Midwest Gaming and Destinations - November 2018

SENSATIONAL SPAS OF THE MIDWEST PAGE 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 VOL. 20 ISSUE 6 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

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Covering Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and the entire Midwest!

HIP HIP HOORAY More than 200,000 slot players. More than 46,000 miles traveled. 166 finalists. 104 partner casinos.

BUT, ONLY ONE MILLIONAIRE*.

Congratulations to Tanya S. from Pines Restaurant & Casino Evergreen Park, Alberta, Canada, for winning our sixth annual TournEvent of Champions® The Million Dollar Event®.

Join us in 2019 as we search throughout North America for our next slot champion. COULD IT BE YOU?

ARRIVE A WINNER. LEAVE A LEGEND. *Payable in periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present day cash value payment.

everi.com

LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

in several casinos throughout the South, as well as

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

more states embrace the entertainment and thrill of

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

in New Jersey and Nevada, we are excited to see

betting on sports. As it all develops, we look forward to keeping our readers informed and on the cutting edge of what’s happening and how to make your

play. Also be sure to check out the future odds of

major sporting events on page 32. Here you will find the top betting interests for the Super Bowl, NCAA

with holiday cheer, fantastic sporting events and of course, great gambling getaways. There is nothing better than a lazy Sunday watching your favorite

teams compete with a roaring fireplace to take the

chill off the season. Win or lose, it’s days like these that make the buzz of the news and social media melt away to another place.

Whatever sporting event you might tune in to this season, the sportscasters who bring you every play,

and the enthusiasm in which they bring it, can make or break your perception of the game in its entirety.

In this issue, we highlight some of our favorite

personalities behind the microphone from the past

to the present and why each of them makes our list.

The preparation and time commitment to prepare

for every game is unprecedented, and the intuition

of delivering the right information at the right time is a talent that has been cultivated over years of fine

tuning their skills. We hope you enjoy our round-up

to play football over/unders, teasers, halftime bets and more so that you can make the most of your

next wager. With sportsbooks now off and running 2

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

Linda Boyd Sheree Bykofsky Alexander Chopra Sarah Mulrooney

prevails.

Steve Wright

As we wrap up the year, we want to thank all of our loyal readers, and casino partners for another great year at Gaming and Destinations. Since 1999, we

have strived to publish entertaining and high-quality articles and content that is catered to gamers and

travelers throughout the region. We love showcasing

Frank Scoblete

GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

640 South Fourth Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (502) 212-5177 e-mail: editor@gaminganddestinations.com

top casinos, and the amenities they have, to better

The goal of this publication is to help

gambling adventures. Be sure to visit the casinos you

popularity of the gaming industry

educate you on where to play and stay for your

see in each issue, without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

We look forward to a bright future as we continue

to bring you the best in everything from gambling

tips to property reviews. If you have any articles or

tips you would like us to cover, let us know. We love

drive awareness of the ever-growing 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

hearing from our readers!

Rights Reserved. This publication is

Happy Holidays to you all…and as always, if you

Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

can’t be good…be lucky!

printed by Publisher’s Printing Co., 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

Also in this issue, we continue our coverage of sports page 24, sports writer Corey Russ highlights ways

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Corey Russ

of some of our favorites on page 10.

betting and the wagering options available. On

Hill Harcourt

football and basketball championships and more,

giving you the opportunity to cash in if your team Here we go again into another winter season filled

Larry Bisig

does Gaming and Destinations assume

G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher

liability for claims of advertisers.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes

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

Cover photo courtesy of ESPN Images.

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

10 Top Sportscasters:

Our Nine Who Shine

FEATURE ARTICLES Top Spas of the Midwest:

Sensational Spas and wonderful winter getaways.

Playing the line, teasers and more in football.

HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS:

20 Video Poker:

14 Destination Deadwood:

Calm Before the Storm

21 Poker:

6

24 Sportsbetting 101:

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

The Art of Card-Reading

16 Executive Spotlight:

22 Craps:

Strategies Unveiled

32 Sports Wagering:

Future odds on major sporting events.

History, gambling and fun in South Dakota.

Ben Douglass, General Manager Rising Star Casino Resort Rising Sun, Indiana

18 Regional Round-Up:

Awesome Action in Arkansas

23 TournEvent of Champions:

$1 Million Champion Announced

28 Property Profile:

10

28

Rhythm City Casino Resort Davenport, Iowa

30 Casino Directory:

Our preferred properties and attractions.

16

24

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 SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

DID YOU KNOW

1

?

WHAT TEAM WAS HAREY CAREY’S FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL BROADCAST FOR? A . Chicago Cubs

4

WHAT IS THE HOUSE ADVANTAGE IN KENO? A . 25% B. 32%

B. St. Louis Cardinals

C. 14%

C. Chicago White Sox

D. 4.7%

D. Oakland Athletics

A . 1988 B. 1992

This recipe comes to us from Bruce Cartwright at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and is served at EIGHT75 Lounge. Serving as the Director of Beverage at the resort, Bruce does a great job inspiring the team at the Beau Rivage to always feature the best at

B. 329 D. 297

D. 2000

3

A . 79 C. 187

C. 1995 LAZY DAZE (MARTINI)

5

HOW MANY CONSECUTIVE STARTS DID PACKERS QUARTERBACK BRETT FAVRE HAVE?

WHAT IS THE MOST WAGERED ON SPORT IN THE UNITED STATES?

Answers: 1.) B 2.) A 3.) C 4.) A 5.) D

2

WHAT YEAR WAS THE MADDEN FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME FIRST RELEASED?

A . Golf B. Basketball C. Football D. Baseball

their bars and lounges, and now you can enjoy the fantastic flavors from your home as well.

Ingredients: 2 oz. Absolut Citron Vodka ½ oz. Monin Raspberry Syrup 3 Raspberries ¼ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

Number of restaurants located within City Center in Las Vegas.

42

20

Directions:

Number of seasons Al Michaels did Monday Night Football play by play broadcast

1. Pour ¼ oz. of the syrup in a mixing glass.

2. Add the raspberries and muddle.

3. Add Vodka, lemon juice and remaining syrup.

4. Add ice and shake well.

5. Strain into a chilled Martini glass.

6. Garnish with a spiral lemon twist and

1.06%

$2.8 billion

raspberry and enjoy!

House edge for the ‘Bank Bet’ in baccarat.

The lowest house edge in the casino.

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$248 million

Cost to build The Venetian Macau, the world’s largest casino.

Amount won

by Nevada sportsbooks in 2017

HIP HIP HOORAY More than 200,000 slot players. More than 46,000 miles traveled. 166 finalists. 104 partner casinos.

BUT, ONLY ONE MILLIONAIRE*.

Congratulations to Tanya S. from Pines Restaurant & Casino Evergreen Park, Alberta, Canada, for winning our sixth annual TournEvent of Champions® The Million Dollar Event®.

Join us in 2019 as we search throughout North America for our next slot champion. COULD IT BE YOU?

ARRIVE A WINNER. LEAVE A LEGEND. *Payable in periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present day cash value payment.

everi.com

SPAS OF THE MIDWEST: RELAXING AT THE CASINO by

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f you are looking for a way to wash off the winter chill, look no further

than a plush casino resort. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of

the casino floor, many casinos offer indoor amenities that will rejuvenate your body,

S A R A H M A R O T TA

The Spa at Rhythm City is an Aveda salon and spa that offers luxurious spa services and lavish facilities that will leave you feeling relaxed, renewed, and refreshed. Your options include a variety of massage, skin care, body treatment, hair, and nail services,

mind and soul. Whether it is relaxing in

a sauna, getting a deep tissue massage or jogging on a treadmill, do yourself a favor and reserve some time for some rest and relaxation in one these top spas of the South.

The Spa at Rhythm City Rhythm City Casino Resort (Davenport, IA) 563-328-8062 RhythmCityCasino.com 6

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The Spa at Rhythm City

among others. Full use of the spa’s additional amenities are included with any spa service, meaning you can take full advantage of the essential oil-scented ice room, infrared sauna, jetted hot tub, and private steam showers following your services.

Wave Spa Treasure Island Resort & Casino (Welch, MN) 651-385-2900 - TICasino.com Indulge your senses with a pampering treatment from Wave Spa, featuring luxurious products from Eminence Organic Skin Care, Osmosis mineral makeup, Moroccoanoil hair and body line, and CND polish. Pamper yourself with a soothing massage, a refreshing facial, or a relaxing mani/pedi. Or, get ready to look and feel your best with the salon’s haircut, color, makeup, and waxing services. The pampering doesn’t have to end at Wave Spa: treat yourself in the retail boutique, where you can purchase many of the luxurious products featured in your treatments and take your spa experience home with you.

From weekly specials to exclusive spa events, there’s always something to look forward to at Wave Spa.

Wave Spa at Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Terradea Spa at North Star Mohican Casino Resort

Terradea Spa

Drift Spa

North Star Mohican Casino Resort

Island Resort & Casino

(Bowler, WI)

(Harris, MI)

715-787-2511

844-475-3743

NorthStarCasinoResort.com

IslandResortandCasino.com

The Terradea Spa is an Aveda concept salon and spa that uses powerful plant ingredients to rejuvenate, revitalize, and nourish the body and mind. Enjoy a relaxing pedicure, body salt foot soak, extremity massage, aromatherapy, or a variety of other treatments for hair, skin, and nails in a beautiful spa environment. Plus, receive Free Play in the casino each time you visit the spa for an appointment. Relax, unwind,

Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

and pamper yourself at Terradea Spa.

Soaring Eagle Spa & Salon

Four Seasons Spa

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel

(Mt. Pleasant, MI)

(St. Louis, MO)

989-775-5403

314-881-5800

SoaringEagleCasino.com

LumierePlace.com

The Soaring Eagle Spa & Salon offers a variety of luxurious services to help you look and feel your best. Indulge in a relaxing massage, a luxurious facial, or one of the many unique body treatments offered. Or, receive a cut, color, or waxing service in the salon so you’ll feel polished and confident for a night at the casino. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to enjoy one of the many other amenities offered at Soaring Eagle Casino

Voted Best Spa in St. Louis by Ladue News and Alive Magazine (Hot List Awards), the Spa and Salon at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis offers an array of indulgent treatments. Step into an urban oasis of tranquility, with luxuriously appointed treatment regimens carefully designed to promote a sense of pampering and wellness including massages, facials, body treatments, salon services, spa and swim, and fitness

& Resort.

is a refreshing and tranquil oasis at Island Resort & Casino’s Drift Spa. Specializing in nature-based treatments, the skilled

therapists at Drift Spa will help you relax, refresh, and restore mind-body synergy

using natural, clean, and local products.

Choose from a variety of facials, massages,

body treatments, and nail services. For a

more enhanced experience, relax in our tranquility rooms and enjoy our sauna, indoor salt-water pool, fitness center, and more.

Drift Spa at Island Resort & Casino

memberships.

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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Beleza Spa & Salon Belterra Casino (Florence, IN) 812-427-7842 BelterraCasino.com Treat yourself to the ultimate gift: the gift of you. Beleza Spa & Salon offers everything you need and less: less tension, less stress, less worry. Beleza, or “beauty” in Portuguese, offers a variety of massages, body treatments, facials, and more to help you feel relaxed on the inside and radiant on the outside. Escape the ordinary and prepare to be pampered at Beleza, the most luxurious Spa Resort in Indiana.

SECRETS OF THE SPA Never been to a spa, or getting a new treatment for the first time? Here are five things you should know before you go: Do your research! No two spas are alike, so make sure a spa offers the specific services and overall atmosphere that you’re looking for before booking.

Make an appointment – especially if you’re hoping to receive a service during your vacation or before a special occasion. Some places book up in advance, so reserving your spot ahead of time will ensure you aren’t turned away at the door as a walk-in.

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Drift Spa at Island Resort & Casino

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Ahead of your treatment, avoid eating heavy meals and limit your caffeine intake so that you’re able to relax and get comfortable.

Be sure to drink plenty of water before and during your services to stay hydrated.

Do not shave - If you’ve booked any exfoliation treatments, do not shave less than eight hours before your service, as this may cause skin irritation.

Don’t plan on doing anything too strenuous immediately following your time at the spa, or you may become lightheaded.

When you’re ready to let loose, you’re ready to do Deadwood: the historic South Dakota town where you can walk in the footsteps of Old West legends while enjoying luxurious lodging and 24/7 gaming.

Try your hand at blackjack, poker, Texas hold ‘em and slots, or push your luck at the roulette and craps tables. No matter what game you prefer—Deadwood is your best bet for a great time.

Start planning your trip today.

Deadwood.com // 800-344-8826 • TravelSouthDakota.com // 800.732.5682 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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Dick Vitale is the premier sportscaster for college basketball.

Photo courtesy of ESPN Images.

T OP S P OR T S C A S T E R S : O U R N I N E W HO S H I N E by

A

sportscaster can really make a moment happen. The best out there can take an average play and make it into a good one or a good play and turn it into a great one.

They have a way of increasing your stake in a game without the viewer realizing it, making everything more meaningful with their ability to use their words – or sometimes not speak at all – to correctly capture the gravity of a given sporting achievement.

Some sportscasters on this list are well known for their work on the national level, while others may be a little

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STEVE WRIGHT

more obscure. One thing that is for certain is that any game called by these sportscasters in their prime was a must see event.

Dick Vitale: Passaic, New Jersey: 1979-present; College Basketball Vitale is sure to be a polarizing figure on this list as you either love or hate his style when it comes to calling college basketball games.

Vitale saw himself as a coach when he was approached by the then fledgling ESPN about calling college basketball games for the network in 1979. He has previously coached at a couple of high

schools, with Rutgers in college, and with the Detroit Pistons. Feeling that there could be no harm in calling a few games between gigs, Vitale eventually accepted the offer on a temporary basis and actually called the first college basketball game on ESPN which saw DePaul beat Wisconsin.

Vitale never coached again, with fans seeming to like that he wasn’t as polished and robotic as some of the other announcers out there. The Basketball Hall of Famer has a quality that can’t be taught and a way of connecting with sport fans that most broadcasters just can’t match.

John Madden: Austin, Minnesota: 1979-2008: NFL Madden’s playing career was cut short by a training camp injury to his knee in 1958 after he was a 21st round pick in the draft that year.

The knee injury was the second to his joint and it robbed him of a chance to ever play a professional snap.

Jim Ross: Fort Bragg, California: 1974-present: Professional wrestling & Boxing Jim Ross might not be a sportscaster in the traditional sense, but in terms of adding levity and grandeur to big moments in the history of his chosen craft there are few better in history.

Madden landed on his feet though by turning to coaching. He moved quickly through the college ranks before landing a job on the Oakland Raiders staff, winning Super Bowl XI as the head coach of the silver and black.

Ross may have been born on the West Coast, but he was raised in Norman, Oklahoma, and his distinctive Southern drawl is one that wrestling – and boxing – fans can pick out in an instant.

Working for the WWF/WWE during their height of the company’s success in the “Attitude Era” of the late 1990s, Ross got to call predetermined matches and yet still make them feel like they were the most important sporting events on the planet.

His coaching knowledge transferred well to the booth, where he was able to break down plays and formations on NFL telecasts in a way that had not been done before. His career saw him appear as the color commentator on all four broadcast networks, while his biggest legacy is the Madden video game franchise that still carries his name in 2018.

Francis “Chick” Hearn: Aurora, Illinois: 1957-2002: NBA (Lakers) & Boxing Hearn was a broadcasting legend in the City of Angels thanks to his work with the LA Lakers for 45 years. After missing a Lakers game in November 1965 after being stranded in Fayetteville, Arkansas, after calling a college game, Hearn began a broadcasting streak of epic proportions.

Hearn’s next missed Lakers game would come in December 2001. That was a span of 3,338 consecutive Lakers game broadcast by the legendary figure. The streak only ended because of heart bypass surgery, with Hearn calling more Lakers games in 2002.

While his Lakers work is the stuff of legend, Hearn had a great impact on basketball too. Key phrases such as “dribble-drive”, “air ball”, and “slam dunk” are credited as his inventions, meaning that without Hearn, basketball lexicon would be completely different today.

Al Michaels began his broadcast career in 1976 as a backup announcer.

Photo courtesy of NBC Sports Group.

Al Michaels: Brooklyn, New York: 1964-Present: Just about everything Michaels is a jack of all trades in the best way when it comes to calling sports. After an early career that saw him covering anything and everything for a variety of networks, he was retained by ABC Sports as a backup announcer for their Monday Night Baseball program in 1976.

Sensing something great in Michaels, the network picked him up on a full time basis in 1977.

It was during this run that Michaels’ most famous call was made. The 1980 Winter Olympic Games came at a time where tensions between the Soviet Union and the USA were at an all-time high. The sporting arena became the newest political battlefield and that is where Michaels covered the famous Miracle on Ice hockey game between the two countries. The “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” call to signify the end of the game is still one of the greatest calls in the history of sports.

Michaels is also notable because he was basically traded from ABC to NBC in 2006 for the rights to the next four Ryder Cup tournaments and a cartoon character named Oswald the Rabbit.

Ross’ most famous call as an announcer for the squared circle came at King of the Ring 1998 in a brutal match between Undertaker and Mankind.

As Mankind was thrown from the top of the 20 foot Hell in a Cell structure, Ross screamed, “As God as my witness, he is broken in half ”. It is a classic call that is played to this day.

Harry Caray is one of the most popular sportscaster in history.

Photo Courtesy of Regan.utexas.edu via Wikimedia Commons

Harry Caray: St. Louis, Missouri: 1945-1997: MLB Caray made his name as a baseball announcer, but he actually started his career calling games for the St. Louis Flyers hockey team. It was this gig that got him an in with the St. Louis Cardinals, with Caray announcing three 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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World Series with the team alongside fellow Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck.

After calling games in his hometown for 25 years the Cardinals decided that it was time to put Caray out to pasture. The rumors surrounding this change in direction go a few different ways, but none of them had anything to do with Caray’s lack of skill behind a microphone. One year with the Oakland A’s followed, before Caray spent the remainder of his career in Chicago with either the White Sox or the Cubs.

While Caray’s cry of “Holy Cow” was certainly unique, it is his dedication to popularizing the Seventh-Inning Stretch – and specifically his renditions of Take Me Out to the Ball Game that maybe most defines his career.

Howard Cosell made his name covering boxing and Muhammad Ali.

broadcaster, Cosell made his name covering boxing and, specifically, Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali. What made Cosell stand out what his unique approach to broadcasting where he used all his prior life experience – along with his undoubted intelligence – to give the events he was covering more of a “hard” news approach.

This style was the one that Roone Arledge needed for his new Monday Night Football show in 1970, the first time in 15 years the sport was broadcast weekly in primetime. Cosell made the show a success and it is fair to say the NFL wouldn’t be where it is today without his voice in those formative broadcast years.

Bob Costas: Queens, New York: 1973-present: All sports Costas is a glue guy who has been with NBC since 1979, lending his hand to just about every sport the network has covered in that time frame at some point or another. He has the ability – like Michaels – to lend a level of gravitas to his coverage, with his political and social views often coming through in his work.

Costas is probably best known for his Olympic coverage with the network where he was the prime-time host of the Games from 1992 in Barcelona to 2016 in Rio. This saw him cover a total

of 11 Olympic Games, beaming into the homes of Americans as they got in from work and sat down to watch the highlights of the day. He was also the host of Football Night in America until 2017 when he was replaced by Mike Tirico.

Jack Buck: Holyoke, Mass: 1954-1991: MLB & NFL Joe Buck may be one of the premier announcers on broadcast TV today, but he has a lot to live up to if he ever wants to achieve the legendary status in the industry that his father holds.

Buck began his career alongside the previously mentioned Caray with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954, with his descriptive style and deep voice proving soothing and interesting at the same time. He became the team’s lead playby-play guy in 1969, by which point he had already begun covering NFL games for CBS. Buck was a huge radio presence for years as a sportscaster, calling Monday Night Football games on CBS radio for almost two decades beginning in the late 1970s. His most defining moment though came in the bottom of the 9th inning in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. With a hobbled Kirk Gibson trotting slowly around the bases after his home run, Buck simply uttered, “I don’t believe what I just saw.”

Photo Courtesy of ABC Television via Wikimedia Commons.

Howard Cosell: Winston-Salem, North Carolina: 1953-1993: Boxing & NFL Cosell took a different path into the booth than any other announcer on this list. After fighting in WWII and gaining the rank of major, Cosell practiced law upon leaving the service.

This seemed to be set as his career, but Cosell took an unpaid job hosting a Little League radio show in 1953 that changed his priorities and his life path.

Leaving law to become a full time

Bob Costas has covered an array of sports including multiple Olympics.

Photo Courtesy of NBC Sports Groups.

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Downtown Deadwood features casinos, restaurants and bars and shopping.

DESTINATION DEADWOOD: SOUTH DAKOTA’S CASINO HOTBED by

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he town of Deadwood, South Dakota was born in the heady days of the Black Hills Gold Rush. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 and in Deadwood Gulch in late 1875 led thousands of settlers to the area, erecting a town almost overnight in 1876. Many of the most famous (and infamous) characters of the Old West passed through the town at one time or another. Outlaws like Jack McCall and lawmen like Seth Bullock spent considerable time in Deadwood, and the city remains an integral component of the mythology of the Old West.

Deadwood has a special place in the American consciousness, these images established by countless cowboy and outlaw dime store novels, films, video games, and

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C I N DY M U LR O O N E Y

television shows that celebrate the rich history of the town. However, times have changed and these days, Deadwood has been transformed from a rough and tumble mining town, to a world-class destination for casino gaming, outdoor excursions, historical tours, historic preservation and more.

The Colorful History of Deadwood The Black Hills were home to the Lakota People with minimal settlement by Europeans until a rich vein of gold ore was found near the town in 1875. As was par for the course at the time, the discovery of precious minerals led to a massive migration of miners, industrial concerns, tradespeople, merchants, madams and more. By 1876, Deadwood went from being a one-horse

town to a bustling settlement of more than 5,000 people.

The early history of Deadwood is genuinely fascinating. Early settlers and visitors included people that are still very much alive in modern media. The critically acclaimed HBO series “Deadwood” introduced modern audiences to many of the individuals that helped create the Deadwood legend. These Old West luminaries include merchants like Charlie Utter, who came with one of the first wagon trains and was a major force in provisioning the early settlement.

Law enforcement officers also resided in Deadwood and dispensed their own unique form of justice throughout the territory. Lawmen like Seth Bullock and

Wild Bill Hickok also lived and died in the town. After a time, mining activity calmed down and the town became a permanent settlement, and with South Dakota’s entry into the Union in 1889, Deadwood became a part of the United States.

Transformation into a Black Hills Casino Destination Long gone are the days of lawlessness and outlaws dueling in the streets. (The exception being the shootouts staged by reenactors on Historic Main Street that take place Memorial Day weekend through mid-September.) While the town continued to be a natural resource hub long after the gold rush, South Dakota and Deadwood have embraced their history and the area has become a premier casino and vacation destination in the Black Hills. Following in the footsteps of cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Deadwood legalized casino gambling in the 1980s and never looked back.

The town’s position in the Black Hills make it a premium destination for families and adventure seekers alike with a wide variety of outdoor activities that include hiking, off-roading, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, fishing and much more. Amanda Kille of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau describes what attracts many visitors to Deadwood, “Surrounding the town is the Black Hills National Forrest making our natural recreation simply incredible. People can play all day outdoors and then play all night at our world-class casinos as well as enjoy live entertainment and dining options in town. There is really something for everyone here.”

Deadwood Casino Standouts There are countless casino options to choose from when visiting Deadwood with each displaying their own unique characteristics and charm. Here are a few of the most popular and well-reviewed casinos in Deadwood.

The Lodge at Deadwood 1-877-393-5634 DeadwoodLodge.com

Deadwood is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The Lodge at Deadwood is a full-service casino and hotel located in the heart of the city. This destination is particularly popular with couples, as they offer a number of discount packages for people looking to get away for a weekend. The Lodge features an onsite poker room, blackjack tables including double deck and a Trilux blackjack bonus, and a wide variety of slots.

Gold Dust Casino and Hotel 1-605-578-2100 GoldDustDeadwood.com The Gold Dust is on the main casino drag in Deadwood, near a number of other casino complexes. Their main proposition is a great casino experience at a reasonable price, and their Yelp reviews show that the property is very value oriented for visitors. They offer table games, slots, and weekly/daily poker tournaments depending on the season.

Hickok’s 1-605-578-2222 Hickoks.com

Hickok’s takes its name from the legendary lawman and gambler Wild Bill Hickok, who famously met his end in the town of Deadwood at the hands of the outlaw Jack McCall during a poker game when McCall shot him from behind. (Hickok was holding two pairs, Aces and eights, which is now known as ‘The dead man’s hand.) Hickok’s also has a plethora of gaming options like Sizzlin’ 7’s, Blazin’ 7’s, Video Poker, Harley Davidson, and Triple Diamonds.

They are known for their live shows and entertainment, with stars like the comedian Gallagher and musician Kenny Rogers making regular appearances. They have a wide array of penny slots as well as table games and poker.

Deadwood Gulch Resort 1-605-578-1294 DeadwoodGulchResort.com The Deadwood Gulch Resort is known for being a welcoming, down-home casino/ resort that makes you feel at home. There is an attached restaurant that serves up fantastic local cuisine. The casino options are a bit limited with the majority being slots/ video poker machines and a small selection of table games, but you’ll feel right at home here at Deadwood Gulch.

Deadwood has more than just historical reenactments and hiking- it is a worldclass casino destination in the heart of the American Midwest. Whether you are an outdoor adventurer, history buff or dyedin-the-wool casino enthusiast, Deadwood has something for you.

For more information on Deadwood, visit Deadwood.com or call 1-800-999-1876.

Deadwood Mountain Grand 1-877-907-4726 DeadwoodMountainGrand.com

This casino has an excellent view of the town of Deadwood, just a block away from the main strip in downtown.

Outdoor activities are abundant in Deadwood.

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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EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT: BEN DOUGLASS – GENERAL MANAGER Rising Star Casino Resort (Rising Sun, Indiana) When it comes to great gambling and customer convenience on the Ohio River, Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana has figured it out. Home to one of the top golf courses in the region, an award-winning steakhouse and a Vegasstyle casino, look no further than this gem of property.

After recently introducing a car toting ferry that transports guests from Kentucky to Indiana, and a full transformation to a ‘Christmas Casino’, we caught up with Ben Douglass, the properties new general manager, to get the scoop on all of the exciting things happening at Rising Star.

Gaming and Destinations: Being relatively new to Rising Star, what are some 16

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of the things you feel the property does well?

And a few things you would like to improve or expand on?

Ben Douglass: One of the attributes that Rising Star has always been known for is the people that work here. We have a lot of employees that have been here a long time and that shows they love what they do and it shows their comfortability level. We are a smaller casino compared to some of the others along the Ohio River, but it really makes it feel more like family.

We really fit in well with the small town feel of the Rising Sun community and that bleeds over to the casino in a very positive way. As far as improving, we are constantly striving to not only maintain a high level of

quality for our food offerings, gaming mix and hotel, but to exceed expectations and always improve where we see the need. I think we have a lot of opportunity to tighten it up and improve the customer experience in terms of what they see and how they feel around the property. Whether it is a pavilion update or something with the hotel, we are always evaluating how we can provide a great customer experience. We may not be the casino with the most amenities, but you can be sure that we’re going to have the best food and the best people. It has become a focus in my career.

G&D: Rising Star recently launched a car carrying ferry that connects Kentucky to Indiana for guests, and the entire

community’s convenience. Tell us about the ferry experience and why it is important.

BD: Our CEO Dan Lee, recognized that this was something he wanted to do for both the Rising Sun and Rabbit Hash (Kentucky) community’s. It’s really been a long time coming. Initially, we operated for free of charge, and today it costs $5 one-way or $8 for a round-trip and takes about four to five minutes each way. We offer ferry reimbursement in the form of casino free play for guests and that has been popular.

It has been pretty busy since the launch, especially on the weekends and it has really been a cool thing to be a part of.

G&D: Rising Star has become known for their out-of-this-world annual Holiday decorations. You transform into a ‘Christmas Casino’ with amazing decorations, Santa visits and photo opps, and even weekly performances of A Christmas Story. We know guests really love this. Can you expand on what guests will see this year around the holidays?

BD: This is such a cool thing we do here, we love the holidays. Leading into Thanksgiving, we will have live heritage breed turkey’s on display, and then for Christmas, we will introduce reindeer, an animated Christmas tree that plays ‘12 Days of Christmas’ highlighting each of the twelve gifts and more. This year, we even have a ‘frozen pole’ to coincide with our weekly performances of A Christmas Carol, that includes dinner throughout the show. These are family friendly shows and we are really looking forward to our guests

getting into the Holiday spirit with us.

The Market Village located in the Christmas Casino at Rising Star.

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS AT RISING STAR CASINO RESORT Christmas Casino: November 8 – January 2 A Christmas Story (Play and Dinner): November 15 – December 28 (Thurs.-Sunday) Hang out with Santa: Friday – Sunday For full schedule, times and more information, visit RisingStarCasino.com or call 1-800-472-6311

Check out the decorations and visit with Santa at Rising Star’s Christmas Casino.

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M | 17

REGIONAL ROUND-UP:

I

HOT ACTION IN ARKANSAS

f you are looking for the excitement of gaming paired with the relaxation of a scenic destination, consider the hot action in Arkansas. The state is home to two first-rate gaming and racing facilities, Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs and Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis.

In addition to the two facilities, Arkansas also boasts Southern comfort food, thriving downtowns, scenic byways, fascinating history, unusual museums and quaint towns.

Oaklawn Racing and Gaming (Hot Springs) This historic Hot Springs racetrack has been offering top thoroughbred racing since 1904 and today serves as a key stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby with the Arkansas Derby. In addition to cashing tickets on the ponies, beginning in the 2019 season, guests will be able to enjoy Live Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and a High Limits Area adding to the property offerings.

Check out Hot Springs During your time in Hot Springs, stroll along Bathhouse Row and pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment and be sure to stop by the jug fountains downtown to taste water straight from the hot underground springs. Also make time to visit the numerous area lakes and take in the picturesque views of the town from atop Hot Springs Mountain Tower. There are several great local restaurants along Central Avenue downtown to complete your Hot Springs experience.

Along the Way Arkansas has surprises at every stop, no matter what route you to take from Oaklawn to Southland. If you’re not ready to leave the spa life behind, travel north to the “Little Switzerland of the Ozarks,” Eureka Springs, where you can enjoy block after block of distinctive shops, boutiques, fine art galleries, craft emporiums, spas and museums. Just a short distance away in Bentonville, you can visit Crystal Bridges, one of the country’s finest art museums, the original Wal-Mart variety store museum and the breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains.

Southland Park Gaming and Racing (West Memphis) Don’t miss the thrill of greyhound racing an slot action at Southland where they have been racing since 1956. Today, Southland continues the racing tradition and continues to grow its offerings with more than 2,000 gaming machines and one of the best player rewards program in the area.

There are standard favorites as well as the latest technology in the industry including video poker, virtual craps, live and virtual roulette, blackjack, and more all right at your fingertips here. Southland also serves up plenty of options for every craving, from the fun and rockin’ Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker Bar & Grill, to the French Quarter inspired steakhouse Bourbon Street Steakhouse & Grill, to an upscale night out at Shine Bar. Don’t miss out.

For more information about Arkansas attractions, visit Arkansas.com

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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 |

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PLAYER STRATEGY

VIDEO POKER: Calm Before the Storm When I was in my twenties I loved planning a Vegas trip for New Year’s Eve (NYE) with my crazy friends, sister Eileen, and “feeming” nephew, David. (“Feeming” isn’t actually a word but one he made up to describe the lightning speed of play when your adrenalin gland is on fire.) We didn’t know much about video poker (VP) but were avid blackjack and poker players, especially David and I. Mostly, however, we were there to raise hell, party all night and make our way through the doors before they were forced shut to prevent a fire hazard. Great fun and wonderful memories.

Eventually, as Stevie Nicks so beautifully puts it in Landslide, “Time makes you bolder, Children get older, I’m getting older too” --that means all the hoopla of NYE in Vegas is getting old as well.

So now I’m not a fan of getting crushed in doorways, inhaling gobs of second-hand smoke and playing multi-deck, continuous- shuffling blackjack, especially when the dealer is hitting a soft seventeen. How about VP? It’s almost impossible to find a vacant seat, even if you play games with dismal expected returns (ERs), something I won’t do. However, there is a silver lining if you gamble pre-New Year’s Eve both in Vegas and elsewhere.

This is the time around Thanksgiving and Christmas but before “Auld Lang Syne” and here are a few reasons to love the season.

Yum Yum: Casinos already offer a variety of mouth-watering ethnic choices like Japanese teppanyaki (love the yum yum sauce), Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and more, but you can add seasonal favorites around the holidays. Best of all, the prices are reasonable (comped for some players), the lines are short, the staff is not stressed yet, and the food is both plentiful and fresh. Even if you’re not a player it’s a good time to get out of the kitchen or off the couch and head to a nearby gambling hall.

Promotions: Casino staff creates some of the best promotional events the during holiday season; they’re creative, colorful and fun for participants.

Drawings are often held during times that are normally slow, like Mondays and Tuesdays. You might think that’s poor planning by management but patrons seem to materialize out of thin air during the promo hours. The best giveaways have multiple winners and call replacement names for the no shows.

Pick of the Litter: In my opinion, the best time to go to a casino is during non-peak times. The period around and during Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially early weekdays (Monday-Wednesday), is excellent.

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by L I N D A

B OY D

Multiple Entries: Many casinos offer multiple drawing tickets during slow times because it’s smart to do so. The establishment attracts the players who don’t work and offering multiple promo entries doesn’t cost the house a dime. It’s a great deal for gamblers, especially top-tier patrons, because they’ll have lots of equity in the drawings increasing their odds of winning, and the casino benefits from the increased business.

Device Availability: It’s likely that you won’t have to wait to play VP games with the best ERs and you’ll even be able to concentrate on the correct game strategy when the casino is calm.

You may have to restrain yourself from playing an option with a terrible theoretical return during the drawing (so bring a book), but the same is rarely true during sluggish periods.

Under the Radar: Once in a while you’ll stumble upon a deal meant to attract players during slow times, say during the pre-NYE lull, that’s too good to last. First, keep it on the DL (down low) so it will at least survive the time advertised. For example, a casino offered 100 times comp points on Mondays for a month. I played 9/6JOB (9/6 Jacks or Better, ER 99.5439%, Variance 19.51468) and was able to use my comps in their gift shop.

Secondly, increase your normal session time to take advantage of good deals. Make sure you read and analyze all the information in your mailers, especially during holiday season when staff is likely to offer exploratory incentives.

Vegas Bound: I wandered into the red-light district in Amsterdam late one night (an erroneous and unfortunate event) and the antediluvian devices on their casino floor had “Las Vegas” emblazoned on the display glass. Maybe so, but it was Vegas in their early days and the meager jackpot payouts would make a pro blush. The staff was wide-eyed when I told them about Vegas and, surprisingly, they already knew the names of the most famous streets, including Freemont, Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard. The manager told me it was his “dream” to visit the iconic city and he had already started saving. I’m a frequent visitor, living within driving distance, and there really is no place like it for avid gamblers or “serious” partiers.

Final Thoughts: Casino patrons who came to play will appreciate the calm before the NYE storm.

Game availability, excellent food, exciting promos, smiling staff, and even occasional customeradvantage glitches, make this a wise choice. Carve out some time around Thanksgiving or Christmas to visit your local casino or experience iconic and world renown Las Vegas.

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for Southern Gaming and Destinations, Midwest Gaming and Destinations and several other national gaming outlets. You can see her videos on YouTube and hear her radio interviews on iTunes. Boyd’s book, The Video Poker Edge, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.

The latest edition is available on amazon.com, Square One Publishers and book stores.

The Kindle edition is also now available.

MAKE SURE YOU READ AND ANALYZE ALL THE INFORMATION IN YOUR MAILERS, ESPECIALLY DURING HOLIDAY SEASON.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY by

S H E R E E BY KO FS K Y

POKER: The Art of Card-Reading Here is a big news flash that will catapult you immediately from an intermediate player to an expert if you are not there already. The most important skill any player can develop at the poker table is the ability to read other players’ personalities, betting patterns, and, ultimately, their cards.

Sheree Bykofsky is a professional poker player who placed first in the World Series of Poker Ladies Circuit Event outlasting over 400 players.This is an excerpt from her latest book The Kaizen of Poker (ECW Press, © 2018

by Sheree Bykofsky. All rights reserved.) and can be found on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com and bookstores around the country.

PRO TIP: IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE IS A GOOD CARD READER AND YOU’RE NOT THERE YET, GO BY THEIR READ. IF IT LOOKS LIKE THEY THINK A CERTAIN PLAYER NEVER BLUFFS, THEN YOU ASSUME THAT PERSON ISN’T BLUFFING EITHER.

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

It is a euphoric feeling for the beginner when she realizes that although each player is dealt two personal, private cards, it is sometimes possible to know with near certainty what someone’s two hidden cards are. It’s almost as though you can see through both the cards and into a player’s brain to gather the information you need to make a good call, a good fold, or a great bluff. To be effective in reading cards, one must watch patterns. Is he aggressive, raising at every opportunity, or is he quietly calling? Such information will reveal the cards to you just as surely as if he were playing with his hand face up.

Putting Players on Hands Get in the habit of trying to put other players on specific hands from the moment you sit down. If players have to show their hands on the river, be sure to note whether or not you made a correct assessment. As soon as someone raises and the next person calls, you need to decide if the raiser is tight or loose and whether the caller has a big hand or is making a bad call. At that moment alone, who is winning? Do you think the caller knows the gap concept? Keep your initial assessments in mind when the flop comes and you are deciding whether each player is strong, weak, or bluffable.

Will they beat the aggressor if they call?

Even if subsequent actions provide strong evidence to the contrary, many beginning players judge an opponent on a hand without ever revising their initial assessment. “You had K-Q of spades,” a showoff wannabe pro tells his opponent. Usually it’s tough or impossible to be that specific. Putting a player on a range of hands usually makes more sense.

In that instance, a better assessment might be putting him on a range of hands like A-K, A-Q, K-Q, A-J, or a big pocket pair. But as he checked on the flop, when an ace fell, I knew he either had a pair smaller than aces or two high cards

that did not contain an ace. He also might have flopped a set of aces and was slow-playing to set up a check-raise on a subsequent betting round.

Since the odds made it far more likely that he had something other than a set of aces, I discounted that hand and acted accordingly.”

That said, I once astounded a table of players in a tournament at the Borgata. Whenever he sees me, the dealer, William, still tells everybody who will listen how I made such a great read that I must be an alien from another planet. Here is how it went: The play limped around to the big blind, who wore his glee on his sleeve when no one raised. His demeanor screamed, “Wow, I am really getting to see the flop for free with this horrible hand! I check!” Then the flop was Q-J-5 rainbow (three different suits), and he had to act first. He was suddenly extremely interested in the hand! He thought a little and then lead out with a bet of 50 tournament dollars. I said, “I know you have Q-5 offsuit, and I wouldn’t call your bet of one dollar!”

I instantly folded, and, stunned, he turned up Q-5 offsuit to show me that I had been correct.

So how did I know? Obviously, he didn’t have J-Q, because that is not a hand with which he would have exhibited elation about seeing the flop for free. I’d come to the same deduction with a big blind hand like J-J, Q-Q, or 5-5. My second choice was J-5, but I went with my first choice of horrible possibilities. Voilà! Q-5 offsuit! Anyone who gave it any thought and paid attention could have made the same deduction. But don’t tell that to William. He still thinks I’m the best card reader who ever lived.

PRO TIP: PLAYING POKER IS LIKE PLAYING CHESS WITH NINE OTHER PEOPLE. YOU HAVE TO OUTPLAY AND OUTWIT ALL OF THEM. UNDERSTANDING THE PSYCHOLOGY OF EACH OF YOUR OPPONENTS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. 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

CRAPS: Strategies Unveiled In the past three issues I have discussed darkside, rightside and proper betting practices. I’ve discussed the players playing these ways socially – why they do what they do, why they don’t do this or that, and why they should. This issue and next issue I will let the players speak for themselves.

How do they play? What is their secrets to success or failure?

numbers because they have not repeated but that’s

MARTY: I am a traditional player and go once a week to the casino. I make a pass line bet and then I back it with full odds up to 10X when I can find such a game. If I am playing $10 on the line I have no problem putting $100 in odds behind the bet. I will make two come bets and back those with odds. If I am playing a 5X odds game I will make a $15 pass line or come bet and back it with $75 on the 4 or 10, back it with $100 on the 5 or 9 and then $125 on the 6 or 8. The payoffs on these bets are all the same amount $150 plus my $15 flat bet. I will only make two bets on a 5X game.

My bankroll isn’t infinite and betting as I do I only risk $30 dollars against the house edge. I do not make any other bets.

on bad bets. If I can afford to place full odds I will.

KARL: I make a pass line bet and also add a C&E bet to protect it. I don’t use the come bet because I want to pick my numbers and not let the dice do it. So I will place the 6 and 8 for $30 each and buy the 4 or 10 for $25 or $35 depending on the casino letting me only pay one dollar to buy them.

I don’t make any of the middle bets except on the come-out as I’ve said.

the bets with full odds. Hot shooters can kill me

BENJAMIN: I let it all hang out after a while because I get caught up in the game. If I am ahead I do increase my place bets by parleying them. I have to say I go for the kill so I make hardway bets and also horn bets. I want to get a payout. Yes, I do use the pass line but that’s the only even-money bet I make. I back that bet with two times odds even on games that allow you to put more on the odds.

KENNETH: I am an instinct player. If I get a feeling

JACK: I do not follow the math of the game because that math is only for the so-called long run and I only play in the short run. Ha! Ha! That short run has been thirty years! But I think the short run does not mean the numbers come up the way they come up in the long run. So I go with trend betting as they call it. If a number hits, I will bet that number. There are times when I am on a lot of 22

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by F R A N K

SCOBLETE

the way it goes. You can’t win them all can you?

I’ll have about three hundred out on the layout at any one time. I’ve had some good nights and some bad night but that is gambling isn’t it?

MARVIN: I am strictly a pass line and a come bettor for $10. I do not want to waste my money My philosophy is that I bet the least amount on the pass line and come and back them with the most I can afford in odds, usually five times odds at most.

I do just keep making those bets so sometimes if numbers do not come up more than once I can be in trouble. Still I know from the math that my way of betting is the best way.

Visit Frank’s web-site at FrankScoblete.com. Frank’s latest books I am a Dice Controller, I am a Card Counter and Confessions of a Wayward Catholic are available on Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, e-books and bookstores.

WALLACE: Don’t yell at me but I am a true “don’t” [darkside] player. And I really don’t care that most players hate “don’t” players; that’s their problem, not mine. I will bet the “don’t” pass and then go up on at least three “don’t” come numbers. I back but more often than not most shooters don’t get very hot. I have had some trouble with some other players who give me “the eye” or even cheer when I lose but mostly I can play in silence and just keep hoping the shooter doesn’t make his point or any

PRO TIP: I WILL MAKE A $15 PASS LINE OR COME BET AND BACK IT WITH $75 ON THE 4 OR 10, AND $100 ON THE 5 OR 9 AND THEN $125 ON THE 6 OR 8.

of the other numbers.

that a shooter will get hot I will go all out on that shooter from the very start. Yep, pass line, come bets and also place bets. I will also place some of the proposition bets like the hardways and the field. If I think the shooter is going down in flames I have no problem betting the “don’t” bets against him. I go with what I consider will be the flow of the game, rightside or wrongside.

PRO TIP: I BACK MY PASS LINE BET WITH TWO TIMES ODDS, EVEN ON GAMES THAT ALLOW YOU TO BET MORE.

So, there you have it. There isn’t one specific way to play the game of craps. There are a lot of different ways to play. But, which ones are the best? In the next issue, I will start deconstructing these various strategies. Good luck!

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

$1 MILLION TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS® WINNER Another year is in the books for the largest slot tournament in the world. The $1 Million TournEvent of Champions® crowned Tanya S., representing Pines Restaurant & Casino, Evergreen Park, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, the winner of its sixth annual event.

Held October 10th at XS Nightclub in the Wynn/Encore Las Vegas Resort, the slot tournament didn’t disappoint. After overcoming 166 competitors, the winner walked away with the grand prize of $1 million and a cruise for two on Norwegian Cruise Line®.

“On behalf of Everi, congratulations to Tanya S. from Pines Restaurant & Casino, Evergreen Park, for beating the top slot players in North America to win the grand prize in the 2018 TournEvent of Champions,” said Ed Peters, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, at Everi.

“The continued success of TournEvent of

Champions is not made possible without the commitment of our partner casinos as they host TournEvent® qualifying events that create the excitement on which this program thrives. We also want to acknowledge our dedicated promotions team for partnering with the 104 participating casinos over the last five months to create memorable experiences for their TournEvent players.”

The 2018 TournEvent of Champions kicked off in May 2018 and featured three tour buses and The Money Man®, Everi’s iconic brand ambassador, visiting 104 partner casinos traveling nearly 50,000 miles across the United States and Canada. More than 200,000 participants competed in TournEvent qualifiers to identify the top 166 players who competed in October’s Million Dollar Event for a share of more than $1.3 million in cash prizes, including the $1 million* top prize. The finale was streamed

live on the TournEvent of Champions and Super Jackpot Slots Community Casino Facebook pages.

As a precursor to The Million Dollar Event, Everi held a skill-based slot tournament based on the fiercely popular app Fruit Ninja™ earlier in the day in Everi’s booth at the Global Gaming Expo®. Played on the company’s award-winning and industry leading TournEvent slot tournament solution, nearly all 166 TournEvent of Champion finalists and their guests competed for 14 spots in the Fruit Ninja tournament championship held that evening during The Million Dollar Event, with the winner taking home $5,000.

For more i n for m at ion on Tour nEvent of Champions, v isit TournEventofChampions.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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Photos courtesy of MGM Resorts.

S P OR T S BE T T I NG 101: L E A R N I NG T H E L I N E by

W

ith the legalization of sports betting in the U.S. there are endless opportunities to capitalize on NFL games while getting to watch some awesome football in the process. The NFL is the most heavily bet on sport in the country, and we can only expect those numbers to increase with the new laws in place. In this article, we highlight some strategies that can be used to beat the bookies and cash some winning tickets.

UNDERSTANDING THE LINE The most important factor when betting the NFL is understanding the line.

Bookmakers hang NFL lines as soon as Sunday evening for the next weeks slate of games. Gamblers that want to win consistently should check these opening lines and look for any advantage that might be gained before the line starts to 24

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COREY RUSS

move. Experienced bettors use these early lines to lock in numbers before the public starts driving the line in one direction or another, and can sometimes even use line moves throughout the week to gain opportunities for middles.

NFL scores often gravitate towards key numbers. 3, 4, 7, and 10 are vital when dealing with football spreads. On a recent weekend, I noticed that out of fourteen games played, five of them were decided by exactly 3 or 7 points. It is extremely important to pay close attention to these key numbers and try to get the best line available before you place your wager. The difference between a winning and losing day can be determined by when you decide to take the line, and in the NFL, a 1/2 point often means the difference between buying a round of drinks for your buddies, or going home to eat a packet of Ramen Noodles for dinner.

For example, let’s say Kansas City opened at -5. This line has now been bet down to -3½. The difference is only 1½ points, but because it has crossed the key number of 4, this is a huge swing. Bettors who locked in wagers early in the week are now looking at 1½ points of value, and if the line continues to move in this direction and gets down to 2½, sharp bettors would likely hit the other side and be able to win both wagers should the game be decided by 3 or 4 points. While it’s not always possible to predict which direction a line will move, you can typically expect the line on favorites to increase as the week goes on. This means if you want to bet a favorite you’re likely better off getting them early in the week, and if you prefer to bet underdogs you’ll likely get a better line closer to kickoff.

The f irst indicator of possible line movement is the juice. As books start taking bets, the juice will begin to show the action coming in on a particular side.

Money lines may shift to -115, -120, -125,

or in the opposite direction, such as -105, +100, +105, etc. In our example above, if a bettor were to see the line change to Kansas City -3½ -120, one would assume that the book is taking more action on Kansas City. Watching the juice can be a great indicator that the line may be getting ready to move due to the amount of action on a particular team or total, as books will begin to change the juice before moving off of a number.

As a final note on the line, bettors should always have multiple books. As I write

this article, I’m looking at the MNF line at two different offshore books. One has Kansas City -3½ -110, while the other has

Kansas City -4 -110. If you’re planning on

I UNDERSTAND THE LINE, NOW WHAT?

-4 may only be a half point, but it’s a half

Ok, you understand the line, but how are you going to use that information to try and win some money? Here are some suggestions.

betting the favorite, getting KC at -3½ vs point on a key number. Conversely, being

able to get a half point on the dog at + 4

is huge. Having multiple books gives you the opportunity for a better number, no matter which side you choose.

TOTALS For those that prefer totals, the most important factor and easiest way to make

money is by watching the weather. Snow,

rain, and especially wind can play a huge role in a total. Games taking place in

inclement weather should usually be bet to the under. Weather makes passing

difficult, and coaches tend to be more conservative. Running plays eat the clock, shorten the game, and typically lead to

lower scores. When betting a weather game you can expect the total to drop quickly, so if you think a game will be

played in poor conditions, try to grab

the line early. The downside to betting a weather total early is that the forecast will change, but if mother nature and the

gambling gods are both going against you, there’s not much you can do except have a beer and hope for the best.

TEASERS - Teasers are similar to parlays in the fact that they are one bet, but the bet is dependent on multiple teams or totals. The difference with a teaser is that it allows you to change the spread around key numbers. Most books offer 6, 7, and 10 point teasers. 6 and 7 point teasers have two or more teams or totals, while 10 point teasers require at least three teams or totals. Looking at the MNF example, we see that a 7 point teaser on Kansas City would change the line from Kansas City -3½ to Kansas City +3½. Pretty sweet right?! Now, even if Kansas City loses by a field goal, that leg of the bet is a winner.

The down side of the teaser is that if one leg in your teaser fails to cover, the entire bet is lost.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE - Home

field is factored into the spread assuming a 3 point advantage for the home team.

Looking at the MNF spread, we can assume that if the game were being played

at a neutral field, KC would be a 6½ or 7 point favorite. However, not all home

fields are the same. The Los Angeles Chargers currently play their home games

at StubHub Center in Carson. Yes, you read that correctly, the San Diego LA

Chargers play in Carson, and there is an actual NFL stadium called the StubHub center. The Chargers have the lowest

attendance in the league, as most of their

fan base actually lives in San Diego.

Clearly this isn’t much of an advantage,

and they have failed to cover either of

their home games so far this season as of the time of writing this article. One could argue their home field is not worth

the 3 points they are being given. On the

other hand, Denver plays in a stadium

that is over 5,100 feet in elevation, more

than 4,000 feet higher than the second highest stadium in the league. The altitude alone makes it a difficult environment for

opposing teams, and once the weather turns cold in the winter months, the advantage will become even greater,

making it worth more than the traditional 3 points.

I NJ U R I E S - Inju r ies to an el ite quarterback can affect the spread by 6 or 7 points. Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers behind center is a vastly different team than Green Bay with DeShone Kizer.

What might be surprising is that no single player at any other position should affect G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

25

the spread more than about a ½ point.

The one caveat to this is multiple injuries to certain positions, such as multiple offensive lineman being out for a particular game.

RIVALRIES/DIVISION GAMES Educated bet tors understa nd t he importance of rivalry and divisional

games. Teams that play each other twice a year know each other, they’re not afraid of

the talent on the other side of the ball, and they’re motivated to beat traditional rivals.

Even typically awful teams (I’m looking at you Cleveland) have a chance to cover

spreads against regular powerhouses such as Pittsburgh due to familiarity. Divisional

games, and in particular rivalry games

should be bet accordingly. Expect these games to be close, and if you see a large spread, take the dog!

HEDGING and HALFTIME BETTING Halftime bets and live betting offer opportunities to get better lines and hedge winning bets. Imagine that the MNF game sees the Broncos jump out to a 17-7

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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

lead going into halftime. We might expect the halftime line to be something around Kansas City -4. If you take this halftime line on KC you’re getting 9½ points of value against the original spread. If you believe bookmakers are skilled at making lines (and believe me, they are), you can assume that Kansas City has a chance of closing the gap in the second half. If you had already taken Denver before the game started, this now gives you 9½ points for a middle should you choose to now take KC. This strategy is useful for totals as well.

Assume that you take the over in the MNF game and there’s a explosion of points, with the score 21-21 going into halftime. Now you only need 12½ more points to hit your over. The second half total is set at 28½. Again, if bookmakers are adept at making accurate spreads, then the total has a good chance of regressing to the mean and staying under in the second half. If you were to hedge and bet the second half under, you would have an opportunity to hit both bets if the teams scored between 13 and 28 points. While

a high scoring first half might make the second half over look like easy money, teams make adjustments, meaning the score has a great chance to finish closer to the original total. Using a hedge such as this can lock in some profit, and give you an opportunity for an even bigger pay day!

Finally, when betting halftime lines, points, half points, and key numbers become even more important. With only one half to play, there is even greater emphasis to make sure you get the best line possible. Halftime lines change quickly, so if you have a good feel for a second half bet don’t hesitate to lock it in, as bookmakers will be quick to adjust.

As you can see, there are many ways for the educated gambler to make money on the NFL. Whether you’re a professional, or just someone who wants to make a few dollars while watching football on Sunday with your friends, the NFL offers a chance every week to have a beer, and win some cash.

Good luck!

Hot Springs Village, a Year-Round Staycation If you’re looking for a community filled with arts, culture, dining and entertainment - where you can golf, boat, hike and play all day - look no further than Hot Springs Village. It’s just a short drive from downtown Hot Springs where the fun continues at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming and Bathhouse Row.

NEW HOMESITES & HOMES AVAILABLE 12 LAKES | 3 BEACHES | 30 MILES OF TRAILS 9 GOLF COURSES | FITNESS CENTER | CLUB SPORTS

VILLAGE HOMES & LAND | 501.922.5560

Book a Discovery Package to Experience Life in The Village 501.922.5510 | ExploretheVillage.com

©2018 Hot Springs Village. Some restrictions apply, including amenity usage fees and assessments, see community representative for details. All information believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawals G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M | without notice. This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required.

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Rhythm City Casino Resort features over 1,000 different casino games.

PROP E R T Y PROF I L E :

R HY TH M C IT Y C A S INO R E SOR T DAV E N P O R T, IOWA by

R

hythm City Casino Resort is a must-visit gaming destination located in the picturesque cit y of Davenport, Iowa.

The resort features over 1,000 different casino gaming options that includes slots, blackjack, craps, pai-gow, live and video poker and many more games of chance. Gaming options at the casino are substantial.

Rhythm City also shines as an excellent family vacation destination with top-tier restaurants, a 5-star full-service spa, and a wide array of activities for the entire family. If you are looking for a world-class casino experience, you don’t have to go all the way to Nevada. Rhythm City Casino creates a Vegas-like atmosphere without having to fly to the desert.

The History of Rhythm City Resort and Casino Rhythm City moved from a riverboat to a land-based casino in 2016 and is owned

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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

ALEX ANDER CHOPRA

by Elite Casino Resorts, one of the largest companies in Iowa. They operate a number of casinos in the region, with additional properties such as the Grand Falls Casino Resort in Lyon County, and Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in Washington County. The casino property is owned and operated by Iowans, which is a point of pride for the company.

Elite Casino Resorts majority stake is owned by the Kehl family, who have deep roots in the Iowa gaming community.

In fact, Bob and Ruth Kehl received the National Small Business of the Year Award from President Ronald Reagan in 1986. After closing Rhythm City for the forward-facing new construction, the casino was re-opened in 2016 and received rave reviews.

Rhythm City Casino Gaming The complex has a brand new 35,000 square foot casino floor with every major game of chance represented. Players can

choose between blackjack, pai gow, craps, roulette and over 800 state-of-the-art slot machines that rival anything you will find in Las Vegas or other casino gaming destinations. The casino runs different events depending on the time of year.

These events may offer bonuses to your player’s card, free swag, comped food and drinks, and many other benefits. Whether you want an exhilarating roll of the dice on a craps table or a quiet moment playing your favorite video slots, Rhythm City has you covered.

Rhythm City Poker The primary casino floor has a 6-table live poker room that hosts cash games and tournaments. Both no limit hold ‘em and limit hold’ em cash games run regularly.

Limit games start at $3-$6, and NLHE games start at $1-$2 blinds and go up to $5-$10. There are also tournaments with a variety of buy-in levels. The poker room at Rhythm City also runs a bad beat bonus that has offered some significant jackpots.

As of the writing of this article the bad beat bonus was more than $60,000! That would certainly take the sting out of your quad kings losing to quad aces!

Rhythm City Nightlife There are also a few places to grab a drink and cut loose, the High Limits Lounge is a guest favorite with its Vegas-style atmosphere. The Feature Bar is a great place to enjoy a cocktail or just hang out and play some video poker with friends.

The Rhythm Room is a 21 and over event space that hosts performers from across the country every Friday and Saturday night. The 1,500+ seat Event Center offers national music acts, comedians, and other performance artists year round. An updated list of current and future events can be found at RhythmCityCasino.com.

The casino is open 24 hours, and there is always a place to enjoy your evenings at Rhythm City!

Rhythm City Resort Club Rhythm City offers a gold-standard player’s club/card with the Iowa Elite Casino Resorts Resort Club. This player account is valid at all three Elite Casino Resorts in Iowa, Rhythm City, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort and Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort. Any wager or cash purchased placed in any of these casinos accrues points towards Resort Club comp points. These points are awarded whether you win or lose and can be spent at any of their three locations.

Comp points can be redeemed for meals, rooms, amenities or purchases in casino shops. There are four levels of Resort Club members. Your status is determined by how much you play.

Rhythm City Dining Options There are four restaurants to choose from at the property, all varying in price and cuisine. Each restaurant has a talented Chef D’Cuisine that manages everything from the menu selections to the day-to-day operations. No matter what time, day or night, Rhythm City’s dining options have you covered.

Robert’s Buffet Robert’s Buffet is a family friendly Vegas-style buffet that serves breakfast,

Dining options are plentiful at Rhythm City. lunch, and dinner. This restaurant offers a rotating variety of world cuisine and has a little something for everyone- even picky eaters. There are a number of specials that run for various holidays, and they offer active military members a discount of $1.99 off the regular buffer price with an active military ID. Be sure to check out the daily feature at the Chefs Table!

Ruthie’s Steak and Seafood Ruthie’s Steak and Seafood is located on the top floor of the casino and offers a luxurious setting with a stunning view of the city to match. While many come for the mouth-watering steaks, Chef D’Cuisine, Peter Sedlak, has added many equally tempting options to the Ruthie’s menu that includes favorites like decadent lobster mac and cheese or a sumptuous duck entree.

Draft Day Sports Lounge The Draft Day Sports Lounge is a sports fan’s paradise. The bar features a 360 degree screen alongside 18 high definition television sets placed around the restaurant. Enjoy your favorite sports in style, with everything from Golf to Football in glorious HD. This restaurant serves all your favorites like nachos, sliders, and of course excellent beer, wine, and cocktails. The space is available for special events upon request and can accommodate large parties with reservations in advance.

The Market The Market is a general store and cafe that serves up snacks on the go, bottled water, and other beverages, as well as general items for your convenience. If you forget some of life’s essentials at home, fear not,

you can buy anything you need at The Market. This spot is also great for late night eats after the other kitchens have shut down, offering sandwiches, drinks, and other prepared foods after dark.

Aveda Spa No trip to Rhythm City is complete without a relaxing visit to the Aveda Spa and Salon. There are massage therapists on staff to help you relax up and rest your tired muscles. Aveda Spa offers many other amenities like skin care, body treatment, nail and waxing services, and special Men’s spa treatments. There are rolling specials provided by the spa and players can use their Resort Club comp points to purchase services at Aveda Spa and Salon.

The Bottom Line The Rhythm City Casino Resort offers all of the fun and excitement of a Las Vegas casino in the heart of Iowa. This locally owned and operated gaming paradise is family-friendly, while still being a welcoming and friendly place for casino gamers. Whether you happen to be in town, or are planning your next trip, Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport should not be missed.

For more information and reservations, visit RhythmCityCasino.com or call 1-844-852-4FUN.

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

800-222-7077

44

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

LUMIEREPLACE.COM

877-450-7711

55

1,600

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

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

•

•

788

•

•

•

•

967

• •

•

•

• •

•

INDOOR

•

• •

116

517 400

967

294

• •

200

•

184

•

•

•

• •

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-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com NFL SUPER BOWL LII – FEBRUARY 3, 2019 MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM – ATLANTA GEORGIA Team

NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP-APRIL 8, 2019 U.S. BANK STADIUM-MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

November September July

May

Los Angeles Rams

7/2

12/1

12/1

10/1

Kansas City Chiefs

7/1

25/1

N/A

N/A

New England Patriots

7/1

7/1

6/1

6/1

New Orleans Saints

10/1

16/1

16/1

20/1

Minnesota Vikings

12/1

10/1

10/1

10/1

Los Angeles Chargers

16/1

20/1

20/1

20/1

Jacksonville Jaguars

20/1

20/1

20/1

20/1

Philadelphia Eagles

20/1

10/1

8/1

10/1

Pittsburgh Steelers

20/1

10/1

12/1

12/1

Green Bay Packers

25/1

14/1

14/1

12/1

Chicago Bears

25/1

N/A

N/A

N/A

Baltimore Ravens

25/1

25/1

N/A

N/A

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

November September

Clemson 9/2 9/2 Georgia Michigan

9/2

8/1

16/1

16/1

16/1 10/1

Oklahoma 33/1 20/1 Texas

25/1 33/1

LSU

33/1 N/A

Notre Dame

UCF

Florida

10/1

40/1

40/1 N/A 50/1 N/A

*All other teams higher than 50/1 odds.

5/1

11/2

Kansas

17/2

Gonzaga

15/2

North Carolina

10/1

Nevada

12/1

Tennessee

22/1

West Virginia

30/1

Michigan State

35/1

Villanova Virginia

Oregon Michigan UCLA

10/1

18/1

25/1 35/1 35/1

NBA CHAMPIONSHIP – JUNE 15, 2019

Alabama 2/3 2/1

Ohio State

Duke

Kentucky

*All other teams higher than 35/1 odds.

NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP-JANUARY 7, 2019 LEVI’S STADIUM-SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA Team

Team November

Team November

Golden State Warriors Boston Celtics Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors Oklahoma City Thunder Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz San Antonio Spurs Indiana Pacers New Orleans Pelicans

*All other teams higher than 100/1 odds.

4/7 6/1 8/1 10/1 14/1 16/1 50/1 66/1 66/1 80/1 100/1

100/1

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

A luxurious stay awaits you at ® Rhythm City Casino Resort.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable escape to Eastern Iowa this fall.

Every enjoyment is just steps away!

•

Nearly 37,000 square feet of casino!

•

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

•

Luxurious and Modern Accomodations

•

Three exceptional Dining Choices including Robert’s Buffet, Draft Day Sports Lounge® and Ruthie’s Fine Dining.

®

7077 Elmore Avenue - Davenport, IA 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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