Gaming Guru

Heard it on the River

Slop Ops director MIKE WADDELL at GOLD STRIKE is a happy camper what with a guest, MIKE BRIDGES of Guntersville, AL hitting a fifty-cent WHEEL OF FORTUNE machine for $804,167. It was only a year and a week ago from that hit that the quarter Wheel was struck there for $1.5 million. He's smiling as his casino doesn't have to pay the winners on these progressive machines. IGT foots the tab without any reluctance. It's good for business. Here is another big winning story with a twist to it. A Caribbean Stud jackpot for $17,520 was hit at HOLLYWOOD CASINO last March but the winner forfeited his claim when he failed to verify his identify. Can't figure that one out but anyway the Mississippi Gaming Commission ruled that money would be awarded to the next Stud winner at Hollywood and that happened not too long ago when a $172,786 pot was hit. The winner, who wanted to remain anonymous but who proved an identity this time, also collected the earlier $17,520 for a total win of $190,292. How sweet it is.

FRANK SCOBLETE'S GAMBLERS' JAMBOREE is shaping up early to be a big success as the number of paid attendees has already exceeded the early goal of 200 for the Nov. 14-16 event at GOLD STRIKE. He now projects attendance to hit about 300. The event, the first of its kind in Tunica Resorts, is for serious gamblers according to Scoblete, the nation's leading author and weekly long-time gaming expert on the GOODTIMES RADIO SHOW every Saturday morning on WMC790 AM, Memphis.
And this event is not just for table game players but for slot aficionados as well as there is a special hook that slot nuts will love.

Frank and an advance crew visited our casinos recently and met with slot directors and others to develop a booklet titled "Where to Find the Loose Slots and Video Poker Machines in Tunica." He wouldn't give me advance info where these babies are, as you have to attend the Jamboree to get the booklet. He says this is a first for this market, or any gaming jurisdiction, and this should be a hot item as loose slots are the Holy Grail of slotters everywhere. I can see it now, some character coming up to you in the parking lot…"Hey mistuh, wanna get holt of some loose slots. Only cost you a sawbuck." Frank is bringing in a gaggle of experts for the event to handle its over 40 seminars and hands-on instruction classes. They include Frugal Gambler author JEAN SCOTT, Jackpot Magazine contributor Dr. HENRY TAMBURIN, the GOLDEN TOUCH CREW for craps, Goodtimes slot guru, JOHN ROBISON and more. To sign up or get more info call 800-944-0406 or 866-SET-DICE.

Also at Gold Strike, on Nov. 7-9, play in the $100,000 blackjack tournament with a guaranteed first place prize of $50,000. Call 1-877-24K-VIPS.

If you work in a casino you might want to join the growing ranks of the local chapter of the CASINO MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION. Obtain a membership application from NANCY DARCY AT 662-357-1255. It's a national non-profit for casino professionals who want to build a career. Help the kids at ST. JUDE'S and attend the RED CARPET BASH at HOLLYWOOD CASINO on Nov. 8. For only a hundred bucks you get a great evening of superb cuisine, dancing and a silent auction. With projected attendance of 600, it will be packed so call for your tickets today to Ashley Cubbins at 901-373-5051. MARGARET MCNUTT has joined the soon-to-open $28 million RIVERPARK as museum curator and will be responsible for overseeing artifacts, managing environmental conditions and building the collections. This wonderful new amenity will open in November.

FROM THE QUOTABLE GAMBLER…The Lyons Press

"Winning isn't going to change your life. So don't bet so much that you can get hurt. If that's what betting is all about for you, wear dog tags so they know where to ship the body."

LARRY MERCHANT, The National Football Lottery (1973)

Laissez le bon temps rouler.