Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - June 2018 - 10:06

JUNE

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 NEW SLOTS

14 TABLE GAMES 18 TOURNEVENT 20 FEATURE STORY 22 ARIZONA LOTTERY 24 TRAVEL 26 GAMING NEWS 30 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 33 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 34 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

20

35 WINNING WAYS 36 FUN & GAMES 38 CASINO DIRECTORY

WINNING STRATEGIES TO PUT YOU ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS AT THE CASINOS.

08

14

33

The slot machine Star Watch Magma, a “slotapocalyptic” game, will have guests on the edge of their seat!

Writer Al Moe has a lot to say about the different comps offered in the Arizona casinos and those in Vegas.

Don’t miss Clint Black’s upcoming show at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson, Arizona on September 1.

STAR WATCH MAGMA AT DESERT DIAMOND CASINO

COMP COMPARISONS ARIZONA VS. LAS VEGAS

COUNTRY LEGEND CLINT BLACK AT MAZATZAL

azgamingguide.com | June 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

SMART GAMBLERS

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

All The Hints & Tips You Need

VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 06 MANAGING DIRECTOR & VIDEO POKER GURU Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

W

e’ve got a great issue this month for all our readers looking for hints and tips to make their casino experience a winning one. From our Feature Story on how to be a smart gambler to our Table Games columnists’ advice to Sami’s Smackdown who chimes in on attitude to the Winning Ways article on figuring out when a bonus will happen; you will be glad you picked up this issue!

Also, there are new slots at Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita, Arizona and at the Golden Nugget Laughlin to read about. We also report on new promotions at Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos in Prescott, Arizona and at the Tropicana Laughlin. Plus, we included several statements from executives within the casino gaming industry about the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding sports betting. You can read all about that hot topic in our Gaming News section!

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 | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYERS TALK

Q: Thanks so much for your previous column answer regarding found tickets/money in a casino, good to know! Recently, I won a jackpot on a poker machine. After a second employee verified the win, he asked me to play [one more hand]. I’m guessing to clear the win. Am I required to do this? In other words, spend more money on a machine that already hit or is this just a courtesy to the casino? What if I refuse and cash out my balance?

Scott Lockerby – Tucson, AZ A: Scott, thank you for an excellent question! We reached out to the Arizona Department of Gaming to verify our suspicions and here was their reply: “The Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact does not require a patron to play off a winning combination. However, clearing the winning combination from the screen and confirming the status of the machine is a critical step that must be taken. If a patron who wins a jackpot chooses to stop playing and cashes out their winnings, then the casino operator will play off the displayed combination according to their house policies and procedures. Interestingly, because each spin on a gaming device is independent of the spin before, it’s possible for a patron to play off the winning combination and hit the exact same jackpot combination to win a second time.”

It is absolutely possible to win back-to-back jackpots! My team and I have not only experienced the excitement ourselves, but we have also seen this phenomenon happen to other people at the casinos plenty of times! Just remember that the random number generator (RNG) has no memory. Each spin is entirely independent of the spin before. With each press of the spin button on a video slot or deal/draw button on a video poker machine, the RNG is randomly choosing symbols or cards to display on screen to the player with no memory of what was drawn during the spin before!

Q: Hello! I’ve read your magazine for a couple of years now and haven’t seen this question asked. We gamble not only in local casinos and Las Vegas but also on cruise ships. Are the casinos at sea regulated? Do they need to adhere to a certain payback percentage? And is it possible for them to adjust a machine’s payback at any time (lots of rumors out there about higher winnings on the first and last night of a cruise)? I’m sure we aren’t the only ones reading your magazine who gamble at sea so I’m hoping you will publish something on this

topic in the near future. Thank you!

Julie Schubel – Scottsdale, AZ A: Julie, thank you for being an Arizona Gaming Guide fan. We truly appreciate your support of our publication!

First, just to be clear, cruise ship casinos are generally only allowed to operate when the ships are in international waters, so these casinos don’t fall under the authority of a government regulatory agency. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is dedicated to providing a set of guidelines for cruise line casinos that address the purchase and internal controls of gaming equipment on the cruise ships. The CLIA calls for all gaming equipment installed on cruise ships to “meet the regulatory standards of the Nevada Gaming Control Board or other licensed jurisdictions for payback and internal software.”

Unfortunately, we must say, that the slot machine games that are available on cruise ships are generally set to the lowest payback percentages available from the slot manufacturers. Although it’s difficult to verify the paybacks on the cruise ship slots unless you play them for a while and analyze the performance of the games, it’s not difficult to observe the payback percentages of games that are openly available to the public such as the video keno and video poker games by just looking at the pay tables. These games tend to have the most horrendous pay tables on cruise ships; some lower than we’ve ever managed to see in land-based casinos! If you can familiarize yourselves with what “decent” video poker and video keno pay tables look like then (based on the type of video poker and video keno games available on the cruise) it will give you an idea of what the cruise line is willing to offer in video slot payback percentages.

Land based casinos in the United States, and all around the world for that matter, are heavily scrutinized by both independent and government regulatory agencies. When gaming software is delivered to a land based casino, a member of the regulatory agency must be present during installation. Furthermore, random checks on installed software continues to happen on a regular basis to ensure compliance. On the other hand, the CLIA merely suggests that gaming devices be inspected on a regular basis and that security surveillance be adequate enough to “assure operations are fair and equitable for all parties.”

To learn more about CLIA and their mission, please visit their website at Cruising.org. $

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 | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

Star Watch Magma Now At Desert Diamond Casino

T

he stars are aligning at Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita! Star Watch Magma, a “slotapocalyptic� game from Konami, will have guests on the edge of their seat while maneuvering through a galactic swirl and erupting volcanoes. Luminous stars reward credit prizes, progressive wins, and bonus prizes, which may award wheel spins of a greater magnitude. Features include Action Stacked Symbols, Xtra Reward, Strike Zone, Nudging Full-reel Prize Symbols, and more! Feel the thrill of Star Watch Magma at Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita.

For more information on the latest slots at Desert Diamond Casinos, visit their website at DDCAZ.com or call 1.866.DDC.WINS (1.866.332.9461), or follow them on Facebook at (/ddcaz), on Twitter (@DiamondCasinos), and Instagram (@DiamondCasinos). $

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

The Brady Bunch

By Everi

E

veri’s new Empire 5527 premium lease cabinet features a portrait-oriented 55-inch upper display and landscape-oriented 27-inch lower display. The cabinet leverages proven technology from the Company’s Empire MPX cabinet to deliver an exciting new player experience with visuals never before seen on an Everi gaming device.

The debut game for the Empire 5527 is The Brady Bunch, a licensed title based on the classic sitcom. This exciting game will feature the show’s beloved characters along with a variety of bonus games that include video clips and sound from the show’s most memorable moments. There are multiple mystery bonus triggers and two exciting picking bonuses – including the Hawaii Pick Bonus, which offers the chance to win the Grand Progressive, and the Sunshine Day free spins, which offers a frequent retrigger and increasing multiplier – and a featured “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” bonus that brings Maureen McCormick’s legendary Marcia Brady character to life.

For more information about this exciting new game, visit Everi.com. $

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Alfred Hitchcock Presents

By IGT

T

here’s a hot, new slot game coming to town which includes exciting and innovative play and it’s IGT’s brand new slot game called Alfred Hitchcock Presents which will take players on a thrilling adventure!

Inspired by the popular Hitchcock films Psycho, Vertigo, and The Birds, this 4x5 reel, 40 pay line game will keep players engaged with its frequent base game features.

Free games are triggered when two bonus symbols land on reels one and three and either the Psycho, Vertigo, or The Birds theme symbol appears on reel five. The Director’s Cut Wheel Bonus is triggered randomly during the base game and can award credits, bonuses, or Hitchcock’s Jackpot. Housed on the stunning Crystal Curve ULTRA gaming machine, this 75 credit cost-to-cover game is sure to keep every player on the edge of their seats!

For more information about Alfred Hitchcock Presents and other new products by IGT, visit IGT.com. $

azgamingguide.com | June 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

11

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

COMP COMPARISONS It’s Human Nature To Want A Little Something Back For Your Action

W

hether it’s discounted groceries, gasoline, or hotel stays, it’s human nature to want a little something back for your action. I get it. I want it too. I’m human, regardless of what some people might think.

It’s also human nature to wonder who’s offering the best deals.

Along with that line, I often hear how great the comps are in Vegas, and those in Arizona can’t compare. That can be true, but it’s not accurate.

Arizona and Las Vegas Comp Values To start with, I can get to a local casino here in Arizona in about ten minutes. Vegas is a long, hot 250-mile drive away through the desert. When you get to your Strip casino, you get to pay $15 to park your car. Then you can easily burn twenty minutes getting out of the parking lot, through the casino, and to a blackjack table.

Parking is safe, free, and a five minute walk to the tables at any Arizona casino. Time is money, so I feel like I’m getting a deal here. And, if I drop by the café and have breakfast, our family of four never spends more than about $30. Try getting out of a Strip casino coffee shop for less than twice that!

can’t be avoided any more than the house edge at Keno, World Poker Tour, or your favorite slot machine.

Still, getting Ling and Louie’s fried rice for half-price is a nice reward at the Wild Horse Pass poker room. And enjoying a $10 New York steak dinner in Talking Stick’s Arena poker room is a great value too. Splash pots and bonus hand payoffs are gravy.

In Vegas, you pay premium prices for your vacation. You might earn $2 per hour in comps for your $25 average bet compared to $1.50 in Arizona casinos, but in my opinion, the value is here in the Copper State, not in the Silver State.

At Fort McDowell’s poker room, I’m grateful there’s a $100 bonus if my aces get cracked. And, I love the half-price poker menu and use the $1 an hour comps I get to pay for my meals.

Another thing people say is that they love to gamble it up in Vegas. That’s easy to do when so many of the blackjack tables are $15 minimum and higher at night. You get what you pay for. If your average bet is higher in Vegas, your comp dollars will add up quickly.

Does that compare well to table games and slots? Sure. Slot comps do add up quicker than table game comps because at slots you’ll get 300 plays an hour compared to 60 at blackjack.

And, a basic strategy player is playing to less than a 1% disadvantage. It’s closer to 8% on slots, on average.

Table Game Comp Comparison

So, do comps for table games compare favorably to those in slots and poker? Yes, I think they do, so take advantage! $

Another thing I hear is that table game comps aren’t as good as those earned in slots and other departments. I’ve hashed that around a few times, but each department must figure out just what they can afford to rebate in comps.

If you play poker, you know there’s a rake taken each pot.

That’s your cost of playing, plus or minus your skill level. It

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

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

ARE YOU ON A LOSING STREAK? Maybe It’s Time To Reevaluate Your Choices And Playing Style

I

usually write about how to play a winning game of blackjack. This month, however, I am going to inform those of you that seem to be on a losing streak how to continue that streak. One of the best ways I know of (to make sure that you will walk out of the casino a loser) is to play the games with the highest house advantage. I used to think that most players understood that the higher the casino edge, the more likely it is that they will lose, but now I'm not so sure. If you are playing one of the games on my list on a regular basis you are probably experiencing losses of biblical proportions.

Keno One of the casino games that has the highest house edge is keno, a 25% advantage over the player. This means that for every dollar bet in the long run, you will lose twenty-five cents. Keep playing this game and your money will disappear in a hurry.

Slots Everyone knows that slots are fun to play and take absolutely no skill. However, there is a reason that there are no professional slot machine players; the game cannot be beaten. If you play slots for entertainment, it comes at a hefty price. The more you play, the more you will lose, it's as simple as that. If you believe that a machine is due to hit because it hasn't paid out in a while, you will be on your way to the poor house in no time. The slot machine has no memory and could care less if all the previous results were losses. If you play the slot machines fast (like pressing the credit button non-stop resembling a laboratory rat hitting the food button) or play two machines at once, your bankroll will be gone in no time.

Caribbean Stud Poker The main game gives the house about a 5.2% advantage, which by itself is enough to quickly absorb your bankroll. If you play the progressive side bet, you will give the house a whopping 25% advantage. That will wipe out your bankroll in a heartbeat.

Roulette In Arizona, we have the mechanical roulette games with the two green 0 and 00. You give the house a 5.3% advantage every time you play this game. If you play this game very long, it won't take long before you are headed for the parking lot without a dime in your pocket.

Let It Ride Approximately 76% of all your hands will be losers when play-

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

ing Let it Ride. The hands that you do win will more than likely be at even money. This means that the casino will have about a 3.5% advantage over you, and your bankroll will ride right over to the casino chip tray. Want to lose at this game even faster?

Bet the progressive, it gives the house a 24% edge.

Playing casino games with a high house advantage is not the only reason you will quickly lose your bankroll. Another major contributor is "Bad Ideas."

Here are some of my favorite Bad Ideas: ▪If you go to the casino expecting to lose, you might as well stay home because that's what's going to happen.

▪If you aren't willing to spend any time learning the basics of casino gambling, then you will be on every casino's "A" list as one of the biggest losers.

▪Another bad idea is to make sure you are tired and drink a lot when you gamble, sound familiar?

▪Never set a gambling budget, never set any stop/loss limit and gamble non-stop.

▪Keep playing after a big win, seriously. The longer you play the more likely it is you will give it all back.

▪Gamble more to earn a comp, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Nothing like losing $3000 to earn a free dinner!

▪Gamble more than you can comfortably lose, play with scared money, rent money, or borrowed money. These are the people that you see leaving the casino talking to themselves.

▪Gamble big to impress a friend or girlfriend, a definite buzz kill.

▪Increase bets to get even, this never works!

▪Play hunches all the time or believe that gambling is all luck.

▪Then, my all time favorite, ask your spouse or significant other to give you back the money you told them not to give you back.

If you are guilty of going to the casino and playing exclusively high negative expectation games or doing any one of my "Bad Ideas," maybe you should take some time to reevaluate your play. Recently it occurred to me that the "Gamblers Anonymous Hotline" would be much more popular if they made every tenth caller a winner. $ 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.

TOURNEVENT

TOURNEVENT OF CHAMPIONS IN AZ Participate In The National Slot Tournament & Be The $1 Mil. Winner!

L

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 the 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,” 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

18 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

West Valley) and Casino Arizona (Scottsdale) are the current locations that players can get in on the action. Other Arizona casino locations are being added regularly, so check 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 in the Championship Finale are awarded a cash prize no less than $500.

THE FACE OF A SMART GAMBLER How A Few Straightforward Steps Help Turn You Into A Winner basic guidelines outlined in this article. If some of the topics are already part of your routine, good for you! Spend the extra time to introduce yourself to those concepts you are not familiar with.

No matter what, use this opportunity to make a change and approach your casino entertainment in a new way. We are certain this can only assist you in having a continued positive experience at the casino immediately and in the future.

ESTABLISH AND MANAGE YOUR BANKROLL! Establishing a bankroll is one of the most important lessons to learn. You certainly don’t go to the movies without a very good idea as to how much the entire experience will cost you, right?

Every smart gambler plans in advance as to how much money will be spent during a particular casino visit. Your bankroll is the amount of money you are willing to spend on wagering.

Remember that you will also plan a separate “bankroll” for transportation, food, drink, lodging, tips, sundries, and so on.

Your bankroll for wagering should then be further subdivided into categories. You can split the money into days, hours, games to play, areas of the casino floor, or any other ways you can think of in order to manage your bankroll while at your favorite casino. The amount you set aside for each “section” of your bankroll is fixed and adhered to at all times. Keep a record of your wins and losses as your casino visit progresses. This will reinforce the concept of managing your bankroll and why it is such a valuable skill to master as a casino enthusiast.

V

isiting a casino is a fun and exciting entertainment option. Whether you enjoy playing the slots, are trying your luck at the tables, or hoping for the chance to be able to yell out “BINGO,” you will find a varied selection of gaming opportunities in the casinos here in Arizona.

If you are considering participating in this form of recreation, you need a game plan. You have to be just as organized about a night out at the casino as you would be preparing a party or doing your weekly grocery shopping.

For example, looking through the weekly ads and collecting coupons can save you a lot of money on your groceries. Also, writing out a grocery list introduces order to your shopping and prevents you from forgetting items you may need to go back for again later.

Do your homework, just like you would for any other entertainment activity, before you leave for a casino trip. If you can incorporate this simple step into your planning routine, you will have taken significant steps towards becoming a smart gambler.

The path towards “lucky” and “winning” is to follow some

20 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

KNOW THE HOUSE EDGE FOR EVERY GAME YOU PLAY! Understand that the house always has an advantage over the gaming public in the long run, and generally in the short run as well. Recognize that different casino games have different house edges and that, in most cases, a smart gambler knows how to calculate the house edge.

In the case of slots, house edges vary depending on the casino, the game, the bet, and the denomination you play.

GET A PLAYER’S CLUB CARD—NOW! Always sign up for a player’s club card. No, this card is not just for slot players! This applies to any casino patron, no matter what their favorite game is. From bingo to live keno and everything else in between, make sure you have and use your player’s club card at all times.

Having signed up for the club, the casino will offer you valuable coupons and information on promotions in the mail, or through e-mail if you prefer.

KNOW YOUR GAME AT ALL COSTS! If you have a favorite game, then you should learn everything

you can about it. For those of you who like card games, there are so many books, websites, self-proclaimed experts, and magazines out there that it can become confusing. All card games are based on logical rules. Logical rules are governed by math.

Figure out the math and you are way ahead of the game.

Even if you don’t like card games, all casino games are based on defined rules. Rules which you can learn, understand, and recall at a moment’s notice if needed. This applies to slots, bingo, keno, and in particular, the game of video poker.

Have a question about a game? Ask us. Ask someone who knows about games, knows about math, knows about casino games. Find a reliable resource and use it to your advantage.

Don’t become influenced by friends, or people who proclaim to know a lot about a subject only a select few truly understand.

Realize that most people have little to no idea about the casino game they enjoy playing most. Many table poker players use this to their advantage time and time again. You should be the most knowledgeable poker player at your table, not someone else. You should understand how a slot machine game works before you play it. In the long run, you become the smarter player and are no longer a victim due to ignorance.

KNOW OTHER GAMES! Look at all the options available to you at the casino! Not only are there a lot of different kinds of slot machine games, there are a lot of other casino games you might find entertaining as well.

Changing what games you play on a regular basis will help keep things fresh and interesting for you.

Don’t be intimidated to try something new! If you are a first time blackjack player, ask a dealer or pit boss if the casino offers “training sessions” for new players. Most slot attendants know the basic game play of every single slot machine on the floor.

Asking them to assist you in finding a new slot, or even a slot which is similar to the one you like, will work to your advantage.

LOVE YOUR GAME! Have a positive attitude about your favorite casino game! Negativity and disillusionment are serious distractions when engaging in any entertainment activity. Who wants to go anywhere with a grouch?

If you no longer feel passionate about a particular game, it’s time to move on. The excitement has to be there in order for you to enjoy the game itself. Without some sort of spark; monotony, boredom, loss of concentration, and the pure lack of enjoyment will destroy your desire to play certain games. Having a keen interest and truly enjoying a game (or games) will keep you sharp!

CASINO GAMES ARE FUN—BE PASSIONATE! The slots are there for your entertainment. So, find one that you have fun playing on a regular basis! There are so many different types of slot games on any given casino floor that anyone can

find at least one game to provide them with some entertainment.

If you don’t have fun playing slots, then you should try a different casino game. Hopefully a new game will captivate your interest and provide a different casino gaming experience for you. Just remember that winning and losing are a part of the entertainment experience throughout the casino, no matter what game you choose to play.

SET YOUR OWN RULES! Make a serious resolution for yourself when it comes to your participation in casino entertainment. Commit to a set of rules you agree to follow when participating in casino gaming. Make the rules reasonable for you. Don’t make multiple goals for yourself which are extremely difficult to adhere to.

This topic should be implemented on the first suggestion we mentioned. Do you remember what it was? That’s right, working with a bankroll! Make several decisions concerning your casino visits and your bankroll, and you will have accomplished two of the suggestions we outlined in the article! For example, you can set a bankroll and your own rules in the following manner: I plan to make X casino visits this year. During each visit I make, I will set aside a bankroll of Y dollars for gaming per day.

Z dollars (of the Y dollars per day) will be used to play Double Double Bonus Video Poker and the remainder of which will be used to play $5 blackjack. This kind of self-discipline pays off over time.

DON’T BEND YOUR OWN RULES! Stick to your guns! If you make a commitment to yourself, have the integrity to follow through and obey the rules you set for yourself. Any opportunity for temptation will result in disaster in the long run. Smart gamblers always adhere to a plan and follow it to the letter. This is a valuable life lesson that easily transfers into the area of casino entertainment.

BE INFORMED! A knowledgeable gambler is a smart gambler. We can’t even begin to count the number of times we overhear people saying, “Oh my gosh! I won! I don’t know what I won! I don’t know how much I won, but I think I won!” while at the casino. That’s a true shocker, every single time we hear it. We don’t think you would exclaim to your family and friends, “Oh my gosh! I bought a car! I don’t know how much it cost! In fact, I don’t know anything about the car, but I think I got a good deal!” would you? We didn’t think so! No one likes to play the fool, much less be the fool. Don’t let your bliss stem from ignorance!

Your actions at the casino should be based on a clear understanding of the game you are playing. Know all the rules of the game. All slot machines have help screens and pay tables accessible to you with the press of a button. Use all the information you can get your hands on to your advantage.

Have fun at the casino, use your head and follow our suggestions. Good luck being a smart gambler! $ azgamingguide.com | June 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

21

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Megan Conner

PLAY POWERBALL, WIN A CRUISE AZ Lottery Offers Exclusive Cruise With Powerball Promotion

H

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-

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

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

D

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 10 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

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

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

Casino Gaming Industry Reactions To Supreme Court Ruling On Murphy v. NCAA Federal Ban On Sports Betting Found Unconstitutional FROM THE AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION Washington, D.C. – May 14, 2018 – The American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement after the announcement of the Supreme Court’s opinion on Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Court’s ruling on the case determined that the federal ban on Sports Betting as established by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is unconstitutional, paving the way for the legalization of Sports Betting in all 50 states.

“Today’s decision is a victory for the millions of Americans who seek to bet on sports in a safe and regulated manner. According to a Washington Post survey, a solid 55 percent of Americans believe it’s time to end the federal ban on Sports Betting. Today’s ruling makes it possible for states and sovereign tribal nations to give Americans what they want: an open, transparent, and responsible market for Sports Betting.

Through smart, efficient regulation this new market will protect consumers, preserve the integrity of the games we love, empower law enforcement to fight illegal gambling, and generate new revenue for states, sporting bodies, broadcasters and many others. The AGA stands ready to work with all stakeholders – states, tribes, sports leagues, and law enforcement – to create a new regulatory environment that capitalizes on this opportunity to engage fans and boost local economies.”

FROM THE NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOC. Washington, D.C. – May 14, 2018 – National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., issued the following statement after the announcement of the Supreme Court’s opinion on Murphy v. NCAA. The Court’s ruling on the case determined that the federal ban on sports betting as established by the PASPA is unconstitutional, paving the way for the legalization of sports betting in all 50 states.

“We are encouraged by today’s decision by the Supreme Court that paves the way for responsible Sports Betting. As a major stakeholder, NIGA joins the AGA, sports leagues and law enforcement to ensure and support a safe regulatory setting, adhering to the principles set by tribes and preserving tribal rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and existing Tribal-State gaming compacts.

Indian country has diverse economies that will be impacted by the federal or state legalization of Sports Betting, and as a significant stakeholder, our gaming tribes look forward to being

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

at the table in establishing the critical regulatory framework that will minimize the negative impacts of Sports Betting on tribal casinos, permitting tribes to conduct Sports Betting in the same manner as non-tribal operators and in line with the principles established by tribes.”

FROM THE AMERICAN SPORTS BETTING COALITION Washington, D.C. – May 14, 2018 – The American Sports Betting Coalition (ASBC) hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling on Murphy v. NCAA as a major victory for taxpayers, local economies and advocates for state sovereignty. The Court deemed the federal ban on Sports Betting, known as the PASPA, unconstitutional.

Since its inception, ASBC has worked tirelessly to assist law enforcement, policymakers and industry leaders in their efforts to overturn the failed ban and arm them with policy solutions to regulate and monitor Sports Betting. Recently, the AGA led a state stakeholders summit with many state and local organizations, law enforcement and consumer groups to reinforce a shared commitment to public safety, collaboration and solutions. Following the ruling, leaders from ASBC issued the following statements: Mark Brnovich, Attorney General of Arizona, Chair of the Conference of Western Attorneys General and Co-Chair of the National Association of Attorneys General Gaming Committee: “This is an important constitutional decision reaffirming principles of federalism and state sovereignty. I have always believed decisions related to gambling should be left to state and tribal governments.”

Matt Schlapp, Chairman, The American Conservative Union: “This is a win for the Constitution and the importance of states leading the way in developing policies that work for their own voters. The Supreme Court is heading in the right direction of recognizing the once forgotten 10th Amendment.”

Tim Murphy, former Deputy Director of the FBI and Chair of the AGA Illegal Gambling Advisory Board: “This is a win for all Americans, consumers and law enforcement alike. States now have the opportunity to bring the illegal betting market out into the open, making it safer and easier for law enforcement to work together to protect fans.” $

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

Bucky’s Casino Features New Poker Tournament, “Putt Your Luck” Promo Held At Yavapai Casino & More!

Casino Arizona Names New General Manager Promoting Director Of Slots Trenni Martinez

This month, the poker room at Bucky’s Casino in Prescott, AZ offers a brand new Bounty Bonus to their 6pm poker tournaments on Monday nights. The poker room will give a $20 Bounty Bonus for knocking a player out of the tournament.

For more details, please see the poker room at the casino.

Casino Arizona, enterprise of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, is proud to announce the promotion of Trenni Martinez to the role of General Manager for Casino Arizona. Martinez comes to the position after serving as Director of Slots for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort since 2014. “Casino Arizona is in the midst of celebrating its 20th anniversary and regardless of whatever level of success that has been achieved, we cannot become complacent,” said Dennis Leong, President and CEO of Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. “The appointment of Trenni Martinez to the role of General Manger will help to ensure consistency in the high quality of amenities and guest service at Casino Arizona in years to come.” As General Manger for Casino Arizona, Martinez will oversee all casino operations, serving as liaison between all departments, and supervise managers that handle day-to-day customer service opportunities.

In addition, the blackjack pit at Bucky’s Casino is offering a Lucky 7’s promotion on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th of every month. Players with winning hands including three 7’s can win either $25, $50, or $100 in chips! Even when players push with the dealer, the extra chips are awarded. For more information, visit the table games area at the casino Also, now through September 1st, during Arizona Diamondbacks baseball home games, the poker room at Bucky’s Casino will add a $10 splash pot for every Diamondbacks run scored.

For more details, please see the poker room at the casino.

And finally, 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, you'll be ready to sink it at any distance! The promotion will be held in the non-smoking room at Yavapai Casino. For more information, visit BuckysCasino.com or call 1.800.756.8744. $

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

“The good news is, nothing is broken,” said Martinez. “This is an amazing property and my goal is to look at it daily, piece by piece, in an effort to evaluate how to make it even better, not only for our guests, but for our employees as well. All the answers are out there, you just have to listen.” Martinez graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in Business and joined the management team at the Isle of Capri Casino in 1996. During his tenure there he worked his way up, taking on roles as a valet, cook, slot manager and eventually a Senior Director of Operations. He continued to hone his hospitality skills, serving as Assistant General Manager at various tourism sectors including Seminole Coconut Creek Casino for more than seven years. In June 2014, he joined Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona. “We are so lucky that this is such a great market for gaming. We can be thoughtful and calculating in deciding what needs to happen,” said Martinez. “The key will be cultivating and growing our existing relationships, while preserving our history. In the end, everything centers around our relationships with guests.” $

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Elizabeth Schueren

OVER $90,000 IS UP FOR GRABS In Golden Nugget Laughlin’s Hot Summer Promotions!

his summer is going to be sizzling hot at Golden Nugget Laughlin. Golden Nugget Laughlin will be giving away over $90,000 this summer between their $55,000 Summer Blackjack tournament Series and $45,000 Cash giveaway.

T

win a piece of the $25,000 prize pool. If you didn’t win one of the previous three $10,000 tournaments in Golden Nugget Laughlin’s $55,000 Summer Blackjack Tournament Series, then entry into the $25,000 finale tournament is $50.

Golden Nugget Laughlin’s $55,000 Summer Blackjack Tournament Series will include three separate $10,000 tournaments and one $25,000 finale tournament. Plus, the winners of each $10,000 tournament are guaranteed a seat at the final table of the $25,000 finale tournament.

Plus, win up to $2,000 every Saturday in June and July in Golden Nugget Laughlin’s $45,000 Cash Giveaway. In three drawings, five winners will receive a share of $1,000 in cash every hour from 7-8pm, and 5 winners share $3,000 in cash at 9pm.

Win up to $5,000 in each of the $10,000 tournaments June 15-16, July 27-28, and August 24-25. Entry into each of the $10,000 blackjack tournaments is $25. That’s three chances for players to guarantee their spot at the final table of Golden Nugget Laughlin’s $25,000 finale tournament where they can win up to $12,500, September 21-23. The top 20 places of the tournament

Drawing tickets for Golden Nugget Laughlin’s $45,000 Cash Giveaway can be earned by playing slots or table games Thursday through Saturday.

For more information about Golden Nugget Laughlin’s upcoming promotions or to book a stay at Golden Nugget Laughlin, visit GoldenNuggetLaughlin.com or call 1.800.237.1739. $

New Slots @ Golden Nugget Fort Knox Video Slots By IGT IGT revamps one of its most internationally acclaimed themes, Fort Knox Video Slots, with the introduction of Fort Knox Diamond Vault Video Slots, and Fort Knox Cleopatra Video Slots. Set on IGT’s CrystalCurve cabinet which features a 43-inch curved display and ultra-HD 4K graphics, both themes retain many of the same game features, such as bank-wide celebrations, that propelled the success of the original game.

Developed for low-denominational gameplay, Fort Knox Cleopatra includes a 5 reel, 30 pay line configuration while Fort Knox Diamond Vault features a 5 reel, 50 pay line configuration. Both themes offer engaging mystery and symboldriven bonus events such as the “Pick a Safe Bonus” that can trigger the game’s five multi-level progressive jackpots. Discover more exciting progressive video slot themes at IGT.com.

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Mark Novak

WIN A 2018 FIAT SPIDER CONVERTIBLE And Get Four 8’s On Video Poker Machines To Win A Free Pizza!

D

uring your next visit to the Tropicana Laughlin, make sure you get your chance to win a 2018 Fiat Spider Convertible! Play slots and table games to earn entries into the Tropicana Laughlin 2018 Fiat Spider Convertible Giveaway. Play from now to June 30, 2018 to earn entries. Earn one electronic drawing ticket for every 50 points earned during play on your Trop Advantage Card. One winner will be drawn at 10:15pm on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Participants must be a Trop Advantage member to enter and must be present to win. Guests may swipe at the casino kiosk to drop electronic entries into the drawing drum after 3pm (the drum closes at 10pm) on Saturday, June 30, 2018.

And as you are earning entries for the Tropicana Laughlin 2018 Fiat Spider Convertible Giveaway, you will get hungry. At least, I always manage to work up an appetite at the casino! To allevi-

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

ate your hunger, from now to August 31, Hit four 8s on video poker (non multi-hand games) or draw three or more 8s on select table game progressives and receive one voucher for a free 2 topping pizza from Passaggio Italian Gardens at the Tropicana Laughlin! Players can redeem their pizza vouchers when the restaurant is open (Fridays—Tuesdays). For complete details on both promotions, visit the Trop Advantage Center. $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Editor’s Pick

Clint Black Mazatzal Hotel & Casino September 1

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in style…Mazatzal Hotel & Casino welcomes country music megastar, Clint Black, on September 1, 2018.

It is one of the most storied careers in modern music. Clint Black surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of ’89, reaching #1 with five consecutive singles from his tripleplatinum debut, Killin’ Time. He followed that with the tripleplatinum Put Yourself in My Shoes, and then a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the ‘90’s. Perhaps most impressively, Clint wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, including A Better Man, Where Are You Now, When My Ship Comes In, A Good Run Of Bad Luck, Summer’s Comin’, Like The Rain and Nothin’ But The Taillights, part of a catalog that produced 22 #1 singles and made him one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era.

Along the way, Clint has sold over 20 million records, earned more than a dozen gold and platinum awards in the U.S. and Canada, landed nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, including more than a dozen Grammy nominations, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This is an outdoor concert, rain or shine and is open to the public of all ages. Preferred Tickets: $50 in advance, $60 day of the event. General Admission: Tickets $25 in advance, $35 day of event. Gates open at 6pm. The show starts at 7pm.

Tickets are on sale now at MazatzalCasino.com and at the cashier cage. Clint Black is back! $ June 02: July 07: Sept. 01:

Mr. Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute) Desperado (Eagles Tribute) Clint Black

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 | June 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

33

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

LUCK, FATE & KARMA Your Energy Directs Your Experience At The Casino

C

hris Pine, the American actor known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk in the film Star Trek (2009) has made the following statement in public: “I believe in luck and fate and I believe in karma, that the energy you put out in the world comes back to meet you.”

Nothing could be closer to the truth with your own personal experience at the casino. If you arrive at the casino with a negative attitude already accepting you will lose, then don’t be surprised when you get what you think. If you arrive at the casino with a positive attitude already accepting you will win, then don’t be surprised when you do win.

This is not to say a winning attitude always produces wins on every single trip to a casino. However, in my experience inside and out of the casino, what you think becomes your reality

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

more often than not. Which leads me to another example of the negativity I observe people having at the casino. The famous line I’ve heard, “Are you here to make a deposit too?” (and various incarnations thereof) makes me cringe for that person and the people they are with. What a poor approach to what should be entertainment! In my mind, whenever I overhear that phrase, I always think “No! No deposit for me! I’ll be withdrawing what you and all the rest of the Debbie Downers here have deposited by the time I’m through!” Leave the bad attitude at home or don’t go to a casino! $

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

WHEN WILL THE BONUS HIT? A Simple “How-To” Step-By-Step Approach For Every Slot Player

o you remember playing Aristocrat’s Pompeii slot machine? I certainly do! From the amateurish graphics to the simple sounds to a great math model capable of producing wins worthy of hitting the “Cash Out” button, I am always looking for this and similar games on every casino floor I walk across. Why the game designers chose “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (Latin for “I came, I saw, I conquered” - a quote attributed to Caesar) as the sound for bonus trigger symbols in a game whose theme depicts one of the worst natural disasters of the ancient world is truly beyond me! But I digress.

D

wants to know (myself included) is when will this bonus hit?

My point is about the bonus and the math, not the appearance of the game. For those of you who don’t recall the game (shame on you!), players are awarded a free games bonus when any three (10 free spins), four (15 free spins) or five (20 free spins) coins are scattered on the reels. Of course what every slot player

During my next play session on the same game, I’ll collect more data on the spins it takes me to hit a bonus. I’ll then update my math as to how many spins it takes to hit the bonus, on average.

The more sessions I have, and data I collect, the more refined my average becomes! Remember: Information equals Power! $

Here’s how we’ll figure that out. During a recent play session at a casino, I kept a record of how many spins occurred between bonuses. I got my first bonus after 89 spins, the next bonus after 87 spins followed by bonuses after 30, 26, 64, 117, and 128 spins!

Quite the session! I walked away up $200 and accumulated some data as well! I then added all the numbers together (all 7 of them) and calculated an average. My simple calculation was 89 + 87 + 30 + 26 + 64 + 117 + 128 = 541, divided by 7, equals 77.

azgamingguide.com | June 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

FUN & GAMES

CHINESE HOROSCOPE—Year Of The Dog Pray for good luck on these dates in June 2018: 2, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 23, and 29 . People born in the Year Of The Dog have the

unlucky colors Blue, White, Golden, unlucky numbers 1, 6, and 7, and an unlucky direction of Southeast.

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 The Summer Solstice On June 21, Find: BARBECUE, BASEBALL, CAMPING, HIKING, ICE CREAM, PICNIC, SANDALS, SOLSTICE, SWIMMING, WATERMELON. 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: Medium.

(Solution on page 38)

B

B

Z

X

S

W

I

M M

I

N

G

B

C

S

K

V

N W A

Y

G

G

N

I

P

M A

C

K

I

X

K

I

S

B

I

O

S

M

L W H

H

K M W

G

L

W

R

K

J

U M

V

Y

H

C

P

O

S

L

V

R

V

Q

Y

S

O

I

I

W O H

B

Q M A

I

W

B

X

N D

K

N

S

L

Q

Y

D

C

O

B

C

F

A

O M

I

C

R

S

I

C

I

W

S

J

E

E

K

R

G N

I

Y

T

L

B

Z

X

N

E

W

S

C

A

B

G

P

C

I

S

V

T

Y

D

V

T

F

A

R

O

E

W

Z

C

L

Q

B

J

M G

E

M

F

B

E

E

C

J

E

A

E

O

I

U

X

M U

L

Q

A

R

U

E

D

R

E

S

G W K

B

P

D

G W M M

E

N

X

R

H

F

Z

V

C

G

O H O

T

U

U A

K

F

O

F

W A

T

E

R M

L

O

N

S

E

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

S

9

4

2

7

4

8

6

3 7

2

4

9 1

2

8 4

3

3 8

2

6

5

9

9

7 5

1 6

azgamingguide.com | June 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

37

888-243-3360 534

Y

Y

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 318

05. Casino Arizona

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 920

Y

Y

06. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,007

Y

Y

08. Casino Of The Sun

5405 W Valencia Rd

Tucson

855-765-7829

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 289

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 649

09. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel 10. Cocopah Resort Casino

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 502

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,108

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 1,117

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 487

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

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 813

Y

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,097

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

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Word Search Solution S W I MM I N G G N I P M A C L

H L I A I B K B C A I E E R N S C B G A R E B E A

C I N C I P

S O L S T I S C L C E A U D M E N A W A T E R M E L O N S

Sudoku Solution 9

4

3

1

2

7

5

6

8

7

1

5

4

6

8

3

2

9

8

6

2

5

3

9

7

4

1

1

2

4

6

9

3

8

7

5

3

5

8

7

1

4

2

9

6

6

9

7

8

5

2

4

1

3

4

3

1

2

8

6

9

5

7

2

8

6

9

7

5

1

3

4

5

7

9

3

4

1

6

8

2

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2018 | azgamingguide.com

Y

Y

Y

Sources: AZ Dept. of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 05/01/18 & 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 483

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