Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - July 2017 - 09:07

JULY

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 NEW SLOTS 16 WINNING WAYS 18 TABLE GAMES 20 FEATURE STORY 22 TRIBAL NEWS 24 ARIZONA LOTTERY 27 GAMING NEWS 30 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 32 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 34 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

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36 FUN & GAMES 38 CASINO DIRECTORY

COMING TO ARIZONA: THE 2017 TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS SLOT TOURNAMENT!

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This new slot has three unique bonus events including Epic or Fail, Cat Week and Dancing for Dough!

Tohono O’odham Nation and the State of Arizona settle their dispute over Desert Diamond West Valley!

Ms. PAC-MAN, Arizona Cardinals, and Día de Los Muertos themed Scratchers are ready for play!

ELLEN DEGENERES SHARING THE LOVE SLOTS

CLASS III GAMING AT DESERT DIAMOND

A VARIETY OF BRAND NEW SCRATCHERS GAMES

azgamingguide.com | July 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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EDITOR’S NOTE

SUMMER TIME...

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

And The Living Is Too Hot (In The Valley)

VOLUME 09 • ISSUE 07 MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

F

or me, Arizona is the best place to live. I’ve traveled all around the country, and around the world as well, and I just love our state and love living here.

Sure, the drawbacks include the triple digit heat just outside my air conditioned office currently. But, the extreme temperatures remind me of the chance to cool off in places like Show-Low, Globe, Payson, Camp Verde, and Prescott. Yes, those are all casino towns! As soon as I’m done putting the finishing touches on this issue, I’m packing my bags and heading up into the mountains to cool down.

You should too!

Thanks to our readers for always providing us with feedback about our magazine.

We appreciate you and are grateful for your loyalty. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know what you think and keep all of your questions rolling in. We get a lot of them, both handwritten and emailed, so it may take a while to get back to all of you, but we do love reading them, and responding. And, while we select some for publication by committee, we are working on being able to share all of them with all of you! Stay tuned!

Please visit our Facebook at: facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide, 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 Gaming Guide on our website at AZGamingGuide.com. Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

Thank You!

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 Tony Phongsavath 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 | July 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

Q: My friend and I have a bet. What else would you expect from gamblers? He suggests that on poker slots, especially the $1, $5, or higher dollar slots, the payout frequency is higher.

My position is that this is not true. That the dollar amount bet has little or nothing to do with the frequency of wins. The random number generator (RNG) has no concern of frequency of hitting unlike reel slots which may have a bias towards more wins at higher bets. What is the correct answer?

Walt Obremski—Green Valley, AZ A: The correct answer is the denomination of the game (what you refer to as the dollar amount) has no bearing on the payout frequency of any video poker win.

A RNG has no bias regardless of if it is installed in a video poker game, a slot machine, a video keno machine, or any other electronic gaming device (EGD), such as the electronic versions of blackjack, craps, roulette, etc.. Just to be clear, all RNGs used in casinos do not have any bias regardless of bet level or denomination!

While a slot machine’s game may allow a jackpot to be available at max bet, or a bonus to occur more often, rest assured that is a direct implementation of a game rule and not governed by the RNG! For example, one of the simplest ways to make a bonus occur more frequently at a higher bet is to add more bonus symbols to the reel strips of the game.

However, the RNG is still just an RNG. Changes were made only to the reel strips not the RNG. An RNGs sole function is to deliver random numbers, the slot machine’s reel strips and game rules decide what to do with those numbers independent of bet, denomination, what day it is, if a player’s club card is inserted or not, or if the previous spin was a winner (or a loser, or a bonus, or a jackpot, or…).

2. The game’s rules and/or the RNG cheats.

The problem with statement 1 is that every video poker game clearly indicates it is using a standard 52 card deck. Unless a patron chooses to play Joker Poker, then the 52 card standard deck is augmented by one card, the Joker.

If you don’t believe me, check the help screen on any video poker game in any casino. Trust me, a statement about using a standard deck of cards will be there.

Fortunately all video poker games are recreating a real game and, as such, gaming industry regulations prevent the video poker game’s computer program from being deceptive. That is to say, making the Ace of Hearts less likely to be drawn. Rest assured that every card has an equal chance of being drawn by a video poker machine regardless of denomination or the particular type of game you choose to play!

The problem with statement 2 is that every EGD in a casino anywhere is not only subject to strict gaming industry regulations, it is also tested by an independent third party in order to establish the randomness, lack of cheating, and accuracy of the RNG and game play.

In fact, all EGDs are tested three times. Once by the quality control department within the manufacturer of the EGD, then by an independent third party testing facility, and finally by the local gaming jurisdiction’s oversight agency.

All this testing is to ensure the accuracy of the game’s play and wins after the game mathematician and programmer have implemented what the game’s designer had in mind. And, the mathematician and the programmer also ran their own accuracy tests before their quality control department ever had a chance to inspect the game!

Another way to convince your friend would be to point out the contradiction inherent in his argument. The only way for the frequency of large wins to change is twofold:

How do we know? Because the staff here at the Arizona Gaming Guide has been there and done that!

1. The deck of cards has changed and contains extra high cards to allow for more Royal Flushes, or even extra Aces to have more Four-Of-A-Kinds in Aces, usually a higher paying win.

So, unless your friend is a die hard conspiracy theorist, the idea that higher denomination games have more frequently occurring wins is not true. Congratulations Walt! You Win!

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 | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYERS TALK

Continued from page 6

Q: I have a question regarding payoffs: Do slot machines pay off differently for 1 credit players, 2 credit players or so on up to max credit players? If I play say 2 hours, will I get “hits” the same no matter how many credits I’m playing? For example, if I stay at the same machine and I am playing the minimum number of credits, will the machine hit or not hit the “Jackpot” or “Free spins” (I know the amount will be different) exactly at the same time I would have hit it if I had played the maximum credits for the same time?

I’ve noticed that minimum credit players quite often get more payoffs than max credit players. My theory is that the casino would not want to lose the large audience that feels like all they can afford to play is the minimum allowable. Undoubtedly max credit players get more money on each payoff, but it seems that certain days it takes a much longer time for them to hit bonuses or jackpots.

There used to be a time that if you had played the minimum and switched to maximum, you would get a payoff right away. Then things seemed to change…

Barbara DuPonte—Sun City West, AZ A: What great questions Barbara! Let’s answer them in the order you listed! Assuming there are no game rule changes between bets on the slot machine in question (this is almost always the case), the answers are: 1. NO, 2. YES, 3. YES. Why? Slot machines are all designed to operate under one basic principle. As soon as a patron pushes a bet button, randomly generated numbers are selected by the slot’s game program and are evaluated for a particular outcome. The RNG has no way of knowing what bet was placed, all it knows is to answer a request to provide a random number (or a set of them because if the slot has five reels the slot’s program needs one number per reel in order to select the stopping position on each reel).

Your observation that lower wagering players get more hits than larger wagering players is unfortunately not the case. The outcomes of a slot machine are determined by random events and are not influenced by bet. The only way we can think of to prove this idea to our readers is to suggest our readers start keeping records. Record the number of winners and losers across 10,000 spins with two different bets on the same slot machine and the number of winners between both sets of data should be very close to each other. They’ll never match as the outcomes are based on random behavior, but they will be close.

Ultimately, slot machines are subjected to regulations, one of which is a simple directive: A slot cannot pay back less over time when the bet is increased. We hope our answer puts your mind at ease! $

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

Black Widow Now At Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita & Tucson

C

atch your fortune in the Black Widow’s web at Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita and Tucson. IGT’s 40 pay line, 5 reel video slot, Black Widow, has promises of big wins for players daring enough to enter the Black Widow’s web.

The Super Stacks feature, where super-sized stacks of symbols appear on each spin, has the promise of big payouts. When combined with the Free Spins Bonus, players experience the Web Capture feature that unveils even more rewards. During this feature, players capture character symbols in the Black Widow’s web for additional wins that only grow with each capture. Players begin with 7 free spins and the chance to win up to 13 retriggers for a total of up to 98 free spins.

For more information on the latest slots, visit DDCAZ.com, call 1.866.DDC.WINS (1.866.332.9461), or follow on Facebook (/ddcaz), Twitter (@DiamondCasinos), and Instagram (@DiamondCasinos). For more information about this game and other exciting IGT slots, visit their website at IGT.com. $

Sharing The Love

By IGT

B

uilding on the momentum of IGT’s highly successful The Ellen DeGeneres Show slot games, IGT introduces The Ellen DeGeneres Show Sharing the Love Video Slots. The dynamic title is set on the Company’s new CrystalCurve ULTRA cabinet which features an ultra-HD, 32-inch, curved lower display and an ultra-HD, 50-inch, curved top display.

The game leverages the hardware’s built-in camera technology which gives players the option to incorporate their images into gameplay if they wish.

Displaying a five reel, 30 pay line configuration, The Ellen DeGeneres Show Sharing the Love game offers players three unique bonus events including Epic or Fail, Cat Week and Dancing for Dough, which are inspired from the highly-rated Ellen TV show. Other marquee titles featured on the CrystalCurve ULTRA cabinet include The Voice Video Slots and The Goonies Video Slots.

For more information about these games and other exciting IGT slots, visit their website at IGT.com. $

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Space Invaders

By Scientific Games

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cientific Games Corporation recently announced the launch of its first slot machine with a skill based bonus — Space Invaders — featured on the sleek and innovative Blade s32 cabinet.

Based on the popular classic arcade video game, which was originally released in 1978, Space Invaders is a six reel, 60 pay line slot game that features a number of bonuses including free games and the Space Invaders Bonus. Channeling the original alien shooter game, the Space Invaders Bonus allows the player to control a laser cannon, moving it horizontally across the bottom of the screen while trying to shoot down rows of descending aliens, collecting credits, advancing levels and vying for one of the multi-level Jackpot Pools. Players also have the option to bypass the base slot game and Buy a Bonus on demand, taking them directly to the Space Invaders Bonus where they play with higher credit win levels than the normal base game. “Space Invaders is one of the true classic video arcade games and a childhood favorite for many who grew up in the era of video games. We are thrilled to bring this iconic game to casino slot game play,” said Derik Mooberry, Group Chief Executive of Gaming for Scientific Games. “Our development team worked diligently to ensure that our first skill-based game featured authentic Space Invaders game play, complete with its familiar alien symbols and correlative music, and we are certain that players are going to be captivated with this compelling new game.” Space Invaders is currently available in New Jersey and will soon be available in various jurisdictions throughout North America. For more information about this game and other exciting Scientific Games slots visit ScientificGames.com. $

azgamingguide.com | July 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

Casablanca

By Everi

C

elebrate the romantic story and memorable characters of the timeless film.

Players will resonate with the familiar scenes and music from the movie that has wooed film fans for decades. Casablanca provides players a unique gaming experience with thematic bonuses that will keep the wins coming. A full screen of a character awards the associated progressive. Even better yet, progressives are available at all bet levels! Casablanca will be an instant gaming hit that everyone will want to play again and again. Right, Sam? Casablanca features Full-Screen Progressives prizes (available at all bet levels) which fill the screen with symbols to award a progressive. The Mystery Pick Bonus lets players earn up to three picks from 12 spots and the “Exit Visa� triggers a new bonus. Plus, the Knock on Wood Bonus awards 5 wheel spins. Chance Multipliers appear randomly during base game play awarding 2X, 3X or 5X the prize on a winning pay line. Finally, the Free Spin Bonus awards 8 to 10 free spins and includes Sticky Wilds and a Nudge.

For more information about this slot and other great new titles by Everi, visit their website at Everi.com. $

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

WINNING WAYS

By Mark Novak

WHEN DO I WALK AWAY FROM A GAME? Expert Slot Designers Reveal The Science Of Playing Slots—Part VI

S

ince the February 2017 issue of the Arizona Gaming Guide, we have introduced a series of articles in our Winning Ways section. To read the previous issues, head over to our website’s Back Issues page available at azgamingguide.com!

We know our readers are ready for this month’s installment of “The Science of Playing Slots” in which we examine when to walk away from a game!

Last month I started off my article with a quote, and I will continue with that theme for this month’s article with a proverb attributed to William Edward Hickson: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.

While I fully agree with this sentiment in almost all aspects of a person’s life, it does not apply while at the casino. In my point of view, the opposite of this advice is what one should adhere to at the casino. That is: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try a different slot.

Throughout the course of our many advice-laden issues, we implore our readers to pay attention while playing their favorite games. Why? Because, simple observations inform how often a bonus round or a large win appears after just a few sessions.

Count the number of spins it takes to get into a bonus round and across several sessions you’ll get an average number of spins which is critical information in order to answer the question above.

If the bonus hits every 150 spins, on average, according to your observations and you just blew through spin number 450 (that’s three times the average … 150 X 3 = 450) without a bonus, cash out, get up, and walk away.

Why am I multiplying the average spins by three? Well, in my opinion, based on your observed average spins of 150 in order to achieve a bonus, you should have a 99% chance of achieving that goal within three times that number. How do I know? Let’s just say I have a degree in Applied Statistics and an extraordinary amount of practice applying the statistics I learned. Call it my “Rule Of Three,” and leave it at that!

99%! That means by spin number 450, on average, over the long run, you should have been guaranteed to enjoy the fruits of at least one bonus, not zero! Look, this game is just not your friend! Right here and right now is just not your lucky moment!

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I’d recommend you take a break from playing, or at the very least select a different game. Preferably a game which is not in sight or ear shot of the game you just left. Remember, just because you didn’t hit a bonus for over 450 spins doesn't mean it won't be someone else’s lucky day just spins later.

Now, do not read the previous paragraph and come to the conclusion you should stay at the game! No! I know it never fails that a new player will sit down, play a few spins and then hit a massive bonus. Trust me, you won’t have hit that same win because the game was just cold as ice for you. For another casino patron, that game could be hotter than a habanero! That’s the beauty of the interplay between the random behavior of a slot machine and your own luck. Plus, you would never have hit the button at the exact same nanosecond as the next guest so you’d never have seen the same result they did!

Here’s a second tip about knowing when to walk away: If you sense a change in how you feel, especially if you become negative or pessimistic, walk away and try later or elsewhere.

Perhaps this feeling is not coming from within! Examine your surroundings and what may be a bad influence in your environment. Here’s what I’ve noticed as particularly strong negative influences for myself and other casino patrons over the years which essentially turn any play session into a negative experience:

• A nagging, whining spouse/partner/family member • Extremely annoying smoke if you are a non-smoker • Drunks, unless you yourself are drunk • Distractions (Like crying babies on the casino floor

next to you, but distractions come in so many different forms for different people it becomes difficult to list them all, so insert your own here!)

• Random

people who insist on opening their mouths and transferring their negativity onto you (Yes, this category includes rude strangers and cheeky casino employees who don’t put customer service first, for example)

So, the next time you are not feeling lucky, have encountered a negative influence, or blew past my Rule Of Three, remember to find your lucky place and time at another game somewhere else in the casino, or just take a break! Playing games at the casino is supposed to be fun! Don’t lose sight of that fact and remain vigilant as to what is happening while playing. Good Luck! $

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

TABLE GAMES AND COMPS Straightforward Advice To Maximize Your Returns

M

ost everyone knows about the comps and freebies that casinos offer. Some people know that slot play can generate more comp dollars than table games, but that’s not the whole story. Not all comps are created equal and different casino games, from blackjack to keno to video poker, offer different value.

In the old days, casinos boiled slot play down to time-on-device.

A woman playing the dollar slots who had lots of used coin wrappers scattered at her feet got the best comps. She warranted it. Today, casinos use Player’s Club cards to track each gambler’s action. They are much fairer and more reliable.

What is sometimes misunderstood is that for the average player, table games won’t accumulate comp points as fast as slot play, but there’s a reason. Suppose you play 70 hands per hour at blackjack, betting $10 per hand.

That means you risk a total of $700 per hour, and that’s how the software values your play and awards points after the house edge is calculated at 2%, so your expected value is $14 per hour to the casino.

At the same time, playing a 10 pay line 25 cent slot machine might generate 250 spins per hour or $625 in action at a house edge of 8%, so your expected value to the casino is $50. That means the slot player is likely to get three times as many comp points!

Is that all worth the trouble? Probably not.

Instead, use some basic psychology. All Floor Supervisors are trained to get your player’s card, but sometimes they are busy.

Just make sure you hand your card to the dealer. They’ll take care of the rest.

Badgering the Supervisor to get your card won’t help. Being friendly to the dealer and the Supervisor will!

Most Arizona casinos use electronic tracking for table games, no cards or notes. Supervisors swipe your card, enter your average bet, and wait until you leave. They may evaluate your play later and adjust your average bet, but that first bet they see is important.

Maximizing Your Comps Fortunately, table game players do get some perks. To begin with, it’s a lot easier to get a free cocktail at the table than at the slots. You also get to interact with the dealer and the other players. And there are ways to improve your table game comps and get all you deserve.

I watched players get up from the table and get in line at the buffet, leaving their chips on the table. That’s sneaky! When they get to the front of the line, they leave their spouse there, walk back to the table, play a few hands and leave.

I’ve also seen players leave their chips, find another table, turn in their card, play a while, then take a break and return to their first table, play a few hands and leave.

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If your first bet is $5, that’s what you’re getting rated for. If the Supervisor is right there to swipe your card, starting with a higher bet on that first hand can make a huge difference.

Again, being friendly helps, especially if you want something like free show tickets, or a room comp. And keep in mind a casino rate takes no points and cuts your room cost in half! $

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.

TournEvent of Champions In Arizona This Summer!

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hat started as a marketing strategy for TournEvent, Everi’s award-winning slot system that instantly converts a bank of machines into tournament mode, has gone on to have a life of its own. TournEvent of Champions has garnered attention from 217 casinos, close to a million players worldwide, and brings a grand prize of a cool million dollars annually!

Five Years Of Fun TournEvent of Champions makes it possible for more players to experience slot tournament excitement than any other competition of its kind. The competition was first held in 2012 as regional events in California and Washington State. The buses have

20 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

logged well over 160,000 miles since TournEvent of Champions went national in 2013. The expansion has created an opportunity for any casino, regardless of size, to host a first class slot tournament environment. Last year, TournEvent of Champions earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest slot tournament! The mark was established at Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, Washington with 3,173 playing in a single tournament.

In the five years since its inception, the event has gone international. Last year alone, 88 casinos across the United States, Canada and Peru joined the fun. Participants played with an eye on proprietary prizes and, ultimately, a spot in the championship

tournament.

TournEvent of Champions 2017 This most recent TournEvent of Champions season kicked off in April at the Muckleshoot Casino and will be traversing the U.S. and Canada in search of another grand prize winner. This year, a third TournEvent of Champions tour bus has been added to the fleet that not only brings a festive presence to every stop but also the iconic Money Man mascot! To date, for the current season, 101 casinos across North America will be represented with a total of 166 players heading to the finals in Las Vegas.

This summer, there are three separate Viva Vegas Slot Tournaments scheduled for three Desert Diamond Casinos in Arizona-Glendale, Tucson and Sahuarita. Everyone who participates in these Arizona tournaments will receive $25 in Free Play, a $10 Food Voucher, and, of course, the chance for even more cash!

The first and second place winners from each location earn cash prizes and a trip to the 2017 TournEvent of Champions in Las Vegas. In addition, one lucky winner from each casino will enjoy a beautiful, relaxing cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line!

Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita (Sahuarita, AZ) The Sahuarita tournament is available to Diamond Rewards members (age 21+) who earn 250 total points between Saturday 12am and Tuesday 1:50pm on the week of the scheduled “Viva Vegas Tournaments.” The top 9 finalists will be invited to the Final Event on Friday, August 18, 2017. The Final Event will be comprised of drawing winners from the Last Chance Drawing and weekly Viva Vegas Tournament Qualifiers. This exciting day will culminate with an awards ceremony including:

• 1st place prize includes $3,000 cash, a trip to the 2017 TournEvent of Champions issued by Everi (valued at $2,500) & a cruise offer issued by Norwegian Cruise Line (value depends on trip option; no cash option for cruise)

• 2nd place prize includes $2,000 cash & a trip to the 2017 TournEvent of Champions issued by Everi (valued at $2,500)

• 3rd place prize $2,000 cash

Desert Diamond Casino Tucson (Tucson, AZ) This tournament is available to Diamond Rewards members (age 21+) who earn 250 total points between Monday 12am and Wednesday 7:30pm on the week of the scheduled “Viva Vegas Tournament.” The top 10 finalists will receive invitations to the Final Event on Friday, August 19, 2017. The Final Event will be comprised of drawing winners from the Last Chance Drawing and weekly Viva Vegas Tournament Qualifiers. This exciting day will culminate with an awards ceremony including:

• 1st place prize includes $3,000 cash, a trip to the 2017 TournEvent of Champions issued by Everi (valued at $2,500) & a cruise offer issued by Norwegian Cruise Line (value depends on trip option; no cash option for cruise)

• 2nd place prize includes $2,000 cash & a trip to the 2017 TournEvent of Champions issued by Everi (valued at $2,500)

• 3rd $2,000 cash

Desert Diamond West Valley Casino (Glendale, AZ) This tournament is available to Diamond Rewards members (age 21+) who earn 50 total points between Monday 12:01am and Wednesday 7:30pm on the week of the scheduled “Viva Vegas Tournament.” The top 10 finalists and 7th place session winners will receive invitations to the Final Event on Sunday, August 27, 2017. The Final Event participants will be drawing winners from the Derby Dash Drawings, Last Chance Drawing, and weekly Viva Vegas Tournament Qualifiers. This exciting day will culminate with an awards ceremony including:

• 1st

place prize includes $5,000 cash and a trip to the 2017 TournEvent of Champions issued by Everi (valued at $2,500)

• 2nd place prize includes $2,500 cash and trip to the 2017 TournEvent of Champions issued by Everi (valued at $2,500)

• 3rd place prize includes $1,000 cash & a cruise offer issued by Norwegian Cruise Line (value depends on trip option, no cash option) The Million Dollar Draw Everybody wants to be a millionaire, and with The Million Dollar Event coming up in October, this could be your chance! The championship will take place on October 4, 2017 at XS Night Club in the Wynn/Encore Las Vegas Resort where all local event winners will compete for a share of $1.3 million in cash prizes, including a $1 million* top prize.

To find out more about the 2017 TournEvent of Champions and to see a list of participating casinos nationwide, visit their website at TournEventOfChampions.com or follow the tournament on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Flickr. $ *The first place prize of US $1,000,000.00 is payable in periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present day cash value payment.

azgamingguide.com | July 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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TRIBAL NEWS

CLASS III GAMING & LIQUOR LICENSE Tohono O’odham Nation And State Of Arizona Settle Casino Litigation

T

he Tohono O’odham Nation and the State of Arizona jointly announced recently an agreement to settle their dispute regarding the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley near the City of Glendale.

Under this agreement, the Nation will move forward with Class III gaming at its West Valley facility under an amended tribalstate gaming compact. The State will process the West Valley facility’s Class III gaming certification and liquor license in the normal course of the regulatory process. The State also agreed that it will not oppose the Nation’s efforts to have its land immediately adjacent to the West Valley facility taken into trust.

In exchange, the Nation has agreed not to conduct Class II or Class III gaming anywhere else in a designated geographical area that includes metropolitan Phoenix during the term of the agreement. Additionally, although the Nation will retain its ability to acquire new reservation land under the terms of Public Law 99-503, known as the “Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act,” the Nation also has agreed not to request that the Secretary of the Interior take any other land in that area into trust for the purpose of gaming during the agreement term. These restrictions will terminate if federal or state legislation is enacted that bars the Nation from conducting Class II or Class III gaming on the West Valley land, or if another tribe conducts Class III gaming on new trust lands in the designated geographical area.

As part of the agreement, the State and the Nation will amend their existing compact to confirm that the Nation may conduct Class III gaming at one gaming facility on its West Valley land, but nowhere else within the designated geographical area. This compact amendment must be reviewed and approved or deemed approved by the Secretary of the Interior before the settlement agreement becomes effective.

This agreement will last for the remainder of the term of the Nation’s current tribal-state gaming compact plus the term of any successor compact or, if there is no successor compact, for 15 years after the agreement becomes effective.

The agreement puts to rest the last pending lawsuit over the West Valley facility. As part of the agreement ending the litigation, all parties will bear their own attorneys’ fees for all of the legal proceedings relating to this dispute.

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Desert Diamond West Vallley Near Glendale, Arizona

Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Edward D. Manuel said, “This is a day the Nation has long been working toward. It establishes an agreement concerning the Nation’s ability to conduct Class III gaming on its West Valley land and it brings to an end the final dispute that was constraining this important project. The Nation is eager to continue with its West Valley investment to create thousands of new jobs, positive economic development, and a world-class casino resort that all of Arizona can be proud of.”

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said, “This agreement is a major victory for Arizona, one that ensures that there are meaningful restrictions on additional casinos in the greater Phoenix metro area. This agreement brings the litigation on this issue to a close.

It is time for us to move forward together. I am eager to continue meeting with gaming tribes to discuss how we can modernize the tribal-state gaming compacts and create positive economic opportunities for all Arizonans. I welcome the Tohono O’odham Nation to this process.”

Arizona Indian Gaming Association Chairperson Bernadine Burnette stated, “Today is a victory for tribes and Arizona. The settlement supports the AIGA and its 15 member tribes’ concerted efforts to advance the lives of Indian peoples—socially, economically, and politically—so Indian Tribes in Arizona can achieve their goal of self-reliance. We very much appreciate both the Tohono O’odham Nation and Arizona Governor Ducey’s leadership in making this settlement happen. This has been a very contentious issue for many years, and the efforts of both parties were critical to achieving a fair resolution.” $

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Megan Conner

NEW GAMES WITH CHANCES TO WIN BIG Arizona Lottery Releases Three New Instant Win Games In August

ugust is an exciting month for Arizona Lottery players!

Three new instant win games are hitting the market including the fan-favorite Cardinals Scratchers ticket, the inaugural Día de los Muertos Scratchers ticket and the iconic Ms. PAC-MAN Scratchers ticket. Players won’t want to miss out on these new games and the chance to win big with a combined total prize payout of more than $12 million.

A

tember 15 to October 15.

Cardinals Scratchers Ticket Arizona Cardinal fans rejoice! The popular Cardinals Scratchers ticket is back and better than ever. As football season kicks-off, players have a chance to combine the comradery of Cardinals football with the excitement of the Arizona Lottery.

Lottery players have the opportunity to score with cash prizes, autographed Cardinals memorabilia and additional second-chance prizes all season long!

Players have the chance to win cash prizes from $2 to $10,000. If players scratch to reveal a skull symbol, they can double their winnings! With an estimated $2.1 million in total prizes, players have a 1 in 4.6 chance of winning a cash prize. The Día de los Muertos ticket will be available on August 1. Players can purchase their tickets at Arizona Lottery retailers for $2.

This year, the top prize has doubled giving players the chance to win $100,000. Those who need another try at luck can enter their non-winning tickets for the chance to win secondchance prizes including autographed Cardinals memorabilia, Cardinals season tickets, Cardinals home game tickets and an exclusive trip to attend an away game. Kick-off for the Cardinals Scratchers is August 1, 2017 and players can purchase their tickets at Arizona Lottery retailers for $10.

Día de los Muertos Scratchers Ticket In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Arizona Lottery is launching a Día de los Muertos Scratchers ticket. The Arizona Lottery is dedicated to supporting the local Hispanic community while providing exciting games for its players, and this ticket will commemorate the traditions and festivities of not only Día de los Muertos, but the national celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sep-

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

Arizona native and local artist, Emily Costello, won a statewide contest to have her artwork featured on the Día de los Muertos ticket. Costello’s artwork is a remarkable depiction of the celebration and Hispanic culture in Arizona. She will have three original works appear on the $2 ticket.

Ms. PAC-MAN Scratchers Ticket Everyone’s favorite arcade game is making its way to the Arizona Lottery.

This August, players can revisit their childhood days and play the Ms. PACMAN Scratchers ticket for the chance to win $20,000.

Players scratch to reveal directional Ms. PAC-MAN symbols to complete the iconic arcade game maze. Players will maneuver the maze and along the way, scratch to uncover a variety of the classic arcade game symbols. Players have the chance to win cash prizes from $3 to $20,000. The Ms. PACMAN instant game has an estimated total prize payout of more than $5.5 million, and there is a 1 in 3.8 chance of winning a cash prize. Ms. PACMAN will be chomping her way into stores on August 1. Players can purchase their tickets at Arizona retailers for $3.

For more information on the exciting new games coming to the Arizona Lottery in August, please visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. $

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Megan Conner

WIN UP TO $1 BILLION Arizona Lottery Launches New Willy Wonka Golden Ticket Scratchers

T

he new Willy Wonka Golden Ticket Scratchers has made its way to the Arizona Lottery. Arizona Lottery players and fans alike can win big with this $10 ticket, with the chance to win instant cash prizes or an exclusive trip to Las Vegas for the chance to win up to $1 billion!

This is the first time the Arizona Lottery has introduced the Willy Wonka brand to its players. The $10 instant scratch ticket features an eye-catching design inspired by the iconic Golden Ticket and Willy Wonka top hat. Even better, it’s the possibility to win a trip for two to Las Vegas for the chance to play the Billion Dollar Challenge!

“Arizona Lottery is focused on bringing the best and most entertaining tickets to our players,” said Gregg Edgar, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. “The Billion Dollar Challenge and the whimsical theme of the Willy Wonka ticket is what really makes this ticket stand out. Just one month in market, we have already seen the ticket push significant success and popularity with our players.”

Willy Wonka Golden Ticket Scratchers have more than $3 million in cash prizes including eight chances to instantly win a top prize of $100,000. The ticket’s second chance promotional drawings really make this game unique and attractive to players.

Players can enter non-winning tickets into a second chance drawing where the Arizona Lottery will give away four exclusive, grand-prize trips to Las Vegas and a chance to win up to $1 billion dollars in the Billion Dollar Challenge. Each trip to Las Vegas includes roundtrip coach airfare for the prize winner and one guest, four days and three nights in one deluxe hotel room, $1,000 in spending money for the prize winner and admission to the Billion Dollar Challenge venue for the prize winner and their guest.

Additionally, players can continue their fun online with an exclusive Willy Wonka Golden Ticket second chance interactive game called Willy Wonka Chocolate Tower. Keep an eye on the Arizona Lottery’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive giveaways and promotions surrounding the new ticket.

Players can find their Willy Wonka Golden Ticket in stores now.

Tickets are available at all Arizona Lottery retailers for just $10.

For more information about this game and other games, please visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. $

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

Tribal Gaming Contributions Total $24.9 Million In Fourth Quarter Representing A 4.2% Increase When Compared To Same Quarter Last Year The Arizona Department of Gaming just announced that statewide tribal contributions increased for the quarter ending March 31, 2017 totaling approximately $24.9 million. This represents a 4.2 percent increase when compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.

The quarterly tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund will be distributed as follows:

“Though we faced a few down quarters, we remained confident that we would see these numbers increase. We hope this is the start of a positive trend,” said Daniel Bergin, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Instructional Improvement Fund/Education: Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs: Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: State Tourism Fund: Problem Gambling: Total Tribal Contributions For Q1 2017:

$12,483,248 $ 6,241,624 $ 2,077,951 $ 1,783,321 $ 1,783,321 $ 497,336 $24,866,801

Tribal contributions provide supplemental funding for Arizona’s schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation efforts. “It’s exciting to know that these tribal contributions can help our state in so many ways,” Bergin added.

Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, tribes with casinos contribute one to eight percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns, and counties. There are currently 24 Class III casinos in Arizona. Tribes send contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund every three months. $

azgamingguide.com | July 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide

27

GAMING NEWS

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Honors 2017 Caesars Award Of Excellence Winners Employees Recognized For Outstanding Service And Leadership

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is pleased to announce its 2017 Caesars Award of Excellence recipients, a distinction given to employees who consistently provide best-in-class service to guests, coworkers and our community, all while serving as role models and demonstrating an exemplary commitment to the Harrah’s brand.

“I know that I’m speaking for the entire Harrah’s team when I say that we are extremely proud of these eight individuals and their accomplishments,” said Robert Livingston, Vice President/General Manager at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. “The Caesars Award of Excellence is one of the highest honors our employees can achieve and it couldn’t have gone to more deserving people this year.”

The 2017 winners are:

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

Leadership: Leah Huarte, Gift Shop/Wardrobe Superior Guest Service: Karla Rodriguez, Beverage Superior Guest Service: Daniel Main, Casino Host Superior Internal Service: Brittney Ramirez, Finance Superior Internal Service: Twila Andring, Human Resources Innovation: Paul Ferry, Slot Performance Community Service: Jane Stimmel, Human Resources Suggest: Shelly Christian, Total Rewards All the winners (pictured L to R standing: Ferry, Andring, Rodriguez, Huarte, Christian, Main & L to R sitting: Stimmel, Ramirez) were honored at a celebration banquet and presented a gift and a dedicated parking space for the entire year! $

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Lana Hartmann

GOLDEN NUGGET LAUGHLIN Hand Of Faith & Water Feature At Entrance Bring Luck To Guests

T

here are two features every guest at the Golden Nugget Laughlin must experience while visiting the property. Both are very hard to miss but also can easily be overlooked or undervalued.

Upon entering the Golden Nugget Laughlin from the main entrance, patrons are immediately greeted by the soothing sounds of running water, a wonderful scent in the air, and an abundance of foliage. All of this carefully crafted décor is not just the result of a casino designer’s creativity. In fact, the water and the plants are actually luck, wealth, and fortune generating forces that each patron can take advantage of. Recommendation: Play a slot or table game which allows you to see the landscaping and hear the water while you play.

Make sure to visit the Hand of Faith gold nugget. Over the years, the nugget has moved around inside the casino so ask an employee if you can’t immediately locate it. Found by Kevin Hiller near Kingover in Victoria, Australia on September 26, 1980 using a metal detector, this massive piece of metal weighs almost 60 pounds and was sold (supposedly) for $1 million. At 1.5 feet tall, almost 8 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep, you should have a look! Recommendation: While admiring the nugget, envision your winnings being the same size!

For more info, visit GoldenNugget.com/Laughlin or call 1.800.950.7700 for room reservations and 702.298.7111 for general information. $

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

America Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita September 3

Listings Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Fireworks—Jul. 1 The Point: DJ Bert Massey—Jul. 1 , Aravaipa—Jul. 1, UFC 213—Jul. 8, DJ Matt D—Jul. 8, DJ Ruby Pino— Jul. 10, Priminition Band—Jul. 15, The Walkens Band—Jul. 21, DJ Money Mike—Jul. 24 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Events: Fireworks—Jul. 3, Cage Rage 14—Sep. 9, 5th Annual Southwest Nautique Regatta—Sep. 15-16 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Arizona Room: Arizona Room Trivia—Tue. 7pm, Country Dance Instruction (Learn to Dance)—Wed. 6pm, Chad Freeman & Redline—Wed. 8pm The Showroom: Strange Days (Doors Tribute) —Jul. 7-8, Paradise Kitty (Guns ’N Roses Tribute)—Jul. 21-22, DSB (Journey Tribute)—Jul. 28-29

On Saturday, September 23, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment welcomes America back to the Diamond Center.

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale through Star Tickets and at Desert Diamond Casino’s Rewards Center. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

America formed in the late 1960s and quickly reached the top of the charts with their signature song A Horse With No Name.

Their best-known tunes, which also include Don't Cross The River, Tin Man, Lonely People, and Sister Golden Hair, were cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. In 1972, America was rewarded for their hits by winning the Grammy for Best New Artist. Their material encompasses an ambitious artistic swath, from effects-laden rockers to oddball medleys to soul-bearing ballads.

In 1982, America once again hit it big with their smash single, You Can Do Magic. America experienced growth as singers, songwriters and musicians during this period, which has continued into the present day as illustrated by landmark releases such as 2000’s Highway 3-disc box set, 2002’s Holiday Harmony, an album comprised of seasonal classics and live showcases, 2007's Here & Now, 2009’s Live In Concert: Wildwood Springs, and 2011’s Back Pages.

Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “For nearly half a century America has been thrilling audiences with their uplifting music and positive message. With multigenerational fans, America continues to grow in popularity and Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is excited to bring them back to the Diamond Center on September 23!”

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment has three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and one in the West Valley. Additional information can be found at ddcaz.com or by calling 1.866.DDC.WINS. $

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Thursday Tributes: Jimmy Buffet Tribute—Jul. 6, Beatles Tribute—Jul. 13, Reba McEntire Tribute—Jul. 27 Friday Nights: Priminition (Variety)—Jul. 14, Kung Fu Grip (Blues, Rock)—Jul. 21 Saturday Nights: Conjunto Elegantes—Jul. 1, Grind (Variety)—Jul. 8, Conjunto Compadre (Tejano, Norteno)—Jul. 15, Live Music—Jul. 22, The Quierez Maz Band (Variety, Tejano)—Jul. 29 Events: War, Tierra, Malo—Jul. 1, 23rd Anniversary Fireworks Spectacular—Jul. 3, Gigi & The Glow (Dance)—Jul. 3, Beer Club For Men—Jul. 6, Nick Swardon—Jul. 9, Lynyrd Skynyrd—Jul. 13, Journey—Jul. 18, Tears For Fears—Jul. 20, I Love The 90s Party Tour— Jul. 23, Dwight Yoakam—Jul. 27, Golden Boy Live Boxing—Jul. 29, Matchbox 20—Aug. 3, Gloria Trevi vs. Alejandra Guzman—Sep. 2, Fiestas Patrias—Sep. 17, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias—Oct. 29, Toby Keith—Oct. 29 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Nightclub: Greywolf (Variety)–Ju1. 7, UFC Fight & DJ Christiana–Jul. 8, Rez Roots (Reggae)–Jul. 14-15, G Sueno (Latin)– Jul. 21-22, Country Image (Country)–Jul. 28-29 Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Bling Bling Karaoke—Fr & Sa, Fireworks & Fortunate Son (CCR & John Fogerty Tribute)—Jul. 4 Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Featuring Live Entertainment.

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Dub Sounds DJs—Fr & Sa Diamond Center: Boney James—Jul. 8, Craig Morgan—Jul. 15, Tracy Lawrence—Aug. 2, Blood Sweat & Tears—Aug. 26, Anjelah Johnson—Sep. 16, America—Sep. 23, Lauren Alaina—Sep. 29, Theresa Caputo—Oct. 6-7 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring Live Entertainment.

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 Featured Entertainment: Badfinger—Jul. 28 Fridays, Saturdays,

Editor’s Pick and Sundays In The Lounge: Thaddeus Rose Band—Jul. 1, Fortunate Son—Jul. 2, Western Fusion—Jul. 7, Joe Costello Syndicate— Jul. 8, Uncorked Band—Jul. 14, Basketball Jones—Jul. 15, Mogollon—Jul. 21, Walkens—Jul. 22, Soundwave—Jul. 29 Live DJ In The Lounge: Jul. 28 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays In The Lounge: He Said She Said—Jul. 4, 11, 18 & 25, Route 66—Jul. 5, Stanley Serrano Trio—Jul. 5, 12 & 19, Chuck E Duo—Jul. 6, Juke Box 6—Jul. 12, Karen & Marcus Duo—Jul. 13, Silhouette—Jul. 19, AZ Blacktop Duo—Jul. 20 & 27, Thaddeus Rose—Jul. 26, Walkens Trio—Jul. 26

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

AZ State Poker Championship Talking Stick Resort ARENA August 11—August 15

Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: The Doo-Wah Riders (Country) —Jul. 4-8, House Of Steel (Variety)—Jul. 11-15, Arizona (Country) —Jul. 18-22, Adrianna Marie & Her Grovecutters (Blues)—Jul. 2529 Events: Troubadour Experience (George Straight Tribute)—Jul. 21, Reba McEntire Tribute—Aug. 18, CCR Tribute—Sep. 1 Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Marty & The Party—Mondays & Fridays, Thaddeus Rose—Tuesdays, Karaoke With DJ Rockin’ Rob—Thursdays, Chippendales—Aug. 18, Mexican Independence Day Show—Sep. 18 Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529 Events: Fortunate Son (CCR Tribute)—Jul. 3, Gunner & The Grizzly Boys—Aug. 17, Urban Skies (Keith Urban Tribute)—Aug. 18, The Charlie Daniels Band (Saluting Our Veterans Concert)—Oct. 7 Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s: Featuring Live Entertainment.

Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Sidewinders: Featuring Live Entertainment. Events: Old School Freestyle Fest—Jul. 7 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 Events: Night Ranger—Jul. 8, Tower Of Power—Jul. 15, Cheech & Chong—Jul. 21, Donnie & Marie—Jul. 22, Demetri Martin—Jul. 29, Don McLean—Aug. 5, John Waite—Aug. 11, Wynona & The Big Noise—Aug. 12, The Australian Pink Floyd Show—Aug. 24, Jerry Jeff Walker—Aug. 26, Aaron Lewis—Sep. 17, Marshall Tucker Band—Oct. 7 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Events: Fireworks—Jul. 4, John Eric Band—Jul. 7-8, Matt Farris— Jul. 14-15, Outside The Line—Jul. 21-22, Rebel Heart—Jul. 27-28 Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 VQ Live: Featuring Live Entertainment Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Showroom: Roy Jones Jr. Boxing—Jul. 15, Los Angeles Azules—Jul. 22, Ha-Ash—Aug. 12, WFF Live Mixed Martial Arts—Aug. 19, Color Me Badd—Sep. 8, Chef Robert Irvine Live—Sep. 22, Million Dollar Quartet: The Musical—Oct. 1

Talking Stick Resort is gearing up for its 13th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship. The No Limit Hold ’Em tournament will take place in The ARENA Poker Room, which is the largest card room in Arizona, on August 11-15. Registration is currently underway and the multi-day match is open to beginners and professionals alike. Challengers will battle it out for a share of a $1.1 million prize pool (based on 1,100 entries).

An annual favorite, players travel from across the country to participate in this popular event!

Hopefuls can join in on the action with a $1,000 tournament buy-in and a $100 tournament service fee. Each player will start the match with $16,000 in tournament chips and have the opportunity to purchase additional chips. The multi-day match will commence at 9am on August 11, 12, 13, 14 and 10am on August 15. On the final day, the remaining 10 challengers will pull out all their best moves in hopes of snagging the grand title. The first place winner will receive $196,750 plus a Rolex and a trophy. The second place winner will receive $143,000 and a trophy. The third place winner will walk away with $110,000. The top 110 players will each receive a payout! In addition, during the event, The ARENA Poker Room will offer a food menu with great specials so players won’t need to step away from the action to grab a bite to eat!

Entries are currently being accepted for the 13th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship in The ARENA Poker Room.

All participants must submit their $1,100 buy-in during the sign-up process. To register by credit card or phone, call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 480.850.7734. For more information about the 2017 Arizona State Poker Championship visit their website at talkingstickresort.com or call the Poker Board at 480.850.8693. $ 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 | July 2017 | Arizona Gaming Guide

33

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

CHILDREN IN CASINOS—YES OR NO? Are There Limits To Bringing Kids (Or The Grandkids) With You?

L

ast month I had pets in casinos on my mind as I witnessed a dog maul a patron inside a casino. As this drew a very strong reaction from our readers, I’d like to stir the pot a little, if I may? Look, when I go to a casino, the last thing I want to think about are children. Mine, yours, your sister’s, your ex’s from a previous marriage, whatever the strange situation is that put you and them together with me, no thank you! I came to the casino to relax and have fun, not listen to children misbehaving.

Sure, a family vacation with the kids is a lot of fun, but not at a casino in my opinion. I realize Las Vegas casinos opened their doors to families from all over the world decades ago. But I think the point there was, and still is, tourism, not exposing focused gamblers to the experience of the joys and pitfalls of parenting! If the casino isn’t located in Vegas, the kids should

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

stay off the floor. If they have to be on the floor, then I don’t want to see them, hear them, have to call a security guard over because an unattended minor decided to attempt a backflip off a slot chair (because that’s what they saw on YouTube) next to me and successfully plant their nose into the carpet rather than landing on their feet. Plus, when the kids are running back and forth from their rooms to the pool, half naked with water dripping off them forming large puddles, I get a little worried I’ll end up on the floor too! But what do you think? Should kids be allowed in casinos? Do you have any horror stories? Write me! $

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 & GAMES

WORD SEARCH To Celebrate Independence Day, Find: CHERRIES, CHOCOLATE, CONE, COOKIES, CREAM, CUP, FLOAT, FREEZE, GELATO, ICE, MINT, NUTS, RAINBOW, ROAD, ROCKY, SCOOP, SHERBERT, SORBET, SPRINKLES, SUNDAE, SWIRL, SYRUP, VANILLA, WAFFLE, WHIPPED. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 38)

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

(Solution on page 38)

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2 9

8

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36 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

888-243-3360 534

Y

Y

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 322

05. Casino Arizona

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 898

Y

Y

06. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,033

Y

Y

08. Casino of the Sun

5405 W Valencia Rd

Tucson

855-765-7829

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 280

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 656

09. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel 10. Cocopah Resort Casino 11. Desert Diamond Casino I

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 510

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,016

I-19, Exit 80

Sahuarita

866-332-9467 563

13. Desert Diamond Casino-W.V.

101 & Northern Ave.

Glendale

866-332-9467 1,089

14. Desert Diamond Casino-Why

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

15. Fort McDowell Casino 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

480-802-5000 1,089

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 824

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 828

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

Payson

800-777-7529 412

Yuma

888-777-4946 479

20. Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Dr.

21. Quechan Casino

I-8, Exit 166

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

22. Spirit Mountain Casino

8555 Hwy. 95

Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 250

23. Talking Stick Resort

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y Y

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 765

Y

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,091

Y

Y

6443 Komatke Ln.

Laveen

800-946-4452 921

Y

Y

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 937

Y

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 242

27. Yavapai Casino

Y

Y

Y

I-40, Exit 219

25. Vee Quiva Casino 26. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

101 & Indian Bend

24. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino

Y

Y Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 906 Maricopa

18. Lone Butte Casino

Y

58

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

17. Hon-Dah Casino 19. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

866-332-9467

Y

11

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

12. Desert Diamond Casino II

Y

Y

04. Bucky’s Casino

07. Casino Del Sol Marketplace

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Sources: AZ Dept. of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 06/01/17 & direct inquiries at press time. Not responsible for incorrect information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.

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38 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2017 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

800-272-2438 306

Parker

Y

Spa

Dudleyville

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Arcade

Slots

Golf

Milepost 127 on Arizona 77

03. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Phone

Poker Room

800-272-2438 479

Table Games

Globe

Live Keno

City

RV Park

02. Apache Sky Casino

Location Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe

Hotel

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort

Bingo

Casino

High Limit Area

CASINO DIRECTORY

Y Y Y