Horse of the Month: Barbaro

Jockey Edgar Prado guides Barbaro to victory in the 132nd Kentucky Derby. (Photos courtesy of Churchill Downs)

A wise man once told me, “Many a great narrative is camouflaged on that occasion when it first rubs shoulders with the limelight”. Well, believe me when I tell you that this axiom certainly proved true inside the confines of Delaware Park Racetrack on October 4th, 2005. See, because even though the day’s 7th race (a one mile “Maiden Special Weight” turf affair) was captured in dazzling fashion by a 7-1 first time starter, no one in attendance could have possibly realized that the curtain had just gone up on one of thoroughbred horse racing’s most poignant tragedies. (more…)

Property Spotlight: Rhythm City Casino Resort: Davenport, Iowa

Rhythm City Casino Resort is a mix of the best parts of hospitality. Reopening the land-based operations in 2016, the resort is located on the eastern border of Iowa in Davenport and has some of the best amenities for guests to enjoy. The resort is primarily owned by the Kehl family, who are known for customer service after a long tenure in the hospitality business.

The Kehl’s got their start in restaurant business the 1960’s with a small café, by the 1970’s they had expanded and started offering dinner cruises and by 1986, they had a 1,000 passenger boat and were filling up the cruises nightly. So, when the talks of expanded gambling on the riverside in Iowa started to get serious, the Kehls were among the first to get in on the new industry.

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Slot Spotlight: All Aboard by Konami Gaming is Full Steam Ahead!

Casinos around the world are evolving daily with new games showcasing the latest features and technology for players. Konami Gaming has always been on the forefront of the latest game themes featuring crisp graphics, clear sounds and entertaining game play, and their latest product line is no exception.

Their newest video slot theme, All Aboard, is quickly amassing incredible energy and momentum and you can expect to see it at your favorite casino soon!

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Destination Spotlight: Palmetto Dunes: Hilton Head, South Carolina

There is no shortage of charming Southern getaways scattered throughout the Carolina’s ranging from Charleston and Kiawah Island to Hilton Head Island. Whether you are looking for a long weekend or full-fledged vacation, pick just about any of these beach laden destination and rest assured you will find all of the rest and relaxation you have been looking for, and deserve.

A popular coastal destination that continues to impress visitors and residents alike is Hilton Head Island. Offering a variety of activities from great golf and fantastic fishing to expansive beachscapes and delectable dining, you can fill your days with fun, or simply kick back on the beach in the sun. The Lowcountry island offers 12 miles of beach front and is scattered with small neighborhoods where visitors can find accommodations in apartments, condos or houses ranging from a few bedrooms to mansions on the seashore.

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Buy One Subscription for $20…Get a Second for FREE! Limited time offer.

For a limited time only, we are running a Buy one, Get One FREE subscription special for just $20!

For just $20, you will get an annual subscription to Southern or Midwest Gaming and Destinations Magazine as well as special offers to casinos around the region. Each issue features great casino reviews, tips and strategies, feature articles and more and is delivered straight to your mailbox!

CLICK HERE to Subscribe Today! 

 

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Churchill Downs to Hold Kentucky Derby 146 on September 5th with Spectators

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – Churchill Downs Racetrack announced that after consultation with Gov. Andy Beshear and state public health officials the 146th runnings of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and Longines Kentucky Oaks will occur with spectators under strict guidelines.

Kentucky Derby Week will be held Sept. 1-5 with the Oaks on Friday, Sept. 4 and the Derby on Saturday, Sept. 5.

“We truly appreciate the leadership of the Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, and all of the hard work, collaboration and guidance that state and local officials and public health experts have provided us to safely and responsibly host Kentucky Derby Week in September with spectators,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “Our team is deeply committed to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever, and we will take all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all who attend and participate in the Derby.”

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Southern Gaming Spotlight: Casinos Re-Open Taking the Steps for Safety


As casinos around the country begin to re-open, they are taking extra precautions to ensure safety for their guests and employees. While state regulations are making several key elements mandatory like limiting capacity, the casinos have shown they will go far and above to show their steps to safety.

Southern Gaming publisher, G. Douglas Dreisbach, caught up with Travis Lunn, President and COO of MGM Resorts Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, to talk about some of the changes they are implementing at all of their resorts nationwide.
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Churchill Downs Races Set to Air on FS1 and FS2 – Tune in!

If you are missing the itch of a wager on a live event, look no further than horse racing. As live sports are on hold, live thoroughbred racing is alive and well continues at Churchill Downs for the Spring Meet.

With over 700 horses on the premises at the famed racetrack, the cards will be full and payouts juicy. The Spring Meet will be available on FOX Sports’ “America’s Day at the Races,” which will air every race day on either FS1 or FS2.

Produced by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) in partnership with FOX Sports, “America’s Day at the Races” is the acclaimed national telecast presenting coverage and analysis of the best racing from around the country.

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Secretariat Made 7-2 Favorite in Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown

While this year’s Kentucky Derby won’t run until September 5, the creative minds at Churchill Downs are delivering an exciting concept that has horse aficionados buzzing… a showdown among all of the Triple Crown Winners in History.

Secretariat, considered by many as the most talented and iconic Thoroughbred to have raced in America, has been established as the horse to beat in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown by veteran odds maker Mike Battaglia.

The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown is an animated race created by Inspired Entertainment Inc. using computer-generated imagery that will feature the 13 past Triple Crown winners in a 1 ¼-mile race at historic Churchill Downs.

The virtual race will be included in NBC’s broadcast of “The First Saturday In May: American Pharoah’s Run to the Triple Crown,” that airs Saturday (May 2) from 3-6 p.m. ET. The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown will air in its entirety during the broadcast at approximately 5:45 p.m. ET.

