JUNE
Contents
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DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE What’s On Our Mind. 06 PLAYERS TALK What’s On Your Mind. 08 GREAT GAMES—NEW SLOTS IGT’s Elvis, Sex And The City & Ghostbusters. 11 GREAT GAMES—NEW SLOTS Desert Diamond Casinos Has New ACS Slots & More.
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12 GREAT GAMES—NEW SLOTS Yuma Casinos Get Bally Fever With New Slots. 14 WINNING WAYS—HINTS & TIPS Hidden ATM Fees. 17 GAMING NEWS Arizona Gaming Revenue Up, AGS Slot Manufacturer Gets AZ License, Caesar’s Entertainment Sells Casinos & Opens Others, NCRG Webinar On Youth Gambling.
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18 CASINO DINING—FATHER’S DAY FEASTS Where To Take Your Dad On Sunday, June 17. 20 FEATURE STORY BlueWater Resort & Casino In Parker, AZ. 24 CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY Come On Bingo Caller Make Me Holler! 27 FUN FACTS Risk Takers Share Common Personality Traits. 28 TRIBAL NEWS AZ Indian Gaming Association’s Deputy Director. 30 TRAVEL Laughlin, Nevada’s Rockets Over The River. 32 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT List Of What’s Happening Around The State. 34 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Talking Stick Resort’s Summer Release Pool Parties. 35 FUN & GAMES Sudoku & Puzzles To Keep Your Mind Sharp. 37 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN Rants, Raves & Reflections. 38 CASINO DIRECTORY
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 04 • ISSUE 06 PUBLISHER Chris Hoft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
When Our Readers Talk, We Listen! My team and I feel very fortunate to have such wonderful, loyal fans like all of you. We truly appreciate your support of our publication and all the e-mails and hand-written letters you send us with your questions and ideas. Thank you! Many of you have been asking us to provide more information in the magazine and in our e-newsletter. Therefore, in addition to our recent new “Dining” and “Entertainment” sections, we have expanded our “New Slots,” “Fun & Games,” “Gaming News,” and “Casino Directory” segments. You’ll also find we’ve added “Bingo,” “Tribal News,” and “Travel” departments which have taken our book to 40 pages! We are very excited about these changes and we will continue to grow our publication and extend our product line based on your feedback. I’d love to hear from you! Send me an e-mail and let me know what you think! Please visit us at: www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide, become part of our community and share your thoughts and experiences with others who also love the same casino games you do. You can sign up for our e-newsletter and find current and back issues of AZ Gaming Guide on our website at www.azgamingguide.com. Let me know what you think of our June issue and have fun! Cheers!
Alexandra Alexandra Lang
Editor-in-Chief editor@azgamingguide.com
“Like” us on Facebook because
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark Novak Alex Stewart Samantha Becker Lana Hartmann Elizabeth Torma ADVERTISING SALES Nina Consiglio nina@azgamingguide.com Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com MAILING INFORMATION Arizona Gaming Guide P.O. Box 20636 Mesa, Arizona 85277 INTERNET INFORMATION www.azgamingguide.com www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide Copyright © 2012 The Arizona Gaming Guide. All rights reserved. The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and gaming related facts as well as personal opinions and expects the reader to make his or her own decisions. All responses to reader posts, e-mails and letters are to be considered as advice only. AGG accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of our readers based on the articles and advertisements presented within this publication. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners. You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly. Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.
Arizona’s State Gaming Regulatory Agency: Arizona Department of Gaming 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.771.4263 or azgaming.gov
www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide 04 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource: Office of Problem Gambling 1.800.NEXT.STEP or 1.800.639.8783 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov
PLAYERS TALK
Q&A On Everything Gaming
Q: UNUSED PLAYER’S CARD POINTS I think the casinos need to write us a check and send it to us for all unused credits or points on the cards at the end of each month or each quarter. By the way, it really doesn’t seem fair that they can just expire if left unused. I want to know what you think. Do you think it’s fair? Mary Fuller – Phoenix, AZ A: Mary, I’m sorry but a casino will never be willing to cut checks and mail them out to players!!! What a casino is willing to do is provide additional incentives to players as rewards for their continued loyalty in the form of credits that can be redeemed for merchandise or, in some cases, even free play! What you can’t forget is that a casino is a business and, just like any other business, they have to do what’s best for their bottom line. In my opinion, the “comps” that casinos offer go above and beyond what most businesses are willing to do for their customers. My hairdresser provides me with coupons for discounted services from time to time, but those complimentary offers are very few and far between. And, I should have my own personal assistant at some of the major department stores considering the amount of money I spend there on a regular basis, but I don’t. The credits expiring is more of a legal issue in most cases. All credits on players’ accounts that translate to free play or comp dollars are a financial liability. The casinos can’t have patrons building their points indefinitely. It would be an accounting nightmare and a tremendous financial headache to the casino or to any business for that matter! I hope you can understand. That’s why almost all consumer coupons have expiration dates on them as well. What you need to do as a player (and card holder) is make sure you are familiar with all the rules of the player’s club, utilize your points before they expire, and enjoy the offers given to you by the casinos because you’ve earned them with your play. Since most businesses don’t offer a loyalty program to their customers at all, it’s great that the casinos are still willing to offer added incentives to their players! Q: “PAID” AMOUNT ON SCREEN Two identical penny slots sitting on the same bank. One says, “Winner Paid $1,000” and the other says,
“Winner Paid $150.” Any advantage to playing one over the other? Elfido Martinez – Tucson, AZ A: Elfido, There’s definitely no advantage to playing one over the other! I know that it seems frightening to sit down and play at a machine that says it just paid out a bunch of money to someone else. It makes you feel that the machine may be “cold” for you. However, you should pay absolutely no attention to a “Paid Out” amount on the screen for a couple of different reasons. First, ever since the invention of TITO (Ticket In, Ticket Out), there’s really no way of knowing whether a player even won the money on a particular machine. Many people go from one machine to the next and play with their ticket. Here’s an example, assume someone inserts a $500 ticket into a machine, plays for a while, doesn’t hit anything, and then cashes out $300. A bystander walking by while the person is cashing out could believe the person actually won all the money on that machine! Just recently I saw a woman consolidate all her tickets in one machine and cash out a $850+ voucher. She wasn’t even playing at that machine. She just walked up to it, inserted all her tickets, and hit the “Cash Out” button. Second of all, remember that each outcome on a slot machine is completely arbitrary. The random number generator (RNG) that picks the winning and losing combinations does not have a memory. Therefore, since each spin on a slot machine is completely independent from the spin before, even if someone did win big on a machine it doesn’t mean you should avoid that game! Q: AUTOMATIC CARD SHUFFLERS I don’t understand why all the Indian casinos have to use card shufflers at the Blackjack tables. The Laughlin casinos still have tables where the dealers hand shuffle the cards and I prefer it that way. I don’t trust the card shufflers. Bill Bowers – Maricopa, AZ A: Bill, automatic card shufflers give both the casinos and the players an added sense of security. Here are just a few reasons why casinos prefer to use them—Automatic card shufflers
ASK THE EXPERTS and get a $25 gas card if we decide to print your question! Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: editor@azgamingguide.com.
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Q&A On Everything Gaming guarantee each shuffle is completely random. They also remove any potential mistakes a human dealer might make and they do away with unnecessary delays during a game. Automatic card shufflers are fair and secure and they can immediately alert a dealer, pit boss, or any other individuals monitoring a table game that a card is missing, has been added or is defective. All gaming regulations state that automatic card shufflers must be inspected each gaming day to ensure that the device is not damaged, is operating properly, and has not been compromised in any manner which might affect the integrity of the game. Hence, you really shouldn’t have any apprehensions about playing Blackjack at a table with a card shuffler. Q: JOINT ACCOUNT FOR MARRIED COUPLES Why won’t/can’t casinos issue one player’s club account for a married couple? Or, why can’t two accounts by a married couple be combined? My wife and I have met couples where both parties play under one name to maximize tier status and comps. If multiple cards linked to the same account can be used, why not eliminate the charade? This past year, we missed out in qualifying for an upgraded tier by having two accounts. Without the extra perks offered by this casino based on tier level, we will frequent it less often. Bill P. – Chandler, AZ
PLAYERS TALK
A: Bill, casinos don’t offer joint accounts for married couples because they don’t want to assume the liability in the event a marriage dissolves or there is a dispute regarding an account. Furthermore, casinos want to provide each individual gambler complete anonymity. Back when player card accounts first came into existence, it was customary for casinos to combine the accounts for married couples. However, it didn’t take long for the casinos to change the rules because of all the problems that ensued. A player’s club supervisor at a Laughlin casino (that wished to remain anonymous) had some rather amusing stories to tell us about fights between spouses on the casino floors back in the day because of joint accounts and who was entitled to the free play and such. Like you mentioned, I know there are plenty of couples who take the risk and play under one name to maximize their status. In fact, just recently we had an enraged player write in to us asking for help in her fight against a casino that took away her player’s card privileges when her and her husband were caught using the same account. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do, because the rules of the player’s club clearly state this isn’t allowed. I do feel your frustration and I wish the accounts could be combined, but I understand the casino’s point of view as well. You and your wife may prefer a joint account, but there are still many more couples that prefer individual accounts. $
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GREAT GAMES
New Slots
ELVIS the King Multi-Level Progressives By IGT
When Elvis Sings, Players Win!
S
lot manufacturer, IGT, continues to roll out top-of-the-chart slot game entertainment with licensed movie titles like Dark Night, Ghostbusters, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sex and the City, The Twilight Zone, and Joker’s Heist and is now debuting yet another pop culture title, ELVIS the King Multi-Level Progressives. Elvis left us an enduring legacy of music and in ELVIS the King, all bonuses, base game features and progressives connect familiar Elvis Presley songs to winning. The slot, itself, resembles a jukebox and is designed to entertain. With only a 40 credit minimum bet on a penny denomination machine, this is the ideal game for players on a limited bankroll! This video slot has five reels, 25 pay lines, and a 200 credit max bet! ELVIS the King has, in our opinion, the best slot game design in the entire Elvis Presley series of games which first debuted in 1999. During a base game spin, one or more stacked Elvis wilds randomly stick to the reels and five hip-shaking bonus options will keep players dancing in their seats: “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “The Song,” and “Viva Las Vegas.” The biggest chart topper of them all is the “Jukebox Bonus” in which players select records for big outcomes. It’s a library of hits, all under one rockin’ game! $ Did You Know … Fifty-five years ago, Elvis Presley experienced many firsts: he recorded his first album, produced his first single, acted in his first movie, and made his first television appearance. Today, more than four million fans follow the Elvis Presley brand on Facebook, there are 500 official/active Elvis Presley fan clubs across 46 countries, and there are over 600,000 visitors to Graceland—Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee.
You can play this exciting new slot game now at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson, Yavapai Casino in Prescott, Gila River Casino - Lone Butte in Chandler, and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa, AZ.
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New Slots
GREAT GAMES
O
ne of Time Magazine’s Top 100 TV Shows of all time, Sex and the City continues to connect with players on the casino floors. A new face to the player-favorite slot brand, Sex and the City Fabulous brings new excitement to gaming. IGT’s exclusive MultiPLAY feature attracts players with the chance to play four games at once and now with added Tumbling Reels, the action has never been more enticing. Actor Chris Noth has, once again, done the voice-overs for the game as “Mr. Big,” hosting the bonus rounds which include four new bonuses—Charlotte’s Gallery, In The Bag, All That Shimmers and, of course, the Shoe Bonus—and five progressive picking bonuses leading to one of the jackpots (progressives correspond to each of the four female leads and Mr. Big). Charlotte’s Gallery displays paintings in an art gallery which the player picks for a credit award or an entry into three other bonuses. In The Bag gives players a pick of purses for credits or surprise wins. In the Shoe Bonus, the player picks from shoes to reveal awards, and All That Shimmers is a free-spin bonus (including the Tumbling Reels feature) with extras like pink diamonds that award multipliers and extra spins. You can play this exciting new slot game right now at Harrah’s Ak-chin in Maricopa, Arizona. Install dates for other casinos are coming soon! $ Bet You Didn’t Know … There are more than 2,000 Sex and the City slots in casinos all around the world! This slot brand, along with another one of IGT’s games, Wheel of Fortune, continues to be one of the most popular brands with players.
WHO YOU GONNA CALL AT HON-DAH CASINO? Slimer and the rest of the Ghostbusters gang have recently taken up residence on the slot floor at Hon-Dah Resort & Casino in Pinetop, Arizona! You may want to start planning a trip to the beautiful White Mountains to cool off this summer, because we just got the inside scoop there are over 100 new games ready to be installed! And, don’t forget Hon-Dah is one of only two casinos in the entire state that still has WMS’ Life of Luxury in pennies—a favorite amongst slot players. Here are a couple secrets we can share now … Rocket Gaming’s Gold Series and the newest version of WMS’ Life of Luxury will be part of the new bunch. Stay tuned! $
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New Slots
GREAT GAMES
Desert Diamond Casino
Installs slots by ACS N
ew Jersey based slot manufacturer, AC Slot (ACS), may not be as recognizable a name as WMS or IGT to the average slot player but that’s about to change! Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona is one of the first casinos in the state to install games by this manufacturer and there’s sure to be more that follow. Fish Party, Inca Cash, and our personal favorite, Freak Show, are all highly entertaining slot themes with unique game play. We’d love to hear what you think! Send us an e-mail to editor@azgamingguide.com.
FREAK SHOW By ACS Freak Show is a truly captivating and dynamically entertaining new game from ACS with eye-catching HD video animations that highlight the wild “FREAK SHOW” symbols in the base and bonus events. There are two distinctly different bonuses to choose from that happen with a relatively high hit frequency - the Free Spin “Scatter” Bonus and the interactive “Scatter Match” Bonus. The Free Spin “Scatter” bonus is triggered by 3, 4, or 5 “Scatter Ticket Symbols” on any reel, awarding 10, 15, or 25 free spins respectively. The “Scatter Match” bonus is triggered by 3, 4, or 5 “Ringmaster Scatter Symbols” on any reel triggering a mini “Freak Show” event and awarding big wins for the player. In addition, match any three symbols while in the bonus round and win the award value for that symbol. You’ve got to be a part of this dynamic slot sideshow today. Play Freak Show right away!
Since its inception in 1978, ACS has grown from a home-based company to one of the largest innovators of its kind. To learn more about ACS and their games, visit www.ac-slots.com.
While visiting Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, make sure to walk the entire floor so you don’t miss out on any of the exciting new games they’ve just installed recently. Look for all the latest and greatest IGT hits such as Sex and the City, Dirty Dancing, Hang Over, Joker’s Heist, Ghostbusters, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. You’ll also find another IGT favorite, Godzilla on Monster Island, at the Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita location. While in Sahuarita, you’ll find several hot, new titles by slot manufacturer Bally such as Hot Hot Habanero, Golden Pharaoh, Cash Wizard, Playboy Hot Zone, and Vegas Hits Road Trip! And, we’ve said it before but we’ll keep saying it … All three Desert Diamond Casinos have an amazing selection of classic three reel and five reel stepper games in both low and high denominations as well as a wide assortment of Video Poker games with higher than average reset values for the progressives. $ azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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GREAT GAMES
New Slots
Paradise Casino & Quechan Casino Get
Bally Fever Paradise Casino in Yuma, AZ and Quechan Casino in Winterhaven, CA (just minutes North of Yuma) have recently installed a ton of new products by Bally including over 80 new slot machine titles by various other manufacturers like WMS, IGT, Aristocrat, and Konami as well! Bally fans will definitely want to plan a trip to these two casinos to check out all the game titles that aren’t currently available at any another casino in Arizona! New Bally slots at Quechan Casino are: Amazon Gold, Code Red, Dragon Lines, Emerald Falls, Fort Wild, Gauchos Gold, Hot Hot Habanero, House of Fortune, Mercury, Midnight Diamonds, Mustang, Playboy Hot Zone, String of Pearls, Vegas Hits Road Trip, Venus, and Wild Huskies. New Bally slots at Paradise Casino are: Code Red, Playboy Hot Zone, Emerald Falls, and Mustang. $
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MORE NEW SLOTS By Aristocrat: Amazon-Cashman 2 Imperial House Aristocrat All Stars More Hearts Captain Cutthroat Top Croc— Fortune Firecracker Cashman 2 More Chili By IGT: Dirty Dancing Sex and the City— Golden Goddess Thundering Buffalo Secrets of the Forest By Konami: China Mystery China Shores Clairvoyant Cat Dynasty of Gold Jumpin’ Jalapenos
The Hangover Big Diamonds Black Widow Lobstermania 2 Dangerous Beauty
Treasure Voyage Roman Tribune Quest for Riches Outback Mystery
By Multi-Media: Bucky Beaver’s Bonus Queen of the Desert Carnival in Rio Ernestine’s Ringy—
Chamillion Texas Tornado Wild Rainforest Dingy Reels
By WMS: Ancient Magical— King and the Sword Mystical Unicorn Mystical Fortunes Wild Shootout Planet Wombat Queen of the Wild Vampire’s Embrace
Hammurabi Pirate Ship Kronos King of Africa Zeus III Great Eagle II Nordic Spirit Tang of Shang
WINNING WAYS
Hints & Tips There are THREE types of consumer usage fees associated with ATMs.
HIDDEN
ATM FEES Y
ou’ve been down on your luck and the jackpots have been few and far between. The money you brought with you to the casino didn’t last you as long as you’d hoped it would. Now, you’re out of money, aren’t quite ready to go home, and are wondering what to do? Tempted by an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) every few feet, you struggle with the urge to give in and take out more money. Funny how you have to walk around a while to find where the restrooms, the players club, or the restaurants are at a casino, but an ATM always happens to be right in front of you! And, there seems to be at least one person waiting in line every time! Next time you’re about to withdraw money from an ATM at a casino, think again. The exorbitant ATM fees associated with every transaction (especially at a casino) can add up very quickly. A couple dollars here and a couple dollars there doesn’t seem like much, but use the ATM on a regular basis and you could be looking at several hundreds of dollars in fees across an extended period of time. Instead, set a budget before you go to the casino and be realistic. If you must use an ATM while at the casino, read our tips on how to avoid the fees on page 15. 14 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
THE SURCHARGE FEE. The surcharge fee is imposed by the ATM owner which, in many cases, is not a bank but an independent organization. These surcharge fees are typically between $2.00 to $3.00, but they can be $6.00 or even higher in cash-intensive places like casinos. By law, all ATMs are required to inform the consumer of the surcharge fee upfront and the user must agree to the fee before the transaction is finalized. As a result, the surcharge fee for the terminal is immediately documented on the receipt at the time of withdrawal. THE TRANSACTION FEE. The transaction fee, more commonly referred to as the foreign fee, is charged by the financial institution that has issued the card. This generally happens because the transaction is occurring outside the financial institution’s network of machines. This is a secondary fee that is not advertised to the user at the point of transaction, because the charge is not assessed by the machine or the owner of the machine. Transaction fees usually run between $2.00 and $5.00 and it is solely the responsibility of the card holder to be aware of the details surrounding their financial institution’s policies regarding ATM withdrawals at non-network machines. DENIAL FEE. The denial fee is a new charge that has come into the marketplace just recently. This fee is charged to the user by the financial institution that has issued the card when attempting to withdraw more money than they are either allowed through their daily withdrawal limit or by having insufficient funds.
Hints & Tips
WINNING WAYS
Bet you didn’t know … Global Cash Access (GCA), is the most widely used company in the gaming world that provides all casino patrons access to cash via ATM, debit card, credit card and check cashing transactions. According to Jim King, Vice President of Information Technology at GCA, two-thirds of all money gambled in a casino is dispensed from GCA ATMs. Last year, alone, GCA dispensed $24 billion to casino guests! That translates to over $45,000 worth of transactions a minute!
ATM Hints & Tips 5 EASY WAYS TO SAVE MONEY >>>Get reimbursed by your financial institution. Some banks are willing to reimburse all ATM surcharges, including those charged by a third party ATM owner. Hold on to those receipts and check your bank’s policies. >>>Ultimately, avoid doing business with banks that charge high ATM fees and surcharges. >>>Use the ATM machine only once. Don’t withdraw $20, $40, or $60 several times. Fees are assessed with each swipe of the card. One withdrawal for $100 or $200 for a nominal fee is better than several smaller transactions with fees assessed each time. >>>Make a cashback purchase at a casino gift shop. Some retailers will allow a customer who is paying with a debit card to withdraw more than the total due and get back the difference in cash. >>>Go back to paper. Some casinos in Arizona will still allow you to write out a check to the casino for free or for a nominal amount that is less expensive than the ATM fees. azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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GAMING NEWS Arizona’s Share Of Tribal Casino Revenue Up For Seventh Consecutive Quarter Arizona received $24.3 million from tribes’ payments in the first quarter of this year, a 7.4% increase from the same quarter last year. Money from the casino gaming contributions helps fund education, emergency service, tourism, and gaming regulation.
NCRG Webinar Series National Center For Responsible Gaming Join the NCRG for the second installment of the 2012 NCRG Webinar Series. Sessions are provided free-of-charge.
Caesars Entertainment To Sell Casinos In Some Markets To Improve Its Other Properties The CEO of Caesars Entertainment, Gary Loveman, recently announced the company is “in the middle of a big expansion” and plans to sell more casinos in crowded markets to finance existing and new properties in less competitive areas. On Monday, May 7, the company announced the sale of their Harrah’s St. Louis property to Penn National Gaming for $610 million while at the same time opening Ohio’s first casino, the $350 million Horseshoe Casino Cleveland. “It will allow Caesars to more aggressively reinvest capital into its existing properties or pursue higher return investments,” said Michael Paladino, Fitch Ratings Service gaming analyst.
YOUTH GAMBLING Genetic & Environmental Factors
Wednesday, June 20 2-3 PM ET Research indicates that adolescents and young adults have more gambling problems than the general adult population. Dr. Serena King, Assistant Professor from Hamline University, will report on new findings from an NCRG funded study that examined the roles of genetics, environment and psychiatric disorders in the development of gambling disorders in children during the transitional period to young adulthood. For more information on the NCRG or to register for the free webinar series, visit their website at: www.ncrg.org.
AGS Granted Manufacturers License in AZ
D
esigner, manufacturer, and operator of gaming machines, American Gaming Systems (AGS) has announced that they have been granted a license to manufacture and distribute gaming devices in the State of Arizona. “We are very excited to receive the approvals allowing us to bring our product and services to Arizona and Iowa. Both jurisdictions present tremendous opportunities for us to place our exciting new games and offer operators greater product variety in their casinos,” said Paul Lofgren, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at AGS. “With these approvals and other recent approvals including Nevada and Illinois, AGS continues to execute its plan to position itself to be able to provide its innovative products in all major jurisdictions.” With roots in the gaming industry dating back to 1996, AGS’ current portfolio includes both Class III and Class II games, wide-area progressives, server-based gaming, and specialty games. Based in Las Vegas and privately held by San Francisco-based Alpine investors, AGS is ready to introduce their revolutionary new Roadrunner platform with its proprietary 3-D graphics engine, accelerated video frame refresh rate and unique game play features to Arizona’s gaming market—coming to casino floors this summer! azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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Father’s Day Feasts at Arizona’s Casinos No matter how you celebrate Father’s Day this year, we’ve got a few suggestions on where to go here in Arizona. Many cultures and countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day in different ways and at different times of the year. Here in the U.S., we like to surround ourselves with family, food, and fun! But, we could also take some notes from many Germans who have a unique tradition for Father’s Day and are fortunate enough to really capitalize on some generous vacation time as well! In Germany, Vatertag (Father’s Day) is celebrated on Ascension (the Thursday forty days past Easter) which happens to be a federal holiday. Depending on which region of Germany you are in, Vatertag is also called Männertag (men’s day) or Herrentag (gentlemen’s day). Traditionally, groups of men (young and old) go on a hiking tour with one or more wagons (Bollerwagen), pulled by the men. The wagons contain traditional regional food and drink called Hausmannskost which is
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consumed during the hiking tour. If this sounds like fun to you, based on first hand experience, it is! Since Thursday, June 14, is a federal holiday—Flag Day, many families plan to take the Friday off from work in order to get a nice long family weekend out of the celebration! So, make sure to tell your dad Happy Father’s Day on Sunday, June 17th, take him out for a lucky day at his favorite casino and then don’t forget to tell us all about the fun you had in an e-mail to editor@azgamingguide.com! $
Our Suggestions Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell—800.843.3678 Red Rock Buffet from 9am to 3pm for $19.95. Featuring a deluxe salad bar, sushi, shrimp, poached salmon, baked potato salad, a hot line with everything from BBQ ribs to beer brats.
Father’s Day Feasts
CASINO DINING
Or, enjoy a custom omelet made at a cooked to order omelet station. Omelets not your style? Visit the mouthwatering prime rib carving station and don’t forget to leave room for the Chef’s Dessert Table—a choice of deep dish apple pie or brandied pudding. Also, you can wash everything down with a refreshing 10oz beer, it’s included! Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale—480.850.7777 Wandering Horse Buffet from 9am to 3pm for $35 (Adults— includes one domestic beer) and $17.00 (Children 5—12, 4 & under—complimentary). Cracked pepper herb prime rib, chile beer adobo pork crown roast, butterscotch apple baked pacific halibut, harrisa American kobe steaks, ancho chili marinated French lamb chops, seared swordfish, chanterelle mushroom lobster truffle risotto, shrimp-scallop diabla, lobster-crab chow mein, chilled jonah crab claws, king crab and lobster claws. Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson—866.332.9467 Cu:Kug Ga’I Ki: Steakhouse As of June 3, 2012 a new chef, new menus, new look, and new hours! Tu-Th from 5 to 9pm, Fr & Sa from 5 to 10pm, Dark Su & Mo. If you are in the Tucson area you have to visit Desert Diamond Casino I just off Valencia Road this Father’s Day to try the latest incarnation of a casino steakhouse! The new menu features appetizers from jumbo shrimp cocktail to calamari calabrese, entrees from lobster bisque to veal schnitzel to double bone pork chop to broiled Australian lobster tails to chicken breast Madeira or picatta to full slab pork spare ribs, and more elegant sides than you can handle! All restaurants are open daily. Please verify all details and any age restrictions with each casino. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated information.
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BlueWater Resort & Casino is the hub of gaming, entertainment, lodging and water sports along the lower Colorado River. No wonder it draws visitors from across the globe! It’s accessible to anyone traveling by water or highway as it sits on the shores of the Colorado River just off Highway 95 in Parker. An enterprise of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, BlueWater Resort & Casino offers something that will appeal to everyone; a variety of gaming options with the newest and most entertaining slot machines, Bingo, Poker and Blackjack. Through THEclub rewards program, members earn free slot play, free or discounted concert tickets, food, hotel stays and more! Membership into the THEclub is free, so don’t hesitate and join today! The more you play, the more you’ll earn!
Each hotel room—whether it’s a deluxe room or suite—features a private balcony or patio providing stunning views of the Colorado River, with California’s Whipple Mountains as a backdrop. AAA has awarded BlueWater Resort & Casino a three-diamond status. With your stay you have access to a long list of amenities. There is an indoor water park offering two pools, a waterslide and spa to appeal to every age. The 164-boat slip Marina includes electricity, fresh water, and 24-hour security surveillance. You'll also find a video arcade, miniature golf course and cinema adjacent to BlueWater Resort & Casino. In addition, the resort continues to provide top-notch entertainment in the BlueWater Show Room and outdoors in the Amphitheater. BlueWater Resort & Casino also plays host to a variety of events, including boat races, off-road races, triathlons, golf tournaments and shows. These include BlueWater Pool Parties starting June 2nd, official sponsor of the Greater Western Tube Float on June 9th, and stand-up comedian Willie Barcena appearing June 16th in the BlueWater Show Room. Also, join the staff in
22 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
celebrating another “BlueWater Year” on June 16th as BlueWater celebrates another successful year. THEclub will be hosting cake and ice cream; there will be a Blackjack pit party with special guests; and more special guests at the BlueWater Pool Party. For more exciting details, visit BlueWaterFun.com! The Dig Lounge, located right off the casino floor, is open nightly and gives patrons a variety of music options for their listening and dancing pleasure. Live local favorite bands perform Wednesday and Thursday nights weekly. Between live acts, the Dig Lounge continues to provide great musical entertainment with a DJ offering several genres of music and karaoke. It also is a great place to watch your favorite sports action with its eight, 42-inch HD wide screen TVs and 160-inch HD projection screen. The River’s
Edge Cantina offers great entertainment each weekend through the summer months, along with 10 flat panel televisions to watch all your favorite sporting action all season! BlueWater Resort & Casino offers both elegant and casual dining. The BlueWater Buffet features breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets; the Buffet will be offering a special Father’s Day buffet June 17th. For an experience in fine dining you must try the River Willow, BlueWater’s steakhouse. Open at 5 p.m. daily, the River Willow offers the finest selection of steaks, seafood and the “best priced wine list” on the river. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 928-669-7003. Treat Dad to a fine dining experience on Father’s Day as the River Willow will be offering three great specials for Dad. The River’s Edge Cantina offers guests inside or out-
side seating while enjoying the impressive view of the Colorado River. The River’s Edge Cantina has a full-service bar, great food and daily specials, and is open Sunday thru Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. BlueWater Resort & Casino’s Amphitheater plays host to a wide variety of concert performers—from superstars of country to hiphop to alternative and classic rock. Set along the Colorado River, the Amphitheater is a picturesque outdoor setting for concerts under the stars. BlueWater’s Show Room is the perfect indoor setting for everything from comedy acts to mixed martial arts. The latest information on who’s appearing can be found under “Concerts & Shows” at BlueWaterFun.com. Every Saturday night in June, July and August BlueWater Resort & Casino is throwing a Pool Party in their Atrium Water Park. Guests can party and dance with live DJs and enjoy their favorite beverages from the bar. The Pool Party is from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. for those 21
and over. For more information go to BlueWaterFun.com for details. There’s exciting, 24-hour a day gaming at BlueWater Resort & Casino. With the latest slot machines, players have a wide choice of slot gaming choices. There’s also live Blackjack and Poker, favorites of any card player. BlueWater’s casino floor is designed for comfort with wait staff ready to serve your favorite beverage. Bingo is also a favorite at BlueWater Resort & Casino. BlueWater’s 10,000 square foot Bingo Hall is designed to comfortably seat 400 players. BlueWater Resort & Casino is located at 11300 Resort Drive, off Highway 95 in Parker. You can visit www.bluewaterfun.com, or call 1.928.669.7000 or 1.888.243.3360 for more information or reservations. Thanks to Joel Gable and his team at SMP Communications and Tina Holt and her team at BlueWater for their assistance with this story.
azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
23
CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY
Casino
Sessions
Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic
Late Night
Apache Gold
Su, We, Th at Noon. Fr & Sa at 7pm. 1st Mo of the month at 7pm
1000
No
No
No
BlueWater
Su at 1pm. Mo-We at 6pm.
350
Yes
Yes
No
Casino Arizona
Arriving Oct. 2012!
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Casino del Sol
Daily at Noon, 1:30, 2:15, 6:30 & 7:15pm
694
Yes
Yes
Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.
Cocopah
Daily at 1:30 & 6:30pm
350
Yes*
Yes
No
Desert Diamond I
Th-Mo 1:30, 2, 6, 6:30 & 7pm
270
No
Yes
No
Fort McDowell
Sa & Su at 6:45am. We-Mo at 9am. Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm.
1700
Yes
Yes
Fr & Sa at 12:10am. Lunar Bingo 6/16, 7/4, 7/21, 8/18, 9/15, 10/27, 11/17, 12/22 & 12/31.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin
We-Su at 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30, and 6:30pm
470
Yes
Yes
Friday Night Bingo at 11pm on the 1st & 3rd Friday of every month.
Lone Butte
Sa & Su at 10am, Noon, 3:45, 5:30 & 6pm. Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.
750
Yes
Yes
B.A.D. Bingo 2 Fr at 11:30pm & B.A.D. Bingo Sa at 11:30pm.
Mazatzal
Mo-Th at Noon. Tu & Th at 6:30pm.
280
Yes
Yes
No
Paradise
Daily at 1:30 & 6pm.
300
Yes
Yes
Varies-call 888.777.4946 for details.
Vee Quiva
Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm.
366
Yes
Yes
Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 5/01/12, casino websites & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4am Sunday to 4am Monday.
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
FUN FACTS
Risk-Takers Share Several Common Personality Traits W
hether you’re the type of person who enjoys jumping out of an airplane at 14,000 feet, investing in stocks, standing up to your boss or playing the slots, you’re a risk-taker and it’s the adrenaline rush you love to feel when stakes are high. A person who loves jumping out of airplanes may be too timid to ask their boss for a raise or a poker player may think that bungee jumping is insane, but all risk-takers inherently have several common personality traits. They are thrill seekers—always being involved in activities that provide extra sensory stimulation to the reinforcement centers in the brain. Risk-takers are fiercely competitive, if not with other people than with themselves. They challenge themselves, they’re more open to trying new things, they’re generally more optimistic, have higher self-esteem and are happier than people who play it safe. Although seen as reckless and impulsive, it’s the risk-takers that drive our civilization—entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, athletes, astronauts, law enforcement, just to name a few—that are a crucial part of the advancement of our society. $
WHO TAKES RISKS? Gamblers are born risk-takers. Studies have shown the willingness to take risks is influenced by social, genetic, biological and developmental factors. Here’s what researchers know about risk-taking: ● People who enjoy taking risks appear more content with their lives. ● Women take fewer risks than men. ● Tall people are more willing to take risks than short people. ● People who enjoy taking risks are seen as more sexually attractive. ● The willingness to take risks declines dramatically with age. ● Children of educated parents are more likely to take risks.
azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
27
TRIBAL NEWS
Arizona Indian Gaming Association
ARIZONA INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION GROWS ITS OUTREACH AND SERVICES WITH NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR Jason W. Nichols Appointed Deputy Director Of Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA)
T
he Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) just announced that Jason W. Nichols has accepted the position of Deputy Director of the AIGA. Nichols had previously served as Gaming Commissioner for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He was selected after a national search of candidates. The organization is growing its outreach into the business community as the tribal communities diversify their business interests. The Deputy Director will be instrumental in the coordination of these efforts and utilizing his strengths in the gaming operation and regulation to develop training programs for the casino operations. Nichols, who holds a B.B.A. from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, brings extensive experience in Indian gaming regulatory and policy issues. He began his gaming career as a Mega Bingo sales clerk at Creek Nation Tulsa Bingo in 1996 while he was attending college. Two years later he joined an electronic gaming vendor, working in training and customer care. He was appointed to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Gaming Operations Authority Board in 2002 and, from March 2005 to July 2006, served as Deputy Commissioner, Office of Public Gaming for the Nation. In 2006, Nichols was appointed Acting Gaming Commissioner and in January, 2008, he was appointed Gaming Commissioner. Nichols received the Warrior's Award for Lifetime Achievement as a champion in the cause of Oklahoma Indian Gaming in 2010. Nichols is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He is married to his wife, Alison, and they have two children, Cassidy and Carson. "This is a great opportunity to be part of an outstanding organization. The Arizona Indian Gaming Association is considered a leader in our industry and Arizona Indian gaming is a national model," said Nichols. "I look forward to working with the Tribal leadership and Valerie Spicer to further the great work of AIGA." For more information regarding the AIGA and its member tribes, please visit their website at www.azindiangaming.org. $ 28 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
TRAVEL
Laughlin
Rockets Over The River June 30 & July 4 - Laughlin
F
or the 22nd year, “Rockets Over The River” will awe spectators with a breathtaking display of fireworks and patriotism. Taking place on June 30 and July 4, 2012, brilliant pyrotechnics will light up the dark desert skies reflecting on the clear waters of the Colorado River. The fireworks will do a dance to classic American anthems aired by the Laughlin resorts and local radio. A family affair, visitors may enjoy the variety of experiences Laughlin, Nevada has to offer during the day and watch the dazzling display at night.
All photos courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau
Laughlin, Nevada is the ideal vacation destination known for its gaming, dining, entertainment, and water sports. Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas at the far southern tip of Nevada, it’s just a short drive—a few hours by car from the Phoenix Metro area. There are nine casino resort properties with nearly 11,000 rooms all close together on an exciting strip on the majestic Colorado River. Laughlin offers temperate, dry weather and prices that represent one of the best vacation values around. To learn more about Laughlin and upcoming events like “Rockets Over The River,” visit www.VisitLaughlin.com. $ 30 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT The Pima Lounge: Local bands playing rock, pop, funk, old-school and more from the 60's, 70's, 80's 90's & today. Start times: 8pm Su-Th & 5pm Fr-Sa. The Arizona Room Piano Lounge: Features a variety of music styles including the sounds of swing and jazz. Start times: 4pm weekdays & 5pm weekends Casino del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: Father’s Day Tejano All Star Concert—Jun. 16 at 8pm Scorpions & Tesla—Jun. 17 at 8pm WFF MMA—Jun. 30 at 8pm Chicago & Doobie Brothers—Jul. 11 at 8pm Joe Cocker & Huey Lewis and the News—Jul. 15 at 8pm Earth, Wind & Fire—Jul. 31 at 8pm Seal & Macy Gray—Aug. 3 at 8pm Los Tigres del Norte & Banda Recodo—Aug. 4 at 8pm Duran Duran—Aug. 12 at 8pm Pitbull—Aug. 5 at 8pm Crosby, Stills and Nash—Sep. 5 at 8pm Def Leppard & Poison—Sep. 12 at 7pm Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Stargazer Pavillion: Call for more entertainment details* Dragonfly Lounge: Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Ladies Night every Th, Open late on Fr & Sa.
George Jones—Fort McDowell Casino—Jun. 15 Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Cabaret Lounge: Wild Ride—Jun. 8 & 9 Hollywood & Vine—Jun. 15 & 16 Jadi Norris—Jun. 22 & 23 Backstage Crew—Jun. 29 & 30 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Comedian Willie Barcena—Jun. 16 at 7pm Cage Rage on the River 2—Jul. 7 at 7pm Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Queen Nation (Queen Tribute) - Jun. 8 & 9 Cash’d Out (Johnny Cash Tribute) - Jun. 15 & 16 Arabian Nights—Jun. 23 Heart Alive (Heart Tribute) - Jun. 29 & 30 Doo Wah Riders—Jul. 3 & 4 Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute) - Jul. 6 & 7 Trüe2Crüe (Mötley Crüe Tribute) - Jul. 20 & 21 L.A. Vation (U2 Tribute) - Jul. 27 & 28
32 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 River Room: Zumba Fitness—Mo & Tu at 6pm Sunset Lounge: Karaoke—We-Fr at 8pm Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Friday Night Groove—Join 106.3FM The Groove for a dance party now through Dec. 28. $5 cover, ladies free! Noches Caliente— Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music! Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Friday Night Party—Music & dancing at 8pm or after the featured game. Saturday Night Party—Music & dancing at 8pm or after the featured game. Diamond Center: Kool And The Gang—Jun. 15 at 7pm Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)—Jul. 14 Back in Black (AC/DC Tribute)—Aug. 18 at 7pm Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Radisson Ballroom: George Jones—Jun. 15 at 6pm Happy Together Tour—Jul. 15 with performances by The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Garry Puckett and The Union Gap, and Mickey Dolenz Sean Paul & Black Uhuru—Jul. 20 at 6pm
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.
The Showroom and Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort books big name talent! Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music and karaoke every weekend.
Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Terry Fator—Jun. 3 Purple Reign (Prince Tribute)—Jun. 7-9 Keb’ Mo’—Jun. 16 George Thorogood and the Destroyers—Jun. 23 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts—Jul. 6 Aaron Lewis—Jul. 15 Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo—Jul. 17 Kumbia Kings—Jul. 28 Yes & Procul Harum—Aug. 17 Joe Walsh—Sep. 21 TOTO—Sep. 23 Coffee Garden: Dueling Pianos—Th, Fr & Sa from 8-11pm
Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—800.427.7247 Oasis Lounge: The Doo Wah Riders—Jun. 8 at 8pm Quantum—Jun. 15 at 8pm Steel Magnolia—Jun. 16 at 8 & 10pm Hotel California (Eagles Tribute)— Jun. 22 at 8 & 10pm The Vogues—Jun. 27 at 5pm Earl Thomas Conley—Jun. 29 at 8 & 10pm Marty Ramirez—Jun. 30 at 8pm Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show Cornell Gunters Coasters—Jun. 5-9 Johnny Ray Band—Jun. 19-23 Tony Marques—Jun. 26-Jul. 1 Ronnie and the Classics—Jul. 10-14 Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs perform live throughout the week. Verona Chophouse: Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am to 3pm Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Event Center: Surfin’ Safari (Beach Boys Tribute)—Jul. 28 Hotel California (Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 21 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Paloma—We—9:30pm-1:30am DJ Noriega—Th—9pm-1am Also featuring a variety of live music on the weekends. Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Pipa Event Center: Call for more entertainment details*
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Talking Stick Resort—Jul. 6 Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Encore Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music. Showroom: The B-52’s—Jun. 8 The Latin Comedy Jam—Jun. 9 Indigo Girls—Jun. 14 Los Lobos—Jun. 15 AbbaFab (ABBA Tribute) - Jun. 16 Creedence Clearwater Revisited—Jun. 29 Los Tigres del Norte—Aug. 3 Cinderella—Aug. 4 America—Aug. 11 Air Supply—Aug. 25 Blood, Sweat and Tears—Sep. 14 49 Laughs—Sep. 15 Alfie Boe—Oct. 13 The Temptations—Oct. 26 Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke—Fr—8pm-Midnight Verify all details & age restrictions for each event. Venues, times, dates, & ticket information are subject to change. Photos/images copyright of the individual artist(s), photographer(s), or venue(s). All Rights Reserved. We are not responsible for incorrect/outdated info. *Based on info available to us at press time.
azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
33
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
TSR’s Release Pool Parties
T S R Talking Stick Resort
Brings You
POOL PARTIES & DJs!
H
ot summers in Scottsdale mean one thing, the resurgence of the resort pool party. Now as temperatures rise and summer approaches, Talking Stick Resort invites guests to release themselves from everyday stresses as it launches its Release pool party series. Featuring great drink specials and some of the region’s most exciting DJs, Release pool parties will occur every weekend throughout the summer. “This is not your typical small crowded pool party,” said, Ramon Martinez, public relations director at Talking Stick Resort. “The sheer size of our pool area at Talking Stick Resort gives us more than enough room for party goers to take in the scene, listen to great music and share a drink with friends.” The Release parties will take place every Saturday and Sunday this summer beginning May 28 and 29, Memorial Day weekend, until Sept. 1 and 2, Labor Day weekend. During the parties, sexy sunworshippers can party to music from some of the hottest DJs that Phoenix, Los Angeles and Las Vegas have to offer, while cooling off with a minty mojito, crisp beer or any beverage of your choice from the property’s poolside bar. For those preferring to party in the shade, guests can rent one of the 18 private cabanas lining the pool. In addition to a personal attendant, cabanas include a complimentary fruit plate, ceiling fan and chaise lounge chairs inside and out. The resort’s deluxe cabanas also include
34 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
32” LCD flat screen televisions and fully stocked beverage refrigerators. Release pool parties will run from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The DJs will perform from 1 – 5 p.m. Admission is free for women and hotel guests, and $10 for men. No covers will be charged on holiday weekends. Talking Stick Resort is located just east of the Loop 101 freeway and Indian Bend Road. For more information on cabana rentals and the Release pool parties, please visit www.talkingstickresort.com or call 480-850-7777.
FUN & GAMES
SUDOKU
CONNECTING THE DOTS
Each of the columns, rows, and nine 3 x 3 grids must contain all of the digits 1 - 9. None of the digits may appear more than once in each column, row, and 3 x 3 grid. (Solution on page 38)
3
5
8
1
7
4
1 8
There are nine dots shown below. Connect them with four straight lines without lifting your pen from the paper. (Solution on page 38)
2 9
5
3
7 1
7
6
5
2
3
7
6
5
1
9 7
3
5
4 8
4
1
9
8
CASINO MATH 101
WORD SEARCH
This question is based on one of the most common topics we are asked. Many of our fans and readers all wonder what the odds are to win a jackpot. Unfortunately, every slot is designed differently and you’d need the math to understand each game. As you know, aside from the slot companies themselves, we are the only people in the world who have the insider access to this kind of info! So, let’s have you try your hand at figuring out your jackpot odds on this question!
Here’s a list of words in several languages, all in honor of the special “dads” in your life! Dad, Father, Papa, Otac, Vater, Mzazi, Viejo, Tata, Buwa, Otosan, Baba, Bapa, Édesapa, Tatay, Yebba, Grandpa, Opa Words appear left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, and diagonally in any direction. (Solution on page 38)
If the chance of a jackpot symbol on the first reel landing on the first pay line is 1 in 100, and the chance of a jackpot symbol on the second reel landing on the first pay line is 1 in 100, and the chance of a jackpot symbol on the third reel landing on the first pay line is 1 in 100, then what are the chances of winning a jackpot on the first pay line?
U
U
I
Y
E
B
B
A
F
S
O
K
R
Y
D
A
P
D
N
A
R
G
J
L
Q
B
F
A
T
H
E
R
Y
P
E
F
(Solution on page 38)
K
O
U
A
F
A
T
X
F
J
I
I
E
C
N
W
T
O
K
O
Q
G
V
E
I
P
A
A
A
A
T
W
D
A
D
Q
Y
Z
T
T
Z
P
T
O
Q
Q
K
J
L
A
A
O
O
A
P
A
S
G
A
A
B
M
P
Z
B
P
I
M
T
A
C
P
O
A
B
O
M
A
U
S
A
A
N
A
W
A
B
B
R
E
T
A
V
I
Y
B
J
U
G
A
E
D
E
S
A
P
A
J
azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
35
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
AN AZ CASINO CONSIDERS ENFORCING A By Sami Becker
STRICTER DRESS CODE POLICY
W
e’ve heard, through the grapevine, that an Arizona casino is considering enforcing a stricter dress code policy such as no shorts, no t-shirts, no open-toed shoes, etc. The reason they are entertaining the idea is because there have been several complaints from customers regarding the attire of some patrons—for example, torn garments and offensive statements on clothing. Recently, my team and I have also received several letters from readers expressing similar concerns. Here is one such letter: Sami, my wife and I visit local and out-of-state casinos 3 to 4 times a week. Every time we see a TV commercial or an ad in a magazine for casinos, the people are all dressed with clean, ironed shirts and pants or freshly washed dresses or blouses and slacks. WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE IN THE CASINOS WE GO TO? My wife and I spend several minutes ironing, showering, and combing our hair before we go to a casino whether it be a Tuesday morning or a Saturday evening. Why do a lot of people we see dress in clothes that I would be em-
barrassed to go out and get my mail in. I know they are not going to a white table cloth restaurant although they would probably wear the same clothes (torn dirty muscle shirts, dirty wrinkled cargo shorts, or clothes they’ve slept in for the past month) unless there is a dress code enforced. Come on people, have a little respect for yourselves and other people. Clean up a little bit … Peter Staro I agree with Peter in the sense that some people do lack selfrespect and they don’t understand, and probably don’t care, how they are perceived by others. Many people also don’t feel the need to expend the extra time and energy to get cleaned up to see a movie, eat out at a restaurant, or even worship at church! It’s unfortunate that the world we live in caters towards convenience and comfort. What I don’t agree with is what the casino is proposing as a solution. By not allowing certain articles of clothing such as shorts and sandals, I’m confident they will lose many of their customers. Please send me an e-mail to: sami@azgamingguide.com and let me know what you think! $
azgamingguide.com | June 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
37
Y
11300 Resort Drive
Parker
888-243-3360 493
03. Bucky’s Casino
1500 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 303
04. Casino Arizona
101 & McKellips
Scottsdale
480-850-7777 931
Y Y
05. Casino del Sol 06. Casino of the Sun
12. Fort McDowell Casino 13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Camp Verde
800-381-7568 656
15318 S. Ave. B
Somerton
800-237-5687 504
Y
Y
Y
7350 S. Nogales Hwy.
Tucson
866-332-9467 1,065
Y
Y
Y
Y
I-19, Exit 80
Tucson
866-332-9467 738
Y
Y
Hwy. 86, Milepost 55
Why
Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 906
Y
Y Y*
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
800-929-8744 802
1077 S. Kyrene Rd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 850
Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson
Payson
800-777-7529 407
Y
450 Quechan Dr.
Yuma
888-777-4946 470
Y
18. Quechan Casino
I-8, Exit 166
Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+
19. Spirit Mountain Casino
8555 Hwy. 95
Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247 Scottsdale
480-850-7777 732
6443 Komatke Ln.
Laveen
800-946-4452 846
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 990
1505 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 236
23. Yavapai Casino
Y
Y
480-802-5000 1,089
21. Vee Quiva Casino
Y
Y
Pinetop
101 & Indian Bend
Y
66
Maricopa
17. Paradise Casino
22. Wild Horse Pass Casino
Y
I-17, Exit 289
777 Hwy. 260
20. Talking Stick Resort
Y
Y
15406 N. Maricopa Rd.
15. Lone Butte Casino
Y
Y
Y
855-765-7829 966
14. Hon-Dah Casino
Y
Y
855-765-7829 324
Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.
Y
Y
Tucson
866-332-9467
Y
Y
Tucson
10. Desert Diamond Casino II
Y
Y
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
08. Cocopah Resort Casino
11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why
Y
7406 S. Camino De Oeste
07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel 09. Desert Diamond Casino I
Y
Y
Y Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
azgamingguide.com
facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
Word Search Solution B C I Z A B A
Y E B B A P D N F A T H E U A W T O A A A A T T T P T A O A P Z P O M B R E T A E D E
A O A R G J R E I V D A D O A S T A A N A V Y S A P A
A P A B
Casino Math: 1/100 x 1/100 x 1/100=1/1,000,000 Connecting The Dots:
Sudoku Solution 3
5
8
1
6
2
9
4
7
2
6
7
4
9
5
3
8
1
1
9
4
7
8
3
5
2
6
8
1
9
2
7
4
6
5
3
5
4
2
6
3
1
8
7
9
7
3
6
8
5
9
2
1
4
4
2
5
9
1
6
7
3
8
6
7
3
5
4
8
1
9
2
9
8
1
3
2
7
4
6
5
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2012 | azgamingguide.com
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Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 5/01/12, casino websites & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4AM Sunday to 4AM Monday
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