Southern Gaming and Destinations - March 2019

MARCH/APRIL VOL. 21 ISSUE 2 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

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SLOT FLOORS OF THE SOUTH PAGE 6

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BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI PAGE 22

HOT SLOTS OF 2019 ...OUR TOP PICKS PAGE 12

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

wanted to bring you a few of our favorite casino

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

each of them. When it comes to casino comfort,

MANAGING EDITOR

be on our list. We like open-air concepts where you

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

are a plus as well, so you don’t bump people or get

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

floors from around the region and what we like about there are several things that are ‘musts’ in order to

can see the full span of the gaming floor, wide-aisles bumped by people while playing a machine. We also think good ventilation is important... no one wants to smell like smoke for a week after you leave! Our

listing of top slot floors is featured on page 6, so be Welcome to our annual slot guide showcasing the hottest new games around the region as well as

some of our favorite places to play them. It seems that every year, manufacturers embrace the latest

technology and trends to create new machines with flashy graphics and superior sound delivering the ultimate game play experience. Whether you are

playing one of the popular Wheel of Fortune family of games, Life or other machine that catches your eye, the new game features we are seeing today

are sure keep you entertained with every spin. The

sure to check it out and let us know what you think!

game, where the payouts are based on the ‘Electric Rush’ feature. There is an actual orb graphic that

zaps everything to increase, or decrease, prizes on a random multiplier. These and several others caught our attention, and we hope you enjoy them too! Be

sure to check out page 12 for a full rundown of some

of our favorite games from top manufacturers around

2

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

Frank Scoblete Alexander Chopra

Louisville, KY 40207

casino told you, they cannot determine which slots

e-mail:

forget to check out John Grochowski’s article on

The goal of this publication is to help

is random, and no matter what that person at the

(502) 212-5177

will payout more often. With that being said, don’t

editor@gaminganddestinations.com

page 18, where he dives into the inner workings of

drive awareness of the ever-growing

different machines and gets to the bottom of how they work.

to vote in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. We

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

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

by Gaming Media Group Inc. of

to publish in the May Issue, so mark your calendars

Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2017

of the Ultimate Casino Getaway soon…so stay

Rights Reserved. This publication is

and join the excitement. We will also pick the winner tuned! The casino properties throughout the region offer the best dining, entertainment, amenities and

more... we look forward to highlighting the ones that our readers feel are the best of the best.

We hope you enjoy the issue, and as always, if you can’t be good…be lucky!

by Gaming Media Group Inc. All 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 Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers.

POSTMASTER:

If you are going to play the slots in a casino, you comfortable and can relax. With that in mind, we

John Grochowski

floating around. Rest assured that each machine

the world.

should at least be sure to play at a place you are

Bill Burton

136 St. Matthews Ave. #300

received over 20,000 votes and are tallying the results

the innovative Lightning Zap Jackpots video slot

Linda Boyd

payout jackpots, there are many debates and theories

touch, giving the players the opportunity to literally continues to deliver great new games, including

Hill Harcourt

GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

Lastly, we want to thank everyone who took the time

reach out and spin the wheel! Also, Everi Gaming

Michelle Bair

When it comes to slot strategy and how machines

new Wheel of Fortune 4D featuring Vanna White offers 75-paylines with a ‘fourth dimension’ of

Larry Bisig

Send address changes

to Gaming and Destinations,

G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher

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

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

6

Slot Floors of the South:

The pictures of these sparkling slot spaces will have you eager for a visit!

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS:

24 Craps:

22 Beau Rivage Resort & Casino:

Deconstructing the Constructors

FEATURE ARTICLES

25 Video Poker:

12 Hot Slots of 2019:

Accurate Assumptions

Celebrating 20 Years on the Gulf Coast

26 Casino Directory:

Our preferred properties and attractions

28 Sports Wagering:

Flashy themes of some of the hottest games around

18 Slot Speculations:

Future odds on major sporting events

Theories and Questions Answered:

The mechanics of how games work and philosophical debates

6

18

22

Find us on Facebook

12

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

3

FACTS & FUN STUFF SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

DID YOU KNOW

1 2

?

WHAT YEAR DID CHARLES FEY INVENT THE FIRST SLOT MACHINE? A. 1919 B. 1927

4

WHAT ARE SLOT MACHINES CALLED IN AUSTRALIA? A. Crikey Crooks B. Lollies

C. 1899

C. Pokies

D. 1887

D. Moolah Mates

WHAT COUNTRY HAS THE MOST SLOT MACHINES? A. Japan B. United States

5

HOW TALL IS SLOTZILLA IN LAS VEGAS? THE LARGEST SLOT MACHINE IN THE WORLD. A. 128 feet

C. Australia

B. 100 feet

D. United Kingdom

C. 77 feet D. 55 feet

DERBY CITY GAMING LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY DERBYCITYGAMING.COM 502-961-7600 BARTENDER: MIA BUECHLER

If you are looking for the best bourbon in the world, Louisville, Kentucky is a great place to start. Combine it with a first-class gaming facility, and you are sure to have a winner.

Check out this twist on the traditional Old Fashioned created by Mia Buechler at Derby City Gaming in Louisville. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 1.5oz of Woodford Reserve Bourbon

3

SLOT MACHINES LOCATED CLOSER TO THE CASINO ENTRANCE: A. Have higher payouts

Answers: 1.) D 2.) A 3.) B 4.) C 5.) A

BOURBON BARREL STOUT OLD FASHIONED

B. Have the same win percentage as other machines C. Always have chairs that spin D. None of the above

Percentage of casino revenue generated by penny slots.

50

.5oz of The Beer Syrup: Bourbon Barrel Stout Simple Syrup

35

The number of years a Nevada prison had a casino inside for Inmates.

(1932-1967)

2 Filthy Food Black Cherries 1 Orange Slice

5 million

2 Dashes of Angostura Orange Bitters 1 Cube of KY Straight Ice Instructions: 1. Muddle the Cherries, Orange Slice, Beer Syrup and Bitters in a Mixing Glass

Number of slot machines in Japan.

2300 BC

2. Stir in Ice 3. Strain into an Old Fashioned Glass with a KY Straight Ice Cube 4. Zest an Orange Rind 5. Garnish with Cherry and Orange Rind 4

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

Approximate year definitive evidence of gambling was first discovered.

$1 MILLION

Jackpot won on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine on Christmas Eve in 2018.

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SLOT FLOORS SLOT of The South CAS I NO

GUIDE 2019

W

OU R TOP P ICK S:

hat makes a slot floor amazing and worth a visit? In our opinion, it’s the perfect blend of

various components. First and foremost, we don’t like to feel crammed, so the floors that are easy to move around in are definitely a must. No one wants to be bumped in the chair while trying to play his or her favorite machine! We also love the casinos that have subtle background music, but not blasting so loud that you literally have to SHOUT to speak Beau Rivage Resort & Casino’s non smoking lounge.

with the person sitting next to you. We feel for the non-smokers as well. The ventilation of the floor is extremely important, as cigarette smoke can be unbearable for those who don’t partake.

We are confident that the gaming floors selected in this year’s Top Slot Floors of 2019 will meet your expectations as they have certainly blown our standards out of the water. Our goal is to enhance your slot experience, so use this as a guide on your next gaming quest!

Theory, Monopoly Luxury Dia, Fu Dao

Hospitality,” commented Vice President

Le, Flintstones, Powerball, Gremlins,

of Slot Operations Robert Williams.

and 88 Fortune

“From playing Wheel of Fortune,

Vice President Slot Operations:

Lightning Link, or Buffalo Grand to

Robert Williams

your favorite Poker and Keno machines,

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is home to some of the most diverse slot

Beau Rivage has all of your favorite games.”

games on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT

Boasting over 1,800 machines ranging

(TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI)

in denominations from a penny to $100,

GOLDSTRIKE.COM

you’re sure to find what you are looking

888-245-7829

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT &

for here. The expansive gaming floor has

CASINO (BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI)

Number of Machines: 1,200

wide aisles and multiple dining options

BEAURIVAGE.COM

Square Footage on the Floor: 50,000

conveniently located just steps away from

888-567-6667

your machine.

Number of Machines: 1,800 Square Footage on the Floor: 85,000 Most Popular Machines: The Big Bang 6

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

Most Popular Machines: Dragon Link, Buffalo Grand, Ghostbusters 4D,

“Our exceptional staff pays close

Jackpot Party, Blake Shelton,

attention to our guests’ needs, creating

and Bond 007

a casino experience with Southern

Slot Director: Mike Forster

With nearly 1,200 of your favorite

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

Marilyn Monroe, Fu Nan Fu Nu,

video poker, reel, video and progressive

(RISING SUN, INDIANA)

and Harley Davidson, with three new

machines, Gold Strike Casino Resort is

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

Monopoly Millionaire games coming

never short on energy or excitement. You

800-472-6311

soon.

Number of Machines: 897

WIND CREEK CASINO & HOTEL

name it, you can play it.

The casino floor has been voted “Best of Slots Tunica Region”, “Best Reel Slots”, and “Best Video Slots” two years in a row, and why wouldn’t it. The machines

Square Footage on the floor: 40,000 Most Popular Machines: Buffalo Gold

ATMORE - MONTGOMERY - WETUMPKA

and Lightning Link

866-946-3360

at Gold Strike range in denominations

Director of Slots: Paul S. Theunissen

from $.01 to $100 they have acres

Rising Star Casino Resort features

of favorites. Whether you’re looking

features over 1,000 of the newest and

for traditional favorites like Wheel

best machines available. They also

of Fortune, Blazing Sevens, Double

come in your favorite denominations

Diamond and Mr. Cashman or the latest

from pennies and nickels to dimes

and greatest like Wizard of Oz, Buffalo

and dollars – you want it, they’ve got

Grand, Monopoly, Walking Dead 2 and

it. They have reels, video poker, and

88 Fortune; Gold Strike Tunica will

of course, the latest and greatest multi-

keep you happily spinning!

line, high-tech, super vivid video slots.

“Gold Strike Casino Resort offers superior, friendly guest service, in addition to an experienced slot team that is eager to ensure guests enjoy their visit,” said Slot Director Mike Forester.

“They make it a priority to be the first

If keno or progressive games are your

Corporate Director Gaming Operations: Trenton Daughtry WINDCREEKATMORE.COM

Square Footage on the floor: 50,000 Number of Games: 1,720 WINDCREEKMONTGOMERY.COM

Square Footage on the floor: 65,000 Number of Games: 2,200 WINDCREEKWETUMPKA.COM

Square Footage on the floor: 85,000 Number of Games: 2,550

favorites, Rising Star has those too. All of the machines are serviced by Rising Star’s courteous and friendly staff whose only goal is to make your visit as fun and thrilling as possible.

to market with machines guests can find

“Our slot employees are really what sets

only at Gold Strike.”

us apart,” said Director of Slots, Paul S.

Since a lot of the guests visit the

PROPERTIES OF ALABAMA

Theunissen.

The glistening gaming floor at Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Atmore

gorgeous casino often, Gold Strike

“We treat our guests like family, and we

uses those opportunities to learn what

do whatever it takes to ensure that they

The Wind Creek family of properties

slot products they’d like to see on the

have a great experience each and every

in Alabama always offers the best in

floor. “Gold Strike strives for genuine

time.”

everything, and their gaming floors are

interactions with our customers and realize that those relationships are why guests return.” Forester said.

Rising Star is also working on making its floor offerings even better by improving sightlines and featuring the beauty of the riverboat, “which is home

The slot floor area at Rising Star Casino Resort.

no exception. Whether you are visiting the Atmore, Montgomery or Wetumpka property, you are sure to find excitement on the casino floor.

to our gaming area,” Theunissen said.

“All three properties offer an upbeat

“Through new machine acquisitions and

environment with contemporary décor, a

floor moves, we hope to add excitement,

flowing layout and exciting promotions,”

and at the same time, improve the

said Corporate Director of Class II

overall feel and comfort of the casino.”

Gaming Operations, Trenton Daughtry.

Some of the new games include: include

With new Wind Creek properties G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

7

in Aruba and Curacao, Alabama

Most Popular Machines: Aristocrat

guests can win Caribbean getaways.

Buffalo Grand, Aristocrat Lightning

Guests can also keep the fun going at

Link, IGT Marilyn Monroe, and

home by playing online for rewards at WindCeekCasino.com! All locations

Ainsworth Super Charged 7s

are AAA Four Diamond Resorts with

Slot Operations Manager:

amenities such as luxury hotel suites,

Stephanie LaCour

an RV Park, a world-class spa, award-

including a high-limit slots area.

Customers also seem to really appreciate the quality of service and connections they make with the slot attendants.

“We have players who, upon arrival to property, ask where certain slot

Margaritaville Resort Casino is home

attendants are stationed so that the guest

bowling alley and multiple live music

to the most dynamic and exciting slot

can play in their section,” according to

venues.

action in Louisiana. Their casino floor

Slot Operations Manager Stephanie

has more than 1,200 of the hottest and

LaCour. “Our slot managers and

Creek properties, so every guest is

newest slot machines. You’ll find the

supervisors have been jokingly called

family,” Daughtry said. “Come see for

very latest themes and great odds to

‘junior hosts’ because they get to know

yourself. Find your winning moment at

ensure you keep on winning.

our guests and take care of their needs

winning fine dining, movie theater,

“Players are the pride and joy of Wind

Wind Creek Casinos & Hotels.”

Each month over $90 million is paid out

so well.”

at Margaritaville Resort Casino, discover

On top of all that, Margaritaville’s slot

a game that enhances your winning

floor is always stocked with the newest

streak!

games from a variety of manufacturers,

The property is excited to show off the area’s newest single-level gaming floor,

including being first in the market to offer Everi Renegade games.

The sparkling gaming floor at Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Atmore

Wind Creek Wetumpka’s Center Bar is a focal point of excitement on the Vegas-style gaming floor.

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO (BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA) MARGARITAVILLEBOSSIERCITY.COM 855-346-2489 Number of Machines: 1,224 Margaritaville Bossier City’s bright and vibrant slot floor area.

Square Footage on the Floor: 45,000 8

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

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9

Visit Louisville Kentucky’s Derby City

The spacious and trendy slot floor area at IP Casino

IP CASINO RESORT SPA

to be passing through the section. It also has a Poker Bar and lounge with

(BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI)

a beautiful view of the Back Bay. And

IPBILOXI.COM

finally, there is also a High Limit

888-946-2847

area and a $1 -$5 room. IP Casino’s

Number of Machines 1,475 Square Footage on the Floor 82,000 Most Popular Machines: Lightning Link & Dragon Link, Buffalo Gold, Wonder 4 Tall, Colossal Stars

wide aisles also make it easy to move throughout the casino.

The company is very focused on researching new machines and gaming trends throughout the country regularly brings new product to the floor.

“I could go on and on about our beautiful property, the amenities we

Slot Director: Mark McCrindle

offer and our Players Club,” said Slot

IP Casino Resort Spa has two floors

Director Mark McCrindle. “But what

with multiple sections which provides a comfortable environment for most folks. If you want to be in the middle of the action, the main floor is your area The casino also has a section that ties

really separates us from our competitors is our team members and the service they provide. Our success is built on the relationships we develop with our players and it starts on their very first trip.”

into its Sports Book and Sports Bar and

DERBY CITY GAMING

Restaurant.

(LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY)

If you prefer things a little more laid back, check out the area between Studio

DERBYCITYGAMING.COM 502-961-7600

A (the casino’s beautiful Entertainment

Number of Machines: 900

facility) and the Buffet. The non-

Square Footage on the Floor: 35,000

smoking area is conveniently located

Most Popular Machines: Pac Man,

right off the parking garage elevators

Rumble Rumble, Mustang Fortune

and is separate from the other gaming

Sr. Director of Gaming Operations:

areas, so there is no reason for smokers

Patrick Duggan

10

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

Gaming to experience a trifecta of gaming, food, and fun at every turn!

While Derby City Gaming technically doesn’t have slot machines, it still makes the list as one of the top gaming floors in the region. This new gaming property opened last year and features 900 games with over 60 different themes. Rather than traditional slot machines, Derby City Gaming features ‘historical racing machines’ that have similar graphics and sounds as a traditional machine, but instead of game results being determined by a random number generator, they are determined by the results of horse races that have already taken place. It doesn’t have to be horse-racing season to get lost on the magic of horse-racing results! This concept might sound a bit out of the norm, but gaming enthusiasts are jumping at the chance to play them whenever they can. The property also features multiple places to grab a quick bite or kick back and enjoy live entertainment.

“Our friendly staff is serving up some Southern favorites at Lil’ Wagner’s and Railbirds which features some of the best hot chicken in town,” according to Senior Director of Gaming Operations, Patrick Duggan. “Round out your trip with a stop at our Center Bar to experience some of Kentucky’s finest bourbon… and it’s all just minutes from downtown Louisville!”

The attendants are elated to offer a friendly and lively experience to all its visitors right in the heart of Derby City.

Derby City Gaming’s roomy and radiant gaming floor.

Scarlet Pearl’s colorful slot floor space.

SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT

to revisit an old favorite or make a new

style slots with over 3280 games in

(D’IBERVILLE, MISSISSIPPI)

one!

denominations from one penny per

“We take customer feedback seriously

spin up to $500! The casino is proud to

SCARETPEARLCASINO.COM 888-266-5772 Number of Machines: 1,146 Square Footage on the Floor: 60,000

trying to accommodate customer requests,” according to Slot Performance Manager Angela Black. “Our guests

feature today’s top games from Aruze Gaming, Scientific Gaming, Konami,

know what games are popular, in our

Aristocrat, Everi and more! Make a visit

Most Popular Machines: Buffalo,

market, and are not shy in sharing their

and take a spin on Buffalo, Monopoly,

Lightning Links, Dancing Drums

requests. They also feel we have the

Slot Manager: Angela Black The slot floor at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort is spacious, bright and clean while offering 60,000 square-feet of the newest, most dynamic slot selection on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The casino’s state-of-the-art slot machines feature exciting bonuses, fun interaction and big payouts! With over 1,170 video and reel slot machines, as well as over 65 video poker machines, featuring the latest technology along with all the classics,

safest gaming environment on the coast.”

HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO RESORT (CHEROKEE, NORTH CAROLINA)

Crystal, 88 Fortunes, Wheel of Fortune, and many others on today’s sleekest and shiniest cabinets!

CEASARS.COM/HARRAHS-CHEROKEE 828-497-7777 Number of Machines: 3,300 Square Footage on the Floor: 150,000 Most Popular Machines: Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Grand, 88 Fortunes, Lighting link Director of Slot Operations: Brian Shuler

you’ll be pinching yourself. At the

Video gaming at Harrah’s Cherokee

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, you are sure

Casino Resort offers Las Vegas

The main slot floor area at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

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

11

CAS I NO

SLOT GUIDE 2019

I

HOT SLOTS of 2019

OUR TOP PICKS By: John Grochowski

penny machine your bet range is $1-

t’s a slot player’s world in modern casinos.

$5. With a bet of at least 300 credits, you qualify for a big-money wide-area

Slots are by far the hottest games around, with their popularity having surpassed table games decades ago.

Casinos and slot manufacturers alike know they have a good thing going.

Their business is to keep you coming back for more with new bonus wrinkles, new ways to play, exciting themes, ever-sharper graphics and sound effects.

This year, we’re seeing new spins on old favorites, creative games with variable paybacks, colorful jackpots with payback upgrades for a small ante, and much more.

So with eager anticipation, let’s take a look at Hot Slots of 2019.

FORTUNE LINK, IGT Long a pioneer in slots with progressive jackpots, IGT turns it all up a notch with a new lock and re-spin feature.

Initially, the feature is available on two themes: Feline Fortune and Egyptian Fortune.

progressive jackpot. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, wide-area progressives link multiple casinos so that portions of wagers at different casinos help build the same pot.

Among the game features are original audio and video featuring TV show hostess Vanna White. When you reach out There’s a twist: Every time you add a Fortune to that 3D wheel to give it a spin, Vanna Link symbol, you reset to three re-spins. If you get no Fortune Links on the first two respins, but get one on the third, the meter returns to three re-spins.

You select wedges from the wheel, and the wedges turn over to reveal items that

screen with Fortune Links symbols wins the

jackpot.

top jackpot.

Wheel of Fortune lovers – and there are a

WHEEL OF FORTUNE 4D FEATURING VANNA WHITE, IGT No new year would be complete without a new spin on Wheel of Fortune. This 75-payline video slot comes on IGT’s new

Once you’ve collected the required number of symbols, they remain locked in place during the Fortune Link feature. You then get three re-spins to collect more Fortune Link symbols.

touching the screen or pushing a button to

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

Another feature ¬is a jackpot bonus event.

The more Fortune Link symbols you collect, correspond to a jackpot amount. Once you reveal three matching items, you win their the bigger your prize. Filling the entire

Collecting either four, five or six fortune, link symbols in the base triggers the Fortune Link series. The difference in the requirement is your bet: Higher coin denominations mean you can launch the feature with fewer symbols.

12

cheers you on.

CrystalCurve True 4D gaming machine.

The fourth dimension in “True 4D” is touch.

You can reach out to three-dimensional images and get a touch sensation. Instead of spin a prize wheel, you can reach out to the 3D image in front of the screen and give the wheel a spin.

You can bet from 100 to 500 coins, so on a

lot of them among slot players – will enjoy the new spin on a longtime favorite. And any slot player should at least get a look at what 4D can do. It’s spectacular!

MISTRESS OF EGYPT BINGO, IGT IGT has something for Class II players with a bingo version of the hit Mistress of Egypt game. Class II bingo slots are staples in many Native American casinos.

The player interface is slot-like, but the internal game that determines winners is electronic bingo.

During the base game, a pyramid symbol rotates on the top screen and levitates in the Mistress’ hands until she releases it onto the reels. There, it can cover any symbol and become wild. Huge stacks of Mistress Symbols provide big wins, with five stacks triggering the top award.

Players who enjoy Egyptian-themed art packaging and frequent free-games will find what they’re looking for in this 3x5 reel, 20 pay-line game.

WHEEL OF FORTUNE CASH LINK, IGT

THE GAME OF LIFE – CAREER DAY, SCIENTIFIC GAMES WMS Gaming, which now is under the Scientific Games corporate umbrella, had

The five-reel video slots feature a multi-

success with it’s the Game of Life slots a

level progressive on two base games:

while back, Now, under license from board

Exotic Far East and Latin Getaways.

game owner Hasbro, Scientific Games

Both are on IGT’s Crystal Wheel gaming

creates a new slot adventure with a new

machine, with high-resolution HD video

three-reel game, The Game of Life –

and a 20-inch wheel.

The Cash Link comes into play whenever you land a treasure chest on the fifth reel.

When that happens, you win credits in the value of gold coins displayed when the treasure chest opens.

A free games bonus is triggered when free games symbols land on “reels:” one, three, and five, and can be retriggered for up to 200 free spins.

Career Day. Players spin the reels and travel through life while collecting credit prizes, bonuses, and jackpots. Career Day is a 3-reel, 9-line game on the TwinStar J43 with iReels cabinet. The game boasts a life-changing, single-level, wide-area progressive jackpot that can be won in the base game and is part of Scientific Games’ Cash Connection or Reel Adventures links.

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

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LIGHTNING ZAP JACKPOTS, EVERI

The game’s centerpiece is the Game of Life Bonus where players are assigned one of four careers - a firefighter, pro athlete,

With no reels, no paylines and no pay tables,

construction worker or culinary chef. You then spin for paydays, raises and spins of a

Everi creates a new play experience that builds on the original Lightning Zap game.

wheel that award moves around the game board.

Stops along the way award credit prizes,

Everi calls the jackpot games “innovation on video slots,” available on three game themes: Electric Rush, Power Burst and Super Charge. Each has varying volatility levels and different features, and the series incorporates five linked progressives.

additional spins of the wheel, and extra bonuses such as, the Weekend Getaway with free spins where reel 2 is Wild and all pays are multiplied by three; or the Groundhog Day Bonus where the reels spin and stop until a winning combination is awarded.

The goal is to reach the Retirement Island Bonus board game where even more prizes, multipliers, and bonuses are available.

BLAZING X GAME SERIES, SCIENTIFIC GAMES With two game themes – Blazing X – Asia and Blazing X – Las Vegas, this innovative series ramps up player anticipation for the possibility of Blazing X Multipliers on each spin.

Both themes are five-reel, 40-line video slots on the TwinStar J43 cabinet. There are four progressive jackpot levels available in a jackpot pick feature in which players touch the screen, not only to determine their jackpot level, but also for a multiplier that can put jackpot winnings into hyperdrive.

The Blazing X Feature, triggered when a Wild Banner symbol lands on reel 3, awards a 2x multiplier for three spins. For every Wild Banner symbol that lands during the three spins, the Blazing X multiplier increases to 3x, 5x, 10x and up to 25x. Blazing X also can be triggered during a Free Games Bonus. And if the Free Games Bonus is awarded during the Blazing X Feature, the current Blazing 14

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X multiplier is applied to all Free Games wins. During the free games, additional Wild Banner symbols achieved within three spins increases the multiplier. A Blazing X multiplier streak can really set your credit meter soaring

How does it work with no pay tables? Your prizes can vary. Check out the Electric Rush feature where an orb zaps everything to increase prizes by a random multiplier, then zaps away at prizes. In the Power Burst feature, the orb turns into a magnet and sucks in anywhere from four to 22 prizes. Each prize can be upgraded by a random multiplier. In the Super Charge feature, the orb selects four to eight prizes and increases them up to 1,000 times.

SMOKIN’ HOT STUFF WICKED WHEEL, EVERI Hot Stuff, the little devil of comic

even more potentially lucrative. During the randomly awarded Jackpot Pick feature, you touch and select icons until you match

book fame, was a red-hot winner in the

three of a kind, which awards a guaranteed

original Smokin’ Hot Stuff slot. Now the

jackpot pay.

spin in which one or more Wilds appears.

A Nudge Feature may be triggered randomly on any base-game spin in which one or more Wilds appear. When you win

mischievous imp with his asbestos diaper

the Nudge, all Wilds on the screen will

and trusty trident returns in a 243 ways

form full stacks of Wilds.

to win slot, perfect for pennies, packed

Three or more bonus symbols awards the

with multipliers, a progressive pick bonus

Free Game Bonus, and during the free

and progressive jaclpots available at all bet

spons, the Nudge is in full force -- any

levels

Wilds on the screen nudge to form full

The progressive pick bonus is triggered randomly after any base game spin.

Wild stacks. Free spins can be retriggered,

Players pick from 25 coins to reveal either

adding anticipation to gameplay.

a progressive jackpot or pitchfork symbol.

The Jackpot Bonus is randomly triggered

Hot Stuff removes the lowest remaining

if one or more Wilds appear. During this

jackpot each time his pitchfork is revealed,

feature, the player touches and picks from

thus guaranteeing higher prizes.

12 coins until they match three coins to

Also available is the Wicked Wheel

win one of the three jackpots or another

bonus, triggered when three wicked wheel

Free Game Bonus.

symbols land scattered on reels 3, 4, or 5. When a Hot Stuff symbol is part of a winning combination on reels 2, 3, or 4, it multiplies the winning combination by 2x, 3x, or 4x for some smokin’ payoffs.

RAKIN’ BACON XTREME JACKPOTS, AMERICAN GAMING SYSTEMS A cherubic pig in a gold coin-filled room is a central figure in this five-reel game with a multi-level progressive that’s packed full of player-favorite features, including free spins, multipliers and scatter pays.

As the wins add up, the golden pig gets fatter and fatter, until the player wins the

EMERALD PRINCESS, AMERICAN GAMING SYSTEMS The second game in AGS’ Fa Cai Shu family reprises the lucky money tree that brings the chance for fun and fortune.

Free Game Bonus and the golden pig

Among the features are a three-level

explodes to reveals a pick screen. That

progressive jackpot, Free Game Bonus,

screen gives you the chance to choose

and a Jackpot Bonus. During base-game

three different reel layouts for up to 3125

play, three or more bonus symbols award

ways to win.

eight free spins. The Jackpot Bonus may be

Additional free spins can be won during the Free Game Bonus, making this game

triggered randomly during any base-game G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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SPARKLING ROSES:

Color Bloom, mystery multipliers

COLOR BLOOM AND

randomly appear at random times during

CLASSY ROSES: Color Bloom, Konami Gaming: There are 15 reels worth of excitement, including multipliers and a linked progressive jackpot in a pair of colorful games from Konami.

the main game and can multiply your winnings up to 144 times.

TRIPLE SPARKLE SERIES: Solstice Celebration Triple Sparkle and Riches with Daikoku Triple Sparkle,

Inspired by Konami’s popular Sparkling

Konami Gaming: Konami gives the classic

Roses Multiple Lines 15-REELS games,

Solstice Celebration and Riches with

the new Roses games take advantage

Daikoku games a touch of glitz in the new

of the large, high-definition screens on

Triple Sparkle linked progressive series.

curved Concerto Crescent slot cabinet and

The Triple Sparkle jackpots are available

the tall Concerto Stack cabinet.

exclusively on Konami’s 65-inch 4K Ultra

Both games feature the Color Bloom

HD Concerto Opus cabinet. It features

progressive jackpot, which requires an ante bet to activate. When you make the ante, you also receive a bonus payout upgrade of two credits per line.

When active, the Color Bloom progressive feature appears randomly at any time during play, scattering Blue, Purple, and Gold jackpot rose symbols across the reels. Any three matching colored bloom symbols award the corresponding jackpot.

For extra bonus fun in Sparkling Roses:

a custom-lighted TouchDash button deck, dual spin buttons, dual cup holders, optional USB charger, and four times the pixel depth of standard HD resolution.

The 40-line games have five video reels and incorporate Konami’s Xtra Reward format as well as two progressive jackpots bonus.

Whenever Framed Action Stacked Symbols occupy all positions on two or more reels, they launch the Sparkle Feature. In the feature any reels with FRAME appearing on them are nudged until all positions on that reel have FRAME and all positions inside FRAME are replaced with the same symbol. Players can win an instant Mini bonus, Major bonus, Mega progressive, or large Maxi progressive starting at $10,000.

Those who wager at least 180 credits also have a chance at the Triple Sparkle feature.

At the end of a triggered Sparkle Feature, all framed Action Stacked Symbols are randomly replaced with the same symbol.

If a MAXI, MEGA, MAJOR BONUS or MINI BONUS symbol appears, then

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the corresponding prize is awarded.

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While you’re here enjoy a bite to eat at our two casual restaurants or a seat at our spacious bar.

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Derby City Gaming promotes responsible gaming. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SLOT SPECULATION THEORIES AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED by

S

lot players like to think about the games they play as much as those who play any other games.

A key difference is that you can’t see the inner workings of a slot machine. You can’t watch the process by which results are determined and calculate your chances, like craps, roulette or blackjack players can.

That has long led slot players to speculate and form their own theories.

Are results really random? (Short answer: yes.) Does it make a difference to your payback percentage if you push buttons, pull handles or touch the screen? (No.) Can the casino choose who wins and who loses? (No.) Modern video slots have brought new

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JOHN GROCHOWSKI

MODERN VIDEO SLOTS HAVE BROUGHT NEW QUESTIONS INCLUDING BOTH THE MECHANICS OF HOW GAMES WORK AND DOWNLIGHT PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATES. questions including both the mechanics of how games work and downright philosophical debates.

On the game mechanics side, one question

that’s been prominent in reader email is, “How can players who bet different amounts

be allowed to play for the same jackpot? Are

you better off to bet the minimum if you can win the same pot as someone betting the max?”

As for the philosophical side, skill-based games have raised the question of whether a game with no reels or reel symbols and no paylines is really a slot machine at all.

Let’s take the philosophical question first.

One example of a no payline, no reel game is Danger Arena, a skill-based game from GameCo. Danger Arena is a futuristic, first-person shooter in which your task as a player isn’t to spin reels. It’s to gun down robots.

You’re placed in a warehouse and navigate up the aisles, between shelves and stacks of crates, looking for robots. With your

controller you can turn, choose a direction, take aim and fire. The more robots you hit in the allotted time, the bigger your payback.

Time is short, and not even skilled players will get to profit territory every time. The house must have an edge, after all.

It’s fun to play, but is it a slot machine?

One answer: It is a slot as long as players embrace the games and terminology.

Games such as Danger Arena can be seen as a logical development in the wake of bonus events that are highly anticipated in video slots. A no-reel slot such as Danger Arena is like playing nothing but bonus events without reel spins in between. The main difference is that you have to wager to play Danger Arena, while bonus events are no-bet portions of most games.

Still, we have more than two decades of bonus event precedent that states players accept non-reel spinning portions of games as important components of slot machines.

In Reel ’Em In, the WMS Gaming 1997 breakthrough that gave video slots their original beachhead in their rise to popularity, players were amazed when the reels faded from the screen and were replaced by fishermen on a pond. Those same players were thrilled when their fisherman landed a big one to send their credit meters through the roof.

There was no question that the game as a whole was still a slot machine.

The same goes for early games with skillbased bonus events. One of the first was Bally Technologies’ Pong. Those who had played Pong as a video arcade game were right at home with the bonus that had them position a white line “paddle” to bat a square “ball” back to the other side of the screen.

That bonus event looked nothing like traditional slot games, but the whole package remained a slot machine. So did slots with wheel-spinning bonuses, trivia questions, Battleship grids and more.

Before its merger into IGT, Atronic even

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock designed a slot that was all bonus. What players loved best about Deal or No Deal slots was the suitcase-picking bonus, so Atronic produced a version that was all about the suitcases with no reels involved.

If that’s a slot, then so is Danger Arena.

In the original sense, virtually no games are really slot machines anymore. They don’t have coin heads, so there is no slot to drop in coins to activate machines. A few older machines with coin heads remain in play at some locations, but mostly, we buy in with paper currency or tickets.

The term “slot machine” has been around since the 1880s. It originally referred to any coin-operated device. If you dropped coins into a machine and got a chocolate bar, you were buying your candy from a slot machine.

That changed in the 1900s, and slot machine came to mean specifically coin-operated gambling devices. The term has persisted through the elimination of coin slots, and it’s almost certain to persist through the changes on modern gambling devices.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE JACKPOTS? To get back to the purely mechanical question of how players with different

bet sizes can play for the same jackpot, it requires an understanding of how such jackpots work.

You’ll often find them on multi-tiered jackpots with levels such a mini, minor, major and grand, or copper, silver, gold and platinum. There can be two levels, or there can be 12 or more. And the formats described here do work with single-level jackpots, though they’re more often used with multiple tiers Just as an example, all jackpots on a penny slot can be available regardless of whether you bet one coin per line, two per line, or more.

One way to make it work is to make the jackpots a side bet. To be eligible for the jackpots, you must make the side bet in addition to a wager on the main game.

The jackpots then are funded out of the side bet.

If you and I each are making 30-cent side bets, then it makes no difference that perhaps I’m also betting 30 cents on the main 30-line game while you’re betting $3. We’re betting the same amount on the jackpot, and so we can have equal chances to win them.

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

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With no side bets, players with different bet sizes still can play for the same jackpots, but those who bet more have a greater chance to win. The key is mystery jackpot programming.

With mystery jackpots, you don’t need jackpot symbols to line up. If your bet pushes the jackpot to a mystery amount that has been chosen by a random number generator, you are awarded the jackpot even if you don’t have a winning combination on the screen or reels.

With mystery jackpots, the casino sets parameters and a random number generator selects a point between those parameters at which to award the jackpot.

Two common methods are to set parameters based on jackpot size, or to set them based on total wagers.

Imagine that the parameters in use involve total wagers, and that we’re looking at a mini jackpot with a starting value of $5. These typically are rapid-hit jackpots, giving you a few extra dollars to play with and letting everyone in on the progressive action.

To insure rapid hits, let’s say the casino has set low, narrow parameters with a minimum of 2,000 coins in play at machines on the link at a maximum of 10,000 coins. That’s a range of $20 to $100 in play to trigger a jackpot.

The random number generator is programmed to select a number between the $20 and $100 parameters.

If the number generated is $63.87, then the player whose wager takes the total at the bank to that amount wins the mini jackpot.

Bigger bettors have a better chance to win because they are adding more to that wager total on every spin. We don’t know what trigger amount the RNG has been selected, but let’s say it’s $63.87, that the total wagers so far have been $63.56, that I’m betting 30 cents and you’re betting $3. My 30 cent bet won’t be enough to push the total to $63.87, but your $3 bet will.

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Small bettors will win the jackpots sometimes. Big bettors will win more often.

The same goes if the parameters are set for jackpot totals instead. Imagine a major jackpot is set with a minimum payoff of $250 and a maximum of $500. As in all progressives, a portion of wagers is added to the jackpot until someone wins.

The RNG would be programmed to generate a target jackpot between those parameters. If it selected $312.11, then the player whose wager raises the pot to that total wins it.

Again, if I bet 30 cents and you bet $3, than the portion of your bet added to the jackpot will give you more chances to win than I get.

There are other ways to program slots with mystery payoffs. It’s possible to use time as a parameter, though that’s used more often with surprise bonus events than with jackpots.

Imagine an operator wants to make sure bonuses occur frequently to keep players

excited. A machine or bank of linked machines with mystery bonuses can be set so a bonus event comes up at least once every 10 minutes, and usually more often, to players who were betting enough to be eligible.

Parameters could be set at zero and 10 minutes. Then the random number generator would be told to select a number between the two parameters. If the RNG selected 4 minutes, 28 seconds, then 4:28 after the sequence began, a bonus would launch.

With mystery jackpots, the more common parameters are wager totals or jackpot size. And to answer the common readers’ question: yes, big bettors, small bettors and those in between can play for the same jackpot with bigger bettors having a bigger chance to win.

The answer is also yes for slot philosophers wondering if no-reel, no-line games are really slot machines. End of discussion? Of course not. There’s always something new in the slots, and that goes for player questions as well as for the games themselves.

Beau Rivage Resort and Casino boasts over 1,700 rooms.

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO CELEBRATING 20 YEARS ON BILOXI’S BEAUTIFUL SHORELINE by

B

eau Rivage Resort & Casino first opened its polished doors to a great fanfare on March 16, 1999 and they have never looked back. At that time, it was the largest single investment in Mississippi’s history at over $750 million.

Since then, it has established itself as the premier destination for gamers, their families, and those looking to enjoy the best of Southern hospitality and recreation.

The dazzling casino provides some of the best entertainment, gaming, and dining on the Gulf, while also taking pride in their contributions to advance the growth and development of the Biloxi area.

To put it into perspective, Beau Rivage employs more than 2,800 full-time positions annually and has been the largest private sector employer in the city for the past 20 years. To say that they have had a major

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ALEX ANDER CHOPRA

impact on the Gulf Coast community is an understatement.

The Beau Rivage family is celebrating its 20-year anniversary of rich legacy and communit y involvement and accomplishments as a top-tier gaming resort.

The exquisite casino-resort is a sparkling gem of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. “Beau Rivage” means “Beautiful Shoreline” in French and its reputation truly lives up to the meaning. The facility towers 34 stories over the Gulf of Mexico and is the tallest building in the State of Mississippi!

The 1,740-room facility is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, which is among the global leaders in casino gaming and hospitality services. The worldclass collection of annuals and evergreen plants are featured throughout the property and changed out regularly making for great

photo opportunities and a tropical ambiance.

Keeping that charming hospitality

consistently strong, Beau Rivage is the only

resort in the Southeast with a scheduled charter flight program. Servicing more than

80 cities and 80,000 passengers annually and it’s the second largest carrier at the Gulfport/ Biloxi International Airport!

Breathtaking and exquisite decorations at Beau Rivage

A DIVERSE MIX OF TR ADITIONAL AND MODERN CASINO GAMES Beau Rivage, along with MGM Resorts sister property Gold Strike in Tunica, were the first two Mississippi casinos to launch legalized sports betting. On August 1, 2018, Mississippi became only the fourth state in the country to offer the newest form of sports entertainment and plans are already in development for Beau Rivage to build an exciting new sports book.

In addition, Beau Rivage offers more than 1,800 slot machines and 80 tables games that rivals any casino in Las Vegas. Classic favorites like blackjack, craps, and roulette are all present and accounted for on the floor. There are also many other games to choose from, including 3-card poker, Pai Gow, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Mini and Midi Baccarat, and many more. The resort also features a 16-table poker room that hosts exciting tournaments including the upcoming Gulf Coast Poker Championship in September.

Don’t forget those incentives and enticements! All purchases, including gaming purchases at the casino, help you rack up rewards points with their M-life rewards program. These points can be used to receive comped hotel accommodations, dining options, entertainment opportunities, special M life Moments and other benefits.

You can also use your M-life points to obtain free plays on slots and other casino machines using POINTPlay.

20 TH

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENTS & FESTIVITIES 2019 is a big year as it ma rk s the 20th anniversar y of the opening of the Beau Rivage, and an exciting array of events are planned to commemorate this momentous occasion. The Platinum Anniversary Giveaway starts on March 1 and runs through the end of the month with drawing

days on March 16 and March 30. There will be three $20,000 grand prizes, as well as 200 other prizes including cash, FREEPLAY® and TablePlay. There is even a brand new, 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum edition that a lucky winner will drive home. From Feb. 24-March 16, Beau Rivage’s swipe and earn promotion will award players a commemorative 20th Anniversary t-shirt or Mardi Gras bead for every 250 points earned on the M life card. Players simply visit M Life Rewards kiosks for a gift voucher.

The South’s premier entertainment venue has a slate of top headline entertainers scheduled to perform in the Beau Rivage Theatre throughout its anniversary month including Mariah Carey (March 2), Keith Sweat (March 8), Jess Hilarious (March 15), Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (March 22), Steve Miller Band (March 23) and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco

ages and will give you a front row seat to the fireworks spectacular.

MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE COMMUNIT Y Management and staff at Beau Rivage take immense pride in their financial, social and cultural contributions to the Biloxi community, as well as the State of Mississippi. The resort has brought over $1.5 billion of investment capital to the area, alongside thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in tax money. A recent Sun Herald report estimated that 1/10 jobs in the State of Mississippi are directly or indirectly related to the casino business, and the industry as a whole brings in $7.1 billion in revenue to Mississippi, much of it from out of state.

In addition to the financial benefits the casino resort offers, they also contribute to charitable causes in the community and do their best to engage the people of Biloxi in cultural events- much like the upcoming anniversary celebration.

The Spa at Beau Rivage offers a relaxing retreat

(March 30). Tickets are available at www. beaurivage.com.

The front atrium and various areas of the property will be decked out for the party and the resort will be featuring a signature cocktail throughout the month of March – the ‘20s Old Fashioned can be found in EIGHT75, Jia, Stalla and BR Prime.

Another high-point of the celebration will be a firework display from the world-famous Grucci Brothers that will be launched from the top of the hotel tower on March 16th.

On that day there will be a full slate of events, parties and activities and everyone is invited to a public event at the MGM Park located across the street from the resort.

This community event is appropriate for all

CELEBR ATION LIBATION : 20’S OLD FASHIONED Throughout the month of March, Beau Rivage will feature a ‘20s Old Fashioned specialty cocktail in EIGHT75, Jia, Stalla and BR Prime. It is a 1920’s inspired old fashioned made with Glenmorangie, a diamond ice ball and Averna soaked cherries. Don’t miss out!

THE BOTTOM LINE Beau Rivage will be throwing the party of the year this March, and everyone’s invited!

Special events, cash prizes, and a festive atmosphere will make this a blowout you do not want to miss. See y’all at Beau Rivage in March!

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

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PLAYER STRATEGY

CRAPS: Deconstructing the Constructors There are many different kinds of bets at the game of craps and most of them go from bad to worse.

You can place a bet on the 5 or 9 and face a four percent house edge or take a chance on the 4 or 10 and face a 6.67 percent house edge or you can go nuts and face the astoundingly high house edge of 16.67 percent on the Any Seven.

Take a pick of the poison by facing disaster in the guise of attempting to win a lot of money. The fact that occasionally players win these amazingly negative expectation bets just fuels the desire of others to follow suit.

Of course, there is a sprinkling of good bets at the game (the pass line, the come, the don’t pass and don’t come), that is true, but the casino delights in the multitude of charged-up players who push out those bad wagers. There’s a lot of money to be made from such bets – money for the house that is.

Two issues ago I had players give their playing strategies. Admittedly a couple had good ones; sadly, most didn’t. In fact, a couple of others had the worst possible strategies and knew it! They just couldn’t stop making those bets.

Take a simple mistake made by Karl, who likes to use the C&E to “protect” his pass line bet on the come-out roll. That is a mistake because doing so actually costs him more money. The C&E is an expensive safety latch since it just doesn’t work as Karl thinks it works. There is no protection in making a high house-edge bet to protect a low house-edge bet.

Now Jack enjoys trend-betting strategies. If a number hits, especially a couple of times in close succession, he will place bets on that number thinking it is due to hit soon again. This can get him up on a lot of numbers. Of course, there are streaks in craps, as there are streaks in any random game, but the key word is not streaks but random.

He thinks because he is playing in what he calls the short-run that probability is not an issue. Of course it is. There is no short-run math that changes probability, so that it is predictable in a way other than the actual math of the game’s probability. The short-run looks different than the math but there is no short run probability that says since the five hit four times in a row it is more likely to come up once again in short succession.

There is also no way to tell if a number that hasn’t

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by F R A N K

SCOBLETE

hit in a long time is due to come up quite soon. It might; it might not.

Certainly regular players will experience short runs that then add up to longer short runs and longer than longer short runs and even longer than longer than longer short runs until these players have so many short runs that the math begins to be reflected in reality. The more they play, the more the math starts to look real in reality and not just in theory. There is no other way to see the math of craps. It is what it is.

What number is going to come up is dictated in the long run by probability and the casino has figured out ways to pay their losing bets in order to avoid actually losing money on them in the long run. Paybacks are changed from true odds to casino odds.

Visit Frank’s web site at www.frankscoblete.com.

Frank’s latest books are Confessions of a Wayward Catholic!; I Am a Dice Controller and I Am a Card Counter. Available from Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, e-books and at bookstores.

For example, bets that in a fair game would pay back two-to-one now pay back nine-to-five or bets that would pay back 35-to-one in a fair game now pay back a horrendous 30-to-one. Or the casino will simply win more bets then they lose.

Casinos just don’t want to offer games that they can’t control – that’s the nature of their business, beating the players. They don’t do it with luck but with math.

Parlaying bets, which is Benjamin’s strategic winning system, actually throws out more money into the grinding effect of the casino’s edge. Good luck isn’t going to last very long and raising one’s bets might just find those bets becoming losers.

Giving your wins back to the house because you decided to parley them is an awful way to finish a session down and out, when you had been up and in the glow of good luck. Players such as Benjamin should be happy to win instead of going for the kill – which often becomes an exercise in killing oneself.

Finally Kenneth is a man who enjoys using his instincts to ferret out what winning numbers will be hit next. He will bet according to his “sixth sense.” Need I say that this is not a winning strategy, merely a delusion? My instinct tells me that I don’t have to tell you this, do I? Okay, with the exception of a darkside player, these are some of the ideas that your typical casino players have constructed. I’ll handle the darkside of the game in a future issue.

“THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF BETS AT THE GAME OF CRAPS AND MOST OF THEM GO FROM BAD TO WORSE.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY

by L I N D A

B OY D

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for “Southern Gaming and Destinations”, “Arizona Player” and other gaming outlets around the country.

Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. The latest edition is available from amazon.com, Square One Publishers and book stores.

Kindle edition now available.

“ALWAYS FACT-CHECK FOR ACCURACY REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE SOURCE LIVES OR HOW FREQUENTLY THEY PLAY.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

VIDEO POKER: Accurate Assumptions I’ve heard video poker (VP) players make seemingly logical statements that were simply incorrect. For example, the maxim “Never throw away a winning hand” is an untrue statement.

There are, in fact, times when you’re dealt either a straight or flush that has to be tossed in favor of holding four cards to the Royal Flush (RF). It depends on the game’s pay schedule.

Rely on tutorial software, like Dean Zamzow’s WinPoker, or the strategy cards in my book, “The Video poker Edge”, instead of another player with unknown credentials. Another assumption I frequently hear is “He’s from Vegas and told me…”; that, too, may be incorrect.

Always fact-check for accuracy regardless of where the source lives or how frequently they play. Here are some tips for separating the wheat from the chaff while gambling.

Casino Policies: It’s frustrating when you practice due diligence by learning a casino’s procedures only to find they have changed once you get there. For example, you check in for a drawing an hour before the event starts and believe you’re eligible only later to find out you have to swipe your card after each drawing because management changed the rules. Ask questions if there’s any doubt at all, especially if you haven’t been there in a while.

Slot Club Card: Even if you’re talking to a frequent player, never believe the forever circulating rumor that inserting your player’s card alters your odds of winning. It does not.

In fact, you will not have an accurate win/loss statement to present to the IRS in case of a tax audit if you refuse to use a slot card. That’s in addition to losing casino benefits, like comps, promotional event entries, cashback and any other incentives offered by the house.

Discretionary Comps: The casino does not advertise some returns for your player loyalty and for good reasons. They would rather you use your earned comps for meals and the gift shop than to offer “bonus” rewards. It’s better to assume they do have discretionary comps whenever you’ve played a long session and have significant “coin in” (total amount wagered), instead of squandering your earned comp dollars. Simply ask your host or a member of the management team.

Casino Host: Sometimes players assume that having a casino host is for status and really unnecessary. Unfortunately, some casinos are even eliminating the position to save money. If you’re a frequent player, it’s advantageous to have

a host and to change to a different host when you’re unhappy with the one you have. That’s because you can’t assume benefits are objective since they are not. There are logical guidelines in terms of comps but the brass does not micromanage their hosts. If you think patrons with less action are receiving more lucrative offers, say special event invites, then consider talking with your host or changing to another one.

It’s Not Personal: I’ve been guilty a time or two of feeling upset by new policies but it’s really not personal, just business. For example, a casino was offering a hundred extra promotional event entries for new slot card members. It seemed unfair to me since it took 10 points to earn each entry, but the casino was just looking for a cost-free way to increase the number of slot club members.

Consistency: You may assume t hat t he information given by one employee, looking at the same data, will be the same as that given by a different staff member, but that is not true. Employees make it look so official when they’re telling you how many points you need to get to a higher-level card, but they’re mostly “guesstimating”. How can you know for sure?

The figures you receive either in writing or on the kiosks will be accurate.

Rules Will Be Bent: Never assume casino policies are written in stone. It truly depends on the level of your play and if you are asking a person with the authority to bend the rules.

For example, if you’re told that no rooms are available for the weekend, be aware that casinos always keep a few available for the “whales” or high-betting players. Also, the definition of “whale” is ever changing so don’t be timid about asking your host about stretching rules and policies.

Final Thoughts: Casinos aren’t churches or educational institutions so never assume their formal procedures make sense or will be adhered to in a judicious way. They’re in business to make money and that means keeping their gambling regulars happy and decisions fluid. VP holds are exact and depend on the game’s pay schedule, but the house rules are mostly flexible and often defy logic. Instead on relying on other players to disperse accurate information you should go right to the horse’s mouth. For VP that’s an expert or tutorial software and for house policies it’s the department in charge of administering the program.

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

25

SOU THERN

CASINO DIRECTORY

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

WEBSITE

PHONE NUMBER

*CC PARTNER

derbycitygaming.com

502-961-7600

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT

belterracasino.com

812-427-7777

•

55

1,473

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

risingstarcasino.com

800-472-6311

•

29

897

TROPICANA EVANSVILLE

tropevansville.com

812-433-4000

•

40

905

FITZ CASINO & HOTEL

fitzgeraldstunica.com

662-363-5825

•

24

1,268

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT

goldstrike.com

662-357-1111

53

1,400

HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA

hollywoodcasinotunica.com

662-357-7700

•

28

1,079

RESORT’S CASINO

resortstunica.com

866-706-7070

•

13

1,052

41

1,563

34

1,275

54

1,224

57

1,800

TABLES

MACHINES

KENTUCKY DERBY CITY GAMING

900

INDIANA

TUNICA

MID-SOUTH: INCLUDES LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA AMERISTAR CASINO VICKSBURG

ameristar.com/vicksburg

601-638-1000

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO HOTEL

cypressbayou.com

337-923-7284

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO

margaritavillebossiercity.com

318-698-7177

PARAGON CASINO RESORT

paragoncasinoresort.com

318-253-1946

PEARL RIVER RESORT

pearlriverresort.com

866-447-3276

79

2,350

WIND CREEK ATMORE

windcreekatmore.com

866-946-3360

N/A

1,720+

WIND CREEK MONTGOMERY

windcreekmontgomery.com

866-946-3360

N/A

2,200+

WIND CREEK WETUMPKA

windcreekwetumpka.com

866-946-3360

N/A

2,550+

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

beaurivage.com

228-386-7111

96

1,800

IP CASINO RESORT & SPA

ipbiloxi.com

228-436-3000

•

60

1,475

SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT

scarletpearlcasino.com

888-266-5772

•

45

1,146

SILVER SLIPPER CASINO HOTEL

silverslipper-ms.com

228-469-2777

•

25

965

CALDER CASINO & RACE COURSE

caldercasino.com

305-625-1311

•

RACING

1,200

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK & CASINO TAMPA

seminolehardrocktampa.com

813-627-7625

171

5,000

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK & CASINO HOLLY

seminolehardrockhollywood.com

866-502-7529

130

2,200

lumiereplace.com

877-450-7711

55

1,600

caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee

828-497-7777

100

3,300

• •

GULF COAST

FLORIDA

MISSOURI LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS NORTH CAROLINA HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO RESORT 26

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

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

# OF ROOMS

ENT. VENUE

GOLF

SPA

POOL

608

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

294

•

•

INDOOR

349

INDOOR

506

•

INDOOR

1,131

•

•

INDOOR

494

•

•

INDOOR

201

•

•

OUTDOOR INDOOR

150

•

102

•

395

•

531

•

1,071

•

236

OUTDOOR •

OUTDOOR

•

•

BOTH

•

•

BOTH

•

•

OUTDOOR

123

•

•

OUTDOOR

283

•

1,740

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

1,088

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

OUTDOOR

300

OUTDOOR

129

250

•

•

OUTDOOR

481

•

•

OUTDOOR

294

•

•

INDOOR

1,108

•

•

IN & OUT

•

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

27

FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com KENTUCKY DERBY – MAY 4, 2019 CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK – LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Horse

Field (All other horses) Game Winner Improbable Instagrand Hidden Scroll Coliseum Mucho Gusto Tax Signalman Harvey Wallbanger Gunmetal Gray Network Effect Knicks Go Vekoma War of Will Win Win Win Owendale Tacitus Global Campaign Limonite

March 5/2 6/1 8/1 10/1 12/1 15/1 15/1 20/1 20/1 20/1 20/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 50/1 50-1 50/1 50/1

January 6/5 5/1 17/1 10/1 N/A 10/1 47/1 N/A 30/1 N/A N/A 59/1 44/1 36/1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

*Odds based on Kentucky Derby Future Wager - Pools 1 and 2 Available at KYDerby.com

NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – APRIL 8, 2019 U.S. BANK STADIUM – MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA Team March January Duke 9/5 5/2 Gonzaga 7/1 10/1 Tennessee 15/2 20/1 Virginia 15/2 12/1 Michigan 8/1 12/1 Michigan State 12/1 33/1 Kentucky 16/1 10/1 North Carolina 16/1 12/1 Nevada 20/1 14/1 Kansas 30/1 8/1 Purdue 30/1 N/A Iowa State 40/1 N/A Villanova 40/1 25/1 *All others higher than 40-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

MASTERS – APRIL 11 – APRIL 14, 2019 AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB – AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

Golfer

March

January Dustin Johnson 12/1 12/1 Jordan Spieth 12/1 9/1 Justin Rose 12/1 15/1 Rory McIlroy 12/1 12/1 Tiger Woods 12/1 9/1 Brooks Koepka 15/1 12/1 Bryson DeChambeau 15/1 25/1 Justin Thomas 15/1 12/1 Rickie Fowler 15/1 18/1 Jon Rahm 20/1 18/1 Phil Mickelson 25/1 40/1 Bubba Watson 30/1 25/1 Jason Day 30/1 22/1 Hideki Matsuyama 35/1 40/1 Patrick Reed 35/1 28/1 Paul Casey 35/1 35/1 Tommy Fleetwood 35/1 30/1 Tony Finau 35/1 40/1 Xander Schauffele 35/1 N/A *All others higher than 35-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

2019 MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES - NOVEMBER 18, 2019 Driver March Kevin Harvick 9/2 Kyle Busch 9/2 Martin Truex Jr. 6/1 Chase Elliott 7/1 Kyle Larson 7/1 Brad Keselowski 9/1 Joey Logano 10/1 Ryan Blaney 10/1 Clint Bowyer 15/1 Erik Jones 15/1 Denny Hamlin 2 0/1 Aric Almirola 25/1 Jimmie Johnson 25/1 Kurt Busch 25/1 Alex Bowman 45/1 Daniel Suarez 45/1 *All others higher than 45-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

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

WSOP® SPRING CIRCUIT EVENT April 10-22 $3 MILLION IN GUARANTEES! Visit WSOP.com for additional event details. @harrahscherokee

Subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 or older to enter casino floor and to gamble, and must present a valid state or federal photo ID upon request. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem?

Call 1-800-522-4700. An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ©2019, Caesars License Company, LLC.

Your Seat is Reserved!

THE MILLION DOLLAR EVENT®

*

It’s back. And bringing unprecedented competition and intensity to casinos across North America. Want to get in the game? Contact your Everi Promotions Specialist or visit www.TOURNEVENT.com for more information on how your casino can take part in The Million Dollar Event.

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

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