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Blackjack Corner Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Reel Reviews by Kevin Cummings Horsin' Around with Brian Mulligan www.arizonaplayer.com
Cover Story On Page 8
Vol. 19 No. 2 • February 2011
SPRING TRAINING IS HERE. BE A PLAYER. Baseball fans have two great places to play – right off the 101. With an outstanding lineup of dining, gaming and entertainment, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort are always home runs. Play your favorite games through March and take a swing at your share of $100,000 during our Big League Bucks promotion!
101 & MCKELLIPS • 101 & INDIAN BEND • 480-850-7777 • CASINOARIZONA.COM • TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM Proudly owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Please gamble responsibly. ©2011 Casino Arizona
WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM
Contents
PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net
Editor Phil Scudella
Contributing Photography Cindy Esquer Lisa Garci Production Assistants Nicole Gilotti Charlie Scheeler David Ramsey John Olson Justin Sullivan Melody Walcott Graphic Design CommuniGraphics
Vol. 19 No. 2 • February 2011
Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Kevin Cummings Cindy Esquer Lisa Garcia Nicole Gilotti Tina Holt T.J. Jorgensen Marianne Minneci Brian Mulligan David Ramsey Melody Walcott Shanna Wolfe
Special Thanks for all the help on this February issue goes out to: Michael Kintner, Nicole Gilotti, along with the entire Marketing Staff and Management at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort
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.
Gaming News Casino del Sol “Topping off” Ceremony
4
Entertainment
6
Cover Story Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort “The Fun keeps Growing”
8
Gaming News Gila River Slot Winners & D-Backs at Wild Horse Pass
10
Card Room Action
12
Lottery News & Draws
14
Gaming News Cliff Castle is #1 12 Years Running
16
Boyd’s Eye View Linda Boyd “Adding Spice to Video Poker”
18
Woman’s Point of View Marianne Minneci “Hold Em for Hope”
20
TJ’s Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “6-5 Blackjack – A Bad Deal”
22
Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings Slot Machine Reviews
24
Horsin' Around Brian Mulligan ”Early Look at the Kentucky Derby”
26
Travel Brian Mulligan ”The Far East ....... Valley”
27
David at the Snack Rar David Ramsey “Movie Reviews”
28
Bingo Directory of Games
29
Astrology, Jokes of the Month, & Casino Directory
30
Win a BMW 328i March 24
There’s still time to qualify! Guests who sign up at the Castle Club for the first time will receive one free raffle ticket. Get one raffle ticket for every 1,000 points earned on your Castle Club card. Get two raffle tickets for winning a jackpot of $250 or more. And Blackjack and Poker players can get in on the action too! Cash Rollover Drawings and Weekly Qualifiers Every Tuesday
BMW 328i
For more information and important dates, visit the Castle Club or call 928.567.7999.
MARCH 24
cliffcastlecasino.net Cliff Castle Casino Hotel reserves the right to modify, suspend and/or cancel this promotion at any time, without notice, with approval of the Yavapai-Apache Gaming Commission. Guests must be 21 years or olderto participate. Please play responsibly. ©2011 Cliff Castle Casino
1.800.381.SLOT | I-17, Exit 289 Camp Verde, Arizona Proudly owned and operated by the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011 3
GAMING NEWS TOPPING OFF CEREMONY - A GRAND OCCASION! More than 500 spectators – many curious and many proud - witnessed a breathtaking event at Casino Del Sol Hotel, Spa & Conference Center on Wednesday February 9. It was the “Topping Off” ceremony, involving the copper-colored dome which was placed on the soonto-be-completed hotel adjacent to Casino Del Sol. There were cheers as the dome was lifted and put into place as music blared in the background. Fireworks were set off once the dome was set. “It was such a great event,’’ said Casino Del Sol CEO Wendell Long. “Not only was it a milestone in the development of our hotel but it was a milestone for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.’’ For years, many of those in the Tribe and its council have envisioned a hotel on its land. Now, it is just nine months away from its target date of 11/11/11. “We can’t wait.” Long said. “We are looking forward to opening our grand facility. We are sure those who visit our venue will love it and enjoy it.’’ The next big event, with respect to construction, will take place on Wednesday Feb. 16 at 5:30pm when Sol Casinos’ marquee will be put in place And once again there will be a fireworks display and a ceremony for the event. The striking Casino Del Sol Resort marquee spans 102 feet. The center of the arch is 33 ½ feet with the height at both ends at 28 feet. Each of the end displays has a five-foot in diameter copper dome with a high resolution 16mm LED display.
4 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with more than 17,000 enrolled members. The reservation is located in southwest metropolitan Tucson. The Tribe owns and operates two casinos: Casino of the Sun and Casino Del Sol. Non-gaming enterprises include the Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater, a 5,000seat open-air concert venue, and the Del Sol Marketplace, which includes a gas station, car wash, convenience store and smoke shop. It is also the future home to Casino Del Sol Hotel, Spa & Conference Center, a 215-room, 161,000-squarefoot facility that includes and meeting and convention center. For more information, visit www.solcasinos.com.
Celebrating the “Topping Off” Ceremony (L-R) Arcadio Gastelum, Tribal Council; Jesus Osuna; Tribal Council; Francisco Valencia, Tribal Council Secretary; John Escalante, Tribal Council Treasurer; David Ramirez, Tribal Council; Peter Yucupicio, Tribal Council Chaiman, and Wendell Long, Sol Casinos CEO
NOW PLAYING AT BUCKY’S
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ENTERTAINMENT
Apache Gold Casino Resort 5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-APACHE-3 Cabaret Lounge: free live weekend entertainment with bands like: Grey Wolf, Jaded, Chaka & Friends, Heartbreak Alley, Stateline, All Axcess, XS Band, Andrea & Los Guys and AZ Rhythm BlueWater Resort and Casino 11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 March 19, Ramon Ayala (Outdoor Amphitheater) Dig Lounge: live bands or DJ nightly Casino Arizona 101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 In the Showroom: Tues-Sun, “Showstoppers Live” A musical tribute to Elvis, Natalie Cole, The Four Tops and Whitney Houston Pima Lounge: Live entertainment and dancing nightly The Arizona Room Piano Lounge, free entertainment nightly Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 FREE live entertainment at The Paradiso Bar on weekends w\bands like: Rainy Daze & Angle De Oro plus Tribute bands on Thursday’s, 2/17-Rick Lenzi (Buddy Holly), 2/24 – Freebird (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Reo Speedwagon
6 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
Cliff Castle Casino I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: April 16, Reo Speedwagon – May 21, STYX – June 11, Bill Engvall Dragonfly Lounge: Free entertainment weekends with bands like: Tattoo, Los Guys, Backstage Crew, Heartbreak Alley and Greywolf Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson Toll Free 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJs Thurs-Sun Desert Diamond Casino 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Tucson 520-294-7777 or1-866-DDC-WINS Diamond Center: Feb 26 – Tracy Lawrence (Tucson Rodeo Dance) Fort McDowell Casino N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free live entertainment Fri – Sun featuring bands like: The Real Tones, Furious George and Cowboy Floyd New updates at fortmcdowellcasino.com
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 Oasis Lounge: Free entertainment weekends, including Feb 19 - Jack Ingram, Feb 23 - The Diamonds, and Mar 30 – The Platters Call for updated schedule or go to harrahsakchin.com Hon-Dah Resort and Casino Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH In the Timbers Lounge: Mon, Comedy Club - no cover Tues-Sat, live bands like: Tony Marques Feb 15-19 and Groove City Feb 22-26
Lone Butte Casino 202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Free live entertainment Mon-Sat in the Cascades Lounge with bands like: Torres & Company, Route 66, Chuck E baby, Otis & the Beat, The Hamptons, Lounge Katz, Cody Gibson, The Needham Twins, Powerdrive and Marty & the Party Thursday nights, now thru April 30th – Season 5 of “Lucky Break” singing competition In the Verona Chophouse: Fri & Sat nights, singing sensation Talia, Sunday: Bridget & the Aug Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Mar 5 & 6, Western Collectibles and Firearms Show – featuring guns of lawmen & Outlaws Mar 12, Country Superstars Tribute Apr 1, Satisfaction (Rolling Stones Tribute) Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777-4946 In the Event Center: Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Free Live Entertainment on weekends Quechan Casino Resort 525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (5 mi W of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426 In the PIPA Event Center: Feb 17, Crystal Gayle Sidewinders: Free Live entertainment on weekends with bands like: Checker’d Past, Gruuve Masters Louie Anderson and Tropic II
Mitzi Gaynor Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA In the Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Feb 20, Comedy of Hal Sparks – Feb 24, George Jones – Feb 26, Debbie Reynolds - March 5, Louie Anderson – March 25, Dokken / Great White – Mar 26, Mitzi Gaynor – Apr 14, Foreigner Encore Lounge: live entertainment with bands like: The Hamptons, Route 66, and JJs Band, Rhythm Edition, Come Back Buddy, Smoke Stack Lightning, Western Fusion, Needham Twins and Eagleheart Talking Stick Resort Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road Scottsdale 480-850-7777 Talking Stick Showroom: March 10, Huey Lewis & the News “Degree 270” Lounge: live entertainment, dancing nightly and a spectacular view of the city.
COVER STORY
At Harrah’s - The Fun Keeps Growing!
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort, owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Community and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation, is completing its hotel expansion. It is expected to open in July 2011. The new fivestory, 152-room hotel tower will double the available rooms on property, bringing the number to 300 from the current 148. It will include 15 ADA-accessible rooms and five guest suites. All 152 rooms will include upgraded amenities such as granite countertops, 50-inch flat screen televisions and large showers. The building and opening of this hotel expansion will accommodate more visitors, and the increase in room availability will also provide an opportunity to host conventions and other meetings. Hotel guests can enjoy lush hotel grounds including an idyllic courtyard with an exotic swimming pool and swim-up bar.
by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company. The course, spanning more than 320 acres, boasts undulating greens, magnificent mountain backdrops and the new Grille 109 restaurant. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club was named the 20th best casino course in the 2011 Golfweek rankings. The club is open to the public but is offered as an amenity to Harrah’s Ak-Chin guests.
continued on page 25
Not only does Harrah’s Ak-Chin have new hotel, dining and golf offerings, it also just welcomed Robert Livingston as its new Vice President and General Manager on January 17. Robert had previously served as the Assistant General Manager at Harrah’s Rincon in San Diego. Robert has also held various positions at other Harrah’s properties including Harrah’s New Orleans and Harrah’s Tunica. His wealth of experience will serve Harrah’s Ak-Chin well.
The hotel expansion comes on the heels of the recent remodel of the buffet at Harrah’s Ak-Chin. The remodeled 8,000-square-foot buffet features live-action food stations. Guests can choose from a wide array of culinary delights, such as sautéed pasta, grilled steaks, rotisserie chicken, wok items and hand-served gelato. Its well-known Friday and Saturday Night Seafood Buffets are very popular, as is the Sunday Champagne Brunch which features made-to-order omelets. Harrah’s Ak-Chin also recently added the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club to its list of amenities. In July 2010, the Ak-Chin Indian Community purchased Southern Dunes Golf Club, located just a few miles from Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa. Southern Dunes is managed 8 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
DREAM accordingly.
The Powerball jackpot is growing. So let that dream house you see in your mind become a dream mansion – or even a private dream island. And get your ticket today. ArizonaLottery ArizonaLottery.com
Must be 21 or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Overall odds vary by game. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available in an alternate format. Gambling Problem? 1-800-NEXT STEP Please Play Responsibly.™
GAMING NEWS BIG WINNER TO START THE NEW YEAR
“WHEEL”HITS AT LONE BUTTE
D-BACKS VISIT WILD HORSE PASS
On Monday January 3, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino Raymond Norman hit the jackpot on a Triple Double Red Hot 7’s slot machine for over $130,000. This recent jackpot winner was thrilled when he saw the reels stop to reveal the big win. “What a way to start the New Year,” exclaimed Norman. “I just can’t believe that it happened to me.” Mr. Norman is a resident of Corinth, TX and he did not have any immediate plans for the proceeds from the jackpot. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is located just off I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit in Chandler. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. owns and operates three casinos within the Gila River Indian Community including Lone Butte Casino, Vee Quiva Casino and Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. For more information call 1-800-946-4452, or go to their website www.wingilariver.com
Ida Salinas won just over $122,000 dollars while playing a Wheel of Fortune themed slot machine at Lone Butte Casino. The big prize came when Ms. Salinas hit the progressive jackpot which links together all of the Wheel of Fortune machines in the state. Ms. Salinas thrilled as she watched the slot reels stop to reveal the big jackpot. “I love to play at Lone Butte Casino and I especially love the Wheel of Fortune machines. I feel so lucky and I just can’t believe this is actually happening.” Lone Butte Casino is located at Kyrene and the San Tan 202. It is part of Gila River Casinos, which also includes Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino just off the I-10 at Wild Horse Pass Blvd. and Vee Quiva Casino located on the west side of the Valley just north of Baseline on 51st Ave. For information on these and other events at Gila River Casinos call 1-800-946-4452, or go to www.wingilariver.com
The Arizona Diamondbacks visited Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino on Friday, February 11 for a “Meet & Greet” Autograph session in the Octillo Ballroom from 6pm to 7pm. Diamondback Pitchers, Joe Saunders, Sam Demel and Jarrod Parker as well as Catcher Konrad Schmidt participated in this special event that was open to the general public and fans of all ages showed up to see some of the new faces on this 2011 team. Attendees were provided an opportunity to have one item signed by each player. In addition, free autographed player photos were also available. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is located at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Chandler.
let the tsr games begin. Daily No Limit Hold ‘Em Tournaments Monday – Friday, 11:15 am • Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:15 pm For complete details, visit the Poker Room. Proudly owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Please gamble responsibly. ©2011 Talking Stick Resort
101 & Indian bend 10 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
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ta l k i n g s t i c k r e s o r t. c o m 1/18/11 5:04:44 PM
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CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2433
Dealing blackjack, daily at 10am
BlueWater Casino 1-888-243-3360
All new Poker Room is now open! New hours: Open daily at 4 pm Dealing blackjack daily 9 am – 3 pm
Bucky’s Casino 928-771-6779
Mon, 10am & 6pm, Hold Em, $30 - winners advance to “free roll” Tues, 6pm, Ladies Only Texas Hold Em Shootouts - $15 buy-in Sat 10am, Hold Em, $30 buy-in, Pays 3 places, winners advance to “free roll” Sun, 2 pm, Bounty No-Limit Hold Em Tournament - $60 buy “Aces Cracked” wins $50 – Aces of same color wins $100 – Various hours Mon - Thurs Progressive “Aces Cracked” Sat 11am11pm - Starts at $50, increases till hit High Hand: Mon – Fri, see poker room for details FREE Sunday buffet for seated poker players Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Now playing 3 card poker & Texas Shootout in blackjack pit
Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips 480-850-7777
Dealing blackjack 24/7 $ 5,000 “Wild Wednesdays” Blackjack Tournament every other Wed, 7pm $ 100 buy-in
Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565
Mon-Fri, 10 am, $200 added, No-Limit Hold Em, $13 buy-in, $5 re-buys Mon 7pm & Sat noon – $1,500 Guaranteed, NLHE - $35 buy-in, $6 entry fee Sun & Tues at 7 pm – FREE ROLL, NLHE – Optional $10 add-on, $1,225 Guaranteed Wed, 7pm, NLHE, $1,500 Prize Pool (w/50 players) $35 buy-in, $5 re-buys $ 10 add-on Thurs, 7pm, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $ 85 buy-in Sat, 9am, $200 added Omaha Hi-Lo, $15 buy-in w/$5 re-buys $5 add-on + $15 entry fee Sun, 11 am $1,500 NLHE, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys March 4 - $10,000 Free Roll – see poker room for details
Cliff Castle Casino 928-567-7952
Mon, Wed & Fri, 10am, No-Limit Texas Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Tues & Thurs, 10am, Limit Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Wed, 7pm, No-Limit Hold Em, $60 buy-in w/$20 re-buy Sat, Noon, $1,000 added No Limit Hold Em, $80 buy-in, no re-buys Sun, 10am, Omaha shoot-out, $25 buy-in 1st place winners in the $25 Shootouts qualify for Free Roll Shootout the last Sunday of each month 12 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
Aces Cracked WINS $100 rack – MonFri, See poker Room for details Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687
Dealing blackjack, Fri & Sat, 10am3am; Sun-Thurs, 10am-2am
Desert Diamond Nogales Hwy 520-342-1810 $
500 Added Morning Hold Em Tournaments – Mon & Thurs at 9:30am, $30 buy-in w/$5 sc Tues, 7pm, $100 added per table HoldEm, $75 buy-in, with one $60 re-buy Wed, 7pm, $10,000 guaranteed* HoldEm, $110 buy-in, no re-buys (*w/100 players) Sun, Noon, $5,000 guaranteed* HoldEm, $50 buy-in, $15 re-buys- (*w/ 50 players) Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Desert Diamond Casino I-19 866-332-9467 Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-1424
MEGA Stack Bounty Tournament, Sun at Noon & Fri 7pm, $120 buy-in, $50 Bounties “Bounty” Tournaments, Mon-Fri at Noon, $30 buy-in, $5 bounties, BONUS, with 1 – 3 hours of live play before tournaments, Bounties increase to $10 $20 and $50 (Tournaments are NLHE except Wed, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo) Sun & Mon, 7pm, $1,500 Guaranteed NLHE - $10 buy-in Tues & Thurs, 7pm, $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE - $5 buy-in Wed, 7pm, $1,000 Guaranteed, NoLimit Omaha Hi-Lo - $10 buy-in Sat at Noon, also Sun & Mon at 7pm, $1,500 Guaranteed NLHE - $10 buy-in Sat 9pm, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE tournament, $20 buy-in “Pocket Aces always win” - In live games - lose with Pocket Aces – wins same amount as the winner (except river raises) “Play More to Cash More” Play live to win up to $80 daily! “Spin the Wheel” with Quads or better - win up to $400 cash Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452
Dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138
Tues, 7:30pm, Limit Omaha H/L, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Thurs, 7:30pm – No-Limit Hold Em, $10 Buy-in, Two $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Fri, 7:30pm, Sat, 12:30 & 5:30pm – NLHE, $40 buy-in, NO RE-BUYS Sun, 12:30pm – No-Limit Hold Em, $25 buy-in w/ one $10 re-buy
50 Daily Splash pots on ALL tables, on the hour Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm & Sat & Sun 6-8am Progressive High Hand, daily 5pm-5am - see poker room for details Daily, Royal Flush (9am-5pm) pays $100 and straight flush $50 Aces Cracked wins $50 (In a NLHE game – up to 6 per day) Aces Cracked wins Pot Match (Mid4am) and 6-4 hi/lo wins a rack – see poker room for details Also dealing blackjack 24/7 $
Hon-Dah Casino 1-800-929-8744
Mon, 6pm, 50/50, Hold Em & Omaha Hi-Lo, $25 buy-in + one $25 add-on Tues, 2pm – Mid, “Aces Cracked” pays $80 (first 5) Wed, 6pm, No-limit Hold Em, $40 buyin, no re-buys Thurs, 6pm, Omaha Hi-Lo, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sat, 4pm, No-limit Hold Em, $30 buy-in, $ 10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in, $ 10 re-buys + $10 add-on
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529
Live Poker daily - see poker room for details Sun, 1pm, NLHE Tournament, $25 buyin, no re-buys - $50 added per table Wed & Sun, 6pm, NLHE Bounty Tournament, $50 buy-in High Hands - win up to $500 Dealing blackjack 10am-1am Blackjack tournament, Mon, 6pm, $40 buy-in
Paradise Casino 888-777-4946
Dealing Blackjack 5pm-1am
Quechan Casino & Resort 1-877-QUECHAN
New hours, menu and new games! Call poker room for details Thru Jan 28th, “Splash the Pot” – Live tables get splashed every hour – Noon till 10pm - 32 pots in all Special room rates for poker players. Dealing blackjack 24/7
Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777
Mon - Fri, 11am - No-Limit Hold Em, $ 60 buy-in Tues & Wed, 7pm - No-Limit Hold Em, $ 115 buy-in + $15 s/c Mar 5, Apr 2, & May 7, 10am - $60,000 “Big Stack” Tournament (based on 200 entries) - $300 buy-in + $30 s/c Feb 20, Mar 13 & Apr 10 at 10am – Ladies No-Limit Hold Em - $60 Buy-in + $15 s/c Mar 12 & Apr 9 at 9am – Super Bounty Big Stack Tournament w/ $100 Bounties - $200 buy-in + $25 s/c Feb 26 & Mar 26 at 10am – $20,000 No-Limit Hold Em Tournament -$125 buy-in + $25 s/c Feb 13, 9am – Jack & Jill Couples Tournament - $50 Buy-in + $15 s/c
Mar 19 & May 21 10am – Omaha Hi-Lo Limit 8 or Better - $120 Buy-in + $30 s/c Mon-Fri, 3am-9am “Aces Cracked” Win $ 100 rack Also dealing blackjack 24/7 $ 5,000 “Wild Wednesdays” Blackjack Tournament every other Wed, 7pm $ 100 buy-in
Vee Quiva Casino 800-946-4452 – Ext 1042
Sun - Thurs, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em, $ 1,000 Guaranteed - $30 buy-in Wednesdays at 7:30pm, No-Limit Hold Em Tournaments, $15 buy-in, $10 re-buys “ACES CRACKED” wins a rack – daily from 6am - max 10 per day Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $500. Progressive Rolling Cash Fever drawings during live play every other hour - 24/7 Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 ext 7375
Mon & Thurs Noon, No Limit Hold Em, $ 30 buy-in, no re-buys Tues at 7:30pm, No-Limit Freeze Out $ 50 entry fee – no re-buys Wed at 7:30pm, No-Limit Bounty Tournament, $10 0 buy-in “Big Hand – Big Money” High Hands Daily, Bonus Aces Cracked, “Splash Down” Splash Pots plus Basketball Splash Pots – See poker room for details! Big Money Royals - Any Royal Flush wins $200 Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games PREFERRED LAUGHLIN POKER ROOM
Harrah’s Resort Casino 702-298-8529
Sat, Sun, Mon & Tues at 10am - No Limit Hold Em, $40 buy-in w/ $5 Bonus buy Wed & Thurs, 10am, NLHE “Bounty” Tournament, $50 buy-in w/$5 Bonus buy Fri, 10am, Wed & Thurs 7pm, NLHE, $60 buy-in w/$5 Bonus buy Sun, Mon & Tues, 7pm, NLHE, $40 buy-in w/$5 Bonus buy Fri at 7pm, NLHE, $100 buy-in w/ $50 add-on Sat at 2pm, Monster Stack Texas Hold Em, $160 buy in, no re buys Sat at 7pm, NLHE, $60 buy-in, w/ optional $5 Bonus buy Sun at 2pm, “Bounty” NLHE, $70 Buy-in w/$5 Bonus buy
CARD ROOM MANAGERS Please send updates to azplayer@cox.net
an exCItInG tIme
Is In the Cards
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LOTTERY NEWS
THE PICK Date
$100,000 RAFFLE WINNER Norman Ambrose and his wife each bought one ticket for the fifth Arizona Millionaire Raffle. They were both standing in line at the Valero Corner Store located on South Ellsworth Road in Mesa to purchase their tickets; he was just in front of his wife. And as luck would have it, his ticket was the $100,000 winner. Norman and his wife have been regular Powerball and Mega Millions players even before they began spending their winters in Arizona. Once they realized that they actually held a winning ticket, they began thinking about how they would use their winnings. Norman and his wife spend a lot of time with their friends while basking in the sunny winters here. They also occasionally hit some of the local casinos, enjoy the wonderful Arizona destinations, and plan to keep playing the Lottery. When asked if he had any advice for players, Norman said, “Treat the Lottery as entertainment Only spend what you can afford to lose.”
had the draw date listed as Dec. 25, 2010. After discussing it with his wife, he took the ticket to the store to be scanned to be sure that it was a winner, and it was. The clerk who scanned it didn’t realize that it was the winning jackpot ticket, which is just as well - as far as the winner is concerned. The couple plan to invest their winnings and continue traveling, which is a favorite pastime of theirs. They are presently considering a short cruise to Mexico. The winner is now retired from the communications field.
“WE’VE ALWAYS PLAYED MEGA MILLIONS” A former East Coast resident, who has since moved to Arizona, discovered that her loyalty to “Mega Millions” really paid off. She and her husband always played “Mega Millions” back East, and when they moved here, they continued with their tradition. They won the second place prize of $250,000 on the Dec. 31, 2010 drawing. The winning ticket was purchased at a Fry’s Food Store in Queen Creek. The quarter million dollar winner enjoys playing Mega Millions because she, “usually always wins a little something on it.” The day after the drawing, she went online to check her numbers and ended up rechecking 14 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
January
14-20-24-26-31-39 05-15-16-19-39-43 02-17-18-32-34-41 07-15-16-23-24-30 15-18-21-29-33-35 07-14-15-17-20-33 06-08-09-16-19-29 02-12-36-41-43-44 04-17-24-28-29-34
01 04 08 11 15 18 22 25 29
January
PICK WINNER KEEPS IT QUIET The winner of the $2,900,000 The Pick jackpot of Dec. 29, 2010 didn’t redeem his ticket until Jan. 18, 2011. The reason – he had out-of-town company and didn’t want anyone to know he’d won. He chose the cash option, which was a little over $1,729,000 before taxes. The winning five-line Quick Pick ticket was purchased at a Safeway in Lake Havasu City. Our winner plays The Pick because he likes the odds, and he plays it every Wednesday and Saturday. He purchased his tickets for the December 29 draw, that same afternoon. He didn’t check his numbers in the local paper until sometime on Thursday. Then he really got confused – the winning numbers matched his numbers, but the local paper
Numbers
it about 20 times, as she was sure she’d made a mistake somewhere. Then she signed the back of the ticket right away and then called her daughter and her son. The reason she didn’t redeem her ticket right away was that she wanted time to meet with her financial advisor to find the best way to work with her winnings.
01 03 04 05 06 07 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 31
POWERBALL Numbers
18-22-37-47-54 22-26-32-38-40 06-07-26-33-52 19-21-23-40-48 09-13-22-23-37 22-36-51-56-59 30-31-34-45-51 04-05-36-47-58 24-28-45-49-52
PICK 3 CASH 4 4-1-0 3-5-4 8-6-5 8-5-2 7-1-4 1-7-3 7-9-1 7-1-9 5-6-7 9-8-0 2-9-6 1-4-9 5-2-9 0-9-2 6-4-2 0-2-6 9-3-2 0-2-9 8-6-9 4-4-0 9-2-0 4-0-4 5-4-1 7-9-5 5-5-4 4-4-6 5-2-4
03-12-16-23 01-12-15-22 12-15-17-23 01-06-15-17 01-12-17-26 03-05-14-26 03-11-16-22 05-15-20-26 09-13-16-21 02-03-12-18 05-12-13-25 01-04-10-16 13-15-23-25 05-13-17-23 03-07-11-24 07-10-12-17 01-18-22-26 06-15-18-26 01-05-12-16 04-06-08-14 05-13-21-22 03-06-13-20 03-04-06-15 01-04-05-14 02-07-20-21 13-14-16-21 05-12-21-25
PB PP
05 07 24 27 31 01 23 06 02
02 05 02 04 03 03 02 03 04
PICK 5 05-13-20-25-34 02-06-09-24-36 05-08-29-31-35 09-11-18-23-25 04-06-15-37-38 07-18-27-32-39 01-11-12-24-32 01-16-20-22-28 01-02-06-20-22 02-04-24-34-38 05-09-14-16-26 17-27-29-34-38 02-09-16-20-25 03-11-17-18-35 01-05-25-27-29 05-17-24-29-34 25-32-34-35-37 02-05-17-29-30 08-22-23-30-31 13-24-30-34-37 02-12-13-17-37 01-08-13-19-35 14-18-29-36-38 01-12-14-33-34 01-03-14-23-34 05-06-20-26-35 13-23-24-34-35
January
MEGA MILLIONS
04 07 11 14 18 21 25 28 31
04-08-15-25-47 04-22-42-46-53 01-04-11-16-45 02-15-17-33-35 04-27-29-38-45 05-09-21-35-38 05-08-31-46-50 14-33-48-49-50 10-12-13-35-56
MB MP
42 20 37 8 5 20 4 18 9
4 2 4 2 4 4 4 4 4
In Phoenix catch the winning numbers first on ABC Channel 15 at 10:25 nightly. You can also call the Lottery Hotline at (480) 829-PICK (7425) in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. For outlying areas in Arizona call 1-800-499-3798. Visit our website at arizonalottery.com or see a participating Lottery retailer for the winning numbers.
. 27 FEB
.1F$ N O A E J R SH A R OU Y WIN
000 , 0 10
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GAMING NEWS CLIFF CASTLE #1 - TWELVE YEARS IN A ROW!
Cliff Castle Casino is now officially Arizona’s number one casino for twelve years! Once again, the casino has been voted best casino in Arizona in Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business, 2010, Arizona Business Magazine’s statewide, popular business opinion poll edition. The Team at Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel would like to thank all their guests and visitors for making them the number one casino in Arizona for twelve years running – And look forward to providing you with the best gaming and entertainment experience possible for many more years to come.
“This is a great honor and we are very appreciative of what this award means to us. Our Guests have given us a vote of confidence, and we aim in every possible way to succeed in our role as Arizona’s #1 gaming destination,” said Tony Averitt, Marketing Director. Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel’s 12 Years-Years-in-aRow Celebration will commence February 12th on the floor of the casino with complimentary cupcakes for all guests and complimentary T-shirts as gifts for team members. Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel, an 114,000 squarefoot multiamenity facility, is frequented by visitors from Northern Arizona and the Phoenix area, along with thousands of others from around the country each year. The casino offers live-action poker, blackjack, state of the art slot machines and video poker.
Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel is pretty unique because it provides a “family friendly” atmosphere. These family related amenities include The Alley, an arcade for kids of all ages, offering more than 30 of the most popular high-action video games. Next door to The Alley is Shake Rattle & Bowl, a 20-lane bowling alley that offers open play and league play, a snack shop and more. Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel is also one of the only casinos around to house a supervised childcare center, Kids Quest, with over 5,000 square feet of games and activities for kids. The Yavapai-Apache Nation, a sovereign Native American tribe, proudly owns and operates Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel. For additional information - Call Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel at (928) 567-7900, or go to www.cliffcastlecasino.net.
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16 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
PLAY OUR HOT TABLES FOR COOL CASH HOT TABLES Play your favorite table game for a chance to win extra cash in our Hot Tables promotion in February!* drawings held: • 9am – Noon on Mondays and Fridays • 6pm – 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays Once during each hour, we’ll pick one random table, and every active player at the table will win from $25 – $250!
$15 FREE SLOT PLAY ™ And A FREE BUFFET** • NOW – March 31, 2011 • Sign up for a Total Rewards® card at the Total Rewards Center and receive $15 in Free Slot Play and a free buffet.** • Guests who have never had a Total Rewards card or who have a Total Rewards card but have never played at Harrah’s Ak-Chin are eligible. • Visit the Total Rewards Center for more details.
*Active participants shall be defined as participants who, at the time of a drawing, have a live bet and/or have been playing at their table for at least 10 minutes prior to the applicable drawing. The Pit Supervisor or above shall have sole discretion in determining if an individual is “active.” Drawings held randomly, once during each hour. Not valid on live poker. See Pit Supervisor for full details. **Free Slot Play ™ is not redeemable for cash. Buffet offer must be redeemed within 30 days from the date of issue. Please see Total Rewards for full details. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2011, Caesars License Company, LLC. 1600-0111-026
A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER
by Linda Boyd
Variance: Adding Spice to Video Poker
t’s not really too important to know all the mathematical terms experts like to use when talking about video poker. As long as you understand the key concepts and you’re able to play better and have realistic expectations it’s good enough. Take, for example, the word “variance”, as it applies to video poker. The term refers to the likelihood the actual results will resemble the theoretical expectations. Probably it doesn’t seem too significant when you read the definition, but once you realize it relates to the risk of losing your bankroll you will want to think about it before finding a seat.
Variance:
Budget: Not too long ago I read an article informing players to just consider denomination (nickels, quarters, dollars and so on) when they budgeted for a video poker session. This information was incorrect. You must consider the total bet (some machines are multi-hand) as well as the volatility of the game you’ve selected. In addition the all important theoretical return of the game you’ve chosen is a major consideration. Even if you are math oriented and use a risk of ruin table (Sorkin-type RoR) exposure to losing all of your bankroll is based on the pay schedule. You should understand that the greater the variance the greater the risk of running out of money. You may want to blame the quick demise of your budget on the casino, but it’s not “rigged machines” but your game of choice that’s the culprit.
“the greater the variance the greater the risk of running out of money.”
Some video poker choices are far more exciting than others because there are more possibilities for jackpots. An example is Double-Double Bonus (DDB), a game with several big payouts. Assuming a 5-coin wager, you get a 2000 coin return for aces with a kicker (2,3 or 4), 800 coins for two’s, three’s or four’s with a kicker (ace, 2, 3 or 4) and several other high payouts for special quads (four-of-a-kinds). So what could be wrong with that? The fact that you’ll be paid less for winning combinations at the bottom of the scale, like two pair - In short, games with a high variance are risky business and you may run out of bankroll in a hurry. I’m not suggesting that you avoid playing them-they’re lots of fun and sometimes you’ll win big. I definitely play DDB and other volatile (high risk) games. You do need to tread lightly, meaning not spend more than you budgeted, and to select carefully.
Final Thoughts:
Although I love plain cheese pizza, sometimes I want to spice it up with anchovies, olives, onions and lots more. Video poker and other casino games for that matter are no different. Start with a favorite and add some new chances for jackpots and you’ve got more potential for adrenalin rushes. Just like recipes heavy on the jalapeños they taste great going down but could cause indigestion later. There will always be a price to pay for extra opportunities to win. In the game of video poker high variance games have a downside appearing on the bottom of the pay schedule. That’s less coins for frequent hands in order to be paid big returns for infrequent hands at the top of the pay chart, like special quads.
Pay Schedule: You can spot a risky game by checking the pay schedule before you deposit money into the device. If you’re paid even money (a return of your bet rather than double your wager) for a frequent hand, like two pair, then you’ll notice there are more opportunities to earn big payouts. Each of the large jackpots, however, will require an infrequent hand, like a special quad. This is what is known as a high variance game and can be very costly if you fail to get one of the rare winning combinations. On the other hand, if you choose a game, like 9/6 jacks or better, the pay table shows that you’re paid double your wager for the same hand mentioned above, two pair. This game is less risky and you’ll be able to play longer on a given bankroll. It’s true that many consider the game boring and are upset when they are paid 125 coins (5-coin wager) for any four of a kind. They fail to remember that they were paid double for every two pair hand along the way.
18 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
Linda Boyd ,a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming” and “Midwest Gaming and Travel” in addition to “Arizona Player - her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. The 2010 Second Edition of her book is available in both paperback and kindle at amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publishers. www.squareonepublishers.com Toll Free: 877-900-BOOKYou’ll find more information on Linda in the 2011 Edition of “American Casino Guide”
It’s A SLAM DUNK! Drawings at 11am & 6pm Monday thru Wednesday for Mountain Moolah • Thursdays for CASH! Big CASH DRAWINGS on March 31st 7pm for $1,000 • 8pm for $2,500 • 9pm for $5,000
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FROM A WOMAN’S POINT OF VIEW
Hold-Em For Hope
fter many months of planning and prepaby Marianne Minneci ration “Hold-em for Hope” benefitting Easter Seals Southwest Human Development is only a few short weeks away. I felt the relevance of it all when I stopped in at Fort McDowell recently and I saw our banner placed strategically on the back wall of the poker room for everyone to see. I have been very active with my company’s fundraising efforts over the past few years. Last year at one of our planning meetings, I suggested having a poker tournament as a way to raise money for Easter Seals. At first the idea was shelved, but after a lot of lobbying on my part, “Hold-em for Hope” came into fruition. So now the thought process began, and I remembered that Fort McDowell has been host to so many successful charity tournaments over the past several years, I reasoned – contacting poker room manager at the Fort to tap into his experiHotel
I
1,000 Slot Machines
ence and expertise with these matters would be a terrific idea. Now, there have been times when my poker playing decisions have been suspect – like knowing when to “Hold Em or Fold Em” in a tournament…but this was a no brainer – A “Slam Dunk”
because Mike and his ever competent staff laid out the ground work for the event and our committee took his advice and ran with it. No one realized the amount of work involved I
24 Table Games
I
with this endeavor, but everyone stepped up to the plate to get the job done. I hope that all of you will join us for our inaugural event to be held at 11am Saturday March 19 at Fort McDowell Casino. Easter Seals Southwest Human Development is such a deserving organization. They work diligently to help children and adults with disabilities. By playing in this tournament you will help to fund these efforts allowing them to help those in need. I hope I can count on you for your support. The buy-in for the charity event is $75 for $3,000 in tournament chips with $20 re-buys for the first 2 hours of play. An additional add-on (If you want it) will be available at the second break for $30 and will get you an additional $5,000 in tournament chips. Prize pool will be based on the number of participants. I hope to see many of you on March 19th. If you have any questions, need additional information or would like to be a sponsor of this charity event please contact me at azpokerlady@cox.net. Until next time, have a lucky month
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Each rider receives $10.00 in Free Play* & $1.00 off lunch • Departs Casino at 3:00 p.m. *Reservations required; days of operation are subject to change; this schedule may not apply on holidays. Travel is subject to road and weather conditions. You must be a Gold Rush Club member to receive free play or a lunch voucher. Membership is free and easy. See the Gold Rush Club for Details. All passengers must be 21 years of age and provide valid picture I.D. Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos reserve the right to refuse transportation to anyone. Any guest not boarding the bus at time of departure is responsible for their return trip accommodations.
I-17 North, West on HWY 69 1.800.SLOTS44 {1-800-756-8744} • BUCKYSCASINO.COM Must be 21 or older. Problem gambling call: 1-800-NEXT STEP. © 2011 An Enterprise of the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe.
TJ’S BLACKJACK CORNER
6 to 5 Blackjack A Bad Deal
was in Las Vegas recently and made a surprising discovery. Apparently Casinos on the strip got together and decided that they now are only going to pay 6 to 5 on Blackjack instead of the traditional 3 to 2. I was even more surprised to see the blackjack tables still full of foolish players eager to give the Casino their money. Here is why you should avoid playing 6 to 5 blackjack. 70% of all the money you make at Blackjack comes from the hand of twenty, and Blackjack. You will get a Blackjack about every 21 hands in the long run, or a little less than 5 for every 100 hands played. For instance if you are at a $10 table, five blackjacks at 3 to 2 for a $10 bet pay $15 each for a total of $75. Five Blackjacks at a $10 table paying 6 to 5 pays $12 each for a total of $60, $15 less than what they should pay. If you are a $10 per hand player, the Casino is skimming $15 for every one hundred hands you play. It is hard enough to beat the game without the Casino trying to gouge the player for even more money. A normal house edge for the perfect basic strategy Blackjack Player playing a game with decent rules and Blackjack paying 3 to 2 is around .-6%. When the Casino changes Blackjack to pay 6 to 5 the players disadvantage increases by -1.39%. The Casinos on the strip have also added a lot of single deck games with Blackjack paying 6 to 5, don’t play them, they have a bigger house advantage than the worst 8 deck game you will ever find. Why I would bring this up? After all, what can just one player do? We as blackjack players can ban together and say no to 6 to 5 blackjack - refuse to play those games. If enough players stop playing these games - casinos will quickly change them back. I refused to play the 6 to 5 Blackjack and went off the strip to the Orleans, where I found a double deck game with liberal rules and more importantly Blackjack paid 3 to 2. This game was much easier to beat and well worth the cab ride.
by TJ Jorgensen
22 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
Before you put your hard earned money into play look at the rules and do not play the 6 to 5 Blackjack games. Go off the beaten path - it is well worth the effort. It is always much more fun to win than to lose. To help you calculate the house advantage over the player on any Blackjack game, here are the important rules. Changes that Change In Changes that Change In Help the Player the Edge Hurt the Player the Edge Double after split Re-split Aces Single Deck Two decks Four Decks
+.14% +.07% +.50% +.20% +.05%
Dealer hits Ace-6 -.20% Double on 11 only .46% Double on 10,11 only -.09% Double on 9,10,11 only -.09% No re-splitting pairs -.04% 6 to 5 Blackjack -1.39 To determine the casinos edge over the basic strategy player at the beginning of a randomly shuffled shoe, just add or subtract the rules variations from the “base game listed above. For example, if you play a double deck game which has the same rules as the base game, the casino advantage is computed as follows: Base Game -.54% 2 decks +.20 Players disadvantage -.34% If the casino is paying 6 to 5 on Blackjack and doesn’t allow some of the favorable rules for the player - the house advantage can get very large making the game unbeatable, even for me. Before sitting down at any Blackjack game do yourself a favor, read the rules and calculate the house advantage, trust me the Casino has. We as players can get the Casinos to remove the 6 to 5 Blackjack games if we all refuse to play them. Until next time I hope you play winning Blackjack. T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play, both locally and internationally. He has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world. He is the author of the book, "Beating the Casino at Their Own Game," available through his web site www.freewebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail TJ4justice1@msn.com
REEL REVIEWS BY KEVIN CUMMINGS
24 ARIZONA PLAYER November 2010
Cover Story continued from page 8
Harrah’s Ak-Chin participates in Caesars Entertainment’s award-winning Total Rewards player loyalty program. Guests earn comps based on their casino play as well as non-gaming purchases at nearly 40 Caesars Entertainment casinos in Las Vegas and across the country. Reward Credits earned at one Total Rewards casino can be used at any other Total Rewards casino for lodging, dining, entertainment and more. Total Rewards members may qualify for exclusive offers at Harrah’s Ak-Chin and other Caesars Entertainment properties, based on their play.
If you’re not a Total Rewards member, sign up today Membership is free, and new members receive $15 in Free Slot Play and a free buffet now through March 31, 2011. Be sure to visit Harrah’s Ak-Chin on Saturdays in February when superhero “Captain Moolah” returns! Every 10 minutes between 11am and 5pm, one slot machine will be randomly selected to win from $100 to $1,000 in instant Free Slot Play. And if “Captain Moolah” appears, the prizes double. Every wallet needs a hero, and “Captain Moolah” is ready to come to the rescue! Harrah’s Ak-Chin’s 40,000-square-foot casino has video poker and slot machines, as well as blackjack, keno and bingo. Between the resort’s four restaurants, there is something to please every palate. If you’re in the mood for a juicy steak or some fresh seafood, The Range Steakhouse offers a superb selection of tempting entrees, not to mention legendary desserts.
Agave’s Restaurant is the perfect way to start your day with beautiful pool views and fluffy omelets. Quick meals and delicious snacks are always the order of the day at the Copper Cactus Grill, open 24 hours per day. The Buffet has gotten rave reviews, so be sure to check it out. The Oasis Lounge offers free entertainment, featuring country, variety, top 40, nostalgia, rhythm and blues and jazz. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort is located at 15406 North Maricopa Road in Maricopa, Arizona. For additional information, visit harrahsakchin.com or call 480-802-5000. Like Harrah’s Ak-Chin on Facebook at Facebook.com/HarrahsAkChin and follow on Twitter at Twitter.com/Harrahs_ Akchin.
ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011 25
HORSIN’ AROUND E a r ly
L ook To The K entuck y D er by
efore we get Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. His style suggests he will into analyzing get the classic distance and his final time of 1:42 the up and 3/5 in the Juvenile stands up very well to the clockcoming stars that will ing recorded by the brilliant “Arazi”. That meteor point to the Kentucky won the 1992 Juvenile at Churchill in 1:44 3/5. by Brian Derby this year, a Trained by Todd Pletcher, this guy will be put in a Mulligan shout out has to go position for success and he will only need to stay to Scottsdale resident John Doyle. The phrase healthy, have a little luck and be good enough. ‘according to Hoyle’ came to the fore because of To Honor and Serve” is not only a slogan for the the knowledge of Edmond Hoyle - best known for police, but also a highly-talented runner that won his works on the rules and play of card games, 3 of his first 4 starts and ran 2nd once. By Macho but Mr. John Doyle has his own legend now to live Uno and trained by world-class condtioner Bill up to. Mott, this runner’s game and this Remsen winner The former IBM account executive retired to looks like he will thrive as the distances stretch become a professional horseplayer and he used a out. This son of Afleet Alex could have a say in the steed named “Dapper Gene” to record the winning outcome in Kentucky. Elite Alex has only run twice score in the National Handicapping Championship but he has been impressive and he has the blood in Las Vegas to win a nice little prize of $500,000. to go long as his lone sibling to win cashed thrice The Bronx native came from 19th place as final all, routes. day’s action began - to rally and lead the pack, Steve Asmussen did a pretty nice job with Horse much like his final winning horse. of the Year Curlin a few seasons ago and he has an Well done, and here’s hoping for continued good up and comer in Tapizar. luck in the future....Now - on to the Blue Grass. By stamina sire Tapit, this guy had some eventSince we are less than 11 weeks away from the ful trips early in his career but he did something Kentucky Derby, now is as good a time as any to that is not easy and that was beating winners take a look at the major contenders at this point in directly after winning his first race. He accomtime to win the Run for the the Roses. plished that feat winning the Grade 3 Sham Stakes Churchill Downs will once again host the one at Santa Anita and he did it despite losing concenand a quarter mile Kentucky Derby on May 7 and tration in the stretch. although so much can happen from now till then, One horse that rates consideration but may be there are several runners that should be monioverlooked is Casper’s Touch. By Touch Gold, he tored and put on the rader screen. has shown an affinity for the Churchill surface and “Uncle Mo” comes into 2011 as the unbeaten could have much more than a ghost’s chance. PGP-PlayerThird pdf maker:Layout 1 8/8/10 9:38 AM Page 1 2-year-old champion and off a clever victory in the You don’t know what you have till it’s gone is
26 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
one true adage. This can be true of a former love gone by the wayside, a great friend that is now no longer around or a job or situation that one never took advantage of. In my case it was voting for the Eclipse Awards. For over 2 plus decades I had that honor but when the Racing Form went to New York, I temporarily lost the privilege. Now back voting for the year-end honors, it has to be said that Zenyatta truly deserved Horse of the Year. I voted for her last year and this year and the feeling is if she raced against Blame 10 times, she would win more often. Both horses lost once this year, but Blame was beaten when another horse got loose on the lead and he could not rally in time. That scenario was constant with Zenyatta as she always conceded her field tons of lengths - We may never see another like her.
Zenyatta Brian Mulligan was the main West Coast linemaker for 17 years for the Daily Racing Form writing under the non de plume of “SWEEP.” He continues to contribute to the Daily Racing Form writing “A Closer Look” analysis daily.
TRAVEL TRAVEL – THE FAR EAST….VALLEY You do not need a passport to time travel to the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival
Put your daily cares aside and escape to the Arizona Renaissance Festival, located just east of Apache Junction on US Highway 60, near the Superstition Mountains. You will find life in the 16th century is festive and fun in a 30-acre medieval playground with five great attractions all rolled into one. There are twelve Stages of continuous live entertainment, each stage setting packed with a unique mix of comedy, music, and mischievous antics. Don Juan & Miguel brandishing whips and swords will have you laughing till your stomach hurts. The Ded Bob Sho is a real trip too – but you better think before you heckle this guy, or you’ll find yourself on stage as part of the act. Just some of the other hilarious acts include; Tartanic, Dextre Tripp, Bathos The Muse, London Broil, The Tortuga Twins along with many, many more.
.
This is an Outdoor Circus of acrobats & merrymakers, where you never know what will happen next, on stage or off. A Medieval Arts and Crafts Fair with over 200 storybook shops, charming tents, and carts plus artisan demonstrations of the fine skills of weaving, woodcarving, blacksmithing, glassblowing, pottery and jewelry. Jousting Tournaments, three performances daily with armored knights on noble steeds challenging one another, re-create history’s original Super bowl bash in the 5,000 seat arena. A Day-Long Feast with hearty foods to satisfy your appetite plus beer and wine to quench your thirst. You can also make reservations for The Pleasure Feast - a one and a half-hour extravaganza! Savor five courses of fine food and drink with a side order of raucous live entertainment - Admission ticket and souvenir goblet is included with Feast price.
Kids love the interactive games and people-powered rides: Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, the Slider Joust, Piccolo Pony - a rocking horse bigger than an elephant - the Dragon Climbing Tower, Castle Siege, a Maze, Archery Range and much more.
One of the special features of the Festival is that entertainment takes place throughout the day right in front of your eyes on the streets of the village, as a costumed cast of 900 medieval commoners, knights and royalty celebrates a 16th century day of play. Hours: Every Saturday and Sunday, February 12 – April 3 including Presidents’ Day Monday, Feb. 21 from 10 am-6 pm. Advance discount tickets are available at Fry¹s or online - print at home. Prices are Adults $20 and $10 for ages 5-12. Tickets at the gate are $2 more. Parking is FREE courtesy of FRY’S Food & Drug Stores. INFO LINE: 520-463-2700 or go to the website: www.RenFestInfo.com
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ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011 27
DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR Sanctum ««
An expedition in Papua New Guinea is exploring one the world’s largest cave systems. They are deep into the earth looking for where the underwater river empties into the ocean. When a storm arrives early - they are trapped and by forced to find an alternative way out David Ramsey underwater. The leader has a strong driven personality who is at odds with his son. The man funding the expedition and his new girlfriend befriend the son. This is just an over wrought father son reconciliation melodrama that is badly written and badly acted. It looks beautiful but there is no reason to pay the extra fee to see it in 3D, it is another missed opportunity to WOW the audience with this technology.
David’s Video Details Never Let Me Go «««««
Ruth, Kathy and Tommy spend their childhood at a charming seemingly perfect English boarding school. As they get older they have to deal with how they feel for each other so when Ruth and Tommy pair up Kathy feels left out. When they leave the school they are not prepared for the predetermined reality that awaits them nor the moral dilemma it represents. The acting is superb and the writing is brilliant. Everything about this film is perfect - you will remember it for a long time.
Let Me In ««««
The Mechanic ««« Arthur is a hired killer who is very good at his job. After a successful job in South America he takes his mentor’s son, Steve, under his wing to train him to be an assassin. Steve is hot-headed and reckless while Arthur is cool and calculating. It’s not long before Arthur is taking Steve on assignments even though his boss is not happy about it. Arthur finds out something is not right at the company causing them to come after him. There is a lot of action and it gets very violent, graphically so.
Owen is a lonely boy who meets a reclusive girl and they become friends. This is a unique vampire film with lots of texture and an unsettling mood. The cast is brilliant but it’s the writing, cinematography and direction that sets the feel and holds the suspense and horror without becoming a slasher-type film. This is a thinking and feeling person’s vampire story but don’t worry there is enough action and blood to satisfy everyone.
Unstoppable ««««
After a mistake in the train yard a half-mile-long freight train takes off at full speed with no one onboard. To make matters worse there are deadly toxic materials in some of the cars and it’s headed for a populated area where it will derail if it hits a curve without slowing down and could kill thousands. Nothing that the company tries works so it is up to an engineer and conductor on another train on the same track to catch up with it and stop it. The action gets very intense and the suspense is edge-of-your-seat at times. 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 for him on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday just after 6am and on ABC-15’s “Sonoran Living Live” every other Friday at 11am. Read more of his DVD reviews at WildAboutMovies.com. Contact him at David@ TheSnackBar.net.
28 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
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American Legion #29 6821 N. 58th Ave Mon & Thurs 6:45pm Wed 11:45am American Legion #62 9847 W. Desert Cove Thurs & Sat noon 25¢Bingo Starts 9:30am Phoenix West Elks 5525 W. Colter Tues 7pm, Sun 1pm, 6pm Postal Worker’s Social Club 3720 W. Greenway Rd. Tues & Sun 6:30pm
12:30 & 6:30pm, Fri & Sat @ Midnight Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd Daily 11:00am, 2:30 & 6:30pm Lone Butte Casino SanTan Loop202 & Kyrene Noon & 6:30pm Daily Vee Quiva Casino 51st Ave. 10 mi. S of I-10 Daily: 12:30 & 6:30pm
Fort McDowell Casino Fountain Hills Area Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 9am, 12:30pm, 6:30pm Tue: 12:30pm, 6:30pm Sat & Sun: 6:45 & 9am,
Sun-Thurs noon; Fri & Sat 7pm BlueWater Casino • Parker 11300 Resort Dr Daily 6:30pm
Statewide Games
Apache Gold Casino • Globe
Casino Games – Phx Area 5mi E of Globe on Hwy 70
Casino Del Sol• Tucson 5655 W. Valencia Mini Sessions 11:30am & 1:30pm Matinee 2:15pm & Evening 7:15pm Cocopah Casino • Yuma 15136 South Ave B Somerton Daily 1 & 6pm Desert Diamond • Tucson 7350 S Nogales Hwy Daily: 1:30 & 7:15pm Mazatzal Casino• Payson Hwy 87 at mile post 251 Mon-Thurs 12:45pm Mon & Tues 6:30pm Paradise Casino • Yuma 450 Quechan Dr. Daily at 1 & 6pm
Bingo Halls - To get your games listed call 602-373-8728 or E-mail Phil Scudella atazplayer@cox.net
MORE REASONS TO PLAY AT THE ELKS
Mary Ann (L) and Paula Shepard
FREE BOWLING! Glenfair Lanes
623-937-9225 6110 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ Located at the corner of Bethany Home Rd & 59th Ave in the Glenfair Plaza
Coupon valid for one free game, up to 4 people during open play bowling. Not valid with any other promotional offers or Neon Night Bowling. One coupon per visit. EXPIRES 4/1/2011
Sure, the Phoenix West Elks is a great place to play bingo every Tuesday night and Sunday afternoon. First you have a $1,000 Jackpot both days, and arrive early on Sunday and you can play 25 cent bingo starting at 9:30am. Combine this with a fun atmosphere, a professional staff and nice payouts and you have plenty of reasons to want to be playing bingo at this west valley location – Now, you can add two more reasons – Terrific food at bargain prices! Because in January, Mary Ann Bowlin entered into a lease agreement with the BPOE to run their snack bar – what a great move! Mary Ann brings honest to goodness home cookin’ to the Elks snack bar every Sunday from
9:30am - 4pm, this includes a Sunday Lunch Special. On a recent Sunday the special included a generous portion of baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, plus mixed veggies and a roll and butter, all this for just 4 bucks! Bingo players seem to be enjoying Mary Ann’s new menu. You can even add a salad, dessert or a drink (coffee, tea or soda) for just $1 each. The snack bar is open Tuesday’s from 7pm – 10pm, and yes Mary Ann will have a $4 dinner special during that bingo session also. Stop by and say hello to Mary Ann and her assistant Paula Shepard – enjoy lunch, dinner or just dessert and coffee. Phoenix West Elks is located at 5525 West Colter – That’s just ¼ mile North of Camelback. ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011 29
ASTROLOGY & JOKE Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19
Taurus April 21 to May 21
Leo July 23 to Aug 23
Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22
Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20
Gemini May 22 to June 21
Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23
Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21
Cancer June 22 to July 22
Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20
Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7 Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7
Persistence Pays off Go with family plans Get set for an adventure Very lucky week Plan needed trip Great opportunity soon Take friends advice Now, you get it right
Aries Mar 21 to April 20
Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7
Believe – it will happen Old friend returns Nice streak of luck Lucky place due to hit
Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7 Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7 Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7
Don’t Despair – Things will get better Sitting by the window of her second floor room at the convent one cold rainy night, Sister Margret began to read a letter from home. Inside the letter from her parents was a $100 bill - She smiled at the gesture. As she read the letter, she noticed a shabbily dressed stranger shivering under the street lamp just outside her window crying. Quickly, she wrote, “Don’t despair. Sister Barbara,” on an
Take that earned trip Amazing flop for a win Careful – use your head Friend wins and so do you
Working hard pays off Big excitement ahead Nice win near home Great time with new friend
The next day, Sister Barbara was told that a man was at her door, insisting on seeing her. She went down, and found the stranger waiting. Without a word, he
1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe–slots keno bingo & blackjack. (800) 272-2433 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (888) 243-3360
Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7 Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7
Luck is holding up Go with gut feelings Best is yet to come Stick with your decision Profitable adventure Fun time with friend Why not try it? Your numbers come in
Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23
Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7
Fun is just beginning This time you get it right Lucky is your new name They will be stunned
Joke of the Month
envelope – Then she put the $100 bill in it, got the man’s attention and tossed it out the window to him. The stranger picked it up, opened it and with a puzzled expression and a tipped his hat, went off down the street.
CASINO DIRECTORY
30 ARIZONA PLAYER February 2011
Fun memories this week More fun than expected Good things happen Play smart on the tables
handed her a huge wad of $100 bills. “What’s this?” she asked. “That’s the $8,000 you have coming Sister,” he replied. “Don’t Despair won the 7th race at Hollywood Park and the longshot paid over 80-to-1, I took my standard 10% vig…the rest is yours Sister - Good call!” Thanks and a tip of the propeller beanie to a good ole former radio buddy of mine, Lee Murray for sending me this.
3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai–Prescott Indian Tribe–slots, poker & blackjack.. (800) 756-8744 4. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community–slots poker blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community– slots blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 6. Casino Del Sol • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots poker & blackjack (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel• (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo & poker (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots & blackjack. (520) 294-7777 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (480) 837-1424
Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7 Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7 Feb 10–16 Feb 17–23 Feb 24–28 Mar 1–7
Old friend returns Plan needed trip now Unexpected pleasure Trust yourself – it will work Help comes in strange way Late night excitement Right place – right time A well deserved rest Unexpected windfall Flop stuns everyone Big surprise coming Really fun outing
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 If we use it, we’ll not only give you credit- we’ll send you back a prize from our prize closet! Could be; concert, sports tickets or a gift card – so include an address, phone number or e-mail address.
12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots keno blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452 13. Gila River Vee Quiva Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452 14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 946-4452 15. Golden Ha’ San Casino • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Slots 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa) Ak-Chin Indian Community–slots keno poker bingo & blackjack. (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe–slots keno bingo poker blackjack (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (888) 777-4946 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe–slots. (888) 837-4030 21. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe–slots (800) 756-8744