In our last Hollywood Casino spotlight we promised to bring you the scoop on the newest game on Hollywood’s casino floor. Let’s dig in!

Hollywood Casino offers a variety of some of the newest and most exciting slots in the market. The premier gaming house now has 98 percent payback available on select dollar IGT reel Double Diamond games as well as a slew of new games!

New on the floor at Hollywood are:

• Multimedia’s penny Carnival in Rio
• Texas Tornado and Blazin’ Bucks
• ACSlot’s Quick Hit
• Happy Slots pennymachines
• penny Playboy Hot Zone
• Aristocrat’s Stuntman Sam

Also on the gaming floor at Hollywood are IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Multi-Card 3X4X5X Pay, Fire Opal; Konami’s Rock around the Clock, Gold Frenzy and Rawhide: Marshals Bounty; WMS’s Monopoly Bigger Event Big Money Spin pennies, Top Star, Super Multi-Progressive, Mermaids Gold, Extra Extra Luck, Jackpot Block Party, and Gems Gems Gems; Aristocrat’s Mega Pay More Hearts /More Chili and Bally’s Penny Cash Spin with U-Spin, Golden Crown, Golden 8’s, Royal 7’s with Power Progressive and Magic Money Penny Progressive.

Check out what else is new!

New Videos Slots (now on the floor):
IGT
Red Lions, Sands of Gold, MLD Super Times Pay Free Games, Abracadabra, White Orchid, Crown of Egypt, 100 Ladies, Desert Spirit, Bombay, 100 Pandas, Sirens, Eastern Sun, Duckstamps, Snap Dragon, Captain Payback and Maggie and the Martians, Sex and the City, Siberian Storm, Secrets.

WMS
Queen of the Wild G+ Deluxe, Vampires Embrace G+ Deluxe, Kronos , G+ Deluxe, Buffalo Spirit G+ Deluxe, Mermaid’s Gold, Extra Extra Luck, Jackpot Block Party, penny Wizard of OZ, Lancelot 5X4, Rome & Egypt 5X4, Machine, penny Vegas Hits, penny Code Red, penny Playboy Hot Zone, penny Magic Money, penny Progressive Asian Treasures Super Jackpot Scatter and Island Wins Super Jackpot Scatter, Golden Reef, Wild Huskies, Emerald Falls, Mustang, American Original, Bonus Frenzy, penny Quick Hits Platinum, penny Quick Hit Diamonds, All About The Money Hot Shot, Golden Crown, Golden 8’s, Royal 7’s with Power Progressive.

Video Poker (now on the floor):

IGT
nickel Ultimate X Poker, nickel Double Super Times Pay Poker, nickel Super Triple Play Poker and nickel Multistrike Poker and nickel Spin Poker.

With so many other games from Aristocract, AC Slots, Konami, Multimedia, there will be no shortage of fun to be had on any given night at Hollywood Casino Tunica!

Stay tuned for Hollywood’s premiere food spotlight!

Continuing on our in-depth, month-long profiles of our casinos, next up is Hollywood. We’ll give you an inside scoop on the features that make this destination unique, and we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at the latest games and attractions. And, of course, we’ll be sure to tell you all about the specials and promotions available to help you make the most of your next trip.

Hollywood Casino Tunica is certainly true to all that its name stands for. From the lobby filled with movie memorabilia to the guest rooms and restaurants fit for the stars, Hollywood Casino Tunica truly rolls out the red carpet. The staff prides itself on making each guest feel as though they are Hollywood royalty by offering 5-star service and the constant flashing of winning slot machine lights, leaves no question as to why it’s a Tunica favorite.

In the coming weeks, we’ll fill you in on the accommodations, dining and entertainment that make Bally’s Tunica unique and give you a backstage pass into the gaming floor’s latest and greatest attractions, but first, let’s talk promotions.

Hollywood is offering a number of promotions for the month of February. Take your chances at the free $5,000 Quick Play Slot Tournaments on Mondays. Simply earn 50 points in a day to enter or only 25 points if you’re a casino employee. The tournament is free for Celebrity & Producer members. Player’s card members can also log in to their Player account online and enter to win a 50 inch Plasma TV just by giving their new or changed email address. Guest can also look forward to enjoying Hollywood’s Buffet breakfast on Saturdays for only .77 Star Comp Dollars or take advantage of a Hollywood Casino exclusive − the excitement of playing Blackjack for only $1 per hand on select tables at the only casino in Tunica to offer such a deal.

Stay tuned for what’s new on the Hollywood Casino floor!

So you’ve tried your luck on the casino floor and eaten until you are ready to burst at Bally’s Tunica Casino. What do you do next? Well, Bally’s Casino Tunica offers much more than hot games and great eats, so you have some options!

There’s no better place to watch the big game than Bally’s. Bally’s has a massive 16 ft x 9 ft HD TV screen and plasma screens that are always tuned to your favorite games, perfect for the sports fans out there.

Music buffs won’t want to miss the live entertainment that takes place every Friday and Saturday night. Featured bands play an eclectic array of music, covering many genres. Entertainment always begins at 8 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. You can play your favorite slot or table game and still enjoy the entertainment. And the best part? The entertainment is totally free!

Nature lovers out there will love Bally’s close proximity to the Tunica RiverPark. Though the park is currently closed for renovations, the Tunica Queen should be back to operating riverboat rides beginning in April. Trust me, there is no better way to experience the power of the Mighty Mississippi than on a riverboat!

If catching up on sleep after a later night at the blackjack table is more up your alley, you’ll definitely want to book a stay at Bally’s hotel. Comfortable and cozy, the hotel offers guests a relaxing retreat – but more importantly, a home-away-from-home atmosphere with a warm welcome. Each of the hotel’s 238 rooms features a standard sized tub with massaging jets, coffee maker and refrigerator to maximize the comfort level of all Bally’s Tunica guests. Bally’s is offering a great special on rooms reservations consumed Sunday-Thursday, so don’t miss out on this great deal!

Speaking of great deals, February brings with it a whole new round of awesome promotions. Take your chances at the free $5,000 slot tournaments every Wednesday in February between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., or visit Sunday, February 5 or Sunday, February 19 for your share of 5x reward points between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit on Saturday, February 4 or Saturday, February 18 for your chance to win one of two 2012 Ford Escapes being given away!

Make a point to visit Bally’s Casino Tunica next time you head down the road for some real, comfortable fun – you won’t be sorry. And stay tuned to learn more about our February casino spotlight, Hollywood Casino Tunica.

Imagine waking up to the aroma of berry stuffed french toast, grandmother’s recipe banana and pecan waffles, or avocado and bacon omelets with homemade biscuits and cheese grits.  I’d say that would be a good start to a much needed relaxing and pampered getaway.

You may have come to Tunica several times and stayed in a casino or non-casino hotel room, but did you know Tunica has four Bed & Breakfasts?  At The Columns Bed & Breakfast, located in the Town of Tunica just 10 minutes south of the casino resort area, owners Gloria and Charles Haley’s favorite breakfast to cook for guests is the berry stuffed french toast or grandmother’s recipe waffles and fresh fruit.

Their other favorite part about having a Bed & Breakfast is meeting so many nice people who are in Tunica for birthdays or anniversaries, they said.  They added that their rooms in this 19^th century antebellum restored home are not cookie-cutter.

“Our favorite room of the house is definitely ‘Suite Memories,’ and it’s the one that is rented the most, by far,” Gloria Haley said.  “It’s our anniversary/honeymoon suite and has a huge bathroom with a big jacuzzi that everybody really loves.  Of course my other favorite room is the sunroom where we serve breakfast every morning.”

Marc and Vicki Mauney own Once Upon a Time Bed & Breakfast just down the street on Main Street just a few steps from beautifully landscaped walking trails, the Veteran’s Memorial Park, and dining and shopping in historic Downtown Tunica.  The Mauneys say it’s the personal care and attention guests get that sets them apart from other hotels in Tunica.

“Each B&B is unique in style and offers smaller, more intimate accommodations than hotels,” Vicki Mauney said.  “Breakfasts are often gourmet quality, like our famous omelets with homemade biscuits, bacon, and cheese grits and are enjoyed at a leisurely pace.”

“Our guests also love our kitchen because my husband and I both enjoying cooking,” she said.  “Guests sometimes visit with us while we are preparing breakfast and while they are enjoying their first cup of coffee.”

Around the end of the 19th century, when the town of Tunica was being formed, this home was one of the first houses built near the newly constructed railroad. After many additions and a recent complete renovation, the Bed & Breakfast Once Upon a Time was born and is a memorable and relaxing place to stay.

For a Bed & Breakfast experience with a larger family feel, the Bonds Guest House is 12 miles southeast of the casino resort area.  Here you’ll find a large living area with mosaic tile, comfortable rooms, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast.  You may even be invited to a party from the look of the amount of serving trays in the dining area.

The closest Bed & Breakfast to the casino resort area is the Levee Plantation Guest House.  This Bed & Breakfast offers a quiet country atmosphere just minutes from the casinos. The Guest House has a bedroom, living room, kitchen area, porch, two baths, covered parking, and a picturesque flower garden.  Owner Betsy Perry says her Bed & Breakfast is geared more for long-term tenants.

“Our service is customized to meet your individual needs,” Perry said.  “We are fortunate to have guests frequently stay with us for a month or longer because of our ideal location.”

All Bed & Breakfast owners in Tunica told me that they have learned so much from their guests and have made lots of good friends who return time after time.  Maybe you could be one of them in the future!  Click HERE for more information on Tunica’s four Bed & Breakfasts!

Phone numbers to book your Bed and Breakfast getaway:
Bonds Guest House:  662-363-1977
Columns Bed & Breakfast:  662-363-3659
Once Upon a Time: 662-363-3217
The Levee Plantation Guest House: 662-363-1309

We’ve told you about the promotions, and we’ve told you about the games. Now it’s time to tell you about what is perhaps my favorite part of the Bally’s Casino Tunica experience—the food.

I’ve eaten in just about every dining establishment that Tunica has to offer, but I have to tell you that Bally’s Cornucopia Buffet is so good that I’ve been known to dream about it. It may be smaller in size than some of the buffets offered by neighboring casinos, but it certainly offers big flavor and even bigger value.

Old-fashioned Southern cooking and seafood are the heart of this casino buffet. If you’re not hungry for catfish, fried chicken or barbecue, stations featuring Italian, Asian and Tex-Mex specialties will satisfy. Tempting, Southern-style desserts top off the meal, with flavors so authentic you’ll wonder if your grandmother is moonlighting as Bally’s pastry chef. And let’s not forget the ribs. The ribs are legendary, some of the best you will find in Tunica, except for maybe the ribs you’ll find at The Barn, another of Bally’s dining options.

The Barn has a slogan that’s worth mentioning here: “The Barn…it ain’t health food.” And God bless them for that. Serving up all of your country favorites, The Barn is the perfect place to indulge. Offering everything from the aforementioned ribs to deep fried Cornish game hen to crab legs, The Barn is not for the faint of appetite. If you’ve never had them before, give the friend chicken gizzards a shot. You can’t get much more Southern than that!

Rounding out Bally’s dining options is The Silo Eatery, where it’s always harvest time. Conveniently located just steps away from the casino action, The Silo Eatery is the perfect place to grab a quite bite to eat from morning til night. From hearty breakfast bites to the freshest super-stacker sub sandwiches and wraps, The Silo serves some of the best eats at the best prices in Tunica.

Bally’s has a generous comp policy for all players who use their Resorts Destination Club Card – just ask one of the friendly Service Center Representative for more details.

Are you placing your bets on the big game between Giants and the Patriots? Go all in with the Tunica Super Social Super Bowl Giveaway. To enter, click on the photo below and fill out the entry form. That’s all it takes to be entered to win one our our three prizes.  Grand Prize winner will win a two night stay in Tunica, $50 in fine dining and two buffet comps. Second Prize winner will win a one night stay and two buffet comps. Third Place winner will receive two buffet comps. Winners will be announced on February 6, 2012.

CONTEST DETAILS/RULES

~ Entries must be RECEIVED by Sunday, February 5, 2012

~ Winners will be ANNOUNCED Monday, February 6, 2012

One entry per person is allowed.  Must be 21 or older to win and be a legal U.S. resident.  Winners will be randomly chosen from all submissions.  Prizes are awarded by the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Prizes do not include transportation.  Contest questions should be directed to the Tunica CVB Facebook page (Facebook.com/TunicaMS), Twitter page (@TunicaMS) or at DownTheRoad.TunicaTravel.com blog.

Last time in our casino spotlight feature, we gave you the inside scoop on Bally’s Casino Tunica’s January promotions. Now, it’s time to get to where the real action is – the casino floor. Bally’s has it all – table games, slots and video poker – so you’re sure to find the game you’re looking for.

Bally’s Tunica offers a casual and relaxed gaming environment where guests can enjoy all the thrill of the tables, just steps away from the newest slots. In addition to the traditional favorites such as Blackjack, Craps, 3-Card Poker, 21+3 and Roulette, Bally’s offers an assortment of new games and variations on the traditional to keep the gaming experience fresh and exciting. With Crapless Craps, Single 21 and a Tunica exclusive, Wild Hold ‘Em Stud, this isn’t just any another game in town! And coming soon to Bally’s table games is the exciting game of MS-Stud.

Bally’s Tunica features hundreds of state-of-the-art slots in penny, nickel, quarter, halve, dollar and five dollar denominations. We’ve got old friends, like Double Diamond, Red, White & Blue and Wild Cherry, right alongside the very latest new games, including Goldfish, Wolf Run Multi-Play, Sirens, Gigantic 7’s, Owl Capone, and dozens more! For a chance to hit it big, try your luck at life-changing jackpots including state-wide progressive games like Wizard of Oz and Wheel of Fortune. Alternatively, they’ve got plenty of our own in-house quick-hit progressives for you to enjoy.

Bally’s Newest Slots

• Vegas Hits
• Cash Wizard

Coming Soon to Bally’s

• Ghostbusters (a penny denomination game with high frequency bonus features)
• Journey to Oz
• Pirate Battle

And because Bally’s knows that gamblers deserved to be rewarded for their loyalty, Bally’s offers the Resort Destination Casino Club. As a member of the Resorts Destination Casino Club, you’re destined for the ultimate player experience. It’s all about you – and the unique rewards and benefits you will enjoy when visiting any one of five Resorts International destinations across the country. With the Resorts Destination Casino Club, the choice is yours!

Classic, Elite or Ultra? Earn Tier Credits to determine how close you are to the next exciting level of benefits. Your Resorts Destination Casino Club card is also your key to unbeatable rewards like complimentary rooms, meals and special events. You only need one card when playing at all five Resorts International destinations. And that leaves a whole lot more room in your wallet for winnings!

I recently was contacted by a reader who had a tale of extreme beginners luck. It seems the reader’s son drew a royal flush on a quarter video poker machine on his 21st birthday, on the very first hand he ever played. He played again the next day, and drew another royal, then did it again the next day. Three royal flushes, all within about 1,000 hands, starting from the young man’s first lifetime hand.

The dad was present for the first one. They started off splitting play on a Triple Play Poker machine, alternating hands while playing from a shared bankroll and agreeing to split winnings.

“I played the first hand, then on the second he was dealt three parts of a royal flush,” the dad told me. “Then on the draw, would you believe it, the other two parts came up. The first hand he ever played in his life, and he had a royal flush.”

“The next night,” the dad said, “he realized he’d never played on his own, that he’d split play all night. Before long, my cell phone went off. He’d sent me a picture of him at a single-hand Bonus Poker machine. Another royal flush.”

This time, the son cashed out immediately. That $1,000 and $400 from the previous night went directly into the bank account. But he wasn’t finished. The next day, after watching a basketball game with buddies, he went back once more, and drew a royal once more.

The dad was flabbergasted: “If I hadn’t seen the pictures AND the money, I wouldn’t believe it myself. Now I just have to make him understand, it isn’t always like this. Don’t want him to get the bug.”

In games that offer multiple wagering choice, it’s easy to design a system that will win more often than it loses. That doesn’t mean it’s to your advantage to play the system.

Case in point: A craps player told me he had a simple system. He always made place bets on both 6 and 8, hoping the shooter would roll one of those numbers before rolling a 7.

Since there are five two-dice combinations that total 6, five that total eight, and six that total that loser 7, that leaves 10 ways to win, and only 6 ways to lose. He knew there had to be a flaw in the system, and asked me what it might be.

That simple system, placing both 6 and 8, will win more often than it loses, but it will lose more MONEY than it wins. Problem is, each winning roll wins only one bet, but that 7 makes losers of them both at one time.

There are 36 possible rolls of two dice, but once you’ve placed the 6 and 8, the only rolls that matter are 6, 8, and 7. On any other number, your money either just stays on the table, or you can take the bets down.

Let’s say you bet $6 each on 6 and 8. In an average 36 rolls of the dice, you get 7-6 payoffs on five 6s and five 8s, for $70 in winnings. However, on the six 7s, you lose $12, for $72 in losses — you lose more money than you win.

The house edge is 1.52 percent on 6, 1.52 percent on 8, and 1.52 percent when you bet both at once. Combining the bets can’t change the house edge.

With nine world-class casino hotels featuring the best gaming, sensational dining and the hottest live entertainment between Atlantic City and Las Vegas, it can be hard to keep up with all that Tunica has to offer, so we’re going to make it easy for you! We are starting new series here at Down the Road – in-depth, month-long profiles of our casinos. We’ll give you an inside scoop on the features that make each of these destinations unique, and we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at the latest games and attractions at each. And, of course, we’ll be sure to tell you all about the specials and promotions available to help you make the most of your next trip.

First up on our tour of Tunica casinos is Bally’s Casino Tunica. Bally’s Tunica is famous for living up to it promise of “Real…Comfortable…Fun.” With a rustic décor, friendly atmosphere and all of the amenities you’d expect at a world-class resort, Bally’s Tunica is as genuine and authentic as it gets. The staff prides itself on showing its guests a good time while making them feel at home – a winning combination!

Bally’s is home to the newest slots with hundreds of new ways to win being introduced as a result of its multimillion-dollar slots remodeling project. In addition, the casino offers everyone’s favorite table games, as well as Tunica exclusives such as Wild Hold ‘Em Stud and Single 21.

In the coming weeks, we’ll fill you in on the accommodations, dining and entertainment that make Bally’s Tunica unique and give you a backstage pass into the gaming floor’s latest and greatest attractions, but first, let’s talk promotions.

Bally’s is offering a number of promotions for the month of January. Take your chances at the free $5,000 slot tournaments every Wednesday in January between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., or visit Sunday, January 15 or Sunday, January 29 for your share of 5x reward points between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Take a shot at the pick-a-prize giveaway on Saturday, January 14 between 6 p.m. and midnight, or visit on Saturday, January 28 between 6 p.m. and midnight for your chance to win a fabulous 2012 Ford F-150.