Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - February 2013 - 05:02 by Arizona Gaming Guide

Contents FEBRUARY

DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 09 GREAT GAMES 16 GAMING NEWS 18 ARIZONA LOTTERY 20 FEATURE STORY 24 WINNING WAYS 27 CASINO DINING 28 TRIBAL NEWS 30 TRAVEL—LAUGHLIN 34 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 36 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 37 FUN FACTS 38 HOT DEALS 40 CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY

42 FUN & GAMES

THE ARIZONA LOTTERY’S NEW SCRATCHERS & HOW ARIZONA WINS TOO!

45 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 46 CASINO DIRECTORY

BALLY TECHNOLOGIES’ PAWN STARS SLOT

DECODING ZEUS II BY WMS

LAUGHLIN, NV SECTION EXPANDS

You’ve seen them on TV, now experience them at your local casino on a great slot with a unique bonus!

Don’t overlook this slot! Five good reasons to find this game at your favorite casino and win big!

The Pioneer Casino has an exclusive Stay & Play offer for Arizona Gaming Guide fans, Plus—New Slots!

azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

EDITOR’S NOTE

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 05 • ISSUE 02 PUBLISHER Chris Hoft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com

We’re bursting at the seams! I’m proud to say we are bursting at the seams and somehow that couldn’t be more appropriate as Mardi Gras is coming up! This issue packs a real punch, as usual. There are lots of new slots to talk about by WMS and Bally in our Game Review section. Our feature story introduces the Arizona Lottery’s brand new scratchers game and some interesting facts about the Lottery and its Director Jeff HatchMiller. In addition, make sure to check out our expanded Laughlin section as well! On top of all of that, Arizona’s casinos are installing an unprecedented amount of new slots during the first months of the new year. We wanted to squeeze all of that in this issue for you, but we just didn’t have the room! Watch for our review on all the new slots in the March issue! 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 February issue and have fun! Cheers!

Alexandra

Alexandra Lang Editor-in-Chief editor@azgamingguide.com

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ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ramses Ja Cindy Esquer Riley Meredith 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 © 2013 The Arizona Gaming Guide. All rights reserved. The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and gaming related facts as well as personal opinions and expects the reader to make his or her own decisions. All responses to reader posts, e-mails and letters are to be considered as advice only. AGG accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of our readers based on the articles and advertisements presented within this publication. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners. You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly. Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.

Arizona’s State Gaming Regulatory Agency: Arizona Department of Gaming 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.771.4263 or azgaming.gov

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide 04

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | 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: What’s better, playing a game that has a progressive or playing the same game without the progressive? I like Kronos, Vampire’s Embrace and Dragon’s Fire. Sometimes in one casino there will be a progressive on the top and at another casino the game will be by itself. I also like playing Cleopatra and Wolf Run and sometimes they have Fort Knox and other times they are by themselves. Even though I’ve won several progressives, I seem to always do better on the games that don’t have them. Can you tell me which is better to play? J. Davenport – Sun City, AZ A: Your feeling about progressive games being different than the non-progressive versions of the same games is right on the money! Slot machines with progressives typically don’t have the best payback percentages. Usually, up to 5% of the game’s payback percentage can go to funding the progressives. If you do choose to play the progressive versions, please keep in mind that most manufacturers are designing progressive systems that either require you to play max bet to qualify for the progressives or your chances of winning a progressive increase as your bet increases. The latter describes the Fort Knox system. Therefore, the other downfall of playing games connected to progressives is not winning any of the progressives! If other players are betting more than you are, there’s a good chance you may never even get a progressive! Then, all you end up doing is feeding the meters with a percentage of your coin-in and never reaping any of the rewards. Q: First off, my friends and I really enjoy reading your magazine. There are five of us who love to go gamble and the one who sees the new issue first is in charge of picking up five copies for all of us. We read the Gaming Guide every month and now understand about a lot of things we didn’t before. Thank you! I’ve read in your magazine that casinos can set their games to whatever paybacks they want. A few issues back, I also read that the casino in Payson has some of the loosest machines. My question is: could I tell the difference between two machines, one that is set at a

higher payback at one casino than the same game at a different casino? Do I just win more on a “loose” game? I’m curious to know what is the difference between a game that is set at 85% for example and the same game that is set higher like 88%? Thanks. Keep those hints coming. Mary Cramer – Scottsdale, AZ A: Mary, thank you very much for your kind remarks about our magazine and thank you to you and your friends for being such loyal fans. My team and I love what we do and we’re so happy to share what we’ve learned through our experiences in the gaming industry with all of you! Yes, slot manufacturers design every game with several payback percentage options available for the casinos to choose from. A game may be available in 85%, 86%, 87%, 88% and all the way up to 96%! It’s up to each casino to decide which payback percentage they want to install. Mathematicians assigned to design the math models for the slot games are the ones in charge of creating all the different percentage variations. So, let’s say Casino A has your favorite slot set at 85% and casino B has it set at 88%, then casino A's math model in the game had 3% taken away from somewhere. The mathematician could have made modifications to the base game, the bonus game, or both. When adjusting the base game to lower the payback percentage, there is usually a decrease in the pulls-to-hit for the bonuses and certain winning combinations, in particular higher paying symbols. When making changes to the bonus game to lower a slot’s payback, the mathematician will usually lower the overall average win in the bonus. This also requires making certain higher paying combinations or bonus retriggers more unlikely. When there is a 3% payback percentage difference between the same slot games, there will be a noticeable difference. Many slot players are perceptive and know that something is different even if they can’t put their finger on it. Sometimes, it’s just about a game letting you play longer or you feeling luckier or winning more frequently on one game over another which will clue you in that there’s a difference. We’ll, of course, also continue to let you know where you can play the hottest games with the best paybacks!

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.

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

Q&A On Everything Gaming Q: I just came back from the casino and noticed a bunch of games were turned off. What’s going on? Lisa Rhodes – Chandler, AZ A: Lisa, if the games are not being replaced with new titles, what’s most likely happening is a software upgrade from the manufacturer. Other possible reasons could be there’s a spot check from the Arizona Department of Gaming or a routine maintenance check on the parts and electronics. Q: I wrote you an e-mail last year regarding gambling tax issues and your response was very appreciated. You answered all my questions thoroughly and I’m hoping you can also answer another question for me now. I have been keeping track of all our wins and losses, but I just realized that I haven’t been including the free play money we receive from the casinos. Can I list that money as a loss as well? Robert Matowski – Goodyear, AZ A: Robert, if you insert free play into a slot machine and lose that money, you should not be listing that promotional credit as a loss. However, if you win with that free play money you would definitely need to report those winnings as additional income. $

