Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - March 2023 - 15:03

COCOPAH CASINO & RESORT ALL THE FUN UNDER THE SUN SOMERTON, ARIZONA

REEL REVIEWS THE NEW SLOT SECTION

Read about our experience playing two slots, game specific slot strategy alerts, and a complete rundown.

YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO AT SAN MANUEL

This brand new Buffalo game on Yaamava’s slot floor is so new it’s hard to find even in Las Vegas.

DONNY OSMOND AT HARRAH’S LAS VEGAS

This must-see program was named 2022’s Best Production Show and Best Family Show in Las Vegas.

REEL REVIEWS

Ask And You Shall Receive

Over the past 15 years, we’ve been providing insight into slots, casinos, and everything else related to gaming for our readers. We’ve been playing the entire time, just like our readers, at casinos all around the state, and the world.

Our coverage of slots, games, and casinos has always been motivated by facts, not so much by opinion. However, our readers have, from day one, always wanted to know about our personal experiences playing slots. And, moving forward, we will include more of that style of coverage.

Don’t worry, our main motivator will still be to deliver facts, not fiction. Hard advice, not hype and myth, is what our readers can continue to count on from this publication.

While the world is descending into the realm of watching desperate, attentionseeking buffoons share every aspect of a personal experience while acting like hucksters and explosive dramatics via a medium which is impersonal, lacking in substance, devoid of moral character, dehumanizing, and divisive, we will not take that path with our Reel Reviews

Our Reel Reviews will give readers the basics of the games while providing our experiences playing the slots. If we played a game several times, we’ll tell you. If we played it only once, we’ll tell you that as well. The reviews will also include comments based on our team’s extensive and expert-level experience designing math models and game play for slot machines.

Our Reel Reviews are intended to provide our readers with insight they can’t find anywhere else in print or online.

And, the Reel Reviews will have a rating. Two thumbs up, one up and one down, or two thumbs down. We believe our rating system is fair in the context of evaluating casino games whose game play is based on randomness. Plus, we believe the rating system is self-explanatory.

If anyone has any feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Have A Lucky Month!

Alexandra Lang

Editor-in-Chief Editor@AZGamingGuide.com

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

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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

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

HOW CAN I START WITH SPORTS BETS?

A Reader Wants To Understand The Basics

To the Editor,

In the last few issues, you keep bringing up betting on sports. [Arizona’s casinos] opened their sportsbooks a while ago and it looks like fun. When all the big games happen, in all the different sports, I do like to watch them from time to time and I’ve always liked the [Green Bay Packers]. I don’t understand how to make a bet on the games. Can you help me?

Louise Belham Gilbert, AZ

Hi Louise! Thank you for being our reader and for your question. We’ll present a brief overview of how to get started with the excitement of betting on sports.

So, let’s look at your favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. If we rewind to the beginning of the last NFL season, their second game was against the New Orleans Saints. The odds for that game, according to one sportsbook, were:

game outright without the use of the point spread. The Money Line is represented by numbers such as -170 for the favorite and +145 for the underdog. Both are in reference to $100, where for the favorite, a $170 bet wins $100 (total payout of $270) and for the underdog, a $100 bet wins $145 (total payout of $245).

One other type of wager you can make are called Futures. That is, you are betting on the outcome far in advance of the event. Most Future bets are made on which team will win a championship. When this article was written, the Green Bay Packers had odds between +2500 and +3500 to win the NFL Championship in 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs had odds between +575 and +600 by comparison.

Again, a $100 Future wager on the Packers will pay $2,500 to $3,500 (depending on what odds are given at the sportsbook you visit), plus the initial $100, if they win the Super Bowl in 2024. If the Chiefs win again in 2024, your $100 wager on them pays between $575 and $600 (depending on the exact odds you get), plus the initial $100.

The Spread represents the required margin of points by which a team must win or lose. The favorite is indicated by a minus sign along with the point spread (e.g. Packers –3.5). This means the Packers need to win by 3.5 points. The opposite applies to the underdog where they are indicated by a plus sign along with the point spread. The odds for a Spread wager are always fixed at bet 11 to win 10 (-110) unless stated otherwise. In the above example, since the Packers won by more than 3.5 points, they “covered the spread.” So betting $110 on the Packers to cover the spread paid $100 for a total of $210.

The Total or Over/Under, is a wager on the combined total final score from both teams of a game and if it will be more than (Over) or less than (Under) a specified amount (Total). This is an independent wager and is not associated with a point spread. Points scored in overtime are counted within the betting total unless otherwise indicated. In the example above, you can wager on the Under, meaning the combined score is less than 37 points. The Packers beat the Saints 20 to 10 (20 + 10 = 30, 30 < 37) so betting on the Under was a winner!

The Money Line represents the odds of a team winning the

Another interesting wager which can provide solid wins regularly is called a Parlay. This wager is a combination of two or more bets (also called legs) on one ticket. To win a Parlay, all wagers must be won, and the entire bet is lost if one leg loses. However, if one leg pushes, it is simply removed from the Parlay and a three-leg Parlay will become a two-leg Parlay.

When the Packers played the Saints, a winning two-leg Parlay would have been to make a Money Line bet on the Packers to win, and a bet on the Under. The Packers won and both teams scored less than 37 points combined. The payouts on two-leg Parlays vary depending on the odds of the bets involved, but you are essentially increasing your payout, as long as both wagers hit, while only paying for one bet.

Most casino sportsbook kiosks are user friendly. Insert money, select your wagers, and collect your tickets. Some kiosks can scan the ticket bar code and tell you if it’s a winner. If you’ve got winners, many kiosks transfer the funds onto the unit to let you place new bets. All the sportsbooks across Arizona’s casinos have friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you get started, so just ask! That’s some of the basics of betting on sports! $

Thank you to our readers 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.

