Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - July 2015 - 07:07 by Arizona Gaming Guide

JULY

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 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 36 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO BINGO 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS

44 FUN & GAMES 46 CASINO DIRECTORY

TALKING STICK RESORT AZ POKER CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 14—18, 2015

The higher you bet the more bonuses you can pick from and you have a chance to win progressives too.

Now you can experience the laughs and loves in an all-new way with the Friends video slot from Bally.

Enhancing the experience with an expanded casino floor, brand new dining options and much more.

SPHINX 3D BY SPIELO NOW AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN

FRIENDS SLOT MACHINE BY BALLY TECHNOLOGIES

LONE BUTTE CASINO MAKES EXPANSION PLANS

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

EDITOR’S NOTE

HOW TO GET UNSTUCK! Get Ready For Your Next Adventure

henever I listen to my friends talk about how they feel stuck, I always want to jump in and start giving advice. I constantly point out that there are so many prospects in front of us every day, all we have to do is seize just one and run with it! If you are feeling stuck and need a new opportunity with your gambling, just look at everything packed in this issue. There’s a new table game at Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, five 3D slots that are brand new at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, a great steakhouse to visit, advice on futures betting, the Arizona State Poker Championship in August at Talking Stick Resort, Lone Butte’s expansion, Multimedia’s TournEvent of Champions here in Arizona, plenty of July events at the Tropicana Laughlin, great entertainment, and a whole lot more. Pick one and go for it! 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

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 07 • ISSUE 07 MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Mark Novak Cindy Esquer Amanda Riddle Lana Hartmann Samantha Becker Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford ADVERTISING SALES Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com Nina Consiglio nina@azgamingguide.com MAILING INFORMATION Arizona Gaming Guide P.O. Box 20636 Mesa, Arizona 85277 INTERNET INFORMATION www.azgamingguide.com www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

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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

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

PLAYERS TALK

Since the beginning of June, we have received quite a number of comments about Harrah’s Ak-Chin’s new free play system. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive e-mails, letters, and Facebook messages, we thought we’d share with everyone what exactly is going on. A. Lang—Editor A: As of June 9, 2015, Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa, Arizona implemented a new system with their Total Rewards player’s club cards. Any free play awarded by the casino to your player’s club account can be downloaded onto a slot machine and unused amounts are automatically loaded back on to your card when you remove the card from the machine! What does this mean? 1. You no longer have to use all your free slot play at one machine. For example, you can download $5 in free play onto a slot machine, bet $1.00 three times, still have $2.00 of free play left on the slot, pull out your card and the $2.00 will transfer back onto your account. If you won any amount as a result of those three $1.00 wagers, you can hit cash out and walk away with your winnings! 2. You can move to a different machine to use the remainder of your free play! 3. There are no more codes to remember, no buttons to press, and no procedures to follow! We are so excited about this new system! If you’re just not feeling it anymore on the slot you chose to play, at least you can cash out, remove your Total Rewards card and try your luck somewhere else with any remaining free play. Make sure you check out the new features the next time you visit Harah’s Ak-Chin. They can be reached at 480.802.5000 or on the web at HarrahsAkChin.com for more information. With football season just around the corner, we get questions from our readers regarding fantasy sports leagues, the legality of them, the legality of participating in online fantasy sports leagues, and so on. We decided to ask the Arizona Department

and get a $25 gift or gas card if we decide to print your question! Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: editor@azgamingguide.com.

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PLAYERS TALK

Continued from page 6

of Gaming (ADG) for some clarification on this as there appears to be some confusion among our readers. A. Lang—Editor A: Currently, the fantasy sports that operates in most states does so under a section in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act which was passed as part of the Safe Harbor Port Security Bill in late 2006. The law states that fantasy sports games are exempt from prohibition as long as the following conditions are met: 1. All prizes/awards offered to winning participants are established and made known to the participants in advance of the game and their values are not determined by the number of participants or the amount of any fees paid by the participants. 2. All winning outcomes reflect the relative knowledge and skills of the participants and are determined predominantly by accumulated statistical results of the performance of individuals (athletes in the case of sports events) in multiple real-world sporting or other events. 3. No winning outcome is based on the score, point-spread, or any performance or performances of a single real-world team or any combinations of such teams; or solely on any single performance of an individual athlete in any single real-world sporting or other event.

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Arizona statues consider the following three points when deciphering between legal and illegal gambling. The law considers something to be gambling if these three items apply: 1. Considerations: the act of risking/giving something of value 2. Reward: the opportunity to obtain a benefit 3. Chance/Skill: from a game or contest, of chance or skill, or a future contingent event is central to the event Fantasy leagues among friends would fall under Arizona’s social gambling statutes. As long as no player, person or entity receives an indirect or direct benefit. ARS 13-3301(7) “Social gambling” means gambling that is not conducted as a business and that involves players who compete on equal terms with each other in a gamble if certain conditions apply. The ADG had the following to say on the topic of fantasy sports: “ADG wants fantasy players who are playing through any online third party paid league to be aware, those sites usually list Arizona as an excluded state and therefore may not be able to collect any winnings.” Furthermore, “Arizona statutes do not currently authorize paid fantasy sports leagues played through a third party, however this does not prohibit fantasy sports players from participating in social leagues where a third party is not directly or indirectly benefitting from the gambling. A group of friends playing against each other where all the money is paid to the winner or winners is not prohibited.” $

TABLE GAMES By Al Moe

HERE COMES BUSTER BLACKJACK Available Now Exclusively At Casino Arizona & Talking Stick Resort

ew games and new ideas often come to small gaming regions first before they become accepted in places like Atlantic City and Las Vegas. In fact, Three-Card-Poker was overlooked by Nevada gaming operators who refused to give it a trial in the 1990s, so it was a small club in Mississippi that first took the plunge and found they had a gem. The same may be true for Buster Blackjack. I’ve never been a fan of side-bets at blackjack. I find the game to be perfect as it is, as long as I get 3-2 on a blackjack, as all casinos in Arizona offer. What could improve the game beyond its great qualities? You can change your wagers, you can learn basic strategy and get really good and play nearly even with the house, and you can play more than one hand. It’s great! But then along comes Buster Blackjack. Right now, before a single casino in Nevada has the game, two casinos in Scottsdale (Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona) are offering players the chance to try out the Buster Blackjack side-bet. Not surprisingly, popularity is high. Probably because the bet pays-off when the dealer busts! Side Bets Are Popular Even though the game of blackjack is already awesome, sidebets are popular. You can play Lucky Ladies all over the state, from the Blue Water Resort in Parker to Bucky’s in Prescott. It’s a fun wager, but the house edge is high and that’s my issue with it. Buster Blackjack is much more player-friendly while still offering a nice payoff.

Buster Blackjack Payoffs No Dealer Bust – no payoff – wager is lost Dealer Busts with 3 or 4 cards – payoff is 2 to 1 Dealer Busts with 5 cards – payoff is 4 to 1 Dealer Busts with 6 cards – payoff is 15 to 1 Dealer Busts with 7 cards – payoff is 50 to 1 Dealer Busts with 8 or more cards – payoff is 250 to 1

The game is offered on a standard blackjack table, usually with a six-deck shoe or an automatic shuffler. Gamblers play their regular hands of blackjack, but prior to any cards being dealt they may make a bet on the Buster Blackjack spot, up to the size of their blackjack wager. The big difference is that the bet is not on their own hand, it plays on the dealer’s hand. So even if the player busts or makes a blackjack and their hand is finished, they still have action!

In addition, there is a Bonus payoff of $1,000 if the dealer busts with 7 cards and an even higher $8,000 bonus if the dealer busts with 8 or more cards. $

Once all players are done, the dealer plays out their own hand, and if they bust, every Buster Blackjack wager gets paid. If you didn’t know it, the dealer will bust approximately 28.5 % of the time (I know, it seems like less), and if you play the Buster bet, you get paid!

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.

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS By Lana Hartmann

Sphinx 3D Ready For Play At Harrah’s Ak-Chin

ourney through time to the land of pharaohs where golden treasure abounds with the brand new Sphinx 3D slot machine at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa, Arizona. Sphinx 3D is the first title in the new Spielo True3D product line utilizing patented, award-winning 3D display technology exclusively designed for GTECH for the gaming industry. This True 3D experience is certain to impress with its unique award-winning and patented autostereoscopic technology, using integrated eye-tracking to make images jump off the screen or stretch into infinity in high resolution. The integrated eye-tracking system detects the player’s position and continuously adjusts the image according to their position. The image is processed and displayed so that the ideal 3D picture self-matches the player’s precise line of sight, allowing freedom of movement in all directions – all without the need for special glasses. Sphinx 3D, a 5-reel, 30-line game features an action-packed base game and a total of seven bonuses: two in the base game and five that are part of the Sphinx Bonus selection. Three Sphinx symbols in the base game trigger the Sphinx Bonus selection: the higher the bet, the bigger the selection of bonuses to choose from in this unique take on buy-a-feature. All bonuses leverage the 3D technology to enhance the gaming experience and game play is radically transformed by using an integrated player eye-tracking system that allows players to move their head to change viewing angles and explore different bonus environments.

RAMOSIS FREE GAME BONUS: Played on special bonus reels and awards 20 free games with a 2x multiplier. DIAMONDS CHAMBER BONUS: Pick to reveal credits, multipliers, or extra rounds during four rounds of game play. STARS PROGRESSIVE: Choose stars to be placed next to the five jackpot levels and at least one jackpot is guaranteed. ANCIENT WHEEL BONUS: Choose up to three times from three magic wheels representing different volatilities. Spinning the wheels will start the playoff of a credit amount that is shown on the wheels. Players can look around and behind the wheel to peek at values before making a selection! WILD SCARAB BONUS: Find and activate long-lost scarab reels in this bonus, which features 10 free spins and stacked wilds on the z-axis. For added excitement, scarabs that don’t pay build up stacks until they pay!

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Three Sphinx symbols on reels two, three, and four trigger the Sphinx Bonus. Players travel up to the Sphinx pyramid in this Bonus Selection Segment in an immersive real-time rendered 3D scene. Plus, Harrah’s Ak-Chin installed five of the 3D games including Bejeweled and Dragon Temple, so make sure you give all of them a try! You can also check out Big Red by Colossal Gaming next to Dunkin’ Donuts, make your own adventure with Konami’s Dungeons & Dragons and also with Konami’s Fast Hit Progressives video slots. There’s always so many new games coming in, you’ll just have to plan a trip to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino to see for yourself! Visit HarrahsAkChin.com for more information. $

Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Panda Spirit By Aruze

ruzeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pand a Spirit slot machine will be making its way across casino floors very soon and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait because the panda character looks way too cute and lucky! Panda Spirit is a 1-cent, 5-reel, 30-line stepper slot game. Bonus symbols appearing on 3 or more consecutive reels beginning with the leftmost reel trigger the Panda Bonus. Then, each symbol that triggered the bonus turns either red or green and a number appears. The sum of the numbers that appeared is awarded (from 8 to 420). The player may select either Panda Free Games or Panda Spin Bonus in which a randomly selected credit award is won (10, 20, 30, 40, or 60 times the number of free games, times the bet multiplier). The chances of hitting the bonus are about 1 in 99 and the game has a medium volatility. For more information on Pand a Spirit and Aruze, visit AruzeGaming.com. $

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

Sweet Nothings By WMS Gaming

ntroducing a candy-coated addition to the Any Way family called the Sw eet Nothings theme. This new theme offers a unique take on Any Way pays by removing smaller Royal symbol wins from the credit meter and moving them over to the Sweet Nothings meter. By doing this, you are able to combine small wins for a chance to win something meaningful! The longer you play and save up the credits in the Sweet Nothings meter before redeeming them the sweeter your rewards will be! During the Sw eet Nothings Spins, winning royal symbol combinations go straight to the Sweet Spins Credits Meter. Once the meter reaches 1600, the Sw eet Nothings Spins will become available and you may choose to activate them at any time! Exceeding 7500 Sweet Nothings will automatically trigger the Sw eet No things Spins. When you redeem your Sw eet Nothings points, you are offered a ‘choose your volatility’ option which determines how many games you want to play as well as which multipliers you want to play them at; up to a 25x multiplier. During the Sweet Nothings Spins if the meter equals or exceeds the initial Sweet Nothings Removed, the Sw eet No things Spins will be retriggered. The Sweet Spins feature ends when the Sweet Spins Credits Remaining reaches zero credits. In addition to this, Sw eet Nothings offers a Free Spin bonus awarding up to 25 free spins and a 10x multiplier! If this game has your sweet tooth curious, visit now.WMS.com for more information and keep your eye out for this game coming to Arizona casinos very soon. $

Monopoly Big Money Reel By WMS Gaming

r. Monopoly is back — and ready to take a trip around the board like never before. Introducing the Monop oly Big Money Reel theme which features a 42-inch curved LCD top box and 1080p high-definition screens that bring Mono p oly to life! Any combination of five or more scattered Monop oly Money watermarks awards a spin of the Mo nopoly Big Money Reel top reel. For each type of Monopoly Money collected, the associated Monopoly Big Money Reel sections receive a multiplier. The Monopoly Big Money Reel top reel will then spin, potentially triggering the Utilities Bonus or Go! Free Spins Bonus, or awarding up to 10,000 credits. The Go! Free Spins Bonus awards 8 spins, but before each spin within the bonus, you pick a GO! symbol revealing a 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1,000 Monop oly Money bill. All watermarked bills on the reels will then turn into the selected bill for that spin, awarding credits equal to the value of the watermarked bill times the number of bills landed! The Utilities Bonus begins with a bankroll of up to 1,000 credits. Pick a hand from Mr. Monopoly to reveal a Spin, Collect, or Collect x2. If Mr. Monopoly reveals a “Spin,” the Mono p oly Big Money Reel top reel spins, adding credits or a multiplier to the bankroll. Landing on “Collect x2” multiplies the bankroll by two and the Utilities Bonus ends. So pass Go!, take a chance at collecting 200 dollars, and visit now.WMS.com for info! $

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Friends By Bally Technologies

ith more than 20 million weekly viewers and 62 Primetime Emmy nominations over 10 memorable seasons, Friend s is considered one of the 50 greatest shows of all time by TV Guide Magazine. Now you can experience the laughs and loves in an all-new way with the Friend s video slot from Bally which features the beloved characters from Warner Bros. Televisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s widely popular sitcom. The Friend s game is presented on the Pro Theatre, a new cabinet featuring two Pro Wave curved cabinets topped by a massive 1080p resolution 55-inch display. This two-game configuration allows you to enjoy the experience solo or with a BFF. The Friend s video slot is a 5-reel, 40-line game that features an exciting wheel bonus. Three full stacks of Wheel Bonus symbols on reels two, three and four trigger the Friend s Wheel Bonus. Touch and spin the interactive U-Spin wheel to win credits, one of three Free Games bonuses featuring classic clips from the show, or The Bamboozled Bonus. During this pick feature, match three tiles to win credits or up to three progressive jackpots. Win 11 free games with Walking Wilds in the Party Bonus, 10 free games with wild symbols that lock into place in the Wedding Bonus, and 10 free games with all pays tripled in the Thanksgiving Bonus. Add Mystery Stacks in the base game and the chance of winning a life-changing top award on the Bally Cash Connection wide-area progressive link, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been more fun to hang out with your Friend s! Look for the Friend s slot machine at a casino near you! Could this game BE any more fun? $

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

ARIZONA LOTTERY By Cindy Esquer

$100,000 Scratchers

$50,000 Scratchers

Jose Holguin, Phoenix, purchased a Jumbo Bucks Scratchers ticket from a Lottery vending machine and scratched it in his truck. Although he’s a frequent player of Scratchers games, he hadn’t played in a while and forgot how much he enjoyed playing it.

Aaron Hiser, Mesa, redeemed a winning ticket worth $10, used the money to purchase a $10 Xtreme Cash Scratchers ticket, and scratched it at home. To Aaron’s amazement, the ticket turned out to be a $100,000 winner. He signed the back of the ticket immediately. Although he didn’t know it at the time, he’d won the last top prize for the game. Aaron usually buys Scratchers on payday. When he redeems a winning ticket, he’ll either buy a few extra $5 tickets or splurge and buy a $10 ticket. Working as a manager in the retail field doesn’t allow Aaron a lot of spare time. When he has the time, he spends it with his family. He also enjoys golfing and fishing. With a family vacation already planned for San Diego this summer, this win will allow them to extend their time at the beach. It will also help them pay off some bills.

When Jose finished scratching the ticket, he saw what looked like a top prize winner; believing it was another matter. He drove home and asked his grown children to check the ticket and tell him how much they thought he’d won. They agreed with Jose; he’d won the top prize of $100,000. As soon as Jose signed the back of the ticket, he came to the Lottery office to redeem it. He needed to have the Lottery confirm that the ticket was real; only then could he finally believe it. In addition to playing Scratchers, Jose also plays Powerball and Mega Millions on a regular basis. Jose is an electrician, so his days are long. The only plans he has for the money is to pay off a few small bills and invest the rest. The ticket was purchased at ARCO ampm, 2902 N. 16th St., Phoenix.

The ticket was purchased at Circle K, 7546 E. Baseline Road, Mesa.

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.

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Richard Royal, Wellton, is a frequent Scratchers player. He recently purchased two Win Pigs Fly tickets. He’d previously won $250 with the game and got his money back on a number of them. When Richard finished scratching both tickets, he was shocked to discover that one of them was a $50,000 top prize winner. Even though he was sure the ticket was a winner, as soon as he’d signed the back of it, he had the store check it. Richard grew up and attended school in Wellton. Later, he went into the military and recently retired. Richard taught himself to make jewelry that he sells online and at swap meets. When he has time, he enjoys rock hunting. With regard to his winnings, Richard is going to pay off any bills he has and put the rest away for a trip overseas to see his daughter and family. The ticket was purchased at ARCO ampm, 1349 S. 4th Ave., Yuma. Editor’s Note: Win Pigs Fly is a recent addition to the Arizona Lottery’s long list of Scratchers games. Players can purchase a Win Pigs Fly Scratcher for $5 at participating retailers. Match any of the player numbers to the winning numbers and win a prize for that number. Revealing a flying pig symbol automatically awards $50! Prizes range from $50,000 (at press time there was still one such Scratcher out there according to ArizonaLottery.com!) all the way down to $5. Overall odds of winning are about 1 in 3.7. $

CASINO DINING By Lyra Manning & Satara Williams

CHOLLA PRIME STEAKHOUSE Casino Arizona’s Steakhouse Wins TripAdvisor Award Back To Back

asino Arizona, an enterprise of the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community, is proud to announce that Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge has received TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” award. This marks the second consecutive year the property’s fine-dining restaurant has been honored with the accolade. “Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge is Casino Arizona’s hidden gem so we’re thrilled TripAdvisor has recognized our commitment to the food and beverage industry,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Casino Arizona. A prominent travel website, TripAdvisor allows guests to post online reviews about establishments. Five years ago, the company began honoring venues—that have received consistent favorable remarks throughout the year—with the “Certificate of Excellence.” This year, the award celebrated an exclusive list of venues, with accommodations representing approximately 30 percent and restaurants epitomizing 52 percent of the 2015 winners. A staple in Scottsdale’s culinary community, Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge joins the list as a 2015 fan favorite by online users. In addition to its flavorful steaks and cozy ambiance, the restaurant has been commended for its speedy service, accommodating staff and affordable prices. It has also received praise for its gourmet salads, exceptional poultry dishes and crowd-pleasing appetizers. Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge is the ideal fine-dining destination for every occasion. Featuring the very best regional cuisine, Cholla’s top chefs are known for preparing classic favorites and exciting new dishes for your absolute enjoyment. This hidden gem for Phoenix Steakhouses includes menu favorites such as Crab Stuffed Prawns, Strawberry Fields Salad, New York Steak and Elk Tenderloin. Located just off the gaming floor in Casino Arizona, the upscale setting offers guests an intimate retreat to savor the experience. And, remarkably, it’s always affordable. For more information on Casino Arizona and Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge visit CasinoArizona.com. $

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Editor’s Pick From The Steakhouse Menu Appetizer: Chorizo Stuffed Dates House-made chorizo sausage with sliced water chestnuts stuffed into an Arizona Medjool date wrapped in Applewood smoked bacon and served with a sweet and salty hoisin glaze. Salad: Cholla Steakhouse Salad The salad features grilled marinated beef tenderloin, romaine hearts with organic greens, roasted red peppers, roma tomatoes, red onion, roasted sweet corn with toasted Arizona pistachios and a sesame balsamic vinaigrette. Player Favorites: Trio Nachos Beef tenderloin, slipper lobster, tequila shrimp, tuna ceviche, fresh tri color chips, Monterey jack, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, avocado salsa, mild picante salsa, pico de gallo. Dessert: Chocolate Royal Flush A layered milk chocolate croquantine crunch base with mascarpone truffle filling, topped with a chocolate peanut butter ganache & raspberry fluid gel. Summer 2015 Hours: Tu—Th 5—10pm, Fr & Sa 5—11pm, Su & Mo Closed, Lounge Tu—Sa 4:30pm. Call 480.850.7736.

WINNING WAYS By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

4 REASONS TO FOCUS ON THE FUTURE Remember These Four Tips For Betting Futures In Sports Wagering

ne of the fastest-growing trends in sports wagering during the past 15 years is the interest in futures betting. Futures betting is the equivalent of predicting the season or tournament for a team or an individual for that sport, which can be done by predicting the total number of wins, or if a team will win a division title, conference or league championship. Futures betting has gained popularity in Las Vegas because it is a way for tourists to maintain interest in a sports team all season which can be as long as seven months. Along with the major sports leagues, futures betting is also popular with international sports. So what is the secret behind successful futures betting in sports? Follow these four tips and with a little patience your ‘futures’ will look so bright that you will need shades! Scheduling Strategy

See Who’s Starting Strong

Before you can decide to bet on the season-long outcome for any sports team, check their schedule and try to predict the outcome of each game (which can be very tedious for baseball, basketball and hockey). Outside of the NBA and NHL which has a set schedule, non-conference or non-division games in baseball and football are very important because they can vary in strength in schedule and as they rotate every year. In football, strength of schedule can easily mean the difference between finishing with an average 8-8 record or an excellent record of 12-4.

Every sports season brings surprises, so for underdogs that start the season strong, it is often a smart idea to lay a small wager for that team to win its division, conference or even league championship. Always make these wagers during the first month of the season, before the odds are lowered and you receive less bang for your buck.

When reviewing the schedule, take note of times when the team plays on short rest, which means back-to-back games in basketball and hockey, or Sunday, Monday or Thursday night games in football. Playing on short rest dramatically evens the playing field, so games that appear to be easy victories can easily become upset losses. As a sports bettor, you do not want to have higher expectations on a team’s anticipated performance than their scheduling demands.

Although it’s easy to overlook the start of any sports season, pay attention, as a small $10 wager can turn into $300 by season’s end. Futures Tip: Need an example of why it is important to pay attention early to a sports season? Look no future than the current Major League Baseball season where the perennial last place finishers (Houston Astros) have started red hot and their odds to win the World Series have gone from 500 to 1 to 15 to 1 in less than 90 days. Midseason Moves

Futures Tip: Spend at least two hours analyzing a team’s schedule before placing a futures bet.

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The biggest change in all of sports in the last decade is the

hottest teams often win the championship, not necessarily the teams that have had the best records all season. Knowing this trend, it is extremely important to monitor the entire sports league during its all-star break to identify the best value in futures betting opportunities. Each all-star break is at least three days, so you have ample time to do your research. Use the football-heavy Thanksgiving holiday weekend to look at which pro and college teams may be able to finish strong and win the championship. Look at strength of schedule and players returning from injury, two key variables to predicting playoff success. Futures Tip: This decade is filled with sports teams that looked awful halfway through the season then finished strong to win a championship, including the San Francisco Giants’ three World Series titles. Hedge If You Are Close So if you take this advice and have been patient for several months, and your team is in the championship round, protect your bet by making a small wager on the other team, so you guarantee you win something. This is called ‘hedging’ in the sports betting world. The general rule of thumb is to ‘hedge’ half the amount you are due to win. For example, if you made a $5 bet on a 100 to 1 longshot to win the title, and they are now in the championship round, you should place a bet on the opposite team that pays out $250, half of the amount of your expected winnings with the original team. Futures Tip: Most professional sports bettors strongly encourage hedging, but only if your finances allow for it! Be a smart sports bettor and save some money for a rainy day! $

Editor’s Note: Wagering on sports in an organized manner in Arizona is not legal except if all proceeds are distributed to participants only. Sports wagering is legal in Nevada and we encourage you to find your favorite sports book in Laughlin, NV or Las Vegas, NV.

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

oker players from across the state and beyond – professionals and amateurs – will make their way to Talking Stick Resort this August for the 11th annual Arizona State Poker Championship. The highly anticipated event returns to the resort’s ARENA Poker Room with a prize pool that’s projected to pass $1,000,000 and an expected field of around 1,500 people. “Each year the tournament gets bigger and better,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. “When the tournament launched in 2004, we had 500 participants. Last year, we had 1,460 entries. So, we’re expecting a record turnout again this year.”

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

The 2015 tournament runs from August 14 through August 18, and professional poker player and four-time World Series of Poker champion Tom Schneider will serve as this year’s host. “The dealers and staff at The ARENA Poker Room work hard to make this tournament an exceptional event, and they continue to improve it each year,” said Tom Young, Director of The ARENA Poker Room. Taking players’ needs into consideration, a dinner break has been added for the three “day ones” (Day 1a: August 14, Day 1b: August 15 and Day 1c: August 16), and Young and his team have also implemented better structures, better satellites, and upgraded to the Poker Tournament Directors Association rules. “These changes will give our players an even greater experience,” Young said. There’s a lot of money up for grabs in this tournament. Last year’s winner, Robert Tanita, took home $257,690; and this year, the first place prize could surpass that. Because such a significant amount of cash is obtainable, the Arizona State Poker Championship has become an attractive tournament for out-ofstate players, in addition to the local crowd. The tournament buy-in is only $1,100. Through August 16, The ARENA Poker Room will have one-winner shootouts ($130) and two-winner shootouts ($240) to win a seat for the Arizona State Poker Championship anytime 10 players sign up. There will also be six super satellite tournaments: July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 9, 13. 2014 Arizona State Poker Championship Winner Robert Tanita Walked Away With $257,690

There will be a $140 entry fee with one seat awarded for each 10 entries. Warm up tournaments start on August 10 ($130), August 11 ($235) and August 12 ($340). For the big event, players begin with $16,000 in tournament chips and there is an option to buy $10,000 bonus tournament chips for $30. The bonus chips must be purchased prior to the player receiving the first hand at an assigned table.

tableside dining menu for those who need to refuel during the games. For even more poker action, check out The ARENA Poker Room in September when it hosts the 10th annual Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship.

The ARENA Poker Room is the largest poker room in the state of Arizona. It features 54 tables, massive TV screens and “Audio Everywhere” which allows players to tune into the featured TV program of their choice. Additionally, the poker room offers a

To learn more about these tournaments and the regularly scheduled weekday and weekend tournaments, call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 480.850.7734, visit The ARENA Poker Room or go to TalkingStickResort.com. $

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

TRIBAL NEWS By Lee Allen

ARIZONA’S BEST KEPT SECRET Friends Of Hubbell Trading Post’s Native American Art Auction

hat is billed as “the best kept secret in Arizona,” takes place at one of the most well-known places in the state, the oldest continually-operating trading post in Ganado on the Navajo Nation. Hubbell Trading Post, a national historic site that has been doing business since 1876, plays host to the Friends of Hubbell Trading Post’s semi-annual Native American Art Auction. Held in the spring and fall and next scheduled for September 26, the Friends partner with the National Park Service to sell off between 400-450 items. The revenue raised goes to support the park in helping secure grants for new programs, a scholarship program, and to fund special events --- but the main purpose of each auction is to provide economic assistance to the artists and the community. Over the two-and-a-half decades of its existence, the non-profit Friends group has coordinated the auction and helped return in excess of $2 million to local communities via the artists who consign their hand-made items. Their scholarship program has awarded $50,000 in stipends to qualified Navajo and Hopi college students that received $3,000 checks to help pay for their advanced education. “We encourage young weavers to put their first rug into our auctions,” reads their web page, “and when they sell it, it’s a strong incentive to weave yet another rug, and they get better each time!” There is a two-hour preview of the auction items (9-11am) on the morning of the sale of everything from vintage to contemporary Native art works from Navajo, Hopi, and other Puebloan tribes. Past auctions have offered katsina dolls, pottery, carvings, fetishes, baskets, rugs, jewelry, concho belts, sash belts, cradle boards, paintings --- and whatever else the artists are ready to part with. The auction, conducted by R.B. Burnham & Co. (“Serving the Native people of the Southwest for five generations”), runs from the first “wat-r-ya-gonna-gimme-for-it” gavel at noon and continues until all items have been offered to bidders who come from both coasts and all over the Southwest. “Auctions allow artists to get an immediate, and often higher return, for their work,” says auctioneer Bruce Burnham of Sanders, Arizona. “They’re a great way for collectors to see a varied selection of works by a number of artists and to maximize the power of their collecting dollars through nearly direct purchas-

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

ing. Plus, the auction venue is a great way to get an education in Native American art for anyone interested in the subject. We’re happy to point out unique and especially interesting pieces and spend time, both before and after the auction, discussing the artists, their craftsmanship, and any other aspects of the area where we live and work.” While the event itself is the major draw, so, too, is its location on 160 acres of an original Southwestern homestead built with the growing of seasonal heritage crops and the grazing of Navajo Churro sheep in mind. “Most of the artists who sell in the auction are members of the local community and Hubbell Trading Post has been a part of the same local community since the late 1800s,” says the trading post’s Program Manager Kari Carlisle. “While the auction is held at the Trading Post, we are not a part of the actual event and don’t see an increase in our sales on auction day except for the spillover traffic that buys a lot of snacks. But the auction benefits us in terms of publicity that brings visitors our way. While we have upwards of 75,000 folks who visit each year, some tourists drive right past us on their way to Canyon de

TRIBAL NEWS

Chelley, not even aware that we exist. The people who come here on auction day show up specifically for the event, but thanks to the auction traffic, a lot more people know about who, and where, we are for a return visit.” More people will discover the Hubbell Trading Post in the coming year. Operated by Western National Parks Association, an educational partner of the National Park Service, the Post will play a part in the Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016. Still operated as a trading business, visitors can learn about Navajo heritage and culture, witness traders as they negotiate deals with American Indian artists, and learn how weavers make their Navajo rugs. The store also houses a unique collection of Navajo art and pioneer artifacts. One of the founding members of Friends of Hubbell Trading Post, author Martha Blue, has a published biography of J.L. Hubbell [Indian Trader, the Life & Times of J.L. Hubbell] that fellow author Tony Hillerman calls, “A must on the reading list of all interested in the way things were on the Big Rez in the early days.” Former Navajo Nation President Peterson Zah says that Blue, who has lived and worked in Navajo Country with

the Navajo people, “knows their trader experiences firsthand, and Indian Trader gives a balanced view.” Directions are the same for auction goers and Trading Post visitors. The National Historic landmark is located one mile west of Hwy. 191 on U.S. Highway 264 in Ganado. Visit the website HubbellTradingPost.org or call the Visitor Center, 928.755.3475 or the store, 928.755.3254. Information on the Friends of Hubbell Native American Arts Auction is available by e-mail at MoreNews@FriendsOfHubbell.org or by calling 602.370.2875. Allow lots of travel time as the drive from Flagstaff takes about 3 hours while the jaunt from Phoenix or Las Vegas runs up to 6 hours. $ Important Information For Hubbell Trading Post Summer hours are 8am to 6pm. Join a ranger-guided walk for an in-depth interpretation of the Hubbell homestead, business, and ranch. Tour the historic Hubbell home ($2/person). Watch a Navajo weaver in the Rug Room weave a rug.

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

TRIBAL NEWS

DESERT DIAMOND CASINOS Presents $133,000 To Beneficiaries Of 2015 Golf Classic

he 12th Annual Desert Diamond Casinos Golf Classic has raised more than $130,000 to benefit four organizations that serve the Tohono O’odham Nation, two of which are collaborating in a joint project. The funds were be presented at a ceremony in June. Over the past twelve years, the Desert Diamond Casinos Golf Classic has become one of the preeminent charity golf fundraisers in southern Arizona. This year’s tournament in March featured a fun Egyptian theme at the kickoff party, with golf held the following day at Tucson’s Randolph Park Golf Complex. Just as in years past, it was another huge success with more than 250 individuals participating. The tournament fully utilized both Randolph Park courses, with the support of many volunteers from Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment and the beneficiaries. The tournament’s major sponsors included Hunt Construction/Penta Building Group and Delta Diversified Enterprises. Velocity Solutions Group and Pepsi, along with many others, also supported this worthwhile event. This year’s recipients include: Tohono O’odham Department of Health & Human Services Division of Prevention Kom Ckud Ki: Domestic Violence, which offers programs and services to prevent domestic violence and helps individuals live free of abuse. Tohono O’odham Veteran’s Affairs, which provides programs and services to support Tohono O’odham veterans of the U.S. military. Tohono O’odham Community Action/Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association, which are collaborating on a joint project for an elders garden. TOCA is dedicated to creating a healthy, culturally vital and sustainable community on the Tohono O'odham Nation, while Ki:Ki has provided housing services to the members of the Nation for 50 years. Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, with three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why), is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Additional information can be found at ddcaz.com or by calling 866.DDC.WINS. Follow Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment on Twitter (@DiamondCasinos) and on Facebook. $

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

TRIBAL CASINO REVENUES The Indian Gaming Commission recently released an overview of tribal casino revenue across the country. The results cover the data from 2002-2013. The report is broken down by region and the “Phoenix Region” includes all the casinos in Arizona, two in Colorado, 25 in New Mexico, and three in Nevada. The “Phoenix Region” displayed consistent growth in 2002-2007, a decrease from 2008-2010, and more growth from 2011-2013. From 2002-2007 the average annual rate of growth was just over 10% and from 2011-2013 the average annual rate of growth was 2.5%. YEAR REVENUE REVENUE SHARE 2013 $ 2,738,803,000 9.77% 2012 $ 2,716,525,000 9.74% 2011 $ 2,614,362,000 9.63% 2010 $ 2,538,617,000 9.58% 2009 $ 2,599,885,000 9.82% 2008 $ 2,773,715,000 10.37% 2007 $ 2,874,052,000 10.99% 2006 $ 2,718,914,000 N/A 2005 $ 2,529,128,000 N/A 2004 $ 2,159,872,000 N/A 2003 $ 1,898,522,000 N/A 2002 $ 1,782,874,000 N/A TOTAL $29,945,269,000

GAMING NEWS By Melody Hudson

Expansion Brings More Excitement To Lone Butte Casino in Chandler, AZ

From the place that has brought the Valley more winning moments, now adds a whole new level of entertainment. Lone Butte Casino is in the midst of a renovation project that will enhance guests’ experience at every point including an expanded casino floor, brand new dining options and an all new way to enjoy entertainment at the popular casino. “As exciting as this is for our guests, it is equally exciting for our team,” said Carolyn Thompson, General Manager of Lone Butte Casino. “Our goal continues to deliver the very best guest experience. These renovations simply make that goal easier to achieve and we can’t wait to share all the exciting new choices with our guests.” In the Casino The gaming floor will be expanded by 10,000 square feet to provide a roomier feel that will be easier to navigate, including the all-new High Limit Slots Room, where players will find bigger action and bigger payouts. The renovations also include enhancements to the Bingo Hall, like more comfortable seating and the latest in bingo gaming equipment. Dining The all-new Cities Bar & Grille is destined to be a guest favorite. This new concept is a true all-American restaurant, featuring signature dishes from across the country like New Orleans Jambalaya, St. Louis Ribs, Baltimore Crab Cakes, New York Strip and so much more. Near Cities Bar & Grille, guests will find a new Platinum Lounge and an Irish-themed bar appropriately named Lucky’s, where they can delight in a wide array of amenities.

“This is a significant step for us and continues to place Lone Butte Casino at the forefront of entertainment in Arizona,” Thompson said. “The new Lone Butte Event Center gives us the opportunity to attract top-name artists and create an allencompassing entertainment destination for our guests.”

Entertainment Headliners from music to comedy will take the stage at the allnew Lone Butte Event Center, an 8,000-square-foot venue that will offer guests the chance to see their favorite performers in an intimate setting.

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Lone Butte Casino invites guests to experience all of these exciting new additions during the grand opening on Saturday, September 19th. Headlining the grand opening will be the R&B kings Kool & The Gang. A complete show schedule will be available at WinGilaRiver.com. $

TournEvent Of Champions Slot Tournament

Competing in TournEvent of Champions casino qualifiers across the country, the nation’s best slot tournament players are vying for a chance at the National Championship and $1 million. Multimedia Games is hosting the TournEvent of Champions in collaboration with casinos across the country to crown the nation’s best slot tournament player. Through May, the first 27 casino finalists have qualified to compete for the national title at the Wynn’s XS Nightclub in Las Vegas on September 29 and 30, 2015. Qualifying rounds will continue into September with more than 175 slot players expected to compete for the National Championship and a grand prize of $1 million. “Each year, TournEvent of Champions has grown tremendously,” said GCA CEO Ram Chary. “This year’s qualifiers have now earned a chance to compete in Las Vegas for our biggest prize in the event’s four-year history — one million dollars.” The TournEvent of Champions takes slot tournaments to a whole new level. Two TournEvent of Champions buses are crisscrossing the country from April through August, visiting 22 states with more than 250,000 players competing for the chance to represent their favorite casino in Las Vegas. Casinos are hosting slot leagues, semi-finals and then in-casino finals to find their top players to represent them at the National Championship. You can participate in TournEvent qualifying events on August 11 at Harrah’s AkChin in Maricopa, AZ, on August 16 at Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, AZ, on August 23 at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ, on August 28 and 29 at Gold Dust West in Elko, NV, and from September 4-6 at Wynn Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV. $

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

GAMING NEWS

3-Card Poker Player Wins Over $200,000 At Casino Arizona

Casino Arizona, an enterprise of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, announced a winner in its 3-Card Poker progressive game. The male Phoenix resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, tested his skills on June 1 and claimed $222,287. The big win made property history, taking the title as this year’s largest 3-Card Poker jackpot at Casino Arizona. “Jackpots are won on a daily basis at Casino Arizona, but that doesn’t diminish our excitement when a player takes home a major prize,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Casino Arizona. “Winning more than $200,000 is a life -changing event and we’re thrilled we were able to play such a significant role in the winner’s life.” A favorite pastime of many, 3-Card Poker challenges players to wager bets with only three cards. They can select the dealer as

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

their opponent and place an Ante bet and also choose to bet their own hand for a Pair Plus wager. With the Ante bet, players must fold or place a Play bet equivalent to their ante, while dealers must possess a queen or higher to move forward. If the dealer doesn’t meet the requirement, then the player will receive money on the Ante wager and also move forward with the Play bet. On the other hand, if the dealer qualifies, then the cards are compared and the best poker hand takes the win. A progressive game, the 3-Card Poker jackpot increases each session until it is hit. It has now been reset to $100,000, so there’s still a lot of money on the table to be won! The Phoenix resident joins Casino Arizona guest Joseph, who played and won $116,214 this year, in the property’s ‘Winner Circle.’ For more information on the latest Casino Arizona winners, visit CasinoArizona.com/CasinoWinners.aspx. $

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 April 2015 Slots

Hold % Tables

Hold %

5.78

Craps

14.86

6.27

Blackjack / 21

17.02

Multi-Denom 6.71

Roulette

19.62

5¢

7.50

Pai Gow Poker

26.09

9.12

Let It Ride

28.85

1¢

11.26

Three Card Poker

28.87

Megabucks

11.30

Other Table Games 30.68

Loose 25¢ $1

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.

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Tight $25 Other Loose Sports Pools

14.26

Hold % 6.08

Win Amount

Dollars

Race Books

16.13

Slots

38.5 mil.

Bingo

18.87

Tables

3.6 mil.

23.60

Other

0.5 mil.

Tight Live Keno

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Joe Hagan Director of Marketing, Tropicana Laughlin

TROPICANA LAUGHLIN There’s Plenty Of Summer Fun For Everyone In July!

he Tropicana Laughlin is serving up non-stop summer fun in July. All you have to do is pack your bags, swim trunks, your favorite watercraft and head for the river! Pool & Cabanas Hotel guests should make sure to take time to relax and refresh by the pool. You can purchase refreshing drinks at the Pool Bar and rent cabanas for a full day or a half day at reasonable rates. Beach Party Friday & Saturday For those 21 and older, there’s late night excitement at the Caboose Lounge with live entertainment, dancing, giveaways and contests from 9pm to 1am. Gaming Promotions In addition to the Blackjack and Craps tournaments this July, the Tropicana Laughlin hosts their 8th Anniversary $10,000 slot tournament. Three rounds of play are your chance to win some of the cash. Get one entry and a buffet with the $50 buy-in!

For more information about the casino and the events, make sure to head over to their website at TropLaughlin.com. $

Do you have a question for a Marketing Director? Have you ever wondered about the people working behind the scenes? 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)

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO NIGHTLIFE By Lyra Manning and Satara Williams

REDNECK ROCKSTARS High-Energy Modern Country Band At Casino Arizona Monday Nights

usic fans can kick off the workweek with the highenergy sounds of the Redneck Rockstars. This modern country band from Scottsdale, Arizona performs the biggest hits of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country music live every Monday from 8pm to midnight in the Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona.

Fronted by both male and female lead singers, Redneck Rockstars have spent years entertaining casinos, clubs and festivals with boot-stomping, energy-packed performances. The incredible musicians recreate the rich, layered sound of today's country music to play your favorite songs the way you know and love them.

Since forming in 2011, the Redneck Rockstars have entertained audiences at casinos, clubs, festivals and corporate functions. The local singers and musicians include Scott Hammons, Kianna Martinez and Neil Bunker on vocals and guitar, Matt Gonzalez on bass, and Eric Bongiorno on drums.

There is no charge to see the show. Guests 21+ can enjoy a night of music, dancing and great food and drinks. For more information on the Arizona Room Patio Grill and Casino Arizona, visit their website at CasinoArizona.com/entertainment or call 480.850.7777. $

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings the Sun—Tue. at 8pm, Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)— Wed. & Thu. at 6pm, Redneck Rockstars (Country)— Mon. 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 Stargazer Pavillion: Happy Together Tour—Jul. 25 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends

Comedian Frank Caliendo Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita September 5, 2015 Comedian, actor and impressionist Frank Caliendo is coming to the Diamond Center for a night of hilarious impressions and standup on Saturday, September 5. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now. Frank Caliendo has been making people laugh his entire life. He is well known for his impressions of famous actors Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro; politicians George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama; broadcasters John Madden, Charles Barkley and Jon Gruden; and talk show hosts Dr. Phil, Jay Leno, and David Letterman. On stage, Caliendo’s high energy act is a blend of observations, impressions, characters and anecdotal stories that start at a frenetic pace and never let up. Appropriately described as "a combination of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey," Caliendo is one comedian that should not be missed. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “If you’re looking for laughs, you can’t miss Frank Caliendo. Whether it’s sports, politics, or celebrities, his hilarious impressions have something for everyone to enjoy!” Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Marty Stuart—Jul. 3 Sienna and Kush Country—Aug. 15 Ramon Ayala—Sep. 9 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: The Rising (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)—Jul. 3-4, Pick Your Poison (Poison Tribute)—Jul. 10-11, Iron Maidens (Iron Maiden Tribute)— Jul. 24-25, Doobies Inc. (Doobie Brothers Tribute)—Jul. 31-Aug. 1 The Arizona Room: Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—Tue. at 6pm, Rhythm of

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 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: Natalia Jimenez—Jul. 11 Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo—Jul. 24 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Events: Amp Up Your 4th Of July (Tribute Bands)—Jul. 4 Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 Special Events: Mick y Do lenz—3rd, Taylor Hicks—4th The Lounge: Mick y Do lenz—3rd, Live DJ—3rd, Taylor Hicks—4th, Daisy Train—4th, Paul Wells—6th, Karen & Pat–7th, Silhouette– 8th, The Walkens Duo–8th, Stanley Serano Duo–9th, DSB (Journey Tribute)–10th & 11th, Flavour–12th, Jay Allen–13th, Karen & Pat– 14th, Thadeous Rose Band–15th, The Walkens Duo–15th, Stanley Serano Duo–16th, TrejaVu–17th, AzTex–18th, Karen & Pat–19th, Paul Wells–20th, Karen & Pat–21st, Swingtips–22nd, The Walkens Duo–22nd, Stanley Serano Duo–23rd, The Walkens–24th, Quantum– 25th, Unique–26th, Paul Wells–27th, Karen & Pat–28th, Bandstand Shows–29th, The Walkens Duo–29th, Stanley Serano Duo–30th, Shining Star–31st Margarita Sundays Poolside parties held Sunday’s throughout the summer. Enjoy live music, great food and drink, all while relaxing poolside. Margarita Sunday from 2 to 6pm. Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show 7pm, Ronny & the Classics (Variety)—Jul. 7-11, House of Steel (Variety)—Jul. 14-18, Justin

Editor’s Pick

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Wright & High Octane (Country)—Jul. 28-Aug. 1 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

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Presents:

Micky Dolenz July 3

Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends. Events: Mark Wills—Jul. 3 Troubadour Experience (George Strait Tribute)—Aug. 14 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 Pool: Panda Funk—Jul. 3, Eric Morillo—Jul. 4, E5COBAR—Jul. 5, Adrian Lux—Jul. 11, Benny Benassi—Jul. 12, Havana Brown—Jul. 18, David Carvalho—Jul. 19, NOHESITATION—Jul. 26 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Keb’ Mo’—Jul. 11, Sublime with Rome—Jul. 19, The Steve Miller Band—Jul. 30

The Lounge will play host to Micky Dolenz, a founding member of rock band, The Monkees. After the 45th Anniversary tour with the Monkees, Dolenz is on the road as a solo act bringing a rock experience with his signature voice. Don’t miss him live in the Lounge!

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends

On Saturday, July 4, Season 5 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks is bringing his take on Southern soul, R&B, country and blues to the Lounge. Hicks spent time performing on Broadway and in a Las Vegas residency after his American Idol win and chart topping single releases.

Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 VQ Live: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Event Center: Danny Serrano—Jul. 11, Kevin Sterner & Strait Country (George Strait Tribute)—Jul. 18, Banda Machos—Jul. 24 Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Chrome Nightclub—Fri & Sat 9pm-2am The Lounge—Featuring a variety of live music nightly Festival Park—Live music outdoors Showroom: Catch A Wave (Beach Boys Tribute)—Jul. 3, American Hitmen & The GIs of Comedy—Jul. 4, Creedence Clearwater Revisited—Jul. 10, Boz Scaggs—Jul. 11, Under The Sun Tour—Jul. 17, One Of These Nights (Eagles Tribute)—Jul. 19

Taylor Hicks July 4

These free concerts are on a first-come, first-serve basis, with wristbands available two hours prior to show time at the Main Casino Entrance. There are plenty of other live performances all month long, just visit HarrahsAkChin.com for more information. $

Verify all details & age restrictions (generally 21 & over) for each event. Venues, times, dates, & ticket information are subject to change. Photos/images copyright of the individual artist(s), photographer(s), or venue(s). All Rights Reserved. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

CASINO BINGO By Mark Novak

PARADISE CASINO BINGO HALL July Schedule Of Games And Promotions

he next time you visit Yuma, don’t forget to play a few games of Bingo at Paradise Casino’s Bingo Hall. The casino is less than a mile away from historic downtown!

July 4th Independence Day: 1:30pm session only with free 4th of July daubers while they last. There is a $25 paper buy-in or a $47 and $77 electronic buy-in. The session has 10 main games paying $300/$500 Specials/$1,199 Double Action Coverall. Make sure to bring in your Fire Cracker Bucks for a chance at $200 to $500! Also, start collecting your “19” Year Anniversary Bucks for a chance at $619, $719, $819, $919 or $1,019 during our Anniversary Session. Monday & Wednesday Bonanza Gold Nights: Starting at 6pm, players can come out and try their luck with the Bonanza Spe-

cial and win a chance at the Big Progressive Jackpot or a $500 consolation. The Bonanza Jackpot is valued at over $11,500. Thursday Nights No Split Bingo: If you are tired of sharing your bingo winnings, this is your night! The No Split Bingo session begins at 6pm and no matter how many winners bingo together on the main games, each winner will receive $100. No Split Bingo is not valid on Hot Ball or other Specials. Tuesday And Friday Nights 2X Points Ladies Night: Any lady who bingos alone on our main games will receive double payout during the Tuesday ($200) or Friday ($200) sessions. Ladies Night double payout is not valid on Hot Ball or other Specials. Saturday And Sunday Evenings 3X Points: 10 main games pay $125 each with $175 Specials and Coverall ($200 consolation) Receive Double Anniversary Bucks when you win Bingo. $

Casino

Sessions

Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic

Apache Gold

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

100

Yes

BlueWater

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

400

Yes

Casino Arizona

Mo-Su at 6:30pm Daily Matinees at 12:30pm

1000

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

Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.

Cocopah

Daily at 1:30 & 6:30pm

350

Yes*

Yes

Desert Diamond I

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

300

Yes

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

Lone Butte

Sa & Su: 10, Noon, 3:45, 5:30pm. Daily: Noon & 6:30pm.

750

Yes

B.A.D. Bingo Fr & Sa at 11:30pm.

Mazatzal

Mo-Th at Noon. Tu & Th at 6:30pm.

280

Yes

Paradise

Tu-Su at 1:30pm Mo-Fr at 6pm.

300

Yes

Call for Kozmic Bingo & Other Special Dates

Twin Arrows

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

100

Yes

Vee Quiva

Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.

366

Yes

Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.

Yes

Late Night

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 05/01/15 & 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 | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN By Sami Becker

WHY DO THEY SAY ANYTHING? A Frustrated Reader Lets Us Know How She Feels About Sarcasm

uring my last weekend out-of-town trip with my friends to [my favorite casino], I was riding down the elevator from [one of the top floors] to get to the casino when it went all the way down and then stopped on the third floor and the doors opened. I didn’t realize at the time it was the third floor I thought it was the casino. Anyway, [another casino visitor] was standing in the hall and came on the elevator. I said, “Oh! I thought we’d made it down to the casino and I was ready to get off!” and then proceeded to giggle at my confusion. The [casino visitor] replied, “Well it would probably be better if you got off here on the third floor rather than down there” to my comment. Now I’m sure [the casino visitor] didn’t mean anything by it aside from venting his anger and frustration to me and the rest of us in the elevator, but I’m not happy now. Guess what happened? I had one of the worst play sessions ever the rest of that afternoon. I lost half of my bankroll, not a single machine let me play, and I could not hit a bonus on even one of the ten slots I played. I finally had a drink and went to my room to watch a movie and ordered room service for dinner. Why, why, why do these [casino visitors] have to be so negative and sarcastic all the time? Why do they have to say something about losing, the machines being tight, money, luck, when talking to other gamblers? I could not get the [casino visitor’s] voice out of my head the rest of the day! All I did was lose after that. I felt like when [the casino visitor] said to get out on floor three that I should have just gotten out on three and walked the stairs down to the casino, gone back up to my room and waited, danced a jig in the hallway on three, or something to remove the sarcastic bad luck that [casino visitor] cursed me with. Why are [some casino visitors] so negative and sarcastic like that towards fellow gamblers? Joyce Ruble—Tucson, Arizona Joyce, I have had so many similar situations happen to me that all I can say is “join the club” and commiserate with you. First, I think that us gamblers are victims of human nature. We are, obviously, visiting a casino where luck, money, winning, and losing, are all on the line. This can bring out the worst in the best of people who are generally bright, happy, easy going individuals if you were to meet them in a grocery store or at your friend’s party next Saturday night. However, at a casino when

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

they may have lost their bankroll, bluffed when they should have folded, or split a pair of tens because of a crazy hunch (never split tens in Blackjack!), some people feel the need to take out their misfortune on others. I think it is a version of sharing their story and seeing if someone will bite to show interest, or like you said, a way to vent. Sometimes people are just grouches by nature and they shouldn’t be at the casino to begin with in my opinion. My belief is that grouchiness and negativity fuels bad luck at a casino. Second, we as casino visitors, put ourselves in these situations. I always like to be proactive, especially in an elevator at a casino. I tend to have a few lines up my sleeve in order to attempt to avoid the situation you encountered. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don’t, but I try to deflect the negativity. Finally, I completely understand how an offhand remark from one gambler to another can affect the rest of your day. All you end up doing the remainder of the day is wondering “should I play, should I not play, should I change what I wanted to play, should I…?” My suggestion is to follow your gut. If your first instinct was to get off on three, then you should ride the elevator back up to three (don’t get off at the casino) and do whatever comes next into your mind. Like you said, walk down, dance a jig, go back up to your room, anything else. Hopefully if it happens again, you’ll be able to shake off the negative and sarcastic comment and enjoy your luck! $

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about? Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

FUN FACTS By Mark Novak

THE CASINO FLOOR OF THE FUTURE AGEM Hails Passage Of Nevada SB09 Ushering In New Era

he Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced the passage and signing into law by the Nevada Legislature and Governor Brian Sandoval of Senate Bill 9 that allows for variable-payback percentages in slot machines to enhance the player experience by bringing true skill-based gaming, arcade-game elements, hybrid games and other unique features and technologies to the casino floor for the first time. SB9 is supported by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and represents the first time AGEM has initiated legislation in its 15 year history. AGEM members, anchored by all of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest slot machine technology companies, were polled in early 2014 and asked to submit ideas on how to boost innovation that would require a change in Nevada law. The variable-payback concept was the overwhelming choice forwarded to the Nevada Committee To Conduct An Interim Study Concerning The Impact Of Technology Upon Gaming. $

What the casino floor of the future might look like, including: skill based arcade games, team play, mobile devices, and more!

azgamingguide.com | July 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of National Hot Dog Day on July 23rd, find: HOT, DOG, HOTDOG, COOKED, SAUSAGE, GRILLED, STEAMED, BUN, CORN DOG, PIG IN A BLANKET, MUSTARD, KETCHUP, ONIONS, MAYONNAISE, RELISH, CHEESE, CHILI, SAUERKRAUT, SALT, GARLIC, PAPRIKA, GERMAN, STREET FOOD, BASEBALL. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

M A

H W D

M X

D M

A M

G M A

H K

N U

O H

G U

N G

C W

M U

U A

H U

O H

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)

8 3 7 4

1 6

4 6

3 6

4 8

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 904

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,065

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 289

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 652

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 13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

480-802-5000 1,089

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 825

Y Y

800-946-4452 786

Payson

800-777-7529 419

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

888-777-4946 486

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

Chandler

101 & Indian Bend

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 759

I-40, Exit 219

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,085

6443 Komatke Ln.

Laveen

800-946-4452 950

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 950

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 243

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

Y Y

Y Y* Y

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

20. Talking Stick Resort

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

17. Paradise Casino

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 904 Maricopa

15. Lone Butte Casino

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

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

866-332-9467

Spa

04. Casino Arizona

Golf

800-756-8744 320

RV Park

888-243-3360 524

Prescott

Hotel

Parker

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Y Y

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Word Search Solution M A Y O R G S T R E E N A M E G A S S N T L A N U O B A K I D E L N G A R L I O M U S E S E T U A R K T E K N A L

N E O T R U S I L C T E R B

N L D F E A

A I N O G S T

I S R O E

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

S E T O H H D O C E C D M O A O H K K O E E L T T L D C P G A O H O B G U E I P S L A I S B H G I P C

Sudoku Solution 2

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

11300 Resort Drive

Arcade

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Poker Room

800-272-2438 598

Table Games Y

Globe

Live Keno

City

Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe

06. Casino of the Sun

Slots

Location

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

Phone

Bingo

Casino

High Limit Area

CASINO DIRECTORY

Y Y Y