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.
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!
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.
Congrats to Chef Allison Spicer from Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort(D’Iberville, Miss.) who won the 2025 Casino Chef Showdown Online Recipe Contest. Her recipe for Blueberry Galette with Almond Frangipane, Vanilla Gelato & Blueberry Compote (Recipe) hit the spot with voters as she narrowly edged out the other final round contestant, Chef Michael Timmins from Island Resort and Casino (Harris, Michigan), and his recipe for Horizons Wellington (Recipe).
Look for a Chef Spotlight with Spicer in the September Casino Dining Guide, as well as other great recipes and great casino cuisine to check out on your next gambling getaway.
Thanks for all of the chefs who participated and be sure to check out all of the recipes below.
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.
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.