Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - May 2015 - 07:05

MAY

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 30 GAMING NEWS 33 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 36 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO BINGO 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS

24

44 FUN & GAMES 46 CASINO DIRECTORY

TWIN ARROWS NAVAJO CASINO POPULAR STARTING POINT FOR SUMMER ADVENTURES

14

22

26

This slot has a concert-like experience by immersing players in selections of Elton John’s classic hits.

$1.3 million purse on the line in the nation’s biggest slot tournament hosted by Multimedia Games

An event in the most appropriate of venues, the world’s largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees

ELTON JOHN BY WMS NOW AT MAZATZAL

2015 TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS

POW WOW IN THE PINES AT HON-DAH

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

GIVING & RECEIVING Why Free Play Is Special

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 07 • ISSUE 05 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com

I

recently ran into a friend of mine who wanted to catch up about a few things when she launched into her latest casino story. This time the subject was free play, but it wasn’t about what you’re thinking and what I was thinking too at the time—it had nothing to do with the amount of free play or lack thereof. She was very passionately communicating to me that free play sucks!

Essentially, her point was free play is never lucky for her, no matter what the amount is. She had such a poor opinion after several repeated bad experiences with recent free play offers that she was ready to swear off free play for good.

“They can keep it for all I care” she proclaimed to me! Based on the e-mails we receive, many of our readers feel the same way. But, I strongly encouraged my friend, as I do all of our readers, to look at free play in a different and more positive light. Free play is one way a casino rewards you for your loyalty. Take their gift as a sign that this is an opportunity for luck and good fortune to visit you.

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 new slots and those coming soon, plenty of tips for you to incorporate into casino visits, and much more! Please visit our Facebook at: facebo ok .co m /ArizonaGam ingGuid e , become part of our community and share your thoughts and experiences with others who also love the same casino games you do. You can sign up for our e-newsletter and find current and back issues of AZ Gam ing Guid e on our website at AZGamingGuid e.com. Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

Alexandra

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

“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 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 | May 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: I know why none of the casinos offer Roulette, Craps, or Baccarat here in Arizona. It’s because they know they can’t make as much money off those games and I don’t think that it’s fair. I don’t care because I will still drive all the way to Las Vegas and play them there. I just want to say that it’s sneaky of them not to offer those games. It’s nothing but slots and Blackjack here in Arizona for a reason—that’s where all the money is—am I right?

Ted Duval—Tucson A: Ted, I’m sorry but I must say that you are not correct with regards to this particular situation. Table games such as Craps and Roulette are not offered in any Arizona casinos because the Arizona Tribal State Gaming Compact of 2002 doesn’t allow them! Offering these types of games at Arizona’s tribal casinos would require reopening the voter-approved Compact.

I must also say that you are under the misconception that the casinos lose money on table games which couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, casinos make more money on the table games you mention than they do from slots! This is, understandably, difficult to believe. However, to illustrate my point, I have pulled some data from the Nevada Table Games Hold Percentages which is publicly available information.

The “Hold Percentage (HP),” which is the portion of money gambled that the casino retains, has a huge impact on casino revenues. The chief table games offered in Nevada casinos (Twenty-One, Craps, Roulette, and Baccarat) are quite favorable for the house. Since these are games of chance, obviously their exact HP can vary. Examining monthly HP values for the period beginning January 2004 through February 2015 for four table games was rather astonishing! The maximum monthly HP for Twenty-One was 14.41%, for Craps it was 17.56%, for Roulette it was 25.70% and for Baccarat 19.53%. Averaging the HP across all the months between 2004 and 2015 produced the following numbers: for Twenty-One it was 11.69%, for Craps it was 13.08%, for Roulette it was 19.11% and for Baccarat 12.02%.

Although Arizona regulations state that payback percentages for video slot machines can be set as low as 85%, most slot games, on average, are produced and sold to casinos at an 88%

payback (which means a 12% hold for the casino). Average slot HP during the same period of time never went over 12%. In fact, figures across the months hovered around 7-10%. This is quite a huge difference compared to these table games, in particular Roulette figures that seem to hover around 20% HP! Trust me when I say, Arizona casinos would welcome any and all of these tables games for the increased revenue. However, the Tribes and the State have to renegotiate their current agreements to include these games. Will they arrive here eventually?

Perhaps. After all, they are internationally recognized casino games that are very popular, but if and when that will be is anybody’s bet.

Q: In your Arizona Gaming Guide it shows Casino Arizona as having a smoke-free area. This is incorrect. We were there Sunday, March 22 and there is absolutely NO non-smoking areas or rooms. We asked a guard and he said no, it is smoking only. We don’t understand why casinos insist on catering to smokers. It is a filthy, unhealthy, stinky habit. Why can’t non-smokers be given a room of their own?

Nancy Jean Konz—Phoenix, Arizona A: Nancy, thank you for bringing this to our attention and please accept our sincerest apologies for the inaccuracy. I was very disappointed to learn about this oversight in our publication, because my team and I work very hard to produce a high quality magazine that is free of errors.

There are many people who feel the same way you do about the smoke at the casinos. On May 1, 2007, the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (Proposition 201) went into effect banning smoking in all enclosed workplaces and within 20 feet of all entrances or exits.

Casinos and all other businesses located on Indian reservations are exempt from this law. A few years ago, we published an article in the magazine entitled “Should the Casinos Ban Smoking.” At the time we asked ten casino employees from all across the state of Arizona what they believed to be the approximate percentage of smokers at their casinos. One employee responded 50% while the remaining nine casino employees maintained that 70% to 75% of their patrons are smokers—three smokers to every one non-smoker!

Continued on page 8

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 | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYERS TALK

Continued from page 6

In 2006, a study conducted by a research group from the University of Nevada, Reno indicated that, contrary to popular belief, only one out of every five (in other words 20%) of the casino patrons are actually smokers. The 2010 statistics posted by the Center for Disease Control seem to mirror the results of the study denoting 21% of the U.S. population 18 years of age and older are smokers. It’s interesting that what casino employees are suggesting based on their own observations and what the Reno study and numerous other studies are reporting are so vastly different!

If you’d like to play in a smoke-free environment, may we suggest you visit Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos in Prescott, Arizona.

Yavapai casino has a huge 2,300 square foot gaming area for non-smokers which includes nearly 100 new slot titles as well as some oldies but goodies we all love, its own entrance, restrooms and a separate HVAC system to keep the fresh air continuously circulating. Bucky’s also just recently introduced a smoke-free area upstairs close to their café!

Q: Dear Editor: If someone hits a jackpot or does really well on a slot machine, is it a good idea not to play that machine for a while? I’m always disappointed when I sit down at one of my favorite slots and notice that someone cashed out a lot of money. I don’t know if I will just end up feeding it money when I sit down to play. I also have another question. My friends and I all feel the same way about this. Why is it that when I’m doing well on a slot machine and I decide to cash out a ticket with my wins, I never seem to do well on that machine after I’ve cashed out. Does cashing out a ticket somehow reset a machine? It always seems I take a machine that’s on a hot streak and turn it cold that way. I love your Players Talk section and I would be so excited to see my questions in the magazine, but even if you don’t choose to print mine would you please, please answer them? My friends and I are so curious! Thanks so much! Keep up the good work.

Mary Hartman—Queen Creek A: Mary, every spin on a slot machine is independent of the spin before and completely random. There is no sequence to the wins on a slot machine. Hence, your probability of hitting a jackpot on one spin is the exact same probability of you hitting the jackpot on the next spin. In fact, one of my team members hit back-to-back four deuces on a video poker game. And, all of us have had several jackpots (with taxable hand pays) on the same day on the same machine. Think about it this way: Let’s say you have a bag filled with various colored balls representing winning and non-winning combinations on a slot machine and the bag contains one red ball which is a jackpot win. If somebody sitting at a slot reaches into a bag and grabs the red ball out of the bag, this person will hit the jackpot on that machine (this is essentially how a random number generator works in a slot—at the moment the spin button is pressed, a result is

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

determined and displayed on the screen). Now, imagine that person leaves and you sit down to play the same game. Who’s to say that if you reach in to grab a ball that you won’t grab the exact same red ball and get the jackpot? Therefore, you should never, ever avoid playing your favorite slot game because someone has just hit a jackpot or cashed out a large sum of money.

Your luck is entirely your own and it’s based on when you press the spin button and what combination the random number generator will obtain at that instant in time. Additionally, hopefully you now understand that it’s also not correct to believe that a machine is “due” because it hasn’t hit a jackpot for a while.

Furthermore, don’t ever pay attention to what the meters say as to how much was cashed out. Many people move from one machine to the next with a ticket in hand, so the dollar amount reflected on the meter may not even mean it was won on that game! Just recently, I personally watched a lady put a $500 ticket into a slot, lose $50, cash out and leave. The machine said “Paid $450!” Totally erroneous! She won nothing on that game!

You also have no way of knowing if someone just consolidated a bunch of tickets from various machines and then just pressed the cash out button!

To answer your second question, cashing out a ticket does not reset a slot. In actuality, a machine resets itself each time a player presses the spin button. Due to slot machine regulations each game is required to be independent of the game before. You mention that you feel you “take a machine that’s on a hot streak and turn it cold” when you cash out. There’s not a slot player out there that hasn’t felt the way you have at some point! I truly believe that there is intuition at play. When a slot player decides to cash out, there are feelings involved that are telling you the machine is “done” and that you’d better collect at that moment.

Putting any amount of money into a slot to “test” it or continue playing is going against your own gut instincts!

Thank you for the kind remarks about our magazine. We appreciate you, and all of our fans, for your continued support of our publication. Good luck!

Q: Thanks for a good read. I want to know what happens if a progressive is taken off the floor … where does the money in the progressives go?

Jose Rivera—Peoria, Arizona A: Jose, this is a popular question amongst our readers. Any player contribution towards a progressive has to be returned to the players in some way. In-house progressives can just be distributed onto other progressive games in the casino. That’s part of the Arizona Tribal State Gaming Compact. When a wide-area progressive, hosted by a slot manufacturer, is pulled from the floor new game titles just replace old titles and the progressive values are rolled over from the old games to the new games. $

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

Why Do Casinos Use Automatic Shufflers?

How Reliable Are The Shufflers And Can They Cheat Players?

A

ll casinos in Arizona use shuffle machines for table games because when the new gaming laws were first proposed 15 years ago the thinking was that removing as many possible chances for cheating would be a good idea.

That’s also why players can’t touch their cards at blackjack, so we live with it.

As for the use of shuffle machines, John Breeding gets most of the credit (or scorn) for the use of modern shufflers. He read an article in the 1980’s about Las Vegas casinos losing money to card counters and set about inventing a reliable machine that could be used before each hand, but there was little interest in a single-deck shuffler, so he invented a new game, Let It Rid e, to drive demand for his shuffler. The game is still popular today.

As demand for the game and machine increased, the company Breeding founded, Shuffle Master, started manufacturing multideck machines. Today, SHFL (now part of a company called Scientific Games which includes slot manufacturers Bally and WMS) holds 95% of the card-shuffler market in the United States. That market includes machines for all table games, not just blackjack.

Most blackjack games in Arizona are dealt from a six-deck shoe.

Instead of having the dealer breakdown and shuffle the decks, two sets of cards with different colors are used, so one set is in the shoe being used while the other color is in the machine being shuffled. The process is efficient, which makes all the casino managers’ little hearts go pitter-patter, because instead of the dealer spending six-minutes out of every sixty, hand-shuffling the decks, the machine can do the job (pitter-patter, pitterpatter). A 10% increase in hands dealt each hour leads to a 10% increase in profits.

Do Shuffle Machines Cheat?

There is a common fear among players that the machines are designed to cheat, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The machines actually allow a better shuffle and thus a more random game to be dealt. The electronic shuffling devices are submitted to an independent testing lab for verification of a variety of different functions. The six-deck batch shufflers can only move the cards repeatedly between two stacks of cards to get a good mix. They cannot manipulate the decks for cheating purposes.

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Blackjack in Arizona is also played with continuous shufflers, where the used cards are placed back into the mix of decks, so the game is always ready to go. This machine is designed with what amounts to a Ferris wheel inside that spins around, accepting cards into about three-dozen individual slots. Then a slot of cards is pushed out into the bottom of the machine for upcoming hands. The machine can count the number of cards, but it can’t sort or distinguish what cards are being used.

In fact, although some players dislike the continuous shufflers, the odds on the machine are actually better for the player than when the cards are dealt from a shoe. This is because the machine is designed to simulate a game where virtually all cards are available for the start of each new round, which is statistically a tiny bit better. A tiny bit, and it’s very efficient (pitter-patter, pitter-patter). Enjoy! $ Editor’s Note: According to Arizona State Gaming Regulations, shuffling devices in every gaming facility shall be inspected each gaming day before play commences to ensure that the shoe or shuffling device is not damaged, is operating properly and has not been compromised in any manner which might affect the integrity of the Blackjack game.

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

Elton John Live This Month At Mazatzal

A

re you ready to look at gaming through the fabulous glasses of Sir Elton John? He’s been a Las Vegas icon for years, so it was only a matter of time his face would appear on a slot machine. Created by WMS Gaming, the Elton John slot delivers a concert-like experience by immersing players in selections of his classic hits. Now, on May 4, these exciting new games go live at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson.

The bonuses are what truly make this game unique and fun to play. A bonus is triggered when a scatter symbol lands in view on reels one, three and five. The particular type of bonus is determined based on the bonus trigger symbol on reel five.

In the ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’ bonus dual wheels are spun for a chance at credits, random WILDs, WILD reels, symbol substitution and a +1 spin of the gold record. Watch for big wins in the ‘I’m Still Standing’ bonus where free spins turn blank symbols into all matching highlighted symbols! And, you’ll want to wait around for the ’Rocket Man’ bonus because once triggered a wheel will spin and let you know what reel symbols will become WILD on the next spin you play with the possibility of every single reel symbol WILD! Visit wms.com for more information. $

Colossal Diamonds “Big Red” Live This Month At Mazatzal

A

merican Gaming Systems (AGS) and Mazatzal Hotel & Casino proudly present Colossal Diam ond s, a classic that’s a simple, larger-than-life, 3-reel, 1-line game with a minimum bet of 5 credits and a maximum bet of 15 credits and a top award of 6,000 credits. The game sits on a giant cabinet, which AGS calls “Big Red,” that measures eight feet across and has three separate 42 inch LCD monitors each serving as an independent super-sized reel. The game is installed at a remarkably high total payback percentage of 90.12% (which makes it definitely worth giving a spin) and a hit frequency of 25.34%!

For more information about this game and other products from AGS, visit their website at playags.com. For more information on Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, visit mazatzal-casino.com. $

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

Wild Mermaid Now Available For Play At Desert Diamond Tucson

S

earch for underwater riches in GTech’s Wild Mermaid video slots, now at Desert Diamond Casinos’ Tucson location on Nogales Highway. Join the mermaid in her quest for the ocean’s bounty in this 5-reel, 50-line game.

The Mermaid is wild and substitutes for all symbols except the Chest symbol. The Free Games Bonus awards 5 Free Games and one additional game when a Jellyfish symbol appears on any of the reels. The Jellyfish symbol becomes a nudging wild, moving down one space with each spin. Once the Free Game Bonus credits have been awarded, the player will be prompted to pick one of twenty Sea Shells appearing on screen, offering a selection of prizes that will help build progress into the next bonus round. Housed in the main game, the Trigger Tile feature is a bonus trigger mechanism for any bonus round.

Each position on the reel board corresponds with a tile, and every time a win is awarded, the corresponding tile will be cleared. Winning combinations continue to remove tiles until the entire board is cleared. The random tile removal feature will also help players reach the bonus faster. A tile meter displayed on screen shows how many tiles have been cleared from the game board. Visit Desert Diamond Casinos’ Tucson location today to search for your sunken treasure and to try other new video slots from Gtech, including Jungle Riches, Wild Blossom, and Uncovering Egypt! $

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

15

NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

The Big Bang Theory

By Aristocrat Technologies

A

ristocrat has licensed TV’s #1 comedy, The Big Bang Theory, from Warner Bros., bringing the fun and all the laugh-out-loud comedy of the broadcast television’s most-watched show to casinos across North America in a game that is nothing less than genius.

The Big Bang Theory Slot Game is the newest addition to Aristocrat’s player-favorite Wonder Wheels product line, combining a video slot with three mechanical wheels. Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, Howard and Raj are all in this highly integrated game, with video clips, 3D animations, character images, theme music and unique character bonuses.

The game has a multi-game base game where players can play up to four reel sets. One of ten mystery bonuses can be triggered within the base game at any time with any bet. Additionally, three scatters trigger The Big Bang Theory Bonus Wheel, which awards one of six bonus features: •“Large Leonard Hofstadter Collision Feature,” with free Mega symbol spins with player-selected volatility; •“Dr. Sheldon Cooper Roommate Agreement Feature,” with eight free Reel Power spins; •“Penny Friendship Paradigm Feature,” with five free scatter pay spins awarded on a 4x4 reel set; •“Howard Wolowitz Mystic Warlords Of Ka’a Feature,” where the player selects cards to reveal multipliers and credits; •“Raj Koothrappali Scavenger Vortex Feature,” where the player selects scavenger objects to reveal credits or Win All; •“The Big Bang Theory Progressive Feature,” where the player selects symbols to win credits or progressive jackpot prize The multi-site progressive starting at $250,000 can be won on any base game spin, with at least 200 credits bet, by spinning the Jackpot symbol on all 4 games.

The Big Bang Theory Slot Game is available in Aristocrat’s highly technologically advanced Helix cabinet which is powered by Wonder Wheels. The game is a 3-level progressive with a multisite progressive option, 25-line, 4-way multi-game with a 50 credit minimum bet and a 600 credit max bet. Denomination ranges from 1c to $20.

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

About The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory was created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, who serve as executive producers along with showrunner Steven Molaro. The series stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. The popular show is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television. Currently in its eighth season, The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS and five nights a week in national syndication. The Big Bang Theory and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. $ DID YOU KNOW? •The voice of Mrs. Wolowitz is played by Melissa Rauch, the actress who plays Bernadette!

•Sheldon's trademark "Bazinga!" originated with writer Stephen Engel, who would set up playful practical jokes around the writers room. It was his word for ‘gotcha.’

•After struggling to find the perfect song for neurotic Sheldon's healing ritual, it was Bill Prady, executive producer, who had the idea to use a song from his daughter's preschool.

Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Betty Boop’s Firehouse

By Bally Technologies

B

etty Boop’s sizzling new game is ready to fire you up! Join Betty and Pudgy as they take you on an adventure in Betty Bo op ’s Firehouse, a new 5-reel, 30-line video slot featuring a ladder bonus, free games, two exciting base-game features, and the chance at a lifechanging top award.

Betty Boop’s Firehouse is the latest in a line of hit Betty Boop games from Bally. This time, Betty’s domain is a busy fire station. Win up to 200 times total credits bet in Betty’s Blazing Tower Bonus. Start on the lowest level of the ladder with 5 spins. Each spin is on a 3-reel mini game. Three matching 7s unlock the corresponding ladder level and award two more spins. When the spins end, you win a huge award! During the irresistible Pudgy’s Wild Rescue Free Games, use the touchscreen to pick a cat for Pudgy to rescue. You’re awarded 8 to 20 free games with Wild Reels, Symbol Wilds, Extra Wilds, or a Wild Reel Multiplier. The game also offers two flaming-hot base-game features. In the Mystery Stacked Reels, mystery symbols are randomly replaced to create a chance for thrilling fiveof-a-kind wins. In Betty’s 5 Alarm Scatter, the Mystery Stacked symbol also pays as a scatter for big win potential!

Sound the alarm for Betty Boo p ’s Firehouse! Look for this game on casino floors in Arizona soon! $

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

17

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Cindy Esquer

$100,000 Scratchers

$100,000 Scratchers

$100,000 Scratchers

Juan Cruz-Diaz, Phoenix, purchased an assortment of Scratchers that included 50X The Cash, a game he likes to play.

After Juan finished scratching the ticket, he knew he had a $100,000 top prize winner. Since he’d won $1,000 a year ago, he also knew he should sign the back of the ticket before he came to the Lottery to redeem it.

Elena Cutting, Goodyear, purchased an assortment of Scratchers at the counter of a store. One of them was her favorite, the Platinum Crossword. She enjoys the game because it takes time to play.

After Elena scratched the ticket and saw that the ticket looked to be a winner, she checked it at least five times. She then took it to a store and used the selfscanner.

When Elena came to the Lottery to redeem her ticket, she was told her ticket most definitely was a $100,000 top prize winner. Now that she knew the ticket was real, she felt comfortable telling her family about her win.

Elena works in the retail field and, for relaxation, loves spending time with her two Shih Tzus. To her, they are her children. She also loves to read, mostly nonfiction.

Since Elena’s family lives overseas, and it’s been a few years since she’s seen them, she will use some of the money from this win to return home for a family visit. The rest of the money will be invested. The ticket was purchased at Fry’s, 1064 S. Sarival Ave., Goodyear.

Juan is a frequent Scratchers player. He plays all of the price points depending on whether or not he likes the game.

Juan is also a regular player of Powerball and Mega Millions and uses his own set of numbers.

Juan works as a restaurant prep cook and doesn’t have a lot of spare time. However, he manages to find time to play sports as part of a men’s amateur league. Juan also loves spectator sports.

Juan is going to use the money from his win to pay off some bills and save the rest. The ticket was purchased at QuikTrip, 8233 N. 7th St., Phoenix.

Editor’s Note: 50X The Cash is an exciting new lottery game where players match their numbers to any of the winning numbers to win the prize shown. Revealing multipliers of 5X, 10X, 20X, or 50X multiplies the win by that amount! Prize amounts vary from $10 to $100,000 and the odds of winning are 1 in 3.42!

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 | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Cody Sutliff, Lake Havasu City, likes to play Scratchers and buys them twice a week. He recently purchased two 50X The Cash tickets from a Lottery vending machine and scratched them in the store.

Since Cody had returned to school two years ago to get his degree in business administration, he decided to be practical and use some of the money for school and save the rest.

$50,000 Scratchers Brent Horner, Surprise, purchased a few Slingo Trio Scratchers tickets. He likes the game because it takes longer to play. In fact, he and his wife play them for entertainment. Brent scratched the ticket at home and knew right away that it was a $50,000 winner. He had his wife check the ticket and finally it registered that they were looking at a $50,000 winning ticket. Brent buys Scratchers about once a month, or whenever he has extra cash.

He plays Powerball and Mega Million. $

CASINO DINING

By Mark Novak

MOTHER’S DAY DINING OPTIONS Gila River Casinos Roll Out Feasts For This Special Occasion

I

f you are like me, you may not have made plans yet to take your mom out for Mother’s Day on May 10th. Well, don’t panic yet because I do have a solution. Take mom out to one of the three Gila River Casinos on her day and both of you will enjoy dining on any one of several special menus prepared by the casino. Regardless of if you pick Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino or Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino, you’ll be in for a treat!

WILD HORSE PASS HOTEL & CASINO Café 24/7 Hours: Noon to 8:00 pm Price: $13.95 per person Guests will start with a spinach and arugula salad topped with Applewood bacon, sliced red onions and champagne vinaigrette. The featured entrée will consist of slow roasted pork loin, apple streusel topping, mashed potatoes, and green bean and mushroom casserole. For dessert, Tiramisu will complete this delicious meal.

