Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations │ Awards Voting & Winter Getaways │November 2023

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 - VOL. 25 ISSUE 6 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

WINTER

RETREATS: 12 GREAT GETAWAYS

PAGE 8

CRAPS

STRATEGY: 7 PRECEPTS OF THE GAME

HORSE RACING RECAP:

PAGE 16

TOP MOMENTS OF 2023 PAGE 4 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 HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS

ON THE COVER

WINNING TIPS & STRATEGIES

2 Casino Scene: Hot Happenings

4 Horse Racing Recap:

Top Moments of 2023

at Our Preferred Properties

Check out our top highlights from the Sport of Kings.

Get the scoop on what’s happening at our preferred properties around the region.

16 Craps: 7 Precepts of the Game Seven ways to keep your game in check at the craps table.

8 Winter Retreats:

18 Poker: 7-Card Stud

Great Gambling Getaways

Eight or Better

When the weather turns cold, warm up with these hot gambling spots.

Great strategy from the world’s best poker player, Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

14 Executive Spotlight:

20 Sports Betting: Early Action

New Leadership at North Star

Future odds of major sporting events.

Find the edge and make your play!

Meet Tony Granquist, the new general manager at North Star Mohican Casino

22 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards: Cast Your Vote!

Let us know your favorite casinos for a chance to win the Ultimate Casino Getaway!

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8 Find us on Facebook

@SouthernGaming

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@MidwestCasinos G A MING A NDDE S T IN AT IONS .C OM | 1

GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

CASINO SCENE

HOT HAPPENINGS AT OUR PREFERRED CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND MORE. (Coastal Mississippi) As the website says, “When you visit The Secret Coast, you will be met with warm welcomes and 62 miles of shoreline dotted by unique coastal communities.” This is a perfect description of the Southern destination loaded with casinos, great golf, restaurants and more. Get more information about the area and other events and entertainment at GulfCoast.org.

(D’Iberville, MS – Gulf Coast) Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort - If you are looking for a premier gulf coast resort with stunning views, decadent dining & dynamic gaming, look no further than Scarlet Pearl. Start your holiday season off with great shopping at Frankly My Dear boutique, where you are bound to fall in love with seasonal favorites. This November, enjoy a heartwarming Thanksgiving dinner at Under the Oak Café or Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood featuring Homestyle Turkey & Ham Platter and Wild Mushroom Stuffed Duck Breast. Come celebrate Scarlet Pearl’s 8 Year Anniversary on December 8 & 9 and earn a chance to win your share of $80,000 Free Slot Play. For more information, call 1-888-752-9772 or visit ScarletPearlCasino.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 you happen to find a lower rate within 24 hours of making your reservation, they will happily match the rate. Plus, don’t miss great live music weekly in the Bottleneck Blues Bar where you will find great rock, blues, country, and bands. For reservations and more information, call 1-601-630-3786 visit AmeristarVicksburg.com.

(Tunica, MS) Hollywood Casino Tunica – Get a taste of the glitz and glamor of the stars at Hollywood Casino Tunica. After checking out the amazing collection of memorabilia around the property, guests can enjoy the award-winning Fairbanks Steakhouse for one of the best dining experiences in the region and then stay in a 5-story tower overlooking the casino floor or the 8-story tower next to the largest indoor pool in Tunica. When it’s time for casino action, Hollywood Tunica has you covered with over 1,000 slots, almost twenty table games and a sportsbook to get in on the action for the biggest games. For more information, call 1-800-871-0711 or visit HollywoodCasinoTunica.com.

(Philadelphia, MS) Pearl River Resort: Silver Star & Golden Moon Hotels & Casinos Located just over an hour from Jackson, Mississippi, is a casino resort that will give you all you want, and more! Pearl River boasts two of the premier gaming experiences in the South with Silver Star and Golden Moon. Together they offer ten dining options, a spa, pools, a water park and of course, great gaming action. The resort is also home to two of the best golf courses in the country, with The Oaks and The Azaleas located at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. For more information, call 1-866-447-3275 or visit PearlRiverResort.com.

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(West Memphis, AR) Southland Casino Hotel – Boasting the newest casino hotel in the South, Southland is the place to be when you are ready to play, and stay, in luxury. From the enormous gaming floor to the eight dining options ranging from the elegant Ignite Steakhouse to the ultimate buffet experience at The Kitchens, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Southland. Also be sure to check out the live entertainment at the Charred Oak Bourbon Bar where you can sip the finest spirits and wines while taking in some tunes. For more information call 1-800-467-6182 or visit SouthlandCasino.com.

(Mount Pleasant, MI) Soaring Eagle Casino Resort – Unwind in the comfort of a AAA Four Diamond first-class resort with luxurious rooms and premium suites at Soaring Eagle. Serving as Mid-Michigan’s entertainment destination for the biggest names in the music, comedy and more, be sure to check the web-site for upcoming acts as they are always booking the best! Don’t miss upcoming star-studded shows including Chris Tucker (Nov. 10), Clint Black (Dec. 1), Jay Leno with special guest Arsenio Hall (Friday, Dec. 8th), Kenny G’s Holiday Show (Dec. 10th), and Smokey Robinson (Dec, 27th). Also, make plans to enjoy a lovely dinner at Siniikaung Bistro, a full-service restaurant which has the American Bistro experience, or at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, where your last bite is just as good as your first. For information, and reservations, call 1-877-232-4532 or visit SoaringEagleCasino.com.

(Bowler, WI) North Star Mohican Casino Resort – As if you ever needed a reason for a gambling getaway, North Star certainly has plenty of them to ensure your stay is great from the second you step in the lobby. Guests enjoy great gambling with over 1,200 machines, plenty of table games including blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Craps and more. Also, book a room in their luxurious contemporary hotel or the 57-site RV Park with 20-30-and 50-amp service, pull thru sites, picnic table area and pet friendly. Also check out top entertainment and events at North Star including Wynonna Judd (Nov. 3), The Bob & Tom Show (Nov. 17), Wayne Newton (Dec. 16) and other great upcoming acts. For more information and reservations, call 1-800952-0195 or visit NorthStarCasinoResort.com.

(Harris, MI) Island Resort & Casino – In the warmer months, Island Resort & Casino is known for two of the top golf courses in Michigan. However, there are still plenty of reasons to visit in the winter months including a 14,000 square-foot indoor swimming area with a lazy river, slides and the Drift Spa that offers premium services to help melt any stress away for the day. Boasting over 400 luxurious hotel rooms, you will find a great place to stay, and the on-property amenities seem endless. For more information and reservations, call 1-877-475-7469 or visit IslandResortandCasino.com.

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59-1 longshot Lord Miles wins the Wood Memorial in a photo finish.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Durand/NYRA.

HORSE RACING RECAP: TOP MOMENTS OF 2023 by

If you are fiscally “in the black” anent to thoroughbred horse racing for year ending 2023, I genuinely tip my hat to you.

Reason being, you literally would have needed a crystal ball to predict most of the marquee races that have been run since the writing of this article. In fact, I recently thought, “If I had gone into this year with a “high roller” mentality, I’d probably be holed up under an overpass along the Florida Turnpike.”

Here is a look back at some of this year’s major moments in horse racing.

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E R I C F LOY D

ART COLLECTOR WINS PEGASUS WORLD CUP This year’s madness started on January 28th inside the running of Gulfstream Park’s $3 million dollar Pegasus World Cup. Admittedly, this wasn’t the strongest field with regards to the race’s sevenyear history and as a result, many grizzled handicappers (including yours truly) took a stand against a dicey favorite named Cyberknife.

That said, it really would have taken some faith to back eventual winner Art Collector (15-1) seeing as how he was coming off both a fourmonth layoff and a dull 5th place finish in his previous start.

59-1 LONGSHOT LORD MILES WINS THE WOOD MEMORIAL Although it hasn’t produced a Kentucky Derby winner since 2000 (Fusaichi Pegasus), Aqueduct Racetrack’s Wood Memorial remains a traditional steppingstone enroute to thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Crown Series. On paper at least, this year’s Wood Memorial easily looked like a two-horse race between Hit Show (8-5) and Dreamlike (3-1). Alas, almost every pari-mutual ticket (including mine) became destined for one of New York’s many landfills when Lord Miles (59-1) improbably came out on the enviable end of a three-horse photo finish that included (you guessed it) Hit Show and Dreamlike.

MAGE WINS THE KENTUCKY DERBY The 2023 Kentucky Derby undeniably lost some sizzle on account of the morning-line favorite (Forte) being scratched less than twenty-four hours before the race. Now in his final prep race for the “Run for the Roses” (i.e., the Florida Derby), Forte had barely bested a game little racer named Mage.

I mention this because Forte’s defection should have logically solidified Mage as the horse to beat beneath the Twin Spires.

Just so you know, I am still kicking myself six months later for missing such an obvious and elementary “angle”. By far the biggest “overlay” in this year’s Kentucky Derby field, Mage (15-1) ultimately returned a whopping $32.42 in exchange for a measly $2 win wager.

BAFFERT’S EIGHTH PREAKNESS WIN Mage was logically “all the buzz” heading into the Preakness Stakes and given that he was the only Derby horse who wound up making the trip to Pimlico Racecourse, many handicappers

Archangelo wins the Belmont Stakes.

Mage wins the Kentucky Derby.

labeled him as “invincible”. A deep closer by nature, Mage was significantly aided in the Kentucky Derby by a wicked early pace but as it so often does, the Preakness Stakes developed at a much more pedestrian rate. Sent out by conditioner Bob Baffert, the front-running National Treasure (5-2) initially got away with some soft early fractions and was consequently able to hold off Blazing Sevens (9-2) for a gate to wire victory in the Triple Crown’s middle jewel. A stat that seems

Photo credit Chelsea Durand/NYRA.

Photo credit Churchill Downs Inc.

unbelievable even as I write it, National Treasure is the eighth equine that Bob Baffert has guided to Preakness immortality!

FIRST FEMALE TRAINER TO WIN A TRIPLE CROWN RACE IN BELMONT The story surrounding this year’s Belmont Stakes centered on the return of Forte who was now recovered from the hoof injury that had decidedly dashed his Derby dreams.

Nevertheless, there was legitimate concern about Forte’s ability to “stay” the Belmont Stakes’ demanding 1 ½ mile distance seeing as how he was coming off a ten-week layoff. As the field rounded Belmont Park’s sweeping far turn, National Treasure (5-1) once again threatened to make each pole a winning one but as luck would have it, Archangelo (8-1) squeezed through a narrow opening on the rail ahead of storming his way to a convincing two-length triumph. At this juncture, Gaming and Destinations Magazine would like to sincerely congratulate Archangelo’s trainer Jena Antonucci for becoming the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race!

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Churchill Downs’ Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes (the first race to offer qualifying points for the 2024 Kentucky Derby), West Saratoga similarly seems suited for the “First Saturday in May” (Kentucky Derby Day). Lastly, albeit shocking, I wouldn’t necessarily discount Nutella Fella’s 54-1 stunning upset in Saratoga Racecourse’s Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes as a total fluke.

Jena Antonucci became the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown Race at the Belmont Stakes.

Photo credit Walter Wlodarczyk/NYRA.

ARCHANGELO DEFENDS BELMONT WIN IN TRAVERS STAKES As a result of his respectable second place effort in the Belmont Stakes and a subsequent win in Saratoga Racecourse’s Jim Dandy Stakes, Forte went off as an 8/5 favorite in the 154th running of the Travers Stakes.

If I can digress for a minute, there is an old school handicapping axiom I learned when I first started playing

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024 Seeing as how 2023 is already waning, I thought it would be appropriate to conclude this column by looking at some twoyear- olds that might make an impact along the 2024 Triple Crown trail. Trained by Bob Baffert, Prince of Monaco lived up to his 1/9 odds in the Del Mar Futurity and thus looks like the real deal.

Considering his conquest in

In conclusion, I did want to offer a dose of encouragement to any horseplayer out there who basically got taken to the cleaners this year.

So, when I reflect on what amounts to nearly three decades of playing the ponies, I can unequivocally say that there seems to be a recurrent cycle concerning my rolling balance sheet.

What I mean is, there are seasons where everything I touch turns to gold, and there are seasons where I couldn’t pick the winner of a one-horse race. All told, if you currently reside in the doldrums, take heart because sooner or later, the tide will undoubtedly turn in your favor. Moreover, in the wake of fighting through some rough and tumble mire, I promise your mountain top experience will be all that sweeter!

the ponies that warns how one must always be wary of the Belmont Stakes winner come Travers Day. History has simply shown that participants who “peak” towards the end of the Triple Crown Series (rather than the beginning) tend to sustain an upward trajectory throughout the remainder of the year. This was certainly the case with Arcangelo (5-2) who essentially left Forte in the dust on his way to a visually impressive one length Travers victory.

Archangelo defends his title at the Travers Stakes at Saratoga.

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Photo credit Chelsea Durand/NYRA.

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WINTER RETREATS: GREAT GAMBLING GETAWAYS Just because cooler temperatures are upon us and our favorite outdoor casino resort activities are limited, it doesn’t mean we can’t continue to explore great gambling getaways for the next few months.

While great golf courses, resort-style pools with cabanas and swim up bars and other fun in the sun things are always awesome, let’s not forget about indoor amenities including spas, concerts, great restaurants, and of course, the casino floor!

We hope you enjoy these great gambling getaways to explore while we wait for the warmer spring and summer temperatures to return for more outdoor fun in the sun.

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The casino team spared no expense in reinventing the cruise casino concept to deliver a unique gaming experience at sea. Inspired by the finest gaming establishments around the world, the Celebrity casinos offer the same excitement and captivating atmosphere with extra touches including complimentary cocktails while you play your favorite table games and the latest slot machines at your leisure. Visit CelebrityCruises.com/casino or email bluechipclub@celebrity.com to learn more about the unique gaming vacation experience that awaits you.

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Warm Destinations Las Vegas Nevada The Gambling Mecca! VisitLasVegas.com For obvious reasons, Las Vegas is the mecca for gamblers around the world. With over 60 major casinos in Las Vegas, and over 100 overall, you will certainly find your fair share of action at any level and in any atmosphere you could imagine. You can also find non-gaming experiences you won’t find anywhere else including off-roading in the desert, helicopter rides over the strip and to the Grand Canyon, exotic car rentals and more. There are endless opportunities to enjoy the world’s best spas, entertainment, restaurants and more, so do yourself a favor and go explore the biggest adult playground in the world.

Mississippi Gulf Coast GulfCoast.org We are obviously big fans of the Mississippi Gulf Coast where you will find mild winter temperatures and hot casino action from Biloxi to Bay St. Louis. The scenic drive along highway 90 delivers unprecedented views of the Gulf Coast beaches, lavish casinos, local restaurants and interesting souvenir stores. A visit to Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis’ residence and final resting place, casting lines for fresh seafood in the gulf or inner coastal, visiting local museums or enjoying great restaurants, the Gulf Coast has it all. When it comes to casinos, don’t miss a few of our favorites including Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast. Also be sure to check out some of the great golf courses in the area including Bridges Golf Course at Hollywood Casino, The Preserve at Palace Casino and Beau Rivages Tom Fazio-designed jewel, Fallen Oak. Check out GulfCoast. org for a full overview of casino action and fun activities.

Reno & Lake Tahoe, Nevada VisitRenoTaho.com Located within close proximity of each other, the RenoLake Tahoe area offers casino and entertainment options that are second to none. The area might be considered by many as the smaller version of Las Vegas, but one weekend getaway to the area and you will quickly realize there are plenty of activities to fill your days, and nights, with everything from hiking and biking to sports and spas.

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Nassau, Bahamas NassauParadiseIsland.com If you are looking for a quick getaway to a Caribbean casino destination, Nassau is your spot and just a short flight off the mainland of Florida. Home to two of the Caribbean’s biggest casino resorts with Atlantis and Baha Mar, you can’t go wrong staying at either of these resorts, or venturing out into the mainland to explore everything they have to offer. Be sure to check the web-sites and catch a live music performance at an intimate lounge or sip cocktails at a sleek nightclub or rooftop lounge to take in the beauty of the Caribbean.

Preferred Properties North Star Mohican Casino Resort (Bowler, Wisconsin) 1-800-952-0195 NorthStarCasinoResort.com In the warmer months, North Star Mohican Casino Resort offers guests some of the best golf in the region, a stateof-the-art RV Perk featuring 57 sites and near lakes and forests with plenty of fishing hinting and more. In cooler months, entertainment stays hot at North Star with their grand showroom featuring some of the biggest names in show business. Don’t miss Wynonna Judd (Nov. 3), The Bob & Tom Show (Nov. 17), Wayne Newton (Dec. 16) and other great upcoming acts.

Soaring Eagle Casino Resort (Mount Pleasant, Michigan) 1-877-232-4532 SoaringEagleCasino.com Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is one of Michigan’s top gaming destinations featuring a lavish hotel with a fantastic indoor pool, a great casino with all of your favorite games and dining options for everyone including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Siniikaung Steak & Chop House and Ascend. Guests can also enjoy a massage and some pampering at the Spa and Salon located at the property making for a great place to relax and unwind.

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Island Resort and Casino (Harris, Michigan) 1-800-682-6040 IslandResortandCasino.com Plan the perfect Winter Getaway to the Island Resort and Casino. The Splash Island indoor pool area includes a large hot tub, two waterslides and a lazy river. Treat yourself to a refreshing and tranquil oasis at the Drift Spa with one of the many professional Spa and salon services – manicures and pedicures, revitalizing facials, soothing massage options, seasonal body treatments and the new Float Therapy. The Drift Spa also has a fitness center and an adult-only saltwater pool. Your total experience also includes over 450 guest rooms with plenty of indoor fun including gaming, casual and fine dining, live entertainment, sports betting, and a gift shop with Island souvenirs, jewelry, and unique gift items.

Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia, Mississippi) 1-866-447-3275 PearlRiverResort.com Pearl River Resort is the South’s premier gaming getaway featuring two casino properties with each offering an array of luxurious amenities and offerings for guests.

The Golden Moon Hotel & Casino is a marvel of modern architecture with a sweeping structure ascending to a large golden moon sitting on top of the highest point.

Inside the hotel, guests will find 600 rooms, 1,150 slots machines, 25 table games and a 14-table poker room. Also on the property is Silver Star Hotel & Casino that has an additional 500 rooms, a 90,000 square foot casino floor and several great dining outlets and amenities. Together, the two properties offer ten delicious and diverse dining options from premium steak and seafood at Phillip M’s to more casual cuisine at Stat’s Sports Bar & Grill or Mama ‘n’ Em. Guests can relax in the world-class spa located at Silver Star, and in the warmer month’s play golf at two premium golf courses at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. Pearl River Resort is a great gaming getaway any time of year and we recommend staying for a few days to be able to enjoy all they have to offer.

Hollywood Tunica (Tunica, Mississippi) 1-800-871-0711 HollywoodCasinoTunica.com Hollywood Casino in Tunica, Mississippi is home to more movie memorabilia than anywhere in the region. In addition to Batman’s iconic bat mobile, replica of a sinking Titanic and other famous movie props, the property also boasts 400 rooms in a 5-story tower with rooms overlooking the casino and an 8-story tower with rooms overlooking the massive indoor pool to enjoy all year round. There are several dining options from casual bites at Celebrity Grill or Hollywood & Grind to the elegant and recently renovated Fairbank’s Steakhouse. So not matter the time of year, you will always stay and play like a star at Hollywood.

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VOTE

FOR US! 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

Turning luxury into a lifestyle, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort is a premier retreat complete with stunning views, award-winning dining and above all, the most dynamic gaming on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

9380 Central Avenue • D’Iberville, MS 39540 • 888–752–9772 • ScarletPearlCasino.com • Must be 21 or older. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

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Executive Spotlight:

Tony Granquist GENERAL MANAGER OF GAMING

NEW LEADERSHIP AT NORTH STAR NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO RESORT HIRES NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF GAMING North Star Mohican Casino Resort is pleased to introduce Tony Granquist as our new Gaming General Manager.

Tony brings an impressive 15 years of gaming industry experience, with a focus on gaming regulations and a recent successful tenure as Interim Gaming General Manager.

Tony’s background of experience and education makes him a great candidate to provide enhanced guest experiences and drive operational efficiencies at North Star Mohican Casino Resort.

What sets this appointment apart is Tony Granquist’s deep-rooted connection to our community.

Born and raised in the community and a proud enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, Tony not only climbed the ranks but has also been an active and well-respected member of the local community for many years. This longstanding connection reaffirms our commitment to serving our community’s needs and emphasizes our dedication to fostering meaningful relationships.

Furthermore, Tony Granquist brings with him an extensive educational background. His background includes an MBA along with multiple bachelor’s degrees, in Business Management, and in Information Science and Technology. His experience along with his academic achievements provides a 14 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N A T I O N S . C O M

strong foundation for becoming a wellrounded leader with a commitment to guiding North Star Mohican Casino Resort to new heights.

Tony Granquist’s innovative leadership style has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous initiatives throughout his career, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a respected figure in the industry. We invite you to join us in welcoming Tony Granquist to our North Star team as we continue our mission to, “Deliver the friendliest service to our guest while creating opportunity for our Tribal nation, team members, and surrounding communities.”

North Star Mohican Casino Resort

Known as the “Midwest’s Friendliest Casino,” North Star Mohican Casino is nestled in the breathtaking North Woods of Wisconsin. Not only is it home to 1,200 of your favorite slots, a wide array of table games, bingo, and exciting daily and weekly promotions, it also offers the best in player rewards and benefits with its exclusive Star Club. To complement the excitement of the casino, North Star’s multiple venues for dining, crafts and drafts will delight any preference. Embers Grill features our very popular breakfast buffet with an omelet station, check out The Groove for draft beers and American favorites, or visit Aroma Deli

& Café for a sandwich or a quick bite.

Need a break? Grab a cocktail at the center of it all, The Gravity Bar. No matter what you’re looking for, North Star Mohican Casino Resort is truly where there is more: more action, fun, entertainment, and rewards! The resort offers a hotel with well-appointed and comfortable rooms, luxurious yet charming suites, full-service RV parking, fitness center, meeting rooms and business center.

Choose one of several restaurants at the resort to enjoy a fantastic meal, play 9 or 18 holes surrounded by lush, natural beauty at Pine Hills Golf. Looking for unparalleled entertainment? North Star Mohican Casino Resort is known for its sprawling venue, The Orion Event Center, that features HUGE acts such as Foreigner, Wynonna Judd, Jay Leno, The Spinners, Gabriel Iglesias, Theory of a Deadman, Smokey Robinson, and Jeff Foxworthy to name a few.

Owned and operated by the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, this destination resort and casino is located within an hour drive of Green Bay, North of Hwy 29. North Star Casino Resort offers a great selection of amenities and is also surrounded by many other local attractions, making it the perfect getaway. To learn more visit www. northstarcasinoresort.com.

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PLAYER STRATEGY

CRAPS: 7 Precepts of the Game Craps is a game dominated by the number 7.

On the come-out roll the 7 is a winner for “right side” bettors (that is, players who are betting on the Pass Line) and a loser for “wrong or darkside” bettors (“Don’t Pass” bettors). Once a point is established “right side” bettors lose if the 7 appears and the “darksiders” win if the 7 appears. In honor of this powerful number are seven important pieces of information – my seven precepts – that are absolutely necessary for craps players to know before placing their hard-earned money on the layout.

PRECEPT #1:The math dictates the game.

Too many craps players think they can ignore the math of craps. This idea is silly; in fact, it is downright ploppyish. A smart player knows the math of the game, which explains exactly what he should and shouldn’t bet. If you don’t know the math, don’t play the game.

PRECEPT #2: Trend betting is a fool’s errand.

In a random game of craps there is no way to predict what sequences of numbers are about to come up. A streak of one number or another does not mean such a streak will continue.

Or that it won’t. Those individuals who like to “chart” numbers to find out what is hot or what will be hot are wasting their time. Individuals who sell trend-betting systems are to be ignored because they know nothing about the random nature of the game.

PRECEPT #3: Psychic sight is blindness in the casino.

Some players believe they can find hot tables psychically by tuning into the vibrations of the game. They call this their psychic sight, and it is another form of nonsense. Yes, sometimes a self-proclaimed psychic player will hit on a hot table just as all the other non-psychic players hit upon it. The psychic’s chances player of finding a hot table are no better or worse than anyone else’s.

PRECEPT #4: The best bets at craps follow the house-edge percentages.

Forget whatever bets experienced players tell you to make. Forget what dice gurus tell you.

If any of these individuals are pushing bets that have higher house edges than the lowest 16 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N A T I O N S . C O M

by F R A N K S C O B L E T E

house-edge bets at craps, they are spitting into the wind. A $10 pass line bet will lose you 14 cents on average. A $10 bet on the hard 6 or 8 will lose you 91 cents. That’s a big difference.

Thus, the Pass Line; Don’t Pass; the Come and the Don’t Come are the best bets on the table unquestionably.

PRECEPT #5: Dice superstitions are just superstitions, nothing more.

There are a lot of dice superstitions. Here are two: 1. If the dice or a die leaves the table you must ask for the same one(s) or the 7 will show. 2. If a “darksider” cheers for the 7 then the 7 will show. There is no possibility of these superstitions being fact even if you have experienced one, the other or both.

The game is random. Sometimes you will see the 7 appear when the dice leave the table (about 16.67 percent of the time according to the math) and sometimes you won’t. Nor can “darksiders” increase the appearance percentage of the 7. Yes, the 7 makes its appearance 16.67 percent of the time— over time.

PRECEPT #6: There is no such thing as a hot table or a cold table.

Yes, I have been at tables where shooters have shot the lights out of the game. I have also been at horrifying tables where everyone crashed and burned. In fact, what occurred on those tables are merely past events and have no predictive value. So, as you cheer like crazy for the shooter who has rolled number after number, keep in mind that the 7 always has a 16.67 percent chance of showing up. In terms of hot and cold tables, the past is dead.

PRECEPT #7: The best way to tip the dealers is to make Hardway bets for them.

Why make a bad bet for the dealers when you wouldn’t make a bad bet for yourself? The best bets for the players are the best bets for the dealers. These are Pass Line and Don’t Pass, and I would add the placing of the 6 and 8 as well. When you place the 6 and/or 8 make sure you tell the dealer that you control the bet. That way if the bet wins, the dealer gets to keep the win, but the original bet remains and can win for the dealer again (and again).

Frank Scoblete is the #1 bestselling gaming author having sold over a million copies of his books and tapes. Find his books at FrankScoblete. com , Amazon or bookstores everywhere.

KEEP IN MIND THAT THE 7 ALWAYS HAS A 16.67 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWING UP. IN TERMS OF HOT AND COLD TABLES, THE PAST IS DEAD.

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PLAYER STRATEGY

POKER: 7-Card Stud Eight or Better Strategy When you make a strong five-card hand in

me describing that very play; you can read it at

Stud 8 or better, you have to decide whether

philhellmuth.com.) The problem with this play

or not you want to jam it in order to eliminate

is that most players won’t fold their hands on

players, or slow-play it in order to keep more

the end with two small pair in low- or mid-limit

players in the pot. Often, the nature of your

games. Therefore, this play is to be saved for

hand and the nature of the board will tell you

occasional use in the high-limit games at the

what you should do. If you make a seven-high

Bellagio or Commerce Casino.

straight (3-4-5-6-7), you’ll try to raise all the low draws right out of the pot, so that your sevenhigh straight and the accompanying rough seven low, I’ll jam the pot in order to protect my hand. When you make a full house in Stud 8/b, you want to jam the pot in order to weed out the low draws, so that you can scoop the pot. The concept of when to protect you hand and wen to trap with you hand seems to fall along the lines of trapping when you make a strong two-way hand and protecting when you make a strong high hand. Most of the time, though, you want to jam the pot, both to protect your hand and possibly to build a bigger pot for you to scoop!

WORLD-CLASS PLAY ON THE LAST ROUND OF BETTING Here is an advanced concept in Stud 8/b, one that a lot of players don’t even know exists. It is something to think about in the last round of betting. The concept involves making the bluff raise with a high hand on the end. This is a play that works only on the end to save one raise. When you’re obviously on a high hand in Stud 8/b and your opponent, who you suspect is going low, hits a small two pair instead of a low, then you can go ahead and raise on the end with your one-high-pair hand, because your opponent will suspect that you have a high hand which beats his high hand. Ted Forrest was able to use this play successfully for years, until some of the other high-limit players finally figured out what he was doing.

(Ted wrote an amazing Hand of the Week for 18 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N A T I O N S . C O M

THE BIGGEST POT I EVER SAW IN STUD 8/B I remember one beautiful pot in which a wellknown high-limit player named Don (“Zulu”) Zewin won a $50,000 pot in a $400-$800 game ($50,000 pots are unheard of at this limit). Don had a hand of (2-3) 6-5-8-4 (7). Three of his opponents had high hands (aces up, trips, and a flush draw), and the other opponent had a

by P H I L H E L L M U T H J R .

Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a 17time World Series of Poker Champion, leading all other poker players in the world.

He is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, and his latest book, “Deal Me In,” also is widely popular. This is an excerpt from “Deal Me In”. Visit phillhellmuth.com to check out his clothing line, blog and exclusive gaming tips.

seven-high straight made after five cards. The betting and raising going in this hand were incredible! One player had started with aces, one with trips, and so on.

When Don was showing down his hand on the end, he said, “Six-high straight.” The high hands all threw their hands away, and now the seven high straight said, “Seven-high straight,” and started to reach for his half of the pot.

Don absentmindedly flipped up his last card-it was a seven-when he suddenly realized that he hand made an eight-high straight. Don said, “Sorry, I overlooked my hand. I have an

THIS PLAY IS TO BE SAVED FOR OCCASIONAL USE IN THE HIGHLIMIT GAMES AT THE BELLAGIO OR COMMERCE CASINO.

eight high straight!” The dealer, who was busy stacking this enormous pot to divide it up, and would have been stacking at least another two minutes, just pushed it all to Don in about four different strokes. All those white hundreddollar chips, green thousand-dollar chips, and stacks of hundred-dollar bills in one enormous pot! It took Zulu more than five minutes to count all the cast and chips and determine that the pot had $54,400 in it.

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G A MING A NDDE S T IN AT IONS .C OM | 19

FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com NFL - SUPER BOWL LVIII FEBRUARY 11, 2024 – ALLEGIANT STADIUM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

NBA BASKETBALL Team

November

Bucks

4/1

September

July

May

Celtics

5/1

San Francisco 49ers 5/1

10/1

10/1

10/1

Nuggets

5/1

Kansas City Chiefs

6/1

6/1

6/1

7/1

Suns

7/1

Philadelphia Eagles

7/1

8/1

8/1

10/1

Lakers

13/1

Miami Dolphins

10/1

22/1

25/1

N/A

Warriors

13/1

Buffalo Bills

10/1

9/1

9/1

10/1

Clippers

17/1

Dallas Cowboys

11/1

13/1

14/1

18/1

Mavericks

19/1

Detroit Lions

15/1

21/1

22/1

26/1

Heat

21/1

Baltimore Ravens

17/1

18/1

18/1

N/A

76ers

23/1

Cincinnati Bengals

23/1

10/1

10/1

11/1

Grizzlies

25/1

Jacksonville Jaguars 23/1

25/1

25/1

N/A

*All others are higher than 25/1

Team

November

**Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

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

NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 8, 2024 – STATE FARM STADIUM – GLENDALE, ARIZONA

NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP JANUARY 8, 2024 – NRG STADIUM – HOUSTON, TEXAS

Team

November

Team

November

September

July

Duke

12/1

Georgia

2/1

2/1

2/1

Kansas

13/1

Michigan

4/1

8/1

10/1

Kentucky

15/1

Ohio State

10/1

7/1

6/1

Purdue

15/1

Washington

10/1

N/A

N/A

Connecticut

15/1

Florida State

10/1

18/1

20/1

Arkansas

16/1

Penn State

12/1

20/1

25/1

Michigan State

16/1

Oklahoma

15/1

N/A

N/A

Marquette

17/1

Alabama

17/1

6/1

7/1

Houston

17/1

Texas

19/1

20/1

25/1

Tennessee

17/1

Alabama

21/1

Arizona

21/1

North Carolina

25/1

Gonzaga

25/1

*All others are higher than 20/1 **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 A T I O N S . C O M

CHRISTMAS CASH GIVEAWAY FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS I 6PM-10PM

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Gambling problem? Call 1-888-777-9696. ©2023 PENN Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

G A MING A NDDE S T IN AT IONS .C OM | 2 1

WIN THE

ULTIMATE CASINO GETAWAY!

Vote today for your chance to win! elcome to Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Once again, we are excited to offer one lucky voter the Ultimate Casino Getaway to the casino of their choice, just for letting us know what casinos you like the most!

The trip includes an overnight stay at your favorite casino, gambling money, gas money to get there and dining at the property restaurant of your choice. It is a getaway you won’t want to miss, and we hope you are the lucky winner!

Simply fill out the voting ballot on page 23, or online at GamingandDestinations.com before December 15, and you will be registered to win.

Also NEW THIS YEAR, we are offering a FREE one-year subscription to the magazine, so be sure to check the box to get signed up!

Good luck and remember, if you can’t be good, be lucky!

G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher

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VOTE! MAIL! WIN! Pick your favorite properties from each category

below, mail it in by December 15, and you will be entered for the Ultimate Casino Getaway! Or, vote online at GamingandDestinations.com First Name:

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Address: City:

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What are your favorite states to play? (Circle all that apply) Kentucky | Alabama | Indiana | Ohio | Minnesota | Michigan | Wisconsin | Iowa | Oklahoma | Tunica/North MS (Lula) | Vicksburg, MS | Shreveport/Bossier City, LA | Gulf Coast | New Orleans | Baton Rouge, LA | Standalone Mid-South (Pearl River, Bok Homa & Others not in casino towns) Florida | St. Louis, Missouri | Other: __________________ Do you subscribe to Gaming and Destinations?

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Do you want a FREE one-year subscription?

Do you want us to send you free comps and special offers from our casino partners?

What games do you like to play the most?

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Other: _____

What kind of comps do you typically receive from casinos?

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Free Buffet

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Whatever I want, I’m a high roller!

TELL US YOUR FAVORITE CASINOS IN THE CATEGORIES BELOW. CATEGORY:

Your Favorite Property:

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1. Best Overall Property: 2. Best New Casino/Casino Renovation: 3. Best Racetrack/Racino Facility: (Horse Racing/Greyhound Racing)

4. Best Suites: 5. Best Rooms: 6. Best Casino Floor:

(Game Variety/Options)

7.

Best Poker Room:

8. Best Restaurant:

(Include Name of Restaurant and Property)

9. Best Buffet: 10. Best Sportsbook: 11.

Best Amenities:

(Spa, Pool, Shopping, etc.)

12. Best Golf Course: 13. Best Entertainment: 14. Best Entertainment Venue: 15. Best Nightlife:

(Night Club, Lounge, etc.)

16. Best Theme: 17.

Best Casino Personnel:

(Dealers, Slot Attendants, Hosts, Waitresses, etc.)

18. Best Cruise Line: 19. Best Advertising:

(Radio, Television, Billboards, etc.)

20. Best Players Club: 21. Best Slot Machine Game: *One vote per person. Duplicate entries will result in disqualification. Faxes and copies are not accepted. All fields required. Mark N/A if a category is not applicable to you. If you do not have an email address, please provide a phone number. All entries must be postmarked by December 15, 2023.

G A MING A NDDE S T IN AT IONS .C OM | 2 3

R

CHO I C

2023

EA

W AR

D

ER S'

DS

G&

D EA

Casino of Your Choice!

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2023 G&D READERS' CHOICE AWARDS 136 St. Matthews Ave. #300 Louisville, KY 40207

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