MAY
Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 NEW SLOTS
14 TABLE GAMES 18 FEATURE STORY 22 ARIZONA LOTTERY 24 TRAVEL 26 GAMING NEWS 30 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 33 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 34 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 35 WINNING WAYS
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36 FUN & GAMES 38 CASINO DIRECTORY
THE SEARCH IS ON FOR EVERI’S NEXT $1 MILLION SLOT TOURNAMENT WINNER!
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Sit back and watch the Mistress of Egypt turn up to 15 symbols wild on the screen!
Uncover what lurks behind all those tempting, popular side-bet wagers at the tables.
Enter to win an exclusive cruise package through the “Powerball Power Cruise” promotion.
PLAY MISTRESS OF EGYPT NOW AT MAZATZAL
THE TRUTH ABOUT SIDE BETS
PLAY POWERBALL, WIN A CRUISE
azgamingguide.com | May 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide
03
EDITOR’S NOTE
TournEvent of Champions 1st Place: $1 Million
Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 05 MANAGING DIRECTOR & VIDEO POKER GURU Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
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e’ve got an easy way for you to make a cool $1 million: Sign up for a TournEvent of Champions slot tournament at your favorite AZ casino (Desert Diamond Tucson, Sahuarita, and West Valley are current tournament hosts with more casinos added regularly) and you’re well on your way! Qualifying players from tournaments at local casinos all around the country are treated to airfare, luxury accommodations, spending money and a shot at the top prize of $1 million at the finale in Las Vegas (with a minimum of $500 in prize money during the final competition)! Make sure to read this month’s feature story for more information and don’t forget to ask for more details at your local casino’s Player’s Club as well! Our regular table game columnists have some very interesting insights for you this month. Also, we report on new slots ready for play at Desert Diamond Casinos, at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, and at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to sail the Caribbean on an exclusive cruise ship, then the latest promotion from the AZ Lottery is perfect for you! 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
CELEBRATING
10 YEARS! A big “THANK YOU!” to our fans, advertisers, and business partners!
PUBLISHER & SLOT GURU 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 TJ Jorgensen Megan Conner Lana Hartmann Samantha Becker ADVERTISING SALES Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com Nina Consiglio nina@azgamingguide.com MAILING INFORMATION Arizona Gaming Guide P.O. Box 20636 Mesa, Arizona 85277 INTERNET INFORMATION AZGamingGuide.com Facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide Copyright © 2018 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. AGG is not liable for claims made in advertisements. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners. Intended for single use only. Reproduction in part or in whole in any form without consent is not permitted. Sale and/or distribution in any form without consent is not permitted. For more information, visit our website at AZGamingGuide.com/index_files/legal_disclaimer.html. 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 Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource: Division 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
04 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
PLAYERS TALK
Q: Let’s see if I can present my inquiry in a coherent way. I recently started playing the video poker game “Chase The Royal,” one of the games featured in “All Star Poker.” I used to push the button that read “Always Chase” but then it occurred to me that if, for example, the cards being chased were the Ace, Jack and Queen of Hearts, and the original hand I was dealt contained any of the cards necessary to complete the Royal then, perhaps, I should push the “Play the Original Hand” button. I’m basing this on the notion that the card/ cards necessary to complete the Royal have already been dealt for this hand (it being obvious that they can’t appear again). Or, of the three cards being chased, have they come from a new 52 card deck (in which case I should push the “Always Chase” button). Can you shed some light on this? Dee Yox – Prescott, AZ A: Dee, thank you for an excellent question! For those video poker players who are unfamiliar with the game “Chase the Royal,” the rules are as follows: The game is based on conventional video poker and is offered in casinos as a single line, 3play, 5-play, or 10-play. When dealt a pair of Jacks, Queens, or Kings playing the maximum bet, the game gives players the opportunity to play the original hand for a guaranteed win, or trade the cards in to “Chase the Royal.” If the player chooses to exchange the dealt cards, the game deals 3 new cards randomly from a single-suit deck of ten through ace toward a Royal Flush. The 3 new cards dealt to the player replace the original 5 cards that were dealt. When the player presses the draw button, the 2 cards that are dealt to complete the 5 card hand are randomly picked from the remaining 49 cards out of 52 cards (minus the 3 cards dealt for the Royal). When playing a multi-hand video poker game, the 3 cards that have replaced the original 5 card hand are duplicated in all active hands. The game then draws 2 additional cards per hand (as each line on a multi-hand video poker game is drawn from a separate 52 card deck). As an incentive to “Chase the Royal,” the pay table doubles when a flush or a straight is dealt during “Chase the Royal” mode. When playing this game, the optimal strategy is to “Chase the Royal” whenever the opportunity presents itself. In other words, “Always Chase!” Overall, the player will get about 4X more Royal Flushes when playing “Chase the Royal” than when playing standard video poker games. However, this comes at a very high cost since the pairs are relinquished for the chance at the Royal! As a result, “Chase the Royal” is a very volatile game which can quickly affect your bankroll.
Dee, to answer your question specifically, if a pair has been dealt to you always push the “Always Chase” button! You will receive 3 cards to the Royal (that have been randomly chosen and have nothing to do with the original cards you were dealt from a new 52 card deck). Plus, don’t forget the incentive is to “Chase the Royal” for the increased straight or flush payouts. Q: Dear Experts, How can I improve the “incentives” offered by my casino? By this, I mean, free play $$, food/drink discounts, tournament offers. Ironically, it seems the more cash dollars I spend, the LESS I am offered!! This seems counterintuitive to getting me in the door! What am I missing? Terre Crosby – Peoria, AZ A: Terre, you are absolutely right! Sometimes it does feel like the more we play at a particular casino and the more we spend, the less we are offered! It’s as if now that they “got us” they don’t need to entice us anymore. Well, guess what? It’s true! We know, for a fact, that casinos will offer new players added incentives to get them to visit their property. And, who can blame them? A casino is a business after all and there are plenty of other establishments that do the same thing. However, there are other factors that can affect our offers, so be aware! First, remember that when mailers are sent out your offers, at that moment, are based on your play anywhere from one to three months prior. Has your playing style changed recently? In other words, are you consistently spending the same amount of money and playing the same games? Slot players receive more than video poker players because of the lower return on the slot games. Second of all, offers are based on your daily average spend across a period of time. If you visit a casino to use a free dining coupon, pick up a free gift, or just swipe your card for a promotion such as reward credits without playing much that day, if at all, this will effect your daily average. Finally, be very cautious about giving your card to family members or friends. Some players will give away their weekly free play to others if they can’t make it to the casino themselves. Using just the free play and not putting any other points on your player’s card is one of the most detrimental things you can do to your account. In the coming months, we will address this very important topic in more detail and provide hints and tips on how to increase your casino offers. Stay tuned! $
and get a $25 gift or gas card if we decide to print your question! Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: editor@azgamingguide.com.
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
Lucky O’Leary Jackpots Now At Desert Diamond Casino Tucson
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ind your pot of gold at Desert Diamond Casino! Try your luck on a hunt for the leprechaun’s shining pot of gold in Konami Gaming, Inc.’s new symbol-driven progressive Lucky O’Leary Jackpots! This 7-8-8-8-7 Xtra Reward game features a 3 level symbol driven standalone progressive jackpot. Randomly throughout game play, wild pot of gold symbols transform to red or blue. A mix of red and blue pot of gold symbols across 3 reels awards the Mini jackpot. At least 1 blue pot of gold symbol on 3 reels awards the Major jackpot, and at least 1 red pot of gold symbol on 3 reels awards the Maxi jackpot. To help you on your quest for a pot of gold progressive, the Lucky O’Leary leprechaun randomly gives a burst of laughter and scatters extra pot of gold symbols to the reels for big win potential. Any 3 or more clover symbols trigger 8 free games. During the free games, a rush of additional pot of gold symbols is added to the reels, according to the number of four leaf clover trigger symbols collected. For more information on the latest slots offered at Desert Diamond Casinos, visit DDCAZ.com, or call 866-DDC-WINS (866-332-9461), or follow on Facebook (/ddcaz), Twitter (@DiamondCasinos), and Instagram (@DiamondCasinos). $
08 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
Mistress of Egypt Now At Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
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GT’s Mistress of Egypt video slots is sure to keep all us slot enthusiasts engaged with its frequently occurring scattered wilds feature. During the base game, a pyramid rotates on the top screen and levitates in the mistress’ hands until she releases it onto the reels where it can cover up to 15 symbols that then become wild! Huge stacks of Mistress symbols provide big wins with 5 stacks triggering the top award. The game’s graphics and Egyptian-themed art packaging look stunning on the new CrystalDual 27 cabinet which features dual floating 27-inch, high-definition displays for an immersive experience. If you’re the type of player who enjoys exciting base game action, you’re sure to enjoy this 3x5 reel, 30 pay line game! To discover more exciting video slot themes, visit IGT.com. With nearly 2 dozen new slot machines being installed this month and next month, you’ll definitely want to plan a trip up to Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson so you can cool down while playing some incredibly hot, new games! For more information on Mazatzal, visit MazatzalCasino.com. $
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
All In Now At Talking Stick Resort
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here’s a hot, new slot in town which includes exciting and innovative game play and it’s IGT’s brand new game called All In! This 50 credit cost-tocover game is housed on the CrystalCurve gaming machine and features an exciting Wheel Bonus to keep all slot enthusiasts sitting on the edge of their seats. When a player gets a combination of scattered chips and the Play Wheels symbol, they can choose to take their win or wager 25, 50, or 100 percent of their scattered chips and then spin the wheel. If a multiplier lands on the wheel spin, the winnings are added to the player’s bonus bank. Players can also collect four of the same gemstones during wheel spins to win one of three progressives. This 3x5 reel, 30 pay line game is an extremely fun and entertaining game that will keep players holding their breath in anticipation of what symbols will show up on each spin with every press of the button! For more information about All In and other new products by IGT, visit IGT.com. For more information about Talking Stick Resort and their amenities, visit their website at TalkingStickResort.com. $
azgamingguide.com | May 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide
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TABLE GAMES By Al Moe
THINGS YOU HEAR IN THE PIT The Inside Scoop On Words Like “George” or “Prime”
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ealers are a special breed of people scientifically engineered to work in a hot pit at night and a cold morgue during graveyard hours. Their ears are designed to ignore slot machines bells, screams of laughter, anger, and about 85% of the whining that blackjack players send out like smog over the table games. Like their brethren, Pit Bosses are humanoids specially constructed to see through clouds of smoke, discern organically which voices to listen to all shift and to look busy even when the crowd is thin. It’s a gift, and not everyone can do it. If you ever thought a dealer was like some crazy neighbor who is always talking, you were right. Some dealers are. But it’s not their fault. It’s the nosey Pit Bosses who insist on being told everything that’s going on. And what might that be? Well, let me illuminate. It often seems like dealers are required to call out every move they make. And, while you might think what’s being said is redundant (it is, it is), there are subtle speech changes that only Pit Bosses understand. For instance: “Change one-hundred,” means, “I’m awake, and giving a player $100 in chips for $100 in cash.” “Change one,” means, “I’m changing a hundred bucks for like the 50th time today.” And finally, there’s “Change,” which means, “I’m tired, my breaker is late, and somebody wants chips for cash, so look over here if you want to.” By comparison, when the dealer says “Cheque change,” it means the player has large denomination chips they want changed to small denomination chips. “Color up” means the opposite, but you knew that, right? If you hear the dealer say “Cheque’s play,” that’s a heads-up to the Pit Boss that a player is betting close to the table maximum. Other dealer calls have varying meanings like when they call out “doubling on a hard hand.” They say that, so the Pit Boss has something interesting to talk about on their next break. It’s
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also so the player can’t say they made a mistake, I suppose. If you hear a dealer say, “That guy is George,” that’s not his name. It means he’s a tipper, or generous. Another way they communicate that is by saying the player was “live,” or even “nickel live,” which means the player tipped $5 nearly every hand. That’s nice! That’s not to say all the other players were dead. No, the dealers won’t say that, even if they get “stiffed.” But if you hear a dealer say a player was “Prime,” that’s not as good as it sounds. In fact, that’s a reference to Amazon Prime, where delivery is free. So, the dealer delivered but didn’t get tipped; they did it for free. Bummer! Anyway, I like playing in the pit, even if it’s loud and smoky. If you wonder why it’s called a pit, an old casino owner in Nevada said they put the tables in a circle so the Pit Bosses could watch the dealers, the chips, and the money. “Like a mining pit,” he said, “which is round, and that’s where the gold is. That sounded logical to me. Besides, everyone in the casino tells the truth, right? By the way, I broke even last night! $ 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. His book, “Vegas and the Mob," is available online at Amazon.com. He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.
TABLE GAMES By TJ Jorgensen
THE TRUTH ABOUT SIDE BETS Uncovering What Lurks Behind Tempting Wagers At The Tables
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hen the average blackjack player sits down at a table the casino usually has about a .7% advantage. If the player uses perfect basic strategy the house advantage can be reduced to about -.54% depending on the rules and number of decks used. With more players becoming educated and reducing the house edge, many casinos have added side bets to increase their profit margin. All casinos offer the insurance bet when the dealer has an up card of an ace and most of the casinos that I have been to lately offer side bets in addition to your blackjack wager. This month we will take a look at some of the popular side bets. The Insurance Bet When the dealer turns over an up card of an ace they will offer insurance. You can place up to 1/2 of your wager on the insurance line and if the dealer has blackjack you lose your wager but the insurance covers what you lost. For example, if you bet $5 and the dealer turns up an ace, you can place $2.50 on the insurance bar. If the dealer has blackjack he takes your $5 wager, but pays you 2 to 1 on your insurance bet. You get your $2.50 insurance wager and $5 back and have lost nothing. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you lose your $2.50 insurance wager and then you play out your hand. So is this a good bet or a bad bet? The dealer will have a blackjack approximately 3 out of every 10 times that they show an ace. If your wager is always $5 and you don't take the insurance, you will lose your bet 3 times out of 10 for a loss of $15. If you take the insurance bet at a cost of $2.50 (for a $5 wager) you will lose that bet 7 out of 10 times at a cost of $17.50. Most all blackjack books (good and bad) will tell you not to take the insurance bet under any circumstances.
two cards is 9 to 1. If you play side bets every hand, you can almost guarantee you will end up losing. The house advantage goes from -.54% for a perfect basic strategy player to a whopping 24.71% edge on the Lucky Ladies with a 6 deck game! Other Side Bets—Buster Blackjack Some casinos offer a side bet called Buster Blackjack. The player is paid when they make this wager if the dealer breaks. Depending upon how many cards it takes the dealer to bust determines the payoff. The more cards it takes, the higher the payout. When the dealer stands on a soft 17, the dealer will bust about 29.1% of the time. When the dealer hits on a soft 17, the dealer will bust about 29.6% of the time. So you will lose this wager, on average, about two 2 of 3 times. Other Side Bets—Push Your Luck Some casinos offer a side bet that your hand will tie the dealer. If you end up pushing the dealer with this bet it pays 10 to 1. I was surprised to find that the house edge on this bet is small compared to that of other side bets. If you play the max on your side bet, which is equal to 1/2 of your main bet, the house edge goes from .51% to around .76% for a six deck game. That's a cost of .025%. However, you are getting 10 to 1 odds.
You will often hear players say that the only sure bet in blackjack is to take the insurance when you have a blackjack and the dealer has an up card of an ace. Here is the math. Remember the dealer will have a ten when showing an ace approximately 3 times out of 10. Since blackjack pays 1 1/2 to 1, it is better to win that bet 7 times out of 10 or $52.50 (if you always wager $5) than to win your $5 bet all 10 times or $50.
If a player plays perfect basic strategy, the house edge can be reduced to -.54% on a six deck game depending on the rules. If you choose to play side bets, the house advantage will significantly increase and the probability of you walking out a winner will be greatly diminished. While a big payout can be fun to hit, in the long run it will guarantee to make you a loser. $
Other Side Bets—First Two Cards Total 20 Some casinos offer a side bet of 20. That is, for an additional side wager if your 1st two cards total 20, you are paid on that wager regardless of the outcome of your hand. Most casinos pay 3 to 1 for this wager however, the odds of receiving 20 on your first
Writer TJ Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his tournament play and has beaten some of the top tournament players in the world. He has also won the World Series Of Blackjack. His book, “Beating The Casino At Their Own Game” is available by email at: tj21pro@gmail.com.
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
Search for North America’s Best Slot Tournament Player Leads to The Million Dollar Event in Las Vegas on October 10, 2018
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eading slot manufacturer, Everi, just kicked off the 2018 TournEvent of Champions, leading the search for North America’s best slot tournament player and $1 million winner! This electrifying event returns for its seventh consecutive year of slot tournament excitement with six months of thrilling action for thousands of slot players! This year, the TournEvent of Champions will feature a million dollar top prize for the third year and over $400,000 in additional prize money to be awarded by Everi during the finals at Encore’s XS Club on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Qualifying players from tournaments at local casinos around the country are treated to airfare, luxury accommodations, spending money and a minimum of $500 in prize money no matter how they place during the final competition. “The entire team at Everi can’t wait to bring the excitement of TournEvent and the TournEvent of Champions to our partner casinos in the United States and Canada as we build on what has truly become North America’s premier slot tournament,”
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said the Vice President of Marketing & Promotions at Everi. “Our imitated but never duplicated event continues to grow and we believe that this year’s campaign will be the best ever!” Gone are the days of the boring slot tournament where participants hammer away at an old stepper (a three reel mechanical slot) which is about as engaging as yesterday’s leftover cup of coffee. Everi, formerly Multimedia Games, introduced their TournEvent package of slots onto casino floors back in 2011. This innovative, new slot tournament system allows casinos to run traditional video slots and seamlessly transition into a slot tournament whenever they choose. Plus, the TournEvent slots introduced several important features sorely lacking from slot tournaments which have only heightened player entertainment and interest during their experience. These include a leader board showing current scores and standings with names, a built-in camera associating faces, names and scores, in-game bonuses awarding players touching an icon on screen, the Money Man which takes players to first
place and, most importantly, a National TournEvent of Champions with many casinos all across the country allowing their patrons to participate in qualifying slot tournaments for a spot in the finals every year in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s TournEvent of Champions promises to be the hottest one yet! Desert Diamond Casinos (Tucson, Sahuarita, and the West Valley) are the current locations that players can get in on the action. Other Arizona casino locations are being added regularly, so make sure to check at the Player’s Club at your favorite casino for tournament dates and times! 2018 Championship Finale Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Wynn/Encore Las Vegas XS Night Club 2018 Grand Prize $1,000,000 2018 Championship Event Prize Package Each winning casino representative will receive $800 in airfare to Las Vegas for themselves and a guest, ground transfers in Las Vegas, three nights of luxury hotel accommodations at the Wynn/Encore Las Vegas, $500 for food and beverage purchases, individual casino medal, individual casino jersey and of course, most importantly, a seat at the championship event! 2018 Championship Payout (for top 5 places)* Place Prize 1 $1,000,000 2 $150,000 3 $50,000 4 $25,000 5 $10,000 To find out more about the 2018 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 final prize structure will be published by Everi no later than October 10, 2018. All participants are awarded a cash prize no less than $500.
20 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
ARIZONA LOTTERY By Megan Conner
PLAY POWERBALL, WIN A CRUISE AZ Lottery Offers Exclusive Cruise With Powerball Promotion!
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ave you ever wanted to sail the Caribbean on an exclusive cruise ship? Relax on the picture-perfect beaches of the Bahamas? Then the latest promotion from the Arizona Lottery is perfect for you! Through the Powerball Power Cruise promotion, you have the chance to win an exclusive cruise package to Nassau and CocoCay, Bahamas. Now through June 10, 2018, enter your winning and non-winning Arizona Lottery Powerball tickets to become eligible for the ultimate vacation package. Twenty-five prize packages will be available exclusively for Arizona Lottery players to board the cruise ship alongside winners from other US lottery jurisdictions. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the five night cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s adventure-packed ship, Majesty of the Seas, will set sail on January 19, 2019. Once Power Cruise leaves the dock, the excitement will truly begin for the guests on board. $250,000 in cash prizes will be given away to registered trip winners on the ship, including seven $5,000 prizes and two $50,000 grand prizes! “The Arizona Lottery is excited to offer this incredible promo-
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tion to our players,” said Gregg Edgar, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. “The Power Cruise promotion offers an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiential prize and gives our team and retailers the opportunity to enhance Powerball sales strategies. With an unbeatable second-chance prize like this, and with full advertising support, this promotion gives our players another reason to play a nationally recognized brand.” Any Arizona Lottery Powerball ticket purchased from April 14 through June 10, 2018, is eligible as a single entry into the Power Cruise drawing. Enter via the Powerball Power Cruise website or by scanning your tickets with the Power Cruise Collect n’ Win mobile application. In addition to cash prizes on board, Power Cruisers will also enjoy VIP concerts from Kenny Loggins and World Classic Rockers, featuring members of Journey, Boston, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steppenwolf and Santana. Majesty of the Seas also offers a poolside movie screen, the cool serenity of Vitality Spa, and the winning thrills of an expanded Casino Royale. Powerball tickets, starting at $2, are available for purchase at all 3,000+ Arizona Lottery retail locations. The jackpot starts at $40 million. For more information on Powerball Power Cruise or other exciting games, visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. $
TRAVEL
Route 66 Casino Hotel & RV Resort
By Janis DeLaney
ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL & RV RESORT Experience RV Luxury On Route 66
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iscover the Southwest’s newest vacation destination, the Route 66 RV Resort. Located 15 minutes west of Albuquerque, on Historic Route 66, this multi-million dollar RV vacation spot embodies the American tradition and spirit of the Mother Road with its unique architectural design and deluxe resort and casino amenities. Once you exit Interstate 40 and turn into the Route 66 Casino and RV Resort complex, RV travelers will take comfort in the gated security offered by the RV Resort. The convenience continues with large, pull-through sites on easy-to-navigate paved roads. You’ll savor the stunning views and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding Southwest landscape at any one of their 100 full-service RV sites. Travelers have a choice of 100/50/30/20 AMP connections, and all site locations include the comforts of a picnic table and fire ring. The Route 66 RV Resort was awarded the coveted 10/10*/10 rating from the industry’s leading publication, Good Sam. There’s no doubt that you will agree as you delight in their many state-of-the-art resort amenities. Their deluxe RV Clubhouse features a fireplace, large-screen television, billiards table and games, full kitchen, a high-end workout facility, spa-like bathroom and laundry facilities. Peer out the back windows of the RV Clubhouse and be greeted with a glimpse of their stunning resort-style pool, which features a beach entry, hot tub and 60-foot water slide. Relaxation is sure to be top-of-mind as you try their brand new putting green. They’ve even thought of fun for the furry family members and have taken “pet friendly” to a whole new level at the Route 66 RV Resort. Pets are welcome at any of the RV Resort facilities, plus there are two fenced-in, grassy dog parks with plenty of room for exercise and play. Debuting in spring of 2018, guests will be able to enjoy the complimentary use of a new dog washing station. New Mexico provides the perfect backdrop for groups seeking an exciting new rally location. With space to accommodate groups from ten to 500, your family or friends can enjoy Albuquerque’s most popular vacation destinations within a few minutes’ drive. Spend the evening recapping the day’s adventure over a campfire meal at the RV Resort’s outdoor rally barn. Equipped with multiple gas grills, sinks, counters, and picnic tables, the rally barn is sure to be the gathering point for your group for the duration of your trip. Plan your stay today! RV reservations can be made by visiting
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Route 66 RV Resort Fitness Room
Route 66 RV Resort Full Kitchen For Resort Guests
Route 66 RV Resort Pickle Ball Courts
Route 66 RV Resort Putting Green
RT66RVResort.com or by calling 1.505.352.8000. The best gaming, dining, and entertainment is just a hop, skip and short 15 minute drive west of Albuquerque on I-40, exit 140. Visit their website at RT66Casino.com for the latest Route 66 Casino Hotel news or call 1.866.352.RT66 (7866). $
GAMING NEWS By Brian Sodoma, for Arizona Lottery Reprinted courtesy of Arizona Lottery and Republic Media
ATM Message Catches Problem Gambler At Right Time, Moves Him Toward Change We see them when entering the casino floor and in other conspicuous zones inside gaming environments. They are signs offering problem gambling resources and information to those who may need help. For most of us, these messages go largely unnoticed. However, one day in July 2016, at an Arizona casino, Delbert Sutton, after losing yet another few hundred dollars, was ready for a change. So, the timing for one of those messages couldn’t have been better. Sutton was in a particularly vulnerable space at the time. A 12year relationship had abruptly ended and he had lived a life avoiding responsibilities and living out of integrity, then turning to gambling as a means to cope. On that day, not unlike many others, he had gambled away several hundred dollars then went to an ATM to get more money. He found his account was overdrawn and a message in blue letters on the screen asked: Problem gambling? “All of a sudden I saw those words … I said, ‘I do (have a gambling problem). I’m done.’ I walked out the door feeling really happy I didn’t spend any more money,” he recalled. At the time, Sutton was about eight months behind on his mortgage and in a personal financial free-fall. Frankly, these situations had been recurring for decades, he explains. Growing up in Tucson, Sutton began a real estate career in 1972. As a part of that, he made regular trips to Las Vegas for meetings, which also encouraged his love of gambling. “Gaming was something I observed a lot as a kid. … Poker was always around me. … I grew up around all this excitement,” he said. With professional success, there was money to gamble. Going to Las Vegas and dropping $5,000 to $15,000 wasn’t a concern to him. Even during leaner times, he always figured the money would come back, until time and again it didn’t, he said. “It was really a lifetime of spending money I didn’t have, thinking I was going to win the big one. … [In July 2016] I was on the verge of being indigent and homeless.” After that reflective moment in the casino, Sutton reached out to a friend who overcame gambling problems in the past. That friend encouraged him to seek help. After doing some online research at ProblemGambling.AZ.gov, Sutton found counselor Jim Soward, who is one of the state’s licensed therapist’s contracted by the Arizona Division of Problem Gambling; he has specialized training in gambling disorders. Committed to recovery, Sutton also reached out to other per-
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
sonal development programs as well. It wasn’t his first time kicking a bad habit, having beaten alcohol addiction 24 years earlier and foregoing cigarettes shortly after that. Today, in addition to prospering in his real estate career (and being caught up on his mortgage), Sutton also volunteers for organizations that support others in their addiction recovery journey. “All I can say is that I’ve met a lot of amazing people who never gave up on me,” he said. “Now, I’m busting my [butt] to pay it forward.” Sutton’s success story is not new to Elise Mikkelsen, Manager of the Division of Problem Gambling for the Arizona Department of Gaming. Each year, the agency, which receives the bulk of its funding from tribal casino revenues along with a $300,000 annual contribution from the Arizona Lottery, provides treatment services to around 900 people. In addition, Mikkelsen emphasizes counseling services are available to family members, business partners and others affected by one person’s gambling problem. “We really see people from all walks of life and income ranges,” Mikkelsen added. “People are becoming more aware of the possibility of this being an issue,” she said. “But it does still seem to fall under the radar.” Even with growing awareness, problem gambling can still be difficult to diagnose. $
22 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Employees Go All-In for Community Giving
In 2017, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino made a large impact in the community through its HERO program. HERO is an employee-based volunteer program in which Harrah’s staff and their families make noteworthy and visible contributions to the community by donating their time, skills, expertise and compassion to dozens of volunteer projects throughout the community. Harrah’s employees knocked its initial volunteer goal of 15,000 hours out of the park and ended up contributing a total of 24,979 volunteer hours in 2017. More than 76 percent of the casino’s employees participated in a HERO activity in 2017. Once again, the casino ranked in the top three, coming in third place, across the entire Caesars Entertainment brand for its October Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and second in the brand for its CodeGreen sustainability efforts during the month of April. The most tangible way Harrah’s philanthropic efforts can be seen is through the organizations and causes the casino supported this past year: F.O.R. Maricopa; Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day; Phoenix Rescue Mission; American Cancer Society; Phoenix Children's Hospital; Maricopa Against Abuse; United Way of Pinal County; Habitat for Humanity and The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. For 2018, Harrah’s has set a goal of completing more than 16,000 volunteer hours with a more than 90 percent employee participation rate. For more, visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $ Pedestrian Walkway Bridge Opens! Connects Harrah’s Ak-Chin with UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle Now guests can easily walk the 180 feet between the two properties in airconditioned comfort, getting a bird’s eye view of the Ak-Chin Community along the way!
28 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
Twin Arrows Casino Launches REACH 365 Digital Engagement Systems for Customers & Employees
Engaged Nation, creators of the patent-pending REACH online digital engagement system, announced today that Twin Arrows Casino Resort in Flagstaff, AZ has launched their award-winning REACH 365 platform—one for their customers and a tandem version designed to train their staff. This gamified online engagement system is customized for their guests under the private-label brand Bonus Rewards and Team Arrows for their employees. “We are excited and confident that this customized digital engagement program will give us a competitive edge,” said Bryce Warren, GM of Twin Arrows Casino Resort. “When we saw its past results and how it can extend all our marketing initiatives, we eagerly embraced the opportunity to implement this state-of-the-art gamified marketing program. We’re also very excited to use this program with team members to improve our guest experience.” The REACH 365 program utilizes a subtle form of incentive psychology to create a desired outcome determined by each individual property, from creating more awareness and interest in property amenities and promotions to driving quantifiable incremental property visits and revenue. The program cultivates active participation with a variety of fun and “edutaining” online games and activities as it awards virtual currency, drawing entries, and other instant rewards that can only be redeemed at the casino property. In a similar fashion, staff members use the Team Arrows portal to keep apprised of property promotional programs and other changes, learn about customer service and teamwork, as well as the history and culture of the Navajo people. Like customers, team members earn virtual currency for their participation that they can use to redeem for rewards. This instant gratification and recognition is key to a successful employee engagement program. $
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Elizabeth Schueren
$100,000 NATIONWIDE GIVEAWAY Golden Nugget Laughlin 24K Select Club Members Can Win Their Share!
S
pring has sprung at Golden Nugget locations across the nation, where 24K Select Club members have the opportunity to win big in gift cards, comp dollars, and more, in promotions that total $100,000 worth of giveaways at all five Golden Nugget casinos.
Visit each Golden Nugget’s 24K Select Club Booth or promotional website for more information. Not a 24K Select Club member yet? Become one today and stay, play, and dine at Golden Nugget locations across the country! Present a valid ID at any Golden Nugget 24K Select Club Booth to sign up today.
Every Saturday in May, 24K Select Club members will have the chance to win up to $500 in 24K Select Club Comp Dollars at Golden Nugget Laughlin during its $20,000 Nationwide Comp Giveaway. In 5 drawings every Saturday, 5 winners will receive $125 in 24K Select Comp Dollars every hour from 5-8pm, and 5 winners will receive $500 24K Select Comp Dollars at 9pm.
The Golden Nugget Laughlin has all your favorite slots with over 800 reel, video, progressives and video poker games. From your favorite classic slots to games with the latest themes, bonus events and life-changing jackpots, they offer the best slots in Laughlin. Choose your play level, from penny slots to $25 games, and take your luck for a spin!
Drawing tickets for Golden Nugget Laughlin’s $20,000 Nationwide Comp Giveaway can be earned by playing slots or table games Thursday through Saturday.
For more information on Golden Nugget Laughlin’s upcoming promotions or to book a stay at Golden Nugget Laughlin, visit GoldenNuggetLaughlin.com or call 1.800.237.1739. $
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA By Mark Novak
DOWN HOME BBQ Picnic Or Take-Out Style Only At Victory Plaza—Tropicana Laughlin
E
very Friday in May (that’s the 4th, the 11th, the 18th, and the 25th), the Tropicana Laughlin is the only casino in Laughlin to have an outdoor BBQ complete with a cash bar, live music, and plenty of food! Menu items include: Brisket, Chicken, Sausage, Ribs and favorite sides such as Mac & Cheese, Fries, Onion Rings and more as well as desserts. Patrons can see a complete menu, with pricing, each Friday at Victory Plaza. The grill masters at the Tropicana Laughlin start serving their mouthwatering creations at 4pm until close. I’m always there early so I don’t miss out on my favorite: Ribs with Mac & Cheese! And, the evening isn’t complete without some free entertainment. The bands start at 7pm and play to 11pm. I never miss the opportunity to enjoy the food, music, and a beer when I’m in town! No matter where you stay in Laughlin, check out this gem of a BBQ, it’s worth it!
32 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
For those of you who grew up with the Beastie Boys (remember them?), the Tropicana Laughlin is serving up a real treat on Saturday, May 26! The Brass Monkeys will put on a tribute performance for fans featuring high-energy Beastie Boys covers (complete with costume changes), spanning the group’s entire career. $
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
Editor’s Pick
Donnie & Marie Casino Del Sol July 22
The Sol of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s premier entertainment destination, Casino Del Sol, has announced that its award-winning concert venue, Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheater (AVA) has undergone a renovation, and is better than ever, just in time for the 2018 concert season. An expansive, yet intimate, concert and event venue, AVA seats approximately 5,000 people in covered seating and on the lawn, offering perfect sight lines from every angle. Concert goers will now have easier access to the venue’s two beer gardens. The walls that separated the beer garden area from the seating area have been removed, opening the gardens for an improved beverage experience. Furthermore, to help alleviate long lines at concessions, AVA’s electronic payment infrastructure has been upgraded so that payments can be processed at hyper-speed. By mid-season, even more attendees will be able to enjoy world-class entertainment, as 280 additional reserved seats will be installed. The new-and-improved AVA Amphitheater is ready to welcome guests to its 17th season. “We are excited to welcome concert goers to see firsthand the improvements we have made at AVA to enhance their experience,” said Kimberly Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol. “For the 17th year, world-renowned musicians will again grace the AVA stage, and we can’t wait for guests to experience amazing live music in our improved facility.” The first half of the concert lineup is listed below, and it is just the beginning. Stay tuned for additional acts to be announced in the coming weeks. $ May May May May June July
06: 10: 13: 16: 14: 22:
Engelbert Humperdinck Billy Currington with LOCASH Richard Marx Luis Miguel Brantley Gilbert Donny & Marie
Verify all details & age restrictions (generally 21 & over) for each event. Venues, times, dates, & ticket information are subject to change. Photos/images copyright of the individual artist(s), photographer(s), or venue(s). All Rights Reserved. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.
azgamingguide.com | May 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide
33
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN By Sami Becker
THE POWER OF “THANK YOU” How Two Little Words Can Brighten Your Day And Someone Else’s
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ustomer service employees at the casinos deserve our respect at all times, but especially when they are providing us with great service. I’d like to personally say “thank you” to every casino employee who has provided me with great customer service. I know, that may sound ridiculous to some of my readers as I can’t identify all the employees I’ve interacted with, and many employees may not know or recognize me. But I feel it is important to let all of you know, again (because I always say “thank you” in person), that I am recognizing your hard work and service in making my entertainment experience more enjoyable. That being said, I also expect a “thank you” in return from all of the customer service employees I interact with! This word cuts
34 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
both ways in my book. I enjoy paying people compliments by saying “thank you” and giving tips, but I also count on the same courtesy in return. Having been in casinos (as both an employee and a patron) across almost three decades, I know how difficult it can be to work in customer service. So, to all you casino patrons out there, don’t take your frustrations out on the casino employees. And, to all you employees out there, keep making us feel like your personal guest, and we’ll keep coming back! $
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!
WINNING WAYS By Mark Novak
VISIT BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS New Interblock Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament & June Promos
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long with installing a brand new six-station electronic Roulette table game at Bucky’s Casino in Prescott, Arizona, their $10,000 Texas Hold ‘Em qualifying period has begun. The first 80 players with 100 hours of live play will qualify for the tournament. The qualifying period ends on July 27, 2018 and the tournament will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2018. And, every Tuesday and Saturday in June, 200 lucky winners will have a chance to putt for cash prizes up to $1,000 in the “Putt Your Luck” promotion! I’d get your putter out and start practicing so, when your name is called as a qualified Gold Rush Club member, you'll be ready to sink it at any distance! The promotion will be held in the non-smoking room at Yavapai Casino. While you are at Yavapai Casino, head over to the Cantina and order the Combo Basket ($11) which gets your party four wings, three mozzarella sticks, four onion rings, and four tempura shrimp. For your entrée, make sure to order the Reuben Sandwich ($9.50), The Pastrami Burger ($9.50), or any of their Burritos(~$9)! Yum! I can’t wait! $
azgamingguide.com | May 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide
35
FUN & GAMES
CHINESE HOROSCOPE—Year Of The Dog Pray for good luck on these dates in May 2018: 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 23, and 29 . People born in the Year Of The Dog have lucky items including: Roses, Diamonds, Green, Red, Purple, and the Numbers 3, 4, and 9. Dates for Year Of The Dog: 02/14/34-02/03/35, 02/02/46-01/21/47, 02/18/58-02/07/59, 02/06/70-01/26/71, 01/25/82-02/12/83, 02/10/94-01/30/95.
WORD SEARCH
SUDOKU
To Celebrate Memorial Day On May 28, Find: AMERICA, BARBEQUE, CEMETERY, DAY, DEAD, FAMILY, FLAGS, FLOWERS, HOLIDAY, HONOR, MAY, MEMORIAL, MONDAY, NATIONAL, NORTH, PICNIC, PRESIDENT, SOLDIER, SPEECH, TOMB, WAR, WREATH. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 38)
Each of the columns, rows, and 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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36 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
6 2
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azgamingguide.com | May 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide
37
888-243-3360 534
Y
Y
1500 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 321
05. Casino Arizona
101 & McKellips
Scottsdale
480-850-7777 920
Y
Y
06. Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
Tucson
855-765-7829 1,023
Y
Y
08. Casino Of The Sun
5405 W Valencia Rd
Tucson
855-765-7829
7406 S. Camino De Oeste
Tucson
855-765-7829 282
I-17, Exit 289
Camp Verde
800-381-7568 650
09. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel 10. Cocopah Resort Casino
15318 S. Ave. B
Somerton
800-237-5687 502
Tucson
866-332-9467 1,063
12. Desert Diamond Casino-Sah.
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
Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.
16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
480-802-5000 1,109
777 Hwy. 260
Pinetop
800-929-8744 829
1077 S. Kyrene Rd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 841
Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson
Payson
800-777-7529 358
Yuma
888-777-4946 486
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
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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 813
Y
Flagstaff
855-946-8946 1,099
Y
Y
Y
6443 Komatke Ln.
Laveen
800-946-4452 962
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.
Chandler
800-946-4452 1,023
Y
Y
Y
Y
1505 E. Hwy. 69
Prescott
800-756-8744 245
27. Yavapai Casino
Y Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y Y
azgamingguide.com
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Word Search Solution C E M E T E R Y D
P R E S I D E N T
A M E R I C A
M E M O R I A L
B R F A M I L Y Y W
M O T E I D N MM O A N Y A S R E U A Q O E D E L B I F A R A D B H
C L O N
I O R D
Sudoku Solution
N C I P S R T H A A Y W
W R E A T T E I A Y O G A S N D R A O E L N E O O P S H
H F L
H C L
5
4
8
6
2
1
7
9
3
2
7
6
3
8
9
5
4
1
3
9
1
5
7
4
2
6
8
4
6
3
1
5
8
9
2
7
8
2
7
9
6
3
1
5
4
9
1
5
7
4
2
3
8
6
6
3
4
2
9
7
8
1
5
1
5
9
8
3
6
4
7
2
7
8
2
4
1
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6
3
9
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com
Y
Y
Y
Sources: AZ Dept. of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 04/01/18 & direct inquiries at press time. Not responsible for incorrect information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.
Use the QR codes for our website & Facebook Page!
Y
Y Y
I-40, Exit 219
25. Vee Quiva Casino
Y
Y
101 & Indian Bend
24. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino 26. Wild Horse Pass Casino
Y
Y
Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 884 Maricopa
18. Lone Butte Casino
Y
58
15406 N. Maricopa Rd.
17. Hon-Dah Casino 19. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
866-332-9467
Y
8
7350 S. Nogales Hwy.
11. Desert Diamond Casino-Tuc.
Y
Y
04. Bucky’s Casino
07. Casino Del Sol Marketplace
Y
Smoke-Free Area
800-272-2438 303
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 482
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