By Mark Novak

Kung Fu Empress

By Gaming Arts

Trying out new games in this current era of slots is similar to the first expeditions to the summit of Mount Everest in the early 1900s; dangerous, filled with the unknown and the uncertainty if anyone will even survive to tell the story.

Putting all of that aside, I decided to try Gaming Art’s newer slot, Kung Fu Empress. The monitor is massive and the topper advertised three Must-Hit-By progressives (MHBP) paying $50, $300, and $1,000. Plus, I noticed the two treasure chests on screen teasing two different persistent bonuses. I prepared myself for an experience very similar to what is available to us gamers across casino floors (that is, feeling trapped by a persistent bonus and the MHBP) and inserted $100.

STRATEGY ALERT!

Always read the Help Screen. And, if a Help Screen is too verbose, you may want to move on to the next slot. Simple is frequently better.

REEL RESULT:

That $100 bill allowed me to live out the everpopular modern slot experience of what we at the Arizona Gaming Guide call “The Slow March To Death.” This design is a poor choice for the math model of a slot. Our readers understand all to well what we mean, right?

Now, to be fair, that was my experience with one $100 bill, on one game, at one casino, once. But, to also be fair, based on my years of experience designing math models for slots, I looked at the help screen and immediately recognized multiple design flaws. I was not surprised at all by what happened during my play session so I feel comfortable saying this game isn’t for the casual gamer. In fact, it’s even a tough sell for slot players with large bankrolls. I’m sure the Inter-web has plenty of Look at this BIG WIN!” vapidity out there for this game, but it’s misleading, just like all of that style of noise.

Now, I may have enjoyed a few Kung Fu movies in college, and I am aware of the Animé style of art, however, this game is a little over the top for me, and will certainly be too much for the uninitiated. I enjoy intros to bonus events and, in casino gaming, those intros

should be loud and noticeable. Unfortunately, this game attempts to knock you out of your seat with all of the Kung Fu moves directed at the player, literally. Honestly, the cartoon violence is just not in line with my vibe of a gambling experience. I want to see if a game will let me win, let me play, and allow me a good time, not immerse me in the violence of the original Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat video games.

But enough about my experience and opinion. Onward to the guts of the game! Randomly during a spin, the main character Chipao will place a wild symbol while performing Kung Fu. Once eight wedges are won, the player spins a wheel. Was there Kung Fu? Yes. Eight wedges and a wheel spin? No.

Also, when the Chipao symbol stops on the 5th reel, the picture symbols on all the reels are converted to Chipao symbols. That happened, but never paid me enough to make me sit up and pay attention.

Randomly, the Punch Bonus can happen. And, I’ll attest that it did. Prompted to touch the screen, I was assaulted with more Kung Fu again until the bonus win meter stopped incrementing. Apparently there is another random bonus if a Wild symbol appears on screen. Tiles break and then you either win a bonus amount or a jackpot. I didn’t experience it and I wasn’t willing to use more bankroll to find out how little it would pay me.

There is a Free Games bonus in this game, although my $100 at minimum bet did not allow me to experience it. Based on watching another player, the Free Games have a larger playing field with more pay lines. Those who want more Kung Fu will definitely get it. My Reel Result Two Thumbs Down. Maybe it just wasn’t my luck. (I did hit four Aces with a Kicker for $1,000 right after I left the game though!) Visit GamingArts.com, for more info on this game or any of their other slots. $

By Mark Novak

Buffalo Ascension

By Aristocrat

The latest addition to the Buffalo family of games by Aristocrat is already making an impact on casino floors. Personally, I like the original Buffalo the best. Players are able to wager 40 credits, the reel strips don’t change during the free games, and the slot has a solid base game and the potential for a real strong win during the free games. I recall free games bonuses which paid me more than 500 times my wager! The original Buffalo is a game I still enjoy playing when I can find it I always search for it and it’s hard to believe that slot came out 20 years ago!

As our readers know, other iterations of Buffalo have come and gone. Like spaghetti with tomato sauce thrown against a wall by a toddler, some stick, some slide down. This new slot, Buffalo Ascension, in my opinion, just might stick.

STRATEGY ALERT!

Find the wager with the: highest number of ways. free games on top of a reel. middle reel 7 high. Clear out a reel & leave. Don t get trapped!

REEL RESULT:

My $100 went into a Buffalo Ascension game with trepidation. Again, this slot has a built-in persistent feature. Always be wary of such games! However, the classic Buffalo math immediately shone through my game play. I felt like this game gives you a ride and a lot of fun along the way. My one experience on one game at one casino allowed me to walk away with $200 after 30 minutes of play. I hit the free games off the reels multiple times, and the persistent feature gave me the Stampede and Super Stampede as well, all at minimum bet. I did not trigger the Enhanced Free Games in my session.

NEW FEATURES, SAME BUFFALO. RISE, BUFFALO!

Buffalo Ascension builds on one of Aristocrat’s most iconic brands to deliver tons of new features and ways to win. Persistent reel growth offers an incredible 5,488 ways to win in the base game! Collect gold arrows to win the progressive jack-

pot and enjoy upgraded free games where your rewards can multiply to huge amounts! Be on the lookout for Stampedes and Super Stampedes that will add Buffalos to your reels.

Bonus Features:

Progressive Jackpot Land a gold arrow on reel 3 to win the progressive jackpot. Enhanced Free Games Awards traditional Buffalo Free Games with multipliers, and the reel that triggered the feature will stay 7 positions high until the end of the feature.

Stampede Buffalos run down reels & change at least 1 symbol to a Buffalo Super Stampede Buffalos run down reels & change at least 3 symbols.

Exclusive Video:

We’ve uploaded a video of gameplay for you to get a sense of the slot. Check out our website (AZGamingGuide.com) and click on “Videos.” Or, find the video on our Facebook (ArizonaGamingGuide). Reading this digitally? Click the picture!

Where To Play:

Casino Arizona, Casino Del Sol, Desert Diamond Casino (Tucson & Sahuarita), Lone Butte Casino, Quechan Casino Resort, Talking Stick Resort, Twin Arrows Casino Resort, Vee Quiva Casino, Wild Horse Pass Resort & Casino. [Note: alphabetical & valid at press time.]

For info visit AristocratGaming.com. $

VIDEO POKER CORNER

By Lana Hartmann

VOLATILITY

How One Word From Math Impacts Your Individual Play Session

Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of players discussing how every time they have a play session at video poker, their bankroll is decimated, how they can’t hit a four-ofa-kind, and their general increased frustration level with video poker.

I get it. I do. I hear you. You are not alone. It happens to me too. While occasionally I may be able to perform the function of coach/mentor/spiritual guide on the casino floor, other times I think I can best serve readers with the blunt hammer of math.

Let’s define the word volatility. The dictionary comes up with “Unstable & potentially dangerous, unpredictable & fickle, changing suddenly, short-lived” even “prone to evaporation” when referring to a volatile substance. Since we are talking about science, let’s focus on math for a moment and define volatility in that context.

A statistical measure of the dispersion of data around its mean over a certain period of time. It's calculated as the standard deviation multiplied by the square root of the number of periods of time.

What does that mean? Why should I care? Every casino game has an expected long run average outcome. That’s how the casino makes money after all! However, us video poker players are looking for that edge over the casino, or to at least make the edge as small as possible, by playing perfect strategy, finding the highest paying pay tables (as close to 100% as we can get), and using a player’s club card to earn rewards. That’s our mean.

What I’d like to show you is what happens to the average pay back percentage (the mean) when accounting for volatility of popular video poker games when we play those games. All of us players know certain video poker pay tables provide certain experiences. I don’t think I have to explain the difference in the experience of playing Jacks or Better (JOB) as opposed to Double Double (DD) and Trible Double (TD) to our readers.

Whether you know some math about those three video poker games or not, in having played them, JOB has a top win of the Royal Flush along with less than ten other wins. DD has several top wins and TD has two sweet top wins and several other high paying wins. This all impacts the standard deviation, and therefore the volatility, of the game!

Let’s use the average casino JOB pay table of 7 / 5 (Full House / Flush) with a return to player (RTP), or mean, of around 96.15%, a standard deviation (SD) of 4.38 and a volatility index (VI) of around 11.30. Plus, the average casino DD pay table of 7 / 5 with a RTP of around 95.71% a SD of 6.49 and a VI of around 16.75. And finally, the average casino TD pay table of 7 / 5 with a RTP of around 94.92% a SD of 10.04 and a VI of around 25.91.

If you were to play just 1,000 hands on each of the three pay tables in a play session, the JOB game would have an average RTP range from 60 to 131%. That means, over time, on average, a 1,000 hand session could be as harsh as a 40% house hold! The DD game would have a range from 43 to 149%! With TD, the range widens even more from 14 to 178%!

Now, I know some of you love those extra bet games like Ultimate X, Ultimate X multi-hand, Super Times Pay, Double Super Times Pay, Dream Card, Powerhouse, and so on. I think you know what happens to the SD on those games as you increase your bet to open up chances at multipliers, right? You got it! The SD goes up. And, then the VI goes up as well. That means the RTP range opens up as well. If you want a flatter video poker experience, go back to one hand JOB. Otherwise, accept the volatility. After all, the volatility also brings the big wins. And that’s reflected when an increased VI opens the RTP range up on the top end as well.

You can 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 mail your letter to: Editor, AZ Gaming Guide, PO BOX 20636, Mesa, AZ, 85277. $

By Al Moe

SUCCESS IN BLACKJACK TOURNAMENTS

The Ultimate Game Plan

It’s great to see open meetings and live entertainment expanding and blackjack tournaments returning to Arizona’s casinos. Tournaments bring different elements to the game of 21, and the cost of an evening of fun can be pretty reasonable. But there are some essential things to keep in mind.

Tournaments are designed to bring players to the casino floor, and they don’t run speedily. In addition, while you may participate in two or three separate rounds, there’s plenty of time between your specific rounds, so you’ll still have time to play live games.

Be Prepared To Follow The Rules

Gaming tournaments have specific rules that can significantly impact your success. So, your most important goal is to understand the rules before play starts. Read the tournament sheet and discuss any questions with the director, not the dealers or the other players.

I’m not saying you can’t talk to everyone about their experiences before play, but the ultimate authority will be the person in charge – and the rule sheet. Any quality tournament will have a guideline and rules you can read. Casinos that fail to provide detailed rules for their tournaments are skating on thin ice and at risk of losing loyal players!

Once you’ve read the rules, ask the tournament director if you still need clarification. Then, set your strategy based on the particulars. The first round in most tournaments starts with several tables of players involved in a set number of hands or a time limit. If you’ve got an hour to play, you can try different bet amounts and devise your late play to how you compare to player chip stacks on the table.

However, many tournaments have 20-hand rounds with a $500 chip stack and a minimum wager of $5. I’ve watched players bet $5 per hand, hoping everyone else busts out. It happens. But how many people from the table move to the second round?

If it’s just one, you may want to bet conservatively to start, but when you’re down to the last five hands, you’ve got to adjust your bets to catch up with the leaders or protect your stack until you must make your final one or two bets and hold your lead.

If two players move on to the next round, and you’re well behind, you might make your final wager small and win a spot by not busting out while others are wagering big to overtake the lead. If there’s a maximum bet, you better start adjusting your wagers at hand 16 for the best results.

Some Rules To Expect

While every tournament is different, you’ll probably need to wager in order. You might also need to keep your chips sorted and in stacks by denomination. And, more crucially, you may need to slide your wager into the betting circle. Sometimes if you pick up a stack of chips and move them toward the circle, they’ll all have to play; you can’t just drop a few into the circle for your next wager!

Good luck, and remember to find out if there are rebuys, whether blackjacks pay 2-1 or just 3-2, and whether even-money is offered. Oh, and don’t talk to anyone off the table while playing or discuss strategy. You could be disqualified! $

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

IGT VIDEO BLACKJACK

My Take On An Alternative To Live Games

If you are timid about walking up to a blackjack table at the casino but would like to learn the game, this might be the solution for you. Single player Game King multi-game machines by IGT have video blackjack as an option.

The minimum bet in many casinos is two dollars, so it is much cheaper than the ten to fifteen dollar tables at the live games at the casinos. You can go as slow as you want while you are learning the game and not worry about holding up a table while you’re figuring out what to do. In fact, it would be wise to have a basic strategy card for reference just so you learn the correct way to play each hand!

The game uses two decks and blackjacks pay two to one. Don’t let that rule confuse you! Two to one means even money on blackjacks. Additionally, if you take six cards without busting, it is an automatic winner. The machine’s dealer will stop if it takes six cards without breaking and stands on all seventeens or better. There is no doubling down or splitting pairs. Ties push, which means you don’t win or lose on that particular hand.

The positive aspect about playing blackjack on a video slot game is that if you use your player’s card it will be as if you are playing a slot machine and you will earn rewards quicker than playing a live blackjack game.

Live blackjack at Arizona casinos usually carries a house edge of around 0.57% which basically means you will lose fifty seven cents for every one hundred dollars you put into play in the long run, playing perfect basic strategy. The house edge on IGT video blackjack is over four percent (4.00%) meaning you will lose four dollars for every one hundred dollars you put into play, on average, in the long run.

While this may be a slow and easy way to learn the game of blackjack you will probably end up a loser with such a high house edge compared to live casino blackjack. I would learn as quickly as you can and move to the live tables for better odds.

Playing blackjack at a full, live table will expose you to around sixty hands in one hour. So, a word to the wise, with video blackjack, players can easily experience eight hundred hands in an hour! That’s all up to you and the speed at which you choose

to play. I would really take my time playing video blackjack or it could get extremely expensive very quickly! Remember to t afford to lose. t forget to look at all of the bet options and blackjack

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.

COCOPAH CASINO & RESORT

All The Fun Under The Sun

023 is ramping up, and so is Cocopah Casino & Resort! There are many new, exciting changes at the best casino in Yuma, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

At Cocopah Resort, you can expect the same outstanding service but with a fresh, new look. As you walk in, you will notice that the business center has been upgraded with new computers and high-speed internet. And, who says that you can only have pool time during the summer? Come on in, the water is just fine at Cocopah! The Cocopah pool area includes a jacuzzi hot tub and a heated pool along with comfortable furniture that invites you to lounge outside all day long. Lastly, each room has been updated with new beds, smart HD TVs, cable and so much more!

Within walking distance of Cocopah Casino is the Wild River Family Entertainment Center, the first of its kind in the Somerton and Yuma areas. This state-of-the-art facility features 24 lanes of bowling, laser tag, a bar with a fire pit, a new rockclimbing adventure, and a large arcade room.

Grab your golf clubs and head to the course! Cocopah boasts two golf courses the Cocopah Bend RV & Golf Resort and the 9-hole “best kept secret” Rio Colorado Golf Course. RVers can enjoy dry camping adjacent to the casino with over 50 spaces in addition to the Cocopah RV Resort, which features over 800 spaces.

For the foodies, the Artisan Steakhouse and Grill offers a variety of American and Southwestern entrees. The Artisan restaurant serves an a la carte menu daily. Additionally, Triple 7s Café is conveniently located in the breezeway between the Resort and the Casino. You can grab classic favorites like burgers and sandwiches at this quick-service eatery. For a real treat, try the Carne Asada Fries or a Specialty Coffee!

Sit back and enjoy drinks and entertainment at the Sunset Lounge or Rivers Edge Bar, both featuring a bar menu with lighter fare. The Sunset Lounge offers a comfortable retreat as you wind down from your busy day. For a lively atmosphere, stop by the River’s Edge Bar located in the heart of the casino. Catch the game on one of the eight large TV screens or just kick back and play at the bar on one of the bar-top multi-game slot machines. The River’s Edge features a wide selection of specialty drinks, wines, and draft beers. On Friday and Saturday nights, you won’t want to miss their bar specials!

Cocopah Casino boasts over 500 of your favorite video and reel slot machines. They have single, multi-denominational and multi-game video poker and keno. Try your luck on some of the most popular games around like Colossal Diamonds, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Wizard of OZ, Dragon Link, Zeus Unleashed, and many more. Plus, Cocopah Casino offers a nonsmoking slot section, featuring some of your favorite machines, all in a clean, smoke-free environment!

Cocopah has some of the most generous slots anywhere, but if you’d really like to experience all that Cocopah has to offer, their Rewards Club is free to join and has some amazing perks and benefits. You could receive $500 in Rewards Play on the day of sign-up! The Club offers four card levels, each with unique rewards and incentives for guests to play with their card. As you earn points, you work your way up to the Plus level, which includes great benefits including discounts on retail items and restaurants.

Cocopah Casino isn’t just about the slots! They also offer Table Master Fusion virtual three-card poker and, of course, live blackjack with limits up to $200 per wager. They are also the exclusive home of Planet Bingo in Yuma, the future of bingo technology. Planet Bingo’s electronics have changed the way bingo is played and it’s exciting, fun, and most of all easy! You can always play as many paper cards as you want as well while letting the electronics play for you on other cards. All you have to do is sit back, relax and yell “BINGO!”

Voted the best place in Yuma to play bingo for ten consecutive years, Cocopah’s bingo is called seven days a week with matinee sessions available on select days. Now, you can skip the lines by putting credits on your account to purchase games through Buy-on-the-Fly right from your handheld unit. And, with Bonanza Trades, you can trade a card you don’t like for two new cards for just a dollar! Join the game at any time with GemHunt, where you can play up to 36 cards each game and 20 games per hour with progressive bonus jackpots in all games. Other progressive jackpots are offered through QuickPlay, which has a variety of game themes packed with exciting bingo action and multiple ways to win up to $8,000 per game!

In addition to Planet Bingo, Cocopah Casino exclusively offers Planet Poker and Planet Keno. These amazing additions to your

bingo experience allow you to play the hottest poker and keno games right from your Planet Bingo unit. You can buy in or cash out whenever you’d like. Play keno and poker at the same time as your bingo game, on the same screen, so you’ll never miss a bingo! Last but not least, VIPick’em is a favorite electronic pick game that can be played with paper, electronics, or both! You can also save your favorite numbers to your account to save time.

Cocopah Casino & Resort values, respects, and salutes their veterans, active military, and spouses. Which is why they are proud to offer the Patriot Card. The Patriot Card includes all benefits of the Plus level and has a unique look to distinguish the men and women who have served our country. Rewards Club members receive exclusive offers, rewards, and promotions each month, but in addition to that, Cocopah offers Prime Time Rewards every Wednesday. Guests ages 55 and older earn 2X-4X Reward Points and qualify for a $10 Resort Credit when they earn just 30 Reward Points.

Looking for a way to stay up-to-date with all these new changes? Get the information you need on all things Cocopah Casino on their mobile-friendly website at CocopahResort.com or follow them on social media. Despite the changes, Cocopah’s friendly staff, top-notch customer service and safe, clean environment have stayed the same so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Good things are happening at Cocopah Casino & Resort!

If you are near Yuma, enjoy all the fun under the sun at Cocopah! Take exit I-8 at 16th Street – go west to Avenue B then south on Highway 95 or set your phone navigation on Cocopah Casino & Resort located at 15318 S. Ave B just outside of Yuma in Somerton, Arizona.

For more information, visit CocopahResort.com. $

Submitted By Yaamava' Resort & Casino

YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO

Over 7,000 Slots, Exciting Promos & Entertainment Awaits

At Yaamava’ Resort & Casino there is something for everyone in March! Guests have a chance to win a 2023 Maserati Levante GT, or up to $100,000 every Thursday. And for those of you who are geared up for the college basketball tournament, catch all the tournament action on 170 HD screens at the 909 Watch Parties! Plus, make sure to participate in the $150,000 Premium Payout on Friday, March 31 in the High Limit Slots area. At 10 p.m., 1 winner walks away with $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in free play! But another 44 winners will share $50,000 as well.

Entertainment Schedule:

George Thorogood & The Destroyers will perform on March 24 in the Yaamava’ Theater. Since 1976, they’ve sold over 15 million albums, built a catalog of classic hits, and played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows. Through it all, they’ve remained one of the most consistent bands – and consistently passionate –progenitors of blues-based rock in pop culture history.

Jim Gaffigan March 3

Adal Ramones Y Adrián Uribe March 9

Hong Jin-Young March 11

Ja Rule & Ashanti March 16

Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga March 19

George Thorogood & The Destroyers March 24

Dane Cook March 31

The Rock & Brews Concert Series at Yaamava’ includes: Crazy Town & Adema March 31

Brand New Slot: Buffalo Chief Platinum by Aristocrat

This slot is so new, it’s not even in Arizona yet! Actually, it’s barely made its way onto the floors at casinos across Las Vegas.

This brand new addition to the Buffalo family features full reel wilds with massive award multipliers and the classic Buffalo free games feature where you can now collect up to 250 Chief symbols for huge payouts! Plus, in the Full Reel Chief bonus, players have the chance to fill an entire reel with Chief symbols to make multipliers reach up to 1,680 times for huge cash prizes! This slot was first unveiled at the gaming tradeshow ICE Lon-

don in February of 2023 and Yaamava’ already has it!

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:

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 the 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

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

Submitted By Harrah’s Las Vegas

With $250,000 A Year For 20 Years, You Could Be ‘SET FOR LIFE’ With The Arizona Lottery’s Newest $50 Ticket!

“In Set for Life, our players have an opportunity to dream big, play big and win big,” said Chris Rogers, Arizona Lottery Deputy Director of Marketing and Products. “With six top prizes that add up to $5 million each and a promotion that promises to pay out millions more, this game offers life-changing prizes that allow our players to experience the joy of winning year after year.”

Players can purchase Set For Life tickets at select Arizona Lottery retail locations and enter them into this promotion through the Arizona Lottery Players Club app. They can also be entered at AZPlayersClub.com. For more information, please visit ArizonaLottery.com. $

is

The Arizona Lottery has launched its second $50 Scratchers® ticket and, this time, with a top prize that promises wins year after year.

Playing the Arizona Lottery’s new Set for Life ticket gives you a chance to win a multitude of prizes. In addition to six top prizes of $250,000 a year for 20 years, players could win over $100 million in prizes, from $60 to $500. The Set For Life ticket gives players overall odds of 1 in 2.18 to win any cash prize and features 5 bonus spots, a chance to multiply your prize by 50X, plus 30 chances to win.

In order to win the top prize, players must scratch and reveal a “LIFE” symbol. Do that and you’ll be set for life! Is your dream to launch a new company? Purchase your dream home? Retire early? Whatever you imagine, this ticket gives you the chance to start dreaming and playing.

For another chance to win seriously big bucks, players can enter their Set For Life tickets into the Set For Life Players Club promotion for a chance at $4 million in additional prizes, including a $2 million grand prize!Players can also enter eligible $20+ Scratchers, Fast Play™, Quick Draw™, and Draw Game tickets into the promotion, worth one entry for every dollar spent, so a $20 ticket is worth 20 entries, a $25 ticket is worth 25 entries, a $30 ticket is worth 30 entries and a $50 ticket is worth 50 entries. Each Set For Life ticket is doubled to 100 entries!

SCRATCHERS STRATEGY ALERT!

When this issue went to press, less than 50,000 prizes had been awarded out of the almost 2,400,000 prizes available. That means less than 2% of prizes were awarded so far!

All of the six top prizes were still available to players when this issue went to print! Which means the Arizona Lottery can still give away $30,000,000!

This Scratchers® game is designed to pay out $221,744,430 in total prizes if all tickets are played!

With overall odds of 1 in 2.18, players, on average, will have a winning ticket almost every other time.

A player’s chances of winning the $500 prize, of which there are over 90,000 left when this issue went to print, are twice as good as the chances of hitting a free games bonus on most slot machines!

Scratchers®

a registered service mark of the California Lottery.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Continued To Raise Awareness, Funds And Support In 2022

RO committee donated more than $27,300 worth of in-kind certificates and $53,670 in cash.

Environmental stewardship is an essential pillar of Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino's Code of Commitment, as the property recognizes the importance of being responsible stewards of the environment. The CodeGreen committee ensures that the property demonstrates its energy conservation and environmental sustainability leadership.

The HERO, CodeGreen, SALUTE and SAVVY committees at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino embraced the giving spirit by offering several opportunities for employees to support, say thank you and give back to the community in 2022.

“Harrah’s has long had a solid reputation for supporting a number of nonprofit organizations throughout the Valley,” says HERO Committee Chair Barbara Achten.” And 2022 was no exception as there were more than 120 nonprofit organizations throughout the year for our employees and their families to get involved in and support.”

During 2022, the employee groups organized and participated in several impactful activities, including packing meals for Feed My Starving Children, restocking shelves at a local Maricopa food pantry and serving meals to Veterans. Employees personally donated more than $14,500 and volunteered more than 4,000 hours to support causes and organizations in need.

Among the organizations that received support were:

American Cancer Society

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Pat Tillman Foundation

F.O.R. Maricopa

One Step Beyond

Big Brothers Big Sisters Arizona

HERO is a team member-based volunteer program in which Harrah’s staff and their families make noteworthy and visible contributions to the community by donating their time, skills, expertise and compassion to dozens of volunteer projects throughout the community. The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino HE-

SAVVY is a Business Impact Group (BIG) focused on women's empowerment, support, and advancement within the company. SAVVY BIG is for team members and their peer supporters who have common goals and are committed to Harrah’s AkChin Casino’s diversity and inclusion strategy.

The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino SALUTE Business Impact Group (BIG) actively seeks to bring together team members who are Veterans and Veteran allies who embrace the core values of duty, honor and selfless service. The purpose is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture through grassroots efforts to assist Veterans in various ways, including fundraisers, donation drives and volunteer opportunities.

The goals of each Business Impact Group are to: Promote cultural awareness and education

Develop team members personally and professionally Drive innovation and strategic business initiatives Support diverse team member recruitment and retention Foster a positive company image in the communities

“We love finding ways for our employees to connect with the Valley community in a meaningful way," adds Achten. “Organizations interested in submitting a request for donations can complete a C.S.R. Charitable Funding application on the Caesars Entertainment website.”

Harrah’s guests also had an opportunity to give back. Casino guests can donate their change when redeeming a cash-out ticket to F.O.R. Maricopa, Against Abuse, Inc. and Meals on Wheels. $11,000 was collected in the last three months of 2022.

For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, please visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $

Hot Promotions, New Slots & Amazing Dining Deals All

Month Long At Casino Del Sol

Naughty Neighbor. Bounce Back coupons available on Saturday. (Bingo Bucks invalid.)

Super Session on Sunday, April 2 Reserve your machine now and save. Over $25,000 up for grabs! All regular games are guaranteed to pay $1,199 and the last game of the night pays a guaranteed $10,000! Paper only $100, electronic pre-sales $135 & electronic sales at the door $150.

Super Session Extras Earn extra Super Session packs for the regular session games when you win a Bingo during the Mini/ Matinee or Evening Sessions from March 1 April 1.

Dining

Promotions

$100,000 Rock ‘N Roll Riches Club Sol Members can participate from March 1 April 1. Members can swipe daily for an entry ticket into the Saturday drawings. Saturday drawing winners have a chance to pick 6 icons from the E-game prize board for a chance to win the $100,000 Grand Prize! Visit Club Sol for complete details.

Million Dollar March Mania Challenge Chance to win $250k to $1 Million! Now through April 3. Participation online for bracket & prop card submission.

Blackjack

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

Slots

There are new games on the floor with the largest variety of the new slots in town! Some of the newest titles include: Wolf Run Eclipse, Buffalo Ascension, Xtreme Explosion, Long Bao Bao, Rich Little Piggies, Samurai 888, Ultra Rush, Devil’s Lock, Coin Trio, Cha Ching!, Ca$h Locomotive, Cash Express, and All Aboard.

Bingo

Cosmic Bingo Mardi-Gras style on March 3 where the best dressed wins! 1st - $300, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $100. Hosted by the hilarious Lucinda Holliday.

St. Patrick’s Day On March 17, 50% off Electronic packs with

Bellisimo Ristorante Italiano The Chef’s Seasonal Selections Pasta is beet & ricotta ravioli (roasted fresh beets, goat cheese & pesto) for $19.

Festa International Buffet

Sunday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Brunch & International $35

Monday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. International $25

Tuesday 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Seafood Night $45

Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. International $25

Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. International $25

Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. International $25

Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Breakfast & International $25

Moby’s Burger of the Month is their Impossible burger (veggie patty, thousand island, American cheese, lettuce, tomato & onion) for $14. Their Chef’s Seasonal Selection Featured Dish is the Sweet potato gaufrette fries for $8.

Streetscape Deli’s Pizza of the Month is a Potato pizza (thinly sliced potatoes, rosemary, pistachio, roasted garlic & extra virgin olive oil) for $5.25 per slice or $25 for an entire pie.

Sweetscape’s Flavor of the Month is Ube gelato for $4.65.

Ume’s Chef’s Seasonal Selections Wok Gochugang roasted carrots & chicken (bell peppers, onion, chile & sesame) for $16.

For more information about these promotions and all the wonderful amenities offered by Casino Del Sol, please visit their website at CasinoDelSol.com. $

New Slots & Hot Promotions

All Month Long At Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos

Arizona Department Of Gaming Event Wagering Report & What’s A Legal Pool

Find your pot of gold Fridays in March in Prescott at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos! Three weekly Cash Drawing winners will receive $1,000 and a lucky Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 on Friday, March 17 and Friday, March 31! Join them for Luck of the Fridays in March Cash Drawings at 3 p.m. at both casinos.

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

One of those new slots, IGT’s Stinkin’ Rich Skunks Gone Wild, is a lot of fun to play. In the latest evolution of the iconic theme, Richard the Skunk is back to entertain. Energetic and engaging, the game introduces new features, including big base game wins, an added jackpot award, random wilds, and an enhanced Trash for Cash pick bonus. During the base game, a player can wager the gold bet, play 100 lines at 125 credits, and be eligible for the random wilds feature and the jackpot award. The Stinkin’ Rich jackpot is awarded in the base or free games with a blackout of wilds on reels two, three, and four. Enhancing the game, the pick bonus is triggered with three Trash for Cash symbols at any bet level, and the player selects trash can lid symbols to move up and boost meter values until a collect symbol is revealed to determine the prize. The free games bonus (up to 45 free games) is triggered when three or more Keys to Riches symbols land.

And, come roll your luck 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. $

Bettors in Arizona wagered nearly $617 million in November of 2022, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). This represents a 32.2% increase when compared to November of 2021. “It is exciting to see a second consecutive month of over $600 million wagered on sports by patrons within the state,” said Ted Vogt, Director, ADG. “This milestone highlights Arizona’s strong sports betting market, which has already established itself as a top-ten market nationally.” Privilege fees totaled over $3.8 million in the month, resulting in approximately $31 million in privilege fees collected by the state since the start of legal operations.

With the NCAA National Championship for Men’s Basketball heating up, the best places to bet is at a casino, or with one of the many legal online wagering apps available in the state. If you and your friends want to set up your own pool to bet on sports, be careful! These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law [A.R.S. 13-3301(7)], social gambling requires that gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game, that hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s), that only participants can win, and that players compete on equal terms with each other. A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling include paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations, or a host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game, or a required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.), or unequal odds, or underage participants.

ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report (even anonymously) suspected illegal gambling activity, visit Gaming.AZ.gov or call 1.602.255.3886. $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

APACHE GOLD & SKY CASINOS Globe & Winkelman

No info submitted at press time. Contact casinos.

BLUEWATER CASINO Parker

Standup Sundays Comedy March 12 to May 28

BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS Prescott

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

CASINO ARIZONA Scottsdale

Bruno & The Hooligans (Bruno Mars) March 3 & 4

Fan Halen (Van Halen) March 17 & 18

AZ State Trivia Quarterly Championship March 19

The Kings of Queen (Queen) March 24 & 25

Bee Gees Gold (Bee Gees) March 31 & April 1

CASINO DEL SOL Tucson

Los Angeles Azules De Iztapalapa April 15

Old Dominion April 28

Marco Antonio Solis August 8

Gabriel Iglesias August 26

CLIFF CASTLE CASINO HOTEL Camp Verde

Los Tucanes De Tijuana March 11

COCOPAH CASINO Somerton

Karaoke Saturdays 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO Sahuarita

Jimmie Allen March 24

35th Annual Chevy Showdown Car Show April 1

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO Maricopa

Gary Allan Ruthless Tour March 11

Nick Offerman March 17

Jordan Davis April 28

HON-DAH RESORT CASINO Pinetop

Live Music Tuesdays Through Saturdays

Monday Funday Comedy Shows

U2 America (Tribute) March 17

MAZATZAL CASINO Payson

Ambrosia March 30

Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton) April 21

Revolució de Amor (A Maná) May 6

QUECHAN CASINO RESORT Winterhaven

Kansas March 23

Jo Koy April 13

Purple Reign (Prince) April 21

TALKING STICK RESORT Scottsdale

Tanya Tucker March 17

The Bachelor Live Fridays & Saturdays in April

Cultural Presentations Fridays & Saturdays in April

Tyler Henry The Hollywood Medium April 1

Scott McCreery April 21

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

WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & CASINO Chandler

Rodney Atkins March 4

Turn The Page March 11

En Vogue March 17

The Drifters, The Cornell Gunter Coasters, and The Platters

March 24

Queen Nation (Queen) March 25

Jersey Boys Meets Mamma Mia (Tribute) March 31

Jimmie Allen @ Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita

Tennessee Whiskey @ Mazatzal Casino

Ambrosia

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino March 30

March 30, American rock band Ambrosia comes to Mazatzal Hotel & Casino.

Ambrosia is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1970. Ambrosia had five top 40 hit singles released between 1975 and 1980, including the top 5 hits "How Much I Feel" and "Biggest Part of Me", and top 20 hits "You're the Only Woman (You & I)" and "Holdin' on to Yesterday".

Ambrosia’s legendary hits “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me” are enjoying a national resurgence by being showcased on the show, Late Night with Jimmy FallonYacht Rock recently.

Tickets start at $25 and up for advance purchase. Tickets are $35 and up if purchased after March 24, 2023.

The event is open to guests 21 and older. 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. Ambrosia, only at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino!

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino also welcomes Tennessee Whiskey, A Tribute to Chris Stapleton, on April 21. Tickets start at $15 for advance purchase and $25 and up if purchased after April 17, 2023. $

Nick Offerman

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

March 17

Nick Offerman is coming to The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino on March 17.

Offerman is an actor, author, humorist and woodworker. He became widely known for his role as Ron Swanson in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), for which he received the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy and was twice nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Following the end of Parks and Recreation, Offerman appeared in the second season of the FX dark comedy-drama series Fargo (2015), for which he received a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries. He also portrayed McDonald's co-founder Richard McDonald in The Founder (2016) and began co-hosting the NBC reality competition series Making It (2018–present) with Amy Poehler; the duo received two nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program.

Recent and upcoming projects include The Last of Us (HBO), Pam & Tommy (Hulu), A League of Their Own (Amazon), and NBC’s Making It (co-host and executive producer).

Don’t miss an evening with Nick Offerman. Get your tickets today! $

By Sami Becker

VIDEO KENO PLAYERS HOG MY GAMES!

Several Readers Tell Us How They Really Feel

Recently our editor forwarded me several emails from readers of ours who had quite a bit to say about video keno players at casinos.

The emails encompassed the following main points:

Video keno players are on multi-game units which have video poker games and slot games. Customers would like to play those other games but can’t because they are always taken.

Video keno players turn up the game’s volume to maximum which is beyond annoying to non-keno players around them.

In the very few Arizona casinos which still allow smoking, most of those smokers are video keno players.

Most video keno players break the bet buttons, like to hit the machines, and curse, which is not appreciated.

Most video keno players bet the minimum on their games, usually $0.05 per spin. And, as most non-keno players bet far more than that, why are the casinos catering to keno guests?

Why aren’t there 100% video keno games separate from video poker? And, in a separate area from video poker?

Why aren’t there high minimum bets on video keno games?

As these points were quite blunt, I decided to not share any of the readers’ names and cities they live in.

However, here’s what I’d like to share with the readers who wrote in, and all of you, as I have an opinion on this subject as well! Right off the bat, there’s nothing wrong with what these readers said. If the behavior of other patrons is preventing you from playing your favorite game and providing you with a miserable experience, perhaps it is time to move on. Otherwise, I suggest investing in noise-cancelling ear buds. They work pretty well. They don’t block out 100% of the crazy, but they do make it a little more tolerable. Or, use great earplugs. Finally, find another casino. Spend your entertainment dollars elsewhere!

Based on my experience, some Arizona casinos are worse than others in terms of the population of video keno players frequenting the establishment. But, if those casinos have your fa-

nitely difficult. If you have not already discussed your concerns with management, I suggest you do so. Give the property a ve found that some

I agree with the assessment about the majority of video keno lenging to enjoy the game you are trying to play. I understand t matter as customers, yet the video keno players matter more to the casino. Until a casino shows me numbers to the contrary, based on my knowledge, video keno players are the lowest revenue generating players for the casino, specifically because of their wagers. Why a casino allows those players to impede far higher wagering video poker players from playing is anyone’s guess. I’d love for a Slot Director to prove me wrong with numbers. I printed the points our readers made in the hopes that Slot Directors who read our magazine every month think about what was said. Maybe there will be a change. Perhaps not, but at least I’ll have put it out there. Especially the topics raised by the last three questions.

I’d love to hear what our readers think about this topic. You can write me at Sami@AZGamingGuide.com. Thanks for your letters and emails! Have fun and good luck! $

WORD SEARCH

To Celebrate International Women’s Day On March 8, Find: ACTIVIST, CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, EDUCATE, EMPOWERMENT, EQUALITY, FREEDOM, LIBERATION, MOVEMENT, OPRESSION, PROGRESS, REFORM, RIGHTS, SELF ESTEEM, SISTERHOOD, SOCIAL, STRUGGLE, SUFFRAGE, VINDICATION, WOMEN. 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.

This month, we want to provide some positive affirmations. Happiness is a choice, and today I choose to be happy.

I am successful, confident, powerful, strong, and getting better and better every day.

I’m rising above the thoughts that are trying to make me angry or afraid.

I’m freeing myself from all destructive doubt and fear.

I have made mistakes, but I will not let them define me.

I do not engage with people who try to penetrate my mind with unhelpful thoughts and ideas I walk away when a person or a situation isn’t healthy for me.

I am turning DOWN the volume of negativity in my life, while simultaneously turning UP the volume of positivity.

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.

Zodiac Lucky Numbers

Aries (March 21 – April 19): 9, 15, 18, 41, 45, 68

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): 8, 9, 24, 34, 46, 66

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): 1, 8, 25, 35, 45, 61

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): 2, 3, 20, 34, 51, 64

Leo (July 23 – August 22): 2, 4, 15, 28, 55, 64

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): 7, 13, 23, 35, 56, 61

Libra (September 23 – October 22): 10, 11, 14, 38, 46, 64

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): 6, 17, 23, 33, 49, 63

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): 11, 14, 20, 29, 53, 63

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): 10, 16, 23, 28, 55, 58

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): 3, 10, 21, 41, 55, 64

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): 2, 10, 17, 40, 47, 65

Water Rabbit Lunar Year

Ask for good luck: 1, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 20, 24, 27, 30.

Best days to travel: 1, 10, 17, 18, 20, 22, 26, 29.

Best days to meet with someone: 10, 12, 14, 24, 26. There is overlap on the 10th 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: