Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - February 2023 - 15:02

CHARLES B. MONTAGUE SR. CEO AT

&

TIPS FOR A GREAT GAME

Athletes Do It, Gamblers Should Too

The FIFA 2022 World Cup recently finished in Qatar. Argentina defeated France in an incredible final match while Croatia dispatched Morocco in the entertaining match for third place. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and I’m so glad to see the increased interest in “The Beautiful Game” here in the U.S.

Soccer players, like all athletes, rely on mental health techniques in order to enhance their physical and team performance on match day. I find it interesting that so many soccer players use visualization and other simple skills to give themselves the extra edge. In my opinion, gamblers should be employing the same strategies to up their game during a casino visit, and in their lives in general.

Here’s a quote from Wayne Rooney, a famous English soccer player: Part of my preparation is I go and ask the [equipment] man what [color] we're wearing. If it's red top, white shorts, white socks or black socks. Then I lie in bed the night before the game and visualize myself scoring goals or doing well. You're trying to put yourself in that moment and trying to prepare yourself to have a 'memory' before the game. I don't know if you'd call it visualizing or dreaming but I've always done it, my whole life.

And here’s a quote from Argentinian soccer superstar (some say G.O.A.T.)

Lionel Messi: I like to imagine things, like the opposing defenders and what might happen. And, obviously, in your imagination, it always turns out for the best. Before a game, it’s similar to how I am at training. I don’t have any ritual. I just put on whatever item of clothing is nearest to me. I’m not the sort of person who goes around screaming and shouting before a game either. I prefer to remain calm, with my own thoughts, and think of some situations that I’m likely to face in the game.

Other strategies used by athletes and teams, regardless of their sport, include:

• Do not speak negatively about yourself.

• Stay away from people who dismiss or diminish your goals.

• Stop trying to please everyone.

• Don’t dwell on past mistakes.

• Don’t give up after a few roadblocks or failed attempts.

• Believe you are good enough, strong enough, and capable of creating your future.

• Cherish time with yourself.

Have A Lucky & Mentally Healthy Month!

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

MANAGING DIRECTOR & VIDEO POKER GURU

Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

PUBLISHER & SLOT GURU

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

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Copyright © 2009-2023 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

Alexandra Lang

Editor-in-Chief Editor@AZGamingGuide.com

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

NOBODY IS BETTING ON SPORTS IN AZ

Plus, Check Out This “Disclaimer” A Reader Sent In

Hi Arizona Gaming Guide,

You guys have been talking about sports betting for a while now. I see all the casinos have the sports books too but I don’t see a lot of people in the sports books except for important games. Are you sure Arizona is big on sports betting?

James Valencia Glendale, AZ

Hi James! Thanks for your question as we think it’s a great observation on your part. There are a lot of sports books that appear empty, certainly plenty of unused sports betting kiosks in the casinos too! What we don't see is the volume of players on their phones across the state participating in daily fantasy sports and other event wagering.

We can tell you there is a lot of wagering going on all over Arizona. So much that whenever the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) releases their reports on sports betting it’s difficult not to notice!

For example, their latest release is below:

Arizonans wagered over $618 million in October of 2022, according to a new report by ADG. This represents a 27.3% increase when compared to October of 2021. “It is clear Arizona’s sports betting industry continues to grow, with over $132 million more dollars wagered in October of 2022 when compared to the same month of 2021,” said Ted Vogt, Director, ADG. “With Super Bowl LVII and the Phoenix Waste Management Open on the horizon, I am excited to see how these major sports tourism events impact the state’s sports betting industry in the coming months.” Privilege fees totaled over $2.9 million in the month, resulting in approximately $27 million in privilege fees collected by the state since the start of legal operations.

$618 million in wagers in one month is a lot! Sure, it may be coming from a small percentage of Arizonans, but even if there is a large group of Arizonans wagering on sports, you won’t see all of it when you come across a casino sports book or a kiosk in the casino. Team members have found losing tickets for wagers over $1,000 in casinos. Someone is making these bets!

To the Experts,

Check out this pic I took [recently at a casino] when I was traveling. What do you have to say about it? Thanks for your answer and a really great magazine!

Hi William! We appreciate you too! So everyone has the benefit of understanding your picture, we’ll quote the text now: Important Legal Notice. Video footage by [the casino] is being recorded in and around these premises. All persons entering here consent to the use of their photograph, image, voice, and likeness in the footage, and in the promotion of [the casino] in any and all media, throughout the universe, in perpetuity, without remuneration [Editor’s Note: payment]. Do not enter these premises if you do not consent to the use of your photograph, image, voice and/or likeness in this manner.

A few things, it appears this is a picture from the player tracking display panel on a slot machine. So, guests can’t read the notice until they are actually on the premises? Hmm That’s not exactly fair! I’d hope guests have the opportunity to read this legal note prior to being in the casino.

And, obviously a team of lawyers have written this, but it’s kind of a turnoff. Perhaps the lawyers should have talked to the casino Marketing Department first? Something a little friendlier than “leave if you don’t like it,” perhaps?

Finally, we won’t be surprised when more casinos begin displaying this type of message. What comes to mind immediately is this legal notice allows the casino to post surveillance video of a guest hitting a large win, as it happened, on social media for promotional purposes and the guest can’t do a thing about it! $

William Benson Tucson, AZ

Ready For Play

Money Mania—Sphinx Fire

By IGT

Keep the jackpot frenzy rolling with IGT’s high-performing Money Mania widearea progressive (WAP) video slots, now available with two legendary IGT themes, Mistress of Giza and Sphinx Fire

The popular game boasts 30 pay lines and two WAP jackpot levels, including the thrill of a fast-awarding second level. Featuring an engaging base game, Mistress of Giza features random wilds that can award up to 15 wilds, while Sphinx Fire showcases igniting wilds that can turn adjacent symbols into more wilds.