Shula’s Steakhouse Hours: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm Price: $59.00 per person Guests will start with a choice of the house salad or a crisp wedge salad. The main entrée will consist of a 6 oz. Shula Cut® filet mignon with shrimp scampi, or a pan seared sea bass with crustacean sauce. For dessert, guests can delight in crème brulee topped with macerated strawberries.

LONE BUTTE CASINO Café 24-7 Hours: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Price: $13.99 per person

Price: $17.99 per person The featured brunch at Coffee Shop 24/7 will include their traditional breakfast items of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns. To add to your experience, there will also be a made-to-order omelet station, carved prime rib and ham, and everyone’s favorite chocolate fountain with assorted desserts.

Ditka’s Hours: 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm Price: $30.95 per person You are invited to enjoy their Mother’s Day Special which will begin with Mike’s salad, followed by your choice of either a petite filet and crab cake, or a petite filet and scampi accompanied by steamed asparagus and red mashed potatoes. For dessert, enjoy their raspberry cheese cake.

VEE QUIVA HOTEL & CASINO

Personally, I think Ditka’s at Vee Quiva is my favorite from all of the different options and you can then make the most of the weekend by spending the night at their hotel. Bring the entire family along and really make it a stay and play weekend for everyone. In fact, each guest earning 100 points on their player’s club card on May 8, 9, and 10 will walk away with a special Mother’s Day bracelet as a gift. Plus, you can earn 5X entries on Sunday, May 10th towards the Slot Bank Battle held on Mondays and Fridays.

Coffee Shop 24/7 Hours: 9:00 am to Noon

For more information on any of the three Gila River Casinos, please visit WinGilaRiver.com. $

Guests start with a house salad with a choice of dressing. The main entrée will include chicken marsala, risotto, and roasted vegetables, with strawberry shortcake for dessert.

20 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

WINNING WAYS

By Mark Novak

2015 TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS $1.3 Million Purse On The Line In Nation’s Biggest Slot Tournament

T

his year’s cross-country search for the Nation’s Best Slot Tournament Player is just around the corner, and with a $1.3 million purse on the line, the 2015 tour will prove to be the biggest slot tournament to date. The two-day Championship event on September 29 and 30 of this year will feature more than 200 players representing 100-plus casinos (including some Arizona casinos). For the second consecutive year, the finals will be hosted by The Wynn Las Vegas inside the XS Nightclub.

Comedian George Wallace helped kick off the western US tour from Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 28. The tour will spend the remaining spring and summer months hosting qualifying events at casinos throughout the western half of the US. The qualifiers will then converge back in Las Vegas in late September where they will be joined by qualifiers from the eastern US to compete in the finals of the National TournEvent of Champions, all seeking to become the next National Champion and walk away with the Million Dollar grand prize. Combined, the TournEvent of Champions Red and Blue buses will traverse approximately 40,000 miles and make stops at more than 70 casinos.

Last year, here in Arizona, both Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa hosted the local TournEvents during the summer. Each local winner received a paid vacation for two ($800 in airfare, 5 days/4 nights at the Wynn, $500 in food & beverage credit at the Wynn) to Las Vegas, Nevada and a chance at $1 million! All participants walked away with money; even the last place winner received $500!

How To Participate Step 1 (Semi-Finals): Get your hands on a Golden Pass™ by competing in your home casino’s semi-final tournament. Ask for more information at the player’s club at your favorite casino.

Step 2 (In-Casino Finals): Return with your Golden Pass™ and prove you have what it takes to claim the top spot by competing against other Golden Pass™ earners at your home casino’s final tournament. One winner from each casino will advance to the National Slot TournEvent in Las Vegas (all expenses paid).

Step 3 (National Championship): Pack your bags and your best good luck charm as you and your guest head to Las Vegas to compete in the Championship for your share of $1.3 million! $

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

AAA Four Diamond Northern Arizona Resort Becomes Popular Starting Point For Summer Adventures Words By Heather Austin Images By Ryan Williams Photography

T

his month, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort will celebrate its second anniversary as it continues to welcome travelers to experience Navajo art, food and its rich culture. In just two years, this popular Northern Arizona destination has expanded to 200 rooms, fueled Northern Arizona’s economy, provided 700+ high quality jobs and won numerous culinary, business and hospitality awards.

Its six popular restaurant concepts, luxurious resort rooms, live entertainment, more than 1,000 slot machines, 12 table games, four poker tables, heated indoor pool, fully equipped fitness center and newly launched arcade make this AAA FourDiamond resort the perfect place to escape the heat and celebrate summer. Since summer is Flagstaff’s high season, the city offers a range of events and activities for Twin Arrow’s guests to enjoy.

First Friday Art Walk – May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7: Enjoy local and national artists’ work, exhibits and food samples while strolling through historic downtown Flagstaff. See a full schedule of galleries and featured artists at FlagArtsCouncil.org Hullabaloo – June 6: This popular annual music, entertainment and art festival celebrates all things Flagstaff. The live music,

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

bike festival and costume contest combine to create an unforgettable experience for out-of-town guests.

Flagstaff Wine and Food Festival – June 7: Sip exquisite wines from approximately 30 international and national wineries as well as the best Arizona vintners. Cuisine from the finest chefs in Northern Arizona, including Twin Arrows’ own awardwinning team from Zenith Steakhouse, will also provide plenty of decadent food to enjoy at this event for those age 21 and up.

Huckin’ for Hearts Disc Golf Tournament – June 20: Raise funds for the Shadows Foundation and local Flagstaff families with life-threatening diseases. Visit ShadowsFoundation.org/ Huckin-For-Hearts to sign up as an individual or form a Frisbee golf team for the worthwhile tournament.

Flagstaff Brews and Blues Festival – June 20: Benefitting art and music education in Flagstaff schools, this event features great craft beer and live music from nearly a dozen bands as well as tastings from local microbreweries and restaurants.

Flagstaff Rodeo – June 25-27: A great event for the entire family, the Flagstaff rodeo is a three-day event featuring professional bull-riding, bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc, steer

A few of the most popular destinations include: The Grand Canyon – Located about an hour and a half from Twin Arrows, resort guests can enjoy Navajo Tacos for lunch at Arrows Sports Bar then drive over to the Canyon before the sun sets on its breathtaking buttes and pinnacles. Guests should arrive at least 90 minutes before sunset and bring a light jacket or sweater, as summer evenings can be cool at the Canyon. It’s best to visit in May and June before late summer thunderstorms threaten to spoil fun.

Sunset Crater – Just 45 minutes north of Twin Arrows, Sunset Crater is the perfect spot for summer hikes amid towering ponderosa pines and the surreal lava flow and cinders. Formed about 900 years ago from a volcanic explosion, Sunset Crater is a favorite day-trip destination for Twin Arrows guests. Visit August 25 on the National Park Service’s Birthday and admission is free. Celebrate afterwards with a delicious Navajo steak and glass of wine at the award-winning Zenith Steakhouse.

Walnut Canyon – Less than a half hour south of the resort, Twin Arrows guests can grab lunch or a treat-to-go at Indulgence before exploring Walnut Canyon’s ancient cliff dwellings, hiking along trails and imagining what life was like for its ancient inhabitants. The curved canyon walls and geological cliff formations are as awe inspiring as it is to visit actual pueblos and connect to the past.

wrestling and barrel racing.

Museum of Northern Arizona Fundraising Gala – June 20 and 21: The annual event includes a gala dinner, silent auction and the art exhibition - Reconstructing the View: The Grand Canyon Photographs of Mark Klett & Byron Wolfe.

Twin Arrows 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular – Voted the best fireworks display in Northern Arizona, Twin Arrows’ guests can enjoy an amazing pyrotechnics display for free while relaxing on the cool grassy Twin Arrows lawn the evening of July 4th.

In addition to all the events taking place in Flagstaff, Twin Arrows’ location just off the I-40, and about 25 minutes from the I17 Flagstaff junction, makes it an ideal launching off point to experience Northern Arizona attractions, national monuments and nature this summer. Twin Arrows truly is your gateway to adventure. Situated on the western tip of the Navajo Reservation, Twin Arrows is a short drive from many of Northern Arizona and Northern New Mexico’s most scenic landmarks.

Guests can explore these picturesque destinations and then relax in Twin Arrows’ spacious guest rooms, enjoy live Bingo or try their luck on one of over 1,000 of the state’s newest slots.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument – This memorable Navajo landmark is about 2 hours and 40 minutes from the resort and situated entirely on Navajo land. Best as an all-day or twoday adventure, Canyon de Chelly has become one of the United State’s most popular tourist attractions for its towering Spider Rock, inspiring Mummy Cave Ruins and incredible White House ruin. Enjoy an early morning breakfast of buttermilk Navajo Pancakes at Four Elements Café before heading out.

Hikes, Mountain Biking and Trail Runs – Twin Arrows is surrounded by great trails including: Mt. Elden – Great for a strenuous trail run. Start on Fatman’s loop, then at the junction choose Elden Lookout Trail. Humphrey's Peak – A strenuous all day hike that offers spectacular views. Remember to bring plenty of water and layer clothing as the altitude change and weather can catch hikers off guard. The Arizona Trail, Dry Lake Hills Trails – Twin Arrows is adjacent to numerous short mountain biking trails that link together to form networks of trails to traverse. Stop by a local Flagstaff bike shop to determine which trail network will provide the desired views at a level of difficulty that is enjoyable.

In addition to the newest casino games, breathtaking artwork, relaxing accommodations and delicious cuisine onsite at Twin Arrows, enjoy all that Northern Arizona has to offer this summer. Make a reservation at TwinArrows.com as the resort fills up in advance, especially for weekends and the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

25

TRIBAL NEWS

By Lee Allen

POW WOW IN THE PINES June 5-7 At Hon-Dah Casino Festival Grounds

T

he White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) is at it again.

They are holding another pow wow in the cool confines of Pinetop, Way Up High in the Ponderosa Pines, this is an annually-anticipated event in the most appropriate of venues, the world’s largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees scattered across 1.6 million acres on the WMAT reservation.

“People plan their vacations around our pow wow,” says Mark Neel, Events and Entertainment Director of the Hon-Dah Casino, Resort, and Conference Center. “We had between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees last year and anticipate that number will again be achieved, and possibly exceeded, this year.”

This is Year 18 for the three-day gathering (June 5-6-7) at the Hon-Dah Festival Grounds where tribal dancers from Canada and all over the United States get together to compete in several forms of traditional dance (fancy dance, grass dance, Apache Sunrise dance). In addition to the drumming and dancing, there will be arts and crafts exhibits by native artists, and lots of food.

With 22 federally-recognized tribes in Arizona, there are a lot of opportunities to pow wow, but this particular event keeps dancers coming back year after year --- big prize money, enjoyable spring weather, and Apache hospitality beginning with a Dagot’ee (Hello) extended to summertime visitors fleeing triple digit temperatures elsewhere.

Describing the pow wow as “a welcome mat for the White Mountain Apache Tribe,” long-time pow wow workers Sharon Walker and Nikina Whitaker say the festivities offer “a time to meet with old friends, make new friends, sing, and dance.”

And there’s lots of that beginning with a Social Dance on Friday Night, June 5th from 6pm till the last dancer calls it quits. “This is a social event where native and non-native alike are welcome,” says Neel. “It harkens back to the days when tribes would gather for socializing and to tell stories and trade goods.

We’ll have a bonfire in the outdoor arena and a variety of drum groups, perhaps as many as eight, will play dance songs as long as there are willing dancers.”

Grand entry, where all participants enter and circle around the arena, takes place at noon on Saturday and Sunday (and 6pm on Saturday) where spectators have an opportunity to view differ-

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

ent tribal dancers in all their regalia. Prize money this year totals $39,500 with $9,000 of that cash pot allocated to drum group competition. Initial registration indicates there will be as many as 300 dancers competing.

“Pow wows are important for American Indians to express their cultural heritage and preserve significant traditions,” according to Anne Groebner who did marketing chores for the 2014 event.

“While dancers are entertaining and the regalia is a feast for the eyes, much more lies beneath the surface as the dances generally represent aspects of Native American spirituality, emotion, history, and traditional society.

Host drums play a prominent part in pow wow procedure.

“Drum groups provide the rhythms and sounds essential to a

TRIBAL NEWS

we come from the Earth and belong to it. Our unique and beautiful home was given to us by our Creator and is rich in resources, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and tradition.” This home to Apaches is one-of-a-kind…starting at 2,600 feet above sea level at its lowest point and climbing to the 11,400 foot peak of Mount Baldy, the tribe’s sacred mountain.

The natural attractions have been here before history was written down. Elk grazed and bugled across tules while deer sipped from the seeps and wild turkeys scratched the grassy hillsides. And Pueblo hunters stalked game with their spears and atlatis. Although the game stalkers and their weapons are different today, hunters and anglers and other outdoor counterparts from campers and hikers to snow/water/cross-country skiers continue to make the trip up the mountain in pursuit of pleasure.

pow wow gathering,” Groebner said. “Drum groups are, first and foremost, singers who sit in small circles that surround the large drum being played. The energy level attained at an event is created by the enthusiasm of these drum groups and their music is haunting, spiritual, and uplifting.”

Unlike many other pow wows, the WMAT In-The-Pines gathering has no admission charge to enjoy the multi-day pageantry.

Likewise, the panoramic performance presented by Mother Nature also comes free of charge -- thick forests of spruce, aspen, and oak trees, majestic snow-capped mountains, deep canyons that dazzle the senses, and meandering streams that harbor tranquility.

White Mountain Apache visitor information notes: “We believe

And reservation boundaries are at the heart of this high country hideaway where tourism efforts rank at the top of Apache tribal revenue generators. “The Mountain Spirits watch over our land and its people and the Creator has blessed us with the most pristine beauty anyone could imagine,” says Chairman Ronnie Lupe. “Using what Mother Earth has given us, we are working hard to increase economic development by enhancing Tribal Tourism Department efforts. Tourism not only brings jobs to our community, but dollars that can be used to replenish and sustain our natural beauty. As caretakers and stewards of our land, we have an opportunity to make new friends from our tourism efforts. Through this office, we’re encouraging every member of the tribe to become a tourism spokesperson and create a positive image of what we can offer.”

No trip to this pine forested paradise would be complete without a stop at the Hon-Dah Casino-Resort-Conference Center next to the pow wow grounds, 3 miles south of Pinetop. Billing itself as “the Coolest Sport in Arizona” “Where Players Come 1st,“ the casino holds year-round monthly slot tournaments where $25 buys into a chance to win one of the Top Ten prizes including a First Place $2,000.

The scenic drive to Hon-Dah is easily made via US 60 East out of Phoenix through Globe to Show-Low or using AZ-87 to Payson and then AZ-260 to Show-Low. Call 928.369.7623 or visit Hon-Dah.com for further information. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

27

TRIBAL NEWS

NIGA CHAIRMAN STEVENS REELECTED Election Marks 8th Consecutive Term For Ernie Stevens Jr.

T

he National Indian Gaming Association's (NIGA) Board of Directors elections were held during the Annual Membership Meeting. NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. was reelected for his 8th consecutive term as the Chairman of the association by acclamation. Chairman Stevens has been with NIGA for 15 years. From 1993 to 1999 Chairman Stevens served as an elected councilman for the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.

He is a former First Vice-President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). As a respected leader in Indian Country, Chairman Stevens also serves as a long-standing board member on the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development Board, on the Nike N7 Foundation Board and is Vice Chairman of the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) Foundation, he also serves on the Native American Advisory Board for the Boys and Girls Club of America. In 2012, Chairman Stevens was inducted into the prestigious Boys

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

& Girls Club of American Alumni Hall of Fame. Chairman Ernie Stevens has earned an Associate's degree from Haskell Indian Nations University, in Lawrence, Kansas and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. He is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.

He and his wife Cheryl have been married over 30 years, have five children and 13 grandchildren. $

GAMING NEWS

Looking Ahead With The Office Of Problem Gambling In 2015, new opportunities will arise for the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling (OPG). Last year, OPG was proud to exhibit and present at over 90 venues to educate about the downfalls of problem gambling as well as all the opportunities to get help through one-on-one counseling, Gamblers Anonymous, GamAnon for families, and the further promotion of the Self-Exclusion program throughout Arizona.

The OPG will continue to promote the mission of providing supportive and effective problem gambling prevention as well as to refer individuals for treatment of problem gambling. This year, the OPG will focus on education opportunities and increase awareness of problem gambling in rural communities throughout the state.

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

In March, the OPG was excited to roll out the newest data management system which will track the number of clients receiving services with their contracted treatment providers and indicate the specific services provided. The data management software will allow an accurate tracking of outcomes to ensure the most effective treatment for those afflicted with problem gambling.

The OPG staff is dedicated to maintaining and strengthening the relationships with key partners and stakeholders, as well as to provide effective outcomes for those who suffer with problem gambling. By utilizing 2014 as a foundation of success, the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling is excited to continue the mission of providing supportive care to families throughout Arizona. $

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino Pays $317,817

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino and Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino have linked the Fortune Pai Gow Progressive™ jackpot at each property to create the largest progressive table games jackpot in Arizona. The progressive wager gives players an opportunity to win all or part of a large, incrementing jackpot and it has paid off for lucky Phoenix resident L. Noval who won $317,817 recently at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.

Gila River Casinos offers players a progressive jackpot funded by tables at each of their three properties. The progressive jackpot system creates higher jackpots for players and increases the excitement of one of the more popular table games. “I can’t believe I won, I am so happy,” said Noval of her big win.

Since its inception, the Pai Gow progressive jackpot has paid out over a million dollars to lucky winners at all three Gila River Casinos’ properties, and has also paid out the largest Fortune Pai Gow Progressive™ jackpot in Arizona at a cool $518,315. Fortune Pai Gow Progressive™ is a guest favorite and Gila River Casinos is the first in Arizona to offer a multi-property linked progressive.

About Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. operates three Arizona casinos owned by the Gila River Indian Community including Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino. All three casinos offer a combination of slots, table games, bingo, poker and hotel and are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Additional information on this and other events is available by calling their phone number at 1-800-946-4452, or visiting their website at wingilariver.com. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

31

GAMING NEWS

$3.3 Million Win On Bally Game Scientific Games Corporation heated up the Lunar New Year when its Bally interstate wide-area progressive video slot link hit for the first time just recently, awarding the lucky player a life-changing $3.3 million jackpot!

The winner, a Massachusetts resident who wishes to remain anonymous, was playing the one-cent denomination Ho t Shot Progressive video slot for about an hour when it hit at ARIA Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

The slot machine paid a total of $3,331,684.47.

This is the third largest jackpot in the 83-year history of the Bally brand. Bally’s largest jackpot ($3,683,932.96) hit in 2009 at the Casino Royale in Las Vegas.

This jackpot win comes after Bally connected its Cash Connection link across Nevada and New Jersey on Aug. 20, 2014, creating the potential for even larger awards that offer more excitement for players. The combined link started with an accumulated top jackpot of $2,206,417.70 and continued to grow until it hit February 20, exactly six months later.

Hot Shot Progressive is an awe-inspiring double-wheel configuration of the popular brand featured on a 42-inch vertical display sitting atop a 22-inch high-definition screen. The game features popular play mechanics, touch-activated interaction, progressives, and free games.

This is the second Bally jackpot to hit in February. A $1.5 million jackpot hit on the Bally 1,000,000 Degrees slot link at HoChunk Gaming Madison in Wisconsin on February 11. The Hot Shot Progressive slot game is available in casinos all across Arizona and Nevada. Make sure to try your luck on these games while they’re still hot! $

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Directory & Gaming Statistics

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

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 February 2015 Slots

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 troplaughlin.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.

Hold % Tables

Hold %

Loose $1

4.42

Blackjack / 21

14.21

$5

5.14

Craps

16.06

25¢

5.68

Roulette

22.72

Multi-Denom 5.86

Pai Gow Poker

23.36

5¢

8.64

Let It Ride

26.74

Megabucks

9.54

Other Table Games 30.25

1¢

11.03

Three Card Poker

31.42

3.60

Win Amount

Dollars

Race Books

16.63

Slots

38.8 mil.

Bingo

26.70

Tables

3.4 mil.

26.92

Other

0.7 mil.

Tight $25 Other Loose Sports Pools

Tight Live Keno

14.53

Hold %

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

33

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Joe Hagan Director of Marketing, Tropicana Laughlin

TROPICANA LAUGHLIN Stay & Play—And A Lot More During This Summer

W

ith summer right around the corner everyone is making their vacation plans. So let me ask - have you considered Laughlin, Nevada? The Tropicana Laughlin Casino & Hotel is a great choice to stay and play this summer. A stay at the Tropicana provides you close proximity to the Colorado River, desert trails, vistas and golf courses.

If your family enjoys water activities then Lake Mohave or the Colorado River are just a few minutes away from the resort.

Lake Mohave’s clear water makes it a great choice for kayaking, scuba diving, boating, as well as fishing. Or, enjoy the cooler waters of the Colorado River as you jet ski or float along in your pontoon boat. More of a landlubber looking for off-road racing and throwing up sand in the desert? Maybe taking an early morning stroll or jog to start the day is more your cup of tea?

Then take in some of the countless trails in the area offering breathtaking vistas as you motor through or walk your way to enjoyment. Take time to plan to catch a glorious desert sunset too.

The Tropicana Laughlin Glowing Like A Jewel At Night

Of course, hitting the rolling golfing greens is another option.

We can recommend several area golf courses within miles of the Tropicana. Swing through an early morning 18 holes while your significant other enjoys the golf resort spa. Regardless of how you spent your day, you can always go “home” to the Tropicana Laughlin to refresh. You can lounge around the pool while viewing our 140-inch big screen TV, play bingo, or hit the slots.

Tropicana Laughlin has some of the newest and most exciting games.

Scenic Lake Mohave Located Just Minutes North Of Laughlin When it’s time for good eats, then try one of our seven restaurants. Passiaggio Italian Garden’s menu is family-friendly with plenty of Italian favorites as well as pizza-to-go. If you’ve worked up a big appetite, then the Roundhouse Buffet is your choice. Every night you can find a variety of dishes from sirloin tips with mushrooms to Asian stir fry. On Fridays and Saturdays we have a special seafood bar with favorites like crab legs, chilled and grilled shrimp, oysters, and crawfish.

End the evenings enjoying nightly live entertainment, dancing and a refreshing drink in the Caboose Lounge. No matter what the season or how you get there, a visit to Laughlin and a stay at the Tropicana is a vacation jackpot! For more information about the casino, visit their website at TropLaughlin.com. $

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Do you have a question for a Marketing Director? Have you ever wondered how the play on your player’s club card translates into offers? Do you want to find out how it really works?

We know you do and here is your chance to find out!

Send your question in an email with “Ask Joe” in the subject to our address at editor@azgamingguide.com and if Joe selects your question to be answered in an upcoming issue, you’ll get a $25 gift card! (If you prefer to send a letter, you may mail it to the following address.

“Ask Joe” Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277)

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

TROPICANA WINS READER POLLS National Magazine Bestows Awards On Laughlin Casino Hotel

T

ropicana Laughlin Hotel & Casino captured awards from Casino Player, resulting from the national magazine’s annual “Best Dining & Nightlife Awards” survey.

The popular Laughlin casino captured first place nods for The Steakhouse voted “Best Steakhouse” and “Best Romantic Restaurant” while the resort’s Sushi Bar received “Best Asian” and Passaggio Italian Gardens was acknowledged for “Best Pizza.”

In addition to these dining outlets, the resort offers 24-hour dining at Carnegie’s Café, deli-style service at the Poolside Café, south-of-the-border fare at Taqueria Del Rio and a wide variety of breakfast and dinner entrees as well as a weekend seafood buffet at the Roundhouse Buffet.

Trop Advantage® card members receive dining discounts based

on player card level. Trop Advantage® members with a special Veterans membership also receive a complimentary buffet for two every fourth Wednesday of the month at the Roundhouse Buffet.

About Tropicana Laughlin Hotel & Casino Tropicana Laughlin opened in 1988 and is centrally located in Laughlin, Nevada. The 27 acre resort features ample parking for boaters visiting the Colorado River during the summer and RV’ers looking to enjoy the near perfect year-round weather.

The 1,487 room hotel boasts more than 1,000 recently renovated rooms, approximately 1,000 slot machines, 18 table games, 7 restaurants, a 7,900 square foot entertainment Pavilion, nightly entertainment, 140 inch Poolside Big Screen, and a new state-ofthe-art Bingo Hall. Additional information about Tropicana is available at TropLaughlin.com. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

ARIZONA ROOM PATIO GRILL Where Southwestern Spices Meet The Heat Of The Night

T

here’s a hot new restaurant and nightspot open at Casino Arizona where Southwestern spices meet the heat of the night. Arizona Room Patio Grill is the kind of hangout with a casual vibe and great patio that feels right at home in Scottsdale. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite and a refreshing beer, catch a game on the giant video wall or hear a local band kick out a great set.

Casino Arizona’s talented chefs have crafted a menu with bold, Southwestern flavors such as their Machaca and Mojo Chicken Street Tacos and their Pork Green Chili Stew. Sweet treats include Pecan Pie and Strawberry Tres Leches Shortcake.

The bar offers specialty cocktails along with craft beers from local breweries including Four Peaks and San Tan. During your next visit, make sure to try their Burger/Sandwich & Beer Combo Special for just $9.00 and under! Plus, order any sandwich/burger and your first draft beer is only $2.00. Enjoy their Craft Beer Flight - 4 delicious, 5 oz. pours for only $7.00.

EVENTS AT THE ARIZONA ROOM PATIO GRILL Latin Fire Dance Nights—Mix, mingle and Merengue the night away every Tuesday night at 6pm in the Arizona Room Patio Grill with Latin Fire Dance Nights. Instructors Jack Mann, former ASU Latin/Ballroom Exhibition member, and Dance Captain Nikki DiGiorgio will lead lessons on basic Latin dances, including Salsa, Merengue & the Cha-Cha-Cha. These are fun and easy lessons that make for a great night, no matter what level of dancing experience you have. Come alone or with a friend; you’ll rotate partners throughout the class. And at the end of each class, enjoy a “Free Dance” where you can show off the moves you’ve learned so far.

Latin Fire Dance Lessons are the perfect lead in to the spicy Southwestern cuisine available at the Arizona Room Patio Grill.

Enjoy the Fiery Romesco Burger, the Pork Green Chile Stew or your favorite BBQ meal and cool off with a refreshing margarita

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

or glass of sangria.

Latin Fire Dance Lessons are available every Tuesday evening from 6-8pm. Admission is free. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to move in. After the dance lessons, check out La Propuesta de Mexico. A true Latin band that offers the sound, feel and rhythm of a spirited culture. From Selena to Cumbia Colombiana, they offer the greatest sounds for a true Latin night!

Country Dance Instruction—Mix, mingle and dance the night away on Wednesdays from 6-8pm in the Arizona Room Patio Grill For Country Dance Instruction Nights. Featuring the Tommy Ash band and instruction by Laina Lee aka "Dance Lane".

Country Dance Instruction Admission is free. Wear comfortable shoes or your favorite cowboy boots and clothes that are easy to move in. After the lesson, hear some of Arizona’s best musicians perform the hottest country music hits. DaisyTrain brings the top tunes of Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and many more. Straight out of Scottsdale, DaisyTrain packs every performance with a Texas-sized dose of flash and flair.

This is one high-energy show you won't want to miss! $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—Tue. at 6pm La Propuesta De Mexico—Tue. at 8pm Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wed. & Thu. at 6pm Daisy Train (Country)— Mon. & Wed. 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

REO Speedwagon Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita June 27, 2015 REO Speedwagon—the band, not the namesake truck—is rolling into Southern Arizona on Saturday, June 27 at 8pm to take the Diamond Center stage. Tickets start at $30 and are on sale now. Formed in 1967, REO Speedwagon has rocked to the top of the charts with 22 million albums sold in the U.S., 40 million around the globe, and a string of gold and platinum records.

Thirty–plus years later, lead singer Kevin Cronin and bandmates Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums) are still electrifying audiences worldwide. The performance will feature hit singles, including Keep on Loving You, Take It on the Run, Can’t Fight This Feeling, among others. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is playing host to one of America’s most beloved arena rock groups of the past several decades! We couldn’t be more excited to welcome back REO Speedwagon to the Diamond Center on June 27. They’re a long-time favorite here in Southern Arizona!”

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Apache Reggae Jam 2—Jun. 20 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm Events: Cage Rage 9—Jun. 20 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Vive Selena (Selena Quintanilla Tribute)—May 5 Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac Tribute)—May 9 Aeromyth (Aerosmith Tribute)—May 22 Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute)—May 29 The Arizona Room:

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Stargazer Pavillion: Wheel of Fortune Tryouts—May 2-3 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Th & Fr at 8pm Bonkerz Comedy—May 8 Los Cadetes De Linares—May 9 Craig Campbell Live—May 16 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: Amanda Miguel & Diego Verdaguer—May 16 Live and Let Die (Beatles Tribute)—Jun. 6 REO Speedwagon—Jun. 27 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: Shining Sta r—8th, Rock Fantasy Show Tribute—9th, Rick Lenzi & Roustabout (Elvis Tribute)—10th, The Stilettos—15th, Checker’d Past—16th, Stan & Miguel Trio—17th, Leif Garrett— 22nd, AzTex—23rd, The Relationship—29th, Quantum—30th Wild Wednesdays Jo e Ca stello Pro ject—7th, Vinny Dijohn—13th, Yesterday Once More—20th, Bandstand Shows—27th The Lounge Happy Hour Sta rting Ma y 4th Mo nda ys through Thursda ys from 58pm. Al Ortiz—4th, Notes From Neptune—11th, Laura Walsh— 18th, Stan & Miguel Trio—25th, Stan & Miguel Trio—Tuesdays, He Said She Said—Wednesdays, Walkens Duo—7th, Jay Allan—14th, Moot Davis—21st, Laura Walsh—28th Memorial Day Special entertainment from The XO Band and Stan & Miguel Trio Margarita Sundays Po o lside pa rties held Sunda y’s throughout the summer.

Enjoy live music, great food and drink, all while relaxing poolside.

Editor’s Pick Margarita Sunday starts May 24th and is from 2 to 6pm. Kush Country—24th, OneGunn (Bob Marley Tribute)—31st Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show begins at 7pm, Creagles (CCR & Eagles Tribute)—May 5-9, Smokehouse (Country Variety)—May 1216, Groove City Band (R&B Variety)—May 19-24, Affinity (Variety) May 26-30 Events: Pow Wow In The Pines—Jun. 6-8 White Mountain Bike Rally—Jun. 27-28

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Chicago Kid, Charles Hamilton, Anthony Lewis and John Hart, presented by Power 98.3)—May 8 WAR—May 9 Eddie Money—May 15 Tinh La Gi (Vietnamese Language Concert)—May 16 Working Class Hero (John Lennon Tribute)—May 17 Starship: Featuring Mickey Thomas—May 22 USA Belly Dance Queen Show—May 23 Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience—May 29

Talking Stick Resort Presents: Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment throughout the week featuring the Valley's best local bands & DJs

Chris Young and Thompson Square May 29, 2015

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

Harry Luge—May 15 Mogollon—May 22 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: Thunder From Down Under—May 7—9 Moody Blues—May 8 REO Speedwagon—May 17 Chris Young and Thompson Square—May 29 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: The Atomic Punks (Van Halen Tribute)—May 15 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: For Lovers And Others (featuring Jidenna, Sevyn Streeter, BJ The 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.

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort is going a little bit country!

Country favorites Chris Young and Thompson Square are slated to perform on the pool stage on May 29, making this an event fans can’t afford to miss! The night-side concert will be one for the books as Chris Young plays his signature hits like Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song) and Voices, while Thompson Square performs If I Didn’t Have You and Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not. Join the party at the pool and see the trio perform firsthand! Tickets are on sale now.

Please call 480.850.7777 or visit TalkingStickResort.com for more information. $ azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

39

CASINO BINGO

By Mark Novak

PARADISE CASINO BINGO HALL May Schedule Of Games And Promotions

T

he Paradise Casino Bingo Hall in Yuma has a lot going on this month so make sure you check them out!

Winner’s Circle Drawing $500 in cash on May 11th & 25th! Receive a drawing a ticket with your buy-in when you play at any session for the month of May. Double drawing tickets on Mondays and Wednesdays. May 5th—Cinco De Mayo $500 Must go Special during the 6pm session. May 10th— Mother’s Day Session Start time is 1:30pm with a $25 paper buy-in and $47 & $77 electronic buy-in. 10 main games paying $300, $500 Specials, $1,199 Double Action Coverall. May 25th— Memorial Day $500 Must go Special during the 6pm session.

Sunday through Saturday 1:30pm matinee session with a $10 paper buy-in, $17 electronic, $22 manager’s special. $75 payouts, $100 specials. Monday 6pm Sessions 2-Level Session L1($10/$17)

= $100 payouts, L2($15/$27)=$150 payouts. Specials paying $125/ $200 odd/even coverall. Swipe your player’s card at time of purchase and receive a free pack of specials. Tuesday & Friday Nights are Ladies' Nights Any lady who bingos alone on their main games will receive double payout during Tuesday ($200) or Friday ($200) sessions. (No t valid on hot ball or specials) Wednesdays are Gentleman's Night Any man who bingos alone on their main games will receive double payout ($200).

(Not valid on hot ball or specials) Thursday Nights No Split Bingo Tired of sharing your bingo winnings? This is your night! No matter how many winner’s on their main games each winner will receive $100 each. (Not valid on hot ball or specials) Saturday & Sunday Evenings Triple Points 10 main games pay $125 each with $175 specials and a $200 coverall consolation. $

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

Yes

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 04/01/15 & 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 | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

BANGING AND SHAKING THE SLOTS A Reader Wonders If All The Abuse Affects The Games

H

ello, I am writing to ask you to publish my question/ comment about the myriad of people who persist in pounding, banging, and slapping machines, and also trying to stop reels while playing slot machines. They actually believe that any of these motions will make a difference. It is annoying to people around them and results in dirty fingermarks on screens and keys that stick.

One lady next to me actually threw her beer all over the machine and two of us while banging on the machine. Another actually tried to physically push and shake the machine, slightly moving the entire bank we were all playing. My question is does all this heavy abuse of the slot machines eventually damage them or the computer operation inside? Please use your forum to remind people that such actions don't influence the outcome, anyway, and are hard on the machines and the people sitting nearby. Thanks! Love your column and magazine!

-Ali Iliff from Tucson, Arizona Thank you Ali for writing in and for your kind comments. In

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

the past, when the smacking, shaking, hitting, cursing, and a plethora of other obnoxious behaviors by casino patrons happened near the slot I’ve chosen to play at my favorite casino, I’ve either elected to move to a different game further away or I’ve informed a slot attendant, beverage server, or security officer of my issues. Either way, the situation was resolved immediately. You do have a legitimate concern about the abused machines (they cost upw ard s of $15,000!). Fortunately, due to the high level of regulation and third party testing of the games, the computer operation is completely secure. However, the touchscreens and monitors, not to mention the buttons, can only put up with so much until they will break. Casino patrons should remember the rule “if you broke it you bought it!” $

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

FUN FACTS

By Mark Novak

ARIZONA BENEFITS FUND Tribal Gaming Contributes Over $1 Billion In Revenues To Arizona

F

or more than ten years, shared revenues from tribal gaming have been invested in Arizona to improve education, health care, conservation and the economies of local communities throughout the state.

With the passage of Proposition 202, gaming tribes in Arizona volunteered to share a portion of gaming revenues with the state of Arizona and local governments to support specific state and local programs. Twelve percent (12%) of the total money is directed to city, town and county government services benefitting the people such as public safety and promotion of commerce and economic development. An additional 9% of the total funds the state’s regulatory expenses.

educational programs and needs ($460 million), 28% funds emergency services and trauma centers ($230 million), 7% funds wildlife and habitat conservation ($65 million), 7% funds statewide tourism promotion ($65 million), and 2% supports the education, prevention and treatment of problem gambling ($18 million). In addition, tribes contribute funds every year directly to cities, towns and counties in Arizona ($104 million).

Charities and non-profits also receive millions of dollars from tribes who are funding scholarships for students, supporting social service organizations and providing revenue for educational, economic, and cultural organizations that benefit all the people of Arizona. Since 2002, Indian Gaming has contributed over $1 billion in revenues to Arizona! $

The remainder of the money is contributed to the Arizona Benefits Fund. Of that fund, 56% of the shared revenue is directed to

azgamingguide.com | May 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

43

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of Chocolate Chip Day on May 15th, find: BAKING, BROWNIES, CHIPS, CHOCOLATE, COCOA, COOKIES, CUPCAKES, DARK, DECADENT, INGREDIENT, MELTED, MILK, SEMISWEET, SUGAR, SWISS, UNSWEETENED, WHITE. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

D

Z

E

F

G

I

Y

G

F

K

L

I

M U

I

J

U

Y

T

N

E

N

P

A A

U

S

D

I

G

D

F

N

R

A

I

Y

I

Y

N

L

E

V

E

G

F

A

S

G

K

L

T

S

S

N

C

E

O

C

D

A

Z

R

A

T

A

O W C

A

S

P

I

H C

L

B

B

K

Z

E

E

C

D A

S

O

F

E

Q

J

J

L

M

E

E

E

O W U

E

E

K N

Z

R

O W

T

E

N W

I

H

Y

V

C

R

G

K

T

L

E

G

T

L

S

S

Q

C

O

T

A

R

O

V

N M

T

Z

S

T

L

I

C

B

E

G

E

U

E

W H

I

T

E

E

E

O M W

T

U D

D

B

O

F

K

I

F

C

A D N

E

V

S

C

O

O

K

I

E

S

O

A

J

B

Z

S

M E

C

U

P

C

A

K

E

S

S

V

G

G

A

H N

W M

K

S

E

I

N W O

R

B

K

C

F

I

I

T

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 6

4

2

8 5

6 2

3

9

3 1

7

4

7 5

9

7

6 3

6 9

2

4 8 7

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 904

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,073

Y

Y

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 289

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 628

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 419

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 243

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 893 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 320

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 04/01/15 & 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 E

G T

D A R B

N E W

N

A I K L A T O K E E M E E T E N E T L S H I T E

S W C E W S T

D O I S

E D A C O O K I E S C U P C A K E S S E I NWO

K L U N C A S S W H C I C O M D

I M D E

P I H C I N C R G O A R G E U D E S I S E N R B T

Sudoku Solution 2

3

5

1

9

7

6

4

8

8

6

4

2

3

5

1

9

7

7

1

9

6

8

4

2

3

5

6

2

3

8

1

9

5

7

4

5

9

8

7

4

6

3

1

2

1

4

7

3

5

2

8

6

9

9

8

6

5

7

1

4

2

3

3

7

2

4

6

8

9

5

1

4

5

1

9

2

3

7

8

6

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

Y

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Arcade

Y

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Poker Room

Y

800-272-2438 598

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