Casinos the place to be for New Year's Eve in the Mid-South

Casinos have lots to offer Mid-Southerners

Jackpot! Magazine provides update on New Year's Eve parties and entertainment line-up for early 2013

MISSISSIPPI — North Mississippi and the Mid-South area casinos have a lot of entertainment planned for New Year's Eve and beyond. It is little wonder Mid-Southerners love to see the New Year arrive at their favorite area casinos. Here is some information to help you plan to ring in the New Year the fun way.

• Bally’s Casino — New Year’s Eve, enjoy a Champagne toast at midnight with hats and balloons and party favors. For sports fans, Bally’s has a 16 x 9-foot HDTV screen and plasma screens that are always tuned to your favorite games.
• Fitz Casino & Hotel — On Dec. 31 there will be a Champagne toast and New Year’s countdown at the Stage Bar at 11:45. New Year’s Day drawings Jan. 1 are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be a $10,000 Promo Cash Slot Tournament. See Fitz for complete details. The Fitz features free live entertainment at the casino’s Stage Bar on Wednesday-Thursday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6 p.m.-4 a.m. and Sunday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
• Gold Strike Casino Resort — On New Year’s Eve, count down to midnight on the casino floor, complete with Champagne toast and party favors. The Troy Laz Band plays that night from 6 to 10 p.m. and Almost Famous sees in the New Year from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Gold Strike features headline entertainment. See Restless Heart, Saturday, Jan. 5, at 8 p.m.; Patti Labelle, Saturday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m., $79.95/$89.95; Grand Funk Railroad and War, Saturday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m., $39.95/$49.95; Vince Gill, Saturday, March 23,  at 8 p.m., $79.95/$89.95; B.B. King, Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m., $69.95/$79.95 and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Saturday, June 8, at 8 p.m./ $59.95/$64.95. Gold Strike also features free live entertainment at the Stage2 Bar, including Trigger Proof, Dec. 26-29. Football season is here and LA Lounge at Gold Strike Casino Resort is the place to score a great seat and your favorite beer or cocktail. With five big screens, including a 60-inch wide screen, catch your favorite college and pro teams as they take to the turf Thursday-Monday nights. Lounge in style at Liquid Assets, Tunica’s ultra hot lounging spot. Find a cozy corner in one of the many plush sofas, where you can kick up your heels for a while. Grab a cocktail, chill out or take a sophisticated time out, L.A. style. Features two bars and flat screens. Call Gold Strike at (888) 24KPLAY.
• Harrah’s Tunica — On New Year’s Eve, get your party favors at the casino entrances. In the Field House, located on the second floor of the casino, there will be a New Year’s Eve Party, 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. The Mudflap Kings will perform beginning at 10 p.m. General admission party pass is  $15 (includes entry to the NYE party and two complimentary draft beers). The VIP Party Pass is $50 (includes VIP entry to the Field House NYE party, private seating area, buffet, complimentary draft beer and house wine, dedicated wait staff and VIP gift bag).
• Hollywood Casino — The Mud Puppies will perform for free in the Safari Lounge on Monday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. At midnight, they will lead in the New Year’s Eve Countdown accompanied by a balloon drop and party favors for all. Hollywood has free live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays in the Safari Bar Lounge. See The Mudpuppies, Dec. 28-31; Greg Reding & The Memphis All-Stars, Jan. 4-5; Ricky Lynn Gregg, Jan. 11-12, The Millionaires, Jan. 18-19 and Kenny Kidd, Jan. 25-26. For more information on entertainment and promotions, call (800) 871-0711.
• Horseshoe Tunica — On Sunday, Dec. 30, see Huey Lewis & The News, 8 p.m. Tickets are $40/$50/$60, plus Tcketmaster fees. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com.  Guest must be 21 years or older. On Monday, Dec. 31, Stage Bar bands are: Terry Mike Jeffrey, Rob & the Rage and the Soul Shockers. Get your party favors at the main casino entrance and in the hotel area toward casino floor. There will be a midnight countdown and Champagne toast on the casino floor.
• Resorts Casino Hotel Tunica — On Fridays and Saturdays, see free live entertainment beginning at 8 p.m. See the Tommy Akers, Dec. 28-29. Coming soon: Keith Morrison, Jan. 4-5; Millionaires, Jan. 11-12; Tommy Akers, Jan. 18-19 and Arizona, Jan. 25-26.
• Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall — On New Year’s Eve, see Brian McComas in the Atrium and Bobby Marquez from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Roxy’s Live. There will be a free Champagne toast at midnight along with a big balloon drop. See  Lee Brice, Saturday, Jan. 12, at 8 p.m., $15/$25 and George Jones on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m., $55/$45. Taxes and service fees apply. Call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com. Visit Roxy’s Live for free live music weekends, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.  See the 1-900 Band, Dec. 30-31.  Visit www.samstowntunica.com for more information.

• Tunica Roadhouse Casino & Hotel — On New Year’s Eve on the Stage Bar: See The Living Daylights, 5 to 9 p.m. and Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Get your party favors at the casino entrances. Open to the public:  $30,000 Free Slot Play drawings beginning at 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

• Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel Lula —  At The Isle of Capri, see Johnny Gill, Saturday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. (hotel/tickets packages from $149, code: GILL). Call (800) THE-ISLE (800) 843-4753). Enjoy live free music on Friday and Saturday, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.  On the Palm Terrace Stage, see Hoosier Daddies, Dec. 28-31 (Coral Reef Stage) and Ricky Lynn Gregg, Dec. 28-31. Plan to attend the Disco Superstar New Year’s Extravaganza. The night of dancing, drinks and fun includes live music from Hoosier Daddies and Ricky Lynn Gregg, Champagne toast, party favors and confetti cannons at midnight.
• Harlow’s Casino Resort & Hotel —  See Keith Sweat, Friday, Jan. 11, $40, and Travis Tritt, Saturday, Jan. 12, $40. Enjoy free music at Tabu Lounge. At the Jean & Friends Bar on Fridays and Saturdays, see free live entertainment, including  Billy Jones, Dec. 29, 30 and 31. Call (866) 524-5825 or visit www.harlowscasino.com for information or to purchase tickets.
• Southland Park Gaming & Racing —The Juke Joint features live music on Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. See DJ Crumbz, Dec. 28-29 and Dec. 31, plus Jan. 25-26; Preston Shannon, Jan. 4-5; Triplthret, Jan. 11-12 and After Dark Band, Jan. 18-19. The New Year’s Eve Big Top Bash 5 is Dec. 31. It’s time to plan for New Year’s Eve. The New Year’s Eve Big Top Bash 5 is coming to Southland Park Gaming and Racing.
Dance into 2013 with  DJ Crumbz spinning all of your favorite rump-shakin’ music in the Juke Joint from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.  Indulge in your favorite carnival goodies for free from 9 to 11 p.m. and enjoy carnival games and prizes from 8 to 10 p.m., while supplies last.  Ring in the New Year with champagne stations on the gaming floor. Experience the madness of stilt walkers and magicians or the creativity of balloon artists and the acrobatic skills of jugglers, to name a few of the variety entertainers who will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. You can also ride your favorite carnival rides like the Nemesis 360 and the Ferris Wheel. Player Rewards members ride for free from 5 p.m. to midnight.  You must be 21 years of age or older.
You can also Countdown to Cash. As the clock counts down, beginning at 3 p.m., the prizes go up every half hour until 11 p.m.  Player Rewards members using their Player Rewards cards will be drawn every 30 minutes to win free play from $50 to $600. At 11:30pm, one lucky player will win $2,013 in cash. See Player Rewards for details on this and other promotions.  
On Sundays: Live Band Karaoke, 7:30-11:30 (pick from your favorite songs and sign with the accompaniment of a live band.); Monday: Live Trivia, 7 p.m.; Tuesday is Karaoke Night starting at 7 p.m.; Wednesday is the night for Live Trivia beginning at 7 p.m.; Thursday is Comedy Night starting at 8 p.m., featuring national headliners. Now in the Shine Blounge, enjoy featured nights from 5 to 10  p.m. Margarita Mondays feature top shelf margaritas with a shot of shine. On Wine Wednesdays, enjoy wine flights with selections of fruits and cheeses. Craft Beer Fridays feature brews of the week. Southland also serves domestic beers and house brand liquors.  Ask about the “Shine E. Nut mix.”

• Pearl River Resort — At Silver Star, see headline entertainment. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com. In the Starlight Lounge, ring in the New Year, Friday-Monday, Dec. 28-31, with Michael Anthony and The Groove from 5 to 10 p.m. and Area Code from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. There is a $15 cover charge. Call (866) 44PEARL for more information.
At Golden Moon - In The Arena, see live headline entertainment regularly. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com. For Pearl River Resort, call (866) 44PEARL.

