Contents NOVEMBER
DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 09 GREAT GAMES 10 WINNING WAYS 13 GAMING NEWS 16 ARIZONA LOTTERY 18 FEATURE STORY 26 CASINO DINING 28 TRIBAL NEWS 30 TRAVEL 32 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 34 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 36 FUN FACTS 38 HOT DEALS 40 CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY 42 FUN & GAMES
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45 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 46 CASINO DIRECTORY
THE GLOBAL GAMING EXPO IN LAS VEGAS! WE GET A SNEAK PEEK AT 2013’s NEW SLOTS!
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STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE TRADE SHOW
TRAVEL SECTION NOW INCLUDES LAUGHLIN, NV
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF TRIBAL-STATE GAMING
Learn how to be part of this new & vibrant economy! Produced by the AZ Indian Gaming Association.
Get all the latest information on what’s happening in Laughlin, NV. As requested by our readers!
This month marks the 10 year anniversary of the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts!
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 04 • ISSUE 11 PUBLISHER Chris Hoft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
Hot New Games Coming In 2013! Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the largest tradeshow event in the gaming industry, was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center last month and every member of the Arizona Gaming Guide team made the trip to Las Vegas to attend the workshops and preview the new casino games and technology that will be coming our way in 2013 and beyond! This year’s glimpse into the gambling world revealed an abundance of new progressive systems, licensed and themed titles, and a plethora of innovative concepts and ideas like video arcade style slot games that are skillbased. My team and I have chosen our favorites and we hope you enjoy reading about the games we decided to discuss and are just as excited as we are to play them in 2013! 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 November issue and have fun! Cheers!
Alexandra Alexandra Lang Editor-in-Chief editor@azgamingguide.com
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ramses Ja Cindy Esquer Mark Novak Alex Stewart Samantha Becker Lana Hartmann 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
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Arizona Gaming Guide | November 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: Last week I was sitting next to a lady that got two jackpots on a slot. When the casino employee came to pay her for the first one, she told her to press the spin button again and when she did, she won a jackpot again! I was shocked. The first one was for over $3,000 and the second one was for $2,000. What was going on with that slot? I thought the odds of hitting one jackpot were so unlikely, so how do you explain TWO jackpots one spin after the other? Beverly Pulk – Buckeye, AZ A: Beverly, casino regulatory agencies have specific rules which state each spin on a slot machine must be independent of the spin before. All game outcomes are to be available to the slot player at the beginning of each spin. In other words, when you hit the spin button on a slot game its random number generator doesn’t know which winning or losing combination was drawn in the spin before. Therefore, it is entirely possible to accomplish back-to-back jackpots but extremely unlikely! Just so you have an idea of how rare this would be, let me give you the odds. To trigger a top award jackpot on a slot machine, not including wide area progressives, is typically around 1 in 10,000 spins for smaller jackpots and 1 in 100,000 spins for larger jackpots. Therefore, the odds of someone hitting two jackpots in a row are anywhere from 1 in 100 million to 1 in 10 billion. The lady who hit the back-to-back jackpots was very lucky! Though the odds of two jackpots in a row are improbable, you should be happy in knowing that the odds of hitting one single jackpot on a slot machine are fairly decent!
Q: I love reading your magazine, especially the section with the questions and answers. I’ve learned so much. I was wondering if you can explain why when you’re playing a slot machine some symbols come more often than others. It seems like I’m always one off from either a bonus symbol or a wild. Is this just my bad luck? Julia Bishop – Tempe, AZ A: Julia, it happens to all of us and it’s because of the way the games are programmed. Some mathematicians may design the
game to intentionally have a greater likelihood of landing one above or below a bonus or wild symbol. If you are playing a reel slot, sometimes called a mechanical slot, a three reel slot, or a stepper featuring actual physical reels with physical reel strips, there isn’t enough room for the slot designers to put as many symbols as they can on the strips. As a result, the symbols tend to appear only once and then have a virtual weight associated with them. So a section of a slot’s reel strip might be Blank, Wild, Blank, Seven, Blank, Bonus, Blank, Bar, Blank, and so on. The virtual weights behind each symbol and Blank might be 5, 2, 5, 3, 10, 2, 10, 7, 5, and so on. Each Blank has a weight of 5 or more, except the Blanks around the Bonus. The Wild and Bonus symbols have a weight of 2. The Seven has a weight of 3. The Bar has a weight of 7. Which symbol or Blank is the slot more likely to land on? You guessed it! The Blanks around the Bonus symbol. Of course, this won’t always happen, but it is more likely. On a video slot that imitates a stepper (Blank, symbol, Blank, etc.), the reel strips can be designed in the same way, but can also be designed like a video slot reel strip. On traditional video slots (no blanks just lots of symbols) the reel strips can be as long as the slot designer needs them to be. Usually video reel strips are between 25 and 100 positions long with each position having a symbol assigned to it. Slot designers generally associate a weight of 1 with each position on a video reel strip. This means each position on the video reel strip is equally likely of appearing in the reel window, unlike our example with the physical reel strips where the different weights make the chances not equal. Still, there can be a few Wild symbols, a couple Bonus symbols on each reel and quite a bit more low paying symbols (Ace, King, Queen, or other smaller pictures) around them. As a result, you’ll see the other symbols landing in the reel window more often than the Bonus and Wild symbols. Plus, the Bonus and Wild symbols are often bigger, brighter, and more attention-grabbing (obviously) than the rest of the symbols in the game. We are all naturally drawn to these symbols and instinctively notice them more. Therefore, we’ll also notice the Wilds and Bonuses just missing the reel window a lot more than the tiny Silver Hat symbol that barely pays us 5 credits when we line up three of them! Slots always behave randomly, spin after spin, but it always helps to understand why the slot behaves the way it does based on the design.
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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Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Q&A On Everything Gaming The more you pay attention to the reel strips and their behavior on your favorite slots, the more likely it will be that you can decode some of the slot’s design elements. One fun game we like to play with any new slot we come into contact with is to figure out how many bonus symbols appear on each reel just by paying very close attention to the reel strip design!
Q: I really like playing Video Keno and my favorite game is Top-Bottom which is what I usually play the most. I was wondering if this is a good game to play or should I just stick with the regular Video Keno games? Thank you very much. Margaret Cappello – Kingman, AZ A: Margaret, most Top-Bottom Video Keno pay tables in the casinos are set between 90% and 96%, so I would say that this type of Keno game is pretty good! Top-Bottom pays according to how many balls fall into the half of the screen (top or bottom) chosen by the player. The chances of winning on any given spin are about 32%. In terms of game play, once every 3.15 spins (on average) there will be a winner. The 15, 16, and 17 catch (which are the same as the 5, 4, and 3 catch respectively) are actually relatively probable and tend to pay significant wins regardless of the pay table at your favorite casino. The 15 (or 5)
PLAYERS TALK
catch odds are about 1 in 67 games. The 16 (or 4) catch odds are about 1 in 308 games. And, the 17 (or 3) catch odds are about 1 in 2,000 games! Have fun playing this great game! Q: I have loyalty cards for the casinos but I usually don’t use them when I play. It may sound crazy, but I feel like I win more when I don’t use them. All my friends play with cards and I know that you can get lots of free stuff, so I know I’m missing out. I just feel a lot luckier without the card. Is there some truth at all or is it just my imagination? Christine Cohen – Tucson, AZ A: Christine, PLEASE start using your players cards! The greatest misconception about players cards is that the machine will recognize when a card is inserted and, as a result, the performance of the game will be compromised. This is just not true! The ONLY factor that determines the outcome of every spin is the machine’s random number generator. The device that reads the player’s card, the ticket printer, the bill validator, and so on, are all separate mechanisms that are part of a slot machine designed to perform independent functions and one has nothing to do with the other! Like you said, you’re missing out on so many things that the casinos are willing to give you for being a loyal customer. $
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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New Slots
GREAT GAMES
Wonder 4 & King of Pop Newest Installs At Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
Wonder 4 By Aristocrat
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ristocrat fans can now enjoy playing four of their favorite slot titles all at once in the new game Wonder 4; the latest addition to Aristocrat’s family of multiplay, multi-game products! Wonder 4 is an exciting twist on the multiplay concept allowing players to wager on up to four reel sets simultaneously. The difference with Wonder 4 is that the player now has the option to play the same game on all four reel sets or play up to four completely different titles simultaneously, each with their own game specific bonuses. Initially, the player selects the on-screen menu and drags each desired game to the screen area. Games that are available are Aristocrat’s hottest and most popular titles
Michael Jackson King of Pop Bally Technologies
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he legendary performer and King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is making his way into casinos all across Arizona! Most recently installed at Gila River Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino and several other casinos throughout Arizona, this energetic slot game offers an astounding suite of features! It has Mystery Wilds and four Free Games bonus events based on some of Michael Jackson’s most popular singles including Don’t Stop Till you Get Enough, Billie Jean, Beat It, and Smooth Criminal. Along with the unforgettable music that spans all ages and his distinctive dance moves, King of Pop uses favorite icons from Jackson’s career including the famous white glove, signature fedora, dance loafers, and sunglasses. This slot game is as irresistible as the King of Pop himself! $
including Buffalo, Pompeii, Wild Splash, and Fire Light. The most interesting aspect of this new slot game is the Wonder 4 Super Spin. When free games are triggered the player can play the free games on one game or four independent sets of free games. Players will be excited when they see their wins are larger and they’re triggering bonuses more often when playing Wonder 4. Wonder 4 has a wide-screen monitor and uses the new VIRIDIAN WS cabinet. Players will love the improved ergonomic design including a reduced belly area that allows for more leg room and an upgraded sound system. For more information visit www.aristocratgaming.com. $
Interesting Trivia About Michael Jackson > Born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958 > Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice > Won 13 Grammy Awards > Has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for himself and the other as part of the Jackson Five > Regularly wore a black armband to remind people of the children suffering in the world > Was the first African-American artist to have a music video, Billie Jean, aired on MTV > Suffered from Vitiligo, a rare skin condition affecting 1 to 2 percent of the population
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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WINNING WAYS
“Like” Us On Facebook www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide For Cash & Prize Giveaways! Want to win the new Apple iPad3, free concert tickets, free play, casino stay & play packages, gas cards, or other cash and prizes? It’s easy! Just visit our Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide, “Like” our page to join our online community and click on “Giveaways” to register for several goodies exclusively available to our readers and fans!
For More Insider Secrets! We love sharing our knowledge from all our years of experience working in the gaming industry. Since there’s only so much information we can cover within the pages of our publication every month, Facebook is a great way for us to communicate even more hints and tips on everything gaming! Once you “Like” our page, visit “Notes” to catch up on all the topics we’ve covered so far and make sure to keep an eye on your news feed every day for even more! Some topics covered so far include: How to increase your chances of hitting a bonus, what’s the one number every slot player should know, all the ways in which increasing your bet increases your chances of winning on some machines, how to tell if your bonus picks will matter, how payback percentages can be affected when slots are relocated, what kind of secrets you can find in a slot’s help screen, what’s the best time to visit a casino, and so much more!
For Up Up--To To--Date Information! Want to know which casino will be the first to install a new slot game and when the game will go live? Being a part of our Facebook community means you’ll be the first to learn about new casino game installs, casino events, and gaming news. You’ll also stay informed about playing strategies, interesting gaming trivia, contests & giveaways, upcoming articles and opportunities to be featured in the magazine! www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
SCAN ME! 10 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
We welcome you to join our Facebook community and share your thoughts and experiences with others who also love the same casino games you do. We have lively discussions about topics such as whether casinos should ban smoking, where the coolest games are, which casinos have the best customer service and so much more! Connect with us on Facebook now!
GAMING NEWS
AZ Department of Gaming Seizes ILLEGAL GAMBLING MACHINES A
gents from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) have been busy seizing illegal gambling devices at over 40 locations across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Earlier this year, ADG’s Intelligence Unit received information from the California Department of Justice regarding a criminal enterprise in California that it believed might be moving into Arizona. The organization was suspected of distributing illegal gambling devices targeting various “mom and pop” convenience stores, gas stations and several smoke shops throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The gaming devices allowed patrons to deposit money, play various casino-style games and win credits that could be redeemed for cash. For months, undercover ADG agents visited locations and gathered evidence suggesting possible violations of various state gambling statutes including: the promotion of gambling, benefitting from gambling and conducting a criminal enterprise.
On September 8, 2012, with the assistance of the Phoenix Field Office of the FBI and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, ADG served warrants on 45 local businesses and one storage locker. Agents seized 54 eight-line gambling devices and five coin pusher machines, all containing cash. “Keeping unlawful gambling out of our neighborhoods is a high priority,” said Mark Brnovich, Director of the ADG. “All organizations promoting illegal gambling will quickly discover that they’re not welcome in our state.” No arrests have been made and there is still an on-going investigation. To report suspected illegal gambling, please contact the ADG at 602-255-3888. $
Non-Profit Organizations Earn More Than $1 Million Through Sale Of Arizona Lottery Pull-Tab Games
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he Arizona Lottery recently announced that the non-profit organizations currently selling its instant pull-tab games have earned more than $1 million in commissions, which help fund the public programs and services they provide.
eign Wars, the American Legion, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, among others. Games are offered at 25 cents, 50 cents and $1 price points and the non-profits earn 20 percent commission on all tickets sold.
The development of the Arizona Lottery pull-tab games began when legislative action authorized the Lottery to offer pull-tab games to non-profit organizations in 2010. The Lottery then immediately set to work developing operational rules, licensing the qualified organizations, contracting with a ticket printer, issuing, evaluating and awarding an RFP for the warehouse and distribution of the product, and printing the games. The first six games went on sale in January 2011.
“We are thrilled with our decision to sell Arizona Lottery pulltabs in our Lodge,” said a spokesperson for the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3744. “Within a year, we have raised more than $50,000 in new revenue from the sale of pull-tabs. This new revenue source has allowed us to support various charitable initiatives throughout the State.”
“The Arizona Lottery was honored to step forward in developing these entertaining lottery products, which help charitable organizations earn money for their many worthwhile projects,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. There are currently 74 organizations selling Arizona Lottery pull-tab games throughout the state, including Veterans of For-
“Without the sale of Arizona Lottery pull-tabs, we would not be able to help the Children at Mooseheart, the seniors at Moosehaven or the local charities that we support,” said a spokesperson for East Mesa Moose Lodge #2082. For information about becoming an Arizona Lottery pull-tab retailer, please call Barbara Anderson, Arizona Lottery Products Manager, at 480-921-4470. For more information about the Arizona Lottery, visit www.arizonalottery.com. $ azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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New Technology Coming Soon
GAMING NEWS
NEWEST TOOL MEANS LESS WAIT TIMES FOR TAXABLE HAND PAYS! New system technology allows players to see how close they are to achieving an external bonus based on their play! Players who have hit taxable jackpots in casinos know it can be extremely frustrating waiting to get paid, especially during busy times. The reason is because of the procedure involved to process all the tax paperwork. “Our customers came to us with a problem in that 90% of the players winning jackpots won them before, but the paperwork mountain continued to grow. The compliance and tax paperwork associated with tax forms was taking the fun out of winning for customers, and it was making casino staff run back and forth to the jackpot station to ensure everything was properly documented. We listened, and we created Mobile to help the casinos remain in compliance, while speeding up the tax form process,” said NEWave COO Tom Bechtel. NEWave’s Mobile is a user-friendly tool that expedites the entire tax form process because it works in conjunction with NEWave’s Title 31 Manager and Tax Form Validator software. Mobile gives casino staff incredible flexibility to confirm already stored and validated guest information, create tax forms, speed payouts, maintain Title 31 compliance, track MTLs, and more, all while maintaining face-to-face contact with the guest. Mobile creates a more streamlined and efficient process for casino staff across multiple departments, including Slots, Cage, Table Games, Poker, Bingo, and Race & Sports. With Mobile, casinos can get immediate validation for known patrons, determination of preferred method for disbursement of funds on the spot and acceptance of electronic signatures .
Aristocrat’s nRich, a module of their very popular Oasis 360 player tracking system, is a totally new form of bonusing engine that focuses on dynamically rewarding individual players instead of targeting players in groups. Unlike other bonusing engines that use generic/nonspecific thresholds to initiate an external bonus event, nRich is dynamic because it uses the Average Daily Theoretical win specific to each player! The most exciting aspect of the nRich system is that it visually displays a meter on screen, in front of the player, to give the player a sense of how close they are to achieving an added bonus. The visual indicator will be a really exciting way to raise players’ level of anticipation just knowing they are approaching a bonus! Aristocrat’s innovative bonusing engine technology nRich has been named to the top of Casino Enterprise Management Magazine’s 3rd annual Hospitality Operations Technology (HOT) Awards List for Guest Experience Enhancement. “We are absolutely thrilled to be at the top of the HOT Awards list for what is clearly one of the industry’s hottest, most unique, and best products to enhance the guest experience. We created nRich to be unlike any other bonusing engine on the planet – one that focuses solely on the individual player. Our field results have proven that we have been successful in helping properties generate revenue by enhancing the guest experience, and now to have been chosen for this award by a team of distinguished operators is very exciting,” said Aristocrat Vice President of System Sales and Marketing Kelly Shaw. For more information about Aristocrat, visit their website at www.aristocratgaming.com. azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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ARIZONA LOTTERY
Winners & Jackpots NEW ARIZONA LOTTERY GAME PAYS OUT TOP PRIZE IN FIRST WEEK A lucky Tucson resident is the first Arizona Lottery player to claim the all new Weekly Winnings top prize of $1,000 per week for an entire year, taxes paid. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed his prize from the drawing on Friday, Sept. 28, which was only the second draw date in the new game’s history. The winner purchased his winning ticket from the Giant convenient store located at 6150 S. Kolb Road in Tucson and elected to take his winnings in the form of a $52,000 lump sum, taxes paid. The winner heard about Weekly Winnings and decided to play because he liked the idea of winning $1,000 per week for a year and also because he liked the odds. He purchased a handful of tickets on his delivery route last week and was overjoyed to find out he was the lucky winner. “Thanks to the Arizona Lottery for this new game,” said the winner. “I still can’t believe I won!” He plans on using his winnings for a much-needed medical procedure and to take care of his mother. “It was a thrill to interview our first Weekly Winnings top prize winner,” said Karen Bach, director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. “An extra $1,000 per week can really make a difference in someone’s life and we look forward to awarding more players with the Weekly Winnings top prize in the coming months.” Weekly Winnings, which launched September 23, has a prize structure unlike any other draw game currently being offered by the Arizona Lottery. With each ticket, players have the chance to win up to six times. A top prize winner can select a payout of $1,000 per week for a year or a lump sum payment of $52,000, taxes paid. Weekly Winnings game play consists of self-selecting the first set of four numbers or choosing a computer-generated Quick Pick for the top prize of $1,000 per week for one year. The computer then selects the additional five sets of numbers for the second and third prize categories. Prizes for a winning ticket are awarded when a player matches each number within one of the sets of numbers. Only the highest prize within each set of numbers will be paid. Prizes, not including the top prize, range from $2 to $10,000. Tickets for Weekly Winnings cost $2 each with drawings every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 9:40 p.m. MST. For more information about Weekly Winnings, other Arizona Lottery games and general information please visit www.arizonalottery.com. $
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Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
$1,000,000 Is Perfect Timing!
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t took a while for Mr.Matthew Housman to get his check on August 7, 2012, but get it he did. The $50 Million Money Mania Scratchers was accidently torn in half by the clerk. But, since there happened to be two Lottery representatives in the store at the time, they assured him that the ticket would be validated; it would just take a little longer. Matthew originally started to play the $50 Million Money Mania because the different colors of the ticket caught his eye. He’s been playing them since they came out, and this time he bought two from the Lottery Express machine. He scratched them in his car in the parking lot and the first words out of his mouth were, “Thank you, God!” Then, after the ticket was taped back together, he went to tell his wife. Her first words were, “Are you serious?” The $50 Million Money Mania Scratchers gives the $1,000,000 winner the choice of either an annuity or a lump sum. Since Matthew chose the lump sum, his win was $625,000 before taxes. The timing of this win is perfect. First, he and his wife plan to make a tithe to their church. Then they’re going to pay off all of their bills, buy a house without a mortgage, and save the rest. The lucky winning ticket was purchased from Fry’s Marketplace, 1935 N. Stapley Dr., Mesa.
For more information on Weekly Winnings or other Arizona Lottery games, please visit their website at www.arizonalottery.com. For the winning numbers call (480) 829-7425 in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. All other areas in Arizona, call 1-800-499-3798.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons from the rock and roll band KISS hosted by WMS Gaming, NASCAR’S Clint Bowyer and Pawn Stars Ric k & Cory "Big Hoss" Harrison hosted by Bally Technologies, along with gaming industry leaders officially open G2E 2012 in Las Vegas
G2E GAMING’S HOTTEST SHOW OF THE YEAR
David Hasselhoff performs at the G2E Welcome Reception
Them & Us get the crowd going at the G2E Welcome Reception
Models show off the hottest new uniform designs by Cintas at the G2E Ultra Lounge Uniform Fashion Show
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The President of the AGA, Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. moderates the iGaming Congress on Monday, October 1
G2E conferees participate in a hands-on session at the Security & Surveillance Institute at G2E
Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Katty Kay, Anchor BBC World News America
SNEAK PEEK AT 2013’s NEW SlOTS
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he only way to truly get a glimpse into the future of casino gaming is to visit the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) industry trade show held in Las Vegas every year. From Oct 1-4, over 25,000 gaming executives, corporate managers, tribal leaders, and various other industry professionals from all around the world made the trip to Vegas to experience what the future holds. More than 400 companies registered for nearly 259,000 square feet of exhibit hall space to display their cutting-edge products and technologies and, as always, the largest amount of area was dedicated to the new slot games! The Arizona Gaming Guide team was at G2E once again this year and we’re excited to share what new slots and gaming equipment will be coming to the casino floors in 2013 and beyond.
Tribal Gaming Leaders gather in the NIGA Lounge for the NIGA Networking Reception on Day 1 of the G2E show
AGS All trivia buffs will be excited to know that American Gaming Systems (AGS) has created a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! slot machine. This exciting new game is a 5x3 reel arrangement that has a 5-level progressive and is the first game title in a series of games featuring AGS’ knowledge based game mechanic. The truly special features of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! slot are the trivia bonus games, Hidden Features in Trivia and Trivia ‘Round the World. A player wins the progressive by answering the questions correctly on the first guess. Players can accumulate features in the base game such as the “Re-Do” which puts up a new question, “Eliminator” which eliminates one of the wrong answers from the choice and “Stats” where players are shown how most other people answered the question; all of which may improve a player’s chances of winning a progressive in the trivia bonus round. The Wheel is triggered by landing the Mystery symbol anywhere on the 3rd reel. The Mystery symbol will morph into a Wheel icon and the player will be awarded a single spin. The Free Spins round is what’s the most exciting aspect of the game, because players collect and accumulate ‘Jewel Bugs’ which will run around the reels and morph into wilds for an improved payout.
Recognized by Gaming Today as “what could be the next revolution in video poker,” AGS brings us Pay It Again Poker. This new video poker game has a 10-coin max bet and unique bonus payouts for commonly hit hands. The first 5 credits wagered applies to the base video poker game and the next 5 credits wagered make the player eligible for the special ‘Pay It Again’ feature. Once qualified for a bonus, all 3-of-akinds, straights, flushes, full houses and the coveted 4-ofa-kinds, if hit within the prescribed number of consecutive hands and with a qualifying wager, award the bonus credits that are associated with that hand in addition to the hand’s normal payout! That’s where the real money is! Each hand played with a qualifying wager while a ‘Pay It Again’ bonus is active increments the number of Bonus Credits by one. Once players experience the huge payouts they can enjoy on this great new game, it’s sure to become one of their favorite video poker games of all times! azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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ARISTOCRAT This year, the Aristocrat booth had an incredible collection of top brand licensed games from across pop culture including TV, comic books, movies, video games, and even classic literature! A movie-themed slot machine, The Mummy, based on the popular 1999 film starring Brendan Fraser, was a huge hit at the show. Amazing features really make this game entertaining and fun! In Wild Strike, 2 to 5 meteors strike reels turning random symbols wild. In Ancksunamun Remix, all JAR symbols become Wild and then all 15 symbols are lifted by the Mummy sandstorm and remixed into random positions. In the Wheel Bonus, up to 3 spins of the Wheel are awarded. Treasure Tomb has players picking mummies to reveal credit prizes. Free Spin Wild Storm awards 6 free games. And, in the Progressive Jackpot, 5 picks are awarded from among 15 scarabs and the player is on the way to a Progressive Jackpot! The Tarzan Lord of the Jungle video slot game is the most award-winning with one of the most frequently hitting jackpots in all of North America. Now, Aristocrat has come out with a completely new game and story line that’s sure to be just as popular called Tarzan & Jane Forbidden Temple. This long-awaited follow-up to the original slot is a dual Reel Power base game where players play two sets of Reel Power reels, “Tarzan” and “Jane,” for the minimum 50 credit bet. The game is a four-level progressive with a $100,000 top award and 8 high hit frequency bonus features including two hot Wheel Features. Adding to the fun, players have a Wild Play option to bet an extra 50 credits for a chance to win more Wheel Bonuses, 6 extra free games in Lion Free Games, Wild Reel Bonuses, more Ape Battles and more Elephant crushes! Just a few of the many other titles from Aristocrat that will be hitting casino floors in 2013 are: Crazy Taxi Fare 4 All, a new connected game based on the popular Sega video game theme. Players get more for their fare with 5 levels of Progressive Jackpots, 4 mini features, 3 time-triggered community bonus features, and an exciting surround sound chair. Every player will be familiar with Mr. Cashman and now he’s taking
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Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
the stage in Cashman Live which premieres with two fun base games: I Heart Diamonds and King 7. These new stepper games have traditional symbols like cherries, bars and 7s. What’s great about Cashman Live is its low volatility and high feature frequency! Players will also discover fun is elementary in the intriguing and mysterious new slot game Sherlock Holmes Fortune’s Detective that has a 3 level Progressive and a $20,000 top award. The game also has exciting bonus features like symbol morph, wild reel, free games, and a progressive wheel where players can upgrade to win higher jackpots! The Jaws slot game franchise is back too! Players who enjoyed the original will also enjoy the allnew Jaws Moonlight Bounty. And, an all new Gold Class Cash Express is rolling in with an innovative look that will excite loyal Cash Express players and, we believe, new passengers just the same! There are two surprising new features and randomly awarded jackpots!
ARUZE Recently this past summer, Talking Stick Resort was the first casino in Arizona to install Aruze’s Innovator with Radiant Reels slot machines. And, we wrote an article on the games’ amazing mechanical reels featuring the largest reels in the industry that have colored LED lighting and variable reel speeds that vary according to conditions during game play. At the G2E show, Aruze introduced the Innovator Deluxe series which adds an interactive top box to the mix! The first of the Innovator Deluxe games is Aladdin & The Lamp. This is a product that combines the stepper feel with a unique player interactive experience. For example, player’s actually rub the lamp of Aladdin to call forth a genie, or multiple genies, during the bonus event who then perform various acrobatics between the top screen and the reels. The genies fly between the top screen and physical reels transforming them into wilds! Keep your eye out for the slot game Alibaba, another Innovator Deluxe game, that’s sure to be a hit as well!
BALLY TECHNOLOGIES The Bally booth was the place to be this year at G2E! Great new licensed themes, innovative cutting-edge technology, and a plethora of exciting game titles were showcased by this slot manufacturer who has been in the business of making games since 1932! Players start your engines because Bally just licensed NASCAR and they’ve taken everything racing fans love about the sport and created a one-of-a-kind slot experience! The player can pick any one of the five featured NASCAR drivers—Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon or Clint Bowyer. Even colors and icons on the game change to reflect the chosen driver’s team colors and branding. While playing as one of the drivers, players will enjoy audio and video of their favorite stars of the oval, delivered via a stunning 32 inch vertical touch-screen display and a Pro Surround Chair. From the roar of 800 horsepower engines to the cheering of the crowd, players will have no doubt they’re in the driver’s seat! The Las Vegas-based television show, Pawn Stars (the No. 1 cable show in the U.S., the U.K., and in South America) is now a slot game that features Richard “Old Man” Harrison, his son Rick Harrison, Rick’s son Corey Harrison, and of course Corey’s friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell. Similar to the game NASCAR, players first pick their favorite character from the show to begin the game. Then, the chosen character is featured in the “Negotiation Bonus” where the player chooses one of five items to sell and then negotiates with the Pawn Star for credits.
The summertime vibe of The Beach Boys will be on casino floors soon thanks to the brand-new Bally video slot featuring music, videos, and images of the iconic American surf band. Players will be singing along to California Girls, Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around, Little Deuce Coupe, and Dance, Dance, Dance. The game also features video clips of The Beach Boys in concert! Total Blast is an innovative new skill-based slot showcasing Bally’s U-Shoot virtual shooting gallery bonus play mechanic where players “shoot” alien spacecraft using both hands on the iDeck. The player is awarded a skill score and can enter his or her initials onto a leader board. Additionally, players can win credit awards ranging from 5x to 65x total bet.
Like the centuries old game, Bally’s new Connect Four video slot delivers a vertical game of tic-tac-toe, but with a twist! Four black or red chips in a row, in any direction, triggers the bonus feature that plays on a Connect Four board. On the main game touch-screen display, the player touches and “drags” the chips around and changes their order. Then, using Bally’s new U-Launch play mechanic, the player “launches” seven chips from the iDeck to the main game screen to connect four chips of the same color next to each other vertically, horizontally, or diagonally during six rounds of play. The most exciting aspect of the game is watching the chips bounce into a spot on the board. To win a bonus round and be rewarded with credit prizes, the player must connect only four pieces together. Bally’s Connect Four game also features the 4D Power Lines play mechanic during Free Games. First, the player chooses red or black chips. After the spin has stopped, if the player gets four red or four black checkers in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on a 4-D reel set behind the main reel symbols, their total bonus win is multiplied by their chosen color’s multiplier at the end of Free Games. Connect Four also entertains with the Lucky Swap play mechanic that enables players to “swap” a mix of red and black chips in any order on the iDeck before launching them one by one into the game screen to try and get four in a row. azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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IGT This year IGT’s booth had an amazing collection of new games which is why they are continuing to hold their position as an industry leader. Country music fans will be really thrilled to know that one of the greatest entertainers of all time, the Queen of Country Music, Dolly Parton, has packed her boots and guitar and will be coming to casino floors soon! The Dolly Parton video slots feature IGT’s Multi-Layer Display technology and are packed with concert videos, music and audio clips recorded by Dolly Parton herself! This 5 reel, 30 line, 50 credit slot is loaded with exciting interactive base game features such as the Wild Boost where all wild symbols on the screen expand to fill the entire reel. When Bonus Boost is activated, only one bonus symbol is needed to award the free games rather than three! Also, icons appear over the spinning reels prompting players to pick for credit awards in Dolly’s Awards Pick Bonus. Concert Video plays over the reels as they spin to award credits in the Play That Video Feature. The glam is back and this time it’s on one 3x5 reel video slot! IGT’s all-new Sex and the City Out on the Town gives players a fabulous journey as they follow their fashion icons Charlotte, Samantha, Miranda and Carrie through the city. And, actor Chris Noth continues to charm players as Mr. Big! The game offers a variety of individual player experiences as well as multiple group bonus opportunities like “The Big Night Out,” “Grab a Cab,” “Fabulous Free Spins,” and “A Touch of Sparkle” bonuses. Players will be absolutely dazzled by this game! Several Blockbuster hits premiere on IGT’s massive Center Stage monitor; a movie-style format with either a stunning 103 inch monitor or a slightly smaller 70 inch monitor. Besides the Sex and the City line, and previously released titles such as The Dark Knight and American Idol, Star Wars Trilogy and Judge Judy also step into the spotlight on either one of these two screens or the Center Stage Duo 55 inch screen. Players will experience the Moon of Endor, the streets of New York, and the Judge’s courtroom in interactive game play and clips from these pop culture favorites. All rise, because the honorable Judge Judy is here to hand out some lucrative awards! Will you choose to argue your case as the plaintiff or defendant during the Plead Your Case Group Bonus?
America’s favorite family is coming to casino floors! New to IGT’s MegaJackpots line, Family Guy is a hilarious, gut-busting new 3x5 reel slot and it’s loaded with recognizable symbols and characters from the famous TV show. Players will be cracking up in their seats when they enter one of six animated bonus rounds. Stewie welcomes players to the World Bonus where they can spin a globe and land on one of six engaging bonuses. The bonuses also include fan favorite video clips and iconic personalities: Lois’s Hot Free Spins, Drunken Clam Bonus, Peter’s Chicken Fight Bonus, Chris’s Closet Bonus, Brian’s Dig Bonus, and Stewie’s Shoot Bonus. With the base game also offering surprising features that award players with random credits on top of the hilariously funny bonuses, Family Guy is definitely one of the most entertaining, laugh-out-loud games coming out next year. Another one that will have you chuckling out loud is IGT’s Beverly Hillbillies Millionaire Mile. This new slot game has actual video clips from the 1960s sitcom! CSI has 3 games in one slot based on the forensic crime drama that airs on CBS. Players can choose to play the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, or CSI New York and help solve the crimes in the bonuses.
KONAMI GAMING The name is not the only reason we want to see this hot new game from Konami hit casino floors in Arizona soon! Rising from the ashes, two distinct birds of a feather emerge in Hot Twin Phoenixes! This game features exciting bonus events, free games and a 6 level progressive. The Phoenix Spin and Super Phoenix Spin are randomly triggered and lead the player to the Phoenix Free Games or the Phoenix Fire Bonus. During the Phoenix Free Games feature, 8 free games are awarded. All Wild and Seven symbols turn red during free games and more free games can be triggered. The Phoenix Fire Bonus awards 6 free spins. Each spin will fill 1 or 2 Phoenixes into 6 empty caves. After 6 Phoenixes are earned, the excess free spins are discarded and the Physical Light Wheel game is triggered, the player receives an “arrow spin” and will be awarded 1 of 6 progressive levels or a credit prize. azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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MULTIMEDIA GAMES Based out of Austin, Texas Multimedia Games is best known as being a leader in slot tournament technology because they pay particular attention to the details and features that make the slot tournaments exciting and fun for players. TournEvent 4.0 is the perfect example, because Multimedia Games has added even more thrilling features than ever before! For instance, there is a random event called “Jump to First” that can happen at any point during the tournament where the “Money Man” character can appear on one player’s screen to boost his or her score to first place! In addition, the latest release features a new base game, Crazy Carnival, that takes players through wild reel-spinning action for a second score-boosting side game. With the new TournEvent 4.0, players will also be able to participate in team tournaments! MoneyBall is a stunning new game on Multimedia Games’ newest High Rise Games Series. Players can actually earn up to 2,500x their bet per line in the Alien Attack Bonus when five UFO symbols land scattered on the reels. What will really have players sitting on the edge of their seats is the MoneyBall Bonus that is triggered when the 3 MoneyBalls land scattered on reels 1, 3, and 5. Players are awarded three shots on 1 of 4 differently themed top box play screens where they select in which direction they want their ball to launch at the top of the screen. The fun is watching as the ball hits pins, bumpers, 3x fireballs, multi-ball triggers or a ball lock. Each shot ends up in a prize bucket at the bottom of the screen and awards credits! Players will also be dazzled by the new slot game Starry Night and all of its gripping bonuses! When the lady and moon pass over the reels in the Moonlight Wilds Bonus they turn themed symbols wild. In the Free Spins Bonus, players can be rewarded up to 25x total bet and in the Lucky Star Bonus, players can earn up to 90x! Multimedia truly knows how to design remarkable games that players will love!
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Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
WMS Once again, WMS had one of the largest booths at G2E in a very prominent location right near an entrance. They showcased a very diverse selection of new slot titles including licensed brand games from across pop culture, TV, comic books, movies, board games, and even children’s literature! Where to start? The dizzying array of slots within the WMS booth was astounding! We’ll soon be treated to new Wizard of Oz games (Haunted Forest, Emerald City, The Wicked Witch of the West), new Monopoly slots (Prime Reel Estate, Super Monopoly Money, Monolpoly Legends), Rapunzel, The Lord of the Rings—Return of the King, KISS, Yahtzee— Shake It, Cheers, Reel ‘Em In Greatest Catch, Kingdom of the Titans, The Game of Life, The Godfather, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Spider-Man, Amazing Gems, The Price is Right Any Number, Double Money Burst, Colossal Reels, Awesome Reels, More 5x3 and 5x4 video slots, a Game Chest multi-game slot, Top Gun Mystery Progressives, Exotic Gems Mystery Progressives and so much more!
Especially intriguing was the slot games they introduced for the future. These slot games, in a brand new cabinet, included game mechanics such as volatile 6x4 reels, Close Enough where if a bonus symbol is just one position off, you’ll still trigger the bonus, Any Way, where pays happen in any direction and multipliers apply to subsequent spins, Extreme Symbol, Stacked Wilds, Wager Saver, and a bonus where the slot guarantees to pay at least 10x your initiating bet. That means no more bonuses where you barely win anything! These new game concepts are a ways off in 2013 and perhaps even into 2014, but what is clear is that the game designers at WMS are listening to players! WMS’ KISS slot is certainly built to entertain! The base game awards up to three bonus reel sets on any spin all juiced with the low paying symbols removed, extra Wild symbols, or even with Wild reels! Then there are three bonus rounds allowing players to experience their favorite KISS moments! Best of all, you can change which KISS song you listen to while you are playing during the base game.
Spider-Man was a real thrill ride as it is the follow up to Aladdin & the Magic Quest’s Motion Chair Technology. You literally fly your way through the slot game! Rapunzel is the follow up to Alice that we know our readers really enjoy playing. The graphics are a lot of fun and game play is just as exciting as in the Alice slots. The slot many players will be interested to play is The Wizard of Oz Haunted Forest. This slot machine puts two huge monitors in the slot. Imagine a pinball game where the playing field is now a monitor. The second monitor is placed upright at the end of the first monitor. Called Gamefield xD, this new slot really immerses the player into the experience of the game, in particular the bonuses. One final note on WMS’ selection of games has to be made about the Monopoly Legends slots. These games combine the classic board game experience with extremely popular WMS brand slots. You’ll find Zeus, Reel ‘Em In, and Jackpot Party all competing for your attention while playing this game! When playing the famous Reel ‘Em In fishing bonus, Mr. Monopoly was the character in the boat doing the fishing! As we move into the new year, we’ll be sure to let you know when and where these great new slots arrive in Arizona! $
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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CASINO DINING
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving At A Casino? Absolutely! Let your favorite casino do all the work so you can enjoy the day with your family!
Every year almost all the casinos in the state put on some sort of a Holiday Feast on or around Thanksgiving. Going to a casino rather than eating at home is a great opportunity for families to be together and avoid all the food preparations and the inevitable dilemma of what to do with all the leftovers!
We’ve selected three casinos from around the state where we think you’ll have an all-around great Thanksgiving experience, starting with the food and ending with the gaming (of course)!
In addition, during the week prior to Thanksgiving, many casinos mark Veteran’s Day (Sunday, November 11th, 2012) with promotions and food specials so be on the lookout not only for Thanksgiving food selections, but for Veteran’s Day as well. Personally, we always like to see specials at the casinos offering two-for-one buffets or meals to current and former military personnel.
Thanksgiving Dinner for $7.95 includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, buttered veggies, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce from 10:30am to 9pm at both Bucky’s Café or Yavapai Cantina.
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Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Bucky's Casino & Yavapai Casino—Prescott—800.756.8744
The casinos also offer seasonal cocktails during November featuring pumpkin pie liqueur. The specialty drinks include a Car-
Thanksgiving
CASINO DINING
mel Pumpkin Pie Martini, a Jackpot Vanilla Pumpkin Pie & Harvest Day Coffee. Specialty drinks are generally $2. Mazatzal Casino—Payson—800.777.7529 There is nothing quite like the “Traditional Thanksgiving Day Buffet” at the Cedar Ridge Restaurant. There will be three magnificent carving stations with the Chefs carving Roasted Turkey, Slow Roasted Prime Rib and Virginia Baked Ham. All the traditional side dishes along with the soup and salad bar and fresh baked desserts will be included. This lovely meal starts at 11am and is served until 8pm. So, make plans to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with your friends and family at the Cedar Ridge! There will be no menu after 10:30 am and breakfast is available from 6 to 10:30 am. Adults $14.95, Children (6-10) $7, Under 5 Eat Free! Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale—480.850.7777 The Wandering Horse Buffet, located just off the main casino floor, is hosting their Thanksgiving Buffet from 10am to 8pm. The cost for adults is $42.95, $17 for children ages 5-12, children 4 and under are complimentary. For adults, a champagne toast is included in the price. Here’s a sampling of the dishes you can expect at their buffet: Roast Tom Turkey Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef Cannellini Bean Lobster Cruda Walnut Cherry Oat Crusted Salmon Charbroiled American Kobe Steaks Red Miso-shiso Marinated Lamb Chops Grilled Bacon Covered Ham Roasted Turkey Enchiladas Fall Harvest Pumpkin Truffle Raviolis Blood Orange White Truffle Lobster Clam Risotto Crispy Black Duck Iced Jumbo Shrimp & Atlantic Oysters Chilled King Crab Legs Assorted Sushi So, as Thanksgiving Day, November 22, approaches, don’t forget about all the wonderful dining options at the casinos around the state! 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.
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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TRIBAL NEWS
Doing Business In Indian Country
STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR “DOING BUSINESS IN INDIAN COUNTRY” Learn how to be part of this new & vibrant economy! The “Doing Business in Indian Country” Trade Show & Conference offers small to medium-sized businesses a rare opportunity to participate in a new and vibrant economy. The conference runs November 13 - 15 at Wild Horse Pass Casino & Resort on the Gila River Indian Community. According to Valerie Spicer, Executive Director Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) which is producing the trade show and conference, the theme is a natural progression for Tribes. “Because of their success in gaming, Tribes have diversified into many other businesses including resorts, hotels, sports and entertainment venues, telecommunications and other enterprises. Each of these offers opportunities for Arizona businessmen and businesswomen, yet no conference has addressed this topic.” The AIGA Conference is open to everyone who is interested in working with Tribally-owned businesses, she continued. “We have designed the conference with two distinct tracks. One focuses on how to identify and maximize business opportunities
on tribal lands; the other track concentrates on the business of gaming and highlights market trends,” Spicer said. She noted that a unique keynote session will bring together three tribal leaders who will discuss their economic development plans while breakout sessions will feature national and regional experts on finance, hospitality, economics, and marketing as well as gaming-specific issues. In addition, the Trade Show, which runs concurrently, offers vendors an opportunity to showcase their products and services to Tribal leaders and decision-makers. Some booth space is still available. For info, visit www.azindiangaming.org/conference or e-mail AIGA.conference@azindiangaming.org. $ ABOUT THE ARIZONA INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION The Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) is a non-profit organization with a membership of 17 tribes representing 90% of the Indian people living on reservations in Arizona. AIGA was established on November 21, 1994, by Arizona tribal leaders. The Association is committed to advancing the lives of Indian peoples—economically, socially, and politically—so Indian tribes in Arizona can achieve their goal of self reliance. For more information about the AIGA visit www.azindiangaming.org.
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Orme Dam Recognition Days includes a Pow Wow, All-Indian Rodeo, Yavapai Village & Cultural Performances, Parade, 5k Run & Walk, and Softball, Golf & Basketball Tournaments. The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. November 16-18, Fort McDowell, AZ. Call 480.789.7162 for more info.
Hualapai Nation Hualapai River Runners, the only one-day whitewater rafting trip though the Grand Canyon, was awarded TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence: A Testimonial to Your High Standards” for 2012. The “Certificate of Excellence” honors businesses that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travelers and staff. With a rating of 4.0, Hualapai River Runners has “earned a place among the very best,” according to the certificate proudly displayed at the Hualapai River Runners ticket counter in the Hualapai Lodge on Historic Route 66. The 2012 season marks the 39th consecutive season of Hualapai River Runners, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe in Northwest Arizona.
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TRAVEL—LAUGHLIN
Casino Directory & Best Bets
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Convention & Visitor’s Authority. © Copyright Las Vegas Convention & Visitor’s Authority. All Rights Reserved.
Aquarius Casino Resort 1.800.435.8469 or aquariuscasinoresort.com. 1,300+ Slots, NonSmoking Slot Area, High Limit Slots Area, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Live Keno, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: Rita Rudner November 10th at 7pm. “Turning Laughlin into Laugh-lin.” Tickets start at $25. Avi Resort & Casino (owned by the Fort Mojave Tribe) 1.800.430.0721 or avicasino.com. 1,000+ Slots, Bingo, Blackjack, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Hold'em Fold'em Poker, Three Card Poker, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, Live Keno, Race & Sports Book, and a KidsQuest. Best Bet: The Mojave Resort Golf Club is in walking distance! Colorado Belle Hotel Casino Resort 1.877.460.0777 or coloradobelle.com. 1,000+ Slots, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Poker Room, Live Keno, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: Wild Wednesdays Free Slot Tournament. Win up to $1,000! 10am-6:30pm. Receive bonus entry for every 100 base points. One free tournament entry per ACCESS Club member. Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino 1.800.227.3849 or riversideresort.com. 1,000+ Slots, 270+ NonSmoking Slot Area, High Limit Slots Area, Seven Bingo Sessions Daily, Blackjack, Bonus Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Deuces Wild Hold'em Fold'em Poker, Emperor's Challenge Pai Gow Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, Live Keno, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: First Annual Smoke On The Water BBQ & Music Festival, November 9–10. Edgewater Hotel Casino 1.800.677.4837 or edgewater-casino.com. 1,000+ Slots, NonSmoking Slot Area, Blackjack, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette, Craps, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: Wild Wednesdays Free Slot Tournament. Win up to $1,000! 10am-6:30pm. Receive bonus entry for every 100 base points. One free tournament entry per ACCESS Club member. Golden Nugget Laughlin 1.800.237.1739 or goldennugget.com/laughlin. 1,000+ Slots,
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Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: $15,000 Laughlin Golf Classic. November 16-18. Swing for some green! 1st Place Team will receive $4,000. Harrah’s Laughlin 1.800.447.8700 or harrahslaughlin.com. 900+ Slots, NonSmoking Slot Area, High Limit Slots Area, Blackjack, Bonus Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride Bonus, Pai Gow Poker, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, Live Keno, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: Country Legend Lee Greenwood Saturday, November 10th at 8pm! Tickets start at $33. Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall 1.800.634.3469 or pioneerlaughlin.com. 500+ Slots, Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, Live Keno, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: November 10: $1,000 Free for Veterans Slot Tournament. $1,000 Top Prize. One Free entry for Veterans. $10 Buyin for non-veterans. River Palms Resort Casino 1.877.787.7256 or river-palms.com. 1,000+ Slots, Bingo, Blackjack, Three Card Poker Progressive, Royal Match 21 Progressive, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: All Royals pay 5000 Coins! Harvest of Cash $1,000 Free Play Slot Tournament. Thursday through Sunday from Noon to 6pm. Win up to $250 in free play! Just earn 25 points for entry! Tropicana Express Hotel & Casino 1.800.243.6846 or tropicanax.com. 1,000+ Slots, Bingo, Blackjack, Three Card Poker Progressive, Royal Match 21 Progressive, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Mississippi Stud Progressive Poker, Let it Ride Progressive Poker, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: $2,500 River Fund Slot Tournament. Last Sunday of each month! 10am-4pm. $10 Buy In or 5 Cans of Food. Win up to $1,000 in Free Play. Proceeds benefit River Fund. Sources: Direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.
Special Events
LAUGHLIN—TRAVEL
Laughlin’s 4th Annual River of Lights Holiday Boat Parade. November 24, from 4:30-7pm. Light up your boat, invite your friends and help kick off the holidays–Laughlin style! Join the fun as festive boats make their way up and down the beautiful Colorado River! If you are a land lover, enjoy the parade from the river walk or watch from the waterfront window of your favorite Laughlin resort and casino.
First Ever Laughlin Veterans Festival Festival Lot near Golden Nugget & River Palms November 9-11, 2012 Friday, Noon-7pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 8am-3pm
Entertainment at Edgewater’s E Center Bill Cosby, one of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, will perform in the Edgewater’s E Center November 24, 2012. Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and best selling books such as Fatherhood. His comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers. Tickets to the Bill Cosby performance start at $25. Country music singer-songwriter Trace Adkins will perform in Edgewater’s E Center Friday, December 14th. Adkins is one of country music's most versatile and accomplished entertainers. His instantly recognizable baritone has earned 30 charted singles and 15 Top Ten hits gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums with total sales surpassing $10 million. Tickets to the Trace Adkins concert start at $30. Concert begins at 8pm NV (PST) time. Emmy Award winning comic Don Rickles, one of comedy’s most famous funnymen, has been booked to perform in the Edgewater’s E Center January 12, 2013. Rickles earned nicknames “The Merchant of Venom” & “Mr. Warmth” (which was
This first-ever festival honoring America's veterans is expected to draw thousands of service members and patriotic supporters. "The Laughlin Veterans Festival was designed to show our appreciation for those who have served our great nation," said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. "Over the years, Laughlin has demonstrated a strong ability to host a variety of events, and we believe this festival has the elements to be one of the most successful to date." Festival events will include a motorcycle show and shine, live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, military displays, an interactive vendor area and marketplace and a special Veterans Memorial ceremony. Country performer and veteran Rockie Lynne will headline with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings. Segments of the weekend will be filmed for broadcast as part of Rolling Thunder "North American Motorcycle Rallies," a nationally and internationally syndicated TV series produced by Iceman Productions focused on veterans, their stories, their lives and their cause. The Laughlin Veterans Festival will benefit Rolling Thunder Charities and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). Additional town-wide events that weekend include the Smoke on the Water BBQ & Music Festival at Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort, Rogue Warrior MMA fights at Edgewater's E Center, the Golden Nugget Laughlin's 25th Annual FastPast classic car show and Lee Greenwood appearing at Harrah's Laughlin. coined affectionately by Johnny Carson) for his style of humor in which he pokes fun at people of all ethnicities and walks of life. Rickles’ style is never mean-spirited and it’s all just part of the act. It has been said that being “insulted” by Rickles is like “wearing a badge of honor.” Tickets to the Don Rickles performance start at $25. $ The 27,000 square foot indoor climate-controlled E Center is an entertainment, convention and concert venue facility with excellent acoustics. For more information call 1.800.677.4837, point your browser to edgewater-casino.com, or buy tickets at the Edgewater Casino Cage.
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
Schedule of Events
Apache Gold Casino— Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Cabaret Lounge: Live bands every weekend— Nov. schedule not available at press time. Pavilion: Tracy Lawrence—Nov. 10 at 7pm with Special Guest Tommy Ash Band. Tickets start at $20 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Desert Dreams Dream Show Custom Car Show & Hop Contest & Legends of Latin Hip Hop Featuring Lil Rob & Kid Frost, Amanda Perez, MC Magic, Rodney O & Joe Cooley—Nov. 10 starting at 7am George Lopez Live—Dec. 8 at 8pm. Tickets start at $55. Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Nov. schedule not available at press time. The Arizona Room Piano Lounge: Closed for renovations. Casino del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: Counting Crows—Nov. 16 at 8pm Tamal Festival—Dec. 1 at 10am Tiesto College Invasion Tour—Dec. 5 at 7pm ZZ Top—Dec. 9 at 7pm Event Center: Don Rickles—Dec. 7 at 8pm Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Ladies Night every Th, Open late on Fr & Sa. Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 River Room: Zumba Fitness—Mo & Tu at 6pm Concerts/Events: Gerardo Ortiz—Nov. 3 3rd Annual Benefit Car Show—Nov. 3 Sunset Lounge: Live Jazz & Free Cocktails—Tu 6pm Karaoke—We-Fr at 8pm La Vida Loca—Fr at 8pm Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Thursday Thunder—Thursdays live country music with KIIM FM’s Shannon Black! 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!
32 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
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: Twist & Shout (Beatles Tribute)—Nov. 2 & 3 at 8pm Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Events: Mega Yard Sale—Nov. 17 at 7am Bad Boy Fights Championship—Nov. 30 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend. Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—800.427.7247 Oasis Lounge: Nov. schedule not available at press time. Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Conference Center: Little River Band—Nov. 13 New Year’s Party—Dec. 31 at 8pm Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show Barrio Latino (Latin Dance)—Nov. 6-10th Tony Marques (Country)—Nov. 13-17th Groove City (R&B Variety)—Nov. 20-24th Richie Schrool (Variety)—Nov. 27-Dec. 1st Creagles (CCR/Eagles Tribute)—Dec. 4-8th Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment Mo-Sa Verona Chophouse: Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am to 3pm Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Event Center: New Year’s Eve Party—Dec. 31 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: DJ Rudy Espinoza—Fr—9:30pm Bling Bling Karaoke Sa Nights Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Pipa Event Center: The Spinners—Nov. 16 at 7pm The Baseball Legends—Dec. 26 at 4pm Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends. Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Jackie Evancho—Nov. 3 Elayne Boosler—Nov. 10 Asia—Nov. 13
Editor’s Pick
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
Blue October—Nov. 17 Styx—Nov. 18 Joe Piscopo—Dec. 1 Garland Jeffreys—Dec. 7 The Musical Box: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway—Dec. 18 Rodger Clyne & The Peacemakers—Dec. 28 & 29 Coffee Garden: Dueling Pianos—Th, Fr & Sa from 8-11pm Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Encore Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music nightly. Showroom: Jim Brickman—Nov. 9 Riders in the Sky—Nov. 17 Belladonna: The Complete Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac Experience—Nov. 23 Legends of Country Music Show “Classic Country Sundays”— Sunday Dec. 9, 2012-Sunday Mar. 10, 2013 Randy Travis—Dec. 15 Billy Joel Tribute—Dec. 29 Elton John Tribute—Dec. 30 New Year’s Eve with Powerdrive—Dec. 31 Lea Salonga—Jan. 18 Don Rickles—Jan. 26 Oak Ridge Boys—Feb. 8 Neil Sedaka—Feb. 17 Wilson Phillips—Feb. 23 Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke with Cruisin’ Susan—Fr—8pmMidnight, Live Bands—Tu & Sa. Gingerbread Anyone? Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos presents the “World’s Largest Gingerbread Village” starting on November 20 through the entire month of December, 2012 in the lobby at the Prescott Resort. There’s no charge, everyone is welcome.
JOE PISCOPO at TALKING STICK RESORT Saturday, December 1, 2012 Television, film, theater, nightclub-they're all fields in which Joe Piscopo has won the acclaim and affection of millions. For over 25 years, Joe has proven to be one of the brightest lights in show business. After stints as a disc jockey and dinner-theater performer, Joe turned to comedy. In 1980, he was chosen to join a newly formed ensemble charged with one of the most difficult tasks in TV history-replacing the original cast of Saturday Night Live. By the time he left the show in 1985, Joe had left his mark on the program, and the nation, thanks to his wide range of hilarious original characters and celebrity impersonations, from The Sports Guy and Doug Whiner to David Letterman and, of course, Frank Sinatra, who repeatedly endorsed Joe's portrayal of him, referring to Joe as 'The Vice-Chairman of the Board.'
Live performances have always been an important part of Joe's career. He has long been one of America's most popular comedy concert attractions, filling arenas and casino showrooms from coast to coast and in Canada (Including the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival!). Joe tours with his own original Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, as well as his multimedia comedy show. Although his unique talents are in constant demand from show business quarters, Joe devotes an extraordinary amount of time to non-profit and charitable activities. Piscopo received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County, NJ and was the keynote speaker at the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference in Chicago. In addition, Piscopo has received Community Service Awards from Boys and Girls Clubs in New Jersey and Broward Co., Fla. and is especially proud to have been recognized by Boy's Town of Italy in Rome. As a result of this work, Piscopo started his own foundation called "The Positive Impact Foundation", creating positive media for at-risk youth including the syndicated television show for teens, "Positive Impact TV." Although Joe's impressive career and public service include several major accomplishments, he insists his proudest achievement of all is twice being named Father of the Year, in 1983 by the National Father's Day Council, and in 1989 by the New Jersey Council of Children's Rights. No matter how busy he may be, Joe always makes sure he has enough time at his New Jersey home, for his children Joey, an impressive talent, in his own right, Alexandra, Michael, and Olivia. For tickets, and more details, call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 480-850-7734 or visit www.talkingstickresort.com. $
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, missing, or outdated information.
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
33
CASINO NIGHTLIFE
Exclusively Featuring Ramses Ja
Ramses Ja Gives Us The Inside Scoop On Fort McDowell’s Lunar Bingo
T
his is not your grandma's bingo, but even your grandma will love it! Bring your friends, your family, and your fine self "Home to the Fort" for Fort McDowell Casino's Lunar Bingo!
The third Saturday of every month, Fort McDowell Casino transforms its 1700-person capacity Bingo Room into a thunder dome of fun, prizes, and bingo fever! October's Lunar Bingo event featured a costume party in which cash prizes were awarded to the attendees with the best, second-best, and thirdbest costume. All types of people from all over the valley enjoy themselves at Lunar Bingo, where they compete for prizes while glowing in the dark and grooving to the tunes. Participants have raved about the Fort’s Lunar Bingo. It's a place to have a good time, to meet people and win not only money, but also other prizes. Take advantage of promotions while you enjoy good music, cocktail specials, and laser light shows. Wear glow-in-the-dark accessories in the black lights as you play an old-fashioned game in a new-fangled way!
DJ Hospe & Host Tyler Martinez
the upcoming holiday season. Past prizes have included flat screen televisions, barbeque grills, and cutting-edge video game consoles like the PS3. If you want to make sure you and all your friends have a great time, contact the Fort McDowell Casino shuttle service, which provides transportation for casino-goers around the Valley. The Reservations Department can be reached locally by dialing 480.789.4303 or toll free at 888.290.5774 ext. 4303. What's more, the Radisson Hotel at Fort McDowell Casino offers a discounted rate on rooms when it's Lunar Bingo night. How can you resist? Follow the Fort on Twitter for the most up-to-date information (@FortMcDowell) and be sure to “Like” the Facebook page (facebook.com/fmcasino) and "check in" when you get to Lunar Bingo! Make sure you catch Lunar Bingo's last two dates for the 2012 calendar year: Saturday, November 17 and Saturday, December 22, when the event will have a Holiday theme! $
Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II Fort McDowell Casino's Bingo Room awards over one million dollars in prizes every year. With Lunar Bingo buy-ins at only five dollars, you need to come down and play to claim your money! The event starts at midnight and while it might be your style to be fashionably late, you have to make sure to get there with enough time to get a seat! The event is known to fill up with eager, stylish Bingo players looking to find their fortune. Each night payouts can get up to five hundred dollars! Not to mention the giveaway prizes, which can come in handy with
34 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat
•Resident DJ/VJ for KTVK-3TV Friday 10am •Host of R.E.D.Y. Set Radio •Official Bum Squad DJ •DJ Vatican Member •For more information on Ramses Ja, visit his website at: www.ramsesja.com.
FUN FACTS
Celebrating 10 Years of Tribal-State Gaming Compacts
Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts took effect in 1993. In 2001, the terms of the current Compacts with 21 Arizona Tribes were successfully negotiated for State regulation of approved Class III gaming activities on Tribal lands in Arizona. The Compacts (or agreements) contain detailed regulatory, technical, and internal control standards for the operation of Indian gaming. The Compacts last for ten years and can be renewed for one
term of ten years and one additional term of three years. In November of 2002, the Arizona voters approved the current Tribal—State Gaming Compact. Now, 10 years later, Arizona’s Casino Gaming Industry is celebrating the accomplishments and growth of regulated Class III gaming. The staff at the Arizona Gaming Guide would like to congratulate everyone involved with Tribal-State Gaming. To many more years to come!
CELEBRATING
There are 15 Arizona Tribes that operate 22 Class III casinos in the State. Another 6 Tribes do not have casinos but they have slot machine rights they may lease to Tribes who have casinos (Called Transfer Agreements). One Tribe does not have a Compact.
10 YEARS OF TRIBAL-STATE GAMING COMPACTS
The Arizona Department of Gaming partners with the Arizona Indian Tribes and is funded entirely by the gaming industry to oversee all the casinos. Gaming in Arizona is governed by the TribalState Gaming Compacts between the State and 21 Arizona Tribes.
UNDER THE COMPACTS, TRIBES WITH CASINOS CONTRIBUTE 1 TO 8 PERCENT OF THEIR GAMING REVENUE EACH YEAR TO THE STATE, AND TO CITIES, TOWNS, AND COUNTIES. The contribution is determined on a sliding scale based on the amount of gaming revenue. The Department of Gaming audits the Tribes' gaming revenues and contributions. Tribes have contributed well over $700 million since the Compacts went into effect in 2003. 12% of the contribution is distributed by the Tribe to the cities, towns and counties of their choosing for community services and public safety programs for local governments. The remaining 88% of the Tribe’s total annual contribution goes to the Arizona Benefits Fund on a quarterly basis and provides funding for the Department of Gaming and the Office of Problem Gambling. The remaining funds are distributed as follows: 56% to instructional improvement for schools, 28% to trauma and emergency care, 8% to Arizona tourism, and 8% to wildlife conservation. $
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
HOT DEALS
You get the very
BEST
of Casino Offers Statewide! Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos—Prescott Birthday 4X Points Now—Dec. 31 Any Gold Rush Club member will automatically receive 4X points during the week of their birthday (Sunday through Saturday). There is no need to visit the Gold Rush Club to activate the points multiplier; simply insert your Gold Rush Club card in any machine at Bucky’s or Yavapai Casinos.
Desert Diamond Casino—Tucson Special Room Rates Nov. 21st—Dec. 30 Desert Diamond Club Members get rates starting at $89 beginning Nov. 21st. Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. Advance reservations required.
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino—Payson $69 a night plus a free breakfast and get $10 in Free Play on your Players Club Card! *Subject to availability. Not valid during holidays and weekends. Must have a valid ID and mention "fall-e-mail" when checking in. Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Not valid for groups. Limit 3 nights per stay. Breakfasts are good for one stay, not per night. Offer expires December 30, 2012. All promotions, cash and prizes are subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 years old to redeem, and gamble. Zipper Game At Mazatzal’s Bingo Purchase a $1.50 Zipper Card for the 1st game of each session played. Receive $50.00 Maz Cash coupon for the left side of card. Receive $100.00 Maz Cash Coupon for the right side of the card. Wins can’t be split.
Slot Tournaments At Apache Gold Casino Resort Every Tuesday at Noon & 2pm: Signups for each tournament begin at 8am up to 54 people per session, first come, first served. The top prize is $150. Every Wednesday at 7pm: 9 winners—1st is $1,000 cash, 2nd is $400 cash & $100 free play, 3rd is $200 cash & $100 free play, 4th-9th is $100 free play. Every Sunday at 2pm: 9 winners—1st is $1,000 cash, 2nd is $400 cash & $100 free play, 3rd is $200 cash & $100 free play, 4th-9th is $100 free play. Wednesday & Sunday tournaments lead up to a final tournament on December 30, 2012 where the top prize is a 2012 Ford Focus. Call 1.800.APACHE.8 for info. Slot Tournaments At Hon-Dah Resort Casino “Thomas T” Slot Tournament on Saturday, November 10th. “Holiday Magic” Slot Tournament on Saturday, December 8th. Call 1.800.WAY.UP.HI for info. Don’t forget to call ahead and get all the information as the details, dates and times listed on this page are subject to change!
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY
Spotlight on Planet Bingo’s MP Bingo Several bingo halls in Arizona offer Planet Bingo’s MP Bingo to their patrons. Mp Bingo, or Multi-Progressive Bingo, offers players a chance to win one of five progressive jackpots during any given session. Jackpots range in value from several hundred dollars to life-changing hundreds of thousands of dollars! As of press time, the Green Jackpot was well over $10,000 and the Blue Jackpot was well over $80,000! Good luck! Spotlight on Casino Arizona’s New Bingo Hall
As of press time, sources within Casino Arizona confirm that their new bingo hall opens Thursday, November 8th, 2012 at 4pm with the first session starting at 6:30pm. Details on session times, cost, etc. are not being made available yet. Check back with us on our Facebook page as the date approaches for more information and details. $
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 Nov. 8th 2012! 11 sessions per week
1000
(To Be Determined)
Yes
Fr & Sa
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.
1275
Yes (2 sections: enclosed or in general seating)
Yes
Fr & Sa at 12:10am. Lunar Bingo 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
No
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-888.777.4946.
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 10/01/12 & 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.
40 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Lone Butte & Vee Quiva not only play bingo, they have a ball! Come Experience Big Excitement In November! Lone Butte Bingo
Vee Quiva Bingo
Matinee Session at Noon—Evening Session at 6:30pm.
Matinee Session at Noon—Evening Session at 6:30pm.
•Anniversary Month Bonus Packs Bingo is celebrating Lone Butte’s 4th Anniversary! Guests spending $50 or more in a single transaction will receive 10 free Bonus Packs in November at any session. •Thanksgiving Thursday, November 22 Matinee session closed. Evening session opens at 4pm. Guests with valid buy-in will receive a free dauber. •B.A.D. Bingo 2 Fridays • 11:30pm – 1:30am Late Night Bingo Just Got Caliente! $5,600 Cash Guaranteed! Great Beer Specials. Featuring Old School, R&B, Tejano and Cumbia Music. •B.A.D. Bingo Saturdays • 11:30pm – 1:30am BAD Bingo Got Even “Badder”! $5,600 Cash Guaranteed! Great Beer Specials. This Ain’t Your Granny’s Bingo!
•5+ Manic Mondays Matinee & Evening Sessions Guests who purchase Level 1 or level 2 packages or electronic packages will receive 5 bonus packs. •Veterans Day Monday, November 12 Matinee & Evening Sessions All Veterans active (or retired) will receive a $10 bingo letter comp when showing their military ID or proof of Military Service and purchasing a Level 1 or Level 2 package. •Thanksgiving Thursday, November 22 Matinee session is closed. Evening session opens at 4pm. All patrons with a valid admission receipt for the evening session will receive a free Thanksgiving dauber. •Bingo Eclipse—Late Night Bingo Saturdays 11pm Fun goes up when the sun comes down. Buy an Electronic package of $32 or more, get a coupon for $10. •Free Bonus Play! Valid on Sat. & Sun. only. Must have a Players Club card for drink specials.
See any Bingo Representative at Lone Butte Casino and/or Vee Quiva Casino for details on all the events listed. Events subject to change. Management reserves all rights. Not responsible for incorrect or outdated info.
azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 41
FUN & GAMES
SUDOKU
WORD SEARCH
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 46)
CELEBRATION, CORNUCOPIA, HARVEST, HOLIDAY, INDIANS, MAYFLOWER, NOVEMBER, PILGRIMS, PLYMOUTH, POTATOES, PUMPKIN PIE, STUFFING, THANKSGIVING, TURKEY, YAMS.
9 8
2 6
3
7
8 7
4
3 5
4
1 9
6 9
8
7
2
8
3
6
4
3 5 8
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Find these Thanksgiving words:
Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
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T
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
By Sami Becker
Politeness & Communication By Casino Employees Just Might Improve Customer Satisfaction & Raise Much Less Suspicion!
Why would a casino employee stoop to the level of rudeness as we witnessed this week at [a casino]? We were walking towards the exit for home about 2:45 a.m. when we noticed a machine being taken apart by 2 employees (nothing out of the ordinary as, even in Vegas, we have witnessed maintenance people tearing apart machines). However, what WAS out of the ordinary, a 3rd employee (woman) asked my husband what he was looking at and to continue on his way. I then stopped and looked at her as I was shocked over her overreaction and she told me it was none of my concern what was going on and to move on, in a very unfriendly manner. She was guarding the machine like it was the President of the United States. We have no other answer except to come to the conclusion they were dialing back a machine that was probably paying out too much. (I might note, we have never played any of the machines in this particular area, so no clue if it was a loose machine or not)....but why the over protection and obvious need to treat us like we were intruders? They don't dial back loose machines, they say....but they sure looked suspicious and we DO NOT like being treated in the manner we were, just by walking down the aisle. Dottie B. via www.azgamingguide.com Dottie, before I get started, I’d just like to say thanks for writing in and that your situation is one of many similar situations described in the e-mails and letters I regularly receive. I’m sure I’ll get even more after this month’s column, from both casino patrons and casino employees alike! I always appreciate and enjoy hearing from both sides. Nonetheless, wow! I have no idea why casino employees feel the need to stoop to the level of rudeness you describe. Unfortunately, you are not alone in being treated in the manner you describe, no mater the time or day of the week. I feel there is absolutely no excuse for employees in a customer service environment to be rude. The situation you describe certainly identifies less than exemplary behavior on the part of the casino staff you mention and I’m not sure how such behavior is corrected aside from mentioning it to casino management. Part of the problem stems from the fact that we are all guests in a highly regulated and heavily monitored entertainment facility where a lot of money changes hands and the integrity of all the gambling games and equipment, like the slots, is of utmost importance to the casino so we, as players, can feel confident we are not cheated in any way. Please put yourself in the shoes of the casino personnel for a moment, working at 2:45am at a slot machine on a busy casino floor. The casino employees have a responsibility to ensure nothing happens to the slot machines in
their casino. But, as you correctly point out, they don’t have to be rude about it. I doubt if they were “tightening” or “loosening” the slot because payback percentages are set when the games are first installed under the supervision of the Arizona Department of Gaming and generally rarely change. What the casino personnel were
most likely doing is repairing the slot (either electronically or mechanically) or performing routine maintenance which has nothing to do with the “tightness” or “looseness” of the slot. However, in acting rude, being forceful about “moving along” and telling you that what they are up to is none of your business only draws suspicion and our own curiosity as to what is going on with the slot. I’m not surprised you think the casino employees were “dialing the slot back” so it would pay less, because how can you not? Trust me, this is the least likely scenario as the employees would then have to shut the game off and wait for the Arizona Department of Gaming. If casino employees would only act differently, divulge a little information (as in “we’re fixing a button panel that broke earlier today”) and possibly communicate with a little less attitude in these kinds of situations patrons, like yourself, might actually feel they are being treated nicely and walk away with a lot less suspicion as to what is going on. $
Do YOU have something to rant about? Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com azgamingguide.com | November 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide
45
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
11300 Resort Drive
Parker
888-243-3360 493
03. Bucky’s Casino
1500 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 309
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
16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Camp Verde
800-381-7568 656
15318 S. Ave. B
Somerton
800-237-5687 503
Y
Y
Y
7350 S. Nogales Hwy.
Tucson
866-332-9467 1,089
Y
Y
Y
Y
I-19, Exit 80
Tucson
866-332-9467 739
Y
Y
Hwy. 86, Milepost 55
Why
866-332-9467
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
Y
Maricopa
480-802-5000 1,089
Pinetop
800-929-8744 800
1077 S. Kyrene Rd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 850
Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson
Payson
800-777-7529 408
Y
450 Quechan Dr.
Yuma
888-777-4946 514
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
777 Hwy. 260
21. Vee Quiva Casino
Y
66
Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 843
101 & Indian Bend
Y
Y
I-17, Exit 289
17. Paradise Casino
22. Wild Horse Pass Casino
Y
855-765-7829 311
15406 N. Maricopa Rd.
20. Talking Stick Resort
Y
Y
855-765-7829 1,014
14. Hon-Dah Casino 15. Lone Butte Casino
Y
Y
Tucson
Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.
13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Y
Tucson
10. Desert Diamond Casino II 11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why
Y
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
08. Cocopah Resort Casino
Y
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 Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 10/01/12 & 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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T O P M I E K
O U T H O N R N A H T
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2012 | azgamingguide.com
Smoke-Free Area
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino
Y
Arcade
800-272-2438 634
Spa
Globe
RV Park
Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe
Golf
01. Apache Gold Casino Resort
Hotel
Slots
Poker Room
Phone
Table Games
City
Live Keno
Location
Bingo
Casino
High Limit Area
CASINO DIRECTORY
Y Y