Southern Gaming and Destinations - 2019 Casino Dining Guide

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER - VOL. 21 ISSUE 5

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CASINO DINING GUIDE

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! RACHAEL RAY & OTHER TOP TV CHEFS PAGE 12 PLUS: TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • VIDEO POKER & MORE! Covering Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Florida, Alabama and the entire South!!

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LETTER

from the Publisher Gaming Media Group

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

Incorporated

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc.

Gaming Media Group

PRESIDENT

Incorporated

G. Douglas Dreisbach FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Larry Bisig

What a great time of the year. As the summer winds down, and fall starts to settle in, we can reminisce on the memories of the past season and start planning to make new ones. While casinos love to host guests at their lavish pools and on their plush golf courses, the focus now begins to shift to indoor amenities and ways to entertain on the inside of the properties. Whether it is seeing a concert in a showroom, relaxing in a spa or enjoying the plethora of dining options you’ll find at most premium properties, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained both on the casino floor and off. So, put away the swimsuits and beach gear and get ready for the fall foliage, football and of course, food!

This issue is always fun because we get to explore the culinary offerings of some of our ‘Preferred Properties’ from around the region in our annual Casino Dining Guide. This year, we share some of our favorite fine dining restaurants, quick and casual options and bountiful buffets. At these restaurants, you will find impeccable service and mouthwatering offerings that will rival the best restaurants anywhere. We hope you enjoy our suggestions on page 6 and get to try a few of them out. Bon Appetit!

To continue with the theme of our annual dining guide, we are also excited to highlight some of our favorite cooking shows, and chefs with sizzle. When it comes to cooking, we are all in and when it comes to watching cooking shows, look no further than these chef superstars to sharpen your skills in the kitchen. On page 12, you will find some of our favorite chefs and their shows ranging from Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals to Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-in and Dives. These shows are fun to watch and offer some great tips, tricks and techniques to try out at home.

This issue also pays tribute to the finalists in our recent Casino Chef Showdown. This annual online recipe contest is always exciting and the recipes these chefs enter every year shows just how talented they are and why you should visit their restaurants on your next casino visit. On page 16, we highlight our top finishers including our winner and this year’s Culinary King of the Casino, Chef Greg Hargrow from Sam’s Town Casino Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. Congrats to all the contestants and to Chef Greg on a job well done!

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Hill Harcourt CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Linda Boyd Eric Floyd John Grochowski Jennifer Prince Frank Scoblete 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

Are you connected with G&D? Sign-up for our emails today and win big! We are excited to announce TWO new email programs you won’t want to miss! One is an all-new casino coupon program that will kick-off in November. This will replace our previous coupon program, The Comps Club, and will allow us to offer coupons on a more timely basis with more specific offers to casinos close to you. The other program will be the Weekend Warrior Betting Guide, a weekly email highlighting sports betting opportunities and recommendations from experts throughout the country. The emails will also feature special offers and promotions at various sportsbooks throughout the region. Sign up for free today at GamingandDestinations.com and you’ll be ready to go!

Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright

Enjoy the issue and remember…if you can’t be good…be lucky!

reflect the views of the publisher, nor

2019 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 does Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers.

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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER

HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS

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12 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

24 Dining Destination:

Rachael Ray & Top Television Chefs

26 Casino Directory:

FEATURE ARTICLES

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Two Great Tastes in Tunica

Our preferred properties and attractions.

Casino Dining Guide: Our rundown of sure bets for dining at the casino.

28 Sports Wagering:

16 Casino Chef Showdown:

Meet the finalists from our online recipe contest.

Find the future odds on major sporting events.

18 Casino Strategy:

House Edge Education

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

22 Cruise Line Crash Course:

Have fun and Cash in!

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23 Craps:

Slow Down

2019

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uide G g n Dini 2019

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

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FACTS

and Fun Stuff

DID YOU KNOW 1

?

WHAT WORD MEANS ‘THE FEAR OF COOKING’ AND IS RECOGNIZED AS A PHOBIA? a. Mageirocophobia b. Alliumphobia c. Toxiphobia d. Osmophobia

2

FRANK MARS INVENTED AND NAMED THE SNICKERS BAR AFTER HIS: a. b. c. d.

3

WHEN PLAYING POKER, WHAT IS THE “DEAD MAN’S HAND” NAMED AFTER THE TWO-CARDS WILD BILL HICKOK WAS HOLDING WHEN HE WAS SHOT IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD? a. b. c. d.

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His Dog His Cat His Horse His Pig

Two red aces, two red 8s Two red Ks, two black 2s Two black aces, two black 8s Two red 2s, two black 3s

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN ROULETTE WHEEL? a.

An American wheel has a single and a double 0 while the European wheel only has a single 0

b.

An American wheel has red, white and blue colors and the European wheel is blue, red and black.

SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS APPLE MIMOSAS The summer is over, and it’s officially fall, which means it’s time to start transitioning your palate to fit with the season. We are excited to bring you an exceptionally easy fall drink recipe that is sure to make you smile. It is basically a twist on the classic mimosa with apple cider instead of orange juice, and some rim sizzle to make it look pretty and add to the sweet flavor. We hope you enjoy drinking this as much as we enjoyed sipping it!

Ingredients: 2 cocktail glasses or champagne flutes 1 bottle of chilled champagne 1-2 cups of apple cider 1-2 tablespoons of sugar 1-2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon Instructions: 1. On a small plate, mix the cinnamon and sugar, wet the rims of the glasses or champagne flutes with water, and dip in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

2. Fill each champagne flute about 1/4 full of the apple cider.

3. Top off with champagne.

4. Enjoy!

FUN WITH NUMBERS

Percentage of sports bets made in New Jersey via mobile app

c. The numbers on a European wheel are all odd numbers. d. All of the above.

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HOW MUCH DID ARIA IN LAS VEGAS COST TO BUILD? a. $125 million b. $945 million c. $3.5 billion d. $5.4 billion

ANSWERS: 1.) A 2.) C 3.) C 4.) A. 5.) D

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133 The highest number of grapes eaten in 3 minutes

80%

666

4.2 MILES 65%

The sum of all numbers on a roulette wheel (1-36)

Length of the Las Vegas Strip in miles

Percentage of American adults who have gambled at least once in the past year

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e d i u G g n i n i D 2019

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Welcome to our annual Casino Dining Guide featuring our picks for the best in casino cuisine! One of the best things about casino getaways is checking out the awesome dining options, and casinos have plenty of them.

Whether you are looking for something quick and casual, an elegant steakhouse experience or something in between, we have you covered. In this year’s restaurant rundown, we have highlighted a few delicious dining options from casinos throughout the region. We hope you’ll get a chance to check them out soon! Bon Appetit!

FINE DINING - STEAK & SEAFOOD Chicago Steakhouse @ Gold Strike Casino Resort (TUNICA, MS) When you visit Gold Strike, you know you are in for an all around first-class experience, and Chicago Steakhouse is no exception. The staff brings their ‘A-Game’ for every guest offering some of the best steak and seafood in Mississippi and a vast wine selection with several rare labels. A large dining room area with deep mahogany wood accents create an escape from the casino floor and into a country club like setting. Also be sure to arrive early, or stay late, for a cocktail in the separate bar area serving premium bourbons and other spirits.

thirty-two Steak & Seafood @ IP Casino Resort Spa (BILOXI, MS) IP has truly taken fine dining to new heights at thirty-two, one of south Mississippi’s most sought-after dinner reservation. This AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant is located on the thirty second floor of the IP tower and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Gulf Coast, Back Bay and as far as the eye can see. The delectable steak and seafood dishes accompanied by a robust wine selection makes thirty-two a must on your next visit.

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2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

BR PRIME @ BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (BILOXI, MS) Say hello to the quintessential American steakhouse where modern glamour, impeccable service and amazing food all come together to fulfill an evening to remember. From the dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass wine display flanking the sleek bar to the intimately curved banquettes in the dining room, BR Prime delivers the ultimate steakhouse experience.

SCARLET’S STEAKS & SEAFOOD @ SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT (D’IBERVILLE, MS) Enjoy savory steaks prepared to perfection in the elegant atmosphere of Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood located just off the casino floor. Scarlet’s offers two private dining rooms and an expansive horseshoe bar providing the perfect centerpiece to the exquisite arrangement of the resort. Featured specials and an elaborate wine list give you a reason to be a repeat customer.

FAIRBANKS STEAKHOUSE @ HOLLYWOOD CASINO (TUNICA, MS) This is steakhouse dining at its finest, offering a classic blend of elegant atmosphere, extraordinary service and, of course, one succulent dish after another. With steaks and delicious seafood creations, plus rich pastas, fresh salads, and an award-winning selection of wine, Fairbanks is a true Hollywood treasure.

PHILLIP M’S @ PEARL RIVER RESORT CASINOS & HOTELS (PHILADELPHIA, MS) Phillip M’s is among the best fine dining restaurants in the South and has received numerous awards from Southern Gaming’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.” Named in honor of the late Tribal Chief Phillip Martin, here you will find a full dining experience of excellence with award-winning wines, fine steaks and fresh seafood.

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2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE @ HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO RESORT (CHEROKEE, NC) This classic steakhouse brings a restaurant experience characterized by the top-quality steaks and signature menu items like USDA Prime steaks served in Ruth’s Chris’s signature style, broiled at 1800° and served sizzling on a 500° plate. Complementing the restaurant’s popular steak offerings are New Orleans inspired menu items and signature Ruth’s Chris seafood selections. Also don’t miss the world-class wine list featuring over 225 selections that will delight any wine enthusiast.

INTERNATIONAL: ITALIAN, ASIAN FLAIR & MORE! JIA PAN ASIAN RESTAURANT @ BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (BILOXI, MS) Love Asian cuisine? Then you will adore Jia for artfully combining the best culinary traditions of Asia in one modern, sophisticated space. Jia’s concept, which encourages you to mix and match regional favorites from Asia, has added exquisite dishes from South America to the menu, turning each meal into the dining equivalent of a passport stamp for the seasoned traveler. At Jia, you’ll discover an immersion course in flavor. The stylishly Zen-inspired décor sets the stage for a menu that blends the exotic with sublime simplicity.

STALLA ITALIAN RESTAURANT @ BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (BILOXI, MS) Stalla at Beau Rivage brings one of the most popular cuisines to the Gulf Coast and offers just the right recipe for an evening of classic Italian food.

A reasonably priced menu of gourmet selections paired with premium Italian wines and excellent, attentive service, you’ll feel like you are in Italy!

Stalla’s traditional menu, inspired by the northern Italian countryside, is reminiscent of Old World-style restaurants in New York’s Little Italy. Also, save room for dessert, they are amazing!

TIEN ASIAN RESTAURANT @ IP CASINO RESORT & SPA (BILOXI, MS) Designed with multicultural appeal in mind, the AAA Four Diamond-rated tien features a variety of Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. Among the selections are Teppanyaki, Shabu Shabu, Dim Sum and Sushi, all served with a unique interactive experience right at your table.

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2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

BUFFETS THE BUFFET @ BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (BILOXI, MS) Yes, many casinos have buffets. But not this buffet. Forget the tired old image of ‘yesterday buffets’ and experience a line-up of creations that rivals the best restaurants on the Coast. The price is right and the offerings are plentiful with a variety and quality that is second to none. There are also different seating areas that spread around the buffet and stations. The atmosphere is lively, contemporary and warm offering a perfect backdrop to the amazing array of mouth-watering food. No wonder savvy locals consistently choose The Buffet for weekend brunch and holiday dinners.

Breakfast: M-Th $12.99; Sat. $15.99 Sunday Brunch $23.99 Lunch: M-Th $15.99; Dinner: Sun. -Th $22.99; Fri. $26.99; Sat. $29.99 Buffet to Go: Breakfast: $10.99; Brunch, Lunch & Dinner: $14.99

BUFFET AMERICANA @ GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT (TUNICA, MS) Featuring the best in traditional American cuisine, coupled with exceptional new offerings, Buffet Americana is not to be missed. Choose from an exceptional array of your favorite foods alongside an amazing brick oven for the perfect pizza, an exciting Mongolian Grill and Mississippi’s ONLY Tandoori oven. Be sure to try to stop by on a weekend when you will find the freshest seafood in an all-you-can-eat fiesta.

Breakfast & Lunch: Mon. Tues. $14.99; Sat. Sunday Brunch: $24.99 Sat. $ Sunday Brunch $ Dinner: Sun. - Thurs. $22.99; Fri. & Sat. (3:00-5:00) $29.99 (5:00-12:00 pm - $33.49)

EPIC BUFFET@HOLLYWOOD CASINO (TUNICA, MS) Discover a buffet that can only be called Epic. Designed to look like a movie studio backlot, this generous buffet features something to satisfy your every craving. Dig into a never-ending parade of flavors – Seafood, pasta, salads, a sweet collection of delectable desserts, and a carving station. We’re serving up fresh, delicious dishes prepared daily for lunch and dinner.

Breakfast: $9.99 Lunch: $10.99 Dinner: Sun. - Thurs. $17.99; Fri & Sat.: $26.99 Buffet to Go: Lunch: $7.99; Dinner: Sun. - Thurs. $12.99; Fri & Sat.: $16.99

CHEF’S STAGE BUFFET @ HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO RESORT (CHEROKEE, NC) The award-winning Chef’s Stage Buffet at Harrah’s Cherokee features chef specialties prepared at interactive stations that are sure to please any palate. Offering tastes from around the world with Italian, Asian, comfort food, barbeque stations, a soup and salad bar and desserts of the world, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Located on the second floor of the property, Chefs Stage is accessible for guests under 21 and overlooks the casino floor. All ages are welcome and kids under 5 are free!

Mon. - Sat. $26.49 for Caesars Rewards members ($28.49 for non-members); Kids, 6-12; $13.25 Sunday: Surf and Turf Buffet: $34.99 for Caesars Rewards members ($36.99 for non-members); Kids, 6-12; $17.00 10

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2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

QUICK & CASUAL TAP BOOK, BAR & BISTREAUX @BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (BILOXI, MS) TAP Book, Bar & Bistreaux is the Southeast’s premier destination for sports entertainment and dining. Featuring dozens of HDTVs including a giant video wall, center focal bar with comfortable flex back seating, 35 video poker machines, and a large five-window sports betting counter, there’s no better place to be and bet. Guests can enjoy a VIP lounge area, roomy booth dining and individual seating to enjoy a vast assortment of wine and cocktail offerings, seasonal and regional draft beer, in a comfortable smoke-free environment.

MONEYLINE BOOK, BAR & GRILL @GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT (TUNICA, MS) Introducing Gold Strike’s newest restaurant and sports betting venue, MONEYLINE Book, Bar & Grill. Enjoy southern comfort food, pub classics and international fare all while watching your favorite teams on over 50 HD flatscreen televisions. MONEYLINE also features a state-of-the-art Topgolf® Swing Suite, where you and your friends can enjoy a wide selection of arcade games, including Simulated PGA Courses and Zombie Dodgeball.

UNDER THE OAK CAFE @ SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT (D’IBERVILLE, MS) Under the Oak Cafe brings you classic All-American casual dining in the shade of an ‘old oak tree’ preserved right in the middle of Scarlet Pearl’s main floor making for a great people watching spot. Offering a full breakfast and expansive menu ranging from gourmet burgers and sandwiches to steaks and seafood, this could be the hidden gem of the area!

HIGHLIGHTS SPORTS LOUNGE & BAR @IP CASINO RESORT & SPA (BILOXI, MS) Get off the bench and play at IP’s Highlights Sports Lounge, a great place for sports fans to eat, drink and watch their favorite games from all over the world.

Unique to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Highlights is a high-tech haven of 76 plasma HD screens featuring every game everywhere every day! You are certain to score by trying one of the gourmet hamburgers, a salad for the lighter side, or perhaps one of the delicious entrees.

TIMEOUT LOUNGE @ PEARL RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS (PHILADELPHIA, MS) Catch the hottest games and place a few wagers at one of newest sportsbooks in the South. With a menu hosting all your favorite game time snacks to a variety of craft and domestic beers, you’ll be right at home in the sports fan paradise.

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! TOP TELEVISION CHEFS AND SHOWS by

Whether you are a culinary artist, a novice in the kitchen, or merely want to snack while watching a literal feast for the eyes, there is just something about food preparation that makes it hard to look away. Some shows, in particular, are extremely captivating, which is partly due to the person guiding the viewer through the recipe. From expert chefs to YouTube sensations, there are a plethora of show hosts worth noting for their personality alone. We are excited to present to you some our favorite cooking shows and chefs that inspire our culinary caveats…enjoy!

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JENNIFER PRINCE

RACHAEL RAY No list would be complete without Rachael Ray, who has proven over and over again that she has staying power. Ray had humble beginnings when she first started working at a candy counter in a NYC Macy’s Marketplace.

From there she moved on to eventually become a buyer at a specialty foods store, where she noticed that many people had a fear of cooking. This led Ray to teach a course on how to prepare meals in under 30 minutes, which inspired 30 Minute Meals. Ray’s path eventually included

a radio broadcast, cookbook, regular appearances on Today, and finally a Food Network contract.

Ray has a bubbly personality and relatable spirit, which adds to her seemingly effortless style of cooking, which is influenced by both her Sicilian and Cajun ancestries.

Ray’s career has featured multiple TV shows, several cookbooks, a home décor line, a pet food brand, and a magazine.

The essence of this woman is contagious as she continues to inspire others to make meals at home.

influential people that started the trend of gourmet food trucks.

The show, which is part cooking and part travelogue, follows Favreau and Choi as they visit various areas and experience the cuisine of each locale. One meaningful part of the show is that the co-hosts delight in gathering people together over a well-prepared meal.

With celebrity guests like Gwyneth Paltrow and the cast of The Avengers, both Choi and Favreau add life to the show.

With Favreau’s personality and Choi’s cooking skills, viewers are sure to learn something and have fun along the way.

REE DRUMMOND Sometimes it’s hard to take the city out of the girl, and – frankly – it’s hard for a city girl to move to the country. And not just the suburbs, but we are talking livingin-rural-Oklahoma-on-a-ranch kind of country. But Ree Drummond (pictured above), otherwise known as The Pioneer Woman, used her foray into becoming a country girl to her advantage.

Drummond decided to study law, but that plan was thwarted when she was stopped in her tracks upon noticing her cowboy husband. The rest is history. The Pioneer Woman blog was started by Drummond in 2006. Her posts mostly centered around homeschooling and life on the ranch, but it was her recipes that started to gain traction on her site.

This author of multiple cookbooks has won several awards for her blog, but it is her soothing personality on camera that truly brings her recipes to life. Featuring do-able comfort foods and family-centric recipes, watching Drummond on the Food Network is just like cooking with your best friend next door…or the next ranch over.

JON FAVREAU Fans of Iron Man and The Avengers series of movies will surely recognize Jon Favreau. For those who do not watch superhero action films, Favreau has appeared in just enough movies that his face should seem familiar.

In 2019 he began co-hosting The Chef Show on Netflix with chef co-host Roy Choi, who is hailed as one of the

INA GARTEN Ina Garten (pictured below) is known as the Barefoot Contessa and was working in the White House in 1982. As fate would have it, she noticed an ad for a boutique food shop for sale, and without any experience in the food industry whatsoever, Garten and her husband purchased the store.

After learning how to cook and perfecting her recipes, they sold the shop, but Garten’s love for food didn’t go away that easily. She found herself writing a cookbook that became a best-seller, which was then followed by more cookbooks, magazine columns, and a Food Network TV show.

This New Yorker’s love for her husband truly shines through as she prepares favorites for him. They’ve been married for over 50 years, so maybe the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach!

Gartner is not shy about adding a dash (or more!) of wine here and there throughout her recipes.

So, whether you are searching for Chicken Piccata or her Easy Sticky Buns recipe, Gartner will guide you through with a splash of love on the side.

HANNAH HART With tongue in cheek video titles such as “In Queso Emergency” and “Crepes of Wrath,” Hannah Hart’s personality shines through in every aspect of her show from start to finish. It seems that the 2.4 million subscribers of her YouTube series My Drunk Kitchen agree.

Episodes have featured celebrity co-hosts such as Chelsea Handler and Jamie Oliver.

Each show opens up with her classic, “boo boop,” signifying the opening of a bottle of whatever she chooses to drink during the show. Sometimes the episodes stay tame and at other times they are a bit irreverent with an off-color comment or cuss word strewn in here and there, but Hart’s charming personality pulls off both with ease.

Hart has published a cookbook that bears the same name as her YouTube show, and she also has a second book, which is holiday-themed. No matter where her recipes appear, they are simple, yet fun, and don’t require perfection, which is ideal for someone who just wants to dabble a bit in the kitchen.

SAMIN NOSRAT Salt Fat Acid Heat on Netflix is part travel show, part cooking experience, and a dash about building friendships centered around cuisine. The show’s host, Samin Nosrat, has wandered the globe in search of what constitutes good cooking. She has narrowed it down to 4 elements – salt, fat, acid, and heat, hence the name of her popular 4 part series on Netflix.

