PLAYERS TALK By Mark Novak
BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW ... Readers Keep Us On Our Toes With Some Great Trivia Questions
Q: I love playing the slots with the bingo cards on them. I seem to be more lucky playing those types of slots than the regular slots but I’m having a hard time finding them. Can you tell me what casino has the most bingo games please? Linda Kowalski—Phoenix A: Linda, the types of slot machines that have bingo cards on them you refer to fall under the category of Class II games. These gaming devices use a central electronic bingo system to generate results on a group of games as opposed to Class III slots that rely on random number generators programmed within each individual game. You are right that Class II slots can be extremely entertaining and rewarding! The casino in Arizona that offers the most Class II gaming devices is Cocopah Casino in Yuma, Arizona with 109 total units. Q: I’ve noticed that more and more floor space is being dedicated to table games and less to slots. Just curious, what casino has the most blackjack tables? Gordon Davis—Gilbert A: Gordon, I can guarantee you that there will never be more floor space dedicated to table games over slot machines. Slots are by far the biggest moneymaker for casinos, generating anywhere from 60% to 80% of the total casino gaming revenue. The table games generate only slightly more revenue than sports betting currently, with an average of about 12% each. The award goes to Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona with the most blackjack tables at 46 tables! But then again, their casino is also one of the largest casinos in the state with over 1,400 slot machines as well! Q: I miss being able to play live keno and I’m not interested in slot machine keno. Will the casinos ever bring that back? David Rollins—Tucson A: David, it’s time to pack your bags and plan a trip to Casino Arizona in Scottsdale as they have live draw keno and they are
the only ones who currently offer this in the State. Rumor has it that live draw will be available at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale soon, so we will keep you posted. Q: What casino in Arizona has the most Baccarat and Craps tables? Kaz—Tempe A: Kaz, Gila River Wild Horse Pass has the most Baccarat tables in the State with 8 tables. Talking Stick Resort and Gila River Wild Horse Pass tie for first with the most Craps tables with 4 tables each. By the way, the award also goes to Gila River Wild Horse Pass with the most Roulette tables for a grand total of 5 tables. Q: Ok, ready to start playing poker at the tables … Where do you recommend I go? Gina Lopez—Mesa A: Gina, hands down, the nicest and the largest poker room is at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale (59 tables). However, we have team members who participate in tournaments at both Casino Del Sol in Tucson (10 tables) and Hon-Dah Resort Casino in Pine Top (4 tables) as both have some great daily and weekly tournaments. While bigger may be better for some, it’s always a good idea to check out the smaller places because they have to remain competitive so they offer some incredible promotions! Q: Does every casino in Arizona have a sportsbook at this point? Tom—Online A: Tom, no not every casino in Arizona has a sportsbook yet. Currently, Arizona has 26 sportsbooks throughout the state and besides casinos you can also find them in event centers like the Footprint Center, Chase Field and State Farm Stadium. There are also some sports bars like Charley’s Sports Grill, Glendale Gallagher’s Sports Grill in Phoenix and the Midtown Tavern in Tucson. $ All info above verified with the AZ Dept. of Gaming as of 1/15/24.
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.
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | February 2024 | azgamingguide.com
