Heard It On the River, May 23rd, 2007

Providing proof of this are stats published by the Convention and Visitors Bureau, which firmly puts visitor satisfaction at 88 percent in the very satisfied category and 8 percent as somewhat satisfied.

The dissatisfied only amount to a piddling 4 percent. I find this very satisfying and statistically speaking.  An overwhelming majority like what we do here. Another interesting stat is that female visitors outnumber males by over two to one and if you can keep that many ladies happy, you have done a terrific job all around. Maybe shopping has something to do with it as for additional activities here; Casino Factory Shoppes was the top attraction besides gaming itself.

He’s a Southern gentleman, a loving husband and caring dad and is nuts about Ole Miss football. He is sort of shy, that’s why you don’t see his puss all over Jackpot! Magazine like some writers I know, but in his quiet way he does a heck of job for the casinos and for the county. He was finally recognized for his unsung efforts and for such was named the winner of the JEFF PISELLI MEDIASUPPORT AWARD at the recent luncheon for the 2007 Tourism and Business Awards held at SAM’S TOWN. The honor, bestowed by vote conduction by the TUNICA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU and the COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, is DAVID GRISHAM.

As President and CEO of the CVB put it, “Mr. Grisham’s work keeps visitors in Tunica longer because they are informed on everything to see and do here….we are thankful that he promotes Tunica to the tourism industry. For all of this, David gets my coveted monthly ‘ATTABOY AWARD.” A more complete story listing all the winners and their achievements is set forth elsewhere in this issue.

The “DESTINATION SHOPPE” has opened at RESORTS CASINO and you can redeem your comp dollars for everything from electronics to house wares, not to mention jewelry and toys. Your comp dollars from BALLY’S are also accepted. Both casinos are now also offering generous cash back slot days so visit or call to find out what days you can earn two and three times cash back. Speaking of cash awards, FITZ is giving top award jackpot winners who play max coins a Double Jackpot voucher.

If a player hits another top award jackpot within 24 hours of the date/time indicated on their voucher, they win double the amount in PromoCash, up to a max value of $1,000. This is on Monday’s only and Memorial Day is excluded. On Wednesday May 30, Fitz is holding the BONE SHAKER $10,000 CRAPS TOURNAMENT. A $100 gets you in and first place is $5,000 based on 100 entrants. A comp room and buffet is included. Register between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Casino Host Desk.

PEARL RIVER RESORT hosted a grand opening celebration for the newly renovated STARLIGHT LOUNGE at SILVER STAR HOTEL & CASINO recently. PRR President CHUCK MILLER cut the ribbon, along with a host of dignitaries and casino associates. Headlining this month in the Starlight are JEFF HOLLAND, TOPPER, THE DAYZ and RISQUE. Pearl River Resort continues to host the popular the THREE CARD POKER TOURNAMENT SERIES on Sundays, going through July 8. This tourney pays $1,000 for first place and the winner each week earns a coveted seat in the big semi-final round on July 15. The final event of the Three Card Poker Tournament Series on July 15 is where you will want to be, as it has a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000.

Also, mark your calendars because the big WSOP Circuit Event has been set at the Grand Casino Resort Tunica for Aug. 29 through Sept. 16. Poker Room Manager Karen Kaegin is already busy planning for the circuit event. Satellites are being planned for July.

Game shows have never been more popular, so we shouldn’t be surprised with two game-show related promotions at Tunica casinos. Grand is home to the PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE! (see page 10) and GOLD STRIKE hosts BOB EUBANKS GAME SHOW SPECTACULAR ( see page 14). Check ‘em out.

The recent TUNE IN AND WIN TV GIVEAWAY was so popular with guests at HOLLYWOOD CASINO TUNICA that it is coming back in June for a return engagement. On Sundays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, Hollywood is giving slot players a chance to win personal-size plasma TVs every 15 minutes from noon to 6 p.m. And congrats to ELIZABETH MABRY, the winner of the second Mini Cooper to be given away by Hollywood. The casino has given away a third since Elizabeth won her car, and this Saturday, Hollywood will give away a fourth Mini.

ASK THE GURU…

Q: Craps question, oh Guru…why does the hard way 6 or 8 pay more than 4 or 10 hardway? BILLY BOB BOY, New York City.

A: Are you sure you live in NYC with a name like that? There are 36 possible combinations that can be made on your dice but there is only ONE way to make a hard 6 (3 on each die). It’s the same for the hard 8 (a 4 on each die). And also true for the hard 4 (a 2 on each cube) and the hard 10 (a 5 on each cube). There is only one way in the 36 combos to throw each of the hard ways. The payoff difference comes from the fact that there are more ways to lose a hard way 6 or 8. You will lose the hard way bet if a 7 is thrown or if the number is rolled “easy” (not a pair).

ASK THE GURU via email with your questions whether they be serious, funny weird, or whatever as it relates to casino gambling and if we like it, we will reward you with two free buffets at SAM’S TOWN. Email: goodtimesradio@aol.com

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!

In addition to being a senior consulting editor and columnist for Jackpot! Magazine, Rudi Schiffer is host of the GoodTimes Show, heard every Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Country Legends WMC 790 or on www.audiovegas.com.