Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations │ May 2022

MAY-JUNE 2022 - VOL. 24 ISSUE 3 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

CRAPS:

TO REGRESS OR NOT? PAGE 18

CELEBRITY

CRUISES:

CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE PAGE 12

BIRDIES & BLACKJACK TOP CASINO COURSES PAGE 8

PLUS: TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • VIDEO POKER & MORE! Covering casinos in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and more!

IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER 4

Triple Crown Triumphs:

ARTICLES & EDITORIAL

STRATEGY & SPOTLIGHTS

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2

Looking Back at Longshots

Gaming & Golf: Our Favorite Courses

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Celebrity Cruises:

Casino Scene: Hot Happenings at Our Preferred Properties Get the scoop on what’s happening at our preferred properties around the region.

Changing the Landscape of Sailing

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Property Spotlight: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Craps: To Regress or Not

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Sports Betting: Check out the odds for future sporting events and the betting trends of each.

Find your spot and wager when ready!

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GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

CASINO SCENE

HOT HAPPENINGS AT OUR PREFERRED CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND MORE. We are excited to continue to publish our top picks for entertainment, promotions and other features from Preferred Properties of Gaming and Destinations. These properties are supporters of G&D and we encourage you to check them out on your next gaming adventure. For more hot happenings and gaming news, visit GamingandDestinations.com.

(Mount Pleasant, MI) Soaring Eagle Casino Resort – If you are looking for great gambling and a full resort experience, look no further than Soaring Eagle. With a 210,000 square-feet of gaming space, five hundred rooms and suites, a Spa & Salon with everything you need to relax and be pampered, eight dining options that will fill any appetite, including Siniikaung Steak & Chop and more. Plus, don’t miss headliner entertainment including Earth, Wind & Fire (May 7), Steve Martin & Martin Short (May 27), Bill Maher ( June 18), New Kids on The Block ( June 23) and The Black Crowes ( July 9) just to name a few. Also…buy two or more tickets and get $20 in premium play to use on the day of the show. For information and reservations, call 1-877-2324532 or visit SoaringEagleCasino.com.

(Bowler, WI) North Star Mohican Casino Resort – As if you ever needed a reason for a gambling getaway, North Star certainly has plenty of them to ensure your stay is great from the second you step in the lobby. Guests can enjoy great gambling with over 1,200 machines, plenty of table games including blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Craps and more. Plus, don’t miss the live poker room and bingo with games for up to 124 people! If you want to stay for a few days, North Star has you covered with their luxurious contemporary hotel or the 57-site RV Park with 20-30-and 50-amp service, pull thru sites, picnic table area and is pet friendly. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-952-0195 or visit NorthStarCasinoResort.com.

(Baton Rouge, LA) L’Auberge Baton Rouge - L’Auberge Baton Rouge is Baton Rouge’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment, and lodging destination! Enjoy live entertainment in The Event Center featuring: The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute (May 13), Hotel California (May 20), comedian Tim Dillon (May 21), The Temptations ( June 17) and comedian Tom Segura ( July 17). Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets. Also…Wanna bet? The Sportsbook at L’Auberge is now open! Over 20 sports betting kiosks available 24/7. For more information, call 866-261-7777 or visit LBatonRouge.com.

(Vicksburg, MS) Ameristar Casino Hotel - Ameristar is committed to creating a magical experience for every guest, and that goes for their room rates too. In addition to AARP, AAA and other discounts, the property also honors a “Best Rate Guarantee” that ensures you will get the best possible rate when you book your room and if happen to find a lower rate within 24 hours of making your reservation, they will happily match the rate. Enjoy!

For reservations and more information, call 1-601-630-3786 visit AmeristarVicksburg.com.

(Hot Springs, AR) Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort – Don’t miss great gaming and headlining entertainment at Oaklawn including rock legends George Thorogood and The Destroyers (May 6), Don McLean (May 21), Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone ( June 25) and the Million Dollar Reunion ( July 2) celebrating the music of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lewis and Carl Perkins. Plus, stay in style and book your room in Oaklawn’s new luxurious hotel and enjoy a resort-style pool and the relaxing Astral Spa. For more information and reservations, call 1-800625-5296 or visit Oaklawn.com (Tunica, MS) Hollywood Casino Tunica – Get a taste of the glitz and glamor of the stars at Hollywood Casino Tunica. After checking out the amazing collection of memorabilia around the property, guests can enjoy the award-winning Fairbanks Steakhouse for one of the best dining experiences in the region and then stay in a 5-story tower overlooking the casino floor or an 8-story tower next to the largest indoor pool in Tunica. Also check out the spa, River Bend Links Golf Course and the Epic Buffet to round out your stay. For more information, call 1-800-8710711 of visit HollywoodCasinoTunica.com.

Celebrity Cruises - Discover luxury cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and more with a variety of options and destinations with Celebrity Cruises. Offering ports of departure in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa, Florida, as well as California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington, cruisers should be able to find a convenient destination to start your vacation. There are always special offers and packages to take advantage of at CelebrityCruises.com. Check it out and start your adventure today!

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HOLLY WOODCASINOTUNICA.COM Resort fee and taxes not included. Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. Valid only at Hollywood Casino Tunica, based on double occupancy. Offer subject to availability. 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? Call 1-888-777-9696. ©2022 Penn National Gaming, Inc. All rights reserved.

Darkstar handed Northern Dancer his first and only defeat.

Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack

TRIPLE CROWN TRIUMPHS: LOOKING BACK AT THE LONGSHOTS by

Eric Floyd is an accomplished turf writer who passionately promotes thoroughbred racehorse aftercare.

An excerpt from his all for charity thoroughbred horse racing novel, “Heaven’s Premier Horse Race” can be viewed at Amazon.com.

E R I C F LOY D

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ny horseplayer who says they haven’t fantasized about cashing a win ticket on a 99-1 shot is well, akin to Pinocchio. Because hey let’s face it, even the most ignorant railbird among us can make a few bucks by betting on an enormous favorite. Yet truth be told, triumphs which are fused to futile odds typically aren’t all that memorable. Such scores simply don’t make for entertaining anecdotes on those occasions when we “chew the fat” with our fellow turf aficionados.

Now while hitting a long shot incites an adrenaline rush that can last long after the fact, nothing compares to “blowing up” a tote board that is attached either

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the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes or Belmont Stakes. For certain, these three races which make up Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s Triple Crown Series represent the loftiest pinnacles in our sport, and while picking a winner in any of the previously mentioned routes is surely sweet, “bringing home a bomb” on the Sport of Kings’ grandest stage will literally make you a legend. Hence, here are half a dozen horses that all of us wish we had bet on!

Dark Star – 1953 Kentucky Derby – 25-1 While he is far from the longest priced Kentucky Derby winner, I honestly believe that Dark Star (25-1) pulled off the

biggest upset in the entire storied history of the “Run for the Roses”. I say this because at the 79th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2nd, 1953, Dark Star handed the immortal Native Dancer his first and only defeat.

Donerail – 1913 Kentucky Derby – 91-1

Concerning Derby upsets, this is the “granddaddy of them all” and even though Donerail posted his 91-1 parimutual shocker well over a century ago in 1913, the ring of Horse Racing Nation’s In order to appreciate the magnitude of collective gasp can still be heard high Dark Star’s unlikely achievement, one needs above Churchill Downs’ famed Twin to examine just how utterly magnificent Spires to this very day. Interestingly Native Dancer truly was. Ranked #7 enough, breeder/owner/trainer Thomas on Blood-Horse Magazine’s “Top 100 P. Hayes wasn’t even completely sold on Racehorses of the 20th Century” list, the the idea of entering his developing young “Gray Ghost” (this was Native Dancer’s nickname) finished his career with a record colt into the Derby since at the time; of 21 wins from 22 starts and was likewise Churchill Downs didn’t have enough barn christened: American Champion Two-Year space to house all of their on-site horses.

Old Colt (1952), American Champion Three- This meant that Donerail would have Year Old Male Horse (1953) and American to be stabled at nearby Douglass Park Horse of the Year (1954). and consequently, would have to make a three mile walk over to Churchill Downs Yet when it mattered most, the “Gray before the Derby even began! In the end Ghost” (who went off in the Kentucky however, jockey Roscoe Goose is said Derby as an “odds on” 3/5 favorite) ran to have authored a series of persuasive smack dab into a solid wall of ruinous pitches which eventually influenced racing luck. Breaking from post #10 in a Hayes to run his prohibitive outsider. field of 11 horses, Dark Star initially shot (It probably didn’t hurt either that one to the front as he simultaneously slanted of Hayes’ friends, a man named William towards the inner rail in order to save ground. Racing in eighth position early, J. Treacy, agreed to pay Donerail’s Native Dancer next got sideswiped by a long entry fee.) shot named Money Maker as he entered the first turn. Edging up into third position as The measure with which bettors the field pierced the straightaway; the “Gray dismissed Donerail becomes all the more Ghost” kept cutting into Dark Star’s lead but obvious when one considers that the ultimately fell short by just a head. Blamed 1913 Kentucky Derby featured a modest excessively for Native Dancer’s loss since lineup of only eight racers. Nevertheless, he had conferred an “erratic ride”, jockey Roscoe Goose had his mount right on Eric Guerin woke up to a newspaper story the heels of a well backed leader named that in part read, “…he (Guerin) took that colt (Native Dancer) everywhere except the Ten Point as the field turned for home.

In addition to scoring by half a length ladies’ room.” and posting a then record Derby time of 2:04 4/5, Donerail likewise rewarded his faithful followers with a win mutual of $184.90 for a $2 bet! Uh, and to add some perspective, $184.90 in 1913 was worth roughly $5,300 in today’s money!

Giacomo – 2005 Kentucky Derby – 50-1 Donerail returned $184 on a $2 bet in 1913.

Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack

Because the three previous years had proven to be a fiscal disaster, I shouted

Giacomo rallied from 18th to first in the 2005 Kentucky Derby.

Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack

like canon fire as the 2005 Kentucky Derby field tore through Churchill Downs’ 1,234 foot straightaway.

Typically, when it comes to marquee races, I’m that guy who “bets on the nose” however on this occasion, I had conservatively purchased a $200 show ticket on a bay-colored colt named Afleet Alex. (And every time some turf laureate brings up the name Giacomo, I remember that it’s sometimes wise to err on the side of caution.)

2005 was the year that a horse named Bellamy Road won Aqueduct Racetrack’s Wood Memorial by 17 ½ lengths so you really can’t blame anyone who overlooked Giacomo who by the way, entered the “Run for the Roses” off of a pedestrian 4th place performance in the Santa Anita Derby. Yet in front of 156,435 fans who witnessed the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” live, Giacomo weaved his way through and around horses (including race favorite Bellamy Road) from 18th position until he determinedly reached the wire just ahead of a 71-1 shot named Closing Argument! As I previously foreshadowed, Afleet Alex rounded out the day’s trifecta however this colt’s $4.60 show mutual paled in comparison to the tote board’s largest “straight wager” payout. The fourth highest priced winner in Kentucky Derby history, Giacomo (501) returned $102.60 for every $2 worth of action!

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Mine That Bird accomplished an ‘impossible’ feat in 2009

Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack

Mine That Bird – 2009 Kentucky Derby – 50-1 Sometimes when I lay my head down at night, I can still hear announcer Tom Durkin’s post race call of, “Mine That Bird has won the Kentucky Derby; an impossible result here!!” Of course, at the time, I certainly agreed with Mr. Durkin’s sentiment yet as the years have passed, I have formed an even more radical opinion of the 2009 Kentucky Derby.

In short friends, this is far and away the most mythical horse race that I have ever witnessed.

In 2009, “Graded Stakes Earnings” was the criteria for making the Kentucky Derby field so while Mine That Bird was technically eligible to pass the entry box, this one’s recent form resembled that of a horse who belonged somewhere on the undercard. In fact, I will go out on a limb and say that no thoroughbred will ever again win the “Run for the Roses” off of a 4th place finish in the Sunland Derby.

All the same, trainer Chip Woolley must have had a glaring premonition because subsequent to loading his “dark horse” into an equine trailer, Woolley drove 21 hours and 1700 miles non-stop from his home base in New Mexico to the backstretch of Churchill Downs!

The 2009 Kentucky Derby remains such a head scratcher for me personally partly because Mine That Bird wasn’t even in the television frame as the field entered 6

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the first turn. Upon passing the threequarters pole still in last place, jockey Calvin Borel must have then muttered, “Abracadabra” for suddenly it seemed as if Mine that Bird was running across a conveyer belt. In back of a courageous rail skimming and rain-soaked ride that secured victory by a whopping 6 ¾ lengths, Borel boisterously paraded his 50-1 shot beneath a blazing infield tote board which read, “$2 WIN #8 $103.20”.

Master Derby – 1975 Preakness Stakes – 23-1

Triple Crown Series. The Belmont’s twelvefurlong makeup calls for immense stamina and consequently, success often depends on an equine’s depth of will rather than their raw physical talent. Correspondingly, Belmont bettors regularly find themselves looking at inflated pari-mutual payouts that could finance a phantom Rolls-Royce.

By the time 2004 rolled around, Horse Racing Nation had been waiting 26 years for their sport’s 12th Triple Crown Champion. Now even well before the “First Saturday in May”, there were rumblings that the Arkansas Derby winner could be the second coming of Seattle Slew and after decisive victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes; Smarty Jones’ royal coronation at Belmont Park was officially scheduled. Alas, Birdstone didn’t get the memo.

For a variety of reasons (including smaller field sizes that allow for less congestion and bumping), the Preakness Stakes remains the Triple Crown Series’ most predictable race. Supporting this statement is the truth that only three Preakness winners have come home at odds of 20-1 or higher. Still, I’d be Dismissed at odds of 36-1 due to his totally remiss to neglect mention of the eighth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness’ most notorious edition to date. Birdstone serenely sauntered along in midpack for much of the Belmont. Conversely, The 1975 Preakness also marked the a front-running Smarty Jones remained race’s 100th anniversary and Foolish uncomfortably sandwiched between the Pleasure, who had captured the Kentucky pressuring duo of Eddington and Rock Derby two weeks prior as the 9/5 favorite, Hard Ten. Left battered by an aggressive logically procured the majority of the two-pronged attack, Smarty Jones for pari-mutual handle. Meanwhile Master this reason staggered towards the wire as Derby, the Kentucky Derby’s fourth place Birdstone surged. En route to becoming the finisher, was widely dismissed at odds of fourth longest shot ever to win the Belmont, 23-1. Sitting a stalking trip early in the Birdstone ($74.00) likewise blessed those race, Master Derby held a three-length punters who were gracious enough to give lead in mid-stretch with a hard charging him a second chance.

Foolish Pleasure in hot pursuit. Holding sway by a length at the wire despite At day’s end, it is my sincere hope that this bearing out, Master Derby ($48.80) thus article inspires you to think outside of the became the most improbable equine ever box when it comes to your handicapping. If to wear the Preakness’ storied blanket of history has taught us anything, it’s that any black-eyed Susans. horse on any given day can (for whatever

Birdstone – 2004 Belmont Stakes – 36-1 Known as the “Test of a Champion”, the 1 ½ mile Belmont Stakes remains the final, longest and most arduous leg of the

reason) outrun their odds. Therefore, be bold and bet a long shot from time to time because while money won is temporal, tales that are attached to extraordinary turf triumphs really do perpetuate throughout eternity!

ROOM FOR MORE

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Dancing Rabbit Golf Club: Azaleas and Oaks Courses at Pearl River Resort

GAMING & GOLF: OUR TOP PICKS Casino golf courses are among some of the finest in the country and are traditionally very well-maintained and manicured providing an extra attraction for high rollers and group outings. Golf and gambling go together like peanut butter and jelly and there are few finer pairings than birdies and blackjacks at your favorite casino resort.

We have pulled together a few of our favorite courses for you to consider on your next gambling and golf getaway ranging from courses in the South to the Midwest. We hope you enjoy these layouts as much as we did.

Dancing Rabbit Golf Club: Azaleas and Oaks Courses at Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia, Mississippi) 1.601.663.0011 DancingRabbitGolf.com 8

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Course Designers: Jerry Pate & Tom Fazio Azaleas Course: Yards: 7,128 Rating: 74.4 Slope: 135 Oaks Course: Yards: 7,076 Rating: 74.6 Slope: 139 Cost to play: $70 - $150 (Stay & Play packages available) Course Overview: Pearl River Resort is a favorite destination for gamblers and golfers alike offering guests the ultimate Southern hospitality. The Mississippi Band of Choctaws can take pride with their beautiful and scenic Dancing Rabbit Golf Club boasting two championship courses, The Oaks and The Azaleas, that both resemble Augusta National-like conditions and difficulty. Located in east central Mississippi just an hour north of Jackson, the two courses

are hidden among towering pines and stunning oaks and are shining examples of exceptional landscaping and imaginative design courtesy of the renowned design team of Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio. The award-winning, par 72 courses present players with nearly 14,200 yards of soul-stirring golf and each of the club’s 36 holes bears its own distinct personality, yet they retain the character and grandeur of the Southern woodlands from which they are carved.

The Azaleas boast immaculately manicured 419 Bermuda fairways and TifEagle greens and The Oaks offers Champion Bermuda greens and Zoysia fairways. This classic combination provides a truly exceptional experience for golf enthusiasts around the country.

Fallen Oak at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino (Saucier, Mississippi) 1.877.805.4657 – FallenOak.com Course Designer: Tom Fazio Yards: 7,487 Rating: 76.5 Slope: 142 Cost to play: $200 (Exclusive to invited guests)

Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge Casino Resort

Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge Casino Resort (Lake Charles, Louisiana) 1.337.395.7220 – LakeCharles.com Course Designer: Tom Fazio Yards: 7,036 Rating: 74 Slope: 130 Cost to play: $99 - $119 Course Overview: Contraband Bayou Golf Club, designed by world-renowned golf architect, Tom Fazio, compliments the lowland marsh features of the natural Louisiana environment to enhance a

unique 7,000-yard, par-71 championship golf course. A combination of aquatic and natural vegetation on the edges of eight spectacular lakes challenges golfers of all skill levels. This enjoyable course is the only public Fazio course in Louisiana; that means your tee time is just a phone call away. ProLink GPS in every cart will help improve your game and the skilled team of employees offers an unmatched level of friendly guest service.

Course Overview: When you hear the name of Tom Fazio connected to a golf course, you can expect the best. The legendary course designer added to his already international fame when he created a wonderland in Nevada’s desert called Shadow Creek for MGM Grand, a sister property to the fabled Beau Rivage in Biloxi where he has another masterpiece, Fallen Oak. Fazio had the template but instead of sand to conquer, he had Mississippi natural forest and a wonderful topography to work with and he provided golfers with a layout that he says will stun them with its natural beauty. Located just 15 miles north of the Beau Rivage, Fazio integrated various environmental elements such as wetlands, forest, marshes, trees and other natural features. The $40-million course features dramatic elevation changes, rare on the flat Gulf Coast, and more than 4,000 stately oaks, magnolias, and other trees at the edge of the DeSoto National Forest.

Pine Hills Golf Course at North Star Mohican Casino Resort (Gresham, Wisconsin) 1.715.787.3778 – PineHillsGolf.net Yards: 6,465 Rating: 70 Slope: 126 Cost to play: $40-$50 (Stay and play packages available) Course Overview: Pine Hills is truly one of the finest golf courses throughout Wisconsin’s historic Northwoods. The par 72 course is conveniently nestled among the towering pines to help you experience nature at its best. All 18 holes are designed to test your shot making ability while giving you the opportunity to enjoy your surroundings.

Fallen Oak at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino 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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Tamahka Trails Golf Course at Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville, Louisiana) 1.800.946.1946 x6300 ParagonCasinoResort.com Course Designer: Steve Smyers Yards: 7,019 Rating: 74.4 Slope: 133 Cost to Play: $49 - $59 Course Overview: Tamahka Trails is one of the most prominent golf facilities in the Gulf State region. The expansive practice field includes a 50,000 square foot hitting area, a 10,000 square-foot putting green, and practice greens for perfecting your bunker play, chipping and pitching. In addition to its scenic beauty, Tamahka Trails boasts everything you’d expect from a topnotch golf club.

Sweetgrass Golf Course & Sage Run Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino (Harris, Michigan) Sweetgrass: 1.906.723.2251 islandresortgolf.com/sweetgrass Yards: 7,266 Rating: 75.2 Slope: 143 Sage Run: 1.906.723.2254 islandresortgolf.com/sage-run-golf-club Yards: 7,334 Rating: 76.4 Slope: 147

Sweetgrass Golf Course at Island Resort & Casino

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Sage Run Golf Course at Island Resort & Casino

Course Designer: Paul Albanese Cost to play: $49 - $85 Course Overview: These two gems of golf courses were both designed by Paul Albanese. Sweetgrass features an open layout with some of the game’s most fun greens to putt on as well as some wonderful strategic holes -- including the famous island green No. 15 and spectacular double green with finishing par-five holes on each side. The course, which plays host to the newly dubbed EPSON Tour’s Island Resort Championship, is ranked among Golfweek’s Best Courses and proud to be titled both the 2021 Michigan

Golf Course of the Year and National Golf Course of the Year for 2022.

Sage Run is ranked among Golfweek’s Best Courses, and offers a contrasting style from its sister course. The course meanders through the beautiful Upper Peninsula hardwoods, open vistas, and a very dramatic ridge -- offering a scenic variety of shots that collectively create a fun thrill ride for golfers. The course annually plays host to some of the top collegiate players with The Island Resort Intercollegiate at Sage Run. Sweetgrass and Sage Run both rank in the Top 20 courses you can play in Michigan as well as high on national golf course rankings.

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lbatonrouge.com • 866.261.7777 Must be 21 years of age or older to enter Event Center and Casino. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets. See mychoice® Center for details. Management reserves the right to cancel, modify or refuse this offer without notice at any time.

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. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700. ©2022 Penn National Gaming, Inc. All rights reserved.

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NOT ALL GAMING VACATIONS ARE CREATED EQUAL GREAT GAMING GETAWAYS START WITH CELEBRITY CRUISES

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hat other gaming vacation lets you enjoy the comfort and amenities of the finest hotels, best in class service, fine dining with menus crafted by a Michelinstarred chef, a state-of-the-art spa, Broadway-caliber entertainment, exciting night life and a world-class casino-all while you travel the world exploring the destinations you’ve dreamed about?

Players from all over the world choose Celebrity Cruises because they know they’ll experience the best of everything including an on-board casino that rivals any land-based establishment. With an attention to detail and a dedication to outstanding service that are second to none, Celebrity Cruises redefines the concept of a gaming vacation like you’ve 12

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never imagined.

The award-winning fleet, including the newest revolutionary Edge® Series, sails to more than 300 destinations on all seven continents around the globe. Each ship was designed to be the setting for your perfect gaming getaway. Every moment aboard is an opportunity to be amazed as you marvel at the awe-inspiring spaces both inside and out. Naturally, as a player you’ll be particularly interested in the casino. When you step inside, it’s obvious that no detail was overlooked in order to provide you with a dynamic yet sophisticated environment in which to enjoy your favorite games. You’ll be equally impressed as you notice subtle details throughout the rest of

your ship, which enhance your journey in unexpected ways. And speaking of details, to make your gaming cruise completely carefree and convenient, drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are Always Included®.

For True Gaming Excitement Always Bet On Celebrity When you sail with Celebrity Cruises, consider everything you do (or don’t do) a lead-up to an evening of thrills in our world-class casinos. The moment you step inside, you’ll feel the energy surround you. Try your luck at one of 2,000 slot machines. Test your skill at over 150 of table games. Take your gaming experience to the next level as a member

of the Blue Chip Club where the more you play, the more you win. Joining is as easy as swiping your SeaPass® card while playing any slot machine or table game. Plus, you’ll receive $20 in Free Play as soon as you earn your first 20 points. As you play, you’ll access six membership tiers with additional benefits and exclusive perks. With custom limits, late hours, action-packed cruise tournaments, a smoke-free environment, and better odds, the casinos offer everything players could possibly want. Whether you prefer slots, dice or cards, come see why Celebrity casinos are where it pays to play.

You’ll almost be able to feel Lady Luck standing behind you as you place your next bet and discover why there are gaming cruises, and then there are Celebrity gaming cruises.

Getting There Is More Than Half The Fun. After you settle in and get acquainted with your home away from home, you’ll want to take advantage of everything your ship has to offer. Join a friendly game of Croquet or Bocce at the Lawn Club on Solstice

Series ships where you can feel real grass under your feet. Play pool volleyball with ship officers or test your archery skills.

