FROM the EDITOR
Happy New Year! It is hard to explain the excitement we have at Southern Gaming when we look at the future and what it holds. Since 1999, we have strived to develop a high-quality magazine that serves as the voice of the gamers as well as a communication vehicle for the casinos. Through hard work and a little luck, we have maintained that vision by finding the best gambling authors in the world to provide interesting and informative articles that allow our readers to get the most out of their gambling experience. Whether you are polishing your poker skills with World Series of Poker Champion Phil Hellmuth, or figuring out craps strategies with Frank Scoblete, our readers can rest assured they are getting the best information when it comes to enhancing their skills. In addition to the content in the magazine, we are also excited about introducing more giveaways and special events that will continue to expand our brand throughout the South. So, as we dive into 2011, we wish you good luck on all of your gambling ventures and hope you will continue to support us and spread the word about Southern Gaming and Destinations … THE gaming authority of the South since 1999!
We are excited to kick off 2011 with the Voting Ballot for the 2011 Best of Southern Gaming Readers’ Choice Awards. This year, we moved the voting period up to begin on Jan. 1 and run through April 30, giving every reader ample time to fill out their choices for their favorite casinos. We will publish the results in the July issue to give our readers a guide to what properties score the highest. This year, we are giving away a trip for two to Las Vegas so be sure to get your votes in on time! Check out the voting ballot on page 10! On the cover of this issue we feature the “King of the Cowboys,” Jerry Jones. When he bought the Cowboys in 1989, his vision was to build the Cowboys into America’s team … and he has done just that. After 30 years of tremendous success, he has built the ultimate stadium in Arlington, Texas, at a cost of $1.15 billion, and with it he landed the Super Bowl on Feb. 6, 2011. On page 16, Southern Gaming’s Jeremy White highlights Jones’ vision with the new stadium. Also in this issue, don’t miss our feature articles on the history of gambling on page 34, hitting the casinos and nightlife in St. Louis on page 40, and the hottest trends in Las Vegas on page 54. We are excited to continue to showcase all elements of gambling and the destinations that cater to the desires of gamblers. We are thrilled about our continued success of The Comps Club and all of our new casino partners and members! For just $29 per year, members receive six issues of Southern Gaming as well as six Member Coupon Paks loaded with coupons for casinos in Indiana, Tunica, the Gulf Coast, Louisiana, Florida and more! Cash in on free buffets, match-play offers and more. For more information, check out the advertisement on page 9 or call us at 1-877-582-9478. We hope you enjoy this issue and have a prosperous new year! As always, if you can’t be good … be lucky!
G. Douglas Dreisbach General Manager 4
So u thern G aming and De s t in a t io n s
Publisher Bisig Impact Group Chief Executive Officer Larry Bisig President & Creative Director Chip Dumstorf General Manager G. Douglas Dreisbach Marketing Coordinator Courtney Bisig Accounting Peggy Harris Copy Editor Sara Havens Contributing Authors Dan Bebe Courtney Bisig Linda Boyd Bill Burton Eric Floyd Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Kellee Kunovic John Grochowski Henry Tamburin Frank Scoblete Jeremy White Colby Wolitz Letters to the editor, address changes and other correspondence should be sent to: Southern Gaming and Destinations 640 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 583-0333 Fax (502) 583-6487 e-mail: editor@southerngaming.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the ever-growing popularity of the gaming industry and to assist the gamer in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest. Southern Gaming and Destinations is published for those who seek the best in gaming and in life. ON THE COVER: The King of the Cowboys, Jerry Jones, will host this years Super Bowl in his new $1.15 billion stadium. Page 16. Southern Gaming and Destinations is produced bimonthly by Bisig Impact Group of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2004 by Bisig Impact Group. All Rights Reserved. This publication is printed by Publisher’s Printing Co., Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky Opinions of columnists are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor does Southern Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Gaming and Destinations, 640 South Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.