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WIN TICKETS for DELTA DAY FESTIVAL PACKAGE

Delta Day Festival, Saturday, Oct. 27 in Downtown Tunica, Mississippi

WIN TICKETS!!!

Jackpot Delta Day Festival Contest

The winner of this contest gets two BBQ or catfish plates at the festival and two drink wristbands (must be 18 or older). Deadline is at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24. The 10th annual Delta D...

ay Festival is coming to downtown Tunica’s Rivergate Park on Saturday, Oct. 27.
To enter: Like us on Facebook and tell us what you like the most about Tunica. The winner will be chosen in random drawing from all entries. Click below to open our Facebook page!

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More about the Delta Day Festival:

TUNICA — The 10th annual Delta Day Festival is coming to downtown Tunica’s Rivergate Park on Saturday, Oct. 27. The Delta Day Festival has something for everyone. For adults, enjoy an antique car and tractor show, shop with arts and crafts vendors from far and wide, sample great food and take in live entertainment by K.C. Johns and the band Super Chikan.
Choose from a variety of children’s events, too, including a petting zoo, a moon bounce, a costume contest and a children’s tractor pull.
The Festival will feature such food favorites as catfish, barbecue corn dogs, chicken on a stick, barbecue nachos, chili cheese fries, Jamaican sausage and drink smoothies.
The Delta Day Festival is sponsored in large part by Gold Strike Casino Resort and Waste Management. Registration for arts and crafts vendors is from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and vendors will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children’s activities are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration for the children’s costume contest is at 10 a.m. and the contest begins at 10:30 a.m. Registration for the children’s tractor pull is 1:30 p.m. and the event begins at 2 p.m. Entertainment by K.C. Johns is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Super Chiken takes the stage from 2 to 5 p.m. Registration for the car show is from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Judging begins at 11 a.m. with winners announced at 3 p.m.
For more information, call (662) 363-6611 or visit www.tunicamainstreet.com/deltaday2012. 

Here are some highlights of the Global Gaming Expo now underway in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -  Gaming industry professionals from around the world will visit Las Vegas to attend Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2012. Here, they will explore industry innovations and get a first-hand look at the trends and ideas that are changing the business of gaming and shaping its future. G2E is the premier trade show and conference event for the international gaming entertainment industry and will take place Oct. 1 - 4 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. G2E, organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, made its debut in fall 2001 as the first and only gaming trade show and conference event designed "by the industry, for the industry."

This year's highlights and special events include:

Welcome Reception: G2E's welcome reception will be held poolside at The Venetian on Monday, Oct. 1 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. and will provide attendees an opportunity to network while enjoying live entertainment, hors d'oeurves and cocktails. The reception will be emceed by David Hasselhoff and feature musical entertainment from Them & Us and The Guess Who. 

- The Welcome Reception is sponsored by AudioAir, featuring "Monday Night Football," and co-sponsored by Red Square Agency and Bunnyjuice. The official wine and spirits sponsor is Southern Wine & Spirits.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: G2E 2012 officially opens with its annual ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m. on the show floor, just inside the main exhibit hall. 

- This year's ceremony will include several celebrity guests, including: Rick and Cory "Big Hoss" Harrison from the hit reality series Pawn Stars (with Bally Technologies, Inc.), NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer (with Bally Technologies, Inc.), Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS (with WMS Industries, Inc.) and Oompa Loompas (with WMS Industries, Inc.).

Food, Beverage & Hospitality (FB&H) and the Entertainment Arena: These popular G2E features will showcase the broad range of products, technologies and services that help create amazing non-gaming experiences at casinos around the country. These specialty show floor areas will be complemented by a number of special events and exhibits, such as:

- Ultra Lounge Uniform Fashion Show, sponsored by CINTAS, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. (encore) in Hall D of the Exhibits in the Venetian Level 2.

- Entertainment Showcase Stage will feature live musical, comedy and entertainment acts on Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 4:10 - 6 p.m. on the show floor adjacent to Food, Beverage & Hospitality exhibits. Attendees will be able to meet all of the artists after their performances in the meet and greet area adjacent to the stage. 

Fremont Street Experience: Back by popular demand, the Fremont Street Experience on the show floor is a nod to classic Las Vegas and one of the most energetic and fun places in the city. Don't miss a number of exciting and interesting highlights, including afternoon snacks, entertainment, celebrity impersonators and contests that will take place on the Fremont Street aisle on the show floor Tuesday, Oct. 2 and Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 2 - 3 p.m.

Table Games Networking Lounge & Reception-NEW: This lounge and reception was created in response to requests from the industry for more networking options for table games executives. Network and connect at a reception on Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 3:30 - 5 p.m., and visit the Table Games Network Lounge during regular floor hours. This reception is open only to table games executives.

Young Gaming Professionals Reception-NEW: Up and coming young gaming professionals are invited to attend the first-ever G2E Young Gaming Professionals Reception to network with fellow casino operators who have been working in the industry for five years or less. The reception will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 3 - 4 p.m. in the Players Club Lounge.

Latin American Gaming Networking Lounge & Reception: Network and connect with Latin American operators at a reception on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., and visit the Latin American Gaming Network Lounge during regular floor hours. A Spanish translator will be available in the lounge. This reception is open only to executives doing business in Latin America.

NIGA Lounge & Networking Reception: Network and make new connections with fellow tribal gaming executives at a reception on Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., and visit the NIGA Lounge during regular show floor hours. This reception is open only to tribal gaming executives. 

Global Gaming Women (GGW): Returning for the second year, GGW will host several events that will provide women from throughout the global gaming community with education, mentorship and networking opportunities. At noon on Tuesday October 2, renowned BBC America journalist Katty Kay will be the featured speaker during an exclusive GGW luncheon; and on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., GGW will host a networking breakfast and roundtable discussion featuring some of the industry's top female executives. Both the breakfast and the luncheon events will take place in Galileo 901 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.  GGW also will host a series of sessions during the broader G2E

 conference program. For more information about all GGW events, visit www.globalgamingwomen.org. 

Casino Design Awards:  The only honors that specifically recognize excellence in the field of casino resort design and construction, the Casino Design Awards will be presented during a cocktail reception on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in Galileo 901. The Sarno Award for Lifetime Achievement in Casino Design also will be presented. 

For more information on G2E 2012, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com and connect with G2E on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Smokin’ Aces Festival at Harrah’s Tunica, Sept. 14-16

TUNICA, Miss. — The third annual Smokin’ Aces Festival and BBQ Championship at Harrah’s Tunica, Sept. 14 – 16, offers a feast of entertainment options with portions of proceeds to benefit Porter-Leath.
 The Smokin’ Aces Festival includes a carnival with rides, concessions, vendors, a petting zoo, and pig races; a free concert by The Grass Roots; a Memphis Barbecue Network sanctioned barbecue contest with over $40,000 in prizes; the Porter-Leath Pig Pen BBQ Lounge that includes free entertainment by Memphis band FreeWorld, Memphis-Style BBQ, People’s Choice BBQ competition judging, and a chance to meet Peyton List, the actress that plays Emma Ross on the hit sitcom “Jessie;” and finally the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) will hold ACO sanctioned cornhole matches.
There is no cost to enter the park or enjoy the petting zoo, pig races, concerts, or the Peyton List meet and greet. Unlimited carnival ride wristbands cost $15 Friday and $20 Saturday and Sunday and are available at the park.
 The Smokin’ Aces Festival is located in the Veranda Hotel parking lot outside Harrah’s Tunica and the park is open to the general public Friday 3 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday Noon – 8 p.m.
 1960’s rockers, The Grass Roots will perform songs such as: “Midnight Confessions,” and “Let’s Live for Today,” free on the outdoor main stage Saturday night at 8 p.m.
The Grass Roots set a record for being on the Billboard charts 307 straight weeks. They are one of only nine bands that have charted twenty nine or more Top 100 Billboard singles. They have sold over twenty million records worldwide.

Delta River Cruisin' car show coming to Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Tunica, Miss., Sept. 21-23

TUNICA, Miss. — See one of the most outstanding collections of classic and custom cars you will see anywhere, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 21-23, at Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall.

Sam’s Town will host the 13th Annual Delta River Cruisin' car show.  This year’s gathering will feature the most impressive collection of hot rods, street rods and classically restored vehicles. Models on display will be from 1979 and earlier. This popular show attracts custom and classic cars from near and far.

Delta River Cruisin’ is brought to you by Memphis Street Rods and Sam’s Town. 

Event schedule is as follows:

Friday, Sept. 21; 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., registration begins that morning with an kick-off party  featuring Kenny Kidd slated for later that evening.

Saturday, Sept. 22; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., registration is open. Events include a Show'n Shine and games with cash prizes. Swap Meet space is available.

Sunday, Sept. 23, there will be over $10,000 in cash prize drawings and the presentation of awards. The 13th Annual Delta River Cruisin' registration information is available on line at www.memphisstreetrods.com. 

Delta River Cruising' is open to the public and admission is free. Register your car for the show for $30.

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Advance news on what's coming up at Mississippi casinos makes Jackpot! Magazine a great source for planning your next casino road trip

Jackpot! Tunica Edition

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Jackpot! keeps you up to date on what's happening at Mississippi's many casinos as well as the gaming center and race track in West Memphis, Arkansas. We publish two editions of Jackpot! Magazine bi-weekly - one on the Gulf Coast and the other in North Mississippi. Together, they have fresh information on dining, entertainment, games, tournaments, giveaways, winners and more at all of the region's casinos.

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Whether you're interested in Biloxi and Gulfport, Tunica, Pearl River Resort, casinos in Vicksburg, Greenville or Lula, or in Southland Park in West Memphis, we've got it covered.
You can pick up Jackpot! at all of the casinos, at high traffic locations nearby and in urban centers and tourist hot spots. Jackpot! is also available online at www.jackpotmagazine.com. Click on the Tunica or South editions to flip through the pages. Every ad is also a link to the advertising casino's website and our website also has links to all of the regions' casino websites.
For iPad and tablet users, you can download our magazine with a click of a button on our website landing page.
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Southland opens expanded gaming floor and Shine Blounge

Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks another milestone for West Memphis gaming center

WEST MEMPHIS — Southland Park Gaming & Racing celebrated the opening of its new Shine Blounge and the completion of its renovated and expanded gaming floor last Friday.

General Manger Troy Keeping welcomed guests and dignitaries to the new facilities, including Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, State Senator Keith Ingram, State Representative David Prior and Delaware North Companies’  Chairman and CEO Jeremy Jacobs. They were there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to Shine Blounge.

What Keeping and his crew have tabbed as “The Great Winovation” is now complete at Southland after months of hearing construction noises, walking around workers and watching games move. The official celebration began with the cutting of the ribbon.

Keeping said Southland guests can now enjoy the fruits of “The Great Winovation.”

The renovation includes a brand new Shine Blounge (a name coined by the folks at Southland for the bar and lounge and now trademarked), an expanded gaming space featuring a new player rewards desk, providing even greater service to Southland player, and a large, extended gaming floor bringing guests more than 200 new games.  

The blounge serves a variety of signature “shine” drinks with such names as the “Shiner,” “Gitt-r-done,” and “The White Ghost.” 

Governor Beebe addressed the crowd on hand prior to the ribbon-cutting, saying Southland has become a major attraction and is a benefit to the state and local community, generating tax revenue for important projects and creating more than 600 jobs.

Beebe said it wasn’t long ago that hard times existed at Southland. He said the rise of the West Memphis facility has been “Phoenix-like.”

Keeping thanked the Southland team for the hard work and Delaware North Companies for the continued support that made turnaround possible. “After five years, Southland Park is as great as it was when racing was the only game in town.”

Pictured below are scenes from the grand opening.

Also happening at Southland in August:

Beat the Heat! at Southland Park Gaming & Racing in August. Every day in August at 5, 7 and 7 p.m., 10 winners will be chosen to win the temperature of the day in freeplay. At 8 p.m., 15 winners will be chosen to win the temperature of the day in cash.

It’s cool in Southland, but you’ll want it to be hot outside for this promotion. The hottter the better!

Just come in and swipe your card at the kiosk or player rewards desk to be eligible. Southland will check the temperature gauge at 3 p.m. to determine the amount.  

•  On Mondays, Aug. 13, 20, and 27, Southland is home to Sizzling Seniors. Every Monday in August, player rewards members 50-plus who earn 50 points from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. can swipe to pick a chip to win free play and prizes.

• Wacky Wednesdays continue in August. Drawings are every Wednesday at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m. From now through Aug. 29, guests receiving a blackjack, a flush on three card poker and any trips won on Ultimate Texas Hold'em will earn a free entry into the drawings. Guests must be playing with his or her players card to receive the free entry. Guests drawn will be allowed to select an envelope where he or she can win various prizes.  

• Shake, Rattle & Roll Spin to Win Tournament - As a kickoff to Elvis Week in Memphis, join Southland on Saturday, Aug. 11, to win your share of $5,000 in cash and free play in our Shake, Rattle & Roll Spin to Win Tournament. Register to play for free from 10 a.m. until noon. Tournament play is from noon until 6 p.m.  

• RLC Million Dollar Series (Event 1) - Join Southland this month as the Best of the Best face off for one of the largest prize pools in Southland Park history. Qualifying rounds on Aug. 11, 16, 20 and 25, with the finals taking place on August 31.  See Guest Services for details on this and other promotions.  

• Early Bird Blackjack Tournaments are at Southland this month.

Calling all blackjack players, see an associate in the pit for complete details and information on how to qualify for Southland’s Early Bird Blackjack Tournaments on Saturdays in August, beginning at 10 a.m., with registration beginning at 9 a.m.  

Win exciting prizes in Early Bird Blackjack Tournaments. First place receives $500 in cash, second place receives $300 in table vouchers and third place receives $200 in table vouchers. 

Limited seating is available.  See an associate in the pit for details on this and other promotions.

Gold Strike Casino Resort hosts Walter Payton Celebrity Scholarship Golf Classic, Aug. 17-19

TUNICA, Miss. —  Golfers and community supporters are invited to the 13th Annual Walter Payton Celebrity Scholarship Golf Classic Aug. 17 -19, hosted by Gold Strike Casino Resort.
The tournament will be at Tunica National Golf Course. The public can stand alongside and watch dozens of celebrity athletes tee off to support students headed to college.
Walter Payton’s long-time friend and college classmate Rickey Young is one of many athletes set to play. NFL standouts Stanley Morgan and Louis Lipps will be on hand as well as Olympians Bill Hurd and Ralph Boston, along with Major League baseball players Ty Smith and Jesse Tipton.
Tournament Director Eddie Payton takes a personal interest in the event.  As Walter’s brother, he said he is determined to ensure Walter’s legacy lives through educational opportunities. “Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of young people who would not be able to fulfill their dream of a college education without financial support,” He said. “When Walter died in 1999 of liver disease at the young age of 45, the Payton Family established a foundation to ensure that Walter’s efforts to help others would continue.”
The first Walter Payton Celebrity Scholarship Golf Classic was held in August 2000. Since then more than $1,000,000 has been raised and more than 30 students have received four-year scholarships to attend college. “All proceeds go to students in need,” said Director Payton. “We are dedicated to helping deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue a college education.  We hope you will join us in our efforts, play a round of golf, and even try your luck at the casino.  It really is for a great cause that will continue to keep Walter’s dream alive.”
Join the field of celebrity players Saturday, Aug. 18 at Tunica National Golf Course for the Skins & Corporate Challenge at 7:30 a.m. There will be a two-man shot format with one celebrity and one player and a three-man mini scramble with one celebrity and two players. The Walter Payton Celebrity Scholarship Golf Classic is free and open to the public and begins at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 19. Corporate sponsorships are available. Contact Eddie Payton at (601) 955-8790 or egolf1987@aol.com for sponsorship opportunities. Room rates during this special event begin at $69 per night. Visit GoldStrikeMississippi.com or call (888) 245-7529 for reservations.

Bunco for a Cure event is at Harrah’s Tunica on Friday, Aug.17

A $25 donation gets you in and helps to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 

TUNICA RESORTS – The third annual Bunco for a Cure is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mid-South Convention Center at Harrah’s Tunica.
Participants must be at least 21 years old and a donation of $25 is requested. All proceeds will benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
To register, contact Donna Mobley at DMobley@harrahs.com or Robyn Johnson at JohnsonR@Harrahs.com
“Bunco for a Cure is one of our favorite fundraisers throughout the year and a fun way to raise funds for the local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk benefiting the American Cancer Society,” said Mobley, Bunco for a Cure organizer and Caesars HERO volunteer.
 The $25 donation includes light appetizers, two drink tickets, one door prize ticket, a chance to win locally donated prizes, and a chance to bid on items in a silent auction. Over 50 door prizes and silent auction items have already been generously donated by area companies. Organizers are still asking for donations of any amount of money and or in-kind goods to be used as prizes.
 A study by Proctor and Gamble found that “about 59 million women in the U.S. have played bunco, with 21 million playing on a regular basis.”
 Bunco is a game of dice, played in rounds. Players take turns rolling the dice and trying to accumulate as many points as possible to win each round. The game is played at tables of four in competing teams of two.
Players score points by rolling three dice and trying to match the number they're supposed to roll for that round. They get a point for each die that rolls the number, five points if you roll two of the number and if all three numbers are rolled, they score 21 points. They get to keep rolling as long as they score one or more points with each roll. Once they fail to score they pass the dice to their left and the opposing team gets a chance to score.
During each round the teams at the Head Table try to score 21 points. The first team to score 21 points wins the round and play stops. At all other tables play stops when the Head Table play stops and the team with the highest score at each lower table wins the round.
At the end of the round players change seats, the losers at each of the lower tables move up a table, and the winners at that table remain where they are.
During play, players track the number of Big Buncos (a wrist band will be given when this is accomplished), and Buncos scored individually, on their personal scorecard. At the end of the night wins/losses and Buncos are tallied and prizes awarded.

Download these hot new apps from TJ's in Tunica, Mississippi

Chile lime shrimp

TUNICA RESORTS, Miss. — Resorts Casino Tunica has introduced a new bar menu at TJ’s Steakhouse. The recently renovated restaurant features a popular dinner menu, but now it has a happy hour menu that is sure to be a hit.
Aaron Hahn, executive director of food and beverage operations, said the new menu features a variety of fun drinks and appetizers and has been in development for a while. It was unveiled this month at TJ’s bar and is available any time the restaurant is open.

Oysters Rockefeller

We stopped by Resorts Casino to check it out and were impressed with the variety and the prices on the menu. Food items range from $8 to $10. The current bar menu includes Oysters Rockefeller, a half dozen oysters baked with spinach and parmesan cheese; a fruit and cheese tray and lollipop chicken, which consists of six lollipop drumsticks served with buffalo, chile lime and orange ginger dipping sauces.

Lollipop chicken

Also on the menu: Spinach dip, which consists of fresh spinach with a three-cheese cream sauce served with spinach infused tortilla chips; crispy chicken spring rolls that are drizzled with hoisin peanut sauce; and chile lime shrimp. This selection features a generous portion of lightly battered, flash-fried shrimp that has been glazed with chile lime sauce.
“We wanted to take advantage of this really nice bar and give customers more options. Golfers can drop by after a round of golf at Riverbend Links and guests can stop in for a bite and a drink,” Hahn said.

Crispy chicken spring rolls

You will want to drop by and check out this menu for yourself. I found the shrimp to be my favorite, followed closely by the lollipop chicken.

Fruit and cheese plate

Oyster lovers will find joy with the Oysters Rockefeller and the unique spinach infused tortilla chips are great with the fresh spinach dip. Hoisin peanut sauce is a nice touch on the chicken spring rolls as well. TJ’s Steakhouse opens at 5 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday.
For reservations to TJ’s Steakhouse, call (662) 363-7777.

TJ's Steakhouse staffers

Spinach dip and spinach infused chips

Little River Band to perform at Southland in West Memphis this Saturday, Aug. 4

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — See the Little River Band perform live this Saturday, Aug. 4., at Southland Park Gaming and Racing. Tickets are $20 and are available at Southland Guest Services or at www.southlandpark.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Southland is celebrating the official opening of its new upgraded gaming floor and the opening of Shine Blounge this weekend as well.

BALLY TECHNOLOGIES RECEIVES FIRST ONLINE GAMING LICENSE IN UNITED STATES

Company first to get nod from Nevada Gaming Control Board; now offering iGaming tech to casino customers

Bally Technologies CEO Richard Haddrill

  LAS VEGAS, June 21, 2012 — Bally Technologies, Inc., a leader in slots, video machines, casino-management, interactive applications, and networked and server-based systems for the global gaming industry, today became the first company to receive an interactive gaming supplier license from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).
   Nevada is the first state to adopt a statute allowing interactive gaming and the first state to adopt regulations for online gaming of any kind.
   “We are grateful to the State of Nevada for this opportunity,” said Bally Technologies’ Chief Executive Officer Richard Haddrill. “We look forward to Bally expanding its leadership role in this exciting new arena of online gaming.”
 At the NGCB’s meeting today, board members unanimously approved Bally Technologies for a license to act as an interactive gaming system manufacturer and service provider. This enables Bally to provide business-to-business iGaming solutions for the state’s casino operators, including wager-based online poker.
   Bally Technologies is offering its iGaming platform technology and content to casino operators. The Company’s iGaming platform features an open architecture, which enables operators to choose from best-of-breed content from a multitude of providers. The iGaming platform is also designed for mobile integration and is ready to accommodate online wagering beyond poker, such as casino table games, video slots, bingo, social, and sports wagering when authorized.
   Bally expects to make incremental investments in its interactive division during fiscal 2013 and beyond to ensure leadership in business-to-business iGaming support for the casino industry.

Flaming Lips on quest to break Guinness World Record and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi will play a part

The Flaming Lips are on a quest to break a Guinness World Records, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi will play in part of the band's success. The multiple Grammy winners hope to achieve the title for the Most Live Concerts In 24 Hours (Multiple Cities). They will arrive at the Biloxi casino on Thursday, June 28, and are set to perform around 9 a.m. that morning.

Renovation project transforms Resorts Casino Tunica

Resorts Casino Tunica

New look for Resorts Casino

By David Grisham

TUNICA RESORTS — Resorts Casino Tunica got a new beginning when the Foundation Gaming Group assumed operation of the casino here last November. Now, six months later, Resorts has been transformed as a result of a renovation project undertaken by the ownership group.

The exterior features a new paint scheme, and inside, the hotel lobby, the casino floor and the entrance to the casino from the atrium have been updated. Public areas benefit from new carpeting, furniture, color schemes, a new large video screen and the latest and most popular slot machines.

Casino floor

In the atrium, guests can see theater-style curtains framing the entrance to the casino. The big screen faces guests as they step onto the gaming floor, and the message delivered when one passes by the curtains: “You are about to be entertained.”

“We focused on areas that customers see and experience,” said Greg Guida, principal and chief executive officer of Foundation Gaming Group. “We’ve updated Resorts with a current color palate and current textures and designs.”

Playboy Playmate Party

The changes are evident from floor to ceiling. Richer yet softer color tones have been incorporated as a part of the renovation, and gone are the mirrored walls, older carpeting and blue ceiling.

Guests will notice the layout of casino floor is different as are many of the games. “We have 100 new Bally’s games on the floor and have also added games from Williams and IGT,” said Les McMackin, Foundation Gaming’s chief operations and marketing officer. “We’ve reorganized the entire layout to highlight our new games, make it easier to get around and make it more appealing for everyone.”

McMackin said when selecting the new slots, Foundation Gaming Group looked at some of the newest games available as well as what games are popular in the market. “We’ve got some exclusives, like the new Big Vegas and Easy Cash Eddy games, and popular titles like Blazing 7s, with a new platform and new cabinetry.”

Scanning the floor, one can see such games as Playboy Playmate Party, Betty Boop’s Love Meter, Ol’e Jalapenos!, Monte Carlo, Mayan Treasures, Sea Goddess, Pirate Battle and more.

Daniel Russell, director of slot operations, said guest response to the new games has been fantastic. Some of the more popular games, he said, have been the new Playboy games, as well as Quick Hits and Lightning 7s.

While the new slots are a hit at Resorts, so is the casino’s renovated hotel lobby. Rich wood tones and wood-plank inspired tile flooring update the look of the space. Stylish carpeting incorporates natural colors and classically styled leather furniture and modern art complete the appealing and inviting atmosphere.

Hotel lobby

Upstairs, TJ’s Steakhouse benefited from a lot of attention, too. New furniture, carpeting and softer colors and lighting set the perfect mood for fine dining. “It is an entirely new feel,” Guida explained. “The look is more like what you would expect a fine dining restaurant at the casino to be.”

McMackin said while the look of the restaurant has changed, the menu is staying the same. “We let our customers tell us what they want and they like the current menu. The lobster and steak special is the most popular. Likewise, our One Buck Buffet has become a staple at the properties and we will continue to offer it in the buffet.”

New seating area in hotel lobby

In addition to the dining area, the kitchen has been updated with new equipment. The steps taken here are all about function and utility. Executive Chef Joe Steward, who has been with Resorts for 10 years, said the moves made over the past few months have spawned plenty of excitement. “We’ve been really happy about the changes,” Steward said. “They have given us everything we need in the kitchen, and having the tools to work with really makes a difference. The guests are impressed with the changes in the steakhouse, too. I’ve always liked the way it looked and now it’s even better.”

The excitement of Steward and the F&B staff is shared with employees throughout the property. “The employee response has been great,” Guida said. “There is a great staff at both properties (Resorts and its sister property, Bally’s) and when we came in last November, they viewed this as a fresh start for the properties and for them. It’s a phenomenal workforce.”

Guida is equally impressed with customer reception to the changes. “There hasn’t been a lot of renovation of a significant scale to the property in quite some time, so I think customers have been really pleased to see the improvement at the properties, especially when it comes to putting new games on the floor. That’s what really topped it off for them. It’s one thing to put new color and paint on the floor, but new games are something the customer can really experience on the floor.”

 If you haven’t visited Resorts lately, you’ll see and experience the difference when you stop by and walk through the curtains. Expect to be entertained.