Expand your wine knowledge alongside our expert sommeliers or take a cooking class with one of our accomplished chefs. Wander through the art galleries and admire the diverse works created by world-famous artists or watch thrilling shows in the state-of-the-art theater on Edge Series ships. And those are just some of the countless options available to you on board. On a Celebrity cruise, how much (or how little you do) is entirely up to you.

Unrivaled Comfort And Convenience Your accommodations are where your days begin and end, so they must fulfill your every need, and even a whim or two. Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of options to suit all travelers including the luxury of The RetreatSM, with its exclusive privileges including private dining, a sundeck* and lounge reserved for Retreat guests, and a Personal Retreat

Host who will ensure you want for nothing on board or on shore. And be sure to check out the Aqua Sky Suites, which combines the well-being inspired AquaClass® experience with exclusive spaces, services, and amenities of The Retreat® to leave you more renewed than ever. If you want a vacation focused on wellness, we recommend AquaClass staterooms featuring spa elements in your room, priority seating at Blu restaurant, plus exclusive access to the SEA Thermal Suite or Persian garden with its stunning sea views. For VIP-level personalized service, our Concierge Class staterooms include special amenities and your own dedicated concierge who can arrange anything to make your cruise even more enjoyable and relaxing. With luxury accommodations like this, we’d understand if you’re reluctant to leave your room.

Where Every Meal Is An Unforgettable Experience Foodies from around the world adore the creative menus inspired by the regions

we visit and the variety of dining options, from casual to gourmet. You’ll savor every bite as you enjoy dishes crafted

by Michelin-starred chef, Cornelius Gallagher. Whether you’re in the mood for informal or upscale, dining inside or under the stars, each meal will be a pleasure. A perfectly prepared cocktail created by an expert mixologist is the perfect way to stimulate your palette in anticipation of what’s to follow. While you consider our extensive menus, a certified sommelier will assist you in selecting the perfect wine for your meal from the most awarded wine collection at sea. And with Celebrity’s Select Dining, you dine when you choose and with the guests you choose.

See The World Like Never Before Celebrity Cruises encourages people to sail beyond their own borders and expand their horizons. From the beaches of the Caribbean to the breathtaking coastal views of Alaska. From the historic cities of Northern Europe to the beauty of the Mediterranean. From the mystique of faroff Asia to the allure of Australia and the South Pacific. Celebrity Cruises makes every stop on your itinerary an immersive experience with more overnight stays, personalized shore excursions, culinary adventures, and multi-night vacation packages worldwide. We’re Celebrity Cruises, and the world is now open.

A Wellness Journey-Well Beyond the Spa Need to disconnect and recharge?

You’ve come to the right place. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel more relaxed as you pass through the streamlined spaces on your way to your stateroom or suite. Enter your room and feel your cares fade away as you sink into the comfort of the eXhale® bedding for what could be the best night’s sleep of your life. Then begin your day with one of our first at sea fitness programs to get energized for the experiences that await you. After your workout, reward 14

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yourself for your effort with one of the 120 rejuvenating treatments at The Spa. If you just want to get down to the serious business of chilling, find your happy place in a lounge chair poolside or on a sundeck overlooking the ocean. When you sail with Celebrity Cruises, it’s truly all about you. * Available on Edge Series and Revolutionized ships.

Are You New to Celebrity Cruises?

There has never been a better time to sail! Go to celebritycruises.com/casino or email bluechipclub@celebrity.com to learn more about the unique gaming vacation experience that awaits you. Be sure to sign up to receive news about exciting events, special offers and exclusive benefits for Blue Chip Club members.

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT:

OAKLAWN RACING CASINO RESORT HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS 1-800-625-5296 | OAKLAWN.COM

W

hile its Thoroughbred racing calendar closes in May, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is a year-round destination. Whether guests seek fun or relaxation, Oaklawn – and Hot Springs, Arkansas – offer ample attractions for every season.

Oaklawn’s state-of-the-art casino offers live craps and blackjack, numerous slot games, and a sportsbook area.

The resort’s event center hosts live entertainment including music and other performances, and the campus’ 13 bars and restaurants stand to entice all palates. There is something for every craving, from the Track Kitchen’s delicious old-fashioned breakfast staples 16

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and burgers to The Bugler’s upscale dining experiences.

In and out of season, the spirit of Thoroughbred racing permeates every fabric of Oaklawn. For 118 years, Oaklawn has been home to some of the sport’s most meaningful events – including the Racing Festival of the South and the Arkansas Derby, one of the top seven Kentucky Derby qualifying races.

Oaklawn is the best place to watch and bet on Triple Crown racing in Arkansas.

During the 2022 Kentucky Derby weekend May 6-8, guests at Oaklawn can enjoy live racing as well as

simulcasts of the Longines Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Like at Churchill Downs, Oaklawn guests can support breast cancer awareness by wearing pink and participating in special activities on May 6. Even after the live racing season is over, fans can enjoy watching simulcast racing from around the country year-round at Oaklawn.

Because of Oaklawn, Hot Springs is well known as the Southeast’s premier location for Thoroughbred racing and gaming. However, a lesser-known fact is that the city is also a prime hub for some of the best golf courses that The Natural State has to offer.

Hot Springs and the nearby community of Hot Springs Village each represent one of the 13 unique locations that make up the Arkansas Golf Trail, a list of the state’s most elite courses compiled by the Arkansas Department of Tourism.

Less than 3 miles down the road from Oaklawn, the Hot Springs Country Club offers two 18-hole courses spread across the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.

Established in 1898, the historic club offers nearly every amenity a golfer could ask for, including a full-service clubhouse and pro shop.

A half-hour drive from the Spa City, Hot Springs Village is a golfer’s dream. The

small community with a population of around 15,000 people features eight public golf clubs – including the 27-hole Isabella Golf Club complex. Multiple clubs in Hot Springs Village have been ranked the top course in Arkansas by Golf Digest.

After a long day on some of the state’s most iconic links, Oaklawn’s hotel, casino, resort, and racetrack offer endless opportunities for relaxation and fun.

For those seeking relaxation, Oaklawn’s resort offers services to help guests rest and unwind. The Astral Spa offers a world-class spa experience with

luxurious signature treatments and fullservice lounges.

In spring and summer, Oaklawn guests can also enjoy the resort’s private swimming pool, which features lavish cabanas and a bar with a range of food and beverage options delivered poolside.

Whether you seek world-class Thoroughbred racing, the best gaming in the Southeast, luxurious relaxation, or great golfing, Hot Springs is a destination that is always sure to deliver.

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

17

PLAYER STRATEGY

CRAPS: To Regress or Not to Regress?

My colleagues and I are advocates of regression betting as a means of securing wins and avoiding losses. A typical regression play, called the $110 onehit-and-down, would go like this: The shooter has established his point. You place $110 inside; that’s $25 on the 5 and 9, $30 on the 6 and 8.

The shooter has 18 ways to hit these four numbers.

If he does, the payoff is $35 on the first hit. Once that hit takes place, you lower your bet to $22 across, securing a profit of $13. Now, the rest of this shooter’s roll is pure profit.

The math of craps is annoying because it won’t go away; it’s implacable, like a dreaded in-law. While regression betting does reduce the house’s take on your money, it does so because you are betting less, not because you have come up with a way to beat the game or reduce the house edge.

Still, 75 percent of the time using the above regression will result in being ahead of the game on a particular shooter. If you come to a casino and jump out ahead on the first few shooters, you’re now in the catbird’s seat. You might even consider changing your attack to stop going up on that $110 inside and instead continue with $22 inside on subsequent shooters.

Is this a good way to wager? Actually, yes, it is, well, kind of.

Not all regressions are as drastic as the $110 and down that I’ve just explained. You could, for example, put $44 inside and when it hits once, go to a six dollar 6 and 8. A single hit on $44 inside would see you win $14. Now with just $12 at risk on the 6 and 8, you are ahead $2. Again such a betting strategy cannot turn a negative into a positive; the house has its damnable edge on each and every bet you make in a random game betting those inside numbers.

Of course, when regression betting is working to perfection (meaning it’s violating the probability gods) and an inside number is hit early and often on shooter after shooter; it is a guaranteed one-roll win per shooter. But when the 7 shows before an inside number, the loss is brutal. Once you’ve lost the $110, if you continue to regress on future shooters as you planned will take approximately 10 shooters in a row to get past that first hit or one shooter to have a monster roll as you collect on your $22 across in $7 increments. Yeow!

How often will you be wiped off the board before an inside number can be hit? You’ll win 18 times on your numbers, lose six times on that abominable 7. That means you’ll win 3 times for a win of $35 + $35 +$35 18

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FRANK SCOBLETE

= $105; then you’ll lose once for a loss of $110. You’re $5 in the hole. You’ll have the same effects once you regress down to $22 across. You’ll win $7 + $7 +$7 = $21 but you’ll lose the fourth bet for $22. You’ll be down $1.

The thinking here is that the player has a 50-percent chance of winning this wager on any given roll as there are 36 possible combinations of which the “onehit-and-down” bettor has 18 of them favoring him.

How long would you leave your $110 at risk? Some players would leave it up until it hits or loses to the 7.

Others will give themselves a few shots at it before pulling it back.

In a random game of craps, where the 7 is always a 1 in 6 probability, the house edge is a fixed mark, in the case of placing the “inside numbers” of 5, 6, 8, and 9, that mark is about 2.6 percent. What that means is that the player making the “inside numbers” bet will lose 2.6 percent of all the money he wagers – in the long run. If on one bet he has $110 at risk and on other bets he only has $22 at risk, the house edge is working on some average amount between the two extremes.

by

Is regression betting worth considering? Yes, it is, if you can stomach putting a lot down and losing it to a “point-seven out” which will happen often enough to make even those with the strongest stomachs queasy.

Frank Scoblete’s web site is FrankScoblete.com and his books are available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, e-books platforms and bookstores.

“THE MATH OF CRAPS IS ANNOYING BECAUSE IT WON’T GO AWAY; IT’S IMPLACABLE, LIKE A DREADED IN-LAW.”

