Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - February 2014 - 06:02 by Arizona Gaming Guide

DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 GREAT GAMES 19 WINNING WAYS 21 GAMING NEWS 24 ARIZONA LOTTERY 26 FEATURE STORY 28 CASINO DINING 30 TRIBAL NEWS 32 CASINO GOLF 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 42 HOT DEALS 44 CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY 46 FUN & GAMES

HON-DAH CASINO INSTALLS 100+ NEW SLOTS BEFORE WINTER GAMES 2014 ON FEB. 21-23.

48 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 50 CASINO DIRECTORY

ROLL THE BONES BY BALLY TECHNOLOGIES

HOW TO IDENTIFY WHERE THE “LOOSE” SLOTS ARE

DESERT RAIN CAFÉ NATIVE FOOD FOR ALL

This brand new game brings the roll of the dice into slots and into the hands of the players.

Get the inside scoop on decoding the casino floor and figure out for yourself where the “loose” slots are.

Staff writer Lee Allen gets an indepth tour of this Tohono O’odham business in Sells, Arizona.

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

EDITOR’S NOTE

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 02 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

We are bursting at the seams with new slots! Every month we receive information from many of Arizona’s casinos about all of the new slots they’ve installed or plan to install. This month was no exception with Fort McDowell Casino and Hon-Dah Resort-Casino reporting massive additions to their slot floors. Now, especially, is the perfect time to visit Hon-Dah Resort-Casino. There’s snow in the mountains and lots of hot action on the new slots! This issue has the scoop on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, Aristocrat, and Aruze coming to casinos near you. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe gives us the inside scoop on Blackjack side bets. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with an in-depth look at the Tohono O’odham’s Desert Rain Café and an article on upcoming hoop dances and pow-wows. Entertainment writer Ramses Ja returns for an update to Casino Arizona’s L8 Nite Bingo. As always, we also give you the latest information on gaming news, hot deals, entertainment, bingo, and so much more! Please visit us at: facebook .co m /ArizonaGam ingGuid e , 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 Gam ing Guid e on our website at azgam ingguid e.com . Let me know what you think of our February issue and have fun! Cheers!

Alexandra

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

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Ramses Ja Cindy Esquer Lee Allen 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 © 2014 The Arizona Gaming Guide. All rights reserved. The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and gaming related facts as well as personal opinions and expects the reader to make his or her own decisions. All responses to reader posts, e-mails and letters are to be considered as advice only. AGG accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of our readers based on the articles and advertisements presented within this publication. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners. You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly. Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.

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

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide 04 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | 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

azgamingguide.com | November 2013 | Arizona Gaming Guide

PLAYERS TALK

Q&A On Everything Gaming

Q: I always read your column for great tips etc., but I must disagree with an earlier column. In a previous magazine you attempted to dispel the "myth" that all the slots are linked to a central computer which controls payout based on various factors. Well, I just came from a casino here in which bonus points were awarded during certain hours. When the starting time came, all the slots immediately went into the bonus counting without any adjustment being made to the machines. That certainly proves that they are indeed connected to a central computer system. I don't have a problem with that fact and am not sure why casinos don't want people to understand that. You still have to find the machine that is ready to hit! Thank you so much and keep up the great column! Ron Steinriede—Glendale, AZ A: Ron, thanks for your kind words about our magazine and thank you for writing in about slots being connected to central computers. The Players Talk response we believe you are referring to discussed server based gaming. Server based gaming is not allowed in Arizona as it is not part of the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts at this time. Server based gaming is allowed in Nevada and in a few other states as well, but not here. This means any single Class III slot machine in Arizona is not connected to a central computer in order to control the outcome of any one spin, the payback percentage of the game, the appearance of the game, and so on. A player tracking device mounted inside a slot machine is connected to a central computer. However, the player tracking unit does not influence the slot’s random number generator, change winning spins to losers, alter the payback percentage of the slot, change game themes and so on. The scenario you describe must have involved your player’s club card being inserted into the slot machine during the particular hours where bonus points were awarded. Without your player’s club card in the player tracking device in the slot machine you wouldn't have earned any bonus points right? The player tracking device is connected to a central computer in the casino capable of many different functions. None of those func-

tions alter the individual outcomes of the particular slot machine you choose to play. An analogy for this situation might be a video game console connected to your TV along with a DVR connected to the internet. I can access the TV’s menu any time I want while playing a video game. I can make the blue water in the video game appear purple by adjusting the TV’s tint. I can even program the DVR to record the Super Bowl or order and download a movie while I play my favorite racing game on the video game console. But, as you know, none of the actions described for the TV or the DVR affect what’s happening on the video game. The situation with slots and player tracking devices is similar. The slot and the player tracking device behave independent of one another. Gaming regulations require it and independent lab testing verifies that fact. So the slot isn’t connected to a central computer, the player tracking device is. You won’t earn bonus points without your card activating the player tracking device. Hopefully, in elaborating on the distinction between server based gaming, player tracking devices, and individual slot machines we have cleared up the fact that our earlier article is correct in stating that slot machines in Arizona are not connected to a central computer that influences the fundamental, random, operation of the slot machine. We hope you always find the machine that is going to hit when you visit the casino and thanks for being our reader and fan! Q: Many times [with] casino slots, people are touching, rubbing and even hitting the machines. Logically I know that [the random number generator (RNG)] controls the outcome of the bet. So is all the machine interaction just superstition? [I have the] same question with pulling the handle (on machines that still have them). And also, how about the option to stop a slot? Does that change the outcome of the spin or will the machine do what the machine will do, no matter what? Barbara Beck—Phoenix, AZ A: Barbara, thank you very much for writing in with your questions. Many of our readers and fans have the same questions you do! So, we’ll answer each in the order you asked to avoid any confusion when reading our response!

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 | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Q&A On Everything Gaming Does touching, hitting, rubbing, pouring holy water on, or otherwise “blessing” a slot affect the outcome? Absolutely not. The RNG controls the outcome of a slot machine. Superstitious behaviors are just that, superstitions. However, our staff collectively believes that superstitions, “lucky charms,” lucky routines, and so on will positively influence a player’s long run enjoyment, entertainment, and “luck” with the slots. Obviously, on a game like video poker where the player selects which cards to hold and which to discard, there is a defined strategy in order to play a video poker game in the best way. Yet what cards are dealt from the top of the virtual deck is still decided by the RNG. Does it make a difference if I pull the handle or press the button on a slot machine? Absolutely not. The handle (if available) and the spin button are connected to the same circuit that initiates a spin. Use the one you feel “luckiest” using! (Or use a combination of the two.) Does it make a difference if I stop the spin on a slot machine? Absolutely not. Stopping the spin just fast forwards to the outcome selected by the RNG. Some of our staff members oversaw

PLAYERS TALK

the implementation of the stop spin feature on slot machines while working for slot manufacturers, so we can conclusively (and with authority) state that this has no effect on your spin! In addition, gaming regulations require that a stop spin feature on a slot have no effect on outcomes and independent labs test slot machines to verify they behave as required by the regulations. Rest assured that the stop spin feature only helps players bet faster! Q: How many casinos are there in Arizona? My friend says there are a lot. I thought there were only like ten! Your help with this is appreciated. Lisa J.—Tucson, AZ Lisa, your question is a valid one. Many of us forget that there are more casinos in Arizona than the ones closest to our front door. In fact, there are 16 Tribes operating 23 Class III casinos in the State. Another 5 Tribes do not have casinos but have slot machine rights they may lease to other Tribes. One of Arizona’s 22 Tribes (the Hopi tribe) doesn’t have a gaming Compact. You can look at our Casino Directory on page 50 for more information on each casino. (Please note that the directory lists a total of 24 casinos, as one casino is technically in California, just West of Yuma, Arizona.) $

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

GREAT GAMES

Table Games—Blackjack

By Al Moe

ide bets and bonus bets are designed to increase the excitement level of a casino game, as well as increase the profit a casino makes from each game. If you play craps think of the pass line bet, which you make before shooting the dice, as the “standard” wager. It has a small house edge of about 1.4%. If you bet on the number eleven to roll, that’s a side bet and the house has a much larger edge—up to 16.7% at some casinos!

Lucky Ladies Payouts 4 to 1 or $4 if your first two cards total 20 9 to 1 or $9 if your first two cards total 20 and are the same suit 19 to 1 or $19 if your first two cards total 20 & are exact matches 125 to 1 or $125 if your first two cards are both Queen of Hearts 1000 to 1 or $1000 if your first two cards are both Queen of Hearts and the dealer has a blackjack

You won’t find any live craps games in Arizona, but you will find video craps, so stick with the pass/don’t pass line and take odds on your wager to keep the house edge down. Make the proposition bets like 2, 3, 11, 12 and the hard-ways at your own risk, knowing the house edge is very high.

Those high payoffs make the game very exciting, but the house edge is as high as 24.5% at Lucky Ladies. Play it sparingly and you’ll be fine. If you are playing $1 a hand on the side bet, your overall cost is 25-cents each hand. That’s similar to Perfect Charlie.

Blackjack Side Bets If you play blackjack, good for you, because the house edge is also about 1.4% and if you follow proper basic strategy for when to hit, stand, double down and split, you reduce the house edge to less than 1%. That’s very good!

If you play Perfect Charlie, you know you can win 300,000 to 1. That’s exciting, but most people play the game because they can wager as little as $3 per hand, plus 25-cents on the side bet. Just keep in mind that hitting the big one (2, 3, 4, 5, 7 suited, in order) is like hitting the Lottery—it doesn’t happen too often.

On the other hand, if you make a side bet like Perfect Charlie, Lucky Ladies, or Royal Match, keep in mind that while the wager can lead to a very large payoff (Lucky Ladies pays 1000-1 when you are dealt two queen of hearts and the dealer has a blackjack), your overall cost for playing blackjack will increase.

Side bets are like candy. Try a little once in a while and you’ll be fine. Too much and you’ll get a stomach ache! $

At Lucky Ladies, the player makes their standard blackjack wager and places a wager from $1 to $25 in the side bet circle. The player wins if their first two cards total 20. Even a $1 wager pays pretty well when it hits!

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Writer Al Moe has worked in the casino industry for many years. He has lived and worked 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.

New Slots

GREAT GAMES

Bally Fever Hits Fort McDowell Casino

lazing its way to the casino floor at Fort McDowell Casino is Fireball II After Burn. Presented on Bally’s ALPHA 2 Pro V22 with Digital Tower, this inferno of entertainment takes playerfavorite 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 Gam e-in-Game, plus the power of an enormous wide-area progressive on Bally’s Cash Connection link, Fireball II After Burn will ignite and maintain player excitement just like the original. Several other new Bally games are also now available for play at Fort McDowell Casino including Prizeball Playboy and Roll the Bones. Prizeball Playboy harkens back to Bally’s pinball roots. This unique slot game not only contains a Free Games Bonus and a Progressive Jackpot but also the Prizeball Bonus which means tons of pinball-style action without the tilt! Mr. Lucky puts the dice in the hands of players in Roll the Bones on Bally’s new ALPA Pro V22/32 platform. The Bones, featuring Mr. Lucky and his skeleton band-mates, takes players

on a rousing ride. This 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 also a three level progressive to be won as well! The spooky and spectacular animations and music combine for one of the most entertaining gaming experiences available! While visiting Fort McDowell Casino, make sure to check out these other exciting new Bally games that have just hit the floor recently: Jack pot Em pire , Quick Hit 24 Karat, Quick Hit Las Vegas, Moon Goddess, and Ocean’s Glory. $

Other New Slots At Fort McDowell Casino: By IGT: Back to the Future, American Idol Superstar, Avatar, Wyland, Fast Hit Progressives Double Gold, Fast Hit Progressives Triple Diamond, Fast Hit Progressives Double Hot Peppers By Multimedia: Moby Dick and Jackpot Factory azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

GREAT GAMES

New Slots Coming Soon

Beetlejuice By WMS Gaming

oin the creepy, eccentric cast of the Beetlejuice characters in an all-new strange and unusual slot experience by WMS Gaming. The 9x6 interface stretches across the 32” LCDs of the Gam efield xD cabinet vividly displaying oversized symbols, which if lined up may award up to a 10X multiplier! In the base game, any character symbols that land flush on reels 1 and 3 will trigger the “Perfect Match Multiplier” feature where a glowing frame extends across all 6 reels. If the character symbol lands exactly within the Perfect Match Multiplier frame, the symbols combine to form a larger symbol to create more valuable line pays, potentially awarding a multiplier! But that is not all: 3 Beetlejuice symbols trigger the “Wheel Spin” awarding one of four bonuses filled with movie clips, oversized symbols, multipliers and more, giving a whole new meaning to “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!” Make sure to visit www.youtube.com/wmsslots today for more information on this and other unique gaming experiences! Watch for this game to hit Arizona casinos soon! $ Did You Know?

Beetlejuice ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s14)

•Michael Keaton spent only two weeks filming his 17 minute part in the 1.5 hour film. •Beetlejuice’s name is said 15 times throughout the movie; Barbara said it 8 times, Juno said it 2 times, and Lydia said it 5 times. •The title character, Beetlejuice, is named for a bright red star in the constellation of Orion, Betelgeuse. •Lydia’s dress in the wedding scene was chosen to be bright red because of the rhyme that says, “Married in red, better off dead.”

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

New Slots Coming Soon

The Walking Dead By Aristocrat

ristocrat’s newest slot game, The Walking Dead based on AMC’s hit TV series, just started to go live in casinos all across the country and will be coming to Arizona soon! The Walking Dead slot game has a 75 credit minimum bet and a 300 credit maximum bet and is packed with clips from the show, unique features, and an abundance of bonus opportunities. Bonus features include “Reel Growth,” where reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 will randomly grow to a height of 5, 6, or 7 high; “Wild Attack,” where random positions in Reel Growth are replaced with Wilds; “The Horde,” where horde reveals a winning combination on the reels in Reel Growth. In “Atlanta Wheel Bonus,” players win credits, jackpots, CDC Wheel or Escape from Atlanta Free Games. In “CDC Wheel,” players can win credits, multiple prizes with the Grenade or trigger Walker Bonus spins with a multiplier. Players win free games in “Escape From Atlanta Free Games” and there is a Grand Jackpot that starts at $500,000! Just like the show, Aristocrat has made sure this new slot will keep players on the edge of their seats!

GREAT GAMES

Howling Wolf By Aruze Gaming

layers will definitely be howling for exciting games and prizes with Aruze’s latest Innovator game, How ling Wolf. This 5 reel, 30 line, 30 credit minimum bet stepper has a low game volatility and will most likely be installed in a penny denomination by casino operators. Howling Wolf is mystified by exciting base and bonus games. The 2X Wild symbols multiply the line wins by up to 4 times. With 5 or more Howling Bonus symbols, be prepared, for the howling wolf will herald you to the “Moon Prize Selection.” Your chance of hunting great credit awards while in the Moon Prize Selection depends on the number of Bonus symbols triggered during the “Howling Bonus.” Chase for more rewards during the Free Games and multiply your prize with additional Bonus symbols that appear when the reels stop. With all these exciting game features that include extra value-added, randomly triggered dancing reels and vibrant sounds and graphics, How ling Wolf will surely be a feast for your senses!

Kunoichi’s Fortune By Konami Gaming

onami’s latest XTRA Reward slot game theme is Kunoichi’s Fortune. It is a 5 reel game with an XTRA Reward feature and a free game event. Maximum lines plus the XTRA Reward bet, which is 10 credits, must be played to be eligible for the feature. During the XTRA Reward feature, the third reel will transform and display two symbols in each reel. If the same symbol appears on all positions on the first reel, then at least one of the remaining reels will be randomly selected and filled with that same symbol. This feature increases the chances of earning credits and triggering free games. During the feature game, any 3, 4 or 5 Mark symbols trigger 5, 10 or 15 free games respectively. All wins during the free games are doubled and additional free games can be awarded. Konami fans are already familiar with the Balance of Fortune feature where they can select to take a credit prize instead of playing the free games. $ azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

Bally Technologies—New Slots Coming Soon

GREAT GAMES

It’s Time to Roll the Bones By Riley Meredith

ust because we’re slot players doesn’t mean we don’t like the thrill of tumbling dice with the potential for a big win combination. That’s exactly what Bally’s new Roll the Bones game offers. Delivered on the V22/32 cabinet where you’ve played the likes of NASCAR and Michael Jackson King of Pop, Roll the Bones brings spooky and spectacular animations and music to deliver one of the most entertaining gaming experiences available. Roll the Bones is all about the dice. During the base game, individual die may appear above the reels. If two or more appear, the action begins. The dice spin and if doubles of one through five are rolled, a full stack of Wild symbols appear on the corresponding reel. Up to two Wild reels may be awarded at any one time. If double sixes are rolled, the U-Roll feature is awarded where you get to touch the screen and “roll the bones” yourself. In the U-Roll feature, you’ll get three rolls where you can reach out and “roll” the dice on the screen. Each roll results in a number with a corresponding multiplier on the tombstones that is applied to your total bet. You’ll want to hit those doubles again though, as it awards the corresponding multiplier plus activates the next highest jackpot level with max bet. Double sixes award the current jackpot and also activate the next highest jackpot if applicable. That means three double-six rolls award all three jackpots in a single bonus! But let’s not stop yet, as there are more bones to be rolled and more credits to be won. Three scattered Roll the Bones symbols award five free games and 2X total credits bet. After the fifth free game, an animated pair of dice is rolled by your skeleton host and any total other than seven awards an additional free spin. If doubles are rolled after the fifth free game, you’ll be awarded a 1X multiplier up to a total of 5X. When a seven is cast, the feature ends. Watch for Roll the Bones on casino floors and see if those dice come up lucky for you! To learn more about this game and other exciting new Bally products, visit ballytech.com. $

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

WINNING WAYS

By Lana Hartman

t most casinos, in particular larger properties, the placement of slots is carefully thought out all the way down to the payback percentage. How “loose” or how “tight” a slot is set when first brought onto the floor is not a haphazard decision for the Slot Department executives and GM’s office. As soon as a casino is big enough, say over 750 machines, casino executives put significant thought into how their property is laid out. As a result, the patrons respond to their design by having high or low traffic volume areas which is frequently based on desirable and undesirable amenities the casino property offers, like restaurants, an entertainment venue, etc. Casinos always want to maximize revenues out of every slot in the casino at all times. For this reason, slots in high volume traffic areas near an attractive amenity (Zone A), like the buffet, will see a lot of play. Games with a lot of play are a goldmine for the casino. These games can be set “tight” with high maximum bets and use math models with extreme ups and downs to their game play as they’ll get play regardless of their settings. At the opposite end of the spectrum is an area of the casino where traffic volume is low and there is nothing

attracting players to the surrounding area (Zone B). For example, a dark corner near a few blackjack tables where visitors might be bothered by the rowdy antics of someone who just watched the dealer draw to 21! Logically, the casino has to approach slots in this area differently than those in Zone A. In order to keep the numbers up in Zone B, the slots have to be lower risk, at lower max bets, and set “looser” in order to keep players in the area, playing longer, and coming back on their next trip. Then there are the middle ground areas. That is, sections of the casino with high foot traffic volume with unappealing attractions (Zone C), or an area with an attractive destination but with low traffic volume (Zone D). Slots in Zone C have a low wager, medium game play and tend to be set “tight” to capture a player’s impulse to play on a whim. Slots in Zone D usually have a low bet, medium game play and are set “loose” to keep players in the area. Next time you visit a casino, be observant of what zone (A, B, C, or D) you might be in. You’ll have to observe the traffic volume and the location of amenities and then come to a conclusion about how “loose” or “tight” the slots might be before you sit down and play! $ (Reprinted from V4Issue2 due to reader feedback.)

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

GAMING NEWS

San Carlos Apache Tribe Doubles Down On New Casino

he San Carlos Apache Tribe, owners and operators of Apache Gold Casino Resort near Globe, Arizona, are planning to add a second casino to their collection of tribal enterprises! The proposed new casino will be located on the San Carlos Reservation in the Aravaipa area on Arizona Highway 77 at mile marker 127 roughly two miles south of Dudleyville, Arizona. The location is at the southernmost part of the San Carlos Reservation and is approximately 65 miles north of downtown Tucson, and 100 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix.

Plans for the new Apache Sky Casino on the 230 acre site now include the construction of a 25 to 30 thousand square foot temporary facility housing about 500 slots, 12 card tables, 6 poker tables, a restaurant and a lounge. Projections forecast the new casino will generate about 200 construction jobs and around 500 permanent jobs once the facility opens for business. The San Carlos Apache Tribe is looking forward to bringing another gaming facility to the Arizona community and expects to break ground in May of 2014. The Apache Sky Casino should be ready to open in March of 2015. $

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

GAMING NEWS

Daniel Bergin Is Appointed New Gaming Director By Governor Jan Brewer

overnor Jan Brewer appointed Daniel H. Bergin as the new Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming on December 11, 2013. “In addition to a strong understanding of Arizona gaming issues, Mr. Bergin brings an extensive legal background, in both state and private practice,” said Governor Brewer. “His service as Interim Director has made for a smooth and effective transition within the Department and I am confident he will successfully continue to carry out the agency’s duties.” Mr. Bergin has been with the Department of Gaming since 2009, acting as Interim Director since September 2013. He previously served as Deputy Director where he managed the Administration and Compliance Division. In that role, he supervised division managers and supervisors; oversaw the Department’s budgeting, accounting, human resources, IT and gaming compliance matters; developed and submitted the Department’s yearly budget, strategic plan and appropriation requests, among other responsibilities. As Agency Counsel for the Department of Gaming, Mr. Bergin was responsible for general agency legal research, advice and representation on issues concerning the Arizona Tribal-State Compact, Arizona gaming laws, employment related matters, general litigation and more. Prior to joining the Department of Gaming, Mr. Bergin served as the Associate General Counsel for Arizona State University (2004-2009); Assistant Attorney General for the Administrative Law/Civil Division (1995-2004); Assistant General Counsel for First Interstate Bank of Arizona (1992-1995); and Associate Attorney for Tarkington, O’Connor & O’Neill (1991-1992) and Jennings, Strouss & Salmon (1988-1991). Daniel Bergin has been licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona since 1988. He graduated from Arizona State University College of Law (1988) and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance and Banking) (1985). Mr. Bergin replaces outgoing Director Mark Brnovich, who left in September, 2013. $

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Winners

$52,000 Weekly Winnings

Sal Lo Bracco

$50,000 Money Multiplier Bonus

Mary Jane Rappleyea

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Cindy Esquer

hen the Lottery vending machine would not accept the selection slip he tried to put into its slot, Sal Lo Bracco asked the clerk to refund the $5 he’d put into the machine. The clerk informed him that the machine does not give refunds. So Sal went back to the machine and randomly selected a $5 Money Multiplier Bonus Scratchers. His wife was mad at him because she plays all the time and she wanted him to buy her favorite game. Sal scratched the ticket at home and couldn’t believe it when the $50,000 amount was revealed. He said, “It’s probably a good thing I didn’t scratch it in the store. I’m sure after seeing how much I’d won, I probably would have been in a complete state of shock.” Because he wanted to be reassured the ticket was a winner, he called the Lottery office to be sure he had played it correctly. He had.

sing significant family dates, Mary Jane Rappleyea of Phoenix has regularly purchased two lines for each of the Weekly Winnings drawings. For some unknown reason, she’d never bothered to purchase it previously, although she purchased all of the other Arizona Lottery draw games. She finally decided to make the game “part of the family of games I play.” When Mary checked her numbers against those listed in the newspaper, she very calmly walked into her husband’s office, pointed to the newspaper, then to the ticket she was holding, and asked him to check the numbers. He checked them and said, “It looks as though you have a winning ticket.” At that point, Mary signed the back of the ticket and had him take it to the store to confirm she was indeed a $52,000 winner! Mary has already told her family and, as her husband said, “the immediate world.” The couple plan to share some of their winnings with their family, fix a few things around the house, and save the rest.

The winning ticket was purchased at Fry’s Marketplace, 3949 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix.

The winning ticket was purchased at a retailer at 1605 E. Bell Road, Phoenix.

$50,000 Coffee Break Crossword

Andrew Watson

The timing of this win is great. He recently quit his job to start a small manufacturing company and this money will be put into the new business!

ndrew Watson, a Surprise resident, was relieved when he discovered his $50,000 win on Coff ee Break Crossw ord . He always purchases his Scratchers and The Pick tickets at the same store and plans on giving the clerk that sold him the winning ticket a nice tip. Before he was certain of his win, he wrote down all the words he thought he’d matched and compared them to the ticket. Then, he took a picture of the ticket with his phone and sent it to his fiancé. She texted back, “Unreal!” In addition to paying bills, he’ll be getting married in March and wants to put a down payment on a house. The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K, 11339 W. Bell Rd., Surprise. $

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 1-800-499-3798.

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Hints & Tips

ARIZONA LOTTERY

Maximize The Chances Of Winning Play The Lucky Life Second Chance Drawing

f you purchase a Luck y Life Scratcher from the Arizona Lottery in the near future, absolutely don’t throw it away if it wasn’t a winner! The Arizona Lottery is once again adding value to all losing Scratchers by hosting four Lucky Life Second Chance drawings. In essence, a losing ticket can still turn into a winner if players register their non-winning Lucky Life Scratchers online! Players can visit azlottery.playerscircle.com/luckylife and click on the “Registration/Login” link. Once the seventeen digit alphanumeric code on the ticket is entered, players are registered for all four of the second chance drawings. Regardless if it’s a $1, $2, $5, or $10 Lucky Life Scratcher, there are four drawings for each one of the games! All entries must be performed online and players need to be aware that they can enter more than one non-winning Scratcher but are only eligible to win one prize per drawing per game. So, to increase your chances of winning, register for the drawing! $

Drawing Date May 15, 2014

Game $1 Lucky Life $2 Lucky Life $5 Lucky Life $10 Lucky Life

Prizes 10-$100, 2-$500 10-$100, 2-$1,000 10-$100, 2-$1,000 10-$100, 2-$1,000

October 16, 2014

$1 Lucky Life $2 Lucky Life $5 Lucky Life $10 Lucky Life

10-$100, 3-$500 10-$100, 3-$1,000 10-$100, 3-$1,000 10-$100, 3-$1,000

March 19, 2015

$1 Lucky Life $2 Lucky Life $5 Lucky Life $10 Lucky Life

10-$100, 2-$500 10-$100, 2-$1,000 10-$100, 2-$1,000 10-$100, 2-$1,000

To Be Determined $1 Lucky Life $2 Lucky Life $5 Lucky Life $10 Lucky Life

10-$100, 3-$500, 1-$2,500 10-$100, 3-$1,000, 1-$10,000 10-$100, 3-$1,000, 1-$50,000 10-$100, 3-$1,000, 1-$100,000

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 | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

By Lana Hartmann

on-Dah Resort-Casino and Conference Center is set to host their 12th annual White Mountains Winter Games 2014 that includes Sled Dog Races and WinterFest during the last weekend in February. The Sled Dog Races start at Sunrise Ski Resort on Saturday morning at 9am with the Finals held on Sunday at 9am as well. After the Finals, the Kids Races will be held. WinterFest begins at Noon on Saturday and includes a Chili & Salsa Cook-off, the White Mountain Dog Show, the Dog Weight Pull Competition, live music by Apache Spirit, food (Indian tacos!), beverages, vendors, Phoenix area radio personality Dave Pratt as the event MC, and much more. This celebration of Winter is not to be missed and is well worth the weekend trip into the White Mountains—especially because the Slot Department at Hon-Dah casino has been working hard to get a large number of brand new slot machines up and running before Winter Games 2014 heats up! This is the second large influx of new slots to Hon-Dah in a short amount of time. So, get your bankrolls ready and plan your next road trip up to Hon-Dah in the White Mountains to play all the hot new slots! The brand new games are from four different slot manufacturers including Bally, IGT, Konami, and WMS so you won’t worry about a lack of diversity. Players can choose from entertaining games like Back to the Future or Fo otlo ose by IGT, or get down to business with Bally’s numerous Quick Hit games, Konami’s China Shores series, or one of our personal favorites, WMS’ Mr. Hyde’s Wild Ride. When you put everything together, Hon-Dah is ready for some serious slot action before, during, and after Winter Games 2014! Instead of trying to discuss every slot they installed, we thought we’d look at the long list of new slots we obtained and tell you which games we’d definitely play as soon as we walked through the doors. The entire list of new games is on the next page, but we felt it was important to highlight three games as our standouts based on our research and our own personal experiences. Our top three “Must Play” games from the list of new slots at Hon-Dah are: Quick Hit, China Shores, and Mr. Hyde’s Wild Ride.

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Any Quick Hits by Bally Great bonus hit frequency! It is very easy to hit a bonus with a small bankroll. The free games are great. Plus, the multi-level progressive with the Quick Hit symbols is a fantastic add-on to the game. The lower jackpots hit often and it is not uncommon to hit jackpots and bonuses back to back. Remember, the only way to win any of the jackpots is to play max bet, so if that’s not your style, try a different game. Play these slots at max bet only or move on to something else! Mr. Hyde’s Wild Ride by WMS This game grows on all of us more and more every time we play it. When you get 4 bonus symbols on the first reel, the remaining reels re-spin for additional bonus symbols. You need 5 bonus symbols to trigger, but you can get up to 20 symbols on screen for up to 60 free games! The free games allow the bonus symbols to not only lock, but add one free spin and turn wild for the remaining free games! There are some great bonus wins to be made on this game and you don’t wait long for a bonus either. Any China Shores by Konami OK, we all know how popular this brand of Konami game is, so it comes as no surprise that we chose this slot as one of our favorites, right? You have to try these games several times to truly understand what all of the fuss is about. But when you see players routinely hitting hundreds of free games and walking away from a bonus with several hundred dollars with wagers that are less than a dollar, you’ll get it too! Be prepared to walk away from this slot if it isn’t treating you right because it’s very volatile. Try a bit of your bankroll to see if the machine is “hot” and if it’s not, move on. $

The Master List: Bally Technologies Fast Hits Double Gold, Gauchos Gold, Gold Rush, Hidden Paradise, Hot Hot Habanero, Quick Hit Black Gold Free Game Fever, Quick Hit Platinum Triple Blazing 7's, Quick Hit Triple Blazing 7’s Free Game Fever, Royal Eagle, Run with the Pack, Takes the Cake, Temple of Mystery, Texas Dice, Wild Encounters, Wild Stripes IGT Back To The Future, Black Orchid, Candy Bars, Cats and Dogs , Diamond of Athens, Fast Hits Triple Double Hot Peppers, Fast Hits Triple Diamonds, Footloose, Goddess of Desire, Goddess of Gold, Gold Bar 7's, Hot Roll Super Times Pay, Hot Roll Triple Double Diamond, Hotsy Totsy, Huevocartoon, In Bloom, Lady Swan, Lovely Outlaws, Lucky Horse, Pets, Splitting Hares, Sumatran Storm, Vanishing Act, Woolly Mammoth Konami Gaming China Mystery, China Shores, China Shores 4-5, China Shores Boosted, Dragons Law, Dynasty of Gold, Glittering Pyramids, Jumpin’ Jalapenos, Lion Festival, Mystical Ruins, Rawhide Bonus Ladies, Solstice Celebration, Sparkling Twilight, Treasure Voyage, Wealth of the Orient WMS Gaming Bier Haus, Black Knight II, Colossal Wizards, Country Girl, Enchanted Darkness, Exotic Treasures, Fallen Angels, Fire Island, Fire Queen a Double Money Burst, Great Tutankhamen's Mysteries, Hercules, Mr. Hyde's Wild Ride, Mystical Bayou, Napoleon & Josephine, Neptune's Quest a Double Money Burst, Nile Lotus, Pirate Ship, Queen of the Wild, Towers of the Temple, Treasures of Machu Picchu azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO DINING

By Lee Allen

ining in the desert encompasses all manner of cuisine ranging from Five Star to Fast Food with a growing trend toward traditional tastes. To satisfy the latter, the Tohono O’odham tribe offers its Desert Rain Café in Sells.

O’odham history is replete with references to seasonal farming that took advantage of Southern Arizona’s generally sparse rainfall. “I’itoi, Elder Brother of Tohono O’odham legend, provided everything the Desert People needed to survive, including a wide variety of wild and cultivated foods,” according to the café webpage. “These foods and food traditions have sustained the O’odham people and culture for countless generations.” Recognizing 21st century status, a Yes magazine article by Gabriel Thompson put it this way: “The destruction of the O’odham food system wasn’t only about food, it was about culture --- exchanging a local diet for an existence reliant on processed food. Millennia of food independence became dependence in a matter of decades.”

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

CASINO DINING The Desert Rain Café is located in the Tohono Plaza on Main Street in Sells, Arizona. Their phone number is 520.383.4918 and their website is desertraincafe.com. The café is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 3pm.

But now, anyone with a hunger for the traditional and tasty can whet their appetite with contemporary O’odham cuisine billed as “traditional, delicious, and healthy.” In a menu as creative as the cuisine itself, Monday through Friday edible options include breakfast (Morning Dew), entrees (Monsoons), side dishes (Whirlwinds), beverages (Flash Floods), and daily specials (Cloud Bursts). Café Manager Brian Hendricks will point out the café’s mantra that “each dish contains at least one traditional Tohono O’odham food such as cholla buds, protein-rich tepary beans, or saguaro fruit syrup. Sometimes we prepare them as our people have for generations and sometimes they are served in new ways.” The flavors of the desert are not only rich and delicious, designed to excite and satisfy the palette, traditional foods are also healthy. Mesquite flour, olive oil, and the sweet syrup of agave are used to help regulate blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. Taking advantage of historic and currently cultivated possibilities such as sweet Indian corn, beans, lentils, squash, and melons as well as beans from the mesquite tree and fruits off the saguaro cactus, menus are subject to change. Aside from standard items like tepary bean and short rib stew, hummus made from tepary beans, or prickly pear chicken wraps and glazed pork ribs, the kitchen staff gets challenged as seasons change and supplies vary. “People from all over the world come to our café to try our unique foods, knowing they can’t find anything like this anywhere else,” says Hendricks. “The cholla bud (Ciolim) harvest takes place in the spring and we will be featuring these in many preparations, including the ever-popular cholla bud citrus salad and our cholla bud pico de gallo,” says Consulting Chef Mary Paganelli Votto. “Because we make every effort to showcase seasonal food options, our weekly springtime specials may feature quiche, pasta, or sautés that all utilize the delicious cholla buds.” For the uninitiated taste buds, the rich in calcium fruit of the cholla (more calcium in a 4-ounce serving than in a glass of milk) is one of the earliest crops of a new season and offers a lot of culinary versatility. It can be dried, pickled, ground, or frozen, and then added to salads, stews, salsas, chiles and stir fry. Its taste has been likened to a cross between asparagus and broccoli.

Cholla buds from the buckhorn, staghorn, and pencil cacti will run their course before being replaced by the June fruiting of the giant saguaro to make jams, jellies, and even wine, and in its own turn the deep red, juicy-sweet fruits of the prickly pear which will show up in August. Just one example of the seasonal rotation of traditional edibles found in the desert --- and at the Desert Rain Café. So now you know what’s cooking --- but where did it come from? That’s where TOCA, the non-profit Tohono O’odham Community Action program comes in as sponsor of the New Generation of Tohono O’odham Farmers effort launched in 2011. TOCA manages both ends of the food chain…growing crops in the field that end up at the Desert Rain Café. For the O’odham, probably the most famous of the Three Sisters combination of corn/squash/beans would be the bean, specifically the tepary (bawi), indigenous to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. The staple of the O’odham diet is heat resistant, needs little water to grow, and does well in concert with other cultivated drought-resistant crops like 60-day corn. None-the-less, despite their dependence on the tepary, cultivation waned. In less than a century, the nearly food self-sufficient O’odham went from an annual 1½ million pounds of beans to a miserly few hundred pounds and fields began to lay fallow. Until TOCA stepped in to begin replanting traditional crops with seeds provided by Native Seeds/SEARCH, a Tucson-based seed bank. Today a 125-acre farm exists near the U.S./Mexico border, harvesting tons of beans and corn as well as squash and melon supporting TOCA’s message that when respected and cultivated, land considered sacred can create healthy traditional foodstuffs. A smaller grow-out farm south of Mission San Xavier Del Bac is run by the San Xavier Cooperative Association. “When the farm originally began, one of the basic efforts was raising crops to keep people alive,” says Propagation Manager Cie’na Schaefli. Now that growth rates have improved, a farm store offers certified naturally-grown traditional native crops --- everything from alfalfa, beans, and peas to corn meal and flour as well O’odham yellow watermelon, big squash (H:al) and I’itoi onions. The reintroduction of traditional native foods in schools and the community as a whole, “is about reintegration of cultural and health benefits, a return of the wonderful flavors of these traditional foods and part of a larger movement toward health and wellness,” says Chef Votto. “We’re proud to be a part of this reinvigoration.” $

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

TRIBAL NEWS

World Championship Hoop Dance Competition at the Heard Museum

By Lee Allen

lthough spring doesn’t officially arrive until midMarch, the weather warms quickly in Arizona desert country, allowing Native American events to get underway early. Two such annual festivities are planned in February and March with a welcome mat out for visitors. The 24th annual World Championship Hoop Dance competition will be held at Heard Museum in Phoenix on February 8-9. Starting with a Grand Entry procession on opening morning and concluding with an awards presentation on the afternoon of Day Two, competitors will be hooping it up non-stop. Hoop dancing is story telling and whether or not the story is a captivating one depends a lot on the talents of the storyteller and the number of hoops put into play (anywhere from one to 50). But it’s not the number of hoops involved that is impressive, it’s what the dancers do with them.

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

And Pow Wows “We look for rhythm and timing and how well the dancers coordinate with the drum,” says judge Victor Bob. “We watch for speed, precision, creativity, and showmanship --- lots of things going on simultaneously. Things don’t have to be absolutely perfect as long as the dance is completed, all the hoops brought into the competition are used, nothing gets dropped, and the hoop forms don’t fall apart before the end of the song.” Not only do judges look for the obvious, they also consider the intangibles like how well the crowd reacts to a particular performer’s moves like those of last year’s 6-year-old old Rito Lopez (Pima/Apache) from Salt River, Arizona. Another crowd favorite who proved that hoop dancing wasn’t just for the younger crowd was Jones Benally (Navajo), an award-winning performer now in his 90s who has been a hoop dancer for more than 75 years!

TRIBAL NEWS The origin of hoop dancing varies according to whatever historical reference is consulted. Some claim the people of Taos Pueblo in New Mexico were the first to perform with dancers passing through a 24-inch diameter circular willow hoop. Others insist the expressive performances began with the Anishinaabe culture in which the dancer became a counselor with the hoops representing circles that return the responsibility of problems back to their creator. Some indigenous peoples use hoop dancing as a part of healing ceremonies designed to restore balance and harmony in the world with holy men regarding the circles as sacred, claiming that visions may be seen within the hoops.

Entry procession. The ever popular crowd pleaser of Tiny Tot dancers (from those just able to walk to 5 years old) starts the full day of pageantry that includes intertribal dances, couples, exhibition, teen, elder, and women’s dancing. “We looked at a lot of other pow wows in the West to see how they were being conducted and then we incorporated what we thought were the best ideas into our own gathering which now offers a combination of pageantry, fun, and lots of dance competition,” Bailey says. Adding some uniqueness to this particular pow wow, a Waila band will kick off the second day of performances. Competition offers cash prizes for the top three performers in each category with prize amounts being determined by gate revenue. “Some dancers travel the pow wow circuit and compete as their way of earning a living,” Bailey says. Other events on Day Two involve two-step, team, and hoop dancing. A variety of food booths are located between the parking lot and the pow wow grounds at Mission San Xavier Del Bac [White Dove of the Desert] and the sights and smells of mesquite fires cooking Indian tacos, red and green chili burros, and several versions of fry bread are hard to pass by.

Heard Museum located at 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix

“Nobody needs to go away hungry,” Bailey says. “In addition to things to eat, Indian vendors will be selling jewelry, beadwork, drums, kachina dolls, painted art, T-shirts --- all authentic hand-made Indian crafts, not stuff made in China.” One of the most popular attractions for kids is the chance to get their faces painted.

The first World Hoop Dance Competition took place at the New Mexico State Fair in 1991 with the venue moving to Heard Museum the following year. “The event is a way to get up close and personal with a truly unique Native American sport,” says Debra Krol (Xolon/Salinan). “The rules are simple, the dancers accessible, and with more than 70 performers coming from all over the U.S. and Canada, you get to see a lot of different native cultures.” A few miles further down Interstate 10 and a month later, members of the Tohono O’odham tribe San Xavier District will present their 32nd annual Wa:k pow wow. “It’s always the second weekend in March (this year, March 8-9),” says long-time pow wow committee chairman Philbert Bailey. Begun in 1982 as a small social event to raise funds, it has grown in popularity with both participants and spectators and is now publicized as Tucson’s largest gathering of American Indians. “We share some of our cultural traditions with those who visit and don’t really care how many people show up as long as they all have a good time,” says Bailey. “Our pow wow is well attended by Native Americans who live by and like to compete as well as nonnatives who want to find out a bit more about who we are.” This year’s event will begin with a Saturday morning audience presentation of traditional dancing by San Xavier District dancers, followed by gourd dancing that leads up to a noon Grand

Baskets and other Indian crafts for sale at the Wa:k pow wow

Once the dancing dust has settled, Bailey and his committee members will take a break until the fall when they’ll start planning for an even bigger 2015 event --- always on the second weekend in March. More information on the February 8-9 Phoenix hoop dancing can be found online at heard.org/hoop. Additional details on the March 8-9 Tucson Wa:k pow wow can be found on their website at waknet.org. $

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO GOLF

Apache Stronghold

Superb Golf in the High Desert

he Apache Stronghold Golf Club located at Apache Gold Casino Resort near Globe, Arizona is an 18-hole, par 72 high desert golf course with a USGA rating of 74.6 and a USGA slope of 145. Opened in 1999, the 7,519 yard-long course was designed by Tom Doak and challenges golfers with natural features including desert washes, rolling topography and natural rugged bunkers. The mountain and desert vistas are panoramic and unspoiled. At 3,200 feet in elevation, the golfing experience is cooler than nearby Phoenix and Tucson during the summer months and mild during the winter season With five sets of tees to choose from, this memorable course accommodates serious to casual golfers. The property also includes a driving range and clubhouse.

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

CASINO GOLF Apache Gold Casino Resort is currently offering a Golf & Game Package that lets you bring a non-golfer along for the fun! The package includes a one night stay at Apache Gold Best Western, one round of golf at Apache Stronghold Golf Club including a cart and range balls, plus $10 promotional credits for two for slot play at Apache Gold Casino! In addition, guests will receive two breakfast, lunch and dinner vouchers at Apache Grill and two drink coupons. Weekday rates start at $140 and weekends (and holidays) start at $160.

The Fourteenth Green At Apache Stronghold

A second package available is their Golferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stay & Play Package where players can tee up at Apache Stronghold Golf Club and then hit the jackpot at Apache Gold Casino! The package includes a one night stay at Apache Gold Best Western, one round of golf per golfer at Apache Stronghold Golf Club including cart and range balls, $10 promotional credits for slot play at Apache Gold Casino! Each golfer receives breakfast, lunch and dinner vouchers at Apache Grill and a drink coupon. Single occupancy weekday rates start at $110 with weekends and holidays at $130. Double occupancy weekday rates are $176 and $196 on weekends and holidays. Call 800.APACHE.8 or visit apache-gold-casino.com for more information. $

The View From The Fifteenth Tee At Apache Stronghold

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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 November 2013 Slots

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, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, and a sports book. Stop in for lunch at Carnegie’s or the Poolside Café and enjoy the food!

Hold % Tables

Hold %

Loose Megabucks

0.97

Blackjack / 21

15.97

3.73

Craps

18.19

25¢

4.41

Roulette

21.23

Multi-Denom 5.23

Other Table Games 25.09

5.66

Let It Ride

26.50

5¢

5.82

Pai Gow Poker

28.54

1¢

9.93

Three Card Poker

33.23

Tight $25

Other We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. To inform us of updates, please email editor@azgamingguide.com. 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 three months prior. *A negative hold percentage indicates that game overpaid during the stated month.

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Loose Sports Pools Race Books

Tight Live Keno

11.01

Hold % Win Amount

Dollars

4.58

Slots

28.7 mil.

17.14

Tables

3.5 mil.

25.78

Other

0.4 mil.

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

News

Harrah’s Laughlin Presents: T

Entertainment, Promotions & Top Sizzling Slots

here’s a lot going on at Harrah's Laughlin with definitely something for everyone! Dirk Arthur continues his successful run at Harrah’s with his Wild Magic show February 4 through March 9 in the Fiesta Showroom. Shows are every night except Mondays. Defending the Cavem an returns to the Fiesta Showroom March 29 through April 20. This is one comedy show you don’t want to miss! On April 26, you’ll want to catch Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys. With tickets starting at $24 you’ll be sure to have an evening of great entertainment from two great performers for one low price! On June 14, funny man Jeff Dunham arrives with his Disorderly Conduct Tour for a night of laughs. Harrah’s Laughlin is also hosting a big $20,000 Poker Tournament that is open to the public the weekend of March 14-16. The winner receives a $10,000 WSOP seat or $8,000 in cash! The entry fee is $200 and room

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

rates start at only $59 per night with the buy-in! Every Sunday in March through April 20, Harrah’s Laughlin presents Wheel of Fortune Super Spin Sundays. Players have a one in five chance of winning a prize including free slot play, reward credits, dining credits, or a gift. Did you know that Harrah's Laughlin is home to plenty of Top Sizzling Slots? Not only did they recently install over 400 new games, but they are also paying out over $9 million every month! So, the next time you visit, if you are a fan of video poker, make sure to play the IGT MultiDenomination Triple Play/Five Play/Ten Play machines in the High Limit room or the Video Poker Area. If you prefer the slots, some of the hottest games on their floor are Aristocrat’s Buff alo Stam ped e near the South Tower, Aristocrat’s Wond er 4 near the Beach Café, and Bally’s Quick Hits also near the South Tower. $

News

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY All American Country In The E Center!

ountry music icon and legend Willie Nelson returns to the E Center Saturday, March 29 for another extraordinary concert! Nelson is the creative genius behind historic recordings like Crazy, Hello Walls, Red Headed Stranger and Stardust. His career has spanned six decades with a catalog of over 200 albums. He's also earned every conceivable award and honor bestowed upon a person in his profession. In the last five years alone he delivered ten new releases, two of which received Grammy nominations, and a career-spanning box set. He released his first novel and again headlined Farm Aid, an event he co-founded in 1985, all the while continuing to lobby against horse slaughter and producing his own blend of biodiesel fuel. Nelson tours tirelessly, climbing aboard Honeysuckle Rose III (he rode his first two buses into the ground), taking his music and fans on a seemingly endless journey to places that were well worth the ride. The concert starts at 7:30pm with tickets starting at $45.

The Original Cornell Gunter’s Coasters The Coasters were the first vocal group to be inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, with a string of big hits such as Charlie Brown, Searchin', Youngblood, Yakety Yak, Little Egypt and many more. Charlie Duncan joined Cornell and became one of the Coasters. Duncan carried on the tradition of vocal excellence, stage presence, choreography and humor he shared with Gunter.

Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, Monroe Powell & The Platters Revue, Bobby Hendrick’s Drifters E Center Dinner Show set for February 28, March 1 & March 2, 2014. Dinner will be served at 6pm Nevada time. Tickets starting at just $55.

The Legendary Monroe Powell & The Platters Revue The Platters were one of the top vocal groups of the 50s, delivering smooth, stylized renditions of pop standards. Their string of hits began in 1955 with Only You and included four singles that reached #1: The Great Pretender, My Prayer, Twilight Time and Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. Monroe Powell is the best known lead singer for the Platters for over 40 years. Bobby Hendrick’s Drifters One of the great American doo-wop and R&B/soul vocal groups, the Drifters’ hits include There Goes My Baby, Dance With Me, This Magic Moment, Save The Last Dance For Me, Some Kind Of Wonderful, On Broadway, Under The Boardwalk. Bobby Hendricks is the oldest surviving lead vocalist of the Drifters. Tickets are on sale at www.edgewater-casino.com and at Edgewater Casino Services. $

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Cabaret Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands every weekend Pavilion: Selena Tribute—Mar. 1 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition—Now-Apr. 22 Kenny Rogers—Mar. 22 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin Tribute)—Feb. 7 Aeromyth (Aerosmith Tribute)—Feb. 21-22 Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute)—Feb. 28-Mar. 1 The Long Run Experience (The Eagles Tribute)—Mar. 7-8 Fortunate Son (CCR Tribute)—Mar. 21-22 L.A.Vation (U2 Tribute)—Mar. 28-29 The Arizona Room: Jordan Benson with Heartlyn Rae (Country) - Mondays at 8pm Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Tuesdays at 6pm Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wednesdays at 6pm Marley Taylor Band (Cover band)—Sundays from 9pm to 1am Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Event Center: George Lopez—Feb. 14-15 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling—We-Fr at 8pm La Vida Loca (Latin Music)—Fr at 9pm A variety of live music every Saturday night on the casino floor Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Boots & Beers—Live country music every Friday night! Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music! Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Swinging Tuesdays—Tuesdays 1–4pm Karaoke Night—Wednesdays 7-11pm Classic Golden Oldies—Thursdays 1-4pm Live music or DJs—Fridays & Saturdays Diamond Center: Oh What A Night!—Feb. 8 Rodney Atkins—Feb. 22 (Rodeo Weekend) Ron “Tater Salad” White—Mar. 29 Doobie Brothers—Apr. 4 Gloria Trevi—May 3

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Rodney Atkins knows the value of taking the long way home, of veering off the beaten path onto that road less traveled once in a while. The east Tennessee native has an impressive track record with hitting on sentiments that strike a chord with the country listener: he's had six number one hits from his first three albums, from Watching You and These Are My People to his most recent smashes, Tak e A Back Road , and Farm er's Daughter. Through it all, Rodney has always remained true to himself and constantly strives to evolve and find unique ways of expressing himself through the music he puts out into the world. Though his new crop of songs has some edge and the vocal energy may be amped up a notch, Rodney is still the same, hardworking, patriotic, rock-solid country boy that fans have grown to know and love since his debut with 2003's Ho nesty. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “We’re very proud to once again partner with KIIM FM for a spectacular rodeo weekend show! Don’t miss Rodney Atkins’ fantastic Country sound!” Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Mega Yard Sale—Feb. 22 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: Bella Donna—Feb. 7, The Hamptons—Feb. 8, B Platinum—Feb. 14, The JJ’s—Feb. 15, Da Ventures—Feb. 17, Quantum—Feb. 21, The Walkens—Feb. 22, Kenny Cetera—Feb. 28, Live DJ—Feb.3,10,17&24 Wild Wednesdays No o n to 4pm: Sw ingtips—Feb. 5, Walkens Trio—Feb. 12, Band Stand Shows 70’s—Feb. 19, Western Fusion Trio—Feb. 26. Hot Latin Nights 8pm to midnight o n Thursda ys fea tures Orchestra Caliente—Feb. 6, AzTex—Feb. 20. Ladies Night o n Mo nda y nights Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show begins at 7pm Featuring a variety of live local talent Tuesday through Saturday

Editor’s Pick Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment We—Country, Th—Polka Party 12-3pm & 70’s Disco Funk 8pmmidnight, Fr—Latin, Sa—Top 40/Dance Verona Chophouse: Talia Live— Saturdays 5-9pm Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am-3pm

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Talking Stick Resort Presents

LEGENDS IN CONCERT February 19-23

Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: DJ Brent—Feb. 14-15, Mar. 14-15 Bad Cactus Brass Band—Mar. 4 Event Center: Hot August Night (Neil Diamond Tribute)—Feb. 14 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Pipa Event Center: Paul Anka—Feb. 28 Dwight Yoakam—Mar. 28 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Average White Band—Feb. 7 Legends In Concert—Feb. 19-23 George Thorogood & The Destroyers—Mar. 1 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of local, regional & headlining acts. Call for info. Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 VQ Live: Featuring a variety of cover bands, local & regional acts. Call for info. Event Center: JoDee Messina—Feb. 14 Little Joe y La Familia—Feb. 15 Under a Blood Red Sky (U2 Tribute)—Mar. 15 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: Paul Anka—Feb. 14 The Temptations—Feb. 15-16 Rodney Atkins—Feb. 21 Vietnamese Lunar New Year Concert/Dance—Feb. 22 Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke with Cruisin’ Susan—Fr at 8pm-12am Featuring a variety of live bands on Saturdays from 7 to 10pm

Talking Stick Resort is bringing the Las Vegas experience to Scottsdale on February 19-23 when it hosts Legends in Concert. Celebrate the music of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and the Blues Brothers in the Showroom and watch as the renowned tribute performers capture the spirit, style and sound of some of the greatest musicians in history! Making its debut in 1983, Legends in Concert kicked off its first show at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Since then, the theatrical production has only gotten bigger and better celebrating 30 years of entertainment on the Las Vegas strip. From the moment they grace the stage, an electrifying ensemble of singers, dancers and a live band will bring pop culture classics to life with their authentic impersonations. Don’t miss your chance to see their faithful portrayals of music royalty firsthand. Tickets for the shows are on sale now. Call 480.850.7777 and ask for the box office or visit talkingstickresort.com.

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.

azgamingguide.com | February 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO NIGHTLIFE Corina DJing at KOOL 94.5 FM

L8 Nite Bingo @ Casino Arizona with host Corina By Ramses Ja

Corina Hosting at L8 Nite Bingo

Corina & DJ Kenji at Casino Arizona’s L8 Nite Bingo Theme Nights

bout a year ago, I had the great pleasure of helping Casino Arizona launch their brand-new bingo hall. My partner at the time was my professional colleagueturned-lifelong friend Corina from KOOL 94.5 FM (weekdays 6-10pm). She held the host post while I blessed the crowd from the turntables. It was a very exciting time for both of us, as well as the casino staff and the players! Ultimately, I was called to lend my DJing services to other venues offered under the Casino Arizona umbrella, but I will always hold a special place in my heart for L8 Nite Bingo! I decided to check up on the action after one year in full swing to find out what the party is like these days! I made my way out to the bingo hall (which is still just as impressive as ever) and noticed there were a few changes made. One of the most noticeable was the bar! Gone are the days when a visit to the bar meant walking out of the bingo hall onto the gaming floor! They have ensured that this bingo hall is a one-stop-shop! There is also a cash grab box, which I later learned replaced the Hi-Low game we used to play. Instead of playing HiLow, winners get a chance to reach and grab for $1,000 as it is blown around them! Whatever they can get their hands on, they keep! It’s truly an exciting event to watch. In fact, I wish I could have a go in there!

loween was—something I really wish I hadn’t missed! She also explained The Birthday Game to me. It’s basically another way for the casino to give prizes away to players on their birthday! Simple! Also, she broke down how far the casino goes to make the VIP card holders feel special. There are added trivia questions asked throughout the night in which only VIP players can participate. In short, Casino Arizona wants as many winners to leave as possible. That’s certainly not a bad thing if you’re thinking you want to participate in after-hours bingo! Ultimately, while there are more games, prizes, and winners, L8 Nite Bingo has retained (what I believe to be) its most special element—its atmosphere! The callers are just as friendly as I remember! The floor workers are really enthusiastic with the winners! Corina makes sure to visit every group and welcome everyone personally. The experience really feels like being a part of something special. I must say that I miss it. If you are like me and haven’t been in a while, trust me when I say you’re missing out! L8 Nite Bingo was always a blast, but now I can honestly say it’s better than ever!

Visit casinoarizona.com for info on Casino When Corina finally took the time to catch Arizona’s Bingo or call 480.850.7777. $ her breath (she really puts her all into hosting) she told me they Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II have started incorpo•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for rating theme nights KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat into the fold. She •Resident DJ/VJ for KTVK-3TV Friday 10am described how much •Host of R.E.D.Y. Set Radio fun they had on 70s •Official Bum Squad DJ night, described her •DJ Vatican Member sexy outfit at the White-Out night, and •For more information on Ramses Ja, visit his just how insane Halwebsite at: ramsesja.com.

40 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

HOT DEALS

Giveaways

3 Great Ways To Win! T

o date, we have given away well over $10,000 in prizes through the magazine, our Facebook page and our website and we’re not going to stop now! Past prizes have included cash, gift cards, gas cards, free play, concert tickets, hotel stays, and more! You could be our next winner! Break Away From The Big City Website Giveaway January 1 through December 31, 2014 Monthly Drawings

The packages are valid for any of the Renaissance Festival’s dates: February 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, March 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for being the best fans and readers we can ask for! It’s easy to register for this giveaway. Just “Like” our Facebook page at facebook.com/ ArizonaGamingGuide and put a post on our page telling us what your favorite section is in the magazine (or sections!). Each week we’ll randomly select winners from all of the posts. By joining our community on Facebook, you’ll be the first to learn about new game installs, casino events, giveaways, and upcoming articles, opportunities to be featured in the magazine. Apache Gold Casino Resort is giving away two free nights for two people, $50 in free play per person, and dinner for two at the buffet. They are presenting us with this prize package (valued at over $300) every month for the rest of 2014! You can register for the ‘Break Away From The Big City’ Giveaway at azgamingguide.com. And, we’ve made it easy for you—all you have to do is register once! If you have registered in the past and haven’t won yet, don't worry! You are still registered and eligible to win every month. Make sure to sign up now so you can win a getaway courtesy of the Arizona Gaming Guide and Apache Gold! Congratulations to our past winners of the ‘Break Away From The Big City’ Giveaway: Sava S. (Mesa), Kimberly D. (Chino Valley), Sara H. (Gilbert), Patrick P. (Clifton), Donielle C. (Phoenix), Gina L. (Phoenix), and Mary Z (Safford). Renaissance Tickets Facebook Giveaway February 1 through February 28 Weekly Drawings We are giving away 20 sets of four Renaissance Festival adult admissions and a VIP parking pass every week (valued at $100)

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Ask The Experts Magazine Giveaway January 1 through December 31, 2014 Monthly Drawings 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 our “Players Talk” section of an upcoming issue. If your question is chosen for print, we will send you a $25 gas card! Mail your questions to Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-Mail to editor @azgamingguide.com. Please make sure to include your full name and mailing address with all correspondences. (Complete rules for both giveaways available at azgamingguide.com)

CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY

Special Sessions Friday February 14 is Valentine’s Day! There will be a $500 Must Go Special during the 6pm session with free daubers while they last. Mond ay February 17 is President’s Day! There will be a $500 Must Go Special during the 6pm session. On Saturday February 22 the hall hosts Kozmic Bingo at 10pm. The packs cost $10 for a Paper Buy-In, $17 Electronic, and $27 for the Kozmic Special. The music is courtesy of $DJ MONEY$. Regular Sessions Su-Sa: 11:30am Mini Session ($8 paper, $17 electronic, $50 payouts). 1:30pm Matinee Session ($10 paper, $17 electronic, $22 man-

ager’s special, $75 payouts, $100 specials). Sa 6pm : (3x points, $13 paper, $22 electronic, $125 payouts, $175 specials). Mo 6pm: All U Can Daub (paper only, $100 payouts, $150/$175/$200 specials, $15 paper, receive up to two extra 6-ons free, $7 specials— save $2). Tu&Fr 6pm : Ladies' Night (2X points, ladies who bingo alone in main games get double payouts, not valid on hot ball or specials). We 6pm : $25 Buy-In (all 10 main games pay $200 and $150 specials). Th 6pm : No Split Bingo. If you are tired of sharing your bingo winnings, this is your night. Every winner will receive $100 each during main games! For more info, call 800.777.4946 or visit paradise-casinos.com. $

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

BlueWater

Mo-We 4:30pm. Su at 11:30am.

400

Yes

Casino Arizona

Mo-Su at 6:30pm Daily Matinees at 12:30pm

1000

Yes

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

Casino Del Sol

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

600

Yes

Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.

Cocopah

Daily at 1:30 & 6:30pm

350

Yes*

Yes

Desert Diamond I

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

270

Yes

Fort McDowell

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

1275

(2 sections: enclosed or in general seating)

Yes

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

Harrah’s Ak-Chin

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

470

Yes

Lone Butte

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

750

Yes

B.A.D. Bingo 2 Fr at 11:30pm & B.A.D. Bingo Sa at 11:30pm.

Mazatzal

Mo-Th at Noon. Tu & Th at 6:30pm.

280

Yes

Paradise

Daily at 11:30am & 1:30pm Mo-Sa at 6pm.

300

Yes

Call for Kozmic Bingo & Other Special Dates

Vee Quiva

Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.

366

Yes

Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.

Yes

Late Night

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 01/01/14 & 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 | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of Valentine’s Day, find: ARROW, CANDY, CARD, CHOCOLATE, COUPLES, CUPID, DATE, DIAMOND, FEBRUARY, FEELINGS, FLOWERS, FRIENDSHIP, GIFT, HEART, HUGS, KISSES, LOVE, LOVERS, ROMANCE, ROSES, STROLL, SUITORS, VALENTINE. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 50)

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)

3 6

5 4

3 1 46 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

2 9

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

I Can’t Hear The Slot!

Sounds are part of the experience...

By Sami Becker

ello Sami,

We get to Arizona every year (from Pennsylvania) and always pick up the Arizona Gaming Guide. I like to check the "Casino Directory" at the back of the magazine. The problem I have with the Directory is that the black numbers on the red location stars are near impossible to see. If you used white for the numbers they would be easier to read. Thanks! My second rant is for casinos that have new fun to play slots (Mummy, Ferris Bueller, Avatar, etc.) but have the volume turned way down, or completely off (even if the player can adjust the volume). We play to have fun, but playing Mummy with no sound at all is no fun since the sound is such an integral part of the play. Thanks for listening! Joe Prah—Arizona & Pennsylvania Casino Directory. Joe, thank you very much for your suggestion. We take time to produce our magazine every month and work together with our graphic artists to ensure articles and other information is presented in an attractive manner that is also easy to read. When we originally designed the Arizona casino map, we discussed several color options for the map, the stars, and the type. This month, the type on the stars is in white, thanks to your suggestion. Please let us know what you think! Sound Volume On Slots. Joe, I completely agree with your rant on the sound being turned way down or off on slots. The sounds are very much a part of the game and, as you mention, certain types of slots are boring without the sound.

extent, not focusing on the complete entertainment experience of the player—which we all know definitely includes the sound! Furthermore, until sound became more of an accepted primary design element for slot manufacturers, rather than an afterthought, the only way to control the sound was for a slot technician to set volume levels by accessing the service menu and making the appropriate adjustments. Recently, the control of the volume is more and more in the hands of the players. Onscreen buttons allow players to adjust the volume on their own. However, the master volume is still controlled by the casino in the service menu. That means you, as a customer, can always ask to have a slot attendant adjust the master volume within the game. I strongly recommend you do this if a slot’s volume is not to your liking, whether it is too loud or too soft. If a slot attendant won’t make the adjustment, ask to speak to a supervisor or a player’s club representative. If the casino has any interest in customer service at all, they’ll listen to you. If they don’t, perhaps you need to find a casino with a heightened awareness of customer satisfaction. Now, when a slot is first installed, the casino employees may not give a lot of thought to the sound levels and just randomly set them or leave the sound off as that may be a default setting from the manufacturer. In particular, if the employees install the games at the casino during a quiet time their perception of loud and soft will certainly be altered! So, don’t be afraid to ask to change the sound!

The design teams at the slot manufacturers put in a great deal of time when working on a new game and they also pay close attention to what sounds are played during what parts of game play. This is especially true when a slot machine uses a licensed title or brand like Mum m y, Ferris Bueller, or Avatar. When designing those games, slot manufacturers pay even closer attention to the sound as the licensee (the people owning Avatar, for example) will want to know how the music associated with the licensed name is implemented into the slot machine’s game play.

Honestly, I wish all the slot manufacturers would make sure there is a volume adjustment button available to the player at all times on all games. As it stands, not all of the slot manufacturers do this. Furthermore, they should include “mute” as an available option on the sound adjustment. Why put a mute button on a slot you ask? Let me be frank, some slots have really terrible sound design. Plus, sound and music truly is a matter of personal taste. One patron might like to play a slot and listen to cats meowing at each press of the spin button or whenever a certain symbol lands onscreen. However, other people might avoid a slot all because of the sound design! $

For many years, the sounds used for slot machines were very limited and not very sophisticated. This was mainly for technological reasons, a desire to keep costs down, and to a certain

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

48 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

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

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 656

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 504

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 685

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

866-332-9467

480-802-5000 1,089

Pinetop

800-929-8744 838

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 786

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

Payson

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

800-777-7529 425

888-777-4946 506

Y Y

I-8, Exit 166

Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+

19. Spirit Mountain Casino

8555 Hwy. 95

Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247

101 & Indian Bend

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 744

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

18. Quechan Casino

24. Yavapai Casino

Y Y

Y Y* Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 906 Maricopa

22. Vee Quiva Casino

777 Hwy. 260

21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino

I-17, Exit 289

17. Paradise Casino

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino

855-765-7829 298

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

20. Talking Stick Resort

855-765-7829 1,085

14. Hon-Dah Casino 15. Lone Butte Casino

Tucson

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Tucson

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

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

08. Cocopah Resort Casino

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

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

Y Y Y Y

Y Y

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

azgamingguide.com

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Word Search Solution

Sudoku Solution

S R E W O L F R O S E S

R O M A N C E

A R R O W

U R

G A

E V O L D

Y D N A C

E A S E T T C G N P E Y L I L L H

A O N I R S L U I

T F

I G H T

A E O P L N D

D O O S S U S C L E E R S E N V R D U R S O E E L A H C O E T N I U

I H S F A C

M R S E T E K C

A S

I O F

R R

F S

50 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Arcade

800-272-2438 619

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