NOVEMBER/DECEMBER - VOL. 21 ISSUE 6
GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00
TOP CASINO INDOOR AMENETIES
PAGE 6
SPORTS ODDS:
FUTURE WAGER PLAYS!
PAGE 28
ELTON JOHN... & TOP SHOWS OF SIN CITY
PAGE 14
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LETTER
from the Publisher
UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS
PUBLISHER
Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT
G. Douglas Dreisbach FOUNDING PUBLISHER
Larry Bisig
When it comes to planning a gambling getaway, what ultimately determines where you go? Is it an offer that comes in the mail? Maybe a comped room or free play promotion? Or perhaps the great steakhouse or bountiful buffet? In my opinion, apart from a few odds variations and bet limits, blackjack is blackjack, craps is craps and most other games are very similar from casino to casino. However, it is the extra amenities that set them apart from each other, and what ultimately determines where I stay, and play. So, what do I look for to determine my great gambling getaways? Well, for starters, recommendations from Gaming and Destinations! If you read about it here, or on our website, you can rest assured that it is a sure thing and you won’t go wrong by taking any and all of our recommendations. Second, it depends on the season. In the warmer months, it is important for the property to have a pool and golf course on property. An outdoor bar or lounging area is added value too and could ultimately sway my decision to go there. In the cooler months, it is all about the indoor amenities that make the play for me. There is something about a warm comforting spa experience where you can relax your worries away in a steam room followed by a massage with soft tranquil music playing in the background. It might cost you a couple hundred dollars for the service, but it will usually come with other perks like access to the fitness area, relaxing sitting areas or other property offerings. I am also a big fan of live music, so I tend to lean towards properties that host quality entertainment in auditoriums that are comfortable with good sound. Most casino concert venues are great because they usually hold around 1,000 to 3,000 people giving an intimate and personal feel that you won’t find in larger venues. Lastly, I like properties that offer different areas to relax, grab a drink and hang out that isn’t necessarily in the casino. While ultimately the reason for the trip is to gamble and win big, it is also nice to kick back, relax and enjoy the scenery. As always around this time of year, we like to offer a few suggestions for casinos that have premium indoor amenities. We included properties from Michigan and Wisconsin down to Mississippi and Louisiana that offer the best spas, showrooms and more. Be sure to check out page 6 and let us know what you think. Speaking of top entertainment, we are excited to have one of the greatest music icons of our time on the cover of this issue, Sir Elton John. Representing one of the highest grossing Las Vegas residence shows of all time, he joins other music legends who have cashed in big in Sin City. These long running shows offer visitors the opportunity to see some great concerts when they visit, and the entertainers the luxury of not having to travel around the country day in and day out. Check out the full list of top shows of Sin City on page 14 and be sure to get your tickets before you go, you won’t be disappointed! As always, this issue also has great tips and strategies to help you maximize your time and success in the casino. We hope you enjoy the issue and spread the word about Gaming and Destinations to your gambling buddies. For just $20 per year, you will get 6-issues of the magazine mailed to your door along with great coupons and special offers to casinos around the region. Visit GamingandDestinations.com to subscribe or give us a call at 502-212-5177 and we can process your payment over the phone! We also offer gift subscriptions so consider that for the upcoming holiday season! If you can’t be good…be lucky!
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Hill Harcourt CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
Linda Boyd John Grochowski Alex Payton William Ramsey Frank Scoblete GAMING AND DESTINATIONS
136 St. Matthews Ave. #300 Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 212-5177 e-mail:
editor@gaminganddestinations.com The goal of this publication is to help drive awareness of the ever-growing popularity of the gaming industry
and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest.
Gaming and Destinations is published
for those who seek the best in gaming
and in life, and is produced bimonthly by Gaming Media Group Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright
2019 by Gaming Media Group Inc.
All Rights Reserved. This publication is printed by LSC Communications., Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky.
Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.
Opinions of columnists are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the publisher, nor
does Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes
to Gaming and Destinations, 136 St. Matthews Ave. #300
G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher 2
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
Louisville, KY 40207
On the cover: Elton John and the top grossing shows of Sin City. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER
14 Shows of Sin City:
6
Top Las Vegas Residence Shows
24 Property Profile:
FEATURE ARTICLES
6
HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS
Tunica, Mississippi
Winter Retreats:
26 Casino Directory:
Kicking Back at the Casino
Our preferred properties and attractions.
10 Casino Strategy:
28 Sports Wagering:
Minimizing the House Edge
18 Sports Success:
Hollywood Casino –
Find the future odds on major sporting events.
Our Three GOATS
WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES
22 Casino Fun: Good Cheer for the New Year!
23 Craps:
The Gender Gap
10
18
24
Find us on Facebook
@SouthernGaming G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
3
FACTS
and Fun Stuff
DID YOU KNOW 1
?
WHAT DID BABE RUTH WEAR UNDER HIS BASEBALL HAT TO KEEP COOL? a. A wet towel b. A bag of ice c. A cabbage leaf d. His underwear
2
WHAT HALL OF FAME PLAYER IS THE SILHOUETTE USED IN THE OFFICIAL NBA LOGO? a. Michael Jordan b. Jerry West c. Pete Maravich d. Karl Malone
3
IN BACCARAT, WHAT IS THE CARD VALUE OF 10’S AND FACE CARDS?
SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS HOT BUTTERED RUM There is nothing better than relaxing by a warm fire on a cold day, especially when you have a tasty cocktail to enjoy. The drink of the issue this month is a classic that is both sweet and warm that will take the chill off your bones and have you ready for a long winters nap. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of butter (soft) 1 teaspoon of brown sugar 1 dash of cinnamon (ground) 1 dash of all spice (ground) 1 dash of nutmeg (ground 1 splash of vanilla extract 2 ounces of dark rum 5 ounces of hot water Directions: Place the butter, spices and brown sugar in the bottom of a mug and muddle thoroughly.
a. One
Pour the rum and hot water over spice blend.
b. Zero
Stir well, garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!
c. Actual value on the card d. Wild card – Whatever you want!
4
FUN WITH NUMBERS
HOW MUCH DID CELINE DION’S ‘A NEW DAY’ LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY GROSS FROM 2003-2007? a. $52 million
Number of stitches on a baseball
b. $178 million
108
38
c. $292 million
Percentage of Americans who have visited Las Vegas to gamble
d. $385 million
5
WHO WAS THE PIONEER OF THE CONCEPT OF ‘RESIDENCE SHOWS’ IN LAS VEGAS? a. Liberace b. Frank Sinatra
1.52
3000
Number of cows needed to supply one year of footballs for the NFL
c. Elvis Presley d. The Rat Pack
ANSWERS: 1.) C 2.) B 3.) B 4.) D 5.) A
4
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
House edge percentage when you bet the 6 or 8 in craps.
3
Pittsburgh is the only American city with three sports teams that all use the same colors
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everi.com
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
C A SI NO GE TAWAY S :
S ENSATION A L S PAS , S HOW ROOMS A ND MORE ! When it comes to beating the odds in the casino, sometimes the best strategy is to make your casino getaway less about the gambling, and more about pampering yourself and enjoying the amenities offered. While the casino’s may not like to hear us say that, they wouldn’t build these luxurious spas, indoor pools, concert venues and more if they didn’t feel their guests would utilize them. In our opinion, it is the amenities like these that sway visitation, and encourage us visit time and time again, and more reasons for G&D to continue to write about them in our articles. We are excited to feature a few of the premium casinos around the region that are sure bets for not only great gambling, but also awesome indoor amenities.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi, Mississippi) 228-386-7111 – BeauRivage.com
From world-class dining, shopping, 6
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entertainment, spa services, casino gaming and luxurious accommodations, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino brings a Las Vegas-style, full-service destination resort to Coastal Mississippi. By offering so many world-class amenities all under one roof, guests can arrive, check-in and never need to leave the premises. Whether coming for action or simply to relax, Beau Rivage offers guests a host of indoor amenities to entertain anyone! The professional staff at The Spa at Beau Rivage understands that getaways are more than a trip… they’re a state of mind. From the moment you arrive at The Spa, you will immerse yourself in the ultimate relaxation, entertainment and recreational experience. This is where Southern hospitality meets total spa sophistication and provides a world-class, indulgent experience unique to the Gulf Coast. From the state-of-the-art equipment to the exceptionally tranquil spa sanctuary, this spa will leave you feeling rejuvenated
and revived with intimate treatment rooms and attractively designed shared spaces. Spa facilities include a comprehensive coed fitness area with cardiovascular, circuit training and weight machines, as well as men’s and women’s saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, lockers and showers. Also new at Beau Rivage is the state-ofthe-art TAP Book, Bar & Bistreaux, your best bet to catch all your favorite sporting events. You can’t go wrong with more than 100 screens scattered throughout the area, including a massive 24-foot wide by 14-foot tall video wall, 15 beers on tap, more than 45 handcrafted bottled beer selections, and an all-star menu featuring the award-winning Landmass Burger, voted “Best of the Fest” at the 2019 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. For golfers looking to stay fresh over
the winter, be sure to check out the new
in the house. Some of the upcoming acts include Trace Adkins (Nov. 2), Travis Tritt (Nov. 15) and a Terry Fator: A Very Terry Christmas (Nov. 23).
IP Casino Resort & Spa (Biloxi, MS) 228-436-3000 – IPBiloxi.com
Gold Strike Casino Resort
Topgolf Swing Suite and Black Clover Lounge for a one-of-a kind virtual golf. The swing suite is the first of its kind on the Gulf Coast and the Black Clover Lounge is a nice added benefit of the area. When the sun goes down at The Beau, entertainment lights up at the 1,550-seat Beau Rivage Theatre. Considered to be one of the best-equipped theaters in the country, you will find headlining bands and seasonal production shows just about every weekend. The upcoming concert and performance calendar includes Christmas in the Air (Dec. 14-27), Alice Cooper (Nov. 9), Kenny G (Nov 15), Family Feud Celebrity Edition (Nov. 16 & 17), Terry Fator: A Very Terry Christmas (Nov. 23), Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas (Nov. 29), Michael Carbonaro Live! (Nov. 30), The Nutcracker (Dec. 8) and A Christmas with Aaron Neville (Dec. 13).
Gold Strike Casino Resort (Tunica, Mississippi) 662-357-1111 – GoldStrike.com
The Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica is a gem of Mississippi, and the latest indoor addition will have you reeling! The newest all-star in the Gold Strike lineup is Moneyline Book, Bar & Grill and offers guests the ultimate sports watching and wagering experience.Greeted by two 16-foot wide by 9-foot tall video displays and other televisions scattered throughout the area, you won’t miss a play all day! When you’re ready to lay down some action, you are only a few steps away from the Race & Sports Book where you can wager, and then watch, your key games in
one of several tiered dining and seating areas, each offering prime sports viewing angles throughout the 6,000-square-foot space. Two elevated VIP areas create a viewing experience unrivaled in the Mid-South. Like its sister property, Beau Rivage, guests can also enjoy a state-ofthe-art Topgolf Swing Suite offering the ultimate virtual golf experience that will add another level of excitement to your night. Gold Strike is also home to an indoor pool and hot tub with rock features and a waterfall that offer a grotto-like design and is adjacent to a fitness area. Kick back and relax and enjoy the sounds of water and rejuvenation. When you’re ready for some music, the concert calendar is always full at the Millennium Theatre, Gold Strike’s 800seat concert venue that hosts a wide array of production shows and headline acts. The acoustics are great and there isn’t a bad seat
When in Biloxi, you can’t miss the 32-story towering presence of IP Casino from just about anywhere in the area. Known for great gambling, excellent entertainment and delectable dining, guests will find satisfaction around every corner, including a luxurious spa and state-of-the-art concert venue. Senses Spa and Salon takes you on a journey far beyond your expectations with treatments inspired by nature and brought to you in a simple and elegant surrounding. From the Signature Aqua Treatments to the natural and effective skin care services; everything is centered around your enjoyment. Senses also offers a variety of couple’s treatments to indulge your senses with that someone special. The property also has one of the best concert venues in the region with Studio A where some of the biggest acts in the industry perform in the two-story auditorium. Upcoming acts include REO Speedwagon (Nov. 16), Willie Nelson & Family (Nov. 22), Jamey Johnson (Nov. 30), The Gatlin Brothers (Dec. 7), Brandon Bennett: An Elvis My Way Christmas (Dec. 20 & 21) and Morris Day and The Time rounding out the year on December 31. There is never a dull moment at IP!
IP Casino Resort & 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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Hollywood Casino & Hotel Tunica (Robinsonville, MS) 662-910-1997 HollywoodCasinoTunica.com
In addition to the glitz and glam of
Hollywood fame and fortune, Hollywood Casino also offers guests the chance to
relax in style at Spa Around the Corner.
Enhance your gaming experience with one of the many indulgent services offered,
including a variety of massage options, body treatments, facials, and the new
Himalayan Halo Therapy. Here, you’ll
see that there’s more to Hollywood than
gaming and dining – and you’ll be glad you came.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
charming and historic city. The Spa at
facials, massages, body therapy and more.
feet of luxury with tranquil treatment
with European methods and natural
Four Seasons offers guests 12,000-squarerooms, steam rooms, whirlpools, a couple’s suite, a full-service salon and a 25,000
square-foot roof top Sky Terrace with a
heated pool when in season and amazing
views of the Arch. Hotel Lumiere offers a
heated indoor pool for off-season months.
The spa is open seven days a week and the
outdoor pool is heated year-round so there Hollywood Casino & Hotel Tunica
Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels
is always the opportunity to be pampered.
1-877-450-7711 – LumierePlace.com
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Located in the heart of downtown St.
(Cherokee, North Carolina)
Gateway Arch, Hotel Lumiere and the
Caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee
Louis in the shadow of the famous
828-497-7777
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis both set the
Located in the heart of the Smokey
Mountains, Harrah’s Cherokee offers an
array of outdoor and indoor activities. The
including REO Speedwagon (Nov 15), Chevelle with Convey (Nov. 22) and
Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas Tour (Dec. 13) just to name a few.
Island Resort and Casino
is also home to the Mandara Spa and a
800-682-6040
rooms offering breathtaking views and
(Harris, MI)
3,000-seat entertainment center. The name
IslandResortandCasino.com
to eternal youth and beauty. At Mandara Spa, guests will feel young and beautiful
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
their comfortable entertainment center
Island Resort and Casino
about the gods’ quest to find the secret
8
The property also hosts great concerts in
stunning 21-story hotel is home to 1,108
Mandara comes from a Sanskrit legend
Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels
most unique and indulgent spa treatment.
to relax at the Lumiere Entertainment complex, be sure to check it out!
a modern and contemporary oasis in a
elements, meld together to provide the
There is always something to do and ways
(St. Louis, Missouri)
standard for luxury and service. Offering
These time-honored therapies, combined
and let their thoughts drift away while
indulging in luxurious services including
Island Resort and Casino is your total resort destination. From the moment you step onto the property you will
quickly realize there is no reason to leave.
Guests can enjoy the full-service spa, two
championship golf courses, six delicious
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is the place
gaming floor, including a Bingo Hall
relax and enjoy top entertainment. The
dining options and a full Vegas-style
and Poker Room. The pool is one of the only saltwater pools in the area and in
conjunction with the steam room, sauna and shower rooms, the area offers resort and spa guests a perfect oasis. Speaking of the spa, you can’t go wrong with the
tranquil Drift Spa. As soon as you step off the elevator into the spa area, your body will transform into a newly found sense
of calm and tranquility. The nature-based treatments and skilled therapists will
help you relax, refresh and restore mind-
body-synergy. For an even more enhanced experience, spa guests are invited to relax
in the tranquility rooms, co-ed sauna and separate steam rooms. Embracing the
healing traditions of Native American
healers, the Drift Spa is dedicated to mind, body and spirit renewal. Lastly, when it
comes time for world-class entertainment, Island Resort has you covered there too. The state-of-the-art Island Showroom features headline acts in a 1,315-seat
to be if you are ready to gamble, dine,
property is home to a great casino with
the latest slots and table games as well as a 26-table poker room, but that’s not all! The property also offers guests an event
center with top entertainment, a luxurious indoor pool area and a sensational spa.
The 2,100 seat event center hosts concerts ranging from classic rock to country,
comedy to contemporary and more in a
comfortable and intimate setting. Also be sure to find time for yourself and indulge in some R&R at the luxurious pool and spa area that provides something for
everyone including a sauna, whirlpool and steam room. FireKeepers is the premier
entertainment destination in the Midwest with great Vegas-style gaming, multiple award-winning restaurants and rockin’ event center. FireKeepers is a do-it-all
destination. Be sure to make a visit soon!
Treasure Island Resort & Casino (Welch, Michigan)
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
pedicures. To make things even better,
800-222-7077 – TICasino.com
you can enjoy a cocktail while you get
to check out their website for upcoming
When the weather turns cold, Treasure
Martinis special. Guest can also Splish and
promotions and other special events. See
rooms and suites, a spa, entertainment
theatre-style showroom providing an up close and personal performance. Be sure entertainment and get the latest on
Island heats up. Featuring almost 800
you soon on the Island!
venue, indoor water park and great dining,
FireKeepers Casino Hotel
you might have. Indulge your senses with a
(Battle Creek, Michigan) 877-352-8777 FireKeepersCasino.com
Treasure Island will cure any winter blues
pampering treatment from Wave Spa with a variety of staple spa services including facials, massages, haircuts, colors and
your nails done with their Manicures &
splash away at The Lagoon, the properties indoor water park! The Lagoon has two water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, a
lazy river that loops around the park and
an activity pool with basketball hoops and a family friendly warm tub. Adults can
enjoy a separate section with hot tubs and
the Barefoot Bar, where they can swim up and order their their favorite refreshment without ever leaving the water. Also be
sure to check out the concert calendar for
upcoming entertainment at the 3,000-seat
indoor event center. Some of the upcoming acts include The Beach Boys (Nov. 15),
Chris Janson and Thompson Square (Nov. 23), Diamond Rio: Holiday & Hits (Dec. FireKeepers Casino Hotel
21), Nick Swardson (Dec. 27).
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 Shutterstock.
C A S I N O S TR ATEGY:
FINDING THE LOW EST HOUS E EDGE by
JOHN GROCHOWSKI
Getting the lowest house edge in casino
requires not only that you stick to pass,
winner. On any game with a house edge,
achievable and worth the time to obtain
also requires tacking on odds or laying
But you will have more winning sessions
games usually takes some doing but is
come, don’t pass and don’t come bets, but
you’ll lose more than you win over time.
odds on your wager.
on low-edge games than on double-zero
For example, if you want to reduce the
However, sometimes, players just want
bets, and that’s just math!
percent, you need to learn basic strategy
are available that don’t require complex
For a relatively low house edge, try these
still have a fighting chance to win? You
BACCARAT
when you can.
house edge in blackjack to less than 1
for every possible hand vs. every possible dealer face-up card. Some video poker games have house edges of less than 1
percent – or even have a player edge in
some cases – but you need to know strategy for the specific game.
Craps is not necessarily a game of strategy but getting the edge beneath 1 percent 10
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
to relax and have fun. So, what games
strategies or study of multi-tiered bets and may not get the house edge all the way
below 1 percent without digging a little deeper, but the bets listed in this article
all have edges of less than 3 percent with minimal effort on your part.
That doesn’t mean you’re an automatic
roulette with its 5.26 percent edge on most
easy-to-play games and strategies.
You won’t decide whether extra cards are
drawn after the initial deal. You don’t need to know even a single strategy move to get the low house edge of 1.06 percent when you bet on banker or 1.24 percent when
you bet on player. In fact, the only decision
you need to make is whether to bet on
banker or player — the only two hands
that are dealt, no matter how many players are at the table. Decisions on whether to
add a third card to either of the two-card hands are automatic, dependent on the
totals of the first two cards. It’s all posted at the table so you can follow along. To
enjoy the game, what you need to know is that the hand closer to a total of 9 wins.
Aces count as 1, 2 through 9 as face value, and 10s and face cards as zero. You’ll pick up the rest as you play.
Banker hands win more often than player hands, but the house charges a 5 percent commission on winning banker bets.
Without that commission, players would have an edge on the banker bet. The
banker bet wins 45.9 percent of hands,
player bets win 44.6 and 9.5 percent of
hands will result in a tie. When you bet
banker or player, ties push. So, counting only hands in which you win or lose,
CRAPS In what is probably the most fun game
in the casino, craps also offers a low edge with very little work. To keep it simple,
we will start with a one-roll bet. You make your bet, the shooter rolls and you either win or you lose.
banker wins 50.7 percent and player 49.3
Most of the one-roll bets are terrible with
money, bettors would have a 1.4 percent
the field bet does check in at 2.78 percent
percent. If winning banker bets paid even edge, so it takes charging that commission on winning banker bets to give the house its 1.06 percent.
But really, all a bettor needs to know is that the house edges are low on both banker
and player. Ignore the tie bet, which carries
extremely high house edges. However,
provided you get a 3-1 payoff on either 2 or 12 – 12 in most markets.
Here is how it works. Place your chips
directly in front of you in the area marked
“Field.” You win even money if the shooter rolls 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11. If the roll is 2 or 12,
a 14.4 percent edge, but making either of
you get a bigger payoff. If that payoff is
with no strategies to learn.
5.56 percent and you can cross the field off
the others gives you a low edge shot to win
2-1 on both numbers, the house edge is
your list of potential wagers. However, if one of those numbers pays 2-1 while the
other pays 3-1, the edge is reduced to 2.78 percent.
You can do better than that at craps
without getting into the extra wagers and complexities of taking or laying odds. By
placing bets on the 6 and 8, you will enjoy a house edge of just 1.52 percent with
minimal effort. Simply place your chips
on the layout and tell the dealer you want to place 6 and/or 8, and then sit back and
watch. If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling your number, you lose, but if the shooter
rolls your number, you win and are paid at 7-6 odds. Because of that 7-6 payoff, you
do need to pay attention enough to bet in multiples of $6 – a $5 winner will just be
paid even money. But there is no strategy to learn, no secondary bets to make,
and the 1.52 edge is among the lowest available.
While the 6-8 bet is about as easy as it comes, also consider the pass or come
bets with a 1.41 percent edge or the don’t pass or don’t come bets with a house
edge of just 1.36 percent. You can make these bets and wait for them to play out
with no further action on your part, but some newcomers find these a little too
complicated to follow to put on a simple bets list.
THREE CARD POKER Three card poker is a game that may
intimidate some players, but once you sit
down and start playing, it is easy to learn and offers a house edge of less than 3
percent if played correctly. There are two
parts to the game: an ante/play wager and
Pair Plus wager. Pair Plus is the simpler of the two and you win any time your hand includes a pair or better. Unfortunately,
the most common available pay table has G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
11
a 7.28 percent house edge on the wager.
However, if you are lucky enough to find a
table that pays 40-1 on straight flushes, 30for-1 on three of a kind, 6-1 on straights, 4-1 on flushes and even money on pairs,
the house edge is only 2.32 percent. That
would put Pair Plus firmly on the good and easy list, but that pay table is rare in today’s casinos.
The better option would be the ante/play option, with house edges of 3.37 percent
of your ante and only 2.01 percent of your total action. In the ante/play option, you
start with an ante, then after you’ve seen your cards, you may either fold or make
an equal-sized bet as your ante. There is
strategy involved, but it’s simple. Bet if you
have Queen-6-4 or better, fold with lowerranking hands. That doesn’t make this a no-strategy game, but as a low-strategy
option, Three-Card Poker ante/play option
takes only half your bet when a zero turns
In Casino War, the only complicating
unfortunately rare in the rest of the U.S.,
tie. I don’t know how you played as a kid,
factor comes if your card and the dealer’s
makes the list.
up. That’s common in Atlantic City, but
SINGLE-ZERO ROULETTE (OR ROULETTE WITH A “HALF-BACK” RULE)
on even-money payoff bets such as red or
but when I played, the tie meant each
double-zero wheel with the half-back rule,
turned a third face up, with the higher
percent.
caboodle. You kept fingers crossed that
CASINO WAR
the mighty Aces — would wind up in
Remember playing War when you were a
Casino War. Instead, when you and the
Most American roulette wheels have both 0 and 00 and take a 5.26 percent edge on
all bets except the five-number basket of 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. On that bet, the edge soars to 7.89 percent. That comes nowhere near our low house edge list, however, if you
find a single-zero wheel, the house edge is only 2.7 percent.
Payoffs on both are the same where a
winning single-number bet pays 35-1
regardless of the number of zeroes, but
there are 38 numbers including the zeroes on a double-zero wheel with true odds of winning a single-number bet of 37-1. On
black, even or odd, or 1-18 or 19-36. On a
player put a second card face down, then
the edge on those bets is reduced to 2.63
third card winning the whole kit and
youngster? You’d get a card, the other kid would get a card, and the high card wins.
Petty simple right? Well now you can cash in on your youth!
Casino War is simple. You get a card, the
dealer gets a card, high card wins. You will find this game mostly in large casinos with a lot of table game space. In small casinos,
your opponents’ highest cards — especially the middle of a War. It’s not like that in dealer tie, you can surrender and forfeit
half your bet. Or you can make a second bet equal to your first and take your
chances on a second card for you and for
the dealer. If you win, you’re paid on one
bet and get the other back. If you lose, you lose both bets. That’s how the house gets its 2.9 percent edge in a six-deck game.
a single-zero wheel, there are 37 numbers
where every different table game offered
The strategy? In case of tie, always
zero, there is less of a gap between true
you’re not likely to see War. Blackjack’s
Surrendering your hand will give the
house edge. Even a double-zero wheel,
operators reluctant to give over space to a
with the true odds of 36-1. With only one
means crowding out a blackjack table,
odds and the payoff, leading to a lower
popularity with players makes casino
can be made more playable if the house
game with a smaller niche following.
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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
make the second bet and go to War.
house an extra eight-tenths of a percent.
So your strategy is automatic, as good as having no decisions to make. It can’t get much easier than that.
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Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.
S HOWS OF S I N C IT Y: T OP GROS S ING R E S IDE NCE S HO W S OF A L L-T IME by
WILLIAM RAMSEY
Las Vegas residency shows may have only
Those popular showcases — including
it’s not a new phenomenon. Since Vegas
Lawford and Joey Bishop — began as less
casinos understood that attracting
of song, comedy and hijinks that corralled
become cool in the 21st century, however, arose from the desert in the mid-1940s, gamblers meant offering top-notch
entertainment for nightly shows spanning weeks if not months.
That still holds true today, but what is
now commonly referred to as a “residency” began in earnest with Frank Sinatra and
the Rat Pack holding court at such iconic
(and long-gone) Vegas hotels as The Sands and the Desert Inn. 14
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Peter
of a traditional concert and more of a mix
International and other hotels until his death in 1977.
Unfortunately, these long-running shows came to be viewed as a career-ending
the stars when they began the filming
destination for performers past their
film that begat its own franchise.
that reputation through much of the
“Ocean’s Eleven,” the popular casino heist The Rat Pack may have cemented the
idea of a residency, but it took the return of Elvis Presley in 1969 to usher in the modern concept. Beginning with his
stunning return to live performances with
prime. Vegas residences languished with 1980s and ‘90s until Canadian superstar, Celine Dion, took command of the new Colosseum at Caesars Palace with the record-breaking “A New Day.” That
four-year stand beginning in 2003 set a
his debut at the then-new International
new standard for what a residency could
twice a year for extended stands at the
dismissed the showcases in the past.
Hotel, Presley was signed to appear
be, attracting artists and bands who had
Elton John and Britney Spears took the
residency torch from Dion, establishing
their own long-running shows, ushering in a flood of performers such as Cher,
Lady Gaga and George Strait, all eager
to take their shows off the road and into
the more intimate confines of showrooms and spectacular theaters. As Las Vegas transformed from solely a gambler’s
paradise into an entertainment mecca for
all ages, a residency has become an integral element of both a hotel’s attraction and a status symbol to artists of every musical genre.
In this article, we are excited to highlight
— in 2011 that ended in January 2019
residence shows in history. If you get a
top-selling first showcase that set the gold
perform, we highly recommend it!
commercial success.
some of the top grossing Las Vegas
with a stand that almost matched her
chance to see any of these super stars
standard for residencies in both critical and
Elton John “The Red Piano” (2004-09), The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, $166.4 million “The Million Dollar Piano,” (201118), The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, $131.2 million The Colosseum at Caesars Palace wasn’t
dark long following the end of Dion’s first Vegas residency. Perhaps no performer
was more uniquely poised to settle into
a residency that Elton John, whose long
career, flamboyant dress and large catalog
Celine Dion “A New Day” (200307), The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, $385 million “Celine” (2011-19), The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, $296.2 million
of hits spanning generations were tailormade for such a showcase. John was no
stranger to the Strip, having performed
in the city more than any other place. His 22-leg residency drew almost a million
Britney Spears “Piece of Me” (2013-17), The AXIS at Planet Hollywood, $137.7 million What appeared at first to be an unlikely forum for the young star to attempt to
recapture the glory of her chart-busting
teen years ended up being a huge success for Britney Spears. True to form, Spears mixed vibrant dance routines with a
musical tour of her hits and tracks from her latest albums amid pyrotechnics
that thrilled fans and earned the star
her top status on the list of top-grossing
residences. Her final show in the residency set a then-record for the highest-grossing single concert in a theater, grossing
$1.2 million. Spears is now recognized as having played an important role in
attracting younger fans to Las Vegas. After a break, Spears next planned residency, titled “Domination,” at Park Theater at The Park MGM has been put on hold.
full of hits from “Your Song” to “Bennie
Jennifer Lopez, “All I Have” (2016-18), Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood, $101.9 million
second place behind Dion with receipts
Stealing Britney Spears’ one-show, record-
2007, setting a high bar for the format,
to Caesars in 2011 for a seven-year run
Jennifer Lopez ended her two-year
with phenomenal acoustics. Dion returned
a more intimate setting that highlighted
Hollywood Resort & Casino with the box-
now known as “The House Celine Built”
superstar northward of $131 million.
show. Living up to its name, JLo gave fans
The Canadian singer was, and remains, the Las Vegas residency champion, launching her ground-breaking, record-setting 717
fans and cemented his show — chock
and the Jets” to “I’m Still Standing” — in
shows at Caesars Palace from 2003 to
of more than $166 million. John returned
setting finale, multi-talented entertainer
featuring visually stunning sets in a theater
with his “Million Dollar Piano” residency,
residency at the Zappos Theater at Planet
to Caesars and the Colosseum theater —
deep cuts from his albums and earned the
office smashing $1.43 million for a single
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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high-octane performances that mixed hits
from her catalog and covers in English and Spanish set to eye-popping production in what has been lauded as a quintessential Las Vegas showcase. In a career that
includes hit movies, music and frequent
TV appearances — and now a headlining
spot at the 2020 Super Bowl — few Latina performers have had as much success in crossover appeal as Lopez and it likely
won’t be long before she returns to Vegas.
Cher, ”Cher” (2008-11), The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, $97.4 million The Grammy, Emmy, Tony and Oscarwinner whose career spans 50 years —
including the singular honor of having hits in each of those decades since the 1960s
— launched her second Vegas residency at the Colosseum in 2008 with a large dance troupe and a series of flamboyant costume changes the “Goddess of Pop” is known
for. The show featured songs representing each phase of her career, from her years
with the late Sonny Bono in Sonny and
Cher to her long-running series of charttopping pop and dance hits. Despite a
top-selling farewell tour, the 72-year-old diva returned to Las Vegas from March
to September 2019 for a residency at Park MGM.
Bette Midler, “The Showgirl Must Go On” (2008-10), The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, $71.8 million
“The Hits,” to Caesars Palace. With 20
years of bluesy-rock and pop hits behind him, Stewart reinvigorated his career
in the 1990s with his take on American
Bette Midler began her career as a
songbook classics. But Stewart understood
cabaret singer at a gay bathhouse in
the Colosseum with what could be called
accompanied by a young Barry Manilow
him with almost $58 million for the long
performer Off-Broadway and as a brassy
his fans and filled his seven-year run at
New York City. She was sometimes
“just a good rock show,” and fans rewarded
behind the piano. After recording several
residency
albums, Midler found success on the big screen with “The Rose,” and never look
back, amassing hit songs while continuing her successful acting career. With half a
century of music and movies behind her,
the “Showgirl Must Go On” was a natural
for the entertainer when she opened a twoyear stand at the Colosseum that landed “The Divine Miss M” No. 8 spot on the
list of top-grossing Las Vegas residencies.
Rod Stewart, “The Hits” (201118), The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, $57.5 million The raspy-voiced, spiky-haired rocker — whose string of hits include the disco-
inflected “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” among
many others in a long career on the charts — was 69 when he brought an all-hits show, appropriately and simply titled
George Strait, “Strait to Vegas” (2016 to present), T-Mobile Arena, $47.5 million (through 2018) George Strait stands almost alone with
the type of broad crossover appeal that has allowed him to continue what began in
2016 as four concerts over two weekends
into a long-running residency on the strip at T-Mobile Arena. The button-downed, crisply starched Texan has amassed an
amazing string of 60 No. 1 country and
chart-topping pop hits — from “Amarillo
by Morning” to “Oceanfront Property” —
in a career spanning half a century. Having retired from touring, Strait extended his “Strait to Vegas” early on in its run and is scheduled to continue his infrequent weekend shows through 2020.
Sources: Statista.com, Billboard.com, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Wikipedia.com 16
| 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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SPORTS SUCC ESS: OUR TOP THREE GOAT S by
A L E X P AY T O N
The term GOAT is synonymous across
these sports have today. Their impact
fans, especially not golf fans, have even
the talent to even be considered one of
always will. Here are some of the reasons
is on tv. I tried to follow him at one of the
all of sports. Every player strives to have
continues to linger in their sports, and they
watched a hole or two of golf when Tiger
that Tiger, Jordan, and Serena Williams
PGA Championships at Valhalla a few
Everyone wanted a glimpse of one of his
become so much more than just a players’
all time.
TIGER WOODS
wishing he would hit a shot that would be
attaches to an athlete that has completely
You want to be blown away? Watch a
sport. Basketball, golf, and tennis have a
the 18th green, years out of his prime
Every time a golfer cashes a check after a
we still care so much? We can’t stop
million bucks or so, they should send over
the greatest to ever do it. At this point,
it takes an unreal athlete to get into the
discussion. However, I think this term has stats or numbers, it has become a term that changed the culture in their respective
GOAT, and they will never be dethroned. Not because their talent will never be
matched, not because their records will never be broken, but because they were
responsible for the stage and culture that 18
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
will always be considered the greatest of
crowd try to follow Tiger Woods onto and not even making the cut. Why do admiring the impact and popularity that
he brought to a relatively unpopular sport until his arrival. People who aren’t sports
years ago and it was nearly impossible. great moments, as did I. Praying and
remembered forever, as he’s done so many times before.
random weekend tournament for a smooth a percentage to Tiger in a thank you card. It is because of him that we see so many guys become millionaires playing this
sport. When Tiger won his first Major
in ‘97, the purse was $2.7 million, with
the winner taking home just under half
a million. Tiger cashed a winning check after this past year Masters tournament
for $2.07 million of a total purse of $11.5
million. Don’t tell me that’s just inflation.
That’s the impact of a man who has created golf fans around the world.
You can turn on the tv to a tournament and still see the influence he has. Being from
MICHAEL JORDAN Michael Jordan has made some of the
same cultural impacts in basketball that Tiger Woods made in golf. His success
led to Space Jam, The Dream Team, six championship rings, and of course the
shoes! Jordan has had, and continues to
have, such an impact on the lifestyle and culture of basketball and other sports as
well. The game is getting faster, and guys are becoming bigger and stronger. It may upset many lifelong Jordan fans, but his
Louisville, Kentucky, I love my hometown
talent will be surpassed, if it hasn’t already.
many times about the effect that watching
and no one will have a greater impact than
JT hit a nice iron approach, and just as he
Fans love to get in the Lebron debate,
that was done by the GOAT himself.
athlete and we haven’t seen anything
guy, Justin Thomas, and he has spoken
Tiger Woods had on him. It’s great seeing does, doing a little nice twirl of the club
The game will improve because of him, the GOAT.
so I’ll chime in. Sure, Lebron is a freak
Sponsors like Nike have been able to come
quite like him. He’s been able to do so
the unmatched charisma that Tiger broke
like funding a school in his hometown
into golf and spend a fortune, thanks to
onto the scene with. Kids want to play with the clubs he has, wear the shirts he has, and heck, I even wear red to church on Sundays!
Golf has such a bright future and there
are some fun young guys to watch. Dustin
Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and many more are so entertaining to watch
and follow, but their stage was created by
much with the opportunity given to him, of Akron. But Jordan created the stage
for Lebron to play on. We can debate the
numbers all day but debating the impact of
the game would be easy. It might have a lot to do with timing, but what Jordan did to the culture will never be matched. Just as
MJ said to Kobe, “You can wear the shoes, but you will never fill them”.
The Jordan brand hasn’t slowed down a bit since his retirement and still continues to
grow. Turn on a North Carolina college basketball game and check out those
jerseys. They’ll include the Jumpman logo right on the shoulder. We are now seeing every popular basketball player getting their own line of shoes. Lebron, Kobe,
Steph, and many, many others all have a
new shoe that comes out every year. Looks like Michael Jordan could use some thank you cards as well. Jordan signed on with Nike in 1985 and they made more than $100 million that year. This created a
world where all these popular athletes are
receiving big money endorsements. I want to be like Mike! Get me a Gatorade, but don’t spill any on my Hanes t-shirt.
Nobody can wear or utter the number 23 without referencing Jordan. Lebron has even second guessed wearing it, several
times. There is a fist fight on every kid’s basketball team for the number 23. We just need to retire it across the sport.
People still wear his jersey, people still
make songs about him, and athletes still
try to leave half of the legacy that Jordan did. Look at another Louisville guy,
Donovan Mitchell, who wears the number 45 for the Utah Jazz. In Michael Jordan’s
trip over to baseball, which he did because well, why not, he wore the number 45.
Donovan Mitchell was a big baseball fan and wears that number to honor him
one man. There have been many greats
before him that meant a lot to the sport, such as Jack Nicklaus, or The Golden
Bear. But Tiger took the popularity of the sport to the next level. These two guys are for sure two of the four that would be on
golf ’s Mount Rushmore, but Tiger stands out from the rest. When I play a golf
video game, I play as Tiger. When I hit a rare approach shot, I quote Tiger. When I think of someone who embodies the
greatest of all time, I think of Tiger. And for golf, I believe this will always remain the case.
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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Serena Williams Serena Williams is THE name in tennis, male or female. Many female sports have lacked popularity such as the WNBA, and we see wage gaps in sports such as
soccer. This hasn’t happened in tennis, and it has everything to do with the impact of Serena Williams. Serena has earned over
everyone had their eyes on the young Coco
to because of their impact. Female tennis
player who eventually lost to the top-rated
tennis court. Sorry Venus, Sharapova, and
Gauff, the 15-year-old American tennis Naomi Osaka, who also looked up to
Serena Williams. Serena has dominated
the sport and has captivated fans with her emotional play. Just as Tiger and Jordan do, tennis players want a piece of the
$89 million dollars in prize money in her
success she has had. If she is playing well
female American tennis player. Ratings
but over once they start, but fans want to
which sounds a lot like Tiger. Like him,
even won a tournament pregnant. I repeat,
players want to be her, on and off the
Federer, Serena Williams is the pinnacle, and always will be.
These athletes weren’t just great because of their majors or championships they won. Their impact was far greater than that.
People will pass their talent level, maybe
career, which is more than any male or
and healthy, many tournaments are all
soar when she is competing in a major,
watch and experience a superior talent. She
Serena has paved the way for African
she won a tournament pregnant.
athletes in every sport and even me, to be
Players like Coco and Osaka might come
my Jordan’s on, a TW hat while watching
American athletes. Girls who play tennis
look at one woman in history they want to be like, and to me, that means a lot as far as naming a GOAT.
Like the other greats, Serena is going to
leave her sport in good hands. Kids have looked up to her and are now becoming
professionals themselves. In the US Open, 20
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
along and push the talent level of women’s
tennis to the next level, but there will only ever be one Serena, one GOAT. Serena
has stakes in the Miami Dolphins and the UFC, along with investing in dozens of
businesses lead by women. And yet, here is
another athlete that Nike has paid millions
win more titles, but no one will ever create the popularity and culture that they did.
They have given so much opportunity, for able to sit here and write an article with
the US Open. Show me a Tiger fist pump, Jumpman logo, or Serena serve, I see the
immortal, I see the greats, I see the reason sports are on the stage they are today. The future is brighter because of them, and I
can’t wait to see the impacts they continue to have.
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PLAYER STRATEGY
CASINO FUN: Good Cheer for the New Year If you’re a serious partier, especially if you’re under 40, then New Year’s Eve (NYE) is a great time for you to go to Times Square, NYC or Las Vegas, but what if you’re over 40 or under-funded? You can still have a rip-roaring time at a casino near you. In fact, as soon as the first colorful mailers for the last day of 2019 come rolling in, start making decisions and arrangements for Auld Lang Syne. Early Sign Up You’ll be surprised by how early NYE offers start arriving. For many, that’s precisely why there’s a tendency to put them aside, which can be a big mistake. You can wait a few days if you’re expecting others but if it’s a comped evening with entertainment, dinner and drinks then you shouldn’t procrastinate. The best options fill up fast and, even if you have the highest-level slot card, you may miss out by waiting. If something better comes along you can always cancel and jump on the new deal. Promotions Pay close attention to the promotions accompanying each offer you get in the mail or online. Often this is the deciding factor in making a final decision. I focus on the number of winners as well as the quality of the prizes. For example, some casinos will give away a high-end prize, say a luxury car, or a chintzy amount of free play while another will give more prizes but they’re middle-of-the road. Remember it’s NYE so the house will be full making the odds even longer than normal of winning the automobile. Also, some casinos require that you use the free play that night and it will be hard to find a vacant machine. Choose Your Crowd They may be wonderful friends and lots of fun, but if they’re not gamblers and you plan on playing it could become a miserable evening. Your buddies may say they can’t wait to try their luck, but once their $20 is gone they will stop “gambling” and you’ll feel guilty. (There’s a running joke among Vegas hotel brass that conventioneers bring one clean, white shirt along with a $20 bill for their annual sin city meetings.) Either decide ahead of time that you won’t gamble (not a bad idea since most machines and tables will be full) or make sure your group is on the same page. Cabana If you know you’ll be toasting throughout the evening, then book a room well in advance at the 22
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
by
LI N DA B OY D
casino or someplace nearby. Hotels will fill up quickly and catching a cab or uber won’t be easy. Expect numerous sobriety checkpoints, a good thing, especially in locations near casinos and bars. Drinking and “Deriving” If you’ve already decided to gamble and have several cocktails NYE, then arrive early and consider no-brainer games. Video poker (VP), for example, is a poor choice if you’re drinking heavily because there’s lots of thinking and concentration involved in making correct holds. (In case you’re wondering, the term derive in math means you might have a formula with specific variables and use it to algebraically create a new equation suited to your purpose. For example, you can be given the quadratic formula and derive it to solve for X so it can easily be used elsewhere.) Most table games, say blackjack or Texas Hold’Em, involve clear-headed analysis and decision-making so, unless you’re mad at your money, play sober. I know we’ve heard of mucho dinero won while somebody is drunk and playing felt games, but it makes a great story because it’s an anomaly. Unfortunately, we don’t hear much about gamblers who get drunk and lose their shirt because they can’t make rational decisions. Midnight Madness If you’ve decided that you’ll bring in 2020 in Vegas you won’t want to be locked out of your casino due to fire regulations or squished by others as you make a mad dash to get inside. It’s true that the house stretches fire regulations on NYE, but they will still lock their doors in your face once it’s way over what’s allowed. The revelry on Las Vegas Boulevard and Freemont Street is a total blast (especially under the electronic canopy in Downtown Vegas) but be prepared for an unruly crowd, spilled drinks, and possible difficulty getting through the mayhem to your casino and room. If you have a mobility handicap remove yourself from overcrowded casinos, even if you’re not in Vegas, well before midnight. Final Thoughts In spite of needing to plan in advance, casinos are full of fun, laughter, chaos and cheer on NYE. Revelers are optimistic about the year ahead, nobody judges you for over-eating or imbibing, and you can get away with corny jokes; most of all, you’ll create kodak moments for pleasant reflections in years to come.
Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations and various other publications around the country. You can see her videos on YouTube and listen to her radio interviews on iTunes. Her 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 from amazon.com, Square One Publishers and bookstores and the Kindle edition is also now available.
“THE HOUSE WILL BE FULL MAKING THE ODDS EVEN LONGER THAN NORMAL.”
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PLAYER STRATEGY by
FRANK SCOBLETE
CRAPS: The Gender Gap They make up a slight majority of blackjack players. They make up a majority of slot players. They are about 50 percent of roulette players and baccarat players. They play Pai Gow Poker and all the carnival games. Without them there would be no casinos throughout the land. There might just be Vegas. That’s a fact.
Frank Scoblete is one of the most knowledgeable gambling authors in the world. He has published numerous books, taught strategy classes and hosts a web-site where you can find links to his books and more. Frank Scoblete’s web site is www. frankscoblete.com. His books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, e-books and at bookstores.
But they don’t play craps in any large numbers and they probably make up about two percent of the players – if that. Who are they? They are women who have eschewed craps since it was the number one table game in the casinos in the 1950’s up until it gave its title away to blackjack around 1963. That didn’t matter even though craps is now in second place behind blackjack – and women still stay away from the game. Craps is a man’s world. Totally. Just go to any casino and you’ll see the truth of this. Yes, you will find some girlfriends of men playing but they are just at the tables as armcandy. They’ll stop playing once they get married or breakup with Todd Jr.
“CRAPS BECAME A DOMINANT GAME DURING WORLD WAR II.”
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Real dyed-in-the-wool craps players are rarely women. In fact, a woman alone at a craps table is a jarring sight for some men, especially those older men who were weaned on the game that had no women players. Why did this happen? Craps became a dominant game during World War II when men in the armed forces picked it as their favorite non-card game in their free times away from battle. Craps had made its way to the Northern cities by mid-1920’s from its origin along the Mississippi River in the late 1800’s. A game based on the English game of Hazard and called “crabs” appealed to the former slaves and the Southern gentlemen and non-gentlemen. The name “crabs” was changed to “craps” because the Southern accent confused Northerners who thought players were actually saying “craps” as opposed to “crabs.” It was a street and basement game played by men. They refined the game and played it extensively before and during World War II. My gambling
mentor, the late Captain of craps, first played craps in the Army during the war. When Las Vegas started roaring after the war, craps was instituted in the casinos and its popularity was unsurpassed. Men flocked to the tables to play the casino version of the game. And the women? They were told to “take this money and go play the machines.” Craps was not the world for them. Indeed, I remember those World War II veterans in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in Atlantic City being quite put out if a woman came to the table in those days. One old cantankerous gravellyvoiced guy said to one of the first women I ever saw at a table, “Lady, don’t you know this is no place for you. The slot machines are for women.” Some women with whom I have talked do express a desire to play the game, or at the very least to try the game but the layout and the screams of the men have a tendency to turn them off. The layout alone can certainly be off-putting. All the boxes and bets can seem overwhelming to someone thinking of trying the game. The language of the bettors is also confusing; how can anyone understand what’s going on here? And chips are flying all over the place! Those of us who play craps are so accustomed to the layout and the yells of the players that we aren’t confused or upset by anything in the normal course of the game. Certainly, a player not following the rules of the game can be annoying but that is an entirely different thing. I believe more women should try the game. The layout is not really that intimidating once you understand what everything means. Proper playing strategies basically negate all the bad bets on the table and a smart player only makes the few – the very few – bets that are worth making. Learn these few bets and a person can play the game almost immediately. Women and craps should enter the modern casino world. The time has come for women to throw off the shackles of past thinking and grasp the joy of rolling dem bones! Come on ladies, give it a try. 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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PROPERTY PROFILE:
HOLLY WOOD CAS INO : TUNICA , MIS S IS S IP P I When it comes to finding the best places to stay and play for your casino adventures, Southern Gaming strives to make your research easy. Our property profile features are snapshots of our preferred properties and what you can expect from check-in to check-out, and everything in between. This article highlights Hollywood Casino in Tunica, Mississippi where you will find everything you could possibly want in a getaway destination. Stay and Play Take advantage of great hotel packages at the awesome five-story tower overlooking the casino floor and an eight-story tower next to the largest indoor pool in Tunica. Enjoy amenities like the one-of-a-kind outdoor sundeck, an outstanding fitness center, a great gift shop and priority tee times at the River Bend Links Golf Course. You can also count on superior customer service every day of your stay. Spend the Day Shopping or Visit the Spa Make sure to carve out some time to treat yourself to a luxurious spa experience at Spa Around the Corner. Featuring Himalayan Halo Therapy and everything you need to relax and unwind; this spa will have you wanting to add extra days to your stay. If you are looking for something special, a souvenir or just that one-of-akind item or impulse buy, stop by the gift shop where you will find top brands like Swig, Swan Creek Candles and Melts, Jimmy Crystal of New York, FitBit, 24
| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
Corky’s Shoes, Scentations Potpourri/ Room Spray, Flathau’s Shortbread Cookies and much more. Just What the Golfer Ordered For the golf enthusiast out there, Hollywood offers stay and play packages at both Tunica National Golf Course and River Bend Links Golf Course. River Bend provides golfing right off the Mississippi River on a par-72, 6,900-yard course that integrates Tunica’s natural surroundings into its Scottish links-style course design. Tunica National offers a tournament-level, 18-hole championship course designed by PGA tour player Mark McCumber. Tunica National also provides one of the only indoor, clay-court tennis facilities in the area that can be utilized throughout the cooler months of the year. Award-Winning Dining with Something for Everyone Start with prime-cut steaks and delicious seafood creations at Fairbanks Steakhouse voted Best Steakhouse in Tunica several years in a row by the readers of Southern Gaming. This elegant, one-of-a-kind restaurant features extraordinary service, an array of rich pastas and fresh salads, as well as an award-winning wine selection. In addition to the magnificent menu, Fairbank’s chef, Mark Kimball was runner-up in Southern Gaming’s Casino Chef Showdown and creates delectable dishes nightly, including Oysters Fairbanks, Cajun Style Gumbo and Chilean Sea Bass.
You can also experience a never-ending parade of flavors at the aptly named Epic Buffet. Satisfy your every craving with seafood, pasta, salads, a carving station and a sweet collection of delectable desserts. And if you’re looking for a place to grab a quick bite, Celebrity Grill offers excellent burgers, sandwiches, pizza and breakfast items. Casino Excitement that Never Ends. If you’re looking for the hottest slots and exciting table games, Hollywood Tunica ups the ante with over 900 of the latest slots, 28 high-energy table games, a fantastic enclosed poker room and a oneof-a-kind Sportsbook area where you can bet on college and pro sports every day. When it comes to the best amenities and gaming excitement – Hollywood Tunica delivers. Just stop by and you’ll quickly see why guests keep coming back. For Reservations or Information visit HollywoodCasinoTunica.com or call 1-800-871-0711.
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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SOU THERN
CASINO DIRECTORY
Below is a list of our preferred properties of the South showcasing some of the great things that each property has.
WEBSITE
PHONE NUMBER
*CC PARTNER
TABLES
MACHINES
KYDerby.com
502-636-4400
BELTERRA CASINO RESORT
belterracasino.com
812-427-7777
•
55
1,473
RISING STAR CASINO RESORT
risingstarcasino.com
800-472-6311
•
29
897
GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT
goldstrike.com
662-357-1111
53
1,400
HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA
hollywoodcasinotunica.com
662-357-7700
28
1,079
41
1,563
34
1,275
54
1,224
57
1,800
KENTUCKY CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK INDIANA
TUNICA •
MID-SOUTH: INCLUDES LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA AMERISTAR CASINO VICKSBURG
ameristar.com/vicksburg
601-638-1000
CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO HOTEL
cypressbayou.com
337-923-7284
MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO
margaritavillebossiercity.com
318-698-7177
PARAGON CASINO RESORT
paragoncasinoresort.com
318-253-1946
PEARL RIVER RESORT
pearlriverresort.com
866-447-3276
79
2,350
WIND CREEK ATMORE
windcreekatmore.com
866-946-3360
N/A
1,720+
WIND CREEK MONTGOMERY
windcreekmontgomery.com
866-946-3360
N/A
2,200+
WIND CREEK WETUMPKA
windcreekwetumpka.com
866-946-3360
N/A
2,550+
BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO
beaurivage.com
228-386-7111
96
1,800
IP CASINO RESORT & SPA
ipbiloxi.com
228-436-3000
•
60
1,475
SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT
scarletpearlcasino.com
888-266-5772
•
45
1,146
SILVER SLIPPER CASINO HOTEL
silverslipper-ms.com
228-469-2777
•
25
965
CALDER CASINO & RACE COURSE
caldercasino.com
305-625-1311
•
RACING
1,200
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK & CASINO TAMPA
seminolehardrocktampa.com
813-627-7625
171
5,000
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK & CASINO HOLLY
seminolehardrockhollywood.com
866-502-7529
130
2,200
lumiereplace.com
877-450-7711
55
1,600
caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee
828-497-7777
100
3,300
• •
GULF COAST
FLORIDA
MISSOURI LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS NORTH CAROLINA HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO RESORT
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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
* 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 SPORTSBOOK SPA
POOL
LIVE & SIMULCAST RACING
•
•
OUTDOOR
608
•
•
294
•
1,131
•
•
•
INDOOR
494
•
•
•
INDOOR
150
•
102
•
395
•
531
•
•
1,071
•
•
236
•
INDOOR
OUTDOOR •
OUTDOOR
•
BOTH
•
BOTH
•
•
OUTDOOR
123
•
•
OUTDOOR
283
•
1,740
•
•
•
•
OUTDOOR
1,088
•
•
•
•
OUTDOOR
•
OUTDOOR
300
•
OUTDOOR
129
OUTDOOR
250
•
•
OUTDOOR
481
•
•
OUTDOOR
294
•
•
INDOOR
1,108
•
•
BOTH
•
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 For the latest sports odds, updated every 5 minutes, visit GamingandDestinations.com NFL SUPER BOWL LIV – FEBRUARY 2, 2020 HARD ROCK STADIUM – MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA
COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – JANUARY 13, 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SUPERDOME – NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Team November New England Patriots 9/5
September 6/1
July 6/1
New Orleans Saints
10/1
10/1
Team November September Alabama Crimson Tide 2/1 5/2 Clemson Tigers 3/1 9/4 Ohio State Buckeyes 9/2 16/1 Oklahoma Sooners 5/1 N/A LSU Tigers 7/1 25/1 Wisconsin Badgers 12/1 N/A Georgia Bulldogs 16/1 6/1 Penn State Nittany Lions 50/1 N/A Michigan Wolverines 100/1 14/1 Oregon Ducks 100/1 50/1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 200/1 50/1 Auburn Tigers 200/1 N/A Baylor Bears 200/1 N/A Boise State Broncos 200/1 N/A *All others higher than 200/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com
Kansas City Chiefs
6/1
San Francisco 49ers
14/1
Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia Eagles Dallas Cowboys
Seattle Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams Chicago Bears
Minnesota Vikings Carolina Panthers
8/1
16/1 16/1
18/1 18/1
20/1 20/1 20/1 30/1
6/1
30/1
20/1
12/1 20/1 N/A
12/1 14/1
20/1 N/A
10/1 30/1 25/1 15/1
22/1 N/A 10/1
20/1 25/1
N/A
*All others higher than 30/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com
NBA CHAMPIONSHIP – JUNE, 15, 2020 Team November Los Angeles Clippers 7/2 Los Angeles Lakers 4/1 Milwaukee Bucks 6/1 Philadelphia 76ers 8/1 Houston Rockets 8/1 Golden State Warriors 12/1 Utah Jazz 14/1 Denver Nuggets 16/1 Boston Celtics 25/1 Brooklyn Nets 40/1 Portland Trail Blazers 40/1 San Antonio Spurs 50/1 Indiana Pacers 50/1 Toronto Raptors 100/1 Dallas Mavericks 100/1 New Orleans Pelicans 100/1 Miami Heat 100/1 *All others higher than 100/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com
NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – APRIL, 6, 2020 – MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM – ATLANTA, GEORGIA Team November Michigan State Spartans 6/1 Kentucky Wildcats 7/1 Kansas Jayhawks 8/1 Duke Blue Devils 10/1 North Carolina Tar Heels 10/1 Louisville Cardinals 14/1 Florida Gators 16/1 Memphis Tigers 16/1 Villanova Wildcats 18/1 Virginia Cavaliers 20/1 Gonzaga Bulldogs 25/1 Arizona Wildcats 30/1 Oregon Ducks 30/1 Texas Tech Red Raiders 30/1 LSU Tigers 40/1 Baylor Bears 40/1 Maryland Terrapins 40/1 *All others higher than 40/1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com
THE SOUTH’S PREMIER SPORTSBOOK 28
® | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M ©2019 MGM Resorts International . All rights reserved. Must be 21. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.522.4700.
WSOP® FALL CIRCUIT EVENT November 28 - December 9 $3 MILLION IN GUARANTEES! Mention code WSOP19 for mid-week rates as low as $89. Visit WSOP.com for additional event details.
@harrahscherokee
Subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 or older to enter casino floor and to gamble, and must present a valid state or federal photo ID upon request. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ©2019, Caesars License Company, LLC.
Hip Hip Hooray! More than 230,000 slot players. More than 20,000 miles traveled across the U.S. and Canada. 153 finalists. 86 partner casinos. BUT, ONLY ONE MILLIONAIRE*. Tamar from del Lago Resort and Casino for winning our seventh annual TournEvent of Champions® The Million Dollar Event®. Join us in 2020 as we search throughout North America for our next slot champion. COULD IT BE YOU?
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