September 2014 by Arizona Player

I nside

Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com

this I ssue Casino Entertainment Harrah’s Has Gone PINK Card Room Action Statewide BIG Bingo Winner at Casino Arizona Arizona Has a New Poker Champion CONTEST - Win a Casino Slot Machine! Vol. 22 No. 9 • September 2014

gaming news ARIZONA HAS A NEW POKER CHAMPION Winner beats 1,459 opponents at Talking Stick Resort and takes home $257, 690 cash prize By Phil Scudella A new poker champion was crowned at Talking Stick Resort on Tuesday, August19 during the 10th annual Arizona State Poker Championship. A showdown full of surprise plays and twists ensued for nearly seven hours during the final day of play, until just one man was left standing. When the final hand was dealt Phoenix native Robert Tanita was named the 2014 Arizona State Poker Champion, securing the victory with pocket eights! Pocket 8’s seemed to be the most popular winning hand thru the final day of play, as that hand was lucky enough to win every time. Earlier at about 3pm, Robert was dealt pocket 8’s and Steve Buell was holding Ace / Jack. The flop was 8,6,10 “rainbow” – Robert went all-in, Steve called and caught a Jack on the river but not enough to beat Robert’s trip 8’s – Steve was eliminated and took home $98,550 and finished in 4th place. Next out was Brayden Quackenbush less than 30 minutes later, the 23 year old was playing in his first big tournament. He went up against the chip leader Robert Tanita as Jerry mucked his hand. The flop was 8,Q,7. Robert raised and Brayden called. The turn card was a 3 – and Robert went all-in, Brayden called with K,8 but Robert showed pocket Kings. A deuce was the river card and Brayden was out of the tournament with 3rd place money of $131,400 and a beautiful trophy to take home – Not bad for his first major tournament! Now we were down to the Arena poker room regulars; Jerry “Wolf” Sanchez and the chip leader Robert Tanita. Jerry had been short stacked earlier at the final table until a very dramatic hand put him back in the hunt. He slow played his pocket 4’s after the other two 4’s hit on the flop! No one had any idea what he had and he took so long trying to decide to call a big bet that most people were convinced he did not hit anything on the flop. He took even longer on the call bet to Robert on the turn card. So when Robert checked on the river card, Jerry hesitated, then went all-in. There

4 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

was an immediate call by Robert as Jerry showed his poker 4’s for QUADS! Phil Hellmuth shook his head in disbelief; I turned to Phil and asked “Did you see that coming?” He just shook his head side to side. What a great play to get him back in contention. On the final hand – as luck would have it, Robert was dealt Pocket 8’s against Jerry’s Jack of Spades and 8 of Spades – Robert goes all-in with $27,000,000 – Jerry “Wolf” Sanchez calls with $10,000,000 – Jerry’s only hope was to avoid a 8 and catch a Jack or 3 more spades The flop was 10d, 6c, 6s, turn was Kh and river was 9s, Once again pocket 8’s held up and Robert was the new Arizona State Poker Champion! Jerry “Wolf” Sanchez finished next to the very best you could do in this tournament and was rewarded with a beautiful trophy that poker room director Thomas Young presented to him along with $175,200 in cash – not bad for about 5 day’s work! “It all feels pretty surreal because this is my local casino,” said 30 year old Tanita “I’ve been playing here for 10 years so it feels good to bring a win home, especially a win from Talking Stick Resort.” Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2014 tournament surpassed the previous year with 160 more players. In total, more than 1,400 participants battled it out over the course of the five-day tournament which kicked off on August 15th. Each player was looking to win their share of the $1.1 million prize pool. The semi-finals of the tournament began on August 18, with 181 contenders vying for the final 10 spots in the competition. The final table commenced on Tuesday August 19 with 13-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth serving as emcee. His colorful commentary kept spectators laughing and engaged as the six plus hour showdown ensued. One of the really hilarious moments occurred during what turned out to be the last break at the final table. As the players moved away from the table to see continued on page 19

WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

Contents

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 Kevin Cummings Melody Hudson David Ramsey Aimee Rose Satara Williams Shanna Wolfe

Special Thanks to: The Marketing department at BlueWater Resort & Casino and SMP Communications for their help putting this September issue of Arizona Player together – Great Job!

Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Kevin Cummings Cindy Esquer Victoria Gundersen Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen David Ramsey Satara Williams Shanna Wolfe

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.

6 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

Vol. 22 No. 9 • September 2014

Gaming News Talking Stick Resort Crowns New Poker Champion

Cover Story BlueWater Casino Resort “Gridiron Football Challenge”

REEL REVIEWS Kevin Cummings "Lady Robin Hood" by Bally

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “Affleck Flies the Coop”

Card Room Action Table Game Action Around the State

AZ Lottery News “Cash and Carry” “Scotland to Scottsdale””

TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Free Stuff for Playing Blackjack” 18 Contest Page “WIN an IGT Triple Diamond Slot Machine”

Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide

Gaming News “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Has Gone Pink”

Travel “3:10 to YUMA”

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

Cover story

THE BLUEWATER “BIG GAME” FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

BlueWater Resort and Casino in Parker, Arizona is full of action this football season that you won’t want to miss. They’re giving away cash, a Jeep Wrangler, tickets to the BIG GAME in Glendale Arizona that includes transportation along with 60” TVs and much more! BlueWater presents the Gridiron Football Challenge, the “Big Game” Ticket Giveaway & Pig Skin Pick-Em’s – Tackle cash drawings each week and win your share of $70,000! The Gridiron Football challenge is going on now through October 31st. Weekly drawings are held Wednesdays from 4pm till 8pm and Sundays from Noon till 4pm. You can also earn entries daily for the “Gladiators of the Gridiron” Grand Prize Showdown – Where one lucky player will drive home a new 2014 Jeep Wrangler! It will be given away Friday, October 31st at 9pm – Be there on Halloween night! The BIG GAME is coming to Glendale, Arizona February 2015 and BlueWater Resort and Casino is sending two lucky members with a pair of BIG GAME tickets! Players have two chances to win – a Live Barrel Drawing OR by earning the highest base points from October 1, 2014 – January 18, 2015. Earn barrel drawing entries each week and check the TV monitors at THEclub for the top ten base point leaders. The Live Barrel Drawing and the presentation of the top three highest base point earners will take place January 18th 1st place prize is two (2) “Big Game” tickets & Transportation. 2nd place prize is a 60” TV & Theatre Surround System. 3rd place prize is a 60” TV. Each week, you’ll have a chance to pick the pro football winners. Choose correctly and win weekly cash prizes and a shot at $1,000,000! - So ditch the couch and catch the games with them.

It’s all happening in The Dig Lounge, with food and drink specials going on during all games. Their 18 FOOT VIDEO WALL provides the cleanest, most crisp game coverage and is the biggest around.

You have a chance to win cash every week at BlueWater with the Gridiron Football Challenge, the “Big Game Ticket Giveaway” & Pig Skin Pick’ Ems. In order to participate in the football promotions, you must be a member of THEclub. Sign up as a new member (it’s free) and receive $10 in Free Slot Play and two spins on their wheel for $100 - you could win up to $200 in additional Free Slot Play. Members can create an account at MyBlueWaterRewards.com to view their player information online or on their mobile device. There you can find information on upcoming events, view your current point balance and offers and receive customized offers based on your interests, and much more. MyBlueWaterRewards is quick and easy so join today. For full details on casino promotions you can also go to Bluewaterfun.com. Did you know that if you live in Lake Havasu City, you can get a free ride to BlueWater? Their 28-passenger bus will pick-up and drop-off at two Lake Havasu City locations with three trip options offered. And coming soon, there will be bus service to Quartzsite, Arizona and Blythe, California! Current THEclub members will receive the Free Slot Play deal: “$50 for $40” on the day they ride. Players must be at least 21 years old to ride. A complete schedule can be found at www.bluewaterfun.com. For more information, call 888-243-3360 and ask for Sales. BlueWater Resort & Casino is located at 11300 Resort Drive, off Highway 95 in Parker, Arizona.

Reel Reviews

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A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

“Affleck” Flies

ecently Ben Affleck got booted from the Hard Rock Casino in by Vegas for card-counting Linda Boyd at blackjack. First of all, you’re simply counting 10-pointers versus the lower cards (2 through 6 in some systems and 3 through 6 in others) and usually you have a side-count of aces. The purpose is to know the condition of the remaining deck, assuming either a single or double deck of cards and, of course, no continuous shuffling device from a shoe. (with a continuous shuffling device the information is practically worthless unless you play several hands at once and then it’s a small advantage indeed.) In fact, the house can grab the advantage back with their own rules, like hitting a soft seventeen, having 6/5 BJ payouts and other rules. Actually there are many BJ systems for tracking the remaining deck, all extremely easy if you’ve passed junior high pre-algebra, and it’s not even illegal. The purpose of card-counting, by the way, is to tell you how much to bet (more when the remaining deck is rich in 10-pointers and aces and less if it isn’t) as well as how to vary from basic BJ strategy based on what’s left to be dealt. Sometimes the house fudges by shuffling up with little penetration if lots of paint and aces are still in the deck. So then what’s the big deal that grabbed so many headlines? It makes Ben look like “the dude” and most people playing BJ are clueless about soft seventeen rules, automatic shufflers, multiple decks and, sadly, junior high math. Also, it’s great publicity for the Hard Rock. They didn’t

arrest Gentle Ben and even arranged for a car service to take him back to his hotel room. I’m guessing his blushing wife, Jennifer Garner, wanted to give the bouncers a hug for getting her mate out of his den of iniquity. Still, I think the blurry ethical line between the casino and the players is worth exploring. Most gamblers have a good sense of what is fair even if laws weren’t actually broken like in the Affleck case. There was a time when Vegas was the main venue for gambling and if you wanted to play VP - that was especially the case. This pre-dated Dean Zamzow’s brilliant tutorial software called WinPoker in the nineties. Since then both casino staff and manufacturers know the expected return (ER) for player advantage games and have yanked most of them off their house floors. They overlooked the fact that you must play computer-perfect to get the stated ER and few do - casinos simply panicked. Some establishments, however, did keep a few machines to brag about over 100% payback (the small print says if played optimally) but you’ll only find them in smaller denominations. Now, you’ll be able to make $7-$8 an hour with perfect or almost flawless play (quarter Full Pay Deuces Wild), but that’s hardly a living. So you’ll find a few recreational players, mostly smart retirees, having fun, getting comps and making a few dollars to boot. This has little if any impact on the casino’s bottom line. In fact, many others will play the few low denomination full pay devices without even knowing the basic strategy. In short, playing advantage VP at lightening speed is not costing the house much and that’s

the

Coop

why giving them the Affleck treatment is foolish. The few remaining advantage video poker plays in Nevada, however, are not worth the drive from Arizona to most players. Sometimes I stumble upon a pay schedule error on VP devices. Should I immediately report it to management, share the find with friends or find a seat and keep my mouth shut? I opt for the last choice and for good reasons. If stuck buttons or embarrassingly low pay schedules are put on the floor by management teams I have no ability to make the house change the absurdly poor payout table. If I start bragging about my find to other players then one of the Pollyannas will report it to management and it will soon be gone. So I just play the device and stay mum; I, also, suffer no pangs of guilt. You won’t exactly find the Aflac duck quacking about great VP plays anymore than you’ll find Affleck flocking to three dollar BJ tables in order to card-count. The ethics of taking advantage of the house at blackjack or players pounding positive VP devices is the same. If the casino offers a good video poker play either by design or error it’s fair “game” for patrons and so is using fundamental math skills to adjust bet size and basic strategy in blackjack. Linda Boyd ,a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming and “Midwest Gaming and Travel” her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules & strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for her story in current editions of “American Casino Guide” (ACG) and her YouTube videos, also with ACG. Her radio shows with Southern Gaming will soon be available on iTunes. The 2nd edition of her book is available in both paperback and kindle - Available at amazon.com, bookstores, Square One Publishers. www.squareonepublishers.com or Toll Free at 1-877-900-BOOK

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014 12

CARD ROOM ACTION

Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438

Globe, AZ Dealing blackjack, and poker daily at 3pm

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

Scottsdale, AZ Mon thru Fri, 11:15 am – NLHE $70 buy-in w/ $10 s/c Mondays at 7:15 – Green Chip Bounty $150 Buy-in & $30 s/c - $25 bounties Mon, Thurs & Sun – NFL Football Promotion (Call for details) Tues, Wed and Thurs at 7:15pm - NLHE, $ 115 buy-in w/ $15 s/c Sat, Sept 20, Oct 11, Nov 8 & Dec 13 at 11:15 am – “Super Bounty” NLHE - $200 BI, $25 s/c - $100 Bounties Sat, Sept 27, Oct 25 & Nov 29 at 11:15 am – Last Saturday NLHE – $125 BI w/ $25 s/c Sat, Oct 4 & Nov 1 at 11:15am – “Big Stack” NLHE – $300 BI w/$30 s/c (opt$15 dealer Add-0n) Sat, Oct 18 at 11:15 am – Turbo Bounty NLHE - $200 BI w/ $25 s/c - $100 Bounties Sun, Sept 28 & Oct 26 at 11:15 am – Jack & Jill No-Limit Hold Em Tournaments $75 BI & 15 s/c

Sun, Oct 5 at 11:15 am – Survivor Sunday NLHE $200 buy-in Sun, Oct 19 at 11:15 am – Ladies No-Limit Hold-Em Tournaments $60 BI & 15 s/c

Sat, Nov 15 at 11:15 am – 12th Annual Thanksgiving Charity Championship Sat, Nov 22 at 11:15 am – 5th Annual Jack & Jill Championship Weekdays, 2am-10am “Aces Cracked” Win $ 100 rack Food Specials; $4 breakfast and $6.75 Steak & Eggs (2 am – Noon) Mondays $16 Prime Rib Dinner (5-11pm)

Also dealing blackjack 24/7

Bluewater Resort & Casino 888-243-3360 ext 7649

Parker, AZ Poker Room opens at 4pm daily except 2pm on Sun & Wed – closed on Mondays Tues at 7pm, NLHE “Bounty” Tournament -

14 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

$35 buy-in ($5 bounties) Thurs at 7pm, NLHE – High Hand Bounty Tournament $40 buy-in, w/ one $20 re-buy Wed, 2pm – 8pm “High Hand of the Day” pays $50 at 8 pm, plus any straight flush pays $50 Fri – 4 of a kind pays $50 & Full House pays $15 Sat, 5pm – “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-Sat at 6pm - NLHE $40 Buy-in w/$10 add-on, (top 3-5 cash) top 5 earn points for Player of Month (3 places $300, $200 & $100) Mon – Fri, 10am & 2pm - NLHE Shootouts $20 entry w/$5 dealer Add-on Open Face Chinese Poker – 2, 3 or max 4 players to a table – you’re dealt 13 cards – exciting fun game! Bonus Poker 24/7 – Paid hourly, get trips or better on a hand and receive a card – make a hand that hour win up to $5,000! “Random Rewards” Various times and days - see poker room for pay-outs Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Now playing; 3 Card Poker, “Texas Shoot Out” and High Card Flush w/ bonus jackpot

Casino Arizona 480-850-7777

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

Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565

Tucson, AZ $25,000 Guest Appreciation Free Roll NLHE – Sept 29 thru Oct 4 (Qualify w/ 60 hours live play by Sept 29) Mon, Wed & Fri, 10 am - $800 Guaranteed NLHE, $37 buy-in Tues & Thurs, 10am – Free Roll w/ $5 re-buys & a $10 add-on - $800 Prize pool

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 & Tues at 7pm - $1,500 Guaranteed NLHE, $45 buy-in – no re-buys Sat, 9am – 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 Progressive high hands 24/7 – win up to $500 – see poker room for details

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, no re-buys (Early bird chips available) Wed, 8pm – Mid “$100 Splash pots every hour Fri, 7pm - NLHE Shoot-outs, $ 150 added per table of 10 - $25 buy-in – re-buys thru first level Sat, Noon – $500 added – NLHE $105 buy-in (Bonus chips for early live play) All Week – Royal Flush pays $100 “Aces Cracked” Sun – Fri, first 4 per day wins a $100 rack Also dealing blackjack 24/7

Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687

Somerton, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 10am

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 regularprices 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 & Fri, 7pm, NLHE - $60 buy-in w/one $10 dealer add-on for additional $5,000 in chips Sun, Sept 21 at 10am - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament – $60 buy-in w/ $10 dealer Appreciation “Aces Cracked” 24/7 win $100 24/7 “Aces cracked” 7:30 – 9:30 am & 3:30pm – 5:30pm $300 “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 $1,198 - see poker room for details. Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Now playing FREE BET blackjack

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138

Maricopa, AZ Mon – Fri at 9am to 10am – Start-Up Pay Back Special, earn money each hour you play from $10 to $25 per hour, you must be seated and playing before 10am. Max of $75 for playing first 6 hours. 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) NFL Football Splash-pots (Sunday 3 games, plus Mon & Thurs games) $50 TD, $25 FG (designated team) add $25 to each splashpot if Cardinals score

College Football Splash-pots $25 (designated team) Fri & Sat- Selected games Aces Cracked - Black aces $100, Red Aces $50 & Mixed $25 (Bonus 2am-3am =3X payout, mid-2am+double) MLB “Splash pots” Selected games – see poker room for schedule Daily splash pots (various amounts) at top and bottom of the hour 24/7! Bad Beat jackpots are various amounts based on game limits (3/6, 4/8 & 5/10) pays $1,500 to $3,500) Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – including “Push the bet”

Hon-Dah Casino 928-369-7555

Pinetop, AZ Mon, 6pm - NLHE Double Stack, $25 buy-in w/ $25 re-buy Tues, 6pm - NLHE “Speed Shoot-Out” $15 buy-in (no re-buys) Wed, 6pm - NLHE, $40 buy-in (no re-buys) “early bird” chips available every day & double on Tuesday Thurs, 6pm - No Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $40 buy-in (no re-buys) “early bird” chips available Fri, 6pm – NLHE “$25 Bounty” Tournament, $45 buy-in (no re-buys) 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 – Aces & Faces Cracked & Splash pots win up to $400 daily – see poker room for details

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 over $490,000 at press time!

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 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

CARD ROOM ACTION

at 10am NLHE Tournaments at 7pm, Thurs ($35) Sat at noon ($55) “Aces & Faces Cracked” – wins up to $50 $25 “Splash Pots” daily at Noon,12:30, 1,1:30 ,2,7, 8, 9,10, 11pm and Mid. Progressive “High Hand” & Bad Beat Jackpots – 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 **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 Nov 29th Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $ 200 – Plus “Bonus Royals” Mon-Thurs “Super 77” Progressive Bad-Beat Jackpot – (Quad 7’s or better beaten) Jackpot was over $45,000 at press time “ACES CRACKED” spins the wheel - win up $300 (see poker room for details MLB, NFL & College “Splash Pots” for Select TV Games 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 over $490,000 at press time!

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 “Super 77” Progressive Bad-Beat Jackpot – (Quad 7’s or better beaten) was over $45,000 at press time MLB & NFL “Splash Pots” Select TV Games (add College games in October) See poker room for details “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 over $490,000 at press time!

CARD ROOM MANAGERS Please send updates to azplayer@cox.net

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014 15

lottery news This really is Cash & Carry

Scotland to Scottsdale for the win!

Victor Martinez from San Tan Valley, enjoys playing various crossword instant scratch tickets. He likes being able to take his time playing them and has had several small wins with the games. He usually buys his tickets from the Lottery vending machine at his favorite store – The Ventura Market in Queen Creek. Victor purchased a Cash & Carry Crossword ticket. After scratching the ticket, he thought he’d won $2,500 and was thrilled with his win. However, when he redeemed his ticket at the Lottery, he was told he had missed some words and had actually won the top prize of $50,000. That’s the kind of news all players like to hear! Victor immediately sent his wife an email via his phone, and his wife called him right back, in shock. The couple is ecstatic with their unexpected windfall. However, the reality of the win hasn’t yet registered. Victor works in the field of law enforcement. When he has spare time, he enjoys spending it with his grandchildren. The couple hasn’t had time to think about long-term plans for the money. For now, Victor plans to pay off some bills, and buy some things for their soon-to-be-born grandchild. He said he also is going to plan a special evening for himself and his wife..

Mary Burgess of Scottsdale just loves to play instant scratch tickets. She’s fortunate that her husband will often buy them for her. Recently, Mary purchased a Blackjack ticket from a Lottery vending machine at the Safeway on North Scottsdale Road to take with her while she waited for her husband at the doctor’s office. She wasn’t wearing her glasses, so at first she thought she’d won $50. When she took a closer look at it, she realized there were too many zeroes for $50. She showed it to the receptionist at the desk, who agreed with Mary – It was a $50,000 winner! When Mary told her husband, he poo pooed it because she’d thought she’d won before and hadn’t. However, it didn’t take long for him to realize this win was real. Originally from Ayr, Scotland, which is located southwest of Glasgow, Mary and her husband came here years ago when her husband was on a year’s sabbatical. They decided to stay and only go back to Scotland to visit family. The couple has two grown sons and two grandchildren there. Mary worked more than ten years at a hospital where she was the liaison between organ donors and recipients. Now, she spends a lot of her time scrapbooking, swimming, and looking after her husband. She also manages to find time to use her camera for another of her interests, photography. Mary plans to use the money to pay off some bills and take a small vacation to California with her husband. The ticket was purchased at Safeway, 10773 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

16 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

TJ’s Blackjack corner “

Get Free Stuff By Playing Blackjack!

f you have ever wondered how to get free stuff from playing blackjack - I will explain; simply have your “Players Card” entered when you buy in – That will accomplish the task. Thanks to the folks at Wild Horse Pass, the elusive formula was revealed to me. The factors that are in a players control at the blackjack table are; average bet, length of play and type of game . These factors - along with some house control factors, creates a “theoretical win”. The math creating the “theoretical win” is what the casino should win from the player. For example - a player that plays perfect basic strategy at the blackjack table should lose about fifty two cents for every one hundred dollars played. From the “theoretical win”, the casino creates a “comp amount”. This amount is discretionary and is an amount that the casino feels best recognizes good player loyalty. Patron’s are not entitled to its value like cash rewards from slots, where available, but is generally what the casino will “comp” up too. So, you may ask, why do certain games types have larger bonus pay-outs? Some card games give the house a higher edge. Patrons playing those games will generate a higher comp value. Now, another factor that plays into a casinos comp by TJ Jorgensen

18 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

decision is the “quick loss” factor. Patron’s who lose a large amount of money in a quick period of time, will not generate a high comp value even though they are extremely valuable to the casino and deserve to get those comps. Casino Management will make a judgment call as to the patrons value and comp accordingly. This is the standard formula throughout the industry for table games. Like the so called game of life…being polite and courteous goes a long way towards getting what you want. Casinos want to recognize all players. Those with tight budgets are no exception. Most important, secure a Player’s Card where ever you play, and always play within your means. After playing for what you think is a reasonable amount of time, ask if you can get a comp. Most likely you will and that’s a win for you and the casino. So what kind of comps can you get? A while back I was offered a suite at Wild Horse Pass. This huge suite included flat screen TV’s, two bathrooms, refrigerator, bar, a lounge area, and a Jacuzzi. What does it take to get a comp for one of these suites? If you play on average of $250 per hand for a period of six hours, you too may get one of these for free. Even though this sounds like a lot of money, if you are a “perfect strategy” player, it really isn’t all that much. I have also received NASCAR tickets, $50 dinner

comps, front row seats to concerts, and countless other cool things from doing nothing more than playing a winning game of blackjack. So the moral of the story is; get that Players Card and present it every time you buy in at the blackjack table. It is a win/ win situation for players and the casino. 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 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

gaming news

continued from page 4

friends and take a bathroom break Phil Hellmuth noticed that a friend of his and final table pro Kenna James was holding a small Chi Wawa in his arms – Phil could not resist this opportunity – He walked over with a microphone and said to Kenna “You brought a DOG to the tournament?” “Yes, I did” said Kenna, “this is TANK he goes everywhere with me!” Phil was in awe and questioned him…”He goes to poker tournaments with you?” Kenna replied… ”Yes he does!” The laughs were coming from the whole room as Phil walked back to the media table, shaking his head. I took this opportunity to prank Phil. I said to him “He used to bring TANK to the poker table, but he had to stop doing it.” Phil bit and said “Why, what happened?” he asked. As he pushed the mic toward me – I paused and replied “Well, TANK would sit on his lap at the poker table and when Kenna would get pocket pairs or Ace / King suited TANK would start wagging his tail violently giving away Kenna’s great hand!” A roar of laughter ensued and Phil smiled and grabbed the mic and said…”Good One!” In addition to bragging rights, Tanita won $257,690, a trophy and bracelet designed by promi-

nent Scottsdale jeweler, Scott Gauthier of Jewelry by Gauthier. Hand crafted with 14-carat white gold, the bracelet features a customized 2014 closure and touts more than two and a half carats of rubies and black diamonds. “We had a nice turn out for our 10th anniversary of 1,460 players,” said Tom Young, director of poker at The ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort. “We had multiple poker pros participate this year, but the game’s outcome shows that poker is truly anyone’s game. No matter their skill level or background, any player can win.” Several poker household names competed in the 2014 tournament including Tiffany Michelle, Joe Cada, Dennis Phillips, Dan Hiemiller, Thomas Keller, Chip & Karina Jett and 2013 WSOP Main Event Champ Ryan Riess Professional Poker Players Matt Affleck, Kenna James and one-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner David Williams made it to the event’s final table, all placing in the top 10. For more details about the ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort and upcoming tournaments, visit www.talkingstickresort.com or call (480) 850-8693.

Here’s a list of the top 10 players in the Arizona State Poker Championship and their winnings; Robert Tanita $257,690 Jerry “Wolf” Sanchez $175,200 Brayden Quackenbush $131,400 Steve Buell $98,550 Matt Affleck $83,950 Mark Atanovich $69,350 Huy “Spike” Le $54,750 David Williams $40,150 Kenna James $25,550 Pierce McKellar $18,250 More players cashed this year than ever before – even 50th place paid over $4,000! A special “thank you” goes out to Victoria Gundersen with Talking Stick Resort’s marketing department for her assistance during this poker tournament – by keeping me informed about anything I may have missed during this event – She was a pleasure to work with!

Phil Scudella Arizona Player

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014 19

august contest WIN A “REEL” SLOT MACHINE! For the first time ever in our 22 year history – Arizona Player is giving our readers a chance to win a full size – right out of a Las Vegas Casino Slot Machine! And we are in the final turn and heading for a winner! The Grand prize winner, along with 10 lucky runner-up contest player will be announced in the October issue! This very popular TRIPLE DIAMOND slot machine from IGT is still in many casinos today – and a matter of fact Arizona Player publisher Phil Scudella plays the $5 version of this slot machine at several casinos in the state and has hit for some very nice jackpots over the years! You can take this beauty home and enjoy playing it for free all you want, compliments of Arizona Player & Colson Gaming – the home of affordable slots, video poker machines, blackjack tables, poker tables and more. To enter; just go to the Arizona Player website arizonaplayer.com Click on the Contest banner – f ill out the entry form completely and you’re entered! For an additional entry, go to the Arizona Player/Facebook page and “like” Arizona Player Magazine and you will double your chances to win! Remember, you can triple your chances of winning by entering at Colson Gaming located

20 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

at 3819 N. 3rd Street (just south of Indian School Rd.) There is a limit of 3 entries per person – One on line, one on Facebook and one at Colson Gaming. Please don’t try to stuff the ballot box – any entries over 3 are discarded – This way it levels the contest playing field. The Grand Prize winner must pick up the Triple Diamond Slot machine at Colson Gaming and because of gaming laws it cannot be shipped across the borders of most states. Just take it home and enjoy! The10 lucky runner-up winners will receive $25 gift cards to restaurants, stores or can choose tickets to sporting events or concerts that we have available! Good Luck and thanks for being our friends and supporting Arizona’s most respected, most read and most distributed gaming publication in the state – Arizona Player.

entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort

(5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70) 1-800272-2438 The POINT Sports Bar & Grill (Previously the Cabaret Lounge) Reopening Soon! San Carlos Event Center: September 20 – Comic Thai Rivera October 18 – Los Lonely Boys October 31 – The Nirvana Experience (FREE Halloween Concert) November 8 – Dwight Yoakam

Dwight Yoakam

Oct 24 & 25 – The Kenny Cetera CHICAGO EXPERIENCE Oct 30 – The Plateros (Native American Recognition Days) Oct 31& Nov 1 – KISSMANIA (KISS Tribute Band) Nov 7 – LED ZEPAGAIN (Led Zeppelin Tribute) Monday Nights – Football on the big screen w/ food & drink specials Arizona Room Patio Grill: Sept 19 & 20 – Sapphire Sky Sept 27 – UFC 178: Johnson vs Cariaso (Live viewing party) Mon – Football on the big screens Tues– “Latin Fire Dance Night” w/ free lessons w/ AZTEX Band Wed & Thurs – Country (Tommy Ash Band) and dance instruction with Laina Lee Bingo Hall: Fri & Sat at Midnight, L-8 Nite Bingo! Music, light show & dancing!

Casino Del Sol

BlueWater Resort and Casino

11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 Showroom: Oct 25 – Cage Rage 8 Amphitheater: Oct 18 - Dream Show 2014 w/ Paul Wall & Mike Jones River’s Edge Cantina: Sunday evenings – Live Reggae music Dig Lounge: Deejays Daily at 5pm – Oldies on Sunday & Mondays and Sports on the big screens

Casino Arizona

101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-8507734 Showroom: Sept 19 & 20 – Tonight’s the Night (Rod Stewart Tribute) Sept 26 & 27 – Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute) Oct 2 – Micki Free (Native American Recognition Days) Oct 3 & 4 – Fandango (ZZ Top Tribute) Oct 9 – Native American Days w/ JR Redwater Oct 16 – Texas Tornados (Native American Recognition Days) Oct 17 & 18 – Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute Band) Oct 23 – Williams & Ree “The Indian and the White Guy”

22 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

Williams & Ree

5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 520-838-6506 Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment (Live bands) weekends and Tribute Bands on Wednesdays – PLUS Monday & Thursday Night Football on the big screens – WIN PRIZES including a $10,000 trip for 2 to the BIG GAME AVA Amphitheater: Sept 20 – Tejano Showcase 2014 Sept 27 – Desert Rocks Septemberfest featuring; Extreme, Strper, Great White, Sebastian Bach Oct 7 – SKRILLEX Fall Tour w/ DJ Mustard, Branchez & David Heartbreak Oct 18 – Ramon Ayala Conference Center: Call for updated schedule

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: Sept 27 – Comedian Ron White Nov 1 – Taste of Verde Valley (Food, Wine, Music and Art) Dragonfly Lounge; live music on weekends Sept 19 & 20 – Toucan Eddy Sept 26 & 27 – Pueblo Country

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel

7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-332-9467 Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJ on weekends Oct 31 (Halloween) The Lalas Burlesque (2 shows: 7pm & 9:30pm) Adults 21+ only Fridays – “Dance Fusion” w/ DJ Blade Saturdays – “Noches Caliente Saturdays” Hottest Tex Mex & Tejano music with bands Los Gallegos, Angel Norteno, Los Kabalgantes or Grupo Latido

Desert Diamond Casino I -19

1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: Sept 19 – Thompson Square Sept 27 – Natalie Cole October 25 - Marisela Sports Bar: Sports on big screens, Karaoke Wednesdays, Swingin’ Tuesdays, Oldies 0n Thursday, plus DJ music Fri & Sat nights

Fort McDowell Casino

N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free entertainment on Fri & Sat – featuring; Sept 19 – Rhythm Edition Sept 20 - Chaka N Friends Sept 26 – Furious George Sept 27 - Kenny G Band Bingo Hall: Saturdays, Sept 20, Oct 18 & Nov 15 – Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways Updates - fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino

15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 THE LOUNGE: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Entertainment Weekends in The Lounge starting at 8pm Oct. 3, Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks tribute)

Bella Donna

Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Cascades Lounge: NEW HOURS for LIVE Entertainment Beginning October 1 Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays (4-8pm) Wednesdays & Thursdays (6-10pm) Fridays & Saturdays (late night – 9:30pm till 1:30am) Marty & the Party (4-8pm) Sept 19, 22, 26 & 29, Oct 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 & 31 Thaddeus Rose (4-8pm) Sept 23 & 30, Oct 7, 21 & 26 New Frequency Band (6-10pm) Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 JJ’s band (6-10pm) Oct 9 & 23 Str8Up Band (8pm-Mid) Sept 25 also (6-10pm) Oct 2, 16 & 30 AzTex band (Late Night) Sept 19 & 26 also Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Rhythm Edition (4-8pm) Oct 14, plus (Late Night) Sept 20 & Oct 11 Also (Late Night) Sept 17 – JJ’s Band, Sept 27 – CONTREband, Oct 4 – Smooth Groove, Oct 18 – Shining Star and Oct 25 – Reality Band 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

Oct. 4, Daisy Train (country) Oct. 10, Original Impulse Band Oct. 11, Elaine Stepter Oct. 17, Metalhead A tribute to 80’s hair bands Oct. 18, Harry Luge Oct. 24, Vertical Horizon “Everything You Want” top single of 2000 Oct. 25, SOS Band Oct. 31, THE British Invasion Tribute Wednesdays in The Lounge - Noon to 4pm Oct. 1, Notes from Neptune Oct. 8, Route 66 Oct. 15, Vinny DiJohn Oct. 22, Buddy Holly Tribute Oct. 29, The XO Band The Lounge Happy Hour – with live music, Mon-Thurs 5-8pm Amazing Dueling Pianos, Tuesdays & The Sahnas Brothers, Wednesdays For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com

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

1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Apache Spirits Lounge: Oct 30 - Howl-OVeen Vash and Costume Contest (Ladies dress Vampireish) Event Center: Oct 31 - Howl-O-Veen Vash and Costume Contest and Party with DJ Brent

Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777- 4946 Bingo / Concert Hall: Sharky’s Bar: Live bands or DJ’s on weekends Quechan Casino Resort 525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (Yuma area) 1-877-783-2426 PIPA Event Center: Oct 17 - Heart Sidewinders bar: Free weekend entertainment featuring DJ’s or bands

Talking Stick Resort

Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Sept 19 – Kathleen Madigan Sept 25, 27 & 27 – Thunder From Down Under (Male Revue) Oct 3 – Nils Lofgren Oct 17 – Lonestar Oct 31 – Raven’s 9th Annual Halloween Ball & Costume Contest Nov 1 – Darlene Love Nov 8 – Psychedelic Furs & The Lemonheads Nov 18 – Adrian Belew Power Trio Nov 21 – Tracy Lawrence Nov 22 – An Unpredictable Evening with Todd Rundgren Dec 5 – Blue October Dec 13 – Jerry Riopelle Ballroom: Oct 31 – The Wicked Ball at Talking Stick Resort (Halloween Party & $7,000 Costume Contest)

entertainment

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline – Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: Sept 20 – 49 Laughs (Comedy) Sept 26 – Sawyer Brown Oct 4 – Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac Experience) Oct 17 – Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon Oct 24 – Southbound – The Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Nov 1 – Vive Selena (Tribute to Selena) Nov 8 – The new VQ Comedy Series w/ Manny Hernandez featuring Greg Freiler Outdoor Patio: (Mon – Sat) 4pm-7pm & 9pm-1am and (Sun) 4pm-7pm, Featuring these bands; Powerdrive, Str8Up, New Frequency Band, Marty & the Party, The Walkens, Chuck E Baby, Eagleheart, Michael and Manuel, Latino Rebel Band, Andrea & Los Guys, Shining Star, Reality Band, Priminition, Rhythm Edition & Chaka & friends (Sun 4pm-7pm) Rhythm of the Sun Band, Mariachi Rodriguez or Mariachi Pasion Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm – BINGO ECLIPSE – Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways

Jay Leno Nov 2 – Gloria Trevi Nov 15 – Nick Swardson Nov 16 – KC & the Sunshine Band Nov 29 – Jay Leno New Year’s Eve – Fire & Ice Party, featuring Legendary Soul Man Sam Moore & Boogie Knights POOLSIDE: Release Pool Party every Sat & Sun 11am-6pm (Thru September) – Featuring the best DJs from around the world! Palo Verde Lounge: featuring; Saturdays – Paul Wells, Sundays – Jarad Blackstone, Mondays – Tyler Nielson, Thursdays – G ustavo Angeles, also Tues, Wed and Fri – Al Rodriguez, Aaron Howard, Jimmy Ray or Gustavo Angeles 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 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort 22181 Resort Blvd (I-40 @ exit 219) Flagstaff (928) 856-7200 Arrows Lounge: live music on weekends

Sawyer Brown

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA

Ovations LIVE! Showroom:

Sept 19 – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Sept 20 – WFF/MMA Fights Sept 26 – DSB (Journey Tribute) Sept 27 – Randy Linder’s Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival

Oct 3 – Latin Legends (featuring Malo, Tierra and Thee Midnighters Oct 4 – Survivor Oct 5 – One of These Nights (Eagles Tribute) Oct 17 – Ramon Ayala Oct 24 – Kansas

Oct 25 – Latin Comedy Jam VII Oct 31 – Ziggy Marley Nov 2 – Time in a Bottle (70’s Rock & Pop Tribute) Nov 7 – Merle Haggard Nov 21 – Don Rickles Nov 29 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Dec 12 – Three Dog Night Dec 13 – Vikki Carr Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve w/ POWERDRIVE 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

Yavapai Casino Kansas

1505 East Hwy 69 – Prescott 1-800-7568744 Yavapai Cantina; Fri – Karaoke w/ Cruisin’ Susan, Saturdays – Live Bands

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014 23

gaming news Seeing Pink at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Valley Casino shows support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Kelly Potts Normally at casinos people see flashes of gold, silver and green but a splash of another color will be on display at one Valley casino throughout October: PINK! Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa has a long-standing tradition of going above and beyond for Breast Cancer Awareness month and this October will be no different. Pretty in Pink For the entire month of October, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino will proudly display PINK throughout the property. Guests can enjoy a PINK drink in PINK lighting while doubling down with PINK playing cards on PINK felt blackjack tables in support of the health observance. Guests showing support Enjoy table games over slots? All month long, table games players will get PINK ducks to show their awareness for breast cancer for qualifying hands. Qualifying hands will include: • Blackjack – 7,7,7 or a 5 Card Charlie (when a player has 5 cards or more and does not break) • Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, Crazy 4 Poker – A five card straight or better • Three Card Poker – Three of a kind • Pai Gow Poker – Full House or better Prefer Bingo over table games? Bingo players have their shot as well! Breast Cancer Awareness Bingo Daubers will be given away in the Bingo Hall!

24 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

The Caesars Initiative Caesars Entertainment properties have a long-standing commitment to fighting cancer through their ongoing efforts with various cancer related organizations. Celebrating 20 years of dedication to the health and wellness of its operating communities, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is continuing the tradition of giving with the help of the community and dedicated group of over 700 employees. Employees will have the chance to play in the Employee Blackjack Tournament benefiting the AZ Pink Pacers and Employee Poker Tournaments that benefiting the American Cancer Society. Also, look for Harrah’s employees to be in PINK during the month, including dress out days where employees can wear pink attire to show their support. On October 4th, Lee National Denim Day, employees will have the option to wear jeans when they make a $5 donation to the American Cancer Society. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is celebrating 20 years in Maricopa and 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. For more

information, please visit www.harrahsakchin.com.

travel

3:10 to Yuma…or really anytime Whether you are looking for a brief stop en route to San Diego or you are looking for a nice little weekend getaway, Yuma could be the perfect spot for you. Yuma, AZ is located approximately half way between Phoenix and San Diego and is settled right on the AZ/CA border. While many people view Yuma as a town with not much going on, there is actually quite a bit to do...and, of course, some casinos to visit as well.

I would not be able to write about Yuma without first mentioning one of my favorite pit stops along the drive to that city, that place is Dateland. As you can imply from the name, Dateland, Arizona is famous for its dates. A date is a very sweet fruit that originated in the middleeast, but was brought to the California, Nevada, and Arizona regions. Take 10 minutes out of your drive to stop and get one of their famous “date shakes.” They are good enough to make you debate taking the 90 minute drive from Phoenix just to get a milkshake. Once you’re in Yuma, there are several casino options that offer completely different vibes and experiences. The Quechan Resort and Casino is the newest and most modern casino that Yuma has to offer. It offers a great mix of player favorite games from all of the top gaming manufacturers. There are also several dining options that cater to different pallets and budgets including the Ironwood Steakhouse for some of the best steaks and seafood in the area. When you’re out exploring the area, check out the historic Yuma Landing Restaurant in downtown Yuma it’s filled with historic images on the walls and terrific fare on the menu. If you plan to spend the night, don’t forget your swimwear, because the huge pool and the soothing “Lazy River” at Quechan Casino Resort is a great way to kick back relax. Paradise Casino could not be any more different than its affiliate Quechan. Getting to Paradise was an adventure, but the signs, they will get you there. You will feel lost - then suddenly – There it is! The casino offers a small and quaint vibe that actually provided the most successful casino outcome of the trip. There is a great mix of older and new games sprinkled in that can’t be found anywhere else in Arizona. 26 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

The final casino that we visited was the Cocopah Resort and Casino, located about 20 minutes off of the freeway, but is well worth the drive. Like Paradise, Cocopah offers new games that can’t be found in most casinos. The staff was very friendly and the selection of games made us decide to make the drive two days in a row. The layout is reminiscent of Apache Gold Casino Resort. If you want to take a break Algodones, Mexico is located just a short drive from the Quechan Resort and Casino. Algodones is a very touristy area, as many people cross the border for dental, vision, or prescription services at a much steeper discount than here in the states. It is also a great place to go if you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses, cigarettes, liquor, a new purse or clothing of all kinds at a serious discount. If you find yourself with a little time, Yuma also offers plenty of historic tourist destinations, including the Yuma Territorial Prison State Park, Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town, there’s hiking, camping, water sports on the Colorado River, along with the famous Imperial Sand Dunes where may movies including Star Wars was filmed. Rent or bring your ATV and hit the dunes! So whether you’re passing through for the day or making a full weekend out of it, Yuma offers something for everyone and you will not leave disappointed. Oh, and on the way home – stop and grab a tasty date shake.

DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR The Drop Bob is a bartender in his cousin Marv’s bar but there may be more to him than you think. He rescues a dog at the beginning of the film, then has to fend off the abusive owner all the while worried about what is happening at by David Ramsey the bar after a robbery and falling for a girl with complications. The foreign mob that 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.

David’s Video Details Captain America: The Winter Soldier While Steve Rogers struggles to fit into his new role in the modern world he is confronted by a new enemy, The Winter Soldier, but there is something familiar about him. Meanwhile, Nick Fury is attacked and left for dead, S.H.I.E.L.D. is compromised from within by an old enemy and Captain America and Black Widow are declared an enemy of the organization. They have to uncover what is going on, why and determine who is on their side before they can figure out how to fight it. And who is The Winter Soldier? Make sure you stay thru the credits for two important scenes.

Transformers: The Edge of Extinction

This is Where I Leave You When their father passes away four adult children are told by their mother that his last wish was that they sit Shiva for him – a seven day period of mourning in the Jewish religion. And then their mother insists they all stay in the same house the entire time. The family is typically film fare with the wayward younger brother, the older solid brother who has other problems, the sister in a bad marriage and the middle son who is trying to hold it together. Toss in their spouses plus a “fun” Rabbi and a few surprises you get a surprisingly good film. The cast of familiar faces is at the top of their game and the writing walks the line between comedy and drama perfectly. “This is Where I Leave You” is one of the best films of the genre in a long time.

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. 28 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014

A top-level CIA executive has made a deal with an alien bounty hunter to find Optimus Prime and rid the world of all Transformers. Cade is an inventor trying to save his farm, he buys a rusted out truck for parts only to discover that it is Optimus, bringing the government down on him and his family. On the run with the help of the few remaining autobots in hiding they stop the next invasion before it ends mankind’s existence on the planet. At almost 3 hours “Transformers: The Age of Extinction” covers a lot of ground and leaves it open for at least 2 more. It is the best of the series but that’s faint praise.

Chef -

Carl is a big name chef living off his past reputation when he loses his job because he goes off on a food critic in the restaurant. Disillusioned with where is career is going he decides to start over with a food truck. He picks the truck up in Florida and, with the help of his son and a friend, drives cross country to Los Angeles stopping in a few places to set up shop for a day or two while visiting some of the region’s finest restaurants. The cast is perfect in this delicious story but the end it a bit of cop-out. Make sure you watch “Chef” with some serious snacks to off-set the gastronomical wonders on the screen.

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 1pm & 7pm (Daily) 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 *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) 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 (D aily) oker_1/3page_vp ad.qxp 10/12/09 12:31 PM Page 1 Vee Quiva Casino – Laveen 12:30 & 6:30pm (Daily) 11:30pm – Bingo Eclipse Party (2nd & 4th Sat)

BINGO PLAYER HITS FOR $98,000 AT CA! Casino Arizona, an enterprise of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, announced a winner in its U-Pick progressive bingo game. Chandler resident, Charlene Vance became the latest jackpot winner trying her luck at the property’s O-75 in 20 numbers or less on Aug. 25. She took home $98,000. “We are no stranger to jackpots at Casino Arizona, but $98,000 is truly life changing,” said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Casino Arizona. “It is thrilling to be a part of such a significant event in a person’s life and further to have played a role in it. We couldn’t be happier for Charlene!” A bingo favorite, U-Pick allows players to select eight numbers between one and 75. A jackpot occurs when a participant’s eight numbers are chosen within the first 20 numbers called. As a progressive game, the jackpot for U-Pick begins at $5,000 and is increased $200 each session until it is won. The jackpot is then reset once again. Casino Arizona’s 1000-seat Bingo Hall features various options for fun. In addition to oversized flat screen monitors, the facility offers 16 weekly sessions and a variety of food and drink specials. Bingo games offered include Double Action 9-Pack, Bonanza, Magic Ball, Starburst Mini’s, Sizzling 7, Salt River and Double Action Coverall just to name a few. Located in Scottsdale, Ariz. at the Loop 101 Freeway and McKellips Rd., Casino Arizona is independently owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and offers visitors more than 100,000 square feet devoted to gaming and entertainment. For more information on Casino Arizona’s Bingo games and prizes, call (480) 8507777 or visit http://www.casinoarizona.com/bingo.aspx.

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ARIZONA PLAYER September 2014 29

Joke page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory Jokes of the Month The IRS Audit The IRS suspected a small printing company owner wasn’t paying proper wages to his pressman and sent an agent to investigate him. IRS AUDITOR: “I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them”. Print shop owner: “Well, there’s Robert, my pressman, he’s been with me for 8 years – I pay him $900 a week. Then there’s the mentally challenged guy. He works 12 hours a day, 6 days a week and does easily 80% of the work around here. He makes about $200 per week, pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of

scotch and a 20 pack of Bud Light once a week so he can cope with life, he also gets to sleep with my wife occasionally”. IRS AUDITOR: “That’s the guy I want to talk to – the mentally challenged one”. Printing Company owner: “That would be me. What would you like to know”?

her husband never to open or ask her about. For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day his lovely wife got very ill and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, William took down the shoe box and took it to his wife’s bedside. Wendy agreed that it was time that The Box of Money Secret he should know what was in the William and Wendy had been married box. When he opened it, he found for more than 60 years. They had two crocheted dolls and a stack of shared everything. They had kept no money totaling $95,000. He asked secrets from each other except that her about the contents. Wendy had a shoe box in the top of “When we were to be married,” she her closet that she had cautioned said, “my grandmother told me the

secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.” The old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness. “Honey,” he said “that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?” “Oh, THAT?” she said. “That’s the money I made from selling the dolls.”

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21 Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20

Gemini May 22 to June 21

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20

Cancer June 22 to July 22

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19

Taurus April 21 to May 21

Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6 Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6 Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6

Comeback win Chills & thrills ahead Take pals advice Plan that trip NOW

Stick with convictions Old friend returns Grind out nice profit Really exciting week

Play your hunch Go for it - it’s time Stay focused to win Unplanned trip ahead

Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6 Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6 Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6

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 September 2014

Go with gut feeling Strange happy weekend A call from the past Things are looking up Believe - it will happen Stay late & play hard Cloud has silver lining Terrific week of fun

News you needed Start those projects A feel good week Small investment pays

Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6

Unexpected meeting Big news very soon Hunch works That old friend returns

Aries Mar 21 to April 20

Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6 Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6

Your luck is changing Out of town trip pays Great idea works out Stick to it - success is near Great decision Bluff pays off Winning week Unexpected excitement

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 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation-slots keno bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (480) 837-1424 12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots keno blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452

Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6 Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6

Fun with the family The dream will come true Hold to your principals Weird ending brings a smile Stand up for your rights Terrific new friend Right place - right time Big changes are coming

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

Sept 7 - 14 Sept 15 - 22 Sept 23 - 30 Oct 1 - 6

Eventful month Great things coming Lucky weekend Kindness will pay

13. Gila River Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (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 & Entertainment (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe - slots poker & Entertainment (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe - slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots bingo.& Live Entertainment (888) 777-4946 19a Quechan Casino Resort • (Winterhaven, CA) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots table games poker & Entertainment 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe-slots (888) 837-4030 21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort • (Flagstaff) Navajo Nation - Slots, Table Games, Poker, Keno & Entertainment