tunica, ms

Tunica, Mississippi is about 20 miles South of Memphis, Tennessee. All casinos are located along the Mississippi River. While one would hardly notice it, all of the casinos are actually huge floating barges -- although, in most instances, the river is nothing more than a backdrop. The casinos are actually in "Tunica County", nearer the town of Robinsonville.

There are currently a total of nine casinos in Tunica. We have surveyed all nine casinos and provide video poker information about each below. Recently, the Harrahs and Ballys casinos were sold to Resorts Tunica and Harrahs has been opened under a new name. Harrahs has taken over the Grand Casino (the largest in Tunica) as well as the Sheraton and Horseshoe casinos. Thus, Tunica is undergoing rapid change and it is possible we will see a very different picture (video poker, and otherwise) within the coming few months. We plan to keep you updated.

In general, the best video poker in Tunica is found at one of four places: Resorts Tunica (the "old" Harrahs, recently reopened as Resorts Tunica), Sheraton, and to a lesser extent, Grand Casino and Gold Strike. We have been advised there are no imminent changes to the games at Resorts Tunica, but time will tell. We describe the video poker conditions at each of the nine casinos below.

If you are looking for progressives, see the table at the bottom of this page. This lists the most interesting progressives in the Tunica area along with their "break even" numbers to help you spot advantage playing opportunities.

Map/Directions
1450 Ballys Blvd.
Robinsonville, MS 38664
Phone: 866-422-5597
Website Link: http://www.casinoms.com/
Cash Back: 0.33%
Casino Size: 40,000 square feet

Ballys does offer some good video poker, but it is limited. While there is plenty of 9/6/4 DDB available in all denominations (except nickels), other games are harder to find. We found no 9/6 JB. You'll find Aces & Faces (AF) and Double Aces & Faces (DAF) in their respective full-pay versions, but only for 50c and $1 games. There are several 25c 8/5 Bonus games near the blackjack pit. The best Deuces Wild is 98.91% return, which can be found in the video poker area on the 50c/$1 games.

Unless you are at Ballys for other reasons, we recommend the better games at Casino Center.

Game	Return	Approximate Location
9/6/4 DDB ($5)	98.98%	HI LIMIT AREA
9/6/4 DDB (25c)	98.98%	NEAR BLACKJACK PIT
9/6/4 DDB (25c)	98.98%	BAR
8/5 BONUS POKER (25c)	99.17%	NEAR BLACKJACK PIT
9/6/4 DDB (50c/$1)	98.98%	VIDEO POKER AREA
8/5 ACES & FACES (50c/$1)	99.26%	VIDEO POKER AREA
9/7DOUBLE ACES & FACES (50c/$1)	99.24%	VIDEO POKER AREA

There is very little video poker at Fitzgeralds, and and even less that is worth playing. If you absolutely must play at Fitzgeralds, we recommend seeking out one of the few 9/6 JB or 8/5 Bonus machines upstairs. We found no good games downstairs. Also, you should be careful, if you play upstairs, to avoid the severely short-paying games interspersed with the few good games. For example, you'll find 9/6 JB sitting next to a 6/5 JB game (94.99%) which is otherwise identical in appearance. These games also lack EZPay, so you are constantly dealing with change.

Grand Casino, recently acquired by Harrahs, is the largest casino in Tunica. While Grand has a good selection of games, almost all are at higher denominations. 25c players will find only Aces & Faces and Double Aces & Faces to choose from. Thus, for many players, Resorts and Sheraton will be better choices.

25c and 50c players should skip the lower floor altogether, as we found no good games in these denominations downstairs. Upstairs, these players will find only Aces & Faces and Double Aces & Faces. With the acquisition of Grand by Harrahs, many of these games have been replaced by new, lower paying games. $1 and up players can find some good games downstairs, at the North end of the casino (near the escalators) and plenty of 9/6/4 DDB at the bar. Higher limit players will find a good selection of games in the high-limit area.

Game	Return	Approximate Location
9/6/4 DDB ($1)	98.98%	UPSTAIRS VIDEO POKER AREA
9/7/5 DB ($1)	99.10%	UPSTAIRS VIDEO POKER AREA
8/5 ACES & FACES ($1)	99.26%	UPSTAIRS VIDEO POKER AREA
9/7/5 DOUBLE ACES FACES ($1)	99.24%	UPSTAIRS VIDEO POKER AREA
8/5 ACES & FACES (25c/50c)	99.26%	UPSTAIRS VIDEO POKER AREA
9/7/5 DOUBLE ACES FACES (25c/50c)	99.24%	UPSTAIRS VIDEO POKER AREA
9/5/4 DDB PROGRESSIVE (25c)	97.87%	UPSTAIRS VIDEO POKER AREA
9/7/5 DB ($1)	99.10%	DOWNSTAIRS/NORTH END BY ESCALATOR
9/6/4 DDB ($1)	98.98%	DOWNSTAIRS/NORTH END BY ESCALATOR
8/5 ACES & FACES ($1)	99.26%	DOWNSTAIRS/NORTH END BY ESCALATOR
9/7/5 DOUBLE ACES FACES ($1)	99.24%	DOWNSTAIRS/NORTH END BY ESCALATOR
9/6/4 DDB ($1)	98.98%	BAR
9/6 JB ($5/$10/$25)	99.54%	HIGH LIMIT
9/7/5 DB ($5/$10/$25)	99.10%	HIGH LIMIT
9/6/4 DDB ($5/$10/$25)	98.98%	HIGH LIMIT
8/5 ACES & FACES ($5/$10/$25)	99.26%	HIGH LIMIT
9/7/5 DBL ACES FACES ($5/$10/$25)	99.24%	HIGH LIMIT

Gold Strike has recently improved its video poker. Some time ago, payback at Gold Strike had been cut, so we see these changes as a positive development. However, it is essential that you seek out the better games as there are many low-paying games to be found at Gold Strike.

We recommend avoiding all games near the buffet -- they are clearly the worst video poker in the casino. This includes the prominently featured games along the central isle, as well as the bank of older machines against the wall. Also, you should avoid the games in the High Limit area. Most casinos set their high limit games up for the highest returns; Gold Strike clearly doesn't subscribe to this methodology.

There are, however, a number of good games to be found. Both bars offer a selection of good video poker games. Also, there is a six-game carousel near the escalators that have good games in several varieties. Finally, the carousels near the blackjack pit have several good games in various denominations, but they are all higher-variance games. The only lower variance games we found were at the bar and in the one carousel near the escalators.

Gold Strike still isn't one of our top choices for Tunica; but they now have a sufficient selection of games that you can find good games.

Game	Return	Approximate Location
9/7/5 DB (25c/50c/$1)	99.10%	BAR (BOTH)
9/6/4 DDB (25c/50c/$1)	98.98%	BAR (BOTH)
8/5 BONUS (25c/50c/$1)	99.17%	BAR (BOTH)
9/7/5 DDB (25c/50c/$1)	99.10%	NEAR ELEVATOR (8 MACHINES)
9/6/4 DDB (50c/$1)	98.98%	NEAR ELEVATOR (8 MACHINES)
8/5 BONUS (50c/$1) **	99.17%	CAROUSEL NEAR ESCALATOR
9/7/5 DB (50c/$1)	99.10%	CAROUSEL NEAR BLACKJACK PIT
9/6/4 DDB (50c/$1)	98.98%	CAROUSEL NEAR BLACKJACK PIT
9/7/5 DDB (25c/50c/$1)	99.10%	CAROUSEL NEAR BLACKJACK PIT
9/6/4 DDB ($1/$2/$5)	98.98%	CAROUSEL NEAR BLACKJACK PIT
9/7/5 DB ($1/$2/$5)	99.10%	CAROUSEL NEAR BLACKJACK PIT

**MACHINES COULD NOT BE SURVEYED WHEN WE VISITED, BUT ARE BELIEVED TO CONTAIN OTHER GOOD GAMES
SURVEY DATE: APRIL, 2005

Map/Directions
1150 Casino Strip Blvd.
Robinsonville, MS 38664
Phone: 800-789-5825
Website Link: http://www.hollywoodcasinotunica.com
Cash Back: 0.33%
Casino Size: 54,000 square feet

Hollywood has little in the way of good games at this time. They do have a few of the older 9/6 JB machines (about 3 25c and 5 $1). And you can find a few 9/6 JB multi-play games in the high-limit area.

Hollywood's most interesting possibility is the 8/5 JB progressive along the wall near the bar. These games have a fast meter on them and will often build up to a level that makes the game attractive. Otherwise, there is little reason to play here when Resorts is next door, a 3-minute walk away.

The Horseshoe in Tunica is now owned by Harrahs (as is the Horseshoe in Shreveport/Bossier City). At the date of our survey, the casino was undergoing some renovation, including the removal of the video poker bar at the back (this is the new location for the poker room). Also, the video poker bar in the middle had been removed. The old poker room had been replaced with slots, but no video poker. The video poker area remained essentially unchanged from the last several years.

In general, the Horseshoe has the worst video poker in Tunica and should be avoided. If you are in the Casino Center area we strongly recommend you go next door to Sheraton where many good games are available. Alternatively, Gold Strike offers a few good games.

There are actually two games at the Horseshoe you may want to check out. Near the front of the casino, there is one 9/6/4 DDB Progressive machine in each a 25c and 50c denomination. If these games have good progressive jackpots, you may want to give them a try.

Map/Directions
1100 Casino Strip Blvd.
Robinsonville, MS 38664
Phone: 662-363-7777
Website Link: http://www.resortstunica.com
Cash Back: Unknown
Casino Size: 35,000 square feet

This information is as of the date of our survey, but changes can be anticipated due to the buyout of Harrahs by Resorts Tunica. As of the survey date, Resorts Tunica is one of the top two places in Tunica to play video poker (with the other being the Sheraton). Here, you'll find many excellent games and a great deal of variety. Also, the main bar has the best progressive in Tunica -- full-pay (9/6 JB, 8/5 Bonus) $1 progressive with a fast meter that often builds to over $7,000.

We don't list any Deuces Wild because the best games at Harrahs are below our 98.98% cutoff. However, most of the DW at Harrahs return 98.91% (1/2/3/4/4/9/15/25/200/250); if you want to play DW, we recommend looking for these games.

Resorts Tunica is one of the top few video poker destinations in the South. We highly recommend a stop here for all video poker players visiting Tunica.

Game	Return	Approximate Location
9/6 JB ($5 & $25)	99.54%	HI LIMIT
8/5 BONUS ($5 & $25)	99.17%	HI LIMIT
9/7/5 DB ($5 & $25)	99.10%	HI LIMIT
9/6/4 DDB ($5 & $25)	98.98%	HI LIMIT
8/5 BONUS ($1)	99.17%	VP BAR
9/6/4 DDB ($1)	98.98%	VP BAR
9/7/5 DB ($1)	99.10%	VP BAR
9/6 JB (25c)	99.54%	NORTH WALL VP AREA ON END
9/6/4 DDB (25c)	98.98%	NORTH WALL VP AREA ON END
9/6 JB 3PLAY ($1/$2)	99.54%	CAROUSEL VP AREA
8/5 BONUS 3PLAY ($1/2)	99.17%	CAROUSEL VP AREA
9/7/5 DB 3PLAY ($1/$2)	99.10%	CAROUSEL VP AREA
9/6/4 DDB 3PLAY ($1/$2)	98.98%	CAROUSEL VP AREA
8/5 BONUS ($1/$2)	99.17%	NEAR MAIN BAR
9/6 JB ($1/$2)	99.54%	NEAR MAIN BAR
9/6/4 DDB ($1/$2)	98.98%	NEAR MAIN BAR
8/5 BONUS ($1) PROGRESSIVE	99.17%	MAIN BAR
9/6 JB ($1) PROGRESSIVE	99.54%	MAIN BAR
9/6/4 DDB ($1) PROGRESSIVE	98.98%	MAIN BAR
9/6 JB (25c)	99.54%	VP AREA SOUTH SIDE (20 GAME KINGS)
9/6/4 DDB ($1)	98.98%	VP AREA SOUTH SIDE (20 GAME KINGS)
8/5 BONUS ($1)	99.17%	VP AREA SOUTH SIDE (20 GAME KINGS)
9/6 DDB ($1 & Higher)	98.98%	SOUTH END VIDEO POKER AREA

Map/Directions
1477 Casino Strip Resorts Blvd.
Robinsonville, MS 38664
Phone: 800-456-0711
Website Link: http://www.samstowntunica.com
Cash Back: Unknown
Casino Size: 74,210 square feet

We would avoid Sam's Town if possible. There are few good games, and most are the borderline DDB games. The one "Suited Royal" progressive may be worth checking out; but if you find one of the suits with a sky-high progressive remember that the variance will be sky-high, as well; a good approach in determining whether the progressive is attractive is to average the four suits -- if the average progressive makes the game attractive to you, go for it. Aside from the 9/6/4 DDB, you'll find a limited amount of $1 9/6 JB.

There is little reason to play at Sam's Town when there is plenty of great video poker across the street at Resorts.

Sheraton is one of the two best places to play video poker in Tunica (the other being Resorts).

Most of Sheraton's video poker is in their "Video Poker Court", located just behind the central staircase near the table game pits. Here, you'll find a good selection of high-paying games. Even nickel and penny players will find reasonable games here. There are also a few games at the top of the escalator which are identical to those in the video poker court.

The bar games are generally not good games and should be avoided given the numerous good games found elsewhere in the casino. There are several good games NEAR the stage bar but you should examine the paytables carefully as there are some poor games interspersed.

The high limit area has a few $1 machines that have some full-pay progressives. These are worth checking out for dollar players.

We like the Sheraton's games. They have greatly improved their video poker over the last few years and created one of the top places to play in Tunica.

Game	Return	Approximate Location
9/6 JB (25c/50c/$1/$2/$5)	99.54%	VIDEO POKER COURT & UPSTAIRS BY ESCAL
8/5 BONUS (25c/50c/$1/$2/$5)	99.17%	VIDEO POKER COURT & UPSTAIRS BY ESCAL
9/7/5 DB (25c/50c/$1/$2/$5)	99.10%	VIDEO POKER COURT & UPSTAIRS BY ESCAL
9/6/4 DDB (25c/50c/$1/$2/$5)	98.98%	VIDEO POKER COURT & UPSTAIRS BY ESCAL
9/6/4 DDB ($1)	98.98%	UPSTAIRS/LOUIES BAR
9/6 JB (PENNIES)	99.54%	VIDEO POKER COURT/BACK WALL
9/6 JB (25c/50c/$1)	99.54%	NEAR STAGE BAR
9/6/4 DDB (25c/50c/$1)	98.98%	NEAR STAGE BAR
9/7/5 DOUBLE ACES FACES (25c/50c/$1)	99.24%	NEAR STAGE BAR
8/5 ACES FACES (25c/50c/$1)	99.26%	NEAR STAGE BAR
8/5 JB PROGRESSIVE ($1)	97.30%	HIGH LIMIT AREA
9/6/4 DDB PROGRESSIVE ($1)	98.98%	HIGH LIMIT AREA
8/5 ACES FACES ($1)	99.26%	HIGH LIMIT AREA
9/7/5 DOUBLE ACES FACES ($1)	99.24%	HIGH LIMIT AREA
9/6 JB (NICKELS)	99.54%	VIDEO POKER COURT

Lula, Mississippi is located just across the Mississippi River from Helena, Arkansas. Literally, as you come off of the bridge from Arkansas, you are presented with a road that delivers you to the Isle of Capri casinos at Lula. There are two casinos separated by a common area, both part of the Isle of Capri. Based on its location, it obviously targets Arkansas residents who wish to make a trip over the bridge to get in a few quick games.

With the exception of some $1 9/6/4 DDB, we found no worthwhile games in Lula. Most games here average 97-98% return. Our recommendation is to avoid the video poker at the Isle of Capri in Lula and make the short drive to Tunica, where you can find an abundant supply of good games.

Casino	Game	Return	Break Even	Approximate Location
Harrahs	7/5 Bonus ($1)	98.01%	$7,525	VP EAST WALL
Harrahs	8/5 JB (25c)	97.30%	$2,167	VP NORTH WALL
Harrahs	8/5 Bonus ($1)	99.17%	$5,588	MAIN BAR
Harrahs	9/6 JB ($1)	99.54%	$4,880	MAIN BAR
Harrahs	9/6/4 DDB ($1)	98.98%	$5,847	MAIN BAR
Harrahs	8/5 JB (25c)	97.30%	$2,167	VP BAR
Harrahs	7/5 Bonus (25c)	98.01%	$1,875	VP BAR
Harrahs	9/6/5 DB	97.80%		VP BAR
Harrahs	9/5/4 DDB	97.87%		VP BAR
Horseshoe	9/6/4 DDB (25c)	98.98%	$1,462	FRONT OF CASINO
Horseshoe	9/6/4 DDB (50c)	98.98%	$2,924	FRONT OF CASINO
Gold Strike	9/5/4 DDB (25c/50c/$1)	97.87%		BAR (BOTH)
Gold Strike	8/6 BONUS DELUXE (25c)	98.49%		NEAR RESTROOM
Gold Strike	7/5 BONUS (25c)	98.01%		NEAR RESTROOM
Gold Strike	9/6/5 DB (25c)	97.80%		NEAR RESTROOM
Gold Strike	9/5/4 DDB (25c)	97.87%		NEAR RESTROOM
Grand	9/5/4 DDB PROGRESSIVE (25c)	97.87%		UPSTAIRS VP AREA
Sam's Town	9/6/4 DDB SUITED ROYAL (25c)	98.98%		UPSTAIRS BAR
Hollywood	8/5 JB PROGRESSIVE (25c)	97.30%		VP AREA & BARS
Sheraton	8/5 JB PROGRESSIVE ($1)	97.30%		HIGH LIMIT AREA
Sheraton	9/6/4 DDB PROGRESSIVE ($1)	98.98%		HIGH LIMIT AREA
Sheraton	8/5 ACES FACES ($1)	99.26%		HIGH LIMIT AREA
Sheraton	9/7/5 DOUBLE ACES FACES ($1)	99.24%		HIGH LIMIT AREA