GAMING NEWS

Arizona Dept. Of Gaming Reports $17.6 Million In Tribal Gaming Contributions For Q3 FY2021

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced $17,631,406 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the State’s third quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. This amount represents a 4 percent decrease when compared to the same quarter of FY2020.

"I am grateful for our strong relationship with Arizona Tribes, whose gaming contributions help fund instructional improvement programs like classroom size reduction, teacher salary increases and dropout prevention, reimbursement to hospitals for unrecovered trauma and emergency services costs, the enhancement and restoration of Arizona's diverse wildlife resources, the promotion tourism within the state, and more," said Ted Vogt, Director, ADG. "While we did see a small decrease in contributions this quarter, I believe that the overall strength of Arizona’s economy and the resiliency of Tribal gaming in the state will make this downturn short-lived."

Tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the third quarter of State FY2021 follow: Instructional Improvement Fund/Education $ 8,556,115 Trauma and Emergency Services Fund $ 4,278,058 Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs $ 2,000,000 Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund $ 1,222,302 Tourism Fund $ 1,222,302 Problem Gambling $ 352,629

TOTAL Q3 FY2021 $17,631,406

Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Tribes with casinos contribute 1 to 8 percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties. Currently, there are 25 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates with Arizona tribes. $

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Launches New SAVVY Business Impact Group

In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8th), Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has announced the creation of SAVVY, a Business Impact Group (BIG) focused on the empowerment, support, and advancement of women within the company. The SAVVY BIG launched with a ZOOM Kickoff meeting to welcome members, identify the purpose and set goals.

Each BIG within Harrah’s is led by members of the management team. Angie Groeneveld, Director of Hospitality, will act as SAVVY’s Senior Level Sponsor, and Donata Cobb, the Events, Promotions, Entertainment, and AV Marketing Manager, will serve as the Executive Sponsor. Other required roles and officers for the group will be elected after the group members are finalized. “It’s the perfect day to launch the SAVVY BIG because it’s International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women,” said Groeneveld. “This member-led group will provide the potential for personal and professional networking and development, as well as opportunities to give back to our community. I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

The SAVVY BIG is for team members and their peer supporters who have common goals and are committed to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s diversity and inclusion strategy. BIGs are staff-led groups and are inclusive to all team members who support the BIG’s mission. The goals of each BIG are:

Promote cultural awareness and education Develop team members personally and professionally Drive innovation and strategic business initiatives Support diverse team member recruitment and retention Foster a positive company image in communities This is the second BIG created by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. The SALUTE BIG for Military team members and their allies was created September 2019. $

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Understands The Importance Of Giving Back And Is A Catalyst For Positive Change

Nestled into the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona, the Ak-Chin Indian Community is just 35 miles south of Phoenix in the northwestern part of Pinal County. The Community is steadfast in its efforts to preserve its culture, language, and traditions—not just for themselves but also to impact neighboring communities and the world positively.

In 1988, when the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act—paving the way for the country’s Native American communities to operate casino-style gaming on tribal lands—the Ak-Chin Tribal Council looked at the many benefits to tribes that were possible as a result of Indian Gaming. The opportunity for economic self-sufficiency and secure financial resources to invest in infrastructure and social services programs for tribal members were of utmost importance.

Recognizing the Community’s location and wanting the best opportunity for success, the Ak-Chin Tribal Council sought a management partner that would work alongside tribal leaders to build and grow a successful gaming enterprise.

“We chose to partner with Harrah’s, part of Caesars Entertainment,” says Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Robert Miguel. “Their long and successful history managing quality gaming and entertainment venues and their commitment to work alongside our tribal leaders and invest with us were deciding factors. Now, more than 25 years later, we continue to reap the benefits of this successful partnership.”

Over the past 25 years, as the Casino has expanded to include 529 guestrooms, a variety of dining experiences, a spa, and fitness center, and an events center, one thing has remained the same - Harrah’s continues to invest in the community through a host of activities both onproperty and within the tribal community as well.

One such program is Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino HERO Program. The goal of HERO is to strengthen organizations and programs in the communities where employees and their families live and work. The employee-based volunteer program enables Harrah’s staff and their families to make noteworthy and visible contributions to the community by donating their time, skills, expertise, and compassion to dozens of volunteer projects throughout the community. In addition, the HERO Committee funnels in-kind and monetary donations ($50,000 in 2020) into the community.

Despite the pandemic and decreased in-person volunteer opportunities, 90 percent of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino employees still volunteered more than 9,000 hours to such organizations as Sun Lakes Lions Foundation; Maricopa Lions Club; Casa Grande Roller Derby; Maricopa Police Foundation; American Cancer Society-Maricopa Relay for Life; HHHOHP Stand Down for Veterans; United Services Blood Drive; Area Agency on Aging; Pat Tillman Foundation; F.O.R. Maricopa Food Drive; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; Maricopa Against Abuse; United Way of Pinal County; and Feed My Starving Children.

“As the largest employer in Pinal County, Harrah’s Ak-Chin employs nearly 1,000 people, tribal and non-tribal,” said Michael Kintner, Senior Vice President, and General Manager. “One of my predecessors helped create the Harrah’s Development System (H.D.S.), for members of the Ak-Chin Indian Community to be integrated into key areas of the casino operation, with the goal of long-term employment opportunities.”

The goal of H.D.S. is to encourage economic self-sufficiency by providing employment opportunities for tribal members. Here’s how the program works: Community members apply for the program, and a “class” begins the program, which lasts one to two years. Community members spend their time in the program working all aspects of the resort, from washing dishes to doing income control audits. They spend about a week in each position to give each H.D.S. associate a chance to find their best fit. They receive compensation throughout the program. Should they choose, they are guaranteed employment at the successful conclusion of the program.

To date, there have been more than 60 participants since the program began in 1997. “Employment opportunities for tribal members are key to achieving financial independence,” said Chairman Miguel. “Participation in the H.D.S. program provides them tremendous opportunities to learn the gaming and hospitality business.”

The Ak-Chin Indian Community had deep roots in farming and agriculture. Protecting and sustaining the land, air, and water is part of the fabric of the Community. Harrah’s takes that pledge seriously as well and regularly supports the company’s Code Green Program. Code Green’s sustainability programs are focused on reducing the property’s carbon footprint, energy and water consumption, and recycling. They also support civic programs vital to the Maricopa community’s success, including organizations involved with education, children and families, adults, the environment, health care, and the arts.

“We’re proud that we’ve established a reputation for giving back to the community,” says Kintner. “I believe, and hope others agree, that our partnership with the Ak-Chin Indian Community is a proven model for how casinos can ultimately be a catalyst for positive change in a community.” $

Two Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Employees Receive Patriot Award

Above: Terri Tooley (Left) and Michael Schauster (Right) received the Patriot Award for their support of David Porter (Center), an employee in the United States Armed Forces Guard and Reserve.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, recognized two employees At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino for their high-level support of fellow employee David Porter, who is serving as Staff Sergeant CBRN Operations NCO 158th Headquarters Support Company in the United States Armed Forces Guard and Reserve.

The Patriot Award, presented to Michael Schauster and Terri Tooley, reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployments, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

“Michael and Terri took the time to learn about the specific military service needs of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Security Officer David Porter,” said Arizona Committee for ESGR State Chair Dan Irving. “Individuals enlisted in the military make huge sacrifices to serve and to know that they have unconditional support at work is appreciated. The Patriot Award is an acknowledgement of the support to Staff Sergeant Porter’s service.”

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 AkChin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Caesars Rewards program, to unlock benefits that can be used at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos. $

Earn Free Beer, Wine & Gifts On Promotional Days Every Week At Casino Del Sol In Tucson

Located in the secluded mesquites of the high desert in Tucson, Arizona, Casino Del Sol is an entertainment oasis. Offering live poker, blackjack, bingo and more than 1,300 of the newest traditional and video slot games, Casino Del Sol takes great pride in offering valuable promotions and specials almost every day of the week to their Club Sol members. Club Sol is one of the best players clubs around with members earning points for playing their favorite slots and table games. Points can be redeemed throughout the casino resort for discounts on dining, spa treatments, retail purchases and more. Additionally, Club Sol members can earn free wine, beer and gifts on promotional days throughout the week.

Sunshine Club Mondays: Sunshine Club members (Club Sol members ages 50 and up) are eligible for rewards every Monday. By swiping your Club Sol card at any kiosk, you’ll be entered to win up to $150 Freeplay. Drawings take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Mondays. Swipe your card to receive dining offers. Wine Wednesdays: Every Wednesday from noon to 10 p.m., Club Sol members can receive a bottle of wine for every 150 points earned. Players can earn up to 10 bottles. Choose from both red & white wines; with different varieties weekly. Play and Get Thursdays: On Thursdays, Club Sol members that earn 200 points receive a special gift from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (while supplies last). Gifts include luggage, bedding, cookware and more. Free Stuff Fridays: On Fridays, Club Sol members who earn 75 points can swipe at any kiosk between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a surprise gift (while supplies last). Gifts include health and beauty products, housewares, camping essentials and more. Six Pack Sundays: Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Club Sol members who earn 150 points can receive a six pack of their beverage of choice: beer, soda or water. You can earn up to three six packs! $