Vote For Your Favorite Casinos Today in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards!

It’s time to vote for your favorite casinos in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards and you might win the Ultimate Casino Getaway!

That’s right… every voter will be entered for a chance to win a two-night getaway to the casino of their choice that includes room accommodations, dining for two, gambling money, gas money to get there and  more!

It’s quick and easy…just click the link below and you will be on your way…Good luck!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CASINOS!
(Must be 21 years of age or older to be eligible. Voting closes December 10, 2024)

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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:

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

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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Chef Superstar Aarón Sánchez Opens Johnny Sanchez Restaurant at L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles

Chef Aarón Sánchez has earned his way to the top of the culinary world from his early years learning from his grandmother who was a home chef who published her knowledge in a cookbook in 1987. He also learned his way around the kitchen by working at his mother’s restaurant in New York and really getting to know the ins and outs of the business.

 

After years of hard work and dedication working for others in the industry, today Chef Sanchez stays busy running his New Orleans restaurant, Johnny Sánchez, appearing on top cooking shows such as MasterChef and Chopped as both a judge and a chef. He is also driven to celebrate the Latin lifestyle through culinary expression and guests can see and taste that influence in every meal.

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Churchill Downs Racetrack Unveils Plans for $80-$90 Million Grandstand Club and Pavilion Renovation

Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky announced an $80-$90 million renovation to the existing grandstand that will update ticketed seating options while significantly improving and adding to the amenities available for all guests in the grandstand area at the famed racetrack.

Construction on the Grandstand Club and Pavilion is scheduled to begin in August with completion planned in time for the 151st Kentucky Derby in May 2025.

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Southland Casino Hotel Announces Free Summer Concerts May 18 & May 25

(West Memphis, Arkansas) Southland Casino Hotel, located in West Memphis, Arkansas, offers an exhilarating experience for both casual visitors and avid gamblers with 2,000 slot machines and numerous live table games. Guests can enjoy top-notch dining at several on-site restaurants, and the luxurious hotel features modern amenities and comfortable accommodations.

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