Midwest Gaming and Destinations - 2019 Casino Dining Guide by Gaming and Destinations

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER - VOL. 21 ISSUE 5

GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

CASINO DINING GUIDE

PAGE 6

CRAPS:

SLOW DOWN

PAGE 23

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! RACHAEL RAY & OTHER TOP TV CHEFS PAGE 12

PLUS: TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • VIDEO POKER & MORE! Covering Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and the entire Midwest!

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? Visit www.TOURNEVENT.com for a participating casino near you. Could you be the next millionaire?*

Powers the casino floor.ÂŽ *Payable in periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present-day cash value payment.

everi.com

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. POSTMASTER:

G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher 2

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

Send address changes

to Gaming and Destinations, 136 St. Matthews Ave. #300 Louisville, KY 40207

IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER

12 LIGHTS, CAMERA,

HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS

24 Book Preview:

ACTION!

Rachael Ray & Top Television Chefs

26 Casino Directory:

FEATURE ARTICLES

Heavenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Horse Race

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

21 Casino Knowledge: Questions from the Vault

22 Cruise Line Crash

Course:

Have fun and Cash in!

23 Craps:

Slow Down 2019

uide G g n Dini 2019

Find us on Facebook

C A S I N O

C U

I S

I N

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

TIME TO SATISFY EVERY CRAVING

It’s your time. Right here. Right now. The possibilities are limitless, from first dice roll to last slot spin – appetizer to dessert – opening to encore. Time to leave timid behind, double down and crank the excitement up to 11. Then, stay over in a luxurious room or suite and do it all again.

“Best Overall Dining” • “Best Steakhouse, Nibi” “Best Buffet, Mijem” • “Best Happy Hour, Dacey’s Tap House” “Best Casino” • “Best Overall Gaming Resort” “Best Video Slots” • “Best Hotel” Casino Player & Strictly Slots Magazine

Fir e Ke e p e r sC asin o.c o m | I - 9 4 E x i t 10 4 | 1117 7 M ic hi g a n Ave nu e

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

C A S I N O

C U

I S

I N

Welcome to our annual Casino Dining Guide featuring our picks for the best in casino cuisine! One of the most popular things about casino getaways, other than gambling, is checking out the awesome dining options, and casinos have plenty of them. Whether you are looking for something quick and casual, an elegant fine dining experience or something in between, we have you covered. This year we have highlighted a variety of delicious dining options to check out from casinos throughout the region. We hope you’ll get a chance enjoy them all! Bon Appetit!

FINE DINING & INTERNATIONAL FLAIR WOLFGANG PUCK STEAK @ MGM GRAND DETROIT (DETROIT, MI) Whether you are looking for great gambling, awesome entertainment or delectable dining, you are sure to find it at MGM Grand Detroit. Located downtown in the center of the action, the property is home to over 400 rooms, a spa, an indoor pool, a showroom and of course, great dining, especially Wolfgang Puck Steak. The celebrity chef brings his array of grilled steaks and seafood favorites to the motor city for all to enjoy. Get started with appetizers of Wagyu Beef Carpaccio or Sashimi Grade Yellowtail Tuna Tartare. For entrees, the filet mignon is always popular and probably the most popular selections are the American Wagyu Filet (8 ounce) or Wagyu Tomahawk Chop (32 ounce). For more casual dining options, consider Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria where you will find house made pastas, several of Puck’s signature oven-baked pizzas and other Italian favorites in a relaxed setting.

RUTHIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD @ RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT (DAVENPORT, IA) Located on the top floor of the property, you’ll experience Iowa from an entirely new perspective through walls of windows at Ruthie’s. Enjoy fine dining at its best with a fantastic steak and seafood selection accompanied by a wine list that is among the best in the Quad Cities. You can’t go wrong with this fantastic steakhouse option, especially at sunset where you can take in unprecedented 6 | G Afrom MINGA N D D Eabove S T I N ATthe IONS .COM views high area.

2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

NIBI @ FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL (BATTLE CREEK, MI) The minute you enter FireKeepers’ signature restaurant, you know you’re in for an unrivaled dining experience. From the gorgeous fresh seafood to the thick, juicy ribeye, you’re sure to find a specialty dish to please your palate. This is the spot where remarkable dining and unforgettable nights are served up with style. Get started with the Seafood Jackpot appetizer loaded with lump crab, lobster tail, Alaskan king crab and shrimp or the Crab + Lobster Cakes served with roasted red pepper coulis and roasted corn relish. When your ready for the main entrée, choose from the filet mignon, offered in both eight- and twelve-ounce sizes, the bone-in ribeye or the New York Strip. And if seafood is on your mind, popular selections include the Sea Bass, Salmon and Shrimp + Scallops. The sides and steak toppings are plentiful, the wine list is vast and the desserts are to die for, so be sure to make plans to visit soon!

RUTHIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD @ RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT (RIVERSIDE, IA) While it may bear the same name as the location at its sister property, Rhythm City, this Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood certainly has a flair of its own while maintaining the top-quality menu and service with a smile. You can’t go wrong at this high-end American steakhouse where you will find the finest cuts of beef and seafood prepared to your liking. An atmosphere of rich wood, comfortable colors, fresh flower centerpieces and warm lighting offer the traditional steakhouse feel. Enjoy Ruthie’s signature line of steaks such as the filet marmalade, Maryland ribeye or French onion filet, or check out their selection of fresh seafood and other steakhouse favorites to reward your palate. The wine selection is also fantastic and designed to be the best in Eastern Iowa, so be sure to take your time and select a great bottle, or let the well-educated staff pick one out for you.

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

2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

TADO STEAKHOUSE @ TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO (WELCH, MN) Dining is a premium at Treasure Island and excellence can be found at Tado Steakhouse. The fresh and contemporary designed dining room offers table or booth seating options and makes for a relaxed setting to enjoy steakhouse staples as well as some more obscure offerings. Get started with Caribbean Shrimp Skewers or Beef Tips and Chips or interesting soup and salad options. Main entrées include the Signature Hereford New York Strip, Bone-in Rib Eye, Pork Tenderloin Medallions and the Filets with Scallops or Lobster. So be sure to stop by on your next trip to Treasure Island.

RUYI @ POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO (MILWAUKEE, WI) The ancient Chinese meaning of ruyi is a beautiful jeweled object used by monks to symbolize good fortune. At Potawatomi, it also means great food! At this authentic Asian restaurant, guests can enjoy a full sushi bar, as well as a wide variety of Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai favorites prepared “as you wish.” Don’t miss menu favorites such as the Peking Roast Duck, Pad Thai, Bulgogi, Udon, General Tso’s Chicken, Korean Spicy Wok Noodles and other house specialties. There is plenty to choose from and you won’t leave hungry. Be sure to give RuYi a try!

BUFFETS EMBERS GRILL @ NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO RESORT (BOWLER, WI) North Star Mohican Casino Resort strives to provide their guests with the best of everything, and Embers Grill accomplishes that goal. Offering options to either order from a menu or pick and choose from the buffet, you really get the best of both worlds at Embers. Serving fresh Atlantic Salmon, New York Strip and more, you are sure to find what you are looking for at Embers.

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

Slots

River View Buffet

RV Park

Free Entertainment

Golf

Indoor Pool and Spa

Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 |

2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

ROBERT’S BUFFET @ RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT (RIVERSIDE, IA) Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the newly remodeled Robert’s Buffet at Riverside Casino. The daily menu preparation and presentation will exceed your buffet expectations where Chef d’Cuisine, Christian Arlaud, and his team of talented cooks have assembled menu selections through five distinct stations. All designed to satisfy and please every palate with every plate, DIYers can visit the salad station, featuring over fifty topping and ingredient combinations, as well as explore Asian specialties, American and international cuisine, a carvery station with the finest rotating selection of carved meats, seafood and Midwestern favorites. Be sure to save room for an amazing selection of desserts and handmade specialty confections that will round out the perfect meal. Be sure to call ahead or check the website as there are different specialty themes every night of the week.

MIJEM BUFFET @ FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL (BATTLE CREEK, MI) Everyone wins at Michigan’s Best Buffet. Enjoy an endless variety of the freshest hot and cold dishes featuring a tempting array of international favorites. Top it off with a visit to the dessert bar with its ever-flowing chocolate fountain and assortment of tasty treats and toppings.

QUICK & CASUAL THE GROOVE @ NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO RESORT (BOWLER, WI) If you are looking for a spot to hang out, grab a bite to eat, listen to some music and watch a few games, The Groove is the spot for you. You’ll find tasty bites, a great selection of beer, happy hour specials, and new local bands every week. Pull up a chair in the lounge-like setting and enjoy tasty treats like hand-tossed pizza and gourmet burgers. The bar features a state-of-the-art draft beer system with six taps and a spacious area to post up and hang out. Enjoy!

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

2019 Casino

DINING GUIDE

TAP AND MONEYLINE SPORTS LOUNGE @ MGM GRAND DETROIT (DETROIT, MI) In addition to great gaming and amenities, MGM Detroit also features two of the top sports bars in the area, TAP and Moneyline Sports Lounge. Featuring pizzas, pastas, burgers and more, watch your favorite games on over 40 televisions and celebrate touchdowns with over 50 beers to choose from. Also, the state-ofthe-art Topgolf Swing Suite, suited for golfers and nongolfers alike, is always a sure hit! Moneyline Sports Lounge offers a whole new sport viewing experience and is the best place in Detroit to catch all of the biggest plays in sports. MGM Detroit certainly strives to satisfy guests so be sure to visit soon!

DACEY’S TAPHOUSE @ FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL (BATTLE CREEK, MI) Battle Creek’s newest craft-beer experience is the perfect place to enjoy a cold one, grab a bite and watch the game on one of the many big-screen TVs. Choose from 50 award-winning brews on tap, including a selection from Michigan, and delight in a menu of delicious pub favorites with a modern twist.

FIREKEEPER’S RESTAURANT @ ISLAND RESORT & CASINO (HARRIS, MI) Voted as one of Michigan’s Favorite Casual Restaurants by the readers of Midwest Gaming and Destinations, Firekeeper’s Restaurant at Island Resort specializes in casual dining by offering a menu highlighted by classic Midwest Cuisine. Menu selections include pasta dishes, steaks, hot sandwiches and local seafood. Daily specials change regularly and include Beef Bourguignon, Prime Rib, Great Lakes Perch to name a few.

22 & VINE @ RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT (RIVERSIDE, IA) Casual and hip, 22 & VINE is destined to be a new favorite hotspot. Offering the best in salads, sandwiches, pizza and main plates, you will find the variety of options to be a perfect to fill your cravings. Guests can also choose to dine at a table in the new dining room or hang out on the patio for an amazing sit-down dining experience. Also, be sure to check out the new bar featuring all your favorite spirits, an enhanced wine selection (wine by the bottle or by the glass) and craft beer favorites including draft beer.

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

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! 12

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 |

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! 18

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

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. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 dealerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 |

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

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

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.

PLAYER STRATEGY by J O H N

GROCHOWSKI

CASINO KNOWLEDGE: Questions From the Vault

with John G. I field hundreds of questions from readers every year. They cover a wide range of topics including strategy basics, bankroll needs and even gaming history. A few catch my eye as being of special interest. Right now, with the expansion of sports betting, there are things players need to know that were outside their usual domain before last year. Here ae a few from the vault you might find interesting.

Syndicated gaming columnist John Grochowski has been covering the casino industry for over 20 years in his weekly column distributed to newspapers, websites and magazines. He is also the author of six books, including The Slot Answer Book and The Video Poker Answer Book. You can also find him online at CasinoAnswerMan. com

“DEALERS DON’T HAVE THAT OPTION, SO THERE ARE MANY MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO BUST.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

QUESTION: When I pay the 10% on a point spread bet or over/under, is that the house edge? A 10% edge seems awfully high to deal with. ANSWER: The house edge is derived from the 10% vig it charges on those bets, but it’s not 10%. It’s 4.55%. Here’s how it works. Let’s say you bet $10 plus $1 vig on the over and I bet $10 plus $1 vig on the under. The over wins, so I lose my money. You get back your $11 plus $10 in winnings. The house keeps $1 of the $22 we risked between us. Divide $1 by $22, then multiply by 100 to convert to percent, and you get 4.55%. QUESTION: I was having a friendly argument with my dad about busting in blackjack. We agree the house has its edge because of busts, but he thinks players bust a lot more often than the dealer, maybe even twice as much. Who’s right? ANSWER: Players don’t bust anywhere near as often as dealers. For basic strategy players, busts happen on about 16% of hands. For dealers, it’s closer to 28%. The reason is the hit/stand rules for dealers. Dealers must hit any 16 or lower. On hard 12, 13, 15 or 16, you have the option of standing. Basic strategy players do just that on 13 through 16 if the dealer has a 2 through 6 up and on 12 against a dealer’s 4, 5 or 6. Dealers don’t have that option, so there are many more opportunities for them to bust than there are for players. So, you are correct that it’s the timing of busts, rather than the number of them, that gives the house its edge in blackjack. Players complete their hands before the dealer, and any player bust is a loss regardless of what then happens with the dealer hand. If a player and the dealer bust in the same hand, the player loses. That’s just a huge advantage for the house that other

rules favoring the player are necessary to make the game playable. That’s why options to double down and split pairs exist, and why blackjacks pay 3:2 in better games and 6:5 in poorer ones. But for sheer number of busts, dealers have the larger share. QUESTION: Three-dimensional imaging on slot machines has gotten good, and you wrote that Sphinx 4-D adds touch to the mix. Then you have the games with the motion chairs, so at least some of the games are going for a fullsensory experience. With all that, why don’t we have games with sense of smell? ANSWER: Smell as a slot attraction was tried in Lucy and the Chocolate Factory, an IGT nickel video slot introduced in 2002. Based on one of the most popular episodes of “I Love Lucy,” the game had 12 paylines and a bonus event in which players touched the screen to pick chocolates off a factory line. In a feature called “Chocolate Smell-o-Rama,” machines gave off a chocolate aroma. The game held its own, but results weren’t so strong that manufacturers rushed to produce their own odorous slots. There are challenges. Aromas must be strong enough that players notice, but not so strong they impinge on neighboring players. Smells must be regarded as pleasant, or at least not offensive. And if a significant share of slots featured smells, they’d have to be arranged on the slot floor so competing odors didn’t create something truly noxious. Similar problems have surfaced in motion picture attempts to incorporate smell, including the Smell-O-Vision process used for the 1960 film “Scent of Mystery.” Customers complained smells were too strong in some parts of the theater, too weak in others, nauseated some viewers, and were poorly synchronized with action on the screen. There have been other experiments with smell in the movies, and there probably will be others on the slots, too. Whether any are successful enough for slots of smell to become a regular casino feature is problematic. G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

PLAYER STRATEGY

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. 22

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

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 |

BOOK P RE V IE W :

HEAVEN’S PREMIER HORSE RACE by

It is an everyday occurrence inside of almost every sports bar and barber shop that abides within our great country. Conversations that are premised on assumptive questions like, “Who would win if Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson duked it out in their prime?” or “Which team would carry the day if Terry Bradshaw’s 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers locked horns with Joe Montana’s 1980’s San Francisco 49ers?”. Of course, a “hierarchical debate” is libel to take place anytime two fanatics start “talking sports” and believe me when I tell you friend, it is no different inside the world of horse racing. In fact, if I had a nickel for every time I heard an argument which centered around; “Who would cross the wire first if Man o’ War and Secretariat went head-to-head?” I’d own a two-thousand square foot beach cottage on the island of Barbados. Now because I am a lifelong fan of 24

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

E R I C F LOY D

the “Sport of Kings”, the question posed in the previous paragraph has of course tumbled around in my cerebrum on more than one occasion. However, to be completely transparent, I personally think there is one particular “turf hypothetical” that transcends every other. You see, thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Crown Series is my absolute first love, so logically, I have long fantasized about a race that would feature thoroughbred horse racing’s family of Triple Crown Champions. An individual who knows how dangerous it is to assume absolutely anything in this life, I would therefore now like to “take five” in order to share an excerpt from my novel that will assist those of you who are a little fuzzy with regards to the subject matter mentioned thus far. I hope you enjoy it, and more importantly lay some green backs down and purchase a copy for yourself to enjoy the full perspective. An Opening Commentary. What is

Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s Triple Crown Series? Well essentially, it is a “three act sporting theatrical” that is headlined by Planet Earth’s eminent threeyear old equines. Rekindled each year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Triple Crown Series kicks off with the world’s most famous horse race; the Kentucky Derby. Also dubbed “The Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, the Kentucky Derby is disputed over horse racing’s traditional “classic distance” (one and a quarter miles). Once the curtain comes down in Louisville the Triple Crown Series shifts to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This is where, on the third Saturday in May, the Preakness Stakes takes place. Run at a mile and three sixteenths, the Preakness Stakes is popularly referred to as both “The Run for the

Black-Eyed Susans” and “The Triple Crown’s Middle Jewel”. Following a second hiatus (this time for three weeks instead of two), the Triple Crown Series culminates at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. An exceptionally demanding mile and a half “marathon”, the Belmont Stakes has hence been aptly nicknamed “The Test of a Champion”. Incidentally, the Belmont’s arduous distance is undoubtedly the number one reason why only thirteen equines in all of history have exited Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s Triple Crown Series with three corresponding blue ribbons. If I may digress for a moment, I’d like to mention that on that day in late 2008 when I started to write “Heaven’s Premier Horse Race”, there existed a total of eleven Triple Crown Champions. That said, when American Pharoah broke thoroughbred horse racing’s thirty-seven-year Triple Crown drought in 2015, I was left with a big decision to make. I could either start over (and throw away six and a half years worth of hard work) so that American Pharoah could be included in my “dream race”, or I could continue creating from my original outline (i.e., one that was built upon a ten furlong (mile and a quarter) route that starred: Sir Barton - 1919, Gallant Fox - 1930, Omaha - 1935, War Admiral - 1937, Whirlaway 1941, Count Fleet - 1943, Assault - 1946, Citation - 1948, Secretariat - 1973, Seattle Slew - 1977 and Affirmed - 1978). Luckily for me, I stuck to my initial design and thus didn’t have to BEGIN ALL OVER AGAIN FOR A SECOND TIME when Justify claimed the Triple Crown in 2018. Breaking new ground in the territory of turf literature, “Heaven’s Premier Horse Race” is a uniquely written “cross-dimensional” tapestry that entertains as well as informs. See,

aside from bearing witness to a race that includes thoroughbred horse racing’s first eleven Triple Crown Champions, readers will also digest historic profiles a propos to: the equine contestants mentioned above, their connections and the Triple Crown Series itself. Moreover, and I don’t want to give too much away, but this will “hook” any history buffs as my novel takes place against the backdrop of Jerome Park Race Track. Opened in 1866 in what is now the Bronx, NY by a famous financier named Leonard Walter Jerome (Winston Churchill’s maternal grandfather) Jerome Park quickly became the primary

Crown Series”. 1) First run in 1867 at a distance of 1 5/8 miles (not 1 1/2 miles like it is today) the inaugural Belmont was actually won by a filly named Ruthless!! Since, there have only been three fillies who have won the Belmont in its 151-year history! 2) The likeness of Fenian (your 1869 Belmont Stakes Champion who was owned by August Belmont himself) sits atop the August Belmont Memorial Cup. Yes, you guessed it; this is the trophy (crafted by Tiffany & Co.) that is ceremoniously presented in the winner’s circle every year on Belmont day.) A passionate admirer of the thoroughbred athlete, I have therefore always dreamed of helping horses; especially those who have completed their racing career. With that said, I decided (in advance of publishing) that the royalties from “Heaven’s Premier Horse Race” would entirely be donated to thoroughbred aftercare programs. Specifically, the royalties from Amazon. com will continue to be gifted to “Second Chances Farm” at Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, FL. Lowell is the largest woman’s prison in the United States and their farm is home to about fifty retired racehorses. The inmates who qualify for the equine program help rehabilitate the resident horses and in turn they learn new life skills that can help them upon their release.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that even though I am “old school” stomping ground for the Big Apple’s when it comes to reading, meaning aristocratic elite. The possessor of I prefer the feel of a tangible book in an enduring friendship with his my hand over some digital apparatus, business partner, politician and my novel is available for download on sportsman August Belmont, Leonard Kindle and other devices. Simply go Jerome thus christened his oval’s to Amazon.com and key in “Heaven’s marquee race the “Belmont Stakes”. Premier Horse Race” to see all the Consequently, you could technically available formats. Here you can also call Jerome Park, “the birthplace of read a more in-depth sample of what I thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple believe is every horseplayer’s ultimate Crown Series”! fantasy. Specifically, a clash which is restricted to those eleven Triple Crown At this juncture, I’d like to interject Champions who are now homed inside a few interesting tidbits about the Belmont Stakes, a.k.a. “the oldest leg of that topography we call Heaven. of thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Enjoy the read! G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

MIDWEST

CASINO DIRECTORY WEBSITE

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

PHONE NUMBER

*CC PARTNER

TABLES

MACHINES

KENTUCKY DERBY CITY GAMING

DERBYCITYGAMING.COM

502-961-7600

900

INDIANA 800-472-6311

•

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA

BELTERRACASINO.COM

1,600

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

812-438-1234

897

INDIANA GRAND CASINO

INDIANAGRAND.COM

877-386-4463

2,000+

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, SIOUX CITY

HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

712-226-7600

839

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

877-677-3456

1,150

RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT

RHYTHMCITYCASINO.COM

844-852-4386

850

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

888-732-4537

3,056

IOWA •

MICHIGAN SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT MGM GRAND DETROIT

MGMGRANDDETROIT.COM

877-888-2121

4,000

ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO

ISLANDRESORTANDCASINO.COM

800-682-6040

1,200

FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL - BATTLECREEK

FIREKEEPERSCASINO.COM

877-352-8777

2,900

BLACK BEAR CASINO RESORT

BLACKBEARCASINORESORT.COM

888-771-0777

1,850

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

TICASINO.COM

800-222-7077

2,200

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-472-6321

3,500

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-626-5825

3,100

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY

AMERISTAR.COM/KANSAS-CITY

816-414-7000

115

2,300

LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS

LUMIEREPLACE.COM

877-450-7711

1,600

RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL, ST. LOUIS

RIVERCITY.COM

888-578-7289

2,000

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CINCINNATI

513-252-0777

100

2,000

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS

HOLLYWOODCOLUMBUS.COM

614-308-3333

2,200

JACK CASINO CLEVELAND

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CLEVELAND

216-297-4777

100

1,600

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, TULSA

HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM

800-760-6700

2,600

WINSTAR CASINO & RESORT

WINSTARWORLDCASINO.COM

580-276-4229

7,400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WITTENBERG

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WITTENBERG

715-253-4400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, BLACK RIVER FALLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/BLACKRIVERFALLS

800-657-4621

HO-CHUNK GAMING, TOMAH

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

OHIO JACK CASINO CINCINNATI

OKLAHOMA

WISCONSIN

517 10

634

1,832

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/TOMAH

866-880-9822

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WISCONSIN DELLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WISCONSINDELLS

800-746-2486

HO-CHUNK GAMING, MADISON

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/MADISON

608-223-9576

HO-CHUNK GAMING, NEKOOSA

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/NEKOOSA

800-782-4560

650

NORTH STAR CASINO RESORT

NORTHSTARCASINORESORT.COM

800-952-0195

1,200

LAKE OF THE TORCHES

LAKEOFTHETORCHES.COM

800-258-6724

837

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO

PAYSBIG.COM

800-729-7244

100

3,000

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

1,200

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

# OF ROOMS

ENT. VENUE

GOLF

SPA

POOL

689

•

294

•

201

• •

•

243

• • • •

408

•

788

•

967

• •

•

• •

•

INDOOR

•

• •

116

517 400 328

967

294

• •

200

•

184

•

• •

INDOOR

•

• • •

• • • INDOOR

INDOOR

184 294 200

454 1,500

• •

86 140

•

302

• •

129

• • •

100 391

• •

•

• INDOOR

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

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

6/1

12/5

6/1

5/1

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

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

*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

TIME TO SATISFY EVERY CRAVING

Fir e Ke e p e r sC asin o.co m | I - 9 4 E x it 10 4 | 11177 M ic hi g a n Ave nu e

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