Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - October 2022 - 14:10

THIS

04 EDITOR’S NOTE

06 PLAYERS TALK

08 NEW SLOTS

14 VIDEO POKER

16 TABLE GAMES

20 COVER STORY

22 GAMING NEWS

28 MVP SPOTLIGHT

30 TRAVEL LAS VEGAS

32 ENTERTAINMENT

34 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

36 FUN & GAMES

38 CASINO DIRECTORY

DRAGON LINK SLOTS

BY ARISTOCRAT

Brand new Dragon Link slots with player favorite titles and game play is arriving on casino floors soon.

MVP SPOTLIGHT EVERI

This company continues to excel with new slots, financial & player loyalty technology, and more.

DONNY OSMOND LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY

Due to high demand, more dates have been added through May 2023 to his first ever solo residency.

AZ CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF SPORTS BETTING & FIRST SUPER BOWL WITH LEGAL WAGERING

GLOBAL GAMING EXPO

Over Two Decades Later, Still Going Strong!

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

VOLUME 14 • ISSUE 10

MANAGING DIRECTOR & VIDEO POKER GURU

Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

PUBLISHER & SLOT GURU

If you have been reading our magazine for the past 15 years, then by now you have learned that October is the month that hosts one of the gaming industry’s largest and most influential trade shows called G2E. The Global Gaming Expo, or simply G2E, is presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and appropriately held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Venetian Expo every Fall.

Recently, I was just reminiscing with some team members about the very first Global Gaming Expo most of us attended that took place October 1 3, 2001 and how great it was to be a part of that inaugural experience. Back then, of course, we were employees working in the gaming industry for slot manufacturers some as mathematicians and game designers and others as software programmers and testers. Today, 21 years later, we are all still so excited and look forward to attending G2E every year. Except for the attendance that was 10,000 and now exceeds 25,000, the only other thing that has changed from that first show in 2001 is our badge color that identifies us all now as the media as opposed to gaming industry employees!

So, you can count on the fact that all of us at the AZ Gaming Guide will be at the Expo in Las Vegas from October 10 13 collecting information to report back to all of you, our loyal readers, on all the coolest games and innovative technology coming our way! Stay tuned!

Have A Lucky Month!

Alexandra

Alexandra Lang

Editor in Chief Editor@AZGamingGuide.com

Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com

ART DIRECTOR

Melanie Mueller

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Al Moe Mark Novak

TJ Jorgensen 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 © 2009 2022 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 articles and/or 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. Check all details with the respective casino’s Players Club. Our full legal disclaimer can be found 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 gaming.az.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

PLAYERS

FAQ ABOUT CLASS III GAMING

We Review Some Of The Frequently Asked Questions From Our Readers

Q: If a slot hasn’t hit a jackpot in a while, isn’t it “due” to hit?

A: Every spin on a slot machine is independent of the spin before. The random number generator (RNG) software that picks which values will be displayed on screen after each spin has no ability to control the future based on past outcomes. All gaming regulations state, at the very minimum, that every single outcome on a slot machine must be random at all times and that no slot game will adjust the likelihood of an event happening based on the history of the previous games and/or payouts. No matter what anyone says, a slot is never “due” for a win, a bonus, or a jackpot! Never, ever, “chase” after anything.

Q: Does stopping video reels affect a game’s outcome?

A: No, there is absolutely no way to affect a game’s outcome by stopping the video reels! As soon as the “Spin” button on a slot is pressed, the result is determined by the RNG. The lights and animations that happen are only for entertainment purposes and the outcome of the spin doesn’t change no matter what a player does. The last bonus symbol can’t be “caught” in time by touching the screen before it passes by or a winning combination can’t occur by stopping the reels at precisely the right moment with the Stop/Spin feature.

Q: Can casinos “tighten” or “loosen” their slots whenever they want?

A: Many players believe that casinos just “tighten” or “loosen” their slots whenever they feel like it. Although this would be quite advantageous for the casino to be able to do this, it’s a very time consuming process that needs to involve a lot of people. When a new slot machine arrives at a casino, it is initialized and the payback percentage is selected for the game. This is all done with a member of the overseeing agency recording all the settings of the game. It’s not in the best interest of any casino to change a game’s percentage to make it “tighter” or “looser” after the initial set up because it requires downtime, permission and oversight by a gaming agency, and additional administrative hassle. No slot manager is ever going to want his or her slots off for more than a few minutes, let alone the days it would require to go through the rigorous routine of initializing a slot!

Q: Could that jackpot have been mine?

A: You leave a machine, somebody sits down after you and hits a bonus, a large win or, worse yet, a jackpot! Could that have been your luck had you not left the machine? Probably not! The RNG is constantly shuffling through all possible combinations and is perpetually doing so even when the machine is not being played. The RNG stops on a combination only when the player presses the “Spin” button. To say that both you and the person who sat down after you would have pressed the button at the exact same millisecond is very unlikely. Just consider the fact that the RNG can go through 100,000 or more combinations in just one second!

Q: Are your chances of losing greater when using free play?

A: Your chances of winning or losing using free play money for credits are no different than when you use real currency or tickets for credits. The slot machine does not change its behavior because of the type of credits inserted. Since the casino gaming industry is so heavily regulated here in the U.S., and in most other countries around the world, there are many rules in place which

ensure free play is fair for all players. Here’s a hint: keep track of how much you are winning with your free play money. Assume you have $10 in free play and you place 50¢ wagers. This means the free play money will allow you to have 20 free spins. Count the 20 spins, stop playing, look at your credit meter and see how much you’ve won using your free play money. That money is yours to do what you want with!

Q: Are progressive jackpots set up by the casinos?

A: All progressive systems are rigorously tested by an independent laboratory before they make their way on to any casino floor. A progressive hits when the RNG selects the winning combination, so no one has any control or influence over when that will happen. A fact that most players don’t realize is that large progressive amounts (usually over $100,000) are paid by the slot machine manufacturers and not the casinos! When huge progressives hit, representatives from the slot manufacturer will come out and verify the win.

Q: How many spins does it take to get into a bonus?

A: Even though slot machines are based on random behavior, there is a mathematical model behind each game. The average number of spins (called the pulls to hit) it takes to trigger a bonus varies from slot to slot, and it’s up to the game’s mathematician to determine how often a player will get into a bonus. Volatile slots can take over 180 spins, on average, to get into a bonus where less volatile slots have much lower pulls to hits of between 60 and 80 spins. Every slot enthusiast should be able to have a good idea of approximately how many spins it takes to get into their favorite slot’s bonus.

Q: When is the best time to visit a casino?

A: Many people believe that visiting a casino during a busy time will increase their likelihood of winning. And, the reason for this theory is because it just seems there are more jackpots, more lights flashing, and altogether more action going on when the casinos are packed. The misconception is that casinos intentionally make the machines pay out more when there are crowds to see the wins. This is false! The RNG in a slot machine doesn’t know how many people are in the casino. It’s just doing its job of picking numbers randomly. On the flip side, many people believe that the best time to visit a casino is during a weekday when there’s the least amount of people. Monday is a popular day for this myth since “the machines are full of money from all the weekend play and they are ready to pay out.” The other reason some people prefer to play during the week is because they feel casinos intentionally tighten the machines on the weekends. Again, the RNG doesn’t know which day of the week it is, how many people are in a casino at any given moment, or what the weather is like outside! The best time to visit a casino is when you feel the happiest and luckiest! It’s that simple! My team and I personally enjoy visiting casinos during quieter times to avoid the crowds and to increase our chances of getting the machines we enjoy playing.

Thank you to all our readers and fans for your questions and comments. We appreciate you! Write us at Editor@AZGamingGuide.com or by mail at Editor, AZ Gaming Guide, PO BOX 20636, Mesa, AZ, 85277. Have Fun & Good Luck! $

Soon

Dragon Link Breathes Excitement Into Your Casino Adventure

By Aristocrat Gaming

Dragon Link™ is the biggest game in North America. Maybe you’ve played Dragon Link in California or Las Vegas and loved it, and now the good news is, the game is coming to Arizona, as close as your own favorite casino.

If you haven’t played Dragon Link yet, then prepare yourself for an all new adventure in this game from Aristocrat Gaming™

Dragon Link has ten brilliant and colorful Asian themed base games for you to enjoy, including player favorite titles such as Autumn Moon, Golden Century, Happy & Prosperous, and Panda Magic

Each game has its own exciting twist. For example, during the free games feature, Golden Century and Autumn Moon surprise you with “Mystery Symbols” that can lead to rich pays or even revealing multiple Hold & Spin trigger symbols. The Happy & Prosperous and Panda Magic games remove the “Royal Symbols,” which can result in significant numbers of stacked symbols for big wins or increasing the opportunity of receiving more Hold & Spin symbols.

If you like the Hold & Spin feature in Lightning Link, you’ll love how Dragon Link adds a common trigger symbol making it easy for you to recognize the Hold & Spin trigger, regardless of which game you’re enjoying. Whichever base game you choose, Dragon Link’s Progressives, Hold & Spin, and Lucky Chance features remain common across all titles.

You’ll be on the edge of your seat with every spin as you look for free spin scatters, wild stacks, and the Hold & Spin bonus. In the Hold & Spin bonuses, you can win multiple credit prizes, multiple bonus jackpots, and a Major and Grand progressive jackpot all in one bonus.

Dragon Link’s grand jackpot is a linked progressive, while standalone jackpots give you a chance to win smaller sized progressives more quickly and often.

Breathe dragon sized excitement into your next casino gaming adventure with Aristocrat’s Dragon Link. Discover where to play at aristocratgaming.com/us/where to play. $

NEW

Coming Soon

P

Glorious & Splendid Fortunes

By IGT

acked with player favorite features, IGT’s Fu Gui Hao Men Glorious Fortunes and Splendid Fortunes video slots deliver the next evolution of Asian themed multi level progressives.

A lively game with two vibrant art packages, Fu Gui Hao Men is an all ways to win game with 3x5 reel play and perceived persistence pots in the top box. During the base game, a player is eligible for any of the jackpots or bonuses regardless of the number of credits wagered. The jackpot pick bonus can be mystery triggered when one of four colored wild symbols, corresponding to different pots and trigger events, land on the reels and can appear with a 2x multiplier to double the prize for one or more jackpots.

Following hold and respin mechanics, the Ingot bonus is triggered when both a gold and silver Ingot symbol appear on the reels and lock. Three additional spins are awarded with the potential to win credits and multipliers. Rounding out the play, the Fu Gui Hao Men’s free games feature is activated when three scatter symbols land and every wild symbol presents the chance to trigger the jackpot bonus. Fu Gui Hao Men Glorious Fortunes and Splendid Fortunes is an 88 credit cost to cover game. For more information, visit IGT.com. $

The Price Is Right

By IGT

This new slot brings the excitement of television’s longest running game show to the casino floor with The Price is Right Come on Down! video slots on the large format Peak65™ cabinet.

The wide area progressive features exciting bonuses based on fan favorite games in the popular show, including Cliff Hangers and the iconic Showcase Showdown wheel with up to a 95x multiplier and possibility of winning the WAP top award. Sure to have a massive presence, the 4x5 reel base game has a random Plinko wilds feature that can add three to seven wild symbols to the reels.

The bonus is triggered when two scattered bonus symbols land on reels one and three, along with a unique bonus symbol on reel five, which determines the bonus played. In the Cliff Hangers free spins bonus, the climber starts at 1x for the first spin and moves up the mountain with increasing multipliers. When the climber falls off the cliff, the player is awarded one last free spin at a 25x multiplier. In the Range Game bonus, a unique 3x9 reel interface appears, and the player selects a 3x3 win box in one of seven positions on the grid. The player gets three spins to land as many money balls as possible within the chosen win box with the opportunity for extra spins. With three jackpots to win, the 60 credit cost to cover game is complete with vibrant visuals and energetic licensed sounds from the show. For more information, visit IGT.com. $

VIDEO POKER CORNER

By Lana Hartmann

ANOTHER HOW DO YOU PLAY THIS HAND?

Sometimes It’s Just Common Sense, Sometimes It Depends On The Game

A

nytime I visit a casino there are always people playing video poker making some pretty questionable decisions on what cards to hold. So, I’d like to offer a tip on how to play the two hands below based on different games. I hope my advice helps you improve your play!

THE FIRST HAND

A

I just saw someone play this hand holding the Ace, the King, and the 3s! Honestly, I’m not sure what to say about that. The hold is definitely “creative,” I’ll give you that. Does a video poker game give money for “creative?” I guess, in the unlikely event an Ace, a King, or a 3 come back!

JACKS OR BETTER

The best play is to hold the 3s for an ER of 0.824. The next best hold is the 3s and either the Ace, King, or 9 (!!!) for an ER of 0.675. The third place hold is the Ace and the King for an ER of 0.479.

DOUBLE DOUBLE BONUS

Again, the best play is to hold the 3s. The next best play is to hold the 3s and the Ace, but the ER drops from 0.871 to 0.628. That’s a 28% decrease in ER!

TRIPLE DOUBLE BONUS

Hold the 3s for an ER of 0.919! The next best hold is the 3s with the Ace for an ER of 0.772.

DEUCES WILD

Hold the 3s for an ER of 0.560. If you hold the 3s with either the Ace, King, or 9, the ER becomes a meager 0.339.

Making the hold I witnessed produces ERs of 0.383 (JoB), 0.255 (DD), 0.213 (TD) and 0.128 (Deuces), respectively. Those are some very low numbers!

THE SECOND HAND

A♦ K♥ A♣ K♦ 2♠

Hold the Aces? Hold the Kings? Hold both pairs? You can argue all sides of this one but, in the end, the numbers don’t lie. Depending on your favorite game we’ve listed below, read about the best hold.

JACKS OR BETTER

Hold both pairs for an ER of 2.596. Afterall, holding a Two Pair will pay you. And, you might get that Full House too! Holding both pairs and the 2 produces an ER of “only” 2.000, which makes sense. Jacks Or Better pays twice your bet back for Two Pair.

DOUBLE DOUBLE BONUS

Just hold the Aces! Because of the higher pay for Four Aces (with and without a kicker), the ER is 1.916. The ER for holding both pairs drops to 1.681.

TRIPLE DOUBLE BONUS

With this game, you are also holding the Aces for an ER of 2.073. The next best hold is the Aces and the kicker (the 2) for an ER of 1.883. If you hold both pairs, your ER is reduced even further to 1.6081.

DEUCES WILD

Hold all five cards for the Full House! Since a Full House pays three times your bet in Deuces Wild, the ER is 3.000. If you hold just the Aces and the 2, or just the Kings and the 2, the ER drops to 2.019.

Send us an email if you want to know how to hold a hand! Doesn't matter if it’s holds you are seeing other people make, or if you just want to be sure about your own holds.

Write us at Editor@AZGamingGuide.com, or send a letter to: Editor, AZ Gaming Guide, PO BOX 20636, Mesa, AZ, 85277. $

EXPLAINING THE NUMBERS

An Expected Return (ER) of 1.000 means on average, over the long run, you can expect to win back your bet of 1 credit.

GAMES

By Al Moe

FOUR THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CASINOS

Everything Is About Winning

A

s Arizona casinos continue to expand a liberal game base and attract more visitors, I thought I’d mention a few things you might not know about the Grand Canyon State’s casinos.

Casinos Don’t Beat Everyone

We all want to win when we gamble, and the excitement and anticipation of playing cushions the blow during those times when we take a beating. It’s going to happen. The house has the edge.

However, insider statistics show that casinos lose money on nearly a quarter of all their guests. Some lucky winners are advantage players, finding cracks in the casino’s armor that lead to profits from card counting, shuffle tracking and dealer errors that crop up at busy times on challenging games like World Poker Tour, craps, and even roulette.

Fortunately, if you decide to learn blackjack basic strategy or play craps or baccarat and avoid the prop bets, the very low house edge can make you one of those players the casino can’t beat, even if you don’t always rack up a win. That’s because you aren't contributing to the casinos' bottom line with the heavy investment in infrastructure, employees, and marketing that the casino industry faces.

And with comps you’ll earn along the way, you may find your overall return is more significant than your investment. Yes, you’re in the minority.

Casinos Don’t Mind If You Win

Winners are the lifeblood of casinos. Without winners, players would never return. Casinos don’t mind if you win legally. They want you happy, so you’ll come back. Card counters and advantage players may be stopped from playing; for everyone else, winning is good for business.

Don't be shy if you catch a winning streak or hit a sizable jackpot. If you ask, a friendly Pit Boss will likely hook you up with a complimentary night or two in the hotel with free meals.

The Casino Escalation Factor

There’s a rule in casinos that everything seems to escalate as the night wears on. A losing player tends to reach a pain threshold

where risking more money and continuing to lose doesn’t hurt anymore. Don’t let yourself get to that point. Set a limit and stick to it.

On the winning side, the streaking players who tend to win the most keep raising their wagers incrementally as their table bankroll increases, and they just crush it. That’s why their wins keep escalating.

And on the crazy side, some patrons refuse to back down from frustration, cursing, and confrontation. You can keep playing if you get a little out of line, are asked to cool it, and you do. If not, you’ll go from being asked to stop to being asked to leave. If you refuse, security may take you to their offices, where you’ll be asked to stop playing for a specific time. Yes, you can be barred from playing. If you’re belligerent, you may even get arrested.

You Can Get A Check

When the wheels of fate turn in your favor, don’t carry all that cash home with you. You can ask for a check for any substantial win at slots, bingo, keno, or table games. If you want to cash a check, you may have to have already set up those privileges in advance at the cashier’s cage! $

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

SHOULD YOU PUSH YOUR LUCK?

How This Blackjack Side Bet Affects Your Game

Recently, I had a friend ask me to go out and play some blackjack and coach her on how to play a winning game. We met at the casino and both sat down at the same $10 table. She placed her bet and then placed a bet on the Push Your Luck side bet, asserting that she always wins when playing this way!

Well, she didn't! I tried to explain to her that when you play perfect basic strategy the house has around a 0.57% advantage over the player in a six deck game. When you start playing side bets the house advantage jumps to 25%, almost guaranteeing a loss for the player.

The Way This Side Bet Is Played

When you make your original blackjack wager, you can bet no more than 50% of your original blackjack bet on the push bet. If you split a pair, you can also split the push bet, so if either hand ties the dealer you get paid 10 to 1.

Since I had never analyzed the Push Your Luck side bet, I thought I would take a look and see how bad this bet is for the player. After all, it does pay 10 to 1 when you win this side bet! I was surprised to find that the house edge on this bet is small compared to that of other side bets. If you play the max on your side bet, which is equal to 1/2 of your main bet, the house edge goes from 0.57% to around 0.76% for a six deck game. That's a cost of 0.20%. However, you are getting 10 to 1 odds. The odds of pushing the dealer are about 12 to 1.

Next, I took my analysis a little further. If you are dead set on playing this side bet you actually should discard basic strategy and use a different strategy. You should end up hitting most of your hands under 17 regardless of what the dealer is showing. I am sure you will really make the other players lose their minds when you are hitting 14 against a dealer up card of a six, but that would be the correct play! So, you might want to wait until you are alone with the dealer, or at least ask the other players if they mind if you play crazy! In any event, I’ve listed the correct strategy for Push Your Luck for a six deck game in the next column.

Push Your Luck is a game created by AGS, a casino game manufacturer and supplier. You can play Push Your Luck for free on their website (PlayAGS.com/demos/pushyourluck/)! For more

information on all their table games and slots, point your browser to PlayAGS.com. For more insight on gambling at the casino, my book “How to become a Blackjack Jedi” by TJ Jorgensen is available on Amazon. $

Writer TJ Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 25 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 newest book “How To Become A Blackjack Jedi” is available online at Amazon.com.

SPORTS BETTING IN ARIZONA

StrongNumbersOneYearLater&SuperBowlLVIIInAZ

FirstInAStateWithLegalWagering

A

record 46.6 million American adults (18%) plan to bet on the upcoming National Football League (NFL) season, up three percent year over year, according to new American Gaming Association (AGA) research.

Importantly, since the NFL kick off coincided with the beginning of Responsible Gaming Education Month, 92% of U.S. sports bettors reported awareness of responsible gaming tools. “The sustained interest in NFL wagering reflects the growth and continued maturation of legal sports betting across the country,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Consumers clearly want legal sports betting options and understand the regulated industry’s foundational commitments to responsibility.” As legalization spreads, bettors are moving away from bookies and toward regulated options.

Of American Adults:

• 23 million will place a bet online this season, up 18% from 2021.

• 6 million will place a bet in person at a sportsbook this season, up two percent from 2021.

• Just 13 percent of NFL bettors say they will use a bookie, down two points from last year (15%) and five points from 2020 (18%).

• Bookie usage is 50 percent higher in states without legalized sports betting.

Today, more than half (132 million) of American adults can legally wager in their home state, 18 million more than this time last year. Demonstrating consumer confidence in regulated

sportsbooks, nine in 10 (89%) of past year sports bettors say it is very or somewhat important that they bet with a legal, regulated sportsbook. Consumer protections are central to the legal marketplace, and past year sports bettors recognize the industry’s responsibility commitments.

Responsible Gaming

• 90 percent recall seeing or hearing about responsible gaming in the past year.

• 51 percent saw or heard more responsible gaming information in the past 12 months than they had in previous years.

The majority of past year sports bettors believe responsible gaming programs are very or somewhat effective (82%) and that the gaming industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combatting the issues of problem gambling (81%). “Responsibility is an underpinning of regulated U.S. sports betting and a clear competitive advantage as we continue to build a sustainable marketplace,” Miller added.

Among NFL bettors, the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9%) are the most popular picks to win Super Bowl LVII, followed by the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs (8%) and the Dallas Cowboys (7%). The Super Bowl will be played in a legal sports betting jurisdiction (Arizona) for the first time in February 2023.

Americans have legally wagered more than $50.4 billion on sports in the first seven months of 2022, generating more than $809 million in federal, state and local taxes.

Here In Arizona

September 9, 2022 marked one year of legal sports betting in the state of Arizona. Through July of 2022, Arizonans have wagered over $5 billion on sports, highlighting the excitement for new gaming opportunities in the state.

“In April of 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation and the amended Tribal State Gaming Compacts legalizing sports betting and a number of other casino games in the state. In just under five months from signing, ADG worked diligently with the public and stakeholders to efficiently and responsibly set up these new industries.” said Ted Vogt, Director, ADG.

Currently, Arizona has 18 mobile sports betting operators and 25 different authorized retail sports betting facilities. Retail sports betting facilities can be found in locations throughout the state, ranging from tribal casinos, professional sports arenas, racetracks and off track betting locations.

“With Arizona already a top ten sports betting market in the U.S., I am excited to see the positive impact these new games will make on the state as we move past our first year of legal wagering,” said Ted Vogt. “Sports betting gives another opportunity for tourists to visit our state, particularly for major sporting events. For example, ADG is preparing for Super Bowl LVII next February, which will be the first time the event is held in a state with legal sports betting.”

July 2022 Sports Betting Revenue Report

Bettors in Arizona wagered over $290 million during the month of July, according to a new report just released by the Arizona Department of Gaming. Privilege fees collected in July totaled nearly $1.5 million, resulting in over $18 million in total privilege fees to the state since the start of legal operations. You can view the full report on their website at Gaming.AZ.gov.

How To Bet Responsibly

September was Responsible Gaming Education Month and ADG joined the American Gaming Association to promote responsible sports betting in the state. As part of the American

Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign, here are some tips if you plan on placing a wager:

• Set a Budget Make sure to set a limit and stick to it if you plan on wagering.

• Keep it Social All gambling, including sports betting, is a form of entertainment. It is not a way to make money. By playing with friends and family, you can keep it fun and responsible.

• Know the Odds What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? These are all key terms you should know before placing a sports bet. Before wagering any money, make sure you are informed and know the basics of sports betting.

• Use Legal Sportsbooks Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. You can view a list of legal operators in the state at Gaming.AZ.gov.

ADG’s Division of Problem Gambling (DPG) works to increase community awareness about the effects of problem gambling by maintaining partnerships with individuals, agencies, and community groups to help support a community based approach to problem gambling education and prevention. DPG maintains a self exclusion list that allows interested individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all Arizona Indian gaming facilities along with event wagering and fantasy sports. Self exclusion prohibits these individuals from collecting any winnings or recovering any losses. DPG also subsidizes treatment for both individuals with a gambling problem or anyone affected by problem gambling through the Treatment Assistance Program. This can be accessed by visiting the DPG website and by calling 1 800 NEXT STEP or by texting 'NEXTSTEP' to 53342. DPG's NEXT STEP helpline number is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Calls are screened and can be assigned to Masters Level Clinicians trained in Problem Gambling who are able to make referrals to Arizona clinicians as well as to speak with anyone regarding their problem gambling concerns. Established by the Arizona State Legislature in 1995, ADG is the state regulatory agency for tribal gaming, racing and pari mutuel/simulcast wagering, event wagering/fantasy sports and unarmed combat sports. $

Gaming Association &

Department Of

Submitted By April Stovall

When it comes to meeting the needs of guests and the planet, Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino is second to none. From energy management to community outreach, the property goes the extra mile to stand out through the organization wide CodeGreen initiative. A program inspired by the Ak Chin Indian Community’s deep roots in farming, agriculture and passion for protecting and sustaining land, air and water, the CodeGreen sustainability program is focused on reducing the property’s carbon footprint, energy, water consumption, and recycling. The CodeGreen initiative introduces real solutions to the world's environmental and sustainability problems today.

One way Harrah's Ak Chin Casino stands out from the crowd regarding environmental initiatives is through participation in the Clean the World program. As a part of Clean the World, a global health organization committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities worldwide, hotel soaps are recycled and then redistributed worldwide to prevent unnecessary deaths from hygiene related diseases. The property has also taken it further by creating hygiene kits for veterans and holding kit building events.

And recycling doesn’t stop with soap; Harrah's Ak Chin Casino recycles thousands of pounds of cooking oil every year to be turned into biofuel. Primarily used as transportation fuels, many may also use biofuels for heating and electricity generation.

And if you are as conscious about vehicle emissions as Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino, you are in the right place. Don’t worry about finding a charging station on the way to your next destination or pitching in gas money for your friend’s vehicle. The property has eight free electric vehicle charging stations available for guests in their garage and surface parking, making Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino the perfect place for you and your car to recharge.

Another way Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino makes a difference is by participating in the Earth Hour movement. To kick off Earth Month in April, they joined millions of other businesses worldwide and turned off all non essential outdoor lighting to demonstrate support for climate action. And participation in Earth Hour is just one part of Harrah’s Ak Chin’s commitment to Earth Month every year. Employees also participated in the 11th annual Adopt a Highway Cleanup, the casino held a CodeGreen Educational Exhibit Booth, and an Earth Day Volunteer

Appreciation Event organized to honor employees and their good deeds. Protecting the planet is beneficial and can be an enjoyable community relations experience.

Even though April is action packed with environmental initiatives, conservation is at the core of Harrah’s Ak Chin year round through the hotel’s energy management system, which conserves energy in unoccupied spaces by resetting air conditioning to 75 degrees. In the hotel rooms, refrigerators are set to low when rooms are unoccupied, and showers are installed with low flow shower heads and faucet aerators to help decrease water consumption on the property. Housekeeping also conserves electricity and water by changing sheets and towels upon request.

And on the gaming floor, Harrah's Ak Chin Casino has an enhanced focus on improving air quality through cold plasma ionization bars that kill viruses, bacteria, and mold and UVDI purification units that improve the quality of air and keep guests healthy through multi stage filtration.

“While Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino can’t solve today’s environmental problems alone, we all have a role to play. We are and will continue to do our part to introduce solutions and meet sustainability goals while encouraging our guests to do the same,” said April Stovall, Director of Surveillance and Facilities for Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino.

And, they do this and more all while continuing to provide memorable experiences with top notch services. For more information about Harrah’s Ak Chin and their amenities, visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Bets It All On Green. From Energy Management To Community Outreach, The Property Goes The Extra Mile To Stand Out Through Their CodeGreen Initiative.

“Desert Diamond Arena” Unites Regional Partners For AZ’s Premier Entertainment Destination

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Launches State-Of-The-Art Sportsbook In Partnership With Betfred

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment and ASM Global just announced plans for a major new partnership that will rename the City of Glendale’s 18,000 seat facility to Desert Diamond Arena. Located less than one mile apart in Glendale’s vibrant sports and entertainment district, the partnership will integrate new opportunities and synergies between ASM Global, Desert Diamond Casinos and a world class arena. New head line events, interconnected promotions, special offers and other amenities will all be part of an unparalleled entertainment mecca in one of the fastest growing regions in Arizona.

Planned major upgrades to the arena, and future hotel and resort expansions to Desert Diamond Casinos will ensure additional future opportunities. The announced agreement will be in place for at least a decade beginning this fall, and brings together partners that share in the commitment to supporting the community by bringing expanded entertainment and economic opportunities. The announcement comes as ASM Global has transitioned to offering a full schedule of top level concerts. Upcoming acts include renowned talents such as Alan Jackson, Roger Waters, Professional Bull Rider Teams, Pepe Aguilar and Ateez. Additional headline acts have already been secured for 2023, including Rage Against the Machine and Carrie Underwood.

Mike Bean, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise said, “Desert Diamond Casinos has always been committed to building a successful West Valley community with diverse entertainment options. It just made sense to connect our capabilities with our neighbors at ASM Global and the City of Glendale so we can deliver the best possible experience for all of our guests. $

The We Ko Pa Casino Resort is proud to introduce the award winning property’s new Sportsbook powered by Betfred, featuring state of the art 4K video walls and displays, a cashier stand with four wagering terminals, and strategically located betting kiosks designed to appeal to sports betting enthusiasts throughout Arizona.

“We took our time in creating our new Sportsbook because we wanted to learn from those that came before us, maximize existing resources, and leverage the latest electronic advancements so we could take our facility to the next level of gaming excellence,” explained Kirk Brumbaugh, Table Games Director for the We Ko Pa Casino Resort.

Powered by Betfred Sportsbook (with whom the We Ko Pa Casino has partnered since August 2021 to bring sports betting to Arizona residents), the new Sportsbook boasts a massive Planar 4K direct view LED video wall (47’ wide by 9’ tall) that can show three separate games side by side, with each screen measuring about 18’ diagonally. Each screen can be further split into four separate roughly 9’ diagonal sections, allowing up to 12 separate games to be seen simultaneously.

Opening just in time for football season, the new Sportsbook is connected to WKP Sports & Entertainment, a full service sports bar that offers a variety of innovative appetizers, wings, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads and entrees along with more than 45 draft beers, signature cocktails, their proprietary Party Punch, beer cocktails, wine, premium spirits and adult milkshakes. The new Sportsbook is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. on weekdays (9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) until closing. For more information about We Ko Pa Casino’s new Sportsbook, visit WeKoPaCasinoResort.com. $

Gila River First Native American Owned Gaming Entertprise With Logo On NHL Team Jersey

Charles Haley’s $250,000 Pro Football Challenge Is In Full Swing Now At Both Quechan & Paradise Casinos

The Arizona Coyotes and Gila River Resorts & Casinos announced a multi year partnership extension agreement that provides Gila River with the branding entitlement on the Arizona Coyotes official home jerseys. This historic announcement marks the first time in NHL history that a Native American owned gaming enterprise will have its logo on an NHL team jersey. The Gila River Resorts & Casinos logo will be on the Coyotes black Kachina jerseys for all home games played at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena beginning in October for the 2022 23 season. Additionally, Gila River will be the season long presenting sponsor and participate in a variety of community activations throughout the season.

“We are thrilled to announce our extended partnership to add the Gila River Resorts & Casinos logo to our beloved home jerseys,” said Coyotes President & CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “Gila River has been a long term partner for the Coyotes, and we are grateful for their tremendous loyalty and support over the years. Like the Coyotes, Gila River prides themselves on their commitment to excellence and to positively impacting our community. We look forward to having Gila River’s distinguished and respected name and logo on our incredibly popular black Kachina jerseys.”

“Gila River is honored to be the first ever Native American owned gaming enterprise to have its logo on an NHL jersey,” said Kenneth Manuel CEO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos. “As local leaders, we have developed an incredible partnership with the Arizona Coyotes driving positive change in the community as well as bringing world class hockey to the Valley. We are thrilled to embark on this historic journey paving the way for other Native American gaming enterprises.” $

Football season is in full swing at Quechan and Paradise! From Now January 8, 2023 pick the game winners each week for your chance to win cash, rewards play or memorabilia! If a participant picks 212 of 244 games correctly, they will win $250,000 in Cash! Games will consist of Sunday and Monday games including the Saturday games on December 24, 2022. Plus, pick the winners of the weekly NFL lineup and win up to $500 in cash.

Registration: Players Rewards Card members can swipe their Players Rewards Card at any of the designated football kiosks located on the casino floor at Paradise Casino, Quechan Casino Resort, or through their Player’s Portal once per day up to seven times per week.

There will be ten weekly winners who will receive the following prizes:

1st Place $500 Cash and Charles Haley autographed football

2nd Place $200 Cash

3rd Place $100 Cash

4th 10th Place $50 Rewards Play

Elevate Your Rewards: Now players can earn more weekly rewards on Thursdays at both Paradise and Quechan Casinos. How many points Players Rewards Card members earn on a single Thursday will determine how much Rewards Play they will be able to redeem at the kiosk machine. The amount of Rewards Play that can be earned ranges from $5 $500. Only one prize can be earned per Player Rewards card member per promotional day. Rewards Play offer must be claimed on the day the points were earned. For more information about these and other great promotions, visit Playqcr.com or Paradise Casinos.com. $

EVERI

Slot Machines, Financial Technology, Player Loyalty & More!

As a premier provider of land based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology, as well as player loyalty solutions, Everi’s core focus remains on player engagement and assisting casino customers to operate more efficiently. At G2E 2022, Everi will showcase the full depth and breadth of its gaming products portfolio, including its robust pipeline of core and premium games and high performing cabinets.

More than 10 themes will be featured on Everi’s high performing Empire Flex™ cabinet including PowerShot Deluxe™ Series and Treasure Gates Series™ as well as Press Your Luck™ Series and Fu Blossom™ Series. The Platinum Signature Series, Crowns Diamond Respin Series, and Pay Upgrade Series will be showcased on the latest addition to Everi’s three reel mechanical portfolio, the Player Classic Signature™.

Based on the iconic animated variety television show, The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends™ will be presented on Skyline Revolve™ while two new follow on titles for the high energy, tornadic themed Cashnado™ game will be showcased on Everi’s fully featured banked product Flex Fusion™. Everi is also taking its strong performing Little Shop of Horrors™ theme on Empire MPX™ and now presents it in incredible 4K display on the Empire DCX™ cabinet with Little Shop of Horrors Director’s Cut™.

Designed to seamlessly connect through an expansive and secure network, Everi’s financial technology solutions on display at G2E bring commonality and continuity to operator workflows through its “Digital Neighborhood,” which incorporates customer centric features in loyalty, payments, and casino operations.

Everi’s CashClub Wallet® enables casino operators to offer their guests the option of cashless and contactless funding of electronic game play throughout the gaming enterprise using

Much like the growth in Everi’s FinTech segment, the base of iGaming operator sites featuring Everi games has also expanded significantly. Everi Digital has extended the footprint of its proprietary Spark™ Remote Game Server, which houses its iGaming content, to include Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia in the United States, as well as to British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

“Everi has a long, successful history of supporting gaming operators and remains committed to understanding its casino partners’ needs in this rapidly evolving industry,” said Randy Taylor, Everi President and CEO. “Our investments at G2E represent an opportunity to enhance the player experience with the development of differentiated cabinets, the expansion of our games and iGaming portfolio, and the ability to offer industry leading, integrated financial technology solutions.” $

Everi Is The Company That Is Changing Casino Floor Operations!

Their patrons, the casino gaming enthusiasts, experience a number of benefits: next level security during financial transactions, thrilling and captivating casino games, loyalty programs, online social games and TournEvent® , their award winning slot tournament system.

Their customers receive a suite of financial services tools that enable secure transactions, streamlines credit and debit card processing, and helps protect against money laundering threats. No single supplier in the gaming industry processes more financial access transactions than Everi over $37 billion from more than 125 million transactions in 2021 alone. They also offer a robust intelligence solution to help operators build and maintain patron loyalty, laying the foundation for highly targeted, cost effective player acquisition and retention campaigns.

Everi was formed through the merger of two companies that served the casino industry for decades Global Cash Access, Inc. (GCA) and Multimedia Games, Inc. (MGAM). Each of these legacy organizations brought their long standing experience in the gaming space and reputations for developing innovative gaming industry products together when Everi launched in 2015. For years, GCA has been the gaming industry’s largest and most trusted cash access supplier while MGAM’s roots in the bingo market made it a pioneer in what has now become the Class II gaming space. The combined experience from these two leading experts helped create a new entity unlike any the gaming industry had seen.

Everi is committed to expanding its innovative and creative reach, building a culture based on the tenets of respect and transparency. Their mission statement is their fundamental purpose. It doesn’t describe HOW they exist, but instead, it explains WHY they exist. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle, at Everi they are driven by WHY. All of the employees come together to fulfill their own purpose and serve an even greater one. Driven by WHY, guided by their core values. They are proud to be the gaming industry’s single source provider of financial technology and loyalty solutions, games, and intelligence solutions.

Everi is truly leading the gaming industry through the power of people, imagination and technology!

TRAVEL Las Vegas

DONNY OSMOND AT HARRAH’S LAS VEGAS

Due To High Demand, New Shows Announced Through May 2023

Legendary entertainer and music icon Donny Osmond adds even more new dates in 2023 due to high demand to his first ever solo residency inside Harrah’s Showroom at Harrah’s Las Vegas.

Sold out crowds flocked to see Osmond's return to stage at his all new solo residency, a dynamic, energy filled musical journey of his unparalleled life as one of the most recognized entertainers in the world. Fans are treated to a party as Osmond performs his hits like "Puppy Love," "Soldier of Love" and latest single "Who." Donny shares stories of his greatest showstopping memories through an "Auto rap ography" a rap song accompanied by photos and videos of his impressive career milestones. He also introduces brand new songs and interacts with the crowd in a completely reimagined song and dance celebration.

Upcoming Dates:

October 2022: 1, 4 8, 11 15

November 2022: 1 5, 8 12, 15 19

January 2023: 24 28, 31

February 2023: 1 4, 14 18, 21 25, 28

March 2023: 1 4, 7 11, 21 25, 28 31

April 2023: 1, 5 8

May 2023: 2 6, 9 13, 16 20, 23 27

A limited number of pre show VIP experience passes are available nightly. For more information, scheduling and to purchase tickets, please visit TicketMaster.com/Donny. Performances will take place nightly from Tuesday to Saturday with all shows beginning at 8 p.m.

About Donny Osmond

Throughout his illustrious career, Osmond has earned 33 gold records, selling over 100 million albums becoming a worldwide music legend. Currently, Osmond's milestone 65th release, Start Again, debuted worldwide on September 10, 2021. The album title itself was directly inspired by Osmond's own unique career journey of constant reinvention over the course of his six decades as a world recognized performer. Additionally, in an unprecedented and history making deal, Osmond headlines his first ever solo residency at Harrah's Las Vegas, marking a return to the Las Vegas Strip after a record setting 11 year run at Flamingo Las Vegas with his sister Marie. Osmond has notably entertained a vast array of audiences with his varied career choices. He has starred on Broadway as Gaston in Disney's

Beauty and the Beast; hosted two television series on British network television; and performed at the Concert for Diana, seen worldwide by more than 2 billion viewers. The critically acclaimed song Captain Li Shang's "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from the Disney film "Mulan" was sung by Donny. The song and Osmond's singing of it received accolades from around the globe and ranks as one of the most popular and enduring Disney tunes of all time. One of Osmond's most notable career achievements was his starring role as Joseph in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which broke records during its six year run with more than 2,000 performances in the US and Canada. Most recently, Osmond stunned audiences across America when it was revealed that he was the fan favorite "Peacock" on the inaugural season of the hit Fox musical competition show "The Masked Singer."

About Harrah’s Las Vegas Harrah's Las Vegas is a welcoming resort where guests can break away from their daily routine in a playful atmosphere. The resort offers more than 2,500 renovated hotel rooms and suites and features 87,000 square feet of casino space, a modern Race & Sports Book offering both live gaming and sports betting, and more than 25,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Six restaurants encompass everything from PizzaCake by Buddy Valastro, to the chef driven Fulton Street Food Hall, to the upscale setting of Ruth's Chris Steak House, a romantic venue with breathtaking views of The Strip. Harrah's outdoor bar, Carnaval Court, brings high energy to the Las Vegas Strip with live music and some of the world's top flair bartenders who juggle and pour to perfection. For more information about Donny Osmond’s first ever solo residency inside Harrah’s Showroom or for more information about Harrah’s Las Vegas, please visit HarrahsLasVegas.com. You can also find Harrah’s Las Vegas on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram. $

Photo Credits page 3 & 30: Denise Truscello

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Editor’s Picks

APACHE GOLD CASINO Globe

Live Music In The Bar

APACHE SKY CASINO Winkelman

Live Music On The Casino Floor

CASINO ARIZONA TRIBUTE BANDS Scottsdale

Spoofy Halloween Trivia October 4

Pick Your Poison October 7 & 8

Elton: The Early Years October 21 &22

Bruno & the Hooligans October 28 & 29 Bonfire (AC/DC) November 4 & 5

Rockin’ The Paradise (STYX) November 18 & 19

The Long Run (The Eagles) November 25 & 26

CASINO DEL SOL Tucson

George Lopez October 22

Billy Ocean & The Commodores October 27

Los Angeles Azules De Iztapalapa April 15, 2023

CLIFF CASTLE CASINO HOTEL Camp Verde Music & Comedy Are Back At The Dragonfly

Mike Reeves Band October 7 & 8

Aravaipa October 14 & 15

Precaucion Norteña October 21 & 22

Let’s Just Play October 28 & 29

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO Sahuarita

Los Huracanes Del Norte October 7

Cheap Trick November 18

Felipe Esparza January 21, 2023

HARRAH’S AK CHIN CASINO Maricopa Wheel Of Fortune LIVE! November 4 & 5

Tracy Lawrence December 9

HON DAH RESORT CASINO Pinetop

Live Music Tuesdays Through Saturdays Monday Funday Comedy Shows Are Back

MAZATZAL HOTEL & CASINO Payson Grill Masters BBQ Competition & Testicle Festival October 1 Scotty McCreery October 7

Clint Black October 8

QUECHAN CASINO RESORT Winterhaven Prince Royce October 13

TALKING STICK RESORT Scottsdale

Salute The Sun Yoga & Meditation October 8

Blue Öyster Cult October 8

Bill Engvall October 9

Salute The Sun Yoga & Meditation October 22

Wicked Ball October 29

Ron White November 25

The Mavericks December 9

WE KO PA CASINO RESORT Fountain Hills

Tina Bailey Band October 7

Str8 Up Band October 8

AZ Blacktop October 14

Priminition Band October 15

I Am King (Michael Jackson) October 21 & 22

Superhero Band October 21

Thaddeus Rose Band October 22

Gemini Band October 28

Harry Luge Band October 29

WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & CASINO Chandler

Average White Band October 7

Chris Tucker October 8

Shine On Floyd (Pink Floyd) October 22

Three Dog Night November 6

Cheap Trick @ Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita

Blue Öyster Cult @ Talking Stick Resort

Bill Engvall Talking Stick Resort

October 9, 2022

Bill Engvall is a Grammy nominated, multi platinum selling recording artist and one of the top comedians in the country. Bill can regularly be seen in a recurring role on the hit FOX sitcom Last Man Standing playing Reverend Paul. He was recently awarded “Casino Comedian” of the year at the 2019 Casino Entertainment Awards in Las Vegas, NV.

He is currently on tour and since 2016, Bill has hosted a weekly podcast “My 2 Cents” with PodcastOne which offers his funny, thought provoking and unique perspective on just about everything. Bill’s latest comedy special “Just Sell Him For Parts” is currently available on VUDU streaming service. In addition to acting and stand up Bill is also the spokesperson for the insurance company Health Markets.

A native of Galveston, Texas, Bill moved to Dallas and worked as a disc jockey with plans of becoming a teacher. While in a nightclub one evening, he tried his hand at standup comedy and found that making people laugh was truly his forte. Soon after, he moved to Los Angeles and went on to star in the Showtime special, A Pair of Joker’s, hosted A&E’s Evening at the Improv and appeared on The Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman. In 1992, Bill won the American Comedy Award for “Best Male Standup Comedian.” He appeared in several episodes of Designing Women and co starred in Delta and The Jeff Foxworthy Show. Bill resides in Southern California with his family. For more information about Bill, visit his website at BillEngvall.com or visit TalkingStickResort.com for event details and tickets. $

Chris Tucker is an international award winning actor and comedian best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series. He became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam in the 1990s and came to prominence in his first starring role, the 1995 film cult classic Friday starring alongside Ice Cube. In 1997, Tucker was an executive producer and co starred in the hit movie, Money Talks with Charlie Sheen and then appeared in the highly successful Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element.

Tickets start at $49 and the Box Office is open Wednesday Saturday from Noon to 7 p.m. and all show days. Ticket discounts are available at the Wild Horse Pass Showroom Box Office only: Active members of THE Card® by Gila River Resorts & Casinos. All discounts are per ticket, 4 tickets maximum per THE Card number: Emerald $5; Ruby $10; Gold $15; Platinum $20. $10 OFF: Gila River Indian Community members with enrollment card; Hotel Sales package clients; and Gila River Gaming Enterprises employees. $

Tickets are at retail pricing when purchased online or by phone. Discounts are available at the Box Office only. Additional taxes and fees may be added at checkout. Prices are subject to change. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. This event will be a phone free experience. Use of phones, smartwatches, and accessories, will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smartwatches, and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue. All devices will be re secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space. Anyone seen using a device (phone, smartwatch, or accessories) during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security. Cooperation in creating a phone free experience is appreciated.

By Sami Becker

LET’S GO CRUISING!

Everything You Need To Know About The Casino & COVID 19 Protocols

Q: Dear Gaming Guide: My husband and I love cruising and we’re excited to start planning our trips again. The cruise company we always sail with and have obtained a high status with because all of the trips we have taken is Norwegian. Both my husband and I chose not to get vaccinated because both of us have severe allergies to certain ingredients some of which are contained in the vaccines. So, unfortunately, since we aren’t vaccinated, we weren’t able to cruise. The CDC guidelines, until recently, prohibited those of us without vaccines to board the cruise ships. Now that they’ve changed their policy, we’re able to start cruising again and we’re really excited! Many people we’ve talked to don’t seem to know that these rules have changed but they have.

We love to gamble on the cruises but we never really seem to have any luck at all. I was just wondering if you know how tight they set the games on the boats? Are these casinos regulated and are there minimum paybacks on the games? Thank you for all the great information in the magazines. Always look forward to reading the next issue.

Henry and Jane (JJ) Weinberg Scottsdale, AZ

A: Jane, thank you for being an Arizona Gaming Guide fan. We truly appreciate your support of our publication!

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

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

Land based casinos in the United States, and all around the world for that matter, are heavily scrutinized by both independent and government regulatory agencies. When gaming software is delivered to a land

based casino, a member of the regulatory agency must be present during installation. Furthermore, random checks on installed software continues to happen on a regular basis to ensure compliance. On the other hand, the CLIA merely suggests that gaming devices be inspected on a regular basis and that security surveillance be adequate enough to “assure operations are fair and equitable for all parties.” To learn more about CLIA and their mission, please visit their website at Cruising.org.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCL) recently announced revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety protocols which further align NCL to the broader travel, leisure and hospitality industry worldwide. Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece and Bermuda. “Our long awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID 19, and makes it simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise on our three best in class brands. Health and safety is our top priority and we will continue to modify our robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCL. “The relaxation of protocols coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.”

Vaccinated guests aged 12 and older will no longer have any pre cruise COVID 19 related protocols. Unvaccinated guests, aged 12 and older, or those who cannot or decline to provide proof of vaccination, will need to present a negative medically administered PCR or Antigen COVID 19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding. Guests aged 11 and under will not be subject to vaccination requirements or testing protocols of any kind. Vaccinated guests must meet the generally accepted definition of “fully vaccinated” based on the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination. For more info about Norwegian Cruise Line, visit NCL.com.

You can write me at Sami@AZGamingGuide.com. Thanks for your letters and emails! Have fun and good luck! $

TRIFLE,

Jokes & Quotes

Research shows that laughing stimulates the immune system and may help prevent or reverse some medical conditions.

Anonymous Quotes:

“How many pessimists wind up wanting the things they fear just in order to prove that they are right?”

“Instead of crying over spilled milk, milk another cow!”

“Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.”

Joke:

A husband and a wife got into a petty argument. Neither one of them would admit the possibility that the other might be in error.

To her credit, the wife finally said, “Look, I’ll admit I’m wrong if you admit I was right.”

“Fine,” her husband said.

She took a deep breath, looked her husband in the eye and said, “I’m wrong.”

With a big grin, her husband replied, “You’re right!”

Zodiac Lucky Numbers

Aries (March 21 April 19): 11, 15, 22, 28, 55, 69

Taurus (April 20 May 20): 1, 11, 19, 41, 48, 66

Gemini (May 21 June 20): 3, 8, 18, 36, 55, 62

Cancer (June 21 July 22): 10, 13, 24, 29, 50, 59

Leo (July 23 August 22): 3, 19, 24, 33, 55, 65

Virgo (August 23 September 22): 8, 9, 17, 34, 55, 63

Libra (September 23 October 22): 12, 15, 18, 27, 44, 57

Scorpio (October 23 November 21): 5, 22, 25, 28, 45, 63

Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): 2, 9, 22, 32, 55, 64

Capricorn (December 22 January 19): 8, 12, 16, 39, 43, 61

Aquarius (January 20 February 18): 7, 14, 24, 33, 46, 66

Pisces (February 19 March 20): 1, 20, 26, 38, 49, 62

Water Tiger Lunar Year

Ask for good luck: 3, 7, 8, 10, 17, 20, 22, 25.

Best days to travel: 1, 3, 6, 8, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25.

Best days to meet with someone: 8, 14, 19, 24, 26, 31.

There is no overlap this month!

Ranking third in the Lunar zodiac, Tiger is the symbol of bravery in Asian cultures.

People under the sign of the Tiger are usually friendly, brave, competitive, charming and endowed with good luck and authority.

Dates For Year Of The Tiger: 02/13/1926 02/01/27, 01/31/38 02/18/39, 02/17/50 02/05/51, 02/05/62 01/24/63, 01/23/74 02/10/75, 02/09/86 01/28/87, 01/28/98 02/15/99, 02/14/2010 02/02/11, 02/01/22 01/21/23.

Next year of the Tiger is 02/19/2034 02/07/35.

I N T N C R B A A M X C R N O H A T TAT G K I O O U U G R G K S RCG E E T O J Z B M T U E A OGR E G V T U R N E E O J P HRO V P S I R C E P E D U Q SAL P F R U I T C M T A N Z WJR L F U D G E Y A R C E C IED M E P I E S L E U N D A ESI C

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe Globe 877 272 2433 453

02. Apache Sky Casino Milepost 127 on Arizona 77 Dudleyville 888 727 2243 288

03. BlueWater Resort & Casino 11300 Resort Drive Parker 888 243 3360 483

04. Bucky’s Casino 1500 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800 756 8744 258

05. Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Scottsdale 480 850 7777 1,025

06. Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 855 765 7829 1,058

07. Casino Del Sol Marketplace 5405 W Valencia Rd Tucson 855 765 7829 8

08. Casino Of The Sun 7406 S. Camino De Oeste Tucson 855 765 7829 287

09. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel I 17, Exit 289 Camp Verde 800 381 7568 641

10. Cocopah Resort Casino 15318 S. Ave. B Somerton 800 237 5687 570 Y

11. Desert Diamond Casino Tuc. 7350 S. Nogales Hwy. Tucson 866 332 9467 1,289 Y Y Y

12. Desert Diamond Casino Sah. I 19, Exit 80 Sahuarita 866 332 9467 623

13. Desert Diamond Casino W.V. 101 & Northern Ave. Glendale 833 332 2946 1,450 Y

14. Desert Diamond Casino Why Hwy. 86, Milepost 55 Why 866 332 9467 40

15. We Ko Pa Casino Resort Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd. Fort McDowell 800 843 3678 926 Y Y Y Y YY Y Y

16. Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa 480 802 5000 1,143 Y Y Y Y Y YY Y Y Y

17. Hon-Dah Casino 777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop 800 929 8744 806 Y Y Y YY

18. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler 800 946 4452 1,146 Y Y Y Y

19. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson 800 777 7529 373 Y Y Y

20. Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Dr. Yuma 888 777 4946 447 Y Y

21. Quechan Casino I 8, Exit 166 Winterhaven, CA 877 783 2426 1,000+ Y Y Y Y YY Y

22. Spirit Mountain Casino 8555 Hwy. 95 Mohave Valley 888 837 4030 179 Y

23. Talking Stick Resort 101 & Indian Bend Scottsdale 480 850 7777 950 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

24. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino I 40, Exit 219 Flagstaff 855 946 8946 1,122

25. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800 946 4452 1,298 Y Y Y Y

26. Wild Horse Pass Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler 800 946 4452 1,129 Y Y Y YY Y

27. Yavapai Casino 1505 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800 756 8744 227 Y

Sources: AZ Dept. of Gaming Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 08/01/2022 & direct inquiries at press time. Not responsible for incorrect information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.