2025 Mid-South Readers’ Choice Awards

The 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards Casino Getaway Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is sponsored by Gaming Media Group Inc., publisher of Southern & Midwest Gaming & Destinations (“Sponsor”),

2. Eligibility

Open to legal residents of United States who are 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees of Sponsor and their immediate family or household members are not eligible. Participants must comply with applicable laws and casino age and identification requirements.

3. Sweepstakes Period

The Sweepstakes begins November 1, 2026, and ends December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Entries must be received during this period.

4. How to Enter

Visit GamingandDestinations.com and complete a valid 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards voting ballot, including the required contact information and at least one regional award selection.

Entering and voting are free. No casino visit, wager, purchase, magazine subscription, or marketing email subscription is required.

Participants may vote in multiple eligible casino regions, subject to the voting rules. However, each person receives only one entry into the Casino Getaway Sweepstakes, regardless of the number of regional ballots submitted.

5. Prize Package

One winner will receive a Casino Getaway Prize Package consisting of:

One overnight hotel stay at a casino property of the winner’s choice, subject to availability and a maximum room value of $500.
Dinner for two at a restaurant at the selected casino property, excluding alcoholic beverages, up to $300
$100 in gambling money, subject to applicable law and fulfillment terms.
One $100 gas gift card.

The approximate retail value (ARV) of the complete prize is $1,000.

Casino and restaurant reservations are subject to availability, applicable restrictions, and confirmation by Sponsor. The winner is responsible for expenses not expressly included in the prize package, including additional travel expenses, incidental charges, and applicable taxes.

Sponsor will coordinate prize fulfillment with the winner. No casino affiliation or sponsorship is implied unless expressly stated.

6. Winner Selection and Notification

One potential winner will be selected through a random drawing from all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period, on or about December 18, 2026.

The potential winner will be contacted using the email address provided with their ballot and must respond within 10 calendar days. Failure to respond or meet eligibility requirements may result in selection of an alternate winner.

7. Odds of Winning

Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Each eligible participant has an equal chance of winning, regardless of the number of regional ballots submitted.

8. Prize Conditions

The prize is nontransferable and cannot be redeemed for cash except where required by law or expressly permitted by Sponsor. Any substitution will be for a prize of equal or greater value.

The winner must be at least 21 years old and meet applicable casino and hotel requirements. Prize redemption must occur by July 1, 2027. Taxes associated with accepting or using the prize are the winner’s responsibility.

9. Entry Verification

Sponsor may verify eligibility and disqualify fraudulent, automated, manipulated, or otherwise invalid entries. Multiple regional voting does not increase Sweepstakes entry chances.

10. Privacy and Marketing Consent

Information submitted will be used to administer voting, verify entries, contact the potential winner, and fulfill the prize, consistent with Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

Agreeing to receive marketing emails or casino offers is optional and does not affect eligibility or chances of winning.

11. General Conditions

Sponsor is not responsible for lost or incomplete submissions, technical failures, or circumstances outside its reasonable control. Subject to applicable law, Sponsor reserves the right to address fraud or technical problems that compromise the integrity of the Sweepstakes.

The Sweepstakes is governed by applicable federal and state laws. Void where prohibited.

12. Winner Information

After the drawing, the winner’s first name, last initial, and state of residence may be made available upon request, subject to applicable privacy laws.

For questions about the Sweepstakes, contact editor@southerngaming.com

This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by any casino property unless expressly identified.

Executive Spotlight: LuAnn Pappas: CEO of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

Nov 3, 2024 | Features Articles, Gaming News, In this Issue

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:

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G&D Executive Spotlight: Ryan O’Brien – Grand Casino Hinckley & Mille Lacs

Oct 30, 2024 | Features Articles, Gaming News, In this Issue, What's it Like?

If you haven’t been to Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley in Minnesota recently, now is a great time for a return visit. Both offer vibrant gaming experiences, upscale accommodations, delectable dining options, awesome amenities, world-class entertainment, luxurious spas great golf and more. So when we heard about a recent multi-million dollar renovation to enhance the guest rooms and other property amenities, we had to get the scoop on what’s new, what’s the same and why players will love it. We caught up with Guest Experience Director, Ryan O’Brien, who shares some insight on how he ensures great player experiences and looks forward to welcoming guests.

Listen to the interview:

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