END OF YEAR UPDATES
Your Authority On Everything Gaming
VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 12
MANAGING DIRECTOR & VIDEO POKER GURU
Liz Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
PUBLISHER & SLOT GURU
Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com
s we announced, we are releasing our app on the Apple and Google app stores. Unfortunately, our release date has been pushed back into January of 2025. So, while many of you have been very eager to be the first to download it, we apologize that you will still have to wait a while. Ultimately, we want a perfect app with incredible functionality for our readers so please be patient with us! Once it’s out, we’ll let you know and you will want to have what we are offering.
In January, navigate to either App Store and enter the search term “Arizona Gaming Guide.” That will be the easiest way to find us. Or, head over to AZGamingGuide.com and find the links at the bottom of the page. Then, download our app and sign up to begin receiving exclusive insider info which we’ll only provide through that platform. Also, we have a number of additional features which we plan on releasing to registered users of the app in 2025. And, if you have a wish list of functionality you’d like to see in our app, let us know. We’ll do our best to incorporate your suggestions. So, stay tuned!
What we know you’ll find incredibly interesting is the cover & feature story on We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. And, don’t miss our Post-G2E run down on all the incredible new slots we saw in Las Vegas recently. We covered most of the manufacturers and assembled a lot of info for you to dive into. Enjoy!
Have A Lucky Month!
Alexandra
Alexandra Lang Editor-in-Chief Editor@AZGamingGuide.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com
ART DIRECTOR
Melanie Mueller
SOFTWARE GURU Rami Dari
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Al Moe, TJ Jorgensen, Mark Novak, Lana Hartmann, Samantha Becker
ADVERTISING SALES
Liz Torma liz@azgamingguide.com
Nina Consiglio nina@azgamingguide.com
MAILING ADDRESS
Arizona Gaming Guide P.O. Box 20636
Mesa, Arizona 85277
INTERNET & SOCIAL ADDRESSES
AZGamingGuide.com Facebook.com/arizonagamingguide Instagram.com/arizonagamingguide X.com/azgamingguide Issuu.com/arizonagamingguide
SMARTPHONE APP (AVAILABLE JANUARY 2025) Search “AZ Gaming Guide” on Apple App Store, Google Play & Amazon App Store
Copyright © 2009-2024 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, sale and/or distribution in part or in whole in any form without consent is not permitted. Check all details with the respective casino’s Players Club. Unless otherwise noted, AGG does not use AI. 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 100 N. 15th Avenue, Suite 202, 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
100 N. 15th Avenue, Suite 202, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov
PLAYERS TALK
By Mark Novak
QUESTIONS FROM OUR INBOX Video Poker, TGA, Annoying Men And More
Q: I enjoy reading your magazine, but you always mention Video Poker machines that pay 9/6. If they exist, I’ve never seen one in The Valley. Have you actually found any?
Frank Albanes – Mesa, Arizona
A: Hi Frank! Thanks for your question, as it’s a valid one, and we appreciate you as a long time fan. In terms of 9/6 (Full House to Flush Pay Ratio) for Jacks or Better (JOB) Video Poker in The Valley, the fast answer, as you well know, is “NO!” However, in higher denominations, at casinos not near major metropolitan centers, the best we’ve ever found in our three decades of play is 9/5 JOB.
One other thing to consider is 9/6 does occur in other games which aren't JOB. Although rare, you can also find these hidden gems.
In closing, the Video Poker pay tables seem to be getting better across the board in The Valley and Arizona. I think because the market has become more competitive and casinos want to draw Video Poker players, rather than chasing them away with crappy pay tables.
Q: I witnessed two employees changing the pay tables on a Game King yesterday at [a casino]. I contacted the tribal commission and I don’t feel they took me seriously or even cared.
Jason Plunkett – Tucson, Arizona
A: Hi Jason! Thanks for your great question. Hopefully the pay table change was for the better! In any case, you did the right thing. Unfortunately it sounds like the Tribal Gaming Agency (TGA) didn’t handle it properly. They aren't really in the customer service business. Their comfort zone is the regulatory arena. You can always follow up. Tell them what you saw and ask if there is proof a TGA employee was there when the pay table was changed. Or contact the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), their contact info is at the bottom of page 3.
Q: Thank you for your magazine that has so much important info in it. Here are two gripes I don't think I have read about.
First, for quite some time now, I have noticed mostly men walking around the casino floor pressing the spin buttons to see if a player left a chance to win something. It is so aggravating to have the same men come to the machine next to me several times or the machine that I left, just to see if they can make a few bucks off of a dedicated slot player! No matter
which day I go in the same men are there. They have a few one dollar bills and they put it in to see if they see a sequence that might win them some money. I never see them sit and play like most folks. They just walk around pressing buttons. Can anything be done about this?
Second, I have a few slot attendants that I have known for years that always greet me and check on me throughout my time playing. When I do win a hand pay, I always give a tip of $10 or more. But realizing that tips are shared with others in a 24-hour shift, there are some slot attendants that I just don't care for. Their attitudes are not like the ones who are really nice and I don't feel like giving a tip that they are not entitled to. Can't the casino have boxes that each attendant can put their own tips into and then be taxed instead of everyone sharing? This just might make the grumpy ones get a better attitude. Thanks.
Sharon Saltzman – Phoenix, AZ
A: Hi Sharon! Thanks for your gripes. They are very important points and you are not the only one experiencing the issues you mention. To answer your first question, those men are a nuisance. Many are desperate for one reason or another. We recommend you do not interact with them. They are not good for the casino industry at all. Instead, alert casino staff how these men make you feel: Threatened, intimidated, uncomfortable, stolen from. If that message to multiple employees (especially security) over the course of one or two months falls on deaf ears and the environment doesn’t change, find a safer and more comfortable casino to play at. We are aware of multiple casinos in Arizona who are on top of this customer service issue and are employing multiple strategies to mitigate the nuisance these men represent. That’s all we are willing to say publicly about the issue you bring up for now.
To answer the second point you mention, we feel the same way. Pooled tips may be management’s policy, but it can create complacency with some employees. Pooled tips in a casino environment, where there is cash running around all over the place, can be a simple way of accounting for all the tip money from a group of employees. If you really want to “tip” your “favorite” employees, ask for their supervisor or the Casino Manager, and inform them why you like that particular employee, or several employees. You may have to do this repeatedly with multiple examples so the message sinks in. Regardless, thank you for always tipping these deserving, hard-working employees! $
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.
Submitted by Everi
By Everi
O Powerball Power Play
ur team recently had the opportunity to interact with the staff at Everi who were excited to show us some of their new slot products which should be arriving on casino floors here in Arizona in early 2025. Everi has a long history of making slots for the casino gaming industry, and as our readers know, they have a large selection of additional products we interact with at casinos around the globe, including currency kiosks where we can cash in our slot tickets and promotional kiosks where we can interact with our players club accounts.
We were able to play Powerball Power Play and believe you’ll love it just as much as we do. First, the slot game is on the brand Dynasty Luna cabinet which is really tall! However, the 36” square main game display and the 49” J-shaped top display makes for comfortable sight lines when sitting and when looking for this game across the casino floor. What really makes the new cabinet pop with life are the trim lights which run from the very bottom of the cabinet to the top.
Most importantly is the focused game play of Powerball Power . Players root for cash-on-reels values on the first four reels (from the left) and want to “catch” the red Powerball on the fifth reel in order to award all in the base game. During free games, Powerball on the fifth reel awards a multiplier of up to 10X. These are some massive wins hiding in the base game and in the free games!
The hold & spin bonus Powerball Power Play Respins really lets players work the full action of the video screens and the game. When the bonus begins, the main reel set allows players to land more values, increasing their bonus win. But, two more sets of reels are locked above the main set which players can unlock by landing more values. And, there’s always a chance players can win the top progressive in this hold & spin bonus!
Stay tuned for the January 2025 issue where we’ll reveal more game content from Everi coming our way! $
GREAT GAMES 2025 Reel Preview
Submitted by Aristocrat Gaming & Bluberi Gaming
MBy Aristocrat Gaming
I Mo Mo Mo Mummy
n the November 2024 issue, our team gave Aristocrat’s Mo’ Mummy slot a two thumbs up Reel Review because we really like the game, and you do too because it’s hard to get on a game in Arizona’s casinos! So, during the visit to Aristocrat Gaming’s showroom, guess which slot their team was keyed up to demo? Mo’ Mo’ Mo’ Mummy! Why three of the Mo’ abbreviations in the name you ask? That’s because the game designers at Aristocrat decided to strip out the Free Games (left side) and the Jackpot (right side) “metamorphic” mummies and just focus on the Cash Collect bonus awarded by the middle mummy in the first game! Now, the new game still has three “metamorphic” mummies, but they are called “Mo’ Rows, Mo’ Spins, Mo’ Symbols,” and are all modifying the original bonus we all love the most! All three metamorphic mummies can overlap for seven total bonus possibilities. Of course, we as players will be hoping for the “best” outcome, triggering all three bonuses at the same time!
Look for this game in two versions, Sunlight Riches, pictured to the left, and Midnight Treasures. We didn’t want to give away too much beyond this first slot from Aristocrat in this issue so, stay tuned. They have more cool games coming our way which we’ll cover in the January 2025 issue! $
STRATEGY ALERT!
Visit our website for details.
Honey Bomb
By Bluberi Gaming
eet Gaston The Bee, the lovable main character of Bluberi Gaming’s brand new slot Honey Bomb where players can “Float like a Bluberi & sting like a bee!” Honey Bomb offers exciting features like a unique Hold and Spin Bonus, Pot Fillers, Free Games, and Helping Hand characters, ensuring players stay thrilled with plenty of explosive opportunities. When we had the opportunity to interact with Gaston and Honey Bomb, it was quite the show and, as a result, we can’t wait to play this slot with real money! The reason why is Bluberi Gaming really takes their time developing new game themes. They’ve standardized their slot cabinets and platforms so their design team can all work off of the same canvas. And they go through multiple review cycles with input from employees across the company. Plus, they like to play test their own games, a lot! The result is really fun games with some solid “Pows!” (or stings in this case sorry, had to sneak that in there) in terms of wins and a chance players will remain at the game getting the maximum enjoyment out of their bankroll so they come back for more.
On this slot you’ll enjoy the Honey Link Bonus, which is a hold & spin bonus with credits and bombs that can explode to reveal jackpots. On the final spin, all cash balls are upgraded to jackpots during Bomb Time! If players blackout the bonus, all wins are multiplied by 2x. In the base game, Rising Honey Pot Fillers, each reel is an independent pot filler, giving the player five different opportunities to get into the Honey Link Bonus. The Free Games bonus awards 6 Free Games with stacked major symbols and more chances to get into the Honey Link Bonus. We’ll give you more sneak peeks from Bluberi in January! $
STRATEGY ALERT!
Visit our website for details.
LOTTERY TICKETS AREN’T FOR KIDS
Arizona Lottery Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Gift Responsibly
This holiday season, the Arizona Lottery and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) remind players that Lottery tickets make great gifts – for adults aged 21 and up.
Research shows that gambling exposure in childhood is linked to that person developing a gambling problem later in life. The earlier the exposure, the higher the likelihood of developing an issue. Often, a child’s first gambling exposure comes from a well -meaning adult who is unaware of the risks associated with gifting children lottery tickets. For that reason, the Arizona Lottery is again pledging a commitment to the 2024 Gift Responsibly campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and worldwide to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use.
“Our message is clear and simple: lottery tickets are for adults only,” says Alec Thomson, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. “Gifting lottery tickets is part of many families’ holiday traditions and while we love hearing of such celebrations, we urge players to reserve gifting lottery tickets to adults of legal age only.”
The Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by sharing information with consumers via social media, public service announcements, and reminders to retailers. Says Thomson, “Our participation in this campaign underscores our dedication to promoting responsible gaming and protecting the well-being of Arizonans, especially during the holiday season.”
screening quiz, and more can be found at problemgambling.az.gov.
Just remember, as you’re picking up holiday tickets to gift to loved ones this season: Lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children under age 21. Together, we can ensure that Arizona Lottery players play responsibly and that gambling remains a safe and responsible activity for all Arizonans.
ABOUT THE ARIZONA LOTTERY
Since 1981, the Arizona Lottery and its retail partners have generated more than $5.3 billion in net funding to support 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 of the Lottery is to support Arizona programs for the public benefit by maximizing net revenue in a responsible manner. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com. $
Arizonans who may struggle with gambling can access personal, confidential treatment and recovery services by calling the Division of Problem Gambling’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-800 NEXTSTEP or by texting NEXT-STEP to 53342. Additional resources
Must be 21 or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Overall odds vary by game. All sales are final. Scratchers® is a registered service mark of the California Lottery. CASH EXPLOSION® is a registered trademark of the Ohio Lottery Commission. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 or visit PromblemGambling.AZ.gov. Please Play Responsibly Submitted
The Arizona Lottery has some great recent Scratchers tickets wins to share:
• $500,000 grand prize for $500,000 Gold Rush, sold at a Speedway in Sanders, Arizona
• $100,000 cash prize sold at a QuikTrip at 2834 West Bell Road in Phoenix
• $50,000 Cactus Crossword ticket sold at a Circle K at 24831 North 67th Avenue in Glendale
• $50,000 Cash Plus sold at a Speedway at 7910 East Golf Links Road in Tucson
Interested players can check out the full lineup of Scratchers tickets at ArizonaLottery.com, including new Loteria Grande and Lady Luck tickets. For more opportunities to win beyond the ticket, visit AZPlayersClub.com. For example, players can enter their eligible Lady Luck Scratchers for a chance to win a VIP trip for two in the Smoky Mountains for a private concert experience with Country Music Legend Martina McBride!
By Al Moe
C MULTIPLE OUTCOME GAMES Why They Are So Addictive!
asino enthusiasts fall into a myriad of types and categories. Some gamble for fun or excitement, while others want solitude or escapism. Not everyone is wired the same way, so each gets their jolt of excitement in different ways. That’s why Arizona casinos offer so many exciting games.
At the same time, games that offer multiple bets (think of almost every blackjack game with side wagers) have been wildly successful for casinos. Unfortunately, they are also more costly to play because players split their money between wagers, increasing their risk and reducing their bankroll’s ability to handle higher volatility.
I rarely tell readers not to play certain games again, because we are all different. Instead, I point out where some are more costly than others. Here, however, I state that having many bets in action at one time gives our brains an endorphin boost but can be expensive.
ROULETTE MULTIPLE WAGERS
Imagine if roulette had no numbers, just red and black. Would you play? Bet one color and try to stay awake? Fortunately, roulette offers numbers too. Odd and even, high and low, columns and sections. You can bet on 32, the third 12 (section), high, even, and the middle column, and score on all those wagers if the number hits. Plus, there’s that gambler’s high as the ball’s about to drop, multiplied by five!
Each wager carries a 5.26% house edge on a double zero wheel, but you’re more likely to take a 100% hit on several. At least if you bet on wagers that can all win at the same time (lucky 32!), you aren’t spreading your bankroll across divergent wagers that effectively cancel each other out. You’ll likely last longer and do better with just a few wagers each spin.
CRAPS MULTIPLE WAGERS
At the craps table, with dozens of wagers available, players often bet against themselves. Yes, your pass line wager for the point of Eight wins on any 8 but betting the hard way 8 nips away at your profit if your roll comes easy (6-2,5-3), and you lose both your wagers if a 7 rolls. Something to think about.
As for odds, that any Seven wager is betting against yourself after a point is established, and even if it wins, the house has an edge of over 16%. Forget about trying to “hedge” your bets! Bet the pass line, take odds, and maybe make a place bet or two. Then, get your high from watching the dice total each roll. You can always start making those other bets when you get money ahead!
BIG O
&
OMAHA HIGH LOW SPLIT
We know poker involves some skill and luck. And while I love playing high-low split games, they can be oddly insensitive to my needs. They tease me unmercifully because my brain loves the fact that I can win both the high and low sides of a hand and scoop a monster pot, sometimes with the turn of just one card.
The critical thing to remember is that it’s much more difficult to get great high-low hands like Ace-Ace-Deuce-Three suited and even tougher to catch flops that reinforce your chances for a scoop than it is to get pocket Aces in Texas Hold ‘Em. Be patient in high-low games! $
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
BLACKJACK: WHAT TO EXPECT
Including: Basic Strategy, The Surrender Option & Scouting For Chips
If you have been playing Blackjack for any length of time you probably have come to the conclusion that you don't always win, and you don't always lose. Why is that? Simply put, Blackjack is a very streaky game. Sometimes you can sit down at a Blackjack table and win the first eight hands, or you might lose the first six hands.
The expectation for one hundred hands of Blackjack is for a player to win forty-four hands, lose forty-eight hands, and push eight hands, depending on the rules of the particular game being played. You can affect the amount you win or lose by taking advantage of "positive value" situations that can occur in a game, such as having the hand of Eleven versus the dealer with an up card of a Six. By doubling down in this situation, the player has a positive expected value outcome. Although it would still be recorded as a win or loss, it will affect the player’s bottom line more than the other hands. So even though the player expects to lose four more hands than they win in one hundred hands, they can make up that difference by being able to double their bet in positive expected value situations.
There are many more positive value hands in a typical game of Blackjack if the player knows perfect basic strategy, so they can take advantage and help improve their bottom line. That’s why all players should know basic strategy as well as their own name! If you don't, you won't know all the positive value situations that can occur in Blackjack that will provide you with an advantage. Many times it will be the difference between walking out a winner or loser.
On the flip side, if a casino offers the Surrender option, and if the player knows the proper way to play it, they can reduce their losses in negative value situations. For those players that don't know what Surrender is, allow me to explain. On the first two cards that are dealt, when it is your turn to play, you can surrender your hand and only lose half of what you bet.
For example, if you bet twenty dollars and you are dealt a Ten and a Six, or sixteen against a dealer up card of a Ten, you will
lose fifty four percent of all money wagered in that situation in the long run if you were to play the hand out. If you surrender the hand, you will only lose ten dollars, instead of the twenty you had initially bet. Casinos won't tell you they offer this option. You usually have to ask! There is only one casino I know of in Phoenix and one in Tucson that offer this option. So, ask around.
And, one final piece of advice as there is one more important way to help improve your chances of walking out a winner. Before you sit down to play, "scout" the tables. What you are looking for is a table where the players have a larger than normal buy-in of chips. If you find a table where the players are winning, chances are you will too. Blackjack tables tend to have similar results. If you walk up to a table and one player has three chips and another has two chips, it is probably a losing table. If you sit down to play, you will probably lose too. $
Writer TJ Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for several decades. 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 book “How To Become A Blackjack Jedi” is available in electronic and hard copy formats at Amazon.com.
We Ko Pa NYE Bingo Bash!
In 1984, Ba’ja Bingo opened at what was to become Fort McDowell Casino under the leadership of tribal council president, Dr. Clinton M. Pattea. The bingo parlor created jobs for the tribal members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and paved the way for expanded gaming options throughout the state of Arizona and beyond.
“Ba’ja” relates to the Yavapai word for “The People” and is how Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation tribal members refer to their community. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has had great success with their casino enterprise, which expanded from a simple bingo parlor into the Fort McDowell Casino. In 2020, the Fort McDowell Casino underwent a major expansion and renovation into what is now the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. Opening during the Covid pandemic was a challenge, but the commitment to a 100% smoke-free casino has created an opportunity to expand the customer base. Smokers have several comfortable outdoor smoking areas to choose from while non-smokers are delighted with the clean air.
Some guests are nostalgic for “The Fort” as it was fondly referred to, and though the new state-of-the-art casino was rebranded and is now called We-Ko-Pa, the Yavapai word for the mountain range with the impressive Four Peaks, the old name is hard to shake in the community. People have great memories of the old Fort McDowell Casino, but are starting to embrace the bigger and better We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort!
Building upon the initial success of their first gaming enterprise, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation stayed true to their roots and created not only the largest Bingo Hall in the Valley, but the most fun! The Bingo Hall at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is a true haven for bingo enthusiasts. Offering both traditional paper packs and new state-of-the-art PHD electronic bingo machines, the spacious hall now accommodates up to 750 guests, providing a dynamic gaming experience.
(Continued on page 22)
(Continued from page 21)
Today, Tim Davis serves as the Bingo Director at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. Davis is the longest-tenured employee at the WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, starting as the Bingo Operations Manager at the former Fort McDowell Casino. Throughout his 35 years of dedicated service, he has held many different roles, but his heart was always in bingo, and after stints of wearing other hats, he always returned.
The employee with the second-longest tenure is Fern, who answers the Bingo Hotline. She started in a temporary position 34 years ago and got hired on and never left! When she is not answering the hotline, she likes to be playing bingo!
The Bingo Hall features MP Bingo and Planet Bingo machines, and We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort has awarded more than $9,500,000 in cash to more than 25,000 bingo winners in the last year. With more than 385 games, including package deals and specialty Bingo Bashes held throughout the year, there’s something for every player.
An exciting upcoming event to mark on your calendars is the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Bingo Bash on Tuesday, December 31st at 7pm. With more than $100,000 in prizes up for
grabs, the 34-game session will have multiple play lines and levels available. Plus, you can stimulate your packs with early reservations, a room stay, and entry into a slot tournament featuring up to $5,000 in winnings.
For reservations for the New Year’s Eve Bingo Bash, please call 480-789-4380 or for more general information, please call Fern on the Bingo Hotline at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort at 480-7894745. For more information on We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort visit WeKoPaCasinoResort.com. $
GREAT GAMES 2025 Reel Preview
Submitted by Interblock Gaming & IGT
I Stadium—Simultaneous Bets
By Interblock Gaming
nterblock Gaming’s brand new Stadium setup offers players the unique ability to place bets on up to four games at the same time, allowing for a highly engaging experience that caters to both seasoned and new players! Games available in this setup include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps, all displayed on large, high-definition screens with real-time updates. What our team really likes about Interblock is the ease-of-use game mechanics and the range of wagering options from low to high.
John Connelly, Interblock Gaming’s CEO said, “This year’s G2E was an opportunity for Interblock to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and desire to help evolve the gaming industry. We’re honored by the positive feedback from attendees and our industry partners, who recognize our vision to reshape the casino floor and elevate the player experience. Interblock’s dedication to pioneering new concepts and fostering strategic collaborations continues to drive us forward as we set new standards for the future of gaming.” Stay tuned for the January 2025 issue where we’ll discuss more of Interblock Gaming’s brand new products which are a must-have for casino floors! $
CTiger & Dragon Super Bonus
By IGT
asino equipment manufacturer IGT (International Game Technology) offers casinos a wide range of products, especially games. So, narrowing down their current product line to just a handful of games is always a challenge. As you might imagine, our visit to their showroom was overwhelming to say the least. Talk about a slot player’s paradise! One brand new slot IGT is excited about, of many, is Tiger and Dragon Super Bonus. Fans of Tiger and Dragon (us included!) should be waiting on pins and needles for this game to hit their favorite casino floor very soon. Not only did the original Tiger and Dragon win “Best Slot Product Gold” in the Global Gaming Business Gaming & Technology Awards, but this new version of the game offers all the features of the original Cash on Reels PLUS a repeat pay mechanic. And, each bonus has a SUPER version! As slot players, we’ll enjoy a Super Tiger Bonus, a Super Dragon Bonus, and the real kicker, a Super Tiger and Dragon Bonus! In any of the game’s three bonuses (Tiger, Dragon, or Tiger and Dragon Bonus) players want to land as many adjacent gongs in a row as possible, with two or more in a row triggering a credit win. Up Arrows are especially valuable, as they increase credit values exponentially. The Tiger and Dragon Bonus is a Lock & Respin bonus with unlocking levels, including the top progressive. Gongs that land adjacent with two or more in a row become credit awards, with Up Arrows generating massive win opportunities that will keep players engaged. The giant gong at the top of the screen becomes ‘charged’ each time a gong symbol lands. When the Mystery Bonus is triggered, gongs rain down on the reels and can lead to massive wins. In the showroom, we witnessed some of those massive wins, so we can’t wait to play this game with real money. And, there’s more reviews of IGT’s brand new slots coming your way in the January 2025 issue! $
GREAT GAMES 2025 Reel Preview
Submitted by AGS & Incredible Technologies
T
Boo Bucks
By AGS
he slots AGS is ready to unleash on casino floors in the near future are certain to be entertaining hits with our readers and fans. There were a lot of new games to explore during our showroom tour and one title that immediately struck our fancy was Boo Bucks. The slot’s art is really well done and immerses you in the Halloween spirit. Plus, the game pays out which, in our opinion, is way better than getting dressed up and going trick-or-treating!
As players, expect to explore a spooky, pumpkin-filled world in Boo Bucks Fangtastic & Purranormal Those game theme names are great, by the way! Featuring exciting Cash on Reels repeat win features and thrilling popular game mechanics that spark curiosity in every spin. In the Orange Bonus, grow the reels to 6 high with 5 free games, providing full stacks of wilds and a double line count for a big win! In the Purple Bonus, Cash on Reels appear which are chosen before your spin and landing them in your reel matrix will instantly award them – up to 200x your bet! And trigger both the Orange & Purple Bonus to win the best of both worlds with more free games, giving you the potential for even more Cash on Reels and Wild Stacks for massive pays!
STRATEGY ALERT!
TVisit our website for details.
Next month, we’ll dive deeper into some of AGS’ other games which should be on Arizona’s casino floors in the near future. $
3 Doves
By Incredible Technologies
o close out this month’s Great Games 2025 Reel Preview, we decided to include slot machine manufacture Incredible Technologies as well. There are a few games which are coming to Arizona’s casinos soon which we believe you’ll enjoy playing. We’ve covered one of them this month, so keep coming back for more in upcoming issues.
Snow-white doves bring fortune to players in 3 Doves. Each dove holds a bucket of shimmering gold coins, representing a trio of bonus events! A 3x5 reel set with 243 Ways to Win keep the base game interesting with big wins with Easterninspired symbols. In the Free Spins Bonus, Yellow, Blue and Orange WILD scatters not only count in Ways wins, but also trigger their respective bonus features. Each scatter that lands on the reels flies up to its bucket to either grow the heaping pile of coins or initiate the bonus! The Yellow Bonus holds 10 Free Spins with reels containing extra Wild scatters for huge payout potential and +1 spin for each scatter. The Blue Bonus offers players a choice of bonus event! Players choose a bonus with free spins varying from 3 to 15 spins with their respective Ways to Win from 243 to 7,776 Ways! They can also leave it up to fate with a random pick for a chance of any combination of spins and Ways! The Orange Bonus features random reel expansions for 10 spins. Players may find the buckets tipping in pairs or as a trio – with all three bonuses active! That’s when the really big wins come home! $
STRATEGY ALERT!
Visit our website for details.
GAMING NEWS
Submitted by HMAPR on behalf of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Submitted by Catalyst on behalf of Paradise Casino
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Celebrates Volunteer & Donation
Achievements At Annual Gala
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino celebrated their volunteer and donation contributions during the Against Abuse Seeds of Change annual gala held on October 19. Partnering with Against Abuse, a Pinal County-based organization that supports individuals affected by family dysfunction and domestic violence, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s HERO initiative enables casino team members to engage in meaningful volunteer work and financial support initiatives. One such initiative led by the SAVVY Business Impact Group was a Giving Tree event which collected bedding, socks, paper towels and toiletry items for the Against Abuse shelter. Throughout 2024, the HERO committee, SAVVY team members and guests through NRT donations, raised more than $20,000 and volunteered more than 130 hours.
“We are incredibly proud to back an organization that provides such critical services to our community,” said Donata Cobb, SAVVY leader. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team.”
“When Harrah’s Ak-Chin formed SAVVY and the team said they wanted to partner with us, we were thrilled,” said Torri Anderson, Seeds of Change Chairperson and Against Abuse Inc. Board Member. “The team’s efforts have helped us make a huge difference in the lives of those who need an extra hand.”
And, don’t miss these December promotions at Harrah’s AkChin Casino including: The Win Your Wheels monthly giveaway on Saturday, December 28, Freezing Free Slot Play on Wednesdays in December (4, 11 & 18) with $500 in free slot play up for grabs every 20 minutes from Noon to 7 p.m., and 10X Reward Credit Multiplier Wednesdays in December (4, 11 & 18) from 8 a.m. to midnight at the promotional kiosks. For more information, visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $
Paradise
Casino
Loteria,
Thirsty Thursdays & More
Every Monday in December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Loteria will be played at the top of each hour for your chance to win $100 in Rewards Play. Earn up to 3 cards per day, earn 100 points for your first card, 200 points for your second card, and 300 points for your third card.
Thirsty Thursdays – Now through the end of December, Paradise Casino will offer complimentary beverage packs to eligible Player Rewards Card members. As part of this promotion, members will have the option to select their preferred beverage, choosing between beer or soda. Earn 100 points every Thursday in December to win a free 6 pack of beer or soda!
Dining Specials The Cove Prime Rib Dinner at $17.95 per person on Friday & Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. The Reef Late Night Menu is now offered and available Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Sharky’s Lounge has live entertainment every Friday and Saturday with Food and Drink specials during all live NFL Games. Plus, Every Wednesday Hero Player Rewards Club members get $10 in Rewards Play & Double Hero Club benefits at the hotel, gift shops and their restaurants.
Mark Cormican
DJ Bobby Mac
UFC 310: Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
Comedy Night: Jay Penn & Jay Davis
Bobby G and the Time Machine
DJ Bobby Mac ~ Bobby G and the Time Machine ~ NYE
For more info, visit Paradise-Casinos.com. $
GAMING NEWS
Submitted by Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos
Submitted by the American Gaming Association
Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos
Celebrate Christmas & New Year’s Eve!
Forge
Celebrate the Holidays at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos! Roll the dice, spin the wheel, and enjoy the newest slot machines at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos in beautiful Prescott! Enjoy all the fun, laughter, excitement, and good times their smoke free, relaxed and friendly casino floors have to offer. Win your share of $130,500 in CASH PRIZES during the Holiday and New Year’s Eve promotions. Pick a present with Holiday Cash Haul, reach into a stocking during Stacks and Stockings, Table Games Christmas Jamboree Hot Seats, 25’s a Vibe NYE White Out Party Cash Blizzard including a Grand Prize drawing for $25,000! Also join them for entertainment & great food!
Table Games is celebrating with Christmas Jamboree Hot Seats on Saturdays in December (7, 14 and 21) at Bucky’s Casino. Join the fun 4 p.m. to midnight! Winners receive $50 in chips and a special gift valued at up to $150.
Tis the season for Holly and Jolly! Play Holly Jolly Hot Seats on Christmas Day where 5 winners will receive $250 in Gold Rewards from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at both Casinos!
It is a “25’s a Vibe” NYE 2025 White Out Party at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos! Join them for lots of fun, excitement, entertainment, great food and drinks and $75,000 in CASH PRIZES! White Gold Hot Seats go all day! Winners will receive $250 in Gold Rewards, hourly from noon to midnight at both casinos! There will be Cash Blizzard drawings with five $2,500 cash winners at 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m., and midnight and a Grand Prize drawing at 12:30 a.m., January 1st, 2025, with one lucky winner of $25,000 in cash! $ Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos are only 90 miles north of Phoenix, offering historic charm with a hometown atmosphere. Relax in the beautiful pines and enjoy smoke-free gaming at Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos. Let’s Play Preskitt! Visit them at BuckysCasino.com for details. Must be 21 or older. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-NEXTSTEP.
AGA, ECA & BGC
Strategic
Dialogue To Address Global Gaming Challenges
The American Gaming Association (AGA), European Casino Association (ECA), and the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) announced today the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that marks the beginning of a collaboration grounded in shared industry values and priorities. The MOU formalizes a commitment among the three associations to address key issues facing the global gaming industry including illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation, and security.
"This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe," said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. "By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices.”
“By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry and ensuring its continued growth and success,” Miller added.
The MOU will create a platform for undertaking joint research projects and bringing each organization’s staff and members together to share expertise.
The first initiative under this MOU will be a law enforcement roundtable focused on combating illegal gambling. Scheduled for January 2025, this roundtable will bring together industry leaders, law enforcement officials, and regulators to discuss the impact of illegal gambling on legal operators, consumer safety, and the global financial system. $
Casino Del Sol Receives Numerous Awards
Casino Del Sol is thrilled to announce that it has received the “Best Casino” award a 4th year in a row, since 2020, and has accumulated multiple awards in other categories since 2003. The Hiapsi Spa claimed “Best Spa” in the Reader Recommended category showing that the Tucson-area residents love their experiences at the Casino Del Sol’s amenities. In total Casino Del Sol has won 10 awards since 2003.
"Receiving these awards from Tucson Weekly’s Best of 2024 is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are incredibly proud of our staff and the extraordinary experience they provide to our guests," said Kim Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol. Casino Del Sol continues to thrive and build excitement in the casino and hospitality industry, offering an exceptional resort experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
Ugly Sweater Cosmic Bingo on December 6 where Best Dressed wins $300, $200, $100 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. $25,000 Bingo Super Session on December 28 Evening Session with all regular session games paying $1,199 and the last game paying $10,000. Super Session Extras Promo through December 28 where you can earn extra Super Session packs for the regular session games when you win any bingo during the Mini/Matinee or Evening Sessions.
$86,000 Reindeer Riches! You know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, but did you know when you collect all 9 unique Reindeer through December 25, you could win a jolly $5,000 in cash! Earn points, collect game pieces, and get a chance to win Free Play and cash prizes. Dash into the fun daily from noon to 7 p.m. and get your game pieces while supplies last! Tis the Season to Win! For info, visit CasinoDelSol.com. $
GAMING NEWS
Submitted by Sandoval on behalf of Casino Del Sol
Submitted by Catalyst on behalf of Quechan Casino Resort
Quechan Casino Resort Home On The Road & More
Home On The Road It’s the Home On The Road Giveaway! Fridays and Saturdays in December, play for the chance to win a share of over $100,000 in rewards play, cash prizes and the grand prize of a travel trailer on December 27 at 10:30 p.m. Players can earn double entries on Tuesdays. And on the final week you can collect even more bonus drawings the more that you play December 25 & 26 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Point Multiplier Mondays Back by popular demand, Quechan Casino Resort will offer qualified Player Rewards Club members the chance to earn a Point Multiplier based on their Tier level every Monday from December 2 through December 30, 2024.
December Earn a Gift Now earn your gift at either property! Sundays, December 1–29 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. earn 100 points at Quechan Casino Resort or Paradise Casino to receive an item from the Stone Bakeware Collection. The kit includes a Bakers Dish, 2 Piece Pour Bowl Set, 2 Piece Oval Platter Set, Dutch Oven & a Pie Dish.
More December Gifts Tuesdays & Wednesdays, December 3 through 25 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. earn 125 points at Quechan Resort Casino or Paradise Casino to receive an item from the 18K Golden Chef Selection. The set includes a 4.5 Qt Casserole Pot, 1.5 Qt Sauce pan, 11” Frying Pan & a 9.5” Frying Pan.
Ralph Barbosa Join them on December 5 for an unforgettable comedy experience with Ralph Barbosa! Known for his disarming and laid-back style, Ralph has taken the comedy scene by storm, from sold out shows to starring on Jimmy Fallon. This is one show you won’t want to miss! Tickets are on sale now! For more information, visit PlayQCR.com. $
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
BLUEWATER CASINO Parker
DJs Dig Lounge Fridays & Saturdays 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Clay Walker December 14
BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS Prescott
Live music at the Prescott Resort 6-9 p.m. Saturdays.
Cantina Karaoke Mondays 6-9 p.m.
CASINO ARIZONA Scottsdale
Fan Halen Christmas (Van Halen DLR Era) Dec. 6 & 7
A Merry Little Linda Ronstadt Christmas Dec. 13, 14 & 15
Christmas with Reba & Dolly December 20, 21 & 22
Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin) December 27 & 28
Ring In 2025 December 31
Summer of 69 (Bryan Adams) January 3, 4 & 5
The Long Run (The Eagles) January 17, 18 & 19
Bonfire (AC/DC Bon Scott Era) January 24 & 25
The Police Experience January 31, February 1 & 2
CASINO DEL SOL Tucson
19th Tamal Festival December 7
Lady Winehouse (Lady Gaga & Amy Winehouse) Dec. 30
COCOPAH CASINO Somerton Karaoke Saturdays 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO Maricopa
Live at The Lounge Series Wed. Fri. Sat. Contact Casino. Midland December 31
HON-DAH RESORT CASINO Pinetop
Monday Funday Comedy Shows at 7 p.m.
Various Acts At The Timber’s Showroom at 8 p.m. (Tu-Sa)
MAZATZAL CASINO Payson
Contact casino for more information.
PARADISE CASINO Yuma
UFC 310 December 7
Comedy Night December 13
NYE December 31
TALKING STICK RESORT Scottsdale
Billy Prine December 6
REO Speedwagon December 15
Australian Bee Gees January 4
Kathleen Madigan January 25
Aaron Lewis January 31
The Righteous Brothers February 15
Ron White March 8
QUECHAN CASINO RESORT Winterhaven, CA
Ralph Barbosa December 5
Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience January 23, 2025
WE-KO-PA CASINO RESORT Fountain Hills
Live Music In Ember Steakhouse
Live Music In WKP Sports & Entertainment
Sawyer Brown December 21
Fuel & Lit January 10
Blue Öyster Cult January 11
Becky Robinson February 6
En Vogue February 7
Midland @ Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Lady Winehouse @ Casino Del Sol
Sawyer Brown
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
December 21
“Step That Step” and take “The Walk” to the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort to hear Sawyer Brown, one of country music’s most iconic bands. Formed in 1981, Sawyer Brown vaulted to fame after winning Star Search, and have earned a devoted fan base over the past 40 years. Led by frontman Mark Miller, who wrote some of their most popular songs including “The Boys and Me” and “Thank God For You,” the band delivers timeless tunes in a high-energy performance. “Some Girls Do” – you can too! For tickets visit their website at WeKoPaCasinoResort.com.
And you don’t want to miss all the other free entertainment at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in December. On December 6, listen to KC & The Moonshine Band Filling the dance floor with rockin’ country covers till the moon goes down or the sun comes up (whichever comes first), KC and the Moonshine Band plays Appalachian and folk music, originals and covers, and all the hillbilly hip you can stand.
On December 7, listen to Outside the Line deliver a great mix of fun music from the 60s, 70s and 80s through today. With a repertoire of everything from classic rock, pop and R&B to Motown, Dance and Oldies, Arizona’s premiere party band knows what it takes to get this party started!
Plus, The Amber Band performs on December 13, followed by Big Chad & the Southern Gentlemen on December 14. Listen to Silhouette on December 20, Chauncey Jones on December 21, Western Fusion Band on December 27, and Thaddeus Rose on December 28. For more information, visit WeKoPaCasinoResort.com. $
Theresa Caputo Live! Quechan Casino Resort
January 23
For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the new Lifetime Series Raising Spirits has touched the lives of millions of fans, comforting supporters when they need it most. Now Yuma, Arizona fans will get their chance at healing when the acclaimed medium and beloved personality appears live at the Quechan Casino Resort!
Known for her unique ability to communicate with those who have passed on, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans as Spirit guides her through the audience, and a full-stage video display ensures that everyone in the theater has an up-close experience regardless of seat location. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed, the beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to her audience, reassuring them with the revelation that their deceased loved ones are still with them just in a different way.
“The Experience isn’t about believing in mediums. It’s about seeing something life-changing” says Theresa Caputo. “It’s witnessing first-hand spirit communication.”
Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 20 years, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience is the aweinspiring event you won’t want to miss. Learn more about Theresa at TheresaCaputo.com.
For tickets and more information, visit PlayQCR.com. $
SCREAMING, HITTING & MORE
Knock It The (Insert F-Bomb Here) Out Folks, Seriously...
Recently, I received emails from numerous fans of ours. They were all on the same general topic so I decided to condense what I received into one article. Reader comments are in italics below and my remarks follow.
I love playing slots, I love your magazine, and I know some people think I’m crazy for playing. Some people look at gambling as a sin, others think us gamblers are desperate losers and addicts, plus I frequently hear, “The casinos are evil.” I don’t think that at all but what doesn't help is the person next to me who insists on yelling, “Three, three, three…” over and over again at the top of their lungs.
I’ve seen several people at multiple casinos yelling out loud.
The hitting of the slots is what really is frightening.
Is the machine going to break? Is my game going to fall over on me? Why doesn’t anybody do something about this?
You have to say something about this because I’m scared to be around people who behave like this.
I’m getting sick of a handful of casino patrons giving the rest of us a bad name in the eyes of casino executives, employees, other guests, and the general public. Plus, they just ruin all the fun. Nobody wants that.
At craps, blackjack, and roulette tables, chanting a number repeatedly can be part of the shared and boisterous experience. But what I’ve personally witnessed at the slots with the, “Three, three, three…” chant probably wouldn’t be allowed to continue for very long at the tables.
We all want an entertainment experience at casinos, some to escape, some to risk our budgeted gambling bankroll, some just for a night out to celebrate a special day. But, being forced to listen to someone scream, “Three, three, three,…” the entire time they are playing a slot, video poker, or video keno is not fun. Plus, it’s creepy. As a customer, I want a positive experience at any establishment I patronize. The slot machine can’t guarantee that, but management can control the remaining aspects of the experience. Including the behavior of their guests.
To the casino visitors out there who yell at slots, dealers, cocktail servers, other front-line employees, just stop. You make all of us look bad. If you have a mantra, say it in your mind. That’s
t need to at a video poker game or a similar chant (“Bonus, bonus, bonus…” at a slot) over and over again at full volume. THAT IS NOT A SLOT STRATEGY! ANYONE WHO TOLD YOU TO BEHAVE THAT WAY, AS A “STRATEGY,” IS EITHER A FOOL OR IS TRYING TO MAKE YOU INTO A FOOL. And by association make all the rest of us look like fools for visiting a casino.
Also, to all of you slot players who hit the monitors during Hold & Spin bonuses. Stop it. THAT IS NOT A SLOT STRATEGY EITHER. That just makes you look desperate. You cannot influence the outcome of any Hold & Spin feature on casino floors after you press the spin button. Sorry. Next, I’ll move on to all you button bashers out there. Stop it. THAT IS NOT A SLOT STRATEGY EITHER. Have you noticed how nothing happens the faster or harder you hit the button? And yes, slots can tip over. I’ve seen it happen! One more thing, turning the volume on a slot to the maximum does not put the game into a special mode which allows you to win. THAT IS NOT A SLOT STRATEGY EITHER.
Stop hurting yourself! Stop trying to break the slot with your fists and hands. Not only might you injure yourself to the point where you require medical attention, but the casino could hold you responsible for physical damages to their property, and another patron might take you to court if your actions injure them. But most importantly, stop acting as if you are crazy! Your inconsiderate actions put the rest of us gamblers and the industry in a bad light. That’s not the reputation we want. Gamblers all want a fun and safe entertainment experience at a casino and we’ll patronize casinos who foster that environment. $
Thank you to our readers for your questions and comments, we appreciate you! Write us at Sami@AZGamingGuide.com or by mail at Sami’s Smackdown, AZ Gaming Guide, PO BOX 20636, Mesa, AZ, 85277.
WORD SEARCH
To Celebrate Holiday Recipes in December, Find: APPLE PIE, APPLESAUCE, BAKED HAM, PUDDING, CANDY CANES, CHEESECAKE, CHERRY PIE, EGGNOG, GRAVY, KUGELS, LATKES, POTATOES, CHESTNUTS, TURKEY, STUFFING, NUTMEG, PUMPKIN PIE, YAMS, CINNAMON, CRANBERRIES. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 38)
J S P G Q S V L E G U K S O U
W E I P N I M P A Q X F U K P
E I P Y R R E C Q S M A Y B H
C E A Y J O G T I E K P C G U
R G O B B X P E N C Y F M N W
A G J I A I U P K W U E C I D
N N B G K C F E D O A N A K A
B O H R E I D C J S R N T F I
E G B A D N I E G E U D A U P
R I S V H N N S E L T Y T T E
R Z E Y A A G E M P I C O S L
I G K S M M A E T P C A E Z P
E Q T F K O L H U A R N S C P
S X A H D N R C N Q C E K V A
D Q L K S T T E H C N S S U N
Jokes & Quotes
Research shows that laughing stimulates the immune system and may help prevent or reverse some medical conditions.
How did the ornament get addicted to Christmas? It was hooked on trees his whole life.
Why was Santa’s little helper depressed? Because he had very low ELF esteem.
What do you call a broke Santa Claus? Saint-nickel-less.
Why does Scrooge love reindeer so much? Because every single buck is dear to him!
How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing. It was on the house!
Where does Santa keep all his money? At the local snow bank.
Why is Santa Claus a super-easy opponent at the poker table? He always checks twice.
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: HARD (Solution on page 38)
Zodiac Lucky Numbers
Aries (March 21 – April 19): 5, 13, 18, 38, 44, 62
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): 1, 3, 26, 29, 56, 67
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): 4, 21, 26, 33, 43, 57
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): 3, 12, 24, 30, 50, 65
Leo (July 23 – August 22): 2, 10, 19, 28, 54, 57
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): 9, 20, 26, 32, 47, 58
Libra (September 23 – October 22): 2, 13, 21, 38, 44, 57
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): 3, 10, 23, 42, 46, 57
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): 1, 14, 25, 36, 51, 63
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): 7, 24, 26, 39, 45, 69
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): 8, 14, 21, 29, 51, 59
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): 4, 10, 16, 30, 55, 67
Green Wood Dragon Year
Ask for good luck: 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 21, 24, 27, 30, 31. Travel: 1, 2, 4, 5, 15, 27, 28, 30.
Meet with someone: 2, 3, 4, 28, 30, 31. There is overlap on the 2nd and the 30th this month!
Other Auspicious Days this month: Wedding: 2, 5, 7, 15, 27, 31.
Buying A Car: 4, 5, 9, 15, 16, 26, 27, 28.
Moving: 2, 4, 5, 7, 15, 30.
Treatment / Surgery: 2, 8, 27.
CASINO DIRECTORY
13. Desert Diamond Casino-W.V. 101 & Northern Ave. Glendale
14. Desert Diamond Casino-Why Hwy. 86, Milepost 55
15. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa
16. Hon-Dah Casino 777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop 800-929-
17. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler
18. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson
19.
20. Quechan Casino I-8, Exit 166
21. SanTan Mountain Casino 7101 S Gilbert
23. Talking Stick Resort 101 & Indian Bend Scottsdale
24. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino 1-40, Exit 219 Flagstaff 855-946
25. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800-946-
26.
28. We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd. Fort
