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Card Room Action Arizona Lottery News Casino Entertainment Long-Shot Wins Derby $ 5,000,000 Wheel of Fortune Winner New West Valley Casino to Break Ground www.arizonaplayer.com
Vol. 20 No. 05 • May 2012
WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM
Vol. 20 No. 05 • May 2012
Contents
Gaming News New West Valley Casino to Break Ground
6
Cover Story Vee Quiva Casino “CarMAYnia & Mardi Gras Madness 8
PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net
Contributing Photography Contributing Writers Kevin Cummings Linda Boyd Melody Hudson Kevin Cummings Production Assistants David Ramsey Cindy Esquer Charlie Scheeler Justin Sullivan Mackenzie Griffin John Olson Shanna Wolfe Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen Graphic Design Marianne Minneci CommuniGraphics David Ramsey Omar Zamora Special Thanks Editor Phil Scudella
to Cyndee Jorgensen, Melody Hudson, Justin Sullivan, Kristen Carpenter, Cindy Kurtz along with the staff and management at Gila River Gaming Enterprises Inc. along with everyone at MPG Advertising. 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.
5 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “WMS Super Multi Progressive”
10
Entertainment Casino Entertainment Around The State
12
Boyd’s Eye View Linda Boyd “Choose Your Poison”
14
Card Room Action Table Game Information Around The State
16
Lottery News
18
Winner Stories
Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “How to Continue a Losing Streak” 20 A Woman's Point of View
Marianne Minneci
22
Gaming News Danny Zelisko Joins Talking Stick Resort & WOF Win at CA 24 Horsin' Around Lottery News
Brian Mulligany “The Result - The Future”
More Winner Stories
Bingo Directory Bingo Games Around The State
26 28 30
David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey “Movies and DVD Reviews” 32 Contest Page This Month's Winners
34
Astrology, Jokes, Casino Directory
36
gaming news Contractor Selected for new West Valley Casino On Wednesday, May 2, 2012 the Gila River Indian Community’s (the “Community”) Council awarded the contractor bid to construct the Gila River Gaming Enterprise’s new Vee Quiva Casino to Tutor Perini Building Corporation, a firm based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. This award winning construction corporation was the general contractor for Seminole’s Hard Rock Casino, Mohegan Sun Expansion, MGM Grand at Foxwoods, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to name a few. According to ENR Southwest magazine, Tutor Perini Building Corp. is the leading general contractor in the Southwest. The Chairman of the Community’s gaming development entity charged with construction of all of the tribe’s gaming operations, the Casino Expansion Owners Team (CEOT), Anthony Villareal, said this of the Council’s decision, “the quality of projects Tutor Perini Building Corp. constructs is unparalleled, they are truly one of the industry’s best construction companies,” he continued with, “a new Vee Quiva Casino with a hotel and better dining options has been a project on Gila River’s books for years, we are very pleased to see it come to fruition.”
6 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
The new Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel is expected to cost approximately $135 million and will feature an expansive 70,000 square foot casino; over 900 slot machines; 50 table games, including a poker room; 750 seat bingo hall; 3 story hotel with 90 tastefully appointed rooms that will boast a fitness center, pool and over 3,000 square feet of banquet space; 2 lounges including a premium Players Club Lounge; and 2,800 total parking spaces including a 1,000 space covered parking garage. These amenities combined with a wide variety of delicious dining options including a food court, coffee kiosk, signature restaurant and a dining option that will remain open all day will be popular destinations Gila River Casinos looks forward to providing its guests in partnership with Ovations Food Service. Construction is scheduled to begin June of this year and will take place just south of the existing Vee Quiva Casino’s footprint. The current casino will remain open and operational during construction until the new Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel opens in the summer of 2013.
Created in 2005 the Casino Expansion Owners Team (CEOT) is the Gila River Indian Community’s gaming development entity charged with construction of all of the Community’s gaming operations. CEOT managed the two newest casino projects for the Tribe; Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino and the Lone Butte Casino and now the Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel. The Community contributes 12% of its gaming revenue with the State of Arizona to surrounding cities, towns and counties for governmental services that benefit the public including public safety, elderly and youth programs, education and mitigation of impacts of gaming, promotion of commerce and economic development.
cover story
Maynia and Madness at Vee Quiva Casino in May Vee Quiva Casino turns up the heat in May with CarMAYnia and Mardi Gras Madness. Hot cars and thousands of dollars in prizes make CarMAYnia an extravaganza that will make Player’s Club members want to party at Vee Quiva Casino. Good thing Mardi Gras Madness is turning the table games area at the West Valley casino into the hottest spot outside New Orleans. With CarMAYnia and Mardi Gras Madness, May is a month for exciting promotions, electrifying new table games and unbelievable giveaways.
Every night in May CarMAYnia gives Player’s Club members the chance to win an incredible Audi A4 or the stylish MINI Cooper along with thousands in cash and Free Bonus play. Beginning May 1st and continuing every night during the month, drawings take place every hour from 7 to 10pm. At 7, 8 and 10pm five lucky drawing winners receive $100 dollars in Free Bonus play. Each night at 9pm one drawing winner plays the CarMAYnia game for a chance to win the Audi A4, MINI Cooper or $5,000 in cold hard cash. Earn entries all month long through slot play, bingo, blackjack and poker and be sure to follow the action all month long. If at least ten cars remain on May 31st drawings will begin at 9pm until all the cars are gone.
With CarMAYnia in full swing the Madness begins as Vee Quiva Casino introduces Mardi Gras Madness to the table games area. French for Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a world famous party with the thrill and excitement players expect at Vee Quiva Casino.
This month, Vee Quiva Casino will import all the best of the annual Mardi Gras party when the all new Mardi Gras Madness table games area opens. Celebrate the new look with a month long grand opening full of incredible promotions that show why Vee Quiva Casino is the place “Where Twenty-One is Twice as Fun”. Four new tables bring a total of eighteen tables to the expanded gaming area now home to brand new games Spanish 21 and Pai Gow Insurance. The traditional purple, green and gold of Mardi Gras line all new table felts and dealer uniforms as Mardi Gras Madness takes over at Vee Quiva Casino. Special lighting and a newly designed Platinum Lounge and Player’s Bar complete the look and feel of Mardi Gras. The fabulous new decorations set the mood for incredible promotions including daily champagne toasts and a two chip Blackjack promotion. Champagne toasts ring in the new gaming area every day at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. Every Monday through Wednesday beginning at noon and 6pm the two chip promotion begins. The first twenty-one people daily receiving a suited blackjack of a selected suit or a qualifying hand in Three Card Poker or Pai Gow will get the chance to open an envelope containing two chips valued between $10 and $200. The two chip promotion turns that big Blackjack even sweeter. Celebrate all the great new games and exciting promotions at Vee Quiva Casino with the incredible guest service that you have come to know and love at all three Gila River Casino properties. Mardi Gras Madness will make your place to play, the best place to play all your favorite table games. ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012 9
REEL REVIEWS by Kevin Cummings
10 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort
5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-272-2438 Apache Gold Pavilion: May 25, 26 & 27 - Mexican Arizona State finals rodeo Cabaret Lounge: free weekend entertainment - 5/11& 12 - XS Band, 5/18 & 19 - Neil Russell, 5/25 &26 Rhythm Edition, 6/1 & 2 - All Access, 6/8 & 9 - Wild Ride, 6/15 & 16 Hollywood and Vine, 6/22 & 23 - Jadi Norris, 6/29 & 30 - Backstage Crew
BlueWater Resort and Casino
11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 Outdoor Amphitheater: Call for updated Summer Schedule In the Concert Hall: June 16 - Comic Willie Barcena Dig Lounge: Deejay or Karaoke nightly, plus live bands on Wed & Thurs
In the Event Center: May 31 - Chickenfoot June 17 - Scorpions w/ Tesla July 11 - Chicago & The Doobie Brothers July 31 - Earth, Wind & Fire Aug 3 - Seal w/Macy Grey Paradiso Bar: Free live weekend entertainment & Thursday Tribute bands Bingo Hall: Cosmic Bingo Saturday nights featuring wacky games, giveaways, light show & music
Fort McDowell Casino
N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free live entertainment featuring The Kenny G Project May 11,12,18,19,26, June 1 & 8 Cowboy Floyd - May 13,20 & 27 Furious George - May 25, June 2,9,15 & 23
Cliff Castle Casino
I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Dragonfly Lounge: free weekend entertainment featuring .
Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater: May 12 - Comic Gabriel Iglesias
12 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
May 16-20 - BeatleMania Live! 2 shows Wed, Fri & Sat Bandoke - May 10 & 27, True to Life May 11, 13 & 13, DJ Roger - May 17, 18 & 19, Chaka & Friends - May 24, 25 & 26, The Trust - May 31, June 1 & 2
Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or deejay Thurs-Sun
Desert Diamond Casino I -19
1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-DDC-WINS Diamond Center: June 15 - Kool & The Gang
15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 Oasis Lounge: Free Entertainment weekends including May 12 - The Walkens May 19 - Young Country May 25 & 26 - Moonwalker (Michael Jackson Tribute) May 28 - Mark Chesnutt May 30 - The Marvelettes June 8 & 9 - Doo Wah Riders Bingo Hall: Friday May 18th at 11pm - Party Bingo, deejay music, bingo, food and drink specials and fun giveaways Updated schedule: harrahsakchin.com
Hon-Dah Resort and Casino
BeatleMania Live!
Casino Arizona
101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 In the Showroom: May 11 & 12 - DSB (Journey Tribute) June 15 & 16 - CASH’D OUT (Johnny Cash Tribute) The Arizona Room & Pima Lounge: Free entertainment nightly featuring bands - Twilite, CC Jones, Stan Skyles, Pair A Dice, Jym Caputo Duo, Paul Wells, Chuck Peterson and the Chris Putrino Band
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino
George Jones In the Radisson Ballroom: June 15 - George Jones July 15 - “Happy Together Tour” featuring The Turtles (Flo & Eddie), Buckinghams, Grassroots, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap plus Mickey Dolenz Outdoors Under the Stars: May 18 - Bad Boy Fight Night July 20 - Sean Paul w/Black Uhuru In the Bingo Hall: June 16 - Lunar Bingo, Music, dancing, crazy games w/giveaways For updates: fortmcdowellcasino.com
Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: May 12 - “Marmalade Skies” (Beatles Tribute) Festival Grounds: June 2 & 3 - “Pow Wow in the Pines” June 23 - Charlie Daniels Band
Charlie Daniels Band
Timbers Lounge: Free live entertainment, Monday - Comedy Night, Tuesday-Saturday - Live Bands May 8-12 - Classic Cowboys, May 15-19 - 60’s Mania, May 22-26 Groove City, May 29-June 2 - Cornell Gunther’s Coasters, June 19-23 - Johnny Ray Band, June 26-July1 Tony Marques
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
202 loop at the Kyrene exit Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Cascades Lounge: Free entertainment Mon-Sat, 4pm-1am with bands Otis the Beat- May 10 & 17, Keltic Cowboys - May 10 & 17, Spotlight - May 11 & 24, Andrea & Los Guys - May11, Rhythm Edition - May12, Marty & the Party - May 14,18,21 & 24, Thaddeus Rose Band - May 15,28 & 30, Chuck E Baby - May 16 & 23, Jadi Norris - May 16, Otis & The Beat - May 17, Silhoutte - May 18 & 31, The Hamptons - May 19 & 26, Houndawgs - May 22, Desert Dixie - May 23, The Rakes - May 24, Michael & Manuel - May 25 & 29, Western Fusion - May 30 and Kilted Spirit - May 31 Verona Chophouse: Talia (Fri & Sat), Bridget & the Aug (Sun) Bingo Hall: 11:30pm Saturdays B.A.D BINGO (Bingo after Dark) DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways
Quechan Casino Resort
Lone Butte Casino
entertainment Wild Horse Pass Hotel &Casino
1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Jul 28, Surfin’ Safari (Beach Boys Tribute)
Paradise Casino
450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777-4946 Sharky’s Bar: Free entertainment, Karaoke on Wed, DJs on Thurs, live bands on weekends 525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (5 mi West of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426 PIPA Event Center: Call for updated schedule Sidewinders Bar: Free live entertainment on weekends
Talking Stick Resort
Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road Scottsdale 480-850-7777 In the Fire Garden: Every Fri & Sat thru May 28 & Memorial Day, Yellow Bird Productions presents Native American Heritage thru music & dance Talking Stick Showroom: May 25 - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic June 7 - Purple Reign (Prince Tribute) June 16 - Keb Mo In the Grand Ballroom: May 26, Jay Leno
Smokey Robinson May 27, Smokey Robinson June 3 - Terry Factor Degree 270 Lounge: live entertainment, dancing nightly with a spectacular view of the city.
Vee Quiva Casino
The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Bingo Hall: Fridays at 11pm - Deejay music, light show & dancing Every other Saturday at 11pm BINGO ECLIPSE - Bingo, Deejay music, light show & giveaways
I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: May 11 - Rage in the Cage May 12 - Keith Sweat May 19 - Russell Watson June 8 - The B-52’s June 9 - Latino Comedy Jam June 14 - Indigo Girls June 15 - Los Lobos June 16 - AbbaFab (Tribute to ABBA) June 29 - Creedence Clearwater Revisited Aug 3 - Los Tigres Del Norte Aug 4 - Cinderella Aug 11 - America Aug 25 - Air Supply Encore Lounge: Free entertainment (Wednesday-Monday) JJ’s Band - May 10,17,24 and 31, Jadi Norris - May 11, Hamptons - May 12 & 18, Pima Express - May 13, Route 66 - May 14 & 28, Powerdrive - May 16,23 & 30, Chuck E Baby - May 19, Eagleheart - May 20, Michael & Manuel - May 21, Walkens May 25, Groove Defenders - May 26 and Tyrone D & the Ledge May 27
ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012 13
A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER
u r o Poison Y e m a N
by Linda Boyd ecently I returned from a trip to Australia, a beautiful country indeed. I checked out the “pokie” machines, both video poker and slots, along the way. I was astounded by how many establishments had slot machines and the popularity of video poker devices in larger casinos. Guess what? Arizona casinos have much better pay schedules than any I saw in Australia. So, players can “name their poison” and rest assured that they’re getting a better deal here than down under. Of course that’s not to say you don’t want the pick of the litter when selecting your game of choice. So take pay schedules with you (free from the back of my book, “The Video Poker Edge”) so you can avoid the guesswork. Before you choose your video poker game make sure you know your objectives. Either you want to have a higher probability of lasting a longer time on your bankroll with fewer chances of a big jackpot or a choice that’s riskier. Either way, make sure you check the pay schedules to find the best ER (expected return) for your game name, say JOB (Jacks or Better). My You Tube video (“How to Win at Video Poker” American Casino Guide) gives specific directions for finding the best ER on your chosen game.
Lighter Dose: Some players come to the casino for an evening out and want better odds at staying in the game for a longer period of time, without frequent trips to the ATM (a bad idea). Be prepared to have less of a thrill when you get an infrequent hand that would have paid higher in another game. For example, if you get 4 aces on a less volatile game, like JOB you’ll only get 125 coins back (5 coin bet) instead of 2000 like DDB (4 aces and a kicker). On the positive side, you’ll get double your wager for two pair, a frequent hand instead, of just even money. Players tend to grossly underestimate the power of receiving double your money for two pair. Examples of less risky nondeuces games are JOB, Bonus Poker (BP) and Pick ‘EM Poker. Deuces games that only return 1000 coins with a 5 coin bet with 4 deuces are also less volatile. Make sure you can handle the disappointment of getting just 1000 coins for all the deuces instead of 2000 coins for the same hand on say Loose Deuces. Your bankroll may still suffer from a fatal dose but usually it takes longer and there are fewer temptations to hit the money machine.
Before you choose your video poker game make sure you know your objectives.
Strong Potion:
High volatility games can empty your pockets in a big hurry, but they’re lots of fun and a good reason to smile when you hit one of the larger jackpots. For non-deuces wild games some examples are Double Bonus (DB) Double Double Bonus (DDB), All American (also called USA Poker) and other games that only return even money for two pair. (Even money means if you wager 5 coins your return is just 5 coins when achieving the hand, in this case two pair.) If you’re playing Deuces Wild then any game that returns 2000 coins on a 5 coin bet for 4 Deuces. Examples are Double Deuces, Barbaric Deuces, Loose deuces and Bonus Deuces. Make sure you keep in mind that if you fail to get an infrequent hand, like four aces (DB), four aces with a kicker (DDB) or four deuces (deuces wild games) the poison can be lethal to your cash quite quickly. 14 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
Combination:
Some players like a combination of volatile and less risky video poker games. If this is what you want to do, it’s best if you begin with the high risk choice and have enough self control to stop when a predetermined amount of your bankroll is gone. Say you begin with DDB and burn through $100 of a $200 session budget. If you pre-determined to only risk half your bankroll on DDB before switching to a more conservative game, like JOB, it’s best to stick with that decision.
Final Thoughts:
Playing any game in a casino is supposed to be fun and entertaining. Some people like the roller coaster where others prefer the merry-go-round. You should make a conscious effort to think about the kind of gaming experience best suits you and your bankroll before you get to the casino. 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 and free strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for her story in the 2011and 2012 Editions of “American Casino Guide” and her You Tube video, “How to Win at Video Poker”. The Second Edition of her book is available in both paperback and kindle - Available at amazon. com, bookstores or Square One Publishers. www.squareonepublishers.com Toll Free: 877-900-BOOK
CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438
Dealing blackjack, daily at 3pm
Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777
Sat, 11:15am - BIG Stack NLHE Tournament - Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3 & Dec 1 - $300 Buy in w $30 sc Sat, 11:15 am - SUPER BOUNTY BIG Stack NLHE – May 12, Jun 9, Jul 14, Sept 15, Oct 13, Nov 10 & Dec 8 - $200 Buy in w $25 sc - $100 Bounty for each player you knock out Sat, 11:15 am - SUPER Turbo, Super BOUNTY BIG Stack NLHE - Jun 16, Jul 21 & Oct 13 - $200 Buy in w $25 sc - $100 Bounty for each player you knock out Last Saturday NLHE at 11:15am – May 26, Jun 30, Jul 28, Aug 25, Sept 29, Oct 27, Nov 24 & Dec 29 $125 Buy in w $25 sc Ladies NLHE – Sunday at 11:15am - May 20, July 15, Oct 14 & Dec 9 - $60 Buy-in w/ $15 sc Mon - Fri, 11:15 am - NLHE, $50 buy-in w/ $10 sc Tues & Wed, 7:15pm - NLHE, $115 buy-in w/ $15 s/c Jack & Jill NLHE Tournament – May 27, & Jul 22 Pot Limit Omaha (High Only) May 19 at 11:15am $200 + $30 s/c Omaha Hi-Lo Tournaments – July29 & Sept 16 at 11:15am - $120 buy-in + $30 s/c Daily, 2am-10am “Aces Cracked” Win $100 rack Get a Royal Flush, Spin the wheel – win $50 to $500 – see poker room for details Jack it Up! Tuesdays & Wednesdays - $20,000 added to Hold Em Progressive Bad Beat Jackpot - $5,000 added to Omaha / Stud Also dealing blackjack 24/7
BlueWater Resort & Casino 1-888-243-3360
Poker Room opens at 4pm except Sun, Mon & Wed at 2pm Mon & Wed, 6pm-10pm – High Hand per night pays $50 at 10pm Tues, 7pm, NLHE “Bounty” Tournament - $35 buy-in w/one $20 re-buy Thurs, 7pm, NLHE - $60 buy-in, no re-buys – optional $5 High Hand Mon & Wed (first 3 each night) – Quads pay $75, Straight Flush pays $50 Daily, Aces Cracked wins $75, Royal Flush pays $400 – (Max 3 per day) Dealing blackjack daily at 9am
Bucky’s Casino 928-771-6779
Sat 10am, Bounty No-Limit Hold Em Tournament $ 80 buy w/ $10 Bounties Mon 10am + Mon, Wed & Thurs at 6pm - NLHE $40 entry fee w/ optional $10 re-buy, top 5 in the money and earn points toward $250 Player of the Month award Tues, 6pm, “Ladies Only” Texas Hold Em Shootouts - $15 buy-in 16 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
Progressive “High Hand” Mon – Fri (See poker room for details) Progressive “Aces Cracked” Sat 11am-11pm – increases by $50 each hour till hit “Random Rewards” Mon-Thurs (see poker room for details) Splash Pot Sundays, every 30 minutes! 11am – 11pm (wheel is spun to determine amount splashed) Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Now playing Texas Shoot Out & Triple Attack Blackjack
Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips 480-850-7777
Dealing blackjack 24/7 Tues at noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” Tournament, $ 50 buy-in Fri at 3 am, The “Great Late” Blackjack Tournament, $25 buy-in June 6, at 7pm (First Wed of each month) $2,000 added Tournament
Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565
July 10-14, “Win a Seat to the Arizona State Poker Championships” NLHE Free-Roll $25,000 Tournament - Limited to first 180 players w/ 50 hours of live play May 1 – June 30, 2012 – Win 1 of 10 seats to the main event at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale Mon-Fri, 10 am - $800 NLHE, $15 buy-in w/ optional $15 add-on Mon 7pm & Sat noon – $1,200 NLHE - $35 buy-in Sun & Tues, 7pm - $1,000 NLHE, $15 buy-in – Opt $15 add-on Wed, 7pm, (thru May 30th ) Limit Omaha, $1,500 Prize Pool, $45 buy-in w/ $10 add-on Thurs, 7pm - $3,000 NLHE, $85 buy-in Sat, 9am - $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $15 buyin, $5 re-buys + $5 add-on Sun, 11 am - $1,500 NLHE, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 928-567-7952
Mon, Wed & Fri at 10am, NLHE Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in – Winner take all Tues & Thurs, 10am, Limit Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Wed, 7pm – NLHE Single Table Shoot-Out $80 buyin, no re-buys w/ $25 added per player per table Sat, Noon, $1,500 guaranteed added – NLHE $100 buy-in, no re-buys Aces Cracked wins a $100 rack – Sun-Fri - See poker Room for details “High Hand” promotion ($50 per hour) 7pm till Midnight - Mon, Tues & Thurs Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687
Dealing blackjack daily starting at 10am
Desert Diamond Nogales Hwy 520-342-1810
Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am “Cup of Coffee” NLHE - $35
buy-in, Max 40 players – no re-buys Tues at 7pm, $100 added per table NLHE - $75 buyin, with one $60 re-buy Mon & Wed 7pm, NLHE - $35 buy-in, Max 40 players – no re-buys Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Desert Diamond I-19 Casino 1-866-332-9467 Dealing blackjack 24/7
Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284
Mon-Fri at Noon – NLHE - $30 buy-in Sun at Noon & Mon 7pm - NLHE Deep Stack tournament - $50 buy-in Tues, Wed & Thurs at 7pm & Sat at Noon - $1,000 guaranteed NLHE - $5 buy-in Fri, 7pm, Mega-Stack $50 Bounty NLHE - $120 buy-in Sat, 4pm & Sun at 7pm $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE - $10 buy-in Sat, 9pm, $2,000 Guaranteed NLHE tournament $20 buy-in Sun, 10am - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament – June 24 & July 29 - $60 buy-in w/ $5 add-on “Aces Cracked” win a rack – 24/7 Win up to $300 “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of anything beaten by Quads or better wins Jackpot “Play More – Cash More” in 4/8 Omaha win up to $100 per day – see poker room for details 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
Sun, May 13, 20 & 27 at 5:30pm - Win a $1,000 WSOP seat & $250 cash - $50 buy-in w/two $20 re-buys Wed, May 16, 23 & 30 at 7:30pm – Win a $1,500 WSOP seat & $500 cash - $65 buy-in w/two $25 re-buys Sat, May 19, 3:30pm - WSOP Omaha Tournament $65 buy-in w/two $25 re-buys Tues, 7:30pm, Limit Omaha H/L, $25 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Thurs, 7:30pm – NLHE, $10 Buy-in plus two $10 re-buys & $10 add-on Fri, 7:30pm, Sat, 12:30 & 5:30pm - NLHE, $40 buyin, no re-buys Sat, 12:30 & 5:30pm – NLHE, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sun, 12:30pm – NLHE, $25 buy-in, one $10 re-buy $ 25 Daily Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, 9am-10pm $ 25 Sat & Sun Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, 6am-8:30am Daily “Aces Cracked” from open till 11am – High Hand promotion (straight Flush or better) 24/7 gets to spin the cash wheel to win$25 - $200 Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Hon-Dah Casino 1-800-929-8744
Mon, 6pm, No Limit Hold Em “Double Stack” - $25 buy-in, $25 re-buy Tues, 6pm, Speed Shoot-Out – $8 buy-in – no re-buys Wed, 6pm, NLHE, $40 buy-in, 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 Wed-Sun - High Hands, win up to $500 Sun, 1pm - NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in no re-buys Wed & Sun, 6pm, NLHE Bounty Tournament, $50 buy-in Dealing blackjack 10am-1am - Blackjack tournament, Mon at 6pm, $40 buy-in
Paradise Casino 888-777-4946
Dealing Blackjack 5pm-1am
Quechan Casino & Resort 1-877-783-2426
Mon, Tues & Thurs at 7 pm, also Sat & Sun at 1pm NLHE - $35 buy-in
Sat, April 14 & 28 at 1pm, $5,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $80 buy-in Special $59 room rates for poker players Poker Room Hours: Wed – Sun open at 10am, Mon & Tues at 3pm Dealing blackjack 24/7
Vee Quiva Casino 800-946-4452 – Ext 1042
Sat, June 30 – “Lovin’ Poker FREE ROLL Tournament” First 100 players to qualify with 100 hours of “Live” Play (Apr 13 - June 26) qualify – 1st Place - $1,300 Mon - Thurs, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em, $1,000 Guaranteed - $30 buy-in w/ 1 $20 re-buy Wed at 7:30pm, NLHE - $15 buy-in w/ $10 re-buys till the break Sat, 11am, NLHE, $20 buy-in, $10 re-buys & $20 add-on Sun 11am, NLHE “Bounty Tournament, $30 buy-in w/ one $20 re-buy for $3,000 in chips “ACES CRACKED” wins a rack – daily starting at 6am - max 10 per day Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $500 – Bonus Royals Mon-Thurs (see poker room for details) Progressive Rolling Cash Fever drawings during live play every other hour - 24/7 Mon- Fri, 2am-6am -“High Hand” Promotion, Top 3 hands win $100, $75 & $50 Thursdays 4pm-8pm – “Match your stack”
CARD ROOM ACTION
drawings every hour – 1 lucky seat wins up to $100 Baseball “Splash Pots” Selected TV Games Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 ext 7375
Mon & Thurs Noon, NLHE, $30 buy-in, no re-buys $150 added per table Tues & Wed at 7:30pm, NLHE Freeze Out - $50 entry fee w/ $10 optional add-on, with $1,000 added to prize pool Sun at Noon, NLHE Big Buy Tournament - $100 Buy-in w/ $10 entry fee, plus optional $10 Dealer appreciation fee High Hands Daily 4am – 8am win up to $150 Bonus Aces Cracked (first 10) 2-6pm Tues, Wed & Fri Sun – Thurs, 10pm – 4am “Aces & Faces Cracked” $100 each hour D-Backs $50 per table Splash Pots, Selected TV games Big Money Royals - Any Royal Flush wins $200 “Wet & Wild $50 Splash Pots” every table splashed Mon & Thurs 1pm - 4pm, also Fri – Sun + Tues & Wed 9am-Noon (everyone at table must have a players card) Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
CARD ROOM MANAGERS Please send updates to azplayer@cox.net
ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012 17
lottery news She forgot her Phone Number Suzanna Cullinan was so excited about winning $10,000 on her Money Market Scratchers, that when she had to write her phone number on the claim form, it took her a minute to remember it. She began playing the game after someone told her that it had a lot of $20 wins and she’s been buying it ever since. She bought one Money Market and took it out to her van to scratch it. She found it hard to believe it was really a winner, so she went back inside the store to have the clerk check it. The winning game was purchased from the Circle K on highway 89 in Chino Valley. When she got home, she immediately called her best friends. Of course, they thought it was a joke. However, when they realized she was serious, they were thrilled for her and even accompanied her to the Lottery when she went to redeem the ticket. Suzanna says she really doesn’t talk much about herself, except when it comes to her dogs and their volunteer work. For the past 20 years, she has been active with Search and Rescue. To her, it’s a passion as well as a big commitment when she and her dogs search for lost people and, unfortunately sometimes, cadavers. She plans to use her winnings to pay off some bills.
A Great Anniversary Present
18 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
Date
01-18-30-35-41-42
04
01-24-33-45-49
6
08-16-17-27-35-36
07
05-13-17-20-30
18
03-07-18-23-26-32
11
16-23-42-44-47
2
Numbers
April
POWERBALL Numbers
PB
13-16-20-22-28-40
14
14-15-16-19-24
2
05-14-15-18-31-36
18
20-22-39-46-49
29
07-18-21-28-33-37
21
06-08-20-42-51
16
01-05 -06-13-20-22
25
04-25-29-34-43
29
10-11-15-19-26-41
28
31-39-40-57-58
33
Nikki Miller and her husband gave themselves a wonderful anniversary present -- a $100,000 present courtesy of an “I’m in the Money” Scratchers ticket. Nikki loves to play Scratchers, because she likes the thrill of the instant win and plays them every day. She works in the behavioral health field, and during her lunch break from work, she and a coworker always purchase Scratchers. She prefers the $10 games as she thinks their payout is better and she’ll buy one or two a day, depending how many she’s redeemed. She’s also extremely superstitious about the numbers of the tickets and only purchases certain ones (she did not divulge her favorites.) One of Nikki’s favorite games is “I’m in the Money.” She usually buys two tickets at a time, but for some unknown reason, the week of Feb. 19, she only bought one ticket – But, that’s all she needed. She scratched the ticket, had two of her co-workers check it, then signed the back of it and had it scanned at the store. The winning ticket was purchased from the Circle K, on north Dysart Road in Avondale. The couple plan to host a 25th Wedding Anniversary party - then put the rest of their winnings into a trust for their grandchildren.
April
not have it scanned. However, he signed the back of the ticket as soon as possible. He left work early that day, went home and called his wife to tell her the good news. His wife’s comment when he first told her was, “Come on!” However, she had a different attitude when she came home from work and saw the actual ticket. Both of them are still having a difficult time believing it’s real, in spite of having received the check. The winning ticket was purchased from Danny’s Family Car Wash, located at 2501 West Happy Valley Road in Phoenix.
April
MEGA MILLIONS
MB
03 06 10 13 17 20 24 27
11-35-38-41-52 02-19-20-24-33 02-06-12-31-48 09-14-17-36-42 01-16-24-32-48 14-23-26-33-35 03-09-15-37-38 02-05-45-46-47
40 39 25 33 2 40 39 37
Last Line and Last Number Joseph Boccia of Phoenix went to purchase some Money Mania Scratchers, but the Instant Ticket Vending Machine in the store was sold out. He had $40 in his pocket, so he put the $40 into the machine and bought two VIP Club Scratchers instead. What a fortuitous choice, as the top prize of $500,000 was found on the bottom line and the very last number on that last line of the second ticket. He scratched the tickets while he was in his car in the parking lot of the car wash where he bought the tickets. Since he buys from this location all the time, he went back into the store and showed the ticket to the store clerk who he knows. But, did
THE PICK
02 03 04 05 06 07 09 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30
PICK 3 CASH 4 7-3-4 2-7-6 2-4-3 1-3-9 4-7-5 6-1-4 7-9-7 7-3-3 4-6-7 7-2-4 8-8-1 1-6-1 0-2-1 1-3-5 1-1-2 0-7-9 7-3-1 4-4-2 9-1-1 1-5-6 7-3-8 5-7-6 1-8-8 5-6-7 9-9-6
12-22-24-26 12-13-14-15 03-05-12-17 01-08-11-21 10-12-18-22 13-16-17-19 01-02-07-14 05-15-19-25 09-13-14-18 06-21-22-25 01-06-15-18 04-06-14-20 05-10-15-17 04-06-10-17 01-20-22-26 06-07-22-23 01-03-14-20 17-20-22-25 03-12-14-19 05-12-17-21 08-13-19-25 14-19-22-25 02-14-16-17 04-11-20-25 06-10-12-23
PICK 5 04-06-15-29-33 11-16-23-33-37 09-13-21-29-34 08-12-14-31-41 05-07-24-35-39 16-17-28-31-37 02-03-27-38-39 02-24-27-34-41 05-14-22-30-37 02-03-06-36-38 08-14-26-36-39 18-19-20-27-36 13-21-27-28-41 08-20-29-32-33 05-08-11-14-41 12-15-16-31-40 07-10-20-34-37 02-07-30-33-39 07-19-25-31-32 07-16-20-28-30 03-06-14-22-40 11-16-29-35-38 03-06-07-16-32 02-07-11-15-38 01-04-13-18-21
For winning numbers and updates visit ArizonaLottery.com or visit a participating Lottery retailer. You can also call the Lottery Hotline at (480) 829-PICK in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. For outlying areas in Arizona, please call 1-800-499-3798
TJ’s Blackjack corner
How to Continue a Losing Streak
usually write about how to play a winning game of Blackjack. This month however, I am going to inform those of by TJ Jorgensen you that seem to be on a losing streak - how to continue that streak. One of the best ways I know of to make sure that you will walk out of the Casino a loser is to play the games with the highest house advantage. I used to think that most players understood that the higher the casino edge, the more likely they would lose – now I’m not so sure. If you’re playing one of the games on my list on a regular basis you’re probably experiencing losses of biblical proportions. KENO - One of the Casino games with the highest house edge - a 25% advantage over the player. This means that for every dollar bet you will lose twenty-five cents. Keep playing this game very long and your money will soon evaporate. SLOTS - Everyone knows that slots are fun to play, and take absolutely no skill. However there is a reason that there are no professional slot machine players, the game cannot be beat. If you play slots for entertainment – That’s great, but it comes at a hefty price. The more you play, the more you will probably lose, it’s that simple. With slots it’s right place – right time. You may hit the jackpot on your first pull, or not hit one all day. If you believe that a machine is due to hit because it hasn’t paid out in a while, you’re mistaken. Slot machines have no memory and could care less if all the previous results were losses. If you play the
20 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
slot machines fast (like hitting the button nonstop) or play two machines at once - your bankroll will be gone in no time. CARIBBEAN STUD POKER - The main game gives the house about a 5.2% advantage, that in itself is enough to absorb your bank roll – But If you play the progressive side bet you give the house a whopping 25% advantage. That will wipe out your bankroll in a heartbeat. ROULETTE - In Arizona we have the mechanical roulette games with a green 0 and 00. You give the house a 5.3% advantage every time you play. If you play this game very long, it won’t take long before your pockets are empty. LET IT RIDE - Approximately 76% of all your hands will be losers. The hands that you do win will more than likely be at even money. This means that the Casino will have about a 3.5% advantage and your bankroll will ride right over to the casino chip tray. Want to lose even faster? Bet the progressive, it gives the house a 24% edge. Playing games with a high house advantage is not the only reason you quickly lose - Another major contributor is “Bad Ideas”.
Here are some of my favorite bad ideas;
* If you go to the casino expecting to lose, just stay home because that’s what’s going to happen. * If you won’t spend time learning the basics of casino gambling – you’ll be on every casino’s “A” list as one of their big losers. * Also, make sure you are tired and drink a lot when you gamble, sound familiar? * Don’t set a gambling budget, never set any stop loss limit, just gamble non-stop no matter what.
* Keep playing after a big win - seriously, the longer you play the more likely it is you will give it all back *Bet even more just to earn a comp - there is no such thing as a free lunch, nothing like losing $3,000 to earn a free dinner. *Play hunches all the time or believe that gambling is all luck * Gamble big to impress a friend or girlfriend, a definite buzz kill *Increase your bets to get even –“Double up – To catch up” never works *Gamble more than you can comfortably lose. Play with scared money, rent money, or borrowed money. These are the people that you see leaving the casino talking to an imaginary friend *And my all-time favorite bad idea – demanding that your spouse or significant other, give you back the money, that you gave them earlier…with explicate instructions….not to give you back that money for any reason. If you are guilty of going to the casino and playing exclusively high negative expectation games, or going with any of my “bad ideas”, maybe you should take some time to re-evaluate your play. It occurred to me that the “Gamblers Anonymous Hotline” would be much more popular if they made every tenth caller a prize winner. Until next month I hope you walk out a winner. T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional blackjack player for over twenty years. He is well known for his live tournament play. He has competed against and beaten some of the top tournament players in the world, and has won the prestigious “World Series of Blackjack” – His book “Beating the casino at their own game” is available at: www.freewebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail tj4justice1@msn.com
FROM A WOMAN’S POINT OF VIEW
The Fort Adds A Tournament For The Ladies
n Sunday April 15, Fort McDowell Casino’s poker room added another event to its tournament by Marianne Minneci schedule - something special just for women poker players. I had the privilege of playing in this inaugural Ladies No-Limit Hold-Em Tournament. For the $65 entry fee you received $5,000 in tournament chips – but, for an additional $5 dealer appreciation fee, you could add another $2,000 in chips to your stack. Before I continue, I have to say a special thanks to the anonymous person who entered me into this event. Tournament director George Hitt called me the night before the tournament and left me a message that a tournament entry had my name on it – no strings attached. This entry was from a gentleman who wanted to say thanks for the articles I had written in this magazine over the years - plus he felt he owed me a little something due to the fact that he had knocked me out of a tournament some years back with a lucky river card and went on to cash big in that tournament - mainly because of the big stack he had taken from me. The tournament was underway at 10am and from what I could tell it was an overwhelming success drawing 60 participants with a total prize pool of $3,000. Not badad.qxp for a debut event. eoPoker_1/3page_vp 10/12/09 12:31 PM One player alone brought in 9 players from her local ladies poker club. All of the feedback at the
tables was positive and everyone is looking forward to this monthly tournament. It looks to me as though this monthly Ladies event will definitely draw more and more players as time goes by. Check with the Fort McDowell poker room for the dates of future tournaments. Fort McDowell poker room has long been known for its well-run tournaments and this one was no exception. The tournament staff, headed up by George Hitt does an excellent job of making sure that your poker experience is a good one. The caliber of play of all the players in this tournament was top notch. To my surprise, we didn’t hear those familiar words, “Player Out” until well into the third round of play. Four out of six tables still remained after the first break, which was two hours into the tournament. I managed to last until the sixth round. I had built Pageup1my chip stack, but soon lost it when I broke my cardinal rule of chasing a flush. Having won a few hands after the break, I let my ego take
over. You know the feeling that sometimes come over you at the table when you start thinking you are infallible and you ultimately go into overdrive heading for a crash. I thought I had the best hand going in with an A-K of diamonds. Two diamonds fell on the flop. I kept thinking in the back of my brain, “If I make this hand, I will be chip leader”…Right, it didn’t happen! My opponent pulled a straight on the flop, so my delusions of grandeur soon gave way to that walk of shame as you wish everyone good luck as you slowly get up from the table and disappear into the casino. When all the chips settled the winners of Fort McDowell’s first women’s tournament were Gabriella Balderas and Rita Trent who split first place taking home $800 each. Congratulations to the winners. Even though I didn’t make it into the money this time around, I had a great time playing with the ladies at my table. I am looking forward to the next scheduled tournament on Sunday, May 6. Until next time, here’s wishing you good luck at the tables! Write me at marianne.minneci@gmail.com
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The Video Poker Edge $17.95 • 2-Color throughout • Includes tear-out video poker “strategy cards” Available at bookstores everywhere, or call the publisher toll-free at 1-877-900-2665.
22 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
gaming news Scottsdale Casino adds Famed Promoter Danny Zelisko
$5,000,000 “Wheel” Jackpot in Scottsdale!
Talking Stick Resort, an enterprise of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community recently announced the appointment of Danny Zelisko Presents as its new entertainment buyer. Zelisko and his team are now responsible for the procurement of talent for the AAA Four Diamond property. “It is with much anticipation that we make this announcement about our partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents. His long-standing ties within both Arizona and the entertainment industry will be a huge asset to Talking Stick Resort,” said Peter Arceo, senior director sales and marketing for Talking Stick Resort. Danny Zelisko, the founder of Danny Zelisko Presents, has been a staple in the Valley since 1974. He has promoted thousands of concerts in Arizona, including Dooley’s Nightclub, a 700 person capacity venue in Tempe, Arizona. There, he helped break the careers of many headliners, including The Police, Bon Jovi, No Doubt and Nirvana. From those shows came the creation of the legendary concert promotion firm, Evening Star which eventually became the Southwest’s most prominent concert promoter, booking and promoting the majority of the shows that came to Las Vegas and New Mexico, as well. In 2001, Evening Star was sold to SFX, the company that became Live Nation. Zelisko remained president and chairman of Live Nation Southwest until starting his current enterprise last year. In his role as buyer for Talking Stick Resort, he will be responsible for securing headline talent in two of the property’s main venues, the Salt River Grand Ballroom and The Showroom. “With two great venues on property, it is essential that we continue to secure the best shows in the Valley, ensuring that we meet the demands of our loyal guests,” said Arceo. Top headline acts that have performed in Talking Stick Resort’s 1600 seat Grand Ballroom include Brian Wilson, Cheap Trick, Smokey Robinson and Huey Lewis and the News. The property’s state of the art Showroom seats 650. With the very intimate seating configuration, there is not a bad seat in the house. For information on entertainment coming to Talking Stick Resort, call the box office at (480) 850-7734 or visit the Talking Stick Resort website at talkingstickresort.com.
A Mesa resident, Gerald Allen Phillips Jr. won $5,707,069 after hitting the top Wheel of Fortune Jackpot at Casino Arizona, located on Loop 101 and McKellips Road on April 13. The lucrative jackpot is one of the biggest given over the course of Casino Arizona’s more than 10-year history. “All of our players come to Casino Arizona with the hopes of winning the big jackpot. It is so rewarding to see that dream come true for a really deserving player,” said David Chavez, director of slot operations at Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. Phillips, who was playing for the first time at Casino Arizona in more than a year, had put $60 in the lucky 25-cent machine at the time of the win. According to Phillips, “I had been playing the machine next to it and kept hitting, but my wife wanted me home. As I got up and was ready to leave, I put in my last $60. Then the bells and light went off and I was freaked out.” Thinking, he had first won $100,000, Phillips found out his true win when he saw all of managers and pit bosses rush to his side. “I was so nervous, I almost passed out when I saw all the people,” said Philips. In fact, he wasn’t the only person ‘freaked out’ by the jackpot. After learning of the amount he had won, Phillips immediately called his wife who hung up on him in disbelief. It wasn’t until he had one of the casino’s managers call her back that she actually believed him. When asked about his plans for money, Phillips said, “I’m going to buy a nice new truck, which has always been a dream of mine, but we are still going to be the same penny-pinchers we’ve always been. We want to buy a little house and then invest so the money can work for us.” Casino Arizona, Located on the 101 Loop and McKellips is part of a Native American progressive gaming network, which includes 20 casinos statewide. Each time a coin is played in a linked machine, anywhere in the network, the jackpot accumulates until a winner hits the top jackpot award. The Wheel of Fortune progressive machines featuring the exciting bonus spin are among the most popular games in the world.
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24 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
HORSIN’ AROUND
by Brian Mulligan
The Result, The Future
iming, as they say, is everything in life and I’ll Have Another timed it just right to win the Kentucky Derby May 5
at Churchill Downs. The assumption is that the colt was named for those that like to imbibe but in reality it is because owner Paul Reddam’s wife loves to bake cookies and when she asked Paul, he responds, “I’ll Have Another”. The horse was sensational running down Bob Baffert’s Bodemeister, who ran a terrific race in defeat. He sped the first quarter in :22.32, :45.39 and the three quarters of a mile in 1:09.80. How impressive were the splits. In 137 previous Kentucky Derby, only 10 horses had gone the first half-mile in 45.4 second or less. All finished 10th or worse yet Bodemeister nearly pulled off the victory. As for the winner, I’ll Have Another is trained by Doug O’Neill, a successful Southern California trainer for quite some time but his 25-year-old rider, Mario Gutierrez, had been plying his trade in obscurity at a bullring in Canada called Hastings Park but is now on top of the world. Dullahan ran well to complete the trifecta. This is what his jockey had to say after the race. Kent Desormeaux: “He was starting to get disgruntled because of all the sand he was eating. I was encouraging him to go faster, but he was slowing down. When I made my move turning for home, two horses peeled out in front of me and I needed to go 9 wide.”
26 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
In reality Dullahan is much more suited to the Belmont Stakes than the Preakness. In the aftermath of the Derby, the truth of the matter is that I’ll Have Another doesn’t scare anybody and there will be a full gate for the Preakness Stakes on May 19. The Derby runners that are possible to come back including Bodemeister (2nd), Went the Day Well (4th), Creative Cause (5th), Dullahan (3rd), Hansen (9th) and Optimizer (11th). There are about 8 new faces looking to the Preakness. They are Brimstone Island, Cozzetti, Hierro, Paynter, Pretension, Teeth of the Dog, Tiger Walk and Zetterholm. The Preakness Stakes must feel the horror of middle child syndrome as middle children often have the sense of not belonging, they fight to receive attention from anybody and they feel like they are being ignored, which drives their insecurity. But the second jewel of the Triple Crown has come out of that phobia in the last few years and has become a true gem. The Preakness is run at a 16th of a mile shorter then the Derby but it was not always like that. It has been run at 7 different distances over the decades from a mile to a mile and a half. And it has not always been the 2nd leg in the Triple Crown. Eleven times, the Preakness was run before the Derby, and 11 times the Belmont Stakes was run prior to the Preakness. And the Derby and Preakness was run on the same day twice. For about the last 75 years, the Derby, Preakness, Belmont has been carded in that sequence.
Handicapping this year’s Preakness and isolating the winner presents the usual challenge and be careful before just assuming a bias or sharp turns will favor a particular runner. Like the Derby, it is not easy to go wire to wire in Baltimore but the track still has a speed bias feel attached to it. One thing bettors will likely hear time and time again before this year’s Preakness is that the Pimlico surface is speed conducive and you have to be near the lead to succeed. But that is not always the case. Only about 18% of the winners in the history of the race have taken them flag fall to that’s all so don’t quickly buy into the myth about the sharp turns and the Baltimore highway. Need more, consider these web gems from the past by some stars in the business including Gary Stevens before he went on to take the 2001 edition with Point Given. Stevens: “ That’s a fallacy. It’s like an old wives’ tale that Old Hilltop is a speed racetrack. Every year I’ve got to go through the same thing, that Pimlico is a speed track. Basically, the horses run the exact same style at Baltimore as they do in the Kentucky Derby. It’s not a speed-favoring racetrack. It’s a fair racetrack and I think if you get your horse position where it belongs, then you’ve got a shot. But people who go in there with the attitude that it’s a speed racetrack and try and change a horse’s style, they’re making a major mistake…. you’ve got no chance.” Brian Mulligan was the main West Coast line-maker 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.
more lottery news THE 6 MILLION-DOLLAR MAN! The Arizona Lottery announced today that all six $1 million Powerball second prize tickets won in Arizona from the drawing on Wednesday, April 25 have been claimed. All six of these $1 million winning tickets were purchased by one Glendale resident at the QuikTrip located at 6702 W. Glendale Ave. in Glendale. The winning numbers were 4-2529-34-43 PB 29. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed the six tickets over the course of three visits to the Arizona Lottery’s Phoenix office. These six wins bring Arizona’s count of $1 million second prize Powerball wins to a total of 10, since the new $2 Powerball game launched this past January 15. In addition to this winner from Glendale, Arizona winners have included two Tucson residents, a Phoenix resident and a couple from Fort Mohave. The new game has created approximately 100 millionaires nationwide. “It was incredible for Arizona to have six $1 million second prize Powerball wins in one night and the excitement around the winning tickets has had everyone buzzing,” said Karen Bach, assistant director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. “Arizona is second in the nation for having the most $2 Powerball second prize winners since the game launched and we expect to be
28 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
congratulating more Arizona millionaires this year than ever before.” The new $2 Powerball game offers many appealing features to players, including better overall odds and jackpots that grow bigger, faster. The starting jackpot doubled from $20 million to $40 million and the second prize for matching all five numbers, without the Powerball, increased from $200,000 to $1 million. Arizona Lottery players must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize at an Arizona Lottery office or by mail. 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? Call 1-800-NEXT STEP. Please Play Responsibly ™. About the Arizona Lottery The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets nearly $3 million per week - fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $4.6 billion in prizes to players, nearly $2.8 billion in net profit to the state and more than $550 million in commissions to retailers.
Out of my Favorite Ticket – Now What? Georgann Baca of Winslow loves playing $2 Crossword, but the store was out of that game, so she thought about it for a while, then bought four “Diamond Crossword” tickets. It was a fortuitous choice as the first ticket she scratched was the $50,000 topprize winner. The winning ticket was purchased from the Circle K on West 3 rd Place in Winslow. Working as a bartender means that when she gets home after work, Georgann wants to relax, and the Arizona Lottery Scratchers are just the thing to help her unwind. She always purchases four Scratchers in a row. She feels that if she buys just one, then the next ticket might be the winning one, and the person who buys it will win the top prize. (Multiple in-a-row Scratchers purchases are a common strategy of players.) Georgann loves all of the crossword games, but the $5 Crossword is her favorite. She already has definite plans for her winnings. During a recent microburst, she lost over half of her roof, so she intends to replace it and is also considering the purchase of a new car.
bingo directory
Preferred Bingo Locations American Legion #29 6821 N. 58th Ave Mon & Thurs 6:30pm Wed 11:45am Phoenix West Elks 5525 W. Colter Tues 6:45pm, Sun 12:45pm Postal Worker’s Social Club 3720 W. Greenway Rd. Tues & Sun 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, 12:30 & 6:30pm, Fri & Sat @ Midnight "Lunar Bingo" every 3rd Saturday @ Midnight Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd Daily 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm Party Bingo at 11:00pm on 1st & 3rd Friday of the Month
Lone Butte Casino SanTan Loop202 & Kyrene Noon & 6:30pm Daily "B.A.D. Bingo" (BingoAfterDark) Saturdays @ 11:30pm Vee Quiva Casino 51st Ave. 10mi. S of I-10 Daily: 12:30 & 6:30pm "Bingo Eclipse" every 2nd & 4th Saturday @ 11pm Apache Gold Casino • Globe 5mi E of Globe on Hwy 70 Wed, Thur, & Sun @ noon; Fri & Sat 7pm
Bingo Blowout! 1st Monday every Month, BlueWater Casino • Parker 11300 Resort Dr Daily 6:30pm Casino Del Sol• Tucson 5655 W. Valencia Mini Sessions 11:30am & 1:30pm Matinee 2:15pm & Eves 7:15pm "Cosmic Bingo" 10:30 & 11:30pm every Saturday
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
ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012 30
DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR The Avengers Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Incredible Hulk join forces with Nick Fury and S. H. I. E. L. D. to defend Earth against a seemingly unstoppable enemy. Getting these four super egos to by work together may be the most difficult David Ramsey part. Joining the group are Hawkeye and Black Widow. All of the characters are fully fleshed out
with their own personalities and back stories, without detracting from the main story. Writer/ Director Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Cabin in the Woods) brings a unique and entertaining spin to this extravaganza with spectacular action and just enough humor. “The Avengers� is one of the best super-hero movies ever.
32 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel A group of British retirees decide to move to India where it is less expensive and more luxurious. Or so they thought. They have been enticed by the advertisements of the newly restored Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but when they get there it does not live up to expectations. As they cope with the accommodations they become friends. The owner is a young Indian man who wants to make it on his own by restoring the hotel and is determined to succeed. The cast of British acting greats is superb. There is romance, humor and a tear or two. If you like British humor you will love this film.
David’s Video Details This Means War
CIA agents Foster and Tuck’s are close friends, as close as brothers. Their latest mission is to bring in two brothers but it ends with one brother dead and the other escaping while vowing vengeance. Back home in Los Angeles they both talk about a woman they met. When they realize they are both talking about the same Lauren they agree to compete without letting her know. Meanwhile, the escaped brother is on his way to L. A. to kill them. Using a mission as an excuse they both use agency resources to spy on and sabotage each other’s dates with Lauren. Just when things get serious it gets really serious. “This Means War” is a rare combination of action film and romantic comedy that works.
The Vow Dark Shadows In 1776 Barnabas Collins breaks the heart of Angelique who happens to be a witch. She curses him by turning him into a vampire and then locking him in a coffin. In 1972 he is released to a completely different world. He finds his beloved home, Collinswood, a shambles and his family a dysfunctional mess. He discovers that Angelique still lives and still wants him to suffer. She plans to take it out on his family unless he can stop her. The cast is very good and the writing is witty. While there are some laughs this is a much more serious movie than the trailers and commercials would lead us to believe. Fans of the TV series will enjoy “Dark Shadows” as will those who have never heard of the series.
Leo and Paige are happy newlyweds whose life is turned upside down when Paige is involved in an accident. She is left unconscious and when she wakes up in the hospital she doesn’t remember Leo. It seems a few years of recent memories have been wiped out and they not come back. Her parents see it as an opportunity to return her to her former life. Leo is determined to win her back and starts courting her all over again. This time he has to compete with her parents, her ex-boyfriend and the life she had before they met. “The Vow” is the rare love story that has a real plot and makes sense.
Chronicle
Three teenagers make discovery in the woods that changes their lives. They apprear to have found an alien artifact that has given them telekinetic powers. At first they have fun with their new powers whild learning how to them but Andrew’s dark side comes out it pits them against each other. The action is intense at times but the story of the three friends is what makes it stand out. “Chronicle” uses ‘shaky camera’ cinematography to make it appear as if this is found footage of real events. It would have been a better film if they had not gone that way and instead filmed it like the action movie it is. 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. Read more of his DVD reviews at WildAboutMovies.com. Contact him at David@TheSnackBar.net. ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012 33
CONTEST Page
The Arizona Player 20th Anniversary I “Like” To Win Sweepstakes Congratulations Winners!
Here are the monthly winners for the period ending April 30th Sharon Rushing of Yuma and Jay Harris of Phoenix are the May 2012 prize winners and will have a choice of various events around the state like concerts, sporting events, admission to great places of entertainment or they may choose a $50 gift card to a favorite store or restaurant! Even though they have won a prize they’re still eligible to win the Quarterly Grand Prize getaway. NOW….THE DRUM ROLL PLEASE - THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER THIS QUARTER IS: Suzanne Mosqueda of Phoenix! Johnny…Tell Suzanne what she’s won!
34 ARIZONA PLAYER May 2012
The Grand Prize Package this quarter is a 3 day 2 night stay at the beautiful Bluewater Resort and Casino located on the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona. This package includes dinner and breakfast for two, both days - along with some other very nice surprises! Suzanne, we will be calling you to set up your fabulous Getaway Package to this specular vacation property! Remember 2 more of these Grand Prize packages will be given away during this very special 20th Anniversary year. The next Grand Prize winner will be announced in the August issue of Arizona Player – We will tell you more about that vacation destination next month. Our second Grand Prize winner will be announced in the up-coming May issue.
How do you win? There are 2 ways to enter: Go to FACEBOOK and like Arizona Player – or if you are not Facebook friendly or don’t use a computer – Use the United States Postal Service (They could use the work) Just send a postcard or 3 x 5 card in an envelope with your name, address and Phone number to: Arizona Player “I Like You” Contest PO Box 33393 Phoenix, AZ 85067 (Limit of 1 entry per person permonth – 2 entries per address)
Thanks for reading and telling your friends about Arizona Player Gaming and Entertainment Guide. Phil Scudella Publisher Arizona Player
gaming news ASTROLOGY & Contest Page Taurus Apr 21 to May 21
Leo July 23 to Aug 23
Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22
Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19
Gemini May 22 to June 21
Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23
Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21
Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20
Cancer June 22 to July 22
Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20
May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6 May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6 May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6
Great times coming soon Call from the past Wild, wild Weekend Yes! Correct choice
Mend old relationship Finally - what you needed Terrific new friend Winning streak ahead Late night bonus Unexpected good news Terrific week of fun Many will be surprised
Classic Joke From The Past:
May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6 May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6
Questions are answered Special adventure Opportunity knocks Plan that needed getaway
Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23
May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6
Remember – Thing positive Forget bad advice - do it Great time with friends Time to move on
May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6 May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6 May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6
Advice proves beneficial Right place, right time Gut feelings are correct Great month ahead
Call you’ve waited for That BIG win is here Exciting fun trip Take good friend’s advice Celebration is coming Right place-right time Family fun comes first Surprise big win!
May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6 May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6
Time to act - Now Stick to your plan Exciting trip ahead Kindness is rewarded
Out of town excitement Old friend returns Great time with pals Slow the play to win big
Aries Mar 21 to Apr 20
May 7–13 May 14–21 May 22–31 Jun 1–6
Go with gut feeling Stay late for nice win Smiles all week Good news is very near
Jokes of the Month
THE BOSS HAS SPOKEN!
After a day of unsuccessful job hunting, Lee was tossing down a few brews at his favorite watering hole complaining again to bartender Barney about how his wife makes all the decisions. “Sure, she’s worth a lot of money, but dammit, I’m tired of being bossed around”. Barney pulls out a book from behind the bar and hands it to his old friend Lee. Lee grabs the dust covered paperback “BECOME THE KING IN YOUR CASTLE” and was gone in a flash.
After reading it that night - he stormed into the kitchen the next morning and announced “From now on – get used to this - I am the man of this house and my word is law”! “Right now, I need a cup of coffee and some breakfast. Then I’m out of here for the day. When I return tonight I want a candlelight gourmet meal waiting for me on the table, plus a scrumptious dessert. After we’re finished, you’ll draw me a bath, towel me off and give me a scented oil massage. After that –
CASINO DIRECTORY
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Life turning around New life ahead Wow – great timing Unexpected pleasure
we’re going to have the kind of sex I WANT. Then tomorrow, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair”? His wife paused. Looked up from sipping her coffee and calmly snapped back “My best guess is…..the funeral director”!
The New Joke This Month:
NOT from Scotland
A good friend of mine left a pub recently with a very serious bump on his head
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He noticed two rather large women laughing and drinking at a table behind him. He also noted that they had very strong accents, so he asked, “Hey…. you two ladies from Scotland?” One of them looked over and chimed in…”It’s WALES you friggin eegit!” So, my friend immediately apologized and rephrased his question “Sorry, are you two whales from Scotland?” He had nearly regained consciousness when I dropped him off at home.
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