Heard It On The River

14 March 2006

By Rudi Schiffer

As you read this column we have a "scoop" for you. We heard last week that there will be a press conference at the Tunica Airport next Tuesday and it will be to announce that scheduled airline service to Tunica County will begin. We think it will be from Atlanta for several trips a week, but that is all we know at press time. Stayed tuned for what is sure to be exciting news for Tunica County and all of the area casinos.

NOTABLE QUOTES:
On being asked on the Goodtimes Radio show how marketing a property in Tunica is different from other markets, John Osborne, VP and GM of Hollywood Casino responded:
"Markets are different, customers are different. Mississippi has created a free market environment and anyone who has enough money and able to meet the licensing requirements can open a casino. This has created intense competition, which is good for the public. It encourages, no, it demands, that programs are well thought out, that the value of the gaming experience is superior to your competitors, that service levels are extraordinary and that rewards for comps and cash back are meaningful."

Mississippian Preston P. lit up SAM'S TOWN recently when he played a $5 progressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine that spun out a jackpot that reached nearly $3 million. He said he would use some of the money to assist the needs of underprivileged children. Sounds like a lot of good will come from this jackpot!

There are a lot of people with Irish blood in their veins in this country, but on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish! Well, March 17 is upon us and it's all green at FITZGERALDS. Festivities for St. Patrick's Day include a $15,000 cash giveaway that you can enter just by swiping your player's card at the Club Fitz booth. Additional entries are through rated slot and table game play. Of course, there is green beer, beads, balloons and a festive crowd to bring out the Irish in you — even if you're not. On Saturday morning, the GOODTIMES RADIO SHOW will be broadcast between 8:30 and 11 a.m. from the stage featuring RUDI and MIKE "O'SCHIFFER." On Sunday the 19th and 26th, Fitz' will have a slot tournament with $6,000 in prize money.

Registration takes place from noon to 2 p.m. and it limited to the first 300 players. There is no entry fee, so you can't lose. Also at Fitzgeralds, ANGLIUS THOMSON has been appointed the new executive chef and is already busy upgrading the kitchen to provide more value for guests at Limericks Steakhouse, Shamrock Café and the Castle Court Buffet.

Have your tried Hollywood's ITALIAN AMORE BUFFET? If not, you are missing something special on Wednesday nights. This feast, from 4 to 10 p.m., costs only $16.95. This experience includes checkered table clothes, a strolling accordionist, Italian Chianti, and even classic OSSO BUCO — a veal shank that falls from the bone onto your lips. See the full story on page 30 of this issue. Hollywood is again presenting the MARGUERITE PIAZZA GALA to benefit its charity of choice, ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. It will be held on Saturday, March 25 and the theme this year is the "The Magic of St. Jude." THREE DOG NIGHT will provide the entertainment and there will be auctions and dinner all at the PEABODY BALLROOM in Memphis. Tickets can be purchased by calling (901) 373-5051.

TUNICA NATIONAL is hosting its second open reception featuring artists Margretta Dobbs, Anne Huges Sayle, Randall Shaw Andrews and Lisa Bertagna. The reception at the golf and tennis club will be March 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Artwork will be for sale with a wine and cheese reception during show hours as well.

KARL WILDENSTEIN, who has been in Tunica in gaming as long as I have, (some may say that is too long for me) is moving up the ladder and is now NATIONAL MARKETING MANAGER at GOLD STRIKE. Another old friend, KELLI WOOTEN, is also on the move at Gold Strike where she has been promoted to advertising manager. Got to give MISCHA MATORIN credit. This young Russian-born impresario continues to come up with amazing shows that fit well into a casino stage setting with his current being Cirque style TAGANAI now on a long run at Gold Strike. He is the same creative guy who brought us BALAGAN, a show that also enjoyed a very successful and very long stay at Gold Strike last year. Tickets are cheap, only $17.95, with show times Monday through Thursday at 7:30, Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9 p.m. and Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m. Call (888) 24K-PLAY for tickets.

Grand Casino Resort Tunica is giving away thousands in free slot play, has already given away a Ford F-150 XLT Crew Cab Truck and will give away a Ford Mustang convertible in the Beauty and the Beast Giveaway, now through March 19. Swipe your Connection Card now through Sunday, March 19 for chances to win. See Connection Center for details. On Sunday, March 19, at 2 and 4 p.m. are drawings with $150 to $1,000 in Free Slot Play awarded. At 6 p.m., Grand Casino Resort will draw for the Ford Mustang Convertible.

On Wednesdays through March 29, Sam's Town guests who play using their Prime Rewards card will receive an added bonus. For every 10 points earned on your Prime Rewards card while playing any slot machine, you will earn one six-pack of Cola product and become eligible to win the Coca Cola 600 Prize Pack. The Coca Cola 600 Prize Pack drawing will be held Wednesday, March 29, at 9 p.m. One entrant will be selected to win two tickets per race for BUSCH and NASCAR; hotel accommodations for three nights in Charlotte, NC; admittance into the Coca Cola hospitality tent, pit tour and transportation from the hotel/race track and from the race track/hotel. All entrants must be present to win. Prime Rewards membership is free and cards are available at Sam's Town's Prime Rewards Center with a valid I. D. Visit the Prime Rewards Center for complete details and to obtain your free Prime Rewards card.

FROM THE QUOTABLE GAMBLER, The Lyons Press
"A man who can play delightfully on a guitar and keep a knife in his boot would make an excellent poker player."
 W.J. Florence, Handbook on Poker (1891)

Laissez le bon temps rouler!