Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal with Mr. Las Vegas

When it comes to Las Vegas, no one knows the city better than Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton. Known as an American icon, Newton has performed with the biggest names in show business including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and many more. Making his Las Vegas debut in the 1950’s, he has played over 20,000 shows and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Gaming and Destinations recently caught up with the star himself and talked about everything from his early years as a performer to one day attending the Kentucky Derby. He is certainly one of a kind and we highly recommend making it a point to check out his show on your next Vegas visit.

Enjoy the interview!

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Horseracing: Take What They Are Giving

 

American Pharoah with Victor Espinoza up wins the Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown at Belmont Park Race Track, NY 6.6.2015

Maybe it’s just a sign of the times, but lately, most every horse player I converse with is dead set on procuring a life changing score. The advent, and hence marketing of, elaborate pari-mutual menus which promise acute financial solvency has no doubt led to this “shoot for the moon mentality” among punters yet while attempting to take down Santa Anita Race Course’s pick-6 is admirable, it’s also highly unlikely. On some days (maybe you can relate) I can’t select a single winner never mind six in a row and although keying multiple racers in each leg of a prolonged horizontal wager augments one’s margin for error, bankrolls become devastated when copious equine inclusion goes awry.

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Video Poker Versus Table Poker: Similar Name, Different Game

Not too long ago I was heading for my favorite bank of video poker (VP) machines when my friend asked why I didn’t play “real poker” in the card room. This, of course, wasn’t the first time a nose was subtly turned up regarding the felt game’s “superiority” to step-daughter, video poker. I honestly feel no need to get defensive about VP, but must say they are very different games and neither one is entitled to #special bragging rights.

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Super Bowl LII: The Big Game in the Bold North

Super Bowl LII, the 52nd Super Bowl championship game, will decide the league champion for the 2017 NFL season. The Big Game is scheduled to be held on February 4, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It will be the second Super Bowl in Minneapolis, which previously hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992. This year’s game will be just the sixth Super Bowl in a cold weather city.

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Blackjack: The Insurance Debate

 

A friend of mine was watching me play blackjack in a casino. I was playing heads-up against the dealer in a double-deck game. He didn’t say much to me while I was playing other than to give me an “atta boy” when I beat the dealer, or offer condolences when the dealer pulled a miracle draw to beat me.

After about forty-five minutes of playing, we broke for lunch. My friend is a typical casual blackjack player and he queried me about some of the insurance bets that I made. “How come you sometimes insured your 20s and other times you didn’t, and why in hell did you insure your 7? I always thought you’re supposed to insure your good hands and not your bad hands?” I proceeded to explain to him the following.

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Derby City Gaming Facility Breaks Ground in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”) broke ground today on its $60 million state-of-the-art historical racing machine (“HRM”) facility in Louisville. CDRT also unveiled the name and branding for the new facility, Derby City Gaming.

The 85,000-square-foot facility will open in fall 2018 at 4520 Poplar Level Road, Churchill Downs’ former Trackside location (also known previously as Sports Spectrum), and less than half a mile from the Poplar Level Road exit off the Watterson Expressway (I-264).

“Churchill Downs is proud to have been part of the Louisville community for more than 140 years, and we are excited about our continued growth in this great city. We are moving full speed ahead to develop and open Derby City Gaming, an innovative new facility which pays homage to the place we call home,” Churchill Downs Racetrack president Kevin Flanery said.

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Million Dollar Heater Poker Tournament Returns to Beau Rivage

BILOXI, Miss – Beau Rivage Resort & Casino presents the seventh annual Million Dollar Heater Jan. 4-15, 2018. The Million Dollar Heater is a poker players’ paradise with $1,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools and 65 tables. The schedule starts with a $600,000 guaranteed event with an entry fee of $300 +$45 + $10, and the main event features a $300,000 guaranteed prize pool with an entry fee of $2,500 + $200.

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Penny Chenery: The Queen of the Sport of Kings

Secretariat became a national celebrity when he won the Triple Crown in 1973.

The horse racing superstar captured the Kentucky Derby and then rolled in the Preakness Stakes before turning in a dazzling performance in the Belmont Stakes, winning by an astounding 31 lengths.

The colt known as “Big Red” became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years – setting records in all three legs – and ran himself onto the cover of Sports Illustrated, Time and Newsweek magazines.

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Craps: Betting the Basics

Every craps player has his or her own philosophy of play. Some wild action players look to make as much money from each bet as possible. They will bet proposition bets such as the Any Seven, individual numbers such as 2, 3, 11 and 12, the Horn and the like.

My mentor the late Captain of craps, the man I wrote about in my latest book I Am a Dice Controller, called all proposition bets “crazy crapper bets” and with good reason; the chances of keeping the game a close contest between the player and the casino was a longshot indeed.

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Howie Mandel & More Top Comedians Return to Aces of Comedy

Howie Mandel

As any poker player can tell you, there are few things more satisfying than having a pair of pocket aces.  While it’s not a guaranteed win, you wouldn’t trade those cards for anything, and you can be fairly confident that you’ll be happy with the end result. The Mirage in Las Vegas has taken this concept to a unique conclusion, namely its “Aces of Comedy” series at the Terry Fator Theatre.

As the name implies, the idea is to bring in a collection of unbeatable comedians; high-caliber, crowd-pleasing, can’t-miss talent. For audiences who may be hesitant to take a chance on an unknown comedian, worried about sitting through yet another uninspired series of jokes about airline food or the differences between men and women, the Mirage’s “Aces of Comedy” series was conceived as a way of bringing a winning hand of comedy to audiences on a consistent basis. In light of the recent tragic events, this is certainly a town that could use some of the healing power of laughter, and these Aces are ready to deliver.

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Wind Creek Casino & Hotel: Find Your Winning Moment.

Wind Creek Casino & Hotel – Atmore, Alabama

When it comes to great times, entertainment, and excitement, Alabama is booming with three great casino properties offering winning moments every step of the way. Two properties, Wind Creek Montgomery and Wind Creek Wetumpka, are located near Montgomery, Alabama, an easy drive away from Atlanta and Birmingham. Wind Creek Atmore, located in the Gulf Coast region of Alabama, boasts more of a resort type of destination and should definitely be an addition to your calendar. And if you are looking for an exotic getaway, the most recent addition to Wind Creek’s family of properties, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, offers the best of the Caribbean with fun and excitement like no other. When you add in high-reward gaming, major entertainment, and the extensive amenities, you have everything needed for a winning experience!

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North Star Casino Resort Shines Bright with New Leadership

(Bowler, Wisconsin) Known as the “Midwest’s Friendliest Casino,” North Star Mohican Casino Resort is a premier destination nestled in the breathtaking North Woods of Wisconsin. Located within an hour of Green Bay and minutes north of Hwy 29, North Star offers gaming enthusiasts everything they could imagine, and more.

The property is a sure bet when it comes to choosing your next gaming adventure.

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Interview Flashback: G&D’s Interview with Hugh Hefner

On the evening of September 26, 2017, news began to spread that Hugh Hefner had passed away. The founder of Playboy magazine and a major influence for today’s social culture, Hefner was a leader on many front.

G&D was honored to feature Hefner on the front cover of our 2007 issue highlighting his all-new slot machine. We discussed everything from getting started to his views on gambling.

We hope you enjoy the interview … and RIP to a legend.

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Gun Lake Casino Unveils $76 Million Expansion in Michigan

Build it and they will come. Gun Lake Casino, located in Wayland, Michigan, recently announced the completion of a $76 million expansion that includes more gaming space, a new bar and major overhaul of their popular Harvest Buffet.

With the expansion, the casino is now home to over 2,000 of the latest and greatest slot machines and nearly 50 table games. The gaming floor also features wider aisles for easier accessibility and overall flow through the casino. The property has also added a state of the art ventilation system to reduce smoke and maximize air flow for the comfort of guests.

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IP Casino Resort Spa: Hot Happenings in Biloxi


IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi, Mississippi is cranking up the rewards in September with a chart-topping list of new ways to win!

Starting September first, players can begin rocking the slots and tables for a chance to win one of two Mercedes-Benz® vehicles or a share of up to $20,000 Slot Dollars in Mercedes® Mania. Entries are earned with play and the drawings start at 4:00pm each day September 29 and 30. As if two luxury cars don’t already pick up pulse rates, IP will also roll out the $110,000 Winfiniti Giveaway September first and third. Players will earn entries through September third to win one of two Infiniti® Q50s or a share of up to $20,000 Slot Dollars. The same weekend, slot tournament fans will compete for a share of $40,000 in cash and Slot Dollars in the Trail to Victory Slot Tournament September first.

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Churchill Downs and Keeneland Announce Two New Racing Facilities in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Incorporated and Keeneland Association, Inc. announced today an historic partnership to propose the construction of two new state-of-the-art racing facilities. One will be in southeastern Kentucky in Corbin (Knox County), and the second will be in southwestern Kentucky in Oak Grove (Christian County).

The proposed facilities will feature live horse racing and historical racing machines for guests from Kentucky and beyond.
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Midwest Casino Dining Guide

We are always excited to showcase the best casino restaurants throughout the region. Whether it is a casual oyster bar, or a premium steakhouse with a vast wine selection, we have found some sure bets when it comes to dining on your next casino adventure. Be sure to carve out some time to check a few of these great selections out!

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