Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - March 2015 - 07:03

MARCH

Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 TABLE GAMES 14 NEW SLOTS 18 ARIZONA LOTTERY 20 DINING 22 WINNING WAYS 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 28 GAMING NEWS 34 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 35 FUN FACTS 36 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO BINGO 42 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

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44 FUN & GAMES 46 CASINO DIRECTORY

MARCH IS PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH

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Try your luck on Harrah’s Ak-Chin exclusive and brand new mystery progressive High Roller slots.

A recent slew of jackpots puts these two casinos in Prescott at the top of your list of places to visit next.

Local DJs help the community give back to people in need one meal at a time.

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN HIGH ROLLER SLOTS

BUCKY’S AND YAVAPAI CASINOS ARE ON FIRE

HASHTAG LUNCH BAG GIVING BACK

azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

CHANGE IS GOOD

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

Try Something New

VOLUME 07 • ISSUE 03 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com

I

have to say that I have always been a proponent of change. When you sit still for too long, figuratively or literally, you and your goals slowly begin to die.

The daily routine becomes boring and rote. You stop looking forward to anything because you aren't creating anything new for yourself. Well, the first cure for being stuck in a rut is to focus your attention and energy on something, anything, new. No matter how small or overwhelming the new idea or goal may be, it will force you to push yourself into a new chapter of your life.

MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller

This new thing may be as simple as playing a brand new game at the casino during your next visit. That’s how I learned to love video keno. One day, many years ago, I decided to play all the different video keno games I could find at the casino.

To my surprise I learned to love Caveman, Top Bottom, and Four Card! Now, those games are part of my choices when I go to a casino. Recently, I make sure to try any new slot machine on a casino floor regardless of who made it, what the theme is, just to incorporate something new into my casino routine. Perhaps you can employ this strategy too if you feel like you are stuck.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Ramses Ja Mark Novak Cindy Esquer Amanda Riddle Lana Hartmann Samantha Becker

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 much more! Please visit us at: facebo ok .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 Gam ing Guid e on our website at azgam ingguid e.co m . Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

ADVERTISING SALES Nina Consiglio nina@azgamingguide.com Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

Alexandra

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

“Like” us on Facebook because

we “Like” you too!

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 and editorial opinions. AGG accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of readers based on articles and/or advertisements presented within. Information contained within is not guaranteed to be correct. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners. Intended for single use. Sale and/or distribution without written consent is not permitted.

You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly.

Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.

Arizona’s State Gaming Regulatory Agency: Arizona Department of Gaming 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.771.4263 or azgaming.gov

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide 04 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 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: Dear Editor, I’m really disappointed that [the casino I visit] changed the pay schedules on their video poker games. I mostly play Jacks or Better but I play all the other games too and they’ve lowered all the pays for the full houses and flushes. The deuces don’t pay the same any more either. What’s going on? If you choose to print my question, please use “Frustrated Video Poker Player” and not my real name. I really enjoy your magazine and hope to see my question in print.

Thank you.

Frustrated Video Poker Player – Chandler, AZ A: Unfortunately, this is a trend that we’ve been seeing lately in many casinos all across Arizona. Some casinos have such horrific video poker pay schedules that popular games such as Jacks or Better and Double Double Bonus Poker are actually set as low as 6/5 (full house to flush ratio at minimum bet) which is approximately a 95% payback! This is a huge difference considering that machines set at 9/6 have over a 99% return and well over 100% when factoring in casino comps. The reason many casinos are changing their video poker pay schedules is that there is the potential for high returns for players using optimal strategy. This is also the reason video poker players earn points on their player’s cards much slower than other slot players. At most casinos, video and mechanical reel slot players earn two to three times points faster than video poker players and it’s simply because the house edge is smaller and video poker players have such a greater advantage!

We applaud you for being a smart player, because more times than not your average gambler is unaware. If we randomly approached a video poker player at a casino and asked what the pay schedule is for his or her favorite game, there is a high likelihood that they wouldn’t be able to tell us and that’s unfortunate. What we have noticed during our casino visits, and during our own play sessions, is that not all video poker machines are set to the same pay schedules in the same casino. Yes, you read that right! Three banks of machines all containing the same video poker games, set in the same denomination, in the same casino can have three different payback percentages! If you like playing Jacks or Better, for example, then make sure to examine ALL the video poker machines that contain the game Jacks or Better throughout the entire casino. Chances are the best video

poker pay table is in a place where you’d least expect it to be.

Remember, there are several variables that slot directors take into account when positioning their machines and choosing the payback percentages which include visibility of games and high/low traffic areas. Also, you will find that the higher the denomination, the better the payback percentages will be. This not only applies to video poker, but other slots as well!

Q: Dear Sir or Madam, I don’t ever win anything at the casino drawings or tournaments and neither does my wife. I have a hard time believing that they are not set up. I’m starting to recognize the same names being called over and over again. I don’t see a bin with tickets in there with someone reaching in and pulling out names? They tell us to swipe our cards and we do. They tell us to listen for our names over the intercom and we do. Then we’re supposed to believe that they randomly draw names but I’m sorry we do not. I am having a hard time believing these drawings are fair. How can you prove to me that the drawings are not set up? I’d like to hear what you have to say.

Richard Holman – Phoenix, Arizona A: Richard, the drawings and promotions at the casinos are not set up! All Arizona casinos must seek prior approval by the Tribal Gaming Office and the Arizona Department of Gaming before they are allowed to conduct any tournaments, drawings, promotions, cash or prize giveaways. This is fact. If a casino was to “fix” one of their marketing promotions they would be in direct violation of the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact.

The current Compact was passed by the Arizona voters as Proposition 202 in the November 2002 election which took effect in 2003. The Compact is part of state law in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 5-601.02. All aspects of gaming, including contests held at the casinos, is governed by these agreements between the State and all the Arizona Tribes. No casino would be foolish enough to jeopardize their gaming license over something as miniscule as a raffle or a drawing! In fact, this is one of the main reasons why the rules for these contests explicitly state that casino employees, as well as their immediate families, are not allowed to participate in these events. Appendix G, entitled “Operational Standards, Specifications, and Regulations for Lottery and Requirements for Promotions” describes very spe-

and get a $25 gift or gas card if we decide to print your question!

Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: editor@azgamingguide.com.

06 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYERS TALK

cific rules and procedures that must be followed before such contests are approved. The mission of the Arizona Department of Gaming is to protect the public, ensure compliance with the Gaming Compact, and regulate the gaming industry to make sure there is no “cheating” going on.

Unless they are just simply common names that are being called, one reason you may be hearing the same names repeatedly is because those players may have a higher status level at the casino. For example, sometimes (not always) drawings provide incentives to players who have higher tiers, earn more points, or visit more often. It’s not uncommon for casinos to provide more drawing entries to those who are in a higher player’s club category (example: 10 drawing tickets for a person who has tier level one, 20 tickets to a tier level two player, and 50 tickets to the player in the highest tier five level). I’m sure you’re also familiar with the popular “earn one extra drawing ticket for every 10 points you earn.” This is a common incentive casinos use to encourage players to visit more often and/or play more. There’s nothing unfair about that, right?

Q: I don’t understand why casinos waste so much space with a bunch of table games and a poker room that just sits empty all the time. Most casinos’ poker rooms usually have one or two tables open and that’s all. Even the blackjack tables sit empty unless it’s a busy Friday or Saturday night. Half the time I can’t get my favorite slot on those nights or on other ones.

Why not put more slots in? Doesn’t make any sense. PLEASE PUT MORE SLOTS IN! Tamara Johannsson – Kingman, AZ A: Tamara, there are only a couple of truly successful poker rooms in Arizona where day or night, weekday or weekend, the rooms are completely packed. Otherwise, you’re right, poker rooms in most casinos nowadays operate one or two tables while the others sit empty most of the time. From 2003 to 2006, casinos all across the country saw an unprecedented boom in poker revenues. In general poker has, since 2006, become steadily less profitable for casinos. The win per table has fallen dramatically to early 1990s levels. As a result, more and more casinos are closing their poker rooms. This is a trend that has started in Nevada casinos and will most likely work its way to Arizona’s casinos very soon.

For example, the most recent poker room closure in Vegas was The LINQ, the third poker room to close on that corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd in the past two years. All three were owned by Caesars. Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall closed its poker room in January 2013 and, when reopened as The Cromwell in February 2014, did not include a poker room. O’Sheas closed its poker room in April 2013, located within The LINQ complex, and then reopened without a poker room. All in all, there have been more than a dozen poker room closures in Vegas and Laughlin, Neva-

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

da since September 2012 including Tropicana, M Resort, Sunset Station and others.

Although poker rooms seem to be a dying breed, blackjack and other table games are not going anywhere. As most players are not familiar with basic strategy, the house edge (which should only be 1% to 2% when players use optimum strategy) actually ends up being quite more. In fact, the average blackjack hold (the portion of money gambled that the casino retains) is 11.7% and can be as high as 15%! Therefore, even if people were willing to take the time to learn basic strategy and stop making idiotic side bets that tend to favor the casino to lower the house hold, it still wouldn’t mean that casinos would take out table games to put more slots in their place. Each casino in Arizona is only allowed a certain number of slots based on the population of their tribe. Most casinos are currently operating at their capacity and can’t, even if they wanted to, add more slots.

Q: Hi, I love your magazine and I read each issue! Please help me understand something. I feel like the comps I get from [my favorite casino] are all over the place. One month I get a ton of free play, free rooms and other offers and then suddenly the next month there’s hardly anything. I pretty much bring the same amount of money each time. I play the same games, either video poker or the slots. I visit once a week (sometimes twice) and stay for about four to six hours (sometimes a little more or a little less depending on how lucky I am). Sometimes I give my friends my free play if I can’t go that week. Could this affect my card? Any ideas why the offers could vary so much? Thanks for your help.

Rhonda T. – Scottsdale, Arizona A: Rhonda, there are so many factors involved that can influence your offers. Your monthly mailers with your cash back, free play, gifts and additional comps are usually based on your most recent play. How many points you earned and how quickly you earned those points are factors that affect your casino offers. Therefore, it is not unusual for your offers to change from one month to the next. Here are a few things to keep in mind: First of all, the rate at which you earn points varies based on the casino game you are playing. For example, since video poker machines have a much higher pay back percentage than video slots, you are earning points at a slower rate (usually 2x – 3x slower). Second of all, if your friend is only downloading your money, but not playing with your card, then she could be seriously affecting your status. Even if your friend is playing with your card, the betting style could be different than yours and this would definitely affect your monthly offers as a result.

Third of all, most casinos use a system to calculate a “daily theoretical average” for every player. Gaming days start and end at various times, so it’s best to check with each casino to make sure you are not playing across two gaming days when you should just play across one gaming day to boost your points. $

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

FACT OR FICTION? Table Games Players Earn More Comps Than Slot Players

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id you know slot departments bring in about 75% of the gaming revenue at US casinos? So, do you get better comps playing slots? It’s an age old question that has mystified players and scholars for years. You too have probably lost sleep over the implications, so let me confuse you even more with a few facts.

Your earned comp isn’t based on what you win or lose. It’s based directly on two things: time on device and amount wagered. Alright, whining sometimes helps.

Each department (slots, blackjack, poker, and keno) sets their own comp rate based on what they feel they can afford to payback to keep you loyal. It takes fewer employees to handle 100 slots than it takes to handle 10 table games. That has an impact.

You can also play a lot more hands (or spins) on the video poker games than you can play at table games. That has an impact too.

And which game do you think has the higher house-edge? If you didn’t know, popular slots have a house edge between 5 and 8% on average. Blackjack is less than 1%!

Some gamblers refuse to use their player’s club card because they think they won’t get much, but you have to use it to get tracked and earn points. If you don’t, it’s a self-fulfilling prophesy and you’ll get nothing. Play an hour of blackjack at $5 a hand and you’re right, you won’t earn much. Play regularly and you will.

The Truth Here is a comparison of three actual casinos and their comp rates for slot play: $3.33 in play equals 1¢ in comps, or $4,000 in action gets $12 $4.00 in play equals 1¢ in comps, or $4,000 in action gets $10 $5.00 in play equals 1¢ in comps, or $4,000 in action gets $8 In addition, many slot clubs offer both points for meals and rooms as well as cash back!

Here is a comparison of three actual casinos and their comp rates for table game play: $5 bet average equals 25¢ per hour, or $4,000 in action gets $3.33 $5 bet average equals 30¢ per hour, or $4,000 in action gets $4.00 $5 bet average equals 33¢ per hour, or $4,000 in action gets $4.44 This strict comparison of comp dollars received per dollars wa-

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

gered shows that slot players get a lot more back than blackjack players do. Of course the house edge is a lot higher at slots than at blackjack, that’s why there’s a difference.

A blackjack player may get 60 hands per hour and at $5 per hand, that’s $300 in action. A slot player can play a penny machine with 50-lines and 2¢ per line and wager $1 every spin with as many as 10 spins per minute. That’s 600 spins, or $600 in action per hour, twice that of the blackjack player. In the long run, players are comped about the same when based on their value to the casino, that’s the truth. Play the game you like best and you’ll enjoy yourself the most. The comps, of course, are a bonus! $

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

HIGHROLLER Exclusive Slots At Harrah’s Ak-Chin

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arrah’s Ak-Chin has developed their very own custom mystery progressive Highroller slot machine bank and it is live and ready for play! The custom bank features ten IGT penny games all connected to a three level mystery “Must Hit By” progressive featuring some of IGT’s best themes including The Sw ord 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. The center of the attraction at the bank are the two 47 inch LCDs on either side of the wheel displaying video of the actual High Roller wheel and the three level mystery progressives.

What’s our favorite game in the bank? Stink in’ Rich for sure!

Our staff absolutely loves this game! 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.

Make sure to play all 100 lines, as the bonus is triggered when three Keys to Riches symbols land on a played pay line. $

GOLD FISH 3 Now Available At Casino Arizona

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ans of WMS slots will be excited to hear that Casino Arizona just released a ton of brand new titles! The games include: Willy Wonk a Pure Imagination, Monopoly Wheel Luxury Diamonds, and more!

In Gold Fish 3 by WMS, watch as the Wild Seahorse fully covers a reel and not only duplicates itself but multiplies wins up to 5x, feed the fish in the feeding time bonus, feed the fish for credits, or spin the mystery wheel for one of five unique fish bonuses! Pick bubbles in the Gold Fish bonus for exciting reel enhancements, pick clams for credits in the Blue Fish bonus, watch as a respin is awarded with up to 18 Wild fish in the Red Fish bonus, pick a diver’s helmet for credits in the Green Fish bonus, or trigger the Purple Fish bonus to play any of these bonuses again! Featuring a unique 4x3x4x3x4 interface, and all of your favorite Gold Fish characters, you’ll be lining up for Big Fins, err, Big Wins! $

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

The Hangover: Pretty Awesome Now Available At Desert Diamond Casinos

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he Wolf Pack is back in IGT’s The Hangover: Pretty Aw esom e Vid eo Slots, another first-in-Tucson game at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment’s Nogales Highway location. The base game is packed with iconic imagery, hit music and main characters from the hilarious hit film. This 5-reel, 40-payline progressive features stacked symbols and random multipliers in the base game, and multiple interactive bonuses. In the Find Doug Bonus, elevator buttons are selected as players search for Doug and his bonus award. In the Tiger Bonus, players pick from random objects, revealing credit awards and multipliers. There are also three exciting group bonus features: In the Win It All Back group bonus, players place chips on their favorite characters and hope for the highest hand. In Mr. Chow's Super Sexy Free Games group bonus, 5 free games are awarded. Players collect jackpot picks and select icons in search of big wins. In the What The Hell Happened? group bonus, players search cameras, unveiling extra picks and multipliers towards the Virtual Wheel Spin.

Relive your favorite moments from the hit comedy with The Hangover: Pretty Aw esome Video Slots, at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment Tucson on Nogales Highway.

For more information, visit ddcaz.com. $

azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

15

NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

By Lana Hartmann

Sons of Anarchy

By Aristocrat

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narchy is upon us as FX Network’s Golden Globe winning “Sons of Anarchy” comes to casinos in Aristocrat’s new Sons of Anarchy slot game, a new actionpacked multi-site progressive game with a chance to win a $500,000+ jackpot and the excitement of Cluster Power, No Limits and Big Symbols – a totally new way to play and win. Sons of Anarchy slot game comes to life in all of the show’s gritty glory, with Jax, Gemma, Clay and all of viewers’ favorite characters, creatively weaving the show’s storyline into the game. The show’s hard-hitting action is captured perfectly on the awardwinning VERVEhd cabinet, with ultra hi-def graphics, 3D panoramic adjustable sound and an ergonomic design that enhances game play. Sons of Anarchy has a 6x5 configuration and is the first to feature the groundbreaking new Cluster Pow er, where winning combinations are formed by connecting the same symbol in clusters across multiple reels. Additionally, the game takes reel growth to the next level by expanding the reel area in any direction during the “No Limits Jackpot” feature. The exciting No Limits Jackpot feature is awarded when a Big Jackpot Symbol lands and causes the reel area to grow to the size of the Big Jackpot Symbol. Three Big Jackpot Symbols award the mini progressive; four award the minor progressive; five award the major progressive; and six award the grand progressive. Adding to the fun, a free games bonus awards from 10 to 100 free games! $

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

QUICKHIT & U-SPIN MERGE

By Bally Technologies

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wo player favorites merge into one fantastic game! If there are two things we know players can never get enough of, it’s Quick Hit and the exciting U-Spin wheel. Bally combines these two player favorites in Cash Spin featuring Quick Hit, a new video slot offering the excitement of a wheel bonus along with the chance to win five Quick Hit-style jackpots! This 5-reel, 25line game is full of fun features that will have you spinning your way to big payouts. Three scattered U-Spin symbols on reels one, three, and five award one spin of the Cash Spin Wheel. Touch and spin the virtual wheel to win free games, credits, or the huge U-Spin jackpot, which is available at any bet. During the Free Games feature, pick from among 20 tiles until you match three tiles. You’ll be awarded from 7 to 30 Free Games with a 2x multiplier. If that didn’t deliver enough thrills, the Free Games can re-trigger the Cash Spin Bonus, awarding another spin of the wheel and another chance to win credits, more free games, or the U-Spin jackpot! Cash Spin featuring Quick Hit stays true to the classic Cash Spin game by offering the popular Money Bag Bonus. This pick feature is triggered by three scattered Money Bag symbols on reels two, three, and four at any bet level. Pick one of the three Money Bag symbols and instantly win a credit value from 3x to 50x total credits bet! You’ll love Cash Spin featuring Quick Hit just as much as you loved the original Cash Spin! In fact, with the addition of Quick Hit and the superb graphics on the Pro Series V22/32 cabinet, you may love it even more! Look for the game on casino floors soon and get ready to spin the wheel! For more information, visit BallyTech.com. $

azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

17

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Cindy Esquer

$2,800,000 The Pick

$50,000 Scratchers

$100,000 Scratchers

Jennifer Smith, Chino Valley, was recently at a store with her boyfriend. He purchased two Cash & Carry Crossword instant scratch tickets from a Lottery vending machine. He gave one to her and kept the other one.

Joe DeSilva, Phoenix, purchased his usual multi-draw Quick Pick tickets. That’s the only game he plays. As he usually does, he threw the ticket onto his computer desk where it was quickly buried under paperwork.

A few days later, while talking to his mom on the phone, Joe began to straighten out his desk and discovered the ticket.

While still on the phone, he went online to check it and was stunned to discover he had six matching numbers for the January 24 drawing of The Pick. Joe checked the ticket several times. Those six matching numbers made him the winner of the $2.8 million jackpot. Not only was Joe in disbelief, so was his mom.

Joe took a few days to make some important decisions before coming to the Lottery to redeem his ticket. He decided to take the lump sum payment of $1,902,903.80 before taxes. He has already been in contact with a financial advisor and an attorney.

Jennifer scratched her ticket at home.

When she first saw the amount of $50,000 that she’d uncovered she said, “I forgot to breathe.” Jennifer and her boyfriend ran to their car and drove to the store to have the ticket checked. The clerk gave her the paperwork and told her to sign the back of the ticket immediately.

Jennifer is a frequent player of scratch tickets. She likes the crossword and bingo games because she has to work a little harder to find out if she’s a winner.

Jennifer usually buys the $2 Crossword and Bingo tickets; she does not play any of the draw games. She usually buys from the Lottery vending machine at her favorite store. The store her boyfriend purchased the tickets from was not one she usually frequents.

Jennifer is going to use some of the money for fun for her kids. The bulk of the money is going to be saved, and she plans to pretend she doesn’t have it.

The ticket was purchased at Circle K, 1910 N. Hwy. 89, Chino Valley.

Joe is going to invest the money so he can take care of his family and his future.

The ticket was purchased at QuikTrip, 2750 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix.

For more information on the Arizona Lottery, visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. For the winning numbers, call 480.829.7425 in Phoenix or 520.325.9141 in Tucson. Please call 1.800.499.3798 for all other areas in Arizona.

18 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Stanley Wesley from Magnolia, Arkansas, always buys Arizona Lottery instant scratch tickets while visiting family in Phoenix. During his recent visit, Stanley’s brother bought him two Holiday Treasures tickets. After Stanley scratched the tickets, he saw that one of them was a $100,000 winner. Stanley is going to use the money to pay off some bills and have a wonderful “holiday” with his family.

$50,000 Scratchers Charles Carpenter, Jr., Surprise, received a big surprise from his boss. All the employees received a holiday card with instant scratch tickets. He has a routine that he follows when he scratches tickets.

First, he scratches off all of the numbers without scratching off the amount. When he scratched off the amount for one of the numbers, it showed that it was a top prize winner worth $50,000! He said, “The ticket didn’t become real until the Lottery validated it and presented me with a check.” Everyone, including his boss, found it hard to believe. $

CASINO DINING

By Mark Novak

MAZATZAL HOTEL & CASINO Where The Tables Are Always Hot

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re you looking for a variety of dining options during your next casino visit? Look no further than Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson, Arizona where the tables are always hot!

Cedar Ridge Restaurant Open seven days a week, this fine dining restaurant serves up everyone’s favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with only the freshest ingredients. The daily buffet is available Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm for only $10 which includes the soup and salad bar and a soft drink. On Fridays, the All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry Buffet is open from 11am to 4pm for only $10 and from 4pm to 10pm for just $12. The Sunday Brunch Buffet runs from 10am to 3pm and costs only $18 for adults and $7 for children. Plus, they just introduced a new menu and you absolutely have to try the Specialty of the House, the slow roasted prime rib!

Apache Spirits This lounge, just off the casino floor, continues the hot action at Mazatzal with great drink prices, a tasty food menu, and plenty of TVs to catch your favorite sporting events. Happy Hour is from 3 to 6pm Monday through Friday. Make sure to try the Baby Shrimp Cocktail for only $1.25 from 10am to 6pm Monday through Friday.

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The Grille This is the place for a quick bite to eat no matter if it is day or night. Open 24 hours, The Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner including sandwiches, appetizers, salads, burgers, pizza and desserts. Yum! Coffee Korner Serving the best gourmet coffee in Payson including the finest homemade pastries, muffins, pies, cinnamon rolls and an assortment of delicious treats to accompany Peet's fresh brewed coffee, every hour on the hour. Refills on coffee are just $.80!

Also, when you visit, make sure to pick up your punch card which lets you buy 10 coffee or 10 dessert items in one price range and get one free!

Specials Frybread For Families: Enjoy frybread for only $6 in the Fireside Room. For $1 more, add ground beef. All proceeds go to support local families in need throughout the Rim Country.

Your choice of plain, honey & powdered sugar, bean & cheese or Apache Taco (includes drink). Available Apr. 16, Jun. 18, Aug. 20, Sep. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, and Dec. 17.

Crabby Wednesdays: All the crab legs you can eat for just $16!

For more information on Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, please visit Mazatzal-Casino.com. $

WINNING WAYS

By Lana Hartmann

BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS On Fire With Jackpots And Sizzling Hot Promotions

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arch is ushering in the green at Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos in Prescott, Arizona! Green grass, green leaves, and green cash! And, you need to head up there right away to try your luck as everyone seems to be hitting some big jackpots on their slots recently.

In the February issue, we told you one lucky local won $134,800 on a dollar 2X Wild & Crazy three reel WMS slot at Yavapai Casinos. Well, we are pleased to announce there are three more big winners recently on a variety of games across both casinos!

The three winners are pictured to the right and include a $476,000 Wheel of Fortune winner, a $12,000 Virtual Blackjack winner, and a $14,000 Wick ed Winnings winner. Talk about jackpots, and that doesn't include all of the “smaller” $500 and up jackpots that are happening all the time across both casinos on the over 525 slot machines they share between the two. During a recent visit, our team was pleasantly surprised by the regular announcements of jackpots over the casino intercom and through the player tracking devices every few minutes!

Promotions Galore From gifts to tried-and-true favorites, the Marketing Department at Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos is always creating something new and enticing for Gold Rush Club members. In March and April, Gold Rush Club members that have a hand pay jackpot at the slots or a table games side bet payout of $300 or more will receive a coupon for a free “As Seen On TV My Pillow.”

Plus, ongoing promotions such as “Just For Gents” on Sundays,

“Veterans Appreciation Day” on Mondays, “Seniors Day” on Tuesdays, or “Ladies Day” on Thursdays offers everyone the chance to win free play, gifts, food discounts, and more depending on the specific promotion. The Gold Rush Club sure knows how to treat their members right. And, you can use your player’s card at both casinos to earn points towards your status as a lucky and loyal player at Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos.

Reasonably Priced Comfort Food 24-7 Both the Yavapai Cantina and Bucky’s Café offer excellent food at budget sparing prices. You’ll find everything from Cinnamon Rolls to Biscuits & Gravy to Steak & Eggs for Breakfast (served 7 to 11am daily at Bucky’s Café and 11pm to 11am at Yavapai Cantina). The Lunch and Dinner menus at both locations truly offer something for everyone. Our team absolutely loves their selection of sandwiches. Plus, the daily specials are always a treat. During our last visit we indulged on the mouthwatering ribs, the special of the day at the time. Yum! Actual Non-Smoking Sections If you prefer to play in the comfort of an enclosed smoke-free environment, you can have the best of both worlds at the casinos in Prescott! Both Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos have their own non-smoking sections. Bucky’s Casino hosts the brand new nonsmoking section on the third floor next to the bar and poker room. Yavapai Casino’s non-smoking room is situated next to the main gaming floor. These are the only casinos in Arizona to feature dedicated non-smoking areas!

The casinos are located across from each other on Arizona Highway 69 in Prescott. For more info visit BuckysCasino.com or call 800.756.8744. $

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WINNING WAYS

Efren Ontiveros is all smiles at the winning 25 cent Wheel Of Fortune Triple Diamond slot on 1/24/15 for $476,232.67 at Bucky’s Casino.

Reese Edwards is lit up like the lights behind him on the winning Virtual Blackjack machine on 2/2/15 having won the progressive for a total of $12,462.25 at Yavapai Casino.

Bill Durbin has a huge grin with the winning 1 cent Aristocrat Wicked Winnings slot on 1/30/15 for $14,400.00 at Bucky’s Casino.

azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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FEATURE STORY

By Ron Meritt

PROBLEM GAMBLING Warning Signs & Getting Help

P

roblem gambling is defined as a chronic behavior that affects the major aspects of an individual’s psychological, physical and social health. The collateral damage of problem gambling affects far more than the monetary value of betting. March is Problem Gambling Awareness month. In the United States, approximately 2 million adults meet the criteria for pathological gambling each year and another 6 million adults struggle with problem gambling which often leads to gambling associated crimes, loss of income and personal assets and the development of major depressive disorders.

Healthcare professionals have identified behaviors which indicate a person could have a gambling problem:

    

Using income or savings to gamble while bills go unpaid Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling Breaking or considering breaking laws to finance gambling Having depressed or suicidal thoughts because of losses Arguing with friends or family about gambling behavior

Compulsive gambling addiction, like drug and alcohol addiction, creates increasingly difficult life issues and situations for the gambler and gambler’s family. The following quiz asks questions relating to feelings, thoughts and behaviors associated with gambling addiction and may help determine whether or not someone has a gambling problem.

1) Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?

2) Have you ever lied to people who are important to you about the amount you have gambled?

3) Have you repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling?

4) Do you gamble as a way of escaping emotional or physical pain?

5) Have you ever relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?

6) Have you ever jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or career because of your gambling?

7) Have you gambled to get money with which to pay debts or to solve other financial problems?

8) Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?

9) Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

10) Do you gamble to try to get your money back?

Answering “yes” to one or more of the quiz questions could

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

indicate a gambling problem. Fortunately there is help for those suffering from gambling addiction. The first step is to call the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling at 602-542-8998 or 1-800NEXT STEP to get free, confidential information. Each caller will be connected with a knowledgeable, caring professional who will listen in an empathetic, nonjudgmental way and connect sufferers with resources needed to deal with problem gambling.

Problemgambling.az.gov, the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling website, is an additional avenue for learning more ways to get support. The website offers a broad range of resources designed to help problem gamblers.

One of the most effective tools offered to problem gamblers is the self-exclusion program. This is an opt-in process which allows a self-acknowledged problem gambler to voluntarily exclude him- or herself from entering all Tribal casinos within the State of Arizona for a specified period of time.

Other resources offered include: Tribal/State-funded out-patient treatment, information on support programs for problem gamblers and their families, including Gamblers Anonymous and GamAnon, and statistics from various sources concerning problem gambling.

To get help with problem gambling for yourself or a loved one, just log onto problemgambling.az.gov or call 1-800-NEXT STEP to get free, confidential information. $

azgamingguide.com | January 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

25

TRIBAL NEWS Images & Words By Lee Allen

BATTLE OF THE SKILLETS Aromatic Artistry—Smell The Sizzle

N

ative chefs love to cook. And despite the indigenous ideology concerning sharing, native chefs love to compete against each other in a battle of the skillets, utilizing their individual culinary skills and favorite recipes to see who wears the biggest apron.

While they all have their secrets, collectively they like to highlight heritage in their cook-offs. “Food is very powerful and everything goes back to our roots for me,” says Nephi Craig, Executive Chef at the White Mountain Apache Sunrise Park Resort (a previous winner of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association’s annual Chef’s Challenge). As founder of the Native American Culinary Association, Craig has a mission described in a Newsweek magazine article as, “restoring and reinventing the largely-forgotten cuisine of forbearers.”

Using local ingredients like acorns, seeds, nuts, corn, squash, rabbit, and venison, Craig doesn’t call his creations Native American cuisine, but indigenous foods that represent the culture --- diversity, history, and resiliency.

Another Chef’s Challenge winner, Pascua Yaqui chef Enrique Alcantar (Casino del Sol, Tucson) subscribes to that same theory in dishes like his award-winning braised buffalo with white tepary bean cassoulet. “I like to go lean and healthy with short ribs and tepary beans, a diet staple for thousands of years, traditional foods cooked in contemporary style.”

