Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - August 2018 - 10:08

AUGUST

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 05 PLAYERS TALK 08 NEW SLOTS

14 TABLE GAMES 18 TOURNEVENT 20 FEATURE STORY 22 ARIZONA LOTTERY 24 WINNING WAYS 26 GAMING NEWS 30 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 32 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 34 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

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36 FUN & GAMES 37 HOT SPOTS 38 CASINO DIRECTORY

2ND ANNUAL ARIZONA STATE SENIORS POKER OPEN IN THE ARENA AT TSR!

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14

22

Multiple disc symbols landing on a spin create numerous wild symbols that can combine for large payouts!

Writer Al Moe tells us how side bets are lovingly baked into this simple Blackjack variant at the casino!

All Fantasy 5 single-ticket purchases are eligible for a chance to win $1 million in second chance drawing!

SOLAR DISC AT HON-DAH RESORT CASINO

HOW TO PLAY PLAYER’S EDGE 21 TABLE GAME

ARIZONA LOTTERY $1 MIL. GIVEAWAY

azgamingguide.com | August 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

SENIORS POKER OPEN At Talking Stick Resort

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 08 MANAGING DIRECTOR & VIDEO POKER GURU Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

W

e’ve got a great issue this month for poker fans, table games players, slot players, and Arizona Lottery fans here in Arizona. Check out the feature story on the 2nd Annual Arizona State Seniors Poker Open held at The Arena in Talking Stick Resort!

Also, there are new slots at Hon-Dah Resort Casino in Pinetop, Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, and new IGT slots coming to casino floors soon! There’s an update on the National TournEvent of Champions Slot Tournament in the TournEvent section. Al Moe gives us the rundown on a Blackjack variant called Player’s Edge 21, and TJ Jorgensen writes about his five dealt Blackjacks in a row in the Table Games section. Mark Novak updates us on his efforts to calculate the bonus pulls to hit on one of his favorite slots in Winning Ways.

Towards the back of the magazine we brought back our “Hot Spots” section because we just couldn't find enough room elsewhere in this issue to stick all the incredible information about Arizona’s casinos this month!

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 | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYERS TALK

Many of our traditional print readers, digital edition readers and Social Media Fans who write in via letter, email and messages are wanting to know which casino in Arizona has the most slots (and is therefore the “biggest”) and so on. Plus, we frequently hear casino patrons asking each other these same questions when we visit casinos around the state. In order to put these facts to rest, we thought we’d highlight the information posted every month on the Arizona Department Of Gaming’s (ADG) website about all of Arizona’s 24 gaming locations. To be clear, ADG’s report includes both Class III and Class II slots so the following facts may come as a surprise to some readers!

“Biggest” Casino In Terms Of Total Slots: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino In Maricopa With 1,118 total slots “Biggest” Casino In Terms Of Class III Slots: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino In Maricopa With 1,118 Class III slots “Biggest” Casino In Terms Of Class II Slots: Desert Diamond Casino In Glendale With 1,089 Class II slots “Biggest” Casino In Terms Of Blackjack Tables: Talking Stick Resort In Scottsdale With 41 Blackjack Tables “Biggest” Casino In Terms Of House Banked Poker Tables (Pai Gow, Three Card Poker, etc.): Three Way Tie With 10 House Banked Poker Tables Each: Casino Arizona In Scottsdale, Gila River Casinos—Wild Horse Pass In Chandler, Talking Stick Resort In Scottsdale “Biggest” Casino In Terms Of Poker Tables: Talking Stick Resort In Scottsdale With 47 Poker Tables “Smallest” Casino In Terms Of Total Slots: Casino Del Sol Marketplace In Tucson With 8 Class II Slots Average Total Slots In An Arizona Casino: 696.4 Slots Per Casino Average Blackjack Tables In An Arizona Casino: 10 & 2/3 Tables Per Casino Average House Banked Poker Tables In An Arizona Casino: 3.2 House Banked Tables Per Casino Average Poker Tables In An Arizona Casino: 6 Poker Tables Per Casino Total Number Of Slots In Arizona: 16,714 Total Slots (Class III & Class II) Total Number Of Blackjack Tables in Arizona: 256 Total Blackjack Tables Total Number Of House Banked Poker Tables In Arizona: 77 Total House Banked Poker Tables Total Number Of Poker Tables In Arizona: 144 Poker Tables In Arizona “First” Arizona Casino To Open With A State Compact: Three Way Tie In November of 1992: Bucky’s Casino In Prescott, Cocopah Casino Resort In Somerton, Yavapai Casino In Prescott, (Followed Closely By Fort McDowell Casino In January of 1993) The “Newest” Arizona Casino: Apache Sky Casino In Dudleyville In April of 2017 (Based on ADG data as presented on their website as of 07/01/2018)

What follows is a selection of our most popular questions we have received across the years. Many thanks to the readers who wrote in and received $25 gift cards for these well thought out questions! Please keep writing! We get a lot of physical and electronic mail but we appreciate every message and do our best to respond to everyone. Who knows? Your question could be featured in an upcoming issue and you’ll get a $25 gift card for your curiosity and effort!

Q: I’m always feeling cheated and I can’t help but think all the games I’m playing are set up for me to lose. I’m not winning as much as I used to win playing the slots. I haven’t hit a jackpot on keno, and the tables don’t do anything for me either. I think the casinos are becoming greedy and they keep tightening the machines which is making it impossible for any of us to win anything. I can never make any money.

A: Whether you play slots, cards, bingo, keno, or any other game in a casino, you have to understand that they are all designed to make the “house” money. The “house,” meaning the casino, will always have the advantage over you regardless of the game you choose to play, because these games of chance are based on random outcomes that favor the casino. They are, in a nutshell, mathematically calculated to work against you! That is fact. Therefore, if you are one of those people that always complains about the casinos cheating players, setting up the cards, or rigging the slot machines, you’re just being foolish!

Gambling is a legal and highly lucrative business. The casinos, whether commercial or tribal, have absolutely no reason to cheat players! Typical house advantages in popular casino games range from 0.5% to 30% or more. This means you are losing 5 to 30 cents for every dollar you wager. This is the price associated with playing these games. And, that is why casino gaming should always be considered a form of entertainment and never a way to make money.

There are, however, ways everyone can increase their odds of winning, and therefore decrease the house edge, while at the casino. Our main goal with this magazine is to provide all of you with information that will help you maximize your chances of coming out ahead, so that in the long run you have more winning sessions than you do losing ones. That’s about all you or I can hope for! An informed gambler is a smart gambler. So, if you enjoy casino gaming, then you have to make the commitment to educate yourself about the games you’re playing. That’s the only way you will have a fighting chance against the casinos. Make sure you read the help screens, use optimal playing strategy when playing skill games such as blackjack and video poker, increase your return by using a players card, and seek out the casinos that offer the best promotions and games with the highest payback percentages. That’s where we’ll be your “eyes and ears.” Listen to our advice, so you can maximize your azgamingguide.com | August 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

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PLAYERS TALK

chances of winning and be entertained every time you visit a casino.

Q: How can we be sure the slots we’re playing are really functioning properly and who oversees the casinos to make sure everything is fair? Does someone from the state come by and inspect the games to make sure that everything is on the up and up? Are the Indian casinos here in Arizona monitored like the ones in Vegas?

A: Both commercial and tribal casinos are heavily regulated and closely monitored by several state and national agencies. There are three distinct regulatory levels for all tribal gaming operations. First, tribal governments regulate gaming on their reservations with their own commissions. Second, tribes that have compacts with the state (like Arizona does) are regulated by state government agencies (like the Arizona Department of Gaming—ADG). Finally, the National Indian Gaming Commission and Federal Government agencies such as the U.S. Justice Department, the U.S. Treasury Department, and the Department of the Interior also play significant roles in the oversight of tribal gaming. Then, of course, there are also agencies like the FBI, IRS, the U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Marshalls, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs all of whom have some level of regulatory involvement.

The ADG Machine Compliance Technicians randomly inspect gaming devices at all of Arizona’s casinos on a regular basis.

Their visits are unannounced, and they are usually able to do spot checks at 8 to 10 casinos every month! The ADG technicians announce their visit to the Tribal Gaming Office first and then a Tribal Gaming Agent, a Casino Slot Technician, and a Casino Security Officer accompany the Machine Compliance Technicians around the casino during the inspection. A typical spot check usually consists of 50 different slot games. While there, the ADG technicians open the slots, enter the setup menus and verify the percentages, the software, and make sure the seal tapes are still in place. Then, they perform communication tests with the accounting system and run bills and tickets through the acceptors. They also make sure to check that all the accounting meters (credits in, credits out, credits played, etc.) are working correctly.

Q: I love playing Video Poker and I usually play Jacks or Better and Double Double Bonus Poker. Sometimes I also play Deuces Wild. You’ve talked about learning the strategies

for these games, but I’m too old to remember which cards to hold in different situations. Can you give me some basic advice? Thank you so much.

A: The best advice I can give you is to choose your Video Poker game wisely. Each casino offers different payback percentages for each game and what you need to do is observe who has the best pay tables for your favorite games. For example, there are Jacks or Better games that, at a 5 coin max bet, pay 45 coins for a Full House and 30 coins for a Flush whose payback percentage is nearly 100%! However, there are also casinos in Arizona that only have this game set at 30 coins for a Full House and 25 coins for a Flush at a 5 coin max bet for a much lower return of less than 95%! Think about what a huge difference this is! Each time you get a Full House playing the worse pay table, you’re losing 15 coins. This is three extra games or in terms of money $3.75 (when playing quarters) less. Not to mention all the money you’re losing each time you win a Flush! It adds up very quickly. Remember, the point of the low wins such as Full Houses, Flushes, Straights, and 3-of-a-Kinds is to keep you in the game until you get something bigger such as a Four-of-a-Kind. Bad Video Poker pay tables desecrate your bank roll too quickly and don’t give you a fighting chance.

Q: I play Blackjack while I’m waiting for my wife who loves playing the slots. Up until now, I’ve been able to play with $50 and walk away even after a couple hours at the tables.

Lately, I haven’t had much luck and it seems like the Blackjacks aren’t coming around much anymore. I was just wondering how hard it is to get dealt a Blackjack?

A: A player gets dealt a blackjack hand of 21 about once in every 21 hands (I’m not kidding about this number—it’s just a cool coincidence). This is about 4.8% of the time for single deck games and 4.7% of the time for six deck games.

Check out columnist TJ Jorgensen’s article in this issue on page 16 about the chances of being dealt Blackjack after Blackjack!

Don’t forget to always use a Players Card at your favorite casino and sign up for a new card when you first visit a casino, any casino! The entire team at the Arizona Gaming Guide wishes you the best of luck and a lot of fun playing at Arizona’s casinos and at casinos beyond the borders of the state!

See you next issue with more answers to your pressing casino questions! $

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 | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

Solar Disc Now At Hon-Dah Resort Casino & Conference Center In Pinetop

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isit Hon-Dah Resort Casino & Conference Center for your chance to win big with their brand new IGT slot Solar Disc. Escape from the heat and humidity in the Valley and experience the heat from this latest addition to their casino floor.

Players will be engaged with IGT’s Solar Disc video slots. When a gold disc lands on a reel during the base game, it reveals a symbol and turns wild. When additional identical symbols are present, they also turn wild. Multiple disc symbols can land on a single spin, creating numerous wild symbols that can combine for large payouts. The title’s free games bonus is triggered when a bonus symbol lands on reel one, and one or more gold disc symbols land on any reel. Players who enjoy frequent base game features are sure to enjoy this 26 pay line, 80 credit cost to cover game. For more information, visit IGT.com.

There are also over 50 new games on the floor from a variety of manufacturers including: Quick Hit Riches, Lock It Link, Loteria, Dragon Flies, Tiger Roars, Choy Coin Doa, Wild Fiesta Coins, Wonder Four, Prosperity Princess, Prosperity Cats, The Walking Dead, Triple Big Wheel, Hot Roulette Pink Diamond, Red Hot Tamales, Gold Bar 7's, Hot Roulette Triple Red Hot 7's, Triple Big Wheel Triple Double Diamonds, Mistress of Egypt, Ocean Magic, Golden Egypt, and Scarab. For more information on Hon-Dah Resort Casino visit Hon-Dah.com. $

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOTS

Mistress Of Egypt Now At Talking Stick Resort

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his brand new slot from IGT called Mistress of Egypt Video Slots is sure to keep players 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 five 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. Players who enjoy exciting base game action are sure to enjoy this 3x5 reel, 30 pay line game. For more on this new game, visit IGT.com.

But that’s not all! Talking Stick Resort also installed the following new games: Double Blessings by Scientific Games, Fu Xuan by Everi (see the game’s picture and review on page 18 in this issue!), Timberwolf Grand by Aristocrat, Monopoly Hot Shot by Scientific Games (first in Arizona!), and Ultimate Fire Link also by Scientific Games. For more info on Talking Stick Resort make sure to visit their website at TalkingStickResort.com. $

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Treasures Of Olympus

By IGT

T

his brand new game, IGT’s Treasures of Olympus 3D video slots is sure to become a player-favorite with its engaging features and immersive TRUE 3D technology. Housed on the AXXIS TRUE 3D gaming machine, this 60 pay line, high volatility video slot features an epic free games bonus and wilds features for a thrilling gaming experience.

In the Electric Wilds feature, Icarus flies on the screen and electrifies the reels to award up to six random wilds. In the Icarus Wilds Feature, Icarus appears on screen and shoots his magic arrows at the reels to award up to six random wilds.

Three treasure chest symbols on reels one, three, and five trigger the Treasures of Olympus Free Games bonus which features three different reel symbols that activate different awards. During the bonus, Icarus moves from one reel to another awarding symbols as they appear below him. If Icarus makes it across all five reels without being hit by a fireball, players then enter the Treasure Chest Pick Bonus where they can win up to 1,000 credits.

For more on Treasures Of Olympus and other new games by IGT, visit IGT.com. $

azgamingguide.com | August 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

11

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

HOW TO PLAY PLAYER’S EDGE 21 A Complete Source For Strategy, Bonuses & Advice

I’

m not sure who cooked up Player’s Edge 21, but it’s a great Blackjack variant. And, you don’t have to make a bunch of side bets because they are lovingly baked into the game.

Like Spanish 21, the four ten cards are scratched from the recipe. So, you won’t be playing with a full deck. But don’t worry, the house edge is super low.

One exceptional option is double down at any time with any number of cards. Even after splitting, after doubling, and with split Aces. That means if you double down with Ace-five against a dealer’s up-card 6 and draw an Ace, you can double down again, and you should. On bad hands, you can take advantage of double down rescue and surrender. It costs you half your bet which is the pits, but sometimes it’s a gift, not a punishment.

Player’s Edge 21 Bonuses The bonuses at Player’s Edge are free, like getting paid 3 for 2 on every Blackjack, even if the dealer has one! And every 21 is a guaranteed winner.

If you make a three or four card 21, you win even money. Any five card 21 pays 3 for 2. A six card 21 pays 2 for 1, and a seven card (or higher) 21 pays 3 for 1. Bonuses don’t apply on double downs.

Other bonuses include 6-7-8 of mixed suits and 7-7-7 of mixed suits for a 3 for 2 payoffs. When suited you win twice your bet.

All Diamonds pay 3 for 1. A suited 7-7-7 with a dealer up-card 7 pays $1000; $5000 if your original bet is $25 or more. If you are dealt two matching face cards (Jack of Spades and Jack of Spades, etc.), you are an automatic winner, even if the dealer has a Blackjack. I don’t approve of insurance most of the time, but you can win 2 for 1 if the dealer’s Blackjack is unsuited and 5 for 1 if their Blackjack is suited.

dealer delivers your next card if you still have 11 or under, or soft 13 to 18.

If you start with a hard 11 and get a 10, you’ve got a guaranteed winner. Or, you can try to make a five-card 21 that pays 3 for 2 on all your wagers. Your success at Player’s Edge 21 is likely to be divided by your greed, so be careful.

With soft 18 I’d likely hit several times against a 2, 3, 7, 8 and try to get the “21” bonus. Against a 4, 5, 6 up-card, it’s always good to double down. Perhaps more than once.

With soft 19 I would stand except against an up-card of 10 or ace when I already had six cards. Then I would take one more.

Use surrender only against a dealer Ace and only when you have hard 16 (even a pair of 8’s), or hard 17. Surrender costs you half your wager, but it’s right in these cases!

Do you have a question about Player’s Edge 21? Write us at editor@azgamingguide.com with subject “Player’s Edge 21.” $

Player’s Edge 21 Strategy For best results, follow Basic Strategy but vary when you can win more money. For instance, when the dealer shows a 6, you should double down on any two-card hand of 5 through 11. The dealer is likely to bust, and you can double down again after the

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 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

4 MILLION TO 1 ODDS! I Hit Five Blackjacks In A Row At Casino Arizona

I

was putting my sport coat on to head out for the evening and discovered a couple of $100 chips in the pocket. Since my destination was close to Casino Arizona I figured I would stop in and cash them out. Little did I know at that point my destiny and fate had been sealed. The planets were lined up, the moon was full, and a rare event of biblical proportions was about to take place!

Upon arrival at Casino Arizona I walked toward the cashiers cage and noticed a friend of mine dealing at a table with one player. I figured I might as well say “Hi!” and play a couple of hands. The six deck shoe had about three decks left to be played, so I placed a bet in the circle and received my favorite hand, Blackjack! The odds of getting that hand are around 21 to 1. What a great way to start!

The next hand was dealt and to my surprise Blackjack again!

Now this is indeed a rare event because the odds of getting two Blackjacks in a row are around 400 to 1. It’s not the first time I have had that happen, but it is not a common occurrence!

The cards were dealt for my third hand and I was shocked when I was dealt another Blackjack! Three in a row! The odds of getting three dealt Blackjacks in a row, are about 10,000 to 1. I have been playing for over twenty years and that has only happened once to me before, so it is indeed a rare event. My dealer friend said that in over eleven years of dealing Blackjack everyday, his personal record was four Blackjacks in row. I said, "Well, let’s tie your personal best!"

The other person at the table was a first time player and said, "That's pretty good dude!" He had no idea of the magnitude of the event that he had just witnessed. Something that I have never seen or will probably ever see again in my lifetime. To put it in perspective, the odds of being dealt a royal flush in Poker on the first 5 cards are 650,000 to 1. That event is 6 times more likely to occur than 5 blackjacks in a row, and anyone who has played poker knows just how rare they come up.

My fourth hand was dealt and the first card was a ten and I said, "Doesn't look good" but then, bam! An Ace! My fourth Blackjack in a row. The odds of 4 consecutive Blackjacks, are an incredible 160,000 to 1. At this point I am beside myself, I have witnessed something very rare. I told my friend laughing, "Let’s set a new world record."

I am just happy that it happened to me, someone that appreciates the rarity of that occurrence. The interesting thing is that you may have heard about this event if you play a lot of Blackjack, and I am here to tell you it's true, because it happened to me at Casino Arizona.

The cards were dealt for my fifth hand and again my first card was a ten, I said, "Four in succession was a rare event of epic proportions." Then lightning struck! My second card again was an Ace! FIVE CONSECUTIVE BLACKJACKS!!!

The odds of getting five consecutive Blackjacks are about 4,200,000 to 1! Let me let that phrase roll off my tongue again!

Four point two million to one.

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

What's the most consecutive blackjacks that you have ever received? If anyone has ever been dealt five or more send me an email at TJ21PRO@GMail.com You can also get weekly updates on my website at FreeWebs.com/TJsBlackjackCorner. $ 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

By Lana Hartmann

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

W

ondering just what the 2018 TournEvent of Champions is? Wondering how you can participate in a simple, exciting, no skill required slot tournament?

Want to win $1,000,000 and other cash prizes? Look no further than this article as we break down everything you need to know to compete in this annual contest to find the country’s best slot player!

Where Can I Participate In Arizona?

August 24—Desert Diamond Casino In Sahuarita August 25—Desert Diamond Casino In Glendale August 26—Desert Diamond Casino In Tucson TBD—Casino Arizona In Scottsdale TBD—Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel In Camp Verde Where Can I Find Out More Information?

1. Visit the official website at TournEventofChampions.com and follow the tournament socially.

2. Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment at their website DDCAZ.com and their Players Club.

3. Casino Arizona at their website CasinoArizona.com and their Players Club.

4. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel at their website CliffCastleCasinoHotel.com and their Players Club.

2018 Championship Finale Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Wynn/Encore Las Vegas XS Night Club 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 * 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.

18 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

NEW SLOT FU XUAN BY EVERI AT TALKING STICK RESORT IN SCOTTSDALE! Fu Xuan is an exciting game that offers players a chance for good fortune, luck, and big winnings with Multi Reel Sets which makes players feel as if they’re playing three games at once. Fu Xuan includes a Free Spin with Nudge and Symbol Save, Nudge with Symbol Save, and Graduated Reset with Jackpot Advance. Fu Xuan can be experienced on Everi’s Empire MPX, a space-efficient premium cabinet with a crisp 43" 1080p HD portrait display, game-controlled lighting, and a convenient charging station for mobile devices. For more info about Fu Xuan and other exciting games from Everi, visit Everi.com. For more on TSR visit TalkingStickResort.com. $

T

he tables in The ARENA Poker Room will be filled with some of Arizona’s best senior poker players when the Seniors Poker Open returns to Talking Stick Resort.

Kicking off on Saturday, September 15, 2018, the tournament will welcome players 50 years and older, each competing for their share of a massive prize pool.

This marks the second year the property has hosted the tournament, which saw an incredible turn out of nearly 500 players competing for $205,970 in 2017. Similar to last year, the 2018 NoLimit Texas Hold’em tournament will last three days, including two days of play leading up to the finals on Monday, September 17.

“The popularity of last year’s Seniors Poker Open went well beyond our expectations,” said Tom Young, Director of Poker

20 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

for Talking Stick Resort. “We have no doubt its success will continue and look forward to its continued growth.”

A $500 buy-in will gain entry to players. They will receive $12,000 in tournament chips and can purchase an additional $5,000 for $20. Play will begin at 10am on each day. During the first two days of competition, players can reenter the tournament if eliminated for an additional $500 buy-in until the end of the first break.

Poker play will continue through Sunday until the end of round 15. The remaining players will then return on Monday at 10am to compete in the finals until winners are designated.

The Seniors Poker Open 2018 will happen on the heels of the ARENA Poker Room’s signature event, the Arizona State Poker

Championship. It will take place this year on August 10 – 14.

Now in its 14th year, the Championship brings together nearly 1,000 players of all skill levels who compete for more than $1.1 million.

“I have no doubt that many of the players who plan to participate in the Arizona State Poker Championship will return for the Seniors Open,” said Young. “We have a really loyal group of players that love to compete.”

Registration for the Seniors Poker Open 2018 and the Arizona State Poker Championship is currently underway in The ARENA Poker Room.

The non-smoking poker room is the largest in the state with nearly 50 tables.

Talking Stick Resort also

offers 240,000 square feet of gaming that includes 998 high-tech slot machines and a VIP Lounge. The gaming floor is available to guests 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sign up today for your chance to compete. For more details about the poker room and its tournaments, visit TalkingStickResort.com or call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 1.480.850.7734. All participants must be 50 or older by September 15, 2018. Players are also required to submit their $500 buy-in during the sign-up process. Additionally, a special room rate of $89 will be offered at Talking Stick Resort to players participating in the Seniors Poker Open. To book, call reservations at 1.480.270.5555 and use booking ID #15969. $

azgamingguide.com | August 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

21

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Megan Conner

AZ LOTTERY OFFERS PLAYERS $1 MIL. Month Long Opportunity In August With Fantasy 5 Second Chance!

H

ave you ever dreamed of what it would be like to win $1 million? This August, that dream can become a reality!

publicly announced at the game, where they and their guests will be treated to a Million Dollar VIP experience. The remaining nine will also walk away winners, with each getting $5,000!

Starting August 1, every Fantasy 5 single-ticket purchase— winning or non-winning – is eligible for a chance to win $1 million, in addition to regular winnings. Adding to the excitement, tickets purchased on Fridays throughout the month of August will receive five entries!

Not only will an Arizona Diamondbacks alumni player present the winner with their million-dollar check, they will also receive premium seats, on-field access during the national anthem, Arizona Diamondbacks jerseys, an autographed baseball, an exclusive radio booth visit, and a VIP tour of Chase Field.

“We are thrilled to welcome back a month-long million-dollar giveaway,” said Gregg Edgar, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. “The Arizona Lottery offered a similar promotion throughout the month of May and we saw great player enthusiasm. We are always looking for ways to elevate our players’ experience by delivering exciting winning opportunities.”

Players can purchase their Fantasy 5 tickets at all 3,000+ Arizona Lottery retail locations. Drawings are held Monday through Saturday evenings.

At the end of the month-long promotion, ten finalists will be invited to the Arizona Diamondbacks game on September 22, 2018. The Fantasy 5 One Million Dollar Giveaway winner will be

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

Players can enter their tickets for the promotion through August 31 at ArizonaLottery.com or download the Arizona Lottery Players Club App to scan their tickets.

For more information please visit ArizonaLottery.com. $

WINNING WAYS

By Mark Novak

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

A

s I’m sure you’ll recall, I’ve been tracking the pulls to hit of Aristocrat’s Pompeii free games bonus across the past few months. I’ve been providing you with updates across my two data sets and my estimates went from 77 based on my first session to 113 after my second session.

During my third play session I triggered the free games after 10, 254, 173, 187, 39, and 211 spins. This provides us with an average pulls to hit of about 146 spins for this session. Of course, we have to add these six new data points to our earlier data set and update our average in order to provide a better estimate.

First Data Set: Second Data Set: Third Data Set: Sum Of Values: Updated Average:

89, 87, 30, 26, 64, 117, 128 (7 values) 245, 311, 17, 124, 189, 45 (6 values) 10, 254, 173, 187, 39, 211 (6 values) 2,346 (19 values) 2,346 / 19 = 123.47 or 123 spins

Obviously, as I collect more data, my average becomes an increasingly accurate indicator of the number of spins it takes to hit the free games bonus. Notice, however, I have yet to hit the bonus in exactly 123 spins! My estimated average for the bonus pulls to hit will never guarantee the bonus at that exact number of spins. Please don’t misunderstand me, the value I’m after won’t provide me with a prediction of when the bonus hits! The best I can do is understand roughly how often I might expect to see the bonus. Try my technique of data gathering for yourself with a favorite game of yours. You’ll be gaining critical insight into the behavior of your slot! I hope to update you again next month! $

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

New Multi-Million Dollar Casino Coming To The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation!

ND Resident Visits AZ, $1 Million Win Results In Trip Of A Lifetime!

The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation broke ground on a new casino on June 29, 2018. Those in attendance included tribal members and dignitaries from the State of Arizona and surrounding communities.

The new casino will be 166,341 square feet, which will soon offer guests a larger casino with a garden court, specialty high end dining, Sports bar with entertainment stage and other new amenities. Thalden Boyd Emery Architects, W.E. O’Neil, and Kitchell Construction have been named as the project team.

The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s ongoing mission is to aid in the economic development and the expansion of direct services to meet the changing needs of all tribal members while preserving traditional values and at the same time benefiting and supporting its neighbors, the greater East Valley and Scottsdale areas.

“We [broke] ground on Friday, June 29, 2018 on a new casino and [opened] a new chapter in the modern history of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Our tribe has overcome many challenges just to be here today. Our path has been difficult, but the obstacles we’ve endured have only made us stronger.

We may be the smallest tribe in the Valley, but we built the first high stakes bingo hall in the Phoenix area three decades ago and today we are taking another huge leap forward. This exciting project will set a new standard for quality entertainment in the Northeast Valley while providing economic security to our tribal government. We’re thankful that our past success enables us to make this investment in the future of our tribe and our region,” said Bernadine Burnette, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council President.

Construction will begin late summer and is expected to be complete and open to the public by spring 2020. $

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

North Dakota resident Ashley Oswald was visiting friends in Arizona when they decided to celebrate Father’s Day at their favorite Valley casino, Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Vee Quiva. While there, Oswald hit the jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine and won $1,090,948.51.

“Vee Quiva has always been my favorite casino,” Oswald said. “It is an incredible experience to win on Father’s Day. My dad would be so excited for me.”

This life-changing jackpot is made sweeter because it was in tribute to her late father, who had a tradition of going to the casino with his daughter. In celebration of Father’s Day, Oswald wanted to honor her dad by playing at Vee Quiva. “There’s no doubt he was celebrating with me,” Oswald said.

Oswald, who lived in north Phoenix for nearly 20 years, left her corporate job as a senior IT systems analyst last year and relocated to North Dakota to be closer to family. Oswald said she hasn’t made exact plans for the jackpot winnings but knows she wants to purchase a new vehicle.

“There is nothing like the excitement on the gaming floor when our guests win big,” said Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Hotels & Casinos. “We couldn’t be happier for Ashley.

This is most definitely the trip of a lifetime.” $

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2018 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

Pascua Yaqui Tribe Breaks Ground On Next Phase In Tucson. New Hotel & RV Park, More Meeting Space!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s Oak & Fork Restaurant Earns 2018 Wine Spectator Award Of Excellence!

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Casino Del Sol took shovel to dirt on July 12 and officially broke ground on an extensive hospitality project, which includes a new 151-room hotel, new 90space RV park, an expansion of the current meeting space at Casino Del Sol, and a new Event Center at its sister property, Casino of the Sun. “The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is grateful that 24 years of running tribal enterprises has brought us to a place where we can continue to expand our hospitality offerings,” said Robert Valencia, Chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

“These additions will create more jobs and will positively impact our Tribe, its members, and Southern Arizona as a whole.” Expanding on Casino Del Sol’s renowned amenities and offerings, the new 151-room hotel will be 93,200 square feet, with six floors. Sitting on 2.2 acres adjacent to the existing Casino Del Sol, amenities of the new hotel include meeting rooms, an arcade, a lounge area, and a fitness center. The hotel will have its own pool with a pool deck designed with family in mind, equipped with a fun pool slide and pool bar. A new 90-space RV park near the casino will provide part-time and full-time RVers the opportunity to hook up and enjoy all of Casino Del Sol’s amenities before they head out on the road.

The current conference center at Casino Del Sol is also getting a 9,600-square foot expansion with additional break-out meeting rooms. Casino of the Sun, Casino Del Sol’s sister property and original Pascua Yaqui Tribal Casino, is getting a new addition as well. Construction of an 11,000-square foot Event Center adjacent to the Casino will allow for meetings, events, and entertainment. “The astounding support we have received from the community and our guests has enabled us to evolve the Casino Del Sol brand to include these additional amenities for families and RVers,” said CEO of Casino Del Sol, Kimberly Van Amburg. “This project will allow us to meet the increased demand of our customers and to better serve our meeting and convention clientele.” Hotel construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019. For more information, please visit CasinoDelSol.com. $

Earlier this month, Wine Spectator magazine announced that Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s Oak & Fork restaurant in Maricopa, Arizona won the 2018 Award of Excellence.

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

According to Wine Spectator, the Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Ranging in size from 90 selections to several hundred, these lists are well-focused and tend to emphasize discovery.

“When we opened Oak & Fork earlier this year, we set a goal of achieving this important milestone from Wine Spectator,” said Nate Kinstlinger, Beverage Operations Manager of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. “And we couldn’t be more proud of our team for this recognition.”

“From the culinary team coming up with mouthwatering specials that keep repeat guests coming back for something new to our servers and bartenders making personalized pairing suggestions to our guests, the team’s dedication to creating memorable experiences for our guests is truly the reason why Oak & Fork has been granted with this honor,” he said.

Oak & Fork is one of the Casino’s newest food and beverage offerings and was opened as a part of the multi-million dollar expansion that includes additional guestrooms, ballroom, and spa and fitness center.

Oak & Fork’s complete wine list can be viewed on the website. The restaurant is open from 4-10pm Sunday through Thursday and 4pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

For more information, please visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Elizabeth Schueren

WIN BIG AT GOLDEN NUGGET LAUGHLIN This August The Casino Is Giving Away Over $75,000!

W

in a share of $30,000 in the Summer Daze Slot Tournament, August 16-18. Participate in Summer Daze and take your chance at first place where the winner gets $10,000 and all entrants win cash! The entry fee for Golden Nugget Laughlin’s Summer Daze Slot Tournament is $50.

Plus, play in the last $10,000 blackjack tournament, August 2425, of Golden Nugget Laughlin’s $55,000 Summer Blackjack Tournament Series. Players compete for the chance to win $5,000 cash and a guaranteed seat at the final table of the $25,000 finale tournament. The entry fee for the last $10,000 tournament is $25.

If you weren’t one of the three lucky winners of the $10,000 tournaments in Golden Nugget Laughlin’s Summer Blackjack Tournament Series don’t lose hope! You can still secure a spot at the final table of the finale, by playing in the $25,000 finale tour-

nament September 21-23. The entry fee is $50 and first place wins $12,500.

In addition, every Saturday in August and September Golden Nugget Laughlin is giving away a share of $5,000 in the $45,000 Cash Giveaway. Across three drawings, five winners will receive a share of $1,000 cash every hour from 7-8pm, and five winners will receive a share of $3,000 cash at 9pm.

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. $

Book Your Stay At Golden Nugget During Laughlin Event Center’s Upcoming Shows The Golden Nuggett Laughlin always has great room packages during the weekends your favorite entertainers come to town.

What could be better than to spend several nights in luxurious accommodations, enjoy a great concert, live it up on the casino floor, and enjoy scenic Laughlin on the Colorado river? Book your stay now at the Golden Nugget Laughlin during these upcoming performances.

Hank Williams Jr.—September 22 Keith Urban—October 5 Rod Stewart—October 20 Kid Rock—November 10

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Editor’s Pick

Kool & The Gang Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita September 14

Kool & The Gang returns to Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment’s Diamond Center on Friday, September 14, 2018.

Tickets start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Star Tickets and at Desert Diamond Casino’s Rewards Center. Doors open at 7pm; show starts at 8pm.

Kool & The Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. Thanks to songs like Celebration, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Summer Madness, and Open Sesame, they’ve earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, 9 Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums. Kool & The Gang has performed continuously for the past 45 years, longer than any R&B group in history. Their bulletproof funk and tough, jazzy arrangements have also made them the most sampled band of all time.

In 1964, Khalis Bayyan and his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell, joined Jersey City neighborhood friends to create a unique musical blend of jazz, soul and funk. Eventually settling on Kool & The Gang as the band’s name, they spent the next several years solidifying their musical chemistry on the rough and tumble East Coast music scene, supporting acts like Bill Cosby, Ritchie Havens and Richard Pryor. Their self-titled 1969 debut album introduced their signature instrumental sound and fierce horn arrangements, and spawned their first Billboard R&B charted single, Kool and the Gang. Fast-forward to 2018 and Kool & The Gang remains one of the most active touring bands, performing hundreds of shows every year.

Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We had just a great time with Kool & The Gang back in 2012, we couldn’t wait to get them back to Southern Arizona with a special performance at Desert Diamond Casino’s Diamond Center!” $

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

A LITTLE ENTHUSIASM, PERHAPS? New Casino Policy: Let Employees Show Complete Boredom To Guests!

his is my rant (and rave!!!) column. Overall I’d categorize myself as a smiling and generally happy optimist.

My glass is always half full, even when it’s not. But, and I know you were waiting for this, it’s time casino management checks in on their employees’ attitudes towards customers from time to time.

T

the casino, especially among the customer service employees. In my opinion, there is no better way to set up a guest’s experience for failure than to Eeyore the heck out of them the moment they arrive. So, I’m pleading with casino managers everywhere, please do your best to combat the “Eeyores” out there, and trust me, I don’t think they are hard to spot.

Why is this important, you ask? Umm...because when I go to a casino looking for fun and entertainment, the last thing I want to experience from a customer service employee is the attitude Eeyore generally projects in A. A. Milne’s books as exemplified by his choice words “We can’t all and some of us don’t. That’s all there is to it.”

I know everyone struggles as much as I do in life at times. But every now and again I want to escape my struggle and also not observe someone else’s when I choose to go to a casino. $

Well, not in the casino gaming industry folks! I’m here for a good time and it always baffles me when I encounter Eeyores at

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

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!

azgamingguide.com | August 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

FUN & GAMES

CHINESE HOROSCOPE—Year Of The Dog Pray for good luck on these dates in August 2018: 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 24, 27, 28, 30, and 31. The best days to travel in August 2018: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 23, 27, and 30. The best days to meet a friend or relative in August 2018: 10, 17, 18, and 22.

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 Chinese Valentine’s Day On Friday, August 17, Find: CALENDAR, CHINESE , DAUGHTER, DAY, EMPEROR, FESTIVAL, FOLKLORE, GODDESS, HEAVEN, JADE, LOVE, LUNAR, MOTHER, MONTH, NIULANG, ONE, QUEEN, ROMANCE, SEVEN, STORY, VALENTINE, VISIT, ZHINU. 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: Easy (Solution on page 38)

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36 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

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HOT SPOTS

By Lana Hartmann

Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos In Prescott Serve Up Hotter Than August Hot Seats!

BlueWater Resort & Casino In Parker Cool Fun On The Colorado River Stay, Play, Eat and Relax!

There are many reasons to visit BlueWater Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona. As the name implies, water is the primary highlight at the resort. The picturesque Colorado River is literally just a few steps away from the hotel rooms, and one of the most stunning features at this beautiful Resort is the atrium, where there are three indoor swimming pools at four different levels, the spa/Jacuzzi, the 15 foot waterfall and a giant two story water slide. And putting all the water aside, ultimately BlueWater Resort & Casino offers guests a unique resort and casino experience by delivering on their promise as the destination to “Stay, Play, Eat and Relax!”

The main slot promomotion for August at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos in Prescott is called “Hotter than August Hot Seats!” Yes, patrons playing Blackjack are eligible as well. The promotion will consist of Hot Seat Drawings each Saturday and Tuesday for up to $200 cash with a special “Hotter Than Hot” hot seat drawing on Thursday, August 30, 2018 for $500 cash! The Table Games area will continue their “Monsoon Madness” hot seat promo with a bonus day on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

Make sure to sign up for a players card at the Gold Rush Club or, if you are already a member, always play with your card!

Why? As a Gold Rush Club member, you win twice as much!

The hot seats on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 3:30 to 9:30pm will pay double to Gold Rush Club members.

Plus, at 8:08pm one lucky guest at each casino will win $888 and at 8:18 pm one winner will win $4,444 at each casino totaling $8,888 given away just for that drawing time! You have to love all those 8’s! Remember, in Mandarin, the word for 8 sounds like the word for prosperity.

Bucky’s Casino will be the first casino in Arizona to introduce the new 21+3 top 3 side bet progressive on a Blackjack table.

And, Bucky’s Casino would also like to congratulate their $61k Walking Dead II winner at Bucky’s on Saturday, June 30, 2018. For more information, visit BuckysCasino.com $ Entertainment: • Yavapai Casino presents Cantina Karaoke Night every Tuesday from 6–9pm Hosted by Superior DJ. • Live music on Friday, August 10, 2018 by The Van Reed Brothers at the Yavapai Cantina from 7-11pm.

• Live music on Friday, August 31, 2018 by Sky Daddy & The Pop Rocks Tribute to Elvis from 7-11pm.

How can guests benefit the most at BlueWater Resort & Casino? Just join the players club, called THEclub! At BlueWater Resort & Casino, THEclub members get the most out of their play by always using THEclub card. Slots, Blackjack, Poker and Bingo all become more rewarding as a member of THEclub! Plus, with THEclub card, players redeem points for free slot play, hotel discounts, food, retail items and more. Bingo and Table Games players earn their points based on play.

Players who always take advantage of the valuable rewards at BlueWater Resort & Casino can earn their way to exclusive VIP rewards. The more points earned the more rewards received! Points earned can be redeemed for free slot play, food, rooms, merchandise, and a lot more.

Guests can also find a video arcade, a miniature golf course, and a cinema adjacent to BlueWater Resort & Casino. In addition, the resort continues to provide top-notch entertainment in the BlueWater Show Room and outdoors in the BlueWater Amphitheater on the Colorado River. BlueWater Resort & Casino also plays host to a variety of events, including boat races, off-road races, triathlons, golf tournaments and shows.

BlueWater Resort & Casino, located along the shores of the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona, is the entertainment capital of western Arizona. An enterprise of the Colorado Indian Tribes, BlueWater Resort & Casino features 200 river view rooms and suites, over 500 Slot machines, Table Games, a Poker Room and a Bingo parlor. Nationally renowned celebrities appear regularly at the BlueWater Amphitheater. Past performances at the venue include artists such as Wynona, Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins, Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Rogers and many others. The resort has a marina, and several restaurants including River Willow, the Parker area’s most outstanding steakhouse. For more on BlueWater Resort & Casino, call 1.888.243.3360 or visit BlueWaterFun.com. $ azgamingguide.com | August 2018 | Arizona Gaming Guide

37

888-243-3360 535

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 1,023

Y

Y

08. Casino Of The Sun

5405 W Valencia Rd

Tucson

855-765-7829

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 287

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 657

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 1,118

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 778

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 841

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

Payson

800-777-7529 365

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

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Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

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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

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 813

Y

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,098

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 242

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 G Q L O U

R O R E P M E

N E V E S

E C N A R U E E N E D N D A E D F R S O L K D A U L G O R R E F E

M O N A E D D C A A Y

R E V V N H J

S A E I T

S G N H E S

H A T H T

T L N T I

E U O O V

T O E L H N A I E S R I N M M A L

Z O L H I R Y N U O N V E A C L S E I E N V T I N E

Sudoku Solution 8

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38 Arizona Gaming Guide | August 2018 | azgamingguide.com

Y

Y

Y

Sources: AZ Dept. of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 07/01/18 & 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

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