NOVEMBER
Contents
IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 TABLE GAMES 14 NEW SLOTS 20 WINNING WAYS 22 DINING 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 28 GAMING NEWS 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 BINGO 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS
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44 FUN & GAMES 46 CASINO DIRECTORY
EVERI CROWNS $1 MILLION WINNER FOR TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS IN LAS VEGAS!
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Inca Goddess, with all its treasures, is in its first exclusive showing in Southern Arizona!
Arizona’s biggest trivia night with $1,000 and other prizes up for grabs, plus food and drink specials!
The ever-popular Frogger is leaping into stores taking players back to the infamous 1980’s decade!
EVERI’S INCA GODDESS AT DESERT DIAMOND CASINO
TRIVIA TUESDAY EVERY WEEK—CASINO ARIZONA
ARIZONA LOTTERY NEW FROGGER SCRATCHERS
azgamingguide.com | November 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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EDITOR’S NOTE
AHH...NOVEMBER!
Your Authority On Everything Gaming
Great Weather & The Snowbirds Return
VOLUME 08 • ISSUE 11 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com
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ovember is always a great month to be in Arizona. For those of you who are full-time residents, this is old news. For those of you who are parttime residents (like snowbirds), this is old news as well. However, for those of you who are new to Arizona or are here on vacation, you are just getting a taste of why Arizonans and snowbirds alike love this state in November.
MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
Now, for all you full-time residents, don’t get upset about the snowbirds returning. I never understood why some Arizonans make jokes or are angry with the increase in population. The snowbirds and vacationers do so much for the local economy that everyone ought to welcome them with open arms. So, from all of us here at the staff of the Arizona Gaming Guide a big “HELLO” to our fellow Arizonans and a big “WELCOME” to all the snowbirds and vacationers out there. Thank you for reading our publication, thank you for your questions and feedback, thank you for making Arizona’s casino industry a fun and exciting place, and we are so glad you are here to enjoy this state and its casinos with us! Now go read up on the latest slots and news on all the casinos in the area!
ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller
Also, 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 Guid e 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!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Matt Probst Mark Novak Lana Hartmann Samantha Becker Rachel Brockway Malory Knudson 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 | November 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: Since you guys are the casino experts, we need your help settling an argument. Our wives say the casino has nothing to do with a big jackpot on the Wheel of Fortune slots being won and us fellas say they do! We know the casino sets up when the big wins happen because there is always such a big fuss over the winner and how much was won. Who’s right? The Coffee Corner Gang—Sun City, AZ A: I’m sorry fellas, the wives are in the know and in the right, as always! The casino has absolutely no control over the outcome of any spin, bonus amount, progressive win, video poker hand, or pretty much anything else involving a game on their floor. That you can take to the bank. How do we know? We have years of experience designing progressive systems for use in slot machines. But before we get started, what is a progressive and how do you win one? A progressive is easily identified by a meter in or on top of a slot machine displaying a dollar amount that keeps growing like the numbers on your car’s odometer. All progressives have a reset value, so once it is paid to someone, the dollar amount goes down to some lower number and the odometer starts going up again. You can do this in your car too when you reset a trip odometer and the display fills with zeros. Fortunately, the progressives in the slots don’t reset to $0.00! The only way a progressive is hit and then paid to a player is if the random number generator selected the winning combination allowing for the progressive, and the player made the correct qualifying bet, usually max bet. If the progressive amount is huge (over $100,000.00) representatives for the manufacturer of the slot machine will arrive to verify the win. Since the progressive win is based on the outcome of a random number generator, no one has any control or influence over when that event happens. How do we know? Well, having worked in the casino gaming industry for over fifteen years designing slot machine games, you have to read all of the gaming regulations around the world. In any and all gaming regulations for North America and in most other countries that have government regulated casino gaming, there are numerous clear statements which strictly define that all outcomes on a slot machine are determined by random behavior. So, the casino has absolutely no idea when a progressive is about to hit. Casino management and staff is just as surprised as everyone else when it happens. We have talked to so many people during our careers in the
casino gaming industry who think that casinos make sure the giant progressive wins are set up as a publicity stunt. This misconception is heavily fueled when a large progressive is awarded during a busy time at a casino, when in fact higher than normal play on progressive machines increases the chances of them being won. Since most progressives are connected to a group of games, the more the games are played at qualifying bets, the more likely it is one of the random number generators spits out a progressive at that time. The really big progressive jackpots are connected to more than just the few games you see at the casino you are currently in. In Arizona, these machines are connected to all the other games of the same kind in the entire state. In Nevada, the games are sometimes connected within smaller regions (Laughlin, The Strip, Reno, etc.). So, now that we understand the progressives are not set up by the casino. How do they really work, and how does it benefit you as a player? When a patron plays on a slot connected to a progressive, a fraction of every bet is recorded and sent into a progressive controller. The progressive controller is used to increase the progressive meters, or jackpots, and wait for a progressive jackpot signal from any of the games connected to the progressive. We, as players, need to pay attention to what the progressive reset value is, and recognize if it has been hit recently or not. The further the current progressive value is from the reset value, the bigger the reward is for the player, at that moment. Personally, we like to play video poker or other slot progressives the morning after a busy evening at a casino. In most cases, the progressive values are high, we are the only ones playing on the connected games, so we can get the most out of any progressive wins we hit. Please understand that we are referring to “small” progressives like IGT’s Fort Knox, Bally’s Quick Hit, Aristocrat’s Cash Express, and nickel or quarter video poker. Make sure you carefully read the help screen when you choose to play on a slot machine offering a progressive. Understand exactly what has to happen on the game for you to win a progressive and the bet you must make to qualify for the progressive win. Otherwise, you may lose out on a great opportunity! Here are some additional interesting facts about progressives: All progressive systems are tested by an independent laboratory Continued on page 8
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
PLAYERS TALK
Continued from page 6
before they ever make their way to the casino floor. This means the progressive controllers and the slots connected to them are tested independently of the manufacturer and the state or tribal gaming agency. Now that’s regulation! Big progressives (amounts over $100,000) are paid by manufacturers, not the casino. This is one of the main reasons why casinos love having games with large progressive amounts available on their slot floor. When the jackpot hits, the casino isn’t liable for the cash! Isn’t that nice! Of course, the slot manufacturer pays the win, but rest assured that they got their share too! Unless clearly indicated on the slot machine or otherwise listed in a help screen, progressives can keep growing and growing in
value forever! Think about it. The random number generator might never call up the winning combination needed to award the big prize! Of course, this is highly unlikely, but possible. The companies the staff at the Arizona Gam ing Guid e worked for frowned upon employees playing slots connected to progressives whose prizes were the company’s responsibility. They explicitly stated employees were not to make progressive qualifying bets on those same games. The primary reason being to prevent an unfortunate (or fortunate!) situation where an employee of the company wins a life altering progressive amount from the same company. Talk about a PR problem! Then everything on the casino floor looks like it is not only set up but a conspiracy as well! $
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 | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
TABLE GAMES By Al Moe
WHAT ARE THE ODDS? Investigating Just How Much Edge The Casino Has At Table Games
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hen Steve Miller sang, “I might get rich you know I might get busted,” he was talking about going out on the road. Many of us say the same thing every time we enter the casino. We know the house has the edge, but we’re game to buck the odds and take our chances. Whether you like the racetrack speed of slot machines or the pedestrian speed of Keno, you know what I’m talking about. Overall, the slot player is getting better odds (about 92% payback) than the Keno player (about 72% return), but if they each risked $2 per play, the slot player might get 300 spins in an hour and lose an average of $24 while the Keno player might get 10 games and lose $6. It’s not just the odds, it’s the speed of play. Table Game Odds Table game odds are much lower than those found at Keno or the slots, and there’s the human interaction. A fun dealer makes even a tough night of blackjack much more tolerable. Playing with a grumpy dealer is like sitting on a cactus. It might happen by accident, but only once. House Edge Of Table Games In Arizona Casinos (%) •Blackjack 0.75 •Casino War 3.70 •Heads Up Hold’em 2.36 •Let it Ride 3.51 •Mississippi Stud 4.91 •Pai Gow Poker 1.46 •Spanish 21 1.00 •Three Card Poker 3.37 •World Poker Tour 1.35 The house edge listed above is slightly subjective. Obviously, the rules and payoff tables can make a difference, but so can the use of side bets and the ability of the player. For Blackjack and Spanish 21, the house edge listed assumes the player knows basic strategy and plays with few errors. For new players that don’t know basic strategy, the house edge will increase substantially. For blackjack players that insist on playing side bets, the overall house edge will also increase substantially. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it again and again! Just a few examples are Push Your Luck (5.9%), Buster Blackjack (6.21%), and Lucky Ladies (24.71%)!
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Games that employ a Pair Plus style wager, such as Three Card Poker, carry a higher house edge too. This bet has a house edge of 7.28%. For games like World Poker Tour, the Player Hole Card and Final Hand bonus wagers have a similar house edge of 7.24% and 6.55% respectively. The Cost of Multiple Bets While the odds at each game are important, the number of wagers you make per hour is even more important when calculating your entertainment cost. On average, playing a single hand of blackjack (with no side bet) is going to cost you less than 1% of your total wager. So, 60 hands times $10 per hand calculates to about $6 per hour in the long run. For multiple-wager games like Three Card Poker that have the Ante and Pair Plus wagers, the combined house edge is 5.32%, so 30 hands times a total wager of $30 per hand calculates to about $16 per hour. Yes, your results will vary! $ 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
Lightning Link Now At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
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he brand new progressive video slot Lightning Link by Aristocrat is available for play at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa, Arizona. Lightning Link is an explosive set of linked games with progressives that have proven to be a hit with players in Australia, North America and Europe. Lightning Link is unique in the marketplace with player-selectable multi-denominations, a multi-format jackpot offering that combines both linked and stand alone jackpots, an excellent mix of games that attract a wide range of players, and a patented new jackpot mechanic for innovative game play and trigger methodology. Lightning Link creator Scott Olive said, “Lightning Link’s design was created specifically to appeal to all types of players – frequent players and more casual gamers, and to those who like a jackpot experience as well as those who prefer a more entertaining experience.” The game’s intuitive layout is easy to learn and play and, with frequent features and jackpots, the game keeps players and spectators entertained and energized. For more information about Aristocrat and their latest games visit their website at aristocratgaming.com. For more info on Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, call 1.480.802.5000 or visit harrahsakchin.com. $
Orange Is The New Black Now At Gila River Casinos
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he big slot sensation that everyone has to try out is Orange Is The New Black Video Slots by IGT now available at your favorite Gila River Casino! This slot was inspired by one of the most-watched series on Netflix. IGT’s Orange Is The New Black Video Slots capture authentic clips, music, characters and imagery from the show. The Orange Is The New Black slot offers two captivating game themes on the Company’s Center Stage Duo cabinet. The Orange game displays a 4x5 reel configuration and the Black game features a 3x5 reel in a 30 pay line game. Each game can award one of three multi-level progressive awards displayed on the impressive 55” top screen. The two game themes’ bonus features offer four characterdriven bonus rounds, including Crazy Eyes’ Wild Feature, Alex’s More Symbol Feature, Mendoza’s Double Game Feature, and Piper’s All Features that combines all characters’ bonus rounds together for big-win opportunities. Visit igt.com to learn more about this exciting new IGT game as well as some of their other latest and greatest titles. For more info on Gila River Casinos, visit wingilariver.com or call 1.800.946.4452. $
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NEW SLOTS
Inca Goddess Now At Desert Diamond Casino—Tucson
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reasures are hidden at Desert Diamond Casino! The new slot game Inca God d ess—in its first showing in Southern Arizona—takes guests on a journey to uncover its secrets and reveal treasures. On this five-level progressive jackpot game by Everi, guests climb the steps of an ancient Inca ruin, showcased on a sleek new Platinum MPX cabinet. Players unlock a progressive win when five or more scattered Goddess symbols appear in the primary game, ranging from a prize resetting at $10 for five of the symbols up to the top progressive, resetting at $2,500, for filling 14 or more of the 20 reel spots with the title symbol! The power of Inca God d ess doesn’t stop there! Trigger the “Reel Advance” feature and be showered with credits and additional spins. This mystery feature can land on reel 5 on any line win and can award extra credits and up to 10 bonus spins of the reels! A separate free spin bonus that awards 10 free spins can also be triggered when the bonus symbols land on the first, third, and fifth reels. For more info on this great new slot by Everi, visit their website at everi.com. For info on Desert Diamond Casino, visit ddcaz.com. $
Plants vs. Zombies 3D Now At BlueWater Resort & Casino
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atch out…the zombies have come to BlueWater Resort & Casino! Unearth the living dead with IGT’s Plants vs. Zom bies 3D Ancient Egypt game. Leveraging the Company’s TRUE 3D technology, this game delivers an unparalleled gaming experience with unique glasses-free 3D entertainment. Set on the Company’s AXXIS 3D cabinet, the TRUE 3D game is developed for low-denominational gameplay and displays a five reel, 40 pay line configuration. Players can collect brain symbols that populate a ‘brain meter’ which can trigger a bonus once the ‘brain meter’ is full. This thrilling slot theme offers four bonuses and multiple base game features to elevate gameplay. Through the game’s Dynamic Attract feature, watch how the zombies can sense patrons passing and invite them to play! For more information about IGT’s TRUE 3D portfolio, including Plants vs. Zom bies and many others, visit igt.com. For information on BlueWater Resort & Casino, visit bluewaterfun.com or call 1.888.243.3360. During your visit to BlueWater Resort & Casino, make sure to try Dragon’s Temple and Dreams of Asia, both great IGT games recently installed on the floor! $
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
Coming Soon
Willy Wonka World Of Wonka By Scientific Games
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he brand new Willy Wonk a World Of Wonk a is the first game to be released by Scientific Games on their all-new Gam escape cabinet and it’s set to roll out to casinos all across the country soon! Like the hit movie that made Willy Wonk a & The Chocolate Factory a timeless classic, the game takes players on an unforgettable musical journey through the deliciously delightful, whimsically wonderful world of Willy Wonka featuring every kind of chocolate and sweet treat imaginable. It’s a land of chocolate waterfalls, giant lollipops, edible flowers, and, of course, Oompa Loompas! This nonstop, mouth-watering game is brought to life by Scientific Games’ revolutionary Gamescape cabinet. Featuring three vivid high-definition displays that angle toward the player, and a 40-inch top screen, players will feel the sensation of being wrapped inside Wonka’s magical world. Additionally, an ergonomic 10.4-inch tablet multi-touch panel display integrates game play to coordinate graphics and seamless motion. The Gam escape platform also features new motion sensor technology that allows for seamless interaction between the player’s hand and the game! For more information about this game and other great new products by Scientific Games, visit their website at scientificgames.com. $
Jaguar Jewels By AGS
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et ready for a wild gaming experience with AGS’ new 5 reel, 40 line Jaguar Jewels slot. This game features a Free Spins bonus with an exciting volatility picker in a 3x5 reel configuration, giving players more control over how they want to win. When Bonus symbols land in any position on reels 2, 3, and 4, the Free Spins bonus is initiated. Players are then offered a choice of volatility – they can choose 8, 12, or 20 free spins with variable multipliers. Once they choose their level, the spins will begin and can be retriggered at the same volatility from within the round. When the Free Spins are over, the game quickly reverts back to normal game play. Jaguar Jew els’ beautiful graphics will draw you into the game, and the choice of volatility will keep you entertained with wild winnings! Look for Jaguar Jewels at a casino near you soon! AGS is a gaming manufacturer whose roots are in the Class II Native American market. However, they have recently expanded their product line to include top performing slot games for the Class III marketplace, as well as live felt table games and mobile gaming. Be prepared to see many more AGS products at your favorite casinos here in Arizona and all across the country! To learn more about AGS and their games, visit playags.com. $
18 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
WINNING WAYS By Jessica Isner
TRIVIA TUESDAYS AT CASINO ARIZONA Get Ready To Turn Your Obscure Knowledge Into Cold Hard Cash
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uesdays are for more than just tacos at Casino Arizona. Each week, the property hosts Arizona’s biggest trivia night where competing teams vie for up to $1,000 and other prizes each week – so put on your thinking cap and turn even your most obscure knowledge into cash. If your team emerges victorious once during a 12-week period, it will automatically be entered into the Trivia Tournament of Champions. After 12 weeks of competition, at least 12 teams of the best and the brightest trivia minds will have the opportunity to battle it out against each other for a grand prize of $1,500, while second and third place will take home $700 and $300 respectively. Additionally, at the Tournament of Champions, there will be 10 random prize drawings yielding $100 cash for whichever lucky participants are selected. Be sure to check out the Casino Arizona website for information on special trivia theme nights, including ‘90s Trivia Night (Saved By the Bell, anyone?) and Arizona State Sun Devils Night. And because nobody likes losing to a team that Googled all of the correct answers, all participants must put cell phones, tablets and all other Internet-accessible devices into buckets that will be kept in the middle of each table for the duration of Trivia Night. You can still use your phone; you just have to step outside to do so and can’t return to the action until the next question is asked. While you play, enjoy delicious Southwestern fare such as mojo chicken street tacos and pork green chili stew. If you’re in the mood for post-dinner sweets, try the pecan pie or the strawber-
ry tres leches shortcake. Paired with some trivia and a specialty cocktail or a craft beer from a local brewery, Tuesday nights couldn’t possibly get any better. If you’re in it to win it, be sure to arrive early, as the number of participating teams will be capped based on availability. Registration will run from 6pm to 7pm, and it’s first come, first served, so arrive in plenty of time and enjoy drink specials while you wait. Teams can have up to six players, and all must be 21-plus and must be registered Player Rewards Club members (membership to the club is complimentary). Though teams can only win first place once in a 12-week span, they can claim second or third in unlimited quantities. Trivia Tuesday is held each and every Tuesday in the Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, beginning at 7pm. $
Suit up in your favorite NFL gear and head over to Casino Arizona or Talking Stick Resort this football season. Now through the end of the season, guests can take advantage of food and drink specials at the properties’ restaurants, as well as a special promotion at Casino Arizona for Player Rewards Club cardholders. The “Choose the Champs” promotion is for Player Rewards Club cardholders who stop in at Casino Arizona each week, swipe their cards and correctly select the winners of upcoming football games. They can win up to $1,500 in Power PERC$ simply by banking on their expertise. If you know your football, capitalize on it by correctly choosing winners and then enjoying food and drink specials at any of Casino Arizona’s or Talking Stick Resort’s award-winning restaurants as your favorite players earn you some Power PERC$. This season-long Choose the Champs promotion is available to existing cardholders, as well as new Player Rewards Club signups at Casino Arizona. • Sunday Football Viewing Parties at Talking Stick Resort’s Blue Coyote Cantina—Every Sunday from 10am until 10pm. • Sunday Game Watching at Talking Stick Resort’s Poolside Cabanas—Every Sunday from 10am until 6pm. • Monday Night Showroom Football at The Showroom at Casino Arizona—Every Monday at 8pm.
20 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO DINING
PY STEAKHOUSE AT CASINO DEL SOL Offering Traditional Steakhouse Fare With A Modern Twist
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he PY Steakhouse, a four-star restaurant located within the Sol of Tucson—Casino Del Sol, offers traditional steakhouse fare with a modern twist, handcrafted seasonal cocktails, and an award-winning wine list curated by the restaurant’s expert staff of sommeliers. Tucked within the gorgeous AAA four-diamond Casino Del Sol Resort, PY Steakhouse is Tucson’s hidden culinary gem. Whether you are grabbing a drink in the sophisticated PY Lounge or having an intimate dinner in the 100-seat dining room, the restaurant’s contemporary décor, with unique design elements such as glass chandeliers, a wrought-iron gate, and an open kitchen, creates the perfect dining atmosphere. PY Steakhouse Dining Room
The PY Steakhouse menu changes seasonally to feature locally grown and produced ingredients. Chef de Cuisine Ryan Clark crafted this fall dinner menu incorporating ingredients from 18 local purveyors, including E&R Pork, Dragoon Brewing Co., and Queen Creek Olive Mill. The menu includes inventive dishes such as the E&R Crispy Pig’s Face and koji-fermented Fried Brussels Sprouts.
Resort & Spa, The Dish Bistro and later as executive chef at the Lodge on the Desert. In 2013, Clark became executive chef and partner at Agustin Kitchen at Mercado San Agustin. Under his direction, the restaurant garnered many accolades, including recognition as one of Tucson Lifestyle’s Top 5 Restaurants, ranking on Tucson Weekly’s Top 100 Dishes list, placing as a finalist in the Arizona Foodist Awards’ Best Breakfast Dish category, and Clark was nominated for Tucson Weekly’s Best Chef. “We sought out the finest chef for PY Steakhouse, and are elated to have a chef of his caliber on board,” said Casino Del Sol Resort’s Vice President of Food and Beverage, David Alvarez. “Chef Clark’s culinary prowess and passion for local cuisine will make our award-winning steakhouse not only the best in Tucson, but the best in Arizona.”
E&R Crispy Pig’s Face
At 31, Tucson native Chef de Cuisine Ryan Clark has a wealth of experience in the food and beverage industry. After graduating at the top of his class from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and being named one of the Top Sixteen Junior Chefs in the U.S. by the American Culinary Foundation, Clark returned home to Arizona to work under Chef Beau MacMillan at Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. He continued to hone his craft in his hometown, at Canyon Ranch
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Chef Clark holds the rare distinction of being named Iron Chef Tucson for three consecutive years, as well as holding the title of Copper Chef from Tucson Originals. Clark has also won top honors twice in the World Margarita Challenge for his original creations. In 2012, he was nominated by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the Best New Chefs in the Southwest. In addition to his membership in the American Culinary Federation as a certified executive chef and serving as chair of the southern Arizona chapter of Slow Food, Clark is the author of "Modern Southwest Cooking," a cookbook that showcases his passion for regional cooking and local ingredients.
CASINO DINING
With award-winning mixologist Aaron DeFeo behind the bar, there is no shortage of seasonal, handcrafted cocktails on the menu. If you’re craving some vino, PY Steakhouse has you covered, too. The restaurant receives annual kudos from Wine Spectator for their hand-selected wine list of over 1,000 bottles. PY Steakhouse is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11pm, and is open Sunday or Monday if there is a holiday or concert at AVA Amphitheater. Enjoy happy hour every Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 6pm. For more information about PY Steakhouse or to make a reservation, please call 1.855.SOL.STAY (765.7829) or visit their website at casinodelsolresort.com/tucson-dining/py-steakhouse. $
PY Steakhouse Lounge
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TournEvent of Champions $1,000,000 Winner! Everi’s TournEvent of Champions Crowns its 2016 Champion in Las Vegas
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ollowing several rounds of thrilling slot tournament competition on September 28 at XS Nightclub in the Wynn/ Encore resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lisa K. representing Riverwalk Casino Hotel in Vicksburg, Mississippi bested 142 competitors and was named the 2016 TournEvent of Champions grand prize winner. Presented by Everi Games Inc. and now in its fifth year, TournEvent of Cham pions is the gaming industry’s premier slot tournament competition with $1.3 million in total cash prizes.
“Our casino partners do an incredible job hosting the To urnEvent of Champions qualifying events during the year and we were extremely pleased with the high level of competition from this year’s finalists,” said Michael Rumbolz, Everi President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our congratulations go out to Lisa K. from Riverwalk Casino Hotel and we’d also like to thank all our 2016 TournEvent of Champions finalists for their never-ending excitement and enthusiasm, which helped make this a truly memorable event.”
As the 2016 TournEvent of Cham pions grand prize winner, Lisa K. received $1 million*, a TournEvent of Cham pions championship ring, and a cruise for two on Norw egian Cruise Line . Rebranded as The Million Dollar Event in 2015, this year’s TournEvent of Champions campaign included 89 casinos from across the U.S., Canada, and Peru, and saw more than 200,000 players participating in qualifying slot tournaments to earn a spot at the championship in Las Vegas.
TournEvent of Champions is a unique collaboration between Everi Games Inc. and top casinos in North and South America to bring unprecedented competition and intensity to the casino floor through a patented slot tournament campaign. Kicking off in May each year, participating casinos hold qualifying TournEvent of Champions slot tournaments where players can win a guaranteed spot to compete at the championship tournament in Las Vegas.
*The One Million Dollar Grand Prize is awarded using periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present day cash value payment.
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The highest placing TournEvent of Cham pions finalist from Arizona this year was Dean L., representing Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment West Valley. He finished in 15th place and won $1,500. TournEvent of Cham pions will return in 2017 where, once again, the $1 million grand prize will be awarded to one lucky slot player. For more information about TournEvent of Champions, please visit tournevent.com. Everi games are designed to stop patrons in their tracks by employing exciting concepts, dynamic artwork, and thrilling game play. The artists and engineers at Everi Games’ creative center
in Austin, Texas, produce unique experiences based on original ideas. Patrons travel from all over the United States to play Yard bird s and Anthony & Cleopatra — two of Everi’s most popular games. To bring an immersive experience to patrons, Everi engineers constantly refine the look and performance of the company’s cabinets and toppers with crisp HD displays, integrated touchscreens, surround sound systems, and chairs featuring Earthquake shakers just to name a few. For more information on Everi’s games, visit everi.com. $
azgamingguide.com | November 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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TRIBAL NEWS
NIGA AT THE GLOBAL GAMING EXPO Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. Reflects On Indian Gaming Industry
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he Global Gaming Expo (G2E) continued on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 with an array of events, which included educational workshops, of which the tribal gaming track was featured. The G2E educational component of the world gaming event implemented fourteen tribal gaming related sessions that touched on the critical aspects of the Indian gaming industry and brought tribal leadership, Indian gaming professionals and federal representatives together during the workshop sessions. To kick off the day, G2E presented the main-stage event, which brought together American Gaming Association (AGA) President & Chief Executive Officer Geoff Freeman and National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. together in an historic keynote titled, "Stronger Together: Gaming Ties That Bind," where the two organizational leaders discussed the importance of working together to strengthen the overall gaming industry. The first panel included a gathering of tribal and National Native organizational leaders to talk about the latest issues faced by Indian country from the leaders who represent their perspective tribes or organizations. Moderated by NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., the panel delved into topics that included tribes pursing commercial gaming licensing and economic diversification, the issue of tribal labor and the future of the gaming industry in Indian country. The panelist included, Bobby Soper, President of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Brian Paterson, Chairman of the United South East Tribes and Louis Manuel, Chairman of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association. Chairman Stevens discussed the path of growth and partnership by the Indian gaming industry and its participation at G2E. "I am excited to be here. It is so powerful when you sit amongst the Indian gaming world and you look around to see so many from the Indian gaming regions represented in one room. I am excited about where this industry has come. From the days of educating and fighting for our right to Game to today, where we had an historical coming together of commercial and tribal gaming on the mainstage of G2E, the biggest Gaming show in the world. It is an honor and a privilege for me to represent the Indian Gaming industry where in the same light as the NIGA
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Ernie Stevens, Jr.—Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association
and AGA message resonated from this morning is that our job is to focus on what brings us together." The afternoon workshop session convened with the panel titled, "Counting Compacts: Tribal-State Relations," which examined tribal gaming compacts, as they are expiring and being renegotiated. Discussions centered around the States’ view of Tribal gaming as an alternative source of revenue and what is at stake for tribal communities, as well as discussions about the role of tribal officials in compact negotiations and renegotiation strategies and tribal-state politics. For more information on NIGA visit indinagaming.org $
GAMING NEWS
GameCo, Inc. Receives Approval For First Skill-Based Video Game Gambling Machines (VGM)
BlueWater Resort & Casino Recognized And Selected For Worksite Health Promotion Award
GameCo, Inc., creator of the world’s first skill-based video game gambling machines (VGM), has received approval from the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) in New Jersey to debut its product exclusively at Caesars Entertainment resorts in Atlantic City. Caesars, Harrah’s Resort and Bally’s Wild Wild West will be the first to feature the VGM, with more launches in additional gaming jurisdictions soon! “We are thrilled to be the market leader in a global industry effort to attract the next generation of players to the casino floor,” said Blaine Graboyes, CEO and co-founder of GameCo. “With this approval from the DGE, the VGM is officially the first skill-based video game gambling product approved by any U.S. gaming jurisdiction regulator,” he added. GameCo’s historic debut of the VGM provides gamers with the opportunity to gamble playing video games at the casino for the first time ever. The VGM’s premier game, titled Danger Arena is a first-person action video game in which player skill determines the payout. Caesars Entertainment will feature 21 gaming positions in high traffic, prominent locations in all three properties, with three triple-unit carousels at Caesars, two at Harrah’s Resort, and two at Bally’s Wild Wild West. “The New Jersey DGE was excited to have the opportunity to review and approve this game through our New Jersey First program,” said David Rebuck, Director of the New Jersey DGE. “We have been at the forefront of encouraging innovation and are pleased that the efforts of GameCo and Division staff have culminated in this skill-based video game becoming available in Atlantic City before any other jurisdiction in the U.S.” $
BlueWater Resort & Casino in Parker, AZ has been recognized, nominated and selected for the Worksite Health Promotion Award sponsored by the Wellness Council of Arizona for their efforts in promoting and encouraging worksite healthy living through various resources and programs. The application process required fulfilling 6 components: 1. Senior Level Endorsement and Participation 2. Organizational Structure 3. Employee Leadership 4. Supportive Cultures 5. Awareness and Lifestyles 6. Accomplishments and Assessments BlueWater Resort & Casino was thrilled to announce that the Wellness Council of Arizona recognized and selected them as one of the winners! They were recognized at the Wellness Council of Arizona’s 31st Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona! Congratulations to Michele Mariscal and Francine Martinez for their hard work, efforts and accomplishments in spearheading and making the worksite wellness program at the BlueWater Resort & Casino a success. Awesome job Michele and Francine! For more information about BlueWater Resort & Casino or to make reservations, please visit bluewaterfun.com or call them at 888.243.3360. $
28 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
IGT’s DoubleDown Casino Launches New Ellen-Themed Social Game: The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party
The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party Video Slots is the second Ellen-themed casino-style game to join the DoubleDown Casino’s lineup of free-to-play social games. Inspired by the successful casino game, The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party Video Slots captures the TV show’s love of dance, fun and laughter. The five reel social slot features original Ellen voiceovers, footage from the highly rated show, and three entertaining bonus events including the Ellen Dances Free Games Bonus, the Know or Go Pick Bonus, and the Wheel of Riches Bonus. Players can enjoy The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party Video Slots game on their desktop or mobile device. For more information about this game and other exciting new games on DoubleDown Casino, please visit their website at doubledowncasino.com. $
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
Arizona Lottery Leaps Back To The 80’s With New Scratchers Ticket
Get Away With A Year’s Pay Finale November 26 At Casino Del Sol
The Arizona Lottery is launching a new Scratchers ticket this month paying tribute to a popular arcade game from more than three decades ago! The ever-popular Frogger is leaping into stores this November taking players back to the infamous 1980’s decade. Based on the popular arcade game, players reveal the friendly and familiar frog, then follow the arrows that take the frog either closer to its lily pad home, or to its untimely end. This is the first time the Arizona Lottery will be introducing the Frogger game to players. The $3 instant scratch game features a unique ticket design with the chance to get the friendly amphibian across the street safely. Players can win cash prizes up to $20,000! In partnership with Pollard Banknote, this new ticket from the Arizona Lottery will not only offer players and Frogger fans a whimsical and nostalgic instant ticket, but also an opportunity to continue the fun by visiting the Arizona Lottery website to play the original arcade game online. The Arizona Lottery will also be engaging social media users on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with unique and exciting social media posts and contests throughout the ticket’s time in market. Frogger is available in stores as of November 1, 2016 and players can purchase their tickets at all Arizona Lottery retailers for just $3 per ticket. For more information please visit arizonalottery.com. Did you know … Frogger was an arcade game developed by Konami (yes, the same slot machine manufacturer that’s the creator of some of your favorite video slots on casino floors all across the world) and licensed for North American distribution in 1981? $
32 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Casino Del Sol in Tucson always has amazing promotions and this month is no exception! Club Sol Members can swipe daily for an entry into weekly Saturday drawings to be entered into their “Get Away With A Year’s Pay” promotion. Three lucky winners will be drawn between 1pm and 5pm to pick a paycheck (where the top paycheck prize is $3,100 cash)! All winners will get a spot in the Grand Finale that’s being held November 26. All previously qualified winners will be invited to the Grand Finale to bash it out for a Year’s Pay that’s valued at $37,149 cash & a brand new car! Every slot and table point earned is an additional entry into the drawing. The 2nd Annual AZ Champion of Slots Tournaments are also going on now up until December 27. Casino Del Sol and Casino of the Sun are holding free weekly slot tournaments on Tuesdays for free play (restricted credits). Guests can participate at each property. As an added bonus, guests can participate in a 2nd chance by earning an additional 100 slot or table points. Each designated series time frame will include session winners whom will be given a pass to the 2016 Casino Del Sol Tournament of Championship Event. Weekly top prizes include free play up to $1,000! The Grand Finale will take place on December 27th with First Place winning $10,000 in cash! For more information about the “Get Away With A Year’s Pay” promotion, the free weekly slot tournaments, or Casino Del Sol and Casino of the Sun, visit casinodelsol.com. $
GAMING NEWS By Rachel Brockway
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s Robert Livingston Named Regional President Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino recently announced that Robert Livingston, the property’s general manager, is adding an additional title to his name. Livingston will now also serve as regional president, overseeing operations at both the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa and Harrah’s Resort Southern California, just outside of San Diego. Livingston has been with the Caesars family for 25 years, having begun his career with Caesars Entertainment in 1991 as a senior corporate accountant at the corporate headquarters in Memphis. He held several finance and operational roles throughout the Central Division of Caesars for the first half of his career before moving west in 2003. He served as vice president and assistant general manager at Harrah’s Rincon (now Harrah’s Resort Southern California) before being promoted to general manager and transferring to Harrah’s Ak-Chin in
2011. Livingston’s appointment comes on the heels of the announcement that Janet Beronio, Harrah’s longtime regional president and general manager for Harrah’s Resort Southern California and Harrah’s Ak-Chin, announced her retirement. Livingston holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Mississippi. $
azgamingguide.com | November 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 August 2016 Slots
Hold % Tables
Hold %
3.20
Blackjack / 21
16.93
4.08
Craps
18.22
Multi-Denom 5.99
Pai Gow Poker
19.75
$1
6.15
Roulette
20.34
25¢
6.17
Let It Ride
22.67
5¢
7.03
Other Table Games 26.10
1¢
11.93
Three Card Poker
32.15
3.09
Win Amount
Dollars
Bingo
9.10
Slots
32.1 mil.
Race Books
15.76
Tables
3.4 mil.
24.85
Other
0.4 mil.
Loose $5 Megabucks
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 | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Tight $25 Other Loose Sports Pools
Tight Live Keno
15.06
Hold %
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Lana Hartmann
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. NOW OPEN! Laughlin’s Only Outdoor Dining Deck Overlooking The Colorado River
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here’s plenty of reasons to visit the Golden Nugget Casino in Laughlin, from the wonderful selection of games on their casino floor to their great promotions! Now they’ve given us one more reason—Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. This restaurant is Laughlin’s only indoor and outdoor dining facility that overlooks the beautiful Colorado River. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. captures the charm and American spirit that made the movie “Forest Gump” a smash hit. Shrimp is the specialty at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., but in their fun, casual indoor and outdoor setting there is definitely something for everyone. From award-winning ribs to out-of-this-world seafood dishes, and of course remarkable desserts, everyone is sure to go home happy!
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at the Golden Nugget Casino in Laughlin
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm. Happy Hour is Sunday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm where drinks start at just $2. While sitting back and enjoying your favorite libations, make sure to try one of their food specials off their Happy Hour menu such as their Cajun Shrimp sautéed in a hot and spicy Cajun butter sauce and served with garlic bread for dipping or Bubba’s Far Out Dip which is an absolutely scrumptious dish made with spinach, roasted red bell peppers, artichokes and Monterey Jack cheese and served with fresh homemade Tortilla Chips!
fries and, of course, great homemade dipping sauces like Tangy Asian, Cajun Marmalade and Zesty Cocktail.
If you love shrimp then the Shrimper’s Heaven is for you! A basket filled to the top with hand-breaded coconut shrimp, grilled shrimp, crispy golden shrimp, and tempura shrimp with
For information on the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at the Golden Nugget Casino in Laughlin, visit goldennugget.com/Laughlin or call 1.800.950.7700. $
Shrimper’s Heaven
Besides shrimp, their seafood selection is quite amazing. They have mouth-watering Lobster, Crab Legs, Salmon, and Mahi Mahi just to name a few! Not in the mood for seafood? Well, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has a variety of dishes to choose from. A must-try is their Texas Cajun Chicken Sandwich served with their signature Chili Ancho Mayo on a toasted bun and their Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs brushed with their own homemade BBQ sauce and slow roasted to perfection!
Jumbo Portion Shrimper’s Net Catch
azgamingguide.com | November 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide
35
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Mark Novak
2016 VETERANS CELEBRATION Make The Tropicana Laughlin Your Place For Veterans Day!
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he Tropicana Laughlin is hosting the 2016 Veterans Celebration beginning Thursday, Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 13. Plan ahead to spend Veterans Day at the Trop with the special Veteran in your life – incredible perks, live events and much more as a sincere Thank You for your service! AVTT: VIETNAM MEMORIAL TRAVELING WALL Thursday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. Open each day for free public viewing. PIG ROAST—VICTORY PLAZA—Friday, Nov. 11, 3-7pm Named after the fallen heroes and their victorious actions fighting for our country, celebrate their sacrifices with a feast & live entertainment outside underneath their new Trellis Bar. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, qualifying Veterans will receive one (1) free pig roast for themselves and one (1) guest. Must have a
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Trop Advantage Veterans Player’s Card, or must sign up for one by Thursday, Nov. 3 to qualify. The pig roast is $10.99 per person. BLOCK PARTIES – VICTORY PLAZA Dance underneath the moonlight with some of the best entertainment this side of the Colorado River! Free for all to enjoy! Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 from 7 to 11pm. SECOND ANNUAL CHARITY POKER RUN The Poker Run is hosted by Tropicana Laughlin, VFW Riders of the Colorado River and Men of Fire CH6 on Friday, Nov. 11. Entry fees are $30 for a rider (includes Challenge Coin, T-Shirt, Pig Roast Dinner) and $10 for a passenger (includes Pig Roast Dinner). For room packages and more information, visit their website at troplaughlin.com or call 1.800.343.4533. $
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
Listings Daisy Train (Country)—Wed. 8pm, Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—Thu. 6pm, Superhero Band—Fri. 8:30pm
38 Special Desert Diamond Casino—November 19 The legendary Southern Rock band 38 Special is bringing their powerful show to the Diamond Center on Saturday, November 19, 2016. Tickets start at $25.00 and are on sale now. After more than three decades together, 38 Special continue to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. And at each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band’s performance. Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse. With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, Hold On Lo osely, Rockin’ Into the Night, Caught Up In You, Fantasy Girl, If I’d Been the One, Back Where You Belong, Chain Lightnin’, Second Chance, and more – Timeless hits that remain a radio staple, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their presentday touring regime. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We’re delighted to bring the spectacular sound of 38 Special to Tucson for what is sure to be an amazing show! Don’t miss your chance to see them live in the Diamond Center—get your tickets early!” Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Vetera n’s Day Celebrations—Nov. 10-13, Jerrod Niemann & Thompson Square—Nov. 11 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Fea turing a va riety o f live music. Events: Austra lia’s Thunder From Down Under—Dec. 3, Dwight Yoakam—Dec. 10 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Bo nfire (AC/DC Tribute)—Nov. 4-5, Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin Tribute)—Nov. 11-12, Aeromyth (Aerosmith Tribute)—Nov. 25-26 The Arizona Room: Arizona Room Trivia— Tue. 7pm, Country Dance Instruction (Learn to Dance)—Wed. 6pm,
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Thursday Tributes: AC/DC Tribute— Nov. 3, Country Crossovers Tribute—Nov. 10, Rolling Stones Tribute—Nov. 24, Ozzy Osbourne Tribute—Dec. 1 Thursday Night Game Time: Wa tch & Win Thursda ys Ho sted by Da mien Ala meda & Dave Cooney with a live broadcast at Zeboz at 4:15pm—Nov. 6, 13 & 20 Friday Nights: Live Music—Nov. 4 & 11, The Quierez Maz Band—Nov. 18, Tony Corrales Band (Top 40, Country)—Nov. 25, Ritmo de Sanchez (Latin, Variety, Dance)—Dec. 2 Saturday Nights: Live Music—Nov. 5, Los Sociales (Tejano)—Nov. 12, Grind (Variety, Pop, Funk, Rock, Country, Dance)—Nov. 19, Relente 520 (Tejano)—Nov. 26, Los Centenarios (Norteno)—Dec. 3 AVA Amphitheater: Telemundo Festiva l—Nov. 19, 12th Annual Tamal Festival—Dec. 3 Conference Center: Carlos Mencia—Nov. 5, Saigon Nights—Nov. 24 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Nightclub: 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, Another Journey (Journey Tribute)—Nov. 4, Smooth Sounds of Santana—Dec. 2 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 Events: Desert Diamond Casino Art Show—Nov. 18-19 Diamond Center: Chubby Checker— Nov. 18, 38 Special—Nov. 19, Gary Allan—Dec. 3, Goo Goo Dolls— Dec. 9 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: Kush Co unty—Nov. 2, DSB (Journey Tribute)—Nov. 11 & 12, Young Country—Nov. 25 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music in the evenings. Powerdrive—Nov. 4, Quantum—Nov. 5, The Stilettoes—Nov. 18, Furious George—Nov. 19, The Walkens—Nov. 26, Live DJ—Nov. 11, 12 & 18 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music in the a fterno o n. Arizo na Bla ck to p Duo—Nov. 1, Mancini The Band—Nov. 2, Mike & Ted—Nov. 8, Route 66—Nov. 9, Walkens Trio—Nov. 9, Stanley Serrano Trio— Nov. 15, Bandstand Shows—Nov. 16, Walkens Trio—Nov. 16, Freddie Duran Duo—Nov. 22, Thaddeus Rose—Nov. 23, Stanley Serrano Trio—Nov. 23, John Eric Duo—Nov. 29, Silhouette—Nov. 30 Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Do o -Wah Riders (Country)—
Editor’s Pick Nov. 1-5, Barrio Latino (Variety)—Nov. 8-12, Marble Heart (Country)—Nov. 15-19, Apache Spirit—Nov. 22-26, Marshall Star Band (Country, Variety)—Nov. 29-Dec.3 Events: Barrio Latino New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Timbers Lounge—Dec. 31, Journey Unlimited (Journey Tribute)—Jan. 13, Gregory Wolfe (Rod Stewart Tribute)—Feb. 14
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Dave Mason Talking Stick Resort January 7, 2017
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. Events: Yolanda Del Rio—Dec. 16, New Year’s Eve With Soundwave—Dec. 31 Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Fea turing a va riety o f live music. Events: The Co mplete Bea tle’s Experience—Nov. 9, New Year’s Eve Celebration Featuring Spin Fusion—Dec. 31 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: To ny Orla ndo ’s Christmas Show—Dec. 15 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom, Grand Ballroom & Pool: Kris Kristo fferso n— Nov. 3, Terry Fator—Nov. 18, Journey—Nov. 19, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias—Nov. 20, Leon Russell—Dec. 2, Johnny Lang—Dec. 9 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of live entertainment. Latino Rebel—Nov. 4-5, John Eric Band—Nov. 11-12, Outside The Line—Nov. 18-19, Stateline—Nov. 25-26 Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 Events: Tribute to the Legends o f Regga e fea turing Uproo t— Nov. 12, Grupo Yndio—Nov. 18, Yolanda Del Rio—Dec. 17, Paperback Writer (Beatles Tribute)—Dec. 31, Los Chicos Del 512 (Selena Tribute)—Dec. 31 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: Sina tra a nd Friends Sta rring Bo b Anderso n—Nov. 12, WFF Wild Horse Pass Fights Live MMA—Nov. 19, One of Those Nights (Eagles Tribute)—Nov. 20, 49 Laughs—Nov. 26, Charlie Daniels Band—Dec. 10, Tower Of Power—Dec. 15, Motown Magic Holiday Tribute—Dec. 18, Hollywood U2 (U2Tribute)—Dec. 23, New Year’s Eve Showcase—Dec. 31, December ‘63 (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute)—Jan. 15, The Piano Men: Generations (Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute)—Feb. 19, ABBAFab (ABBA Tribute)—Mar. 19
Dave Mason will return to The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort on Jan. 7, 2017 as part of his Alone Together Again U.S. tour. The show will recreate the magic of Mason’s debut solo album, Alone Together. The English singer-songwriter rose to fame with the rock band Traffic in the late 1960s. Throughout the course of his prolific career, he has recorded 13 solo albums, the first of which was Alone Together. Over the last four-plus decades, Mason has collaborated with rock royalty such as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and more. In 2004, as a founding member of Traffic, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mason’s Alone Together Again performance at The Showroom will feature fan favorites such as All Along the Watchtower, Feelin’ Alright, Only You and I Know and more classic hits. He will be accompanied by band members Johnne Sambataro, Alvino Bennett and Tony Patler, as well as featured singer Bekka Bramlett. Photos and firsthand autobiographical commentary will complement the guest experience, rendering this tour a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience classic rock and roll history. 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 | November 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide
39
CASINO BINGO
DO YOU KNOW THESE BINGO FACTS? A Game Similar To Bingo Was Played In Italy In The 1500s!
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he game of Bingo has a very interesting history. In the 1500s, the Italians created a game called “Lo Giuco de Lotto,” which was very similar to the Bingo game we know and love today! The first game of “Bingo” in the United States was played on December 17, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia at a county fair! At that time, the game was actually called “Beano” because it was played with beans. A toy salesman from New York, Edwin Lowe, watched the game being played at the fair and was excited by how involved the participants were. He brought the game back to New York and its popularity soared. Whenever players yelled out “Beano” it sounded so close to “Bingo” that it was eventually just referred to by that name. Perhaps this is
why the month of December is recognized as “National Bingo Month?” 96% of Bingo players have won a game at least once! That fact is true for the Arizona Gam ing Guid e staff! How about you? Bingo is not your grandmother’s game anymore! Both males and females of all different ages enjoy playing Bingo. Today, 30% of Bingo players are 35 years old or younger. Columbia University Mathematics Professor, Carl Leffler, came up with 6,000 Bingo cards all with non-repeating numbers. Legend has it that Professor Leffler unfortunately went insane in the process. $
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 10/01/15 & 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 | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN By Sami Becker
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? Tell Every Casino Employee You Encounter About Your Issue
T
his month, I’ll let the following rant from Theresa Soto in Tucson, AZ speak for itself in the hopes it will positively influence fellow casino patron behavior and promote change at casinos around the state. Here’s my rant! I’m not a smoker. Never have been, never will be. I go to [the casino] regularly and the one I frequent does not have a nonsmoking area so I “put up with” the smoke. Very few fellow patrons who sit next to me ask me if their smoke bothers me. Those that do ask usually blow the smoke away from my face. THANK YOU! Others blow smoke in my direction, flick ash on my clothes, and ignore the ashtrays. I have actually gotten into arguments with several patrons whose standard position is “If you don’t like it don’t come.” Who said smokers were allowed to rule the casinos? Can you believe that I actually have smokers asking me to buy them cigarettes because they run out of money? That’s pathetic and not something I’d expect!
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
But the poor behavior goes beyond rude smokers and people asking for cigarettes. There are patrons who sit around waiting for “Their” machine to become available. They wait and see who is winning on the bank of machines and then lean over and ask those people for money! What are my rights? I asked [the casino] to consider designating a portion of their casino as non-smoking to no avail. HELP! Theresa, you have to inform several members of the casino staff of your experiences. Being regularly asked for cigarettes and money by patrons while visiting a casino is not acceptable. $
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
BONUS REELS IN PLAY What Does That Even Mean And What Happens To The Game?
H
ave you ever felt as though it’s easier (or harder) to get certain winning combinations during a free games bonus round?
Well, the reel strips that are used in the base game are not the same reel strips that are used during the free games, most of the time. Yes, that’s right! In order to distinguish the bonus reel strips from the existing reel strips used during base game play, regulations in all gaming jurisdictions, including Arizona, require a visible difference in the symbols if an alternate set of reels is used. In addition, a clear statement needs to be displayed somewhere on screen, on the game, and in the help screen, indicating that a change in reel strips has taken place during the free games. In fact, in most cases, if you look closely the symbols have been flipped horizontally and some color change has happened as well. The reel strip background gener-
ally changes as well. And, just to be even more obvious, some manufacturers write the word “BONUS” across the reel strips! This is all done to make sure players understand that a change has occurred and they don’t feel cheated. Additionally, with all these modifications to the game there can be no doubt to a player that they are currently in a bonus. Changing the reel strips during the bonus can allow the mathematician and game designer to control the volatility of the game. In other words, they can increase or decrease the hit frequencies of the individual wins, change your chances of retriggering the bonus, affect (on average) how much each free game will pay, and so on. Next time you play your favorite slot game, look for differences between the base game and bonus game reel strips! $
azgamingguide.com | November 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide
43
FUN & GAMES
WORD SEARCH To Celebrate Thanksgiving, Find: CELEBRATION, CORNUCOPIA, HARVEST, HOLIDAY, INDIANS, MAYFLOWER, NOVEMBER, PILGRIMS, PLYMOUTH, POTATOES, PUMPKIN PIE, STUFFING, THANKSGIVING, TURKEY, YAMS. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
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A M W B
I
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)
5
9
5 2
6
1
4
7
2 8
7
9
2
3
2
5 3
3
6 1
1
8
6 2
5
4 5
6
9
44 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
azgamingguide.com | November 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide
45
Y
Y
Y
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino
11300 Resort Drive
Parker
888-243-3360 528
Y
Y
Y
1500 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 324
Y
04. Casino Arizona
101 & McKellips
Scottsdale
480-850-7777 898
Y
Y
05. Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
Tucson
855-765-7829 1,057
Y
Y
7406 S. Camino De Oeste
Tucson
855-765-7829 230
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 1,014
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 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
P L Y M O U T H
P I L G R I M S E
C
G N I V I G S K N S E O T A T O N O I P T K A I G R N T N P B P S I O E I E F C L E V F U R U N A T R H S O C R E WO L F Y
A H T P P U M S A M I S A Y N Y A A D I I D L N O I H A M
800-946-4452 908
Y
800-946-4452 950
Y
1505 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 242
2
7
6
1
4
9
5
6
8
3
2
2
6
3
8
4
1
5
9
7
5
8
2
1
3
9
4
7
6
4
9
1
7
6
2
3
5
8
6
3
7
5
8
4
9
2
1
1
2
6
4
9
3
7
8
5
9
7
5
6
1
8
2
4
3
3
4
8
2
7
5
1
6
9
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Spa
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
4
Y
Y
Y
9
Y
Y
Y
1
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
855-946-8946 1,078
5
Y
Y
Y
Y
480-850-7777 765
7
Y
Y
Flagstaff
8
Y
Y
Scottsdale
Sudoku Solution Y E K R U T N O V E M B E R
Y
Y
Y Y
6443 Komatke Ln.
Word Search Solution
Y
Y
Y
I-40, Exit 219
facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
Y
Y
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 10/01/16 & 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
101 & Indian Bend
For information on the casinos & much more, scan our QR codes with your smartphone!
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 897
15406 N. Maricopa Rd.
15. Hon-Dah Casino
866-332-9467
Y
Golf
07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel
Y
RV Park
06. Casino of the Sun
Slots
Hotel
03. Bucky’s Casino
Phone
Smoke-Free Area
800-272-2438 563
Arcade
Globe
Poker Room
Bingo
Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe
Table Games
City
01. Apache Gold Casino Resort
Casino
Live Keno
Location
High Limit Area
CASINO DIRECTORY
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y Y Y