Executive Spotlight: Tony Granquist – General Manager @ North Star Mohican Casino Resort
North Star Mohican Casino Resort is pleased to introduce Tony Granquist as our new Gaming General Manager. Tony brings an impressive 15 years of gaming industry experience, with a focus on gaming regulations and a recent successful tenure as Interim Gaming General Manager.
Tony’s background of experience and education makes him a great candidate to provide enhanced guest experiences and drive operational efficiencies at North Star Mohican Casino Resort.
From Foal to the Winner’s Circle: The Journey of a Kentucky Derby Champion
It’s the race that every “horse person” perpetually dreams of winning. In fact, if you combined the available spoils from every other prestigious route that is run throughout the calendar year, the pooled glory would still pale in comparison to that eternal title that is bestowed on the “First Saturday in May”. Alas, the odds against a thoroughbred cantering into that exclusive infield Winner’s Enclosure at Churchill Downs that is reserved specifically for the Kentucky Derby Champion are much more astronomical than you might think.
It follows then that we now tag along on the journey an equine takes from conception, to being royally draped with a blanket of rich red roses.
Slot Floor Sensations: Our Top Picks
When it comes to creating a perfect environment to entertain adults with a variety of wants and desires, casino resorts seem to have it figured out. From fantastic dining to the lavish luxuries like spas and cabanas, casinos offer their guests the best of the best to insure they are satisfied and keep coming back.
We caught up with some of our preferred properties to find out about their casino floors, the variety of games they have and why their guests like to play there.
Southland Casino Hotel Donates Over $2 Million for Animal Shelter and College Scholarships
(West Memphis, Arkansas) Southland Casino Hotel gives $1.7 million gift to West Memphis for new Animal Shelter and Adoption Center and establishes new Arkansas State University Mid-South scholarships through $537,500 gift.
Southland Casino Hotel is the place to Play, Stay, and Dine. Whether playing on more than 2,300 slot machines, feeling the felt of 50 live table games, betting big in the high-limit rooms or enjoying live sports betting, Southland has it all.
Casino Philanthropy: The Giving in Gaming:
We are all familiar with the lavish offerings of casino resorts around the world ranging from extravagant entertainment, luxurious accommodations, and decadent dining. But did you know that collective charitable contributions and philanthropic endeavors from the gaming industry total over $1 billion annually?
From supporting local communities to tackling national issues, casinos are increasingly recognized for their positive impact beyond the gaming floor. From donating funds to sponsoring events, casinos actively engage in their communities, addressing diverse needs like education, healthcare, and social services.
2023 Readers’ Choice Awards – The Results Are In!
We are excited to once again reveal the winners of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards showcasing the top casino properties that have excelled and garnered accolades from gaming enthusiasts throughout the region. Casino resorts are the best in the world showing their guests the best of the best, and these awards are a small token of appreciation from you, the gamers, and from us at Gaming and Destinations.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their opinions. We hope you enjoy this year’s awards and find a few new casinos to add 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
2023 Breeders’ Cup Preview: Our Top Picks
In the world of thoroughbred horse racing, the Triple Crown Series (and its protracted string of “qualifying races”) takes center stage from late February to early June. However, when the scorching heat finally gives way to Autumn’s wintery preamble, every horse player worth their salt starts to pine over an impending occasion known as the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. Scheduled to unfold on November 3rd & 4th at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA, this year’s 14 race Breeders’ Cup card will ultimately confer a whopping $31 million dollars in combined purse money!
Chef Spotlight: Jackson Reichel – Executive Chef – Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort – D’Iberville, Mississippi
Some of the most treasured beaches in the country are those stretched along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and just a few minutes from those beaches lies gem of its own at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort. The property offers stunning views, awesome accommodations and, of course, an array of dining options to appease any guest.
Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience at Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood, a little more international flair with ChopSTX Noodle Bar or Ami Pizza for Italian favorites, or Southern charm at Under the Oak, you will find plenty of options to explore on every visit.
We recently caught up with chef Jackson Reichel, the room chef at Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood at Scarlet Pearl to hear more about his culinary influences and background, what makes Scarlet’s so special and why you should visit on your next gambling getaway to the coast.
Listen to the full interview:
Chef Spotlight: Josh Marling – Executive Chef – Southland Casino Hotel (West Memphis, Arkansas)
Located less than an hour from Tunica, Mississippi is one of the South’s hottest casino properties, Southland Casino Hotel. From what was once a greyhound track, the property has been completely transformed into what is today a luxurious casino resort with a 300-room hotel and plenty of dining options to enjoy.
We had the opportunity to catch up with executive chef, Josh Marling, to hear more about what he and his team do to deliver great dining experiences time and time again.
Listen to the full interview:
Triple Crown Trivia: Fun Facts About Horse Racing’s Elite
Inside the world of thoroughbred horse racing, there is a title that transcends all other turf trophies combined. Conferred only on those extraordinary occasions when an equine manages to maneuver their way through a next to impossible gauntlet known as the “Triple Crown Series”, the moniker of “Triple Crown Champion” is accordingly rarer than 18kt gold “hen’s teeth”. Correspondingly, it’s worth mentioning that over the last 150 years; only 13 thoroughbreds have managed to successfully scale the “Sport of Kings’” most challenging mountain.
