Out With the Old, Triple Crown Racetrack Renovations
There is an age-old adage that goes, “The only constant is change.” Well friends, whether we like it or not, this archaic saying rings true even inside the staunchly traditional realm of thoroughbred horse racing. In fact, I can even emphatically attest that the “Sport of Kings” has a far different complexion compared to when I placed my first wager three decades ago. Moreover, there is a modern movement to renovate and even, in some cases, completely redesign the three storied cathedrals which host thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Crown Series (i.e., Churchill Downs, Pimlico Race Course and Belmont Park).
Mastering Pai Gow Poker: Strategy, Odds, and How to Play Like a Pro
If you enjoy poker but want a slower-paced, lower-volatility casino game with a unique twist, Pai Gow Poker might be your ideal game. Blending traditional poker rules with the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, this table game offers plenty of opportunities to reduce the house edge with smart strategy and patience. Here’s a quick overview of how to play as well as some probabilities and strategies to give you a great start to winning ant Pai Gow!
Mastering the Wheel: Roulette Strategy
Roulette, one of the most iconic and enduring games in any casino, combines simple rules with suspenseful gameplay. At first glance, the spinning wheel and bouncing ball may seem like pure chance—and to a large extent, they are. But savvy players know that understanding probabilities, bet types, and strategic approaches can improve both enjoyment and decision-making at the table. Here’s a guide to the basics of roulette, the best strategies to use, and the statistical realities behind every spin.
Winning at Slots: Strategies, Stats, and Smart Play
Slot machines dominate the casino floor for a reason. Flashy, fast-paced, and full of promise, they account for nearly 70% of gaming revenue in many U.S. casinos. But behind the reels and lights lies a system built on mathematical precision and probability.
While there’s no surefire way to beat the machines, understanding how they work and choosing the right games can boost your odds and your enjoyment. Here’s an overview for how to play smarter and potentially win more at slots.
Chef Allison Spicer from Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort Wins Casino Chef Showdown!
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.
The Legacy of a Legend: D. Wayne Lukas (9/2/35 – 6/28/25)
When Darrell Wayne Lukas, better known as D. Wayne Lukas, passed away at his Louisville home on June 28, 2025, the world of Thoroughbred racing lost one of its most vibrant icons of the sport. At 89, Lukas embodied the words he lived by: “You have to have a passion.”
His departure leaves behind an indelible legacy—of prestige, innovation, mentorship, and, yes, dazzling green stalls and sharp suits.
He will be missed but his legacy will live on at racetracks around the world.
Southland Casino Hotel Launches Expanded Player Rewards Program
(WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.) – Southland Casino Hotel is excited to announce the launch of its greatly expanded and enhanced player rewards program for players to enjoy.
The new Lucky North® Rewards, formerly Lucky North Club®, features expanded tier-earning and benefit-use periods, on-property and destination benefits and new national and local partnerships for discounted and complementary experiences.
Champion Gymnast Livvy Dunne and EX-MLB Star Jayson Werth to Host Kentucky Oaks and Derby Festivities in Sports Illustrated’s SI Club
(Louisville, Kentucky) All-American National Champion gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and ex-Major League Baseball star Jayson Werth will be the celebrity hosts to meet-and-greet guests in Sports Illustrated’s Club SI, the popular luxury dining experience at historic Churchill Downs, for the 151st runnings of the Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, respectively.
Club SI, a multi-year exclusive partnership between Churchill Downs Racetrack and Sports Illustrated, debuted at last year’s Kentucky Derby and offers guests a modern, sophisticated race day experience as part of the racetrack’s recent $200 million reimagined Paddock Project.
Rhythm City Casino in Iowa Welcomes Midland on April 5
(Davenport, Iowa) The popular band Midland is coming to Rhythm City Casino to perform in the Event Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The Double Grammy® nominees have sought to reintroduce the Western plains, Laurel Canyon-cum-Bakersfield and Lone Star juke joints to Country music since coming together at a friend’s wedding over common influences and the need for a return to this sort of post-Urban Cowboy Country.
They are known best for their 2X PLATINUM hit “Drinkin’ Problem” from their critically acclaimed album “On The Rocks” and No. 1 Billboard Top Country Albums debut Let It Roll to unite classic country fans, hipsters and media including Entertainment Weekly, GQ, The Washington Post, Vogue, Esquire, Variety, Rolling Stone Country and NPR.
Churchill Downs Unveils Multi-Year Series of Capital Projects
Louisville, KY., (February 19, 2025) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today a multi-year series of capital projects that will enhance and expand the Kentucky Derby experience across three key areas of Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”).
The series of transformational projects are, collectively, the largest expansion and renovation undertaken in the 150-year history of CDI.
