Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - October 2015 - 07:10

OCTOBER

Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 TABLE GAMES 14 NEW SLOTS 18 WINNING WAYS 20 DINING 22 FEATURE STORY

26 TRIBAL NEWS 30 GAMING NEWS 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO BINGO 41 ARIZONA LOTTERY 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS 44 FUN & GAMES

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46 CASINO DIRECTORY

QUECHAN CASINO RESORT FUN AND LEISURE IN DESERT LUXURY—YUMA, AZ

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Rolling in to Paradise Casino in Yuma is a gang of new Aristocrat slots led by Sons of Anarchy.

Football season inspires local casinos to create fun food and drink specials and prize giveaways.

Over six weeks of festivities to enjoy starting on October 2 and running through November 16.

SONS OF ANARCHY BY ARISTOCRAT AT PARADISE

ARIZONA CASINOS OFFER FOOTBALL FUN

NATIVE AMERICAN RECOGNITION DAYS

azgamingguide.com | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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EDITOR’S NOTE

IS SUMMER OVER YET? Looking Forward To A Cool Fall

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 07 • ISSUE 10 MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

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ith October here, I know I’m not the only one who is sick of triple digit weather! I’ve tried my hardest to get out of the heat by visiting cooler places at least once a month, starting in May. And I believe I succeeded in running away from the Arizona heat quite regularly. But, now I can’t wait to enjoy the cooler weather in store for us! I’m going to use every opportunity I can to be outdoors this month. During my next set of casino visits around the state, I’m going to investigate exactly how much outdoor walking I can do at each property. Maybe that sounds a little off the wall, but I think I’ll have a lot of fun not only enjoying the cooler weather, but also exploring something different at the casinos. Every casino across the state is located in its own unique setting offering an outdoor opportunity that can’t be passed up.

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

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

Q: I was wondering how the electronic blackjack machines that have the dealer on the big screen compare to regular blackjack tables with real live dealers. Is it better to play one version over the other? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Larry Babich—Sun City West, AZ A: Larry, the one key difference between live blackjack and electronic blackjack machines is simply what the rules of the game are. Obviously, a blackjack that pays 3 to 2 is a better game than if a blackjack pays 6 to 5. In addition, if a dealer is allowed to hit on a soft 17 it increases the house edge so make sure to look for games where the dealer stands on a soft 17.

These are the main things to look for when deciding on a live game or a video game.

Rest assured, neither the table version or the video version is out to cheat you. Whether you win or lose, it’s just the luck of the cards. The strict casino gaming regulations surrounding table games enforce a non-cheating environment. Those same regulations apply to the design of video blackjack. That is, card shuffling and dealing is fair using a proven random number generator. And, an independent third party has tested the video blackjack game for compliance with casino gaming regulations.

Q: Dear AGG, I am a video poker player and my wife plays the slots. I usually play a multi-denomination video poker game that has several games to choose from. My wife also tends to play the multi-game slot machines that have several game options to choose from. There’s one game where she can choose to play up to four different slot games at once. And, just recently, we played a game in Vegas that has up to eight different games that can be played at once. Our question is this: is there one random number generator for each game and denomination or just one that covers them all? If there’s more than one random number generator, is there any way to know if there’s an advantage to playing one over the other?

Paul Servino—Phoenix, AZ A: Paul, this is a great question! Inside every slot machine is one method for determining a random number. How this is actually performed is up to the slot machine manufacturer’s hardware and software design. However, the random number

generator on a slot machine (video poker, video keno, video craps, etc.) must pass a series of mathematical tests which prove it is capable of providing a continuous stream of random numbers for the game’s software to use.

Even if a gambler is playing a multi-game slot or multi-game video poker machine, the internal software has access to only one random number generator. So, no matter the game, the denomination, the bet level, or any other factors, the game you are playing at the moment is using the same random number generator as any other game which would have been played on that game at that moment.

There is no advantage to playing one game over another on a multi-game slot or multi-game video poker machine based on the random number generator.

Q: I just got home from [the casino] and I’m really frustrated – more with myself and not the casino. I got up to move from one machine to another one and I realized that I never cashed out my ticket from the first machine. Of course, by the time I walked back to the machine the money was already gone.

When I asked a casino worker, she told me that there was nothing they could do. Is this really true? Wouldn’t the cameras be able to see who sat down after me? Don’t the machines store data using player card information to see who used the machine last? I’d like to know what the official rules are concerning money left in a machine. I love your Players Talk section because I always learn so much. I don’t believe you’ve ever talked about this type of situation. Out of $120 and I have no one to blame but myself!

Marlene Schumaker—Anthem, AZ A: Marlene, that is a very disheartening story to hear and we are very sorry for your frustration. Yes, this has happened to members of our staff as well and one of the only ways we’ve found to cut down on repeating this unfortunate scenario is to get into a habit every time you get up from a slot. Make sure to remember to cash out and double check the credit meter!

Yes, the casino worker is correct. Every casino we have visited posts their “house rules” conspicuously near an entrance. One of those rules essentially states that unattended credits (i.e. leav-

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

ing $120.00 (or $1,200.00) in a slot machine is the responsibility of the player, not the casino. The rules may also go on to state that unattended credits are the property of the casino, not of another patron. Technically, this means removing credits from a slot machine which are not yours may constitute stealing from the casino!

Q: Love your magazine, especially the Players Talk section.

It’s very informative. I’d like to know, can the casino cheat players on the live keno game? They type all the numbers into the computer, so doesn’t the computer know which numbers to pick so that everybody loses?

Doug Pulowski—Queen Creek, AZ

Sure, for honest individuals, it should be simple for the casino to verify if the $120 were yours, or not, and who has them now.

But can you imagine the headache that security would have to go through in order to adequately monitor every slot machine from every angle in the entire casino just to see who is cashing out unattended credits? Plus, security would then need to have enough computer and labor resources available in order to process all of these requests in a timely fashion.

A: Doug, thank you very much for your kind comments about our magazine and Players Talk. Each tribe holding a gaming compact with the state may also have live keno as an available game at their casino. If so, the Arizona Department of Gaming includes “Appendix D” as part of their gaming compact titled “Definitions, Operational Standards, Specifications and Regulations Governing Keno.” This document ensures there is no cheating by anyone (casino or patron) during a game of live keno. You can find the document online at: Gaming.AZ.gov/ sites/default/files/documents/files/AppendixD.pdf.

We can presume your $120 went into another slot machine within a few seconds, but it could have also just as easily been converted into cash and walked right out the door moments later. How can casino security be reasonably expected to keep up with that? After all, casino security is worried about employee theft, patrons tampering with slot machines, liability issues (like slip & fall), patron and employee safety, barred patrons, safeguarding the casino's chips and money, and on and on!

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Some important excerpts concerning live keno include: “A computer generated selection of twenty (20) random numbers at spaced intervals.”

“The random number generator is linked to the computer system and directly relays the numbers selected into the computer for preparation of a draw ticket without manual input.” $

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

COMPARING TABLE GAMES Which Of Your Favorites Is The Best Bet?

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on’t worry, I’m not going to do a mind-meld and turn you into a slot player, so read on. This is just a comparison of casino table games. You probably like the social interaction, and the frequent cocktail-server visits, and the occasional free drink you find at the tables. And, you probably like the fact that your entertainment dollars go pretty far, but would you feel differently about your favorite game if you knew the comp rates and the hourly cost? Maybe!

The Most Popular Games in Arizona Casinos By far the most popular table game in Arizona casinos is blackjack, but we’ll look at the top five games, specifically Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, World Poker Tour and Let it Ride.

We’ll consider Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Crazy 4 Poker to be essentially the same as World Poker Tour, so there you have it, the best games and the most popular. But what if you like them all and just want to play the one that fits your style of play best, with speed, dealer and player interaction counted in too? The fewer the hands dealt per hour, the more interaction, but does that lower your cost?

Game Average Bet Blackjack $25 World Poker $25 Three Card $25 Let it Ride $25 Pai Gow $25 (ph) = Per Hour

Hands (ph) 60 30 30 30 30

Cost (ph) $15 $25 $39 $25 $21

Comp (ph) $2.00 $2.50 $2.50 $2.50 $2.00

These numbers are somewhat subjective, based on your ability.

Some casinos give you a straight $1 comp per $1000 in total wagers per hour. Some casinos award a more specific amount per game tied to the house edge. Regardless, this chart assumes your bets include both standard wagers and bonus bets (except for blackjack). That means all of your possible bets per hand.

Other assumptions made here are that you’ll have average luck and you’ll play the same way all year long. So, we can see your entertainment dollar cost to play each game per hour. If you are playing the additional $1 bonus bets at blackjack, you’ll find that your average hourly cost goes up considerably.

If you are wondering why you remember going home a big winner after playing Three Card Poker several times, but can’t say the same about blackjack, there’s a reasonable explanation.

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Three Card Poker has the added incentive of big payouts for hands like straight flush or three-of-a-kind. When you do catch one of those, you’ll probably head home with a rush and a flush and a fist full of cash.

On the other hand, you are more likely to just win a little or lose a little in an evening of playing blackjack, and a small win or loss doesn’t have that lasting effect on your gaming-bone. So, play what you love, just keep in mind that the same average wager gets you about the same average comp per hour, even if the house is taking a bigger cut of your entertainment dollar at certain games! $

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

Aruze Games Ready For Play At Paradise Casino

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e know our readers are loving Aruze’s new slots because they are making their way across Arizona’s casinos quite rapidly. Recently, Paradise Casino in Yuma just added some brand new games by Aruze that you should definitely pay attention to!

Ultra Stack Feature Rose and Ultra Stack Feature Panda are referred to as “clones” in the casino gaming industry. This means the mathematics of both slots and the game play are identical. The only difference between the slots are the graphics. Regardless of which game you pick, you’ll have the same chances of winning!

Based on our experience playing the games, we’ve noticed that the bonus hits, on average, every 100 to 120 games. Feature symbols appearing on 3 or more consecutive reels beginning with the leftmost reel trigger the Ultra Stack Free Games. Numbers (either a 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 or 10) appear on the Feature symbol and the total represents the free games awarded. The Feature awards up to 200 games. Good luck and check out Paradise Casino online at Paradise-Casinos.com! $

Sons Of Anarchy Now Available At Paradise Casino

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olling in to Paradise Casino in Yuma is a gang of new slots from Aristocrat led by Sons of Anarchy! Based on the smash hit TV series from Fox, the immersive iChair and the Verve cabinet surrounds you with the rumble and rock of the hit show. Aristocrat’s superior math and fan favorite characters like Jax, Gemma and Clay will keep you rolling back for more. Yes, just like the TV show, this slot is volatile, but you can expect the bonus regularly and hit progressive jackpots whose start up values are $10, $50, $500, and $10,000 or $500,000 for the top level. Bonuses include: Cluster Power—A cluster is a group of matching symbols connected horizontally and/or vertically. The cluster pay is determined by the number of adjacent reels in the cluster. The cluster win is the cluster pay multiplied by the number of symbols in the cluster. No Limits Re-Spin Bonus—Win up to 6 re-spins and up to 10 reels across. The bonus hits when a Big Symbol occurs on the reel area. The Big Symbol holds and a re-spin is awarded. The playable area grows to accommodate the Big Symbol when landing partially on the reel area. Wheel Bonus—3 or more Reapers trigger the Wheel Bonus. Win Jackpots and up to 50 free games. All Jackpots award another spin except the Grand Jackpot. Max bet required to win the Grand Jackpot. Free Games Bonus—Won from the Wheel Bonus, it will multiply wild wins up to x10. 10, 20, 30 or 50 additional Free Games are won with 3, 4, 5 or 6 Reapers respectively.

Check out this exciting game and many more at Paradise Casino now! $

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NEW SLOTS

The Big Bang Theory Now At Harrah’s Ak-Chin

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ur whole universe was in a hot dense state, then nearly fourteen days ago Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino installed two brand new The Big Bang Theory slot machines by Aristocrat and things have never been the same! 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 games: Large Leonard Hofstadter Collision Feature, with free Mega symbol spins with playerselected 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 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. Be sure to visit HarrahsAkChin.com for more information. $

10 feet tall!

Buffalo Behemoth Ready For Play At Harrah’s Ak-Chin

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e simply can’t wait for our turn to play Aristocrat’s newest “Big Bertha” slot aptly named Behemoth.

The Behemoth is just what it says, at 10 feet tall with an 84-inch LCD monitor, it is the largest of the large-format slots ever to be introduced to casinos. The first game to arrive on the Behemoth is Buff alo Stam ped e , one of the most successful games for Aristocrat. Now you can play this game at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa, AZ. You’ll see it all the way across the casino floor. Definitely hard to miss!

While you are visiting Harrah’s, make sure to check out all of their new games including: Lad y of the Dead (3 level progressive), Money Rain, and Fire Up (5 level progressive) all penny games by Incredible Technologies. Popeye (5 level progressive), Penny Palooza (5 level progressive), and Golden Egg (6 level progressive, all penny slots by Lightning Games. Dual Arc Brittney Spears by Aristocrat, another very tall game. Konami’s Rapid Revolver which has a large bonus game on top. Plus six IGT Crystal Dual slot machines. For more information about Harrah’s, visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $ azgamingguide.com | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

Wheel of Fortune Ultra Wheels By IGT

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e played IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Ultra Wheels Vid eo Slo ts at last year’s G2E trade show in Las Vegas and were very impressed by it because the game is not based on traditional video slot reels. This game uses up to four pointers for four wheels in order to determine a win, bonus, or a jackpot! The more you wager, the more pointers you activate in order to play up to all for wheels. We think the idea is fantastic and can’t wait to play the slot with “real money” in a casino rather than for fun at a trade show!

IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Ultra Wheels Vid eo Slots will have you spinning with excitement. Set on the Company’s leading G23 cabinet, the most successful slot theme of all time will offer a Winning Combination with Wheel of Fortune ’s iconic wheel spin bonus paired with Ultra Wheels Vid eo Slots’ unique base-game play. Igniting excitement during the base game, the MultiPLAY interface features four wheels instead of reels with a multiplier pointer, boost feature and jackpot wedge. A multiplier pointer appears with each spin and may point to one of the four wheels and multiply the value up to 10X. Elevating excitement, progressives are awarded when a jackpot wedge is displayed on wheels two, three and four. When all three progressive wedges land at max bet, the highest level progressive is awarded. For big-win potential, bonus wedges in the base game can trigger the player-favorite wheel spin bonus, which awards credit values that can be multiplied by the game’s boost and multiplier pointer features. Watch as this exciting new slot game hits casino floors all across Arizona soon!

For more information on this slot and other IGT video slots, visit IGT.com. $

A Christmas Story

By Aristocrat

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he best present any slot player will ever receive is Aristocrat’s new A Christm as Story Slot Game, the first game in Aristocrat’s incredible new Arc Wheel cabinet.

Ralphie, the Old Man, Mom Parker, and the whole town are in A Christmas Story, a feature-rich, three-level standalone progressive video slot, housed in the sleek new Arc Wheel cabinet. This slot has upgraded graphics capabilities, 5.1 stereo surround sound, and a mechanical wheel topper that keeps engagement high during bonus play. In addition to three base game features, players may trigger one of several bonus features: 1. Golden Twinkling Wheel of Mechanized Electronic Joy Feature 2. Head Honcho Feature—Bonus Gateway 3. Black Bart’s Bounty 4. The Queen Mother of Dirty Words 5. Sinister Triple Dog Dare 6. Progressive Decoder Wheel A Christmas Story is a 40-line game with a 50 credit minimum bet and 250 or 500 max bet.

For more information about A Christm as Story, visit Aristocrat.com.au. $

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Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Dragon Spin

By Bally Technologies

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our wins will roar to life when you play Dragon Spin on Bally’s massive Alpha Pro Wave 360°! This slot is a carousel of five slot machines with a dedicated dragon-themed game. Around the top of the carousel are five adjacent curved video monitors, on which animation related to the games travels around, stopping to award credits, wilds, multipliers and free games to individual games on the bank.

In the launch game, called Dragon Spin, an animated dragon travels around the circular monitor dropping mystery awards to the individual games, and stopping to display numbers of free spins when they are triggered by individual games. This game is packed with features you’ll love like free games, progressive jackpots at any bet level and stacked symbols on every spin.

But what makes it truly unique are the bonuses that fire up a frenzy of excitement as the dragon chases a magical pearl around and around before delivering the prize to one lucky player! Watch for this dragon spinning its way into casinos near you soon! For more information on this exciting new game and other Bally products, visit BallyTech.com. $

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WINNING WAYS

By Lana Hartmann

DECODING VIDEO POKER PAY TABLES Your One-Stop Guide To Determine How Good (Or Bad) They Are

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ore and more, we are receiving not only questions on how to read video poker pay tables but also that they are changing, for the worse, at many Arizona casinos. What I want to attempt to accomplish with this article is to give our readers a simple way to determine how good (or bad) a video poker pay table is at a particular casino. Armed with this knowledge, readers can then determine where they will take their video poker bankroll. Of course, I’d like to be able to write about everybody’s favorite game. Unfortunately I’d have to start a book, or take up the entire magazine in order to satisfy everyone! So, what I’ll focus on instead is Jacks Or Better Video Poker. Don’t despair! Just because I’m focused on Jacks Or Better doesn't mean you won’t be able to apply my tool to other games, even the specialty games. I have to stick to Jacks Or Better because almost every multi-game video poker slot I’ve ever sat down at has the game on it. And, most every casino on

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the planet has the game somewhere on their floor. So, Jacks Or Better it is. When you first sit down and select Jacks or Better on a multi-game video poker slot, examine the pay table directly on screen or by using the “HELP” menu. Notice all the pays listed in order form highest to lowest. That’s nine pays including the Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four-of-a-Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three-of-a-Kind, Two Pair, and Jacks or better. The best possible pay table (available in most casinos) is 4,000, 250, 125, 45, 30, 20, 15, 10, and 5 at max bet. The worst possible pay table (available in most casinos) is 4,000, 250, 125, 30, 25, 15, 10, and 5 at max bet. Notice how much the pays changed for the Full House, Flush, and Straight! This is where players have to evaluate the “good” and “bad” pay tables. The higher the pays are for those three wins, the better the pay table the casino offers! Good luck and stay tuned for more video poker hints, tips and advice in upcoming issues. $

CASINO DINING

By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

FOOTBALL FUN AT ARIZONA’S CASINOS Local Casinos Create Fun Food And Drink Specials Plus Prizes

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asinos are one of the most popular entertainment destinations in the Valley during college and professional football season. The season that starts around Labor Day and ends a week before Valentine’s Day gives you ample opportunities on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays to catch food and beverage specials at each one of these casinos, whether it is with your friends, family, co-workers or significant other.

Even closer to home, there are several Arizona football story lines we will be following: Will the Cardinals sneak into the playoffs? Can the Sun Devils make the Pac-12 Championship?

Will the Wildcats take another stop into becoming a top-10 program, or will they take a step back into mediocrity?

Before you step out with your fellow football fanatics to your local casino, check out the best food and beverage specials at casinos to save money throughout the season!

A Football Frenzy at Talking Stick and Casino Arizona For those fans who want to do more than just watch the games, Talking Stick Resort is hosting its Sunday Football Frenzy every week in the resort’s 650-seat showroom, which has giant high definition television screens, appetizer specials and designated areas for big groups.

The interactive part of Sunday Football Frenzy is the weekly trivia contests that occur during commercial breaks and halftime. Hosted by Front Row Trivia Live, the trivia topics include sports, celebrities, history and other subjects. Doors open one hour prior to kickoff and there is never a cover charge for guests.

“Combining the excitement of Sunday football with the fun of trivia makes Talking Stick Resort the place to be on game day,” says Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Talking Stick Resort. “Our sports fans have a great chance of scoring their own big wins.”

On Monday night, the party moves to Casino Arizona’s showroom for the football party which can host over 300 fans and starts every week at 5pm. The Monday night party is highlighted by a low-priced appetizer menu, so none of the casino guests can feel priced out of the experience.

A Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and fries is only seven dollars, while a cheeseburger and fries, Nachos Grande and a personal

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pizza are all priced at six dollars and below. Desserts and small snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, fries and chips and salsa are all priced below three dollars!

A Different Kind of Pass On Monday nights at Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino there will be drawings at table games where winners can claim a 50-inch Smart TV, an Apple iPad Mini or a $100 gift card to Ditka’s Restaurant.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino has a football-themed promotion on Sundays and Mondays, where thousands of dollars of promotional chips will be awarded to guests throughout the season. At Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino the Center Bar is a popular destination and is open from 10am to 2am on Sundays.

Just in time for the football season, Lone Butte Casino is showcasing a brand new bar, Lucky’s, an Irish-themed venue with cocktails, a large beer selection and daily drink specials, especially on game day Sundays.

“It is the perfect bar to unwind after work, catch a game or just relax before a show in our brand new event center,” says Melody Hudson, Public Relations Manager for Gila River Casinos.

Also at Lone Butte Casino is The Big City Blitz promotion held at Big City every Sunday through December 20, between 2pm and 8pm. Over $100,000 in promotional chips and prizes will be distributed.

Prizes include football tickets and promotional fan bags. All day on Sundays, from 10am to 10pm., football fans can earn raffle entries at table games for a chance to win the Coach’s Sideline prize package, which contains items such as a Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Bose Headphones and promotional chips.

“As a proud sponsor of our local Arizona football team, Gila River is excited to offer guests the best view to enjoy the big games while experiencing an all-encompassing entertainment experience at any of our properties,” says Hudson.

Drinks Up at Dragonfly Cliff Castle Casino is a popular destination in the fall because of their cool temperatures, so it makes sense that they would be hosting football-related promotions. This year Cliff Castle Casino is hosting Monday Football Madness at their Dragonfly

nightclub. Prizes include team jerseys, hats and free promotion play. Each guest will receive a free t-shirt at their first Monday game, and all guests who attend every Monday night game at Dragonfly will automatically receive a free VIP entry into the Super Tailgate party on February 7. Admission to the weekly event is ten dollars.

“Every Sunday fans can watch their teams battle it out on one of our 10 large high-definition televisions while playing blackjack in our NFL party pit, says Tony De Luz, spokesperson for Cliff Castle Casino Hotel.

Cliff Castle Casino’s two dollar Budweiser draft specials occur on Thursday and Sunday games, not just Monday night. Their Monday night football buffet includes Buffalo wings, hot dogs, cheese and vegetable trays as well as a special home citythemed menu item.

For the first week of Monday night in San Francisco they paid homage to the city by the bay’s famous Chinatown with sweet and sour meet balls, egg rolls and pot stickers. Another option is Cliff Castle’s 24/7 grab-and-go bistro, Three Sisters, which will also have a menu available during games.

Football in Paradise For those who will be on the road between Arizona and California during the football season, Paradise Casino in Winterhaven, California is a good place to stop and watch the games.

Throughout the entire season, Sharkey’s Bar & Bites is offering two dollar 16-ounce domestic drafts and two dollar 12-ounce well drinks. Food specials include five dollar jumbo wings and a twelve dollar appetizer platter.

“We are also proud to have promotions with Budweiser representatives during the season,” says Esther Saldana, Marketing Coordinator with Paradise Casino.

The Budweiser representatives will be on site at Paradise Casino on Monday, October 19 for the New York Giants versus Philadelphia Eagles game, and two weeks later on November 2 when the Indianapolis Colts play the Carolina Panthers.

So take your football party to a casino near you and score great food, fun prizes and free chips all on one trip! $

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By Mark Novak

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nown for its historic and tribal attractions, the Yuma region is also a premier destination for entertainment and leisure in a unique locale. Sister properties Quechan Casino Resort (Winterhaven, CA) and Paradise Casino (Yuma, AZ) offer well-rounded casino gaming excitement throughout the year.

Gaming One of the Southwest’s largest gaming centers, Quechan Casino Resort includes more than 1,000 new and classic slot machines, Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker and Three Card Poker games, a large live poker room, and the Yuma region’s only high-limit room.

Players at both casinos can get even more from their play with a free Players Rewards Club Card. All play with the card earns points that can be redeemed for comps, cash or rewards play.

Frequency of play can also raise club status for greater player benefits.

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Accommodations Quechan Casino Resort offers 166 luxurious guest rooms (including eight 800 sq. ft. suites) with amenities such as a flatscreen HDTV, on-demand movies, a Keurig coffee maker and free Internet service. Those who want some sun can relax outside by the resort’s Mediterranean-style swimming pool and tranquil Lazy River. A fitness center, a gift shop, room service, onsite truck & RV parking, and free valet parking are among the resort’s many other conveniences.

Dining & Nightlife Diverse dining at Quechan Casino Resort includes daily meals at Sidewinders Bar & Grill, VIP steak-and-wine dining at Ironwood Steakhouse, sumptuous global fare at Ocotillo Cafe, quick and tasty bites at the Food Court, and fresh pastries & Starbucks coffee at Gila Blend. For stepping out in the evening, Quechan Casino Resort’s Ocotillo Bar offers creative cocktails as well as

programming on HDTVs. The region’s top local talent performs at Quechan Casino Resort’s Sidewinders Nightclub on the weekends. The resort’s Pipa Event Center also hosts performances by some of entertainment’s biggest stars as well.

The People Behind The Scenes During a recent visit, members of the Arizona Gam ing Guid e staff had the opportunity to meet with new General Manager Michael Garrow and ask him a few questions about the property. Here’s a quick look at what Mr. Garrow has planned for Quechan Casino Resort.

Quechan Casino Resort & Paradise Casino CEO Michael Garrow Planning For The Future

Q: What were the stepping stones in your career path that led you towards becoming the CEO at Quechan Casino Resort and Paradise Casino?

A: My background in gaming really starts in 1982 when our tribe, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, was building several Class II gaming facilities in upstate New York. My Dad was doing the concrete work for one of the first facilities being built. The concept was a Quoncet hut and the big Mohawk ironworkers were putting up the large pieces of metal to form the hut and they were looking around wondering who was going to go up on top and put the bolts in. That’s when they asked me if I could climb up there and put the bolts in! I agreed, shimmied up there on a ladder and put the bolts in. That’s when the Mohawk ironworkers told me I could claim I was one of the first people to build the casinos!

I also had a career interest in airplanes and airports because, as a child, I used to love to watch the planes fly over our tribe’s airspace from Montreal and Ottawa to cities in the US. As a result, I pursued and received a degree in Airport Management. I later went back to school and got my MBA in Finance at U.C. Berkley. While in school I took a course in Entrepreneurship where my team’s project was developing a business plan on a casino. I actually did a mock casino business plan for a Class III gaming facility for my tribe. The chairman of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe at the time asked me about the business plan I developed during school and told me the tribe wanted to hire me to produce a business plan for the actual casino. What allowed me to really solidify myself in casino gaming was the opportunity to turn several casinos around to profitability.

My next calling was Las Vegas. I worked for Caesar’s Entertainment on the Strip on the Operations side; Food & Beverage, Table Games, Slots, Hotel, and so on. I was also fortunate to have had opportunities in Real Estate Development, Banking, Investment Banking, and CEO at the Nez Perce Tribe. In addition, I’ve also worked at several other tribal casinos including being GM at Michigan’s Little River Casino Resort, CEO at Grand Casinos for the Mille Lacs in Minnesota, and I’ve worked directly for the tribes on strategic planning specifically on their casinos. That experience allowed me to oversee debt refinanc-

“We are going to focus on guest service, improving the customer experience and the entertainment.

What I tell the team at Quechan is that we are building our foundation right now.”

When asked about his leadership style, Mr. Garrow said: “I come in on the weekends, I eat in the employee dining room, as does the rest of my executive staff. The employees here know they can approach me, even during lunch or dinner, and talk to me about anything. If I don’t, I won’t be successful. That philosophy comes from being a front line worker myself at an earlier time in my life. I addressed issues which were causing problems for the company I was working at and was met with the attitude that management didn’t really want to know and wasn’t prepared to do anything about the issue. That’s unfortunate and leads to more difficulties.“

(Continued on page 24)

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23

(Continued from page 23)

ing, new business assessment, analysis on different areas of the casino, and much more. So I’ve strategically built up a lot of different skills, operations, MBA in Finance from the Haas School of Business, casino experience all over the country, including training to become a craps dealer at a casino school to better understand the game! I feel I’ve learned a lot but that I also have a ton to learn.

Q: Did you have any mentors to help you learn the casino gaming industry?

A: My uncle worked at Turning Stone Casino as their CIO, also at Mohegan Sun, and several other casinos. He’s on the IT side but has provided me with a lot of information on understanding the organizational structure of a casino and he’s increased my network immensely.

Q: How does Quechan Casino Resort stand out from the rest of the casino resort properties?

A: There’s a difference between how we do stand out and how we want to stand out. We are trying to find our sweet spot right now as far as what guests want to see for entertainment, concerts, and more things to do. We are going to focus on guest service, improving the customer experience and the entertainment. What I tell the team here is that we are building our foundation right now. Plus, we have to be utilizing our existing technology to its full potential before we move on to new technology. Our promotional kiosks are not completely utilized right now and that has to change. In addition, when we do introduce new technology in another area of the property, we want to be fully prepared to use all of its features for a long time.

Q: What do you want your casino visitors to take away from their experience at Quechan Casino Resort?

A: We are in the process of fully analyzing our slot floor. Due to the economy, our challenge is capital investment. What we are looking for right now is a recommendation on what slots need to be changed out based on popularity with our guests over the next several years. Then we want to figure out how we can get newer and more exciting games out to our floor. So, when our patrons walk through our doors, they know their favorite game is here.

Plus, I want to tap into our core audience, including travelers from surrounding areas. We will go through our database of players and really target our customers, understand where they are coming from and what will bring them back. Our marketing and promotions team will get visitors in through our doors and then we have to provide the great experience gamers are looking for. I’d like to see our volume of visitors increase through targeted promotions supported by a solid operations team and that is exactly what we are working on.

When the volume of visitors increases, it lifts the spirits of every

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

staff member and it gives us the opportunity to think about how well we are doing and how proud we are to be working at our casino. There is a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and our team to deliver that for the casino and for our guests but I love being in this position and I’m ready for it. I am results-oriented no matter how long it takes, and I’m hoping in return by me leading by example that attitude and work ethic becomes part of the casino culture here.

Q: What plans does Quechan Casino Resort have for the future?

A: We are in the process of reviewing Sidewinders, the sports bar/nightclub on property and other food and beverage outlets.

I think there are options there for us, whether it’s a sports bar, a franchise restaurant, buffet, or something else. However, our organization wants data to support recommendations, not to just make a decision and say “Let’s do this!” Whatever happens, the entire team will be behind it with support because they will have had input into the process and then we will see it through, not just turn our eyes on something else. We are also reconnecting to the community in Yuma, in El Centro, in Calexico, Mexicali, Indio and other surrounding cities. As an organization, we want to be involved in, supportive of, and connected to the communities we serve. That’s the fun stuff! Being on the floor, interacting with the community, doing this kind of an interview, I really like that!

How to Get There Quechan Casino Resort is 11.5 miles from Yuma International Airport with connecting round-trip service to Los Angeles International Airport (United Airlines, two flights daily) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (US Airways Express, four flights daily). It is also within driving distance from San Diego (2.5 hours), Phoenix (3 hours) and Tucson (3.5 hours). Discover more about the many ways you can have fun and relax when staying in or passing through Yuma. Call Quechan Casino Resort at 877.QUECHAN or visit PlayQCR.com today. $

azgamingguide.com | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

25

TRIBAL NEWS Words By Lee Allen Images By Lee Allen & Native Health

NATIVE AMERICAN RECOGNITION DAYS Now—November, 2015

I

t was Phyllis Big Pond (Yuchi tribe of Oklahoma), a former Director of the Phoenix Indian Center, who made the decision 33 years ago that, “We need to create a way to honor our leaders.” Her solution was a one-day community dinner where those leaders were publicly recognized. Although the community leader walked on in 2009 after 40 years of advocacy on behalf of Native American families, her legacy continues to grow.

Historian Wayne Mitchell (Mandan tribe) notes the recognition concept was well received. “More events were added, the name was changed to Native American Recognition Week (and later changed to Recognition Days) and a yearly theme established.”

From that simple banquet beginning, NARD has expanded into a series of events which have now morphed into more than six weeks of festivities known as Native American Recognition Days. This year’s celebrations begin with an October 2nd opening ceremony and Native American Children’s Pageant at Metro Center in Phoenix and culminate with the Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards on November 19 at Scottsdale Plaza Resort.

Each year’s NARD opening event is hosted by a different group and this year Native Health gets the honors with their colorful youth pageant that attracts a crowd of 500 or more. The pageant has three age groups ranging from birth to age 10 where each child wears traditional dress and performs a traditional activity from a lengthy list that includes singing, dancing, drumming, and storytelling as well as calf roping and fry bread demonstrations.

The younger children are carried or accompanied on stage by their parents who give information about the family and a description of their traditional dress. Last year’s pageant drew young representatives from 12 tribes who were judged by pageant royalty.

While the schedule is packed with a variety of events on a number of days, Saturday, October 10th will be one of the most active. The signature event of NARD is the 2-hour-long Native American Connections Parade starting at 9am with upwards of 100 entries marching from 3rd Street and Oak, winding their way north to Steele Indian School Park. “This year we’re march-

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

ing under the 2015 theme of ‘The Beauty of Native American Culture’ and it will be interesting to see how the participants incorporate that theme. There should be some really colorful floats,” says Davina Haskins, adding: “The Herrera School Marching Band will be there along with the Senior Steppers from the Salt River community, Hopi ROTC participants, the Pima Basket Dancers, and music as it always plays a part in our parade.”

Once the parade ends at the Indian School, from 10am to 2pm, the site’s refurbished Music Building will hold an open house.

With the whole NARD event centered on sharing Native American heritage and culture, Phoenix Indian School plays an integral part in that history.

Established in 1891, it quickly became a prominent part of the federal government’s policy of cultural assimilation where the Indian children were tasked with achieving Anglo-conformity through a detachment from tribal cultural patterns, according to the Archeological Institute of America. The 160-acre campus complex, vacant since 1990 when the school closed at the order of the government, is re-inventing itself last year, Phoenix Indian Center and Native American Connections began renovation of the band building. “We’re pleased to bring the building back to life and create an environment where American Indians can

TRIBAL NEWS

meet and share their culture,” said NAC’s CEO Diana Yazzie Devine.

Referred to as ”The Phoenix Indian School Legacy Project,” the band building restoration is considered a key to preserving the school’s legacy. “Its restoration and cultural programming will be a gift to Phoenix residents for generations to come,” according to Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department Director James Burke.

Also underway are plans by the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) to further clarify history by developing the original dining hall into an American Indian Cultural Center. “Our objective is to develop the 14,000-square-foot dining hall into a cultural cornerstone to promote travel and tourism in Indian Country,” noted AAITA coordinator Raphael Bear (Yavapai).

Donovan Hanley (Navajo), AAITA president, added: “Such a Visitor Center to guide visitors to tribal destinations would honor past legacies.”

Other activities on this busiest-of-busy days include another open house at Native Health organization at 4041 North Central Avenue. Starting in 1978 as a small community nursing program, Native Health has expanded to provide holistic, patientcentered, culturally-sensitive health and wellness services throughout the metro Phoenix area. Closing out the day’s activities, the evening focus turns to the Chandler Center for the Arts where the spotlight is on education with the Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program (6:30-10:30pm).

The reigning Miss Indian Arizona, Shasta Dazen of the White Mountain Apache tribe, will relinquish her crown to one of 9 contestants (representing 8 Arizona tribes) vying to become the 54th Miss Indian Arizona. Dazen, a 21-year-old from Whiteriver received a $4,000 scholarship when she won last year’s competition.

In collaboration with the scholarship festivities, the City of Chandler will present an Indian Art Market on October 10-11 at Chandler Park.

tive American gathering would be complete without some organized social gatherings, i.e., pow wows. This year there are two, the 32nd annual Roy Track Memorial Mesa Pow Wow at Pioneer Park from 10/23-10/25 and the 15th annual Veteran’s Day Weekend Traditional Pow Wow in Glendale at ASU West, November 7, 11am-10pm.

This year’s extended celebration culminates with the Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards at Scottsdale Plaza Resort the evening of November 19.

Visit www.AZNARD.org for current listings of events, times, and locations. $

Events continue through mid-November and no extended Na-

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27

TRIBAL NEWS

By C. Dunne & A. Moore

SALT RIVER FIELDS BEACH BASH 1st Ever Arizona Sand Sculpting Competition—December 12 & 13, 2015

S

alt River Fields is proud to announce the ‘World's Best Sand Sculpting Championship Presented by Talking Stick Destination,’ a family-friendly two-day beach themed festival (SRFSandCastleFest.com), Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, from noon to 8pm, featuring the first sand sculpting competition ever hosted in Arizona. Ten worldclass artists will begin to design and build one-of-a-kind sand sculptures on Saturday and will carve live until 5pm. Sunday, the general public will be able to cast their vote for the People's Choice award while the artists apply the finishing touches to their creations, which will range from 10 to 20 feet in length.

Artists will compete for a $19,000 purse, and the sculptures will be judged with the winner announced Sunday evening.

“Only in Arizona can you have a beach bash in the middle of winter,” said Dave Dunne, General Manager, Salt River Fields.

“Where else than in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona can you plan a family photo with Santa and be awed by amazingly creative sand sculptures? It can only happen in the middle of the Sonoran desert and we’re excited it’s happening here at Talking Stick.

The two-day event will also feature beach-themed live entertainment, food, holiday vendors to top off seasonal shopping lists, free sandcastle lessons taught by Andy Hancock from Sandcastle Lessons (SandCastleLessons.com), photos with Santa Claus as he stops by on his last few days of vacation and much more. The sand sculpting competition is organized by the renowned multimedia artist Sean Fitzpatrick from Fitzy Snowman Sculpting (FitzySnowman.com). Tickets for the event are available at SaltRiverFields.com with general admission tickets at $12 and children 2 and under are free!

The Talking Stick Destination is Scottsdale’s premier entertainment destination, featuring eight entities that are surrounded by a rich cultural history and spectacular valley views. The Talking Stick Destination is home to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club, the Pavilions at Talking Stick, Octane Raceway, Topgolf, Butterfly Wonderland, Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River and OdySea Aquarium, opening Summer 2016. The Talking Stick Destination is a collaboration marketing initiative lead by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. In 2014, Talking Stick Destination was voted Best Tribal Enterprise by the Arizona Indian Chamber of Commerce. For more info visit TalkingStickArizona.com. $

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29

GAMING NEWS

ADG Serves Search Warrants

Multimedia Games Becomes Everi

On the afternoon of September 2, 2015, investigators from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and members of the Phoenix Police Department served two search warrants at businesses for illegal gambling. Both businesses named “Wi-Fi Café” are believed to be owned by the same person and are located at 4316 W. Thomas Road and 3515 W. Union Hills Drive.

Everi, a bold new brand name for the casino industry, launched on August 24, 2015 as senior management and Board members of Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) joined the Company’s larger-than-life mascot, The Money Man, at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to ring the NYSE Opening Bell at 9:30am. The new Everi Holdings Inc. (formerly Multimedia Games and Global Cash Access Holdings Inc.) “Powers the Casino Floor” as the casino industry’s only solesource provider of slot machine gaming entertainment and secure financial solutions.

During the joint operation, 3 people were arrested in connection to the business and will be facing multiple charges including operating an illegal gaming facility and promotion of illegal gambling. Additionally, 11 people who were customers inside the business were also arrested for various outstanding warrants and drug offences. This includes one woman who was wanted in connection to a recent armed robbery.

The ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling businesses very seriously. These unregulated cash businesses can often attract violent crimes to area neighborhoods. Over the past month, investigators have been looking into the businesses and found they were operating as sweepstakes-based internet cafés. The illegal gambling operations allowed customers to buy internet time, but players would actually use it for gambling on casino-style games played on computers inside the business. The games, while played on desktop computers, simulate what is often seen on the screens of electronic slot machines inside regulated casinos.

The recent partnership between ADG and Phoenix Police has led to seven different search warrants since July. Those operations have also led to the voluntary closure of at least eight other known illegal gambling locations and the eviction of two businesses by their landlords. $

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Ram V. Chary, President and Chief Executive Officer of Everi, said, “We’re excited to launch our organization’s rebranding initiative, including a new corporate name and logo, as we highlight Everi’s unique position as the gaming industry’s only company that can offer a diverse floor-wide portfolio of gaming entertainment, cash access, security and intelligence solutions that together deliver greater value to our casino customers.”

Operators and patrons alike will benefit from Everi’s dedication to strength, innovation and commitment to constantly look for ways to improve patron experiences and operator processes. “With Everi, we are redefining our organization following our successful transition to a full-service casino gaming equipment and payments solutions provider,” Mr. Chary added. “Through our commitment to innovation and ability to address casino operators’ gaming and payment technology needs, we are helping customers succeed.” The Company will continue to support all of its successful current subbrands, including TournEvent and TournEvent of Champions for the Games business and CashClub, CentralCredit, and Everi Compliance (formerly NEWave) for the Payments business. For more info, visit Everi.com. $

Arizona State Poker Champion Crowned

After a three-hour battle of wits and skill, Vance Fitzgerald of Surprise was named the 2015 Arizona State Poker Champion on August 18. Hosted in Talking Stick Resort’s ARENA Poker Room, the 11th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship hosted 1,580 competitors. The poker hopefuls brought their ‘A game’ to the five-day tournament, vying for ultimate bragging rights and a share of the more than $1 million prize pool.

“The 11th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship was a huge success,” said Tom Young, the Director of Poker at the ARENA Poker Room. “We were pleased to see an increase in interest in the tournament this year surpassing last year’s competitor count. And although we had several pros battling it out for the title, it truly was anyone’s game from beginning to end.”

The No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament kicked off on August 14 and included a semifinals round on August 17. Finals took place the following day with the remaining ten players vying to win the top spot. Four-time World Series of Poker champion, Tom Schneider, emceed the final table, engaging spectators with his colorful commentary throughout the round.

In the end, Fitzgerald beat his opponents with two pair of queens. In addition to $253,600, the victor took home a Presidential Rolex watch and a customized trophy.

Second place and third place finishers, Chad Mizner and Jake Balsiger, also earned trophies as well as payouts of $189,600 and $134,300 respectively. Various poker professionals also competed in the 2015 tournament including Dennis Phillips, Karina Jett and Kenna James. For more on the ARENA Poker Room and tournaments at Talking Stick Resort, visit TalkingStickResort.com or call 480.850.8693. $ The top 10 players in the 11th annual Arizona State Poker Championship: Vance Fitzgerald $253,600 Chad Mizner $189,600 Jake Balsiger $134,300 Matt Schultz $ 98,750 Gail Getzwiller $ 90,850 Hooman Nikzul $ 75,050 Matt Elsby $ 59,250 A.T. Gruzak $ 43,450 Alex Shelton $ 27,650 Tom Uwanawich $ 19,750

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31

GAMING NEWS

Talking Stick Resort Florist Wins ‘People’s Choice’ Award

Talking Stick Resort’s on-site florist, Christine Price, competed in the Arizona State Floral Association’s (ASFA) “Designer of the Year” contest and received the “People’s Choice” award.

Hosted on July 26, the event challenged vendors to showcase their customized art deco arrangements. In the end, Price’s Great Gatsby-inspired design won the hearts of her peers and she was deemed the ultimate winner. “I’m truly grateful for the award,” said Christine Price, lead florist for Talking Stick Resort. “Creating floral arrangements has always been my passion and I’m ecstatic my fellow florists appreciated my vision for a neoclassical art deco design. Being recognized by leaders in the industry is an honor I’ll always hold dear.”

The “Designer of the Year” competition took place during the ASFA’s annual Expo 2015. Created in the early 1950s, the ASFA provides assistance to the floral community, connecting florists

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

statewide and educating the public about industry achievements. In addition to earning top honors, Price also took home a trophy for all her efforts. “We’re so excited about Christine’s latest award,” Steve Gerken, Senior Director of Hospitality for Talking Stick Resort, said. “Her floral arrangements are essential to our property and add an elegance and charm to Talking Stick Resort on a daily basis. She is a floral innovator and we’re thrilled others are witnessing her exceptional talent as well.” $

GAMING NEWS

By Caelen Demos

The Odds Are On

Terri Robinson never would have imagined that she would be staring at a stage three breast cancer diagnosis around the same time she started working at a casino who thinks PINK every October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Like many women, when Robinson found a lump on her breast in February, she didn’t want to face the possibility of what the lump could mean. She had just been hired as a cashier at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and wanted to ignore the signs of something more serious. In April, after more lumps developed, Robinson saw a doctor and was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. “My first challenge after being diagnosed was the thought of telling my supervisors,” said Robinson. “I knew there was a possibility of being sick at work or having to miss work for a treatment and when I work for someone, I give it my all and it’s very frustrating to have to miss work.” Little did she know, her co-workers and supervisors at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino would be a constant support system throughout her journey.

“My co-workers and supervisors have been VERY VERY VERY supportive. They are there for me when I have a problem or have to call in sick,” said Robinson. “They always make sure they are available to talk. I couldn’t ask for better support.”

Because of the chemotherapy treatment Robinson was going through, she would find herself faced with days where she was very ill. Other days, there would be moments of fogginess at work because of a recent treatment. Life while undergoing treatment meant taking each day one day at a time, and adjusting to a slower paced lifestyle. “I’ve gone through a roller coaster of emotions,” said Robinson. “On a day-to-day basis, I have to look at my body and adjust a lot of the things I do.”

Robinson wanted to share her story to encourage women to get checked as soon as possible and to know that there is a community out there ready to help you. She’s found that type of community among other Harrah’s employees who are breast cancer survivors. This October, Robinson will have finished her first round of a 12-week chemotherapy treatment, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While she knew that Harrah’s was highly dedicated to breast cancer awareness, it wasn’t until she got involved in the breast cancer awareness committee and with other employees that it really hit home. “I just appreciate an organization that can give back to the community, especially breast cancer awareness,” said Robinson. “I’m taking next month a little more personal than most.”

In the month of October, Harrah’s will turn into a PINK zone and host a PINK-out to recognize those battling breast cancer: A PINK drink called the PINK WARRIOR, w here a po rtio n o f the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. In addition, table games players will get to play on PINK table layouts with dealers who have PINK ribbons on their shirts.

All month long, guests to the casino will have an opportunity to participate in a social media contest.

On October 16 the Mobile On-site Mammography (M.O.M.) will be on-site offering mammograms (appointment required). To make an appointment please contact M.O.M. at 480.967.3767. Please have your insurance card available. (Non-insured patient cost is $167) On October 24 at 7pm the 3rd annual PINK POOL PARTY and Battle of the Bras will be held. This 21+ event will feature PINK drinks and PINK treats. The highlight of the pool party will be the Battle of the Bras fashion show. Each casino department has the chance to design a bra for a male manager or supervisor to model.

In 2014, as a result of all of the efforts during the month of October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in conjunction with The Caesars Foundation, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino presented an $8,000 check to American Cancer Society. The PINK team at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino hopes to exceed that amount this year. For more information contact Harrah’s AkChin at 480.802.5000 or visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $ azgamingguide.com | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

Directory & Gaming Statistics

Aquarius Casino Resort 800.662.LUCK aquariuscasinoresort.com.

1,250+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, roulette, craps, keno, race/ sports book.

Avi Resort & Casino (Fort Mojave Tribe) 800.430.0721 avicasino.com.

1,000+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book, KidsQuest.

Colorado Belle Hotel Casino 877.460.0777 coloradobelle.com.

750+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book. Build your own amazing burger at Pint’s Brewery!

Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino 800.227.3849 riversideresort.com.

1,300+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book.

Edgewater Hotel Casino 800.677.4837 edgewater-casino.com.

750+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, roulette, craps, race/sports book. Great all-around casino!

Golden Nugget Laughlin 800.237.1739 goldennugget.com/laughlin 1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, sports book. Sign up for the player’s club and spin for free play!

Harrah’s Laughlin 800.447.8700 harrahslaughlin.com 900+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, live keno, race/sports book.

Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall 800.634.3469 pioneerlaughlin.com 490 slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, sports book. Make sure to check out the video poker & reel slots!

Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics July 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.

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Hold % Tables

Hold %

Loose $5

4.29

Blackjack / 21

17.57

$1

5.12

Roulette

20.15

25¢

6.02

Craps

20.60

Multi-Denom 6.08

Let It Ride

25.03

$25

6.18

Other Table Games 28.83

5¢

7.71

Pai Gow Poker

27.85

1¢

10.80

Three Card Poker

32.07

Tight Megabucks

12.01

1.90

Win Amount

Dollars

Sports Pools

2.89

Slots

33.6 mil.

Race Books

15.74

Tables

4.3 mil.

28.05

Other

0.3 mil.

Other Loose Bingo

Tight Live Keno

Hold %

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Joe Hagan Director of Marketing, Tropicana Laughlin

TROPICANA LAUGHLIN The Second Installment of “Ask Joe” Is Here

A

s promised, we are bringing our readers closer to the action by answering your questions. The mail and emails have been continuing to pile up over the past few months since the first “Ask Joe” installment. Once again, our team hand-picked a few questions for Joe Hagan, the Director of Marketing at the Tropicana Laughlin, to provide us with his responses.

If you have a question to “Ask Joe” regarding casino marketing, or any other related topic, don’t hesitate to write in. If we select your question, you’ll walk away a winner with a $25 gift card!

All you have to do is follow the instructions in the green box at the bottom of the page.

For now, let’s enjoy what Joe had to say in response to some of our reader questions!

Q: I play at casinos in the Valley, in Laughlin, and rarely Las Vegas. I don’t seem to get much in terms of offers from the last two, why travel 4 to 6 hours?

Bill Ransom—Phoenix, AZ A: Bill, there are many reasons to choose Laughlin. Probably the most obvious is it’s good to get away on occasion. We live our lives in little boxes where we visit the same places and do the same things every day; we are creatures of habit, so it is good to mix it up on occasion. In addition, you have all of the various promotions and events that we have that may not be available at local casinos.

Looking at October, on the 3rd we have the Viva Tropicana Car Show, on the 10th we have the Carrie Underwood concert, on the 15th through the 18th we have the Laughlin Film Festival, on the 23rd through the 25th we have the $10K Slot tournament, and on the 31st we have the Bingo Bash, along with several gift weekends and food events every weekend.

Bill, as for your offers, I have spoken before that all offers are based on gaming and when you spread it around it dilutes your offers. Lots of guests who come to Laughlin play at 3 or 4 casinos and end up getting no offers. Vegas, in general, even if you don’t spread your play around they expect a higher value guest before they start handing out offers. If you are looking for offers and rewards, it is best to pick one casino that fits you as a gamer and stick with it!

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Q: Hi Joe, I’d like to know how I can figure out which casino is giving me better comps and free play. What should I watch for in the mail to figure out which casino is better?

Ethel Summers—Sun City, AZ A: Great question Ethel! However, we need to look at it from a slightly different angle. Gaming is not just about the comps and offers you get but also about the entertainment and if you enjoy yourself. Don’t get me wrong, all of the comp and extras don’t hurt, but they should not be the prime reason you gamble.

Many casinos work with the concept of reinvestment (RI); it is the basis of what promotions and offers they send you. The amount that a casino is willing to reinvest varies greatly from casino to casino. I have seen everything from 15% to 50% and to give you an idea of how quickly that gets used up here is an example: Adeline loses about $200 per day when she games; this translates into average daily theoretical between $50 and $150 depending on her luck, gaming style and what games she plays. (Ed itor’s note: Average Daily Theoretical means the amount of money the casino theoretically expects to get from Adeline per day, on average, over time.) Using the higher theoretical and going off a 20% RI which is relatively standard across the casino gaming industry the casino would have about $30 per day to use to give her offers. If the casino offers Adeline complimentary rooms for her stay that is going to use about $20 per day, leaving $10 for a free play offer.

Ethel, probably the simplest way is to just add up the value of all of the offers they give you and compare them. I would use $20 for a baseline for each event, gift, dinner, room, or invited promotion. Adjust accordingly if they give nicer things, perhaps make it $25 per item, if quality is lacking then $15 per item.

Then, add the dollar value of any free play and food credits.

You have to look at this both as a trip, or if you visit frequently over the course of a month. This should give you a rough idea of how much they are willing to give you. It is very similar to how I judge other casino marketing programs when I look at our competitors.

Q: Joe, I’ve never been to Laughlin and I’m interested in visiting your casino. Do you have any New Member programs?

Maria Escalante—Tucson, AZ

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

A: Maria, a first-time visitor will find plenty to do. Specifically for a new member, Tropicana Laughlin has the “First $100 On Us” promotion where we send you an offer for Free Play based on your first day’s losses (losses must be more than $10). The Free Play (valued up to $100) is valid on your next visit. In addition, we have daily promotions and weekend events that anyone can participate in.

I mentioned a list of upcoming events in my answer to Bill, but there are several more, including: Halloween Haunt & Glow Car Show—Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 Veteran’s Weekend Celebration—Nov. 6 through 11 For information about the Tropicana Laughlin, their specials, and a lot more, visit 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 | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

37

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings The Arizona Room: Chad Freeman And Redline (Country)— Mon. 8pm, Arizona Room Trivia—Tue. 7pm, , Country Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—Wed. at 6pm, Daisy Train (Country)—Wed. 8pm, Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—Thu. at 6pm.

Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends

Dirty, Sexy, Funny Featuring Jenny McCarthy & Friends Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita October 24, 2015 Take a hilarious look at life as a contemporary woman with Dirty, Sexy, Funny Featuring Jenny McCarthy and Friends, live in the Diamond Center on Saturday, October 24. Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now. The show highlights the scandalous comedy of an eclectic cast of female comedians – Tammy Pescatelli, Lynne Koplitz, Paula Bel and April Macie. Dirty, Sexy, Funny is also a radio show, airing weekends on SiriusXM. Jenny McCarthy’s honesty, humility and humor have enabled her to transcend the boundaries of her roles as comedian, actress, host, best-selling author and new reality TV star on A&E’s Donnie Loves Jenny. Jenny McCarthy currently resides in New York, with her son Evan, new husband Donnie Wahlberg and dad, Macky. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “The hilarious women of Dirty, Sexy, Funny are bringing a comedy show like no other to the Diamond Center. Don’t miss out—get your tickets early!”

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Apache Laffs Comedy Show—Oct. 10, 12th Annual Run To The Rez—Oct. 16 & 17, Los Lobos—Oct. 17, Big & Rich—Nov. 7 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm Events: Cage Rage 10—Oct. 17, Grits & Glamour—Oct. 22, Chubby Checker—Nov. 21, Williams & Ree—Dec. 18 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Evil Waze (Santana Tribute)—Oct. 9-10, Pyromania (Def Leppard Tribute)—Oct. 23-24, Rock And Roll Over (KISS Tribute)—Oct. 3031, Monday Night Showroom Football—Mondays at 5pm

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends Events: Taste Of The Verde Valley—Oct. 17 Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Th & Fr at 8pm Joe Nichols & Special Guest Josh Thompson—Oct. 10 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: Brett Eldredge—Oct. 3, Jenny McCarthy & Friends—Oct. 24 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 Featured Entertainment: Austin Webb—9th, Skid Row, Great White, and Autograph at the UltraStar Amphitheater—17th The Lounge: Check r’d Past—2nd, Sound Wave—3rd, The Walkens—9th, New World Order—10th, Cold Shot & The Hurricane Horns—16th, Mrs. Robinson—17th, Thaddeus Rose—23rd, Neon— 24th, Quantum—30th, The Hamptons—31st Wednesdays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music fro m No o n—4pm. Bandstand Shows— 7th, Route 66—14th, The Swingtips—21st, Mancini the Band—28th The Lounge Happy Hour: Enjo y Ha ppy ho ur a nd live music Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 5 – 8pm. Flavour—6th, Shades Of Blue—7th, Notes From Neptune—13th, John Eric Duo—14th, Paul Wells—20th, Walkens Trio—21st, Van & Melanie—27th, XO Duo— 28th Sundays in The Lounge: Enjoy live Football every Sunday.

Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show 7pm, Harry Luge (Country)—Oct. 6-10, Chyna (Variety)—Oct. 13-17, Rockhall Doctors (Classic Rock)

Editor’s Pick —Oct. 20-24, The Strip Kings (Variety)—Oct. 27-31 Events: Haunted Halloween Party—Oct. 31, Listen to the Music (Doobie Brothers Tribute)—Nov. 20 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 Cities Bar & Grille: Sunday Brunch featuring live entertainment from 10am-4pm Events: Planet Earth (Duran Duran Tribute)—Oct. 3, Str8Up 25th Anniversary Celebration—Oct. 17, Gloria Gynor—Oct. 24, One of These Nights (Eagles Tribute)—Oct. 25, Cash’d Out (Johnny Cash Tribute) —Nov. 14, 49 Laughs (Comedy)—Nov. 21, Yolanda del Rio with Mariachi Azteca de Oro—Dec. 11 Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.

Events: Testicle Festival—Oct. 3, Journey Unlimited (Journey Tribute)—Oct. 3, HallowSCREAM Bash—Oct. 31 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: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Zappa Plays Zappa—Oct. 4, JB Smoove with Hugh Moore—Oct. 24, Wicked Ball—Oct. 31, 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 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: Polo Polo—Oct. 2, Lost 80’s Live—Oct. 10, Loverboy 2015—Oct. 17, Mick Adams & The Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute)—Oct. 18, Slash feat. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators—Oct. 20, Ramon Ayala— Oct. 23, Latin Legends Live—Oct. 24, The Village People—Oct. 30, ABBA Fab—Oct. 31 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.

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Talking Stick Resort Presents:

Wicked Ball Halloween Contest October 31

It’s that time again all you witches, goblins and goons! Talking Stick Resort is celebrating Halloween with its annual Wicked Ball event on Oct. 31. Hosted in the property’s Salt River Grand Ballroom, the event will feature live entertainment, a variety of performers and decked-out characters vying for top honors in the costume contest. At the end of the night, the remaining 10 finalists will win a share of $10,000. But that’s not all -- as the Halloween party will also showcase EDM, trance and Top 40 hits all night long!

In its second year, the Halloween bash will feature three rooms complete with cocktail specials and variety acts. Each room will showcase a different theme, vibe and musical style so guests will get to experience three parties for the price of one! Lady La from LIVE 101.5 FM will keep the party rocking in the main room, serving as the costume contest’s emcee. The top 10 costume contest finalists will take home cash with the first place winner earning $3,500. Advanced general admission tickets are $50 while VIP tickets are $90. General admission tickets purchased on the day of the event are $60. “Day of” VIP tickets are $100 and include six drinks.

Additionally, guests can purchase a cabana at RELEASE any Saturday this month and receive 10 VIP Wicked Ball tickets, which includes six drinks and access to the VIP areas (a $900 value). To learn more information or purchase tickets for Wicked Ball at Talking Stick Resort, visit their website at TalkingStickResort.com or call 480.850.7734. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Prizes for the top 10 finalists will be as follows: 1st place — $3,500 2nd place — $2,500 3rd place — $1,500 4th place — $1,000 5th place — $ 500 6th-10th place — $ 200. azgamingguide.com | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

39

CASINO BINGO

PARADISE CASINO BINGO Nellia Cook Won A $2,989.30 Coverall Jackpot!

I

f you are ready for a hot bingo hall with plenty of winners, then look no further than Paradise Casino in Yuma. This October you can cash in on plenty of special games!

Friday, October 19th—Indian Day: Bring in you Tribal ID and receive a free paper Buy-In or $5 off your Electronic Buy-In at either their 1:30pm matinee or 6pm evening session.

Saturday, October 31st—Halloween Bingo: The session is at 1:30pm with 10 main games paying $300 and $500 specials plus a Double Action Coverall at $1,199. There are free Halloween Daubers while they last. Make sure to bring in your Halloween Bucks for a chance at $200-$500 and participate in the Halloween Costume Contest: 1st Place—$200 Cash and $100 Bingo play, 2nd Place—$150 Cash and $75 Bingo play, 3rd Place—$100 Cash and $50 Bingo play! $

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

Th-Su at 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

Daily 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 09/01/15 & 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 | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

ARIZONA LOTTERY

BRAND NEW SCRATCHERS The Arizona Lottery Satisfies Slot Players With Casino Themed Games

P

laying the Arizona Lottery’s Scratcher games has always been a fun way to place a wager, play a game, and see if you win or lose. Plus, the Arizona Lottery funds a wide variety of Arizona’s state programs including Education, Health & Human Services, the Environment, and more.

And, as the Arizona Lottery is always introducing new games to their Scratchers collection every month, there are plenty of games to pick from. While the vast array of choices may make picking a Scratcher game a little bewildering, we’ve come across a few of the Arizona Lottery’s latest games that every casino enthusiast has to play the next time they want to try a Scratcher.

So whether you are a veteran, occasional, or brand new Scratcher player, here are a few you can try at a variety of bet levels for everyone’s bankroll!

Instant Keno Cost: $3 Game Play: Match any of your keno numbers to any of the black circled numbers on the keno board and win the prize shown in the prize legend. When scratched, the matching keno board numbers will change to a lighter color, making it easier to see them. Only the highest winner is paid.

Prizes: $20,000, $1,000, $500, $100, $50, $20, $15, $10, $5, $3 Overall Odds Of Winning: 1 in 3.74

Double Cherry Cost: $1 Game Play: Reveal 3 identical symbols in a spin, win prize for that spin. Reveal 3 Cherry symbols in a spin to double that spin’s prize!

Prizes: $2,000, $200, $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $2, $1 Overall Odds Of Winning: 1 in 4.42

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. Retailers pay prizes up to $100 and may pay prizes up to $599. The Arizona Lottery pays all prizes including prizes $600 and over. Any prize may be claimed by mail. Prizes subject to prior sales. Tampering with a Lottery ticket is a Class 3 felony punishable by law. All tickets, transactions and winners are subject to Lottery Rules and State Law. You must be 21 years or older to purchase tickets. Not responsible for incorrect or outdated info.

Aces And 8s Cost: $5 Game Play: Match any of your numbers to any of the winning numbers, regardless of color, win prize shown for that number.

Reveal a black “8” symbol, win double that prize. Reveal a red “Ace” symbol, win 5 times that prize!

Prizes: $50,000, $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50, $25, $20, $10, $5 Overall Odds Of Winning: 1 in 3.7 Most gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores are Arizona Lottery retailers and many will carry these games. $

azgamingguide.com | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

41

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

MY PERSONAL TOP 7 GRIPES A Quick Review Of What I Experience And What My Readers Tell Me

W

henever I visit a casino, I go prepared to lose. It’s not to say that I have a bad attitude or that I’m an eternal pessimist, I just accept that gambling is a form of entertainment. The amount of money I take with me to a casino is what I feel I can afford to part with. That way, if I happen to be lucky then it’s kind of like an unexpected bonus I can be excited about. And, if I lose—no harm no foul.

I believe that it’s just silly to expect to win at the casino ALL the time. I have my ups and downs and if one casino visit isn’t the greatest then I look forward to my next visit in the hopes that maybe my luck will change for the better. Therefore, not winning at the casino every single time I go is not one of my gripes.

I do, however, have several other complaints which detract from my overall casino entertainment experience...

For one, sitting next to people at a casino that are whining and grumbling about losing is completely annoying. The huffing, the puffing, the protesting, and the criticizing isn’t a whole heck of a lot of fun. In fact, I’ve found that these kind of party poopers actually carry a contagious negative attitude that spreads like spilled water. If it’s not going well at a machine, then just change machines! If it’s not going well in general, leave! The casino’s not going to close before you have a chance to visit again.

On the flip side, I can’t stand the overly excited hyperfreakazoids either. You know, the kind that yell like they’ve just won a million dollar lottery every time they get a win—even if it’s just for a couple of dollars. I relish the energy and the excitement of the casino. However, sitting next to this type of person (or worse yet a group of friends standing around all screaming in unison) is pure torment! Would you like to have someone screaming in your ear?

Then, of course, there are the incredibly obnoxious and inconsiderate smokers who decide that blowing smoke in other people’s faces, scattering ash on top of themselves, on top of others sitting next to them, on the slot machines and all around is okay.

Well, it’s not okay. Be aware of the direction the smoke is traveling and, for Pete's sake, use the ashtrays that are provided.

Okay, I’m on a roll now and I’ve just gotten started … Which casino visitor isn’t as bothered as I am by those niggling, pesky hoverers? The quiet lurkers are annoying because you just feel their presence, but the blustering oglers that interject madden-

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

ing comments like “ooh, that was close” and “aah, what an awful bonus” are downright infuriating. As if I need my very own play-by-play commentator! If you’re a hoverer, stop it! Go get your machine, sit down, play, and have fun. Stop standing around and join in on the action!

I’m playing my favorite video slot machine, I get into the bonus, and all of a sudden the lady next to me decides she wants to strike up a conversation. Not the most opportune time! I consider myself a “people person.” I love meeting new people and I love socializing. But, when I’m in front of my favorite video slot machine, or trying to focus on using optimal strategy at the blackjack table, it’s a little difficult to carry on a tête-à-tête! Imagine interrupting a sports fanatic during sudden-death overtime when their favorite team is in position to score and scoop up a victory. If you want to talk to the stranger sitting next to you at the casino, make sure you’re timing is convenient and appropriate.

Another annoying action people do is leave ashtrays on their chair or tilt the chair against the machine promising to come back but never do. Unless you really are just getting up to use the restroom or getting a drink and are seriously intending on coming right back, don’t save the machine. Let others play!

I want to be treated with kindness and gratitude by all the employees at the casino—from the cocktail waitresses to the slot attendants to the blackjack dealers to the security officers. I have two dozen casinos to choose from in AZ alone and I chose to come play at your casino. $

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

FUN FACTS

By Mark Novak

ALECTRYOMANCY Letting A Rooster Predict Your Future

D

id you know that Alectryomancy is the art of fortunetelling using a rooster?

Roosters were commonly used for predictions in different parts of the world, and over the ages different methods were used.

The most common and popular form of this fortune-telling was based on the observation of a rooster eating corn scattered on letters. This practice was used when the sun or the moon was in Aries or Leo. A circle of letters was traced on the ground and laid out with some sort of grain placed on each letter. Next a rooster, usually a white one, was let to pick at the grains, thus selecting letters to create a divinatory message or sign. The chosen letters could be either read in order of selection, or rearranged to make an anagram. Sometimes readers got 2 or 3 letters and interpreted them. Additional grains replaced those taken by the rooster. $

azgamingguide.com | October 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

43

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH To celebrate Halloween, find: CANDY, CAULDRON, COSTUME, DARK, HAUNTED, MAKEUP, OCTOBER, PARTY, PUMPKINS, SKULL, TOMBSTONE, TREAT, TRICK, VAMPIRE, WITCH, ZOMBIE. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

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SUDOKU Each of the columns, rows, and nine 3 x 3 grids must contain all of the digits 1 - 9. None of the digits may appear more than once in each column, row, and 3 x 3 grid.

(Solution on page 46)

1

9

2

3

5

6

5

4 1

5

9 6

2

1 4

2

6

9

1

2 6 2

8 9

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3

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44 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 904

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,070

Y

Y

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 292

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 655

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 654

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 420

Y

Y

Y

Y

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

888-777-4946 486

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 233

Y

Y

Chandler

Y

101 & Indian Bend

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 759

Y

I-40, Exit 219

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,082

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 898 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 319

RV Park

888-243-3360 525

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 09/01/15 & 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!

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46 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

Y

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Arcade

Y

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Poker Room

Y

800-272-2438 590

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