Nosrat believes that good cooking is attainable for everyone, and she adores teaching others how to make dishes that merely appear difficult. Her infectious laugh and dark, bouncy curls coupled with the backdrop of beautiful locations around the world make both Nosrat and her show simply a joy to watch.

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Nosrat also confessed that what you see is what you get with her show. Those close to her remarked that her true personality shines through – even when she makes mistakes because we all make blunders in the kitchen.

If you prefer to read rather than watch, Nosrat has a cookbook that bears the same name as her show, but watching her make and taste dishes and build relationships along the way is mesmerizing.

JAMIE OLIVER Blessed with a lovely British accent and boyishly good looks, Jamie Oliver is not just the guy you want to be your BFF. He has a heart for making a difference through his cooking, which shines through in everything he does.

Originally trained as a pastry chef, Oliver was discovered and made his way to become the host of a BBC TV show called The Naked Chef, which was then followed by a cookbook bearing the same name.

Oliver wanted to make a difference for future generations and therefore filmed a 4-episode documentary where he tried to improve the healthiness of foods in local schools. This decision eventually fostered a broader change in educational facilities throughout England.

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Oliver’s cooking style is quick, easy, and relatable, and he mentions modifications in case viewers want to customize the dish. It is no wonder that he has many cookbooks and shows under his belt. With Jamie, cooking with the boy next door truly is possible!

LAURA VITALE Another YouTube sensation, Laura Vitale of Laura in the Kitchen strives to help even the newest of chefs. To say that this Italian born woman is adorable is an understatement. Vitale thrives on making dishes that anyone can prepare, and she is an expert at showing others how to do this with ease via the Internet.

Vitale’s videos are informative and short, so they are perfect for the person who needs to decide what to make in a hurry.

The episodes are peppered with her relatable personality along with close up shots of ingredients and final dishes so that there are no questions left unanswered.

Vitale has made appearances on many well-known talk shows along with appearing on Beat Bobby Flay in 2018.

With over 1000 instructional videos and 3.4 million channel subscribers, Vitale can teach you how to make a soulful dish in under 10 minutes. Some episodes feature

Vitale cooking alongside her adorable daughter, Mia, which shows how do-able the recipes are!

GUY FIERI If you are going to judge a book by its cover then it is spot on to assume that the eccentric, yet lovable look of Guy Fieri (pictured below) matches his personality perfectly. Shirts bearing flames and hair with bleached tips create a distinct look for this self-proclaimed “Mayor of Flavortown,” who had humble beginnings as a 10-year-old selling soft pretzels from a cart. That small business coupled with washing dishes enabled Fiere to finance his studies in France.

From there, he appeared on – and subsequently won – the second season of Food Network Star, which resulted in his series, Guy’s Big Bite. Since that time Fieri has hosted several shows, including the long-standing Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives which has been in production on the Food Network since 2007.

Fieri’s staying power is an ode to his personality. It also pays homage to his love and talent for cooking, which is evident with over 63 restaurants, six best-selling cookbooks, a children’s charity, and a California winery to his name.

Fierce competition. Heart-pounding action. And one heck of a party. TournEvent of ChampionsÂŽ is back again in 2019 with more than $1.3 million in total cash prizes up for grabs. Want to join us?

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2019

Casino Chef Showdown: The Results are In!

It’s no secret that casinos have some of the best dining options rivaling top restaurants anywhere. Behind the scenes at these fantastic restaurants are the superstars in the kitchen, the ones who really make it happen day in and day out. The dedication by the chefs to make every meal perfect is a talent that often goes unnoticed but is always appreciated.

Each year, Gaming and Destinations conducts an online recipe contest to celebrate the chefs and their creativity in the kitchen. This year’s Casino Chef Showdown was once again filled with top talent and in the end, it was Chef Greg Hargrow from Sam’s Town Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi who collected the most votes and is now the Culinary King of the Casino. Congrats to Chef Greg and the fantastic culinary team from Sam’s Town.

Check out the chef’s recipes below and be sure to visit them all soon…and tell them we sent you!

THE WINNING RECIPE: SEAFOOD LA’TASHA Ingredients: • 8 3 oz. Snapper portions • 12 king crab claws (shell removed)

CHEF GREG HARGROW SAM’S TOWN CASINO & HOTEL – TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI GRAND CHAMPION : 2019 CULINARY KING OF THE CASINO About Chef Greg: Chef Greg Hargrow is originally from Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Robinsonville, Mississippi where he began his career in the culinary industry. He has been with Sam’s Town Tunica for seven years and held various positions in the food and beverage department.

His cooking preference is seafood, especially unique recipes that include shrimp, crab or lobster. He is motivated by making dishes that satisfy a range of taste buds, and the facial expressions he sees from his customers after they taste their meals make it all worth it for him.

When it comes time for him to eat, he prefers a good home-cooked southern meal complete with fried porkchops, spaghetti, collard greens and cornbread.

HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Season the snapper portions with salt and pepper and grill on the broiler to 145 degrees.

2. Steam crab claws until hot.

• 5-6 tomatoes Sliced

3. Sauté spinach in butter. Remove spinach.

• 1.5 lbs. fresh spinach

4. Then add wine and shallots and reduce to 1/3.

• 1 lb. drawn butter • 16 oz. heavy whipping cream

5. Add heavy cream and strawberries and reduce to 1/3.

• 5 pints strawberry sauce & garnish

6. Strain through a cheese cloth and keep warm.

• 6 oz. white wine

7. Sear tomatoes and place in the center of the plate, top with the reduced spinach and stack the fish filet on top with a lemon slice and 1/2 strawberry and micro greens.

• 1 oz. micro greens for garnish • 4 lemon slices • Salt & Pepper • Shallot minced

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8. Drizzle the sauce around the fish and serve.

THE RUNNER UP CHEFS

CHEF ANTHONY RAMETTA

SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT D’IBERVILLE, MS

CHEF KEVIN HARDRICK

CHEF SAM FORGACS

1ST JACKPOT CASINO TUNICA, MS

JACK CLEVELAND CASINO CLEVELAND, OH

CHEF ANTHONY’S ENTRY: Colossal Skull Island Shrimp & Four-Cheese Tasso Grits

CHEF KEVIN’S ENTRY: Fuji Apple Stuffed Pork Chops with Sage Dressing

ABOUT CHEF ANTHONY: Chef Anthony Rametta is the Room Chef at Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and has been with the Scarlet Pearl family for two years. Previously, Rametta has been a chef for more than a quarter of a century and credits his mother for his interest in cooking.

“I’m not trained in any one style,” he said.

“My culinary style is all over the place. I love all different types of food.” He selected this recipe to show the depth of flavors available along the coast of Mississippi and Louisiana.

ABOUT CHEF KEVIN: Chef Kevin has been in hospitality management for 26 years and has also held several food and beverage management positions. Over the span of his career, he has continued to be team driven, a motivator and leader that maximizes the potential of the culinary team. When he is away from work, he likes to spend time with family, golf, fish, and play basketball.

He chose this recipe because it is one of the South’s favorite dishes and is deserving of winning.

CHEF COREY PARENTEAU

CHEF SAM’S ENTRY: Marinated Flank Steak with Grilled Romaine Salad & Chipotle Lime Sauce ABOUT THE ENTRY: Representing JACK’s Seven Chef’s buffet (featuring seven specialty stations), our guests compile ingredients to create their own unique dish. The versatility of the buffet is what inspired me for this recipe, and I utilized ingredients that are found in the buffet such as salad toppings and protein from the hot stations to create a unique blend of flavors and textures. Something like this could only be put together by having so many options at your fingertips and I am really pleased with how it turned out.

GRAND FALLS CASINO & GOLF RESORT LARCHWOOD, IA

CHEF COREY’S ENTRY: Wagyu Strip 8+ with Cherry Blossom Shoyu, Purple Potatoes and Honey Caviar ABOUT CHEF COREY: Executive Chef Corey Parenteau began his culinary journey at a young age cooking with his father and grandfather in their family restaurant. After working in restaurants in the mountains of Colorado, Parenteau moved to Denver where he opened three restaurants with business leaders and celebrity chefs like Chef Carrie Baird, Bravo’s “Top Chef” final four contestant on season 15. Parenteau’s strong roots and desire to be closer to family, along with the opportunity to serve as executive chef, brought him to the Sioux Falls area and Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort.

CHEF JESSIE GONZALES

JACK THISTLEDOWN RACINO N. RANDALL, OH

CHEF JESSIE’S ENTRY: Margarita Shrimp Tacos ABOUT THE ENTRY: I decided to go with this dish because it is great for the summer season.

Filling this recipe with light but flavorful ingredients makes it a delicious meal to enjoy during warm weather.

FIND THE FULL RECIPES FOR ALL OF THE CONTESTANTS AT,

GamingandDestinations.com/chef2019

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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C A S I N O S TR ATEGY: HOUS E EDGE EDUCATION by

Casino games have built-in mathematical advantages favoring the house. For the

most part, you cannot completely reverse

that advantage and get an edge for yourself unless you learn to count cards at blackjack or play expert strategy at certain video

poker games with favorable pay tables.

But short of learning to count cards or playing video poker at an expert level,

there are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of what casino games have to offer. In this article, we

highlight a few that will help you along the way without having to go to extremes of learning new systems and strategies.

Good luck!

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JOHN GROCHOWSKI

BLACKJACK Everything starts with learning basic strategy. Players are getting better at this.

In the early 1990s, casinos assumed they had about a 2 to 2.5 percent edge over average players. Today, the assumption is 1 to 1.5 percent.

Knowing basic strategy knocks that edge down even more. In a six-deck game in which dealers hit soft 17, you are permitted to double down on any first two cards, including after splitting pairs and may split any pair except Aces up to three times.

You can also Aces only once, and in which blackjacks pay 3-2, the house edge against a basic strategy player is 0.62 percent. It’s easy to find blackjack basic strategy charts online, and basic strategy references are

usually included with any good book on the game.

Composition dependent strategies are also a way to lower the house advantage and can be easily implemented. For example, although the totals are the same, 10-6 and 8-5-3 are different hands, and a player who wants to move beyond basic strategy will treat them differently when the dealer has a 10 face up.

Against a dealer’s 10, the average player loss per dollar wagered if you hit are 53.5 cents on 10-6 or 9-7, while if you stand the average loss is 54.1 cents on 10-6 and 53.6 cents on 9-7.

In either case, you lose a bit more by hitting.

But if your 16 consists of 8-5-3, the average loss of 53.9 cents if you stand and is lower than the 54.4 if you hit.

On that hand, you actually trim your losses a tad by hitting. The composition of the hand is the key. With 10-6 or 9-7, the cards removed from the deck to make up your hand would bust 16 if they were available for a draw. With 8-5-3, two of the cards would improve 16 if available for draw, and one of them would give you 21.

The same goes for any play on 16 with three or more cards that includes a 4 or 5.

If there’s a 4 or 5 in your hand, hit 16 vs. a dealer’s 10 instead of standing.

Similarly, there are a few hands where you can improve on basic strategy a tiny bit if you take notice of other players’ cards. In a six-deck game where cards are dealt face up, look around the table for 10-value cards and for small cards – 2s through 5s. If there are more 10s than smalls, stand on 16 vs the dealer 10 instead of hitting.

Other basic strategy plays to consider are: Hard 12 vs. dealer 4: HIT when there are as many or more 10s as smalls Hard 13 vs. dealer 2: HIT when there are at least five more 10s than smalls Hard 9 vs. dealer 2: DOUBLE when there are at least five more smalls than 10s Ace/7 vs. dealer 2: DOUBLE when there are at least five more smalls than 10s Ace/8 vs. dealer 6: DOUBLE when there are at least five more smalls than 10s 11 vs. dealer Ace: DOUBLE when there are at least six more smalls than 10s Note that most of those flips come when there is an excess of at least five cards on one side. Other than 16 vs. 10, the only razor-thin close call is 12 vs. 4. The rest require extraordinary swings given that you’re relying on a single deal around the table.

So, how much of a dent can all this really make on the house edge? In his Blackjack Bluebook II, Fred Renzey calculates that you gain 0.03 percent with these adjustments. Those are small gains even by blackjack standards, where you gain

0.22 percent when the dealer stands on all 17s instead of hitting soft 17, or lose 0.1 percent if you’re not permitted to re-split pairs. The gain may be tiny, but it’s there for the taking.

THREE CARD POKER Three Card Poker can be a very lucrative table game when you apply the correct strategy. Like with all games, a little luck needs to come your way, but these tips might help sway the edge a bit.

For starters, stick to ante-play. Three Card Poker offers two basic bets: ante-play and Pair Plus.

In ante-play, you first make an ante, then after you see your cards you may either fold or stay in action by making a bet equal to the ante. If your hand then beats the dealer, your ante and bet are both paid even money, but there are bonuses of five times your ante if you have a straight flush, four times the ante with three of a kind, or equal to the ante if you have a straight.

If you follow the basic strategy of betting with Queen-6-4 or better or folding with less, the house edge is 3.37 percent of your ante or 2.01 percent of total action.

In Pair Plus, the dealer’s hand doesn’t matter. You win if your hand falls on a pay table that starts on any pair. The most common pay table is 40-1 on a straight flush, 30-1 on three of a kind, 6-1 on straights, 4-1 on flushes and even money on any pair. The house edge on that pay table is a staggering 7.28 percent making ante-play by far the better bet and Pair

Plus a bet to avoid.

The original pay table, which returned 4-1 instead of 3-1 on flushes, had a house edge of 2.32 percent putting it in the same league as ante-play. That table is rare today, but should you find it, you might give Pair Plus a whirl. But under common current conditions, the house edge on Pair Plus is just too high.

CRAPS Craps is hands down the most exciting game in the casino where high fives are common and a team like camaraderie is apparent. Your fate is left up to the roll of the die, but by placing the right bets, craps carries a low house edge.

Be sure to stick to multi-roll bets. Craps has a number of wagers available with house edges of less than 2 percent. None of them can be settled in one roll. Of the one roll bets, the best of them all is the field bet that carries a house edge of 2.78 percent if either 2 or 12 pays 3-1 while the others pay 2-1, or 5.56 percent if both pay 2-1.

Other than that, there’s a motley collection with sky-high edges including 11.11 percent on any craps and 16.67 percent on any 7.

Instead of these plays, look toward the best of the multi-roll bets, including pass or come (1.41 percent), don’t pass or don’t come (1.36 percent) and place bets on 6 or 8 (1.52 percent).

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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If your bankroll can handle backing pass or come bets with odds or laying odds with don’t pass or don’t come wagers, do so as they are better bets. In those cases, keep your line bets to the minimum, then add odds to bring the house edge on the combination to less than 1 percent – the precise edge on the combination depending on how much bigger your odds bet is than your line bet.

VIDEO POKER You might think that video poker machines are totally random and there is no way to have an advantage. That may be somewhat of the case, but there are some strategies to put in place that if used correctly, you will lower the edge to be more favorable.

One of the easiest ways to lower your edge is to simply walk through the casino and check the pay tables before you play.

Not all video poker pay tables are created equal. Jacks or Better with a 9-6 pay table -- meaning full houses pay 9-for-1 and flushes 6-for-1 – returns 99.5 percent with expert play while the 8-5 version returns only 97.3 percent. Double Double Bonus Poker returns 99 percent at 9-6 and only 96.8 percent at 8-5.

Many casinos have games with different 20

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pay tables scattered around their floors.

A game on the main floor might have a different table than a game in the designated video poker area, and both might be different than a game at the bar.

It can be worth your while to walk around and check pay tables. If you’re a quarter Double Double Bonus player, don’t just sit down at the first DDB game you see. Find out if there’s a better deal elsewhere on the floor.

You don’t have to know the precise payback percentages to see which games are better. Most of the time, the difference is going to come on full house and flush returns. Every increase of one unit in the return on those hands for a one-coin bet gets you a little more than an extra percent. If you see 9-6, 9-5 and 8-5 DDB, you know at a glance the 9-6 game is a little more than a percent better than 9-5, which is a little more than a percent better than 8-5.

Also, never make a four-coin bet. Video poker games give their highest payback percentage to those who bet the maximum five coins because a royal flush pays 250for-1 coin, 500-for-2, 750-for-3 or 1,000for-4. But the payout jumps to a 4,000coin bonanza for a five-coin wager.

If you’re short of bankroll and want to have fun with one-coin bets, that’s between you and your bankbook. But NEVER bet four coins per hand. A four-coin bet gives the house its maximum profit, while betting the maximum fifth coin takes a little back for players.

You can also look at those royal flush returns as including a 3,000-coin payoff for wagering the fifth coin, with 250coin pays for each of the first four coins wagered.

With that knowledge, you can break down the payback percentage per coin wagered.

Take 9-6 Jacks or Better and its 99.5 percent return overall with expert play.

If you wager 1, 2, 3 or 4 coins, the payback is 98.1 percent. What brings it up to the overall average is the 104.9 percent you get on the fifth coin.

Your average loss per four coins wagered is four times that with one-coin wagered, and that’s the maximum profit for the house. But the fifth coin works in your favor and cuts your losses.

Don’t give the house its maximum profit.

Bet one coin if you must, but if your bankroll stretches to more, bet five and don’t stop at four.

Slots

River View Buffet

RV Park

Free Entertainment

Golf

Indoor Pool and Spa

Ben’s Bistro

Table Games

Hotel and Lodge

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

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PLAYER STRATEGY

CRUISE LINE CRASH COURSE: Have fun and Cash in!

Nowadays many casinos give away cruises to frequent players for a myriad of reasons. You might think it’s a scam, too good to be true, but it really is on the up and up. You can be sure that the cruise will be on a ship that has gambling on board and don’t expect great ERs (expected returns) when you go. We’ve all heard the adage about making the best of a bad situation, but a cruise, especially if it’s free, is a good situation and here are some tips for making it even better.

Be Prepared: Make sure you have all your ducks lined up long before your vessel hits the water. I went on a Carnival Cruise right out of Baltimore Inner Harbor and was impressed with the detailed list of pre-sailing information they provided.

Best Rooms: Opinions will vary, but I paid extra for a window and a larger room (the cost is minimal) and I liked being mid-ship. You’ll also be asked for your dining preference (early or late) and, if you want to avoid a lot of children, the later choice is best. Pay attention to all of the information requested and ask questions, especially if you’re going to be sailing for a week or more.

Patch: I have an inner ear imbalance and that’s exactly why this was my first trip. The doctor prescribed a patch and it was amazing! There are several options but avoid the ones online and get them from your physician. On the second night, we ran into a severe storm and frequent cruisers claimed it was the worst they had ever experienced.

It was dress up night and people were sick all over the place, even those with non-prescription patches, but I felt great. In fact, the rocking of the ship provided me with the best sleep ever!

Phone: I foolishly failed to make arrangements with my iPhone provider prior to sailing, but won’t make that mistake again. I thought I could live without my fifth appendage but was sadly mistaken and ended up resorting to an antediluvian camera that I rarely used. You’ll get some sort of a discount package from your provider and will want to make arrangements in advance for your smart phone usage.

Credit Cards: Just like with your phone, make sure you contact your credit card company and let them know your travel plans. I frequently travel outside the country and should have known this, but had a brain bubble this time because I was both leaving and returning to a port inside this country.

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by

LI N DA B OY D

Capitol One gave me a hard time when I tried to charge but I was able to leave money at the ship’s main cashier desk (shopping venues on the ship won’t accept cash).

Hidden Costs: There are a few expenses you may not anticipate especially regarding drinks and a pre-determined gratuity.

Drinks: Expect to pay a big price for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Some hid alcohol in unmarked containers or brought soft drinks aboard. That’s not something I will do and I’m happy with the water available 24/7 since I don’t drink alcohol and shouldn’t drink carbonated beverages. If you gamble, you get up to 15 drinks a day with a special card including alcoholic beverages. (Policies will vary so ask how many points you need while in the casino.)

Tips: Most gamblers are generous tippers but be aware that you can choose how you tip, either through the cashier or directly to the appropriate staff. I have no idea how the gratuities collected by the cruise liner are divvied up but I like to tip the deserving staff directly. The cashiers will add it to your bill automatically, but you can request a refund and even get envelopes from the cashier for tips for your assigned servers and cleaning staff.

Gambling: Expect poor video poker (VP) pay schedules and low ER (expected return) chips within slot machine devices. In addition, keep in mind that it’s unregulated offshore gambling so you can’t run to the gaming commission with issues. Still, they get customers from regulated venues and they want to maintain a good reputation so it’s not like the days of the Vegas gangsters running the show.

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations and various other publications around the country. You can see her videos on YouTube and listen to her radio interviews on iTunes. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. The latest edition is available from amazon.com, Square One Publishers and bookstores and the Kindle edition is also now available.

“DO NOT PLAY LONG LOSING SESSIONS BECAUSE THE HOUSE WILL HAVE A BIG ADVANTAGE.”

Slots: Consider games with a lower volatility that will earn you more points towards comped drinks and future offers. I’m referring to games that pay frequent but smaller returns rather than big jackpots that are rare.

