JANUARY
Contents
IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 TABLE GAMES 14 NEW SLOTS 20 DINING 21 WINNING WAYS 22 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 28 GAMING NEWS 32 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 BINGO 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS
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44 FUN & GAMES 46 CASINO DIRECTORY
BLUEWATER RESORT & CASINO IN PARKER, AZ GEARS UP FOR GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!
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Your wins will roar to life when you play the new Dragon Spin slot by Scientific Games at Yavapai Casino!
If you think “cashout” resets a slot and turns a losing session into a winning session, think again!
The casino floor is loaded with brand new slots and recent hit games ready for action!
DRAGON SPIN - YAVAPAI CASINO IN PRESCOTT
FACT OR FICTION? THE TRUTH ON CASINO MYTHS
AQUARIUS IN LAUGHLIN, NEVADA HAS YOUR SLOTS
azgamingguide.com | January 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide
03
EDITOR’S NOTE
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Your Authority On Everything Gaming
May It Be Your Best One Yet!
VOLUME 09 • ISSUE 01 MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
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everal years ago I made a New Year’s resolution not to eat any fast food. That same year, I also decided to get up at 4am every day to exercise before work. Of course, begrudgingly, I lasted only 63 days. On day 64, I vowed never to make such painstakingly difficult, unrealistic New Year’s resolutions! The following year I created a list that was three pages long filled with tasks I was excited to accomplish. I took a cruise to Alaska, traveled all over the United States which included exciting destinations like New York City, Memphis, Atlantic City, New Orleans, and Biloxi, and tasted cuisine from all over the world, just to name a few! Ever since then, my New Year’s resolutions have been focused on trying new things, having more fun, being adventurous and making it my best year yet! This year, I hope your list of New Year’s resolutions include a ton of exciting pleasures because you deserve it! We are extremely fortunate to have so many wonderful casino options available to us in Arizona, so if you are one of those people that only visit casinos close to where you live, try something different. Vow to have fun and make this your best year yet! 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! Happy New Year!
Alexandra Alexandra Lang Editor-in-Chief editor@azgamingguide.com
“Like” us on Facebook because
we “Like” you too!
PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller 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 © 2017 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 in any form without 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 | January 2017 | 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
FAQ About Class III Gaming
Q: If a slot hasn’t paid out a jackpot in a while, does that mean it’s “due” to hit? A: Every spin on a slot machine is independent of the spin before. The RNG program that picks which values will be displayed on screen after each spin has no ability to control the future based on past outcomes. All gaming regulations state, at the very minimum, that every single outcome on a slot machine must be random at all times and that no slot game will adjust the likelihood of an event happening based on the history of the previous games and/or payouts. No matter what anyone says, a slot is never “due” for a win, a bonus, or a jackpot! Never, ever, “chase” after anything.
their slots whenever they feel like it. Although this would be quite advantageous for the casino to be able to do this, it’s a very time-consuming process that needs to involve a lot of people. When a new slot machine arrives at a casino, it is initialized and the payback percentage is selected for the game. This is all done with a member of the overseeing agency recording all the settings of the game. It’s not in the best interest of any casino to change a game’s percentage to make it “tighter” or “looser” after the initial set-up because it requires downtime, permission and oversight by a gaming agency, and additional administrative hassle. No slot manager is ever going to want his or her slots off for more than a few minutes, let alone the days it would require to go through the rigorous routine of initializing a slot!
Q: Does stopping video reels affect a game’s outcome?
Q: Could that jackpot have been mine?
A: No, there is absolutely no way to affect a game’s outcome by stopping the video reels! As soon as the “Spin” button on a slot is pressed, the result is determined by the random number generator (RNG). The lights and animations that happen are only for entertainment purposes and the outcome of the spin doesn’t change no matter what a player does. The last bonus symbol can’t be “caught” in time by touching the screen before it passes by or a winning combination can’t occur by stopping the reels at precisely the right moment with the Stop/Spin feature.
A: You leave a machine, somebody sits down after you and hits a bonus, a large win or, worse yet, a jackpot! Could that have been your luck had you not left the machine? Probably not! The RNG is constantly shuffling through all possible combinations and is perpetually doing so even when the machine is not being played. The RNG stops on a combination only when the player presses the “Spin” button. To say that both you and the person who sat down after you would have pressed the button at the exact same millisecond is very unlikely. Just consider the fact that the RNG can go through 100,000 or more combinations in just one second!
Q: Does cashing out a ticket reset a slot machine? Q: Are your chances of losing greater when using free play? A: The action of cashing out does not “reset” a slot machine, nor does it influence the future outcomes of the game. Each spin on a slot is completely independent from all previous spins and outcomes. In actuality, each time the “Spin” button is pressed on a slot, the game starts over. The RNG has no memory of the previous spin, so the practice of cashing out and placing the ticket back in the machine only creates an additional paper ticket that will have to be tracked and stored by the casino. Q: Can casinos “tighten” or “loosen” their slots whenever they want? A: Many players believe that casinos just “tighten” or “loosen”
A: Your chances of winning or losing using free play money for credits are no different than when you use real currency or tickets for credits. The slot machine does not change its behavior because of the type of credits inserted. Since the casino gaming industry is so heavily regulated here in the U.S., and in most other countries around the world, there are many rules in place which ensure free play is fair for all players. Here’s a hint: keep track of how much you are winning with your free play money. Assume you have $10 in free play and you place 50¢ wagers. This means the free play money will allow you to have 20 free spins. Count the 20 spins, stop playing, look at your credit meter and see how much you’ve won using your free play money.
and get a $25 gift or gas card if we decide to print your question! Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: editor@azgamingguide.com.
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
PLAYERS TALK
Continued from page 6
That money is yours to do what you want with! Q: Are progressive jackpots set up by the casinos? A: All progressive systems are rigorously tested by an independent laboratory before they make their way on to any casino floor. A progressive hits when the RNG selects the winning combination, so no one has any control or influence over when that will happen. A fact that most players don’t realize is that large progressive amounts (usually over $100,000) are paid by the slot machine manufacturers and not the casinos! When huge progressives hit, representatives from the slot manufacturer will come out and verify the win. Q: How many spins, on average, does it take to get into a slot bonus? A: Even though slot machines are based on random behavior, there is a mathematical model behind each game. The average number of spins (called the pulls-to-hit) it takes to trigger a bonus varies from slot to slot, and it’s up to the game’s mathematician to determine how often a player will get into a bonus. Volatile slots can take over 180 spins, on average, to get into a bonus where less volatile slots have much lower pulls-to-hits of between 60 and 80 spins. Every slot enthusiast should be able to have a good idea of approximately how many spins it takes to get into their favorite slot’s bonus. Q: When is the best time to visit a casino? A: Many people believe that visiting a casino during a busy time will increase their likelihood of winning. And, the reason for this theory is because it just seems there are more jackpots, more lights flashing, and altogether more action going on when the casinos are packed. The misconception is that casinos intentionally make the machines pay out more when there are crowds to see the wins. This is false! The RNG in a slot machine doesn’t know how many people are in the casino. It’s just doing its job of picking numbers randomly. On the flip side, many people believe that the best time to visit a casino is during a weekday when there’s the least amount of people. Monday is a popular day for this myth since “the machines are full of money from all the weekend play and they are ready to pay out.” The other reason some people prefer to play during the week is because they feel casinos intentionally tighten the machines on the weekends. Again, the RNG doesn’t know which day of the week it is, how many people are in a casino at any given moment, or what the weather is like outside! The best time to visit a casino is when you feel the happiest and luckiest! It’s that simple! My team and I personally enjoy visiting casinos during quieter times to avoid the crowds and to increase our chances of getting the machines we enjoy playing. $
08 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
TABLE GAMES By Al Moe
WORKING THE PIT So What Exactly Is A Pit Boss And What Does He Or She Do?
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able games like Blackjack and Three Card Poker found on the gaming floor of most Arizona casinos are set together in a circle or oval, which is done for both security and to improve productivity (read: reduce employee costs). These table layouts are viewed in two very different ways. Players see a shimmering oasis, secluded from the vagaries of playing slot machines; little tables holding velvet hands, stretching out together and offering a luxurious place to lounge about, have drinks, be entertained, and gamble away the hours. Workers behind the tables see the layout a bit differently. On the inside, the tables are chained together, circled for protection against the angry masses that descend on the games day and night, demanding to be entertained, waited on and fed. No matter how hard the dealers work, the hordes keep coming, and that’s why there are Pit Bosses, to take the heat. Of course, the casinos love you playing at the tables, and so do the dealers, but sometimes on a case-by-case basis.
Not surprisingly, most of the early Las Vegas managers came from Chicago, Covington, and Steubenville, and they took jobs watching over the table games. They were the Pit Bosses and, back then, the Pit Boss ran the show. They were usually in charge of the entire casino since keno and slots were a minor source of income, and the restaurant and hotel were merely a support system for the table games department.
So What Exactly Is A Pit Boss? Although most casinos have Floor Supervisors that monitor player and dealer interaction, the supervisors usually have a Pit Boss that is responsible for the overall functioning of the whole group of tables in the table games area. That area is colloquially referred to as the Pit, but why? Well, why not? In early US casinos, table games dominated the income stream, and game protection was in the hands of hard men who took the heat if anything went amiss. To add protection and allow one supervisor to see every player and every dealer from one place (surveillance and cameras arrived later, in the 1940’s), the tables were arranged in circles, like a fire pit. And, while gambling thrived all over the country, many of the biggest, toughest casinos were found in Detroit, Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, and Toledo and Steubenville, Ohio. Those towns all had iron works and steel mills, and in the mills, men working the blast furnace worked over a pit, a fire pit, a 2,000-degree conflagration of heat the workers had never before experienced. The job was unbelievably tough and dangerous, and many workers hoped to someday rise to the position their boss held, the man in charge of the Pit, the Pit Boss.
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Today, Pit Bosses have usually been in the gaming industry for years. They’ve worked as dealers, as Floor Supervisors, and often in security or surveillance. And, they are your best source for comps, casino rates, and other freebies the casino offers. Interested in becoming a Pit Boss? Although no formal education is usually required to obtain this position, there are some prerequisites that many casinos will want from anyone interested in becoming a Pit Boss. Prior experience on a casino floor is preferred and familiarity with the rules and regulations of all table games is mandatory since Pit Bosses oversee multiple games during any given shift. A Pit Boss also has to be able to show exceptional managerial skills and possess meticulous attention to detail. If you think you have what it takes to become a Pit Boss, e-mail us at editor@azgaminggguide.com and we’ll let you know of any open positions. $ 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
Triple Cash Wheel Now At Bucky’s Casino
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he Triple Cash Wheel Featuring Quick Hit slot game combines several popular Bally game features on their unique Pro Wave cabinet with the 40 inch curved LCD screen. The base game plays out on 3 five reel, 20 line game screens which work together to form a 60 line play field. The slot has two popular Bally base games—Blazing 7s and Black and White . There is a five level progressive with jackpots that are triggered by the trademark Quick Hit feature where five or more Quick Hit symbols scattered across one of the three game screens trigger a progressive. The top award can also be won by landing on the top slice on the Cash Wheel. Three lit Cash Wheel icons during the base game trigger this feature. Players select from a grid of 21 tiles until three match for one or three Cash Wheel spins with a 1X or 3X multiplier. The Cash Wheel can also land on a free spin bonus where players are granted 10 free games with all wins tripled. For more information about this game visit scientificgames.com. For more information about Bucky’s Casino, visit their website at buckyscasino.com. $
Dragon Spin Now At Yavapai Casino
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our wins will roar to life when you play the new Dragon Spin slot game by Scientific Games! This game is packed with features you’ll love like free games, progressive jackpots at any bet level and stacked symbols on every spin. But what makes it truly unique are the bonuses that fire up a frenzy of excitement as the dragon chases a magical pearl around and around before delivering the prize to one lucky player! When a player triggers one of the free spin bonuses, the dragon chases a magical pearl around to deliver stacked symbols and wild symbols to random players. The free spins are delivered in any of three unique features. Scattered Golden Jade symbols on the three middle reels fire up the big overhead display and the player is awarded one spin of the Dragon Spin Wheel. The wheel lands on either Raining Wilds Free Games, Reel Blast Free Games or Locking Wilds Free Games. At the end of each base game spin, if a white orb appears on both the first and fifth reel, the player picks from a display of 15 orbs for one of five jackpots up to $2,000 in the standard penny version. For more information about this game visit scientificgames.com. For more information about Yavapai Casino, visit their website at buckyscasino.com. $
14 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
House Of Cards Now At Desert Diamond Casino In Tucson
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on’t let your House Of Card s fall at Desert Diamond Casino! Election season may be over, but President Frank Underwood is making his first appearance in Tucson this fall. One of IGT’s latest slot machines, House of Card s—based on the hit Netflix series—is now available at Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson. Delve into the inner-workings of Washington to see if you have what it takes to be president. With the help of Claire Underwood, Doug Stamper, and others, you’ll have to play the game of politics to make it through to the end. Fans of the show will recognize the memorabilia used in the symbol set of the 5 reel, multi-way game, including Frank’s class ring and money origami. Earn free games bonuses with wild symbols and you’ll cash in big. And in the famous words of President Underwood, “When the money’s coming your way, you don’t ask any questions.” For more on the latest slots at Desert Diamond Casinos, visit ddcaz.com, call 1.866.DDC.WINS (1.866.332.9461), or follow on Facebook (/ddcaz), Twitter (@DiamondCasinos) and Instagram (@DiamondCasinos). $
Austin Powers Now At BlueWater Resort & Casino
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he International Man of Mystery joins the Gam efield xD cabinet — Yeah Baby! Featuring a 42” horizontal screen over a 32” vertical screen, with a mechanical wheel, Austin Pow ers slots bring the shagadelic sights and the groovy sounds of the Austin Pow ers films to life. Featuring bonuses centered on the characters of the iconic films, three Mini Austin Powers or three Mini Dr. Evil symbols trigger the Mini Me Wheel, which spins to award one of the following bonuses: Two wheels spin in the Fembot Wheel Bonus—combine the multiplier from wheel one with the credits from wheel two for your prize, Pull items from Austin’s bag for credits in the Credit Pull bonus, Spin the Fat Bastard Wheel for credits, or watch video clips play across the screen in the Free Spin Bonus. The Mini Me Wheel may also trigger the main wheel for large credit prizes, multipliers, or one of the Austin Pow e rs or Dr. Evil progressives. No need to head back to the swinging sixties — just toss on your Go-Go boots and head to now.wms.com to learn more about this and other exciting new slots! For more information on BlueWater Resort & Casino, please call 1.888.243.3360 or visit their website at bluewaterfun.com. $
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
Coming Soon
Zen Panda By Scientific Games
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et swept away to the tranquil world of Zen Panda by Scientific Games. Players can relax and play as giant pandas bring them good luck. Featured on the Alpha Pro V32 cabinet, this game showcases super-sized symbols, wheel bonuses, free games, and three progressive levels! Players will love the wheel feature triggered by the jackpot symbol covering the middle three reels. All slices on the wheel wedge are progressive jackpots, guaranteeing the player to win one! The Grand Jackpot awards the player 100,000 credits. The free games award players eight spins with supersized symbols appearing more frequently. The oversized symbols allow players for more chances at five-of-a-kind wins! Players can win on average 24X their bet in the free games. The giant panda is recognized as a symbol of abundance, so watch for this game at your favorite casino because it’s sure to bring you an abundance of riches! For more information, visit scientificgames.com.
Sharknado By Aristocrat
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his game has truly jumped the shark, in an amazing way! Shark nad o, the newest lease product from Aristocrat, is a storm of fun that players can really sink their teeth into! Sharknado is housed in the Arc Single cabinet and captures the kitschy fun of the original Shark nad o film and its two sequels, “Sharknado 2: The Second One” and “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” Watch the iconic characters Fin Shepard, April Wexler, Nova Clarke and Gilbert Grayson Shepard fight off sharks and deliver big wins with Wild Shower, Shark Wheel, Chainsaw the Shark bonus games, plus expanding reels and symbol upgrade features. Sharknado offers five linked progressive jackpots with a “Shark-tacular” Grand Jackpot reset value as big as a great white – 500,000 or 1,000,000 credits – that players can win at any bet level. With the Chainsaw the Sharks bonus game, Aristocrat sets an industry first with an interactive slicing feature. It’s not just another fishy pick-n-pop bonus. Now, players can truly slice-and-dice their way to a fin full of dollars! Sharknado is a 40 line game that randomly grows up to 100 pay lines. Denominations range from 1c-$20, with an 80 credit minimum bet and 400 credit maximum bet. For more information about Shark nad o and other new Aristocrat products, visit their website at aristocrat-us.com. $
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CASINO DINING By Lana Hartmann
A NEW YORK DELI AT FORT MCDOWELL You’ll Feel Like You’re In The Heart Of The Big Apple
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ou’ll feel like you’re in the heart of the Big Apple when indulging at Fort McDowell’s all-new deli offering ample seating in the middle of the casino action and serving a variety of the best fresh deli sandwiches this side of Brooklyn. The “Fortstrami” is, hands downs, the best sandwich choice at the deli. For only $5.99, you get a mouth-watering hot pastrami sub with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and coleslaw on a Hoagie roll! Plus, you get your choice of fries, chips, potato salad or coleslaw. Not in the mood for a sandwich, don’t worry! The Deli has a mountain of choices including wraps, burgers, and pizza just to name a few options! Imagine eating a scrumptious ultra-thin New York style pizza with all the toppings—you don’t have to
20 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
when you can enjoy the real thing at the Deli at Fort McDowell! A small pizza is just $5.99 and additional toppings are just 49 cents. A large is $8.99 with each additional topping only 99 cents. Just want some comfort food—French fries, pretzels, nachos and cheese, and more—all for under $2! The New York Deli opens at 11am and closes at 7am seven days a week. For more information about A New York Deli or Fort McDowell Casino, visit fortmcdowellcasino.com. $
WINNING WAYS By Mark Novak
FACT OR FICTION? Giving You The Truth Behind Some Common Casino Myths
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ashing out your ticket and reinserting it into the slot machine resets the game. Therefore, if you’re losing, all you have to do is trick the machine and press the CASHOUT button. This will guarantee that the machine will stop being cold and start performing better—most of the time. Wouldn’t this be absolutely wonderful if it were true? I read this drivel on a casino forum on the internet posted by a socalled gambling professional. My first inclination was to leave a nasty comment about how wrong it is to mislead people with ludicrous information, but I resisted. Instead, I decided to be
much more proactive and write an article about it! First, let’s get one thing straight. Whether you enjoy playing bingo, keno, slots, cards, or any other casino game, you have to understand that they are all designed to make the “house” money. The “house,” meaning the casino, will always have the advantage over you regardless of the game you choose to play. The reason, in a nutshell, is because every single casino game is mathematically calculated to work against you. All the games at the casino are games of chance that are based on random outcomes that favor the casino. I’m sorry, but these are the facts. $
You can “beat” the casino. FICTION!
You can “increase your odds” of winning. FACT!
While there are ways to increase your chances of winning and decrease the house edge, there is no way to “beat” the casino. Don’t ever let any socalled professional gamblers convince you otherwise. Stay away from books, magazines, and ridiculous “winning methods” that make ludicrous claims. They are all scams. You just can’t influence a game that is based on a random event. Think about it this way, would a so-called professional gambler need to waste his or her time trying to make extra money selling books or writing internet blogs or magazine articles if they knew all the secrets to winning big at the casino?
There are ways everyone can increase their odds, and therefore decrease the house edge, while at the casino. Our main goal with this magazine is to provide all of you with information that will help you maximize your chances of coming out ahead, so that in the long run you have more winning sessions than you do losing ones. That’s about all you or I can hope for!
Typical house advantages in popular casino games range from 0.5% to 30% or more. This means you are losing 5 to 30 cents for every dollar you wager over the long run. This is the price associated with playing these games. This is why casinos are in business to begin with and why they remain as profitable businesses indefinitely. And, that is why casino gaming should always be considered a form of entertainment and never a way to make money.
Come prepared with the appropriate bankroll for the games you’re playing and your bet level, read the help screens for hints and tips given by the slot manufacturers, use optimal playing strategy when playing skill games such as blackjack and video poker, increase your return by using a player’s card, and seek out the casinos that offer the best promotions and games with the highest payback percentages. Combined, the staff at the Arizona Gam ing Guid e has over 100 years of experience working at casinos and making casino games! That’s where we’ll be your eyes and ears. Listen to our advice, so you can maximize your chances of winning and be entertained every time you visit a casino! azgamingguide.com | January 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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BLUEWATER RESORT & CASINO
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elcome to the entertainment capital of western Arizona, the magnificent BlueWater Resort & Casino, on the shores of the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona! BlueWater Resort & Casino provides exciting nonstop casino action, a private 100 slip marina for boating fun, an awesome wakeboard cable park, 200 deluxe rooms and suites (all with an incredible river view), a variety of dining options, over 500 slot and video poker machines, high limit slots, blackjack, live poker, bingo, watercraft rentals and over 18,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The players club at BlueWater Resort & Casino, called THEclub, has one of the better rewards systems around Arizona. At BlueWater Resort & Casino, THEclub members get the most out of their play by always using THEclub card. Slots, Blackjack, Poker
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and Bingo all become more rewarding as a member of THEclub! Plus, with THEclub card, players redeem points for free slot play, hotel discounts, food, retail items and more. For every $1 wagered on Slots, or $2 wagered on Video Poker, THEclub members earn 1 Base Point. Members receive $5 in rewards value for every 2,000 Base Points earned. Bingo and Table Games players earn their points based on rated play. Players who always take advantage of the valuable rewards at BlueWater can earn their way to exclusive VIP rewards. The more points earned the more rewards received! See THEclub for full details or to join today. Every weekday BlueWater offers a standard promotion to all of
their guests including River Rat Ladies on Mondays, River Rat Guys on Tuesdays, Welcome Back Wednesdays where members receive $50 free slot play with $40 cash, Senior Day on Thursdays from Noon to Midnight, and Free Play Fridays. Slot Tournaments are held every Wednesday and require members of THEClub to earn 50 Base Points in order to enter. Then, from 3 to 6pm, registered players compete for cash including a $500 first place prize, a $250 second place prize, and a $200 third place prize. Each participant receives $10 in free slot play, so no matter what, everyone wins! Each hotel room, whether it's a deluxe room or suite, features a private balcony or patio providing stunning views of the Colorado River, with California's Whipple Mountains as a backdrop. AAA has awarded BlueWater Resort & Casino a three-diamond status. Unique amenities include an indoor water park offering two pools, a waterslide and spa to appeal to every age. The 164boat slip Marina includes electricity, fresh water, and 24-hour security surveillance. Guests can also find a video arcade, a miniature golf course, and a cinema adjacent to BlueWater Resort & Casino. In addition, the resort continues to provide top-notch entertainment in the BlueWater Show Room and outdoors in the Amphitheater. BlueWater Resort & Casino also plays host to a variety of
events, including boat races, off-road races, triathlons, golf tournaments and shows. Upcoming events include the Parker 250 on January 7 and 8 (Motorcycle & Quad Races), Face To Face (a tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel) on January 14, Hotel California (a tribute to The Eagles) on January 28, the Parker 425 on February 3 through 5, the ADBA SouthWest Showdown On The River February 10 through 12 (Drag Boat Races), The Concert That Never Was (a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand) on February 18, Trace Adkins on February 25, A Night Of Country (a tribute to Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, and Brooks & Dunn) on March 4, the NWSEA Parker Marathon Water Ski Event on March 4 and 5, the Colorado Blues Festival on March 11, the Southern California Speedboat Club Spring Classic on March 25 and 26 (Boat Races), and the 17th Annual Indian Golf Tournament on April 6 through 9. The Dig Lounge, located right off the casino floor, is open nightly and gives patrons a variety of music options for their listening and dancing pleasure. Live local bands perform Friday and Saturday every week. Between live acts, the Dig Lounge is a great place to watch exciting sports action with its eight, 42-inch HD wide screen TVs and 160-inch HD projection screen. (Continued on page 24)
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BlueWater Resort & Casino offers both elegant and casual dining. The BlueWater Buffet features breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets as well as 100 freshly prepared menu items. For an experience in fine dining not to be missed, try the River Willow, BlueWater Resort & Casino's steakhouse. Open at 5pm daily, the River Willow offers the finest selection of steaks, seafood and the best priced wine list on the Colorado River. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 1.928.669.7003. The River's Edge Cantina offers guests inside or outside seating while enjoying the impressive view of the Colorado River. The River's Edge Cantina has a full-service bar, great food and daily specials, and is open from 10am to 10pm daily. BlueWater Resort & Casino's Amphitheater plays host to a wide variety of concert performers from superstars of country to hip hop to alternative and classic rock. Set along the Colorado River, the Amphitheater is a picturesque outdoor setting for concerts under the stars. BlueWater Resort & Casino's Show Room is the perfect indoor setting for everything from comedy acts to mixed martial arts. The latest information on who's appearing can be found under "Concerts & Shows" at bluewaterfun.com. (Continued on page 25)
Left to Right: Genera l Ma nager Michelle Eddy, Triba l Co uncil Trea surer Valerie Welsh-Tahbo, Dwight Yoakam, Tribal Council Secretary Amanda Barrera, Tribal Council Member Johnny Hill, Tribal Council Member Amelia Flores and Kerry Dunne of R Entertainment.
In December, BlueWater Resort & Casino announced that they retained R Entertainment of Scottsdale, Arizona to provide concert entertainment, event programming and stage production services. BlueWater Resort & Casino successfully launched the beginning of their winter entertainment lineup with Dwight Yoakam live in concert in the Amphitheatre on December 10, 2016. “We appreciate the transparency in which R Entertainment approaches the industry. Their team provides seamless delivery of globally renowned talent, while focusing on excellent outcomes for the enterprise and talent as well,” said BlueWater Resort & Casino General Manager Shelli Eddy. “In our experience, their professional perspective is refreshing and we look forward to working with them.” R Entertainment is led by industry veterans Reed Glick and Kerry Dunne who together have more than 80 years of experience with turn-key solutions in touring, concert promotion, festival production, sports marketing, content creating and all aspects of marketing. The company books, creates, produces and markets more than 200 events a year with direct access to more than 3 million attendees nationwide. Kerry Dunne of R Entertainment said, “We look forward to working with BlueWater to provide highly marketable entertainment that generates casino activity and a measurable impact for the Colorado River Indian Tribes.” $
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
(Continued from page 24)
There's exciting, nonstop gaming at BlueWater Resort & Casino. With the latest slot machines, players have their pick of games. There's also live Blackjack and Poker, favorites of any card player. BlueWater Resort & Casino's floor is designed for comfort with wait staff ready to serve guests their favorite beverage. Bingo is also a favorite at BlueWater Resort & Casino. BlueWater's 10,000 square foot Bingo Hall is designed to comfortably seat 400 players. On Sundays, the session begins at 1:30pm, and Mondays through Wednesdays, the session starts at 6:30pm.
BlueWater Resort & Casino is the hub of gaming, entertainment, lodging and water sports along the lower Colorado River. No wonder it draws visitors from across the globe! It's accessible to anyone traveling by water or highway as it sits on the shores of the Colorado River just off Highway 95 in Parker, Arizona. An enterprise of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, BlueWater Resort & Casino offers something that will appeal to everyone; a variety of gaming options with the newest and most entertaining slot machines, Bingo, Poker and Blackjack. BlueWater Resort & Casino is located at 11300 Resort Drive, off Highway 95 in Parker, Arizona. You can visit bluewaterfun.com, or call 1.928.669.7000 or 1.888.243.3360 for more info or reservations. $
azgamingguide.com | January 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide
25
TRIBAL NEWS
INDIAN GAMING SHOW APRIL 10-13, 2017 The Indian Gaming Industry’s Premiere Event To Be Held In San Diego
E
ntering its 32nd year, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention has established itself not only as the premier event for the Indian Gaming industry but as the figurative heartbeat of Native American success. The largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, which will take place April 10—13 in San Diego, CA this year, is both the meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network and exchange industry-specific ideas and a cultural celebration of success, strength and self-reliance. Last year, the National Indian Gaming Association’s annual Gaming Tradeshow & Convention wrapped up on March 16, 2016 with great success in Phoenix, AZ. With over 4,700 gaming professionals in attendance and 326 exhibiting companies, an
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
increase from the last time the show was held in Phoenix, the popular event brought together the interests of tribal gaming in a forum for progress, tribal sovereignty, industry celebration, and education. This year, as every year, the four day event will bring attendees and industry leaders together for networking events, educational seminars, awards ceremonies, and evening celebrations. For more information about this year’s tradeshow, please visit their website at indiangamingtradeshow.com. $
GAMING NEWS
Win Up To $130,000 In Talking Stick Resort’s Three-Day Poker Tournament January 13—15
GameCo, Inc. To Develop Skill-Based Games Based On Paramount Picture Films Under license from Paramount, GameCo Inc. has announced that the company will be developing games for its video game gambling machine (VGM™) based on mainstream theatrical film brands including Mission: Im possible , Paranormal Activity, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
There are already plenty of ways to enjoy Scottsdale during the winter months and now there is another to add to the list: Talking Stick Resort will host its annual Staycation Weekend Classic 2017, which will pay out $130,000 in cash prizes, from January 13—15.
GameCo’s proprietary VGM is an arcade-style video game cabinet featuring a single-player game, generally 45-90 seconds to play, adapted from top console, PC and mobile developers. GameCo is in the process of developing a racing game based on the popular Mission: Im possible franchise , a hidden object game themed to Paranorm al Activity, and a platformer experience adapted from the cult classic comedy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The patented VGM gambling platform allows a player’s skill to determine the payout and winnings, while maintaining the same casino economics as slot machines.
The tournament, which features a No Limit Hold ‘Em blind format, consists of five 20-minute rounds and seven 30-minute rounds on Day 1. On Days 2 and 3, there will be 14 total 30minute rounds each day. The winnings during each of the three days of the Staycation Weekend Classic are expected to be $34,000, $53,000 and $33,000, respectively.
GameCo recently launched at Caesars Entertainment properties in Atlantic City, making it the first skill-based gaming company in the world to debut its product on casino floors. VGMs are currently placed in prominent locations at all three Atlantic City Caesars Entertainment properties, with three triple-unit carousels at Caesars, two at Harrah’s Resort and two at Bally’s Wild Wild West.
Guests who signed up for the event starting on December 13 at the Main Poker Cage or the Box Office will be required to participate in all three days of the tournament. Those who register prior to January 9, 2017, will qualify to win a free hotel stay the weekend of the event. Guests who participate in Talking Stick Resort’s satellite tournaments on January 1, 2017 and January 8, 2017 will also be eligible to win free entry into the Staycation tournament.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Paramount to bring these brands to the casino floor. Video game gambling addresses the largest opportunity for casinos and studios in attracting the next generation of gamers. At GameCo, our vision is to create a VIP experience for gamers. Brands like Mission: Im possible, Paranormal Activity, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off speak to my generation that grew up with these films and love playing video games,” said Blaine Graboyes, CEO of GameCo. $
The Staycation Weekend Classic 2017 will be contested in The Arena Poker Room, renowned for being Arizona’s largest poker room with the highest limits in the state. The Arena Poker Room routinely plays host to the Arizona State Poker Championship and the Arizona State Ladies’ Poker Championship. Participants must be 21 or older to enter. For more information about The Arena Poker Room offerings, or for more information about the Staycation Weekend Classic 2017, please visit their website at talkingstickresort.com. $
28 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
Casino Del Sol’s Second Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises $60,000 For Community Nonprofits
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s enterprise, Casino Del Sol, held their second annual Charity Golf Tournament on November 9, 2016 raising $60,000 to benefit two nonprofit organizations in the community. “The Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Casino Del Sol are honored to continue our annual Charity Golf Tournament to support nonprofit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson in 2015 and the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center and My Girl Power in 2016,” said CEO of Casino Del Sol, Kimberly Van Amburg. “We’re committed to the Tucson and Southern Arizona communities, and look forward to carrying on this tradition for years to come.” More than 100 participants came out to Sewailo Golf Club at Casino Del Sol for 18 holes of golf, to raise funds for the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center and My Girl Power. Each organization will receive $30,000 to go towards their worthy causes that benefit Tucson’s youth. The Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center’s mission is to protect and support children through a coordinated response to child maltreatment that includes intervention, assessment and prevention. The mission of My Girl Power is to help increase K-12 girls’ engagement levels in sports, arts, science, health, economics, and civics opportunities in their own backyards, to ensure successful pathways to thrive. “On behalf of My Girl Power, we are so humbled, honored and grateful to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the second annual Casino Del Sol Charity Golf Tournament,” said Co-founder and Chair of My Girl Power, Lucy Howell. “We’ll be able to do so much for our girls with the generous funds raised at this event.” The Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Yaqui people through its enterprises, and Casino Del Sol are committed to being a partner in the Southern Arizona community. Through 12 percent municipal funds provided for in the State of Arizona-Pascua Yaqui Gaming Compact, the Tribe and Casino have provided several million dollars to support charitable organizations and organizations that provide crucial services to residents of Southern Arizona over a few short years. Just a few of the organizations the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Casino Del Sol have funded during the past year include:
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
Sewailo Golf Club in Tucson, Arizona
American Heart & Stroke Association American Red Cross Angel Charity for Children Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson Christina Taylor Green Park Project Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona El Rio Foundation Perimeter Bicycling/El Tour De Tucson Reid Park Zoo Ronald McDonald House Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center Tucson Festival of Books Tucson International Mariachi Conference Tucson Ladies’ Council Tu Nidito Youth On Their Own
Located in southwest metropolitan Tucson, Arizona, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with more than 17,000 enrolled members. The Tribe owns and operates several enterprises including Casino Del Sol and the Sewailo Golf Club, a par-72 championship course designed by Notah Begah III. For more information about Casino Del Sol and Sewailo Golf Club, please visit their website at casinodelsol.com or call 1.855.SOL.STAY (765.7829). $
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 October 2016
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.
32 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
Slots
Hold %
Games & Tables Hold %
1¢
10.87
Blackjack / 21
17.35
5¢
7.47
Craps
15.00
25¢
6.48
Roulette
21.13
$1
4.90
Three Card Poker
30.37
Megabucks
13.26
Live Keno
9.19
$5
6.33
Bingo
20.02
$25
18.60
Let It Ride
28.10
Multi-Denomination 5.90
Pai Gow Poker
21.60
Win Amounts
Dollars
Race Books
16.31
Games & Tables
$ 4,394,000 Sports Pools
Live Poker
$
Slot Machines
$36,486,000
Other Slots
$
13.06
187,000 Other Table Games 30.14
101,000
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Lana Hartmann
UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS The Golden Nugget Laughlin Offers Something For Everyone
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. Offering a host of promotions and monthly tournaments, players must plan a visit this year to explore this exceptional gaming destination with its beautiful tropical rainforest décor and breathtaking outdoor views of the river! Don’t miss the “$30,000 Tipsy Turvy Slot Tournament” from January 19—21. All entrants win cash in this exciting event! The “$20,000 Football Fever Blackjack Tournament” is also back and will take place January 27—29 with a $10,000 first place prize! To get a complete listing of all the exciting tournaments the Golden Nugget will be hosting in January, call 1.866.714.4185 or send an e-mail to gnlevents@goldennugget.com. $
azgamingguide.com | January 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide
33
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Lana Hartmann
SLOTS AT AQUARIUS CASINO RESORT Some Of The Best Games In Town Are Right Here!
F
or those of us who are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest slots, look no further than the casino floor at the Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin, Nevada! Play your game your way, 24 hours a day, at Aquarius Casino Resort, where the next jackpot winner might just be you! Try your luck at over 1,200 slot machines, video poker and video keno games, and a variety of new and innovative table games. Brand new games include Frogger, Big Red Colossal Diamonds, The Big Bang Theory, Britney Spears, and Titan 360 a multisensory gaming experience! Plus, some more recent favorites include Willy Wonka, Sex and the City, Cash Spin, Quick Hits, All Star Poker, Megabucks, Wizard of Oz, and plenty more penny slots. All guests are encouraged to become members of the acePLAY slot club where earning points lets you decide what you’d like
to redeem those points for: cash, slot play and/or comps! Visitors will discover action-packed gaming, entertainment, and accommodations at Aquarius Casino Resort – bringing a new level of sophistication to Laughlin slots. Book one of their modern and luxurious Laughlin hotel rooms online today for exceptional rates. Call 1.800.662.5825 and mention code SPR1QAG or visit their website at aquariuscasinoresort.com. $
azgamingguide.com | January 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide
35
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Mark Novak
STAY & PLAY ON THE COLORADO RIVER Tropicana Laughlin Has A Special Offer Just For You
ith the New Year off to a great start, everyone is making their vacation plans. So let me ask you … have you considered Laughlin, Nevada? The Tropicana Laughlin Casino & Hotel is a great choice to stay and play this winter and all year long. A visit to this sensational gaming destination provides you close proximity to the Colorado River, desert trails, vistas, golf courses, and much more!
W
favorite machines in denominations of 25¢ to $10 in this highend lounge while sipping a coctail from the full-service bar.
The Tropicana Laughlin Casino is pulsing with high-energy excitement, all centered around the spectacular array of nearly 1,000 slots on their casino floor! They have one of the largest selections of new and exciting games in every denomination from penny to $10 high limit slots. Players can experience a sense of luxury with beautiful hardwood floors and dangling crystal in the Tropicana’s new Premium Slot Lounge—located right in the heart of the casino floor. Slot fans can play all their
There’s no better time than the present to start planning your next trip to the Tropicana on the beautiful Colorado River. Call 1.800.343.4533 or visit troplaughlin.com and mention PROMO 6035. This will get you the low rate of $34.99/night Sunday through Thursday or $74.99/night Friday through Saturday. What’s even better, we’ve secured a special offer just for our fans! Mention that you’re an AZ Gaming Guide fan and you’ll also receive 2 free buffets and an upgrade to a Resort Room! $
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
Table game players will also be excited to know the Tropicana has 18 table games which include all the most popular games from classic 21 to Craps and Roulette and more! Currently, they are offering approximately $100,000 in progressives!
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
Listings Spring Classic (Boat Races)—Mar. 26-27, 17th Annual Indian Golf Tournament—Apr. 6-9 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Arizona Room: Arizo na Ro o m 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 The Showroom: Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)—Jan. 6-7, Fortunate Son (John Fogerty & CCR Tribute)—Jan. 20-21, Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute)—Jan. 27-28
Willie Nelson Desert Diamond Casino—February 10 Music legend Willie Nelson returns once again to the Diamond Center on Friday, February 10, 2017. Tickets start at $40 and are on sale through Star Tickets and the Rewards Center. With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Hello Walls, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust. Willie Nelson has earned numerous awards and honors as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. In the last five years alone he delivered 10 new album releases, released a Top 10 New York Times' bestsellers book, again headlined Farm Aid, an event he cofounded in 1985, received his 5th degree black belt in Gong Kwon Yu Sul for his 81st birthday, and graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. In November of 2015, the Library of Congress honored him with their Gershwin Prize for Popular Song for his contributions to popular music. He is the first country artist to receive the distinguished award. And this year began with the release of Sum m ertim e: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin, a collection of 11 newly recorded Gershwin classics. The album debuted at No. 1 on both the Top Current Jazz chart and the Top Traditional Jazz chart. Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Gin Blo sso ms & Everclea r—Jan. 21 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Events: Pa rk er 250 (Mo to rcycle & Qua d Ra ces)—Jan. 7-8, Face To Face (Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute)—Jan. 14, Hotel California (Eagles Tribute)—Jan. 28, Parker 425—Feb. 3-5, ADBA SouthWest Showdown On The River (Drag Boat Races)—Feb. 10-12, The Concert Than Never Was (Frank Sinatra & Barbra Streisand Tribute)— Feb. 18, Trace Adkins—Feb. 25, A Night Of Country (Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, and Brooks & Dunn Tribute)—Mar. 4, NWSEA Parker Marathon Water Ski Event—Mar. 4-5, Colorado Blues Festival— Mar. 11, Live Music—Mar. 18, Southern California Speedboat Club
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Thursday Tributes: Ro d Stew a rt Tribute—Jan. 5, Aerosmith Tribute—Jan. 12, Bob Seger Tribute—Jan. 19, 80s Tribute—Jan. 26 Friday Nights: Blue Monsoon—Jan. 6, Kung Fu Grip—Jan. 13, Johnny Anonymous—Jan. 20, Just Press Play—Jan. 27 Saturday Nights: El Regresso —Jan. 7, Priminition—Jan. 14, La Nueva Onda—Jan. 21, Conjunto Elegantes—Jan. 28 Events: 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest—Jan. 21-22, Beer Club For Men—Thursdays Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Nightclub: Co untry Ima ge (Co untry)—Jan. 6-7, Mike Reeves Band (Variety)—Jan. 13-14, Geraldo Mendoza y su Norteno (Latin)—Jan. 20-21, Mystery Train (Country)—Jan. 27-28 Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Ka ra o k e w ith Bling Bling—Fr & Sa, 99 Years Band (Johnny Cash Tribute)—Jan. 6 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: The Temptations—Jan. 13, Who Loves You (Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons Tribute)—Jan. 17, Willie Nelson—Feb. 10, Easton Corbin— Feb. 25, Bon Qui Qui—May 5 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: Grego ry Wo lfe—Jan. 6, Timothy B. Schmidt—Jan. 13, Fairchild Blues Tribute—Jan. 16 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music in the evenings. Live DJ—Jan. 6, Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns—Jan. 7, Live DJ—Jan. 13, Mogollon—Jan. 14, Desert Dixie—Jan. 20, Static— Jan. 21, Harry Luge Band—Jan. 27, Soundwave—Jan. 28 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays In The Lounge: Enjo y live music in the afternoon and evenings. Karen & Marcus—Jan. 3, Bandstand Shows—Jan. 4, Thaddeus Rose—Jan. 4, Mike & Ted—Jan. 5, Stanley Serano Trio—Jan. 10, Mancini The Band—Jan. 11, Miguel Mendoza Trio—Jan. 11, Mike & Ted—Jan. 12, Stanley Serano Trio—Jan. 17,
Editor’s Pick Silhouette—Jan. 18, Walkens Trio—Jan. 18, Shades Of Blue—Jan. 19, Stanley Serano Trio—Jan. 24, Yesterday Once More—Jan. 25, Walkens Trio—Jan. 25, John Eric Duo—Jan. 31 Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: In-A-Fect (R&B Variety)—Jan. 3 -7, Orchard Fire (Country Variety)—Jan. 10-14, The Klique Band (Variety)—Jan. 17-21, The Doo-Wah Riders (Country)—Jan. 24-28, Rockhall Doctors (Classic Rock)—Jan. 31-Feb. 4 Events: Journey Unlimited (Journey Tribute)—Jan. 13, Gregory Wolfe (Rod Stewart Tribute)—Feb. 14, TBD—Mar. 17, Fleetwood Nicks & Women Of Rock (Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute)—Apr. 21
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Andrew Dice Clay Talking Stick Resort January 14
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. Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Apache Spirits Lounge: Fea turing a va riety o f live music. Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: To p 5—Jan. 6-7, Tropic II—Jan. 13-14, DJ Rudy—Jan. 20-21, Los Kodigos—Jan. 27-28. Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Pipa Event Center: E.P. Expo (Elvis Tribute)—Jan. 19-21 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom, Grand Ballroom & Pool: Da ve Ma so n—Jan. 7, Andrew Dice Clay—Jan. 14, Styx—Jan. 15, Taylor Dane—Jan. 20, David Spade—Feb. 3, Kenny Wayne Shepherd—Feb. 4, Gino Vanelli—Feb. 10, Johnny Rivers—Feb. 11, Arsenio Hall—Feb. 17, George Thorogood & The Destroyers Rock Party—Mar. 4, Elvis Lives—Mar. 11-12, Air Supply—Mar. 18, Jimmie Vaughan—Mar. 24, The Mavericks—Apr. 22, Australia’s Thunder From Down Under—May 4-6, Robin Trower—May 12, Kathleen Madigan—May 13 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 John Eric Band—Jan. 6-7, Matt Ferris Band—Jan. 13-14, Outside The Line—Jan. 20-21, Rebel Heart—Jan. 27-28 Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 Events: The Drifters—Jan. 28, Little Joe Y La Familia—Feb. 10-11 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: December ‘63 (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute)—Jan. 15, Live MMA—Jan. 28, Chubby Checker—Feb. 3, The Piano Men: Generations (Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute)—Feb. 19, Marty Haggard (Merle Haggard Tribute)—Feb. 23, Foghat—Mar. 11, ABBAFab (ABBA Tribute)—Mar. 19, Sinbad—Apr. 28
Legendary actor-comedian Andrew Dice Clay will bring his brash brand of comedy to The Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort on January 14, 2017. Always entertaining and often controversial, “The Diceman” grabbed headlines early on with the release of his debut comedy album in 1988, as it came complete with an advisory label that read, “Warning: This album is offensive.” Clay’s rise to fame was swift, as he quickly graduated from New York City comedy clubs in the early 1980s to regular appearances on sitcoms and in films such as M*A*S*H, Diff’rent Strokes, Making the Grade and Pretty in Pink. He soon turned his full attention to stand-up comedy and flourished. Clay became the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row, and he released nine albums from 1988 to 2000, several of which were certified as multi-gold and platinum. Acclaim has continued for Clay in recent years in with roles in television shows like HBO’s Entourage, Vinyl and The Blacklist on NBC. On the big screen, he won raves for his performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine. This year, Clay starred in Showtime’s Dice, a six-episode comedy television series that premiered in April 2016 and was renewed for a seven-episode second season. For a more in depth look at Andrew Dice Clay’s career, visit AndrewDiceClay.com. To learn about the show, call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 1.480.850.7734 or visit talkingstickresort.com. $ 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 | January 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide
39
CASINO BINGO
BINGO STRATEGY 4 Simple Tips To Increase Your Chances Of Yelling BINGO!
I
t never hurts to have a little edge over your competition. If you’re going to play bingo, here are a few hints you can employ to increase your chances of yelling BINGO!
Reduce Your Competition: Many casino bingo payouts are fixed and don’t increase the more players there are! Therefore, players have an advantage when participating in games with as few opponents as possible. One way to do this is to play during weekday sessions, late at night and at odd hours. Play Multiple Cards: The simple truth of the matter is the more cards you play the more you can win! Take advantage of quantity discounts. Buying multiple cards is usually less expen-
sive than buying packs of cards individually. Visualize The Patterns: It can be tricky remembering what the pattern needs to be while keeping up with the caller. One trick is to pre-daub all the squares that aren’t part of the pattern before the game begins. Another trick is to highlight the squares that are part of the pattern, helping your brain focus on all the important spaces. Ignore The Numbers On The Left Side: For example, if you’re trying to determine whether you have N35, just swiftly skim the N column and keep an eye out for the digit 5. Don’t let your brain waste time registering the entire number. $
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, 6:30 & 7pm
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 12/01/16 & 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 | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
azgamingguide.com | November 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide
41
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN By Sami Becker
LESS FRUSTRATION IN 2017 The Answer Is In Your Own Hands
T
here will always be highs and lows during every play session at the casino, but you should never let the lows affect your mood. Nobody can deny that a losing streak can be extremely frustrating. However, letting frustration turn into anger or desperation is when a bad situation becomes even worse very quickly. Here are a few hints on how to shake off some of that negative energy and change your luck around: Lose The Attitude. Whining and grumbling about losing isn’t going to do anything for you accept keep you in a negative frame of mind. If you find yourself huffing and puffing, protesting and criticizing—stop! And, get away from other party poopers who are doing the same thing. Get A Lucky Charm. Okay, there is no proof that lucky charms can bring you luck at the casino. However, I will tell you
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
that feeling lucky makes people feel happy. And, I know that the people who feel happy are usually the ones who are having the most fun and enjoying themselves at the casino! The key is to always have fun and good luck will follow! Try A New Game. The quickest way to lift your spirits after a bad run is to get your mind off of it. Trying a new casino game you’ve never played before will do just that. Focus on learning the new game and, who knows, beginner’s luck may follow! $
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
PROGRESSIVE SLOTS What Happens To The Money In The Meters When A Slot Is Removed?
D
id you know that a percentage of all the wagers placed by players on a slot machine connected to a progressive belongs to the players and not the casino? Every single-level or multi-level progressive has starting values established by the slot manufacturers. These values are referred to as base values. These are the reset values that occur after a progressive has been hit. All gaming regulations state that if a casino decides to remove a stand-alone progressive slot machine or a bank of slot machines that are connected together, the money accumulated in the meters (above the base values on the progressive) must be given back to the players. The casinos tend to redistribute this money by adding it to other existing progressive machines that are on the floor. If a casino is replacing one progressive title with a new title, then the easiest thing for the casinos to do is just add the money into the meters of the new game!
DID YOU KNOW ‌ The large progressives are paid by slot manufacturers of the games and not the casinos! Although extremely improbable, the progressive values can keep growing and growing forever and never be hit! The Top Award on a progressive must occur, statistically speaking, once in every 50,000,000 plays according to the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact! $
azgamingguide.com | January 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide
43
FUN & GAMES
WORD SEARCH To Celebrate New Year’s Resolutions, Find: NEW, YEAR, RESOLVE, WILL, POWER, TENACITY, DRIVE, MOTIVATION, PURPOSE, DECREE, DECISION, PLEDGE, OATH, SOLUTION, VOW, ANSWER, AMBITION, PLIGHT, COVENANT, WORD, EFFORT. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
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SUDOKU Each of the columns, rows, and nine 3 x 3 grids must contain all of the digits 1 - 9. None of the digits may appear more than once in each column, row, and 3 x 3 grid. Level: Easy. (Solution on page 46)
5
1 7
4
9
3 4 8 7
6
5
8
1
3
2
7
5
6
3 3
2 9
9 4
6
6
7 5
5
2
4
44 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | azgamingguide.com
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 328
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 1,053
Y
Y
7406 S. Camino De Oeste
Tucson
855-765-7829 279
I-17, Exit 289
Camp Verde
800-381-7568 656
15318 S. Ave. B
Somerton
800-237-5687 512
7350 S. Nogales Hwy.
Tucson
866-332-9467 1,016
I-19, Exit 80
Tucson
866-332-9467 563
101 & Northern Ave.
Glendale
866-332-9467 1,089
08. Cocopah Resort Casino 09. Desert Diamond Casino I 10. Desert Diamond Casino II 11. Desert Diamond Casino-W.V. 12. Desert Diamond Casino-Why
Hwy. 86, Milepost 55
13. Fort McDowell Casino
Why
Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.
14. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
17. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
Maricopa
480-802-5000 1,089
777 Hwy. 260
Pinetop
800-929-8744 824
Chandler
800-946-4452 828
Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson
Payson
800-777-7529 413
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 250
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
E B A L I W E
M T L C P O R
H O L G N A F O
A I O I W A N O V W C E S E W S I L R T
D E N C I E T S I O R N E R E R D N R E A W E P Y
W O R D
800-946-4452 908
Y
800-946-4452 950
Y
1505 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 238
E G D E L P
6
8
4
1
7
9
7
5
6
2
3
3
7
6
1
4
2
8
9
5
7
6
2
4
3
1
5
8
9
5
4
8
2
9
7
1
3
6
9
3
1
5
8
6
2
7
4
4
8
7
6
2
9
3
5
1
6
5
9
8
1
3
7
4
2
1
2
3
7
5
4
9
6
8
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2017 | 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
5
Y
Y
Y
1
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
855-946-8946 1,078
9
Y
Y
Y
Y
480-850-7777 765
8
Y
Y
Flagstaff
2
Y
Y
Scottsdale
Sudoku Solution
Y
Y
Y Y
6443 Komatke Ln.
Word Search Solution D R I V N O I T I MO T I V S O Y T L E U E T T S I N O O A P T N N R H E U T V P V A O E O C E F
Y
Y
Y
I-40, Exit 219
facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
Y
Y
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 12/01/16 & 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 905
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 545
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