Southern Gaming and Destinations - May 2016

2 016 R E A DE R S ’ C HOICE AWA R D S R E V E A L E D !

PAGE 6

MAY/JUNE 2016 VOL. 18, ISSUE 3 SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY &

WIN BIG! PAGE 9

TRIPLE CROWN TRACK BIAS

PAGE 22

STRATEGY SESSION: BETTING OPPOSITES PAGE 26

GARTH BROOKS ...AND THE SUMMER SHOWS OF SIN CITY PAGE 18

PLUS: TIPS BLACKJACK • CRAPS • HORSERACING • VIDEO POKER & MORE! Covering Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Florida and the entire South!

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P LU S $ 3 5 0,0 0 0 I N F R E E P L AY ® D R AW I N G S B E G I N S AT U R DAYS AT 3 P M

See M life desk for details. Color, make and model may vary. © 2016 MGM Resorts International.® All rights reserved. Gambling Problem? Call 1.888.777.9696

MAY 1 – JUNE 24

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IN FREEPLAY ® & PRIZES DRAWINGS EVERY FRIDAY

GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS MAY 27

9 winners of $3,000– $7,500 in FREEPLAY®

JUNE 24

8 winners of $4,000– $7,500 in FREEPLAY® and 1 winner of a 2016 FORD F-150 KING RANCH

Color, make and model may vary. See M life desk for details. © 2016 MGM Resorts International®. Gambling Problem? Call 1.888.777.9696

LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

the famous strip! Check out some of the most anticipated shows of summer on page 18.

Speaking of anticipation, excitement for this year’s Triple Crown is at an all-time high.

Coming off American Pharoah’s Triple Crown triumph last year, horse racing enthusiasts feel like it is the night before Christmas as we embark on another racing season. Horseracing expert Eric Floyd gives us the dish on each of the Triple Crown jewels on page 22 to help you capture your next pari-mutuel payday!

At long last, here it is.

Ladies and gentlemen, gamers and travelers, we proudly present our annual Reader’s Choice Awards issue. The announcement of properties is one of the most anticipated moments of the year for operators and readers alike. And this edition is especially meaningful because we received the largest number of online and print ballots in our history. So thank you very much to the great many of you who took the time to vote, and congratulations to the deserving casinos and resorts who came out on top.

There are several top-quality casinos that may not have won awards, but are definitely premium picks when it comes to planning your next casino visit. But these awards do represent the voice of our readers and we are excited to put them on display for all to see.

Check out page 6 for the full list of winning properties and an expanded list of awards at GamingandDestinations.com.

In addition to the awards, this issue also features a forecast of the top Summer Shows of Sin City. Led by country music super star Garth Brooks, there are numerous must-see shows this summer in Las Vegas. There is nothing like seeing your favorite artist perform and then enjoying the rest of the night under the neon lights reliving the show as you visit your favorite casino or club or simply walk 2

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

Lastly, what gaming magazine would be complete without giving the greatest gambling tips around? As always, this issue features great tips on craps, blackjack, video poker and more from some of the best gambling authors in the world. Plus, our bonus feature on page 26 highlights John Grochowski’s take on Betting Opposites and why it is a losing wager.

Also, don’t forget about our premium membership, The Comps Club. We can now email the coupons straight to you so you don’t have to wait for them to arrive in the mail. For just $29, you will get six Member Coupon Paks with casino discounts and offers as well as six issues of the magazine. We also offer a $20 subscription that does not include the coupons.

Spread the word to your gambling buddies!

Thanks again, and as always, if you can’t be good, be lucky!

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 Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (502) 583-0333 Fax (502) 583-6487 e-mail: editor@gaminganddestinations.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the ever-growing popularity of the gaming industry and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest.

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

by 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.

G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher

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

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes

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

Cover photo courtesy of MGM Resorts.

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

TIPS & COLUMNS

18 Summer Shows of Sin

34 Video Poker

City: Garth Brooks and other top acts

Knowing the Games

The Las Vegas concert calendar heats up as we dive into Summer. Check out the hottest shows on the Strip.

Confessions of a Female Craps Player

38 Golf

2016 Readers’ Choice Awards Revealed The votes are in! Check out which properties took home the top spots.

16 Tournevent Slot

14 Arkansas: The Land of Gaming Opportunity

Numbers Don’t Lie

37 Craps

FEATURE ARTICLES

6

36 Blackjack

HIGHLIGHTS & HOTSPOTS

Shake the Shanks

39 Poker Playing with Nothing

Find out why Arkansas is one of your best bets in the South.

42 Casino Directory

Southern Gaming approved properties are sure bets!

44 Sports Wagering: The Value of Future Odds

future sporting events to find an edge.

Tournaments Heat up

The biggest slot tournament series is back. Get the details and don’t miss your chance to win big!

22

22 Triple Crown Track Comparisons: Finding the Bias

Get the edge for this year’s Triple Crown races by knowing the how the tracks differ.

26 Strategy Session:

Betting Opposites

Should you bet opposites to hedge your bet and get more comps? We’ve got the answer.

30 Top Casino Pools and Amenities:

Beat the Heat this summer

6with these great getaways.

18

16

30

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 |

3

FACTS & FUN STUFF

DID YOU KNOW

1 2

?

WHERE WAS GARTH BROOKS BORN AND RAISED? A. Biloxi, Mississippi B. Tulsa, Oklahoma C. Nashville, Tennessee D. Sioux City, Iowa

C. 52

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF VOTERS’ IN THIS YEAR’S READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS PLAY SLOT MACHINES? A. 92.8 B. 74.6

Ingredients: • 1 ½ oz. Kentucky Bourbon (Pick your favorite brand, but it doesn’t need to be an expensive one) • 3 oz. Arnold Palmer Ice Tea Lemonade Mix • Fresh Lemon, Orange or lime wedge.

(Optional) • Cherry (Optional) • Cup of Ice Directions: 1. Add the bourbon and Arnold Palmer mix to the cup of ice.

2. Squeeze the fruit wedge into the drink.

3. Garnish with cherry.

4. Give it a stir and enjoy!

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

5

3

HOW MANY OF THE 20 LARGEST HOTELS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE LOCATED IN LAS VEGAS? A. 17 B. 19 C. 20 D. 6

WHAT THE ATTENDANCE FOR THE 2015 KENTUCKY DERBY? A. 79,155 B. 190,890 C. 124,408 D. 170,513

Votes received in Gaming and Destinations Reader’s Choice Awards

29,000

12

134

1:59 2/5 Record breaking time of Secretariat’s Derby race in 1973.

4

D. 19

D. 24.9

KENTUCKY TEA

A. 27 B. 30

C. 58.1 Some say that you should never mix a good bourbon, but rather enjoy it neat or at most on the rocks or with a slight splash of water. Well, we believe that if you want to mix it, then mix it! As the great Booker Noe said about Booker’s Bourbon, “I make the best bourbon in the world. If you want to mix it with Coke, you’ll have the best bourbon and Coke in the world!” That said, let us introduce you to a tasty bourbon drink to enjoy on a hot day. It’s called Kentucky Tea and is easy to make and delicious to taste. Bottoms up!

4

HOW MANY HORSES HAVE WON TWO OF THE THREE LEGS OF THE TRIPLE CROWN?

ANSWERS 1)B 2)A 3)D 4)C 5)A

SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

million $3.45 billion

Triple Crown winners since 1919 with the most recent being American Pharoah in 2015.

Number of records/units Garth Brooks has sold. (Surpassing Elvis Presley)

Annual amount wagered on sporting events in Las Vegas sportsbooks.

Win an Acura TLX, Cadillac ATS or a share of $20,000 Slot Dollars!

MAY 1 - 28 • 1 entry for every 400 points earned 4:00am, May 1 - 11:00pm, May 28.

• 25X entries May 26, 10X entries May 27 & 5X entries May 28.

• Drawings to win Slot Dollars and an Acura TLX May 27 & Slot Dollars and a Cadillac ATS May 28.

Acura is a registered trademark of the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Cadillac is a registered trademark of General Motors. Make and model may vary.

PAUL ANKA

JENNIFER NETTLES

MADDIE & TAE

MERLE HAGGARD

MAY 6 | 8:00pm

MAY 20 | 8:00pm

MAY 29 | 8:00pm

JUNE 10 | 8:00pm

JASON BONHAM’S

ROOTS & BOOTS TOUR

LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE JUNE 4 | 8:00pm

FEATURING AARON TIPPIN, COLLIN RAYE, PAM TILLIS & SAMMY KERSHAW JUNE 18 | 8:00pm

Tickets start at $55*.

Tickets start at $65*.

GRAMMY WINNER

LORETTA LYNN MAY 13 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $39 . *

PETER FRAMPTON MAY 27 | 8:00pm Tickets start at $45*.

Tickets start at $29*.

Tickets start at $54*.

Tickets start at $20*.

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2016 THE TURTLES

FEATURING FLO & EDDIE

CHUCK NEGRON FORMERLY OF THREE DOG NIGHT

MARK LINDSAY FORMER LEAD SINGER OF PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS

GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP THE COWSILLS THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP JUNE 3 | 8:00pm

Tickets start at $35*.

For tickets, visit the IP Box Office or order tickets online at IPBiloxi.com or Ticketmaster.com!

ELI YOUNG BAND JULY 1 | 8:00pm

Tickets start at $35*. * Plus tax and convenience fees. Must be 21.

All events subject to change or cancellation.

See B Connected for complete rules and details. Management reserves all rights.

Call 888-946-2847 for details. Don’t Let The Game Get Out Of Hand. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.

Tickets start at $45*.

SM

| IPBiloxi.com

THE R E S U LT S ARE IN

2016 SOUTHERN

READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNERS

THE SOUTH is known for its abundance of unique characteristics you won’t find anywhere else. Southern hospitality, sweet tea, shrimp and grits and many other staples come to mind when reminiscing about past visits to some of the eclectic towns throughout the region.

In addition to the traditional heritage you will find at just about any stop, there are also some of the best casino resorts in the world stretching from Indiana to the Gulf Coast showcasing everything from pools and spas to good eats and great gambling.

Boasting nearly one hundred properties in seven states, we like to turn to our readers for them to decide who’s got the best, and who is simply among the rest.

A W A RD WI N NE R

On the following pages, you will find the award winners from four regions consisting of the Gulf Coast, Tunica/N. Mississippi, Mid-South (basically everything between Tunica and the Gulf Coast) and Indiana.

We hope these awards will provide some guidance for your next casino trip and plan a visit soon. Also be sure to check out the full list of awards on SouthernGaming. com where you will find more pictures and information on the casinos.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards and until next time…stay lucky!

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

BEST OVERALL PROPERTIES (Clockwise from top left):

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Gulf Coast), Rising Star Resort & Casino (Indiana), Margaritaville Resort Casino (Bossier City, LA/Midsouth), Gold Strike Casino Resort (Tunica).

GULF COAST

BILOXI, GULFPORT, BAY ST. LOUIS

BEST RESTAURANT

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. BR Prime at Beau Rivage 2. thirty-two at IP Casino Resort Spa 3. Magnolia House at Harrah’s

1. IP Casino Resort Spa 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Palace Casino Resort

BEST ADVERTISING

BEST BUFFET

BEST

1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. IP Casino Resort Spa 3. Palace Casino Resort

1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort Spa 4. Palace Casino Resort

BEST AMENITIES

BEST PLAYER’S CLUB

1. Palace Casino Resort 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

1. IP Casino Resort Spa 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Hollywood Gulf Coast

OVERALL PROPERTY

BEST GOLF COURSE

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

T he Gu l f C oa s t re g ion stretches from the beaches in Biloxi, down highway 90 through Gulfport and into Bay St. Louis and is home to almost twenty casinos. The Gulf Coast has a lot of local attractions including Mary Mahoney’s Old French House where you will find everything from classic Cajun French favorites to steaks and seafood, plus amazing gumbo! For oysters, Half Shell Oyster House has t wo locations, Biloxi and Gulfport, and both offer an oyster experience that you won’t forget. Sit at the bar, pop a cold beer, and watch your oyster get shucked just a few feet away. If barbecue is your thing, The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint is a must. Made famous by winning national barbecue contests and having a show on The Food Network, they call their customers Shed Heads and have locations in Ocean Springs and Gulfport.

Be sure to stop in and see what all of the talk is about!

Enjoy Biloxi!

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

1 BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO 2

IP CASINO RESORT SPA

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO 3

BEST NEW CASINO / RENOVATION 1. Silver Slipper Casino & Hotel 2. Island View Casino Resort 3. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

BEST SUITES 1. IP Casino Resort Spa 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 3. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

BEST ROOMS 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 3. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

BEST CASINO FLOOR 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. Island View Casino Resort 3. IP Casino Resort Spa

1. Fallen Oak at Beau Rivage 2. Bridges at Hollywood Gulf Coast 3. Preserve at Palace Casino Resort Also mentioned: Grand Bear at Harrah’s Gulf Coast and Windance at Island View

Best Entertainment : IP Casino Resort Spa

BEST ENTERTAINMENT 1. IP Casino Resort Spa 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort Spa

Best Advertising: Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

BEST NIGHTLIFE 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort Spa

BEST THEME 1. Hollywood Gulf Coast 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 3. Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel

BEST CASINO PERSONNEL 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. Palace Casino Resort 3. Silver Slipper Casino & Hotel

BEST POKER ROOM 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. IP Casino Resort Spa 3. Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast

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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MID SOUTH

BEST RESTAURANT

BEST CASINO PERSONNEL

1. Fire Steakhouse at Wind Creek Casino 2. Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak at Margaritaville Resort Casino 3. Ember Grill & Wine Bar at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

1. Paragon Casino Resort 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino 3. Horseshoe Bossier City

(PIC) BEST BUFFET 1. Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville, LA) 2. Horseshoe Bossier City 3. L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

BEST AMENITIES

Margaritaville Resort Casino (Bossier City, LA)

Representing the largest of our four award regions, the Mid-South is chalked full of amazing casino resorts, racetracks and everything in between. Consisting of everything South of Tunica and North of the Gulf Coast, this is the most competitive r e g ion b a s e d p u r e l y on the number of properties.

The mid-South consists of Vicksburg, MS; ShreveportBossier Cit y, L A ; Baton Rouge, LA; Lake Charles, LA; New Orleans and all of the standalone properties throughout. All of these towns feature their own unique identities that we encourage you to explore on your next visit. Enjoy the Mid-South!

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO (BOSSIER CITY, LA) 1

2 L’AUBERGE

CASINO RESORT LAKE CHARLES

BEST RACETRACK/RACINO

(PIC) BEST GOLF COURSE

1. Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack 2. Fairgrounds Race Course 3. Oaklawn Park Gaming & Racing

1. Contraband Bayou at L’Auberge Casino Resort-Lake Charles 2. Tahmaka Trails Golf Club at Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville, LA) 3. Kosati Pines at Coushatta Casino Also mentioned: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at Pearl River Resort

BEST SUITES 1. L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino (Bossier City , LA) 3. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel (Atmore, AL)

BEST ROOMS 1. Margaritaville Resort Casino 2. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel (Atmore, AL) 3. L’Auberge Casino Resort – Lake Charles

BEST CASINO FLOOR 1. Margaritaville Resort Casino (Bossier City , LA) 2. Harrah’s New Orleans 3. Paragon Casino Resort

BEST POKER ROOM 1. Paragon Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Bossier City 3. Harrah’s New Orleans

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

BEST ADVERTISING 1. Margaritaville Resort Casino 2. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel 3. Coushatta Casino Resort (Kinder, LA)

BEST PLAYER’S CLUB 1. L’Auberge Casino Resort-Lake Charles 2. Horseshoe Bossier City 3. Harrah’s New Orleans Best Buffet: Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville, LA)

1. Paragon Casino Resort 2. Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia, MS) 3. Horseshoe Bossier City

BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1. Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia, MS) 2. Horseshoe Bossier City 3. Paragon Casino Resort

BEST NIGHTLIFE 1. Eldorado Resort Casino (Shreveport, LA) 2. Margaritaville Resort 3. L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

1. Margaritaville Resort Casino 2. Harrah’s New Orleans 3. Paragon Casino Resort

PARAGON CASINO RESORT (MARKSVILLE, LA)

1. Margaritaville Resort Casino 2. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel 3. Paragon Casino Resort

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

BEST THEME

3

8

1. L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles 2. Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville, LA) 3. Pearl River Resort

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Best Golf Course: Contraband Bayou at L’Auberge Casino Resort-Lake Charles

ZINE MAGA

2 01’ C6HOICE READERS ER N N I W A W A RD

THANKS FOR VOTING US

#

Thanks again for voting for us! Providing you with the most exciting gaming experience is what all of us at Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana work for all year long.

2016 AWARDS Best Overall Property #1 Best Suites Best Rooms #1 Best Casino Floor #1 Best Restaurant Best Nightlife Best Theme Best Casino Personnel Best Customer Service #1 Best Advertising #1

1–855–FIN–CITY • margaritavillebossiercity.com @MargaritavilleBossierCity AL L ACCESS RESORT • CASINO

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-522-4700.

BEST RESTAURANT

TUNICA

1. Fairbanks Steakhouse at Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Chicago Steakhouse at Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Jack Binion’s Steakhouse at Horseshoe Casino Tunica

BEST BUFFET 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Hollywood Casino Tunica 3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

BEST AMENITIES 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 3. Hollywood Casino Tunica

Gold Strike Casino Resort

Located just South of Memph is , Ten ne s see , is Tunica, Mississippi, the home of eight casinos, a couple of golf courses, an outlet mall and a historic diner that has more to offer than amazing fried pickles and cold beer.

Tunica also marks the start of the Mississippi Blues Trail pay ing homage to Blues legends and the history of the genre with the Gateway to the Blues Museum located right on Highway 61 as you enter Tunica. And, a trip to Tunica isn’t complete without a stop at the Hollywood Café, made famous by a song by Marc Cohn, Walking in Memphis, where ‘ Mu r iel play s t he piano, every Saturday at the Hollywood.’ Be sure to ask the bartender for the whole story!

Enjoy Tunica!

BEST THEME 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Fitz Tunica Casino Hotel 3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall

BEST CASINO PERSONNEL 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Fitz Tunica Casino Hotel

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

BEST ADVERTISING

HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA

1. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall

1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica

3 HORSHOE CASINO TUNICA

BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT 1 2

BEST SUITES 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 3. Hollywood Casino Tunica

BEST ROOMS 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica

BEST CASINO FLOOR 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Fitz Tunica Casino Hotel

BEST POKER ROOM

1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Hollywood Casino Tunica 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica

1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 3. Hollywood Casino Tunica

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

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

BEST NIGHTLIFE

1. Riverbend Golf Links 2. Tunica National Golf & Tennis

1. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 2. Hollywood Casino Tunica 3. Gold Strike Casino Resort

10

BEST GOLF COURSE

1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica

Best Rooms: Hollywood Casino Tunica

BEST PLAYER’S CLUB 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall

THERE’S NO

Place

L I K E H O L LY W O O D

Dis cove r a pl ac e like no othe r, whe re all that glit te rs is yours for the t aking.

World-C l a s s Gaming H Fabulous Re st aurant s H Lu xur ious Acc ommo dat ions

SI X 1 S T PL ACE AWA RDS

A sp e c ial thanks to S outhe r n Gaming & D e st inat ions Maga z ine Re ade rs for making us the b e st in Tunic a !

Best Casino Floor H Best Casino Personnel H Best Restaurant – Fairbanks Steak House

115O CASINO STRIP RESORTS BLVD. TUNICA RESORTS, MS 1-8OO-871-O711 H HOLLYWOODCASINOTUNICA.COM ©2016 Hollywood Casino Tunica. Must be 21 or older. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.

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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INDIANA

BEST RESTAURANT

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. Wellington’s Steakhouse at Rising Star Resort & Casino 2. 19 Steak & Seafood at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 3. Final Cut Steakhouse at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

1. Rising Star Resort & Casino 2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

BEST BUFFET 1. Rising Star Resort & Casino 2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 3. Horseshoe Cincinnati

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

BEST AMENITIES 1. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 2. Rising Star Resort & Casino 3. French Lick Resort

Rising Star Resort & Casino

The state of Indiana boasts much more than the Indianapolis 500, professional spor ts teams and John Mellancamp. It is also home to thirteen casinos that stretch from Gary, Indiana in the northern part of the state, to the banks of the Ohio River in the southern part of the state.

Whether you are looking for the rich history at French Lick Resort in West Baden, or convenience of having big cities nearby at Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Rising Star Casino or Hollywood Law renceburg, gaming options are robust throughout the state. Enjoy Indiana

1. Belterra Park Gaming 2. Horseshoe Cincinnati 3. Miami Valley Gaming

1. Tom Fazio Course at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 2. Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort 3. The Links at Rising Star Resort & Casino

BEST RACETRACK/RACINO 1. Belterra Park Gaming 2. Indiana Grand Racing Casino 3. Miami Valley Gaming

BEST SUITES

BEST NIGHTLIFE 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 3. Horseshoe Southern Indiana

1

BEST CASINO FLOOR

BEST THEME

2 BELTERRA

1. Horseshoe Cincinnati 2. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 3. Indiana Grand Racing Casino

1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Rising Star Resort & Casino 3. French Lick Resort

BEST POKER ROOM

BEST CASINO PERSONNEL

1. Horseshoe Southern Indiana 2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 3. Indiana Grand Racing Casino

1. Rising Star Resort & Casino 2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

HOLLYWOOD LAWRENCEBURG

Best Racetrack/Racino: Belterra Park Gaming

BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 3. Rising Star Resort & Casino

3

1. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 2. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 3. Horseshoe Cincinnati

1. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 2. Rising Star Resort & Casino 3. Horseshoe Southern Indiana

BEST ROOMS

CASINO RESORT & SPA

BEST PLAYER’S CLUB

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

1. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 2. Rising Star Resort & Casino 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

RISING STAR RESORT & CASINO

1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Rising Star Resort & Casino 3. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa

BEST GOLF COURSE

1. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa 2. French Lick Resort 3. Hollywood Lawrenceburg

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

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BEST NEW CASINO / RENOVATION

BEST ADVERTISING

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

Best Nightlife: Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

HO T AC T ION I N A R K A N S A S R AC I NG A N D G A M I NG A R E ON T H E FA S T T R ACK I N

T

T H E L A N D OF OP P OR T U N I T Y

he first national river, the first European settlement on the Lower Mississippi, the biggest oxbow lake in America, the only public mine where you can dig for diamonds and keep what you find … Arkansas is known for a lot of things, and increasingly, it’s known for year-round racing and gaming action.

Arkansas has two great racing and gaming venues Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis and Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs. Both facilities have recently undergone multi-million dollar renovations that are thrilling high rollers and everyday folks looking to have some serious Natural State fun.

Southland, just across the bridge from downtown Memphis and a short drive from Tunica’s glittering lights, offers over 1,900 gaming machines, exciting giveaways and Free Play rewards! On the state-of-the-art gaming floor, you’ll discover some of the best video gaming machines in the greater Memphis area, from old favorites to the latest and greatest games. You can amp up the fun and enjoy yummy food, drinks and live entertainment at Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker Bar and Grill, the most rockin’ sports bar around.

There’s always a chair waiting for you in Southland’s one-of-a-kind poker room, which also hosts daily poker tournaments. You can try your hand at Texas Hold’em or Omaha, or take in some live music. For 60 years, regal greyhounds have been racing at Southland, making it one

of the oldest greyhound tracks in the country -- Southland still holds some of the industry’s all-time attendance and wagering records. An average of 6,000 races are run yearround, with simulcast wagering seven days a week (except on Christmas and Easter).

Just down the street from Hot Springs’ storied Bathhouse Row, Oaklawn Racing and Gaming has been serving up the sizzle since 1905. Oaklawn’s Thoroughbred racing program has produced champion horses and riders since the start.

Most recently, Oaklawn kicked off the winning trajectory of 2015’s Horse of the Year, American Pharoah, who won both the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby en route to making history with victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes — the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Oaklawn’s live racing meet runs from mid-January to mid-April, with simulcast racing all year.

Oaklawn is equally well-known for its exciting gaming facilities. One of the larger gaming properties in the region, Oaklawn Gaming has hundreds of new games, live blackjack, a live poker room, video poker, roulette, craps, a high limits area, and the new Silks Bar and Grill and Pop’s Lounge for a celebratory round of drinks. Great player rewards, food and drink specials, and live music make Oaklawn Gaming a destination of desire for locals and visitors.

Two great racing and gaming destinations in one great state … Oaklawn and Southland have everything you need for a good time, any time of the year.

VIVA

Las Arkansas.

YOUR TRIP BEGINS HERE

Southland Park Gaming and Racing, West Memphis

At the tables, at the machines or at the track, the action comes fast and furious here. But step outside, and the pace slows down like a lazy river. We’ve got it all, and you don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy it. Come see us.

ARKANSAS.COM

#VisitArkansas

2 016 T OU R N E V E N T OF C H A M P ION S I S

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n its own, a slot tournament is an incomparable experience, wonder f u l ly capt u r ing t he excitement and anticipation that the casino environment can create for people.

But when you take that slot tournament, structure it as a national competition, invite participation among properties and players across the nation, and hang up a $1 million championship prize, you have the ingredients for a “can’t miss” thrill of a lifetime.

That’s what makes the TournEvent of Champions® 2016, coming soon to a casino near you, so special. Tied to no single casino brand, the tournament is a veritable “open” competition for slot enthusiasts as well as the casino properties that host it.

First held in 2012 as regional events in California and Washington, the concept is the brainchild of Linda Trinh, the vicepresident of marketing and promotions for Everi Holdings Inc., a leading provider of content, technology, and gaming-related software to the global casino industry.

One of Everi’s award winning products is the trademarked TournEvent®, a slot tournament system that gives casino 16

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operators the ability to convert slot machines into tournament mode easily and seamlessly with the click of a mouse.

an experience that most people will never have. The tournaments we hosted on site did just that.”

Trinh’s idea to market the TournEvent system as a solution for casinos to allow software to simplify the creation of the coveted world-class slot tournament was to formulate collaboration between Everi Holdings and casinos across the country through a national slot tournament.

That experience really paid off for their guests.

“I am proud to say TournEvent of Champions is my baby,” Trinh said. “We have seen it grow from a regional event with $25,000 in cash prizes to a national competition with a prize of over $1 million to the champion.”

Trinh characterized the involvement of Everi in TournEvent of Champions as a “third party.” This unique industry alliance creates a win-win-win proposition among Everi, the properties, and the players themselves.

“We have an opportunity to bring scope and excitement to gaming jurisdictions without taking their business,” Trinh explained. “TournEvent of Champions allows casinos of any size to participate and have an opportunity to create a firstclass tournament environment and the chance for players to compete for a $1 million prize.”

Barry McGrady, director of gaming at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Mich., knows first-hand what this impact brought to his player base.

“Last year was the first year we signed up to participate,” McGrady said. “The resort saw this as an opportunity to generate interest in our property as well as create excitement with our guests by delivering

“They had a great time,” he continued.

“The TournEvent program has been great to work with and it really added value to how our tournaments were being run.

They are fun, interactive, and create high energy with our guests by giving them the opportunity to engage and challenge other players in each round.”

FINALLY FINALISTS Mike and Lori Makowski of Traverse City, Mich., have personal knowledge of the Everi TournEvent of Champions experience. The husband and wife team are past tournament finalists.

Lori, representing Turtle Creek Casino in their hometown, finished 10th in 2013 when the championship was held at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Mike was a finalist from Little River Casino last year at Wynn Las Vegas XS Night Club.

“I won $2,000 for my 10th place finish and had the time of my life,” Lori said. “It was our first slot tournament experience.

We had so much fun. There is nothing to

compare to the excitement. It was truly an unbeatable time.”

Lori admitted the competition can be intense, especially the anticipation of progressing through the rounds of play, but she had a way of breaking the tension.

“I loved to rub ‘The Money Man’s’ head,” she said, making reference to the iconic face and character of the TournEvent of Champions mascot. “I also loved all the excitement the announcer brought to the competition. He was great.”

“I didn’t do as good as my wife in my tournament,” Mike chimed in. “But all the fun we had made up for it.”

Mike’s button-pushing technique? “Fast and furious,” he said without a moment’s hesitation.

So just what is it about slot tournaments that players crave and casinos are eager to deliver?

Slot tournaments are truly in a class by themselves. By the very nature of slot play, success or failure in them is founded on pure luck. But try to explain that to the participants themselves or the rooting galleries behind them!

The players can be a study in concentration, their eyes riveted on the reels that spin before them as they ring up combinations of winning and losing symbols. They can be as intensely competitive as poker players as they employ their own particular style of button-pushing in an attempt to lock into a winning rhythm.

They can be quiet or they can be loud— VERY loud—as they shout encouragement to their electronic cohorts. They can tap the play button or they can pound it.

Players of every persuasion may be found at any given tournament.

Some slot tournament participants insist upon wearing a glove on their playing hand to protect their precious digits, the accessory almost an armament to battle.

They are the warriors of the casino, pugilists determined to outsmart the computer program against which they’re pitted while at the same time intimidating their opponents, not to mention Dame Fortune.

Players may opt to surround themselves with lucky charms of all to entice Lady Luck to smile kindly upon them, or they may engage in mystical rituals, such as wearing certain clothing, eating special foods, or doing something the very same way they did it the last time they won in

fervent hope of a repeat performance.

For slot tournament players, the onearmed bandit can be their best friend or their worst enemy, their source of unlimited joy or taunting frustration, their ticket to riches or their bitter disappointment. When you win, you feel like hugging your machine. When you lose, you feel like kicking it.

It’s an experience every dedicated slot player deserves to have, and thanks to Everi and TournEvent of Champions, it’s all possible.

Even Trinh herself is ecstatic with the leaps and bounds by which her “baby” has grown, knowing its meteoric rise in popularity is an expression of the casinos themselves.

REEL GOOD TIMES The first “real” TournEvent of Champions was held in 2013. Eighty-eight players representing 77 casinos competed for the first national title and a $100,000 grand prize.

The next year, which saw Wynn Las Vegas XS Night Club host the finals for the first time, 123 finalists from 104 casinos battled for $500,000 in prize money.

Last year, the first millionaire was minted from among a quarter of a million players from 99 casinos in the United States, Canada, and even Peru. One hundred and eighty-two finalists went to the championship of the $1.4 million competition, won by Rita Kellerman, who represented Ho-Chunk Gaming in the Wisconsin Dells.

grow. Several new markets are represented by properties eager to create a never-before felt experience for their player bases.

Two things are certain. First, The Money Man® will make a personal appearance at each participating property to encourage and cheer on the players, and second, each participating casino will receive a Norwegian Cruise Line package to be given away during the qualifiers. The cruise package is for seven days and is valued at $1,500.

Once the individual casino competitions get under way, each winning representative will receive $800 in round-trip airfare for two to Las Vegas; four-night hotel accommodations; transfers to and from McCarran International Airport; food and beverage credit; and of course a seat in the championship finals boasting over $1.3 million in prizes.

The championship finals are scheduled for September 28 at the Wynn Las Vegas XS Night Club.

So bring along whatever makes you feel lucky to a participating casino and give those reels a spin for a chance to become a millionaire in the gaming world’s true slot championship.

FOR A FULL LIST OF TOURNEVENT DATES AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT TOURNEVENTOFCHAMPIONS.COM

Starting in the spring and continuing through the end of Aug ust, each participating casino has the ability to structure its semi-finals and finals however they choose. Everi’s promotions team provides properties with the general guidelines. An assigned Everi promotions specialist works with each casino to ensure each TournEvent of Champions tournament is a success.

Properties are free to schedule the events when they choose. In so doing, some casinos will host a single event while others stretch out the semi-final tournaments over a period of time. Some casinos choose to charge a buy-in for players to participate, some tournaments are free, while still others are by VIP invitation.

Many casinos are already on board to participate in this year’s 5th TournEvent of Champions, and the list continues to 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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TOP SHOWS OF GARTH BROOKS AND SIN CITY: THE SUMMER SHOWS OF SIN CITY.SOUNDS HOT

SUMMER

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as Vegas prepares to sizzle with a historic line-up of legendary acts.

Summer temperatures in Las Vegas regularly top 100 degrees, and this summer is going to be hotter than ever. It’s not due to El Nino, global warming or any other natural phenomenon. Rather, it’s because one of the hottest entertainment line-ups in recent history is set to engulf the gaming and destination capital of the world. From country music’s biggest stars to the greatest legends of comedy, mixed in with some of the most classic of classic rock bands, there’ll be just about something for everyone by the time the pavement starts shimmering with noonday heat along the famous Strip.

Following are some the acts that have us the most hot and bothered for Summer 2016.

GARTH BROOKS When word began to spread of Las Vegas’ newest performance venue, the 20,000 seat T-Mobile Arena, (for more, read below), expectations were high about the artists who would be big enough the venue. And so far, the roster has been as big as expected. Within the first few weeks of opening, Billy Joel, Guns N Roses, Janet Jackson, and Nicki Minaj had all performed, but probably the biggest name announced to date was none other than Garth Brooks. Tickets for the July 2-4 shows sold out so quickly, two more dates in June were added. For country music lovers, just seeing Brooks would be more than enough, but as always, too much is never enough in Las Vegas, so country superstar (and Brooks’ wife) Trisha Yearwood will join Brooks for his performances.

Younger fans of Garth Brooks may not recall the shock and disappointment many felt when the country icon announced his retirement in 2001. Brooks decided he wanted to spend time raising his children and dropped the mic on one of the most successful careers in country music history. Brooks earned dozens of

Country Music Awards, 13 Grammy nominations, two Grammy wins and just about every established award and accolade not only in country music, but in the recording industry in general.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Brooks is either the first or second best-selling solo artist in the 20th century, depending on how they’re feeling about Elvis Presley on any given day. Regardless, Brooks was at the top of his game in 2001 and walked away from it all to raise his family in Oklahoma.

In 2005, he began performing occasionally, and released several compilation albums and box sets. Still, fans clamoring for new material were forced to wait.

Finally, in 2009, after performing at a concert commemorating Barack Obama’s inauguration, Brooks began approaching a comeback in earnest. In October 2009, he began a limited residency at the Encore Las Vegas. The terms of the engagement allowed Brooks to maintain his family lifestyle in Oklahoma and speed back to Las Vegas for his shows.

Comedian Ron White will perform June 10 and 11 and Mirage.

In 2014, the news Brooks fans had been waiting to hear for years broke: He announced a three-year-tour with wife Trisha Yearwood. The announcement coincided with the release of a new single, “People Loving People,” and his ninth studio album, “Man Against Machine.”

The tour included performances all

across the U.S., in nearly every major metropolitan area. The tour is expected to go international in 2017, with dates in Europe, South America and Australia to be announced.

Brooks fans who are lucky enough to see the show in Las Vegas can expect to hear a few new songs, but mainly fan favorites such as “Rodeo,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Friends in Low Places,” and “Two of A Kind, Workin’ on a Full House.” While some musicians and bands try to play as much new music as possible when touring, Brooks seems to know that his fans prefer to hear more of the classics. As he said to one audience, “I’m just like you. I pay my money. I see the guys I like and I want to hear the old stuff.” The obligatory encore set usually includes “The Fever,” possibly a cover or two, and “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”

R e v ie w s of t h e to u r h a v e b e e n overwhelmingly positive, and while a few critics have mentioned that Yearwood has the better voice of the couple, they also note that years of retirement haven’t caused any drop in either Brooks’ performing abilities or his fans’ response.

Brooks will perform at the T-Mobile Arena June 24-25 at 7 p.m., July 2 at 7 p.m., July 3 at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and July 4 at 5 p.m. All tickets are $85 including all taxes and fees, and as of this writing, some seats are still available. A limited number of VIP packages are also available for the shows, and these packages include tickets, private dinner in a VIP room at the T-Mobile arena, a private tour of the Garth Brooks traveling museum, a custom acoustic guitar personalized

by Garth Brooks and a variety of other goodies. Fans wishing to grab one of these packages can expect to pay $3,500 for one person or $5,000 for a couple.

COUNTRY The new T-Mobile Arena will feature several big names in country music, beginning with “King of Country” George Strait. Although Strait officially 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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retired from touring in 2014, he will appear in a limited residency at the T-Mobile Arena. Currently Strait has announced eight dates at the Arena, including September 9-10. On July 16, the T-Mobile Arena will host the Dixie Chicks, who will bring their DCX MMXVI World Tour fresh from a spring swing through Europe. Dwight Yoakum will bring his Second Hand Heart to the Venetian for two shows, on June 3-4.

And while the unofficial end of summer happens on Labor Day, the summer will continue to stay hot in Las Vegas through the end of September, when the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival returns to Las Vegas for a three-day run. This must-see event features a Who’s Who of country music every year, and this year boasts a star-studded lineup including Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, and Little Big Town, among others.

Now in it’s third year, this three-day extravaganza is becoming the country music cousin to New Orleans’ Jazz Fest, with not only musicians but also vendors, food and all sorts of other attractions.

Tickets are $210 and are only available for the entire event; single day passes are not available. But why would you want to miss of it?

As audiences age and musical styles go in and out of fashion, many of the biggest bands from the 70s, 80s and even 90s have found new life on the casino circuit.

While many of these bands can no longer fill a 20,000 seat arena, their fans will still flock to see them when their schedules coincide with a trip to Las Vegas. Here are a few of the bands that will show that they can still rock with the best of them.

As a side note, nearly all of the following bands have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Fresh off their long-awaited induction Hall of Fame, legendary soft-rock band Chicago will visit the Palms Casino’s Pearl Theater on July 9. California’s Jackson Browne will also be appearing at the Pearl on August 20. MGM Grand will see performances by Hall of Famers Black Sabbath, featuring the final tour with front man Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Tony Iommi; rock and soul legends Hall and Oates will visit MG as well. Hardrocking Annie and Nancy Wilson will 20

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bring their band Heart to Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues venue for three shows, June 2-4, and Brit-Punk Rocker Billy Idol will stop by the House of Blues on August 31. Mandalay Bay will also host 80s radio mainstays Journey, Huey Lewis and the News, Doobie Brothers, and Duran Duran. Canadian rocker Bryan Adams will perform at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan on July 2, which also will feature performances by R & R Hall of Famer Steve Miller on August 2, and a double bill pairing Lynyrd Skynyrd and 70s mega-artist Peter Frampton.

Caesar’s Palace has featured a residency by Celine Dion since the departure of Bette Midler in 2010; however, Dion is taking the summer off. In her stead, Caesar’s will host a variety of superstars, including Mariah Carey in June, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn in July and Rod Stewart in August.

HEADLINE COMEDY Of course, there are quite a few comedy clubs in Las Vegas, but nothing compares to seeing a nationally known comedian working a “big room.” Summer 2016 boasts one of the best comedy lineups Las Vegas has seen in years. Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will bring his cast of zany characters including Walter, Bubba J, Achmed, and of course, Peanut, to Caesar’s Colosseum Theater on June 5 as a stop on his Perfectly Unbalanced tour. Other headliners who will bring the laughs to the desert include Jay Leno, at the Mirage on June 4; Ron White, at the Mirage on June 10-11; Kathy Griffin on July 1, “Let’s Make A Deal’s” Wayne Brady on July 3, followed by Bill Maher on July 22-23, and finally Tim Allen on July 30.

The 20,000 seat T-Mobile Arena will host the Top Acts in Las Vegas.

The Mirage isn’t the only place audiences will be laughing this summer; other casinos will host big name comedians such as Steven Wright and Carlos Mencia (The Orleans); “Mike and Molly” star Billy Gardell (TI); and 2015’s “America’s Got Talent” winner Paul Zerdin at Planet Hollywood.

Of course, all of these special events are in addition to the myriad of ongoing residencies, up-and-coming stars and nightly comedy clubs shows that make Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world. If you’re planning on visiting Las Vegas this summer, consider buying tickets to your favorite acts as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

LAS VEGAS’ NEWEST GAMBLE The construction slowdown that followed the 2008 recession seems like a distant memor y now, as mega-hotels keep expanding, and returning to Las Vegas after only a few months absence greets you with all kinds of new structures. One of the newest and most eagerly awaited is the T-Mobile arena, a state-of-the-art facility that represents a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and entertainment company AEG. The 20,000 seat arena represents the largest fixed indoor seating capacity to date in the city and was built with an eye toward attracting a major league sports team to the area, ideally either an NHL or NBA franchise. To attract a professional sports team, the new arena has been built to accept either an NBA hardwood court or a hockey surface, and there are already a few Zambonis ready to rock.

OFTEN IMITATED. NEVER DUPLICATED.

ARRIVE A WINNER.

LEAVE A LEGEND.

THE MILLION DOLLAR EVENT™* Stake your claim to the title of best slot tournament player as the 2016 TournEvent of Champions® comes to a casino near you. Visit www.TOURNEVENT.com to find out where, when and how to take the first step towards the Million Dollar Grand Prize!*

Powers the casino floor.™

everi.com

*The One Million Dollar Grand Prize will be awarded using periodic payments over 20 years.

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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T R I PL E C ROW N T R AC K C OM PA R I S ON S : F I N DI NG T H E BI A S

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hen it comes to Triple Crowns, I have been trackside for every near-miss over the last two decades. From Silver Charm in 1997 to California Chrome in 2014, and the seven others that fell between. Like many who follow the Sport of Kings closely, there was a piece of me that thought it would never happen again. Then, on June 6, 2015, an equine named American Pharoah blazed across Belmont Park’s sandy straightaway, straight into history. At long last, the wait was finally over. After a 37 year drought, Thoroughbred racing finally had its twelfth Triple Crown Champion.

Now, there’s absolutely nothing I can

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E R I C F LOY D

pen about American Pharoah that hasn’t already been put down on parchment, probably a thousand times over. Every accolade has already been consigned and rightfully so. Certainly without question, he’s the best I’ve ever seen and that’s saying something because I’ve had the privilege to regard horses like Real Quiet, Point Given, Tiznow, Smarty Jones, Ghostzapper, Afleet Alex, Barbaro, Bernardini, Street Sense, Curlin, Big Brown, Rachel Alexandra, I’ll Have Another and Wise Dan. Even the great mare Zenyatta (active 2008-2010), who came within a breath of going undefeated her entire career, def initively ranks

behind the racer that captured America’s imagination last spring.

Sent off to stud duty after his resounding romp in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic, American Pharoah’s retirement induced a plethora of sorrow. See, by year’s end, it had become glaringly apparent that this was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, a freak of nature the likes of which mankind might never see again. And yet for all that, for all the excitement and hoopla, we, the members of Horse Racing Nation, must now turn the page. Indeed, it’s time to start all over again in what might be called our perpetual quest to experience that one fleeting moment of perfection.

Now by the time most of you read this, the results for the 2016 Kentucky Derby will have become official. Moreover, an all-consuming debate will have started concerning the prospect of a succeeding Triple Crown Champion. Hence, the Preakness Stakes will commandeer the spotlight, and seeing as how this engagement is (traditionally) an excellent investment opportunity, let’s take timeout to review a few tried and true betting angles.

I’ve often said that within the makeup of the Triple Crown series, the Preakness Stakes is the only race which resembles, well, a regular race. Because so much hype surrounds the Kentucky Derby, thought patterns tend to go haywire. For example, the antiquated handicapping principle known as dosage invariably becomes salient doctrine around the First Saturday in May. Something to remember also is the fact that punters are virtually never asked to figure a 20 horse field except on that day when they run for the roses.

On the flipside of the coin, we have the Belmont Stakes. Distinct in its own right, the Test of Champions is the only annually written 12 furlong (1 ½ mile) route for 3-year-olds in all of North America. That unique distance makes it poles apart from the tracks for the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

The 1 3/16 mile Preakness is run exactly two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. A race which more often than not runs to form, the Triple Crown’s middle jewel is a virtual haven for chalk players—gamblers who prefer to bet the favorite. Case in point, over the last 15 years, the posttime favorite has won the Preakness nine times. That’s a winning percentage of 60 percent. To put this into perspective, on regular basis at tracks across America, favorites win only 33 percent of the time.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that the Preakness favorite has hit the board (finished 1st, 2nd or 3rd) in 16 out of the last 19 years.

Since the Kentucky Derby Champion almost always ships to Pimlico Race Course (the home of the Preakness) to continue the pursuit of the Triple Crown, said horse embodies phase one of our handicapping process. Incidentally, since only 10 of the last 20 Kentucky Derby Champions have gone on to win the Preakness, it’s wise to think twice before you blindly bet the mortgage on that racer who ran roughshod over Louisville.

