Strictly Slots August 2022

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IN SIDE VOLUME 19 l NO. 6 l AUGUST 2022

StrictlySlots

34 ROAD WARRIORS

The best stops for end of summer casino hopping

38 WITH EXPERT PLAY

Every game has its own turning points on hands with royal potential by John Grochowski

features

columns & departments

12 UP FRONT

30 SLOT SPOTLIGHT

The latest news and events from casinos across the country

Golden Fire Link, Lightning Dollar Link, Majestic Moon Triple Sparkle, and Money Line by Frank Legato

22 SPINNING REELS

Slot Machine Popularity: Recent numbers show no signs of slowdown when it comes to our favorite slots by Sean Chaffin

40 SLOT PAYOUT PERCENTAGES

45 LUCKY WINNERS

24 SCOBE’S SLANT

46 PERFECTLY FRANK Blogging and Spinning: Slot blogs may steer you wrong by Frank Legato

Meet Wrong Way Andre: The house doesn’t always win by Frank Scoblete

26 PLAYER’S EDGE What If I…

4 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE Disruptive Players:

Video Poker and the RNG by John Grochowski

Identifying the most irritating, obnoxious and annoying players in the casino by Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic

6 READERS TALK BACK

28 VIDEO POKER INSIDER Is It The Same?

8 THE BEST OF SLOTS AWARDS BALLOT Make Your Voice Heard:

Video poker questions for players new to online gambling by John Grochowski

Cast your votes in the 2022 Best of Slots Awards

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

DISRUPTIVE PLAYERS Identifying the most irritating, obnoxious and annoying players in the casino… continued

M y Publisher’s Message in the June issue seemed to have really struck a chord with many slot players in the country. In this column, I listed a number of my pet peeves while visiting a casino and at the end of the column, I asked readers to share their views and frustrations on what grinds their nerves while playing their favorite slots.The letters poured in. In fact, you’ll read a handful of them in our Letters department in this issue. Last week I went to the casino after work to blow off a little steam. It had been a particularly grueling week in the office as all hands were on deck tabulating the results of our sister publication, Casino Player ’s , annual Best of Gaming awards coming soon in September.So,after a cou ple weeks of long hours of computing,counting and fact checking, it was time to have a little solitude and get lost in the slot zone. I’m usually a very sociable person but this week, I wanted to relax and enjoy some solitude, so I sat down at a video poker machine.Unfor tunately, whenever I want some“alone time”the most,this is when I seem to run into the most disruptive players with some really bad manners. Maybe you’ve encountered a few of these players as well, and if I’ve left any off the list this time, please write me and let me know. The Novice. The novice player will often park himself at a video poker machine right next to you.They haven’t got a clue as to which game they are playing, let alone which cards to hold. Instead of learning the game first,or bringing a strategy card with them,they find it much easier to lean over and ask you how to play a hand. The Drunkard. The drunkard is the person sitting next to you at the bar who is playing one quarter at a time just to receive free drink after drink after drink. I mean, I like to have a cocktail too while I play,but I’m there to get the most of my potential winnings. I’ve studied the games, I look for good pay tables and play with near-perfect strategy.I don’t need some mindless conversation and I certainly don’t need foolhardy advice on what hands to hold and which to discard. Phone Chatterer. These days, it seems as if many people are addicted to their cell phones.At times, I’m guilty of this myself but when I’m out for the night,I want to get lost in the moment and not worry about who’s posting what to Facebook or Instagram. And when you’re at the tables in a casino, it is against the rules to talk on your cell phone while you are playing.This stems from the possibility of someone using an“electronic device” to cheat. However, this rule does not apply to slot players, and many of them think nothing of carrying on a loud phone conversation while they’re playing the machines.I’ve heard some pretty explicit conversations in casi nos while sitting next to people who were yammering into their phones.

Machine Bangers. The machine banger is the player who pounds or slaps the spin button each and every spin in hopes it will sway the out come. This is probably the number one complaint we’ve received from readers and for good reason. It’s almost as if they think the spin button is pressure-sensitive, and the harder (and louder) they slap, the more cred its the machine will pay out.It won’t and you can only hope that a bruised hand will soon force this player to get up and leave. The Lounger. The lounger is the player who uses the shelf in between the machines as a foot rest.The player will lean back in his seat and prop his dirty shoe up on the ledge.Any drink glasses or ash trays that may have been on the edge are likely to topple over,which of course will be ignored.Unfortunately, I have seen this more times than I care to admit. Smoking in Non-smoking Areas. Most casinos have non-smoking areas, yet you will see people light up without regard to the No Smoking signs. I respect the fact that smoking is a personal choice, but I don’t want to have to breathe the fumes, so when I set out to play, I head to the non smoking section. Unfortunately, some smokers don’t extend the same courtesy in return and light up wherever they see fit. Treating Service Providers as Inferiors. This is probably the most infuriating bad manner anyone could have.The job of a casino employee is to make your time in their establishment as pleasant as possible,and to make sure your needs are fulfilled in a professional manner.These people are doing a job to provide a living for themselves and their families.They have feelings just like anyone else and deserve the same respect as any body else. Sometimes when people lose, they blame the dealer or the slot attendant and verbally abuse them. Please stop! I can’t help but wonder how these people would feel if somebody came into their workplace and hurled insults at them. The same goes for the bartender and cocktail server. Everyone, including the casinos, is short staffed right now—show a little respect and some patience if it’s taking a little longer to get a drink.And remem ber to tip, even with slow service, $2 per drink or 20% of your total bar tab. In the end, you might get better service as bartenders and servers will often take care of good tippers by making their rounds more quickly. Cheers to good health, good luck and winning days!

Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic Publisher lrobertson@casinocenter.com

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READERS TALK BACK

The Magazine for Slot & Video Poker Players VOLUME 19 • NUMBER 6

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 Rober tson-Dziedzic

Pet Peeves Pour In The publisher’s message,“WhatWereTheyThink ing?,” in the June issue must have struck a nerve to many Strictly Slots readers as we received an overwhelming response from people agreeing to the annoyances we listed while visiting the casinos, as well as listing ones that should have been included to our pet peeve list. Following are just a few of the letters we received and frankly,we couldn’t agree with their views more and are certainly worthy of making the list. “Casino Pet Peeves”hit the ball out of the park. My wife and I are two to three times per week (stressful jobs!) gaming participants at Live! Casino Pittsburgh,PA,and continually are chagrined with some of our fellow slot players. We both want to add a few additional nuisances and irritations to your list. We have begun to include ear plugs in our pockets because the player that sits next to us invariably turns up the volume on the machine to the max level.When any kind of hit occurs for them, they become what we call “ringers.”The music begins to play and they let it play and play and play.They must like it, the casino obviously likes other players to hear it,but we can do with out the full length loud musical symphony of a five-dollar hit. Also on our list are what we call the“herds.” Folks who stand and talk in the middle of the aisles and make it difficult navigating to another bank of machines.There are a few other annoy ances we dislike, but other than the pet peeves on your list, our personal top list would include volume freaks and the herd mentality of block ing the aisles. —Jeff Via the Internet My biggest pet peeve are people that bang and tap on buttons of slot machines. I go down to Atlantic City once a month to relax and not get a headache from the Woody Woodpeckers tapping on their machine. Some sound like they are typing on a keyboard. Also, the ones that slam the glass on the machine. Many have broken them. If they get that angry, they don’t belong in a casino. It is called gambling,not win ning. If you win it is icing on the cake. —Janice K. Via the Internet

and my pet peeve is“slappers.”

It’s bad enough when people spill their drinks and make the buttons sticky but when one encounters slappers it only adds to machine problems. Now, of course, a slapper is a person who seems to have a problem pressing the buttons on the machine and finds it necessary to pound them instead. The machines will work just as well if one presses the button and it is certainly less annoy ing to the players who are within earshot of the incessant pounding. So, please stop! —Gary B. Sarasota, FL You asked if there is anything in the casino that grinds my nerves. I have a few. First, why should I struggle with certain casinos’ player’s cards to get the light to turn green? I should be able to put it in the first time and it goes green! Next, I can’t really hear the music in some casinos.Yes, sometimes a good song puts me in a better mood and the winning comes. But why do some casinos leave the volume at that level where it is just barely audible?Along with that, the majority of us with spendable money are over 50. Play our music, not this new stuff. I got news for you, today’s 20 somethings are not spending their money in a casino. Lastly, I noticed that after the casinos opened after the pandemic some casinos went non-smoking. I get it, it is healthier for us. But why not create a smoking section with good ventilation, just like they had non-smoking sections before. I know of two casinos within 15 miles of each other, one smoking and the other non-smoking. I have spoken to people who agreed with me that the non-smoking casino no longer gets their business because of this. I am from the Midwest and to have to go outside in the middle of winter to have a smoke is not pleasant! Thanks for your time. —Paul B. Via the Internet Great article,“What Are You Thinking,” but you have to list THE SLAPPER!!! Yep, that guy who has to push the spin button like he’s killing a fly constantly slapping the slot like there’s no tomorrow!!! —Lucky Liz Long Neck,DE

S E N I O R E D I T O R S Sean Chaffin Karrie L. Zukowski

C O P Y E D I T O R Lon Rozelle

P R O D U C T I O N D I R E C T O R Diane Stevens-Gillan

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

Frank Scoblete Tim Wassberg Sharon Harris-Zlotnick

John Grochowski Steve Kieva Frank Legato Jerry “Stickman” Stich

N AT I O N A L S A L E S D I R E C T O R Karrie L. Zukowski

C I R C U L AT I O N MA R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R Maureen Rober tson

C I R C U L AT I O N D I R E C T O R Jessica Taylor

I T D I R E C T O R Rober t Walden S U B S C R I P T I O N & R E N E W A L C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E 1-800-969-0711 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 South Rancho Drive, Suite 110 Las Vegas, Nevada 89102-2259 (702) 736-8886 • Fax (702) 736-8889 Strictly Slots (ISSN 1527-5027). Strictly Slots is published 12 times a year by Casino Player Publishing, LLC POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Strictly Slots, 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 7 Galloway, NJ 08205-4123 Periodicals Postage rate paid at Galloway, NJ and at additional mailing offices. © 2022 Casino Player Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No por tion of this publication can be reproduced without expressed written permission of the Publisher. Strictly Slots magazine is a publication of Casino Player, LLC, owned by Casino Player Media (CPM). Not responsible for typographical errors. READER’S ADVISORY: Readers are recommended to make appro priate inquiries and take appropriate advice before sending monies, incurring expense, entering into any binding commitment, or wa gering any sum in relation to an adver tisement, ar ticle, column or other feature published in Strictly Slots. Strictly Slots shall not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting, offering to accept, or following an invi tation, advice, or other recommendation contained in any adver tisement, ar ticle, column, or feature published in Strictly Slots . 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. 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 7, Galloway, NJ 08205-4123 Basic Subscriptions: 12 issues $24; 24 issues $37; 36 issues $53.

I enjoyed your article in the June issue,“WhatAre You Thinking?” I also play a lot of video poker

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The new feature makes for some inter esting features but not receiving thoseW-2Gs makes it easier on the pocketbook! Your thoughts…… —Ange B. Somerset,NJ An increase in the tax reporting requirement to $5,000 would mean jackpots of up to that amount COULD be credited directly to your machine. It doesn’t necessarily mean they WOULD. It would be easy enough to adjust soft ware to put larger jackpots on your credit meter. However, changes in the way jackpots are paid would have to be approved by state gaming boards. There likely would be a pe riod of different regulations in different states. In addition to tax reporting require ments, there’s an anti-money laundering as pect to how much money is allowed on a credit meter. That’s where your question about automatic ticket printouts comes in. Many casinos set $3,000 as a minimum to report large transactions in order not to run afoul of money laundering operations. So any win on a slot or video poker machine that would push the meter over $3,000 is printed as a ticket instead. If that remains in effect, then you’d often see jackpots printed out or paid by hand instead of going on the meters. Certainly, a decrease in hand-pays would decrease tipping situations for slot per sonnel.You also are likely correct that putting large amounts of money on the meters would increase impulse wagering with money that otherwise wouldn’t be put to risk. As always, it must be said that even though a jackpot doesn’t trigger a tax form before the player can get paid, the IRS still considers the money taxable income.Report ing is up to you.

I enjoy your magazine very much and look forward to each issue. Your article on pet peeves really hit home,and I would like to add a couple of my own. I frequent the casinos in Connecticut and lately I’ve noticed that more and more people constantly pound on the slot machines;not just touching the screen,but ac tually pounding on them like they are fighting them! Recently a woman next to me was pounding on the Firelink machine so hard I thought she was going to break it! Every time she hit a bonus she beat it up like it was her worst enemy. It’s very annoying and drives me crazy. That same visit something different hap pened that I’d never seen before.There was a bank of four Attack of the Planet Moolah machines and people tend to play them for long periods of time because of the frequency of the bonuses.All four machines were full and as we were playing we noticed a couple be hind us watching and waiting.After about an hour they left and came back with an atten dant and had the nerve to complain that we had been on the machines too long! Of course the attendant escorted them away—I never knew anyone thought there was a time limit on how long you can play a slot machine! Thank you for your excellent and in formative magazine! —Bonnie Via the Internet TAXABLE SLOT JACKPOTS I love the information provided by Strictly Slots and Casino Player magazines. I have several issues regarding Congress possibly raising the taxable threshold to $5,000. My wife and I play the $2.00 Double Dou ble Poker machines,which means our current hand-paid jackpots for 4Aces (with or without a kicker), 4 deuces, and threes or fours with a kicker will not mandate a W-2G. Does that mean that the $1,600 or $4,000 jackpots will be credited directly into my machine? If so, the “floor workers” who normally would receive tips for hand pays would lose that benefit. Also, some machines currently only allow a maximum amount of credits be fore they eject a ticket.Another interesting fea ture of having a large amount of money in the machine as opposed to the hand pay being in your pocket,would now require a lot of disci pline not to keep playing with your winnings!

In The Spotlight World Series of Poker Recap Princess Diana: A Tribute Exhibition to debut in Las Vegas Aerosmith Are Back with Las Vegas Residency Aerosmith: Deuces Are Wild Billy Idol to return to The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan

Expert Advice Blackjack Shockers: Long shots happen more than you think The truth about winning back-to-back jackpots

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www.casinocenter.com ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ AUGUST 2022 7

There’s no question the past couple of years have been difficult for casinos and gamblers alike. Thankfully, things are looking up—casinos have re-opened without restrictions and are bringing back all the amenities and attractions we love so much about a night out at our favorite casinos. And with travel on the rise, now is the time to resume our passions of visiting our favorite casino haunts. With that, we’re excited to announce that our annual “Best of Slots” awards are just around the corner and once again it’s time for you, dear readers, to cast your picks for your favorites when it comes to everything slots. As with all of our previous ballot issues, it’s YOUR chance to make your voice heard and declare the best slot and video poker machines, the top slot clubs, and of course the casinos that house them. Please fill in your choices in the survey provided or save a stamp and vote online at our website, www.casinocenter.com/bos. Remember: For your votes to count we MUST have them in hand no later than September 15, 2022. So get voting now! Results will be published in the Nov. 2022 issue of Strictly Slots magazine. While you’re not obligated to answer every question (but we’d sure love it if you did!) it’s important that you enter your selections thoughtfully! Please remember to indicate the city or region where appropriate and bear in mind that casino companies often have multiple properties with the same name, so please be specific. You’ll notice that we divided the slot categories into Reel Slots—games with actual spinning reels like Double Diamond and 10X Pay; and Video Slots—games that run on computer video monitors like Monopoly and Dancing Drums. Bonus rounds can be anything from free spins and multipliers to second-screen games on both reel spinners and video machines. As always, there is a strict limit of one entry per person. And don’t forget to include your email address, so we can send you three free issues of Casino Player —filled with videos, gaming information, special offers, news and strategies you won’t find anywhere else. (Don’t worry, we never share our email lists with anyone!) Thanks again from everyone at Strictly Slots magazine—we look forward to seeing your picks. Now, on with the voting! Sincerely,

Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic Publisher Strictly Slots Magazine

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UP FRONT

I nternational Game Technology launched the highly anticipated DiamondRS me chanical reel cabinet on July 13, giving players the next-generation gaming expe rience on a traditional cabinet style. Guests of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, CA, were among the first players in the world to enjoy exciting new versions of popular IGT slot games on the DiamondRS cabinet. “Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is honored to be one of the first casinos worldwide to offer IGT’s DiamondRS cabinet,”said Kenji Hall,Yaamava’Resort & Casino chief operating officer. ”Our focus on providing the latest and most innovative product has been a pillar of our success. IGT continues to be a leader in this field, and this part nership allows us to provide a best-in-class experience for our valued customers.” Combining player-preferred design with first-rate innovation, the DiamondRS cab inet retains some of the design elements and iconic mechanical reel IGT REVOLUTIONIZES MECHANICAL REEL SLOT CATEGORY WITH NEW CABINET

Handicapping Contests Continue to Grow in Popularity S portsbooks are getting creative when it comes to offering bettors some extra bang for their bucks, such as season-long football handicapping con tests. These competitions allow players to pick a certain number of games each week and compete in the standings with other bettors. It’s a fun way to watch the season play out with a shot at some truly huge payouts for the winners. TheWestgate Superbook in Las Vegas was the first to launch, with the SuperContest debuting in 1988 and pay ing out more than $107 million during that time.TheWestgate features one of the largest sportsbooks in the world and Super Contest continues to grow in pop ularity each year. Beyond the main $1,000 season-long contest, there are also smaller contests as part of that ini tial buy-in throughout the season.The entire contest schedule guarantees a winner’s payout of at least $1.1 million. Circa Sports offers handicappers some fun action as well via the Circa Million IV and Circa Survivor.The contest paid out $11 million last season and sports book officials are promising a guarantee of $12 million for 2022–2023.The $1,000 Circa Million IV guarantees $6 million in prizes with $1 million for first place. Circa Survivor also returns with a $6 million payout for the last entry standing.An undefeated selector can also earn a $1 million bonus prize. Both Circa andWestgate take no rake for the handicapping contests. Reg istration is now open for both contests.

components that helped drive the success of IGT’s iconic S2000 slot machine, a pillar on casino floors for decades, and the subsequent S3000 cabinet.The DiamondRS cabinet features a familiar three-reel con figuration enhanced with state-of-the-art IGT Diamond Glass transmissive reel technology, which integrates a transparent video overlay over the mechanical reels,en abling the cabinet to host multiple payline configura tions and more engaging game content. The DiamondRS cabinet includes a bold 32-inch ultra-high-definition LCD top box display with a 23 inch high-definition main monitor with multi touch screen capabilities.To elevate the experience, the dynamic player panel incorporates an easy-to-read panel and ergonomic button deck design, complete with an inductive wireless phone charger and USB charging port. In addition, the intelligent cabinet lighting adds a vibrant focal point with energetic win celebrations. Staying true to the brand, the DiamondRS cab inet is supported by an extensive content library fea turing new renditions of IGT’s proven legacy themes. Highlights include Double Top Dollar, a modern reprise of one of the most popular slot games of all time.In addition,player-favorite themes have been combined to introduce exciting new ti tles such as Pinball Double Gold, Red Hot Tamales! Pinata Bash and more.

12 AUGUST 2022 ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ www.casinocenter.com

Artist rendering of Dream Las Vegas, a 531-room lifestyle hotel and casino that is being developed on the south end of the famed Las Vegas Strip.

DREAM LAS VEGAS BEGINS CONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING

T he newest LasVegas Strip resort is underway.Developed by Shopoff Realty Investments and Contour, in partnership with DreamHotel Group,Dream Las Vegas will be a driving force in the ongoing revitalization and rejuvenation of the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. Set to open in late 2024, Dream Las Vegas will fea ture 531 highly appointed guest rooms and suites,and seven original dining and nightlife options, including a third-level resort pool and day club, two bar and lounge concepts on the gaming floor,a lobby bar,craft coffee café and gelateria on the street level,as well as a sporting club, boutique nightclub, signature restaurant and 24-hour diner on the third floor.The lifestyle hotel will also offer 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 5,000-square-foot ballroom and 90-seat live entertainment theater, a 20,000-square-foot casino and gaming floor, a fitness center by TechnoGym and on-site parking.Casino and gaming operations will be led by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.The 20-story luxury hotel tower will feature a diverse mix of dramatic venues distributed vertically throughout the composition roof decks and terraces of the hotel design. The undulating contemporary design will feature a lustrous glass and metal façade, boasting stylistic details such as radiused corners,spacious double-height terraces,over sized windows and a unique aerodynamic character influenced by its context.Dream Las Vegas is located on Las Vegas Blvd. across the street from Mandalay Bay Resort and Bali Hai Golf Club.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the $550 million Dream Las Vegas took place on July 8. The new 531-room resort casino will anchor the revitalization of South Las Vegas Blvd. and is projected to open late 2024.

www.casinocenter.com ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ AUGUST 2022 13

Social media influencer, Brian Christopher, unveiled Pop’N Pays More, a slot machine featuring his likeness and created by Las Vegas-based manufacturer Gaming Arts, at the Plaza Casino in Downtown Las Vegas on July 7.

INFLUENCER ON THE REELS One of the first “slot influencers”gets his own slot machine

B rian Christopher started putting his own slot sessions on video in 2016.The Canadian slot enthusiast endured his share of abuse at the hands of casino officials as he continued to record his sessions as YouTube videos, but he per sisted. His videos began to gain steam,and eventually de fined a new type of internet star—the“slot influencer.” Today, there are dozens of these young stars on Facebook,YouTube and private websites. Christopher, though, has remained the king of these new celebri ties, live-streaming slot play on new games, hosting their own play with enthusiastic narration of wins, losses, bonuses and game features. Christopher, though, is arguably the king of this new genre of celebrities.HisYouTube channel BCSlots has some 479,000 subscribers and has logged a re markable 318 million views since its 2016 launch.

ing with Christopher to design a new game themed around him and his popular slot shtick. On July 7, Christopher himself launched the new game, Brian Christopher’s Pop’N Pays More, at the Brian Christo pher slot zone at the Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas. Even if you’ve never followed Christopher online, the game is a lot of fun. It fits right in with Gaming Arts’ Pop’N Pays series. Christopher says he was involved in designing the game from start to finish.“Pop’N Pays was already a hit among my fans,so when they asked me about part nering on a new version, I jumped on it,” he told Strictly Slots .“They had already worked out what they wanted for their other iterations of Pop’N Pays More—Piñatas Ole and Big Top—and although you will notice many differences between them and my game, all three games in the series are remarkable. “I offered up ways to add more features, and a

ton more interaction. I was able to offer input on the music, the word ing, symbols,sounds and performance.Nothing was off limits,so long as it kept to the Pop’N Pays brand.” The Brian Christopher slot, with 1,047 ways to win in the base game, has a feature that expands reels 2–5 up to eight symbols high.At full expansion,there are 16,384 ways to win on every spin.There is a free game feature offering up to 15 free games with frequent re-triggers.

Christopher himself,who has some 41,500 Instagram followers,has be come a star.Millions of fans have watched his videos—the average view time is a remarkable 18 minutes—and have become familiar with his fa vorite slots and any number of catch phrases he uses to get players ex cited about features of a given slot game. As you may have read last month in our cover feature of Strictly Slots, slot manufacturer GamingArts has latched on to this trend by join

14 AUGUST 2022 ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ www.casinocenter.com

Throughout game play,Brian Christopher’s avatar pops up as cash-on-reels symbols.And he essentially hosts his own game, using his most popular catch phrases.“Oh Nelly!” after a big win.“Line it UP!” in an ticipation of a winning spin.“Do it to it!”“It’s all about timing!”And one of the most clever and frequent:after a near-miss where a symbol lands just short of a com bination—“Rude!” “Aside from a few hidden Easter eggs that I’ll allowmy fans to find, the Brian character can be super generous,” Christopher said. “If you’re missing one bonus symbol, Brian can say his catch phrase ‘Rude!’ and provide the third bonus symbol! If you have a full row of popping Brians but are missing an important one, Brian can place another one. In the bonus, the popping Brians can put up two or even three fingers to signify two or three prizes instead of the usual one in regular spins.” In all, the game uses some of the most popular

modern game mechanics to showcase the slot-influencer

experience, which itself is a great way to learn about the experience offered by any given new slot before ponying up your own money to try it out. If other influ encers become as popular as Christo pher, it’s not a stretch to expect more of this kind of game in the future. —Frank Legato

SYCUAN CASINO RESORT OPENS NEWLY EXPANDED NON-SMOKING GAMING AREA S ycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon,CA,announced in early July that the prop erty has recently expanded its non-smoking gaming area. In this newly renovated space, 100 slot machines have been added to allow for a greater product mix and better variety of games for guests to play. Sycuan boasts one of the largest non-smoking gaming floors in Southern California.With this expansion,guests can now enjoy more than 460 casino games in a smoke-free environment. “We are excited to open this brand-new area to give our guests additional non-smoking gaming space,” said Rob Cinelli, general manager at Sycuan Casino Resort.“In this new space,we’ve added 100 slot machines as well as a full-service cocktail bar. Additionally,we have plans to open a new restaurant venue in the non-smoking space so our guests can enjoy even more amenities in a fully-enclosed smoke-free environment.” In addition, Sycuan’s newly expanded AAA Four Diamond–rated prop erty includes a 12-story hotel tower with over 300 guest rooms and 57 luxury suites. Guests can enjoy a wide range of onsite amenities including a variety of restaurants and bars from fast-casual to fine dining,meeting and event space, a full-service spa, fitness center and a state-of-the-art outdoor pool deck with two pools, a lazy river and swim-up bar. Sycuan also boasts an expansive casino f loor with more than 2,300 slot machines and 54 table games in a variety of gaming options.

Brian Christopher Pop‘N Pays More has a feature that expands

reels 2–5 up to eight symbols high. At full

expansion, there are 16,384 ways to win on every spin.

There is a free game feature offering up to 15 free games with frequent re-triggers.

www.casinocenter.com ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ AUGUST 2022 15

ESPEN JORSTAD CHALKS UP WORLD SERIES OF POKER MAIN EVENT TITLE

W inning any poker tournament isn’t easy.But taking down the World Series of Poker Main Event is another story entirely. The $10,000 buy-in event is the biggest tournament on the poker calendar each year and attracts thousands of players from around the world.Those who make a final table appearance face up to 12 hours a day at the tables across nine days of play.Players face mental and phys ical exhaustion, and any mistake could potentially send a player exiting the tournament. For 2022, the traditional Main Event and entire festival moved to the LasVegas Strip for the first time.The Main Event wrapped up in July with 8,663 players producing an $80.8 million prize pool, the second largest in the tournament’s history.Norway’s Espen Jorstad emerged as the champion for a cool $10 million. Those who haven’t checked out the event in person or on televi sion may not understand the scene as the final table plays out.Fans and supporters, often downing a few cocktails as the action progresses, gather around the PokerGO/CBS Sports set to take in the action at Bally’s.WSOP officials even display the winner’s cash right on the table when play reaches heads up.The pressure can be intense. Jorstad put all that in the back of his mind, however, taking the chip lead into the final table and then on to the final three—eventually going from chip leader to champion. “I think it’s going to mean more in a few days when it sinks in,”he told PokerGO after the victory.“Right now it just feels absurd. I was just so focused on this match. I came in today to just play poker. I tried not to think too much about what was at stake here.I was just trying to play the best poker.” Steady throughout, Jorstad avoided falling into any major traps or making many mistakes.He even remained stoic in a unique situation in which his opponent,Australia’s Adrian Attenborough, took almost 20 minutes to act on the first hand of heads-up play.He offered his strategy during such a long wait for his opponent:“I just took a break, did some meditation, chilled out.” I n celebration of its 25th anniversary, Silverton Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, NV, has announced it is undergoing a complete reimagining of its hotel offering, creating a new boutique hotel experience to anchor the resort. The remodeled hotel will feature 300 “rustic-luxe” guest rooms and suites including three distinct“design stories,”each with its own curated style, decor and spirit.The Cowboy Kitsch Collection features a quirky blend of rustic chic with modern accents;The Rustic Modern Collection features natural,aged and weathered furnishing with a sense of the outdoors; and the Livin’ Lodge Collection is inspired by the ele gant Rockies glam design and the legendary cattle baron homes found in theWest. “This is more than a room remodel,” said Silverton CEO Craig Cavileer.“This is an opportunity to creatively reinvent our entire hotel operation in LasVegas.While we are keeping aspects of our lodge theme that our guests have enjoyed over the years,our new rooms and suites will envelop our guests in a new spirit of rustic elegance, providing a unique Las Vegas hotel experience.”

Attenborough took home $6 million for runner-up after battling gamely at the final table. In fact, Jorstad admitted that he wasn’t looking forward to facing theAussie. “My opponent,Attenborough, was the one guy I didn’t want to meet heads up,” he said.“He’s the one who’s been giving me the most trouble for the whole tournament.But [today] I kept making good hands [at the final table], fortunately.The cards just fell in my favor today.” Beyond such a massive score, Jorstad also locked up the biggest trophy in poker—the Main Event bracelet.WSOP officials had the jew elry piece redesigned this year with 500 grams of 10-karat white and yellow gold as well as 55.5 karats of 2,767 precious stones, including rubies and black and white diamonds.The bracelet offers the winner some major bling and this was actually Jorstad’s second bracelet after winning his first ever earlier in the summer in the $1,000 Tag Team event.

SILVERTON CASINO TO CREATE A NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL EXPERIENCE

To prepare for the renovation, the hotel and adjacent Sway pool deck will be out of service beginning early August and scheduled to reopen in early 2023.The rest of the resort will remain open during the hotel and pool renovation.

16 AUGUST 2022 ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ www.casinocenter.com

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PLAZA HOTEL & CASINO UNVEILS FOUR PROJECTS TO TRANSFORM ITS ICONIC MAIN STREET FAÇADE AND DOME

T he Plaza Hotel & Casino recently unveiled details of four large scale projects that will transform and reimagine its historic Main Street façade, including its porte-cochère, into a one-of-a kind destination for cocktails,gaming,and dining.The four new projects include an animated Carousel Bar under the Plaza’s iconic dome,down town’s first smoke-free,social media friendly gaming area,a rooftop patio at Oscar’s steakhouse, and the addition of the popular, Vegas-based Pinkbox Doughnuts.The Carousel Bar’s design preserves the dome’s iconic vintageVegas lights that have been featured in many movies and shows over the years.The 2,500-square-foot outdoor venue will include an outdoor cooling system and seating for nearly 100 guests in booths, at the bar,and along its outer rail overlooking Main Street at the western entrance to the Fremont Street Experience.Adjacent to Carousel Bar

will be downtown’s first smoke-free and social media friendly gaming space with the industry’s latest and most advanced slot machines, in cluding the popular Brian Christopher Slots area that debuted last year at the Plaza.Oscar’s patio will be created on the rooftop deck above the new gaming space and be accessible via the restaurant’s existing lounge. The space will accommodate approximately 225 people and will offer the award-winning restaurant’s full dinner menu in addition to its ex tensive wine and cocktail lists. Pinkbox Doughnuts’ 1,200-square-foot store will feature a 16-foot-long glass doughnut display case and sell its full line of over 70 different flavors of doughnuts.The projects are ex pected to be complete by the end of the year.The Plaza and Oscar’s will remain open during construction.

Diana Ross Makes Triumphant Return to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

W ynn Las Vegas announced the return of iconic singer Diana Ross this fall. Ross will once again take over the EncoreTheater atWynn Las Vegas with a six-show engagement on Sept. 21, 23, 24, 28,& 30; and Oct. 1, 2022. Following dozens of sold-out performances at EncoreTheater, Ross will present her multiple decades of celebrated hits, and fans can expect the glamorous fashions and vibrant sets Ross is known for with each show. Ross’ legendary career in the entertainment industry spans more than 50 years and includes successes in music, film, television, theater and fashion.Among countless accolades, Ross is a multi timeAmerican MusicAwards winner, has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2012 received the GRAMMYAwards’ highest recognition: the LifetimeAchievement Award.

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Just steps from Niagara Falls, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino offers visitors a world-class experience with a state-of-the-art casino, luxurious guest rooms, rejuvenating spa, numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.

SENECA SENSATION SENECA GAMING CORPORATION CELEBRATES WINNING PAIR OF ANNIVERSARIES

F or generations of tourists,Niagara Falls has stood as a majestic, must-visit destination. For the Seneca Nation, it is where it started an ongoing journey that has made a generational dif ference in the lives of the Seneca people, as well as the surrounding re gion. Two decades later, the company is doubling up on anniversary celebrations in 2022. Twenty years ago, through the Seneca Nation’s vision and com mitment, Seneca Gaming Corporation—and all ofWestern NewYork— began a remarkable journey. On Aug. 18, 2002, Seneca Nation leaders signed a Compact agreement that cleared the way for casino gaming to come to Western NewYork. Just 100 days later, the Nation and Seneca Gaming Corporation had completed a stunning $100 million transfor mation of the former Niagara Falls Convention & Civic Center.On Dec. 31, 2002, Seneca Niagara Casino opened its doors to the world. Crowds of people lined up outside,eager to see Niagara Falls’ latest marvel. And they’ve kept coming ever since. “That opening day was a defining moment,” said Seneca Gaming Corporation President & CEO Kevin Nephew.“From that day forward, we have welcomed tens of millions of guests from around the world,

and brought some of the biggest names in entertainment to our region. As important, that transformational investment by the Seneca Nation paved the way for Seneca Gaming Corporation to create thousands of new jobs right here inWestern NewYork.” Seneca Niagara quickly established itself as the premier gaming and entertainment destination in the region.The excitement—and the prop erty—continued to grow.Three years to the day after Seneca Niagara opened, Seneca Nation and Seneca Gaming Corporation unveiled their next accomplishment, opening the first floors of the luxury hotel at Seneca Niagara.At the time, it was the tallest hotel tower in NewYork State outside of NewYork City.The expansion included additional gam ing, restaurants, a spa and salon,meeting and conference space and the Seneca Event Center. Additional projects have included a dramatic renovation of the orig inal gaming floor,hotel room renovations,the $40 million SenecaArrival Experience project, and the recently renovated Lounge 101, located in the hotel lobby. Today, the iconic 26-story hotel tower at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino dominates the Niagara Falls skyline and beckons visitors to enjoy

20 AUGUST 2022 ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ www.casinocenter.com