Do I enjoy regression betting? No, I do not. As a rule, once I’ve gone with a shooter, I am usually on that shooter come hell or high water. I prefer to take the risk to go for the bigger win by keeping my initial bets at their initial levels. But in math terms, against random rollers, I am giving the house a better whack at me than had I regressed.

Regression betting has its advocates and its opponents. Some people swear by it; some swear at it. In the final analysis, against random shooters, you’re betting less; against controlled shooters, you might be getting in for some significant hits before coming down. If you like this as an idea, try it out on your next casino trip and see if you like it as much in reality.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

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

19

FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com NBA CHAMPIONSHIP - JUNE 2, 2022 – JUNE 19, 2022 Team

May

January November

Phoenix Suns

4/1

9/1

15/1

Golden State Warriors

5/1

11/2

9/1

Boston Celtics

7/1

N/A

N/A

Milwaukee Bucks

7/1

7/1

9/1

Miami Heat

9/1

12/1

NFL SUPER BOWL LVII – FEBRUARY 12, 2023 STATE FARM STADIUM (GLENDALE, ARIZONA)

Team

May

Buffalo Bills

6/1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

7/1

Kansas City Chiefs

9/1

Green Bay Pakcers

11/1

25/1

Los Angeles Rams

12/1 15/1

Philadelphia 76ers

13/1

20/1

16/1

San Francisco 49ers

Memphis Grizzlies

15/1

N/A

N/A

Denver Broncos

17/1

Brooklyn Nets

17/1

5/2

12/5

Los Angeles Chargers

17/1

Utah Jazz

35/1

11/1

16/1

Dallas Cowboys

17/1

Cincinnati Bengals

21/1

Baltimore Ravens

21/1

Indianapolis Colts

25/1

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

*All others are higher than 25/1 **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

MLB WORLD SERIES Team

May

Los Angeles Dodgers

6/1

Toronto Blue Jays

9/1

Houston Astros

11/1

Atlanta Braves

12/1

New York Yankees

12/1

Chicago White Sox

12/1

New York Mets

12/1

Milwaukee Brewers

15/1

San Diego Padres

NASCAR CUP CHAMPIONSHIP – NOVEMBER 6, 2022 PHOENIX SPEEDWAY (PHOENIX, ARIZONA)

Driver

May

Kyle Larson

5/1

Chase Elliott

6/1

William Byron

8/1

Kyle Busch

9/1

Denny Hamlin

9/1

Ryan Blaney

10/1

17/1

Ross Chastain

11/1

Tampa Bay Rays

18/1

Joey Logano

13/1

San Francisco Giants

21/1

Martin Truex, Jr.

13/1

Philadelphia Phillies

22/1

Alex Bowman

17/1

Boston Red Sox

25/1

Chase Briscoe

19/1

Tyler Reddick

20/1

Austin Cindric

23/1

Kevin Harvick

25/1

Christopher Bell

25/1

*All others are higher than 25/1 **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

*All others are higher than 25/1 **Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com 20

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

Y O U ’ V E A R R I V E D.

Ameristar Casino offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and bridges. Three restaurants provide dining experiences from casual to elegant, and the weekend nightlife is always fun with live music in the Bottleneck Blues Bar. In the casino, play the way you want with over 1,000 slots, table games, and live poker. Or, for the ultimate sports betting experience, spend some time at The End Zone, a full-service sports book with multiple betting windows, a spectacular viewing area with the largest HD screens around, and an expansive sports bar with lots of brews!

WE’LL SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET HERE!

4116 WASHINGTON ST VICKSBURG, MS 39180 | AMERISTAR.COM Must be at least 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696. ©2022 Penn National Gaming, Inc. All rights reserved.

SAIL ON THE WORLD’S GEATEST PLACES TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES. PLAY FOR HIGH STAKES ON THE HIGH SEAS

PLAY MORE. WIN MORE. ENJOY MORE. Experience the ultimate in luxury travel and gaming excitement aboard our revolutionary Edge® Series ships, Celebrity Edge®, Celebrity ApexSM and Celebrity BeyondSM, all featuring world-class casinos.

Enjoy a vacation unlike any other featuring stunning staterooms, menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, superlative service plus drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips Always Included®. Experience the excitement of our world-class casinos while sipping complimentary cocktails as you try your luck on over 2,000 of the latest slot machines. Test your skill at your favorite table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Baccarat. Take your gaming to the next level as a member of our Blue Chip Club where the more you play the more you win as you access higher tiers of membership.

Scan the QR code to sign up and be the first to know about exciting casino events, special offers and the newest sailings from Celebrity Cruises.

©2019 & 2021 TIME USA LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.

NOTICE: Prior to booking, please consult all applicable U.S. Centers for Disease Control travel advisories, warnings, or recommendations relating to cruise travel, at cdc.gov/travel/notices. If a certain threshold level of COVID-19 is detected onboard the ship during your voyage, the voyage will end immediately, the ship will return to the port of embarkation, and your subsequent travel, including your return home, may be restricted or delayed. Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ship’s registry: Malta and Ecuador.