Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - May 2016 - 08:05

MAY

Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 TABLE GAMES 15 NEW SLOTS 20 WINNING WAYS 22 DINING 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 28 GAMING NEWS 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO BINGO 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS

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44 FUN & GAMES 46 CASINO DIRECTORY

RELEASE AT THE TALKING STICK RESORT—SCOTTSDALE’S HOTTEST POOL PARTY!

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Play Aristocrat’s new slot, Ted , or several other exciting slot games at Casino Del Sol in Tucson.

You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to win a trip to exciting Las Vegas and a shot at $1 million!

Why is the U.S. currency green?

What’s the origin of the dollar sign?

Plus, more money facts revealed.

BRAND NEW SLOTS COME TO CASINO DEL SOL

EVERI’S TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS HAS BEGUN

FUN & INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MONEY

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

ESCAPE THE HEAT At TSR’s RELEASE Pool Parties

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 08 • ISSUE 05 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com

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cottsdale’s favorite pool party to “see and be seen at” is back in full force at Talking Stick Resort. Their amazing summer pool party series, simply called RELEASE, is the perfect way to celebrate the weekend in style. Those ready for the ultimate party in the desert will enjoy drink specials, promotional giveaways, cabana rentals, live music, and much more now through September.

As the temperatures start to soar into the triple digits, RELEASE is the ideal place to cool off and unwind. Grab your friends and family (and a whole lot of sun screen) and head out to Talking Stick Resort this weekend. You won’t want to miss the poolside performances by the best DJs from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, San Francisco, and all over the world!

Also in this issue, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make your next trip to any casino a success. We’ve got the lowdown 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 .com /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 the Arizona Gam ing Guide on our website at AZGam ingGuid e.com . Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

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

MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Mark Novak Melody Hudson Lana Hartmann Rachel Brockway Samantha Becker 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 © 2016 The Arizona Gaming Guide.

All rights reserved.

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

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

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

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

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide 04 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

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

PLAYERS TALK

Q: My wife and I are of the opinion that when a new slot machine game is introduced into a casino it pays better than existing machines in the same casino. After the 'newness' wears off and it becomes just another game, the pay falls in line with the older machines. Is this just our imagination? Thank you.

Lloyd Cooper—Gilbert, AZ A: Hi Lloyd! Thanks for your great question. We routinely hear comments similar to this from our readers. So, no, we don’t believe this is your imagination. Having designed many slot machine games over the past 15 years, our team knows that mathematically there is no difference to a play session at the beginning of a game’s life cycle than a play session many months, or even years, down the road. However, the issue is not about the math and the slot’s Random Number Generator, the issue is the player experience from first encounter to eventual dismissal.

Based on our team’s collective personal and professional knowledge making slots for the casino gaming industry and playing slots there is, without question, so much psychology wrapped up in the seemingly simple experience of playing a slot machine (or any other game of chance for that matter). A casino patron comes across a new game, has an entertaining, enjoyable, and (most importantly) a non-losing experience, and falls in love with the game. This new slot becomes their favorite game for multiple trips to the casino, the positive experiences continue, and the love for the game is reinforced. Then after some time has passed, and more play sessions have accumulated, reality sets in. Reality being the casino patron is playing a losing game. A game they cannot win at over time. Players can feel and see their losing experience and that becomes boring and old. The sights and sounds and bonus wins, or very large wins (perhaps even jackpots) which were fun the first few go arounds are now stale, trite, and lacking excitement. The singing and dancing Jack-A-Lope (which shoots gold coins from its mouth) is no longer their highly anticipated new best friend and the gambler looks for greener pastures elsewhere.

Let’s take a look at what we consider to be a very similar consumer experience: buying a new car. When you first get it, you feel great. The car meets and exceeds all of your expectations (that’s why you bought it after all). You like it, so does your

spouse or significant other, your friends congratulate and compliment you on your new purchase, and life couldn’t be better.

Two years down the road (literally) is that same excitement and enthusiasm there? Is the car still meeting and exceeding all of your expectations? Our guess is that you’re not as excited about the car and it probably let you down on at least one occasion, if not several more. You get a quick boost of happiness because of the new car purchase and then shortly afterwards you return to your normal level of happiness before you bought the car. It’s the same with a new slot. Players have an initial level of excitement and get a boost to their happiness while at the casino about the new game they’ve discovered and how great it is, but then over time their happiness returns to the same level as before and the new game becomes an old game, like all the others before it. You are probably just experiencing one of the fundamental aspects of the human condition.

Q: We recently went to a new casino and every slot machine had a bingo game on it. The bingo grid did not match the columns on the slot machine. I asked one of the floor staff to explain it to me. I did not understand his explanation. Would you please explain this "new" slot machine feature? Do you, as a player, win anything on this bingo? How does this bingo game benefit the player and/or casino? Is the bingo linked to every computer in that machine section?

Barbara Henderson—Scottsdale, AZ A: Hi Barbara! This is a great question about Class II gaming machines. When you play a Class II slot machine (or a slot with a bingo card displayed on it somewhere), you are, in fact, playing a massive bingo game controlled by one or more computer servers with a random number generator (RNG) somewhere in the casino. All of the Class II slots are linked together to these central computers. The number of units linked together could be as few as two machines or as many as several thousand. And one RNG is in charge of the outcomes on all of the games which are linked together. The casino has no influence over the outcome of the RNG. So, rest assured no one is out to scam you while playing a Class II game at a casino. Class II games are completely fair and rigorously tested by independent laboratories just like Class III games.

Now, the natural question is, how does the actual game play Continued on page 8

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

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

06 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYERS TALK

Continued from page 6

work on a Class II slot? Once you place a wager on the Class II slot, a signal is sent to the main computer which is then asked for a random outcome. If the outcome is a win, the slot displays a winning bingo card and also displays a win on the reels. If the outcome is a loss, the slot displays a losing bingo card and also displays a loss on the reels. There is no other direct relationship between the bingo card and the reel. Which is to say, just because the bingo card showed a winning bingo vertically in the “B” column, the slot reels do not display a winning outcome matched to that particular bingo. Winning and losing outcomes are drawn based on requests coming from all of the linked games on the casino floor until there are no more outcomes left and the massive bingo game resets. Let me reiterate: all Class II bingo slots connected to the same RNG have a finite number of winning and losing combinations. Once the pool has been exhausted, the bingo game starts all over again.

How is that different from a Class III slot? On a Class III slot, the instant you place a wager, the RNG within the slot generates as many random numbers as is needed to display an outcome on the screen. In most cases, five random numbers are drawn, converted into reel positions for the five reels, the reel positions are shown and evaluated for any wins and losses. When you hit the bet button again, the entire process begins all over with no knowledge of what occurred before. This is the main difference between a Class II and Class III slot. Each spin on a Class III slot is independent of the spin before. This means a slot player can literally hit two same jackpots back to back. With Class II slots, you are selecting outcomes randomly from a finite pool of outcomes (which resets) so, technically, if someone wins $200 next to you, that same $200 win will not be available until the entire bingo game resets. Of course there are probably many $200 wins within each massive bingo game, but there is a fixed number. Once exhausted by players on the casino floor, there aren’t any more until all outcomes have been used up. On a Class III slot, the $200 win you just had on the previous spin will always be a possible outcome on the next spin no matter what, period.

Imagine holding a bag filled with different colored balls where each ball represents winning and losing combinations on a slot game. In the case with a Class II bingo slot, each drawn ball cannot be placed back into the bag until all balls have been used.

Therefore, no win or loss will occur more than once until all the balls have been drawn and placed back into the bag for the start of a new game. On the other hand, in the case with a Class III slot, each drawn ball can be placed back into the bag after each spin on the slot machine. This is why each spin is independent of the spin before and why back-to-back jackpots (although highly unlikely) can occur.

Class II devices have existed for many years all across the country and around the world and it is not a new slot machine fea-

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

ture. Your chances of winning are still determined randomly, you can still play the same game themes on a Class II slot as you can on a Class III slot because almost all of the Class III slot manufacturers produce Class II slots as well. As a matter of fact, all around the country, there are several gaming jurisdictions which are Class II jurisdictions (like Oklahoma).

Class II slots in Arizona benefit the casino and the player in the same way as any other Class III (or non-bingo based) slot. The Class II slot has a certain hold percentage which represents the average amount of money the casino will keep over time from all of the wagers placed on the game. The Class II slot is offered as a form of entertainment to casino patrons, just like a Class III slot, or any other game of chance made available at Arizona’s casinos. There is one major difference between the Class II and Class III slots here in Arizona. They are not taxed by the current Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. So the State of Arizona is not required, by an agreement, to receive any percentage of revenue generated by the Class II slot.

Q: I don’t use a player’s card when I gamble. I’m not a big bettor and I don’t think that I make enough points during any one of my casino trips to make it worthwhile. On occasion, I’ve played with a card but I’ve just gotten annoyed because I kept forgetting it in the machines. Do you believe that someone like myself, who brings about $50 to the casino per trip, would make enough points to get any worthwhile offers?

Jim Harrison—Mesa, AZ A: Jim, you’re not alone in how you feel. One of the main reasons casino visitors aren’t using players cards is because they think they don’t spend enough money to earn anything. The biggest misconception amongst gamblers is that players club cards are only worthwhile for big bettors. What players forget to take into account is the aggregate total amount of ALL the wins they get while playing a slot machine. It’s not uncommon for a player to put $20 into a slot machine and play through $200!

The card reader records all the money played through the machine and not just the initial money inserted by the player.

Therefore, points do add up very quickly during a play session, even when placing low bets! It doesn’t take long to build up enough points for a couple free buffet tickets and some free play money! The benefits of playing with a card start to be realized after a few casino trips and all the free goodies!

It’s very easy to forget your players card in a machine as you move around and try your luck on different games. One suggestion I have is to visit the players club at each casino you visit and ask them to print out several cards for you. Keep the cards in your wallet and if you happen to forget a card in a machine, don’t worry about it! You will have plenty of back-up cards in your wallet! Good luck and please use your players card! $

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

CASINO WAR One Of The Easiest Table Games To Play In The Casinos

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asino War is the easiest game to play offered in casinos all across Arizona, Nevada, and the rest of the country.

You may have played it at home with your friends, and the only difference is that your friends (the casino, in this case) won’t give you a stack of chips to play with unless you give them real money!

How To Play Casino War Casino War is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. No jokers or wild cards are used, and at most Arizona casinos the game is dealt from a continuous shuffler with either five or six total decks. All you have to do is take a seat at the table, change your cash for chips, and make a wager in the betting circle.

That’s the hard part. The dealer gives each player and themselves a single card. If your card is higher than the dealer’s, you win even-money. If the dealer’s card is higher than yours, the dealer takes your bet. That’s the easy part.

Tie Cards And Going To War

The Tie Bet

If Casino War was always high-card wins, the casino wouldn’t have an edge. Therefore, when there is a tie, you have to choose to Go-to-War or surrender half of your bet. Suppose you are dealt a 9 and the dealer also has a 9. That’s a tie, so if you want to Go-to-War you place a second bet equal to your first wager in the betting circle and the dealer will match that amount with chips from the tray. Now there are three wagers to be won at war.

There is also an optional wager available on the Casino War table called the TIE bet. This is a separate wager, and the player must first make the player-against-dealer wager before making the TIE bet. If the player and dealer both have the same card (which would send the game to War if the player chooses) the hand is a tie. When this happens, the player is paid 10-to-1 on their TIE bet. A very nice pay out indeed. However, beware!

The casino does have a substantial edge on this wager (it’s about 19.31%), so be careful and bet accordingly!

Next, the dealer burns three cards and gives you one, face-up.

Then, the dealer repeats the process and gives themselves a card. If you have the high card, you get all three bets. If the dealer has the high card, your chips go in the tray. If there is another tie (such as when you both get a King), you win and the dealer matches the original bet again, so you get to drag a total of four bets!

If you choose to surrender, instead of Going-to-War (which many players do), the casino holds about a 3.67% edge. That edge is reduced if you Go-to-War since you have the chance to win an additional bet if there is another tie! So, “Going-to-War” reduces the house edge on a five-deck shoe game to just 2.32% which makes Casino War a pretty good table game in Arizona (second only to blackjack).

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If you decide to give this great table game a try, please send us an e-mail to editor@azgamingguide.com with “Casino War” in the subject line and tell us about your experience! Good luck and have fun! $

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

Wheel of Fortune Ultra Wheels Now Available At Talking Stick Resort

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he Wheel of Fortune Ultra Wheels video slots by IGT will have players spinning with excitement. Set on the company’s leading G23 cabinet, the most successful slot theme of all time offers a winning combination with Wheel of Fortune’s iconic wheel spin bonus paired with Ultra Wheels video slots’ unique base game play.

Igniting player 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 player 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.

While visiting Talking Stick Resort, make sure to try some of their other recent additions to their slot floor such as Wheel of Fortune Ultim ate 777s and Alad d in’s Fortune 3D, both by IGT. For more information on these games and other exciting new IGT products, visit their website at igt.com. $

Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania 3 Now Available At Casino Arizona

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h buoy! IGT’s Luck y Larry’s Lobstermania introduces its third edition of the player-favorite Class III video slot! Developed for low-volatility gameplay, Luck y Larry’s Lobstermania 3 is set on the company’s unique CrystalDual hardware solution and equipped with a 3x4x5x4x3 MultiWay Xtra reel configuration. With a sea of possibilities, slot enthusiasts can select from two different game options, a 50 pay line version and a 720 ways-to-win version.

Featured on both game options, Luck y Larry’s Lobstermania 3 deploys the legacy game’s popular Buoy Bonus Classic and Buoy Bonus Free Games, where selected buoy symbols can award extra free games, wilds, multipliers or King Stacks symbols. Diving in for big win opportunities, the Big Wheel Bonus surfaces when three or more wheel symbols are displayed in the base game, and enables players to spin a large wheel for prizes. The thrilling bonus round can offer up to 600 credits, a Buoy Bonus, extra spins, and two progressives.

Casino Arizona also recently installed IGT’s Dream s of Asia 3D and Wheel of Fortune Ultra Wheels, Konami’s Rapid Revolver, and Scientific Games’ Triple Cash Wheel Quick Hit and Life of Luxury Multi-Game. All great games! $ azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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NEW SLOTS

Sphinx 3D Now Available At Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

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asinos all across Arizona and nationwide have introduced Gtech’s unique and innovative new slot game Sphinx 3D to their slot floors and now it is also available for play at Mazatzal Casino in Payson!

Sphinx 3D uses patented autostereoscopic technology with integrated eye-tracking to make images jump off the screen or stretch into infinity in high resolution. Without wearing special or additional glasses, players can explore the on-screen vistas, change viewing angles without disrupting the 3D experience, and be amazed by stacked wilds that seem to rotate toward and jump out at them.

A five reel, 30 line game, Sphinx 3D features an action-packed base game and a total of seven bonuses: two in the base game and five dedicated bonuses that players can select as part of the Sphinx Bonus selection. Three Sphinx symbols in the base game trigger the Sphinx Bonus selection. The higher the bet, the bigger the selection of bonuses to choose from in this unique take on a Buy-a-Feature function. All bonuses leverage the 3D technology to enhance the gaming experience. Players will be simply amazed by the Sphinx 3D proprietary new technology. $

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

Ted Now Available At Casino Del Sol

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ristocrat’s new slot game, Ted , the highest-grossing original comedy of all time, is now a slot game? Holy @#&%! Yes, everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed, drinking, smoking, fist-fighting teddy bear, Ted , is now available at Casino Del Sol! Ted perfectly captures the movie and is filled with quotes, characters, animations, and just a touch of raunchy humor to take the gaming fun to the next level.

Ted keeps players chasing a five-level progressive. Plus, one of six bonuses can be triggered within the base game at any time with any bet. Additionally, three scatters trigger the Thunder Buddies Wheel Feature which awards one of nine bonus features that are hilariously themed to the movie. Ted is an exciting new slot that has a very low volatility with a feature frequency that is very high for extended game play and time-on-device.

While visiting Casino Del Sol, make sure to try one of their other new slot games from Aristocrat such as Buff alo Grand and Lightning Link s, IGT’s Wheel of Fortune or Sky Box from Incredible Technologies. All great games! $

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

Sugar Hit Jackpots

By Aristocrat

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enny candy was never so sweet! The Sugar Hit Jackpots Series of games is the latest addition to Aristocrat’s player-favorite J*SERIES and is complete with three playful game titles—Reel Sweet Stacks, Rich Rich Chocolate Respins and Cool I Scooped It Again. Each title is a 4level jackpot-chaser’s paradise with continuous action such as a new jackpot trigger, based on Aristocrat’s popular stacking mechanic, and frequent mini features. Plus, all mini features and free games improve the chance of winning jackpots. Adding to the fantasy are player-selectable 3D reels and oversized scatter symbols. Reel Sw eet Stack s has a tasty Wild Reel Feature that awards players more stacks and a greater chance of winning the jackpots. Rich Rich Chocolate Respins has a respin feature that provides more chances to win a jackpot. Co ol I Sco oped It Again gives players a chance to win up to 5 of the same jackpots in a single spin. Watch for this new game in your favorite Arizona casino soon! $

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Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

By Scientific Games

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he newest slot by Scientific Games, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, is a slot phenom in fishnets!

Take a jump to the left, then a step to the right, and do the time warp all over again when you relive your favorite moments of this outrageous, campy, horror musical.

In this 1975 cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky."

Slot enthusiasts can take in the thrills, chills and laughs of four jackpot awards, Time Warp Features, a Bonus Wheel and Free Spins with fan-favorite characters Dr. Fank-N-Furter, Janet, Brad, Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, and of course Rocky Horror himself.

Give yourself over to absolute pleasure and sit down and give this game a try when you see it at your favorite casino. You won’t regret it! For more information about The Rock y Horror Picture Show and other great new slot games by Scientific Games, visit their website at scientificgames.com. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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WINNING WAYS

By Mark Novak

SLOT DESIGN MEETS CELL BIOLOGY Smart Players Are Able To Recognize Slot Clones!

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s scientists can take a segment of DNA, isolate it and replicate it by laboratory manipulation to produce an identical organism called a clone, slot machine manufacturers are able to take one game and turn it into another game (and another and another) relatively quickly; producing exact clones without players even realizing it. Yes, that’s right, slot machine clones! One slot’s math model (the symbols, pays, base game rules, and game play mechanics) can be used for several different game titles by replacing the art with new graphics and symbol animations. Slot manufacturers routinely do this for several reasons. Here are just some of the many reasons why the manufacturers create slot clones: Efficiency Slot manufacturers can save a great deal of time and manpower reusing math models so they are able to produce several new game titles quickly. Time is money.

Proven Performance Slot manufacturers create new slot game clones using successful math models with proven performance so they can count on the fact that new game titles with reused math will continue to perform well on the casino floors.

More Options Slot manufacturers are able to offer their clients (the casinos) more options to choose from, so if one casino isn’t interested in putting a certain type of game on the floor, the manufacturer can offer multiple titles in a concept the casino wants or needs.

Quicker Testing & Approval Slot manufacturers can save valuable time and money when submitting games to independent testing laboratories and regulatory agencies. Once the initial math model and supporting software is approved, seeking approval for games that are clones with only graphic and sound changes is generally quick and easy for all parties involved!

Why Do You Need To Understand Clones?

If your favorite game is taken, there are others to play which are exactly the same. Therefore, you can try your luck on a different slot without having to give up the game play. Furthermore, you can recognize your favorite game (from years ago) when it reappears under a new title! But, above all, you can spot a “lemon” by looking at the help screen. You won’t be fooled again! $

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CASINO DINING

By Lana Hartmann

5 SCRUMPTIOUS SUMMER SALADS Lighter Food High In Nutrients And Water Content

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ith temperatures in the triple digits and summer just around the corner, this is the time our bodies naturally crave lighter food high in nutrients and water content. Arizona casinos have a wonderful assortment of salad options to choose from. Although it was extremely difficult, I managed to narrow it down to my five absolute must-try favorites ...

California Salad With Brie Quechan Casino—Winterhaven—877.783.2426 Ocotillo Café: Sa tisfy yo ur sw eet a nd sa lty cra ving w ith the tasty California Salad with Brie, a wonderful mix of lettuce, tomatoes, papaya, strawberries, avocadoes, dates and fried brie tossed in a balsamic vinegar.

Thai Salad Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale—480.850.7777 Blue Coyote Café: Enjo y the spicy Asia n-inspired Thai Salad with romaine, Napa cabbage, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, snow peas and a sweet Thai chile dressing.

Grilled Steak Salad Mazatzal Casino—Payson—800.777.7529 The Cedar Ridge Restaurant: Bring o n the mea t w ith their Grilled Steak Salad. This mouth-watering salad is a mix of grilled marinated steak strips, spring mix, tomato wedges, red onions and feta cheese tossed with a roasted red pepper balsamic vinaigrette.

Agave House Salad Desert Diamond Casinos—Sahuarita—866.332.9467 Agave: Sa vo r the lo ca l cuisine inspired Aga ve Sa la d w ith jicama, queso fresco, tomatoes, black beans, corn, spicy pecans and dried cranberries topped with their own Agave dressing.

