Southern Gaming and Destinations

HORSERACING: Celebs & Thoroughbreds

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:40:59 +0000

THOROUGHBRED RACING is often referred to as the “Sport of Kings.” However, due to the pastime’s intoxicating aura, nearly every culture on earth contains a sect of humanity that revels in equine ownership. On our native soil we find that the general interest in racehorses is growing exponentially, so much so that celebrities from practically every conceivable genre have opted to dedicate a percentage of their disposable income towards locating pristine pieces of nimble horseflesh. Though the depth with which they have entered the game varies, each eminent individual we are about to profile eventually discovered their veiled desire to become totally immersed in the exciting, unpredictable and decadent world of thoroughbred horseracing.

BING CROSBY

His bass-baritone voice made him one of the most successful recording artists of the twentieth century, yet Bing Crosby’s love affair with the turf has been well documented as well. Crosby co-founded California’s Del Mar Racetrack with several notable personalities, including Charles S. Howard, the owner of Seabiscuit – undoubtedly the early twentieth century’s most revered thoroughbred. On August 12, 1938 Del Mar hosted a $25,000 winner-take-all match race between Howard’s “Biscuit” and a racer from Crosby’s Binglin Stable named Ligaroti. Though the hefty purse ultimately eluded Crosby by a nose, this renowned entertainer succeeded in capturing several prestigious races, including the Irish Derby with a leggy runner named Curragh.

In tribute to one of its chief pioneers, Del Mar annually hosts the Grade I Bing Crosby Handicap, which is contested at six furlongs over the main track.

BOBBY FLAY

Once he decided to seriously pursue the spoils of thoroughbred racing, it didn’t take celebrity chef, restaurateur and reality TV personality, Bobby Flay, very long to make an impact. Success at the stakes level eludes even those horsemen who have logged decades on the backside, yet Flay has sent out several such victors, including 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Winner More Than Real. Rather than remain on the industry’s fringe, this “Iron Chef” has wholeheartedly committed to the wellbeing of equines in both major and minor markets. Subsequently, Flay has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Earle I. Mack Thoroughbred Champion Award, which honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding effort and influence in circles relating to thoroughbred racehorse safety, welfare and retirement.

Bobby Flay also served as an honorary ambassador for the 2012 Breeders’ Cup with seven other notable celebrities including: Jim Rome, Bo Derek, Joe Torre and Toby Keith.

RICK PITINO

As a collegiate coach in the Bluegrass State for more than two decades, Rick Pitino is all too familiar with Kentucky’s other primary preoccupation. In 1998, Pitino swung for the fences with Halory Hunter, a Nick Zito-

trained colt who managed to carve out a gutty fourth place finish in the “Run for the Roses.” Stoking Pitino’s

Triple Crown aspirations a few years later was A P Valentine, a racer that eradicated the field in Belmont Park’s marquee juvenile event, the GI Champagne Stakes. After a lackluster performance in the 2001 Kentucky Derby, A P Valentine validated his owner’s confidence by placing second behind Point Given in the Preakness Stakes. As a lead partner in both Celtic Pride and Ol’ Memorial Stables, Pitino regularly names horses after his players. His horse, Siva won a race at Gulfstream Park on March 2.

This year, Pitino has a share of multiple graded stakes winner Goldencents, won the Santa Anita Derby to earn entry into the Kentucky Derby, but finished near the back of the pack on a sloppy track and will give it another shot in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 18.

MICHAEL PHELPS

With a total of twenty-two medals, eighteen of those being gold, Michael Phelps is far and away history’s most decorated Olympian. This legendary swimmer, who became a household name after winning eight first place medals in the 2008 Games in Beijing, gracefully retired following the 2012 Summer Olympics, yet still retains a competitive alliance with former aquatic coach Bob Bowman.

Phelps and Bowman share ownership in Cerro, an Irish bred colt handled by Graham Motion, trainer of Animal Kingdom, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby. Victorious in a 1 1/8 mile optional claiming route at Gulfstream Park on January 26, Cerro also ran respectably verses Kentucky Derby hopefuls on February 23 in Gulfstream’s GII Fountain of Youth Stakes.

DREW BREES

Best known as an NFL icon, Super Bowl MVP and seven time Pro-Bowler, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees doesn’t at all mind the title of “horseman.” Perhaps more serious about his ponies than any other celebrity owner, Brees is unbelievably astute concerning the racing equine and even made a serious run at the 2012 Kentucky Derby starting gate with Holy Candy, fourth place finisher in Keeneland’s GI Bluegrass Stakes. Brees recently made headlines when he and his partners claimed a Hollywood Park racer named Siempre Mio, away from Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers. Who Dat Ambush, a Mark E. Casse trainee who broke his maiden at the Fairgrounds Racecourse in early January, is another promising runner co-owned by Drew Brees. This Canadian bred son of Orientate competes under the colors of Last Mango Racing Stable, whose partners include New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis, V.P of communications Greg Bensel and Jimmy Buffet.

STEVEN SPIELBERG

Accredited as the architect of modern Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking, director Steven Spielberg has captivated the imagination of moviegoers for well over forty years. One of the two-time Academy Award Winner’s more recent projects includes War Horse, an epic equine adventure set against the canvas of Europe during World War I. Spielberg’s fascination with horses isn’t just relegated to the set, and with an estimated net worth of 3.2 billion dollars, this co-founder of Dream Works Studios can more than afford to zealously participate in the “Sport of Kings.” An investor in the Delaware-based Biscuit Stables, Spielberg’s claim to fame in horseracing involves Atswhatimtalkingabout, a syndicated colt who finished fourth in the 2003 Kentucky Derby.

While there are many more from the rich and famous circles who partake in more than a few pari-mutuel wagers amongst the sport of kings, this overview is just a glimpse into the fascinating world of thoroughbred ownership.

BY ERIC FLOYD

Want more? CLICK HERE to check out Eric Floyd’s Column on Vertical vs. Horizontal Pari-mutuel Wagering!

Winning Tips

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:20:00 +0000

Looking for winning tips? Southern Gaming’s Got it!

TIP OF THE WEEK– Roulette — What You Need To Know

Roulette is considered the oldest game in the casino. It is a simple game, easy to learn and play, and very exciting, with a wide variety of bets on each and every spin of the wheel. However, before you play this fun game, there are some things you should know. Click here to read the entire tip!

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Golf: Bets from the Short Grass

admin — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:26:27 +0000

As we move into a slow of professional sports, golfers can focus on the surest bet of all — themselves! Getting together for a game of golf presents opportunities to get some action, however, it helps to know the games before you play. In this column, I have composed some popular golf games that will keep your rounds exciting and hopefully profitable. While game formats might vary slightly depending on who you are playing with, these are some of my favorites.

Nassau

This game is usually played by match play rules (hole-by-hole) and consists of three wagers: front nine, back nine and 18-hole total. Players declare the stakes for each wager ($5-$5-$5) and play against each other matching scores hole by hole. As with most games, players can opt to press in hopes of recouping lost holes. For example, if Player A is down 1 on the ninth hole, he can press Player B and double the bet for that particular hole and nine. A press essentially doubles the stakes with the beginning of a second bet. Where this gets interesting is when each bet continues simultaneously until the round is completed. After the front nine, the second wager begins on the 10th tee. The final wager is determined based on all 18 holes.

Wolf

This popular wager makes a great four-person game. This two-man-team game begins by selecting a tee-off order that stays in place throughout the entire round, alternating who hits first. After the first golfer hits, he can select his partner after their hit. The catch is, once you select a partner, you can’t select the next player or go back to an earlier player once you have passed on them. If you don’t want to pair with any of the shots, you can opt to go “wolf,” in which you are now playing for low score against the other three players in the group for triple the bet. If you happen to lose when going wolf, you lose triple to all in the group. Any player can call wolf as long as they are still on the tee box, and it’s predominately done when getting a stroke or when you have hit a good shot compared to the others. The catch is when someone hits a good escape shot and either ties the low ball or beats it, leaving the wolf paying triple to all three.

Daytona

Daytona is a four-person game with two-man teams where both players’ scores make up the team score. For example, playing a par 4, Team 1 records two pars and their score would be 44; Team 2 records two bogeys and their team score would be 55; the difference in scores is 11 points, which is allocated to Team 1. Where the action begins is when a team records a birdie (Par 4 – Team 1 = 3 & 5 for a 35) and the other team fails to record a par (Team 2 = 5 & 7 for a 75), in which case the high number is put in front of the low number. So, for this scenario, Team 1 = 35; Team 2 = 75; Team 1 wins 40 points. Point value is determined at the beginning of the round and added up at the end.

Six Point

Usually played in a threesome, each hole has six points available. Each hole awards points in increment of 2-2-2, 3-3-0, 4-1-1, 4-2-0 or 6-0-0 based on who wins, ties or loses a hole. If a player wins the hole out right, and the other two players tie, the score would be four points for the winner and one each for the two who tied (4-1-1). If two players tie for low ball, the points would be 3-3-0. This six-point formula is recorded throughout the match with each press representing a new bet on top of the original bet.

The greatest thing about wagering on the course is that through handicapping, players may tee it up on a level playing surface when it comes to skill level. You just have to understand the bet, know when you get your strokes, manage your golf ball in the fewest strokes and hope that your playing opponent doesn’t have a bag full of sand.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Josh Snider is the head golf professional at Oxmoor Country Club in Louisville, Ky. As a teacher, he believes not only in attaining good mechanical skills but also developing a whole concept approach to the game, including course management and physical improvement with an emphasis on a precise short game to lower scores. Some of Josh’s accolades are: Certified PGA Professional: Executive Management, Instruction, Golf Operations, and Retail, 2008; Hank Haney: Teaching the Teachers Workshop, 2005; KPGA Communication Committee Member 1999-2002; KPGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year, 1999; Kentucky Section, Titleist, Acushnet Scholarship recipient, 1998.

Horseracing: Vertical Vs. Horizontal Pari-Mutual Wagering

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:48:20 +0000

Recently, I received revelation that what “old-school” race trackers regularly label as “straight betting”, has become somewhat of a lost art. If I put my head on a swivel during any particular session there is overwhelming evidence that a majority of my fellow horseplayers have all but abandoned the traditional WIN-PLACE & SHOW pools in order to mount a lustful affair with “exotic wagering”. Before we delve into our lesson I will declare that yours truly will always revert back to “straight betting” as a primary means to turn a pari-mutual profit however on certain occasions an oval’s card dictates that a player employ improvisational money management.

Thanks to the imagination of those in power, there are literally countless angles from which one may launch their assault on a racetrack. Aside from the traditional flutters already mentioned, wagering alternatives include but are not limited to the: exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, pick 3, pick 4, pick 5 and pick 6. Actually whether most exotic players realize it or not, they tend to gravitate towards a certain sect of this register which in turn ultimately defines them as a “vertical” or “horizontal” bettor.

Loosely defined, a “vertical bettor” is someone who limits their exotic play to a single race; keying one or more horses “on top” then further building a ticket with other entrants who are placed “underneath”. Exactas (selecting the first two finishers of a race in order), trifectas (selecting the first three finishers) and superfectas (selecting the first four finishers) are all examples of vertical bets. Conversely, “horizontal bettors” routinely attempt to select the winner of a predetermined number of consecutive races. The daily or rolling double (selecting the winner of two consecutive races) and all other “pick” exotics are examples of horizontal wagers.

The next progression in this tutorial will naturally involve answering the question, “Which is superior, vertical or horizontal wagering?” Like most things equine related this is a matter of opinion but upon dissection, each strategy will undoubtedly exhibit a fair share of pros and cons. Vertical bettors bank on predicting a race’s order of finish and while locating horses with a chance to win is somewhat plausible, a minor award is realistically in range for any entrant that leaves the starting gate. The horizontal bettor’s aim to solely pick winners may seem rudimentary however even if multiple entrants are used in each leg of say a pick 4, it still only takes one overachieving long shot to upset the apple cart.

Correlating vertical and horizontal wagers may just be the answer and for illustrative purposes I’ll reference my recent session at Tampa Bay Downs. When Verrazano was announced as the 4-5 morning-line favorite for the Tampa Bay Derby, realization materialized that it would take an outside the box mentality to exit Florida’s bay area with anything more than forty cents on the dollar. Initially I decided that Dynamic Sky, second choice on the morning-line behind Verrazano, was a logical candidate to complete an exacta although what amounted to an all stakes pick 3 that culminated with the card’s feature seemed to be extremely playable.

After proceeding through the turnstiles at Tampa Bay Downs I immediately purchased a $50 exacta Verrazano over Dynamic Sky then settled in the grandstand. With a slate of twelve races ahead there wasn’t much fat left on my bankroll yet I did wisely surrender a saw buck in order to play a $5 all Stakes pick 3.

In the Suncoast Stakes my top selection (Carolinaonmymind) faltered however inclusion of the race favorite (Manuka Honey), preserved the day’s only horizontal wager. A single in the Hillsborough Stakes named Old Tune went wire to wire and though Dynamic Sky finished up the track, Verrazano won the Tampa Bay Derby thus rounding out a pick 3 that returned $76. Now coming out ahead a mere $16 may seem inconsequential but this particular session was salvaged due to stepping outside of an established comfort zone, which is something every horseplayer must challenge themselves to do from time to time.

By Eric Floyd

Golf Tip: Get Fit!

admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:56:03 +0000

The majority of golfers who buy new equipment do so without getting custom fit. Why? I wish I had the answer. Playing golf with clubs that do not fit you properly is like playing pool with a warped cue stick. Sure you can still enjoy the game and get the ball in the hole. Some of the better players will even be able to adapt their mechanics to fit the crooked stick. However, any Golf Professional will tell you that it is much easier to play the game when we fit the club to you, not you to the club.

I would like to first address the notion that custom fitting is expensive. Here at Hunting Creek Country Club, as well as several other clubs and retail facilities, we will waive the fitting fee if the clubs are purchased through us. We feel that it is so important to get custom fit that we do not want cost to be the determining factor.

A basic fitting process encompasses the following: club length, shaft make and flex, club head selection, lie/loft angle, grip size/style, and set make-up.

Club Length- The proper club length is determined by a function of your height and arm length. It is important that your clubs allow you to set up in a proper position without having to reach or be crowded.

Shaft Make and Flex- There are literally hundreds of shaft choices for you to choose from, each with their own advantages. Whether you play with steel or graphite, Senior flex or X-Stiff, the most important factor is finding the shaft that fits your swing. The shaft you choose will affect launch angle, spin rate, and club head speed.

Club Head Selection- The name on the back of your irons is not nearly as important as the type of club head you play. I always tell students that golf club companies are like car manufacturers. Within each make you can find similar models, the main differences are simply cosmetics. The club head styles that you have to choose from are super game improvement (large cavity for maximum forgiveness), game improvement (cavity back iron), and players (small cavity back or blade providing maximum workability and little forgiveness.) A common misconception is that playing with blades will “make” you become a better golfer. I feel the opposite, playing with irons that do not fit your game will lead to higher scores. In fact, the advancements made to cavity back irons are so great that many tour players have left their blades at home and now play with a more forgiving iron.

Lie/Loft Angle- Lofts and lies, if set correctly, form a reliable progression, creating consistent distance gaps between clubs and producing the same shot direction on all normal swings. Lie angle is extremely important because it affects how your club head interacts with the turf and the starting line of each shot.

Grip Size & Style- When it comes to the grip, I would urge you to choose one that ultimately feels the most comfortable in your hands. Keep in mind that the larger the grip you play with the more difficult it is to release the club head.

Set Make-Up- Last but not least, it is time that you figure out what clubs you are going to carry in your golf bag. If you are simply getting fit for a driver, this step is easy. If you are being fit for irons you will need to ask yourself, or your fitter, the following before purchasing: What do I want my longest iron to be? What hybrids do I want to carry? How far does my shortest hybrid go? How far does my longest wedge go? What do I want my shortest iron of the set to be? What is the most effective way to fill every yardage gap in my bag with the 14 clubs allowed by USGA Rules?

I have provided you with my set make-up as an example. Notice that I carry 4 wedges. I feel that if I am going to have a gap (which is about 20 yards from 4 iron to 3 hybrid) I would much rather it be in my longer clubs than my scoring clubs. I do not need to “dial in” a 200 yard shot as much as I do a 90 yard shot!

Driver: TaylorMade R11s 9*

Fairway: TaylorMade RBZ 14.5*

Hibrid: TaylorMade Rescue 20*

Irons: TaylorMade CB/MB 4-PW

Wedges: TaylorMade ATV- 51 *, 55* & 59*

Putter: TaylorMade

Start the 2013 golf season of in style with a set of custom fit clubs and a few lessons from your local PGA Professional!

By PGA Certified Teaching Professional, Colby Wolitz, Louisville, Kentucky. Hunting Creek Country Club.

Exploring Northshore, Louisiana: Tasty Treats and Sweets

admin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:34:31 +0000

If you love New Orleans, but haven’t managed to tear yourself away from the French Quarter long enough to explore the local terrain, you’re not alone. In fact, a majority of the nearly nine million people who visited New Orleans last year didn’t stray far from Bourbon Street.

But if you travel less than an hour north, just across Lake Pontchartrain you’ll find tons of things to do, see and taste in St. Tammany Parish.

There is a haven of family attractions, some upscale B&Bs, as well as countless acclaimed restaurants and unspoiled bayous. So next time you head down to “N’Awlins,” take some time away from the beaten trail. You’ll find that the good times keep rolling, even outside the city limits.

New Orleanians have been recreating on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain since the antebellum years, when the locals flocked to l’autre cote du lac (the other side of the lake) to take advantage of the fresh air and prosperous lifestyle that resulted from its fertile banks and transportation routes. In 1956, with the completion of the 24-mile Lake Ponchartrain Causeway, the driving time from New Orleans was greatly reduced, transforming the sleepy towns of St. Tammany Parish – Abita Springs, Covington, Folsom, Lacombe, Madisonville, Mandeville and Slidell – into bedroom communities for the Big Easy. There’s so much to do, from taking a bike ride along a stretch of the 31-mile, rails-to-trails Tammany Trace, to taking a swamp tour through the pristine Honey Island Swamp in search of gators. Good restaurants and first-class accommodations make the Northshore the perfect choice for a day trip or weekend getaway. For more info on attractions and all things Northshore, visit louisiananorthshore.com

Now for the really important question – what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Here’s a list of 10 great places to wine and dine across the Lake. Try one, try them all. Either way, you’ll be oh so satisfied.

ABITA BREW PUB (abitabrewpub.com)

If you’re in the mood for a cold beer and some tasty, New Orleans-style pub grub, check out Abita Brew Pub located at 72011 Holly Street. The perfect place to sample popular brews like Turbodog,

Purple Haze and Andygator, you can also enjoy dishes like Jambalaya Ryan served with Crawfish Cornbread, a Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad, or an Andygator Crawfish Cake appetizer with fried tomatoes and topped with the pub’s own signature sauce. The food is tasty, the prices are reasonable and the nearby brewery offers free tours and tastings in its official visiting room. Founded on humble ground as a once tiny operation, today Abita is one of the largest craft brewers in the U.S., with beer selections available in 46 states.

LIZ’S WHERE Y’AT DINER (lizswhereyatdiner.com)

Operated by Liz Munson, stop by this comfort food emporium at 2500 Florida Street and order a hearty helping of authentic New Orleans cuisine for breakfast or lunch. Try the Napoleon Fried Green Tomatoes topped with shrimp and crawfish cream sauce, or the Grilled Cheese Sandwich with crabmeat and bits of asparagus, on homemade buttered brioche – it’s so good you won’t even hesitate to contemplate the calories. And, Chef Michael Cheek recently opened his own casual eatery, Mac’s, on Boston St. in Covington. Be sure to keep your eye out for him; he’s definitely going places.

ZACHARY’S (zacharys985.com)

Chef and proprietor Zac Watters may only be 27 years old, but he’s a veteran of NOLA’s Stella and Café Adelaide, and now owns his own place – Zachary’s, at 902 Coffee Street in Mandeville. Named “Chef to Watch” by Louisiana Cookin’ magazine, Watters delivers upscale, aesthetically pleasing dishes and has a flair for flavor and plating. Personally, I love the Shrimp Corn Cog and highly recommend trying it – an appetizer of fried Gulf shrimp coated with a smoky Andouille and cornmeal batter, and served with an orange mayonnaise sauce. If you’re looking for seafood, the house specialty is the Redfish Zachary, a local fish topped with a rich mushroom and crabmeat cream sauce over angel hair pasta. The only downside? There aren’t many seats in this charming little cottage, so be sure to reserve seating ahead of time.

LOLA (lolacovington.com)

Housed in Covington’s historic train depot at 517 N. New Hampshire, LOLA is a casual lunch hotspot by day, and an upscale bistro on the weekends. This past summer, chefs and owners Keith and Nealy Frentz were named King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood, and Nealy recently appeared on the Food Network TV show Chopped, where she was a finalist, only just losing to the chef de cuisine from Aria in Las Vegas. Creative riffs on traditional fare include a Red Bean Hummus with bacon marmalade, the fried Oyster Evelyn served with marinara and mozzarella, and the Gulf Shrimp & Grits, topped with local mushrooms, smoked bacon and parmesan cream. And, if you somehow mange to save room for dessert, be sure to try a red velvet cupcake – they’re delicious.

DEL PORTO RISTORANTE (delportoristorante.com)

At 501 E. Boston Street in Covington, Del Porto has consistently been praised as one of the best Italian restaurants in the New Orleans area by the Times-Picayune. Chef couple and two-time James Beard nominees, David and Torre Solazzo oversee restaurant operations. The menu includes Tuscan and California-inspired Italian selections with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. A recent swoon-worthy favorite is the House Made Cavatelli with fennel sausage and local broccoli. My recommendation? The Salumi Board, which includes a selection of house-cured meats, seasonal pickled veggies and homemade mustard, is a must-try.

VIANNE’S TEA HOUSE (viannes.com)

A Travelocity Editor’s Pick run by proprietor Kerry Blache, this sweet, charming cottage in old Mandeville at 544 Girod Street features a vast selection of tea, as well as an accomplished kitchen, headed by Michael Blache. Saturday morning is a great time to come for breakfast – start off with fresh scones, followed by the Crabmeat Supreme Omelet, with smoked salmon, asparagus tips and smoked Gouda cheese.

PALMETTOS ON THE BAYOU(palmettosrestaurant.com)

Chefs Kirk Dunbar and Daniel Bourgault run the show at Palmettos on the Bayou, a popular destination restaurant and party setting thanks to its series of decks overlooking the beautiful Bayou Bonfouca. Located at 1901 Bayou Lane, the kitchen’s creativity is evident. Try the specials like Grilled Salmon with crispy paella, and the signature Catfish Bonfouca with creamy blush sauce. Or try the Sugar Cane Pork Chop served over a delicious pasta mix of corn, crab and orzo. Palmettos also hosts a highly popular Sunday brunch. It’s a great bargain at $19.95 and there’s live music in the afternoon with local faves like Big Daddy O.

LA PROVENCE (laprovencerestaurant.com)

Located at 25020 Hwy 190 in Lacombe, what makes this picturesque, yet understated favorite, stand out? Before your entrée, enjoy the homemade pate with hot French bread. Mentored by acclaimed chef and owner, John Besh, chef Erick Loos uses ingredients sourced from local farms and out of the restaurant’s own kitchen garden. The menu encompasses Loos’ sophisticated take on French cuisine and changes frequently, but if you’re lucky, a stew of local oysters and Jerusalem artichokes awaits, served with garlicky bruschetta. The Wild Boar Pinwheel Ravioli with local tomatoes and basil is divine, as is the Slow Roast Chappapeela Farm Duck Breast, served with red cabbage, spring rolls and plum sauce. And for dessert, try the mouthwatering Ricotta Filled Crepes.

LOUIE AND THE REDHEAD LADY (louieandtheredheadlady.com)

Head to 1851 Florida Street in Mandeville to try this local hotspot that received some much deserved praise and national attention thanks Guy Fieri on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Chef and owner Louie Finnan serves up traditional New Orleans seafood and Creole Italian fare in mammoth proportions. The original “Redhead Lady” in question is the chef’s mom, who always encouraged him to pursue his dreams of a culinary career. Coincidently, Louie is also married to a redhead, Ginger Finnan, who runs an artsy jewelry boutique attached to the restaurant. Breakfast is popular here, with dishes like the Shrimp & Spinach Scramble, the French Market Benedict and the Garden District Omelette.

CAFÉ LYNN (cafelynn.com)

Chef Joey Najolia and his wife Brandi first met while working at La Provence. There, they decided to open their own French New Orleans-style bistro at 3051 E Causeway Approach in 2007. The classically trained chef combines the flavors of the Gulf Coast and the Mediterranean with dishes like Pan Roasted Quail, Seafood Stuffed Eggplant, and Veal & Pork Cannelloni with homemade pasta. Brandi runs the front of the house and is responsible for the thoughtful wine list.

Be sure to put a visit to Louisiana’s Northshore on your list…you won’t be dissappointed!

For more information on the area, visit LouisianaNorthshore.com/SG

Louisiana Lingo

Renee Kientz serves somewhat as the ‘Voice of Louisiana’s Northshore’ and works for the St. Tammy Tourist and Convention Commission. But, she’s really a New Orleans native and passionate foodie at heart. She welcomes visitors to the Northshore with insightful advice on where to dine, and helpful tips on how to eat like local. Here is her brief Louisiana culinary lexicon to help you decipher local menus.

BARBECUED SHRIMP

Forget shrimp on the barbie. Here, shrimp is left in the shell and submerged in a garlicky, peppery butter sauce. It’s messy. It’s fattening.

It’s okay – live a little.

POBOY

A long sandwich on crusty French bread, the poboy isn’t the same as a sub or a hoagie. Choose from a variety of fillings like fried oysters, fried shrimp, and roast beef (featuring long-simmered beef, sliced and slathered in gravy). Order it “dressed,” with lettuce, tomato and pickle.

MUFFULETTA

Picture this: several layers of ham, salami and provolone cheese, topped with

chopped olive salad, and served on a large, round, crusty Italian bread. Pronounced moof-a-lotta, this sandwich is a delicious handful and usually serves two or more people.

GUMBO

Though gumbo has popped up on menus across the U.S., you’re not likely to get the real thing outside of south Louisiana, unless it’s cooked by a transplanted native. A dark, flavorful soup, real gumbo takes time to cook and requires a little voodoo to do properly; most gumbos are variations on two themes – seafood, and chicken and sausage. Served with rice, it can be light brown or dark as swamp water.

TURTLE SOUP

A New Orleans classic, turtle soup these days often is made with chicken (so ask your server if it’s the real thing). The dark, flavorful soup is typically enhanced by a dash of sherry added at the table.

COCHON DE LAIT

Suckling pig is a favorite at Cajun family celebrations. Moist and flavorful, it’s tender and, at its best, redolent of garlic. The cochon de lait poboy is a favorite at the New Orleans Jazz Fest and rarely served in restaurants (but occasionally you get lucky).

For more information on the area, visit LouisianaNorthshore.com/SG

Author Bio: Beth D’Addono is a food and travel writer who writes regularly for publications including Southern Gaming and Destinations, Southern Living, AAA Traveler, Wells Fargo Conversations, Boston Globe, Philadelphia Daily News, Taste, Jewish Exponent/Inside Magazine, Inside Jersey Magazine, Orbitz, smarterliving, and others. Her books include Must Sees New Orleans (Michelin), Access New Orleans and Access Philadelphia (Harper Collins), and she is the co-author of “City Tavern Cookbook” (Running Press) and “Impress for Less! Finally, Terrific Recipes from the Finest Restaurants that You Can Really Make At Home (Wiley & Sons). She is proud to call New Orleans home.

Slot TournEvent of Champions Tour to Stop at 60 Casinos

admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:29:38 +0000

Are YOU the Best Slot Player in the Nation ? Now is your chance to prove it with with the TournEvent of Champions Multi-state tour culminating with a $250,000 final championship in Las Vegas.

The series was introduced by Multimedia Games as a high-energy national tour of fast-paced and interactive slot tournaments that will arrive at participating casinos via the 45-foot TournEvent of Champions tour bus.

The first of its kind, TournEvent of Champions is traveling to more than 60 casinos across 20 states in 7 months in search of America’s best slot tournament player.

Arriving at each stop on the tour with a great deal of exhilaration and a chance to win a spot to compete for the national title and a $100,000 grand prize at the tournament finale—TournEvent of Champions will be anticipated by casinos and players alike for its unmatched fanfare. Kicking off at the Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, California, on March 2, excitement will fill the air as the branded TournEvent of Champions bus arrives at each stop along the tour.

Multimedia Games is the first interactive gaming developer to create a slot tournament of this magnitude, with the interstate tour allowing players from across the country the opportunity to compete against each other at the finale in Las Vegas in September 2013. The national scale of TournEvent of Champions isn’t the only thing though that makes it the most dynamic slot tournament of its kind in the industry.

Play Louder

Multimedia Games’ slot machines are winning fans among casinos and players alike for their innovative technology, which takes cues from wildly popular consumer devices of today. Their slots use a combination of touchscreen play and player-facing cameras to engage players physically and psychologically, creating a spirited and unparalleled competition. People love the energy and personality the TournEvent® team brings to each casino, including a visit from The Money Man®, TournEvent of Champions’ larger-than-life mascot and good luck charm, which keeps both the players and spectators engaged throughout the entire tournament.

In addition to rapidly hitting the physical buttons to spin the reels, players can earn bonus points by simultaneously popping vividly animated balloons and other icons on the screen, which adds another layer of surprise and can possibly result in that player moving to first place on the leaderboard.

Ultimate Glory

The combination of dynamic play and seeing competitors’ faces on the screen turns the slot experience from a relatively sedentary and isolated one to something thrilling, social, and truly requiring both skill and endurance. The touchscreen bonuses also mean the leaderboard can drastically change at any moment, making it truly anyone’s game until the final buzzer sounds. The Money Man and his entourage of “MGirls” make the experience unforgettable as well. It’s all part of Multimedia Games’ philosophy: Play louder.

Once the TournEvent of Champions begins, fast fingers and fast thinking are key to taking home the prize. Winners from each qualifying event will receive a five-night trip to Las Vegas (including airfare and accommodations for the participant and a guest) to play in the national championship at Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo in September. The approximately 75 total finalists will compete for a $100,000 grand prize, bragging rights for their home casino, and the title of Nation’s Best Slot Tournament Player. An additional $150,000 (in total) will be awarded to other placing participants at the championship.

Industry Winner

Multimedia Games isn’t only giving players a different experience when it comes to slot tournaments; it’s changing the way casinos effectively operate tournaments. Making the switch to tournament play more efficient than ever, Multimedia Games’ revolutionary TournEvent slot tournament system allows operators to switch quickly and seamlessly from in-revenue gaming to out-of-revenue tournaments with only the click of a mouse.

On the heels of a successful statewide tournament in California last year, TournEvent of Champions was named “Best Slot Theme” by the 2012 Southern California Gaming Guide Reader’s Choice Awards and won third place in the “Best Consumer Service Technology” category of Global Gaming Business’s Annual Gaming & Technology Awards in 2012.

About TournEvent

Multimedia Games’ award-winning TournEvent slot tournament system is currently installed at 137 casinos nationwide, offering industry-leading functionality that has revolutionized the slot tournament experience. Named “Best Slot Theme” in the 2012 Southern California Gaming Guide Reader’s Choice Awards and awarded third place in the “Best Consumer Service Technology” category by Global Gaming Business in its 2012 Gaming & Technology Awards,TournEvent provides players and operators with a dynamic and interactive tournament experience unlike any other. With the TournEvent system, casino operators can switch networked slot machines from in-revenue gaming to out-of-revenue tournament status at the touch of a button – eliminating the hassle of chip changes, machine moves, or separate tournament areas. TournEvent 4.0 enables operators to create unique team slot tournaments for the first time, offering a variety of customizable configurations based on the number of players, mechanics of team advancement, rankings and tournament prize awards.

To find out more about the 2013 National TournEvent of Champions and to see a list of participating casinos nationwide, visit www.tournevent.com or follow the tournament on Facebook and Twitter.

2013 TournEvent of Champions Tour Dates

3/2 Eagle Mountain Casino, Porterville CA

3/16 Soboba Casino, San Jacinto CA

3/23 Sycuan Casino, El Cajon CA

3/30 Valley View Casino & Hotel, Valley Center CA

4/2 Spa Resort, Palm Springs CA

4/5-6 Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, Jackson CA

4/6 Colusa Casino Resort, Geyserville CA

4/12-13 Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Lincoln CA

4/14 River Rock Casino, Geyserville CA

4/14 Red Hawk Casino, Placerville CA

4/20 7 Cedars Casino, Sequim WA

4/21 Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, Rochester WA

4/22 Emerald Queen I-5, Fife WA

4/24 Emerald Queen Fife, Fife WA

4/27 Quechan Casino Resort, Winter CA

4/27-28 Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington WA

4/28 Clearwater Casino Resort, Suquamish WA

5/4 Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie WA

5/5 Quil Ceda Creek Resort, Tulalip WA

5/10 Muckleshoot Casino, Auburn WA

5/11 Mill Bay Casino, Manson WA

5/12-13 Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Anacortes WA

5/15 Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa, Ferndale WA

5/17 Okanogan Bingo Casino, Okanogan WA

5/18-19 Clearwater River Casino & Hotel, Lewiston ID

5/19 Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip WA

5/25 Prairie Band Casino & Resort, Mayetta KS

6/2 Choctaw Grant, Grant OK

6/9 Choctaw Pocola, Pocola OK

6/12 Newcastle Casino, Newcastle OK

6/15 Riverwind Casino, Norman OK

6/19 Remington Park Racing & Casino, Oklahoma City OK

6/29 Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville LA

6/29 Boomtown Casino Biloxi, Biloxi MS

6/30 Jena Choctaw Pines Casino, Alexandria LA

7/12-13 Augua Calinete Casino Resort Spa, Rancho Mirage CA

7/12-13 L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge LA

7/13 Palace Casino Resort, Biloxi MS

7/14 Hollywood Casino Tunica, Tunica MS

7/19-20 Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Niagara Falls NY

7/20 Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, Anderson IN

7/22-23 Prairie Meadows Racetrack Casino Hotel, Altoona IA

7/25 Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch MN

7/26-27 Spa Resort, Palm Springs CA

7/26 Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, Madison WI

7/27 Majestic Star Casino & Hotel, Gary IN

7/29 French Lick Resort & Casino, French Lick IN

8/3 Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Williamsburg MI

8/5 Little Six Casino, Prior Lake MN

8/10 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, Fort Berthold ND

8/11 Spirit Lake Casino & Resort, St. Michael ND

8/12-13 Barona Resort & Casino, Lakeside CA

8/15 Santa Ana Star Casino, Bernalillo NM

8/17-18 Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, Tucson AZ

8/30-31 BJ’s Bingo, Fife WA

Incredible Escapes: Premium Properties of the South

admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:44:46 +0000

With some of the biggest and best casino resorts in the world, it’s no secret that Las Vegas is the ultimate gaming playground. Whether you’re looking for slots, spas, shopping or shows, Sin City is your one-stop-shop for a weekend full of glitz and glamour. But for those of you who would rather play your cash in the casino than spending it on airfare, we’ve highlighted a few of our preferred Southern properties based on size, amenities and Southern Gaming reader perceptions to help you plan your next getaway.

Keep in mind that this list includes only some of our favorite properties, and they’re listed by region rather than rank.

Enjoy!

INDIANA

INDIANA GRAND CASINO (Shelbyville, IN)1-877-386-4463 | IndianaGrand.com
Features: Fine dining
Overview: Indiana Grand Casino is the closest casino to Indianapolis, located just twenty minutes away, and even though the property doesn’t have a hotel, spa or pool, it does have an expansive slot floor (84,000 square feet) with 2,000 slot machines and a variety of electronic table games.

And don’t write off the dining options just because it isn’t a resort destination. Steakhouse is the premium restaurant, serving decadent choices like Filet Mignon a la Oscar, and Crab Stuffed Cold Water Lobster Tail.

BELTERRA CASINO RESORT (Vevay, IN)
1-888-BELTERRA | BelterraCasino.com
Features: Hotel, spa, fine dining, golf course, concert venue, pool, fitness center, shopping
Overview: All we can say about this property is, WOW! And although the 38,000 square foot casino isn’t the most spacious, the attention to detail in the resort’s décor and amenities are second to none. Guests enjoy a full Vegas-style casino, premium steakhouse dining, elegant rooms, first class spa, pool with bar and cabanas, and a Tom Fazio-designed golf course. Whether you’re catching a show in the 1,500-seat showroom or just going to ‘get your gamble on,’ you can’t go wrong with a trip to Belterra.

CASINO AZTAR (Evansville, IN)
1-800-342-5386 | CasinoAztar.com
Features: Hotel, fine dining, fitness center
Overview: As the first casino to open in Indiana, Casino Aztar is the pioneer of casinos in the area and has truly withstood the test of time. The casino itself occupies 48,000 square feet and offers an array of table games and machines. And, the property boasts incredible dining; with choices from the seafood and steak dishes at Cavanaugh’s, to the more casual atmosphere at Ri Ra Irish Pub, to the swanky feel of Blush Ultralounge, located on the first floor of the boutique hotel, La Merigot. There’s something for everyone and every taste bud. With so many options in addition to gambling, you may want to consider a two-day stay when making reservations.

MISSISSIPPI

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT (Tunica, MS)
1-888-245-7829 | GoldStrike.com
Features: Hotel, fine dining, entertainment venue, indoor pool, fitness center

Overview: One of the tallest buildings in the state, this 31-story hotel is hard to miss. Regarded as one of the ultra-premium casinos in the region, this property features the remarkable Chicago Steakhouse, a 50,000 square foot casino, an 800-seat theatre, indoor pool and more. Conveniently located in Casino Center alongside two other casino properties, make Gold Strike your ‘home base’ for an entire weekend of fun!

SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL (Tunica, MS)
1-800-456-0711 | SamsTownTunica.com
Features: Hotel, fine dining, concert venue, golf course, pool, fitness center, shopping
Overview: Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, you can find it at Tunica’s award-winning, Sam’s Town Casino Hotel & Gambling Hall. The property boasts the charm of the old west mixed with a side of Southern hospitality, creating a down-home, comfortable atmosphere. But when it comes to gambling and entertainment, it’s all business. Sam’s Town has taken first place in our Southern Gaming Best of Awards for Best Entertainment in Tunica multiple times, and the casino has a great layout that utilizes two entire floors. Stay in one of the 850 guests rooms, or upgrade to one of the plush suites – they’re pretty sweet!

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO (Biloxi, MS)
1-888-750-7111 | BeauRivage.com
Features: Hotel with coast views, spa, salon, fine dining, concert venue, Tom Fazio golf course, pool, fitness center, shopping
Overview: From the moment you walk into the lobby at Beau Rivage, you will notice the meticulous attention to detail in everything from the polished Italian marble floors, to the fresh flowers throughout the atrium. Nothing is short of perfect, including premium restaurants, Jia (a Southern Gaming favorite) and BR Prime, as well as the more casual choices like The Buffet, Terrace Café and Memphis Q. And when the sun goes down, things at Coast Nightclub really heat up. Don’t pass up a chance to visit this Gulf Coast jewel…and if you play golf…Fallen Oak is one of the nicest golf courses in the country and you owe it to yourself to play it!

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO (Biloxi, MS)
1-877-877-6256 | HardRockBiloxi.com
Features: Hotel with coast views, spa, salon, fine dining, concert venue, pool, fitness center, unique Rock & Roll memorabilia
Overview: Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner, Jewel and Uncle Kracker are just a few names on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s all-star entertainment line-up. Keeping with the widely recognized Hard Rock theme of good music and rock and roll memorabilia, this ultra-hip property has it all. Whether you want to be front and center at a concert in the state-of-the-art auditorium, or kicking back at the pool overlooking the Gulf, you’ll be more than satisfied with your experience. And with VIBE Steakhouse and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, it’s safe to say your appetite will be satisfied as well. The property recently began construction of a new 12-story hotel with 154 rooms and suites boasting amazing Gulf Coast views. The project is scheduled for completion in time to kick off 2014, so stay tuned!

IP CASINO RESORT & SPA (Biloxi, MS)
1-888-946-2847 | IPBiloxi.com
Features: Hotel with coast & back bay views, spa, salon, fine dining, concert venue, pool, fitness center, shopping
Overview: When you hear the words ‘premium property,’ what comes to mind? A massive 32-story hotel with over 1,000 rooms? A rooftop pool with private cabanas and a full bar? Excellent fine dining selections? Well, IP Casino Resort and Spa has all of that, and after a multi-million dollar renovation following Hurricane Katrina, it’s certainly a premium property. The guest rooms are contemporary, the spacious spa offers a variety of relaxing services, and with palm trees, cool cabanas and a resort-style atmosphere, the rooftop pool is a great escape from the rest of the property’s goings on. There are several great places to dine, but you can’t go wrong with Thirty-Two Steak & Seafood, appropriately located on the thirty-second floor. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Gulf Coast while you sip on a drink mixed from a vast selection of spirits.

MORE SOUTHERN SELECTIONS

Each property possesses its own unique flair so no matter your choice, you’re guaranteed an incredible, high-quality experience. There are countless phenomenal casino properties to visit in the South. Here are a few other exceptional Southern Gaming Preferred Properties to consider:

Harrah’s Tunica
1-800-WIN-4-WIN HarrahsTunica.com
Features: Hotel (3), spa, fine dining, golf course, concert venue, shooting range, pool, fitness center

Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia, MS)
1-866-447-3275 PearlRiverResort.com
Features: Hotel (2), spa, salon, fine
dining, golf course, concert venue, pool, water park, fitness center

Hollywood Casino Tunica
1-800-871-0711 HollywoodCasinoTunica.com
Features: Hotel, fine dining, indoor pool, golf course, unique movie memorabilia

Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino (Shreveport, LA)
1-877-429-0711 SamsTownShreveport.com
Features: Hotel, spa, fine dining, concert venue, pool, fitness center

Harrah’s New Orleans
1-800-427-7247 HarrahsNewOrleans.com
Features: Hotel, fine dining, fitness center

Seminole Hard Rock Casino (Tampa & Hollywood, FL)
1-866-502-7529 SeminoleHardRock.com
Features: Hotel, spa, salon, fine dining, concert venue, pool with water slides, fitness center, entertainment district

To get great coupons to casinos and racetracks throughout the South…be sure to check out The Comps Club by Southern Gaming! Start winning today!

Poker Pros and Celebrities to Kick-off 2013 Derby Poker Weekend

admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:09:01 +0000

That’s right…the poker crew is back!

The Derby Poker Championship Celebrity Gala presented by Twinspires.com and Jim Beam, a Pro-Celebrity charity poker event, has announced its return to Louisville for a fourth consecutive year. The event is hosted by world-renown poker pros Phil Hellmuth, Jr., Robert Williamson III and Hall of Fame basketball coach Denny Crum on Thursday, May 2 at The Olmsted in Louisville.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Louisville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen and Blessings in a Backpack.

“This event has become a staple in the community to kick-off the Derby weekend.” said G. Douglas Dreisbach, Event Producer. “Guests can enjoy a great party or play poker with the pros and celebrities who are in town for the Kentucky Derby, all to benefit two great charities.”

The event serves as the Official Welcome Party for the Unbridled Eve Celebrity Gala held on Friday, May 3rd in Louisville, and is regularly attended by an array of high profile Derby guests that have included Ron White (Comedian), Vicki Gunvalson (Real Housewives of Orange County), Nora Robert (Best-selling author), Oscar Nunez (Actor), Warren Moon (retired NFL Player), Corey Pavin (Pro Golfer), Troy Hanson(Indy Car Driver),

Bob Guiney (The Bachelor), Ken Davitian (Actor) and Jennifer Elise Cox (Actress). Also, in addition to Hellmuth and Williamson, some of the best poker players in the world have attended and played in the event including Chris ‘Jesus” Ferguson, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak, Josh Arieh, Tiffany Michelle, Dan Shak and Layne Flack. As celebrities are confirmed the event will release the names of this years players and attendees but organizers say they are optimistic of another great turnout.

Guests will enjoy multiple food stations, a premium bar, music, a cigar bar and other entertainment to keep the evening lively. In addition, Hellmuth will bring his charisma to the room and emcee the poker tournament, and play in it as well, interviewing players and celebrities, telling poker stories and more.

“We are excited to continue to build on this event and make it better every year.” Commented Dreisbach. “This year, local artist, Ben Reynolds, will paint an impressionistic expression of the evening and traditional accents of Derby. He will paint it throughout the evening and we will auction it to the highest bidder with proceeds going to the charities.”

Tickets to the event are $100 thru Monday, April 29th, ($200 after). The celebrity poker tournament is open to the public with a buy-in of $550 that includes full access to the event.

“This is really a great value. It is one thing to say you got a picture or an autograph with a celebrity,. It means a lot more when you can sit and play cards with them for a couple of hours!” Added Dreisbach. “Plus, the payout is pretty nice too. It is an evening you will remember forever!”

Poker players can “Win their Way In” through a series of FREE online poker tournaments on Louisville-based HogWildPokerLeagues.com as well as through a promotion with Twinspires.com where the winner will also receive tickets to this years’ Oaks and Derby, hotel accommodations, air-fare (if needed) and more.

For more information on the event, tickets, giveaways and more, visit DerbyPokerChampionship.com or call
1-800-872-4366 Ext. 103.

The event is sponsored by Twinspires.com, Bluff Magazine, Jim Beam, Southern Gaming and Destinations, HogWildPokerLeagues.com and an array of other partners. “The investment and support we receive from these organizations proves they are vested in the community and show a great display of good faith.” said Dreisbach. ‘Without them, this event doesn’t happen so we are grateful for their generosity.

The event is produced by Southern Gaming and Destinations, a regional gambling magazine that also specializes in promotions, events and marketing concepts for the gaming industry. In its 15th year of publishing, Southern Gaming is a division of the Bisig Impact Group based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Check out DerbyPokerChampionship.com for more information and tickets.

Hot Slots of 2013

admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:07:31 +0000

Every new slot machine has three missions. It must have a way to shout out “play me!” to any passing players. Once it grabs you, it must keep you in your seat. And it has to provide the fun that will keep you coming back for more.

Slot manufacturers have a deep bag of tricks to make all that happen. Exciting game themes, sometimes licensed from pop culture icons, progressive jackpots, free spins, interactive bonus events, music and video all are part of the package in modern slots.

How to best take advantage of the available tools? That’s where the slot designer’s imagination comes in. Here are some of their hottest ideas for 2013- games sure to command players’ attention.

PIRATE’S QUEST, BALLY TECHNOLOGIES

Why you’ll love it: You have control as you take aim and see if you can shiver their timbers.

We’ve seen Bally turn touchscreens into fully interactive fun with U-Spin in wheel-spinning games such as Vegas Hits, and now in U-Race in the new NASCAR game. In Pirate’s Quest it’s U-Aim, and you touch the iDeck to aim and fire your cannons at the enemy. It’s a 40-line video slot that figures to be perfect for pennies, and it features a free spins bonus as well as the target practice. The big prize – 7,500 times your line five skull-and-crossbones symbols on a payline during the free spins feature.

PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES, SPIELO INTERNATIONAL

Why you’ll love it: The bonus event is fun akin to online social gaming. If you play on Facebook, you know the drill.

Spielo always has some fun takes on the slots, and I laughed my way through Plants vs. Zombies. There’s a three-level progressive jackpot, and a bonus event that lines up plants at one end of the graveyard, and zombies at the other. Can the zombies make it past the plants? It depends on which defenses come up randomly for the given round. In one trial, my poor daisy was no match for the oncoming zombie. Plants vs. Zombies comes from the casual games world under its new license with PopCap games.

BEJEWELED, SPIELO INTERNATIONAL

Why you’ll love it: If you’ve played Bejeweled as a casual game, this is your chance to test your skill with cash on the line.

Another game in Spielo’s license with PopCap, Bejeweled has three skill bonuses and three corresponding chance bonuses. Do you want to make your own choices, swapping adjacent gems to make groups of three while trying to clear the board? Or would you rather let automated selection do the trick? I find the skill-based play more fun, but there’s no reason to be intimidated if you’d rather just let the slot results speak for themselves.

SUMMER DAYS WITH SIDE ACTION SCRATCH & WIN, MULTIMEDIA GAMES

Why you’ll love it: Every spin’s a potential bonus spin with a virtual scratch-off card beside the regular video reels.

Multimedia likes to give its players a little something on the side. We’ve already seen slot games with a five-card stud poker hand on the side that gives you an extra chance to win on each spin. Summer Days kicks off the Scratch & Win feature, with a lottery-style video scratch off card. The Side Action technology scratches off a prize space while the reels are spinning, and very often that’ll add a little extra scratch to your credit meter. Those who make bigger bets earn more scratch-off cards.

WILD A-GO-GO, MULTIMEDIA GAMES

Why you’ll love it: Expanding wild symbols grow into go-go dancers who bring some wild wins.

One of the most popular games Multimedia has ever had is Carnival in Rio. This brings the carnival back home and places it in the 1960s, with all the dances of the era. The dancers are in silhouette, just as in the Rio game, and cover a reel space from top to bottom as they shake out jerk, the swim and other ’60s dances. You’ll want to get up and dance yourself to the winning beat.

MONEYBALL® WITH INVASION FROM OUTERSPACE, MULTIMEDIA GAMES

Why you’ll love it: Full of fun bonus games like The Alien Attack and MoneyBall Pinball Bonus

Players can earn up to 2500X the bet per line in the Alien Attack! Bonus when five UFO symbols land scattered on the reels. The MoneyBall Bonus kicks this game into high gear, when three MoneyBall symbols land scattered on reels 1, 3 and 5. Players are awarded three shots on one of four differently-themed top box play screens. Players select in which direction they want their ball to launch at the top of the screen and watch as the ball hits pins, bumpers, multi-ball triggers, 3X fireballs, or a ball lock. Each shot will end up in a prize bucket at the bottom of the screen and award credits!

SMOKIN’ HOT JACKPOTS TOP SHELF, MULTIMEDIA GAMES

Why you’ll love it: Watch as the flames get hotter and hotter with the Progressive Heat Up feature; see how close each progressive tier is to hitting based on the size of its flames.

Chase the progressives on this traditional style, 3 reel mechanical game. It features an 11-tier progressive and the new, ground-breaking Progressive Heat Up™ feature on an oversized top box. Top Shelf symbols are wild and getting one Top Shelf symbol will multiply non-progressive line pays by 2x. Landing all three Top Shelf symbols on paylines 1-4 will award the 2nd level progressive, and all three Top Shelf symbols on the 5th payline will award the top progressive! Top Shelf, for the classic players who like their drinks neat and their slots “reel”.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, WMS GAMING

Why you’ll love it: The visuals and the synchronized motion effects bonus battle vs. the Green Goblin will get your Spidey sense tingling.

From comic books to TV to the movies, the Amazing Spider-Man has kept fans enthralled with its blend of adventure and hero’s angst. Now WMS is rolling out its Spider-Man slot machines, and the result is amazing. With WMS’ advanced Sensory Immersion 2.0 format with synchronized motion technology and CPU-NXT3 operating platform, there are some pretty incredible effects. During free spin bonuses, the effects chair is synchronized with film clips in an event that can have up to eight reel sets spinning at once, all collecting extra credits. And the highlight battle between superhero and supervillian is breathtakingly fun.

MONOPOLY LEGENDS, WMS GAMING

Why you’ll love it: The classic board game turned slot- get the bonus events from four other WMS favorites into a neat Monopoly package.

The “legends” involved are classic WMS video slots. In bonus events, you could find yourself taken to Goldfish, Jackpot Party, Zeus or Reel ’Em In. A spinning wheel tells you just what game you’ll be playing at bonus time. Bonuses from the other WMS favorites are given a Monopoly spin. If the wheel takes you to the Reel ’Em In bonus, it’s Mr. Monopoly out on a boat, dropping a line into the water as he fishes for you prize.

KNIGHT OF LA MANCHA, ARUZE GAMING

Why you’ll love it: Tilting at windmills – with a chance to win.

When trying this game for the first time, I couldn’t help laughing out loud when Don Quixote went tilting at windmills … and the windmill crumpled to the ground, stones, mortar and all. Sancho Panza jumped in triumph. Is the windmill supposed to lose? That’s just one of a number of bonus events that include both free spins and second-screen pick’em-style games.

THE MUNSTERS FAMILY PORTRAIT, INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES

Why you’ll love it: The special portrait feature builds extra excitement into watching the reels.

Instead of the standard five reels that we usually see on video slots, there are nine reels full of Munsters characters and icons, including the actors from the spooky 1960s sitcom. But only five of the nine are used to determine your outcome on each spin. There’s a five-reel frame for this portrait, and it slides back and forth over the full reel set. Wherever it stops, it frames the five reels that are going to count for that spin. Those reels are bright and in full color, while the other four are dimmed. For us old-timers who took math before iPads, or even pocket calculators. The effect is like a slide rule, using the slide to frame your calculation.