Horseshoe Expansion and Other News

Construction of a $50 million parking garage is underway at Jack Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. Ground was broken earlier this year on the seven-story structure that will add approximately 2,000 parking spaces for casino and marina guests.

The new facility is being built on the east end of the Hammond Marina's surface parking lot. The exterior of the structure has been designed with an upscale ornamented facade and will feature illuminated signs, lighting, and landscaping to serve as a new "front door" for visitors to the Horseshoe.

When completed in February of 2004, the new garage will have 12-foot floor to ceiling heights, an elegant lobby, and six elevators to whisk casino guest to and from the parking levels with ease.

General contractor and construction management services for the ambitious project are being provided by the 57-year-old Smoot Corporation. Approximately 200 union construction jobs for workers in and around the Hammond area will be created.

Bob Dancer, the world's most respected video poker expert, has teamed up with math wizard Liam W. Daily for volume 3 of their highly acclaimed Winner's Guide Video Poker series. The latest edition covers Full Pay Deuces Wild and the very similar "pseudo" Full Pay Deuces Wild.

"Full Pay Deuces Wild is without question the single best game for quarter players in Las Vegas to learn," Dancer maintains. "Pseudo Full Pay Wild Deuces is the best version of Deuces Wild found in many casinos elsewhere around the United States."

The new volume breaks down each game into four playing strategies, from beginner's level to advanced. Single copies may be purchased for $16.50 through www.bobdancer.com.

Taking the time to learn optimum playing strategies for video poker must not be taken lightly. Luck may be a primary factor during individual playing sessions, but over an extended period of time, consistently using correct strategy does make a difference between winning and losing.

Video poker and blackjack are unique among casino games in that skill plays a major role. Take advantage of it.

If feedback from readers of this column is any indication, the new cashless ticketing technology that's sweeping the nation's casinos will be a big hit with players. M.C. from Chicago sent this e-mail:

"I would like to comment on the cashless machines. I really like them. I find it very easy to keep track of your winnings. If you hit a large win, you can hit "cash out" and then continue to use money from your ante. When that's gone, you take your winning cash vouchers to the cashier, collect your money, and you're on your way. I used to use two buckets, one for my playing money and the other for my winnings. Now it is much, much easier. Plus, I don't end up with dirty hands!"

Trump Casino in Gary apparently has responded to the wishes of video keno fans by bringing in 18 of the popular games. In light of the fact video keno generates less profit for casino owners than conventional slots, casino destinations in the Chicago-area, which have limited floor space, tend to stay away from them. Congratulations to Trump for putting the wishes of its guests first.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., which owns and operates casino-hotel properties in the Chicago-area in Joliet, Ill., and East Chicago, Ind., recently unveiled a major enhancement of its popular Total Rewards player's club program.

The new options, in addition to the conventional room and dinner comps, include merchandise, travel, and unique entertainment experiences. Check out the additional perks of Total rewards by visiting www.harrahs.com.