Heard it on the River

It is somewhat amazing to learn that of the 61 boxing matches in a row that PRIZE FIGHT BOXING has staged in Tunica's casinos, all have been sell-outs according to the Southaven promoter. Another full-house is expected on July 14 when FIGHTS AT THE FITZ resume. They will also be televised live on COMCAST SOUTHEAST and feature a hot and upcoming prospect, RAFAEL VALENZUELA in a six round featherweight bout with Mexican ADAUTO GONZALEZ. Another match on the five-bout card features Southaven's JASON MOSS against CHARLIE WARD in a four-round light heavyweight match. Tickets at the Fitz gift shop or call 800-766-5825.

Fitz' ADOLPH LEPRE, looking to beef up table games there, has put in a Four Card Poker game, Crapless Craps, Let It Ride Bonus Plus 3, and raised the betting limits. Playing in the Ultimate Blackjack tournament, I had the pleasure of an overnight stay in the wonderfully revamped and redecorated rooms with their huge and soft beds, flat screen TV, marble floors in the bathroom, and more. The entire hotel redo has received a lot of favorable comment from players.

Speaking of renovations. Have you seen the CORAL REEF total renovation at ISLE of CAPRI in Lula, hard by the Helene Bridge? GM JOSE OAKLEY has the place all spruced up, including moving the poker room to a very private setting on the balcony overlooking the gaming floor.

They are called "impersonators" but most prefer the moniker "Elvis Tribute" performers. Whatever you like, a bunch of them will be in the regional finals of the ELVIS EXTRAVAGANZA contest to be held at HOLLYWOOD CASINO on Oct. 29. The event is part of the five-day CELEBRATE LIFE in TUNICA FESTIVAL. BILL CANTER, the able marketing director for the Tunica CVB, tells us the festival is geared to the 50 plus age group and over 50 different event choices, including a senior's prom, are scheduled throughout the week. For ticket information 1-800-346-7706 or go to www.celebratelifeintunica.com.

SAM'S TOWN is holding a craps tournament every Saturday with only a $50 buy-in when you register at 9 a.m. Try the progressive WHEEL OF FORTUNE, game while there, the one with the large lazy susan wheel that you sit around in a circle. It is paying off real nice, at least it has for me.

Car giveaways have been in vogue hereabouts and the newest one is at SHERATON which is giving away a 2007 VW Beetle every Saturday in July. Total Rewards card holders can receive one free entry into the drawings daily by swiping their cards at the Total Rewards Center between 8 a.m. and midnight. Over at GOLD STRIKE, you still have one more chance at the last Mustang being given away Saturday July 7.

Down south, in Greenville, HARLOW'S CASINO RESORT, which is expected to open late in October, is looking for a few good men and women, about 400 more or less, and job applications are being entertained beginning July 9. On this date or later calls for more information can be made to 662-335-9797, Ext. 620. Harlow's, located between the old and new bridge spanning the Mississippi River on Highway 82 west, will house a 33,000 square foot casino and 105 room hotel.

HOLLWOOD has run our plasma televisions and to give away so now on Saturdays in July, you can win a GARMIN GPS STREET PILOT every 15 minutes between 6 p.m. and midnight while playing slots. Friday the 13th is traditionally viewed as a bad luck day but that could change at Hollywood which will give away $13,000 in cash prizes with drawings starting at 7:13 p.m. There will be 130 winners. At GOLD STRIKE, playing on slots could win you $1,000 in freeplay. Every Friday and Saturday between July 13 and August 31, there will be a drawing for the freeplay held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. But wait a minute….the last drawing of the day will feature a grand prize drawing worth $10,000. Here is your chance to bang away at the $100 machine you have always coveted in your heart. If you get a chance and can get a reservation, check out the CHICAGO STEAK HOUSE on the first floor and their new Reserve Wine list that room manager RYAN JENSEN is so proud off. Ryan has been accredited as a First Level Sommelier, which befits a room that has won WINE SPECTATOR'S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE two years in a row. Tip: order the Bison Satay, it is extraordinary. (See the full review on the Steakhouse in this issue.)

There is new life for the PRICE IS RIGHT live at GRAND CASINO. The popular show has been extended two weeks ending July 14. It is a lot of fun as audience members are chosen at random for a chance to compete. HARRAH'S never blanches when it comes to its commitment to the communities it does business with and most recently presented the NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM and the MEMPHIS JEWISH FEDERATION with $50,000 each to assist programs at both organizations.

Happy Trails FRANK ROMAINE, who just retired after 50 or years in the gaming industry. The folks at SAM'S TOWN had a nice little party to send Frank on his way. A Vegas- trained old school guy, his wise and hands-on style has just about vanished.

ASK THE GURU…The Guru has been getting lots of emails lately, mostly in search of the two free buffets at SAM'S TOWN that are awarded for questions that appear in print here.

Q: Oh Mighty Guru…is it true you should never touch or talk to a shooter who is having a hot roll? Dawn Juan, Madrid.

A: Not unless the roller is a blonde, hot as the roll.

ASK THE GURU via email at goodtimesradio@aol.com what's on your mind when it comes to casino gambling, no matter how weird, funny or stupid. If your question is used, you will receive two buffets courtesy of Sam's Town.

Laissez le bon temps rouler.