DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 GREAT GAMES 16 WINNING WAYS 19 CASINO DINING 20 ARIZONA LOTTERY 23 FEATURE STORY I 24 FEATURE STORY II 26 TRIBAL NEWS 30 GAMING NEWS 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 35 TRAVEL 36 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 38 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 40 CASINO BINGO 42 FUN & GAMES
TSR’S ARENA POKER ROOM READY FOR 10TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT AUGUST 15!
44 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 46 CASINO DIRECTORY
THE MAGIC OF DAVID COPPERFIELD BY BALLY
REEL INTENSITY & HOT HOT PENNY 2 BY WMS
NIGHTLIFE OPTIONS AT ARIZONA’S CASINOS
The Death Saw bonus and two base game features make this brand new slot magical!
There’s a brand new game play mechanic in their slots and “Penny” is back with more hot action!
Writer Rodric introduces the new Chrome at Wild Horse Pass, TSR’s Degree 270 and more!
azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 07 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
TSR Hosts 10th Annual Poker Championship! Talking Stick Resort is excited to celebrate the 10th year of the Annual Arizona State Poker Championship on August 15-19, 2014. Described as the ultimate No Limit Hold ‘Em showdown, the tournament allows players to showcase their skills as they compete for a share of more than $1 million dollars. Buy-ins are $1,000 plus a $100 service fee. This issue has a sneak peek on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, Aruze, and Aristocrat. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe gives us the inside scoop on Three Card Poker. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with an in-depth look at Indian Gaming and all the progress it provides. Writer Rodric Hurdle-Bradford delivers on Arizona Casino’s nightlife. And, entertainment writer Ramses Ja talks about his experience at Harrah’s Ak-Chin. 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 this 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 Lee Allen Cindy Esquer Jelena Momich Amanda Riddle Samantha Becker Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford 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
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Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource: Office of Problem Gambling 1.800.NEXT.STEP or 1.800.639.8783 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov
PLAYERS TALK Q: I know in the past you guys have answered questions about how, on average, a jackpot will be won (i.e. a Royal Flush about every 40,000 spins). My question is if a slot tech opens a machine to fix it or turns it off for any reason does that affect a jackpot being won in the average amount of spins? For example, if the Royal Flush was at 39,999 hands since it was last won does turning off the machine reset that? Thanks! Jason Felderman—Tucson, AZ Jason, this is an excellent question that many of our readers have and it gets to the root of how video poker and slot machines actually function. We frequently discuss the probability of an event (Jackpot, Royal Flush, etc.) occurring in our articles. Royal Flushes have a probability of happening about once in every 40,000 hands played. Now, that number assumes the player (you) plays video poker with perfect strategy and is a value obtained over the long run. That is to say if someone were to play video poker for a very long time (at least 10 million hands), on average, that person would hit a Royal Flush once in every 40,000 hands. What this does not mean is that if someone plays 39,999 hands, the next hand is a Royal Flush. Turning the machine off, switching machines, switching casinos, etc. does not affect this number whatsoever. Video poker and slot machines are running on random number generators and they do not follow set patterns. There is no sequence to the wins and losses they display from one bet to the next. A simple example to assist in explaining this central concept to all electronic casino gaming devices is to think about flipping a fair coin (one with two sides, evenly weighted, can’t land on the edge, etc.). We know fair coins have a 1 in 2 chance of turning up heads. This means over the long run, on average, every other coin flip produces heads. But is that what happens when you actually proceed to flip the coin? No, of course not! You’ll get a string of different outcomes, like HTHHHTTHTT, or plenty of other variations. That’s because the coin flip is a random event not predetermined to be heads every other flip. Don’t interchange probabilities or odds which are based on random events into predetermined sequences. Remember that everything in casino gambling is based on random events and that’s what makes it exciting, not knowing what happens next!
Q: Hi, I was wondering if any of the Arizona casinos have a sports book? Can you tell me if they do? Nola Harr—via e-mail Nola, by state law, sports betting is not legal in Arizona. As a result, there are no sports books in Arizona casinos. In addition, there should be no sports books anywhere else in the state! If you encounter sports betting, especially a sports book in Arizona your best “bet” is to call the nearest local law enforcement agency or to contact the Arizona Department of Gaming at 602.771.4263. More information on what is considered acceptable social gaming is also available on their website at azgaming.gov. Reading the Arizona Department of Gaming’s “Social Gaming Tips” document, you’ll notice that sports pools and fantasy sports are allowed as long as there is no financial incentive for the organizer. For your convenience, we’ve included an excerpt from the document below. SPORTS POOL CONTESTS “A specific chart is used for each sporting event and consists of a predetermined number of squares arranged in a grid format. Participants purchase one or more squares for a specified amount resulting in the chance to win all or a portion of the pooled money if their square is the winning square. This form of gambling becomes illegal if the pool operator receives a payment for operating the pool.” FANTASY SPORTS TEAM LEAGUES “Participants act as ‘owners’ to build a team that competes against other fantasy owners based on the statistics generated by the individual players or teams of an actual professional sport. Monies accumulated during the season are won by the owners. This type of gambling is legal as long as only the participants receive the winnings. A league operator may not take a cut.” Your closest option to wager on sports is to drive to Laughlin, NV and place your wagers at the sports books located in the casinos there. Most of the sports books in Laughlin are part of the major sports books in Vegas, so you aren’t missing out! $
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 | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
GREAT GAMES
Table Games—Three Card Poker
By Al Moe
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hree Card Poker is a fairly simple casino table game where your own three card poker hand is matched against the dealer’s. High hand wins. And, there’s good news about basic strategy at Three Card Poker. You only have to remember one rule if you are playing the Ante wager: always raise (make the Play wager) when your hand is at least a Queen6-4 or higher! Pretty simple. The strange thing about the game is that overall you’ll lose just over 8.5% on your Ante bets, but you’ll win almost 5.3% more than you bet on the Play (Raise wager), so you need to raise at the correct time. The problem many players run into is that they know the dealer won’t qualify much of the time and they’ll win anyway, so they play blind, without looking. Would you do that at blackjack? If yes, go ahead and enjoy yourself. If not, you might want to rethink playing blind at Three Card. Other Options The other wager available at Three Card is the Pair Plus. It does carry a higher house edge (over 7%), but it offers big payoffs of up to 40 to 1 for a straight flush and as high as 50 to 1 on a Mini Royal at Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. Those payoffs make the wager very enticing! Another option some players take is wagering on two hands, the first with the Ante and Pair Plus and the second with just the Pair Plus. Overall, making just the Pair Plus wager on the second hand is actually cheaper per hour of play than making the Ante/Play wagers and the Pair Plus, even though the Ante/ Play wagers have a lower house edge. So, if you want more
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bang for your buck, instead of raising your wager on one hand, you might consider playing a second hand with just the Pair Plus. Keep in mind that you’ll have to wager twice the table minimum on both hands. For players who like to raise their wagers as they are winning to take advantage of lucky streaks (they may not be scientifically proven, but they do happen), an important factor in wagering is that the Ante bet will win about 45% of the time, so you can expect to get a return quite often. The same can’t be said for the Pair Plus. You can only expect to win your Pair Plus wager about once in four hands, and the payoff will be even-money for a pair on 66% of those hands. In other words, betting a little more when you are winning pays off much more often on the Ante bet than the Pair Plus wager. In addition, if you decide to increase your wager on a bad streak (not a very good idea), you’re likely to lose several more Pair Plus bets before you capture a winner. As a general rule, you’ll have a lot more fun and last longer if you raise your bets with the house’s money after you win not with your own after a string of losing bets. $
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
New Slots Coming Soon
100 Lines Stack By Aruze Gaming
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ncreased lines and increased max bets equal increased excitement! 100 Lines Stack is the first G-Series title from Aruze that is played at 5 reels and 100 lines. This 1¢ denomination video game uses the Ultra Stack Lion game play but with larger max bets to appeal to all players but most importantly, high denomination players. 100 Lines Stack offers multiple bonus features such as the Big Cat Feature, 8 Free Games, and an opportunity to retrigger the 8 Free Games. The Big Cat Feature can be triggered when 3 scattered Feature symbols appear on reels 2, 3, and 4. It consists of a Mini Game and 8 Free Games. During the Mini Game, choose from 1 of 5 silhouettes. Whichever Big Cat is revealed during the Mini Game will appear more frequently on the reels during the 8 Free Games. During the 8 Free Games, 3 scattered Feature symbols appearing on reels 2, 3, and 4 retrigger 8 additional Free Games. One hundred lines of stacked symbols mean one hundred ways to win and have fun! For more information about this slot game and other exciting Aruze games, visit their website at aruzegaming.com.
Magic Flower By Aristocrat
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ristocrat has transformed the game, and the incredibly popular ESERIES is one reason why. Now the ESERIES category is expanding with its newest title, Magic Flow er. This game immerses players with two intriguing tales from the Orient in the base games Secret of the Gard en Flow er and Seduction of White Peony. Like all titles in the ESERIES category, Magic Flow er games are created for players who prefer a longer time on device experience and provide a lowvolatility, high-anticipation experience utilizing large stacks of symbols to create multiple coinciding wins. Highly stylized poker symbols and elegant artwork adorn all reel symbols, and a wealth of animation and base game reel spin music keep players engaged and entertained. Magic Flower games take players on a journey where near misses, winning spins, exploding reels, random credit rewards and re-spins provide the ultimate slot entertainment experience. Magic Flow er games have a range of line and denomination configuration options and low volatility. Visit their website at aristocratgaming.com for more information about Aristocrat’s new games. $
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
New Slots Coming Soon
GREAT GAMES
The Magic Of David Copperfield By Bally Technologies
‘Appearing’ On Casino Floors Soon By Amanda Riddle
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aybe you saw one of his mystifying shows performed around the world. Or you were awed by his Emmy award-winning TV specials. Prepare to be entertained all over again with The Magic of David Copperfield progressive video slot featuring one of the greatest magicians of all time. The Magic of David Copperfield will transport you into its unique gaming experience through a 42-inch, 1080p high-definition display on Bally’s ALPHA 2 Pro V22 with Digital Tower cabinet. The game features classic acts like the Death Saw Bonus, which is triggered by three Bonus Saw Blade symbols on reels one, three, and five. Players touch a “switch” on the touchscreen and are awarded one spin of the Death Saw. The Death Saw slices its way to credit awards, 10 Flying Free Games with the Wild Mark play mechanic, six Levitation Free Games with Wild sweeping reels, or the progressive jackpot. Both Free Games feature incredible video of these famous illusions from Copperfield’s legendary performances. This five-reel, 25-line game delivers big wins in the base game with two entertaining features. In Mystery Wild Reels, up to three reels may become Wild, with each one showcasing one of Copperfield’s classic illusions. In Magic Mystery Wilds, David may appear and award up to nine wild symbols. You will also delight in the animated symbols and incorporated video, as well as the chance of a mind-blowing jackpot on Bally’s wide-area progressive Cash Connection link. The Magic of David Copperfield is appearing on casino floors soon, so prepare to be astonished! For more information about this game, as well as other new and existing games by Bally Technologies, visit their website at ballytech.com. $
azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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GREAT GAMES
New Slots Coming Soon
New Reel Intensity Slots & Hot Hot Penny 2 By WMS Gaming Reel Intensity Multipliers Applied To Every Winning Spin! Introducing the Reel Intensity series, the latest innovation designed specifically for the WMS CPU-NXT3 platform. With each game under the Reel Intensity family, a random multiplier is awarded for each winning spin… including the entire bonus! Above the reels is the Reel Intensity series meter, where the higher you bet, the higher the range of potential multipliers (up to 25x). For any win under 400 credits, a random multiplier from the selected range will multiply that win. For any win of 400 credits or more, the Reel Intensity series wheel spins to award a mystery multiplier. For added excitement, the wheel may first stop to award a mystery credit prize of up to 12500 credits! Launching with two unique themes, Hot Molten Money and Code Name: Katarina games, each with their own unique features including Re-spin and Free Spin Bonuses, the Reel Intensity family heightens the thrill by intensifying wins!
Hot Hot Penny 2 Spin The Wheel For Up To 200 Free Spins! She’s back and hotter than ever! Penny is back with not one but two wheels awarding free spins so hot that they are on fire! Three or more scattered Bonus symbols award the Free Spin Bonus where you spin the wheel awarding up to 200 free spins. But that is not all—if the awarded wheel wedge is on fire, an additional wheel spin is awarded and the fire is put out. Continue to spin, and rack up the free spins, until you land on a wedge that is not on fire. In the base game two, three, or four scattered Bonus symbols award a respin, where reels containing Bonus symbols are held and the remaining reels respin. The respin feature allows the chance to get two Bonus symbols and then respin to trigger the Free Spin Bonus. Featuring a unique, high definition, stunning art package, this additional wheel bonus theme, launching exclusively on the powerful WMS CPU-NXT3 platform, is a sure-fire hit! $
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WINNING WAYS
Sky Rider & Storm Queens hit the mark with players By Lana Hartmann
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first came across Aristocrat Technologies’ ESeries games Sky Rider and Storm Queens at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa, AZ several weeks ago shortly after they were installed. Having played the games at the G2E show in Las Vegas back in late 2013, I was excited to try them with “real money” instead of the demo mode at the tradeshow. One can always get a sense of a game at a tradeshow, but the real test comes when your bankroll and entertainment is at stake on the floor of a real casino. These brand new slots by Aristocrat are a clear home run with me, the staff here at the Arizona Gam ing Guid e , and with players across Arizona. Here are a few facts about the slots before I discuss my personal experience while playing them. The graphics are different from any of Aristocrat’s previous slots (with the exceptions of licensed themes like Superman, The Walking Dead, etc. or other prominent Aristocrat titles like Tarzan, Buffalo Stampede, etc.). The
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WINNING WAYS graphics make full use of the entire screen making the games inviting, bright, and bold. Players can easily distinguish between symbols and the low value poker symbols (9, 10, J, Q, K, A) have been given a complete makeover as well. The game play is not as volatile as one might expect from most Aristocrat slots. Game play is straight forward with easily understood mechanics which are enhanced with direct images and sounds. I have experienced multiple play sessions on all of these games across several casinos and will tell you that my bankroll lasts on these games. I can hit the bonus on each game frequently (around 75 to 100 games) and regularly win bankroll sustaining amounts. I was pleasantly surprised by how this new Aristocrat game behaved. I was winning above my bet frequently and regularly won between two and five times my bet. The important ten times bet win was often enough that I could count on it to let me keep playing. Try them for yourself, but I’d strongly suggest these ESeries games are on your list of favorite slots! Play these games now at: Casino Arizona, Casino Del Sol, Desert Diamond Casino Tucson, Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Lone Butte Casino, Talking Stick Resort, Vee Quiva Casino, and Wild Horse Pass Casino. Stay tuned for updates as these slots become available in more casinos across Arizona! Sky Rider Game Insights: Golden Amulet: 9, 18 or 36 free games are triggered with 3, 4 or 5
stacks of scatters. Max Stacked Symbols on all reels provide highly anticipating stacked symbol wins. Reactive Rewards build up the winning experience throughout the free games. Silver Treasures: Free games are triggered with 3 or more stacks of scatters. Players have the options to choose a mystery choice or which major symbol will be stacked on all reels throughout the free games. With a max of 72 free games, the number of free games will be determined by which symbol is chosen and how many stacks triggered the feature. Storm Queens Game Insights: Game titles include Fire Queen, Ice Queen, and Sand Queen. The Big Symbols span a 3x3 reel position resulting in exhilarating wild wins. Players can even choose the order in which the reels stop by touching the screen, providing more interactivity. 8 Free Games triggered by a 3x3 Jewel in the center of the screen. $
azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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CASINO DINING
A High Roller Delight: Mushroom Puff Pastry
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ust the mention of puff pastry makes most people salivate and we came across a great appetizer recipe for your next get together! This High Roller Mushroom Puff Pastry dish is courtesy of Jill Davie from the Casino Surprise Birthday/Greek Festival episode of Party Starters on the Food Network. Enjoy! Ingredients 1 (12 by 18-inch) sheet puff pastry. 1 egg, lightly beaten. 1/4 cup black sesame seeds. 1/4 pound oyster mushrooms, quartered. 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, quartered. 1/4 pound portobello mushrooms, cut into 8 pieces. 1/4 cup cooking oil. 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped. 2 tablespoons shallots, minced. Salt & Black pepper. 1 cup white wine. 1 1/2 cups cream. Directions For the dice puff pastries: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the puff pastry into 60 even squares. Using a pastry brush, brush each square with the beaten egg. Place the squares on a greased sheet pan. Apply the black sesame seeds to the egg wash on top of the squares in different patterns to make them look like dice. Bake the puffs until golden brown about 12 minutes. Let the puffs cool. Cut the puffs in half horizontally for sandwiching. For the mushrooms: Clean and cut all the mushrooms. Heat a large saute pan. Add the cooking oil and saute mushrooms in small batches seasoning with garlic, shallots, salt and pepper. Spread sauteed mushrooms out onto a large tray and allow to cool. Chop the mushrooms and return them to the saute pan. Add the white wine and reduce until the liquid is almost completely evaporated. Add the cream and reduce again until thick. To assemble: Place one scoop of mushroom mixture on the bottom layer of the puff pastry and then top with the other layer to form the sandwich. $
azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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ARIZONA LOTTERY
Winners
Payson Woman Claims Third All or Nothing Prize T
he Arizona Lottery announced that the third $25,000 top prize winning ticket for the All or Nothing morning draw on Wednesday, May 21 has been claimed. Nancy Gills of Payson came forward as the third top prize winner of the new All or Nothing draw game. Gills purchased a Quick Pick ticket which had no matching numbers, earning her the $25,000 prize. Gills said she decided to try the new game because she never matches any numbers when playing Pow erball or Mega Millions. Gills and her husband love living in Payson where they spend their extra time shopping at garage sales and selling their crops of grapes to a local health food store. They plan to put their winnings into a retirement account. “It is exciting that there have already been three top prize winning tickets for All or Nothing during the game’s first week,”
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said Karen Bach, director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. “We look forward to presenting more top prize checks to winners of this popular game.” All or Nothing is the first Arizona Lottery game offering players the chance to win twice daily, Monday through Saturday, with drawings at approximately 10:30 a.m. and 6:59 p.m. Players have the option of manually picking ten numbers between 1 and 20 or choosing a computer-generated Quick Pick . Players who match all or none of the selected numbers win the top prize of $25,000. There are eight ways to win, with other prizes ranging from $2 to $250. Tickets cost $2 each. For more information about the new All or Nothing draw game or any other new or existing Arizona Lottery games, please visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. $
Winners
Leslie Sepich
2nd $50,000 Casino Slots Winner!
By Cindy Esquer
ARIZONA LOTTERY
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or Leslie Sepich of Glendale, her $50,000 win on a Casino Slots instant scratch ticket couldn’t have come at a better time. The money from this win will pay her tuition fees. Leslie works evenings as a restaurant bartender while she’s in a special concurrent program with Glendale Community College and Northern Arizona University. Leslie saw the ticket in the machine while she was at the store. Since she hadn’t played it before, she decided to try it and bought one ticket. She’s looking forward to becoming a nurse and no longer having to bartend. In addition to paying for her tuition, she plans to purchase a computer for school and some furniture. $
$100,00 Triple Red 7’s Jackpot!
n the past, Gerald Vance, Sun City, came to Arizona regularly every year for spring training. Now, he’s a permanent resident. Gerald just received a nice Arizona welcoming gift; he won $100,000 on a Triple Red 7’s instant scratch ticket. Gerald has played Triple Red 7’s before and had good luck with it. This time, he purchased one ticket from the Lottery vending machine. He scratched the ticket in the store and signed the back of it as soon as he realized he had won $100,000. Gerald purchases instant scratch tickets about twice a week. He usually buys $5 and $10 tickets because he likes the payouts. Gerald is semi-retired, working part time for a new transportation company. He’s always been interested in model cars and recently started to construct them, making a good start at adding to his collection. Gerald also enjoys playing golf.
Gerald Vance
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By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
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he U.S. nightlife and nightclub industry is a multibillion dollar business, and Arizona’s casinos are getting into the act by offering state-of-the-art nightclubs and nightlife venues to attract new patrons from the 21 to 35 age demographic. A Home for Chrome The newest addition to the Arizona casino nightlife scene is the nightclub Chrome at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. Opening on Friday, July 11, Chrome is anticipating making a big splash in the Valley nightlife scene by having popular act DJ Roonie G spin to open the venue. “He is a big act in the Valley during the Phoenix Open so we figured he would be the perfect DJ to open the club,” says Michael Olujic, General
Manager of Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. “It brings a higher degree of energy to appeal to a younger demographic in the East Valley without them having to go all the way to Scottsdale. We feel the market is underserved out here in this area for a quality nightclub experience. The goal is to have our guests enjoy the experience, enjoy the club and have the clientele turn into loyal patrons and clients.” Management at the casino and at Chrome visited Las Vegas to get inspiration for hot, hip and trendy nightlife. They visited XS and Hakkassan, two of the strip’s hottest clubs located at Encore and MGM Grand, respectively. “We took what we thought was best at both clubs and implemented what we felt would fit best at
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DJ Roonie G performs July 11 at the new Chrome inside Wild Horse Pass
Wild Horse Pass,” says Olujic. “Chrome fits well into our brand at the casino and our high energy video DJs will prove that for all of our guests. The venue design is the backdrop for an invigorating experience, stimulated by the videos and music.” Olujic describes the interior of Chrome as intimate and open, with specific cubbyhole areas created for small groups. “It is the best of both worlds,” says Olujic. “We will have beautiful people there to have a good time, and the space for fun with a capacity of 800 people to meet our client demand for the best time possible.” A New Degree of Nightlife For Talking Stick Resort, nightlife has been a part of the young casino’s structure. Degree 270 nightclub has captured a loyal following by having perhaps the best view of the entire Valley, a new redesigned three-sided bar and popular DJs highlighting the calendar.
Degree 270 nightclub, with a wide range of age groups and demographics being introduced to Talking Stick for the first time. The 14th floor at the casino has successfully earned a reputation for a lively, spontaneous and fun crowd at Degree 270 without the pretentious nature that can be found at some Valley nightclubs. This is due in part to the resort’s AAA Four Diamond rating, ensuring a high level of customer service not only at the property but at the nightclub as well. “We keep a well-dressed, professional staff that always respects our guests because it may be their first interaction at our property and we always want it to be a good one,” says Martinez. To accompany the experience at the nightclub, and the linked promotions to the pool and restaurant, Talking Stick also offers an indoor cigar lounge to capture a more mature guest and their evening activities. “The cigar lounge and Orange Sky restaurant attract more mature audiences and they both make our casino unique,” says Martinez. “A lot of our private event requests at the cigar lounge and the nightclub begin with someone’s personal visit for social reasons and since the venues are so appealing, they want to host their own event and share the experience.” Dual Desert Options In Tucson, Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment has vibrant night life venues at both the Tucson and Sahuarita locations. “At our casino in Tucson the Monsoon nightclub is one of the hottest clubs in town, offering live music and dancing every weekend,” says Trina Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise.
“The wow factor really comes through soon as you get off the elevator to the club on the 14th floor,” says Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Talking Stick Resort. “If you make a trip across the valley to Degree 270, you have the option to stay over and go to the popular Release pool party on Sunday afternoons.” Talking Stick uses the pool party as a resource to recruit for their nightclub, as well as the fine dining at Orange Sky restaurant. The different types of venues lead to a diverse crowd at the
On Fridays at Monsoon they host the dance fusion party that features top 40, pop and dance music. On Saturday nights the Noches Caliente party features live performances by the top TexMex and Tejano bands from across Arizona. And, ladies get in for free on both nights. “That has been a hit with the female demographic,” says Parvello. “Having these nightlife options has brought in thousands of new people and allowed us to connect with our guests in new ways.” The 2,200-seat Diamond Center helps feed the nightclub with their national headlining acts, and on Fridays and Saturdays sports bar guests get invited into the nightlife calendar with live entertainment, bands and DJs beginning at 8pm. “While Desert Diamond casinos is widely recognized as a gaming leader, having nightlife options at both facilities adds an extra dose of energy to each casino,” says Parvello. “We continue to thrive by appealing to guests across a broad spectrum of age groups, with something for everyone to enjoy.” $
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TSR ARENA Poker Room ready for all the action starting on August 15, 2014! By Shanna Wolfe & Satara Williams
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Players eliminated at any point during the first three days of the tournament will have the opportunity to re-buy in at the original price, permitting them to have another shot at winning the prize. Semi-finals will commence at 9am on August 18 followed by the finals on August 19.
With just a $1,000 buy-in and $100 service fee, poker enthusiasts can enter the competition and battle it out for the title of champion at Talking Stick Resort’s ARENA Poker Room. Starting the game with 16,000 tournament chips, players will have the option to purchase an additional 10,000 chips for just $30 to increase their chances of winning.
Narrowing the playing field to just 10 competitors, the final round will be a battle of wits, perseverance and patience. Adding a touch of star power to this year’s competition will be 13time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth who will emcee the concluding table. In addition to their cash prize, the top three players will take home a trophy and customized bracelet designed by Scottsdale jeweler Scott Gauthier of Jewelry by Gauthier.
alking Stick Resort is excited to celebrate the 10th year of the Annual Arizona State Poker Championship on August 15-19, 2014. Described as the ultimate No Limit Hold ‘Em showdown, the tournament allows players to showcase their skills as they compete for a share of more than $1 million dollars.
“Reaching a 10-year milestone is a major accomplishment and we’re thrilled Talking Stick Resort is the venue of choice to host this prestigious event,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations at Talking Stick Resort. “Players travel from all over the United States to compete in this tournament, which is a testament to it being the leading poker match in the region. Each year, the poker skill level continues to escalate and I’m sure this year will be no exception.”
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
The largest card room in the state of Arizona, the ARENA Poker Room is the ideal backdrop for the annual poker tournament. To date, it features 49 poker tables dealing such games as Omaha, Texas Hold ‘Em and 7-Card Stud. The ARENA is also equipped with a full-size scoreboard complete with a sports ticker and 16 flat screens that can be viewed from all angles of the room.
“Since joining Talking Stick Resort four months ago, I have already seen the excitement surrounding the annual Arizona State Poker Championship. From what I’m told, it’s an event not to be missed and I’m looking forward to being a part of it,” said Thomas Young, Poker Director for Talking Stick Resort. “With its exciting energy, great lighting and comfortable seating, The ARENA Poker Room is truly the ideal setting for hosting the momentous event. From our varied food menu to our numerous TVs, we offer optimal amenities and exceptional guest services all year round.” Last year’s competition was one for the books as it featured 1,300 players, all vying for the number one spot. The pool of challengers dwindled to 10 by the final round with a woman making it to the final table for the first time in the event’s 10year history. After battling it out for more than three hours, Wisconsin native, Joe Kuether, defeated his opponents and won a staggering $246,161. Kelly Minkin, who also hails from the Badger State, came in second place with two pair earning her a cash prize of $151,983. Rounding out the top five were Daniel Hirleman, Justin Riches and Zachary Kottler. In addition to bragging rights, the contestants won $116,910, $88,982 and $77,940 respectively. Competitors hoping to join the winning circle can enter the 10th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship Tournament Warm-Ups on Aug. 11-13 and brush up on their skills. To learn more about the upcoming event, visit talkingstickresort.com/championshipwarm-up-poker-tournament.aspx. Signups for the 10th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship begin at noon on June 1 and end on August 17 in the ARENA Poker Room. The $100 tournament service fee and $1,000 buy-in are required at the time of registration. To learn more about the 2014 tournament, visit talkingstickresort.com/annual-arizonastate-poker-championship.aspx or call 480.850.7777. Please note that players must be 21 or older to participate. $
TRIBAL NEWS
Ernie Stevens, Jr. National Indian Gaming Association
Valerie Spicer Arizona Indian Gaming Association
By Lee Allen
L
ittle in life passes by without some controversy and heated discussion, ergo, Indian gaming. Some define it as an economic stimulator that increases tourism to reservations, reduces unemployment, and increases tribal independence. “Without question, Indian gaming is THE tribal government success story,” says Ernie Stevens, Jr. (Oneida), long-time Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association. In a statement titled, Rebuilding Communities Through Indian Self-Reliance, Stevens noted, “In just two decades, Indian gaming has resulted in over half a million jobs and strengthened tribal governments by providing the financial wherewithal needed to progress. That record of growth was made possible because we’ve stood together to defeat attacks on our sovereignty and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.” In a response to a Time magazine report (Indian Casinos: Wheel of Misfortune), the NIGA spokesman reinforced the concept that Indian gaming was self-reliance, one tool tribes use to generate revenue for their communities. “Tribes have made the regulatory act work and begun to rebuild their once-forgotten communities with gaming revenues. It’s not a cure-all, but it has proven the best tool for economic development for a number of tribes whose governments are stronger, whose people are healthier, and for an entire generation of Indian youth that has
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
been given hope for a better future. Gaming not only works for Indian Country, it works for America.” It works in Arizona through the leadership of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, chaired by Terry Rambler (San Carlos Apache) and directed by Valarie Spicer (Mescalero Apache/ Hispanic). AIGA membership comes from 17 tribes in the state that represent more than 90% of Arizona’s Indian population living on reservations. Gaming revenues are shared with cities, towns, and counties statewide and support hundreds of nonprofit and charitable organizations as well as funding tribal needs. Under the Arizona Indian Gaming Preservation and SelfReliance Act, revenue from Indian gaming is shared with tribes that do not own casinos. In May, the Arizona Department of Gaming reported that tribes shared $24 million in casino revenue for 1Q14, about the same amount shared during the same quarter of 2013. As of that last report, tribes had shared about $979 million since 2002 and according to the department press release, are expected to hit the $1 billion mark sometime this summer. In addressing last year’s AIGA Expo in Tucson, NIGA Chairman Stevens told an audience that, “the Arizona organization is
TRIBAL NEWS a major presence of what we do in Washington, and the things we do in representing 420 gaming facilities among 240 tribes in 28 states could not be done without the leadership displayed in Arizona. The billions of dollars generated at Indian gaming sites across the country is not an accident.”
certain to be more than a billion dollars worth of gross state product and beneficial jobs, taxes, and gaming exclusivity allows revenues to flow directly to the Arizona treasury and local governments --- more than $819 million since inception and $97.3 million in fiscal year 2012, the date of this survey.”
A recent study on the economic impact benefits of Indian gaming in the Grand Canyon state verified direct industry employment of some 15,000 with another 7,000 indirect hires --- a conservative benefit of nearly a billion dollars in value add. And, since many reservations in the state are rural in nature, casinos deliver jobs where they are most needed.
The strength-in-unity concept was reinforced in April when AIGA members met with agency heads and politicians in Washington to talk about Arizona-specific issues in an industry whose revenue increased 3 percent to $1.8 billion --- higher than the national rate of growth. In an interview with Indian Country Today Media Network, AIGA Vice President Thomas Beauty (Yavapai-Apache) noted: “As the economy of Arizona rebounds, state residents are planning more ‘staycations’, stay-athome vacations, and casino operators are creating wonderful environments with smart offerings to maximize that revenue potential.”
“Indian gaming makes a direct contribution to rural economic development,” says AIGA Executive Director Spicer, a threedecade veteran of tribal, private, and public sectors of the gaming industry. “It produces jobs, attracts tourism, and brings investment to historically depressed economies. And the building and running of Indian casinos translates quickly into purchases from a broader statewide economy.” Speaking last fall at the 2013 AIGA Expo in Tucson, Chairman Rambler told attendees that success begat success. “These are tribes working together as a family to make the future better. This is how things are done, working together to build a model of cooperation that can be used in other economic ventures.” Economic study coordinator Jonathon Taylor noted: “Because of Indian gaming, tribal governments are now able to begin to address chronic reservation deficits in education, health, housing, safety, employment, and crime. As casino profits close these longstanding gaps, American Indian capital will grow to the lasting benefit of the entire Arizona economy.” Taylor’s lengthy analysis of Indian Gaming in Arizona concluded: “The agreements struck between Arizona and the Indian governments within its borders helped to create one of the topranked industries in the state --- one which produces what is
At the February Tribal Nations Legislative Day in the state legislature, Beauty added: “Indian gaming has elevated our communities to self-sufficiency (and) we have not only used gaming dollars to develop our tribal communities and educate our people, we have also contributed just under $1 billion to the state to support education, healthcare, and natural resources.” Speaking with Arizona Gam ing Guid e , Spicer (honored as a “Great Woman of Gaming” by Casino Enterprise Management magazine and a featured panelist at NIGA’s recent Gaming Expo in San Diego) admitted that while the Indian Gaming industry in her region will face new challenges from the impact of emerging trends and innovations, those developments will also afford new opportunities. “It’s only been a little over a decade since Arizona’s gaming compact with tribes was signed and the Arizona Benefits Fund was established, and we’re about to hit that billion dollar mark in contributions back to the state and its citizens,” Spicer said. $
Grand Opening of Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Justice Center The Ak-Chin Indian Community finalized construction on its multi-purpose Justice Center and hosted the grand opening event on June 6, 2014. The Justice Center is located at 45525 W. Farrell Road, in Maricopa. “After extensive regional research of justice centers, we found the best fitting components of each and incorporated that into our center,” said AkChin Tribal Chairman Louis J. Manuel, Jr. “It is important for our Community to have a justice center that can serve as a sense of pride for many years to come.” The Ak-Chin Indian Community broke ground on the complex in December 2012. The now completed 56,000-square-foot Center will be home to the Ak-Chin Tribal Police Department, detention, probation, public defender’s office, prosecutor’s office and courts. It will also include facilities and programming space for rehabilitation services. “The role that the judicial services, public safety and social services bring to our community is paramount,” said Manuel. “Bringing together these areas under one roof will help streamline services and add efficiency to our process.” With continued sensitivity to the environment, the Justice Center will use reclaimed water in the toilets in select areas of the center. The lights throughout the building turn on when someone is in the room, and automatically shut off when there is no activity in the building. $ azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
27
TRIBAL NEWS
Taking a look at two of Arizona’s top business leaders
Chairman Louis Manuel, Jr. Ak-Chin Indian Community
Councilwoman Delia Carlyle Ak-Chin Indian Community
Chairman Louis J. Manuel, Jr. and Councilwoman Delia Carlyle of the 2014 Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council have both been recently recognized with prestigious honors by Arizona Business Magazine. Chairman Manuel was selected as one of the 25 Most Influential Minority Business Leaders in Arizona and Councilwoman Carlyle was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Arizona Business. Hard work, family values and passion for the community are at the threshold of these two honorees’ motivation for creating a better life for those around them. Chairman Manuel is a strong advocate for education, social and health services and has always believed education should be a top priority for the Ak-Chin Indian Community as well as within all communities. For him, it is of upmost importance for an individual to go through proper schooling so they are well rounded as well as having support from family, friends and neighbors. With his guidance, the Ak-Chin Indian Community is on the road to a stronger economy. He served as the first Vice President of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) and Vice Chairman of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA). He has also held multiple management and leadership positions within the Ak-Chin Indian Community including Housing Board Commissioner, Housing Board Commission Chairman,
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Youth Honored at Digikids Film Festival in Scottsdale
Planning and Zoning Commissioner, and Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Early in his career, Chairman Manuel also participated in the Harrah’s Development System at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and started working in the casino as a Restaurant Outlet Manager as well as the Hotel Manager. He hopes that his decision-making abilities will be remembered as something that gave value and sustainability in promoting a strong future and self-reliance for the people he served. Councilwoman Carlyle has long believed in serving her Community. With experience working as a certified EMT at the Community’s Fire Department to serving as Chairwoman for Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) as well as being the former Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council, she has invested a lot of her time into sustaining a stronger community. During her time with the Ak-Chin Indian Community Center, she helped form programs for the Community Elders and established many programs in education, social services, community development, health, housing and transportation. In addition to this honor, she was also the first recipient of the Tony Sanchez Award for outstanding contributions to elderly programs. Chairman Louis J. Manuel, Jr. and Councilwoman Delia Carlyle’s great work will continue. Both have paved their own unique path for the success of the Community they serve. $
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale partnered with the Microsoft Store located at Scottsdale Fashion Square on Wednesday, May 14 to showcase Club members’ excellence in the area of multimedia art as part of the Digikids Film Festival. The program encourages Club members to learn and practice in digital arts, including movie making, music making, and graphic design. The young honorees and the public got the chance to view their movies on the big screen, at Harkins Theatre in Scottsdale Fashion Square. After the movie screenings, the festival moved to the Microsoft Store where a red carpet and awards presentation took place. Club members worked all year to master the skills of digital art through the program. The arts, which develops creativity and cultural awareness through all different types of mediums, is just one of five core areas focused on at the Boys & Girls Clubs. The non-profit organization also promotes leadership development, education, life skills and sports, fitness and recreation through their 100 youth development programs. Among those honored were 5th and 6th grade members of the Lehi Branch, which is located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community, who won in the category of “Best Action Sequence” for their work on “Candyland.” In addition, the children of the Red Mountain Branch, which is also located on the Community, were honored in the category of “Best Animation” for their work on “Our Homes.” $ azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
29
GAMING NEWS
Department of Gaming Deals Another Blow By Jelena Momich
O
n June 6, 2014 at 8:00 pm, agents from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Mesa Police Department and Phoenix Police Department served simultaneous warrants at two Valley locations: (1) Pocket Jacks Poker Room, located at 9123 E. Southern Avenue in Mesa, and (2) Elite Poker Social Club, located at 3632 W. Pinnacle Peak in Phoenix. This is the latest development in an investigation that began earlier this year when law enforcement officers received complaints regarding alleged illegal poker games. After interviewing the owners, ADG recommended that corrective action be taken to prevent further liability. The poker rooms, however, chose not to comply. Through their investigations, officers gathered evidence suggesting violations of various state gambling statutes, including: possession of gambling devices, benefitting from gambling, promotion of gambling, and possession of gambling records. Agents seized 8 poker tables and other gambling paraphernalia, several televisions and surveillance equipment, computers, records, cell phones, a .38 caliber revolver, ammunition, and over $2,000 in cash. The investigations are ongoing and no arrests were made at this time. This is all of the information available at the moment. We will continue to update the public as the story develops. To report suspected illegal gambling, contact your local police department or ADG at 602-255-3888. $
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
TournEvent of Champions Update: Desert Diamond Casinos Announce Details! Multimedia Games’ traveling slots tournament spectacular, the TournEvent of Champions, is rolling into Desert Diamond Casinos’ Tucson location on August 16, 2014. After winning their seat during the Golden Pass Giveaway from Aug. 1 – 15, 2014, participants will compete in the TournEvent for up to $10,000 dollars and a chance to participate in the National TournEvent of Champions in Las Vegas. Guests must be Diamond Rewards members to be eligible.
Entries in the Golden Pass Giveaway can be earned starting Aug. 1, 2014, only at the Tucson location. Guests can earn one free entry by swiping their Rewards Card at the MGT kiosk on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays or receive entries for every 1,000 points earned in slot play. Drawings will be held on Aug. 14 & 15, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. to select the 200 Golden Pass recipients who will participate in the TournEvent of Champions.
In the TournEvent of Champions, everyone is a winner! Participants who finish in 21st to 200th place will receive $50 free play. Participants that finish 11th to 20th place will receive $250 cash. Participants that finish in the Top 10 will receive cash rewards starting at $500 and going up to $10,000 for the first place finisher.
The winners of the Golden Pass Giveaway will take part in the TournEvent of Champions on Aug. 16 at the Tucson location. The 1st Round sessions will run every 15 minutes from 12:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. The top 20 scores from the 1st Round will advance to the 2nd Round Semi-Finals, which will run every 15 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The top 10 scores from the Semi-Finals will then advance to the Grand Finale at 7:00 p.m.
The top winner will also get a paid vacation for two to Las Vegas to participate in the National TournEvent of Champions, where they could win up to $200,000 cash! The package includes roundtrip airfare to/from Las Vegas for two, accommodations with food and beverage credit, and of course a seat at the National Championship.
Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “With unique and exciting TournEvent games, rewards for all participants, and the chance to win even more on a free Vegas vacation, the TournEvent of Champions is not to be missed!”
azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
33
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 April 2014 Slots
Hold % Tables
Hold %
4.98
Blackjack / 21
18.15
$1
5.55
Craps
20.36
25¢
5.89
Roulette
21.92
Multi-Denom 6.25
Let It Ride
23.21
5¢
6.28
Pai Gow Poker
23.46
$5
6.49
Other Table Games 27.04
1¢
11.88
Three Card Poker
Tight Megabucks
13.34
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!
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 | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Loose Sports Pools Race Books
Tight Live Keno
31.14
Hold % Win Amount
Dollars
5.63
Slots
38.1 mil.
17.51
Tables
4.1 mil.
29.70
Other
0.4 mil.
Laughlin, Nevada
TRAVEL
Delivers Hot Slots & Plenty of Entertainment
H
arrah’s Laughlin continues to share their “Sizzling Slots” data with us on a monthly basis. And we know this kind of info is exactly what you’ve come to expect from us. So, based on what we received, Harrah’s Laughlin slots are maintaining to pay out around $10 million every month. The hottest video poker machines on their floor remain the Triple/Five/Ten Play games located in the High Limit, Video Poker, and Non-Smoking areas. If you’re more of a slot player, the hottest games are any of Aristocrat’s Buffalo, Wonder 4, Buffalo Stampede, Bally’s Quick Hits, or Triple Red Hot 7’s. Most notably, Harrah’s Laughlin May’s Hottest Slots included Atronic’s Sphinx II, a game some of our staff members helped design (located near the South Tower)! Plus, Harrah’s Laughlin has several excellent entertainment packages awaiting lucky visitors. The Professional Bull Riders make a stop in Laughlin during the weekend of September 20th and 21st later this year. Room and event packages start at $270. In October, there are two “can’t miss” events as well. The first is the Laughlin Laughfest across October 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Headlining comedians include Dana Carvey, Larry The Cable Guy, Chris Kattan, and Tim Meadows. Room and Comedy Show packages start at just $190. The second is Toby Keith live in concert as part of his Shut Up & Hold On tour on October 18th. He’ll perform many of his classic hits and songs from his new album Drinks After Work. Room and Concert packages start at $230. Call 702.298.4600 for more info. $
azgamingguide.com | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
35
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
Listings
Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: All Indian Boxing Championships—Jul. 5 Pam Tillis—Jul. 5 Guns N’ Roses Tribute—Jul. 26 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: Divas of MAD TV—Jul. 5 A Night of Magic—Aug. 30 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: the Police Experience (Police Tribute)—Jul. 4-5 Crimes of Passion (Pat Benetar Tribute)—Jul. 18-19 Rio (Duran Duran Tribute)—Aug. 1-2 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 Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: Jay Perez / Los Super Reyes—Jul. 5 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—Th-Fr at 8pm All night DJ music in the River Room with DJ Sosa—Saturdays A variety of live music every Saturday night on the casino floor La Sonora Dinamita—Jul. 12 Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Dance Fusion with Desert DJs—Fridays Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music! Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Karaoke Night—Wednesdays 7-11pm Live music or DJs—Fridays & Saturdays Diamond Center: Chris Isaak—Jul. 18 Kenny Rogers—Jul. 3 Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular—Aug. 9 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Mega Yard Sale—Jul. 20
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Thompson Square, the hit Country Music duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson, is coming to the Diamond Center for a fantastic concert on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now. Doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8:30pm. In the world of entertainment, music arguably demands the most personal investment from its artists, and it doesn't get any more intimate than Thompson Square. Arriving in Nashville the same week – Keifer from Miami, Oklahoma, Shawna from Chatom, Alabama – they met almost immediately at a singing competition and have been inseparable since. Realizing their solo aspirations weren't getting any traction, they finally closed the second ring in their marriageand-music connection. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “We’re excited to work with our friends at KIIM FM to bring the amazing Thompson Square to Tucson. Don’t miss your chance to hear these award-winning country stars live at the Diamond Center.” Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: Dia mo nd Rio Jul. 4, Western Fusio n Jul. 4, Bo rn Jovi (Bon Jovi Tribute) Jul. 5, Smooth Groove Jul. 11&12, Chad Freeman & Redline Jul. 18, Color Me Badd Jul. 19, JJ’s Jul. 25 Wild Wednesdays No o n to 4pm: Trio 380 Jul. 9, Guy Pena cchio Jul. 16, Silhouette Jul. 23, XO featuring Julissa Roth Jul. 30 Ladies Night o n Mo nda y nights (Live DJ-Jul. 7, 14, 21 & 28) Margarita Sundays po o lside pa rties, live music 2-6pm 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 America—Jul. 5 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
Editor’s Pick Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am-3pm Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends. Ladies’ Night on Thursdays with a DJ. Event Center: One More From The Road (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute)—Aug. 8
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Talking Stick Resort Presents
Deep Purple August 4, 2014
Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends 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: Boz Scaggs—Jul. 10 Russell Peters—Jul. 18 The Go Go’s & The Motels Replay—Jul. 23 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band—Jul. 24 Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators—Aug. 1 Lisa Lampanelli—Aug. 2 Deep Purple—Aug. 4 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: Rusty Evans and The Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash Tribute)—Jul. 4 Los Morros Del Norte—Jul. 5 Powerdrive—Jul. 12 Banda Machos—Jul. 18 Workin’ Hard (James Brown Tribute)—Jul. 26 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: Kenny G—Jul. 4 The Fabulous Thunderbirds—Jul. 5 Paperback Writer (Beatles Tribute)—Jul. 6 Chris Isaak—Jul. 19 OneGunn, One Love (Bob Marley Tribute)—Jul. 20 Paquita la Del Barrio—Jul. 26 Los Tigres Del Norte—Aug. 1 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
Calling all rock-n-roll fans! Heavy-metal trailblazers, Deep Purple are slated to perform at Talking Stick Resort on August 4. For one night only, the band will play a collection of their rock anthems including “Hush,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star” and “Burn.” English band, Deep Purple has been recognized as the originators of the hard rock and the heavy metal genres. Since their formation in 1968, the band has sold more than 100 million albums, embarked on more than 25 tours and received two nominations for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With their gritty attitude and boisterous onstage presence, the band members revolutionized the rock sound and inspired many of today’s most popular bands including Aerosmith, Metallica, Alice in Chains and Van Halen. 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 | July 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
37
CASINO NIGHTLIFE
Ramses Ja Visits By Ramses Ja
The Lounge & The J Bar
H
ello, all! If I’m honest with myself, I must admit that I am partial to the mega casinos that the valley has to offer! This is primarily because I spent so much time DJing on the Vegas strip! I love being reminded of that time in my life, and the multi-level all-in-one casinos here in Arizona fit the bill! However, there are several Arizona casinos with just as much (if not, more) to offer that I had overlooked in the past when searching for nightlife and entertainment. One such casino is Harrah’s Ak-Chin down in Maricopa! I actually used to live down in Maricopa and I loved that place…and I still do! Harrah’s Ak-Chin, however, has undergone some serious renovations recently to provide additional hotel space, more dining options, and a remodel of their bar, lounge and dance floor! Now that I have taken another look…I may not need to look any further for a one-stop shop! This place has it all! Not unlike other Arizona casinos, Harrah’s Ak-Chin has a lounge…called The Lounge…so that’s where we’ll start! The Lounge is pretty much what you’d expect. In their own words, they suggest that “Entertainment offerings are diverse but always on point. No matter whether your perfect night out has a soundtrack of country, R&B, or disco.”
Normally, an absence of DJs would send me packing…but I planned to visit the UltraStar Multitainment Center next door. I went to grab a bite before hitting the road, but found myself in perhaps the coolest casino-related property in the state! This place has a movie theater, an amphitheater, an arcade, a bowling alley, restaurants, and a bar to boot! On top of that, having all of this in the Ak-Chin circle makes this the epitome of a destination spot! Now, from where I sit, I primarily focus on the places where people can drink, hear good music, dance, and have a good time! Enter the J Bar. In contrast to The Lounge, the 347 Grill and the J Bar let their hair down a bit more often (figuratively speaking). These are the places where cover bands are welcomed, but DJs are celebrated, dancing is encouraged, and parting is priority #1. All of this together makes the Ak-Chin circle perhaps the only place in Arizona with something for everyone. It really looks like Harrah’s has managed to remain true to their target customers while attracting new ones. I should know…I have converted! $
Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II
•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat
That is par for the course at a place like this. It is a beautiful lounge that is well laid out and is conducive to dancing, partying, enjoying a show, or simply having drinks! After looking at the lineup of bands they have booked, I noticed they don’t have as many DJs as I’d like. While this is heartbreaking for me, I know they have brought in their fair share of DJs both at the Lounge and for their summer pool parties.
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
•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.
CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY
Green MPBingo Jackpot hit for $28,971 In June, Debra won the Green MPBingo Jackpot for $28,917 at Pechanga Bingo in Temecula, California. If you are traveling in the Southwest, you can find MPBingo jackpots at Pechanga in Temecula, CA, Sycuan in El Cajon, CA, and Chicken Ranch in Jamestown, CA. MPBingo can also be played at Cities of Gold in Santa Fe, NM, and Sandia in Albuquerque, NM. Here in Arizona, Fort McDowell, Harrah’s Ak-Chin and Casino Del Sol all offer MPBingo for patrons. As of press time, the jackpots were as follows: Blue—$98,438 & Green— $29,601. Each hall has their own Red and Yellow Jackpots which vary in amount from one casino to the next. The Red Jackpot values are at least $1,000 and the Yellow Jackpot values are generally at least $300. Good luck, because we hope you yell “Bingo” next! $
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 06/01/14 & 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.
40 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
FUN & GAMES
WORD SEARCH In honor of National Ice Cream Day on July 14th, find: CHERRIES, CHOCOLATE, CONE, COOKIES, CREAM, CUP, FLOAT, FREEZE, GELATO, ICE, MINT, NUTS, RAINBOW, ROAD, ROCKY, SCOOP, SHERBERT, SORBET, SPRINKLES, SUNDAE, SWIRL, SYRUP, VANILLA, WAFFLE, WHIPPED. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
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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 46)
6 8 4
3
9 2
6 7
8
8 7
9
3
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
4
4
2 6
9
1 1
2
1
9
5
2 6
5
1
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
Three Reel Slots
or “steppers” or “real slots”
By Sami Becker
I
am writing because I'm sick of all the "girlie" machines (my description) that the industry is puking out now. They all have this gobbley gook crap falling down across the screen that makes no sense to me at all. It seems women like these more than men, but the men may be playing them because they are taking over the casinos at an alarming rate. Give me the classic three reel slot machines, and not the electronic fake three reel machines that are also showing up. When the classic three reel machines are gone from the casino so will I be. Thanks for reading, David Bosier. David, your sentiment is shared by many, myself included. However, there is one major problem with the classic three reel “steppers” (named because the motors controlling the reels are step motors) still in the casino. The motors, the reel strips, and the Plexiglas all break down, tear, and fade. Replacement parts
44 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
are harder and harder to find and newer games are much more easily maintained and integrated into the evolving casino floor. In addition, the new slots may have multiple game themes and switching game themes on the slot is much easier (no physical reel strips and no Plexiglas to change out) for the casino. That’s why the classic steppers are disappearing from casino floors. What can we do about it? Well, as you mention, your disposable income spent on gaming speaks volumes to a casino. So, make sure your favorite casino knows you like classic stepper slots and would appreciate seeing at least one bank of six or eight per denomination (quarters, dollars, etc.) stays on the floor by communicating with slot attendants, shift supervisors, and player’s club personnel. Casinos listen to their classic stepper fans too. $
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 314
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 513
Y
Y
Y
7350 S. Nogales Hwy.
Tucson
866-332-9467 1,089
Y
Y
Y
I-19, Exit 80
Tucson
866-332-9467 680
Hwy. 86, Milepost 55
Why
866-332-9467
Maricopa
480-802-5000 1,087
Pinetop
800-929-8744 837
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 416
Y
Y
Y
Y
888-777-4946 512
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 241
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 906
777 Hwy. 260
20. Talking Stick Resort
Y
Y
58
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 1,089
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 06/01/14 & 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
S E L K N I R P S
S E I K O O C
T F R E B P C U H R Y S A T D E A L O O S A
Sudoku Solution
E E Z E
R O E O L R P F
C S U R
U N R T E WA F F L E L R I W S
D G N M
H O C R C E A M I E A E E L O C I N P O
C R A I N B O W
E C I Y K C O R
D E P P I H W
S H E R B E R T
S A T O S T U N T O C S
A L L I N A V
9
5
1
6
3
8
7
2
4
7
8
6
4
9
2
5
1
3
4
3
2
5
1
7
6
8
9
3
6
8
7
4
5
1
9
2
1
7
9
8
2
3
4
6
5
5
2
4
9
6
1
8
3
7
8
1
5
2
7
9
3
4
6
6
9
3
1
5
4
2
7
8
2
4
7
3
8
6
9
5
1
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Smoke-Free Area
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino
Y
Arcade
800-272-2438 591
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