College Sports in Chaos: NIL, Transfers, Timing, and the Money That Rules It All
The landscape of college sports has never felt more like the Wild West. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, rapid-fire coach and player transfers, and massive television dollars have turned what was once a structured amateur ecosystem into a high-stakes free-for -all.
As we head deeper into 2026, it’s clear the changes are profound—and not all for the better.
Craps Strategy: Why the 6 & 8 Are Smart Bets
Among seasoned craps players, few wagers inspire more debate than place bets on the 6 and 8. They’re often touted as the “workhorse” numbers of a table—steady, reliable, low-house-edge bets that allow smart players to build a controlled, disciplined game. But how strong are they really? And when should you use them? Understanding the math behind these bets—and applying a refined strategy—can turn these two simple numbers into a powerful part of your betting repertoire.
Why the 6 and 8 Are Special
Craps is, at its heart, a game of probability. Every roll of the dice offers 36 possible combinations. The numbers 6 and 8 each have five combinations, making them the second-most common point numbers behind the 7, which has 6 combinations.
That means before a 6 or 8 hits, the dice favor the 7 by a margin of 6-to-5. But once a point is established and place bets are working, this frequency advantage for the 7 translates into the house edge—not into a weakness for the player.
2025 Readers’ Choice Awards Results – Top Casinos Revealed!
We’re thrilled to present the winners of the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, celebrating the casino properties that truly impressed players across the region. From world-class resorts to standout local favorites, these honors reflect the voices of you—the dedicated gamers—and our team at Gaming and Destinations.
Each year, these awards spotlight the best in gaming across multiple regions and categories, helping readers discover new destinations, compare experiences, and plan their next casino getaway with confidence.
Thank you to everyone who voted and shared their insights. We hope this year’s results inspire your next adventure—and maybe even add a few new casinos to your favorites list.
(Check out the awards from each region below.)
Gulf Coast Tunica Mid-South Louisiana Missouri
S. Indiana N. Indiana Iowa Michigan Minnesota Wisconsin
New Year, New Strategy: 7 Gambling Resolutions for a Winning Year
Every January brings the same familiar promises—hit the gym more often, eat fewer carbs, reclaim the inbox. But for serious casino and racetrack enthusiasts, the start of a new year also offers something far more valuable: an opportunity to reassess your approach to gambling and fine-tune the habits that keep your bankroll healthy and your edge sharp.
Vegas Slows, Regionals Rise: Why Southern & Midwest Casinos Are Positioned to Win
For decades, Las Vegas has stood as the unrivaled capital of American gaming — a dazzling hub of entertainment, hospitality, and iconic casino culture.
And while the city continues to draw millions each year, recent tourism data reveals softening trends that may influence how players plan their future gaming trips.
Blackjack Splitting Strategy: When to Divide and Conquer
Blackjack is often called the “thinking player’s game,” and one of the most powerful tools you have at the table is the ability to split your cards. Done correctly, splitting can turn a mediocre hand into two strong ones—or even tilt the odds slightly in your favor. Done poorly, however, it can drain your chips faster than you expect. Knowing when to split, and just as importantly when not to, is the key to getting the most out of this move.
Let’s walk through the best strategies for splitting cards in blackjack and the reasoning behind them.
Winter Wagering: Heat Up Your Sports Betting and Casino Getaways
As the chill of Winter sets in, the excitement in the sports and gambling worlds heats up. For gamblers across the South and Midwest, November offers some of the most compelling opportunities to combine the thrill of the game with savvy betting strategies and smart casino travel. Whether you’re hitting the sportsbooks for NFL and college football or planning a weekend getaway to a nearby casino resort, there’s plenty to keep your action-packed calendar full.
Sweet Suites: Luxury Stays at Top Casinos Across the Region
When it comes to a memorable casino getaway, the right accommodations can elevate your experience from exciting to extraordinary. Across the U.S., premier casinos are redefining luxury with suites designed for relaxation, indulgence, and style. Whether you’re celebrating a big win, unwinding between gaming sessions, or enjoying a private escape, these suites deliver the perfect blend of comfort, sophistication, and amenities. Here are a few of our top picks when it comes to sweet suite accommodations. Enjoy!
Ron Turcotte: The Jockey Who Guided Legends
While the debate surrounding, “Who is the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all time?” will perpetuate now until the cows come home, there is no argument when it comes to the question of, “What is the single most impressive performance ever witnessed in the annals of North American flat racing?” Unequivocally, Secretariat’s thirty-one length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes, one that solidified his stature as the “Sport of Kings’” ninth Triple Crown Champion, is far and away the most impressive feat ever turned in by an equine athlete.
Three Card Poker: Wild Winning Streaks
Of all the poker-based games that have carved out niches in table pits, Three Card Poker pays out its top jackpot the most often. That makes some unusual streaks not only possible—but inevitable, given enough play.
Take the reader who once emailed to share their experience of being dealt four consecutive straight flushes, each worth a 40-1 payoff on the Pair Plus portion of the game. That might pale in comparison to the 1,000-1 bonanza for a royal in Let It Ride or a progressive jackpot that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars in Caribbean Stud. But any frequent player of Three Card Poker will tell you that straight flushes, with 1-in-460 odds, do come around. For most players, royals in Caribbean Stud and Let It Ride are a once-in-a-lifetime—if ever—event, with odds of 1 in 649,740.
