Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - May 2014 - 06:05

DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 GREAT GAMES 15 WINNING WAYS 22 CASINO DINING 24 ARIZONA LOTTERY 26 FEATURE STORY 30 TRIBAL NEWS 33 GAMING NEWS 36 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 40 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 42 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 44 CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY 46 FUN & GAMES 48 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 50 CASINO DIRECTORY

GILA RIVER CASINOS HAS NEW EXCITING TABLE GAMES ACROSS THREE CASINOS!

NEW SPHINX SLOT IN 3D

BY GTECH

MULTIMEDIA GAMES HAS NEW SLOTS IN ARIZONA

MALFUNCTION VOIDS ALL PAYS AND PLAYS

This game was a big hit at the G2E show and now we can all play the game too. No 3D glasses required!

More Multimedia games are making their way into our state including Moby Dick & Chamillion Deluxe!

An inside look at what happens if a slot has a problem. Plus, key steps to take to protect yourself.

azgamingguide.com | May 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 05 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

Gila River Casinos Features Their Table Games If you haven’t seen the new table games at any one of the three Gila River Casinos, you should take the time to check out what they have to offer. There is a linked progressive jackpot for all three properties across two games, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em and Crazy 4 Poker. Plus, the casinos have also added Spanish 21 with a ‘match the dealer’ side bet and Golden 21, a side bet for blackjack.

This issue has the scoop on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, GTECH, and Multimedia. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe gives us the inside scoop on common blackjack mistakes. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with an in-depth look at the White Mountain Apache Tribe’s upcoming pow wow. Winning Ways writer Rodric Hurdle-Bradford fills us in on player’s clubs. And, entertainment writer Ramses Ja reviews VQ Live. 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 May issue and have fun!

Cheers!

Alexandra

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

“Like” us on Facebook because

we “Like” you too!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Ramses Ja Cindy Esquer Lee Allen Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford Riley Meredith 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 | May 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

PLAYERS TALK

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you stop video reels in time to “catch” a bonus symbol or wild symbol from passing by?

As soon as the “Spin” button on a slot is pressed, the result is determined by the random number generator (RNG). The lights and animations that happen are only for entertainment purposes and the outcome of the spin doesn’t change no matter what a player does. The last bonus symbol can’t be “caught” in time by touching the screen before it passes by or a winning combination can’t occur by stopping the reels at precisely the right moment with the stop/spin feature.

Q: You leave a machine, somebody sits down after you and hits a bonus, a large win or, worse yet, a jackpot!

Could that win have been yours?

Probably not. The RNG is constantly shuffling through all possible combinations and is perpetually doing so even when the machine is not being played. The RNG stops on a combination only when the player presses the “Spin” button. To say that both you and the person who sat down after you would have pressed the button at the exact same millisecond is very unlikely. Just consider the fact that the RNG can go through 100,000 or more combinations in just one second!

down time, permission and oversight by a gaming agency, and additional administrative hassle. No slot manager is ever going to want his or her slots off for more than a few minutes, let alone the days it would require to go through the rigorous routine of changing payback percentages all the time!

Q: Is there an advantage to increasing your bet?

Yes. The simple truth of the matter is that, in many cases, the more you bet the more you increase your chances of winning!

Some examples of games that reward players wagering the higher amounts are: Video Poker where max credits played awards a higher paying Royal Flush, randomly triggered progressive games where higher wagers have an increased chance of triggering the progressive, community games where higher multipliers are offered for larger bettors, and mechanical reel slots where more pays and higher payouts are available only with higher bets. Always read the help screens and pay tables to determine if betting max will give you an advantage!

Q: If a slot machine hasn’t paid out in a while is it due?

Every spin on a slot machine is independent of the spin before.

The RNG program that picks which values will be displayed on screen after each spin has no ability to control the future based on past outcomes. No matter what anyone says, a slot is never “due” for a win, a bonus, or a jackpot! Imagine tossing a two sided coin and getting several heads in a row. Could you guarantee that the next toss would be tails since it hasn’t happened in a while?

Q: Why does it feel like you can never win when playing with free play money?

Your chances of winning or losing using free play money for credits are no different than when you use real currency or tickets for credits. The slot machine does not change its behavior because of the type of credits. Here’s a hint: keep track of how much you are winning with your free play money. Assume you have $10 in free play and you place 50 cent wagers. This means the free play money will allow you to have 20 free spins. Press the spin button exactly 20 times, stop playing, look at your credit meter and see how much you’ve won using your free play money! That money is yours. Whether you choose to continue playing or cash out at that point is your decision.

Q: Can casinos “tighten” or “loosen” their slots whenever they want?

Yes, however, it’s a very time consuming process that needs to involve a lot of people. When a new slot machine arrives at a casino it’s initialized and the payback percentage is selected for the game. This is all done with a member of the overseeing agency recording all the settings of the game. It’s not in the best interest of any casino to change a game’s percentage to make it “tighter” or “looser” after the initial set-up because it requires

Q: What’s the best slot game to play at the casino?

Video Poker has the highest payback percentage when played at max bet using optimal strategy. The higher the denomination, the better the pay table and the higher the payback percentage will be. Playing 25 cent denominations and up are your best bet. In terms of the slots you need to find the high denomination games as well. Here we advise you to find the 5 dollar machines and up to get the best payback percentages. Anything below the 5 dollar denomination is not a good bet. $

and get a $25 gift or 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 | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

GREAT GAMES

Table Games—Blackjack

By Al Moe

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lackjack is widely regarded as a fun, easy-to-play game.

And for those reasons there are more blackjack tables in Arizona casinos than any other table game. The house edge is also smaller than any other table game offered in the state. So what mistakes could players make? Unfortunately, there are plenty.

Mistake Number One The first mistake players make is not learning some basic rules of play. Playing perfect basic strategy reduces the house edge to about .6% at most of the state’s casinos. If you want a simplified system, hit your hand until you have at least hard 17 when the dealer shows 7, 8, 9, 10 or ace and stay once you get to at least a hard 12 against a dealer up card of 2 through 6. Double down on 10 or 11 against a dealer up card of 2 through 9, never take insurance, always split aces and 8’s, and split 2’s, 3’s and,7’s against a dealer 2 through 7.

Mistake Number Two Over-betting your bankroll can lead to a ruin. With any game of chance there will be both good and bad streaks. To enjoy an evening of fun, you’ll have to ride-out some bad streaks, but you can’t do that if you have a $100 bankroll and wager $25 per hand. With a total of just four losing bets, you’ll be out of action!

Split your bankroll into at least 20 units (a $10 bet with a $200 bankroll is good). That won’t guarantee success, but you’ll have a fighting chance.

Mistake Number Three Playing too long, especially when frustrated or drinking too much alcohol, is never good. Emotional issues and drinking tend to impair a gambler’s judgment. Don’t gamble when you are unhappy, it’s not likely to improve your mood! Alcohol is

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alright for some players, but only in moderation. Libations reduce inhibitions, which means you might bet too much, play too long, and play poorly. Save your drinking for a candle-lit meal.

Only play blackjack when you are happy, relaxed, and still enjoying the game.

Mistake Number Four Playing as an escape is common to gambling. Blackjack can be a very social game, and dealers try hard to entertain their players.

Like playing too long, playing blackjack to escape other aspects of your life is common and not harmful if it is kept to a minimum. However, playing for hours on end or day after day (for any reason) is a big mistake. Life is tough, but don’t make it worse by making a casino your only place for social interaction.

Mistake Number Five Blackjack is streaky, and not taking advantage of a great run of cards is a mistake. Sometimes you lose six or eight hands in a row, sometimes you win just as many. Betting more to catch up after many losses is a mistake many players make and it will lead to a busted bankroll. However, players often forget to take advantage of their good streaks too! Bet a little more each hand during a winning streak. You might not be winning every hand, but when the cards are running good, raise your bet gradually upwards. When the streak seems to have ended, cut back to your regular bet! $ 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.

GREAT GAMES

WMS Gaming—New Slots Coming Soon

Colossal Jackpots On The New Blade Platform

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he Colossal Reels series by WMS is back—this time with a Local Area Progressive! Another exciting addition to their Blade cabinet, the Colossal Jackpots themes feature 100 lines of action, unique Free Spin Bonuses, and Transferring Wilds, where symbols appearing on the smaller reel set may start a symbol transfer to the Colossal Reels set!

It only takes three symbols to win one of the three Local Area Progressive awards or the Colossal Jackpots award. A Wreath symbol on reels one and three with a Minor, Major, or Mega Wreath symbol on reel five awards the Minor, Major, or Mega Jackpot, respectively, for a colossal reward!

Launching with two unique base themes, each offering unique experiences, Lunaris and Open Kimono games are stunning additions to the CPU-NXT3 platform! Watch as up to 20 Butterflies fly from the main reel set to the Colossal Reels set in the Lunaris theme, or as geisha symbols on reels two, three, or four of the main reel set transfer up to 20 Wild symbols to the Colossal Reels set in the Open Kim ono theme.

MONOPOLY Luxury Diamonds

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t’s time to go around the board - again! Introducing Mono poly Luxury Diam ond s theme, the first Mono p oly slot to appear exclusively on Blad e Stepper! Available as a 5- or 9-line game, this Stepper product pairs the classic Monopoly Board with the jackpots that mechanical players love.

It only takes one wheel symbol on reel three to trigger the Monop oly wheel bonus and spin the wheel to land on one of the board game’s iconic properties. Before the wheel spins, pick one of five cards for a variety of enhancements including 2X multipliers or even the option to respin the wheel!

Each wedge awards a credit value or players can even land the wheel on the Free Parking wedge to win the secondary Progressive!

The Monopoly Luxury Diam ond s theme also features a clear LED panel that allows full visibility of the reels, a traditional slot pull-handle, and high definition artwork sure to offer a dazzling mechanical slot experience!

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Bally Technologies—New Slots Coming Soon

GREAT GAMES

Titanic Cruises Onto Casino Floors And Into Our Hearts Again

By Riley Meredith

G

et ready to fall in love all over again as one of the biggest blockbusters of all time charts a course for your favorite casino floor. Titanic, the beloved 11time Academy Award-winning movie, has returned as a new, branded video slot game from Bally Technologies.

Hailed as the most anticipated launch in recent history, James Cameron’s Titanic will romance loyal movie fans while capturing the hearts of all who come aboard. The epic love story between Jack and Rose comes to life and is woven seamlessly into one of the most nostalgic and entertaining playing experiences the gaming industry has ever seen.

Like the Ship of Dreams itself, Titanic is built to feel larger-thanlife. The U-Spin Wheel Bonus features an interactive nautical telegraph that awards players credits, multipliers, and one of two different free-game features − Heart of the Ocean Free Games and Make It Count Free Games.

Players can choose between three different passenger classes as they wager, allowing them to choose from first-class opulence to third-class thrills. Players booking passage in upper classes unlock more mystery features. With four mystery features to unlock, everyone will feel like they’re the King of the World.

With each turn, the Titanic adventure continues. Bonus rounds and events inspired by the film’s most iconic scenes add a depth of storytelling unlike anything previously seen on a gaming floor. A cast of timeless characters sets the stage for a riveting series of mystery features that puts players in the director’s chair. Explore Rose’s parlor for multipliers, uncover the Heart of the Ocean Free Games, or take advantage of the fully interactive iDeck game drawn straight from Jack’s sketchbook, featuring Level Three multi-touch interaction.

Those who get on board with Titanic will be impressed immediately by the amount of work that’s gone into the game. Behind the grandeur lie two proven, free-game math models, but what really powers this exquisite new title is Bally’s state-of-the-art technology combined with the sweeping adaptation from the Company’s creative studios.

The game is offered on Bally’s Pro Series V22/32 slot cabinet featuring a 1080p resolution 32-inch vertical monitor with 5.1 surround sound. Finally, the Pro Digital Topper and an accompanying Pro Sound Chair bring the cinematic experience to life with classic songs from the movie.

Titanic joins Bally’s growing library of wide-area progressive games on the Cash Connection link, and is also available as a near-area progressive. To learn about this Bally game and others visit ballytech.com. $ azgamingguide.com | May 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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GREAT GAMES

GTECH—New Slots Coming Soon

The casino gaming industry is abuzz as GTECH’s Sphinx 3D slot game is set to launch at casinos nationwide. Sphinx 3D is GTECH’s highly anticipated first title in the new Spielo True 3D product line, which uses a glasses-free 3D display designed exclusively for GTECH by SeeFront.

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he Sphinx 3D game has taken the industry by storm. Since its global launch at G2E Las Vegas in October 2013, GTECH has received three awards for this innovative product: First Place: Best Slot Product award at the Global Gaming Business 12th Annual Gaming & Technology Awards; the 2014 Slot Floor Technology Award by Casino Enterprise Management Magazine; and the Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products 2013 by Casino Journal.

Sphinx 3D uses unique, patented auto stereoscopic technology with integrated eyetracking to make images jump off the screen or stretch into infinity in high resolution. Without wearing special or additional glasses, players can explore the onscreen vistas, change viewing angles without disrupting the 3D experience, and be amazed by stacked wilds that seem to rotate toward and jump out at them.

The integrated eye-tracking system detects the player’s position and continuously adjusts the image according to their position. The image is processed and displayed so that the ideal 3D picture selfmatches the player’s precise line of sight, allowing freedom of movement in all directions. The brilliant 3D image quality offers high resolution, color fidelity, brightness, and true 3D depth, making it a first on the casino floor.

A 5-reel, 30-line game, Sphinx 3D features an action-packed base game and a total of seven bonuses: two in the base game and five dedicated bonuses that players can select as part of the Sphinx Bonus selection.

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Three Sphinx symbols in the base game trigger the Sphinx Bonus selection. The higher the bet, the bigger the selection of bonuses to choose from in this unique take on a Buy-a-Feature function. All bonuses leverage the 3D technology to enhance the gaming experience.

The wow factor isn’t limited to the industry-unique 3D capability. The new AXXIS cabinet is designed to create a sense of personal space, maximize player comfort, and immerse the player in the game with a state-of-the-art multimedia chair including rumble and surround-sound. A sliding mechanism enables easy entry and adjustable player seating position for ultimate comfort.

The high resolution button panel with the latest touchscreen technology and fullscale illumination add to the premium feel of this package. And with an iconic illuminated Sphinx head topping the cabinet, it stands out on the casino floor, making it eye-catching in more ways than one.

A specially designed premium audio system makes the game come alive while further immersing the player in the unique True 3D experience.

Sphinx 3D is the true culmination of the evolution of the Sphinx game, which has enjoyed a solid fan base starting with their Cashline version. Players will be simply amazed by the Sphinx 3D game’s awardwinning, patented and proprietary technology, and it will quickly become their new favorite. Watch for this exciting new game to appear soon on casino floors across Arizona! $

GREAT GAMES

Multimedia Games—New Slots Coming Soon

Multimedia Games’ Chamillion Deluxe & Moby Dick

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player favorite returns with Cham illion Deluxe , the latest 5-reel, 40-line game from Multimedia Games’ High Rise Games series. In addition to stacked wilds and a 5-tier progressive, the fun kicks in when 3 Buggy Whip symbols land on reels 1, 3, and 5, triggering the Buggy Whip Bonus. The player is awarded 5 picks which will reveal credit awards, additional picks, or Jackpot symbols. Revealing 5 jackpot symbols awards the top progressive prize! When 3 Joker symbols land on reels 3, 4, and 5, the Joker Bonus begins, with picks revealing credit prizes or Free Spin symbols. Free Spin symbols landing on reels 1, 3, and 5, means 6 free spins and 5X total bet are awarded, and the Free Spin Bonus begins. If another Free Spin symbol lands, an additional free spin is awarded; 2 symbols land, 3 additional spins; and 3 symbols is 6 additional spins along with a 5X total bet credit prize! When 5 Wild symbols land on a pay line, the player is awarded 1,000,000 credits! $

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he classic tale of man versus whale comes to life in Moby Dick, a 5-reel, 50-line video game from Multimedia Games’ High Rise Games series! In addition to the mystery wilds and stacked symbols, once 3 bonus symbols land scattered on reels 3, 4, and 5, players enter the picking bonus where they are prompted to match 4-of-a-kind for a possible prize of up to 160X total bet!

When 3 Free Spin symbols land on reels 1, 3, and 5, the Free Spin Bonus begins, an alternate set of reels is used, and the player is awarded 10 free spins. As the typhoon rages a battle with the white whale, the White Whale symbol is Wild and free spins can retrigger for up to 110 free spins!

The story doesn’t end there though – at max bet, when 6 or more Doubloon symbols land scattered on the reels, the progressive prizes begin as the Doubloon Jackpots are triggered!

Players will love the modern take on one of America’s greatest novels in Moby Dick ! $

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

WINNING WAYS

Malfunction

Voids All Pays And Plays

By Bariah Steiner

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he ringing bells and whirring sirens that correlate with a jackpot winning on a slot machine are well known and coveted by many slot machine players. Whether the patron is playing to win money or to pass the time, the adrenaline-induced feeling of landing a jackpot can never be replaced. Seeing the number of zeroes in the winnings can cause anyone to swell up in excitement, but when a casino personnel announces to the patron that the jackpot cannot be awarded it can leave that patron in a fit of frustration and confusion.

What the patron may not realize is that he or she has experienced what is known as a “malfunction tilt.” A malfunction tilt is any abnormality that occurs between hitting the “Spin” button and the outcome, and can look and feel very similar to an ordinary jackpot win.

An example of the door and inside of a slot machine. The most common reason tilts occur can be from the door switch not closing, leaving the machine slightly open. The machine is able to identify if a switch is left open which causes it to go into a tilt. This specific example would deny the patron the ability to collect the jackpot and can only be fixed by a slot technician either on the casino floor or from the ADG office.

$10,000 and you won $100,000, chances are the machine malfunctioned because it exceeded what its maximum jackpot should be.”

But the most important step to remember is to cease play on the machine and report the issue to the casino floor immediately.

This ensures the investigator that the machine history of that play will still be recorded, as well as the surveillance footage.

So what are these abnormalities and what causes them?

“They can happen for several reasons,” said Bill Ragatz, the Machine Compliance Manager for the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). “If you’re playing a game and a door switch reads open, it’ll go into a tilt.”

Ragatz also said that while door switches are the most common reason for a malfunction, there are still many other ways for the machine to go into a tilt. While malfunction tilt incidents have decreased over time thanks to newer technology, Ragatz said the possibility of the machine going into a tilt will always be present.

Despite the frustration a malfunction can cause a patron, there are many steps that can be taken to help identify before or after a malfunction has taken place.

Rick Medina, the Assistant Director of ADG, encourages patrons to educate him or her self on the machine they’re playing on in order to identify a malfunction in case it occurs.

“If you’re playing a game that appears to be acting funny; report that game and don’t continue playing it,” Medina said. “If it’s malfunctioning you’re not going to get the jackpot and you’re just wasting your time and money to continue playing that game.”

“Another clue is, if you look at the help screen it will tell you what is the maximum jackpot you can win on that machine,” Medina said. “If the maximum jackpot on that machine is

Keeping a good attitude about the situation is also helpful when reporting a malfunction. While the frustration of possibly losing the jackpot can be overwhelming, every patron should understand and realize that unfortunate situations can happen.

“Be calm and just know that machine malfunctions unfortunately do happen,” said Jelena Momich, the Project Specialist for ADG. “Contact the TGO immediately so they can begin their investigation.”

Thankfully, malfunctions don’t happen often, but when they do players should not let their emotions at the time get the best of them.

However, one very important thing every patron should remember is; reporting a malfunction does not entitle anyone to receive the jackpot payout.

“When a malfunction occurs, it’s a disappointment for the patron,” Medina said. “But it’s also a concern for the patron to know that a malfunction did indeed occur and that they weren’t cheated out of a prize.”

While a jackpot return is never guaranteed, Medina does explain that the processes of investigating the malfunction reports are to either award the jackpot if there was no tilt, or give the patron the peace of mind knowing that it was indeed an error.

The ADG will always take any complaint very seriously and wants to ensure that patrons are able to enjoy his or her gaming (Continued on page 18)

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WINNING WAYS (Continued from page 15)

experience.

In case of a malfunction tilt, here are some steps to remember:

    

Cease play and contact casino personnel immediately.

Remain calm and record any details about the incident.

If able, get the names and contact information of any witnesses within the area.

A machine compliance technician examining an older slot machine. Sometimes tilts can happen for reasons located inside the machine that a patron might not be able to detect beforehand. The slot technicians will always check every part of the machine in order to identify the cause of the tilt during an investigation.

If casino personnel are unable to fulfill the complaint or you are not satisfied with their answer, then contact the TGO to further the investigation.

If you are still not satisfied with the TGO’s investigation, then contact ADG to conduct an inspection of the machine in question.

To find out more information about malfunction tilts and the ADG, visit the website azgaming.gov or pick up their brochure “Information Jackpot: A look at how modern slot machines function.” $

Bariah Steiner, the ADG Legislative Intern, is a senior at ASU and currently working towards graduating with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. Experienced in crafting, photography, and video gaming, she wants to become a video game journalist. She spent most of her childhood in Antofagasta, Chile, can speak Spanish and English fluently, and became a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo at age 14.

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A slot technician examines the door switch to the money box located inside of a newer, electronic model. While tilts happen more frequently on older machines that still use physical reels, the newer machines can still succumb to tilt malfunctions due to reasons such as overheating or a computer glitch.

WINNING WAYS

The Benefits Of Player’s Clubs

By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

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he casino competition in Arizona has dramatically increased in the last decade as the state’s number of casinos has doubled since 2004. The results of this competition has benefited players across the state with more enhanced player reward programs and perks. The perks available to players in Arizona from the larger, metropolitan casinos in Phoenix and Tucson to the smaller, rural casinos scattered across the state.

Competition in the Cities Desert Diamond Casinos considers their players rewards program “your new best friend.” The highest level of rewards card is appropriately named the Diamond Rewards Card for those who earn 50,000 points in a 12-month period.

VIP lounge and VIP event access is a major perk, along with reimbursement of ATM fees and the waiving of cash advance and debit card fees. There’s no standing in long lines for Diamond Rewards members as they have priority lines at the rewards center, food and beverage outlets, cashier, entertainment venues and at the hotel.

Slot machines are often reserved for Diamond Rewards members, as well as suite upgrades, turndown services and meet-and-greet events and complimentary events.

At the Gila River Casinos across Phoenix, the highest level of player is Emerald and they get to enjoy the benefits at all three casinos in the Valley: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino and Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino.

Player’s Club Tips Using a card is NOT unlucky. The card tracking system has nothing to do with the operation of the slot machine. Using a card doesn’t change whether you win or lose on the next spin, in the short run, or long run. Don’t listen to anyone who claims otherwise. That’s one of the most prolific casino myths.

Don’t ever remove your card from the machine during play. Doing so can prevent you from earning points. If you have wagered $2 towards a point that requires $5 to be awarded and you remove the card, at many casinos, those $2 won’t be recorded.

Emerald tier members receive a plethora of benefits that feature concert discounts and birthday rewards. These benefits include: free bonus play, complimentary food, direct mail offers and bonus promotion opportunities.

At Fort McDowell their rewards program is the Fortune Club and the top level is the Elite status. Elite status is especially beneficial for bingo players, who receive free bingo packs and play.

Elite players receive bingo jackpots and free bingo packs with card use, along (Continued on page 20)

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WINNING WAYS (Continued from page 19)

with one free bingo ‘red mountain’ pack per quarter and one free 10-pack of ‘level one’ bingo playing cards for them and a guest (who must also be a Fortune Club member). Elite members enjoy a special cashier line, as well as a 15 percent discount at all restaurants and gift shop.

More Player’s Club Tips There aren't many retail or entertainment establishments that have loyalty programs like most casinos. If you’ve got a loyalty card for the grocery store and you use it you should do the same at the casino. Take advantage of what casinos offer by signing up and using the card every time you play.

Be loyal. Focus your player’s club memberships down to a few properties. You’ll be surprised how quickly your status increases.

Pay attention to any offers that arrive in the mail or into your e-mail inbox. Some allow you to increase your status through bonuses or multipliers, earn extra free play, access more comps, and much more.

The Platinum level is the highest level of player reward at Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, in which members receive

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free play at both locations, dining discounts, VIP access at amenities like the lounges, golf course at Talking Stick Resort (TSR) and entertainment at Casino Arizona.

“Our Players Rewards Club is extremely beneficial because the points players earn can be redeemed at our restaurants, lounges, gift shops and box office at both locations,” says Ramon Martinez, spokesman for Casino Arizona and TSR. Harrah’s Ak-Chin uses the Total Rewards tier program of Caesars Entertainment with Seven Stars being the highest level as players have 12 months to accrue 150,000 tier credits. Tier credits can be earned with gaming, at restaurants, entertainment and retail venues. The Seven Star experience at Ak-Chin includes VIP access to lounges, hotel reservations, complimentary rooms and upgrades as well as VIP round-trip airport ground transportation.

A new benefit to Seven Star members is priority seating for poker and they are treated well with a celebration dinner worth $500, a special New Year’s Eve offer and a companion card to share their status with a friend or a significant other. They also receive an annual retreat to any Total Rewards resort or casino and an invitation to signature events.

So now that you know the VIP lifestyle available at the city casinos…get gaming and earn your VIP status during the sweltering Arizona summer! $

CASINO DINING

Clams Casino A

ccording to legend, the recipe for clams casino was originally developed in 1917 in the Little Casino hotel in Narragansett, Rhode Island, by the hotel manager for a woman of means wanting something special for her guests. She named the dish after the hotel, and word and popularity of the dish has since spread across the United States. We’ve made this Giada De Laurentiis recipe for clams casino several times and it is fantastic! Try it yourself for your next special occasion, like Mother’s Day, or look for it on menus in casinos across AZ! $ Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 ounces sliced pancetta or bacon, finely chopped 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper 1/3 cup chopped shallots 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/3 cup dry white wine 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan Salt and freshly ground black pepper 18 medium (2 1/2-inch) littleneck clams, shucked, bottom shells reserved Directions Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sauté until crisp and golden, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a plate. Add the bell pepper, shallots, garlic, and oregano to the same skillet and then sauté until the shallots are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until it is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and cool completely. Stir the reserved pancetta and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese into the vegetable mixture. Season the mixture, to taste, with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Line a heavy large baking sheet with foil. Arrange the clams in the reserved shells on the baking sheet. Spoon the vegetable mixture atop the clams, dividing equally and mounding slightly. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Bake until the clams are just cooked through and the topping is golden, about 10 minutes. Arrange the clams on the platter and serve.

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

ARIZONA LOTTERY

Winners

The First $10 Lucky Life Win

Katherine Rivera

Stephanie Homeier

$50,000 Lucky Life Scratcher

By Cindy Esquer

S

tephanie Homeier of Phoenix is a casual player of instant scratch games. While in a store recently, she picked up a penny from the ground and had a feeling about purchasing a ticket. She asked the clerk what he would suggest, and he recommended the $5 Luck y Life. Stephanie purchased one ticket and scratched it using her newly found penny. Stephanie is now convinced that the “lucky penny” she found brought her good luck, as that Luck y Life instant scratch game was a $50,000 winning ticket. After she got over the shock, she immediately filled out the back of the ticket and then gave it to the clerk to scan.

Stephanie, who is currently a full-time mom, used to be a personal assistant for an author. In fact, one of her special interests besides reading self-development books is writing in the field of spiritual self-development. Stephanie plans to put the money in the bank to use for the purchase of a home. The winning ticket was purchased at QuikTrip, 5565 W. Cortaro Farms Rd, Tucson.

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

K

atherine Rivera of Maricopa enjoys playing instant scratch tickets, but lets her fiancé purchase them for her. One day last week, he purchased two $10 tickets, one of which was Lucky Life. Katherine scratched the Lucky Life ticket in the car while her fiancé drove. When Katherine finished scratching the ticket and saw the prize amount, she wasn’t quite sure what she’d won, but told her fiancé, “I think it’s the top prize.” However, they didn’t really believe it until it was validated by the Lottery.

Katherine opted for the annuity, which amounts to $260,000 a year, before taxes, for 20 years. This is the first win for the $10 Lucky Life instant scratch game. The only plan she has for the money at this time is to pay off her car. She has no other plans for the rest of the money until she talks to her financial advisor. Katherine and her fiancé are thrilled with the win and are still in shock. The winning ticket was purchased at a retailer at 19864 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Maricopa. $

(Continued from page 27)

hand is a three-of-a-kind or better. Progressive Payouts on Ultim ate Texas Hold ‘Em are determined from a player’s two hole cards and the first three community cards. There is an optional progressive bet which players can qualify for with part or all of the overall jackpot.

Hands that are folded are not included in the payouts for the progressive wager.

To keep the excitement going, Gila River Casinos have recently added Spanish 21 with a match-the-dealer side bet and Gold en 21 blackjack in May at all three casinos.

Spanish 21, with a match-the-dealer side bet, is a new twist on regular blackjack that offers players an exciting and fast paced alternative to blackjack. The basic rules of blackjack are applied in this game, but a new level of action is offered with the addition of match play, bonuses, super bonuses and late surrender rules. This game gives players the opportunity to win on certain combinations of cards.

Golden 21 is an optional side bet that can be placed during a game of regular blackjack. This side bet gives players additional ways to win more

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

money which results in winning hands happening more frequently when compared to regular blackjack with a side bet. Winning on optional side bets takes place on the first two cards, or the Gold en 21. A win can occur as a result of five different combinations of hands.

Gila River Casinos is proud to be one of only a few casinos across the country to offer this new way to play blackjack.

Gila River Casinos is offering so many new and fresh table games this spring; it’s easy to see why Lone Butte Casino, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino and Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino have earned a reputation for the best entertainment option in the valley of the sun. With the introduction of the valley’s newest progressives linked across three properties, Crazy 4 Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em progressives are sure to please and become an instant hit. Top it off with Spanish 21 featuring a match-the-dealer side bet and Gold en 21 blackjack, and guests will find Gila River Casinos has the best action with the hottest new games in Arizona! For more information on any of the Gila River Casinos, please visit their website at wingilariver.com or call 1.800.WIN.GILA. $

TRIBAL NEWS

— Hon-Dah Resort Casino

By Lee Allen

T

he White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) has rolled out the red carpet, put the welcome mat in place, and is offering “Dagot’ee” (Hello) greetings to summertime visitors who flee triple digit temperatures in Arizona lowlands to spend time in the tall timber.

participants to the festival grounds and organizers expect more of the same this year. And why not? The White Mountains are typically snow-free by late May with warm, dry conditions in June (average daytime temperature of 84 degrees) before the rainy season shows up the following month.

“We believe we come from the Earth and belong to it,” according to the tribe’s web page. “Our unique and beautiful home was given to us by our creator and is rich in resources, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and tradition.”

It’s those kind of conditions that keep both spectators and dancers alike coming to this sector of Southwestern pine tree country year after year. “Pow wows are important for American Indians to express their cultural heritage and preserve significant traditions,” says WMAT Marketing Director Anne Groebner. “While the dancers are entertaining and the regalia a feast for the eyes, much more lies beneath the surface as the dances generally represent aspects of Native American spirituality, emotion, history, and traditional society.”

Part of that tradition will be available for public viewing during the 17th annual Pow Wow in the Pines, June 7-8, at the HonDah Festival Grounds in Pinetop. Describing the pow wow as “a welcome mat for the White Mountain Apache Tribe,” pow wow helper and Hon-Dah Casino employee Sharon Walker proudly notes, “Unlike other pow wows, we do not charge an admission fee.” Dollars do play a part in the event, however, with $39,000 available in prize money --- $9,000 of which goes to the winning members of the drum contest.

Last year’s event drew some 1,200 attendees and close to 300

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

“It’s a time to meet with old friends, make new friends, sing, and dance --- an overall uplifting event,” says co-chair Nikina Whitaker (Cheyenne/Arapahoe) who has been on the pow wow committee for all of its 17 years. “While pow wows are not a traditional cultural part of the Apache tribe, we’ve kind of brought the event onto the reservation,” she says.

TRIBAL NEWS blackjack) and nearby Sunrise Park Ski Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in the Southwest. With 1.7 million acres of lush green pines spreading across Apache, Gila, and Navajo counties, there are plenty of back roads on the Fort Apache Reservation that invite exploration --- ranging from low ground at 3,000 feet in the rugged Salt River Canyon to over 11,000 feet atop sacred Mount Baldy.

For the outdoor-minded, Apache Land includes some of the richest wildlife habitats in the state with an opportunity to hear (and if lucky) see world class Boone and Crocket record-sized elk and to wet a line in the more than 400 miles of streams that are home to the unique Apache trout. The lodge at Sunrise Park Resort has 96 rooms and cabins are available at scenic Hawley Lake.

In years past, long-time tribal chairman Ronnie Lupe would show up before things got underway to face the east and in the Apache language, bless the festival grounds, the committee, the dancers, and all visitors.

Although there are still lots of acres to discover, the Fort Apache Reservation, established in 1871, represents a fraction of the tribes ancestral range on which they hunted and conducted small-scale agricultural efforts. Villages in the agricultural districts were composed of extended families living in gowah (wickiups) made from branches and bear grass.

For those not yet initiated to the ways of the pow wow, Wikipedia, “the free encyclopedia,” says the gathering of both indigenous and non-Native peoples to dance, sing, socialize, and honor culture can run anywhere from a few hours to a week-long event. “A pow wow session begins with the Grand Entry, an Eagle Staff leading the way, followed by flags, then dancers, while one of the host drums sings an opening song.”

The host drums (depending on size and region, sometimes a Host Northern Drum and a Host Southern Drum) play an important part in the festivities. “Drum groups provide the rhythms and sounds essential to a pow wow,” says Groebner.

“Drum groups are, first and foremost, singers who sit in small circles that surround the drum being played. The energy level attained at an event is created by the drum groups and their music is always haunting, spiritual, and uplifting.”

Either pre- or post-pow wow (and you’re challenged to say that five times fast), please save some time to visit the AAA Three Diamond Hon-Dah (“Welcome” in Apache) Resort Casino and Conference Center (800 slot machines as well as live poker and

Replicas of those hand-made homes can be found at the nearby 288-acre White Mountain Apache Cultural Center, Nohwike’ Bagowa or House of our Footprints, a repository for the Tribe’s cultural heritage through oral histories, archival materials, and objects of historic, artistic, and cultural significance. Home to the Apache Office of Tourism, there are over two dozen buildings dating back as far as 1870. From early June through the month of August, Living History Walking Tours are offered and on weekends from May through September, one of Arizona’s most moving ceremonies, the Sunrise Dance, is held to initiate young girls into womanhood. The WMAT Tourism Office maintains a website list of Sunrise Dances (wmat.nsn.us) open to the public inviting “respectful visitors to rejoice with local Apache people.”

A visit to the Culture Center also entitles visitation to the Fort Apache Historic Park, constructed to reflect a gowa, a traditional holy home, and a satellite resource, Kinishba Ruins National Historic Landmark, one of the largest ancestral Pueblo settlements in Arizona dating back to Zuni and Hopi ancestors about 1400 AD. For information on Hon-Dah Resort Casino and the pow wow, visit Hon-Dah.com or call 800.WAY.UP.HI. $ azgamingguide.com | May 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

31

Announcements

GAMING NEWS

Desert Diamond Casinos’ New Slots & A Jackpot Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment on Nogales Highway is delivering firstin-Arizona excitement with the Plinko wide area progressive from WMS. You’ve never seen The Price Is Right like this! Also new at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment on Nogales Highway is Multimedia Games’ Wild Wild Gems, available in Tucson for the first time! With three reels, nine lines, and a 2X Wild Rubies Player special feature, Wild Wild Gem s is a treasure trove of excitement. Another Tucson first at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment on Nogales Highway is The Lord Of The Rings The Return Of The King, the exciting conclusion to WMS’ Adaptive Gaming slot trilogy. Other new games at Desert Diamond Casinos this month include Village People from WMS, Village People Party from WMS, IGT’s Fast-Hit Progressives and new themes from Konami’s SeleXion multigame.

On April 2, 2014, lucky guest Frank T. of Tucson visited the Sahuarita location and struck a jackpot of $154,320! Frank hit his massive jackpot on a 25-cent bet on the Wheel of Fortune progressive slots. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O'odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “Congratulations to Frank T. on his amazing jackpot—I hope he has some big plans for it! This shows once again that Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is the place to play for the biggest wins in Tucson and Sahuarita. We can't wait to see who will hit the next big jackpot.”

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment has three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why). For more information about the casinos and their latest slots, visit ddcaz.com or call 866.DDC.WINS.

Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos Ready For More May is Full of Riches & Ruckus! Join Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos to see if you can “Reveal Your Riches” and get your chance at winning up to $100,000 in their Hot Seat promotion! If that’s not enough, rope your seat at the Professional Bull Riders Tournament May 16th and try to boot the Bull Riders for a Super Bounty.

Plus, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe Board of Directors just recently announced preparation for a casino resort on a 12-acre parcel of land on the Northeast corner of Highway 69 and the Yavapai Connector. Groundbreaking is scheduled for early fall of 2014 with completion anticipated in late winter of 2016. The Tribe envisions a destination resort that will consolidate the operations of its two current facilities.

The new state-of-the-art Casino and Hotel complex will feature approximately 50,000 square feet of Casino space with an attached 60 to 80 room upscale resort/ hotel. The facility will offer restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, a central video bar and a flexible event space that will accommodate a variety of entertainment events. The facility’s “destination” design is focused on bringing more excitement and value for current customers, as well as drawing in new customers from outside the region.

WMS Gaming & BlueWater Casino’s Big Win WMS Gaming Inc., a Scientific Games company, announced that a casino patron at BlueWater Casino in Parker, AZ, won an instant win jackpot of more than $1.7 million on The Lord Of The Rings Land Of Mord or wide-area progressive game.

The winner, 26-year old Ms. Gagnier, hit the jackpot after having played about $20 on the popular three-reel mechanical slot game. Ms. Gagnier had chosen to play The Lord Of The Rings Land Of Mordor game because she is a fan of the film franchise and was attracted to the game’s graphics. Just prior to the winning spin, Ms. Gagnier had a feeling that she was going to be “lucky.” Startled at the win, Ms. Gagnier intends to use the life-changing jackpot proceeds on her current academic activities, as well as sharing her prize with her family. $ azgamingguide.com | May 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

33

GAMING NEWS

(Left to Right) American Restoration team Kelly and Tyler Dale pose with Mark Malin and Steve Platcow of RPM Advertising beside the slot machine. The American Restoration team transformed this slot machine into a “Sloterator,” a functioning slot machine that also dispenses beer. This episode of American Restoration began airing on the History Channel on March 4, 2014. The Sloterator was presented by RPM Advertising to their team members for the agency’s 20th anniversary on April 1.

RPM Advertising & American Restoration Make a “Sloterator” for RPM’s anniversary!

R

PM Advertising is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a oneof-a-kind gift to their team members.

CEO Steve Platcow and company president Mark Malin appeared on the History Channel’s popular program American Restoration on March 4 as the lead project on the episode. The challenge was for the restoration team to convert a vintage slot machine into a “Sloterator,” a functional slot machine that would store a keg and dispense beer for company happy hours.

The Sloterator was unveiled at a cocktail reception for the RPM Advertising team members on April 1, 2014. April Fool’s Day is the agency’s actual anniversary date!

"Due to the dedication of our team members to RPM Advertising's client-partners businesses everyone misses a lot of happy hours and the Sloterator helps make up for that it in a super fun way," said Platcow.

"The Sloterator is an RPM Advertising

invention gifted to our associates that gives homage to our heritage while paying tribute to our legacy of innovation in a cool team centric manner," added Malin.

On the show that began airing on March 4 of this year on the History Channel, Platcow and Malin met with show host Rick Dale of Rick’s Restorations in Las Vegas to present him the challenge.

Rick’s wife Kelly Dale managed the project.

She met with a slot machine technician to work out the technical issues involved with the conversion to ensure that the functionality of the device remains intact throughout the restoration. The finished project was a beer-dispensing Sloterator with custom beer-related theming, plus a few extra bells and whistles.

“The game was originally a slot left over from The Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. They wanted us to give the

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

slot a new game theme, which we did as we are a full service agency, and 10 years ago they gave it to us as a present. The slot’s been sitting in our offices ever since as a display piece that lets us tell the story behind the game. During the past year, we were planning our anniversary celebration and this late night idea of the Sloterator kept coming back, so we went ahead and did it. The employees absolutely love it!” said Platcow.

When asked about how the slot is performing on the office floor now, Platcow added “Oh! It’s 100% free play! Selflubricating free play that is. And by the way, every spin is a winner, that’s guaranteed.”

Headquartered in Chicago, RPM Advertising is a full-service marketing communications firm that specializes in building traffic for experiential and retail-focused brands. In addition to many other clients, RPM represents casinos across the country. $

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 February 2014 Slots

Hold % Tables

Hold %

4.43

Craps

10.44

$1

4.60

Blackjack / 21

15.19

$5

4.69

Other Table Games 18.59

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, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, and a sports book.

Stop in for lunch at Carnegie’s or the Poolside Café and enjoy the food!

Multi-Denom 5.70

Roulette

20.11

Megabucks

5.71

Pai Gow Poker

21.92

5¢

7.21

Let It Ride

30.17

1¢

10.87

Three Card Poker

35.36

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.

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Loose Sports Pools Race Books

Tight Live Keno

12.46

Hold % Win Amount

Dollars

12.69

Slots

36.0 mil.

17.12

Tables

3.3 mil.

32.47

Other

0.5 mil.

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

News August 16 Grammy Award winner Peter Frampton remains one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. At 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British band the Herd. At 18, he cofounded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. His session work includes collaborations with such legendary artists as George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ringo Starr, John Entwistle and many others.

His fifth solo album, the electrifying Frampton Comes Alive!, is one of the top-selling live records of all time. Recently inducted in the Musicians Hall of Fame, he performed on-stage at the Grammys with Ringo Starr. Tickets start at $40. $

July 5 Celebrate Independence Day weekend with all-American country singer, 5-time Gram m y winner and New York Times bestselling author, Wynonna Judd! Whether performing alongside her mother as one half of the legendary duo The Judds, or pushing the boundaries on her own mega-successful solo path, Wynonna’s ability to reach the heart of the human spirit through her bold and unflinching honesty is her true gift.

Wynonna has sold over 30 million albums worldwide during her 30-year career. Charting countless singles including 20 #1 hits and over 60 industry awards, the iconic performer was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.” Tickets start at $25.

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Peter Frampton

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Pavillion: La Mafia & Cinco De Mayo Celebration—May 3 Randy Linder Tribute to CCR—May 10 Color My World (Chicago Tribute)—May 17 Eddie Money—May 24 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Another Night Of Comedy—Jun. 14 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Pettybreakers (Tom Petty Tribute)—May 16-17 The Ultimate Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute)—May 23-24 Generation Idol (Billy Idol Tribute)—May 30-31 The Arizona Room: Jordan Benson with Heartlyn Rae (Country)—Mondays 8pm Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Tuesdays at 6pm The AZTEX Band (Latin, R&B, Old School, Funk)—Tuesdays 8pm Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wednesdays at 6pm The Tommy Ash Band (Country)—Wednesdays & Thursdays 8pm Marley Taylor Band (Cover band)—Sundays from 9pm to 1am Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: Battle of the Badges—May 24 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 Paloma—May 3 & 31, Whitehorse—May 10, Los Kodigoz—May 17, Vive Selena—May 24 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: Gloria Trevi—May 3 Rodney Carrington—May 31 The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley—Jun. 7 Carnival of Wonders—Jun. 21

40 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers is coming to the Diamond Center for a special concert on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Tickets start at $20 and are on sale through Star Tickets. Tickets are also available at the casino Rewards Center, which offers a 10 percent discount to Diamond Rewards members. Bill Medley is a seminal figure in the history of American music. He is perhaps best known as half of the unmistakable duo, The Righteous Brothers, with Bobby Hatfield. Their raw emotional rhythm and blues sound essentially created the genre “blue-eyed soul.” In the mid-1960s, The Righteous Brothers became a fixture on Top Forty radio with hits like You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin, Just Once in My Life, Unchained Melody, and (You’re My) Soul and Inspiration, creating an ultra-dramatic take on Sixties pop romance. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “Bill Medley has been an icon of American music for more than 50 years, thrilling audiences the world over. Don’t miss your chance to see him perform live in the Diamond Center!”

Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: Ra ndy Linder Ma y 9, Co ld Sho tt Ma y 10, The Walkens May 16, Neal McCoy May 17, Quantum May 23, Laura Walsh May 24 Wild Wednesdays No o n to 4pm: The Wa lk ens Trio Ma y 7, Silhouette May 14, Frankie Valli Tribute May 21, Swingtips May 28 Ladies Night o n Mo nda y nights (Live DJ-May 5, 12, 19 & 26) Margarita Sundays po o lside pa rties (Kush Co untry Ma y 26) 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 Color My World (Chicago Tribute)—May 16 Pow Wow in the Pines—Jun. 7 & 8 White Mountain Bike Rally—Jun. 27 & 28 America—Jul. 5

Editor’s Pick Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment throughout the week featuring the Valley's best local bands & DJs Verona Chophouse: Talented Musicians—Saturdays 5-9pm Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am-3pm

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Talking Stick Resort Presents

Tim Allen May 31, 2014

Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: DJ Brent—May 23-24 Torres and Hendrix—May 5 DJ Earful May 16-17 Event Center: Aquarius 68—May 23 All My Rowdy Friends (Hank Williams Jr. Tribute)—Jun. 14 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Australia’s Thunder From Down Under—Jun. 7 Zapp Band & Candyman—Aug. 16 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: Jerry Riopelle—May 17 Justin Hayward—May 30 Tim Allen—May 31 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: Pardon My Spanglish—May 9 Keven Sterner & Strait Country (George Strait Tribute)—May 17 Chance Tender & Kentucky Rain (Country Elvis Tribute)—May 23 Powerdrive—May 24 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: Kathy Griffin—May 9 Gipsy Kings—May 25 Rodney Carrington—May 30 Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke—Fr at 8pm-12am Featuring a variety of live bands on Saturdays from 7 to 10pm

Talking Stick Resort is bringing the laughs to the Salt River Grand Ballroom when it hosts comedian Tim Allen on May 31. The outstanding entertainer became America’s favorite dad with his role as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor on the 90’s sitcom, Home Improvement, and he continues to capture our hearts with his current ABC series, Last Man Standing. Jam-packed with witty jokes and hilarious tales, the evening will be one you can't pass up!

With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Allen has dabbled in various facets of entertainment. In addition to delivering on-stage punch lines, the performer has been featured in multiple family-oriented Blockbusters including The Santa Clause, Jungle 2 Jungle and The Shaggy Dog. Allen has also tackled the world of animation as space ranger “Buzz Lightyear” in Disney’s Toy Story movie series. Tickets for Tim Allen are on sale now. For a full listing of entertainment this month and for more information, call 480.850.7777 or visit their website at 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 | May 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

41

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

VQ Live Lounge

By Ramses Ja

I

have been writing these monthly blurbs for a couple of years now, but it surprises me just how much nightlife I have yet to discover inside Arizona’s many casinos! Last month, I had a conversation with fellow radio personalities, B. Rose (101.1 FM The Beat) and Angie Gomez (Mega 104.3) who let me know about the new digs at Vee Quiva! The brand new $135 million 70,000 square foot complex can (and does) more closely rival Wild Horse Pass, Talking Stick Resort, and even some of the better Las Vegas casinos. Vee Quiva had undergone a few facelifts in the past 20 years, but nothing like this! As a consequence, they have incorporated more entertainment offerings into their lineup of amenities.

Angie is the lead singer of Powerdrive—one of the more popular bands in the southwest. As a result, she has a different perspective of nightlife from most people. B. Rose, on the other hand is an early-twenties beauty who is very much the epitome of a “party girl!” She frequents the normal Old Town, Mill Avenue and Downtown Phoenix offerings. If both of these two could agree on something to do, I think it might be something special!

Enter VQ Live Lounge! This completely modern venue boasts an awesome bar, picturesque views, and an indoor/outdoor patio which is perfect for what is often held there which is LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! The idea is that having several different live entertainers caters to several different demographics—as opposed to a DJ. With various different bands in rotation, there is always something for everyone.

I think that Vee Quiva ha the right idea! It’s not the type of venue that pretends to be a night club! (I think it’s just as bad when a night club books live entertainment.) In this case, however, VQ Live stays true to form. Their roster of regulars include only top-ranked acts…Latino Rebel Band, Marty and the Party, Str8Up, New Frequency Band, Angie’s band Powerdrive, and many others! You can catch one or two bands seven days a week which means you can break out the dancing shoes any time!

B. Rose (our resident party girl) and I went to see Powerdrive on a Thursday, a night when she could have easily found a spot or two in Old Town or Mill Avenue. She nonetheless had all the drinks, dancing, and of course fun that she would have found elsewhere…and then some! Powerdrive definitely packs a punch, but the laid-back vibe of the VQ Live Lounge enhanced the experience so much more. VQ Live Lounge is definitely a rare jewel and I promise you that it’s worth checking out! Until next month...take care and keep the radio on! $

Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II

•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat

•Resident DJ/VJ for KTVK-3TV Friday 10am •Host of R.E.D.Y. Set Radio •Official Bum Squad DJ •DJ Vatican Member •For more information on Ramses Ja, visit his website at: ramsesja.com.

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY

A Day of Bingo & Shopping!

In April, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, whose reservation is located north of I-8 near San Diego, California, opened a 6,000 square foot, 400 seat bingo hall in the Viejas Outlets shopping center. “We wanted the best use for the casino floor space and to add more slots – key revenue for casinos,” said Robert Scheid, vice president of community and public relations. “We relocated Anna’s Linens in the Outlets to a better location and their spot became the new dedicated bingo hall.” With three sessions daily, a plan to award $45,000 in prizes and two brand new Fiat 500s in April, patrons can now buy new shoes and play Bingo all in the same place! $

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, 5:30pm. Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.

750

Yes

Yes

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

Mazatzal

Mo-Th at Noon.

Tu & Th at 6:30pm.

280

Yes

Yes

No

Paradise

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

300

Yes

Yes

Call for Kozmic Bingo & Other Special Dates

Vee Quiva

Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.

366

Yes

Yes

Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.

Yes

Late Night

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 04/01/14 & 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 | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of Chocolate Chip Day on May 15th, find: BAR, BROWNIES, CAKE, CHIPS, COCOA, CONFECTION, COOKIE, DARK, DUTCH, FLAKES, FONDUE, FROSTING, FUDGE, GERMAN, HERSHEY, KISSES, MILK, MOUSSE, NESTLE, PIE, PUDDING, SAUCE, SOUFFLE, TORTE, TRUFFLES, WHITE. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 50)

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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

8

9 5

5

6

8

1

5

7

1

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2

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

2

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SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

Bring Back Sani Wipes!

I’d like the option to clean...

By Sami Becker

W

e are constantly reminded to be thoroughly washing our hands whenever we come into contact with multiple surfaces, use the restroom, start and finish preparing meals, especially during cold and flu season.

We also know that many people don’t adhere to this rule!

As a result, I’d like to see casinos bring back the piles of Sani wipes they used to provide for cleaning hands during the “old days” when all the slots operated with coins.

Why, you ask?

So I can clean the button panel before I begin playing at my favorite slot! This may sound extreme to some, however I believe button panels on slot machines can be a great place for bacteria

48 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

to make a nice home. Maybe some of you will agree with me.

Now, we all know that every casino has a regular schedule for cleaning each slot machine, yet I’d still like some peace of mind when I first sit down to play. And I’m not so sure casino security, the slot department, and other patrons will be happy with me if I whip out a bottle of Lysol and start spraying and wiping away!

Call me weird, call me obsessive, please, go ahead! I’d just like to know “my machine” is clean before I start to play and isn’t still covered with the last patron’s sneeze or other bacteria. I think a few Sani wipes just might do the trick. Write me and tell me what you think. Have fun and see you next month! $

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 529

03. Bucky’s Casino

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 309

04. Casino Arizona

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 911

Y

Y

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol 06. Casino of the Sun

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 656

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 512

Y

Y

Y

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

Y

Y

Y

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 688

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

866-332-9467

Maricopa

480-802-5000 1,089

Pinetop

800-929-8744 836

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 786

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

Payson

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

800-777-7529 425

Y

Y

Y

Y

888-777-4946 506

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

I-8, Exit 166

Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+ Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247

101 & Indian Bend

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 752

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

24. Yavapai Casino

Y

Y

8555 Hwy. 95

22. Vee Quiva Casino

Y

Y

19. Spirit Mountain Casino

Y

Y

Y

18. Quechan Casino

21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino

Y

Y Y

Y Y* Y

Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 901

777 Hwy. 260

20. Talking Stick Resort

Y

Y

56

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

17. Paradise Casino

Y

Y

855-765-7829 294

15. Lone Butte Casino

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

Y

855-765-7829 1,085

14. Hon-Dah Casino 16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

Y

Y

Tucson

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Y

Tucson

10. Desert Diamond Casino II 12. Fort McDowell Casino

Y

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

08. Cocopah Resort Casino

11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why

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

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 04/01/14 & 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

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

azgamingguide.com

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Word Search Solution D E U T C C H D A B G R E O R S W M E N A S I N S E I S K

R A U E R K A I T M S O F O R R U T O S P E S S U T E D M I D I N I L G N K G

E U D E B N E N O P I S T E C L E F F F C N U A O R K C T E A

N O F G D U F S T L E S E E H L K E F E A R F I L S U K F H O O E S O Y P C I H C O C O C

Sudoku Solution

S E T I H W

6

3

2

8

1

9

5

7

4

7

1

5

2

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6

8

4

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2

2

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8

3

5

9

9

5

7

4

3

2

8

1

6

50 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Y

Arcade

800-272-2438 607

Spa

Globe

RV Park

Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe

Golf

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort

Hotel

Slots

Poker Room

Phone

Table Games

City

Live Keno

Location

Bingo

Casino

High Limit Area

CASINO DIRECTORY

Y Y