"Sports Fantasy Pit" to open at Grand Casino Mille Lacs; New blackjack area focuses on large prizes, bonus cash payouts and unique atmosphere

Business Wire, July 25, 1996

MILLE LACS INDIAN RESERVATION, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 25, 1996--Beginning Friday, August 2nd, blackjack play will enter a new dimension at Grand Casino Mille Lacs (MN). Players who are also sports fans will be able to double their fun by also watching multiple live sports action (football, baseball, basketball, auto racing, scores, championship games and bloopers) on large screen television monitors at the newest amenity in Minnesota gaming, "The Sports Fantasy Blackjack Pit", exclusively at Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

"In-your-face" sports action will be augmented by large special cash prizes and huge bonus prizes. Jane Sutton, Vice President of Table Games at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, stated that "specially-trained dealers and hosts, dressed in sports attire, will be entertaining guests as `coaches', with pre-game warmups, answering all blackjack and sports questions. The sports pit will also feature sports memorabilia, in a unique sports-oriented atmosphere. One of the tables will be a `rookie' table, where the play will be slow and easy for novices, and with the presence of dealer `coaches'."

"In addition", Sutton added, "we'll feature a `Fantasy Hand', which in reality will mean qualification for huge prizes. If a player is dealt a king and queen of diamonds as their first two cards, they may qualify to win $500 cash or autographed sports memorabilia, and a possible chance to win a $10,000 fantasy prize which might include a custom deluxe fishing boat, or a trip to see the Super Bowl, Final Four, Daytona 500 or other grand sporting event."

The Sports Fantasy Pit will feature $5 and $10 minimums at its tables, with high-stakes games available upon request. The "rookie" table will feature a $2 minimum.

CONTACT: Barry ZeVan, 612/449-7130