Posts Tagged ‘Tunica’

The NGA Hooters Tour Returns to Tunica

Longs, SCâ€¦ The National Golf Associationâ€™s Hooters Professional Golf Tour, presented by Hooters of America, returns to the Tunica National Golf Course in Tunica, Mississippi for The Gold Strike Casino Golf Classic August 2-8, 2010 presented by Gold Strike Casino Resort.

A portion of the proceeds from The Gold Strike Casino Golf Classic will go to benefit the Robinsonville Rotary which will use the proceeds for Relay For Life.

The total purse for The Gold Strike Casino Golf Classic is $200,000 with $30,000 going to the winner. (more…)

Posted: August 3rd, 2010 under Gaming News. Tags: Adam Swope, Chase Baldwin, Gold Strike Casino, Golf Classic, Greg Huxman, Hooters, Ian Rochester, Josh Oller, Kyle Ellis, MGM Resort, National Golf Association, Relay for Life, Robinsonville Rotary, Scott Tashie, Tunica
Comments: None

Hollywood Casino: Tunica, Mississippi

Tucked away in the cotton fields of Tunica Resorts, Miss., behind the levee close to the Mississippi Riverâ€™s edge, is a casino and resort like no other â€” Hollywood Casino and Hotel Tunica.

The award-winning casino property is a 5-â€Smileâ€ resort where you are the star. Hollywood Tunica offers movie memorabilia, Southern hospitality, luxury accommodations, golf, a variety of dining and the 24-hour excitement of the casino floor. (more…)

Posted: July 12th, 2010 under In this Issue, Property Reviews. Tags: Chef Tony, Executive Chef Tony Herrington, Fairbanks Steakhouse, Hollywood Casino and Hotel Tunica, Hollywood Diner, Jeff Link, Jennifer Cuthberson, Lowell Jacobsen, Memorabilia, Mississippi, non-smoking, River Bend Links Golf Course, RV Park, slots, The Epic Buffet, Tunica, Werner Lechner
Comments: 7

Slot Promotions: Livening Up The Casino Experience

There are hundreds of books written on casino table games like blackjack, roulette, poker and craps. However, there are surprisingly few in regards to the most popular game among casino enthusiasts â€” the king of all casino games are slot machines and electronic gaming devices. It is estimated that slots and video poker impact the bottom line of most operations by 75 to 85 percent. Those arenâ€™t numbers to be ignored.

Thus it is no wonder that casinos spend a lot of time and money creating ways to attract customers to slot devices and bring them back again and again â€” creating a continuing dance between the marketing team and the player. The battle to win customers and keep them interested in the slot product is a never-ending struggle that is insatiable and needs a constant feeding of slot promotions, tournaments, events and anything that will keep the thousands of machines at each casino in action for as long as possible.

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Posted: March 3rd, 2010 under Features Articles, In this Issue. Tags: Beau Rivage, Belterra Casino Resort & spa, Club 5000, Downloadable technology, Jake Vanderlei, Mad Cash, Pearl River, Samâ€™s Town, Tunica
Comments: None

WSOP Circuit Tunica Won by Paul Wasicka

While not as monetarily life changing as the more than $6,000,000 his runner up finish in the 2006 main event netted him, Paul Wasicka won the World Series of Poker, NLHE championship claiming first place and his second career live tournament title.

Paul Wasicka has won the World Series of Poker Circuit $5,000 NLHE championship event in Tunica, Mississippi after defeating a field of 96 players to take the title and the $139,422 first place prize.

Paul Wasicka is best known for his runner-up finish to Jamie Gold at the 2006 WSOP Main Event, where he won an incredible $6,102,499 for his efforts.

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Posted: February 17th, 2010 under Gaming News. Tags: NLHE Championship, Paul Wasicka, Tunica, World Series of Poker
Comments: None

Paula Deen: Culinary Queen of the South

Who is this blue-eyed, silver-haired wonder who has captured the hearts and appetites of millions? Sheâ€™s Paula Deen, the â€œQueen of Southern Cooking,â€ who has an incredible sense of humor mixed with a contagious concern and love for people. Deen is a best friend, a mom, a grandmother, a sister, a neighbor, a wife and an aunt we all know or wish we knew.

With no formal training in cooking but armed with a dream, Paula Deen has gone from an agoraphobic single mom selling bag lunches to make ends meet, to a two-time Emmy award-winning star.

Deen was known as â€œThe Bag Lady,â€ selling sack lunches out of her kitchen and delivered by her sons Jamie and Bobby, to local businesses in Savannah, Ga. The operation quickly outgrew her kitchen, and she moved into her first restaurant called The Lady. Just five years later, another chapter was written as Deen relocated to downtown Savannah and opened The Lady and Sons, which to this day serves thousands from around the country. The line forms at 7 in the morning just to be seated for lunch.

After the launch of a cookbook series, television shows and a line of cooking products, Deen hit the casino industry when she teamed up with Harrahâ€™s Entertainment to combine forces and open the first ever Paula Deen dining venue outside of Savannah. Harrahâ€™s Casino in Tunica, Miss., is the home of the successful Harrahâ€™s Paula Deen Buffet. This is not just any old buffet â€” Deen and her infectious â€œflavorsâ€ are accented throughout the dining area that actually resembles her home in Savannah and has a combination of down-home favorites from several of her restaurants.

We recently caught up with the Queen of Southern Cooking to find out a little more about the success of The Bag Lady and her life in the fast lane.

Jennifer Cuthbertson: How did Paula Deen and Harrahâ€™s come together?

Paula Deen: It started with a girl named Lisa at the New Orleans Harrahâ€™s. It was her guidance and contact that got the ball rolling.

JC: What makes Southern cooking interesting to you? What is your favorite dish?

PD: Itâ€™s what fat girls like (laughs). My favorite dish? Well, I love carbs and fried foods. I know it sounds corny, but I put love in food like most Southerners. Restaurants try to please everyone; you just canâ€™t please everyone. So I just try to please those who like Southern cooking. I learned to cook from my grandmother, my aunt and my mom, where they taught me to season it, use ham hocks, butter and then season it again. We try to serve a variety of dishes on the buffet at Harrahâ€™s. Try it twice, if you donâ€™t like it by the second try, go somewhere else. Itâ€™s just not for you.

JC: What influences and input did you have on the overall plans and layout of the Harrahâ€™s Tunica Buffet and menu items?

PD: I had a big influence. As you know, the whole design of Paula Deenâ€™s Buffet is like my house. Each dining section resembles a room where Michael and I live in Georgia. Each dish is from our cookbooks and recipes. It was Harrahâ€™s idea to make the stations representing relationships in my life. Uncle Bubbaâ€™s Seafood is after my brother. Grannyâ€™s Garden is after the fresh vegetables my grandmother nurtured and grew. She couldnâ€™t bend over to tend to her garden, so she would put a black plastic trash bag on the ground and scoot herself up and down the rows weeding and picking. My favorite is Jackâ€™s Corner, named after my grandson. He represents everything sweet to me in life, so Jackâ€™s Corner is filled with ice cream, pies, cakes and our favorite desserts.

JC: We understand you are having another â€œbabyâ€ with Harrahâ€™s. When do you expect it to open? Where will it be?

PD: When I first got into this relationship with Harrahâ€™s, I was hoping we would have lots and lots of children. This pregnancy will be like the life of an elephant with a two-year gestation period. (Laughing) We will be in Kansas! (Council Bluff, Iowa) I went to Kansas for a meeting and the residents told me they are so excited and want us to come right away. They are out in the middle of nowhere, and they need us.

JC: Everywhere I go at Harrahâ€™s, all the employees are â€œin loveâ€ with Paula. I have noticed you make everyone â€œfamily.â€ What is your secret or magic?

PD: (Laughs) Well, thank you. I have my daddy to thank. He taught me how to treat people. You want people to feel good while you are with them and after you leave. Southerners just love people. I love people. I try to make everyone feel good. I am so proud of my Harrahâ€™s Tunica crew. They get it. When people are representing Paula Deen in the buffet or gift shop, I want them to be a happy reflection.

JC: In the last few years, you have really experienced a lot of media exposure and you have been in front of the camera probably more than anyone, even a presidential candidate. Can you share the most embarrassing or funny bloopers so far?

PD: Oh … (laughs) I am a big fan of David Hyde Pierce, who co-starred with Kelsey Grammar in â€œFrasier.â€ We were filming â€œPaulaâ€™s Partyâ€ in New York and David was our celebrity guest. I just love him and think he is so funny. When it came time to introduce him, I said, â€œWelcome David Hyde Smith.â€ I got it wrong five times! He kept shrugging his shoulders and finally he said he was just going to change his name. So I introduced him as David Hyde Smith. It was just one of those days my brain had an â€œair gap.â€ We all laughed.

JC: Since this interview is for a gaming audience, we should ask about you being a self-proclaimed â€œslot slut.â€ Tell us about your favorite slots. Your biggest wins?

PD: Augh! I love the slots! Yes, I am a slot slut and proud of it. I love to play Cleopatra, Triple Diamond, and I won $40,000 one time at Harrahâ€™s Tunica playing the one with Triple and Double Diamond mixed. I have won several jackpots there, but that was my biggest.

Do you know why there are so many gray-headed ladies like me in the casinos? Itâ€™s because itâ€™s the only exercise we can do without getting winded, other than after eating the butter beans in my buffet.

JC: You have achieved the ultimate of celebrityhood by having a slot machine named after you. This puts you in the elite group along with Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and â€œStar Wars.â€

PD: (Laughs) When they first came to me and told me about a Paula Deen Slot machine, I told them they were nuts. Then when I came down the escalator at Harrahâ€™s Tunica and saw the line of Paula Deen slots, I couldnâ€™t believe my eyes. I couldnâ€™t have played them if I wanted to. Every machine was taken. When I did play, I kept saying, â€œCome on chicken leg, chicken leg, chicken leg!â€

JC: What do you like to do the most when you visit the casinos (Harrahâ€™s)?

PD: Play the slots, play the slots, play the slots and then play the slots some more. I just have so much fun!

JC: Do you have anything exciting and new to announce? Any more babies (buffets)?

PD: Whew! Every day is so exciting. Besides our project in Kansas, I have my eye on Atlantic City. I love Atlantic City, too. They need some good olâ€™ Southern country cooking. It would be great to see a Paula Deen Buffet in Atlantic City. My first childrenâ€™s cookbook was released in October. I am excited about that. Cooking with children is fun and rewarding.

JC: Thank you for taking time to share a bit of yourself with us. I want to thank you, as a Southern girl, for making â€œSouthernâ€ cool.

PD: Thank you for the compliment! Being Southern has always been cool. I am thankful for every day. God has really blessed me. I love cooking, I love people, I love life.

www.harrahs.com and www.pauladeen.com.So what are you waiting for? If you are looking for a gaming destination with a dining experience like none other, make your reservations to come to Harrahâ€™s Tunica and see what makes Paula Deenâ€™s Buffet the talk of the town! For more information and reservations at Harrahâ€™s, call 1-800-WIN-4-WIN or visit

by Jennifer Cuthbertson

Jennifer Cuthbertson is a freelance writer in the Tunica area and also owns TunicaOne.com, BiloxiOne.com, CasinosOne.com, LasVegas-One.com, AtlanticCityOne.com and Casinos-One.com.

Posted: November 4th, 2008 under Features Articles, Gaming News, In this Issue. Tags: Harrah's Casino, Jennifer Cuthbertson, Paula Deen, Paula Deen's Buffet, slots, The Bag Lady, Tunica
Comments: 11

World Poker Open at Gold Strike is Anyone’s Game

TUNICA, Miss. â€“ October 15, 2008 â€“ The 2008 World Poker Open Tournament at Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss. gives amateur players an opportunity to sit down at the table with the worldâ€™s top poker stars and a chance to walk away the big winner.Â With an estimated $1 million in total prize money, the World Poker Open gets underway at Gold Strike Oct. 16, 2008.

Buy-ins for the World Poker Open Tournament at Gold Strike start at $340.Â Players can win their way into the main event through daily mega satellites which will take place each afternoon.Â Once a player is in the main event, the pot is up for grabs to pros and novices alike.Â Many of pokerâ€™s best-known players â€“ including Robert Williamson III and Clonie Gowan â€“ will participate in this yearâ€™s World Poker Open Tournament.Â

For the first time, Gold Strike has opened a special nightclub, Red Door, which will be located in Gold Strikeâ€™s Millennium Theatre during the World Poker Open Tournament.Â With three VIP sections and music by DJ Mark Anderson of Senses, Red Door offers an upscale, exclusive environment where guests can relax and enjoy themselves in a private, comfortable setting.Â Red Door showcases contemporary Asian dÃ©cor with hints of Feng Shui and is themed around the elements â€“ water, wind and fire.Â Red Door, which has a dress code, will be open from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25.

The World Poker Open Tournament begins Oct. 16 and continues through Oct. 28 at the newly remodeled Gold Strike Casino Resort with mega satellites daily at 4 p.m. and poker tournaments nightly at 7 p.m.Â The 31-story Gold Strike, one of the most recognizable buildings in Mississippi, just completed a multi-million dollar renovation project â€“ the largest in Gold Strikeâ€™s history.Â All guest rooms were updated and 50 new suites were added.Â Gold Strike offers special room rates during the World Poker Open Tournament.

MGM MIRAGE, one of the world’s leading and most respected development companies with significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 17 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50 percent investments in four other properties in Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois and Macau.Â MGM MIRAGE is developing major casino and non-casino resorts, separately and with partners in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, the People’s Republic of China and Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties. MGM MIRAGE has received numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs.Â For more information about MGM MIRAGE, visit the company’s website at http://www.mgmmirage.com.

Posted: October 15th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: Buy-in, Cloniw Gowan, Gold Strike, Gold Strike Casino Resort, Millenium Theatre, Mississippi, MS, Professional Poker Players, Red Door, Robert Williamson III, Tunica, World Poker Open Tournament
Comments: None

2008 Best of Southern Gaming Awards- Results

It has been six years since we first launched the Best of Southern Gaming Awards and each year seems to supercede the one previous. This year we received 12,000 votes from gamers sharing their favorite gaming entities throughout the South. We appreciate everyone for taking the time to fill out the ballots and let your vote be heard. Special thanks go to our sponsor, Royal Caribbean International for supplying the 7-day Caribbean Cruise for two for our giveaway. The lucky winner was charles B. from Memphis, Tenn. who will be sailing the seas in style. Congrats Charles!

Scroll down to see if your favorite casino propertiesÂ in Indiana, Tunica, the Mid-south, Gulf Coast and Florida earned top honors in their respective markets.

Best Caribbean Casino

1. Atlantis Paradise Island

2. Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino

3. The Westin Grand Bahama Island: Our Lucaya Resort

Best Cruise Line

1. Royal Caribbean International

2. Carnival Cruise Line

3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best of Tunica Awards

Best Overall Property:Â

1. Harrah’s Tunica

2.Â Horseshoe Casino & Hotel

3. Gold Strike Casino Resort

Best Rooms:

1. Sheraton Casino & Hotel
2.Â Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
3. Gold Strike Casino Resort

Best Entertainment:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
2. Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino
3.Â Harrah’s Tunica

Best Table Games:

1. Gold Strike Casino Resort
2. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
3. Harrah’s Tunica

Best Slots:

1. Hollywood Casino
2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
3. Harrah’s Tunica

Best Slot Attendants:

1. Hollywood Casino
2. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino

Best Poker Room:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
3. Harrah’s Tunica

Bet Comps:

1. Gold Strike Casino Resort
2. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino

Best Pool:

1. Harrah’s Tunica
2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
3. Hollywood Casino

Best Spa:

1. Harrah’s Tunica
2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
3. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel

Best Golf Course:

1. Cottonwoods Golf Course (Harrah’s Tunica)
2. Tunica National Golf & Tennis Center
3. Riverbend Golf Links (Hollywood Casino)

Best Restaurant:

1. Fairbanks Steakhouse (Hollywood Casino)2. Murano’s (Harrah’s Tunica)3. Chicago Steakhouse (Gold Strike Casino Resort)

Best Buffet:

1. Gold Strike Casino Resort
2. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
3. Harrah’s TunicaÂ Â

Best Theme:

1. Hollywood Casino
2. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
3. Harrah’s Tunica

Best Customer Service:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
3. Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino

Best Promotions:

1. Hollywood Casino
2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
3. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel

Best Advertising:

1. Harrah’s Tunica
2. Gold Strike Casino Resort
3. Hollywood Casino

Best of IndianaÂ Awards

Best Overall Property:Â

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana

2. French Lick Resort Casino

3. BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa

Best Rooms:

1. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
2.Â Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
3. French Lick Resort Casino

Best Entertainment:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa
3. French Lick Resort Casino

Best Table Games:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa
3. Argosy Casino

Best Slots:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. French Lick Resort Casino
3. BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa

Best Slot Attendants:

1. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
2.Â Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
3. Grand Victoria Casino

Best Poker Room:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa
3. French Lick Resort Casino

Best Comps:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa
3. French Lick Resort Casino

Best Pool:

1.Â BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa

2. French Lick Resort Casino

3. Horseshoe Hotel & Casino Southern Indiana

Best Spa:

1. French Lick Resort Casino
2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
3.Â Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana

Best Golf Course:

1.Â BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa
2. French Lick Resort Casino
3. Horseshoe Hotel & Casino Southern Indiana

Â Best Restaurant:

1. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse (Belterra Casino Resort & Spa)
2. Jack Binion’s Steakhouse (Horseshoe Hotel & Casino Southern Indiana)
3. 1875: The Steakhouse (French Lick Resort Casino)

Best Buffet:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
3. Grand Victoria Casino

Best Theme:

1. French Lick Resort Casino
2. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
3. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa

Best Customer Service:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. French Lick Resort Casino
3. Grand Victoria Casino

Best Promotions:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. French Lick Resort Casino
3. BelterraÂ Casino Resort & Spa

Best Advertising:

1. Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Southern Indiana
2. Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
3. French Lick Resort Casino

Best of Mid-South Awards

Best Overall Property:Â

1. Amerisar Casino Vicksburg

2. Paragon Casino & Resort

3. L’Auberge Casino Resort

Best Rooms:

1. Paragon Casino & Resort
2. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
3. Lâ€™Auberge du Lac Casino Resort

Best Entertainment:

1. Paragon Casino & Resort
2. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
3. Lâ€™Auberge du Lac Casino Resort

Best Table Games:

1. DiamondJacks Casino & Hotel – Bossier City
2. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
3. Paragon Casino & Resort

Best Slots:

1. Pearl River Resort
2. Paragon Casino & Resort
3. Lâ€™Auberge du Lac Casino Resort

Best Slot Attendants:

1. Paragon Casino & Resort
2. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
3. DiamondJackâ€™s Casino & Hotel – Bossier City

Best Poker Room:

1. Pearl River Resort
2. Paragon Casino & Resort
3. DiamondJackâ€™s Casino & Hotel – Bossier CityÂ

Best Comps:

1. Paragon Casino & Resort
2. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
3. Lâ€™Auberge Casino Resort

Best Pool:

1. Paragon Casino & Resort

2. Pearl River ResortÂ

3. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg

Best Spa:

1. Paragon Casino & Resort
2. Lâ€™Auberge du Lac Casino Resort
3. DiamondJackâ€™s Casino & Hotel – Bossier City

Best Golf Course:

1. Dancing Rabbit: Azaleas and Oaks Courses (Pearl River Resort)
2. Paragon Casino & Resort
3. Lâ€™Auberge du Lac Casino Resort

Best Restaurant:

1. Bourbonâ€™s (Ameristar Casino Vicksburg)
2. Legends Steakhouse (Paragon Casino & Resort)
3. Snake River Grill (Lâ€™Auberge du Lac Casino Resort)

Best Buffet:

1. Pearl River Resort
2. Paragon Casino & Resort
3. DiamondJacks Casino & Hotel â€“ Bossier CityÂ

Best Theme:

1. DiamondJacks Casino & Hotel â€“ Bossier City
2. Paragon Casino & Resort
3. Pearl River Resort

Best Customer Service:

1. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
2. Paragon Casino & Resort
3. DiamondJackâ€™s Casino & Hotel â€“ Bossier City

Best Promotions:

1. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
2. Paragon Casino & Resort
3. Pearl River Resort

Best Advertising:

1. Paragon Casino & Resort
2. Ameristar Casino Vicksburg
3. Lâ€™Auberge du Lac Casino Resort

Best of the Gulf Coast Awards

Best Overall Casino Property:

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi

2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

3. IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa

Best Rooms:

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
3. Island View Casino Resort

Best Entertainment:

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
3. Island View Casino Resort

Best Table Games:

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
3. Silver Slipper Casino

Best Slots:

1. Island View Casino Resort
2. Isle of Capri Casino
3. IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa

Best Slot Attendants:

1. Silver Slipper Casino
2. Island View Casino Resort
3. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Best Poker Room:

1. IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa

2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

3. Silver Slipper Casino

Best Comps:

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
2. Island View Casino Resort
3. Isle of Capri Casino

Best Pool:

1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
2. IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa
3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi

Best Spa:

1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
2. IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa
3. Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel & Spa

Best Golf Course:

1. Fallen Oak – Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
2. Grand Bear – Grand Biloxi
3. Windance Country Club â€“ Island View Casino Resort

Best Restaurant:

1. Emerilâ€™s Gulf Coast Fish House (Island View Casino Resort)
2. BR Prime (Beau Rivage Resort & Casino)
3. Thirty-Two (IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa)

Best Buffet:

1. Silver Slipper Casino
2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
3. Island View Casino Resort

Best Theme:

1. Isle of Capri Casino
2. Island View Casino Resort
3. Silver Slipper Casino

Best Customer Service:

1. IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa
2. Silver Slipper Casino
3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi

Best Promotions:

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
2. Isle of Capri Casino
3. Silver Slipper Casino

Best Advertising:

1. Island View Casino Resort
2. IP Biloxi Casino Resort & Spa
3. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Best of Florida Awards

Best Overall Casino Property:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

3. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Best Rooms:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
3. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Best Entertainment:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Table Games:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Slots:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Slot Attendants:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Poker Room:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
3. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Best Comps:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Pool:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Spa:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
3. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Best Restaurant:

1. Council Oak (Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood)

2. Floydâ€™s Restaurant (Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa)

Best Buffet:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Theme:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
3. Mardi Gras Casino

Best Customer Service:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Promotions:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino HollywoodÂ
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino TampaÂ

Best Advertising:

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Best Golf Course:

1. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Posted: September 3rd, 2008 under Features Articles. Tags: Awards, Best of Awards, Biloxi, Casinos, Cruise Winner, Florida, Indiana, Louisianna, Mississippi, Royal Caribbean, Tunica, Voting, winner
Comments: 9

Click to Tunica, the Best Gaming Value

Planning an affordable fall trip to Tunica is now easier than ever before. Itâ€™s as easy as point, click and print. On www.tunicamiss.com, visitors can now access discount packages and coupons to see how exciting a vacation to Tunica can be.

Tunica Promotions

On our redesigned website, www.tunicamiss.com, use the Tunica Promotions icon and you can save up to 30 percent off your hotel room at Samâ€™s Town Casino Tunica, earn free gas at The Fitz Casino and Hotel, see Elvisâ€™ Graceland with a Gold Strike Casino Resort package, and win a trip to experience the Mississippi Delta. With these promotions changing continually, check back often to plan your next trip to â€œThe Southâ€™s Casino Capitalâ€ and save money.

Golf and Tennis Specials

For golfers and tennis players, another way to save this season is to play at Tunica National Golf and Tennis. At www.tunicanational.com, check out the Stay and Play packages. Save up to 70 percent on championship golf or indoor clay tennis staying in a world-class casino resort. In addition, at the bottom of the homepage, you can print coupons for tennis, golf and apparel. For more specials at Tunicaâ€™s other golf courses, click on the golf tab on the www.tunicamiss.com to go to the River Bend Links Golf Course and the Cottonwoods Golf Course pages.

Mississippi River

For $5, see the best view of the Mississippi River in one of the most pristine settings on the river. At the Tunica RiverPark, enjoy the award-winning museum, view the aquatic life in the Mississippi River up close in the four large aquariums, relax on the two-mile walking trail, view the Mighty Mississippi from the 48-foot observation deck, and cruise the Mississippi on the Tunica Queen.

Headline Entertainment

Tunica not only has 24/7 gaming action, but also is the headquarters for headline entertainment at the right price. Just a few of the upcoming entertainers in September and October include: Peter Frampton, Rodney Carrington, Ron White, Montgomery Gentry, Neal McCoy, the Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson. Go to www.tunicamiss.com, and click on entertainment to buy tickets to the top performers in the South.

Take Me Away to Tunica

With Tunica located so close to Memphis, near the intersection of Interstates 40, 55 and 69, it is also within close proximity to the Memphis International Airport. Visitors who travel by air have more transportation options than ever before as a major expansion of the Tunica Airport has just been completed. With the opening of a new runway, regional jets, charter and corporate aircraft can land just minutes away from the casino resorts.

To plan your next trip to Tunica, go to www.tunicamiss.com and be â€œTaken Away to Tunicaâ€ by watching the new music video. The Southeast Tourism Society gave the video the top Shining Example Visual Excellence Award for the best use of photography for a destination.

Tunica is the Southâ€™s casino capital. Be taken away by the nine world-class casinos, 6,000 luxurious hotel rooms, fine dining restaurants and buffets, headline entertainers, championship golf and tennis, award-winning museums, lavish spas, and outlet/antique shopping. Come see why everyone is saying, â€œTake Me Away to Tunica!â€ Call 1-888-4TUNICA to request a value-packed Winnerâ€™s Guide, or visit www.tunicamiss.com for travel information.

By Webster Franklin

Webster Franklin is the President and CEO of the Tunica Convention and Visitorâ€™s Bureau. He oversees the destination marketing, advertising and public relations for Tunicaâ€™s nine casino resorts, the Tunica RiverPark, Tunica National Golf and Tennis, Tunica Airport and Tunica Arena and Expo Center.

Posted: September 3rd, 2008 under Features Articles, Property Reviews. Tags: Allman Brothers, Mississippi, Montgomery Gentry, Neal McCoy, Peter Frampton, Rodney carrington, Tunica, Tunica National Golf and Tennis, Tunica Queen, Tunica River Park, Webster Franklin, Willie Nelson
Comments: 1

2008 Hollywood Casino Tunica /St. Jude Red Carpet Bash Set for November 8th

The stage is set for another 2008 St. Jude Red Carpet Bash at Hollywood Casino Tunica on November 8th. This event is not only a phonominal event helping St. Jude, but it is also a great reason to go to Hollywood Casino, get fressedu p and dance the night away!

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When you look behind the scenesâ€š thereâ€™s more to Hollywood Casino Tunica than flashing lightsâ€š winning and excitement. In addition to providing over 1â€š000 jobs and opportunities for people in the Tunica areaâ€š Hollywood is a proud supporter of several charitable organizations and events.Â One of the organizations closest to Hollywood’s hearts isÂ St. Jude Childrenâ€™s Research Hospital.

Hollywood Casino and their cast members donate time and money to events such as the Marguerite Piazza Galaâ€š the Stanford St. Jude Golf Tournament and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, all in support of St. Judeâ€™s mission to find a cure for catastrophic childhood diseases.

Since founding the Hollywood Casino/St. Jude Red Carpet Bash in 2002,Â Hollywood Casino hasÂ raised over $400,000. And during the holidaysâ€š Hollywood supports toy and food drives for local community organizations. These and other activities gives them the opportunity to make a difference in their community and in the lives of those who need it most.

The 2008 Hollywood Casino/St. Jude Red Carpet Bash will be held on November 8th.Â It will feature dinner, complimentary beer and wine, a live and silent auction, dancing and more!Â

For more information as well as information on tickets call 901-373-5051.

2008 Hollywood Casino/St. Judes Red Carpet Bash
Presented by:

Below are pictures from last years event.Â Scroll over the picture for the caption or click on the picture for a larger image.

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Posted: August 22nd, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: 2007, 2008, Casino, Charity, Childrens, Gambling, Gaming, Hollywood, Hospital, Mississippi, Philanthropy, Red Carpet Bash, Research, St. Jude, Tunica
Comments: 1

Tunica Bus Crash Kills 3

TUNICA, MS (As reported on WMC-TV) – Three people died when a bus overturned early Sunday morning at the intersection of Highway 61 and Casino Strip Boulevard near Tunica, Mississippi.

Three people died in the accident, which happened at 10:16am, according Tunica County spokesperson Larry Liddell.

Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Leslie White said just past the intersection of Highway 61 and Casino Strip Boulevard, the bus turned 180 degrees and flipped on its side into the median.

Liddell said 43 people – including the driver – were on the bus, which originated from Harrah’s Casino.

Action News 5 photojournalist Gabe Houston reported seeing at least seven medical helicopters on the ground when he arrived at the accident scene, waiting to take injured passengers to nearby hospitals.

Twenty-seven victims were taken to Baptist DeSoto Hospital in Southaven, Mississippi. Hospital spokesperson Dr. Stanley Thompson said of those people, one was listed in critical condition, was being operated on, and five were expected to stay overnight. The rest of the victims there were in non-critical condition.

“We have our disaster plan, we initiated it, (and) it looks like it went well,” Thompson said, adding the crash is the largest disaster the hospital has handled in at least five years.

At the Regional Medical Center in Memphis, two victims were listed in fair condition and two were listed in critical condition.Â Other victims were taken to Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis.

According to Liddell, most of the people on the bus were from South Carolina. The bus was traveling to the airport.

The highway re-opened to traffic early Sunday afternoon.

A spokesperson at Harrah’s Casino said family members should call 1-800-946-4946 for information about people involved in the accident.

Posted: August 11th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: Bus Crash, Harrah's Casino, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tunica
Comments: None

Country Music Superstar Trace Adkins to Perform at Bluesville Exclusively at Horseshoe Casino & Hotel

TUNICA, Miss. (July 29, 2008) â€“ Country superstar Trace Adkins brings his 2008 American Man Tour to Tunica, MS to perform in Bluesville exclusively at Horseshoe Casino & Hotel on Friday, August 29. Showtime is 9:00pm. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at Horseshoe Box Office or through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or 901-525-1515. Guests must be 21 or older to attend the show.

When Adkins appears on stage, his towering presence and floor-shaking baritone instantly energizes the crowd. With a string of hits spanning more than a decade, Adkins takes his audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions, singing about everything from love and loss, to sex and blue-collar realities. A seasoned performer, Adkins knows how to strike that perfect balance between upbeat hits like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “Hot Mama,” “I Got My Game On,” and “Ladies Love Country Boys,” and his powerful, heart-stirring ballads like “Iâ€™m Tryinâ€™,” “Arlington,” “Every Light In The House,” and “I Came Here To Live.”

Adkins has been touring non-stop since January in support of his latest release, American Man, Greatest Hits Volume II. The gold certified CD includes some of his biggest hits from the past five of his solid twelve-year career, including the nostalgic, “Youâ€™re Gonna Miss This.” The song sat at the top of the country singles charts for three weeks in a row. The music video has also been a long-running fan favorite, hitting the #1 spot on CMT and continues to be a chart-topper at GAC (ten weeks and counting).

Already a country music superstar, Adkins became a household name outside the genre due in part to his strong showing as a semi-finalist on NBCâ€™s hit reality series, “The Celebrity Appearance.” The show introduced a humble, funny and genuinely good person to millions of Americans who didnâ€™t necessarily listen to country music. He starred in some of the showâ€™s best moments and was always a steady and smart competitor, with an uncanny knack for his creative marketing slogans. Since appearing on the show, Adkins has raised more than $300,000 for his charity, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.

In the past year, Adkins has made more than 40 national TV appearances, written and recorded the opening song for truTVâ€™s weekly series, “Black Gold and completed filming the David Zucker comedy feature, American Carol, slated for release this fall.
Adkins has just completed his eighth studio album for Capitol Records, with the first single, “Muddy Waters” to be released August 4. He continues his American Man tour throughout the summer and will embark on his second USO tour in September.
Itâ€™s been an interesting journey for Trace Adkins, who first exploded on the country music scene in 1996. He is now a multi-faceted entertainer whose ability to entertain audiences of all ages â€“whether it is in concert halls or on the silver screen, has helped create millions of devoted and loyal fans for this rock star in a cowboy hat.

Fans can log on to www.traceadkins.com for more tour information.

Posted: July 30th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: August 29, Bluesville, Concert, Entertainment, Horseshoe Casino & Hotel, Trace Adkins, Tunica
Comments: 2

Gold Strike’s Rapid Fire, Quick Fire, Sure Fire Jackpots continue in 2008

The Rapid Fire Jackpot, the Quick Fire Jackpot and the Sure Fire Jackpot are the hottest things in Tunica.Â Rapid Fire Jackpots start at $500 and are guaranteed to hit by $1,000.Â QuickFire Jackpots start at $5,000 and are guaranteed to hit by $10,000.Â SureFire Jackpots start at $150,000 and are guaranteed to hit by $200,000.
If you are playing with your Players Club card when the jackpot hits and your machine is the winning one, you win! Membership in the MGM MIRAGE Players Club is absolutely free. Additionally, every Players Club cardholder playing slots at Gold Strike wins when the Sure Fire Jackpot hits.Â Sure Fire not only awards up to $200K in freeplay to one person, it also awards every cardholder playing slots with their card at the time of the jackpot $10 in freeplay.

Posted: July 24th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: , Gold Strike, Jackpot, Tunica
Comments: None

Harrah’s Casino Opens in Tunica

The specter of recession may be hovering over the nation and inflation may be on the horizon, but in Tunica County, Mississippi, those problems were non-entities as Harrahâ€™s made a big bet on a $45 million name change from Grand Casino Resort to Harrahâ€™s Casino Tunica and added some buttery Southern style food that it hopes will lure more gamers to its doors.

The 18-month-long renovation and re-positioning of the casino had one important element that stole the spotlight, the opening of the Paula Deen Buffet, the latest eatery by the Food Network star and butter-loving Queen of Southern Cuisine.

The â€œnewâ€ property opened with a standard ribbon cutting with key officials and Harrahâ€™s Entertainment executives on hand, but it was clearly Paulaâ€™s presence the large crowd came to see. Harrahâ€™s, eager to showcase its expensive acquisition, let the spotlight shine brightly on the bubbly and cuddly grandma who has endeared herself to legions of fans.

There is an old adage, that the way to a manâ€™s heart is through his tummy, but Harrahâ€™s has put a new twist to that and perhaps has found that the way to a manâ€™s wallet is through his stomach.

Is Deenâ€™s attraction and cooking so persuasive that the lure of slots and table games are secondary to the new buffet that is modeled after her home in Savannah, Ga.? If the crowds who packed the spacious yet cozy rooms of the new layout over Memorial Day weekend are any indication, the answer may be yes.

While a good portion of the $45 million renovation and transition to the new name was used for the construction of the buffet, there is an entirely new look to the 140,000-square-foot interactive casino floor in the heart of the destination resort. The changes were expansive as befits the largest casino between Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and were thought out and implemented to attract more gamers at a time when competition for visitors is fierce in a down economy and gas prices a deterrent to travel.

â€œThe upgrades, the new look and the new partnership with Paula Deen couldnâ€™t have come at a better time for this changeover,â€ said John W.R. Payne, president of Harrahâ€™s Entertainment Central Division. â€œIt positions us to handle those negatives and the timing is fortuitous.

â€œIt will help grow not only this great property but our sister casinos here, Horseshoe and Sheraton, as well,â€ he continued. â€œThe Horseshoe and Grand have always been the top two casinos in Tunica, and this move is complementary to that end, and we look to continue to expand all segments of our business here.â€

Besides the buffet and the new dÃ¨cor in the facility, other major additions include â€™37, the new restaurant named for the year that Bill Harrah opened his first bingo parlor in Reno, Nev. A sleekly finished room with a welcoming bar, the restaurant features premium beef, pork, chicken and lamb prepared traditionally and fresh seafood as well. Located on the first floor of the casino, it uses ingredients fused meaningfully to satisfy the most discerning palates.

On entering the main door of the casino, guests are greeted with the new Sphere Bar with its hip elegance, comfortable lounge seating and drinks ranging from high balls to martinis, making for a perfect place to relax between gaming sessions. The old high-limit table game room has been merged with the new high-limit slot area, just to the right of the Sphere Bar, and is more open and visible from the main casino floor. In all, Harrahâ€™s has more than 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, non-smoking gaming areas and the new World Series of Poker themed non-smoking poker room.

â€œAll of this took a collaborative effort to accomplish on time over the 18-month period,â€ said Bill Wright, regional general manager for Harrahâ€™s, Horseshoe and Sheraton. â€œOur property teams working with Paula Deen and the design and construction teams did a superb job and met all our goals. We will continue to evolve with additional improvements.â€

But while the siren call of slots and the rattle of dice clacking across green felt fields were beckoning gamers, they were on standby for the moment as the center stage was taken over by a lively Southern gal with piercing blue eyes, an infectious laugh and proof that dreams can really come true.

Living with agoraphobia, fear of open spaces, for 20 years, and a crumbling marriage, Deen was left with two growing sons and no source of income and the outlook was bleak for the then-42-year-old Deen. But she possessed an innate toughness and reached deep into her Southern roots and drew inspiration from what she knew best â€” her kitchen stove. She started a small catering business called the Bag Lady. Her sons, Jamie and Bobby, served as delivery boys. It took only two years before she outgrew the home operation and opened her first restaurant in Savannah called The Lady. That led to The Lady & Sons, which to this day serves thousands, including celebrity and political clientele.

In 1997, Deen self-published her first cookbook, â€œFavorite Recipes of the Lady and Her Friends,â€ and it was not long afterwards that she found herself on QVC selling a new version of the book. She soon published numerous cookbooks, and in 2002, she premiered her TV show, â€œPaulaâ€™s Home Cookingâ€ on the popular Food Network that features what she does best, being herself and teaching people how to bring joy into their kitchens and homes. Last year she was nominated for two daytime Emmy awards.

The buffet is extraordinary, with entry through a front porch and Deenâ€™s retail gift center to a series of adjoining yet separate rooms that provide easy access to the various buffet stations and also afford separation from the crowd. The buffet is totally dedicated to Deen recipes, so donâ€™t expect pizza or Chinese food. The different food-themed stations include Granny Paulaâ€™s Garden, Uncle Bubbaâ€™s Oyster House, Hoe Cake and Biscuit Station, Lady and Sonâ€™s, Captain Michaelsâ€™s Smokehouse and Little Jackâ€™s Corner for Desserts

While there is a new name on the marquee, and a new look inside the doors, Harrahâ€™s rounds it out with a lineup of amenities that that combine to make it a complete destination resort. Sitting on 2,000 acres, the closest of any casino to Memphis, it features three elegant hotels, the Hale Irwin-designed Links of Cottonwoods, which is also undergoing an extensive facelift, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the Bellissimo Spa and Salon, the best-in-class shooting facility, the Willows, a tennis court, a large RV park, six diverse restaurants, Kidâ€™s Quest childrenâ€™s adventure center and teen arcade, 2,400-seat showroom/event center and 40,000 square-feet of convention and banquet facilities.

Harrahâ€™s Highlights

Name changed from Grand Casino to Harrahâ€™s Tunica
$45 million renovation and expansion
New Paula Deen Buffet and Retail shop
New interactive gaming floor layout
New Sphere Bar
â€™37 replaces LBâ€™s Steakhouse
New World Series of Poker room
New high-limit table games and slot area
For reservations visit www.harrahs.com or call 1-800-WIN-4-WIN

Rudi Schiffer is a former Associated Press editor and feature writer and currently hosts the 14-year-old â€œGoodTimesâ€ radio show for Mississippi Casinos. Known as the â€œVoice of Tunica,â€ he is also a columnist for Jackpot Magazine and contributes gaming articles to casinocitytimes.com.

Posted: July 10th, 2008 under Features Articles. Tags: Harrah's Casino, Paula Deen, Tunica
Comments: None

Legendary Jackpots Return to Horseshoe Casino Tunica

(Tunica, MS) â€“ Guests are in for a surprise at Horseshoe Casino & Hotel as random slot jackpots will be hitting from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 and Sunday, June 29. Guests could win up to $10,000 on a â€œLegendary Jackpotâ€ hit.Â

When a Legendary Jackpot hits the party patrol and â€œSuitcase Manâ€ will appear to pay to the winner 50 percent cash and 50 percent Free Slot Play. Every guest that is playing on the â€œwinningâ€ bank of slot machines when the Legendary Jackpot hits wins $25 in Free Slot Play.Â Guests must be playing on their Total RewardsÂ® card to hit a Legendary Jackpot.

For more details, go to www.Harrahs.com

Posted: June 12th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: Horseshoe Casino, Legendary Jackpots, Tunica
Comments: None

Win a Free House at Tunica National!

(TUNICA, Mississippi) â€” Developers of the largest residential development in Tunica County history will soon be giving the chance to win a fully furnished home or $5,000 in cash. Don’t miss out on this exciting offer!

â€œWe are offering this promotion to allow potential home buyers to see our newest neighborhood called Soliel at Tunica Nationalâ€”A Master Planned Community,â€ Cody Harrell, a partner in the development, said.Â â€œTo be eligible to win the fully furnished home or $5,000 cash, visitors will need to come to the Soliel model home now through June 23, 2008.Â On June 26th, 10 pre-registered names will be drawn to participate in the hole-in-one contest.Â All other participants will be eligible to participate in the putting contest.â€

Winning a home or money are two incentives to see the new homes and neighborhood in the Tunica National golf course development, but both developers Matthew Dunn and Cody Harrell say the financial benefits of living in Tunica County are a win for buyers as well.Â

“Our community profits from the county’s low tax base by allowing people to move here, live on a championship golf course, while at the same time dramatically lowering their cost of living,” Dunn said.

The cost of living and location arenâ€™t the only things Tunica National has to offer residents.Â

â€œThere is no other place in Tunica County that can provide these amazing views and tranquil setting,â€ Harrell said.Â â€œThe best thing about this is we know Tunica National will continue to be a world-class facility, and we intend to compliment this perception through a world-class, masterfully planned development.â€

Tunica Nationalâ€”A Master Planned Community, the $25 million mixed use development surrounding Tunica National Golf and Tennis in the heart of the areaâ€™s growing resort district, broke ground in 2006.Â The development is the largest residential development in the history of Tunica County with 600-700 new homes and 600 apartments/condominium units planned for construction.

Complimenting the housing development, on the 268 acres surrounding the Tunica National Golf and Tennis facility, will be a town center commercial development featuring retail shopping and office space.Â

Company owners and entrepreneurs Matthew Dunn and Cody Harrell say the biggest selling point for their development will be its unique location near all nine casinos, and the development will surround Tunica National Golf and Tennis.

â€œTunica National Golf and Tennis Club, featuring an 18-hole Mark McCumber-designed public golf course, 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, 360 degree circular driving range, a Golf Training Academy, and the Southâ€™s only indoor clay Har-Tru granular tennis courts, is an unbelievable benefit,â€ Harrell said.Â â€œThis location allows anyone who is tired of fighting traffic and what comes with living in a big city, the ability to live in a master planned community where every detail is strategically designed to create the best quality of life.Â Not to mention you are also in the backyard of nine world-class casino resorts and only 30 minutes away from Memphis.â€Â

www.tunicanationalcommunity.com.Â For more information on Tunica National Golf and Tennis Club, call 1-866-TEE-OFF-1, or visit www.tunicanational.com.For more information on the development, or to reserve a lot, please call Tunica National Properties (662) 363-9510, or visit their website at

www.tunicamiss.com.Â Tunica National Golf and Tennis is managed by KemperSports.Located on U.S. Highway 61 North in Tunica, Tunica National features an 18-hole Mark McCumber-designed public golf course, six-hole par-3 practice course, 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, circular driving range, and Golf Training Academy. The four indoor tennis courts are the only Hydro-Grid Har-Tru indoor clay courts south of Washington, D.C. Har-Truâ€™s granular surface acts as a shock-absorbing cushion, allowing players to slide into their returns, preventing joint-jarring stops. One of the most impressive aspects of the technology is the sub-surface irrigation and the ability to control humidity indoors.Â For additional information and services provided by Tunica National, call 662-357-0777, or go to

Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports operates golf facilities as well as athletic clubs, lodging venues and major sporting events, including nationally ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Chambers Bay, Harding Park, Dorado Beach Resort & Club, The Glen

Club, Desert Willow Golf Resort and the Chicago Park District golf facilities. Affiliate KemperSports Marketing & Communications, a sports marketing, events and public relations agency, has produced and managed major national and international events and communications programs, including the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational college basketball tournament, numerous PGA TOUR events and The Art of Food & Wine Palm Desert. For more information, visit www.kempersports.com.

Located 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tunica is The Southâ€™s Casino Capital.Â Be Taken Away by the nine world-class casinos, 6,000 luxurious hotel rooms, fine dining restaurants and buffets, headline entertainers, championship golf and tennis, award-winning museums, lavish spas, and outlet/antique shopping.Â Come see why everyone is saying, â€œTake Me Away to Tunica!â€Â Call 1-888-4TUNICA to request a value-packed Winnerâ€™s Guide, or visit www.tunicamiss.com for travel information.

Posted: May 22nd, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: Free House, Tunica, Tunica National
Comments: 1

The Comps Club by Southern Gaming adds Isle of Capri Biloxi

(Southern Gaming) - The Comps Club by Southern Gaming and Destinations has added the Isle of Capri Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi to its stable of casino partners. Beginning with the July Member Coupon Pak, the property will honor a coupon for members to Receive $20 of Isle Play when they earn 20 points in the casino.

The addition of the Isle of Capri makes a total of four Gulf Coast Casinos offering coupons for The Comps Club members. The others are Island View Casino, Treasure Bay Casino and Silver Slipper Casino. In addition, there are coupons for casinos in Tunica (Hollywood Casino and Horseshoe Casino), Indiana (Caesars Indiana and Belterra Casino Resort), Louisiana (Paragon Casino, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino, DiamondJack’s Casino, Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge and Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino), Florida (Seminoel hard Rock Hollywood, Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, SunCruz Casinos and Gulfstream Park) Las Vegas (Wild Wild West Hotel). In additon to these casino partners, Southern Gaming is always persuing addtional relationships with gaming proeprties to honor special discounts and offers to its members.

The Comps Club is a membership based coupon program offered by Southern Gaming and Destinations magazine. For $29 per year, members receive 6-Member Coupon Paks loaded with casino coupons, an annual subscription to Southern Gaming Magazine and 12-month subscription to The Southern Gaming Guru monthly e-newsletter. For more information or to sign up, Click Here.

Posted: May 20th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: Biloxi, Casino Coupons, Casinos, Comps, Comps Club, Gulf Coast, Indiana, Tunica
Comments: None

Harrah’s Replaces Grand Casino Resort in Tunica on May 23rd

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(Tunica, MS) Grand Casino Resort in Tunica will officially change to Harrah’s Casino Tunica on May 23rd. After $45 million of recent rebranding renovations, the new property will boast a new look and ammenities including a Paula Deen-themed Buffet, a high-end restaruant called ’37, a World Series of Poker-themed poker room and more.

To kick off the festivities, Harrah’s has enlisted Paula Deen to do the ribbon cutting at 1:00 pmÂ and legendary band ZZ TopÂ will rock the house on Saturday the 24th.

The name change is part of the an overall rebranding effort by Harrah’s as they are also phasing out their Caesars Indiana property toÂ Horseshoe Indiana this summer. With Harrah’s reputation and bankroll behind these projects, they will stop nothing short of perfection. Don’t miss out!

For more information on the schedule of events, Click Here.

Posted: May 14th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: Caesars Indiana, Grand Casino Resort, Harrah's, Horseshoe Casino, Paula Deen, Tunica, ZZ Top
Comments: None

Property Profile: Gold Strike Casino Resort: Tunica, MS

Property Review: Gold Strike
Tunica, MS
1-888-24K-PLAY
www.goldstrikemississippi.com
Published March 2008

Tunica, Mississippi, is to the South what Las Vegas is to the world. An adult playground of nine casinos sits among fields of cotton just minutes south of Memphis and serves as the “Casino Capital of the South.” One of the largest and most prominent properties is the MGM Mirage-owned Gold Strike Casino Resort, boasting 31 stories and 1,100 rooms, most of which have impressive views of the winding Mississippi River.

With recent renovations, it’ll give those who haven’t visited recently a reason to check it out again soon. The changes encompass everything from the lobby and rooms to the spa and buffet. “So far we have made some significant changes to our lobby, the Courtyard Buffet, the entire convention level, the Poker Room and High Limits and the spa and fitness area,” says George Goldhoff, VP of Hotel Operations at Gold Strike. “We are also making some wonderful changes to the back of the house specifically for our employees.” While several of the projects will be worked on throughout the year, there are noticeable changes that will enhance a gamer’s overall experience.

In the lobby, guests will notice more of a warm and inviting appeal with updated wall coverings and soft, earth-tone paint. Completed in November of 2007, there are now new seating options that add a punch of color along with flowing drapes and wall art as well as an updated registration area to complement the lobby. The property also commissioned Mississippi artist John Whitt to create a unique stained glass sculpture that will be the one-of-a-kind focal point of the lobby. The lobby is the first and last impression of a facility, and Gold Strike made it a priority for their overall project list.

One thing casinos are known for are their magnificent buffets. The Courtyard Buffet at Gold Strike is no exception. “We wanted to create ‘atmosphere’ in the buffer,” Goldhoff says. “We added new carpet, wall art, buffet counters and furniture.” The new chairs are covered in a leathery soft fabric, and the booths also have plush seating. They have also upgraded and revised the food offerings, put in a complimentary wine and beer bar, and the chef creates international dishes that are featured in a “Gourmet Series” each month.

The convention areas of gaming facilities might not be for everyone, but they are attractive to companies and individuals who want to have seminars, receptions, parties or other events. Every detail – from the names of the rooms to the dÃ©cor – was changed. For the room names, what once was named by letters A, B and C, now carry the names of great Mississippi trees like Dogwood, Magnolia and Cypress. Now when guests enter the meeting and convention foyer, they will experience a chic and contemporary facility with 30,000 square feet of meeting space. “We added new carpet, new wall coverings, new furnishings, new art, new restrooms â€¦ and we redesigned the space so we now have the capabilities to host large banquets or small meetings,” Goldhoff explains. In addition to the renovations, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment was installed, and the staff received specialized event training via MGM Mirage Event Teams to insure a superior level of service. At Gold Strike, when you reserve a convention area room, you will get unprecedented service addressing everything from catering to technical support.

Every January, the property plays host to some of the best poker players in the world with a month-long series of tournaments for the World Poker Tour. The final table of the main $10,000 buy-in event is televised and aired on the Game Show Network. With this kind of exposure in the poker world, poker players from around the globe frequently make stops at Gold Strike. “The Poker Room remodel was completed just in time to welcome our guests playing in the World Poker Open,” Goldhoff says. “New fixtures, flooring, paint, wall covering, drapes, carpet, tables and chairs along with new flat screen televisions have been well received by our players.” With poker games usually lasting for hours, it is important to have an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, and they certainly did that.

What could a trip to a casino be without spending some time in the spa? The new and improved spa, indoor pool and exercise room is now a place where one can work out, refresh or relax. New, cool colors, comfortable seating, exercise equipment, flat-screen televisions and speakers all add to the ambiance and help guests both kick it in gear for the workout or prepare to unwind with a relaxing massage.

When you have exhausted the amenities of the property, top-notch gaming is waiting in the 50,000-square-foot casino. The high energy surroundings add to the excitement of the modern facility hosting more than 40 of your favorite tables games, a 14-table non-smoking poker room and 1,400 slot and video poker machines.

With a fresh feeling in the air at the casino, you will find it is definitely a great choice when visiting Tunica. Change is happening, and the results are in â€¦ Strike’s a winner!

Posted: March 1st, 2008 under Property Reviews. Tags: Casino, Gambling, Gold Strike, Mississippi, Property Profile, Review, Tunica
Comments: 1

Restaurant Review: Fairbanks Steakhouse: Hollywood Casino Tunica

Restaurant Review:
Fairbanks:Â Hollywood Casino
Tunica, MS

1-800-871-0711www.hollywoodcasinotunica.com
Published July 2007
Written by Jen Cuthbertson

You can feel excitement in the air at Hollywood Casino Tunica’s Fairbanks Restaurant. There is a new dream team combining years of global fine dining experience with the goal of making your dining event a most enjoyable and memorable occasion. General Manager Gene Schnell and Maitre’d Werner Lechner are busy creating a new menu with exciting preparations and presentations for your next visit.

When Gene Schnell recently joined the staff at Fairbanks he met Lechner and knew right away they could combine their talents and knowledge to make the steakhouse like no other in Mississippi. Assistant Food and Beverage Director Toney Hall says, “We are bringing a very competitively priced menu and dining experience like none other in the area. In addition to Gene and Werner, we have an advantage with our all-star team including Food and Beverage Director Don Salley, Executive Chef Gary Riley, Chef D’ Cuisine Ben E. Wilson and an unbelievably hard working, well-trained staff. We can provide the best dining experience around.”

With accolades at several high-end restaurants world wide, Schnell’s road to Tunica has been an exciting and interesting tale full of movie stars, tropical resorts, and a lot of miles. Bill’s journey began from his home state of Florida, and after moving to Canada to work as a server, he met Bill Harrah, founder of gaming giant Harrah’s. Mr. Harrah told Gene, “When your Visa runs out come see me, I will take care of you.” As predicted, Gene’s Visa ran out, and he made the call to Harrah. He soon found himself headed to Lake Tahoe.

“When I first met Werner Lechner, I knew we would make the perfect Dream Team,” commented Schnell. “With our combined knowledge and experience we will take Fairbanks to new limits, offering Hollywood Casino patrons the extraordinary.”

When you visit Fairbanks Steakhouse on the second floor (just off the casino floor) you will most likely be greeted by the charismatic Lechrer and his delightful Bavarian accent. It is here where the whole experience begins. Lechner and Schnell are pulling together a new menu set to be released in July. “The new menu will be out in July and will not be like the typical menus you see in most steakhouses,” says Schnell. “We will be upgrading to Angus Beef and serving tableside flaming desserts such as Bananas Foster and Berry FlambÃ©. Our staff is going through extensive training to bring our customers the best in service and food.”

On a recent visit our group of four was greeted by Lechner, who made us feel as if we were family returning home from a long voyage. Then, Schnell greeted us and showed us to our table next to a window overlooking the movie memorabilia and casino floor of Hollywood. After Schnell placed linens in our laps, a back waiter poured bottled water and presented the menus as our main server, Adrian Wallace, offered dinner cocktails and wine, and announced the Chef’s Special of the Day. You can’t go wrong with drinks from Jen, the bartender who has been with Fairbanks for seven years.

Soon, a variety of fresh-baked breads with piped butter in the design of a yellow rose were brought to the table. For appetizers we enjoyed mouth-watering fresh-sliced seared Tuna in a sauce, Crab Cakes, and huge colossal Crab Legs with drawn butter. Then, a creamy Lobster Bisque and House Salads arrived. The Bisque was very tasty with tender bites of lobster scattered throughout.

Our selected entrÃ©es consisted of Steak Filet, Lamb Chops, Steak Diane and the Asian Seafood Bird’s Nest. The steak eaters were thrilled with their selections as they were cooked to perfection and very tender. The Lamb Chops were also cooked just the way you like them, and accompanied with baby zucchini, squash buttons and carrots. The Asian Seafood Bird’s Nest was a delight, full of delicious shrimp, lobster, scallops and veggies served with a spicy sweet white sauce.

When dessert time arrived there was a sense of energy in the air. We feasted on Vanilla CrÃ¨me Brule that boasted a smooth and rich vanilla flavor, and Bananas Foster with Vanilla Ice Cream, prepared tableside by our server. In addition, Bread Pudding hit the spot.

At Fairbanks it is evident the employees like their jobs. I asked one of the servers how long he had been working at the restaurant and he commented, “I don’t work. I can’t even think of this as work or a job. I love the customers, the people I work with and everything I do. We are all a team bringing smiles and good times to the people we serve.” With that kind of contagious attitude spilling over, the whole dining room feels it.

The Dream Team will be planning, training, ordering, changing and implementing all kinds of surprises and updates for you at Fairbanks. The excitement is obvious of the new progressive attitude on the floor. Be sure to stop in and enjoy the labors of the very talented very thoughtful staff where you are special and will be treated like a star!

Dining Hours:
Monday thru Thursday – 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Friday/Saturday – 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday – 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Reservations are suggested. 1-800-871-0711

Posted: July 14th, 2007 under Restaraunt Reviews. Tags: Fairbanks Steahouse, Hollywood Casino, Mississippi, Tunica
Comments: None

Restaurant Review: Chicago Steakhouse: Gold Strike Casino Resort

Restaurant Review: Chicago Steakhouse:
Gold Strike Casino Resort
Tunica, MS
1-888-24K-PLAY
www.goldstrikemississippi.com
Published May 2006
Written By G. Douglas Dreisbach

The casino industry is more competitive than ever as more destinations compete to attract millions of gamers to their latest and greatest attractions and renovations. At any given time, the hotel rooms might be renovated, the gaming floor moved around or restaurants added or changed all to keep your gaming experience fresh and unique and most importantly, coming back!

Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, MS is one of the jewels of the Southern Gaming markets. You can expect a first-class experience from check-in to check-out. Standing as the tallest and largest hotel in Tunica, Gold Strike has a true resort atmosphere and world-class dining with the recently revamped Chicago Steakhouse.

Just off the casino floor, you will find some of the finest dining not only in casinos, but anywhere you care to compare. An intimate mahogany-paneled dining area with a fireplace and separate lounge area offers guests a quick getaway from the excitement of the casino.

Chicago Steakhouse has been at Gold Strike since it was built but was completely overhauled last year. “When MGM Mirage took over at Gold Strike Casino, we needed a restaurant we could showcase,” commented Rafael Torres, Executive Director of Food and Beverage. “Chicago was already a very elegant dining room but needed some long overdue upgrades in terms of china, glass and silver, as well as food product. The staff of Chicago was hungry for success and ready to learn to move forward.”

“Executive Chef Andrew Smith and I set out to contact numerous suppliers to identify a china line that would reflect the style and identity of the restaurant,” added Torres. “We decided to utilize the Bernardaud Naxos line and implemented various glass types of the Spieglau Vino Grande line because of the importance of reputable glassware in enhancing the wine drinking experience. For the silverware, we chose a Sambonet pattern that complemented the look of the china pattern and we dressed the tables with Dirona 100% cotton table clothes in ivory color.”

As for the furniture and upholstery, there were also some exciting new twists. “When we took over the room we found out that there was a shipment of new chairs already on the way,” said Torres. “This gave us the perfect opportunity to change the upholstery to an ivory-colored leather that created the contemporary element of the room. With all of the rich dark wood and red brick, the ivory leather provided the ideal contrast and brought an otherwise dark room to life.”

In addition to the hardware changes, the addition of a world-class maitre d’ was a vital part of the equation at Chicago. Gene Schnell, manager and maitre d’, was the Fine Dining Director at the world-famous Luxor hotel and casino in Las Vegas for six years. He immediately began training the staff and educating them on everything from wine to flambÃ©. “I conducted an ongoing training program during our pre-shift meetings that included wine tasting and flambÃ© seminars,” said Schnell. “After three months of training, I required every staff member to take an exam. I am very proud to announce the lowest test score was a 94%!”

Schnell and team even altered the service sequences and procedures down to details such as providing chilled forks for salads and cold appetizers. On Schnell, Torres added,

“A fundamental aspect of Gene is his personality and his guest interaction. Guests keep coming back to see him. He makes every guest feel important and that is what really matters. I don’t think any guest leaves without meeting Gene when they come to Chicago.”

On a recent visit to Chicago Steakhouse, the wine flowed and the flavors sizzled. In a display of professional service and appropriate wine pairings with the meal, it was obvious this restaurant was doing everything right, and considering the amount of guests waiting for tables…the word was out!

To start things off, the amuse was a Charred Prime Strip loin of Beef with Spinach puree and a Roaring Forties sauce, Seared Diver Scallops over Sweet Potato Mash with a Foie Gras Demi Glace and Pate of Beef with Candied Ginger over a Seaweed salad. Paired with the Duval-Leroy, Brut Champagne, NV, this was just a precursor of what was sure to be a remarkable dining experience.

As the evening continued, out came four appetizers and four new flavors of wine that were each as good as the last. There was the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Cajun Butter that was paired with a 2004 Leon Beyer, Alsace Pinot Blanc and cooked to perfection with a crisp golden crust and plumb crab meat exploding with flavor. Next was a steamy Cioppino “Chicago Style paired with a 2003 Cusumano, “Angiambe” Sicilia Insola/Chardonnay, followed by a perfectly prepared Capaccio of Beef with Lemon-Basil Oil, Reggiano Cheese. The Capaccio was served with 2004 Hill of Content, “Benjamin’s Blend” Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon. The finishing touch of the appetizers was Pork Tenderloin Rolled with Bacon with Foie Gras, Spinach with a Peppercorn Demi served with a 2003 Au Bon Climat, Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir.

The appetizers were complete and it was time for the main course. There was a fish and a beef dish and both had an excellent presentation with a collage of flavors. The Pan Roasted Red Snapper with an English Cucumber Crust and Forest Mushroom & Fennel Cream was served with a 2003 Weingut Heger, Baden Pinot Gris and the Coffee & Pepper Crusted New York Strip Loin with a 2002 Chambord Demi Glace was served with Luca, Mendoza Valley Syrah.

Soon after the table was cleared, the show continued with a table side performance of Gene’s Flaming Volcano FlambÃ© by none other than the maitre d’ himself. This could be one of the most entertaining desserts ever as the mixture of Brandy, bread pudding and vanilla ice cream are engulfed in the flames of fire extinguished into a unique blend and presented in Brandy glasses. Served with La Spinetta, “Biancospino” Moscato d’ Asti, NV, the flaming volcano is a must when you visit the Chicago Steakhouse and a great way to wrap up a meal.

The overall dining experience at Chicago Steakhouse was relaxing and enjoyable with impeccable service and a very knowledgeable staff. If you have not tried the “re-born” Chicago Steakhouse at Gold Strike Casino in Tunica you are missing out! Whether it is a special occasion or celebrating a big jackpot, Gene Schnell and team will make your dining experience a winning one.

Posted: May 1st, 2006 under Restaraunt Reviews. Tags: Casino, Chicago Steakhouse, Gambling, Gold Strike, Mississippi, restaurant review, Tunica
Comments: 1