Chasing the Pop — Blackjack Side Bets That Bring the Boom
Blackjack has held its crown as the most popular casino table game for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Few games combine skill, pacing, and suspense quite like it. Every hand offers a decision—hit, stand, split, double—and every decision carries weight. Add in the dealer’s unknown hole card, and you’ve got a steady stream of tension that keeps players locked in.
For many, that’s more than enough. But for others, the grind of even-money wins and incremental bankroll swings doesn’t quite scratch the itch. They’re looking for something sharper, faster—a chance to turn a routine hand into a headline moment. That’s where blackjack side bets come in.
Property Spotlight: North Star Mohican Casino (Bowler, Wisconsin)
North Star Mohican Casino resort located in Bowler, Wisconsin prides itself on offering a resort experience that is modest in scale but strong in comfort.
The resort features 129 rooms and suites, including king and double-queen, along with a handful of larger suites, as well as other amenities that will fill your gambling getaway to no end.
Hot Summer Casino Getaways: Our Top Picks
The summer is upon us and there is nothing better than lounging by the pool on a hot day while thinking about winning big in the casino at night.
In this article, we are excited to highlight a few of our favorite gambling getaways where you will find resort-style amenities and hot gambling action to keep you busy. Enjoy!
Computer Assisted Wagering: Why Horseplayers Are Losing Faith
Whether you are in the shadows of Churchill Downs’ famed twin spires, amid the rolling bluegrass fields of Keeneland or most racetracks across the country, horse racing has always been about more than money. It’s about the roar when your longshot surges down the stretch, the shared excitement with buddies on a group bet, and the fair chance that a sharp handicapper can beat the game. But for growing numbers of everyday bettors, that magic is fading. A controversial practice known as Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) is reshaping the sport—and leaving many players frustrated enough to walk away.
Top Thoroughbred Trainers: Masters of Triple Crown Glory
Thoroughbred racing’s elite trainers are judged by a demanding trifecta of metrics: total career purse earnings (a direct measure of the quality and market value of their horses), overall win totals (proof of volume, longevity, and day-in-day-out excellence), and success in the Kentucky Derby plus the other Triple Crown races (the ultimate test of preparing champions for racing’s most iconic stages). Data from Equibase through early 2026, combined with official Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown records, highlight a clear pantheon of modern legends who have dominated these categories. While historical figures like Ben Jones (six Derbies) or Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons (two Triple Crowns) set early benchmarks, today’s purse inflation and expanded racing calendars elevate those who combined volume with elite performance.
Churchill Downs Adds New Menu of Bets for Kentucky Oaks & Derby Week
Annually, the Kentucky Derby produces some of the largest betting pools in the sport. Last year’s Derby race win, place and show pool totaled $122.4 million, while the exacta pool reached $30.1 million, the trifecta pool handled $35.5 million and the superfecta pool totaled $15.5 million. New on Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Days in 2026 will be a 50-cent All Turf Pick 4, while opening day of the Spring Meet will introduce the Jackpot 8, Odd vs. Even wagering and Matchup wagering.
Churchill Downs Inc. to Acquire Preakness Intellectual Property Rights for $85 Million
Louisville, KY., (April 21, 2026) – Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the intellectual property, including all trademarks and associated rights, of the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (the “Preakness IP Rights”) from 1/ST Maryland LLC, an affiliate of 1/ST Racing, for a purchase price of $85 million, subject to customary closing conditions.
$300,000 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge – Get in on the Action!
The $300,000 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge is a high-stakes, live-bankroll contest built around one of racing’s biggest days—the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. It blends handicapping skill, money management, and a bit of nerve into a single-day competition where every wager counts.
How It Works
Each player buys in for $5,000, with $3,500 going directly into a live betting bankroll and $1,500 feeding the prize pool. Unlike fixed-pick contests, this format requires you to bet your own money in real time across designated races throughout the day.
March Casino of the Month: Hollywood Casino Tunica
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River in Tunica, Mississippi, Hollywood Casino Tunica shines as this month’s Casino Spotlight. With its glamorous Hollywood theme, this iconic destination blends classic Tinseltown flair with Southern hospitality, making it a must-visit for both seasoned gamblers and casual visitors.
Opened in 1994 as one of Tunica’s pioneering casinos, it has evolved into a premier gaming hub, boasting over 35,000 square feet of action-packed floor space.
Craps: Finding Smart Bets
Few casino experiences match the excitement of a lively craps table. Chips clatter across felt, players cheer in unison, and strangers become teammates with every winning roll. The game’s fast pace and communal spirit create one of the most electric atmospheres in any casino. Beneath the noise and celebration, however, craps is governed by precise mathematics. Players who understand probability and bet selection can enjoy the spectacle while keeping the house edge remarkably low.