The entertaining wheel bonus is triggered when three ‘wheel bonus’ symbols appear on any reel and extend across the entire bank of machines allowing frequent spins that award multipliers, the jackpot bonus, or the money or mania jackpot. Further adding to the fun, the lock and respin jackpot bonus features a ladder mechanic that unlocks the next level when an ‘up arrow’ symbol lands. If all five reels lock in an active row, the corresponding prize for the row is awarded.

For more information, visit IGT.com. $

Wheel Of Fortune—Lucky Coins

By IGT

Players will love the action-packed ride of IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Lucky Coins video slots in two entertaining themes, On Stage and On Tour. Utilizing the proven mechanics from the Company’s popular Coin O’ Mania video slots, Wheel of Fortune Lucky Coins features a frequent wilds and mystery wedge bonus.

During the base game, if all five spots in the wilds ‘collection’ row are filled with Wheel of Fortune coins, the wilds bonus is triggered, and gold and diamond coins turn into wilds, leading to additional credit prizes and multipliers. The energetic wheel bonus, which occurs every 50 games, leads to credit prizes, the mini or minor jackpot, five or fifteen exciting free spins, or the highly engaging jackpot bonus. Triggered by landing on the ‘jackpot bonus’ wedge during a wheel spin, the supercharged bonus features three levels: mini, minor, and major.

This slot also incorporates animated Vanna White video clips for an amusing gameplay experience! For more information, visit IGT.com. $

STRATEGY ALERT!

Format: 5 reels, 40 pay lines

Cost To Cover: 100 credits

Ideal denomination: $0.01

Top Award: 1 million credits

Payback Percentage: 89%

Ready For Play

New Electronic Table Games

By Interblock

he new electronic table game Bonus Wheel Roulette is an exciting new standalone product that incorporates the thrill of playing traditional Roulette with the opportunity for players to win payouts up to 250 to 1 with a dual wheel bonus system. When players wager on any of the four bonus gems and the ball lands in the selected bonus gem pocket on the main wheel, a secondary bonus wheel spins to determine the amount of the bonus payout rewarded to players with multipliers up to 250 times. With the bonus round occurring approximately one in every ten spins and payouts more than seven times higher than that of a traditional Roulette wheel, Interblock developers successfully produced an elevated game for players to

Combining innovation and ingenuity, Interblock’s new Pick2Win Craps elevates the game of Craps as the designated shooter selects which two out of three, color distinctive dice generators will produce the result. The role of the shooter is assigned after occurrence and the player remains the shooter until the next Adding an extra element of surprise, the optional Craps Shutter covers the generators as the dice shake. For more information, visit InterblockGaming.com. $

Sun & Moon

By Aristocrat Technologies

So, as all of you know, Sun & Moon is a classic slot from Aristocrat. Why should a casino enthusiast care? Well, that slot came out in the early 2000s when slot game design principles and slot game play were very different from today. You can still find this slot around in casinos, and when you do find it, give it a try! To give you some background, let’s start with the bet 20 lines, 20 credits, no bonus bet, that’s it! The game is simple, a base game and free games, nothing more! The top symbol pays two credits for two symbols, as does the lowest paying Nine symbol. This is called a “dribble” win by slot game designers. There are plenty of wins at or above bet (34 out of 48 total wins listed on the pay table)! Regardless of the bet you play, there’s no advantage or disadvantage! The two bonus triggers (Sun & Moon symbols) are valid for the free games bonus, they also pay as scatter symbols, are wild, and can pay for mixed symbol line wins. This game design makes the Sun and Moon symbols quite valuable with the potential for concentrated wins on pay lines, as scatters, and the free games bonus! We wanted to walk down memory lane with you with this slot. So, to experience this classic via a video of ours, just go to our website (AZGamingGuide.com) and click on “Videos.” The actual link is: AZGamingGuide.com/index_files/videos.html. Or, find the video on our Facebook (ArizonaGamingGuide). Reading this digitally? Just click the slot’s picture! $

STRATEGY ALERT!

Aristocrat only made five payback percentages, the lowest one is around 88% (12% house hold)! And, the free games bonus is Frequent” with the game s volatility as Medium”!

VIDEO POKER CORNER

By Lana Hartmann

A NEW, TALL VIDEO POKER CABINET

I’m Enjoying The Games, But What About Gameplay?

Recently, I stopped in to play the new, tall IGT video poker cabinets at Lone Butte Casino in Chandler. There are several games there, including Powerhouse Plus, and versions of Hot Roll and Super Times Pay.

I really enjoy the original Powerhouse, so I thought I’d try Powerhouse Plus during my visit. For those of you who know about the original game, winning hands mean free hands! Most Powerhouse games allow for traditional 3/5/10 play with additional awards for dealt winners which are free hands and multipliers. At max bet, players receive up to nine additional hands when dealt a winning hand, with additional random multipliers awarded on some win categories. When the free hands are triggered, the new hands move to the top box for an entirely new bonus round, creating a fully integrated video poker play experience. Bonus hands are awarded in the top box for maximum entertainment and celebration value. Powerhouse Poker is the first video poker game to truly take advantage of game play in the top box. The game essentially provides players more opportunities to draw into bigger wins while not deviating from primary video poker strategy.

However, in Powerhouse Plus, with a side bet of five credits, dealt winning hands can earn up to 80 free hands! The number of extra hands awarded depends on the initiating bet, and extra hands appear on the top portion of the screen. Now, the tall cabinet allows for the game to play out all on one monitor. And, all the other game play from the original Powerhouse carries through as well.

The game image of Powerhouse Plus, on the right, depicts a standard video poker button panel. The games at Lone Butte make use of a touchscreen button panel, like most of IGT’s newer slots. That’s my challenge with the unit itself, not the video poker game, and I’m wondering how my fellow video poker players out there feel about the touchscreen buttons for video poker?

I’ve uploaded a video of a team member’s gameplay for you to get a sense of the game. Check out our website (AZGamingGuide.com) and click on “Videos.” The actual link is: AZGamingGuide.com/index_files/videos.html. Or, find the video on our Facebook (ArizonaGamingGuide). Reading this digitally? Just click the picture!

I want to know what you think about the games on these new, tall cabinets and what you think about playing on the tall cabinets? Write me! Email me!

You can also send me 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. Ask me any video poker question, regardless of what it’s about! You can email Editor@AZGamingGuide.com, or send a letter to: Editor, AZ Gaming Guide, PO BOX 20636, Mesa, AZ, 85277. $

By Al Moe

FINDING LUCK IN ARIZONA CASINOS

Methodical Moderation Can Attract Luck!

Iconsider myself lucky, and although I’ unlucky to be superstitious, I follow patterns and streaks. That means sometimes I continue making bets that aren my favor, and I ride them as long as they keep coming home a winner.

In high school, there were colleges and casinos close to home. I visited them all, giving each an equal chance. After attending junior college, I got instruction in gaming management at the University of Nevada Reno. And I gambled every day.

Although I ultimately wanted to be a doctor, my classes took time away from studying blackjack and executing many questionable gambling systems. So, I quit my premed lectures and took math and probability classes instead, no doubt saving countless future lives. And, I learned how the odds always worked in favor of the casinos.

College taught me about probability, and gambling taught me that luck is a tender, impressionable being that comes and goes on its own terms. I study, play within my budget, and mostly stick with what works to impress and enhance luck. That’s right; I’m methodical.

WHY LUCK FADES

In casinos, luck fades because of the house edge in nearly every table game and every slot machine you want to try. Even when I point to low-odds games like baccarat, blackjack, and pass-line craps, there’s that moving element of chance. You know, the one that makes us gamble.

Imagine you want to simulate a baccarat game with a 1% house edge, so you flip a coin. Heads the house wins, tails you win. After ten flips, you are likely to have five wins and five losses. Gambling is cool; have a drink!

Even after fifty flips, you are likely to be close to even, but the house never tires. The casino is a strong mother and offers gambling 24 hours a day. Your stamina is likely to fade, the drinks overpower, and that’s when luck seems to slip away. If luck hasn’t left you entirely, you can give it the brush off by raising your bets and ignoring your internal controls. Especially if you have a bankroll that can’t support higher wagers.

50 chance of winning, there will be times you fall behind several bets. If you were playing a buck a pop, losing a string of eight out of ten bets wouldn t hurt. But if you decide to invest $200 and make $25 bets, your bankroll can vanish quickly.

I often talk about gaming probability and odds because that’s what I was taught in college and the hard knocks of gaming tables. I know penny slots have a higher house edge than quarter and dollar machines. Let it Ride, Three Card Poker and all side bets have worse odds for a gambler than blackjack, but you’ll always have the best odds if you can weather the storm by using a proper bet strategy and having more than 50 units to play, 100 would be better.

In the meantime, your best payout in gambling is the anticipation of going, finding a game you love, and playing within your means to the best of your ability, while enjoying every minute of the roller coaster ride that drives all gamblers. Methodical moderation can attract luck! $

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

HOW TO GET COMPS PLAYING BLACKJACK

Get More Back For The Bucks You Bet

The first thing you need is a players card. This allows the casino to track your play. How often you play and the amounts you buy in for are all recorded, in addition to the other factors that are considered in calculating comps (short for complimentary).

Present your card each and every time you buy in at a blackjack table. If you buy in for a large amount at a high limit table you will earn comps at a faster rate and most likely get preferential treatment. As a general rule, the more money you put into play the bigger the comps.

Here’s basically how comps are computed at the majority of casinos in Arizona. As a general rule, most casinos figure that they will win 2% over the average blackjack player for every dollar that they put into play. Of that amount, the casino is usually willing to return 40% of that in comps. These could be in the form of free buffets, free concert tickets, free hotel rooms, or anything else you can imagine.

For example, if you play for 2 hours at $25 a hand on average, the casino will estimate you play about 60 hands per hour, and will wager around $3,000 for that hour ($25 per hand x 60 hands per hour = $1,500 x 2 hours = $3,000) and they will make about 2% of the $3,000 or $60.00 from you.

When you ask for a comp, the pit boss will usually give you a comp for about 40% of that amount or around $24. It could be a food comp or a host of other things.

This is where it gets interesting! If you’re a perfect basic strategy player your actual loss is around 0.5%, not the theoretical 2% that the casino uses.

In addition, you can slow the game down from 60 hands per hour to fifty or less by playing at a crowded table, taking longer to make your decisions on hands, taking bathroom breaks, cell phone breaks you get the idea. Then your real theoretical loss would be $12.50 ($25 average bet x 50 hands per hour x 2 hours x 0.5% house edge = $12.50).

Your expected loss playing this way will only be $12.50 but the casino will nicely give you a comp of $24, almost twice what it should be!

This is just an added way to reduce the overall house edge and get something back from the casino for your loyalty.

Just remember, slow play is the key to coming out ahead in this situation. So don’t be too hard on the player that takes a while to make their decision on a certain hand. They probably read this column as well! $

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.

CHARLES B. MONTAGUE SR.

CEO At Paradise Casino & Quechan Casino Resort

Two casinos, one man. Our staff has known Mr. Charles Montague Sr. for over a decade, and he always has a lot on his plate, leading two casinos in the greater Yuma area. What many guests may not realize is that Mr. Montague has to manage two different Tribal-State Gaming Compacts! That’s because Paradise Casino is located in Arizona and Quechan Casino Resort is located in California.

We recently had an opportunity to interview Mr. Montague and want to share with you some of the background, work, and goals this extremely talented casino CEO spoke about.

What are some of the milestones in your career path that led you to the position you hold now?

I’m a Tribal member and I grew up here on the Ft. Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe’s reservation. I think having the opportunity to go into the military really helped me. I was able to travel all over the world and see different places (Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, the entire East coast, Japan, South Korea, Alaska, Guam) which I really enjoyed.

After the U. S. Air Force, I was given the opportunity to join the U.S. Coast Guard. At the time I was a surfer, I liked the ocean, and was stationed on the Coast Guard Cutter Mallow. That allowed me to travel all over the Pacific Ocean including the Hawaiian Islands and so many other islands and atolls which were used by the military during WWII. I ended up doing three tours across the entire Pacific. All this experience has really helped me relate to and communicate with a wide variety of people. [Editor’s Note: Thank you for your service!]

What’s the secret to keeping everything running so smoothly?

My position as CEO requires dedication, this is not a 9 to 5 job! You are constantly working 24-7. My mind is continually here, on the job, even when I’m at home with my family. Over the years, as technology has developed, I am more and more connected to work. I’m able to keep researching and tracking all our projects we are working on based on the goals we’ve established regardless of where I am or what day it is. I’ll review documents our attorneys have prepared at all hours, for example. You must enjoy the work. You must want to do the work.

I recently had a meeting with Tribal members where I had to discuss how this enterprise was performing. That presentation contained a lot of information and numbers, yet it was so easy for me because I live

this job. This is a large part of my life that I’m dedicating to the Tribe.

What sets Paradise Casino and Quechan Casino Resort apart? Paradise Casino was the foundation. This casino was the beginning of our business with gaming, on the Arizona side. Originally, this was supposed to be a temporary facility, but it evolved into a permanent one.

I was very fortunate because I was on the construction committee for Quechan Casino Resort. It took us five and a half years to build because we had to negotiate the gaming compact with the State of California. That meant long hours of travel to Sacramento, visits with each state senator, assembly person, 15 minutes per meeting every 15 minutes, and so on. At that time, we were being opposed by some of the more urban casinos in California, not necessarily larger Tribes because we have one of the largest Tribes in California. But the more urban Tribes were being aggressive with their gaming compacts, asking for a lot of slot machines, and pushing for other accommodations. We were asking for a smaller number of slot machines, 1,400, in order to get the California facility built.

We looked at all the Las Vegas casinos, we interviewed the top casino architects, we incorporated several casino concepts together and made that idea Quechan Casino Resort. We wanted a getaway, a destination, a resort, here in Yuma. What’s interesting about that experience is it all got flipped over! Due to scheduling issues, construction began while there was a power line running through what was to be the casino floor. But that wasn’t going to work, so the building was flipped so we could start on the current Event Center area, move the power line, and then start on the casino floor. So, the next time you visit, you can see the power line which has been moved to accommodate the building.

I’m proud of what we accomplished because Quechan Casino Resort sets the standard for the entire area. Previously, we had entertainment outside in the parking lot at Paradise Casino. But the building of the Event Center really changed the game for us, allowing us to bring in quality entertainment into the area.

The Paradise Casino property has undergone renovations to the entire casino floor and the former bingo hall to accommodate the sports book and the new table games (craps and roulette). And, an incredible

transformation to the outside of the building is currently in the works. The renovations are amazing and they will still allow us to expand our gaming area, add restrooms, add a coffee shop, and a gift shop. Our guests will enjoy a brand new Paradise Casino!

What are your professional goals?

We began the Paradise Casino renovations in 2018 and it allowed me to combine a lot of projects I had in mind. Now, the final phase of renovations will complete that entire process. So, the short term goal is to get that done by April of 2023.

A long term goal of mine right now is to open a “Gascino” on the highway (I-8) across from Quechan Casino Resort. This will be a very large facility 60 slot machines, amenities for truckers, a full-on convenience store, inexpensive gas, diesel, parking, and three different islands; one for cars, one for RVs, and one for trucks! Once built, our facility will have the easiest access to fuel in the Yuma area. That’s the two to three year goal.

Then, at the end of 2025, I’m looking at beginning a two to three year renovation project at Quechan Casino Resort!

What advice do you have for anyone looking to get their start in the gaming industry?

When I started, gaming was in its infancy, aside from Las Vegas, Morocco, Atlantic City, etc. A lot of direction from the executive level was just based on experience, not on education. I remember attending a conference right at the beginning of my career where Gary Loveman (who used to manage Caesars Entertainment) was giving a talk about how he was intending on changing the game as the new CEO with educated management and data analytics.

That opened my eyes to the fact that making it to the top of the casino business would involve getting an education. That’s what motivated me to get my business degree. And that’s what I’d recommend to anyone who is getting their start in the gaming industry. Get your foundation with education first, especially for management positions.

What is your favorite casino game and why?

I love to play craps! I’ve always played the game when I’ve gone to Las Vegas for training and seminars. It’s an exciting game where, with a little bit of luck, you can win a lot of money really fast! $

Mr. Montague began his Indian gaming career in 1997 as a Casino Shift Manager with Paradise Casino and was one of s Upward Mobility

ed to the position of Assistant General Manager in 2003 and a year later in 2004 was appointed as the Interim General Manager for Paradise Casinos. In 2005 he became the first Quechan Tribal member to be selected as the General Manager of Casino Operations. Mr. Montague also assisted in compact amendment negotiations with legal representatives from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office in 2003. Additionally, he completed negotiations and lobbied during numerous California Legislature and California State Senate sessions from 2004 to 2006. (The Compact amendment agreement between the state of California and Quechan Tribe was executed on June 26th, 2006. Mr. Montague also participated in the negotiations of the 2017 compact between the Quechan Tribe and the State of California.) Mr. Montague contributed to the successful construction of the Quechan Casino Resort as a member of the construction committee from 2003 to 2009. Mr. Montague has served in the capacity of the Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2009 and 2014, Interim Executive Director of Marketing in 2010 and Interim Executive Director of Hotel Operations in 2011 at the Quechan Casino Resort. In addition to his twenty-fiveyear gaming career, Mr. Montague is also a nine-year veteran of the Armed Forces, having served a five-year term with the USAF and a four-year enlistment with the USCG.

“I live this job! You must enjoy the work. You must want to do the work.”

TRAVEL Southern California

Submitted By Yaamava' Resort & Casino

YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO

Over 7,000 Slots To Choose From At This Slot Player’s Paradise!

At Yaamava’ Resort & Casino there is something for everyone in February! Guests have a chance to win a 2023 Jaguar F-Type, or up to $100,000 every Thursday. On Wednesday mornings, participate in the $170,000 Night Owl Drawings from 2 to 6 a.m. Every 15 minutes, 25 winners receive $100 in free slot play. Guests will not want to miss the $150,000 Premium Payout promotion on Tuesday, February 28 in the High Limit Slots area of the casino. At 8 and 9 p.m., five winners receive $1,500 in free play. At 10 p.m. one winner walks away with a Rolex watch and $25,000 in free play, a second winner receives a Rolex watch and $10,000 in free play, and three more winners will receive $5,000 in free play. Then at 10:30 p.m., thirty winners will be awarded $500 in free play. Now that sounds like fun!

The Offspring February 23

Lit February 25

Jim Gaffigan March 3

Adal Ramones Y Adrián Uribe March 9

Crazy Town & Adema March 31

Brand New Slot: Journey To The Planet Moolah

Go play the newest version from the longrunning hit series of Planet Moolah games made by Light & Wonder. This brand new slot is located near the Serrano Vista Café on the second level. The game features five reels, 27 pay lines, a 48 credit bonus bet, with a 600 credit max bet. The sequel to Attack from the Planet Moolah is going to the biggest stage on a towering new cabinet. Journey to the Planet Moolah introduces the in the free spin bonus with a persistent maximum Unicow spins for each

Entertainment Schedule

Headlining Comedian Jim Gaffigan performs in the Yaamava’ Theater on March 3, 2023 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and start at $55. Jim Gaffigan is a six-time Grammy nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times bestselling author, three-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist. He is also known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life.

Ramon Ayala February 9

Tower Of Power February 11

Santana February 17

And last month, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino debuted the slot Little Shop Of Horrors by Everi. This slot features songs and scenes from the musical plus bonuses to increase enjoyment and winnings. In the Quick Pick Bonus, players have a chance at other bonuses and progressives, including credit picks, the Somes Green Pick and Jackpot bonus. Landing three bonus symbols awards the Pick Bonus. If players find Audrey’s Dream Wheel a chance to win the top progressive is awarded. In the Free Spins bonus, players win five free spins for a chance at an extra spin. Both games are a must play!

Luxurious accommodations. World-class event venue. Premier gaming. Elevated dining. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel has something for everyone. Step into a new dawn with them, and experience luxury like never before.

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is located in Highland, California near San Bernardino which is only 5 hours away by car from the Phoenix Metro Area. To learn more, visit Yaamava.com. $

DONNY OSMOND AT HARRAH’S

LAS

VEGAS

Named 2022's Best Production Show & Best Family Show In Las Vegas

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 the 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:

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

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

April 2023: 1, 4 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/DonnyVegas. 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 criti-

cally 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

A hidden gem in the heart of The Strip, Harrah's Las Vegas 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. Dining options encompass everything from Ramsay’s Kitchen (Chef Gordon Ramsay’s sixth Las Vegas restaurant with Caesars Entertainment) and PizzaCake by Buddy Valastro, to the chef-driven Fulton Street Food Hall featuring Bobby’s Burgers by acclaimed Chef Bobby Flay, 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 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. $

Donny Osmond Photo Credits: Denise Truscello

Arizona Lottery Players Are Living Lucky With Luke Combs And A Chance To Win $500,000

To learn more about this exciting promotion and to enter, visit AZPlayersClub.com or download the Arizona Lottery Players Club app.

About Luke Combs: Luke’s iconic song “When It Rains It Pours,” is centered around winning a hundred bucks on a lottery scratch-off ticket. When the multi-state promotion was announced, Luke Combs said, “I’m truly honored for the opportunity to give my fans the chance to live out the song ‘When It Rains It Pours,’ and a shot at half a million dollars. The lottery brought this great idea to me, and I had to get involved. Good luck to everyone!”

Listen up Country Music fans! The Arizona Lottery Players Club is offering five lucky players the chance to win an unforgettable trip to see Grammy-nominated country singer Luke Combs perform live at the “Mother Church of Country Music”, the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee!

The Arizona Lottery is officially participating in this multi-state promotion that gives players a chance to win a V.I.P. experience to a private Luke Combs concert in the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. At the concert, Luke will award a $10,000 prize to one entrant from every participating state lottery and, towards the end of the concert, he will name one of the concertgoers as the winner of the $500,000 grand prize!

“We are so excited to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime winning experience,” said Arizona Lottery Deputy Director of Marketing and Products, Chris Rogers. “The Arizona Lottery strives to provide unique prize opportunities and this promotion is sure to please a lot of players who dream of traveling to Country Music’s most iconic site while having a chance to win cash prizes!”

Each V.I.P. trip to Nashville includes roundtrip airfare, a threenight stay, transportation, Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum tours, spending cash, and much more!

Players can enter their eligible Fast Play™ and Scratchers® tickets worth $10 and below into the Arizona Lottery Players Club for the drawing. The Living Lucky with Luke Combs promotion runs through the end of February, so grab your tickets and enter today!

Country superstar Combs, who The New York Times calls, “the most promising and influential new country star of the last five years," is a multi-platinum, award-winning artist from Asheville, NC. His highly anticipated third studio album, Growin' Up, was released in 2022 via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville and follows 2019's 3x Platinum What You See is What You Get as well as his 4x Platinum debut, This One's For You

The new album adds to a series of groundbreaking years for Combs, who was crowned Entertainer of the Year at the 55th Annual CMA Awards and recently extended his record-setting streak at country radio with "Doin' This," his thirteenthconsecutive #1 single, which Music Row calls, "a masterpiece."

A 6x CMA, 3x ACM and 3x Billboard Music Award-winner, Combs recently kicked off his first-ever headline stadium tour in 2022 with sold-out shows at Denver's Empower Field at Mile High and Seattle's Lumen Field. For information about Luke Combs visit LukeCombs.com. $

Luke Combs' name and likeness is a registered trademark of Luke Combs. Used under license. All rights reserved. Scratchers® is a registered service mark of the California Lottery.

New Slots & Hot Promotions

All Month Long At Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos

Extra Large Slot Win

All You Need Is Cash, Fridays in February at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos! Four weekly Cash Drawing winners will receive $1,000 and one lucky Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 on Friday, February 24th! Fridays in February, drawings at 6 p.m. at both casinos.

Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos have upped their game on the already exciting, smoke-free, casino floor offering a wide selection of entertainment including 200 plus new slot machines.

The new slots include the following games from manufacturer IGT: Glorious Fortunes, Splendid Fortunes, Stinkin’ Rich Skunks Gone Wild, Queen of Olympus Link, and King of Olympus Link!

We did writeups on all of these slots recently, but to refresh everyone’s memory, the Fortunes series of Asian-themed games deliver a non-stop play experience. Packed with playerfavorite features, including a mystery jackpot pick bonus, a unique lock & respin feature in the Ingot Bonus, and free games, there’s something here that everyone will love. The Olympus Link series of games lets players experience nonstop action with four jackpot levels, the player-favorite Hold and Spin feature, player-selectable multi-denomination, and lots of stacked wilds. Skunks Gone Wild is a fun game based on the popular Stinkin’ Rich series of games with big base game wins, an added jackpot award, increased bet-up incentives, enhanced pick bonus and new wild features.

And, roll your luck at Bucky’s as they are now featuring live action Craps and Roulette, as well as Blackjack. You will find the Craps table open 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday. “Let’s Play Preskitt!” For more information, visit their website at BuckysCasino.com. $

One lucky guest at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa, Arizona recently won over $335,000 on a slot machine. The top jackpot on this bank of games had been climbing for quite some time. Congratulations to the big winner!

Guests can also win big playing in the Bingo Hall at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, one of two halls within the Caesars Entertainment portfolio continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937. Win up to $50,000 in the Super Spin Double-Dab Coverall game and buy 1, get 3 free on Thursdays!

It’s dinner for two or two dinners for one on Mondays in February. Guests can enjoy two hotdogs and fries for just $8 at the Copper Cactus Grill!

Finally, donuts and coffee plus generous benefits, competitive salaries & career advancement. Join the team at Harrah’s AkChin Casino on Saturday, February 4, 2023 for on-the-spot interviews!

Visit HarrahsAkChin.com for promotional details. $

Win A 2022 Gulfstream RV Vintage Cruiser, Free Play And More At Casino Del Sol In Tucson

United Way Of Pinal County Recognizes Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino And Team Members With Award

PROMOTIONS

Rollin’ Vintage: Travel Trailer Giveaway Club Sol Members can swipe daily to enter drawings January 2 – February 25 for an entry into weekly drawings & daily entries into the Grand Finale drawings at Casino Del Sol. Weekly drawings are held on Saturdays at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. for a chance to win up to $250 in Free Play. At the Grand Finale, 1 person will win the Grand Prize of a 2022 Gulfstream RV Vintage Cruiser (travel trailer), worth over $40,000 value plus $5,000 in Free Play! Every 100 slot/table points earned is an additional entry into the drawings.

BLACKJACK

Hot “Hot” Starting on Monday, February 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with recurring times every other hour on the following dates & times: February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. All eligible players may win $50 Freebet chips.

SOLSPORTS

Cross Game Matchups Bet any team against any team no matter the schedule! Win Big. Bet Local. See the Sportsbook for details.

POKER

Big Game Giveaway Join Casino Del Sol for the Big Game on February 12. Splash Pots will be awarded to all live cash games anytime a team scores. Touchdown = $75, Field Goal = $50 & Safety = $100. Big Game Drawings $500 cash drawings at the top of each hour, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. & 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

For more information, visit CasinoDelSol.com. $

Harrah known for its corporate giving and community support, was recognized by the Pinal County United Way for its unwavering support especially during the pandemic of the local community. The Live United Award was presented to the organization during its 2022 Campaign Drive that raised nearly $18,000 to benefit programs that support area youth, families and seniors with much needed services including Path to Success scholarships, in home childcare training, transportation assistance, and rent and utility financial aid.

“Harrah s Ak-Chin has been a long-time supporter of United Way of Pinal County, and their support during the pandemic helped many families in our community. They never stopped giving and we never stopped serving our community with our programs like GED Scholarships, Rent & Utility Assistance, Financial Education and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” said United Way of Pinal County CEO Allen Villalobos. “We are grateful to Harrah’s Ak-Chin and team members for their generosity and commitment to our community.”

“The team at Harrah’s Ak-Chin continues to support the important work of the Pinal County United Way,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Michael Kintner. “Although the last few years have been challenging for all of us, I am so proud of our team for stepping up once again to support those in need in our community.”

For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, visit HarrahsAkChin.com. For more information about the Pinal County United Way, visit UnitedWayOfPC.org. $

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Senior Vice President and General Manager Michael Kintner (center) accepts the Live United Award from United Way of Pinal County CEO Allen Villalobos (left) and Development and Marketing Manager Joseph Caruso (right)

Gila River Resorts & Casinos

Hosts Star-Studded Events, Pop-Up Bars, Foodie Experiences & More!

Phoenix is the place to be this February! From fancy car shows, the loudest golf tournament in the world, and big game weekend, people from across the country will be flocking to The Valley! With all of the fun and excitement around town, Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ three locations are can’t miss stops for locals and tourists alike.

Kicking off the final week of the NFL football season, Gila River is hosting star-studded events, pop-up bars, foodie experiences and streaming every live sporting event. As Arizona Sports Headquarters, the Wild Horse Pass location will be the main hub for all of the fun including:

•The Bella Twins Big Game Weekend Experience on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. with a public meet & greet.

•PLANTERS® brand Legends Party hosted by Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis on Friday, February, 10, 2023. Including, from 8 to 10 p.m. the kickoff party with NFL Legends, then from 10:30 to 11:45 p.m. a comedy roast and toast, followed by a performance by Nelly from 12 to 1 a.m.

After the excitement of all of the sports events in the Valley, Gila River will get back to business providing guests with five star treatment for the best gaming, entertainment and dining.

Have plans for Valentine’s Day? On Tuesday, February 14 they are hosting a special Valentine’s Day dinner at Prime, A Shula’s Steak House at Wild Horse Pass. What more could you want than stunning rooftop views, exquisite food and a romantic ambience that cannot be found anywhere else in the Valley. Receive a five-course meal including the seafood tower with a selection of Prime favorites for $299 per couple.

After a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at Prime, head downstairs to The Showroom to check out electro-cumbia artist Raymix. This up and coming artist will keep you moving and grooving, mixing Latin sounds with his trademark style.

To close out all of the fun this month, on Friday, February 24 country superstars Locash will perform an intimate concert at The Showroom. The feel-good duo will perform their hits “I Love This Life,” “I Know Somebody,” and “One Big Country Song,” at Wild Horse Pass. You won’t want to miss this epic country show!

They are looking forward to an incredibly exciting month at Gila River and can’t wait for guests to join them for all of the fun! For info, reservations, or tickets visit PlayAtGila.com. $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

APACHE GOLD & SKY CASINOS Globe & Winkelman

No info submitted at press time. Contact casinos.

BLUEWATER CASINO Parker

No info submitted at press time. Contact casino.

BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS Prescott

Live music at the Prescott Resort 6-9 p.m. Saturdays.

CASINO ARIZONA Scottsdale

Wanted (Bon Jovi) February 3 & 4

Sixtiesmania (1960s Hits) February 10 & 11

Big Game Viewing Party February 12

Rock N Roll Band (Boston) February 24 & 25

CASINO DEL SOL Tucson

Los Angeles Azules De Iztapalapa April 15

CLIFF CASTLE CASINO HOTEL Camp Verde

Native Comedy Jam February 23

Los Tucanes De Tijuana March 11

COCOPAH CASINO Somerton

No info submitted at press time. Contact casino.

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO Sahuarita

Ladies Night Tour (S. Easton & T. Dayne) February 18

Locash & Drake Milligan February 25

Jimmie Allen March 24

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO Maricopa

Live entertainment at The Lounge Fridays and Saturdays

Gary Allan Ruthless Tour March 11

Nick Offerman March 17

HON-DAH RESORT CASINO Pinetop

Live Music Tuesdays Through Saturdays

Kansas March 23

TALKING STICK RESORT Scottsdale

Kathleen Madigan February 4

SuperZona Kick-Off with Steve Aoki February 9

Shaq’s Fun House February 10

Gronk Beach Big Game Weekend February 11

Sports Illustrated The Party February 11

Big Game Viewing Party February 12

Air Supply February 18

Tanya Tucker March 17

TWIN ARROWS CASINO Flagstaff

No info submitted at press time. Contact casino.

WE-KO-PA CASINO RESORT Fountain Hills

Live Music In Ember Steakhouse

Live Music In WKP Sports & Entertainment

Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney) February 18

WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & CASINO Chandler

Mo Amer February 3

PLANTERS® brand Legends Party with Rob Gronkowski & Vernon Davis February 10

Raymix February 14

Locash February 24

Nick Offerman @ Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Gronk Beach Party @ Talking Stick Resort

Big Game Weekend Talking Stick Resort February 9-12

Talking Stick Resort, an enterprise of the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community, is proud to announce two more events to round out its exclusive Big Game weekend celebration. Just added is The Kick-Off Party featuring Steve Aoki on Thursday, Feb. 9 and the Big Game Watch Party on Sunday, February 12 featuring appearances by Bo Jackson, DeAngelo Williams and Doug Flutie.

Building on an already incredible roster of entertainment the weekend of the Super Bowl that includes Snoop Dogg, Diplo, Machine Gun Kelly, The Chainsmokers, 21 Savage, Lil Jon, the resort will now start festivities on Thursday, February 9 with what else, The Kick-Off Party featuring Steve Aoki. Live at Talking Stick Resort’s main pool, the two time GRAMMY-nominated artist/DJ/producer and Dim Mak Records founder will bring his one-of-a-kind brand of energy, hits and plenty of cake!

The weekend will conclude with the Big Game Watch Party in the Salt River Grand Ballroom. An unrivaled viewing experience, the party will feature appearances by NFL legends, Bo Jackson, DeAngelo Williams and Doug Flutie and will be hosted by Mike “Roc” Muraco, Dan “Manuch” Manucci and Jimmy B of Fox Sports 910AM. Guests in attendance will watch the game on multiple large screen TVs while enjoying food and beverage specials. Moreover, they can win cash and prizes with kickoff jackpot, square and more. Doors open at 2 p.m. Space is available on a firstcome, first serve basis. All of Talking Stick Resort’s events are 21 and over and are expected to sell out. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit TalkingStickResort.com. $

winning country music icon, Johnny Lee, returns for an encore performance at s breakthrough hit, helped usher in an historic era in country music, and four decades later Johnny Lee remains one

Johnny Lee was born in Texas City, Texas and is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. In 1968, he began a 10-year working relationship with Mickey Gilley, at the World Famous Nightclub, Gilley’s, in Pasadena, Texas. In 1979, Lee's first screen role was in a 1979 TV Movie, “The Girls in the Office,” starring Barbara Eden and Susan St. James. He was then asked to perform in the film, “Urban Cowboy,” which also featured John Travolta and Deborah Winger. “Lookin' For Love,” was from that movie soundtrack and became Lee's first Gold Record. The song spent 3 weeks as #1 on the Billboard Country Music Charts and #2 on the Pop Music Charts, later becoming one of the Top 100 best Country Songs of all Time. With a string of Top 10 hits such as: “One In A Million,” “Bet Your Heart On Me,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” “Sounds Like Love,” “Hey Bartender,” “You Could've Heard A Heart Break,” and more.

Tickets start at $20 and up for advance purchases. Tickets are $30 and up if purchased after February 13, 2023. This event is open to guests 21+. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at MazatzalCasino.com or at the cashier cage. Legendary Country Music Icon Johnny Lee, only at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino! $

By Sami Becker

CRUISE SHIP CASINOS…(SIGH)

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!

My family and I recently went on a cruise after not having been on one since before the pandemic. Simply put, we had a blast! And, I intend on planning my next cruise immediately. We were able to get away from our daily demands and relax for an entire week. The service, drinks, food, entertainment, accommodations, and excursions were incredible. Even the weather cooperated! My experience was just as superb now as it has always been in the past.

Let me spend some time commenting on the cruise ship’s casino. I will admit the atmosphere was much nicer as there appeared to be far less smokers than on previous cruises and an absence of button smackers and all-around violence against slots. Perhaps the smokers aren't cruising anymore and there was less anger because everyone was on vacation!

Now, as we always tell you, your luck will vary. You win, you lose, the house has the edge, play within your budget, and have fun. However, I have several favorite slots I like to play in land based casinos. And, I’m pretty good at memorizing reel strips, recognizing average bonus wins, and other important aspects of a slot’s math and game behavior. So when I chose to play a handful of those favorite slots onboard the cruise, I got a nasty surprise! The games were so tight I didn’t even recognize the reel strips or other game behavior. Plus, my average bonus wins were basically zero, all the time, across multiple games. Essentially, I was more unlucky on the cruise than on any previous casino trip. My bankroll vanished so quickly it was ridiculous!

I recall winning on previous cruises, even getting jackpots requiring a W2-G. So, winning is possible on cruise ships. My next thought is just how unlikely is it? I guess I’ll have to wait and see what my experience is like on a future cruise and I’ll report back to you then.

Here’s my concern. Twenty years ago, computing power was nowhere near to what it is today. In order for a slot’s mathematics to be designed, verified, implemented, and tested meant days of running computer simulations and exhaustive analysis, for each payback percentage the manufacturer was willing to offer customers. On average, that meant around six payback variants ranging from roughly 86% (14% hold) to 96% (4% hold). For some specialty games, there were higher, and lower

turer and later by a third party laboratory, plus at times an individual gaming jurisdiction, meant time. Lots of time.

Now, computing power being where it is at, the time to perform testing is greatly reduced. The math for one payback percentage may only take minutes to verify rather than days. As our team has noticed the complexity of slot machine math models increase on casino floors, manufacturers are obviously taking advantage of today’s enhanced computing power.

I don’t think it’s a stretch at all to come to the conclusion there are far more payback percentages available to casinos than in years past. Ultimately, casinos are restricted by the minimum payback percentages dictated by the respective gaming jurisdictions. In Arizona, “each game shall theoretically pay out a minimum of 80% for games requiring no skill [Editor’s Note: a slot machine] and 83% for games of skill.” In Nevada, a slot must “theoretically pay out a mathematically demonstrable percentage of all amounts wagered, which must not be less than 75% for each wager available for play on the device.” Ouch!

Cruise ships have the luxury of operating in international waters where “rules of play shall generally follow those established for casinos in Nevada, New Jersey, or England,” according to the Cruise Lines International Association. We know the minimum payback for Nevada, in New Jersey it’s 83%, and in England the requirement is to post the payback percentage on the slot (there is no minimum!) Hmm...75% payback anyone?

What has your experience been playing in casinos on cruise ships? You can write me at Sami@AZGamingGuide.com. Thanks for your letters and emails! Have fun and good luck! $

WORD SEARCH

To Celebrate Valentine’s Day On February 14, Find: ARROW, CANDY, CARD, CHOCOLATE, COUPLES, CUPID, DATE, DIAMOND, FEBRUARY, FEELINGS, FLOWERS, FRIENDSHIP, GIFT, HEART, HUGS, KISSES, LOVE, LOVERS, ROMANCE, ROSES, STROLL, SUITORS, VALENTINE. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 38)

Jokes & Quotes

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

When arguing with a stupid person, make sure they aren’t doing the same thing!

There are some people who are so addicted to exaggeration they can’t tell the truth without lying!

Good judgement comes from experience and experience, well, that comes from poor judgement!

An Arizonan, anticipating an upcoming wedding, told his future son-in-law that he wanted his daughter to have his great-grandmother's diamond ring. But first he wanted to have it appraised. The Arizonan contacted a gemologist friend who agreed to determine the ring’s value. Instead of a fee, she suggested payment in the form of lunch at one of Phoenix’s finer restaurants.

A few days later, as the Arizonan and the gem expert sat enjoying their meal, he showed her the ring. She took out her jeweler’s loupe, examined the diamond carefully and handed the ring back. “Wow,” said a fellow diner sitting at the next table over, “These Arizona women are tough!”

Each of the columns, rows, and 3 x 3 grids must contain all of the digits 1 - 9. None of the digits may appear more than once in each column, row, and 3 x 3 grid. Level: EASY (Solution on page 38)

Zodiac Lucky Numbers

Aries (March 21 – April 19): 6, 8, 15, 39, 56, 65

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): 2, 7, 25, 31, 55, 66

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): 5, 17, 19, 33, 47, 69

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): 8, 19, 23, 29, 52, 62

Leo (July 23 – August 22): 1, 16, 17, 38, 47, 60

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): 3, 14, 18, 39, 47, 67

Libra (September 23 – October 22): 5, 18, 26, 41, 55, 64

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): 7, 17, 26, 39, 46, 63

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): 5, 11, 21, 42, 51, 64

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): 2, 5, 20, 38, 53, 67

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): 3, 13, 23, 39, 53, 65

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): 2, 6, 24, 38, 51, 57

Water Rabbit Lunar Year

Ask for good luck: 6, 8, 11, 12, 18, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27.

Best days to travel: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 18, 20, 22, 26, 27.

Best days to meet with someone: 5, 14, 15, 27.

There is overlap on the 27th this month!

Ranking fourth in the Lunar zodiac, Rabbit represents longevity, discretion and good luck in Asian cultures. People born under the sign of the Rabbit are kind-hearted, friendly, intelligent, cautious, skillful, gentle, quick and live long. They dislike fighting and like to find solutions through compromise and negotiation. Dates For Year Of The Rabbit: