Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - January 2015 - 07:01

JANUARY

Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 TABLE GAMES 08 NEW SLOTS 18 ARIZONA LOTTERY 20 WINNING WAYS 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 30 GAMING NEWS 33 DINING 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 35 TRAVEL 36 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 38 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 40 CASINO BINGO 42 FUN & GAMES 44 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

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45 FUN FACTS 46 CASINO DIRECTORY

KIMBERLY VAN AMBURG CASINO DEL SOL’S NEW CEO

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Harrah’s Ak-Chin unveils their new custom “Must Hit By” Progressive bank on February 6th.

We’ve put together 10 strategies to maximize your entertainment dollars at the casinos.

Tribes from around the state celebrate their heritage leading up to the Big Game.

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN HIGH ROLLER SLOT

HOW TO BE A SMART GAMBLER IN 2015

SUPER BOWL XLIX & INDIAN VILLAGE

azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THE NEW YEAR

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

2015 Is A New Beginning

VOLUME 07 • ISSUE 01 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com

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have been looking forward to waking up on the morning of January 1, 2015 for quite some time now. Back in October, I was already planning for a new start in 2015. I put together several long “to-do” lists and plowed my way through some tasks I had put off for a while, some other tasks that just needed to happen, and quite a number of fun tasks as well. As usual, my tasks were easily accomplished when I was working together with one or more people. Basically, a team! Those people, and they know who they are, made everything possible for me to begin this new year with a clean slate so to speak. As a result, I’d like to thank everyone on the staff, all the writers, our vendors, anyone else who works for us, regardless in what capacity, and our advertisers on behalf of the Arizo na Gaming Guide. Without each and every one of you, we couldn' t deliver our product to our readers and fans. And to our readers and fans, you guys are the best! We appreciate your support, all the questions you have for us, the information you pass along about what’s up at the casinos, and most of all your loyalty. Thank you and may your new year be lucky, filled with happiness, and overflowing with good times.

In this issue, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make your next trip to any casino a success. We’ve got the low down on a ton of slots, plenty of tips for you to incorporate into casino visits, and even some revealing information about 2015 in the Fun Facts section (back by popular demand)! Please visit us at: facebo o k .co m / ArizonaGamingGuide, 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 Gaming Guid e on our website at azgam ingguid e.com . Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

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

Alexandra

“Like” us on Facebook because

we “Like” you too!

MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Ramses Ja Mark Novak Cindy Esquer Amanda Riddle Lana Hartmann Samantha Becker 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 © 2015 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 an informed decision. 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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Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource: Office of Problem Gambling 1.800.NEXT.STEP or 1.800.639.8783 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov

PLAYERS TALK

Q: If I get a bonus on a slot machine and have choices to pick from, does it really matter what I pick or is the outcome of my pick predetermined, so it doesn't matter if I pick option A or D? Nadine LeFrancis – Yuma, Arizona

listed in the help screen. In fact, just to be clear, most bonuses designed in this manner are defined in the help screen. Jurisdiction regulations dictate that if any bonus selection process can be construed as misleading to the player, it must be explained in detail in the help screen.

Nadine, sometimes your bonus picks matter and sometimes they don't. We can make a large generalization and identify two types of slot bonuses involving player choice. The first type of bonus is where you are able to see what was behind all the items when the bonus is over (which in the game design world is referred to as a “fair” bonus) and the second type is where only your pick is revealed when the bonus is over (called a “predetermined” bonus). Here's how you can tell the difference...

Although it may seem unfair that two different bonuses exist and you might even feel cheated, you shouldn’t! Remember that it’s all about the way in which the designers decide to program the games. The math model still reflects an “average” bonus win over time. So, how it’s presented to the player doesn’t affect all the outcomes in the long run. The only difference is whether or not the player is involved in the selection process or not.

Think about the lottery. Whether you choose the lottery numbers or a computer randomly chooses them for you, the outcome is still based on a random event controlled by a random number generator.

In the “fair” bonus, the slot randomly picks and assigns bonus wins to the items and waits for you to choose from the options available. All values assigned to all the objects are revealed at the conclusion of the bonus. During this type of bonus your pick DOES matter. If you pick the treasure chest with 100 credits but the one right next to it showed 1000 credits, well then, that’s what your bonus win could have been! On the other hand, if you’re playing a game that has a “predetermined” bonus, the slot has already picked and assigned the bonus win for you. The game is just waiting for you to touch the screen so the computer can display the animation for your win. In this type of bonus your pick DOES NOT matter, so you can stop scratching your head and just pick anything without worrying that you will affect the outcome of the game. At the conclusion of this type of bonus, the credit values of the objects are not revealed.

Some slot designers can even be tricky by showing you the values if there are several levels to a bonus, but on the last one not do a reveal. This is a “predetermined” bonus disguised as a “fair” bonus. Do you remember “Money to Burn” by WMS? Although it looked like you were picking fire hydrants, and that the bonus was “fair” because the values were revealed, they were only revealed up until the last fire hydrant was chosen.

When the last fire hydrant was chosen what was behind the fire hydrant was not revealed and the bonus just ended awarding the player one of the progressives randomly. The fact that the progressive win is “predetermined” in that game is actually

I enjoy reading your Q&A section every month. I feel like I learn a little something every time I read it. My question is why does it seem like people who are betting max credits get more hand pays and bonuses than those of us who are only playing one or two credits? Whether it is video keno or slot games. I eagerly await your response. Thank you for your time.

Joy Rensel – Scottsdale, AZ Joy, the fact of the matter is that there is usually an advantage to playing max bet on most slot machines. For example, many slot machines that are connected to progressives award players who are betting more. Either your chance of triggering a progressive game increases as your bet increases or your chance of winning a progressive increases as your bet increases (the most popular example of this is IGT’s Fort Kno x). With the game Life o f Luxury by WMS, and all other similarly structured games, you’re automatically awarded a progressive when playing max bet and you increase your chances of hitting a progressive the more you bet.

Almost all life-changing progressives can’t even be won unless you’re playing the maximum amount on the game. Other games, such as Bally’s Quick Hit, reward the maximum bet player with the progressives but only give the non-max bet player a consolation win based on the bet level. Several mechanical reel steppers have bonused jackpot wins when playing max

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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bet. Video Poker is another example of a slot that must be played with a maximum bet because the Royal Flush is bonused at max bet. On the other hand, games such as Video Keno, for the most part, have pay tables that are structured in such a way that all wins are proportional to your bet. In other words, someone playing two credits will win twice as much as someone playing one credit regardless of the win. In almost all Video Keno scenarios that we are aware of, there is no advantage to increasing your bet other than winning more. There are plenty of straight up video slot games on the floor that are similar to Video Keno where there’s no advantage to betting more. Almost all non-progressive Konami games, for example China Sho res, are structured this way. Someone who bets $3 and gets the same exact win as someone betting 30 cents will get 10x the payout, because all wins are proportional. If you risk more, you’ll win more but you’ll also lose a lot more too! It’s your choice.

Q: Your tribal news section is very interesting. I was wondering if all the casinos in Arizona are tribal owned and if there are any tribes that don’t have casinos? I’m also interested to know if there are rules about how the casinos can be run or is that up to each tribe? For example, how many slots and tables they have and what the betting limits and casino holds are and such.

Don Armstrong – Glendale, Arizona Don, there are 16 tribes operating 23 casinos in Arizona. There are no commercial casinos in the state. Another 5 tribes do not have casinos but have slot machine rights they may lease to tribes with casinos, because there is a maximum number of slots that a casino is allowed and it is based on a percentage of the population.

Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts contain detailed regulatory, technical, and internal control standards for the operation of Indian gaming. Here are some interesting facts: The minimum theoretical payback percentage for slot machines is 80%, for Video Poker games is 83%, and for Video Keno games is 75% during the expected life of the games. There are currently 15,390 slot machines in the state (with a maximum of 18,158 allowed) and a maximum of 1,301 slot machines in any one casino. The maximum slot machine wager limit is $29 and the maximum Blackjack wager is $1,000 for most tribes. In terms of Blackjack and Poker tables, there can only be a combined maximum of 119 in any one casino. Currently there can be a maximum of 3,318 Blackjack and Poker Tables in the State.

Under the Compacts, Tribes with casinos contribute 1% to 8% of their gaming revenue each year to the State and to cities, towns, and counties. The contribution is determined on a sliding scale based on the amount of gaming revenue. As of May 2014, Tribes have contributed nearly $1 billion since the Compacts went into effect in 2003. $ azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

DARE TO BE POSITIVE Have The Right Mindset To Win Or Don’t Play

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here is something wonderful about playing in a casino.

Sure, the adult playground is a good analogy, but there’s also the air of expectancy as you await your arrival at your favorite club and the amazing rush when you catch a hot streak.

If you aren’t enjoying the anticipation of playing, what is it that gets your blood going? Is it the quiet confidence you feel in your ability to juggle your inner impulses to go a little wild, or just a good track record of success?

Personally, I always assume I’m going to do well or I don’t play.

I’ve played sports and I’ve gambled most of my life, so I know that coming to the game in the right frame of mind is my first and most important task. Thinking I’ll lose is paramount to admitting defeat.

When I played basketball in school I was certain every shot I took was going in, even if I barely had a foot inside the gym.

Probably why I write instead of dribble, but on the court or in the casino you’ve got to make your choices based on your best odds, not on whether you are winning or losing (except when you decide to cut a losing streak short and quit).

Think of the decisions you make from choosing a table (no, not the one where the cute blond is playing) to playing one hand or two, doubling down, splitting pairs, smoking or drinking. Really, even those last two could be important. There’s a lot going on, and when you are confident you’ll make better decisions.

Play when you think you’ll lose and you probably will.

Ever stand over your golf ball at a water hole and worry about making a bad shot? Ever think that and then drive the ball right into the drink? I have. Stress and fear aren’t a good combination at golf, or the casino. Both activities demand that you dare to be positive.

I’ve seen players make terrible decisions because they were worried they wouldn’t win. When you get a pair of eights you always split them, not because they will make great hands, but because a 16 is a terrible hand. Better to risk a few more chips and improve your overall odds.

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By the same token, you shouldn’t hit an 11 instead of doublingdown because you’ve lost a few hands. If you do, you’re giving up a chance to bet more money with a great hand. And when you catch a few winners in a row, don’t be afraid to bet a little more because you “can’t possibly win another hand.”

If you do, I don’t want to hear you complaining “Oh, a minimum bet Blackjack.” If you refuse to raise your wagers a bit when you do finally start hitting you’ll miss the best part of gambling.

Don’t let a bad streak change the way you play, as long as you are following good rules (like basic strategy at Blackjack). If you do, you’re settling for second best. Don’t settle at gambling, or as far as I’m concerned you might as well have gone to the movies! $

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

He has lived and worked in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. He also attended the University of Nevada, Reno. He is an avid writer and blogger, author of “Vegas and the Mob"—available at Amazon.

He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.

NEW SLOTS

By Lana Hartmann

Custom High Roller Slots Available February 6, 2015 Only At Harrah’s Ak-Chin

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arrah's Ak-Chin has developed their very own custom Mystery Progressive High Roller Slot Machine bank to debut on February 6th, 2015. The custom bank features ten IGT penny games all connected to a three level mystery "Must Hit By" Progressive. The games in the bank are some of IGT's best themes including The Sw o rd sm an, White Orchid, Stinkin’ Rich, Cats, and Prowling Panther. Towering over the bank rests a custom ,exclusively developed, replica sign package of the High Roller wheel in Las Vegas. What’s certain to become the center of the attraction at the bank are two 47 inch LCD's on either side of the wheel displaying video of the actual High Roller wheel and the three level mystery progressive. Make sure to check out this new progressive bank’s action right away!

The Swordsman: This six reel, 50 line slot lets players slash their way to the top as it is based on the successful Jaguar Princess video slot with the player-favorite Super Stack s Feature. The Free Games Bonus gives players amazing action with twelve to sixteen free games depending on the number of initiating symbols.

White Orchid: Step into the rainforest and behold the fortunes of nature! Bet 40 credits to cover 40 pay lines; with MultiWay, gain 1024 more ways to win for only 40 credits more. With twenty independent reels, big clusters of matching symbols and a retriggering White Falls Free Spins Bonus with super-rich reels, reap the wins of your dreams!

Cats: Experience a wild jungle of winning! The old proverb still holds true: “You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats.” Enter this rich land filled with wild Cats that can double your playing experience and winnings. The Split Symbols feature counts for two symbols – a winning pay line may have up to ten matching symbols. Plus, every Wild symbol can count as a split symbol, maximizing your wild wins! Win five or ten free spins in the Free Spins Bonus and based on our experience, this game is crafted to enhance long-term play.

Prowling Panther: This five reel, 720 way, slot has a game changing base game with a panther that packs a punch.

The slot mixes proven game features and engaging graphics to create an unforgettable gaming experience. Featuring the MultiWay Xtra hexagonal game interface providing players with 720 ways to win, stacked multipliers, scatter pays, and the free games bonus which also offers stacked multipliers creating big-win opportunities.

Stinkin’ Rich: When you get a whiff of this five reel, 100 line action, you'll quickly discover that the Stinkin’ Rich theme is loaded with fun and huge potential payouts. With theme-specific reel symbols and bonus action offering bags of bling, living the good life has never smelled so sweet. Our staff absolutely lo ves this game! Don’t let the large wager fool you, it’s not for the faint of heart. But the base game action on this slot, the Trash for Cash Bonus (complete with Lynyrd Skynyrd playing in the background), and the all important Keys to Riches Free Spin Bonus make for a very rewarding slot. Play all 100 lines, as the bonus is initiated when three Keys to Riches symbols land on a played line. You are awarded five initial free spins for each line that passes through the bonus initiators (that’s why playing all 100 lines is so important!). Line up the bonus symbols just right and you start off the free games with a whopping 35 games! Over the years we’ve pushed the free games bonus out to well over 200 games, but never to the max of 325. Perhaps you have?

For more information on Harrah’s Ak-Chin, call 480.802.5000 or visit HarrahsAkChin.com $

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Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

By Lana Hartmann

WYLAND Now Available At Desert Diamond Casino

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mmerse yourself in oceans of entertainment with IGT's Wyland Video Slots, now at Desert Diamond Casinos’ Tucson location on Nogales Highway!

Drawing on the stunning work of world-acclaimed ocean life artist Wyland, the game is packed with custom animations, breathtaking Wyland artwork and underwater photography and videography.

The base game features stacked symbols and enticing wilds, while offering three interactive bonus features for players to enjoy! Wyland’s Wheel: Players are awarded 1 to 3 wheel spins. Each spin awards a credit value and a multiplier. Paint with Wyland: Players select a Wyland sketch and brush the screen to reveal credit awards, extra paintings or even Wyland’s Wheel Bonus. Water is Life: Players can save their bonus and accumulate higher multiplier options. Eligible players can join a bonus triggered by another player. Once the bonus begins, the players photograph tropical fish to reveal credit awards, extra multipliers, the Paint with Wyland Bonus, or Wyland’s Wheel Bonus.

Explore the beauty—and treasures—of the oceans with Wyland Video Slots at Desert Diamond Casinos’ Tucson location! In addition to their Tucson property, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment has locations in Sahuarita and Why. For more information on the latest slots, visit ddcaz.com or call 866-DDC-WINS (866-332-9461). $

ELLEN DEGENERES Now Available At Hon-Dah Casino

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he latest slot by IGT, The Ellen DeGeneres Show , is proving to be very well-liked with players in Arizona. Fans of the popular daytime television show can now play this exciting new slot at Hon-Dah Resort Casino in Pinetop. Since its debut in Arizona in late November of last year, several slot directors have made this game available to their customers—including, most recently, Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale and Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson. There are more installs scheduled for Arizona casinos in the next few months, so keep your eye out! Make sure you give this new slot a spin during your next casino visit because there are some lucrative wins in this game. Visit igt.com for more information. $

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Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

ULTRA STACK FEATURE Now Available At Mazatzal Casino

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he Ultra Stack series by Aruze Gaming is taking Ultra Stack Free Games to an entirely new level in the latest 5 reel 50 line video game, Ultra Stack Feature . Played at a denomination of 1¢, Ultra Stack Feature is the first of its kind as it offers up to 200 Free Games. Between the random number selection and the 50 pandas jumping into the reels, players will find their excitement and enthusiasm at an all time high.

The Ultra Stack Free Games can be triggered by 3 FEATURE symbols appearing on 3 or more consecutive reels beginning with the left most reel. Each FEATURE symbol that was involved in triggering the Free Games will have a number between 1 and 10 appear within it, this is known as the random number selection. The sum of the numbers that appeared within the FEATURE symbols will be added up and awarded as the total number of Ultra Stack Free Games to be played. Win a STACK and make it a FEATURE to remember, an Ultra Stack Feature !

While at Mazatzal Casino, make sure to try their other new Aruze slot, Ultra Stack Bison. For more information about Ultra Stack Feature or Ultra Stack Bison, visit go.aruzegaming.com. For more information about Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, visit mazatzal-casino.com. $

azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

By Lana Hartmann

POWERBALL

By WMS Gaming

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fan favorite lottery brand is back - this time in the form of a 3 reel slot machinethe POWERBALL theme by WMS Gaming! It only takes one watermark symbol to trigger the POWERBALL Wheel Bo nus for a spin of the top wheel. On the first spin, the wheel only has blue credit slices and a POWERBALL match bonus slice.

