Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - October 2014 - 06:10

DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 GREAT GAMES 16 WINNING WAYS 21 CASINO DINING 22 ARIZONA LOTTERY 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 29 GAMING NEWS 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 35 TRAVEL 36 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 38 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 40 CASINO BINGO 42 FUN & GAMES 44 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

BALLY TECHNOLOGIES HAS THE BIGGEST BOOTH AT G2E THIS YEAR AND HERE’S WHY.

46 CASINO DIRECTORY

GLOBAL GAMING EXPO LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

TRY SOMETHING NEW AND WIN BIG

SAMI OUTLINES THE TOP FIVE GRIPES OF GAMBLERS

Writer Rodric gets the scoop on all the brand new games at G2E and highlights some real standouts!

Being flexible and trying new games from time to time can open up unexpected opportunities!

No, losing money isn’t number one.

As a matter of fact, it’s not even on the list!

azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 10 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com

Christmas Comes Early At G2E! Whenever we get to visit the biggest slot machine trade show in the world, we start drooling months in advance. Not only do we get to see and play hundreds, if not thousands of new slots, we also have a chance to try out brand new games the world has never seen before. This year’s G2E runs from the last days in September through the first days in October and it is a treat as always to go!

This issue has a sneak peek on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, and some advice on trying something new for a change of pace. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe gives us the inside scoop on craps. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with an in-depth look at tribal games. Writer Rodric Hurdle Bradford delivers on G2E’s cool new games. And, entertainment writer Ramses Ja talks about his new hot spot at Cliff Castle. 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!

ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Ramses Ja Kelly Potts 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

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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 play video keno, mostly 4-Card. On occasion, I get bored (especially if it’s not going well) and I try another game. I play all the keno games out there except TopBottom. I tried it a couple of times, but didn’t have much luck. Can you tell me more about that game? For instance, how often do you get a hit? It seems like I’m getting 9 or 10 numbers most of the time which doesn’t pay anything. Also, would like to know the odds of getting 15-20 numbers. Thanks for all the great information. I always learn something in Players Talk – my favorite section!

Gina Vargas Tucson, AZ Gina, Top-Bottom keno is probably one of the simplest versions of keno you can possibly play! All you have to do is place a one credit wager, touch either the top half of the screen, or the bottom half of the screen, hit start and wait for something to happen. Most versions of this game will pay you something if you have less than 8 or more than 11 “catches.” For most video keno pay tables in the casinos, if you catch 8 through 11 spots during a game, you won’t get paid. Therefore, as you mention, you do catch 9 or 10 numbers most often which does not pay.

However, the good news is that for most pay tables your chances of winning on any given spin are about 32%. This, in terms of game play, means once every 3.15 spins (on average) you will have a winner! Most Top-Bottom video keno pay tables we’ve observed are set by casinos somewhere between 90% and 96%, so you can expect an average win between 2.75 and 3 credits.

Each catch is paired up with a win. Since the mathematics of the game allow for symmetry, the chances of getting 20 catches is the same as getting 0 catches. The chances of getting 19 catches is the same as 1 catch, and so on. You will notice the pay table has two catches next to each win, until you reach the 7 through 12 catch part of the pay table. What you should watch for are the 15, 16, and 17 catch (or 5, 4, and 3 catch respectively) wins. These six wins are relatively probable and tend to pay a significant win, regardless which pay table you can play at your favorite casino. The 15 (or 5) catch odds are about 1 in 67 games. The 16 (or 4) catch odds are about 1 in 308 games. The 17 (or 3) catch odds are about 1 in 2,000

games. The 18 (or 2), 19 (or 1), and 20 (or 0) catch odds are about 1 in 20,000 games, about 1 in 337,000 games, and about 1 in 12,823,000 games respectively.

Q: I need your help with something. Thanks for a great magazine, btw. I find myself either running from one machine to another trying a $20 here and a $20 there, or blowing all my money on one machine. First of all, I’m not as lucky as some people are. I rarely sit down at a machine and immediately get into a bonus or hit a big win. I have to work for it and I mean really work for it!

Therefore, I’ve found that “machine-hopping” doesn’t produce great results for me – usually. However, if I pick a machine, sit down and don’t move until the chair is nice and warm (meaning I’ve fed it with a healthy amount of 20s), then I usually get something. Either it’s my money back or a nice win that puts me ahead. Of course, this doesn’t work all the time. I wish it did. My question to you is … if I “try” a machine how much money should I spend? Is $20 enough? What about my theory of sitting and feeding the same machine until it pays me something? How do you feel about that strategy? Thanks for any advice you’re willing to offer!

Tonya Denise Brown Phoenix, AZ Tonya, slot manufacturers are designing modern games that are increasingly more volatile, so it’s not uncommon to go five or ten spins without getting a single win. Therefore, you are not giving the games a chance with an initial investment of only $20 that buys you just a few spins. Doing this may deplete your bankroll much quicker than investing a little more time and money on one game. We recommend $40 as an initial investment to “test” a game before you get up and move to another machine if it’s not going well and here’s why: the average number of spins it takes to trigger a bonus varies from slot to slot. Extremely volatile slots can take over 180 spins, on average, to hit a bonus whereas less volatile slots have much lower pulls-to-hits of between 60 and 80 spins. If we assume your favorite slot game has medium volatility with an average bonus pulls-to-hit of 120 and you intend on wagering 30¢ per spin, you can expect to spend roughly $36 before triggering a bonus.

Remember this amount includes all the wins you will be getting

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.

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PLAYERS TALK as you’re playing a game as well. With $40, you have a very high chance of hitting one or more bonuses. Since the $40 test is based on a medium volatility game at a 30¢ minimum bet, just make sure to adjust the initial stake based on your playing style.

Let’s examine Aristocrat’s classic slot Buffalo. Introduced in 2003, this game represents the change from dribble, time on device style games made by most slot machine manufacturers, to increasingly higher and higher volatility games we are experiencing currently. In the long run, on average, about every 90 to 110 games players will trigger the free games bonus with either three, four, or five symbols. Based on our math insights of this game, players are presented with a losing spin around every other spin and are also able to win at most twice their bet with the same odds, every other spin. Now, pay attention to this one: to win more than twice your bet back (not including the bonus) your chances are around once every twentieth spin!

What this translates into is a game that will happily swallow any bankroll you place into the slot that can’t outlast about 20 spins in order to win anything significant. Players have to play at least $8.00 (at the minimum bet of 40¢) in order to win more than 80¢! Is the picture becoming clearer yet? If we take a look at the game and break down what value the base game and bonus games have over time, we quickly discover that about one third of the game’s wins are concentrated in the bonus game and the remaining two thirds of the game’s wins are focused in the base game. While the free games bonus in Buffalo can be amazing, the base game (let’s face it) sucks! In the base game, the highest win available to players is 7.5 times your bet! An initial $5, $10, or $20 investment will rarely allow you to experience the wins of this volatile slot. Why? $20 at minimum bet (40¢) pays for just over 50 spins. In the meantime, players will win at most twice their bet 25 times (winning at most $10) and winning up to 7.5 times their bet about 6 times (for another $18) generating an average maximum of $28. That will barely get players another 70 spins allowing for a total of around 120 in the absolute luckiest scenario, on average. Does $20 sound like enough? I don’t think so!

When we design math models for slot machines we run massive amounts of simulations on test cases of our games using bankrolls of $20, $40, and $100. Guess which bankroll provides the longest time on device (maximizing player happiness) on extremely volatile games. Yeah, the $100 bankroll performs best.

Why? The larger bankroll gives the game a “chance” to perform.

Ultimately you should choose a strategy that makes you happy and are comfortable using while at the casino. However, we strongly suggest you focus your bankroll on one or a few slots to have a chance at triggering bonuses and hitting big wins! $ azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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GREAT GAMES

Table Games—Casino Craps

By Al Moe

o, there won’t be any live craps tables in the foreseeable future, but you can still play the game in Arizona casinos! You just have to settle for the video electronic table game version that’s just as exciting.

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On the don’t pass, the come-out roll wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes (no action) on a 12. Once a point is established, the don’t pass line wins if 7 rolls and loses if the point is rolled again.

One of the great things about playing craps is that players really get into the game, whooping and hollering, and most of the electronic craps games found in Arizona casinos have a large display and up to 12 seats for players. Each player gets a personal video screen to place their wagers and there are large dice that actually roll!

The come line works exactly the same as the pass and don’t pass, but can only be bet-on after a point is established. Every pass/don’t pass/come bet may be backed-up with odds. On a regular table the odds are likely to be set at between 3 and 5x the line wager (you place $5 on the line and take odds of up to $25) and win when the line bet wins. The odds lose if the point is not made. Players may also lay the odds on don’t pass wagers. Players like odds wagers because the house has no edge on the bet!

Well, the dice don’t really roll, they jiggle. New electronic craps games like “Shoot to Win” and “Organic” have a big plastic bubble where the dice are bounced around until they settle on a new number. On the Organic machine, there is a third blank die that keeps the others from ever landing askew – so every new play the dice land correctly. That’s not something you’ll ever see on a regular craps game, but you can’t take odds or make place bets for just a buck on a standard game either! Electronic craps offers wagers between $1 and $39 at most casinos.

Craps Basics The first roll at craps is called the come-out roll and you have to place a wager on the pass line or the don’t pass line to shoot the dice, but you don’t have to be the shooter to make wagers! The pass line wins on a first roll of 7 or 11 (a natural), loses on 2, 3 or 12 (craps), and any other total (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the “point.” This point needs to be thrown again to win. If 7 is rolled first, the pass line loses.

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At electronic craps tables the odds wager may be made for as little as $1, or set at whatever the minimum line bet is. In addition, you can place the numbers (a direct wager on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) for that same small bet. Those bets stay up until they lose.

Hardway bets (a pair on the dice) also stay up until they lose, but remember they lose when the number is rolled the easy way (no pair) or when 7 rolls! Wagers on the “Horn” and the “Field” are one-roll wagers and win or lose immediately. $

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 At G2E

Seeing The New Slots Legendary brands highlight new and improved slot machine games introduced at the annual Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada

By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford Introducing iconic brands For those casino players who love slot machines, the annual Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas is Disneyland, Black Friday and Toys ‘R Us all wrapped up into one event.

“This was a special G2E for Bally Technologies,” says Richard Haddrill, Chief Executive Officer. “We are uniquely positioned to deliver a view of the player and connect the gaming world like never before.”

Part of that connection is introducing iconic brands and television to a new generation of slot machine consumer. Bally Technologies accomplished this in a major way at this year’s G2E by rolling out several iconic brands that will soon be at a slot machine near you. Perhaps the most popular show of the 1990’s, Friends, has revived itself as a progressive slot machine. To enhance the visuals of the game it is displayed on a 55-inch horizontal video screen designed to envelop players in the entertainment experience and deliver maximum impact on casino floors.

“The game gives players the chance to experience the laughs and loves in a whole new way,” says Mike Trask, spokesman for Bally Technologies. “Players will love the wide area progressive top award, clips of the show’s many hilarious moments and a wheel bonus awarding credits, or one of four different free game features.”

Another legendary television show that has received the slot machine treatment is Bally Technologies’ new game based off

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the 1970’s hit Wond er Wom an with Wond er Wom an Wild and Wonder Woman Gold, both of these offer three progressive jackpots available at any bet level and free games. For current television fans, Duck Dynasty is Bally Technologies’ attempt to tap into the viewing base of the most watched reality cable television show in history.

For cartoon lovers, the adorable Betty Boop is back into completely different settings, a firehouse and in New York City, with Betty Boop ’s Firehouse and Betty Boop’s Fifth Avenue. “The firehouse game features a ladder bonus, free games and a wide area progressive jackpot,” says Trask. “On Fifth Avenue she takes players and her dog Pudgy on a luxury shopping spree.”

The most popular non-media brand introduced at G2E was the Harley-Davidson Open Road slot machine game by International Gaming Technologies (IGT). Attractive to both bikers and nonbikers alike, the high energy game includes the IGT exclusive Enhanced Game content feature, allowing operators to unlock new content over time, a proposition that is appealing to both casino operators and players alike. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the popular lifestyle brand Tok iDok i has made its debut as a slot machine in U.S. casinos.

“TokiDoki delivers a vibrant, fast-paced, high volatility gaming experience that features some of the brand’s most beloved characters,” says Michelle Schenk, spokesperson for IGT. The cult classic game Dungeons & Dragons was introduced to a

New Slots At G2E new generation as a slot machine at G2E. “Its debut is in the measure of grandeur and fanfare that would be expected for a fantasy franchise of decades-long worldwide acclaim,” says Toshina Wortham, spokesperson for Konami Gaming Inc. “We have two available game themes, Conquests & Treasures and Enchanted Riches, for adventurers at heart to explore.”

Get your game on Aside from the high-profile branded games, traditional slot machine games were also introduced. A visually stunning game was GTECH’s Sphinx 3D game, the first title in their new True 3D product line, which uses patented, award winning 3D display technology which is exclusively designed for GTECH. “Players are so amazed when they see the 3D effects for the first time,” says Foxwoods

GREAT GAMES

resort casino executive director of slot operations Angelo Avallone. “It keeps them engaged and eager to get more bonus rounds, and they tell their friends and other players to check out this truly amazing game.”

IGT introduced several slot brands together to maximize the player experience for 2015 and beyond. The Dynasty Ed ition builds upon the cross-platform from Wolf Run, Siberian Storm and Treasures of Troy. “The Dynasty Ed ition is a masterful series that merges original game features and math with enhanced characteristics, such as amplified bonus content, pace and visuals,” says Schenk. IGT also introduced the Hot Roulette series, which combines player-favorite themes of Wolf Run and Enchanted Unicorn, with bonus content that allows players to engage in a touchscreen roulette game in the top box.

Konami Gaming introduced a record number of new games at G2E this year. “The themes we presented at G2E focused on providing maximum flexibility and diversity of product for operators appealing to a wide range of target markets,” says Matt Reback, Vice President of Marketing. Konami Gaming stepped into the past (Continued on page 12)

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GREAT GAMES

New Slots At G2E (Continued from page 11)

with Wild Aztec, which features imagery reminiscent of Central American early civilizations. Another unique game introduced was Hamm er Festival, a progressive game that spotlights a hammer wielding Amazonian monkey who knocks blocks from a colored stack of increasing cash prizes. The monkey swings its hammer to reach the jackpot while his displayed stamina gauge dwindles accordingly, increased only by specially placed banana energy bunches.

Konami Gaming addressed Japanese culture with its new game Inari Riches. The game has 11 independent spinning wheels and mystifying Japanese-themed elements. “Inari Riches immediately stands out and awakens interest,” says Wortham. “The popular Xtra Rew ard and Oversized Symbol features keep players engaged far beyond the initial attraction.”

Evaluating the Expo Once again, G2E demonstrated that the lines between pop culture, media and slot machine gaming continue to blur, much to the benefit of the casino player. Many of these games will be rolled out to Arizona casinos between November of 2014 and June of 2015 and you can make sure that we’ll keep you updated as to when and where the new slots arrive! $

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New Slots Coming Soon

GREAT GAMES

Mouse Trap Move around the board for free spins & awards

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ollect cheese wedges and move around the board in this slot machine rendition of the classic MOUSE TRAP board game. Three scattered MOUSE TRAP symbols trigger the MOUSE TRAP bonus game, where players collect cheese wedges to move their mice around the top board game collecting credits, additional free spins, or even the chance to win progressives! Continue to move around the board until no more free spins remain. Featuring a round top with glass over an incandescent LED monitor, and a clear LED panel that allows full visibility of the reels, this low-denomination Blad e Stepper cabinet theme is sure to trap your attention!

So pick your mouse, grab some cheese, and head over to now.wms.com today for more information on this and other unique gaming experiences!

The Wizard of Oz The Road to Emerald City

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n all-time player favorite, THE WIZARD OF OZ theme, is back — this time in a 3-Reel Mechanical theme, The Road to Em erald City game! By combining the sights and sounds of the classic film with the player-popular WMS Transm issive Reels feature and Sensory Immersion technology, this new THE WIZARD OF OZ theme brings all of your favorite characters to life.

Three emeralds trigger the top box bonus, awarding a bonus featuring the classic THE WIZARD OF OZ characters. Pick crows for credits and multipliers in the Scarecrow Bonus; watch as row two turns WILD in the Tin Man Bonus, see multipliers descend from the Lion’s cape for enhanced wins in the Cow ard ly Lion Bonus; or collect the emeralds for spins in the Toto Emerald Trails Bonus!

The bonuses do not end there, My Pretty! The Wicked Witch’s Flying Monkeys are back and awarding WILDs in the Wick ed Witch My Pretty Little Spins; Glinda the Good Witch may appear and wave her wand for up to a 5x multiplier, or the Dorothy Bonus awards up to 20 free spins, where you can collect emeralds to trigger yet another bonus!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to now.wms.com to learn more about this and other exciting new slots! $

azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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WINNING WAYS

By Samantha Becker any gamblers tend to be set in their ways. They have their favorite games and they don’t stray very often unless absolutely necessary. In other words, a table poker player may wander onto the slot floor and play a few hands of video poker just while he or she is waiting for a seat to open. And, it’s not unlikely that a video poker player may have the sudden urge to play video slots or bingo, but it just doesn’t happen that often.

For example, rarely do you see diehard blackjack players suddenly decide to split their time and bankroll between the tables and the slots. Even slot players are finicky. Those that enjoy playing the old mechanical reels usually don’t have any interest in the newer, bonus-driven video slots.

Loving a casino game and knowing it very well definitely has its advantages. However, being flexible and trying new games from time to time can open up unexpected opportunities! Call it “beginner’s luck” or “blind luck,” people have won large fortunes playing casino games and lottery games by listening to their guts and trying something new or out of the ordinary.

Progressive Slots One Laughlin man followed the yellow brick road to Aquarius Casino Resort where he won close to a million dollars recently playing a WMS Wizard of Oz wide-area progressive penny slot machine. Charles Watters, of Laughlin, Nevada, was only fifteen dollars into the hundred dollars he had inserted into the Wizard of Oz penny slot machine when the big jackpot hit. At first, Watters thought he had won $9,000. Then he realized there were a couple more digits and commas involved for a total win of $953,220.95! Watters went off to see the Wizard on the perfect day. August 25, the same day that Watters hit the jackpot, was the 75th anniversary of when the movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” was released in 1939! Now that was meant to be.

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Charles Watters

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In fact, Watters wasn’t the only lucky player on this day. WMS had just paid out their 300th wide-area progressive jackpot for $1,391,728.01 on their Willy Wonk a & The Chocolate Factory slot machine just hours before Watters’ win. And, the third jackpot was on the Monop oly Luxury Diam ond s slot machine for $2,593,251.74. That’s nearly $5 million won on three WMS machines in just 36 hours!

Bingo When people think of bingo, they usually don’t envision being able to win much more than a few hundred dollars. Well, the modern version of this historically popular game offers considerable wins that include life-changing jackpots! Just recently, Casino Arizona announced a winner in its U-Pick progressive bingo game. Chandler resident Charlene Vance became the latest jackpot winner trying her luck at the property’s 0-75 in

WINNING WAYS

Charlene Vance

Casino Arizona’s 1,000-seat Bingo Hall features various options for fun. In addition to oversized flat screen monitors, the facility offers 16 weekly sessions and a variety of food and drink specials. Bingo games offered include Double Action 9-Pack, Bonanza, Magic Ball, Starburst Mini’s, Sizzling 7, Salt River and Double Action Coverall just to name a few.

twenty numbers or less on August 25. She took home $98,000.

“We are no stranger to jackpots at Casino Arizona, but $98,000 is truly life-changing,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Casino Arizona. “It’s thrilling to be part of such a significant event in a person’s life and further to have played a role in it. We couldn’t be happier for Charlene!”

A bingo favorite, U-Pick allows players to select eight numbers between 1 and 75. A jackpot occurs when a participant’s eight numbers are chosen within the first 20 numbers called. As a progressive game, the jackpot for U-Pick begins at $5,000 and is increased $200 each session until it is won. The Jackpot is then reset once again.

Table Poker Want some major action for a relatively minor investment?

Head straight for the poker room and obtain information on the casino’s daily poker tournament schedule! I guarantee you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck. Most tournament buy-ins can be as low as $25 and usually don’t exceed $100, provide several hours of entertainment, and offer the potential for some very handsome returns.

A new poker champion was crowned at Talking Stick Resort on Tuesday, August 19 during their 10th annual Arizona State Poker Championship. The winner, Phoenix native Robert Tanita, beat 1,459 opponents and took home $257,690! “It all feels pretty surreal because this is my local casino,” said Tanita who is 30 years old. “I’ve been playing here for 10 years so it feels good to bring a win home, especially a win from Talking Stick Resort.”

In addition to bragging rights, Tanita not only won $257,690 but also a trophy and bracelet designed by prominent Scottsdale jeweler Scott Gauthier of Jewelry by Gauthier. Hand-crafted (Continued on page 19)

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WINNING WAYS (Continued from page 17)

with 14-carat white gold, the bracelet features a customized 2014 closure and touts more than two and a half carats of rubies and black diamonds.

Second place and third place winners, Jerry “Wolf” Sanchez and Brayden Quackenbush, were also applauded for their wins, receiving trophies and payouts of $175,200 and $131,400 respectively. “We had a nice turn out for our 10th anniversary of 1,460 players,” said Tom Young, Director of Poker at The Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort. “We had multiple poker pros participate this year, but the game’s outcome shows that poker is truly anyone’s game. No matter their skill level or background, any player can win.”

Arizona Lottery It’s true what they say: “You can’t win if you don’t play!” Many people don’t play the lottery because they think the odds are stacked against them. Well, someone has to win! And, for such a small investment it really doesn’t hurt to try. Besides the million dollar jackpots, there are numerous other wins that are much more easily attainable (particularly playing the Scratcher games)!

The Arizona Lottery just announced there has been a winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, of the gigantic $3 million Mega Millions second prize winning ticket sold in Tucson from the drawing on Tuesday, September 2. The $1 million second prize was tripled by the Megaplier making this the largest Mega Millions winning ticket ever sold in Arizona.

“Presenting a check to Arizona’s largest Mega Millions prize winner was a thrill,” said Karen Bach, Director of Budget, Products, and Communications for the Arizona Lottery. “We’ve seen an increase in new millionaires in Arizona since the redesign of the Mega Millions game and we expect this trend to continue.”

This marks the fourth Mega Millions second prize winning ticket sold in Arizona since the Mega Millions game was redesigned October 22, 2013. Now it has faster growing jackpots, a $1 million second prize, and better overall odds of winning any prize while remaining only $1 per ticket. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $5.8 billion in prizes to players!

A lot of us prefer to stay within our comfort zone. While it’s not necessarily bad, it does mean we can miss out on great things.

Where gambling is concerned, it’s worth stepping outside of the box occasionally and trying a new game. There are penny and quarter slot machine games connected to progressives with lifechanging jackpots that can be won with as little as a 75¢ bet!

Bingo packets can be purchased for just $5 to $10 which provide hours worth of entertainment and the chance of winning big prizes. Table games, such as poker, can be fun and rewarding, especially when playing in tournaments where buy-ins can be as low as $20! And, why not consider purchasing an occasional lottery ticket or scratcher? For $1 to $2, you never know when it can be your lucky day! So, take a chance and try something different—you never know what might happen! $

Arizona Lottery Launches $20 Scratchers® Ticket with Largest Top Prize in its History New “$185 Million Cash Explosion” ticket offers $2.5 million top prize The Arizona Lottery announced the launch of its newest Scratchers ticket, $185 Million Cash Explosion. This is the largest $20 Scratchers top prize in Arizona Lottery history.

The new ticket launched September 2 and offers players a chance to win one of six $2.5 million top prizes. Winners will have the option of a 30-year annuity or a lump sum of $1.25 million before taxes. The total value of all prizes for Cash Explosion is more than $185 million, including three $100,000 second place prizes and fifteen $50,000 third place prizes.

“Our new Cash Explosion ticket offers the highest top prize of any of our previous $20 Scratchers, which is extremely exciting,” said Karen Bach, Director of Budget, Products and Communications for the Arizona Lottery. “Keeping Lottery players happy is essential, that’s why we are always looking for games that offer new and different top prizes.”

The Cash Explosion Scratchers ticket can be purchased for $20 at any Arizona Lottery retailer.

For more information about the new $185 Million Cash Explosion Scratchers ticket, please visit ArizonaLottery.com. azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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CASINO DINING

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asino Arizona, an enterprise of the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), just announced the arrival of their first-ever pastry chef. With more than 20 years of culinary experience, Chef Jeff Mack will serve an instrumental role in creating the property’s dessert options.

“Appointing a qualified pastry chef is just one of Casino Arizona’s many efforts to enrich guest experiences,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations at Casino Arizona.

