February 2015 by Arizona Player

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Harrah’s Gives back Casino Entertainment Card Room Action Statewide Blackjack Corner – Call him Mr. Lucky

Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com

Reviews- WMS Willy Wonka & Mad Men Boyd’s Eye View - SupercalifragilisticexpialidociousReel

Vol. 23 No. 2 •February 2015

COVER STORY ON PAGE 8

WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

Contents

Vol. 23 No. 2 • February 2015

Gaming News "Harrah’s Gives Back in a Big Way"

Cover Story Talking Stick Resort – “Complete Guide to Spring Training Action”

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” 10

Gaming•Entertainment•Travel PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net

Editor Phil Scudella Production Assistants John Olson Graphic Design CommuniGraphics

Contributing Photography Jason Crow Kevin Cummings Anne Groebner Melody Hudson Briana Jimenez David Monrreal Mark Neel Special Thanks to: David Ramsey Bill Robbins The incredible Melissa Rowberry marketing department at Satara Williams Talking Stick Resort and staff at The Riester Agency!

Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Kevin Cummings Tony Deluz Cindy Esquer Anne Groebner Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen Brian Mulligan David Ramsey Satara Williams The Riester Agency

The Arizona Player is published the first weekend of each month. All claims or guarantees are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All comments and views of contributing writers are their own and do not reflect official policy of the Arizona Player which assumes no liability for any advertisement not supplied camera ready by the advertiser. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher and Copyright owners is prohibited.

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Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “WMS Willy Wonka & Mad Men"

TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “4 Million to 1”

AZ Lottery News Scratchers & The PICK Huge winners

Card Room Action Table Game Action Around the State

Contest Page "Spring Training Getaway for Lunch and Ballgame!"

Gaming News "Cliff Castle Casino Provides Funding for Non-Profit Groups"

Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide

Travel Anne Groebner “The White Mountain Winter Games”

David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey Movie & DVD reviews

Bingo Directory Complete List of Bingo Games at all Arizona Casinos

Jokes of the Month, Astrology, & Casino Directory

gaming news HARRAH’S GIVES BACK - IN A BIG WAY On January 21, the Caesars Foundation, coordinated through the staff at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, presented an $8,000 check to American Cancer Society for Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s month-long initiative to raise awareness of preventative health and treatment of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino also donated $3,100 to the American Cancer Society from donations from Harrah’s employee’s activities and donations. “Caesars Entertainment, and locally at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, has a long-standing passion for community outreach and volunteerism,” said Jane Stimmel, employee engagement manager and HERO chair. “We were excited to participate in this program through Caesars Foundation and coordinate the Foundation’s donation to the American Cancer Society.” The Caesars Foundation is a private foundation funded by a percentage of operating income from Caesars Entertainment’s resorts. The Foundation’s objective is to strengthen organizations and programs in the communities where our employees and their families live and work. Nationally, the Caesars Foundation focuses on supporting the continued independence of health and wellness, and honoring older Americans. The Caesars Foundation also provides gifts that support sustainability programs that work to meet current needs without compromising the future. This includes projects and programs focused on reducing our carbon footprint, energy and water consumption and recycling. On the local level, the Caesars Foundation supports civic programs vital to the success of each of our communities, including organizations involved with education, children and families, adults, the environment, health care and the arts. For more information about the Caesars Foundation, please visit www.caesarsfoundation.com.

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Left to right: Mike Kintner, director of marketing and operations, Christine Todd, development systems program manager, Whitney Rivest (ACS), Lynn Johnson (ACS), Jane Stimmel, employee engagement manager / HERO chair and Denis Cournoyer (ACS). Celebrating more than 20 years in Maricopa, Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Offering the largest selection of the latest reel and video slots in a range of denominations, Harrah’s Ak-Chin features slot machines, video poker, video Keno as well as popular statewide progressives and liveaction poker and Black Jack. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Total Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos. Harrah’s Ak-Chin also boasts the only Bingo hall in the Caesars organization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937. For more information, please visit www.harrahsakchin.com.

Cover story

Your Cactus League Connection New Website Offers the Most Complete Cactus League Resource Guide Available

Spring is just around the corner, and Arizona is already starting to heat up with the excitement and anticipation of spring training. To help you plan for this year’s Cactus League games, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort have created The Ultimate Spring Training Guide. The guide is packed with information for sports fans, as well as for those who want to explore the sights and destinations that make Arizona such a popular destination. You can find the guide by visiting spiringtrainingphoenix.com. Each year, baseball fans make a pilgrimage to Arizona to see their favorite players take to the field. Hope springs eternal as the new season brings a fresh start for each team. Find schedules for all of the Cactus League teams by visiting springtrainingphoenix.com. On the website, you’ll also find a comprehensive map of all the local stadiums. For years, baseball fans have enjoyed the fact that Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort are conveniently located near many Cactus League facilities. Casino Arizona is the closest casino to Sloan Park, where the Chicago Cubs play. Talking Stick Resort is just minutes from Scottsdale Stadium (home of the San Francisco Giants), and the resort offers free shuttle service to the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, where you can catch Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies games. The shuttle service runs from March 3 - April 4 and starts 90 minutes before the game. It continues to run for an hour after the game and is available to Player Rewards Club members and hotel guests. In order to board the shuttle, you only need to show your hotel key or Player Rewards Club card.

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If you’re looking for advice on where to go around town when you’re not at a stadium, check out the site’s Entertainment and Dining section. It’s packed with information about shopping, restaurants, nightlife, golfing and more. Find out which restaurants made the list for the “Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale” or learn where you can watch Arizona’s best tribute bands that play the classic songs you know and love. To enjoy 24-7 gaming, entertainment and dining in a convenient location, make your way to Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. As an added bonus, if you bring your same-day ticket stub to Talking Stick Resort, you can get a $2 draft at any of the resort’s lounges or restaurants, including Blue Coyote Cafe and the newly renovated lounge, Palo Verde. At Casino Arizona, $2.50 craft beers are on tap at the Arizona Room Patio Grill during spring training. For those who want to stay with Talking Stick Resort during spring training, the resort offers hotel packages that include some great extras. Those traveling with a significant other can purchase the Ready for Romance package that includes a luxurious room at the resort, along with a couples’ Swedish massage at The Spa at Talking Stick Resort. If golfing is on your agenda, the Par for the Course and Fairway to Heaven packages could make your spring training trip even better. For more spa options, check out the details for the Relaxation Elevated package. And baseball fans won’t want to pass up the Spring Training Game Day Backstop Ticket Packages or the Spring Training Game Day Dugout Ticket Packages that are both offered at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Get more details by visiting springtrainingphoenix.com.

Cover story

Whether this is your first trip to spring training or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been going to games for more years than you can count, this new website is a valuable resource. Be sure to bookmark the site, so you can refer to it throughout the season.

A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

by Linda Boyd

supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

couldn’t miss the irony that it was in this month, February (2000), one of the biggest upsets in the Scottish Cup football competition occurred when Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Glasgow’s revered Celtic FC resulting in the newspaper headline “Super Caley Go Ballistic Celtic Are Atrocious”. In fact this header appeared in The Sun and was subsequently rated one of the six all time greatest sports headlines by The Guardian, a competing publication. Even though supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, from the film Mary Poppins, is actually a nonsense word used by children to express approval or delight, it has entered the English-speaking lexicon to express exuberance. That’s really what gambling in Arizona and elsewhere is all about since there are simply too many hands in the cookie jar to be a viable way to earn an income. So what’s so great about gaming in Arizona?

Same Game: In bygone days you really did have to go to Nevada, preferably Las Vegas, to get the games with the best odds. In fact, I remember when Arizona casinos had pull tabs in bingo parlors and patrons played in a tent structure. As time moved on, Arizona casinos became licensed to have devices that looked like slot machines, but in reality were a form of electronic pull tabs or scratch tickets housed in a metal device. Those times are in the distant past. Next the manufacturers of the same mechanisms sold to Nevada casinos made their debut on the floor of local casinos. Finally, the pay schedules and ER chips within machines on Las Vegas Boulevard can also be found right here in the Arizona desert. There are still a few remaining hurdles, but the gap is definitely closing. For example, no place on earth can replicate iconic Downtown Vegas with its ever present taste and flavor of the mobster days in the nineteen forties. Nostalgia for mafia-run casinos still exists and some find the thugs more honorable than today’s corporate decision-makers. Also, there are a few good plays in off-the-beaten-path Vegas casinos that have yet to be matched in Arizona. Overall, however, you will find the same VP, slot and table games, occasionally better ones, without hopping on a plane or driving the distance. In fact, most European and South American casinos can’t even begin to compare with what we have in our own backyard.

“Unbirthdays”: There’s no denying that Vegas is the renowned party capital of the world and the place to be on New Year’s Eve and your birthday. However, the other 363 days of the year (like the 364 “Unbirthdays” in “Alice in Wonderland”) can be well-celebrated closer to home. I’m referring to the myriad promotional events that are calling you off the couch and into the closest gambling den. You can win extravagant prizes like a new car or just gift certificates and, not to be shunned, hard cash. The activities that precede these possibilities can be games or just the luck of the draw. Local marketing staffs are extremely creative in both the give-away 10 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2015

events and the potential rewards, like balloons, lavish displays, comedic competitions (like trying to grab flying cash while in an enclosed space) and even staff costumes make it feel like a real celebratory occasion. Best of all they are free and usually based on your play, meaning there’s more equity for frequent players. Patrons with the highest level card may be invited to special dinners, given free concert tickets, comped meals or anything else to incentivize their biggest gamblers. (I know they all like to call you their “best players”, but that’s a euphemism here and elsewhere.)

Valentines: Arizona is sometimes called the “Valentine” state because it gained statehood on February 14, 1912. In keeping with the tradition, there are plenty of Valentines available at your favorite Arizona casino.

Champagne and Spas: It’s not just Vegas and Atlantic City that have nightclubs and top entertainment for both players and non-gamblers. Even if you’re not into taking a chance with your cash, you can still enjoy top entertainment and fine dining at a nearby casino. Your meal won’t be free or even discounted but the price will be fair (often less than commercial venues with A-list talent) and the entertainment glitzy enough to make Valentine’s Day feel special.

Pleasure Domes: Reflecting back several years you used to find posh gambling resorts only in Vegas and maybe a few exotic spots outside of our borders, but that’s no longer the case. In fact if you’re local and want to have a mini-vacation you may get either free or discounted rooms based on your play. Just like with fine dining options, you will probably have to pay the full amount if you’re a non-gambler, but the price will be fair and the atmosphere a cut above many similarly priced hotel options.

Final Thoughts: So, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Staying at a local spot is for the most precocious, Especially for those of us who also are loquacious, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Um diddle diddle um diddle ay - Um diddle diddle um diddle ay”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming and “Midwest Gaming. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules & strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for her story in “American Casino Guide” (ACG) and her YouTube videos, also with ACG. Her radio shows with Southern Gaming will soon be available on iTunes. The Second Edition of her book is available in both paperback and kindle. Available 1-877-900Book, at amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publisherswww.squareonepublishers.com

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Reel Reviews

TJ’s Blackjack corner

million to

by TJ Jorgensen

was putting my sport coat on to head out for the evening and discovered a couple of $100 chips in the pocket. Since my destination was close to the casino I figured I would stop in and cash them out. Little did I know at that point that my destiny and fate had been sealed – The planets were aligned, the moon was full, and a rare event of biblical proportions was about to take place. Upon arrival at the Casino I walked towards the cashiers cage and noticed a dealer friend of mine dealing at a table with one player. I figured I might as well say hi and play a couple of hands. The six deck shoe had about three decks left to be played, so I placed a bet in the circle and received my favorite hand, Blackjack! The odds of getting that hand are around 21 to 1. What a great way to start! The next hand was dealt and to my surprise - Blackjack again! Now this is indeed a rare event because the odds of getting two blackjacks in a row are around 400 to 1. It’s not the first time I have had that happen, but this is not a common occurrence. The cards were dealt for my third hand and I was shocked when I was dealt yet another blackjack!

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Three in a row! This is amazing! What are the odds of getting three blackjacks in a row? Well it’s approximately ten thousand to one! I have been playing blackjack for over twenty years and that has only happened to me only one other time, so it is indeed a rare event. My dealer friend said that in over eleven years of dealing blackjack nearly every day, his personal record was four Blackjacks in row. So, I said “well, let’s tie your personal record». My fourth hand was dealt and the first card was a ten and I said, «Doesn›t look good» but then, «Bam» an ace, my fourth blackjack in a row. I was stunned – The odds of 4 consecutive blackjacks, 160,000 to 1. Incredible! At this point, I’m beside myself, because I have witnessed something very rare. I told my friend laughing «Well let’s set a new world record». The cards were dealt for my fifth hand and again my first card was a ten, I said, «Well four was incredible» Then Wham! Bam! My second card again was an ace! Five BLACKJACKS in a row!! The odds of getting 5 consecutive Blackjacks…..4,200,000 to 1! That’s Four point two million to one!

The other person at the table was a first time player and said, «That’s pretty good dude» He had no idea of the magnitude of the event that he had just witnessed. This is something that I have never seen before or will probably ever see again. To put it in perspective, the odds of being dealt a royal flush in Poker on the first 5 cards are 650,000 to 1. That event is 6 times more likely to occur than 5 blackjacks in a row. I am just happy that it happened to me, someone that appreciates the rarity of that occurrence. Here’s my question to my readers “What›s the most consecutive blackjacks that you have ever received?” If anyone has ever been dealt 5 or more send me an email. Editor’s note; after reading this story, I believe it’s time for T.J. to officially change his name to “Mr. Lucky” T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play and has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world. He also has won the prestigious World Series of Blackjack. His book, “Beating the Casino at Their Own Game,” is available by e-mail tj21pro@gmail.com

lottery news BLACK TIE EVENT FOR JOEL VASQUEZ

Joe’s Game is always The Pick

Somerton resident, Joel Vazquez and his father often take turns purchasing instant scratch tickets after work. Recently, his father purchased a Black Tie Bingo ticket at the Chevron just south of Yuma in Somerton, Arizona and gave it to his son. Joel scratched the ticket at home. When he was finished scratching it, he thought it looked like a big winner. All the signs were there, but it was hard to believe even after checking it several times. Joel took the ticket back to the store to be checked. The clerk gave him the paperwork, but did not know how much the ticket was worth. All he could tell Joel was that he would have to go to the Lottery to redeem the ticket. It wasn’t until Joel turned in his ticket that he found out it was a $50,000 top prize winner. Joel buys instant scratch tickets, usually Crossword, twice a week. He does not buy any draw games, preferring the excitement of the instant win. Joel just found out that he’s going to become a father in June, so the timing of this win is perfect. He’s going to put a big part of the money away for the baby and use the rest to go back to school.

He has 2.8 million reasons why Joe DeSilva, from Phoenix, purchased his usual multidraw Quick Pick tickets, this time at the QuikTrip at 27th Avenue and Thunderbird in Phoenix. The Pick is the only game he plays. As he usually does, he threw the ticket onto his computer desk, where it was quickly buried under paperwork. A few days later, while talking to his mom on the phone, Joe began to straighten out his desk and discovered the ticket. While still on the phone, he went online to check it and was stunned to discover he had six matching numbers for the January 24 drawing of The Pick. Joe checked the ticket several times. Those six matching numbers made him the winner of the $2.8 million jackpot. Not only was Joe in disbelief, so was his mom. Joe took a few days to make some important decisions before coming to the Lottery to redeem his ticket. He opted for the lump sum payment of $1,902,903.80 before taxes – and already has a financial advisor and an attorney. Joe is going to invest the money so he can take care of his family and his future.

ARIZONA PLAYER February 2015 15

CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438

Globe, AZ Dealing blackjack, and poker daily at 3pm NLHE Tournaments – Sun 2pm & Wed 6pm – Buy-in $25 w/ one $15 re-buy

Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777

Scottsdale, AZ Sun, Feb 15, 11:15am – “Super Satellite” – Win an Entry into the 4th Annual Arena Winter Poker Classic - $110 buy-in (1seat awarded for every entries) Feb 21 – 23, 11:15 am – 4th Annual Arena Winter Poker Classic - $400 buy-in Mon – Fri, 11:15 am – NLHE Tournament - $100 buy-in w/ $25 s/c Mon – Thurs, 7:15pm - NLHE, $145 buy-in Sat, Feb 14, Mar 14 & Apr 11, 11:15 am – “Super Bounty” NLHE - $240 buy-in w/ $100 Bounties Sat, Apr 18 & May 16, 11:15am – Turbo Bounty NLHE - $235 buy-in w/ $100 Bounties Sat, Feb 28, Mar 28 & Apr 25, 11:15 am – Last Saturday NLHE - $160 buy-in Sat, Mar 7, 11:15am – “Big Stack” NLHE – $300 BI w/$30 s/c (opt $15 dealer Add-0n) Sun, Mar 1, 11:15am – Omaha Hi-Lo Tournament - $150 buy-in Sun, Mar 15 & May 17, 11:15am – Jack & Jill NLHE Tournament - $110 buy-in per couple Sat, Mar 21, May 24 & Oct 24, 11:15am - NLHE “Big Stack” Tournament - $500 buy-in Sun, Mar 29 & may 31, 11:15am – Ladies NLHE Tournament - $110 buy-in Food Specials; $4 breakfast and $6.75 Steak & Eggs (2 am – Noon) Mondays $16 Prime Rib Dinner (5-11pm)

$20 re-buy, $5 Bounties Plus High Hand of the Tournament Fri, 8pm - NLHE Tournament - $35 buyin, w/ one $20 re-buy Sat, 8pm – “Big Stack” NLHE Tournament $100 buy-in, no re-buys Sun & Wed – Spreading 2-8 Omaha Daily-“Aces Cracked” pays $40 and Royal Flush pays $200 Also dealing blackjack daily at 9am

Bucky’s Casino 928-771-6779

Prescott, AZ Mon – Fri, 10am - NLHE Shootouts $25 entry Mon – Thurs, 6pm NLHE $50 buy-in(top 3-5 cash) top 5 earn points for Player of Month (3 places $300, $200 & $100) Saturdays at noon DEEP STACK Tournament - $100 buy-in Sunday Feb 22, Mar29 & Apr 26 & May 31 - Omaha Hi/Lo at Noon - $100 added per table $80 buy-in Every Mon & Wed – Spreading Omaha Hi/Lo High Hand of the day – See poker room for details Win a Poker Cruise from Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico! Includes air fare, hotel (1 night) and 5 day cruise, qualify Sunday Mar 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 10am, noon & 2pm - $60 buy-in, see poker room for details Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Now playing; 3 Card Poker, “Texas Shoot Out” and High Card Flush w/ bonus jackpot

Casino Arizona 480-850-7777

Also dealing blackjack 24/7

Scottsdale, AZ Blackjack Tournaments: Tues, noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” $ 50 buy-in Fri, 2:30am - The “Great Late” Tournament, $25 buy-in Dealing blackjack 24/7

Parker, AZ Poker Room opens at 4pm daily except 2pm on Sun & Wed Tues at 7pm, NLHE Tournament - $35 buyin, w/ one $20 re-buy, $5 Bounties Thurs at 7pm, NLHE – $40 buy-in, w/ one

Tucson, AZ March 17 – 21 (FREE ROLL) $15,000 Guest Appreciation Tournament – Qualify with 40 hours live play between Jan 11 & Mar 14 Mon - Fri, 10 am - $800 Guaranteed (with 30 players) NLHE, $10 buy-in w/ $5 chip-up, plus 2 - $10 add-ons

xxxxxBluewater

Resort & Casino 888243-3360 Ext#7649

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Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565

Sun & Wed, 7pm - $800 guaranteed NLHE, $15 buy-in/Opt $15 add-on Thurs, 7pm - $5,000 deep stack NLHE, $ 100 buy-in no re-buys Sun 11am - $1,500 Guaranteed NLHE, $45 buy-in – no re-buys Sat, 9am – $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $15 buy-in, $5 re-buys + $5 add-on Mon 7pm & Sat noon – $1,000 NLHE - $35 buy-in – no re-buys with opt $5 chip-up JUST Added: Basketball Pools, Sat, Sun & Mon (select TV games)

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 928-567-7952

Camp Verde, AZ Mon-Fri, 10am - NLHE Shoot-out, $30 buyin, w/ no re-buys Wed, 7pm – NLHE Tournament $60 buy-in Wed, 8pm – Mid “$100 Splash pots each hour Thurs, 6:30pm – NLHE Tournament $20 buy-in – Max 2 tables – re-enter first 10 minutes Fri, 7pm - NLHE Shoot-outs, $ 150 added per table of 10 - $25 buy-in – no re-buys (re-enter first 15 min) Sat, Noon – $100 added per table of 10– NLHE $50 buy-in (optional $5 dealer appreciation add-on) All Week – Royal Flush pays $100 “Aces Cracked” Sun – Fri, Win $100 –max 4 per day Saturdays - $50 High hand each hour from open till midnight Also dealing blackjack – 9am – 2am (Mon-Thurs) 9am – 4am (Fri & Sat)

Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687

Somerton, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 10am – 2am

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 520-342-1810

Tucson, AZ Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am, plus Tues & Wed at 7pm $500 added NLHE – $35 buy-in no re-buys (max 40 – 50 players) Daily – Any Royal Flush $200 Hold Em, $100 Omaha, Straight Flush $100 Hold Em, $50 Omaha Special Poker Room menu at ½ off regular prices Dealing blackjack 24/7 with new progressive side bet and 3 card poker side bet

Desert Diamond I-19 Casino 1-866-332-9467 Sahuarita, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7

Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284

Fountain Hills, AZ Mon-Fri at Noon NLHE - $30 buy-in - $20 add-on - No-rebuys Sat at 7pm & Sun at Noon - NLHE Deep Stack tournament - $50 buy-in w/ opt $30 add-on Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sun at 7pm & Sat at Noon & 4pm - NLHE - $5 buy-in Mon, 7pm, Omaha High - $5 buy in w/ $5 re-buys – plus at the break $5 TO $20 add-on Fri, 7pm, NLHE - $60 buy-in w/one $10 dealer add-on for additional $5,000 in chips Sun Jan 18 - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament - $60 Buy-in Plus Opt $10 Dealer Appreciation “Aces Cracked” 24/7 win $100 first 2 hours of live, $200 the 3rd hour, $300 the 4th hour $300, and each hour after that pays $400 “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of tens beaten by Quads or better wins Jackpot! “High Hand Spin” – with 4 of a kind or better win up to $599 Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Now playing FREE BET blackjack

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138

Maricopa, AZ Tues at 7:30pm, Omaha H/L, $15 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Wed at 7:30pm – NL Omaha Hi, $15 buy-in w/ unlimited $10 re-buys w/ $10 add-on at the break Thurs, 7:30pm – NLHE, $10 Buy-in plus three $10 re-buys & two $10 add-ons Fri, 7:30pm – NLHE, $30 buy-in w/ one $20 re-buy Sat, 12:30pm – Deep Stack Bounty NLHE - $45 buy-in, includes $10 bounty chip plus $10 dealer add-on Sun at noon – NLHE - $15 buy-in w/ two $10 add-ons at the break (Maricopa residents have FREE entry) Aces Cracked - Black aces $100, Red Aces $50 & Mixed $25 (Bonus mid9am=double)

CARD ROOM ACTION Mon-Fri (9am-5pm) $25 splash pots every ½ hour Daily 6pm till 1am – High Hand each hour $50 Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – including “Push the bet”

Hon-Dah Casino 928-369-7555

Pinetop, AZ Mon, 6pm – High Hand Hold - $40 buy-in no re-buy Tues, 6pm - NLHE “Speed Shoot-Out” $15 buy-in (no re-buys) $2 chip-up Wed, 6pm - NLHE, Double Stack $25 buy-in (4,000 chips) $25 add-on=8,000 chips Thurs, 6pm – Omaha Hi-Lo - $40 no re-buys Fri, 6pm – NLHE – “$25 Bounty” Tournament, $45 buy-in w/$10 re-buys and $10 add-on Sat, 4pm - NLHE, $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun - Thurs – $50 Aces Cracked (Hold Em) 7pm-close Open Mon-Fri at 4pm – Sat & Sun at 2pm, “early bird” tournament chips available daily - $100 High Hand (Hold Em) on Fri & Sat

Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452

Chandler, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7 Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & ULTIMATE Texas Hold EM starts at $10,000 and keeps growing at all 3 Gila River Casinos! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was recently hit for over $500,000 – as of Feb 9th it was over $257,000!

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529

Payson, AZ Live poker Wed –Sun at 10am, High Hands, win up to $250 Wed & Sun at 6pm NLHE Tournament, $ 50 buy-in no-re buys Sat at 3pm, NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in – no re-buys Aces cracked “wins a rack” various times daily – Max 3 per day (see poker room for details) Dealing blackjack 10am to 1am, with $3 games daily till 3pm Mon - 6pm, Blackjack Tournament $40 buy-in w/two $25 re-buys Bonus Blackjack get dealt a 6, 7 or 8 card “21” win up to $200

Quechan Casino Resort 1-877-783-2426

Winterhaven, CA Open Wed-Sun at 10am, and Mon, Tues at 5pm - spreading 4/8 Hold Em with a kill, 4/8 Omaha hi-low split with a kill also 3-6 & 4-8 limit Texas Hold-Em, plus 1-3 & 2-5 No Limit Texas Hold Em Sat, 1pm $ 2,500 Guaranteed NLHE Tournaments $60 buy-in Sun, 1pm NLHE Tournament $40 buy-in Thurs, 7pm NLHE Deep Stack - $80 buy-in Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Special room rates for poker players

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort 928-856-7244

Flagstaff, AZ Live Poker Mon-Fri at noon, Sat & Sun at 10am NLHE Tournaments; Thurs at 7pm & Sat at noon

“Aces & Faces Cracked” – wins up to $50 $25 “Splash Pots” daily – Each ½ hour from Noon thru 2pm, also from 7pm till Midnight Aces & Faces Cracked (Sun-Wed) & daily Royal Flush promotion – also dealing blackjack 24/7

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext#1507

Laveen, AZ Wed, 7:30pm, **NLHE “Freeze Out”$40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee at the break for added chips Sat, 11:15 am, **NLHE “Freeze Out”$40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee (before play) & $20 add-on at the break Sun 11:15 am, **NLHE “Freeze Out”$30 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee (before play) & $20 add-on at the break Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $ 200 – Plus “Bonus Royals” Mon-Thurs “ACES CRACKED” spins the wheel - win up $300 (see poker room for details) **Tournaments allow “Early Bird Chips” for live play before tournament - Also, 1st & 2nd place at final table qualify for the “Tournament of Champions” FREE ROLL each quarter. Next tournament is Feb 28 Dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games - F.A.T - Friday Afternoon Blackjack Tournament at 2pm - $30 buy-in Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & ULTIMATE Texas Hold EM starts at $10,000 and grows at all 3 Casinos! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was recently hit for over $500,000 – as of Feb 9th it was over $257,000!

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext #7375

Chandler,AZ Mon & Thurs Noon - NLHE, $30 buy-in, no re-buys - $150 added per table Tues & Wed, 7:30pm - NLHE Freeze Out - $50 entry fee w/ $10 optional add-on $1,000 added to prize pool Sun, 3:30pm, NLHE - $30 buy- in, $5 dealer add-on, $20 add-at the break & bonus chips for play before tournament Feb 1 – Feb 28, Jackpot Dump Promotion; Aces full of 10’s or better beaten by Quads or better – Already this month over $150,000 has been given out by Feb 9th. POKER PLAYERS: Please note these promotions return March 1st; “Aces Cracked” Win a Rack Sun 11pm until Fri at 6pm “Rolling Cash Fever” Drawing every other hour 24/7, $100 min, increases by $100 if not hit Big Money Royals - Any Royal Flush wins $ 200 & a spin - Any straight flush gets to spin the wheel – win up to $1,000 Food specials: ½ price poker room menu Also dealing blackjack 24/7 - including “Push your bet” Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & ULTIMATE Texas Hold EM starts at $10,000 and keeps growing at all 3 Gila River Casinos! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was recently hit for over $500,000 – as of Feb 9th it was over $257,000!

ARIZONA PLAYER February 2015 17

CONTEST page Spring has sprung…the grass has riz, I wonder where the ball players is? Apologies to Ogden Nash and his famous poem I did take some liberties to drive a point home. It was a weak attempt to bring on a guffaw But, in reality – I did once live in Ogden…Utah. Enough of this rhyming….But this is pretty good timing What does this have to do with this month’s contest? I will try my best to explain it and stop being a pest. Our Grand Prize packages this month include two terrific up close seats (Compliments of AZ-TV) to see four teams that look like serious contenders for the American and National League pennants!

We are calling these Spring Training Grand Prize Packages;

“Brunch with the Baseball Bunch” Both Grand Prize winners will each receive 2 tickets to see one of these Spring Training games, either; The L.A. Dodgers take on the Oakland A’s at Camelback Ranch in Glendale on March 16th at 1pm Or The Chicago White Sox Play the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch on March 17th at 1pm These Grand prize winners each will also receive a lucky $77 for a brunch of your choice that includes but not limited to; hot dogs, brats, burgers, sandwiches, fries, tacos, burritos, nachos, Asian food, soft drinks, regular and craft beers, popcorn, ice cream…you know, the entire gamut of stadium food. As always we will also choose 7 runner-up winners that will have a choice of sports, concert tickets or $20 restaurant gift cards. To enter; go to the Arizona Player website and click on the Contest entry form or send an e-mail to azplayer@cox.net and under subject list Baseball Brunch contest. Good luck and see you at the ballpark – Camelback Ranch is in Glendale, at 107th Ave & Camelback Rd.

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gaming news Casino provides funding for Non-Profit groups Photos by David Monrreal / CCCH

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel in Camp Verde announced on January 27 that they have awarded $9,600 in funding to three Verde Valley area non-profit organizations. Yavapai Food Council, Verde Valley Humane Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters were each chosen to receive a $3,200 donation from Cliff Castle Casino Hotel.

Rojelio Rubio, Interim Marketing Director, CCCH; Mary Ketterling, General Manager, CCCH; Heather Klomparens, Board Member, Yavapai Food Council; Amy Aossey, Executive Director, Yavapai Food Council.

Checks were awarded during a recent presentation ceremony. “Cliff Castle Casino Hotel takes pride in giving back to the community. We believe in supporting non-profit organizations across northern Arizona that are making an impact on the quality of life in our area,” stated Mary Ketterling, General Manager of Cliff Castle Casino. “These organizations represent this ideal.” In its ongoing Community Impact Program, Cliff Castle Casino has donated over $160,000 to over 30 non-profits over the past 8 years. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is committed to helping local organizations that provide much needed services to the residents of the Verde Valley and surrounding communities. Yavapai Food Council (YFC) has always been about people helping people, making a difference, and bringing the gift of hope to the less fortunate. They provide food through their on-site pantry, clothing, shoes, small household goods, and more through their

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Prescott Valley location. They provide for families in need during the holidays. At their computer training center, individuals can learn valuable computer skills. Amy Aossey, Yavapai Food Council Executive Director: “We are so pleased and fortunate to be the recipient of this generous donation from Cliff Castle Casino. As a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, YFC is funded solely by donations and grants. In 2014, community funding allowed YFC to provide nearly 180,000 meals to area food banks through the Yavapai Food Neighbors Green Bag Project. In addition, YFC partnered with several organizations in the Verde Valley to provide 28,243 meals to food insecure students of low income families through weekend backpacks, summer meals and a national school lunch pilot program for rural communities. This donation will be a blessing to many of our hungry neighbors in the Verde Valley!” The Verde Valley Humane Society is dedicated to the animals and people of our community. Their motto, “Adopt for Life Center for Animals” exemplifies their mission. They strive to match each animal with the right family, after observing them, so that animal will have a forever home. Tara Zingali, Humane Society Vice President: “We are thrilled with this generous donation from Cliff Castle Casino. As a non-profit organization, the Verde Valley Humane Society survives on donations. This money will directly impact the care of our homeless cats and dogs. It couldn’t come at a better time, our most sincere thanks to Cliff Castle Casino for helping the animals.” For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. They develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting

L-R: Rojelio Rubio, Interim Marketing Director, CCCH; Jeremia Sunfellow, Match Advisor, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters; Board Members Tara Zingali (Vice President) and Karla Horn, Verde Valley Humane Society; Mary Ketterling, General Manager, CCCH.

effect on the lives of young people. From Jeremia Sunfellow, Match Advisor: “Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters helps local children achieve their full potential through meaningful mentor relationships. When our children are supported and encouraged to achieve, they do better, it’s that simple. We are currently serving over a hundred families in the Verde Valley! With your help, we can continue our mission of changing the lives of children, fundamentally, for the better, forever.” Located an hour north of Phoenix on I-17 just south of Sedona in Camp Verde, Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is proudly owned and operated by the YavapaiApache Nation. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is a family friendly destination that offers Las Vegas-caliber blackjack, live poker, 665 slot machines and yearround, world-class entertainment in the Dragonfly Nightclub and the Stargazer Pavilion. The casino also features a 20-lane bowling center, Orbits arcade, and Kids Quest supervised child care. Guests can enjoy fine dining at Storytellers Steakhouse and family dining in Mountain Springs Buffet, Johnny RocketsThe Ultimate Hamburger or grab a quick bite at Three Sisters, open 24/7. Hotel accommodations are available at the adjacent Hotel at Cliff Castle. For more information about Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, visit www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com.

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entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort

Casino Del Sol

(5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70) 1-800272-2438 The POINT Sports Bar & Grill: Big screens to watch your favorite teams and lots more! Apache Gold Summit Convention center Friday, Feb 13 – 3rd Annual “Heart Breakers Ball” HUNKS The Show (Male Revue) Ladies must be 21 & over to attend San Carlos Event Center:

5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 520-838-6506 Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, Live bands weekends; Tribute bands on Thursdays Event Center: AVA Amphitheater: Call for updated spring schedule

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

Rodney Carrington

Casino Arizona

A. J. Castillo Feb 28 – A.J. Castillo Mar 13, 14 & 15 – Inter Tribal POWWOW $32,700 in prize money

BlueWater Resort and Casino

11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 Showroom: Now thru April 12 – Tutankhamun Exhibit - Wonderful thing from the Pharoah’s Tomb Amphitheater: Feb 14 – The Stars of Beatlemania Feb 28 – Rodney Carrington (Here comes the truth tour) River’s Edge Cantina: Sunday evenings – Live Reggae music Dig Lounge: Deejays at 5pm – Oldies on Sun & Mon and Sports on the big screens including the BIG GAME on Feb 1 Outdoors: The “Parker 425” Best in the Desert off road race - coming in February

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101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Feb 20 – Fortunate Son (Tribute to CCR) SOLD OUT Feb 27 – Double Vision (Tribute to Foreigner) SOLD OUT Mar 6 – Rockin’ the Paradise (STYX Tribute) Mar 20 – The Long Run (Eagles Experience) Mar 27 – Ultimate Stones (The Rolling Stones Tribute) Apr 3 – Led Zepagain – (Tribute to Led Zeppelin) Apr 24 – WANTED (Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute) Arizona Room Patio Grill: Feb 28 – UFC 184 – Rousey vs Zingano Viewing Party (Women’s World Bantamweight Championship) Mon – Pure Country w/ Heartlyn Rae (8pm) Tues– Latin Fire (dance lessons 6-8pm) 8pm - La Propuesta de Mexico (Latin band) Wed & Thurs – Country dance instruction with Laina Lee, 6-8pm) 8pm – Tommy Ash Band Bingo Hall: Fri & Sat at Midnight, L-8 Nite Bingo! Music, light show & dancing w/ host Corina & DJ Kenji!

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: Call for upcoming spring events Dragonfly Lounge; live music on weekends

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel

7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-332-9467 Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJ on weekends Fridays – “Dance Fusion” w/ DJ Blade Saturdays – “Noches Caliente” Hottest Tex Mex & Tejano music w/ Los Gallegos, Angel Norteno or Los Centenarios

Desert Diamond Casino I -19

1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: Feb 13 – Marisela Mar 7 – Comedy of Angelah Johnson Mar 28 – Tracy Lawrence Apr 4 – Lupita D’Alessio Apr 25 – The Peking Acrobats Sports Bar: Mon – Fri 5pm -2am, Sat & Sun 10am-2am w/Sports on big screens, Karaoke Wednesdays, DJ nightly, plus DJ or live bands on Fri & Sat nights

Fort McDowell Casino

N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free weekend entertainment w/ bands; Furious George, Nine Ball or Rick Renzi and Roustabout Wekopa Resort & Conference Center Ballroom: Bingo Hall: Saturday, Feb 21 & Mar 21 – Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways Updates: fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 THE LOUNGE: Weekends in The Lounge starting at 8pm Feb 13 & 14 – The Company Men (8 & 10pm) Feb 16 – South of Winslow (Eagles Tribute) Feb 20 – Str8up Feb 21 – Rare Earth Feb 27 – Quantum Feb 28 – Harry Luge Mar 7 – Edgar Winter Band Mar 17 – Reckless in Vegas Apr 18 – The Lovin Spoonful June 19 – Marshall Tucker Band Wednesdays in The Lounge - Noon to 4pm & 5-8pm w/ bands Silhouette, Joe Castello Project, Notes from Neptune or The Walkens Trio, Swingtips, He Said She Said The Lounge Happy Hour; Mon-Thurs from 5pm-8pm w/ Kianna & Greg, He Said She Said, Jake Skeen or Harry Luge, South of Winslow (Eagles Tribute) For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com

The Company Men

Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Cascades Lounge: Mon, Tues & Fri (4-8pm) Featuring; Marty & the Party or Thaddeus Rose Wed & Thurs (6-10pm) featuring; JJ’s Band, New Frequency Band, Str8Up or the XO Band, Fri & Sat (9:30pm- 1:30am) Featuring; AZ Tex Band, Rhythm Edition, Shining Star , Rhythm of the Sun Band, or Smooth Groove Thursday, Noon – 3pm – Polka Bands: Sam’s Band, Music Connection, The Softones, Sylvia’s AZ Dance Band,

Groove City

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino

Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Monday is Comedy Night, Tues-Sat, Live bands Feb 10-14 – Johnny Ray Feb 17-21 – Groove City Feb 24-28 – Marshall Starr Band Mar 3-7 – In-A-Fect Mar 10-14 – Barrio Latino Mar 17-21 – Walker Williams Mar 24-28 – C. U. Simmons Mar 31-Apr 4 – Harry Luge

Barefoot Becky Band, or Matt Hodek & the Dakota Dutchmen Verona Chophouse: Saturday: Talia 5-9pm & Sunday: (10am-3pm) live Jazz brunch Buffet Bingo Hall: 11pm Fri & Sat - B.A.D BINGO w/ DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Apache Spirits Lounge: Entertainment nightly Thurs – Sat (live bands, Deejays and Sporting Events) DJ Mr. Music – Feb 12, 21 & 27

entertainment Bonfire – Feb 13 & 14 DJ Pulse – Feb 19 & 26 Fossil Creek Gang – Feb 20 Feb 28 – UFC 184 – Rousey vs Zingano Viewing Party (Women’s World Bantamweight Championship)

Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777- 4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Feb 13 & 14 – Paloma Feb 20 & 21 – Big Boss Band Feb 28 – Billy Tee

Quechan Casino Resort

525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (Yuma area) 1-877-783-2426 PIPA Event Center: Feb 28 – Neil Sedaka Sidewinders bar: Free weekend entertainment, plus free Salsa Lessons on Thursday nights Feb 13 & 14 – Str8up Band Feb 20 & 21 – Mirage Feb 27 & 28 – Risque Band

Talking Stick Resort

Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Feb 13 – Arizona Sidewinders Dance Team Reveal Show (Arizona Rattlers dance Team) Feb 15 – Lunar New Year w/ VietnameseAmerican Superstars Feb 27 & 28 – Divas starring Frank Marino Mar 7 – BoDeans

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entertainment

Mar 20 – ELVIS LIVES: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Mar 29 – Winger Apr 3 – Doyle Bramhall II Apr 4 – Leon Russell May 2 – Greg Allman Ballroom: Mar 14 – Frank Caliendo

Frank Caliendo

Pool at Talking Stick Resort: Apr 26 – ZZ Top May 8 – Moody Blues May 17 – REO Speedwagon June 14 – Peter Frampton & Cheap Trick Sept 20 – Lynyrd Skynyrd Palo Verde Lounge: Sun, 4pm – Gustavo Angeles, 8pm – Paul Wells Mon, 4pm – Miguel De Maria, 8pm – Tyler Neilson Tues, 4pm – Gustavo Angeles, 8pm – Lee Perreira Wed, 4pm – Paul Wells, 8pm – Curt Cichon or Alexander Hristov Thurs, 4pm – Gustavo Angeles, 8pm – Marley Taylor Trio Fri & Sat, 4pm – Gustavo Angeles, 6pm – Marley Taylor Trio & DJ Pulse at 10pm Shadows Lounge: classic sounds of Frank Sinatra and others Degree 270 Lounge: Fri & Sat, featuring the region’s best DJ’s Orange Sky Restaurant & Lounge: Live jazz

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Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

22181 Resort Blvd (I-40 @ exit 219) Flagstaff (928) 856-7200 Arrows Lounge:

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline – Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: Feb 14 & 15 – Little Joe Y La Familia Outdoor Patio: (Mon – Sat) 4pm-7pm & 9pm-1am and

Little Joe Y La Familia (Sun) 4pm-7pm, Featuring; Primintion, Powerdrive, Andrea y Los Guys, Reality Band, Latino Rebel Band , Silhoutte, Str8Up, New Frequency Band, Walkens Unplugged, Marty & the Party, Chuck E Baby, Shining Star, Chaka & friends and Soul Persuation, PLUS on Sundays; Mariachi Pasion or Mariachi Fiesta Valle del Sol Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm – BINGO ECLIPSE – Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Feb 13 – Espinoza Paz Feb 14 – Engelbert Humperdinck Feb 15 – Piano Man (Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute) Feb 20 – Comic Jim Jefferies Feb 22 – The Sedaka Legacy (Tribute to Neil Sedaka)

Feb 27 – Jason Latimer (World Champion of Magic) Mar 1 – An Enchanted Evening with Barbara (Barbara Streisand Tribute featuring Sharon Owens) Mar 6 – Billy Ocean Mar 7 – Lunar New Year Hoa Xuan (Vietnamese music and dance) Mar 8 – Nashville Gold (The story of country music) Mar 14 – Jenny McCarthy & Friends – DIRTY< SEXY< FUNNY Comedy Tour Mar 15 – Paperback Writer (Beatles Experience) Mar 20 – Kathy Griffin Mar 22 – Chance Tinder’s Salute to Elvis Presley Mar 27 – 38 Special Mar 28 – Marie Osmond Mar 29 – The Magic of Motown Apr 11 – Morris Day & The Time CHROME NIGHT CLUB –Arizona’s Newest Hot Spot is Open with the Top DJ’s in Arizona! Encore Lounge: Mid-day entertainment Monday’s 11am-3pm & late night entertainment w/ bands; Powerdrive, Hamptons, Andrea & Los Guys, Str8up Band, JJ’s Band, The Walkens, Chuck E Baby, Rhythm of the Sun band, Chaka and Friends, New Frequency, Smooth Groove, Eagleheart, Shining Star, Rhythm Edition, Pima Express, Swingtips & Route 66

travel The White Mountain Winter Games By Anne Groebner The White Mountain Winter Games have been a part of the White Mountain community for 14 years and is something that is very special to me. At Vermillion College in Ely, Minnesota, I worked the dog sled races and fell in love with the sport. It’s pretty amazing to watch the excitement of the Siberians Huskies and how much they love to pull sleds. In Ely, it is a community event and for several weeks in the coldest of winter, many town residents and business owners pull together to pull off an incredible winter festival to break up the monotony of winter and create a bond among each other. The sled-dog races ran right through the center of town and was one easily one of the most memorable events that I have ever worked. When I moved to the White Mountains, I heard that sled-dog races were held in Alpine, but that the races were discontinued because of the unpredictable snow conditions. I was told there was a local musher named Ron Miller and I met him and his dogs up at Sunrise and we discussed the details of the event and that was the beginning of the Winter Games. Ron had moved here from Alaska and had brought some dogs with him and still raced in some of the big races in Colorado. With his guidance, the sleddog races were officially a go! One of the most important aspects of the Games was collecting enough money to cover the purse for the mushers and to pay the expenses of putting on an event. Without the support of Cellular One, and the use of the crosscountry ski trails, compliments of Sunrise Ski Park, the games would have never happened. Cellular One put up most of the money, including the expense of having Paul Shurke, part of the first team of mushers to reach the North Pole by dogsled, fly out to the event and then talk to students in the local schools about his adventures. That first event was incredible even though we had one of the biggest blizzards in memory. Since then, there has only been two years that the sled-dog races didn’t happen. It was commonly said “the Winter Games brings snow,” well, maybe not every year, but the Winter Festival always happens, regardless of weather.

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Siblings Vicki and Ant come up from Phoenix with the family to enjoy the snow activities. It’s a great way to come together as a region and experience the feeling of community. Every year, the business community has been there to support this event, along with all of the volunteers from all walks of life helping pull this event together. And let’s not forget the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce for always hosting the Chili Cook-Off. And last and definitely not least, thanks to all of the musher that participate in the races. I appreciate all of the anxiety of wondering if there will be snow for the race and for lugging all of the equipment needed to make the event an outstanding exhibition of one of the oldest and traditional winter sports. Cheri Engelhart and her husband Frank have been to all of the races and have stepped up as Race Marshall for most of them. I especially want to thank Ron Miller, because if he wouldn’t have had the same vision as I did back in 2002, there wouldn’t have been a race. Once Ron hung up his sled, Charlie Odegaard from Flagstaff stepped up to put in the

travel trail and get everything set up for the mushers — A big “thanks” to him and his entire family. So many mushers have come through the years, including a few that come every single year to help make sure that our small community can host a great event. For that I am grateful. This year, Sunrise Ski Park is hosting the event on Saturday February 21. They have come up with so many unique “games,” that I feel this will be the best year yet. I always plug the mushers, but even if there is not enough snow for a sled-dog race, the staff at Sunrise will really keep you entertained – Here is a list of “games” this year that will be a blast to participate in or just watch!. Glacier Golf: (9 holes of miniature golf played on 3 mountains), Poker Run: (get your best hand), Dog Weight Pull: bring your dog and test their strength, Snow Volleyball: co-ed teams of 6 (must have 2 women) on skis and boards, Snow Sculpting: Base area, Fat Tire Bike Race: down the mountain, Night Skiing, Torch Light Parade, Fireworks, Chili Cook Off: (sponsored by the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce) Saturday 11:00am – Go to www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com for more information and check out their Fri, February 20th event, Sno Glo 5K Run & 1mile Fun Run/Walk. You’ll find entry forms on their website. There is a tentative storm on the horizon and if we keep our fingers crossed, it will come and provide the ambiance and the aesthetics for another great White Mountain Winter Games event. If you can’t participate – Come and watch. For more info go to www.sunriseskiparkaz.com or www.getyourmountainonaz.com Editor’s Note: After a fun day outdoors, just minutes down the road is Hon-Dah Resort Casino where you can warm up by the large fireplace in the hotel lobby with a cup of hot chocolate or glass of wine from the Lounge and just relax your cares away.

If you’re feeling hungry, The Indian Pine Restaurant is a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Maybe you’re ready for some top notch night life – The Timbers Lounge Showroom provides live entertainment nightly including the Monday Fun-day Comedy Show and terrific bands Tues – Sat including “Groove City” on Saturday Feb 21 after the Winter Games. Looking for more fun? Hon-Dah Resort Casino has over 800 of the most popular slot machines along with a poker room with live games and tournaments nightly! So, don’t hibernate this winter! You’ll miss all of the fun! The Specular White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort and the Winter Games is where everything is happening right now! Phil Scudella Arizona Player

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DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR Jupiter Ascending Jupiter Jones works as a housekeeper in Chicago until aliens try to kill her. She is rescued by a handsome alien warrior with flying boots and discovers that she is intergalactic royalty. She is the heir to the Earth that three powerful siblings are by fighting over. Soon Jupiter is kidnapped David Ramsey by each of the siblings and is then rescued by the same warrior. Of course, she falls for her pointy eared guardian. The special effects are spectacular but the story is repetitive as the kidnap rescue cycle repeats itself at least three times. While not terrible “Jupiter Ascending” is not worth the price of admission.

David’s Video Details

Big Hero 6

Hiro is a young genius who would rather use his skills to win robot battles for money than go to school like his older brother. That is until his brother takes him to his lab on campus and shows him what everyone is working on. Determined to get in to the University at his young age he enters and wins a competition but his invention is lost in an explosion and fire. He is left with only his brother’s medi-bot called Baymax that he converts into a fighter to combat a villain who somehow stole his invention and is it using for evil. He teams up with his brother’s friends to form a group of super – heroes but everything doesn’t go as planned. Like most Disney animated films there is tragedy and loss for the hero, but it seems to be overdone this time.

The Drop

Seventh Son Master Gregory takes on a new apprentice just as the evil he is charged with fighting makes a comeback in the form of a powerful witch. Gregory had locked the witch up decades ago thinking it was forever but she has finally escaped. She is now gathering her followers for an assault on the world that will bring destruction to everything. Gregory and his apprentice must find a way to defeat them before it’s too late. “Seventh Son” is a cliché riddled retread of every “B” movie sword and sorcery film you have ever seen. The action and effects are good but I was hoping for more

Bob works as a bartender in this cousin Marv’s bar but there may be more to him than you think. He rescues a dog at the beginning of the film and then has to fend off the abusive owner all the while worried about what is happening at the bar after a robbery and falling for a girl with complications. A foreign mob owns the bar, is not happy about the loss of the money and wants to make sure the bar is safe to continue to use as a ‘money drop’ for their other activities. Was the robbery just a test for a much bigger score? In his final film James Gandolfini is as good as ever but Tom Hardy is what makes “The Drop” an above average crime drama film.

St. Vincent

Maggie and her son, Oliver, move into a new home only to find their next door neighbor is a cranky old man named Vincent who hates everyone. One day Oliver loses the key to his house and has to ask Vincent to use this phone. Soon Vincent is taking care of Oliver after school and teaching him life lessons. Unbeknownst to Maggie he does this at the race track, local bar and with the help of a hooker. Oliver has to do a school report on a real life saint so he digs into Vincent’s life. The ending will have tears welling up for even the most hard hearted. Bill Murray is perfect as Vincent and the rest of the cast is very good. “St. Vincent” is a little gem of a movie. David Ramsey is the President and co-founder of the Phoenix Film Critics Society and a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (The Critics Choice Awards). Watch his reviews on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday between 5:30 and 6:30am and on ABC-15’s “Sonoran Living Live” every other Friday. Read more of his DVD reviews at WildAboutMovies.com. Contact him at David@TheSnackBar.net.

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bingo Bingo Games Statewide Apache Gold Casino - Globe

Noon (Wed, Thu & Sun) 7pm (Fri & Sat & 1st Mon)

BlueWater Casino - Parker

6:30pm (Mon-Wed) & 1:30pm (Sun)

Casino Arizona - Scottsdale

Paper & Electronic buy-ins; Matinee session daily at 1pm (Early birds at 12:30pm) Nightly session at 7pm (Early birds at 6:30) Late Night Bingo – Fri & Sat at Midnight (With music, light show & dancing!)

Casino Del Sol - Tucson

2:15 & 7:15pm (Daily) (Daily mini Sessions at noon & 1:30pm)

Cocopah Casino - Somerton (Yuma area) 1pm & 6pm (Daily)

Desert Diamond Casino - Tucson 2pm & 7pm (Daily)

Fort McDowell Casino - Fountain Hills

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino - Maricopa

11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm & 6:30pm (Wed - Sun)

Lone Butte Casino - Chandler

Noon & 6:30pm (Daily) 11:30pm - B.A.D. “Bingo After Dark” Party (Fri & Sat)

Mazatzal Casino - Payson

Noon (Mon-Thurs) 6:30pm (Tues & Thurs) (Double Payouts 1st Thurs & 3rd Tues)

Paradise Casino - Yuma 1:30 & 6pm (Daily)

Vee Quiva Casino - Laveen

Paper & Electronic buy-ins; Daily at Noon & 6pm (mini session at 5:30pm) Bingo Eclipse Party (Sat at 11pm) Monday – 50% off electronic pack* (early bird) Tues – Senior’s, 50% off electronic package* Wed – 5 free bonus packs*, Thurs - $500 Monitor bingo*, Fri – 5 free bonus packs & Free Herbie t-shirt w/ 3 Fireball tickets* Sat – 50% off electronic packs*, Sun – Second Chance Sunday* *see Bingo Park for details

*9am, 12:30pm & 6:30pm (Mon - Fri, *except Tues) 6:45am, 9am, 12:30pm, 6:30pm (Sat & Sun) Midnight (Fri & Sat) & Midnight (3rd Sat - Lunar Bingo Party)

ARIZONA PLAYER February 2015 29

Jokes page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory Jokes of the Month Don’t Despair – Things will get better Nun Better

Carl, a late night cabdriver picked up a nun, and when she got in, he couldn’t stop starring at her in the mirror. “Sister,” he said “I have a question for you, please don’t be offended.” “Young man” the nun replied “I’ve seen too much of the world to be offended by anything you might ask” Carl hesitated then asked “I have always fantasied about kissing a nun” The nun announced “I will grant your wish, with two conditions – first you must be single and you must also be a catholic” The cabdriver was ecstatic and yelled “Yes, I am single and I’m Catholic!” “Then pull over into this parking lot” said the nun smiling. Carl the cabdriver’s fantasy was fulfilled with such a kiss, it made him blush. But when he pulled back onto the street he began crying. The nun was confused and asked “What’s wrong?” “Forgive me” the cabdriver cried “I lied, I’m Jewish and I’m married.” The nun touched his shoulder and replied, “That’s OK…..my name is Howard, and I’m going to a costume party.” Once in a while, we receive a request to repeat a joke, here’s another one about a real nun from a few years back.

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19

Sitting by the window of her room at the convent one cold rainy night, Sister Teresa began to read a letter from home. Inside the letter from her parents was a $100 bill - She smiled at the gesture. As she looked out her window, she noticed a shabbily dressed man shivering on the bus stop bench, crying. Quickly, she wrote, “Don’t despair” signed her name on an envelope, put the $100 bill in it, and tossed it out the window. The stranger picked it up, opened it, tipped his hat and dashed down the street. The next day, that man was at the convent door, asking for Sister Teresa. She went down, and found the stranger waiting. Without a word, he handed her a huge wad of $100 bills. “What’s this?” she asked. “That’s the $8,000 you have coming Sister,” he said. “Don’t Despair” won the 5th race at Hollywood Park and paid 80-to-1, I took my standard 10% cut of $800 - the rest is yours Sister – It was an answer to my prayer - I’m taking my share and betting on “Bishop’s Hope” and “Pope’s Choice” today!” GOT A FUNNY STORY OR JOKE? Send it to: Arizona Player – “Now-that’s Funny” - PO BOX 33393, Phoenix AZ 85067 – or e-mail it to: goodguyphil@ yahoo.com Now - If we use it, we’ll not only give you credit- we’ll send you back something from our prize closet! Could be; concert, sports tickets or a gift card – so include an address and phone number.

Feb 10–16 BIG changes near Feb 17–23 Play it safe this week Feb 24–28 Stick with your plan Mar 1–7 Best friend is back

Taurus April 21 to May 21

Feb 10–16 Surprise call from past Feb 17–23 Go for it – you’re ready Feb 24–28 Great week ahead Mar 1–7 Play favorite numbers

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20

Feb 10–16 Let go and enjoy! Feb 17–23 Trust your convictions Feb 24–28 Unexpected pleasure soon Mar 1–7 Very exciting weekend

Feb 10–16 Yes – great decision Feb 17–23 Start on that project Feb 24–28 Believe it can happen Mar 1–7 True pal returns to help

Feb 10–16 Kindness pays every time Feb 17–23 Right place –Right time Feb 24–28 Surprising fun weekend Mar 1–7 Good time return

Gemini May 22 to June 21

Feb 10–16 Chance meeting fills need Feb 17–23 You’ll get what you need Feb 24–28 Last minute trip brings win Mar 1–7 Finally, it’s what you wanted

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21

Cancer June 22 to July 22

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20

Aries Mar 21 to April 20

Feb 10–16 Not all advice is good Feb 17–23 Plan spring trip now Feb 24–28 You have the answer Mar 1–7 Ask that new friend out

Feb 10–16 Call friend for advice Feb 17–23 Perfect week of fun Feb 24–28 Plenty of excitement Mar 1–7 Keep promise you made

CASINO DIRECTORY a

1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe-slots bingo & blackjack & Entertainment (800) 272-2438 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (888) 243-3360 3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots, poker & blackjack (800) 756-8744 3a. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots & Entertainment (800) 756-8744 30 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2015

Feb 10–16 Hit big and get out Feb 17–23 Nice win nearby Feb 24–28 NEVER give up Mar 1–7 You knew it would work

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

Feb 10–16 NOW is your chance Feb 17–23 Unbelievable trip soon Feb 24–28 Great adventure ahead Mar 1–7 Cards flop for big jackpot

4. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots poker blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 6. Casino Del Sol Resort • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation-slots blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel • (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo poker & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots blackjack & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10b. Desert Diamond • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Slots 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation-slots keno bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (480) 837-1424

Feb 10–16 Odd week – but good Feb 17–23 Winning week Feb 24–28 Fun with the family Mar 1–7 Trust your talent – it works Feb 10–16 Small investment pays Feb 17–23 Out of town win Feb 24–28 A feel good week Mar 1–7 You win again!

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