Southern Gaming and Destinations: January/February 2015 by Gaming and Destinations

SUPER BOWL, SUPER BETS: THE POWER IN PROPS

PAGE 18

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 Vol. 17, Issue 1 SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

ALL ABOARD! PERFECT GAMING? JUST ADD WATER PAGE 22

MAGAZINE READERS’ CHOICE

AWARDS CAST YOUR VOTE! PAGE 39

DANICA and the SOUTH

HOW THE NEW FACES OF NASCAR REFLECT A CHANGE IN DIXIE CULTURE | PAGE 6 PLUS CLIP’N’SAVE 2015 SCHEDULE

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT

with

G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Bisig Impact Group CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Larry Bisig PRESIDENT & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Chip Dumstorf

Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are behind us, we can start looking forward to the fun and excitement that awaits as we embark on another year. As a gamer, and traveler, you will have no shortage of options when the time comes to plan your next getaway, as several casinos are expanding their existing footprints with new hotels, larger casino floors and added amenities. There are also new properties scheduled to open soon that will surely offer the best of everything from exciting casinos to trendy nightlife. An ever changing landscape of options makes it difficult to decide where to visit. That’s where Southern Gaming and Destinations magazine comes in. We are driven to provide advice and information that will prepare you to maximize your travel experiences. Whether you are looking for a great gambling and golf getaway, or a relaxed weekend of fun in the sun sitting poolside with a fruity cocktail, we’ve got you covered. One of the ways we like to keep you informed is our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The awards indicate the likes and dislikes of gamers’ favorite places to play and stay throughout the South. We invite you and your gaming friends to take a few minutes to let us know your preferred properties. As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey is entered into a drawing to win the Ultimate Casino Getaway, which features an 2

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overnight stay at your favorite casino. The trip will also include gambling money, food and more. Fill out the ballot on page 39 and return it by mail, or go to SouthernGaming.com to find the link to vote online. Voting takes place until February 28.

GENERAL MANAGER

We are excited to feature NASCAR darling Danica Patrick on this issue’s cover. As we embark on another season of thrilling racing action, Patrick seems to be the face for the race as the 31 year old continues to keep up with the biggest names in a sport embraced by so many in the South. The article on page 6 delves into some of the breakthrough’s the sport has made in recent years and why it so popular with so many people.

ACCOUNTING

In addition to the growth in land-based casinos, another hot topic with politicians and lobbyists alike is online gambling and how to proceed. While there are a few states that allow online poker right now, many more want to cash in on the digital age of gaming. One of the most respected casino moguls, Sheldon Adelson, has been quite outspoken about his stance on the issue and when he speaks, people listen. He vowed to spend whatever it takes, even if it is $100 million, to fight against expanding online gambling options. Read more about his war on page 16. We hope you enjoy this issue and that you have a great New Year. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best in gambling tips, articles and more so you can spend more time enjoying all the South has to offer. Don’t forget to keep spreading the word about The Comps Club where you will get thousands in casino coupons and a one-year subscription to Southern Gaming for just $29. Check out TheCompsClub.com for more information and to sign up. Or give us a call at 1-877-582-9478. If you can’t be good, be lucky!

G. Douglas Dreisbach

GENER AL M ANAGER

G. Douglas Dreisbach MANAGING EDITOR

Joseph Grove ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lauren Reisdorf Peggy Harris CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

James Bickers Erica Block Linda Boyd Beth D’Addono John Grochowski Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Cindy Lamb Wayne Allyn Root Frank Scoblete Brooke Edwards Staggs Henry Tamburin Letters to the editor, address changes and other correspondence should be sent to: SOUTHERN GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

640 South Fourth Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (502) 583-0333 Fax (502) 583-6487 e-mail: editor@southerngaming.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the evergrowing popularity of the gaming industry and to assist the gamer in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest. Southern Gaming and Destinations is published for those who seek the best in gaming and in life, and is produced bimonthly by Bisig Impact Group of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2014 by Bisig Impact Group. All Rights Reserved. This publication is printed by Publisher’s Printing Co., Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky. Opinions of columnists are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor does Southern Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers. POSTMASTER: Send

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

Januar y/Febr uar y 2015

ON THE COVER

TIPS & COLUMNS

20 Wired

Staying on Track Danica Patrick and Darrell Wallace Jr. continue to expand the diversity in the South’s bad boy of sports, NASCAR racing. But breaking down barriers is one thing. Winning races is another. Also: Clip the entire Sprint Cup Series schedule on page 10. Refrigerator magnets not included.

GiddyApp! In the debut column, we play the virtual ponies

29 Slots The author recounts her radio advice.

30 Poker Play these Top 10 hands to win.

31 Craps What your mommy taught you about craps.

FEATURE ARTICLES

12 RV Life: A Movable Feast Spring will come. Eventually. And for those who like to leave the driving to themselves, it’s not too early to reserve a space at one of these great parks.

16 What’s the Deal?

Gazillionaire Sheldon Adelson is hell-bent on quashing online gaming—even if it costs $100 million! Can the prospect of sharing wagers with the web be all that bad?

18 Give a Bettor His Props

32 Blackjack Follow the WWHTD principle. (What would Henry Tamburin do.)

33 Video Poker How to score with Bonus Poker Deluxe

34 A Day in the life: No Gears, No Glory Does your Bentley (or beater) suddenly smell like sweat? That’s because the valet who parked it for you works his taillights off fetching it for you.

CONTENTS

HIGHLIGHTS & HOTSPOTS 22 Ships of Dreams Many cruise lines go out of their way to accommodate gamers. Here are some of our favorites to sail the Lucky Seven Seas.

26 So Many Destinations… …and so little time. While you’re still kicking, check these thrill-ofa-lifetime casinos off your bucket list.

28 The Silver Screen Seven A look at some of Hollywood’s greatest forays into the world of gaming.

38 The 2015 Best Of Awards Ballot Vote here (or online) for your favorite casinos and their amenities. This year’s competition will be the toughest yet.

Do you care whether Katy Perry has a “wardrobe malfunction” during her Super Bowl halftime act? Of course you do. Especially if you attached a prop bet to it.

36 Where, What and When

Our map to the best properties now includes events. Get your 2015 calendars out now.

22 Find us on Facebook

@SouthernGaming SOUTH E R NGAM I NG.COM

FACTS & FUN

62 The price of one 30-second Super Bowl commercial.

Sportsbooks in Las Vegas, Nevada.

$2,8000,000

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races per year.

$111.5 10 million million POINSETTIA COCKTAIL It’s the start of the New Year so we decided to share a drink that is light and cheery. This 90-calorie drink is perfect for those of us who made a new year’s resolution to watch your weight. With just a few minutes of your time and three simple ingredients, you and your waistline will thank us for introducing you to this holiday cocktail. •

1/4 shot triple sec

•

Dash cranberry juice

•

3 oz. champagne

Directions: Mix cranberry juice and triple sec in the glass. Top it off with champagne for bubbles.

OBAMA AND MCCONNELL WILL DO THE DRINKING. YOU DO THE CHOOSING.

Pick their choice and win!

People who cruise from US ports each year.

DID YOU KNOW

1 2

thebourbonsummit.com

WHICH WAS THE FIRST MAJOR HOTEL/CASINO ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP TO OPERATE A SPORTS BOOK? A. The Stardust B. The Mirage C. The Bellagio D. The Venetian

WHAT YEAR WAS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR STOCK CAR RACING—OR NASCAR- FOUNDED? A. 1937 B. 1948 C. 1950 D. 1953

WHO HAS THE MOST NASCAR SPRINT CUP VICTORIES? A. Danica Patrick B. Jeff Gordon C. Dale Earnhardt D. Junior Johnson

4 5 6

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE TROPHY FOR THE WINNER OF THE SUPER BOWL? A. The Lamar Hunt Trophy B. The George Halas Trophy C. The Larry O’Brian Trophy D. The Vince Lombardi Trophy

IN CRAPS, WHAT IS THE ONLY NUMBER THAT CLEARS THE TABLE OF ALL BETS AND ENDS THE ROUND? A. 13 B. 7 C. 9 D. 11

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE WORLD’S BOURBON IS MADE IN KENTUCKY? A. 55% B. 75% C. 95% D. 98% 1. A-Stardust, 2. B-1948, 3. C-Dale Earnhardt, 4. D-Vince Lombardi Trophy, 5. B-7, 6. C-95%

People who watched the 2014 Super Bowl.

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OF THE SOUTH NASCAR STEERS TOWARD MAINSTREAM AMERICA, THOUGH ITS SOUTHERN ROOTS REMAIN by

B R O O K E E D W A R D S S TA G G S

“THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE SPORT’S MIX OF PATRIOTISM AND PRAYER, BRAVADO AND BRAWLS THAT REMAINS DISTINCTLY SOUTHERN.”

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YNNE GARMANY can’t remember a time when she wasn’t hooked on NASCAR.

Before she sta r ted kindergarten, Garmany’s father took her to see family friends compete at their local track in Melbourne, Fla. Watching races became a father-daughter tradition, and one that Garmany has passed on to her own three children.

cars with illegal whiskey and raced federal agents along clay roads from southern Virginia down to Atlanta. Soon they were also trying to outrun each other, Pierce said, carving out racetracks in the Piedmont South. Bill France ran a gas station rather than moonshine. But he competed with those early drivers, eventually promoting his own race in 1938 in his adopted hometown of Daytona Beach, Fla.

“It overwhelms the senses,” said Garmany, now 60 and living in Spartanburg, S.C. “You hear sounds that you’ve never heard before, you smell smells that you’ve never smelled before … . The hair just stands up on your neck and your arms, and it’s a feeling you cannot describe.”

A decade later, France gathered with some drivers, owners and promoters to brainstorm a common set of rules for their growing sport. On Feb. 21, 1948, France officially formed the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, known forevermore as NASCAR.

NASCAR has grown into a national sport. Some of the top drivers are from the West and Midwest, with non-white-male racers like Danica Patrick and Darrell Wallace Jr. competing alongside the “good old boys.” There are racetracks in Southern California, Las Vegas and Phoenix, with fiercely loyal fans spread throughout the country.

T h at f i r st g ener at ion of d r iv er s w a s l a r g e l y for me r b o ot le g g e r s , w ith legends l ike Junior Johnson establishing NASCAR’s reputation as a blue-collar sport rooted firmly in the South.

Yet, there’s something about the sport’s mix of patriotism and prayer, bravado and brawls that remains distinctly southern, changing little since stock car racing burst onto the scene 80 years ago. And now that the 2015 season is fueling up, preparing for its traditional launch in Daytona, on Feb. 23, it’s a good time to reflect on its roots and new directions for growth. BORN IN THE SOUTH

Folklore doesn’t often stand up well to examination. But the deeper Dan Pierce waded into the tales of NASCAR’s bootlegging origins, the more moonshine he found. “ Dr ivers, ca r ow ners, mechanics, promoters, track ow ners— a la rge percentage of those people were involved in the moonshine business,” said Pierce, a professor at the University of North Carolina, Asheville and author of “Real NASCAR.” During prohibition and in the years that followed, poor young men loaded their

Some traditions persist though NASCAR likely wishes they didn’t. “The saying goes, ‘I went to a fight and a race broke out,’” Pierce said. During the 1979 Daytona 500—the first NASCAR event broadcast live on national TV—Carl Yarborough and Donnie Allison crashed then broke into a fistfight in the infield. The incident made nationwide news, with converted fans hoping to catch another powder-keg moment as much as a good race. A similar confrontation ended in tragedy in August, when Kevin Ward Jr. left his car to confront Tony Stewart and was killed before horrified fans. ESPN radio host Colin Cowherd drew backlash after he blamed Ward’s death on the South’s “eye-for-an-eye culture.”

STEEPED IN TRADITION

Nearly 67 years later, NASCAR remains a family-run organization, with grandson Brian France now at the helm. While the drivers all turn left, fans generally lean to the right. So the France family has managed to squash attempts to unionize and still opens every event with a Christian prayer. As in the early days, family and friends continue to camp and tailgate in the infield. They’re friendly, but they like to drink and get a bit rowdy. Sometimes, Pierce said, moonshine still makes an appearance. “We see it all,” said Jane Searcy, who runs Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ near the Kentucky Speedway. Before a race, lines form on the deck of Searcy’s restaurant. Everyone from drivers to fans with hot tubs in their pickup trucks orders pulled pork and ribs to take to the track. “It’s kind of always been like a good old boys sport,” Searcy said, “and I think that’s the draw to it.”

THE NEW NASCAR

Discouraging fights and Confederate flags is one example of how NASCAR has evolved in hopes of shedding its redneck image and attracting a mainstream fan base. The stereotypes are grounded in some reality. NASCAR fans have long been a bit poorer and whiter than just about any other sport, data from Nielsen shows. One area where NASCAR excels is in attracting female fans. Some 37 percent of TV viewers in 2013 were women, Nielsen

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reports. Golf and football tied for second with 35 percent. Auto racing remains one of the only sports that allows women to compete against men. While vastly underrepresented, Pierce pointed out women have a history of racing in NASCAR, with three in the inaugural 1949 season and a few dozen in national series since. None, however, has generated buzz like Patrick. “Being a woman does have advantages,” Patrick said, “but at the end of the day, you have to drive the car successfully. And that’s what I’m trying to do.” To attract more female and minority talent, NASCAR in 2004 launched Drive for Diversity. The program trains drivers, helping them work their way up the circuit. Through the program, Wallace in 2013 became the first non-white driver to win

DANICA PATRICK PROVES RACING CARS ISN’T JUST FOR THE GOOD OL’ BOYS

a national series since Wendell Scott won in 1963. Wallace won the Camping World Truck Series Kroger 200 again in October, with Scott’s No. 34 on his car as tribute. “The steering wheel doesn’t care what color you are,” Garmany said. “It’s only going to make the racing better.” A decade ago, NASCAR was dubbed the fastest growing spectator sport in America. Sponsorships f lowed and new tracks sprung up across the country. The peak came in 2006, when Will Ferrell’s “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” hit theaters. By the next year, the sport had hit a bit of a wall, with TV viewership and race attendance both falling. “NASCAR, in running from its redneck roots, in many ways I think it did alienate those core fans who lived and breathed NASCAR,” Pierce said.

THE MOST FA MOUS WOR DS in auto racing are “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

However, one of the most recognizable f igures in NASCAR today isn’t a gentleman at all. Danica Patrick has broken a number of records in the 22 years since she started racing go-karts with her sister in their hometown of Roscoe, Ill. Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar race when she won the 2008 Indy Japan 300. She led more laps and finished higher than any women in the 2009 Indianapolis 500. And in 2013, she became the first female to win the pole position for NASCAR’s Daytona 500. “She’s empowering women in a lot of ways, I believe,” fan Lynne Garmany of Spartanburg, S.C. said. “It’s an allboys club, but she’s knocking down the barriers.” But for Patrick, it’s never been about being the fastest woman on the track. It’s been about being the fastest driver.

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Part of the problem is the rising cost of tickets, Searcy said, which is pricing the “good old boys” right out of their seats. Local tracks have been shuttered and infields filled with luxury RVs. The field of drivers is another factor, Pierce said, without the larger-than-life heroes and villains of Dale Earnhardt’s day. Then there’s the new championship format, which some fans say is killing the sport while others say it’s generating renewed interest. Time will tell, as the 2015 season kicks off Valentine’s Day in Daytona. The Daytona 500 was the first major race Garmany attended. She cheered Richard Petty to victory during that infamous 1979 race, and she’ll be cheering this year for the next generation. “I want them to continue to progress,” Garmany said, “but I don’t want to lose the grassroots of what NASCAR is all about.”

“For me, I just want to race,” Patrick, 32, said. “I don’t care if the people next to me are women or men or black or white. I just want to race well against them.” Though Patrick hasn’t finished first since joining NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series full time in 2013, magazine covers, Super Bowl ads and talk shows have helped the attractive athlete become a household name. She has more Twitter followers than Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Forbes reports she tied Jimmie Johnson for endorsement dollars in 2013. She also passed both of those celebrated drivers on the track during 2014 races. Patrick finished the season at No. 28— one spot below her 2013 ranking. She also had better starts, though, led more laps and had more top-10 finishes. And she plans to build on that momentum in the season to come. “I want to improve on that and do better,” Patrick said. “I want to race again in the top 10 and hopefully get a victory at some point. I’m looking forward to 2015.” —BBES

THE 2015 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES (36 POINTS RACES, TWO NON-POINTS EVENTS)

Sun., July 26—Indianapolis NBC Sports Network Sun., Aug. 2—Pocono NBC Sports Network | MRN, SiriusXM Sun., Aug. 9—Watkins Glen NBC Sports Network | MRN, SiriusXM Sun., Aug. 16—Michigan MRN, SiriusXM | NBC Sports Network Sat., Aug. 22—Bristol NBC Sports Network | PRN, SiriusXM Sun., Sept. 6—Darlington NBC | MRN, SiriusXM Sat., Sept. 12—Richmond NBC Sports Network | MRN, SiriusXM Kyle Busch celebrates the win at the Nascar Sprint Cup Auto Club 400 race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA on March 23, 2014

Sat., Feb. 14—Daytona (Sprint Unlimited) FOX | MRN, SiriusXM Thurs., Feb. 19—Daytona (Duel) FOX Sports 1 | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., May 3—Talladega FOX | MRN, SiriusXM Sat., May 9—Kansas FOX Sports 1 | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., Feb. 22—Daytona FOX | MRN, SiriusXM

Sat., May 16—Charlotte (NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race) FOX Sports 1 | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., March 1—Atlanta FOX | PRN, SiriusXM

Sun., May 24—Charlotte FOX | PRN, SiriusXM

Sun., March 8—Las Vegas FOX | PRN, SiriusXM

Sun., May 31—Dover FOX Sports 1 | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., March 15—Phoenix FOX | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., June 7—Pocono FOX Sports 1 | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., March 22—Auto Club FOX | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., June 14—Michigan FOX Sports 1 | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., March 29—Martinsville FOX | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., June 28—Sonoma FOX Sports 1 | PRN, SiriusXM

Sat., April 11—Texas FOX | PRN, SiriusXM

Sun., July 5—Daytona NBC | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., April 19—Bristol FOX | PRN, SiriusXM

Sat., July 11—Kentucky NBC Sports Network | PRN, SiriusXM

Sat., April 25—Richmond FOX Sports 1 | MRN, SiriusXM

Sun., July 19—New Hampshire NBC Sports Network | PRN, SiriusXM

Sun., Sept. 20—Chicagoland NBC Sports Network | MRN, SiriusXM Sun., Sept. 27—New Hampshire NBC Sports Network | PRN, SiriusXM Sun., Oct. 4—Dover NBC Sports Network | MRN, SiriusXM Sat., Oct. 10—Charlotte NBC | PRN, SiriusXM Sun., Oct. 18—Kansas NBC | MRN, SiriusXM Sun., Oct. 25 — Talladega NBC Sports Network | MRN, SiriusXM Sun., Nov. 1—Martinsville NBC Sports Network | MRN, SiriusXM Sun., Nov. 8—Texas NBC | PRN, SiriusXM Sun, Nov. 15—Phoenix NBC | MRN, SiriusXM Sun., Nov. 22—Homestead-Miami NBC | MRN, SiriusXM * Non-points races are in parentheses

Home on the Road R V C a m p s Yo u ’ l l Lov e

Spending time at an RV park is a great way to connect with nature while still enjoying some of the comforts of home.

Home on the Road

W I T H S O M A N Y RV CA M P S , W HO S AY S YO U CA N ’ T TA K E I T W I T H YO U ? by

ETE AND JOAN Garrett know a thing or two about RVing. The couple, who hail from a little town in Tennessee called Maryville, spent 11 years on the road full time after they retired. Ask Pete Garrett what defines a great campground, and he’s got plenty of ideas. “When you pull into a campground, what you see right away is the first thing. If there’s a bunch of junky campers, cars jacked up, junk around, that’s not where you want to be.” Where you do want to be, said Garrett, is a place with a sense of pride. His checklist includes well manicured grounds, complete with landscaping; a primo location not 12 |

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

B E T H D ’A D D O N O

far from the highway and close to area attractions; a busy roster of activities; tons of amenities; proximity to nature; clean and well kept facilities including laundry and showers; stuff for kids to do, from play equipment to a swimming pool; and grocery stores and plenty of restaurant options nearby. Another thing to consider is the size of your motor home. “Used to be RVs were 25 foot long,” said Garrett. “Now they’re 40 and 50 foot long. You need concrete pads that fit a bigger RV, and a lot of people want to pull through spots so you don’t have to do a lot of backing up. The next time you put ’er in gear for a road trip, head to one of these 10 top rated RV

campgrounds in the South, most within easy distance of a gaming opportunity from full service casinos to hubs for off-track betting and racetracks. NEW ORLEANS EAST KAMPGROUND

Slidell, LA neworleanseastkampground.com An ideal home base for letting the good times roll, this campground and RV park on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain is about 30 minutes from the French Quarter and Harrah’s casino, 30 minutes to Silver Slipper casino in Waveland, MS, and 45 minutes to casinos in Gulfport and Biloxi. There’s a shuttle to the French Quarter and a car rental service if you want to stay

Many RV parks throughout the south offer amenities like picnic areas, pools and mini golf.

parked. Geared for family fun, there’s a pool, free mini golf, a giant chess and checker set, sandbox and play equipment for the kids. Anglers will find plenty of fishing nearby. A slew of amenities like free wifi, an onsite store and a dog run make New Orleans East Kampground a friendly place to stay a while. If you’re having guests, cabins are also available. ADVENTURE BOUND CAMPING RESORTS

Gatlinburg, TN abcamping.com/abgatlinburg Formerly Crazy Horse Campground, ABC Resorts is jam packed with amenities and a prime location. Kids love the 500-foot-long water slide and inflatable fun zone, and outdoorsy types appreciate being in the foothills of the magnificent Smoky Mountains National Park. If you want to fish, there’s a trout-stocked lake onsite. The resort is surrounded by beautiful wooded acres and mountain streams, but is also only a 15-minute drive to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions, shopping and restaurants. Streamside 30 and 50 full hook up sites are offered if you want to be out of the fray. A truly unique feature here is the onsite Jack Tales Theater. An interactive storytelling show that operates April through October in a rustic, campfire setting. If you want to gamble, head an hour and 10 minutes south, through the mountains, to Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, NC.

BAY BREEZE RV ON THE BAY

PIRATELAND

Gulf Shores, AL | baybreezerv.com If it’s a beach view you’re hankering for, this is your spot. The shaded park is right on beautiful Mobile Bay, with many sites just steps from the water. Not far from Gulf Beaches, Bay Breeze RV is a friendly spot with a helpful staff that offers extras like chairs on the beach and on the deck by the water for everyone to use. Besides 25 full service sites, the park offers wifi, a nice bathhouse, laundry facilities, a doggy area and three rental RVs in case you forgot to bring your own. You’re about two hours from all of the gaming pizzazz in Biloxi, MS, and an hour from greyhound tracks in Pensacola and Mobile.

Myrtle Beach, SC | pirateland.com The coveted ocean and lake front sites at this full service camping resort are booked up to a year in advance, so don’t wait too long to make your plans. Because there is a year-round community here, there’s no shortage of action. Besides the two huge pools, there’s a water park/lazy river and pirate-themed splash park for the kids. Play mini-golf, rent bikes or kayaks or even a golf cart onsite. Activities like bingo, cards, kids’ crafts, pot lucks, and cook offs are ongoing. Pirateland is tucked away on the south end of Myrtle Beach and is known for its golf courses and outdoor recreation. Lots of shopping and eating are nearby, including Broadway at the Beach, with its many nightspots and restaurants, just seven miles away.

RIVERS END CAMPGROUND

Tybee Island, GA riversendcampground.com This lovely spot is just a half-mile from a pristine local beach and makes an ideal home base for exploring nearby Savannah, a 15-mile drive from the campground. More than 100 sites offer everything from full hook up and free cable TV to primitive tent camping. There’s free wifi, 24-hour self-service laundry, two dog runs and a large pool open seasonally. Some sites are too small for the bigger rigs, so be sure you’re specific when making a reservation. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance of the park and riverboat casinos in Savannah.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO RV PARK

Tunica, MS hollywoodcasinotunica.com You’ll find a handful of comfy RV resorts located adjacent to casinos in Tunica, but Hollywood Casino RV Park goes the distance to deliver extras to its guests. Located just steps from the casino, the park has 123 spaces, free wifi, clean showers and laundry is just a chip shot away from River Bend Links Golf Course. Besides its gaming, Tunica has much to recommend it to visitors who love the outdoors – guided duck hunting as well as stops along the Mississippi Blues Trail. If you don’t want SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

This beautiful, pet-friendly park is within walking distance of Paragon Casino Resort in Louisiana.

to be right in the heart of the action, check out Bordeaux Point RV Park on Tunica Lake. BATON ROUGE KOA

Denham Springs, LA koa.com/campgrounds/baton-rouge When Joan and Pete Garrett first visited the KOA in Baton Rouge, they liked it so much they stayed three years. The place is downright pretty, with seasonal flowers everywhere and facilities so clean they shine. There’s a large hot tub and sauna, a pool and a wading pool for kiddos, mini golf, a game room and a picnic pavilion. “We liked to be able to walk to all kinds of restaurants and there’s a Bass Pro Shop across the street,” recalled Pete. “Joan liked that there’s a Sam’s Club right close.” Large 75-foot sites are wired for 100 amps, there’s wifi, cable TV and pets are welcome. Gamers can hop over to Hollywood Casino or Belle of Baton Rouge Casino, both less than 30 minutes away. SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK & CAMPGROUND

Live Oak, FL musicliveshere.com/content This combination music venue and 14 |

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campground is something special. Situated just off of I-10, 87 miles east of Tallahassee, this park is right on the Suwannee River. The campground is adjacent to the festival grounds, making it easy to dip in and out of the green and shady venue. Concerts are nonstop, with the emphasis on acoustic music, fiddling and pickin’. There’s an indoor venue onsite with a full bar, live music on weekends and karaoke every Tuesday and Thursday. The RV sites which offer full hook up are close together, but you’re not far from wilderness if that’s what you seek. This is a great family spot if its camaraderie, music and nature that appeals. There are no full-service casinos nearby, although there is Ocala Poker and Jai-Lai about 90 miles south in Orange Lake. PARAGON CASINO RESORT RV PARK

Marksville, LA paragoncasinoresort.com/rv-park This pet friendly RV park provides the perfect atmosphere to relax in style. Guests can take advantage of the free wifi and entertainment nearby. The park is adjacent to Paragon Casino Resort which includes seven restaurants, a full service spa, a movie theater, shopping, a championship golf course, and gaming all

within walking distance. The park is also in close proximity to a 24-hour shuttle service for adventures off the property. Paragon Casino Resort and RV park is a perfect place for rallies, reunions and parties, too. Visit their website to make a reservation and be sure to ask about concert packages and extended stay offers.

CA S I NO RV PA R K S There are several other casinos throughout the south that accommodate for RVs and provide endless entertainment. Here are a few we think are worth checking out: SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL

Tunica, MS samstowntunica.com/stay/rv-park HOLLYWOOD CASINO GULF COAST

Bay St. Louis, MS hollywoodgulfcoast.com CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO HOTEL

Charenton, LA cypressbayou.com/hotel/rv-park

WE GONNA HAVE BIG FUN! At Paragon Casino Resort, play all the latest games and your favorites, too. You can also stay the night with a great room package deal! Dine in one of Paragon’s terrific restaurants. Shop, catch a movie at Paragon Cinema, play a round of golf at the beautiful Tamakha Trails Golf Course, or pamper yourself at Spa la Vie! The possibilities are endless at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana!

Call 800-WIN-1-WIN today and ask about our package options.

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY BEST SUITES BEST AMENITIES BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

ParagonCasinoResort.com 800-WIN-1-WIN • MARKSVILLE, LA Restrictions may apply. Visit website for more information. Game responsibly. Need help? Call 1-877-STOP (7867).

PAYING TO NOT

PLAY

SHELDON ADELSON HAS MADE HIS FORTUNE FROM GAMERS. IS HE SMART TO F I G H T T H E I R M O V E O N L I N E ? by E R I C A B L O C K

HE INTERNET HAS REVOLUTIONIZED just about every aspect of modern life. So leavened throughout culture and commerce is the technology that it’s taken for granted that just about anything one can do in terms of transactions can be online. Banking, shopping, dating—the list is infinite. Well, almost infinite. Readers of this magazine are doubtless more aware than most that their particular pastime—gambling—is still unable to fully plug-in to the World Wide Web. And if another force well known to gamers—81-year-old casino pioneer Sheldon Adelson—has his $100 million way, the disconnect will endure. You’ll need to continue to play, roll your dice to your nearest casino and leave your iPad at home. With virtually infinite resources come virtually infinite political say. On election day of this year, the Republican Party succeeded in winning enough seats to regain majority in both houses of Congress. But republican politicians aren’t the only ones who won at the polls on election night. Moguls like Adelson, who bet on the right party, did all right for themselves, too. Power to the people? Maybe not. But certainly power to the person. Adelson, 81, probably doesn’t require much of an introduction to readers of this magazine. It is worth knowing, however, that the Las Vegas casino mogul’s political expenditures have grown much larger in recent years. During the 2012 election cycle alone he contributed over 50 million dollars to Super PACs supporting Republican candidates. Certainly he has “earned” his influence among G.O.P. lawmakers. Why does Adelson’s outsized presence and lobbying matter so much? Because he is the financial force driving the move to enact a national ban on online gaming. It doesn’t so much matter whether your personal opinions align with the tenets of Adelson’s campaign to prohibit online gambling. That Adelson’s actions indicate his belief—or at least his hope—that he can use his money to goad Congress into passing legislation to outlaw online gambling in the U.S. According to an article written by Connie Bruck in the June 30, 2008 issue of The New Yorker, Shelley Berkley, a former representative

for Nevada’s 1st congressional district, gave testimony in 1998 for the Nevada state ethics commission that is consistent with Adelson’s perception of his power to influence. In her testimony she explained, “Adelson seeks to dominate politics and public policy through the raw power of money.” Berkley worked for Sheldon Adelson in the 1990s. When he is speaking on the record, Adelson maintains that his vehement opposition to legalizing online gambling is rooted on moral grounds. Online gaming would be a corruptive influence on society, Adelson says, citing the ease with which criminals and hackers could fix online games to launder money. He believes, or so he says in public, that having casinos readily available on the smartphone in one’s pocket will also increase pathological gambling and make it easier for underage kids to gamble. And yet, if criminals do in fact pose a threat to the integrity of internet gaming, a sustained ban would make all those problems worse by moving online gambling into the black market. Statistics recorded by the American Gaming Association (AGA) supports the logic that a prohibition on online gaming will result in the increased patronage of black market gaming outlets; Americans spent 2.6 billion dollars on illegal offshore gaming websites in 2012. Notably, other prominent casino operators, including Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, disagree with Adelson’s views and seem to be open to the legalization of online gaming. Advocates of online gaming emphasize that it represents the future structure of the industry and that it has potential as a marketing and economic strategy to attract more business. Of course, the convenience and digital cache of offering a legal outlet to gamble online would almost certainly increase demand for gaming opportunities, particularly among younger customers. Adelson’s movement, it can be said, opposes new technologies and exploits his political influence to thwart his gambling empire’s competition within the industry. A racing and wagering law expert and former executive for New York City Off-

Track Betting Corporation elucidates the matter of consumer choice, explaining how adults who frequent Adelson’s casinos prefer to decide for themselves how they would like to spend their own time and money. “Notwithstanding Adelson’s ability to spend large sums on lobbying for federal legislation, he risks frustrating his loyal clientele who have an appetite for gambling from their computers and mobile devices,” says the former Off-Track Betting Corp. executive, “His money would be better spent on expanding resources for people who engage in problematic gambling behavior.” In other words, letting consumers choose how they want to gamble is better for business and Adelson’s stance isn’t customer-friendly. Is Sheldon Adelson a small-minded octogenarian luddite resisting 21st century technology? Or is it more accurate to understand his motives as those of a self-serving gaming czar seeking to protect his own interests and casino investments? Considering that the retail industry hasn’t been destroyed by offering online commerce and services (people still enjoy real-world shopping), or, for instance, people continue to attend professional sports games (even though they are televised), it makes sense that Adelson is criticized by members of the iGaming industry for his views, which are seen as div isive and out of touch. Lega lizing online gambling seems like the logical next step and an unavoidable development, too, for the gaming industry.

of Congress, opponents of the ban with a degree of notoriety, such as John Pappas, who is the executive director of the Poker Player’s Alliance (PPA), continue to be vigilant of Adelson’s political maneuvers. “The expected House hearing on the Sheldon Adelson-backed legislation to ban internet gambling was called off...but the fight is not over as there is still a very real chance this legislation could be tacked on to a non-relevant, must-pass bill at the last minute,” Pappas said in a November 21 PPA press release. Republican leaders “decided it was too heav y a lift” to move the bil l through the House Judiciar y Committee and onto the f loor in the limited amount of time surrounding Congress’ Thanksgiving and Christmas recesses. Without regard to the postponement of the bill, Adelson is likely to show up at the next session of Congress in an effort to push the bill through. What will his next move be? It will be interesting to see how Adelson’s efforts unfold in the coming weeks. Because he is fervently opposed to online gaming and because he is Sheldon Adelson, he is likely to make his voice heard again soon. CHIPS ON THE TABLE: Gaming mogul Adelson wants you to play his way.

On November 17, The Poker Player’s Alliance stated in a tweet, According to @ p p a p o k e r, t h e r e will be no hearing to ban Internet gambling du r i n g t he l a me du c k session. Although the bill that proposed the internet gaming ban didn’t make it to the floor during the lame duck session

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Game on! Betting the Super Bowl

PROPS & Profits T H E P R O P E R WA Y TO BET THIS Y E AR’S S U PE R BOW L

N LAST YEAR’S SUPER BOWL, it was Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos vs. Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. The point spread was Denver -2 points. No matter if you took the points with Seattle or laid them with Denver, the game was a blowout and was impossible to hold one’s attention for the entire contest. But when the going gets the boring, the bored get betting. Who needs to rely on the traditional outcomebased wager when the wonder that is prop bets is ready for your coin and concentration. Want to know more? Read on, my gambling friend. Prop bets, like how many times Peyton Manning will say “Omaha” (over 27.5 at -135, under 27.5 at -105) are great for entertainment value at any Super Bowl. Especially to keep your attention through the entire game. It starts with the coin toss and ends with “what will the last score be” or “will the last score be anything other than a touchdown.” It’s three and half hours of action-packed dramas, cheering and yelling, and it has the 18 |

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potential for much added value (profits) throughout the game. For recreational and serious handicappers, there are hundreds of Super Bowl props that give bettors the opportunity to bet on the game in exactly the way they see it playing out. It’s realtime betting. Point spread props give betting fans the chance to earn better payouts on the game, if they believe that the main point spread is not in their favor. It was clear to anyone who did the research that Peyton Manning consistently struggles in the cold weather. Bettors who believed that Manning would struggle playing in the cold against Seattle’s elite defense may not have been happy with just betting the Seahawks on the money line at +115 or taking the +2 points at even money. Instead, they could bet on the Seattle Seahawks -3.5 at +180, Seattle -7.5 at +350, Seattle -10.5 at +500 or Seattle -17.5 at +1000. I thought the Seahawks would score before they would punt so I was willing to risk $100 to win $150.

SOME OF LAST YEAR’S MOST POPULAR SUPER BOWL PROP BETS

4. Will the opening kick-off result in a touchback? Bet no +145

1. Total QB sacks by Seahawk defense: Over 1.5 to win +110

5. Will there be a score in the first 2:30 seconds of the game? Bet yes +500

2. Will either team score three straight times? Yes/No to win +155

6. Will the team that scored first win the game? Bet yes +350

3. Will Peyton Manning thrown an interception? No at +180

7. Will the first 1st down in the game be a pass play or a run play? Run play +135

4. Largest lead by any team: 13.5 points or greater for +150

8. Will the first score of the game be a rushing TD? Bet yes +500

5. Will there be a safety? Yes to win +155

A little added history: The biggest odds-maker’s upset in Super Bowl History was Super Bowl XIII, between Pittsburg and Dallas. It was called “Black Sunday” in Las Vegas for casinos.

6. Last score of the game will be “any other score” than a TD: +175 7. Will the Seahawks convert a fourth down attempt? Yes pays +155 8. Which will happen first: Seahawks score or punt? +150 9. Total rushing yeards by Marshawn Lynch: O/U 92.5 yards -110 10. Total rushing yards by Russell Wilson: O/U by 30.5 yards -110 There are more than 350 props available for wagering. They will make the game fly by and if you do your own “game plan” correctly, large payouts are in the equation. A FEW OTHERS AVAILABLE TO BET WERE:

* “Will there be a successful two-point conversion attempt?” Bet yes and collect +350 if it wins.

The line opened Pittsburgh -3.5. So much money was coming in on the Steelers that the odds makers moved the points to Pittsburgh -4.5 to draw in some Dallas Cowboy money. After two late Staubach passes erasing a 35-17 score, the final score of Black Sunday Super Bowl XIII (13) was 35-31 and those with Pittsburgh -3.5 bets won and those with Dallas +4.5 points won and most LV Sportsbook Directors headed out to jump off of Hoover Dam. Now you get the idea of how much more fun and entertaining you can make Super Bowl Sunday by adding Super Bowl props (and of course profits). And as always, you’ll find all the props and my advice listed at WinningEDGE.com. Have a great and prosperous Super Bowl.

* “Will the game go into overtime” is a nice long shot and overdue to hit. For this year’s Super Bowl and to get a jump start on your friends and be the life of the party, bet these as examples and watch the fun (and profits) begin. They will get you through the first half of the first quarter. Just imagine an entire game at “prop” speed. 1. Will the singer of the National Anthem forget or omit at least one word? Yes +250 2. Will the coin toss be heads or tails? Bet heads for +100 3. Will there be a safety? Yes +900 SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

ONLINE WAGERING

Giddy Apps lets players ride the web to win @ derbyjackpot.com When Bill, Walter and Tom Hessert formed Giddy Apps in 2012, they harnessed the appeal of both online gaming and horse racing to offer Internet players fresh and innovative gambling experiences. DerbyJackpot and DerbyLotto remove the complicated layers that could potentially make the sport intimidating to a newcomer. “THESE GAMES UNPEEL

and demystify horse racing. They intentionally look like games on Facebook . We hired designers from social gaming companies, not online wagering companies,” Walter Hessert said. “Over 40 million people play social games on Facebook each month. We do the majority of our marketing there. Facebook has been an excellent partner and platform.” In less than two years, the brothers—all recent Notre Dame graduates who could easily fill roles in a Vineyard Vines adver t isement for Kentucky Derby apparel— expanded the Manhattanbased company from three to 16 employees. Giddy Apps has attracted 200,000 players and processed over ten million dollars in wagers, numbers that continue to rapidly increase. Giddy Apps launched its first game, DerbyJackpot, in January 2013. This website allows players to bet as little as a dime on a race in a simplified social gaming format. In late 2014, the company introduced their second product: DerbyLotto. Each DerbyLotto game is a Pick 4, Pick 5 or Pick 6 horse racing wager that invites players to select the winners of consecutive races. Payouts for successful bets are much higher because of the challenge of picking several 20

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straight winners. “DerbyLotto and state lottery games have a similar format, but DerbyLotto is a much better bet because it pays out 40 percent better. It's the easiest way to win a million dollars on your mobile phone,” Hessert said. “We are focused on bringing the 40,000 horse races that happen in America each year to a different kind of gambler: lottery players, poker players and social gamers. We strive to come up with different ways of playing the horses that make it more appealing to a broader market than the people who are playing right now.” Giddy Apps provides a limited amount of race data to simplify the sport for casual players. For example, information about jockeys and trainers is not available. However, Hessert said the live video feed and horse names are essential.

“DERBYJACKPOT’S BEEN PRETTY GOOD TO ME” “Even players who just pick a number love watching a horse race. It’s beautiful,” he said. “And the thoroughbred names are so much fun, too. They’re a great way to pick a horse.” Hessert said an overwhelming majority of DerbyJackpot and DerbyLotto players have never been to a racetrack or previously gambled on the sport.

John Spaw, a law enforcement officer in Golden, Colorado, has never spent a day at the track. He f irst learned of DerbyJackpot in July from a Facebook ad. Since then, he has played almost every day. “I am a gambler. I play slots. I have always been curious about horses,” Spaw said. “DerbyJackpot is a really good site for a starter who has never bet on horses. It is simple and easy, and it has a practice mode where you can learn how to bet and get comfortable with it before you start betting for cash. I was successful, so I switched over to playing for cash.” Spaw ’s big ge st w i n w a s $2 ,070. 2 0 on a 2 0 cent superfecta bet (a bet that’s ca l led “ The Dime” on DerbyJackpot). Two races later, he cashed a not her large ticket. “DerbyJackpot’s been pretty good to me,” Spaw said. Spaw ’s l aw en forcement work schedule frequently requires late-night hours. He appreciates being able to play DerbyJackpot when a night shift ends because the courses in Australia are racing, and he likes that England tracks are running during his early morning. He also enjoys the diversity within the sport. “I like the variety of racing:

the sprints, the harness racing, the hunt racing in England,” Spaw said. Spaw sa id DerbyJackpot prov ides g reat c ustomer service. He also values the matching bonuses for deposits they periodically offer. “It is all-around easy and convenient,” he said. “And you can do it from home or from your phone.” DerbyJackpot and DerbyLotto are also different from other online wagering products because they offer an opportunity to chat with other players while watching a live video feed of each race. “The strong sense of community on the sites has been the biggest surprise and best part of this journey,” Hessert said. “Our players become so engaged in the product and invested in the community. We see a lot of the same faces week to week.”

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P l ay i n g t h e S e v e n S e a s

Casino Royale: The larger cruise ships typically offer the same table games you would find on land.

Ships of Dreams YOU L OV E G A M I NG. YO U L OV E CRU I S I NG. W H Y NO T D O T H E M AT ONCE? H ER E ’ S HOW. by

H E DICE F LY, T H E wheels spin and the chips stack up! Winning at sea isn’t about a Naval fleet; it’s about gaming on the waves, by they ripples or high rollers. Taking all the elements of Vegas from the desert and loading them onto a boat is what these liners have in mind. From poker to craps, slots to wheels, bingo to baccarat—there is truly something for everyone. Perhaps there is maritime magic involved with luck on the way to a Caribbean destination or maybe the mythical Nemo himself has some pull in Central American waters, but there is no doubt that a sea cruise transports passengers in more ways 22 |

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C I N DY L A M B

than one. Take a chance, toss the dice and work on your best poker face while basking on the deck with a tropical drink. The casinos are fully stocked and loaded, from the bars to the décor, games and grandeur. The essence of any cruise is the carefree spirit, pampering, indulgence and discovery. Whatever floats your boat is the unspoken rule of the waves. A few suggestions for gaming as you sail are presented here for your perusal. Make sure you visit the websites to locate your departure ports and destinations, then draw your own comparisons and find the best fleet for a personal fit. Bon voyage!

A S U R E BE T If you’re new to cruising or casino culture, we received some professional insight from, Dori Saltzman, News Editor, CruiseCritic.com. “The main difference between casinos on different cruise ships, and cruise lines, is overall size and the availability of live table games,” she said. “Typically the bigger the ship, the bigger the casino. Also, on some ships certain table games like Texas Hold ’Em are with live dealers and actual decks of cards while others use machines.” Saltzman reminds poker players in particular. “It’s important to a person they really

in Miami, Florida. From the shipping lanes and fiords to the sun-kissed sands of tropical destinations, Royal Caribbean sails 21 ships and at grand capacity. The maiden voyage was Song of Norway and since 1991, all ships under the Royal Caribbean International brand have had names ending in “of the Seas.” Voyages to Alaska to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe to America aboard the Rhapsody, Enchantment, Splendor, and Legend of the Seas. Visit the Royal Caribbean International page on Facebook for a complete list of vessels.

On Carnival Cruiselines you can relax and enjoy the breeze while taking a cruise through the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, or the Bahamas.

should check with the cruise line or a travel agent beforehand. Same with craps, not all cruise lines have a craps table. Another difference is hours. On the larger ships, the casino is pretty much open whenever the ship is in open water. On smaller ships, the casino (or more specifically the table games) may have set hours only in the evenings or at night.” And a casual note to non-smoking preferences. “One thing to point out is that casinos tend to be one of the few places on a ship that passengers can smoke. There may be a non-smoking section of the casino, but it’s usually small. Many times smokers will congregate in the casino to smoke, so non-smoking casino players should be aware of this ahead of time.” CARNIVAL

1 855 206 2759 | carnival.com Pioneering the fun, shorter, and less expensive cruises, the British-American owned line is anchored in the Miami, Florida suburb of Doral. Whether you cruise three days or seven days, to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, or the Bahamas, there are memories to be made on any of the Carnival ships. The fleet of 24 ships bear such names as Freedom, Miracle, Fantasy, Breeze, Liberty, and Imagination and the crew on each line is ready to live up to the name on

your chosen cruise. Casino action is wide-ranging with a Las Vegas element and very accommodating and friendly floor. Everything from nickel slots to the High Rollers Club await. There are all the traditional games including Roulette, Poker, Craps, Prize Games, Blackjack, Slots, and tournaments. If you cast off and find that you are only proficient in Go Fish, there are instruction classes on board to transform the beginner into a winner. Get ready for some celebrity encores. New to the Carnival LIVE stage in 2015 Carnival welcomes Rascal Flatts, Journey, Smokey Robinson, Styx, and Little Big Town. There is also live music and libations on hand at the Red Frog Pub and theatrical and music productions are a hot ticket in this floating off-Broadway boat. There are two dozen restaurants available to Carnival cruisers as it is best advised to be a gambler fueled by a full stomach. Dining from Guy’s Burger Joint serving up the juiciest burgers on land and sea from celeb chef Guy Fieri’s menu. The savor and charm of an Italian countryside villa is at Cucina del Capitan and if the young’uns are on board, there’s Suess inspired theme of Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast. ROYAL CARIBBEAN

(866) 562-7625 | royalcaribbean.com Founded in 1968 in Nor way, this international cruising fleet is now located

Each Royal Caribbean ship includes a top-of-ship lounge called the Viking Crown Lounge boasting panoramic views, onboard rock climbing walls, bars, lounges, spas, gyms, a main dining room and 24/7 alternative dining venues. Your little ones and older children on board the Adventure Ocean program will provide them with entertainment and education. Score some M Life perk s! Roya l Caribbean International and MGM Resorts International have partnered to bring the best in cruise vacations and at-sea casinos. M Life members have access to these benefits so consider which level fits your cruise schedule and budget: Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, or Noir. To price and plan call the casino call center at 1-800-762-0702 Travelers can enjoy weekend getaways or cross the ocean. Either way, there are Baccarat, video poker, craps, blackjack, and poker, roulette. Texas Hold ’em, slot, and blackjack tournaments The environment is lively and a natural for relaxing, celebrating, and making new friends. Tenured casino host Bee Zietsman gets the last word. “It’s difficult to specify only one thing because hosting has so many exciting and challenging facets to it that make this the perfect job; however, I reckon the friends I’ve made would have to trump all! Meeting new guests and going from that to a friendship is the most valuable aspect of my job; that and reuniting with guests from previous cruises after months or even years to see them return, and not only remember them but have them remember me!” SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

Spend the shank of the evening, a sundrenched sky or beneath the rising moon on this affordable, casual cruising casino. The Dolphin Bar is one of the most popular decks of the ship, perfect for cold beverages and watching turtles and dolphins and other wild creatures—like people. Visit the website for the Captain’s post of weather, sea conditions and points of interest. Of course, he won’t be able to give you any gaming tips—those are less predictable than the sun and waves! NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Regal Princess Casino: With a casino and décor like this it is hard to imagine you’re in the middle of the ocean.

PRINCESS

1-800-774-6237 | princess.com The beautiful fleet of Princess Cruises celebrates 50 years on the water and all on board in 2015 will enjoy the benefits of this festive silver anniversary. World-class chocolatier Norman Love partnered with Princess Cruises to launch Chocolate Journeys, an industry-first, premium chocolate experience onboard. A sweet deal to say the least and the future seems to be bright and calls for smooth sailing. Two Princess ships were used as locations for filming the series, which ran for 10 seasons in the late 70s and early 80s. Those who board with gaming in mind will probably hope they are on the Luck Boat but all’s fair in love and cruising. All traditional table games and slots create an ultimate ocean-going casino. Easy options to access cash are onboard. Hours vary from ship to ship depending on the itinerary. Please check the Princess Patter online for hours that the casino is open. We offer 24-hour slots while the ship is at sea. VICTORY CASINO CRUISES

855-468-4286 | victorycruises.com It takes two! The solar–infused Florida locations of Port Canaveral and Jacksonville offer double the bounty in a gaming cruise.

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Located on the east coast of sunny central Florida, in the historic Mayport district of Port Canaveral offers a number of attractions and activities that are close and accessible to Victory voyagers. Claiming to have more recreational opportunities than all of Florida’s 13 other seaports combined have kept a steady stream of fun-loving vacationers making Canaveral their destination. Make your casino cruise a win-win affair with entertainment, dining and an array of tables and slots to help you earn your spending money on shore. Let It Ride, roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em, poker, slots, blackjack, craps and more. From bingo to baccarat, there is a diverse menu of options for your gaming appetite. Theme events from sports to service industry Mondays, ladies nights and DJ disco floors prove there’s something for everyone. An investment with the Player’s Club might be your first wise move. There are three levels of the Victory Card: Gold, Ocean and Elite. Each card has benefits, rewards and bonuses. Victory Casino Cruises sail seven days a week, twice daily, Departures at 11 a.m. returning at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. or noon to 6 p.m. Take advantage of holidays and occasions by booking cruises from personal to corporate, birthdays to weddings in both ports.

1-866-234-7350 | ncl.com The real freestyle cruising experience. With endless options and entertainment, you have the freedom to do it your way. This cruise line was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. They offer transatlantic cruises and cruises to places like Hawaii, Panama, Europe and Bermuda. Norwegian Cruise Lines currently have a fleet of 13 ships with names like the Norwegian - Epic, Breakaway, and Getaway. And each of these ships offer opportunities to create a truly epic getaway. Thanks to the flexibility and the no-fixed dining times, you can choose where and when to eat. Whether you prefer café’s or buffets, room service or specialty dining, Norwegian Cruise Lines has something for everyone. And let’s not forget about the on-board casinos. With over 2,800 slots and nearly 200 table games across the fleet, it’s no wonder they were voted best Cruise Line casino by Porthole Magazine. Gamers can participate in tournaments and events. You might even join the Casinos at Sea players club to earn points while you play. Visit their website for more information about their gaming facilities and entertainment options. Their website also contains information on travel packages and departure ports. Norwegians live life to the fullest. They smile bigger, explore further and relax longer, because they’re free to let inspiration guide them. So, climb aboard and discover how it feels to Cruise Like a Norwegian

Down the Road with Southern Gaming

Check out the ‘Indiana Golf Superfecta,’ with world-class courses this Pete Dye championship course at French Lick Resort Casino in French Lick Indiana.

Have a Bucket List? MAKE SURE THESE SOUTHERN S TO P S A R E O N I T.

OUTHERN GAMING STRIVES TO PROVIDE our readers with the best in gaming and travel. The South is chalked full of so many amazing ‘to-do’s’, from festivals and attractions to historic landmarks and relaxing getaways, and we wanted to share a few of our favorites with you. So, as you begin planning your 2015 travel itinerary, consider mixing it up with a few of these Southern selections! UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHEF AT WIND CREEK CASINO & HOTEL – ATMORE ALABAMA

If you are looking for a different experience on your next casino adventure, consider cooking! Unleash your inner chef with hands-on cooking classes from the culinary pro’s at Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore, Alabama. The three-hour classes are led by the property’s award winning chefs and ‘students’ will learn everything from kitchen basics to some more evolved cooking techniques. The classes are relaxed and usually involve a glass of wine or two. The classes range in price but are generally around $70. The menu for the classes rotates seasonally, from Italian classics to traditional family-style fare, be sure to check the calendar prior to booking. There is also a ‘Chef ’s Table’ 26 |

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option ($59 pp) where your table is located ‘in the kitchen’ for up close and personal preparation of your meal. Plus, it always helps that it is located on a property boasting resort-style amenities such as a spa, pool area and steakhouse. For more information, visit WindCreekAtmore.com/kitchen or call 1-855-393-7227. GAMBLING GOLF GETAWAY: INDIANA AND MISSISSIPPI

There is nothing better than a great golf getaway, especially when there is gambling involved! A remarkable golf trip is one that includes a good group, pre and post round entertainment options and, probably the most important, a variety of courses to play. If your group is up to it, try squeezing in 36 holes per day, because sometimes 18 just isn’t enough. So, by planning ahead, you can spend your day taking advantage of the fairways and greens and when the sun goes down you can enjoy the nightlife and casino action. One of the top areas in the country to pull this off is the ‘Indiana Golf Superfecta’ There are four properties within a short drive of each other that will make for a phenomenal three day getaway. Our recommended itinerary would be to start at Rising Star Casino’s Lynx-Style Course (Rising Star, Indiana) on day one for an early afternoon tee

The Kentucky Derby brings all sorts of celebrities to Louisville and you have the chance to mingle with the stars at events like Southern Gaming’s Derby Poker Bourbon Bash.

the world’s best barbecue, good times with great gambling? Well now’s your chance! Memphis in May is a month long celebration that includes the Beale Street Music Festival (May 1-3), the World Championship Barbecue Contest (May 14-16) and much more. The music festival offers a range of bands from the likes of Blues Traveler and Jerry Lee Lewis to Kid Rock and Alabama Shakes. And when it comes to cooking, witness the biggest names in barbecue compete for over $100,000 in prize money as they prepare their top selections of chicken, ribs, brisket, sauces for judges to decide their fate. The elaborate ‘kitchen’ set-ups are nicer than some kitchens at home and the names of the teams might be one of the most entertaining parts of it all. You will see team names like The Bastey Boys, Boar’s Night Out, Sweet Swine O’ Mine, the Rack Pack, and more. Plus…with Tunica, Mississippi is just a short drive away and you can retreat to the home of some of the best casinos in the region for some great gambling action. Find a full list of events at MemphisinMay.org HANGING WITH CELEBRITIES AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY

time. Either stay at Rising Star and enjoy a great steak dinner at Wllington’s Steakhouse, or journey down the road just 23 miles to Belterra Casino Resort and dine in one of their restaurants. We prefer to stay where we play next. So, day two includes a morning tee time at Belterra’s Tom Fazio-designed course and lunch poolside in the Out of Bounds Bar and Grill. You might even consider cooling off in the pool before hitting the road to your next stop... Horseshoe Casino’s Chariot Run course located about two hours from Belterra, just North of Louisville. Stay at Horseshoe, or take a short journey up the road to the historic French Lick Resort & Spa where you will find the world famous Pete Dye championship course. Now, to play, it will cost you $300, but there are few layouts you will find that rival it. You can replay for set rates and when you are finished, four cigars and a bottle of bourbon await your arrival! EXPERIENCE MARDI GRAS...FOR REAL!

You’ve heard about it, probably celebrated it, but, have you ever really participated in Mardi Gras? We aren’t talking about wearing some beads, having a piece of King Cake and calling it a day. We are talking about joining a Krewe (the name for a parading or social organization), dedicating the time, and money, building an awesome float and tossing ‘throws’ (beads, trinkets and toys) to thousands of screaming fans. The most famous city for Mardi Gras parades is New Orleans...but there are places throughout Louisiana and Mississippi that celebrate in a similar capacity, including casino-centric towns like Shreveport-Bossier City, Biloxi, Mississippi and Baton Rouge. Shreveport-Bossier City will hold their annual Krewe of Centaur parade on February 7th this year, and it is definitely one to check out. Crowds are estimated at nearly 100,000 showing up to see around 30 elaborately decorated floats rolling down the parade route. For more information about Mardi Gras, visit MardiGrasNewOrleans.com and to check out the festivities in Shreveport-Bossier. MEMPHIS IN MAY WITH A TUNICA STAY

What could be better than combining awesome music acts with

Roses and Mint Juleps might come to mind when you think of the Kentucky Derby, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. But, this is much more than a horserace, friends…it’s a party…or should I say, lots of them! Louisville comes alive the week leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports with race fans, party fans and lots of celebrities. There are several celebrity parties, most benefitting charities, where guests can mix and mingle with celebrities in town for the races. We are partial to Southern Gaming’s Derby Poker Bourbon Bash held on Thursday night of Derby week. The event is hosted by world renowned poker pro’s Phil Hellmuth, Robert Williamson III and Hall of Fame Coach, Denny Crum. It’s a mix of music, gambling, Kentucky bourbon, food, and tons of fun. This event followed by two days of cashing in winning tickets at Churchill Downs and parties each night, it is sure to create a collection of great memories that should be on everyone’s bucket list! Get more info about Derby Poker at DerbyPokerChampionship.com and the Kentucky Derby at KentuckyDerby.com

The annual Krewe of Centaur parade in Shreveport-Bossier City draws crowds estimated at 100,000 eager to celebrate Mardi Gras. SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

WHAT TO WATCH

THE TOP 5 MOVIES ABOUT GAMING:

These films are the next best thing to being at the Casino by

JOSEPH GROVE

HEN YOU LOVE something as much as we love gaming, you’re always on the lookout for other ways to enjoy it. And as the winter drags on and on for much of the U.S., staying indoors in front of a DVD player or your online streaming service of choice, taking in a movie or two seems a nice alternate way to revel in your favorite pastime. NASCAR lovers have “Days of Thunder” and “The Legend of Ricky Bobby.” Runners have “Chariots of Fire.” We casino fans? Well, there’s a veritable royal flush of films about life where the dealers never sleep and the sun never shines. Here are some of our favorites.

before, in 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” They score again here in a story about a group of gambling swindlers in Depression-era Chicago. As so often happens in stories in this genre, one of the moves goes awry, and anything but hilarity ensues. An aggrieved crime boss order hits. Pay-offs are offered. And finally—because that’s the kind of movie these are— everything hinges on one more swindle. Robert Shaw, who followed by playing the doomed Quint in “Jaws,” turns in a standout performance. OCEAN’S 11 AD INFINITUM

2001-2007; directed by Steven Soderbergh Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy García, Julia Roberts and one of the world’s worst fake accents. (Yes, Don Cheadle, we means you.)

CASINO

1995; directed by Martin Scorsese Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone and a very sharp pen Put Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in front of a camera and Martin Scorsese behind it, and there will be blood. The trio—veterans of “Raging Bull” and “Good Fellas”—give a riveting look at the behind-the-scenes life of the Tangiers casino and the group of made men who run it. Violence? Check. Sex? Yeah, there’s some of that. But what should appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike is the sequence where De Niro’s character leads the viewer through a tour of the machinations of a casino. Who knew the life of a chip could be so adventurous? CASINO ROYALE

2006; directed by Martin Campbell Starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green Judi Dench and one Ebola-style bleeding eyeball Not only was “Casino Royale” centered around a high-stakes game of poker, the movie itself represented a pretty big gamble. The first iteration of the character since Pierce Brosnan sipped his last shaken martini in 2002’s “Die Another Day,” the film amounted to a complete franchise reboot, taking audiences back to the kills that helped Bond earn his double-o status. The character became darker, losing some (but not all) of his cheeky, innuendo-laced demeanor and replacing it with scowls. The change in direction was worrisome enough to MGM studio heads that they brought Columbia Pictures aboard as a partner. THE STING

1973; directed by George Roy Hill Starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw and the world’s catchiest soundtrack Newman and Redford had made cinematic magic together 28

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The premise is familiar enough: Conman gets out of prison. Con-man gets in touch with former partners in crime. Re-assembled crew goes out for one last heist. (Of course, for subsequent Ocean’s sequels to exist, they ultimately must go out for a couple more “one last heists.” What makes the film so popular is the boldness of the premise and the aplomb with which it is carried off: A simultaneously rip-off of three iconic Vegas properties. That, and the great, effortless chemistry among the leads, who go together like blackjack, bourbon and waitress wearing skimpy skirts. THE HUSTLER

1961; directed by Robert Rossen Starring Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott and the role that was almost Frank Sinatra’s Ah, pool. Close-ups of trick shots. The slow broods and squints of intense players lining up their shots. Tension broke in the lightning strike of a cue against a white ball and the thunder claps of others scattering. The game is inherently dramatic, despite the languid pace it manifests to the untrained observer. Director Rossen understood this and played it to great effect in a story about revenge, forgiveness and love gone wrong (always the best kind in any story about gamblers and come-uppances). The film was based on a 1959 novel so beloved and screen-ready that even Sinatra wanted a piece of it.

PLAYER STRATEGY by

SLOTS: Put Me in Coach

LI N DA B OY D

Arrival. On tournament day you should plan on getting to the casino significantly ahead of time. That’s because you’ll want to watch several rounds preceding your own to learn the ropes. For example: A). Can you select your own machine? If so, which ones have the loosest buttons?

Linda Boyd was a long-time table-game player before turning to video poker You can see her videos on YouTube and American Casino Guide’s website. Her book “The Video Poker Edge” includes removable pay schedules and strategy cards for the most popular games.

OH, PUT ME IN, COACH, I’M READY TO PLAY, TODAY. —“CENTERFIELD,” BY JOHN FOGERTY

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R ECEN T LY WA S A GU ES T ON Southern Gaming Radio to talk about both video poker and slot tournaments. The host, Southern Gaming and Destination’s managing editor, Joseph Grove, made casino special events sound so tempting that many listeners were champing at the bit to join in. While I wouldn’t advise taking WD-40 to spritz the buttons for faster play, there are a few legal things you can do to gain an advantage and really be “ready to play” come tournament day. Getting off the bench. Tournaments for slots have been around for a long time but as they evolve some of the old rules have changed. Here are some tips in keeping with the latest trends so you can maximize both your odds of qualifying to play and your score once you’re selected. Entry equity. In the past players filled out entry tickets by hand, a tedious process, and placed them in the drum. Some even increased their odds of having their name drawn by folding their entry forms certain ways. Nowadays, however, you usually earn tickets based solely on your “coin-in”, meaning the amount of money you’ve run through their devices for slot and VP players. To maximize the number of tickets you have in the virtual drum you should stick to low variance games. Rules. One of the most important things to do in preparation is to read the tournament rules several times and ask questions about anything that is still unclear. Your feet will be held to the fire when it comes to enforcing the rules, even if you are a frequent player and have a host. One requirement that inexplicably disqualifies players is getting to the designated spot on time. If you’re told you have just two minutes to get to the slot club desk why play a device three minutes away while they’re calling names?

B). Are there special requirements, like popping virtual balloons on a touch screen for bonus points? C). Are the rules stated by the MC accurately, since some announcers aren’t gamblers? In addition, you’ll be able to calm your nerves by knowing what’s expected. Perseverance. Just like Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, and Joe DiMaggio, mentioned in the song, you can’t give up because you’re feeling some pain. Believe it or not you’ll walk away with sore fingers and hurting wrists after playing in most of these events. I even had small blisters on my fingers after the third 2-minute session in the “Tournament of Champions.” Also, block out the announcers naming the people who are in the lead and focus solely on playing as fast as you can and earning bonus points if they’re available. Making the cut. You’ll never see PGA golfers leaving town when they’re on the bubble for making the tournament cut, nor should you. Even if the odds of making it to the next round are long you should hang around. Sometimes you’re the last one in because players in the final few qualifying rounds do poorly and sometimes qualifiers leave and the tournament provides for replacement players. Final thoughts. You may not make it into a free slot tournament the first time out, but be a careful spectator anyway. Like the song says, “Well, I spent some time with the Mudville Nine, watchin’ it from the bench,” but one day you will surely make the tournament lineup and you will want to be ready. Your enthusiasm and tournament expertise will definitely help when you finally get the chance to say, “Look at me, I gotta be center field!” You can find all episodes of Southern Gaming Radio at SouthernGaming.com. Look for the “Radio” tab at the top of the page. SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY

POKER: Top 10 Hands

N THIS COLUMN WE TYPICALLY discuss more advanced Hold ’em strategy. But sometimes, it’s good to take a few steps back. And for beginners, I recommend playing only the top 10 hands and folding on all others. The top 10 are, in order of relative promise: A-A, K-K, Q-Q , A-K, J-J, 10-10, 9-9, 8-8, A-Q , and finally 7-7. Experience has shown me that these are the strongest starting hands in limit Hold ’em. This beginning “strategy for survival” is designed to keep you in the game while you learn the more subtle techniques that are necessary to beat tougher games. Or to extract more money from weak games. And in some games using just this strategy will make you a winner. With this patient strategy alone, and really not much else in the way of poker instruction, I was able to crush the games in Madison. What happens is that when you consistently play only the top 10 hands, your opponents will begin to fear your bets and raises because they’ll see that you’re always playing something powerful. This fear gives you some leeway to make a few different plays later on, when you’ve absorbed the intermediate and more advanced advice I’ll be giving you later. In other words, the “top 10 hands” strategy teaches the right fundamentals when you do add some intermediate and advanced strategy to your arsenal, because playing supertight alone just won’t get the pots in these tougher games: the good hands don’t come along often enough, and perhaps even more important, you risk becoming a bit too predictable. When you break limit Hold ’em down to its basic elements, good game theory suggests that you wait for big starting hands before you get involved in a hand, because the blinds are relatively small compared with the size of the pots, unless you’re playing in a very tight game (which is rare at low stakes). It may seem a bit boring to play only these top 10 hands; after all, most of you play poker just to have a good time and socialize - that is, for entertainment. Fair enough, but if you want to win the money, then you need to show some patience and entertain yourself in another way. And, anyway, how entertaining is it to play all the hands and lose most of them?

In general, I recommend playing the top 10 hands regardless of your position in the betting order or the number of bets it will cost you to get involved in the hand. Always raise with theses hands, no matter what it costs you to get involved. Of course, if you have a lot of evidence to suggest that your 7-7 is beaten (perhaps the tightest player in the game has just re-re-raised the hand, making it, as we say, “four bets to go”), then you might do well to fold the hand. But in general, playing these hands aggressively is a good way to play Hold ’em. I know that you’re probably thinking right now, “Is it really that easy? All I have to do is play Phil’s to 10 hands?” The answer is basically yes, at least as far as your starting requirements (your first two cards) are concerned! Yes, because it will be easy for you to play before the flop (on the first round of betting) when all you have to remember is to play only the top 10.

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PHIL HELLMUTH, JR.

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

THE “TOP 10” STARTING HANDS FOR BEGINNERS 1. A-A 2. K-K 3. Q-Q 4. A-K 5. J-J 6. 10-10

“WHEN YOU CONSISTENTLY PLAY ONLY THE TOP 10 HANDS, YOUR OPPONENTS WILL BEGIN TO FEAR YOU.”

7. 9-9 8. 8-8 9. A-Q 10. 7-7

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PLAYER STRATEGY by

FRANK SCOBLETE

CRAPS: Mommy’s Manners

Y MOTHER ALWAYS believed in proper manners. She wanted me to be respectful of others’ feelings and to keep my mouth shut if I didn’t have something decent to say. Of course, she didn’t think I should just roll over if someone were nasty to me but you get the picture, I shouldn’t be the “bore in the room” without strong provocation.

Frank Scoblete is a bestselling casino gambling writer. His newest book is Confessions of a Wayward Catholic. Frank’s books are available on amazon.com and Kindle, in bookstores or mail order. Call 1.800.944.0406 or visit frankscoblete.com.

I’ve more or less kept to my mother’s manners dictum. No doubt I have written my share of articles and chapters in my books where I attack certain gambling ideas that are patently false and if truth be told, I’ve been somewhat unkind to the sad sacks who postulate those ideas. But I am generally a decent sort and when I play craps I adhere to all the superstitions that other players believe do in fact make a difference. I think my playing technique should be the behavioral norm – and it is for many players – but there are so many other craps players who are “barbarians at the gates” and make the game somewhat trying for the rest of us.

“MANY OTHER CRAPS PLAYERS ARE “BARBARIANS AT THE GATES” AND MAKE THE GAME SOMEWHAT TRYING FOR THE REST OF US.”

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So here we go, all the things you should avoid doing when you play craps. I call these Mommy’s Manners. 1. D o not whine and moan about your losses. Other players don’t really care if you win or lose. They are interested in their own bets, not yours. No single player is the center of the craps universe; even the shooter is merely a part of the whole shebang.. 2. Do not slap the shooter on the back or yell up into his nose so he smells your beer and garlic breath. If he is having a good roll and you are making money you can clap if he hits a number you’re on. Respect the body area of the shooter. 3. D o not slam your fist down on the railing or scream or moan or become a mess if someone sevens out. Everyone sevens out. Just keep your disappointments to yourself. 4. D o not buy in or color up when the shooter is holding the dice. Also, arrange your chips by denomination so the dealers don’t have to waste time doing so. 5. D o not throw bets onto the layout when the shooter has the dice.

6. K now what bets you have on the table. Do not slow the game down arguing over this or that bet. You should know exactly what you are wagering and also what those wagers pay should you win them. A lot of time can be wasted by shooters not remembering what bets they made. 7. I f you wish to increase or decrease your winning bet, you do so when you are paid for that bet. Don’t wait for the payments to be made all around the table before you press or increase or decrease your wager. 8. Th e dealers know the proper order of payouts. No need to ask when you are going to get paid. They will get to you. 9. W hen you are shooting you must keep the arc of the dice below the stickman’s eyes. He is responsible for following the dice in the air and also checking the proposition (Crazy Crapper) bets in the center of the table. 10. Take some care with throwing the dice. Players whose dice constantly land in the dealers’ chip piles, often knocking these over, can delay the game and annoy the other players. 11. Do not give instruction in the game to other players. Do not tell them how to bet or how much to bet. If a new player enters the game and asks for advice tell him to ask the dealers. 12. Do not hold your drink over the table. A spilled drink stops the game until the crew can clean off the table. 13. Do not blow on the dice. Aside from being disgusting, no one wants to hold dice that might have your germs on them. 14. Feel free to set the dice in any configuration you please but learn to do so quickly. Dice setters who take months to arrive at their set are annoying to everyone at the table. 15. Do not mention the word “seven” as many superstitious craps players think this will cause the seven to appear. Okay there are 15 things to keep in mind when you play. A good craps player should never want to become an annoying craps player. So obey my mommy. SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY

BLACKJACK: What Would You Do? OW WOU LD YOU PL AY T H E fol low ing fou r blackjack hands? The dealer’s upcard is a 6.

8♣-10♦ 9♥-9♦ A♦-7♠ 2♦-5♠-A♦ Even though all four hands have a count of 18, they are not necessarily played the same way against the dealer’s 6 upcard. Often the playing strategy depends upon the makeup of the cards in your hand. For example, look at the first hand (our baseline hand). You are dealt a two-card hard 18, and the playing strategy is straightforward; you stand when the dealer shows a 6 upcard. I would venture a guess and say that virtually 100% of players would play this hand correctly. The second hand is also a hard 18 but it consists of a pair of 9s. I’ve seen many players stand on this hand, figuring a count of 18 is good enough. Standing might be OK for 10-8 against a 6 but when you have a pair of 9s, the correct play is to split. The reason you split is that you will win more money starting with two hands of nine against a dealer’s 6 upcard than you will starting with one hand of 18. The third hand is also an 18 but it contains an ace counted as 11; therefore, the hand is a soft 18. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen players stand on this hand against a dealer’s 6 (presumably, because they think an 18 is a good hand against a weak dealer’s 6). Yes, when you stand you’ll win money in the long run; however, you will win even more money if you double down (e.g., 10 percent more money if it’s a six-deck game with double after pair splitting permitted and dealer standing on soft 17). Actually, we aren’t trying to better the count of our hand when we double a soft 18. In fact, many times we’ll wind up with a count less than 18 after the draw of one card. However, the point of doubling a soft 18 is this: we have a chance to double our bet when the dealer has a 42 percent chance of busting with a 6 upcard. Furthermore, we can’t bust when we draw one card because if 32 |

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

the count of the hand exceeds 21, we then count the ace as one. Therefore, we have no risk of busting with a one-card draw and a good chance the dealer will bust, which makes doubling soft 18 against a dealer 6 a more profitable play than standing. The fourth hand is also a soft 18 but it is a multicard soft 18. Since the playing rules don’t allow you to double down on a hand containing three (or more) cards, the correct playing strategy is to stand against a dealer’s 6. (As a general rule, you should always hit multi-card soft hands that total 17 or less regardless of what the dealer’s upcard is. With soft 18, you stand if the dealer’s upcard is 8 or less and hit if it’s 9, 10, or ace.) Look at the following three hands. Suppose you are dealt them and the dealer is showing a 4 upcard. How would you play each hand? 8♦-4♣ 10♦-2♠ 6♦-6♥ All three hands have a starting total of 12. However, each hand is played differently against a dealer’s 4 upcard. Hand #1 is a hard 12, consisting of 8-4. Against a dealer’s 4 upcard, the correct play is to stand. Hand #2 is also a hard 12 but the hand contains a ten-value card. By having one ten-value card in your hand, you slightly lower your chances of busting with a hit just enough to make hitting 10-2 a better play than standing when the dealer’s upcard is a 4. (Note: This effect decreases as the number of decks increases; therefore, for six or fewer decks, you should hit a 10-2 against a dealer’s 4 upcard but in an eight-deck game, you should stand.)

Henry Tamburin is the author of Blackjack: Take The Money & Run, editor of Blackjack Insider Newsletter and lead instructor for the Golden Touch Blackjack Course (goldentouchblackjack.com). To receive his free Casino Gambling Catalog, call 888-353-3234 or visit smartgaming.com.

“OH, PUT ME IN, COACH, I’M READY TO PLAY, TODAY.” –“CENTERFIELD,” BY JOHN FOGERTY

The third hand consists of a pair of 6s. You should never stand (or hit) against a dealer’s 4. Depending on the playing rules, if you split you’ll either lose less money or turn a losing hand into a slightly wining hand. The above are just some examples of where not only the count of the hand is important, but also the makeup of the cards that determines the best playing strategy. Until next time, play smart and win.

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PLAYER STRATEGY by

JOHN GROCHOWSKI

B John Grochowski is an internationally renowned gaming expert, syndicated columnist and author.

“THERE ARE FEWER CHANCES TO DRAW A HIGH PAIR TO GET OUR MONEY BACK WHEN THERE’S ONLY ONE HIGH CARD IN THE MIX.”

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VIDEO POKER: Bonus Poker Deluxe

ONUS POKER DELUXE LONG has been one of the most popular video poker games around. A large segment of players love the 400-coin payoff for a five-coin bet on every four of a kind. There’s no 2,000-coin bonanza on four Aces with a low-card kicker, as in Double Double Bonus Poker, nor even an 800-coin jackpot, as in Double Bonus Poker. But the payoff on four 5s through Kings doesn’t drop to 250 coins, as in those games, and certainly not all the way to 125 as on all Jacks or Better quads and most in Bonus Poker. For a quarter player betting five-coin maximums, that means every four of a kind is worth a bankroll-padding $100. That’s a powerful attraction, one that offsets the 1-for-1 return on common two-pair hands. Those wins just get you your bet back, the same as in Double Bonus or Double Double Bonus, instead of bringing a 2-for-1 return as in Jacks or Better or Bonus Poker. The full-pay 9-6 version of Deluxe, paying 9-for1 on full houses and 6-for-1 on flushes, returns 99.64 percent with expert play. Using 9-6 Jacks or Better strategy on the game drops the return only three-hundredths of a percent, to 99.61 percent. The more common 8-6 Bonus Poker Deluxe returns 98.49 percent, and expert play is identical to strategy for 9-6 BPD. The two-pair payoff is the change that drives the minor strategy differences between Deluxe and Jacks or Better. Because the drop in two-pair payoffs limit the value of complete redraws, we chase more inside straights in BPD. In Bonus Poker Deluxe, we draw one-card to four-card inside straights if there are no high cards in the hand, such as 9-7-6-5 of mixed suits. That’s something we don’t do in Jacks or Better. If there are high cards in the inside straight, we have a different cutoff point for making the draw than in Jacks or Better. In JB, we draw to inside straights only if they contain at least three high cards, Jack or higher. If the game is Bonus Poker Deluxe, the cutoff is two high cards instead of three. We do hold King-Queen-10-9 of mixed suits, but with Queen-10-9-8, the better play is to hold just the Queen. Concentrating more of the payoff in the rarer four-of-a-kind hands makes BPD a more

volatile game than Jacks or Better. There’s the opportunity for bigger wins when the quads are coming, but also faster losses because the payoffs on common two-pairs aren’t high enough to ease losing streaks. For a 95 percent chance of remaining in action after 10 hours of play on a quarter machine at full-pay 9-6 Bonus Poker Deluxe, you need a $770 bankroll, higher than the $450 on 9-6 Jacks or Better, but lower than the $885 on 9-6 Double Double Bonus. Drop down a level to 8-6 BPD—a much easier game to find in many markets—and the bankroll requirement rises to $831. Let’s try some sample hands that emphasize those inside straight draws, and use 8-6 BPD as our touchstone instead of the rarer 9-6 version: King of hearts, Queen of diamonds, 10 of spades, 9 of clubs, 3 of diamonds: Hold King-Queen-10-9. If you hold KingQueen, there are 16,125 possible draws, and your most frequent winner will be a high pair, with 5,022 possible draws. Your next most frequent winner will be two pairs, with 711 possibilities. Those 711 mean more to us in games that pay 2-for-1 on two pairs than they do in BPD. The bottom line is that in 8-6 Bonus Deluxe, we’ll get back an average of 2.34 coins per five coins wagered if you hold King-Queen-10-9, and only 2.23 if you hold King-Queen and discard the rest. Queen of clubs, 10 of hearts, 9 of spades, 8 of spades, 2 of clubs There are fewer chances to draw a high pair to get our money back when there’s only one high card in the mix. The average return of 2.18 coins for holding the lone Queen betters the 2.02 on Queen-10-9-8. 10 of spades, 9 of clubs, 7 of diamonds, 6 of hearts, 2 of clubs With no high cards in the hand, we’re back to drawing to the inside straight. The low return on two pairs limits the value of a complete redraw. So we hold 10-9-7-6, instead of tossing the lot, as we would in Jacks or Better or Bonus Poker. In 8-6 BPD, the average return is 1.7 coins on holding those 4 vs. 1.61 on the redraw. SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... A CASINO VALET by

JAMES BICKERS

OR MOST CASINO-GOERS, THE experience begins when they step out of their car and hand it over to the valet, and ends when the car is brought back hours or perhaps days later. For the valets, though, those bookends represent time at work rather than play. And depending on the time of day, the attitude of the patrons and the cleanliness of the cars, that work can be enjoyable – or it can be the pits. Josh Kuykendall worked as a valet at the El Cortez in Las Vegas for 12 years. He says the shifts align pretty closely with other hourly jobs – there’s the coveted day shift, the not-so-desirable swing shift, and the graveyard hours, which work well for certain people but are anathema to others. He says he spent about half of his time on the day shift, and the other half on the graveyard.t “I think grave is hard for most people because they can’t adjust to sleeping when the sun is out,” he said. “I never really got used to it, it just became more of a tolerance thing.” As with most service jobs, your valet lives and dies by tips. But Josh points out that a tip doesn’t have to be excessive to make a difference – he said “$2 in $2 out” is usually the best tip, $5/$5 if you want service to be a little bit faster. “Now, if you want your vehicle kept super-close, $10 goes a long way,” he said. “I can say that 99 percent of all valet work for their tips,” he said. “The hourly you get is usually minimum wage or slightly above depending on the casino. Tips are for the most part always higher. People have to understand that valet, bartenders, waiters, and cocktail waitresses primarily work for tips and that’s what pays our bills, puts food on the table, and keeps a roof over our head. So when someone stiffs you, you take it as their saying ‘screw you and your family.’”

“I GOT INTO THIS TRUCK ONE TIME, GARBAGE ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT STUNK LIKE A PORTAPOTTY...”

With 12 years experience under his belt, you can imagine that Josh, like most valets, has some stories to tell. Many of them are just downright disgusting: “I got into this truck one time, garbage all over the place. It stunk like a porta-potty, and after I parked it a damn mouse comes flying out from under the dash,” he said. “I jumped out of that truck so fast and used some colorful language at the same time.”

His scariest moment, he says, was getting mugged – after parking a car, he noticed a man walking around in the lot. “I asked if he needed any help and he walked up to me and stuck a knife to my neck and asked for all my money,” he said. “I said, ‘Dude, I don’t have any money – I’m a valet.’” The man snatched a set of keys from him and took off. He was never caught.

| SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

His most interesting story, he says, came one morning around 2 AM, when a beat up Crown Victoria pulled in. He noticed right away that a “really crazy smell” was coming from it. As the driver went into the casino, Josh tried to park the car, but the smell was too much, and he had to get out. Moments later, about 10 police vehicles come screeching up to the valet station, and their drivers jump out, guns drawn and dogs barking. The driver of the car was taken away by a few officers, while the ones remaining on the scene started putting on their HAZMAT suits. Josh had almost just parked a rolling meth lab, which at the time was filled with 300 baggies full of the drug. Despite not working at one of the bigger prestige hotels, Josh still got the chance to park cars for some big names – Flava Flav, Coolio, Penn Gilette, NFL running back Steven Jackson, Woody Harrelson, Mike Tyson and Floyd Maywhether came to mind for him. “I never had a bad moment with any of them,” he said. “They all tipped good and were super nice.” Josh says that on the whole, it was a fun job, and he misses the guys he worked with. Oh, yeah, and there’s one other perk of the job that he really misses. “I will miss driving the half-a-million-dollar Rolls Royces, the Lamborghinis, the Ferraris,” he said. “I drove a 1939 Bugati one time.”

Don Williams

JANUARY 17 | 8:00pm

Kathy Griffin

JANUARY 30 | 8:00pm

Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show FEBRUARY 7 | 8:00pm

Big laughs to love songs,

Dwight Yoakam

KC and the Sunshine Band

FEBRUARY 13 | 8:00pm

FEBRUARY 21 | 8:00pm

Paul Anka

FEBRUARY 28 | 8:00pm

For tickets, visit the IP Box Office or order tickets online at IPBiloxi.com or Ticketmaster.com! Must be 21. All events subject to change or cancellation. See B Connected Club for complete rules and details. Management reserves all rights. Call 888-946-2847 for details. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Let The Game Get Out Of Hand. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.

Uncle Kracker

JANUARY 9 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $30*.

| IPBiloxi.com

SOU THERN GAMING’S

PREFERRED HOT SPOTS Whether you’re a frequent jet-setter or simply a casual traveler, Southern Gaming and Destinations strives to recommend highquality establishments to our readers. We feel this array of our preferred casinos, racetracks, racinos, hotels and restaurants will deliver the best in accommodations, entertainment and gaming. We encourage you to consider any of these incredible properties when planning your next getaway. 1 GULF COAST BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (BILOXI) 1-888-750-7111 FALLEN OAK GOLF COURSE (BILOXI) 1-877-805-4657 GOLDEN MUGGET (BILOXI) 1-800-777-7568 HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE (GULFPORT & BILOXI) 1-228-867-7001 HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO (BILOXI) 1-877-877-6256 IP CASINO RESORT SPA 1-888-946-2847 MARY MAHONEY’S FRENCH HOUSE RESTAURANT (BILOXI) 1-228-374-0163 PALACE CASINO RESORT (BILOXI) 1-800-PALACE-9 THE SHED BBQ (OCEAN SPRINGS) 1-228-875-9590 SILVER SLIPPER CASINO (BAY ST. LOUIS) 1-866-775-4773

2 ALABAMA BAHAMA BOB’S BEACHSIDE CAFE (GULF SHORES) 1-251-948-2100

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

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

CHURCHILL DOWNS (LOUISVILLE) 1-800-283-3729 JACKS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-897-9721 GALT HOUSE HOTEL & SUITES (LOUISVILLE) 1-800-THE-GALT GOLF COURSES OF KENTON COUNTY 1-859-371-3200 JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-584-0102 KEENELAND RACECOURSE (LEXINGTON) 1-800-456-3412 LASSING POINTE GOLF COURSE (BOONE COUNTY) 1-859-384-2266

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

9 TUNICA (MISSISSIPPI) GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT 1-888-24-KSTAY HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA 1-800-871-0711

SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL 1-800-456-0711

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-473-7625

10 MISSISSIPPI

5 GEORGIA ECLIPSE DI LUNA (ATLANTA) 1-678-205-5862

PAT’S STEAK HOUSE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-896-9234

11 MISSOURI

GARIBALDI CAFE (SAVANNAH) 1-912-232-7118

PORCINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-894-8686

THE TRELLIS ROOM RESTAURANT (MOBILE) 1-251-338-5493

6 INDIANA

CAFÉ GIOVANNI (NEW ORLEANS) 1-504-529-2154

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT (VEVAY) 1-888-BELTERRA

DELTA DOWNS RACETRACK & CASINO (VINTON) 1-800-589-7441

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

PARAGON CASINO RESORT (MARKSVILLE) 1-800-946-1946

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

8 LOUISIANA

SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & CASINO (SHREVEPORT) 1-877-429-0711

GOLDEN NUGGET 1-800-634-3454 GOLDEN GATE HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-426-1906

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

SEELBACH HOTEL (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-585-3200

FERRARO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1-702-364-5300

THE HOLLYWOOD CAFE (OLD HWY 61) 1-662-363-1225

NEVEL MEADE GOLF COURSE (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-228-9522

ROCKS ON THE ROOF @ THE BOHEMIAN HOTEL (SAVANNAH) 1-912-721-3901

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BROWN HOTEL (LOUISVILLE) 1-502-583-1234

LUCY BUFFET’S LULU’S RESTAURANT (GULF SHORES) 1-251-967-5858

THE FADED ROSE RESTAURANT (LITTLE ROCK) 1-501-663-9734

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

21C MUSEUM HOTEL (LOUISVILLE) 1-877-217-6400

HAL’S THE STEAKHOUSE (ATLANTA) 1-404-261-0025

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

7 KENTUCKY

FELIX’S FISH CAMP GRILL (MOBILE) 1-251-626-6710

3 ARKANSAS

GOT A FAVORITE SPOT? LET US KNOW!

CIELO RESTAURANT & BAR (ST. LOUIS) 1-314-881-2105 LUMIÈRE PLACE CASINO & HOTELS (ST. LOUIS) 1-314-881-7777 RIGAZZI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT (ST. LOUIS-HILL DISTRICT) 1-314-772-4900 RIVER CITY CASINO (ST. LOUIS) 1-888-578-7289

12 LAS VEGAS (NEVADA) ARIA RESORT AND CASINO 1-866-359-7757 THE BELLAGIO 1-888-987-6667 CAESARS PALACE 1-800-HARRAHS

MGM GRAND 1-877-880-0880 MANDALAY BAY RESORT AND CASINO 1-877-632-7800 MIRAGE LAS VEGAS 1-800-627-6667 PALMS HOTEL 1-866-942-7777 PARIS LAS VEGAS 1-877-796-2096 THE VENETIAN 1-877-283-6423 WYNN LAS VEGAS 1-888-320-WYNN WILD WILD WEST HOTEL & CASINO 1-800-6-STATIONS

13 LAUGHLIN (NEVADA) AQUARIUS CASINO RESORT 1-888-662-5824 GOLDEN NUGGET LAUGHLIN 1-800-950-7700 HARRAH’S LAUGHLIN CASINO AND HOTEL 1-800-427-7247

TOURNAMENTS AND EVENTS

Beginning with this issue, Southern Gaming and Destinations brings you upcoming notable events across the South and other regions as the editors believe they may appeal to our audience. To have an event considered for the column, email editor@southerngaming.com.

WORLD SERIES OF POKER VARIOUS WWW.WSOP.COM

6 11

Whether you want to play, show up or watch from the comfort of your man cave (or woman cave), you can’t enjoy the games if you don’t know when they are. Southern Gaming to the rescue: Jan. 8-19: Choctaw Casino Resort (Dallas, Oklahoma) Jan. 22-Feb. 2: Horseshoe Tunica Feb. 5-16: Palm Beach Kennel Club (Florida) Feb. 19-March 2: Lumière Place Casino and Hotels (St. Louis) Feb. 26-March 9: Horseshoe Baltimore March 7-18: Bicycle Casino (Los Angeles) March 19-30: Horseshoe Cincinnati April 9-20: Horseshoe Council Bluffs (Omaha, Iowa)

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17 3 8

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

JANUARY 12; AT&T STADIUM, ARLINGTON, TEXAS

The first-ever College Football Championship will bring some modernity and—some would argue—fairness to the heretofore mystical process of crowning college football’s No. 1 team. Want to travel in style? Premium packages will go for as much $3,899 each. Touchdown, Arlington!

1 4

SUPER BOWL XLIX FEBRUARY 1; UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX STADIUM, GLENDALE, ARIZ. WWW.SUPERBOWL.COM

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

15 OHIO

ARTHUR HILLS GOLF COURSE AT PALMETTO DUNES (HILTON HEAD) 1-866-380-1778 BLOODY POINT GOLF CLUB & RESORT (HILTON HEADDAFUSKIE ISLAND) 1-843-341-3030 CQ’S RESTAURANT (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-671-2779 GOLDEN BEAR AT INDIGO RUN (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-689-2200 HARBOUR TOWN GOLF COURSE (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-363-4485

BLUE ASH GOLF COURSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-745-8577

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

ELKS RUN GOLF COURSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-735-6600

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

JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-784-1200

17 TENNESSEE

MONTGOMERY INN BOATHOUSE (CINCINNATI) 1-513-791-3482

16 SOUTH CAROLINA AUNT CHILADA’S EASY STREET CAFÉ (HILTON HEAD) 1-843-785-7700

BOUND’RY (NASHVILLE) 1-615-321-3043

HALF SHELL RESTAURANT (MEMPHIS) 1-901-682-3966 THE PEABODY HOTEL (MEMPHIS) 1-901-529-4000 RENDEZVOUS BARBECUE (MEMPHIS) 1-901-523-2746 VANDERBILT LEGENDS CLUB (BRENTWOOD) 1-615-790-1300

18 WEST VIRGINIA HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES 1-800-795-7001

For those of you who don’t speak Roman numerals, that’s Super Bowl 49. Who’s playing? We don’t know the teams, but you can bet that there’ll be chatter about the expensive ads as well as look-outs for a wardrobe malfunction from halftime performer Katy Perry. (See page 18 for tips on related props bets.)

DAYTONA 500 FEBRUARY 22; DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY, DAYTONA, FLA. WWW.NASCAR.COM

Get your program, chill your beer and warm your chili as America’s race day brings its annual rumbles and ruckus to Florida. Will Kevin Harvick begin a trek to repeat his 2014 Sprint Cup Series championship? Will Junior parlay his recent successes into meaningful points gains? How many people will try to beat up Brad Keselowski? Good times, track fans. Good times. (See page 10 for details on Fantasy NASCAR and a 2015 schedule.)

THE GREENBRIER (WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS) 1-800-453-4858 MARDI GRAS CASINO & RESORT 1-304-776-1000 MOUNTAINEER CASINO RACETRACK AND RESORT 1-800-489-8192 WHEELING ISLAND HOTEL, CASINO & RACETRACK 1-304-232-5050

CHEROKEE VALLEY GOLF COURSE (MEMPHIS) 1-901-525-4653 FOLK’S FOLLY (MEMPHIS) 1-901-762-8200 GAYLORD SPRINGS GOLF LINKS (NASHVILLE) 1-615-458-1730

WANT COMPS? If you are a qualified casino player, let us know! We will be happy to connect you with some of our preferred casino properties around the world! For more information, please e-mail comps@southerngaming.com or call 1-877-582-9478.

SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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WIN

THE ULTIMATE

CASINO GETAWAY!

Each year, Southern Gaming and Destinations gives you the opportunity to reward the properties that take care of you the most with our Best of Southern Gaming Awards. You get to cast your vote for everything from rooms to restaurants, as well as have a chance to win a the Ultimate Casino Getaway! This year’s prize package includes:

MAGAZINE READERS’ CHOICE

AWARDS

•

A TWO-NIGHT STAY AT THE CASINO OF YOUR CHOICE

•

$250 CASINO PLAY

•

A $100 GAS CARD

•

DINNER FOR TWO AT THE PREMIUM RESTAURANT ON THE PROPERTY (EXCLUDING ALCOHOL)

•

4 BREAKFAST BUFFETS

•

2 DINNER BUFFETS

•

YOUR TRIP RECAP PUBLISHED IN SOUTHERN GAMING & DESTINATIONS

It’s easy to enter! Choose your favorite Southern casino from each category. Mail in your ballot and you will be automatically entered to win the prize! Or, complete the ballot online at southerngaming.com/2015awards. Don’t miss out— the voting deadline is February 28, 2015.

One vote per person. Duplicate copies will result in disqualification. Faxes and copies are not accepted. All fields are required. Mark N/A if not applicable. If you do not have an email address, please provide us with your phone number. All entries must be postmarked by February 28, 2015.

VOTE! MAIL! WIN! Pick your favorite Southern properties

from each category below, answer a few questions, mail it in and you will be registered to win a 2-night stay in the casino of your choice. Good luck!

MAGA ZINE READERS’ CHOICE

AWARDS

Or, vote online at southerngaming.com/2015awards * One vote per person ... duplicate entries will result in disqualification of participation in contest. *Faxes and copies of this ballot will not be accepted. *All fields are required. *Mark N/A if not applicable. If you do not have an e-mail address please include phone number. *All entries must be postmarked or submitted online by February 28, 2015, to be counted and eligible for giveaway.

First Name:

Last Name:

Address: City:

E-mail:

State:

Zip:

Phone Number:

Do you subscribe to Southern Gaming and Destinations? Are you a member of The Comps Club ? TM

Yes

Date of Birth: No

What games do you like to play the most? Blackjack

Craps

Slots/Video Poker

Poker

Pari-mutuel (Horses)

Other:

What kind of comps do you typically receive from casinos? None, they are stingy

Free Buffet

Match Play Offers

Free Rooms

Whatever I want, I’m a high roller!

Tell us your favorite gaming region in the fields below. Regions include:

Indiana | Tunica/North MS (Lula) | Vicksburg, MS | Shreveport/Bossier City, LA | Gulf Coast Standalone Mid-South (Pearl River, Bok Homa & Others not in casino towns) | Florida Category: 1. Best Overall Property: 2. Best New Casino/Casino Renovation: 3. Best Racetrack/Racino Facility: (Horse Racing/Greyhound Racing) 4.

Best Suites:

5. Best Rooms: 6. Best Casino Floor: (Game Variety/Options) 7.

Best Poker Room:

8. Best Restaurant: (Include Name of Restaurant and Property): 9.

Best Buffet:

10. Best Amenities: (Spa, Pool, Shopping, etc.) 11. Best Golf Course: 12. Best Entertainment: 13. Best Entertainment Venue: 14. Best Nightlife: (Night Club, Lounge, etc.) 15. Best Theme: 16. Best Casino Personnel: (Dealers, Slot Attendants, Hosts, Waitresses, etc.) 17. Best Customer Service: 18. Best Advertising: (Radio, Television, Billboards, etc.) 19. Best Players Club: 20. Best Slot Machine Game

Your Favorite Property:

Region:

2015

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N G A M I N G AW AR

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Casino of Your Choice MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT

TODAY!

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Want Casino Comps?

Join The Comps ClubTM by Southern Gaming and we’ll send you coupons and special offers to casinos and racetracks throughout the South! We’re talking Tunica, Biloxi, Indiana and more! Check out the ad on Page 5 for more info. Don’t delay, join today!

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THE WINNING SCENE CONTINUES Discover the Hollywood Casino difference with world-class gaming and action-packed tables available any time of the day, three fabulous restaurants, electrifying nightlife, and luxurious accommodations. Not to mention an incredible full-service RV Park. Proving thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no place like Hollywood.

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ÂŠ2015 Hollywood Casino Tunica. Must be 21 or older. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.

Smoke Free

A BETTER WAY TO PLAY! Palace Casino Resort is the only smoke free casino resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Play your favorite slot machines and table games in a fresh, smoke free environment. Relax in one of our newly renovated hotel guest rooms and suites and enjoy resort amenities, including PURE the Palace Spa, fitness center, meeting rooms, a picturesque marina, plus The Preserve Golf Club, an 18 hole championship course designed by Jerry Pate. Indulge in our restaurants and lounges, including Palace Buffet, Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood fine dining, STACKED Grill featuring award-winning burgers, shakes and more, Palace Café & Bakery, CONTACT Lounge & Sports Bar and Mignon’s Lounge. From the casino to our restaurants and our rooms, smoke free is a better way to play!

Vote for Palace Casino Resort on the 2015 Best of Southern Gaming Awards Ballot.

THE COAST’S ONLY SMOKE FREE CASINO! 158 HOWARD AVE, BILOXI, MS • 1-800-PALACE-9 • WWW.PALACECASINORESORT.COM