Midwest Gaming March Issue 2016

TOP SLOT FLOORS OF THE MIDWEST! PAGE 6 MARCH/APRIL 2016 VOL. 18, ISSUE 2 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

GAMING & GOLF:

TOP CASINO

COURSES PAGE 30

SWEETGRASS GOLF CLUB AT ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

PAGE 32

ribe to Subsc n Gaming er South d an today

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BIG SCREEN SLOT SENSATION PAGE10

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

visit. More of our favorites appear on page 14.

Speaking of golf, with the warming temperatures of spring upon us, we also highlight some of the top casino golf courses in our Annual Casino Golf Guide. The courses we feature provide a full-service, turn-key experience that deserve consideration for your next outing. Whether for a round with a couple of buddies, a group outing or some relaxing time with your spouse, the convenience and comfort of resort-style golf is something you should not pass up. We also are pleased to feature some great coupons for a few of the courses, so be sure to check them out!

Here we are again with the annual Casino Slot Guide, bringing you the latest and greatest machines on the market, the best places to play them and what to look for as trends change.

We are in the midst of an exciting time for slot machines as they are now developed specifically for designated audiences. Everything from the subject on the front of the machine to the content used in game play has been routed through layers of market research and player feedback to find the right fit for the specific demographic.

For example, our cover this issue features arguably the most famous golf movie in history, Caddyshack. This popular film debuted in 1980, targeted to young adults, mainly 18-35. That age group now is making their way through their 50s to their 70s. Coincidentally, that age group is the target player demo at casinos nationwide! Well, slot manufacturer Scientific Games also saw the audience alignment and developed a machine based on elements of the movie. Images of the popular characters appear on the screen as you journey through the game and reach bonus areas.

Read more about Caddyshack and other popular games from Scientific Games on page 10 and make sure to look for them on your next casino 2

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

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Larry Bisig COPY EDITOR

Joseph Grove LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Hill Harcourt CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Linda Boyd John Brokopp Eric Floyd John Grochowski Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Frank Scoblete Henry Tamburin GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

640 South Fourth Street

As always, this issue features great gambling tips for video poker, blackjack, craps and more written by some of the best gambling authors in the world.

So be sure to take them into account on your next casino visit.

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Lastly, we are excited to continue to improve The Comps Club by Gaming and Destinations.

This is our premium membership where in addition to receiving the magazine six times per year, members also receive coupons and special offers to casinos emailed directly to their inboxes six times per year as well! (Mailed coupons are available by request.) For only $29 per year, you will get the magazine and thousands in casino coupons. What a deal! For more information, visit TheCompsClub.com or give us a call at 1-877-582-9478.

drive awareness of the ever-growing

Enjoy the issue!

Opinions of columnists are those of

(502) 583-0333 Fax (502) 583-6487 e-mail: editor@gaminganddestinations.com The goal of this publication is to help popularity of the gaming industry and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest.

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

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

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

POSTMASTER:

G. Douglas Dreisbach

Send address changes

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

Cover photo courtesy of Scientific Games.

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

TIPS & COLUMNS

10 Caddyshack: Big Screen

22 Video Poker

Slot Sensation

Tips for Double Deuces

One of the most famous golf movies in history is hitting the casinos with the latest slot machine from Scientific Games.

32 Island Resort & Casino – Harris, Michigan

23 Blackjack

Great Golf Packages at Sweetgrass Golf Club

The Martingale Misconception

24 Craps

FEATURE ARTICLES

The Confessions of a Craps Player

6 Slot Floors of the Midwest

HIGHLIGHTS & HOTSPOTS

Don’t miss some of our favorites in this year’s top picks.

25 Horseracing Much-About Post Position

26 Poker Suited Connector Strategy

34 Casino Directory

Midwest Gaming’s approved properties are sure bets!

36 Sports Wagering: The Value of Future Odds

Compare past odds with current odds for future sporting events to find an edge.

14 Top Slots of 2016 John G. is back with the hottest slots in casinos this year and we are in for a treat!

26

18 Casino Culture: Then & Now

A look into how casinos have evolved to meet customer demands.

28 Gaming & Golf:

Top Casino Courses

Our favorite casino courses unveiled from tee to green.

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10 Find us on Facebook

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

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FACTS & FUN STUFF

1 2 VINNIE’S KENTUCKY MULE This cocktail is a rendition of the original traditional cocktail called the Moscow Mule. The original recipe calls for Smirnoff Vodka, but we like it with Kentucky Bourbon. The story goes that in 1941 a bartender at the Cock ‘N Bull bar in Hollywood couldn’t sell his inventory of Smirnoff Vodka or Ginger Beer. So he crafted a drink using the two ingredients and added fresh lime to lighten it up some.

Coincidentally, a Russian immigrant named Sophie Berezinski came to California with 2,000 copper mugs that she had handcrafted to sell. The Cock ‘N Bull knew this would make their drink unique and the rest is history. Let the flavors of ginger and lime take your palate to a whole new level as you sip from a copper cup of deliciousness.

A. 1989 B. 1980 C. 1990 D. 1993 __________________________

WHAT IS THE TOTAL POSSIBLE COMBINATION OF SLOT SYMBOLS ON A THREE-REEL SLOT MACHINE WITH 20 STOPS PER WHEEL? A. 60 B. 240 C. 8,000 D. 60,000 __________________________

3

IN WHAT YEAR DID THE CADDYSHACK MOVIE DEBUT?

?

4

WHAT WAS THE TELEVISION AUDIENCE OF THE 2015 MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT?

A. 14 million B. 27 million

C. 7 million

D. 1 million

__________________________

5

HOW MANY PEOPLE VISITED LAS VEGAS IN 2015?

A. B. C. D.

20 million 104 million 66 million 42 million

1. B-1980 2. C-8,000 3. A-15,000

DID YOU KNOW

4. A-14 million 5. D-42 million

SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

HOW MANY GOLF COURSES ARE IN THE UNITED STATES (APPROXIMATELY)?

A. 15,000 B. 30,000 C. 50,000 D. 7,000

The year gambling was legalized in Nevada.

1931

28

Number of birdies made by PGA Professional Jordan Spieth to win the 2015 MasterS Tournament.

Ingredients: Copper mug 1 ½ oz. of premium Kentucky bourbon (or Vodka) ½ cup of ginger beer ½ oz. fresh lime juice 1 lime wedge for garnish Ice (preferably crushed)

34%

6.4

Las Vegas strip gaming revenue in 2015…in billions!

Directions: 1. Add ice to a copper mug.

2. Add the bourbon, ginger beer and lime juice and stir.

3. Top with another splash of bourbon and a little more crushed ice.

4. Garnish with a lime wedge, cheers your closest buddy and enjoy!

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Percentage of professionals who feel more productive at work when they return from vacation.

55%

Percentage of vacationers who prefer to wake up early than sleep late while on vacation.

CHECK YOUR COAT AND YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE AT THE DOOR. Whether you’re ready to play, relax or make it a night unlike any other, MGM Grand Detroit satisfies any desire.

© 2016 MGM Grand Detroit | Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons.

GRAND TIMES AHEAD

mgmgranddetroit.com | 21+

SLOT FLOORS SLOT of The Midwest CAS I NO

GUIDE 2016

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f you have ever visited a casino, there’s a good chance you noticed the array of slot machines lining the casino floor and maybe even played some of them. But have you ever thought about the games themselves and why each one was selected to be there? Or what about the layout of the floor overall? Casinos spend significant time and resources researching the best f low for their customers, taking into consideration factors such as aisle width, spacing of certain slot banks relative to others and restroom convenience.

So, which casinos have the best slot floors?

We have pulled together a collection of some of our favorites. Each has its own unique attributes that qualify it to be on the list. There are some that may not be listed here that are bigger or smaller, or have more machines or give bigger comps, but that wasn’t what we are looking for. We have identified casino floors that possess comfort, style, ease of flow and a good variety of not only the latest and greatest games, but also some of the classics as well. And customer service is always a No. 1 priority.

We hope you enjoy our list of Top Slots Floors!

Rising Star Casino Resort Rising Sun, Ind.

1-800-472-6311 RisingStarCasino.com Executive director of casino operations:

Sonny Duquette Casino square footage: 40,000 Number of slot machines: 952 Most popular games: Tarzan, 88

Fortunes, Jackpot Station & 3D Sphinx 6

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, Iowa Why slot players like Rising Star: The slot floor at Rising Star is loved by guests because of its comfortable, well laid-out with plenty of elbow room. The property carries a boutique and personal feel that keeps it on our favorites list year after year.

What the slot director says: “Rising Star Casino is on a four level paddlewheel riverboat flanked with welcoming Victorian décor that offers both slot enthusiasts and table game players the latest machines in a very comfortable setting.”

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, Iowa 1-712-226-7600 HardRockCasinoSiouxCity.com Slot director: Kelly Pace Casino square footage: 30,000 Number of slot machines: 844 Most popular games: Wheel of Fortune,

Wicked Winnings 2, Big Bang Theory, Britney Spears Why slot players like Hard Rock: The

service at Hard Rock is exceptional and optimized through a communications system that gives guests quicker slot service and less waiting time for beverages and other needs. The machines are current and boast a wide variety of both themes and denominations to fit everyone’s skill level and interests. Also, there is always energy at Hard Rock. No matter where you’re playing on the floor, there is some other element of high-quality entertainment nearby. Whether it’s a specialty whiskey bar (The Yards) or the in-house live radio broadcast booth, the Rock Shop, there is plenty to look at and to do within arm’s reach of most machines.

What the slot director says: “We are committed to excellence in both product and service on our gaming floor every day. Guest input and interests have a real impact on which games we offer and help ensure our floor is constantly evolving so we may cater to everyone’s unique interests. Our team works hard every day to create the best destination for slots enthusiasts in the Midwest. From the environment to the experience, we’re always looking for and implementing the hottest trends in the industry and making sure every guest on our floor feels like a rock star.”

Island Resort & Casino Harris, Mich.

(Upper Michigan Peninsula) 1-800-682-6040 IslandResortandCasino.com Slot director: Terry Carlson Casino square footage: 194,000 Number of slot machines: 1,212 Most popular games: Lightning Link, Wonder 4 Jackpot, China Shore Boosted Wins and Spins. Party Time, Quick Strike, Flintstones, Winners Choice 2, The Big Bang Theory, Wicked Winnings 1V, Britney Spears, Quick Hits.

Grand Casino Mille Lacs Onamia, Minn. (An hour and a half north of Minneapolis) 1-800-468-3517 GrandCasinoMN.com Vice president of slots: Robbie Sawyer Casino square footage: 189,000 Number of slot machines:

More than 1,740 Most popular games:

Buffalo Gold Collection Why slot players like Grand Casino Mille Lacs: Just about every facet of

the gaming floor has been designed to provide the most comfortable gaming experience in the market. From spacious walkways to cutting edge technology, the property has taken strides to personalize the service to be parallel to the exceptional environment at the property. Taking the experience one step further, they also have initiated the Play Pulse program which gives players the ability to visually identify slots machines of their liking based on volatility.

What the VP of slots says: “At Grand Casino Mille Lacs we will continue to seek out opportunities to enhance the gaming experience for our guests.

We will accomplish this by continually evaluating and improving our gaming floor and guest service product.

Personalized, friendly and efficient service along with a large selection of the latest slot machines are just a few reasons why our guests continue to return time and time again.”

Why slot players like Island Resort: Offering a combination of great customer service, friendly staff, great atmosphere and up-to-date gaming floor, the priority at Island Resort is to keep customers happy and coming back and it shows throughout the property.

Grand Casino Hinckley Hinckley, Minn. (An hour and a half north of Minneapolis) 1-800-468-3517 GrandCasinoMN.com Slot director: Marcy Maurice Casino square footage:107,462 Number of slot machines: 2,060 Most popular games: Golden Festival Why slot players like Grand Casino Hinckley: Grand Casino Hinckley offers a great gaming experience with a comforting atmosphere. The game variety has been updated to include a variety of themed new titles as well as some of the more popular classics.

And all of this is provided in a fun and exciting environment designed for easy customer flow and comfort with wide sightlines, making it easy to spot your favorite machines!

What the slot director says: “When visiting Grand Casino Hinckley, guests feel at home. From our spacious floor layout to our friendly guest service, we aim to provide a comforting and enjoyable environment. On top of that, we focus on delivering the best gaming experience by providing the newest games available and maintaining a variety of old favorites. All this combined is what keeps our guests coming back.”

What the slot director says:

“Island Resort offers one of the best Vegas-style gaming floors in the Midwest. We feature more than 1,200 up-to-date slot machines, friendly staff and a clean, tropical-themed environment that makes players feel welcomed and comfortable.”

Grand Casino Mille Lacs Onamia, Minn.

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

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CAS I NO

SLOT GUIDE

Treasure Island Resort & Casino Welch, Minn.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino Welch, Minn. (One hour southeast of Minneapolis)

Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, Wis. (Two hours East of Minneapolis)

Number of slot machines: 2,200

1-800-657-4621 Ho-ChunkGaming. com/BlackRiverFalls Slot director: Angie Waege Casino square footage: 38,000 Number of slot machines: 615

Why slot players like Treasure Island:

Most popular games: Mainly reel slots

1-800-222-7077 TICasino.com Director of Gaming: Chris Garrow Casino square footage: 150,000+

At Treasure Island, there are plenty of new and hot games that keep things fresh. They take requests from their guests and put those requests into action to insure they provide what they want.

What the Director of Gaming says:

“We are constantly trying to evaluate the player experience at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. This involves evaluating the mix of games, their placement on the casino floor and making sure we have the best slots, table games and staffing to ensure an outstanding gaming experience. We have multiple ways to receive feedback from our players and we take their comments into consideration when making improvements. Our customers are our number one priority and we want them to feel that way.”

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such as IGT themes Triple and Double Red, White and Blues, Triple Double Stars and Triple Lucky 7 reel games.

Other popular games are GTECH’s Return of the Sphinx and Bally’s New Wave Games such as Heavenly Riches, Dragon Rising and Quick Hits Triple Cash Wheel Back and White.

Why slot players like Ho-Chunk Black River Falls: Although there are many

reasons players like this property, the employees really seem to get the importance of customer service with a smile. Guests also like the wide selection of slot machines offered and the amenities, but more often than not it is the friendliness of the employees that keeps them coming back.

What the slot director says: “Offering

new games to our customers adds excitement and a new gaming experience to each visit. Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls is known for extra friendly and very helpful casino employees and our guests find that a delightful amenity

to their visits. Casino management takes customer service very seriously, and we listen to our guest’s suggestions and comments. For example, customers asked for looser slots with more timeon-device, and we delivered by loosening our penny slots.”

Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (One hour North of Madison) 1-800-746-2486 Ho-ChunkGaming.com/WisconsinDells Slot director: Landon Owen Casino square footage: 90,000 Number of slot machines: 1,800 Most popular games: Buffalo, Golden Festival, China Shores, Lightning Link and Wheel of Fortune Why slot players like Ho-Chunk Wisconsin Dells: As with all of the

Ho-Chunk properties, the Wisconsin Dells location really excels in providing its guests with a great entertainment experience. Their slot selection provides guests with a great balance between old and new games so you will see long time favorites such as Quick Hits and China Shores but also experience some new ones like Buffalo Gold or Lightning Link. Through time they have also expanded aisles to improve traffic flow as well as reduced slot bank sizes to improve player comfort.

BIG S CR EEN SL O T SENS AT ION

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lot players have long been able to count on games from WMS Gaming and Bally Technologies for fun, innovative ways to play.

From WMS, we’ve seen great iconic brands like Monopoly, Jackpot Party, Reel ’Em In and the Wizard of Oz. Bally has given us Blazing 7s, Hot Shot Progressives, Michael Jackson and the recent Wonder Woman.

Now that both have been acquired by Scientific Games, they’re building a great fleet of great iconic brands together.

And Scientific Games figures to be a powerhouse of creativity, benefitting players and casino operators alike.

“It’s just really two legendary game brands coming together, and it’s been an explosion

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by

JOHN GROCHOWSKI

of creativity,” said Matt Volke, marketing manager at Scientific Games. “Both had great brands and now it’s coming together with a great portfolio and awesome games.”

Building a new legacy together is underway with household names such as The Simpsons, Cheers and much more.

Also on its way is the TwinStar 360 cabinet, which gives operators the chance to feature favorites from both the WMS and Bally libraries.

One that players will just have to check out is Caddyshack, the classic 1980 golf comedy starring Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, Michael O’Keefe and Ted Knight. It’s one of the most quotable movies of all time, chock full of iconic scenes and lines.

Those moments come alive again on Caddyshack, the slot, with nine video reels and eight paylines. Game graphics, sound and video clips draw on the film favorite.

“It has a ton of the humor and famous oneliners and scenes from Caddyshack, which is one of those legendary iconic comedies that’s stood the test of time,” Volke said.

“I’m 36, so that movie came out when I was a baby, but I know the movie very well, and so do people older than me and people younger than me. “ Movie magic really comes to life in the bonus events, themed after classic Caddyshack scenes.

“There are all kinds of great moments,” Volke said. “There’s The Best Game of My Life, when the bishop (Henry Wilcoxon as

Bishop Fred Pickering) goes out and has the best game of his life. It’s in a terrible rainstorm and he can’t miss. But at the end of his round he misses a putt and he curses to God – and is hit by lightning.”

In the Caddyshack slot, the Best Game of My Life Bonus gives you a free spin, and you keep on spinning as long as you get paying combinations. There’s no stopping until you get a loser, so if you go on the best spins of your life, the credits can build up fast. At the end of the round, you get a multiplier of two, three or 20 times your winnings.

Volke also pointed to the Cinderella Outta Nowhere Bonus, which plays off a scene with Bill Murray as Carl Spackler.

“It has Bill Murray and he’s whacking the flowers,” Volke said. “In the game the flowers each have different multipliers, and you play for that.”

Basically, Cinderella Outta Nowhere is the opposite of the Best Game of My Life.

Instead of playing until you lose, this time you play until you win. If you have a cold streak to start, no worries. You spin till you win, then you whack the flowers for a two, three or 20 times multiplier.

There are some fun extras in other free spins bonuses. In the I’m Alright Bonus, you start with eight free spins. You can retrigger the free spins as you play, or even launch a different bonus. Three bonus symbols on the reels award eight more free spins. If four bonus symbols land on the reels, you get eight more spins plus you collect a bonus symbol. Three collected symbols get you one of the other bonus events.

The Improve Your Lie Bonus gives you a chance to, well, improve your lie. You start with one free spin. If you get a Wild Golf Ball or Wild Gopher symbol appears on the reels, you get another spin. Even if you don’t get one of the wild symbols, at random times the Wild Golf Ball symbol can drop onto the reels to improve your win.

There’s the Gopher’s Wilds bonus, where you’re awarded one free spin with three to nine Wild Gophers randomly appearing on the reels, and the Na-Na-Na-Na bonus, with one free spin and three to nine Wild Golf Balls.

The Na-Na-Na-Na bonus is one that will resonate with Chase fans.

“Do you remember the scene with Chevy Chase, who plays the golfing prodigy, and he’s like hitting the ball all these silly ways?” Volke said. “He’s going, ‘Na, na, na, na.’ There’s a bonus that features that.

There are a lot of free play bonuses.”

Another great brand for the portfolio coming soon is The Simpsons, and that’s a game that’s generated tremendous buzz within the casino industry.

Asked what he liked about the Simpsons, Volke said, “EVERYTHING. I am the proposed perfect demographic for that,”

he said. “I was in fifth grade when that started. Bart Simpson was the main character, and he was my age. I grew up watching that show, and I still watch to this day. That game really tapped into the heart and personality of the show beautifully, not just in the game play, which really does have the personality of the Simpsons, but also the film and scenes that are used throughout. It’s really a love letter to the show just as much as it’s a great show.”

The Simpsons is big and beautiful, loaded with features based on the long-running G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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animated TV favorite. As the theme music plays, animation, clips and audio feature Homer, Marge, Apu, Mr. Burns, Moe, Chief Wiggum and plenty of TV regulars.

It’s all on the Gamescape cabinet that practically envelops the player in Simpsons atmosphere. Look straight ahead, and instead of one screen, you have a triptych – a main monitor for gameplay flanked by two narrower screens that provide show scenes and track your bonus event. Above is a 40-inch top screen that curves back toward you. And the virtual button panel is a touchscreen display that integrates it all.

When a spin of the video reels bring the same character to the four corners, it launches that character’s bonus. It also

changes the scene. In the Apu bonus, the top screen takes out outside the Kwik-EMart, while the side screens set the scene inside. The Homer bonus takes you to the nuclear power plant.

A motion sensor makes you part of the game. In the Homer bonus, to add multipliers and wild symbols, you start by moving your hand over the sensor to guide Homer’s hand to catch sprinkles falling off a doughnut. Then you go into a free-spin bonus.

There’s so much here that no one will be able just to pass by The Simpsons.

Whether you play or not, you’re going to have to stop to see what’s going on.

“You even get to prank Moe,” Volke said enthusiastically. “You get to pick your prank. This is just brimming with personality.”

Quick takes from Volke on a few more great brands we’ll see soon:

CHEERS: “Cheers is really fun. The artwork beautiful. The bonus wheel is like a dart board you’d see in a bar. Everything is like you’re in the world of Cheers. When the bartender bonuses appear, the screen fills up like a beer, and we actually shot the footage of a beer filling. Norm has his own bonus event, and so does Cliff.

They all have their own lines from the show. It’s very funny.”

KOOZA: “It’s on the Wave 360 cabinet, and the artwork on this is amazing. They did a really nice job on that. It’s Cirque du Soleil’s first slot machine ever.”

TWINSTAR: “It’s the first Scientific Games slot machine since the merger that uses both WMS and Bally content that you can get onto one cabinet. It gives casino operators a ton of flexibility on content and they can really customize their floor to their customer tastes while using 12

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very well balanced brands. Goldfish from WMS is a hugely popular title, as are Zeus and Kronos. From Bally, Quick Shot and Quick Hit are popular, and there will be brand new content that specifically takes advantage of the machine’s processing power.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS: “Coming down the road there will be Rocky Horror, Cher, a new Friends and a new Titanic.”

Iconic brands add to the momentum as Scientific Games builds on the WMS and Bally legacies to create its own great portfolio.

AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © New Line Productions, Inc. (s15) AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © New Line Productions, Inc. (s15) AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © New Line Productions, Inc. (s15) Unless otherwise indicated, trademarks are owned by, or under license to or from, Scientific Games Corporation, or one or more of its wholly owned companies, in the United States or elsewhere. ©2016 Scientific Games Corporation. All rights reserved.

TOP SLOT SLOTS of 2016 CAS I NO

GUIDE 2016

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Slot players are a demanding lot.

We want to be entertained. We want great bonuses that keep us involved in the game. And we want them often enough that we don’t lose interest.

Graphics, video and sound effects are part of the package, and if the gamemakers can make the reel spins fun and different in themselves with stacked symbols, expanding wilds, scatter pays and other extras, so much the better. And, of course, we want a shot to win.

For all our demands, there’s competition aplenty among gamemakers. Slot machines hold peak popularity for a few months, and by the time we’re ready to try something new, the manufacturers always have a fresh, exciting twist to show us.

So it will be in 2016, with a new wave games loaded with bonuses, features and extras. Here are some of the hottest slots we’ll be playing in the coming year:

CADDYSHACK

by Scientific Games A l l your favorite scenes from the golf-themed classic comedy are here, meaning you’ll love it as an entertainment experience. When it’s free spin time, it’s film clip time too, as Carl Spacker, Bishop Fred Pickering and the rest relive some of the most often-quoted lines around.

You’ll love it as a game, too. There are six free-spin bonuses, and many give you chances to win extra free spins along the way. In addition to all that free play, there’s a Zingers bonus, where you’re awarded two 14

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to five awards that could range from 20 to 500 credits each. Sometimes, the last award will be a multiplier that doubles your credits. With game graphics and reel symbols based on the movie and plenty of film clips, Caddyshack is a big hitter off the tee that’s great around the greens, too.

SLOTS EXPERT JOHN GROCHOWSKI INTRODUCES THE LATEST AND GREATEST GAMES

THE SIMPSONS

by Scientific Games With video screens in front of you and to either side, plus a fourth screen on top, you’re immersed in the world of America’s longest running TV comedy.

Homer, Marge, Apu, Moe – the gang’s all here with iconic scenes, sights and sounds from the show. If during a reel spin you land four of the same character on the corners, you go to that character’s bonus, and the scenes take the character into his natural environment – Homer at the nuclear power plant, Apu at the Kwik-E-Mart and so on. You get to be an active participant, too. There’s a motion sensor, and in Homer’s bonus your hand guides his to catch sprinkles. The game is a real eye-catcher, and there’s so much fun built in that you’re going to want to head straight to Springfield.

KOOZA

by Scientific Games This is the first Cirque du Soleil-themed game, and designers went all out. The Trickster, a popular Cirque favorite, is a featured character in a game that features some of the most distinctive, gorgeous artwork you’ll ever find on a slot machine.

Kooza has a four-level progressive jackpot along with two free spin bonuses and a U-Spin bonus wheel. At bonus time, you could go to the Trickster free spins, or go for a wild ride on the Wheel of Death free spins. You’ll find exciting gameplay in a beautiful package worthy of tightening Cirque’s ties to the casino industry.

BONUS ATTACK

JACKPOT INFERNO

by Everi

by Everi

When five or more Bonus Attack symbols land on the reels in this five-reel, 40-payline game, you have the opportunity to win big.

You start off on winning note by collected a prize of up to 25 times your total bet, and then things really get interesting. As the bonus spins play out, you have a chance to move up through 10 progressive levels and collect not only credits but more free spins as you go. In all, you could pile up 103 free spins during the round, which continues until you either run out of free spins or reach level 10. If you get to that top level, you’ll collect a 500-times multiplier. Let the good times roll.

The 50-line game can light your fire with a pick ’em element along with the free spins bonus. Three Bonus symbols launch six spins with a 2x multiplier, four symbols bring 10 spins with a 5x multiplier and five symbols bring a red-hot 20 spins with a 10x multiplier.

You can really set the credit meter ablaze when five to 10 Jackpot Inferno Symbols are scattered on the reels. That triggers the Jackpot Jump event, locking in a progressive jackpot level – the more Inferno symbols you get, the higher your starting progressive level.

You’re also given three picks in a game field of 20 symbols. When you touch one on the screen, it reveals credit prizes, multipliers from 10x to 200x, two additional picks or Jackpot Inferno symbols.

When your pick reveals a Jackpot Inferno symbol, get ready to jump. That moves you up a level. The jumps can take even a low starting point and turn it into a nice win, and turn a medium starting point into something really big.

SMOKIN’ HOT DICE

by Everi You have a chance to get on a roll to riches on this five-reel, 40-line game. When five or more jackpot symbols are scattered on the reels, you get a chance to roll for a progressive jackpot. Each jackpot symbol includes a die, and you’ll want to shoot for sixes. With six or more sixes, you go all the way to the top progressive tier.

There’s another fun bonus event, too. If bonus symbols land on the first, third and fifth reels, you trigger the Dice Roll Bonus, where you can earn up to 21 rolls to build up your credits.

ONE RED CENT DELUXE H I G H D E N O M I N AT I O N

by Everi Here’s one for higher-denomination players, a nine-reel, eight-line game packed with progressive entertainment.

When five to nine One Red Cent symbols are scattered on the reels, you win a progressive jackpot, with nine symbols winning the top tier.

The Red Cent Bonus launches when three Penny symbols land on the seventh payline. A giant penny rolls across the main screen, and 20 bonus doors appear.

Pick a door, and if a nickel, dime, quarter or dollar spins to reveal multipliers of five, 10, 25 or 100 times your bet. All multipliers on your picks are added to give you one big multiplier for the round. You keep picking until you find a penny, which reveals one last multiplier to end the round.

TMZ

by International Game Technology You’re not just an active participant in the game with TMZ, you’re actually part of it, complete with your image as a symbol on the machine. IGT partnered with Warner Bros. to develop a game based on TMZ, the entertainment news and celebrity G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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gossip website and TV show. There’s a camera built into the machine, and when you sit down, it takes your picture and voila! You’re part of the TMZ team.

Your photo is used as a reel symbol, in the background imagery and in bonus events.

In the Celebrity Spin Cycle Bonus, you’ll find yourself at the steering wheel of a red car when it’s announced, “Uh-oh. The cops have pulled you over for going 90 in a 30.” Then it’s off to the races for free spins and breaking news as announcer tells you, “Celebrity Spin Cycle – where being bad feels so good.”

When the credits mount, whether through the Celebrity Spin Cycle, TMZ Tip Cycle Bonus or Breaking News With Wilds, you’ll feel good about being part of the game, too.

REEF OF RICHES

by International Game Technology True 3D, a prime asset GTECH brought to its merger, makes the graphics really pop on Reef of Riches, which also takes interactivity right into the periods when no one is playing. In addition to the 3D that’ll make you want spirit away the pirate treasure, Reef of Riches includes a motion sensor, and when an empty game senses a potential player in the vicinity, it goes into attract mode.

The main characters in the game are a black-bearded male pirate and a buxom blonde female buccaneer, and it’s the blonde who takes the lead when the machine senses someone nearby. She strides forward and calls out, “This is your lucky day. I’m looking forward to playing with you! Yo, ho, ho! Come here and sit down!”

How could you possibly not take a seat?

That the game is fun, with plenty of bonuses to go with the pirate imagery, will keep you playing, but the extra interactivity in attract mode will draw you to the game in the first place.

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GAME OF THRONES

by Aristocrat With a hot theme based on George R.R. Martin’s series of novels and the hit HBO TV show, Aristocrat loaded Game of Thrones slot with special features. Video, animation and graphics surround you with the quest for the Iron Throne in the mystical world of demons, dragons and dire wolves.

Aristocrat has long been a master of making free-spin bonuses entertaining, and Game of Thrones gives the gamemaker plenty to work with. Bonuses keep with the theme, naturally, with the Battle of Blackwater Bay, the Wall and Mother of Dragons among the bonus events. Two big, curved screens are stacked on top of each other to immerse you in the Game of Thrones atmosphere.

CRAZY MONEY DELUXE

by Incredible Technologies The Inf init y Skybox cabinet gives Incredible Technologies the ability to build up with extra impact and bonusing opportunities by topping its advanced Infinity U23 cabinet with an integrated 55-inch vertical monitor.

That gives IT a tall cabinet, easily spotted from across the casino f loor, without taking up the extra horizontal space taken by some jumbo cabinets. It’s all used to good effect on Crazy Money Deluxe, which adds a wheel bonus and a linked progressive jackpot to the popular Crazy Money line. There’s a money catch bonus – touch the screen to catch the falling bills. And just as in last year’s megahit Money Rain, when you get a winning combination, the presidents on the currency give you a smile.

TIGER TIGER

by American Gaming Systems AGC, incorporating Cadillac Jack after their merger, is bullish on its new Icon cabinet for Class III games, and Tiger Tiger is a great way to show it off. Tiger Tiger has a dynamic streaming stacks feature, with long rows of the same symbol.

In the free spins bonus, there are only four different symbols – all the small-payers sit out the event, you see stacks for Bengal tigers, black tigers, huntresses and wild symbols. That opens the door to a screen full of the same symbol and the possibility of some roaring big wins.

SUPER HAND POKER

by International Game Technology IGT stands alone in video poker innovation in recent years. Super Hand Poker starts by dealing three hands, then identifies one as the Super Hand. The Super Hand then becomes the basis for three draws, a la Triple Play Poker. If the best of the three hands is a pair of Queens, for example, then all three draws start with the queens.

What if you disagree with the machine’s selection? There’s a “Swap” button, enabling you to choose your starting hand.

It costs an extra five credits a hand to get the feature, so you’ll be betting 30 here instead of 15, as in Triple Play. But in addition to the Super Hand feature, the game pays on both pre-draw and post draw hands, so you’re getting a lot of extras for your money.

Bonus Attack™ brings thrills and excitement to the casino floor with dynamic game play and stunning artwork.

Players win free spins in the Bonus Attack Bonus and can advance their winnings up to 10 levels by gathering as many symbols as they can find. Bonus Attack comes on Everi’s Core HDX™ cabinet, which delivers an immersive gaming experience on dual widescreen 23-inch high-definition monitors. Plus, the game is one of the first to feature Everi Bet™, a revolution in gaming that offers players a new, exciting way to configure their bets and gives operators a way to optimize the floor for maximum returns.

Powers the casino floor.™

everi.com

C A S I NO C ON V E R S ION: T H E N , NOW A N D W H AT ’ S T O C OM E .

S

Some 25 years ago the casino gaming industry jumped aboard a high-tech express train into the future and the ride isn’t over yet.

Unafraid to embrace change, seizing the opportunities made possible by a computer-driven business environment, and becoming a welcome partner with revenue-star ved state legislat ures, g a mbl i n g b o ome d . For de c a de s , generations of Americans whose sole outlet for casino-style fun was Las Vegas soon found themselves with slot machines and table games on riverboats in their own backyards, quite literally altering forever the dynamic of destination-driven trips to the desert. The fan base of casino goers across the nation grew exponentially, with

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by

J O H N G . B RO KO PP

traditional grass-roots support from the Baby Boomers now joined by Gen-X’ers and Millennials.

Regular trips to a casino for a gambling outing have become ingrained as part of the entertainment regimen of millions of men and women alike, husbands and wives and couples out for a fun date.

While the expansion of casino style gambling may have peaked, it is now up to the industry to sustain what has been created and continue to grow when opportunity knocks. Where have we been and where are we going? Let’s look at the past, understand where we are now and peer into the crystal ball to see what may lie ahead.

OUT OF THE DESERT Las Vegas was America’s gambling mecca starting in the 1930s, but it didn’t reach full-fledged destination status until the 1960s, when a yearly trip there for average Americans with an itch to gamble became a vacation ritual. Atlantic City jumped aboard the band wagon in 1977 to give Sin City a little East Coast competition, but the birth of casino gambling as we now know it was yet to happen.

It occurred in the most unlikely of places and secured forever Iowa’s place in gambling history. The Hawkeye State passed the first riverboat casino legislation in the nation and within six years, five other states jumped on board, giving birth to a multi-billion dollar industry. It was the pivotal force behind the unprecedented

expansion of Las Vegas-style casino gambling in America during the 90s. Iowa also was the birthplace of what turned out to be the next wave of casino development in the United States, when slot machines were introduced to Prairie Meadows Race Track, creating the nation’s first racetrack casino. Today, so-called “racinos” span states across the nation and generate revenues in the billions.

devoted to the culinary arts, has made pop culture icons out of chefs who now view Las Vegas and other gaming jurisdictions around the country as bold frontiers for exposure. Just as casino operators make a science out of maximizing revenues from the gambling end of business, they have also started looking to food and beverage as a primary means to drive business and grow their customer base.

When state-regulated riverboat gambling was introduced in some jurisdictions around the country, including Illinois in 1993, the climate was a lot different.

Gamers had to call in reservations for a gambling session, fork over as much as $18 admission per person, board the vessel in a veritable cattle call, then be requested to depart when the session was over to make room for the next herd of eager gamblers.

Meanwhile, Native American gambling was well on its way to fueling the boom, opening properties in states throughout the nation to create new markets.

Whereas gambling revenue was always the primary source of income for casinos, the trend has shifted to making money from restaurants, upscale retail establishments and other non-gaming amenities. The accent for fine dining in high-end casino

food and beverage in much the same way as Atlantic City invested millions of dollars in remaking itself. A growing number of celebrity chefs opened signature restaurants in Las Vegas, including Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse just to name a few. Chefs of lesser renown are making names for themselves because of their connection with the Las Vegas dining scene. Representatives from the gaming companies are constantly on the lookout in every major city scouting for talent. People are becoming celebrity chefs because they were brought to Las Vegas. Casino owners make a science of maximizing revenues from their gambling

Video slot screens have taken over from mechanical reels. Penny slots seized the day from the quarters, nickels, and dollars.

Bars, cherries, and oranges were replaced by big-money marketing partnerships with iconic American entertainment icons, board games, television series, reality shows and cinema classics.

It isn’t only the slots and gaming floors going through a major overhaul either. If the only dining experience you associate with a gambling outing is the cliché bargain buffet or mundane snack shop, you’re in for a pleasant surprise at casinos across the country. Most properties have followed the examples set by Atlantic City and Las Vegas to create a complete entertainment experience above and beyond what the slots and table games offer in the form of restaurants, shopping, concerts and more.

Borgata in Atlantic City made a big impact when it opened in 2003 by placing a large emphasis on non-gaming amenities, recognizing an entirely new demographic.

The ultimate goal, of course, is to grow business by introducing people who aren’t inclined to gamble to the overall casino environment with the hope they’ll come back, in some respects making gambling an option rather than a necessity.

America’s love affair with cooking, fueled by the popularity of cable TV shows

Casinos are offering more amenities to cater to millennials.

restaurants is on prime steaks and chops, fresh seafood, imaginative preparation, extensive wine lists, creative desserts and elegant surroundings. Customers have greatly enjoyed it. People will always go to casinos primarily to gamble, but the opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience or take in a show is playing a more prominent role.

In Las Vegas, Broadway plays are taking the place of glitzy production shows, while upscale restaurants are drawing attention away from the bargain buffets.

Gaming jurisdictions across the country are emphasizing hospitality-related nongaming amenities, redefining the guest experience to include entertainment,

business just as they are looking for food and beverage to be a differentiator.

Whereas gambling revenue was always the primary source of income for casino operators, the trend in recent years has seen money generated from restaurants, upscale retail establishments and showrooms to catch up with and in some instances even surpass what’s offered on the gaming floor.

THE FUTURE Do you ever wonder, in light of all the advanced technology we have seen introduced to casinos during the last quarter century, what the next decade will bring? The showroom of your local home entertainment and electronics store is the G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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The glitz of Old Vegas

crystal ball you’re looking for. High-tech casino floors, impacting both slot machine and table game play, are the continuing wave of the future.

Trends that are likely to continue include: Server-based slot machine technology, new frontiers in slot play blazed by penny and other low-denomination games, and state-of-the-art video and audio reproduction. The casino world does and will continue to revolve around networks.

High-def inition, wide-screen video technology has replaced the slot screens we were all accustomed to using in much the same way as the movies of today make flicks made 25 years ago appear technologically primitive, or that new flat-screen HD TV you bought makes the good old “picture tube” a relic of the past.

In addition, there is a heavy interest in attracting the younger generation of Millennials through skill-based games

and integration with social media to engage with the rage. Think about playing a carracing game or arcade-style sports game for money. Now that could be exciting!

The proliferation of gambling and its continued expansion remains a politically acceptable solution for revenue woes in states across the nation. The casino industry is up to the challenge to deliver the product. So let’s have some fun riding that express train!

The New Vegas

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HPT RETURNS TO BELTERRA CASINO RESORT M A RCH 10 -21

Client

BCN

Job #

75506

Title

HPT SOUTHERN GAMING AD

Version

PNK Creative Studio

Media Type

Pub / Vendor

Print

Trim / Flat width x height

7.625” X 5”

SG

Live Area width x height

7.625” X 5”

width x height x depth

Finish / Fold

7.625” X 5”

Bleed Overall

.325”

Qty

Color

CMYK

Special Tech.

Print Instructions

n/a Built at 100% Print at 100%

the reality TV show Big Brother, where she went on to finish in third place.

& General Manager of Belterra Casino Resort. A number of high-profile players and celebrities are expected to participate in the event, including reality TV star Vanessa Rousso, who first made a name for herself as a professional poker player. She has earned more than $3.5 million dollars during her career and recently appeared on Round

SIGN-OFF

The popular television show Heartland Poker Tour (HPT) is returning to Belterra Casino Resort next month for a 12-day poker series that will culminate with an $1,100 (buy-in) nationally televised Main Event. You can get in on the action for as little as $60. For a full schedule and more information, visit www.hptpoker. com. This will mark the fourth time Belterra has hosted an HPT series. In the first three visits more than $1.1 million dollars in prize money was awarded to participating poker players. “We are always eager to welcome our friends from HPT to Belterra, for not only their exciting poker action, but also to offer the complete resort experience to our guests,” said Sue Ascanio, Vice President

Artist AE SD

CD

2

CA

The HPT series at Belterra will kick off March 10 with a $300 Monster Stack tournament. This opening event has a $75k guarantee and consistently draws more than 500 entrants in similar markets. The HPT schedule at Belterra offers a variety of events each day of the series. There will also be a large spread of cash games running in the nearby poker room.

The highlight of the series will be the nationally televised Main Event. The first of three flights for that tournament will begin Thursday, March 17. The buy-in for the Main Event is $1,100.

For a full schedule of events and buy-ins, visit HPTpoker.com.

be the next poker legend!

March 10–21, 2016 Pre-register at hptpoker.com • HOTEL RATES AVAILABLE FROM $69*

777 Belterra Drive, Florence, Indiana 47020 | 1.888.BELTERRA | BelterraCasino.com Must be 21 years or older. This is not intended for excluded patrons. For help with a gambling problem in Indiana, call 1.800.994.8448. For help with a gambling problem, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1.800.589.9966. ©2016 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. 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 |

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by

LI N DA B OY D

VIDEO POKER: Tips for Double Deuces

I Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for “Southern Gaming”, “Midwest Gaming” and other publications and web-sites.

You can see her videos on YouTube or view them on American Casino Guide’s web site. Her radio interviews are on iTunes. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. The Second edition with a 2010 publishing date is being sent by amazon, Square One Publishers and book stores.

Kindle edition now available.

n a previous issue of Gaming and Destinations, I gave you pay tables that I found on the same machine for two different deuces wild games. Of course you’ll choose the one that has an ER of 99.6206% and a variance of 50.98954 over the version with an ER of 94.8182% and variance of 25.25351. The best game may have a whopper of a variance and thus constitute a big risk to your bankroll, but it’s more than compensated for by the huge difference in the theoretical return.

(Refer to the November/December issue to see both pay schedules and comparisons.)

You will need to know the basic game strategy and should put the pay schedule into your tutorial software (Dean Zamzow’s WinPoker is my favorite) for the best home practice. If you’re just interested in some strategy tips for the basics of this game, here they are.

DEALT TWO PAIR. Hold just one pair, either one. Be aware that there are some deuces wild (DW) games where you should hold both pairs but this is not one of them.

“NEVER USE RECENT BUT PAST RESULTS TO PREDICT FUTURE DEALT HANDS.”

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Table 1.1 Double Deuces Wild Winning Hand/ 5-Coin Bet

Double Deuces

Royal Flush/No Deuces

4000

4 Deuces

2000

Royal with Deuce /Wild Royal

125

5 of a Kind

80

Straight Flush

55

4 of a Kind

20

Full House

15

Flush

10

Straight

10

3 of a Kind

5

Expected Return (ER)

99.6206%

Variance

50.98954

DEALT WILD ROYAL (WR).

Hold all five cards. Even if you have four cards to a natural royal flush (RF) you still hold all to the WR. This is a frequent and costly error made by many who I’ve observed playing.

Dealt 4 to an RF, you will get a natural RF one out of 47 tries statistically, but it will not make up for the money lost on WRs. DEALT THREE DEUCES. Hold all cards. The only exception is if you are dealt a WR. If dealt any WR, even with three deuces, you hold all to the WR. I see frequent player errors when all to either five of a kind (5OAK) or an SF are held instead of just the three deuces. True, you could end up sacrificing a dealt 5OAK to a lesser paying hand, but statistically you will be ahead by holding just the three deuces.

DEALT TWO DEUCES. Hold all five cards dealt a WR, 5OAK, SF or 4OAK. Hold four cards to a WR. Do not hold a straight, flush or four to an SF; instead, hold just the two deuces.

DEALT STRAIGHT. Hold all cards with either 0 or one deuce. If two of the cards are deuces (see rule 4) then hold just the two deuces. Note that a straight is different from an SF. DEALT FLUSH. Hold all cards with either 0 or one deuce. If two of the cards are deuces (see rule 4) then hold just the two deuces. Note that a flush is different from an SF. FINAL THOUGHTS. Make sure you understand that you can never use recent but past results to predict future dealt hands. In other words, even if you just had an RF or four deuces, the odds of getting either an RF or four deuces on the next hand are unchanged. If you want to play computer-perfect, or close to it, you will need to practice at home on tutorial software or use the appropriate strategy card in the back of my book, “The Video Poker Edge.”

BLACKJACK: The Martingale Misconception

M

any players try to use the famous Martingale betting system to beat the game of blackjack. Recently, with the help of Blackjack Hall of Famer Don Schlesinger (author of “Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros’ Way”), we analyzed the Martingale betting system and this is what we came up with.

The way the Martingale works is you double your bet after every loss until you finally win, at which point you will be ahead by one betting unit. For example, suppose you wager $10 and the results of the next three hands are loss, loss, and win (L-L-W). Using the Martingale system, you lost $10 on the first hand, $20 on the second hand, and won $40 on the third hand. You wind up with a net win of $10, which is the goal of the progression, to win an amount equal to your starting wager.

How can there be anything wrong with the logic of the Martingale? Just leave the table after a win and you always walk away with a profit. Right?

Well, yes and no. Long streaks of consecutive losses will doom the Martingale player, but pundits will always counter with “the chance that this will happen is slim.” Really? Let’s take a look.

You have about a 52 percent chance of losing a hand in blackjack (excluding ties). The chance that you will lose, say, 10 consecutive (resolved) hands is 0.145 percent, meaning you will average one sequence of 10 losing hands (excluding ties) in about every 692 sequences of 10 hands. That means this losing streak will occur about once in every seven hours of play (assuming you play 100 resolved hands per hour).

And of course you don’t know when that string of 10 consecutive losses will occur within the seven hours or whether it will occur at all). The math says that you have roughly a six percent chance of losing 10 in a row in the first hour, a 12 percent in the first two hours; and a significant 29 percent chance after only five hours. Sadly for Martingale bettors, a streak of 10 consecutive losses is not such a rare event after all.

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

than completely wipe out all the money that you will win in your more frequent winning sessions.

In the long run, your wins and losses will add up to the casino’s edge, and the amount of money that you will lose using the Martingale betting system will be close to the casino’s theoretical edge in the game, times the total amount of money that you wagered, the same as it is for every other player who plays blackjack (except card counters). In other words, mathematically speaking, you can’t, and you won’t, gain the advantage over the casino using a Martingale betting system.

Unfortunately, the Martingale betting system won’t give you an edge when you play blackjack.

However, simple entry level card counting systems will. For details read Chapter 10.5 of my “Ultimate Guide to Blackjack” at http:// blog.888casino.com/casino-guides/blackjack.

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.

“YOU HAVE ROUGHLY A SIX PERCENT CHANCE OF LOSING 10 IN A ROW IN THE FIRST HOUR.”

What about all those frequent winning sessions that Martingale players (and system sellers) always tout about this system? The fact is this: Although most players will walk away a small winner most of the time, the money you will lose in that one catastrophic losing session will more G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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PLAYER STRATEGY by

FRANK SCOBLETE

CRAPS: The Confessions of a Craps Player

I Frank Scoblete’s new books are “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 available at Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and bookstores.

“THAT IS ABOUT AS COMMUNAL AS A GAME CAN GET. A SHARED JOY, A SHARED SORROW, A SHARED ENEMY.”

am guessing that many craps articles open with some form of the following sentence: “Craps is the most exciting game in the casino.”

I know I’ve used something such as that opening many times. How can a gambling writer escape writing something such as that? After all, craps is the most exciting game in the casino! Nowhere else do you hear the cries of joy or moans of agony than you do at the craps tables.

There are a number of reasons craps is so exciting.

Yes, the game has a multitude of bets (but so does roulette); the game seems to be fast (but so is mini-baccarat); the game has truly dedicated players playing it (but so does blackjack); and big money can be made on hot rolls (but that is true or truer about slot machines).

I think a fundamental reason for craps’ popularity has to do with the generally communal nature of the game. Those betting with the shooter to make his point (which would be the overwhelming majority of the players) have that common interest burning in them. The shooter makes his point and that helps almost everyone at the table and that will be the reason for the communal cheering and high fives.

Most craps players will also have a number of other bets on the table as well. Many of these will be the same bets still other players have. They hit and the players on those numbers all shout and give each other more high fives.

You get the idea. The joint interests of the players create a commonality among them. That commonality creates a bond and when groups of people bond they – well – they get louder and louder for good or ill. The moans of joint losses can often be just as loud as the shouts of joint wins.

Of course, not all craps players follow the communal suit. There is a group known as “Darksiders” – also known as “Don’t” players – who forgo the commonality and root against the shooter making his point. Instead, they root for the seven during what’s called the “point cycle” of the game. The seven beats the shooter and all of those betting his point, but it wins for the Darksider.

Does that make the community of players cheering the shooter a happy bunch? If you have

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spent any amount of time at the craps tables, you will note that almost all Darkside players tend to be quiet, unobtrusive and will often try to be on the corners of the tables nearest the dealers.

Why is that?

The “Rightside” or “Do” players (those betting with the shooter) usually have a marked disdain and dislike of the Darksiders. Some Rightside players despise the Darksiders and they find great joy when a Darksider loses. Indeed, you will often see a double cheer when a number is hit that many Rightsiders are betting. That double cheer is for winning their bet and the Darksider losing his bet.

That is about as communal as a game can get.

A shared joy, a shared sorrow, a shared enemy.

I don’t deny you can sometimes hear a shout or two at blackjack. And sometimes if a slot player hits a big one you can hear that person’s screams.

But moment in and moment out, the craps tables are electric. Slot machines have many stagnant moments, some lasting for hours.

Now, for me, the communality of the game can actually cause problems. I’ve often thought of craps as a controlled riot where the rioters forget that what they are betting is real money, hard earned money at that. They get so caught up in the thrill of the game that they can often lose their discipline in the emotional electricity they are experiencing.

Losing your cool in a game where it is easy to lose your cool has to be understood for what it is – the game and your fellow players encourage that loss of discipline. I therefore recommend that craps players use a mundane type of betting – no impulse betting. Just make the same low-house wagers time and time again. Then such players can get caught up in the riot without getting clobbered time and time again.

As for you Darksiders, short of having a table for a whole bunch of you, your joy will most likely be singular. You probably won’t be high-fiving other players. You will probably not even want other players to know you are at the table.

I sympathize with you but—come on, shooter, make that point!

PLAYER STRATEGY

PLAYING THE PONIES: Much-About Post Position

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ny time a turf player opens up the Daily Racing Form to handicap a Thoroughbred race, they are bombarded with well, an inf inite amount of pertinent tidbits. From Beyer Speed Figures to pedigrees, the list goes on and on, yet that portion of data known as “post position(s)” (or which numeric gate said racers will break from) more often than not also factors into the decision making process.

Now, it is my experience that Thoroughbred handicappers put either too much or too little emphasis on that material matter known as “post position.” In truth, however, every punter keenly hones in on the starting gate’s lateral layout when it comes to the year’s most prestigious horse race.

See, 20 Thoroughbreds routinely contest the Kentucky Derby and at the random post position draw (which takes place the preceding Wednesday), there’s a reason why owners and trainers say a prayer that their entrant doesn’t get stuck down on the inside (in post positions #1, #2 or #3) or hung out wide (in post positions #18, #19 or #20). It all boils down to getting a good trip around the oval, and simple geometry states that the Derby Racer wearing saddle cloth #20 will automatically lose a ton of ground.

Conversely, the Derby Racer wearing saddle cloth #1 should (in theory) be able to save the most ground right? You’d think so. Unfortunately, they tend to get squashed up against the inside rail by a host of competitors who are eagerly angling inside in order to save ground themselves.

Before moving forward it is probably a good idea to expound on the terms “saving ground” and “losing ground.” Remember the old axiom, “The shortest distance between two points is a straight line”? Likewise, the shortest distance around any racetrack is atop that path which brushes the inner rail. Hence, a horse who “skims the wood” most of the way is said to have had a “groundsaving trip.” On the contrary, a horse legging it well “off the fence” compromises his chances by virtue of “losing ground.”

Understandably, someone new to the realm of Thoroughbred racing might innocently inquire, “How vital is it for a racer to save ground?”

Friends, here is a simple yet startling equation.

by

E R I C F LOY D

With regards to rounding turns, horses lose one length at the wire for every “path” they put between themselves and the rail. For instance, in a one turn race, if the horses breaking from post #1 and post #7 run at the exact same speed and maintain their course for the contest’s duration, the horse who broke from post #1 will ultimately win by six lengths!

Incidentally, if you’re partial to playing the races at Belmont Park (and really, who isn’t?), store this one particular fact in your memory bank. Whereas every other major American racetrack is one mile in circumference, Belmont Park is one and one half miles in circumference.

At day’s end, this unconventional dimension absolutely compromises the chances of those horses breaking from outside post positions in both five furlong (5/8th’s of a mile) and 10 furlong (1¼ mile) races. See, in a five-furlong race, the run to the turn is so short that those who draw outside invariably get hung wide. Moreover, 10-furlong races at Belmont Park actually start on the first turn! This irregular setup puts those drawn outside at a disadvantage from the get-go.

Now some may disagree, but I am of the opinion that post-position matters very little when betting a stone-cold closer. My reasoning is that no matter where they’re drawn, horses with the aforementioned running-style invariably take back, gravitate towards the rail in order to save ground, and then eventually make their run.

When referencing racers who like to be on or near the lead however, it’s a whole different story.

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

“NOW SOME MAY DISAGREE, BUT I AM OF THE OPINION THAT POSTPOSITION MATTERS VERY LITTLE WHEN BETTING A STONE-COLD CLOSER.”

Let’s say a stereotypical speedster draws post #12 in a 12-horse field. Spitfires facing this scenario (especially if there is some other speed in the race) must hustle away from the gate like mad and then proceed to cut across the entire field.

Otherwise, they will get hung wide and therefore lose precious ground. Remember that typically, this sort of early rush devitalizes a racer’s late kick, so invest those greenbacks accordingly!

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 by

PHIL HELLMUTH JR.

POKER: Suited Connector Strategy

S

uited connectors can be a very powerful

Here is a case where Daniel invested $2,600

Texas Hold ’em. It is also a hand that

connectors works like a charm!

hand to play, and win with, when playing can be dangerous. This suited-connector

theory is very advanced and could be dangerous

to your bankroll’s health. I call it “Huck Seed’s Theory,” but in fact, I have used it myself in days

past. Huck is a professional poker player who can 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.

play many different ways at different stages in a tournament or a side game. Be that as it may, he often plays this theory successfully, as does the talented Daniel Negreanu.

other players’ raises with

suited connectors such as

6d-7d or 8c-9c. These are

excellent drawing hands in NLH. Ideally, you would

want to call an opponent’s 4d-5d when he has another

yourself in a lot of untenable situations. What are you going to do when the flop comes down 2-3-8 and you have 8c-9c? You have flopped top pair, which is fairly powerful, but what happened when your opponent had J-J in the hole? Answer: you may lose a lot of chips! In fact, if you’re not careful, you may lose all of your chips in this situation.

$10,000 to $20,000. So, the

idea is to call a small bet from your opponent and

“THE IDEA IS TO CALL A SMALL BET FROM YOUR OPPONENT AND WIN A LARGE STACK WHEN YOUR HAND HITS.”

win a large stack when your hand hits.

Here is an actual hand I saw between Daniel Negreanu and two-time world champion Johnny

Chan at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City in the $7,500 buy-in championship event in 1999. With the blinds at $400-$800 and more than $12,000

in front of him, Johnny opened the pot at $2,600 with A-K. Daniel called with 7s-9s and the flop came Ad-7d-7c giving Daniel trip sevens! Johnny

bet out small with $2,000 and Daniel made a

small $3,000 raise. After studying things for a while, Johnny moved all-in and Daniel quickly said, “I call.” Daniel wound up busting Johnny

out on this hand. Johnny, shocked, said to me a

few minutes later, “Can you believe this kid?”

26

The downside to playing like this is that you put

The theory involves calling

$400 bet with a hand like

“PLAYING SUITED CONNECTORS REQUIRES AN EXCELLENT READ ON YOUR OPPONENTS.”

to win more than $12,000 if he hit. The suited

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

You can thus expect to have some severe chips swings when you play poker like this.

When I watched Daniel use this approach in the world championship event in 2001, his chips were up to $450,000 (and had the chip lead) and then down to $70,000 and then up to $700,000 (and the chip lead again!) and then down to $170,000! Up and down, up and down is how it went with Daniel at this WSOP. He is a great NLH player, but these kinds of swings just can’t be good.

Let’s return to the hand above for a moment.

Why was Johnny shocked by Daniel’s play in this hand? Because Daniel risked almost 20 percent of his own chips before the flop with 7s-9s. This was just too high of a percentage of his chips to risk with his hand. If you want to play this way, try not to risk more than seven percent of your chips before the flop with these suited connector hands.

Playing suited connectors requires an excellent read on your opponents so that you don’t get yourself into trouble when you hit some of these hands halfway. Before you try this approach, make sure you are reading your opponents almost perfectly. I would never recommend this theory to a novice or intermediate-level player!

GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

|

13

The Links at Rising Star Casino Resort

GAMING & GOLF: A

T OP CA S I NO C OU R SE S OF T H E M I DW E S T

mericans love golf. Nearly 30 million of us say we play, making it a $70 billion industry. Trends show the game continues to pick up new players of all ages and skill levels, even the allusive Millennials, who now account for about 20 percent of those stepping up to the tee.

Casinos have smartly recognized the excitement of this growing industry and invested heavily to capitalize on it. They have spent millions for the best course designs and layouts, manicured to the likes of Augusta National. They hire the biggest names in course design, including Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and more, all to help casino players view their casino as a resort destination and to turn what would otherwise be a quick day trip into a mini vacation.

Every year, we like to review some the latest and greatest casino courses.

Whether you are looking for a group

28

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

outing or a relaxing round with your spouse, we hope you will find our 2016 Golf Guide up to par!

INDIANA We’ll start in Indiana where you’ll find enough great courses to fill a great golf getaway. With several properties spread along the Ohio River, the ability to “course” hop on a three- or four-day golf trip is a great option.

One of our favorite courses on this trek is The Links at Rising Star Casino Resort, located between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky. Serving as Indiana’s only links-style course, the fairways always seem to be in great shape and offer challenges throughout the round.

“The course features gently rolling bent grass fairways and greens nestled among traditional long waste bunkers, winding lakes and heather rough,” says head pro JP Okuda. “Many holes boast panoramic views of the Ohio River Valley, so golfers

are treated to a picturesque round on the course.”

With a slope of 131 and rating at 73.5, this par-71, 6,406-yard layout offers more than meets the eye, and with greens fees under $65, it’s a bargain. Also, be sure to check out the special coupon for 50% off green fees in the directory on page 33!

“My favorite holes are probably numbers three and eighteen,” adds Okuda. “Number three is a par five, 541-yard monster that features a great risk and reward on your second shot. With all approaches to the green guarded by lakes and sand traps, a good tee shot gives you an advantage reaching this hole in two. I also like 18 because it is an awesome finishing hole.

The 414-yard par-four usually plays into the wind requiring your approach shot to be at least one club longer to account for it.”

After the round, the resort offers a great steakhouse at Wellington’s, where you can enjoy a cocktail and post-round

celebratory surf and turf and other traditional steakhouse favorites.

Next, we venture just a few miles down the road to another Indiana gem, the Tom Fazio Course at Belterra Casino Resort. The course at Belterra features a rolling design with an abundance of well-manicured holes, each with its own unique characteristics.

With what started as mainly flat farmland, Fazio implemented several course features, including lakes and elevation changes that allows for nice separation between holes, and other players on the course.

“We take great pride in the layout and the pristine conditions we work hard to maintain. In addition, guests will find unprecedented customer service from their arrival to after the round,” says Ty Robinett, director of golf for the casino.

“In addition, the amenities around the property that guests can enjoy before and after the round provide a great resort-style setting.”

Offering nearly 7,000 yards from the tournament tees, and a 73.3 rating and 136 slope, you can bet this course will give you everything you can handle.

“My favorite hole is the par-five, 522yard 18,” adds Robinett. “With a fairway sprawling around a lake running down the right side of the fairway to a green protected by bunkers in front and on the left, and water on the right, the decision to go for it or lay-up is cautiously made.”

Robinett also considers hole five to among the toughest holes in the tri-state region.

The staff at the course is fabulous, offering refreshing ice-soaked towels when you complete your round and a relaxing 19th hole overlooking the pool, offering a great place to grab a snack and cocktail to recap your round. Greens fees range from $55 to $90, which seems to be priced right for this gorgeous track.

Another Indiana course you can’t pass up is the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind. With greens fees set to trump most prestigious private courses at a staggering $300 per round, this course is one of Pete Dye’s finest masterpieces in his magnificent library of

Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino

layouts. Originally sketched on a napkin, the course sprawls over one 8,100 yards of Indiana’s highest elevation points and features narrow fairways, three man-made lakes and “volcano” bunkers players should avoid at all costs! The course hosted the Senior PGA Championship in 2015 and was designed to challenge the highest skilled players with a course rating of 80.

So, be sure to test your skills and treat yourself to a round here. In addition, there is also a second course owned by French Lick designed by the famed Donald Ross, that also consistently ranks high among top public courses in the country.

After the round, you will find the Historic French Lick Resort showcases many first-class amenities including multiple dining options, a full-service spa and other luxuries.

MICHIGAN Our next stop on our Midwest casino golf course tour is located in the township of Harris, Michigan, boasting a population of less than 2,000. This area has a lot of great reasons to visit including Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino.

The recipient of many awards from national media outlets, including Top Course in Michigan by GOLF Magazine, you won’t want to leave this course off of this season’s bucket list. Always in great shape, and playing over 7,200-yards from the tips, you will get all you want from this challenging layout. “Sweetgrass has some really great holes with each possessing its own distinct look and feel.” Commented

Director of Golf, Dave Douglas. “The holes are named to pay homage to our Native American history and each has a story behind the naming.” Hole 5 is named “The Serpent and the Flood”, hole 14 “Snowbird Legend” and 15 is “Turtle” just to name a few. “I would have to say my favorite hole is the par 4 17th.”

Added Douglas. “The two sets of tees offer completely different appearances depending on where the markers are set for the day. It may not be long but it’s far from easy because of the many fairway bunkers. If you want a good chance for a birdie or par, the hole requires an approach shot from the right side of the fairway.”

The course is offerings great stay and play packages starting at around $200, so be sure to check it out when you make your tee-times.

Next we venture to Grand Traverse Golf Club at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel located two hours north of Grand Rapids. The golf club is located just a few miles from the casino and consists of three courses making for a perfect multiple day golf getaway. The Bear, The Wolverine and Spruce Run courses. The Bear course was designed by legendary Jack Nicklaus and features Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy roughs, moguls and mounds, and deep pot bunkers.

With rolling land, trees, lakes, streams, fruit orchards, and a variety of wildlife, you have a mixture of different elements people see in different places, but rarely on one course. The Wolverine Course is a Gary Player signature design and G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

29

Mount Frontenac Golf Club at Treasure Island Resort & Casino

takes full advantage of the resort’s diverse environment. Each nine is distinctive with the front nine constructed on lowland terrain with water and wetlands and the back nine located on highland terrain with hardwoods, rolling hills and views of East Grand Traverse Bay. Lastly, Spruce Run, the resort’s original course, was named after the numerous spruce and fir trees that line its fairways and greens and is more forgiving than the other two courses.

The layout winds among rolling hills that surround the Hotel and overlook Grand Traverse Bay. The resort offers several packages to accommodate golf groups of any size so be sure to check them out!

MINNESOTA Minnesota has some of the best casino properties in the Midwest and several are on our ‘Preferred Property’ list. There are four located within an hour and a half from great city of Minneapolis alone that will fill all of your gambling and relaxing needs, and when it comes to golf, they have that covered too. These properties are just far enough away from the city to make residents feel like you’re going on a mini-vacation, yet close enough to make it a great one-day getaway, and tourists and easy addition to their itinerary.

We start off in Welch, Minnesota at Mount Frontenac Golf Course at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Located just 60 miles Southeast of Minneapolis, the property offers a full-range of resort amenities including the brand new Lagoon at Treasure Island. The new area features 30

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

an indoor oasis with a lazy river, in-pool bar and more. But, when it comes to golf, Mount Frontenac is the perfect fit for the casual golfer looking for an easy round and it can put the more skilled players to the test as well. “Mount Frontenac offers golfers of all ability levels the chance to play an unforgettable round of golf.” Commented head pro Dan Diggins. “From our scenic vistas to our first class service we promise guests a golfing experience they won’t forget. The course sits on top of the bluffs along the Mississippi River Valley offering some really stunning views.” The facility also has a full service pro shop, banquet facilities for groups of up to 225 and a full service bar and grill. “My favorite hole is number 7 because when you reach the green, I promise you will never forget the million dollar view that awaits you.”added Diggins. Midwest Gaming Reader’s Discount: Midwest Gaming Readers can enjoy 18 Holes of Golf with Cart & Lunch for only $29.00 per person if they present this article when they check in for their tee time.

A not her top cou rse located nea r Minneapolis is The Meadows at Mystic Lake Casino. Surrounded by 11 acres of wildflowers and prairie plants, The Meadows at Mystic Lake features pristine bent grass fairways, tees, and greens.

A 2,500-foot stream flows through the course and five waterfalls can be seen and heard throughout. With 80 bunkers, 13 holes incorporating water, and 20 fountains create a golf experience that all golfers, expert or beginner, will enjoy.

If you are on the North side of Minneapolis, be sure to check out Grand National Golf Club at Grand Casino Hinckley. This is the gateway to cabin country where the prairie meets the pines and the combination of a pristine conditions and scenic vies everywhere, you don’t want to miss out.

The championship layout sits upon 200 acres of varying landscape, including rolling hills, wide bent grass fairways, ponds, creeks and marshes surrounded by native prairie grass to make every round challenging, but fun. It is a treat to play, and at a great rate too.

IOWA Iowa has several great casinos ranging from Sioux City to Iowa city. Our first Iowa stop is Riverside Casino & Golf Resort located in Riverside, approximately twenty minutes South of Iowa City. Designed by the famed Rees Jones, this course offers an astounding layout and has won several awards from world-wide media outlets.

Stretching over 7,400-yards, players will enjoy expansive views overlooking two rivers, man-made lakes and a diverse terrain. The resort offers an array of stay and play packages to fit just about any group size and the accommodations and resort amenities are abundant. The rating is 77.6 so if you are coming to beat your personal best score ever, you need to bring you’re A+ game!

MIDWEST CASINO GOLF GUIDE INDIANA

MICHIGAN

The Meadows at Mystic Lake Casino

The Links at Rising Star Casino & Resort (Rising Star, IN)

Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino

1-952-233-5533

1-800-472-6311

1-906-723-2251

RisingStarCasino.com/Golf

Sweetgrassgolfclub.com

Par: 71 Yards: 6,406

Par: 72 Yards: 7,275

Slope/Rating: 131/73.5

Slope/Rating: 71.3/134

Cost to Play: $55-$62 Southern Gaming Reader’s Discount: Save 50% off green fees for up to FOUR golfers thru May 26. Valid Monday thru Thursdays only. To redeem offer, mention code SGRL or show this article in the pro shop.

Cost to play: $45 to $80

Tom Fazio Course at Belterra Casino Resort (Vevay, IN)

The Bear: Par: 72 Yards: 7,078

1-800-594-5833 BelterraCasino.com Par: 71 Yards: 7,000 Slope/Rating: 136/73.3 Cost to Play: $95-$110 (Senior weekday $55)

Grand Traverse Golf Club at Turtle Creek Casino 1-231-534-6000 GrandTraverseResort.com/golf

Slope/Rating: 76.3/148 Cost to play: $60-$85 The Wolverine: Par: 72 Yards: 7,043 Slope/Rating: 71.1/138

Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort 1-812-936-5558 French Lick Par: 72 Yards: 8,002 Slope/Rating: 148/80 Cost to Play: $350 Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort 1-812-936-5523 FrenchLick.com Par: 70 Yards: 7,030 Slope/Rating: 135/74.7 Cost to Play: $120

Cost to play: $60-85 Spruce Run:

GolftheMeadows.com Par: 72 Yards: 7,144 Slope/Rating: 74.6/146 Cost to play: $65-$90 Grand National Golf Club at Grand Casino Hinckley 1-320-384-7427 grandnationalgolf.com Par: 72 Yards: 6,843 Slope/Rating: 73/131 Midweek & Weekend Rates: $55 IOWA Riverside Casino & Golf Resort (Riverside, IA) (20 minutes South of Iowa City) 1-319-648-0044 BlueTopRidge.com Par: 72 Yards: 7,432 Slope/Rating: 146/77.6 Cost to Play: $75-$85

Par: 70 Yards: 6,304 Slope/Rating: 71.1/134 Cost to play: $60-$85

The Falls at Grand Falls Casino & Golf – Larchwood, IA (95 miles North of Sioux City)

MINNESOTA

1-877-511-4386

Mount Frontenac Golf Course at Treasure Island Resort & Casino - Welch, MN

Par: 72 Yards: 7,119

(60 miles Southeast of Minneapolis) 1-800-488-5826 MountFrontenac.com

GrandFallsResort.com Slope/Rating: 139/75.2 Cost to Play: $55-$65

Par: 71 Yards: 6,226 Slope/Rating: 69.9/122 Cost to play: Mid-Week $45; Weekend $47 G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

31

SWEETGRASS GOLF CLUB: “PERFECT FOURSOME PACKAGE” (HARRIS, Michigan) – The award-

rounds of golf at Sweetgrass as well as

Resort & Casino has announced they

Courses, all three ranked by Golfweek as top-15 courses in Michigan.

Foursome” Package again for the 2016

There ae also other package combinations as short as one-night stay with one round of golf or stay a little longer with a fournight stay with three rounds of golf! You can’t go wrong at Sweetgrass that was also named a top course in the state by GOLF Magazine and annually hosts a Symetra Tour “Road to the LPGA” event – the Island Resort Championship.

winning Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island

are offering their popular “Perfect golf season. The premium golf escape,

located in the scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is 75 minutes north of Green

Bay, Wisconsin. Sweetgrass continues to impress both golfers and gamers alike with a challenging, well-manicured

course, paired with a premium resort-style gaming experience.

The stay-and-play package starts at $230 per person and includes a two-night stay,

nearby TimberStone and Greywalls Golf

For more information and to book tee-times, visit SweetGrassGolfClub.com or call 877-ISL-GREEN

33 17

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

MIDWEST

CASINO DIRECTORY

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

WEBSITE

PHONE NUMBER

AMERISTAR.COM/EAST-CHICAGO

TROPICANA EVANSVILLE

*CC PARTNER

TABLES

MACHINES

855-888-7289

41

1,953

TROPEVANSVILLE.COM

800-342-5386

40

1,000

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA

BELTERRACASINO.COM

800-472-6311

•

40

1,600

HORSESHOE CASINO HOTEL

CAESARS.COM/HORSESHOE-SOUTHERN-INDIANA

812-369-6000

•

140

1,750

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

812-438-1234

30

1,400

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL, COUNCIL BLUFFS

AMERISTAR.COM/COUNCIL-BLUFFS

712-328-8888

22

1,584

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

877-677-3456

32

1,150

MYSTIQUE CASINO, DUBUQUE

MYSTIQUEDBQ.COM

563-582-3647

22

1,000

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, SIOUX CITY

HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

712-226-7600

25

839

SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

888-732-4537

79

4,200

MGM GRAND DETROIT

MGMGRANDDETROIT.COM

877-888-2121

98

4,000

ILLINOIS AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL EAST CHICAGO

INDIANA

IOWA

•

MICHIGAN

MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL

MOTORCITYCASINO.COM

866-782-9622

59

2,900

FIREKEEPERS, BATTLE CREEK

FIREKEEPERSCASINO.COM

877-352-8777

84

2,900

ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO, HARRIS

ISLANDRESORTANDCASINO.COM

800-682-6040

15

1,200

MINNESOTA MYSTIC LAKE CASINO, PRIOR LAKE

MYSTICLAKE.COM

952-445-9000

76

3,883

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

TICASINO.COM

888-867-7829

41

2,219

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-472-6321

44

450

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-626-5825

30

2,300

AMERISTAR 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

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, TULSA

HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM

800-760-6700

40

2,600

WINSTAR CASINO & RESORT

WINSTARWORLDCASINO.COM

580-276-4229

97

7,400

10

634

MISSOURI

OKLAHOMA

WISCONSIN

34

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

517

96 50

1,832 1,200

HO-CHUNK GAMING, NEKOOSA

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/NEKOOSA

800-782-4560

50

650

MENOMINEE CASINO RESORT, KESHENA

MENOMINEECASINORESORT.COM

800-343-7778

11

100

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO

PAYSBIG.COM

800-729-7244

100

3,000

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

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

# OF ROOMS

ENT. VENUE

288

•

GOLF

SPA

POOL

243 689

•

•

•

•

•

•

• •

• •

606 294

160 201 116 54

517 400

• • • • •

• •

•

•

• •

• •

•

• •

243 275

•

•

•

•

586

• •

• •

• •

•

• •

•

•

• •

•

•

496 967 967

184 294 200

• • •

1,500

• •

140

•

302

• •

103

•

391

•

454

The Barefoot Bar at The Lagoon & Wave Spa at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. (Red Wing, MN)

• • • •

• •

400

FPO

Crab cakes with lemon chive aioli from Mystic Lake Casino Steakhouse. (Prior Lake, MN)

Ignite Sushi Bar & lounge at MGM Detroit.

• •

•

• •

• •

•

• The casino floor at Ho-Chunk Gaming.

(Black River Falls, WI) G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

35

FUTURE ODDS FIND YOUR SPOT AND MAKE YOUR BETS

For the latest sports odds, updated every 5 minutes, visit GamingandDestinations.com 2016 KENTUCKY DERBY – MAY 7, 2016 CHURCHILL DOWNS (LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY)

Horse KY Derby KY Derby Wynn Wynn

Future Pool 2 Future Pool 1 Las Vegas Las Vegas

(Feb. 2016) (Nov. 2015) Current Odds Open (Sept. 2015)

2016 MASTERS – APRIL 7-10, 2016

AUGUSTA GOLF CLUB (AUGUSTA, GEORGIA)

Player

March 2016 January 2016

Jordan Spieth 6/1 8/1 Rory McIlroy 7/1 8/1 Jason Day 8/1 8/1 All other 3 yr. Olds 5/2 3/5 Bubba Watson 12/1 18/1 Mohaymen 4/1 11/1 14/1 100/1 Dustin Johnson 20/1 18/1 Nyquist 7/1 9/1 15/1 35/1 Rickie Fowler 15/1 25/1 Mor Spirit 12/1 31/1 14/1 200/1 Justin Rose 28/1 25/1 Airoforce 16/1 18/1 25/1 125/1 Phil Mickelson 20/1 35/1 Exaggerator 22/1 25/1 25/1 40/1 Brandt Snedeker 28/1 N/A Greenpointcrusader 31/1 28/1 35/1 60/1 Henrik Stenson 33/1 35/1 Brody’s Cause 15/1 21/1 22/1 150/1 Patrick Reed 33/1 N/A Shagaf 31/1 All others 35/1 125/1 Brooks Koepka 33/1 45/1 Awesome Banner 53/1 All others N/A N/A Adam Scott 35/1 35/1 Collected 50/1 All others N/A N/A Hideki Matsuyama 35/1 45/1 Danzig Candy 28/1 All others N/A N/A All others 40/1 or higher. **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com Smokey Image 19/1 All others N/A N/A Zulu 24/1 All others N/A N/A 2016 WORLD SERIES – OCTOBER 2016 Mo Tom 28/1 All others 150/1 150/1 (SEVEN GAME SERIES) Team March 2016 January 2016 *Top horses listed above. **Odds courtesy of Churchill Downs future pool 1, pool 2 and Wynn Las Vegas

Chicago Cubs 7/1 10/1 Boston Red Sox 8/1 18/1 2016 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP - JUNE 2, 2016 San Francisco Giants 10/1 20/1 (SEVEN GAME SERIES) Houston Astros 12/1 12/1 Team March 2016 January 2016 New York Mets 14/1 10/1 Golden State Warriors 4/5 5/1 Washington Nationals 15/1 10/1 Cleveland Cavaliers 3/1 3/1 Texas Rangers 15/1 12/1 New York Yankees 16/1 16/1 San Antonio Spurs 3/1 3/1 Los Angeles Dodgers 16/1 8/1 Oklahoma Thunder 12/1 8/1 Toronto Blue Jays 18/1 10/1 Los Angeles Clippers 30/1 10/1 St. Louis Cardinals 18/1 12/1 Chicago Bulls 40/1 20/1 Pittsburgh Pirates 18/1 12/1 Toronto Raptors 40/1 30/1 *All others 65/1 or higher.

**Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

*All others 25/1 or higher.

**Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

For the latest sports odds, updated every 5 minutes, visit GamingandDestinations.com 36

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

The Caribbean LIKE NORWEGIAN. NOBODY DOES ______________ NEW |

Year-round sailings from Miami on Norwegian Getaway and our newest ship, Norwegian Escape, launching this month

NEW |

Harvest Caye, our newest ecoparadise off the coast of Belize, opening February 2016

NEW |

7-Day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral on Norwegian Epic beginning October 2016

BEST |

Named “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” Three years in a row by World Travel Awards

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 877.PLAY.NCL (752.9625) OR VISIT WWW.NCL.COM

CARIBBEAN’S LEADING CRUISE LINE 2015 Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line

(3 YEARS IN A ROW) World Travel Awards

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BEST NEW SHIP NORWEGIAN GETAWAY

Bon Voyage Editor’s Choice Awards

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