Southern & Midwest
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 - VOL. 28 ISSUE 5 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00
and Destinations
BREEDERS’ CUP:
THE RETURN TO KEENELAND PAGE 16
CASINO CHEF SHOWDOWN:
JACKSON REICHEL TAKES THE CROWN ...MEET THE CHEFS PAGE 4
PLUS: TIPS ON ROULETTE, BACCARAT, PAI GOW AND MORE! Covering casinos in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and more!
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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER
HIGHLIGHTS
TABLE TIPS
4 2026 Casino Chef Showdown: 2 Casino Scene: Meet the Chefs Who Brought the Heat
Meet champion Jackson Reichel and all seven chefs behind this year’s standout dishes, from Gulf Coast grouper and Mexi-Cajun shrimp and grits to Wisconsin game and show-stopping desserts.
September Hot Happenings Fresh promotions, entertainment, dining and seasonal experiences from preferred casino properties across the South and Midwest.
14 Restaurant Spotlight:
Luk Fu by Jet Tila Live! Casino Hotel Louisiana Celebrity chef Jet Tila has officially put his stamp on the dining scene at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, and the result is a lively, flavor-forward menu that gives one of the resort’s most popular restaurants a fresh identity.
16 The Breeders’ Cup
at Keeneland: Racing’s Royal Weekend Returns to the Bluegrass Horse racing’s world championships return to Keeneland for two days of elite competition, international stars, wagering, fashion and pageantry.
20 Dealer Spotlight:
Meet Rusty... The Luckiest Dealer on the Gulf Coast
A Scarlet Pearl guest turned a final $10 wager into a $176,491 Royal Flush. Meet the dealer at the center of the celebration.
22 History Lesson:
Roulette — Pascal’s Wheel of Chance
From Blaise Pascal and Monte Carlo to American double-zero tables and modern electronic games, trace the enduring story of roulette.
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20 Find us on Facebook
@SouthernGaming
@MidwestCasinos
24 Roulette Strategy The smartest way to approach roulette is not a betting system, but understanding wheel type, house edge, variance and disciplined bankroll decisions.
25 Baccarat Why the Banker wager is usually the mathematical favorite, why the Tie bet is costly and how disciplined players avoid chasing streaks.
26 Three Card Poker Learn the Q-6-4 benchmark, understand Ante/Play versus Pair Plus and make better decisions before committing extra chips.
27 Pai Gow Poker Stretch your bankroll by learning handsetting priorities, the role of pushes and when banking can change the mathematics.
28 Sports Betting: Early Action Updated futures for Super Bowl LXI, the College Football Playoffs and more. Find the edge and make your play.
GAMING AND DESTINATIONS
CASINO SCENE
HOT HAPPENINGS AT OUR PREFERRED CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND MORE.
(D’Iberville, Mississippi – Gulf Coast) Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort – Scarlet Pearl Casino is celebrating 10-Years of great casino gaming on the Gulf Coast, and if you are looking for stunning views, decadent dining & dynamic gaming, you have found your spot. The property claimed several of our top Readers’ Choice Awards including Best Suites, Casino Floor, Players Club and more. For sports fans, there is not a better place to watch and wager on your favorite teams than the Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook featuring 23 HD screens including a 144-inch entertainment screen that is awesome! For more information, call 1-888-752-9772 or visit ScarletPearlCasino.com. (Vicksburg, Mississippi) Ameristar Casino Hotel - Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg offers a vibrant escape with its dazzling gaming floor and luxurious amenities. Guests can try their luck at a wide array of slots and table games, savor fine dining options, and unwind in the elegant hotel rooms with scenic river views. Stay in one of the 148 guest rooms that have been redesigned with a crisp, modern look and unparalleled comfort offering European-style bedding, high-tech lighting fixtures, LCD flat screen televisions and wireless high-speed Internet access. Guests also enjoy live entertainment in the Bottleneck Blues Bar, great dining and more, all in the heart of Mississippi. There are always great deals on rooms and promotions in the casino, so be sure to check the website before you go. For more information, call 1-601-630-3786 or visit AmeristarVicksburg.com. (Tunica, Mississippi) Hollywood Casino Tunica – Get a taste of the glitz and glamor of the stars at Hollywood Casino Tunica. After checking out the amazing collection of memorabilia around the property, guests can enjoy the award-winning Fairbanks Steakhouse for one of the best dining experiences in the region and then stay in a 5-story tower overlooking the casino floor or the 8-story tower next to the largest indoor pool in Tunica. When it’s time for casino action, Hollywood Tunica has you covered with over 1,000 slots, a variety of table games, and plenty of sportsbook kiosks to place your winning bets! For more information, call 1-800-871-0711 or visit HollywoodCasinoTunica.com. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) Potawatomi Casino Resort – Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee is a premier Midwest gaming destination featuring more than 500 upscale guest rooms and suites with stunning floor-to-ceiling city views. The expansive casino floor boasts thousands of slot machines, a wide variety of live and electronic table games, a lively 15-table poker room and a 2,000-square-foot sportsbook. Guests can also enjoy multiple dining options, live entertainment and luxury amenities for a complete resort experience. For more information, visit 1-800-729-7244 or visit Potawatomi.com. 2 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
GAMING AND DESTINATIONS
CASINO SCENE
HOT HAPPENINGS AT OUR PREFERRED CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND MORE.
(Bowler, Wisconsin) North Star Mohican Casino Resort – As if you ever needed a reason for a gambling getaway, North Star certainly has plenty of them to ensure your stay is great from the second you step in the lobby. Guests enjoy great gambling with over 1,200 machines, plenty of table games including blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Craps and more. Also, book a room in their luxurious contemporary hotel or the 57-site RV Park with 20-30-and 50-amp service, pull-through sites, picnic table area and pet friendly. Also check out their great promotions and top entertainment including Lakeview (Country – Sept. 11) and Matt Mathews: Not What I Ordered World Tour (Comedian – Dec. 12) and more. For more information, call 1-800-952-0195 or visit NorthStarCasinoResort.com. (Harris, Michigan – Upper Peninsula) Island Resort & Casino - Experience the best of fall golf with late season rounds at Sweetgrass or Sage Run. Fall golf rates run September 14th thru October 11. For information, visit islandresortgolf.com and look for the “packages” tab. The Island is also accepting 2027 golf package requests at this time. Be sure to play the new nine-hole Cedar Course which will be open for the full 2027 golf season so get your group and book your spot for a great golf experience. Beyond the fairways, Island Resort & Casino guests can enjoy outstanding dining, exciting casino gaming, a luxurious spa and much more. Also, be sure to check out the Island’s headliner entertainment including Comedian Dusty Slay (Sept 19) and Bret Michaels Live & Amplified (Nov 13/14). Book your golf package at IslandResortGolf.com and for more information, call 1-800-682-6040 or visit IslandResortandCasino.com. (West Memphis, Arkansas) Southland Casino Hotel - Southland Casino Hotel is the only AAA Four Diamond premier gaming destination in the Mid-South, offering players excitement day or night. Just minutes from downtown Memphis, it blends nonstop action with elevated dining and entertainment, creating a destination that feels both electric and unmistakably Southern. It’s where big wins, bold flavors, and a vibrant atmosphere come together. For more information, call 1-800-467-6182 or visit SouthlandCasino.com
Unlock Better Casino Experiences Want more than just another casino trip? Join our Casino Player Referral Network and let us introduce you to participating casino hosts who may offer personalized promotions, complimentary perks, exclusive invitations, and VIP service based on your gaming preferences.
3Free to Join 3No Obligation 3Takes Less Than 60 Seconds Scan the QR code or visit GamingandDestinations.com! G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
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2026 CASINO CHEF SHOWDOWN
the results are in! A great casino meal can be as memorable as a jackpot, and the 2026 Casino Chef Showdown proved it. This summer, seven chefs from five casino resorts across the South and Midwest transformed familiar ingredients into bold dishes reflecting their backgrounds, regions and culinary personalities. The competition featured Gulf Coast seafood, Louisiana flavors, Wisconsin game, international pastry artistry and creative takes on American comfort food. Thousands of readers participated in two rounds of online voting, narrowing the field to three finalists: Chef Jackson Reichel of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, Chef Willie Gaspard of Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel and Chef Steven Song of FireKeepers Casino Hotel. Reichel captured the title with 40.9 percent of the vote for his Pistachio Crusted Grouper, topping Gaspard’s Mexi-Cajun Shrimp and Grits at 29.8 percent and Song’s Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at 29.3 percent. The win gave Scarlet Pearl back-to-back Showdown titles following pastry chef Allison Spicer’s 2025 victory. The competition also featured Alana St. Louis’ Cheese Head Cheesecake, Pete Zach’s Venison Ragu with Creamy Polenta, Kyle Cassaday’s Bacon Wrapped Venison and Spicer’s Deep Dish Pecan Pie. Together, the chefs demonstrated how casino kitchens blend regional traditions, global techniques, creativity and passion into memorable dining experiences.
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2026 CASINO CHEF
SHOWDOWN CHAMPION Chef Jackson Reichel
Scarlet's Steaks & Seafood | Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort | D’Iberville, Mississippi
Showdown Dish: Pistachio Crusted Grouper Chef Jackson Reichel knows that a memorable plate begins long before it reaches the dining room. It starts with finding the right ingredients, understanding how they should be handled and building flavor with purpose. That disciplined approach - paired with a genuine feel for Gulf Coast seafood - carried his Pistachio Crusted Grouper all the way to the 2026 Casino Chef Showdown championship. After two rounds of voting, Reichel earned 40.9 percent of the final vote, leading an exceptionally close three-chef finale. The win was also a major moment for Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, which claimed its second consecutive Chef Showdown title after Allison Spicer’s victory in 2025. For a property already known for polished hospitality and destination dining, the back-to-back wins offered another reason to celebrate. Reichel brings 18 years of culinary experience to his role and has spent nine years at Scarlet Pearl. For the past four years, he has served as executive chef of Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood, where USDA Prime steaks, quality seafood and attentive execution define the restaurant’s identity. Ask him what a first-time guest should order and he points confidently toward the steaks. They are the restaurant’s forte, he says, and a product his team takes great pride in preparing beautifully. His path into professional cooking sounds almost destined. “I didn’t choose the chef life,” Reichel says. “The chef life chose me.” That sense of commitment comes through in the way he talks about the profession: as a demanding craft that rewards preparation, teamwork, curiosity and pride. A Championship Plate with Gulf Coast Soul The winning dish begins with fresh Gulf grouper, a fish prized for its mild flavor and flaky texture. Reichel tops it with a crust of pistachios, Parmesan, panko, lemon, fresh herbs and garlic-infused olive oil, creating a rich, aromatic crunch that complements the delicate fish instead of overpowering it. The grouper is served with baby heirloom carrots, silky Parmesan cream and vivid basil oil. The finished plate is colorful and refined, but it remains grounded in the ingredients and flavors of the coast. The pistachios add richness, the lemon and
herbs bring brightness, and the Parmesan cream gives the dish a luxurious steakhouse finish. That balance is what made the entry stand out. It feels special enough for a celebration dinner, yet every element supports the fish at the center of the plate. Reichel describes it as a dish that captures the soul of coastal cuisine with a distinctive twist elegant, creative and unmistakably connected to the Gulf. Built on Preparation, Passion and Teamwork Although he is comfortable working across a wide spectrum of cuisines, Reichel says sushi would be his choice if he had to select only one. His broad interest in food reflects a chef who never wants to stop learning. American steakhouse traditions may shape the experience at Scarlet’s, but Creole, Cajun, Asian, Italian and French influences all have a place in his culinary vocabulary. His advice to aspiring chefs is direct. Passion is essential, but so are the habits that sustain a kitchen: show up on time, clean as you go, respect your teammates, take pride in the work and protect your mental and physical health. He also lives by the five P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. That philosophy applies equally to a busy dinner service and a national recipe competition. Great results rarely happen by accident. They are built through careful sourcing, precise preparation, steady execution and a kitchen team committed to giving every guest an experience worth remembering. When he is not in the kitchen, Reichel enjoys fishing, golfing and spending time with his wife, Jessica. Those interests offer a fitting counterpoint to the intensity of restaurant life - and, in the case of fishing, keep him connected to the waters and ingredients that inspire so much of his cooking. With a championship dish, a second straight title for Scarlet Pearl and a dining room known for prime steaks and seafood, Reichel has plenty to celebrate. Yet the strongest impression is not simply that he won. It is that his Pistachio Crusted Grouper tells diners exactly who he is as a chef: rooted in the Gulf Coast, open to the world and determined to make every plate count. G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
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Chef Willie Gaspard Chef Showdown Finalist Mr. Lester’s | Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel | Charenton, La Showdown Dish: Mexi-Cajun Shrimp and Grits Chef Willie Gaspard’s cooking is inseparable from south Louisiana. Born in Abbeville and raised in New Iberia, he attended the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana while gaining hands-on experience at Juban’s Restaurant in Baton Rouge. After graduation, he returned home to Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island, where he rose to executive chef in 1999. When that restaurant closed in 2001, Gaspard joined Cypress Bayou Casino as a roundsman at Cafe Bayou. His career at the property became a steady climb through the culinary operation: banquet chef in 2002, restaurant chef in 2004, executive sous chef in 2012 and executive chef in 2018. Across those years, he competed in culinary events throughout the Gulf Coast, collecting more than 100 medals and numerous awards. Gaspard’s Chef Showdown entry demonstrated exactly why. His Mexi-Cajun Shrimp and Grits takes a beloved Louisiana combination and sends it across culinary borders. The dish earned 29.8 percent of the final vote, finishing only a fraction ahead of Steven Song in second place and giving Gaspard another memorable competition performance. At the center of the plate is a quesadilla layered with Boursin, jumbo lump crabmeat, creamy yellow stone-ground grits, roasted corn and a pepper jack-cheddar blend. Gulf shrimp are sauteed with butter and garlic, deglazed with beer and finished with Worcestershire, rosemary and lemon. Asparagus and crisp fried shallots complete a plate that feels both familiar and surprising. The concept captures Gaspard’s favorite kind of culinary challenge: recreating classical Cajun dishes through the lens of another world cuisine. Here, shrimp and grits meet the structure and shareable appeal of a quesadilla, while the crab, corn, cheese and butter keep every bite firmly rooted in Gulf Coast abundance. For Gaspard, strong casino dining depends on more than one chef. He values the range of Cypress Bayou’s restaurants and the talented team members who make each guest experience possible. His goal is to keep the property’s dining options fresh, exciting and welcoming - qualities that also made his Showdown dish such a crowd favorite. Away from the kitchen, he enjoys family, friends, fishing, hunting and the Louisiana outdoors. Those connections to people and place continue to shape a chef who has spent more than two decades growing with Cypress Bayou while finding new ways to keep Cajun cooking moving forward.
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Chef Steven Song Chef Showdown Finalist Dacey’s Taphouse | FireKeepers Casino Hotel | Battle Creek, Mi Showdown Dish: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Chef Steven Song has been cooking for as long as he can remember, first beside his mother and later through nearly every station a professional kitchen can offer. For over 19 years, he worked his way from dishwasher and prep cook to line cook, lead cook, sous chef and head chef. Along the way, he also spent eight years as a hibachi chef, an experience that sharpened both his technical skills and his ability to connect with guests. At FireKeepers Casino Hotel, Song brings that lifetime of experience to a culinary culture known for variety and energy. He describes food as the sixth love language - a way to nurture and nourish others - and credits his mother with teaching him that cooking is both an act of care and a personal philosophy. His Chef Showdown entry translated that idea into a sandwich designed to bring cultures together. Song’s Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich combines the soulful heat of an American classic with the sweet, savory fire of Korean fried chicken. The result carried him into the final round, where he earned 29.3 percent of the vote in an exceptionally close finish. The chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic and flour, then dredged in a blend of flour and cornstarch before frying to a crisp golden finish. The centerpiece is Song’s sauce, a lively mixture of hot sauce, honey, gochujang, ancho chile powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes, sambal, lemon and aromatics. Served on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce and pickles, the sandwich delivers crunch, heat, sweetness and tang in rapid succession. Song also encourages home cooks to make the recipe their own. Kewpie mayonnaise slaw and pickled carrots can replace the traditional toppings for even more texture and Asian influence. That playful willingness to cross culinary borders reflects the way Song likes to cook. Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cuisines are among his favorites, especially dishes built around broth and noodles. Travel provides constant inspiration, giving him opportunities to taste traditional foods and imagine how familiar flavors might be reworked in a modern, global way. For aspiring culinary professionals, Song offers a compact piece of advice: “Chop wood, carry water.” Stay humble, he says, find meaning in the everyday work and focus on the process rather than becoming distracted by the outcome. It is a fitting philosophy for a chef whose finalist dish proved that disciplined technique and a sense of fun can share the same plate.
ChefShowdown G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
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Chef Alana St. Louis Potawatomi Casino Hotel | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Showdown Dish: Cheese Head Cheesecake Chef Alana St. Louis brings an international perspective, extensive resort experience and a deep passion for creativity to the pastry program at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, she grew up in a family that valued nutrition, craftsmanship and the importance of preparing food with care. Her first professional path was mechanical drafting, not pastry. During the recession of the 1980s, however, she decided to pursue a career that combined practicality with her lifelong interest in cooking. Her reasoning was wonderfully simple: everyone has to eat. St. Louis enrolled at The Culinary Academy in San Francisco and specialized in professional baking and pastry. That decision launched a career that would carry her to acclaimed resorts, casinos and culinary destinations across the United States, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Her resume includes pastry leadership positions at Hilton Waikoloa in Hawaii, Turning Stone Casino in New York, Crazy Mountain Ranch in Montana, Caneel Bay Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Half Moon Resort in Jamaica, as well as work as head baker for Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas. She was drawn to Potawatomi by the property’s openness to new ideas and creative expression. The environment felt welcoming, collaborative and easy to embrace. Then there was the pastry kitchen itself - what St. Louis calls a pastry chef ’s dream, with the tools, space and freedom needed to experiment and create memorable desserts for guests. Her Chef Showdown entry put that creativity on full display. The Cheese Head Cheesecake is a polished pastry interpretation of one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable symbols. A silky vanilla cheesecake with mascarpone and lemon zest rests on a buttery graham cracker crust. Door County cherry compote brings bright, sweet-tart fruit, while warm bourbon salted caramel adds amber richness and a hint of sea salt. The dessert’s origins are as Wisconsin as its name. Potawatomi’s culinary team had been asked to create food for an announcement involving the Green Bay Packers, and the idea of transforming the famous foam cheese head into a dessert quickly took shape. What could have been a novelty became a carefully layered dish that balances regional identity with serious pastry technique. St. Louis enjoys classical French pastry presented with a modern twist, but her culinary interests span Caribbean, Asian, North and South American, and Mediterranean cuisines. The range reflects both her travels and her curiosity two qualities that allow her to turn a familiar symbol into something refined, joyful and distinctly her own. Her advice to aspiring chefs is to set clear goals and think seriously about where they want to be in five years. She also encourages future chefs and business owners to remain open-minded, embrace change and think beyond the obvious solution. Outside the kitchen, she enjoys art, architecture, movies, travel and mid-century modern design - interests that echo the same eye for form, balance and imagination found in her pastry work.
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Chef Kyle Cassaday Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort | MT. PLEASANT, MICHIGAN Showdown Dish: Bacon Wrapped Venison Chef Kyle Cassaday has built a remarkable culinary career at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. With 24 years of professional experience and 21 years at the property, he brings the confidence of a chef who knows both his ingredients and the guests he serves. His 2026 Chef Showdown entry, Bacon Wrapped Venison, celebrates North American woodland flavors and the classic pairing of game with fruit. Venison loin is butterflied and filled with apples lightly caramelized in butter, sugar and fresh thyme. The meat is then rolled in bacon, browned on all sides and finished in the oven until tender. The accompaniments push the plate beyond a traditional game preparation. Smoked cashew squash puree provides sweetness and depth, shaved Brussels sprouts add freshness and texture, and a coffee-huckleberry sauce brings together roasted bitterness and bright fruit. Each component supports the venison while reinforcing the dish’s sense of place. Cassaday’s entry is a reminder that regional cooking can feel sophisticated without losing its connection to the landscape. Bacon, apples, squash, coffee and huckleberries surround the venison with layers of smoke, sweetness and acidity, creating a dish designed for a memorable dinner after a day of gaming or resort entertainment. More than two decades at Soaring Eagle have given Cassaday a long view of casino dining and the expectations of today’s guests. His Showdown plate reflects that experience: recognizable ingredients, thoughtful technique and enough creative contrast to make a familiar pairing feel new again.
ChefShowdown Scan to check out all of the recipes or visit GamingandDestinations.com
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Chef Pete Zach Director of Culinary Operations Potawatomi Casino HoteL | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Showdown Dish: Venison Ragu with Creamy Polenta Chef Pete Zach’s culinary career is rooted in family tradition, Wisconsin hospitality and a lifelong connection to food. Born and raised in Hales Corners, he was introduced to the restaurant business through his grandfather, an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant in southeastern Wisconsin and taught him that hard work and dedication were the recipe for success. Zach began working with food in high school in the produce and deli departments of a local grocery store. He later gained front-ofhouse experience as a server, but the kitchen proved to be where he belonged. He enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Milwaukee Area Technical College, built experience throughout the city and spent a summer working at a Princess Cruises resort in Alaska. He joined Potawatomi Casino Hotel in 2013 and advanced from cook to restaurant chef and eventually Director of Culinary Operations. Today, Zach oversees 12 culinary outlets representing a wide range of cuisines, service styles and guest experiences. The job demands consistency on a large scale, but it also gives him opportunities to support teamwork, local vendors, sustainable practices and continued culinary growth across the property. His Chef Showdown entry, Venison Ragu with Creamy Polenta, brings those priorities into one rustic, elegant bowl. Venison shanks are seared and slowly braised with pancetta, aromatic vegetables, garlic, tomato paste, red wine, San Marzano tomatoes, beef stock and fresh herbs. Once tender, the meat is shredded back into the thickened sauce and spooned over creamy polenta finished with butter and Pecorino Romano. The dish connects the traditions of the Potawatomi people with the Italian-American culture of Milwaukee and Zach’s own family heritage. Venison represents the land, hunting and sustainability, while the ragu and polenta reflect the flavors he grew up around. It is a recipe about the way culinary traditions meet, influence one another and become part of a region’s identity. Zach’s choice of venison shanks is especially meaningful. In many hunting households, the cut might be reserved for grinding. Through slow braising, he transforms it into something tender and richly flavored, showing how patience and technique can elevate an overlooked ingredient. Stone-ground corn polenta adds another connection to the land while providing a smooth counterpoint to the bold sauce. The philosophy continues at home. Zach gardens and grows fruits, vegetables and peppers for pickles, preserves and homemade hot sauces. He is also an avid hunter and fisherman, and much of the meat and fish his family eats comes from what they harvest. Those experiences deepen his appreciation for seasonality, sustainability and knowing where ingredients come from. Whether he is leading a 12-outlet culinary operation or slowly braising a single cut of venison, Zach remains focused on food that carries meaning. His Showdown dish is hearty and comforting, but its real richness comes from the story beneath it - family, heritage, land and the flavors of Wisconsin.
ChefShowdown 10 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
Experience Dining at the Island Enjoy dining ranging from fine steakhouse dining to casual favorites. Grab a late-night slice from Signature Pizza, watch the game at our sports bar, and start your morning with fresh coffee from the Island Café.
(800) 682-6040 islandresortandcasino.com/dining
Chef Allison Spicer Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort | D’Iberville, Mississippi Showdown Dish: Deep Dish Pecan Pie For Chef Allison Spicer, pastry is never only about technique. It is about memory, family and the pleasure of watching someone slow down long enough to savor the final course. With 20 years of pastry experience and five years at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, she brings professional precision and personal warmth to every dessert she creates. Spicer’s love of baking began in childhood, when she worked alongside her aunts and helped recreate family recipes. Those early experiences taught her that a dessert can carry a sense of place and connection long after the last bite. They also helped form the creative approach that made her the 2025 Casino Chef Showdown champion. Returning to the competition in 2026, Spicer entered a Deep Dish Pecan Pie inspired by a spirited conversation with another chef about what makes a pecan pie truly unforgettable. Her answer was clear: the custard and the crust. Rather than reinventing the Southern favorite beyond recognition, she magnified the elements people already love. The filling combines eggs, sugar, dark corn syrup, butter, vanilla, salt and plenty of pecans. It is poured into a thick, buttery handmade crust and baked slowly in a deep cheesecake-style pan. The pie is cooled in the oven, frozen overnight and carefully unmolded before slicing - a patient process that produces clean layers and a presentation worthy of a steakhouse dessert menu. What makes the entry compelling is its confidence. This is not a delicate sliver of pecan pie or a deconstructed interpretation. It is big, rich and unapologetically indulgent, giving the familiar dessert a sense of occasion while preserving the flavors guests expect. Spicer’s return also added another layer to Scarlet Pearl’s remarkable Chef Showdown story. Her 2025 victory was followed by Jackson Reichel’s championship in 2026, giving the resort back-to-back titles and spotlighting both the savory and pastry talent behind Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood. For diners, that means the last course receives every bit as much care as the first.
ChefShowdown Scan to check out all of the recipes or visit GamingandDestinations.com 12 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
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GET READY TO LAUGH WITH
KERWIN CLAIBORNE The Breeders’ Cup returns to Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky in 2026.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 8PM | DOORS OPEN AT 7PM
Get ready for a high-energy night you don’t want to miss! Kerwin Claiborne is a stand-up comedian and digital creator known for his high-energy performances and relatable storytelling.
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ON
AmeristarVicksburg.com MUST BE 21. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-888-777-9696. General Admission Tickets ONLY. No assigned seating. Standing room may be required. ©2026 PENN Entertainment, rights G AInc. M I NAll GAN D D E S Treserved. I N AT I O N S . C O M | 13
Restaurant Spotlight:
Luk Fu by Jet Tila Live! Casino Hotel Louisiana
Celebrity chef Jet Tila has officially put his stamp on the dining scene at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, and the result is a lively, flavor-forward menu that gives one of the resort’s most popular restaurants a fresh identity. Now known as Luk Fu by Jet Tila, the pan-Asian restaurant blends established guest favorites with several of Tila’s signature creations, delivering the kind of approachable but memorable dining experience that fits perfectly into a night at the casino. Tila, familiar to Food Network viewers from Tournament of Champions, Guy’s Grocery Games and Iron Chef America, brings decades of culinary experience and a style rooted in Asian tradition while remaining playful and accessible. Rather than completely reinventing Luk Fu, he has built on what was already working, adding dishes that bring more personality, variety and unmistakable boldness to the menu. 14 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
WHAT TO ORDER
The Shrimp Pad Thai is an obvious place to start. It is a recognizable favorite, but Tila’s version brings together savory, sweet, tangy and slightly nutty flavors, with shrimp adding enough richness to make it feel like much more than a simple noodle dish. Those looking to share a few plates should take a serious look at the Sweet Heat Chicken Wings. The name tells you exactly what to expect: a satisfying mix of sweetness followed by a little kick that keeps you reaching for another. The Bao Buns are another natural table starter, offering the soft texture and layered flavors that have made bao a staple on modern Asian menus. One of the most colorful choices is the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice, which combines savory rice with bright tropical sweetness and works particularly well alongside some of the menu’s spicier selections.
THE ATMOSPHERE
Luk Fu by Jet Tila fits naturally into the energy of Live! Louisiana. It can easily work as a quick stop before getting back to the casino floor, but the menu is best enjoyed when diners settle in, order several dishes and make dinner part of the evening’s entertainment. The variety encourages sharing, making it especially appealing for couples or groups who want to sample different flavors rather than commit to a single entrée. “The exclusive menu works so well because it combines Chef Tila’s signature dishes with fan favorites that guests have always loved at Luk Fu,” said Rob Esplen, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. “The menu has more depth and flavor.” Tila describes the collaboration in similar terms.
“The dishes I’m bringing to the menu are recipes I’ve spent years perfecting and build on the DNA that already runs through Luk Fu,” Tila said.
OUR TAKE
That approach is what makes the restaurant work. Luk Fu still feels comfortable and familiar, but the Jet Tila influence adds enough personality to transform it from a convenient casino restaurant into a dining experience worth seeking out. There is plenty here for guests who already love Asian cuisine, but the menu is also approachable enough for diners who may simply want wings, fried rice or noodles without venturing too far outside their comfort zone. Since opening in February 2025 as the The Breeders’ Cup returns to Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky in 2026. region’s first land-side casino, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana in Bossier City has made dining an important part of its overall resort experience. Luk Fu by Jet Tila strengthens that lineup with a recognizable celebrity-chef name and, more importantly, dishes that deliver. For casino travelers who enjoy discovering something new between rounds of gaming, Luk Fu by Jet Tila earns a spot on the Louisiana dining bucket list.
WHAT TO ORDER
Shrimp Pad Thai, Sweet Heat Chicken Wings, Bao Buns and Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
BEST FOR
Sharing plates, casual casino-night dining and fans of bold Asian flavors
THE VERDICT
A fun, approachable celebrity-chef collaboration that gives Live! Louisiana another legitimate destination-dining option.
For more information, visit LiveCH.com/louisiana
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The Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky on October 30 and 31. Photo courtesy of Breeders' Cup Ltd.
The Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland:
Racing’s Royal Weekend Returns to the Bluegrass There are horse races, and then there is the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. For two electric autumn days, the sport of kings transforms into an international spectacle of speed, strategy, fashion, wagering and pageantry unlike anything else in North American racing. When the Breeders’ Cup returns to Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky on October 30 and 31, the event once again places the Bluegrass at the center of the thoroughbred universe.
and a global audience watching from every corner of the sport, the Breeders’ Cup has become one of the most prestigious events in all of athletics. Yet when hosted at Keeneland, the championship takes on an even deeper resonance. The rolling hills, limestone architecture and timeless elegance of Lexington provide a setting that feels uniquely suited for racing royalty. Keeneland does not merely host the Breeders’ Cup. It embodies the culture, heritage and sophistication that define thoroughbred racing itself.
The Breeders’ Cup is more than a championship series. It is horse racing’s grand finale — a celebration of elite competition where world champions are crowned, fortunes are won and lost at the betting windows, and generations of racing history converge on one unforgettable weekend.
Racing’s Ultimate Championship
With millions of dollars in purses distributed across two days of racing 16 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
First held in 1984, the Breeders’ Cup was designed as a year-end championship bringing together the finest horses from around the globe. Over the decades, it has evolved into an international showcase featuring runners from the United States, Europe, Japan, South America and the Middle East.
Today, the event features championship races across virtually every major division — sprinting, turf racing, dirt racing, juvenile competition and the marquee classic distance races that define greatness. The centerpiece remains the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race that has often determined Horse of the Year honors and cemented legends within the sport. The winner’s circle from the Classic reads like a hall of fame roster that includes the greatness of Ferdinand, Alysheba, Sunday Silence, Cigar, Tiznow, Curlin, American Pharoah, Flightline, Sierra Leone and more. A list of champions whose names transcend racing and become part of sports history. Among the most memorable winners was American Pharoah, whose victory in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic completed the first-ever “Grand Slam” of American racing after capturing the
Triple Crown earlier that year. One year later, Arrogate delivered one of the greatest stretch runs in racing history, storming from far behind to win the Classic in dramatic fashion. The Breeders’ Cup has also showcased stars such as Zenyatta, whose breathtaking late-running style captivated casual fans and racing insiders alike, and Curlin, widely regarded as one of the finest American horses of the modern era. In many ways, the event serves as both a culmination and a preview. Juvenile champions crowned at the Breeders’ Cup often emerge the following spring as contenders in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Past Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winners such as Street Sense, Nyquist and Essential Quality later became major Triple Crown race stars. For horseplayers, the Breeders’ Cup is equally legendary.
Where Fortunes Can Be Made at the Betting Windows The Breeders’ Cup is a dream — and occasionally a fantasy realized — for serious bettors.
Because the event attracts international fields and massive wagering pools, payouts can become enormous. Longshots frequently upset heavily favored horses, creating life-changing scores for bettors bold enough to trust their instincts. Some of racing’s most astonishing payouts have occurred during Breeders’ Cup weekend. In 1993, the Pick 6 wager paid more than $3 million. In 2005, a single bettor reportedly turned a modest Pick 6 ticket into a payday exceeding $14 million. Even smaller exotic wagers routinely generate five- and six-figure returns when chaotic race results unfold. The Breeders’ Cup Classic itself has produced unforgettable betting moments. At odds of 133-1, Arcangues shocked the racing world in the 1993
The paddock at Keeneland set the perfect stage for the Breeders’ Cup races Photo courtesy of Keeneland Race Course
Classic, paying more than $269 to win on a $2 ticket — still one of the greatest upsets in championship racing history.
During Breeders’ Cup weekend, that beauty becomes elevated to another level.
For sophisticated handicappers, the event offers unparalleled opportunity. European turf runners, Japanese invaders, pace scenarios, weather conditions and track bias all create layers of complexity that reward careful analysis and deep racing knowledge.
Private hospitality tents rise across the property. Celebrities mingle with horsemen. International visitors fill Lexington hotels and restaurants. Luxury bourbon tastings, fine dining experiences and exclusive parties unfold throughout the city.
Yet even casual fans become immersed in the excitement.
The economic impact for the region is enormous, but the cultural impact may be even greater. The Breeders’ Cup places Kentucky’s horse industry on a worldwide stage and reminds visitors why the Bluegrass remains synonymous with thoroughbred excellence.
There is something uniquely thrilling about holding a ticket on a horse charging down the Keeneland stretch as tens of thousands roar in unison. The Breeders’ Cup transforms newcomers into believers and seasoned gamblers into students once again.
Keeneland: The Perfect Stage
Few venues in American sports possess the elegance and authenticity of Keeneland. Opened in 1936, the Lexington landmark is revered not simply as a racetrack, but as a cultural institution. Unlike many modern sports venues dominated by towering video boards and commercial excess, Keeneland maintains a timeless atmosphere rooted in tradition. The paddock feels intimate. The grandstand exudes old-world charm. Massive trees draped in autumn color frame the grounds with postcard beauty.
For many attendees, however, the event is as much about style as it is sport.
Fashion, Elegance and the Social Scene
The Breeders’ Cup has increasingly evolved into one of racing’s great fashion showcases. Women arrive in dazzling dresses, couture hats, fascinators and autumn-inspired ensembles that rival the spectacle of the races themselves. Men embrace tailored suits, bold sport coats, pocket squares and classic Southern sophistication. At Keeneland especially, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between refinement and celebration. The fashion is not merely performative G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
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— it is part of the tradition. Horse racing has long been intertwined with social culture, and Breeders’ Cup weekend provides attendees an opportunity to participate in that heritage. Walk through the grandstand or hospitality areas and you encounter a fascinating blend of old Kentucky elegance and modern luxury culture. Influencers pose for photographs near the paddock while veteran horseplayers study racing forms nearby. Corporate executives sip bourbon beside lifelong racing fans discussing pedigrees and pace figures. The result is an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event in America. One moment you are watching a multimillion-dollar championship race. The next, you are admiring fashion worthy of a Manhattan gala or hearing stories from horsemen whose families have spent generations in the industry. The Breeders’ Cup is simultaneously elite and accessible — glamorous yet deeply rooted in tradition.
The International Flavor
Part of what makes the Breeders’ Cup so compelling is its global character. European turf horses bring distinctive running styles and international prestige. Japanese contenders continue emerging as world-class threats. Trainers and jockeys from across the globe converge to compete against America’s best. 18 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
The event has become a true world championship for thoroughbred racing. Fans who attend the Breeders’ Cup are not merely watching local stars. They are witnessing an international clash of racing cultures, training philosophies and bloodlines. That worldwide participation elevates the intensity of every race.
Dreams collapse and emerge within minutes. The event captures everything compelling about horse racing: athletic brilliance, sophisticated wagering, international competition, timeless fashion and raw human emotion. At Keeneland, those elements feel amplified by history and atmosphere.
For owners, breeders and trainers, victory at the Breeders’ Cup can dramatically increase the future value of a horse’s breeding career. A championship victory can turn a successful racehorse into a multimillion-dollar stallion prospect overnight.
For longtime racing enthusiasts, the Breeders’ Cup is a pilgrimage. For newcomers, it is an unforgettable introduction to the grandeur of the sport. And for Kentucky, it is a reminder that nowhere else in the world does horse racing feel quite so authentic, beautiful or important.
In many cases, the stakes extend far beyond purse money.
For two extraordinary days, the eyes of the sporting world return to the Bluegrass.
More Than a Race Weekend
What ultimately separates the Breeders’ And Keeneland once again becomes racing’s royal court. Cup from other sporting events is emotional scale. For tickets and more information Every race feels consequential. Careers visit BreedersCup.com are defined. Legacies are created.
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The Luckiest Dealer on the Gulf Coast?
Meet Rusty, From Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort There are good ways to end a night at the casino, and then there is hitting a Royal Flush on your very last hand and walking away with $176,491. That was the unforgettable scene recently at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi on the Gulf Coast, where a guest sat down for what would become one of those casino stories that gets told again and again.
The hand started without much fanfare. The guest was down to his final $10 and had decided this would be his last hand of Ultimate Texas Hold’em. He looked at just one of his cards, saw the King of clubs and decided to put the remaining $10 into play. Then came the flop.
Before Rusty could even fully process Right in the middle of it was Rusty, one of what was sitting on the table, another Scarlet Pearl’s most popular table games player already knew exactly what had dealers and, depending on who you ask, happened. The guest playing third base jumped up and shouted, “YOU GOT possibly one of the luckiest dealers on IT!” The player had hit a Royal Flush the Gulf Coast. Rusty may not be ready to claim that title himself, but the recent on the flop, and just like that, a final six-figure win at his table certainly added $10 wager had turned into a $176,491 payday. another chapter to his reputation. 20 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
The reaction around the table was immediate. There were three guests playing at the time, and what had been an ordinary hand suddenly became a moment everyone nearby would remember. The winning guest had been charging his phone at the podium, and once he realized just how big the win was, he asked for the phone so he could make an important call. His first call was to his wife. She and five friends quickly came running over to the table, jumping around, celebrating and exchanging high-fives as word of the win spread. For Rusty and the other players, it was the kind of spontaneous casino-floor celebration that makes a big jackpot memorable
win every trip, but sitting down with a dealer who is welcoming, conversational and enjoying the game can make an ordinary evening more entertaining. Rusty also appreciates when the players bring that same attitude to the table, saying he especially enjoys dealing to guests who simply want to have fun. Despite his growing reputation as a lucky dealer, Rusty does not have a collection of rituals or superstitions he follows before dealing a hand. There is no lucky shuffle, secret routine or special tradition. Sometimes the cards simply fall the right way, and every once in a while, they fall perfectly. even for those who were not the ones collecting the money. Of course, a win that large also comes with a process behind the scenes. Rusty explained that surveillance must verify the hand before the payout is completed. Taxes are withheld, and the jackpot is generally paid in casino chips, with the winner then able to go to the cage and choose to receive cash or a check. For Rusty, being present for a major jackpot is exciting, but this was not his first memorable winning hand. He has previously dealt a jackpot of more than $60,000 on I Luv Suits at Scarlet Pearl and another Ultimate Texas Hold’em win of more than $170,000.
machines, favorite seats or certain dealers they believe bring them better luck. Rusty said guests do seek him out, but he does not think it has much to do with superstition. “They seek me out because I talk to them,” he said. That simple answer gets to the heart of what Rusty believes makes a good dealer. Dealing cards is obviously about knowing the game, following procedures and keeping everything moving smoothly, but he believes the real difference comes from creating an enjoyable experience for the people sitting at the table. “You must have fun with the guests,” Rusty said. “If you can’t do that, you just won’t have a good day.”
That track record might explain why Scarlet Pearl has playfully referred to him as one of its luckiest dealers. Rusty, however, is not quite ready to embrace the nickname. “I don’t think I’m the luckiest dealer,” he said. “I may be a favorite to some.”
It is an attitude that has helped him build relationships with many of Scarlet Pearl’s repeat customers. Asked what he enjoys most about dealing blackjack and other table games at the property, Rusty pointed immediately to the people, the return guests and the overall fun atmosphere.
That second part may actually be the more important piece of the story. Casino players can be a superstitious bunch, and many have favorite
That connection between player and dealer can make a major difference in a casino visit. A player may not
That is exactly what makes the $176,491 Royal Flush story so much fun. The guest was essentially finished for the night, had just $10 remaining and decided to give it one more shot after seeing only the King of clubs in his hand. Had he walked away one hand earlier, there would have been no celebration, no phone call to his wife and no group of friends rushing over for high-fives. Instead, the final hand became the hand of the night and another memorable moment at one of Rusty’s tables. Maybe he really is one of the luckiest dealers on the Gulf Coast, even if he is not willing to say so himself. For Rusty, though, the formula is much simpler: enjoy the game, talk to the people sitting in front of you and make sure everyone is having a good time. The cards will take care of the rest, and if somebody happens to hit a Royal Flush for $176,491 along the way, that makes the day a little more fun for everyone. For reservations at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, visit ScarletPearlCasino.com or call 1-888-752-9772. G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |
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Roulette History of Roulette:
Pascal’s Wheel of Chance Still Spinning Roulette brings elegant suspense to gaming floors across the South and Midwest. The spinning wheel and bouncing ball create drama at casinos and resorts from the Gulf Coast to Indiana, blending European sophistication with American flair. Mathematician Blaise Pascal is credited with the wheel’s origins. In 1655, while attempting a perpetual motion machine during a monastic retreat, he created a spinning device that became roulette’s foundation. The name means “little wheel” in French. Early versions mixed Italian Biribi and other wheel games. By the late 1700s, Paris casinos featured wheels with single and double zeros. In 1842, brothers François and Louis Blanc designed the single-zero wheel for Monte Carlo to offer better odds (house edge ~2.7%) and attract high rollers. American casinos retained the double-zero version (house edge 5.26%), preserving the classic layout. Some legends claim Dominican monks brought a Chinese “magic square” 22 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
game with animal statues to Europe, but Pascal’s accidental invention is the most accepted. A colorful tale says the Blanc brothers sold their souls to the devil for the secrets—explaining why numbers 1–36 sum to 666. Roulette reached America in the early 1800s. It appeared on riverboats and in New Orleans halls. When 1990s riverboat gambling revived in Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, roulette wheels spun alongside blackjack and craps. The wheel has 38 pockets in American roulette (1–36, 0, 00) or 37 in European (single 0). Bets include straight-up numbers, reds/blacks, odds/evens, dozens, and columns. Inside bets pay higher but carry more risk; outside bets offer better odds. Fun facts highlight its allure and interesting origin. The single-zero innovation halved the house edge in Europe. Roulette symbolized chance in literature and film. Early American wheels sometimes included an eagle pocket for extra house advantage.
In Southern and Midwest casinos, roulette appeals to both novices and strategists. Systems like Martingale or D’Alembert add intrigue, though the house edge remains. The game’s pace suits relaxed play and its history reflects gambling’s evolution—from French salons to Monte Carlo glamour to American casinos. It survived bans and moral panics because of its visual appeal and straightforward rules. Today, electronic and rapid roulette variations speed up play, while classic tables maintain tradition. Whether betting on black or chasing a straight-up hit, the ball’s dance delivers pure anticipation. Roulette endures because it balances luck with betting creativity. In an industry dominated by slots, the wheel offers a timeless ritual. So, the next time you watch the ball settle, remember Pascal’s failed experiment that accidentally created casino magic—still spinning strong on Southern and Midwest floors.
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ROULETTE: Play the Wheel, Not the System Roulette may be the purest game of chance on the casino floor. There are no cards to count, no decisions that change the next spin and no betting progression that can alter the mathematics of the wheel. That does not mean experienced players have no decisions to make. The smartest roulette strategy begins before the ball is even released: choose the best wheel, understand what each wager really costs and control the amount of money exposed to variance. The most important decision is wheel selection. A European single-zero wheel contains 37 pockets — numbers 1 through 36 plus a single 0 — and carries a house edge of about 2.70% on standard bets. The traditional American wheel adds 00 for 38 pockets, increasing the house edge to about 5.26%. Triple-zero wheels push the edge even higher, to roughly 7.69%. The payouts on familiar wagers usually remain the same, so the extra zero pockets simply give the casino more winning outcomes. For an advanced player, walking past a triple-zero wheel or choosing singlezero when available is one of the few decisions that genuinely changes long-term expectation. The house edge on inside and outside bets do not change between wheel variations, but they do change volatility. A straight-up number produces a dramatic 35-to-1 payoff but will miss most spins. Red/black, odd/ even and high/low wagers win far more frequently, but the payoff is only even money. Players should choose the level of variance that fits their bankroll rather than assuming a safer-looking wager somehow beats the game. Another key principle is that every spin is independent. A board showing eight consecutive reds may look like black is “due,” but the next spin does not remember the previous eight. Likewise, a number that has not appeared for an hour is no more likely to hit simply because it has been absent. Scoreboards are entertaining and useful for tracking what happened; they are not predictive tools. 24 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
That is also why progressive systems such as Martingale, D’Alembert or Fibonacci do not create an edge. Raising a wager after a loss can produce a sequence of small recoveries, but eventually a normal losing streak requires a very large bet. Table limits and finite bankrolls prevent the progression from continuing indefinitely and the underlying house edge never disappears. A better approach is to define a betting unit before sitting down. If your session bankroll is $500, for example, a $10 or $15 base unit leaves enough room to survive normal swings. A player who begins with $50 or $100 bets is effectively turning a long session into a short sprint. Roulette is already volatile; oversized bets magnify that volatility without improving expectation. Advanced players should also pay attention to special rules. Some European games offer “la partage” or “en prison” on even-money wagers when zero appears, which can reduce the house edge on those bets to roughly 1.35%. These rules are uncommon in many U.S. casinos, but when they are available, they matter far more than any pattern on the history board. The strongest roulette strategy is therefore surprisingly simple: seek the fewest zeros, avoid overpriced novelty wheels, choose a variance level you can comfortably withstand, ignore streak mythology and keep each wager proportional to your bankroll. Roulette remains a negative-expectation game, but disciplined choices can make the difference between paying a modest price for entertainment and giving away far more edge than necessary.
QUICK EDGE CHECK Wheel Pockets
Approx. House Edge
European Single Zero
37
2.70%
American Double Zero
38
5.26%
Triple Zero
39
7.69%
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BACCARAT: Why the Banker Bet Usually Wins the Math Baccarat looks formal and sophisticated, but it is actually one of the easiest table games in the casino to play. Unlike blackjack, players do not decide whether to hit, stand, split or double down. The drawing rules are predetermined, so your primary decision is simply where to place your wager: Banker, Player or Tie. How to Play Baccarat The object is to correctly predict which hand — Banker or Player — will finish closest to a total of 9, or whether the two hands will tie. Two cards are dealt to both the Player hand and Banker hand. In some situations, a third card is drawn automatically according to established baccarat rules. The dealer handles all of this, so the bettor does not need to memorize the drawing rules in order to play. Card values are simple: • Aces = 1 • 2 through 9 = face value • 10s, Jacks, Queens and Kings = 0 Only the final digit of the total counts. For example, a 7 and 8 equal 15, but the baccarat value of the hand is 5. A 9 and 6 equal 15 and also count as 5. The strongest possible total is 9, followed by 8. Before the cards are dealt, simply wager on: • Player — You believe the Player hand will finish closest to 9. • Banker — You believe the Banker hand will finish closest to 9. • Tie — You believe the two hands will finish with the same total. Once the bets are placed, the dealer does the rest. Why Banker Usually Has the Edge For most standard baccarat games, the Banker wager carries the lowest house edge, roughly 1.06% after accounting for the customary 5% commission on winning Banker bets. The Player wager is close behind at about 1.24%. That small difference makes Banker the mathematically preferred wager over a long sample, even though either side can run hot or cold during a single session.
The reason casinos usually charge a commission on winning Banker bets is that the drawing rules give the Banker hand a slight statistical advantage. Be Careful With the Tie The Tie wager is where disciplined players should be most cautious. It offers an attractive payout — commonly 8-to-1 — but the house edge is dramatically higher than the two main wagers. A Tie can be fun as an occasional small-action bet, but repeatedly leaning on it gives the casino far more of an advantage than simply choosing Banker or Player. Don’t Treat the Scoreboard Like a Crystal Ball Do not confuse the baccarat scorecard with a forecasting tool. Casinos display roads, beads and streak patterns because following them is part of baccarat culture, but past hands do not change the probability of the next one. Five Banker wins in a row do not make Player “due,” and a long Player run does not become more likely to continue simply because it looks strong on the board. Each new hand begins with essentially the same underlying probabilities. Keep the Betting Simple A sensible advanced-player approach is to pick a flat wagering unit and resist the urge to dramatically increase bets after losses. Because the house edge is already relatively low on Banker and Player, the biggest threat to a bankroll is often not the game itself but emotional bet escalation. Progressive systems that double or dramatically increase wagers after losses do not change the mathematics of the game. They simply place more money at risk when a losing run continues. Treat Side Bets as Entertainment Side bets deserve the same skepticism as the Tie. Dragon bonuses, pairs and other specialty wagers can be entertaining, but their house edges are usually much higher and vary by pay table. Also, be sure to know the posted payouts before making them a regular part of your action. The practical formula is simple: favor Banker, use Player when you prefer it, treat Tie and side bets as occasional entertainment, and ignore the idea that the road map can predict the next shoe. Baccarat rewards patience more than creativity.
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THREE CARD POKER: Know When to Play — and When to Fold Three Card Poker moves quickly and feels simple, but one decision matters on every Ante/Play hand: After seeing your three cards, do you make the Play wager or fold the Ante? Fortunately, basic strategy gives players a clean benchmark. How to Play Three Card Poker Three Card Poker is played against the dealer, and each player receives three cards. The dealer also receives three cards. To begin, you place an Ante wager. Many tables also offer an optional Pair Plus side bet. After the cards are dealt, you look at your hand and decide whether to: • Fold, giving up your Ante, or • Play, by placing an additional wager equal to your Ante. The dealer then reveals their cards. To qualify, the dealer generally needs Queen-high or better. If the dealer does not qualify, the Ante typically pays even money and the Play wager pushes. If the dealer qualifies, your hand is compared with the dealer’s hand and the better threecard poker hand wins. Three-card hand rankings are slightly different from traditional five-card poker because there are fewer possible combinations. From strongest to weakest, the standard rankings are: • Straight Flush • Three of a Kind • Straight • Flush • Pair • High Card Notice that a straight ranks above a flush in Three Card Poker. The Q-6-4 Rule With standard rules, the widely used basic strategy is straightforward: Play Q-6-4 or better. Fold anything weaker. Any pair or better is an automatic Play. The decision becomes more important with high-card hands. For example: • Q-7-2: Play • Q-6-5: Play • Q-6-4: Play • Q-6-3: Fold • Q-5-4: Fold • J-10-9: Fold 26 | G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M
With marginal Queen-high hands, the second and third cards determine whether the hand crosses the Q-6-4 threshold. Why the Decision Matters Playing too many weak hands forces a second wager into situations where the dealer has the mathematical advantage. Folding too frequently has the opposite effect, surrendering your Ante on hands that are strong enough to continue. The Q-6-4 guideline balances those competing costs and keeps the Ante/Play portion of the game close to optimal under standard rules. Ante/Play and Pair Plus Are Different Bets Players should also separate Ante/Play from Pair Plus. Pair Plus is an optional side wager based entirely on the strength of your own three cards. You do not need to beat the dealer. If your hand contains a qualifying combination — usually a pair or better — the wager pays according to the table’s posted pay schedule. That makes Pair Plus exciting. A straight, flush, three of a kind or straight flush can generate a substantial payout. But the attractive payouts come with greater volatility, and the house edge varies considerably depending on the casino’s pay table. Treat Pair Plus as a side bet rather than a substitute for learning the basic Ante/Play strategy. Watch Your Total Bet Another common mistake is automatically making the Pair Plus wager as large as the Ante. Suppose your normal Ante is $25. If you also wager $25 on Pair Plus and then make another $25 Play wager, you can suddenly have $75 in action on a single hand. That can cycle through a bankroll much faster than players expect. If you enjoy Pair Plus, consider keeping the side bet smaller than your main wager. You still have a chance at the bigger payouts without allowing a high-variance side bet to dominate your session. Don’t Let the Pace Fool You Three Card Poker is fast. There are no lengthy community-card rounds, and hands can resolve very quickly. That pace is part of the appeal, but it can also quietly increase the amount of money you wager over an hour. A player making relatively modest bets may still generate significant total action simply because so many hands are dealt. Choose your betting unit and session limit before sitting down, particularly if you’re playing both Ante/Play and Pair Plus. The advanced-player takeaway is uncomplicated: Use Q-6-4 as your decision line, understand that Pair Plus is a separate higher-variance wager, compare pay tables when possible and keep your total action consistent with your bankroll.
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PLAYER STRATEGY
PAI GOW POKER: Winning by Losing Less Pai Gow Poker has a reputation as one of the casino’s best games for players who want their bankroll to last. The reason is not that the house disappears — it does not — but that pushes are common. Because both the player’s five-card “high” hand and two-card “low” hand must beat the dealer’s corresponding hands to win, many rounds end with each side taking one hand and the wager pushing. How to Play Pai Gow Poker Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker. Each player and the dealer receive seven cards. Your job is to divide those seven cards into two separate poker hands: A five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The five-card hand must always rank higher than the two-card hand. If it does not, the hand is considered improperly set and can lose automatically depending on house rules. The two hands are then compared separately against the dealer’s two hands. To win the wager, both of your hands must beat the dealer’s corresponding hands. If you win one hand and lose the other, the result is generally a push, meaning your original wager is returned. If the dealer beats both of your hands, you lose the wager. Ties traditionally favor the dealer, though exact house rules can vary. The Joker also works differently than in many other poker games. In traditional Pai Gow Poker, it is generally used as an ace or to complete certain straights and flushes, so check the posted rules before playing. Setting Your Hands Correctly The first priority is setting the hands correctly. Your five-card hand must always rank higher than your two-card hand. Beyond that basic rule, the goal is to create two competitive hands rather than making one hand unnecessarily powerful and leaving the other helpless. A common beginner mistake is automatically putting every premium card into the five-card hand. Sometimes moving a strong pair, ace or king into the two-card hand creates a better overall chance to win both sides. For example, suppose your seven cards allow you to make a very strong five-card hand but leave the low hand with two weak cards. Breaking up part of that strength may give you a slightly weaker high hand but a much stronger low hand — improving your chance of winning both comparisons. When in Doubt, Use House Way When uncertain, ask the dealer to set your cards “house way.” Casinos publish standardized procedures for how the dealer arranges hands, and players are generally allowed to use the same method. House way is not always the most aggressive possible setting, but it prevents major errors and provides a reliable baseline while you learn more nuanced decisions.
For newer players, this is one of Pai Gow Poker’s biggest advantages. You can sit down without memorizing every possible hand-setting situation and still play competently. Why Pushes Matter Pushes are a defining feature of Pai Gow Poker. In many casino games, nearly every hand produces a clear winner and loser. Pai Gow is different because splitting the seven cards into two hands creates many situations where each side wins one comparison. That means your bankroll may move more slowly than it would in faster games such as blackjack or Three Card Poker. The goal is not necessarily to win more individual decisions. Often, Pai Gow is about avoiding losses and giving yourself more time at the table. Commission Matters Traditional Pai Gow Poker commonly charges a 5% commission on winning wagers, although some newer variations eliminate commission and adjust other rules instead. Those differences can materially change the house edge, so do not assume every Pai Gow table is mathematically identical. Before sitting down, check whether the table charges a commission and whether any special rules apply. Banking Can Change the Math Some casinos allow players to bank in rotation. When you act as banker, the other players and dealer are effectively playing against your hand, and the mathematical advantage can improve because ties generally favor the banker. Banking also requires enough bankroll to cover opposing wagers, so it is best suited to experienced players who understand both the procedure and the financial exposure. If you are new to the game, there is no need to bank immediately. Learn how to set your hands correctly first. Be Careful With Side Bets Side bets can radically change the feel of Pai Gow. Fortune bonuses and similar wagers create big payouts for premium five-card combinations, but they also add a higher-houseedge component to a game that is otherwise appealing because of its slower pace and frequent pushes. If you enjoy the excitement, consider a small fixed side-bet amount rather than allowing it to become the primary wager. Let the Game Stay Slow Finally, use Pai Gow’s slower rhythm to your advantage. Fewer resolved decisions per hour can reduce total bankroll turnover compared with faster games, but only if you avoid constantly increasing the base wager. The best Pai Gow sessions often feel patient: set two balanced hands, let the pushes work in your favor and resist the temptation to turn a relatively lowvolatility game into a high-volatility one.
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FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD THOROUGHBRED CHAMPIONSHIPS – OCTOBER 30 & 31, 2026 KEENELAND RACECOURSE (LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY) BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC Horse September July Sovereignty 4/1 Nysos 7/1 Magnitude 8/1 White Abarrio 10/1 Forever Young 10/1 Journalism 10/1 Golden Tempo 10/1 Crude Velocity 14/1 Baeza 16/1 Commandment 16/1 Renegade 16/1 Chief Wallabee 20/1 Further Ado 20/1 The Puma 20/1
September 6/1 11/1 12/1 12/1 17/1 17/1 17/1 17/1 19/1 19/1 19/1 19/1 21/1 21/1 23/1 26/1
July 6/1 10/1 10/1 11/1 16/1 16/1 16/1 18/1 18/1 18/1 18/1 20/1 20/1 N/A N/A N/A
May 8/1 11/1 11/1 10/1 17/1 16/1 19/1 17/1 21/1 17/1 17/1 17/1 19/1 N/A N/A N/A
*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com in September 2026
MLB WORLD SERIES – OCTOBER 23, 2026 DEFENDING CHAMPION: LOS ANGELES DODGERS BEAT THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS 5-4 IN GAME 7 Team Los Angeles Dodgers
September 3/1
July 2/1
May 2/1
New York Yankees
8/1
6/1
9/1
Milwaukee Brewers
9/1
14/1
25/1
Tampa Bay Rays
12/1
23/1
N/A
Boston Red Sox
15/1
N/A
N/A
Chicago Cubs
15/1
30/1
23/1
Atlanta Braves
15/1
9/1
19/1
Philadelphia Phillies
16/1
14/1
17/1
Chicago White Sox
26/1
N/A
N/A
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DEFENDING CHAMPION: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS DEFEATED THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 29-13 Team Los Angeles Buffalo Bills Baltimore Ravens Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers Kansas City Chiefs New England Patriots Philadelphia Eagles Houston Texans San Francisco 49ers Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Denver Broncos Cincinnati Bengals Dallas Cowboys Chicago Bears
*All Others greater 25/1 or greater **Odds courtesy of LasVegasBetting in August 2026
*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com in September 2026
NFL SUPER BOWL LXI – FEBRUARY 14, 2027 SOFI STADIUM – INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA
NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – JANUARY 25, 2027 ALLEGIANT STADIUM – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA DEFENDING CHAMPION: INDIANA HOOSIERS DEFEATED THE MIAMI HURRICANES 27-21 Team September Ohio State Buckeyes 7/1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 7/1 Indiana Hoosiers 9/1 Oregon Ducks 9/1 Georgia Bulldogs 10/1 Miami Hurricanes 12/1 Texas A&M Aggies 16/1 Alabama Crimson Tide 16/1 LSU Tigers 16/1 Texas Tech Red Raiders 23/1 Ole Miss Rebels 26/1 Michigan Wolverines 26/1
July 6/1 7/1 8/1 8/1 9/1 13/1 8/1 15/1 15/1 17/1 25/1 25/1
*All others are higher than 30/1 **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com in September 2026
May 7/1 8/1 8/1 8/1 11/1 14/1 8/1 16/1 16/1 16/1 26/1 26/1
STAY a little LONGER
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