who has written mathematically perfect play software for video poker players.)

Pay Schedules: Recently I was asked whether you should play a game like 8/5 Jacks or Better (8/5JOB, ER 97.2984%) and I said absolutely not, and I wouldn’t. How about 9/5JOB, ER 98.4498%? Not for me, but if it’s the only game available and you know the game strategy you must make an informed decision. It’s important, however, to know the game’s ER before deciding.

(These figures are available in my book, “The Video Poker Edge”.)

Home Practice: Let’s assume you’ve found a good game, say 9/6JOB, ER 99.5439%, you still must be certain that you know the game’s strategy. The correct holds are based solely on mathematical probability figures and are completely unrelated to past hands. In other words, it’s irrelevant whether the machine just had a RF or a flush in terms of future hands. You can and never should use past results to predict future outcomes. The probability of being dealt any given hand remains what you see in Table 1.1. So, there’s no such thing as a “hot” or “cold” VP machine.

Make sure you have a home practice session on your tutorial software, I recommend WinPoker, shortly before heading to the casino.

Final Thoughts: It’s easy to confuse probability with possibility and just bring a horseshoe along to sit on during VP play. Over time, however, it’s a huge mistake to not understand the difference between the two terms and a costly one at that. Of course, there’s an uncontrollable luck component in all gambling choices otherwise the same players would win WSOP and the Super Bowl every year. Still, I’ll put my money on Phil Ivey or Hellmuth and the New England Patriots before selecting a player or team from the hat.

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for “Southern & Midwest Gaming” and other notable publications throughout the country. You can see her videos on YouTube or listen to her radio interviews on iTunes. Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.

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

“THE ODDS OF BEING DEALT A ROYAL FLUSH ARE 1 IN 650 THOUSAND HANDS DEALT.” FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

FRANK SCOBLETE

CRAPS: Who are the ‘Experts’?

I have an acquaintance that is always right or at least he always believes he’s always right.

For example, he is an expert on nutrition and believes certain bizarre combinations of foods can cure even the most heinous diseases. He will badger and bully sick people into trying his nutty concoctions.

Frank Scoblete is the author of several books on gaming. His most recent titles include, “I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps”; “Confessions of a Wayward Catholic”; and “I Am a Card Counter: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Blackjack.”

All are available online and at bookstores.

“FALSE NOTIONS ARE EVEN SPREAD BY INDIVIDUALS WHO SELL SUCH NOTIONS.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

He recommends drinking wheat grass and Gatorade in order to cure cancer, any kind of cancer. “Stay on a steady diet of this and your cancer will go away in a couple of months. It’s a good preventative too.” How he knows this I don’t know. When taken to task about such cures, he’ll stare you in the face and ask, “Who you gonna believe, me or the FDA?” Sadly, in his own diet he shows no desire for healthy foods but starts his day with a Klondike bar and ends it with various sugary sodas mixed with milk chocolate candies.

In craps, there are plenty of experts just like my acquaintance. They have lunatic ideas that they foist on others. The Internet has helped to spread these ideas far and wide. In the good old days only those playing next to the “expert” or those who knew the “expert” personally had to put up with such silliness, but today just click on a gambling web site and there they are arguing their ideas with other “experts,” making their often outlandish claims, and mercilessly savaging one another.

There is a contingent of craps “experts” who believe the math of the game is a waste of time and has nothing to do with long term wins and losses. They call math-based gamblers “math boys,” as if knowing the math of craps is some kind of sacrilege against their religion of stupidity.

Knowing the math of the games you play will often help a player make the better bets at such games. But those anti-math “experts” caterwaul against those who think math gives them true insight. One such “expert” once said, “You think the math can play craps?” (Huh?) “Math boys” might say making Pass Line and Come bets are the way to go at craps since these bets have low house edges, but the “experts” will poo-poo such ideas as being idiotic.

False notions are even spread by individuals who sell such notions for hefty prices. Can’t miss schemes are sold as surefire ways to enjoy a life of luxury, perhaps as a way to own your own island

paradise with your winnings, Tried and true losing systems are encouraged by the “experts.” Systems such as the Martingale where one doubles one’s bet after a loss because you “have to win sometime.” Various offshoots of this system sell for hundreds if not thousands of dollars. There are even experts who will gamble with you for nothing in order to show you how their system works. If you should win, why only then do you give the expert a significant percentage of your winnings. How can you lose on that?

Such schemers put up no money (you do!) but should you win they happily take a share of your winnings. They have found a way to win, all right, and that way is by screwing you. Of course, players will win now and again and our scammers know this and take advantage of those players who do not seem to know this. Such behavior is the wheat grass and Gatorade of craps play.

If you are going to gamble your hard-earned money at craps then you should become something of a “math boy” or “math girl” so you know just what kind of house edge you face. You should also only utilize the best strategies. Do not go looking for “big return” wagers as these will ultimately clobber you with extremely high house edges. Avoid all those bets in the center of the table, avoid the Field, avoid placing the 4, 5, 9 or 10. Use the best bets and these bets will give you a decent chance to win.

Interestingly enough, all gambling writers give advice day and night. Our job is to be experts but hopefully we are experts on a tempered track – not wild-eyed fanatics espousing nutty playing plans.

Craps is a great game that really engages the players; it is an exciting thrill fest for certain, but it is also a game where many players get into a kind of mania where they try to “shoot the moon” and eventually wind up shooting themselves.

Craps can truly clobber you if you reject the “math boy’s” premise that knowing the math serves players well.

Not knowing the math merely throws you down a well, a place you really don’t want to go.

[Read Frank Scoblete’s books Slots Conquest, I am a Dice Controller and I am a Card Counter.

All are available on Amazon.com, kindle, Barnes and Noble, and at bookstores. Visit Frank’s web site at www.frankscoblete.com.]

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

25

PLAYER STRATEGY

BLACKJACK: Avoid Bad Blackjack Games True or False? All blackjack games are created equal.

If you answered true, you haven’t been to a casino lately. The fact of the matter is that most casinos offer a dizzying array of different blackjack games, some good and some pretty bad. And don’t expect the casino bosses to escort you to their better games. No, Dear Reader, it’s up to you to know the good games from the bad ones. But don’t fret, ’cause I’m here to offer you some tips on which blackjack games you should definitely avoid playing.

What determines if a blackjack game is “good” or “bad” for average players is the house edge, which is a percentage that indicates how much a casino stands to win from players based on the total amount bet. Naturally, the higher the house edge, the more the casino will earn, and the more players stand to lose. Therefore, “bad” blackjack games have a higher house edge than “good” blackjack games. Generally, blackjack games that have less than a 0.5% edge against a basic strategy player are considered good games, and greater than 0.5% are “bad” games that should be avoided.

So what determines this house edge? Three variables: 1) the number of decks of cards being used, 2) the playing rules, and 3) the payoff for an untied blackjack. Casino bosses can fiddle around with these variables to obtain whatever house edge they desire.

1. The house edge increases when more decks of cards are used (assuming all else is equal).

2. Some playing rules will decrease the house edge (e.g., being able to double down after pair splitting) while others will increase it (e.g., dealer must hit soft 17).

3. When the casino pays less than 3 to 2 for an untied blackjack, the house edge increases, and when it pays more than 3 to 2 the house edge decreases (the latter rarely occurs; the former is, unfortunately, very prevalent).

Another very important variable is the number of hands dealt per hour. I’ll show you how the casinos try to speed up the game, which is bad news for recreational players, and what you can do about it.

The first step towards being a smart blackjack player is to avoid playing the bad games listed below.

1. Never play any game where a blackjack pays 6 to 5 (or worse, even money).

Unfortunately, the despicable 6-5 games are everywhere. Paying only 6 to 5 on an untied 26

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

blackjack increases the house edge a shameful 1.4%. In dollars and cents, if you play a ten dollar 6-5 single- deck game, you will unknowingly be forking over an extra fourteen bucks each hour to the casino just for the privilege of playing (yikes!).

And be forewarned; casino bosses often set the betting limits low on 6-5 games to attract less sophisticated players with limited bankrolls. Do not be tempted by their chicanery; avoid playing any single- and multiple-deck games where an untied blackjack doesn’t pay the traditional 3-2.

2. Never play any game where the cards are dealt from a continuous shuffling machine (CSM).

A CSM is a combination shuffler and dealing device that usually holds 4 to 6 decks of cards.

After a round (or two) is completed, the dealer will place the just-played cards (i.e., discards) back into the CSM. There is no downtime for manual shuffles and every hand dealt from a CSM is like being dealt cards from a freshly shuffled shoe. So what does this all mean for the average player? Basically, the casino is dealing a faster game because there is no down time for manual shuffles, or for exchanging the just-used six decks of cards for another freshly shuffled six decks. Therefore, the dealer can, on average, deal out about 20% more hands per hour using a CSM. This will, in turn, increase the player’s expected hourly loss by 20% (remember the house still has an edge against a basic strategy player, even though it’s small). So fast is not good if you are an average player. What can you do? Simple.

Just avoid playing any blackjack game that uses a CSM (note: traditional automatic shufflers where all the cards are shuffled together after the shuffle card appears are acceptable; it’s just the CSM that is unacceptable).

by

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

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

“THE HOUSE EDGE INCREASES WHEN MORE DECKS OF CARDS ARE USED.”

3. Never play a six- or eight-deck game where the dealer hits soft 17.

This is a tough rule to avoid because so many casinos are switching to “dealer hitting soft 17” (designated h17) rather than standing on soft 17 (s17). In an h17 game, the house edge increases about 0.2% compared to an s17 game, even though the dealer busts more often. So why does the house edge go up? Because when the dealer doesn’t bust, he will wind up with a 17 or better total enough times in an h17 game that he will beat the player more often. My advice is to scout the casino floor and scan the table layout to determine if the casino rules are s17 or h17 (it will say it on the layout). Many casinos have a mix of s17 and h17 tables, so it pays to scout around for those s17 tables and avoid the h17 tables.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

PHIL HELLMUTH, JR.

POKER: Play Poker Like the Pros Skill versus Luck in Poker Most people today misunderstand poker. Let’s be frank: most people know poker from the lowstakes games they now play (or grew up playing) with their family and friends. In these low-stakes home games, luck often plays a much bigger role than skill.

Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a 13time World Series of Poker Champion, leading all other poker players in the world.

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

“IF YOU PLAY TOO MANY HANDS IN A PRO-LEVEL POKER GAME, YOU JUST CANNOT WIN.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

The money to be gained or lost in a home tends to mean nothing, and everyone at the table plays almost every hand to the end. The dealer’s choice games are often nonstandard, even bizarre variations (often fun) where, for example, deuces, black kings, or one-eyed jacks (or all of them) are wild. In this type of poker game, people just put their money in the middle (in the “pot) and hope to make the best hand. Often, there doesn’t seem to be much strategy or thought involved.

One reason why luck has such a big role in the home-style poker games is that many of the skills we use in pro-style games just don’t come into play in a home game. For example, three of the more important skills that we use are being patient in determining which starting hands to play, bluffing, and reading people. Patience, like discipline, is a virtue in many areas of life, and poker is no exception. It is in the nature of professional or tough high-stakes poker games that it is mathematically correct to fold a lot of hands right away. If you are playing too many hands (which equates to too many bad hands) in a tough poker game, you will often find yourself “drawing mighty thin,” that is, trying to win by catching particular cards that are in short supply.

The plain fact is that if you play too many hands in a pro-level poker game, you just cannot win, certainly not in the long run and probably not even on one given night, no matter how lucky you are. But if you’re playing a lot of hands in a home poker game, you may be in good shape anyway, because the sheer size of the pot will wind up offering you odds sufficient to draw to an inside straight (add a nine, for example, to your 7-8-10-J hand) or another “unlikely to hit” hand. You’ll usually lose, but when you do manage to hit the card you need, you’re going to win a huge pot.

Further, the number of cards that can complete what you need in the late rounds of a hand in a home game is often larger than one sees in the pro game, because the dealer has designated various wild cards or rules that allow you extra draws or give you chances to buy another card or replace a card.

Because you don’t see these big pots and people paying you off with weak hands in a pro poker game, patience is crucial there. In the traditional home-style poker games, patience is not as

important but may actually clash with the “spirit” of the game—that “We’re all here just to have fun and gamble.” Playing a more technically informed style may win you more money in a home game, but it might also mean that you’re not invited back the next time the game is held!

In a casino poker game or an online poker game, you don’t need to be concerned that you might not be invited back.

Another key difference between home poker games and the games that the pros play is that bluffing actually succeeds in the pro-style games!

In a home game, it’s extremely hard to pull off a bluff, because you usually can’t bet enough money on the last bet to get your opponents to fold. For 25 cents, someone who is convinced he is beaten is nonetheless willing to throw the two bits into the pot, just to see what you have, and, there goes your attempted bluff. In fact, in most situations in these home games where there is a “bet on the end” (in the last round of action in a given hand), someone is always egging someone else on to be the “sheriff.” “Bill, you call that boy and be the sheriff this hand! We can’t let him bluff us!”

In the pro game, bluffing is a sound strategy, because in the late stages of a hand there aren’t many people who haven’t folded. If you’ve been playing very few hands (that is, patiently), and have seldom been caught bluffing during a day of play, then when you do bluff, it’s hard for those remaining in the hand to “call you down” through the last bet. Bluffing well is an art form, and I will be addressing it at various points throughout this book. The bluff is one of the poker craftsman’s tools that is seldom available to players in wild, friendly, low-stakes games.

Another important element in pro poker games is reading your opponents. In a lot of home games, there is just so much money in the pot, relative to the size of the final bet, that it makes sense to call that bet. (What do you have to lose?)

In pro poker, there is enough money involved, and enough actual thought processes are being utilized, that many situations come up where you can take advantage of a good read—which might arise either from your ability to detect weakness or strength in body language or from your ability to assess the implications of the betting pattern on the hand—and make either a good call or a good fold. But it’s hard to read someone who hasn’t really been thinking about the hand and can’t possibly be nervous about losing $1.75! The skill factor in poker is much higher in the pro game. There is just too much at stake for anyone to rely solely on luck.

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

27

C A S I NO G A M E S : T H E R E A L ODD S OF W I N N I NG by

C

asino operators know their businesses well. They don’t rely on the luck to turn a profit on the games. They trust the math.

On any one spin of the reels, roll of the dice or turn of the cards, players might win. Even for an entire session or full day of play, good fortune may shine on you as you walk away a winner.

But casinos aren’t there for short sessions, a day or a weekend. They’re in it for the long haul, and they know that day after day, year after year, over millions of plays, the odds of the games will drive results toward an expected average. The house has its edge, and will get its percentage.

How does the house get its edge? By

28

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

JOHN GROCHOWSKI

paying less than the true odds of winning the bet.

Let’s look at a few examples of how that works.

ROULETTE Regardless of whether you’re betting single numbers, 18 numbers at a time (red/ black, odd/even, first 18/last 18) or almost anything in between, roulette pays at odds that would yield an even game if there were 36 numbers on the wheel.

But there aren’t. There are 38 numbers on a double-zero game and 37 numbers on games with only one 0.

If you win a single-number bet, it pays at

35-1 odds. But on the double-zero wheels that most U.S casinos use, the true odds are 37-1, so the house gets an edge by paying less than true odds.

Pretend you were at a wheel with just

numbers 1 through 36 and no zeroes, and

you bet $1 on No. 17 on each spin. If you did that for 36 spins and each number came up once. You’d risk a total of $36.

On the one winning spin you’d be paid at

35-1 odds, so you’d get $35 in winnings and keep your $1 wager.

So at the end of the run you’d have wagered $36 and you’d still have $36.

Winners are paid at true odds and there’s no house edge.

We can try that run again for an 18-number

bet such as red. On a 36-number wheel, there would be 18 red numbers and 18 black, making the true odds 18-18, or 1-1. An even-money payout would yield no house edge. If you bet $1 on red for 36 spins, you’d have 18 winners. On each win, you’d keep the $1 wager and get $1 in winnings, so at the end of the run you’d have $36, the same amount you risked.

But with 0 and 00, there are 38 numbers.

Now, to have each number occur once, our imaginary run has to be 38 spins and you have to risk $38 instead of $36.

On a winning single-number bet, you’re still paid 35-1, and you still have $36 on your side of the table when the trial ends.

But this time, the house has kept $2 of the $38 in wagers. Divide the $2 that goes to the house by the $38 you risked, then multiply by 100 to convert to percent, and you have a 5.26 percent house edge.

Same deal with 38 bets on red. This time there are 18 red numbers, 18 blacks and two greens – the 0 and 00. True odds against winning no longer are 1-1, they’re 20-18, or 1.11-1. At the end of the trial,

you still have $36, but that’s $2 less than the $38 you’ve risked – the same 5.26 percent edge.

36 possible combinations of two six-sided dice. Only one of them totals 12 – a 6 on each die.

We could walk through this for 12number columns and dozens, two-number splits, three-number streets and so on, and the results would be the same 5.26 percent house edge. The exception is the five-number bet on 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, where true odds are 6.6-1 on a 38-number wheel.

The 6-1 payoff doesn’t even match the true odds if you could pick five numbers as one bet on our hypothetical 36-number, no zero wheel. There, true odds would be 6.2-1. The result is that the 7.89 percent house edge on the five-number bet makes it the worst bet at double-zero roulette.

That makes the true odds of rolling 12 35-1, but the usual payoff is 30-1. If you bet $1 on each of 36 rolls and 12 came up once, you would keep that $1 bet and get $30 in winnings for a total of $31. The house would keep the other $5, leaving a house edge of $5/$36, or 13.89 percent.

CRAPS There are dozens of possible bets at the craps table. One of them, the free odds that you can take when you be pass or come or lay when you bet don’t pass or don’t come, carries no house edge. All of the other potential wagers pay at less than true odds.

Take the single-roll bet on 12. There are

Some casinos pay 30-for-1, which is the same as 29-to-1. With that payoff, you have $30 total for your one win, and the house edge is 16.67 percent.

Some wagers are more complex because they involve multiple rolls. A place bet on 6, for example, could go several rolls before it’s decided. You win if the shooter rolls a 6 and lose if he rolls a 7. No other rolls matter.

Of those 36 possible rolls in craps, six total 7 and five total 6. That makes the true odds of winning the bet 6-5. The house pays 7-6, provided you bet in multiples of $6. If you bet $6 at a time on a streak of 11 decisions that include six 7s and five 6s, you risk $66. On each of the five winners, you keep the $6 wager and get $7 in winnings for a total of $13 per win and $65 for all five.

Since you risk $66 and have $65 at the end of the trial, that mere $1 difference is the house edge, and that comes to 1.52 percent.

So it goes through nearly all craps bets.

The math is more involved with pass, don’t pass, come and don’t come, but the basics remain in place: The house takes an edge by paying less than true odds.

The exception is the free odds bet, which pays at true odds. If the point number is 6, where there are six ways to lose and five ways to win, the true odds are 6-5 against rolling a 6 before the next 7. If you’re on the pass or come side, your free odds bet pays 6-5. If you’re on the don’t pass/don’t G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

29

come side, betting the 7 will come first, you lay 5-6 odds, betting $6 for the chance to win $5.

Either way, since the bet pays at true odds, there is no house edge. However, in order to make the free odds bet, you must first bet pass or don’t pass, come or don’t come, so you always have a wager with a house edge at risk.

BLACKJACK There are more variables in blackjack than in other games. The odds are constantly changing as cards are played and removed from the deck. Players affect their own odds with the strategies they use. A basic strategy player faces more favorable odds than one who plays by instinct.

But the reason the house has an edge is that players have a chance to bust first. If you and the dealer both bust, the hand isn’t a tie. You lose. Because of that, you lose more hands than you win, and evenmoney payoffs are less than true odds.

Let’s start with the assumption that you’re using dealer rules to make hit/stand decisions. If you always hit 16 and lower and always stood at 17 and higher, you

and the dealer each would bust 28 percent of the time. If you take 28 percent of that 28 percent, you get 8 percent, and that represents the hands where you and the dealer both bust.

So does paying 3-2 on blackjacks – and a

If there were no compensating rules, the 8 percent of hands where you and the dealer both bust would be the house edge and hardly anybody would play.

But we take part of that back with basic strategy. If you have 16 and the dealer has a 6 up, for example, you don’t have to hit like the dealer would. Casinos give us the opportunity to split pairs and double down, and that cuts the house edge, too.

blackjack bonus, and gains by splitting or

pox on casinos that pay only 6-5.

With the adjustments, players win about 48 percent of hands, still below a 50-50

split but better than the 8 percent base. The

doubling in favorable situations that enable basic strategy players to cut the edge to

less than 1 percent, with precise figures depending on the number of decks and other house rules. Bottom line: Unless you’re a card counter who can alter and

overcome the house edge, the house pays less than true odds. That’s how it stays in business.

WINNING WEEKENDS ARE WAITING. whether you’re into the heartpounding action of live racing or the non-stop excitement of gaming, you’ll find it in arkansas. with tons of ways to play and win, plus great food and entertainment, the only thing missing is you. plan your getaway today.

Arkansas.com

WINNERS Naturally Made

The state of Arkansas offers plenty of opportunities to test your luck and hone your skill with premier live racing and gaming action all year round. Enjoy the latest games, live music and delicious food and drink, all within the borders of The Natural State. To find out more, visit Arkansas.com. What will you make in Arkansas?

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

31

G

R I S I N G S TA R C A S I NO R E S OR T ’ S RO C K I N G N E W RV PA R K

a m i n g a nd D e st i n at ions preferred property Rising Star Casino Resort is excited to unveil their latest addition to the property, a full-service RV park. Serving as the only casino RV park in the region, the area is uniquely located near the center of the property and convenient to the resort’s casino, golf course and a short stroll from the quaint historical town of Rising Sun. The popularity of recereational vehicle travel continues to skyrocket as more travelers own or rent RV’s than ever before.

In addition, 60% of RV’s are actually manufatured in Indiana so the property felt it just made sense to add the ammenity.

“With the amount of RV owners in the area, we felt it was a good idea to be the only casino with an RV park in the region.“ Commented Full House Resorts (Rising Star’s parent company) President and CEO Dan Lee. “So we put the process in motion, got the permits and are excited to open for Memorial Day Weekend.”

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, the park will sit in the area that was an empty parking lot area and will serve customers every need from water and power hook-ups, sewage, private restrooms and showers, wi-f i, cable and more.

“We are adding the Park to the resort to 32

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

bring new tourism to our property and the community. The RV travel market is large and growing, especially in our geographic region.” Added Lee. “Approximately one in ten households now own a recreational vehicle and the majority of these RVs were manufactured in Indiana. We believe the RV Park is a perfect complement to our existing casino, dining, sports and entertainment facilities.”

enjoying the casino.

Rising Star already has two hotels on its property: the Rising Star Hotel and the Lodge at Rising Star. Some people, however, prefer to stay in thier own recreational vehicles, either as part of a long journey or as a convenient getaway close to home. Guests of the Rising Star RV Park will have acess to all the same amenities as guests of the Rising Star hotels.

including power, water and sewer.

Rising Star Casino Resort, in Rising Sun, Indiana, is 45 minutes from Cincinnati and less than a two hour drive from Indianapolis, Indiana, Louisv il le, Kentucky and Dayton, Ohio. It is just over a two hour drive from Columbus, Ohio.

• Picnic tables & grill area

Rising Sun is a historic riverboat town along the Ohio River surrounded by verdant green rolling hills laced with quiet country roads. The town offers a boat ramp and public dock available to guests of the RV Park. It makes a great destination for relaxing, exploring, bicycling, golfing or

For more information and reservations, visit RisingStarCasino.com or call 1-800-472-6311.

Rising Star’s RV Park includes: • 56 spaces, each with full hookups • Private bathrooms with showers • Washers & dryers • Bocce ball court • Playground • Dog park

• Fire pit • Cable TV • Wi-Fi •

Access to indoor pool, 18-hole golf course, casino, hotel, restaurants and entertainment facilities of the Rising Star Casino Resort

• Convenient adjoining grocery store

INTRODUCING RISING STAR CASINO’S

NEW RV PARK We proudly introduce our new Full Service RV PARK just in time for you to enjoy summer outings in beautiful Southeastern Indiana on the Ohio River in Rising Sun, Indiana. We’re just 45 minutes from Cincinnati, less than two hours from Indianapolis, Dayton or Louisville and just two hours from Columbus and Lexington.

Rising Star makes a great destination as part of a longer journey or a convenient getaway. Whether you’re a seasoned RV enthusiast or just beginning your adventure, you’ll enjoy a quality experience – enhanced by the friendliest service and the best amenities of any RV park in the region.

Discover an impressive array of guest amenities: • 56 spaces, each with full hookups including power, water and sewer • Private bathrooms with showers • Washers & dryers • Bocce ball court • Shuffleboard • Playground • Dog park

• Picnic tables & grill area • Fire pit • Cable TV • Wi-Fi • Indoor pool access • The Rising Star golf course • Two adjoining hotels • Access to town docks and boat ramps

• Casino with 939 slots and 25 table games • Variety of restaurants including buffet and steak house • Weekend entertainment • Grocery and convenience stores within walking distance • Three blocks from the charming downtown historic district

Visit www.RisingStarCasino.com for details. For Reservations, Call 800.472.6311.

For help with a gambling problem, call 800.994.8448. ©2016 Rising Star Casino Resort. All Rights Reserved.

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

33

T R I PL E C ROW N T R I U M P H : SK I L L OR CH A NCE? by

I

J E SS I E OSWA LD

s horse racing a game of skill or a

three weeks after that. American Pharoah

But Mastery won’t see the first leg of the

reach the greatest heights in racing,

in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. 1), the

it to the San Felipe winner’s circle, jockey

game of chance? Maybe it’s both. To

you not only need great skill, but also a bevy of factors to properly align.

In 2015, American Pharoah proved

himself early, overcoming troubled starts

and bad weather, while taking down the competition time and time again. After his win in the Kentucky Derby (gr. 1), it was

clear this was a special horse that could make his own luck.

ended the year (and his career) with a win first ever Grand Slam in horse racing.

Two years later and Baffert looked poised for another shot at the Triple Crown with Cheyenne Stables’ Mastery. The 3-yearold son of Candy Ride impressively broke

his maiden by more than four lengths and won his stakes debut in the Bob Hope (gr.

3) with plenty left in the tank. Before he won the Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity

Bob Baffert became the first trainer in

(gr.1) a month later, Mastery already was

when American Pharoah followed his

Kentucky Derby favorites. In his first

37 years to win the elusive Triple Crown

being tapped as one of this year’s early

Kentucky Derby victory with wins in the

3-year-old appearance, he dominated

Preakness Stakes (gr. 1) two weeks later

and the Belmont Stakes (gr. 1) another 34

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

the San Felipe Stakes (gr. 2), winning by nearly seven lengths.

Triple Crown. Before Mastery could make Mike Smith noticed something was off

and dismounted. The horse was vanned off and returned to the barn where an x-ray later revealed he’d suffered a condylar

fracture to his left front leg. The injury will

sideline Mastery for at least three months and cost him the chance of competing

in any of the classic 3-year-old races that make up the Triple Crown.

Mastery had plenty of skill, but luck was not on his side and so, for him, the Triple

Crown was merely a faint dream. But what if the dream was right in front of you,

yards from becoming reality? For Smarty Jones, it was.

The chances are slim that a Pennsylvania homebred, one of two horses that remained in a down-sized breeding operation, could even make it to the Kentucky Derby — let alone win it. But in 2004, with trainer John Servis and jockey Stewart Elliott, relative unknowns outside their home track in Philadelphia, Pat and Roy Chapman’s Smarty Jones did just that and soon had the Triple Crown within his grasp.

reach of Smarty Jones. Track announcer Tom Durkin claimed the 26-year Triple Crown wait was a furlong away. Stewart Elliott continued to encourage Smarty Jones, but Birdstone would not give up and soon dashed the hopes of history, mere yards from the finish. It was such a bittersweet moment for racing that even winning Belmont owner Mary Lou Whitney apologized to the Chapmans for Birdstone’s victory.

the majority of Nafzger’s stable in 2006.

By the time he made it to the Belmont, Smarty Jones was unbeaten in eight races; all run at different distances over five different tracks. He had amassed a following of race fans as impressive as his resume. From hats and t-shirts touting “Go Smarty Go” popping up all over the country, to a song about the lively colt, to a group of nuns stopping by his barn, Smarty-mania had fans eager to cheer on this extraordinary horse and his ordinary connections.

Today the connections of more than 20 horses are working toward the first Saturday in May with faith their horse will wear the garland of roses and continue down the path to the Triple Crown as Smarty Jones and American Pharoah did.

Two of those are trainers Ian Wilkes and Joe Sharp.

as an assistant to trainer Mike Stidham

Once again, not only talent but luck would be needed to take the Triple Crown.

Smarty Jones had pressure from his rivals in the Belmont, but the pace was reasonable and he was able to fend off his challengers entering the top of the stretch with nearly a four-length lead. An eighthmile from the finish, 36-1 Birdstone had closed a six-length gap and was within

When Nafzger won the 2007 Kentucky

Derby with Street Sense, one of a few horses Nafzger had kept for himself,

Wilkes was by his side lending a hand with the colt. The patient Wilkes has amassed a

multitude of graded stakes wins in the 10 years since, including the Breeders’ Cup in 2012 with Fort Larned, but has not been able to get back to the Derby.

Sharp, 20 years Wilkes’ junior, worked and then Mike Maker before going out

on his own two years ago. He too has stood alongside as his mentor prepared a Kentucky Derby starter, playing a role in

the conditioning of 2014 contender Vicar’s

in Trouble. Sharp has won only three graded stakes in his young career, two of

Ian Wilkes conditions Kentucky Jockey Club (gr.2) and Sam Davis (gr.3) winner McCraken for Janis Whitham’s Whitham Thoroughbreds. Joe Sharp trains Risen Star (gr.2) and Louisiana Derby (gr.2) winner Girvin for owner Brad Grady.

Assuming fate allows each to enter the 143rd Kentucky Derby, it will be the first attempt for each trainer, although both have glimpsed it before.

them with Girvin.

Long-time assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Carl Nafzger, Wilkes took over

journey thrilling. Will it happen this year?

There’s a reason the Triple Crown is the

biggest honor a horse can achieve, but only a dozen horses have accomplished

the feat. Despite the rarity, each May race fans are ever-faithful the Kentucky Derby winner will go on to win the Preakness

and Belmont. Wilkes and Sharp certainly

have talented runners this year that look

capable of making this year’s Triple Crown With a little luck, one can hope!

12 Triple Crown Winners 1919

1930

Sir Barton

Gallant Fox

1935 Omaha 1937

War Admiral

1943

Count Fleet

1941 Whirlaway 1946 Assault

1948 Citation

1973 Secretariat 1977

Seattle Slew

2015

American Pharoah

1978 Affirmed American Pharoah won the Triple Crown in 2015.

Photo Credit: Horsephotos.com

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

35

PLAYER STRATEGY

HORSERACING: The Quest of the Perfect System Since the dawn of time horseplayers everywhere have sought to discover just one thing; an infallible system for picking winners. The mere mention of the word “system” will instantly open thoroughbred racing’s version of Pandora’s Box yet while all rational punters will proclaim that no fool proof equation for beating the races exists, that doesn’t mean there aren’t useful parts to the many fabricated handicapping schemes floating around in literature and cyberspace. This basically means that those wishing to invest in horseflesh must investigate various experimental systems as they appear then mentally pocket the useful aspects that might be applied somewhere down the road.

The most powerful weapon any horseplayer has in regards to attacking the mutual pools is information. This sounds ridiculously elementary but have you ever stopped to think that 99% of the people wagering their hard earned money on a horserace are using the exact same resources?

If we want to take this a step further than let’s refer back to the ancient gaming axiom that states, “Favorites win approximately 33% of the time.”

It doesn’t take an atomic physicist to realize that betting the favorite every race is a sure road to bankruptcy and furthermore we can deduce from this statistic that the multitudes of handicappers scouring America (and there are some darn good ones) are failing miserably over the long haul.

I will tip my hat to any soul out there attempting to make a living playing the ponies but the fact is that even most “experts” are using an inefficient handicapping method. This is because horseplayers do not wage war against the house, they are actually dueling each other. Unless you are interpreting the resources available to the public in some type of divergent fashion OR have access to “inside information”, your goose is cooked.

A fair percentage of horseplayers have had experiences with souls proclaiming to possess “inside information”. It isn’t uncommon even in this day and age to be approached by a shady looking character outside a racetrack or OTB offering to sell some scoop for a sawbuck or two but though these touts may actually have the goods, second hand knowledge usually spreads quicker than hot peanut butter over a crispy waffle. This said the search for inside information is not a frivolous pursuit; it just should be undertaken with some class and imagination. One way to invade the game is to contact some trainers on your local circuit, then express interest in purchasing a low level racer.

Most horsemen on the backside will usually take time to discuss the potency of their barn. From here build relationships and keep an eye on which conditioners seem competent.

36

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

by

E R I C F LOY D

Points Based Betting System Based on the following guidelines, each horse will be awarded a various amount of points. The horse with the highest point total merits a win bet only if said beast accumulates at least 3 more points than the horse with the second highest total.

1. Add the best two Beyer Speed Figures from each horse’s last four races. The horse with the highest numerical total receives 4 points. The horse with the second highest total receives 2 points.

2. Combine the lengths that each horse was beaten by in their last two starts. If a horse won their last race then that start isn’t assigned any value. The horse with the lowest number earns 3 points. The horse with the second lowest number earns 2 points. If two or more horses won their last two starts, omit this entire step.

Author Bio: Eric Floyd is a turf writer for various gaming publications and is also a pari-mutuel consultant for several media outlets. His book, My First Decade Playing the Game, can be found at LuLu.com.

3. Any horse trained by a conditioner that retains an overall winning percentage of at least 10% receives 2 points.

4. Any horse ridden by a jockey that retains an overall winning percentage of at least 10% receives 1 point.

5. Deduct 1 point for each horse breaking from post 7 or higher in a race that is over seven furlongs.

6. If the race is shorter than a mile award 2 points to any horse than was never more than three lengths back at any call in each of their last two starts.

7. Award 1 point to any horse switching from turf to dirt.

8. Any horse using lasix or blinkers for the first time receives 1 point.

9. Deduct 1 point from any horse making their first start after a layoff of at least 30 days.

“THOSE WISHING TO INVEST IN HORSEFLESH MUST INVESTIGATE VARIOUS EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEMS.”

10. Deduct 1 point from any horse making their first start over the strip.

Many variations of the methodology listed above exist in either dated manuscripts or modern databases but be sure to continually tinker with the point values and laws themselves in order to reap your full reward. As mentioned before, there is no mathematical equation that will ever precisely predict just how a horserace will unravel for nothing is finite when doing business with creatures comprised of flesh and blood. Unlike most gamblers who deal with innate objects like cards and dice the handicapper is faced with solving the thoroughbred racehorse, nature’s most beautiful and mysterious creature.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

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

37

MIDWEST

CASINO DIRECTORY

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

WEBSITE

PHONE NUMBER

TROPICANA EVANSVILLE

TROPEVANSVILLE.COM

800-342-5386

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA

BELTERRACASINO.COM

800-472-6311

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

INDIANA GRAND CASINO

*CC PARTNER

TABLES

MACHINES

40

1,000

40

1,600

812-438-1234

29

1,000

INDIANAGRAND.COM

877-386-4463

50

2,000+

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, SIOUX CITY

HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

712-226-7600

25

839

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

877-677-3456

32

1,150

MYSTIQUE CASINO, DUBUQUE

MYSTIQUEDBQ.COM

563-582-3647

22

1,000

SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

888-732-4537

79

4,200

MGM GRAND DETROIT

MGMGRANDDETROIT.COM

877-888-2121

98

4,000

FIREKEEPERS, BATTLE CREEK

FIREKEEPERSCASINO.COM

877-352-8777

84

2,900

ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO, HARRIS

ISLANDRESORTANDCASINO.COM

800-682-6040

15

1,200

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

TICASINO.COM

888-867-7829

46

2,200

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-472-6321

44

450

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-626-5825

30

2,300

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY

AMERISTAR.COM/KANSAS-CITY

816-414-7000

115

2,300

LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS

LUMIERE.COM

314-881-777

73

2,000

RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL, ST. LOUIS

RIVERCITY.COM

888-578-7289

54

2,000

JACK CASINO CINCINNATI

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CINCINNATI

513-252-0777

100

2,000

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS

HOLLYWOODCOLUMBUS.COM

614-308-3333

76

2,200

JACK CASINO CLEVELAND

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CLEVELAND

216-297-4777

100

1,600

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, TULSA

HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM

800-760-6700

40

2,600

WINSTAR CASINO & RESORT

WINSTARWORLDCASINO.COM

580-276-4229

97

7,400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WITTENBERG

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WITTENBERG

715-253-4400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, BLACK RIVER FALLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/BLACKRIVERFALLS

800-657-4621

HO-CHUNK GAMING, TOMAH

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/TOMAH

866-880-9822

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WISCONSIN DELLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WISCONSINDELLS

800-746-2486

HO-CHUNK GAMING, MADISON

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/MADISON

608-223-9576

HO-CHUNK GAMING, NEKOOSA

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/NEKOOSA

800-782-4560

50

650

ST. CROIX CASINO TURTLE LAKE

STCROIXCASINO.COM

800-846-8946

22

1,095

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO

PAYSBIG.COM

800-729-7244

100

3,000

INDIANA •

IOWA •

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

WISCONSIN

38

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

517 10

634 96

50

1,832 1,200

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

ENT. VENUE

GOLF

SPA

POOL

689

•

•

•

•

294

•

•

# OF ROOMS

Reader Rating: 100%

243

•

54

•

201

• •

•

•

• •

243

• • •

• • •

275

•

•

•

•

496

•

•

•

967

• •

•

•

116

517 400

967

184 294 200

184 294 200

454 1,500

• •

• •

• •

• • •

•

•

• • •

•

•

•

• •

• •

140

•

302

• •

161

•

391

•

• •

•

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, Iowa HardRockSiouxCity.com – 1-712-226-7600 Standard Hotel Room Rates: $109-$239

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City, Iowa is a casino destinations worth going to. The 54-room boutique style hotel is located in the historic Battery Building that was once a drop off station for trains.. The casino has an open and expansive layout and the entertainment line-up is always fantastic. Stroll around the property and check out the array of authentic rock and roll memorabilia displayed while you’re there!

Reader Comments: We really enjoyed this property. The first night we played slots and had drinks, the second day we took the grandkids to eat at the buffet, the food was amazing, with many things to choose from and the staff was very helpful and kind. My wife doesn’t get around as quickly as me, so it was nice to see the patience displayed from the employee’s. We give it a five out of five stars, great place to gamble, eat, and socialize.

•

Property Overview: • Check-in: 100% • Price: 100% • Casino: 100%

•

Will you return? Yes

• Staff: 100% • Cleanliness: 100% • Amenities: 100%

Review by: Thomas B. from Lincoln, NE INDOOR

Want to review a casino? Let us know about your recent casino visits at GamingandDestinations.com G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

39

FUTURE ODDS FIND YOUR EDGE … PLACE YOUR BET!

Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up to the minutes odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com

2017 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP – JUNE 1, 2017 Team

2017 MLB WORLD SERIES – NOVEMBER 2, 2017

January

February

April

5/7

1/2

10/23

10/1

10/1

15/2

Golden State

Cleveland San Antonio Boston

Houston

3/1 12/5 7/2

50/1

25/1

50/1

30/1

30/1

30/1

Toronto

50/1 65/1 40/1

LA Clippers

12/1

Washington N/A 60/1 60/1 50/1

*All others higher than 60/1. **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

Boston Red Sox

January 7/2

February 11/4

April 4/1

10/1

6/1

15/2

Cleveland Indians

ERIN HILLS GOLF COURSE (ERIN, WISCONSIN)

May 2016 8/1 9/1 10/1 12/1 15/1 15/1 20/1 25/1 25/1 25/1 25/1 30/1 30/1

*All others higher than 30/1.

10/1

11/2

Los Angeles Dodgers

12/1

Houston Astros

15/1

12/1

18/1

14/1

Washington Nationals 12/1

10/1

13/2

21/2

11/1

12/1

15/1

14/1

14/1

New York Mets

15/1

Toronto Blue Jays

N/A

20/1

Baltimore Orioles

N/A

N/A

30/1

N/A

30/1

30/1

20/1

25/1

San Francisco Giants New York Yankees

2017 U.S. OPEN – JUNE 12-18, 2017 Player Dustin Johnson Rory McIlroy Jordan Spieth Jason Day Hideki Matsuyama Justin Rose Jon Rahm Sergio Garcia Rickie Fowler Adam Scott Henrik Stenson Phil Mickelson Justin Thomas

60/1

Team Chicago Cubs

Colorado Rockies Detroit Tigers

St. Louis Cardinals Texas Rangers

N/A

N/A

N/A

20/1 N/A 25/1

20/1

22/1 25/1

30/1

30/1 30/1

*All others are higher than 30/1.

*Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

2017 MONSTER ENERGY CUP SERIES – NOVEMBER 26, 2017 Driver April Kevin Harvick 6/1 Brad Keselowski 6/1 Joey Logano 6/1 Kyle Busch 6/1 Jimmy Johnson 8/1 Kyle Larson 10/1 Chase Elliot 13/1 Denny Hamlin 13/1 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 14/1 Matt Kenseth 14/1 Field 25/1 Kurt Busch 25/1 *All others higher than 25/1. **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

For the latest sports odds, updated every 5 minutes, visit GamingandDestinations.com 40

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