Heard It on the River: Glitz on the Mississippi

8 May 2012

By Rudi Schiffer

Trop Casino is a pretty exotic name for a casino situated on the banks of the Mississippi in Delta country but it’s a name that gets your attention in a landscape where some glitz is a good thing. The name and upgraded facility is the replacement for Lighthouse Casino and Jubilee Casino in Greenville.

"The new name is a big difference from previously but so is the casino," said Chris Strobbe, the energetic general manager who is getting the casino ready for its grand opening on Friday May 4. “The difference is night and day…this is a new and much improved operation.” The Trop is expected to play a key role in the in the renovation of historic downtown Greenville.

Tropicana Entertainment owns or operates nine casinos and resorts in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey and Aruba.

On the media front, the 19-year-old Goodtimes Radio Show which is all about casino gambling, makes a significant upgrade this Friday, May 4, with its move to prime drive time for the first time since it was founded in 1993 by yours truly. Co-hosted by me and my partner, Mike Schiffer, the show makes its debut from 3-5:30 pm Friday on Country Classic 1180 AM, Memphis but it now blankets a market area of parts of five states with a population of over 1.1 million. In addition to its clearer Mid-South broadcast signal, the show will also be simulcast on a network that includes l050 KMIS AM and 103.9 FM serving parts of Northeast Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, Southwest Illinois and Northwestern Tennessee.

This geographic area is a prime feeder market for the casino industry in the Mid-South and the industry will benefit from it. It was made possible by loyal sponsors of the show that helped it survive the tough economic times and those include Sam’s Town, The Fitz, GoldStrike, Pearl River Resort and Southland Gaming & Racing. Thank you all

A tip of my hat to Gold Strike which has put forth a nice community program for nonprofit agencies providing direct services to people living in areas where its employees reside. The
Community Grant Fund was created by MGM Resorts Foundation to engage its employees in addressing the needs of the community and its funded by employees. To date, MGM Resorts employees have donated an astounding $44 million to non-profit agencies and community initiatives.

Agencies interested can apply here.

The wonderful family attraction at PEARL RIVER RESORTS, Geyser Falls Water Theme Park, opens again on May 12. In addition to in-expensive season passes (kids under 3 free) the Park has something new and different called Buster Bucks. It’s a temporary wristband that guests can load money during their visit. The waterproof bands are free of charge and offer a quick and convenient way to pay for food, rentals and souvenirs. Nice for security as well. Travis Tritt will be live at The Arena at Golden Moon on May 19. Buy in advance at Ticketmaster.com.

Sam’s Town wants to send you to Hawaii or Las Vegas. They are celebrating their new B CONNECTED ONLINE so you can get involved to win the trips and lots of great prizes. Login now at Bconnectedonline.com. I did, always wanted to go to the Islands but will settle for Las Vegas. Look for Travis Tritt on June 8..Tickemaster.com .

The 138th Kentucky Derby will be run Saturday and after my success in picking Dullahan and Secret Circle, 1 and 2, in the Bluegrass Stakes, I am putting out my choices for the Derby here.
Dullahan made a great run from way back to win the Blue Grass Stakes and will not be a favorite to win, thus a better payoff. He’s a great closer and go the distance. Coming in second will be Union Rags with Bodemeister third. Send my tout commission to this paper.

Couple of nice tournaments coming up at GoldStrike…the $50K IN IT TO WIN IT 3 card poker event on May 18-20. First place pays $24,000 in cash and table play. The $25,000 Contender Head to Head blackjack tournament takes place on May 8 with a top payout of $10,000 cash and table play.
FIGHTS AT THE FITZ brings another high action fight card to the Great Hall there on May 12. It’s always a sellout so get your ducats early at Ticketmaster.com. On Memorial Day Weekend you can win a neat compact Gucci Fiat. Fitz recently brought in $3.00 Crapless Craps and now has $3.00 blackjack as well.

David Paul who did a great job as Chef at Pearl River’s Eclipse restaurant, takes his culinary expertise to the new Big Waters Grille opening May at the new Trop Casino in Greenville. He will also hold down the post of director of Food & Beverage. Look for some local good ‘ol Southern cooking.

LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER!