DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 GREAT GAMES 18 WINNING WAYS 21 CASINO DINING 22 ARIZONA LOTTERY 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 30 GAMING NEWS 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 35 TRAVEL 36 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 38 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 40 CASINO BINGO 42 FUN & GAMES 44 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
WHY JOB SEEKERS SHOULD LOOK TO CASINO GAMING. IT MAY BE A SURE BET!
46 CASINO DIRECTORY
PUPPY PLUNDER BY BALLY
2014 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
TOHONO O’ODHAM READY FOR WEST VALLEY
What’s better than watching classic cartoon mayhem? How about creating havoc yourself!
Writer Rodric examines both the professional and college seasons, provides some picks, and more!
A new ruling by the Department of Interior and a change of heart by Glendale may green light the casino!
azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
03
EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 08 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
Plenty Of Reasons To Work In Gaming! Cindy Lyon, an intern at the Arizona Department of Gaming, had her eyes opened to all the employment options in the casino industry. So whether you are fresh out of school, in the prime of your career or just want to pick up some part time hours as you enter retirement, the casino gaming industry may just be for you, especially if you already enjoy gaming as an entertainment activity! This issue has a sneak peek on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, and where your soon-to-be favorites can be found across the state. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe gives us the inside scoop on a brand new table game. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with an in-depth look at Kingman, Arizona. Writer Rodric Hurdle Bradford delivers on the new football seasons. And, entertainment writer Ramses Ja talks about his experience at Top Golf. 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
“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 Lee Allen Ramses Ja Cindy Lyon Cindy Esquer 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
www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide 04 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 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 Q: My husband is constantly arguing with his friends about the blackjack insurance bet. Sometimes they come to the conclusion they take it, then they figure out they shouldn’t do it at all. I thought I’d ask you guys to fill us all in on the insurance bet. Maybe now I can have some peace and quiet in the house! Thanks...keep up the good work, you guys are the best.
Let’s pretend insurance happens 49,000 times across the next decade while this player plays blackjack for entertainment. About 16,000 times the player wins at two to one odds for a total of $160,000 (16,000 wins x $10) and the other 33,000 times the player loses the insurance bet. Of course, the player wagered $245,000 (49,000 x $5) over the course of the 49,000 insurance bets for a total loss of $85,000 ($245,000-$160,000)!
Jenny White—Phoenix, AZ
Unless you are an expert card counter playing with a low number of decks in a shoe that isn’t continuously shuffled, keep your insurance money off the table whenever the dealer asks “Would you like insurance?”
Jenny, what a great question. I guess that half the time your husband and his buddies are right. Don’t make the insurance bet in blackjack. Now, here’s the reason why. The insurance wager in blackjack can be made as a side bet (side bets are generally not advantageous at a casino because that’s where even higher margins exist for the house) when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. Place the insurance wager of up to half your original bet and if the dealer’s hole card is a ten (the dealer has blackjack) you’ll be paid at two to one odds. Let’s simplify the math behind this bet as much as possible. After all, it is Arizona in the summer and when the thermometer outside our offices reads around 110°F, it hurts to think too hard! Almost all casinos are using at least four decks in blackjack. Some use as many as eight. As a result, players are generally facing a statistically insignificant deck so the probabilities remain constant regardless of where and when they play. So, we can be confident in saying the probabilities are the same as if we are using a single deck of cards. Just the deck happens to be infinite for statistical purposes. A player who places a bet on insurance in blackjack wants the dealer’s hole card to be a ten. Under the best circumstances, there are sixteen cards with a value of ten left in the deck after a player’s two cards and the dealer’s up card hit the felt. With just forty nine cards left, the probability of the dealer’s hold card being a ten is around 0.3265, or 32.65%. What this translates into is the following long run scenario. A player routinely places a $5 wager (half of their original $10 bet) on insurance whenever the opportunity presents itself.
I have a question. I was at the casino in Laughlin for the weekend. I was playing a machine and a lady came and sat next to me. Every time she would hit like over $100 she would hurry and pull her players card out of the machine. Finally I asked her why she does that. Her response was "I don't want them to know how much I win" and then she would put her card back in the machine after the $$ was all on that she had won for that spin or bonus. Is this really true that if you pull your card out like that, that they can't tell how much you win?? So curious...but I don't see how that can be. Thanks! Sandi Meyers—From Our Facebook Fan Page Sandi, this is a great question and you are right, we can’t see how this can be either for multiple reasons. First, by the time you are aware of a win on a slot machine, the computer inside the game knew what the win was a long time ago according to computer time. Remember that computers operate in fractions of milliseconds now. So, when the slot’s program asked for several random numbers to use to determine the outcome of the next spin, it immediately knew how much was won. Furthermore, the drawn random numbers, the reel positions, the win, and much more was immediately stored in a very secure memory location referred to as Last Game Recall. Last Game Recall is a major component of casino gaming regulations. Every slot machine that is put into service in a regulated gaming jurisdiction must have a functioning Last Game
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 | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
PLAYERS TALK Recall. This feature ensures that if something happens to the slot while it operates, like a power failure in the casino, the main door opening during the middle of a game, or a malfunction for some other reason, the game will return to the same state it was in prior to the power failure for example. Wouldn’t it suck for a slot machine to delete all of your credits, forget about the amazing free games bonus it was halfway done playing just by turning it off and on again? That’s why we have Last Game Recall on slots, but it is also why the game knows you won $100 long before you noticed and certainly long before your credit meter started to increase. As a result, if the casino cared to know, they could request for that information through the accounting system before you could react fast enough to remove your player’s club card. Second, removing your player’s club card during a win and then reinserting it after the win is finished racking up doesn’t matter. The player's card is activating the player tracking system which is connected to the casinos’ accounting system. As soon as the card is inserted, the accounting system begins to track how much money a player wagers on that particular slot machine and that is pretty much all the player’s club card does. Removing it may actually mess up the accounting system and shortchange the player from wagers made being recorded as there is always a slight communication delay between the time of the wager, the accounting system becoming aware of the wager, and then the player tracking display indicating a point was earned or that progress was made towards earning a point. Third, casinos can poll a slot machine through the accounting system and find out all kinds of interesting information about the game. This includes how much money has been bet, when and what the last jackpot was, how many times the main door was opened to service the machine, how many bills and tickets are in the cash box, and yes how many games were winners and how many were losers and for what amounts, among other things. What the casino has no control over is what the slot machine does next. This rule is also an integral part of casino gaming regulations concerning slot machines and is what assures everyone that your luck at the machine is purely up to your attitude and the slot’s RNG and no one else. The casino cannot influence the RNG into a win or a loss through the accounting system or by some other method. Fourth, if the casino really wanted to know how much a patron wins and loses on every single slot they play, ever, they can, but what exactly would they do with that overwhelming amount of detailed information? That’s why they have the player’s club with a point structure based on how much you wager. The casino cares about how much you wager in the long run as they make money on players in the long run. And, the more points earned, the more valuable a player is to a casino. $ azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
07
GREAT GAMES
Table Games—World Poker Tour 3x Raise Hold’em
By Al Moe
T
exas Hold’em is the most popular poker game found in poker rooms today, so the addition of a blackjack-style table game that plays like Hold’em just makes sense for players and casinos. For players, the game rules are very much like standard Texas Hold’em. The only disadvantage is the player never achieves an edge over their opponent - the casino. Game Rules The game of World Poker Tour 3x Raise Hold’em is played with a single deck of 52-cards. Each player must make at least a single Ante wager. As in a standard Texas Hold’em game, each player is dealt two cards, face down. However, in this game, all players are in action against the dealer’s hand. After viewing their cards, players must either fold or raise their Ante wager by 3x, so a $5 Ante bet must be backed-up by a $15 Raise wager or the Ante bet is lost. The Ante and Raise always pay even-money when they win.
hand from their own two cards and the five community cards. High hand wins, any tie is a push. Strategy as Easy as Blackjack The house edge on the Ante and Raise wagers depend on how the player follows some simple strategy rules. With perfect play, the house edge is less than 1%. In action, the player will be raising nearly every hand, so remembering the rules is simple: Raise on any pair and raise with any two suited cards. Raise except when holding an unsuited 3 with a 7, 6, 4, 2 or an unsuited 2 with an 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4. This means there are just 9 hands that you will fold. Pretty simple. If you play and raise every hand, the house edge grows to about 1.35%.
When all players have acted, the dealer will expose their own two cards. If they do not have a pair or a blackjack-style point total of 11 or higher, they will fold their hand and pay only the Ante wagers, the Raise wager is a push. If they have a pair or point total of 11 or higher, they will “call” the player’s Raise wager and proceed with the hand.
Bonus Wagers To make the game more exciting (and profitable for the casino with a 7% edge on either bet), there are two bonus wagers that may be made. The first is on the player’s two cards and pays even money for two suited cards up to 50-1 for red aces. The second is on the player’s best 5-card hand and pays 2-1 for a three-of-a-kind, up to 500-1 for a Royal Flush. These wagers get paid regardless of whether the player wins or loses or even plays the 3x Raise wager. $
Next, the dealer will place a flop of three community cards face up, burn a card, expose the turn card (4 th community card), burn a card, and then expose the river (5 th community card). The dealer will announce their final hand and each player’s cards will be turned up to determine the best possible 5-card poker
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.
08 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
GREAT GAMES
New Slots
Bridesmaids New At Hon-Dah
I
GT has just put the most comical bridal party of all time on the Hon-Dah casino floor with their newly introduced MegaJack pots game, Brid esm aid s. Inspired by the widely praised blockbuster sensation, Brid esm aid s will have players toasting to fun, saving the date and celebrating big wins. Packed with playfully pink symbols from the movie, players will enjoy the 5-reel base game (with side bet option) featuring the bride-to-be, the bridal party, puppies, pastries, presents, bling and more. Players have a chance to trigger three captivating bonuses including: the Maid of Dishonor Free Spins (where players are awarded five free games with a chance of retriggers), the Bridal Gown Show Down (where players join the wedding party and serve the bridesmaids earning credit values while waiting to see which bridesmaid will last the longest without getting sick), and the Random Moments Bonus (where players select from a set of DVDs to watch their favorite clips from the movie and reveal bonus credit values). While visiting Hon-Dah casino, make sure to give their new Sex in the City Platinum slot by IGT a spin as well! For more information on both these IGT slots, visit igt.com.
The Rolling Stones New at Desert Diamond Casinos
R
ock on down to Desert Diamond Casinos Tucson on the Nogales Highway in August for first-in-Arizona excitement with the thrilling new Rolling Stones slot machine from Aristocrat! Hot Licks will spill from the Rolling Stones slot machine, putting players in the front row with the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band! The themed fascia is instantly recognizable and the game itself is endlessly entertaining. Players will settle into the immersive iChair and experience 5.1 Surround Sound while their favorite songs play through the sound track and animations on the interactive LCD screen spin and merge into concert footage. It’s a whirlwind of iconic rock, begging players to go on a roll with four interactive features at high hit rates. In Wild Licks, the Rolling Stone s Lick Logo will randomly appear to lick wilds onto the screen. In Rock ‘N’ Roll Steel Wheel, players spin to win credits, World Tour Picks or Start Me Up! Free Games. In World Tour Picks, players pick international Licks for credit prizes; where finding all 4 band members wins all prizes and a bonus band member pick! In Start Me Up! Free Games, seven games are awarded and played on an 80-line, 10x5 reel set on the top screen. For more information about the new Rolling Stones slot, visit aristocrattechnologies.com. For more information about all the latest slots at Desert Diamond Casinos, visit ddcaz.com or call 866.DDC.WINS (866.332.9461).
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
New Slots
GREAT GAMES
Prowling Panther New At Casino Arizona
B
ringing the excitement and mystery of the dark side of the jungle to Casino Arizona is IGT’s dynamic new core title, Prow ling Panther video slots. Packed with symbol-driven gaming fun, this high-volatility gaming experience features IGT’s MultiWay Xtra wagering and Stacked Multipliers. Boasting a 3x4x5x4x3 reel configuration, players will tap into their animal instincts when they hear the pitter-patter of panthers running through the jungle as the MLD reels spin. Prow ling Panther will have players purring with excitement as they seek out the intense action of the Free Games Bonus. Once engaged in the bonus, the thunderous growl of a panther takes over the reels, giving players a chance to win up to 96 sizzling free games with Stacked Multipliers. Numbers, letters, jungle birds and panthers stalk the reels, giving way to 720 exciting ways to win and gaming thrills poised to pounce at any moment. During your next visit to Casino Arizona, make sure to also try these other recently installed new IGT titles: Magic Orchid , Fire Pearl, Jade Fortune, Parisian Sky, and Pirate Bay. For more information on these IGT slots, visit igt.com.
The Walking Dead New at Talking Stick Resort
A
ristocrat’s new slot game, The Walk ing Dead , is based on AMC’s hit TV series which continues to be the #1 show on television across all cable and broadcast networks. AMC’s leading brand combined with Aristocrat’s superior math and the experience of Aristocrat’s surround sound iChair is sure to attract a horde of new players. This engrossing, dynamic game is housed in the VERVEhd cabinet and is packed with clips from the show, features, and an abundance of bonus opportunities. Bonus features include “Reel Growth,” where reels 2, 3, 4 and 5 will randomly grow to a height of 5, 6 or 7 high; “Wild Attack,” where random positions in Reel Growth are replaced with Wilds; “The Horde,” where the horde reveals a winning combination on the reels in Reel Growth. In “Atlanta Wheel Bonus,” players win credits, jackpots, CDC Wheel or Escape from Atlanta Free Games. In “CDC Wheel,” players win credits, multiple prizes with the Grenade or trigger Walker Bonus spins with a multiplier. Players win free games in “Escape From Atlanta Free Games,” and there is a Grand Jackpot that starts at $500,000! The Walking Dead slot has a 75 credit minimum bet and a 300 credit max bet game, and it’s not just a game; it’s an Aristocrat game! Players will be sitting on the edge of their seats playing this exhilarating new slot! For more information about Th e Walking Dead, visit aristocratplayingdead.com. $ azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
11
New Slots
GREAT GAMES
Ultra Stack Lion New At Mazatzal
T
his new game by Aruze features Ultra Stacked Symbols. Before the Free Games start, players select from 1 of 5 big cat silhouettes and the revealed corresponding symbol increases during the Free Games. Prizes during the 8 Free Games vary depending on the type of big cat that is revealed. You’ve got to check this game out at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson! Plus, they also installed plenty of other new games as well. From Multimedia Games they have Moby Dick and Jack pot Factory, and from Aruze they also have Jesters Fortune , White Tiger, Centaur, Thumbelina, Ice Empress, Carmen, Tritons Gold, Forbidden Dragon, and Ultra Stack Dragons.
Clue by WMS New at Fort McDowell
S
elect your character and start solving the mystery in Clue slots! After each of the seven bonuses (four unlockable) set in the famous Clue mansion, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as you try to solve the mystery to win the progressive. Through a unique game play mechanic, if a player fails to solve the mystery, the next player attempting to solve it will have better odds at solving the mystery and winning the Community Progressive jackpot! Similar to The Lord Of The Rings slots, you can continue your adventure in Clue slots between casino trips! Using your Player’s Life web services login, play the Quick Clue casual game to temporarily unlock additional bonus rooms to enjoy back at the casino! Plus, Fort McDowell Casino recently installed an entire truckload of new games. They include Bull Elephant, Emperor and Pharaoh, The Booted Cat, Lady Godiva, Great Zeus, Montezuma, Raging Rhino, Sea of Tranquility, Elven Queen, Mastodon, Speed Spins, and Lady of Egypt all by WMS. Then, House of Jewels, Fire Pearl, Dangerous Beauty 2, Black Orchid, Genie Wishes, Diamond Fantasy, Gold Bar 7’s, Hot Roll Fairy Ring, Hot Roll Cash Cash Cash, Game King Keno and Game King Poker by IGT. Next, Prizeball Dragon, Prizeball Ballyhoo, Dragon Rising, Run with the Pack, Safari Grand Slam, Cash’em if You Can, Quick Hit Blue Free Games Fever, Quick Hit Red Free Games Fever, Lady Robin Hood, Chinese Zodiac, Imperial Treasures, Gozen, Super Rise of Ra, and Super Rise of Phoenix by Bally. And, Howling Wolf, King of Dragons, King of Dragons III, The Great Inca, Crystal, Platinum Jackpot, The Gold, and Ultimate Diamond by Aruze. In addition, Dragon’s Law, Solstice Celebration, Wealth of the Orient and ten Selexion games by Konami. Finally, they also have Cash Express Buffalo, Cash Express Pompeii, and Cash Express Timber Wolf by Aristocrat. $
azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
13
GREAT GAMES
New Slots Coming Soon
SPHINX 3D Coming This Fall To Wild Horse Pass
F
ollowing its initial installation in Las Vegas, Nevada, the nationwide roll-out of GTECH’s SPHINX 3D game has begun. Properties in Connecticut, including Foxwoods Resort Casino, as well as California, North Dakota and Florida have installed the product, and more will follow in Idaho, Minnesota and Iowa. Initial performance and player feedback gathered at promotional events has been exceptional. “Players are amazed when they see the 3D effects for the first time,” said Foxwoods Resort Casino Executive Director of Slot Operations Angelo Avallone. “It keeps them engaged and eager to get to more bonus rounds, and they tell their friends and other players to check out this truly amazing game.” SPHINX 3D is the first title in the new True3D product line, which uses patented, award winning 3D display technology exclusively designed for GTECH. The SPHINX 3D game runs on the AXXIS cabinet, which is designed to create a sense of personal space and immerse the player in the game. “Based on feedback from properties that already have the product on their floor, players are immensely enjoying the unique SPHINX 3D game experience,” said Victor Duarte, GTECH Sr. Vice President, Gaming and Content, and Sr. Vice President, North American Commercial Gaming. “Innovation is the backbone of our company´s success, and we are pleased to see our truly unique and innovative SPHINX 3D product becoming a huge hit with players.” The SPHINX 3D game was recently named the most highly anticipated premium game by a wide margin for three consecutive quarters in casino industry surveys. It has also won three industry awards since it was unveiled at G2E in September 2013. $
14 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
New Slots Coming Soon
GREAT GAMES
The Jetsons By WMS Gaming
M
eet George Jetson, his boy Elroy, daughter Judy, and Jane his wife in one of the latest slots from WMS Gaming, The Jetso ns, featuring the sights, sounds and characters from the classic TV show that will leave you feeling nostalgic for the future! Watch Rosie vacuum up lowpaying symbols and replace them with WILD symbols in the Rosie Feature or spin the wheel for one of five character-themed bonuses. Pick for credits in the Spacely Space Sprockets bonus, pick clouds to help George Jetson make it home while avoiding the cops in the High Speed Hijinks bonus, or enjoy free spins with up to two reels WILD in the Wild-O-Matic bonuses! But that’s not all; the whole Jetsons family is represented in The Jetsons Family Free Spins, where all wins may be multiplied up to 10x! So hop in your space cars and hurry to now.wms.com to learn more about The Jetsons slots. As Mr. Spacely would say, “No hurry, any time in the next five minutes is fine!” $
Puppy Plunder By Bally Technologies
W
hat’s better than watching classic cartoon mayhem? How about creating havoc yourself, which you can do while playing the new fun and interactive game Puppy Plund er by Bally Technologies! With its cartoonish graphics, goofy characters, and two unique and entertaining bonuses, this five-reel, 40-line game is unlike any other game on the casino floor. The fun begins when three or more scattered Bonus Bowl symbols trigger the Puppy Bonus. During this interactive pick bonus, 15 icons featuring the puppy’s favorite toys are displayed on the 32-inch screen and on the iDeck multi-touch button panel. After you make your four picks, the daring pup is shot out of a cannon head-first into the items, which award credits, multipliers, or additional shots (up to a maximum of nine picks). At the end of the bonus, you’re awarded your credit total x multiplier x bet per line for a big and rewarding payout. For extra excitement, Puppy Plund er also offers the frequent Random Wilds feature. At the end of each spin, the puppy may drop a tennis ball onto the reels to transform multiple symbols into wilds. You can expect to see this feature occurring every 10 spins on average for wins that add up quickly! With the unique Puppy Bonus and frequent Random Wilds feature, Puppy Plunder offers an entertaining experience for players looking for something different. For more information about Bally’s new Puppy Plund er slot, visit their website at ballytech.com.
azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
15
WINNING WAYS
By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
College Competition The 2014 college football season is the one that fans have finally been waiting for…one that uses a four-team playoff for the first time in the sports history. For those that want in on the seasonlong action, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino (formerly known as the LVH Las Vegas Hotel and the Hilton), boasts the largest sportsbook in Nevada with several ways to participate. You can bet on a team to win the title, to win a specific conference like the Pac–12 or the Southeastern Conference (SEC) or you can get action on how many games you think a team will win. “The teams with public support to win the title are Alabama, Auburn, Louisiana State (LSU), Michigan State, Notre Dame and Ohio State,” says Jay Kornegay, vice president of the race and sportsbook at the Westgate LVH sportsbook, who is internationally known as one of Las Vegas’ best sports gaming authorities. Regarding season win totals for college teams, Kornegay is seeing a lot of public support for Iowa, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas and UCLA to go above their predicted season win totals. On the contrary, his sportsbook is getting a lot of action on Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Northwestern, Oregon, Texas Christian (TCU) and Washington to finish below their predicted win totals. Along with the new playoff system this season, the biggest change in college football during the new millennium is that nearly every major college football game is broadcast on regional or national television, but Kornegay says that more access to the teams by the general public has not influenced how they set their betting lines. “We do not feel any added pressure at all,” says Kornegay. “The lines are set for the sharp (professional) players and that has not changed with the television coverage. The handle has increased tremendously over the years as more games are televised.” My 2014 college playoff prediction: National Semifinals: Alabama versus Ohio State; Florida State versus Oklahoma Championship: Ohio State 27, Oklahoma 17
18 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Profiling the Pros As the National Football League (NFL) continues to dominate the professional sports landscape in the U.S., so does the betting action on the individual teams. Five teams are receiving a tremendous amount of public support to win the Super Bowl: the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers. Interested players can also head to Nevada to bet on division winners and over/under on total numbers of wins during the regular season. The majority of the football season win total action coming in is on NFL teams to do better than their predicted win totals, including: the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. The only team the public as a whole is anticipating will do worse than their projected win total is the Miami Dolphins. “I believe these types of wagers are more popular than ever,” says Kornegay. “The bettors are more educated than ever and have information to find value and place wagers accordingly.” For serious NFL bettors, the Westgate sports book offers its “super contest,” an open contest that allows participants to bet on the point spread of every single NFL game all year, with a $1,500 entry cost. Entries will also be raffled off during a special promotion weekend August 22 – 23. Another popular way to participate in the NFL action is the Westgate LVH sportsbook’s “Games of the Year” schedule which already showcases all of the highly anticipated NFL games during the entire season, including all Sunday night and Monday night games.
WINNING WAYS the news announced at a July 31 press conference that legendary rock star Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe is bringing football back to Las Vegas with an Arena Football League (AFL) team to be named the Las Vegas Outlaws. “It is going to be rock ‘n roll football like nobody has ever seen before,” says Bob Hewko, one of the investors in Neil’s investment firm, Hugo was also previously a part-owner for the Miami AFL franchise. “Vince is a huge football fan, and America’s favorite city deserves America’s favorite sport.”
“Fans tend to root for their teams, but when it comes to their money they will wager on the perceived better team,” says Kornegay. “We have a lot of positive changes going on with new ownership and we are looking forward to hosting our Football Central watch parties every Sunday for another exciting NFL season.” My 2015 Super Bowl prediction: San Francisco 49ers 30, Denver Broncos 17 Vegas, Vince & Football Speaking of Las Vegas and football, Sin City is buzzing about
Las Vegas previously had an AFL franchise that moved to Cleveland seven years ago, due in large part to an out-of-town owner that did not connect to the needs of the Sin City fan base. On the contrary, Neil’s brand is spread all over the Las Vegas strip with his signature restaurants/bars, and even his own tequila. With two major television contracts with ESPN and CBS Sports, along with a highly attractive dance team to be called “The Posse,” football fanatics will now have another reason to visit Las Vegas. Their first season will begin in March 2015. “The entertainment, excitement and fan interaction fits perfectly with the Las Vegas experience,” says Hewko. “It is going to be two-and-a-half hours of fun at each game.” $
azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
19
CASINO DINING
El Cortez Hotel & Casino Closing The Flame Steakhouse, Introducing New Dining Concept, Siegel’s 1941
T
he El Cortez Hotel & Casino will introduce a new dining concept to the property this fall with Siegel’s 1941, a homage to the rich history of the city and its longest continuously running hotel-casino. To make way for the new 24-hour restaurant, The Flame Steakhouse will close its doors on Sunday, August 31. “In its 73 years, the El Cortez has made many changes while remaining true to the vintage Vegas experience our guests have come to know and love,” said Kenny Epstein, CEO and chairman of the El Cortez. “We look forward to the continued evolution of the El Cortez and believe Siegel’s 1941 will be an exciting addition to both the property and Downtown Las Vegas.” Encompassing the spirit of classic Vegas, Siegel’s 1941 will seamlessly blend the authentic vintage feel of the El Cortez with a modern interpretation of your traditional Las Vegas 24-hour dining establishment. The space will boast a historic look utilizing original design elements and an impressive display of archival artwork throughout the restaurant. Diners are promised elevated fare from the ‘Morning. Noon. Night.’ menus that are sure to please the palates of locals and property guests alike. New chef-driven menu items will be highlighted while favorites from The Flame, such as the classic roasted prime rib and seasonal stone crab, will be available for guests to enjoy. Siegel’s 1941 will take over the space currently used by The Flame, recognized as downtown’s premier steakhouse for several years, famous for serving loyal patrons world-class steaks and fresh seafood flown in daily. The El Cortez invites guests to enjoy the last days of The Flame before the final night of service on Sunday, August 31. Reservations can be made by visiting ElCortezHotelCasino.com/Dining/The-Flame/ or by telephone at 702.385.5200.
Our readers should know the El Cortez Hotel & Casino is the longest continuously operating hotel-casino in Las Vegas and celebrates its 73rd year of operation in 2014. The iconic property can be found in historic downtown Las Vegas at 600 East Fremont St. and is the only casino in the city’s burgeoning Fremont East Entertainment District. With 300 remodeled hotel rooms, including 10 uniquely themed suites that resulted from the 2010-2011 Design A Suite Downtown Contest, El Cortez offers some of the best accommodations in downtown Las Vegas. In May 2009, the property opened the El Cortez Cabana Suites, a 64-room boutique hotel offering vintage South Beach style in the heart of downtown. In February 2013, the historic hotel was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The El Cortez casino features full-pay 3-2 single deck blackjack, 10 times odds on craps, state-of-the-art roulette and more than 1,000 slot machines. El Cortez also offers a full range of sports betting options and is proudly affiliated with the Station Casinos Sports Book. The Las Vegas Review-Journal voted El Cortez "Best Video Poker" in 2008 and 2014, "Best Keno in Las Vegas" from 2008-2014, “Best Locals Hotel” and “Best Locals Casino” in 2014. Dining options at El Cortez include: Café Cortez, The Flame Steakhouse – a vintage favorite among Las Vegas locals, and The Parlour, featuring an exclusive menu of small plates and live entertainment. The property's other amenities include: Subway featuring Seattle’s Best Coffee, El Cortez Gift Shop, a full-service beauty salon and a barber shop. For more information, call 702.385.5200, or visit ElCortezHotelCasino.com. At press time, we examined their room deals through their website and found that rates were as low as $19 per night. Now that’s a Las Vegas deal worth cashing in on! In addition, their slot floor is over 42% looser than the Las Vegas Strip casinos and is also over 35% looser than the Clark County average according to a March 2014 CDC Gaming Report. More details and statistics on their loose slot information is available at their player’s club. $ azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
21
ARIZONA LOTTERY
New Game
Arizona Lottery’s New Dinner and a Movie Game T
he Arizona Lottery has a brand new Scratcher game where players can win a night out, literally win dinner and a movie, just by purchasing a $2 game piece! Players matching Movie Num bers with Winning Num bers on their tickets will win the corresponding prize. However, reveal-
ing the Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurant logo awards the Dinner and a Movie prize package. Winners receive 2 pairs of movie admission passes (a $26 value per pair at participating theaters), $40 in theater concessions (that’s a lot of popcorn!), and a $100 gift card to a Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurant (or affiliated restaurant). Cash prizes range from $2 to $10,000 on the $2 Scratcher and the overall odds of winning are 1 in 4.22. Odds of winning the Dinner and a Movie prize package are 1 in 3,000. We’ll keep our readers updated on the winners as the Arizona Lottery makes that information available during the next few months. For more information about the new Dinner and a Movie game or any other new or existing Arizona Lottery games, please visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. $
22 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Winners
$250,000 Crossword Winner!
Richard Zwar
Barbara Endres
$100,000 Lucky Life Winner!
ARIZONA LOTTERY
By Cindy Esquer
B
arbara Endres of Glendale was shocked to discover that her Lucky Life instant scratch ticket was a $100,000 winner, especially since her first thought was that she had won $100! Barbara buys instant scratch tickets every few months; she considers herself an occasional player. She and her husband buy Pow erball and The Pick tickets when jackpots are high. They use their own personally selected numbers of family significance. Barbara, an Arizona resident for over 16 years, is retired and enjoys living here. In addition to working in her garden, she enjoys accompanying her husband on business trips. The couple plan to put the money away in a rainy-day fund.
R
The winning ticket was purchased at D/S Corner Store, 5905 W. Cactus Road, Glendale.
The winning ticket was purchased at ARCO ampm, 10809 N. Frank Lloyd Wright, Scottsdale. $
ichard Zwar of Phoenix was not having a good start to his day when his truck had a flat tire. However, he told his dad, “I’m going to make this day better” and he kept his promise! The two men were driving home from work when Richard made a stop at a store to get a cold drink. While there, he bought the winning $250,000 Crossw ord instant scratch ticket! Richard is a regular player of instant scratch tickets, especially the crossword games. He works in the construction field and in his spare time he enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. Richard will use some of the money to pay off his new truck and will share the rest with his family.
azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
23
By Cindy Lyon
S
ummer’s here and for many graduates that can only mean one thing: it’s officially time to panic. While a lucky few receive job offers before graduating, the vast majority will begin their last semester of college without a post-graduation plan. These days good jobs tend to be harder to come by, and sometimes even after you find a job posting, it has twice as many applicants and only stays posted for a short amount of time. In today’s economy, the unemployment rate hovers around 7% while the underemployment rate remains around 15%. Those looking for a job may think that their options are bleak, but not all hope is lost. At least one sector of the labor market seems to be promising despite the country’s recent recession. The Gaming industry is expanding, and the possibilities it provides are almost endless. College students needn’t turn a blind eye to this fruitful market in their search for a future job or career. Since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, gaming has created more than 300,000 jobs in law enforcement, IT, finance, and in the casinos and hotels. While some of them may seem obvious, there is an array of jobs associated with gaming that you might not readily think of, in areas and fields you might
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
have never imagined. Accounting & Audit – Casinos are big money! When you realize that gaming can involve hundreds of millions of dollars changing hands, you begin to understand the need for auditors and accountants to ensure that casinos are operating appropriately and the money is going where it is supposed to be going. Someone seasoned in handling or managing these books can definitely work anywhere. Law Enforcement & Security – Big money is notorious for attracting big crime. We all know that casinos have amazing surveillance equipment. They have to prevent fraudulent, shady, and illegal behavior. With that comes the need for all types of law enforcement and security personnel. Casinos give you a taste of a fast-paced environment and can also prove the right experience to land other jobs later on in your career. Electronic Gaming Gurus – Casinos are always seeking newer and better machines. Slots these days have become an experience. They satisfy all the senses. These machines have to be loud and bright with state-of-the-art graphics, which means jobs for
slot machine manufactures, coders, and game designers. The computer gaming industry is booming, and a specialty in slots is a surefire way to land and keep a job. You could end up turning your love of video games into a career! Hospitality & Operations – You may already know about all the jobs on the casino floor, everything from blackjack dealer to pit boss. These days a lot more goes into running a casino than that. Many gaming facilities have evolved into destination resorts complete with positions in hotel and restaurant management, retail sales, day spas and concert promotions. So whether you’re interested in cooking, tourism development, or massage therapy, the gaming industry is looking to hire you! Media & Advertising – Casinos know that they are running a business. It’s a priority of theirs to get customers in the door (hence, the spa getaway). They offer weekly attractions, host business conferences, golf tournaments, etc. They do their part by offering such enticing things, but getting the word out is where you come in. If you have always wanted to work in advertising or marketing, you can be dealt a great hand at a casino. Political Science & Law – The state and the tribes are both sovereign entities with a government to government relationship. Any significant communication – disputes or otherwise – must be handled through a team of lawyers. There are also jobs for legal analysts knowledgeable in Tribal State Gaming Compacts at state and tribal gaming regulation offices. Then there are state elected officials, from the governor’s office to the legislature, that need to be kept abreast of how things are going in the world of Indian gaming. If you’re interested in government and how gaming is regulated in each state, there’s a job out there for you. Counseling and Support – Lastly, gambling isn’t always all
fun and games. For some people, compulsive gambling becomes a serious issue that can damage lives and devastate families. The Arizona Tribal State Gaming Compacts designate monies to go towards helping individuals and their family members deal with their addiction and regain control of their lives. The need for health care providers with this kind of specific knowledge and experience is increasing. This could be a good way to expand your practice and to change lives. Many people are dedicated to ending problem gambling. Research institutes and schools of thought (i.e. UCLA’s Gambling Studies) are continually searching for answers. If you’re more of the inquisitive kind, maybe joining a team of researchers is just the job you’re looking for. These are just some examples of the numerous jobs associated with gaming. You name it, there is a position waiting to be filled. So, why should you pay attention to the gaming industry? Because it has a job out there waiting for you! It is an area of the job market that encompasses a lot more than you would first think. Plus, gaming provides job opportunities for workers of any age. As gaming becomes established in any area, there are always jobs that come with it. Once you’re in and have experience, gaming can bring you a multitude of opportunities. So speak to your school’s career advisors and check out the site AZIndianGaming.org for more information about why a career in gaming may be the best bet in the house! $
The author, Cindy Lyon, is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Arizona State University. As a career peer advisor, her focus is in professional development. A recent internship at the Department of Gaming opened her eyes to all the opportunities in the industry. Photo courtesy of IGT
TRIBAL NEWS
By Lee Allen ingman, Arizona is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas as well as the spotlight city for the 2014 International Route 66 Festival. “Route 66 is more than a mere highway, it’s a living, breathing time capsule,” says historian Jim Hinckley, author of a dozen books (including The Route 66 Encyclopedia) and blogger of Route 66 Chronicles.
K
Mother Road. And from August 14-17 it will become an assembly of automotive acumen, transformed into America’s 1st Electric Highway with “the largest exhibition of historicallysignificant electrical vehicles ever assembled,” according to Hinckley. Also available for viewing will be an entire genre of Model T’s and Tesla automobiles leading the current industry advancement.
US 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway and the Main Street of America was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System, established in 1926, just in time to serve as a major path for those who migrated west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
“The Route 66 International Festival is a celebration of history and culture and a reason for a giant family reunion for those enthusiasts as well as an opportunity for the host city to showcase its unique attributes.” Among those attributes --- the city where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard married; the city where Charles Lindberg showed up to dedicate an airport nearly a hundred years ago; the location for a Buster Keaton-produced film, and the site where camels were once tested for their ability to carry supplies through desert terrain.
While Route 66 has had improvements and realignments over its lifetime, it was officially removed from the system in 1985. Businesses along the route fought to keep the highway alive instead of being bypassed by an Interstate Highway System. Portions of the road that passed through several states, including Arizona, were designated a National Scenic byway that got to call itself Historic Route 66. The city of Kingman [Huwaalyapay Nyava in the Mohave language], established in 1882, bills itself as the Heart of Historic 66 and, at 150+ miles, the longest continuous ribbon of America’s
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
With signature sponsors ranging from the Hualapai Tribe, operators of Grand Canyon West Resort (home of the Skywalk) and the Kingman Chamber of Commerce, the 4-day event will offer everything from tours to a local rum distillery and an alpaca ranch to a caravan of classic cars and a 500+ entry classic/ antique car show in conjunction with the Hualapai Mountain Resort arts and crafts festival Under the Pines.
TRIBAL NEWS The indigenous element will be present not only in physical form (one of the oldest gas stations in existence on Route 66 and in Arizona is in Peach Springs), but in an emerging partnership. “Kingman and the Hualapai Tribe have been neighbors for years, but have never worked together on this kind of scale,” noted Hinckley. Peach Springs Hualapai tribal members are also in control of the only road that makes it possible to actually drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The Peach Springs community is also where weary Route 66 travelers have found a resting spot at the Hualapai Lodge. Pam Wilkinson, Director of the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce, told the Daily Miner newspaper that her 440 business members supported sponsorship of the event. “The mission of the chamber is to support and promote its business members, so adding the festival to our duties was not a far-fetched idea. This is a great thing, a community endeavor that will help every business whether or not they’re in the hospitality industry. We’re promoting the festival in its entirety along with other events being put on by other entities.” “The Chamber did more than write a check,” said Hinckley, one of the prime supporters to attract the event to Kingman, “they, tied in with Hualapai Tourism, have worked together on in-kind donations and marketing.” The Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation will be on hand as part of its mission to teach the history of electric vehicles and as part of the theme of “Kingman ---
Crossroads of the Past and Future,” will discuss the development of Route 66 charging stations as part of making the Mother Road the nation’s first electric highway. Visitors will get a chance to see the world’s first electric street rod, a 1929 Ford Roadster, a 1930 Detroit Electric, and other unique forms of transportation including an EV2 400-mile range vehicle that a member of the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation built and drove from Oregon to the show. “The festival should serve as a catalyst for harnessing the Route 66 renaissance to foster future development,” said Hinckley. “It will present Kingman as progressive while rooted in history and will ensure Route 66 remains relevant for a new generation.” The small community of 28,000 is expected to grow by 5,000 or more during the event that has literally been promoted worldwide. The festival plans on putting a hands-on component to the international marketplace with visitor interest already expressed from Germany, Holland, the Czech Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil, and Canada. Hinkley, author of hundreds of feature articles on his favorite subject, says, “We plan to come together as a community and roll out the red carpet.”
Photo by Judy Hinckley
Photo by Judy Hinckley
Included in the ambitious agenda is a Route 66 Authors, Artists, and Collectors Exhibition on Friday, August 15 (repeated on Saturday) where Native American artists will be on hand. A craft fair of handmade items from area artists takes place on Saturday the 16th. For more info visit GoKingman.com. $
Department of the Interior Reaffirms Decision in Favor of Tohono O’odham Nation’s West Valley Resort Project On Thursday, July 3, 2014, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) reaffirmed its decision that the Tohono O’odham Nation’s West Valley property lies within unincorporated Maricopa County, a key requirement for taking the land into trust under the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act, and that therefore DOI must take the land in trust.
DOI once again decided in favor of the Nation, the Nation's third straight favorable ruling from the Interior. Today’s action by DOI represents a major step forward for the Nation in its quest to obtain reservation land to replace its Gila Bend reservation, which was illegally destroyed by the United States a generation ago.
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had requested that DOI review its ruling on whether the Nation’s property was located in an unincorporated county island. After a thorough review,
The DOI ruling also underscores that H.R. 1410, proposed federal legislation that would block the Nation’s planned economic (Continued on page 29)
azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
27
TRIBAL NEWS
(Continued from page 27)
development project for the replacement reservation land, would set a dangerous precedent by undoing the very rights that the United States has yet again confirmed in favor of the Nation.
The City of Glendale represents the fourth West Valley community to pass a formal resolution in favor of the Nation’s project; the Cities of Peoria, Tolleson, and Surprise previously passed unanimous resolutions of support.
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said, “Today’s ruling by the Department of the Interior allows the Nation to move another step closer to benefiting from the United States' promise to the Nation that we would be able to replace our destroyed reservation lands. The Nation is eager to move forward to use our replacement land to create thousands of new jobs in the West Valley.”
Support for the project in the West Valley continues to grow as the primary opposition continues to come from two wealthy East Valley tribes and their supporters.
Then, on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, a majority of the Glendale City Council approved a resolution to officially support the Tohono O’odham Nation’s West Valley Resort project, rescinding its earlier opposition. The move is the result of months of productive discussions between the City and the Nation.
The Glendale City Council meeting was necessitated by the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee’s July 23 hearing on Indian gaming issues, which included a discussion of issues relating to H.R. 1410. This legislation would arbitrarily rewrite the federal law that authorizes the Nation to pursue economic development on its West Valley property, which was recently taken into trust by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The City of Glendale passed a resolution opposing H.R. 1410 last March. In so doing, the City recognized that H.R. 1410 would prevent the Nation from creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic impacts in the West Valley. By unilaterally rewriting a tribal settlement agreement, the bill would also set a dangerous precedent for tribes across the United States. The Tohono O’odham Nation is a federally-recognized Indian tribe, with existing reservation lands in Maricopa County, Pinal County, and Pima County, Arizona. The West Valley Resort will be located at 95th and Northern avenues and will generate more than 3,000 new, permanent jobs and more than $300 million in annual economic impact. For more information, visit the website WestValleyOpportunity.com. $ azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
29
GAMING NEWS
$155,000 Poker Jackpot At Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
W
inning a hand of Texas Hold ‘em with a four-of-a-kind is a pretty good bet. However, as Waylon W. discovered on Saturday, losing that hand can be much more rewarding. The Valley resident took home the largest share of a $155,000 jackpot when his unlikely loss triggered the Super 77 linked progressive jackpot at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino this weekend. The Super 77 jackpot is triggered when a hand of four-of-a-kind featuring sevens or better is beaten by another player at the table. Called a bad beat because of the incredibly low probability of losing the hand, it turned into the best beat Waylon W. and Michael C. could have hoped for. The Super 77 linked progressive jackpot which connects Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino and Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino was at $155,000 when Waylon W.’s four-of-a-kind was beaten and the amazing jackpot was shared between the six players at the table.
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel Turns Up The Heat With Hot Summer Promotions
A
ugust is going to be an exciting month at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel. They will be turning the key on the “Drive the Dream” promotion on August 5 with $90,000 in cash and prizes. Then, two lucky guests will drive home in brand new 2014 Ford Explorer XLTs on September 14 and October 19. The Tournament of Players Slot Tournament rolls on each Thursday until September 25. Guests will battle in their Slots Octagon, with the top five highest scoring places winning a percentage of the promotional prize pot. The Labor Day Reggae Fest, held on Sunday, August 31, promises to be a swinging party too! The casino’s Stargazer Pavilion will enjoy an Island flavor with the live music of Third World, Black Uhuru and Native Roots as the soundtrack. Plus, recent jackpot winners such as David C. of Flagstaff ($23,931), William L. of Mayer ($20,000), Guadalupe T. of Camp Verde ($20,000), and Tyress H. of Brewton, AL ($16,930) can certainly attest to why Cliff Castle Casino Hotel has been voted the #1 casino in Arizona for 15 years in a row! $
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
GTECH to acquire IGT for
$4.7 billion in cash and stock! Combines #1 Global Lottery Business with #1 Global Gaming Equipment Company
On July 16, 2014, GTECH, the Italy-based leader in worldwide regulated gaming, announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with International Game Technology, Inc., a global leader in casino and social gaming entertainment, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. Under the terms of the transaction, IGT and GTECH will combine under a newly formed holding company organized in the United Kingdom, NewCo. IGT shareholders will receive a combination of $13.69 in cash plus 0.1819 NewCo shares (subject to adjustment) for each share of IGT common stock, equal to an aggregate value of $18.25 per IGT share. GTECH shareholders will exchange each of their existing GTECH shares for one newly issued ordinary share of NewCo. The aggregate transaction value is approximately $6.4 billion inclusive of the assumption of approximately $1.75 billion in existing IGT net debt. The transaction creates the world’s leading end-to-end gaming company, uniquely positioned to capitalize on opportunities across global gaming market segments. The new company combines best-in-class content, operator capabilities, and interactive solutions, and joins IGT’s leading game library and manufacturing and operating capabilities with GTECH’s gaming operations, lottery technology and services. The agreement drives scale across all businesses, geographies and product lines and is expected to achieve more than $280 million in run-rate synergies by the third year following closing of the transaction. Commenting on the transaction, Marco Sala, Chief Executive Officer of GTECH said, “This transaction is transformational for our business. With limited overlap in products and customers, the combined company will enjoy leading positions across all segments of the gaming landscape. It will increase our global scale and with a full suite of offerings and robust customer relationships across the client spectrum, the new company will have unparalleled capabilities to address the ongoing convergence across global gaming segments. Our expertise across these segments and greater ability to invest in R&D will improve player experiences and benefit our government and business clients. The transaction will significantly enhance our cash flow and financial strength, and provide clear and achievable cost and revenue synergies.” $ azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
31
GAMING NEWS
TournEvent of Champions Update: Multimedia Games Releases Info on First 40 Winners! The nation’s best slot tournament players are vying for a chance at the National Championship, competing in the National TournEvent of Champions casino qualifiers across the country. Multimedia Games is hosting the National TournEvent of Champions in collaboration with casinos across the country to crown the nation’s best slot tournament player. Through June, the first 40 casino finalists have qualified to compete for the national title at the Wynn’s XS Nightclub in Las Vegas on October 1, 2014. Qualifying rounds will continue through September with a total of 120 slot players competing for the National Championship and a grand prize of $200,000. “Congratulations to all the winners so far,” said Multimedia Games CEO Patrick Ramsey. “To make it to the National Championship takes preparation and endurance. These players have certainly shown their spirit through intense competitions and earned the chance to play for the title." The National TournEvent of Champions takes slot tournaments to a whole new level. Two TournEvent of Champions buses are crisscrossing the country from April-August, through 22 states with more than 250,000 players competing for the chance to represent their casino in Las Vegas. Casinos are hosting slot
leagues, semi-finals and then in-casino finals to find the top player to represent them at the National Championship. Of the first 40 qualifiers thus far, there are 21 women and 19 men. They range in age from 22-92 and cover a wide spectrum of backgrounds — from real estate agents to entrepreneurs, and military veterans to government workers. Many of the qualifiers are enjoying the golden years of retirement, and one even hails from the Great White North, Canada. National TournEvent of Champions began in 2012 with regional competitions in California and Washington. The event crowned its first national champion in 2013 after 88 players from 77 casinos competed in the finals at Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo in Las Vegas. The 2014 event is even bigger with 120 players from 98 casinos and a total purse of $500,000 — double the 2013 purse. Here in Arizona, slot players have two opportunities to qualify. The first is at Desert Diamond Casinos in Tucson on August 16. The second is at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa on August 19. Make sure to contact each casino’s player’s club in advance of the dates for more details on how to participate! $
azgamingguide.com | August 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 May 2014 Slots
Hold % Tables
Hold %
4.13
Craps
13.61
25¢
4.97
Blackjack / 21
19.01
$5
5.50
Other Table Games 22.25
Loose $1
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 5.62
Roulette
22.29
5¢
8.21
Pai Gow Poker
22.66
1¢
10.55
Let It Ride
23.29
$25
10.73
Three Card Poker
33.49
Tight Megabucks
12.68
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 | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Loose Sports Pools Race Books
Tight Live Keno
Hold % Win Amount
Dollars
8.80
Slots
33.7 mil.
16.14
Tables
3.9 mil.
28.98
Other
0.5 mil.
Laughlin, Nevada
TRAVEL
Plenty Of Great Video Poker Games
H
arrah’s Laughlin continues to be the only casino in the town of Laughlin, Nevada to share their “Sizzling Slots” data with us on a monthly basis. In June their slots paid out around $9 million alone! Super Times Pay Video Poker is consistently among their best machines at the property. According to our sources there are ten of the games on the floor with machine numbers 4571, 4569, and 4586 finishing in the top of their “Sizzling Slots” in June. See if you can find the games during your next visit! In the event you’ve never played IGT’s Super Times Pay Video Poker, we should give you a quick overview. You play the game by betting six credits per hand to activate a random pay table multiplier (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 8X or 10X). According to the help screen, the multiplier appears on average every fifteen hands. Based on our observations, the average value of the multiplier is just over 4X and increases the value of the pay table just enough to make Super Times Pay with a six credit bet a slightly better wager than the same five credit pay table (around 0.3% additional long run payback)! Yes, certain multipliers occur more often than others and the order is not what you would think. Based on our observation and according to our sources, the multiplier frequency from highest to lowest is 3X, 5X, 2X, 4X, 8X, and then 10X. For more information on Harrah’s Laughlin, make sure to visit their website HarrahsLaughlin.com or call 1.702.298.4600. $
azgamingguide.com | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
35
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
Listings
Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: The Motown Miracles Tribute—Aug. 16 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm BlueWater Showroom: A Night of Magic—Aug. 30 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: House of Floyd (Pink Floyd Tribute)—Aug. 15-16 Doobies Inc. (Doobie Brothers Tribute)—Aug. 22-23 Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute)—Aug. 29-31 Strange Days (The Doors Tribute)—Sep. 5-6 The Arizona Room: Jordan Benson with Heartlyn Rae (Country)—Mondays 8pm The AZTEX Band (Latin, R&B, Old School, Funk)—Tuesdays 8pm Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wed. & Thu. at 6pm The Tommy Ash Band (Country)—Wednesdays & Thursdays 8pm Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: WFF MMA—Aug. 23 Marco Antonio Solis—Sep. 13 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Stargazer Pavillion: Reggae Festival—Aug. 31 Comedian Ron White—Sep. 27 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 Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Dance Fusion with DJ Blade—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: Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular—Aug. 9 Carlos Mencia—Aug. 23 Super Diamond (Neil Diamond Tribute)—Aug. 30 War—Sep. 6 Thompson Square—Sep. 19 Natalie Cole—Sep. 27 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Comedian Carlos Mencia will be back in the Diamond Center for another laugh out loud performance on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Tickets start at $30 and are on sale now. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Carlos Mencia is undoubtedly one of today’s most popular entertainers and comics. Whether it is man-on-the-street interviews, studio comedy, commercial parodies, nationwide sold-out tours, or films, Mencia demonstrates an extraordinary ability to connect with a wide and diverse audience. In the last couple of years, Mencia has gone back to his comedic roots, performing at a number of comedy venues throughout the country – allowing him to share his newest material with smaller and more intimate audiences. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “We’re thrilled to have Carlos Mencia back in the Diamond Center to share his unique and hilarious perspective. Be sure to get your tickets quick—this is one night of laughter you can’t miss!” Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: La ura Wa lsh Aug. 8, Co dy Jo e Tillma n Aug. 9, Neil Diamond Tribute Aug. 15 & 16, The Freeway Revival Aug. 22 & 23, Quantum Aug. 29, Shining Star Aug. 30 Wild Wednesdays No o n to 4pm: Sw ingtips Aug. 6, Western Fusion Trio Aug. 13, Yesterday Once More Aug. 20, XO Aug. 27 Margarita Sundays Every Sunda y the live music mo ves to the pool where you can get your splash on and enjoy great food & drinks. 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 December ‘63 (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute)—Aug. 15 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 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Presents
The Freeway Revival August 22 & 23, 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: Deep Purple—Aug. 4 Dr. John—Aug. 8 Tedeschi Trucks Band—Aug. 10 The Australian Bee Gees—Aug. 22 The Farewell Tour of Queensrÿche Starring Geoff Tate—Aug. 23 Asleep at the Wheel—Aug. 29 The Tubes—Sep. 13 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: Turn the Page (Bob Seeger Tribute)—Aug. 8 Zapp Band—Aug. 15 ‘56: A 1950s Rock & Roll Revue—Aug. 23 One of these Nights (The Eagles Tribute)—Aug. 29 ABBA Fab (ABBA 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: Peter Frampton—Aug. 15 December ‘63 (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute)—Aug. 16 World’s Ultimate Elvis Show (Elvis Tribute)—Aug. 17 Vietnamese Concert & Dance (Dancing with Viet Stars)—Aug. 23 Lila Downs—Aug. 24 Great White and Slaughter—Aug. 29 Lost 80 Live—Aug. 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
The Freeway Revival is out of Virginia and North Carolina. Twin brothers Adam and Jonathan Clayton, and Joey Lee are the primary band members. These Southern Gents built their success through constant touring coast to coast and determination to become a main stage band. Now, the path ahead is proving that hard work and sacrifice will turn their dreams into a reality. Influences such as the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd help fashion the timeless sound of The Freeway Revival. A new album was recorded in Los Angeles and Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa is where you'll find the Southern sound of The Freeway Revival's new album titled "Over The Mountain." Come share in the journey! The Freeway Revival's classic rock, blues, country, and jazz blend, remind the listener of a time when music was about things that people could understand and relate to, as well as enjoy; great music from a generation ago is reborn and performed with the same passion and feeling that left such a definite mark on the hearts and souls of the past. Whether it is a live performance or recording, The Freeway Revival is sure to bring not only a consistent high quality of music, but a high quality of entertainment. Once you hear the beautiful guitar harmonies, subtle vocal harmonies, accompanied with an assortment of mesmerizing piano and organ melodies, the spell is cast; the listener is pulled into a barrage of classic sounding music that is firsthand lived and felt. For a full listing of entertainment this month and for more information, call 480.802.5000 or visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.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 | August 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide
37
CASINO NIGHTLIFE
Ramses Ja Spins Sets At Top Golf In Scottsdale’s Riverwalk By Ramses Ja
A
s your nightlife entertainment editor, my job is to bring you the best of what the Arizona Casino Gaming industry has to offer. This mostly includes on-site offerings and on-campus events…however, every so often, there comes an attraction that is based on (or near) a casino. This month, we have such an attraction, and it’s called Top Golf!
days are in full effect! These are the nights when we (The DJs) can dig a little deeper into our libraries and pull out the classics that people can golf, dance, and (most importantly) sing along to! The bars always keep the drinks flowing and the people who aren’t dancing or golfing are socializing, dining, or playing one of several other party games offered by Top Golf.
In their own words: “Top Golf is the premier golf entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets your favorite local hangout. You can challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone from the hopeful pro golfer to your neighbor’s 7-year-old kid can play yearround. Just picture a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets in the ground. The closer to the center or ‘bull’s-eye’ you get and the farther out you hit your microchipped balls, the more points you receive. Score even bigger with Top Golf’s extensive food and beverage menu that is sure to impress even the pickiest foodies.” In short, Top Golf is essentially a driving range that is open from 9am until midnight most days.
Now, as you can imagine, the connection between gambling and golfing isn’t the easiest to make…unless you take into account that this attraction is within walking distance of Talking Stick Resort! Their course undoubtedly caters to more seasoned golfers, but the facility at Top Golf…with all its neon lights and high-tech scoring systems…caters to the masses. This means that after a day of enjoying the amenities of the Talking Stick Resort and a night of gambling…a quick shot over to Top Golf would be an awesome way to round out the day!
The reason we are talking about Top Golf in the nightlife section of this magazine, however, are the two days they go past midnight…Fridays and Saturdays! These are the nights that a whole lot more than golfing takes place. JD from Live 101.5-FM or I take turns hopping on the turntables and getting music pumping through the three story structure! Saturdays are known as Top Spin Saturdays and you can look forward to the best Top 40, pop, and EDM to keep the energy high! Stop in on a Friday and you’ll be treated to Patio-Palooza! Patio-Palooza is when the outdoor patio is transformed into a rooftop dance club with high energy music and beautiful people! For added measure, during the summer, Throwback Thurs-
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Or if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to party first, golf second, and gamble until the sun comes up! Either way, Top Golf is now a must for a complete nightlife entertainment experience! $
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.
CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY
Green MPBingo Jackpot hit for $31,111 Fort McDowell Casino pays out over a million dollars ($1,000,000.00) a month in bingo prizes. Contributing to that cool million in monthly prizes, William L. won the MPBingo Green Progressive Jackpot for $31,111.00 playing on Planet Bingo’s PhD gaming tablet back in June. MPBingo gives players a chance to win 5 progressive jackpots in top of the regular prize board during most regular session games in the program. For more information about Fort McDowell Casino, session times, specials and events, call 1.800.THE.FORT or visit FortMcDowellCasino.com. 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—$122,588 & Green—$32,197. Each hall has their own Red and Yellow Jackpots which vary in amount from one casino to the next, at least $1,000 for Red and at least $300 for Yellow. Good luck, and we hope you Bingo! $
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 | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
FUN & GAMES
WORD SEARCH In honor of Women’s Equality Day on August 26th, find: WOMEN, RIGHT, VOTE, EQUALITY, SUFFRAGE, NINETEENTH, AMENDMENT, ELECTORAL, OFFICE, VOTING, CIVIL, RIGHTS, SUSAN B. ANTHONY. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
D
V
B
H
V
Z
U M
L
W
I
Y
C
V
T
O
F
F
I
C
E
S
X
E
T
O
V M
B
E
S
R
X
N
S
I
N
N
R
U
A
H
Y
N
Y
U W
J
L
C
S
W
F
L
V
J
S
T
E
D
S
R
A
H
N
T
O
A
A
V
H
I
S
B
A M H
R
G
K
I
H M G
H
V
L
X
K
N
X
Z
O
N
T
S
N
G
E
O
I
A
N
Z
B
G
U
T
I
M N
G
E
I
N
J
U
Y W
A
Z
V
C
T
Z
T
E
N
T
R
V
Q
K N
N
J
E
E
O
U
H
P
M A
E
U
E
V
O
T
R
O
L
V M U
T
J
D
K
E
H
O
G
H
E
Y
E
T
G
N
G
I
R
N
G
N
D M
O
S
U
F
F
R
A
G
E
S
R
E
L
T
N H
Y
B
I
Y
A
V
H M N
L
M
K H
Y
I
V
I
L
G
Z
T
I
R
A
I
C
H
G
I
S
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
9
1
3
3
2
8
6 2
7
4 2
9
1
7
1
6
8
3
2
8 4 42 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
1
6
5
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
Over or Under?
Toilet paper, not your bankroll!
By Sami Becker My wife and I just got back from a 3 night stay at [a casino] and we had a wonderful time. However, one thing that really bothers us is that the toilet paper is always placed over rather than under! Why do people keep doing that?? It doesn’t make sense! We always flip it around, but when the maid comes in, she flips it back! … Sorry if we sound picky. Sam & Gia Alvarez Sam, but if they didn’t place the toilet paper over then the maids wouldn’t be able to do the cute little folds at the end! We posed the question about “over” or “under” toilet paper on our Facebook fan page (Facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide) and discovered the following results as of press time: 79.5% know “over” is the correct way to hang toilet paper rolls. 9.5% passionately insist “under” is the preferred method for toilet paper rolls. 11% of our fans don’t care as long as there’s a roll! Sorry, it looks like the “over” crowd has an overwhelming majority! $
44 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2014 | azgamingguide.com
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
13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
855-765-7829 294
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
Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.
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 1,089
15. Lone Butte Casino
23. Wild Horse Pass Casino
Y
Y
Tucson
14. Hon-Dah Casino 16. Mazatzal Hotel & 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 O F F I S U L S A A R N O B T A C N E T L H E O S U F N Y C I V
C E
G N I T O V F I
E T O V
Y S W T N T O I I H M L T N G E A N E I N U E T R Q M E E D E N N R A G E E T M H L T H G I R A
Sudoku Solution 3
1
2
6
5
8
4
7
9
9
7
6
1
4
2
3
8
5
8
5
4
3
9
7
2
1
6
4
1
8
9
3
6
5
2
7
2
6
7
8
1
5
9
3
4
5
9
3
2
7
4
1
6
8
1
3
5
7
6
9
8
4
2
6
4
8
5
2
3
7
9
1
7
2
9
4
8
1
6
5
3
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 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