Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - September 2016 - 08:09

SEPTEMBER

Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 TABLE GAMES 15 NEW SLOTS 18 AINSWORTH AT G2E 20 IGT AT G2E 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 28 GAMING NEWS 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS 44 FUN & GAMES

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46 CASINO DIRECTORY

SCIENTIFIC GAMES’ WORLD OF WONKA AT THE 2016 GLOBAL GAMING EXPO IN LAS VEGAS!

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This unique and massive slot is one of only 25 in the world and has a monstrous bonus game on top.

A brand new cabinet, packed with player favorites and exciting new titles, coming to a casino near you.

Slot giant IGT brings new Wheel of Fortune hits, 3D games, and so many more slots to casinos.

PLAY THE TITAN 360 SLOT AT DESERT DIAMOND

AINSWORTH GAME TECHNOLOGY AT G2E

INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY AT G2E

azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

GLOBAL GAMING EXPO

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

New Slots In Las Vegas Every September!

VOLUME 08 • ISSUE 09 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com

I

can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait! Tuesday, September 27, 2016 can’t come soon enough! That’s the first day of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) which runs through Thursday and gathers all of the world’s slot manufacturers, along with the rest of the casino gaming industry, together in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Every year, G2E gets bigger and better with more and more brand new slots on display by companies like Scientific Games, Ainsworth, IGT, and Konami, just to name a few. With each new show, the slots are more innovative, larger, brighter, louder, and more fun all at the same time. Our staff and I will be there sampling all the new games and we are fortunate enough to give you a sneak peek at some of what we’ll see in this issue. Stay tuned for the October and November issues where we’ll tell you all about what we saw at the show!

You might notice some of the regular sections missing as we had to make room for all of the slot information. Sorry about that! We’ll return to our “Regularly Scheduled Programming” (with all of the sections you’ve come to expect and love) next month.

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

“Like” us on Facebook because

we “Like” you too!

MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Matt Probst Mark Novak Lana Hartmann 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

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 | September 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: You often mention Random Number Generators (RNG) in your answers to questions. Some machines give you an option of games to choose from. I’ve seen from 2 to 9 choices on some slot machines. Is the RNG different for each game or is the RNG assigned to the machine no matter what game you select? For example, if you change games through the “More Games” option midway through your bankroll, will the RNG change for the new game or stay the same RNG for the machine? On a related matter, on machines that allow you to play multiple games on the screen, is the RNG different for each game or is it assigned to the machine being played? Great magazine! We always enjoy your interesting and informative columns and Sami [Sami’s Smackdown on page 42] is spot on with her comments.

Norman “Stormy” Veierstahler—Mesa, AZ

When a player presses the Spin button on a slot machine, they set the game program in motion and the computer controlling the game requests multiple RNs. Generally, for a video slot machine, a spin requires five RNs. One for each reel. If there are more reels, more RNs are requested and produced by the RNG.

A: Stormy, thank you for being a fan of the Arizo na G am ing Guide! We truly appreciate your support of our publication! Each slot machine has one RNG. That’s it. There is only a need for one RNG as the computer operating the slot machine on the inside of the steel cabinet is fast enough to handle many millions of requests per second for random numbers (RNs) which is far more than are needed by a slot machine game.

By the way, a slot machine’s RNG is constantly producing RNs, even when the game is idle between spins, or when no one is playing the game. This principle is enforced by the strict regulations and technical standards governing the gaming industry.

The reasoning behind this rule is to force slot machine manufacturers to design RNGs for their slots which do not send “sequential” RNs back whenever the slot machine’s program

For games with multiple reel sets on the same screen, like Aristocrat’s Wonder4, the pressing of the Spin Button demands 20 RNs! That’s five RNs for each of the four games. Those RNs all come from the same RNG in the slot machine.

On multi-game machines, there is still only one RNG in the slot machine (or video poker machine, or video keno machine). Regardless of the game you decide to play, or when you decide to play it, you are requesting RNs from the same RNG.

Continued on page 8

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PLAYERS TALK

Continued from page 6

requests one or more RNs. To make this principle a little clearer, imagine the difference between drawing a card repeatedly off the top of one deck of shuffled cards until you exhaust the deck and start over and continually drawing from somewhere within one deck of cards which is constantly being shuffled. The gaming regulations force an RNG to behave similar to drawing from somewhere within a constantly shuffled deck of cards. Of course, a slot machine’s RNG is not producing only 52 outcomes as with a deck of cards, rather trillions of random outcomes.

Q: I’ve heard some casinos have looser slots. Is this true?

Mary Weinmann—Sun City, Arizona

A: Mary, yes some casinos have looser slots than others. I must warn you that “looser” is a relative term. In general, the word “looser” refers to the value of a slot’s payback percentage, which is set by the casino’s Slot Director. The higher the payback percentage, the “looser” the slot is. In turn, this means the casino’s hold (the amount they’ll win) is less. Of course, as the slots are governed by RNGs, these percentages are theoretical averages based on millions of spins made over time. You, as a player, can definitely notice a difference in the “looseness” of different casinos. Just identify one game that both casinos have in common (same bet, same denomination, same game rules) and play those slots at both casinos. Over time I’m sure you’ll notice which casino’s slot lets you win more, or play longer, or get into the bonus more often, or have higher bonus wins. $

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.

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

CASINO WAR BLACKJACK Live And Ready For Play At Bucky’s Casino In Prescott, Arizona

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lackjack is the most popular game in the world. Casino War is the easiest game in the world. When combined you get an easy, interesting game that’s addicting and

fun.

If you don’t already know how to play Casino War, it’s really just high card wins, but when combined into Casino War Blackjack you get twists, turns, and a reasonable house edge (lower than regular War, higher than regular Blackjack).

War Wager Rules This new game is already found at Bucky’s Casino and is slated to go live at a few other places in Arizona, so you’ll be ready when it hits the tables if you follow the rules here. game Blackjack.

Obviously you have to make a Blackjack wager to play, but the War wager is optional. If you make the War wager, your bet rides on your first card and the dealer’s first card (their upcard).

▪High card wins ▪Aces are low (they count as a one) for the War wager ▪Winning War wagers pay 1 to 1, or even money ▪Dealer wins all War ties except Ace against Ace, which will result in a tie Now the game gets interesting. Well, it’s not entirely interesting if you lose the War wager, but at least you still have action on your Blackjack bet. However, if you won the War wager you get two options: you can collect your original War bet and your win or you can add your win to your Blackjack bet!

To be clear, you can’t parlay the whole wager and win, just the amount of your win to your Blackjack wager, but it’s a very attractive option when you have a nice starting card like a ten (yes, that’s why the Ace plays as low, so the house doesn’t have to pay you and then watch you add money to a likely Blackjack hand).

War Blackjack Strategy After the War hand is finished, the dealer will deal out a second card to each player and themselves and regular Blackjack is played. Your success will depend on how well you know the

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You can increase your chances of having a good session by increasing your Blackjack wager with your War win at any time that you have the dealer’s up card dominated.

▪Holding a 7, add against a dealer up card of 4, 5 or 6 ▪Holding an 8, add against a dealer up card of 2 through 7 ▪Holding a 9, add against a dealer up card of 2 through 8 ▪Holding a 10, add against a dealer up card of 2 through 9 The house edge on the War wager is about 1.18 percent when you add to your Blackjack wager. That, coupled with the house Blackjack edge, does give you a hill to climb but the game is a lot of fun and you’ll find that when things are going well your stack of chips will swell quickly with just a couple back-to-back War and Blackjack wins in a row!

If you decide to give Casino War Blackjack a try, let us know how it goes! Send us an e-mail to editor@azgamingguide.com with “Casino War Blackjack” in the subject line. $

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

Titan 360 Now Available At Desert Diamond Casino

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he Titan 360 is a special edition, limited release product

by Konami Gaming, Inc. that weighs in at nearly 3 tons and is one of the largest slots in the world! Just 26 of these massive machines were ever made and it is now available, for a limited time only, at Desert Diamond’s Tucson location on Nogales highway. This legendary super slot features a large multi-station progressive bonus game built upon multiple video slot machine base games. Standing nearly 12 feet tall, the game’s central bonusing unit leverages a mechanical wheel and large, rolling metallic ball to determine bonus award amounts. Titan 360 uses popular Konami 30 line video titles such as Bull Mystery, Dragon Celebration, Lady Peony, Golden Pumpkin, and Tiger Woman, with fun and familiar game mechanics.

When the bonus is triggered, the entire central unit swivels around to place the wheel in front of the winner’s machine. A physical ball launches from one side and swoops back and forth seeking a pocket to land in. If the pocket happens to have a dollar amount, players win that dollar amount prize.

The ball can land in $20, $40, $200, or $400 pockets on the bonus ring where the player wins the amount shown times their bet level! If the ball lands in a green, yellow, or blue pocket, the player wins a mini, maxi, or major jackpot respectively. And, if the ball lands in a red diamond pocket, the player has the opportunity to play on a new big money ring where prizes are multiplied by 10 and the jackpots are even bigger!

Players must bet all lines and the extra Titan 360 credit wager to be eligible for the bonus. What is really exciting about this game is that players of all bet levels can participate in the bonus. The higher the bet level when the bonus game is triggered, the greater the multiplier for the bonus ring credit prize and the larger the mini, maxi, and major jackpots! All the base games play the same as the non-Titan 360 base games. However, the Titan 360 bonus cannot be triggered during any free game bonus.

Titan 360 is a testament to Konami’s strong heritage in amusement products, evidenced by a decades-long legacy in world-leading video game and arcade entertainment from its parent company in Japan. Titan 360 is designed to create excitement by providing a multi-sensory gaming experience that delivers thrilling, high-frequency bonus events. This game is a major attraction on the casino floor, and a truly thrilling experience when the bonus

is triggered! Watch as the pockets rotate one position after each bonus event to provide additional randomness to the outcome!

The game first launched in the United States in 2013 and remains an incredible source of excitement at select casinos across the nation. Desert Diamond Casino is just the latest recipient of this one-of-a-kind slot machine! “The Titan 360 is truly a sight to behold,” said Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise.

“This colossal slot machine offers guests an experience like nothing else, so don’t miss your chance to try it out at Desert Diamond Casinos.”

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment has three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and one in the West Valley and they are owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Additional information can be found at ddcaz.com or by calling 1.866.DDC.WINS. You can also follow Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment on Twitter (@DiamondCasinos) and on Facebook (/DDCAZ).

For more information about the Titan 360 and other exciting new Konami games and products, visit their website at konami.com/gaming. $

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NEW SLOTS

Game Of Thrones Only At Lone Butte, Vee Quiva & Wild Horse Pass

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he brand new slot Gam e Of Thrones by Aristocrat is available for play exclusively at all three Gila River Casinos properties. You won’t find this captivating and exciting slot anywhere else in Arizona for the next several months!

With random base game features and a massive wheel bonus containing multiple games and progressive jackpots, there’s plenty of excitement for fans of the HBO hit show and serious gamers alike. Free games bonuses include “The Wall—Castle Black” and “Battle Of Blackwater Bay” with each bonus providing wins on its own reel set and game rules.

Picking bonuses include “Mother Of Dragons” and “Lion” both of which let players reap massive rewards in their quest for riches on this slot.

For more information about Aristocrat and their latest games visit their website at aristocratgaming.com. For more on Gila River Casinos visit wingilariver.com. $

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NEW SLOTS

Cash Odyssey Ainsworth Game Technology at G2E

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insworth Game Technology introduced its innovative new A600 cabinet in the North American gaming market, incorporating the company’s deep and longstanding knowledge into an exciting new product for its casino partners. The A600 takes existing Ainsworth technology to the next level with larger game screens, dynamic lighting effects and a state-of-the-art LCD touchscreen button deck. “The A600 launch continues the tremendous growth and progress we have seen in North America over the past year,” said Ainsworth President – North America Mike Dreitzer. “It has been an exciting year for Ainsworth. We opened our brand-new 291,000square-foot North American headquarters in Las Vegas and began offering our Class II gaming products after the successful acquisition of Nova Technologies. Now we continue our momentum with the release of the A600, which is built to perform with the highest engineering standards and an extensive game library.”

While being focused on supreme engineering and best-in-class reliability, the A600 includes the high-end graphics, highresolution screens, and interactive button decks that are expected by today’s casino operators and slots players. Two 24inch screen and game-driven lighting effects enable players to experience Ainsworth’s world-renowned games in an entirely new way on the A600. A LCD touchscreen button deck gives an innovative look and feel. The sleek A600 will come with a full library of game titles – including the proven games developed for the A560 Dual Screen, alongside a variety of games designed exclusively for this new cabinet. The math models that made Ainsworth successful globally for years will play out bigger and brighter than ever before.

The technologically innovative features include:

 Dual,

high-definition 24-inch LCD game screens for optimal displaying of exciting game art

 LCD touchscreen button deck with “bash button”  Dynamic game-driven lighting effects for increased

player excite-

ment

 Multi denomination play options  Easy access to game peripherals  Sleek, classic design  Proven Ainsworth game titles, along with new content design specifically for the A600

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One of the many games debuting on Ainsworth’s A600 at G2E this month is Cash Od yssey. Players will take an incredible journey with Ainsworth’s new Cash Od yssey series of games. Three 30-line titles – Gulliver’s Travels, Huckleberry Finn and Robinson Crusoe – offer huge wins on free games features, as well as massive jackpots. The games are featured on the brand-new A600 cabinet with two high-definition 24-inch LCD screens. Dynamic lighting effects and a state-of-the-art touchscreen button deck make for exciting play.

During base game play, two zones appear on reels 2 and 4. The blue zone appears on the top and bottom reels and the Red zone appears in the middle reels. When the Cash Od yssey symbol appears in one of the zones, credits are awarded. During the Free Games Feature, when Cash Od yssey appears on either reel 2 or reel 4, the Re-spin Feature is triggered.

Look for these hot new titles, and many more from Ainsworth, at your favorite casino! For more information about Ainsworth games, visit their website at agtslots.com. $

NEW SLOTS

The Keystone Kops International Game Technology at G2E

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t G2E 2016, IGT will showcase hundreds of innovative gaming solutions that are developed to deliver unrivaled player entertainment. Attendees will be the first to experience never-before-seen game themes that illustrate the breadth and depth of IGT’s best-in-class content portfolio.

G2E will mark the Company’s global debut of several new licensed game themes. IGT expands its legendary Wheel of Fortune slot family by introducing Wheel of Fortune Double Times Pay 3x4x5x TRUE 3D. Building off the success of Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond 3D, this new theme leverages the award-winning TRUE 3D technology which delivers glasses-free, immersive 3D entertainment. The celebrated new theme is displayed on a 5 line, 3 reel game with a fourth bonus reel featuring free games, multipliers, and the Wheel of Fortune Bonus, which is available for players who wager up in pursuit of life-changing jackpots.

IGT expands its awe-inspiring TRUE 3D game library with the international premiere of ZUMA 3D at G2E. Based on the highly successful ZUMA video slot, this new title offers seven must-hit progressives and a dynamic attract feature, which beckons passing patrons to come play. The Com(Continued on page 22)

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(Continued from page 20)

pany’s Treasures of Olym pus 3D will also make its debut, and display a unique 3D Free Games bonus with random wild features. Based on the player-favorite title, Icarus, Treasures of Olympus 3D is equipped with a five-level progressive meter. Both games are packed with engaging game symbols, sounds, and characters that deliver an immersive gaming experience.

Building on the momentum of the wildly popular Ellen DeGeneres Show slot game library, IGT will launch The Ellen DeGeneres Show Sharing the Love video slots. Packed with humorous voiceovers and original clips, the new title offers three unique bonus features and a built-in camera which integrates images of players as they enjoy the game. Another television icon that will be featured in a slot theme is the beloved Betty White. At G2E, IGT will launch Betty White’s Story Time and Betty White’s Tall Tales, which capture custom voice overs, video clips, unique free games and a three-level Lucky Coin Progressive.

IGT will transport attendees to an adventure with Sherlock Holm es: A Gam e of Shad o w s. Inspired by the blockbuster sensation, the game puts players in the middle of their favorite movie moments and displays a unique Merge Feature that combines two game windows together for big win opportunities. Another engaging title that will provide a rich player experience is How to Marry a Millionaire Starring Marilyn Monroe - packed with frequent-hitting diamond progressives, a wheel bonus and dazzling multiplier symbols.

Other compelling titles that are designed to elevate gameplay will include the Keystone Kops game series, which spotlights the famous 1920s cop comedy in animation. IGT will also launch two new game series, the Prize Disc titles and the Rift Zo ne game themes. Attendees visiting IGT’s booth 3659 will explore and have fun with the Company’s industry-leading portfolio of products. For more about IGT and their games visit igt.com. $

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Scientific Games T

he nice thing about being the world’s largest slot maker is that there’s always more games to come! Scientific Games will have more than 100 slot machines on hand for the industry’s premier trade show (The Global Gaming Expo, or G2E, held every September in Las Vegas), along with dozens of other products premiering for the first time publicly.

G2E will host the Scientific Games massive display of products in 2016, including dozens of slot products, new brands and licenses, hardware developments, celebrity appearances, presentations, and so, so much more. Exciting new slot machines with incredible brands will be revealed.

With powerhouse brands Bally, WMS, and Shuffle Master, Scientific Games is positioned to deliver an unprecedented variety of quality products that elevate player experiences to new heights with games to give you the thrills that keep you coming back for more, again and again. Feel the energy of a unified portfolio of world-class products from the industry’s most respected brands. Here’s a taste of what’s to come: The Simpsons: From Springfield to casino floors, it’s the slot machine inspired by the beloved show The Sim psons. Loaded with favorites from the show, this immersive game puts players right into the world of The Sim psons. Players can prank call Moe’s Tavern, visit Apu at the Quickie Mart, or even be Homer Simpson, catching donut sprinkles in a bonus that uses motion capture technology which allows players’ movements to be mimicked on screen with Homer’s arm and hand.

The Simpsons game is on the brand new Gamescape cabinet that utilizes three vivid, high-definition displays angled toward the player, and a 40-inch curved top screen that surrounds the player. Additionally, an ergonomic 10.4-inch tablet button panel integrates gameplay to coordinate graphics across multiple displays. The result is five unique screens that virtually combine to create an expanded platform for stunning graphics and seamless motion, giving the player an immersion into Springfield.

Willy Wonka—World of Wonka: Raise a glass of Fizzy Lifting Drink and toast to the latest slot sensation born from the world of Willy Wonk a. Willy Wonka’s World of Wonka is a scrumdiddlyumptious blend of incredible bonuses unlike any other game before in the series, housed in a splendid cabinet. The Gam escape cabinet features three vivid, high-definition displays that expand the games bonus features extra wide to 24 reels, along with a mechanical bonus wheel, wide area progressive and vivid sound that brings the World of Wonk a to life. Wonderful music and surprises galore in the magical factory of fun await you.

Look for it today in a casino near you.

Tree of Wealth: Turns out money does grow on trees! The Fu

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Brings The Best In Slots Babies are back in a new set of games based on the Duo Fu Duo Cai series. Tree of Wealth—Jade Eternity and Tree of Wealth—Rich Traditions offer great odds at Free Games, Jackpots and a Pick and Match feature.

Tree of Wealth—Jade Eternity and Tree of Wealth—Rich Traditions offer the alluring treasures of 12 Free Games, a Jackpot Feature and a Pick ‘Em Style Bonus in a strikingly designed game from the Duo Fu Duo Cai series. Also enjoy the auspicious Tree o f Wealth Feature, where you can pick from 15 scrolls until 3 match with a corresponding jackpot. Experience the next generation of this immensely popular series at a casino near you.

Lock It Link: Lock Down S ome Slot Action! Tw inStar, the Scientific Games cabinet with fantastic new themes from WMS and Bally, now showcases two new Lock It Link games: Diamonds and Night Life. The Lock It Link Series is a player favorite in Australia, making its debut in North America. Players will love this duo coming ashore with the promise of engaging gameplay sure to lock players in their seats. Lock It Link —Night Life and Lock It Link—Diamonds feature four levels of progressive jackpots, free spins, and the Lock It Link Respins feature offering the chance for huge credit payouts.

Following its successful debut in casinos in late 2015, Scientific Games now unveils additional exclusive new game content for its trailblazing Tw inStar slot platform. The Tw inStar cabinet is engineered with dual, vivid, 24-inch full HD displays and combines the best in platform technology from both Bally and WMS, including a re-engineered and 50 percent larger iDeck multitouch button display.

Monty Python—The Holy Grail of Slot Machines: If slaying killer rabbits, fighting limbless knights and chopping down trees with a herring sounds like a good time, then we’ve got the perfect slot machines for you. Monty Python and The Holy Grail - Killer Bunny and Monty Python and The Holy Grail - Black Knight showcase a variety of hilarious features with everyone’s favorite zany characters, like King Arthur, “brave” Sir Robin, those rude French soldiers and so many more.

And, of course, these games are loaded with your favorite features, including Free Games, Random Multipliers, Random Wilds, and an incredible Jackpot Feature with the opportunity to win 100,000 credits! Ride off into the sunset (with coconuts!) a winner when you play today at a casino near you.

For more information on Scientific Games, visit their website at scientificgames.com. For more information on G2E visit their website at globalgamingexpo.com. Stay tuned for more on G2E available only in the next issues of the Arizona Gam ing Guide ! $ azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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TRIBAL NEWS

By Lee Allen

TWO EVENTS—ONE WEEKEND Hopi & Ak-Chin Tribes Celebrate Their Heritages On September 24

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hile Native Americans throughout the U.S. put finishing touches on plans to officially celebrate the month of November as Native American Heritage Month, two of Arizona’s 22 tribes can’t wait and will hold their own commemorative events on the last weekend in September.

In Hopi Land, the Cultural Center on Second Mesa in the arid highlands of Northern Arizona is sponsoring its annual Indian Day celebration while Maricopa, Arizona will host an Ak-Chin Native American Recognition Day. Hopi planners will be welcoming visitors to their 1.5 million acre reservation highlighted by three breathtaking mesas that rise up some 7,000 feet to offer panoramic views of the surrounding low-altitude desert. Tribal literature notes: “We have lived here since ancient time. Where we are located today in present-day Arizona is where we have always lived with roots going back in time one hundred generations. Our culture is one of the first (oldest) on the continent.”

Hopi Second Mesa Cultural Center & Motel—Photo courtesy of the Hopi Tribe

According to the About-the-Hopi web page, “The oldest continuously-inhabited village in the United States is Old Oraibi, located on top of Third Mesa (Kykotsmovi, the seat of the tribal government). The village came into being around 1050 A.D with ruins still standing.”

The book, Hopi, notes that inhabitants have lived here far longer than any other people in North America. The authors write: “They are not only the oldest dwellers in this land, but are considered to have a wisdom, a knowledge, of things beyond average comprehension. Knit tightly together by clan relationships, they are intensely spiritual and fiercely independent.”

According to the Hopi Cultural Center, the word ‘Hopi’ is translated to mean ‘peaceful person’. Individuals trace their ancestry matrilineally to a common ancestor who is part of that clan’s creation story. The Hopi have many clans within each village with 34 clans identified today. These “oldest of the native people” reside in 12 traditional self-governed villages of intensely spiritual and fiercely independent residents.

For those who have not visited before, a word about etiquette --While Hopis welcome visitors, they ask to be treated with respect and dignity which includes a stipulation that recording

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Ak-Chin Indian Community focuses on self reliance in many ways, including agriculture— Photo courtesy of the Ak-Chin Indian Community

(video/audio) or taking photographs is not allowed in the 12 self governing villages.

As their web page suggests: “Witnessing a ceremony is a privilege, not a right. Visiting Hopi is a wonderful time to use your mind and heart to record what you are privileged to see.”

For those who plan an overnight stay, the Hopi Cultural Center Motel (1.928.734.2400) on the top of Second Mesa, has just 30 units and advance reservations are strongly recommended. In nearby Tuba City, the Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites (1.928.283.4500), the first motel to be built on Hopi tribal land in 50 years, also suggests booking in advance.

TRIBAL NEWS

For the Ak-Chin community, Native American Recognition Day or NARD is traditionally held on the last Saturday in September at the Milton ‘Paul’ Antone Park in Maricopa in coordination with the Him-Dak Museum.“ Quite a drop in altitude from the mesa in Hopi Land to the lower desert south of Phoenix (at a mere 1,200 feet above sea level), you’ll find the 20,000-acre Pinal County home of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the tribe’s Him-Dak Eco-Museum, the first of its kind in America.

Two peoples, the Tohono O’odham and the Pima, live here in a place literally translated as “where the mouth of the wash loses itself in the sand.”

Visitors to the 5-acre museum site (and community education center) will find a varied display of tribal crafts, exhibits, and photographs of the Ak-Chin people. The mission of the museum is to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote, and teach aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage, culture, and communication between generations. Distinguished from traditional museums, the 20,000-square-foot facility utilizes the land itself to replace standard museum buildings while residents of the area take on the role of curator.

Casa Grande Ruins Monument—Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

The unique-to-Arizona multi-storied Casa Grande Ruins Monument structure, originally constructed by Hohokam Indians during the 13th century, is a short drive away as is Harrah’s AkChin Casino that opened its doors in 1994.

The resort casino at 15,406 Maricopa Road (1.480.802.5000) offers 300 rooms and more than 1,000 slots as well as bingo, keno, and poker. If you like to plan ahead --- far ahead --ground was broken in June for a $100 million expansion project at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino that will include an additional 200 hotel rooms as well as a spa, conference center and additional restaurants.

“As one of the few full-service hotels and casinos in the area, this expansion (estimated completion date is early 2018) will offer more options to visitors and guests throughout both Pinal and Maricopa counties,” according to Casino General Manager Robert Livingston. The hotel and casino currently accommodate approximately 1.5 million guests per year. For devout duffers,

Ak-Chin Indian Community Seal

there’s an existing 320-acre, Troon-managed, Southern Dunes Golf Club, one of Golfw eek Magazine’s Top Ten Arizona courses.

For more info on the Hopi Cultural Center, Second Mesa, Arizona, call 1.928.734.2401, or write to info@hopiculturalcenter.com.

For more info on the Him-Dak Eco-Museum, 47685 North EcoMuseum Road, Maricopa, Arizona, call 1.520.568.9487. The museum is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. $

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27

GAMING NEWS

Illegal Gambling Businesses Shutdown

By ADG & PHX Police Recently, investigators from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and members of the Phoenix Police Department served four search warrants linked to an illegal gambling investigation. Two of the warrants were for businesses “Poker Union” at 717 W. Union Hills Drive and “The Gold House” at 17220 N. 19th Avenue, while two other warrants were served at residences in Glendale. During the joint operation several people were arrested in connection to the business and will be facing multiple charges including operating an illegal gaming facility, promotion of illegal gambling, and racketeering. For almost a year, investigators have been looking into the business and found it was operating as an illegal poker room. The illegal gambling operation allowed members to gamble during poker games and tournaments inside the business.

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 ADG and local police departments, such as Phoenix, has lead to the closure of more than a dozen illegal gambling operations just this year. The ADG, in partnership with Arizona’s tribes, regulates Indian gaming. Under the AZ Tribal-State Gaming Compact, tribes with casinos contribute one to eight percent of their Class III (slot machines, jackpot poker, blackjack, keno) gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties. There are currently 23 Class III casinos in the state.

Tribes send contributions every three months. $

Tribal Gaming Contributions See Effects From Diversity

The Arizona Department of Gaming announces new statewide tribal contribution numbers for the quarter ending June 30, 2016. Tribal contributions to the State’s Arizona Benefits Fund from Class III gaming revenue will be approximately $25 million for the quarter.

Class III revenue is about 2.9% less this quarter, when compared to the same quarter in 2015. “While we have seen a small change in gaming revenue, the numbers still showcase how well the gaming industry is doing around Arizona and the high consumer confidence people have while living and playing in our state,” said Daniel Bergin, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

For the first time since Arizona embraced Tribal Gaming, a casino is operating in the Valley that does not share revenue with the State. This facility is not regulated by the Department making it impossible to know what effect it is having on statewide gaming numbers. Despite the small drop in this quarter’s contributions, regulated casinos will still provide millions in additional funding to areas such as education and emergency services. $ The current distributions are: Instruction & Education: $12,463,013 Emergency Services: $6,231,506 ADOG Operating Costs: $2,250,544 Wildlife Conservation: $1,780,430 State Tourism: $1,780,430 Problem Gambling: $500,121 TOTAL: $25,006,044

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

NIGC Reports 2015 Gross Gaming Revenue Largest Ever The National Indian Gaming Commission said thanks to strong regulation, gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2015 was the highest it's ever been. The 5% increase in GGR from 2014 is the largest increase in 10 years. "We are proud to announce that Indian country's 2015 gross gaming revenue was $29.9 billion dollars," said Chairman Jonodev Osceola Chandhuri.

For the first time, the commission revealed the revenue information live to the public at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California on Tuesday.

Of more than 230 tribes included in the revenues, all increased between 3 and 8 percent in 2015. The chairman and members of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians said the announcement validated they've come a long way and so has the valley economy.

"It shows the growth that's happening in our valley and the region, the other tribes. Everyone is doing well," Chairman Doug Welmas said. "We've been through in the last 10 years a horrendous recession. A lot of people have lost jobs and lost homes. We are proud to be able to provide jobs here and we were actually a tribe that never laid anyone off," said Brenda Soulliere of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.

Soulliere said casinos and resorts in the desert not only provide jobs to boost the local economy, but they also help the tribes remain self sufficient.

"They're not really profits. They're funds that come to the tribal government and the tribal government is able to provide basic things that people take for granted like education, health care, things like that," Soulliere said. $

GAMING NEWS

12th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship Winner Crowned Pat Lyons Wins $241,700 & A Rolex The ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort was wall to wall with some of the best regional, local and even national poker players August 12-16, 2016 for the 12th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship. After a 4.5-hour bout of strategy at the final table of ten, Pat Lyons of Northern California was victorious winning the title of 2016 Arizona State Poker Champion. Lyons was among the 1510 that participated in what is quickly becoming one of the most popular five-day poker tournaments in the Southwest. The spacious ARENA Poker Room, the beautiful property and $1.5 million prize pool are all reasons why the Annual Arizona State Poker Championship is a not-to-miss occasion every August.

“The ARENA is active with poker tournaments for all styles of play year-round, but the Annual Arizona State Poker Championship is one-of-a-kind,” said Tom Young, the Director of Poker at the ARENA Poker Room. “Every year we add more competitors from all levels of play, making the entire tournament unpredictable all the way to the end.” Four-time World Series of Poker champion, Tom Schneider hosted the final table on August 16. The final ten earned their seat at the Finals by battling through the No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament kick off on August 12 and a semi-finals round on August 15.

In the end, Lyons beat his opponents with two pair of aces and jacks. This year’s Champion walked away with $241,700, a $25,000 Rolex watch and a customized trophy. Second place and third place finishers, John Seaman and John Jensen also earned trophies as well as payouts of $181,200 and $128,350 respectively. For more information about the ARENA Poker Room and upcoming tournaments at Talking Stick Resort, visit talkingstickresort.com or call 1.480.850.8693. $ The following players comprised as their corresponding winnings State Poker Championship: Winner Pat Lyons 2nd Place John Seaman 3rd Place John Jensen 4th Place Ed Pickens 5th Place Adam Leyba 6th Place Terrance Eischens 7th Place Linglin Zeng 8th Place Balram Bhandari 9th Place Kevin Steele 10th Place John Dibella

the final table of ten as well at the 12th annual Arizona $241,700 + 25K Rolex watch $181,200 $128,350 $94,375 $86,825 $71,725 $56,625 $41,525 $26,425 $18,875

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

More And More Reasons To Visit Hon-Dah Resort Casino And Conference Center In The White Mountains ironing board, dataport, telephone, iPod dock alarm clock/ radio, hairdryer, and work table. A Jacuzzi, sauna, and allseason heated swimming pool are also available to all guests.

Great dining at casino prices can be enjoyed in the Indian Pines Restaurant. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets offer a variety of choices for every eater. Steak lovers can savor a ribeye steak dinner, cooked to order, offered in the Tuesday special. Plus the Friday Seafood buffet is the best in the region! The famous Sunday champagne brunch makes for a perfect wrapup to a perfect week.

Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center is surrounded by tall ponderosa pine and groves of aspen trees. It is the cool climate and outdoor ambiance that guests experience when they enter Hon-Dah Resort. Hon-Dah Resort Casino offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere with fun and excitement at your fingertips with gaming, dining, entertainment, and sports and recreational opportunities in Northeastern Arizona. Hon-Dah is located in the spectacular beauty of Arizona’s White Mountains at an elevation of 7,200 feet.

Hon-Dah Resort Casino also offers Vegas-style entertainment and nationally recognized performers in the Timbers Showroom Lounge and the outdoor event area.

Hon-Dah Resort Casino is owned by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Hon-Dah Resort Casino is located just 3 miles south of Pinetop at the junction of Highways 260 and 73. The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information call 1.800.929.8744 or visit hon-dah.com. $

Experience real Las Vegas-style gaming, with a smoke-free poker room and blackjack room. The casino has over 800 of the newest slot machines, including multigame slots, unlimited progressive jackpots, and video poker/keno.

The magnificent hotel lobby features a rockscape with waterfall, an animal display, and an enormous fireplace. Upscale amenities up in the cool air include 128 oversized guest rooms featuring wet bar, refrigerator, 25� remote-controlled satellite flat screen television set, in-room coffee, microwave, iron,

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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 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 June 2016 Slots

Hold % Tables

Hold %

6.04

Craps

18.22

6.35

Blackjack / 21

18.26

Multi-Denom 6.44

Roulette

20.67

5¢

8.09

Let It Ride

24.83

$25

8.41

Pai Gow Poker

27.56

$5

8.61

Other Table Games 27.74

1¢

11.20

Three Card Poker

33.27

Tight Megabucks

13.61

8.75

Win Amount

Dollars

Bingo

10.28

Slots

34.6 mil.

Race Books

15.05

Tables

3.3 mil.

30.49

Other

0.5 mil.

Loose $1 25¢

Laughlin River Lodge 800.835.7904 laughlinriverlodge.com 1,000+ guest rooms and suites, over 30,000 square feet of the hottest Vegas-style gaming, four restaurants, fast food options, & more!

Tropicana Laughlin 800.243.6846 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 | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Other Loose Sports Pools

Tight Live Keno

Hold %

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Mark Novak

THE GOLDEN NUGGET LAUGHLIN The Perfect Balance Between Excitement And Relaxation This Summer

T

he Golden Nugget Laughlin is a unique resort on the banks of the Colorado River and a gaming destination that strikes the perfect balance between excitement and relaxation! You’ll find plenty of offers and all of your favorite casino games from slots, to video poker, to a long list of table games, to choose from. The Golden Nugget has a wide assortment of specials and gaming promotions going on now through the end of summer, so there’s no better time than the present to plan your trip to Laughlin!

Mark your calendars now for the 29th Annual Fastpast Car Show held November 3-5. Room packages start at $149 (plus tax) which includes four days and three nights of non-stop action. In addition, participants will attend a welcome reception on Thursday, November 3 in the afternoon, enjoy a Ladies Poker Walk, the Best Of Show Awards, receive an event t-shirt (one per room), and exclusive Blackjack and Slot Tournaments where the entry fees are distributed back to the players. For reservations and more information, call 1.800.950.7700.

The Golden Nugget Laughlin is also offering Room and Concert packages for September’s hottest tickets! Hank Williams Jr. is performing at the Laughlin Event Center on September 24.

Then, Dolly Parton performs on September 30.

And if that’s not enough excuses to come visit the Golden Nugget Laughlin, then keep in mind September is filled with promotions and tournaments. On September 3, 10, 17, and 24, the casino is having a $20,000 Sizzlin’ September Cash Giveaway.

Make sure you sign up to become a 24 Karat Club member in order to participate. For those of you who are video poker fans, the Four-Of-A-Kind Bonus Pays promotion is still happening on Thursdays and Fridays. Look for the card of the day at the 24 Karat Club on those days. Plus, The Spin To Win Daily Slot Tournament ($1,000 in guaranteed prizes) runs Mondays through Wednesdays from 7am to 10pm with an entry fee of only $10. In addition, the table games department is hosting a Moonlight Madness Blackjack Tournament every Friday with a guaranteed first place prize of $500. A $15 buy-in gets you $2,000 in tournament chips. The top 6 players will all be winners! So, sharpen your card playing skills and get ready to win!

So what are you waiting for? Plan your Laughlin getaway to the Golden Nugget right now! For information on the Golden Nug-

get Casino in Laughlin, visit goldennugget.com/Laughlin or call 1.800.950.7700 for rooms, or call direct at 1.702.298.7111. $

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LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Mark Novak

SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER AT TROP! Weekly Gifts, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams Jr., And More

F

ortunately the temperatures will be cooling off soon and the Tropicana Laughlin is the place to be this September!

There is non-stop excitement all month long from the casino floor to the three bars to Victory Plaza to the pool.

For those of you who are Trop Advantage members, they’ve got gifts for you! Earn base points on your Trop Advantage Card on any of the dates below, print out a voucher from the Trop Advantage promotional kiosks, and redeem it for a gift at Event Registration from 8am-2pm or 6pm-10pm that same day! Gifts include: Oven Glove—Sep. 2nd, BBQ Digital Thermometer— Sep. 4th, Salad Spinner—Sep. 10th, Air Couch—Sep. 17th, Thermos & Mug Set—Sep. 18th. Every month there is something new so make sure to return for more!

Now that it is September, not only have Dolly and Hank arrived

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

in Laughlin, but so has Championship Bull Riding and a tribute to Reba McEntire! All this right next door to the Tropicana Laughlin at the Laughlin Event Center. You’ll be able to easily walk back and forth to all of the events. September starts off with Championship Bull Riding on the 10th featuring over two hours of 8 second battles between 150 pound men and 2,000 pound bulls. On September 18th, fans of Reba McEntire can enjoy Simply Reba, a tribute to her music. Award winning singer Kelly Vohnn is backed by a five piece band letting everyone sing along to Reba McEntire’s mega hits. Grammy awardwinning 5-time Country Entertainer of the Year and Country Music Hall of Famer Hank Williams, Jr. returns to the Laughlin Event Center on September 24th, for an encore appearance of great music for 'all his rowdy friends' in town! And then Dolly Parton arrives on September 30th. For room packages and more information, visit troplaughlin.com or call 1.800.343.4533. $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings ute)—Sep. 23-24, Mötely Crüe’d (Mötely Crüe Tribute)—Sep. 30Oct. 1 The Arizona Room: 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, Superhero Band—Fri. 8:30pm

Gary Allan Desert Diamond Casino—December 3 Country star Gary Allan is bringing his artistic voice back to the Diamond Center on Saturday, December 3, 2016. With the allure of a modern day outlaw, Gary Allan has won over fans, peers and critics with his signature blend of smoldering vocals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances. While becoming a force on the country music scene, Allan has remained true to his artistic voice each step of the way. Allan just re-signed with Universal Music Group Nashville, the label home for the entirety of his twenty-year career. Gary Allan’s last album, Set You Free, topped the Billboard 200, a career first for Allan. The album also made its debut at the top of the Billboard Country Album chart and produced his fifth No.1 country radio chart topper with Every Storm Runs Out of Rain. The California native released his first album, Used Heart for Sale, in 1996 and since then has released eight additional studio albums selling over seven million albums, been certified platinum on three back-to-back albums, and been certified gold five times. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “Country fans are in for a real treat when Gary Allan takes the stage at the Diamond Center. Be sure to get your tickets early—Tucson loves Gary, and his shows here always sell out fast!”

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Mexica n Na tio na l Ro deo —Sep. 2-4, Jordan World Circus—Sep. 8, World Series Roping—Sep. 26-28, David Nail—Sep. 30 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Fea turing a va riety o f live music. Events: 4th Annual Southwest Nautique Regatta—Sep. 16 & 17, BlueWater Desert Challenge—Oct. 7-9, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series—Oct. 1416, BlueWater “336” Enduro Boat Races—Oct. 28-30 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Pyro ma nia (Def Leppa rd Tribute)—Sep. 2-3, DSB (Journey Tribute)—Sep. 16-17, Don’t Look Back (Boston Trib-

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Thursday Tributes: Fa ux Fighters (Fo o Fighters Tribute)—Sep. 1, The Song Remains The Same (Led Zeppelin Tribute)—Sep. 8, 56 A Rock ‘n Roll Revue—Sep. 15, Catch A Wave (Beach Boys Tribute)—Sep. 22, Masters Of Puppets (Metallica Tribute)—Sep. 29 Friday Nights: LIVE MUSIC—Sep. 2, Latino Rebel Band (Latin, Reggae)—Sep. 9, Suerte Musical (Tejano, Latin)—Sep. 16, Santa Pachita (Latin, Ska)—Sep. 23, Tony Corrales Band (Top 40, Country)—Sep. 30 Saturday Nights: Reality Band (Variety, Tejano) —Sep. 3, Festival Band (Tejano)—Sep. 10, Los Sociales (Tejano)— Sep. 17, Uptown Band (Top 40, Old School, R&B, Tejano, Country) —Sep. 24, LIVE MUSIC—Oct. 1 Sunday Nights: Los Nawdy Dawgs —Sep. 4 AVA Amphitheater: Marco Antonio Solis—Sep. 17, Hank Williams Jr.—Sep. 25, Neil Young & Promise Of The Real—Oct. 6 Event Center: Fra nk Ca liendo —Sep. 2 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live entertainment.

Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Ka ra o k e w ith Bling Bling—Fr & Sa, Selena Tribute & Los Chicos Del Apartamento 512—Sep. 15, Bridget’s Gifts presents Thompson Square & Lauren Alaina—Oct. 22 Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Fla shba ck Frida ys—Classic Hip-Hop and Old School fun with primetime DJs, Noches Caliente—Saturdays with the hottest live Latin music!

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Dub So unds DJs—Fr & Sa Diamond Center: Hotel California (Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 2, Gloria Trevi—Sep. 24, Brian Regan—Sep. 30, Gary Allan—Dec. 3 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live entertainment.

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 Featured Entertainment: Asleep At The Wheel—Sep. 3, December ’63 (Four Seasons Tribute)—Sep. 5, David Lee Garza & Los Musicales—Sep. 15 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays In The Lounge: Enjoy live music in the evenings. Quantum—Sep. 2, Live DJ—Sep. 3, The Walkens—Sep. 9, Static—Sep. 10, Outside The Line—Sep. 16, Chad Freeman & Redline—Sep. 17, Young Country—Sep. 23, Checker’d Past—Sep. 24 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music in the a fterno o n. Sta nley Serra no Trio –Sep. 1, John Eric Duo–Sep. 6, Thaddeus Rose–Sep. 7, John Eric Duo– Sep. 13, Thaddeus Rose–Sep. 14, Walkens Trio–Sep. 14, Live DJ–Sep. 15, Freddie Duran Duo–Sep. 15, Silhouette–Sep. 21, Stanley Serrano Trio–Sep. 21, Freddie Duran Duo–Sep. 27, Silhouette–Sep. 28, Stan-

Editor’s Pick ley Serrano Trio–Sep. 28 Sunday Poolside Entertainment: Enjoy live music from 2—6pm. Kush Country—Sep. 4 Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Ma rble Hea rt (Co untry)—Sep. 1-Sep. 4, Rev It Up (Variety)—Sep 6-10, Smokehouse (Variety)—Sep 13-17, Groove City Band (R&B Variety)—Sep 20-24, Kid-n-Nic (Variety)—Sep. 27-Oct.1 Events: Desperado (Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 2, Customer Appreciation Party—Sep. 10, Run To the Pines Car PreShow—Sep. 23

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias Talking Stick Resort November 20

Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Pho enix a rea ba nds & DJs o ffer free live entertainment throughout the week. Shining Star—Sep. 2&16, Rhythm Edition—Sep. 3, Andrea & Gemini—Sep. 6, Soundwave—Sep. 9, Smooth Groove—Sep. 10, Rhythm Of The Sun Band—Sep. 17, Soul Persuasion—Sep. 23, New Frequency Band—Sep. 24 Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Fea turing a va riety o f live music.

Events: Despera do (Ea gles Tribute)—Sep. 3, Southbound (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute)—Oct. 8, Hollywood Halloween Bash—Oct. 29 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: Lo s Lo bo s—Sep. 16, Boz Skaggs—Oct. 29 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom, Grand Ballroom & Pool: Tedeschi Truck s Band—Sep. 2, The Zombies & Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals—Sep. 11, Thunder From Down Under—Sep. 22-24, Alice In Chains—Sep. 30, Dweezil Zappa—Oct. 1, Cyndi Lauper—Oct. 7, ZZ Top—Oct. 9, Phoenix Fashion Week—Oct. 12, Los Lobos—Oct. 14, Foreigner— Oct. 16, Terry Fator—Nov. 18, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias—Nov. 20 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of live entertainment. John Eric Band (Country)— Sep. 2-3, Kung Fu Grip (Top 40)—Sep. 9-10, Priminition (Variety)— Sep. 16-17, Stateline (Country-Rock)—Sep. 23-24, Rebel Heart (Country, Rock, Variety)—Sep. 30-Oct. 1 Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 Events: Lo s Mueca s—Sep. 10, Mariachi Rodriguez—Sep. 16, Checker’d Past—Sep. 30 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: Bo yz II Men—Sep. 2, Sara Evans—Sep. 24, Voz De Mando—Oct. 14, Latin Comedy Jam: Paul Rodriguez Featuring DJ Kane of the Kumbia Kings—Oct. 22

Comedian/actor Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is bringing his #FluffyBreaksEven World Tour to Talking Stick Resort’s Salt River Grand Ballroom on November 20. The witty funnyman will showcase his larger-than-life persona in front of the Scottsdale crowd.

Revered for his abundant charisma, Iglesias’ perfect mix of parodies, anecdotes and impersonations will have fans laughing uncontrollably during the show. Iglesias’ knack for storytelling has made him a hit with mainstream media and led to the overwhelming success of his DVD specials I’m Not Fat…I’m Fluffy and Hot & Fluffy.

While most individuals would shy away from certain topics, Iglesias confronts them head on and references his weight in his comedic routine. He has appeared in a slew of movies including Magic Mike, A Haunted House 2 and his very own comedic film The Fluffy Movie, as well as television shows such as Cristela, My Wife and Kids and Last Comic Standing.

He currently stars in Fuse TV’s hit series, Fluffy Breaks Even, and continues to perform in venues across the country and world.

To learn more information about the show, call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 1.480.850.7734 or visit their website talkingstickresort.com. 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 | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

41

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

ARE YOU SEEING BAD DRIVERS TOO? Not Once, Not Twice, But Three Red Light Runners In The Past Week!

W

henever I get into my car to drive to a casino I am always prepared. I buckle up, drive the speed limit (mostly), don’t talk (or text) & drive, and I keep my eyes peeled for all of those crazies on the road!

Recently, I have found myself stopped at red lights during the day observing the most unusual behavior. The first incident happened when I was behind a driver and both of us were waiting to make a left turn. The green arrow (indicating the left turn) turned on and the driver in front of me didn’t budge. I gently honked several times to no avail. When we finally lost our arrow and the green light was given for regular traffic, the driver in front made the left turn, narrowly missing oncoming traffic!

The second situation was also at a red light with traffic at a standstill when the driver to my right decided to ignore the red

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

light, floor it across the intersection, barely missing the cross traffic, just to turn right into a strip mall. I guess the driver really needed a Starbucks!

The final situation looked like something out of a Jason Bourne car chase, I actually got chills and then started looking for a movie crew as I thought this must have been staged. The driver to my right also decided to floor it through a red light just avoiding two cars coming from opposite directions. Wow! Please be careful and practice safe driving on the roads. $

Do YOU have a RANT OR RAVE? 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

SLOT MACHINES & POWER CYCLES Just One Of Many Reasons Why Slot Machines Are So Secure

N

ot only have the employees of the Arizona Gam ing Guide personally tested many different models of slot machines, but we have also witnessed a “power cycle” ourselves at multiple casinos across the country. Our readers have most likely witnessed a “power cycle” as well!

Imagine you are playing your favorite game at the casino, when all of a sudden, the power goes out across the entire casino floor! Almost as quickly as your mind registers the power outage and are grappling with the surprise of it all, the casino’s backup generators (generally diesel) kick in and supply power back to the entire casino. Cool, right?

Unfortunately, your slot machine lost power too and is now automatically rebooting? Wow! Isn’t that neat! Whenever you lose power at home, everyone always has to run around turning

everything back on again, like your computers, or the television.

Not with slots! They restart as soon as power returns!

Furthermore, because of the strict regulations, and the rigorous testing performed not only by the slot manufacturer, as well as a third-party laboratory, and, at times, a state regulatory agency, the slot returns to the same state it was in before the power was lost.

Why is this important? For starters, you wouldn’t want to lose all of the money you had in the machine. Plus, if you were in the middle of a winning spin, triggering a bonus, that would certainly be a downer if the spin didn’t count. Worse yet, imagine if you were in a bonus already and you had won several hundred dollars and that just disappeared! Thankfully, slot machines recover all of that, and more, during a “power cycle.” $

azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide

43

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH To Celebrate Arizona’s Native American Tribes, Find: AKCHIN, APACHE, COCOPAH, COLORADO, GILA, HAVASUPAI, HOPI, HUALAPAI, KAIBAB, MARICOPA, MOJAVE, NAVAJO, OODHAM, PAIUTE, PASCUA, PIMA, QUECHAN, TOHONO, YAQUI, YAVAPAI, ZUNI. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

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A

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Y

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N

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Z W O

A

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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. Level: Mild.

(Solution on page 46)

8

6

7

5

2 7

3

1

4

2

4 9

4

7

8

4 7

9

1

1

7

6

8

8

2 3

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 898

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,071

Y

Y

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 278

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 13. Fort McDowell Casino

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

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 824

Chandler

800-946-4452 828

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

Payson

800-777-7529 412

Yuma

888-777-4946 480

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

I N U Z

A P

O D C A H R E O K L A O C B I A K

A I H T C E A U H B P A A A H P D O O H O P M O J

I A P A P A A N I P H U A O C L N O A O C U O C M S A O H J A A V L A I I N G A V E

V I O H A V A S U P A I

A T I U Q A Y N A H C E U Q

Y

800-946-4452 908

Y

800-946-4452 950

Y

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 236

A AM P I O P C I R A M

5

9

7

1

2

4

7

2

3

8

6

3

2

7

8

6

1

5

9

4

9

3

2

6

1

7

8

4

5

1

6

8

5

9

4

2

3

7

7

5

4

2

8

3

9

6

1

2

7

3

9

4

6

1

5

8

4

1

5

7

3

8

6

2

9

6

8

9

1

2

5

4

7

3

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Laveen Chandler

3

Y

Y

Y

Y

1

Y

Y

Y

6

Y

Y

Y

9

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

855-946-8946 1,078

4

Y

Y

480-850-7777 765

5

Y

Y

Flagstaff

8

Y

Y

Scottsdale

Sudoku Solution

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

6443 Komatke Ln.

Word Search Solution

Y

Y

I-40, Exit 219

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Y

Y

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 08/01/16 & 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 905

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 528

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