Heard it on the River

HORSESHOE CASINO is putting on a high hat and raising the local stakes with attention getting events, such as the "legendary" $250,000 blackjack tournament August 31-Sept. 3 and a Bentley Continental GT give away on Oct. 13. Got my attention.

Especially the $100,000 first place money in the BJ tournament, not to mention $50,000 for second place and on down the line to 7th place. Only 250 can play in this event but it will cost you $1,000 to buy-in. I don't know about you but count me in. It is the second $250,000 "Legendary" BJ tournament the 'Shoe has hosted in just four months. If you want to reserve your spot, call 1-800-371-7568. Register early.

I don't recall there has been a more expensive single car give away than the phenomenal BENTLEY GT, in Tunica. This powerful thoroughbred baby might be the one I keep instead of taking the cash equivalent. If you lust for it, you can get daily entries into the Oct. 13 drawing as well as receive additional entries for every 100 base Reward Credits accumulated beginning August 19. There's a lot more to this give away so check out the complete story in Jackpot, the ONLY gaming newspaper worth reading in the south! Sister property, GRAND CASINO has joined the fray and will be giving away the sharp looking Pontiac Solstice sports car in the $50,000 SMOKING HOT ROD SLOT championship on August 25. Buy-in is only $100. Register Aug. 23-24.

J. WATSON from Bellevue, TN took home $50,000, the first place money in the recent blackjack tournament at HORSESHOE, and he beat out 249 competitors along the way, including me. Had to settle for a lousy $10,000 and third place but I will join Mr. Watson and the other five folks who were on the final table to for a wonderful four day comp stay at CAESARS PALACE in Vegas where we will all chase the million buck's first place cash in HARRAH'S MILLIONAIRE MAKER. What am I going to do with all that money?

JOE STRONSKI, who was once was a feared blackjack competitor until he decided to earn a living with a regular paycheck, tells me that the Sunday blackjack tournament at HOLLYWOOD is heating up and if you win back-to-back events, the prize now stands at $5,240. It can happen, and already has so register from 4-6 pm outside the cashier's cage and for $30.00 you can compete. Joe also hinted that something big was coming to the casino in a table-game way but said if he told me he would have to kill me. I declined. But you need to look sharp when you win so stop by the shoe shine stand outside the rest rooms on the first floor and say hello to long-timer CHARLIE. Not only has Charlie worked there a long time but he spends long hours there. Seems like he is there all day, every day. "That's how you make a living," he says. He also has sage advice to dispense (tips accepted, please) such as these words of wisdom for gamers, "go home."

TUNICA NATIONAL has some great deals for golfers who brave the hot weather on the links there. The August specials are: $48.00 on Fridays, $40.00 before noon on Sundays, $27.00 Monday-Thursday for seniors 60+ and $37.00 Friday-Sunday for senior citizens. BOB WATSON the congenial GM reminds us that other activities include weekly three-man scrambles on Thursday nights and couples scrambles on Friday nights. Call 662-357-0777 for tee times.

Over at SOUTHLAND in West Memphis, the virtual games you can try include Let Ride, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. And there's the poker room with virtual tables as well. Great buffet specials and live entertainment. You can also take in the greyhounds and Saturday, Aug. 4 there's the Sole Survivor Handicapping Contest.

Happy Trails to BARRY BALDWIN, the long-time GM and president of Southland. I've known Barry for about 14 years and he was a great guy to work with. Barry, who has worked in pari-mutuel racing for 40 years, will serve as an adviser while TROY KEEPING takes over as general manager after serving in the same role at Majestic Star casino in Gary, IN.

FLOTSAM AND SUCH from the wonderful world of gaming ... there is a Cathouse in Vegas but not what your dirty mind is thinking. It will be named that but it is an ultralounge and restaurant. However, the servers will flirt and even dance for you if you visit the LUXOR ... a little twist on the old adage that it takes a crook to catch one. Las Vegas gaming consultant, STEVE FORTE, an internationally recognized expert on gambling cheaters, was one of four men busted by the Atlantic City police on a high-stakes poker scam at the BORGATA. Seems Stevie used some of his high-tech equipment to rip off players in big-money private games that were not connected to the casino ... FITZ' DON BARDEN is moving ahead with another MAJESTIC STAR casino, this one in Pittsburg, after beating back charges that his finances were not up to par. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said otherwise and work is expected to start soon on the $450 million casino.

LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER!