Midwest Gaming and Destinations - July 2018 Issue

JULY/AUGUST 2018 VOL. 20 ISSUE 4

GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY &

WIN BIG! PAGE 9

PLUSH POOLS:

CASINO FUN IN THE SUN PAGE 10

PIGSKIN PREVIEW:

TEAMS TO WATCH PAGE 20

JUSTIFY

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

What an exciting time to be a fan of horseracing!

With two Triple Crown winners in four years, after a drought of nearly forty years, one has to wonder what the future holds. Was it pure luck that this happened? Or are horses better prepared for the three-race Triple Crown cycle now more than they ever have been? Or does Bob Baffert have some voodoo horse whisperer sense that makes a horse run faster than any competitor? There are over 20,000 thoroughbred foals born each year with only twenty making it to the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby. So, when you factor in actually winning on the first Saturday in May, as well as the Preakness and Belmont, the odds are astronomical. It is hitting the trifecta, with the same horse, against the best competition in the world, in every race! Add to that the fact that the same trainer, Bob Baffert, has won two in the past four years, and things really get interesting.

The buzz around horse racing since American Pharoah conquered the Triple Crown in 2015 has been fantastic. With Justify replicating the feat in commanding style this year, and a few more races before the Breeders’ Cup Classic, this summer is shaping up to be one to remember. Check out the article on page 6 highlighting Justify and the amazing accomplishment by Bob Baffert and his entire team!

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As we move on through another summer season, this issue highlights some of our favorite casino pools and outdoor amenities, summer entertainment in Sin City, and other suggested ways to fill your calendar with sun and fun. Be sure to check out our top pools on page 10, must see performances in Las Vegas on page 16, and our full directory of recommended getaways on page 30. We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and get to take advantage of some of our suggestions!

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

It is also almost time for another NFL football season, and that means it’s time to start doing your homework to find any angles or advantages you might be able to identify early on. Whether you are making bets or playing fantasy, our NFL Pigskin Preview on page 20 will get you ready for the season kick off.

Steve Wright

When it comes to tips and strategy, we always strive to provide top quality tips that will help improve your game on your next casino visit. This issue features great tips on craps, poker, sports wagering and more. In addition to tips, get casino comps by joining The Comps Club by G&D. For just $29 per year, you will recieve various coupons and special offers to casinos around the region. Check out TheCompsClub.com for more information and to sign up!

Have a great summer, and if you can’t be good...be lucky!

Larry Bisig LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Hill Harcourt CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Linda Boyd E.J. Clark Eric Floyd Lane Gold Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Jamie Jensen Frank Scoblete

GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

640 South Fourth Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (502) 212-5177 e-mail: editor@gaminganddestinations.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the ever-growing popularity of the gaming industry and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest.

Gaming and Destinations is published for those who seek the best in gaming and in life, and is produced bimonthly

by Gaming Media Group Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2017

by Gaming Media Group Inc. 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 Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers.

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher & President

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes

to Gaming and Destinations, 640 South Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.

Cover Photo courtesy of Eric Patterson Photography.

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

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Totally Justified:

Triple Crown Triumph

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS

24 Horse Racing:

28 TournEvent of

FEATURE ARTICLES

10 Summer Retreats:

Top Casino Pools and Outdoor Escapes

16 Viva Las Vegas:

Summer Shows of Sin City

20 Pigskin Preview:

2018 NFL Outlook - Who’s hot and who’s not?

10

25 Craps:

The Darkside Dilemma

26 Video Poker:

Champions:

Equine Infidelity

The Road to $1 million!

30 Casino Directory: Our preferred properties and attractions.

Sunshine in Casino Land

27 Poker:

Aggressive Limit Hold’em Play

32 Sports Wagering:

Future odds on major sporting events.

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16

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Find us on Facebook

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

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FACTS & FUN STUFF

DID YOU KNOW

1 2 When the heat of the summer is bearing down in the South, there is nothing better than finding some shade and a cool, refreshing cocktail.

In Kentucky, this cocktail usually consists of the state’s signature ‘brown water’ and is a staple at bars throughout the state. While your premium bourbons are typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks, there are a variety of recipes that give a twist on the flavorful spirit. We found this recipe at Proof Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a hot day, and the bartender, Oliver, hit the spot with his summer solution. Enjoy!

KENTUCKY CHEW Ingredients: 1.5 oz Old Forester Bourbon 1 oz Peach Puree 1/2 oz Lemon Juice 2 Sprigs of Thyme Directions: It doesn’t get any easier than this.

Simply add the ingredients to a shaker/mixer cup. Shake or mix well.

Pour in a glass over ice. Add the sprigs of thyme for garnish. Find some shade and enjoy.

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?

HOW MANY RACES DID TRIPLE CROWN WINNER JUSTIFY WIN AS A TWO YEAR OLD? A. 3

4

WHAT NFL TEAM HAS THE MOST RETIRED JERSEYS? A.

San Francisco 49ers

B.

Chicago Bears

C. 0

C.

New York Giants

D. 2

D.

New England Patriots

B. 1

WHAT WAS THE TOTAL PURSE MONEY JUSTIFY WON OVER THREE TRIPLE CROWN RACES? A.

$1.86 million

B. $500,000

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THE WORD ‘CRAPS’ MEANS WHAT IN FRENCH? A. Money B. Luck

C.

$5 million

C. Toad

D.

$2.94 million

D. Rocks

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS ARE THE ONLY NFL TEAM WITH A HUMAN MASCOT. WHAT’S HIS NAME? A. Ragnar

ANSWERS: 1.) C. 0 - JUSTIFY NEVER RAN AS A 2-YEAR OLD 2.) D. $1.24 FOR DERBY; $900,000 FOR PREAKNESS; $800,000 FOR BELMONT. 3.) A. 4.) B.-13 JERSEYS 5.) C.

SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

B. Igor C. Lox D. Suzy

Revenue in Billions collected

by Nevada casinos in 2017.

Net income was $110 million.

$53,000 Average salary for a waterboy in the NFL

26.2

85

151,000 $17,500

Percentage of American adults who have gambled at least once in their lifetime.

Number of hotel rooms in Las Vegas

Purchase price of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. He won over $1.2 million over his career.

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TIcasino.com | 1 - 8 0 0 -2 2 2-707 7 Š 2018 Treasure Island Resort & Casino

TRIPLE CROWN TRUMPH: TOTALLY JUSTIFIED by

LANE GOLD AND E.J. CLARK KENTUCKY WINNERS’ CIRCLE

T

he Triple Crown. It is still one of the most coveted and difficult achievements in sports to achieve.

In the span of five weeks, Bob Baffert joined “Sunny” Jim Fitzsimmons as the only two trainers in history to make the grueling stretch of three classic races in five weeks look easy.

Some wondered if Baffert could repeat the domination of 2015 Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah after the 2018 champion, Justify, seemed to struggle to win the Preakness. But the white haired trainer, and most well-known conditioner in racing, knew how good his horse was, giving him the confidence to go for the glory in the Belmont Stakes.

As the Belmont unfolded, it was quite 6

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apparent that it would take a Herculean effort from someone to knock off Justify and that challenge never materialized. In the span of 2:28, the racing and sports world once again saw not only how good Justify was, but how great Bob Baffert is.

Just like in 2015, the fans in the Belmont stands erupted in a thunderous applause after Justify crossed the finish line and returned to the Winner’s Circle for the trophy presentation.

“With American Pharoah, it just looked like it wasn’t going to happen,” Baffert said. “37 years, and you come up here, and I’d been through it, and I just felt more pressure because I felt -- look, the Lord has given me another crack at it. I got this great horse, everything is running smooth.

But he still has to do it, and then when he finally did it, I was like, everybody else, I was just in awe of it. I never even cheered for the horse. I was just sort of in shock seeing him do it, and then we did it.”

Looking back at the career of Baffert, who was raised in the border town of Nogales, Arizona, one could argue that he could have won at least one more Triple Crown.

There was a time when Baffert was not sure he would ever win a Triple Crown after he had three chances in six years with the ultimate heartbreak in 1998.

After Silver Charm was beaten in 1997, Real Quiet swept the first two legs and looked like a sure thing turning for home in the Belmont. Only a monumental run

by Victory Gallop down the stretch and a head bob at the finish preventing Baffert from taking the Crown.

It took just four more years and Baffert was back with his third shot at the Crown with War Emblem. A late addition to his barn after winning the Illinois Derby, he was a longshot winner of the Derby and then took care of business in the Preakness. But in the Belmont, the dream died as soon as the gates opened and War Emblem got off to an awkward start losing any chance to take down the Crown.

Perhaps Baffert’s biggest disappointment was in 2001 when he had Point Given in the Kentucky Derby. A horse he thought was one of the best he had ever trained, but finished a tough fourth in the Derby.

That was the last race he would lose as he cruised home in the final two legs.

“I’ve had some really great horses,” Baffert said. “We had Point Given, I really thought he could have easily been here.

Horses like that have durability, and that’s one thing that both Justify and American Pharoah have. It is not only the fact they are brilliant and fast, but they are durable.

But you know, Pharoah was my first Triple

Crown winner. I’ve been going through it for a while. I would have won it before but my buddy Elliott (Walden) cost me one of them.”

Baffert then had a huge Triple Crown “dry spell” of sorts. Not only did he not win the Derby for a thirteen-year stretch but he failed to win with two favorites – Lookin at Lucky and Bodemeister. (Ironically, 2009 Derby runner-up Pioneer of the Nile was the sire of American Pharoah.)

He then got back into full swing in 2015 when American Pharoah arrived on the scene.

As for Justify, to put in perspective how great of an accomplishment this Triple Crown was, Justify was not even the Baffert’s chief hope to win the Derby.

McKinzie was his best hope and was pulled from consideration after missing time due to an injury in March.

He then took Justify, a colt who had won just two races and was very raw and

unproven. He entered him in the Santa Anita Derby for his biggest test to date and the race was over the minute the gates opened. It was an easy decision from there for Baffert to press on to the Kentucky Derby.

The big question for the balance of the year is how many more times will Justify run? The Daily Racing Form reported that he is considering The Haskell, Travers and Breeders’ Cup Classic... but that was quickly walked back.

THE GREATEST OF ALL-TIME? Where does Bob Baffert rank among the greatest of all-time? Some could argue that he is the best to ever train a horse and only years from now, once his career is over, would we know for sure where he will rank... but it would be hard to make a case against him: Two Triple Crowns in four years, 15 Triple Crown race victories in his Hall of Fame career, the most of any conditioner. Winning the Dubai World Cup, 14 Breeders’ Cup

Justify and jockey Mike Smith win the 134th Kentucky Derby over Good Magic.

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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race winners, including capturing the Breeders’ Cup Classic three consecutive years with Bayern in 2014, American Pharoah 2015 and Arrogate in 2016.

Arrogate proved to be an outstanding late blooming three-year-old who went on to not only win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but the inaugural Pegasus Cup World Invitational in 2017. West Coast, runner up in this year’s Dubai World Cup –who is also owned by Mary and Gary West, the owners of Restoring Hope –was Baffert’s other entry into the Belmont Stakes.

Like fellow Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, Baffet came from Quarter horse racing and exploded onto the thoroughbred scene winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint as an unknown trainer with Thirty Slews while he was still training quarter horses.

To put in perspective where Baffert stands with the all-time greats, despite the success that Lukas has had over the years, including winning fourteen Triple Crown

races, he had just one chance to win the Triple Crown and that came in 1999 with Charismatic.

As for his well-documented Triple Crown accomplishments, Baffert mentioned that to get a horse like Justify (to win a Triple Crown) usually trainers have to wait twenty five years, or forever, to get a horse like that.

“I am still pinching myself to believe this is really happening,” he said “You can’t do it without great clientele. I actually think I’m improving as a trainer a little bit (meaning his experience in the Triple Crown). I take a lot of experience from it.”

Even WinStar Farm President Elliott Walden called Baffert “Maybe the greatest of all time.”

to not only his owners but the people that work in his barn. Most all, he credits his wife Jill for keeping him grounded and helping raise their son Bode. He even has become good friends with Lukas, a former Southern California rival.

Jockey Mike Smith, who was aboard Justify throughout the Triple Crown commented, “Bob has helped me achieve so many of my goals, but he made my dreams come true. So it was just him and his crew and everyone who works with him -- he talks about how brilliant his crew is, and then he just puts an old man out there to sit still, who stays out of the way and lets a good horse be a good horse.”

IN PERSPECTIVE

Beneath Baffert’s sunglasses is a man that has had his ups and downs in his racing and personal life, but has come out on top through it all.

Through it all, Baffert has kept an even keel and has not let the success go his head.

He appears uncomfortable when people associate him with greatness. He deflects those comments and tries to give credit

How many more times will Baffert have a chance to win the Triple Crown? Logically that opportunity will not come again, but a man with his resume, you can never count him out.

Justify is the center of attention at his home stable at Churchill Downs.

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Photos courtesy of Eric Patterson Photography.

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Silver Slipper Casino Hotel - Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

CO OL I NG OF F AT T H E CA SI NO

T OP P O OL S A N D OU T D O OR A M E N I T I E S When the summer temperatures heat up, so do the outdoor amenities at casino resorts throughout the country. There is no better way to waste a day than sitting poolside with a refreshing cocktail and your favorite gambling companions.

Today’s most luxurious casinos offer resort-style pool areas with cabanas, cocktail service, poolside massages and more, all to insure guests are happy.

We are excited to highlight some of our favorite casinos with their outdoor amenities and hope you get a chance to check them out soon. These are all worth the drive and we promise you won’t be disappointed!

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SILVER SLIPPER CASINO HOTEL BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI (GULF COAST) 1-228-469-2777 SILVERSLIPPER-MS.COM

Beach Club offers hotel guests a tropical, beachside paradise experience with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Guests can take a dip in the stunning infinity pool or lay back and relax on lounge chairs located throughout two different decks surrounding the pool.

If you haven’t been to the Silver Slipper

A hot tub is located on the top deck

recently, you might want to add it to

across from the new Beach Club bar.

your next Gulf Coast visit. The property

The Beach Club is located on the north

recently unveiled its Bay Beach Club

side of the hotel and the pool bar is open

– Pool & Bar that has guests raving

to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00

about this luxurious outdoor amenity.

p.m. daily.

Nestled inside of a lush palm grove, the

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 1-888-567-6667 BEAURIVAGE.COM Beau Rivage is known worldwide for its attention to detail and luxurious amenities. Whether you are enjoying the award-winning spa, fabulous restaurants, or expansive casino, you will feel like a VIP no matter where you are. One of the top summer hot spots on the Gulf Coast is The Pool at Beau Rivage. Forget you are in Biloxi and imagine a Las Vegas layout with private cabanas spaced around the pool, poolside food and cocktail service, and a cabana bar with all of your favorite drinks and snacks. You can never go wrong at the Beau Rivage, and the pool is no exception. Be sure to check it out!

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino - Biloxi, Mississippi

IP CASINO RESORT & SPA BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 1-228-436-3000 IPBILOXI.COM The pool at IP Casino in Biloxi is unique in the fact that it sits on the top of a 32-story parking structure. Add to that, an oasis bar serving frozen drinks, tasty cocktails and more, and you’ll know you are in the right spot. Kick back and enjoy music piped throughout the pool area and you are sure to have a great day set out for you. Take your relaxation journey even further with the Senses Spa and Salon. The luxurious spa’s treatments are inspired by nature and are brought to you in elegant surroundings. From Signature Aqua Treatments to natural and effective skin care services, everything is for your enjoyment. From the pool to the spa, IP

IP Casino Resort & Spa - Biloxi, Mississippi

has your rest and relaxation covered.

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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SCARLET PEARL CASINO D’IBERVILLE MISSISSIPPI (NEAR BILOXI) 1-888-266-5772 SCARLETPEARLCASINO.COM

The Garden Oasis pool at Scarlet Pearl is a luxurious experience for guests to relax under the palm trees or in the pool. Featuring cabana rentals daily, sitting poolside with a frozen drink can happen quickly. The resort also offers a fitness center in case you want a quick work out before lounging, as well as the region’s top mini-golf course, Lava Links Golf Club. You will always find plenty to keep you busy at Scarlet Pearl.

Scarlet Pearl Casino - D’Iberville Mississippi, (Near Biloxi)

DELTA DOWNS RACETRACK CASINO & HOTEL VINTON, LOUISIANA 1-800-589-7441 DELTADOWNS.COM

When Delta Downs completed their recent property renovation, they were sure to make their pool area a priority. The updates transformed the property into a luxury resort-style escape for gamers around the region. The pool area features poolside service, a 25-foot tall water slide, a shallow ‘shelf ’ in the water (where you can put your lounge chair or just sit in the water) plus several shaded tables to grab a quick bite or just take a break from the sun.

It’s easy to relax at Delta Downs. Furthermore, with an all new state-of-the-art fitness center, there’s no need to disrupt your typical workout routine. Enjoy the best of both worlds with some exercise, and then cool off at the pool for a dynamic duo day.

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Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel - Vinton, Louisiana

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA 1-855-346-2489 MARGARITAVILLEBOSSIERCITY.COM

The song says “It’s always five o’clock at Margaritaville” … and that certainly holds true at this Louisiana getaway. The pool deck has its own flair of the tropics with palm trees, beach music, a hot tub, and even a fire pit to kick back and enjoy the sun sets. Close your eyes and you’ll be taken from Bossier City to a ‘Key West state of mind’ in no time. Also find great food and cocktails at The Busted Coconut, an island-style bar located on the pool deck overlooking Red River and downtown Shreveport.

Margaritaville Resort Casino - Bossier City, Louisiana

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT VEVAY, INDIANA 1-812-427-7777 BELTERRACASINO.COM

The pool area at Belterra Casino Resort is an Oasis in Indiana that every guest of the property should take advantage of. Easily accessible from the hotel, guests can enjoy private cabanas and a fully loaded tiki bar with delectable frozen drinks and other summer refreshments. The pool has a lounging shelf in the pool that lets you sit and relax in the water without being totally submerged. If you’re a golfer, you’re in luck. The pool is located right next to the award-winning Tom Fazio Golf Course making for a quick cool down after your round.

Guests can also take advantage of fine dining, shops, a salon and an award-winning spa at the resort.

Belterra Casino Resort - Vevay, Indiana

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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TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO WELCH, MICHIGAN 1-800-222-7077 TICASINO.COM

While the swimming options at Treasure Island are located indoors, you will feel like you are on a Caribbean Island. The Lagoon water park features a lazy river that loops around the area with rapids and a waterfall, two water slides, and a zero-depth entry pool with a toucan slide for the little ones. When you are ready to have a cocktail, just swim over to the Barefoot Bar located in the adults-only section of The Lagoon where you will find your favorite adult beverages without ever leaving the water.

The adult area also features indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a terrace area to hang out and relax.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino - Welch, Michigan

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT RIVERSIDE, IOWA 1-877-877-3456 RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

Riverside is a resort that offers everything from a championship golf course to plush resort amenities, including both an outdoor and indoor pool area.

The heated outdoor pool area is conveniently located beside the hotel with views overlooking the Rees Jones-designed golf course, Blue Top Ridge.

The indoor pool is also a perfect place to kick back and relax featuring lounge areas, a hot tub and large windows around the area. Guests can take advantage of the gorgeous views of the world-class golf course while enjoying live entertainment on the pool patio stage during a Riverside Casino & Golf Resort pool party. Check out the web-site for the entertainment schedule.

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Riverside Casino & Golf Resort - Riverside, Iowa

FOUR WINDS CASINO NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN 1-866-494-6371 FOURWINDSCASINO.COM

Four Winds Casino New Buffalo continues to impress guests at every level. Whether it is the dining or gambling, rave reviews are coming from everywhere. The properties new outdoor oasis offers guests a place to relax and socialize with plenty of room to lounge in the summer sun. In addition to the pool, the area also features a hot tub, two fire pits, poolside service and The Pool Bar. Bask by the pool and escape in a luxurious chaise lounge or party into the night with entertainment and dining.

Four Winds Casino - New Buffalo, Michigan

PRAIRIE BAND CASINO & RESORT MAYETTA, KANSAS 1-888-727-4946 PRAIRIEBAND.COM

While this resort doesn’t have a pool, it does have a fantastic outdoor area featuring two oversized hot tubs, a fire pit with plenty of seating, and areas to relax and enjoy the evening.

If you are an RV’er, the property has a state-of-theart on-site RV park with 67 pull-through spaces and amenities like including 24-hour security, 24-hour shuttle service to and from the casino, private showers and restrooms, laundry facilities, and a convenience store. With golf, shopping, gaming, dining, and relaxing…Prairie will not let you down!

Prairie Band Casino & Resort - Mayetta, Kansas

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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Photo credit: Fabio Diena / Shutterstock.com

Bruno Mars will play three shows at The Park at MGM in July.

S I Z Z L I NG S HOW S OF S I N C I T Y: OU R T OP P ICK S by

D

on’t let the rest of 2018 fly by without making a few more memories. The late summer and fall lineups for Las Vegas shows are red-hot with new residencies, concerts, and festivals featuring today’s biggest stars and legendary acts. Here are our top picks for the “can’t miss” events bringing the heat to Vegas over the next few months.

BRUNO MARS | JULY 25,26, 27 THE PARK AT MGM JULY 25, 27, 28 | $190 - $500

Experience a night sure to be a treasure with icon in-the-making Bruno Mars! This global-sensation is wrapping up his 24k Magic World Tour with a few U.S. dates, landing in Las Vegas the last week of July. After a whirlwind tour, Bruno will be coming home to perform at The Park at MGM, 16

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JAMIE JENSEN

his first visit after vacating his residency there in February. Arguably the biggest star in pop music today, Bruno Mars is billed world-wide as the hottest ticket in town - and Las Vegas is no exception.

Having sold over 100 million records and nominated for an astounding 17 Grammy’s, Bruno Mars is one of the most celebrated artists of the last decade. He owns his reputation as a full-throttle entertainer catering to his fans with a set-list full of his chart-topping hits as well as covers of beloved classics, performed as only Mars and his loyal brass band can. Proven by his unilaterally acclaimed Super Bowl performances and universal appeal, Bruno Mars and his music transcends genres and generations. From the unstoppable beat of “Uptown Funk” to the emotion of “Just the Way

You Are,“ you can be sure you will spend the night on your feet rocking or swaying to whatever smash he sends your way. Bruno Mars’ style, swagger, and unrelenting showmanship will ensure you have a night worth its weight in 24K Magic.

BLINK-182 THE PEARL THEATER AT THE PALMS LAS VEGAS NOVEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 | $55 - $155

The highly-anticipated return of the Blink-182 residency “Kings of the Weekend” continues this fall at the Palms’ Pearl Theater. For over twenty years Blink-182 has been a band that has stayed relevant on the pop, alternative and punk rock scenes with their catchy California sound and unmatched charisma and energy. Founders Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker have joined forces with Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio to continue to deliver the high-octane performances fans have come to expect. Propelled by Barker’s legendary beats and the band’s relatable lyrics, it’s ‘all the small things’ that ensure Blink-182 is still releasing chart-topping records today! With 90’s nostalgia in full-swing, come for the hits and stay to enjoy these rock superstars still in their prime at the Palms.

GEORGE STRAIT T-MOBLILE ARENA DECEMBER 7 & 8 | $50 - $320

Move over Elvis; there is a new “King” in town.

Since his retirement from touring in 2014, the opportunities for fans to see George Strait live have been few and far between. Starting in 2016, this troubadour has been gracing Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena with his well-received “Strait to Vegas” residency. Every engagement has had limited dates, and 2018 is no exception. For two nights only, George Strait will be joined by crowd favorites Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett for an incredible performance sure to be full of pure country gold. Spend a night listening to old favorites such as, “Amarillo by Morning” and newer hits like, “Cowboys Like Us.” With over 50 number one singles to his name and multiple CMA Entertainer of the Year wins, the “King of Country” is guaranteed to deliver a show you will remember for years to come!

THE CHAINSMOKERS THE WYNN ENCORE BEACH CLUB & XS NIGHTCLUB JUNE - AUGUST 2018 | FROM $45

Nothing says summer concert like a poolside party with The Chainsmokers. Breaking onto the EDMPop scene in 2014, this duo has been tearing up the Top 40 for several years with their star-studded, hit collaborations featuring everyone from Coldplay to Halsey. From “Something Just Like This” to “Closer” The Chainsmokers have the perfect setlist for their 2018 poolside residency at The Wynn.

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The New England Patriots have played in three of the last four Super Bowls.

P IGSK I N PR EV I E W: W HO ’ S HO T A N D W HO ’ S NO T by

I

STEVE WRIGHT

t is easy to argue that the main

forefront of the playoff picture for the last

Bowls and an astonishing seven straight

reason America loves the NFL is

few years. Here is a quick breakdown of

AFC Championship games.

because of the unpredictability. The

what to expect this fall.

dual pillars of free agency and the draft in the spring/early summer mean that a fan of any team (except the Browns) can convince themselves that this is their year. The truth may be a little different – unless you are a Patriots fan – but it is that eternal hope that keeps us coming back year after year.

The 2018 season figures to be a fun

Teams To Watch NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

set – is frightening. The Patriots have won 10 or more games for 15 straight seasons in a league where the draft and salary

of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and the

cap are supposed to shut down dynasties

dynasty they have built in New England.

after half a decade. The advancing age of

The truth though is that you simply

Brady – he will be 41 by the beginning of

cannot compile a list of teams to watch for the 2018 NFL season without the

quarterbacks about to enter the league

Foxborough, Mass. franchise on the list.

and there are many questions surrounding

That is how it has to be with a team that

some of those teams that have been at the

has been to three of the last four Super

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matter how high those expectations are

It is tired at this point to extoll the virtues

one. There is an exciting new crop of

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Their ability to beat expectations – no

the season – has to be seen as an issue, but until there is noticeable slowdown from the future Hall of Famer, it is hard to bet against the Patriots being in the running for the Lombardi Trophy once more.

GREEN BAY PACKERS Sometimes it is the little details that make a team worth watching out for in a certain NFL season. That is the case for the Green Bay Packers in 2018 as an already talented team – one with one of the best quarterbacks in the league – gets to play a third place schedule as a result of a disappointing 2017 campaign.

The Packers also face the AFC East in cross divisional play, and while that means a tough matchup with the Patriots, it also means they get to face the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills in games they will be favored to win. Aaron

Photo credit: Mark Herreid / Shutterstock.com

Rodgers may have lost Jordy Nelson as a

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers return with a stacked offense and a talented defense.

target, but the additions of playmaking tight end Jimmy Graham and the steal of Equanimeous St. Brown in the draft gives him new weapons to work with.

One of the biggest issues for the Packers over the last few seasons has been in their secondary and – for the third time in four years – the team again tried to address this issue in the draft. If some of their young cornerbacks and safeties can play at the level required, then this is a team that can make some noise in the NFC North.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES The defending Super Bowl champions have to be considered a team to watch out for in 2018. One of the keys to sustaining success in the NFL is to not rest on your laurels, and the Eagles front office was smart over the free agency period to aggressively go after additional playmakers while keeping all the major components of their championship run a year ago in town.

The Eagles won the Super Bowl without

any player catching more than the 824 yards Zach Ertz put up from the tight end position. Signing Mike Wallace from Baltimore as a deep threat will help open up the underneath routes more for the returning Carson Wentz. It was the Eagles defense – and specifically their defensive line – that shone brightest in 2017 and adding Michael Bennett from Seattle to increase the options in the pass rush rotation almost seems unfair to the rest of the league.

The Eagles may not win Super Bowl LIII, but it will take a good team to end

The Vikings front office clearly believes

that Cousins is an upgrade over Keenum,

the upgrade they need to push this team over the hump and win its first ever Super Bowl. An aging defense will be

reinvigorated by the drafting of new slot

corner Mike Hughes out of UCF in the first round, an outstanding addition to the No. 1 ranked unit in the league in 2017.

If Cousins can quick ly develop a relationship with star wide receiver duo

Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, then the

road to the Super Bowl in the NFC could be headed through Minneapolis.

their run.

Don’t Buy The Hype

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

You don’t often see a team that went 13-3

The warning lights are flashing in the

and made the NFC Championship game change quarterbacks after the season.

That though is the route that the Vikings have gone with in 2018, replacing Case Keenum with Kirk Cousins and his $84 million fully guaranteed contract.

Pacif ic Northwest this season. The Seahawks have been at (or near) the top

of the NFC West for a half a decade,

including a dominant win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Is their run about to come to an end?

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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It is often the case in the NFL that teams

it is hard to see any off their rookies

under center, moving away from the

as their key players get older and the

the pressure off of their returning stars.

Smith, and turning instead to the exciting

fall away without much of a warning replacements fail to immediately step into

the void. Seattle hasn’t posted a losing season since 2011, but key defensive

pieces like defensive end Michael Bennett and cornerback Richard Sherman have

departed the team this offseason. The Legion of Boom defense that Seattle has

cultivated is certainly less imposing than it has been in years.

The question then becomes if the offense can pick up some of the defensive slack?

The offensive line – the murky waters that dictate the outcome of games – has been

neglected for too long and Seattle will likely only go as far as the arm (and legs) of quarterback Russell Wilson will take them this fall.

Houston Texans There are just too many questions regarding

injuries to key players to believe the hype in Houston heading into 2018.

The most obvious problem is the health of sensational rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson was posting an unreal 103.0 passer rating – along with being a

nightmare to defend when he scrambled out of the pocked – before blowing out his ACL in the middle of the season. At that point the Texans completely fall off under

the quarterback play of Tom Savage, a guy

coming in and being playmakers to take

Under The Radar Cleveland Browns

Patrick Mahomes as he enters his second season in the league.

Sammy Watkins is a massive addition at

We poked fun at them in the intro, but

wide receiver, while in Travis Kelce the

watch this season. Sure, their 0-16 record

tight ends in the entire NFL. Mahomes

the Browns will be an interesting team to from a year ago hardly inspires confidence, but that team wasn’t nearly as bad as their record would suggest.

The problem for Cleveland was an inability

to carry their first half momentum into the second period, an institutional issue that is

indicative of their entire franchise history

after its rebirth. No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield is – by passer rating at least – the

best Power Five quarterback in history, while Tyrod Taylor will provide a capable

bridge to the Brown’s future star if needed.

If Cleveland can finally get some luck –

and maybe some winning momentum –

then this team has the ability to surprise in a winnable AFC North.

Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs are not a particularly highly

thought of team as we gear up for the 2018 season. This is almost entirely because the franchise decided to make a huge change

Chiefs have one of the best playmaking has something of a reputation as a

gunslinger, but he has an arm that Smith could only dream of and he will allow head coach Andy Reid to open the playbook to

find schemes he last used with Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia.

The Chiefs got younger and more athletic on defense too, so if Mahomes is just

equal in performance to where Smith

was last year, then this team should be in and around the playoffs as opposed to

rock bottom of the AFC West as many prognosticators suggest.

So there we have a very early look at how some of the 32 NFL teams stack up this fall. Be sure to watch out for injuries and other issues over the summer and into

training camp as this is a league where one or two long term injuries to key players can

turn a 12-4 squad into a team picking in the top five of the 2019 draft.

The Browns look to improve by adding the number one draft pick Baker Mayfield at quarterback.

who is no longer with the team.

If it was just Watson’s injury it would

be bad enough, but Houston is also looking for star players J.J. Watt, Whitney

Mercilus, and Tyrann Mathieu to come back from their own injury or lack of form

problems. Throw in the fact that this team didn’t have a pick in the first two rounds

of the draft (their first choice was Stanford safety Justin Reid at No. 68 overall) and 22

consistent – but far from dynamic – Alex

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

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PLAYER STRATEGY

Horseracing: The Price of Equine Infidelity The following story pains me to relive, but I feel it is necessary to share. Its theme is centered on the characteristic of loyalty, which for the most part is an extinct commodity within the fabric of today’s society. We live in a world that often asks the question, “What have you done for me lately?” and this inquiry may be spoken more by horseplayers than any other type of prospector.

You see gamblers must have a short memory.

This is just a requirement of the lifestyle we have chosen. If a bettor focuses too much on currency that has recently been won or lost, a possible interference may occur in the decision-making process with regards to an ensuing wager. This is why you will often see a patron berate a jockey who just cost them $5 even though the same rider brought home their 28-1 shot in the previous race.

In the years that I have attempted to make money by handicapping thoroughbreds, there is one personal aphorism that I have broken far less than any other. I rarely back an equine that has already let me down in a previous race. Now I am aware that “playbacks” are a strong handicapping angle especially if extenuating circumstances were present, still I seldom allow a thoroughbred to burn me twice. I recently learned the hard way though that in this game and for that matter in the grand scheme of life, loyalty to a well-chosen entity can reward one with a victory that once seemed beyond the scope of tangible reality.

Each spring I travel to Tampa Bay Downs to witness the running of the Tampa Bay Derby. In 2010, I made my annual pilgrimage to Oldsmar, FL with a great deal of confidence that when it was all said and done, I would drive home with many pictures of Benjamin Franklin in my billfold. A thoroughbred named Super Saver had been entered in the Tampa Bay Derby and the impact that this Todd Pletcher trained Kentucky Derby hopeful had made over the course of his two-year-old campaign was rather impressive.

Even though Super Saver was making his first start in fifteen weeks and faced a field laden with raw talent, I was more than happy to accept 3/2 odds on the Tampa Bay Derby entrant who in 24

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

by

E R I C F LOY D

my estimation held the superior class edge over the rest of the field. Super Saver made a decent run on the far turn of the Tampa Bay Derby and found room at the rail for his drive to the wire but hung in the final strides and placed third by three quarters of a length.

I did a majority of my handicapping for the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on a late April flight to Las Vegas and it probably won’t take you long to figure out who I eliminated first.

Super Saver had already cost me a c-note, and even though he had notched a victory six months earlier in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes that is contested at Churchill Downs, I convinced myself that the beaten favorite of the Tampa Bay Derby had no hope to ever wear a blanket of roses.

I watched the Kentucky Derby within the gorgeous confines of the Rampart Hotel and Casino located just fifteen minutes northwest of the Las Vegas Strip. My selection to best the field was a runner named Lookin at Lucky, who after a horrendous trip, staggered home in sixth place several lengths behind the victorious Super Saver.

I am not taking anything away from the winner, but in my heart I sincerely believe that a muddy track and an affinity for the Churchill Downs’ strip enhanced Super Saver’s performance on Derby Day. Still, I will always have to live with the fact that if I gave Super Saver a second chance, I could have walked out of the Rampart covered in rose pedals.

Two weeks later, both Super Saver and Lookin at Lucky returned to action in the Preakness Stakes.

There was no question in my mind which horse would inflict their will at Pimlico Racecourse, but after losing $300 fourteen days earlier, Lookin at Lucky’s 2-1 odds seemed too short to settle for. After much deliberation, I wagered an array of exactas in the Preakness keying Looking at Lucky on every single ticket. Naturally I failed to couple the eventual winner with First Dude, a 23-1 frontrunner who managed to hold on for second place.

Not betting a straight win ticket on Lookin at Lucky in that Preakness Stakes was by leaps and bounds the worst mistake of my gambling career.

Eric Vaughn Floyd is a turf writer for various gaming publications and is a consultant to several nationwide media outlets in regards to the Triple Crown.

Excerpts of his gambling memoir “The Backstretch (My First Decade Playing the Game)” can be viewed at LULU.com.

“IF I GAVE SUPER SAVER A SECOND CHANCE, I COULD HAVE WALKED OUT COVERED IN ROSE PEDALS.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

FRANK SCOBLETE

CRAPS: The Darkside Dilemma In the last issue I discussed the feelings of rightside players when it came to darksider craps players. Darksider is another name for “don’t” players, which are those players who prefer to bet against the shooter’s point and often against the various box numbers rightside players want to be rolled.

Visit Frank’s web site at www. frankscoblete.com. Frank’s latest books are Confessions of a Wayward Catholic!; I Am a Dice Controller and I Am a Card Counter. Available from Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, e-books and at bookstores.

The rightside players are the norm, maybe 95 percent of the players. They bet with the shooter and want long rolls and many points and box numbers rolled. Rightsiders, as a rule, tend to dislike darksiders; some even seem to hate them as they think darksiders are happy to see the other players lose their bets.

Is it so? Are darksiders in league with the “don’t” playing devil; are they Satan’s pawns? Do they really hate the rightsiders as some rightsiders think they do?

I quoted several rightside players last issue and this issue I am handing it over to the darksiders to tell their side of this craps story.

“THE HOUSE EDGE ON A “DON’T” PASS PLAYER IS SLIGHTLY LESS THAN ON THE PASS LINE PLAYER.”

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KEENAN: I refuse to call myself a darksider as that makes it sound like somehow or other I am a bad person, you know like one of the witches in Salem who should be hanged. I play the “don’t” side of the game because it is the best option at the craps table. The house edge on a “don’t” pass player is slightly less than on the pass line player.

That’s why I do it. I am looking for the strongest game against the house and playing the “don’t” is the strongest game. It’s that simple. Do I care that rightside players dislike me? I don’t give that any consideration whatsoever.

MALLORY: I know that regular [rightside] craps players have this thing about we darksiders.

Sometimes they snort at me when I place my first bet or give me the evil eye as if they hate me. My attitude is this – screw them! I play my game; let them play their game. I can hear the cheers are louder when a shooter makes his point and I lose. They are like children; clumped together in a group with many of them whining when I win. They are little babies.

JOHN: I once had a player actually yell at me to “get off the table you f**king ba*tard!” I looked at him and just smiled. He was this old guy who seemed to complain about everything. If he wants someone to leave a table then he should be the

one to go. Many of the rightside players think we are rooting for them to lose. I have nothing to do with their losing or winning, do I? The game is random and the results are random. I think some players can’t get that through their thick skulls.

MIKE: I think playing the darkside is playing the casino’s side of the game. I have been told this is not true but it feels true and I trust my feelings. You got to go with your gut, right? You tell me that some other players don’t like me, so what? I don’t cheer or anything because these other players are really superstitious about their craps strategies and who knows they might get so wound up they will start a fight. I won’t leave a table no matter what someone says to me; I’ll just call over the pit boss and have the angry person escorted away.

MANNY: I play the way I want to play. I have the right to bet my money the way I want to bet my money. When I played blackjack and some idiot told me what to do with my hand I would say, “It’s my money and I’ll bet it any way I want and I’ll play however I want. If you want me to play your way, then give me your money and I’ll play it any way you like. And we can split the winnings but you handle all the losses.” They would usually shut them up. The same holds true for betting the darkside “don’t” of the game. My money equals my right to do with it as I please.

LARRY: Let me lay this on the line. I do not like most rightside players. Rightside players are annoying. They think they own the game but they do not own anything except their own money. The craps table belongs to all players, not just them. I find myself irritated when they say things to me or give me dirty looks. Play your own game and keep me out of it. Good luck to you but I want to win and if you feel bad about that? Then too bad for you pal.

Okay, there you have it; some pertinent remarks from the game’s darkside players. It is interesting to see and, yes, I have seen this often subtle, often overt war between the two camps of craps players.

Next issue I will look at the truth behind both types of betting. Who is right in their assumptions and opinions? We’ll see what we’ll see.

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

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PLAYER STRATEGY

VIDEO POKER: Sunshine in Casino Land I believe that knowledge is a valuable asset if you want to excel at most things. That includes all sports, bridge, chess, science, math and a long list of myriad topics, including gambling. The gaming industry, however, is unlike most others in that certain topics are off limits and will never see the light of day. For example, the highest level of device technologists is called a “bench tech” (most manufacturers have around ten levels) and you will never ever see one on any casino floor or even on-site. I spoke to a bench tech once due to unusual circumstances and he told me that they take their secrets to the grave. So, when a level one or two technician tells you which machine to play or how they work, you should take it with a grain of salt. But there are many branches of gambling facts that are not just accurate, but potentially profitable. The tough part is shining a light on legitimate facts so you can differentiate between the sunshine and the fairy tales.

Here are some tips to separate fact from fiction.

Clouds in the Casino: Regardless of what anyone tells you, floor technicians, slot attendants and people who have happened to live in Las Vegas at one time have no insider information on which machines you should play. The slots manager (that’s one individual) may know which chip was ordered for a slot device but will never reveal that data if they want to keep their job.

Expected Return on Slots (ER): Identicallooking slots could have different chips on their logic boards, say one has an ER of 85% while the other has a 90% payback. That means if you’re a regular at the casino and observe the results over a long period of time you may make a good guess at selecting the best device, but will never be sure.

You can be sure, however, that it’s a bad idea to play a slot that requires a max bet to win special jackpots and choose to play less than max. Either play max or find a machine that allows progressive jackpots at any wager.

Special Events List: You may think that everybody invited to special events, like parties, dinners or VIP drawings have the highest-level card available, but that’s not the case. There are too many variables to ever be sure, but being on good terms with your host is definitely one of them, along with your average DROP (daily rate of play). It’s best to stick with a few casinos and to play longer sessions on fewer days. Still, you’re 26

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

by

LI N DA B OY D

never going to be sure, so if you believe you are under-comped either change your host or your main casino.

Future Results: It’s important to understand that past results can never be used to predict future outcomes either on VP or slots. Before the new game begins the ER for a device is unchanged.

Sunshine for Sure: Most aspects of casino play are clear to anybody who takes the time to ask questions or research the topic.

Cash Formula: The slot club staff will give you information that allows you to determine your cashback, bounceback cash (money, usually in free play, that requires you to return to the casino) and their formula for comps. My book, The Video Poker Edge, gives you an easy way to compute the ER on the casino’s cashback Card Level Requirements: Of course, you’ll get the best perks if you have the highest-level card available. Although the casino rarely advertises the requirements, they will tell you if you ask.

Game Strategy: I suggest that you use tutorial software to learn and improve your VP game strategy before trying it in a casino. The theoretical ER requires computer-perfect play.

Promotional Equity: Use a kiosk available at most casinos to determine how many tickets you have for a promotional event. Slot club staff will tell you how much play is required for each entry if you ask.

Final Thoughts: The good news is that most things regarding VP, including the theoretical return for the game you’re playing, your contest equity, the correct video poker holds and the requirements to make the next higher card level are readily available if you ask questions.

It’s important, however, to disregard inaccurate ideas and superstitions that can cost you money.

For example, selecting a slot based on past win/ losses rather than whether or not you are eligible for a jackpot without a max bet or not using your slot card because somebody told you it causes you to lose, make no sense. The house already has an advantage in most games, including VP, so it’s foolish to give them a bigger one by having your head in the clouds.

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations, Arizona Player and other media outlets. You can also see her videos on YouTube or her radio interviews are on iTunes.

Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, and includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.

The latest edition is available from amazon.com, Square One Publishers and book stores. Kindle edition now available.

“IT’S A BAD IDEA TO PLAY A SLOT THAT REQUIRES A MAX BET TO WIN SPECIAL JACKPOTS.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

PHIL HELLMUTH, JR.

POKER: Aggressive Play in Limit Hold’em One day after I was eliminated from a limit Hold’en event, I sought out Jack Keller, who at the time was really hot in limit Hold’em tournaments, and watched him play for a couple of hours. It was obvious to me that Jack was doing a number of things I hadn’t been doing.

He simply tried to win every pot that he played.

Jack never just called someone else’s raise before the flop: he always either threw his hand away or three-bet it.

Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a 13time World Series of Poker Champion, leading all other poker players in the world.

He is the author of two New York Times best sellers, and his latest book, “Deal Me In” is also widely popular. Visit PhilHellmuth.com to check out his latest blog, clothing line and exclusive poker tips and stories. This tip column is an excerpt from his Best Selling book “Phil Hellmuth’s Texas Hold’em” found on Amazon and in bookstores around the world.

This was quite different from my old strategy. I used to just call when I had a small pair, hoping that others would call as well, and that I would win a big pot when I finally hit my set. Jack, however, always three-bet before the flop, even with only a small pair, and continued to play his hand aggressively from that point on in the hand.

The percentage of pots that he won was much higher than the percentage of pots I had won, for three reasons.

First, Jack’s constant three-betting before the flop helped him win more pots by eliminating more opponents preflop. When you start with fewer opponents before the flop, you’ll win more pots.

Second, Jack would play his hand pretty hard on the flop and win a lot of pots if his opponents had, say, king-high when an ace hot the board.

“WHEN YOU START WITH FEWER OPPONENTS BEFORE THE FLOP, YOU’LL WIN MORE POTS. ”

Third, Jack would just plain try to bluff you out if he thought he could.

Once I began using this system, I couldn’t believe the results I achieved. I made five final tables in a row playing limit Hold’em this way, and eventually, in the 1990s, I won two world championships in limit Hold’em.

Tight Play Helps in Limit Hold’em Events, Especially Early

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

Tight play is also an important factor in success at tournaments. The really tight players tend to be around en masse fairly late in limit Hold’em events. These players tend to play almost as tight as the “top ten only” strategy. Notice that I said these players were around, and not that they were winning the events. Although there are usually a ton of supertight players left late in a limit Hold’em event, they usually don’t win the event or even make it to the final table. I believe that supertight play helps you last in limit Hold’em events, but you need to be able to change speeds at the right time if you’re going to win some of them.

The right strategy against a group of supertight

players differs from the right strategy against a group of average players. In fact, Jack Keller’s three-betting preflop with every hand that he plays is more successful against a supertight player who will fold his hand right away if he misses it. Which tight player is going to win the pot when Jack three-bets his 5-5 into 7-7?

For example, when the flop comes A-J-2, then Jack can win pretty easily with a bet on the flop.

Although supertight play will help you last, you will need to change your tactics at some point in order to win.

Therefore, I recommend playing the “top ten only”strategy for the first five or six hours of any Hold’em event while the weaker players is weeded out. After the first few hours of playing this strategy, it is time to switch tactics a bit.

Stealing the Blinds Helps You Survive Late in Limit Hold’em Events At some point after the first five or six hours, it’s time to start stealing the blinds from the supertight players who are still alive in the tournament. But be wary of stealing the blinds from the looser players or the champion players, because they will probably defend with skill. Stay aware also of the person who keeps stealing your blinds, because at some point you will have to make a stand against that player.

If you take a close look around your table about six hours into the event, every time you enter one of these events, after a while you will develop the ability to see into the future a little bit. For example, there will probably be someone at your table who is playing way too loose but nonetheless is still alive. You may worry that this player may continue to be lucky, but chances are that he will bust himself out sooner rather than later, because of his reckless play. There will also be a player at your table whom you will recognize as being very tight, and you can figure that he or she will probably be around very late in the tournament, although probably low on chips.

You may even be able to see that the loose player is the one who may be your ticket to lasting another few hours yourself. Six or so hours into the event, with your blind-stealing working well, you need to make sure that you’re still in a very tight mode of play. Surviving at this point in the tournament is the name of the game. But make sure that you’re stealing blinds from the supertight players. (Don’t worry; you will know who they are.)

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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$1 MILLION TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS : ®

A R R I V E A W I N N ER A N D L E AV E A L E GE N D by

P

resented by Everi and now in its seventh year, the TournEvent of Champions® and The Million Dollar Event® in Las Vegas is the gaming industry’s premier slot tournament featuring a championship round with $1.4 million in total cash prizes. TournEvent of Champions once again searches for the best slot tournament players in North America to compete in the national championship in October.

If you love playing in exciting casino slot tournaments, sign up to compete in a qualifying event for an opportunity to become a representative from a participating Southern or Midwest casino. This will give you the chance to compete for a spot in the TournEvent of Champions and a shot to win the grand prize of $1 million.

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

JOHN GROWCHOWSKI

Each winning casino representative will receive airfare to Las Vegas for themselves and a guest; three nights of hotel accommodation at the Wynn/ Encore; $500 for food and beverage purchases; and, most importantly, a seat at The Million Dollar Event.

The championship event will take place on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at the XS Nightclub in the Wynn/Encore Los Vegas Resort. The Money Man®, the official mascot for TournEvent of Champions, will be on the floor to cheer on participating casino representatives from across North America as they compete for more than $1.4 million in cash prizes including the $1 million top prize.

TournEvent of Champions is a unique collaboration between Everi, the casino industry’s single source provider of gaming and financial technology

solutions, and top casinos in North America to bring unprecedented fun competition and unbelievable excitement to casinos through a patented slot tournament campaign. With more than $1.4 million total in cash prizes and a grand prize of $1 million up for grabs again this year, it makes sense why TournEvent of Champions has become the most exciting slot tournament event on the planet.

2017 NATIONAL TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS WINNER Following the thrilling slot tournament competition on Oct. 4, 2017, at the XS Nightclub in the Wynn/ Encore Las Vegas Resort, James W. representing Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, Wis. bested 172 competitors to win the 2017 TournEvent of Champions grand prize of $1 million and a cruise for two on a

Norwegian Cruise Line® ship. More than 225,000 players at 107 casinos from across North America participated in qualifying slot tournaments to earn a spot at the championship in Las Vegas.

As a precursor to the 2017 The Million Dollar Event, the fourth annual TournEvent for Charities celebrity slot tournament took place on Oct. 4, 2017, in Everi’s booth at the Global Gaming Expo. TournEvent for Charities featured 20 celebrities, including Penn & Teller™ and Robin Leach, who competed in a fun-filled slot tournament on behalf of their favorite charities. In the end, Ricardo Laguna, professional BMX rider and star of MTV Tr3s’ “The Ricardo Laguna Project”, claimed victory and the $10,000 winner’s check on behalf of his charity the Nevada Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The remaining charitable organizations selected by the celebrities were winners in their own right, sharing in the nearly $40,000 in contributions made by Everi. Additionally, Everi donated $20,000 to The National Compassion Fund, which provided a single, trusted way for the public to donate directly to victims of mass crime and in last year’s case, victims of the Oct. 1, 2017, shooting in Las Vegas.

SOUTHERN AND MIDWEST

CASINO TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS QUALIFYING TOURNAMENTS Be sure to get into the action packed slot tournament fun and in the running for the National Slot Tournament Champion title and $1 million grand prize. Below are three easy steps to get involved.

STEP ONE – SEMI-FINALS Play in a participating casino’s qualifying or invitational slot tournament in any of the TournEvent of Champions casino sites before their posted final qualifying event and advance to the casino’s semifinals. Win a Golden Pass™ to earn a place in the National Championship in Las Vegas. You can learn more specific ways to earn a Golden Pass directly from the participating casino you choose.

STEP TWO – FINALS Return with your Golden Pass and prove you have what it takes to claim the top spot to represent your participating casino by competing against other Golden Pass earners at your casino’s final tournament. Each winning casino representative will receive airfare to/ from Las Vegas for themselves and one guest, hotel accommodations, food and beverage credit, and a seat at the National TournEvent of Champions.

STEP THREE – THE MILLION

DOLLAR EVENT If you are one of the Southern or Midwest participating casino representatives, pack your bags and your good luck charm as you and your guest head to Las Vegas to play in the championship event on Oct. 10, 2018, at the Wynn/Encore Resort in the XS Nightclub for the crown and your share of more than $1.4 million!

SCHEDULE OF TOURNEVENT QUALIFIERS: Coushatta Casino Resort Linder, LA - July 6, 2018 Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, LA - July 8, 2018 Riverwind Casino Norman, OK - July 14, 2018 Newcastle Casino Newcastle, OK - July 25, 2018 Saganing Eagles Landing Casino Pinconning, MI - July 28, 2018 Oaklawn Racing and Gaming Hot Springs, AR - August 4, 2018 Wheeling Island Casino Wheeling, WV - August 11, 2018 Prairie Winds Casino Oglala, SD - August 18, 2018 FireKeepers Casino Hotel Battle Creek, MI - August 19, 2018 Four Winds Casino Dowagiac Dowagiac, MI - August 23, 2018 Four Winds Casino Hartford Hartford, MI - August 23, 2018 WinStar World Casino and Resort Thackerville, OK - August 25-26, 2018 Four Winds Casino South Bend South Bend, IN - August 26, 2018 Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort Mount Pleasant, MI - August 29, 2018 Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka Wetumpka, AL - September 6, 2018 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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MIDWEST

CASINO DIRECTORY

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

WEBSITE

PHONE NUMBER

*CC PARTNER

TABLES

MACHINES

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA

BELTERRACASINO.COM

800-472-6311

•

40

1,600

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

812-438-1234

29

1,000

INDIANA GRAND CASINO

INDIANAGRAND.COM

877-386-4463

50

2,000+

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, SIOUX CITY

HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

712-226-7600

25

839

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

877-677-3456

32

1,150

RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT

RHYTHMCITYCASINO.COM

844-852-4386

35

824

INDIANA

IOWA •

MICHIGAN SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

888-732-4537

79

4,200

MGM GRAND DETROIT

MGMGRANDDETROIT.COM

877-888-2121

98

4,000

ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO, HARRIS

ISLANDRESORTANDCASINO.COM

800-682-6040

14

1,200

GUN LAKE CASINO

GUNLAKECASINO.COM/

269-792-7777

33

1,600

BLACK BEAR CASINO RESORT

BLACKBEARCASINORESORT.COM

888-771-0777

14

1,800

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

TICASINO.COM

888-867-7829

46

2,200

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-472-6321

44

3,500

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-626-5825

30

3,100

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY

AMERISTAR.COM/KANSAS-CITY

816-414-7000

115

2,300

LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS

LUMIERE.COM

314-881-777

73

2,000

RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL, ST. LOUIS

RIVERCITY.COM

888-578-7289

54

2,000

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

OHIO JACK CASINO CINCINNATI

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CINCINNATI

513-252-0777

100

2,000

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS

HOLLYWOODCOLUMBUS.COM

614-308-3333

76

2,200

JACK CASINO CLEVELAND

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CLEVELAND

216-297-4777

100

1,600

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, TULSA

HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM

800-760-6700

40

2,600

WINSTAR CASINO & RESORT

WINSTARWORLDCASINO.COM

580-276-4229

97

7,400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WITTENBERG

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WITTENBERG

715-253-4400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, BLACK RIVER FALLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/BLACKRIVERFALLS

800-657-4621

HO-CHUNK GAMING, TOMAH

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/TOMAH

866-880-9822

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WISCONSIN DELLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WISCONSINDELLS

800-746-2486

HO-CHUNK GAMING, MADISON

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/MADISON

608-223-9576

HO-CHUNK GAMING, NEKOOSA

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/NEKOOSA

800-782-4560

50

650

NORTH STAR CASINO RESORT

NORTHSTARCASINORESORT.COM

800-952-0195

16

1,200

ST. CROIX CASINO TURTLE LAKE

STCROIXCASINO.COM

800-846-8946

22

1,095

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO

PAYSBIG.COM

800-729-7244

100

3,000

OKLAHOMA

WISCONSIN

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517 10

634 96

50

1,832 1,200

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

# OF ROOMS

ENT. VENUE

GOLF

SPA

POOL

689

•

•

•

•

294

•

•

54

•

201

• •

•

•

328

• • •

408

•

•

496

•

•

•

967

• •

•

•

• •

•

•

•

• •

116

517 400

967

184 294 200

•

•

•

• • •

• •

INDOOR

•

• • •

• • •

INDOOR

184 294 200

454 1,500

• •

• •

86 140

•

302

• •

129

•

161

•

391

•

•

•

•

•

•

• INDOOR

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

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FUTURE ODDS FIND YOUR EDGE … PLACE YOUR BET!

Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up to the minutes odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com

147TH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - JULY 15-22, 2018 CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS - CARNOUSTIE, SCOTLAND

MONSTER ENERGY CUP- NASCAR

Player July Rory McIlroy

10/1

Name Kevin Harvick

July May 5/2 3/1

Kyle Busch

3/1

11/2

7/1

25/1

Jordan Spieth

11/1

Martin Truex Jr.

6/1

Rickie Fowler

16/1

Kyle Larson

10/1

Dustin Johnson

14/1

Ryan Blaney

7/2

8/1

Justin Thomas

18/1

Denny Hamlin

12/1

13/1

Justin Rose

20/1

Kurt Busch

15/1

N/A

Sergio Garcia

22/1

Clint Bowyer

25/1

25/1

Field (Any other)

25/1

Tiger Woods

18/1

Jon Rahm

Jason Day

Tommy Fleetwood

Brad Keselowski

20/1

Joey Logano

22/1

Erik Jones

25/1

Henrik Stenson

28/1

Hideki Matsuyama

28/1

*All other racers are higher than 25/1 odds.

MLB WORLD SERIES -NOVEMBER 1, 2018 Team Houston Astros

July 5/1

May 5/1

March 6/1

January 13/2

New York Yankees

6/1

13/2

5/1

9/2

Washington Nationals 10/1

10/1

Chicago Cubs

6/1

10/1

Cleveland Indians

12/1

Milwaukee Brewers

14/1

Los Angeles Dodgers Atlanta Braves

Seattle Mariners

Philadelphia Phillies

14/1

16/1

16/1

20/1

*All other teams are higher than 20/1 odds.

10/1

10/1 9/1

8/1

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

12/1 10/1

14/1 8/1

8/1

10/1

6/1

5/1

8/1

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

18/1

25/1

17/2

10/1 35/1

NFL SUPER BOWL LII – FEBRUARY 3, 2019 MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM – ATLANTA GEORGIA

*All others are higher than 30/1

Boston Red Sox

15/1

7/1

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Team New England Patriots Philadelphia Eagles Minnesota Vikings Los Angeles Rams Pittsburgh Steelers

Green Bay Packers

New Orleans Saints

July May 6/1 6/1 8/1 10/1

10/1

10/1

12/1

12/1

16/1

20/1

12/1 14/1

10/1

12/1

San Francisco 49ers

20/1

Jacksonville Jaguars

20/1

20/1

22/1

20/1

Houston Texans

Los Angeles Chargers Atlanta Falcons

*All others teams are higher than 25/1 odds.

20/1 20/1

14/1

16/1

20/1

For the latest sports odds, updated every 5 minutes, visit GamingandDestinations.com 32

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

ESCAPE TO THE EXCEPTIONAL! ®

Rhythm City Casino Resort is your one-stop destination for entertainment, food and fun! Located in the beautiful Davenport, Iowa!

• Nearly 35,000 sq. ft. of casino! Includes slot and video gaming, table games and poker.

• Three dining choices to satisfy any appetite!

• The Spa at Rhythm City: services to pamper and relax.

Rhythm City Casino Resort

• Luxurious & Modern Hotel: play longer when you stay in style.

• Live Entertainment every Friday & Saturday nights!

®

7077 Elmore Avenue  Davenport, IA 52807 844.852.4FUN or 563.328.8000 rhythmcitycasino.com

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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TournEvent of Champions® is back in 2018 and bringing unprecedented competition and intensity to casinos across the U.S. − and beyond. Want to get in the game? Visit www.TOURNEVENT.com for participating casinos near you. Could you be the next millionaire?*

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

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

everi.com