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NEW ISSUE ALERT: Our May Readers’ Choice Awards Issue Delayed Until June

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. We have regretfully decided to postpone our May Readers’ Choice Awards Issue to June in hopes that casinos will be open and we can once again send you great articles, reviews, tips, strategies and more. For questions, comments, advertising information and more, call 502-212-5177 or email editor@southerngaming,com.

In the meantime, if you have any article ideas or other things you would like to see in upcoming issues, let us know!

 

MGM Resorts International Pledges $1 Million for Employee Emergency Fund & Donates Close to Half a Million Pounds of Food

(LAS VEGAS) MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced an array of initiatives intended to support those impacted economically by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including a $1 million crisis and disaster relief pledge into an employee emergency grant fund and donating the equivalent of 400,000 meals across the United States.

“As we confront extraordinary events and an unprecedented global pandemic crisis, we know that this is an extremely challenging and uncertain time for many of our employees, their families, friends and neighbors and we are committed to help those in need,” said Bill Hornbuckle, Acting CEO and President of MGM Resorts International. “We have done a number of things to help our colleagues, including significantly expanding eligibility coverage for the MGM Employee Emergency Grant Fund. MGM Resorts International is donating $1 million towards disaster relief to offer additional support to employees impacted by the crisis and who may be experiencing hardships.”

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Who’s Open? Who’s Not? – G&D’s COVID-19 Casino & Racetrack Status & Info

Southern & Midwest Gaming and Destinations is dedicated to delivering the best in gaming, and the best in life, for our readers. Whether it is great gaming tips and strategies, or reviews on properties, restaurants and other amenities, we are YOUR #1 SOURCE for all that is gaming!

While casinos are taking extreme precautions for the safety of their customers, during the current situation with the spread of COVID-19 (Corona Virus), we will do our best to bring you the latest updates and information about casino and racetrack closings, concerts and event cancellations or postponements, and any other news and information as we receive it.

CLICK HERE to sign up for our email updates and information.

We hope everyone stays safe (and clean!) and that we are back to our favorite casinos asap!

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Railbird Festival Line-up Announcement: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and Maren Morris Top the List

Railbird Festival, the Lexington, Kentucky-based, world-class music festival produced by AC Entertainment and Lexington entrepreneur David Helmers, is proud to present its 2020 lineup. Grammy Award-winning artists topping the weekend’s bill include Americana standout Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and singer-songwriter Maren Morris. The festival will return to the Grounds at Keeneland, August 22-23, 2020.

Additional acts include The Head and the Heart, Young the Giant, The Decemberists, Tanya Tucker, Trampled By Turtles, Colter Wall, Whiskey Meyers, and more. More than 30 artists will perform across three stages during the two-day festival.

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Craps: Strategies Unveiled

In the past, I have discussed darkside, rightside and proper betting practices. I’ve discussed the players playing these ways socially – why they do what they do, why they don’t do this or that, and why they should. Now it’s time to let the players speak for themselves. How do they play? What is their secrets to success or failure?

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Top Casino Sports Books and Bars: Gearing Up for the Game

With the Super Bowl kicking off this weekend and March Madness right around the corner, there has never been a better time to be a sports bettor than now. With the expansion of sports books at casinos around the region, and online sports betting more available than ever, the hardest part decision you’ll have is deciding where to watch, and wager! We are excited to give you a quick run down of some of our favorite casinos to watch, and wager, on your next big game. We hope you like our suggestions.

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Slot: 10 Tips to Winning

The popularity of slot machine play is at an all-time high. The games offered by casinos and racinos provide an array of options for slot players to choose from and sometimes confusing strategies to maximize profits. Here are ten tips to insure your quality of entertainment on your next gaming trip.
1. Use Your Players Card
If I could give only one tip to casino players, this would be the one I would pick. Your Player’s Club Card can earn you comps for food, lodging and shows. Some casinos even offer cash back for your play. When you do not use the card, you are essentially depriving yourself of valuable incentives the casino is giving back to the players. Some slot players think that using their slot cards affect the way a machine pays out. This is a myth and a very expensive mistake for those who believe it. (more…)

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Comes to Beau Rivage February 28, 29 & March 1

BILOXI, Miss.- Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – the show that inspired a generation of multi-million selling juke-box musicals including Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet and We Will Rock You takes the stage at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino for four shows, Feb. 28 – March 1.

Don’t miss the Special Buy One, Get One Free offer for Military and First Responders

Now in its 30th year, the show has been seen by more than 22 million music fans since it opened in London’s West End in 1989. Buddy speaks an international language and continues to have audiences from eight to 80 rockin’ in the aisles across the globe.

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Destination Florida: Casinos in the Sunshine State

Florida is well-known worldwide for entrancing beaches, a heart-stopping dance scene, and some of the best Latin American cuisine anywhere outside of Central and South America.

However, Florida is also a gamblers paradise, with casino destinations hosting Vegas-style games such as craps, roulette, baccarat, poker, pai-gow, and a whole host of other games of chance and skill. In addition, some have lavish resort-style amenities including pools, lazy rivers, nightclubs and more.

While there are countless gaming options in Florida,we’re going to take a look at some of the must-visit casinos in the Sunshine State.

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Top Sporting Events of 2020: Save the Date!

The college football and basketball championships will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta CVB)

We have big sports year ahead of us in 2020 and I can’t wait to get into it all. Sure, it is a presidential election year, but you can’t bet on debates, though I sure wish we could. So, as we start to look ahead to see what excitement we can start preparing for, find your tickets, book your hotel and gear up for some great sports getaways!

We are excited to unveil some of our top sporting events to look forward to in 2020…we hope you agree!

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