Chef Lois Ellen Frank (Kiowa), founder of New Mexico’s Coyote Café in Santa Fe, is a gatherer of natural ingredients from the land --- prickly pear, yucca blossoms, purslane, and other wild greens. Frank also bridges historical with modern in creations such as an ordinary blue corn tortilla complimented by blue corn gnocchi arrowheads and guajillo chili sauce. “Food is sacred,” she says. “What you eat is a gift of a person’s culture.”

Navajo top cook Freddie Bitsoie comments: “When I cook, I strive to prepare dishes that have substance to the point where elders can taste them and recognize a version of a dish they’ve had all their lives. Just as tribes all over the nation have modifications of similar ceremonies, they each have culturally-specific foods and instead of lumping them all together, we should celebrate their differences.”

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Pascual Rodriguez is Executive Chef for the Tohono O'odham tribe's Desert Diamond Hotel Casino Bitsoie is a long-time crusader to redefine Native American cuisine, to the point where the New Mexico-based owner of FJBits Concepts is in current production of a TV show called REZERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED. He calls it a first-time cooking concept show that breaks new ground by blending culture with food and tradition and involves only Natives in all aspects of its production. “We look at the fun side of Indian Country --the heritage, dancing, singing, celebrating, and the many contributions Native peoples make to the world of food.”

Ultimately hoping to own his own restaurant where everyone understands Native American food and why entrees need to be prepared in a specific way, the celebrity spokesman for the cause will be trying to fill a niche market. “Traditional organic Native foods are difficult to find. Historically, our ancestors ate what they grew and hunted, but I’ll bet if there was a company back then that offered cured venison in the form of pemmican, they’d have taken advantage of it. When we look at our culture today, wanting to ‘eat like our ancestors,’ it’s difficult because most cooks don’t have the time or ability to gather their ingredients and pick their own berries. I’d like to offer a product line containing things like Tohono O’odham cholla bud pasta or perhaps an Ojibwe wild rice pasta.”

TRIBAL NEWS

Executive Chef Anthony Chavez (right, Blue Water Resort & Casino) prepares grilled chipotle steak and chicken satays

Ron Dimas, Talking Stick Resort kitchen wizard, does what he loves and loves what he does

Some of those traditional foods have found their way onto the menus at Chef’s Challenge cook-offs at the Tohono O’odham Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson and at the most recent competition at the Yavapai tribe’s Fort McDowell Adventures site in Scottsdale.

place honors this time with a boar belly and rack of ribs creation where the meat was baked, then placed on a square of acorn squash custard, topped with an agave chili chutney, and garnished with chicharrones. “I like meals that are creative with a menu focusing on locally-grown produce, naturally-raised meats, and environmentally-responsible seafood.”

“Everyone is going Native,” said NACA founder Craig who continues to research, refine, and develop Native American cuisine. “Native people are emerging from an interruption in traditional foodways, a turn back to the most important ingredient in Native cuisine --- healing --- and a way to recover our communities.”

On the menu at the 2014 Chef’s Challenge were dishes such as mesquite boar rib accompanied by acorn squash; smoked elk chilaquiles with a red chile reduction (topped with a fried quail egg); carne asada tacos with roasted red pepper salsa, and grilled Navajo beef rib eye with lotus root and patty pan squash.

Said chef Christian Movassaghi (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community): “I continue my grandmother’s influence of cooking pre-Columbian food grown and harvested locally.”

Talking Stick Resort’s Ron Dimas, Chef de Cuisine of Orange Sky Restaurant and 2013 Overall Best in Show winner, took 3rd

The naturally-raised meat theme caught diners’ attention with the People’s Choice Award going to the Twin Arrows Casino Resort team headed by Executive Chef Hector Vasquez and his use of beef grown on the Navajo Nation.

“Our beef grazes naturally on over 350,000 acres, feeding on a particular type of sage shrub that brings lots of protein and other nutrients as well as a special flavor to our meat,” said tribal member and Cow Boss Al Pahi.

The Indian Gaming Association’s Chefs Challenge for 2015, which is billed as “the only one of its kind in the tribal gaming culinary scene,” will be held at Talking Stick Resort & Casino.

According to AIGA’s Executive Director: “This event celebrates not only each individual chef’s talents, but the opportunity that tribal gaming brings in the way of offering incredible cuisine in the many tribally-owned venues throughout the state.” $

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GAMING NEWS Desert Diamond Casinos Launch Mobile App JOINGO, the leading provider of mobile engagement solutions for the casino gaming industry, and Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation, announce the launch of Desert Diamond Casinos’ mobile app, MY DDC. The JOINGO-powered app integrates with the casino’s existing IGT systems, features real-time account info for Diamond Rewards members, plus in-app access to amenities and information for all three of their Arizona properties.

With locations in Tucson, Sahuarita and Why which offer entertainment options ranging from gaming to fine dining to major concerts at the 2,600-seat Diamond Center, Desert Diamond Casinos is perfectly positioned to get the most out of JOINGO’s capabilities to engage their guests.

Using JOINGO’s intuitive mobile platform, Desert Diamond Casinos delivers Free Play, dining offers and promotions to their guests’ iOS and Android devices. Geofencing capabilities allow Desert Diamond Casinos to target and automate the delivery of marketing messages, sending offers to guests when and where they are most likely to act on them. Integrations provide the utmost in functionality, providing Diamond Rewards members with immediate access to points, tier levels, and Reward Dollar balances, inapp ticket purchasing through Star Tickets, restaurant reservations through OpenTable, plus social sharing capabilities via Facebook and Twitter.

“We are excited to partner with Desert Diamond Casinos to bring mobile into their operations,” said Seamus McGill, JOINGO’s President. “With the powerful capabilities in our mobile loyalty and engagement solutions, Desert Diamond is positioned to really capitalize on real-time marketing.”

“The JOINGO design team created a striking mobile app for us in very little time,” said Treena Parvello, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “We are especially excited to use geofencing to engage with our guests at the time and place it will be most convenient for them.”

The Desert Diamond Casinos app is available now on iPhone and Android. For more information about Desert Diamond Casinos, visit their website at ddcaz.com.

You can also become a part of their community online on Facebook (/DDCAZ) or Twitter (@DiamondCasinos). $

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS DoubleDown Casino Doubles Bonus Excitement With Wheel Of Fortune Extra Spin

Two bonuses are always better than one, and International Game Technology’s (NYSE: IGT) social gaming website DoubleDown Casino continues to up the ante on excitement and entertainment with their recent launch of Wheel of Fortune Extra Spin for desktop and mobile devices.

Wheel of Fortune has proven to be the most popular game theme on DoubleDown Casino since its debut of Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond and Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin in 2014. Inspired by the classic slot machine loved by players around the world, Wheel of Fortune Extra Spin features the Wheel Bonus, which changes all of the spin symbols into the letters W-H-E-E-L, with each letter revealing a number of extra spins or awards of 10 to 250x the initiating bet. Lady Luck strikes twice with the Vault Bonus, which changes all of the Vault symbols on the center reels into pickers, revealing payouts from 5 to 25x the initiating bet.

“We put a huge amount of focus and talent into Wheel of Fortune Extra Spin. We thrive on the pressure of taking this legendary brand and increasing the ‘wow’ factor of the world’s most popular slot machine,” said Jim Veevaert, DoubleDown Interactive VP of Games. “It’s a fun challenge to turn a great slot machine into a mobile game. With Wheel of Fortune Extra Spin, we struck the ideal balance of art, math and audio to recreate the authentic casino experience.”

Wheel of Fortune Extra Spin is based upon a 3 x 5 reel spinner and 20-line configuration, with a Scatter award that pays virtual currency. The iconic Wild symbol also acts as a 2x multiplier, offering players greater and more frequent wins.

More Wheel of Fortune titles are currently in development for DoubleDown Casino, as part of IGT’s multi-year agreement

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with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to develop mobile and online games for DoubleDown Casino and for-wager online play worldwide through 2024.

In 1996, IGT launched the Wheel of Fortune slot machine for land-based casinos and solidified the Company’s leadership in Wide Area Progressive technology. Known as the most successful slot title of all time, the fan-favorite theme has minted nearly 1,000 millionaires and delivered $3 billion in jackpots throughout its illustrious history. IGT has created more than 200 variations of the game that can be found on casino floors in more than 20 countries worldwide. For more information, play DoubleDown Casino online or on any mobile device via the free iOS and Android application.

About IGT International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and continues to transform the industry by translating casino player experiences to social, mobile and interactive environments for regulated markets around the world. IGT's acquisition of DoubleDown Interactive provides engaging social casino style entertainment to approximately 6 million players monthly.

More information about IGT is available at IGT.com or you can connect with IGT at @IGTNews or facebook.com/IGT. Visit http://apps.facebook.com/doubledowncasino or just visit at doubledowncasino.com—anyone can play at the DoubleDown Casino. $

GAMING NEWS Increased Gaming Revenue Supports Arizona Programs The Arizona Department of Gaming kicked off Super Bowl weekend with encouraging news for tribal contributions. The tribal contributions to the state from gaming revenue were approximately $14.2 million for the quarter that ended on December 31, 2014. This is a 5.8 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of last year.

“While one quarter does not establish a trend, we are cautiously optimistic that these numbers reflect an improving economy,” said Daniel Bergin, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “This is a positive economic sign for our state and critical programs will continue to benefit from this financial support.”

The quarterly tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund will be distributed as follows: Instructional Improvement Fund/Education: $6,916,939 Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: $3,458,469 Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs: $1,600,484 Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: $988,134 State Tourism Fund: $988,134 Problem Gambling Education & Prevention: $284,738 TOTAL TRIBAL CONTRIBUTIONS: $14,236,898 (For the quarter that ended December 31, 2014)

The Arizona Department of Gaming, in partnership with Arizona’s tribes, regulates Indian gaming. Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, tribes with casinos contribute one to eight percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties. In Arizona, Class III gaming includes slot machines, jackpot poker, blackjack, keno and off-track pari-mutuel betting. There are currently 23 Class III casinos in the state. Tribes send contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund every three months. For more information, please visit gaming.az.gov. $

azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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Twin Arrows Opens Arcade

Four-star northern Arizona destination, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, has expanded their amenities to include a highly technological, state-of-the-art arcade featuring a variety of video games and systems for guests to enjoy.

“The opening of this high-tech video game arcade is part of our ongoing expansion plan as we remain focused on providing the best experience for our valued guests,” said Derrick Watchman, CEO of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise.

“We appreciate the feedback loyal visitors share and are pleased to deliver entertainment for a wider range of ages as well as families that frequent our resort and restaurants.”

Conveniently located on the first floor of the resort, near the pool entrance, the new arcade at Twin Arrows features 15 stations with Internet capability, high definition 42-inch monitors and Rocker Gaming Chairs. Officially open December 31; guests can now rent an Xbox 1, Xbox 360, Wii U, Play Station 3 or 4, plus a wide selection of video games for $5 per person, per hour. And, individuals, families, conference and business guests can reserve the room or individual stations as part of their resort, restaurant or casino visit.

To learn more about Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, the new arcade or to book a room in their recently expanded 200 room resort, visit twinarrows.com.

About Navajo Gaming The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) is a Navajo Nation wholly-owned business entity created by the Navajo Nation in September 2006 which owns and operates casinos in New Mexico and Arizona. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, the fourth Navajo Casino, is located in Leupp Chapter, near Flagstaff, Arizona. Currently, Navajo Gaming has 1,200 employees. Their vision includes job growth opportunities for Navajos, to continue returning revenue to the Navajo Nation and to continue building the Navajo gaming and hospitality brand. $

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS Caesars Foundation/Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Gives Back In A Big Way

Left to right: Mike Kintner, Director of Marketing and Operations, Christine Todd, Development Systems Program Manager, Whitney Rivest (ACS), Lynn Johnson (ACS), Jane Stimmel, Employee Engagement Manager and HERO Chair and Denis Cournoyer (ACS).

On January 21, The Caesars Foundation, coordinated through the staff at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, presented an $8,000 check to the American Cancer Society for Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s month-long initiative to raise awareness of preventative health and treatment of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino also donated $3,100 to the American Cancer Society from donations from Harrah’s employees’ activities and donations.

“Caesars Entertainment, and locally at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, has a long-standing passion for community outreach and volunteerism,” said Jane Stimmel, Employee Engagement Manager and HERO Chair. “We were excited to participate in this program through Caesars Foundation and coordinate the Foundation’s donation to the American Cancer Society.”

About The Caesars Foundation The Caesars Foundation is a private foundation funded by a percentage of operating income from Caesars Entertainment’s resorts. The Foundation’s objective is to strengthen organizations and programs in the communities where their employees and their families live and work. Nationally, the Caesars Foundation focuses on supporting the continued independence of health and wellness, and honoring older Americans. The Caesars Foundation also provides gifts that support sustainability programs that work to meet current needs without compromising the future. This includes projects and programs focused on

reducing the carbon footprint, energy and water consumption and recycling. On the local level, the Caesars Foundation supports civic programs vital to the success of communities, including organizations involved with education, children and families, adults, the environment, health care and the arts. For more information about the Caesars Foundation, please visit caesarsfoundation.com.

About Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Celebrating more than 20 years in Maricopa, Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Offering the largest selection of the latest reel and video slots in a range of denominations, Harrah’s Ak-Chin features slot machines, video poker, video Keno, as well as popular statewide progressives and liveaction poker and Blackjack.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Total Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos. Casino guests can also enjoy live entertainment in The Lounge and a variety of dining options including the Copper Cactus Grill, Agave’s Restaurant, The Range Steakhouse, The Buffet and Dunkin Donuts®. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino features 300 luxurious resort and tower guestrooms and an outdoor swimming pool with swim-up bar. For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin, visit harrahsakchin.com. $

azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

LITTERING IS JUST LAZY A Reader Barely Keeps Her Cool And Chooses To Vent Later

A

gain, I just had to select a very recent reader letter describing a scenario at a casino that makes you just wonder about people and their actions. In most cases I really enjoy studying human behavior, but not so much with this situation. I think one can only come to some pretty ugly conclusions based on what our reader observed.

Dear Sami, I was just at [a casino] last night. I’ll admit it, I had lost almost all of my bankroll so I wasn't in the best of moods but that’s when I almost lost it over what I saw. I’ve been around for over 60 years now and I still can’t believe how some people act. I guess their mothers didn’t raise them right. Wow! This well-dressed woman (although that word implies a certain amount of class and decency) was walking towards a bank of slots in the [casino]. I noticed her reach into her purse and pull out a candy or a sucker. She proceeded to unwrap it, ball up the wrapper and toss the paper on the floor.

What a complete pig, I thought to myself! I know of farmers who kept their barns so clean the animals weren’t even allowed to make a mess!

I was about to open my mouth and tell this piece of trash to pick up her litter when I thought better of it. Instead of engaging her I settled for glaring at her until she saw me, then glaring at the paper she threw on the ground, then glaring back at her. I then made a face in disgust.

I thought that might provoke action on her part, but it didn’t!

When I got home I realized I was still mad at this woman. I decided to sleep on it and write you in the morning. Perhaps I should have just let it go and not allowed [the woman] to get under my skin like that but I couldn’t!

I just don’t understand why people think it is OK to throw trash on the floor at the casino, or ash their cigarettes all over the place except in an ashtray, leave empty dinks overturned all over the place, extinguish their butts in the carpet, the chairs, or the slots, and much worse.

Do these people really live this way at home? Is this how they behave when they are at another person’s house? Do these people litter all over the place or just at the casino? Disgusting!

-Kathy Whiting from Fort Mohave, Arizona

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Kathy, I have seen your situation happen so many times and I have wondered the same questions myself. I don’t understand littering and why the casino seems to attract litterers is beyond me. Obviously, there are so many employees dedicated to keeping each casino very clean and presentable. Why a handful of bad eggs have to ruin it not only for the casino but also for the rest of us patrons is a question only the litterers can answer I guess. I just feel bad for the employees who earn minimal wages who have to clean up after people that have no respect for themselves, for the casino, or for others. On occasion I have even given a tip to particularly friendly and welcoming cleaning staff. If only everyone had the same attitude. $

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

FUN FACTS

By Mark Novak

ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO Why Friday The 13th Matters To Players

W

hen I was younger, the “scary” Friday the Thirteenth day was rife with speculation as to what terrible fate might be visited upon us. The fear of this particular day most likely stems from several historical sources. A Norse myth tells of 12 gods having a dinner party in Valhalla. Loki, the uninvited 13th guest, walks in and sets up Hoder (the blind god of darkness) to shoot Balder the Beautiful (the god of joy and gladness) with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. When Balder dies, the Earth plunges into darkness. Of course, there is also the biblical story of Judas the apostle who is also the 13th guest at the Last Supper who betrays Jesus. And, the bloody Friday the 13th in 1307 when King Philip of France arrested the Knights Templar and began to torture and kill them.

However, I think Friday the 13th is a very lucky day. Throughout history and even today, many cultures consider the number 13 and the day Friday itself to be significant and positive for a variety of reasons. As a result, I’ve changed my childhood views and I’m already looking forward to Friday, March 13th, 2015 and Friday, November 13, 2015! If only a casino would create a promotion around it! $

azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

By Ramses Ja

#HASHTAG LUNCH BAG Making Your Money Go Further Than Your Wallet

I

magine this, getting yours and giving back at the same time. It’s a win-win and it’s what you’re in store for when you play at the casinos across the Valley. From a Hashtag Lunch Bag event, to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Children’s Foundation, there are many ways the Arizona Casino Gaming industry gives back to the community!

Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort are owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The community’s Tribal Council has several programs and affiliations that demonstrate its commitment to improving the area.

For example, the Children’s Foundation is a non-profit, charitable division of the Community that makes contributions to various organizations and programs dedicated to serving the Community’s youth. In addition to giving back to the community, the organization prioritizes educating and promoting the history and culture of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. There are guided tours available at the Community’s Huhugam Ki Museum, the Discover Papago Park development project, and WellPath, a program promoting healthy living in the Community.

As part of the Gila River Casinos, Vee Quiva, Wild Horse Pass, and Lone Butte Casinos have the philosophy of improving the communities they are in. Through volunteering, donations, and formal partnerships, the Gila River Gaming Enterprises are able to make good on that philosophy. They work with the Heard Museum, promoting Native American causes. They have also partnered with the Banner Health Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the National Kidney Foundation to promote awareness of nationally recognized health concerns such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer. What’s more, Gila River works with Chicanos Por La Causa and St. Vincent de Paul, addressing issues like domestic violence, mental illness, and literacy. They also make it very easy for any non-profit to seek donations: all you have to do is write a letter with your request and the Board will consider it.

radio and television personalities, families, couples, individuals, and everything in between.

While grandparents are often in attendance, this is not your grandma’s charity event! We always have a DJ spinning, sometimes me, sometimes DJ Q Ward, and sometimes guest DJs from the Valley’s most popular radio stations: 101.1 The Beat, Power 98.3, and Live 101.5. People get to groove as they prepare lunches. Usually it’s about noon when we start loading up vehicles with lunches and volunteers on their way to various parts of town where transient (homeless or otherwise struggling) people are known to congregate. The volunteer teams pick a spot, get out of the vehicle, and simply invite anyone who could use some extra food to come up and grab a meal. It is absolutely the most rewarding experience you could imagine.

At first, this labor of love was organized and funded by DJ Q Ward, fashion models Nick Beam and Tajii Sharp, Frisko, 101.1 The Beat Marketing Director Mattlocks, and me. After a few successful months of operation, we started feeling the love as food banks donated supplies and participants made monetary contributions. The non-profit organization affiliated with this event continues to be a source of opportunities, especially as we’re seeking to expand from just food to also shoes and blankets—the two most requested items.

The name Hashtag Lunch Bag reflects our initial desire to promote the event on the Internet, especially through social media.

However, we’ve grown to include promotional consideration from several radio stations, both English and Spanish television stations, and some noteworthy publications, including the Arizona Gaming Guide.

Now that you know, there’s no excuse! Get out there and make your money go further than your wallet. $ Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II

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

I can also suggest participating in Hashtag Lunch Bag, the Valley’s monthly giveback kickback! We congregate on the last Sunday of each month at Sky Lounge in Downtown Phoenix.

We’re proud to say that every month since we started in September of last year, when the doors open at 10am, there is always a line of people waiting for us! It’s not only the gaming community but also church groups, youth clubs, businesses,

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•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 ENTERTAINMENT

Listings Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wed. & Thu. at 6pm La Propuesta De Mexico—Tuesdays 8pm Daisy Train (Country)—Wednesdays 8pm The Tommy Ash Band (Country, Rock, Americana)—Thursdays 8pm Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends

Tracy Lawrence Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita March 28, 2015 Award-winning, multi-platinum, Country music star Tracy Lawrence is returning to the Diamond Center for the first time in five years on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Reserved tickets start at $20 and are on sale now through Star Tickets and at the casino Rewards Center, (10% discount to members). The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Tracy Lawrence is one of the most recognizable voices in Country music with songs such as Paint Me a Birmingham , Time Marches On, Alibis and Find Out Who Your Friend s Are . The entertainer has enjoyed 22 songs on the Billboard Top 10 charts with 18 number one singles, selling over 13 million albums. The Multiplatinum CMA and ACM award winner has helped shape the sound of Country music for two decades, recently celebrating 20 years in music. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “It’s a joy to bring Tracy Lawrence back for another stellar performance! His last Diamond Center show sold out, so tickets are sure to go fast! Don’t miss your chance to see one of Country’s biggest names live in concert!”

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 San Carlos Event Center Inter-Tribal Powwow—Mar. 13-15 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 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Rockin’ The Paradise (Styx Tribute)—Mar. 6-7 The Long Run (Eagles Tribute)—Mar. 20-21 The Ultimate Stones (The Rolling Stones Tribute)—Mar. 27-28 The Arizona Room: Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Tuesdays 6pm

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Th & 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: Anjelah Johnson—Mar. 7 Tracy Lawrence—Mar. 28 Lupita D’Alessio—Apr. 4 Peking Acrobats—Apr. 25 Michael McDonald—Apr. 30 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: Hea rtbrea k Alley—6th, Edgar Winter—7th, The Walkens—13th, Daisy Train—14th, Rock Lobster—20th, Nashville Gold (Country Tribute)—21st, Smooth Groove—27th, The Troubadour Experience (George Straight Tribute)—28th Wild Wednesdays Swingtips—4th, Western Fusion Trio—11th, Bandstand Shows— 18th, Yesterday Once More—25th The Lounge Happy Hour Starting March 2nd Mondays through Thursdays from 5-8pm. He Said She Said, Mondays 5-8pm, Stan & Miguel, Tuesdays 5-8pm, Jake Skeen, Wednesdays 5-8pm, and Harry Luge, Thursdays 5-8 pm.

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

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

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.

Talking Stick Resort Presents:

Comedian Frank Caliendo March 14, 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 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: BoDeans—Mar. 7 Frank Caliendo—Mar. 14 Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist—Mar. 20-21 Winger—Mar. 29 Doyle Bramhall II—Apr. 3 Leon Russell—Apr. 4 Al DiMeola & Billy Cobham—Apr. 22 Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers—Apr. 24 ZZ Top—Apr. 26 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: Charo—Mar. 28 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: Billy Ocean—Mar. 6 Lunar New Year Hoa Xuan—Mar. 7 Nashville Gold—The Story of Country Music—Mar. 8 Jenny McCarthy & Friends: Dirty, Sexy, Funny—Mar.14 Paperback Writer—Tribute to The Beatles—Mar. 15 Kathy Griffin—Mar. 20-21 Chance Tinder—Tribute to Elvis Presley—Mar. 22 38 Special—Mar. 27 Marie Osmond—Mar. 28 The Magic of Motown—Tribute to Motown—Mar. 29 Morris Day & The Time—Apr. 11 DSB: An American Journey—Apr. 17 Kenny Rogers—Apr. 25 Michael McDonald—May 2 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.

Talking Stick Resort will be a place of laughter when it hosts comedian Frank Caliendo on March 14. Known for his spot-on celebrity impersonations, the standup comic will have audiences chuckling until it hurts the moment he steps on the Salt River Grand Ballroom stage.

Born in Chicago in 1974, Caliendo began performing in local comedy clubs while enrolled at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. He quickly gained a massive following and would go on to join the hit comedy series, MADtv in 2001, and become a semi-regular guest on FOX NFL Sunday the same year.

In addition to his witty punch lines, Caliendo has received recognition for his authentic impersonations of various stars such as Morgan Freeman, John Madden, former President George W. Bush and Charles Barkley. He’s mastered the late night circuit, performing on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien just to name a few, and has starred in his own sketch show titled, Frank TV. Tickets are on sale now. Please call 480.850.7777 or visit TalkingStickResort.com for more information. $ azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

39

CASINO BINGO

By Mark Novak

$500,000 Super Gala March 16 & 17 South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada

T

he $500,000 Bingo Super Gala returns to South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 beginning at 12pm each day. The twoday bingo spectacular will offer a $250,000 daily prize pool each day. Each day begins with 10 warm-up games with a total purse of $10,000, followed by 19 Super Gala games for $10,000 each, and concluding with one $50,000 coverall game and one $10,000 “2nd Chance” game.

to 15 additional packs of bingo cards per day, in electronic units.

During the warm-up games, participants may purchase their first 6-ON pack for $10 and each additional electronic or paper pack for $5. Super Gala participants that are playing electronically must purchase two additional 6-ON bingo packs for a total of $50 per day. In addition, extra 3-ON coverall strips are available for purchase for $5 with a daily maximum of 20 coveralls per player, per day.

Participants can purchase Super Gala entries for $295 which includes two-day gala access, one 9-ON pack of bingo cards, one food voucher per day and dauber. Throughout the Super Gala, guests may purchase additional 6-ON packs of bingo cards for $25 per pack. Participants are allowed to purchase up

Doors will open each day at 8am with warm-up games beginning at 12pm. South Point offers gala players a special $50 room rate for Sunday, March 15, which includes a complimentary two night hotel accommodation on the 16th and 17th. For more information, please visit SouthPointCasino.com. $

Casino

Sessions

Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic

Apache Gold

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

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: 10, Noon, 3:45, 5:30pm.

Daily: 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

Twin Arrows

Th-Su at 7pm & Su at 3pm.

100

No

Yes

No

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 02/01/15 & 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 | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

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 December 2014 Slots

Hold % Tables

Hold %

4.86

Craps

8.09

5.36

Blackjack / 21

14.91

Multi-Denom 6.05

Roulette

17.56

$5

6.35

Pai Gow Poker

24.77

5¢

7.28

Let It Ride

27.60

1¢

11.81

Three Card Poker

28.09

Megabucks

14.07

Other Table Games 31.34

Loose $1 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.

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Tight $25 Other Loose Sports Pools

15.06

Hold % 11.27

Win Amount

Dollars

Bingo

12.33

Slots

32.4 mil.

Race Books

17.01

Tables

2.3 mil.

27.56

Other

0.7 mil.

Tight Live Keno

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

Tropicana Laughlin News

TROP ADVANTAGE CLUB NEW 2015 BENEFITS Beginning February 1, 2015, players achieving Gold, Platinum, or Black Card status in the Trop Advantage Program receive a complimentary three night stay with free slot play at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and a cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines for up to eight days in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Bahamas.

CLUB 50 The Tropicana Laughlin is calling all those at least 50 years young! Every Monday, Trop Advantage Card members can swipe their card and start the day off with a cup of coffee. Earn base points and get discounts on food and a chance at free play!

GIFT DAYS—EARN POINTS, GET A GREAT GIFT Everyone loves getting gifts, right? Well the season of gift giving isn’t over at the Tropicana Laughlin because they love giving them! Players earning just 1,000 base points on their Trop Advantage Card on the Gift Day easily receive a voucher from any promotional kiosk. Then, redeem the voucher for your gift at the Players Club on the casino floor. Each new month brings new gifts so make sure to check back at the Players Club.

March 7th: Tosca Handbag (choice of color) March 14th: Bed in Bag (reversible, with comforter & 2 shams) March 28th: Emeril Knife Set WIN A HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE What better way to celebrate Laughlin’s biggest biker gathering than by giving away a Harley-Davidson motorcycle! On Saturday, April 25th at 11pm, the Tropicana Laughlin will give away a brand new Harley-Davidson. Trop Advantage Club members can earn drawing tickets from Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 25. Earn one drawing ticket for every 50 base points on the Trop Advantage Card. On Thursday the 23rd, players can earn a 2X bonus on drawing tickets! $4,000 GETTIN’ LUCKY BINGO BASH On Saturday, March 7, 2015 you can participate in the Tropicana Laughlin’s Gettin’ Lucky Bingo Bash for just $10 per pack buyin for all regular games. Players can buy-in for Specials at $5 per 9-on for both games. Electronic units have a $2 use fee and a 3pack minimum. There’s a free gift for players club members!

Visit troplaughlin.com for more information. $ azgamingguide.com | March 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

43

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of Potato Chip Day on March 14, find: POTATO, CHIP, SNACK, FOOD, TASTE, DELICIOUS, FRIED, CRUNCHY, CRISPY, SALTY, BOWL, BAG, FLAVOR, DIP, PARTY, GEORGE, CRUM, SARATOGA, SPRINGS, NEW YORK. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

F

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M U

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C

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T

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V

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Y

K M D H

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F

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H O

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R

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E

N

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F

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M H

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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)

9

2

7

6

3

6

4 1

5

6

5 8

2

1 6

5

9

7

7

8

1

9 4

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

2

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 904

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,077

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 633

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 509

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 675

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

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

480-802-5000 1,089

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 825

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

Y

800-946-4452 786

Y

Y

Payson

800-777-7529 417

Y

Y

Y

Y

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

888-777-4946 476

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

18. Quechan Casino

I-8, Exit 166

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

19. Spirit Mountain Casino

8555 Hwy. 95

Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247

Y

Y

Chandler

Y

101 & Indian Bend

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 759

Y

I-40, Exit 219

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,085

Y

Y

6443 Komatke Ln.

Laveen

800-946-4452 950

Y

Y

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 950

Y

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 242

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

Y Y

Y Y* Y

Y

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

20. Talking Stick Resort

Y

Y

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

17. Paradise Casino

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 894 Maricopa

15. Lone Butte Casino

Y

Y

58

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

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

866-332-9467

Y

Y

Spa

04. Casino Arizona

Golf

800-756-8744 314

RV Park

888-243-3360 526

Prescott

Hotel

Parker

1500 E. Hwy. 69

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 02/01/15 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4AM Sunday to 4AM Monday

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

azgamingguide.com

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Word Search Solution M U R C B C R I S P O K R O Y W L R O V A L F C R U N C H Y

P A R D T T A S Y E G R S G

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

Sudoku Solution

O P F O O D

S N

A C

9

1

5

7

3

2

4

8

6

4

7

6

1

8

5

2

9

3

3

2

8

9

6

4

1

7

5

2

5

9

8

4

1

6

3

7

6

3

4

5

9

7

8

2

1

1

8

7

3

2

6

5

4

9

5

9

2

6

7

8

3

1

4

7

4

1

2

5

3

9

6

8

8

6

3

4

1

9

7

5

2

K T O G A I O U S P I S H D C S I P

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | March 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

Y

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Arcade

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 Y