Southern & Midwest Gaming - January 2026 - Awards Results

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 - VOL. 28 ISSUE 1 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

7 WINNING

RESOLUTIONS:

PAGE 12

LET IT RIDE: SMART STRATEGY PAGE 20

2025 READERS’

CHOICE AWARDS ...THE RESULTS ARE IN! PAGE 4

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

$250,000 HOLLYWOOD HEIST G I V E AWAY

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Earn X entries on Thursday, and X entries on Friday and Saturday.

Must be 21 or older. Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.

IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER

HIGHLIGHTS & WINNING TIPS 2

Casino Scene: Hot Happenings at Our Preferred Properties

18 Horseracing: Avoid the Exotics There are a lot of ways to bet a horse race, find out where exotics come into the equation.

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

12 7 Gambling Resolutions for a Winning Year: New Year, New Strategy 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards: Winners Revealed The votes are tallied and it’s time to reveal what casinos checked in with the best of the best in 2025. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and be sure to check out these winning properties in 2026!

4 Gulf Coast 5 Tunica & Mid-South 6 Louisiana & Missouri 7

The start of a new year offers opportunity to fine-tune the habits that keep your bankroll healthy and your edge sharp.

16 Vegas Slows, Regionals Rise: Why Southern & Midwest Casinos Are Ready to Win

Let It Ride offers a refreshing mix of patience, probability, and controlled risk and smart strategy can extend your bankroll. Find out how.

22 Craps Insight: The True Value of Betting the 6 and 8

For decades, Las Vegas has stood as the unrivaled capital of American gaming, however recent tourism data 24 reveals softening trends which can mean big things for regional casinos.

Indiana (Southern & Northern)

8 Iowa & Michigan 10 Minnesota & Wisconsin

12

16 Find us on Facebook

20 Let it Ride: Smart Strategy, Real Odds and More

@SouthernGaming

@MidwestCasinos

Few wagers inspire more debate than place bets on the 6 and 8 in Craps. But how strong are they really? And when should you use them?

Sports Betting: Early Action Future odds of major sporting events.

Find the edge and make your play!

GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

CASINO SCENE

HOT HAPPENINGS AT OUR PREFERRED CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND MORE.

(D’Iberville, Mississippi – Gulf Coast) Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort - If you are looking for a premier Gulf Coast resort with stunning views, decadent dining & dynamic gaming, look no further than Scarlet Pearl. The property claimed several of our top Readers’ Choice Awards including Best Suites, Casino Floor, Players Club and more. For sports fans, there is not a better place to watch and wager on your favorite teams than the Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook featuring 23 HD screens including a 144-inch entertainment screen that is awesome!

For more information, call 1-888-752-9772 or visit ScarletPearlCasino.com (Biloxi, Mississippi) Beau Rivage Resort Casino - Experience a getaway unlike any other at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on the beautiful Coastal Mississippi. Enjoy award-winning dining, a nationally ranked spa and salon, premium shopping in the Promenade Shops, and championship golf at the Tom Fazio-designed Fallen Oak. Discover endless gaming excitement in our 24/7 casino, featuring the region’s premier Vegas-style sportsbook and lounge. With all of this Southern hospitality, you will experience A Feeling Like No Other. Also don’t miss headlining entertainment including Blue Man Group (Jan. 9 & 10) and comedian Rodney Carrington (Jan. 23).

For more information, call 1-228-386-7111 or visit BeauRivage.com (Vicksburg, Mississippi) Ameristar Casino Hotel - Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg offers a vibrant escape with its dazzling gaming floor and luxurious amenities. Guests can try their luck at a wide array of slots and table games, savor fine dining options, and unwind in the elegant hotel rooms with scenic river views. Stay in one of the 148 guest rooms that have been redesigned with a crisp, modern look and unparalleled comfort offering European-style bedding, high-tech lighting fixtures, LCD flat screen televisions and wireless high-speed Internet access. Guests also enjoy live entertainment in the Bottleneck Blues Bar, great dining and more, all in the heart of Mississippi.

There are always great deals on rooms and promotions in the casino, so be sure to check the website before you go.

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

(Tunica, Mississippi) Hollywood Casino Tunica – Get a taste of the glitz and glamor of the stars at Hollywood Casino Tunica. After checking out the amazing collection of memorabilia around the property, guests can enjoy the award-winning Fairbanks Steakhouse for one of the best dining experiences in the region and then stay in a 5-story tower overlooking the casino floor or the 8-story tower next to the largest indoor pool in Tunica. When it’s time for casino action, Hollywood Tunica has you covered with over 1,000 slots, a variety of table games, and plenty of sportsbook kiosks to place your winning bets!

For more information, call 1-800-871-0711 or visit HollywoodCasinoTunica.com.

(Tunica, Mississippi) Gold Strike Casino Resort - Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica Resorts, Mississippi is one of the top casino resort destinations in the South. Known for its 31-story luxury tower, expansive gaming floor with slots and table games, diverse dining, and luxurious accommodations, you can’t go wrong at the Gold Strike. Plus, top entertainment is a staple including upcoming acts of One Night in Memphis: Tribute to Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash (Jan. 16), Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band (Feb. 13), Keith Anderson (Feb. 27) and more.

For more information, call 1-888-245-7829 or visit GoldStrike.com.

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

GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

CASINO SCENE

HOT HAPPENINGS AT OUR PREFERRED CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND MORE.

(Bowler, Wisconsin) North Star Mohican Casino Resort – As if you ever needed a reason for a gambling getaway, North Star certainly has plenty of them to ensure your stay is great from the second you step in the lobby. Guests enjoy great gambling with over 1,200 machines, plenty of table games including blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Craps and more. Also, book a room in their luxurious contemporary hotel or the 57-site RV Park with 20-30-and 50-amp service, pullthrough sites, picnic table area and pet friendly. Also check out their great promotions and top entertainment including The Big Game Viewing Party (Feb. 8), The Australian Bee Gees Show (Feb. 14), John Waite / John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band (March 7) and more.

For more information, call 1-800-952-0195 or visit NorthStarCasinoResort.com.

(Battle Creek, Michigan) FireKeepers Casino Hotel - Experience true Vegas-style excitement at FireKeepers, featuring a Four Diamond hotel, award-winning dining, and an electrifying Event Center—all in Battle Creek, MI off I-94. Top entertainment continues in 2026 with Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners (Feb. 14), comedian Lewis Black (Feb. 27) and George Thorogood and The Destroyers (March 27). Don’t miss the fun and plan your visit today!

For more information call 1-877-352-8777 or visit FireKeepersCasino.com.

(Harris, Michigan – Upper Peninsula) Island Resort & Casino - Escape to the Island, where excitement meets indulgence. Take a break from the action and unwind at Drift Spa, featuring massages, float pod therapy, HydraFacial© treatments, and more. Then, savor a culinary experience at Horizon’s Steakhouse, serving mouthwatering steaks and seafood. Plan ahead to take in headlining entertainment including Jeff Foxworthy (Jan. 23 & 24), MegaStars of Country: A Brooks & Dunn Tribute (Feb 6), MegaStars of Country: An Alan Jackson/George Strait Tribute (Feb 7), Kansas (Feb 27 & 28), and Great White & Slaughter (March 13 & 14).

For more information, call 1-800-682-6040 or visit IslandResortandCasino.com.

(Mille Lacs & Hinckley, Minnesota) Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Grand Casino Hinckley Located in central Minnesota, Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley both offer great gaming opportunities for quick day trips or extended weekend stays. The Mille Lacs property is a full-scale resort featuring over 1,800 slot machines, table games, bingo, and pull tabs. Guests can enjoy 494 rooms, an indoor pool with hot tub, banquet/conference space, multiple dining venues (three restaurants plus a café), and an onsite gift shop. Weekend visitors love the free live music and vibrant resort atmosphere, making it a complete casino getaway.

Perfect for a day trip or weekend escape, Grand Casino Hinckley boasts over 2,100 gaming machines and table games, a 563-room luxury hotel tower, five restaurants, three bars and lounges, an indoor pool, full-service spa, and 24-hour fitness center. This resort delivers both gaming excitement and relaxation in a full-service destination. Check out their web-sites and book your trip for an unforgettable gambling getaway!

For more information, call 1-800-626-5825 or visit GrandCasinoMN.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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THE R E S U LT S ARE IN

2025 GAMING & DESTINATIONS READER’S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS

We’re thrilled to present the winners of the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, celebrating the casino properties that truly impressed players across the region. From world-class resorts to standout local favorites, these honors reflect the voices of you—the dedicated gamers—and our team at Gaming and Destinations.

Each year, these awards spotlight the best in gaming across multiple regions and categories, helping readers discover new destinations, compare experiences, and plan their next casino getaway with confidence.

Thank you to everyone who voted and shared their insights. We hope this year’s results inspire your next adventure—and maybe even add a few new casinos to your favorites list.

SCAN TO CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR AWARD WINNERS ON GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

IP Casino Resort & Spa

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

GULF COAST BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. IP CASINO RESORT & SPA 2. SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT 3. BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

BILOXI, GULFPORT, BAY ST. LOUIS Golf Course 1. Fallen Oak-Beau Rivage 2. The Bridges-Hollywood Casino 3. The Preserve Palace Casino Resort Entertainment 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa

Suites 1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Entertainment Venue 3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Rooms 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

2. IP Casino Resort & Spa Nightlife 3. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Casino Floor 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa 1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Players Club (Ie. Comps, 3. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino rewards, etc…)

1. Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast Sportsbook 2. IP Casino Resort & Spa 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. Harrah’s Gulf Coast 2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa Casino Personnel (Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

Restaurant 1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 1. thirty-two Steakhouse 2. Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast IP Casino Resort & Spa 3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2. Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort Customer Service 3. BR Prime Steakhouse 1. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 2. Golden Nugget Biloxi 3. Harrah’s Gulf Coast Spa 1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Theme 2. IP Casino Resort & Spa 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 3. Palace Casino Resort 2. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast Pool 1. Golden Nugget Biloxi 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 3. IP Casino Resort & Spa

TUNICA

(AND NEAR-BY MARKETS)

MID-SOUTH

Gold Strike Casino Resort

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT 2. HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA 3. SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL Suites 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica Rooms 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Southland Casino Hotel 3. Hollywood Casino Tunica Casino Floor 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica Sportsbook 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Southland Casino Hotel 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica Restaurant 1. Chicago Steakhouse @ Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Ignite Steakhouse – Southland Casino Hotel 3. Fairbank’s @ Hollywood Casino Tunica Spa 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Casino Tunica

Pool 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 3. Gold Strike Casino Resort Entertainment 1. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Southland Casino Hotel Entertainment Venue 1. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort Players Club (Ie. Comps, rewards, etc…)

1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica Nightlife 1. Horseshoe Casino Tunica 2. Gold Strike Casino Resort 3. Southland Casino Hotel Casino Personnel (Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Southland Casino Hotel 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica

(MISSISSIPPI - ALABAMA)

Pearl River Resort

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. PEARL RIVER RESORT 2. AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL VICKSBURG 3. WIND CREEK ATMORE Suites 1. Wind Creek Atmore 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg Rooms 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Wind Creek Atmore 3. Pearl River Resort Casino Floor 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Wind Creek Wetumpka 3. Pearl River Resort Sportsbook 1. Pearl River Resort 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Riverwalk Casino Hotel Vicksburg

Customer Service 1. Gold Strike Casino Resort 2. Southland Casino Hotel 3. Fitz Casino and Hotel

Restaurant 1. Fire Steakhouse @ Wind Creek Atmore 2. Red Lotus @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Phillip M’s @ Pearl River Resort

Theme 1. Hollywood Casino Tunica 2. Fitz Casino and Hotel 3. Horseshoe Casino Tunica

Spa 1. Wind Creek Atmore 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Wind Creek Wetumpka Golf Course 1. Pearl River Resort

Pool 1. Wind Creek Atmore 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Wind Creek Montgomery Entertainment 1. Pearl River Resort 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Wind Creek Wetumpka Entertainment Venue 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Wind Creek Wetumpka Nightlife 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Wind Creek Atmore 3. Wind Creek Montgomery Player’s Club (Ie. Comps, rewards, etc…)

1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Wind Creek Atmore Casino Personnel (Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

1. Wind Creek Atmore 2. Riverwalk Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Pearl River Resort Customer Service 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 2. Pearl River Resort 3. Wind Creek Montgomery Theme 1. Wind Creek Atmore 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 3. Pearl River Resort

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

5

LOUISIANA

MISSOURI

Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City - Best Overall Property

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO BOSSIER CITY 2. L’AUBERGE CASINO LAKE CHARLES 3. LIVE! CASINO HOTEL Suites 1. Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City 3. Live! Casino Hotel Rooms 1. L’auberge Casino Lake Charles 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City 3. Golden Nugget Lake Charles

Spa 1. L’auberge Casino Lake Charles 2. Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel 3. Golden Nugget Lake Charles

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY

Pool 1. Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City 3. Coushatta Casino Resort

2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis

Golf Course 1. Koasati Pines – Coushatta Casino Resort 2. Contraband Bayou L’auberge Casino Lake Charles 3. Tahmaka Trails - Paragon Casino Resort Entertainment 1. Live! Casino Hotel 2. L’auberge Casino Lake Charles 3. Paragon Casino Resort

Casino Floor 1. Live! Casino Hotel 2. Golden Nugget Lake Charles 3. Horseshoe Bossier City

Entertainment Venue 1. Paragon Casino Resort 2. Live! Casino Hotel 3. Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel

Sportsbook 1. Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City 2. Horseshoe Bossier City 3. Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel

Nightlife 1. Horseshoe Bossier City 2. Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City 3. Golden Nugget Lake Charles Player’s Club (Ie. Comps,

rewards, etc…)

Restaurant 1. Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel 1. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse @ Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2. Horseshoe Bossier City 3. L’auberge Casino Hotel 2. 18 Steak @ L’auberge Casino Baton Rouge Hotel Baton Rouge Customer Service 3. Jack Binion’s Steak House @ Horseshoe Bossier City 1. Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel 2. Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel 3. Paragon Casino Resort 6 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

Ameristar St. Charles - Best Overall Property

1. Ameristar St. Charles 3. River City Casino & Hotel Suites 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. River City Casino & Hotel 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis Rooms 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. Ameristar St. Charles Casino Floor 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. River City Casino & Hotel 3. Horseshoe St. Louis Restaurant 1. Bugatti’s Steak & Pasta @ Ameristar St. Charles 2. 1904 Steak House @ River City Casino & Hotel 3. Final Cut Steakhouse @ Hollywood Casino St. Louis Spa 1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. Horseshoe St. Louis 3. River City Casino & Hotel

Entertainment 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. River City Casino & Hotel 3. Horseshoe St. Louis Entertainment Venue 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. River City Casino & Hotel 3. Horseshoe St. Louis Nightlife 1. Horseshoe St. Louis 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. River City Casino & Hotel Players Club (Ie. Comps, rewards, etc…)

1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 3. Horseshoe St. Louis Casino Personnel (Ie. dealers, slot attendants, etc…)

1. Ameristar St. Charles 2. River City Casino & Hotel 3. Horseshoe St. Louis Customer Service 1. River City Casino & Hotel 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. Hollywood Casino St. Louis Theme 1. Hollywood Casino St. Louis 2. Ameristar St. Charles 3. Horseshoe St. Louis

SOUTHERN INDIANA

French Lick Resort - Best Overall Property

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. FRENCH LICK RESORT 2. BELTERRA CASINO RESORT 3. CAESARS SOUTHERN INDIANA Suites 1. Belterra Casino Resort 2. French Lick Resort 3. Caesars Southern Indiana Rooms 1. French Lick Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Bally’s Evansville Casino Floor 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Caesars Southern Indiana 3. Belterra Casino Resort Sportsbook 1. Caesars Southern Indiana 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg Restaurant 1. 19 Steak & Seafood @Belterra Casino Resort 2. Final Cut Steakhouse @Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 3. 1875 Steakhouse @ French Lick Resort Spa 1. French Lick Resort 2. Caesars Southern Indiana Pool 1. French Lick Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Caesars Southern Indiana

Golf Course 1. French Lick Resort (Pete Dye Course) 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Rising Star Casino Resort Entertainment 1. French Lick Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

NORTHERN INDIANA

Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana - Best Overall Property

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. HARD ROCK CASINO N. INDIANA 2. BLUE CHIP CASINO HOTEL & SPA 3. AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL EAST CHICAGO

Entertainment Venue 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Caesars Southern Indiana

Suites 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago 3. Four Winds South Bend

Nightlife 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Caesars Southern Indiana 3. Belterra Casino Resort

Rooms 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago 2. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa 3. Four Winds South Bend

Players Club (Ie. Comps, rewards, etc..)

1. Caesars Southern Indiana 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

Casino Floor 1. Horseshoe Indianapolis 2. Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana 3. Four Winds South Bend

Casino Personnel (Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

1. Rising Star Casino Resort 2. Belterra Casino Resort 3. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg Customer Service 1. Rising Star Casino Resort 2. Caesars Southern Indiana 3. French Lick Resort Theme 1. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg 2. Rising Star Casino Resort 3. Caesars Southern Indiana

Sportsbook 1. Horseshoe Hammond 2. Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana 3. Horseshoe Indianapolis Restaurant 1. William B’s @ Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa 2. Bugatti’s Steak & Pasta @ Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago 3. Council Oak @ Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana

Pool 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa 2. Four Winds South Bend Entertainment 1. Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana 2. Horseshoe Hammond 3. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa Entertainment Venue 1. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa 2. Hard Rock Northern Indiana 3. Horseshoe Hammond Nightlife 1. Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana 2. Horseshoe Hammond 3. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa Players Club (Ie. Comps, rewards, etc..)

1. Four Winds Properties 2. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa 3. Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino Personnel (Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

1. Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago 3. Four Winds South Bend Customer Service 1. Horseshoe Indianapolis 2. Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana 3. Four Winds South Bend Theme 1. Hard Rock Casino N. Indiana 2. Four Winds South Bend 3. Horseshoe Indianapolis

Spa 1. Four Winds South Bend 2. Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa 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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IOWA

MICHIGAN

Hard Rock Casino Sioux City - Best Overall Property

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. HARD ROCK CASINO SIOUX CITY 2. GRAND FALLS CASINO & GOLF RESORT

Pool 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 3. Rhythm City Casino Resort

Island Resort & Casino - Best Overall Property

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. ISLAND RESORT & CASINO 2. FIREKEEPER’S CASINO HOTEL

Pool 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. MGM Grand Casino Resort 3. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

3. MGM GRAND CASINO RESORT

Golf Course 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel 3. Bay Mills Resort & Casino

Entertainment 1. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 2. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 3. Rhythm City Casino Resort

Suites 1. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel 2. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 3. Island Resort & Casino

Entertainment 1. MGM Grand Casino Resort 2. Island Resort & Casino 3. Firekeepers Casino Hotel

Rooms 1. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

Entertainment Venue 1. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 2. Hard Rock Sioux City 3. Rhythm City Casino Resort

Rooms 1. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel 2. MGM Grand Casino Resort 3. Island Resort & Casino

Casino Floor 1. Rhythm City Casino Resort 2. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 3. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Nightlife 1. Hard Rock Sioux City 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort 3. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Entertainment Venue 1. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel 2. MGM Grand Casino Resort 3. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Casino Floor 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. MGM Grand Casino Resort 3. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo

Nightlife 1. MGM Grand Casino Resort 2. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 3. Island Resort & Casino

Sportsbook 1. MGM Grand Casino Resort 2. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel 3. Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Players Club (Ie. Rewards, comps, etc…)

1. MGM Grand Casino Resort 2. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 3. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel

3. RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT

Golf Course 1. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 2. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort

Suites 1. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 2. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 3. Rhythm City Casino Resort

Players Club (Ie. Rewards, Sportsbook 1. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort comps, etc…)

1. Ameristar Casino Hotel 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort Council Bluffs 3. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 2. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort Poker Room 3. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 1. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 2. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Casino Personnel (Ie. Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

3. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Restaurant Council Bluffs 1. Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood 2. Grand Falls Casino @ Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort & Golf Resort 3. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 2. Main + Abbey @ Hard Rock Best Customer Service Casino Sioux City 1. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 3. Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood 2. Ameristar Casino Hotel @ Riverside Casino Council Bluffs & Golf Resort 3.

Rhythm City Casino Resort Spa 1. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Theme 2. Rhythm City Casino Resort 1. Hard Rock Casino Sioux City 3. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 2. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 8 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M 3. Rhythm City Casino Resort

Restaurant 1. D. Prime Steakhouse @ MGM Grand Casino Resort 2. NIBI @ Firekeepers Casino Hotel 3. Copper Rock Steakhouse @ Four Winds Casino New Buffalo Spa 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 3. MGM Grand Casino Resort

Casino Personnel (Ie. Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel 3. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo Customer Service 1. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel 2. Island Resort & Casino 3. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo Theme 1. Island Resort & Casino 2. Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 3. Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel

Enjoy the Total Island Experience Expansive Vegas-Style casino with over 450 guest rooms, more than 1.200 slots, a poker room, various table games, bingo hall, a luxurious full-service spa... and more!

(800) 682-6040 islandresortandcasino.com G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

9

MINNESOTA

WISCONSIN

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino - Best Overall Property Treasure Island Resort Casino - Best Overall Property

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. TREASURE ISLAND RESORT CASINO 2. GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY 3. MYSTIC LAKE CASINO HOTEL Suites 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Rooms 1. Mystic Lake Casino 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Grand Casino Mille Lacs Casino Floor 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Mystic Lake Casino 3. Black Bear Casino Resort Restaurant 1. Seven Fires Steakhouse @ Black Bear Casino Resort 2. Tado Steakhouse @ Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Mystic Steakhouse @ Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Spa 1. Grand Casino Hinckley 2. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 3. Treasure Island Resort Casino Pool 1. Treasure Island Resort Casino 2. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 3. Grand Casino Hinckley 10 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

Golf Course 1. Grand National @ Grand Casino Hinckley 2. The Meadows @ Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 3. The Wilderness @ Fortune Bay Resort Casino Entertainment 1. Treasure Island Resort Casino 2. Black Bear Casino Resort 3. Grand Casino Hinckley Entertainment Venue 1. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Black Bear Casino Resort Nightlife 1. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Grand Casino Hinckley Players Club (Ie. Rewards, comps, etc…)

1. Grand Casino Mille Lacs 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Casino Personnel (Ie. Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

1. Grand Casino Mille Lacs 2. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 3. Treasure Island Resort Casino Customer Service 1. Fortune Bay Resort Casino 2. Treasure Island Resort Casino 3. Black Bear Casino Resort Theme 1. Treasure Island Resort Casino 2. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 3. Fortune Bay Resort Casino

BEST OVERALL PROPERTY 1. POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO 2. NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO RESORT 3. MENOMINEE CASINO RESORT

Golf Course 1. Pine Hills Golf Course at North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Oneida Casino Entertainment 1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Suites 1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. Menominee Casino Resort 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg

Entertainment Venue 1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort

Rooms 1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. Menominee Casino Resort

Nightlife 1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. Menominee Casino Resort 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Casino Floor 1. Menominee Casino Resort 2. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Players Club 1. Ho-Chunk Gaming Properties 2. Menominee Casino Resort 3. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort

Sportsbook 1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake Restaurant 1. Dream Dance Steakhouse @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 2. Embers @ North Star Mohican Casino Resort 3. The Eagle’s Nest @ Lake of the Torches Pool 1. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 2. Menominee Casino Resort 3. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Casino Personnel (Ie. Dealers, Slot Attendants, etc…)

1 North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2 Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells 3 Menominee Casino Resort Customer Service 1. North Star Mohican Casino Resort 2. Menominee Casino Resort 3. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake Theme 1. Lake of the Torches Casino Resort 2. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 3. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake

MINNESOTA’S FAVORITE, THANKS TO YOU!

We’re honored to be recognized by Gaming and Destinations as Minnesota’s Best Casino in multiple categories. Thank you for voting Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley as your favorite destinations to get away and play! We’re also thankful and proud of our incredible Associates who make memorable experiences every day.

BOOK YOUR STAY:

Every visit, every game, and every memory shared made this possible. We can’t wait to continue to create exceptional experiences for you.

Your Votes Earned Us Top Honors: Best Suites Best Golf Course Best Casino Floor Best Personnel Best Spa Best Players Club

G R A N D C A S I N O M N . C O M

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NEW YEAR, NEW STRATEGY:

7 GAMBLING RESOLUTIONS FOR A WINNING YEAR AT CASINOS AND RACETRACKS Every January brings the same familiar promises—hit the gym more often, eat fewer carbs, reclaim the inbox.

But for serious casino and racetrack enthusiasts, the start of a new year also offers something far more valuable: an opportunity to reassess your approach to gambling and fine-tune the habits that keep your bankroll healthy and your edge sharp.

Whether your passion is dice or thoroughbreds, slots or sports betting, smart play demands discipline, awareness, and a commitment to continual improvement. Here are seven resolutions that will set you up for a smarter, more profitable, and more enjoyable year in 2025 and beyond.

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

Refine Your Bankroll Strategy– Then Actually Follow It Sophisticated gamblers know bankroll management isn’t exciting—but it is the backbone of long-term success.

This year, resolve to create separate bankrolls for each type of gaming you do: table games, horse racing, sports betting, and so on. Avoid crosscontamination.

Set session limits before each visit.

A typical guideline is to wager no more than 1–2% of your total annual gambling bankroll per session.

Track your numbers with purposebuilt apps or a simple spreadsheet.

A disciplined bankroll strategy not

only stretches your play—it keeps you grounded when the cards are cold or the ponies aren’t firing. Most players think they have a bankroll strategy.

Fewer than 10% actually practice one consistently. Make 2026 the year you join that elite minority.

Play Games Where Skill Matters– and Invest in That Skill The modern casino floor offers a kaleidoscope of opportunities, from pure games of chance to deeply strategic contests. If your goal is to have more winning months than losing ones, shift your emphasis toward the games where knowledge can truly tip the odds:

• • • •

Blackjack (with proper basic strategy and rule selection) Poker (profit comes from player errors, not the house) Video poker (choose full-pay machines and play perfect strategy) Sports betting and horse racing (where data analysis yields a real edge)

Make this the year you elevate your gambling from hobby to craft. That means studying house-edge variations in blackjack rule sets, updated poker range charts, video poker paytables and expected return percentages, racing form analysis, pace projections, and track bias, sports analytics, injury reports, and line movement.

hundreds of dollars off your annual gambling costs. Think of loyalty programs as your travel companion— when used correctly, they’re as important as bankroll discipline or game selection.

Move From Impulse Bets to Data– Driven Decisions Emotion is the enemy of good gambling.

In 2025, resolve to eliminate chasing losses, tilting after a bad beat, betting because you’re bored, pressing wagers “to get even”, impulse bets made just because a horse looks lively in the paddock or a slot machine “feels due” and replace emotion with information.

Skill doesn’t guarantee profit—but it absolutely reduces volatility. And over time, that’s the difference between being a gambler and being a player.

For table games, note the table conditions before you sit down by looking at the deck penetration, dealer speed and crowd behavior.

Build a Serious Comps and Loyalty Strategy

For horse racing analyze pace

scenarios, not just speed figures, and keep a notebook on track biases and trainer patterns.

For sports betting shop lines across multiple books and track closing line value and compare it to your model or instinct.

For slots and video poker select machines based on math, not feel, like paytables, denomination, and volatility.

The disciplined bettor doesn’t need to eliminate instinct—just inform it.

For horseplayers, the new year is the perfect time to tighten your approach. Racetrack wagering has evolved dramatically thanks to greater access to replays, clocker reports, and detailed speed/pace analytics.

Yet many bettors still rely on a few comfortable angles.

Make 2026 your most profitable year at the track by resolving to limit the

Comps aren’t free—“comped” meals and rooms exist because the casino expects your theoretical loss to exceed the value they provide.

But for sophisticated players, comp optimization can dramatically increase the value of your gaming dollar.

This year, commit to consolidating your play with one or two major operators to maximize tier status.

Learn how your theoretical loss (“Theo”) is calculated, so you can play smarter and avoid giving unnecessary action and time your visits around double-point days, tier multiplier events, and slow-season promos.

When you leverage your offers strategically booking trips around strong incentives rather than impulse, you can maximize the offers. A fullcomped weekend with free play, food credits, and discounted rooms can cut 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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number of races you bet—focus on strong opinions only. Track your wagers by bet type, not by day, and determine which bets you do well with and what the different risk profiles are.

Hold yourself accountable for losing streaks and know why you might be losing races. Are you betting too many low-value races? Are you spreading too thin in multi-race bets?

If you’re a serious horseplayer, consider creating a Race Day Checklist to include things like projected pace, class drop or rise, trainer intent, jockey/trainer combo stats, latest workout patterns, distance and surface suitability and morning line vs. actual odds (value assessment) Winners don’t happen because you “like the horse.” Winners come from informed opinions paired with disciplined wagering.

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

Sharpen Your Casino Game by Understanding Volatility Understanding volatility—and how it aligns with your personality—is one of the most overlooked advantages a gambler can have.

High-volatility games (like many video slot titles or exotic horse bets) offer big payouts but require deep bankrolls and emotional resilience.

Low- to mid-volatility games (fullpay video poker, blackjack, baccarat) offer longer, more stable sessions with smaller swings.

This year, ask yourself if you prefer long sessions or big swings and are you matching yourgame choice to your bankroll? Do the high-risk shots fit your financial plan?

A high-roller with a $10K session bankroll can handle the volatility of $5 denom machines or trifecta keys.

A player working with $400 cannot.

Matching game volatility to bankroll—and to temperament—is one of the most intelligent strategic shifts any gambler can make.

Commit to Post-Session Review— Your Most Underrated Advantage This might be your most powerful resolution of the year: review what you did after every gambling session.

A simple five-minute post-session log can illuminate patterns you would never notice in the moment like did you deviate from strategy? Were your biggest bets tilted or intentional? Did

you play too long because you were chasing? Which games earned the best return?

Over time, these patterns reveal your strengths and weaknesses—your personal fingerprint as a player.

Professional gamblers and sharp handicappers analyze their habits relentlessly. Recreational players rarely do. If you’re serious about elevating your game, this single habit will transform your results more than any “hot tip” or “system” ever could.

discipline, a puzzle, and a pursuit of mastery.

These seven resolutions aren’t about becoming robotic or joyless on the casino floor. They’re about maximizing thrills, extending your bankroll, and giving yourself a realistic shot at a winning year.

Because at the end of the day, winning isn’t about luck—it’s about decisions.

Smart play. Honest self-assessment.

Continued learning.

If you can commit to those principles,

Final Thoughts: Make 2026 the Year 2026 might just be your most You Play With Purpose rewarding year yet—both at the Gambling is entertainment—but for the sophisticated player, it’s also a

casinos and at the racetrack.

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The suites at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Miss. rival any in the country.

VEGAS SLOWS, REGIONALS RISE: WHY SOUTHERN & MIDWEST CASINOS ARE POSITIONED TO WIN

For decades, Las Vegas has stood as the unrivaled capital of American gaming — a dazzling hub of entertainment, hospitality, and iconic casino culture. And while the city continues to draw millions each year, recent tourism data reveals softening trends that may influence how players plan their future gaming trips. As Las Vegas navigates higher travel costs, evolving leisure patterns, and increasing competition for visitor dollars, casino resorts throughout the South and Midwest are witnessing a growing opportunity: more players are choosing regional destinations over long-haul trips to Nevada.

Vegas Remains Strong – But Key Indicators Are Shifting According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority 16 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

(LVCVA), the city welcomed 41.7 million visitors in 2024. While impressive, the figure remains slightly below the pre-pandemic peak of 42.5 million recorded in 2019. Recovery in 2023 and 2024 was encouraging, but several 2025 month-to-month reports have shown periodic year-over-year visitation declines, suggesting that the market is stabilizing rather than expanding.

Several factors that are contributing to this shift are higher airfare and travel expenses, premium-priced rooms and resort services, crowded peak periods and more attractive offers from casino resort options that are closer to home.

For years, Las Vegas thrived on the assumption that travelers would eagerly board a plane for the “full”

Vegas experience. Today, however, a growing number of core gaming customers are asking a different question: “Why fly when I can drive to something comparable?”

Beyond travel logistics, the rising costs on the Strip have reshaped the value equation. Dining, cocktails, shows, nightlife, and even casual experiences command premium pricing. As Southern & Midwest Gaming & Destinations publisher Douglas Dreisbach notes, “While Vegas is still the ultimate entertainment destination, there are many fantastic resort-style casinos throughout the region that deliver much of what players look for in Las Vegas — without the travel time or the high cost.”

Why Regional Casinos Are Gaining Ground Drive-Market Convenience Most players can arrive within one to three hours, avoiding airports, security lines, and long travel days.

Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee (L) and the all-new Live!

Casino Hotel in Louisiana both offer Vegas-resort style amenities.

The allure of Vegas remains powerful, shaped by its storied past and its transformation into a modern entertainment capital complete with fine dining, luxury shopping, and professional sports. But it is also a city that has evolved far beyond the days of $.99 shrimp cocktails and low-limit tables. “Today’s Vegas is certainly different than it was twenty years ago,” Dreisbach adds. “We’re a long way from cheap meals and $5 blackjack.

Many players are finding that regional casinos now provide the convenience and value that match their gaming preferences.”

The Regional Resort Advantage Across the South and Midwest, casino resorts have invested heavily in hotel upgrades, entertainment venues, fine and casual dining, sportsbooks, spas, and event programming — creating regional destinations that rival largescale national markets. Combined with shorter travel times and greater value, these properties have become appealing alternatives for both frequent players and occasional getaway travelers.

offered by regional casino resorts.

For properties across the South and Midwest, the opportunity is significant. By leaning into competitive advantages — including high-value offers, engaging entertainment, strong host programs, and the convenience of being a short drive away — regional casinos can strengthen loyalty, increase visitation frequency, and capture a greater share of gaming spend that might otherwise have gone to Nevada.

As Dreisbach summarizes, “Las Vegas will always have its place, but the regional market has never been stronger. Players are recognizing that they can get the gaming and entertainment experience they want much closer to home.”

With smart promotions, strategic marketing, and ongoing investment, regional casino resorts are wellpositioned to meet this moment — and to continue winning over players who once reserved all their excitement for the Las Vegas Strip.

Better Value and Predictable Costs Hotel rates, dining, entertainment, and service fees typically remain well below Vegas levels, delivering more play for the same budget.

Personalized Service & Strong Player Relationships Regional properties often excel in host interaction and reward reinvestment, creating loyalty experiences that feel more tailored and accessible.

Accessible Entertainment Rather than large-scale residencies, players enjoy concerts, comedy, festivals, and regional events that feel engaging without the Vegas price tag.

Relevant, High-Value Packages Offers that include free play, dining credits, hotel discounts, golf packages, and weekday staycation bundles provide tangible value — something Las Vegas has increasingly stepped away from.

A Long-Term Opportunity for Regional Gaming Markets Las Vegas will always be a worldclass destination with a brand that transcends the gaming industry.

However, the recent shift in visitation underscores a broader trend: players are rediscovering the convenience, value, and personalized experiences

Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI offers amazing golf, entertainment and other resort amenities.

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: Avoid the Exotics Most of you will probably categorize what I am about to say as pure blasphemy, however, please know that my motivation springs from a sincere desire to see your 2026 balance sheet void of red ink. By virtue of having “played the ponies” for over three decades, I can quickly recognize overarching trends relevant to both the “Sport of Kings” (and our domestic gambling culture as a whole). That said, I can emphatically declare that I am currently witnessing an untold number of players filing bankruptcy due to an obsession with what we gamblers call “exotic wagers.”

Simply illustrated, an “exotic wager” is where, instead of betting a single horse to Win, Place or Show, you try to predict the finishing positions of multiple horses in a single race (vertical exotic bet) or the winners of multiple consecutive races (horizontal exotic bet).

Examples of vertical exotic bets are Exactas, Trifectas and Superfectas (attempting to predict the first two, three or four finishers of a race in order). Examples of horizontal exotic bets are Daily and “Rolling Doubles” and Pick 3’s through Pick 6’s (attempting to predict the winners of two, three and up to six consecutive races).

Of course, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand the allure of placing exotic bets.

These types of wagers (when successful) can exponentially boost one’s bankroll by several “Benjamins.” Correspondingly, one lucky Pick 6 or Superfecta has the potential to literally change a person’s life. (Lest we forget, the 2009 Kentucky Derby produced a $1 Superfecta worth $278,532!)

Fully aware that the average player will fall hook, line and sinker when presented with the possibility of winning four, five or even six figures, individual racetracks feverishly market their own brand of exotic wagers in an effort to augment the “handle” (total amount of dollars bet into a particular pari-mutual pool). Frankly, this is smart business on management’s part since, unlike casinos (where the player squares off against the house), a racetrack will first deduct a healthy commission from all parimutual wagering pools before proportionately distributing the remainder back to those who correctly predicted the order of finish. Hence, 18 | 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 L O Y D

the more money collected, the greater the racetrack’s commission.

As a side note, racetracks commonly take a larger commission slice out of their exotic wagering pools. For example, the takeout for the Win, Place and Show pools typically falls around 17%. Conversely, I’ve seen takeouts as high as 25% for the Pick 3 through Pick 6.

Makes one think, doesn’t it?

Considering all the aforementioned data, let’s get down to brass tacks. If you haven’t noticed, it’s really hard to select the winner of a horse race. Countless variables collide when a field of eight equines spring from the gate in a six-furlong $25K Claiming Race. Anything can ultimately transpire due to track condition, jockey skill, equine fitness, hidden ailments, trip dynamics, and more.

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.

What I am trying to say is, if you pick a pony who ends up getting their photo taken in the winners’ circle, then you essentially “found the needle in the haystack.” Now think of how a player’s margin for error exponentially narrows when trying to handicap six consecutive races.

Even when “buying” multiple entrants per race, this type of wager is still a fool’s errand.

Alas, the promise of a colossal payday typically confers more temptation than the average handicapper can resist.

Even in single-race scenarios, the average race tracker will “swing for the fences” rather than simply take what the track is giving. A good example occurred in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar. As close to a sure thing as there was on the card, Ted Noffey secured top honors; however, rather than accept an 80% profit, a majority of players booked a losing Exacta thanks to a stout (and unexpected) runner-up named Mr. A P (8-1).

In conclusion, let me offer this priceless piece of advice: avoid the exotics throughout calendar year 2026. Yes, I’m serious. No Exactas, Trifectas, Superfectas, Doubles or Pick 3’s through Pick 6’s. Stick to straight betting only—Win, Place and/or Show. Do this and I guarantee that instead of Korbel, you’ll be popping a bottle of Dom Perignon come December 31st, 2026.

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PLAYER STRATEGY

LET IT RIDE: Smart Strategy, Real Odds, and How to Maximize Your Edge For gamblers who appreciate slower-paced table action with meaningful decisions, Let It Ride offers a refreshing mix of patience, probability, and controlled risk. While no strategy overcomes the built-in house edge, disciplined play grounded in math can significantly extend your bankroll and position you to capitalize when strong hands appear. For serious gamblers with varied bankroll sizes, the key is knowing when to “let it ride,” when to pull back, and how to structure your action to stay in the game long enough to hit the profitable hands.

How Let It Ride Works—Why Strategy Matters Let It Ride is a house-banked version of five-card stud. Each player makes three equal bets—the 1, 2, and 3 spots. After the initial deal, players may withdraw (“pull back”) their first bet.

After the dealer reveals the first community card, players may withdraw their second bet. The third bet always stays in play.

1. Before Any Community Cards Are Revealed (3-card decision) Let it ride IF you hold: • A pair of 10s or better • Three cards to a royal flush • Three cards to a straight flush where you have 0 or 1 gap AND you have at least one high card (J/Q/K/A) • Three consecutive cards to a straight flush (even with no high cards) Pull back your bet on everything else.

2. After the First Community Card Reveals (4-card decision) Let it ride IF your 4-card hand is:

Your decision points—whether to pull back or “let it ride”— determine your long-term results. Because most hands in Let It Ride lose, proper bet-pulling discipline is essential. The payouts come from the rarer strong hands: straights and higher.

• A paying hand already (pair of 10s+ or better) • Any four to a flush • Any four to an outside straight (open-ender) • Any four cards to a royal or straight flush • Pull back on everything not meeting these criteria.

Know the Odds: What You’re Trying to Hit

Four Key Insights Behind These Rules

A Let It Ride player makes a five-card poker hand. Here’s the probability of the hands that actually matter for strategy, along with standard payouts:

• Pairs of 10s+ are the bread and butter and the most common winning hand and its frequency makes it worth protecting.

Hand

Probability Typical Payout

Royal Flush

1 in 649,740 1000 to 1

Straight Flush

1 in 72,193 200 to 1

• Three-card straight flushes hold enormous value. Even when they don’t hit, the odds of turning them into a high-payout hand are strong enough to justify keeping the bet out.

Four of a Kind

1 in 4,165 50 to 1

Full House

1 in 694 11 to 1

Flush

1 in 509 8 to 1

Straight

1 in 255 5 to 1

Three of a Kind

1 in 47 3 to 1

Two Pair

1 in 21 2 to 1

Pair of 10s+

1 in ~6 1 to 1

Lesser pairs and non-pairs lose.

This distribution means two things, that most initial hands are losers and that you need to pull bets back often.

The game’s value comes from rare, high-payout hands—so you must stay alive for as long as possible.

The Core Strategy: When to Let It Ride A sophisticated Let It Ride player follows a mathematically grounded strategy. Here is the optimal simplified version, suitable for casino play without memorizing long charts: 20 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

• Flush and straight draws in the 4-card decision are highly profitable. A 4-card flush hits 1 in 4 times; a 4-card open straight hits 1 in 5. Combined with even-money payouts, the math supports riding these draws.

• Avoid chasing weak inside draws or low-value combinations.

The house edge lives in these hands—overplaying them drains bankrolls quickly.

Can You Beat the House? The Honest Math The standard Let It Ride house edge (using proper strategy) is around 3.5%. No strategy flips the edge, but a disciplined player can reduce volatility, stretch their bankroll significantly, position themselves for large jackpots, minimize losses from poor decisions and improve overall session longevity and enjoyment • For the sophisticated gambler, Let It Ride isn’t about beating the house—it’s about beating the other players’ mistakes.

Most players let weak hands ride far too often. You’ll outperform them by simply sticking to strategy.making.

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PLAYER STRATEGY

CRAPS INSIGHT: The True Value of Betting the 6 and 8 Among seasoned craps players, few wagers inspire more debate than place bets on the 6 and 8. Often touted as the table’s “workhorse” numbers—steady, reliable, low-houseedge bets—they let disciplined players build a controlled game. But how strong are they really, and when should you use them? Understanding the math and applying a refined strategy can make these numbers a powerful part of your betting repertoire.

WHY THE 6 AND 8 ARE SPECIAL

Craps is, at its heart, a game of probability. Every roll of the dice offers 36 possible combinations. The numbers 6 and 8 each have five combinations, making them the secondmost common point numbers behind the 7, which has 6 combinations.

That means before a 6 or 8 hits, the dice favor the 7 by a margin of 6-to-5. But once a point is established and place bets are working, this frequency advantage for the 7 translates into the house edge—not into a weakness for the player.

HOUSE EDGE ON PLACED 6 AND 8 When you place the 6 or 8, you’re paid 7 to 6. Because the bet hits 5 times out of 36 but loses to a 7 six times out of 36, so the house edge is 1.52% This is one of the lowest house edges for any non-odds, nonpass-line bet on the table.

FOR COMPARISON: • Hard 6/8: 9.09% • Big 6/8: 9.09% • Any 7: 16.67%

• Field bet: 5.56% • Yo (11): 11.11%

In other words, the placed 6/8 is as close as you can get to a “value” proposition outside of pass line odds.

IS BETTING THE 6 AND 8 A GOOD BET?

high-risk payouts.

A SMART BETTING STRATEGY: THE 6/8 PROBABILITYPRESS METHOD This strategy is built for experienced gamblers who understand variance, session goals, and bankroll management. It uses probability and percentage-based decision points instead of superstition.

STEP 1: ENTER WITH A 60% ALLOCATION RULE

Start by placing both the 6 and 8 using no more than 60% of your average roll-based unit.

Example: If your typical bet is $30, start with $18 each.

This ensures a workable press schedule with manageable exposure and sustainable play during normal runs of 7-outs.

STEP 2: USE A TWO-HIT TRIGGER BEFORE PRESSING

Research and table data show that a placed number will, on average, hit before the 7 roughly 45% of the time. But two consecutive hits occur only about 20% of the time. By requiring two hits before your first press, you lock in profit early, avoid over-pressing during cold tables and reduce risk of losing elevated bets to early 7-outs.

After the first hit, pull back your original bet amount into your rack. After the second hit, begin pressing.

STEP 3: PERCENTAGE-BASED PRESSING Instead of flat pressing ($6 every time), use a percentage system. Press 33% of your winnings each time the 6 or 8 hits.

If $18 pays $21, a 33% press = ~$7. New bet = $24. When $24 pays $28: 33% press = ~$9. New bet = $30–$33 (depending on table minimum increments)

For sophisticated, disciplined players: yes—but with structure.

This method grows bets proportionally, protects profit and avoids reckless exponential press schedules.

WHY THEY ARE A GOOD BET?

STEP 4: THE 50% REGRESS RULE AFTER A HOT ROLL

• High hit frequency: Only the 7 appears more often.

• Low volatility: More hits mean steadier sessions.

• Favorable edge: One of the lowest among place bets.

• Flexible sizing: Easy to press, regress, or ladder.

WHY THEY MIGHT NOT BE A GOOD BET? • Not a Zero House Edge: The 1.52% edge adds up.

• Exposed to the 7: Every bet lives and dies with each roll..

• Players over-press: Turning good bets into bankroll traps.

Ultimately, the 6 and 8 shine not because they are “lucky” but because they perform with consistent mathematical predictability. Used within a disciplined plan, they provide a controlled way to participate in the action without chasing 22 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

If a shooter hits your 6 or 8 four or more times (which occurs about 10–12% of rolls), automatically regress both numbers by 50%. This allows you to lock in meaningful profit while continuing betting with lower exposure and staying alive through the inevitable 7.

STEP 5: SHUT DOWN WHEN PROBABILITY SAYS SO

When you’ve had 3 presses on one number, 2 presses on the other AND both have hit at least twice, you’ve beaten expectation. This is the moment when many players get greedy—right when the table statistically trends toward a 7-out. The smart move here is to drop back to base level bets or take them down altogether.

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FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com

SUPER BOWL LIX

NBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - JUNE 2026

FEBRUARY 8, 2026 – LEVI STADIUM – SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA

Defending Champion: Oklahoma City Thunder won 4 games to 3 over the Indiana Pacers

Defending Champion: Philadelphia Eagles 40 – Kansas City Chiefs 22 Team Los Angeles Rams Seattle Seahawks Buffalo Bills Denver Broncos Philadelphia Eagles Houston Texans Green Bay Packers New England Patriots Jacksonville Jaguars San Francisco 49ers Baltimore Ravens San Diego Chargers

Jan 5/1 6/1 9/1 9/1 11/1 13/1 15/1 15/1 19/1 19/1 23/1 26/1

Nov 11/1 26/1 8/1 21/1 11/1 N/A 9/1 N/A N/A 21/1 23/1 23/1

Sept 21/1 N/A 7/1 23/1 8/1 N/A 21/1 N/A N/A 21/1 7/1 29/1

July 21/1 N/A 8/1 26/1 7/1 N/A 21/1 N/A N/A 21/1 7/1 29/1

May 21/1 N/A 8/1 N/A 7/1 N/A 23/1 N/A N/A 17/1 8/1 26/1

*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com in December 2025

NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 6, 2026 – LUCAS OIL STADIUM – INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Defending Champion: Florida Gators 65 – Houston Cougars 63 Team Michigan Arizona UConn Duke Iowa State Purdue Gonzaga Houston Louisville Michigan State Florida Illinois Kansas Alabama

Jan 5/1 10/1 11/1 11/1 12/1 13/1 13/1 15/1 19/1 23/1 23/1 29/1 29/1 30/1

Nov 19/1 29/1 15/1 13/1 N/A 10/1 N/A 11/1 23/1 N/A 17/1 N/A 21/1 N/A

Sept 19/1 29/1 16/1 13/1 N/A 10/1 N/A 11/1 23/1 N/A 17/1 N/A 21/1 N/A

July 16/1 26/1 15/1 12/1 N/A 11/1 N/A 12/1 23/1 N/A 19/1 N/A 21/1 N/A

St. John’s

30/1

19/1

19/1

19/1

*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com in December 2025 24 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

Team

January November

Oklahoma City Thunder

2/1

3/1

Denver Nuggets

8/1

7/1

Houston Rockets

13/1

15/1

New York Knicks

13/1

11/1

Los Angeles Lakers

15/1

19/1

Cleveland Cavaliers

21/1

8/1

Detroit Pistons

26/1

N/A

Orlando Magic

30/1

21/1

*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com in December 2025

152ND KENTUCKY DERBY - MAY 2, 2026 CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK – LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 2025 Champion: Sovereignty at 7-1 (Race Time: 2:02.31) Horse

Future Pool 2 (Nov. 2025)

Ted Noffey Further Ado Napoleon Solo Paladin Boyd Brant Incredibolt Mr. A.P. Englishman Universe Blackout Time Rebel Instinct Mob Cherokee Nation Courting Ewing *All other Foals of 2023 2/1 **All other entries over 50/1 odds.

7/1 13/1 21/1 22/1 22/1 25/1 28/1 29/1 30/1 32/1 34/1 34/1 37/1 41/1 45/1 46/1

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