Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - May 2023 - 15:05

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20 PLAYCATION IS BACK AT TALKING STICK RESORT IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 NEW SLOTS 14 VIDEO POKER 16 TABLE GAMES 20 FEATURE STORY 22 TRAVEL LAUGHLIN 24 HEALTH 26 27 32 34 36 38 azgamingguide.com | May 2023 | Arizona Gaming Guide 03 BRAND NEW SLOTS READY FOR PLAY Read about new slots at Talking Stick Resort, We Pa Casino, and IGT RICHARD PELZ PROPERTY EXEC. CHEF Meet the chef behind the acclaimed steakhouse, Ember, at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fountain Hills, AZ. 26 08 IN THIS ISSUE Contents MAY PLAY, RELAX & EXPLORE IN LAUGHLIN, NEVADA Ready for a trip? Laughlin’s casino gaming and entertainment options are just a short drive away. 22

HAMBURGER LOVERS ...

National Hamburger Day Is May 28, 2023

In last month’s issue, I challenged our readers to enjoy a delicious Prime Rib dinner at a casino restaurant during the month of April in honor of National Prime Rib Day. Since April’s issue went live, I have received so many emails, and messages online, from our readers with their opinions of which casino has the best Prime Rib dinner! Throughout the entire month of April, even as the May issues went to print, the messages continued to come in with suggestions, opinions, and personal experiences. Everything from the good to the bad and the ugly. I’m so grateful to all of you wrote in and those who messaged us. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Since several of our readers decided to take me up on April’s “challenge,” I decided to conduct another experiment this month. After some research, I found out that May is National Hamburger Month (I’m not kidding)! May 28, 2023 is National Hamburger Day! Since Americans eat over 50 billion burgers a year, it’s only fitting we set aside a whole day for these special sandwiches, right? So, my team and I are on a mission (and we’re not waiting until the end of May) to try a hamburger at every single casino in Arizona and Laughlin, NV. It’s going to be a hard job but somebody’s got to do it!

We want to know where you all go when you’re craving a scrumptious burger and fries. Let us know! We’re compiling all of the results of our readers’ suggestions and we’ll announce the final casino winners in an upcoming issue.

Have A Lucky Month!

Alexandra

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

INTERNET INFORMATION

AZGamingGuide.com Facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

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

15 • ISSUE 05
VOLUME
EDITOR’S
NOTE
04

ARIZONA LOTTERY’S

NEXT

BIG GIVEAWAY

Escape To Paradise: Hawaii Dream Getaway & Darius Rucker Concert

I saw the Luke Combs giveaway from the [Arizona Lottery] in the last issue [February 2023]. I love his music and his song is great for gambling. Why don’t they do that more often?

Hi James! Thanks for your question and for being our reader. To be brief, the Arizona Lottery is offering another promotion similar to the one with Luke Combs. This time it’s a trip to Hawaii and a concert with Darius Rucker! Just make sure you enter by June 15, 2023. Good luck and have fun! Here’s what was just announced by the Arizona Lottery:

Aloha, Arizona! Are you ready for a break and dreaming of a tropical getaway? Well, the Arizona Lottery is making waves and giving you a chance to turn that dream into a reality with its Hawaii Dream Getaway Promotion, featuring a performance by Grammy award-winning artist Darius Rucker!

Arizona Lottery players can enter their eligible $10 and $20 Scratchers® and Fast Play tickets in the Hawaii Dream Getaway Players Club promotion for their chance to win a seven-day, sixnight trip for two to the dreamy Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, Hawaii, this December! But that's not all - players can get 3x entries for each $230 Million CASH EXPLOSION® ticket entered with the Arizona Lottery Players Club, increasing their chances of winning this once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

With the relaunch of the $20 Cash Explosion Scratchers ticket, players are closer than ever to the sands of Hawaii and the vacation of their dreams!

The Hawaii Dream Getaway is no ordinary vacation as 50 lucky players and their guests will be treated to a private acoustic concert by Grammy award-winning country artist, Darius Rucker and an array of exclusive Hawaiian experiences including their choice of spa treatments or a catamaran sunset cruise and experience a private luau, complete with Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and a traditional Hawaiian feast. Additionally,

they will get a taste of the Islands with a dinner showcasing Hawaii's flavors. Finally, the winners will get the chance to compete for $50,000 in prizes at an exclusive winner's game show, each guaranteed a cash prize.

“We are ecstatic that we can provide our players with the trip of a lifetime,” said Chris Rogers, Arizona Lottery Deputy Director of Marketing and Products. “This promotion will provide our players with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of one of the world's most spectacular destinations. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to engage with our players and this promotion is just one example of our commitment to delivering innovative and fun experiences!”

So, for all Arizona Lottery players needing (or wanting) a luxury vacation, the Hawaii Dream Getaway Promotion is an opportunity to win an unforgettable experience. Take your chance to win a trip to paradise and make your dreams come true. Enter the Hawaii Dream Getaway Players Club promotion through June 15, 2023.

Players can access the Arizona Lottery Players Club by downloading the app on the App Store, Google Play, or by visiting AZPlayersClub.com. Players can purchase Scratchers and Fast Play tickets at all Arizona Lottery retail locations and enter their tickets through the Arizona Lottery Players Club app or online at AZPlayersClub.com. For more information, please visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. $

06 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com PLAYERS TALK
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. CASH EXPLOSION® is a registered trademark of the Ohio Lottery Commission.

Ready For Play

Buffalo Strike

At Talking Stick Resort By Aristocrat

First in Arizona at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Buffalo Strike is a brand new game by Aristocrat ready for players to chase after some big wins and experience a new community-style bonus round.

In the base game, watch for random 2X and 3X multipliers on the classic Buffalo “Wild” symbols, and get ready for “Strike Mode” which lasts for 3 minutes and is randomly available every 8 to 12 minutes. Land a “Strike” symbol during “Strike Mode” and trigger the “Strike Mode” bonus.

Once in the “Strike Mode” bonus, players can be awarded credit prizes, jackpots and Stampede bonuses. In a Stampede bonus, players are awarded up to 25 Buffalo which run across the screen with each one awarding a credit prize. Players win either the Ultra, Mega, or Super Stampedes.

Of course, Buffalo Strike, doesn't forget to include the potential for players to win the classic Free Games bonus. Collecting Buffalo symbols allow additional reel windows to be unlocked. And, jackpots can be won when the Free Games are triggered or when Free

The final bonus is the Super Free Games bonus, triggered by three (or more) Super Free Games symbols. This bonus starts with four unlocked reel windows! And yes, the jack-

is installed as a penny game with a minimum bet of 75 credits (1000 credit max bet). The games are located along the wall between the deli and where the buffet used to be (now a new home for a ton of slots). At press time, Talking Stick Resort is the s time to visit and check this game out! After

For more information about Talking Stick Resort, visit TalkingStickResort.com. For more

STRATEGY ALERT!

Play max bet to unlock 5X multipliers in the base game.

Strike Mode” happens every 812 minutes across the bank and lasts for 3 minutes.

During Strike Mode” any landed Strike” symbol triggers the bonus awarding credits, jackpots, and stampede features.

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com NEW
SLOTS

Ready For Play

Megabucks Mega Vault

Exclusively at We Ko Pa Casino By IGT

Only at We-Ko-pa Casino Resort can you crack the combination for big fun and the possibility of life-changing Megabucks Wide Area Progressive jackpots with Megabucks Mega Vault, an all-new take on a legacy theme on the commanding Peak65 cabinet featuring explosive multiway paths to win We played the game and you can take a look at what happened and get a feel for the game on our website! Building on the thrill of the original sticky multiplier free games, Megabucks Mega Vault incorporates the thrill of added jackpots, plus locking wilds, multipliers, and a progressive pick bonus. In the thrilling free games bonus, which is activated by three, four or five scattered bonus symbols landing in the base game, wilds and multipliers will lock in place for the duration of the bonus session. Megabucks sub-symbols will also lock in place during the free game bonus, building excitement as players try to land five of the symbols to win the massive Megabucks jackpot. In the progressive pick bonus, which can be randomly awarded during gameplay, a jackpot win is guaranteed. Players select coins until three matching progressives jackpot coin symbols are revealed, awarding the corresponding prize. You’ll find the 100 credit cost-to-cover slot in the High Limit room and near the front entrance close to our magazine rack and the Fortune Club. For more info, visit WeKoPaCasinoResort.com and IGT.com. $

VIDEO ALERT!

Visit

WOF—Diamond Spins 2X Wilds

The latest addition to IGT’s famed slots family, Wheel of Fortune Diamond Spins 2X Wilds is a modern take on the classic mechanical reel style with classic bars and seven symbols matched with engaging mechanics certain to entertain players.

Featuring nine pay line gameplay on IGT’s dazzling CrystalWheel stepper cabinet, this theme offers the player-favorite Wheel of Fortune Jackpot at a three credit bet, with diamond triggering symbols that can activate up to three ‘wheel’ pointers for massive wins!

During the base game, the Wheel of Fortune bonus spin is activated when a wild symbol lands on reels one and two and a spin symbol lands on reel three. The unique spin symbols trigger one, two, or three active pointers in the wheel bonus, and the player is awarded a single spin on the wheel for potential big wins with 2X wild multipliers that can award up to four times the win.

The top jackpot prize is awarded when the wheel pointer lands on the gold jackpot wedge on either standalone or wide-area progressive setups.

For more information, visit IGT.com. $

STRATEGY ALERT!

Always bet to unlock the wheel bonus and the jackpot. Otherwise, don t play this game.

12 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com NEW SLOTS
our website for an exclusive video of IGT Megabucks Mega Vault

VIDEO POKER CORNER

WHY I LOVE PLAYING TRIPLE DOUBLE Ready For Risk? This Pay Table Has It All!

Sometimes I’m lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time. With life, with work, when I’m gambling I believe it’s all about attitude and the energy you send out into the world. You can work hard, plan, execute, play perfect strategy, take care of your body and your mind, all of which is necessary, but ultimately, lady luck just smiles, and other times she may not. So, why not play a game that suits you?

Trible Double Bonus Poker (TD) suits me. Sure, our readers will argue it’s way too volatile (it is!) and the bottom end of the pay table has been sliced and diced (all true!), plus you can’t consistently find the game at all casinos (unfortunately).

But, stay with me here! Occasionally, one can find TD as a multi -hand game in casinos across the state. The pay tables may not be the best, they are usually in the upper end of the 90% range, but that’s way better than playing an 85-90% slot (good luck finding a 92% penny slot)! And that’s when I like to strike, especially when I have access to a little free play.

I’m fortunate to have people around me who are willing to “loan” me their free play from time to time. All they ask is that if I make more than the total value of the free play that they receive a cut. I’m happy to oblige! And, they are happy to be on the receiving end of any wins I have. Which happen more often than they expect.

Why? If I can find a multi-hand game, especially ten play, I’ve just cut my odds of hitting any larger win by a factor of ten. On average, you know a four of a kind happens roughly every 420 hands or so (go easy on me all you math geeks I’m trying to keep things simple!), depending on the game and the pay table strategy. On a ten play that’s 42 hands. In nickels that’s 50 credits ($2.50) per hand. I only need $105 in free play for 42 hands!

The win I’m always chasing is the four Aces with a kicker on TD worth 4,000 credits ($200 for nickels). That happens roughly every 16,250 hands (I’m simplifying!). On a ten play it’s once every 1,650 hands, or just over $4,000 in free play. My free play gifting circle usually doesn't pony up that much in free play every outing, but I’ve cut my chances, and the hand could be dealt to me, resulting in a massive win!

But, I can also hit the four twos, threes, or fours, with kickers, for 2,000 credits every 7,000 hands, on average (remember, I’m simplifying!). Cut that by ten for a ten play game and my chanc-

VIDEO ALERT!

es are every 700 hands. That’s only $1,750 in free play that I need. Any four of a kind (fives through Kings) in TD happens every 615 hands. Cut by ten and you get 62 hands or just $155 in free play on a nickel game.

I like to focus on the 420 hands number, as it represents any four of a kind, regardless of what it is. And, I’m always thinking, “If I can hit one four of a kind, maybe I hit another during my free play session!” That happens a lot as well.

The real benefit for me in being lucky enough to be playing with someone else’s free play is there is a limit to the number of hands I wager. I “play off the free play” and maybe play a few more hands to play up or down to a nice round number and then I cash out. I’m always “ahead” as it’s free play, right? And I get the added enjoyment of paying it forward to my gifting circle. That always feels good!

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

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com
our website for an exclusive video of how to win on Triple Double with free play. Watch me hit the big one during my session!
Visit

TABLE GAMES

COMMON CRAPS GAME ERRORS TO AVOID

Don’t Fall For These Mistakes!

It was a long slog for casinos to finally get craps approved for play in Arizona. This table game offers continuous action, and now is a good time to note a few errors I at the tables.

Most players bet on the Pass Line. It makes sense because that typically the start of a new hand or a new shooter coming out. And there’s a comradery that goes with placing your money on the same bet other players are rooting for – a come eleven.

Taking Odds

You'll want to take odds if there’s no instant winner and a point is established. But the key to craps is getting total value, so letting your Pass or Don’t Pass wager fight the odds alone is a mistake. When you hear that the casino has a tiny 1.4% edge at craps that’s only when you take full odds!

Craps odds are set at the chance of an established point rolling before a seven. For instance, it’s twice as likely a seven will roll than a point 4 (or 10), so every dollar you wager in odds pays double! Don’t cheat yourself by making a large Pass wager and then skimping on the odds bet!

Another mistake I’ve seen lately is players entering a craps game with a point already established and thinking they should join the table by making an immediate bet on the Pass Line. Don’t do that! Imagine if the point is already 4 or 10. Now you are wagering on a bet that only pays back even money one time in three!

Instead, if a point is already established, bet the Come Line. You can win instantly on 7/11 or establish your own point and take full odds!

Drowning in Bets

Another mistake seen at craps is players making too many bets. While blackjack has one or two wagers, a craps game offers a smorgasbord of fattening wagers. It’s an epicurean, gastronomic delight. Unfortunately, wagers on the Horn have an 11 to 14% house edge, and the Hardways are usually 9 to 11%. So, cut back on your diet of prop bets.

Again, comparing blackjack with one or two wagers per hand it’s strictly win, lose, or draw. A point at craps can last from two rolls to dozens or more. If you only have a Pass Line wager

(with full odds), you may wait quite a while. If you need more wagers to keep it exciting, consider a bet or two on the Come Line with odds, or you might place the 6 and 8 where the house edge is just 1.5%. Don’t bet the Big 6/8!

There’s No Insurance at Craps

Sometimes the dice are choppy, with many point-sevens and new shooters constantly coming out. It happens. When it does, patience is a virtue. Stick to a wager or two until things improve.

At blackjack, where you can take insurance when you get 21, and the dealer has an Ace-up, some craps players like to hedge their Pass wagers by betting on Any Craps. Why bet against yourself? Especially with lousy odds?

When you get anxious, with lots of bets on the layout, avoid wagering on Seven as a way to protect them. There’s no insurance at craps. $

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.

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com

TABLE GAMES

GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE TO WIN

Blackjack House Rules Vary From Casino To Casino, So Beware!

Most players walk up to a Blackjack table and don't even pay any attention to the house rules for the game. But changes in house rules from casino to casino can have a big effect on your long term wins/losses. Let’s face it, you work hard for your money and you want the best odds of walking out a winner! So, take the time to find out the blackjack rules and give your business only to the casinos that offer you the best odds. Here is how to evaluate the odds for the game:

In a basic 6 deck game, with the following house rules, the player disadvantage is about –0.53

Dealer hits soft 17 (Ace-6)

Double on any two cards

Double after split

Resplit to 4 hands

Player can Resplit Aces

Blackjack pays 3 to 2

The biggest swing of all of the house rules is changing a hand of Blackjack (21) from paying 3 to 2, to paying 6 to 5. This changes the house edge to a whopping +1.38%. So what would be the best house rules for the player? A single deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, Player can Double after split, Player can Double on any first two cards, Player can Resplit 4 times, Player can Resplit Aces, Player can hit split Aces, Late surrender and Blackjack pays 3 to 2. You know why this game doesn't exist and never will? Because with these rules the player would have a +0.22% advantage over the casino!

However, if the casino offered a single deck game with all of these rules and just changed the Blackjack payout to 6 to 5, instead of 3 to 2, the house edge would go from being at a –0.22% disadvantage to a huge +1.17% advantage. So, if you find a Blackjack game paying 6 to 5, RUN! Do not play it! If all players refused to play those games the casinos would have no other choice but to offer Blackjack paying 3 to 2.

Below is a chart of changes that help the player:

Double after split +.14%

Resplit Aces +.07%

Single Deck +.50

Two decks +.20%

Four Decks +.05%

Surrender +.7%

I should actually mention the surrender option since there are a few casinos that offer it. Let’s say you are dealt a 16 against the dealer up card of a 10. You will lose 54% of all the money bet in that situation. But if you have the surrender option you can surrender the hand and only lose half your bet. You should surrender your 16 against a dealer up card of a 9,10,Ace. Surrender your hand of 15 against a dealer up card of 10, or Ace and surrender the hand of 17 against a dealer up card of an Ace. The players’ hands are hard totals only.

A lot of players are convinced that bad players at a table can cause them to lose. While you remember that idiot who split his pair of 6s against the dealer 10 and took the card that would have caused the dealer to bust, they forget about the times that same player caused them to win because he stood on a 14 against the dealer 19 and caused the dealer to bust. Therefore, in the long run, bad players hurt you as much as they help you! Just shake off the bad play that caused you to lose and look forward to the next bad play that will cause you to win!

Always give your business to the casinos that offer the best rules. After all, you work hard for your money so the casinos should have to work hard for theirs too. My new book "How to Become a Blackjack Jedi" by TJ Jorgensen is available in e-book and hard copy on Amazon. $

Writer TJ Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 25 years. He is well known for his tournament play and has beaten some of the top tournament players in the world. He has also won the World Series Of Blackjack. His newest book “How To Become A Blackjack Jedi” is available online at Amazon.com.

18 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYCATION IS BACK At Talking Stick Resort

Every summer in Arizona, we look forward to long sunny days, afternoon monsoons and another round of Playcation. Talking Stick Resort’s annual summer staycation package returns, allowing guests to experience its world-class amenities and thrilling new games all at the lowest rates of the year! Additionally, the resort has again teamed up with its neighbor Talking Stick Entertainment District for admission to some of Scottsdale’s most talked about attractions at a discounted price.

20 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com
COVER STORY

“Talking Stick Resort’s Playcation package goes beyond great rates,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Talking Stick Resort. “It also exposes our guests to amazing experiences available from our neighbors in the Talking Stick Entertainment District, with more being added each year. It is a special opportunity that people look forward to each summer.”

Beginning May 8 through September 15, room rates start at $139 per night Sunday through Thursday, and $169 Friday through Saturday. In addition to the low rates, guests receive discounts to destinations such as Topgolf, Talking Stick Golf Club, Mavrix Octane Raceway, Velocity VR, Imagine 3D Mini Golf, OdySea Aquarium and many more. The Playcation package also includes a $25 Free Play credit for slots, and guests with a valid Arizona ID will have the resort fee waived.

On the gaming floor, new slot machines are constantly being added, and sports betting lets viewers in on the action right from their seats. For high rollers, Talking Stick Resort’s high limit room is 6,250 square feet of luxury and boasts an array of stirring, high-stakes games including 89 state-of-the-art slot machines and 14 table games. It also includes its own entrance, dedicated cage and restrooms for the comfort and convenience of its guests.

All that excitement can start to build up an appetite. Fortunately, Talking Stick Resort’s dining never disappoints. The property is home to seven celebrated restaurants including Ocean Trail, a 19-seat Cajun inspired seafood bar; Orange Sky, an award-winning modern steakhouse located on the 15th floor and featuring 360-degree views of the Valley; and Tash, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant featuring an eclectic menu of tapas, seafood and wood-fired pizzas.

People often come for our casino but end up coming back ing to our spa to our incredible roster of headline entertainers, you cannot beat the Talking Stick Resort experience.”

Between non-stop gaming action, luxury accommodations and extraordinary entertainment options, the Talking Stick Resort’s summer Playcation has it all. Call 1-866-877-9897 to make a reservation. For more information about Playcation offerings, visit TalkingStickResort.com. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2023 | Arizona Gaming Guide 21
COVER STORY

LAUGHLIN IN THE SUMMERTIME A Delightful Place To Relax, Play And Explore

With the warm weather upon us, there’s so much fun to be had in Laughlin. Activities for everyone and at every pace, from outdoors and in the water, to concerts and events galore and, of course, casino properties with plenty of gaming options. Read on to learn how to make your Laughlin getaway the highlight of your sunny season.

Gaming & Casinos

The desert gem has many casino properties that offer everything, from the latest slots and video games to live action table games, bingo and exciting race and sportsbooks. Try your luck on one of eight casino floors with the latest in slot game technology or more traditional table games like Pai Gow, Texas Hold 'Em, roulette and craps.

On land, explore the surrounding desert landscape with hiking trails along the Colorado River, check out local landmarks on a GPS-guided Slingshot, or take the adventure off-road on a UTV rental.

If you’re a golfer, it’s always worth making a round one of your top priorities when in Laughlin. There are many beautiful courses for golfers of any skill level, including El Rio Golf Club, Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, Los Lagos Golf Club, and Mojave Resort Golf Club.

Live in Laughlin

The Great Outdoors

For fun on the water, swim at Lake Mohave or have a river adventure on Laughlin River Tours or London Bridge Jet Boat Tours. Rent a kayak or canoe at Desert River Outfitters or Laughlin Watercraft Rentals. Or, for a real adrenaline rush, check out Laughlin River Jet Ski Rentals.

This summer, Laughlin’s entertainment lineup showcases a variety of talent with some of music’s top artists spanning many genres, as well as tribute shows and citywide events.

o ZZ Top | Harrah’s Laughlin Beach Club | May 5

o Lady A | Laughlin Event Center | May 6

o Imomsohard | Tropicana Laughlin | May 13

o Journey | Laughlin Event Center | May 19

o Lynyrd Skynyrd | Laughlin Event Center | May 27

o Craig Shoemaker & Caroline Rhea | Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino | June 29 - July 2

o Rockets Over the River | River Walk | July 4

o Clay Walker | Edgewater Casino Resort | July 8

o Debbie Gibson | Edgewater Casino Resort | July 15

Laughlin in the summertime is a delightful place to relax, play and explore. Between the cool, clear Colorado River, a wide variety of gaming, and the many options for indoor and outdoor recreation and live concerts, you’re going to enjoy a sunny, go-with-the-flow kind of getaway. $

22 TRAVEL Laughlin,
Nevada

MENTAL CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT

Mind 24-7 Provides Open Door To Mental Health Care Around The Clock

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a good time to talk about stress. Did you know a record number of people report being stressed out? It’s true 41% of survey respondents from 122 countries answered they had experienced “a lot of stress” the previous day, according to Gallup’s 2022 Global Emotions Report. This means we have yet to return to our pre-pandemic level of stress.

People can often manage stress on their own. But sometimes stress becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily life. Chronic, or prolonged, stress can negatively affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. It can make it difficult to work, keep up with household tasks, care for children, maintain relationships and engage in enjoyable activities. Stress also can significantly affect a person’s physical and mental health.

Help for stress and other concerns

When stress, anxiety, depression, substance use or any other mental health issues arise, MIND 24-7 is available with aroundthe-clock mental health urgent care.

“We are honored to be part of a changing tide in providing mental health care that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many in need,” said Jeff Spight, MIND 24-7’s Chief Executive Officer. “The need for mental health assistance can strike, day or night, which is why our locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team is here to help, and we want our community to know that we are accessible, compassionate and here to serve.”

MIND 24-7 provides services to adults and children, and patients are typically seen by a mental health clinician within 20 minutes. Clinics are open around the clock, 365 days a year. No appointment needed, just walk in!

Mental health care where patients come first

MIND 24-7 will see anyone who needs mental health support, regardless of health care coverage.

Each MIND 24-7 clinic is staffed with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, therapists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, behavioral health technicians and recovery support peers. MIND 24-7’s services include:

● in care for people who need to see a licensed mental health clinician right away.

● Emergency care for people who are a threat to themselves or others. MIND 24 7 clinicians work to assess and stabilize patients so they can either go home or move to inpatient care.

seling that provides support for a variety of mental health concerns for up to 90 days.

Getting back to life

MIND 24-7 helps patients get on their way as quickly as possible with a care plan in hand so they feel better and know what to do next.

They’re here to help

If you feel like stress is getting the best of you, remember that you are not alone. Mental health professionals at MIND 24-7 are there for you around the clock with four Valley locations. Walk in any time no appointment necessary. To learn more, text or call 1-844-MIND247 (1-844-646-3247), or visit Mind24-7.com. $

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com HEALTH Mind 24-7

RICHARD PELZ WE-KO-PA CASINO Promoted To Property Executive Chef

In recognition of his significant contributions since opening Ember We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort’s highly acclaimed restaurant in October 2020, Chef de Cuisine Richard Pelz has been promoted to Property Executive Chef as of March 2023.

In his new leadership role, he will oversee the culinary operations and stewarding departments for the award-winning resort’s six dining outlets (Ember, the Buffet, Ahnala, WKP Sports & Entertainment, the Market, and Daubs) as well as for the Banquet kitchen, in-room dining, poolside food service, and special events at Fort McDowell Adventures, another enterprise of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

When Richard joined the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in March 2020 as Ember’s Chef de Cuisine, he was charged with conceptualizing the restaurant’s vision; creating innovative menus; and hiring, training and mentoring its talented and customercentric staff. Under his guidance, Ember introduced modern cooking techniques, a variety of seasonal menus, and a series of popular wine-themed dinners all of which contributed to the fine-dining establishment’s receiving Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” and OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Awards for the past two years.

Richard’s passion for cooking was ignited at an early age by his parents, who dabbled in winemaking and had a discerning palate for fine cuisine. When he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park’s hospitality management program, Richard quickly discovered his preference for the back of the house, and proceeded to further hone his culinary talents.

Since then, he has worked at restaurants around the world, many of which boasted Michelin stars, including La Grenouille and La Caravelle (New York City), Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (Monte Carlo, Monaco), Restaurante Martin Berasategui (Spain), Alinea (Chicago) and California establishments including Citrine (Hollywood), Bottega and Redd (Napa Valley), Wally’s Desert Turtle (Rancho Mirage), and Cork Tree California Cuisine, Augusta Modern and Cuistot (Palm Desert). Richard also owned Goblin Market in New York City, which was nominated for best new restaurant in its first year of operations.

“Chef Richard’s vision, passion and culinary expertise have made Ember one of the top dining destinations in Arizona,” said Zac Gallo, Executive Director of Food & Beverage for the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. “These attributes will position him well to take our property dining outlets to the highest level, ensuring our guests have a delicious dining experience no matter which option they choose.”

Owned and operated by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the spectacular 166,341-square-foot We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort boasts state-of-the-art gaming, a variety of specialty fine and casual dining restaurants, and live entertainment. The attached AAA Four Diamond hotel offers 246 luxurious guestrooms and suites; 25,000 square feet of meeting space; and two resort-style outdoor pools. The casino resort’s proximity to the two highly acclaimed courses at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and numerous outdoor activities at Fort McDowell Adventures make it the ideal destination for a vacation, business function or special event. For more info, visit WeKoPaCasinoResort.com. $

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com CASINO DINING

Dining Specials & Hot Promotions

All Month Long At Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos

Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos invite you to come play and experience their new, delicious dining specials, Taco Tuesdays, juicy Prime Rib on Saturdays, flaky, tender fish specials on Fridays, and much more! They have upped their game on the already exciting, smoke free casino floor offering a wide selection of entertainment including over 200 new slot machines. Let’s Roll! Get ready to roll your luck as they are now featuring live action Craps and Roulette, as well as Blackjack. “Let’s Play Preskitt” at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos!

May 5: Cinco de Mayo Celebration Gold Rush Club members playing slots may win up to $500 cash, Friday, May 5th, playing Salamander Slide Hot Seats from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or win up to $200 in chips at Table Games Cinco Celebration Hot Seats from 4 p.m. to midnight at the Blackjack Pit. Also, enjoy delicious food specials and $3 Mexican Beer or $5 Margaritas at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos.

May 14: Coming Up Roses Hot Seats Ladies ONLY! Win $500 cash or chips on Mother’s Day playing slots or Table Games from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos.

May 14: Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Join them at Bucky’s Café and enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch including a New York Roast Carving Station, Omelet Station, and many more delectable items. Due to limited availability, reservations must be made in advance at Bucky’s Casino. Call them directly at 1-928-515-5361 for more information.

Prime Rib on Saturdays Prime Rib is back at Bucky’s Café, Saturdays from 4 p.m. to close, enjoy a tender juicy 10 oz. cut of Prime Rib, served with your choice of potato, seasonal vegetable and house salad, all for $21! Info: BuckysCasino com $

azgamingguide.com | May 2023 | Arizona Gaming Guide 27
GAMING NEWS

The Tohono O

beginning of April on a new Desert Diamond Casino facility located near Loop 303 & Northern Parkway. The first phase of the new facility will feature a 184,000 square-foot casino floor with 900 Class III slot machines, poker room, retail sportsbook, and table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat, as well as dining and other amenities. Construction during the initial stage will also include a parking structure and surface parking with 3,400 spaces. Construction of this $450 million project is expected to last approximately 19 months.

JCJ Architecture has led the design of the new facility, which will eventually expand to include a hotel, conference center, an outdoor pool and recreational amenities, and an amphitheater and event lawn space. Construction of the project is being headed by the Hunt / Penta Joint Venture as general contractor and will create over 5,500 construction jobs. Once completed, the full-scale casino and resort will employ approximately 1,300 people.

Ned Norris Jr., Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation said, “This is a special day for all Tohono O’odham. We are making good on our promise to provide for future generations

of our tribal citizens. This groundbreaking serves as an important milestone to celebrate our progress as a Nation.

The property for the new facility is located on 80 acres of reservation land in unincorporated Maricopa County, west of Glendale. This land has already been taken into trust by the federal government as required by law. This process was similar to what was done in 2014 for the first West Valley facility.

Mike Bean, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise said, “With this latest major investment in the West Valley, our new Desert Diamond Casino will bring more jobs, economic opportunity, and entertainment options to this vibrant region. We’re excited to continue the local partnerships we’ve developed over the past 10 years and build new relationships to benefit the West Valley community.”

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, with three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and one in the West Valley near Glendale, is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Additional information can be found at DDCAZ.com, by calling 1-833-DDC-2WIN, or follow on Twitter (@DDCWestValley), Facebook (@DDCWestValley), and Instagram (@desertdiamondwestvalley). $

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com GAMING NEWS

Casino Del Sol

May Promotions, News, And More!

Super 6 Draw May 1st through July 1st Casino Del Sol & Casino of the Sun are giving you a chance to win $40,000 CASH every week! Receive one pick every Tuesday to try your six lucky numbers. Earn up to five extra picks on Wednesday. And receive extra picks on Fridays for each 100 points earned. Experience the live ball drawings every Saturday to see if your lucky numbers pop up to win the Grand Prize of $40,000 in cash!

Blackjack Hot Seat Progressive Beginning May 1st from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every other hour Club Sol Members will have a chance to win $50 Freebet chips and $50 casino chips when seated at a live table game. In the event that a winner is not drawn at the designated times, the money will rollover to the next drawing time! Players must be present to win. Drawing Dates: May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23.

Bingo Cosmic Bingo Mexican Star Wars Day on May 5th! Combining both Star Wars Day (May The Fourth…) and Cinco de Mayo celebrations into one. Best dressed wins $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place. Hosted by the hilarious Lucinda Holliday.

Buffalo Ascension This Aristocrat Gaming slot is available for play at Casino del Sol. Head over to the “videos” page on our website (AZGamingGuide.com), or click on this text to experience the game.

Moby’s Burger Of The Month Caramelized onion burger (fresh ground 1/3lb patty, Swiss cheese, griddled onions, lettuce, tomato & onion), $14

For more information, visit CasinoDelSol.com. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2023 | Arizona Gaming Guide 29
NEWS
GAMING

Mr. Kenneth Manuel

Gila River Resorts & Casinos CEO Receives

Prestigious Recognition

ADG Reports $27.6 Million In Tribal Gaming Contributions To The State For Q3 Of Fiscal Year 2023

Mr. Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos, was named one of the top 23 diverse leaders to watch in the state by AZ Business Magazine. This prestigious recognition highlights his dedication to the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) and the booming gaming enterprise.

Mr. Manuel started as a line level worker 27 years ago and was one of the original employees of the enterprise. He worked his way up to various management positions including supervisor, manager, acting director and was appointed to the GRIC Board of Directors.

He participated in the internal mentorship program working in every department within the organization before being appointed CEO in 2017. He is the only GRIC member to hold the position of CEO. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, completed the Executive Development Program from the University of Nevada, and the General Managers Program at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration.

Gila River Resorts & Casinos currently operates three locations with a fourth casino, Santan Mountain, currently under construction and set to open in 2023.

And...wait for it...On May 5, Bingo returns to Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino in Laveen with a grand opening celebration!

For more information, visit PlayAtGila.com. $

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced $27,607,589 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the third quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. This amount represents a 19.9% increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2022. “The state of tribal gaming in Arizona continues to impress, with a near 20% increase in contributions to the state when compared to quarter three of FY 2022,” said Jackie Johnson, Director, ADG. “Since 2004, tribal gaming has contributed over $1.98 billion to the state and its cities, towns and counties. I look forward to seeing the [next release], which will undoubtedly see Arizona surpass a historic milestone of $2 billion in total tribal contributions.”

Bettors in Arizona wagered over $591 million on sports in January of 2023, according to a new report by the ADG. “We saw another substantial month of sports betting in Arizona to kick off 2023, with nearly $600 million wagered during January,” said Ms. Johnson. Event wagering privilege fees totaled over $2.8 million in the month, resulting in over $37 million in privilege fees collected by the state since the start of legal operations. Fantasy sports also had a strong month, with a new record of approximately $8.8 million in collected in-state entry fees and over $80 thousand in privilege fees collected by the state. Visit Gaming.AZ.gov for more information. $

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com GAMING NEWS
Instructional Improvement Fund/Education $13,759,623 Trauma and Emergency Services Fund $ 6,879,811 ADG Operating Costs $ 2,484,683 Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund $ 1,965,660 Tourism Fund $ 1,965,660 Problem Gambling $ 552,152 TOTAL $27,607,589

Harrah’s Laughlin & Tropicana Laughlin Employees Donate $26,400 To River Fund

Employees of two Laughlin casino resorts have designated the area’s premier emergency services non-profit organization, River Fund, to receive more than $26,400 raised through volunteer efforts. The employees are members of the Caesars HERO program.

A large portion of the donation had been raised by employees in the Tropicana Laughlin ICE program. Following an acquisition that created the new Caesars Entertainment, both Harrah’s HERO and Tropicana Laughlin community volunteers agreed that River Fund should receive the donation under the new Caesars HERO banner.

During a ceremony at the Tropicana Laughlin, River Fund President/CEO Mike Conner and board chair Margaret Gabaldon accepted the donation, presented by representatives of Harrah’s Laughlin/Tropicana Laughlin management and HERO volunteers.

“Caesars Entertainment is committed to being good partners with our community,” said Jerry “Buddy” Jackson, the Harrah’s Laughlin/Tropicana Laughlin Director of Finance and a River Fund board member. “Our team members and leadership team in Laughlin recognize the efforts and great work of the River Fund to touch the lives of the members of our community that may need a helping hand and we are very pleased to be able to partner with such a positive and beneficial organization as the River Fund.”

Since its founding in 2010, River Fund has provided more than $3.3 million in emergency crisis and hardship assistance to area individuals, families and non-profit organizations. For more information, visit RiverFundInc.com. $

azgamingguide.com | May 2023 | Arizona Gaming Guide 31
GAMING NEWS

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

APACHE GOLD & SKY CASINOS Globe & Winkelman

No info submitted at press time. Contact casinos.

BLUEWATER CASINO Parker

Standup Sundays Comedy Now to May 28

Vegas McGraw (Tim McGraw) May 6

Red Not Chili Peppers (Red Hot Chili Peppers) May 28

49 Laughs Comedy Show June 24

BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS Prescott

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

Pure Imagination Festival May 20

Frontier Days (World’s Oldest Rodeo) June 28 - July 4

CASINO ARIZONA Scottsdale

Selena Supershow (Selena) May 6

The Faux Fighters (Foo Fighters) May 19 & 20

Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac) May 26 & 27

CASINO DEL SOL Tucson

Pancho Barraza May 5

Live Boxing May 13

Ice Cube with Too Short May 27

CLIFF CASTLE CASINO HOTEL Camp Verde

Live music at The Dragonfly on Fridays & Saturdays

Comedy at the Castle May 18

Ashanti & Ja Rule May 13

COCOPAH CASINO Somerton

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

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO Sahuarita

Dylan Scott May 19

Ambrosia & Firefall June 3

Easton Corbin June 30

Grand Funk Railroad July 22

Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes August 5

Little River Band August 12

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO Maricopa

Little Joe y La Familia with Sunny Ozuna June 17

Caifanes September 15

HON-DAH RESORT CASINO Pinetop

Live Music Tuesdays Through Saturdays

Monday Funday Comedy Shows

11th Annual White Mountain Bike Rally June 30 - July 1

Don Felder of The Eagles July 1

MAZATZAL CASINO Payson

Revolució de Amor (A Maná) May 6

Mirage (Fleetwood Mac) July 1

World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo August 17 - 19

Josh Turner September 2

QUECHAN CASINO RESORT Winterhaven

Marisela May 4

Australia’s Thunder From Down Under May 18

TALKING STICK RESORT Scottsdale

Justin Moore May 26

The Happy Together Tour July 14

TWIN ARROWS CASINO Flagstaff

Australia’s Thunder From Down Under May 21

WE-KO-PA CASINO RESORT Fountain Hills

Live Music In Ember Steakhouse

Live Music In WKP Sports & Entertainment

WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & CASINO Chandler

Calexico with Orkestra Mendoza May 5

Reggae Vibrations Tour May 6

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com
Don Felder Of The Eagles @ Hon-Dah Frontier Days @ Bucky’s Casino
Verify all details & tickets by contacting each casino directly, especially regarding age restrictions, dates, times, refunds, cancellations, and other event policies which are at the sole discretion of each venue and/or artist. $

American country pop sensation, Dylan Scott, is coming to s Diamond Center on Friday, May 19, 2023. Tickets start at $20 and can be s Box Office. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. Curb a

powerful vocalist with a deep, unmistakable drawl; an oldsoul songwriter with a young spirit; and a family man with a tender heart. The multi-Platinum singer has notched two No. 1 singles at radio (“My Girl” and “Nobody”), as well as Top 5 hit “Hooked.” Following his first career nomination for “Best New Country Artist” at the all-genre iHeartRadio Music Awards and a coveted spot among Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music, his Platinumcertified ode to his wife, “Nobody,” earned him a 2021 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year and the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year Award at the 2022 CMT Music Awards on CBS. With career streams exceeding 1.3 billion, the Louisiana native has provided tour support for Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, and Chris Young, among others, cementing him as an in-demand live act.

Livin’ My Best Life, the highly anticipated follow-up to his chart-topping Nothing To Do Town EP, was released last year and features fiery lead single “New Truck” and viral TikTok ballad “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).”

Treena Parvello, Director of Government and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We made a surprise announcement during our Jimmie Allen show that Dylan Scott will be here on May 19 and we couldn’t be more excited to treat our Southern Arizona country music fans to another great performance!” $

June 17

Little Joe Y La Familia, the Tejano group with over 60 years of performing history, are set to take the stage at The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Since their debut, Little Joe Y La Familia have captivated audiences with their music that blends Tex-Mex, blues, country and rock-and-roll styles. Their music has transcended borders, earning them a spot as one of the most popular Tex-Mex bands in the music industry.

With five Grammy wins and eleven nominations in the Mexican American/Tejano category and Regional Mexican category, Little Joe Y La Familia have established themselves as long-time leaders in the genre. Additionally, Little Joe Hernandez, the leader of the group, received the 2019 Texas State Musician of the Year Award.

With 70 albums under his belt, Little Joe and his band, La Familia, are bringing their critically acclaimed and barrierbreaking music to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino alongside Grammy Award winning Tejano artist Sunny Ozuna. $

Doors at 7:00 p.m., Showtime at 8:00 p.m.

The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Tickets $55.50; $45:50; $35.50

All Ages Event

Editor’s Picks CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
azgamingguide.com | May 2023 | Arizona Gaming Guide 33

NATIONAL LUCKY PENNY DAY—MAY 23, 2023

Nothing Wrong With Believing In A Little Thing Called Luck!

Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck! It’s true! I am one of those steadfast believers in fate, fortune, kismet, luck, timing, chance, superstition, destiny call it what you may. I will always pick up a coin (the higher the denomination, the luckier I will be that day) but only if it’s heads up (of course), because tails up is bad luck. I’ll even flip the tails up coin over before I pick it up. My friend, on the other hand, doesn’t believe you need to flip the coin as long as you say, “Penny, penny, bring me luck, ’cause I’m the one who’ll pick you up!”

I’m not embarrassed to proclaim there hasn’t been a shooting star, birthday candle, wishbone, crescent moon or eyelash I haven’t made a wish on, a rabbit’s foot I haven’t rubbed, and a ladybug, pure white cat, or ladybird I haven’t gotten excited about.

In fact, when it comes to the casino, I am as superstitious as they come. Wearing green is my luckiest color and I’d rather go during a new moon than a full one. And, the superstition a large amount of people might find to be the most disturbing, I actually believe the number 13 is lucky (even better if it’s Friday the 13th). I also feel that luck comes in threes. So, if I am lucky during my casino visit, then I will be lucky during my next two casino visits.

There are many casino visitors that feel the same way I do. Whether it’s bringing lucky charms and gadgets with them or it’s performing lucky rituals. I see it all the time. So, if you have ever openly or secretly said or done something to attract good fortune before or during your trip to the casino, such as wearing a lucky piece of jewelry or item of clothing, rest assured, you are not alone.

Walk through any Bingo Hall and you’ll know what I’m talking about. You’ll see a larger assortment of colors on the heads of the Trolls sitting on the tables than you will in an art supply store.

I’ve even known people whose spouses are their good luck charms at the casino, and every time they win something they will give each other a quick peck for continued luck. On the flip side, I was sitting next to a lady one day who, rather frustratingly, informed me her husband was bad luck. He had just came and sat down next to her for a while before leaving again when

she turned to me and said, “My luck always turns for the worse when he sits down next to me!” Poor guy, I wonder if he knew his wife felt he brought her bad luck!

Okay, there is no proof that lucky charms or rituals can bring you luck at the casino (or that husbands can bring you bad luck). However, I will tell you that feeling lucky makes people feel happy. And, I know that the people who feel happy are usually the ones who are having the most fun and enjoying themselves.

So, next time you see that penny on the ground, go ahead and pick it up and don’t forget to bring it with you on your next casino trip. Especially keep an eye out for those super lucky pennies on National Lucky Penny Day on May 23! Whether it’s carrying found lucky money, bringing another lucky charm with you on your next visit to the casino, or if rubbing the screen before you hit the spin button makes you feel good, then go ahead and do it! The truth is that lucky people (in work, at the casino, in life in general) aren’t lucky by sheer accident. They’re lucky because of the mindset they bring to life. They know that bad luck is inevitable but good luck is something each one of us creates through optimism.

Many of us may not have been tremendous admirers of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire (even when Marlon Brando played the lead role), but he sure was right on the money when he said, “You know what luck is? Luck is believing you’re lucky, that’s all...To hold a front position in this rat race, you’ve got to believe you’re lucky.” $

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH

To Celebrate Mother’s Day On May 14, Find: PATIENT, LOVING, CARING, WISE, BEAUTIFUL, NURTURING, TEACHER, ROLE MODEL, MOTHER, ATTENTIVE, PROVIDER, MINDFUL, PROTECT, TENDER, PAMPER, CHERISH, CRADLE, CULTIVATE, ENCOURAGE, INDULGE, SUPPORT, NOURISH. 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.

Beer & life are very similar...they are both best when chill.

Did you know bumble bees are capable of learning from each other? Yup! Researchers trained bumble bees to unlock a box containing a sugar treat by pressing on red and blue buttons which unlocked the box in either a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion. Untrained bumble bees were then allowed to observe the trained bees. 98% of the untrained bumble bees selected the method used by their trained buddies without attempting to unlock the treat box on their own. The experiment was taken a step further introducing bumble bees which had been trained in one or the other method for opening the treat box to a colony. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that the untrained colony members learned the unlocking method from their colony mates! In fact, the colony eventually preferred one method over the other and stuck with it. This behavior has only been observed in “higher” mammals like birds, felines, canines, and primates. If only “highly evolved” homo sapiens could adapt this same behavior and figure their s@#t out by learning from each other!

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: MEDIUM (Solution on page 38)

Zodiac Lucky Numbers

Aries (March 21 – April 19): 2, 22, 26, 38, 47, 66

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): 8, 9, 13, 29, 54, 65

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): 8, 17, 26, 35, 49, 58

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): 4, 19, 20, 42, 45, 69

Leo (July 23 – August 22): 1, 9, 17, 41, 45, 61

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): 3, 8, 14, 27, 50, 58

Libra (September 23 – October 22): 12, 14, 22, 36, 44, 64

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): 7, 13, 14, 29, 44, 57

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): 4, 8, 19, 36, 53, 67

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): 6, 11, 19, 30, 54, 69

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): 5, 8, 16, 28, 47, 57

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): 6, 11, 23, 27, 45, 64

Water Rabbit Lunar Year

Ask for good luck: 7, 12, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 27, 28, 30, 31.

Best days to travel: 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 24, 27, 31.

Best days to meet with someone: 13, 18, 25, 28. There is overlap on the 18th!

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:

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com
9 3 1 6 2 3 1 6 8 1 7 8 2 5 8 2 5 8 9 3 2 1 4 3 5 7 SUDOKU
Z P A T I E Y R I M A S U N T F H E Y R D L E S I W J A Y E U S L T E E E C O U R A G E N G I D R H A E N E T U O D X R N R A O C B F S M F K E H P S I E R P A Y O L O R R V C J R R H C P E L E M U T O G I U G U C U U T D H P T L I G L I F T O P S I N E N T N N N R I E R C U V D T O I D I O G E R M U G O F U O T U R U N F V O T N R U A M D A A R I H R L E T P L E T E C G I V X J M C A T G B M L T N W O A W O Z S E E X P A M P E H D Z C R M L R Q
02/02/1927-01/22/28, 02/19/39-02/08/40, 02/06/51-01/26/52, 01/25/63-02/12/64, 02/11/75-01/30/76, 01/29/87-02/16/88, 02/16/99-02/04/2000, 02/03/2011-01/22/2012, 01/22/2023-02/09/2024. The next year of the Rabbit is 02/08/2035-01/27/2036.
azgamingguide.com | May 2023 | Arizona Gaming Guide 37
High Limit Area Bingo Live Keno Table Games Poker Room Hotel SmokeFree Area Sources: AZ Dept. of Gaming Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 03/01/2023 & direct inquiries at press time. Not responsible for incorrect information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates. RV Park Golf Spa Arcade 01. Apache Gold Casino Resort Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe Globe 877-272-2433 443 Y Y Y Y Y Y 02. Apache Sky Casino Milepost 127 on Arizona 77 Dudleyville 888-727-2243 289 Y Y 03. BlueWater Resort & Casino 11300 Resort Drive Parker 888-243-3360 483 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 04. Bucky’s Casino 1500 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 298 Y Y Y Y 05. Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Scottsdale 480-850-7777 1,399 Y Y Y Y Y 06. Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 855-765-7829 1,068 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 07. Casino Del Sol Marketplace 5405 W Valencia Rd Tucson 855-765-7829 8 08. Casino Of The Sun 7406 S. Camino De Oeste Tucson 855-765-7829 281 Y 09. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel I-17, Exit 289 Camp Verde 800-381-7568 649 Y Y Y Y Y Y 10. Cocopah Resort Casino 15318 S. Ave. B Somerton 800-237-5687 566 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 11. Desert Diamond Casino-Tuc. 7350 S. Nogales Hwy. Tucson 866-332-9467 1,283 Y Y Y Y Y 12. Desert Diamond Casino-Sah. I-19, Exit 80 Sahuarita 866-332-9467 623 Y Y 13. Desert Diamond Casino-W.V. 101 & Northern Ave. Glendale 833-332-2946 1,450 Y Y 14. Desert Diamond Casino-Why Hwy. 86, Milepost 55 Why 866-332-9467 40 Y 15. We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd. Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 930 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa 480-802-5000 1,143 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 17. Hon-Dah Casino 777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop 800-929-8744 806 Y Y Y Y Y 18. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler 800-946-4452 1,140 Y Y Y Y 19. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson 800-777-7529 390 Y Y Y 20. Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Dr. Yuma 888-777-4946 454 Y Y 21. Quechan Casino I-8, Exit 166 Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 800+ Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 22. Spirit Mountain Casino 8555 Hwy. 95 Mohave Valley 888-837-4030 179 Y 23. Talking Stick Resort 101 & Indian Bend Scottsdale 480-850-7777 1,284 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 24. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino I-40, Exit 219 Flagstaff 855-946-8946 990 25. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800-946-4452 1,293 Y Y Y Y 26. Wild Horse Pass Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler 800-946-4452 1,126 Y Y Y Y Y Y 27. Yavapai Casino 1505 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 248 Y azgamingguide.com facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide Use the QR codes for our website & Facebook Page! Sudoku Solution P A T I E N T H E R E S I W S L T E E C O U R A G E N G I D R H E D N E T R N R A O C M E I E R P A L O R V C R R H C P E E M U T O I U U C U T D H L P T L I G I F T S I N E R N T N N N I E R V D T O E I D I O G R M U O F U T V U R U N O T N R U A D A L A R I E T P L E E C G C I V A T B L T S O E E P A M P E H L R 9 6 5 8 4 3 1 2 7 8 1 7 9 5 2 4 3 6 4 2 3 1 6 7 8 5 9 5 3 1 2 7 4 6 9 8 6 4 9 3 8 1 7 2 5 7 8 2 5 9 6 3 4 1 7 8 6 4 5 9 3 1 2 1 9 4 2 7 3 5 6 8 2 3 5 6 1 8 9 7 4 Word Search Solution CASINO DIRECTORY 38 Arizona Gaming Guide | May 2023 | azgamingguide.com

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