Heard it on the River

11 April 2005

By Rudi Schiffer

If you have a sombrero, you might dust it off for the next BALLY'S ULTIMATE BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT where you might be able to win a share of the $150,000 prize money. The theme of this event is "Mucho Dinero" and that includes a $60,000 top prize. The buy-in is $500 for a great social and competitive weekend on April 22-24. call 1-800-38-BALLY, ext. 1511 and ask for ACE.

Congrats to SUSIE PETERSON of Atlanta who won the $50,000 first place prize in GoldStrikes' recent $100,000 slot tournament.

BRIAN CAHILL will be directing public relations activities for both RESORTS and BALLY'S when the sale of Harrah's Tunica and Bally's is completed, probably in April. While he is based in Atlantic City, media will have access to news at media info sites he is setting up for Tunica operations. Before joining Resorts, Cahill worked for the former governor of New Jersey and CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT.

Reminder for casino execs…the SOUTHERN GAMING SUMMIT is taking registrations for its May 4-5 event on the Gulf Coast. Now in its 12th year, the Summit has developed one of the most respected conference programs in the industry and is the most popular expo outside of Las Vegas. Sponsored by ASCEND MEDIA GAMING GROUP, it usually attracts about 5,000 gaming leaders and 200 or so exhibitors. If you register by April 8 you can save some bucks. You can do so online at www.sgsummit.com with a credit card or call 256-852-4490.

The BLUFF CITY OPEN is still looking for a few poker players who lust for a paid seat in the WORLD SERIES OF POKER in Vegas this year. For only a $100 buy in you can play on either Saturday April 9 or Sunday April 10 for a shot at the two $10,000 WSOP seats being offered as the top prize for two winners. Check in at the poker room at GRAND CASINO to get your spot reserved. Proceeds from the Texas Hold'em no-limit event go to CEREBRAL PALSY of the MID SOUTH. Gran Casino is the presenting sponsor.

And on the same day the Open starts, April 9, you can attend the first annual STEAK 'N BURGER DINNER put on by the Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta to be held at Grand's Convention Center. A live auction kicks it off at 5 pm. Seats are $100 each and proceeds will help youngsters grow into responsible adults. SHERATON'S GM STEVE SCHUTTE, president of the Club this year, is also co-chairman and putting a lot of effort into this event. A little help in buying tickets from the public will give him and the kids a big assist. Buy yours now by calling 662-846-4691.

One of the best and more personable dealers in Tunica Towne is friendly BETTYE PERRYMAN at HOLLYWOOD CASINO. Always smiling and helpful, it is a joy to sit at her table. Thus it was no surprise to learn BETTYE was named a Star Performer of the Year at Hollywood along with cast member BOBBY LAFAYETTE, a cage banker. They were selected from 48 quarterly winners for 2004.

If you like competitive golf and have SEC loyalties you may want to attend the SEC WOMEN'S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP at Tunica National April 15-17. BOB WOLCOTT, who was instrumental in landing this event, said the public is invited free of charge. Volunteers are also needed and if you have the time, contact Barbara Hoggard at Ole Miss 662-915-7628 or email her at bhoggard@olemiss.edu

TUNICA NATIONAL is also very busy hosting two UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION pro circuit events this spring. The FITZGERALDS CASINO sponsored Women's $25,000 Challenger tournament is April 1-10 and a Men's $50,000 Challenger event is May 1-8 at the Tennis club. KEITH EVANS, director of tennis, said the events are open free to the public with seating on a first- come, first- served basis.

The TUNICA CONVENTON & VISITORS BUREAU is making it easier to visit here and has announced the launch of a new web site that offers customized vacation packaging. Travelers can now create their own Tunica package and plan their vacation online at www.tunicapackages.com for info from participating casino resorts, plus getaway options and reservations at golf courses, museums the Tunica Queen and other attractions.

BLUFF MAGAZINE, which is an outstanding new poker publication that has ready reached a circulation of 200,000 has announced it is moving into radio with the BLUFF MAGAZINE POKER HOUR every Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm central time on SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO (122). It is the only nationally syndicated poker show in the country and luminaries such as DOYLE BRUNSON, PHIL HELMUTH and DANIEL NEGREANU have already appeared as guests on the show.

Tip your dealers and servers and don't be an APRIL FOOL.

LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER!