Southern Gaming - March Issue 2016

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

GAMING & GOLF:

TOP CASINO

COURSES PAGE 30

BIG CHANGES AT BEAU RIVAGE

PAGE 28

ribe to Subsc n Gaming er South d an today

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BIG SCREEN SLOT SENSATION PAGE10

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

visit. More of our favorites appear on page 14.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Larry Bisig COPY EDITOR

Joseph Grove LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Hill Harcourt CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

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

640 South Fourth Street

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

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

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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

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

drive awareness of the ever-growing

Enjoy the issue!

Opinions of columnists are those of

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

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

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

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

POSTMASTER:

G. Douglas Dreisbach

Send address changes

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

Cover photo courtesy of Scientific Games.

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

TIPS & COLUMNS

10 Caddyshack: Big Screen

22 Video Poker

Slot Sensation

Tips for Double Deuces

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

23 Blackjack

28 Big Changes at the

Beau Rivage in Biloxi

The Martingale Misconception

24 Craps

FEATURE ARTICLES

The Confessions of a Craps Player

6 Slot Floors of the South

HIGHLIGHTS & HOTSPOTS

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

25 Horseracing Much-About Post Position

26 Poker Suited Connector Strategy

This Gulf Coast gem has upped the ante with their latest updates.

34 Casino Directory

Southern Gaming approved properties are sure bets!

36 Sports Wagering: The Value of Future Odds

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

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

26

18 Casino Culture: Then & Now

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

30 Gaming & Golf:

Top Casino Courses

Our favorite casino courses unveiled from tee to green.

6

10 Find us on Facebook

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

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FACTS & FUN STUFF

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

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

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

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

3

IN WHAT YEAR DID THE CADDYSHACK MOVIE DEBUT?

?

4

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

A. 14 million B. 27 million

C. 7 million

D. 1 million

__________________________

5

HOW MANY PEOPLE VISITED LAS VEGAS IN 2015?

A. B. C. D.

20 million 104 million 66 million 42 million

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

DID YOU KNOW

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

SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

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

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

The year gambling was legalized in Nevada.

1931

28

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

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

34%

6.4

Las Vegas strip gaming revenue in 2015…in billions!

Directions: 1. Add ice to a copper mug.

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

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

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

4

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

55%

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

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SLOT FLOORS SLOT of The South CAS I NO

GUIDE 2016

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

So, which casinos have the best slot floors?

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

We hope you enjoy our list of Top Slots Floors!

Rising Star Casino Resort Rising Sun, Ind.

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

Sonny Duquette Casino square footage: 40,000 Number of slot machines: 952

IP Casino Resort Spa Biloxi, Miss.

Why slot players like Rising Star:

Most popular games:

The slot floor at Rising Star is loved by guests because of the comfortable, well laid-out floor with plenty of elbow room. The property carries a boutique and personal feel that keeps them on our favorites list year after year.

Ellen DeGeneres (penny); 88 Fortunes (penny); Fu Dao Le (penny); Wonder 4 (penny); Double Gold (.25, $1, $2, $5, $10, $25, $50, $100)

What the slot director Says: “Rising Star

Casino is on a four-level paddlewheel riverboat flanked with welcoming Victorian décor that offers both slot enthusiasts and table game players the latest machines in a very comfortable setting.”

Gold Strike Casino Resort Tunica, Miss.

1-888-245-7829 GoldStrike.com Director of casino operations:

Most popular games:

Phil Hunter

Tarzan, 88 Fortunes, Jackpot Station & 3D Sphinx

Number of slot machines: 1,224

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Casino square footage: 50,000

Why slot players like Gold Strike: The resort’s 50,000-square-foot casino features contemporary custom-designed flooring, fresh modern wall coverings, air quality enhancements and a completely reconfigured state-of-the-art gaming floor. The casino boasts more of the newest, most popular high-tech games, including more penny machines and illuminated roulette. Gold Strike Casino Resort opened a smoke-free second floor gaming area in March 2014 that has been widely popular among casino guests. It is the only smoke-free gaming area open in the Delta region.

What the slot director says: “It is our mission to give first-class service to our guests and provide them with an

exceptional experience each time they step into the resort. Our customers asked for a smoke-free gaming area, and we listened. They requested more dining options, and we opened a 24-hour eatery called Pickle & Jam in December 2015.

We’re currently the only resort in the market that has Elvis Shake Rattling Reels machines. We make a true effort in every area of the resort to ensure that when guests are here, they’re having a great time.”

Hollywood Casino Tunica Tunica, Miss.

1-800-871-0711 HollywoodCasinoTunica.com Slot director: Rick Alford Casino square footage: 55,000 Number of slot machines: 1,066 Most popular machines: Mr. Cashman, Superstar Poker, Wonder 4, Tiger 7’s, Buffalo Stampede, Wheel of Fortune, 88 Fortunes, 5 Frogs, & Hot Hot 8, Brittany Spears Slot Game Why slot players like Hollywood Casino Tunica: The layout is both visually

appealing and comfortable. It is easy to navigate, with wide walkways. There is also a wide variety of machines, from the hottest new games to old school classics so that everyone can find what he/she enjoys.

Why slot players like Margaritaville:

You will feel the energy of this casino as soon as you walk into the lobby. It’s Jimmy Buffet world! The lively and colorful décor is energizing, creating a mark of distinction compared to other area casinos. One of the biggest advantages is the single-level gaming floor that is easy to navigate and doesn’t force our guests to wait for an elevator or climb stairs. The single-level nature of our property also allows us to have a topof-the-line air filtration system that gives our guests an almost smoke-free gaming experience. What the slot director Says: “We treat our guests like family. The relationship that our crew members have with our guests is far and above what guests can expect to experience at other properties. We pride ourselves on being the market leader in innovative gaming products, using technology to streamline processes and ultimately in creating a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both our guests and staff. We believe in pushing the boundaries and setting the bar high for ourselves and our competitors. We will always be at the forefront when it comes to being firstto-market in new slots, interactive bonus games and related promotions that delight our guests.”

What the slot director Says: “We think it is important to provide a mix of games by offering as many of the new cabinets and themes as possible while preserving the old favorites at the same time. Our performance team does a great job of maintaining the machines while our operations team concentrates on our guests having the best experience in the market.”

Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, La. (Under two hours northwest of Baton Rouge) 1-800-946-1946 ParagonCasinoResort.com Slot director: Billy Jeansonne Casino square footage: 130,520 Number of slot machines:1,460 Most popular games: Colossal

Diamonds, Double Dollars, Buffalo Grand Why slot players like Paragon:

The Paragon management team does a great job ensuring their guests that they offer the newest themes from all of the leading manufacturers in the industry as well as classic themes that are not found in newer casinos. In addition, there are large progressive jackpots that are both symbol driven and random awards. Plus, there are over 100 video poker games with the best pay tables around and great service that is quick, helpful and friendly.

What the Slot director Says: “At Paragon Casino Resort, our goal is to bring all of the newest games to our players, but still stay true to our players who love the classic games. We provide extremely favorable paybacks on our video poker and strive to provide an exciting and comfortable experience for all of our players.”

Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City, La. 1-855-346-2489 MargaritavilleBossierCity.com Slot director: Keith Dollar Casino square footage: 30,000 Number of slot machines: 1,225 Most popular games:

Buffalo Grand, Crazy Money II, Whales of Cash, 88 Fortunes, Wings over Olympus, Selexion, Timber Wolf

Hollywood Casino Tunica Tunica, Miss.

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

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CAS I NO

SLOT GUIDE

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, Miss.

IP Casino Resort Spa Biloxi, Miss.

Silver Slipper Casino Hotel Bay St. Louis, Miss.

1-888-750-7111 BeauRivage.com Slot director: Robert Williams Casino square footage: 85,000

1-888-946-2847 IPBiloxi.com Slot director: Mark McCrindle Casino square footage: 70,000 Number of slot machines: Over 1,650 Most popular games: Double Gold,

1-866-SLIPPER SilverSlipper-MS.com Slot director: David Pisarich Casino square footage: 30,000 Number of Machines: 955 Most popular games: 88 Fortunes,

Number of slot machines: 1,900

(126 in high limit area; 270 in non-smoking area) Most popular games: Monopoly, The

Big Bang Theory, Willie Wonka, Britney Spears, 88 Fortune, Powerball, Wheel of Fortune Double Star Why slot players like Beau Rivage:

The Beau Rivage casino floor boasts a great selection of games, new themes and an open air environment. New enhancements to the slot floor make this a sure stop on everyone’s Gulf Coast list.

Don’t miss the all-new high limit area and the non-smoking slot area featuring 270 machines!

What the Slot director says: “At Beau

Rivage, you will find great attention to detail wherever you go on the property, and that includes the slot floor. We have the latest games and an exceptional staff paying close attention to our guests’ needs.”

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Colossal Diamonds, Double Top Dollar II, Willy Wonka Pure Imagination.

Why slot players like IP Casino: Slot

players like IP’s overall layout and the different areas of slot space that include the main floor, a non-smoking area, a high limit room, $1-$5 area and a second-floor gaming area. Each of those areas ties into at least one unique dining outlet. There is a wide variety of game types and denominations, and they are regularly installing new equipment.

What the slot director says: “We certainly try to stay competitive in the market with our game selection and comp offerings, as well as remaining focused on providing a clean and safe environment for our guests. But what makes our property truly great is the team members that provide exceptional guest service. Although technical proficiency is certainly a necessity for good customer service, we feel that providing our team with the opportunity to acknowledge our guests.”

Dragon Spin, Willy Wonka, Pompeii, Sun and Moon, Solstice Celebration.

Why slot players like Silver Slipper:

Guests like Silver Slipper because it is very comfortable with low ceilings and low lighting. The casino floor is clean and easily navigated with designated areas of play all on one level. Plus, with their new hotel, guests can enjoy an extended stay and play on the beach in the daytime in the Gulf of Mexico.

What the slot director says: “We provide a wide variety of slots from over 10 years of acquisition. You will find 3, 4, and 5 reel games, a huge selection of video slots, and a mixture of video poker and video keno from penny to high stakes.

We have the only “Live Keno” game in the entire southeast where guests can play keno and slots at the same time at the slot machine. We offer all the newest participation games such as The Flintstones, Batman, and Buffalo Stampede as well as Wheel of Fortune.

Our High Limit room was recently redesigned to accommodate the best play in a broad array of games.

BIG S CR EEN SL O T SENS AT ION

S

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

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

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

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

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

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by

JOHN GROCHOWSKI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are a lot of free play bonuses.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP SLOT SLOTS of 2016 CAS I NO

GUIDE 2016

S

Slot players are a demanding lot.

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

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

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

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

CADDYSHACK

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

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

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

SLOTS EXPERT JOHN GROCHOWSKI INTRODUCES THE LATEST AND GREATEST GAMES

THE SIMPSONS

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

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

KOOZA

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

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

BONUS ATTACK

JACKPOT INFERNO

by Everi

by Everi

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

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

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

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

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

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

SMOKIN’ HOT DICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TMZ

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

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

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

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

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

REEF OF RICHES

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

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

How could you possibly not take a seat?

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

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GAME OF THRONES

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

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

CRAZY MONEY DELUXE

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

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

TIGER TIGER

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

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

SUPER HAND POKER

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

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

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

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

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

Powers the casino floor.™

everi.com

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

S

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

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

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J O H N G . B RO KO PP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casinos are offering more amenities to cater to millennials.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The glitz of Old Vegas

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Vegas

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

Client

BCN

Job #

75506

Title

HPT SOUTHERN GAMING AD

Version

PNK Creative Studio

Media Type

Pub / Vendor

Print

Trim / Flat width x height

7.625” X 5”

SG

Live Area width x height

7.625” X 5”

width x height x depth

Finish / Fold

7.625” X 5”

Bleed Overall

.325”

Qty

Color

CMYK

Special Tech.

Print Instructions

n/a Built at 100% Print at 100%

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

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

SIGN-OFF

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

Artist AE SD

CD

2

CA

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

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

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

be the next poker legend!

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

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

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

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LI N DA B OY D

VIDEO POKER: Tips for Double Deuces

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

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

Kindle edition now available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Double Deuces

Royal Flush/No Deuces

4000

4 Deuces

2000

Royal with Deuce /Wild Royal

125

5 of a Kind

80

Straight Flush

55

4 of a Kind

20

Full House

15

Flush

10

Straight

10

3 of a Kind

5

Expected Return (ER)

99.6206%

Variance

50.98954

DEALT WILD ROYAL (WR).

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

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

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

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

BLACKJACK: The Martingale Misconception

M

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henry Tamburin, Ph.D. is the author of the Ultimate Guide to Blackjack (http:// blog.888casino.com/ casino-guides/blackjack), editor of the Blackjack Insider e-Newsletter (www. bjinsider.com), lead instructor for the Golden Touch Blackjack course, and host of smartgaming.com. For a free three-month subscription to his blackjack newsletter, go to www.bjinsider.com/ freetrial. To receive his free Casino Gambling Catalog, call 1-888-353-3234 or visit www.smartgaming.com.

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

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

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PLAYER STRATEGY by

FRANK SCOBLETE

CRAPS: The Confessions of a Craps Player

I Frank Scoblete’s new books are “I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps”; “Confessions of a Wayward Catholic” and “I Am a Card Counter: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Blackjack.” All available at Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and bookstores.

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

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

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

There are a number of reasons craps is so exciting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is that?

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

That is about as communal as a game can get.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLAYER STRATEGY

PLAYING THE PONIES: Much-About Post Position

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friends, here is a simple yet startling equation.

by

E R I C F LOY D

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PLAYER STRATEGY by

PHIL HELLMUTH JR.

POKER: Suited Connector Strategy

S

uited connectors can be a very powerful

Here is a case where Daniel invested $2,600

Texas Hold ’em. It is also a hand that

connectors works like a charm!

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

theory is very advanced and could be dangerous

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

past. Huck is a professional poker player who can Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a 13time World Series of Poker Champion, leading all other poker players in the world.

He is the author of two New York Times best sellers, and his latest book, “Deal Me In” is also widely popular. Visit PhilHellmuth.com to check out his latest blog, clothing line and exclusive poker tips and stories. This tip column is an excerpt from his Best Selling book “Phil Hellmuth’s Texas Hold’em” found on Amazon and in bookstores around the world.

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

other players’ raises with

suited connectors such as

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

excellent drawing hands in NLH. Ideally, you would

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

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

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

idea is to call a small bet from your opponent and

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

win a large stack when your hand hits.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26

The downside to playing like this is that you put

The theory involves calling

$400 bet with a hand like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WSOP CIRCUIT EVENT ®

APRIL 16 – 27 HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO RESORT

Don’t miss your opportunity to get in on the game and win a WSOP Circuit Ring. Special hotel rates are available as low as $99 mid-week and $299 on Friday and Saturday. Call 844-777-7711 and mention code WSOP15 to book now.

Visit WSOP.com for additional event details.

Subject to change. 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 the Cherokee Nation. ©2015, Caesars License Company, LLC.

The all-new high limit area at Beau Rivage.

PROPERTY PROFILE:

T

BE AU R I VAGE A N D G OL D S T R I K E U N V E I L BIG CH A NGE S

here are a lot of great gambling options in Mississippi ranging from the Delta Region in Tunica to the comforts of the Gulf Coast and the beaches of Biloxi. Since Hurricane Katrina rocked the Coast in 2005, the area continues to recover bigger and better than ever with record casino revenues. In Tunica, they have seen better days when it comes to revenues, but the area continues to offer great gambling experiences. Two sure bet properties in Mississippi that are receiving many accolades are the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, and the Gold Strike in Tunica, both are owned by MGM Resorts and both are leaders in their respective markets. While each offers its own unique style and character, they both deliver great customer service, premium dining options, the ongoing quest to appeal to customer desires, and of course, great gambling.

The Beau Rivage is the iconic 32-floor resort that sits on the shores of the Gulf

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of Mexico and boasts over 1,700 rooms, multiple premium restaurants, bars and lounges, top-tiered entertainment and of course, a Vegas-style casino floor that spawns the length of the property. With a continued commitment to excellence, and to adhere to guest requests, the property recently made some changes that have been well-received at all levels. The all-new High Limit area has a new look with fresh décor, added games and over 100 slot machines. In addition, there is now an entire area dedicated to a SmokeFree environment that has nearly 300 slot machines and is located where the poker room used to be. And, speaking of the poker room, that is now located where the restaurant Memphis Q was, near Coast Restaurant and Nightclub.

The room features sixteen tables and has a great atmosphere with exposed brick walls and décor reflecting the good ole days of pokers beginnings. Guests have already taken a liking to the changes.

“It’s imperative Beau Rivage customers feel our unwavering commitment to the guest experience,” said Beau Rivage General Manager Marcus Glover. “The luxurious High Limits and non-smoking areas are welcome enhancements to the Coast’s premier resort. The poker room move was initially temporary due to these facilities upgrades, but became permanent based on overwhelmingly positive feedback. We listened to our players and as a result, the poker room has a convenient new address on the casino floor.”

Located on the south end of the floor at the foot of the casino promenade, the expanded High Limits salon blends Southern elegance and comfort. The eyecatching gas lamps lining its perimeter and exquisite furnishings throughout, provide guests dedicated service in a spacious upscale environment. Players will find the number of slot machines have been increased to accommodate demand. High Limits players can expect to find 126 of

the most popular slot machines, eight table games, a private cashier and fully-stocked private bar as part of their exclusive Beau Rivage experience. The upgraded salon offers a tranquil area with ample seating, accented by a hanging light centerpiece that spans the entire length of the open and airy lounge.

The stylish, two-tiered non-smoking slots room is located next to BR Prime and offers guests an expanded smokefree gaming option. Popular games such as Top Dollar, Wheel of Fortune and Triple Gold Bars are a few of the 270 slot machines guests will find in the nonsmoking area.

The times are changing in Tunica too at the Beau’s sister property, Gold Strike Casino Resort. Standing 31-stories tall, the golden hotel tower can be seen from miles away. The property has hosted top entertainment and attractions, offers premium gaming and exceptional dining experiences including an all-new casual dining concept called Pickle & Jam. Located where the previous food court was, adjacent to the lobby, the restaurant caters to the guests on the go who prefer to sit down and eat. The restaurant’s name was the brainchild of Executive Food & Beverage Director Anthony Caratozzolo.

“Pickles and jam are two Southern staples, which is exactly what this dining outlet offers. Guests place their order, and it’s delivered directly to their table.” said Caratozzolo. “The previous food court was three separate fast food venues in one area.

We’ve consolidated those into one stop and added a number of bonuses guests will also appreciate.” The 138-seat eatery

The poker room at the Beau Rivage has been relocated.

has offerings for every meal with a range of breakfast sandwiches and pancakes in the morning and hand-crafted burgers and sandwiches, salads, personal pizzas and pasta for lunch, dinner and snacks. In addition, guests can kick back and enjoy one of 10 craft beers offered at the venue.

The restaurant news follows the recent announcement that they have re-dedicated a fully smoke free second floor gaming area that at the time, was the only nonsmoking gaming area in the Delta region.

The motivation for Gold Strike to bring smoke-free gaming to the region came in response to requests from customers who wanted to be able to enjoy popular games in a more comfortable, smoke-free environment. “It is our mission to give first-class service to our guests and provide them with an exceptional experience every time they step into the resort,” said Phil Hunter, director of casino operations at

Gold Strike. “Our customers asked for it, and we listened. Our smoke-free second floor is just one of several new additions that we’ll be unveiling at the resort this year.”

The smoke-free second floor gaming area is easily accessible via the escalator on the main gaming floor and will provide guests with the same high-quality service found throughout the resort. It will host many popular table games and slot machines also found on the first floor of the casino such as Wheel of Fortune, Mr. Cashman, Tarzan, Michael Jackson and more. Table games will include double deck blackjack, Mississippi stud and three card poker.

FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO CALL 888-767-5687 OR VISIT BEAURIVAGE.COM

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT CALL 888-245-7529 OR VISIT GOLDSTRIKE.COM

Pickles & Jam has replaced the food court at Gold Strike.

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The Links at Rising Star Casino Resort

G A M I NG & G OL F: T OP CA S I NO C OU R SE S OF T H E S OU T H

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

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

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what would otherwise be a quick day trip into a mini vacation.

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

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

INDIANA We’ll start in Indiana where you’ll find enough courses to fill a great golf getaway.

With several properties spread along the Ohio River, the ability to “course” hop on a three- or four-day golf trip is a great option.

One of our favorite courses on this trek is The Links at Rising Star Casino Resort,

located between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky. Serving as Indiana’s only links-style course, the fairways always seem to be in great shape and offer challenges throughout the round.

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

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

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

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

After the round, the resort offers a great steakhouse at Wellington’s, where you can enjoy a cocktail and post-round celebratory surf and turf and other traditional steakhouse favorites.

hole overlooking the pool, offering a great place to grab a snack and cocktail to recap your round. Greens fees range from $55 to $90, which seems to be priced right for this gorgeous track.

Another Indiana course you can’t pass up is the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind. With greens fees set to trump most prestigious private courses at a staggering $300 per round, this course is one of Pete Dye’s finest masterpieces in his magnificent library of layouts. Originally sketched on a napkin, the course sprawls over one 8,100 yards of Indiana’s highest elevation points and

MISSISSIPPI The Magnolia State is chock-full of great golf courses, stretching from the fields of Tunica to the shores of Biloxi, with a few great finds in between. Starting in Tunica, Miss., the home to eight casinos, you will find two courses that are both independently owned and operated, Tunica National and River Bend Links.

Tunica National is a county-owned course and is centrally located to most of the casinos. Designed by PGA professional Mark McCumber, the course stretches over 7,200-yards of zoysia fairways accented by Champion Bermuda greens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The staff at the course is fabulous, offering refreshing ice-soaked towels when you complete your round and a relaxing 19th

Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort

features narrow fairways, three man-made lakes and “volcano” bunkers players should avoid at all costs! The course hosted the Senior PGA Championship in 2015 and was designed to challenge the highest skilled players with a course rating of 80.

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

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

leading to a rating of 73.2 and slope of 126. The moderate rates range from free for seniors to weekend rates of $65. There is a nice, expansive clubhouse to grab a bite and a drink as well as a full tennis center located at the facility.

River Bend Golf Links is located near Hollywood Casino. This course is the only Scottish-style links course in the MidSouth and offers a relaxed round through the gently rolling fairways. The open layout and back tees reach 6,923 yards open it up for scoring opportunities and to be aggressive on tee shots and approach shots. Greens fees are moderately priced at $40-$50.

Next we head south to the beautiful 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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Fallen Oak at Beau Rivage

beaches of the Gulf Coast. There is no better casino destination in the South than Biloxi, Miss. Obviously there are great gaming and resort amenities at all of our favorite properties, including the Beau Rivage, IP Casino Resort and Spa and several more, but there is also a great local scene of restaurants and attractions, including world-class golf. The top casino courses on the coast are Fallen Oak, The Preserve, Grand Bear and Bridges.

One of the most prominent and exclusive courses on the coast is the Beau Rivage course, Fallen Oak. This Tom Fazio masterpiece was originally designed but not built prior to Hurricane Katrina in the De Soto National Forest. After the storm altered much of the terrain Fazio had envisioned for the course, he went back to the drawing board and re-designed it, working with what was left. In the end, he created a course that forces the player to navigate over wetlands and among towering Oaks trees and deep bunkers that rival the size of some greens. Fazio says that his goal was to build a course that rivaled that of Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, and he feels he accomplished that goal with Fallen Oak. The course is always in immaculate shape, has a caddy program and is held exclusively for guests of the Beau Rivage. As the host of the annual Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, the event is considered the favorite stop on the tour by many of the players.

Another course that carries one of the biggest names in golf is Grand Bear, owned by Harrah’s Gulf Coast Hotel and Casino. Anything that carries the name of Jack Nicklaus is sure to be pure gold, and that is what this course is. Located near Biloxi in Saucier, it offers a beautiful 32

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and challenging setting that navigates through 650 acres of the natural cypress wetlands and towering pines of the De Soto National Forest. The Grizzly Bear tees stretch a lengthy 7,204 yards and will give any player all he wants on the links.

The outgoing nine stretch along the Little Biloxi River and demand precise tee shots while the back nine sits among the Cypress wetlands lines with live oaks, gum trees and old magnolias accompanied by the Big Biloxi River.

LOUISIANA Louisiana may be known for fun in the French Quarter, Mardi Gras parades and crawfish, but be on the lookout for great golf, too. The casinos are spread throughout the state with a few real treats for the avid golfer. We start out in Lake Charles, where you will find two top tier properties in L’Auberge and Golden Nugget, each with premium golf courses that are a treat to play.

Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge Casino is yet another Tom Fazio-designed masterpiece. The property spared no expense when it built the course in 2010. Displaying Fazio-esque holes and Bermuda fairways and greens, the course layout is well-manicured and pleasing to Tunica National Golf Course

the eye with plush fairways and greens.

Each hole features unique characteristics with the hardest one being number 15, a long par-five with a narrow fairway scattered with bunkers on each side and a small green to dial in your approach shot.

However, as with other Fazio courses, number 18 is always something special. At Contraband Bayou, the 11-handicap hole features water along the left side of the fairway with a green that is well protected by bunkers and thick rough. The course is always in pristine condition, and novice and advanced players will appreciate the entire layout.

The other elite property in Lake Charles is the Golden Nugget. You will quickly realize that everything at the property was built to be first class, and the golf course is no exception. The Country Club at Golden Nugget is a 7,000-yard treasure featuring mini-verde greens and celebration tees, fairways and roughs surrounded with Spartina Patens and Muhly grass. The manicured greens are framed by the property’s native bayou land and offers various tees on every hole.

As we venture further South, our next Southern golf tour lands us in Marksville, Louisiana Tahmaka Golf Club at Paragon Casino Resort. This unusually hilly course provides a change from normal Louisiana courses. As part of the Audubon Golf Trail that runs throughout Louisiana, Tahmaka is one of the top courses in Louisiana that is always is great shape without any houses lining the course giving the sense of seclusion. The highlight holes are hard to narrow down but most likely would be hole 4, a 213-yard, par 3, followed by a monster 555-yard par 5. The 18th is a 435-yard, par 4 that runs uphill into a green that slopes from back to front inviting players to take dead aim for their approach.

SOUTHERN CASINO GOLF GUIDE INDIANA The Links at Rising Star Casino & Resort (Rising Star, IN)

1-800-472-6311 RisingStarCasino.com/Golf Par: 71 Yards: 6,406 Slope/Rating: 131/73.5 Cost to Play: $55-$62 Southern Gaming Reader’s Discount: Save 50% off green fees for up to FOUR golfers thru May 26. Valid Monday thru Thursdays only. To redeem offer, mention code SGRL or show this article in the pro shop.

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

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

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

1-812-936-5523 FrenchLick.com Par: 70 Yards: 7,030 Slope/Rating: 135/74.7 Cost to Play: $120 MISSISSIPPI River Bend Golf Links (Tunica) 1-662-363-1005 RiverBendGolfLinks.com Par: 72 Yards: 6,923 Slope/Rating: 128/72.6 Cost to Play: $40 - $50 (Packages offered thru Hollywood Casino)

Tunica National Golf Course 1-866-833-6331 TunicaNational.com Par: 72 Yards: 7,204 Slope/Rating: 126/73.2 Cost to Play: $50-$60 Fallen Oak at Beau Rivage Casino Resort (Gulf Coast) 1-877-805-4657 FallenOak.com Par: 72 Yards: 7,487 Slope/Rating: 142/76.5 Cost to Play: $200 (Exclusive to guests of Beau Rivage) Grand Bear at Harrah’s Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast) 1-888-5-BILOXI GolfGrandBear.com Par: 72 Yards: 7,204 Slope/Rating: 143/75.5 Cost to Play: $99 - $109 The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast 1-228-463-4047 HollywoodGulfCoast.com/golf Par: 72 Yards: 6,841 Slope/Rating: 137/72.4 Cost to Play: $89 - $99 The Preserve at Palace Casino Resort (Gulf Coast) 1-800-725-2239 PalaceCasinoResort.com Par: 71 Yards: 6,774 Slope/Rating: 136/72.8 Cost to Play: $140

Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia) 1-800-447-3275 DancingRabbitGolf.com Azalea Course: Par: 72 Yards: 7,128 Slope/Rating: 135/74.4 Cost to Play: $100 - $150 Oaks Course: Par: 72 Yards: 7,076 Slope/Rating: 139/74.6 Cost to Play: $100 - $150 LOUISIANA Tamahka Golf Club at Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville) 1-800-946-1946 ParagonCasinoResort.com Par: 71 Yards: 6,996 Slope/Rating: 132/73.1 Cost to Play: $55-$65 Koasati Pines at Coushatta Casino (Kinder) 1-337-738-4777 CoushattaCasinoResort.com/golf Par: 72 Yards: 7,619 Slope/Rating: 138/76.6 Cost to Play: $70-$90 Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge Lake Charles 1-337-395-7220 LLakeCharles.com Par: 71 Yards: 7,077 Slope/Rating: 130/74 Cost to Play: $99 - $109 The Country Club of The Golden Nugget (Lake Charles) 1-337-508-4653 GoldenNugget.com Par: 72 Yards: 6,909 Slope/Rating: 130/73.4 Cost to Play: $129

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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

TABLES

MACHINES

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT

belterracasino.com

812-427-7777

•

55

1,473

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

662-357-1111

•

53

1,400

HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA

hollywoodcasinotunica.com

662-357-7700

•

28

1,079

SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL

samstowntunica.com

662-363-0711

•

35

900

SOUTHLAND PARK GAMING & RACING

southlandpark.com

800-467-6182

•

RACING

1,500

41

1,563

34

1,275

54

1,200

57

1,800

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

SILVERSTAR HOTEL & CASINO

pearlriverresort.com

866-447-3276

40

1,200

GOLDEN MOON HOTEL & CASINO

pearlriverresort.com

866-447-3277

39

1,150

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO BILOXI

hardrockbiloxi.com

877-877-6256

54

1,250

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

beaurivage.com

228-386-7111

96

2,100

HOLLYWOOD GULF COAST

hollywoodgulfcoast.com

228-467-9257

23

1,154

IP CASINO RESORT & SPA

ipbiloxi.com

228-436-3000

60

1,900

SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT

scarletpearlcasino.com

888-266-5772

•

45

1,350

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

• •

PEARL RIVER RESORT

GULF COAST

FLORIDA

34

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

PICS FROM THE SOUTH

* 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

201

•

•

INDOOR

349

FPO Biloxi beach with Beau Rivage Casino in the background.

INDOOR

506 1,131

•

494

•

840

•

•

•

INDOOR

•

INDOOR INDOOR

•

OUTDOOR

•

INDOOR

150

•

OUTDOOR

102

•

395

•

531

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

•

BOTH

The all-new suites at Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. (Bay St. Louis, MS)

WATER PARK 500

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

571

•

•

•

BOTH

492

•

•

OUTDOOR

1,740

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

291

•

•

•

LAZY RIVER

1,088

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

300

Pickle & Jam Restaurant at Gold Strike Casino Resort. (Tunica, MS)

OUTDOOR

129

250

•

•

OUTDOOR

481

•

•

OUTDOOR

Authentic instruments in the Delta Blues Museum. (Clarksdale, MS) G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

35

FUTURE ODDS FIND YOUR SPOT AND MAKE YOUR BETS

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

Horse KY Derby KY Derby Wynn Wynn

Future Pool 2 Future Pool 1 Las Vegas Las Vegas

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

2016 MASTERS – APRIL 7-10, 2016

AUGUSTA GOLF CLUB (AUGUSTA, GEORGIA)

Player

March 2016 January 2016

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

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

**Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

*All others 25/1 or higher.

**Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

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

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

SO MUCH TO DO, ONLY ONE PLACE TO

DO IT ALL! Vegas-style Slots & Table Games Over 500 Rooms and Suites Full-service Spa and Salon RV Resort with Cabins Seven Dining Options 18-Hole Golf Course World-class Shows Three Pools

BEST

Overall Property Entertainment Casino Personnel Golf Course

Ask about our hotel and RV resort package options.

Call 800-946-1946 or visit ParagonOffers.com.

ParagonCasinoResort.com 800-WIN-1-WIN • MARKSVILLE, LA

Restrictions may apply. Visit website for more information.

Game responsibly. Need help? Call 1-877-STOP (7867).

Fame & Fortune

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115O CASINO STRIP RESORTS BLVD. TUNICA RESORTS, MS 1-8OO-871-O711 H HOLLYWOODCASINOTUNICA.COM ©2015 Hollywood Casino Tunica. Must be 21 or older. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.