Casino Player October 2022

OCTOBER 2022 SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT Redefining the VIP Experience ADVANCED STRATEGIES FOR PAI GOW POKER ■ NOT YOUR NORMAL SLOT CasinoPlayer AMERICA’S GAMING LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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the best Players’ Choice Awards 2022

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In The Spotlight Higher Bets, Higher Rewards: AGS seizes on a growing appetite for high-desonation, traditional-style slot games

6 Publisher’s Message

60 Slot Payout Percentages State-by-state breakdown of slot machine payouts 65 Winners Lucky jackpot hits from casinos across the country 66 Player of the Month Hard Rock International celebrates 23rd annual PINKTOBER campaign

The Thrill of Victory by Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic 8 Players Talk You asked—we answered! 10 The Buzz Our coast-to-coast roundup of gaming’s hottest news 22 Strip Search Bar None: Ryan Doherty Raises the “Bar” of Downtown Las Vegas Nightlife by Steve Kieva 26 Scobe Speaks To Tell the Truth: The Craps Gypsy by Frank Scoblete 52 Playing in the Spotlight Entertainment listings from casinos nationwide

Grumpy Cat Arrives in Las Vegas

Sebastian Maniscalco “Nobody Does This Tour”

Expert Advice Futures Betting as NFL, NBA, NHL seasons return Minding Your Money: The smart way to deal with your casino winnings

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40 BEST OF THE BEST

Players’ Choice Awards 2022

50 PAI GOW POKER

Sweetgrass Golf Course at Island Resort & Casino Advanced strategies for setting hands by Basil Nestor 59 ROD STEWART: THE HITS Las Vegas r sidency extends for 12th year in 2023

T H E G AME S WE P L AY

PLAYING POKER 32 Phil Ivey, Jeremy Ausmus Score Titles: Plenty of major poker

PLAYING TABLES 28 Get An Edge: When opportunity knocks, answer the door by John Grochowski 29 New Game Alert: Bally’s Atlantic City Now Offering Bonus Spin Xtreme

tournament action continues, both live and online by Sean Chaffin

PLAYING THE BOOKS 36 Changes coming in the television sports landscape? by Sean Chaffin

PLAYING THE MACHINES 30

35 Which Poker Game Do I Choose? Know your hands— and your games

Not Your Normal Slot: Slot manufacturers keep

expanding the definition of a slot, with some radical results by Frank Legato

PUBLISHER’SMESSAGE >>

The Thrill of Victory

F or many gamblers, the memorable quote “money won is twice as sweet as money earned” neatly sums why they gamble. It’s not just about the money itself, it’s the joy of winning it.The quote was from the movie The Color of Money, said by the character Fast Eddie Felson, played by Paul Newman. For those of us who enjoy a night out playing the tables or our favorite slots, the famous quote couldn’t ring any more true. The prospect of the chance to win some money is both exhila rating and fun.And if luck is on your side, you get to go home a winner (or at least get to play a little bit longer) and have some bragging rights to boot. People who gamble have many motivations—to socialize, to compete with others, avoid boredom—but most view it as a sim ple form of entertainment and a fun way to spend their leisure time.The vast majority of us hope to win money,but do not spend more than we can afford to lose.We allocate a certain amount of disposable income for a casino visit and do not exceed that bankroll. All great rules to follow. When I’m in a casino, the practical side of me understands that I don’t have much hope of going home a winner,but the mere thought of winning that six- or seven-figure mega jackpot forever sits in the back of my mind. After all,each week (sometimes daily) I receive press releases from casinos all overAmerica showcasing their most recent life-changing jackpot winners. Every time one lands in my inbox, I smile with glee and can’t help but think that one day my ship will come in. But in all honesty, winning a jackpot isn’t really why I put a few bucks in a slot machine. For me, it’s just about a little time away from daily life that usually involves a night out with family and friends.We usually grab a nice cocktail at a casino lounge or sports bar and then head off for a wonderful meal or to catch a great show.We’re there for the bright lights and the adrenaline fueled experience that many casino resorts offer these days. Afterward we typically head to the casino floor, and as I jokingly remind my friends that“I’m doing my research,”I start my quest to find the latest slots to hit the market. Like many of you, I too get a thrill playing those new video slots with those amazing bonus rounds and cool features or that progressive video poker bank that is looking mighty full. Hopes of hitting the“big one”or even getting just “this close” to a nice score makes for some exhilaration and some fun conversations around the water cooler when I’m back at the office the next day. At the end of the day, it’s a great gaming session when I come home with a little extra money because we all know the odds of winning are stacked against us.The casinos have a built-in advan tage and it’s called the house edge—something that exists on

every table game and on every slot machine. Just remember to view the house edge as an entertainment expense, as the cost of watching a movie,having a meal or buying a concert ticket,and if you’re lucky, lady luck will be on your side. We’ve got a very exciting and special issue this month,much of it dedicated to the top winning properties in our annual Best of Gaming awards, which were featured last issue.This issue we celebrate the best of the best with the casino resorts who won the most awards in their region.These elite casinos are always among the best places for fun and excitement and seamlessly cater to their players.When you’re ready for a night out, we hope that you’ll try your luck at some of these award-winning locations. If you are a regular reader of this magazine, you know that every fall, slot expert Frank Legato heads out to Las Vegas to visit with all the major slot manufacturers who are gearing up to launch all their new titles at this year’s Global Gaming Expo, the casino industry’s trade show. In his monthly column, Frank gives a sneak peek at some of the“not your normal slots”with new games such as Aruze’s Rock, Paper, Scissors andWacky Gator to Gaming Arts’ Flip Mania that uses a 3D engine to replicate coin flipping. Let’s just say that slot makers keep expanding the definition of a slot with some radical results. For table game players,we’re featuring an informative article on advanced strategies and setting hands when playing Pai Gow Poker, tips for getting the edge at the tables, and a look at some of the headlines from the poker world from big names who’ve cashed in to major events on the horizon. We also have our usual coast-to-coast roundup of the latest news in the gaming industry, tips for playing smarter and winning more,our monthly payback percentage charts where we track the casinos with the highest paybacks, and the latest, greatest winners—the fortunate folks who took home eye-popping sums of money after winning on their favorite slot or video poker machines—and much more. Cheers to good health, good luck and winning days!

Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic Publisher & Editorial Director lrobertson@casinocenter.com

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>> PLAYERS TALK

VP Payback If all cards are completely random on a video poker machine,why is the payback larger on aces, 2, 3 and 4? Thank you for a wonderful magazine that keeps us all informed on what is going on in the gambling world. —Tom B. Via the Internet The cards are, indeed, as completely random as a computer program can make them. Over the long term a specific hand such as four aces will occur just as often as random math dictates. In the Jacks or Better game, all four-of-a-kinds are paid the same amount—25-for-1. In Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double-Double Bonus Poker and other “bonus” video poker games based on Jacks or Better, aces, 2s, 3s and 4s are paid more than four 5s thru kings. De pending on the game, it can be a lot more. In order to pay a larger amount for cer tain hands in a random game, other hands have to be paid less.In Jacks or Better, two pairs are paid at 2-for-1. However, in Double Bonus, two pairs are paid 1-for-1—in other words, you get your bet back. Since this is a frequently occurring hand, it provides enough for the higher pays on four aces, 2s, 3s and 4s. Other hands are also paid less depending on the game. But rest assured the hands that occur are random.The money for the higher pays comes from shorting the lower pays. For more detailed information on pay table changes and the results get the book Every thing Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold’em,Omaha Hi-Lo,and Pai Gow Poker! by Frank Scoblete. I provided information for most of the section on video poker. It explains in much more detail how minor pay table changes in the lower, more frequent hands al lows for the higher paying, less frequent hands.

Perfect Play I’m a long-time subscriber to both of your great magazines,which I really enjoy.You always write about playing “perfect technique” or “perfect style.” I realize that “perfect”as a word has a defi nite, precise meaning, but when applied to the various types of gambling it leaves me a little baffled.How do you define perfect? Is it in terms of what the most profitable outcome would be or is it in terms of what the most likely outcome would be? Is holding three cards to a possible royal more perfect than holding, say, a pair of jacks? This might make a more interesting full length article as opposed to a quick answer in your letters column as I’ve talked with other read ers who also are a little confused yet interested in just what“perfect”means.Thanks for the help and for a couple of terrific magazines. —Bob Boston,MA When referring to perfect play, we’re usually talking about specific, mathematically based responses or reactions to an event. To put it another way, perfect technique, style or play means following the prescribed strategy for a specific game in order to yield the best possible results. The most profitable outcome does not necessarily mean perfect. It’s certainly possible to employ less than perfect strategy—sometimes drastically—that may still result in a very prof itable outcome.That’s called luck. Decision Time I have subscribed to Casino Player and Strictly Slots for years. I have a question. I know the RNG decides what you win or lose.The results of a three-reel slot are determined when you hit the spin button,max button or pull the handle. Cor rect? I was talking to a man last week at Borgata inAtlantic City.He disagreed with me.He said the RNG’s result is determined the moment you hit one coin, not when you hit spin,max or pull the handle. I would like to hear your answer. —Joseph Oakdale,NY He is wrong, and you are right. In 1985, he would have been right and you would have been wrong. In the earliest microprocessor-con trolled slot machines, the computer would freeze the results of the random number gener ator—a number relating to the results on each reel is generated once every hundredth of a sec ond—when the first coin was dropped. However, by the 1990s, most people played regular slot machines by wagering credits, not dropping coins. Slots manufactured within the

past 15 years or so are all designed so the com puter freezes the numbers generated by the RNG—the ones that determine the results— when the spin is initiated.That’s done by pulling the handle, hitting the spin button, or hitting the max-bet button. Hope this clears things up.However, as we always note when answering questions like this, it doesn’t matter.Whether the RNG’s results are harvested when you bet a coin or spin the reels, the end result is the same:You win, or you lose.Don’t worry about it. Playing the Percentages In reading the “New Slots” section, I often wonder, how is the payback percentage range calculated? Is it the wager amount that changes the percentage? I see in the August issue games range from pennies to $2. I have seen in previous issues games that went as high as $10. Would anyone play $10 on a “penny” machine? Just asking! —John R. Oceanside, NY The payback percentage numbers are a theoretical calculation of a game’s return to the players. It is the percentage of all wagers on a game that is returned to all players of that game as wins. The percentages are manipu lated by the number of winning and losing results in the program. When creating a slot game, the programmer assigns a number to each possible reel result, and then assigns more numbers to each symbol according to how much the winning combinations pay.High-pay ing symbols get a few numbers; lower paying symbols and blank reel spots get many. The programmer then simulates hundreds of thou sands of spins to arrive at a theoretical payback percentage.By manipulating the num bers, they arrive at different payback percent ages for the same game.They offer six or seven payback programs on each game, and the casino picks one. The wager amount has no bearing on the percentage; it is set at the factory. However, generally, casinos will pick higher-paying programs for the higher denominations. On your second question, yes, there are a lot of players who will wager $10 a spin on a penny game.These obviously are folks with big bankrolls for slots, who know that they’ll get the most out of the game by wagering the maximum. And on many games these days, that max is 1,000 credits. (Note: in the penny denomination, they’re wagering that $10 on a game that generally returns a paltry payback percentage—normally less than 90 percent.)

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? WE WANT TO KNOW! E-MAIL US! letters@casinocenter.com or write to: Letters to the Editor 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 7 Galloway, New Jersey 08205

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Casino Player America’s Premier Gaming Magazine print • mobile • online VOLUME 33 • ISSUE 5 P R E S I D E N T & C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R Derek James P U B L I S H E R & E D I T O R I A L D I R E C T O R Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic P R O D U C T I O N D I R E C T O R Diane Stevens-Gillan S E N I O R E D I T O R S Sean Chaffin

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C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S

N A T I O N A L S A L E S D I R E C T O R Karrie L. Zukowski A C C O U N T I N G M A N A G E R Jocelyn James C I R C U L AT I O N M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R Maureen Robertson C I R C U L A T I O N D I R E C T O R Jessica Taylor C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-969-0711 customerservice@casinocenter.com O F F I C E S ATLANTIC CITY: 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 7 Galloway, NJ 08205-4123 (609) 484-8866 • Fax (609) 645-1661 LAS VEGAS: 1137 S. Rancho Drive, Suite 110 Las Vegas, NV 89102-2259 (702) 736-8886 • Fax (702) 736-8889 Casino Player (ISSN 0001-8152) Casino Player is published twelve times a year, one issue per month, by Casino Player Publishing, LLC. 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 7 Galloway, NJ 08205-4123 BASIC SUBSCRIPTIONS Basic subscription prices do not include shipping & handling. Subscriptions: one year (12 issues) $24; two years (24 issues) $37; three years (36 issues) $53. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Casino Player, 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 7, Galloway, NJ 08205-4123 Periodicals postage paid at Galloway, NJ, and at additional mailing offices. © 2022 Casino Player Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without expressed written permission of the Publisher. Casino Player magazine is a publication of Casino Player Publishing, LLC owned by Casino Player Media (CPM). Not responsible for typographical errors. READER’S ADVISORY: Readers are recommended to make ap propriate inquiries and take appropriate advice before sending monies, incurring expense, entering into any binding commit ment, or wagering any sum in relation to an adver tisement, ar ti cle, column or other feature published in Casino Player. Casino Player shall not be liable to any person for loss or damage in curred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting, offering to ac cept, or following an invitation, advice, or other recommendation contained in any adver tisement, ar ticle, column, or feature pub lished in Casino Player . The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of this magazine are not necessarily representative of the views of its management and employees. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT! PROBLEM GAMBLING? CALL 800-552-4700 Samantha Cooper I T D I R E C T O R Robert Walden

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THE BUZZ

C aesars Atlantic City announced the opening of the first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen on the East Coast on Sept. 22.This is Chef Ramsay’s third restaurant in Atlantic City, the other two being Gordon Ramsay Steak at Harrah’s Resort and Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City. “I couldn’t be more excited to open Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen in Atlantic City.The energy of the Hell’s Kitchen dining room will be a perfect match for this iconic city as it transforms into a true East Coast dining destination thanks to the dedication and enormous support of the community by our partner at Caesars,”said Ramsay. “We are honored to continue our long-standing partnership with Chef Gordon Ramsay and celebrate today’s opening of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk,” said John Koster, regional president for Caesars Entertainment.“The highly-antici pated debut of Hell’s Kitchen headlines our $200 million resort transfor mation, which will undoubtedly solidify Caesars Atlantic City as a leader in world-class hospitality on the East Coast.” The restaurant, which seats 233 across three levels, features mosaic tiles and custom-designed lighting that combines brass rods and pitchfork features that run across the high ceilings, offering every table an incredi ble view of the uniquely styled kitchen inspired directly from the show. Guests can enjoy the best and most famous items made popular by the show including Chef Ramsay’s signature classics like BeefWellington, the Hell’s Kitchen Burger, and Sticky Toffee Pudding, plus a selection of classic and signature cocktails ranging from traditional Negroni and Old Fashioned to the innovative Smoke on the Boulevard, served in a lantern adorned with dry ice; or the Notes from Gordon, complete with a personalized message from Chef Ramsay himself. GORDON RAMSAY HELL’S KITCHEN NOW OPEN AT CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY

B ally’s Corporation officially closes deal to purchase the Tropicana Las Vegas after announcing the completion of the acquisition from Gaming & Leisure Properties,Inc.and PENN Entertainment, Inc. on Sept. 27. In a press release, the Rhode Island-based gaming company announced it will pay $148 million in cash to Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc. and will lease the 35-acre parcel of land on the corner of Tropicana Boulevard and Las Vegas Boulevard for 50 years at annual rent of $10.5 million. The Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel and Casino includes 1,470 guest rooms,50,000 square feet of casino space with 1,000 gam ing positions, a 1,200-seat performance theater and 100,000 square feet of convention and meeting space. Bally’s Corp. To Plant Roots on Las Vegas Strip

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Caesars Palace Debuts Multimillion-Dollar Main Entrance Renovation

F ollowing the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation of its main entrance, iconic casino dome and porte-cochère, Caesars Palace in LasVegas offers a lavish arrival experience fit for a Caesar. The redesigned space includes a dramatic entryway with a coffered ceil ing, refreshed gaming areas and the new Galleria Bar in the hotel lobby. After raising the roof of the entryway to match the grandeur of the hotel lobby, guests arriving at Caesars Palace now enter a beautifully lit space,with a coffered ceiling and an intricate marble mosaic floor. A 15 foot-tall Carrara marble statue ofAugustus Caesar welcomes visitors under the raised ceiling, which features hand-painted illustrations of Roman gods and a spectacular chandelier containing 70,000 crystals. “Since Caesars Palace opened its doors in 1966, we have been in spired by founder Jay Sarno’s promise to treat every guest like a Caesar,” said Sean McBurney,Caesars Entertainment regional president.“From the moment visitors arrive, we aim to deliver experiences that can only be found at our flagship resort.The extravagant entryway is the first of several new additions to Caesars Palace, with Peter Luger Steakhouse, DominiqueAnsel LasVegas,Stanton Social Prime and more to come soon.” Beyond the entryway,guests will find two new state-of-the-art gam ing pits.Additionally, Caesars Palace’s legendary crystal-cloaked casino dome now boasts a new, larger crystal chandelier that weighs approxi mately 3,200 pounds and is comprised of 12,000 individual crystals.The linear rays that radiate from the chandelier contain approximately 120,000 additional crystals.With more than $1 million in crystals,brighter, energy-efficient LED lighting and reimagined carpet,wall and ceiling cov erings, the domed gaming area is everything guests loved about the iconic original with a modern twist.

Another welcome addition, Galleria Bar in the hotel lobby allows guests to enjoy a cocktail as they await check-in,offering 24 seats and 22 multi-game slot machines.With a modern take on a palatial Italian study, the new bar features four life-sizeVenus sculptures and a backdrop of an tique mirrors, cerused wood with antique gold accents and Italian inlaid wood murals.The new venue is open 24 hours a day where guests can sip signature cocktails, as well as wine by the glass from a new wine preservation system. The Galleria Bar in the hotel lobby at Caesars Palace allows guests to enjoy a cocktail as they await check-in, offering 22 multi-game slot machines.

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LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL MARYLAND ENHANCES ITS ORCHID GAMING AND SMOKING PATIO WITH A MAJOR EXPANSION

O n Sept. 22, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland announced the expansion of its luxurious Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio, following a complete redesign of the space that added 150 new slot machines to the venue.With its indoor-outdoor feel, the new Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio is now doubled in size, features addi tional slot machines, sports betting kiosks, bar-top games, stage area for live performances, a high-end collection of cigars and liquor for pur chase, additional comfortable lounge seating, and added restrooms. Beyond the expansion of the space,the venue will showcase brand newTVs and LED screens, 300 total slot machines, and an improved exhaust and air ventilation system.The Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio

continues to offer live-action table games including blackjack, baccarat, craps and roulette, video poker and more. “The Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio was the first of its kind in Maryland and this significant expansion is the result of its popularity with our guests and allows us to provide them with an enhanced gaming experience in an updated and inviting open-air space,”shared Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming Group. Symbolizing wealth and fortune, the Orchid, the lounge’s name sake, is one of the most significant flowers in Asian culture.This out door space is interspersed with visually stunning features representing the four elements: Earth,Air, Fire andWater.

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Artist rendering of Proper Eats, ARIA’s elevated food hall scheduled to open this winter.

ARIA RESORT & CASINO UNVEILS ELEVATED FOOD

I ndustry trendsetter Clique Hospitality will bring together a collection of highly sought-after imports and only in-Las Vegas destinations with Proper Eats, an elevated food hall serving eclectic cocktails and global cuisine opening in early winter at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Belle of Baton Rouge Moves to Land, Enhances Players Rewards Benefits B elle of Baton Rouge, a riverboat casino owned by CQ Holding Company that was acquired in May, has been granted permission by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to move the historic property located on the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge to land.The board approved the request with a unanimous decision during a hearing on Sept. 15. The decision will set CQ Holding Com pany’s plan in motion to move the 16,500-square foot gambling floor, including 350 slot machines and 14 table games, ashore into the Belle of Baton Rouge’s Atrium.As part of the $35 million remodel, the property will also welcome an oyster bar, café and more within the atrium to create a boutique-style casino. In addition, Belle of Baton Rouge is now offering memberships to CQ Rewards, introduc ing expanded benefits and rewards to players. The enhanced benefits program offers four bene fit tiers: Ruby, Emerald,Diamond and Crown; and provides members with personalized offers, discounts and one-of-a-kind access to Belle of Baton Rouge. CQ Rewards credits are accumu lated by playing video poker, reel slots and table games,with benefits ranging by tier and includ ing rewards such as annual rollover credits, priority accommodations and more. For more information, visit www.belleofbatonrouge.com.

Proper Eats will span 24,000 square feet encompassing 12 palate-pleasing concepts that include four of Clique’s own creations,plus several in-demand restaurants and bars.“This is a dream destination for me,” said Andy Masi, founder of Clique Hospitality. “Our team is bringing together cocktails and cuisine from some of our favorite places in the world in one strikingly beautiful space in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip.” First to sign on are the first Seoul Bird outside of London; the only Wexler’s Deli outside of Los Angeles; NewYork’s breakfast-centric Egghead by Tao Group Hospitality;and Clique’s newly created Temaki,serving fresh, innovative hand rolls and other modern sushi dishes. ARIA President & COO Anton Nikodemus said,“The addition of Proper Eats to ARIA’s food and beverage portfolio will deliver a fun and lively communal din ing experience to our resort. Every detail has been carefully curated—from creative concepts to venue design—bringing together a first-class culinary epicenter that is approachable with a variety of options to choose based on preference, taste or mood.” Seoul Bird was created by Judy Joo andAndrew Hales,who have worked together for over 10 years to create a number of exciting restaurants. Inspired by both Judy’s Korean American heritage and the duo’s food tours across South Korea, which have seen them eat their way from Seoul to Busan numerous times,Seoul Bird is built on the foundations of Korean cooking and flavors. Famous for tradition, craftsmanship and quality,Wexler’s Deli serves old-school Jewish deli classics.Known for their handcrafted pastrami and smoked salmon,Wexler’s Deli is the only deli in Los Angeles to smoke and hand-slice all meat and fish in-house. Bringing delicious egg-centric sandwiches fromManhattan to LasVegas,Egghead offers a modern spin on the classic breakfast. Ref lecting a nerdy, almost fanatical approach to the ideal egg sandwich, the signature dish is made on fresh-baked potato brioche bread, paired with eggs and cheese. Inspired by the tradition of enjoying hand rolls as they are prepared so the rice is warm and the fish is chilled,Temaki offers fresh sushi,made to order, highlight ing sustainably caught seafood. More information is available at www.propereatslasvegas.com.

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MGM GRAND DEBUTS NEW LOBBY BAR EXPERIENCE

Grand VP of Food & Beverage Andreas Reich. “We’ve created a place where everyone will feel welcome, at any time of day, along with an out standing cocktail program crafted by the talented Julian Cox.” Cox is widely viewed as one of the great culi nary talents in the United States. His innovative style, progressive cocktails, and unprecedented techniques have garnered national recognition in the food and beverage industry, in addition to his work alongside industry icons.Cox’s unparalleled artistic vision contributes to cocktail menu devel opment, bartender training,cultivation of a resort’s spirits collection, and more for restaurants and bars across MGM Resorts International’s iconic Las Vegas and regional casino-resort destinations. MGM Grand’s Lobby Bar menu features an

array of new specialty libations and large-format cocktails such as the Gru Old Fashioned, Pop Star (like a margarita, but popping), Fist Full of Dollars (similar to a sidecar), and the MGM Grand Espresso Martini, to name a few. The new venue design features a beautiful color palette of purples, maroons, light pinks and creams on lounge chairs, banquettes, barstools, pillows and drapery. Fixtures and furniture pieces are accentuated with gold metal finishes, adding visual appeal, as marble cocktail and commu nal tables sit atop a luxe patterned carpet that spans the venue.

M GM Grand in Las Vegas has reimagined the Lobby Bar expe rience with a newly designed social gathering space and elevated bar offerings within a welcoming and fun environ ment for guests to enjoy on any occasion. “The Lobby Bar is such a fun and interactive part of the guest experience whether meeting before or after an MGM Grand Garden Arena event, hanging out with friends, or people watching,” said MGM

A Night of Laughs at Aces of Comedy

T he Aces of Comedy series at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas features one of the country’s most comprehensive and diverse comedic lineups.Over the last decade, the 1,257-seat Theatre at The Mirage has

Tim Allen Ron White

Ray Romano

been the place to enjoy the best comedy in Las Vegas, featuring some of the most popular comedians world wide including Tim Allen, Tiffany Haddish, Gabriel Iglesias, Jay Leno, Kathleen Madigan, Bill Maher, Ray Ro mano, David Spade,Iliza Shlesinger,DanielTosh and Ron White, among others. Upcoming shows include Tim Allen, Nov. 4 & 5; Daniel Tosh, Nov. 11 & 12; Jim Jefferies, Nov. 18 & 19; Bill Maher, Nov. 25 & 26; Steve Trevino, Dec. 1, 8 & 9; RonWhite, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 23 & 24; and Ray Romano & David Spade,Dec. 16 & 17.

Bill Maher

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GOLD STRIKE TUNICA UNVEILS $4 MILLION HIGH LIMIT ROOM

G old Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, MS, celebrated the opening of its newly renovated and expanded $4 million High Limit gaming area with a ribbon cutting by resort, state, city and tourism leaders on Sept 14.The new 6,600-square-foot elevated gaming experi ence includes a fresh look, layout and design,an exclusive cage and credit services, dedicated cocktail service and a VIP lounge. “Today’s grand opening of the new High Limit gaming area is the latest milestone in Gold Strike’s ongoing investment in the Mid-South market,” said Gold Strike General Manager Max Fisher.“We have an unwavering commitment to improving the guest experience and this luxurious new space combines modern technology with casual elegance and comfort.” The space has five distinct zones of slot machines and gaming pits, each offering its own design feature.The table games area incorporates decorative metal grillwork flanking the main entry. Inside the space are three distinctive pits,each defined by an expressive ceiling element and

architecture.The main pit features a crystal chandelier, decorative column enclosure and comfortable seating groups throughout the space. The slots area is defined by a glass-capped millwork and banks of slots are organized around ceiling architecture with chandeliers, and a low perimeter wall.The stylish bar has multiple UHD displays, lighted bottle risers and USB charging ports for convenience. Located near the resort’s hotel lobby, the expanded High Limit gaming area offers 111 high-limit slot machines and nine table games, including two Baccarat tables.

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TIME TO COUNT OUR WINNINGS.

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NEWLY REMODELED ROOMS OFFER TRAVELERS A REFRESHING RESPITE Room Renewals

SOUTHERN COMFORT Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is elevating the guest experience yet again on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as it unveils its newly completed $55 million room remodel of the resort’s 1,645 guest rooms.The refreshing new designs feature upgraded amenities and state-of-the-art technology set in Beau Rivage’s signature sophisticated Southern style. “This much-anticipated room remodel reflects our commitment to keeping the Beau Rivage experience fresh and welcoming for our guests,” said MGM Resorts Southeast Group President and COO Brandon Dardeau.“The cornerstone of the resort’s recent $90 million refresh of hotel, casino, food & beverage and other amenities, the new rooms combine modern technology with MGM Resorts’ world renowned elegance and this region’s distinct Coastal flair.” With a playful color palette that pays homage to local sunrises, sunsets and reflections of the water, the finishes are reminiscent of the seashore and incorporate details of driftwood,high-gloss surfaces, coral and aqua blue.The King room features a buttercup yellow palette reflective of the sky at sunrise,while theTwo Queen room’s coral tones are inspired by the Mississippi sky at sunset.Both designs boast finishes infused with textures and patterns reminiscent of Southern homes. Additionally, the guest rooms feature a custom-commissioned triptych that honors the flora and fauna indigenous to the Deep South.The newly redesigned corridors are fresh and bright with tranquil carpets that reflect the Southern waterways of the Mississippi River. Like its sister Bellagio, Beau Rivage’s colorful array of flowers and evergreens creates an unforgettable arrival experience. Guests are greeted by 29 majestic live oaks flanking the front drive,creating a grace ful canopy reminiscent of the entrance to a stately Southern mansion, and as visitors enter the lobby, they are greeted by an indoor arboretum featuring a glass ceiling with specialty lighting designed to highlight the grandeur of the atrium’s beautiful elements.

New York-New York

I nAugust,NewYork-NewYork Casino in LasVegas launched a $63 million room remodel project of its 1,830 rooms and 155 of its suites.When completed in the summer of 2023, the accommo dations will feature vibrant new designs and upgraded in-room ameni ties that will appeal to travelers from around the world. Crafted by hospitality design firm HVS Design in partnership with MGM Resorts International Design Group, the design aesthetic draws inspiration from the energy and excitement of two of the world’s great cities—LasVegas and NewYork City.The remodel features design details that harken to NewYork City, such as rooms with exposed faux brick walls and accent colors such as Big Apple Red and TaxicabYellow. Reflecting a thought ful use of space, rooms will incorporate modern conveniences such as moveable work surfaces,readily available USB/USB-C power outlets and additional shelving and closet space.Completion of all guest rooms and Spa,Marquis and Players suites is scheduled for summer 2023,with the first collection of standard and premier rooms available for guest stays in late October. Across the street, MGM Grand aunched a room remodel in late September of its Studio Tower reflecting a retro desert feel with mid-cen tury modern design and décor aesthetic. When completed this winter, the 700 new rooms will offer travelers a relaxing breathing space just steps away from the energy and excitement of the casino floor. The new guest rooms are an inspiration from the mid-century design style of Palm Springs, incorporating a desert palette of fresh pinks and chartreuse greens with clean lines and soft shapes.Within the new Studio Tower rooms (formerly known as West Wing), guests will find rounded window seats, enlarged headboards, globe sconces and care fully chosen artwork that accentuates the sculptural furnishings. Each guest bathroom will feature stylish, space-saving barn doors, illuminated vanity, marble shower floors and all new chrome fixtures. All rooms will also incorporate modern conveniences such as a built-in recessed mini-bar, 55-inch flat-screen TV, open closet, readily available USB power outlets and additional shelving. Completion of all guest rooms is scheduled for December. MGM Grand

New York-New York

Refreshed guest rooms at Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS, feature world-renowned elegance and the region’s distinct coastal flair.

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Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa Announces Casino-Wide Transformation

R ed Rock Casino Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in the Summer lin neighborhood of Las Vegas, announced major plans to elevate its dining scene, entertainment of ferings and gaming experiences with all-new additions to the resort. New concepts,currently underway, include the famed Thai restaurant Lotus of Siam, an all-new Greek restaurant Naxos Taverna, and an Oyster

Bar, all in partnership with Bua Food Group, as well as a stun ning cocktail lounge and adult-only pool, alongside a reimag ined High Limit Slots room and a lively casino bar. Located on the north side of the resort, the new restaurants will be at the center of the action. Lotus of Siam, Naxos Taverna, Kallisto Oyster Bar and an all-new casino bar converge to create a dynamic addition to Red Rock’s restaurant row and further complement the resort’s culinary collection.

Artist renderings of Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa expansion.

B efore Hamilton … Before In the Heights … there was Freestyle Love Supreme. From producer Lin-Manuel Miranda and fresh from Broadway, Freestyle Love Supreme brings hip-hop improv toThe Summit Showroom insideTheVene tian Resort Las Vegas on Nov. 10. Recipient of a 2020 Special TonyAward, Freestyle Love Supreme is a non-stop blend of hip-hop, improvisational comedy, music and vocal stylings. “ Freestyle Love Supreme is an exciting addition to our entertainment lineup and furthers our commit ment to providing new and unmatched offerings for our guests,”said Patrick Nichols, president and chief executive officer of theVenetian Resort Las Vegas. “The show is completely driven by audience interac tion, which provides an unexpected element and a new experience every night.” The cast of talented performers will provide non-stop action throughout the 90-minute show, spin ning suggestions from the audience into humorous bits, instantaneous songs and riffs, and fully realized musical numbers.No two shows are ever the same. “Some of my most fulfilling creative moments have come from working on Freestyle Love Supreme and I’m excited to see its next chapter unfold on the Las Vegas Strip at TheVenetian Resort,”said Lin Manuel Miranda. ”This show consistently surprises the performers and the audience and I’m certain the Las Vegas crowd will bring an added element of excitement that we haven’t seen before.” LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA BRINGS ‘FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME’ TO THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS

R eigningACM Entertainer of theYear and current CMA triple-nominee Miranda Lambert celebrated the launch of Miranda Lambert:Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency on Sept. 23 at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.The headlining residency featured high-energy entertainment and poignant, stripped-back moments spanning the three-time GRAMMY winner’s iconic career from her 2005 debut, Kerosene , to this year’s critically acclaimed Palomino . “We’ve been dreaming up this show for so long to make it something special for the fans and to celebrate all the music we’ve enjoyed together over the years,”reflects Lambert.“It felt amazing to finally take everything we’ve rehearsed and share it with that room full of people. I can’t wait to do it again next weekend and to make Vegas our own supersized honky tonk for months to come!” Clad in a bright blue embroidered ensemble inspired by one of Elvis’s Vegas jumpsuits and topped with a glitzy cowboy hat, Lambert rose slowly on an upstage lift to officially kick off the eight-month residency with sassy opener “Actin’ Up,” settling in on her new home stage with the playful lyrical motto:“Got my own kind of country, kind of funky, t-t-turn it up!”From there, as she moved into an exhilarating rendition of“Fastest Girl inTown,”the pyrotechnics exploded with the energy of what was to come as the at-capacity crowd basked in the excitement of opening night. Backed by her longtime band featuring guitarists Ethan Ballinger and Jerry Massey, steel guitarist Spencer Cullum, keys player Daniel Mitchell, bassist Jonathan Murray, backing vocalist Gwen Sebastian and drummer Max Zemanovic, Lambert treated fans to more than 20 songs throughout her wide-ranging 90-minute set. “We made it! We’re so damn glad to be playing for people tonight; we’ve been rehearsing for a really long, long time,”Lambert shared midway through her set. Tickets for shows through April 9, 2023, are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com/ mirandavegas. MIRANDA LAMBERT CELEBRATES SOLD-OUT OPENING OF HEADLINING LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY

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The Caesars Sports book & Casino Truck Tour is traveling across the United States while making stops at the biggest sporting events to provide a unique fan experience that is, well, “fit for a Caesar.”

Caesars Sportsbook & Casino Hits the Road

A s the sports calendar heats up,Caesars Entertainment,Inc.hits the road with the launch of the Caesars Sportsbook & Casino Truck Tour—an expansive fan engagement campaign featur ing a fully branded 18-wheeler traveling across the United States.The cutting-edge truck will stop at the biggest sporting events and select Caesars destinations to provide unique fan experiences fit for a Caesar. The Caesars Sportsbook & CasinoTruck made its debut on Sept. 19 in Orchard Park,NY, for the Monday Night Football home opener of Buffalo against Tennessee. “Providing customers with memorable experiences and treating them like royalty remains a key emphasis for us,”said Eric Hession,pres ident of Caesars Digital.“The Caesars Sportsbook & CasinoTruckTour is an exciting chapter in our story as we shift our marketing focus to a more localized and targeted approach in our second year.We can’t wait to engage fans on the road,and we’d like to thank our great partners for making this possible.” The Caesars Sportsbook & CasinoTruck features an innovative design with more than 1,000 square feet of activation space, allowing Caesars to personalize the moments and experiences delivered at each stop.Two mainstays on the truck are a state-of-the-art production studio for filming creative content and a fully equipped podcast studio for content creation with Caesars Sportsbook partners Omaha Pro

ductions, ESPN and CBS Sports.Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions will play a key role during the tour through both live event production and digital content creation. At each stop, the Caesars Sportsbook & CasinoTruck will become a must-see attraction and hub delivering unique offers across casino and sports betting for new customers,VIP experiences for members of the industry-leading loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, and a fully im mersive environment worthy of a Caesar. Ambassadors from the Caesars Empire will appear along the tour including Trey Wingo and Kenny Mayne, along with featured guests from Omaha Productions and other celebrities. Fans can expect to engage with well-known former star athletes, participate in tailgate style activities,watch major sporting events being shown at the truck, and enjoy access to local food and beverage opportunities unique to each host market. Following its launch in Buffalo, the Caesars Sportsbook & Casino Truck hit the road to additional states with legalized sports betting,making stops at multiple Caesars resorts and marquee sport ing events.The initial tour will culminate with a stop at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale,AZ. Visit www.caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/trucktour for more information and a list of tour stops.

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STRIP SEARCH

■ by Steve Kieva

Bar None Ryan Doherty Raises the “Bar” of Downtown Las Vegas Nightlife

I f you’ve visited the downtown area of Las Vegas, you might have noticed quite a few changes over the last few years.What was once a dilapidated and run-down area that few tourists and even locals dared to venture into has now become a mecca for drinking, dancing and dining with modern décor and attractive ambiances. Most of this change is most noticeable in the Fremont East District.It’s here that you’ll find a memorable night of drinking and entertainment at several locations.That thanks is mostly due to Ryan Doherty and his company, Corner Bar Management. Doherty,founder of Corner Bar Management,brings compelling art, edgy entertainment, progressive design, imaginative cocktails and inno vative cuisine to each of his LasVegas destinations.Doherty started with a neighborhood bar in downtown LasVegas and has since turned it into a neighborhood with a collection of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Doherty’s concepts prioritize communal experiences that are less

In the spring of 2013, Doherty unveiled Park on Fremont, a lush, whimsical patio garden and bar amid the concrete and neon of Down town LasVegas.At 5,000 square feet, Park on Fremont is an intimate bar filled with objects d’art and framed on two sides by two garden patios, florals and greenery, and an upgraded sound system and a DJ booth has been added to the back patio. In the summer of 2020, Doherty introduced four new concepts including two new nightlife destinations on the same block as Park on Fremont and Commonwealth: Lucky Day, an intimate 3,000-square-foot tequila and mezcal bar;and DISCOPUSSY,a 6,500-square-foot after-hours dance haven that caters to audiophiles craving mainline house and techno. In late summer, Doherty opened two concepts at AREA15, the world’s first purpose-built art and experiential entertainment complex. In September, Corner Bar unveiled Oddwood, a 2,500-square-foot

about taking snapshots and more about social engagement.He has focused on lower-populated areas of Las Vegas to breathe life into dilapidated buildings and upgrade neighborhoods along the way. His proj ects have personalized previously untouched areas of the city with bars and restaurants that feel on-trend and simultaneously timeless. His footprint in Down town Las Vegas includes multiple properties that are connected by the appeal of art, not displayed on the walls, floors and ceilings, but the art that has become each individual business. “The best thing about having all these venues on the same street is that it makes downtown feel more personal to me, more intimate,” he says.“Years ago, I stopped inviting people to a specific venue, and now I invite them to a neighborhood … Our goal is to create places for our community to gather, to support the arts and to spark conversation.We’re going to con tinue to create new venues that do just that.” Corner Bar’s portfolio now includes several Las Vegas destinations including Commonwealth, The

enchanting cocktail bar set under the awning of a 25 foot-tall digital maple tree.He recently sold Oddwood to AREA15. In October, Doherty opened Museum Fiasco, a 5,000-square-foot progressive museum designed to cultivate an immersive sound and light experience. The museum’s first exhibit, “Cluster,” created by Playmodes Studio, pushes boundaries in light, technology and creativity in a large-scale audio visual experience, presenting a dynamic, interactive show that engages the senses.The virtuosic play tells a story through a collection of lights that strobe in harmony with the extraordinary soundscape.The 360 degree experience explores the chaotic feeling of being inside the kernel of a glitchy computer proces sor and is the first brick and mortar gallery in the United States for Playmodes Studio. In the summer of 2021, Doherty debuted Peyote as part of the eclectic Fergusons Down town Motel.His first concept serving elevated cuisine and Las Vegas’ first live fire restaurant, Peyote was developed in partnership with Jolene Mannina of

“Years ago, I stopped inviting people to a specific venue, and now I invite them to a neighborhood … Our goal is to create places for our community to gather, to support the arts and to spark conversation. We’re going to continue to create new venues that do just that.”

Laundry Room, Park on Fremont, Lucky Day, DISCOPUSSY, Museum Fiasco, Peyote, Cheapshot and We All Scream. Doherty elevated the nightlife standard in Downtown Las Vegas with the opening of his first bar,Commonwealth, in 2012,and has since shaped much of what is now Downtown Las Vegas’ vibrant Fremont East Entertainment District.A 6,000-square-foot neighborhood bar with rooftop views inspired by Doherty’s Boston roots,Commonwealth is home toThe Laundry Room, an internationally acclaimed cocktail haven.Doherty crafted every detail of the bar,from curating the art to shaping a lineup of DJs and live music.

Vegas Test Kitchen. In spring of 2022, Corner Bar unveiled two more concepts, bring ing the total to six destinations on the same block of Fremont East:We All Scream, a collision of candy-colored clubland that blends music, art and ice cream;and Cheapshot,an intimate 99-seat theater with eccentric entertainment curated byAmy“Miss Behave”Saunders. An avid believer that art amplifies culture, enhances the quality of life, and builds a sense of community, Doherty’s unmatched eye for design and art can be seen in each of his endeavors. He has been

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