M A K ING A L I S T: W H AT T O G I V E YOUR FAV OR I T E G A ME R
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 Vol. 17, Issue 6 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
SUBSCRIBE TODAY &
DEUCES WILD:
WIN BIG!
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?
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PENN & TELLER THE LATEST VEGAS ROYALTY PAGE 10
TIPS: NO SMALL PONIES, ONLY SMALL BETTORS
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PLUS TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • HORSERACING • VIDEO POKER & MORE! Covering Florida, Indiana, Las Vegas, Louisiana, Mississippi and the entire South!
LETTER
from the Publisher
UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS
PUBLISHER
Bisig Impact Group CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Larry Bisig PRESIDENT & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
to offer. In addition to the magazine, we also offer gamers of the Midwest more information and updates via our website, our email alerts and social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Be sure to go to GamingandDestinations.com and to sign up for it all today!
Since 1999, Southern Gaming and Destinations has been a source of information for gaming enthusiasts throughout the Southeastern United States. We have provided countless tips on casino games and horseracing, as well as travel recommendations for where to play and where to stay. Since our first issue featuring Triple Crown winning trainer, Bob Baffert, in the Spring of 1999, a lot has changed. Today, there are more sources of information than ever before with the Internet readily accessible thru smart phones, tablets and computers, and information at our fingertips with search engines like Google. One thing that has not changed is everyone’s thirst for great content and knowledge from credible sources…and that is where we thrive. We work with the best gaming and travel authors in the world to showcase their skills and game changing tips and tricks so that you will win more…or at least lose less! We identify what properties have the best of everything from suites to treats and give insight and recommendations on where to plan your next gambling adventure. So, it is with excitement that we recently announced our acquisition of Midwest Gaming & Travel and our expansion into the Midwest. With this opportunity, we look forward to continuing to deliver the great articles and tips that readers have been accustomed to, as well as expanding and exploring more great properties throughout the region and everything they have 2
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On the cover of this issue we highlight Penn & Teller as one of the Top Acts in Las Vegas histor y. A mong others including Dav id Copperfield, Elvis, The Rat Pack and more, take a trip down memory lane on page 10 with some of the great classics of Sin City and make sure to try to check a few of them out on your next visit! Speaking of visits, don’t miss a few of our Great Gambling Getaways for the Winter. We highlight everywhere from the Bahamas to Biloxi so don’t miss out! And in case you are ready for the holidays, we are here to make your shopping easy with our Annual Gift Guide for Gamblers. Whether it is a f lashy watch for $200,000 or a cool umbrella, we’ve got you covered. Also be sure to check out, The Comps Club by Gaming and Destinations. This is our exclusive membership club that delivers members coupons and special offers to casinos throughout the region for just $29. You will receive six issues of the magazine, and six member coupon paks featuring a variety of offers such as free plays, free buffets and more. For more information, visit TheCompsClub.com today! We look forward to hearing from you about what you want to read about, places to check out and more. Happy Holidays to you all, we can’t wait for 2016 and what it brings for us all! If you can’t be good, be lucky!
Chip Dumstorf GENERAL MANAGER
G. Douglas Dreisbach MANAGING EDITORS
Lauren Reisdorf Joseph Grove ACCOUNTING
Peggy Harris CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
Taylor Berrett Linda Boyd Eric Floyd Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Mark Herberholz Misty Johnson Frank Scoblete Henry Tamburin Bridgette Varone Letters to the editor, address changes and other correspondence should be sent to: GAMING AND DESTINATIONS
640 South Fourth Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (502) 583-0333 Fax (502) 583-6487 e-mail: editor@gaminganddestinations.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the ever-growing popularity of the gaming industry and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest. Gaming and Destinations is published for those who seek the best in gaming and in life, and is produced bimonthly by Bisig Impact Group of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2015 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 Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers. POSTMASTER: Send
G. Douglas Dreisbach GENER AL M ANAGER
address changes to Gaming and Destinations, 640 South Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202. Cover photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment.
CONTENTS ON THE COVER
TIPS & COLUMNS
10 Strip Teasers
24 Horseracing
Penn & Teller's magic and mischief just won Vegas' highest entertainment award, but they're just the latest in a dynasty of entertainment greats.
25 Poker Seven-Card Stud Low (Razz) Strategy.
26 Blackjack How to play Blackjack Switch.
27 Craps
FEATURE ARTICLES
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Playing smaller race tracks.
A carnival named Craps.
28 Video Poker
Playing Around Weather around the globe or around the corner, check out a few of these amazing casino getaways.
14 2015 Holiday Gift Guide Find the perfect gifts for the gamer in your life.
Comparing Deuces Wild games.
HIGHLIGHTS & HOTSPOTS 22 TournEvent of Champions Everi crowns the 2015 Champion.
18 Betting Money Lines
30 Silver Slipper
How is the point spread made, and how can you use it to make money?
Silver Slipper Casino opens its new beachside hotel.
34 Hollywood Tunica
36 A Day in the Life of a
There's no place like Hollywood for the holidays.
Casino Spa Director
22
For many guests, a visit to the spa is a highlight of any casino visit. What's it like pampering players in a lap of luxury?
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10 Find us on Facebook
@SouthernGaming GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
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FACTS & FUN
DID YOU KNOW
1 2 3 HOLLYWOOD STARS MARTINI The Espresso Uploader is the perfect way to kick off your evening or keep the party going after hours. With a boost of caffeine, this cocktail will put an extra spring in your step and ensure you're alert for that next hand of poker! Mia Mastroianni, master mixologist on Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue” and creator of the signature cocktail menu at SOCIAL center bar inside Palms Casino Resort, was kind enough to share her recipe with us. Cheers!
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ACCORDING TO RANKER.COM, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS THE TOP RANKED TROPICAL CASINO AND RESORT? A. Grande Princess Casino B. Atlantis Paradise Island Resort C. Breezes Curacao Resort & Casino D. Barcelo Bavaro Casino
WHAT IS EVEL KNIEVEL’S ACTUAL NAME? A. Jeb Corliss B. Eddie Kidd C. Robbie Knievel D. Karl Wallenda
HOW MUCH MONEY IS THE AVERAGE PERSON WILLING TO SPEND ON A LAS VEGAS SHOW?
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BEEN WORKING TOGETHER?
5
HOW MUCH DOES THE GEOFFREY PARKER CHIP SET, THE MOST EXPENSIVE GIFT ON THE MARKET FOR POKER PLAYERS, COST?
HOW LONG HAVE PENN & TELLER A. About 12 years B. About 23 years C. About 34 years D. About 40 years
A. $250,000 B. $7.5 million C. $1.5 million D. $650,000
1. B-Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, 2. D-Karl Wallenda, 3. C-$80, 4. D-About 40 years, 5. B-$7.5 million
SIPS WITH GAMING AND DESTINATIONS
A. $160 B. $100 C. $80 D. $60
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Ingredients 1 oz Espresso 1 oz Coffee Liqueur 2 oz Vodka
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass. 2. Add ice and shake vigorously. 3. Strain into a coupe glass.
he number of times the lights T along the Strip have been dimmed as a sign of respect for major Las Vegas figures who passed away. They were Elvis Presley, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, George Burns, Frank Sinatra, and former UNLV basketball head coach Jerry Tarkanian.
4. Garnish with 3 espresso beans.
$95 billion
The amount of money that will be wagered on NFL and college football games throughout the 2015 season.
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$600 billion
The amount of money the National Retail Federation is projecting that Americans will spend on Christmas this year.
50,000
The number of marine animals that Atlantis Paradise Island Resort has in their marine exhibits.
by
MISTY JOHNSON
WHETHER AROUND THE GLOBE OR AROUND THE CORNER, AMAZING CASINO GET-AWAYS ABOUND. HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES. 6
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ired of the same old boring vacation year after year? This year, take a break from your typical golfing or beach excursion, and go on an action-packed adventure. These top gaming destinations will fill your days and nights with glitz, glamour and all the thrill you can handle from the comfort of your seat—although you'll probably be on the edge of it! These world-renowned casino resorts will pamper you with their luxurious accommodations, decadent spas, and world-class entertainment. Whatever you choose, it’s no gamble. Everyone’s a winner.
STAY SEE+DO SHOP EAT WIN
BAHAMAS
No other trip can compare to the pristine white sands and crystal waters of Paradise Island. The Atlantis Casino Resort incorporates world-class entertainment into this tropical paradise to provide one of the top vacation destinations. One of its largest attractions is the Aquaventure Water Park with incomparable water slides such as the Leap of Faith, which shoots you through an enclosed tunnel at top speed through a shark-filled lagoon. If the water rides are a little too much for you to handle, visit one of the many marine life exhibits. The Ruins Lagoon integrates replicated “artifacts” from the ancient civilization of Atlantis into the natural habitat of sharks and other marine life for your viewing pleasure. If you want a closer look, embark on one of the many snorkeling or scuba adventures offered. After your day in the sun, come cool off in the Vegas-style casino, where the real action is. Get a little poolside action at the outdoor gaming area, Cain at the Cove. No matter what your pleasure, a funfilled trip to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is a sure bet. What not to miss: A visit to Dolphin Cay gives you unlimited options for interacting with dolphins and provides you with one of the best experiences for swimming with them.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas
the casinos along the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The most notable of these is the Casino de Monte-Carlo. This marvel of architecture was built in 1893 to be utilized as both a casino and an opera house. The palace was designed with a stunning marble atrium and ony x columns, decorated with amazing frescoes and sculptures, and ornamented with detailed stained glass windows in the gaming rooms. It is a sight to behold even for those who do not gamble. However, if you are coming here to gamble, you better come with deep pockets. The price can be pretty steep, but it is well worth it to be playing amongst the elite. The casinos offer both European and American table games, along with a wide variety of slot machines. Experience a taste of luxury, and see how the other half live when you take a trip to this spectacular principality in the French Riviera. What not to miss: The Oceanography Museum combines stunning architecture with an exotic collection of marine life.
MONTE CARLO, MONACO
Monte Carlo is one of the most legendary gambling venues in Europe, popularized as the set for the classic James Bond movie, Casino Royale. Many travel from all over the world each year to see the elegant architecture and design of
Casino de Monte-Carlo Monaco
Macau, C
hina
MACAU, CHINA
Macau, China, is the largest and fastestgrowing gaming region in the world, earning it the title, the “Las Vegas of Asia.” While Vegas was once the most popular destination for gambling in the world, Macau has quickly taken the lead. The casinos in Macau, however, are not for the novice gambler. The local government receives over 50 percent of their revenue from the gaming industry, and they make no secret of the fact that their purpose is to take your hard earned cash, with their slot machines aptly referred to as the “hungry tigers.” While Vegas screams for your attention with its flashing neon lights and cheers from the crowd, Macau pulls you in with its quiet luxury and sophistication. This extravagance can best be experienced at the Venetian Macao. At over 510,000 square feet, it is the world’s largest casino GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
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Pearl River Resort combines the thrill of action-packed casinos with downhome family fun. Pearl River Resort is comprised of two different hotel casinos surrounded by the rich forests of Choctaw, the Silver Star Hotel & Casino and the Golden Moon Hotel & Casino. No matter what your game of choice, you can find it here, dealt with southern charm. The resort also offers a variety of fine dining and buffet options, two award-winning golf courses, and a full-service spa to relax your cares away.
STAY SEE+DO SHOP EAT WIN
The Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, WV
THE GREENBRIER, WEST VIRGINIA
Photo Courtesy of Read on the Road/Flickr
resort and is adorned with exquisite chandeliers, marble f loors, Venetian water ways and spectacular Italian architecture. You can experience nonstop entertainment without ever leaving your resort. Enjoy concerts from top performers, world-class fights, over 300 shops, a swim in one of the four luxurious Venetian pools, or a romantic serenade on a gondola ride through the canals. Of course, a trip to Macau would not be complete without a visit to one of their many casinos. Not only do they offer the best in modern gambling, but you can also play traditional Chinese games such as fan-tan, similar to modern-day roulette. A trip to Macau offers a perfect mixture of first-class entertainment and rich history and culture. What not to miss: The Macau Sky Tower, soaring above the ground at 338 meters, provides a spectacular view all the way to Hong Kong on a clear day. BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
While Vegas once dominated the gaming world in the U.S., this is no longer the case. There are casinos popping up around the nation giving Vegas a run for its money, including those in Mississippi. A stay at one of the Biloxi casino resorts will quickly show you why the South is known for its hospitality. Two of the most popular resorts include the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and the IP Casino Resort Spa, offering world-class gaming and refreshing spa treatments. Biloxi is also known for its beautiful beaches and 8
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What not to miss: The Geyser Falls Water Park offers a variety of water slides, including a six-story free fall and a wave pool.
great food. For the best food in Biloxi, try Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, the Half Shell Oyster House, or the Shed BBQ and Blues Joint—hands down the best barbecue in the country. What not to miss: Take a ferry over to West Ship Island, named one of the top ten beaches in the U.S. by USA Today. TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI
Biloxi isn’t the only noteworthy gaming destination in Mississippi. Tunica, just 20 minutes from Memphis, is known for both its f lashy casinos and Blues music. It is the starting point for the Mississippi Blues Trail, which tells the story of this popular music genre and the artists that helped shape it. One of its most popular stopping points is the legendary Hollywood Café, made famous from its mention in Marc Cohn’s popular hit, “Walking in Memphis.” Movie buffs will want to visit the Hollywood Casino, decorated with authentic movie props, including the DeLorean from Back to the Future. Gold Strike Casino Resort is another spot you won’t want to pass up. The opulent façade shines from miles away, putting it in a league with the top Vegas casinos, and the gaming experience inside is just as comparable. What not to miss: The Gateway to the Blues Museum is a must-see for all Blues fans. PEARL RIVER RESORT, MISSISSIPPI
Located only a little more than an hour’s drive from Jackson, Mississippi,
This world-renowned, historical resort in West Virginia will leave you feeling like you’ve just stepped on the set of Gone with the Wind. It is surrounded by 10,000 acres of exceptionally manicured green, lush grounds that provide an infinite amount of activities such as tennis, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and carriage rides. It encompasses five championship golf courses, including one of the oldest courses still used for the PGA Tour. The inside is lavishly decorated in a plantation-style that offers luxurious accommodations and endless entertainment. The Casino Club at the Greenbrier provides the finest in worldclass gaming. The formal atmosphere brings the luxurious European gaming experience right here to the States. What not to miss: Make time to relax in the mineral spa. People have traveled here since 1778 for the healing powers of the sulfur spring water. FRENCH LICK RESORT & SPA, INDIANA
This historical resort, located in the Indiana countryside, will feel like a refreshing walk back in time. It is comprised of two hotels, the French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel, that are over a century old and were revitalized in the mid-1990’s with over $500 million in renovations. Named Best Historic Resort by USA Today, French Lick Resort is just as popular now as in years long passed. What not to miss: The Big Splash Indoor Water Park will provide hours of fun for the young and the young at heart.
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PENN & TELLER’S MAGIC AND MISCHIEF JUST WON VEGAS’ HIGHEST ENTERTAINMENT AWARD, BUT THEY’RE JUST THE LATEST IN A STORIED DYNASTY by
TAY L O R B E R R E T T
A S T H E C A S I N O I N D U S T RY CHANGES to focus ever more on accommodations and entertainment, the importance of high-quality, broadly appealing acts has never been greater. Mention Las Vegas to most people, for example, and close behind hastily drawn mental images of slot floors and blackjack tables are the modern and historic acts that have helped draw visitors to the desert ever since Benjamin (he hated to be called Bugsy) Siegel opened the Flamingo Casino in 1946. Even then, star power was perceived as key to success: Entertainers included Rose Marie and Jimmy Durante, with guests including Clark Gable, Lana Turner, Cesar Romero, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford and others. Nowadays, a successful act in Las Vegas can rightly be called the pinnacle of success. You might be able to make it anywhere if you can make it New York, but when you make it everywhere else, that’s when you get the honor of your name in bright neon lights on the Strip. T h a t ’s w h y t h e e n t e r t a i n m e n t industry was abuzz last week during G2E, the annual convention of the
American Gaming Association. For the third time, they named a Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year. For 2015, it was Penn & Teller. Rising as a sardonic, cynical alternative to the glitzy and glamorous style of other Vegas showmen, the illusionist and comedy duo have truly helped to redefine just what a Vegas act can be. Blending dazzling and unimaginable illusions and magical feats with biting wit and bruising satire, Penn & Teller have channeled their unique skills into several television specials and an ongoing HBO television show. But their true home is on the Strip, where audiences can see the fearsome twosome in person, on stage where their one-of-a-kind antics can shine. But they are still relatively new kids on the block. Here are our top nine favorites from over the years. DONNY & MARIE OSMOND Las Vegas has been a place to not only launch careers, but also relaunch careers that otherwise might have folded. Perhaps no act exemplifies this magic Vegas power better than Donny and Marie Osmond, who after a successful career in pop
music as a part of the Osmond family found second life in Vegas as one of the strips most beloved, current productions. Featuring 90 minutes of duets and solo numbers, Donny & Marie’s Las Vegas act has received dozens of accolades from audiences and critics alike, and like the city itself, they show no sign of slowing down. THE RAT PACK Fra nk Sinat ra, Sa mmy Dav is Jr., Dean Mar tin and Peter Law ford. Four of the most iconic names in show business all sharing one Vegas stage in the 1960 s—there had never been anything like it, and there certainly hasn’t been since. Nights featuring performances by any member of The Rat Pack meant absolute pandemonium on the strip—fans pouring into the city, sleeping on the f loors of hotel lobbies, desperate to see these icons in person. Casinos knew that Rat Pack performances meant high rollers and big spenders would be coming to town. This classic quartet literally commanded the attention of all of Las Vegas during their reign, and it’s the stuff of legend to this day. GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
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DAVID COPPERFIELD He’s the most successful magician in the history of the planet, having sold over 40 million total tickets and earned $4 billion in revenue over the course of his career, breaking nearly a dozen Guinness World records along the way—and he calls Las Vegas home. David Copperfield has been dazzling audiences for over 40 years, many of those years as part of a Vegas residency that’s the stuff of legend on the strip for its incredible longevity, commitment to constantly producing new and revolutionary illusions and feats. David Copperfield is truly a showman— he credits true artistic visionaries like Orson Welles and Walt Disney over other illusionists as his primary influences, and it certainly shows in his performances. Now you see him… now you see him again, because he’s just that good. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Tidwell/Flickr
ELVIS Las Vegas has seen some of the greatest performers in history grace its legendary strip— but there’s only ever been one King. Elvis Presley, one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th (or just about any other) century, blended gospel, rock, soul, and rhythm and blues and poured them down upon the masses. After a seven year hiatus that many thought would never end, Elvis made his triumphant return in none other than Las Vegas, which became his performing home for much of the remainder of his tragically short career. Like Vegas, his powerful single name instantly conjures up powerful images of superstardom— there’s nobody quite like Elvis. LIBERACE As the talented son of poor immigrant parents, he became the most successful performer in the world for nearly two decades. Wladziu Valentino Liberace c a m e to e mb o d y a n d s h ap e t h e flamboyant lifestyle and neon glitz of Las Vegas’ golden era. Liberace’s name has since become synonymous with Vegas’ decadence. A blazingly great piano player and endlessly generous showman, first appearing on the strip as early as 1994, Liberace’s Las Vegas performances are considered by many to be the greatest ever seen on the strip. Long live Liberace! 12
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Photo Courtesy of the Las Vegas Visitors Bureau
Photo Courtesy of the Las Vegas Visitors Bureau
JERRY LEWIS When you can act, sing, joke, produce, play the piano and command an audience, there’s really only one place for you to go. Jerry Lewis started out in nightclubs with partner Dean Martin but eventually made his way to the big stages of Las Vegas, where thousands upon thousands of adoring fans would gather to see his unique mix of music and comedy on a nightly basis. Jerry Lewis was similar to the city of Vegas— a one-stop-shop for just about every kind of entertainment you could ever hope to see, all in a dazzling, boisterous package.
WAYNE NEWTON Often overlooked in the history of great and illustrious Las Vegas performers, Wayne Newton just so happens to be one of the highest earning acts ever on the strip. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the numbers that have been racked up by Mr. Las Vegas himself—as early as 1979 Newton was racking in $8 million a year from his Vegas residency alone. He’s been a top-billed Vegas act for over five decades. Buoyed by hits like “Danke Schoen” and “Red Roses for a Blue Lady,” Newton started his explosive run in Vegas decades ago and never looked back, and he’s come to define Las Vegas for generations of fans. CELINE DION Celine Dion’s Vegas act is a throwback to the glory days of performers on the Strip in that she didn't wait until her career was in need of revitalization before committing to a residency in Vegas. She settled in at the peak of her success, and it's proven to be one of the most shrewd moves in recent music business memory. Her powerful vocals and dazzling stage show that combines theatrics, ballet and acrobatics create a must-see Vegas event that's got audiences flocking by the thousands.
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Naughty or nice, surely your favorite gamer deserves at least one special treat under the tree. Here are some of our favorites to get your shopping started.
1 CHRISTOPHE CLARET
GAMING WATCHES
True, you may have to win some jackpots yourself to put one of these under someone’s tree, but when it comes to watches for gamers, none come close to matching the engineering mar vel and aesthetic sophistication of these gems. The firm offers watches based on three primary casino games: poker, baccarat and blackjack, each of which have two other games built in as well. The watches are limited-edition and contain close to 700 individual pieces each. Here’s a description of the blackjack timepiece: To start there is Dice. This game features a pair of miniature dice, which are visible through a sapphire crystal located at the 4 o’clock position. Next, Roulette: The winding rotor is on the back, which is visible through a glare-proofed sapphire crystal. Once set in motion by undulatory movements, the wheel turns for a few moments before stopping. Then Blackjack. Between 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, the player’s four cards appear in windows. Two are visible, the other two hidden by shutters. On the upper part of the dial are three additional windows for the dealer’s cards, one of which is visible, the other two also hidden by shutters. Each time a shutter opens, whether for the player or the dealer, there is a gong, whose mechanism is visible through a side window at 2 o’clock. Optional: A special crystal that reveals an etching of a dealer when it’s breathed upon. Around $200,000. christopheclaret.com
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THE DIVPRO Lighten the load for your favorite golfer with the DivPro, an ingenious multi-tool that performs the functions of six different gadgets. It does everything from opening cans, cleaning heads, marking balls—even holding stogies. The DivPro can be customized with a company logo or other image, for those who may want to share the love with larger groups of golf lovers. $12.95. readygolf.com
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THE POKER FACE The company motto for OppoSuits is, “Worn to Be Wild,” and this two-piece suitand-tie combo guarantees a reaction from passersby and other players alike. Hilarity will most assuredly ensue. The suit, available in sizes 36 to 52, works perfectly during any Hollywood, James Bond, showbiz or mafia-themed party. $99.95. opposuits.com
SLOT MACHINE CHARGER AND DOCK Know a gamer who still lugs around an iPhone or iPod Touch 4S or earlier? Help them charge their tech in casino style with this slot-machine charger and dock. A slots app can be downloaded for realistic play, and the lever works to help release the device from the cradle. They may not win any money from it, but at least they may not feel so bad about being two iPhone generations behind. $34.99. newpotatotech.com
5 ROYAL POKER GLASSES Most shaded lens help darken bright environments. These stylish and functional glasses actually help brighten dark views, enabling poker players to better see their cards and chips when gamers are operating in subtly lit rooms. The secret is their “dual anti-reflective dielectric” lens coating technology combined with the scotopic filter system. Best of all: Unless the player holds cards directly in front of the lenses, they won’t show in reflections to other players. Maybe that’s why they're favorites of pros such as Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott and our own Phil Hellmuth. $89.95-$149.95. royal-eyewear.com GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
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HARLEY-DAVIDSON POKER CHIP FRAME You don’t have to have a Harley to appreciate the rugged American individualism the brand has come to represent. In fact, the revered motorcycle name fits quite nicely with the sporting lifestyle also associated with casino gaming. Combine both worlds in this poker chip collector’s frame. It’s a free-standing display for table or shelf and features an attractive Willie G. skull and Bar & Shield graphics. The frame holds 88 poker chips (not included), and the middle picture can be replaced by a 4'' x 6'' photo. $129.95. wisconsinharley.com
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KING OF CLUBS UMBRELLA It’s bad enough walking out of a casino a loser when it’s not raining. Throw in some precipitation, however, and suddenly the whole night can become a wash. Not so if your gamer stays dry in style. This premium double-layer umbrella features a traditional beech wood shaft and handle with a metal runner and tip cup. The plate is stylishly engraved with the London Undercover logo. $150. londonundercover.co.uk
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VINTAGE-STYLE SIGN: POKER BLUFFING This nicely naughty vintage-style sign will look great in your favorite guy gamer's poker den—and serve fair warning to visitors that the player in chief is a man to reckoned with. The enameled paint on the 12.5” x 16” tin sign is attractive and very durable. $14.99. posterrevolution.com
LUCKY DOG SLOTS TREAT DISPENSER Hey, just because you’re losing at slots doesn’t mean your poor dog has to suffer, too. This clever treat dispenser has three chambers you can fill with different or the same tasty nuggets. Fido comes up to the device and can dispense his own morsels by stepping on the tray. How long will the treats last? Probably about as long as your credits lasted the last time you played the one-armed bandits. $24.99. outwardhound.com
11 LLF 24K GOLD-FOIL PLATED
PLAYING CARDS
Look like a winner, feel like a winner—that’s what we always say. And if you don’t look like a winner with these, you never will. Available in a black or mahogany box, the beautiful and emblazoned playing cards are 99.9 24K gold foil and arrive with a certificate of authenticity. The cards are handcrafted using the latest gold-plating techniques, so you don’t get Gold Finger-ed playing with them. $18.99. amazon.com
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LIFE-SIZE ELVIS STAND-UP Nothings says gaming like Las Vegas, and nothing says Las Vegas like Elvis Presley. This 70”-high portrait of the King in his full Strip regalia can stand on its own or be mounted on a wall. Even better: He speaks from beyond! With an optional motion activated speaker, he’ll greet amazed guests with messages like, "Well thanks for letting me talk to you," "Hi, this is Elvis Presley” and "Thank you very much," all from actual Elvis voice recordings. So far, no word on when “Please hand me another doughnut” or “Are you going to take that pain pill?” will be added to the repertoire. $48.11. nilimahome.com
12 AMMO CAN POKER SET The genuine NATAO spec .30 cal ammo case provides an air-tight, waterproof and virtually indestructible home for some truly top-notch poker gear, including two decks of custom playing cards and 300 casino-weight (11.5 grams) composite chips with a custom chip insert. Ideal for someone who wants to let the world know just how seriously he takes his poker. $99.99. mancrates.com
13 TRAVEL ROULETTE WHEEL When your favorite game is subject to being outlawed from time to time, you find way to take it with you. Such is the history behind the portable roulette wheel. This style of spin-on-the-go game was popular with the Imperial Army in the 1700s. Simplified with fewer numbers, it still allows for fun gambling. A sophisticated travel version of the elaborate Monte Carlo table-mounted wheels, it dates back to the Victorian era, made to order for the Army & Navy stores. Place lid on bowl, spin the ebony shaft, drop in the wood ball through the hole and wait for the wheel to stop spinning. Place bets and open lid… Win or lose! $110. shopfactorydirect.com
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HOW IS THE POINT SPREAD MADE? How can you use it to make money? by
S
MARK HERBERHOLZ
O, HOW EXACTLY ARE POINT SPREADS MADE? Is it just some old, Italian mobster in a smoky room with a chalkboard and the sports section of a newspaper, like in the movie "Casino"?
Is it some computer program that is one glitch away from turning Skynet online? The answer is somewhere in between, but don’t worry it doesn’t involve Terminators or cement shoes. A Vegas Line is created with a math model that uses a wide range of inputs. When the computation is finished, a human reviews it, applying his experience to adjust one way or another, based on what they think the market will do.
WHAT ARE THE INPUTS THE MATH MODEL USES? Lets take baseball for example. Such a model would consider several factors: anticipated starters, home/road splits, relative strength of the oppsing pitcher, the ballpark, fatique (has the team played the past couple days?), weather and more. The considerations the human evaluates are not altogether dissimilar. WEATHER
It is too hard to predict weather when the line is created, so it therefore makes for poor input in a math model. However, the human can reason out things that affect the game, like temperature, wind and humidity, all of which can affect how far the ball flies. The guy managing the line will then make adjustments as information becomes more reliable closer to game time. Because rainouts typically end in cancelled and refunded bets, line makers don’t really care. It’s the DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) players that care, because their players don’t get stats. So the DFS player has to be wary of rainouts and you won’t get that info from watching a Vegas Line. A Vegas Line won’t start plummeting downwards towards the under if there’s a thunderstorm, it just won’t get any bets.
INCENTIVES
If one team is playing for the playoffs and another is out of contention, the line will get skewed a little bit. Managers will be more incentivized to play some prospects and bench star players that might be a little fatigued or banged up. The team fighting for a playoff spot or seeding will be bringing their A Squad all the time here. MARKET BEHAVIOR
If it is New York Yankees vs. San Diego Padres the human behind the line will always skew it to make the Yankees more expensive to bet. There are just a lot more Yankees fans out there in the world than Padres fans, so the more public team will draw more action. The smart bettors know this and will wait out the push from the public to get the best price possible on their Padres bets.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR A DFS PLAYER?
You don’t need to factor in ballparks, this is included in the line and has already been factored in. However, you DO need to be wary of potential rainouts. You DON’T need to factor in wind, humidity or temperature, the guy moving the line off of bets is weighing this in and has a lot more experience with placing a numeric value on this stuff than you do. While the line is made off players’ potential stats in a game, it’s combined as a team to form the money line, spread and over/under. So, you still have to do the work to figure out how much an individual player is going to score. But you can work backward from the Vegas Lines. THE LIFECYCLE OF A LINE
When it comes to Vegas Lines and Daily Fantasy Sports, a common question is “When is the Vegas Line accurate?” There are a lot of wrinkles to that question, so let me go over the life cycle of a Vegas Line from the point of view of a guy moving the lines. Let’s group NHL, NBA and MLB together GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
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because those are all sports that generally play every day, so the life cycle of a line is typically less than 24 hours. First things first, there’s the initial open. Let’s say we have an MLB game tomorrow, Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox. You typically don’t want to post the line until tonight’s slate of games fire to direct action towards tonight’s games. So that means once the 10:00 pm EST games start, you usually look into posting tomorrow’s games. Now if the Tigers and Red Sox are playing tonight often times the sports book will wait for the game to complete in case a player suffers an in-game injury. This is very important for NBA games, where players are spraining ankles left and right, and less important in the NHL, where guys are freaking tanks and play through broken bones and shattered teeth. So today’s games are complete, now its time to post the Tigers at Red Sox line. If you normally allow $10,000 bets you would reduce that limit to $1,000. Then you would be super defensive and if you get a few bets without action on the other side, you jump the line a lot. So lets say you post Tigers -110, on the money line and get three $100 bets on the Tigers, which isn’t a lot of money, but it’s still three opinions saying, “I like the Tigers here.” You would jump the line to -120 and hope to get counteraction. For the DFS player, this means that lines in the early stages are pretty volatile and can provide misinformation. They should be avoided. Now lets fast forward to tomorrow at 10am-1pm EST. This is around the time when the reduced limits get removed
and the lines open up for the normal max bet of $10,000. This is a high volume time where all the really smart guys are waiting around for this to happen, so they can get in their $10k bet on a soft line. The dealer will jump the line a bit less as now they typically are finding action on both sides. Once the dust settles, around 1-2pm EST, the lines are relatively stable. The smart guys have gotten their money down and now it would take the public pushing the line, or injury news, for them to bet again. For the DFS player, this is a good spot to start looking at lines while building your lineups. Games to avoid are ones where an important piece is an injury concern, like if Tim Duncan gets a rest day. Time to move onto the hour before kickoff/faceoff/first pitch/ tip off, this is where the public gets its money down. They all want to get a bet in so they can have something riding on a game. Injury news and starting lineup info has come out and the smart guys are betting off that information. By the time the game starts, the line is surprisingly accurate. For the DFS player, the closer to the game the better the line, but for games that don’t have injury concerns, the lines typically don’t move that much. How do Daily Fantasy Sports and Vegas Lines connect? And which ones are important to watch? The first question to ask is, “what are the numbers in a line?” When you see the Dodgers are -200, this means you have to bet $200 to win $100 on the Dodgers. When a baseball total (over/under) is 9.5, -110 over, -110 under, that means that you have to bet $110 on the under to win $100 and you win if the total runs in the game is 9 or less.
THE MOST POPULAR LINES THAT PEOPLE LOOK AT ARE: SPREAD/MONEY LINE: In Vegas, these are referred to as
“sides” because when you pick one, you are picking a side. The sides typically tell you how likely a team is to win and by how much. The best use of this is for figuring out which pitchers will get a Win. Large spreads or money lines in other sports, like football and basketball, are important. These can help you predict which games will be a blowout and if the starters are in danger of being benched for the end of games. TOTALS (OVER/UNDER): Totals are the total amount of
points, goals, or runs scored in a game. Totals are a solid place to get a good judge of the scoring of a game, but there is a better stat for this, which I will get to next. TEAM TOTALS (OVER/UNDER): Team Totals are a derivative
of the Game Total. That means that some math genius figured out that if a baseball total is 9 and a team is a -200 favorite, their Team Total is always 5.25 runs. Those numbers are examples, but you get the idea. They are used to betting on one team’s specific scoring. Since the DFS player is more interested in finding out which TEAM is high scoring on a given night, rather than which GAME, Team Totals are the most accurate 20
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piece of information for that. PLAYER PROPS (HOME RUN PROPS, TOTAL BASES, ETC.): On paper these seem like the best possible lines for a
DFS player, however they are a bit of red herring. They are the most informative line on individual player performance in Vegas, but they have a tiny fraction of the action on them than the other lines have. For example a total bases prop could have $5,000 in total action on it, where a Total and Team Total (we combine them because one is a derivative of the other) could have $500,000 in total action. When one line has 100x more volume than the other, you can be pretty sure that the 100x line is pretty rock solid. CONCLUSION? Sit down and check out the lines in the early
afternoon. For games where you can make a pretty educated guess based on who is playing, I take the lines at face value and start making lineups. For games where players have injury concerns, I check back about an hour before start time and look on twitter to get an update. If you have any questions you can contact me directly at mark@wagertalk.com.
GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
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EVERI CROWNS 2015 TOURNEVENT of CHAMPIONS WINNER
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F T ER SI X ROU N DS of thrilling competition at The Wynn Las Vegas’ XS Nightlcub, Everi crowned its 2015 TournEvent of Champions victor. Rita Kellerman bested 181 other top tournament slots players to claim the $1 million f irst-place prize and champion’s ring. Kellerman, representing the Ho-Chunk Gaming-Wisconsin Dells casino, survived two days of loud and intense competition to become the 2015 Champion. A relative rookie to TournEvent, Kellerman says she tried TournEvent for the first time when she won the Ho-Chunk Gaming qualifier in June after tiring of other slots tournament formats.
— and even some from Peru — in a high-energy battle for tournament slots supremacy that started with qualifying TournEvents in April of this year.
for $40,000. Save A Warrior benefits returning veterans and active-dut y military personnel struggling with PTSD as a result of their service.
“All the competitors here tonight for the finals represented their casinos with fierce competitiveness, showcasing the intensity of TournEvent. Our congratulations go out to Rita for her exciting come-frombehind victory,” Chary said.
Plans for 2016 TournEvent of Champions are already under way, and Everi expects the party to be even bigger. The $1 million grand prize will be back in play, and the five-year anniversary event is slated to coincide once again with the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.
“I can’t believe I won,” said Kellerman. “It’s all so surreal right now. This is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me, except for getting married, of course.”
On Tuesday, Everi k icked off the championships with its second annual TournEvent for Charities event featuring a mix of celebrities and local and industry media members squaring off on behalf of their favorite charities. In the end, Steve Burke, publisher of Indian Gaming Magazine, claimed victory and the $10,000 winner’s check for the NIGA Spirit of Sovereignty. The remaining charities were winners in their own right, sharing in the $40,000 total contribution made by Everi.
The 2015 TournEvent of Champions finals pitted 182 finalists representing 99 casinos from across the United States
Everi’s charity of choice, Save A Warrior, also benefitted at the event as Everi presented the organization with a check
FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit TourneventofChampions.com
22 |
G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
PLAYER STRATEGY
HORSERACING: Playing Smaller Race Tracks
H
ORSEPLAY ERS W HO LA BOR when the sun is shining often miss the opportunity to play major “day time” racetracks like Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park, Saratoga Race Course, Gulfstream Park and Belmont Park. Instead, they typically help fund the handle at intermediate “night time” ovals like Evangeline, Prairie Meadows, Canterbury, Mountaineer, Charles Town, Delta, Penn National, Remington, Fairmount and Assiniboia. Now, relatively speaking, punters should probably employ a different mindset when they’re poised to attack an intermediate racetrack. See, because there isn’t as much quality, outcomes “in the minors” are quite unpredictable, tremendously more so than those results which unfold inside major pari-mutual markets. Therefore, consider employing the following six axioms when playing any of the down-home hippodromes listed above. RETAIN FAMILIARITY WITH TRAINERS AND JOCKEYS
AVOID CERTAIN TYPES OF WAGERS
Due to the aforementioned deflated pari-mutuel pools presented by intermediate race tracks, players should think twice about making large show bets. A $100 flutter might literally comprise half of the total show pool and would significantly dilute prices, even on double digit long-shots. Comparatively, abstain from wagering the “Pick 6” since there isn’t enough booked action to warrant pursuit of horse racing’s most difficult horizontal sequence. STUDY STATE-BRED STATISTICS
A modest racing strip’s normal card will conveniently feature multiple state-bred competitions. Unearth what conditioners specialize in readying homegrown stock then determine how successful they’ve been inside the current meet.
DON’T BE TRICKED BY THE TOTE-BOARD
REVISE CLASS HANDICAPPING VALUES
Compared to their dominant counterparts, middling strips confer relatively humble parimutuel pools. As a result, players often discover glaring disparity between morning-line and actual odds, especially early on in the wagering. Hence, when a hopeless 30-1 morning-line entry sits at 4-1 with 15 minutes to post, don’t assume insiders know something you don’t. More than 80 percent of all pool monies haven’t even
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Eric Floyd is a turf writer for various gaming publications as well as a Triple Crown pari-mutuel consultant for several national media outlets. Excerpts from his gambling memoir, My First Decade Playing the Game, can be found at LuLu.com
BE WILLING TO ACCEPT A SHORT PRICE
Contests at less popular courses often fill with many plodders and one standout. Friends, I’ll never assert a player should accept 1/9 odds but then again, don’t pass up “even money” on a racer who appears invulnerable. Additionally, if a strip’s leading horseman saddles chalk (that’s race tracker slang for “the favorite”), be assured capital attached to said runner’s nose will likely multiply.
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T ho s e f a n c y i n g t h e m s e l v e s a s “c l a s s handicappers” should note that the two lowest claiming levels at middling ovals are often one in the same. Available participants are simply pointed towards whatever race is available in a given week. This is no exaggeration; the same batch of horses can be found in a $2,500 claiming race one day, then a $3,000 claiming race two weeks later.
ISN’T IT TIME THAT YOU
"INTERMEDIATE RACE TRACKS ARE OFTEN THE PROVING GROUND FOR INEXPERIENCED JOCKEYS."
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E R I C F LOY D
breached the teller’s window yet so this underlay is likely the result of an isolated player’s stout recklessness.
This is perhaps the most vital particular associated with launching a successful fiscal siege against an intermediate race track. Believe me, 99 percent of the time there is a complete standout residing within the trainer and/or jockey colony, so before the start of any card, simply review the appropriate standings (they’re usually located on the program’s last page) then bet accordingly.
W! O N
by
PLAYER STRATEGY by
PHIL HELLMUTH
POKER: Seven-Card Stud Low (Razz) Strategy
T
Phil Hellmuth Jr, is a 13-time 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,” is also widely popular. Visit philhellmuth.com to check out his clothing line, blog and exclusive gaming tips.
"YOU WILL EVENTUALLY FIGURE OUT THAT IT ISN’T THAT HARD TO DISCERN WHICH LOW HAND IS BEST IN CLOSE CASES." FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
HE OBJECT OF SEVEN-CARD STUD LOW, or Razz, is to make the worst hand possible! Razz is dealt just like basic Seven-Card Stud, but the object, oddly enough, is to make the lowest hand. In Razz, flushes and straights don’t count against you (that is, they have no value). But pairs and trips are bad (because it is harder to make a fivecard low hand with them). Aces are considered low. In Razz, the best possible low hand is 5-43-2-A, which is called a wheel. The second-best possible low hand is a six perfect, or 6-4-3-2-A. The chart below shows a list of the best possible low hands in order. You will eventually figure out that it isn’t that hard to discern which low hand is best in close cases. A seven-five low (7-5-x-x-x) is lower than a sevensix low (7-6-x-x-x). A seven-six-five-three low (7-6-5-3-x) is lower than a seven-six-five-four low (7-6-5-4-x). Figuring out the best low hand is just a matter of reading the low hand from the highest card to the lowest card and seeing which hand goes lower first. I once lost a $15,000 pot to the legendary Seymour Liebowitz in a low-ball event at the World Series of Poker when his 9-7-5-4-2 beat my 9-7-5-4-3 low. It came down to the fifth and final card in this case! We both had a 9-7-54 in our hands, but his deuce “pipped” my three (edged it out by one point in value). Right now Razz is something of a fringe game in the poker world. In fact, most poker rooms don’t even spread a Razz game these days. Although we have a Razz World Championship each year, it is among the lowest-attended events at the WSOP. Still, Razz is an important game that is played for high stakes on a daily basis in Los Angeles at the Commerce Casino. Razz is also often included in high-stakes games at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, sometimes dealt as a part of a rotation of games like HORSE (Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Stud and Stud Eight or Better). By the way, sometimes while playing HORSE,
the players will not notice that the game has changed – for instance, when the game goes from one variation of Stud to the next – and they lose a large pot because of this! It happens to everyone, including me, more than once. Even though many top professional players feel that Razz involves more luck and requires less skill than most other poker games, I feel that Razz demands a lot of skill. In Razz, reading your opponents well is crucial to begin a great player. The reading part comes when your opponent hits what appears to be a perfect low card for him. If you read that it was, indeed, perfect for him, then you’ll need to fold your hand (depending on what you caught). If you read that the card in fact paired him, then you’ll be able to continue playing your hand. For example he might hit a three, for a board of (x-x) 2-3, but there is a decent chance that the card paired him, because, presumably, he is starting with all low in his hand. THE BEST LOW HANDS FROM BEST TO WORST 1. 5-4-3-2-A
21. 7-6-5-4-3
41. 8-7-5-2-A
3. 6-5-3-2-A
23. 8-5-3-2-A
43. 8-7-5-3-2
2. 6-4-3-2-A 4. 6-5-4-2-A 5. 6-5-4-3-A 6. 6-5-4-3-2
7. 7-4-3-2-A
8. 7-5-3-2-A
9. 7-5-4-2-A
10. 7-5-4-3-A 11. 7-5-4-3-2
12. 7-6-3-2-A
13. 7-6-4-2-A 14. 7-6-4-3-A 15. 7-6-4-3-2
16. 7-6-5-2-A 17. 7-6-5-3-A 18. 7-6-5-3-2
19. 7-6-5-4-A 20. 7-6-5-4-2
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22. 8-4-3-2-A 24. 8-5-4-2-A 25. 8-5-4-3-A 26. 8-5-4-3-2
27. 8-6-3-2-A
28. 8-6-4-2-A 29. 8-6-4-3-A 30. 8-6-4-3-2
31. 8-6-5-2-A
32. 8-6-5-3-A 33. 8-6-5-3-2
34. 8-6-5-4-A 35. 8-6-5-4-2
36. 8-6-5-4-3 37. 8-7-3-2-A
38. 8-7-4-2-A 39. 8-7-4-3-A
42. 8-7-5-3-A 44. 8-7-5-4-A 45. 8-7-5-4-2
46. 8-7-5-4-3
47. 8-7-6-2-A
48. 8-7-6-3-A 49. 8-7-6-3-2
50. 8-7-6-4-A 51. 8-7-6-4-2
52. 8-7-6-4-3
53. 8-7-6-5-A 54. 8-7-6-5-2 55. 8-7-6-5-3
56. 8-7-6-5-4
57. 9-4-3-2-A
58. 9-5-3-2-A
40. 8-7-4-3-2
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE PAGE 29 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
25
PLAYER STRATEGY
STRATEGY: How to Play Blackjack Switch
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LACKJACK SWITCH is a relatively new version of blackjack in which you can switch your cards between two hands. You must play two hands with equal bets per round and you have the choice of keeping the hands that you were dealt or switching the second card in each hand. This switching option gives players a big advantage because you could convert one or two bad hands into two very good hands. Here's an example of what I mean. Suppose your first hand was a 7-5 and your second hand, a 6-4. The dealer’s upcard is an 8. You have a decent play on the 6-4 hand, namely, to double down against the dealer's 8. However, the other hand (12 against the 8) is a loser. However, by switching the second card of each hand (the 5 and 4), you would wind up with two powerful hands (7-4 and 6-5) that you could double down against a dealer’s 8. In this example, switching the second cards is clearly the preferred strategy. To offset the player-favorable switching option, the rules for Blackjack Switch include these two casinofavorable rules: 1. W hen the dealer’s hand totals 22, all players’ hands push (except a player’s blackjack). 2. All player blackjacks pay even money (instead of 3-2).
The other playing rules for Blackjack Switch follow the conventional rules for the game. Six (and sometimes eight) decks of cards are used, dealer usually hits soft 17, and you can double down on any two cards and after pair splitting. PLAYING STRATEGY
As you would expect, the basic playing strategy for Blackjack Switch is slightly different from the conventional basic playing strategy because of the dealer 22 push rule. For example, you will be doubling
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W! O N
HAND
CONV. STRATEGY
BLACKJACK SWITCH
9
Double down on 3-6
Double down on 6
10
Double down on 2-9
Double down on 2-8
A-2 & A-3
Double down on 5 & 6
12
Hit against 2 and 3
Always hit Hit against 2, 3, &4
You can obtain the complete basic playing strategy for Blackjack Switch on these sites: w w w.blackjackforumonline.com (click on library page then click on Blackjack Switch) and www.wizardofodds.com (click on Game Info & Strategies, Other Games, and then on Blackjack Switch). What you need to remember is that you shouldn't use the conventional basic strategy when you play this game; instead, you need to follow the basic strategy that is specific to Blackjack Switch. It's not any more complicated, just slightly different. The more difficult strategy to master is the switching decisions because sometimes the decision to switch is not obvious. For example, would you switch the second card in these hands: 2-8 and 10-9. (Dealer shows a 3.) If you switched the second hand in each hand you would have 2-9 and 10-8. So is it better to hold 2-8 and 10-9 against a dealer’s 3 or 2-9 and 108? The best strategy is to keep the original hands (10 and 19) and not switch. How do I know? You have to become familiar with the switching strategies. You’ll find switching strategies on several websites. If you go to the Blackjack Switch page on www. wizardofodds.com, you’ll find a table of expectations for all player hands against all dealer upcards.
ISN’T IT TIME THAT YOU
Henry Tamburin is the editor of Blackjack Insider Newsletter (www.bjinsider. com), Lead Instructor for the Golden Touch Blackjack Course (www. goldentouchblackjack. com), and host of www. smartgaming.com. For a FREE three-month subscription to his blackjack newsletter, go to www. bjinsider.com/freetrial. com. To receive his FREE Casino Gambling Catalog, call 1-888-353-3234 or visit www.smartgaming.com.
"THIS SWITCHING OPTION GIVES PLAYERS A BIG ADVANTAGE BECAUSE YOU COULD CONVERT ONE OR TWO BAD HANDS INTO TWO VERY GOOD HANDS." FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
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H E N R Y TA M B U R I N
and splitting less often, and there will be more hands where it is correct to hit at the risk of breaking. For example:
SWITCHING STRATEGY
For example, suppose you double down on 10 and catch an ace for a 21. The dealer proceeds to hit his 16 and catches a 6 for 22. Your 21 is a push.
by
PLAYER STRATEGY by
CRAPS: A Carnival Named Craps
FRANK SCOBLETE
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RAPS IS THE MOST EXCITING game in the casinos.
Certainly more players prefer blackjack. But I have not read of any gaming experts saying blackjack or roulette is more exciting than craps.
Frank Scoblete is a bestselling casino gambling writer. His newest book is I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps! He’d love to send you a free copy (while supplies last). Just send an email to him at fscobe@optonline. net with your address and he will get the book out ASAP.
"THE STICKMAN PUSHES OVER THE DICE TO THE PLAYER AND NOW THE RESULTS ARE IN THE PLAYER’S HAND."
FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
So why is craps so much fun? Why do you hear shouts and applause and whines and moans from craps players? You rarely hear players at blackjack tables going wild. The answer is twofold: Craps is the only casino game where the casino hands you the method of determining the outcome and says, “Here, try to beat us pal.” The stickman pushes over the dice to the player and now the results are in the player’s hand. As the shooters throw, so shall it go (to coin a rhyme). Also, craps is exciting because of its communal nature. Most of the players at a table (more often than not, all of the players at a table) are rooting for the shooter to make his point and to hit “numbers.” If a shooter gets hot and avoids the 7, then the winning players react as a tribe, dancing and jumping and high-fiving each other. HOW CRAPS IS PLAYED
Although the craps layout might look as if aliens from space descended and wrote inscrutable symbols on the felt, it is in fact an easy game to learn. Let me take it step by step for you novices: The dice move from shooter to shooter in a clockwise fashion. Players can choose not to shoot if they so desire. The shooter is given five dice and must choose two. The shooter must have a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet on the layout in front of him. In my experience about ninety-five percent of shooters bet the Pass Line; the overwhelming majority of the other players at the table will bet the Pass Line as well. That means just about everyone is betting (and praying) that the shooter gets hot.
The shooter takes the dice in one hand. This is the “come-out” roll, meaning he is trying to establish his point. Point numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. They make up 24 of the 36 numbers of craps. A die has six sides, so there are 36 possible combinations of two dice in the game of craps: six sides times six sides = 36 combinations. Each side (or face) of a die will have various numbered pips: 1-pip, 2-pips, 3-pips, 4-pips, 5-pips and 6-pips. Given two dice, the lowest number that can be rolled is a 2 (1-pip + 1-pip); the highest number is 12 (6-pips + 6-pips). There is only one way to make a 2 and only one way to make a 12. #
WAYS TO MAKE
2
one
1:1
3
two
2:1, 1:2
4
three
3:1, 1:3, 2:2
5
four
4:1, 1:4, 3:2, 2:3
6
five
5:1, 1:5, 4:2, 2:4, 3:3
7
six
6:1, 1:6, 5:2, 2:5, 4:3, 3:4
8
five
6:2, 2:6, 5:3, 3:5, 4:4
9
four
6:3, 3:6, 5:4, 4:5
10
three
6:4, 4:6, 5:5
11
two
6:5, 5:6
12
one
6:6
COMBINATIONS
As you can see the 7 is the number that comes up the most. It is the key number in the game of craps. If you look at a set of casino dice you will find that the front side and its opposite, back side, add up to 7. So opposite the 1-pip is the 6-pip; opposite the 2-pip is the 5-pip; opposite the 3-pip is the 4-pip. More to come in the next issue.
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27
PLAYER STRATEGY
VIDEO POKER: Comparing Deuces Wild Games
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ometimes you’ll come across video poker plays that are just too good to pass up. Maybe they’re the result of a glitch created by whoever set up the pay schedule, or maybe management deliberately offers them as a draw for local players. Either way, you’ll want to be prepared to take full advantage of these finds before they disappear. For example, I was astounded when I found this good Double Deuces game with a Deuces Wild game on the same machine in a local casino.
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TABLE 1.1: DEUCES WILD GAMES FOUND ON SAME DEVICE
WINNING HAND/ 5-COIN BET
COYOTE UGLY DEUCES (CU)
Royal Flush/No Deuces
4,000
4 Deuces
1,000
Royal with Deuces/Wild Royal
125
5 of a Kind (5OAK)
75
Straight Flush
50
An informal survey revealed that players were choosing the CU version about as often as the DD choice. Even if you played using the same strategy (a big mistake), you’d be better off with DD because a quick glimpse shows that the pay schedule for all hands but three (5OAK, Straight Flush and Deuces) are identical. In terms of the three-hand payouts that differ, DD pays more in all three. I will caution you that I am not referring to all DD games, only those with the pay schedule in Table 1.1.
4 of a Kind
20
Full House
15
Expected return (ER). There can be no argument that a game with a theoretical return (assuming accurate holds) of 99.6% is far superior to one with a dismal 94.8%. In fact, I would avoid games like the CU deuces in Table 1.1 like the plague. Keep in mind that the pay schedule was most likely set up this way in error, but whether it was or not, the casino will probably never discover it. That means all points and promos are viable, including discretionary comps. Even without food, rooms and show comps, it’s a big deal due to the cash back. I get bounceback in the mail plus triple points (awarded for having the highest level card), bringing the play to over 100.6%.
WINNING HAND/ DOUBLE DEUCES 5-COIN BET WILD (DD)
VARIANCE
Straight 10
COMPARING THE GAMES
There’s no doubt that this DD game has a huge variance (almost 55.1), making it a dangerous ride. Overall, however, I am way ahead on this game and even winning some promotional events due to many ticket entries.
AI AV
28
LA
BL
! OW N E
LI N DA B OY D
Flush 10 Straight 10 3 of a Kind Expected Return (ER)
Linda Boyd was a long-time table-game player before turning to video poker. You can see her videos on YouTube. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge,” includes removable pay schedules and strategy cards for the most popular games.
5 94.8%
Variance 25.2
Royal Flush/No Deuces
4,000
4 Deuces
2,000
Royal with Deuces/Wild Royal
125
5 of a Kind (5OAK)
80
Straight Flush
55
4 of a Kind
20
Full House
15
Flush 10 3 of a Kind Expected Return (ER)
"SOMETIMES YOU’LL COME ACROSS VIDEO POKER PLAYS THAT ARE JUST TOO GOOD TO PASS UP."
5 99.6%
Variance 61
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FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE PAGE 29
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SILVER SLIPPER CASINO New Beachside Hotel by
I
f you have never visited the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, you are missing out on what the locals have known, and enjoyed, for the past nine years. As the first land-based casino built on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, “The Slipper” was a positive sign of recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Situated on the western-most part of the Coast, the “locals” include people from Mississippi and Louisiana. The Silver Slipper is a destination in itself, and is unlike any other casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. When you are at The Slipper, you are family. Most of the employees have worked there since day one. The hospitality is the main reason visitors keep coming back… well, that and the crab legs! This past September, the Silver Slipper
completed a new $20 million, 129-room beachside hotel. “We are so happy to provide a gorgeous, relaxing hotel with a coastal feel for our visitors,” says Victoria Langlinais from the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. With beach access just steps away from the elevator, guests can enjoy the white sand, the Slipper Beach Bar and the Mississippi Sound just a couple of minutes’ walk from their hotel room. The original design included 144 standard rooms, but at the beginning of 2015, Dan Lee, CEO of the Slipper’s parent company, Full House Resorts, wanted to give the players luxurious penthouse suites unlike anything else on the Coast, so they revised the plan to also include nine suites, offered to The Slipper’s most exclusive players. Each suite is designed with a kitchen and bar area, dining area, luxurious bedroom and separate bathrooms, as well
BEGIN TO PLAN YOUR GETAWAY BY visiting
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| GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
B R I D G E T TE VA R O N E
as Japanese massage chairs and personal butler service. The 120 standard rooms are comforting and attractive with a superior feeling. It definitely does not feel like just any casino hotel room. Tish Williams, executive director of Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, boasts about the new hotel by saying, “When the Silver Slipper announced they were continuing to invest in Hancock County by opening this new quality hotel, it was news we needed to hear to grow our tourism industry. This will give visitors the opportunity to linger longer. They may even decide to make Hancock County their second home or primary residence! The Silver Slipper Casino Hotel did it right. Their customers are going to have a first-class experience and we know they’ll keep coming back.”
SilverSlipper-ms.com or call 1-866-SLIPPER.
GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
31
PREFFERED PROPERT Y
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
TABLES
MACHINES
BELTERRA CASINO RESORT
belterracasino.com
812-427-7777
•
55
1,473
FRENCH LICK RESORT
frenchlick.com
888-936-9360
37
1,473
HORSESHOE CASINO
caesars.com/horseshoe-southern-indiana
812-969-6000
•
140
1,750
RISING STAR CASINO RESORT
risingstarcasino.com
800-472-6311
•
33
1,278
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
888-24-KSTAY
•
53
1,236
HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA
hollywoodcasinotunica.com
800-871-0711
•
28
1,079
SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL
samstowntunica.com
662-363-0711
•
46
1,295
SOUTHLAND PARK GAMING & RACING
southlandpark.com
800-467-6182
•
RACING
631
AMERISTAR CASINO VICKSBURG
ameristar.com/vicksburg
601-638-1000
41
1,563
CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO HOTEL
cypressbayou.com
800-284-4386
•
34
1,275
LADY LUCK CASINO
vicksburg.isleofcapricasinos.com
800-503-3777
•
8
710
MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO
margaritavillebossiercity.com
855-346-2489
64
1,200
PARAGON CASINO RESORT
paragoncasinoresort.com
800-946-1946
57
1,800
SILVERSTAR HOTEL & CASINO
pearlriverresort.com
866-447-3275
71
1,200
GOLDEN MOON HOTEL & CASINO
pearlriverresort.com
866-447-3275
39
1,150
BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO
beaurivage.com
888-750-7111
108
2,051
HOLLYWOOD GULF COAST
hollywoodcasinotunica.com
866-758-2591
23
1,154
IP CASINO RESORT & SPA
ipbiloxi.com
888-946-2847
75
1,763
ISLAND VIEW CASINO RESORT
islandviewcasino.com
877-774-8439
•
46
1,963
SILVER SLIPPER CASINO HOTEL
silverslipper-ms.com
866-754-7737
•
25
965
CALDER CASINO & RACE COURSE
caldercasino.com
305-625-1311
•
-
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
INDIANA
TUNICA
MID-SOUTH
•
PEARL RIVER RESORT
GULF COAST
FLORIDA
32
| GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM
TOURNAMENTS AND EVENTS
* CC Partner means the property provides coupons and special offers to members of the Comps Club. For more information, visit Thecompsclub.com
HOTEL
ENT. VENUE
GOLF
SPA
POOL
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OUTDOOR
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INDOOR
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INDOOR
FPO UNCORKED... KEY LARGO & ISLAMORADA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL KEY LARGO, FL January 7-16, 2016 | FloridaKeysUncorked.com
Ten glorious days of wine tasting events, cooking demonstrations, wine dinners, live music, food and wine pairing classes, progressive wine dinners, art and wine shows, and of course, our fabulous sunsets, scuba diving, fishing, many tourist attractions, shopping, and a great time! Come on down to the Keys and enjoy all of the tasty temptations and some of your favorite wines, as South Florida’s culinary experts step up to the plate to show you what Key Largo and Islamorada have to offer.
• • •
•
•
INDOOR
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
•
INDOOR
CHARLESTON, SC November 13, 2015 - January 3, 2016 ccprc.com/1546/Holiday-Festival-of-Lights
• •
INDOOR •
OUTDOOR
Featuring over 700 displays and 2 million lights, the Holiday Festival of Lights is a cherished holiday tradition for many families throughout Charleston and beyond. James Island County Park comes alive with illumination and is a great place to capture the magic of the holiday season. This Holiday Festival of Lights has been recognized around the country and the world.
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER
•
SAVANNAH, GA December 4-5, 2015 | RiverStreetSavannah.com
•
•
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OUTDOOR
•
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OUTDOOR
INDOOR
WATER PARK
Celebrate the delicious sweet taste of Wild Georgia Shrimp and the beauty of Jekyll Island this September. Since its inaugural year in 2006, the festival has been satisfying hungry appetites and pleasing audiences with a variety of shrimp-related fun. From never-ending options of shrimp and grits dishes and guest chef demonstrations, to live music, and a Craft Brew Tasting, the annual Shrimp & Grits: Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival is a true playground for good (and tasty) times.
12 SOUTH WINTER WARMER
•
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OUTDOOR
NASHVILLE, TN December 5, 2015 | 12SouthWinterWarmer.com
•
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OUTDOOR
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OUTDOOR
12 South Winter Warmer presented by Craft Brewed is back for its fifth year, and really is one of Nashville’s best beer festivals. Featuring 35 handselected local, regional and national craft breweries. Not to mention, The 12 South Winter Warmer supports the Oasis Center Bike Workshop and since the start of the Winter Warmer has been making substantial donations to their efforts.
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OUTDOOR
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OUTDOOR
LAKE WALES, FL December 5-6, 2015 | OrangeBlossomBBQ.com
•
•
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OUTDOOR
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The Orange Blossom Revue will take place on the shores of Lake Wailes in Lake Wales, Fla. The event is open to the public and will have barbecue, local and nationally recognized live music, the Florida Tastemakers Marketplace, children’s entertainment, activities on the lake, and even more surprises.
•
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OUTDOOR
WANT COMPS? If you are a qualified casino player, let us know!
•
•
•
OUTDOOR
We will be happy to connect you with some of our preferred casino properties around the world! For more information, please e-mail comps@gaminganddestinations.com or call 1-877-582-9478.
•
ORANGE BLOSSOM REVUE
GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM |
33
There’s No Place Like HOLLYWOOD for the HOLIDAYS
M
ake the season bright and step into the spotlight for your shot at fame and fortune at the place where unrivaled gaming action meets awardwinning dining. Then put a bow on your visit with a stay in our luxurious hotel or full-service RV Park. Put a little something extra under the tree this year when you win big on our 54,000-square-foot casino floor, featuring over 1,100 of the newest big-hitting slots, more than 30 world-class table games and the hottest dedicated poker room around. Once you’ve had all the winning you can handle, take a break and take in some holiday cheer at any of our incredible restaurants, including the award-winning Fairbanks Steakhouse. 34 |
G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
Here, you can indulge in mouthwatering steaks, succulent seafood and desserts that would make the Sugar Plum Fairy blush. Or pile up your plate with holiday favorites at Epic Buffet. There’s something for every taste at Hollywood. After an exciting night, make yourself at home in one of our luxurious hotel rooms or suites. Amenities such as an outdoor sundeck, indoor pool, gift shop and always extraordinary customer service provide the comfort you deserve and the indulgence you desire. You’re invited to come experience what it feels like to be a star. For those who prefer the privacy of their personal trailer, we offer a beautiful 123-space RV Park just steps away from the casino. We provide everything you
need to feel right at home, including electricity, water, cable TV, sanitary hookups, telephones, propane at every spot and handicap accessibility. Plus, shower and laundry facilities and a picnic area with stunning golf course views are available. To make the most of your stay, become a MARQUEE REWARDS® member and enjoy the extras membership provides. Signing up is fast, easy, and free. You’ll earn generous comps and Free SLOTPLAY®, monthly promotion entries and invitations to exclusive events and giveaways. The more you play, the more you earn. Only one place delivers all this and more. There’s no place like Hol ly wood. Hollywood Casino Tunica.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... by
A SPA DIRECTOR
TE R RY PA R R E T T
C
ASINO-GOERS TEND TO FALL INTO TWO CAMPS. On one side, there are the folks who consider every moment in a casino not spent gaming to be a terrible waste of time. Eating, drinking and even sleeping are necessary evils, but they take away from the purpose of being in a casino, gaming. On the other side, however, are those people who realize that casinos offer all kinds of amenities world-class entertainment, gourmet dining, and the ultimate indulgence- the spa! For those who’ve ever wondered what it might be like to work in such a luxurious and relaxing environment, we spoke with Jolanta Gizowski, who is the Spa Director at Wind Creek Atmore Casino in Atmore, Alabama. Jolanta started working at Wind Creek Atmore in 2009, working in the hotel as Front Shift Manager during the hotel opening. She became Spa Manager in 2010, and a few years later, was promoted to Spa Director. I asked Jolanta what are some of the reasons why someone would go to the spa. She explained that many guests visit for relaxation purposes. A visit to a spa is a good way to reduce stress, to recharge your mind, body and spirit. She also said that some guests go to the spa as a way to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle- in addition to the spa treatments, the Spa at Wind Creek Atmore also offers healthy spa lunch options. And of course, many guests see spa visits as a way to spend quality time with friends; a spa visit before a wedding, bridal shower, or bachelorette party offers a memorable start to a big weekend. Finally, Jolanta said that some people just like to visit the spa as a treat, a “just because I deserve it” reward. I was curious if there was a “best time” to come to the spa, whether it be a particular day of the week or time of year. Jolanta replied, “I believe each of us has his/her own preferences. Some guests like to visit our spa over the weekend and some visit us frequently during the week. Just remember that ultimately the spa experience is about YOU. Your reasons for the spa visit could be either stress relief, pampering and pleasure, or peace of mind.” Jolanta shared that visitors to her spa tend to mainly be female guests, but she said she has definitely seen an increase in spa visits by male guests. And the most popular offerings at the Wind Creek Atmore Spa are the 50 Minute Relief Massage and 45 Minute Moon Dance Pedicure. While visiting a spa is a completely relaxing experience, I wondered if working in a spa was equally relaxing, or if spa employees needed to relax outside of work. Jolanta said,
“I definitely need to devote more time to relax. Working out helps me relieve the stress, but as a working mom of a 9-monthold-baby, it became a little bit harder to find time for myself; therefore, I am happy when I can find some time at home to take at least a 30-minute hot bath. On my days off I try to be outside, go to the beach and let my mind get quiet. Engaging my senses helps me to relax as well. And yes, even though we are helping the guests to relieve their stress, we as a team work really hard to offer that experience which at times is stressful on our end. Plus, as I assume any other manager would agree, managing/leading the team can be stressful in itself. Finally, knowthat a visit to a spa can be a not-inconsequential financial commitment, I asked Jolanta how guests could get the most out their spa experience. Here are her suggestions: • A rrive early/stay late - Allow yourself to enjoy our spa amenities such as steam room, sauna, whirlpool and current pool. • Disconnect - Make sure to turn off all your electronic devices. • Be open to the experience. • P rovide feedback to the therapist on the amount of pressure, music or room temperature. • T ake the spa experience home - ask your therapists for product recommendations, home remedies and stretches. Jolanta mentioned that their popular “Escape and Refresh Package,” which includes a one night stay in a luxury hotel room, a $50 spa credit and complimentary valet parking, would be extended through November. She added that she is working on some seasonal specials as well.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, visit
36 |
G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
windcreekatmore.com/spa or call 855-393-7227.