For me, casino gambling always called to mind images of dingy, smoke-filled rooms strewn with people who fall somewhere between “The Gambler’s” forlorn Axel Freed (played by the young James Caan) and “Casino’s” more impetuous Nicky Santoro (played by Joe Pesci). But it turns out this stereotype is far from true. Today’s casinos offer the very finest in luxury accommodations, lavish spa services, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities on-site; award-winning restaurants; entertainment experiences for the whole family; and an array of gaming options. Nowadays an ultimate golf experience is included, too.

In this issue we take a closer look at three of the best golf and gaming destinations in the Northeast: New York’s Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Connecticut’s southeastern region, and Atlantic City, N.J., an area that has long been associated with gaming but is today regarded as a first-rate golf destination as well. We tell you where to stay and where to play, and offer some package deals so you can save your money for the slots. And if you find the odds are not in your favor and you cut your losses early, we include five golf betting games to win back your money on the course.

But if you prefer to keep your risk and reward stakes on the course, don’t miss our list of 45 golf courses in the Northeast that offer the finest golfing experiences for under $100, including cart fees. And this is just to help you get started. Take a gamble and give these courses a call beforehand to ask about their specials. If you can play 18 holes after noon on weekdays, for example, green fees with cart at Patriot Hills Golf Club in Stony Point, N.Y., drop from $90 to $70 per person. So if you’re flexible on your tee times or days, chances are there are loads of other great deals and ways to save at these courses.

Golf and gaming having always gone hand in hand. Stories like those of Titanic Thompson, the poker-playing, golf-gambling, left-handed hustler, have woven themselves into legends. And the game itself begs the question: do you take the risk and challenge the hazard for the chance to gain a stroke?
I’ve heard it argued that power and technology like GPS systems and range finders have replaced the strategy and risk of the game. But even if you take a risk on the 610-yard par-5 12th at New Jersey’s Trump National for instance, go for the green in two, and end up just short and in the pond, isn’t it still worth it? To me, the risk is as fun as the reward itself, even if it doesn’t always work out the way I had hoped.