14 minute read
GAMING NEWS
The CodeGreen committee at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino hosted their annual Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup event on Thursday, October 29. Covering a two mile stretch of Highway 347 that runs in front of the casino, the employee volunteers collected 22 bags of trash.
This CodeGreen event is one of the many ways Harrah’s AkChin Casino and its employees take care of and give back to the community. CodeGreen is an organization-wide strategy to drive environmental awareness and engagement, as well as performance across the business. Other 2020 CodeGreen initiatives include: installing four free Tesla Charging Stations on the third level of the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Parking Garage and upgrading the Cold Plasma Ionization Bars for several of the casino rooftop HVAC units to reduce airborne particles and kill viruses, bacteria and mold.
About Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino: Celebrating more than 25 years in Maricopa, Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Caesars Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin also boasts one of the two Bingo halls within the Caesars portfolio, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937.
In addition to its slot machines, video poker, video Keno, statewide progressives and blackjack, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including the Copper Cactus Grill, Chop, Block & Brew, Oak & Fork, Agave’s Restaurant and Dunkin’.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino features 529 luxurious resort and tower guestrooms, spa and fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool with swim-up bar.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin has been named a Most Admired Company by Arizona Business Magazine and Best Companies AZ, and
Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Kintner (center) and several employees (right)
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino employees at the annual Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup event on Thursday, October 29.
Phoenix Business Journal has named the property one of the “Best Places to Work in the Valley” four consecutive years. Harrah’s Ak-Chin was also awarded a Volunteer Service Award from the Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.
For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $
Talking Stick Resort Opens New High Limit Room New Gaming Space Is The First Of Three To Be Unveiled In The Coming Months
Talking Stick Resort, an enterprise of the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community, kicked off November with the opening of a new high limit slots and gaming room. The reimagined gaming space comes as part of a series of renovations slated to open in the coming months and takes the place of what was formerly the property’s cigar lounge, Shadows.
“Talking Stick Resort is continuously evolving to give our guests new, exciting experiences while on our property. Our new high limit lounge is the epitome of that effort,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations at Talking Stick Resort. “We have long wanted a high limit room that echoed the energy and style shown throughout the property and this space does that.”
Designed to rival any lounge in Las Vegas, the new high limit lounge is 6,250 square feet of luxury. The room is adorned with intricate chandeliers, mirrored columns and richly hued carpeting reflecting the colors of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community logo. Another nod to the tribal community is a full mural of the majestic Red Mountain, a symbol of home to the Pima and Maricopa people. Beyond its dynamic décor, the room boasts an array of exciting, high stakes games including 89 state-of-the-art slot machines and 14 table games. It also has a number of new conveniences for the comfort of guests. Beyond having its own entrance, Talking Stick Resort’s high limit room has its own dedicated cage and restrooms. Food service will also be offered to guests from Tas, the resort’s newest restaurant opening in January 2021. Another addition to Talking Stick Resort will be its newest bar, Sage Bar, also slated to open early next year.
For more information on the high limit room and all of Talking Stick Resort’s amenities, visit TalkingStickResort.com. $
Casino Del Sol Wins Gold In Travel Weekly Magellan Awards Paradise Casino Bingo December Schedule Info & Promos
Casino Del Sol, a premier entertainment destination in the Southwest, has won a coveted Gold Award in the 2020 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, representing the best in the travel industry. Casino Del Sol was honored in the overall–casino resort/hotel category and is the only Arizona property to be recognized. “This prestigious award really reflects our staff’s hard work to provide guests with memorable experiences each and every time they visit,” said CEO of Casino Del Sol, Kimberly Van Amburg. “We proudly offer award-winning dining, the latest gaming options, championship golf, a luxurious spa and much more. I am very proud of our entire staff that continues to work so hard to provide top-notch service to our guests.”
With entries from around the world, the Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the extensive experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all. Casino Del Sol is the only Magellan Award winner in the overall–casino resort/hotel category.
Located in southwest metropolitan Tucson, Arizona, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with more than 20,000 enrolled members. The Tribe owns and operates several enterprises including Casino Del Sol, Casino of the Sun, Estrella at Casino Del Sol, AVA Amphitheater, Sewailo Golf Club, the new 73-space Casino Del Sol RV Park, and the Del Sol Marketplace. For info, call 1.855.SOL.STAY (765.7829) or visit their website at CasinoDelSol.com. $ Friday December 25, 2020—Christmas at 6 p.m. Paper Buy-In $35 / Electronic Buy-In $52 or $62 $325 payouts / $425 Specials / $525 DA Special Make sure to bring in your Reindeer Bucks for a chance at $225 to $525 in cash! Free Christmas Daubers while they last! There will not be a matinee session.
Thursday December 31, 2020—New Year’s Eve at 6 p.m. Reservations Begin Tuesday December 1 at 1 p.m. Come in and reserve your seat and Electronic Machine! Two—Level Session $321 & $621 payouts Paper Buy-In $50 & $60 / Electronic Buy-In $72 / $92 or $122 $521 Specials / $2,021 Two—Part Special Make sure to bring in your New Year’s Eve Bucks for a chance at $221 to $521 in cash! Free New Year’s Eve Daubers while they last! There will not be a matinee session.
Friday January 1, 2021—New Year’s Day 6 p.m. 15 Lucky Names will be drawn for a chance at 30 FREE cards for $221 payouts on the main games. Multiple winners will split payouts. Paper Buy-In $30 / Electronic Buy-In $42 or $52 $121 payouts / $221 Specials / $321 DA Special There will not be a matinee session.
Currently all patrons are required to wear a facemask and there is no smoking allowed inside the property. Also, players have until December 31, 2020 to earn for the next tier level.
You can visit their website at Paradise-Casinos.com for more information or call 1.888.777.4946. $
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino announced its 2020 Caesars Award of Excellence recipients, a distinction given to employees who consistently provide best-in-class service to guests, coworkers and the community, all while serving as role models and demonstrating an exemplary commitment to the Harrah’s brand. The award recipients were honored at the casino on October 20th.
“The Caesars Award of Excellence is one of the highest honors our employees can achieve,” said Michael Kintner, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Senior Vice President and General Manager. “This year has been particularly trying for our entire team and I want to thank each of these employees for clearly demonstrating Caesars’ commitment to customer service, internal service, innovation, community volunteerism and leadership. We are proud to have you as part of the Harrah’s Ak-Chin family.”
The 2020 Caesars Award of Excellence was awarded to: Superior Internal Service – Brenda McCullough, Seamstress in Wardrobe (zip code 85138) Leadership – Amanda Groeneveld, Assistant Casino Marketing Manager (zip code 85048) Innovation – Alex Lorenzana, Promotions & Events Associate (zip code 85139) Superior Guest Service – Jessica Mavis, Server at Agave’s (zip code 85139) Community Service – Kirk Lane, IT Manager (zip code 85139) Overall Property Winner – Jessica Mavis, Server at Agave’s (zip code 85139)
Each of the six award recipients were presented with 40,000 Total Reward Credits and the Overall Property Winner won 100,000 Total Reward Credits and $2,500. In lieu of a large banquet, the recipients will be able to enjoy a dinner for two at Chop, Block & Brew.
The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Caesars Award of Excellence winners are now eligible for the Regional Caesars Award of Excellence and ultimately the company-wide Caesars Award of Excellence.
For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $
Jessica Mavis—Superior Guest Service Award Overall Property Winner
Brenda McCullough Superior Internal Service Award Amanda Groeneveld Leadership Award
Alex Lorenzana Innovation Award Kirk Lane Community Service Award
Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program Expands to 18 New Properties and Grows Membership by 20 Percent Caesars Entertainment & William Hill Sign First NFL Team Sponsorship Together With Colts
Caesars Rewards, the largest gaming loyalty program in the world, has recently grown by 20 percent and 18 properties thanks to the merging of Caesars Entertainment and Eldorado Resorts in July. Following the unprecedented merger, the combined network of more than 55 world-class resorts across the U.S., now include destinations in Florida, Colorado, Ohio and St. Louis. Also, customers from each company’s legacy rewards programs were seamlessly integrated into the expanded Caesars Rewards loyalty program on day one. Members can now also use their loyalty currency anywhere in the enterprise, as well as match their status universally.
“Caesars Rewards is a tremendous asset that allows us to understand the wants and needs of our customer database to more efficiently serve them,” said Anthony Carano, president and chief operating officer of Caesars Entertainment. “Now with our expanded network of properties and partnerships throughout the company’s portfolio, Caesars Rewards members have more ways to earn, spend and redeem, providing an impressive additional benefit for our customers.”
Additionally, Caesars Entertainment proudly shares that for the third year running, Caesars Rewards was named No. 1 in the 2020 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for “Best Players Club.”
For information on the expanded perks of Caesars Rewards as well as more on the advantages Caesars Rewards membership can bring and how to join, visit Caesars.com/myrewards. $ Caesars Entertainment and its exclusive sports betting partner, William Hill US, announced their first NFL team sponsorship together, becoming a sports betting partner of the Indianapolis Colts. The partnership highlights a new integrated way for the Colts, Caesars Entertainment and William Hill to engage with sports fans throughout the 2020 football season in Indiana.
“In the digital age, and particularly this virtual world in which we find ourselves now, finding new ways to engage with our fans, partners and community is one of our top priorities,” said Roger VanDerSnick, Colts Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. “This partnership with Caesars Entertainment and William Hill will help us better connect with Colts fans everywhere as we navigate this very unique season in 2020 and offer a greater fan experience well into the future.”
As part of the agreement, Caesars Rewards, the largest customer loyalty program in the industry, will sponsor a free-toplay "Pick 6 Predictor” game on the Colts Mobile App. The Pick 6 Predictor generates a series of questions, that fans predict the outcome of, before the upcoming games. Correct picks are rewarded with weekly prizes, and all participants are entered into a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas to stay at a Caesars Entertainment property.
"Our company has deep roots in Indiana,” said Chris Holdren, Co-President of Sports and Online Gaming for Caesars Entertainment. “This expanded partnership with William Hill and our long relationship with the Indianapolis Colts deepens our strong ties within the community. Combined, both will provide an exciting entertainment experience - on gamedays and beyond." $
The New We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Is Open The First Casino To Open In Arizona Is Now The State’s Newest Casino
On October 29, the new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort opened its doors, unveiling a contemporary ambiance and visitor-centric experience that raises the bar for Valley casinos.
In addition to offering a full complement of slot machines, tables, bingo and gaming amenities, the elegant new casino features a wide variety of dining establishments, event venues, Native American design elements and other attributes designed to maximize the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all who visit the casino and stay at the adjacent AAA Four Diamond hotel.
A Gaming & Dining Jackpot
Gaming options include 850 state-of-the-art slot machines; a 400 seat smoke-free bingo hall with 50-inch monitors; 22 actionpacked blackjack tables, and a spacious poker room featuring five tables with live games and tournaments.
Foodies will delight in the multitude of fine and casual dining options. The upscale Ember restaurant features the highest quality steaks and seafood prepared over wood-fired grills, while the WKP Sports and Entertainment sports bar offers creative pub fare and craft beer along with live entertainment and gaming activities. The Market quick-serve restaurant provides on-the-go options 24/7, and the Ahnala Mesquite Room at the adjoining hotel features American-style comfort food. The new casino resort also offers private dining areas, patios, a piano lounge and several other bars.
All gaming areas, hotel rooms and public spaces, dining outlets and entertainment venues are 100 percent smoke-free, with four comfortable outdoor areas designated for smokers. In addition, full compliance with all mandated COVID-19 precautions includes taking patrons’ temperatures (only granting entry to those with 100-degree temperatures or less), requiring masks, providing ample sanitation stations, encouraging social distancing, and limiting elevator and outlet occupancy.
Serving The Community For More Than 36 Years
The sophisticated new 166,341-square-foot casino replaces the original Fort McDowell Casino that initially opened in 1984 as a bingo hall. Eight years later, the proud Yavapai Nation peacefully – and successfully – held off the attempts of federal agents to seize their slot machines, protecting their right to operate a casino on their reservation and provide livelihoods for their tribal members.
“We’re proud that we were Arizona’s first casino and are now the state’s newest casino,” said Bernadine Burnette, President of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. “Gaming has been a part of our tribal community for the past three decades and has allowed us to provide financial security for our members and employees. Our upscale new casino will allow us to take gaming to an entirely new level while keeping a Native American look and feel – with design elements of earth, water, fire and basket-weaving that are so important to our culture.”
The first-class We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is connected to a new four-story covered parking structure and the existing 246room hotel that has received the coveted AAA Four Diamond award every year since it opened in 2006. The casino shares its name with the upscale We-Ko-Pa Golf Club across the street that boasts the consistently award-winning Saguaro and Cholla courses.
For more information about We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort and its amenities, visit WeKoPaCasinoResort.com. $
