When you visit Coastal Mississippi, the good times roll and roll and roll. With 12 casinos, 24-hour gaming, nonstop entertainment and the perfect spots to wine and dine, you’ll never run out of ways to experience what Coastal Mississippi has to offer. Our many casinos boast an array of table games, slots on slots, delicious cuisine, relaxing spas, top-notch boutiques and glimmering pools.
Some ads prepared by Coastal Mississippi using Federal funds under award 04-79-07589 from the EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EDA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Gaming Media Group Incorporated
The poker and gambling world recently lost a titan of the industry. Doyle Brunson, also known as “Texas Dolly” passed away on May 14 at the age of 90. Playing poker professionally for over 50 years and perfecting the art of all gambling most of his life, Brunson was an icon of the industry and has earned many accolades, including 2 World Series of Poker Main Event Championships and 10 WSOP bracelets over his career, second only to Phil Hellmuth’s 17 bracelets. Brunson was also the first professional to accumulate $1 million in tournament winnings and has been enshrined in the poker Hall of Fame. From the dark and questionable cardrooms of Texas back in the 60s and 70s to the current lavish Las Vegas style million dollar buy in tournaments, he has conquered many in the poker world on the tables and off with wild prop bets and aggressive play. We had the opportunity to interview him back in 2009 when he came out with one of his books. He was a gentleman to speak with, and we are excited to re-publish the interview in honor of his career. I hope you enjoy the flashback tribute on page 6 and get a chance to check out some of his books including his autobiography and industry changing Super System strategy books. Also in this issue, we are excited to explore all the great opportunities for fun in the sun at our favorite casino properties throughout the region. Whether you are looking for lavish, resort, style pools, or nature trails to get your steps in, we are excited to offer some of our favorite suggestions for outdoor amenities.
Lastly, the football season is right around the corner. Be sure to check out some betting tips and tricks for the upcoming season to sharpen your game and get you ready to wager. Whether you are playing money lines, spreads or over/unders, bet with your head and not your heart, use some strategy and common sense and hopefully you should win more and lose less. We also highlight a few of our favorite sports books around the region to watch and wager on your favorite teams. Check them out and let us know what you think! Good luck this season!
I hope the rest of your summer is great and your gambling adventures are profitable. Be sure to check out GamingandDestinations.com for more great tips, strategies and articles about casinos and gambling trends around the region. Also consider subscribing to our printed magazine. You will receive 6-issues throughout the year mailed to you as well as special offers from our casino partners throughout the year, all for just $20. Spread the word!
As always… if you can’t be good… be lucky!
G. Douglas Dreisbach President and Publisher
PUBLISHER
Gaming Media Group Inc.
Gaming Media Group Incorporate d
PRESIDENT
G. Douglas Dreisbach
FOUNDING PUBLISHER
Larry Bisig
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Hill Harcourt
GAMING AND DESTINATIONS
136 St. Matthews Ave. #300
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 212-5177
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 2023 by Gaming Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. This publication is printed by LSC Communications., Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.
Opinions of columnists are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor does Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gaming and Destinations, 136 St. Matthews Ave. #300 Louisville, KY 40207
ON THE COVER: Doyle Brunson recently passed away at the age of 90. He was an icon of the industry.
(Photo courtesy of LVCVA Archive)
One of the most influential individuals to ever play the game of poker recently passed leaving behind decades of stories, wagers and strategy for players to utilize forever.
G et the scoop on what’s happening at our preferred properties around the region
T he Summer heat is here and we have the sure bets when it comes time to stay cool at our favorite casinos around the region.
A s we eagerly await the football season to k ick-off, enjoy a few wagering tips and strategies to keep in mind as well as where to watch and wager on your favorite teams.
T he up’s and down’s in horseracing can be brutal. Keep things in p erspective with tips from Eric Floyd
Consider a betting strategy that some consider an edge over the casino.
Future odds of major sporting events. Find the edge and make your play!
(Coastal Mississippi) As the website says, “When you visit The Secret Coast, you will be met with warm welcomes and 62 miles of shoreline dotted by unique coastal communities.” This is a perfect description of the Southern destination loaded with casinos, great golf, restaurants and more. Get more information about the area and other events and entertainment at GulfCoast.org.
(Vicksburg, MS) Ameristar Casino Hotel - Ameristar is committed to creating a magical experience for every guest, and that goes for their room rates too. In addition to AARP, AAA and other discounts, the property also honors a “Best Rate Guarantee” that ensures you will get the best possible rate when you book your room and if happen to find a lower rate within 24 hours of making your reservation, they will happily match the rate. Plus, don’t miss great live music weekly in the Bottleneck Blues Bar with a seating capacity of 300 and regularly hosts great rock, blues, country and bands.
For reservations and more information, call 1-601-630-3786 visit AmeristarVicksburg.com.
(Tunica, MS) Hollywood Casino Tunica – Get a taste of the glitz and glamor of the stars at Hollywood Casino Tunica. After checking out the amazing collection of memorabilia around the property, guests can enjoy the award-winning Fairbanks Steakhouse for one of the best dining experiences in the region and then stay in a 5-story tower overlooking the casino floor or the 8-story tower next to the largest indoor pool in Tunica. When it’s time for casino action, Hollywood Tunica has you covered with over 1,000 slots, almost twenty table games and a sportsbook to get in on the action for the biggest games.
For more information, call 1-800-871-0711 or visit HollywoodCasinoTunica.com.
(Philadelphia, MS) Pearl River Resort: Silver Star & Golden Moon Hotels & Casinos
– Located just over an hour from Jackson, Mississippi, is a casino resort that will give you all you want, and more! Pearl River boasts two of the premier gaming experiences in the South with Silver Star and Golden Moon. Together they offer ten dining options, a spa, pools, a water park and of course, great gaming action. The resort is also home to two of the best golf courses in the country, with The Oaks and The Azaleas located at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. The property is regularly bringing in top entertainment as well, including Buddy Guy: The Damn Right Farewell Tour (September 2) so keep an eye out on the website for more announcements. For more information, call 1-866-447-3275 or visit PearlRiverResort.com.
(West Memphis, AR) Southland Casino Hotel – Boasting the newest hotel in the South, Southland is the place to be when you are ready to play, and stay, in luxury. From the enormous gaming floor to the eight dining options ranging from the elegant Ignite Steakhouse to the ultimate buffet experience at The Kitchens, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Southland. Also be sure to check out the live entertainment at the Charred Oak Bourbon Bar where you can sip the finest spirits and wines while taking in some tunes. For more information call 1-800-467-6182 or visit SouthlandCasino.com.
(Hot Springs, AR) Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort - Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort has a storied history as one of the premier Thoroughbred racetracks in the country since 1904, and now being home to a $100 million expansion featuring a luxury hotel loaded with great dining options, various bars and lounges, a luxurious spa, a full casino and a sports betting mecca at the Oaklawn Sportsbook at The Sports Tavern. Oaklawn is also home to top entertainment including Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder (July 14), The Four Tops (August 25), Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (September 10), The Beach Boys (October 1) and many more. For information and reservations, call 1-800-625-5296 or visit Oaklawn.com.
(Mount Pleasant, MI) Soaring Eagle Casino Resort – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is the ultimate place to have a winning time; and with good reason, as it is home to Michigan’s largest gaming floor. Whether you love playing for triple sevens or putting on a mean poker face, you can really win big with one of the largest collections of slot machines and table games in the whole State of Michigan. Also don’t miss top entertainment with Carrie Underwood (August 24), James Taylor (August 26) and Wheel of Fortune Live (November 24). Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is YOUR GETAWAY. REIMAGINED. For information and reservations, call 1-877-232-4532 or visit SoaringEagleCasino.com.
(Bowler, WI) North Star Mohican Casino Resort – As if you ever needed a reason for a gambling getaway, North Star certainly has plenty of them to ensure your stay is great from the second you step in the lobby. Guests enjoy great gambling with over 1,200 machines, plenty of table games including blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Craps and more. Also, book a room in their luxurious contemporary hotel or the 57-site RV Park with 20-30-and 50-amp service, pull thru sites, picnic table area and pet friendly. Also check out top entertainment and events at North Star including Three Dog Night (July 14). For more information and reservations, call 1-800-952-0195 or visit NorthStarCasinoResort.com.
Celebrity Cruises - Discover the first and only Relaxed LuxurySM resorts at sea to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and more with Celebrity Cruises. Offering ports of departure across a variety of destinations, cruisers should be able to find a convenient destination to start your vacation. There are always special offers and packages to take advantage of at CelebrityCruises.com. Check it out and start your luxury vacation today!
On May 14, 2023, we lost one of the biggest icons of the poker and gambling world. Doyle Brunson, the Godfather of poker, better known as “Texas Dolly,” passed away at the age of 90. Doyle Brunson, a two-time World Series of Poker Main Event champion and ten-time winner of other WSOP events, was a Texas native and worked the poker scene for years for running with some of the biggest names in the business including Benny and Jack Binion, Johnny Moss and other gambling greats. He was also a Poker Hall of Fame inductee, the author of many instructional books about poker and gambling, including his famous Super System series that was considered the poker
bible by many and overall, a great individual that will be missed by many, but certainly not forgotten.
We had the opportunity to interview the poker legend back in 2009 about his autobiography The Godfather of Poker and felt it was appropriate to share it with everyone in this issue.
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In the world of poker, there has been one legendary icon who has served as its ambassador and one of the most respected players in history … that icon is Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson. Brunson, now 75, is the Babe Ruth of poker and virtually perfected Texas Hold ’em and the art of gambling. Brunson recently came out with
his autobiography, The Godfather of Poker: The Doyle Brunson Story, which gives readers a look into the life of a gambler and highlights reallife stories that show the dangers of the life of an old-time gambler. We recently caught up with Brunson to discuss the new book, a bit of his past and what lies ahead.
Southern Gaming: What do you think about the image poker players have today serving somewhat as celebrities?
Doyle Brunson: No one ever thought poker would be where it is today. It’s flattering that we get so much attention, but I don’t think it’s deserved. I think today’s players are just lucky they came along when they
did and should appreciate what we did 40 or 50 years ago to keep poker going.
SG: When you were playing cards in west Texas, it was a rough environment. The games were raided by police and robbers, and you mentioned that you saw players shot at the same table you were at or nearby. What do you think about the advancements in poker, and is there anything you miss about the old days?
DB: I personally liked the old days better because there were more cash games. People put their money on the table to gamble. I just don’t care for the tournaments because you get so many non-players that win tournaments who wouldn’t survive in a real poker atmosphere. I think the public gets the wrong idea about some of these guys who win tournaments. Most of them can’t make a living playing poker.
SG: Do you feel Internet players have an advantage over live tournament and cash game players?
DB: Online players just punch numbers into a computer and instantly get the true odds of the hand they are playing. I spent hours and years determining what the real price was on different hands verses other hands. The Internet has developed a lot of players, and it still does. These kids are pretty darn good until they come off the Internet. Once they do, most of them don’t fair too well in a live environment.
SG: Why do you think that is?
DB: Poker is about the people more than it is the cards. You have to be able to decide what to do at different times. On the Internet, you don’t know your opponent, and you never see him, so you have to determine
his betting patterns and go off of that.
SG: You were one of the first professional poker players who published a book about poker. Your first book, Doyle Brunson’s Super System, broke the barrier of revealing an insider’s tips and strategies of not only poker, but gambling in general. Do you feel like you launched the revolution of educating gamblers on how to play better?
DB: My book was the first real poker book ever put out there, so it made a lot of players angry. But it also gave away a lot of secrets and made some
players better and some players bad. So, it really worked both ways. Then, they started playing different games that weren’t in the original Super System, and some games that were in the original Super System weren’t being played anymore, so we updated it and took out draw poker and 5-card stud. We actually recently updated it again.
SG: What drove you to come out with a book about your life?
DB: I started the book five years ago and stopped it six different times simply because I didn’t want
it to come out. I’m a poker player. That’s what I do. I don’t think poker players should be celebrities. I’m not an entertainer or a comedian — I’m a poker player. Then, an old friend and college classmate of mine, Mike Cochran, persuaded me to do it. Every time I would quit, he would come beg me back into it, and finally he convinced me to finish it.
SG: What are some of the more interesting wagers or prop bets you have seen over the years?
DB: The ones I remember most are the weight bets back when we were heavy. We did that quite often, but usually they didn’t come to a conclusion because we would settle them before they were completed. One time I lost 100 pounds on a bet, and I got paid on a big bet on that one.
SG: You won two of your World Series Poker Championships with 10-2, and the hand is now known as the “Doyle Brunson.” Does this show that when it gets down to heads-up play, you can win with any two cards?
DB: The first time I won it, I made a bad read on a guy and he happened to have a better hand, but I drew out on him. The second time, it just happened. I had two pair on the turn, and he had two under pair. It was an accidental thing, but I happened to have the same hand again, and I made a full house again. But it is a bad hand and a sentimental hand that I tried playing for a while, but I learned pretty quickly not to.
SG: In reference to the biggest cash game in history simply known as “The Game,” you orchestrated an ongoing match between the biggest poker pros in the world against Texas billionaire Andy Beal. The game went on for years and the blinds got as high as $100,000 and $200,000. What can you share about the current situation of that game? Who came out ahead, and who had some of the larger wins?
DB: The Corporation (Doyle’s team of pros) came out ahead. I think probably my son Todd and Phil Ivey had the biggest wins. Andy was a very determined individual, and he is very talented. He has been a big success in everything he has ever
done. I just read that despite this economic depression, he managed to triple his net worth, which was already in the billions — so you can see what an amazing man he is. He is also one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. He just wanted to prove he could be the world’s best, and that’s just something you don’t do overnight. He kept getting better, all the while going against the best players in the world. So, we did beat him, but it was a tough battle, and he was a worthy opponent.
Sports team: Dallas Cowboys
Sport to bet: NCAA basketball
Place to visit: Budapest, Hungary
Hobbies: Used to be golf, but now it’s swimming
Car: Escalade
Starting hand: Two aces and then two kings
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The heat of the summer is here, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Sometimes, the perfect quick getaway for fun in the sun is right around the corner at your favorite casino! Whether you are looking for a resort-style pool experience with a private cabana and boat drinks whenever you please, or prefer getting your steps in on hiking trails and more recreational opportunities, we’ve got you covered.
We are excited to highlight a few of our favorite properties to find outdoor amenities to fill your days with fun and excitement until the sun goes down and you’re ready to hit the casino.
(PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI)
1-866-447-3275
PearlRiverResort.com
Pearl River Resort features two hotels, casinos, spas, sportsbooks, a golf club with two awardwinning courses, and one of the best outdoor water parks in the region with Geyser Falls Water Theme Park that spans 23 acres and includes 13 water slides, a six-story freefall speed slide, a gigantic wave pool, an
exotic lazy river, a four-lane racing slide, a children’s water playground and eight acres of water and white sand beaches. The park has recently had some major renovations adding an area for younger children called Lil’ Squirts splash pad that features custom tribal-inspired designs, including eight-point stars that represent the eight tribal communities of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
The resort also features a quieter and more intimate pool area for those wanting to relax in a more subdued outdoor area.
1-888-752-9772
ScarletPearlCasino.com
Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort continues to impress guests with great dining, an expansive casino floor, promotions and more. The fun continues outside with the Garden Oasis swimming pool and Lava Links Golf Club that makes this property a sure bet for outdoor fun.
Take a break from the action at the Garden Oasis swimming pool with a slow float or stretch out under the palms with an ice-cold cocktail. There is no better place to rejuvenate than this tropical paradise. To stretch your legs a bit, venture over to the Lava Links Golf Club featuring two 18-hole mini golf courses surrounded by lush gardens, refreshing waterfalls, entertaining music, and an erupting volcano, promise fun for the entire family.
1-866-355-7111 | LLakecharles.com
In addition to a great casino, resort amenities and a championship-style golf course, L’Auberge continues to pamper their guests outside with a heated pool, lazy river and lounging areas making this tropical oasis perfect for an ideal relaxing retreat. Swim up to the poolside bar at the lazy river and enjoy a frozen cocktail or head over to the serene adultsonly pool with luxury cabanas and full-bar service. There is no better way to waste away an afternoon than at the pool at L’Auberge.
they tend to fill up quickly. Each is equipped with two chaise lounges, a patio table with two chairs, a sofa, a flat screen television, a ceiling fan and more.
1-800-946-1946
ParagonCasinoResort.com
BATON ROUGE (LOUISIANA)
1-866-261-7777
LBatonRouge.com
Like its sister property in Lake Charles, L’Auberge Baton Rouge has all of the bells and whistles to give guests everything they want from great gaming and dining to an outdoor oasis to soak in the summer sun. The rooftop pool offers private cabanas, poolside services and majestic views of the Mississippi River. Be sure to book your cabana in advance as
Paragon Casino Resort takes pride in the fact that they offer guests the best in gaming, entertainment, golf and resort amenities, both indoors and out. When it comes to pools, Paragon has three of them! The indoor Quiz Quiz pool is open year-round, the outdoor Oasis Pool is open for the summer season for guests to relax by the water and escape the heat and features private cabanas featuring bottle service and more. The third option is a separate pool and splash pad area located at the RV Park located conveniently on property.
If you want to get your steps in and take in the beauty of the Louisiana nature scene, now is your chance. Take in the beauty of the TunicaBiloxi Nature Trail with a leisurely stroll along the one-mile treecovered boardwalk over the Coulee Des Grues waterway. The Nature
Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort (D’iberville, Mississippi – Gulf Coast) L’auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles (Louisiana) L’auberge Casino & Hotel - Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Paragon Casino Resort - (Marksville, Louisiana)Trail provides access to Paragon Casino Resort, the RV Resort and the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Education Resource Center, home of the TunicaBiloxi Museum.
1-800-625-5296 | Oaklawn.com
Hot Springs has always been a popular destination for leisure travelers and gamblers alike. Home to the historic, and recently renovated and expanded Oaklawn Park Racing and Gaming, the bar has certainly been raised and the property now offers resort-style relaxing, great gambling and more. The hotel offers an array of amenities including a rooftop pool with private cabanas, cocktails, and a tasty menu at your service. Guests can also relax in the Astral Spa where guests can engage in their senses while indulging in luxurious signature treatments. The spa services offer access to the full-service locker
rooms and lounges where you will find a peaceful space to quiet your mind before your treatments and relax after to feel renewed and rejuvenated.
Oaklawn is a great summer spot to stay and play with some of the best horseracing in the region, a full casino and great dining and is a sure stop on our Summer Gaming Getaway list!
1-715-787-3110
NorthStarCasinoResort.com
North Star Mohican Casino is one of the top casino destinations in the Midwest. In addition to a luxurious hotel featuring recently renovated rooms, delectable dining options and great entertainment nightly, rave reviews are plentiful from RV’ers who frequent The Mohican RV Park. The park offers 24/7 security and all of the everyday necessities you might have can be conveniently found at the on-property convenience store. There are 57 sites that have 50/30/20 amp service, water, sewer, fire rings and more.
1-800-682-6040
IslandResortandCasino.com
If you want the total resort experience this summer, look no further than Island Resort and Casino. Whether you’re looking for a round on one of their nationally acclaimed golf courses, exciting gaming action, worldclass entertainment, fun at the pool, or a rejuvenating massage, you will find it on the Island!
The property boasts a one-ofa-kind water park that offers an oasis of fun and will fill your day with a cool and relaxing experience. The Splash Island pool is an indoor oasis that features waterpark features and covers 14,010 square feet and has something for everyone. Race down two winding tube slides, one of which empties into the kid-friendly pool or enjoy an easy float around the lazy river as the
current takes you effortlessly around and around. There is also an adult only indoor pool saltwater pool that is part of the Drift Spa experience as well.
Speaking of relaxing, don’t miss the tranquility of the full-service Drift Spa with nature-based treatments and skilled therapists to help you relax, refresh and restore mind-body-synergy. Relax in the tranquility rooms, de-stress in the fitness center, and enjoy the adults-only indoor saltwater pool.
1-888-751-7804 | CelebrityCruises.com
When it comes to the premium summer getaway for gamers, look no further than Celebrity Cruises and their award-winning on and off board activities and amenities. Choose your favorite destinations including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and more from convenient ports
of call including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Boston just to name a few. One on board, embellish in the luxuries of their cruise ships, dine on world-class cuisine in elegant restaurants, watch thrilling shows in the stateof-the-art theater and melt your worries away in the indulgent spa. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the ocean from every corner of the ship while you embrace the opportunity to relax, recharge, and relish your time like no other vacation.Choose your favorite destinations including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and more from convenient ports of call including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Boston just to name a few. One on board, embellish in the luxuries of their cruise ships, dine on world-class cuisine in elegant restaurants, watch thrilling shows in the state-of-the-art theater and melt your worries away in the indulgent spa. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the ocean from every corner of the ship while you embrace the opportunity to relax, recharge, and relish your time like no other vacation.
Each year, millions of fans eagerly anticipate the start of the NFL season, as they follow their favorite teams and players on the journey towards the ultimate goal: the Super Bowl. In addition to cheering on your favorite team, wagering on them can really make things more interesting and potentially a lucrative endeavor if approached with the right strategy.
While there are no guarantees in sports betting, having a wellthought-out approach can help increase your chances of making informed decisions and maximizing
your profits. In this article, we highlight a few things to consider when you make your wagers this season including research, bankroll management, analyzing statistics, understanding odds, and exploiting betting markets.
One of the fundamental pillars of a successful football betting strategy is research and knowledge. Stay updated with the latest news and developments in the world of football, including team news, injuries, suspensions, and transfers. Familiarize yourself
with different leagues, teams, playing styles, and historical data. The more information you have, the better equipped you will be to make informed betting decisions.
Managing your bankroll is crucial in football betting. Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and betting more than you can afford to lose. It is recommended to allocate a certain percentage of your bankroll for each bet, usually between 1% to 5%. This helps protect your bankroll from significant losses and allows for better long-term sustainability.
Statistical analysis plays a vital role in football betting. Look beyond the surface-level statistics and delve into more advanced metrics to gain a deeper understanding of team performance. Consider factors such as team form, home and away records, head-to-head records, goalscoring patterns, defensive solidity, and performance against different types of opposition. Utilize reliable statistical sources and analytical tools to aid your decision-making process.
Understanding odds is crucial for any bettor. Odds represent the probability of an event occurring and the potential payout. Different bookmakers may offer slightly different odds, so compare prices to ensure you get the best value. Learn how to convert odds between different formats (decimal, fractional, and American) and understand implied probabilities. Identify value bets where the odds offered by the bookmaker are higher than the probability of the event occurring.
Football betting offers a wide range of markets beyond traditional match outcomes. Explore alternative
markets such as Asian handicaps, over/under goals, both teams to score, and player-specific markets. Different markets can provide opportunities for value bets, especially when bookmakers misprice certain outcomes. Additionally, consider in-play betting where you can take advantage of changing match dynamics and potentially find favorable odds.
Emotions can easily cloud judgment in betting. Avoid placing bets based on personal biases, team allegiances, or impulsive decisions. Bet with your head, not your heart. Stick to your strategy and avoid
chasing losses or making irrational decisions. Discipline and emotional control are key traits for successful long-term betting.
Remember, no strategy guarantees a hundred percent success in football betting. Sports outcomes are inherently unpredictable, and there is always a risk of losing bets. Focus on making well-informed decisions, utilizing statistical analysis, and managing your bankroll effectively. Adapt and refine your strategy based on your own experiences and learn from both wins and losses. Lastly, enjoy the process and view betting as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed source of income.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.
With sports wagering now legal in 37 states, there is a major race for casinos properties to provide bettors with sportsbooks that offer first-class service and a great place to watch and wager on their favorite teams. Here are some of our preferred sportsbooks to check out this season.
Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge
Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia, Mississippi)
Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge offers a perfect spot to watch and wager on your favorite teams. Enjoy 20 TV’s, 12 odds/ wager boards listing game spreads and scores, 3 wager stations and a full menu for food and drinks.
The End Zone Sportsbook
Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
The End Zone is the ultimate sports bar with an expansive draft beer selection, and a spectacular sports viewing space with more than 100 seats, 23 large screen TVs, and the area’s largest highdefinition television. For the best sports betting experience in Mississippi, head for The End Zone.
Draftkings Sportsbook
Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort (D’Iberville, Mississippi)
DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook offers the best sports betting experience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Watch your favorite games on 23 HD screens surrounding an astounding 144 square foot entertainment screen. Stay up-to-date on your favorite team all while playing your favorite video poker game and enjoying a bite to eat! Catch every NFL game on NFL Sunday Ticket.
Sportsbook at The Sports Tavern
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
(Hot Springs, Arkansas)
You can bet your favorite games and events at Oaklawn’s Sportsbook located in the Casino and the newly added Oaklawn Sportsbook at the Sports Tavern in the racing grandstand. Numerous betting options are offered including parlays, teasers, in-game betting, and prop bets. Enjoy all major worldwide sports with 300 wagering options per game including player receptions, touchdowns and yards for NFL and NCAA football games. Play parlays, future wagers, props and buy or sell up to 7 points for most games.
The Betly Sportsbook
Southland Casino Hotel
(West Memphis, Arkansas)
Southland Casino Hotel is known for superior gaming options, and sports betting is one of them. Don’t miss the chance to bet on all your favorite sports at the Betly Sportbook in the Sports Bar & Grill or at several conveniently located betting kiosks. You will find a great menu, dozens of TV’s and a gigantic 18-foot big screen to make you feel like you are in the game! Located less than ten minutes from Memphis, this is a great spot for sports!
Betfred Sportsbook in The Draft Room - Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville, Louisiana)
Sports betting is now available in Louisiana and Paragon Casino is one of the best spots in the South to watch and wager on your favorite teams. An 8,000 square-foot sports book allows guests to relax in comfortable lounge furniture, tables or at the bar. Place just about any sports bet you can imagine at a personal betting window or self-serve betting kiosks. Also check out the spacious VIP suites that are available to reserve and offers lounge seating
and personal big screen television that you control.
Ascend Sportsbook
Soaring Eagle Resort & Casino
(Mount Pleasant, Michigan)
Watch, wager and win at Ascend Sportsbook at Soaring Eagle where you will find multiple large video screens to keep up with all of the sports action and betting windows or self-serve betting kiosks to make wagering easy and quick. Kick back and enjoy a great menu of burgers, salads and more as well as a full bar with a variety of spirits, craft and domestic beers to fit your preference.
Action - A bet or wager.
Against the spread - The result of a game including the point spread.
Bad Beat - A bet that looks like the bettor is going to win but doesn’t.
Book (Sportsbook) - An place where someone can bet on the outcome of sporting events. Chalk - The favorite in a game.
Even (Even Money) - A $100 bet to win $100 . Handle - The total amount of money wagered on a game.
Handicapping - Researching sports statistics to pick winners.
Hedging - Betting opposite of a previous bet to guarantee winning at least a small amount of money.
Juice - A commission books win on each bet. Lock - A large favorite.
Moneyline bet - A bet made if a team will win or lose outright with no point spread. Parlay - A a bet that combines multiple games for a higher payout.
Pick’em - A game with no favorite or underdog. Point spread - Margin of victory set by oddsmakers to attract bets action on both the favorite and the underdog.
Proposition bets (prop) - A bet on anything that is not directly tied to the outcome of the game. For example, it can be the first team or the first player to score in a game.
Play on more than 2,300 slot machines, feel the felt of 50 live table games, bet big in the high-limit room or dine at one of our eight delicious restaurants or bars. Stay the night at our all-new high-rise and do it all again the next day.
Even though I am still a relatively young man, I have unceasingly wagered on thoroughbred horseracing for nearly three decades. Now to pull this sort of thing off, one must be blindly, desperately, irrationally, and unfailingly in love with the “Sport of Kings”. I say this because lifelong bettors like yours truly are keenly aware that thoroughbred horseracing is undoubtedly the most unforgiving game on Earth.
When I first started out, I truly believed that handicapping was a “cut and dry” discipline. That is to say, the light hadn’t gone on concerning the fact that I could perfectly decipher the Daily Racing Form and yet still taste defeat via a “bad trip” around the oval, a terrible ride by an apprentice jockey or a hoof injury that had gone undetected. The point I’m trying to make is, betting the ponies inevitably involves swallowing a tough beat from time to time. Accordingly, owning a knack to persevere psychologically is worth just as much (if not more) than the ability to correctly interpret past performance lines.
For me personally, losing a chunk of change on a marquee race like the Kentucky Derby is the equivalent of brushing against the “brass ring” as I crash down headfirst into the mire. It literally takes a few days until I get the feeling back in my extremities and even then, I’ll obsessively lament over where I went wrong and how I could have possibly overlooked those “obvious” attributes that were attached to the winner. Alas, this inability to “let go” has often compromised my confidence going forward. Hence, here are some practical precepts that I try to cling to whenever I get ruthlessly KO’d by the “Sport of Kings”. (My sincere hope is that the following proverbs will help preserve your sanity as well!)
There is always another “big” race right around the corner - Horseracing’s yearly calendar is chock full of prestigious competitions and therefore a chance at redemption is always just on the horizon. This reality is especially true for those who fall short on the “First Saturday in May” (Kentucky Derby day) given that the Preakness Stakes (the Triple Crown Series’ middle jewel) transpires just two weeks after the “Run for the Roses”!
One gigantic score can instantly erase a lifetime of frustration - I’m not going to lie.
My lifetime ledger when it comes to betting on the races reflects a negative balance. This is why, regardless of the listed odds, I always bet a $1 Exacta Box 2/8 and a 50 cent Trifecta Box 1/2/8 ($5 total) on every “classic” domestic horserace. See, I’m positive that someday when I least expect it, my lucky numbers will come in at extraordinary odds. As a result, every bitter disappointment that I’ve ever endured courtesy of the turf will be effectively offset. (Plus, I’ll also be able to buy a regally bred equine at Keenland’s world renowned September Yearling Sale!)
Keep things in perspective - Nobody loves horseracing more than I do however I’ll be the first to admit that there are certainly greater tragedies in the world than losing a c-note on the Kentucky Derby. After all, if you have your health, a roof over your head and enough food, you’re doing better than a lot of people! Equally, I often tell myself, “Even if you had won a grand, would that really change your life?”
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson - This is certainly a cliché, but man if it isn’t true! Consequently, when you tap out on a notable horserace, don’t just go and pout in a corner somewhere. Instead, watch the race replay and then review the Daily Racing Form one final time. You may just notice that your pick simply had a bad trip and thus deserves to be bet again next time out. (Plus, you’ll likely get a better price than before on said beast when he or she resurfaces for their subsequent start!) What’s more, I can’t tell you how many new “angles” I have added to my handicapping arsenal simply because I went back and reread the Daily Racing Form following a loss.
As a final theme, I want to make it clear that even though the aforementioned axioms undoubtedly retain value, losing still stings no matter which way you slice it. (I’ll even dare say that when it comes to thoroughbred horseracing, the “lows” of losing seem to carry more weight than those “highs” that accompany winning.) At any rate, I would unquestionably advise investors at every level to develop some type of strategy that can combat the absolute dejection that goes hand in hand with a heartbreaking defeat. That’s because at some point, every horse player (no matter how astute) will discover that while it really stinks, “picking up the pieces” is simply part of the game.
by ERIC FLOYD“BETTING POOLS IN THESE RACES CAN HANDLE A SIZABLE BET WITH NO ADVERSE EFFECT ON YOUR PAYOUT”
am an advocate of regressive betting as a means of securing wins and avoiding losses. A typical regression play, called the $110 one-hitand-down, would go like this:
The shooter has established his point. You place $110 inside; that’s $25 on the 5 and 9, $30 on the 6 and 8. The shooter has 18 ways to hit these four numbers. If he does, the payoff is $35 on the first hit. Once that hit takes place, you lower your bet to $22 across, securing a profit of $13. Now, the rest of this shooter’s roll is pure profit.
The thinking here is that the player has a 50-percent chance of winning this wager on any given roll as there are 36 possible combinations of which the “one-hit-and-down” bettor has 18 of them favoring him. How long would you leave your $110 at risk is totally up to you as some like to let it ride until it hits or loses to the 7, and others will give themselves a few shots at it before pulling it back.
In a random game of craps, where the 7 is always a 1 in 6 probability, the house edge is a fixed mark, in the case of placing the “inside numbers” of 5, 6, 8, and 9, that mark is about 2.6 percent. What that means is that the player making the “inside numbers” bet will lose 2.6 percent of all the money he wagers – in the long run. If on one bet he has $110 at risk and on other bets he only has $22 at risk, the house edge is working on some average amount between the two extremes.
Of course, when regression betting is working to perfection (meaning it’s violating the probability gods) and an inside number is hit early and often on shooter after shooter; it is a guaranteed one-roll win per shooter. But when the 7 shows before an inside number, the loss is brutal. Once you’ve lost the $110, if you continue to regress on future shooters as you planned will take approximately 10 shooters in a row to get past that first hit or one shooter to have a monster roll as you collect on your $22 across in $7 increments. Yeow!
How often will you be wiped off the board before an inside number can be hit? You’ll win 18 times on your numbers, lose six times on that abominable 7. That means you’ll win 3 times for a win of $35 + $35 +$35 = $105; then you’ll
lose once for a loss of $110. You’re $5 in the hole. You’ll have the same effects once you regress down to $22 across. You’ll win $7 + $7 +$7 = $21 but you’ll lose the fourth bet for $22. You’ll be down $1.
The math of craps is annoying because it won’t go away; it’s implacable, like a dreaded in-law. While regression betting does reduce the house’s take on your money, it does so because you are betting less, not because you have come up with a way to beat the game or reduce the house edge.
Still, 75 percent of the time using the above regression will result in being ahead of the game on a particular shooter. If you come to a casino and jump out ahead on the first few shooters, you’re now in the catbird’s seat. You might even consider changing your attack to stop going up on that $110 inside and instead continue with $22 inside on subsequent shooters.
Not all regressions are as drastic as the $110 and down that I’ve just explained. You could, for example, put $44 inside and when it hits once, go to a six dollar 6 and 8. A single hit on $44 inside would see you win $14. Now with just $12 at risk on the 6 and 8, you are ahead $2. Again such a betting strategy cannot turn a negative into a positive; the house has its damnable edge on each and every bet you make in a random game betting those inside numbers.
Do I enjoy regression betting? No, I do not. As a general rule, once I’ve gone with a shooter (after assiduously applying the 5-Count), I’m usually on that shooter come hell or high water. (Is high water considered good in this expression?) I prefer to take the risk to go for the bigger win by keeping my initial bets at their initial levels. But in math terms, against random rollers, I am giving the house a better whack at me than had I regressed.
Regression betting has its advocates and its opponents. Some people swear by it; some swear at it. In the final analysis, against random shooters, you’re betting less; against controlled shooters, you might be getting in for some significant hits before coming down. If you like this as an idea, try it out on your next casino trip and see if you like it as much in reality.
by FRANK SCOBLETE
AS A GENERAL RULE, ONCE I’VE GONE WITH A SHOOTER (AFTER APPLYING THE 5-COUNT), I’M USUALLY ON THAT SHOOTER COME HELL OR HIGH WATER.
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