After each successful spin, a credit amount is awarded and red wedges are accumulated.

Continue to spin the wheel until you hit a red wedge, collecting credits, multipliers, or even triggering the POWERBALL Match Bonus.

Triggered by 5 or 6 watermarked balls across all 3 reels or through the POWERBALL Wheel Bonus, the POWERBALL Match Bonus brings the POWERBALL brand to life! Receive a number for each watermarked ball in their triggering spin, and receive a hierarchical amount of credits for each matching number produced by the drum. After white balls are drawn and matched, a red POWERBALL ball is drawn awarding up to a 5x multiplier!

This is no scratch-off! Enhanced by Transm issive Reels and Wide Area Progressive technologies, POWERBALL slots are sure to be a lotto experience like never before! Visit wms.com to learn more about this, and other exciting slots, today! $

POWER BURST

By WMS Gaming

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ntroducing an electrifying addition to the Blad e Stepper cabinet family - the POWER BURST theme by WMS Gaming. It only takes one WILD POWER BURST symbol on reel three to trigger the POWER BURST feature where reels 1 and 2 may respin and nudge symbols for a chance at a higher award. At max bet, the POWER BURST symbol guarantees one of the six level standalone progressives!

The POWER BURST theme offers an electrifying twist on simplified game play while still keeping a focus on winning jackpots. This theme is specifically designed with the mechanical player in mind! Featuring a round top with glass over an incandescent LED monitor, a clear LED panel that allows full visibility of the reels, and a traditional pull handle for mechanical loyalists, this high-denomination Blad e Stepper cabinet theme is sure to provide a burst of excitement to your casino experience!

Visit wms.com/now or youtube.com/wmsslots for more information on this and other unique gaming experiences! $

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Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

TREE OF ETERNAL FORTUNE

By Bally Technologies

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t’s time to shake up your fortune with Tree o f Eternal Fortune , a 3 reel game from Bally Technologies that lets you shake the tree for unique thrills and big wins. The 27 line Tree of Eternal Fortune features not one but two interactive features. During the base game, berries appear on the symbols and then rise up to gather in the Tree of Fortune. Any base game spin has the chance to trigger the Tree o f Eternal Fortune . During this unique feature, you’ll use your hand to touch and shake the tree. As the tree shakes, the berries drop from the tree to reveal your fortune – credits, Wild reels, and Wild reels with multipliers.

Play for the two progressives in the Moonlight Bonus pick’em feature, which is triggered by three bonus symbols. At the start of the bonus, either the Silver or Gold theme is randomly chosen. During each round, choose berries to reveal a credit amount, a Collect All award, or advance to the next row of berries. If you make it through six rounds all the way to the top, you’re awarded the progressive! You can also win the top award of 50,000 credits in the seventh round of the Moonlight Bonus. This game isn’t just fun to play, it’s also beautiful to look at. The vibrant graphics look stunning on Bally’s ALPHA Elite V32 with iReels cabinet, which features a 32-inch vertical screen.

With plenty of interaction and the chance to win a progressive jackpot, fortune smiles upon you in this game! Fulfill your destiny and look for Tree o f Eternal Fortune on casino floors soon – after all, fortune doesn’t fall far from the tree! $

azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Cindy Esquer

$50,000 Blackjack

Danielle Merker of Phoenix buys instant scratch tickets about three to four times a month. She loves to play Black jack , so while at a store recently, she purchased a Blackjack ticket from a Lottery vending machine. Danielle scratched the ticket in the car. When she saw that it appeared to be a winner, she drove right home and showed the ticket to her boyfriend. Both of them had trouble believing it was real.

Danielle signed the back of the ticket and they drove to the store to have it checked. The ticket was a $50,000 winner. Danielle is “…ecstatic and over the moon” about this win. “Never in a million years did I expect this to happen!”

$100,000 Cash Explosion Loraine Little of Mesa recently purchased two of the $185 Millio n Cash Explosion tickets and scratched them at the store. It didn’t take long for Loraine to discover that one of her two tickets was a $100,000 winner. Not saying a word, she quickly left the store and went outside to tell her son, who was waiting in the car.

His first comment was, “Calm down; don’t have a stroke over it.” When Loraine and her son came to the Lottery to redeem the ticket, she signed a percentage of the win over to her son, Neil Brinkman. Now, both of them were winners. The ticket was purchased at Fry’s, 1915 S. Power Road, Mesa.

$50,000 Money Tree

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$271,000 Fantasy 5

Deborah Pirong of Phoenix purchased a Quick Pick for the Fantasy 5 October 11 drawing. She’s been playing the game for years because of the great odds. Earlier in the week, she won $500 on the game as she had four matching numbers.

Deborah usually plays her own numbers, but this time when she went to buy her ticket, something told her to also get a Quick Pick. She’s glad she went with her instincts; that Quick Pick ticket turned out to have the winning line of numbers for the $271,000 jackpot! She likes to play the local Lottery games, “because they help Arizona.”

ily Camacho of Kearny, Arizona may be 101 years old, but she’s sharp as a tack and loves to play instant scratch tickets, especially ones that are quick and easy.

Her son buys the tickets for her about four times a week. They keep her mind occupied. Recently, Lily’s son purchased some tickets for her. One of the tickets he bought for himself was Money Tree. She hadn’t played it for a while, as she hadn’t been winning with it. However, when Lily saw the Mo ney Tree ticket, she decided she wanted to try it. When he returned a couple of hours later, he asked her how she’d done, and she gave him the ticket to check. Lily had won the top prize of $50,000. Five members of the family accompanied Lily when she redeemed her ticket. Lily is outgoing with a quick sense of humor and keeps her family on their toes. She lives for baseball and is a diehard Diamondbacks fan. Although her mother lived to 101 and her grandfather to 110, she considers her close-knit family a big contributor to her long and good life.

Lily has seven children and, at last count, 24 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 19 great, great grandchildren, and one great, great, great grandchild. Lily is going to use the money for some home repairs and share some with her son. $

WINNING WAYS

By Lana Hartmann

HOW TO BE A SMART GAMBLER IN 2015 10 Strategies To Maximize Your Entertainment Dollars At The Casino

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isiting the casino is a fun and exciting entertainment option. Whether you enjoy playing the slots, trying your luck at the tables, or hoping for the chance to be able to yell out “BINGO,” you will find a varied selection of gaming opportunities in the casinos here in Arizona.

If you are considering participating in this form of recreation, you need a game plan. You have to be just as organized about a night out at the casino as you would be preparing a party or doing you weekly grocery shopping. For example, looking through the weekly ads and collecting coupons can save you a lot of money on your groceries. Also, writing out a grocery list introduces order to your shopping and prevents you from going over your budget or forgetting items you may need to go back for again later.

The path towards a “lucky” and “winning” year is to follow some basic guidelines outlined in this article. If some of the topics are already part of your routine, good for you! Spend the extra time to introduce yourself to those concepts you are not familiar with. No matter what, use this opportunity to make a change and approach your casino entertainment in a new way this new year. We are certain this can only assist you in having a continued positive experience at the casino for this year and for many more years to come. Happy New Year! Good luck and have fun!

1. Establish A Bankroll. Every smart gambler plans in advance as to how much money will be spent during a particular casino visit. Your bankroll is the amount of money you are willing to spend on wagering. Remember that you should also plan a separate bankroll for transportation, food, drink, lodging, tips, sundries, and so on. Don’t count your winnings as part of your bankroll, or use them to “adjust” the bankroll as your casino visit progresses. And, leave the plastic at home!

Withdrawing money at the casino can result in exorbitant fees.

2. Always Use A Player’s Card. Sign up for a player’s club card and never make a single wager at a casino without using the card, no matter what your favorite game is. From bingo to live keno and everything

else in between, make sure you have and use your player’s club card at all times. Having signed up for the club, the casino will offer you valuable coupons and information on promotions in the mail or through e-mail if you prefer. Not many establishments are willing to reward you for your patronage in the same way as the casinos. So, take advantage of all the freebies offered to you for your loyalty because you deserve them!

3. Set Your Own Rules. Make a serious resolution for yourself this year when it comes to your participation in casino entertainment. Commit to a set of rules you agree to follow and make them reasonable for yourself. Don’t make multiple goals which are extremely difficult to adhere to. For example, I plan to make X casino visits this year. During each visit I make, I will set aside a bankroll of Y dollars for gaming per day. Z dollars (of the Y dollars per day) will be used to play Video Poker and the remainder will be used to play $5 Blackjack. This kind of selfdiscipline pays off over time.

4. Slow Down. Play one machine at a time. Playing two or three machines at once just means you are risking your money two to three times faster. Don’t play frantically. Sit back, relax, and have fun. While playing your favorite slot, wait for the credits to rack up. Avoid using the quick spin feature and enjoy the sounds and animations the slot manufacturers have designed for winning combinations. Your money will last longer.

When playing at the tables, don’t play one-on-one against the dealer. Play with more people which will naturally slow down the game play and the number of hands. And, don’t forget to schedule breaks. Wear a watch and keep track of the time. Set an alarm if you have to!

5. Take Advantage Of Specials During Casino Off-Peak Times. Casinos offer great deals during the week on food, lodging, and golf.

Playing with a player’s club card could even earn you 2x to 10x more points on a weekday.

Many casinos also offer short, usually 15 or 20 minute, free tournaments that give you a chance to win cash and prizes without having to risk any of your own bankroll.

6. Play The Slots Wisely. Always be familiar with the game you are playing. The best way to (Continued on page 22)

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WINNING WAYS (Continued from page 20)

do this is to read the pay table rules! Know what the minimum and maximum bet requirements are. When playing a slot connected to a progressive, know if you need to be playing the maximum number of credits to be eligible for the progressive.

You don’t want to be feeding the meters without even having a chance at the progressive! Understand that the penny slots have the largest house advantage. The higher the denomination, the higher the payback percentage! Be aware that Video Poker, when played optimally, tends to be the best slot to play on a casino floor. Just make sure to keep your eye out for the best pay tables!

7. Break All Larger Bills Into Smaller Bills. It takes much less effort to spend $100 when it’s already in the machine then when you have to reach five times in your wallet for a twenty dollar bill each time. By the same token, limit your play with tickets.

Holding a $200 ticket just doesn’t feel the same as holding cold, hard cash in your hands. If you win a significant amount on a slot machine, cash it out! There is much less temptation to play through the money and give it all back.

8. Know Your Game. If you have a favorite game, then you should learn everything you can about it. All casino games are based on defined rules which you can learn, understand, and recall at a moment’s notice if needed. Realize that most people

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have little to no idea about the casino game they enjoy playing the most. Many table poker players use this to their advantage time and time again. You should definitely be the most knowledgeable poker player at your table, not someone else. You should understand how a slot machine game works before you play it. You should play Video Poker using optimal strategy.

9. Love Your Game. You’ve got to love the game you’re playing. Negativity and disillusionment are very serious distractions when engaging in casino entertainment. If you no longer feel passionate about a particular game, it’s time to move on. The excitement has to be there in order for you to enjoy the game itself. Without some sort of spark; monotony, boredom, and loss of concentration will interfere with your enjoyment. Having a keen interest and truly enjoying a game will keep you sharp!

10. Play And Build Your Status At One Casino. Your comps will be much nicer if you spend $100 at the same casino rather than $20 at five different ones. Plus, the better your status the nicer the rewards. We’re not saying play at only one casino all the time. Arizona has wonderful gaming options for day and overnight excursions, but limit your play to predominantly one casino for your regular excursions. Pay very close attention to which one provides you with the best customer service, your favorite comps and offers, and the best loyalty program. $

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Casino Del Sol CEO Kimberly Van Amburg

LUCKY LADY Words And Photo By Lee Allen

E

verything has been coming up Lucky Sevens for Casino del Sol’s Kimberly Van Amburg who has hit the jackpot as the newly-announced Chief Executive Officer of the Pascua Yaqui tribe’s gaming enterprise.

“I’ve worked for the tribe and in the casino for seven years now and I like to think I know tribal objectives and what they want to accomplish, i.e., generate as much revenue as possible to return to the tribe and, at the same time, do the best job I can to

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prepare tribal members to advance themselves.”

Van Amburg grew up in Dallas before coming to the University of Arizona as an undergraduate student (returning years later to graduate from the UA law school). “I worked in the hotel business before attending school in Tucson and went back into that industry between degrees, so from a management perspective, I’m familiar with the hospitality business. When I went to law school, I assumed all the entertainment and hospitality career

“I want to increase the monetary distribution to the tribe every year and develop tribal members to be in a position to fill top positions of responsibility as opportunities occur, even grooming a tribal employee to eventually fill my shoes.”

paths were in the rear view mirror and I was happy enough with that.”

She worked in private practice before returning to Southern Arizona to work for the tribe as Assistant Attorney General for Gaming. Two years later, she went from being a tribal employee to being a casino employee with some operational departments reporting to her.

“Over the years, as each transition took place within Casino del Sol operations, I was given a bit more responsibility in more diverse areas. When the opportunity to move up came in July 2014, I took it. I knew the people, knew what we do well and what we still need to work on, and it’s been a pretty smooth transition.” As CEO, Van Amburg will be responsible for leading the entire casino team operation and for spearheading a variety of strategic initiatives.

Her transition to the top has not only been smooth, but impressive. No one seems to know the exact number, but amongst the more than 555 Indian-owned casinos throughout the U.S., there are only a small handful of females who have risen to lead their enterprises. “Coming from a male-dominated field of law, when I started here in 2007 and attended my first director’s meeting, I looked around the room and thought ‘wow, this is an industry possibly more male-dominated than the legal profession. But it’s been a friendly and welcoming environment in my case.”

Former CEO Wendell Long, who earlier built a strong base to put Casino del Sol on the local gaming and entertainment map, said: “Kim is the perfect person and the perfect fit for Sol Casinos, adding great strength to the team. She’s a smart woman who knows the business and her legal training will be an asset in solving the complex challenges of running a major casino.

She’ll definitely take things to the next level.”

the right team members in the positions we need in key departments. Already I’m getting the feeling we’re building a really strong team to get this property to where it deserves to be.”

Not that it hasn’t already been lauded as a Forbes Four Star and a AAA Four Diamond facility, there’s room to make things not necessarily bigger, but better, by firming up the base for future growth. “I want to increase the monetary distribution to the tribe every year and develop tribal members to be in a position to fill top positions of responsibility as opportunities occur, even grooming a tribal employee to eventually fill my shoes.”

Nationally, Indian gaming revenue grew by about 3% last year and Van Amburg says, “Casino del Sol was in line with that trend. We do very well in that department.”

Look for some surprises to be announced in 2015. “We have a couple of things already being implemented, like a glassed-in High Limit area. We don’t want to send out a message that ‘you’re not wanted in here unless you have a whole lot of money,’ but at the same time our high-dollar players requested a bit of exclusion and privacy and we’ve responded.”

A number of new gaming machines were added in 2014 and more are in the works. About 60 new slots showed up a month ago with more planned throughout this year. “We’re continually updating our slots to keep the floor exciting. Our Director of Gaming Operations attended the G2E Expo in Las Vegas last fall and brought the checkbook to purchase new attractions. Our regulars have favorite machines, but the new units will potentially represent a new draw for our gaming public.”

How does she plan to do that, short- and long-term? Working with nearly 1,200 employees, nearly 60% of which are tribal hires, she says her marching orders are, “to go forth and make dollars to stabilize the operation.”

Already known for high-quality entertainment, the AVA Amphitheatre will see some big names on its stage in 2015. “It will be an exciting concert season as we continue to do what we’ve successfully done in the past, making sure to pick shows on the right night with the right mix. When you look at our concert offerings over the entire season, you’ll find something for everyone; some really big name, high-end, shows and a mixture of great entertainment for all.

Short-term, the new CEO wants to minimize any employee uncertainty in light of a number of personnel changes of late. “I need to get things back to where they need to be, getting some of our fundamentals back on track. My focus in the past few months has been, and will continue to be, making sure we have

“If you look at our property overall, the amenities are many; the casino gaming, the resort, our award-winning Sewailo golf course, spa, and PY steakhouse. If you take all we have to offer, it’s like being at a gorgeous property in Las Vegas but lo-andbehold, you’re in the Southern Arizona Desert.” $

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TRIBAL NEWS Words By Lee Allen, Photos By Geri Hongeva

SUPER BOWL XLIX & INDIAN VILLAGE January 29-31, 2015 At Scottsdale Civic Center Park From 10am-7pm

I

ndians and sports are a natural combination and Super Bowl XLIX offers the perfect venue to find both. First off, the Native connection to football couldn’t be portrayed more accurately than through the historical perspective of professional football player Jim Thorpe (Wa-Tho-Huk or Bright Path), a Pottawatomie Indian honored as “the most outstanding athlete of the first half of the 20th Century.”

“The Indian and the National Football League are not separate entities,” notes Raphael Bear of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. “Thorpe was one of the first Commissioners when the National Football League was formed. We have an opportunity as a tourist organization for American Indians to let the world know, as a people, we’ve always been a part of the sports scene.

A smart card player plays to the strongest cards in his hand and the Thorpe connection is a trump card for us to hold during the Super Bowl.”

Thorpe began his illustrious athletic career at the Carlisle Industrial Indian School (coached by “Pop” Warner), played pro baseball, competed (and won) in the Olympics, and organized/ coached/played with the Oorang Indians, a professional football team made up completely of American Indians. When he hung up his uniform and retired, the Associated Press called him “the greatest American football player.”

Today’s Native American connection to the gridiron --- running concurrent with the $400 million pigskin proceedings that will draw tens of thousands of fans to the Valley --- can be found at the American Indian Village, a quarter of a city block in size, with seven separate tribal village displays representing Arizona’s 22 different tribes. With just weeks left to formalize final plan implementation, the traditional village set-ups will represent Navajo, Apache, Hope, Zuni, O’odham and Maricopa tribes, River tribes, and several Pai entities.

Situated in the 3900 block of North Drinkwater Boulevard in Scottsdale Civic Center Park, the free, family-friendly effort has been two years in the planning by the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association. Donovan Hanley of the Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise is President of AAITA and says, “This is a great opportunity for us to welcome visitors from across the nation to ‘Native Arizona,’ opening a dialogue for networking through the villages that represent the Tribal Nations of Arizo-

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Traditional Hopi House Arizona Centennial in Phoenix, Arizona, February 11, 2012 na,” he says, echoing the thoughts of former AAITA President and Yavapai tribal member Rory Majenty, “It’s a great venue to educate those who visit it about the growth and abilities of Arizona’s native peoples. We’re a big part of this state and lay claim to a large folio of history and identity.”

Initially displayed at the 2008 Super Bowl in Glendale with subsequent showings at 2012 Centennial festivities in Prescott and that year’s Super Bowl in Phoenix, this fourth-time presentation is expected to draw upwards of 25,000 attendees. “This thing is huge,” says Majenty. “During the Prescott Centennial set-up, it occupied major portions of nine roped-off city blocks filled with educational pavilions resembling mini-museums. The individual tribal cultural villages were the size of football fields.

There will be something for everyone at the Arizona Indian Festival designed to provide guests a venue to experience the rich cultural heritage found in the state’s indigenous populations. The Indian Village attraction, one of the association’s largest collaborative efforts to date, will showcase the sights, sounds, and flavors of Native dance, music, arts and crafts, and food --- a slice of tribal life. “The village itself will be both tangible and intangible,” Hanley says. “There will be traditional home structures that represent different tribes --- a Navajo ho-

TRIBAL NEWS

Traditional Navajo Male Hogan Arizona Centennial in Phoenix, Arizona, February 11, 2012

A Variety Of Hopi Baskets On Display Inside The Hopi House Arizona Centennial in Phoenix, Arizona, February 11, 2012

gan, a traditional Hopi house, a Salt River Pima-Maricopa round house, teepees, pueblos, and wickiups. Sometimes people tend to group Indians together, but we’re all different and one aspect of those differences will be highly visible in the representative living structures on display. The site will offer a visual feast for the senses.”

portunities on Arizona Indian reservations and in tribal communities. The ‘wealth’ here involves the opportunity to present a consistent tourism product to individual visitors as well as associations, travel agents, and tour operators. Revenue-wise, any profits generated go back into the organization to continue our mission.”

Included in the daily 10am to 7pm entertainment options will be performances by gourd singers accompanied by aboriginal instruments; dancers will offer specific social and ceremonial dances; story-tellers will relate ancient legends; tribal elders will share their knowledge of the past; there will be demonstrations of basket making and artists will show how pottery is made from the gathering of the clay to the firing of the finished product. Serious art collectors and souvenir hunters alike should find hand-made creations looking for a new home.” If the tantalizing aroma of food preparation causes hunger pangs to strike during a site walk-through, vendors of traditional Native American foods will be on hand to satisfy that hunger.

“People probably aren’t going to stop into the Village and immediately make plans to vacation in Indian Country,” Hanley says, “but our authentic Indian Village may plant a bug to spur further interest in all we have to offer in this state. “While many out-of-state football fans may just fly in, have some football fun counting kickoffs and savoring touchdowns, then fly home, we hope a pre- or post-game visit to our Village might peak further interest in Indian Country in Arizona.”

“Although the concession stands will generate some revenue, this isn’t about making money,” says Hanley. “We’re a nonprofit organization that’s been around since 1994 with volunteers working together to increase tourism awareness and op-

The February 1st Super Bowl will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, home of the Arizona Cardinals, and will feature singer Katy Perry --- “The most consistent hitmaker of the past half-decade,” according to Rolling Stone magazine --- as half-time entertainer. This will be the second Super Bowl played in that stadium and the third one held in the Phoenix metro area. For more info, visit ArizonaIndianTourism.org or their Facebook at Facebook.com/AmericanIndianFestival. $

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TRIBAL NEWS Words By Lee Allen, Photos By Ron Gilson

RIDE ‘EM AND ROPE ‘EM 77th Annual O’odham Wapkial Ha:tas All-Indian Rodeo

W

hen you’ve been doing things correctly for three quarters of a century, there’s little reason to change.

So expect things to remain the same at the 77th annual O’odham Wapkial Ha:tas (Cowboys Day) All-Indian Rodeo, January 30-February 2, 2015.

“Clearly the popularity of rodeo began long before our time,” says Richard Saunders, who directs this year’s competition; the longest-running Native American rodeo in Arizona. “Because our weather is great at this time of year, this is the first stop for Indian rodeo contestants and it sets the start of the season. We traditionally have about 200 cowboys and cowgirls from all over Arizona, throughout the U.S., and even from British Columbia, Canada, who come to compete in the event at the Silas Hendricks Rodeo Arena. “Native Americans love horses, and when you put the two of them together, it makes for a fun event and an opportunity to share our rich and colorful O’odham history and culture.”

The day begins with a parade winding down Main Street in Sells, a festive event where almost every resident turns out to line the route. Tohono O’odham Chairman Dr. Ned Norris Jr., says, “A weekend like this brings us together as a community to celebrate our tradition and history, uniting us as family and friends, and providing an opportunity to hold true to our Himdag; the values, practices, and heritage that guide us.”

Once the nearly 100 floats and marching bands have passed by, it’s time to cowboy up and there’s lots of that including a Master Rodeo for seasoned athletes ages 45 and over; a Buckaroo Division of age 5 and under with stick horse racing, dummy roping, and wooly riding.

For the Pee Wee group (ages 6-9), there will be team roping, barrel racing, pole bending, and calf riding, while more experienced participants compete in a 10-13-year-old Junior Division and a 14-17-year-old Senior Division.

Under a banner reading, S-ke:g Tas (Welcome), crowds will head for the Eugene Tashquinth Sr. Livestock Complex via a midway replete with the aroma of all kinds of foods (some traditional, some carnival) to the standard fair whirling/twisting/ bucking rides that made it difficult to keep that food where it belongs.

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The arena itself has its own smells (Eau de Equine) and its own four-legged whirling/twisting/bucking rides that whinny and snort in anticipation of what will happen when the grandstands are full and the prayer and national anthem have concluded.

Shoshane Kee, a 21-year-old Navajo from Keams Canyon, Arizona, a saddle bronc rider competes for fun and fortune. “I make a living going from rodeo to rodeo competing for cash and so far it’s going great,” he says with optimism.

Women’s team roper Cindy Garcia, a member of the sponsoring tribe, comes from a ranching family, “I was three when I first climbed on a saddle,” says the 48-year-old. “In my younger years, I was really competitive, but now I ride more for the pleasure of just being part of an event like this.”

Hank Begay, a New Mexico Navajo and former bronc rider, stresses the ‘former’ title. “I stopped competing as I started getting older and the bones got more brittle. Now I’m willing to let the younger generation take over,” he said.

Summing up the assembled Indian cowboys, rodeo judge John Smith says, “There’s a definite element of toughness here. If you come to a rodeo to compete, you come to win.” $

GAMING NEWS

West Valley Casino Update

Construction of the West Valley Resort is fully underway, with a $7 million grading effort in progress and multimillion dollar orders for steel and concrete being delivered. The resort's first phase permanent structure is scheduled to open by the fourth quarter of 2015. It will create more than 500 permanent jobs and will feature over 1,000 slots, restaurants, bar, a 1,100 space surface parking lot, and other amenities. Initial hiring has already begun.

After the first phase is up and running, construction of the $400 million project will continue, including the fully-developed gaming facility which will create more than 3,000 permanent jobs.

The Nation is determined to bring permanent jobs and economic development quickly to the West Valley, which is why it will offer gaming and other entertainment amenities in the first phase immediately upon opening.

Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said, “The voters overwhelmingly support this project, four West Valley cities have endorsed it, the courts repeatedly have ruled in our favor, and now Congress has spoken twice. It is time for our opponents to stop wasting millions of dollars on frivolous lawsuits and lobbying campaigns, and time for us all to move forward together with creating economic opportunity for the entire West Valley.”

Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise CEO Andy Asselin said, “We are very excited to be moving forward with developing this state-of-the-art entertainment facility.

We are eager to begin gaming and creating thousands of jobs and positive economic development in the West Valley.”

The Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise is an entity of the Tohono O’odham Nation, a federally-recognized Indian tribe, with reservation lands in Maricopa County, Pinal County, and Pima County, Arizona. The West Valley Resort is located on the Nation's reservation land at 95th and Northern avenues. It will generate thousands of new jobs and more than $300 million in annual economic impact. For more information, visit WestValleyResort.com. $

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GAMING NEWS

Talking Stick Resort Arena

The Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community announced recently that US Airways Center -- the home of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Arizona Rattlers, as well as the Valley’s premier concert venue -- is poised to take on a new name, Talking Stick Resort Arena, under an agreement reached between the two parties. “Like Talking Stick Resort, this venue has become an iconic destination for entertainment in Arizona,” said President Diane Enos of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the owner and operator of Talking Stick Resort. “Thousands of families and individuals have created long-lasting memories at this venue which makes its new name, ‘Talking Stick Resort Arena,’ all the more meaningful. We have a shared commitment with the Phoenix Suns in building a sense of community in the Valley and we are honored to help them provide a place for so many people to gather and celebrate.” The naming rights agreement for the downtown venue is a multi-year deal that builds substantially on the existing agreement between the two parties. The name change will be visible throughout the facility, with Talking Stick Resort Arena being prominent on the exterior of the building; on the underbelly of the center hung scoreboard; on the arena’s rooftop; and featured on the Suns and Mercury basketball courts. The Casino Arizona Pavilion, the arena’s main lobby area, will retain its name. Additional details on the provisions of the naming rights agreement will be released as the transition begins. More info on Talking Stick Resort Arena is online at Suns.com. $

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GAMING NEWS

Cosmopolitan Hits Again

For the second time in less than two months, a guest at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has won more than $1 million playing IGT’s Wheel of Fortune video slot. The second big win came recently when an anonymous player won $1,304,148.60 in December. Nearly two months prior, Chris Meier of Aurora, Illinois, won $1.6 million on IGT’s Wheel of Fortune video slot on Saturday, October 18, 2014. The Cosmopolitan’s casino floor has over 1,400 slot machines, with denoms ranging from $0.01 to $500, operating with IGT Partners’ server-based gaming. $

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Willy Wonka Win In Vegas Scientific Games Corporation announced that a player hit a big jackpot on a WMS widearea progressive game at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 14, 2014. The lucky player won a virtual Golden Ticket in the form of a $1,115,523 jackpot on a WMS Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory slot machine. The game offers unique bonus rounds drawn straight from the motion picture classic. Dean Ehrlich, SVP of Global Gaming Operations, said, “We are thrilled to share this exciting event with the MGM Grand. Willy Wonk a & The Chocolate Factory has quickly become a favorite of players. Congratulations to the winner of this life-changing jackpot!” $

CASINO DINING

By Satara Williams

ORANGE SKY CHEF WINS AGAIN Culinary Expert Receives Honor For The Second Consecutive Year

T

alking Stick Resort’s award-winning chef, Ron Dimas, was named the champion of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association’s (AIGA) Expo 2014 Chef’s Challenge on November 6. This marks the second year in a row that the chef de cuisine of Orange Sky was recognized with the “Best of Show” title.

“It’s great participating in good will competition with other industry professionals,” said Dimas. “As chefs, we work hard in our kitchens so this has been a good opportunity to get out, stretch our creativity, build our professional relationships with the other casinos, and enjoy some quality conversation with a crowd that is genuinely interested in what we create.”

The AIGA Expo is an annual event that allows Arizona tribal enterprise chefs to showcase their cooking technique and compete for top honors. Hosted at We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, this year’s contest featured a tailgate grill-off theme and called for the chef’s signature go-to recipes. A judging panel ranked entries based on originality, taste and food presentation and, in the end, chose Dimas’ Mesquite Boar Rib with Acorn Squash and Agave-Chile Chutney as the winning dish.

“Chef Dimas is a culinary master and we’re thrilled the AIGA Expo honored him with such a prestigious award,” said Steve Gerken, senior director of hospitality of Talking Stick Resort.

“His efforts were commended two years straight which is an exceptional accomplishment and testament to his high-caliber of talent. We’re thrilled to have him at Orange Sky and to showcase his delicious food offerings on a daily basis.”

Last year, Dimas took home the win in the AIGA Expo 2013 Chef’s Challenge with his flavorful Broken Arrow Ranch Venison Loin. He has worked in the food industry for more than 20 years and joined Talking Stick Resort in February 2010. Since his arrival, Dimas has helped provide an exceptional dining experience for all guests, bringing a fresh take on meals with his firstrate entrees and menu development.

Towering on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort, Orange Sky features just-harvested vegetables, aged steaks and 360-degree views of the orange-colored sunsets. The property’s culinary jewel also boasts a selection of over 300 bottles and 30 wines by the glass, all of which are served in lead crystal glassware. For more info, call 480.850.8606 or visit TalkingStickResort.com. $

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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 October 2014 Slots

Hold % Tables

Hold %

4.58

Blackjack / 21

17.46

$1

5.44

Craps

17.70

25¢

5.74

Roulette

20.83

$5

6.16

Pai Gow Poker

25.56

Multi-Denom 6.28

Let It Ride

26.17

5¢

6.79

Other Table Games 28.59

1¢

10.41

Three Card Poker

Tight Megabucks

14.79

Loose $25

Laughlin River Lodge 800.835.7904 laughlinriverlodge.com 1,000+ guest rooms and suites, over 30,000 square feet of the hottest Vegas-style gaming, four restaurants, fast food options, & more!

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!

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.

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Other Loose Sports Pools Race Books

Tight Live Keno

31.76

Hold % Win Amount

Dollars

9.37

Slots

34.9 mil.

17.47

Tables

2.9 mil.

28.55

Other

1.3 mil.

TRAVEL Michael McDonald Concert May 9th, E Center Laughlin, NV Michael McDonald, former member of The Doobie Brothers and most well-known for his soulful baritone and the richness of his voice in the higher registers, is coming to Laughlin, Nevada on May 9, 2015. As a member of The Doobie Brothers, McDonald recorded such hits as What a Fool Believes, Takin’ it to the Streets, Reel Love, Little Darling, Minute by Minute, and It Keeps You Runnin’. He was responsible for the change in their style, which initially had a bluesy, funk rock feel into a jazzy R&B sound. In 1982, McDonald released his first solo album, If That’s What It Takes. To purchase tickets for Michael McDonald or other great shows coming to the E Center such as Terry Fator on Jan. 24 or Huey Lewis & The News on Feb. 6, 2015, point your browser to Edgewater-Casino.Tix.com. For Alan Jackson on Feb. 21, Alabama on Mar. 28, or Ramon Ayala on May 2, 2015, visit LaughlinEventCenter.Tix.com.

The Latest From Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada LINQ Hotel & Casino Welcomes First Hotel Guests The LINQ Hotel & Casino, the latest addition to Caesars Entertainment’s portfolio of iconic Las Vegas resorts, has opened its doors to the first hotel guests.

All hotel rooms and suites contain an interactive system on the television which gives guests access to hotel amenities. With the click on the TV remote, guests can order room service, housekeeping items, set up an alarm clock, as well as order one of the many popular board games available to be delivered to the room. Room service from multiple dining outlets at The LINQ Hotel & Casino and Promenade such as Brooklyn Bowl and Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar will also be available. Guests can also access the interactive system from their personal smart phones and personalize their music experience with customized LINQ Hotel playlists on Spotify. In addition to the standard rooms that feature a fresh, modern design with floor to ceiling windows, boasting views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip or the High Roller – the world’s tallest observation wheel – five different suite models will also be available.

Wynn Las Vegas Introduces Multimillion Dollar Show Element with Cutting-Edge Technologies to Le Rêve – The Dream As Le Rêve – The Dream, the aquatic and aerial show at Wynn Las Vegas, approaches its ten year milestone in 2015, the production has introduced a unique installment that incorporates spectacular water, fire and projection technologies. Elegantly titled the "Dénouement," a French term for a final part of a narrative where the plot is revealed, the $3 million scene is situated as the penultimate act in the 75-minute production. More than 18 months in the making, the "Dénouement" includes 172 high-

powered fountains, 120 individual LED lighting fixtures and 16 fire-shooting devices designed by WET, a water feature design firm based in Los Angeles, California.

Searsucker Las Vegas to Open at Caesars Palace Spring 2015 Searsucker Las Vegas is making its debut at Caesars Palace, adjacent to Omnia Nightclub, in early Spring 2015. Under the helm of celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, Searsucker Las Vegas will join existing outposts in Austin, Texas, Del Mar, California, and the restaurant’s flagship location in San Diego’s famed Gaslamp Quarter. Open nighty for dinner, Searsucker Las Vegas will introduce locals and tourists alike to Malarkey’s contemporary spin on American classic comfort foods, set in a laidback atmosphere.

Rascal Flatts Announces Residency at Hard Rock Hotel Chart-topping music group Rascal Flatts brings the first country residency, Rascal Flatts Vegas Riot!, to The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas with nine shows between Wednesday, February 25, 2015 and Saturday, March, 14, 2015.

Tropical “Island Heat LuWow” Dinner Show Debuts in The New Showroom at Kahunaville Inside Treasure Island Hotel & Casino The South Pacific Islands meet the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip at Kahunaville’s new Showroom inside the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. “Island Heat LuWow” brings the dinner show back to the Strip; combining the excitement of Polynesian dance with a Las Vegas twist.

Featuring an Elvis’ Blue Hawaii tribute and a Tahitian tribal drum performance to the Black Eyed Peas, this high energy show is pure excitement and fun for all ages. $ azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings 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: No events scheduled at press time.

Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends

Gary Lewis & The Playboys Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita January 28, 2015 Relive the classic pop tunes of Gary Lewis & The Playboys on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. Reserved tickets start at $15 and are on sale through Star Tickets. Tickets are also available at the casino Rewards Center, which offers a 10 percent discount to Diamond Rewards members. Doors open at 2pm, show starts at 3pm. It was the summer of 1964 when Gary Lewis & The Playboys were discovered by producer Snuff Garret. Before long they took their first single, This Diamond Ring straight to number one. After their second hit titled Count Me In went to number two, Gary and the band proved that they would be a continued success. They followed with more Top 10 songs such as Save Yo ur Heart For Me , Everybody Loves A Clown, She's Just My Style, Sure Gonna Miss Her, and many more. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “From This Diamond Ring to She’s Just My Style, Gary Lewis & The Playboys created some of the 1960s most memorable songs! We’re so excited to bring them to the Diamond Center for a special afternoon show you won’t want to miss!”

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 San Carlos Event Center AJ Castillo—Feb. 28 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm Events: Tutankhamun—Now through Apr. 12 The Stars Of Beatlemania—Feb. 14 Rodney Carrington—Feb. 28 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Pettybreakers (Tom Petty Tribute)—Jan. 9-10 DSB (Journey Tribute)—Jan. 23-24 Don’t Look Back (Boston Tribute)—Jan. 30-31

36

Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Fr at 8pm Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Dance Fusion with DJ Blade—Fridays Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music!

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Karaoke Night—Wednesdays 7-11pm Live music or DJs—Fridays & Saturdays Diamond Center: Winter Dance Party (B. Holly & R. Valens Tribute)—Jan. 10 Gary Lewis And The Playboys—Jan. 28 The Oak Ridge Boys—Feb. 7 Marisela—Feb. 13 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: Da isyTra in—9th, Foghat—10th, the Carvin Jones Band—16th, Doo Wah Riders—17th, Treja Vu—23rd, Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns—24th, Checker’d Past—30th, The Walkens— 31st Wild Wednesdays Vinny DiJohn—7th, Route 66—14th, Kianna & Neil—21st, Jukebox 6—28th The Lounge Happy Hour Starting Jan. 5th Mondays through Thursdays from 5-8pm. He Said She Said—Mondays 5-8pm (except Jan. 19). Kianna & Neil—Tuesdays 58pm. He Said She Said—Wednesdays 5-8pm. Harry Luge Duo— Thursdays 5-8pm.

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 Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Talking Stick Resort Presents:

Tesla January 23, 2015

Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Pipa Event Center EP EXPO (Elvis Presley Tribute)—Jan. 15-17 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Tesla—Jan. 23 Average White Band—Jan. 24 Jim Gaffigan And The White Bread Tour—Jan. 29-31 Legends In Concert—Feb. 4-8 Divas Starring Frank Marino—Feb. 27 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 VQ Live: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Event Center: Little Joe Y La Familia—Feb. 14 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: Temptations—Jan. 9 Squeezebox And Mollie B Polka Party—Jan. 10 Hot August Night (Neil Diamond Tribute)—Jan. 11 December ‘63 (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute)—Jan. 16 Styx—Jan. 17 Workin’ Hard (James Brown Tribute)—Jan. 18 Oak Ridge Boys—Feb. 6 WFF Wild Horse Pass Fight—Feb. 7 Espinoza Paz—Feb. 13 Engelbert Humperdinck—Feb. 14 Jim Jeffries—Feb. 20 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 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.

Tesla is a multi-platinum-selling rock band from Northern California known for their melodic songs and down to earth appeal. Thanks to their die-hard, loyal fan base and their younger generation offspring, Tesla continues to tour to sold out crowds around the world.

Nearly 30 years after their debut album, long-haired hard rockers Tesla are still bringing the goods to their legendary live shows. Taking the stage with an energy that belies their veteran status, Tesla thrilled fans on their Lazy Days, Crazy Nights tour in 2013, performing marathon sets of hits like Love Song and What You Give. Currently touring in support of their new album Simplicity, Tesla is well-oiled and delivering another electric round of performances on the road.

Formed in Sacramento in the early '80s, Tesla spent several years trying to appeal to record labels with a poppy sound before a sage piece of advice from a Geffen executive led them to return to their roots in hard rock. The result was 1986 debut full-length Mechanical Resonance, an impressive collection of muscular rock songs that landed in the Top 40 and went on to sell platinum. 1989 Sophomore album The Great Radio Controversy further boosted the band's growing popularity with '80s power ballad Love Song, a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. After a hiatus in the late '90s, Tesla made a triumphant return to the stage in 2000 with a passionate reunion show in their hometown of Sacramento, paving the way for their renewed popularity both in the studio and on the road.

Tesla’s line-up consists of four of its original members: vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Frank Hannon, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Troy Lucckettaand new guitarist Dave Rude who has brought a new energy and creativity to the band. $ azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

37

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

By Ramses Ja

DJ SPINS AT VALLEY CASINOS An Interview With Hospe

I

f you are an avid reader of the Arizona Gaming Guide, you may recall the name "Hospe." The same holds true if you allow your dial to land on the magical frequency known as 101.1 FM. Hospe has been making a splash in the city for some time now...and his work within the gaming community has indeed set him apart from your average crowd pleaser!

Andrew "Hospe" Hospidales is a radio personality (6am-10am weekdays on KNRJ-FM), event DJ, and host best known for his work at Fort McDowell Casino, Talking Stick Resort, and Casino Arizona. I have always found him to be a more than competent DJ with consistently impressive performances! I wanted to pull him aside after our last conversation one year ago to see what the keys to his success and notoriety were.

people will love the music if it's presented to them the right way and the set is balanced with music they already love and music they will immediately love once they hear it for the first time!

RJ: So, what's next for Hospe?

RJ: Since we are reintroducing you, let's start at the beginning.

Hospe: I first started DJing in Southern California in Orange County when I was a teenager. I started with local house parties for my classmates and community events, things like that. Eventually, I started DJing for local promoters. I moved down to Tucson in 2006 to take my first job in radio. I was a host on Hot 98.3 and I was DJing parties around Tucson, mostly for the UofA crowd. I moved up to Phoenix almost 3 years ago to host the morning show on 101.1 FM The Beat and I have been DJing both here and Tucson since then!

RJ: I've heard your set and I think you are very good at reading a crowd and deciding what they would like to dance to.

What do you think makes you such a good DJ?

Hospe: That's a good question! It's hard to say! I'm having a great time where I am right now. The team we have at Lunar Bingo (at Fort McDowell Casino) is a great group. I have no complaints! How can you complain when you are doing what you love and your work is literally a party?

I couldn't agree more! It's certainly true that Hospe knows how to rock a party! Having a passion for all genres of music coupled with his unmatched proficiency on the turntables ensures that Hospe can cater to all types of crowds, and I'd expect nothing less from the music biz's #1 supplier! $ Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II

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

Hospe: You know, I honestly can't say for sure! I don't know how to answer that! If I had to guess, I would say that my time in Tucson gave me an awesome opportunity to learn the different ways people consume music. My radio station down there was geared toward the college crowd. Tucson is a big party town and the people there aren't afraid of new music at all!

Maybe that's why I'm so confident during my sets. I believe that

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Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

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

CASINO BINGO

By Mark Novak

OUR FAVORITE BINGO PATTERNS How Many Have You Played?

Airplane

M

any of our readers write in and mention their favorite bingo hall at the casinos, or elsewhere, recently changed the patterns they use during some or all of their sessions. We feel your pain! There’s nothing like having your favorite (and therefore lucky) pattern yanked out from underneath you in the name of progress. Of course we all understand most halls have to institute some change on a regular basis in order to keep the games from becoming too mundane and to remain competitive. But it still hurts when you can’t play “B and O Bingo” anymore halfway through a session! We always prefer patterns that take longer to complete. For us, it’s more bang for the buck, anything to stretch the bankroll further and get more time too! Here is a short list of just some of our favorite patterns we have played in the past. $

Barbell

Cents

Champagne Glass Full

Field Goal

Sputnik

Tree

Triple Bingo

Turtle

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

100

No

Yes

No

BlueWater

Mo-We 6:30pm. Su at 1:30pm.

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 11:30pm.

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 Fr & Sa at 11:30pm.

Mazatzal

Mo-Th at Noon.

Tu & Th at 6:30pm.

280

Yes

Yes

No

Paradise

Tu-Su at 1:30pm Mo-Fr 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 12/01/14 & 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 | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of Winnie The Pooh Day on January 18th, find: BEAR, BEES, BOUNCY, CHRISTOPHER, CHUBBY, ENCHANTED, EYEYORE, HEFFALUMP, HONEY, HUNDRED, KANGA, MILNE, NEIGHBORHOOD, OWL, PIGLET, POOH, RABBIT, ROBIN, ROO, SILLY, STUFFED, TIGGER, WINNIE, WOODS, WOOZLES. 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)

2

6

1

4 9

3

6

7 1

3

1

4

8 7

2

4

5

2

5

3

6

6 4 42

8

9

7 5

9

Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

OOPS! DID I DO THAT? Mistakes That Cost You Time And Money

T

here’s no doubt about it. People do the craziest things.

And, if you want to increase the likelihood of seeing some really zany behavior, all you have to do is visit your local casino. Maybe all the lights, sounds, and frills cause an overload of sensory information to our brains; hence attributing to the wackiness. Or, maybe we just allow ourselves the right to act more flippantly during our casino outings than we normally would in the real w o rld . Regardless of the reason why, almost all of us have experienced a ‘should have had a V8’ moment at the casino.

During one of my casino visits, I was standing in line waiting to cash out my ticket. I waited and I waited. Finally, annoyed mostly due to my urgency to visit the little girl’s room, I looked over the shoulder of the young lady standing in front of me and realized the reason for the delay. In one hand was a massive amount of coins and small bills accumulated, none of which were over $10 that I could tell, and in the other hand were several more tickets that needed to be cashed. In went another ticket for $4.28 and out came several more dollar bills, nickels, and pennies to add to her ever growing collection. What followed was yet another ticket for $0.96. At this point, even the ticket machine was annoyed because the change was being violently dispensed and landing all over the ground. My efforts assisting this lady weren’t enough to prevent even more coins falling out of her hand and onto the ground.

So, to avoid spending oodles of time at the ticket machine and, most importantly, to avoid generating a long line of extremely agitated people, consolidate your tickets! It’s much easier to put all your tickets into an available slot machine and cash out one ticket with the total mount. Another option is to go to the cage where the cashier will consolidate all the tickets and give you one lump sum. Better yet, many casinos now offer ticket machines with “Multiple Ticketing” options. The cash machine lets players insert several tickets and cash out the accumulated balance. Look for the option on the home screen of the machine when you approach it. Who wants to go home with $20 worth of pennies, nickels, and dimes?

During another casino visit, I was nearly jolted out of my chair and experienced a skipped heartbeat or two because of the highpitched shriek that came from a lady playing next to me. “What happened,” she asked me. “What do you mean?” I replied back.

44

Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

“I put $100 in this machine and now I only have $25,” the horrified lady exclaimed with a quizzical, followed by a distressed look on her face. Glancing at her machine, I knew immediately that she had been inadvertently playing max bet. Needless to say she was shocked when I pointed out that she was betting 100 quarters—$25 per spin.

The maximum allowable bet in Arizona on most slot machines is $25 (and can be as high as $29 on certain slots at some casinos by state regulations). Therefore, many of the nickel and quarter machines played at max bet will allow you to do this. Even some penny machines that have a large amount of pay lines will allow you to be close to this amount. That is why it is extremely important to understand what denomination game you’re playing, what bet amount you feel comfortable playing, where all the buttons are and what they mean. So, don’t just put money into a machine and start pressing buttons, because it could cost you! On the other hand, you might just luck out and get something big on that accidental max bet spin. I saw another lady do that once too. I, personally, prefer to know what I’m getting myself into. Also, realize that there’s a reason why the max bet button is so close to the spin/repeat bet button. The casinos won’t mind if you hit the max bet button accidentally.

Something else I witness far too frequently is people inserting their players card in the slot incorrectly. Take the time to make sure the card has been recognized by the card reader. If it hasn’t been, there will always be an error message that is displayed such as “Please Reinsert Card”. And, when the card is accepted there will be an indication with a welcome message. Also, make sure to occasionally verify that the card is still being registered by the reader. The card readers can be finicky at times and even slight movements of the slot machine that might occur, such as hitting up against the machine with your leg, could cause the slot card to move. If you are having problems getting the machine to recognize your card, perhaps it’s time for a new one?

Head over to the players club and have them replace yours (free of charge!). If that doesn't help, ask a friendly slot attendant for some assistance with your card and the card reader. $

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

FUN FACTS

By Mark Novak

2015 THE YEAR OF THE GOAT What The Chinese Zodiac Has In Store For You

T

he Chinese New Year is calculated according to the Chinese Lunar calendar and that’s why the date is different each year on the internationally used Gregorian calendar. However, it always occurs in the period between January 21 and February 20. This year, the Chinese New Year of the Goat will be celebrated on Thursday, February 19!

For those people born in the year of the Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, and 2003), 2015 is considered an especially auspicious year! Occupying the eight position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat (or Sheep) symbolizes such character traits as intelligence, dependability, and creativity. Those born in the year of the Goat are very mild-mannered and shy and therefore tend to feel more comfortable when left alone which is why they prefer to stay at home. However, when traveling or seeking entertainment, Goats prefer groups or venues that hold many

people (hmm—in other words—the casino). Goats enjoy being part of a group just as long as they’re on the sidelines and not the center of attention. Another personality trait of Goats is they love to do things which allow them to express themselves artistically such as painting, cooking, or playing an instrument.

The year for the Goat will be very lucrative financially if there is careful planning. For example, a household budget needs to be strictly adhered to. And, when visiting the casino, Goats should resist the temptation to go over their allocated funds. The money from the good fortune that will strike should be taken home. $

azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

45

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 905

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,062

Y

Y

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 293

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 648

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 512

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 676

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

08. Cocopah Resort Casino 09. Desert Diamond Casino I 10. Desert Diamond Casino II 11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why 12. Fort McDowell Casino 13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

480-802-5000 1,089

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 831

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 786

Y

Y

Payson

800-777-7529 416

Y

Y

Y

Y

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

888-777-4946 475

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

18. Quechan Casino 19. Spirit Mountain Casino 20. Talking Stick Resort

I-8, Exit 166

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

8555 Hwy. 95

Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247

Y

101 & Indian Bend

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 758

Y

I-40, Exit 219

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,085

Y

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 242

21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino 22. Vee Quiva Casino 24. Yavapai Casino

Y

Y

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

17. Paradise Casino

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

Y

Y Y Y

Y Y* Y

Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 895 Maricopa

15. Lone Butte Casino

Y

58

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

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

866-332-9467

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 12/01/14 & 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!

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D O O C H R P I Y E Y E E T I N I N C B N H B I A AWN R T G A E D Y E N G I T

H I G E Y Y R O B I N O

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

Sudoku Solution 7

4

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1

9

1

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6

2

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9

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Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

04. Casino Arizona

Golf

800-756-8744 314

Hotel

888-243-3360 526

Prescott

RV Park

Parker

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Y

Arcade

Y

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Spa

Y

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Poker Room

Y

800-272-2438 608

Table Games Y

Globe

Live Keno

Y

City

Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe

06. Casino of the Sun

Slots

Y

Location

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort 03. Bucky’s Casino

Phone

Bingo

Casino

High Limit Area

CASINO DIRECTORY

Y Y