Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - August 2023 - 15:08

ANYBODY FROM MN?

Pies And Filet Mignon

August is filled with National Pie Days! But, most importantly, Braham Pie Day is celebrated on the first Friday of August every year (August 4 this year). Braham is a town in Minnesota that is best known for its scrumptious pies. Pie enthusiasts gather in Braham every year to eat sinfully delicious pies and also to participate in craft shows and performances. Braham pie doesn’t come in a particular pie flavor. Any homemade pie is considered a Braham pie and anybody who loves a good pie can join in the celebrations.

The town of Braham was named the ‘Homemade Pie Capital of Minnesota’ by Governor Rudy Perpich in 1990. The town gathered fame for its pies in the 1930s and 1940s when tourists and locals would drive to their lake homes while taking the “shortcut to Duluth through Braham.” The long drives would often tempt the hungry and tired travelers to make a stop at the Park Cafe for pie and coffee. The celebrations for Braham Pie Day began in July 1990. It started as a pie and ice cream social event and was funded by a Celebrate Minnesota tourism grant. In 1992, it was decided that the celebration should have a fixed day and from July the day was moved to the first Friday in August. Which casino here in Arizona serves your favorite pie?

August 1 – National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

August 15 – National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

August 18 – National Ice Cream Pie Day

August 20 – National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

August 24 – National Peach Pie Day

And let’s not forget about National Filet Mignon Day on Sunday, August 13! There are several casino steakhouses I can think of who serve an excellent filet mignon. Just let us know which is your favorite!

Plus, if you haven’t taken a trip recently to Apache Gold Casino Resort, you should. They have relocated Apache Prime Steakhouse just off the casino floor and this dining outlet is now open. We’ve been invited for a tasting and we’re really excited to sample what the new head chef is cooking up and share our experience with you in next month’s issue!

My team and I are so grateful to all of you for your correspondences. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. As we compile all the results based on your suggestions, we will announce the final casino winners in all categories 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

BLACKJACK, SECURITY & SPORTS BETTING

Reader Questions & Our Responses

Q: In the July 2023 issue of your magazine, the author [Blackjack Expert TJ Jorgensen] states that when players reach the final table in a Blackjack tournament they can vote to chop the pot or play.

I have played in a few small stakes poker tournaments where this happens often, but players can revote each time someone is knocked out of the tournament. Is this not allowed in Blackjack tournaments? Is it just one vote?

Sid Leckron, Yuma, AZ

A: In this particular tournament, for the chop vote, there is only one vote before the final round. Once play begins in the final round, there are no more chop votes. Each tournament has its own rules. Make sure to always request a copy of the rules and read through them before playing in any Blackjack tournament. If you need a rule explained, just ask to talk to the Blackjack Shift Supervisor. They should be more than happy to clarify any rules and answer any questions you may have.

TJ Jorgensen

Q: I enjoy reading your magazine. I read the Blackjack article in July’s issue and now I think I’d like to participate in a Blackjack tournament but $500 is too much of a risk for me even though the payout is amazing. Is there a tournament more around the $50 - $100 range?

Annie Nguyen, Chandler, AZ

A: Unless the local casinos start having tournaments again, I don't know of any now. Blackjack players need to express an interest so the casinos bring back the tournaments. For example, Casino Arizona used to have a Tuesday Tournament where the entry fee was $50. Maybe if enough players asked for the tournaments then Casino Arizona would start hosting them again.

TJ Jorgensen

Q: Sometimes I’m a little scared of the other people at [the casinos]. Some of them look a little [sketchy] and I don’t trust them. What is security doing to keep more of these people out so we can all feel safe?

Tanya Bleicher, Phoenix, AZ

A: The Security departments at casinos have a lot on their hands. They exist to protect the assets of the business, from employees, to patrons, to equipment, to the cold hard cash. And, they have to be customer friendly while executing their mission!

At times, casinos can attract clientele which make other patrons, especially regular customers, feel uncomfortable. While casino Security will have challenges in this type of situation, perhaps the following news will make you feel a little better during your next casino visit!

The company ZeroEyes is currently deploying AI-based gun detection video analytics platforms into casino Surveillance departments across the country. ZeroEyes developed software which is “layered on existing digital cameras” across a casino. The software can identify weapons and immediately alerts casino staff and employees at ZeroEyes Operation Centers which are staffed by veterans of the U.S. military and law enforcement who can assist with information during an emergency.

Q: Now that we have sports betting [in Arizona], why keep talking about all the places you can bet? Everyone knows this already, don’t they?

Robert Knapp, Gilbert, AZ

A: Well, sort of! We are glad you are knowledgeable about regulated and licensed sports betting platforms and physical locations here in Arizona. But not everyone is!

According to the American Gaming Association’s recent research, fully 85% of Americans agree with the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act compared to 63% in 2019. Now, 78% of bettors place “all or most” bets through regulated operators. That means 22% don’t but should! “Consumer confusion is in part attributable to illegal offshore sites misrepresenting their legal status by marketing themselves as regulated sites. Among online sports bettors, they believe a site is legal based on a statement on the website (38%), odds being mentioned by the media (36%), and search results (32%),” says the AGA. Keep it simple, secure, and safe. Bet on sports at a casino in Arizona. $

Thor s Thunder

At We Ko Pa Casino By Gaming Arts

The brand new slot Thor's Thunder by Gaming Arts is now live at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. In fact, We-Ko-Pa is the first in the state to have the game on their floor.

Here is what Gaming Arts has to say about their brand new game: Thor’s Thunder is a beautifully designed game with robust, fast, dynamic and entertaining, character-driven game play. The action-packed base game Cash on Reel instantly pays to players when the Thor symbol lands on the middle reel. We've included up to 25 free games with the Thor symbol permanently fixed to the middle reel. The 4 levels of fast-hitting jackpots are scaled by player's bet, with a top award of 2,000 times the player's bet. Another bonus in the game is the explosive Storm player paid-for fever mode with huge potential wins. And in the Hyper Spin Feature, significantly more Cash on Reel symbols are awarded. In the Free Games Feature, the Thor symbol is permanently fixed to the middle reel for guaranteed award of all Cash on Reel symbols that land. Players can retrigger up to 25 additional free games. And there is a much higher probability of being awarded a Super Spin.

Gaming Arts also produced a brief promotional video of their brand new slot, which you can see on our website at AZGamingGuide.com/Index_files/videos.html or by clicking the picture to the left if you are reading this digitally.

The 4 levels of jackpots are named Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. The Mini jackpot is set at 10 times the player’s wager. The Minor is at 40 times bet. The Major is at 200 times bet, and the Mega is 2,000 times bet. Regardless of what bet level or denomination you select, the jackpots scale. So, the minimum bet of 75 credits on the penny version of Thor’s Thunder has jackpots of $7.50 (Mini), $30 (Minor), $150 (Major), and $1,500 (Mega). Change your bet to 750 credits and the awards become $75, $300, $1,500, and $15,000.

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort installed four units of Thor’s Thunder near their High Limit Room. We decided to play the game and provide our readers with our experience on the slot.

(Continued on page 12)

STRATEGY ALERT!

The Free Games happen on average, over the long run, about every 115 spins.

If you come across a game in Storm mode, play through the remaining games.

The volatility of the game is listed as Medium

(Continued from page 8)

Players can choose from a one-cent or two-cent denomination and select wagers of 75, 150, 225, 375, and 750 credits. We played the game at minimum bet on the one-cent denomination as there is no advantage to placing a higher wager. The bankroll we were comfortable with to try this new slot was $200. For sure, that bankroll would guarantee at least 266 spins.

The game itself is colorful, lively, and entertaining to play. Thor is part of the action on every spin providing anticipation. In our opinion, what sets this game apart from other options on casino floors is time on device. Our experience allowed us to play for around one hour in exchange for $20 of our bankroll. These days, that’s great for a slot experience!

A full report of what happened during the Slot Session is listed below in the Stats box and overall we had fun. You can watch the promo video by clicking on any picture or head over to our website at AZGamingGuide.com. If you decide to try Thor’s Thunder at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort near Fountain Hills, let us know how it goes. More info at WeKoPaCasinoResort.com. $

REEL RESULT:

SLOT SESSION STATS

Initial bankroll $200

548 spins played in total.

Total play time about 1 hour.

Cashed out $180.

22 Cash on Reel Thor credit wins

5 Cash on Reel Thor credit & Mini jackpot wins

Awarded one five game free game session with a total win of $35.

3 sets of Storm fever modes

First Storm session: Awarded two Minis and credits for around $25 total across more than 5 spins.

Second Storm session: Awarded Mini and Minor jackpots on the same screen.

Third Storm session: Multiple credit wins across three spins.

Individual gaming experiences will vary. Always gamble responsibly.

VIDEO ALERT!

Click any picture for an exclusive preview of Thor s Thunder on our website.

(AZGamingGuide.com/index_files/videos.html)

ARIZONA LOTTERY

Submitted By Arizona Lottery

$5 BILLION TOTAL TO BENEFICIARIES

Arizona Lottery Milestone In Transfers With Third Quarter Of FY2023

The Arizona Lottery announced $57,578,402* in transfers to state mandated beneficiaries for the third quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, surpassing $5 billion in total transfers to beneficiaries since the agency’s inception in 1981. In total, the Arizona Lottery has transferred over $193 million to vital state programs and services, Q1 through Q3 of FY23.

“The Arizona Lottery is on track to deliver the highest level of investment in programs and services that matter to Arizonans this year, with beneficiary transfers totaling $250 million as of the third quarter. The Lottery’s increased support of its beneficiaries is thanks to a record-breaking year of sales, which are expected to reach $1.5 billion in FY23,” said Alec Esteban Thomson, Executive Director, Arizona Lottery.

“The resources provided by the Lottery make our state stronger and healthier, supporting programs and services including construction and maintenance of Arizona’s public universities, protecting vulnerable communities, preserving iconic Arizona wildlife, and more.”

Thirteen State Agencies administering 17 programs and services receive 100 percent of Arizona Lottery transfers to fund vital programs and services that protect our environment, facilitate higher education, benefit vulnerable Arizonans, and grow our economy. Since 1981, the Arizona Lottery has returned nearly $5.2 billion to state programs.

No other gaming entity in the state returns more dollars to benefit the public good than the Arizona Lottery

Please visit ArizonaLottery.com/gives back/ for more details on each of the state agencies and programs receiving Arizona Lottery dollars. Annual reports are also available on their website at ArizonaLottery.com/about-the-arizona-lottery/.

About Arizona Lottery

Since 1981, the Arizona Lottery and its retail partners have generated more than $5.2 billion in support of programs that help to improve the quality of life for the people of Arizona.

Proceeds from Lottery ticket sales fund programs in higher education, economic development, environmental conservation and health and human services. The mission is to support Arizona programs for the public benefit by maximizing net revenue in a responsible manner. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com.

Players can purchase Scratchers, Draw Game, Quick Draw, and Fast Play tickets at all Arizona Lottery retail locations. Players can also access the Arizona Lottery Players Club on their website at AZPlayersClub.com by downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.

For more information, visit ArizonaLottery.com. $

Scratchers® is a registered service mark of the California Lottery. *Unaudited and may change

By Al Moe

MANAGING PRESEASON FOOTBALL Tackling Power Ratings & Rankings

The 2023 NFL® Preseason is upon us! And for Arizona football fans, that’s as expected and constant as tripledigit scorchers in August. We will also anticipate arguments over the power rankings of NFL teams as they change after each game, injury report, and trade.

If you don’t know what power ratings and rankings are, don’t fret. Some juggernaut mathematical wizards calculated a dozen factors a few decades ago, including wins and losses, points for, points against, injuries, and trades to make weekly lists. The highest power ranking is 1 for the best team and 32 for the worst.

Unfortunately, there is no exact translation of a team’s numbers to what they will score in a game, as the first-round totals of the 2023 playoffs show with each team’s power ranking and the actual outcome:

Team Ranking OpponentRanking RESULT

Chargers 8 Jaguars 10 Jaguars by 1 Ravens 9 Bengals 2 Bengals by 7 Dolphins 15 Bills 1 Bills by 3 Giants 9 Vikings 7 Giants by 7 Cowboys 6 Buccaneers 17 Cowboys by 17 Seahawks 12 49ers 5 49ers by 18

However, you can use preseason power rankings listed by Sports Illustrated, ESPN, The Sporting News, and others to help you see how two teams are likely to stack up against each other. And you can compare the preseason odds of each team winning the Super Bowl® as similar guidance. Those odds are influenced by fan bases (popular teams get more action), but they will be similar to power rankings from best to worst and lowest odds to highest odds against going all the way.

Using the rankings to pick winners seems easy, but the point spreads will reflect those differences. You may have a good bet when a team gets points or a positive money line and they have a better power ranking. Check the latest injury report!

Rudimentary Point Scores to Predict NFL Game Winners

You can find how many points teams are scoring each week in the scores/schedules part of many websites. Those totals show how teams develop or cope with injuries (or demanding schedules). Teams with consistent scores each week are the most reli-

able. Those with severe highs and lows are scary to wager on and best to avoid.

In addition to power rankings, I take the last five weeks and write a team’s scores in ascending order (For example: 10, 14, 16, 23, 27). Then, I take the middle number (16 in this case). Next, I take the points allowed to get a new mean average. Then, I combine them for a positive or negative number. Let’s assign +2 to home team A.

I always add three points to the home team, taking team A to +5. Then I compare the numbers for their opponent. For this example, let’s assign +1 to visiting team B.

Teams with more wins get an extra point for each. If team A has two extra wins, they get +2, taking them to +7. Subtracting team B’s +1, I expect team A to be a +6 favorite. It’s not perfect, but it’s helpful.

Sportsbooks have more information than we do, but comparing the power rankings and a rudimentary point spread with how teams should match up is always valuable information to consider! $

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

9 TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAY LIKE A PRO

Odds, Objectivity, And Some Obvious Advice

This month’s column focuses on some of my most popular tips to help players of all skill levels raise their Blackjack game to the professional level.

1. Master basic strategy. That way you will be able to play any hand like a pro. Nothing is worse than to sit at a table and try to figure out what to do with a hand while the other players wait. You should know basic strategy so well that the decisions are automatic. An additional bonus is that you will be able to take advantage of profitable situations such as doubling down and splitting pairs.

2. Stick to a flat bet unless you are counting cards. There has never been a betting system that can overcome the house edge. Many beginners try different betting systems only to find they don’t work and it’s usually an expensive lesson.

3. Don’t take the insurance bet. Some players say it’s the only sure bet in Blackjack to insure your Blackjack when you finally have one. Some straightforward math shows that it is better to push three times and collect one and a half your bet size the other seven than to collect even money ten times.

4. Only play at Blackjack tables that have a 3 to 2 payout for Blackjack. Do not play at tables that pay 6 to 5. The reason the casinos offer 6 to 5 is because it raises the house edge by 1.4% against the basic strategy player. You will find very few basic strategy players that win at 6 to 5. If you bet $10 a hand and are dealt a Blackjack at a 3 to 2 table you are paid $15 as opposed to $12 at a 6 to 5 table.

5. Know when to surrender. If you find a casino that offers surrender it can be of great benefit for the player. For example, the hand of 16 versus a dealer up card of a 10. You will lose 54% of all money bet in that situation. If you surrender the hand, the casino takes 50% of your bet. You should surrender a 16 against a 9, 10, or an Ace. Surrender a 15 against a 10. The only casino that offers surrender, that I know of, is Desert Diamond West Valley Resort in Glendale.

6. Know when to double down. You should master basic strategy so that you know the correct times to double down to boost your profits when the dealer is vulnerable. While the player hands of 10 and 11 are obvious against dealer bust cards, the soft totals may not be. In those situations, you double because the probability of the dealer busting is really great.

You split pairs

when it will win more money, such as Aces, when you will lose less money on average, such as splitting 8s against an 8 and turn

8. Counter the house edge with advantage play. While counting cards with a full blown card counting system may be difficult to learn, there are some simple counting systems that can get you a small advantage over the house edge such as the Ace5 count where you only keep track of 5s and Aces.

9. Leave your emotions out of the game. If your emotions get involved you will find yourself betting more than you should and end up broke! If you have a losing session, just accept that it is part of the game. Don’t ever put yourself in a situation where you try to win the house payment money back with the car payment money. $

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.

Submitted By Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

STAY, PLAY, VACAY!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin, in Maricopa, Arizona always keeps it interesting and fun every day of the week. And August is no different than any other month because it’s packed full with hot promotions and cool giveaways. If you’re ready for some great entertainment, then grab your family and your friends, pack your bags and head over to Ak-Chin for the best gaming action and recreation around!

ROOMS FROM $68!

Receive 15% off when you book your staycation now through September 30, 2023. Visit HarrahsAkChin.com to view their deals page to start saving on your next playcation!

Play for All.®

Visit Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in the city of Maricopa where you’ll find PLAY FOR ALL and friendly people ready to welcome you like family. As The Official Sponsor of Play, and the only casino in Arizona with Caesars Rewards, see what a difference it makes to play where your fun is their top priority!

Play Your Way.

With the latest reel and video slots, video poker, blackjack, live keno, roulette & craps, there’s no better place to play! Add an eager-to-serve staff, exciting promotions, and a variety of your favorite foods, and you’ll see why Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the premier gaming destination in Arizona!

Place Your Bet like a Caesar.

Place a bet on everything from professional football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, auto racing, boxing, mixed martial arts and more! As part of the only sportsbook network connecting you to the Empire & Caesars Rewards, you’ll enjoy earning more with America’s #1 sportsbook!

Summer Saturday for the Win

August 19, 2023

Embrace the Power to Choose Swipe at a Promotional Kiosk from 8 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. to choose from: $10 in Free Slot Play, a 2X Tier Credit Multiplier, or 5X Reward Credit Multiplier.

Summer Hot Seats

Every 30 minutes, from NOON – 7 p.m., one lucky guest will be selected to win from $100 up to $500 in Free Slot Play. Play at your favorite slot machine with your Caesars Rewards card inserted and the Hot Seats Crew will come and find you!

Bonus Comp Days

Earn 150 Tier Credits each day on any combination of five valid Fridays and Sundays in August and on the fifth visit you’ll receive 15,000 Bonus Reward Credits!

Sign Up and Instantly win $15 in Free Slot Play. Plus, you could win a free STAYCATION!

When you’re a Caesars Rewards member, you’re plugged into the largest casino and entertainment network. Earn and redeem rewards at over 50 hotels and casinos nationwide while playing, dining, shopping and doing what you love.

Sign up for FREE! Visit the Caesars Rewards Center with your valid photo ID to sign up. Then, insert your NEW loyalty card into a slot machine & press accept to collect your $15 in Free Slot Play.

(Continued on page 22.)

ll be entered to win a staycation package including 4 free nights and $500 in comps at another Caesars Entertainment location! One winner will be selected each month. Visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com for details.

Ride the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Express

Complimentary transportation to and from Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Wednesday – Saturday, with stops in Sun City. For more information, visit Harrahsakchin.com.

Game On in Bingo!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin continues the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo Hall in Reno, Nevada in 1937. The Bingo Hall is located inside the casino featuring easy access to parking and the main casino. Now you can super-size your prize with the Super Spin Double-Dab Coverall games! B-I -N-G-O, let’s go!

See Your Favorites Live!

Live entertainment at The Events Center and The Lounge featuring a variety of performances from local acts to great tribute bands and national headliners. Enjoy sounds from Mexican rockers, Caifanes, Reik and country music artists Josh Turner & Parker McCollum. There’s something for everyone!

Bring Your Appetite

Dine at any one of the five popular dining options. Order up a quick meal or a snack at Copper Cactus Grill or visit Dunkin' for your favorite fresh-brewed coffee, delicious donuts and sandwiches. Sink your teeth into the very best of Arizona’s fine dining at Chop, Block & Brew or indulge with your favorite meat & cheese selections paired with a glass of fine wine at Oak & Fork. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner any day of the week at Agave’s Restaurant in their bright, modern dining room, or relax on their beautiful patio with poolside views.

Spa Time

The Spa at Harrah’s Ak-Chin is a healing space that guides you through traditional and modern treatments. The soothing and calming environment will have you feeling more refreshed than ever.

Splash at the Pool

Get ready for some fun in the sun when you stay in the hotel! Take a dip in their spacious, outdoor swimming pool with a fully stocked swim-up bar, hot tub and 12 private cabanas available for rental. The sparkling pool at Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the perfect place for a leisure escape.

Caesars Rewards Mobile App

Take your rewards on the road by downloading the Caesars Rewards mobile app on your smartphone. The Caesars Rewards mobile app connects you to every Caesars Entertainment property so you can explore restaurants or book a hotel room from anywhere! $

See Caesars Rewards for complete rules and restrictions regarding all mentioned promotions. Visit HarrahsAkChin.com for more details. Caesars welcomes those that are of legal casino gambling age to their website. Know When to Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP.

Recently we had the opportunity to meet with Samantha Chin Casino Resort near Mari-

We are very excited to feature Ms. Gulick in this issue as she is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and has worked at several properties within Caesars Entertainment. Her achievements are wideranging beginning with moving up into leadership roles within the area of Marketing to now overseeing Hotel Operations as well.

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

A: My biggest milestone was starting to work for the Caesars organization. Prior to that, I was working at a company doing data compilation. I fell in love with data while at that position because it was so fascinating to me. Fortunately, that experience is what opened the doors for me at Caesars. In 2014, I saw a job opening for a Database Marketing Associate and, of course, the idea of working for a casino seemed exciting and fun so I decided to give it a try. I applied and was given the position, which made me the first Associate to be hired at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (HCB). There was a manager, a supervisor, and me! The three of us oversaw the mailers for the opening of the casi-

SAMANTHA GULICK

Director of Marketing and Hotel Operations

At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort

no. As I didn’t know much about a casino database, even the marketing side, I was “thrown into the fire,” for lack of a better word. And I loved it! That position was in a fast-paced environment that kept me very busy! I was an Associate for two years and then Supervisor at HCB for their direct mail marketing. This was another milestone for me because I had never given thought to leadership being a part of my career path. I believe my boss saw something in me and said, “You should try this out. I think you can help people.” I took the encouragement to heart, and I decided to step in to my first leadership role.

As Supervisor at HCB, I really enjoyed my responsibilities. This position served as a stepping stone to my next position as Database Marketing Manager at Harrah’s Kansas City Hotel & Casino. When the position presented itself to be Database Marketing Manager for not one but two properties in Iowa (Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino and Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino), I was excited for the opportunity and the challenge. Our task there was to look at market data, market the properties together, and market them individually depending on the situation. Plus, Harrah’s and Horseshoe as brands have two different brand standards which was a fun and new challenge for me. And, the properties have a large outdoor concert venue, called Stir Cove, which introduced me to concerts and entertainment from the marketing and data point of view.

When the Database Marketing and Advertising Manager position was available at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, I was immediately intrigued and open to the idea of moving to Arizona. Several friends had recently moved to this State and Advertising would be a new avenue for me to explore and expand my knowledge. When I came to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino for my interview, I immediately fell in love with the property! The friendliness of all the staff, the attention to detail, the fact that it is a managed property for the Ak-Chin Indian Community, drew me even further to this position. I joke that the Marketing team and the rest of the employees were told to be extremely friendly and nice to me during my visit, but I found out after starting to work here that the employee culture is just that way, friendly and nice. Everyone greets everyone. I also felt the Harrah’s AkChin Casino Director of Marketing at the time, Mike Kintner, with all his experience and expertise, would be an excellent

manager and mentor. With time and plenty of advertising experience, I eventually assumed the Director of Marketing position as Mike moved up to General Manager. About six months ago, I also took over Hotel Operations as part of my role.

Q: Wow, it seems as though you have several different responsibilities in your new role!

A: I think guests would be surprised to learn exactly what falls under my set of responsibilities now! I oversee Database Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations and Sponsorships which is one team. A second team handles Events, Promotions, Entertainment and Audio/Visual. Another team handles Casino Marketing including Hosts, Caesars Rewards [the Players Club] and Transportation (Buses, VIP limos). The Hotel team I now oversee includes the Hotel, Housekeeping, the Pool and the Spa. I am the kind of person that loves to learn new things, so my current position allows me to do that in all these different areas of the casino. It has been a lot of fun for me especially because sometimes a fresh set of eyes allows for change, improvements, and efficiency, or to simply reaffirm existing methods. My job is exciting, interesting, challenging and fun!

Q: Your job does sound exciting and interesting, but you also mention that it could be challenging. What are some challenges you may face in a typical day?

A: I don’t think guests realize all the areas I mentioned earlier fall under my umbrella. In the morning I may be handling occupancy issues at the Hotel and an hour later I’m in Advertising checking creative where we’re all working under very tight deadlines. So, I do switch hats frequently throughout the day which is fun because it definitely keeps me on my toes.

Q: You and your Harrah’s Ak-Chin/Caesars team offer some of the best promotions in the industry. What is your process from concept to execution for a casino promotion?

A: This is one of the favorite parts of my job. My team works in partnership with the Analytics team to create a monthly calendar about three months ahead of time. The task is to figure out what we want to offer guests based on the performance of past events. For example, a promotion may have performed well, but guests may have faced challenges, or there were struggles executing, so we sometimes look at how a promotion can be adjusted and improved.

So, once we’ve created a calendar for the month, analytics takes (Continued on page 26)

Members of the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Executive Team (L to R): Bambi Johnson - Director of Finance & Administration, Mike Kintner - General Manager, Samantha Gulick - Director of Marketing & Hotel Operations, Nathan Kinstlinger - Director of Food & Beverage, April Stovall Director of Facilities & Surveillance

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Employees and Samantha Gulick (Second from Right) participating in SALUTE.

(Continued from page 25)

that as an input and generates a forecast to indicate what the casino can expect in terms of performance and revenue. That forecast allows us to adjust the monthly calendar and then, once we’ve made our final decision, all the different teams begin working on their responsibilities based on the plan we’ve agreed upon. What guests probably don’t realize is the scope of the project just to award $10 in free slot play to a player, as an example. The Direct Mail team begins producing assets for flyers and creates the promotion within our electronic systems, and so on. The only way for those $10 to show up on a slot machine is for computer code to be written into our systems. The Hosts team reaches out to the guests they are assigned to and invites them to visit, possibly stay at the hotel, make reservations at restaurants, and so on. The Events and Promotions team write the rules of the promotion interacting with the Tribal Gaming Agency and the Arizona Department of Gaming to ensure that we can offer the promotion and are operating within the regulations established by the Tribal-State Gaming Compact. It takes many people, working diligently, on several different teams, to pull off one promotion.

Q: Do you ever use the same promotions from other Caesars properties?

A: Absolutely! What’s unique about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is the network of properties within Caesars Entertainment which guests have access to through our Caesars Rewards program. For my team and I, that network allows us access to the promotions used at other properties. Not just the promotions themselves, but the data as well. If an event worked well at another property, we could decide to try it here at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. So, we can share ideas across the enterprise.

Q: As the Director of Marketing, you are in the unique position to engage new and existing guests. How are you able to balance the role of working for the “house” and for the guest at the same time, so to speak?

A: Lucky for us, Caesars Rewards allows guests to earn and redeem anywhere at any of the 50+ properties affiliated with Caesars Entertainment across the country. But what we really focus on is guest feedback. We come up with ideas we believe are wonderful and we feel guests will respond to. But at times, we must take a step back and reevaluate because guests are telling us what we thought would be great wasn’t.

We want to offer promotions and events our guests will enjoy. They won’t come if they don’t enjoy them! So, I would say the feedback, learning from guests, and even the little things are

what s critical. Guests might love the promotion but had issues with long lines. Or we ll receive suggestions as to how an event could be improved. And, as I mentioned, when we plan out a month, we investigate guest feedback, along with the analytics side, to make sure the expected performance makes sense for the casino. We are providing a balance between what guests want and what we can realistically deliver. Clearly, we strive to make our guests happy, and while you can’t always make everyone happy all the time, I believe we do a really great job of making the majority of our customers happy.

Q: What are your professional goals?

A: Right now, I am very focused on learning what I’m responsible for and trying to find ways to be more efficient and effective in my current role. Looking beyond that, Gaming Operations would be an area of the casino I’d love to be more involved in such as the slots, table games, and so on. Hopefully someday, but not right now.

Q: What is your favorite casino game and why?

A: It’s funny because had you asked me that question several months ago, I would have told you slots. However, my husband loves to play Blackjack and, for years, he’s encouraged me to play. He finally convinced me to give the game a try and now it’s my favorite casino game! Blackjack not only has strategy but also camaraderie at the table. The entire table is involved in players winning. Even the dealer wants the players to win. Everyone roots for each other. The table is bummed if one player has a bad hand. While you are at a table it’s a fun, small, social circle. I have fun with slots, especially the bonus games, but there’s something about sitting at a table with other people, ready to help each other, who are all excited for the next win with a turn of a card. I really like Blackjack now.

For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, their hotel, dining options, bingo hall, and more, visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $

WHERE TO PLAY

REEL RESULT:

Game Overview

FREE GAMES

8, 15 or 20 Free Games awarded with Gold Buffalo being the main entertainment! As more Buffalo Gold are collected, picture symbols will become buffalo for the remainder of the Free Games. Free Games always commence with Wheel Feature.

WHEEL FEATURE

Wheel bonus awards jackpots, credit prizes, Gold Buffalo or Free Games. Once the Free Games award has been achieved the wheel feature is completed.

WILD MULTIPLIERS

All wilds appear with a multiplier, multiplying all wins for that spin.

Buffalo Gold Revolution

BlueWater Resort & Casino

Casino Arizona

Casino Del Sol

Cliff Castle Casino

Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita

Desert Diamond Casino Tucson

Desert Diamond West Valley

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Lone Butte Casino

Paradise Casino

Talking Stick Resort

Quechan Casino Resort

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

Wild Horse Pass Resort & Casino (as submitted by Aristocrat Gaming at press time)

Incredible Dining Deals

All Month Long At Casino Del Sol

Casino Del Sol & Casino of the Sun always keep it interesting and fun with their hot promotions and cool giveaways. But the specials go beyond the gaming floor. All of their dining outlets offer amazing deals and August is filled with some great specials. So, if you haven’t visited in a while, it’s time to pack your bags and head down to Tucson for exciting gaming action and incredible dining deals.

Bellisimo

Chef’s Seasonal Selections Pasta Chicken cacciatore pappardelle (tomato braised chicken, bell pepper & extra virgin olive oil), $19

Ume

Chef’s Seasonal Selections Wok Butter chicken (yogurt & spices, marinated chicken, tomato-ginger cream, garlic, chili & naan bread), $16

PY Steakhouse

Wednesday Prime Rib Night 10oz cut slow roasted prime rib eye (herb + tomato salt, rosemary au jus, horseradish cream, loaded mashed potatoes & Chef’s seasonal vegetables), $35 per person, $9 wine specials

Moby’s

Burger of the Month Tomato jam burger (fresh ground 1/3lb patty, swiss cheese, bacon, pickles, lettuce, tomato & onion with French fries), $14

Streetscape

Pizza of the Month Margherita pizza (local tomatoes, basil, mozzarella & tomato sauce), $5.25/$25

Festa Buffet

International Buffet M, W, Th, F from 11 a.m. 7 p.m., $25. Brunch & International Buffet every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Seafood Night every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. $

Oasis Pool Party With A-list Entertainment At Gila River Resorts & Casinos From Gucci Mane To Lost Kings, Gila River Has It All For A Thrilling Summer Of Fun

Continuing to elevate the pool party scene, Gila River Resorts & Casinos is hosting the hottest pool parties of the summer. With an A-list lineup, intimate setting and luxury amenities, Gila River is the place to be all summer long.

The Oasis Pool has transformed into a Las Vegas-style pool party where guests can splash to the beats of internationally recognized DJs and artists. Guests can sip cocktails poolside or lounge in a private cabana while basking in the pool party scene.

“Coming off of a successful pool party season, we are excited to continue the momentum by raising the bar with this year’s lineup. From international EDM DJ’s to hip-hop heavy weight Gucci Mane, we are proud to bring a variety of artists that appeal to our diverse guests,” said Dominic Orozco, President and Chief Marketing Officer at Gila River Resorts & Casinos.

“The Las Vegas-style ambiance, upscale vibe and supreme amenities is what makes us stand out in the pool party scene.”

General admission tickets start at $49 per person and cabana rentals start at $1,000. Ticket amenities include: VIP Starting at $149, ticket, ten drink vouchers, one food item from pool menu, souvenir credential and Gila River swag item, Drink Package $49, five drink vouchers and Gila River swag item. Additionally, guests can book a full amenities package that includes: Deluxe King Room, two VIP tickets or one pool side daybed with entry to pool party, $100 food and beverage credit, and amenity package. The remaining events are: Lost Kings on August 26 and Gucci Mane on September 30.

For more information on the Oasis Pool Party series or to purchase tickets, cabanas or room packages visit their website at PlayAtGila.com/Summer-Oasis-Pool-Party. $

Always Hot Promotions & Cool Giveaways At Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos

Enjoy smoke-free gaming and a wide selection of entertainment including the newest, exciting slot machines, daily happy hour, all your favorite foods and specials at both Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos!

And now Bucky’s just got even better! You are invited to experience The Grey Room, Prescott’s newest dining destination. New look, new menu, new experience! The Grey Room is located on the third floor of Bucky’s Casino and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Plus, don’t forget live action Craps, Roulette and Blackjack are now also in play at Bucky’s Casino. Let’s Play, Preskitt!

Promotions

August 4, 11, 18 and 25

Wheel of Mystery Weekly Drawing Receive daily complimentary and earned drawing entries beginning August 1. Drawings take place Fridays in August at 7 p.m. at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos. Five weekly drawing winners will have the opportunity to spin the Wheel of Mystery and win up to $5,000 cash! The Wheel of Mystery prize pool increases weekly. Play to earn entries and win your share of $59,000 in possible cash prizes!

August 5, 12, 19 and 26

Table Games Monsoon Madness Saturdays in August, get out of the hot weather and enjoy exciting indoor fun at Bucky’s Casino Table Games from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Hot Seat winners may win $50 in chips plus a mystery gift valued at approximately $120.

Ongoing Tuesday Promotions

Veterans Appreciation Tuesdays

Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos celebrate Veterans and activeduty military Gold Rush Club members every Tuesday! All Veterans receive 3X points, $10 Gold Rewards, and a $10 food comp. In addition, all Veterans also receive a complimentary entry into the end of month Veterans drawing for $100 cash. For more information, visit the Players Club for more details.

Ongoing Wednesday Promotions

Seniors Day Wednesdays

Seniors are Special at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos! Gold Rush Club members age 55 and older are eligible to earn $10 in Gold Rewards and may win $100 cash in Seniors Hot Seats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as enjoy food specials every Wednesday at both casinos. For more information, visit the Players Club for more details.

Ongoing Thursday Promotions

Ladies Day Thursdays

Ladies Day is celebrated on Thursdays at both Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos! Ladies Day Hot Seat winners may receive $250 cash from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., are eligible to earn $10 in Gold Rewards and may enjoy food specials at both casinos! Must be a Gold Rush Club member to participate. For more information, visit the Players Club for more details.

For more information about the Grey room, all the new and exciting slots and table games, and all the hot promotions at Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos in Prescott, Arizona, visit their website at BuckysCasino.com. $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

APACHE GOLD & SKY CASINOS Globe & Winkelman

No info submitted at press time. Contact casinos.

BLUEWATER CASINO Parker

DSB (Journey) September 2

Hair Ball (Van Halen, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Queen, Journey, Aerosmith, AC/DC, & more) October 14

BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS Prescott

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

CASINO ARIZONA Scottsdale

Petty and The Heartshakers (Tom Petty) August 4 & 5

The Pat Benetar Experience August 18 & 19

Mick Adams and The Stones (Rolling Stones) Aug. 25 & 26

Journey USA September 1 & 2

Savor (Santana) September 15 & 16

Bonfire (AC/DC) September 22 & 23

Elton: The Early Years September 29 & 30

CASINO DEL SOL Tucson

Ludacris and Twista August 25

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias August 26

Buddy Guy September 9

Alice Cooper October 21

CLIFF CASTLE CASINO HOTEL Camp Verde

Live music at The Dragonfly on Fridays & Saturdays

Comedy at the Castle August 17

COCOPAH CASINO Somerton

Karaoke Saturdays 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO Sahuarita

Gipsy Kings Featuring Nicolas Reyes August 5

Little River Band August 12

The Temptations September 8

The Frontmen September 15

The Clairvoyants December 23

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO Maricopa

Caifanes September 15

Josh Turner November 11

Parker McCollum December 16

HON-DAH RESORT CASINO Pinetop

Live Music Tuesdays Through Saturdays

Monday Funday Comedy Shows

American Highwaymen (J. Cash, W. Jennings, W. Nelson, K. Kristofferson) Aug. 25

MAZATZAL CASINO Payson

World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo August 17 - 19

Josh Turner September 2

Candle In The Wind (Elton John) October 13

QUECHAN CASINO RESORT Winterhaven

Ja Rule & Ashanti August 17

TALKING STICK RESORT Scottsdale

The Tubes August 5

Jake Owen October 26

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

Gipsy Kings Featuring Nicolas Reyes August 4

The Beach Boys September 22

The Wallflowers October 13

Buddy Guy @ Casino Del Sol

Caifanes @ Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Editor’s Picks CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Josh Turner

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

September 2

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino is celebrating their 30th birthday with a special outdoor concert featuring country music superstar Josh Turner on Saturday, September 2, 2023!

Over the last two decades, Josh Turner’s rich baritone voice has been one of the most recognizable voices in country music. Josh Turner has been topping the charts with iconic #1 hits such as ”Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Firecracker,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “All Over Me,” and “Hometown Girl.”

This is an outdoor concert in the West Parking Lot, rain or shine, and is open to the public of all ages. All attendees ages 2 and up must have a ticket to enter the event area.

Tickets are on sale now.

The gates will open at 4 p.m.

An opening act performs at 5:30 p.m.

Josh Turner performs at 7 p.m.

General Admission (Standing) Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 if purchased after August 27th.

Reserved & VIP (Seated) Tickets start at $75 in advance and start at $85 if purchased after August 27th.

Concert tickets and additional information is available online at MazatzalCasino.com or at the cashier cage. $

The Frontmen

Desert Diamond Sahuarita

September 15

The Frontmen are set to perform at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment’s Diamond Center on Friday, September 15, 2023. Tickets are available now and start at $35.

They have 30 No. 1 hits, have sold 30 million albums and are the soundtrack to every Friday night honkytonk, first kiss and broken heart for the last 30 years. The Frontmen [comprised of 3 former lead singers, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas)] is country music's hottest new supergroup. The men have already mastered the stage, succeeded on radio and nightly take sold-out audiences on a rollercoaster of 90’s nostalgic smash hits then transcend their past hit parade with fresh new & original songs that are unmistakably The Frontmen today! The group recently put their massive catalog of hits to work, including "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," "Amazed," and "God Blessed Texas," on tour with Alabama and kick-started the Harley-Davidson crowd in Deadwood, South Dakota, at the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Treena Parvello, Director of Government and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We are thrilled to welcome The Frontmen to Southern Arizona on September 15! Don’t miss your chance to see these three country music legends live on stage at the Diamond Center!”

For more information and tickets, visit the casino box office, or DDCAZ.com. $

By Sami Becker

CELEBRATING LEN AINSWORTH—100 YEARS “My Good Fortune Enables Me To Support So Many Worthwhile Causes”

The month of July marked a momentous occasion as slot machine and casino equipment manufacturer Ainsworth celebrated the extraordinary life of Len Ainsworth who has reached the remarkable milestone of his 100th birthday. A visionary and pioneer, Mr. Ainsworth is recognized around the world as a true icon of the gaming industry whose contributions have shaped the gaming landscape as we see it today.

Born in Kempsey, NSW Australia on July 11th 1923, Leonard Hastings Ainsworth possessed an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding determination to carve a path in the world. Originally commencing his working life manufacturing and supplying dental equipment, he envisaged and pursued the development of gaming equipment where his legacy in the gaming industry began.

In 1953, Mr. Ainsworth founded Aristocrat Leisure Industries which became one of the world’s largest gaming companies. Following a 1984 diagnosis of prostate cancer, Mr. Ainsworth transferred his ownership in Aristocrat to his family to ensure his legacy continued into the future. However, following a clear diagnosis thereafter, he knew he had more to offer the industry he fell in love with, so in 1995, he founded his second gaming company Ainsworth Game Technology. Mr. Ainsworth dedicated his career to creating innovative, cutting-edge gaming solutions that would revolutionize the way people engage with slot machines and other gaming products.

On his 100th birthday, Mr. Ainsworth expressed his gratitude for the success he has enjoyed and the support he received from his family, friends, and many colleagues.

“I feel privileged to have reached this milestone and to have seen how the gaming industry has evolved and flourished over the years. I have been fortunate in establishing a worldwide reputation for quality equipment that continues to lead the field and that pleases me to no end. I have worked with many great people along the way, without them none of it would be possible,” said Mr. Ainsworth.

Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Mr. Ainsworth understands the profound responsibility that comes with success and made it a priority to give back. A passionate philanthropist, he established the Ainsworth Foundation which gener-

ously supports the Australian community most notably in medical research, education, healthcare, and various other social causes, leaving an enduring impact on countless lives. “Personally, I’m most proud that my good fortune enables me to support so many worthwhile causes,” he said.

Mr. Ainsworth's legacy extends far beyond his business endeavors and philanthropy. He embodied the qualities of a true leader inspiring those around him, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. His mentoring and guidance have shaped the careers of numerous industry professionals who continue to carry his vision forward.

As we celebrate Mr. Ainsworth's 100th birthday, we honor a man whose impact extends far beyond his years, and his vision will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come. Mr. Ainsworth's commitment to excellence, and innovation, serves as a blueprint for success in business and life.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed playing Ainsworth’s slots. Not every casino has a lot of them, but if you look, you can find them. Some of my favorites over the years have been the Rumble series, the Mustang series, their take on Pac-Man-themed slots, the George Lopez-themed slot, to the newer Ultra Shot and Ca$h Stacks Gold

One slot I really like is Cash Cave which is a high paying bearthemed game with 10 free games with multipliers. And, another recent stand-out of Ainsworth’s is Rumble Rumble Bear with 8 free games and on-reel wild multipliers which can pack a real punch. Their base games may not be the most interesting, but their bonus games can really pay.

Send me an e-mail identifying your favorite Ainsworth slot. I’d love to hear about your experience playing their games! $

WORD SEARCH

To Celebrate Casinos, Find: CASINO, GAMBLING, GAMES, CHANCE, RANDOM, MONEY, LUCK, SUCCESS, FORTUNE, CARDS, BLACKJACK, DICE, CRAPS, ROULETTE, POKER, VIDEO POKER, KENO, SLOT MACHINE, CHIPS, TICKETS, COMPS, FREEPLAY, FUN, RESPONSIBLE.

appear in any direction.

on page

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.

Jokes & Quotes

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

A man decided to bike from Phoenix to Flagstaff. He was feeling confident until the road began getting steeper, climbing to 7,000 feet. When his legs finally gave out, he knew he needed to turn back.

Hoping to hitch a ride at least part of the way home, he stood on the side of the highway. An hour later a guy in a Corvette pulled over and offered him a ride. Because the bike wouldn’t fit in the car, the driver found a piece of rope and said, “I’ll tie one end of the rope to the bumper of the car and the other end of the rope to your bike.” The cyclist was game. Before getting in the car, the driver gave one more instruction: “If I go too fast, honk your bike horn and I’ll slow down.”

Everything went fine for the first 30 miles. Suddenly, another corvette blew past them. Forgetting about his “passenger” in the back, the first driver hit the accelerator. Within minutes both cars blew through a speed trap.

The state trooper radioed to a patrol car ahead of the racing cars: “Two ‘Vettes heading your way, clocked at over 120 mph.” Then he added, “And you’re not going to believe this, but there’s a guy on a bike behind them honking to pass!”

Zodiac Lucky Numbers

Aries (March 21 – April 19): 6, 7, 17, 30, 50, 58

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): 3, 17, 25, 35, 52, 57

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): 5, 8, 22, 31, 54, 57

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): 6, 18, 20, 34, 54, 62

Leo (July 23 – August 22): 3, 10, 21, 27, 54, 61

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): 11, 15, 23, 33, 48, 57

Libra (September 23 – October 22): 6, 19, 22, 38, 53, 66

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): 5, 11, 23, 35, 49, 64

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): 3, 16, 18, 30, 50, 66

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): 10, 15, 17, 41, 47, 65

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): 1, 3, 24, 27, 53, 67

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): 10, 18, 25, 35, 47, 63

Water Rabbit Lunar Year

Ask for good luck: 1, 3, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28. Best days to travel: 1, 5, 7, 8, 13, 16, 17, 18, 22, 28, 30.

Best days to meet with someone: 8, 28, 29. There is overlap on the 28th!

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: