Contents MARCH
DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 09 GREAT GAMES 16 GAMING NEWS 20 ARIZONA LOTTERY 22 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
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42 FUN & GAMES
PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK STARTS WITH MARCH 4 SYMPOSIUM!
45 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 46 CASINO DIRECTORY
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BALLY TECHNOLOGIES’ NASCAR SLOT
DON’T EVER DO THIS WITH A PLAYER’S CARD
RAMSES JA & 3 MORE DJs TALK ABOUT CASINOS
If you’re a fan of NASCAR, you know it’s all about the drivers! But it’s also all about the bonuses!
If you’re smart enough to have a player’s club card and use it too, then you can never do this!
An inside look at these four popular Phoenix DJs! They give us the scoop on their favorite casinos!
azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
03
EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 05 • ISSUE 03 PUBLISHER Chris Hoft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com
Every Issue Has More & More To Share! Sometimes I think we’ll run out of room in our magazine before we even start putting together the new issue! I’d really like to thank the staff at all of Arizona’s casinos for supplying us with all sorts of information these past few months. This month we focused on Problem Gambling Awareness, Ramses Ja & his fellow DJ’s review their favorite casinos, and of course, new slots! In addition, make sure to check out our expanded Laughlin section as well! We’ve had to delay the article on the new slots in Arizona for another month because of all the other stories ready for this month. There is just so much information to convey on all the new games, so watch for our review on all the new slots in the April issue (promise)! 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 March 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 | March 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: My friends and I love playing video keno, Cleopatra, Caveman, and Extra Draw to be specific. We seem to have better luck when playing 5 or 6 numbers instead of 8, 9, or 10. Is this just luck or are the probabilities built in the RNG? I have hit 5/5 or 6/6 multiple times, but never 8/8 or 9/9. I understand the probability is less the more numbers you mark. Gary Bushko – Phoenix, AZ A: Gary, we love that you’re a video keno player! There are no “probabilities built in the RNG” in any video keno game (or any other video poker & slot machine for that matter). The RNG just picks numbers randomly, all day long. There is no time when the RNG is “due” or somehow destined to start paying on the video keno game you are momentarily playing. However, we completely understand why you feel luckier when playing 5 or 6 numbers. Regardless of the version of the game you are playing (Video Keno, Cleopatra, Caveman, etc.), the probabilities of hitting straight up 2/2 are 1 in 16.63 spins, 3/3 are 1 in 72.07 games, 4/4 are 1 in 362.44 games, 5/5 are 1 in 1,550.57 games, 6/6 are 1 in 7,752.84 games, 7/7 are 1 in 40,979.31 games, 8/8 are 1 in 230,114.61 games, 9/9 are 1 in 1,380,687.65 games, and 10/10 are 1 in 8,911,711.18 games. Essentially, the fewer spots you play the keno game has better chances of awarding wins that “keep you alive” with your bankroll and play time. The more spots you play, the larger jackpots can be nearly impossible to win and the smaller and medium range jackpots no longer “keep you alive” as they do in the 5 and 6 spot games. Realize optimum strategy indicates you should play either 7 or 8 spots, depending on the game. Check out our website for more video keno hints, strategies, and advice for each game at www.azgamingguide.com. Q: When you are lucky enough to receive a hand-pay on a slot machine the attendant will often (or always, I’m not sure) ask you to hit the spin button one more time after they have paid you. I have three questions about this: First, why do they want you to spin one more time? Second, is this spin free or does it deplete any remaining credits you may have? Last, if it is a free spin does it
behoove you to hit the Max Spin button? In other words, could you hit a jackpot on this free spin even though you may have been betting far less when you hit the hand-pay? Mike Lightner – Scottsdale, AZ A: Mike, first, the spin after the hand pay or jackpot is a casino industry standard practice to play off the win so the slot is not left with a massive win on screen for other players to see. The casino employees feel this may detract other patrons from playing the game. In addition, the spin after the hand pay or jackpot allows casino personnel to verify the slot is still operating normally and that the previous win was in fact just a random lucky win, as they all should be! Second, you need to be aware of the fact that this extra spin is NOT FREE! The credit meter will decrease according to the wager you place. In the event you no longer have any more bankroll with which to wager an additional spin, the casino will either wait until you are paid to commence the extra spin, or may advance you the value of a wager from the winnings that are on their way. Last, since the extra spin is not free, your wager is up to you and the chances of winning the exact hand pay or jackpot are still the same as they were on the spin you just won on. There is no difference. Bonuses can be hit back to back. Jackpots can be won back to back. Royal Flushes can be won back to back, and so on. Q: In watching the Quick Hit slot machines, when the three hot dogs come up (which we refer to as the weenies) there are 20 squares that pop up in which you pick until you get 3-of-a-kind (5, 7, 10, 11, 15, or 20 with the possibility of a wild card). Questions are: how many of each numbers are there and what is the total number of free spins you can get if you keep getting the hot dogs during the free spins? Richard Ricciuti – Prescott, AZ A: Richard, the Quick Hit slot, created by Bally Technologies, is a fantastic game with a really great math model which is why
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.
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Q&A On Everything Gaming it’s still available for play in most casinos. The ‘hot dog’ symbol triggers the free games bonus on the middle three reels and the player picks from 20 squares to determine the number of free spins. The bonus is ’fair’ which means that all outcomes are available at the beginning of each bonus and the machine has not predetermined the result. Based on our observations, there are exactly three tiles for 5, 10, 11, 15, and 20 free games, and four tiles for 7 free games, that make up 19 of the 20 squares. The remaining square has a WILD symbol which increases the number of free games by 5. So, the best possible scenario is to find both hidden 20 free games and the WILD for a total of 25 free spins. Another added benefit of finding the 20 spins is that all free games are multiplied by 3, whereas the 5 through 15 free games are only multiplied by 2. 20% of the time, you’ll end up with 7 X2 free games. 13% of the time you’ll get 15 X2 free games. You have a 12% chance of winning 10 X2 free games. 10% of the time you’ll get the coveted 25 games at X3! There is an 8% chance for each of the 20 X2 free games and 12 X2 free games. And, there’s a respective 7% chance for 20 X3, 16 X2, 11 X2, and 5 X2 free games outcomes. According to the help screen, the game does allow for retriggers but only up to 50 free spins. If you account for the retriggers, an average free game session will last for 15 games, you’ll hit the free games bonus once every 100 games or so and based on our experience, award you around 25 times your initial wager.
PLAYERS TALK
Q: My friends and I frequent all the various casinos in Arizona. We mostly play the video games and we have noticed and commented to one another how when new video games come into the casinos you can play on them and get into the bonuses often. However, a month or two go by and when you play those same machines you don’t get the bonuses hardly at all. My question is, do the casinos change the chips in the machines so the house gets more revenue? It seems to be a common occurrence at all the casinos. Estelle Howell – Gilbert, AZ A: Estelle, we are totally with you on this one! Doesn’t it seem like everything in life is that way too? When you are first introduced to something new, and you like it, all the qualities are fantastic. Once the newness wears off, everything becomes dull, boring, and there’s no excitement. Based on our knowledge and experience, the likelihood that casinos change out the pay table chips after a few months is really small. There’s just way too much headache and paperwork involved because of the casino gaming regulations. Plus, in most cases, the chances of getting into a bonus doesn’t change even if the casino changes the pay table percentage from 88% to say 86% or 90%! If the casino actually moves the slot to a different location, that’s when our team becomes suspicious of pay table changes. Sometimes the move means a change and sometimes it doesn’t. $
azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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Coming Soon by WMS—Monopoly Legends
GREAT GAMES
WMS offers slot fans a classic theme with special bonuses & a brand new base game!
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f you like WMS’ Monopoly slots, this new version, called Monopoly Legends, is sure to have you ready for action on the casino floor! The game designers at WMS have come up with unique base game play across seven reels, including the ability to win left to right and right to left, award massive multipliers on 7-of-a-kind wins, and if you match symbols on the left and right reels, the middle wheel can turn Wild! Plus there’s a whopping wheel bonus that includes all your favorite WMS themes including Zeus, Gold Fish, Reel ‘Em In!, and fan favorite Jackpot Party! Just visit www.youtube.com/wmsslots today for more on Monopoly Legends and other new games from WMS.
Meet the Game Designer Arizona Gaming Guide staff granted exclusive access behind-the-scenes! Why did all these classic WMS slots make it in to a new Monopoly game? (James B.—email) WMS has made a lot of different Monopoly games over the years. I was asked to design my first Monopoly game and I wanted to do something that players haven’t seen before. I started thinking about Monopoly and what I could do with this great license. I have owned many Monopoly games over the years, not only the original theme but also variants of it. I started thinking why not a WMS Monopoly? So I started looking at our classic games and which ones best fit with the Monopoly brand. I didn’t like the last few Monopoly (slots), why should I play a new one? (Alicia Z.—email) Monopoly Legends is unlike any other game on casino floors today. It has a new, one-of-a-kind base game reel array called “Diamond Anyway,” that pays both left-toright and right-to-left. You can get up to a 180x multiplier on a 7 of a kind pay. Plus the base game feature fills the middle reel with wilds when the symbols on the 1st and 7th reels match. The bonus is designed to trigger frequently to give players a spin of the Monopoly wheel where they can play one of four WMS classic themed bonus games along with some classic Monopoly favorites. Long story short, there’s plenty in this game that slot fans who’ve never played a Monopoly game will enjoy, but also things that fans of our Monopoly slots will like as well. It’s the best of both classic video slots and Monopoly games! How do I play Zeus in this game? (Sava S.—Facebook) To play any of the WMS-themed bonuses, you need to land the bonus symbol on reels 3 and 5. Then you spin the Monopoly wheel and play the bonus you land on. Zeus is a free spin bonus, where you can earn 15 to 40 spins depending on which board space you land on to get into the bonus. It is similar to the base game, except if Mr. Monopoly (dressed as Zeus!) lands on reel 3 or reel 5, it becomes an Expanded Wild; just like in the base game, if you match symbols on reel 1 & 7 then reel 4 turns wild. So you could line up WILD reels on reels 3, 4 and 5 on
any bonus spin, which could lead to some great pays left-to-right and/ or right-to-left. When and where can I play the game? (Maria T.—letter) Casinos have been able to order the games since January, and we’re hoping to begin installing Monopoly Legends on casino floors in March or April; keep checking the Slot Locator app on the WMS Gaming Facebook page (www.facebook.com/wmsslots) to see when it’s live at a casino near you. What is your favorite part of the game? (Bruce Z.—email) My favorite part of the game is how we merged the WMS theme games into Monopoly. Each WMS-themed bonus has Mr. Monopoly and Scotty Dog put into a WMS theme bonus. Putting Pegasus wings on Scotty, Mr. Monopoly is fishing in the Reel ‘em In! bonus – it was a lot of fun combining the themes. My favorite bonus in the game though is the Gold Fish bonus. Coming up with a feature for each fish was awesome. The Gold Fish blows a bubble that makes the 1st & 7th match, turning the 4th reel wild. The Red Fish turns up to 4 reels Wild. The Green Fish gives you random wilds and the Blue Fish give you a spin multiplier up to 10x. We even added a crab that awards a random credit prize. I love that each spin you get at least one fish feature to enhance the reels. It’s designed to frequently award multiple fish features per spin; it’s even possible to get all 5 features at once! Is this going to be a high paying slot? (Alan J.—letter) Big wins are definitely possible, but the bonus hit frequency and the Diamond Anyway reels are designed to provide good time on device. You can get a 180x multiplier if you fill each reel with the same symbol! What are the bonuses like? (Joann P. —email) Each bonus is different. Gold Fish and Zeus bonus rounds are free spin (Continued on page 10)
azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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GREAT GAMES
Coming Soon by WMS—Monopoly Legends Any Way game (with 180 lines in this case) that pays both left-toright and right-to-left. When we added the base game feature that turns the middle reel wild if reels 1 & 7 match, it really made for some great pays!
(Continued from page 9)
games with enhanced features from the base game. Reel ‘Em In! is a dynamic picking game, where you tell Mr. Monopoly where to cast bait and get credits for the fish (or Monopoly tokens) you catch, each subsequent pick awarding at a higher multiplier. Jackpot Party is a picking game where you try to find Monopoly properties while avoiding the Jailbird. The wheel looks cool, how does that work? (Rick A.—email) Get a bonus symbol on reels 3 and 5 and you get to spin the wheel! The wheel is really the Monopoly game board where every space on the Monopoly board appears on the wheel. When the wheel spins on the top screen, you can follow the action on the bottom screen as a light moves around the board and follows the spin of the wheel. On the wheel each of the 22 property deed spaces take you straight into a WMS themed bonus; you also have 3 Chance and Community Chest spaces, 4 Rail Road and Go! spaces which also offer unique features. What part of this game was the most fun to make? (Ann D.— email) Besides combining the classic WMS themes with Monopoly, creating this new reel interface was really fun. It is unlike anything on casino floors today! It took a few iterations before we got the feel for the game I wanted; it started out as a 116-Line game and ended up as an
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
How many spins does it take to get into a bonus? (Everyone!) The bonus hits on average about every 80 spins or so. Is there a secret you can tell us about the game that not many people know? (Caleb R.—Email) When you get to the wheel, you really want to land on a Rail Road or Go! on your spin. Landing on a Rail Road doubles your bonus win and awards a re-spin of the wheel, while landing on Go! gives you a re-spin of the wheel and 200x bet award every time the wheel goes past Go!. These 5 spaces give you a chance to make the other spaces award higher prizes. In any of these respins, you still get to play the bonus that you land on when the wheel stops on the re-spin. Hit them back to back and you get another spin! What other slots did you work on? (Janet E.—email) I’ve designed just over 30 slot themes since coming to WMS, a few of which include Bier Haus, The Princess Bride, The Game of Life and Napoleon & Josephine—and I’m currently working on many more themes that should release in the next few years. Is it fun to make slots? (Carla Y.—email) Absolutely! The best part is being able to make something that you go watch slot players enjoy, especially since so many different people worked hard to make each game happen. $ Thanks to WMS for the interview & graphics!
GREAT GAMES
Coming Soon by Bally Technologies—NASCAR
NASCAR® Revs Up the Ultimate Slot Thrill-Ride
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umbling onto casino floors soon will be one of the biggest, most sought-after brands in the gaming industry: NASCAR. This new title from Bally Technologies takes everything racing fans love about the sport and puts it into a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.
If you’re a fan of NASCAR, you know it’s all about the drivers. This new slot won’t disappoint. The line-up is a who’s-who of current racing royalty – Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon, and Clint Bowyer. Not only can you theme the slot based on your favorite driver, but you’ll also enjoy audio and video featuring these stars of the oval. The game is delivered on Bally’s ALPHA 2™ Pro Series™ V22/32 cabinet, with a stunning 32-inch vertical touch-screen display and game-synchronized side lighting. It’s the same cabinet you’ve enjoyed playing Bally Technologies’ Michael Jackson King of Pop™ on. Rounding out the cockpit of the new NASCAR slot is the Pro Surround Chair, delivering awesome audio and comfort. From the roar of 850-horsepower engines to the cheering of the crowd, you will have no doubt you’re in the driver’s seat. NASCAR features three high-octane bonuses: the Pit Stop Bonus, Burnout Free Games, and the U-Race™ Bonus. Drivers know races can be won or lost in the pits. Your car will come in for a stop and you’ll see a screen full of lug nuts to choose from, making five selections in total with each choice awarding various credit amounts. Hidden within the choices are four upgrade items: Engine, Tires, Suspension, and Fuel. The more upgrades you find, the more bonus credits you’re awarded. Burnout Free Games takes advantage of Bally’s award-winning U-Spin™ play mechanic. This time, though, you’ll spin a fresh race tire to discover which free game theme you’ll be awarded: extra wilds, multiplied free games at two times or five times, locking wilds, or standard free games, with the ability to retrigger most of these bonuses. Get behind the wheel at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway as you race against other drivers and earn credits along the way in the U-Race Bonus. You’ll start at the back of the pack in an exhilarating real-time race and choose the direction your driver will move. You’ll get to choose five times and can opt to go for a pass down low on the apron, try a risky pass on the high side, or charge straight ahead. Passing is realistically difficult, but also rewarding. After each maneuver you’ll be awarded credits and the higher you place when the checkered flag waves, the more bonus credits you’ll win. If that wasn’t enough, the NASCAR video slot also offers the chance at a lifechanging progressive award. Bringing the sights, sounds, and thrill of NASCAR to casino floors, this slot will have you getting in the game to get in the race. For more information about NASCAR video slots or other Bally slots, visit www.ballytech.com. $
12 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. ©2013 Motorsports Licensing Company, LLC. All trademarks shown are used with the permission of their respective owners.
New IGT Slots
GREAT GAMES
Desert Diamond Casinos in Tucson The First To Have These Brand New IGT Slots! The Twilight Zone in 3D Video Slots The next dimension of IGT MegaJackpots is featured on The Twilight Zone in 3D Video Slots. Voiced by a Rod Serling impersonator, the game plays out on three base-game interfaces, each representative of a different dimension of volatility and game play. Symbols, such as the door, clock, eye, and spinal cord tie into the macabre and unexpected twists from the classic TV series. Trivia questions and puzzles add to the immersive entertainment of the game in The Waiting Zone. The Feature Zone contains seven random features and can trigger up to three times on a single spin! The classic sci-fit hit is reborn during five cinematic bonuses: Enter the Wheel Zone Bonus, A Kind of Machine Bonus, Into the Zone Free Games Bonus, A Most Unusual Puzzle Bonus, and Dimensions of The Twilight Zone Bonus and can trigger up to three times on a single spin. Enter the Wheel Zone Bonus: Players win credits, an extra spin, or one of four additional bonuses. A Kind of Machine Bonus: An interactive bonus in which players manually control spinning cylinders that award credits with multipliers. Into the Zone Free Games Bonus: Up to 15 symbols fill the bonus reels and are replaced by an identical symbol after each spin. A Most Unusual Puzzle Bonus: A new twist on the pick bonus, players choose cubes in hopes of reaching credit levels and advancing to the next round of exciting payouts. Dimensions of The Twilight Zone Bonus: Players choose their volatility and select iconic images to reveal credit awards
Judge Judy Slots Take the law into your own hands with one of the most popular TV shows in history! All rise! The honorable Judge Judy is here to hand out impressive jackpot awards. The verdict is in on this hot, new game where stacked symbols and 720 Ways to Win provide enormous payout opportunities. This Center Stage Duo game provides three bonus opportunities where winning big bucks comes naturally with the group bonus multiplier feature. This 5-reel, 720 Ways to Win MultiWay Xtra game offers a 50-credit cost-to-cover with a 300-credit max bet in a penny denomination with standalone and wide-area progressive options. Stacked symbols and base game bonus features keep players engaged! In the Enter the Courtroom Bonus, pick options allow players to find credit values that are then multiplied by the bet multiplier. Players pick from 25 case files in the Judge Judy Rules Bonus. Files contain credit values and multipliers. The You Make the Call Bonus allows players to pick from 12 options. Each awards credits, and then players hear a case and guess the ruling. If the group bonus is triggered, the Spin for Justice spins on the 55� LCD screen and awards either credits or one of two bonuses: Plead Your Case or Judge Judy Free Spins. MultiWay Xtra math provides 720 Ways to Win and plays both left-to-right and right-to-left.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Slots It should be a crime to win this much! Three games in one: players can swipe to change the entire base game to play CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami or CSI: New York. Each theme features a unique graphics package and award-winning cast members including Catherine Willows, Lieutenant Horatio Caine and Detective Mac Taylor. Three immersive bonus features allow players to interact with scenes from their favorite episodes: The Trace Evidence Bonus reveals extra wilds in the base game for a guaranteed win. In the Crime Scene Pick Bonus, players search for evidence while revealing credits and extra picks. Players can also earn random multipliers of up to 5X, or a Pick Assist for a head-start in finding evidence. If three or more pieces of evidence are found, the Crime Lab Free Games are triggered. The Crime Lab Free Games award up to 12 free games with possible retriggers. Players spin in search of DNA, which increases their multiplier for big wins. Make sure you visit Desert Diamond Casinos right away and get in on this amazing new action! $ azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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GAMING NEWS Talking Stick’s Cultural & Entertainment Destination Now Offers FREE Trolley Trolley service to Salt River Fields and the surrounding area amenities is free now thru March 28, 2013
The San Carlos Apache Tribe Announces Development of a 2nd Tribal Casino Location
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he Talking Stick Cultural & Entertainment Destination is offering complimentary spring training shuttle service to Salt River Fields during the 2013 Spring Training season. Visitors can hop aboard one of the two Talking Stick trolleys that will bring guests in the Scottsdale area to the fine entertainment venues on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community: The Pavilions at Talking Stick, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Talking Stick Resort/Casino, and Talking Stick Golf Club. “The Talking Stick Cultural & Entertainment Destination has something for everyone,” said Blessing McAnlis-Vasquez, marketing manager for the Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination. “We have multiple dining, shopping and entertainment options including gaming, golf and baseball here at Talking Stick and are excited to offer a complimentary transportation service that guests can use to explore the area throughout their stay.”
he San Carlos Apache Tribal Council has recently approved a second gaming site near the Aravaipa area of Arizona. The site is just East of Highway 77 at Milepost 127 between Mammoth and Dudleyville and lies right within the southwestern boundary of the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Under the 2003 State Gaming Compact, the San Carlos Apache Tribe is allocated two Class III gaming facilities. Their current facility is located on Highway 70 just 5 miles East of Globe and has over 600 slot machines, table games, a high limit area, hotel, RV Park, and Golf Course. The tribe is planning on opening their second location in a temporary facility in 2014 that will house up to 400 slots, 10 to 12 table games, and a small lounge and restaurant. Eventually, the Tribe plans to build a permanent full-service resort facility at this location that will include hotel and convention space.
Talking Stick’s spring training trolley service began on February 23 and will run thru March 28, 2013. Service begins at 11am daily and ends at 5:30pm; service will be extended thru 11:30pm on double header game days.
This project will bring much needed economic benefits to the Tribe and all the surrounding communities by providing 400 plus permanent jobs and millions of dollars of new revenue to the region. It is expected that employment opportunities will be available for tribal members and the local communities starting in early 2014 including construction jobs, as well as numerous permanent jobs.
Talking Stick has partnered with Dunn Transportation to provide the service to area visitors. For trolley information, visit OllieTheTrolley.net or call 480.910.8130 for a full schedule, list of stops, and information. $
The anticipated opening of the temporary casino is currently scheduled for the first half of 2014. The construction of a larger permanent facility is expected to follow soon after the opening of the temporary facility.$
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
Arizona Lottery Reports Record Breaking Sales 10.7% increase over previous fiscal year benefits Arizona residents and retailers
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he Arizona Lottery announced its mid-year results today with sales pacing a record-breaking 10.7 percent over fiscal year 2012 and currently totaling more than $325.3 million. The exceptional year-to-date Arizona Lottery sales are due to a significant 6.4 percent increase in the sale of Scratchers℠ tickets and an even larger 18.5 percent increase in the sale of draw game tickets. “The incredible Powerball® jackpot run earlier this fiscal year resulted in a huge increase in Powerball ticket sales statewide and produced an Arizona winner of the record-breaking $587.5 million jackpot,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “This surge in Powerball sales heavily contributed to our strong mid-year sales figures.” As a result of strong Lottery sales, the State of Arizona has received more than $72.5 million in net proceeds year-to-date. Arizona Lottery dollars are allocated to fund a wide variety of public projects and programs throughout Arizona that fall under four main pillars: education, health & public welfare, economic & business development and the environment. In addition to the Arizona Lottery’s transfers to the State this year, more than $200 million has been paid out to players in the form of prizes, not including the additional $293.8 million that was paid to Arizona’s Powerball jackpot winner. Lottery retailers large and small also have benefited from the record Lottery sales, earning more than $21.4 million in commissions year-todate, which many of them rely upon to support their businesses. “This has already been a remarkable year for the Arizona Lottery, which can be largely credited to the introduction of new, innovative products that continue to attract players and deliver sound results for Arizona Lottery beneficiaries throughout the state,” Hatch-Miller said. “We are confident that our strong sales trend will continue through the end of the year, as we work aggressively toward exceeding 2013 goals.” $
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel Voted #1 Casino in AZ Voted Arizona’s #1 casino for 14 consecutive years
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he results are in from AZ Business Magazine’s “Ranking Arizona Poll” and Cliff Castle Casino Hotel has officially been voted the #1 casino in Arizona for the 14th consecutive year. “Ranking Arizona” is the outcome of the largest business opinion poll in Arizona. Each category is selected by the staff of AZ Big Media for the general public to vote on and are based upon business and leisure activities of Arizona's business professionals. “Our superior guest service, friendly staff and a family friendly, safe environment is the reason why Cliff Castle Casino Hotel has been voted Arizona’s #1 casino for 14 years in a row. We are committed to maintaining our status as Northern Arizona’s premier entertainment destination without losing sight of what matters, our guests” stated Mary Ketterling, General Manager of Cliff Castle Casino Hotel. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is located just south of Sedona in Camp Verde, Arizona and is proudly owned and operated by the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The casino offers live-action poker, blackjack and more than 660 gaming devices, as well as a 20lane bowling center, Kids Quest and arcade. For more information please visit www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com. $
Navajo Nation Plans May 2013 Opening For New Casino
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ark your calendars for May 2013, because this is the proposed grand opening month of the brand new $175 million casino hotel being built by the Navajo Nation near Twin Arrows about 20 miles east of Flagstaff. The Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort will have nearly 1,100 slot machines, blackjack and poker tables, 90 hotel rooms for the grand opening and 200 by winter of 2014, as well as a 24-hour restaurant, steakhouse, oyster bar, and food court. The official grand opening date will be announced next month. $
18 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
ARIZONA LOTTERY
Winners & Jackpots
$50,000 Slingo Trio Scratchers Winner
Happy Couple Wins Mega Millions 2nd Place Prize of
$250,000!
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nasta Lako of Phoenix, Arizona had played the Arizona Lottery’s Slingo Trio ScratchersSM in the past. Recently, he was in the store and purchased one ticket from the Lottery Express machine. He won $10, so he purchased another ticket and that one was a $50,000 top-prize winner. Anasta did not have the ticket scanned at the store, he went home and had a couple of his friends recheck the ticket. He then telephoned his wife to tell her the good news, but she didn’t believe him. Then his friends spoke to her to tell her that he really had won. At that point, she was about 90% convinced. Of course, once she saw the check, she truly believed. When he called his daughter to tell her the news, she didn’t believe him either, so he took a picture of the ticket with his phone and sent it to her. Anasta, who is originally from Albania, loves living in the United States, especially in Arizona. He works as a pizza maker at a restaurant and says he makes a very good pizza. He plans to put his winnings away for a retirement nest egg. The winning ticket was purchased from the Albertsons located at 3130 W. Carefree Hwy., Phoenix, Arizona. $
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. For more information on the Arizona Lottery, please visit their website at www.arizonalottery.com. For winning numbers call (480) 829-7425 in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. All other areas in Arizona, call 1-800499-3798.
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ricia and Glen Edwards of Surprise, Arizona received a belated end-of-the-year present from the Mega Millions® drawing of December 28, 2012. The happy couple won the second place prize of $250,000 with one of their two Quick Picks. While his wife dozed in the car in a Fry’s parking lot, Glen took their two tickets into the store to have them scanned. When the clerk scanned them, the terminal printed out the paperwork required to redeem the ticket. He asked the clerk if she knew what he’d won, but all she knew was that it was more than the store could pay. He hoped that it was $50,000 or even $10,000. A woman standing next to him in line, who didn’t know him and had never seen the ticket, told him that he’d won $250,000. She repeated it again and when he turned to leave the store he looked back and she was gone. When he went to the car, he woke up Tricia and waved the ticket in front of her face telling her that they’d won $250,000. Her initial comment was, “Don’t toy with me!” After she realized he was serious, she checked the numbers using her cell phone and then they went home to decide what they were going to do. They were laughing and shouting with excitement. They talked about the unknown woman from the store and, until they find out differently, they’re calling her their guardian angel. The couple talked to their financial advisor at the bank and plan to use some of their winnings to purchase a home. The balance will be put away for the future. The winning ticket was purchased from the Fry’s Food Store located at 15510 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, Arizona. $
20 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Problem Gambling: Warning Signs, Ways to Get Help & The Upcoming Symposium “Helping You Find Your Way” t’s estimated that about six million Americans are addicted to gambling. While that’s a large number, it doesn’t tell the whole story – problem gambling affects far more people than you might think. Each one of those six million people has family and friends who are hurt by the collateral financial and emotional damage inflicted by problem gambling.
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thetic, nonjudgmental way, putting you in touch with the resources you need to deal with your problem gambling. You can also log onto their website, www.problemgambling.az.gov to learn more about ways to get help. That website offers a broad range of resources designed to help problem gamblers, including a list of the services they provide.
The vast majority of people can visit a casino for an hour or so, purchase a lottery ticket or buy into a football pool with friends and suffer no consequences. For a few people, estimated to be about two or three percent of adults, the urge to gamble becomes overpowering.
One of the most effective tools offered to problem gamblers is the self-exclusion program. This is an opt-in process which allows a self-acknowledged problem gambler to voluntarily exclude him or herself from entering all Tribal casinos within the state of Arizona for a specified period of time. Problem gamblers can also sign up to ban themselves from being able to access casino ATMs and Internet gambling sites. Other resources offered to problem gamblers include: Tribal/State-funded out-patient treatment Information on support programs for problem gamblers and their families, including Gamblers Anonymous & GamAnon Statistics from various sources concerning problem gambling
Healthcare professionals tell us there are several behaviors which indicate a person might have a gambling problem, which can include: Using income or savings to gamble while bills go unpaid Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling Breaking or considering breaking laws to finance your gambling Having depressed or suicidal thoughts because of gambling losses Arguing with friends or family about your gambling behavior If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, take this short quiz. If you answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, it might indicate you do, indeed, have an issue with gambling and should consider getting help: 1. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money? 2. Have you ever lied to people who are important to you about the amount you have gambled? 3. Have you repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling? 4. Do you gamble as a way of escaping emotional or physical pain? 5. Have you ever relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling? 6. Have you ever jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or career because of your gambling? 7. Have you gambled to get money with which to pay debts or to solve other financial problems? 8. Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling? 9. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy? 10.Do you gamble to try to get your money back? After you’ve answered these questions, if you think you or someone you love needs help with a gambling problem, call the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling at 1-800-NEXT STEP to get free, confidential information. You will be connected with a knowledgeable, caring professional who will listen in an empa-
22 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Each year, the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling holds a symposium on problem gambling. This year’s event will be held Monday, March 4 at the Black Canyon Conference Center at 9440 N 25th Avenue in Phoenix, from 8am to 4pm. The theme of this year’s event is “Helping You Find Your Way.” The day will feature dynamic presentations on current topics related to the prevention, education and treatment of problem gambling. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Heather Chapman. She is Director of the Brecksville Gambling Treatment Program, and Deputy Director of the Veterans Addiction Recovery Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Chapman is also a clinical psychologist who has conducted assessments, individual psychotherapy, and psychotherapeutic, psycho-educational, and support groups targeting problem and pathological gambling since 1997. Dr. Chapman will discuss problem gambling among veterans at this symposium, which will also feature a panel discussion of veterans who are struggling with problem gambling. This is becoming an increasingly important issue. A recent study of veterans receiving care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that around ten percent of veterans are either problem or pathological gamblers. The study, which was funded by the VA Health Services Research and Development Service, also found that problem gambling manifests itself differently among veterans compared to the general population. For example, among non-veterans the rates of problem gambling and pathological gambling typically outnumber women by a factor of two to three or more. Among vets, the rate is almost identical between the sexes. And, while most other studies have shown that more substance problems are associated with more gambling problems, that is not the case for veterans. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has been following the problem of gambling in the military. In a 2010 brief, they said that there are at least 40,000 active duty service members with a gambling problem. The NCPG concluded the military has not adequately dealt with the issue of problem gambling, stating, “Because compulsive gambling has an immediate association with financial matters, its effect on readiness and the overall mental health of service members has been largely overlooked and ignored.” They also recommend the military develop a clear policy and enforcement of its existing rules and regulations on gambling. The current approach is to focus on treating problems associated with problem gambling as punishable offenses, with little or no concern for dealing with a person’s underlying treatable disorder. As stated, this year’s symposium will feature speakers tackling the issue of gambling among veterans. The event starts on Monday, March 4th at 8am and for more specifics on this event, log onto www.problemgambling.az.gov. To register by phone, call (480) 990-1887. $ Special Thanks to the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling! azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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WINNING WAYS
Player’s Club Cards
Don’t ever do this with your player’s club card! You can fix ignorant, but you can’t fix foolish. By Mark Novak
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o there I am, playing Buffalo by Aristocrat, hoping to hit the free games bonus and get the Buffalo to show up with the three wilds at a multiplier of X3 on each symbol when this man sits down next to me, lights up a cigarette and starts playing away at the slot. I have seen more than my share of bizarre behavior at casinos than I choose to share now, but what this guy did truly takes the cake! Not only was he performing a ritual that has absolutely no effect on the slot machine, but he was screwing himself over in the process to boot!
might empty the reserve. When the reserve is low enough, in many casinos, a message is sent to a computer monitored by slot attendants instructing them to fill up the tickets again. They’ll come over, interrupt your session and open the slot to refill the tickets. If the message isn’t sent, you risk the tickets running out completely and this may lock up the machine preventing you from playing! That doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, and in this day and age of recycling and being environmentally friendly, you’re just wasting paper for no reason.
What was he doing?
The third (and most important) reason.
Every so often this guy would decide to cash out the remaining credits in the slot and re-insert the ticket. I was not able to determine what pattern, if any, he was following, but I knew that this was a unique situation. I began to notice that in addition to cashing out and putting the ticket back in, he was performing another action as well.
At this particular casino, it takes $5 of wagers to earn one point on your player’s club card. I watched this guy play 12 spins at 40 credits on this penny game. This means he wagered a total of $4.80, which is not enough to earn a point! Then he cashed out, removed his player’s club card, and re-inserted both of them. The counter on the player’s club card device reset to 500 and he repeated the process again. I just couldn’t believe my eyes! This guy was losing out on earned points left and right. He was probably one player’s club level below where he actually was. He was “smart” enough to have a player’s club card, but then was too foolish to use it correctly! Amazing! Sign up for the player’s club program and always keep your player’s club card in the slot at all times and routinely check that it is still registering your play. Otherwise, what’s the point of even having a player’s club card? Don’t let your superstitions or lucky habits interfere with earning points on your player’s club card, ever! $
Any ideas yet? Well, if you look at the article’s title, you can probably guess this guy was also removing his player’s club card and putting it back in at the same time! Foolish! Why is he being foolish? This guy is being foolish for several reasons, most important of which is that he is losing out on valuable points accrued while playing. The first reason. Cashing out and placing the ticket back into the slot does not have any effect on the slot’s next spin or any subsequent spins. The RNG has no clue about any behavior by a player or any other part of the slot when it spits back the numbers that determine which reel positions a spin comes to rest on. The second reason. Every time you cash out a ticket on a slot, the ticket printer uses up a blank ticket and there, obviously, is one less ticket in the reserve stack. Do this repeatedly on the same slot and you just
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO DINING
The Food Network’s Chef Robert Irvine Comes To Quechan Casino Resort This Month
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ith recipes like Chorizo Cheese Taquitos with Tomatillo Mint Salsa or Fried Chicken and Quince Jelly over Macaroni and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes, it’s no wonder Chef Robert Irvine leaves over 20 million viewers with their mouths watering. Foodies from all over Yuma, Imperial Valley and Mexicali will rejoice as celebrity Chef Robert Irvine appears at the Quechan Casino Resort on Saturday March 16 th, 2013. Irvine is one of the most popular celebrity chefs for his Food Network television shows such as “Dinner: Impossible,” “Worst Cooks in America,” “The Next Iron Chef,” and “Restaurant: Impossible.” “When Quechan Casino Resort announced that Chef Irvine will appear at the Pipa Event Center, we received a great deal of positive feedback from our customers,” states Assistant Marketing Director Veronica Menta. “Chef Irvine has one of the highest rated shows on Food Network with over 2.8 million viewers on Wednesday night! His appearance here at Quechan is already generating a lot of excitement and will no doubt be a sold out event!” Menta stated.
Irvine is a native of England and joined the British Royal Navy at the tender age of 15. His cooking ability was so skilled that he was soon selected to spend part of his service for the Royal Yacht Britannia where the Royal family and their entourage dined. Irvine’s military service did not stop at the shores of England. Irvine went on to help train U.S. Navy Chefs as part of the guest chef program, worked in the White House kitchens and had the opportunity to serve 6,000 service men and women on a U.S. aircraft carrier. Chef Irvine is also the author of two cookbooks “Mission: Cook!” and “Impossible To Easy.” “Our goal at Quechan Casino Resort is to bring forth top talent such as Irvine for our guests. After all, we are all about entertainment and providing our local residents and visitors a place to have a fantastic time,” says Menta. Tickets are available at the casino box office, by calling 800-585-3737 or at startickets.com. Quechan Casino Resort’s state-of-the-art Pipa Event Center is a 20,000 sq. ft. facility with dynamic sound, full size stage and seating for up to 2,300 guests. $ azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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TRIBAL NEWS
National Indian Gaming Association Presents: Indian Gaming Phoenix 2013 Tradeshow & Convention March 24 - 27 at the Phoenix Convention Center
Chicago to perform at the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award Banquet.
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Creedence Clearwater Revisited to perform at the Chairman’s Welcome Reception.
very year, the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) holds a tradeshow and convention either in San Diego or in Phoenix. This year, the event will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center and all over the Valley of the Sun. The Arizona Gaming Guide team has the opportunity to see all the slot manufacturers display all their latest and greatest games, but also participate in many more events. On Sunday, March 24, there is the NABI “Chasing the Sun” 7k, 5k, and 1 mile Health Walk/Fair in the Wesley Bolin Plaza at the Arizona State Capitol Building and several golf tournaments during the morning at Fort McDowell Casino and Wild Horse Pass Casino. In the evening, NIGA Chairman Stevens hosts a welcome recep-
tion featuring Creedence Clearwater Revisited as the entertainment. On Monday, March 25, NIGA hosts multiple membership meetings, workshops, certifications, caucuses, plus a cultural reception at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix. Tuesday, March 26 is the opening day for the tradeshow along with the organization’s annual election. And in the evening, the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award Banquet will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center with the popular band Chicago providing the evening’s entertainment. On Wednesday, March 27, the tradeshow and convention continue until the early afternoon. Thursday night, March 28, NIGA hosts NIGA Night with the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. $
NIGA Chairman Ernest L. Stevens Jr. speaking about tribal gaming.
NIGA, established in 1985, is a non-profit organization of 184 Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around the country. The common commitment and purpose of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development. The mission of NIGA is to protect and preserve the general welfare of tribes striving for self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises in Indian Country. To fulfill its mission, NIGA works with the Federal government and Congress to develop sound policies and practices and to provide technical assistance and advocacy on gaming-related issues. In addition, NIGA seeks to maintain and protect Indian sovereign governmental authority in Indian Country. For more information on NIGA and the upcoming tradeshow and convention, visit www.indiangaming.org.
28 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
TRIBAL NEWS
Casino Del Sol Names Tribal Member As New CEO 80% of casino’s employees are tribal 87% of casino’s 300 hotel, spa & conference center employees are tribal Courtesy of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
New CEO Alex Amador
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Current CEO Wendell Long
n January 24, 2013 the Pascua Yaqui tribal council announced that one of their own has been named the new CEO of Casino Del Sol in Tuscon, Arizona.
Alex Amador will assume his duties in June of this year when the current CEO, Wendell Long, leaves the position. During the transition period, Amador has ample opportunity to continue learning from Long. As one of five candidates being groomed as possible candidates for the CEO position, Amador participated in the Pascua Yaqui’s unique STEP (Supporting Tribal Employment Partnership) program. STEP trains employees in professional development and management succession. When Long became CEO in 2006, about half of the Casino Del Sol staff were tribal members. During his tenure, STEP has assisted in increasing the ratio. Currently, Casino Del Sol employs tribal members at a rate of around 8 in 10. “As planned, I’ve worked myself out of a job,” said Long. “It’s like a pilot flying solo after training is completed—a little bumpy at first perhaps, but they have all the tools to do the job.” Having graduated from California State University with a BS in Business Administration in 2000, Amador began working at Casino Del Sol in 2004. He has held a wide variety of positions since then, including Operations Analyst, Controller, Director of Financial Operations, and recently as Assistant Director of Marketing. “As interim CEO of Casino Del Sol Resort, I am looking forward to working with the community to help our friends and neighbors and continuing to serve our guests and visitors in the manner they have come to expect,” Amador wrote in an email to Indian Country Today Media Network. $ azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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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 1.800.662.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: The Mavericks, March 22nd in the Grand Ballroom. 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: March 15-17 brings Shamrocks & Shenanigans with the 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Riverwalk Festival. 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: March 8, The Four Tops. April 6, Buddy Guy. April 26, Travis Tritt. April 27, Creedence Clearwater Revisited. April 5-7 it’s the 15th Annual Blues & Brews Festival including Preston Shannon and John Earl & The BoogieMan Band.
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 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: April 26, Blood Sweat & Tears with Foghat. April 26, Jerry Lee Lewis. June 15th, Jeff Dunham. 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
March Events At The Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall Hot Seat drawings in March are every day Monday thru Friday. Win $50 in Free Play every top of the hour starting at 1pm and ending at 10pm. Also featuring Red Hot Days on March 17th, and March 31st where drawings are every ½ hour. 2X Bonus Points: on Tuesdays & Thursdays in March on all your favorite reel slots. 5X Bonus Points: on Wednesdays in March on all your favorite Penny reel slots. Card of the Day Bonus: Win a 100 coin bonus in Xtra-Credit Free Play on 25¢ - $1 Video Poker Machines when you hit the card of the day. March 21 – 23 Lucky Leprechaun Slot Tournament! $30,000 in Cash Prizes. For your $350 Entry Fee you get a chance at the $10,000 1st Place, 3 room nights, and $160 in Food Credits. Call Marketing at 800-634-3469 today to enter. Space is limited. Hel-Luv-A Happy Hour in the River Bar – Fridays 4-6pm. Free Taco Bar with Drink Purchase, $2 King-size Margaritas, $2 Ice Cold Drafts. Karaoke is Thursday Night at 7 – 11pm in the River bar.
Tony Orlando In Concert At The E Center Singer Tony Orlando will perform in the E Center at the Edgewater Casino Resort on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 11th, 2013. One of America’s most endearing and enduring stars, Tony is celebrating his 50th year in show business. Tony became a teenage idol at sixteen with his first hit, “Halfway to Paradise.” Tony brings to the stage a warmth and exhilarating energy that electrifies an audience. He has sold millions of records, including five number one hits: “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times,” “Candida,” “My Sweet Gypsy Rose” and “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You).” Tony has had huge success in all aspects of the entertainment industry. The enormously popular Tony Orlando and Dawn variety show ran on CBS from 1974-1976. He starred in Barnum and Smokey Joe’s Café on Broadway. He has been a recipient of three American Music Awards and a People’s Choice Award. For outstanding achievements to the entertainment industry, Tony was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990. Concert tickets start at $25 and are available on line at www.edgewater-casino.com, or at the Edgewater Casino Cage. The concert starts at 8pm.
Laughlin’s 31st Annual River Run April 24—28th This exciting 31st annual event will roar into Laughlin with more than 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts. This is the largest motorcycle-oriented event on the West Coast. Activities include stunt shows; motorcycle vendors and exhibits; Miss River Run Contest; Poker Run; and the "River Run" to Oatman, AZ, on Route 66. Laughlin hotels will feature top-name shows and entertainment for this great annual event. This year’s Edgewater E Center concerts feature Travis Tritt (Friday, April 26th) and Creedence Clearwater Revisited (Saturday, April 27th). Colorado Belle Center Circle entertainment is free and includes Memphis bluesman and ‘King of Beale Street’ Preston Shannon, John Earl & The BoogieMan Band, Chris Hiatt & Cold Shot, The Lionel Young Band and Shawn Jones. Microbrews from Pints Brewpub will be featured at Center Circle along with a variety of delicious food and beverage items. Colorado Belle’s Poker Room will host the annual Poker Run Saturday (registration 8-10am) and the annual Custom Bike Show will be held on Colorado Belle’s Riverwalk Deck Saturday from 8am-3pm (registration at 8am). azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Special Event: Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow—Mar. 15, 16 & 17 Cabaret Lounge: Live bands every weekend Pavillion: A.B. Quintanilla III presents Kumbia Kings—May 4 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Cage Rage 4—Mar. 9. Tickets start at $25. Los Tigres del Norte—Apr. 6. Tickets start at $65
Schedule of Events Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Schedule on opposing page. The Arizona Room: Closed for renovations. Casino del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: Phoenix—Apr. 9 at 8pm Larry The Cable Guy—Apr. 28 at 8pm Juanes—May 30 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. Stargazer Pavillion: An evening with War, Malo and Tierra—Apr. 27 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 Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Groovin’ Fridays Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music! 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.” Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Events: Bad Boy Fight Night—Mar. 9. Tickets start at $35. Mega Yard Sale—Mar. 23 at 7am Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend. Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 Oasis Lounge: Great local favorites every Friday and Saturday 8pm–1am, free. Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone—Mar. 16 at 8&10pm The Chuckwalla Rhythm Kings—Mar. 17 1-6pm (Irish Music!) The Diamonds—Mar. 27 at 1&3pm Ricky Nelson Remembered feat. M. & G. Nelson—Apr. 13 at 9:30pm Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show Tony Marques (Country/Rock)—Mar. 5-9 Groove City (Smooth Jazz) - Mar. 12-16
34 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Schedule of Events 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: The Highwaymen (tribute)—Aug.10 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music Thursdays and Fridays.
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Editor’s Picks At Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort is excited to announce that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Dave Mason, will perform in its Salt River Grand Ballroom on March 22. The singersongwriter will play an intimate set of his greatest hits, including “Feelin’ Alright” and “We Just Disagree” as a part of his 2013 “Dave Mason Unplugged” Tour. NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” season six winner, Landau Eugene Murphy, will perform in its Salt River Grand Ballroom on March 29. Landau won the judges over unanimously with his moving rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and you can expect him to have the same effect on you.
Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Pipa Event Center: 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 Now-Apr.8 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Schedule on opposing page. 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: Legends of Country Music Show “Classic Country Sundays” Now-Sunday Mar. 10, 2013 Engelbert Humperdinck—Mar. 9 Paul Reiser—Mar. 15 Chino y Nacho—Mar. 16 Gladys Knight—Mar. 22 Creedence Clearwater Revisited—Mar. 23 Don Rickles (Rescheduled)—Mar. 29 Latin Comedy Jam III—Mar. 30 Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke with Cruisin’ Susan—Fr—8pm-12am The Jukes—Mar. 2 MuddGroove—Mar. 9 Little Larry & The Drive—Mar. 16 Just 4 Mama—Mar. 23 In-Folk-Us—Mar. 30 St. Patrick’s Day Specials: Both casinos will have corned beef hash & eggs on fried potatoes from 7-11am and Irish beef stew in bread bowls from 11am-10pm. $1.50 domestic green beer at both casinos. $2.50 specialty cocktails featuring Concannon Irish whiskey. $ 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 | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
35
CASINO NIGHTLIFE
Meet Arizona’s Favorite Radio Personalities Deongello, Tio Gio, Ramses Ja, and Bootleg Kev each tell us about their favorite casino.
My name is Deongello and I am the host of KKFR-FM Power 98.3's night show on weekdays from 7pm12am and I chose to visit Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa. My casino is probably out of the way for most people, but for those of us who have spent any time in Maricopa (I lived in the city for a while back in 2009) it is the talk of the town. For anyone outside of Maricopa, I'm confident that it’s definitely worth the drive! Between the Ultrastar Multi-tainment Center complex next door, and the casino's own unique features, this is a desert attraction you don't want to miss. The Ultra Star Multi-tainment Center is what sets Harrah's apart from other casino options in the valley. This place is fun for the whole family, as it boasts a bowling alley, nightclub, laser tag, amphitheater, cinema, and restaurants galore. There are also so many quality shows coming up at this spot. From Herman's Hermits, to The Diamonds, and of course, the Ricky Nelson tribute show on April 13. When it comes to the games—what most people visit casinos for—Harrah's Ak-Chin is unmatched. This establishment offers classic table and slot options, as well as more innovative games, and a slew of poker options for the inexperienced to the Vegas-ready. No matter what your entertainment needs, Harrah's Ak-Chin has got them covered. It is worth the trip, and tell them De' told you that!
I go by the name Tio Gio, and if you listen to Power 98.3 from midnight6am Monday through Friday, you'll catch me on your dial. I have been heard on the airwaves here in Phoenix for nearly a decade. In that time, I have managed to visit a few car shows out at the Fort McDowell Casino where I ultimately became acquainted with the games, amenities, and the culture of this operation....Located on Yavapai reservation lands, Fort McDowell Casino, or "The Fort," as it's affectionately called by regulars, has everything you need for an evening—or two or three—out on the town.
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
You don't need a special reason to enjoy this establishment, but there are so many events coming up at Fort McDowell Casino, such as dining and live music. You can enjoy Lunar Bingo on Saturdays—March 16 and April 20 at midnight. On the third Sunday of the month, get your lady in the Ladies No-Limit Hold 'Em Poker Tournament! I know my girl will win the most there, so watch out! And, of course, there is the March Mega Bash on Saturday, March 23, the Fort's "bingo blowout" with almost $100,000 up for grabs! Entertainment at The Fort is not limited to music and gambling; fans of mixed martial arts are invited to the "Bad Boy Fight Night"on March 9, where they can watch all the grueling action in the Fort's own "hexagon ring."
It may seem biased for me to make a case to visit the Talking Stick Resort since I am the resident DJ for their nightclub Degree 270, however, I truly believe that this is a magnificent property that affords its visitors an amazing experience found nowhere else in the valley. My name is Ramses Ja and I am the afternoon drive (3pm-7pm) host of 101.1 FM The Beat. In addition, I can be seen on Channel 3 Fridays at 10am on "Your Life: A to Z" with Lisa Haffner. About a year ago, I was rounding out a year-long DJ residency at Planet Hollywood on the strip in Vegas when I decided to take an administrative position at my current radio station here in the Valley. However, my time in Vegas, taught me to love the flash, energy, and excitement and I didn't want to give all of that up. I aligned myself with the Talking Stick and Casino Arizona properties because I believed that they felt most like the casinos in Las Vegas. Talking Stick Resort is the one casino in Arizona that I believe aspires to be all that a casino can be. In addition to the gaming, dining, and entertainment, the people at Talking Stick Resort also provide access to the American Indian culture through their popular Yellow Bird Production on Fridays and Saturdays. This free show will teach you about the experiences, lifestyles, and, according to the show, the "unique spirit of the American Indian" through music and dance. Of course you can catch the Dueling Pianos Thursday through Saturday and the players will even take your requests!
FUN FACTS Talking Stick Resort is the casino bringing the most dynamic performers to the Valley. Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason will be performing on March 22. Catch country legend Kenny Rogers on March 23. Jazz singer Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. will be there to entertain you on March 29, Justin Furstenfeld on April 6, Dwight Yoakam on April 20, and the legendary group Foreigner will rock the house down on April 26. You'll bust a gut laughing when Gabriel Iglesias comes to town for Cinco de Mayo weekend, Friday, May 3. And ladies, don't think we forgot about you: the world famous "Thunder From Down Under Show" will be bringing its not-safe-for-work brand of entertainment to the Valley May 9 to May 11.
My parents call me Kevin, but my peers, my public, and the Google Gods know me as Bootleg Kev. I can be heard every weekday from 3pm7pm on Power 98.3 FM hosting The Bootleg Kev Show. Though "Bootleg" is what I'm called, I can assure you that I am the real deal...much like what can be found behind the grand entrance of the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. Once upon a time, my radio career afforded me a two-year stint at Las Vegas' Hot 97.5 FM, so I know what gaming, entertainment, and nightlife are all about. It appears to me that Wild Horse Pass does too! It's a tall order, asking a former Vegas DJ and radio personality to review your gaming spot, but Wild Horse Pass "passed" with flying colors. The gaming here is unmatched. You name it—hot slots, bingo, keno, poker, roulette—Wild Horse Pass Casino has it all. This establishment is located in Chandler and it has everything, from fancy places to stay, to dining, to a golf course, to a spa, to horse riding, and of course, entertainment. You could catch a meal at the nearby Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse, or watch a rodeo sports event at the Rodeo Arena. If music and comedy are more your speed, you cannot miss the upcoming season at Wild Horse Pass! Funnyman Bill Bellamy starts off the month of March as the featured entertainer at the casino's motorcycle event, the Checkered Flag Run. The incomparable Engelbert Humperdinck, Gladys Knight, Creedence Clearwater Revisted, Don and Rickles will grace the stage at Wild Horse Pass in March. And it would be messed up of me to decline to mention that every Thursday Night is Ladies' Night at Wild Horse Pass Casino, where our wonderful female companions enjoy drink and gaming specials while being entertained by live music! $
St. Patrick’s Day Trivia To Share Over A Pint
40,000,000 The number of U.S. residents who are of Irish ancestry - almost nine times the population of Ireland!
A four leaf clover is lucky, because the first three leaves symbolize FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE and the fourth leaf symbolizes LUCK.
As part of a 50-year-old Chicago tradition, the Chicago River is dyed green in observance of St. Patrick’s Day using vegetable dye.
The color green is associated with St. Patrick’s Day because it is the color of Ireland, the color of shamrocks, and the color of Spring. azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
37
HOT DEALS
Talking Stick and Casino Arizona tion. Talking Stick Resort will also provide free shuttle transportation to and from Salt River Fields for hotel guests. Spring Training rates are valid now thru March 31, 2013. To begin building your perfect Spring Training package, call (866) 877-9897 for more information or visit www.talkingstickresort.com.
Slot Promotions at Talking Stick Resort and Casino AZ
Stay & Play At Talking Stick Resort—Special Spring Training Room Rates Now Thru March 31, 2013. Talking Stick Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Rated Resort located just minutes from Salt River Fields, the Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. For sports fans looking to get close to all the action, Talking Stick Resort invites Valley visitors and locales to take advantage of special room rates and extra game day perks available with hotel reservations. Special Spring Training rates for any of Talking Stick Resort’s luxury guestrooms and suites start at $229 nightly plus no resort fees. In addition to special rates, guests may add on game tickets, Dugout Reserve or Infield Box, as an enhancement when making their reserva-
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Throughout the month of March, the Slots Department at Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona is hosting several promotions designed to enhance their customers’ experience and give them one more reason to choose their properties as their primary gambling destination. Sunday through Thursday at each location, players can register to take part in exciting slot tournaments. It doesn’t cost anything to play in the events. Registration begins at 8:00am for the 9:00am sessions which are open to anyone with a Player’s Reward Club card and at least twenty (20) slot points earned on the day of registration; top prize is $100. Registration begins at 10:00am for the 11:00am sessions which are only open to Gold, Platinum or Royal members of the Player’s Reward Club and who have at least fifty (50) slot points earned on the day of registration; top prize is $500. Prizes will be awarded to the top seven finishers in each promotion. For more info, players can contact Casino Arizona Slots at (480) 850-7708 or Talking Stick Resort Slots at (480) 850-8668. Call ahead and get all the information as the details, dates and times listed here are subject to change!
CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY Lone Butte Lucky 7 Jackpot Hits!
Bingo Bonanza At Casino Arizona!
Katherine of Chandler won $150,838 when she hit the Lucky 7 jackpot while playing bingo at Lone Butte Casino. The Lucky 7 jackpot is won when a player can make a seven on their bingo card in eighteen numbers or less. “I don’t believe it,” exclaimed Katherine when she described the feeling of winning the large bingo jackpot.
Bingo is back at Casino Arizona and there are plenty of ways to win big bucks! One way is with the property’s Bingo Bonanza where grand prize winnings can reach $20,000 and beyond. Played daily, Bingo Bonanza is a progressive game played as a coverall. The current Bingo Bonanza jackpot stands at a whopping $37,000. “When we opened the new bingo hall last year, we made a conscious effort to offer our guests and bingo lovers a wide-array of games and ways to win cash,” said Eric Ramsey, bingo manager for Casino Arizona. “Bingo Bonanza gives our guests a sense of anticipation as the jackpot continues to grow week after week. It’s truly exciting.” $
Casino
Sessions
Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic
Apache Gold
Su, We, Th at Noon. Fr & Sa at 7pm. 1st Mo of the month at 7pm
1000
No
No
No
BlueWater
Mo-Th at 4:30pm. Su at 11:30am.
350
Yes
Yes
No
Casino Arizona
Mo-Su at 6:30pm Daily Matinees at 12:30pm
1000
Yes
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
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
(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
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 11:30am, 1:30 & 6pm.
300
Yes
Yes
Call for Kozmic Bingo & Other Late Night
Vee Quiva
Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm.
366
Yes
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 | March 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 Ides of March (Mar. 15), find these words: ANTONY, ARTEMIDORUS, BRUTUS, CAESAR, CALPURNIA, CASCA, CASSIUS, CINNA, DECIUS, ETHOS, LEPIDUS, LOGOS, LUCIUS, OCTAVIUS, PATHOS, PORTIA, and TREBONIUS. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
5
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6
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8 9
6 2
6
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7 1
5 2
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
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SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
By Sami Becker
Don’t Abuse Slots!
First off, I'd like to say I enjoy reading your articles. Lots of handy advice. My question is, many times I've been to a certain casino and numerous times I've seen individuals banging on the machines or hitting the screen. I've looked around to see if Slot Techs, Servers or Security were seeing this. I've even looked to the “eye in the sky” and pointed out what was going on. This is very annoying and I'd rather have security or employees handle this rather than taking actions to stop them. I know there are others who've witnessed what I'm talking about. Many times you return to play the same machine and buttons don't work. I wonder if any were ever caught and what the consequences were. I'm sure hitting and banging on the machines won't get them to pay out often or more. Thanks and keep up the good work. Jay Succo Jr—Phoenix, AZ Jay! You’ve “hit” (pun intended) on my biggest pet peeve. I can’t stand when I’m near, or God forbid next to, smackers! Ugh! They really get me on edge and they are so loud with their
aggressive behavior that I have a hard time tuning them out. I completely agree with you that the best solution is to alert casino personnel directly of your discomfort and let them handle the situation. I strongly believe patrons who beat up the machines have unresolved anger issues that they need to address at home before they arrive at a casino and bother other patrons. Just as a heads up, we know of instances where casino patrons were forced to pay for the damages they created. In one situation a man hit a slot screen so hard it broke. The casino made the patron pay for a new monitor. In a second case, a woman scratched the touchscreen with her diamond ring. The casino had already requested she refrain from constantly rubbing and smacking the slot in the past and, this time, the casino asked for over $900.00 in order to repair the touchscreen! Now that’s music to my ears because it teaches people to be self aware! $
Do YOU have something to rant about? Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com
azgamingguide.com | March 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
45
Y
Y
Y
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
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Camp Verde
800-381-7568 656
15318 S. Ave. B
Somerton
800-237-5687 509
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 696
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 806
1077 S. Kyrene Rd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 850
Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson
Payson
800-777-7529 422
Y
450 Quechan Dr.
Yuma
888-777-4946 506
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 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
Y
Y
777 Hwy. 260
21. Vee Quiva Casino
Y
56
Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 883
101 & Indian Bend
Y
Y
I-17, Exit 289
17. Paradise Casino
22. Wild Horse Pass Casino
Y
855-765-7829 292
15406 N. Maricopa Rd.
20. Talking Stick Resort
Y
Y
855-765-7829 1,044
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 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
For information on the casinos & much more, scan our QR codes with your smartphone!
azgamingguide.com
facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
Word Search Solution
Sudoku Solution
L O G O S S U T U R B D C A S S
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46 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Smoke-Free Area
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino
Y
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