Typically, I find that you can gauge the Derby champ’s strength by counting how many also-rans enter the Preakness. Truly,

One last point of interest on the Preakness is that the exotics are usually rather predictable. For example, in 2012 the Kentucky Derby exacta (I’ll Have Another/ Bodemeister) repeated verbatim in Baltimore to the tune of $18.60 for a $2 wager. One year later in 2013, the Preakness superfecta (Oxbow/ Itsmyluckyday/My Lute/Orb) included the Derby champ and three also-rans yet paid $1817.80 for a $1 wager!

Three weeks after the dust settles in Baltimore, Horse Racing Nation’s collective attention turns toward that locale known as the Big Apple. Pegged

The Preakness Stakes Pimlico Race Course: Baltimore Maryland

if only a few Louisville losers try their luck at Pimlico, then what transpired beneath the Twin Spires was likely legitimate. On the other hand, if a slew of them enter the Preakness, it’s a tale-tell sign that the Derby result was probably a fluke.

Another Preakness axiom to keep in the forefront of your frontal lobe is: If you’re betting to WIN, avoid the new shooters!

Since 1997, only three non-Derby starters have worn the blanket of Black Eyed Susan’s: Red Bullet (2000), Bernardini (2006) and the acclaimed filly Rachel Alexandria (2009).

by horsemen, the media and casual observers as the third and final leg of the Triple Crown series, the Belmont Stakes marks the end of a mini-season and therefore serves as a fiscal finale for those who characterize themselves as punters.

What I’m really trying to say is that for those souls who’ve already invested in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the Test of Champions generally ends up being a make-or-break endeavor.

Inaugurated in 1867, the Belmont Stakes was originally contested at Jerome Park Racecourse in the Bronx, NY. This now 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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defunct hippodrome was the brainchild of one Leonard Jerome, a powerful, late 19th-century financier otherwise known as the King of Wall Street.

Just in case you were wondering), the Belmont Stakes is named after Leonard Jerome’s closest confidant, one August Belmont. An influential politician and avid racing enthusiast, Belmont also holds the distinction of being The Jockey Club’s foundational chairman. Subsequent to Jerome Park’s eradication in 1890, the Belmont Stakes was held at nearby Morris Park Racecourse. Ultimately, it became a permanent part of Belmont Park ’s landscape in the year 1905.

Now since we’re talking history, here are some more fun facts from the index labeled “In Case You Didn’t Know.” The Belmont’s distance varied between nine and 13 furlongs (one furlong equals an eighth of a mile) for the first 59 years of its existence. The current 1 ½ mile distance became standard in 1926. National antigambling legislation actually led to the cancellation of the Belmont in 1911-1912.

During Belmont Park’s vast renovation,

The Belmont Stakes Belmont Park: Elmont, New York

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which lasted from 1963 to 1967, the Triple Crown’s third jewel was held at Aqueduct Racetrack. The f irst-ever American post-parade occurred prior to the 1880 Belmont Stakes. Finally, up until 1921, the Test of Champions was run clockwise, like the majority of today’s international competitions.

Presented next in no particular order, here are my three favorite premises for betting the Belmont Stakes.

Take up with an experienced Belmont jockey. Seldom do I obsess over which soul is in the irons, except when it comes to the Belmont Stakes. See, due to Belmont Park’s uncommon 1 ½ circumference, your typical rookie will precipitately accelerate. Consequently, their mount ends up foundering mid-way down the straightaway.

Any entrant capable of obtaining an uncontested lead is live. Because closing types are so concerned with making a premature move, the Belmont’s pacesetter often gets away with soft early fractions.

As a result, that equine on the engine

often goes wire-to-wire. A prime example

of this occurred in 2008, when Da’ Tara loped along for a mile before he pulled away to win by 5 ¼ lengths at odds of 38-1.

Consider fresher horses. It’s an enormous

understatement to say that the Triple

Crown Series physically taxes a 3-yearold Thoroughbred. Normally, horses don’t participate in three different races over

three different surfaces within a five week period, so even an extremely fit equine

will be marginally fatigued by the time

they touch down in New York. Nine out

of the last ten Belmont Stakes Champions

have sat out the Kentucky Derby and/or the Preakness Stakes: Jazil (2006), Rags to

Riches (2007), Da’ Tara (2008), Summer

Bird (2009), Drosselmeyer (2010), Ruler

On Ice (2011), Union Rags (2012), Palice Malice (2013) and Tonalist (2014).

Friends, it’s my sincere hope that this article helps put a few extra sawbucks in

your pocket. Best of luck to all as together

as we continue down the 2016 Triple Crown trail.

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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S T R AT E GY SE S S ION: BE T T I NG OP P O S I T E S

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hat opposites attract is a given if you’re talking magnetic poles, but do opposites attract casino comps without also attracting the risk of substantial gambling losses?

Players have tried to let opposites attract freebies without losing money on the games for decades, ever since casinos started giving rooms, meals, show tickets and more to keep the customers coming back. For example, in roulette, you could bet red while a partner bets black, or you could bet odd where a partner bets even.

In craps, you could bet pass while a partner bets don’t pass. And in baccarat, you could bet banker while a partner bets player.

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JOHN GROCHOWSKI

The theory is that your wins cancel out your partner’s losses, the partner’s wins cancel out your losses, and you both pad your comp accounts. Does that really work? Let’s take a look at how this plays in some popular games.

ROULETTE On a busy casino night, I sat at a coffee shop counter and overheard a man and a woman planning their roulette attack.

One would bet red, the other black. Wins would balance losses. They wouldn’t lose any money, but they’d get their comps for free. Or so they thought. What they’d neglected to take into account was that whenever the spin was 0 or 00, they’d lose

BOTH bets!

Let’s say the two of them were each betting on the same side, each wagering $5 on red, for $10 at risk on each spin of the wheel. In a perfect sequence of 38 spins that brought one of each number, 1 through 36 plus 0 and 00, they would risk a total of $380. On the 18 red numbers, they’d collect $180 in winnings plus keep their $180 in wagers. So at the end of the sequence, they’d have $360, and the house would have $20 of the original $380.

Divide the $20 in losses by $380 in risk, then multiply by 100 to convert to percent, and you have the normal 5.26 percent house edge for double-zero roulette.

Now let’s move into opposites mode, where one wagers $5 on red and the other wagers $5 on black. On 36 of the 38 numbers, the red and black wagers would cancel out. One bet would win, the other would lose. That leaves two more numbers, 0 and 00. On those, both red and black lose, meaning the couple loses $10 on 0 and $10 more on 00. That’s a total of $20 in losses. At the end of our 38-spin sample, the couple has $360 of its original $380 in wagers, and the house has $20, the same as if they’d not bet opposite sides.

Those $20 in losses from $380 in wagers comes to 5.26 percent in the casino coffers.

Yep, the same house edge we’ve been talking all along. Both would build comps while they played, but they’d be paying for them in normal losses.

VERDICT: No free comps from opposites in Roulette.

CRAPS Here’s one that a friend actually proposed to me. “You’re always looking for an edge, right?” he said. “How about if we dine in the steakhouse for free tonight? I’ll bet

pass, you bet don’t pass. Then we settle up wins and losses afterwards, and we’re all even. We can bet it up, $25, $50, and get the comp fast. We don’t lose anything.”

I laughed. His suggestion is one I’ve heard from craps players in emails dozens of times, and dozens of times before that when the questions used to come via snail mail. But it doesn’t work, for a similar reason betting opposites doesn’t work in roulette.

Most of the time, when a Pass bet loses, a Don’t Pass bet wins. However, when the shooter rolls a 12 on the come-out, Pass bets lose, but Don’t Pass bets merely push.

For that roll, the Pass loss is not offset by an opposite win.

If you bet $5 on Pass and I bet $5 on Don’t Pass, on 35 of 36 possible come-out rolls our bets will cancel out. But on the 12, your Pass bet will lose and my Don’t Pass bet will push. That gives us a net $5 in losses from our $360 in wagers per 36 come-outs. Divide 5 by 360, then multiply it by 100 to convert to percent, and you have a house edge of 1.39 percent. That’s the average of the 1.41 percent house edge

on the Pass line and the 1.36 percent house edge on Don’t Pass.

VERDICT: Opposites don’t attract free comps on this system, either. You just spot the house the same edge it gets on Pass and Don’t Pass bets from different bettors all day long.

B A C C A R AT. H e r e ’s o n e m o r e opportunity to bet opposites that I once saw a player try to pull off by himself instead of working with a partner. A man who appeared to be in his early 50s, wearing a jacket and tie, bought in at a mini-baccarat table where I was already playing. He then put down a $10 bet on banker, then surprised everyone by also putting down a $10 bet on player.

The dealer did a double take, then said, “Choose.” The player said, “Excuse me?”

And the dealer replied, “Choose. You can’t bet against yourself.” There was a low-key exchange of words, the pit supervisor was called in for a ruling, but eventually the player took down his player bet and let his banker bet stay.

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If he had left both bets up, his opposites still wouldn’t have offset each other. The arithmetic is a little more complicated than in craps or roulette because there are more possibilities when you’re dealing with eight decks of cards than with 38 roulette numbers or two six-sided dice.

There is also another complicating factor in that bettors must pay the house a 5 percent commission on any winning bets on banker, while they pay no commission on winning bets on player.

That’s because banker bets win more often than player bets. If the house didn’t charge a commission, customers would have an edge on banker bets, and that doesn’t fly in casinos!

Per 1,000 hands, banker bets win about 459 times, player bets win about 446 times, and the remaining 95 hands are ties. If you’re betting banker or player, ties push, so we can disregard them in this bit of number play. There’s some rounding in that there are nearly five quadrillion possible combinations in eight-

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deck baccarat, and if we wanted pinpoint precision the numbers we’d be using would be 2,292,252,566,437,888 banker winners and 2,230,518,282,592,256 player winners, according to wizardofodds.com, but for a quick, easy example, working with the rounded percentages will do Let’s isolate the 905 times in which there is a banker or player win, and say I bet $10 a hand on banker and you bet $10 a hand on player. Between us, we risk $20 a hand, or $18,100. On your 446 player wins, you keep your $10 bet and get $10 in winnings, leaving you with a total of $8,920. On my 459 banker wins, I start by keeping the $10 bet and get $10 in winnings for a total of $9,180. Those add up to the $18,100 we risked, so if that’s all there was to it, our opposites-attract-comps scheme would work to perfection. However, I have to pay a 5 percent commission on my winning bets. That’s a 50-cent surcharge on each of my 459 winners, or a total of $229.50 in commissions. My $9,180 is reduced to $8,950.50, and our total is reduced to $17,870.50.

Just as in craps and roulette, baccarat has a built-in defense against players who think they can get their dinners for nothing and their rooms for free. The zeroes in baccarat, the “12s push on Don’t Pass” rule in craps and the commission on banker winners in baccarat bring a rapid halt to the notion that opposites attract comps, without risk of gambling losses.

VERDICT: Betting opposites in baccarat doesn’t work either. Instead of breaking even, our system has lost $229.50.

Good luck at the tables and keep these verdicts in mind the next time you think betting opposites will get you a free comp.

About the writer. John Grochowski is a renowned gambling columnist and author. In 1994, the monthly Las Vegas Advisor reported that Grochowski was the first casino gambling columnist at a major U.S. newspaper. He also contributes articles to magazines and online publications.

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asino hotels and resorts are increasingly trying to attract visitors who are interested in a variety of outdoor activities, in addition to their indoor gaming, entertainment, and dining options. More and more properties are now offering a broad range of outdoor amenities, such as luxury pools, championship golf, and full-service RV parks. For a casino vacation that can cater to a romantic getaway or with a group of friends, check out our list of top spots in the South and Midwest that each offer various outdoor amenities, activities, and entertainment options. You are sure to find some exciting casino action and relaxing poolside fun at these top spots.

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with stone tiles, fountains, and greenery.

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being on a Greek getaway, but closer to

same amenities, plus a private sunbathing

home.

deck, assorted snacks, and a rooftop view

For breathtaking views of the mighty

of the Mississippi River.

Mississippi, the rooftop pool at L’Auberge

The pool at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel

Casino and Hotel in Baton Rouge,

in Lake Charles, Louisiana can only be

Louisiana cannot be matched. Relax on

described as a little slice of tropical heaven

floating lounge rafts in the rectangular

in the heart of Bayou Country. Grab an

pool while soaking up the southern

inner tube and drift your way through the

sun in style. The private cabana area is

lazy river that wraps itself around the palm

where all the action happens with a full-

tree lined patio. A sunken pool bar sits in

service bar and friendly attendants. You

the lazy river where you can enjoy a frozen

can reserve an eight-person club cabana

cocktail on your way around. There is a

and enjoy an inside sofa, poolside chaise

large heated pool for the whole family and

lounges, towels, flat screen TV, ceiling fan,

a serene adults-only pool. Here you can

magazines, and panoramic views of the

rent luxury cabanas with full-bar service,

SOUTHERN REGION CASINOS Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Vevay, Indiana has a seasonal outdoor pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and individual cabanas. The heated, rectangular pool is the perfect length for morning laps, and a sunken bench runs the length of the pool for chatting with friends before playing the slots. The covered cabanas feature cushioned lounge chairs and tables for private pool parties. There is also a large outdoor whirlpool for hot soaks after hitting the links at nearby Belterra Golf Course and Clubhouse. The design scheme features a blue and white décor

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BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA - VEVAY INDIANA

tiles and features a seasonal bar and grill for cocktails and snacks. Cabana rentals include cushioned lounge chairs, ceiling fans, and a private deck with whirlpools.

The entire patio area sits in the middle of a man-made lake with decorative spraying fountains and lush greenery. Across the lake is the open-air amphitheater, which is visible from the pool area. This 2,500 seat venue attracts national acts, such as Reba McIntyre and Big & Rich, so you can enjoy a live show while relaxing poolside.

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO - BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA refrigerator, safe, and TV. The Blue Crush Grill offers appetizers, burgers, snacks, and shaved ice to cool down on hot Louisiana afternoons.

The outdoor pool of Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana is like an island oasis in the middle of the city. The beautiful teardrop-shaped pool and hot tub are surrounded by bright red cushioned lounge chairs, palm trees, thatched roof patios, and pergolas covered with pink floral vines. Lounging on the patio, you have a beautiful view of the downtown Shreveport skyline and the Red River below. The heated pool is open yearround for hotel guests only, and no one under 21 is allowed after 6:00 p.m. During the warmer months, you can also enjoy cocktails, appetizers, lunch, and dinner at The Busted Coconut, an island-style bar and grill located next to the pool.

Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana features three guest pools.

The indoor pool has a year-round island oasis feel with palm trees and waterfalls.

This large swimming area has individual lagoons inside the tropical atrium and a swim-up bar. The atrium is also home to the resort’s live alligators, but not in the pool, with wildlife shows every

Saturday. The outdoor pool can be enjoyed seasonally for those who want to take in a little sunbathing. There is also a 200 campsite RV park where the kids can enjoy another outdoor pool, bathhouse, playground, and volleyball courts. Each parking space features individual green space areas for picnics, all within walking distance of the casino.

Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, Alabama has a large infinity pool with luxurious lounge chairs and covered cabanas. Accessible to hotel guests only, it is beautifully decorated with stone

MIDWEST REGION CASINOS Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa located in St. Charles, Missouri near St. Louis, has an indoor/outdoor pool area separated by a curtain of falling water. The indoor pool sits inside a glass atrium with a gorgeous blue tiled floor, and long enough for laps.

There is a raised whirlpool attached to the pool and plenty of lounge chairs for year-round relaxation. Swimmers can pass through the waterfall to access the outside pool area. The gorgeous urban-style setting is located beneath the hotel tower and is viewable from all of the rooms on that side. The sprawling tiled patio area has a Mediterranean feel with cozy fire

GRAND FALLS CASINO RESORT - LARCHWOOD, IOWA 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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pits, hot tubs, and cushioned lounge chairs for relaxing on warm summer nights. A short walk to the pool cabana café offers pool side cocktails and great food finds and with the luxurious ara spa located just steps away, wasting away an afternoon here is always a treat.

Lumière Place Casino, also in St. Louis, features two on-site hotels in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

The HoteLumière features a sparkling indoor pool, relaxing hot tubs, world-class fitness center, and luxurious spa. The climate controlled indoor pool complex is perfect for year-round laps. The Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis features a spectacular rooftop pool with the best views of the Arch in the city. This large outdoor patio area gives guests breathtaking views of the city while lounging poolside, relaxing in a private cabana, or snuggling up in a cozy covered loveseat. Cielo Restaurant and Bar shares the rooftop space and has outdoor dining with spectacular nighttime views of the city skyline and Mississippi River below.

Grand Falls Casino Resort in Larchwood, Iowa is a gaming and golfers’ retreat, just outside of Sioux Falls. The hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub for year-round lounging, and the seasonal outdoor pool and patio area sits between the hotel and the golf course. Rattan tables and chairs, covered lounge areas, colorful raised flower

beds, and cooling spray fountains make for a relaxing retreat between poker hands. It is also the perfect place to rest after a round of golf on the 18-hole course designed by legendary designer Rees Jones. This world-class golf course is 7,100 square yards of rolling green with a 30-foot waterfall, 12-acre lake, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The Island Resort Casino in Harris, Michigan is located in the northernmost part of the state, between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. This resort features a variety of indoor activities and amenities, including gaming, dining, entertainment, and a spa. There are two RV parks with 53 modern pads and access to a nearby shower and laundry facility. RV guests also have access to the resort’s indoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness center.

The Sweetgrass Golf Club is right next to the resort property and features 18 holes of championship golf. Regularly rated one of Michigan’s top courses, this challenging parkland-style layout is known for its unique greens and signature island green at the 15th hole.

The ultra-swanky Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is smack dab in the middle of the busy streets of Milwaukee, so outdoor amenities are not available. Located near the banks of Lake Michigan, the weather would probably inhibit outdoor activities most of the year

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO - WELCH, MINNESOTA 32

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anyway. There is no pool or spa in the hotel either, but their suites offer some excellent amenities that can bring the feel of the outdoors into your lavish accommodations.

The Presidential Suite is a sky-high luxury room featuring an 800-square-foot outdoor patio that offers sweeping views of the city. This 2,200-square-foot suite also features a Jacuzzi and two fireplaces for an upscale, indoor camping experience.

Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch, Minnesota, near St. Paul, just opened its doors to their brand new Lagoon Water Park and Wave Spa in 2016. The $19 million expansion now includes two waterslides, zero depth entry pool, and smaller slides for toddlers. A lazy river surrounds the park and features waterfalls and rapids. In the adults-only section, there is a large pool, hot tubs, and the swim up Barefoot Bar where adults can enjoy frozen cocktails. While the waterpark is mostly inside, there are other outdoor amenities, including an 18hole golf course, 95-pad RV park, 137-slip marina, and passenger cruise liner that takes guests on lunch and dinner tours of the Mississippi River.

Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel is just minutes away from the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in W i l l iamsbu rg, Michigan. Together these properties offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The resort has a 100,000-squarefoot health club, indoor water playground, pools, hot tubs, and tennis courts. The nearby Private Beach Club provides access to Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan for paddle boarding and kayaking. There are three championship golf courses, including The Bear, a Jack Nicklaus designed course. The resort offers endless outdoor seasonal activities, including biking, water sports, ice skating, and crosscountry skiing. A shuttle runs between the resort and the casino where you can enjoy gaming, dining, and entertainment.

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

33

VIDEO POKER Knowing the Games by

LI N DA B OY D

Every game you’ll find on the casino floor has a luck factor for short-term results. However, if skill is also a component, say blackjack (BJ), Hold’Em or video poker (VP) you will only get the theoretical return over the long run if you play accurately. In fact, if VP is your game you should play according to Zamzow; that’s Dean Zamzow, the expert who wrote WinPoker tutorial software.

BASIC VP TERMS: Royal Cycle: The number of hands on average that it takes to get a royal flush (RF). This varies from game-to-game, but is approximately 40,000 hands. If you want a more precise figure use your tutorial software. For example, if you’re playing 9/6 Double Double Bonus (9/6DDB) it occurs once every 40,799.32 hands. If you just had a RF the odds of getting another one on the next hand remain the same--one in 40,799.32.

Long Run: Usually four or five royal cycles, but the more hands played the greater the likelihood your results will resemble the theoretical expectation. Dean Zamzow did millions of hands on software simulations and the more hands the closer the actual results mirrored the ER. Expected Return (ER): Your theoretical return, expressed as a percentage, assuming computer-perfect play. If the ER is 100% then you have even odds with the house; if the ER is over 100% you have the advantage and if the ER is less than 100%, the edge belongs to the casino.

Variance: The likelihood that short term results will resemble long-term expectations. There is an inverse relationship between variance and short-term expectations. In other words, the higher the variance the less probable your short term ER will be the same as the indicated return. For example, the variance for 9/6 Jacks or Better (9/6JOB) is 19.51468 and for 9/6DDB the variance is a whopping 41.98498. 9/6JOB returns double your wager for two pair, a frequent hand, whereas 9/6DDB only returns even money for the same hand.

In general, when frequent hands are short-coined in return for large payouts for infrequent hands it’s a high variance game.

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Strategy Tips: Anything can happen in a single session and that’s why VP anomalies make such good stories. I’ve had dealt royals, two royals on the same machine a few hands apart, royals on a 5-card draw and other oddities that defy mathematical expectations. However, your holds should be based on the math and not on hunches.

1. Possibility Versus Probability: You have no control over the hand you’re dealt so asking other players which machine has been hitting and which one has been losing is an exercise in futility. Recent hands have no impact or effect whatsoever on future results. This means that if the machine has gone several royal cycles without a RF or has recently hit one it makes no difference in terms of future outcomes. So if you’re playing 9/6JOB the probability of getting a royal remains one chance in 40,391 before the deal. Referring to Table 1.1 you may be surprised to learn that a full house (FH) occurs more frequently than a flush even though it pays more. That’s because the ER would be different if the payouts changed. So the ER is all that game manufacturers and casino brass care about and the fact that a straight flush (SF) only returns 250 coins for a 5-coin wager even though it only occurs once every 9,148 hands in 9/6JOB is irrelevant. I constantly hear players bemoan the fact that a SF is “so hard to get it should pay more” but if they were given the reason they wouldn’t change their mind.

Table 1.1: 9/6JOB Hand Frequency*: Rounded to the Nearest Whole Number

Hand: 9/6JOB

Occurs Once In:

Royal

40,391

Straight Flush

9,148

4 of a Kind

423

Full House

87

Flush

91

Straight

89

3 of a Kind

13

Two Pairs

8

Jacks or Better

5

Expected Return (ER)

99.5439

Variance

19.51468

*Note that hand frequencies are based on the final hand, assuming computer-perfect strategy.

2. Pay Schedule: The theoretical return assumes accurate play and is based on the pay schedule appearing on the device. If there are several games make sure you push the “see pays” button and a window will open indicating the return for each winning hand. The casino will never give you either the ER or variance for the game, although they have the information and use it to set their pay tables. Management often orders short-coin games because it hasn’t completely sunken in that you must play computer- perfect to receive the ER over the long run and few players can do this. You can get both the ER’s and variances for games from your tutorial software or by removing them from my book, “The Video Poker Edge” and bringing them with you to the casino.

Table 1.2 JOB Pay Schedule Hand/5-Coin Bet * Royal Flush

Straight Flush 4 of a Kind

Full House

Flush

Straight

3 of a Kind

Two Pair

Jacks or Better

Expected Return

Variance

9/6JOB

8/5JOB

7/5JOB

6/5JOB

125

125

125

125

4000 250 45

4000 250 40

4000 250 35

4000 250 30

30 25 25 25

20 20 20 20

15

10 5

15

10 5

15

10 5

15

10 5

99.5439% 97.2984% 96.1472% 94.9961% 19.51468 19.32326 19.17190 19.04472

* For non-deuces wild games the numerical portion of the name is based on the payout for the FH and Flush hands, respectively. I highlighted those hands for that reason.

If you don’t have ER figures with you and know the return for 9/6JOB, you can get a ballpark for other JOB games by subtracting 1.1% from the ER for every coin you’re shorted.

For example, 8/5JOB is shorted two coins, one for the FH and one for the flush, so subtract 2.2% from the 9/6JOB return of 99.5% and you get 97.3%, the ER for 8/5JOB rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent.

3. Theoretical Return: You may think that it’s impossible to get a game return over 100% in any casino today. True, it’s harder than years ago because casinos are armed with the ER figures provided by the game manufacturers, but you can still find some VP exceptions. Sometimes the staff setting the pay schedule makes a mistake and other times the casino offers multiple points during slow times. I only consider the cash but if you’re getting even money (100% ER) plus perks it’s probably a worthwhile play. I play a version of double deuces wild that has an ER of 99.61 and on triple points days I get an additional 1.25% since Black Card also returns triple points.

So my return is 100.86% in addition to promotion equity and other comps. It flies under the radar because most people are playing keno, coyote ugly deuces or another low ER game on the same device.

4. Tutorial Software: You may think practicing at home will help and you’re correct if your VP software is tutorial and not just entertaining. I use WinPoker by Dean Zamzow and consider it the best on the market. There are several easy to use training modes like hard hands, auto hold, warn (my preference) and others plus excellent graphics, bells and whistles. You will know your personal ER by going to the analyze window where you will find the number of hands played (it can be reset) as well as your personal ER for the game. Make sure the game you are practicing at home has the exact same pay schedule as the one you are playing at the casino.

5. Bankroll: This is the amount of money you’ve set aside for each session and you should stick to decisions made before you entered the casino. If you’ve selected a high variance game, like 9/6DDB (41.98498 variance) then you may run out of money quickly. If the game has a negative expectation like 9/6DDB (ER 98.9808%) it’s especially important to stay within your pre-determined budget. If one of your objectives is long playing sessions find a game with a low variance, like 9/6JOB (19.51468 variance), but make sure the game has the same or higher ER as the high variance choice.

6. New Games: I have heard people say they found the game of a lifetime only to discover they failed to carefully analyze the entire pay schedule. For example, my friend said she found a 10/6 version of Bonus Poker (BP) because it was labeled BP. When I saw the pay schedule, however, the ER was a rotten 89.70% instead of 99.17% like 8/5BP. The reason is that her game returned even money for two pair instead of double the wager. You must carefully examine the entire pay schedule before drawing conclusions; unfortunately, there are a lot of pseudo versions of BP out there right now.

The second problem with not knowing the game strategy is that quirky VP games, say One-Eyed Jacks Wild, are not as intuitive as you may think. You must practice at home with your tutorial software before taking on an unfamiliar choice if you want the best return. In addition, games that seem wonderful at first glance, like those offering jumbo jackpots for sequential royals may have a low ER by shorting frequent hands.

7. Progressives: Be sure you make strategy adjustments as the progressive jackpots increase. My book gives you the cut-off amounts in terms of number of coins for classic VP games and RF holds. If you want figures for specific games for RF, SF and four of a kind adjustments on progressives then enter that data during practice on your tutorial software.

Final Thoughts: It’s always a good day when you find yourself sitting on a horseshoe inside your favorite casino. The problem is you never know when you’re “walking around lucky” so you have to use accurate game strategy to get the best long-term odds possible for VP and any other game with a skill factor.

Those who fly by the seat of their pants are likely to find lint within the pockets on the long ride home.

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PLAYER STRATEGY

BLACKJACK: Numbers Don’t Lie I’m a firm believer that if know some of the more important statistics about the game of blackjack, it can help you better understand the fundamentals of winning blackjack strategies. However, I also understand that most folks find statistics boring; therefore, I prepared the following fun quiz, which I hope you will find entertaining as well as informative.

1.Ignoring ties, the percentage of hands that you can expect to win when you play blackjack is about: a. 45 percent b. 48 percent c. 50 percent ANSWER: b. When you ignore the 9 percent of the hands that tie, you can expect to win 48 percent of the hands dealt to you, and lose 52 percent. Notice that you will lose significantly more hands than you win. So how do you win money playing blackjack? For starters, the average amount of money that you win on the winning hands is slightly greater than a single betting unit because the latter are sometimes hands where you get a blackjack and are paid at 3-2, or you double down and win double the amount of your bet. Losing hands, on the other hand, often lose only a single betting unit. The result is that monetarily you will be close to, but not quite even when you play (this assumes that you use the basic playing strategy for all your hands). If you want to go a step further and win much more money on winning hands compared to the amount you will lose on losing hands, so that overall you show a gain, then you’ve got to learn card counting.

2. If you are dealt three consecutive hands, what is the chance that they will all lose, excluding ties? a. 1 percent b. 14 percent c. 30 percent ANSWER:b. You have about a 14 percent chance of losing three hands in a row when you play blackjack. Surprised? Most players probably guess 1 percent because they figure the chance of this happening is very low. Well it isn’t, so don’t panic and abandon the basic playing strategy when it happens.

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by

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

3. How frequently does a player get a blackjack? a. Once every 15 hands b. Once every 21 hands c. Once every 30 hands ANSWER: b. The game is 21 and you can expect to get a blackjack once in every 21 hands.

This brings me to the point why I harp that you should never play any blackjack game that pays 6-5, instead of 3-2, for a winning blackjack.

Suppose you play two hours’ worth of blackjack on one of the heavily advertised, $10 minimum, 6-5 single deck games. Let’s assume you are dealt 100 hands per hour, so over the course of two hours you played 200 hands of blackjack.

Getting a blackjack once every 21 hands means that you should theoretically have gotten about 10 blackjacks. Sometimes you’ll get more blackjacks in two hours of play, sometimes less, but on average you’ll get 10. Each of those blackjack hands cost you $3 on a 6-5 game (the difference between getting paid 3-2 vs. 6-5, or $12 instead of $15, for your $10 wager). So you forked over $30 to the casino for the privilege of playing a single-deck game (yeah, right). Save your money and avoid playing any 6-5 single- or multi-deck games.

4. How frequently does a basic strategy player bust? a. Once every six hands b. Once every eight hands c. Once every ten hands ANSWER: a. A basic strategy player can expect to bust about 16 percent of the time or once every six hands. When a player busts, he always loses.

Not so with the dealer (see next question).

Knowing the numbers in blackjack will greatly benefit you in the long run and help you make the right decisions at the right times. Keep these concepts in mind the next time you sit down at a blackjack table. Good luck!

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.

“IT’S NOT THE PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE DEALER IS FOLLOWING THE CASINO’S DEALING PROTOCOLS.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY

CRAPS: Confessions of a Female Craps Player

Frank Scoblete is the author of several books on gaming. His most recent titles include, “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 are available online and at bookstores.

“THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE. BUT THE NUMBERS ARE MISLEADING.”

If you play craps you know one major truth: Most craps players are men. In fact, over 90 percent of them are, by my estimation. It’s not at all rare to examine tables—one after another after another—where women are neither seen nor heard.

ashamed to say this—on occasion I will throw out a Hardway bet. Not a lot but enough to give me a zinger in the emotions. When those hit it is fun, but overall I have lost money on them.

But I see players make those bets and even worse bets all the time.”

Still, there are some intrepid women craps players out there, and they are not shy about it, either.

Marie is one such individual.

Amy is another an inveterate craps player.

“I used to play the slots just like all my friends, but other than pressing a play button I didn’t feel engaged in the game,” she said. “I always heard the shouting and clapping and encouragement at the craps tables. So I got a book by you (meaning me!), learned the basics of the game and headed to the tables.”

How did she do? “I was nervous at first. Really nervous. I was the only woman at the table and some of the men gave me the look.” She defined the look as something on the order of “What are you doing here?”

It took Marie several turns at the table to get comfortable. “Once I understood the game and I could ignore the look, everything fell into place.

I love the game.”

“Ever since I went to my first casino when I was 21 craps has fascinated me,” she said. “I have no interest in any other game. I did try just about all of them and all I have to say is they didn’t appeal to me at all. Craps was and is my game.”

And how do the men react to her? “Nowadays I don’t find many who get upset with me at the table. Maybe some of the older guys when I was a kid, but that generation is just about gone. I cheer with everyone and moan and have a great time. I am not married so I go to the casinos with my girlfriends, all of them slot players. We go a couple of times a month for a couple of days on each trip. I unwind and have loads of fun.”

How does Amy bet? “Oh, I am a wild one after a few drinks. I go for some of those proposition bets in the middle of the table. I don’t bet as much on those as I do on the Pass Line or my Place

What is Marie’s style of play? “I generally only bet the Pass Line with odds, and two Come bets with odds. I am conservative except—I am almost

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

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

37

PLAYER STRATEGY

GOLF: Tips to Shake the Shanks Who in their golfing career has not hit the occasional shank? When you shank a ball, one of two things is going to happen next; you will either be able to ignore the fact that you just ‘hosel rocketed’ a ball and get back on track to hit good golf shots, or you will be unable to overcome what just happened continue shanking the ball. The later scenario is commonly referred to as “The Shanks.”

Some golfers can immediately overcome a shanked shot and not let it affect their game. I played college golf at Methodist University and a good friend of mine would shank one shot almost every day. The shank would always occur on the range and would never affect her on the golf course. For the record, she was a 4-time Division III National Champion and ranked #1 in the country for 2 years! But, most people are not so lucky.

What is a shank?

A shank occurs when the hosel of the golf club strikes the ball. Since the hosel is round, a shank may fly off in any direction. The most common result is a shot that flies low and sideways. (To the right for right-handed golfers. Left for lefthanded golfers.)

What causes a shank?

A shank is caused by the club head moving further from the body in the golf swing than it was at address. If you slice the ball, you have a much greater chance of hitting a shank than someone that draws the ball. This is because a slice is caused the an over-the-top swing path (one in which the club head is further away from your body at a point in your downswing just prior to impact than is necessary) with an open clubface. Any time you are striking the ball with an open clubface you are effectively moving the hosel closer to the ball than it would be with a square clubface.

• Here are some common causes of the shank: • Arms too close to body at address.

• Standing too tall at address.

• Shaft is too upright.

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

by

COLBY WOLLITZ

• Weight is not evenly distributed (from heel to toe) at address.

• Weight shifts towards toes during downswing.

• Over the top swing path with an open clubface.

How do you cure the shanks?

It is extremely important to pinpoint which of the above factors is causing you to shank the ball. As with most mistakes in the golf swing, trying to guess what you are doing wrong and attempting to “fix” your problem with the wrong solution will ultimately lead to a long recovery.

I recommend first using a mirror to see if any of the below causes and cures applies to you. If you cannot diagnose your own problem, consult with your local PGA Professional.

Colby is a member of the PGA of America is a lead instructor at The Golf Academy in Louisville, Kentucky. He believes there is no perfect golf swing, only a series of acceptable positions that WILL change from player to player. For more information, visit thegolfacademypr.com

Causes and Cures Arms too close to body at address- At address your arms should be hanging from your shoulders and reaching slightly toward the ball. Be sure that your arms are not hanging straight down to the ground or inside your shoulder line.

Standing too tall at address- Standing too tall at address will cause you to go down after the ball to achieve more power, which will also result in the club head moving further from the body at impact than it was at address. The easiest way to ensure that you are bending properly from the waist at address is as follows: Start with your feet shoulder width apart with slightly flexed knees. Place your hands on the top of each thigh with your arms straight. Bend at the waist with a straight spine (feel like your raising your tailbone to the sky) sliding your hands down your thighs until your fingertips touch the tops of your knees.

Shaft is too upright- If at setup your shaft is pointed above your belt line then it is too upright.

This position causes the hands and arms to be rigid and tense. Furthermore, the more upright the shaft is, the closer you move the hosel to the golf ball. Use a mirror to make sure that your shaft point near your belt buckle in your set-up.

“A SHANK OCCURS WHEN THE HOSEL OF THE GOLF CLUB STRIKES THE BALL.” FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

PHIL HELLMUTH JR.

Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a 13time World Series of Poker Champion, leading all other poker players in the world.

He is the author of two New York Times 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.

“SOMEONE WHO USES THIS THEORY WELL CAN ACCUMULATE A LOT OF CHIP VERY QUICKLY!”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT SOUTHERNGAMING.COM

POKER: Playing with Nothing Some great NLH players like to call an opponent’s raise with any two cards, because they think they can outplay the raiser later on in the hand. I will single out Daniel Negreanu as a player who uses this strategy. (Sorry Danny.) In many NLH tournaments I have watched Daniel apply this strategy, knowing full well what he is doing! The key to the strategy lies in recognizing who the preflop raiser is. If the preflop raiser is a weak player (if you are new to the game, it is more fair to call you “inexperienced” than “weak”), look out for Daniel, because he will be coming at you!

Many weaker or inexperienced players do not know how to bet or how to disguise their actions when they hit or miss the flop. They may, for example, jump out of their seats or bet in a very confident manner when they hit a flop. Conversely, they may telegraph their actions when they miss the f lop, by betting with doubt or uncertainty written all over their faces. If they do hit, then Daniel folds (unless one of the “goofball” 6-8 off-suit hands of his actually hits). If they miss their hand, then Daniel bluffs them out and wins the pot. Of course, Daniel occasionally hurts his opponents or himself in a big pot when he and his opponent hit the flop.

Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott’s Theory of NLH The Devilfish is a great PLH and NLH player from Hull, in the United Kingdom. He has won PLH and NLH titles in the United States and Europe. Devilfish thrives on coming into a pot raising with almost anything before the flop. He may raise with 4-7 off-suit or 2-5 off-suit. He will almost always bet out at you on the flop, whether he misses the flop or hits it. This gives all the others a chance to fold their hand and gives Devilfish his second chance to win the pot with a bet or raise. (His first chance was before the flop with a raise.) He is very good at reading players, and that is one thing that all tough NLH strategies have in common. They all consider reading the other players well an essential ingredient.

I DON’T LIKE TO PUT A LOT OF PRESSURE ON MYSELF TO “READ” MY OPPONENTS.

I give Daniel Negreanu and Huck Seed a lot of credit for being able to use this strategy successfully. Of course, if you ever travel the poker-tournament trails, you will see other top players, such as Layne Flack, Ted Forrest, Men Nguyen and Amir Vahedi, using this dangerous strategy to good effect. But it is a bit too risky for my taste; I just don’t like to always put a lot of pressure on myself to “read” my opponents and then fold my hands after I hit them on the flop. (Hitting a flop and then folding your hand because you read your opponent as being strong is a hard thing to do.) But someone who uses this theory well can accumulate a lot of chips very quickly!

If you do hit something and call Devilfish on the flop, then the pot has only just begun.

If he thinks you will fold your hand before risking a big bet on fourth street, then he will bet big on fourth street, trying to bluff you. If he feels you will fold your hand for an all-in bet, then he will risk his whole tournament and bet it all. Likewise, he will bet all your chips when he feels he has the best hand.

This constant power-play pressure is also used by Men “The Master” Nguyen, Erik Seidel, Layne Flack, John Bonetti and many other successful NLH tournament players. I used to use this approach myself, but once my opponents took calling me down consistently, I began showing them only big hands. If they are going to call you, be ready to bust them.

If Devilfish wins a few pots before the flop, a few pots on the flop and a few pots on the end with a bluff, he will be way ahead of the game.

This is a good theory of NLH play, but if used wrongly it can be disastrous for the player who is applying it. You can bluff at the wrong times and lose a lot of chips quickly. As with the good NLH theories, if you use this one well you will accumulate a lot of chips quickly, but if you use it badly you will cough them up just as quickly.

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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S L O T S P O T L IGH T:

A

A F IC ION A D O ’ S N E E D T O A P PLY

re you a slot aficionado? If so, you need to continue reading this column.

board games. Two of the most popular slot machines in history are Monopoly and Wheel of Fortune.

Let’s start by understanding what the word ‘aficionado’ actually means. The definition per the highly acclaimed MerriamWebster Dictionary is ‘a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity.” A person can be a movie aficionado, a food aficionado or even a wine aficionado. One of my favorite magazines is called Cigar Aficionado published for cigar enthusiasts.

And, if you are reading this magazine, you are probably a casino aficionado.

W hen it comes to designing and manufacturing these machines, slot developers turn to aficionado’s like you to give them feedback on what you like, and don’t like, before they go into full scale production.

According to reliable sources, approximately seventy percent of casino gamers enjoy playing slot machines and slot revenue for casinos accounts for nearly the same percentage. Just take a look around the next casino you visit and notice the amount of floor space dedicated to the machines. You will find machines with the basic three reels, machines with amazing graphics and touch screens and even machines dedicated to popular movies, television shows, game shows and 40

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

So, are you a slot aficionado? If so, your time has come to voice your opinion, and get rewarded for it too! One of the largest slot manufacturers in the world, IGT, is looking for your input about everything from colors and sounds to design and

reward levels, and is giving away great prizes to join their Player Advisory Team. Plus, you will get the first look at some of their games that are currently in production!

What’s in it for you? A lot! Go to PlayerAdvisoryTeam.com today to join the conversation and you will be eligible for 1 of 75 $200 cash prizes as well as the grand prize of the Ultimate Casino Getaway that includes three nights at the casino of your choice, food and $500 of spending money!

Good luck and be sure to join the Player Advisory Team today!

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© 2016 IGT. The trademarks used herein are owned by IGT or its affiliates, may not be used without permission, and where indicated with a ®, are registered in the U.S. IGT is committed to socially responsible gaming.

Our business solutions empower customers to choose parameters and practices that become the foundation of their Responsible Gaming programs.

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

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| 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 Chef Jesse in action at Wind Creek Casino.

(Atmore, AL)

INDOOR

506 1,131

•

494

•

840

•

•

•

INDOOR

•

INDOOR INDOOR

•

OUTDOOR

•

INDOOR

150

•

OUTDOOR

102

•

395

•

531

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

•

BOTH

The Smoke Free Slot Area at Indiana Grand Racing Casino. (Shelbyville, IN)

WATER PARK 500

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

571

•

•

•

BOTH

492

•

•

OUTDOOR

1,740

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

291

•

•

•

LAZY RIVER

1,088

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

300

Boogie Nights Dance Club at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

OUTDOOR

129

250

•

•

OUTDOOR

481

•

•

OUTDOOR

Players competing at a TournEvent of Champions Event. (Info on page 16) G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

43

FUTURE ODDS FIND YOUR EDGE…PLACE YOUR BET!

Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up to the minutes odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com

2016 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP – JUNE 2, 2016 (SEVEN GAME SERIES) Team May 2016 Golden State Warriors 1/2

March 2016 January 2016 4/5 5/1

Cleveland Cavaliers

4/1

Oklahoma Thunder

20/1

12/1 8/1

50/1

40/1 30/1

San Antonio Spurs

Los Angeles Clippers Toronto Raptors

4/1

3/1 3/1

40/1

*All others 75/1 or higher.

3/1 3/1

30/1 10/1

**Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

2016 WORLD SERIES – OCTOBER 2016 (SEVEN GAME SERIES) Team Chicago Cubs

San Francisco Giants New York Mets

May 2016 9/2

March 2016 7/1

January 2016 10/1

10/1

14/1

10/1

8/1

10/1

20/1

Kansas City Royals

12/1

Over 25/1

Los Angeles Dodgers

14/1

16/1

16/1

12/1

12/1

Texas Rangers

20/1

15/1

12/1

St. Louis Cardinals

22/1

18/1

12/1

Detroit Tigers

20/1

Boston Red Sox

14/1

Toronto Blue Jays

16/1

Washington Nationals

16/1

Houston Astros

New York Yankees

Cleveland Indiana

Pittsburgh Pirates

20/1

20/1 25/1

*All others higher than 25/1

8/1

18/1

18/1

10/1

15/1 16/1

Over 25/1

Over 25/1 18/1

**Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

8/1

10/1

16/1

12/1

2016 U.S. OPEN – JUNE 16-19, 2016 OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB (PLUM, PENNSYLVANIA) Player Jordan Spieth Rory McIlroy Jason Day Bubba Watson Dustin Johnson Rickie Fowler Justin Rose Adam Scott Danny Willett Henrik Stenson Hideki Matsuyama Phil Mickelson

May 2016 15/2 8/1 9/1 28/1 18/1 20/1 20/1 22/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 35/1

*All others higher than 35/1. **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

2016 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP Driver Jimmie Johnson Kevin Harvick Kyle Busch Joey Logano Brad Keselowski Carl Edwards Matt Kenseth Denny Hamlin Kurt Busch Dale Earnhardt Jr. Martin Truex Jr.

May 2016 5/1 5/1 5/1 6/1 9/1 10/1 10/1 12/1 14/1 15/1 18/1

*All others 30/1 or higher. **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

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

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777 RISING STAR DRIVE • RISING SUN, INDIANA 47040 • 800.472.6311 • RISINGSTARCASINO.COM *Within the state of Indiana. **Based on availabilty. Must be 21 years of age or older. For help with a gambling problem, call 800.994.8448. ©2016 Rising Star Casino Resort. All Rights Reserved.

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