Wild Horse Pass Salad Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino—Chandler—800.946.4452 Café 24/7: Try the signa ture Wild Ho rse Pa ss Sa la d w ith sliced chicken breast, red seedless grapes, sliced Swiss cheese, candied pecans with mixed baby greens tossed in their own poppy seed dressing. $

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his is how you party in the desert! Scottsdale’s favorite pool party to “see and be seen at” is in full force at Talking Stick Resort. Their amazing summer pool party series, RELEASE, is the perfect way to celebrate the weekend in style. Visitors can enjoy drink specials, promotional giveaways, cabana rentals and more. In addition, party goers can groove to poolside performances by the best DJs from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, San Francisco, and all over the world.

RELEASE pool parties are from 11am to 6pm every Saturday and Sunday now through the end of September. Hours may vary on concert nights. Get ready for some hot entertainment at the pool during the whole month of May! Two-time Grammy Award-winning DJ Skrillex is heading to RELEASE for Memorial Day Weekend! Known for his Jack Ü collaboration with Diplo, the electronic dance music (EDM) artist has played over 500 shows and will pull out all the stops when he makes his first RELEASE pool party appearance on May 28. Tickets are $30 in

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advance, $40 the week of the show and $50 on the day of the show. Below is a list of additional upcoming internationally known electronic dance music (EDM) artists who are slated to command the pool stage in May. Stafford Brothers, May 1 The Australian DJs are known for their effortless transitions and knack for fusing electro, progressive and house genres. Their hit “Hello” reached double platinum status and featured hip-hop artists Lil Wayne and Christina Milian. There’s no cover charge for this event.

Wolfgang Gartner, May 14 In addition to the radio, the DJ’s songs have been featured in video games like Stok ed and Mid night Club: Los Angeles, as well as on hit TV shows like Teen Wolf, How I Met Your Mother, Arrow and Grey’s Anatomy. He has collaborated with artists of every genre including Omarion, Jim Jones, will.i.am and Deadmau5.

Advance ticket prices start at just $15. Week of tickets will be

available for $15 and day of tickets will be available for $20.

Quintino, May 15 The Dutch DJ gained commercial success with his electro house tunes and catchy remixes. Deemed one of the top DJs by DJ Magazine, Quintino will keep the poolside party rocking when he performs. There’s no cover charge before noon. After 12pm, there will be a $10 cover for men. Ladies are free to attend all day.

Sandro Silva, May 15 The young Dutchman is recognized for his onstage charisma, boyish charm and innovative sound. He was originally mentored by Dutch DJ Laidback Luke and has gone on to create a name for himself as a leading force in the EDM music scene. His mixes have received praise from EDM legends like Tiësto, David Guetta and Sebastian Ingrosso just to name a few. There’s no cover charge before noon. After 12pm, there will be a $10 cover for men. Ladies are free to attend all day.

was an original song by Dutch hip-hop artist Mr. Probz, and went on to release the hit song "Sugar." Advance ticket prices start at just $15. Week of tickets will be available for $20 and day of tickets will be available for $25.

RELEASE pool parties last all summer long every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Pricing varies per event. To learn more information about the pool party series, upcoming DJ lineup, VIP cabana rentals or daybed reservations, just call 866.877.9897 or visit releasevip.com. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Tigerlily, May 21 The Australian beauty has received tremendous praise for her vocal progressive tracks. She has solidified herself as a female force in a male-dominated industry and continues to break barriers with her EDM hit singles. There’s no cover charge before noon. After 12pm, there will be a $10 cover for men. Ladies are free to attend all day.

More Than Just Pool Parties After your fun in the sun, make sure to check out what else Talking Stick Resort, the luxurious Four Diamond Scottsdale Resort and Casino, has to offer. Play in style on their nearly 300,000 square foot casino, one of the largest in Arizona. Savor the flavors and take in the panoramic views from the awardwinning Orange Sky Restaurant. Check out Vegas-style entertainment and local favorites as they take the stage in the TSR Showroom. Test your skills on 36-holes of championship golf at Talking Stick Golf Club, one of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in Scottsdale. Then, when it’s time to relax, head up to The Spa at Talking Stick and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment overlooking incredible views of the Valley. For more information about Talking Stick, visit talkingstickresort.com. $

Bingo Players, May 22 Born Maarten Hoogstraten, the Dutch dance and electro house DJ will have the Sunday pool party in full swing! He started his career with the late DJ Paul Bäumer but decided to continue as a solo artist after his collaborator’s passing. Today, he continues to perform EDM power anthems like “Cry (Just A Little)” and “Rattle.” Advance ticket prices start at just $15. Week of tickets will be available for $20 and day of tickets will be available for $25.

Robin Schulz, May 29 Hailing from Germany, the deep house and tropical house DJ is known for incorporating guitar riffs into his songs. He reached commercial success in 2014 with his remix of “Waves,” which

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

25

TRIBAL NEWS Story By Lee Allen Photos Courtesy Of The Museum Of Northern Arizona

ZUNI FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE Flagstaff, Arizona May 28–29

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nown worldwide as superior artists and craftspeople, Zuni fetish carvers, potters, painters, weavers, jewelers and bead workers will be on hand at Northern Arizona Museum’s Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture, scheduled for May 28-29 in Flagstaff.

At the festival, now in its 26th year, the A:shiwi people from western New Mexico head to northern Arizona to share their language, life ways, music and dance as well as their product artistry. Zuni Pueblo is the largest of the 19 pueblos of New Mexico with 4 out of 5 members of the community’s workforce engaged in making art. The creative spirit, often manifested from a simple workbench, represents a ‘cottage’ home-based industry that nourishes the community, both in a material sense and in the maintenance of tribal cultural identity.

Zuni culture has deep roots along the Colorado Plateau as early migrations of tribal members traveled throughout the region before many decided to settle in the area. Historically, people traveled through parts of northern Arizona and for many today, traveling to Flagstaff for the annual festival is like returning home.

Christen Crujido is Marketing Manager at the Museum of Northern Arizona and acting Heritage Program Manager for this year’s event. “The museum, established in 1928, focuses on native cultures of the Colorado Plateau and since its inception, we’ve had wonderful relationships with all the tribes including the three that have been with us the longest, Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni.”

Museum CEO Carrie Heinonen adds, “This two-day event reminds us of the Zuni’s deep history and the connection to the landscape of northern Arizona and the Colorado Plateau. The spiritual and ancestral landscape of the Zuni includes San Francisco Peaks to the west; Steamboat Wash to the north; Mount Taylor in the east; the Salt and Gila River basins to the south, and the Grand Canyon, the Zuni place of origin.”

While famed for their fine jewelry and unique fetish carvings, Zuni Pueblo potters also have a very distinguishable pottery style as well, one that reflects the importance of water to life in the pueblo and includes common animal images like frogs (symbols for rain), or dragonflies who summon the rain clouds.

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Zuni Olla Maiden Corliss Edaakie-Bobelu displays grace and tribal regalia.

The Zuni people are tied closely to the land they’ve inhabited since prehistoric times, a peaceful people who have held mountains, forests, and deserts sacred since moving into western New Mexico along the Zuni River about 2,500 BC. The tribe built elaborate villages with plaza-like city centers and began making woven baskets and pottery used for cooking, storage and religious ceremonies. Their artwork was known for its use of vibrant colors and the pottery featured designs and intricate carvings that told a story.

Zuni pottery began with water mixed with ground stone to temper the mixture and give it an unfinished white color similar to other ceramic clays. After the clay was shaped, it was smoothed and polished, then hand-painted with a yucca brush and organ-

TRIBAL NEWS

ic dyes. Zuni pottery is frequently coated with a white or red slip and painted with red and black paints. Modern Zuni pottery is now fired in electric kilns although some of the elder artists still prefer the traditional way of using sheep droppings and hot kilns.

In the early days, females were the potters, learning by imitation of their mothers, aunts, grandmothers, or other adult females in the village. The endless variety of designs display the time and effort needed to paint pottery and the value placed on its artistry, creativity, and innovation.

Zunis traded regularly with other Southwestern tribes as trade routes reached into Mexico and the California coast, thus supplying Zuni artists of both genders with shells and coral for their jewelry.

Zunis are famous for a particular type of stonework called inlay where stones are fitted together, side-by-side or stone-to-stone with silver channels in between. Predominant colors and stones are turquoise, red coral, black jet, and white mother of pearl.

Symbolically, red represents Mother Earth while turquoise is Father Sky. Zunis seldom do plain silver jewelry, preferring the traditional style called petit point, tiny stones each supported in its own metal sleeve or bezel.

The A:Shiwi are also carvers of animal fetishes that honor animals and acknowledge their natural traits as special medicine.

Owners carry a fetish of a certain animal and use it to remember or enhance that particular connection with nature. Zunis feel it is the spirit within the fetish, not the object itself, that is of value.

While Zuni craftspeople are most famous for their pottery, jewelry and fetish carvings, they also achieved notoriety with their colorful rugs and willow baskets.

One of the weavers, Aric Chopito, has practiced his craft for over two decades and will be among the more than 50 tribal artists at this year’s show, weaving as well as demonstrating pueblo embroidery. “I was taught to pray while weaving, pray with good intentions for pueblo villages and Mother Earth. This isn’t an art form for everyone --- it takes lots of time for a project

Zuni weaver Aric Chopito says, "Weaving isn't an art form for everyone...it's all for the love of art."

and doesn’t bring back a lot of money, but it’s all for the love of art.”

Hours for the festival, presented in partnership with the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center in Zuni, New Mexico, will be 9am-5pm both days at the Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 North Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. A free MNA memberonly preview is scheduled for Friday, May 27, 6-8pm, and includes a silent auction and an early opportunity to purchase artwork directly from the artists.

The museum is located on a 200-acre campus that includes a historic exhibit building with 9 galleries that showcase art, anthropology and geology of the region and plays host to more than 400 public programs annually.

“Based on past festivals,” says Crujido, “We expect some 3,000 visitors over the weekend who come here not only from Arizona, but travelers from all over the world.”

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, and American Indians with tribal affiliation. Children under 10 are free. For more information, including a schedule of events and participating artists, visit musnaz.org or call 928.774.5213. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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GAMING NEWS

Everi’s TournEvent Of Champions Celebrates Fifth Anniversary And The 2016 Campaign Is Underway TournEvent of Champions (TOC) is a unique collaboration between Everi – the casino industry’s single source provider of payments, intelligence, and gaming solutions – and top casinos across the U.S. and beyond to bring unprecedented competition and intensity to the casino floor through a patented slot tournament campaign. This year marks TournEvent of Cham pions’ fifth anniversary and you can bet that the excitement level will be high when the TOC tour bus, The Money Man, and MGirls make stops at all the participating casinos, including several in Arizona.

Last year was the biggest year yet for TournEvent of Cham pions thanks to the debut of “The Million Dollar Event” in Las Vegas. Over the course of two intense days at Wynn/Encore’s XS Nightclub, slot players took part in multiple rounds of competition, trying their best to tally the highest scores that would place them in the final round of 12.

It’s here where the excitement reached its apex as the twominute TOC final round culminated with the crowning of the $1 million* grand prize winner. Another $300,000 was awarded to the rest of the field, with each finalist walking away with at least $500.

The 2016 TournEvent of Cham pions campaign is underway now as participating casinos are beginning to hold qualifying TOC slot Desert Diamond TOC tournaments where players can win a guaranteed spot to compete at the TOC finals in Las Vegas. Qualifying finalists who earn a coveted spot at The Million Dollar Event are treated like true winners as Everi awards the player and his/her guest a trip of a lifetime that includes airfare, luxury accommodations, and white glove treatment from Everi’s dedicated promotions team.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin TOC

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Casino del Sol TOC

Visit TournEvent.com to see if one of your favorite casinos is hosting a TournEvent of Cham pions slot tournament this year.

You can also read the official contest information and official rules on the website. While there, make sure to check out all the excitement from their previous nationwide and statewide tournaments where players are fighting it out for the ultimate glory! You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas and a shot at the $1 million grand prize!

*The One Million Dollar Grand Prize will be awarded using periodic payments over 20 years. $

GAMING NEWS

Casino Del Sol’s Golf Course Named No. 1 In AZ, No. 6 In The Country

Konami Wins 2016 NAIOP Award For Sustainable/Green Building Konami Gaming, Inc., a global leader in casino gaming and systems, was awarded the 2016 NAIOP Southern Nevada Spotlight Award for Sustainable/Green Building for the recently-completed expansion of its Las Vegas headquarters.

This honor annually recognizes the regional commercial building project that exemplifies sustainable principles as a driving force behind development. Konami’s expanded facility more than doubled its original 160,000 square foot facility with full Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification and became one of the state’s largest facilities to achieve complete geothermal heating and cooling.

Southern Arizona’s premier entertainment destination, Casino Del Sol, has received the distinct honor of having its championship golf course, Sewailo, named Golf Advisor’s 2015 Top Course in Arizona and sixth in the country. Sewailo Golf Club is a challenging, first-rate golf course that was co-designed by Notah Begay III and Ty Butler. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course measures 7,400 yards from the tees and features five different tee boxes at each hole. The course’s rolling velvet fairways and exquisite greens complement the nearly 14 acres of extraordinary lakes, streams and water features, with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

Thousands of reviews were tallied by Golf Advisor readers during 2015 with the best golf courses being named in the top 25 in the state. The ranking is made up of a course's overall score combined with its subcategory scores. The number of reviews and how active reviewers who scored the course on Golf Advisor are also taken into consideration. With more than 300 courses in Arizona, the top local ranking and number six in the U.S. is quite an accomplishment. To view their ranking, visit golfadvisor.com/courses/34838-sewailo-golf-club/.

“This is an incredible achievement as these rankings are completely generated by feedback from our guests,” said Kimberly Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol. “This is a testament to the exceptional experience and service that everyone at Sewailo delivers every day.”

To book a tee time at Arizona’s top golf course, visit their website at casinodelsol.com/sewailogolfclub/tee-times or call 520.838.6623. $

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

“Our new headquarters have been designed and delivered with environmentally-friendly and energy saving considerations in every aspect,” said Tom Jingoli, chief administration officer and senior vice president at Konami Gaming, Inc. “Konami has always been very conscious of the environment and so it was a natural fit for us to expand our facility with a goal of obtaining LEED certification. We felt this was an important investment to demonstrate our commitment to being good corporate citizens.”

A myriad of environmental initiatives were introduced in addition to the geothermal system—subterranean parking, LED lighting, and completely new roofing, flooring, paint, and furniture—all contributing to LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and this year’s recognition from NAIOP’s Southern Nevada Chapter.

For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit konamigaming.com. $

GAMING NEWS

By Amanda Jacinto

Partnership Between The Arizona Department Of Gaming And The Phoenix Police Department Leads To The Closure Of An Illegal Gambling Business Investigators from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and members of the Phoenix Police Department served a search warrant at a business called “Surf Links” located at 8021 N 43rd Avenue. During the joint operation, one person was arrested in connection to the business and will be facing multiple charges including operating an illegal gaming facility, promotion of illegal gambling and racketeering. Seven people who may have been customers inside the business were also arrested for various outstanding warrants or drug offences. Those individuals may also face illegal gambling charges.

Over the past three months, investigators have been looking into the business and found it was operating as a sweepstakes based internet café. The illegal gambling operation allowed paying customers to play casino style games on computers inside the business. The games simulated what is often seen

inside regulated casinos.

The ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling businesses very seriously. These unregulated cash businesses often open near neighborhoods and can easily attract violent crimes to the area. The ongoing partnership between the Department of Gaming and local police departments, such as Phoenix, has lead to the closure of dozens of illegal gambling operations over the past year. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

33

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 850+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, race/sports book, live keno. Sign up for the player’s club and spin for guaranteed free play!

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

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

Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics February 2016 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 | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Hold % Tables

Hold %

Loose $1

4.49

Blackjack / 21

15.66

$5

5.30

Pai Gow Poker

18.83

Multi-Denom 5.72

Craps

20.13

25¢

6.20

Roulette

20.96

5¢

7.86

Other Table Games 27.47

$25

10.04

Three Card Poker

29.09

1¢

11.08

Let It Ride

29.88

Tight Megabucks

14.65

12.38

Win Amount

Dollars

Race Books

16.98

Slots

38.6 mil.

Bingo

27.19

Tables

3.5 mil.

28.67

Other

1.0 mil.

Other Loose Sports Pools

Tight Live Keno

Hold %

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

THE GOLDEN NUGGET HAS FRIENDS Popular Slot Game Is Now Available For Play

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hen it comes to variety, no other casino on the river can beat the selection of games that are at the Golden Nugget Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Always one of the first casinos to install the latest and greatest games, this casino truly has something for everyone.

The most recent edition to their slot floor is Bally’s Friend s. This exciting new progressive video slot reunites players with Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross and Joey—the beloved characters from Warner Bros. Television’s worldwide hit comedy. With more than 20 million weekly viewers and 62 Primetime Emmy nominations over 10 memorable seasons, Friends is considered one of the 50 greatest shows of all time by TV Guide Magazine.

Add Mystery Stacks in the base game and the chance of winning a life-changing top award on the Bally Cash Connection wide-area progressive link and it’s never been more fun to hang out with your Friend s! Could this game BE any more fun?

For more information on Friends and other new Bally products, visit ballytech.com. For information on the Golden Nugget Casino in Laughlin, visit goldennugget.com/Laughlin/. $

The Friend s game gives players the chance to experience the laughs, loves and lattes in a whole new way. The game is part of Bally’s Cash Connection wide-area progressive link and offers players the chance to win a life-changing jackpot. The main feature is a Wheel Bonus that awards credits or one of four different Free Game scenarios featuring clips of the show’s iconic moments.

The Friend s game is presented on Bally’s new Pro Theatre cabinet configuration which debuted at the big gaming trade show in Las Vegas, G2E, at the end of last year. The Pro Theatre features twin Pro Wave cabinets topped by a 55-inch horizontal video screen that will envelop you in the Friend s world. With the series celebrating its 20th anniversary this fall, there’s no better time to catch up with your Friend s!

The Friend s video slot is a five reel, 40 line game that features an exciting wheel bonus. Three full stacks of Wheel Bonus symbols on reels two, three and four trigger the Friends Wheel Bonus. Touch and spin the interactive U-Spin wheel to win credits, one of three Free Games bonuses featuring classic clips from the show, or The Bamboozles Bonus. During this pick feature, match three tiles to win credits or up to three progressive jackpots.

Win 11 free games with Walking Wilds in the Party Bonus, 10 free games with wild symbols that lock into place in the Wedding Bonus, and 10 free games with all pays tripled in the Thanksgiving Bonus.

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Mark Novak

SLOT TOURNAMENTS @ THE TROPICANA With $10,000 Up For Grabs & Great Shows, Book Your Rooms Now!

ot Game? Tropicana Laughlin does! They’ve got approximately $100,000 in combined table game progressives just waiting to be hit. With games like Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Progressive Royal Match 21, Progressive Three Card Poker, Progressive Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Progressive Mississippi Stud, and Let It Ride, you’ll never go wrong. Plus, check out the promotions and entertainment coming soon.

G

register by calling 1.800.343.4533 and mentioning Promo #5077.*

$10,000 BOOST YOUR CASH SLOT TOURNAMENT – May 20 On May 20 – 21, 2016 your $50 buy-in includes 1 entry and 1 Dinner in Victory Plaza on Saturday afternoon. Registration is from Noon to 4pm on the 20th with Bonus Round Play from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Round 1 play is on Saturday the 21st from 10am to 1pm and Round 2 play is from 1:30 to 4:30pm on the 21st. Each entrant will play up to three five-minute rounds. Participants that miss any one or more rounds will receive a Zero Score for that round. First Place pays $2,500! The tournament pays down to 44th place. Pre-

BRAD PAISLEY – June 18, 2016—Laughlin Event Center Brad Paisley is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer whose talents have earned him numerous awards, including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards, among many others. *Please note that all promotions are subject to change without prior notice and while supplies last. Participants must be a Trop Advantage member.

Full details are available at the Trop Advantage Club. $

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

KID ROCK – May 21, 2016—Laughlin Event Center Kid Rock is a multi-platinum award-winning American rock 'n roll icon whose musical style ranges from hip hop and rock to heavy metal and country and has sold over 26 million albums around the world.

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings The Arizona Room: Cha d Freema n And Redline (Co untry)— Mon. 8pm, Arizona Room Trivia—Tue. 7pm, Country Dance Instruction (Learn to Dance)—Wed. 6pm, Daisy Train (Country)—Wed. 8pm, Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—Thu. 6pm, Rhythm Of The Sun—Thu. 8pm, Superhero Band—Fri. 8:30pm

Bill Engvall Desert Diamond Casino—May 27 America’s favorite funny man, Bill Engvall, is returning to the Diamond Center on Friday, May 27, 2016 for a night of outrageous laughs. Tickets start at $30 and are on sale through Star Tickets and also available at the Desert Diamond Rewards Center. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Bill first tried stand-up comedy while in a nightclub one evening and found that making people laugh was his forte. He would later find himself in Los Angeles. Bill was a star in A Pair of Joker’s, hosted A&E’s Evening at the Im pro v and appeared on The Tonight Show and Late Night w ith David Letterman. He can also be seen in a few episodes of Designing Women and co-starred in Delta and The Jeff Foxw orthy Show . Bill is a recipient of the American Comedy Award for Best Male Stand-up Comedian. Here’s Your Sign, Bill’s first album, is certified platinum and for 15 straight weeks held the #1 position on the Billboard Comedy Chart. His second album, Dork fish, also took the #1 spot on Billboard’s Comedy Chart. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “Desert Diamond Casinos is so excited to welcome back Bill Engvall, one of the best in the business! Get your tickets soon—they always go fast when Bill comes to town!”

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Apa che Regga e Ja m 3 (w ith Stick Figure, The Ho ldup, and Arise Roots)—Jun. 4 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Fea turing a va riety o f live music.

Events: Supreme Wa k e Surf Co mpetitio n—May 6-7 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Evil Wa ze (Sa nta na Tribute)—May 5-6, Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)—May 13-14, Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute)—May 20-21, The Long Run (Eagles Tribute)—May 27-28, Paradise City (Guns N’ Roses Tribute)—Jun. 3-4

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Ma na Tribute—May 5, JG & the Modrocker (Classic Rock)—May 6, XS Band (Tejano)—May 7, Journey Tribute—May 12, Boomer (Classic Rock)—May 13, Uptown Band (Variety)—May 14, Pat Benatar Tribute—May 20, Sun City Groove (Variety)—May 20, Zona Libre—May 21, Rob Zombie Tribute—May 26, Grind (Variety)—May 27, Los Centenarios—May 28 AVA Amphitheater: CBS Spo rts Live Bo xing—May 20, Snoop Dogg—May 26, Mike Epps—May 27 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Thursda y Night Ba nd Sho w ca se—Thursdays in May, Rhythm Edition Band—May 27 & 28 Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Ka ra o k e w ith Bling Bling—Th & Fr at 8pm Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: No ches Ca liente—Fridays & Saturdays, The hottest live Latin music!

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Live music o r DJs—Fr & Sa Diamond Center: The Ba nd Perry—May 3, ABBA The Concert— May 6, Bill Engvall—May 27 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Los Reyes De Jalisco—May 5, Marty & The Party—May 5, The Hamptons–May 6, Smokestack Lightning—May 7 & 22, Duane Moore—May 8 & 29, Furious George—May 13 & 28, Str8Up Band—May 14, Powerdrive Band—May 15 & 27, Rhythm Edition—May 21 Events: The Beach Boys—Jun. 25 Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 Featured Entertainment: Nea l McCo y—May 27, Cinco De Mayo Mariachis—May 5, Selena Tribute—May 7, Mirage (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)—May 20, Memorial Day (MMS Trio & Flavour)—May 30 Fridays & Saturdays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music fro m 8pm to 1am. The Walkens—May 6, Quantum—May 13, Soundwave— May 14, Downtime—May 21, Static—May 28, Live DJ—11pm to 1am May 7, 20 & 27 Wednesdays In The Lounge: Enjoy live music from Noon—4pm. Route 66—May 4, Thaddeus Rose—May 11, Stanley Serrano Trio—May 18, Silhouette—May 25 Sundays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music fro m 5—9pm. Redneck Rockstars—May 1, Stanley Serrano Trio—May 8 & 15, Miller Time—May 22 Sunday Poolside Entertainment: Kush Co untry—2 to 6pm May 29 The Lounge Happy Hour: Enjo y Ha ppy ho ur a nd live music Mo nday—Thursday from 5 – 8pm. John Eric Duo—May 2, 9, 16 & 23, Western Fusion Trio—May 3, 10, 17 & 31, Walkens Trio—May 4,

Editor’s Pick 11, 18 & 25, 2 Shades of Blue—May 5 & 12, Mike and Ted—May 19 & 26, Marley Taylor Trio—May 24, Flavor—May 30 Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munda y Funda y—Comedy Show 7pm, Marshall Star Band (Country & Variety)—May 3-7, Solar Eclipse (Variety)—May 10-14, B.B. Drifters Revue (Oldies)— May 17-21, Walker Williams Band (Country)—May 24-29, Kid-nNic (Variety)—May 31-Jun. 4 Conference Center: The Tro uba do ur Experience (Geo rge Stra it Tribute)—May 13 Events: 7th Annua l White Mo unta in Bik e Ra lly—Jun. 24 & 25

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT FOREIGNER Talking Stick Resort October 16

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 & Events: DSB (Jo urney Tribute)—May 13 Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Fea turing a va riety o f live music.

Events: Neo n Circus (Bro o k s & Dunn Tribute)—May 21, Mick Adams & The Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute)—Jul. 2, The Troubadour Experience (George Straight Tribute)—Aug. 13, Desperado (Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 3 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Fea turing a va riety o f live enterta inment.

Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Sidewinders: Fea turing a va riety o f live enterta inment.

Pipa Event Center: Little Jo e & La Fa milia (w ith Vive Selena Tribute Show)—May 14 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Thunder Fro m Do w n Under—May 5-7, Tracy Morgan—May 14, Aaron Lewis—May 15, Lisa Lampanelli—May 29, Blue October—Jun. 3, The Rides (featuring Stephen Stills, Barry Goldberg & Kenny Wayne Shepherd)—Jun. 4, 3 Doors Down—Jun. 10, Tommy James and The Shondelles—Jun. 25 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of live entertainment.

Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 Event Center: Alva rez vs. Kha n—May 7, Los Bandadosos—May 14 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: Da vid Cro ss—May 6, Night Ranger—May 13, Saturday Night Fever—May 15, Mariachi Vargas—Jun. 3, Ziggy Marley—Jun. 4, Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo—Jun. 10

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort will be the place to be for all things rock n’ roll when British-American band Foreigner performs live on October 16. Deemed “one of the bestselling bands of all time,” the group has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, released 10 multi-platinum albums and produced power anthems like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Hot Blooded” and “Head Games.” Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 480.850.7734. Concertgoers can also view the show from the comforts of a canopy daybed or luxury cabana.

One year after formation, the band released a self-titled album in 1977. Foreigner’s career instantly skyrocketed as fans were introduced to a collection of songs that would go on to become household hits including Feels Like the First Time, Long Long Way From Home and Cold As Ice. Since then, founding member Mick Jones has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the band has accumulated ten multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits along with countless sold-out world tours. Album sales have exceeded 75 million units sold and counting.

Many of the band’s classics are featured in various films like Rock of Ages, Pitch Perfect, Anchorman 2 and Magic Mike, accomplishments which have helped increase Foreigner’s downloads by 400 percent.

Tickets for the live show are available. Please call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 480.850.7734 or visit their website at talkingstickresort.com for more information. Must be 21 or older to attend. $

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

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

39

CASINO BINGO

BINGO AT FORT MCDOWELL CASINO Arizona’s Best Bingo Value For Your Money

F

eaturing 30,000+ bingo games and bingo jackpots of more than $14,000,000 annually, Fort McDowell Casino is also the Valley’s exclusive bingo hall for Planet Bingo and Arizona’s best bingo value for your money!

player, from beginner to advanced. With more than 900 winners and $275,000 in jackpots paid out every week, your chance of winning is that much easier at “The Fort!”

You’re sure to hear your lucky numbers called during one of their 22 weekly bingo sessions featuring AM, Matinee, Evening, and Late Night sessions. They offer traditional paper packs as well as state-of-the-art PHD electronic bingo machines with your choice of both smoking and enclosed non-smoking settings.

May is “Salute To Service Month” at The Fort. All active and retired military receive two free Level I packs on May 21st and May 30th—plus bonus payouts! Police officers and firefighters receive two free Level I packs on May 15th and May 30th—plus bonus payouts! A $777 thank you drawing for all military, police, and firefighters will be held on May 30th. Receive one free entry with buy-in starting on May 9th.

With seating for more than 1,200 guests, there’s plenty of room and a wide variety of bingo packages to satisfy every type of

For more information about Fort McDowell Casino and their bingo hall, visit their website at fortmcdowellcasino.com. $

Casino

Sessions

Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic

Apache Gold

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

200

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

No

Yes

No

Desert Diamond I

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

300

Yes

Yes

No

Fort McDowell

We-Mo at 9am.

Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm.

1200

(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 03/01/15 & direct inquiries by press time.

We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.

40 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

ONLY A FEW CREDITS LEFT, NOW WHAT? One Thing’s For Certain … Never, Ever Change Your Bet!

Y

ou’re down to your last few credits in the machine and can’t make the same bet you were making, what do you do? One thing’s for certain and that’s you never, ever decrease your bet to play off those remaining credits! Just press “cash out” once the credit meter does not allow you to make the same bet you were making or put more money in the game if you wish to continue playing!

A lady once wrote me saying she was playing the maximum bet on her favorite mechanical stepper when she had to decrease her bet to play off her remaining credits on the game. She lined up three wild symbols which would have paid her the progressive of over $4,000 but instead was worth $360 at the minimum bet she played with her last credit. What she ended up winning was still nice, but not in comparison to what she could have won!

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

I believe that it’s just some crazy law of the universe that makes events like this happen. For example, I’m a pack rat that saves everything, but the minute I decide to throw something away that’s when I end up needing it! Go figure! So, don’t risk hitting a jackpot, a big win, or a bonus with an absurd bet like one penny! It’s not worth the heartache you will feel. Just cash out and leave with the change or put more money in the game. $

Do YOU have something to RANT

OR RAVE about that you feel is worth a $25 gift card?

If so, write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com or by mail at: “Sami” Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277. If I pick your topic for publication in a future issue, you’ll get a $25 gift card!

FUN FACTS

By Lana Hartmann

FUN FACTS ABOUT MONEY Why Is U.S. Currency Green? What’s The Origin Of The Dollar Sign?

T

he currency in the United States is green because that was the color most readily available in large quantities when paper money was being printed. The color green is also relatively high in its resistance to chemical and physical changes.

The origin of the dollar sign ($) comes from the standard abbreviation of the Spanish Peso (P). The plural form was a large “P” with a small “s” above it and to its right (Ps). Eventually the dollar symbol sign came to be by superimposing the “s” upon the “P”.

The hands of the clock on the back of the $100 bill are set at 4:10!

Although it can’t be seen with the naked eye, it can be examined with a 20-fold magnification. There are no records explaining why that particular time was chosen!

Before the days of paper money, Americans traded animal skins including elk and deer bucks! That’s the reason why the word “buck” is used to describe money.

The approximate weight of one bill, regardless of the denomination, is one gram. Since there are 454 grams in one U.S. pound, it would take 454 bills to equal one pound! And, a mile of pennies laid out is $844.80 which means America is about $2.5 million wide coast to coast!

The office of Currency Standards will replace any torn or damaged currency if at least 51% of the note is intact. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

43

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH To Celebrate Mother’s Day On May 8th, Find: PATIENT, LOVING, CARING, WISE, BEAUTIFUL, NURTURING, TEACHER, ROLEMODEL, MOTHER, ATTENTIVE, PROVIDER, MINDFUL, PROTECT, TENDER, PAMPER, CHERISH, CRADLE, CULTIVATE, ENCOURAGE, INDULGE, SUPPORT, NOURISH. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

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Y

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Z

F

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S

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. Level: Medium.

(Solution on page 46)

1

2

3

5

6

3

2

9

9 6 3

7

9

8 6

2 9

7

6

7

7

2 5

4 8

1 9

8

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

3

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 898

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,060

Y

Y

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 279

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 656

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 512

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,016

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 563

101 & Northern Ave.

Glendale

866-332-9467 1,089

08. Cocopah Resort Casino 09. Desert Diamond Casino I 10. Desert Diamond Casino II 11. Desert Diamond Casino-W.V. 12. Desert Diamond Casino-Why

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

13. Fort McDowell Casino

Why

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

14. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

17. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

Maricopa

480-802-5000 1,089

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 827

Chandler

800-946-4452 786

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

Payson

800-777-7529 420

Yuma

888-777-4946 486

18. Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Dr.

19. Quechan Casino

I-8, Exit 166

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

8555 Hwy. 95

Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 245

20. Spirit Mountain Casino 21. Talking Stick Resort 22. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino 23. Vee Quiva Casino 24. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

H S I R U O N G E

T R O P P U S N D

E M G E S A R A T U T O C C E N T E O I R I R P V A O

I I L T

N W E E

N U R T U R I C N R G T E A C H E R P

D P D N E

P A M P E R

F A O T G E T A V I T L U C

U T M I L

L O V I N G

L I E V U B E A U T I F U L

E L E D M O T H E R

N T O R

800-946-4452 950

Y

800-946-4452 950

Y

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 235

N I R E D N E T

E L D A R C

7

8

3

5

9

2

6

9

4

1

8

9

8

4

1

5

3

2

6

7

8

6

1

5

3

4

9

7

2

7

4

9

8

1

2

6

3

5

5

3

2

6

9

7

8

4

1

6

9

3

7

2

1

5

8

4

2

1

8

3

4

5

7

9

6

4

7

5

9

8

6

1

2

3

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Laveen Chandler

4

Y

Y

Y

Y

7

Y

Y

Y

6

Y

Y

Y

5

Y

Y Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

855-946-8946 1,088

2

Y

Y

480-850-7777 765

3

Y

Y

Flagstaff

1

Y

Y

Scottsdale

Sudoku Solution

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

6443 Komatke Ln.

Word Search Solution H S I R E H C R

Y

Y

I-40, Exit 219

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Y

Y

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 04/01/16 & direct inquiries by press time.

We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.

azgamingguide.com

Y

Y

Y

Y

101 & Indian Bend

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

Y

Y

Y

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

25. Yavapai Casino

Y

Y

58

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

16. Lone Butte Casino

Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 903

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

15. Hon-Dah Casino

866-332-9467

Y

Y

Spa

04. Casino Arizona

Golf

800-756-8744 330

RV Park

888-243-3360 526

Prescott

Hotel

Parker

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Y

Smoke-Free Area

Y

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Arcade

Y

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Poker Room

Y

800-272-2438 563

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

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y Y Y