“Known for placing an innovative spin on classic desserts, Chef Jeff Mack was a fitting candidate for the position. His creations appeal to all tastes and our guests will now have additional quality options to satisfy their sweet tooth.”

Chef Mack started his career in 1985, and quickly learned the importance of menu development as an assistant pastry chef at the Radisson and Resort and Spa Scottsdale. He would continue to develop his craft and assume additional responsibilities, managing teams and working as an executive pastry chef at various properties throughout Arizona. In November 2013, Chef Mack began working at The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, for six months before taking on his new role at Casino Arizona.

“Transforming classic desserts is my specialty so I enjoy placing a modern-day twist on traditional sweets,“ Mack said.

“Typically, classic tiramisu is made of mascarpone cheese, es-

presso and ladyfingers. But in the past, I’ve enhanced the flavors by incorporating a roasted banana into the recipe. It’s the same concept and idea, but it includes a fresh angle.”

With widespread experience in producing premium dishes, Chef Mack says food presentation is key. “How a dish is presented is essential to the dining experience as it can make it more contemporary or traditional,” he said. “I’ve done apple pie deconstructed so that each component was shown instead of it being the traditional pie. When I put it all together, it was an apple pie with a contemporary feel.”

Foodies won’t have to travel far for the chef’s confections as they will be featured in the property restaurants including the Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge, Eagles Buffet, Bingo Hall, Willows Restaurant and Salt River Café. With eight employees looking to him for guidance, Chef Mack says his main goal is to grow in the food industry.

“I’m always looking to progress my career, refine my skills and learn,” Mack said. “And that’s why I was so attracted to this position because it’s so different from what I’ve done in the past. So for me, it’s all about gaining that experience.”

For more information about Casino Arizona and their property, including all the various restaurants, please visit their website at CasinoArizona.com or call 480.850.7777. $ azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

21

Winners

Mary Burgess

$50,000 Blackjack Winner!

M

ary Burgess, Scottsdale, loves to play instant scratch tickets. She’s fortunate that her husband will often buy them for her. Recently, Mary purchased a Black jack ticket from a Lottery vending machine to take with her while she waited for her husband at the doctor’s office. She wasn’t wearing her glasses, so at first she thought she’d won $50. When she took a closer look at it, she realized there were too many zeroes for $50. She showed it to the receptionist at the desk, who agreed with Mary; it was a $50,000 winner. Mary and her husband are originally from Ayr, Scotland, located just southwest of Glasgow. They came here years ago when her husband was on a year’s sabbatical. They decided to stay and only go back to Scotland to visit family. The couple has two grown sons and two grandchildren there. Mary worked more than ten years at a hospital where she was the liaison between organ donors and recipients. Now, she spends a lot of her time scrapbooking, swimming, and looking after her husband. She also manages to find time to use her camera for another of her interests, photography. Mary plans to use the money to pay off some bills and take a small vacation to California with her husband.

$50,000 Blackjack Winners!

Evelyn Clark

ARIZONA LOTTERY

E

velyn Clark, Lake Havasu City, purchased two Black jack instant scratch tickets from a Lottery vending machine and took them home to scratch. Evelyn knew as soon as she finished scratching the tickets that one of them was a big winner. Did she believe it? Not really. To be sure, she had everyone in the family check it. After everyone had looked at the ticket, she took it to the store to have the clerk check it. When she got the paperwork, she was finally comfortable with the fact that she had won $50,000. Originally from California, Evelyn loves living in Lake Havasu City. She enjoys the slower pace and the friendly atmosphere. She has worked as a bartender for about 30 years.

Now, she also finds herself tending bar for banquets and special events. In her spare time, Evelyn enjoys working with stained glass, but most of her discretionary time is spent with her family. Since she has eight grandchildren, with twins on the way, it’s a major group when they get together; she and her husband love it. Evelyn plans to pay off some bills, do some back-toschool shopping for her grandchildren, and save the rest.

The winning ticket was purchased at Food City, 1799 Kiowa Ave., Lake Havasu City.

The winning ticket was purchased at Safeway, 10773 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Christopher Tate

$100,000 Crazy Cash Winner!

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

T

his is Christopher Tate’s second trip to the Hall of Winners.

In August 2013, he won $1,000 with a Money Multiplier Bonus instant scratch ticket. This time, he purchased a few Crazy Cash Crossword instant scratch tickets from a Lottery vending machine. Although he usually scratches his tickets at home, for some unknown reason, Christopher scratched these tickets while at the store and soon realized that one of the tickets was a $100,000 winner! Originally from California, Christopher now considers Arizona his home. Since Christopher doesn’t have any immediate plans for the money, he’s going to put it in the bank.

The winning ticket was purchased at Safeway, 3450 W. Bell Road, Phoenix. $

By Amanda Riddle

E

very year slot machine manufacturers gather in Las Vegas for the industry’s biggest tradeshow: the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). This year, Bally Technologies is front and center at G2E with the show’s largest exhibit.

The massive booth showcased the gaming company’s newest games and innovations. Here are some of the games that you can look for at your favorite casinos soon.

Friends™ Bally’s Friend s progressive video slot reunites players with Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross, and Joey – the beloved characters from Warner Bros. Television’s worldwide hit comedy that TV Guide named one of the 50 greatest shows of all time.

The Friend s game gives you the chance to experience the laughs, loves, and lattes in a whole new way. The game will be part of Bally’s Cash Connection wide-area progressive link and offer players the chance to win a life-changing jackpot. The main feature is a Wheel Bonus that awards credits or one of four different Free Game scenarios featuring clips of the show’s iconic moments.

The Friend s game is presented on Bally’s new Pro Theatre cabinet configuration debuting at G2E. The Pro Theatre features twin Pro Wave cabinets topped by a 55-inch horizontal video screen that will envelop you in the Friend s world. With the series celebrating its 20th anniversary this fall, there’s no better time to catch up with your Friend s!

Duck Dynasty™ The beards are big and the bonuses are even bigger in the A&E Duck Dynasty branded video slot game by Bally in conjunction with G2 Game Design. The Duck Dynasty slot, also presented on the Pro Theatre, will have you hunting for more with a wheel feature jam-packed with six different bonuses inspired by A&E’s number one original series and the most-watched reality cable TV show in history. This game will make you “Happy, happy, happy!”

Wonder Woman Wild™ and Wonder Woman Gold™ Wonder Woman has arrived! Get ready to experience the iconic DC Comics superhero in high definition. For the first time ever, Wonder Woman is coming to casino floors in not one, but two new games that include action scenes and music from the classic 1970’s television show starring Lynda Carter. Wond er Wom an Wild and Wonder Woman Gold are featured on Bally’s Pro Wave,

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

the industry’s first cabinet with a 40-inch curved touchscreen monitor. The Pro Wave is also Bally’s first cabinet designed specifically for women, with a lower button panel height and angled foot rest (but with more leg room, it’s comfortable for men too).

Both Wond er Wom an games offer the chance to win one of three enticing progressive jackpots that are available at any bet level. The games also feature Free Games in which you pick your volatility to get 8, 16, or 25 free games. In Wond er Woman Wild, you can choose up to 60 wild symbols per reel. In Wonder Woman Gold, you can choose to replace up to four lowest-pay symbols with a Diana high-pay symbol. With different features in each game, you’ll want to give both a spin!

Betty Boop’s™ Firehouse™ and Betty Boop’s™ 5th Avenue™ America’s favorite cartoon sweetheart is back in two adorable new games. Betty Boop ’s Firehouse features a ladder bonus, Free Games, and a sizzling hot wide-area progressive jackpot on Bally’s Cash Connection link. Betty and her playful pup Pudgy will take you on a luxury shopping spree in Betty Boop ’s 5th Avenue, which offers seven ways to spin the popular Cash Wheel.

Additionally, four new games feature Bally’s beloved Quick Hit feature: Cash Wizard featuring Quick Hit, Cash Wheel Black & White featuring Quick Hit, Quick Hit Cash Spin, and Twin Fire, which is a combination of Hot Shot Progressive and Quick Hit. Bally will also demonstrate a remarkable new innovation that will give you the freedom to play your favorite game anywhere on the casino property. Tak e ‘n Play enables players to take their game off the casino floor and into other areas of the property for the first time by playing a physical slot machine on the convenience of a tablet.

Bally is known for more than just slot games. The company also develops thrilling table games that increase excitement in the casino pit. At G2E, Bally will showcase a dozen table games including Free Bet Black jack , which lets players split and double down for free. The popular game is now being played throughout the United States.

Bally has been leading the gaming industry in innovation since it developed its first slot machine in 1936. The company is excited to showcase its latest exciting games at G2E. Look for them at a casino near you soon! For more information, visit their website at BallyTech.com/Player-Center/. $ azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

25

TRIBAL NEWS

Photo Courtesy Ron Sullivan

By Lee Allen

N

ative America is no stranger to games and while contemporary gaming may take place inside a casino, historical games took place outside in field and forest.

Many games were spiritual in nature, played ceremonially to bring rain, ensure good harvests, cure illness, or expel evil spirits. Some were played to bring pleasure to the gods by demonstrating physical fitness. But mostly, games were played for fun and pleasure.

Although they might play the same game, in general, boys and girls played separately with some ceremonial games forbidden to women. Young females played with miniature tipis or dolls made from wood, corn husks, or animal bones.

Boys, now as then, could make a game out of just about anything --- sticks, shells, pebbles --- or nothing at all. To combat

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

wintertime boredom, one of the favorite games of Chippewa and Inuit tribes --- and indigenous mothers worldwide --- was “The Game of Silence� where players sat silently opposite each other and the last one to speak was declared the winner.

Native American stickball is considered to be one of the oldest known team sports and major events involving hundreds of men could last several days with playing time often from sun up till sun down. The historical game kept peace between tribes as a way to settle disputes and toughened young warriors for recreation or combat. Rituals before games were similar to rituals associated with war as dances were held and spiritual songs sung to bring good luck to the team.

The universal urge to compete and win continues today with games played at tribal festivals and annual tournaments like the Choctaw Labor Day Stickball Festival in Mississippi, where the

TRIBAL NEWS national sport is labeled, “the biggest, most hotly-contested indigenous ballgame in the country.”

end. A flipping motion of the atlatl propels the spear much faster and farther than if thrown by hand.

Women, especially those of Southern Arizona’s Tohono O’odham Nation, developed their own version of field hockey called toka. Similar to the Cherokee do-nah-wah’uwsdi or the Iroquois bagataway, the O’odham version of the game uses curved mesquite usaga sticks and an ola made out of two mesquite wood pieces tied together with leather. “For as long as anyone can remember, toka has been a part of community life played by women of my village,” Crystal Narcho of the O’odham Cultural Center told Tucson Meet Yourself. By legend, the game was given to women by Elder Brother I’itoi as something to do in their free time while men were away hunting.

“The throwing motion is the same as throwing a ball with the main difference being a snap of your wrist at the end of a pitch,” according to John Whittaker of The World Atlatl Association. “The stick makes your arm longer, so when you swing the atlatl and release its dart, you have more speed, force, and distance in the projectile.” And it can make a big difference as demonstrated in the current world record toss of 848 feet.

“It’s a tough game that’s more important than just a game --- it’s a traditional skill to master,” Narcho said. And it’s not for the faint of heart. Played without any equipment protection, no breaks, and no out-of-bounds limits, players can range in age from 8 to 80. After singing a toka song about kicking up dust and the power of the puck, non-monetary wagers are placed and play continues until one team earns the best out of seven goals and takes home winnings ranging from soccer sticks to bottles of sports drinks.

Traditional playing time is in the cooler fall months, but the annual February O’odham Rodeo in Sells includes both demonstration games and a national tournament. 2015 will be celebrated as a 25th anniversary of the revival of toka on the O’odham Nation with a dozen or more teams in competition.

Another game of skill for both genders evolved from an early weapon that predated the bow and arrow. The atlatl, a hunting spear of the Paleolithic period, continues today more for sport than survival. In its earliest iteration, “It was a powerful weapon to hurl projectiles at 250 feet-per-second with tremendous power,” said Bob Sizemore of SALT, Study of Ancient Lifeways and Technologies, in Phoenix.

Simplistic in design, the atlatl is essentially a stick with a handle on one end and a hook that engages a spear or dart on the other

Talking Stick A Cultural And Entertainment Destination Fall/Winter 2014 Schedule October Calendar 2nd & 3rd Phoenix Fashion Week (Talking Stick Resort—TSR), 3rd Nils Lofgren (TSR), 5th Dish It Out (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick—SRF), 7th Workshop: Yoga in the Rainforest (Butterfly Wonderland—BW), 11th “Animal Sense” Workshop Communications Foundations & Energetic Connection (BW), 11th Octoberfest (SRF), 17th LoneStar (TSR), 18th Arizona Taco Festival (SRF), 24th & 25th & 26th Jewish Community Festival (Pavilions at Talking Stick—PTS), 24th & 25th Halloween Spooktacular (SRF), 25th Workshop: Waking Up with the Butterflies Photography Session (BW)

While most everybody’s ancestors used atlatls at some time in the past to bring home the bacon (or the mastodon or wooly mammoth), it remains in use among remnants of Aztec and Mayan cultures in Mexico and by Eskimo groups in Pacific Northwest to hunt seals.

For the past 25 years, the World Atlatl Association has been promoting interest through the national Atlatl Throwing Day competition throughout the country. At one distance and target accuracy competition held in Phoenix, Charles Tadano showed how it was done. “I grew up on a farm near the Salt River, an area occupied by indigenous peoples for centuries, and when we’d plow our fields, we’d find atlatl artifacts and that sparked my interest,” he said.

The weeklong International Standard Accuracy Contest Winter Count Competition in Arizona took place earlier this year in Phoenix (and will do so again February 15-21, 2015, near the Maricopa Wilderness area). Promoters note: “We’ve used this site for four years and are joined by regular visitors like coyotes, roadrunners, javelinas, and deer.”

For further information about atlatls, how to throw them, and how to be a part of the 2015 Phoenix competition, contact The World Atlatl Association, WorldAtlatl.org. For those who just can’t wait until next spring, atlatls will be part of the September 20-21 Neolithic Festival at Doney Park in Flagstaff featuring more ISAC competition, flint napping, and primitive skills instruction. For further information about the event, contact the organizers at JourneyGuide51@gmail.com. $ October Ongoing Events Every Saturday—McDonalds’ Rock N Roll Car Show 4-8pm (PTS). First Saturday of every month—Home Depot Kids Workshop. Kid’s workshop is FREE, and is from 9-Noon. Each month features a different project for the kids to build, using tools such as sandpaper, nails, hammers and paint! (PTS). Every Friday— Dinner Date Night—Mountainside Fitness 5-8 pm, a short date night for parents where the kids are fed dinner while they play in their childcare! $15 for the 1st child, $5 for each additional sibling. (PTS). Every Thursday—Baby’s Night Out Movie Option for Parents and Kids at UltraStar Cinema. Starting at 7pm for most recently released dramas or comedies that are geared towards parents are featured in a baby friendly setting. (PTS).

Every Sunday—Sunday Football Frenzy from 10am-1pm the ultimate football experience at the Showroom on the Big Screen.

No cover charge. (TSR) azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

27

GAMING NEWS

Betting On PINK

By Kelly Potts

At Harrah’s Ak-Chin

When you think of casinos pink may not be the first color you think of, but this October one Valley casino is going all-in on PINK!

can enjoy a PINK drink in PINK lighting while doubling down with PINK playing cards on PINK felt Blackjack tables in support of the health observance.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, celebrating their 20th anniversary, has a long-standing tradition of going above and beyond for Breast Cancer Awareness month and this October will be no different.

All month long, table games players will get PINK ducks to show their awareness for breast cancer for qualifying hands.

“All Caesars properties are encouraged to engage in employee awareness campaigns, contests and fundraisers related to raising awareness about breast cancer,” said Christine Todd, Harrah’s Development Systems Program Manager. “We are lucky to have employees and guests get so involved in our fundraising efforts.”

Think PINK! For the second year, Harrah’s is bringing back the VIP fundraising event, PINK POOL PARTY. This 21+ event takes place on October 25th at 7pm with PINK drinks and treats.

The highlight of the pool party will be the Battle of the Bras fashion show. Each casino department has the chance to design a bra for a male manager or supervisor to model at the party. Guests will then have the chance to bid on the bras, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

“Battle of the Bras was such a fun success last year, that we had to bring it back again this year,” said Todd. “It’s a great way for our guests and employees to come together for such an important initiative that raises awareness of preventative health and treatment of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Guests Playing for a Cause For the entire month of October, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino will proudly be displaying PINK throughout the property. Guests

The qualifying hands will include: Blackjack – 7,7,7 or a 5-Card Charlie (when a player has five cards or more and does not bust) Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, Crazy 4 Poker – A five card straight or better Three Card Poker – Three of a kind Pai Gow Poker – Full House or better Prefer Bingo over table games? Bingo players have their PINK shot as well!

Breast Cancer Awareness Bingo Daubers will be given away in the Bingo Hall!

The Caesars Initiative Caesars Entertainment properties have a long-standing commitment to the communities in which they operate casinos. Celebrating 20 years, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is continuing the tradition of giving back with the help of the community and dedicated groups of more than 700 employees.

Guests aren’t the only ones who get a chance to get their PINK on. There will be an Employee Blackjack Tournament benefiting the AZ Pink Pacers and Employee Poker Tournaments that all benefit the American Cancer Society. Also, look for our employees to be in PINK throughout the month, including dress out days where employees can wear pink attire to show their support. On October 4th, Lee National Denim Day, employees will have the option to wear jeans when they make a $5 donation to the American Cancer Society.

For more information, please visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $ azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

29

GAMING NEWS

Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise Breaks Ground On West Valley Resort & Casino

By Matt Smith On Thursday, August 28, 2014, the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (TOGE) broke ground on its West Valley Resort & Casino project during a ceremony attended by community leaders from across the region.

TOGE is moving forward with the project following more than a dozen straight favorable rulings by courts and federal agencies, as well as a recently approved agreement with the City of Glendale. The project site has been taken into federal trust as reservation land. TOGE and the Tohono O’odham Nation are committed to creating jobs and opportunity in the West Valley as soon as possible.

Construction of the West Valley Resort will create thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in positive economic impacts, at no cost to taxpayers. Build-out will occur in phases over the course of approximately three years. TOGE and its construction team have committed to hiring locally, with plans for a job fair in the near future.

The first phase of the West Valley Resort will feature a gaming component, as well as a range of elegant and contemporary facilities including five restaurants, meeting and multi-purpose space. The project’s design inspiration stems from the ever-changing natural characteristics of the desert, including the composition of rock formations transformed by wind and water over time as well as the brilliant hues and natural vibrancy of the endless desert sky.

Andy Asselin, CEO of TOGE, said, “This project has been a long time coming. We’re excited to finally begin creating jobs and stimulating business in the West Valley as we build this world-class entertainment destination.”

Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said, “The Tohono O’odham Nation and our gaming enterprise are proud to move forward together with our friends and neighbors in the West Valley to bring greater prosperity to all our communities.

Today’s groundbreaking demonstrates the Nation’s commitment to keeping its word and delivering the major economic development project we proposed more than five years ago.”

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 thousands of new jobs and more than $300 million in annual economic impact. For more information, visit WestValleyOpportunity.com. $

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS Global Cash Access To Buy Slot Machine Maker Multimedia Games On September 8th, the casino cash services company Global Cash Access announced it would purchase slot machine manufacturer Multimedia Games for about $1.2 billion. Many casino patrons are familiar with both companies as Global Cash Access is a main supplier of ATM and Credit Card cash advance terminals located in casinos and Multimedia Games has slowly been installing more and more of their slots on casino floors across the last few years. Most notably, many slot machine players will have played on Multimedia’s TournEvent platform during a slot machine tournament at their favorite casino.

"The acquisition of Multimedia Games ... uniquely positions GCA as an important strategic partner to gaming operators," said Global Cash Chief Executive Ram Chary. This deal will help Global Cash Access strengthen their portfolio of services offered to existing and future casino clients. The deal is expected to close in early 2015, will save around $30 million in costs for Global Cash Access and is expected to generate an additional $800 million for the company. Financing for the acquisition is anticipated to be sourced with cash on hand and debt. For more information, visit GCAInc.com.

Online Gambling Does Not Promote Gambling Addiction A new study from the Harvard Medical School’s Division of Addiction found that online gaming does not promote gambling addiction, and that the vast majority of those gambling on the internet are casual gamblers who effectively set limits for themselves.

Harvard researchers worked with online casino operator bwin.party to study gambling habits of millions of online players over a two-year period, and supplemented the research with a six-month study done by the University of Hamburg. The Hamburg research studied only internet poker; Harvard looked at all online casino games.

According to the Harvard report, 95 percent or more of gamblers studied played in moderation, with “Intense gambling behavior” exhibited by only 1 percent to 5 percent of the players. According to the report, bwin’s subscribers, on average, went online once every two weeks and lost around 5.5 percent of their bankroll each time. Sports bettors placed 2.5 bets every four days, with an average stake of $5.50.

The Hamburg study indicated that the median online poker player only went online 4.88 hours per week and paid less than a dollar per hour per table in rake or tournament entry fees. For more information, visit DivisiononAddiction.org.

Bucky’s And Yavapai Casinos Bring On October Specials October is bringing more with “Dinner on Us Mondays!” Hot Seat winners get a gift card for one of two restaurants for a scrumptious local meal. Tuesdays offer a “Senior Scratch Card Giveaway” plus a Senior’s breakfast special for only $1.99.

Wednesday’s “Gas Card Hot Seats” get you moving with $50 Gas Cards! And their “Ladies Day Thursdays” are heating up!

A Ladies only lunch special with You-Call-It cocktails equals fun with friends! Be in the right seat for Ladies Day and enjoy a custom box of chocolates. Pick a day and join them! The casinos are located across from each other on Highway 69 in Prescott.

For more information, visit BuckysCasino.com.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort Selected As A Recipient Of The MAC Awards Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort has been selected by Arizona Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ as one of 40 Winners for the Arizona’s Most Admired Companies Awards (MAC).

Arizona’s Most Admired Companies are selected based on how a company has performed in the following areas: Workplace Culture (as voted by employees), Leadership Excellence, Corporate and Social Responsibility (community and environment), and Customer Opinion (as assessed by customers).

“We are honored to have been named with some of the best

companies throughout our state,” said Robert Livingston, Vice President/General Manager at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. “I am so proud of the environment that we have created in our 20 years in Arizona.”

This is the most comprehensive and most prestigious corporate awards program in Arizona. It recognizes the contributions and impact these “most admired companies” bring to the state.

For more information on Harrah’s Ak-Chin visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $ azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

31

GAMING NEWS

Arizona Lottery Breaks Sales Records For Seventh Consecutive Year The Arizona Lottery reports a record-breaking $724 million in sales, a 4.5 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, and the highest amount in the Arizona Lottery’s 33-year history.

Lottery beneficiaries received more than $175 million in net funding during the year. As a result of revenues for beneficiaries increasing 33 percent over the past five years, fiscal year 2014 marks the fifth consecutive year that every beneficiary designated by the Arizona Legislature received full funding.

Lottery dollars support a wide variety of programs under four main pillars: education, health and public welfare, economic and business development, and the environment, benefitting cities and towns throughout all of Arizona’s 15 counties. Players received a huge payout with nearly $460 million in Arizona Lottery prizes, including 17 winning tickets each worth $1 million or more. Arizona Lottery retailers, big and small, earned more than $48 million in commissions during the year from the sale of Lottery tickets—also a record amount.

“Generating essential funding for important state programs, while benefitting the state’s retailers, speaks to the Lottery’s commitment to enrich the lives of all Arizona residents,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery.

“We are proud to report record-breaking sales for the seventh consecutive year and are already working toward surpassing

this record by introducing innovative games to engage new audiences, while continuing to provide a wide range of choices for our core players.” Director Hatch-Miller credits much of fiscal year 2014’s success to a surge in Scratchers sales, which totaled more than $483.9 million for the year. The introduction of the popular Luck y Life Scratchers series greatly contributed to the year’s strong ticket sales.

The addition of the new All or Nothing draw game and a revamp of Mega Millions also contributed to fiscal year 2014’s financial success. All or No thing is the first Arizona Lottery draw game offering players the chance to win $25,000 twice daily, Monday through Saturday, by matching all or matching none of the drawn numbers. The Mega Millions game was redesigned in October to have larger starting jackpots, fastergrowing jackpots, a $1 million second prize and better odds of winning any prize—all for the same price of $1 per ticket.

In fiscal year 2015, the Arizona Lottery plans to introduce additional new games, beginning with the September launch of $185 Million Cash Explosion, a new Scratchers ticket that offers the highest payout ever for a $20 Arizona Lottery ticket. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $5.8 billion in prizes to players, more than $3 billion in net funding to the state and more than $686 million in commissions to retailers. $

azgamingguide.com | October 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 July 2014 Slots

Hold % Tables

Hold %

1.84

Craps

15.17

$1

4.88

Blackjack / 21

20.29

25¢

5.46

Roulette

22.45

Multi-Denom 5.91

Let It Ride

25.01

$5

6.61

Pai Gow Poker

25.10

5¢

7.28

Other Table Games 27.26

1¢

11.80

Three Card Poker

Tight Megabucks

12.46

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 | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Loose Sports Pools Race Books

Tight Live Keno

33.59

Hold % Win Amount

Dollars

-3.63

Slots

34.3 mil.

16.57

Tables

4.0 mil.

32.03

Other

0.2 mil.

Laughlin, Nevada

L

egendary rock bands, Chicago & REO Speedwagon will kick off a co-headlining tour this summer season with a planned stop in the tri-state area! For the first time ever, both Chicago and REO Speedwagon will bring their talent to the stage. On Friday, October 10, 2014 they will both perform at Avi Resort & Casino’s event center, Mojave Crossing in Fort Mohave, Arizona located just across the river from the Avi. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.

Be a part of music history as these two acts perform for their first time together on stage! "It's ironic, that these two legendary bands, who both have roots in Illinois, were label-mates (Columbia/Epic) in the 70's, and experienced waves of immense success in the 80's and 90's, and have somehow continued to consistently make compelling music, both in-studio and on tour, have never before performed together," says Chicago's Robert Lamm. “This situation is about to change, as Chicago and REO will perform together during the concert's encore and present a finale that will thrill their audiences. As a musician who has always respected REO's skills, I look forward to our

TRAVEL

first rehearsals early this summer. This will be fun!"

“With so many personal connections between various members of REO and Chicago, it is amazing that we have never actually toured together. I love it that the Chicago guys feel the way we do about truly playing together when you tour together,” says REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin. “Can you imagine the Chicago horn section on Roll With the Changes? That would blow my mind! This tour promises to deliver some unique music from two bands who have made a ton of hit records, share that Midwest work ethic, and still refuse to sit back on their past accomplishments. We both keep raising the bar, challenging ourselves, and rocking hard, and the audience is the ultimate winner. We are psyched! I can't wait for this tour.”

Be at Mojave Crossing this October to experience these two legendary acts perform their top hits! Tickets are already on sale to the public and start at just $45, which includes live entertainment from both bands. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please visit AviCasino.com. $

azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Los Lonely Boys—Oct. 18 The Nirvana Experience (Nirvana Tribute)—Oct. 31 Dwight Yoakam—Nov. 8 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm Events: Dream Show 2014 Paul Wall & Mike Jones—Oct. 18 Cage Rage 8—Oct. 25 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Native American Recognition Days (Micki Free)—Oct. 2 Fandango (ZZ Top Tribute)—Oct. 3-4 Native American Recognition Days (JR Redwater)—Oct. 9 Native American Recognition Days (Texas Tornados)—Oct. 16 Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute)—Oct. 17-18 Native American Recognition Days (Williams & Ree)—Oct. 23 Chicago Experience feat. Kenny Cetera (Chicago Tribute)—Oct. 24-25 Native American Recognition Days (The Plateros)—Oct. 30 KISSMania (KISS Tribute)—Oct. 31 Monday Night Showroom Football—Mondays at 6:30pm The Arizona Room: Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Tuesdays 6pm 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: Ramon Ayala—Oct. 18 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Stargazer Pavillion: Taste of Verde Valley—Nov. 1 Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Bridget’s Gift presents Randy Houser—Oct. 4 Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Fr at 8pm Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: The Lalas Burlesque—Oct. 31 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: Marisela—Oct. 25 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Mexican-American music icon Marisela is coming to the Diamond Center on Saturday, October 25, 2014, for a special concert sponsored by La Caliente 92.1 FM. Reserved tickets are $30 and are on sale through Star Tickets. Tickets are also available at the casino Rewards Center. Born in Los Angeles, California, Marisela recorded her first album at the age of 15 in 1984 and continues to release albums into the twenty first century. Marisela’s early career got a boost from the famous Mexican TV show Siem pre en Dom ingo by Raúl Velasco and then later expanded into the United States thanks to many other Spanish broadcasting shows famous in the 80’s and 90’s such as Cristina, Don Francisco, and Sábado Gigante. Marisela is one of those artists that will always remain a favorite in the hearts of her audience. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We are so excited to bring you a fantastic evening of music with the one and only Marisela this October! Be sure to get here early for this special night you won’t want to miss!”

Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: Bella Do nna —3rd, DaisyTrain—4th, Original Impulse Band—10th, Elaine Stepter—11th, Metalhead—17th, Harry Luge—18th, Vertical Horizon—24th, The SOS Band—25th, British Invasion—31st Wild Wednesdays Notes From Neptune—1st, Route 66—8th, Vinny DiJohn—15th, Buddy Holly Tribute—22nd, The XO Band—29th The Lounge Happy Hour Starting October 8th Thursdays from 5-8pm. The Sahnas Brothers—Wednesdays 5-8pm. Amazing Dueling Pianos—Tuesdays starting Oct. 7th.

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 Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment throughout the

Editor’s Pick week featuring the Valley's best local bands & DJs Verona Chophouse: Talented Musicians—Saturdays 5-9pm Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am-3pm

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Quechan Casino Resort Presents

Heart October 17, 2014

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. Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Karaoke Contest—Now through Oct. 25 on Saturdays at 6pm Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Pipa Event Center: Heart—Oct. 17 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Nils Lofgren—Oct. 3 Lonestar—Oct. 17 Darlene Love—Nov. 1 Gloria Trevi—Nov. 2 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: Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac Tribute)—Oct. 4 Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon—Oct. 17 Southbound (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute)—Oct. 24 Vive Selena (Selena Tribute)—Nov. 1 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: Latin Legends Live—Oct. 3 Survivor—Oct. 4 Ramon Ayala—Oct. 17 Kansas—Oct. 24 Latin Comedy Jam VII—Oct. 25 Ziggy Marley—Oct. 31 Merle Haggard—Nov. 7 Don Rickles—Nov. 21 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

Legendary Rock Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson bring HEART to Quechan Casino Resort!

Performing their numerous classic hits on Friday, October 17th, you can see and feel the power of Heart. Be there to watch them rock Winterhaven, California as they appear at Quechan Casino Resort's Pipa Event Center for one night only. With iconic songs like Crazy on You, Magic Man, Barracuda, Straight On, These Dreams Alone, What About Love, and Never, it will be an unforgettable concert.

Their lush vocal harmonies, driving guitar riffs and melodic songs sound stronger than ever. Original pioneers of female fronted Rock music, they've sold over 30 million records. Tunes like Dreamboat Annie, Dog and Butterfly, Heartless and more remain eternal on Rock radio playlists.

These multi-platinum, award-winning recording artists have received many Grammy nods along with considerable honors and achievements. In 2013 they were honored by their peers as inductees to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Join Ann and Nancy Wilson with their band Heart on Friday, October 17th at Quechan Casino Resort's Pipa Event Center, located at 525 Algodones Road, Winterhaven,CA 92283.

For more information call Quechan Casino Resort at 877.783.2426 or for tickets call Star Tickets at 800.585.3737. Also visit PlayQCR.com for tickets. The tickets are now on sale. $ 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 | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

37

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

Ramses Ja & The Dragonfly Lounge At Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

tion…a local Camp Verde group that can jam with the best of them! The Dragonfly Lounge is an intimate venue, however with a full band, great lighting, great music, and the dreadlocks of the front man swinging back and forth with the songs, the energy spilling out onto the casino floor was simply magnetic!

In fact, there was a crowd built up at the doorway of the Dragonfly Lounge of people who had fallen under the spell of the hypnotic melodies of the Kill Babylon Coalition.

By Ramses Ja

I

f you are one of those people who follow my career closely, you’ll undoubtedly notice that I travel across this great state of ours lending my DJing and hosting skills to various charity events. In doing so, I get the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful, exciting, and fun places that Arizona has to offer. Last month, I was able to host an event by The Color Dash 5K that took place near Prescott. And, because I was staying at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, I made it a point to check it out.

To be honest, I have been to Cliff Castle Casino Hotel before! I have had the opportunity to DJ for events there on a few occasions. However, it had been a few years since I stayed there and I was keen to take notes for this month’s entry on nightlife for the Arizona Gam ing Guid e. My charity event took place in the daytime, so when it was time to head back to the hotel, I caught a nap to get rested up for a night of partying!

Because of this, and the fact that I have been able to open, perform alongside, and close for bands equally as talented as these guys at this casino, I can undoubtedly assure you that Cliff Castle has what it takes to offer a nightlife experience that can rival any Valley casino! I know that I had a great time, but what is even more important is that I know that everyone else in the room with me did too! I checked out their lineup of acts, and can say for certain that they know how to keep this room rocking week after week. At a casino, the gaming will always be a draw, if not, the shows, dining, or other amenities. My job, however is nightlife, and for Cliff Castle, I can say that it’s still all good, brud d ah!

For more information on Cliff Castle Hotel and Casino, or the events scheduled at The Dragonfly Lounge, visit their website at CliffCastleCasinoHotel.com $

Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II I was surprised to learn that the entertainment that Cliff Castle had lined up for the night in the Dragonfly Lounge was a reggae group…and a good one at that! The last time I visited Cliff Castle, their offerings were limited to country music, stand up, and Top 40. Nowadays, their schedule is full of these and just about everything else…including Latin and Pop! There is something for everyone!

The group I was able to enjoy was called Kill Babylon Coali-

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

•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

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Big Win!

Tammy Hoglund

On August 24th, Gold card guest Tammy Hoglund, from Surprise, Arizona, hit the Green Jackpot during a Matinee Main Game for $66,137! She took her winnings in cash and can’t wait to tell her friends back home in Maine about her luck in Arizona after only being here a few short months!

Did you know that the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Bingo Hall is the only bingo hall among the Caesar’s Entertainment properties continuing the tradition of bingo started by Mr. Harrah in Reno in 1937? For more information on Harrah’s Ak-Chin Bingo Hall, visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $

Casino

Sessions

Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic

Apache Gold

Su, We, Th at Noon. Fr & Sa at 7pm. 1st Mo of the month at 7pm

200

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

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

300

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 09/01/14 & 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 | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of National Dessert Day on October 14th, find: APPLE CRISP, CAKE, CANNOLI, CHEESECAKE, COOKIES, CUPCAKE, DOUGHNUT, FLAN, FRUIT, FUDGE, ICE CREAM, MOUSSE, PASTRIES, PIE SLICE, PUDDING, SHORTBREAD, SUNDAE, TORTE, TRIFLE, TURNOVER. 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)

4

1

6

8

3

1

2 7

8

4

7

9

1

6

5

6

3

4

6

3 7

2 42 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

4

9

7

4

6

2

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

Top 5 Complaints From Gamblers Losing Money Not #1!

By Sami Becker During a recent discussion with a casino executive and a tribal gaming officer, our publisher was asked what the majority of casino visitors complain about when they write in their rants to us. Both casino employees had mistakenly assumed that most gamblers are disgruntled about losing money at the casino, so they were quite shocked to hear that “losing” is actually not the biggest complaint we hear from gamblers. In fact, nearly all casino enthusiasts understand that gambling is a form of entertainment that involves a high level of risk and most are responsible enough to gamble with money they can have fun with but still afford to lose.

Here are the top five complaints we have received in 2014: #5. Slots.

Slot players feel that the manufacturers are spending too much of their attention producing theme-based games. In fact, it seems that hard-core slot fans intentionally stay away from those games stating they “have too many bonuses with small wins,” that the bonus games “don’t offer the same level of excitement” and that they “are too girlie.” Another common sentiment is that the slot games, in general, have become extremely volatile and that triggering a bonus takes too long. It’s not surprising that slot players feel this way since the average pulls for a bonus can take 200 or more spins to trigger. Another common concern is the increasingly larger and larger forced minimum wagers. In the words of one slot enthusiast, “I don’t like that some games force me to bet a certain amount. I’d rather be able to choose how many lines I feel comfortable with. Don’t make me play 50 or 100 lines if I only want to play 30!”

higher player status, she was told, “They base it, at least partly, on ‘theoretical points.’” When she asked how to get more theoretical points, they said “keep playing.” Casino patrons deserve better explanations than that! #3. Employees.

Many players expect a higher level of customer service from casino employees and they don’t appreciate when they act superior, rude, or disinterested. Casino visitors can tell quite easily if the employee enthusiasm is low. And, that directly affects attendance. “I can’t believe the employees at [the casino] don’t ever smile. I’m never going back because it just feels off,” are the words of one of our readers. Another adds, “Last week I was at [a casino] and I was treated like I was the last thing on the employee’s mind while waiting for a table at [the restaurant]. Why do they let this go on?”

Playing casino games is, obviously, all about luck and the way a person feels at any given moment has a lot to do with what they will play, for how long, and how much they are willing to risk from their bankroll. Anything that interferes with a gambler’s lucky feeling will certainly result in shorter time spent at the casino and potentially lead to that casino being labeled as

#4. Comps.

Many casino visitors are dissatisfied with the offers they receive from the casinos and believe they deserve better comps such as more free play, free rooms and concert tickets based on their play and loyalty. “I think the casinos give better incentives to those who gamble less than to those who spend more and visit their property more frequently,” said one player. “Casinos entice new players with practically the same offers they give to their regulars,” said another player.

Programs used by marketing departments to generate comps are based on several different criteria including but not limited to frequency of visits and average theoretical wins. Casinos need to be more forthcoming with how the offers are generated, so that customers don’t feel slighted or cheated. When one of our readers asked her local casino what was required to attain a

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN “unlucky” with that patron being less likely to return in the future. Employees can go a long way to keep that lucky feeling with their patrons even if it is as simple as smiling and saying “Hi!” or another friendly gesture. #2. Players.

Casino patrons don’t appreciate other players that are obnoxious, intoxicated, and disruptive. While that may seem obvious, it’s not easily kept under control. A casino floor is supposed to be loud, filled with excitement, and full of people. However, here’s a list of occurrences our readers recently pointed out that are not only rude but just plain wrong.

“I couldn’t believe it when the drunk guy poured his drink all over the lady’s lap. No one came to her rescue and no one seemed to care.”

“This is the last time I let someone bump into me and nearly knock me over while walking between the slots. The next time I’m talking to security.”

“I can’t stand the hollering from the blackjack table. Why are they so happy? All they can ever win is their bet back or maybe twice their bet. Why all the unnecessary screaming like a bunch of animals?”

“I am sick of waiting at the change machine for some old lady to break a hundred into twenties and then break those twenties

into fives and then start breaking fives into singles! And this happens about every other time I go to use the change machine.”

“I am really bothered by people who don’t understand lines for VIPs or higher status players. I feel like people are talking behind my back or are upset that I have a special line when I deserve it based on my play. Worse yet is when people are in the exclusive lines without having the privilege and the employees allow it.” #1. Smoking.

Smoking continues to be the hottest topic amongst our readers.

Those that don’t light up object to the smoke-filled casino environments and contend “casinos need to focus on better air quality” and they need to “have larger non-smoking areas.” Many non-smokers also don’t understand why most poker rooms are non-smoking while the majority of slot floors aren’t. Baffling!

While there is an abundance of non-smokers writing in to us saying the smokers are rude and inconsiderate and they “aren’t careful where they ash and which direction the smoke is drifting,” we receive almost as many complaints from smokers as well. The smokers don’t appreciate the dirty, belittling looks and the condescending treatment they receive from those around them who don’t smoke. They, too, “wish the nonsmoking rooms were bigger and they could go off in their corner and stop complaining.” $

azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

45

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

11300 Resort Drive

Parker

888-243-3360 527

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 292

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 656

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 514

Y

Y

Y

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

Y

Y

Y

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 679

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

866-332-9467

Maricopa

480-802-5000 1,089

Pinetop

800-929-8744 831

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 418

Y

Y

Y

Y

888-777-4946 486

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 1,083

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 09/01/14 & 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 A P E T E T R O T P M F O L U A S N S E

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1

8

3

5

2

4

8

1

3

4

5

2

7

9

6

3

9

2

5

4

7

6

8

1

7

6

8

3

9

1

2

4

5

4

5

1

6

2

8

9

3

7

6

8

7

2

1

4

3

5

9

1

3

5

8

6

9

4

7

2

2

4

9

7

3

5

1

6

8

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Y

Arcade

800-272-2438 589

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