WINTER GETAWAYS
Tired of old man winter? Get away to some of these casino hotspots.
By Karrie L. Zukowski
Got the mid-winter blues? Are you struggling to find SOMETHING to do during those oh-so-cold winter months? Check out these hot deals, events and special promotions from casinos across the country. These are guaranteed to heat things up no matter where you’re from!
DESERT DIAMOND
TUCSON, SAHUARITA, AND WHY, ARIZONA
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment offer convenient, memorable entertainment experience in each of its Arizona locations. Arizona’s only certified “Loose Slots,” amenities include unmatched gaming options, fine dining, the Monsoon Nightclub and world-class sporting events, music concerts and comedy sets at the Diamond Center. At Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel in Tucson, everyone feels like a VIP. They offer luxurious, inviting accommodations, quality amenities and warm personalized service.
For a great meal, there are multiple options to choose from. The Steak House is a classic chop-house-style dining experience with everything for bone-in ribeye to coconut panko colossal shrimp. The Diamond Buffet offers variety at a fair price with special buffets like Sunday Brunch and Seafood Dinner buffets. And for quick bites, the food court features the newest dining experience, Classico Pizza, and The Diamond Grill. Serving loaded pizzas, soups, salads and sandwiches so quickly you won’t miss a moment of the fun.
Here are a few promotions from all three properties to chase away the winter blues.
KEYS TO THE CADDY. The spectacular “Keys To The Caddy” drawings drive into the Sahuarita location on Feb. 28. Grab your share of over $100,000 in cash, free play or the ultimate Grand Prize—a brand new Cadillac ATS! Drawings will be held every hour from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Feb. 28, with the Grand Prize Drawings at8:30 p.m. Earn a free daily entry all month at the Sahuarita location by swiping your Rewards card at the kiosk. Get additional entries for every10 slot points you earn and get 10 entries for every Reward Dollar you earn through table games play. Also, take home up to $50 in Free Play during Hot Seats drawings on Feb. 28 from2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Plus, all winning slot banks get $20 in free play.
CASH FLASHBACK. Win your share of$8,000 cash in a flash at the Why location. Drawings are every hour from 6 p.m. through 9p.m. every Saturday through February 28. Earn a free daily entry by swiping your Rewards card at the kiosk and get additional entries for every10 slot points you earn.
WINS-DAY SLOT TOURNAMENT. Win your share of over $18,000 in cash and free play with the Wins-Day Slot Tournament at the Tucson location. First place prize is $1,500 cash, second place is $500 cash, and third place is$250 cash. Be invited to play in the Wins-Day Slot Tournament by earning 250 points while play-ing slots at the Tucson location Monday–Wednesday before the tournament February 18.
SILVER LEGACY RESORT CASINO
RENO, NEVADA
Silver Legacy indulges visitors in comfort and pleasure. A historically themed masterpiece, Silver Legacy features turn-of-the-century elegance and over 1,700 luxurious hotel rooms and suites. Situated in the heart of downtown, it’s connected to the Eldorado Hotel Casino and Circus Circus Reno by sky-ways and within walking distance of a number of entertainment venues, including the Reno Events Center. And luckily, it’s within minutes of world-class skiing and a multitude of other activities. Silver Legacy also boasts 85 table games and 1,400 slot machines for an exciting gaming experience. Be sure to take advantage of these deals at Silver Legacy, whether you are vacationing or looking for an in town getaway.
GO BIG THIS WINTER. Midweek deluxe rooms from $55.99. Use Promo CodeWINTE15 and receive any combination of two free well drinks, or domestic beers or glasses of house wine in Silver Baron Lounge, Comedy Bar and Sports Bar. Book this offer and also receive a $5 dining credit for Flavors! the Buffet, Café Central Entrée or Star-bucks; a 20% shopping discount at B-Iconic, The Boutique, Carriage House, Gift Shop, Reflections or Tradewinds Casualwear; 2-for-1 cocktail at Silver Baron Lounge, Comedy Bar or Zone Sports Bar; One free Original Margarita or appetizer with purchase of an entrée at Hussong’s Cantina-Taqueria; 20% off massage or body treatment at The Health Spa; 15%off salon services/10% off products at LuLu Hair Salon; a free Ace-In-The-Hole w/ your $5Blackjack wager; two free Keno games; $4 off a ticket to Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club and $2-$3 off Lake Tahoe Ski Lift tickets.
THIRD NIGHT FREE SPECIAL. Dine, play and stay on a four day vacation with your sweetheart. Choose a Sunday–Wednesday arrival date, make your reservation for three nights and the third one is on the house. Book your three night package using promo code THIRD and receive the third night of your stay free, plus dining credits, discounts, various free drinks, lift tickets and more.
SUITE UPGRADE SPECIAL. Upgrade your experience and take advantage of great midweek suite rates starting at just $79.99. Book with offer code SWEET and receive a great rate, plus all of the above mentioned freebies and discounts. For more information about these packages, visit www.silverlegacyreno.com.
IP CASINO RESORT SPA
BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
AAA Four Diamond award winner IP Casino Resort Spa is the Gulf Coast’s premier entertainment re-sort destination. Towering 32 stories over the scenic Back Bay of Biloxi, the IP is home to more than1,000 elegantly appointed hotel rooms and suites with full amenities. IP Casino Resort Spa features a vast array of live entertainment options, great restaurants, and a first-class spa to indulge your senses.
IP is currently offering winter golf packages starting at just $99. Each package includes a standard room with a king or two queen beds; one round of golf with shared cart and scheduled tee time; $10 food credit; $20 Slots Dollars or promo chips; complimentary drink at CHILL; one golf gift per golfer and access to the fitness center; and a 25% discount in Senses Spa and Salon for treatments or services (Saturdays excluded).
Also available are the Champion and Signature Course Packages for the avid golfer. The Champion Course Package includes your choice of Hickory Hill, Sunkist, Great Southern and the Diamondhead courses. The rate is $99 per per-son from Sunday-Thursday and $132 per person on Friday and Saturday. The Signature Course Package includes your choice of Shell Landing, The Bridges, Grand Bear, The Oaks, and Windance golf courses. The rate is $114 per person from Sunday-Thursday and $152 per person on Friday and Saturday.
But don’t forget to enjoy an unforgettable gaming experience in the 70,000-square-foot casino featuring more than 1,700 slots, 60 table games and a 13 table non-smoking poker room. Win Slot Dollars, jackets, Mardi Gras T-Shirts and more in February at IP.
PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO
TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA
Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences in the country. Pechanga has been rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, and provides an unparalleled getaway in the heart of the Southern California wine country, whether for the day or an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the latest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa, and world-class golf.
For a warm getaway that is not your ordinary casino experience, become a wine and chocolate connoisseur at the Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival on Feb. 27 & 28. Hundreds of wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, food samples from Pechanga restaurants, live music, and a silent auction are all on the agenda for the two day event.
Chocolate Decadence on Friday, Feb. 27 will feature more than30 wine varietals that are masterfully partner with chocolate and other sweet desserts. The Chocolate Decadence event runs from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. and is $50 per person. The 7th annual Pechanga Wine Festival goes from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28.
On Friday night, festival goers will experience more than 21,000 square feet of space filled with tables and booths to sample sweet and savory chocolate creations, enjoy tasting local and international fine wines, hand-crafted chocolate desserts and other confections by Pechanga pastry chefs. Both Friday and Saturday events will also feature a silent auction with prizes including getaway stays, golf outings, sports memorabilia, fine wines and much more. Proceeds from Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival support Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley’s “Brush with Kindness” program that provides much needed home repairs to senior citizens. Tickets for this unforgettable event are $65.
Combo tickets for both events are available for $100. Designated driver tickets are $30 Chocolate Decadence and $35 for the Wine Festival. Both let attendees taste all the delectable desserts, food and take in live music, entertainment and extensive silent auction. Pechanga Club members will also get 25 percent off the ticket price. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. For tickets or more in-formation, visit the Pechanga Box Office, call (877) 711-2946 or visitwww.Pechanga.com/Entertainment.
EMPIRE CITY CASINO AT YONKERS RACEWAY
YONKERS, NEW YORK
If a vacation isn’t in your cards this winter, tri-state area residents can head over to Empire City Casino for a fulfilling staycation. This property offers plenty of action for the slot enthusiast. Located just outside New York City, the casino offers 5,300 slots of all variety and denominations.
If you like table games, Empire City offers electronic roulette, electronic craps, electronic baccarat and electronic sic-bo. Bets range from $5 to $2,500.Also, be prepared to be fascinated as Empire City Casino is the first casino in the country to offer Interblock Baccarat on its mini Hologram 5 seat tables. This revolutionary new concept is arguably the future of casino entertainment as we know it.
Away from the gambling action, check out plenty of live entertainment and dining options. The Empire Terrace Restaurant overlooks the track and features great food and personal TVs for wagering on the horses. Dan Rooney’s offers the flavors of a traditional Irish pub with plenty of sports action. Other fine dining, quick meals, and bars and lounges abound.
Guests can use one of the many promotions kiosks to enter promotions, receive entries, checkpoint balances and more. Special promotions this month include:
EARLY BIRD BONUS. February 5, 12, 19, 26; 10 a.m.-1p.m. Empire Club members earn five Empire Points playing any slot and then visiting a promotions kiosk to receive $5 free play.
NIGHT OWL BONUS. February 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18,19, 23, 24, 25, 26; 12 a.m.-6 a.m. Empire Club Members earn 10 Empire Points playing any slot between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, then visit a promotions kiosk to receive $10 free play.
GREAT 8s. February 2, 9, 16, 23.Empire Club members earn 8 Empire Points playing any slot to receive $8 Free Play. Plus receive8x points on baccarat games and enjoy specially priced food and beverages including $8 drink specials in the entertainment lounge, $8 frozen cocktails at Dan Rooney’s and $8 food specials in the food court. One free play offer per Empire Club member per promotional day.
5 FOR 5 TUESDAYS. February3, 10, 17, 24; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Empire Club members earn five Empire Points on Tuesdays to receive $5free play. The first 500 guest to visit the promotions booth will receive one free New York Lottery Lucky 8’s scratch-off ticket.
WHEELING ISLAND HOTEL-CASINO-RACETRACK
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack welcomes more than 2 million annual visitors through its doors. Offering 24 table games, 9-table poker room, over 1,400 slot machines, 151-room luxury hotel, live Greyhound racing, four great restaurants, 1,000-seat showroom, meeting and banquet services and gift shop, it’s no wonder it’s the area’s “go to” stop.
The hotel tower and lobby have just undergone a complete renovation, bringing new and modern decor to the 151-rooms.The upgrades include new wall coverings, carpet, lighting, elevators, vending areas, and bathrooms. Some of the new features available including plush Serta mattresses, luxurious linens, fluffy pillows, beautiful bathroom vanities, and trendy accessories like mobile device charge ports, contouring desk chair, lounge chair and free Wi Fi to satisfy leisure and business travelers alike.
Wheeling Island offers many of the hottest multi-line games, such as Sex and the City, Wizard of Oz, Tarzan, and Wonka, along with hundreds of more “traditional” reel games throughout the facility. And with Bally slot system, new and exciting promotions are available right at the slot machine.
TREASURE CHEST HOT SEAT. Every Saturday from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The hot seat is awarded at the top of every promotional hour. Earn 50 base points within one hour of the hot heat awarding, and you can win a share of the $5,000 in free play. There are five winners of $500 free play and 100 winners of $25 free play.
FLOOR WIDE SLOT TOURNAMENT. Sundays from 11 a.m.-2p.m. and 5 p.m. –7 p.m. There are 200 winners with a top prize is$1,000 in free play. Earn 50 points to participate in each tournament, play up to three times.
If table games are your passion, enjoy 24 of your favorites including craps, blackjack, roulette and a variety of specialty games on the main gaming floor. New additions to the table games area are Vegas Star Live Roulette featuring a mechanical wheel and eight individual player stations and i-Table Blackjack where players make bets on the table’s touch-screen. There is also a 9-table, non-smoking, poker area that features limit and no-limit hold ’em, 7-card stud, and Omaha and Omaha hi-lo split.
If you’re looking for a hot meal, The Pointe Steak & Sea is a regionally acclaimed fine dining restaurant. The Pointe underwent a renovation in 2014, which included beautiful new tables, chairs and carpet. The menu was also revamped and features new shared plates, a raw bar and house specialties. An extensive wine list promises to complement any of the delectable entrées. Also not to be missed is the award-winning, all-you-can-eat buffet. The Buffet showcases American, Italian and Asian stations that rotate continuously each day of the week including carved roast beef, or prime rib, Polish sausage, rotisserie chicken, shrimp and clams, vegetables, crisp salads, warm baked breads, delectable desserts and much more.
Be sure to visit wheelingisland.com, view the monthly calendar of events and take a trip to Wheeling Island and see why it’s the complete casino destination.
PALACE CASINO RESORT
BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
Palace Casino Resort is the only smoke-free casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the premiere destination for luxurious accommodations, superior guest service and endless excitement. Nestled along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and Biloxi’s Back Bay, the resort offers newly renovated hotel rooms and suites with stunning views, award winning restaurants, non-stop gaming, championship golf at The Preserve Golf Club and amazing amenities to complement your stay.
The Palace Casino Resort’s hotel and casino has been reinvented, redefining the resort to make it even more relaxing, fun and exciting. The new hotel lobby is spacious, features comfortable seating and has a staff that is waiting to assist you with your hotel accommodations and more. The casino has been completely recreated as well. Restaurants have been reignited. And, all of the amenities you’ve been missing have returned.
Some of the reasons to revisit Palace Casino this winter are: spacious gaming floor with over 800 slot machines; 26 table games and luxurious high limit room; the redesigned Palace Buffet and Palace Café & Bakery; Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood with a recreated lounge; the Preserve Golf Club designed by Jerry Pate; the Pure The Palace Spa and more.
Palace Casino Resort has been redefined with guests in mind, and so are their February promotions.
MATCH 3 GIVEAWAY. Fridays in February, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Win up to $2,500 Power Play or $5,000 cash. One free entry and one entry for every 50 points earned (or table games equivalent), Feb.1-27. Visit kiosk for drawing check-in after 6:30 p.m. each Friday.
ACES & FACES $30,000 DOUBLE DECK BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT. Feb.28 & March 1 Win up to $25,200 in cash Prizes. It’s $100 to buy-in with two days of tournament play. Register at Player Services Feb.1 -28.
NEW MEMBERS WIN UP TO $1,000. Join the Palace Players Club as a new member and receive $5 Power Play. Then, earn just 40 points on your card on the day you enroll and swipe your card at the kiosk to instantly win from $10 up to$1,000 in free Power Play slot credits.
RIVERWALK CASINO
VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI
Looking for a “happy place”? Explore your own personal playground filled with thousands of thrilling slots and exciting table games all on one floor at Riverwalk Casino. From penny games to $100 machines to video poker, they’ve got it all. They’ve also rounded up the newest, eye-popping games from IGT, WMS, Bally’s, Konami and Aristocrat.
Obviously you can’t game 24-hours a day. Well, even if it’s 23 hours a day, you need a great place to rest and relax. Riverwalk Casino Hotel has rooms cozy enough for a personal moment of Zen or an all-night snorefest. With super-comfy beds and fluffy pillows, great river views, flat-screen TVs and all those little extra perks like free Internet access, coffee and coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board and more.
When you’re looking for a place to replenish, you’ll find three delicious eateries–Rocky’s, Magnolia Hill Buffet and Smiley’s Deli. Rocky’s offers choice steaks, fresh seafood, hearty sandwiches, salads and more. The Magnolia Buffet has an endless variety of popular fare, including succulent seafood, home-cooked southern favorites and great desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. And, of course, there’s Smiley’s Deli—your quick stop for mouth-pleasing food, like subs, salads, pizzas, nachos, gumbo and enough sweets to keep you up all night.
For more information, visit www.riverwalkvicksburg.com or call 601-634-0100.
VALLEY VIEW CASINO & HOTEL
VALLEY CENTER, CALIFORNIA
Valley View Casino & Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel that com-bines the best San Diego gaming experience in Southern California with the comfort of beautifully-appointed rooms, breathtaking views, and first-class guest service–all with no taxes or resort fees. Plus, Valley View has a strict 21-and-over policy that means at this San Diego casino resort you can truly relax and get away from it all.
The 108 luxurious rooms at Valley View include 96 deluxe rooms and 12 luxury suites, an infinity pool and breathtaking views of the Palomar Mountain Range. Relax with all the amenities including free Wi-Fi and complimentary VIP breakfast.
Valley View offers a world-class gaming experience through the most innovative slot machines, thrilling table games, a rewarding Players Club, unparalleled guest service, a certified “Largest Non-Smoking Casino Area” in the region and more. Enjoy the casino lifestyle in a completely remodeled setting with all-new carpeting, all-new seating, a beautifully updated VIP Lounge and much more. Who knows, you could even hit a jackpot on any one of San Diego’s only Certified Loose slot machines. Kick off 2015 by enjoying new promotions and exciting giveaways.
LEXUS GIVEAWAY. Win a new 2015 Lexus IS 250. Get a free entry daily just for swiping your Players Club card. Then earn additional entries through slot and table game play. Plus, earn 5 times the Lexus entries on Tuesdays in February. The new Lexus IS 250 and$25,000 in cash and other prizes will be given away on Thursday, February 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, Valley View Casino & Hotel will pay sales tax and license for the winner!
ROCK THE BIG APPLE GIVEAWAY. Win a trip to see a Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend perform live in NYC. Valley View wants to send you to New York City to rub elbows with rock royalty during the “Rock the Big Apple” giveaway. On Saturday, February 28 you could win a rockin’ concert getaway that includes round trip airfare to New York City, two tickets to see a rock ‘n’ roll legend in concert at Madison Square Garden in May, luxurious hotel accommodations and $1,000spending cash.
RITA’S $1,000,000 WINNING WEDNESDAYS. Win cash and MOREPLAY every Wednesday plus a chance at your share of$1,000,000! Join Valley View for Rita’s $1,000,000 Winning Wednesdays and you could be one of 60 lucky guests every week who are guaranteed to win $200 to $1,300 in cash and MOREPLAY – that’s free slot play. Every hour from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., six winners will be randomly selected to win $100 to $300 in MOREPLAY. Then at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., all 30 winners from each session will be invited to spin the prize wheel to win up to$1,000 in cash on top of that. All guests who spin the prize wheel will be invited back to play in the Rita’s Winning Wednesdays finale at the end of the year to win a share of$1,000,000. To enter to win, simply swipe your Players Club card at the Main Stage Bar on Wednesdays. All Players Club members are eligible!
HEAD OVER REELS SLOT TOURNAMENT. Love and luck are in the air during Valley View’s new slot tournament where you can win up to $6,000 plus an excellent chance at winning a new luxury car. Play in the “Head Over Reels” slot tournament for your chance to win major cash and prizes. Visit the Players Club to learn how to qualify for these exclusive tournaments on February 7, 8, 14, 21 and 28.
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK TAMPA
TAMPA, FLORIDA
What comes to mind when you think about casinos? Vegas—sure. Atlantic City—you bet. But Florida? Not usually on the average gambler’s radar. But that’s going to change. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is a major entertainment destination that blends the excitement of the Hard Rock brand with a first-class hotel and casino—the sixth largest casino in the world, in fact.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the 50-foot-tall signature Hard Rock guitar modeled after one played by music legend Paul McCartney. A multi-level fountain highlights another pair of oversized, artistic guitars perched in front of the hotel’s porte cochère main entrance. In June 2012,the property completed a $75 million expansion that included additional gaming space and a new pool area.
When it comes to accommodations, guest rooms are designed to cater to “rock royalty” and meet AAA Four Diamond status.” The rooms are expansive and inviting, featuring a contemporary design decorated with Hard Rock memorabilia. Beds are dressed in luxurious Egyptian cotton and the bathrooms are stocked high with plush towels. It’s a very comfortable experience. So get ready to chill in a luxurious hotel experience after hitting the tables and slots hard all day and night. All 250 contemporary guestrooms and suites include Tivoli stereo and CD systems, flat screen TVs, free high-speed Internet access, fully-stocked mini bars, coffee makers, lush bathrobes and pet friendly rooms when traveling with Fido.
If that isn’t reason enough for a stay at the property, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa took the wraps off its new High Limit Slots Room and renovated Rock Spa on December 14.Comedian, actress, host and best-selling author Jenny McCarthy helped unveil the new venues during a private event where she was the guest of honor on hand for the first ceremonial slot spin.
HIGH LIMIT SLOTS ROOM.
Created by interior designer Laurence Lee, the all new High Limit Slots Room is designed to be sensual, elegant, and luxurious. Mr. Lee’s personal trademark of combining global elements into a seamless space is seen throughout the posh area which includes finishes like custom-patterned imported stone from Italy and Spain, laser cut bronze ceilings, solid onyx basins in the restrooms, custom Swarovski crystal chandeliers, Macassar ebony wood and wool carpet also customized for Seminole Hard Rock.
The room is open 24 hours with a dedicated team of 250 hand-picked casino team members to provide the utmost attentive service. The new High Limit Slots Room is tripled in size from the previous version covering 13,736 square feet with 213 slot machines and offers slots with single bets up to $1,000. There is also a secure, private entrance with amenities such as private salons and butler-style personalized service which includes food and beverage delivery.
ROCK SPA
More Zeppelin than Zen, the “new” Rock Spa covers 5,782 square feet; more than double the size of the previous version. It includes an all-new hair and nail salon and features some of the most luxurious products and services currently trending in the industry. Rock Spa also offers Hard Rock’s recently introduced “Rhythm & Motion,” the world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa menu utilizing amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation of its treatments.
A couples shower/massage room has been added with features such as a large multi-body spray/jetted shower for two, double massage beds and a new “wet room” treatment room with full height marble walls, mirror and glass mosaic tile that will accommodate specialty treatments.
Salon services include hair for both men and women; waxing; facials; facial add-ons, beauty, massage, body treatments, nails and nails add-ons. Many of the services are named after prominent rock songs like “Forever Young” (facial); “If I Could Turn Back Time” (facial add-on); “Solid as a Rock”(massage); “Walk This Way” (pedicure); and “Pour Some Sugar on Me”(body treatment).
Food and drinks are also available with a menu featuring international cold lunch selections and domestic cold lunch selections. For more information, visit www.seminolehardrocktampa.com.
