I have to admit I find myself a little swayed by prejudice towards the area of Atlantic City. Some of my greatest childhood memories come from the beaches of South Jersey that abut this casino town. The only issue is the city just hasn’t seemed to grow the right way. Say it politics, or legislation or whatever excuse comes down the pike but the point is the same…The city is really struggling in the past year.

Yet out of the darkness a beacon of light has shined down across this little beach side community that once was heralded as the place to see a diving horse. It’s name the Borgata Casino Resort and Spa. The property opened, if I’m correct, back in 2004 with much fanfare. To be honest, the hype was worth it. Atlantic city had not seen a property of this quality ever. The closest thing was the guady Trump’s Taj Mahal, but again, this property couldn’t hold a candle to the Borgata. The Borgata is home to some of the best headline entertainment you can find anywhere in the world. From the best in comedian’s including Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock to incredible music guests like New Kids on the Block and Chicago. Not to mention the bevvy of selections in food and beverage. I’m talking about some of the top restaurants you could ever hope to visit. Yet also offer great budget options that still offer unbelievable quality. Then to the rooms. Having stayed at the Borgata about 3 years ago I can say that you can’t go wrong with any of the options they have available. Each of the rooms is categorized as a suite so you get a lot. The beds are big and cozy. Each room is well appointed with furniture, desk and access to the internet. The bathrooms are out of a Roman emperor’s palace. Big with enormous cascading water. I could only imagine what the high end rooms are like.

All in all this is one resort you must put on your list to visit. Being close to the Atlantic Ocean offers the Borgata a special differentiation from the Las Vegas strip. Make plans soon to take in a show, get a four star meal and enjoy a night in absolute comfort.

Every once in a while a site comes along that offers good information,
but others seem to come along that really raise the bar. Of course Im a
little prejudiced in the positive, but Dig Casinos is a great Casino Directory
web site. The thing that really gives Dig Casinos the edge is there
unique option in allowing users and/or visitors to search for hotel
room rates at the participating casino resort to check room rate
offerings from other suppliers. These include great hotel booking sites
like Expedia and Orbitz.

The internet ebbs and flows about how well it provides information. At
times the cycle comes where the unique blend of information is all the
internet has to offer. At other times a hodge podge of garbage comes
out of a mess of sites where no true differentiation can be found. Dig
Casinos is definitely a plus for users.

Not to mention the complete information and the targeted content on
just casinos. This site offers pictures, virtual tours when available,
user reviews and complete hotel and room information. And it’s all
about casino properties.

To the avid casino visitor the phrase “Casino Comps” is the Holy Grail. The reason, well minus the exception of trying to win on the casino floor, to making the homage of travel to any number of casino properties. Well to many figuring out how to get that perfect room, the ticket to the next best show or seats at an exclusive casino restaurant is an unknown science. A science perfected in knowing how to work a casino’s complimentary system.

I’ve taken a little time to investigate the so-called experts out there who say they know what it takes to maximize this process of getting the best in casino comps. Because there is sooo much information out there I’m going to use some information I found from a casino player vet.

Let’s begin with the explanation of the formula used to determine a comp. The formula is basically the following;

Average Bet:
X (Times)
Total Hands per Hour:
X (Times)
The House Edge as a %
————————–
Expectation

Then this figure known as Expectation is Multiplied by a pre-determined Comp Rate to ultimately yield the comp rate.

Ok, math aside, the expert gets into how to really take advantage of some flaws that are present in how this formula is derived.

First, try to have the casino floorman rate your play at a higher bet rate than you really are betting. Yep, according to my research there are ways to do this. One simple, but maybe not so obvious strategy is just be extra nice to this person. Seriously!!! These people have the last say in how you are being rated and it really is subjective. Be nice it pays dividends. Ok strategy number two is really crazy. The expert here says to pick a table with a game where you see the floorman at all times but at the same time a floorman that really isn’t paying attention to your game. During this time, always play the table minimum, but keep an eye to see if the floorman is watching. Once you catch his eye, up your bets past the minimum. A third strategy to make sure you do is tip your dealer. The floorman and dealers talk and reward based on these talks.

Now, moving in the second phase of maximizing your casino comps. This one is really simple and takes into account a big part of the formula. Basically, if a black jack player is using basic strategies, the casino edge drops below what is expected to win by a player that attempts to use sophisticated strategies. Utilize basic strategies and increase the expected comp rate.

A third set of strategies involves trying to decrease the number of hands played in an our. Doing so effects the formula above. The expert I read offers these suggestions. Try some of these. When playing try to set aside in the schedule time for a once an hour bathroom break. It is advised to play table games that are played utilizing face down rules as opposed to face up. Think about it, it takes the dealer more time to count the cards in a game where they have to turn over all the cards first. It’s little things like this that add up and lower the expected number of hands played. Hey let’s not forget about getting that drink every once in a while. Again, this is an art, but if you keep an eye on that floorman you can get your drink, waste some time and up your comp rating.

Sure there seems to be a lot that goes into playing at casinos and getting the treasure trove of comps that can come along with it. Yet, think about this, every day over $500,000 in comps are given away in Las Vegas casinos alone. Don’t you think you deserve a little bit of this for all the money you drop in a casino? I know I do.

With all my attention being spent on providing reviews and insights into the world of casino properties I’ve completely forgotten to pay homage to an annual event that is the equivalent to a holy sacrament in religion as it relates to gamblers of the world. That event being the World Series of Poker.

Each year 1000’s of would be poker players work online and in various satellite tournaments in a hope to be that next great sensation of the poker world and take home not only the World Series bracelet but the incredible cash prize. This installment post offers a little bit of info and background about WSOP Europe that is currently taking place in London. The event features a 1,500 pound sterling buy in for a No Limit Hold’em format. Poker greats such as Kenny Tran, Danny Negeanu and Gus Hansen all are participating along with a host of amateur no-names that hope to pierce the ceiling of anonymity and find a place in the world of professional poker.

The World Series of Poker Europe for 2008 has been enhanced to accommodate a growing trend in Europe towards play and participation of poker. Overall the general trend globally has shown an incredible increase in play. As a result this years WSOP Europe is the largest poker event in European history.

The tourney just started Friday so I will keep you updated on standings and events as they happen.

Good luck to all the participants across the pond.

I’m sure we all heard when growing up that if you can’t say something nice about someone you shouldn’t say anything at all. Well that may be true, but when it comes to helping someone out in not wasting their time. This is most definitely true when it comes to the Twin River Racino in Rhode Island there’s a whole lot of fluff. Within the past few years Twin Rivers spent a lot of money on improvements and upgrades. Sure there is a level of decor that improved the look of the old facility including themes of sails and pointed lighting, but the issue remains Twin Rivers caters to a lower level class of gambler. The facility literally caters to RV’s…That’s right, they offer a place on the property for those with Recreational Vehicles to camp overnight. Furthermore, the dog track is not even in the same ball park as the grand equine tracks or even other dog tracks at other casino properties around the country.

Twin Rivers and the Rhode Island gaming commission that regulates and backs the operation sees it’s greatest competition in the casino properties of Connecticut, namely Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. Flat out and straight to the point the comparison is like night and day. The Connecticut casinos are truly world class operations, offering superior service, five star accommodations, world class dining, full range of gaming and entertainment by the top headliners in world. Short and sweet and to the point and not to waste one more minute, when in the New England area, or if you’re part of the New England market that both Rhode Island and Connecticut market too, don’t think twice and waste your time or money, head to Connecticut.

A lot of public interest has been written, very recently actually, about efforts to revitalize the Laughlin Nevada casino and gambling market. Specifically, news reports have been posted about the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority making investments in building up marketing and advertising in creating a buzz about the facilities located in this small Nevada market.

There are 11 casino properties that operate in the Laughlin Nevada market. Some notable properties include the Aquarius Casino Resort, Harrah’s Laughlin Casino Resort and the Golden Nugget Laughlin Casino and Hotel.

Fueled by the increasing competition from the Southern California Indian Reservation Casinos and a dip in the local economy, local gaming executives and government agencies are moving with deliberate motion to revitalize this staggering casino market. Staying in step with my job to help promote casino properties I’ve thrown my hat into the ring and have a little to offer in pepping the would be visitor in visiting this great area.

Lauglin is a great place for the frugal traveler, or the casino player that doesn’t need all the frills of a posh Las Vegas hotel resort. That’s not to say that value cannot be found and fun is absent from this river side community. Laughlin offers a host of great values when it comes to restaurants, entertainment and casino games offered.

At the top of our list is offering the best in casino resorts. My pick is the Aquarius Casino Resort which I mentioned at the top of this post. The resort is located in the RiverWalk area of Laughlin. The Aquarius Casino Resort has been capped as a Vegas Style casino, meaning lavish with lights, entertainment and restaurants.

The Aquarius Casino Resort has a host of casino table games and slots located in it’s casino area. Straight from their web site the Aquarius Casino is a Winner in 5 categories in the Casino Player Best of Awards 2004, including Best Race & Sports Book and Best Slot Tournaments in Laughlin. The Aquarius Casino Resort has nearly 1,300 of the latest slot and video poker machines, along with nearly 60 table games, state of the art Race and Sports Book, Keno Lounge and Live Poker room. The Aquarius Casino Resort has it all.

What would be a visit to a casino resort without the possibility of seeing some great casino style entertainment. Again taking directly from their web site The Aquarius Casino Resort is known for giving guests great headline entertainment at an affordable price. Larger acts perform regularly at our 3,300-seat Aquarius Outdoor Amphitheater, while our Aquarius Pavillion hosts numerous stage shows and musical reviews. Free nightly entertainment is available at Laughlin’s only indoor/outdoor lounge… Splash Cabaret and H2Oh! on the Riverwalk.

Last are the restaurants. Just like with the casino games and the entertainment, the Aquarius offers a fine selection of great food and restaurant choices. Guest will be happy to fine a great Steakhouse, Fine Dinning, a Starbucks and of course what casino would be complete without the casino buffet? Guests quickly learn what Laughlin’s locals have said for years — the Aquarius is home to some fantastic food. With tantalizing European delights, endless buffet selections, and convenient fast-food favorites, we have a restaurant ready for any appetite.

Most important is that Laughlin has great offerings for visitors still interested in close ties to the customers service, friendly smiles and small town charm. This type of offering and service is slowly fading, but Laughlin is strongly pushing forward to maintain this unique style of casino product in the market place. Take time to slow down and visit Laughlin Nevada.

The State of Florida is no longer like Stewie Griffin once said, “Heaven’s Waiting Room” and attractions like the Hard Rock Seminole Casino show the state isn’t just for retirees.

Now before I get an onslaught of emails and posts from visitors to this blog, yes I know that Florida is home to Miami’s South Beach which hosts some of the hottest clubs in the world. Yes, I know that two of the best party schools in the country are located in the State of Florida being Florida State University and the University of Florida. I acknowledge that. The stats are stats, and both Florida and Arizona beat out all others when it comes to aging populations. Of course I digress.

People, I’m noting that Florida is growing evenly now in providing hot spots to visit, The Hard Rock Seminole Casino is a shining example of just how Florida is catering to more fun and excitement all over the state.

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino is located in Hollywood Florida is a top notch facility. First and foremost is the entertainment. The property has over 10 entertainment spots, some free with lounges and others for Top Headliners like Fergie, Gloria Estefan and top sporting events like boxing. Check out the complete line of upcoming events and entertainment. The Hard Rock Seminole is also home to some fantastic restaurants with a notable exquisite steak house called the Council Oak.

Yet a stab at gaming, casinos and other games of chance cannot be forgotten when it comes to, of course, my take on a casino resort !! The Hard Rock Seminole Casino offers a full line of gaming options for the casino enthusiast. Check out the daily schedule of giveaways and contests the property offers. Also find your luck as a number of table games and slot machines.

The State of Florida is more than sunshine and retirement homes, with spatterings of fun for the youth. The Hard Rock Seminole Casino is bringing and breathing new life to the myriad of offerings the sun drenched beaches of Florida have to offer.

The state of Arizona may very well be the home state of our next President, God Willing, but it’s also home to some state of the art casino resorts in the world. These complexes and properties have to be considering the unusual and sometimes unforgiving environment the state has.

A great phrase would be an oasis in the desert. The following site offers information about Casinos in Arizona and other gaming properties, so it’s worth taking a look at the pages, it’s http://www.arizonacasinos.net/. The site is very simple and offers nothing more than a directory listing of various gaming properties throughout the state including those on indian reservations, horse track racing, dog track racing and other places of interest.

That being said, I personally feel one of the best operators of casino resorts in the state of Arizona is, oddly and coincidentally enough, Casino Arizona. The Casino Arizona brand offers two casino properties. Both are located in Scottsdale Arizona, the first specifically at 101 & McKellips 524 North 92nd Street and the second at 9700 East Indian Bend.

I know what you’re all thinking, but let me cut you all off. Just like the neysayers of the early 1990’s felt about the casinos going up in Connecticut couldn’t equal the service, style and quality of the top properties in Vegas and Atlantic City, so too does this apply to the Casino Arizona properties. The entertainment is top notch just check out current and up and coming headliners for both properties. Follow that notion up with the fact that no true top notch casino property can exist without an equal level of dining and restaurant options and you’ll see that both Casino Arizona properties have something to tantalize the taste buds for everyone. Especially those with discriminating tastes. Check out the complete line of restaurants.

Long and short of it is Arizona has some great casinos and should you be mozying through, I’d recommend stopping off for a little fun in the air conditioned oasis of one of the Casino Arizona properties.

Yes I said it !! New York State is a little known and up and coming gem
on the casino landscape. A notable casino resort is no doubt the Turning Stone Resort
Casino located in Verona New York. Wow !!!! is all I have to
say. Let’s begin.

First let’s take a look at the myriad of options for lodging at Turning
Stone. Guests have a choice of staying at the Lodge, the Inn,
the Hotel, the
Tower and an area for
Recreational Vehicles. I mean if I had to make a choice and
had some extra coin in my pocket the Tower is phenomenal. I mean this
isn’t Vegas people, so you don’t have to be hypnotized by the lights of
a big city. Verona NY is a countryside of beauty and that’s just what
you’ll get by staying in one of the 19 floors offered at the Tower.

Dining and restaurants. What casino resort would be complete without a
top to bottom listing of places to eat? Turning Stone Resort is no
different.  You have everthing from elegant dining offered at Wildflowers
to the Delta Cafe offering all kinds of tasty snacks.

Now to the fun part of Turning Stone Resort. The Golf and the Gaming.
The resort boasts three beautiful golf courses one of which is a PGA
Championship Course and a host of golf amenities. The casino offers a
slew of games and slots.

In a day and age where gas prices are high and financial resources are low many great regional casino resorts are popping up. One notable property is Delaware Park Casino located in Wilmington Delaware. This casino offers a slot parlor, horse racing course, 18 hole golf course and a number of great dining options.

Check out their site at http://www.delawarepark.com