Heard it on the river: Proposed Myriad Botanical Resort still in question

Wish I had some news on the progress of the hoped for birth of MYRIAD BOTANICAL RESORT that has been proposed for Tunica but the project has been scaled back. According to a report in the Memphis Commercial by David Flaum, who is an excellent business reporter, the owners say the former plans are not realistic. CHAIRMAN NICK LOPARDO says the new plan is for two casinos, not six, and a 600-room hotel with a golf course, a 6,000-seat covered stadium, a water-snow park and a wellness/health spa. The next hurdle for Nick and his partners, reportedly $12 million down, is to close on the 500-acre site on Oct. 2, but that depends on whether the group can raise $200 million in equity.

The view hereabouts is that we hope they do this deal. But the question remains; if the money is raised, will the scaled back version be the big bump that will propel the market to a higher level? Stay tuned. Revenues sagged in the state's river casinos in August by 8.5 percent from $143 million to $130.9 million. Loosen up those slots!

Italian restaurant cuisine is very popular and we've reported that a new eatery will be coming to a casino near you. Outside the Italian fare served at casino buffets, MURANO'S at the GRAND is now the only full-scale Italian restaurant in the market and it is excellent. Speaking of excellent, have you tried MAGNOLIA DELTA GRILL at HORSESHOE? New to the area, it is drawing great response, so check it out.

In an interview on the GOODTIMES RADIO SHOW, SAM'S TOWN GM GEORGE STADLER told listeners that a $9.2 million renovation is in the works for the casino. He also said that parent company BOYD GAMING will roll out a players card next year that will be good for all its casinos in the Central Region and eventually the cards can be used at all Boyd properties. Good move! You can hear the gambling show Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 on COUNTRY LEGENDS WMC79 AM in Memphis.

Took advantage of a promotional offer from PEARL RIVER RESORT and spent three wonderful days there at its GOLDEN MOON casino and was not disappointed. The two golf courses at the fab DANCING RABBIT were in first-class condition and the HILTON GARDEN INN being built at the club appears on schedule to open early next year. On Tuesdays, the casino has a nice blackjack tournament that offers $5,000 in total prize money for ONLY a $25 buy-in and then on Wednesday, the same event is offered across the road at the SILVER STAR casino. First place pays $3,000. For more information on the tournaments and golf packages, call 1-866-44PEARL.

Speaking of blackjack tournaments, this weekend GRAND is holding the $100,000 SMOKING ACES event with a $500 buy-in. Play begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28. First place pays $50,000 and there are cash prizes for the top 25 places. Call 1-877-307-7529. FITZ' ULTIMATE BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT still has openings for its $75,000 event on Oct. 5-6 and for the $500 buy-in you also get two room nights and breakfast buffets, as well as a tournament gift. First place is $25,000 cash and $10,000 in promo chips. I prefer the cash payout but can be forced to the take promo chips if I win. Space is limited so call 800-766-5825, ext. 8291. By the way, the next FIGHTS AT THE FITZ take place Oct. 20 and is always sold out so call the number above now.

Two big slot events are also looming starting with the $200,000 ULTIMATE SLOT TOURNAMENT at the HORSESHOE Oct. 4-6 where for a $2,000 buy-in you have a shot at the $100,000 top prize. Cash payouts through the 100th place. Call 800-371-7568. SAM'S TOWN offers its $50,000 OPEN SLOT TOURNAMENT Oct. 5-7 with a $200 BUY-IN. Call 800-946-0711. Had some leisurely fun recently at Sam's Town when in between my playing sessions in a slot tournament, I sat in the Keno area on the second floor and played. It is the ONLY live keno room in the state. Kudos to the casino for the recent 8th DELTA RIVER car show, a big success. Looking forward to the 9th event.

LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULEZ!