Contents SEPTEMBER
DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 GREAT GAMES 14 GAMING NEWS 17 ARIZONA LOTTERY 18 CASINO DINING 22 WINNING WAYS 24 FEATURE STORY 28 TRIBAL NEWS 30 TRAVEL 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 42 HOT DEALS 44 CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY
24
46 FUN & GAMES
WMS GAMING’S NEW SLOTS & AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH A GAME DESIGNER!
48 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 50 CASINO DIRECTORY
08
10
30
THE ALLURE OF BLACKJACK
BRAND NEW SLOTS FROM BALLY TECHNOLOGIES
TRAVEL TO SOUTH POINT CASINO IN LAS VEGAS
Gaming industry veteran Al Moe’s debut article covering the basics of blackjack.
An exclusive sneak peek at all the hot new games and unique bonuses coming to casino floors soon.
An in-depth look at their entire property and a conversation with Chef Norman on food allergies.
azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
03
EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 05 • ISSUE 09 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com
We can’t wait for G2E! G2E, the big casino gaming show, is just a few short weeks away and we already have exclusive previews of some hot new games by WMS and Bally! We even scored an interview with Jeremy Hornik, the Senior Principal Game Designer at WMS! Once our team arrives at G2E, we’ll give you updates via Facebook and gather as much information on all the new slots for upcoming issues. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe joins our talented pool of staff writers this month. He’ll continue to write about your favorite table games moving forward. Staff writer Lee Allen gives us the inside story on how Arizona’s native tribes are helping boost tourism. And DJ Ramses Ja has a lot to say about hot spots for a ladies night out! As always, we also give you the latest scoop on gaming news, hot deals, entertainment, bingo, and so much more! 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 September issue and have fun! Cheers!
Alexandra
Alexandra Lang Editor-in-Chief editor@azgamingguide.com
“Like” us on Facebook because
we “Like” you too!
ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Ramses Ja Cindy Esquer Lee Allen Katie Snyder 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 | September 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: A question about poker machines. I play a poker machine on which you can play up to 10 hands and with multipliers up to 10X. Are you better off playing 10 lines X2 or 5 lines X4? Thank you. Herb Lessell—Scottsdale, Arizona A: Herb, you mention the multipliers of up to 10X, so we’ll assume you are referring to the number of credits bet per hand for the purposes of this discussion. As video poker players ourselves, we first and foremost advocate playing any video poker game at max bet at a wager you feel comfortable playing. For the game in question, you should be prepared to make a 100 credit wager in order to play 10 hands at a bet level of 10 credits per hand. The primary reason for playing video poker at max bet is to ensure that when a royal flush appears, the higher pay-
out is awarded. When betting max bet, the royal flush pays 800 to 1 and when betting less than max bet, the royal flush pays only 250 to 1. In addition, if the video poker game happens to be connected to one or more progressive values, they will be accessible only through a max bet wager for a win of at least 800 to 1 (for royal flushes) due to the increasing value of the progressive. However, you raise an interesting point about playing a multihand video poker game at less than max bet! Should you play more hands with a lower bet or fewer hands with a larger bet? The answer lies in the volatility index of the game. Since you don’t mention any specific pay table, we’ll keep things general as this will apply to any of the video poker pay tables. As soon as you begin to play multi-hand video poker, your volatility
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 | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Q&A On Everything Gaming
PLAYERS TALK
index increases proportionally with the number of hands. As a result, you should play 5 hands at a bet level of 4 for a total of 20 credits. Ultimately, if you are willing to make a 20 credit bet on this game, but are unwilling to make a 100 credit bet, you should play 2 hands at a bet level of 10 credits per hand for a total of 20 credits. Those are the best odds given your situation! Q: Dear Experts, I have a pretty simple question for you that no one I talk to can answer. Why does my money not last as long as it did a few years ago on the slots? James Rodriguez—Peoria, Arizona A: James, your question may be simple, but the underlying causes for the answer are not! About a decade ago, slot manufacturers began designing games with more pay lines, extra wagers for bonuses, forced wagers, bonuses with the potential for huge wins, and in general a lower hit frequency (how often, on average, you’ll experience a win) while increasing a slot’s overall volatility. While certainly not true of every single video slot made in the last decade, a vast majority of them used some, if not all, of the design ideas mentioned. The resulting positive impact on the player experience was an expanded option of bonuses, increased experiences during game play, and the potential for larger wins. However, this all comes at a cost, mainly in the form of reduced hit frequency, increased volatility, and in many cases an increased wager. This all takes a massive toll on player bankrolls. Remember when everyone played nine line nickel games? Player wagers were anywhere from five to forty-five cents (or multiples thereof depending on personal choice). You could comfortably walk up to these games and put in forty dollars and play for an extended period of time. In general, a game’s hit frequency was higher and the volatility was lower. This allowed for smaller bankrolls and extended play sessions. Nowadays, those experiences are few and far between based on our staff’s regular experiences and observations at casinos. When we have the opportunity to play games in demo mode at trade shows or at slot manufacturer’s offices we can immediately tell how volatile a game is and what the hit frequency is. Obviously, you are in tune with that aspect of game play as well. What casino enthusiasts don’t know about the shift in slot game design principles is that the players themselves directed the trend. Ten years ago, the games with lower hit frequency, higher volatility, etc. were performing better for the casinos (i.e. making more money) than their less volatile counterparts. Now you know what happened as a result of that observation! $ azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
07
GREAT GAMES
Table Games—Blackjack
The Allure of Blackjack By Al Moe
B
lackjack, as offered in the casinos of Arizona, is the most popular table game played in the world. There are plenty of places to spend your time at a casino. You can head to the poker room, play Keno, give the slots a whirl, or enjoy video poker, but for some reason blackjack dominates the table game area. So, what’s the allure? For the casino operators and the players alike, blackjack is the perfect mix of fun, skill, and excitement, all packaged in a game that’s easy to learn and has a very small house edge. That means the players have a fighting chance of heading home with the bacon on occasion instead of going home broke! Blackjack is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, no jokers or wild cards are used, and each card from 2 through 9 counts as its pip value (that means a 5 is a 5, a 9 is a 9). Tens and face cards count as ten, and the tricky ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. When your first two cards are a ten and an ace, you have 21, also known as blackjack, and as long as the dealer doesn’t also have a blackjack, you win 1.5 to 1 on your wager or 3 chips for every 2 you bet. If the dealer does have a blackjack then it’s a push, or a tie, and no chips are paid or taken. All other winning bets are paid even money, or 1 for 1, on the blackjack table. If you haven’t played before, get ready to have fun because blackjack is a social game, and if you have questions about how to play, the dealer will be happy to help you (as will other play-
08
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
ers). When you first approach the table you’ll note a small sign on the left side of the table with the table minimum and maximum bet. Often this will be $5 to $250, meaning you will have to bet a minimum of $5 in the little circle to be dealt into the hand. Unlike other states where money can play, in Arizona you must exchange cash for chips at the table and cash them back into money at the cashier’s cage when you are through. At most casinos the cards are shuffled and dealt from a plastic shoe, usually containing six full decks of cards. To be dealt in, you place a wager in the circle and at the start of the next hand the dealer will begin with the first player on their left and give each player and the house a card, and then repeat the motion so each player with a wager has two cards, face up. The dealer will expose just one card from their own hand. If it is a ten, they will check and see if they hold a blackjack, which beats every player hand except another blackjack. If the dealer has an ace showing you can purchase “insurance,” which is a bet that the dealer does indeed have a blackjack. You may bet up to half of your original wager and, when won, the bet pays 2 to 1. Now that you know the basics of Blackjack, we will continue examining casino table games and strategies next month! $ Writer Al Moe has worked in the casino industry for many years. He has lived in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. He also attended the University of Nevada, Reno. He is an avid writer and blogger, author of “Vegas and the Mob"—available at Amazon. He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.
GREAT GAMES
Bally’s Premium Lineup is Sure to Connect with Players By Riley Meredith
Ballytech.com
z
New Slots—Bally Technologies
T
here is little doubt the latest big brands from Bally deliver incredible excitement for players! Not to be overshadowed, however, are a host of internally developed premium titles, some of which have become powerful marquees in their own right, which are sure to uphold this tradition. Blazing its way to casino floors is Fireball II After Burn. This inferno of entertainment takes the player-favorite Fireball and adds even more fuel to the fire. This title brings the heat with three bonus wheel features – the Credit Wheel, Free Game Wheel, and Jackpot Wheel. Offering one of Bally’s best play mechanics with the popular Game-in-Game and the power of an enormous wide-area progressive on Bally’s Cash Connection link, Fireball II After Burn is bound to ignite and maintain player excitement just like the original. Prizeball Playboy, Prizeball Ballyhoo, and Prizeball Dragon are a trio of promising companion games that harken back to Bally’s pinball roots. These titles are a lofty presence on any floor. Each title delivers a Free Games Bonus and the Prizeball Bonus, which means tons of pinball-style action without the tilt! With a progressive jackpot available at max bet and three great themes to choose from, Prizeball is one players will be looking for at any casino.
Beautiful and delicate, Crystal Spider is spinning a web of winning. In a groundbreaking new feature, the Flying Spider Bonus lets players aim and launch the spider for bonus credits, multipliers, and progressive jackpots which can be won at any bet level. This game also offers bonus multipliers and the surprise Wild Pull, where the spider randomly appears and pulls entire reels of wild symbols into place. Crystal Spider offers truly stunning graphics and innovative game play. Another new title is Tree of Eternal Fortune. Like Crystal Spider, this title supplies beautiful imagery and unique, interactive features. During the base game, berries will appear as watermarks on symbols which rise up to gather in the Tree of Fortune on the top screen. Any base game spin has the chance to trigger the Shake the Tree feature, where players use their hand to touch and shake the Tree of Fortune. This results in berries dropping from the tree to award credits, Wild Reels, and Wild Reels with Multipliers. This title also offers a two-level progressive which can be awarded during the Moonlight Bonus. Either the Silver or Gold theme is chosen randomly for the player, who is then presented with a row of seven berries to choose from. Players choose a berry to reveal a credit amount, a Collect All award, or advancement to the next row of berries. If players make it all the way to the top of the pyramid of berries, they’re awarded the progressive. (Continued on page 13)
10
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
New Slots—Bally Technologies
GREAT GAMES
(Continued from page 10)
For classic road trip fun, Get Rich on Route 66 makes its way to casinos! Taking advantage of Bally’s award-winning U-Spin technology, players get to interact with two bonus wheels and will love the game graphics representing the iconic interstate. Offering an exciting pick-em’ feature and free games, players will be looking to get their kicks and Get Rich on Route 66! If there’s one thing players can never get enough of, it’s Quick Hit. Cash Wheel with Quick Hit brings Bally’s popular Quick Hit model to the Pro Cash Wheel cabinet. This colorful and engaging game offers a unique twist to the Quick Hit model, where players select from 21 tiles for a chance to win multiple spins on the mesmerizing overhead wheel. Players choose tiles until they reveal three matching sets that offer them from one to three wheel spins and up to 3x multipliers. Cash Wheel with Quick Hit also delivers free games and a five-level progressive with max bet. Mr. Lucky puts the dice in the hands of players in Roll The Bones. This exciting new slot, featuring Mr. Lucky and his skeleton band-mates, takes players on a rousing ride. The game offers Bally’s U-Roll play mechanic, where players get to touch the screen and “roll the bones” for credit awards and a free-game feature. There is a three-level progressive jackpot to be won as well. The spooky and spectacular animations and music combine for one of the most entertaining gaming experiences available.
Players have been climbing the Millionaire Sevens ladder to big wins for years and loving every minute of it. Now players can experience a new Millionaire Sevens that is better than ever. This new version has the classic ladder bonus and a free-games feature that gives players their choice of theme. When the free games feature is triggered, players choose from one of three free game options including a Multiplier Wheel, Extra Wild Wheel, and Extra Scatter Wheel. Once the choice is made, the corresponding wheel spins and awards the multiplier, extra wild symbol, or extra scatter pay symbol. Add this to the classic Ladder Bonus with nine levels of multipliers including the massive progressive jackpot, and Millionaire Sevens becomes a must-play. Bringing the panache of the Roaring Twenties to life is Jackpot Empire. This striking game has a six-level Quick Hit-style progressive and four free game bonuses featuring some of Bally’s most popular play mechanics. Locking Wilds, Wild Sweep, Rising Times, and Radom Wild Reels bring serious fun to this swanky title. Players looking for even more will get it with a new Quick Hit Superstack feature which means more Quick Hit symbols! Appearing on some of Bally’s most popular cabinets and featuring themes and game play mechanics both new and beloved, this premium lineup may be the strongest ever. For more information about Bally and all the great games and products they offer, visit their website at ballytech.com.$
azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
13
GAMING NEWS
AZ Tribal Gaming Revenues Remain Consistent Contributions to the state from gaming revenue for the second quarter that ended June 30, 2013 was approximately $25.1 million which is within a few thousand dollars when compared to the same quarter last year. “Indian gaming revenues are holding steady,” said Mark Brnovich, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Many important state services will continue to benefit from this financial support.” The quarterly tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund will be distributed as follows: Instructional Improvement Fund Education: Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs: Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: State Tourism Fund: Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention:
$12,489,287 $ 6,244,643 $ 2,255,289 $ 1,784,184 $ 1,784,184 $ 501,175
Total tribal contributions for the quarter that ended June 30, 2013: $25,058,762 The Arizona Department of Gaming, in partnership with Arizona’s tribes, regulates Indian gaming. Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, tribes with casinos contribute one to eight percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties. In Arizona, Class III gaming includes slot machines, jackpot poker, blackjack, keno and off-track pari-mutuel betting. There are currently 23 Class III casinos in the state. Tribes send contributions to the state Arizona Benefits Fund every three months.
14
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
News
ARIZONA LOTTERY
Arizona Lottery Benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates By Cindy Esquer
E
very fiscal year, a percentage of Arizona Lottery funding benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA of Arizona). CASA volunteers are everyday people appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. In Arizona, there are 15 county CASA programs administered by the CASA of Arizona office, which is a program of the Dependent Children's Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts. CASA and its volunteers have been advocating for abused and neglected children in Arizona for over 25 years and have served over 13,500 children. CASA strives to ensure that society is fulfilling its most fundamental obligation to children in need. CASA trains and supports qualified, compassionate adults that will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated
with dignity and respect, and to be able to learn and grow in the security of a loving family. Being the primary funding source, Lottery funding is vital to this important program. Without Lottery funding, CASA wouldn’t have the resources needed to train volunteers and advocate on the children’s behalf. To learn more about CASA and Lottery funding, you can visit arizonalottery.com to view the CASA video. $
For more information on the Arizona Lottery, visit their website at arizonalottery.com. For the winning numbers call 480.829.7425 in Phoenix or 520.325.9141 in Tucson. All other areas in Arizona, call 1.800.499.3798.
azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
17
CASINO DINING
Shula’s Steak House Earns Award of Excellence Two Years in a Row
F
or the second consecutive year, Shula’s Steak House, located inside Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, has been honored by the Wine Spectator Magazine with their Award of Excellence. The 2013 Restaurant Wine List Award winners span all 50 states and 76 other countries and territories, along with 11 cruise ships. This year, 2,870 restaurants earned the Award of Excellence. These winners offer an interesting and diverse selection of 100 or more wines that are well-presented and thematically match the restaurant cuisine. Shula’s Steak House at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino offers an extensive wine collection of 3,750 wines with 315 labels.
Shula's Steak House is located in the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. One of the top five steak houses in America, Shula’s Steak House serves ‘The Best Beef Money Can Buy,’ also known as The Shula Cut. Shula’s provides fine dining with an award-winning menu and exceptional team service. The restaurant is themed after the 1972 Miami Dolphins' Perfect Season—the only team in NFL history to finish a season undefeated. Shula's can also accommodate private group functions and dinners. For more info, visit wingilariver.com/shulas. $
Wine Spectator is a lifestyle magazine that focuses on wine and wine culture. It publishes 15 issues per year with content that includes news, articles, profiles, and general entertainment pieces. Each issue also includes from 400 to more than 1,000 wine reviews, which consist of wine ratings and tasting notes.
18
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
WINNING WAYS
Hints & Tips
Should You DUMP Your Slot? If you have to ask this question, then
the answer is YES! Time to move on... The slot’s idea of bonuses is to always pay you 65 cents when you are betting 30 cents (or four dollars and thirtythree cents when you are betting two dollars)!
few minutes, regardless of how much they are wagering.
You can get into the bonus with three or more symbols as long as they land on adjacent reels. However, all you ever see are the first two bonus symbols and the accompanying noises of: doink, doink, silence!
The cocktail servers, family members, and friends keep giving you sideways glances of concern. One or two of them even stop and ask if everything is OK because of the combined look of intense disgust, extreme shock, and mild anger (all mixed up into one expression) written all over your face.
There are so many wild symbols on the screen all the time, they just never manage to help you win anything. When you finally line up three low value symbols on a fifty line game, they pay you one or two credits. Three medium value symbols only pay you five credits, and three high value symbols only pay you about ten or fifteen credits! Anyone else who sits down and tries the same or similar game nearby gets up and walks away in disgust after a
22
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
You said you were going to cash out but you didn’t. Another way to put this is you said you weren't going to put any more of your bankroll in, but you did. The game has thoroughly decimated your bankroll and it’s extremely unlikely it can even marginally restore it. We’ve all had these experiences before and the best advice is to dump the slot and walk away my friend, walk away now. $
WMS Gaming A Glimpse Behind The Scenes with senior principal game designer Jeremy Hornik By Lana Hartmann
T
hrough imagination, talent, and technology, WMS creates the world’s most compelling gaming experiences. One of the largest slot machine manufacturers in the world, WMS is an industry leader of innovative gaming products. The company’s slot portfolio includes player favorites such as Reel 'em In!, Life of Luxury, Zeus and Jackpot Party themes, as well as licensed titles such as Monopoly, The Wizard of Oz, The Lord of the Rings, Clue and The Price is Right themes. Founded in 1943 by Harry Williams, a Stanford University-trained engineer who devised the “tilt” mechanism for pinball machines, WMS has been a leader in interactive entertainment ever since. Today, the company continues to bring Williams’ spirit of innovation to the casino gaming industry. In recent years, WMS has emerged as the industry innovator in establishing new standards for casino gaming entertainment with the introduction of revolutionary technology platforms such as their Community Gaming, Adaptive Gaming, Transmissive Reels and Sensory Immersion.
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
The Arizona Gaming Guide is proud to introduce Mr. Jeremy Hornik, Senior Principal Game Designer at WMS. Mr. Hornik oversees the entire process of creating a slot machine game. We had the opportunity to ask him several questions about all the steps involved in taking an idea and turning it into a game for all of us to enjoy at the casino. Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG): Who comes up with the ideas for new slot machine games and what is the process involved? Mr. Jeremy Hornik (JH): We have a saying that ideas can come from anywhere. Anyone in the company can submit new ideas through our SPARK system, which allows people throughout the organization to vote on the ideas. However, at the end of the day, the main responsibility falls on the shoulders of our Game Designers. It is our job, after all. AGG: Once a game is scheduled to be created by WMS, what are all the different steps involved in producing the game? JH: There are a lot of steps involved in creating a game. To kickoff a game, we do a lot of preliminary drawings and notes to illustrate and explain the main idea behind a new game. Once that idea seems to have jelled into a game, we’ll start the math exploration and try out various looks and layouts. Sometimes we’ll create an early prototype, to demonstrate the game play, using art from an older game. (A lot of our prototypes end up looking like Zeus!) Once the design has settled down, a larger team, made up of artists, programmers, mathematicians, musicians, and of course, software testers, get to work. Ensuring everyone is working together towards the main goal is the Producer. Once we have a solid version of the game, we’ll often do a prototype test with real players, but fake money, to see if the game is having the effect we hope for. After that, once the game is fun, attractive, and bug-free, we send it off to be checked by the different jurisdictions and their testing houses…and once it passes their scrutiny, the game is finally available to be put into casinos. AGG: On average, how many different people and different departments are involved with the process of creating a game? JH: We do all kinds of projects and games, so it really varies. Our smallest games might use a team as small as five, while our largest ones can use a team of over a hundred! Of course, when a game comes out and is a big success, it’s amazing how it turns out that many more people worked on it than you might remember.
AGG: About how long, on average, does it take for a new game to go from game concept to the casino floor and why? JH: Again, there are all kinds of projects, so timelines can vary. The games with the shortest development timelines can hit the floor in as little as six months. Some of the largest games may take up to a couple of years to build all the hardware and software, and get it all tested and placed in casinos. AGG: What are some new slot machine game themes by WMS that players can look forward to in the near future? JH: With the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) just around the corner, we are gearing up to debut our latest library of products and technology for the coming year, and we have quite a bit to be excited about. We have some great licensed brand games that will be launching soon, including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Iron Man and Beetlejuice. And of course there will also be new games hitting casino floors for the Monopoly and The Wizard of Oz fans out there. AGG: WMS is a leader in new game technology. What are some innovative designs that are incorporated into your upcoming games? JH: Hopefully, by now you’ve had a chance to experience the Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory game. As well as being a great game, it uses the exciting WMS motion system chair to provide players sound and movement programmed to perfectly align with in-game events, like a trip down the Chocolate River! Another new innovation from WMS is our Gamefield xD cabinet. The cabinet’s dual vertical 32” super-high-definition screens are seamlessly constructed to create a visual playground. Some of the latest games to build on this platform will include the popular Iron Man and Beetlejuice brands. And our newest games on the Blade cabinet, like Great Zeus and Fashionista, use a new CPU board with an updated operating system and graphics engine for a finely calibrated gaming experience! AGG: In your opinion, what makes a slot machine game fun for people to play? JH: There are many parts that make a slot game fun, but the single most important thing is that it provides a great gambling experience. If the wagering and winning part isn’t right, then all (Continued on page 27)
(Continued from page 25)
the joysticks, curved reels screens and transparent video over video in the world aren’t going to hide that. AGG: What stands out with WMS slot machine games as opposed to the games made by other manufacturers? JH: At WMS, we’ve always had the best art and sound of any manufacturer. As time has gone by, we’ve gotten better and better about using it well, and now I think our complete gaming experiences are second to none. WMS is also the home of the most novel mathematical experiences. Innovation is in our blood, and our mathematicians are willing to try a new idea when others may shy away. AGG: In what ways does WMS interact with the player to provide feedback for new and existing games? JH: Before a game launches, we usually solicit feedback from a small and randomly drawn group of players for prototype testing. The games aren’t finished at this point, but they’re getting there. It’s a good time to get the reassurance that we’re making the game in the right way…and if we aren’t, to know it in time to make changes! Once it’s launched, we also love to see mentions of our games on social media: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and the slot forums. Good or bad, we’re always eager to hear how players are experiencing our machines. And of course, there’s no substitute for talking to a player face-to-face about what parts of a game they like and don’t like.
AGG: When you plan a trip to the casino, what casino games do you enjoy playing the most and why? JH: When I visit a casino, I’m usually focused on trying the newest games from all the manufacturers. I’m always trying to see what’s new. But if I’m there just for fun, one of my older games is the Money Burst theme, Dean Martin’s Wild Party. If I can find that anywhere, I still love to give it a spin and try one more time for the 20spin bonus. I haven’t done it yet, but a guy can dream, can’t he? $
Many thanks to Kristi, Amy, Jeremy, and everyone at WMS for their help with this story. For information on WMS and their games, visit wms.com.
azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
27
TRIBAL NEWS
Sherry Henry, Director of the Arizona Department of Tourism, says revenue generated by visitors impacts every resident of the state.
Tribal Tourism Brings Big Bucks By Lee Allen
W
hile few will argue that tribal gaming hasn’t brought in big bucks, overall tourism efforts throughout Indian Country are gaining in strength and the volume of dollars they generate are beginning to add up. Indian-owned casinos paired with Arizona Lottery games gross millions of dollars a year. According to a 2012 report sponsored by Arizona Indian Gaming Association “more than $819 million has flowed directly into the state treasury and local governments since inception of Indian gaming. Even more importantly, Indian gaming brings economic development to Arizona reservations, helping tribes meet deficits in social and economic conditions.” Native American members who represent attractions among Arizona’s 22 tribes have discovered new ways to bring in greenbacks by using who they are --- what they know --- and where they live --- tribal tourism. “We’re all about promoting Native travel destinations in the state, getting visitors excited about seeing what is available in Indian Country,” says Donovan Hanley (Navajo), President of the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA). “While the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) does a great job promoting all travel destinations in the state, it’s time for us to now assist in that project, getting more people drawn to what Indians in Arizona have to offer.” The importance of tourism in Indian Country can’t be minimized. “We don’t have exact numbers, but there are some smaller tribes that rely almost totally on tourist revenue. There’s a lot more in Arizona’s Indian land than just casinos to generate revenue,” says Hanley. Statewide, according to statistics released at the recent Arizona Governor’s Conference on
28
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Tourism, we’re on the up-tick. To call a tourism industry still recovering from an economic recession ‘rosy’ might be a bit of a stretch, but most factors point to a magenta-like recovery-inprogress. More than 38 million overnight visitors experienced the state as a travel destination in 2012 with direct travel spending generating $19.3 billion or roughly $53 million dollars a day into the state’s coffers. “Tourism directly impacts everyone who resides here,” according to Sherry Henry, Director of the AOT. “The improving health of the industry seen through the improving economic activity validates the role that the travel and tourism industry members play in bringing new money into all 15 counties.” In a nearly 40-minute-long recapitulation of 2012 efforts, Henry told 450 conference delegates that AOT’s $7 million budget allocation was money well spent to reach billions of consumers world-wide to tell the Arizona story. The Director agreed with Governor Jan Brewer’s contention that “travel and tourism continue to be crucial drivers of the state’s economic prosperity and vitality and a key contributor to our steady comeback.” AOT Deputy Director Mark Stanton delivered similar talking points: “We’re seeing positive signs within the industry, increases in a lot of economic indicators that are all welcome. The summary today is that while we’re not there yet, we’re on our way and things are looking better.” And that rising tide is expected to float all tourism boats including all Indian Country efforts.
TRIBAL NEWS A concurrent AAITA conference meeting which was attended by 20 members representing various tribes outlined the present and planned for the future. “While AAITA is a major voice of the Native American tourism industry, the Arizona Office of Tourism is the medium that helps get that voice heard,” said Dawn Melvin (Navajo), AOT Indian Affairs Coordinator. “We work with all tribes as a collaborative disseminator of what’s happening in Indian Country because visitors come here from all over the world specifically to be a part of the Native American experience.” In a lengthy around-the-table session, group members brought each other up-to-date on what was happening in their corner of the state. The Navajo Nation, because of its 28,000-square-mile size, outlined several major attractions. “We’re not always within the four mountains --- Navajos are everywhere and doing lots of different things,” said AAITA Secretary Geri Hongeva, Navajo Parks and Recreation Department. “Our popular 4th of July Celebration and PRCA pro rodeo is always a big draw and the Navajo Nation Fair in September --- the largest American Indian fair in North America --- will double Window Rock’s population for several days (AZ Gaming Guide, August 2013).
River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. “The initial seed planted back in the ‘90s has sprung into a lot of different trees and each addition generates revenue and continues to perpetuate the concept of tribal sovereignty. We’re a leader in Indian Country and proud of that fact.” Yavapai spokesmen outlined upcoming events like Sovereignty Day and Lori Piestewa Day; Hualapai tribal representatives reported $70 million in 2011 tourist-generated revenue, and AOT’s Melvin announced inception of a visitor survey in progress to determine festivities and funding involving Native American tourist attractions. “AOT did one in 2005 and we hope this one will give us a ten-year trending. We anticipate 250,000 surveys and hope to have it done by fiscal 2015.” $
AIGA Congratulates Diane Enos and Valerie Spicer Two of the Fifty Most Influential Women in Arizona Business
Although she outlined plans for a new shopping center to open next year near to the new Twin Arrows casino, Hongeva modestly failed to mention the role she (and many other Navajo tribal members) played in the filming and native language conversion of Star Wars, which will be shown free at the Navajo Nation Fair. Representatives of the San Carlos Apache tribe outlined planning progress for their fair and rodeo; Gila River Indian Community members spoke with pride of their recent opening of Vee Quiva (AZ Gaming Guide, August 2013) and a refurbished Rawhide Village; Hopi representatives pointed to a recent 17 percent increase in tourism with the introduction of The Hopi Arts Trail, a cooperative marketing effort of galleries and artists that won the Tourism Conference Governor’s Award for Cooperative Marketing Best Practices. The growth of the Talking Stick properties in the Phoenix Valley merited attention. “We’re important to our community and Indian communities nationally because we provide a lot of firsts,” said Janet Johnson, Community Relations Director for the Salt
Donovan Hanley (Navajo), President of the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association, gives a thumbs-up to a planned Indian Village as part of the 2015 Super Bowl.
Karen Churchard of the Arizona Department of Tourism directed the state's 2012 Centennial Best Fest event that included an Indian Village with several tribes represented.
Diane Enos of the SRPMIC
Valerie Spicer of the AIGA
The Tribal Leaders of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association congratulate Diane Enos, President of the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and Valerie Spicer, Executive Director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) on being named as two of the Fifty Most Influential Women in Arizona Business 2013. The prestigious award is given by AZ Business Magazine to honor Arizona women business leaders and innovators. According to the magazine, the editorial team first compiled a list of 500 women which was then narrowed down to 100. Those names were sent to twenty of their peers who voted on each candidate. In addition to serving as President of the SRPMIC, Enos is the first person to become an attorney from the Community. She also noted she’s “a painter at heart.” Spicer, who has over twenty-five years experience in gaming, brings a diverse background in business to AIGA. Both women are extremely committed to improving the lives of Indian people by creating jobs and opportunities on tribal lands that positively impact all Arizonans. $ azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
29
TRAVEL
Las Vegas
F
eaturing 2,200 guestrooms, South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa overlooks the famous Las Vegas Strip and the serenity of the surrounding mountains. Guests visiting South Point can experience affordable luxury through a casino offering top-of-the-line gaming technology, over 2,500 slots and more than 60 table games.
30
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa Their race and sports book section features separate viewing areas for both horse racing and general sporting events. Plus, there’s eight sessions of bingo every day, a wide variety of dining options, including award-winning Michael’s Gourmet Room, the world-class Costa Del Sur Spa and Salon, a barber shop, a fabulous 400-seat showroom with headlining entertainment, a 16-screen Cinemark movie complex, a state-of-the-art 64-lane bowling center, and a 165,000-square-foot convention center. In addition, South Point holds one of the finest event facilities in the country with the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, which features more than 1,200 climatecontrolled stalls and plays host to some of the country’s most unique events. Located less than 6 miles south of the last casino on the famous Las Vegas strip, South Point guests can easily find the property right off of I-15 at the intersection of the Silverado Ranch Road and the Las Vegas Boulevard. Voted The Best of Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Review-Journal 2013 Poll in five categories, including Best Paying Slots, Best Video Poker, Best Bingo, Best Bowling, and Best Gourmet Room for one of their restaurants Michael’s, guests are always assured a combination of high quality gaming excitement and exceptional customer service in this word-class casino and hotel. In addition to the amazing casino, the excellent restaurants, the beautiful hotel where each oversized guest room features state-ofthe-art LED televisions as well as Wi-Fi with high-speed internet connections, the world-class entertainment, and all of the additional amenities available at South Point, their Food and Beverage department sets the bar extremely high for customer service and guest expectations. Not only is
practically every imaginable dish in almost any cuisine available at any of their nine restaurants, but their staff, led by Assistant Executive Chef and Food Safety Manager, Keith Norman, can make any dish allergenfree for any patron requiring a specialized diet! Food allergies are becoming an increasing problem in the United States and across the world. More and more, casino patrons are walking into restaurants asking for glutenfree and other dietary restrictions while others avoid eating out because of possible food allergens. Based on the overwhelming response we received on our recently published article on gluten-free dining at Arizona’s casinos (AZ Gaming Guide, July 2013), we wanted to highlight South Point Hotel & Casino for their dedication to food allergy sufferers. South Point is one of the only casinos we’ve encountered that is more than equipped to provide patrons with food allergies—for a complete casino gaming experience! As Las Vegas is one of the top culinary cities in the world, and with the high quantity of restaurants to choose from, visitors that suffer from food allergies often experience high anxiety when deciding on which restaurant to place their personal safety. Luckily for those Las Vegas visitors with food allergies, South Point Hotel & Casino’s Assistant Executive Chef Keith Norman has spent a large portion of his culinary career devoted to practicing and teaching allergen awareness cooking techniques. With over 20 years of culinary experience, Chef Norman has made it his mission to implement a world-class allergen program to ensure guests with food allergies have the same enjoyable experience as the diners without allergies. azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
31
We had the opportunity to interview Chef Norman about food allergy sufferers and South Point’s allergen program:
More about South Point Hotel & Casino’s Assistant Executive Chef and Food Safety Manager, Keith Norman: As a Veteran Marine and with 20 years in the culinary arts field, Keith Norman brings a sense of discipline and order to everything he does, both in business and in the culinary world. Chef Norman has a passion for food safety and sanitation that is apparent in his role as Assistant Executive Chef and Food Safety Manager for the South Point Hotel & Casino and as a culinary arts instructor at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. In both roles, Chef Norman is responsible for training and educating students and culinary professionals in one of the most important facets of the foodservice industry He has worked his way up the culinary ladder at Las Vegas properties to include Bally’s, the Mirage, Treasure Island, Paris, Suncoast and South Point hotels and casinos. He is a certified professional food manager, certified HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) manager, NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) certified food trainer, NRA (Nevada Restaurant Association) certified food safety trainer, a certified registered OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) trainer and a master certified food executive. Chef Norman has trained through the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the areas of foodborne illness investigation, agroterrorism and food systems disasters. He is a member of: Casino Management Association, International Food Safety Council, Alliance of Black Culinarians, Nevada Food Safety Task Force, Stop Foodborne Illness, FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network). Awards and Recognitions: Emcee for Food Safety Day in Chicago National Restaurant Association Best Neighbor Award Nomination Guest Speaker at the 2010 FAAN conference in Las Vegas 2010 Nominated for Culinarian of the year 2010 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy volunteer plaque 2011 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy Las Vegas Committee 2011 Certificate of Excellence in Advocacy (PEW Trust) 2012 Guest Speaker Nevada Food Safety Task Force Conference 2012 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy Las Vegas Honorary Chair 2012 FAAN Board Member, Stop Foodborne Illness Board Member 2013 Keynote Speaker annual conference for Arizona County Directors of Environmental Health Services Association 2013 Outstanding Nevada Environmental Health Professional of the Year Award
32
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Why is allergen-awareness important to you? While I don’t personally have food allergies, some of the tragic stories you hear that could be avoided with proper care are so heartbreaking. It’s easy for me to take this issue seriously after hearing how difficult a life with food allergies truly is. For example, I had the pleasure of meeting a 16-year-old competitive figure skater, Kendall Hollinger, last year at an allergen event. After hearing she was allergic to more than 95 percent of foods and many airborne allergens, I knew I wanted to help. I told Kendall and her family about the allergen program at South Point and invited them to dine with us. Due to the severity of her allergies, this was the first time in more than 11 years that Kendall was able to dine outside the comfort of her own home. Since meeting Kendall, she and her family have dined with us on multiple occasions. How are your restaurants allergy-friendly? Our restaurants are equipped with a special allergen kit that is purple and easily recognizable in the daily chaos of the kitchen. It consists of everything imaginable needed to properly prepare food from cutting boards, knives, measuring utensils and more. Even tickets generated through our point of sales system with allergen specific food orders are a different color than those of customers without food allergies to avoid any mix ups. Once the kit is used, it’s properly cleaned in order for it to be ready for the next allergy-friendly meal preparation. Are there special allergy-friendly menus? All menus are easily modified, so when customers tell us they have an allergy, the chefs will custom-create any menu item the customer would like to order. Our menus are more like a blank slate so every special dish is prepared in an allergen safe area to make it just as enjoyable as the original dish. The products are all stored and monitored to ensure there is absolutely no cross-contamination in each kitchen. How many patrons make use of the offerings? All of our customers with food allergies take advantage of this service. We’ve spent a lot of time making plans to cater to each of our guest’s allergies. We have gained great buzz within food allergy awareness groups too. This year, we’re hosting more than 500 guests at South Point Hotel during the 2013 Food Allergen Bloggers Conference event and Food Allergy Research and Education Walk in November. What makes you certified to instruct others on allergen-awareness? When I’m not at South Point, I spend my time educating culinary professionals and students about the importance of culinary safety and sanitation at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. I’ve trained through the Food and Drug Administration in topics like foodborne illness investigation, agro-terrorism and food systems disasters. In addition, I have certifications from the National Environmental Healthy Association, Nevada Restaurant Association, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points and Occupational Safety and Health Administration and I’m an active chair member on the Food, Allergy Research and Education board. For more information on South Point Hotel & Casino or their allergen program, visit southpointcasino.com. $
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
Directory & Gaming Statistics
Aquarius Casino Resort 800.662.LUCK aquariuscasinoresort.com. 1,250+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, roulette, craps, keno, race/ sports book.
Avi Resort & Casino (Fort Mojave Tribe) 800.430.0721 avicasino.com. 1,000+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book, KidsQuest.
Colorado Belle Hotel Casino 877.460.0777 coloradobelle.com. 750+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book. Build your own amazing burger at Pint’s Brewery!
Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino 800.227.3849 riversideresort.com. 1,300+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book.
Edgewater Hotel Casino 800.677.4837 edgewater-casino.com. 750+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, roulette, craps, race/sports book. Great all-around casino!
Golden Nugget Laughlin 800.237.1739 goldennugget.com/laughlin 1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, sports book. Sign up for the player’s club and spin for free play!
Harrah’s Laughlin 800.447.8700 harrahslaughlin.com 900+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, live keno, race/sports book.
Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall 800.634.3469 pioneerlaughlin.com 490 slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, sports book. Make sure to check out the video poker & reel slots!
Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics June 2013 Slots
Hold % Tables
Hold %
-15.33*
Craps
17.98
$5
3.55
Roulette
20.61
$1
4.26
Blackjack / 21
20.89
25¢
4.92
Pai Gow Poker
21.27
Multi-Denom
6.06
Let It Ride
27.90
5¢
6.56
Three Card Poker 35.61
Megabucks
9.71
Loose $25
River Palms Resort Casino 877.787.7256 river-palms.com 550+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, sports book. Don’t miss the view of the river from Denny’s!
Tropicana Laughlin 800.243.6846 tropicanax.com 1,000+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, and a sports book. Stop in for lunch at Passagio Italian Gardens and enjoy the food!
Tight 1¢
10.90
Other Games The Nevada Gaming Control Board publishes statistics on casino gaming activity in Nevada according to their state’s gaming regulations. The most current data for Laughlin at press time is from the month of June 2013. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. To inform us of updates, please email editor@azgamingguide.com. *A negative hold percentage indicates that game overpaid during the stated month.
34
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Loose Sports Pools Race Books
Tight Live Keno
Gaming Revenue 11.20
Slots
$34.7 mil.
16.73
Tables
$3.3 mil.
31.99
Other Games
$9.8 mil.
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
News
The Pioneer In Laughlin Is Giving Away Tickets!
TWO NEW FALL CONCERTS FOR E CENTER!
KIP MOORE
SMOKEY ROBINSON
To The Toby Keith Concert October 19th, 2013
Two exciting concerts are set for the Edgewater’s E Center in the fall. Rising country star Kip Moore will perform Friday, October 4, and Motown superstar Smokey Robinson returns for an encore performance on November 30. Tickets for the Kip Moore concert start at $25. Tickets for the Smokey Robinson concert start at just $40. Tickets are available for purchase on line at edgewater-casino.com, or at Edgewater Casino Services. Both concerts start at 8pm NV time.
On Saturday, September 28, 2013, The Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall is giving away tickets to see Toby Keith in Laughlin on October 19! Make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to win. Also, don’t forget to sign up for their Bare Bones Slot Tournament September 19-21! For info, make sure to visit the Round Up Player’s Club.
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN Smokey Robinson, multiple Grammy Award Winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and soul and R&B music legend, will perform Saturday, November 30, 2013 in the E Center at the Edgewater Casino Resort. Robinson celebrated his 50th anniversary in the music business and the 50th anniversary of Motown Records last year. He has logged thirty-seven Top 40 hits in his career. His megahits include Shop Around, Tracks of My Tears, You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, Tears of a Clown, I Second That Emotion, and Cruisin’. THERE’S SOMETHIN’ ‘BOUT A TRUCK Kip Moore's debut album Up All Night, was the best selling debut album from any country artist released in 2012 and spawned two chart-topping hits. His first career #1 single, Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck, held the top spot on both charts for two weeks making him the first solo artist in four years to have a debut album’s first single go #1 for multiple weeks. He received a second #1 song with Beer Money and is currently top 20 with his third single – Hey Pretty Girl. Indoor and climate-controlled with exceptional acoustics, the 27,000-square-foot E Center is Edgewater’s new entertainment and convention venue. $
36
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
News
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
$40,000 Table Games Winner At Tropicana Laughlin! Donna Fin of Bullhead City, Arizona won a $40,347 jackpot on July 20, 2013 while playing Mississippi Stud with a progressive bet. She also received a 10% Loyal Locals bonus because she's a member of the Tropicana's Loyal Locals program. Mississippi Stud is a table game with an optional progressive bet. To begin each round, players place a wager and receive two cards. The dealer then places three community cards on the table. Each community card is revealed one at a time after the player either folds or continues to wager. Wins are based on a poker pay table. The Tropicana Laughlin also offers other progressive table games like Three Card Poker, Fortune Pai Gow, Royal Match 21 and Let it Ride. They are located at 2121 S. Casino Dr. in Laughlin, Nevada. For more information, visit their website or Facebook at TropicanaX.com or Facebook.com/TropLaughlin.
Perfect Gift Giveaways Continue at Tropicana Laughlin The Tropicana Laughlin is continuing its Perfect Gift Sweepstakes Mondays in September with four special new gifts including a Designer Handbag, Macy’s Gift Card, Black and Decker Drill or a George Foreman Grill. Guests earn drawing tickets by playing their favorite slot and video poker games. Five winners drawn each hour from 5pm-9pm.
azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
37
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Cabaret Lounge: Live bands every weekend Pavillion: Kentucky Headhunters—Oct. 19 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Ramon Ayala—Sep. 13 Dream Show: Baby Bash, King Lil’ G, Zig Zag, Brown Boy—Sep. 28
Listings Diamond Center: Four Days, Four Bands (Tributes)—Labor Day Weekend (Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Van Halen, The Doors) Terry Fator—Sep. 13 REO Speedwagon—Sep. 20 Kathy Griffin—Sep. 28 Grand Funk Railroad—Oct. 5
Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: The Police Experience (The Police Tribute)—Sep. 13-14 Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac Tribute)—Sep. 20-21 Bostyx (Boston & Styx Tribute)—Sep. 27-28 Heartbeat City (Cars Tribute)—Oct. 4-5 The Arizona Room: Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance!)—Mon, Tue from 6-8pm Throwback Thursday—Thu from 9pm to 1am Casino del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: Luis Miguel—Sep. 19 Tejano Showcase—Sep. 21 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: Williams & Ree—Sep. 29 Foreigner—Oct. 5 Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Comedy Night with the Comedy Machine—Sep. 21 Native American Day Celebration with Shannon—Sep. 27 Los Moonlites—Oct. 5 Easton Corbin—Oct. 12 Comedy Night with the Comedy Machine—Oct. 19 Halloween Bash—Oct. 26 Karaoke with Bling Bling—We-Fr at 8pm La Vida Loca (Latin Music)—Fr at 9pm Variety of live music every Saturday night on the casino floor Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Thursday Rocks!—Randy Linder’s CCR Tribute—Sep. 26 Groovin’ Fridays—Tucson's Funkiest Old School Dance Party! Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music! Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Karaoke Night in the Sports Bar—Wednesdays 7-11pm Fiesta DJs—Fridays and Desert DJs—Saturdays
38
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD ROCKS THE DIAMOND CENTER ON OCT. 5 The legendary Grand Funk Railroad is coming to the Diamond Center on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 for a special concert sponsored by KLPX. Formed in Flint, Michigan in 1968, Grand Funk Railroad quickly made their mark with every album they released from 1969 to 1975 going gold or platinum. More than 40 years later, their radio hits are prominently played on classic rock radio stations, in movies and TV. Treena Parvello, the Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “Get ready to rock with the American Band when Grand Funk Railroad rolls into the Diamond Center this October! We’re very glad to partner with KLPX to bring this amazing, all-ages show to Tucson!” For more information visit ddcaz.com or call 866-DDC-WINS. Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Events: Lunar Bingo—Sep. 21 Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: MoonWalker: The Reflection of Michael—Sep. 1 Diamond Rio—Sep. 2 Trio 380—Sep. 4 Str8up—Sep. 5 Guy Pennachio—Sep. 11 Mariachi Colonial—Sep. 16 Western Fusion Trio—Sep. 18 AzTex—Sep. 19 Silhouette—Sep. 25
Editor’s Pick Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Customer Appreciation Party: 2013 Summer of Love—Sep. 14 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show begins at 7pm Live local talent Tuesday through Saturday
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT New Lounge looks to Liven up Casino Nightlife and Entertainment at Harrah’s
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: Talia Live—5-9pm Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am-3pm Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Event Center: Turn The Page (Bob Seeger Tribute)—Sep. 3 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Events: Karaoke Contest 3 Finale—Oct. 5 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music Thursdays and Fridays Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Joe Satriani with special guest Steve Morse Band—Sep. 1 Kathleen Madigan—Sep. 6 The Tubes—Sep. 13 Mayweather vs Canelo—Sep. 14 Thunder from Down Under—Sep. 19 King of the Cage: Boiling Point—Sep. 28 Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 AiRIA Unplugged—Live music Fri & Sat 4pm-2am Encore Lounge—Featuring a variety of live music nightly Classics With A Twist—Featuring jazz music & cocktails Thu-Sun Showroom: Los Enanitos Verdes—Sep. 7 Buckcherry—Sep. 12 Melissa Etheridge—Sep. 13 Toto—Sep. 14 Wynona & the Big Noise—Sep. 15 Rob Schneider—Sep. 20 REO Speedwagon—Sep. 21 Latin Legends Live! Malo, Tierra, Thee Midniters—Sep. 27 Bret Michaels—Sep. 28
By Katie Snyder Whether you’re looking for a night out while on vacation or you’re seeking a place to enjoy live entertainment, Harrah’s AkChin Casino’s The Lounge is the place to be. “We are excited to provide our guests with a first-class entertainment and nightlife experience,” said Robert Livingston, Vice President & General Manager at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. “The addition of the dance floor and an upgraded sound system and stage will ensure our guests have a great time, every time they visit.” The 2,765-square-foot venue, formally known as the Oasis Lounge, has been under construction since late June. The new renovations include a contemporary stage, countertops, updated furniture, sound system and LED lighting effects. After investing nearly $1.25 million in upgrades, the new night spot is finally ready to open its doors and celebrate. “As part of the debut of the new entertainment lounge, we will be bringing in some great national entertainment to help us celebrate all weekend long,” said Livingston. “Guests have always loved our live entertainment,” said Livingston. “They are excited about the venue’s return, not only for the night life but for the overall experience it promises.” While the venue will continue with their regular entertainment acts, guests will also see fresh, new faces and new entertainment added to the lineup each month as well. Other changes? “As part of the unveiling of The Lounge, we have added a few new signature cocktails to our drink menu,” said Natalie Cecini, Hotel Manager at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. And according to Cecini, the following casino-themed drinks are also expected to be added: Electric Lady Luck made with Absolut Citron, Blue Curacao, Sweet and Sour, pineapple juice, and topped with a glowing ice cube, The Double Down combines Absolut Mandarin Vodka, Malibu Coconut Rum, and a splash of pineapple juice, and The Royal Flush mixes Skyy Cherry Vodka, Amaretto, and cranberry juice.
Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke with Cruisin’ Susan—Fr at 8pm-12am Variety of live bands on Saturdays from 7 to 10pm
“It was our desire with the remodel to create a venue that would be a premiere destination for nightlife and live entertainment in the Southeast Valley,” said Livingston. “With the upgrades finished and the new drink options in place, we are confident we will be able to create the feel we were looking for and ultimately make The Lounge a prime entertainment destination.”
Verify all details & age restrictions (generally 21 & over) 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.
For more information on The Lounge visit harrahsakchin.com. $ azgamingguide.com | September 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide
39
CASINO NIGHTLIFE
Ladies! Place Your Bets On A Good Time By Ramses Ja
I
t has come to my attention that ladies in the Valley are over the usual nightlife scene—the long lines, bad music and bad service. Women are looking for a therapeutic girl’s night out!
Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II
Well, there’s good news. One casino in the Valley is catering to all women with their endless nightlife and entertainment options. That’s right—no more waiting behind a velvet rope or having to scream over music just to hear each other. From chic lounge experiences to weekly live entertainment, Talking Stick Resort has got your ladies night out covered. For more information, visit talkingstickresort.com.
•Host of R.E.D.Y. Set Radio •Official Bum Squad DJ •DJ Vatican Member •For more information on Ramses Ja, visit his
•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat •Resident DJ/VJ for KTVK-3TV Friday 10am
website at: www.ramsesja.com.
Palo Verde Lounge
Players Sports Bar
Degree 270 Nightclub
Orange Sky Lounge
Ladies, if jumping on the dance floor is not your thing, try a quick escape to Palo Verde Lounge. This chic lounge combines great cocktails and a high-class nightlife into one. Meet up with your girlfriends for happy hour and sip on your favorite cocktails or relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere while catching up with friends. This is the perfect spot to unwind.
I know I have some ladies that are sports fans out there. Maybe, your night out consists of watching your favorite sports team while enjoying a beer? If so, Players Sports Bar has you covered. With tons of TV’s for your viewing pleasure, you and all your ladies can watch sports, play keno, play slots, and have your favorite drink, all night long.
If you’re looking to dance, join me for an upscale evening on the 14th floor of TSR at the hot new Degree 270, where I spin all the top hits every week. And once you’re done dancing, you’ll want to head over to the newly renovated bar and grab yourself a drink. Tables and bottle service are available for you and your friends to make the night even better.
Looking for the ultimate dining experience? You are certain to find it at Orange Sky Lounge, TSR’s signature establishment. Orange Sky Lounge has great food, amazing drinks, and an incredible view from the 15th floor of the hotel. Top off your night with a glass of wine—with over 200 to choose from, you’re sure to find one (or maybe more) you will enjoy.
40
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
HOT DEALS Receive A $25 Gas Card To Help Pay For Your Next Trip To Laughlin, NV
>>Take advantage of the Laughlin Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall’s Stay & Play promotion featured in the Laughlin Section on page 35 and we’ll give you a $25 gas card once we verify your stay and you complete a survey about your experience! With amazingly low room rates, a ton of free play every day and us taking care of the gas, what are you waiting for? E-mail us at editor@azgamingguide.com for rules and information. $
42
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY
BINGO TRIVIA
Next time you decide to venture out to your favorite bingo hall to try your luck at a session, remember that you are a part of history playing a game that is 500 years old! In fact, 96 percent of regular bingo players have won at some point! And, did you know that the largest live bingo game took place at New York’s Teaneck Armory? Apparently 60,000 players participated and an additional 10,000 were turned away at the door. Plus, bingo is not a game reserved exclusively for senior citizens! Approximately 1/3 of all bingo players are under 35 years of age. If you decide to travel, be aware the versions of bingo played in the US and Canada are different than those played in the UK, Europe, and Australia. And, what’s the number one reason most people play bingo? It’s not to win money (which is actually the fifth reason), but to have fun and socialize! $
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
200
No
No
No
BlueWater
Mo-We 4:30pm. Su at 11:30am.
400
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
600
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 1:30 & 6pm.
300
Yes
Yes
Call for Kozmic Bingo & Other Specials Dates
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 08/01/13 & 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.
44
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
FUN & GAMES
WORD SEARCH In honor of Friday, September 13th, 2013, find: FRIDAY, SUPERSTITION, IRRATIONAL, THIRTEEN, LUCKY, JACKPOT, WINNING, FORTUNATE, CHARMED, GOOD FORTUNE, MONEY, WEALTH, POSITIVE. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 50)
R
H
W
S
P
C
V
Z
T
B
X
U
A
G
N
O
I
T
I
T
S
R
E
P
U
S
P
T
G
E
N
U
T
R
O
F
D
O
O
G
H
H
E
N
F
P
T
M
J
E
C
B
O
W M
I
Q
A
I
B
O
A
O
L
Y
K
C
U
L
R
E
B
D
N
C
S
X
N
Z
L
E
H
F
T
R
I
P
K
N
Y
I
C
E
C
A
T
O
E
Y
Y
P
X
Q
I
A
T
H
Y
T
L
R
E
I
O
J
N
D
H
W
D
I
D
M
A
T
N
T
T
E
S
J
J
M
I
I
V
B
E
U
V
Z
M
T
Q
D
T
C
H
K
R
E
W
N
I
L
A
N
O
I
T
A
R
R
I
F
F
A
Q
L
I
H
M
V
Q
G
M
Q
X
O
I
T
X
W D
E
M
R
A
H
C
R
D
L
V
E
I
SUDOKU 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 50)
5 6 3
5 1 3
6 1
9
7
2
3 5 2
8 4 7 46
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
4
4
7
9 1
8 1
9
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
By Sami Becker
Enough with the boarding calls!
Dear Sami, I am so sick of listening to the poker room call out people’s names three times. They announce over and over for games I don’t care about. And I don’t see people running over there anyway. I’m trying to concentrate on my video poker [game]! Why won’t [the casinos] stop? James K.—Glendale, AZ James makes a great point. Why do poker rooms at the casinos feel the need to repeatedly announce what games they have going on, how many tables are open and then make sure to tell the entire casino who needs to show up three times (or more) in a language no one can easily understand? What mystifies me is how a poker player even shows up when the name called is rendered unintelligible! (Sometimes it reminds me of the teacher’s voice in Charlie Brown…”Whah, whah whah, whah whah whaaa.”) The repetitive announcements are extremely irritating and I can see how they might affect anyone’s ability to have fun or focus on strategy at the tables, video poker, and other games, including the slots.
48
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
The only reasonable explanation for this extremely one-sided, annoyingly repetitious, intrusive behavior one can come to in this day and age of technology is that it boils down to a strong combination of pure habit, a lack of common sense, and a relentless desire to imitate an airport announcing boarding calls! Look, twenty years ago, restaurants were already handing out buzzers to patrons on waiting lists! One has to believe that those systems are extremely sophisticated at this point, not to mention available at a reasonable cost, and can be installed with relative ease at any poker room in any casino anywhere. Modern poker rooms use computers and monitors to sign people in—it’s not hard. Unfortunately, change takes time. What is really funny about the whole thing is that the poker room dominates the intercom! Why aren’t there an equal number of announcements for slots, table games, promotions, dining options, player’s clubs, entertainment, etc.? It’s just silly, really. $
Do YOU have something to rant or rave about? Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com
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 919
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 504
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 676
Y
Y
Hwy. 86, Milepost 55
Why
866-332-9467
Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 906
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
480-802-5000 1,089
Pinetop
800-929-8744 806
1077 S. Kyrene Rd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 786
Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson
Payson
800-777-7529 425
Y
450 Quechan Dr.
Yuma
888-777-4946 506
Y
I-8, Exit 166
Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+
8555 Hwy. 95
Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247
101 & Indian Bend
Scottsdale
480-850-7777 744
21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino
I-40, Exit 219
Flagstaff
855-946-8946 1,089
6443 Komatke Ln.
Laveen
800-946-4452 950
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 950
1505 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 244
22. Vee Quiva Casino 24. Yavapai Casino
Y Y
Y Y*
Y
Y
Maricopa
19. Spirit Mountain Casino
Y
Y
56
777 Hwy. 260
18. Quechan Casino
Y
Y
I-17, Exit 289
17. Paradise Casino
23. Wild Horse Pass Casino
Y
855-765-7829 293
15406 N. Maricopa Rd.
20. Talking Stick Resort
Y
Y
855-765-7829 1,088
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
Y Y
Y
Y
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 08/01/13 & 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 N O I T
2
9
4
5
6
1
7
3
8
H
7
6
8
4
2
3
9
5
1
M J
I
5
3
1
8
7
9
6
2
4
O A O
Y K C U L R H F T
4
5
3
1
8
7
2
9
6
T O E
9
2
7
6
3
4
8
1
5
A T N
1
8
6
9
5
2
3
4
7
E U
8
1
5
2
9
6
4
7
3
3
4
9
7
1
8
5
6
2
6
7
2
3
4
5
1
8
9
I T S R E P U S
T
G E N U T R O F D O O G N
P I
N C S K N Y P O
Sudoku Solution
N I
E
I A T
Y
L R E
W D I
T
I V
R E W N L A N O I T A R R
I
F
A T
D E M R A H C
50
E
Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2013 | azgamingguide.com
Smoke-Free Area
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino
Y
Arcade
800-272-2438 608
Spa
Globe
Golf
Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe
RV Park
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