PLAYERS TALK

TAX TIME TIPS For Reporting Your Winnings If you itemize your deductions, you can deduct your gambling losses for the year up to and including your winnings (but no more than that). In order to be able to deduct gambling losses, accurate records of all gambling winnings and losses must be maintained. A log of the following information is usually sufficient enough: 1. The name and address of the gambling establishment 2. The date, time, and type of wager or wagering activity that was made 3. The machine number or table number that you were playing 4. The amount of money that was won and the amount lost Also, it is never a bad idea to have physical documentation such as canceled checks, bank withdrawal slips, credit records, check-cashing slips, and the win-loss statements from the gambling establishments. Most casinos can provide you with endof-the-year player tracking documentation that contains all that info. We encourage everyone to contact a tax professional.

azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

Coming Soon by WMS—Rapunzel

GREAT GAMES

Rapunzel WMS slot delivers exciting interactive characters and frequent bonus rounds!

esigned for fans of WMS’ Alice® slot machines and players who enjoy frequent interactive bonus rounds with exciting character action, Rapunzel™ slots will create a new hot spot on the casino floor! Two distinct themes, Gothel™ and Rapunzel, share three random features that can trigger on any base game spin, awarding multipliers, Wild symbols or the chance to fill your screen with Wild reels! Each theme also contains unique free spin and re-spin bonus rounds. In Rapunzel slots, players make selections in the re-spin features to spin again and again for the chance at greater wins, and receive up to 40 spins in the free spin bonus. In Gothel slots, players will receive a locked oversized symbol filling 8 reel positions in the re-spins, for the chance to line up multiple winning combinations – and a super large reel 3-reels wide in the free spin bonus! Visit www.youtube.com/wmsslots today for more on Rapunzel and other new games from WMS.

Meet the Game Designer Arizona Gaming Guide staff granted exclusive access behind-the-scenes! Why did you decide to make Rapunzel? I thought it would be a cool theme to adapt to slots - it’s a classic tale that players can easily recognize and identify with. And my daughter wanted me to make a game with a castle tower in it, so this was two birds with one stone. (This question is asked by Dan P. from our Facebook page) How are Alice & Rapunzel similar games? I had a lot of fun designing Alice, and my favorite of the two games was The Mad Tea Party with the Super Mad Re-spin Feature. I found that bonus feature was the one that always got me going and gave me a lot of excitement, and naturally the designer in me kept thinking “How can I make this better?” So I designed Rapunzel and Gothel (the 2nd base theme in the Rapunzel series) with the intent of taking that [Alice] re-spin feature to a whole new level never seen before on a casino floor. How are Alice & Rapunzel different games? Fundamentally, all the bonuses and features are different. Also, Alice were 5x3 games, while Rapunzel games play on a 5x4 reel array. Rapunzel is designed to be less volatile than Alice, so players could see a better time on device (longer chance to play) on Rapunzel then on Alice. Which game will let me play longer? The games are very close, but Gothel is designed for more time on device by a hair (pun intended). Which game will let me win more? Also close, but the nod goes to Rapunzel for a higher win potential. What is the most memorable event from the design process of Rapunzel? It’s a tossup between seeing the game finally come together and presented at G2E [2012], and getting one of my fellow Continued on page 10.

azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

GREAT GAMES

Coming Soon by WMS—Rapunzel

Continued from page 9.

Game Designers in a sound booth for 50 different takes making “cat meow” sound effects. What is your favorite design element in Rapunzel? In the Rapunzel theme, I love how the stacked mystery symbols are incorporated into the Re-spin Feature and how you can pick for the symbol that replaces them at the end of the bonus. In the Gothel theme, it’s the super-sized symbol feature in the re-spin and free spins, which can make for awesome clumped wins. Let us in on a “secret” in Rapunzel that few people know? When you Shared Randomly Activated Features: get the Big Kitty Wheel feature, Big Kitty may do one of his surly meows and nudge the wheel to a bigger bonus multiplier. (This question is asked by Sava S. & Jamie W. from our Facebook page) Do you get the bonus more often when you play a larger bet? No, there is no ramp up for the frequency of the features. (This question is asked by Marija T. from our Facebook page) How many spins, on average, until you get a bonus or feature? On average, a bonus or feature should trigger about every 31 spins in both Rapunzel themes. $ Next month, we’re working together with WMS to bring you a similar article on their new slot Monopoly Legends. One of their game designers will give us a behind-the-scenes tour as part of the interview. So, if you have any questions for the game designers, please let us know! Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide E-mail: editor@azgamingguide.com Or: AZ Gaming Guide, PO Box 20636, Mesa, AZ 85277

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

Wilds Bonus Rapunzel will change up to 15 symbols WILD.

Free Spin Bonus awards up to 40 spins. Hair symbols expand down filling the reel with Wild.

Big Kitty’s Wheel Bonus Gothel’s Revenge Bonus Awards up to a 25x multi- Pick for 1 Wild or full reel plier, or 5 free spins. Wild on each reel.

Re-Spin Bonus Awards 1 re-spin, 2 re-spins, 1 respin & 1 additional held Hair or end the Bonus.

Free Spin Bonus Awards five free spins, where the middle three reels combine to form one large reel.

Re-Spin Bonus 8 Hair symbols on adjacent reels 1 & 2 or 2 & 3 combine into 1 symbol, and reels are re-spun.

GREAT GAMES

Coming Soon by Bally Technologies—Pawn Stars

You’ve seen it on TV now experience it on the casino floor!

ne of the world’s top TV shows is coming to casino floors. Rick, Corey, the Old Man, and Chumlee of Pawn Stars are featured in Bally’s latest branded game based on the hit reality series on A&E’s History Channel.

The Pawn Stars video slot takes you inside the colorful world of the pawn business as you interact with your favorite stars from the show. The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop itself, found on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip where the show takes place, has become a must-stop location for tourists and is the no. 1 most requested place to go in a taxi cab in the city. Three generations of the Harrison family – grandfather Richard, son Rick, and grandson Corey – run the family business that has become a small-screen favorite. Millions of people tune in to Pawn Stars, and soon you can play the Bally game on casino floors everywhere. Available on the Pro Wheel cabinet, the same you’ve experienced Bally’s Cash Wizard on, the game begins when you choose your favorite character from the four stars – Richard, Rick, Corey, or Chumlee. You will enter the world of buying, selling, and negotiating in this bonusrich game highlighted by the Negotiation Bonus, where you choose an item to sell and then negotiate with the Pawn Stars for credit awards. You will feel like you’re in the show as you negotiate the value of items with the Pawn Stars. The fun continues with free-games, 11 wheel bonus prizes, wilds, pick ’em features, and iDeck™ interaction. Combine these with audio and video clips from the guys while comfortably seated in Bally’s Pro Sound Chair™, and you have a rewarding new way to experience the popular TV series. The biggest names in pawn are here to play. Watch for Pawn Stars to hit casino floors in the coming months. $

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

GREAT GAMES

Coming Soon by WMS—Reel ‘Em In ”Greatest Catch“

he latest installment in the popular line of Reel ‘em In! branded slots is designed for Local Area Progressive players looking for an exciting new experience and rewards for higher bets.

Distinct staggered reel sets are a unique feature and the exciting Free Spin Bonus round gives the chance to win up to seven progressive prizes, or even multiple progressives, all on the same spin! Five or more Progressive symbols on adjacent reels in the bonus award one or more picks at progressive prizes, with higher bets awarding better odds during the progressive picks and Max Bet players guaranteed a prize once a pick is triggered. Each of the three base game themes – Jade Amulet, Gorilla Chief and Leprechaun’s World – has a discounted bet structure offering 60 lines for 30 credits, with a 10 credit feature bet granting progressive eligibility when the Free Spins are triggered. Free Spin Bonus It’s triggered with five or more Bonus symbols on adjacent reels and worth up to 80 spins. Lining up five or more Progressive symbols (only active when Feature bet is made on the triggering spin) on any spin in the bonus will award picks at one or more progressive jackpots. Odds of correctly picking the progressive increase with bet multiplier, with Max Bet players guaranteed a progressive award with five or more Progressive symbols on a spin. All seven progressives may award in one bonus round, and more than one progressive may award on any spin. Reel ‘em In! Greatest Catch is sure to be the next catch of the day for everyone! Visit www.youtube.com/wmsslots today for more on this and other new games from WMS Gaming. $

Fast Facts: —Players making the feature bet have the chance to win up to 7 progressive jackpots in one free spin bonus! —5 or more Progressive symbols on adjacent reels offer the chance at one or more available jackpots, with players finding better odds at a correct pick the more they bet! —Max Bet players are guaranteed a progressive in the picks! —There’s a win roughly every third spin! —Strong base game with significant wins waiting in the bonus!

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

ICE Show London 2013 It’s February and the global gaming industry is gearing up for the big show this month in London—ICE Totally Gaming.

ndustry professionals, including members from our very own Arizona Gaming Guide team, are excited for their trip to London, England for the big ICE Totally Gaming show that will be taking place February 5 through February 7 at ExCel, London. Over 440 exhibitors from 52 countries will be showcasing their latest innovations and product launches, which is a mouth-watering prospect for the thousands of international buyers coming to the exhibition! “Our marketing theme for 2013 is Think Big,” said Kate Chambers, Director of Gaming. “There’s absolutely no way that any buyer of gaming equipment would be able to see so many leading companies without spending at least nine months of the year on a plane. At ICE you can do the equivalent in three days, although it’s a hugely busy three days admittedly!” Organizers of ICE maintain that this year’s tradeshow will be even bigger than G2E 2012—the massive gaming trade show held in Las Vegas every year. Both shows provide a shop window on absolutely everything that’s taking place in the gaming world. Watch for news, updates, photos, and videos from ICE on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/arizonagamingguide during the show. A review article of all the hot games, new gaming technology, and much more from the show will be featured in our March issue. To read about ICE Totally Gaming, the various exhibitors that will be at the show, and the conferences, awards ceremonies and events scheduled, please visit their website at www.icetotallygaming.com. $

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

CEO Frank Fahrenkopf The American Gaming Association’s 1st & Only CEO Steps Down

rank Fahrenkopf, the only President and Chief Executive Officer that the American Gaming Association (AGA) has known, will be stepping down this summer. The 73-year-old has held the position since the organization was launched in 1995. “I have enjoyed my time at the helm of this incredible organization and am proud to have represented an industry that provides tens of millions of men and women with the best entertainment value in the world,” Fahrenkopf said. “It has been a true honor to work with so many passionate and innovative leaders as we have moved the industry forward during the past 17 years.” Fahrenkopf, a Reno native, graduated from the University of California Berkeley School of Law in 1965 and began his career as a gaming lawyer. He was the chairman of the Republican National Committee for six of President Ronald Reagan’s eight years in the White House and led the party through successful presidential elections in 1984 and 1988. For more information about Mr. Frank Fahrenkopf and his tenure or to read more about the AGA, please visit their website at www.americangaming.org. $

ARIZONA LOTTERY

Winners & Jackpots

$100,000 Ultimate Crossword Scratchers Winner

eonard Edwards and his wife Sandy ended up celebrating the start of 2013 with the birth of their granddaughter and winning the $100,000 top prize on the Ultimate Crossword Scratchers. The couple were in the maternity ward at their local hospital where Leonard was helping his son-in-law coach his daughter. They took a short break, went to the store, and purchased two of the Ultimate Crosswords. Leonard had already scratched one of the tickets, but hadn’t won anything. When they got back to the maternity ward, he gave the second one to Sandy. She scratched the ticket and was quiet for a few minutes, then she showed the ticket to Leonard and said, “Look at this!” After their granddaughter weighed in at eight pounds, five ounces, they went into the waiting room and at least four additional family members checked the ticket. After everyone agreed it looked like a winner, they took the signed ticket across the street to a convenience store to be scanned. The clerk gave them the paperwork and told them they would have to go to the Lottery office in Phoenix to redeem their ticket. They immediately put the ticket in a secure place and returned to the hospital. The couple said they shed a few happy tears and felt a little shaky, but were thrilled and felt that 2013 was going to be a great year. The happy couple plan to pay off some bills, share some with their family, and put the rest away for their nest egg. They had one comment for Arizona Lottery players, “Average, everyday people really do win….Look at us!” The winning ticket was purchased from the Station 66 located at 4115 E. Thompson Ave., Kingman. For more information about the Ultimate Crossword Scratchers or any other Arizona Lottery games, please visit their website at www.arizonalottery.com. For the winning Arizona Lottery numbers call (480) 829-7425 in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. All other areas in Arizona, call 1-800-499-3798. $ About the Arizona Lottery The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue that it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of the Lottery tickets - over $3 million per week - fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $5 billion in prizes to players, over $2.8 billion in net profit to the state and almost $591 million in commissions to all the Arizona Lottery retailers.

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

Arizona Lottery Kicks Off New Year With New

Arizona Black Scratchers Series

he Arizona Lottery announces the launch of its newest Scratchers series, Arizona Black. These Scratchers are in stores now and offer the most and largest prize amounts of any Arizona Lottery second chance drawing. The Arizona Black series includes five Scratchers tickets, ranging in price from $1 to $20. The available tickets include $1 Arizona Black Special with a top prize of $1,500, $2 Arizona Black Select with a top prize of $10,000, $5 Arizona Black Limited with a top prize of $50,000, $10 Arizona Black Elite with a top prize of $100,000 and $20 Arizona Black Exclusive with a top prize of $500,000. With all the different price points available, the Arizona Black Scratchers series offers tickets that appeal to a range of Lottery players. Even non-winning tickets give players a chance to win a prize, since they can be entered online into the Arizona Lottery’s largest second chance drawing for additional cash prizes. “The new Arizona Black Scratchers series was created in direct response to our players’ requests for more second chance drawing games and additional opportunities to win,” said Karen Bach, director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. The Arizona Black Scratchers series includes four second chance drawings, with 111 prizes totaling $798,000, including a $500,000 top prize. Players can enter their non-winning tickets from any of the five Arizona Black Scratchers games into the

second chance drawings by registering on the Arizona Lottery website at ArizonaLottery.com. Scheduled second chance draw dates are March 28, April 25, May 30 and a final date yet to be determined. The deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to each scheduled drawing. All entries received prior to the designated drawing will be eligible for subsequent drawings, unless that entry has already received a prize. Winners will be contacted after the drawing by a Lottery official. The winners’ names will be listed on the Arizona Lottery website approximately 14 days after the drawing. “This new Scratchers series has already been extremely popular with our players,” Bach said. “The tickets have a sleek, modern design that is eye-catching and appealing to a broad audience, but especially to Millennials.” The Arizona Lottery plans to promote the Arizona Black Scratchers series throughout the year with social media contests on Facebook and Twitter and planned sponsorships with many of the professional sports teams in town. For more information about Arizona Black Scratchers or the second chance drawings, please visit ArizonaLottery.com. Players must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Overall odds vary by game. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available in an alternate format. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-NEXT STEP. Please play responsibly.

Largest Second Chance Drawing Offers Prizes up to $500,000!

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

Meet Jeff Hatch-Miller—Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery

or the past four years, Jeff Hatch-Miller has guided the Arizona Lottery as its Executive Director. Under his leadership, the Lottery has experienced exponential growth. Sales have grown from $468 million dollars to $678 million dollars, an incredible forty-five percent increase achieved during the deepest recession since the 1930s. Prior to the Governor’s appointment of Hatch-Miller to this position, Hatch-Miller was an elected public official. From 2003 to 2009, Mr. Hatch-Miller served first as a member, and then Chairman, of the Arizona Corporation Commission. He led efforts to secure Arizona’s energy and water supply futures. Arizona’s renewable energy standard was put in place, additional natural gas supplies were brought into the state and historically high peak energy demands were handled without incident. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Hatch-Miller served two terms in the Arizona House of Representatives, where he chaired the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. He led the Legislature’s efforts to control electric rates even when neighboring California’s rates were skyrocketing. He was a leader in efforts to offer the public a “Do Not Call” list to prevent unwanted telemarketing calls. Hatch-Miller received a Doctorate in Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He received a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Stanislaus. Hatch-Miller is married and the father of two adult sons. azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

Changing Lives Statewide ost people aren’t aware that Arizona Lottery dollars fund a wide variety of public projects and programs that enrich the lives of Arizona residents. In fact, the Arizona Lottery generates nearly $3 million per week for important state programs. Every time you play the Lottery, you are participating in the growth and future of our state.

The Arizona Lottery focuses its support on four main pillars: education, health and public welfare, the environment, and economic and business development in cities and towns throughout all 15 counties in the state of Arizona. Under the education pillar, Arizona Lottery dollars fund a variety of statewide programs that are rich in arts and culture, science and technology, and touch many diverse cultures throughout the state. Examples of beneficiaries under this pillar include ASU Gammage and the Greater Valley Area Health Education Center (GVAHEC). The Arizona Lottery also lends support to critical health and public welfare initiatives that advance the health profession’s The Arizona Lottery solely funds CASA—Advocates for abused & neglected children.

workforce and enhance the wellness of Arizona residents. One of the Arizona Lottery’s beneficiaries under the public welfare pillar is CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA volunteers serve as advocates to speak up for abused and neglected children in court.

Arizona Lottery dollars also positively impact Arizona retailers throughout our state that rely on ticket commissions to support their businesses and benefit their local communities. Arizona retailers receive a commission of 6.5% on all Lottery sales, which is one of the highest Lottery commissions in the country. When Lottery players win big, retailers win big, too. ReCASA is solely funded by Arizona Lottery tailers receive $500 to $25,000 bonuses for dollars, and more than $41 million has selling top prize winning tickets. been transferred to CASA from the Arizona Lottery to date. This funding has Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has enabled CASA to serve more than 13,500 paid out more than $5 billion in prizes to children statewide. Perhaps one of the players, over $2.8 billion in net profit to most touching CASA stories has been the State, and almost $591 million in comabout a special foster child named Michael missions to retailers. Thanks to the ongoand how his CASA advocate, Jay, is helping support of players and the Arizona ing to find him an adoptive family. Legislature, the impact of Arizona Lottery dollars will be felt in even greater measure In regards to the environment, the Arizona in the years to come. Lottery contributes to the conservation and protection of Arizona’s wildlife and supports wildlife educational and awareness campaigns for residents of all ages throughout the state. Currently, $10 million per year goes to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This funding is used for public access, environmental education, schoolyard habitats, and the protection and management of urban wildlife. The Arizona Lottery invests in Arizona’s future through programs and partnerships with Arizona’s state universities, the private sector and multicultural organizations. Under the economic and business development pillar, the Arizona Lottery transfers funds to the Arizona Commerce Authority each year to support organizations like the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), which provides training and assistance to aspiring business owners.

The Arizona Lottery contributes $10 million annually to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

For more information and videos detailing how Arizona Lottery dollars are changing lives statewide, please visit ArizonaLottery.com and “like” the Arizona Lottery Facebook page. $ Thanks to the staff at E. B. Lane & the Arizona Lottery for their assistance with these articles.

azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

WINNING WAYS

Don’t Overlook This Slot—Decoding Zeus II

Don’t Overlook This Slot! Decoding Zeus II By Mark Novak Zeus II you ask! Really? Well, this game may be “old” by modern slot floor standards, yet I still see the game all over Arizona and not enough players playing the game. Too bad! I think this game is a real diamond in the rough. We’ve decoded the game and are going to deliver the insider information every slot enthusiast wants to know. When WMS’ Zeus first hit casino floors, I remember winning some massive amounts of money in the bonus rounds and watching player after player do the same. The stacked Wilds (in the bonus), stacked Zeus in the base game (the top symbol) made for extreme volatility only seen on a handful of Aristocrat’s slots. Yet somehow, the mechanic worked for slot players in the U.S. and soon, everyone was looking to play Zeus in casinos all over the country. Zeus II is a very different animal from the original. The symbols look familiar enough, but the reel matrix changed to 5X4 from 5X3, the pays changed, and while the free games bonus remained from the original, a re-spin bonus was added to the game mechanic. A series of games was launched under the new mechanic called “Hot Hot Re-Spins” and WMS had another hit on their hands. On top of all the other positive additions and enhanced game design, the stacked Zeus remained as part of the new slot. If a “follow up” title, like Zeus II, doesn’t retain some, or most, of the original mechanic, we here at the Arizona Gaming Guide tend to always view the new slot with trepidation. In most cases, a lot has changed and analysis of the new slot has to begin anew.

Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

#1. Condensed wins on the pay table. If you look at the help screen, you’ll notice the range of pays is relatively small and that there are only ten total pays (2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 40, 50, 100 and 150 times the bet per line). As the smallest bet to cover all the lines is 40 credits, we’ll have a bet return on almost half of the pay table wins. This is a good sign as the hit frequency is really high on this game (somewhere around 65 to 75%). If you have a winning spin, there’s a good chance it will pay you more than your bet back. With so many pay lines, coinciding wins increase those odds even more. This helps extend play sessions. #2. Easy to trigger a bonus. The re-spin pulls to hit are right around 40 spins. This number is calculated by keeping track of the number of spins you play and the number of bonuses you hit over many play sessions. #3. Re-spins. Many slot machine game designers can implement re-spins as a play to make players believe they have an “extra” chance to hit a certain win. Many times this only applies to a bonus or, worse yet, is used to make the chances of hitting a bonus small while “teasing” a player that the bonus will award soon. With Zeus II, the res-pins apply to the top symbol appearing as a column on the first reel. This game mechanic allows for massive base game wins! Always a good thing. #4. Free Games Bonus. Around 280 to 290 spins is what it will take for you to trigger this bonus. That’s not so good, but, you’ll have had around seven re-spin bonuses, paying you an average of ten times your wager while you wait for the massive bonus win. The bonus pays an average of 25 to 30 times your bet. #5. Top pay is not astronomically unlikely. Because of the stacked Zeus symbols, the frequent re-spins, which hold the Zeus and the Wild, you’ll hit five Zeus symbols easily and multiple times because of the numerous pay lines. You can still find this slot around Arizona’s casinos. Make sure you bring an appropriate bankroll and have fun! $

Valentine’s Day—Editor’s Picks

CASINO DINING

Where to go on St. Valentine’s Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop—800.929.8744 Valentines Dinner—$50.00 a couple Dinner & Room—$120.00 a couple Dinner & Beach Party—$70.00 a couple Dinner & Room & Beach Party—$140.00 a couple Dinner & Room (Th) & Beach Party & Room (Fr)—$190.00

Bucky's & Yavapai Casinos—Prescott—800.756.8744 $2 Mimosas available at both casinos on Valentine’s Day! At Bucky’s only from 4-10pm: 10oz. prime rib, baked potato, veggie, soup or salad plus dessert or broiled shrimp skewers over apple scented rice, veggie, soup or salad plus dessert $12.99 for either meal.

Valentines Dinner (Thursday, February 14th) includes: 1st Course—Choice of Calf Fries with a Zesty Cocktail Sauce Capellini with a Pesto Basil Cream Sauce 2nd Course—Apple Walnut Vinaigrette Salad 3rd Course—Choice of Bacon Wrapped California Cut New York Strip With Roasted Red and Gold Potatoes, Vegetables and Rolls with Butter. Sautéed Chicken Breast Marsala With Roasted Red and Gold Potatoes, Vegetables and Rolls with Butter. Mixed Grill of Seafood Grilled Skewered Shrimp, “King Crab” Crab Cake with a Roasted Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce and Grilled Saku Tuna Rice Pilaf, Vegetables and Rolls with Butter. 4th Course—Chocolate Decadence for 2 with Raspberry Puree and Crème Anglaise

Mazatzal Casino—Payson—800.777.7529 The Sweetheart Special at the Cedar Ridge Restaurant features filet mignon topped with crab, asparagus spears, and hollandaise, plus your choice of sides and red velvet cake to finish it all off! All for just $18.95 a person.

Beach Party (Friday, February 15th) includes the Beach Boys tribute concert & Winter Meltdown Beach Party.

Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale—480.850.7777 The Wandering Horse Buffet is offering a Valentine’s Day menu from 4:30 to 9pm. Adults $35.95 (includes a champagne toast), children 5-12 $14.00. The menu features slow roasted prime rib, applewood smoked pork steamship roast, orange chile marinated turkey breast, Moroccan grilled salmon, Australian lamb loin chops, red curry halibut, orange glazed duck drumsticks, iced jumbo shrimp & Atlantic oysters, chilled Jonah crab claws, and king crab & lobster claws. All restaurants listed 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 | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

TRIBAL NEWS

Arizona Tribes Celebrate 10 Years of Contributions to All Arizonans Event at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort Honors Tribal Leadership of 2002 and Governor Jane Hull

ribal Leaders and dignitaries gathered at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Reservation on November 16, 2012 to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the passage of Proposition 202. That initiative continued gaming on tribal lands and shared revenues with the people of Arizona. The dinner event honored the Tribal leadership of 2002 and Governor Jane Dee Hull who signed the gaming compacts. Ivan Makil, founding partner of Generation Seven Strategic Partners and former President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, presented Governor Hull with an honor blanket to thank her for her long-standing commitment to Tribes in Arizona. Timothy Hinton, Vice-Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and Chairman of AIGA, gave the opening prayer. The approximately 250 guests were welcomed by Governor Greg Mendoza, Gila River Indian Community, President Diane Enos, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Raymond Etcitty, Chief Operating Officer of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise. Fox 10 News Anchor John Hook was the emcee for the evening. Hook expressed his appreciation to be invited to the event. “This is rating week and it is very unusual for the station to let me off the air, but this is a very special evening for all Arizona,” he said, pointing out that he had covered Prop 202 as a reporter for ten years and avidly followed the success of Indian gaming. Among the many dignitaries attending were former Superintendents of Education for Arizona Carolyn Warner and Jaime Molera, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Sherry Henry, Dr. Terry Hull who accompanied his wife Governor Jane Dee Hull, and Dr. Peter Rhee, Medical Director, UMC Trauma Program, Chief, Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency Surgery University of Arizona Department of Surgery. Other special guests included Miss Indian Arizona, Devanie Duwyenie; Miss Ak-Chin Indian Community, Alyssa Garcia; Miss Gila River Indian Commuinity, Raging Storm Miles; and Miss Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Elisa Briones. The evening debuted two short videos. The first focused on tribal life, pre-gaming; the second described the many benefits of Indian gaming for Tribal people and all Arizonans. Indian gaming revenues support education, trauma and emergency care, wildlife conservation and tourism statewide. The videos were produced by Annette Alvarez of Generation Seven Strategic Partners. AIGA also presented each guest with a commemo-

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

rative 10 year anniversary booklet that featured photographs by well-known Arizona photographer, John Running. The evening closed with an Honor Song and Dance performed by Hashan Kehk Dancers, Tony Duncan, Ken Duncan & Yellow Bird Dancers and Moontee Sinquah & The Wild Band Singers. “In the past ten years, Tribal gaming revenues have funded hundreds of millions of dollars to our State, cities, towns and counties and countless charities,” said Valerie Spicer, Executive Director Arizona Indian Gaming Association. “A decade of sharing is a major landmark that we wanted to celebrate. Our theme, A Decade of Contributions; An Investment for Generations says it all.” The Arizona Indian Gaming Association, a nonprofit organization, has a membership of 17 tribes representing 90% of the Indian people living on Arizona reservations. $

TRIBAL NEWS

One Example of how Shared Gaming Revenues Benefit Arizona: Boys & Girls Club of Casa Grande Receive a New Van On Friday, December 21, 2012 the Boys & Girls Club of Casa Grande hosted a ceremony to demonstrate their appreciation of the Gila River Indian Community for giving $40,000 in grant money via the city of Casa Grande towards the organization back in May of 2012. These funds allowed the Club to purchase a brand new 15 passenger van and replace an aging high-mileage van in need of a new AC and other repairs. The van is used to transport children who are members of the Boys & Girls Club. Henry Brown Automotive Group supplied the van and N&D Designs designed a vehicle wrap which included images of some of the children currently participating in the Club. Matthew Lemberg, executive director at the Boys & Girls Clubs; Gregory Mendoza, governor of the Gila River Indian Community; Dennis and Nikki Voytoski of N&D Designs; Rueben Garcia, Boys & Girls Clubs chairman of the board; and Casa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson were all on hand for the ceremony. This generous gift comes from the tribe’s gaming revenues and is just one of many made by the Gila River Indian Community and other tribes around Arizona. As of October 29, 2012, the total amount of tribal gaming revenue given to the Arizona Benefits Fund was over $749 million. These monies are used to sustain the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling, the Arizona Department of Gaming, and are also disbursed into the Instructional Improvement Fund, the Trauma & Emergency Services Fund, the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund, and the State Tourism Fund. As of October 29, 2012, Arizona’s Cities, Towns, and Counties received over $93 million from tribal gaming revenues as well. Tribal contributions of gaming revenues towards cities, towns and counties are of the tribes’ choosing. $ azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

TRAVEL—LAUGHLIN

Casino Directory & Best Bets

Aquarius Casino Resort 1.800.662.LUCK or aquariuscasinoresort.com. 1,250+ Slots, No Smoking Slot Area, High Limit Slots Area, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Live Keno, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: Reba McEntire Package—$249.99 for two nights, two tickets, and food deals on Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16. 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: Avi River Stampede PRCA Rodeo held March 1-3. Colorado Belle Hotel Casino Resort 1.877.460.0777 or coloradobelle.com. 750+ Slots, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Poker Room, Live Keno, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: Neil Sedaka live in the E Center on February 9. Engelbert Humperdinck live in the E Center on February 16. 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: Reba On The River Package—Room & show packages start at $190 for the concert on Saturday, March 16 at the Laughlin Amphitheater. Call 800.227.3849 extension 5546 for more info. Edgewater Hotel Casino 1.800.677.4837 or edgewater-casino.com. 750+ Slots, NonSmoking Slot Area, Blackjack, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette, Craps, and a Race & Sports Book. Best Bet: Mardi Gras Festival February 8-10. Celebrate Mardi Gras on the Riverwalk with great free live entertainment by the Bayou Brothers and delicious southern food in the vending area!

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

Golden Nugget Laughlin 1.800.237.1739 or goldennugget.com/laughlin. 1,000+ Slots, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker Room, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: Reba McEntire Getaway Package—$229 for two nights, two tickets, and an embroidered bag per room on Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16. 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: Defending the Caveman—Comedy Show. February 12—March 3, 2013 (dark Fridays). Tickets start at $25. Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall 1.800.634.3469 or pioneerlaughlin.com. 500+ Slots, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Craps, Roulette, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: Reba McEntire Pioneer VIP, A, or B Packages. Including: Two premium tickets, two nights, $20 free slot play, $20 in table games match play, and two drinks on Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16. River Palms Resort Casino 1.877.787.7256 or river-palms.com. Slots, Bingo, Blackjack, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Craps, Roulette, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: Reba On The River Package—$199 for two concert tickets and a two night stay on Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16. You can also add Sunday, March 17, free. Tropicana Laughlin 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, and a Sports Book. Best Bet: Reba On The River Package—$229, two tickets, two nights on Fri & Sat, March 15-16. Add Sunday, March 17 free. Sources: Direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.

Featured News

LAUGHLIN—TRAVEL

Colorado Belle & Edgewater

Introduce new slots to casinos & Finish room renovations

Edgewater’s Sedona Tower remodel includes all new bedding, designer amenities, carpet, paint, 32” flatscreen TVs and expanded television programming. Guests particularly like the new pillows, which they have been buying to take home!

New Slots At The Edgewater Aristocrat: Buffalo and Wonder 4 Bally: Michael Jackson King of Pop IGT: Wheel of Fortune Triple Spin, Elvis the King WMS: Aladdin, Wicked Witch of the West, Super Monopoly Money, Cheers, and the same new Colossal Reels themes as the Colorado Belle. New Slots At The Colorado Belle Aristocrat: Buffalo and Wonder 4 (featuring Buffalo, Pompeii, Wild Splash, and Fire Light) Bally: Michael Jackson King of Pop IGT: Godzilla, Texas Tea Texas Tango, and Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin WMS: Life, Wicked Witch of the West, and Super Monopoly Money. Also, there are several themes for the Colossal Reels line of slots. The 3 newest on the casino floor are Giant’s Gold, Towers of the Temple, and Colossal Wizards.

Plus, both casinos introduced some new slots by Konami including Kabuki King, Passport to Riches, China Dreams, and China Shores to name a few!

azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Schedule of Events 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 "Comedy Night" with the Comedy Machine—Feb. 16 Sunset Lounge: Live Jazz & Free Cocktails—Tu 6pm Karaoke—We-Fr at 8pm La Vida Loca—Fr at 8pm Casino Floor: Whitehorse Band—Feb. 9 Downtime Band—Feb. 16 Paloma—Feb. 23 Event Lawn: Mark Chesnutt—Feb. 9 Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Groovin’ Fridays Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music!

Mark Chesnutt Cocopah Casino Saturday February 9 Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Special Event: Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow—Mar. 15, 16 & 17 Cabaret Lounge: Live bands every weekend Firstborn—Feb. 8 & 9 Kenny G Project—Feb. 15 & 16 Jadi Norris—Feb. 22 & 23 Convention Center: Heartbreakers Ball—Feb. 15 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Valentine’s Day Baile—Feb. 9. Tickets start at $15. Willie Nelson—Mar. 2. Tickets start at $55. Cage Rage 4—Mar. 9. Tickets start at $25. Los Tigres del Norte—Apr. 6. Tickets start at $65 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Jan. schedule not available at press time. The Arizona Room Piano Lounge: Closed for renovations. Casino del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Event Center: B.B King—Feb. 13 at 8pm

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Friday & Saturday Night Party—Music & dancing at 8pm or after the game featuring Fiesta DJs “Party Nights.” Diamond Center: Kix Brooks (Brooks & Dunn) Tucson Rodeo Concert—Feb. 23 at 7pm

Night Groove Band Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Saturday February 9 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Events: Love In The Hills—Feb. 14. Free with pre-registration. Bad Boy Fight Night—Mar. 9. Tickets start at $35. Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend. Kenny G.—Feb. 14

Schedule of Events

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Pipa Event Center: The Temptations—Feb. 15 at 8pm Vicky Lawrence—A Two Woman Show—Mar. 1 at 8pm Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine—Mar. 16 at 8pm Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends. Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 Orange Sky: Michael Grimm—Two acoustic sets at 7 & 9pm Sunday & Monday Nights Jan. 6-Apr.8 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Wynona & The Big Noise—Feb. 16 Jay Leno—Feb. 17 Kenny Rogers—Mar. 23 Coffee Garden: Dueling Pianos—Th, Fr & Sa from 8-11pm

Kenny Rogers Talking Stick Resort Saturday March 23 Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—800.427.7247 Oasis Lounge: Great local favorites every Friday and Saturday 8pm–1am, free. Traditional Lion Dance—Feb. 10 at 4pm Kix Brooks (of Brooks and Dunn)—Feb. 24 at 5pm Terry Johnson’s Flamingos—Feb. 27 at 1&3pm Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone—Mar. 16 at 8&10pm The Diamonds—Mar. 27 at 1&3pm Lonestar—Apr. 26 at 9:30pm Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show Buck Ford (Country)—Feb. 5-9

Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Encore Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music nightly. Showroom: Legends of Country Music Show “Classic Country Sundays” Now-Sunday Mar. 10, 2013 Oak Ridge Boys—Feb. 8 Neil Sedaka—Feb. 17 Wilson Phillips—Feb.23 Engelbert Humperdinck—Mar. 9 Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke with Cruisin’ Susan—Fr—8pm-12am Sky Daddy & The Pop Rocks—Feb. 9 In-Folk-Us—Feb. 16 Little Larry & The Drive—Feb. 23 $

Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment. We—Country, Th—Industry, Fr—Latin, Sa—Top 40/Dance Verona Chophouse: Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am to 3pm Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Event Center: Night Groove Band—Feb. 9 The Highwaymen (tribute)—Aug.10 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Jan. schedule not available at press time. 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.

Neil Sedaka Wild Horse Pass Casino Sunday February 17 azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

Exclusively Featuring Ramses Ja

Scottsdale’s Trendiest Nightclub

By Natasha Castellanos

hose of you who have yet to visit Scottsdale’s Talking Stick Resort should know that you are missing out on some of the best gaming, dining, pampering, and entertainment in the valley. This grandiose monument boasts, perhaps, the best experience of any kind found in Arizona! The thing with most casinos is, traditionally, once the gaming is done, the meals are digested, and the shows are over, it’s usually time to head back to the hotel room and call it a night. Not so, says Talking Stick Resort! The jewel in the crown of this pleasure palace is Degree 270, a nightclub 14 stories in the sky! Open every Thursday through Saturday, Degree 270 boasts an awesome sound system, a killer light show, and a complete view of the city’s skyline! Perhaps most importantly, however, is the man behind the noise it’s making. Enter Ramses Ja. Known primarily as 101.1 FM The Beat’s afternoon drive host (weekdays 3-7pm) and resident DJ for Channel 3 (Fridays 10am), Ramses has established himself as an entertainment powerhouse in the southwest. Having held DJing residencies at Planet Hol-

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

lywood in Las Vegas, and several nightclubs in Old Town Scottsdale means that Ramses has the perfect cross-section of experiences to headline Saturdays at Degree 270! $ Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II

•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.

Bet You Didn’t Know …

FUN FACTS

Contrary to what’s shown on television and the movies, casinos must be contacted ahead of time for high stakes gambling, such as wagers of $100,000 or more. Casino managers then decide if they will take the risk. In most cases, contracts are drawn.

55% of people in the world buy lottery tickets each year making this the most popular form of gambling! The word “casino” is of Italian origin and means “small villa” or “summerhouse.” Bally Technologies was the first slot machine manufacturer that was publicly traded on the NYSE in 1975.

The first casino was built in 1638 in Venice, Italy. Dice are the oldest gambling tool known to man. The oldest set dates from 5,000 years ago in the area of modern-day Iran.

Playing cards are a symbolic depiction of our calendar. 52 cards = 52 weeks, the 4 suits = 4 seasons, and the 13 cards in each suit = 13 lunar cycles (full and new moons). 365 (all the numeric values of each card added together) = the number of days in our calendar year! azgamingguide.com | February2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

HOT DEALS

You Get The Very

BEST Of Casino Offers Statewide!

Fairway To Heaven At Talking Stick Resort A fabulous hotel, spa and golf package for him & her Book a hotel room at Talking Stick Resort and receive one of their unique spa treatments (60-min. Desert Lavender Massage, a 60-min. Simply Swedish Massage, or a 60-min. Opulence Facial) and a round of golf! This inclusive “fairway to Heaven” package is a spectacular getaway for both him and her. The Spa at Talking Stick Resort is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility located on the 14th floor of the hotel and features open-air spa treatment rooms with majestic views of the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale. Additional spa services can be reserved a la carte and all add-ons to the package will be extended at a 15% discount. The Talking Stick Golf Club sits adjacent to the resort property and is one of the top rated golf clubs in all of Arizona with two distinct golf courses offering a variety of scenery and memorable experiences. To take advantage of this hot deal, simply book your room online at www.talkingstickresort.com. or call 480.850.7734 and mention the Arizona Gaming Guide “Fairway to Heaven.”

5X Points

Earn 5X POINTS At Apache Gold Casino Every Monday now through February 25 Visit Apache Gold Casino Resort on Mondays and earn 5X points when using your Apache Gold Players Club Card! Play any game, any denomination all day long and receive five times more points and five times the fun! Experience the casino with one of the best selection of penny games in Arizona.

Receive $25 In Free Slot Play

Double Payout Bingo

When you join the Gila River Players Clu Club b

At Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

Simply sign up for a players club card at any one of the three Gila River Casinos—Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, or Vee Quiva Casino—and get $10 in Free Bonus Play and then earn just 10 points during your first visit and get $10 more in Free Bonus Play. If you give them your e-mail address, you’ll get an additional $5 in Free Bonus Play. That’s a total of $25! Now that’s a great deal! Must be 21 or older to participate, have a valid photo I.D., and new to Players Club to qualify. Points and benefits may be redeemed at any Gila River Casino. Visit Players Club for more info.

Play Bingo at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino every first Thursday and third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM (sales start at 5:00 PM) and receive twice the regular payout if you’re a winner! Visit www.mazatzal-casino.com or call 1-800-777-PLAY for more information. $

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

*Please verify all promotions listed in advance as each casino reserves the right to modify or cancel any program or promotion at any time with the approval of the respective Tribal Gaming Office.

CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY What’s Your Lucky Number & Color? Everyone knows luck and random behavior go hand in hand and bingo players experience both on a regular basis! Whether you believe in Astrology and Horoscopes or not, we have some interesting information for you regarding the rest of 2013. Many of you will be interested to know your lucky numbers and colors for 2013 as predicted by Western Astrology. Make sure you mark your calendars with your lucky numbers, be certain to wear your lucky color, and don’t forget that your favorite dauber should also be in your lucky color! $ Tropical Zodiac Sign



2013 Lucky Numbers

2013 Lucky Colors

Aquarius (1/21-2/19) 7, 11, 30 Aries (3/21-4/20) 16, 21, 35 Cancer (6/22-7/22) 17, 25, 30 Capricorn (12/22-1/20) 12, 20, 23 Gemini (5/22-6/21) 7, 18, 19, 23 Leo (7/24-8/ 23) 6, 14, 35 Libra (9/24-10/23) 7, 21, 31 Pisces (2/20-3/20) 17, 21, 37 Sagittarius (11/23-12/21) 15, 23, 35 Scorpio (10/24-11/22) 14, 17, 38 Taurus (4/21-5/21) 10, 14, 20, 28 Virgo (8/24-9/23) 8, 20, 30

Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic

Light Blue, Nile Green, Yellow Red, Pink Green, Russet Violet, Purple, Black, Silver Gray Light Blue, Silvery White Red, Orange Blue, Yellow, Black, White Black, Green, Lavender, White Mauve, Indigo, Green Crimson, Deep Blue Yellow, Blue Sapphire, Pink Jasper

Casino

Sessions

Apache Gold

Su, We, Th at Noon. Fr & Sa at 7pm. 1st Mo of the month at 7pm

1000

BlueWater

Daily at 6pm.

350

Yes

Casino Arizona

Mo-Su at 6:30pm Sa-Su at 12:30pm

1000

Yes

L8 Nite Bingo Fr & Sa Doors at 10pm. Games at midnight

Casino del Sol

Daily at Noon, 1:30, 2:15, 6:30 & 7:15pm

694

Yes

Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.

Cocopah

Daily at 1:30 & 6:30pm

350

Yes*

Yes

Desert Diamond I

Th-Mo 1:30, 2, 6, 6:30 & 7pm

270

Yes

Fort McDowell

Sa & Su at 6:45am. We-Mo at 9am. Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm.

1275

(2 sections: enclosed or in general seating)

Yes

Fr & Sa at 12:10am. Call for Lunar Bingo schedule.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin

We-Su at 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30, and 6:30pm

470

Yes

Lone Butte

Sa & Su at 10am, Noon, 3:45, 5:30 & 6pm. Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.

750

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

Paradise

Daily at 11:30am, 1:30 & 6pm.

300

Yes

Tail Gate Feb. 3, Mardi Gras Feb. 12, Valentine’s Feb. 14, Kozmic 11pm Feb. 16, President’s Feb. 18.

Vee Quiva

Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm.

366

Yes

Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.

Yes

Late Night

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 01/01/13 & 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 | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

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)

In honor of the Chinese New Year (Feb. 10â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Year of the Black Water Snake), find these words: BLACK, WATER, SNAKE, CHINESE, NEW YEAR, FULL MOON, PHASES, DRAGON, FORTUNE, FIREWORKS, GOOD LUCK, TWELVE SIGNS, ZODIAC, MOON CAKES, CELEBRATE. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

8 1

6 9

2 4

8 4

1 7

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

N C

H H G

M F

M D

M B

O O

N O G

N W K

O G

D O N

U W E

D C

W J

W L

O Q N B

A D A

N B

U O C

N V

U E

A K

A Y

N T

M K

A N E

D Y

H R

O W N R

N L

H X

H A

O C

D K

H W N Q B

W Q

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

Hoverers Be Gone!

Sami, just got back from the casino and there’s one thing I have a problem with. One of my biggest pet peeves is having someone standing behind me watching me play. It make me feel uncomfortable but I’m too embarrassed to say something. Besides just getting up and leaving, which I don’t want to do if I’m playing one of my favorite games or things are going well, what else can I do? Should I say something and if so what should I say without getting them mad? I’m afraid that someone would start yelling at me! Thanks for your help with my “rant.” Jennifer Branch—Mesa, AZ Jennifer, I can commiserate! In fact, based on the number of emails I receive on this subject, there are many gamblers who feel the same way we do! I get very frustrated by those niggling, pesky hoverers! The quiet lurkers are annoying because you just feel their presence, but the blustering oglers that interject maddening comments like “ooh, that was close” and “aah, what an awful bonus” are down right infuriating. As if I need my very own play-by-play commentator!

Casinos make it a rule not to allow hoverers in their high limit rooms. In fact, there are either posted signs or employees who are ready to inform you that if you’re not playing then you can’t be in there. I’m not suggesting you go play in the high limit room! Obviously, most of us can’t afford to be in there! It’s just too bad the casinos don’t institute the same policy for the entire floor, rather than restricting it to the high limit room. My suggestion is to not say anything directly to a “hoverer.” Like you said, it may instigate a poor reaction. Non-verbal clues tend to do the trick—most of the time. If you look at them with a stern expression, aren’t willing to engage in conversation, and don’t acknowledge their remarks, they tend to move on. Most people can read between the lines. If someone has been standing behind you for quite a long time and is truly making you feel uncomfortable, please notify a casino employee. $

Do YOU have something to rant about? Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

azgamingguide.com | February 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

Y Y

11300 Resort Drive

Parker

888-243-3360 523

03. Bucky’s Casino

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 309

04. Casino Arizona

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 927

Y Y

05. Casino del Sol 06. Casino of the Sun

12. Fort McDowell Casino

16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 656

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 509

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 696

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

866-332-9467

Y Y*

Maricopa

480-802-5000 1,089

Pinetop

800-929-8744 806

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 850

Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson

Payson

800-777-7529 422

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

888-777-4946 506

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 736

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 244

23. Yavapai Casino

777 Hwy. 260

21. Vee Quiva Casino

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 883

101 & Indian Bend

I-17, Exit 289

17. Paradise Casino

22. Wild Horse Pass Casino

855-765-7829 292

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

20. Talking Stick Resort

855-765-7829 1,044

14. Hon-Dah Casino 15. Lone Butte Casino

Tucson

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Tucson

10. Desert Diamond Casino II 11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

08. Cocopah Resort Casino

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel 09. Desert Diamond Casino I

Y Y

For information on the casinos & much more, scan our QR codes with your smartphone!

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Word Search Solution C E L E B R A T E

Sudoku Solution

N S Z

E F N O G O

F E

U W E

L W L O

O G D O N R I

I O C

T S A D A

B A L R

U E C L K

T M K

N V E U E

E O S

E L K C S

R O

E A K

W N

P H A S E S

T S

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2013 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Arcade

800-272-2438 607

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