Strictly Slots July 2022

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IN SIDE VOLUME 19 l NO. 5 l JULY 2022

StrictlySlots

30 BIG DISPLAY, BIG PLANS

Gaming Arts highlights its new VertX Grand cabinet with a trio of strong new games by Frank Legato

34 PACIFIC SPLENDOR

features

Seven Feathers: A resort experience with gaming at its heart

36 THE BEST OF RACINOS AWARDS 2022 Our annual survey of the country’s

favorite racinos by Sean Chaffin

columns & departments

12 UP FRONT

The latest news and events from casinos across the country

18 SPINNING REELS Summer Slots:

Slow trains, TV shows and hot promotions by Sean Chaffin

20 SCOBE’S SLANT

Many Happy Returns: Can we determine what slot payout percentages are on

any given machine? by Frank Scoblete

24 SLOT SPOTLIGHT

Devil’s Lock, Grand Legacy, Lucky Coin Link and

22 PLAYER’S EDGE

The “Oops!” Factor: The best assumption is that you can make no assumptions by John Grochowski

4 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Ultra Rush Gold X by Frank Legato

Down The Stretch They Come: A look at the BEST racinos in the country by Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic

53 LUCKY WINNERS

54 SLOT PAYOUT PERCENTAGES

6 READERS TALK BACK

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

58 PERFECTLY FRANK Safe Restroom Breaks:

The cash-out button is there. Use it by Frank Legato

Cast your votes in the 2022 Best of Slots Awards

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME A look at the BEST racinos in the country

W elcome to the July issue of Strictly Slots. Summer is in full swing and we’re celebrating in more ways than one this month.This issue hosts the Best of RacinosAwards 2022, our annual survey of the country’s favorite raci nos voted by you, our valued readers. A unique segment of the gaming industry, racinos are properties that combine the power and excitement of racing with the thrill of casino gambling.In some cases,these racinos are monumental resort operations, able to stand toe-to-toe with just about any traditional casino. But often, racinos are smaller,with a more niche approach to gambling.While this usually means greater care and player appreciation, it can also result in these terrific properties being unfairly overshadowed by their casino competition. Whether you favor some horse racing action,table games,fun at the slots or a relaxing day at the spa, a trip to these top racinos offers a bit of everything.That not only includes simulcast wagering on the big events like the Kentucky Derby,Preakness and Belmont Stakes,but also with tra ditional live races such as The Haskell at Monmouth Park in New Jersey coming up on July 23, the RunhappyTravers Stake onAug.27 at Saratoga Raceway in upstate NewYork, or the Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 1 at Parx Casino Raceway.Any way you play it, racing adds a whole new dimension of excitement to the casino experience. In another celebration,my family has a long-standing tradition where every Father’s Day, the entire clan of us—a multigenerational affair of parents, children, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family friends—head out to Monmouth Racetrack in New Jersey for a day at the races. Ever since I was a kid, once a year my tribe would get together for a day of horse racing fun.My father—who loves a good gamble—relishes in this tradition not just because it’s on Father’s Day and he is rightfully honored,or because on this particular day all dads get in the park free,but because it’s the day where a dozen or more of us break away from tradi tional life to spend the afternoon cheering our luck or cursing the sprinter and its ineffectual jockey. Although I was a child when this annual custom began (and legally unable to bet myself at the time) I often made selections and ponied up my small allowance that I diligently saved for over the course of the year, which my father or uncle would bet for me.As a child, I knew nothing of the sport, let alone how to pick the winners. I relied on the non-tradi tional cues that make sense to children, like the color of the jockey’s shirt, my favorite number or the name of the horse. It seldom worked, and more often than not, the bulk of my allotment was no longer mine. But every once in a great while I would get lucky and my picks would place

and I would be in the money—well, only a few bucks or so, but what a thrill it was when it happened! I would proudly flaunt my winning ticket to my family like a badge of honor and would maintain bragging rights for some time. Circling my win or scratching off my picks, win or lose, in the racing program that was provided to us when we walked through the gates was also a big furor.After all, this was serious busi ness, or so I thought.The buzz of any small win still resonates today and makes for good conversation over holiday dinners. I mean, who doesn’t relish in the heart-pounding excitement of watching their horse cross the finish line? This family ritual continued for years, albeit each year saw fewer and fewer of us. I moved to Las Vegas in the nineties and started a fam ily of my own. I lived out west for a little more than 20 years and sadly missed many of these cherished outings in person, but each year I would call my father the night before and place my bets vicariously through him and then eagerly await a call later that evening to see if any of my horses came in. When I moved back to New Jersey five years ago, this was one tra dition I couldn’t wait to introduce to my young son.A day at the horse races is great family fun and a tradition I wanted him to experience.Kids can watch up close as the horses are paraded in front of the public in the walking ring prior to the race, they can watch the ponies as they leave the gate and cross the finish line,and finally they can watch the winning horses be awarded. As history repeats itself and even though I’mmuch older now, I still know very little about how to pick winners and often refer to my child hood ways of picking (favorite number, 12; favorite color, turquoise). I rarely walk away with more money in my pocket than when I started but I don’t mind.The outing has all the ingredients that make for a great day and memories that last a lifetime. And after a couple of summers when fans were either prohibited from attending live racing or saw attendance capped at many tracks due to COVID, the opportunity to get back to one of our true national pas times—enjoying the majesty of thoroughbred racing in person, among friends and family—is most welcome.And this year we did just that. 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 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 Rober tson-Dziedzic

Downtown vs. The Strip I love Las Vegas but not the Strip—too much walking.So,I prefer downtown and the smaller hotels and casinos. I am a longtime subscriber and enjoy your magazines. —Patricia N. SanAntonio,TX We agree—smaller properties often offer a friendlier atmosphere that the mega-resorts lack. And thank you, Patricia! It’s always nice to hear from a reader who appreciates our efforts! Video Poker or Slot? Could you please settle a question my friends and I have:Is Spin Poker a true video poker ma chine or is it a slot machine? Some of us believe that since it has a pay table, it follows the rules of video poker that the cards are “dealt” from a 52-card deck, even on the re-deal. Others believe that since the cards are spinning, it’s just a random slot that doesn’t follow the rules of the pay table.Who is right?Thank you! —Michael D. Chicago, IL Spin Poker is a video poker game. The cards are randomly dealt from an initial, virtual 52-card deck. The “spinning” cards are just for show. You should use the same playing strategy for Spin Poker as you would for a traditional video poker game. Leftover Machine Credits We have received many thought-provoking tips from your publications;sensible advice that has enhanced our time at the casinos.While in the casino, we often see random cash tickets of a few cents or more set upon machines or in the area around the machines that previous play ers have left behind, rather than bothering to cash out such small amounts. Is it legal to pick those tickets up and use in a machine you choose to play? What about finding credit balances or promotional credits left in a machine? —Dave Via the Internet Quick response—no. If the ticket is just hang ing around on top of a machine or lying on the floor, it is the same as if it were a chip on the floor. It belongs to the casino. It is

considered the casino’s money.

Credits left in a machine are a hazy issue. The casinos think those credits belong to them, and they do, but casinos have rarely (or never) arrested anyone for playing them. We do not want to give you advice to do some thing illegal so you have to go your own way in these matters. Progressive Randomness We are conservative players and know to avoid the casino-linked jumbo progressives.Our ques tion is regarding the progressives that are within a single slot machine: Do the payouts from the progressive feature cause the overall payback of the machine to be lower?Are those types of additional progressive payouts (that is the Mini,Maxi,Major,Mega) pre-determined? —Debbie D. Via the Internet Any progressive slot machine will tend to pay back a smaller percentage than non-progres sive machines.Yes, even machines that are just singletons or the ones only banked in a given casino will not be returning as much as a regular stand-alone non-progressive. If what you mean by pre-determined is are the hits set in stone, the answer is no— they are based on the probability of hitting. You might have a one in 10,000 chance of hitting the progressive jackpot on average but it is not once every 10,000 hits; sometimes it could be once in a thousand and sometimes once in 15,000. In that sense it is random. Spinning Free My question is about free-spin bonus rounds on penny slots. Some start the bonus round automatically,while others require you to touch the screen to start or push a lit button. My question is:Does it matter when you touch the screen or push the button, or is the bonus round outcome already pre-determined? —Gabe North Royalton,OH The results of the free spins in the bonus round are determined in the exact manner that results are determined in the primary game.When you touch the screen or push the button—or at the beginning of each spin in an automatic round—the computer freezes numbers generated by the random number

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.

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generator at that instant, and that determines your result. Multiple Hands I play video poker, deuces wild, 10 hands. If I’m playing 10 hands and the deck runs out midway and a new deck is started, who’s to say there couldn’t be five deuces dealt on one hand? Could you explain to me how the decks are dealt when you’re playing multiple hands? Evey —San Diego,CA The deck of cards doesn’t “run out” in video poker. After every hand, the 52-card virtual deck is reshuffled. In the case of playing a 10-hand video poker game, each hand is dealt from its own 52-card deck.When you hit the deal button, five randomly selected cards appear on the bottom hand from deck #1.The cards you hold on the bottom hand also appear in the same position in the other nine hands. When you hit the draw button, the computer will randomly deal you the replace ment cards in the bottom hand from deck #1, the replacement cards for hand #2 are randomly dealt from deck #2, and so forth for the remaining eight hands. Therefore, it’s impossible to get five deuces in one hand. Welcome Screens I play IGT Double Double Bonus Poker and the following situation has happened to me several times.After selecting my game from the home screen,I start playing my poker hands and select what cards to hold. Every once in a while, after pressing a hold button, the display goes back to the home screen. I tap the double double bonus icon and the screen displays my game. Problem is, it says “game over” and I’ve lost my hand and wager without ever making a play. Anybody ever have this happen to them? Or, am I doing some thing wrong? —Alan B. Massillon,OH John Grochowski responds: I’ve not encoun tered this, nor have I heard of it being a wide spread problem.But since it’s happened to you more than once, be ready to report any inci dent. As soon as the game returns to the wel come screen while you’re mid-play, call an attendant and let them know what’s happen ing. The time for the casino to check on a prob

them qualify for the reversible jackpot. The royal cards must be on screen in the order 10-J-Q-K-A or A-K-Q-J-10. If no strategy adjustments are made to account for card position on the initial deal, a game that yields a royal once per 40,000 hands would yield a reversible royal once per 2.4 million hands. Odds on royals and reversible royals vary with odds and strategy, but Michael Shack elford offers a guide at wizardofodds.com . He calculates that if adjustments were made, you’d see a reversible royal about once per 1.9 million hands. Bingo Program With Electronic Bingo, can the jackpot game be pre-programmed so that the jackpot will not be won until they choose for it to be won? —Shirley G. Via the Internet John Grochowski responds: Electronic bingo numbers are drawn randomly and the operator has no control over when the winning patterns will appear. That applies regardless of whether you're talking about traditional-style bingo on electronic cards, or Class II slot machines where the game is really electronic bingo but the screen displays a slot style interface. Regardless of the style of game, more than one person has to be playing.Bingo games are not banked by the house. Winners are paid from a pool of wagers made by all players on the system. On each machine, bingo numbers are delivered by a central server that is linked to all machines. But the house has no control over which numbers are drawn and delivered.

lem is while it’s happening.Whether your bet is refunded, or the operator finds some other way to satisfy you, and whether the casino then has the software checked will depend on individual casino policy, but they can’t make things right if they don’t know there’s a problem. Reversible Royals & More Was reading “Once in a Lifetime” article in the March issue, and I’ve had two things happen in a casino I’d like to share. It’s been a few years now,but the first one was when me and a friend went to the change machine and I put in a $100 bill. Expecting to get five $20s back, I was shocked when I looked down and saw the first bill on the stack was a $100. I knew something was up,so I didn’t look around or at the camera, just told my buddy “lets go now,” so we walked away into the casino. I pulled the bills out of my pocket and had five $100 bills instead of five $20s. The second time, I sat down on a $5 Red White and Blue 7’s machine. I wasn’t looking and I just put a $100 bill in the machine. It was two coins so I hit the spin button and didn’t hit, but I looked at the credit meter and there were 118 credits instead of 18 like there should have been. I’m guessing the previous player left the credits on the machine. I had no idea how long they were there. I played down to the 100 credits and cashed out. Right or wrong, I kept the money both times. On another subject,I have a question about the progressive reversible royals machines.I just returned fromVegas and I noticed quite a few of these games in mostly quarter denoms with monster payoffs for the R/R—I’m talking about 50 to 60 thousand dollars.So,my question is:Are the odds of 1) drawing a rev. royal or 2) being dealt one much greater than the normal 40 thou sand hands? I would imagine with the size of the payouts it has been a really long time before any one hit one. —KimT. Via the Internet When such windfalls occur, please keep in mind the casino can take steps to recover its money. In many states, steps include criminal prosecution.No lectures, just an alert. As far as Reversible Royals go, there are 120 ways to order a royal flush. Only two of

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www.casinocenter.com ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ JULY 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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REEL SLOTS Favorite Reel Slot Machine ________________________________________________________________________ Best of Slots Ballot Please write your answers clearly in the space provided below. Since many casinos have multiple locations, be sure to follow the casino with the name of its town, where applicable. All ballots must be received by September 15, 2022. Remove this page and mail ballot to: “Best of Slots” Strictly Slots, 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 7, Galloway, NJ 08205

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Limit one ballot per person. Faxes or copies of ballot will not be accepted. Name, address and email must be filled out for ballot to be counted. All ballots must be received by September 15, 2022.

Please mail this ballot to: “Best of Slots Awards 2022” 333 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Ste. 7, Galloway, NJ 08205-4123

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Sigma Derby, the iconic horse racing coin slot game at the D Las Vegas, is celebrating 10 years in downtown Las Vegas.

SIGMA DERBY HORSE RACING GAME CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AT THE D LAS VEGAS

S igma Derby, the iconic horse racing coin slot game at the D Las Vegas, is saddling up and celebrating 10 years in down town Las Vegas. It currently remains the only operational Sigma Derby game in the country. Sigma Derby was brought to the historic downtown district in 2012 when CEO and owner Derek Stevens transformed Fitzgerald’s Hotel & Casino into the D Las Vegas. Stevens felt enticed to bring the game to his new venture, as it was the first slot machine he had ever played in Las Vegas. “When we bought Fitzgerald’s, we wanted to give the second floor a vintage feel. I always had a special place in my heart for Sigma Derby and it was perfect for the vibe we were going for,”said Stevens. “The game has a true fan following and we’re proud to have put in the time, effort and mechanics needed to keep those horses trotting for 10 years.” The original Sigma Derby was created in 1985 by Japanese man ufacturer Sigma Game Inc.The beautifully crafted track game includes five mechanical horses where each player must bet on two horses—

one that will finish in first place and the other in second place. Each horse is marked one through five with randomly set different odds for each race.Costing 25 cents to enter,the winnings are distributed based on which horses land in first and second place. Legend says if a guest places their first bet on Sigma Derby,then it would bring them luck for the rest of their trip. As modern gambling machines came onto the scene,the number of Sigma Derby machines declined.Now,the last standing Sigma Derby game sits proudly at the D,where people come from all over the world to play. It also marks one of the last coin-operated casino games in Las Vegas. To commemorate the anniversary, the D has created limited-edi tion Sigma Derby T-shirt giveaways, which happen every Wednesday through August 31.A new T-shirt will be revealed for each giveaway and only will be available each promotional day and limited to one per person, while supplies last. Every hour, at a random time, Club One, the casino’s rewards program, will distribute 10 T-shirts to those ac tively playing on the Sigma Derby machine from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

The Dollar Storm $1m progressive jackpot can be found exclusively at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood (r.) and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa (above). Each property will have linked progressive jackpots starting at $1m.

A ristocrat Gaming and Seminole Gaming have leveled up once again with the launch of an all-new Dollar Storm featuring a progressive jackpot starting at $1 million.Building on the phe nomenal success of the Dragon Link high-denomination slot and the launch of the $1 million Dragon Link progressive jackpot, the $1 million Dollar Storm slot game rounds out the star-studded lineup of high-limit player options. The Dollar Storm $1 million progressive jackpot can be found ex clusively at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, FL. Each property will have linked progressive jackpots starting at $1 million. Just one year ago, the $1 million Dragon Link progressive became a quick player favorite and made headline news when the same winner hit the jackpot twice in less than three weeks. “First came the Dragon and now comes the Storm,” said Juan Mar Aristocrat Launches New $1M Dollar Storm Progressive Jackpot with Seminole Gaming in Florida

tinez, vice president of gaming operations for Seminole Gaming.“We are excited to offer the newest $1 million dollar progressive fromAristocrat. Since November 2021,we’ve had seven $1 million dollar winners on our Dragon Link machines across our Seminole Hard Rock properties in Hol lywood andTampa.We look forward to offering the $1 million progres sive awards to an even larger audience with the new $5 minimum bet option.” “We are ecstatic to debut the new $1 million progressive jackpot on Dollar Storm with Seminole Gaming,” said Jon Hanlin, senior vice presi dent of commercial strategy and business analytics.“The addition of this game to both of these casino floors is another example of howAristocrat continues to bring engaging high-limit content to slot players.” Aristocrat’s $1 Million Dollar Storm slot game featuring a $1 mil lion progressive jackpot will include denominations of 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, $1, $2 and $5. It has a minimum entry bet of only $5.

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

Cherokees Announce Purchase of Gold Strike Tunica C asino-owning tribes have greatly expanded their presence in the in dustry over the last few years. Indian casino groups have expanded their gaming enterprises beyond their tradi tional borders.California’s San Manuel Band of Mission Indians recently re opened the Palms in Las Vegas and the Seminoles also announced the pur chase of The Mirage in December, eventually rebranding the property as a Hard Rock casino. The trend continued in June when MGM Resorts announced the sale of the operations of the Gold Strike Casino inTunica,MS, to the Cherokee Nation Entertainment Gam ing. The property is one of the more popular casino destinations in the area and the Cherokees are acquiring the resort for $450 million.The property boasts a 32-story hotel tower with about 1,100 rooms and 50,000 square feet of gaming space with 61 table games and 1,050 slot machines. “I want to thank all of our Gold Strike employees who have consis tently delivered world-class gaming and entertainment experiences to our guests,”MGM President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle said in a news release. “Gold Strike is a wonderful property with a bright future ahead. Strategically though,we decided to narrow our focus in Mississippi to a single resort— Beau Rivage—and dedicate more of our time and resources toward contin uing to drive success at that leading, world-class resort and casino.” Cherokee Gaming operates casi nos throughout Oklahoma and is now expanding outside the Sooner State with the purchase.

Artist renderings of Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino expansion, expected to be completed by July 2023.

I n early May, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. shared plans for a $39 million investment to ex pand the casino gaming floor of Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, further enhancing the casino operator’s commitment to racing and gaming in Indiana. Harrah’s Hoosier Park, located inAnderson,will add approximately 30,000 square feet to the casino,allowing for 150 brand-new slot machines and 16 additional table games.Across the entire property, guests will enjoy significant updates to architectural features, including new carpeting and design elements. Additionally, the expanded gaming floor will feature a new high-limit space, a casino bar fea turing hand-crafted cocktails and a quick-serve restaurant with access directly from the casino floor, a new and improved Caesars Rewards center, upgrades to the Pegasus trackside bar, and an additional quick-serve restaurant on the casino floor. “The enhancements at Harrah’s Hoosier Park further exhibit Caesars Entertainment’s com mitment to gaming in the state of Indiana,”saidAnthony Carano,president and chief operating of ficer of Caesars Entertainment.“We’re committed to bringing the best in gaming to our Caesars Rewards destinations across the country.We are thrilled to unveil our exciting plans for the ex pansion of Harrah’s Hoosier Park.We’re confident these changes will benefit our guests and our Team Members.” “The growth of Harrah’s Hoosier Park will continue to allow us to bring the best in racing and gaming options to our guests,”saidTrent McIntosh,senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Hoosier Park.“With the addition of a new high-limit room and gaming tables,new food and beverage offerings and upgraded design concepts, we’re elevating ourselves as one of the best gaming destinations in Indiana.” For more information, visit www.caesars.com/harrahs-hoosier-park. Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino Expands

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AMAZING ART SHOW COMES TO HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO ATLANTIC CITY

A n eclectic mix of events is planned this summer at the Hard Rock. Beyond Van Gogh:The Immersive Experience runs at the property through Aug. 28, allowing guests to witness more than 300 iconic masterpieces, in cluding classics such as “The Starry Night” and “CaféTerrace at Night.”The show has sold over 2.5 million tickets globally,making it one of the most popular current traveling exhibitions.Make it a day of culture by taking in this amazing experience. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

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BINGO IS BIGGER AND BETTER AT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

A s summer heats up,so does bingo atTurning Stone Resort Casino inVerona,NY. This month,the casino is hosting the biggest bingo event of the season—the $350K Summer Blowout—on Saturday, July 30.The $350K Summer Blowout pays $15,000 apiece on regular games,specials pay $20,000 apiece,and the Level 3 jackpot pays a guar anteed $100,000. Admission for the special event is $259, which includes all nine regular-session games, a Pick 8, the Bonanza board, the Level 3 jackpot game, and dinner. Prepared byTurning Stone’s award-winning culinary team,the dinner menu features carved roasted turkey,grilled ham steak, stuffed shells, string beans, mashed potatoes, salad, and choice of ice cream or cake for dessert. “With a guarantee of awarding $350,000 in cash prizes, our Sum mer Blowout event is one of the most exciting events in the Bingo Hall all year,” said Samantha Archer, director of bingo pperations at Turning Stone.“Guests can expect an electrifying atmosphere, a chance to win life-changing money, all coupled with a variety of fun games and a deli cious meal prepared by our renowned culinary team.” Turning Stone has celebrated several large bingo jackpots this year, including the biggest bingo jackpot of the year won by Karen B. from Syracuse,who took home $278,785 with a $4 bingo add-on. For more information, visit www.TurningStone.com/Gaming.

Karen B. from Syracuse, NY, took home $278,785 in February at Turning Stone Resort Casino with a $4 bingo add-on.

SNOQUALMIE TRIBE ANNOUNCES CASINO HOTEL EXPANSION

While guests of the Snoqualmie Casino’s future expansion will see and experience new upscale amenities, they will also notice subtle de tails inspired by Snoqualmie culture. From the modern slant roof hotel design representing the longhouses of the SnoqualmieTribe’s ancestors to the carefully-chosen artwork placed throughout the resort,guests will enjoy state-of-the-art comfort alongside a gentle homage to theTribe. “Through the hard work and resilience of our Elders, the Sno qualmieTribe regained its recognition in 1999.With our sovereignty rec ognized, we have continued to strengthen and preserve our cultural traditions,protecting our sacred places,healing our ancestral lands,and establishing enterprises that allow ourTribe to provide our families with education, health care, and housing while also giving back to the com munity,” says Snoqualmie Tribe Chairman Robert de los Angeles.“This next period of growth at the Snoqualmie Casino allows us to continue advancing those goals.” Since opening to the public in 2008 and becoming known as Seat tle’s Closest Casino, Snoqualmie Casino continues to receive regional and national recognition for its commitment to guest experience, com munity impact, and workplace excellence. In 2021, Snoqualmie Casino and the Snoqualmie Tribe made history by becoming the first casino and first Tribe to open a sportsbook and offer sports betting in Wash ington State. Snoqualmie Casino plans to welcome guests to its new expansion in Q4 2024.

S The Snoqualmie Tribe announced that its Snoqualmie Casinoin Washington state has commenced a resort expansion.The multi phase expansion will include a new hotel, expanded gaming floor,destination spa,a 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, parking structure, and two restaurants with a third to open later. The Snoqualmie Tribal Council participates in a ceremonial groundbreaking for its Snoqualmie Casino expansion project. From left, they are Suzanne Salto, Shelley Burch, Jolene Williams, Chairman Robert de los Angeles, Shauna Shipp-Martinez, Daniel Willoughby, Wes Willoughby, Steve de los Angeles, Bill Sweet, and Chris Castleberry.

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PROPERTY

SUNSHINE SLOTS Head to Hialeah Park for slots that are ready to pay out

G rab the sunglasses, sunscreen, and even that lucky charm. A visit to South Florida always brings plenty of sunshine and a chance to take in some rays at the beach. But a bit of play at the slots can also be mixed in with some playing in the sand. Hialeah Park Casino offers a perfect opportunity for that sun and slot getaway. Located in the city of the same name just northwest of Miami, Hialeah has been turning heads for decades and attracting plenty of attention from slot players. For the second year in a row the property checked in with Strictly Slots’ award for loosest slots on the East Coast. That’s quite a boon for readers and that much-needed trip to Florida can certainly turn into a winner beyond just getting some relaxation. Hialeah Park offers 200 acres of landscape and historic architecture more fitting for an ornate hotel resort on the Mediterranean than a casino. It’s all fitting for this historic South Florida property that dates its history as a former horse track back more than 90 years. The property is even an Audubon Bird Sanctuary with the famous Miami Vice flamingos on site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Those heading indoors are then welcomed to quite a scene as well, an open environment with unique design features and offering something not seen in many casinos—windows! Miami averages 248 days of sunlight and Hialeah’s design takes advantage of that with plenty of natural sunlight reminding visitors they are indeed on vacation, or at least a sense of the natural world around them. Visitors also have some excellent eateries to choose from. Check out Junior’s Bistro in the casino or LaVeranda Car & Café, located in the poker room, both offering a unique culinary experience. Hialeah Park also has a new option: the “Adina Healthy Village” restaurant and entertainment center.This venue puts a completely new

twist on the traditional food court. Diners can expect high-quality ingredients from exceptional chefs serving up tasty,albeit healthy dishes. After a nice bite to eat, slot players may want to head back to the machines.Those loose slots make the chances of winning much more likely at Hialeah Park. Jackpots seem to be awarded at a non-stop pace. On average, over 200 jackpots are awarded daily at Hialeah. Hialeah Park features several electronic table games as well as 26 tables of poker action including Texas Hold ’em, Seven Card Stud and Omaha Hi-Lo.The poker room has become one of the best in South Florida and makes for a great evening of card playing. In addition to offering the loosest slots in Florida, Hialeah Park Casino consistently works on improving the customer’s overall experience. The casino continues to add new eateries and player amenities,and recently installed new, brighter lighting in all the parking lots—placing an emphasis on customer safety. For players looking for slots that aren’t stingy, this is the casino for you. THE WINNING CONTINUES Speaking of jackpots,Hialeah Park received 9 Best Of Racino Awards for 2022. These wins are all first place and voted by Strictly Slots readers and casino goers! Awards include Best Casino, Friendliest Racino, Best Variety of Slots/VLTs, BestTable Games, Best Promotions, Best Simulcasting, Best Special Events, Best Poker and Best Casual Dining– Junior’s Bistro.

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SPINNING REELS BY SEAN CHAFFIN

HOT SLOTS

S ummer is here and many casino players are planning that vacation getaway.A stop in Las Vegas,Atlantic City or another casino destination may be in the works and many are hoping a nice jackpot heads their way along with plenty of fun. Here’s a look at the news in the world of slots and casinos. SUMMER SLOTS Slow trains, TV shows and summer promotions

Bally’s Twin Rivers Lincoln Casino Installs Player Favorites B ally’sTwin River Lincoln Casino Resort in Rhode Island installed two new slot games on the casino floor in mid-June—Monopoly Lunar NewYear andWizard of Oz - OverThe Rainbow.The additional new games are part of Bally’s commitment to constantly refresh the gaming floor with customer-requested slot machines. Monopoly Lunar NewYear features will leave players wanting more with a Free Spins Bonus with Expanding Reels,Wild Multiplier, and a Jackpot Bonus awarding one of four jackpots. The Lunar Jackpot provides an experience with a chance to win a life-changing wide-area progressive jackpot! TheWizard of Oz - OverThe Rainbow builds on the legacy of TheWizard of Oz - Ruby Slippers. Ruby Slippers’ player-favorite Free Spins Bonus changed features based on which of four characters were in the triggering combination. OverThe Rainbow’s Free Spins Bonus features seven unique character features. Players can win any combination, including all seven.The game also features a GlindaThe GoodWitch wild reels feature, a Heart prize symbol feature, and a Balloon mystery progressive jackpot feature.

The Wheel Deal

S trictly Slots readers already know how big theWheel of Fortune brand of slot machines has become since its debut in 1996. Fans of theTV show love the games and they continue paying off big for players around the world. BetMGM is now ramping up the wheel-spinning fun even more by launching a completely Wheel of Fortune–themed online casino. “Wheel of Fortune is watched nightly by millions of people and BetMGM is honored to partner with Sony PicturesTelevision and IGT to bring this online casino experience to life,”BetMGM’s chief revenue officer Matt Prevost said.“Once live,Wheel of Fortune Casino will offer players the excitement of their favorite game show and real money wagering in the palm of their hand.” The announcement comes as the game show celebrated its 40th anniversary. If the rollout of the new iGaming casino proves successful, the company may also expand the option to other legal markets such as Michigan, Pennsylvania andWest Virginia. Since their initial debut, there have been more than 200 versions of the slot.Wheel is the best-performing slot brand in history and that success now looks to expand online.

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A mericans know the country’s supply chain problems first hand and that issue has even affected the slot machine industry.A recent Associated Press report noted that Nevada-based manufacturers were expected to ship about 13,700 new slots to about 30 new casino projects around NorthAmerica. However, product delays within the industry are becoming a key concern as casinos hope to bring the latest and greatest games to players.Getting parts on time to meet demand is a struggle, as seen in other aspects of the economy as well. “Gaming equipment providers use high tech components supplied by multiple On the Slow Train H ot summer fun is in full swing at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, with plenty of exciting casino promotions at this popular seaside destination.Test your musical knowledge with Bar Bingo at Coral Lounge, enjoy daily live entertainment on the Boardwalk at Landshark Bar & Grill, and play 400+ of the newest slots in town. Head over to the new pop-up Coral Lounge every Sunday and Monday for Bar Bingo with a musical twist.Test your music knowledge from 2 p.m.–5 p.m.and win prizes.OnTuesdays, enjoy live-singing comedy cabaret with Brittany Lynn from 5 p.m.–8 pm. Coral Lounge also offers drink specials and live DJs nightly all summer long from 8 p.m.–2 a.m. For gamers, play the dealer head to head every day in July and if you’re dealt a suited blackjack, you instantly win $100 and get entered to win a 2022 Harley-Davidson Fatboy 114.The lucky winner of the 2022 Harley Fatboy will be

vendors to assemble slot machines,” theAP notes.“Gaming analysts said much of the recent attention has focused on bill validators, a device attached to games that accept either currency or a ticket voucher, which are then converted into gambling credits.” A key problem is the ability to get computer chips for Asia-based manufacturers of the cash validators.There is a shortage and manufacturers have faced delays in getting these key components. JCM Global, based in Japan, provides over half of these parts for a standard slot machine.The company continues to work at overcoming these

challenges, but players looking for some new machines at their local casinos may have to wait just a bit longer. “JCM has established a global strategic sourcing team specifically focused on identifying and sourcing materials and components from suppliers around the world,” JCM Senior Vice President David Kubajak told theAP.“Even during these challenging times, JCM continues to ship out product daily and remains focused on meeting their gaming and casino customers’ record demand for their products.”

SUMMER PROMOTIONS HEAT UP AT RESORTS CASINO HOTEL

announced on Saturday,Oct.1,at 6 p.m.All new members play for free and existing Star Card Members who earn two tier points will receive one chance to play. Every Friday in July, guests can win up to $3,000 in slot cash in the King of the Sea Slot Tournament.The tournament runs 7 p.m.–10 p.m. First place receives $1,000 in slot cash, second place $500 in slot cash,and five winners receive $300 in slot cash. All participants of the King of the Sea tournament receive an invite to the mega prize $20,000 Championship Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 1, where one

winner will walk away with $10,000 in cash. Participants must earn 1 tier point prior to registering to play. And every Saturday in July, earn 22x entries to win a 2022 BMW 228i Coupe by playing your favorite slot or table games.The drawing will take place on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m.

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and senior writer for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions or email him at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net for story assignments.

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