It is time for Mississippi to get up to speed on legalized sports betting

Heard it on the River

by Rudi Schiffer

  It’s time for Mississippi legislators and our 33 casinos to get up to speed on legalized sports betting initiatives and legal online gambling as others are moving aggressively in these important areas. Why wait any longer when the handwriting is on the wall.

  Most recently, NEVADA became the first state to adopt online gaming regulations in a unanimous  vote by the Gaming Commission, according to a story on casinocitytimes.com, via KSNV TV3 in Vegas. Nobody is quite sure if this might happen but the state wants to the “gold standard” for gaming in the country. The idea is the make  sure Nevada is able to get the business when and if it is legalized. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about it here, New Jersey moved closer to legalizing sports betting, seeking new revenue for the cash-strapped state. I would guess the same conditions  apply in Mississippi, so someone  should  be at least thinking on starting the push.  Uncle Sam will play a big part on both issues and a federal court will be the battle field in the future. 

  Some new developments at PEARL RIVER RESORT. The EPA has awarded the Choctaws $368,000 for rehabilitation of wastewater pump stations on the Reservation with a match amount coming from local funds. CHIEF PHYLISS ANDERSON said the grant award  will provide a solid infrastructure for tribal families in the  Tribes’ communities and improve the standard of living for the growing population, which now numbers around 10,000. In another development, Chief Anderson has accepted with regret the resignation of BRYCE WARREN as president/CEO of the Resort. He  is leaving for personal reasons. At the same time she announced TONYA TARRANT has joined the team as chief financial officer. A new Resort president is being  aggressively sought. In the few months that the new Chief has been in office, she has moved decisively with  changes,  thus setting a positive path to a stronger operation. Don’t forget the big $200,000 CASH giveaway at SILVER STAR on Dec. 30-Jan 1. On first day of the new year, $20,000 will given away every hour from 7 to midnight. WOW!

  Talk about community support….MGM RESORTS reports that its employees have raised $4.6 million this year to support more than 1,000 community-based nonprofits in Mississippi, Nevada and Michigan. Over the past decade, that number swells to $44 million. Among the company’s 61,000 employees, an average of 46 percent has donated money through cash and payroll deductions and Foundation-hosted fundraising events. MGM covers all the administrative costs, so every dollar contributed goes directly to the community. Yes, there is a SANTA CLAUS, and he wears an MGM costume.

  I  can’t think of any place to be on New Year’s eve than in a casino. The noise and fun are infectious. It’s one big party, but remember that long drive home, my friends. You just know the troopers are covering the main exit roads from Tunica, so don’t be stupid and be a loser boozer.

  How did you fare in the past year? It was a tough one for lots of folks and the future looks bleak, but I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may not shine as bright, though, what with the economy still ragged — too many unemployed and a bunch of numbskulls in Washington who are supposed to be our leaders but turn out to be a bunch of do-nothings, more concerned about themselves than their constituents. I didn’t see any confetti parades down Broadway for our returning troops from Iraq. Do we now take our conflicts  for granted, viewing them from the comfort of the couch, where we watch the mayhem on TV while we blather away non-stop on our cell phones. I keep thinking it can’t get any worse, only better. Turn the billions not being spent on war into research on cancer, a bigger enemy that strikes one of three in America. 

  GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT has a big entertainment line-up for the New Year. The casino has become a market leader, bringing in one headliner after another. The Lonesome Stranger, WILLIE NELSON, comes to Gold Strike on Friday, Jan. 13. Prices are $79.95 and $89.95. See Willie in the intimate setting of the Millennium Theatre. There is not a bad seat in the house. The legendary B.B. KING comes to Gold Strike on Friday, Feb. 17 and country music great LORETTA LYNN performs at Gold Strike on two nights, Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17. Tickets are $49.95 and $59.95 to see Loretta. The Frontmen perform on Saturday, April 21. The group consists of Richie McDonald, formerly of LONESTAR;  LARRY STEWART, formerly of RESTLESS HEART and TIME RUSHLOW, formerly of LITTLE TEXAS. Tickets are $24.95 and $32.95. Others on tap include RICK SPRINGFIELD (“Jesse’s Girl”), Saturday, June 9, $34.95 and $49.95; Oak Ridge Boys, Saturday, Aug. 18, $39.95 and $44.95 and The Charlie Daniels Band on Saturday, Sept. 22, ticket prices to be announced. Almost Famous will bring in the New Year at Gold Strike. This is a great band. Almost Famous members have performed for PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH, POPE JOHN PAUL II, at the SUPER BOWL and on 23 platinum records and have numerous TV appearances. 

  Also at Gold Strike, THE DELTA GOLD POKER CLASSIC is set for March 23-April 2. This tourney series features 19 numbered events with buy-in amounts ranging from $30 to $200. Most are in the $100-$200 range. The championship event begins on March 31 and the buy-in for it is $1,000 with an $80 entry fee. There is a “Farewell Shot Tourney” on April 2 with a $100 buy-in. This one features a drawing for a $3,000-plus-$125 entry into the WPO Main Event, which is set for August. KAREN KAEGIN is the poker room manager and ERIC COMER is the tournament director. For information, call (662) 357-1135. 

 LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER

 Listen for the latest casino news on the GOODTIMES radio show every Friday night from 6-8 on 730 YAYHOO! SPORTS & GAMBLING AM, Memphis.

SOCIAL MEDIA FORAY FOR RUDI SCHIFFER & GOODTIMES RADIO

 “Voice of Tunica” Jumps On The Bandwagon

by Rudi Schiffer

  "Better late than never" are my feelings after taking up the mantra of social media. But, I muse, am I biting off too much as a guy whose high technology days have passed. My friend David Grisham, a mild-mannered Mississippian, recently made the jump for Jackpot! Magazine, the regional gaming publication he runs as general manager. Heck, if that ol’ boy can do it, so can I.

“It’s easy,” he told me. “It’s the ‘in thing’ these days and will only help you gain recognition for your casino clients, and being a facile writer, you will have no problems.”

“But what the heck is this social media thing,” I questioned him. ”This is virgin territory for me and will I get abused with hate mail and blogger maniacs?”

Here is what he explained. “Use of such media keeps readers up to date, in the reader’s  case, on the latest casino news. In addition to listening to the Goodtimes Radio Show on 730 A.M. Yahoo! Sports & Gambling from Memphis, or accessing it at Audiovegas.com, not to mention your features and Heard It On The River column in Jackpot! Magazine and at casinocitytimes.com, readers can keep up with the news using the social media.”

“Your listeners can now follow you on Twitter@rudischiffer,“ he said. “It’s simple for them, when they are on Twitter. All they have to do is type @rudischiffer and read your tweets."

  Not only am I on Twitter, but Goodtimes is now also on Facebook. Look for it on Facebook by name - Goodtimesradio. There is no space between goodtimes and radio. Just search for Goodtimesradio when you’re on Facebook.

There’s another good reason to check out these social media sites. In the near future, listeners can have a shot at casino prizes, like buffets, overnights, dinners and the like. So follow on Twitter@rudischiffer (www.twitter.com/rudischiffer) and on Facebook at goodtimesradio (www.facebook.com/goodtimesradio).

You can also check out the new blog at www.goodtimesrdio.blogspot.com, where I will be sharing casino news. It's a beginning, so jump on the bandwagon yourself and click on my “follow” and “like” buttons.

  

New Year's Eve plans at Mississippi River casinos and more by Rudi Schiffer

          Rudi Schiffer covers casino news in the Mid-South

HEARD IT ON THE RIVER
By Rudi Schiffer

  Never thought I would succumb to this “social media” stuff sweeping the world and making our lives busier than we want them to be. After deriding it for over a year I have jumped on the bandwagon that is exponentially growing at a horrific rate and I can now bore you on TWITTER@RUDISCHIFFER, FACEBOOK, and even by blogging at GOODTIMESRADIO.BLOGSPOT.COM. It’s simple. When you are on Twitter just type @rudischiffer and you become smarter. Look for me on Facebook at …goodtimesradio, and you are in. On my blog, I will be sharing casino news and such. Also, the 18-year-old show is now part of YAHOO! SPORTS & GAMBLING on 730 AM Memphis every Friday night from 6-8 p.m. and you can also access it at Audiovegas.com, where it is also archived. (Click on the link to listen to my show from last weekend.) Welcome to my world. We’ll give it a year and see what happens.
  Over the years HARRAH’S, now CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, has always been in the forefront of charitable activities in the Mid-South Region, putting their money where the help was needed, year in and year out. Recognizing that, Caesars, which includes Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Roadhouse casinos, was just announced as the PARTNERS in PHILANTHROPY award winners from the Memphis Chapter of Fundraising Professionals. The corporation is really committed to its various communities and those who serve them. R. Scott Barber, regional president, accepted the award on behalf of Caesars and its employees who pay a key role as volunteers on many projects.
  It didn’t take long for Choctaw Chief Phyliss Anderson to attract national attention after only being in office for three months as the first female leader of the Mississippi Band Choctaws, headquartered at PEARL RIVER RESORT. Anderson was selected to introduce PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA to her fellow tribal leaders at the 3rd Annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. The conference helps shape the landscape for Indian nations and refines and strengthens the government-to-government relationship. A skilled speaker, Chief Anderson led off her remarks with a Choctaw language greeting.  She called her selection an honor and privilege and indeed it was. At the two-casino resort, will PHILIP M’s return under that name as a top shelf restaurant in Silver Star? My guess is yes and it will be a restaurant you must visit on your next trip to this beautiful destination resort.
  BANG! The mixed martial arts bash up returns to SAM’S TOWN on Jan. 7, where it has been a popular attraction before. Get your tickets early at Ticketmaster.com. GALS & PALS still reigns on Thursday nights and the $115,000 Pick The Pros free football contest runs through Jan. 15. The $24k Blackjack buy-in tournament will also continue in the New Year on Jan. 20-21.
  In my last column, I mentioned in the Foundation Group’s item on RESORTS and BALLYS in Tunica that both casinos “have floundered in the competitive market.” Someone from those casinos who has a better insight told me that was not correct and both houses were just fine. I was glad to hear that and sorry if I made an incorrect observation on the situation. Both casinos continue to operate and any changes will be seamless.
   NEW YEAR’S EVE is soon on us and what better place to celebrate and leave behind this miserable year than in a casino. GOLD STRIKE invites you to a count down to midnight on the casino floor where you can take a free champagne toast and be treated to party favors. There will also be live music by ALMOST FAMOUS and GABBY JOHNSON. SAM’S TOWN will have live music in ROXY’S and ATRIUM as you walk in the door. There will be live bands, a champagne toast and a balloon drop just as you are kissing your significant other. HOLLYWOOD will offer dining specials at FAIRBANKS from 5-11 p.m. so you wont miss out on the midnight fun in the SAFARI LOUNGE with a balloon drop and countdown and live music. Lots of money will welcome the New Year at PEARL RIVER RESORT, where SILVER STAR has a whopping $200,000 CASH giveaway from a drawing promotion. It starts Friday, Dec. 30, and ends Sunday, Jan. 1 from 2-6 p.m. Guests can win cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 until the bank of $200,000 is empty.
   CAESAR’S ENTERTAINMENT has New Year’s action at its three casinos and at HARRAH’S you can join DJ Ben Cohen and multiple acrobats, aerial artists and fire performers at the Event Center party that includes a free champagne toast at midnight. Sister casino, Horseshoe, is offering  “60 Years of Swagger” while on the Stage Bar three bands will accompany Las Vegas style showgirls showing their stuff on the casino floor. Comp party flavors and variety of dining specials will also be available. Across the street, the TUNICA ROADHOUSE will ring in 2012 with a little toe-tapping sidecar and live music on the River Stage Bar. Fun things likes lots of money will keep the action hot at RESORTS and BALLY’S. You can listen to the MUD PUPPIES on stage at Resorts and then follow the $25,000 countdown from 6 to midnight where 25 winners will go home get $1,000 each in free slot play. The same thing takes place at Bally’s and on the stage there you can listen to DERRICK JOSEPH.
   HARLOW’S, the gem outside of Greenville, is shining more facets to make it even more attractive. Ground was broken this past week for a new multipurpose event center and other significant new structures and renovations with new amenities. This is in response to the great flood of Spring 2011. New GM REGGIE FULLWOOD said the planned improvements would enhance Harlow’s regional competitiveness with construction beginning early this coming year. ALL NEW…the buffet area, steakhouse, bus center, pool, spa, fitness center and of course the event center.
   THIS ’n THAT…PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPER reports that global gaming revenue will rise by 9.2 percent over the next five years until it reaches a total of $182.8 billion in 2015, that’s a lot of losers…. CAESARS is now aggressively seeking new opportunities in Asia that include opening up 25 hotels and resorts in China in the next five years…. the owner of my favorite football team, BOB CRAFT of the New England Patriots, is discussing opening a large casino resort near Gillette Stadium with STEVE WYNN…
   This is our last column and last chance to extend our thanks to ya’ll before the Holidays hit us, so we wish you the best for the coming year. May it be better than this one. This column has been existence for nearly 19 years and we’ve enjoyed the ride made possible by our readers and the casinos that support Jackpot! Magazine. In the last several years we’ve all been through some tough times, but they will soon fade and better times are ahead. Keep the faith and don’t split tens.

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The Cigar Party People

Dos Amigos hosts cigar parties in the Mid-South. Give us a call for your next event. You will be glad you did.

SPORTSBOOK BETTING IN MISSISSIPPI CASINOS

Sportsbook betting: Where Is The Legislative Push, Casino Support?

by Rudi Schiffer

As a columnist for Jackpot! Magazine and producer/host for the Goodtimes Radio Show on 730 a.m. Yahoo! Sports & Gambling, and a long time player and supporter of casino gaming, I wonder why no powers in the State of Mississippi have started the legislative process to bring legal sportsbook gambling to the region where it will be a big tax contributor and create more jobs, both of which are seriously needed in this wretched economy.
Northerners are viewed in the Grand Old South as pushy and maybe that's a good thing. New Jersey is such and has now brought legal sports wagering to the forefront in the Garden State and those seeds will bear fruit on the future as New Jersey will surely become only the fifth state with legal betting on your favorite team in a casino and not through your "shady guy" on the corner who smiles at you when you lose or beckons with a baseball bat if you fail to pay on time.
I listened with interest some time ago when oddsmaker Danny Sheridan spoke at a gathering of Memphis football fans and claimed that the Mid-South region had more illegal football gamblers than anywhere in the USA.
Those millions upon millions would get off the street and flow into casino sports books. By the way, a sportsbook is not in library, it's a big comfortable room with dozens of large TV screens, your own private seating area, a cage to take your bets and seat side F&B service, not to mention they are smoker friendly.
Voters in New Jersey have just approved a constitutional question overwhelmingly...65 percent voting for vs 35 percent voting opposed. It's at least the first step in a long process that will see a lot of hypocritical hand wringing and anguished cries of the evil exposure that legal sports betting will have on our pure "student" athletes. Greedy major league pro sports owners and their paid mouthpieces, the various commissioners, will join the chorus and loudly bemoan the downfall of their sport.
Hell, the so-called evil has been rampant for decades and outside of some point fixing and the epic Chicago Black Sox World Series fix in 1919, the billions spent on illegal gambling has had virtually no I'll effect on collegiate or professional sports.
If the NCAA, pro sports and their supporters would clean up their rotten houses and come out the closet of deceit, they would acknowledge the ubiquitous presence of sports betting and let more states wet their beaks in the overflowing fountain of tax money and jobs that would emanate.
All we need is the Department of Justice to recognize that the current law is unconstitutional and the fact that sports is here and always will be.
Don't hold your breath.

Cigar Entertainment by Dos Amigos hosts Mike Miller Foundation smoker fundraiser

If you know me, you know I love fine hand-rolled imported cigars with high-end libations. My friend Brett Rodriguez and I operate Dos Amigos. We host high-end cigar events in the Mid-South. Your guests will love it as these events have a certain cache gecause of the aura that surrounds smoking a fine imported cigar among like-minded smokers in a social setting. Contact me for more info at rudischiffer@yahoo.com.
The photos below were taken at a fundraiser for the Mike Miller Foundation. Mike, is a former Memphis Grizzlies' shooting guard, and now teams up with LeBron James, D. Wade and Chris Bosh with the Miami Heat.

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!

Heard It on the River

HEARD IT ON THE RIVER
By Rudi Schiffer

Mississippi gaming revenue continues to fall under the never-ending dark economic cloud that hangs over the state, but there is still some optimism out there, even if it might be misplaced. I’m talking about Texas businessman MICHAEL WASSERMAN. I guess Mike doesn’t subscribe to the WALL STREET JOURNAL and even after earlier attempts to establish more casinos in ARKANSAS that never made it to the starting line, Mike says that state needs more destination resorts — his, of course.
But Mike is a Texan and those folks always think big, so he wants casinos in Boone, Crittenden, Garland, Jefferson, Miller, Pulaski and Sebastian counties. He still needs 77,133 registered voters to get his bid on the ballot next November, but there are some other bumps in the road. Political action groups are gearing up to oppose the proposal by the Gainesville, Texas operator, who runs a company called Arkansas Hotels & Entertainment, Inc. Last year, Mike couldn’t get enough signatures for his gaming push. …you got to know when to fold ‘em.
But recent news suggests that optimism extends into TUNICA COUNTY, where FOUNDATION GAMING GROUP, through foreclosure, is about to take over RESORTS and BALLY’S casinos, which have floundered in the competitive market.
 The state gaming commission has approved the move that is subject to completion of the foreclosure process by a lender of the current owner. Assuming the lender is the successful bidder, Foundation will operate the two casinos. It is expected to take place and will allow a seamless transition with uninterrupted operations. Good news for the employees who will be part of a fresh start moving forward into the new year.
“Our immediate focus will be to keep the property operations as is, and once the transaction is complete, begin the process of compiling the operating plan for the coming year….“ said LES MCMACKIN, chief operations and marketing officer. Foundation brings over 75 years experience in gaming development, marketing, operations and regulation to the Tunica jurisdiction. The Group had been a key player in acquiring and developing over a dozen facilities in the USA and internationally. It is based in Gulfport, Miss.
PEARL RIVER RESORT has a busy December promotion month with big cash giveaways, including THE $450K HOLIDAY CASH promo, the $100k Holiday Gadgets, Gifts & Cash Giveaway and the $200k Ringing in the Cash Giveaway. All that cash being tossed around might be a good reason and time to pickup some extra money for your holiday shopping. For more details go to pearlriverresort.com.
The $10,000 Holiday Classic Video Poker Tournament begins at Gold Strike CASINO RESORT on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Try your luck during the Holiday Classic at Gold Strike. Players who earn 100 base points on the day of the tournament receive comp entry. Registration is on Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Millennium Theater lobby. Players will receive tournament session times.
Also at Gold Strike, win a share of up to $200,000 in FreePlay and a 2012 Infiniti m37 in the Winning Wonderland promotion, on Friday, Dec. 9 and 23. Earn entries Dec. 1-23. See the Mlife desk for more details.
Southland Park Gaming & Racing hosts its 5th annual The Twelve Tournaments of Christmas, Dec. 1-12, with all tournaments beginning at 7 p.m. All Southland Park guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy with a minimum value of $20, or $20 in cash, are able to participate in daily tournaments. There is no limit to the number of donations accepted from one guest. Registration will take place daily, Dec. 1 through 12, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Player Rewards desk. All proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots. See page 10 for the list of tournaments. There is a different type of tournament each day, so there is something for everyone.
Win with the Magic Mondays Gift Giveaway at FITZ CASINO & HOTEL. You can come away with a holiday shopping spree. Earn points on your Key Rewards card or with qualified rated table play each Monday in December for great holiday gifts such as Wii’s, TVs, video cameras and more, while supplies last.
Coming up at SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL are the Bang Fighting Championships - MMA on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for ringside seats and $25 for general admission. Mixed martial arts has gained in popularity over the past few years to the point where it is a huge sport. This a an opportunity to see MMA up close and in-person.
Love your DEALER this HOLIDAY SEASON…dealers work under a lot of stress and little reward so keep that in mind in December and maybe add another chip to that tip for a smile and good service. Dealers make a minimum wage or a bit above and need those tips to live on and support their families. The same goes for waitresses, cage people,  and valets, so don’t forget them.
 ERICA JONES has been named director of Human Resources at GOLD STRIKE bringing some 14 years of experience with her. Management changes continue at PEARL RIVER RESORT under newly elected CHIEF PHYLLIS ANDERSON,. CONNIE R. DEON has been appointed executive director of finance for the resort which encompasses, Golden Moon, Silver Star, and BOK HOMA casino in Jones County.
 HOPE Y’ALL had a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER
 Listen for the latest casino news on the GOODTIMES radio show every Friday night from 6-8 on 730 KQPN SPORTS & GAMBLING AM, Memphis.