Vote Today in ROUND TWO of the Casino Chef Showdown to Win a Casino Getaway!
It’s time to cast your vote in Round TWO of Gaming & Destinations Casino Chef Showdown—and to help crown this year’s Culinary King of the Casino!
What’s Happening?
- Round Two Voting: Runs thru Saturday, July 19
The chef with the most votes will win the the crown!
Vote now and you’ll be entered to win the Ultimate Culinary Casino Getaway to your casino of choice!
What you can win:
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Dinner for two at your preferred casino’s premium restaurant (excludes alcohol)
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One-night stay at your chosen casino hotel
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$100 for casino games, shopping, or savings
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$100 for travel expenses (e.g., gas)
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PLUS, your trip review could be featured in G&D Magazine! (optional)
The Legacy of a Legend: D. Wayne Lukas (9/2/35 – 6/28/25)
When Darrell Wayne Lukas, better known as D. Wayne Lukas, passed away at his Louisville home on June 28, 2025, the world of Thoroughbred racing lost one of its most vibrant icons of the sport. At 89, Lukas embodied the words he lived by: “You have to have a passion.”
His departure leaves behind an indelible legacy—of prestige, innovation, mentorship, and, yes, dazzling green stalls and sharp suits.
He will be missed but his legacy will live on at racetracks around the world.
Southland Casino Hotel Launches Expanded Player Rewards Program
(WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.) – Southland Casino Hotel is excited to announce the launch of its greatly expanded and enhanced player rewards program for players to enjoy.
The new Lucky North® Rewards, formerly Lucky North Club®, features expanded tier-earning and benefit-use periods, on-property and destination benefits and new national and local partnerships for discounted and complementary experiences.
Champion Gymnast Livvy Dunne and EX-MLB Star Jayson Werth to Host Kentucky Oaks and Derby Festivities in Sports Illustrated’s SI Club
(Louisville, Kentucky) All-American National Champion gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and ex-Major League Baseball star Jayson Werth will be the celebrity hosts to meet-and-greet guests in Sports Illustrated’s Club SI, the popular luxury dining experience at historic Churchill Downs, for the 151st runnings of the Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, respectively.
Club SI, a multi-year exclusive partnership between Churchill Downs Racetrack and Sports Illustrated, debuted at last year’s Kentucky Derby and offers guests a modern, sophisticated race day experience as part of the racetrack’s recent $200 million reimagined Paddock Project.
Rhythm City Casino in Iowa Welcomes Midland on April 5
(Davenport, Iowa) The popular band Midland is coming to Rhythm City Casino to perform in the Event Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The Double Grammy® nominees have sought to reintroduce the Western plains, Laurel Canyon-cum-Bakersfield and Lone Star juke joints to Country music since coming together at a friend’s wedding over common influences and the need for a return to this sort of post-Urban Cowboy Country.
They are known best for their 2X PLATINUM hit “Drinkin’ Problem” from their critically acclaimed album “On The Rocks” and No. 1 Billboard Top Country Albums debut Let It Roll to unite classic country fans, hipsters and media including Entertainment Weekly, GQ, The Washington Post, Vogue, Esquire, Variety, Rolling Stone Country and NPR.
Churchill Downs Unveils Multi-Year Series of Capital Projects
Louisville, KY., (February 19, 2025) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today a multi-year series of capital projects that will enhance and expand the Kentucky Derby experience across three key areas of Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”).
The series of transformational projects are, collectively, the largest expansion and renovation undertaken in the 150-year history of CDI.
LIVE! Casino & Hotel Opens $270 Million Property in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier City, Louisiana – The $270 million LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL LOUISIANA officially opened their doors on February 14 marking the first land-side casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market. This milestone ushers in a transformative moment for gaming and hospitality in the four-state region.
The property boasts a luxury hotel, over 1,000 slots and 40 table games, unprecedented dining and resort-style amenities.
“Just over a year ago, we broke ground on what is now a world-class entertainment destination – a true game-changer for Bossier City. We are excited to bring the Live! brand to this region with this stunning property,” said Jon Cordish, Principal of The Cordish Companies. “With every detail thoughtfully designed to deliver a premier guest experience, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is set to become the cornerstone of excitement, hospitality, and economic growth for this region.”
Ringing in the Resolutions: Stay on Track in 2025
With the new year upon us it is the perfect time for gamblers to set resolutions that will elevate their gaming experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic newcomer, making a few well-chosen commitments can lead to a more enjoyable, strategic, and profitable gambling year.
Here are some great gambling resolutions to kickstart your year and keep you on track for success.
2024 Readers’ Choice Awards Results – Top Casinos Revealed!
Get ready to celebrate the best of the best! We’re thrilled to unveil the winners of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards honoring the top casino properties that have wowed gaming enthusiasts across the region. These casino resorts are world-class destinations, offering unforgettable experiences and setting the gold standard for excellence and the awards are a heartfelt thank-you from both you, the passionate gamers, and all of us at Gaming and Destinations.
Our annual Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the finest gaming options across various regions, helping players of all skill level discover hidden gems and plan their next unforgettable casino adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned high-roller or new to the scene, these winners are sure to inspire your next getaway.
A huge thank-you to everyone who cast their votes and shared their favorites. Dive into this year’s awards and get ready to add some incredible new spots to your must-visit list! Let the gaming adventures begin!
(Check out the awards from each region below.)
Gulf Coast Tunica Mid-South Louisiana Missouri
S. Indiana N. Indiana Iowa Michigan Minnesota Wisconsin
Executive Spotlight: LuAnn Pappas: CEO of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
When it comes to delivering a great casino guest experience, many factors come into play well before the guest ever steps foot onto the property. From the moment they go to the website or call for a reservation, there are perceptions and opinions that will go into determining if their visit was positive or not. When it comes to determining what makes guests happy, it takes a full team from player development and guest services to food and beverage and entertainment to make everything flow smooth and keep the guests smiling, all orchestrated by the management at the property. Many of the leaders in the industry have earned their way to the top through years of various roles and responsibilities that helped them sharpen their skills to be qualified to get the most from their team and deliver the ultimate experience for their guests.
One of the icons of the industry who always seems to work with her team to deliver the best for her guests is LuAnn Pappas, CEO of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi. She has blazed her trail for 39 years and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
We recently caught up with her to hear more about her career, management philosophy and some of the trends in the industry over the years.
Listen to the full-interview below:
