Inside this Issue
Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Boyd’s Eye View – Learning to Fly Horsin’ Around - $35,000 Superstar Vee Quiva Casino Hotel Breaks Ground Reel Reviews – WOF Triple Extreme Spin! www.arizonaplayer.com
Cover Story On Page 8
Vol. 20 No. 06 • June 2012
WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM
Vol. 20 No. 06 • June 2012
Contents Gaming News Vee Queva Breaks Ground for New Casino Hotel
6
Cover Story Fort McDowell “Come home to summer” 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 Shanna Wolfe Mackenzie Griffin John Olson Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen Graphic Design David Ramsey CommuniGraphics Editor Phil Scudella
Special Thanks Tom McGill and his professional marketing staff at Fort McDowell Casino and everyone at rethinc 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.
4 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “WOF Triple Extreme Spin”
10
Entertainment Casino Entertainment Around The State
12
Boyd’s Eye View Linda Boyd “Learning to Fly”
14
Gaming News Progressive Pai-Gow Jackpot hit for $275,000
15
Card Room Action State-wide Table Game Information
16
Lottery News and Draws
18
Horsin' Around
Lottery Winners' Stories
Brian Mulligan “$35,000 Superstar”
20
Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “You Can Fix Stupid”
22
Jokes of the Month
24
David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey “Movies and DVD Reviews” 26 Contest Page
Monthly Winners for 20th Anniversery Year
Astrology, Bingo and Casino Directories
28 30
gaming news Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel Breaks Ground The Gila River Indian Community, Casino Expansion Owners Team and Gila River Gaming Enterprises broke ground June 7th for the all new Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in the west valley on the future site of the planned entertainment project near Laveen.
Once completed in the summer of 2013, Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel will bring an upgraded entertainment experience to the west valley. The project is expected to cost $135 million and will create hundreds of temporary construction jobs during building. The completed casino and hotel will also add hundreds of permanent jobs to the valley. “We are thrilled to begin this project with today’s groundbreaking ceremonies,” said Kenneth Manuel, President of the Gila River Gaming Enterprises Board of Directors. “For those within the Gila River Indian Community and for those throughout the valley, this is the beginning of an exciting project.”
6 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel will feature an expansive 70,000 square foot gaming floor with over 900 slot machines, 50 table games, a poker room and a 550 seat bingo hall. The project will also include a three-story hotel with 90 tastefully appointed rooms, a fitness center, pool and over 3,000 square feet of banquet space. 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 round out the amenities. “Updating Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel will create a seamless entertainment experience to go with the newly constructed Lone Butte Casino and Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino,” said John J. James, CEO of Gila River Gaming Enterprises. “These projects showcase the commitment that Gila River Gaming Enterprises has made to providing the best guest experience in the area and I know Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel will
continue that trend.” The design of Vee Quiva Casino & Hotel is being managed by the nationally acclaimed Friedmutter Group while general construction will be completed by Tutor Perini Corporation. Representatives from each of the organizations involved in the project were in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. operates three Arizona casinos owned by the Gila River Indian Community including Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Vee Quiva Casino. All three casinos offer a combination of slots, table games, bingo and poker. Additional information on these and other events is available by calling 1-800-946-4452, or on their website at www.wingilariver.com
cover story
mmer At The Fo u S o T e m o H e rt Com
Arizona’s original casino and premier destination is only minutes away on State Hwy 87 just outside of Fountain Hills, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, and Red Mountain. Visitors enjoy a wide array of world-class gaming options, an exquisite variety of fine dining, championship golf and some of the finest entertainers. Whether it’s a tournament or a live cash poker game, you can go” all in” at Fort McDowell Casino’s comfortable, non-smoking card room. The Fort has the best blackjack in town and also offers Pai Gow, Perfect Charlie, Let it Ride and more. Visit the Poker Room any day this summer for two tournaments daily. Join the fun in No-Limit Hold-Em for your chance to win big! For the full Poker Room events and times visit fortmcdowellcasino.com/events.
8 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
The Fort is also proud to house an award-winning, 1,200 seat state-of-the-art Bingo Hall. With games seven days a week, you can win up to $25,000 at matinee sessions and up to $50,000 in the evening. Play the game in smoke-free comfort and enjoy free beverages as well as tableside food service. And now, they offer the newest late-night trend for Bingo enthusiasts: Lunar Bingo. An exciting and original twist on the traditional game, it combines black lights, cocktails, loud music and giveaways, making for a Bingo experience unlike any other. Don’t miss this summer’s Lunar Bingo dates, June 16th and July 21st!
Want to play a fun, easy and lucrative game? Then try live Keno, this game features payouts of up to $100,000! The Fort offers 23 different games of Keno, including “Speed Keno” for those who like a fast-paced game - Keno, not your pace? Then participate in a number of the current promotions like “Take it or Leave it”, a fun and exciting game of chance, with drawings at 1pm, 5pm & 8pm, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Or, sextuple your points with the 6X Points promotion, every Wednesday and Thursday. And, beginning at 6am until Midnight on Fridays this summer, Fortune Club members will be eligible to win one free gas voucher for use at the Baja Gas Station. Random HOT SEAT drawings will be held between 6am until Midnight on Fridays as well. The Fort’s five restaurants offer an amazing variety of dining opportunities from quick continued on page 29
REEL REVIEWS by Kevin Cummings
entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort
5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-272-2438 Apache Gold Pavilion: Call for new summer schedule Cabaret Lounge: free weekend entertainment with bands like: Wild Ride, Hollywood and Vine, Jadi Norris and 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 July 7 - Cage Rage 2 (Cage fights) July 28 - Comic Loni Love (Chelsea Lately regular) Dig Lounge: Deejay or Karaoke nightly, plus live bands on Wed & Thurs
Casino Arizona
101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 In the Showroom: June 15 & 16 - CASH’D OUT (Johnny Cash Tribute) June 29 & 30 - Heart Alive (Heart 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
Casino Del Sol
Los Tigres del Norte
12 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater: June 17 - Scorpions w/ Tesla July 11 - Chicago & The Doobie Brothers
July 15 - Joe Cocker w/ Huey Lewis & the News July 31 - Earth, Wind & Fire Aug 3 - Seal w/ Macy Grey Aug 4 - Los Tigres del Norte Aug 5 - Pitbull Aug 12 - DURAN DURAN Paradiso Bar: Free live weekend entertainment: & Tribute bands on Thursdays
Cliff Castle Casino
I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT At the Stargazer Pavilion: Sept 2 - Larry the Cable Guy Dragonfly Lounge: free weekend entertainment with bands like The Trust, Stylus, Greywolf, True to Life and Left of Center
Desert Diamond Casino Hotel
7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or deejay ThursSun
Desert Diamond Casino I -19
1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-DDC-WINS Diamond Center: June 15 - Kool & The Gang
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, Cowboy Floyd and Furious George In the Radisson Ballroom: July 14 - “Oh What A Night” Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli and the The WHIP-ITS Four Seasons
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: July 3 - The WHIP-ITS - Then after the concert - a HUGE Fireworks show! July 20 - Sean Paul w/ Black Uhuru In the Bingo Hall: June 16 - Lunar Bingo, Music, dancing, crazy games w/ giveaways updates:fortmcdowellcasino.com
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino
15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 Oasis Lounge: June 29 - Earl Thomas Conley Free Entertainment every weekend with bands like - The Doo Wah Riders, Steel Magnolia, Marty Ramirez and Hotel California For updated schedule, go to harrahsakchin.com
Hon-Dah Resort and Casino
Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: Call for updated schedule Festival Grounds: June 23 - Charlie Daniels Band Timbers Lounge: Free live entertainment, Monday - Comedy Charlie Daniel Band Night, TuesdaySaturday - Live Bands like - The Johnny Ray Band and Tony Marques
Lone Butte Casino
202 loop at the Kyrene exit - Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Cascades Lounge: Free entertainment Mon-Sat Happy Hour: 6/11 - Marty & the Party, 6/12, 6/18 & 6/22 - Silhouette, 6/13 - Chuck E Baby, 6/14 & 6/21 - Otis & the Beat, 6/15 - Groove Defenders, 6/19 Houndawgs, 6/20 - Spotlight Late Night: 6/13 - Jadi Norris, 6/14 & 6/21 - Keltic Cowboys, 6/15 - New Frequency, 6/16 - Rhythm Edition, 6/20 - Desert Dixie, 6/22 - Marty & the Party, 6/23 - Kenny’s Project Verona Chophouse: Joel & Delphine (Sun) Bingo Hall: 11:30pm Saturdays - B.A.D BINGO (Bingo after Dark) DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com 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
Quechan Casino Resort
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 Talking Stick Showroom: June 16 - Keb Mo June 23 - George Thorogood & the Destroyers July 6 - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts July 15 - Aaron Lewis July 17 - Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo July 28 - Kumbia George Thorogood Kings In the Grand Ballroom: Aug 17 - YES w/ special guest Procol Harum Degree 270 Lounge: live entertainment, dancing nightly with a spectacular view of the city.
Vee Quiva Casino
entertainment
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: June 14 - Indigo Girls June 15 - Los Lobos June 16 - AbbaFab (Tribute to ABBA) June 22 - Rage in the Cage (cage fights) June 29 - Creedence Clearwater Revisited June 30 - Katy Cappella July 7 - Night Ranger Aug 3 - Los Tigres Del Norte Aug 4 - Cinderella Aug 11 - America Aug 25 - Air Supply Encore Lounge: Free entertainment (Monday afternoons) 6/11 - Michael & Manuel, 6/18 - Route 66 (Wednesday-Sunday nights) 6/13, 6/16 & 6/20 Powerdrive, 6/14 & 6/21 - JJ’s Band, 6/15 - Chuck E Baby, 6/17 - Eagleheart, 6/22 - The Hamptons
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
Night Ranger
ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012 13
A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER
ng i t o Fl y n r a e L “I’m learning to fly but I ain’t got wings Coming down is the hardest thing” by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynn
always liked this song, especially the fact that so many argue about what it means. Is it about drugs and “coming down” from a high or literally a pilot flying a plane since landing is often considered “the hardest thing” or a myriad of other interpretations? How on earth can I be connecting this with video poker anyway? Well, my view is that gambling in a casino, regardless of your game, can be a high of sorts to many, meaning it’s a form of escape from everyday life and worries. How about coming down? For some it’s really difficult to leave “La La Land”, especially if all that’s left in your pocket is the lint. So here are some tips to bring reality into play and make the trip home almost as much fun as the ride out there. Reality Check: Many gamblers have had embarrassing daydreams about winning the lottery or making an over-the-top killing on their favorite machine or table game. But when you’re playing for real with your hard-earned cash it’s time to get serious. That means using mathematical data that gives the expected return (ER) for the game along with the variance or risk to your bankroll. These figures are readily available in my book “The Video Poker Edge” or on tutorial software. If you choose to play 8/5 Double-Double Bonus (8/5 DDB), for example, the ER is 96.7861% and the variance is 41.99487. This translates to a high risk game that returns less than 97%, so don’t even think about accusing the casino of rigging the machines. You’ve selected a game that strongly favors the house. On the other hand, if you choose, say 8/5 JOB (8/5 Jacks or Better) with a progressive royal around 6,000 coins (that’s just $1,500 on a quarter machine) then you have a fighting chance. Of course few people are walking computers so you’ll need a little help from your friends. According to Zamzow: The best friend to a video poker player is WinPoker software, written by Dean Zamzow (www.videopokerpractice.com) Here you will learn the mathematically accurate holds for each game and you can easily change the pay schedule on your software to match the one in your favorite casino. Even if you’re too impatient to practice on a regular basis you by Linda Boyd
14 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
will head for the casino knowing the key plays on the game you selected. In other words whether you should hold the pair of aces in DDB or two pair and what to hold with the same deal in 9/6 JOB. You can even have a hold question answered by preselecting a dealt hand. I consider this the best tutorial software on the market because not only does it have a lot of whistles and bells, making it enjoyable, but, unlike other products, it is 100% accurate. Some tutorial software teaches a few incorrect holds to make it easier to remember. If you just want pay schedule tables including both the game’s variance and ER you’ll find free removable ones in my book for most video poker games. Know When to Say When: Once you’ve lost all either your psychological or real budget can handle you should stop feeding money to the monster. Even if you didn’t get much play on your bankroll and your friends want to stay longer, it’s best to stop and become a spectator when your pre-determined session money is gone. Even if you still have some cash left but your consecutive losses are making you miserable, you should call it a day. A bad experience could bode well for future decisions. For example, you may decide to quit playing a high variance game when half your bankroll is lost and switch to a more conservative game in the future.
Final Thoughts:
When you’re gambling and all is going your way it’s a great feeling, like flying high without a care in the world. But, just like the song says, “coming down is the hardest thing”, and that’s even when you’re winning. That’s why you hear so many horror stories about players being way ahead and then giving it all back. So you really do need to learn how to fly when wagering in a casino and how to come down from the high without a crash landing. 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 strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for her story in the 2012 Edition of “American Casino Guide” (ACG) as well as her You Tube video with ACG (“How to Find the Best-Paying Video Poker Machines”)The 2010 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
gaming news Pai Gow Jackpot hit for over $275,000! Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino and Vee Quiva Casino have linked the Fortune Pai Gow Poker Progressive jackpot at each property to create the largest progressive table games jackpot in Arizona and it paid off for one lucky Chandler resident on Saturday June 2 at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The progressive wager gives players a chance to win all or part of a large, incrementing jackpot and one lucky guest won $252,045 on Pai Gow Poker Progressive and an additional $22,000 Pay for the Fortune bonus making one lucky guest $274,045 richer. Gila River Casinos is the first in Arizona and only the second casino operator in the country to offer players a linked Fortune Pai Gow Poker Progressive jackpot funded by tables at each of their properties. The new progressive jackpot system creates higher jackpots for players at all Gila River Casinos’ properties and increases the excitement of one of the more popular table games. Days after the installment of the
linked progressive a player hit five aces worth $27,000 – Then on June 2nd a Chandler guest hit it big with the largest payout paid to date since the new installation of $274,045. Now, there is a reserve pool that increments and the new jackpot amount reset to $160,000, so the next big jackpot could hit at any time in any of Gila River Casinos. Fortune Pai Gow Poker Progressive is a popular title offered by ShuffleMaster, a leading supplier of table games and supplies. The company introduced the ability to link Fortune Pai Gow Progressive jackpots across properties early in 2012 and Gila River Casinos is the first Native American Casino to offer the new progressive jackpot system. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. operates three Arizona casinos owned by the Gila River Indian Community including Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Vee Quiva Casino. For more information on these and other events, call 1-800-946-4452, or go to their website www.wingilariver.com.
ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012 15
CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438 Dealing blackjack, daily at 3pm
Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777
Mon - Fri, 11:15 am - NLHE, $50 buy-in w/ $10 sc Tues & Wed, 7:15pm - NLHE, $115 buy-in w/ $15 s/c Sat, 11:15 am – Super Bounty BIG Stack NLHE – Jun 9 & Jul 14 - $200 Buy in w/ $25 sc - $100 Bounties Sat, 11:15 am - Super Turbo, Super Bounty BIG Stack NLHE - Jun 16 & Jul 21 - $200 Buy in w $25 sc - $100 Bounties Sat, 11:15am - BIG Stack NLHE Tournament - Jul 7 & Aug 4 - $300 Buy in w/ $30 sc Last Saturday NLHE at 11:15am – Jun 30 & Jul 28 - $125 Buy in w/ $25 sc Ladies NLHE – Sunday at 11:15am - July 15 - $60 Buy-in w/ $15 sc Jack & Jill NLHE Tournament – 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 Aug 10th thru 14th - Eighth Annual Arizona State Poker Championship, $1,000 buy-in + $70 s/c – You can also win a seat into this tournament in single table shootouts – these satellite tournaments are available 24/7 anytime 10 people sign up. $120 buy-in (to win 1 seat) or $240 buy-in, will awards 2 seats. Sept 8-10, Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship $225 buy-in Daily, 2am-10am “Aces Cracked” Win $100 rack Get a Royal Flush, Spin the wheel – win $50 to $500 Jack it up! Tues & Wed - $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
16 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
2pm Mon - Wed, 7pm, NLHE “Bounty” Tournament - $35 buy-in w/one $20 re-buy ($5 bounties) Thurs, 7pm, NLHE - $30 buy-in, w/ 2 re-buys at $20 Daily- Any Royal Flush pays $200 – (Limit 3 per day) “Aces Cracked” earns a spin on the Cash & Prize wheel Dealing blackjack daily at 9am
Bucky’s Casino 928-771-6779
$25,000 Northern AZ Texas Hold-Em Championships – Preliminary Rounds: Sun July 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 2pm – Finals July 29 at 2pm $100 buy-in + $25 sc Sat 10am, Bounty No-Limit Hold Em Tournament - $80 buy-in w/ $10 Bounties Mon 10am + Mon, Wed & Thurs at 6pm - NLHE $40 entry fee w/ optional $10 re-buy, top 5 in the money + earn points toward $250 Player of the Month award Tues, 6pm, “Ladies Only” Texas Hold Em Shootouts - $20 buy-in 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 4, 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 & Thurs, 7pm - $5,000 NLHE, $100 buy-in Sat, 9am - $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $15 buy-in, $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 buy-in, 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
Tues at 7pm, $100 added per table NLHE - $75 buy-in, with one $60 re-buy Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am – also Mon & Wed at 7pm NLHE – (Call poker room for details) 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
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 buy-in, no re-buys Sun, 12:30pm – NLHE, $25 buy-in, one $10 re-buy Sun, 5:30pm – “$20 Bounty – Knock-Out” Tournament, $60 buy-in w/ $20 add-on at break $ 25 Daily Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, 9am-10pm $ 25 Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, OPEN-10PM Daily “Aces Cracked” Open - 11am – High Hand promotion (Quads or better) 24/7 spin the cash wheel to win$25 - $200 June Jackpot Madness, progressive cash drawing-Mon&
Wed, Noon-10pm– Earn entries 24/7 w/ Aces Cracked or Quads or better 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
Sat 1pm, Sun 6pm and Thurs at 7pm – “Deep Stack” NLHE - $75 buy-in w/ opt $10 re-buys (earn extra tournament chips for playing “live” up to 3 hours before tournament. Sun & Wed – “Let’s Play Ball” $50 and $25 splash-pots during TV game Special room rates for poker players Dealing blackjack 24/7
Vee Quiva Casino 800-946-4452 – Ext 1042
Sat, June 30 – “Lovin’ Poker Free Roll” $ 1,300 1st place - First 100 players to qualify with 100 hours of “Live” Play thru June 26 Sun - Thurs, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em, $1,000 Guaranteed $ 30 buy-in w/ $20 re-buy Wed at 7:30pm, NLHE - $15 buy-in w/ $10 re-buys till the
CARD ROOM ACTION
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 “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” 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 players card) Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
CARD ROOM MANAGERS Please send updates to azplayer@cox.net
ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012 17
lottery news Lost in the Glove Box
back into town - Not to mention the fact that he had forgot about it. The $640 million jackpot was hit on the draw of March 30 by three states: Kansas, Illinois, and Maryland. Richard never really gave that ticket much thought. Then on the weekend of April 12, he was cleaning out his car and discovered the ticket. He took it to a store to be checked – it came up a winning ticket - but didn’t know how much he’d won until he came to the Lottery office April 16, 2012. He actually thought the Mega Millions ticket might be worth about $600. When he found out that he’d won $250,000, he decided that as soon as he was home, he’d make some phone calls. His decision to purchase a Lottery ticket from a machine was a good choice. Other than paying off his student loan and his car, the rest of his winnings will be put into savings. So the next time you’re in a store that has a lottery express machine – give it a try – maybe you’ll be as lucky as Richard.
Like most people across the country, Richard Timmering, an occasional purchaser of Lottery tickets, got caught up in the Mega frenzy when the record-breaking jackpot reached $640 million. Richard was waiting in line at the Albertson’s located at the Carefree Highway exit just off the I-17 freeway in Phoenix. He had stopped in to purchase his Mega Millions ticket. Since it was an extremely long line, he was looking around the store when he spotted the Lottery Express machine; best of all there was no one using it, so he got out of line and purchased his Quick Pick ticket from the machine. The line for tickets at the Customer Service Counter hadn’t moved since he stepped out of line to purchase his ticket. As soon as he got to his car, he threw it in the glove compartment and promptly forgot about it. Since he works on an Indian reservation, there was no place to check the ticket until he came
6 million reasons to retire
Alex De Fiore of Phoenix, whose birthday was two days after he’d redeemed his winning The Pick ticket, didn’t know it but had bought himself a very nice birthday present. He’s a regular player of Arizona’s home-grown on-line game, and for the draw of March 31, he made his usual Quick Pick purchase of five lines – Then early Sunday morning around 5am on his way to check on the construction of his new house, he stopped at a Circle K and picked up a copy of the printed winning numbers list. While at the construction site, he checked his ticket. Head.qxp checked it one12:31 morePMtime, Poker_1/3page_vp 10/12/09 Pagethen 1 called his wife, who was still sleeping, and left her a voice message stating, “You’re a millionaire.” The win-
ning jackpot ticket he held was worth $6,400,000. Needless to say, when she woke up, she wasn’t sure she’d heard the voicemail correctly. Once she talked to her husband Alex, she realized this very special The Pick ticket was going to change their lives. This very excited couple redeemed the winning ticket on April 2, 2012. When asked how this The Pick jackpot was going to change their lives, Mr. De Fiore said, “I am very happy for my wife, as she’ll now be able to quit work and we’ll be able to spend more time together.” He also plans to handle his winnings by himself. As he said, “I’m my own financial advisor.” As of now, the couple has no special plans for their winnings. The winning ticket was purchased from the Circle K located at 6322 N. 12th St. in Phoenix.
The book that Vegas doesn’t want you to read. Start your winning education with
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.
18 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
THE PICK
Date
08-16-21-25-33-40 03-11-15-35-39-40 03-17-19-30-41-44 16-18-25-27-32-39 09-18-27-28-29-38 15-18-19-21-23-26 02-15-25-34-39-40 06-26-28-33-35-36 08-10-18-24-36-44
02 05 09 12 16 19 23 26 30
Numbers
May
01 02 03 04 05 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31
May
POWERBALL Numbers
PB
07-08-33-38-50 09-12-20-44-59 01-07-11-55-56 10-24-35-53-58 03-07-21-28-43 08-13-35-46-51 04-07-26-53-59 13-14-41-49-59 09-10-24-52-56
29 23 1 22 2 30 32 14 14
PICK 3 CASH 4 8-0-8 9-3-5 3-2-1 6-5-6 6-3-5 5-0-7 1-5-1 6-3-6 5-9-8 0-1-3 3-1-8 8-3-7 5-9-9 4-4-4 4-6-3 1-5-7 5-2-2 2-6-5 3-4-1 3-1-7 4-1-7 8-5-0 1-2-8 0-4-3 4-6-9 4-8-5 7-5-4
12-18-21-22 04-05-06-23 01-14-15-22 12-13-16-21 07-10-20-26 05-09-22-24 05-07-14-19 03-16-18-25 08-13-19-21 02-03-10-22 10-11-19-25 01-12-13-22 02-06-22-24 01-06-14-16 12-17-22-24 01-03-10-17 03-04-07-14 14-15-16-21 01-02-17-21 10-15-18-19 05-17-20-22 09-14-17-25 01-19-21-25 01-02-04-07 01-05-15-22 05-09-13-18 01-19-23-25
PICK 5 13-19-25-29-38 13-14-16-26-37 09-10-24-25-30 03-09-24-25-32 15-20-21-35-37 13-15-16-19-31 19-21-22-36-39 05-17-26-31-35 18-29-31-33-37 12-19-21-25-32 06-16-26-35-41 21-23-24-34-40 02-05-06-13-41 08-13-35-36-37 04-06-17-20-34 02-14-27-31-37 01-08-19-27-39 02-09-11-19-33 14-21-34-37-39 05-11-22-27-32 01-08-10-30-32 04-08-16-31-35 07-09-14-17-24 10-11-19-28-35 09-13-32-37-41 13-27-37-39-41 14-26-27-31-35
May
MEGA MILLIONS
MB
01 04 08 11 15 18 22 25 29
24-27-31-45-52 04-11-21-42-53 02-06-08-18-51 03-15-29-35-54 10-11-12-14-24 03-11-22-34-49 10-14-35-43-52 09-15-21-40-54 02-14-29-53-55
38 38 19 8 6 1 16 11 31
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
HORSIN’ AROUND
The $35,000 Superstar
uperstars don’t grow on trees and they by Brian certainly don’t usually Mulligan cost $35,000 but what could have been a fairy tale ending, turned out to be disaster for Paul Reddam, the owner of the Preakness Stakes hero I’ll Have Another. Tabbed at 4-5 on the morning line after entering the Belmont Stakes, I’ll Have Another hurt himself and had to be scratched which led the way for Union Rags to win the Belmont Stakes by neck as the close second choice. They like to say horse racing is dead, but the 85,811 in attendance on June 9 didn’t get that memo. Union Rags has the right connections as he is trained by Michael Matz, who also conditioned the late, great Barbaro. I’ll Have Another has been retired and will now enjoy a career as a stud in the shedrow. More on the Belmont later Bought for Reddam by trainer Doug O’Neill’s brother Dennis for just $35,000, but they figured to pay much more for I’ll Have Another and this runner just fell through the cracks on the day of the sales. After the Preakness win, I’ll Have Another ran his bankroll to $2,693,600 and has to be considered
20 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
a legit threat despite getting hurt to become the Eclipse Award winner. On paper, it looked like Bode was going to get an easy uncontested lead in the Preakness and that is exactly what happened for the most part. He cruised to the front and posted a half mile of :47.68, the slowest Preakness half since 1982 when Aloma’s Ruler went :48 and kept going to the wire to win the Preakness. The Beyers of 109 for both Bob Baffert’s second finisher Bodemeister and I’ll Have Another are excellent considering the surface at Pimlico on Saturday was relatively slow. The mile and a half Belmont Stakes is referred to as the Test of Champions but each of the stops on the Triple Crown trail brings a unique perspective for the fans. Tradition is steep when talking the Belmont Stakes. The filly Ruthless won the first running in 1867 at Jerome Park. Count Fleet completed his Triple Crown quest taking the 1943 edition winning by 25 lengths. It was the largest margin of victory until Secretariat set the record of 2:24 winning off by 31 in 1973. What makes the 1973 timing so incredible is that it was a full 2 seconds faster than the next fastest set by New York’s own Easy Goer in 1989. Risen Star, A.P. Indy and Point Given posted the 3
next fastest Belmonts. And Affirmed has the sixth fastest Belmont Stakes at 2:26 4/5. Union Rags was timed in 2:30.42 recorded a 96 Beyer figure but again it was the bridesmaid role for Baffert and his runners. Baffert was represented in the Belmont by Paynter, who won an allowance race on the Preakness undercard over 5 rivals by nearly 6 lengths with a 106 Beyer and he ran his eyeballs out in defeat in the Belmont when just getting nailed in the last 50 yards. Kentucky Derby show horse Dullahan was favored in the Belmont but ran poorly to finish out of the money. Union Rags paid $7.50 to win but an interesting sideline hails from owner Phyllis Wyeth. She owns Chadds Ford Stable and she bred Union Rags. She sold him at auction for $145,000, but she had a dream that he would win the Kentucky Derby and she bought him back for $390,000 last year. Expect Union Rags to get some well-deserved rest and to gear up again for the summer rush, including the Travers at Saratoga. This guy is the real deal and he has not written his biography yet. 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.
TJ’s Blackjack corner
You CAN Fix
“Stupid”
by TJ Jorgensen
Dealer Upcard Outcome BJ Bust 17 18 19 20 21
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Ten
Ace
--35.67% 13.01% 13.60% 13.16% 12.57% 12.00%
--37.70% 12.59% 13.19% 12.67% 12.22% 11.64%
--39.85% 12.25% 12.54% 12.26% 11.78% 11.32%
--41.96% 11.81% 12.30% 11.82% 11.24% 10.86%
--43.93% 11.51% 11.46% 11.50% 11.02% 10.59%
--26.19% 36.92% 13.79% 7.84% 7.87% 7.38%
--24.37% 12.89% 36.00% 12.87% 6.92% 6.95%
--22.92% 12.03% 11.73% 35.19% 12.04% 6.09%
7.72% 23.02% 12.13% 12.10% 12.13% 36.84% 3.77%
30.87% 20.13% 8.28% 20.66% 20.68% 20.73% 9.53%
H a n d
Probability Chart for 6 Decks: Dealer Hits Soft 17
Dealer Upcard
Yo u r
re you playing Blackjack in such a way that the other players at the table are left wondering if, when you went to school you took the “little yellow bus”? Believe it or not there is a way to play Blackjack to make it a 100% negative expectation game, just hit every hand until you bust. One of the quickest ways to lose all your money at the casino is to play blackjack without any strategy, or worse yet follow the dealers rules and hit 16 or less and stand on 17 or more. Can’t lose fast enough? Then play hunches or at a continuous shuffle machine table and play more than 1 hand. Last week I saw a player who would not hit 12 or over, then couldn’t understand why he was the only one at the table not winning. For the benefit of that player and all of you that play that way here is a bust probability chart for all of the dealer up cards. As you can see when the dealer shows a 7 through ace they only bust approximately 1 out of every 4 times. That means if you always stand on 12 and over you will lose 3 out of every 4 hands when the dealer shows 7 through ace.
2 7 H 8 H 9 H 10 D 11 D 12 H 13 S 14 S 15 S 16 S 17 S A,2 H A,3 H A,4 H A,5 H A,6 H A,7 S A,8 S A,9 S 2,2 P 3,3 P 4,4 H 5,5 D 6,6 P 7,7 P 8,8 P 9,9 P T,T S A,A P KEY:
3 4 5 6 H H H H H H H H D D D D D D D D D D D D H S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S H H D D H H D D H D D D H D D D D D D D D D D D S S S S S S S S P P P P P P P P H H P P D D D D P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P S S S S P P P P H=Hit S=Stand
7 8 H H H H H H D D D D H H H H H H H H H H S S H H H H H H H H H H S S S S S S P H P H H H D D H H P H P P S P S S P P P=Split
9 10 A H H H H H H H H H D H H D D D H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H S S S H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H S S S S S S H H H H H H H H H D H H H H H H H H P P P P S S S S S P P P D=Double
Even when the dealer shows a 2 through 6 they will only bust approximately 1/3 of the time. So using a strategy that stands on any hand of 12 and above is a big loser. It never ceases to amaze me the stupid plans some players come up with that they think will win them lots of money. One player thought that by sitting out that he could tell when a So, if you have been playing a “stupid” form of blackjack good time to jump in would be to get him a winning hand. The only time he wouldn’t lose, is You can fix your game. Believe it or not, you can fix stupid. when he wasn’t playing. I hope to see lots of you and your basic strategy charts at Blackjack is a game of probabilities, the best way to play a hand is derived from mathematics based on long run probabilities. That’s how they came up with basic strategy. So if you are the casino playing a perfect game. not playing it perfectly, you’re a loser, the more miss-played hands, the bigger the loser you will be in the long run. Here is a fun fact.....A player can ask the pit personal for a basic strategy card and play the game perfectly even if you have never played before. I will go one better, I am including a basic strategy chart. It is very simple to use, you just look at the dealers up card, find it on the T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional blackjack player for chart, match it with the hand that you have and make the correct play. It’s as simple as that. over twenty years. He is well known for his live tournament Blackjack has the best odds in the casino for the player if basic strategy is used. The casino play. He has competed against and beaten some of the top will have approximately a .56% advantage for a six deck game - however, you must not deviate tournament players in the world, and has won the prestifrom basic strategy. How much simpler could it possibly be? gious “World Series of Blackjack” – His book “Beating the You can even take the basic strategy chart to the casino with you so you don’t have to casino at their own game” is available at: www.freewebs. memorize it. com/tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail tj4justice1@msn.com 22 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
Joke page
Jokes of the Month
As we celebrate our 20 Anniversary year at Arizona Player – Here are 2 more classic jokes from past issues. More of our reader’s favorites – I hope these make you smile, chuckle or better yet, bust out in laughter! Because, here’s a fact - Doctors say laughing daily is beneficial to your health! “I Love to Laugh” – A therapeutic song by Julie Andrews from the classic movie Mary Poppins and my philosophy on life th
Phil Scudella - Publisher
NO HARM – NO FOUL A beautiful blonde arrives home from her golf lesson at the country club, and hears strange noises coming from upstairs. She charges up the stairs, swings open the bedroom door to find her husband naked in bed, sweating and panting. “What’s going on here?” she asks…..”I…I think I must be having a heart attack,” cries the husband. The blond rushes over to the nightstand and grabs the phone and is about to call 911 just as her four-year-old twins rush up and scream, “Mommy! Mommy! Aunt Janice is hiding in your closet, and she’s got no clothes on!” The blonde drops the phone, sprints past her husband, to the closet and rips open the doors. Sure enough, there is her sister, totally naked and cowering on the closet floor. « You idiot Jan,” she screams “My husband’s having a heart attack, and you’re running around the house naked scaring the kids!”
24 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
NEW ARRIVALS IN HEAVEN
Two women arrive at the pearly gates and are standing in a long line about to meet St. Peter when the well dressed woman at the very back of the line says to the naked woman in front of her, “Hi, my name is Kathy, and if I’m not being too personal, just exactly how did you die”? “Nice to meet you Kathy, my name is Chrissie, and I froze to death” says the younger woman “Oh, that sounds horrible”! Replied Kathy “Really, It wasn’t that bad” says Chrissie “After I quit shivering from the cold, I started to warm up, fell asleep and died peacefully. What about you”? Kathy began, “I died of a massive heart attack. You see - I suspected my husband was cheating, so left work early to catch him in the act. But instead, I found him alone in the laundry room naked doing a load of clothes” “then what happened?” Chrissie asked and Kathy continued, “I was sure there was another woman in the house, so I started looking, first in the garage – nothing, I ran up to the attic, then I into the bedrooms, searching every closet and under the beds – still nothing. Finally I thought - she must be in the basement! So, I ran down the stairs and as I reached the bottom, I had a massive heart attack and died. Chrissie shook her head and replied “If you had just looked inside the freezer in the garage—we’d both still be alive!”
DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR Prometheus -
A couple of explorers believe they found a clue to the origins of Earth in ancient cave art. It leads them to the moon of a planet across the universe. As their ship, Prometheus, approaches its destination a lone crew member walks through the by ship starting its systems and then wakes David Ramsey the crew from their long cryogenic sleep. Upon landing on the moon they discover what appears to be a man-made structure and start exploring it. Will they find the origins or the end of the Earth? Director Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created in “Alien” and while this is not a prequel it does have some of the elements along with the feel and tension of the original. “Prometheus” is an edge-of-your-seat sci-fi ride delivered by a master of the genre.
Rock of Ages In 1987 a girl from a small town arrives in Los Angeles to pursue her dream of making it in the music business. She meets boy on the Sunset Strip with the same dream and they both end up working in the hottest Rock ‘n’ Roll club in the country, The Bourbon. The Bourbon itself is in a precarious financial situation and its owners are counting on the upcoming final concert of the superstar rock band Arsenal with Stacee Jaxx to get them financially healthy. There are only two problems Jaxx is notoriously unreliable and the new mayor’s wife is leading a campaign to clean up the strip starting with the Bourbon. Based on the Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” is a standard story with a few twists but it is the performances that make it worthwhile. 26 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
David’s Video Details The Artist
Silent movies star, George Valentin, is at the top of the world until taking pictures take over. The new star of the silver screen in a young actress he once helped get her first part. As his life falls apart will she be able to help it get back into the movies? “The Artist” is in black and white and silent - no really, silent just like a film from the time period. That gimmick works because the cast is perfect, they don’t need dialogue. It is funny, poignant and has a great dog “The Artist” cleaned up at all the awards shows and while a very good film with a great cast the story has been done many times though seldom this well.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Professor James Moriarty reveals himself as the man behind everything that happened in the first film and continues on his quest for world domination. He is convinced he must eliminate Holmes before his plan can come to fruition and takes the steps to do so. Watson has married and does not want to be involved with Sherlock’s shenanigans but when Irene Adler goes missing and Holmes comes under attack he agrees to help. The action is intense with a complicated plot that does come together at the end. The cast is as good as they were the first time and so is the writing. “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” is a fitting sequel to a very good film.
Jeff, Who Lives at Home
Jeff is a slacker who lives in his mother’s basement. When his mother asks him to run an errand for her it sets off a chain of events that leads Jeff to discover his destiny. Jeff becomes fixated on the name Kevin, and it causes him to leave the bus at the wrong stop and while walking, runs into his more successful brother who agrees to give him a ride. Jeff then spots his sister-in-law having lunch with a man and points it out to this brother causing him to believe she is having an affair. They follow her until the name Kevin comes up again sidetracking Jeff. Meanwhile, Jeff’s mother is having her own problems at work. It all comes together with them all meeting up as Kevin becomes Jeff’s destiny. The cast is marvelous and the writing is witty. “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” is a funny, quirky indie film well worth your time.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted The gang is still trying to get home to the Big Apple. The Penguins have managed to build a monkey powered airplane and have set off for Monte Carlo with the treasure. Not trusting they will return for them Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria head for Monte Carlo. They crash the casino disrupting the Penguins plans and they all end up running from the infamous Captain DuBois who wants Alex’ head for her wall. To escape they hide out with a travelling circus, when they learn the circus could be heading for New York they talk their way into joining it. All the while Capt. DuBois is hot on their trail. “Europe’s Most Wanted” maybe the best of the series, the laughs are plenty with some for adults that you won’t have to be worried about your children hearing. I am not a fan of 3D but this is the best I have seen in an animated film.
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 June 2012 27
gaming news
Arizona Player’s 20th Anniversary I “LIKE TO WIN” SWEEPSTAKES
Congratulations We have more Winners!
for the period ending May 31st. Ron McNeeley of Cave Creek, AZ Angie Maas from Chandler and Angie Marchich of Scottsdale are the June 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 Package.
Just a reminder THE LAST GRAND PRIZE WINNER was: Suzanne Mosqueda of Phoenix! Suzanne’s Grand Prize Package is a 3 day 2 night stay at the beautiful Bluewater Resort and Casino located on the Colorado River in Parker. This package includes dinner and breakfast for two, both days - along with some other very nice
28 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
The next Grand Prize winner will be announced in the August issue of Arizona Player – We will tell you more about that vacation destination in the July Issue – We are putting the final touches on the terrific Grand Prize!
surprises! Suzanne is in the process of deciding when to take her fabulous Getaway Package to this specular vacation property!
Remember – Two more Grand Prize packages will be given away during this very special 20th Anniversary year.
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 per month)
Thanks for reading and telling your friends about Arizona Player Gaming and Entertainment Guide. Phil Scudella Publisher
Cover story continued from page 8
snacks to full-course dining excellence. New York Deli provides a genuine deli experience right in the heart of the desert. The all new Cafe 87 is designed for casual comfort food dining in a relaxing environment. Celebrate summer deliciously at Cafe 87, featuring two hearty delicious specials: the T-bone Steak Special, served Sunday – Thursday from 11am-9pm, plus Friday and Saturday from 11am-11pm is only $7.95 and
the eye-opening Steak & Eggs Special served seven days a week from 7am-11am is just $3.95 with your Fortune Club Card! Silver Platter offers a more casual menu with your favorite burgers, shakes and sandwiches. Noodles Sushiya, serving Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese noodle soups, also features a delicious sushi bar. The Red Rock Buffet, best known for all you can eat Crab Legs Friday, Saturday & Sunday, is just a few steps from all the action in the casino. And this summer the Fort McDowell’s Red Rock Buffet is proud to offer The Prime Rib & Shrimp Special, 4pm to 9pm every Thursday. This mouthwatering special is just $9.95 with your Fortune Club Card. Celebrate with Dad on Sunday, June 17th at the Fort’s delicious Father’s Day Buffet, featuring barbeque ribs, prime rib, a full salad bar and more! They will also have a special Sunday Father’s Day Hot Seat drawing- because dad deserves it! This summer the Lucky 7 Saloon features some of the best entertainment anywhere! Don’t miss the Kenny G Project live, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Furious George Fridays and Saturdays and the Lucky 7 tradition- Cowboy Floyd, most Sundays in June and July. The entertainment doesn’t stop there—on July 3rd from 7pm until 11pm, award-winning Las Vegas 80s group, The Whip Its, is performing a free and fabulous concert – Then stick around after that show and prepare to be wowed by the Fort’s spectacular fireworks show.
The fun continues thru the month of July when musical tribute Oh What a Night! comes to the Fort McDowell Radisson Ballroom on July 14th from 6pm to 8pm, followed by The Happy Together Tour, featuring The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, The Turtles and more surprises on July 15th at 6pm. Then on July 20th, Fort McDowell welcomes Sean Paul with featured guest Black Uhuru. Old school and new school come together for an unforgettable evening of outdoor reggae - Doors open at 6pm with a start time at 8pm. Summer really means Party at the Fort! Fort McDowell Casino has become and will continue to be legendary for setting the standard for excellence in gaming, dining and entertainment in The Valley of the Sun and the desert Southwest. Celebrate this summer with the Fort! Fort McDowell Casino is located on Highway 87 – 2 miles north of Shea Blvd, just minutes from Mesa and Scottsdale. Call 1-800-THE FORT or go to their website fortmcdowellcasino.com to find out more about these and other promotions.
ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012 29
gaming news ASTROLOGY & Contest Page 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
Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23
Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20
Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22
Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19
Taurus Apr 21 to May 21
Fri & Sat @ Midnight "Lunar Bingo" every 3rd Saturday @ Midnight Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd Wed-Sun @ 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm 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
Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7 Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7
Plan to take charge Time for a change Terrific run of luck Never expected this
Never say never! Out of town win Seek advice soon Late night excitement
Leo July 23 to Aug 23
Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7
Deal yourself in Nice turn of events New friend is OK You have a great idea
Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7 Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7 Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7
Wild time ahead You’ll be smiling Thank the stars Lucky weekend
Travel coming soon A friend will help Take charge now! Good decision
Luck will triumph Believe it will happen Unexpected adventure Winning streak ahead
Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7 Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7 Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7
Risk pays off You earn respect Friendly great advice Play late and often Choice is difficult Dream weekend Great new friend Win near your home Wow- Great week You get the power Try – it will work Wild ride coming
Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7
Plan deserved trip Interesting invitation Week of surprises Very good deal ahead
Aries Mar 21 to Apr 20
Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7 Jun 7–14 Jun 15–22 Jun 23–30 Jul 1–7
Cards flop in your favor Necessary change Really - Just do it! Take action soon It will get better Nice trip and win Unexpected pleasure Fun time for all
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, 6:30pmTue:12:30pm,6:30pmSat. Sun: 6:45 & 9am, 12:30 & 6:30pm,
CASINO DIRECTORY
1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 272-2438 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (888) 243-3360 3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai–Prescott Indian Tribe–slots, poker & blackjack.. (800) 756-8744 4. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community–slots poker blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 30 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2012
5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community– slots blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 6. Casino Del Sol • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots poker & blackjack (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel• (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo & poker (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots & blackjack. (520) 294-7777 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (480) 837-1424 12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots keno blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452
Matinee 2:15pm Eves 7:15pm Cocopah Casino•Yuma 15136 South Ave B Somerton Daily 1 & 6pm Desert Diamond • Tucson 7350 S Nogales Hwy Daily: 1:30 & 7:15pm Mazatzal Casino• Payson Hwy 87 at mile post 251 Mon-Thurs 12:45pm Mon & Tues 6:30pm Paradise Casino • Yuma 450 Quechan Dr. Daily at 1 & 6pm
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13. Gila River Vee Quiva Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452 14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 946-4452 15. Golden Ha’ San Casino • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Slots 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa) Ak-Chin Indian Community–slots keno poker bingo & blackjack. (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe–slots keno bingo poker blackjack (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (888) 777-4946 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe–slots. (888) 837-4030 21. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe–slots (800) 756-8744