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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Horsin’ Around at Belmont Boyd’s Eye View – Playing the Odds State Ladies Poker Champ Crowned REEL REVIEWS – Wicked Winnings II www.arizonaplayer.com

Vol. 20 No. 09 • September 2012

Exciting Changes Coming

Cover Story on Page 8




WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

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 Danielle Townsend Mackenzie Griffin John Olson Shanna Wolfe Melody Hudson Robert Zale TJ Jorgensen Graphic Design Brian Mulligan CommuniGraphics Rick Pyper David Ramsey Shanna Wolfe Special Thanks goes out to Michael Kintner, Nicole Gilatti, Melissa Benner, along with the entire marketing team and management at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort for all your extra help on this September issue. Editor Phil Scudella

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.

Vol. 20 No. 09 • September 2012

Contents

Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Pro Blackjack Tips”

6

Cover Story “Big Changes Coming to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort”

8

Gaming News AZ State Ladies Poker Championship at Talking Stick Resort

10

Entertainment Casino Entertainment Around The State

12

Boyd’s Eye View Linda Boyd “Playing the Odds”

14

Card Room Action State-wide Table Game Information

16

Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “Wicked Winnings II”

18

Gaming News Poker Good – Bikini Better

20

Lottery News and Draws

24

Winners Stories & Latest Draws

David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey “Movies and DVD Reviews”

26

Gaming News Rick Pyper

27

“Problem Gambling”

Jokes of the Month

28

Contest Page

Win a Casino Getaway

29

Astrology, Bingo and Casino Directories

30

2,400

$

IN CA$H

will be given away Friday Oct 26 thru Halloween Night Wednesday Oct 31 st ! Wear a costume on Halloween Night and receive a FREE Spirit Mountain T- Shirt (No masks allowed)

928.346.2000

8555 S. Highway 95 • Mohave Valley, AZ See ruleS in caSino – MuSt be 21 or older ManageMent reServeS right to cancel any proMotion

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012 4



TJ’s Blackjack corner

Pro Blackjack Tips

o get on the right track to playing a winning game of blackjack you need to by TJ Jorgensen start from the beginning. If you want to play like a pro, stick to the basics and master them. Eliminate the weaknesses in your game. Here are my blackjack tips that you should remember every time that you go to play.

Keep Your Cool When I play you can never tell whether I am winning or not because I keep my emotions out of the game. If you lose your cool when you are playing you will make bad decisions. One hand does not make or break you it’s the cumulative total. All pro blackjack players know that bad breaks happen in all forms of gambling, so you should keep your cool and remain professional, even when you are losing. If you lose four hands in a row change tables, don’t get mad and try to win your money back, just walk away. Don’t get mad, act like you have been there before.

6 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

Know Basic Strategy Flawlessly I can’t stress this enough, learn basic strategy, play it and do not deviate from it. This reduces the house advantage to around -.56% on a six deck game depending on the rules. If you start playing hunches and gut feelings the house advantage jumps to around 10%. Even if you decide to master card counting you will still play basic strategy the majority of the time so you have to know it backwards and forwards.

Betting Limits Play at a table that has a minimum bet of 5% of your bankroll. So if you have a bankroll of $100 it would take 20 straight losses to lose your session bankroll. The more hands you play the more likely you are to experience the long run expected outcome.

Double Down A basic strategy chart will show you when to double down. There are very few situations in blackjack that give you the opportunity to turn the odds in your favor like doubling down. Learn when

to do it and always take advantage of this situation, sometimes it will be the difference between a winning and losing session.

Splitting Pairs This is similar to doubling down in that it gives you a chance to turn the odds in your favor. Again a basic strategy chart will show you when to split pairs. Never split 10’s, 70% of all the money that you will win comes from the hands of 20 and blackjack. That’s why you never split 10’s. If you start with these basic tips you can get on the road to playing a winning game of blackjack. Next month I will show you how to eliminate the weakness in your game. T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play and has competed against, and beaten, some of the top 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



cover story

exCITing changes at harrah’s ak-chin casino resort!

Fall is a season of change and change is the order of the day at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort and the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Maricopa, Arizona. PRESENTS

In addition to the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center located adjacent to the property slated to open in mid-November, a newly-renovated pool and hot tub area, and an updated façade, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and the Ak-Chin Indian Community will be hosting KNIX Country Fest, an outdoor country music festival featuring Dierks Bentley. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is constructing a speciallydesigned amphitheater for Country Fest, located just south of the casino. The concert is scheduled for Saturday, October 27 (gates open at 1:00 p.m. with music from 3:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.) More than 3,000 guests are expected to attend the all-day festival featuring Easton Corbin, Gloriana and Kristen Kelly. The show concludes with Valley favorite and former Valley resident, Dierks Bentley performing at 9:00 p.m. With recent hits such as ‘5150,’ ‘What Was I Thinkin?’ and ‘Free and Easy,’ Dierks has become one of the most popular country singers and is sure to bring down the house with his fun-filled show. Guests will see their favorite entertainers up close in this intimate venue. RV parking will be available, allowing for a comfortable visit. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster. com. But a great concert isn’t the only thing that guests can enjoy. Harrah’s Ak-Chin also offers an exceptional gaming experience, several dining options, and a first-class pool and hot tub set amidst lush surroundings and a beautiful courtyard. The newly-remodeled hot tub and surrounding area can accommodate up to 40 hotel guests and provides a peaceful oasis to rest and relax after a day of super-charged energy and excitement. And the swim-up bar, Corkscrew’s, adds a new twist to the pool experience. Swim up to the bar and for your favorite beverage and if you’re hungry, they’ll even serve you lunch! 8 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

continued on page 28



gaming news 7th Annual AZ State Ladies Poker Championship You’ve Come A Long Way Baby!

By Phil Scudella On the weekend of Sept 8th, 9th and 10th ladies from all over the southwest took over the ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort for the return of the Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship. The competition brought together 297 women of all different skill levels with hopes of winning share of the nearly $60,000 prize pool. “Hundreds of women are rising in the ranks as professional poker players and making a name for themselves in this industry,” said Kent Odekirk, director of poker at Talking Stick Resort. “Player turnout at the Ladies Championship grows each year which proves poker isn’t just a guys game anymore. Hosting the tournament is our way supporting the rising trend and recognizing some of our great female players.”

Final Table

The No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament began on Sat, Sept 8 at 10am with about half of the 297 entrants – Day 2 on Sunday featured the other half of the entries. The prize pool of $59,400 ensured the top ten players would walk away with a minimum of over $1,160. And even 30th place paid over $400. To enter the tournament, ladies could choose; a $200 buy-in plus a $25 entry fee, or they could “win a seat” by participating in Talking Stick Resort’s daily satellite tournaments. Each player started with $9000 in chips. The 2 days of qualifying determined the 51 players who returned on Monday for the finals – with the hope to make the top 30 and cash in this prestigious tournament. And what a diverse group it was, ranging in age from young ladies just over 21 to women who are getting a retirement check! The competition was fast and furious the first three hours as the field was cut nearly in half. But after the magic number was 30, and they were in the money - the play started slowing down as these ladies began positioning themselves toward the final table. For the next hour or so, the short stacks started firing hoping to double-up – some did, some were kicked to the curb. And just like that, we were at 10 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

the final table and all the ladies were given a short break. After the break Robin Foss went all-in and was out in 10th place, Next Carol Bellemare went out in 9th, followed by Anna Nemecek in 8th and Deepa Shah in 7th place. Now we were down to the top six players in this event and it really slowed the pace. Now the blinds were up to 20,000 / 40,000, so some players had to act. That’s when Sandra Sirull went all-in with about 117,000 – Laura Freeman called and caught a club flush, to knock out Sandra who placed 6th and took home over $3,000. Next it was the #1 seat Jody Phillipo who went all-in with nearly a quarter million in chips, Angela Allison in the #2 seat called with pocket 8s and caught trips to send Jody home with over $3,500 and a 5th place finish. Now something really strange happened back to back on all-in calls. First it was Raena James who went all-in with less than 200,000, and pocket deuces - one of the 2 Big Stacks, Laura Freeman called…nothing on the flop but runner-runner Raena caught 2,2 for Quads to take down a huge pot and keep her alive. Next just minutes later, Angela Allison went all-in with over 800,000 and pocket Queens – Susan Soto called with about an equal amount and Ace/9 – here we go again…Angela catches Quad Queens! to nearly knock out Susan. The next hand Susan had to go all-in with just her blind, Angela called and caught a club flush (the second club flush to knock out a final table player – keep that in mind) Susan received over $4,400 and left feeling pretty great for her 4th place finish. Now we were down to the Final 3 – Laura Freeman, Angela Allison and Raena James. Now the blinds were up to 30,000 / 60,000 when Laura went all in with A/Q against Angela’s K/Q – Jacks hit the board and Laura took down a huge 750,000 pot. The battle was on! Angela goes all-in against Laura who had raised the bet – Laura called with Pocket Fives against Angela’s Pocket Aces! What drama – the flop is Queen, Ace, 5 – Trips for both, zip on the turn or river, so Angela takes down a pot of over a million.

L-R Angela Allison, Kent Odekirk, Raena Jones and Champion Laura Freeman

The ALL-IN Crusher hand won by Laura Freeman

Next it was Laura who went all-in with 590,000 and a A/9 off suit (no club) Raena Laura’s winning hand called with Q/3 off suit (no club) the flop was 4,9,10 of clubs, then 2c – another club and they chop – no luck as an 8 of hearts sends Reana to the short stack. Raena then goes all-in with over 500,000 and an Ace / 9 off suit – Angela calls with K/Q off suit, Angela catches a K and Q for 2 pair to knock Raena out in 3rd place and pocket over $5,900 that she will take back to Tucson along with a beautiful trophy she will treasure! Now the battle ensued between the two young players, Laura and Angela…back and forth… playing very few hands when, here it comes…The BIG HAND - Angela caught A/7 off suit and went all-in with a bit more chips than Laura – Laura calls with A/2 off suit, The Flop is Q,10,2 to give Laura deuces, next it’s another 10 and then a 4 to give the crippling pot to Laura. After that Angela did win a few all-in bets but finally Angela called Laura’s all-in bet with a Kh against Laura’s A7 of clubs (those lucky clubs again?) the flop was Kc, 8c, Ad – give Laura the big lead and a possible club flush. The turn and river was 6d and Qh to give Laura Freeman the Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship. Angela Finished in 2nd Place with a beautiful trophy and over $8,700 in cash. The winner who was excited and hugged the other players still around left with over $14,000 in cash and a magnificent trophy and gorgeous State Championship bracelet. One thing is for sure - I have gained a lot of respect for women poker players! The Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort is looking forward to an even bigger turnout next year – So ladies, work on you game – because you could be the next state champion.



entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort

5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-272-2438 Cabaret Lounge: Free weekend

entertainment with top AZ bands like; Chaka & Friends, Rhythm Edition, XS Band, Lounge Katz and Heartbreak Alley

BlueWater Resort and Casino

11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 Outdoor Amphitheater: Sept 28 - Fishbone & Voodoo Glow Skulls Dec 8 - George Lopez Showroom: Oct 27 - CAGE RAGE 3 (Cage fights) Dig Lounge: DJ, Karaoke or live bands Oct 27 - Halloween Dance & Costume Contest

Casino Arizona

101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Sept 15 - Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles Sept 28 & 29 - Red NOT Chili Peppers (Tribute band) Oct 5 & 6 - THE Police Experience (Tribute to Police) Oct 26 & 27 - NO DUH (Tribute to No Doubt) Along with some of Arizona’s top bands on other weekend nights The Arizona Room - under renovation, entertainment returns soon

Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater: Sept 12 - Def Leppard & Poison Sept 14 - Alejandro Fernandez

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Sept 15 - Comic/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham Sept 21 - Marco Antonio Solis Sept 22 - Tejano Showcase - Top latin bands Sept 26 - Brit Floyd - World’s greatest Pink Floyd Show Paradiso Bar: Free weekend entertainment featuring bands; Boomer, Los Musicales, Pozer, Sol Down, Jadi Norris, Rainy Daze and Unstoppables, plus Tribute bands on Thurs; Sept 13 - Karen Holloway (Adele Tribute), Sept 20 - The Crue (Motley Crue Tribute)

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Dragonfly Lounge: Free entertainment on weekends featuring Grupo XS - Sept 14 & 15, Blue Canyon Band - Sept 21&22 and The Mods - Sept 28 & 29 Stargazer Pavilion: Oct - 6 - ROCKTOBER CONCERT with; Berlin (featuring Terri Nunn), Patty Smith & Scandal and the Greg Kihn Band

Fort McDowell Casino

N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free live entertainment on weekends with The Kenny G Project, Furious George & Shining Star Bingo Hall: Sept 15 - Late Night Lunar Bingo w/music, games & giveaways Uupdates at fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino

15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 Oasis Lounge: Free weekend entertainment featuring Arizona’s top bands Harrah’s Outdoor Amphitheatre: Oct 27 - KNIX Country-fest featuring Dierks Bentley, Easton Corbin, Gloriana & Kristen Kelly Updates at harrahsakchin.com

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino

Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: Sept 14 - ABBA FAB (Ultimate ABBA Tribute) Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Monday - Comedy, Tues-Sat, bands; Creagles (Eagles Tribute) - Sept 11-15, Clue & The Honkeytones - Sept 18-22, Groove City - Sept 25-29, Tony Marquez - Oct 2-6, Blue Tattoo - Oct 9-13, Doo-Wah Riders - Oct 16-20

Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Cascades Lounge: “Happy Hour” & Late Night Entertainment featuring bands; Otis & the Beat, Marty & the Party, Michael & Manuel, Kenny’s Project, AZ Tex & Shining Star Verona Chophouse: Joel & Delphine (Sun) Bingo Hall: 11:30pm Saturdays B.A.D BINGO w/DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Sept 21, Hotel California (Eagles Tribute) Oct 5 - Creedence Relived (CCR tribute)

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel

7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJ, Thurs-Sun, featuring top country bands or DJ during “Thursday Thunder” Sept 20 - Little Texas

Desert Diamond Casino I -19

1100 W.Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-DDC-WINS Diamond Center: Nov 2 & 3 - Twist & Shout (The definitive Beatles Experience)

Band Dierks Bentley

Hotel California


Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777-4946 Sharky’s Bar: Live bands on weekends, Karaoke on Wed & DJs on Thurs

Quechan Casino Resort

525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (5 mi West of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426 Sidewinders Bar: Free weekend entertainment Pipa Event Center: Call for update

Talking Stick Resort

Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road - Scottsdale 480-850-7777 Talking Stick Showroom: Sept 15 - Little Feat Oct 17 - Leon Russell Oct 19 - Don Felder (of the Eagles) Oct 26 - Cowboy Mouth Nov 3 - Jackie Evancho Nov 10 - Elayne Boosler Nov 13 - Asia Nov 17 - Blue October In the Grand Ballroom: Sept 21 - Joe Walsh Sept 23 - Toto Nov 18 - Styx Coffee Garden: Dueling Pianos at 8pm, Thurs - Sat Degree 270 Lounge: live entertainment nightly with a spectacular view of the city. Joe Walsh

Vee Quiva Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline - Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Bingo Hall: Fridays at 11pm - DJ music, light show & dancing Every other Saturday at 11pm - BINGO ECLIPSE Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways

Melissa Etheridge

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Sept 14 - Blood, Sweat & Tears Sept 15 - “49 Laughs” Comedy Tour Sept 21 - Merle Haggard Sept 27 - Psychedelic Furs Sept 28 - DSB (Journey Tribute) Sept 29 - Rage in the Cage #162 Oct 5 - Melissa Etheridge Oct 6 - TEXACO Country Showdown - compete to win a trip to the Nashville finals Oct 13 - Alfie Bow Oct 19 - Jeff Garlin Oct 26 - Temptations Nov 9 - Jim Brickman Nov 17 - Riders in the Sky (Grammy Award Winners) Encore Lounge: Late Night Entertainment: Smooth Groove - Sept 13, Str8up - Sept 14 & 20, JJs Band Sept 15, Eagleheart - Sept 16, Michael and Manuel - Sept 17, Powerdrive - Sept 19 & 26, Jadi Norris - Sept 21, Hamptons - Sept 22 & 28, Tyrone D & the Ledge - Sept 23, Route 66 - Sept 24, Robert Street Band - Sept 27 Chuck E Baby - Sept 29, Priminition - Sept 30

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012 13


A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

Playing the Odds

very now and then a perfect stranger will ask me how to play a video poker hand. Honestly, I’m not sure why anybody would ask an unknown person when they have money on the line, by but that’s a different story. Linda Boyd First, I have no way of determining the cards you’ll receive on the draw, nor does anybody else. The best I can do is tell you the holds that give you the highest overall odds. How do I know? I use the software created by Dean Zamzow, author of WinPoker, in my opinion the best tutorial product on the market. There is no question about it, to get the ER (expected return) indicated on the game tables provided to the casino and available in my book, “The Video Poker Edge”, you have to play accurately. Any deviations will result in an ER less than indicated on my tables and listed by the game manufacturers, in the long run. As far as the short run, that’s any given hand or session, there are no certainties. Video Poker Odds: The best ER possible must assume long term play, defined by video poker experts to mean several royal cycles. Since a royal flush occurs approximately once every 40,000 hands five cycles means 200,000 hands. The more hands you play the closer actual results will look like the theoretical expectations. In other words, if you play 2 million hands your results will be extremely close to the data created by video poker software. Remember that I am assuming accurate play according to Zamzow/WinPoker software. You may think that all the conditions make the theoretical figures “pie-inthe-sky”, but that is not the case at all. If you are just able to play basic video poker correctly for your chosen game, like basic blackjack by the rules, you will come very close to receiving the best odds possible. My strategy cards (free and in the back of my book) will easily allow you to play the 8 core games accurately. You will find at least one but usually more of these core games in every casino that has video poker. You must be playing, however, in a state like Arizona or Nevada that requires RNG’s (random number generators). A few states, New York, for example, has VLT’s and no strategy in the world will work there. All outcomes will be based solely on luck if there are no RNG’s. Again, Arizona is a great place to play because all video poker devices have RNG’s.

14 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

Dark Cloud: Just like other frequent players I have been on the wrong end of the bell-shaped curve more times than I care to remember. Does this mean it’s okay to play hunches? Not at all. You will be better off calling it a day and leaving the casino floor than playing wildly and against the odds. You really can’t assess the validity of the odds or accuse the house of gaffing the machines based on short-term results. Sometimes the cloud hangs over your head for several royal cycles but simulations with millions of hands programed to play according to the software clearly indicate the theoretical ER is correct. Learning the Odds:No matter how “good in math” you are or how long you’ve played, there are too many potential dealt hands to know the correct holds without practicing on the software or using video poker strategy cards. Keep in mind there are approximately 2,500,000 possible dealt hand combinations (assuming a 52-card deck) and 32 potential choices of holds after the deal, including holding all or holding none. If you choose to play the same game, say 9/6 Jacks or Better (9/6 JOB) until you know the basics you’ll be able to remember the key plays rather quickly. Final Thoughts: Video poker can be the best play in the casino but if, and only if, you find an ER equal to or greater than 100% and you are able to play the odds. By all means add on the extra value of the slot club points and any promotion offered. But before you start counting your chickens make sure you understand that playing the odds means according to 100% accurate software, like WinPoker. You’ll come close to the theoretical ER over time with good basic game strategy; however, if you only play hunches or ask a mysterious neighbor for the correct holds then you might as well stick with slots. 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 2012 Edition of “American Casino Guide” (ACG) and her You Tube video, also with ACG. The 2010 Second Edition of her book is available in both paperback and kindle. Call 1-877-900-Book toll free to order, or go to amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publishers at www.squareonepublishers.com



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, Sept 29 at 11:15 am - Last Saturday of the Month NLHE - $125 Buy in w/ $25 sc Sat, Oct 6 at 11:15 am - BIG Stack NLHE - $200 Buy in w/ $25 sc Sat, Sept 15 & Oct 13 at 11:15 am - Super Bounty BIG Stack NLHE - $200 Buy in w $25 sc - $100 Bounties Sun, Sept 16 at 11:15 am - Omaha Hi-Lo Tournaments $120 buy-in + $30 s/c Sun, Sept 30 & Oct 28 at 11:15 am - Jack & Jill NLHE Tournament Get a Royal Flush, Spin the wheel - win $50 to $500 Daily, 2am-10am “Aces Cracked” Win $100 rack 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 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

Mon 10am + Mon, Wed & Thurs at 6pm - NLHE $40 entry fee w/ optional $10 re-buy, top 5 players cash and also earn points toward $250 Player of the Month award

16 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

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 Play “Road to Riches” Scratcher cards on blackjack tables, Sun - Thurs, 8-10am, 4-6pm and 10pm-mid - for every suited blackjack you’ll get a scratcher card - Win up to 10 times your bet!

Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips 480-850-7777

Dealing blackjack 24/7 Blackjack Tournaments: Tues at noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” Tournament $ 50 buy-in Fri at 3 am, The “Great Late” Tournament, $25 buy-in Wed Oct 3, Nov 7 and Dec 5 at 7pm - $2,000 added Tournament, $100 buy-in

Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565

$25,000 FREE ROLL - Oct 13-17 (log 50 hours of live play between Sept 4 - Nov 4 to qualify) Limited to first 180 players 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 & Wed, 7pm - $1,000 NLHE, $15 buy-in - Opt $15 add-on Tues & Thurs, 7pm - $5,000 NLHE, $100 buy-in Sat, 9am - 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 no re-buys Tues & Thurs, 10am, “Limit” Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in - no re-buys Fri at 7pm - NLHE Shoot-outs, $ 200 ADDED per table of 10 - $25 buy-in - no re-buys Tues, 5pm-Mid - “Red Chip” Promotion, win a red chip with each pot won - most chips per hour wins $50 in chips Wed, 7pm - $1,000 ADDED NLHE $90 buy-in, no re-buys Thurs, 6pm - Ladies NLHE Tournament Sat, Noon, $1,500 added - NLHE $100 buy-in, no re-buys All Week - Royal Flush pays $100 Mon - Fri “Aces Cracked” wins a $100 rack 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 $500 added NLHE - $35 buy-in (limit of 40 players) Also dealing blackjack 24/7

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

Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284

$10,000 will be given away on Sunday Sept 30th during the drawing at 6pm - Earn drawing tickets during live play 24/7 for qualifying hands - see poker room for details. 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 & at 4pm $1,000 guaranteed NLHE - $5 buy-in


Fri, 7pm, Mega-Stack $50 Bounty NLHE - $120 buy-in Sun at 7pm $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE - $10 buy-in Sat, 9pm, $2,000 Guaranteed NLHE tournament - $20 buy-in Sundays, Sept 23 & Oct 21 at 10am - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament - $60 buy-in w/ $5 add-on “Aces Guaranteed” If your ACES are cracked you win $50 - If they hold, you still win $25 “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of tens 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 Dealing blackjack 24/7 - $10,000 Giveaway in the blackjack area at 6pm Sept 30th! Earn drawing tickets for qualifying hands

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 - NLHE, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sat, 3:30pm - Deep Stack NLHE, $60 buy-in w/ one $20 re-buy & $20 Add-on at break Sun, 12:30pm - NLHE, $25 buy-in, one $10 re-buy Wed, 7:30pm - $20 Bounty Tournament, $60 buy-in w/ $20 add-on at break $ 25 Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, OPEN till 10PM “Aces Cracked” Open - 11am daily & High Hand promotion (Quads or better) 24/7 spin the cash wheel to win$25 - $200 Also “Deuces Cracked” 10pm - 3 am (Pot Match) “Football Splash Pots” Sun & Mon nights $25, $50 or $100 on every table for a score (see poker room for details) “Jackpot Madness” win drawing tickets for a full house or better or Aces Cracked - Progressive cash drawings

every Wed 11am - 7pm and Sat 6pm - mid 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 & Thurs at 7pm - “Deep Stack” NLHE $75 buy-in, $10 re-buys (extra chips for “live” play 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

Mon - Thurs, 11am, NLHE Tournaments - $30 buy-in w/ $20 add-on 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 “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 - 3 lucky seats wins up to $100 Baseball “Splash Pots” every week during selected TV Games Pro Football “Splash Pots”! Every Thurs, Sun & Mon with four $100 splash pots per game on every live table “Splash Pots” 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 Bonus Aces Cracked (first 10) 2-6pm Tues, Wed & Fri Daily 2am-8am “Deuces cracked” win up $100 D-Backs $50 per table Splash Pots, Selected TV games “Rolling Cash Fever” Drawing every other hour on the odd hours 24/7 - $100 minimum and increases by $100 if not hit Pro Football $100 “Splash Pots” on 3 tables during selected games - also “SUPER Splash Pots” on 5 tables during selected 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 September 2012 17


REEL REVIEWS by Kevin Cummings

18 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2012



gaming news Poker is good – Bikini contest better several players had their cards mucked before they even looked at them because they were busy hitting on one of the girls! It was a fun tournament with over 100 entrants and the final 10 just chopped the prize money - One of the Tropic Beauty models made it to the final 2 tables (I got down to the final three) Later that night, I made my way to the Pipa Event Center to do some heavy lifting. After all it is hard work being a judge. There were over 20 judges from various areas including the media and 4 former Tropic Beauty winners who had posed for the current Tropic Beauty Calendar. We were all given forms to fill out to pick the top 5 in the There was a long silent pause…then cocktail dress and bikini modeling. I said “SIGN ME UP – I’m in!” I started I am proud to say that, of the 24 packing that night even though the contestants – I picked three of the event was two weeks away. Upon arrivtop five finalists. Cay Ukkos was the ing, I signed up for the Tropic Beauty winner of this event and will move Poker Tournament that was about to on to the finals in Oklahoma City. It start at 1pm that Saturday. was a fun night and I could be perThere was a special bonus - one suaded to make a return visit next Tropic Beauty contestant was playing year. Thanks to Dianielle Townsend at each table wearing very distracting and everyone in marketing and management at Quechan Casino short shorts and sexy tops. We had a Resort for having this special event come off without a hitch – double bonus – since they placed two of The top 5 winners, Left to right in the finals photo: Diana Grant, these young ladies at our table. I know Tawnie Jackyn, Cay Ukkos, Jessi Cabanne and Coryn Salazar. Great job! By Phil Scudella Here’s what I mean by that. Last month I was chatting with Danielle at Quechan Casino Resort near Yuma about an ad they were going to run in the August issue. I asked if anything else was going on this month, and she thought for a while and said “Well, we do have the Tropic Beauty Poker and Blackjack Tournament, plus the Bikini swimsuit competition. I needed only a blink of the eye to suggest we do an ad for that event – but I was at deadline and only had a day to put it together. She thought they could not get it done that quickly, so I asked if she had some copy about the event I could write an article about it, then she remarked, “Hey, I have a flyer here, I could e-mail that to you.” She did and when I got it, I knew that John, my graphics guy could do it in a few minutes – he did, I sent it back – she took it to her supervisor then called me back. “She loved it, go with it…Oh are you sitting down?” “Yes” I said. She repeated “are you sitting down?” “Look” I said “I’ll lay down - go ahead” “They want you to be a judge in the Tropic Beauty Model Search bikini swimsuit competition!” she said. “You mean” I asked “they want me to be up close with dozens of sexy bikini wearing young women?”

20 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012



HORSIN’ AROUND

S ee You I n S eptember

ee You in September” was a popular song by the Happenings in the late 1950s and reached #3 on the charts, but for racing fans in Elmont, New York, the song means the return to racing at Belmont Park for the fall Championship meeting on Sat, Sept. 8th . One of the things that proves that Belmont Park is so special is the track configuration, as the main track is 1 ½ miles. Two turf courses are also showcased. The Widener Course is just over a mile & 5/16, while the inner course is about ¼ mile shorter. The 37-day meeting will run till Oct. 28, and the stand is highlighted by the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup on Sept. 29. The Gold Cup will be one of 5 Grade 1 races carded that day, and many of the participants of these events will use these races as steppingstones to the Breeders’ Cup, which will be held at Santa Anita on Nov. 2-3. The winners of the Gold Cup over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” of the sport: The great Man O’War won the second running of this stakes. Triple Crown winners Gallant Fox, Whirlaway, War Admiral and Affirmed also won this showcase. And the iron horse Kelso won this event 5 years in a row. Two-time Horse of the Year Curlin won this race back-to-back, and last year Flat Out rebounded from a second in his prior race, the Woodward, to win the Gold Cup going away with a 107 Beyer. Runners to be aware of this season in the Gold Cup include the up-andcoming Cease, defending champ Flat Out, the very sharp Fort Larned, win machine Mucho Macho Man and last year’s Gold Cup third Stay Thirsty. Other major races fans can look forward to include the Grade 1 Garden City for sophomore fillies, the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, and the juvenile stakes, the Grade 1 Champagne and the Grade 1 Frizette. As far as the human element, there are some barns that have a “go-to” rider, and then they point directly for this meet and must be watched this year. Trainer David Jacobson and David Cohen were extra live during this

22 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

meet last year. They combined for 28 starts, had 11 happy endings and ran in the money 9 other times. Todd Pletcher has his first-string rider in Johnny Velazquez, and when brothers Richard and Anthony Dutrow call on Ramon Dominguez to land in the saddle, the win percentages rise accordingly. For value, bettors should look to whom the unfashionable trainers hire when they have a live horse that is fit and ready and primed to win. Enter trainer Richard Schosberg, who has been plying his trade in New York for decades now. Last year, he and Velazquez combined for 7 starters and won 4 and 2 others ran in the money. When conditioner Bruce Brown hires Cornelio Velasquez, players should take note, as they combined for 5 starters at this meet last year and won 3 times. Edward Coletti goes another step better, as he was a perfect 3-for-3 when he gave Dominguez a leg up. The bottom line for bettors looking to take advantage of the opportunities at this Belmont meet is that players need to be aware of the history of the meeting and the particular races, and also do your due diligence before you plop down your hard-earned money at the betting windows. Good luck and have fun. 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



lottery news $100,000 Payout Bret Andrews stopped at the local Circle K before he went to his next service call for his work. After redeeming a small winning ticket, he purchased one $100,000 Payout. His hope was to hit one of the many payouts on the game, never daring to dream about the possibility of winning the top prize. And since he always knows the Scratchers he’s going to purchase before he goes to the store, he said, “If the store had been out of that game, I would have left and gone somewhere else.” Luckily for Bret, the store had the Scratchers in stock.

Bret scratched the ticket in his truck while in the parking lot of the store. It took a few minutes for the amount to register, because even though he saw the amount of $100,000, his mind couldn’t quite accept it, “After all, this kind of win only happens to someone else.” Delaying his next service call, Bret and his winning Scratchers drove directly to the Arizona Lottery. Besides Scratchers, Bret plays most of the terminal generated games also, and he is pretty lucky because back in April he won $1,000 in the 30th anniversary second chance drawing. He has no special plans for his winnings, he just plans to pay off some bills, and share a little with some family members.

Jumbo Crossword Win

Nancy Krueger of Phoenix loves playing all of the various Crossword Scratchers because they take longer to play. Interestingly enough, she buys all of her Scratchers from a neighborhood store she’s shopped at for years. She bought ten of the Jumbo Crossword Scratchers (normally only purchases a couple, but will occasionally splurge) and unlike so many other players she knew immediately that she had won $100,000; no second guessing or uncertainty on her part. oker_1/3page_vp ad.qxp 10/12/09 12:31 PM Page 1 Although she did not have the ticket scanned at the store, because

she’s shopped there for so many years, but she did go back and tell them that she’d won a top prize on a Scratchers purchased from their store, before coming to the Lottery. As well as playing Scratchers, especially where the new ones are concerned, Nancy is also a regular Lottery player, purchasing Mega and Powerball twice a week. With regard to how she intends to use her winnings, she said, “I’m not a big spender as I’d rather hold onto it - I’ll most likely invest it for the future.”

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.

24 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

THE PICK

Date

01-07-12-17-24-38 07-19-31-33-34-42 02-03-12-15-18-34 12-15-22-24-34-42 07-25-26-35-41-43 05-09-13-23-31-33 14-17-19-28-41-42 04-06-08-25-29-39 01-31-33-36-42-43

01 04 08 11 15 18 22 25 29

Numbers

August

01 02 03 04 06 07 08 09 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31

August

POWERBALL Numbers

PB

03-16-48-56-58 19-30-48-53-55 03-07-11-15-28 04-13-39-46-51 06-27-46-51-56 14-26-41-55-59 22-29-31-47-55 01-06-07-20-49 25-28-49-54-56

4 18 12 1 21 1 19 23 28

PICK 3 CASH 4 7-1-7 8-4-8 1-0-9 9-7-7 7-3-5 8-1-9 9-8-0 1-6-6 3-8-9 4-2-6 5-8-0 5-7-0 7-9-1 3-0-8 2-9-7 1-5-5 4-6-7 8-6-1 -7-4 1-9-2 8-3-5 8-2-6 7-5-8 6-4-6 6-9-7 3-8-5 5-8-0

05-09-12-18 01-22-23-24 05-16-21-26 11-14-22-26 01-04-16-18 08-11-24-25 06-08-17-24 01-03-09-26 06-19-21-24 06-08-24-26 08-22-24-26 09-13-17-26 08-10-11-17 03-07-13-24 01-07-21-25 05-12-23-26 10-18-23-26 02-13-22-25 09-10-11-13 02-07-16-19 10-13-22-24 07-08-17-26 07-08-21-25 03-18-21-26 01-04-17-26 02-07-12-14 03-18-20-21

PICK 5 06-08-16-20-22 08-10-11-24-26 02-16-30-31-38 05-12-24-33-38 17-21-22-32-35 05-17-27-31-34 13-21-32-33-41 04-14-21-22-41 16-19-23-33-35 08-09-13-21-38 03-09-30-39-40 02-09-23-27-39 12-19-20-24-36 03-18-23-24-33 02-05-12-22-32 03-07-11-26-30 02-03-15-18-22 20-24-26-31-37 09-16-25-33-40 03-04-06-36-41 18-21-24-29-41 07-12-13-16-22 01-02-26-39-40 15-24-25-29-36 01-15-21-26-39 02-21-25-36-39 05-09-14-29-30

August

MEGA MILLIONS

MB

03 07 10 14 17 21 24 28 31

02-10-13-38-46 30-32-33-42-48 10-18-36-38-44 15-23-34-39-55 08-20-24-35-56 05-13-20-23-33 25-34-45-46-49 04-09-40-45-50 31-40-41-47-48

2 7 8 32 24 30 34 39 45

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



DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by David Ramsey

The return of Jason Bourne, in the other films, causes a shadow agency to destroy any operations that could be an embarrassment including killing agents in the field and anyone else involved. Aaron Cross is one of those agents but he manages to survive. Needing medication he tracks down the scientists involved and it leads to him taking on those in-charge. “Legacy” takes place at the same time as “The Bourne Ultimatum” and while that is cool the scenes that establish the timeline and continuity slow the pace and action. “The Bourne Legacy” has some great action but the set-up takes too long. “The Bourne Legacy” is a good, but not great, start to the Aaron Cross part of the story.

Arbitrage Robert Miller is a financial genius who has managed to profit during tough economic times but he is now in a position that requires him to sell his company quickly. The buyer appears to be stringing him along while he is running into a multi-million dollar deadline that would stop the sale and ruin his career. Then he makes a mistake that could land him in jail. He turns to an unlikely source for help. Meanwhile his daughter, an executive in his firm, has stumbled upon some irregularities. The cast is almost perfect and the storytelling is intense. If Julie, his mistress, has been likable - someone you could care about, it would have been a brilliant film. As it is, “Arbitrage” is a very good film.

26 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

David’s Video Details Cabin in the Woods

Five friends go on vacation to a remote cabin in the woods. They are completely isolated with no cell phone coverage or internet access. The cabin itself is weird and they find a basement full of odd stuff. This sounds like a typical horror/slasher flick but it is anything but typical. When things start to go bad for our five friends there is more to it than they know. “Cabin in the Woods” has everything including edge-of-your-seat action, bloody horror, some very funny stuff and more than a surprise or two. It is one of the best films of the year.

Marvel’s 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 work together may be the most difficult 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. There is an unique and entertaining spin to this special effects extravaganza with spectacular action and just enough humor. “Marvel’s The Avengers” is one of the best super-hero movies ever.

Snow White and the Huntsman

The evil Queen has imprisoned Snow White for years but she finally manages to escape and is chased into the dark forest where no one will follow. Shortly after she escapes the Queen finds out Snow is the key to her everlasting youth and sends the Huntman to find, kill her and bring back her heart. Everyone is there including the seven dwarves, just not as you remember them. This re-imagining of the classic fairy tale is more action than romance but it still has some of the magic. It would have been better if it had skipped a trip to magic fairyland and stayed with the action.


gaming news Gambling Problem? We Can Help! While most people are able to buy a few lottery tickets or spend an hour or two at a casino without developing a gambling problem, some will end up with a dependency on gambling. Statistics tell us that, nationally, about six million Americans are classified as being addicted to gambling. Here in Arizona, when problem gamblers are looking for help in dealing with their addiction, they have a place to go for help. The Arizona Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) was established in 2002, after Arizona voters approved Ballot Proposition 202, the Indian Gaming Preservation and Self-Reliance Act. That initiative mandated that two percent of the contributions made by Indian tribes to the state’s Benefits Fund be used by the Department of Gaming to fund programs for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling as well as for education about those programs. From its inception, the OPG has been charged with providing and supporting effective problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs throughout our state. We are committed to taking a proactive, public health approach to address concerns surrounding the tough issue of problem gambling, taking into account various biological, behavioral, economic, cultural, policy and environmental factors. Healthcare professionals tell us there are several behaviors which indicate a person might have a gambling problem, which include using income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid, breaking or considering breaking laws to finance gambling and arguing with friends or family about gambling behavior.

Go to the OPG website, problemgambling.az.gov, to find out more about the extensive resources available for problem gamblers and their families, including a list of twenty questions to ask yourself, to help determine if you might be a problem gambler. The site features a multipronged approach to dealing with problem gambling, offering a broad range of resources which includes a list of the services we provide. One of those resources is our Self-Exclusion program, which allows problem gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from entering casinos for a specified period of time. Problem gamblers can also sign up to ban themselves from being able to access some casino ATMs and Internet gambling sites. You can also contact the OPG by calling 1-800-NEXT STEP, where you’ll be connected with a knowledgeable, caring professional who will listen in an empathetic, nonjudgmental way, putting you in touch with the resources you need to deal with your problem gambling. If you think you may have a problem with your gambling, I urge you to reach out and seek help. Log onto problemgambling.az.gov or call 1-800-NEXT STEP to get more information on realistic ways to help you get the help you need. Together, we can diminish the impact of problem gambling in Arizona. Rick Pyper Director Arizona Office of Problem Gambling

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012 27


Joke page

Jokes of the Month

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary year at Arizona Player – Here are 3 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! Remember, 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 Phil Scudella - Publisher

The Pastor’s Point

I got a letter recently from my uncle Charlie in Arkansas, and he was concerned because he hadn’t heard from his nephew in a while, and since they usually talked every few weeks, he wondered if he had done something wrong. Here’s an excerpt from the letter: My nephew Willie, who I think the world of - works for a big oil company. Five years ago, they sent him to South America, and I haven’t seen him since. However, he still thinks about us and every Christmas sends us a gift. This year he sent us a “live” blue-and-green bird with a red and yellow hooked beak about two feet tall. And I’ll tell you this, that bird was delicious! We had him for Christmas dinner, with cranberry sauce and sweet pa-taters. After the New Year, Willie called and wanted to know if we got the bird, and I said, “We got him.” He asked if we liked him….I told him he was delicious! Then he asked, “You don’t mean to tell me you ate that bird?” “Of course we did,” I told him. My nephew got all upset, and threw a fit. “I paid a fortune for that bird! My God he could speak three languages!” I told my nephew, “Well - he shoulda said somethin’!”

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. So 4 worms were placed into 4 separate jars near his podium Worm #1 was put into a glass jar filled with whiskey Worm #2 was dropped into a jar filled with cigarette smoke Worm #3 was placed in a jar of chocolate syrup. And the fourth worm was put into a jar of good clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results: The worm in the jar of alcohol was dead He held up the jar filled with cigarette smoke - that worm was dead, The worm in the jar of chocolate syrup was also dead But, the Fourth worm, in good clean soil was still Alive. So the Minister asked the congregation “What did we learn from this demonstration”? Just then, feisty 85 year old Maxine, raised her hand and shouted out,“As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate……you’ll never have worms!” The Pastor, unable to control the laughter from his congregation - ended the service.

cover story continued from page 8

The outdoor areas aren’t the only locations getting a facelift. The façade is currently undergoing enhancements that will update the casino’s overall visual appeal; the Oasis Lounge is transforming into an even more vibrant entertainment area creating a nightclub feel, and new carpets in the main casino and ballrooms will bring it all together. Lastly, the restrooms in the resort hotel guestrooms will get a refresher as well. And don’t forget…the hotel is pet-friendly so be sure to bring your best friend with you, too! Fall into November with additional entertainment options at the new

28 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center, located directly north of Harrah’s Ak-Chin. The Center will feature a 12-screen UltraStar Movie Theater, a 24-lane bowling alley, an arcade, laser tag and dining options as well. The 12 screen stateof-the-art theater will feature exclusive PURE Digital Cinema presentation in all auditoriums, stadium seating, 3D capability and D-Box motion chairs where you can live the action on the screen. In addition to our family auditoriums, adults 21 and over can enjoy a VIP movie experience in our Star Class balconies featuring In Seat Ordering, a selection of fabulous dining options and beer and wine service. When Ten Pins Down opens it will be the newest and most technologically advance bowling center in the state. Ten Pins Down creates a family friendly bowling experience that will have you rolling over and over again. With great on lane dining and multiple bowling themes for all ages and levels of bowlers TEN PINS DOWN delivers the ultimate bowling experience. For more information and to book a stay at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort, please visit, www.harrahsakchin.com


contest page

Arizona Player’s 20 Anniversary I “Like To Win” Sweepstakes th

Congratulations to our three September winners: Joseph Grubbs of Anthem, Richard Kessler of Tucson and Mary Cleary of Phoenix. Each of these winners will have a choice of events to attend like concerts, sporting events, admission to great places of entertainment or a $25 gift card to a favorite store or restaurant! Even though they have won a prize, they’re still eligible to win the Grand Prize Package. To everyone who has entered since January – Your entries are still eligible to win the monthly prizes, in addition to the Final Grand Prize! This Year’s 3rd Quarter Grand Prize winner was Virginia Seiler from Tucson. Her fabulous prize was a $500 gift certificate to The Talking Stick Resort, a luxurious Four-Diamond Scottsdale Resort, where fun is limited only by your imagination. Use this Grand Prize certificate for anything you want (except gambling) Savor the flavors and take in the panoramic views of Scottsdale from the 15th floor at the award-winning Orange Sky Restaurant. Check out Vegas-style entertainment and local favorites as they take the stage in the TSR Showroom. Test your skills on 36-holes of championship golf at Talking Stick Golf Club, a scenic and

We still have 1 more Grand Prize package to give away during our special 20th Anniversary year! We will tell you about that December Grand Prize in the October Issue of Arizona Player

challenging golf course. Then when it’s time to relax, head up to The Spa at Talking Stick and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment overlooking incredible views of the Valley

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 This Grand Prize will allow you to book a wellappointed room or even a fabulous suite, or maybe rent a Cabana and dive in to the sparkling pool while you entertain friends or family with food and drinks. During your stay dine at one of the terrific restaurants like the Wandering Horse Buffet, with a collection of International cooking stations. Enjoy lunch, dinner or Scottsdale’s best weekend brunch. There is so much more to experience – to find out more, please go to www.talkingstickresort

(Limit of 1 entry per person)

Thanks for reading and telling your friends about Arizona Player Gaming and Entertainment Guide. Your comments and suggestions have made Arizona Player the most popular and most respected gaming publication of any kind in Arizona Phil Scudella Publisher

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2012 29


gaming news ASTROLOGY & Contest Page Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23 Sept 7-14 Eventful month

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20

Gemini May 22 to June 21

Sept 15-22 Great things coming Sept 23-30 Lucky weekend Oct 1-6 Clouds clearing in life

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

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20

Cancer June 22 to July 22

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19

Taurus April 21 to May 21

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

Stick with convictions Old friend returns Another good decision Really exciting week Play your hunch Go for it - it’s time Stay focused to win Unplanned trip ahead

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

Phoenix Metro Area

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

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

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd Wed-Sun @ 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm see ad on opposite page Lone Butte Casino Fort McDowell Casino SanTan Loop202 & Kyrene Fountain Hills Area Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 9am, 12:30pm, Noon & 6:30pm Daily 6:30pm Tue: 12:30pm, 6:30pm Sat. "B.A.D. Bingo" (BingoAfterDark) Sun: 6:45 & 9am, 12:30 & 6:30pm, Saturdays @ 11:30pm Fri & Sat @ Midnight "Lunar Bingo" every 3rd Vee Quiva Casino Saturday @ Midnight 51st Ave. 10mi. S of I-10 Daily: 12:30 & 6:30pm "Bingo Eclipse" every 2nd & 4th Saturday @ 11pm Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Opens in November

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 September 2012

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

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

Aries Mar 21 to April 20

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

You’ll meet a new friend Out of town trip pays Great idea works out Stick to it - success is near Unreal comeback victory You bluff for huge payoff Winning week Unexpected excitement

Statewide Games

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

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

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

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

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

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

Finally - the BIG one Persistence pays plenty Weekend to remember Way to start the month!

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 @ Noon Tues & Thurs 6:30pm Paradise Casino • Yuma 450 Quechan Dr. Daily at 1 & 6pm

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 poker & blackjack (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe–slots 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




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