Video Poker: Look for games with the highest ER and lowest variance available. An example is Jacks or Better (JOB) for a low variance but don’t expect 9/6 JOB (ER 99.5439%, variance 19.51468). Do not play long losing sessions because the house will have a big advantage and you’re playing for entertainment and comps.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

FRANK SCOBLETE

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

Frank’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, e-books and at bookstores

CRAPS: Slow Down Craps is a fast game or, should I say, it is a game that looks fast because so much seems to be going on between the rolls of the dice. Just look around a craps table and notice how many people are playing and how many bets are being wagered by the group and by different individuals; it is a lot to take in!

that way. You can be blasted in short order if the shooter sevens out immediately on his or her roll.

(The reverse is true for “don’t” or darkside players – the more rolls the shooter has, the more bets being made by the darksiders who are hoping for that seven-out, the worse the situation becomes for them.)

Still, in my opinion, wise craps play follows a simple dictate – don’t make too many bets because each bet you make allows the house edge to eat away at your bankroll. Slow down.

I realize my advice tends to go against the grain of many craps players. They want to make many bets; it fuels their joy or anguish as they play. The casino is correct; many craps players are indeed action players. And “action” actually seems at times more important than actually winning.

If we were playing slots, I would say wait awhile between decisions so you aren’t playing too many of them. The fewer decisions, the less money the casino will win from you over time.

If this were blackjack, I’d say to play at full tables so you don’t have to play too many hands, as you would if you were the only one playing against the dealer.

“I WILL INITIALLY MAKE THREE BETS, THE PASS LINE AND TWO COME BETS WITH ODDS.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

To “slow down” in craps means keeping the number of bets you make limited. Because there is a lag time between rolls too many players get a feeling that this time should be taken up with throwing out more and more bets before the shooter rolls the dice. That is a big mistake.

The house edge works on every bet you make. It doesn’t discriminate.

Most craps players are what the casino calls “action players.” In short, they often make poor bets and their money generally flows from them to the casino in somewhat huge gulps.

Many experts will rightly claim that some of the bets at craps are some of the best bets to be found in the casino. No doubt about that.

Unfortunately, some of the worst bets in the casino can also be found in the game of craps; bets with house edges nibbling at or actually in the double digit category. Just go to any crowded craps table and you will see these awful bets being consistently made by many, if not most, of the players.

Craps players like to make too many bets and the more bets they make the worse it is for their bankrolls. You can’t escape the house edge by making more and more wagers; it doesn’t work

I tend to be the opposite in my play. On shooters other than myself, I make one bet and one bet only; a Come or Pass Line bet with odds and I leave it at that. I do not increase my bet or fan out and make more bets on any shooters. My game on other shooters is one and done. And I always use the Captain’s 5-Count before betting on anyone. (This 5-Count concept I cover in my various craps books.)

Now on me I will go all out to win. I will initially make three bets, the Pass Line and two Come bets with odds. If I can win triple the amount of money I have wagered I will then either increase my bets or slowly fan out.

Correct, I want my wins and losses to be on my shoulders, not on other shooters’ shoulders. For me that makes craps an exciting experience; it is me against the house. I guess you can say I am a non-action player at times and a somewhataction-player at other times.

Of course, I think my way of playing is the best way to play the game but I also realize that almost all craps players think their way of playing is also the best way.

I am more concerned with the long-term negative effects of the house edges I face and that’s why I limit what I bet on other shooters and increase my wagers on myself.

To craps players who want to try something new and different then give my idea a whirl and see what happens over a decent period of time.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

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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DINING DES TIN ATION :

GREAT TASTES IN TUNICA Just minutes south of Memphis you’ll find two amazing restaurants that capture the essence of Southern-style cuisine and offer a truly unique dining experience, Fairbanks Steakhouse at Hollywood Casino and The Barn Prime at 1st Jackpot Casino.

extraordinary service and an awardwinning wine selection.

Southern-style Specialties at The Barn Prime

The renowned chefs create delectable

If you are looking for some Southern flare to feast on, look no further than The Barn Prime at 1st Jackpot. Check out some of the best ribs in Tunica and all the downhome comfort food done right. Welcoming you with warm woods and an old country charm, The Barn Prime makes you feel right at home.

Treat your taste buds to three amazing signature burgers or their one-of-a-kind Shrimp n’ Grits. Also popular among guests is the 12-ounce bone-in Ribeye Steak and the amazing Steak & Lobster Dinner.

dishes nightly, including Oysters

Fairbanks, Cajun Style Gumbo and Caribbean Citrus Chicken. Sample mouthwatering prime-cut steaks including Filet, New York Strip,

Porterhouse and Ribeye varieties, or if seafood is on your mind, you can’t

go wrong with the Sweet Horseradish Crusted Salmon or the Chilean Sea Bass. There are plenty of options on

the menu to choose from, but be sure to check out the ‘chef ’s three-course Award-winning Steaks & Seafood at Fairbanks Fairbanks Steakhouse at Hollywood Casino greets you with classic style and sophistication, as well as an outstanding menu filled with steaks, chops, seafood and an array of rich pastas and fresh salads. As the recipient of several awards from Southern Gaming and other outlets, this elegant restaurant features 24

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special’ that includes your choice of soup or a salad, Beef Filet or Roasted Salmon for your entree and French Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Coulis or Key

Lime Mousse with Graham Cracker

Touile for dessert. You can’t go wrong

at Fairbanks! For more information, to

view the menu or to make reservations, visit HollywoodCasinoTunica.com or call 1-800-871-0711.

The Deeper South selections can also be found on the menu and won’t disappoint.

Try the Fried Catfish Platter, Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Green Tomatoes or Crawfish Dip N’ Chips. And, if pasta is what you’re craving, consider Chicken Alfredo or Spaghetti and Giant Meatballs.

There’s something to suit everyone’s taste and great desserts like Tuxedo Cake, New York Cheesecake and Triple-layer Strawberry Cake to top it all off. For more information, to view the menu or to make reservations, visit 1stJackpot. com or call 1-866-422-5597.

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Be our guest and enjoy two fun filled nights as you play to win. Mention promo code PLAY25 to receive two nights at Hollywood Casino Tunica.

Hollywood Casino reservations, Call 1-800-871-0711 Mention Promo Code: PLAY25

HOLLY WOODCASINOTUNICA.COM Resort fee and tax not included. Offer subject to availability. Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. Call 1-800-871-0711 to reserve. Must make reservations by November 1, 2019. Valid through December 29, 2019. Promo code: PLAY25. Offer not valid for self-exclusion program enrollees in jurisdictions which Penn National Gaming, Inc. operates or who have been otherwise excluded from the participating property. Must be 21 or older. Gambling Problem?

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A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M | 25

SOU THERN

CASINO DIRECTORY

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

WEBSITE

PHONE NUMBER

*CC PARTNER

derbycitygaming.com

502-961-7600

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT

belterracasino.com

812-427-7777

•

55

1,473

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

risingstarcasino.com

800-472-6311

•

29

897

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT

goldstrike.com

662-357-1111

53

1,400

HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA

hollywoodcasinotunica.com

662-357-7700

28

1,079

41

1,563

34

1,275

54

1,224

57

1,800

TABLES

MACHINES

KENTUCKY DERBY CITY GAMING

900

INDIANA

TUNICA •

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

ameristar.com/vicksburg

601-638-1000

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO HOTEL

cypressbayou.com

337-923-7284

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO

margaritavillebossiercity.com

318-698-7177

PARAGON CASINO RESORT

paragoncasinoresort.com

318-253-1946

PEARL RIVER RESORT

pearlriverresort.com

866-447-3276

79

2,350

WIND CREEK ATMORE

windcreekatmore.com

866-946-3360

N/A

1,720+

WIND CREEK MONTGOMERY

windcreekmontgomery.com

866-946-3360

N/A

2,200+

WIND CREEK WETUMPKA

windcreekwetumpka.com

866-946-3360

N/A

2,550+

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

beaurivage.com

228-386-7111

96

1,800

IP CASINO RESORT & SPA

ipbiloxi.com

228-436-3000

•

60

1,475

SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT

scarletpearlcasino.com

888-266-5772

•

45

1,146

SILVER SLIPPER CASINO HOTEL

silverslipper-ms.com

228-469-2777

•

25

965

CALDER CASINO & RACE COURSE

caldercasino.com

305-625-1311

•

RACING

1,200

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK & CASINO TAMPA

seminolehardrocktampa.com

813-627-7625

171

5,000

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK & CASINO HOLLY

seminolehardrockhollywood.com

866-502-7529

130

2,200

lumiereplace.com

877-450-7711

55

1,600

caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee

828-497-7777

100

3,300

• •

GULF COAST

FLORIDA

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

26

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

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

GOLF SPORTSBOOK SPA

POOL

•

OUTDOOR

# OF ROOMS

ENT. VENUE

608

•

294

•

1,131

•

•

•

INDOOR

494

•

•

•

INDOOR

150

•

102

•

395

•

531

•

•

1,071

•

•

236

•

•

•

INDOOR

OUTDOOR •

OUTDOOR

•

BOTH

•

BOTH

•

•

OUTDOOR

123

•

•

OUTDOOR

283

•

1,740

•

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

1,088

•

•

•

•

OUTDOOR

•

OUTDOOR

300

•

OUTDOOR

129

OUTDOOR

250

•

•

OUTDOOR

481

•

•

OUTDOOR

294

•

•

INDOOR

1,108

•

•

BOTH

•

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

27

FUTURE ODDS 2019 MLB WORLD SERIES - NOVEMBER 1, 2019 Player Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers New York Yankees Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Cleveland Indians Minnesota Twins Tampa Bay Rays Milwaukee Brewers St. Louis Cardinals New York Mets Washington Nationals Oakland Athletics

May July September 7/1 9/2 2/1 11/2 4/1 5/2 7/1 11/2 6/1 30/1 18/1 10/1 20/1 11/1 16/1 N/A N/A 16/1 28/1 8/1 18/1 30/1 14/1 25/1 N/A 13/1 30/1 15/1 28/1 30/1 N/A N/A 30/1 N/A N/A 40/1 N/A N/A 40/1

*All others higher than 40-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

2019 MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES NOVEMBER 17, 2019 Driver

March May

Kyle Busch

Kevin Harvick

Martin Truex Jr.

9/2

9/2

6/1

12/5

6/1

5/1

7/1

7/1

15/2

6/1

10/1

11/2

Chase Elliott

7/1

12/1

7/1

18/1

20/1

25/1

22/1

25/1

N/A

N/A

25/1

25/1

Brad Keselowski

9/1

6/1

Denny Hamlin

20/1

Erik Jones

15/1 25/1

Kyle Larson

Kurt Busch

Ryan Blaney

Alex Bowman

10/1

Clint Bowyer

15/1

Jimmie Johnson

25/1

Aric Almirola

7/2

6/1

Joey Logano

9/1

7/1

10/1

16/1

5/1 7/1

12/1 12/1 18/1

33/1

20/1

11/1

20/1

30/1

25/1

20/1

25/1

30/1

N/A

28/1

Team September Alabama Crimson Tide 5/2 Clemson Tigers 9/4 Georgia Bulldogs 6/1 Michigan Wolverines 14/1 Ohio State Buckeyes 16/1 LSU Tigers 25/1 Texas Longhorns 25/1 Nebraska Cornhuskers 50/1 Auburn Tigers 50/1 Florida Gators 50/1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 50/1 Utah Utes 50/1 Oregon Ducks 50/1 Washington Huskies 50/1 *All others higher than 50/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

July September 9/4

COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – JANUARY 13, 2020 – MERCEDES-BENZ SUPERDOME – NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

25/1

30/1

60/1

60/1

60/1

*All others higher than 60-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

NFL SUPER BOWL LIV – FEBRUARY 2, 2020 HARD ROCK STADIUM – MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA Team July September New England Patriots 6/1 6/1 Kansas City Chiefs 10/1 6/1 New Orleans Saints 10/1 10/1 Los Angeles Rams 10/1 12/1 Indianapolis Colts 15/1 12/1 Philadelphia Eagles 15/1 12/1 Los Angeles Chargers 19/1 14/1 Chicago Bears 20/1 14/1 Cleveland Browns 14/1 20/1 Dallas Cowboys 22/1 20/1 Green Bay Packers 25/1 20/1 Minnesota Vikings 25/1 20/1 Pittsburgh Steelers 25/1 20/1 San Francisco 49ers 30/1 30/1 Atlanta Falcons 30/1 30/1 *All others higher than 30/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

For the latest sports odds, updated every 5 minutes, visit GamingandDestinations.com 28 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

BETTER

BETTING DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook offers the best sports betting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In fact, be sure to bet on your favorite team on our new 24/7 self-service kiosks that offer lower limits and in-play betting!

LOCATED ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST 9380 Central Avenue • D’Iberville, MS 39540 888–752–9772 • ScarletPearlCasino.com • Must be 21 or older. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and DraftKings reserve all rights to cancel or modify any program at any time.

See Pearl Reward Club for promotional rules and details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

Two Exciting Casinos • More Than 2,400 Vegas-Style Slots 60 Premium Table Games • Over 1,000 Luxurious Hotel Rooms 9 Great Restaurants • Full Service Spa and Salon Two 18-Hole Championship Golf Courses The Southeast’s #1 Water Theme Park Plus, our new Timeout Sports Lounge!

Make your reservation today at 1.866.447.3275

Gaming

Phillip M’s

The Spa at Silver Star

Dancing Rabbit Golf Course

Infinity Pool

Geyser Falls Waterpark

ble Games -Style Slots • 60 Premium Ta gas Ve 00 2,4 an Th re Mo • Two Exciting Casinos vice Spa and Salon Great Restaurants • Full Ser 9 • s om Ro tel Ho us rio xu e Park Over 1,000 Lu e Southeast’s #1 Water Them Th • es urs Co lf Go ip nsh Pearl River Resort Properties Two 18-Hole Champio 30

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

Pearl River Resort • Choctaw, MS near Philadelphia • 1.866.44PEARL (1.866.447.3275) • www.PearlRiverResort.com • A development of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians