GAMING NEWS

Arizona Lottery’s Newest Game Offers Its Biggest Scratchers® Top Prize Ever, Plus More Community Impact

The Arizona Lottery is kicking off 2022 with its biggest and most exciting Scratchers® game ever and, with it, an even more exciting opportunity to support vital programs and organizations that are helping Arizona’s communities. Beginning on February 1, the new $50 “500X” Scratchers game (sold at participating retailers across the state) will not only give players the chance to win up to $5 million with the scratch of a single ticket, it will bring more money to beneficiaries across the state.

This new $50 Scratchers game offers nine top prizes of $5 million as well as opportunities for players to multiply their prizes up to 500 times! There are over $310 million in prizes and each win is worth at least $50. With overall odds of winning of 2.51 to 1, this game is sure to prove popular with players.

“Arizona Lottery players really enjoy our $20 and $30 Scratchers tickets,” said Gregory R. Edgar, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. “But our market research consistently shows that players are looking for even bigger and better games and this new $50 ticket delivers for those who want the added excitement of playing games that offer the biggest prizes.”

To play, just scratch off your 10 Winning Numbers, 35 Your Numbers, and Bonus Number on the front of the ticket. Match any of Your Numbers to any of the Winning Numbers to win the prize shown for that Number. Now for the real excitement: if any of Your Numbers is a multiplier (10X, 50X, 100X, 500X) your prize is multiplied by that amount. So your $5 10X winner is worth $50, your $10 100X winner is worth $1,000 and so on. If any of Your Numbers match the Bonus Number, you automatically win 5X the prize amount directly beneath Your Number. Or, you could just scratch a winning match for $5 million!

As if that weren’t exciting enough, all 500X tickets are also eligible to be entered into the Arizona Lottery’s Players Club Million Dollar Giveaway where, from March 1st to April 30th, players can enter their $20 or greater Scratchers, Fast Play, Draw Games, and Quick Draw tickets for a chance to win up to $1 million. The price of each ticket determines the number of entries players receive, so $20 tickets get 20 entries, $30 tickets get 30 entries and $50 500X tickets get 50 entries! Players can enter up to 50 tickets in each of the four drawings leading up to the grand prize drawing so the more you play, the more chances you have to win.

For four decades now, the Arizona Lottery has made an enormous financial contribution to the state. From returning more than $10.4 billion in prizes to players to generating over $4.7 billion for programs in higher education, health and human services, the environment, and economic and business development, the lottery has changed the lives of millions of Arizonans. The new $50 Scratchers ticket will continue to enhance these programs that improve the quality of life for Arizonans.

“The financial impact for community programs across the state will be even more significant in the years to come, thanks to this new game,” added Edgar. “In addition to the exciting chance to win the state’s largest-ever payout for a Scratchers ticket, with every ticket purchased players know their money is also helping our community.”

The lottery’s mission has remained unchanged since 1981: to support Arizona programs for public benefit by maximizing net revenue in a responsible manner. The Arizona Lottery is fully funded through the sale of its products. Its beneficiary transfers, generated from lottery sales, fund a variety of vital state programs that promote the health and welfare of those Arizonans who need it most, protect and preserve Arizona’s iconic wildlife and habitats, maintain and expand state universities, and grow our state’s economy.

To learn more about the Arizona Lottery, visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. $

Scratchers® is a registered service mark of the California Lottery.

Caesars Sportsbook Now Open At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino In Maricopa, Arizona

Above: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Senior Vice President and General Manager Michael Kintner (left) and David Snock, Vice President of Western Operations for William Hill (right), celebrate the first bet at the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino with Caesars Rewards members Joseph & Billie Butkiewicz of Ahwatukee, Arizona. Below: Wendy Webb (left) and Michael Kintner (right).

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino guests can now place their bets on their favorite sports teams as the Casino has opened Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Ak-Chin. Located adjacent to Live Keno, the sportsbook features a temporary setup of four selfservice betting kiosks and two betting windows, set to be expanded at a later date. Betting windows are open MondayThursday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Kiosks are open 24/7.

With every bet, sports fans can earn Tier Credits and Reward Credits through the industry-leading loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, unlocking unique experiences within the Caesars portfolio of properties and partnerships.

In addition to in-person wagering, the Caesars Sportsbook app offers unmatched mobile wagering for eligible sports fans, while also integrating Caesars Rewards. Bettors can explore a wide range of live markets and odds—including for every local team—along with customized offerings, a wide range of betting lines and flexible limits.

“We are thrilled that our valued Harrah’s Ak-Chin guests now have the opportunity to place a bet on their favorite sports team here at the Casino,” said Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Senior Vice President and General Manager Michael Kintner. “Whether at one of our kiosks, at our betting windows or through the Caesars Sportsbook mobile app, sports bettors can now enjoy an elevated sports betting experience with Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Ak-Chin.”

In addition to the opening of Caesars Sportsbook, Harrah’s AkChin has long made the commitment to support nonprofit organizations throughout Maricopa. Through its community outreach program, H.E.R.O., Harrah’s Ak-Chin recently donated $10,000 to F.O.R. Maricopa.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has been a strong supporter of F.O.R. Maricopa since its inception. Founded in 2003, the organization is a private 501c3 organization that provides food, opportunity and resources to the Maricopa community.

“We are grateful for H.E.R.O and the entire Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino team,” said Wendy Webb, Executive Director. “Their continued support of our programs and generous donations over the years have helped us continue to provide resources for those in need throughout Maricopa.”

According to Michael Kintner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino, “F.O.R. Maricopa has an immediate and significant impact on our Maricopa community. We are grateful for their efforts and looking forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.”

For nearly 30 years in Maricopa, 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. For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $

Casino Del Sol Opens New Poker Room, Announces Plans For New Video Poker Room, Bingo, Promotions, Dining Specials & More

Casino Del Sol recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the opening of their new poker room! The room boasts over 2,500 square feet with a deli and has 10 new tables hosting both Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha poker games.

In addition, construction is expected to start on Casino Del Sol’s new video poker room soon. The new gaming area will be located in the old poker room across from the Bingo Hall. They are expecting to have over 83 machines offering the standard video poker games. It is expected to open the end of March.

Now through February 5, The Artisan Gem and Bead Show will be at the Event Center at Casino Del Sol, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue and Artisan Workshops showcases the widest range of artisan handcraft in Tucson with 500 artisan exhibits, galleries, workshops, and ateliers. The assemblage of independent artisans, traditional designers, studio artists, and small production handcrafters, are chosen for outstanding artistic ability, exceptional design and singularity of work. The show is a wholesale source for designers and trades people who are purchasing goods for the purpose of resale --such as jewelry makers, metal workers, bead stores, craft stores, and art galleries. There are 50 established wholesale companies that offer true wholesale pricing on jewelry making and bead making supplies, beads, metals, leather, cords, wire, clay, findings, gemstones; and tools for metal working, diamond cutting, jewelry and bead making. Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue also offers the general public an opportunity to meet one-on-one with artists and artisans and buy direct at excellent prices. Cosmic Bingo: February 4 and the 1st Friday of every month at 11 p.m. (sales start at 9 p.m.), the one and only Lucinda Holliday brings a special brand of madness to Bingo devotees!

Promotion: $100,000 Prize Vault – Club Sol Members can participate February 1 through March 26, 2022 by swiping daily for an entry ticket into Saturday drawings. For every 100 points earned, they can earn an additional entry ticket. Saturday drawings winners have a chance to crack the prize vault to win the $100,000 Grand Prize!

PY Steakhouse February Special: Wednesday Prime Rib Night includes slow-roasted prime rib eye with Arizona winter greens and vegetables, a loaded baked potato, and creamy horseradish & au jus. The cost is $30 per person with $8 wine specials.

About Casino Del Sol: 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, a AAA Four Diamond casino resort and one of the Best Hotels in Arizona named by U.S. News & World Report; Casino of the Sun; Estrella at Casino Del Sol, a brand-new 151-room hotel; AVA Amphitheater, a 5,000-seat open-air concert venue named Casino Arena/ Amphitheater of the Year by Casino Entertainment Awards; Sewailo Golf Club, a par-72 championship course designed by Notah Begay III; the new 73-space Casino Del Sol RV Park; and the Del Sol Marketplace. For more info, call 1.855.SOL.STAY (765.7829) or visit CasinoDelSol.com. Follow Casino Del Sol on Facebook and Twitter. $

Gila River Hotels & Casinos Celebrates Completion Of $180 Million Expansion, New Sunrise Tower At Wild Horse Pass & More

Gila River Hotels & Casinos is celebrating its new prestigious resorts designation as Gila River Resorts & Casinos in a grand way. After 27 years, the enterprise has unveiled its new look and amenities and celebrated the completion of its $180 million expansion and opening of the new Sunrise tower at Wild Horse Pass with a big bash Friday and Saturday, January 21-22.

Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos, said guests can expect an elevated experience with the new brand at all Gila River properties; Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte in Chandler, Vee Quiva in the West Valley, and Santan Mountain, in the Southeast Valley, which is slated to open in 2023.

“We are truly excited to introduce ourselves as Gila River Resorts & Casinos. Throughout the past several years, we have been creating a destination packed with thrilling entertainment and new ways to play so that guests can come as they are and own their moment,” Manuel said. “From our new Las Vegasstyle live table games, exciting nightlife, and the addition of our BetMGM Sportsbooks to new fine dining options, spacious rooms, and a variety of serene and secluded pools, Gila River Resorts & Casinos provides guests with a casino resort experience like no other.”

The new 11-story Sunrise tower, connected to the Sunset tower, rises 150 feet over the desert landscape. The new Sunrise tower features 205 guest rooms and suites for a total of 447 rooms at the resort. Resort guests arriving at Wild Horse Pass will also notice a newly renovated lobby entrance, which features a stunning chandelier atop the iconic bucking horse sculpture as a centerpiece as well as diverse art lining the walls from Gila River Indian Community artists. The resort has even enhanced its pool experience with two new pools, the Oasis Pool and the Serenity Adult Pool and an oversized hot tub that can fit 40 people. In addition, the resort now features 18,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 7,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space.

Dining and nightlife were key considerations when planning the newly rebranded resort. Along with the celebration of the rebrand, Gila River also celebrated the grand opening of the new rooftop restaurant and lounge Prime and 11ven at Prime.

A stunning glass elevator brings guests up to the rooftop where Prime, a Shula’s Steak House, serves up a fresh twist on classic steakhouse dishes crafted by celebrity chef Demetrio Zavala. Guests can indulge in a new fine dining experience at the East Valley’s new premier steak house destination that offers exceptional flavor combinations, modern decor, grand ambiance, stunning views of the Estrella Mountains, and breathtaking Arizona sunsets. After dinner, the venue transitions to 11ven at Prime, a place where crafted cocktails and live DJs pair effortlessly with a fabulous perspective of the Valley.

The casino resort gaming options at Gila River Resorts & Casinos is comparable to Las Vegas. Guests can enjoy Las Vegasstyle live table games at all three properties, including roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, and slots. As a result, players can partake in a unique and elevated experience while paying lower and more approachable minimums to create fewer barriers for entry to play than Las Vegas. In addition, Gila River Resorts & Casinos offers one of the most robust loyalty programs in the market, allowing guests to play at all three properties while earning on the same card.

As “Arizona’s Official Sports Headquarters,” BetMGM, Gila River Resorts & Casinos and the Arizona Cardinals partnered for retail and online sports betting where resort guests can bet on games from all major U.S. leagues and international sporting events in person. BetMGM collaborated with Gila River Resorts & Casinos to open custom-built sportsbooks at each of Gila River’s three properties—Vee Quiva, Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte. Each BetMGM sportsbook boasts large screen displays, a media wall, betting kiosks, and ample seating. In the sportsbooks, guests can view games and events from all major US and international sports. The sportsbooks not only offers a spectacular sports experience, they also have exquisite food and beverage options. For more info visit PlayAtGila.com. $