Midwest Gaming and Destinations - November 2020 by Gaming and Destinations

CASINO DIRECTORY: OUR PREFERRED PROPERTIES AND ATTRACTIONS PAGE 22 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 VOL. 22 ISSUE 6 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

SLOT SPOTLIGHT: ALL ABOARD ARRIVES AT CASINOS PAGE 19

HORSE OF THE ISSUE:

BARBARO PAGE 20

LIBERACE: THE GREAT SHOWMAN OF SIN CITY PAGE 4 PLUS: TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • VIDEO POKER & MORE!

Covering Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and the entire Midwest!

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LETTER

from the Publisher Gaming Media Group

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

Incorporated

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc.

Gaming Media Group

PRESIDENT

Incorporated

G. Douglas Dreisbach FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Larry Bisig LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Just in time for the holidays, we are excited to bring you another issue loaded with great gambling advice and interesting articles. We hope you take advantage of the information and strategies our writers share with you. They are some of the best in the business and following their advice will help you win more, and lose less, in the long run. We are also excited to feature one of the greatest showmen of all time on the cover, Liberace. The man who once told Elvis Presley that he needed more glitz and glamour to make it in show business paved the way for today’s entertainers of Sin City. He was the pioneer of the longstanding residence shows that we see today and broke barriers when it came to the amount the performers were getting paid. Be sure to check out our spotlight on him on page 4 and find out why he was so inspirational and influential for the entertainment industry as we know it today. Also in this issue, we highlight the exciting world of betting football and the best web-sites and apps to place your wagers. Whether it is a parlay, teaser or straight money line wager, we have you covered on the basics of betting and you will be off and running in no time. We also dive into what to look for in a wagering platform and what incentives and sign-up bonuses are there for you to take advantage of. With more and more states legalizing online sports wagering, be sure to be informed and ready so you can cash in on the action!

Hill Harcourt CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Linda Boyd James Corporon Eric Floyd John Grochowski Terry Parrett Frank Scoblete Steve Simmons GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

136 St. Matthews Ave. #300 Louisville, KY 40207

(502) 212-5177 e-mail: editor@gaminganddestinations.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the ever-growing popularity of the gaming industry

and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest.

Lastly, as we enter the holiday season, we can only wonder what the next few months holds for us. Due to the twists and turns of COVID-19, the traditions we have celebrated over the years, and possibly for generations, are likely to be altered and possibly eliminated completely. Whether it is going to a holiday performance with your family or heading off on a casino getaway with friends, there is a good chance there will be limitations on what you can do and adjustments will need to be made. In my opinion, this virus is not going anywhere anytime soon but the way we are treating it is showing that far less people are going to the hospitals or dying from it, and that is good news! While there are still serious situations for some who get it, the heavy majority are treated and back to normal in less than two weeks. So, be smart about it, but go live your life. Go back to your favorite casino. Go to your favorite restaurant. Meet your friend for a beer. Our country needs us right now and businesses are anxiously waiting for your return.

Gaming and Destinations is published

We hope to see you on the casino floor soon, but until then, if you can’t be good, be lucky!

does Gaming and Destinations assume

for those who seek the best in gaming

and in life, and is produced bimonthly by Gaming Media Group Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright

2019 by Gaming Media Group Inc.

Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.

Opinions of columnists are those of the authors and do not necessarily

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Send address changes

to Gaming and Destinations, 136 St. Matthews Ave. #300

G. Douglas Dreisbach

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On the cover: Liberace was one of

the most influential icons of Sin City and a pioneer in the entertainment

industry. (Photo courtesy of Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo)

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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER

Liberace: The Great Showman of Sin City A look at one of the greatest performers in Las Vegas History.

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS: Â

Sports Strategy:

Betting Football and Online Opportunities

19 Slot Spotlight:

16 Blackjack:

All Aboard by Konami Gaming

20 Horse of the Issue:

Playing 16 vs.10

Barbaro

17 Craps:

Q & A with Frank Scoblete

The Kentucky Derby winner was one of the best.

18 Video Poker vs. Table Poker 22 Casino Directory:

Our preferred properties and attractions.

C omparing Strategy and Play

24 Sports Wagering:

Find the future odds on major sporting events.

20 19

Find us on Facebook

@SouthernGaming

@MidwestCasinos G GA AM MIIN NG GA AN ND DD DE ES STTIIN NAT ATIIO ON NS S..C CO OM M ||

Liberace’s home was glamorously decorated and had a piano shaped swimming pool. (Photo courtesy of Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo)

LIBERACE: T H E G R E AT S H O W M A N O F S I N C I T Y by

TE R RY PA R R E T T

“See, Johnny, we figure that entertainment

thought that anything that would keep

the casino. And we hope you’ll sign a contract

on profits. It wasn’t until the early 1950s

will be a big factor in drawing gamblers to

to appear five times a year. Perhaps convince

some of your friends in movies to do the same.

We’re counting on you…” Michael Corleone to Johnny Fontane, “The Godfather”.

players off the casino floor was a drag when casinos realized that offering

headline entertainment would be a terrific way to bring in guests who might not

be inclined to frequent a casino. It was

single name, Liberace. Liberace, also known as “Lee” to his friends, and “Walter” to his family,

was born in 1919. By the age of 4, he

had already begun to demonstrate an

unmistakable gift for the piano. Happily, young Walter had been born to parents

While Las Vegas and entertainment may

hoped that these guests, once in the door,

the case. From the legalization of casino

and a new gambler would be born. Of

father Salvatore (also known as Sam)

1950s, entertainment was treated by the

stage, perhaps no one transformed the

find paying gigs, and his mother Frances

a reason for visiting. Casino managers

more than “Mr. Showmanship”, Wladziu

marrying. Unfortunately, challenging

who were also talented musically- his

be inseparable today, this wasn’t always

would end up out on the gaming floor,

gambling in 1931, through the early

all the entertainers who graced a Vegas

played the French Horn when he could

casinos as more of an afterthought than

entire concept of Las Vegas entertainment

had been a concert pianist prior to

Valentino Liberace, known better by a

financial times didn’t allow the family

with an eye on the bottom line initially 4

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to provide their young prodigy with

The 1940s were at times challenging for

Maxine Lewis, entertainment director of

Nonetheless, Sam encouraged his

young artist, but they were instrumental

offered him a job for $750 a week. After

piano lessons, or even a record player. son to practice, taking the family to

concerts when he could. By the age of

seven, Liberace was studying the work

of legendary Polish pianist Paderewski,

Liberace, as they were for any struggling in developing his unique onstage

persona. At the time, Lee was having

difficulty choosing between a career as a

classical pianist as opposed to a nightclub

and by eight, he was inspired by meeting

entertainer. His mother Florence

Milwaukee. This proved to be a seminal

classics, then give them something

words, “I began to practice with a fervor

in Wisconsin, Liberace asked the audience

look like neglect.”

like to hear as an encore. Someone in the

Even at this young age, Liberace’s talent

popular novelty song at the time. Liberace

his idol backstage after a concert in

suggested a middle ground- “Play some

moment in Liberace’s life, and in his own

popular.” A few years earlier, at a concert

that made my previous interest in piano

at a classical concert what they would

was undeniable, and he was introduced

to Florence Bettray-Kelly, who became

his tutor. Bettray-Kelly was able to secure

crowd yelled out “Three Little Fishies”, a obliged by playing the song in the style

of several classical composers including Johann Strauss and Franz Liszt. The

audience loved it, and this experience,

As the 1950s introduced television into

the homes of American families, fledgling networks looked around for content

to offer their audiences. As Liberace’s

fame and popularity grew through his live appearances at resorts and casinos in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, as well

as concert halls around the country, he

began appearing as a guest on popular TV variety shows. Soon after, he was offered his own nationally televised show. “The Liberace Show” first aired in 1951, and

of the decade, Liberace honed his act in

was surprisingly simple compared to the

how to please crowds with not only his

in later years. Dressed in a black tuxedo,

wit, his voice, and his appearance.

of some classical music and some of the

Since his high school days, Lee had been a

the audience at home, telling stories about

night clubs across the country, learning

stage spectacles associated with Liberace

exceptional musical ability, but with his

he would play a few songs, generally a mix

colorful pocket square. While performing as intermission pianist for a headliner

named “Hildegarde”, she advised him that he needed a “gimmick”. Liberace recalled

education in spite of the hard-economic

in several scenes in the Chopin biopic

At 10 years of age, Liberace performed

out to an antique store to find such a

Wisconsin Theater. During the 1930s,

received mentioned the item, and along

College of Music, ensuring his musical

a candelabra that had been prominent

times brought on by the Great Depression.

“A Song to Remember”, and he rushed

his first professional paying gig, at the

piece. After that, nearly every review he with his ever-flashier outfits, it became his trademark.

at the time and by 1940, when it was clear

By this time, Liberace was attracting

cards for Lee, he headed to New York.

entertainment industry insiders, and

that a career in show business was in the

affair between Las Vegas and Liberace.

“I Love Lucy” and “Dragnet”. The show

Liberace a scholarship to the Wisconsin

financially, despite still being in his teens

This engagement began the lifelong love

Liberace’s career trajectory. For the rest

with a personal touch like a top hat or

Liberace was able to help out his family

and extended his run by six extra weeks.

within a year, it had more viewers than

time usually consisted of a tux and tails,

(Photo courtesy of Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo)

the first week, Lewis doubled his salary

combined with Florence’s advice, molded

natty dresser, and his onstage outfit at the

Liberace’s trademark candelabra appears on his piano during performances.

the Last Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas who

attention on a national scale from

popular songs of the day, and chat with

his life or childhood, sometimes relating some relevant information about the

music he was playing. Liberace’s brother, George, would occasionally accompany him on the violin. Prior to the show,

Liberace was making around $50,000

annually; once the show was a success, his

income skyrocketed into the millions. The

combination of his talent, self-deprecating humor, and dazzling costumes endeared him to viewers around the country. His popularity grew to the point where he was even lampooned in a classic Bugs

Bunny cartoon, “Hyde or Hare”, where

in one scene, Bugs sits at a piano, places a candelabra on it, and in a familiar voice, intones “I wish my brother George was here.”

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

In 1956, Liberace made history by

becoming the highest-paid entertainer in

Las Vegas history, signing a deal with the Riviera for an eye-popping $50,000 per

week. Many consider this to be the first Las Vegas residency, preceding similar

arrangements by stars like Celine Dion and Elton John by nearly 50 years. His

show at the Riviera featured ten costume changes during the 80-minute show,

another “first” that would be imitated by other performers through the years. An

interesting bit of Las Vegas trivia- when Liberace signed with the Riviera, his

former Las Vegas employers at the Last Frontier decided they needed to shake things up in light of the formidable

competition, so they changed their name to The New Frontier, and hired an up-

and-coming singer as their new headliner. That performer’s name? Elvis Presley. At

the time, Elvis wasn’t quite as glitzy as he

turned out to be and only lasted three days at the New Frontier. Liberace went to one of his shows and famously told him, “You need more glitz in your act, kid.” Elvis

didn’t return to the Strip until 1969, when

he took that advice and bumped Liberace’s residency to the #2 slot, until 1977 when Lee broke Elvis’s record again.

During Liberace’s tenure at the Riviera he incorporated many on-stage and off-stage innovations that have become an integral

part of not only Las Vegas entertainment, but American culture at large. Liberace’s

love of jewelry and onstage costumes can

be seen today in what we now call “bling”. Prior to Liberace’s performance, classical and popular music lived in separate

worlds, performed for totally different

audiences. Liberace proved that there was an audience for both, even during the

same performance. Liberace loved to share his home life with his fans, taking them

on virtual tours of his six homes, a concept which would eventually lead to “Lifestyles 6

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Liberace made history by becoming the highest-paid entertainer in Las Vegas history. (Photo courtesy of Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo)

of the Rich and Famous”, and even “MTV Cribs”.

While Liberace’s television show

By 2010, changing economic conditions

forced a change in the operation, and the Liberace Foundation began branding a

eventually faded, his popularity in Las

travelling museum collection of Liberace

Liberace tried to outdo himself, adding

the world. Liberace fans can still visit

elaborate onstage antics. Liberace was the

exhibit in Las Vegas, which was ranked

Vegas stage, and by the mid-1980s, he was

Advisor.

Vegas continued to grow. Year after year,

artifacts which have been seen around

more outrageous costumes and more

the Liberace Garage as well as a touring

first to bring an automobile onto a Las

as the #1 rated museum in town by Trip

earning $300,000 a week. He continued touring into his final years, and his last

tour which concluded at Radio City Music Hall and grossed $2.5 million.

As his fortune grew, Liberace took delight in amassing a collection of luxury homes

and automobiles. In 1976, he created “The Liberace Foundation for the Creative

and Performing Arts”, which provided scholarships and grants to promising

While Liberace himself may no longer be with us, his spirit and influence can

be seen and felt all over Las Vegas. From the elegance of the Bellagio Fountains, to the glitz and flashy costumes at

revue shows, to the concept of the artist

residency, all of these can be traced back to Liberace. His sense of showmanship

influenced performers from Elvis Presley-

young artists. In 1979, he opened “The

whose tenure at The New Frontier was

visitors to see some of his many pianos,

tips about costuming and showmanship,

became Nevada’s third most-popular

Little Richard, James Brown, Freddie

Dam and the Vegas Strip itself. After

More than possibly any other performer,

Liberace Museum”, which allowed

floundering until Liberace gave him some

cars, costumes, and jewelry. It quickly

as well as his first gold lame jacket- to

tourist attraction, outdone only by Hoover

Mercury, and most notably, Elton John.

Liberace’s untimely death in 1987, many

more of his personal items were added to

the collection, and the museum eventually tripled in size.

Liberace was responsible for transforming Las Vegas from a dusty gambling town in

the desert into the “Entertainment Capital of the World”.

Y O U ’ V E A R R I V E D.

Ameristar Casino offers an exciting & clean place to play along with stunning views of the Mississippi River and bridges. Our restaurants offer delicious southern dishes for both dine-in or take-out, and you can rest in luxury on the banks of the Mississippi at the Ameristar Hotel. In the casino, play the way you want with almost 800 socially distanced slots, and all of your favorite table games. Or, for the ultimate sports betting experience, spend some time at The End Zone, a full-service sportsbook with 17 convenient betting kiosks, a spectacular viewing area with the largest HD screens around, and an expansive sports bar with lots of brews on tap! WE’LL SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET HERE!

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

An estimated $95 billion is wagered on football each season. (Photo Credit: MPH Photos/Shutterstock)

SPORTS STRATEGY: BET TING FOOTBALL & ONLINE OPPORTUNITIE S by

Now that online gambling legislation has begun to loosen up, it is becoming easier to place wagers on sports, especially the NFL. It has become so accepted that during televised games, many commercials feature some of the largest online betting sites, and even segments of pre and post-game shows are dedicated to discussing point spreads and underdogs. While navigating the world of online gaming may be confusing, if you stay patient and smart about it, you will prevail. There are a myriad of web sites and apps to use and even more betting options to play, however, even the most seasoned players may find it overwhelming sometimes. Rest assured 8

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STEVE SIMMONS

that betting online today is much safer and more secure than the days of relying on your ‘buddy’s friend who takes bets’ or playing a poorly run office pool and being armed with some basic knowledge can go a long way towards an enjoyable betting experience. To loosely quote the famous Homer Simpson when referring to betting on football, “Don’t you like ice cream better when it’s covered in hot fudge? And mounds of whipped cream? That’s what betting is to football.” So, we hope you enjoy our overview of betting football and where to place your wagers. Good Luck!

PICK A SITE… ANY SITE

When finding your preferred place to wager, the most logical place to start is Google, and finding a site or app that fits your personality and has features that are easy to use, offers game information to help you make an educated wager, and any legitimate sign-up bonuses that are attractive. There are hundreds of online sites and apps to choose from yet only a few seem to warrant themselves trustworthy. While it might be tempting to run to the ones with the flashiest online profiles touting the greatest signup bonuses and other incentives, it is always best to stick with those sites who have been established for a while and have a history of smooth payouts to their

players when they request withdrawals. The key to any online gambling site is their ability to not only gain, but also retain players. They can do this in several ways but the most common is through sign-up bonuses or free bets. While it is not uncommon to get more than twice your initial deposit back in extra betting money as a sign-up bonus, usually you will need to bet the total account amount several times (the rollover) before you are able to cash out. The rollover can be as much as ten times the deposit. For example, you may deposit $100, and get a matching $100 bonus, but before you can cash out any winning wagers, you need to have wagered at least $2,000 (10 times the initial account amount.) This is one of the ways they lure you in (and protect themselves!) Another popular promotion many sites use to both gain and retain customers are “freeplays,” which don’t come with the same restrictions. These mean exactly what the name implies, a free, no strings attached bet. Freeplays are a great way to help pad your new account, so it is always great to pick a “safe” bet that has a better than average chance of winning.

Also be on the lookout for being named a sites “V.I.P.” If you start making frequent bets, or adding money to your account, you will get special bonuses that are not necessarily available to the casual player. This may come in the form of free entries into various weekly “game pick ‘ems” or ‘waived losses’ where you can literally have lost bets forgiven, and the original bet amount refunded back to your account. YOU PICKED A SITE…NOW WHAT?

Once you find a site you like, next you will open and fund your account. It is important that you review the site carefully to see what the funding AND redemption options are, to make sure it is compatible with your banking institution. If you can fund the account and claim whatever sign up bonus is reflected in your account, you are good to go! THAT’S GREAT! HOW DO I BET?

Once you find your site or app, and then open and fund your new account, it is time for some fun. Do your research, find your picks and making the best is the easy part. Usually, sites and sportsbooks will offer various ways to wager from Money Line Bets to Parlays and other

prop bets including who will score first, who win the coin toss and even in game wagering on what the next play will be. We are excited to highlight a few of our favorite bets that will keep you engaged and ready to win big! MONEY LINE BETS

A money line bet is the most basic bet you can make. You are simply betting that one team will beat the other straight up, not against a point spread. If you win, your payout is determined by how much of a favorite, or underdog, the team is that you are wagering on. The team that is the favorite is represented by a number that has a minus (-) sign in front of it and indicates the amount of money you need to risk to win $100. The underdog will have a plus (+) sign and indicates the money you will win for every $100 risked. For example, say the New York Jets are playing the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are the favorite and listed at -315 and the Jets are the underdog listed at +240. If you took the Chiefs at -315, the ratio would be wagering $315 to win $100 if they win. On the other side, if you took the Jets at +240, you would risk $100 to win $240. Weigh your options and see what feels like the right play.

The New England Patriots have historically been the most bet NFL team. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock) G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

The Race & Sports Book at MGM Grand in Las Vegas offers private Skybox rentals.

SPREAD BETS

TEASERS

PARLAYS

When you bet a game using the spread, you are again picking one team to beat another, however your wager is determined by the amount of points given to an underdog, or subtracted from the favorite, to even out the betting odds. Sticking with the example of the Jets and Chiefs, say the Chiefs are a 14-point favorite. This would be represented as Chiefs (-14) and the Jets (+14), meaning that if you bet on the Chiefs, they must win by more than 14 points. If you bet the Jets, they can still lose, and you win, but they cannot lose by more than 14 points.

Sticking with the idea of getting and giving points, “teasers” are also a popular betting option where you can adjust, or tease, an existing point spread to be more in your favor. Basically, you are paying to increase or decrease a point spread by adding or subtracting points. The paying part comes in the form of lessening your payout if you win. Additionally, teasers usually require a minimum of two bets, or two games, although the most popular teaser is usually a three-team teaser where you are usually given ten points to add or subtract from any line. It may sound to good to be true, but there is a reason these bets exist. You must win ALL three games in your wager to win the bet. Losing just one game voids all of the bets. Using the Jets/Chiefs example, if the line was 14, with the 10-point tease, the line becomes the Chiefs giving 4, or the Jets getting 24. In both cases, the options seem tempting. You then get to add the same 10 points to the lines of two other games. Also keep in mind as you are contemplating these “gifts”, a $50 wager may only pay $35 if you win ALL three games so the tradeoff is getting less back if you win.

A “parlay bet” is when you string together a series of bets and the more you get right, the more you will win. Parlay bets are one of the easiest ways to maximize your returns on winning bets. Unlike a teaser, you are not adjusting the spread, you are simply picking two or more games, and betting that ALL of your picks win. For every game you add to your betting ticket, your payout increases significantly. For example, if you pick two games in a parlay bet, and win them both, a $50 wager will typically payout around $130. The more teams you parlay, the higher the payout will be. If you add a third bet to the ticket, a $50 bet could pay $280. The payout goes up significantly as you add picks to your ticket but remember, it is hard enough to pick one game, much less three or more!

If took the Chiefs and the 14 points, and the Chiefs beat the Jets 21-10, you were correct in assuming they would win, but they didn’t win by more than the 14-point spread, therefore you would lose the bet. Remember, spreads are meant to even out a game; just because a team is getting a ton of points does not guarantee they will win. 10

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We hope this overview on how to find a solid betting platform and a few betting options to get you started will provide many successful wagering opportunities. Good luck!

Exceptional! Exciting Gaming, Delicious Cuisine & Award Winning Spa

Rhythm City Casino Resort 7077 Elmore Avenue Davenport, IA 52807 1.844.852.4FUN | www.rhythmcitycasino.com Elite Casino Resorts, LLC Rhythm City Casino Resort™ | Riverside Casino & Golf Resort® | Grand Falls Casino Resort™ G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

P R O P E R T Y S P O T L I G H T:

R H Y T H M C I T Y C A S I N O R E S O R T: D AV E N P O R T, I O WA A Mi x Of Ente r tainme nt And Lav i sh Lu xur y by

Rhythm City Casino Resort is a mix of the best parts of hospitality. Reopening the land-based operations in 2016, the resort is located on the eastern border of Iowa in Davenport and has some of the best amenities for guests to enjoy. The resort is primarily owned by the Kehl family, who are known for customer service after a long tenure in the hospitality business. The Kehl’s got their start in restaurant business the 1960’s with a small café, by the 1970’s they had expanded and started offering dinner cruises and by 1986, they had a 1,000 passenger boat and were filling up the cruises nightly. So, when the talks of expanded gambling on the riverside in Iowa started to get serious, the Kehls were among the first to get in on the new industry. This brings us to now and the glory of the lavish Rhythm City Casino Resort that was acquired and brought landbased by the Kehl’s and being rededicated to the family’s hospitality mentality. The 12

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JAMES CORPORON

resort now offers an array of amenities and services that showcase something for everyone that visits the property. Everything from fine dining at on-site restaurants to watching your favorite teams in the sportsbook has a fresh feel and a great reason to check it out on your next gaming getaway. CLASSY ROOMS, PACKAGES AND AMENITIES

Filled with amazing views, comfortable beds, and plenty of in-room amenities, the resort offers a variety of packages and different tiers of rooms designed for the guest’s maximum comfort and convenience. The Spa Package includes an overnight stay, two one-hour spa services, and a food credit for $299 for a weekday stay. Another popular option is the Special Occasion Package that is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays or just a quick getaway and includes an overnight stay, bottle of champagne, a sweet treat, and a $50-$75 food credit depending on the day of your stay. Rates

start at $199 for a standard room with upgrade options for suites and other amenities to be included. Check out the website for more packages including golf and seasonal special offerings. If you are a live music fan, look no further than the Event Center at Rhythm City. Having hosted some of the biggest headliners including Clint Black, Wayne Newton, Air Supply and more, guests will experience a state-of-the-art sound system and comfortable seating in the auditorium that will accommodate 1,600 seated guests, and over 2,000 for standing room. The Rhythm Room also provides budget friendly acts as well as free entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to check out the website for upcoming events and be sure to get your tickets, book your room and let the good times roll. Other property amenities include a luxurious spa, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and multiple dining outlets for guests to chose from. With

the convenience layout of the property, guests will enjoy the proximity of the rooms near the casino floor, that is near the dining options and other popular amenities so they won’t need to stray to far for just about anything they might need. GREAT GAMBLING OPTIONS

When it comes time for the casino, Rhythm City has you covered. The massive gaming floor boasts over 32,000 square-feet featuring over a thousand machines and all of your favorite casino games including craps, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, blackjack and roulette just to name a few. The layout of the casino floor offers plenty of space to move around and also has a Feature Bar that provides a great spot to enjoy a cocktail if you need a break from the tables or your favorite slot machine. When it’s game day, it’s game on at Draft Day, the properties pub and ELITE sportsbook. Enjoy a variety of craft and domestic brews as well as your favorite pub grub and more with the best sports watching and wagering around. With a 360-degree screen with the tops games and an additional 18-screens for your viewing pleasure, this serves as a great place to spend a Saturday or Sunday watching your favorite teams. FINE DINING AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE

Every great resort has multiple dining options for their guests, and Rhythm City has that covered too. Guests can choose from a fine dining experience with Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood or more casual options that include Robert’s Buffet or Draft Day Sports Lounge. For fine dining, look no further than the award-winning Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood located on the top floor of the property. Guests will enjoy amazing views and exquisite steaks and seafood in a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere.

Chef D’Cuisine, Peter Sedlak, has put twenty-seven years of cooking experience into the menu that features clever items including Filet Lollipops (baconwrapped beef filet with Maytag blue cheese, demi-glace and Bearnaise); Filet Medallions & Shrimp, Maryland Ribeye (topped with lump crab meat, grilled broccolini and hollandaise) and seafood selections of Seared Scallops, Atlantic Salmon and Lobster Tails and King Crab Legs. The wine selection is among the best in Quad Cities area and when paired with the perfect steak or seafood selection, guests can expect an experience to remember. For a more relaxed atmosphere and price point, Robert’s Buffet offers guests a variety of cuisines that range from the classic Italian and Asian options to the traditional American fare. Led by Chef D’Cuisine, Carina Fleetwood and her twenty-eight years of culinary experience, guests enjoy the best options including the house favorites like prime rib, housemade gelato and an omelet bar where you can load up for favorite breakfast concoctions. The decor is bright and modern and offers plenty of space to comfortably dine and feel relaxed and not overcrowded.

And last, but certainly not least, Draft Day Sports Lounge is the spot to be when your favorite sports teams are playing, or you have the cravings of pub food and a variety of beer and cocktail creations. Draft Day is an ideal option if you are looking for something casual with great food, good prices and an energetic atmosphere. They bar and dining areas features twenty-nine screens including fifteen, eighty-five-inch TV’s and a 360-degree projection TV ensuring you won’t miss a play while in Draft Day. FINAL THOUGHTS

Rhythm City Casino Resort, in their own words, is your ‘Escape to the Exceptional’. With many high-class luxuries from hotel rooms and amenities to dining and gaming, it is clear the owners and team members work hard to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for their guests. Their dedication to hospitality and customer service shows they live up to their word and guests can expect a great experience on every visit. For more information and reservations, visit RhythmCtiyCasino.com or call 1-844-852-4386.

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

SLOT SPOTLIGHT:

ALL ABOARD RUSHES FULL STEAM AHEAD ACROSS AMERICA Casinos around the world are evolving daily with new games showcasing the latest features and technology for players. Konami Gaming has always been on the forefront of the latest game themes featuring crisp graphics, clear sounds and entertaining game play, and their latest product line is no exception. Their newest video slot theme, All Aboard, is quickly amassing incredible energy and momentum and you can expect to see it at your favorite casino soon! This original linked progressive game is a locomotive train themed game with a unique Stay & Spin feature where you can collect a growing screen of instant credit prizes and jackpots up to nine times in the same bonus.Â All Aboard started arriving at casino locations over the summer and was well-received right away with players lining up to play the game. All Aboard was first debuted in Australia and quickly outpaced some of the other top video slots, and soon thereafter, there were over 3,500 All Aboard games 14

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

nationwide. This proven player-favorite is now coming across the pond with a freight load of popularity and payout opportunities for expanding frontiers and is available at early launch locations from Florida to California. The game machine itself is entirely new from Konami, with relaxed slant-top, dual cup holders, dual spin buttons, handbag hook, and wired and wireless phone chargers. All Aboard stands out

on the gaming floor, as each machine is surrounded by brilliant LED animation and scenes from the game. The game is also expanding across online gaming sites. This July it arrived for the first time to players on My KONAMI Slots in a special Railroad Riches promotion; and it will reach even more social and for-wager gaming sites through the rest of the year. This gives fans a great opportunity to enjoy All Aboard both online and at their favorite casinos. Week after week, All Aboard continues to pick up steam, as more and more players embark on the one-of-a-kind journey to jackpots. Be sure to check it out on your next casino visit. For more information on All Aboard and other games from Konami, visit KonamiGaming.com Â

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

PLAYER STRATEGY

BLACKJACK: Playing 16 vs. 10 Not all blackjack basic strategy plays are created equal. Some hands are closer calls than others which is something card counters exploit when they vary their strategy depending on the cards that already have been played. But even non-card counters can improve their results slightly on the closest-call hands by keeping a few thoughts in mind. As an example of this, let’s use a hard 16 vs. a dealer’s 10. Basic strategy tells us to hit 16 vs. 10. When you lump together all possible hard 16s, then your average outcome is best when you hit, but there are multiple ways to arrive at 16, and not all favor the best average play. An avid player who wants to get the most out of blackjack without taking the giant leap into counting cards can try composition dependent strategies. So, let’s look at the 16 vs. 10 as an example again. You can arrive at a hard 16 in your first two cards with 10-6 or 9-7. A pair of 8s will also get you to 16, but it is best to split the pair rather than make a hit-stand decision. Two-card hard 16 vs. a dealer’s 10 is nearly a toss-up hand, especially if your 16 consists of 9-7. If you have 10-6, your average loss per $1 of your wager is 54.1 cents if you stand, 53.5 cents if you hit. With 9-7, it is 53.7 cents if you stand, 53.5 if you hit. The difference narrows from 0.6 cents on 10-6 to 0.2 cents on 9-7. That is so close of a call that even card counters have been known to use 16 vs. 10 as a camouflage play, standing instead of hitting to leave the impression they are less than basic strategy players. Still, for non-counters the slightly better play is to hit a two-card hard 16 vs. 10. But what if the 16 consists of three or more cards? For nearly all basic strategy plays, the best play for two cards is also the best play for multiple cards. But for 16 vs. 10, there’s a shift if one of your cards are a 4 or 5. If you start with a 9 and a 3 against a 10, then draw a 4 for 16, your average loss per dollar wagered would be 54.06 cents if you stand, but 54.24 cents if you hit. By a narrow margin, the better play is to pull a reverse on basic strategy and stand instead of hitting. Or imagine if your first two cards are 5 and 3, and then you draw then you draw an 8 for a 16. The margins are even narrower at losses of 53.99 16

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

JOHN GROCHOWSKI

cents if you stand and 54.00 if you hit, but again, the better play is to stand instead of the hitting a la basic strategy. However, that is not necessarily the case with a 16 that consists of say, 7-6-3. Here the average losses are 54.02 cents if you stand and 53.82 if you hit, so you’re still in line with the basic play. The reason this occurs is that by including a 5 or a 4 in your hand, it removes a card from the deck that could turn your 16 into a 21 or 20. That’s just enough to turn the odds in favor of standing instead of hitting. Hard 16 vs. 10 is not a good situation to be in, and the average result is a loss no matter what you do. But those who want to squeeze the last drop out of the game can reduce the house edge just a tiny bit with the composition-dependent plays. To many players it seems counter-intuitive when forced to pick one dealer card of 7 and up to stand against, the largest share of players would pick the 7. The dealer is more likely to bust with a 7 than with a 10, they reason, so why not take a chance on a dealer bust? The dealer does bust with a 7 in 26 percent of draws where it is a touch higher than 23 percent on 10s. But if a player hits a 16, and manages to avoid busting, they win more often against a dealer 7 than against a dealer 10. But what if we draw a 2, 3 or 4, to finish with 18, 19, or 20? If the dealer has a 10 down to a 7, we win, but if he has a 10 down to a 10, we lose with 18 or 19 and just push on 20. Hitting 10-6 vs. 7 brings an average loss of 40.86 cents if you hit and 47.65 cents if you stand. That extreme close call against a dealer’s 10 is a much wider gorge against a 7.

“A PAIR OF 8’S WILL ALSO GET YOU TO 16, BUT IT IS BEST TO SPLIT THE PAIR RATHER THAN MAKE A HIT-STAND DECISION.”

So, in summary, the closer call is 16 vs. 10, not 16 vs. 7 and a it is with three-card 16s that include a 4 or 5 vs. a dealer 10 where we can make a narrow gain by reversing basic strategy. Good luck! Got a gambling question? Email us at editor@gaminganddestinations.com

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

FRANK SCOBLETE

Frank Scoblete is America’s #1 best-selling gaming author. He is holding his “Frank Scoblete’s World Casino Championships” in Las Vegas on August 14, 15 and 16. This event consists of tournaments, classes, parties and an awards banquet! Call 1-800-944-0406 for a free brochure. Frank also has his own Sports Service with his partner Dominator and best-selling author Bill Burton: “Dominator’s Golden Touch Sports Service.” Call 1-866-738-3423 for more information.

“THE CASINO WILL GIVE BACK BETWEEN 30% AND 50% OF YOUR EXPECTED LOSS.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

CRAPS: Dear Frank Dear Frank:

Dear Frank:

I recently played at a casino in Joliet, Illinois and won a few dollars which is always a nice thing. When I colored up I asked the boxman (as usual) what my average play was so I could determine what comps I was entitled to. He added the odds bet into my average which was a good thing. My question is: Do some casinos in the country count the odds in their average bet calculations? I know the Vegas and Atlantic City casinos do not count the odds in their averages. Why are the policies so different in this regard? Counting the odds really helps players in terms of the comps they get, correct? Why wouldn’t the casinos want to help us out?

Help me out on this. I was at a table where the casino paid $10 for $1 bet on the Hard 6. Isn’t that a better return than the usual $9 to $1? My friend says it is a trick by the casinos. So where is the trick? I don’t see a trick.

Thank you, Alan Dear Alan: I hate to bust your bubble on this “counting odds” for comps thing. Yes, the casino says it is counting odds but in truth what the casino usually does is reduce the percentage of each bet to what it is worth when “counting odds” for comping purposes. The smaller Pass Line (or Come) bet is rated with a higher house edge than the larger bet that includes the counting of the odds in the formula. H e r e ’s h o w it g e n e r a l l y w o r k s: In a casino that does not count odds, a $10 Pass Line bet is counted as a 1.5% house edge and your comps are based on this percentage. The casino will give back between 30 and 50% of your expected loss on that $10 Pass Line or Come bet. Now in casinos that say they count odds, that $10 bet has $20 in odds behind it (using double odds as our reference). Instead of counting the bet as 1.5% against the $10 Pass Line or Come bet only, they count the odds but reduce the house edge to 0.5 percent and give back 30 to 50% of this reduced percentage. You can see where this is going. In short, you get the same back in comps. Your rating is indeed higher but the return is much less. Now for this answer I just guessed at the reduction in the percentage on odds bets. It will come out the same as 1.5 on non-odds bets. The 1.5% is what the casinos use for Pass and Come bets, not usually the 1.41% house edge these bets actually have. But you get the idea. Casinos are clever. They can give and take with the same hand.

Yours truly, Thomas Dear Thomas: This is a mistake a lot of casino players make because they don’t know the difference between the words “for” and “to” when it comes to payouts on various casino bets. When the casino says it is paying $10 for $1 on the Hard 6, it counts the original bet in its payback. That is what the “for” means. So you get a $9 win and the return of your $1 bet. That equals $10, but the win is only $9. The wording does make it seem as if you are getting more when, in fact, you are getting less. Now when the casino says it pays $9 to $1 on the Hard 6, the initial $1 bet is not counted. So you win $9. So both of these ways of explaining the bet and its payoff are actually the same exact things. But gamblers think the payout on one, the “for” one, is greater than the payment on the other one, the “to” one. Not so, as you see. For and to equal the same thing. Most slot machines use the “for” formulation when they state their payouts, counting the initial bet as a part of the equation. Slot players know this…I think. Got a gambling question? Email us at editor@gaminganddestinations.com

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

PLAYER STRATEGY

VIDEO POKER VS. TABLE POKER: Comparing Strategy and Play

There was once a time when you wave goodbye to your friends and announce, “I’m going to play poker” and they would all know where you were heading. However, with the popularity of Video Poker (VP) over the past decade or so, it can also mean you are playing on the screen, and not the table. The games are quite different in terms of game play, strategy, and of course, payouts.

play you should start with low stakes, say a 2-4 Hold’Em table, avoiding “no-limit” options. Also, go when it is not crowded so you can ask questions without getting eye rolls or guffaws from the peanut gallery. Be aware that free poker tournaments are good for beginners, but the game strategy will be different depending on House rules.

Hand Names: Make no mistake, there are similarities between table poker and video poker (VP) which is why they both have the word “poker” in the game name. However, the fact that hand names are the same can interfere with game strategy. Of course, with table poker you are only sure you have a win if you have a RF (royal flush) but you might be inclined to bet the farm on far lesser hands if the situation is right.

Video Poker: The display glass may say 25 cents, but the cost of each bet depends on how many coins you’re wagering per hand. In order to receive the 800 to 1 payout for a RF most devices require a max bet. Clearly, you want to be paid the full amount for the RF, so your wager would be $1.25, not a quarter.

Table Poker: If we disregard potential bad beat jackpots (losing with a high hand designated in advance by the house) the value of your hand depends on the circumstances at the time, rather than how high it is. To quote Doyle Brunson, “Try to decide how good your hand is at a given moment. Nothing else matters. Nothing.” Video Poker: The hand names frequently interfere with correct game strategies with VP players, especially if they don’t know the game strategy, which varies and depends on the payout for each winning hand in conjunction with the odds of achieving that hand. That is why it is so important to have tutorial software (my favorite is Dean Zamzow’s WinPoker) and to have practiced at home before going to the casino. For example, some players will tell you to “Never throw away a winning hand.”. That is incorrect. If your game is 9/6Jacks or Better and you are dealt a flush, but are four to a RF (Royal Flush) you hold four to the RF. That’s a rather obvious play but in many cases the probability figures are closer, and you will need the tutorial data to choose correctly. Stakes: I am sure gamblers know “stakes” represents the size of your wager. The actual amount can be deceptive in both VP and table poker. Table Poker: If you are playing table poker make sure you fully understand the size of the rake (casino’s take) and that you are bankrolled accordingly. You may have played many hours with your buddies, but you will find different conditions once you walk through the casino doors. If you are new to casino

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

Strategy: Amarillo Slim had it right when he said, “In poker you play the players”. In VP, however, you play the cards in conjunction with the payouts and determining the correct holds can be counter intuitive. That is why I emphasize either using my strategy cards (an $80 value but free and removable in the back of my book, The Video poker Edge) or tutorial software. Table Poker: Many top players consider the “tells” (inadvertent mannerisms that give a clue as to the contents of someone’s hand, like a raised eyebrow) and psychological aspects of the game are especially important. If you are new to a casino you have a definite disadvantage since you’ll know nothing about the other players. That is a good reason to tread lightly by finding a low stakes game. Video Poker: Obviously, there is no psychological component involved with VP other than common sense. You play according to Zamzow (creator of WinPoker software) and call it a day when you have reached either your session or psychological budget limit. If the game has a theoretical expected return of less than 100%, you will lose over time so you may want to leave any time you’re ahead. You may lose any given hand by playing statistically correct, but in the long run you will be ahead. Final Thoughts: This brief comparison of table poker and video poker will help you decide which appeals to you the most. Before playing either game, be sure to read books on the topic with my book, The Video Poker Edge, available at Amazon, Square One Publishers and any major bookstore. Each book also comes with practice at home on tutorial software so you will be ready! Good luck!

LI N DA B OY D

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations, Arizona Player and several other national gaming outlets. You can see her videos on YouTube and her radio interviews are on iTunes. Boyd’s book, The Video Poker Edge, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.

“THE GAMES ARE QUITE DIFFERENT IN TERMS OF GAME PLAY, STRATEGY, AND OF COURSE, PAYOUTS.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

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

HORSE OF THE ISSUE:

BARBARO by

E R I C F LOY D

Jockey Edgar Prado guides Barbaro to victory in the 132nd Kentucky Derby. (Photos courtesy of Churchill Downs)

A wise man once told me, “Many a great narrative is camouflaged on that occasion when it first rubs shoulders with the limelight”. Well, believe me when I tell you that this axiom certainly proved true inside the confines of Delaware Park Racetrack on October 4th, 2005. See, because even though the day’s 7th race (a one mile “Maiden Special Weight” turf affair) was captured in dazzling fashion by a 7-1 first time starter, no one in attendance could have possibly realized that the curtain had just gone up on one of thoroughbred horse racing’s most poignant tragedies. Though he fell from his mother’s womb in West Grove, Pennsylvania at Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s Lael Stables, Barbaro is still considered Kentucky bred since he was conceived (courtesy of a stallion named Dynaformer) at 20

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Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky. Making his stakes debut on the grass about eighty-eight miles southwest of where he was foaled, Barbaro went on to set a stakes record (1:40.17) in Laural Park Racetrack’s highly regarded 1 1/16 mile Laurel Futurity. Now while he’d been masterfully maneuvered by jockey Jose Caraballo in his first (and only) two starts as a juvenile, Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s upstart was still far removed from that prominent Peruvian horseman who would pilot him into history. Inducted into Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s Hall of Fame as a jockey in 2008, the sublime Edgar Prado first mounted the equine of his dreams on New Year’s Day in 2006. Pointed towards the turf yet again in his three-year old debut by trainer Michael Matz, (this time in Calder

Race Course’s Grade III 1 1/8 mile Tropical Park Derby), Barbaro soon made a believer out of his new rider by virtue of an easy 3 3/4 length score. Subsequently asked by the media if he would risk testing a horse that has “turf champion” written all over him on the dirt along the Triple Crown trail, one Michael Matz paused ahead of circumspectly responding, “I would say you’d have to try the dirt now to see where he fits.” Eventually making his dirt debut thirty-four days later in Gulfstream Park’s much celebrated Grade III 1 1/8 mile Holy Bull Stakes, Barbaro actually wound up squaring off against not one, but two unfamiliar elements, one being the dirt course, but also a sloppy track. Initially tracking in behind a leader named Doctor Decherd for much of the race,

the day’s top betting choice then quickly took command as the field neared the top of the stretch. Etching out quick fractions for most of the Holy Bull’s nine furlongs, Barbaro nevertheless gamely held off the hard charging Great Point amid stamping himself as a legitimate Triple Crown Series contender. Wisely taking a “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it approach”, Michael Matz chose Gulfstream Park as the locale for his heavyweight’s final Kentucky Derby prep. A route that played out eerily similar to the Holy Bull Stakes, the 55th Florida Derby once again saw Barbaro tracking the early pacesetter from second position for a majority of the going (though this time over a lightning “fast” strip). Unlike Doctor Decherd however, Sharp Humor had no intention of surrendering without a fight. Suddenly in the tussle of his young life, Barbaro both gained and relinquished the lead before he scraped together just enough intestinal fortitude to secure the blue ribbon by a neck and pointed towards the Louisville on the first Saturday in May.

A statue honoring the Kentucky Derby winner stands in front of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby at 6-1 odds paying $14.20 for a $2 win ticket

The big knock on Barbaro going into the 132nd Kentucky Derby was the fact that he was coming off a fiveweek layoff. You see at the time, the last horse to come off that long of a layoff and win the “Run for the Roses” was a horse by the name of Needles in 1956. All the same, Mike Battaglia (who was the odds-maker for the Kentucky Derby at the time) felt compelled to make Barbaro a 4-1 co-second choice on the morning-line. Ultimately garnering a decent amount of respect from those who paid a visit to the parimutual window, Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s “Goliath” in fact went off as the Derby’s lone second choice at 6-1 behind Brother Derek, the 3-1 favorite who had claimed that year’s Santa Anita Derby. Due to his natural early speed, Barbaro had always managed to carve out what veteran “racetrackers” call “a good trip”, and the Kentucky Derby was no exception. Conclusively stalking behind and to the outside of Keyed Entry and Sinister Minister for just over a

Barbaro’s Lifetime Statistics

mile, the wearer of the Derby’s pink #8 saddlecloth finally received his cue from Edgar Prado at the head of Churchill Downs’ 1,234 foot straightaway. En route to clobbering the field by 6 ½ lengths, Barbaro likewise became only the 6th (up until that time) undefeated Kentucky Derby Champion. Two weeks later in the Preakness Stakes, Barbaro tragically suffered a total of twenty fractures along his rear right leg. Though a lengthy and exhaustive life-saving effort was mobilized, Roy and Gretchen Jackson made the difficult decision to euthanize their bay colored Champion on January 29th, 2007. Cremated shortly thereafter, Barbaro’s ashes were eventually interred both at Churchill Downs’ Kentucky Derby Museum and beneath a nearby bronze statue which bears his likeness. Barbaro was certainly one of a kind and will always live in the lore’s of Churchill Downs and thoroughbred racing history.

Starts

Firsts

Seconds

Thirds

Earnings

Earnings Per Start

Year

$2,302,200

$328,886

2006

$2,203,200

$440,640

2005

$99,000

$49,500

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

MIDWEST

CASINO DIRECTORY WEBSITE

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

PHONE NUMBER

*CC PARTNER

TABLES

MACHINES

KENTUCKY DERBY CITY GAMING

DERBYCITYGAMING.COM

502-961-7600

900

INDIANA BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA

BELTERRACASINO.COM

800-472-6311

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

INDIANA GRAND CASINO

•

1,600

812-438-1234

897

INDIANAGRAND.COM

877-386-4463

2,000+

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, SIOUX CITY

HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

712-226-7600

839

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

877-677-3456

1,150

RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT

RHYTHMCITYCASINO.COM

844-852-4386

850

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

888-732-4537

3,056

IOWA •

MICHIGAN SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT MGM GRAND DETROIT

MGMGRANDDETROIT.COM

877-888-2121

4,000

ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO

ISLANDRESORTANDCASINO.COM

800-682-6040

1,200

GUN LAKE CASINO

GUNLAKECASINO.COM/

269-792-7777

1,600

BLACK BEAR CASINO RESORT

BLACKBEARCASINORESORT.COM

888-771-0777

1,850

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

TICASINO.COM

800-222-7077

2,200

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-472-6321

3,500

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-626-5825

3,100

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY

AMERISTAR.COM/KANSAS-CITY

816-414-7000

115

2,300

LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS

LUMIEREPLACE.COM

877-450-7711

1,600

RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL, ST. LOUIS

RIVERCITY.COM

888-578-7289

2,000

JACK CASINO CINCINNATI

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CINCINNATI

513-252-0777

100

2,000

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS

HOLLYWOODCOLUMBUS.COM

614-308-3333

2,200

JACK CASINO CLEVELAND

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CLEVELAND

216-297-4777

100

1,600

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, TULSA

HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM

800-760-6700

2,600

WINSTAR CASINO & RESORT

WINSTARWORLDCASINO.COM

580-276-4229

7,400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WITTENBERG

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WITTENBERG

715-253-4400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, BLACK RIVER FALLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/BLACKRIVERFALLS

800-657-4621

HO-CHUNK GAMING, TOMAH

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/TOMAH

866-880-9822

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WISCONSIN DELLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WISCONSINDELLS

800-746-2486

HO-CHUNK GAMING, MADISON

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/MADISON

608-223-9576

HO-CHUNK GAMING, NEKOOSA

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/NEKOOSA

800-782-4560

650

NORTH STAR CASINO RESORT

NORTHSTARCASINORESORT.COM

800-952-0195

1,200

ST. CROIX CASINO TURTLE LAKE

STCROIXCASINO.COM

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO

PAYSBIG.COM

800-846-8946 800-729-7244

22 100

1,095 3,000

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

WISCONSIN

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

517 10

634 96

1,832 1,200

* 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

GOLF

SPA

POOL

689

•

294

•

201

• •

•

328

• • •

408

•

788

•

967

• •

•

• •

•

INDOOR

•

• •

116

517 400

967

294

• •

200

•

184

•

• •

• INDOOR

• • •

INDOOR

184 294 200

454 1,500

• •

86 140

•

302

• •

129

•

161 391

• •

•

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

FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF CHAMPIONSHIP NOVEMBER 1, 2021

NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 6, 2021

Team November

Clemson 6/5

Baylor Bears

8/1

Alabama 11/4

Villanova Wildcats

8/1

Ohio State

Gonzaga Bulldogs

9/1

Georgia 12/1

Iowa Hawkeyes

9/1

Florida 25/1

Virginia Cavaliers

9/1

Michigan

33/1

Kansas Jayhawks

11/1

Notre Dame

40/1

Kentucky Wildcats

12/1

Texas A&M

50/1

Duke Blue Devils

14/1

Wisconsin

50/1

Florida State Seminoles

15/1

Illinois Fighting Illini

15/1

Michigan State Spartans

15/1

Wisconsin Badgers

16/1

West Virgina Mountaineers

20/1

7/2

*All others higher than 50/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

NFL SUPER BOWL LV – FEBRUARY 7, 2021 RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM – TAMPA, FLORIDA Team

November September

July

Kansas City Chiefs

4/1

6/1

13/2

Baltimore Ravens

6/1

7/1

Seattle Seahawks

15/2

20/1

21/1

Pittsburgh Steelers

11/1

25/1

24/1

Green Bay Packers

11/1

28/1

25/1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12/1

14/1

15/1

New Orleans Saints

13/1

11/1

12/1

Tennessee Titans

15/1

28/1

30/1

Buffalo Bills

22/1

25/1

N/A

Chicago Bears

30/1

N/A

Indianapolis Colts

30/1

22/1

24/1

San Francisco 49ers

33/1

9/1

New England Patriots 33/1

18/1

17/1

Arizona Cardinals

N/A

33/1

*All others higher than 33/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com 24

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

*All others higher than 20/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com.

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

Midwest Gaming and Destinations - November 2020

Articles inside

Craps

Horse of the Issue: Barbaro

Sports Wagering

Liberace: The Great Showman of Sin City

Casino Directory

Sports Strategy