Gulfstream Park had its media day Dec. 20, in preparation for horse racing season, but they also took us around the casino. (Tom Jicha will cover the horse part elsewhere).

Here's what I gleaned:

The Penny Slots industry has boomed, according to VP of Gaming Steve Calabro. It's also a misnomer; people like the penny machines because of the choice -- bet 25 cents here, 50 cents there, with a max of $1.80. Also, the bonuses are in play, same as on other machines.

The idea of varied betting appeals to me, not much of a slot player, because there's decisions involved. He notes that even places such as Bellagio on Las Vegas are planting more penny slots, because people like 'em.

Video Poker will be up and running by the time racing season starts, Jan. 2.

They're going to make for a better high-limit area, move the games away from the crowded area they're in now. HIs quote, on high rollers: "You look around, most places have the same games. Where you can differentiate yourself is on service."

Slots also will grow because of the state's recent allowance of linked progressive jackpots -- a bunch of machines pulling for one pile of loot -- an upgrade from the stand-alone jackpots that have been in place.

Overall, addressing reports of Gulfstream lagging: "You need to have the right stuff. The right denominations and the right themes."

And if you don't like the idea of the parking at Gulfstream -- there's construction everywhere -- they'll soon start a new feature: Lucky License plate giveaway, for those who have to park in outlying areas. Hey, lemonade from lemons, baby, lemonade from lemons...