September 2015 by Arizona Player

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Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com

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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Arizona Has A New Poker Champion TRAVEL – Rex Allen Days in Willcox Boyd’s Eye View – Then the Fight Began Blackjack Corner – Tournament of Champions Vol. 23 No. 9 • September 2015

Fun is just around the corner!

Cover Story on page 8

WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

Contents

Gaming•Entertainment•Travel PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net Editor Phil Scudella Production Assistants John Olson Graphic Design CommuniGraphics

Contributing Photography Rachel Brockway Kevin Cummings Melody Hudson Vikki Pass David Ramsey Melissa Rowberry Satara Williams SMP Communications Corporation

Special Thanks to: The Management and Marketing Department at Cocopah Casino & Resort and the staff at SMP Marketing.

Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Rachel Brockway Kevin Cummings Cindy Esquer Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen Brian Mulligan Vikki Pass David Ramsey Aimee Rose Satara Williams

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 September 2015

Vol. 23 No. 9 • September 2015

Gaming News “Arizona Has a New Poker Champion!”

Cover Story “Cocopah Casino – The Hidden Gem in the Desert”

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “And Then the Fight Began” 10 Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “Reel Pulse Jackpots” by WMS

TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Tournament of Chamapions”

Card Room Action Table Game Action Around the State

Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide

Travel "Rex Allen Days" & "The Willcox Wine Festival"

David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey Movie & DVD reviews

Bingo Directory Complete List of Bingo Games at Arizona Casinos

Jokes of the Month, Astrology, & Casino Directory

gaming news ARIZONA HAS A NEW POKER CHAMPION! After a three-hour battle of wits and skill, Vance Fitzgerald of Surprise was named the 2015 Arizona State Poker Champion on Tuesday afternoon August 18 at Talking Stick Resort. Hosted in Talking Stick Resort’s ARENA Poker Room, the 11th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship comprised of 1,580 competitors. The poker hopefuls brought their ‘A’ game to the five-day tournament, vying for ultimate bragging rights and a share of the more than $1 million prize pool. “The 11th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship was a huge success,” said Tom Young, the director of poker at the ARENA Poker Room. “We were pleased to see an increase in interest in the tournament this year surpassing last year’s competitor count. And although we had several pros battling it out for the title, it truly was anyone’s game from beginning to end.” The No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament kicked off on August 14 and included a semi-finals round on Monday, August 17. Finals took place the following day with the remaining ten players vying to win the top spot. Four-time World Series of Poker champion, Tom Schneider, emceed the final table, engaging spectators with his colorful commentary throughout the round. So what happened on that final day – and who were the chip leaders at the final table at 10:15am when the dealer was told “Put those cards in the air” In the #1 seat was Chad Mizner with $1,925,000 (9th place in chip count) #2 seat was Tom Uwanawich with the short stack at the final table $1,020,000 – The #3 seat belonged to the chip leader Vance Fitzgerald with an impressive $8,670,000 in tournament chips – Holding down 3rd place in chip count in the #4 seat was Jake Balsinger with $5,990,000 – Matt Schultz (in 4th place at the start of play) was in the #5 seat with $5,020,000 – Sitting in the #6 seat was Alex Shelton (5th place in chip count) with $4,715,000 – Gail Getzwiller the only female to make the final table was in the #7 seat with a stack of chips totaling $2,500,000 to start the day in 6th place. Next to Gail was A.T. Gruzak in the #8 seat with $2,160,000 good enough to start the day in 7th place. Seated in the #9 seat and in 8th place in chip count was Hooman Nikzal with $2,080,000 and finally in my favorite #10 seat was Matt Elsby in 2nd place with $7,100,000

6 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

From the very start with blinds at $100,000 / $200,000 and $30,000 ante these players started firing at the get go. Tom Uwanawich the short stack was first to go “all-in” with a K-J off suit and was knocked out by Chad Mizner with an A-6 – a 6 hit on the flop and held up to knock out Uwanawich in 10th place. Next Alex Shelton went all in with suited connectors but the chip leader Vance Fitzgerald called with pocket 7’s – caught a 7 on the flop to knock out Alex in 9th place. Shortly after that hand Gail went all-in with about $2,000,000 with no callers, took blinds and ante, she went all-in again with no callers and added to her stack. At 10:45am (only 30 minutes in to the finals) there was another “All-in” this time from A.T. Gruzak – chip leader Vance calls and shows A/6, Gruzak shows K/J, flop is A-7-10, Vance catches the Ace, turn was a King, but with no help on the river, A.T. Gruzak was knocked out in 8th place. Next, it was Matt Elsby’s chance to go all-in against Vance Fitzgerald and was knocked out in 7th place Shortly after that Chad Mizner, with the shortest went all-in, Hooman Nikzul Calls with a slightly bigger stack and shows 8/Q, Chad shows A/10 – flop was K-10-6, turn a 6, river yet another 10 for Chad for trips to take almost all of Nikzul’s chips. On the very next hand Hooman went all in and was knocked out in 6th place. We are now down to the final 5 and it’s only 11am! Gail Getzwiller (A/Q hearts) chose to go All-in, Vance called with pocket 7’s. Two 6’s (one a heart) plus another heart hit on the turn and when Gail caught a 7 of hearts on the river she hit the flush, but that 7 gave Vance a Full House 7’s full of 6’s and Gail was out in 5th place. In the next 25 minutes Chad Mizner (K/7) went all-in against Vance Fitzgerald (A-7) and doubled up when he caught a King on the turn. Then it was Jake Balsinger who went all-in (with Q-9) against Matt Schultz (A/7 of clubs) Flop was A-9-3 rainbow, Matt hits the Ace and Jake catches the 9, turn card is a 2, but the river is the Queen – big applause as Jake catches two pair and a huge $9,000,000 pot. continued on page 26

COVER STORY

A Hidden Gem in the Desert – Cocopah Casino Resort

Just a few minutes south of Yuma you will find a hidden gem, Cocopah Casino Resort. Avoid the traffic congestion Yuma has become known for (especially during winter visitor season). Take a leisurely drive and in minutes you are at the casino resort that offers more than any casino in the area!

There’s a new attitude at Cocopah Casino Resort where the players and their needs take the highest priority. As just one small example, if you’re a Player’s Club member, start checking your mailbox. Cocopah is committed to rewarding its loyal players with offers for Free Slot Play, Free Table Game Play, Food as well as other discounts and gifts they hope you will enjoy. These rewards are just a glimpse of

8 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

enhancements to the players club and the property in general – of the new attitude! Cocopah’s air handling system makes it seem like a non-smoking casino, even when people are smoking…no burning eyes or smelly clothes. During the past few months, Cocopah has been busy replacing older unpopular slot machines with the most popular new titles, while keeping the classic favorites. Play all of the latest slots like Willy Wonka and Lion Festival along with favorites like Wheel of Fortune. There are also single, multi-denomination & multi-game video poker and Keno machines. Like it is often said “one pull can change your life!” A trip to Cocopah Casino Resort is more than just a drive to a casino. The Artisan Restaurant serves an a la carte menu, a breakfast buffet every

day and an extravagant Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet every Friday. A local Yuma favorite Hapa’s – A Taste of Hawaii serving authentic Hawaiian Food has just opened its doors inside Cocopah Casino Resort! Cocopah Casino Resort features three bars for whatever your mood, and the Hotel which is just perfect for regional retreats and meetings. The Wild River Entertainment Complex next door is within a short walking distance, featuring a 24 lane bowling alley, arcade games, billiards, darts and even laser tag. Indeed - Cocopah has something for everyone. There are new promotions on the floor including the $20,000 Mad Money Giveaway and $16,000 Ultimate Blackjack Giveaway.

COVER STORY

Cocopah is “Going Mad” with 24 Hot Seat winners every Tuesday through October 20th! Simply play your favorite slot machine with your player’s club card each Tuesday for a chance to win your share of $20,000! Then grab a seat at a blackjack table on Thursdays and Fridays at 10 PM through November 19th – you could win $1,000 in Table Game Chips! Cocopah Casino also offers bingo, table games with limits from $5 to $500, and three deck shoes for higher limit players. Membership to the players club is free. Players must

be 21 or older with a valid ID. For players 55 and older, Club 55+ offers even more rewards including 15% off of the entire regular priced Artisan Restaurant menu every day and a 250 point bonus when you earn just 5 points every Sunday, Monday & Thursday. If you’re not a member, sign up on your next visit. What you may not know about Cocopah is that they have several other amenities around the community providing entertainment to suit everyone’s needs. Hotel guests during certain seasons can play at Cocopah’s 9-hole “best kept secret”, Rio Colorado Golf Course, for free. For the motor head in you, head up the street to

the Cocopah Speedway offering a variety of races and events throughout the year, with the opener coming up on September 26th! If you’d like to enjoy all Yuma has to offer for an extended stay, look no further than the Cocopah Bend RV & Golf Resort. Don’t miss Bridget’s Gift Western Dance and BBQ on the Cocopah Lawn, Saturday, October 10th at 5pm. It’s a concert, Western Dance and Barbeque featuring country superstar Joe Nichols and special guest Josh Thompson. Proceeds will benefit Bridget’s Gift, a non-profit raising breast cancer awareness, based right in Yuma. Purchase your tickets today at cocopahresort.com, check out the resort and support a good cause at Cocopah Casino Resort on October 10th. Cocopah has it all. Whether you are looking for a night stay in one of the luxurious resort rooms or just plan on stopping by to play a little and grab a bite. Cocopah is your place to play and it’s just minutes away! Cocopah Casino Resort is located about 15

minutes from downtown Yuma, AZ – Just exit I-8 at 16th Street – go west to Avenue B then south to Cocopah Casino Resort at 15318 S. Ave B in Somerton, AZ, or just set your phone Navigation on Cocopah Casino. For more information, visit cocopahresort.com

A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

And Then

the

y wife asked if the dress she had on made her butt look big. I said not as much as the one she wore yesterday. And then the fight began. ”We’ve all heard these jokes, usually in by poor, taste but mostly funny. Linda Boyd An analogy, only not too humorous, can be made with the court’s recent decisions regarding gaming disputes.

The Fight: It happened on April 30, 2012 during a mini-baccarat game at the Golden Nugget in New Jersey. The casino in an effort to speed things up purchased pre-shuffled cards from a Kansas City manufacturer. After a fresh deck of cards was opened wagers suddenly soared, increasing in size from $10 to $5,000 as players proceeded to win 41 consecutive hands. You guessed it-the manufacturer failed to shuffle and the house took a $1.5 million dollar beating. The Golden Nugget went to court and the judge sided with the casino ordering 14 players to return the money. (Actually, the players cashed $558,900 in chips that night but $977,800 remain to be redeemed.)

Examining the Decision: It’s my opinion, the judge got it wrong, maybe in an effort to give the edge to the side that butters his bread, but if anything the casino should have just gone after Gemaco – the card manufacturer (they’re being sued too). Before this incident, a mini-baccarat game involving unshuffled cards at the Taj Mahal (again in Atlantic City) the house paid gamblers $400,000 and was fined $91,236 for failing to shuffle! So in addition to conflicting outcomes over un-shuffled mini-baccarat cards the court is blaming players for mistakes made by casinos and the vendors they selected.

Video Poker (VP) Gaffs: How do these recent decisions impact video poker players? There are old VP cases that cut both ways, sometimes the players is being cheated and in others the casino is the victim. For example, years ago American Coin (now defunct) rigged a VP machine so the player could never get a royal flush. In a slot machine incident, also long ago, the house was cheated when

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10 ARIZONA PLAYER Septemtber 2015

Fight Began….

a member of the Nevada Gaming Commission rigged a device so when a pattern of varied coin bets (say one coin, then 5, then three and so on) triggered a huge payout. (I did a series of interviews with the guy who served his time in prison and has since been released.) Those events were in the gaming industry’s pioneer days and today’s technology would never allow it. However, when money is involved there will always be casino brass or players that try to gain an additional edge over each other. The place to draw the line needs to be clarified since it’s still blurry.

Pay Schedules: If the casino inadvertently has a pay schedule error, say 9/7 Jacks or Better (9/7JOB) then the casino should not be able to recover their losses. In fact this happened several years ago when a high roller hit several royals on a high denomination FPDW (Full Pay Deuces Wild, ER 100.7620%) game and he got to keep his huge winnings. (The game is rarely available in quarters but never in $5 or $25 denominations; this high roller was playing a 3-coin $100 version.) I have seen pay schedule errors and have felt free to play the game without a single pang of guilt.

Malfunctions: You’ll see a sign on both VP and slot devices telling you malfunctions void the pays and play. If the problem is a stuck button, however, you may have a hard time collecting your jackpot. Of course you’ll call an attendant and they’ll make the final decision. You should immediately stop play and only call an employee if the jackpot is significant. Always leave a machine with malfunctioning buttons or unclear graphics since there’s no guarantee that you’ll be paid.

Slot Card: Arizona casinos do not rig either VP or slot machines to pay either less or more when using your player’s card. In fact, they have no control over the RNG (random number generator) located on the machine’s logic board. Even if they wanted to it’s not possible using any approved gaming device.

Final Thoughts: Disputes between players and casinos are resolved by tribal authorities if you’re at an Arizona casino giving the house a definite advantage. That’s why you have to choose your battles. I lost $40 in free play when it was never downloaded but was subtracted. The same machine still doesn’t download your free play but it no longer subtracts the free play. If, however, I lost a major amount of money due to a casino’s error I would first try their commission and next the Arizona Gaming Commission.

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming” her book, “The Video Poker Edge” includes free removable pay schedules & strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for her story in current editions of “American Casino Guide” (ACG) and her YouTube videos, also with ACG. Her radio shows with Southern Gaming will soon be on iTunes. The Second Edition of her book is available in both paperback and kindle at amazon.com, bookstores, Toll Free at 1-877-900-BOOK or Square One Publishers. www.squareonepublishers.com

Reel Reviews by Kevin Cummings

12 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

TJ’s Blackjack corner

Casino Arizona “Tournament of Champions”

by TJ Jorgensen

bout every two years Casino Arizona in Scottsdale located at 101 & McKellips holds a Tournament of Champions for all of those blackjack players who had won one of their weekly tournaments. On Tuesday September 15th Casino Arizona held this special Tournament of Champions as Sylvia, Trudy, and Marcus, the Tournament staff put on an event that was first class all the way. The evening started at 6pm with free snacks and drinks, with the first round starting at 7pm. There were a total 169 entries, all competing for over $17,000 in prize money of which Casino Arizona added $10,000 to this event and the remainder of the prize money came from entry fees.

14 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

Additionally all tournament players were eligible for a bonus drawing to win one of three I Pads given away. In the three qualifying rounds six players were seated at each table and given $5,000 in tournament chips. At the end of 21 hands the player with the most chips at their table advanced to the semi-finals. I was a winner in the Casino Arizona “Tuesday at Noon” tournament a few hours earlier and I was hoping to continue my winning streak. In my qualifying round at the Tournament of Champions, I came from behind on the last hand to win my table and advance to the semi- finals. In all, 24 other players advanced to the semifinals along with 5 wild card second chance entries that were drawn from those players who had been knocked out of the tournament earlier - to complete the field to 30 players in this semi-final event. In the semi-final round, those 30 players were seated six players to a table and each player at those 5 tables was given $5,000 in Tournament chips. Only the player with the most chips after 21 hands at each of those tables would advance to the finals.

In my semi-final round I was in it until the end when I split a pair of 2s. I was all in and the dealer made 21. Had I won the hand, I would have made the final table. My night ended but it was still a lot of fun to play in this special tournament – and for the six lucky players at the final table, they chose to split the $17,300 prize pool six ways for a really nice payday. To be eligible for the next big Tournament of Champions, just win one of these blackjack tournaments at Casino Arizona; Tuesday at Noon, Fridays at 1am and the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Good luck and see you at the next tournament! T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for decades and is known for his live tournament play. He has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world and has won the prestigious “World Series of Blackjack”. To contact TJ Jorgensen for questions or information on his books, send an e-mail to; tj4justice1@msn.com

CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438

Globe, AZ Dealing blackjack, and poker daily at noon NLHE Tournaments – Saturdays at 2pm – Buy-in $25 w/ one $5 add-on

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

Scottsdale, AZ Sept 19 & 20, The 10th Annual Ladies Arizona State Poker Championship, Buy in $300 or win a seat into this tournament in $45 buy-in single table shoot-outs up until Sept 19. (call the poker room for details) Mon – Fri, 11:15 am – NLHE Tournament $125 buy-in Mon – Thurs, 7:15pm - NLHE, $145 buy-in Sat, Oct 10 & Nov 14 & Dec 12 – 11:15 am – “Super Bounty” NLHE - $240 buy-in w/ $100 Bounties Sat, Sept 26 & Oct 31 & Nov 28 – 11:15 am – Last Saturday NLHE - $160 buy-in Sun, Sept 27, Oct 4 & Oct 11 – 11:15am – NLHE Weekend Tournaments - $200 buy-in Sat, Oct 3 & Nov 7 & Dec 5, 11:15am – “Big Stack” NLHE – $345 buy-in Sun, Aug 23, 11:15am – Omaha Hi-Lo Tournament - $150 buy-in Sun, Oct 25, 11:15am – Jack & Jill NLHE Tournament - $110 buy-in per couple Sat, Oct 24, 11:15am - $ 500 NLHE “Big Stack” Tournament - $500 buy-in Sun, Oct 18, 11:15am – Ladies NLHE Tournament - $110 buy-in Food Specials; Daily $4 breakfast or Steak & eggs for $6.75 (2 am – Noon) also $16 Prime Rib Dinner (5-11pm on Mondays)

Also dealing blackjack 24/7

Bluewater Resort & Casino 888-243-3360 Ext#7649

Parker, AZ Poker Room opens at 4pm daily except 2pm on Sun & Wed Tues at 7pm, NLHE Tournament - $35 buy-in, w/ one $20 re-buy, $5 Bounties Thurs at 7pm, NLHE – $40 buy-in, w/ one $20 re-buy, $5 Bounties + High Hand of the Tournament Sun & Wed – Spreading 2-8 Omaha Wed, all day – Straight Flush $50 (Hold-Em) Max 3 per day Fri, all day – 4 of a kind $50 (Hold Em) Max 3 per day Mon evening MNF “Splash pots” during the

16 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

game (call for details) Bad Beat Jackpot is over $47,000 as of Sept 13 (aces full of 10s or better, beaten by 4 of a kind) Daily-“Aces Cracked” pays $40 and Royal Flush pays $200 Also dealing blackjack daily at 9am

Bucky’s Casino 928-515-5305

Prescott, AZ Mon – Fri, 10am - NLHE Shootouts $25 entry

Mon – Thurs, 6pm NLHE $50 buy-in (top 3-5 cash) top 5 earn points for Player of Month (3 places $300, $200 & $100) Sat, Noon – DEEP STACK Tournament $100 buy-in Last Sunday of the Month, at Noon – Omaha Hi/Lo - $100 added per table $80 buy-in Every Mon & Wed – Spreading Omaha Hi/Lo “Aces Cracked” Wins a Rack! ($100) every day – all day, no limits in any Texas Hold Em game Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Now playing; Player Power Poker, Texas Shoot Out and High Card Flush w/ bonus jackpot

Casino Arizona 480-850-7777

Scottsdale, AZ Blackjack Tournaments: Tues, noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” $ 50 buy-in Fri, 2:30am - The “Great Late” Tournament, $25 buy-in (Starting time in Sept changes to 1am) Dealing blackjack 24/7

Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565

Tucson, AZ Mon - Fri, 10 am - $800 Guaranteed (with 30 players) NLHE, $10 buy-in w/ $5 chip-up, plus 2 - $10 add-ons Sun & Wed, 7pm - $800 guaranteed NLHE, $15 buy-in/Opt $15 add-on Thurs, 7pm - $5,000 deep stack NLHE, $100 buy-in no re-buys Sun 11am - $1,500 Guaranteed NLHE, $45 buy-in – no re-buys Sat, 9am – $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $ 15 buy-in, $5 re-buys + $5 add-on Mon 7pm & Sat noon – $1,000 NLHE - $35 buy-in – no re-buys with opt $5 chip-up New “$30 Splash Pots” Tues & Thurs (up to 3 times per hour) 12:30pm – 4:30pm – see poker room for details

New “High Hand” Wed, Fri & Sat (12:30 – 11:30pm) & Sun (12:30 – 5pm) every hour &

½ - win $50 to $200 ALL NEW! “Hot Poker Spot” Not available at any other casino – a side bet on all Hold-em tables. $1 side bet – Win up to $1,000! Dealing Blackjack 24/7 - JUST ADDED: New Games featuring; Crazy 4 Poker, Texas Shootout, Casino WAR & Ultimate Texas Hold’Em!

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 928-567-7952

Camp Verde, AZ Mon-Fri, 10am - NLHE Shoot-out, $30 buy-in, w/ no re-buys Wed, 7pm – NLHE Tournament $60 buy-in Wed, 8pm – Mid “$100 Splash pots each hour Thurs, 6:30pm – NLHE Tournament $20 buy-in – Max 2 tables – re-enter first 10 minutes

Fri, 7pm - NLHE Shoot-outs, $ 150 added per table of 10 - $25 buy-in – no re-buys (re-enter first 15 min) Sat, Noon – $100 added per table of 10– NLHE $50 buy-in (optional $5 dealer appreciation add-on) All Week – Royal Flush pays $100 “Aces Cracked” Sun – Fri, Win $100 –max 4 per day

Saturdays - $50 High hand each hour from open till midnight

Wednesdays – 8pm-Mid “$100 Splash Pots” / $50 each if 2 tables Also dealing blackjack – 9am – 2am (MonThurs) 9am – 4am (Fri & Sat)

Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687

Somerton, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 10am – JUST ADDED; Now thru November 19th – Win entries for getting a Blackjack – Drawing every Thurs & Fri nights at 10pm, WIN $1,000 in Table game chips! See blackjack pit for complete details.

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 520-342-1810

Tucson, AZ Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am, plus Tues & Wed at 7pm $500 added NLHE – $35 buy-in no re-buys Daily – Any Royal Flush $200 Hold Em, $100 Omaha, Straight Flush $100 Hold Em, $50 Omaha Special Poker Room menu at ½ off regular prices

Dealing blackjack 24/7 with new progressive

side bet and

3 card poker side bet

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

Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284

Fountain Hills, AZ JUST ADDED; NFL “Splash Pots” Monday & Thursday evenings and Sunday AM, Midday and Evening games (Call for details) Mon-Fri at Noon NLHE - $30 buy-in - $20 add-on - No-rebuys Mon at 7pm, Omaha High/Low - $5 buy in w/ $5 re-buys – plus at the break $5 -$20 add-on Sun, Tues & Thurs, 7pm - NLHE - $5 buy-in Fri, 7pm, NLHE - $60 buy-in w/one $10 dealer add-on for additional $5,000 in chips Sat, Noon & 4pm - NLHE - $5 buy-in Sat, 7pm, NLHE Deep Stack tournament - $50 buy-in w/ opt $30 add-on Sun, Noon & Wed, 7pm – NLHE - $10 buy-in, $5 re-buys & Double $20 add-on at the break Sun, Sept 20 at 10am - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament - $60 Buy-in Plus Opt $10 Dealer Appreciation “Aces Cracked” 24/7 win $100 during first 2 hours of live play, $200 during 3rd hour, 4th hour and after pays $400 “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of tens beaten by Quads or better wins Jackpot! “High Hand Spin” – with 4 of a kind or better win up to $599 & each live table is splashed with amount

Dealing blackjack 24/7, w/ Free bet blackjack, also split Aces up to 4 times & hit more than once and Double Down after first hit!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138

Maricopa, AZ $1,500 Invitational FREE Roll -1st Sunday of the month – To qualify: Win a daily tournament or have 80+ hours of “live” play during previous month

Tues, 7:30pm – Limit Omaha Hi/Lo -$60 buy-in – no re-buys or add-ons Wed, 5pm to 9pm – WSOP $1,500 Event Qualifier “Sit & Go”NLHE, $220 buy-in Thurs, 7:30pm – NLHE, $20 Buy-in plus three $10 re-buys & two $10 add-ons Fri, 7:30pm – $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $60 buy-in w/three $10 re-buys & one $20 add-on at break

Sat, 12:30pm – $500 Guaranteed NLHE - $50

CARD ROOM ACTION buy-in Sun 12:30pm – NLHE add-ons at the break

- $25 buy-in w/ two $10

JUST ADDED; NFL “Splash Pots” Sun, Mon & Thurs – PLUS College “Splash Pots” on Saturdays (Call for complete details) Aces Cracked - Black aces $100, Red Aces $50 & Mixed $25 (Bonus mid-9am=double) All-Day Everyday – 9am- 2:30pm ‘Splash pots” every ½ hour Daily 7pm – 1am, “Hourly Trips High Hand” $50 per hour Hold-Em & Mixed Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – including “Push the bet”

Hon-Dah Casino 928-369-7555

Pinetop, AZ Open Mon-Fri at 4pm – Sat & Sun at 2pm, “early bird” tournament chips available daily Mon, 4pm – NFL “Splash Pots” Tues, 6pm - NLHE “Speed Shoot-Out” $15 buy-in (no re-buys) $2 chip-up Wed, 6pm - High Hand Hold Em - $40 buy-in no re-buys Thurs, 6pm – Omaha Hi-Lo - $40 buy-in, no re-buys Fri, 6pm – NLHE – “$25 Bounty” Tournament, $45 buy-in w/$10 re-buys and $10 add-on Sat, 4pm - NLHE, $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $ 10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, Tues & Thurs –“Cool Summer Nights” Open till 2am or close Sunday – Thurs, 2pm till tournament begins “Early Bird Bonanza” (qualifying hands win bonus cash & prizes) Fri & Sat – all day, $100 High Hand (Hold

Em)

Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452

Chandler, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & Ultimate Texas Hold EM starts at $10,000 and grows at all 3 Gila River Casinos!

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529

Payson, AZ Live poker Wed –Sun at 10am, High Hands (Wed & Thurs) win progressive jackpot (see poker room for details) Wed at 6pm NLHE Tournament, $50 buy-in no-re buys Sat at 3pm, NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in – no re-buys Aces cracked “wins a rack” various times daily – Max 3 per day (see poker room for details) Dealing blackjack 10am to 1am, with $5 games

Mon - 6pm, Blackjack Tournament $40 buy-in w/two $25 re-buys Bonus Blackjack get dealt a 6, 7 or 8 card “21” win up to $200

Quechan Casino Resort 1-877-783-2426

Winterhaven, CA JUST ADDED; Mon & Thurs Nights & Sunday all-day NFL “Splash Pots” & Mon Night Football “Squares” with qualifying hands. Open Wed-Sun at 10am, and Mon, Tues at 4pm, Wed & Thurs at 2pm Fri – Sun at 10am - spreading 4/8 Hold Em with a kill, 4/8 Omaha hi-low split with a kill also 3-6 & 4-8 limit Texas Hold-Em, plus 1-3 & 2-5 No Limit Texas Hold Em Sat, 1pm, NLHE Tournaments $40 buy-in Thurs, 7pm NLHE Deep Stack - $80 buy-in Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Special room rates

for poker players

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort 928-856-7244

Flagstaff, AZ Live Poker daily – call for games & tournaments - also dealing blackjack 24/7

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext#1507

Laveen, AZ Wed, 7:30pm, **NLHE “Freeze Out”$40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee at the break for

added chips Sat, 11:15 am, (weekly except 1st Sat) **NLHE “Freeze Out”$40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee for extra chips + $20 add-on at break 1st Saturday at 12:15pm – “Super Stack” NLHE ($110 buy-in) Opt $20 Staff fee for extra $5,000 in chips + $20 add-on at the break Sun 11:15 am, **NLHE “Freeze Out”$30 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee & $20 add-on at break Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush spins the wheel to win big money! (call for details) “ACES CRACKED” spins the wheel - win up $300 (see poker room for details) **Tournaments allow “Early Bird Chips” for live play before tournament - 1st & 2nd place at final table qualify for the “Tournament of Champions” FREE ROLL each quarter – Next one is Nov28th. Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Friday Afternoon Blackjack Tournament at 4pm - $30 buy-in (registration starts at 2pm) Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & ULTIMATE Texas Hold EM starts at $10,000 and grows daily at all 3 Casinos! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot at press time

was over

$143,000 and growing!

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800946-4452 Ext #7375

Chandler,AZ JUST ADDED; NFL “Splash Pots” Sunday, Monday & Thursday (call for details) Mon & Thurs Noon - NLHE, $30 buy-in, no re-buys - $150 added per table Tues & Wed, 7:30pm - NLHE Freeze Out - $50 entry fee w/ $10 optional add-on - $1,000 added to prize pool

Sun, 3:30pm, NLHE - $30 buy- in, $5 dealer add-on, $20 add-at the break & bonus chips for play before tournament

“Aces Cracked” Win a Rack – Mon – Fri 10 am – 4 pm – Also Red & Black Aces Cracked Midnight till 10am Sun thru Fri “Rolling Cash Fever” Drawing every other hour 24/7, $100 min, increases by $100 if not hit – must go at 11pm on Monday Progressive Royals $100 added daily until hit. “Super Jackpot” Quad 10s or better beaten wins jackpot that increases $500 per day – at press time jackpot was over $82,500! Food specials: ½ price poker room menu Also dealing blackjack 24/7 - Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & Ultimate Texas Hold Em starts at $10,000 and grows at all 3 Gila River Casinos! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot at press time was over $143,000 and growing!

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

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015 18

entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort

Chubby Checker

(5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70) 1-800-272-2438 The POINT Sports Bar & Grill: Big screens to watch your favorite teams and lots more! San Carlos Event Center: Sept 19 – Ramon Ayala w/ Ramone Ayala Jr Oct 16 & 17 – 12th Annual RUN to the REZ, featuring music poker run, bike show and giveaways Oct 16 – Grey Wolf

AVA Amphitheater: Sept 19 – Lynyrd Skynyrd Sept 23 – Ricky Martin (One World Tour) Oct 2 – N9NEFEST 2015 (Arizona’s Largest College EDM Festival Oct 3 – WFF-MMA Fights Oct 23 – ROCHTOBER RAGE – Featuring Great White, Night Ranger and Loverboy! Oct 24 – Ramon Ayala Oct 31 – Santana Nov 14 – Double R Charities “Battle of the Badges” 15 action packed amateur fights (Law Enforcement vs First Responders) Conference Center: Sept 19 – Tejano Music Showcase Oct 9 – George Lopez

George Lopez

Los Lobos Oct 17 – Los Lobos Nov 7 – BIG & RICH w/ Cowboy Troy

BlueWater Resort and Casino

11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 BlueWater Showroom: Oct 17 – Cage Rage 10 – MMA at its best Nov 21 – Chubby Checker Dec 18 – Comedy of Williams & Ree (2 shows 5pm and 8pm) BlueWater Amphitheater: Oct 19 – “Grits & Glamour” Tour w/ Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan River’s Edge Cantina: Sunday evenings – Live Reggae music Dig Lounge: Deejays at 5pm – Oldies on Sun & Mon and Sports on the big screens Outdoors: Wakeboard Island is OPEN!

Casino Arizona

101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Sept 16 – Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles Sept 18 & 19 – RIO (Duran-Duran Tribute) Sept 25 & 26 – Matchbox Twenty Too (Matchbox Twenty Tribute)

20 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

Arizona Room Patio Grill: Mon – Chad Freeman and Redline(8pm) Tues– Trivia Tuesdays - $1000 up for grabs (register 5:30-6:30 – action starts at 7pm) Rhythm of the Sun Band at 8pm Wed – Country dance instruction with Laina Lee, (6-8pm) Daisy Train at 8pm Thurs – Latin Fire Dance Night w/ Dance Lessons (6-8pm) Rhythm of the Sun Band at 8pm Fri – Superhero Band at 8pm Oct 3 – UFC 192: Cormier vs Gustafsson Viewing Party Bingo Hall: Fri & Sat at Midnight, L-8 Nite Bingo! Music, light show & dancing w/ host Corina & DJ Kenji!

Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 520-838-6506 Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, Live bands weekends & Tribute bands on Thursdays, plus every Sunday 80’s & Gentlemen Band

Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, Live bands weekends & Tribute bands on Thursdays Oasis Pool Bar: Aug 23 - The Soak Pool Party – 1-6pm w/ DJ Blade fun contests and prizes (21 and over event)

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: Sat Oct 17 – Taste of the Verde Valley Wine Fest

entertainment

Dragonfly Lounge; live music on weekends featuring: Sept 18 & 19 – Conjucto Reflejo (latin) Sept 25 & 26 – Apache Spirit Oct 2 & 3 – Sol Tribe (Reggae) Oct 9 & 10 – Mike Reeves Band Oct 16 & 17 – First Born Oct 23 & 24 – G Sueno (Latin) Oct 30 & 31 – Rhythm Edition Cocopah Casino Resort 15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ (Yuma area) (928) 726-8066

Joe Nichols

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino

Oct 24 – Jenny McCarthy & Friends “Dirty, Sexy Funny” Sports Bar: Mon – Fri 5pm -2am, Sat & Sun 10am-2am w/Sports on big screens, Karaoke Wednesdays, DJ nightly, plus DJ or live bands on Fri & Sat nights

Fort McDowell Casino

N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free entertainment weekends Sept 18 & 19 – Furious George Sept 20 & 27 – Duane Moore w/ Mogollon Band Sept 25 & 26 – 9 Ball Band Bingo Hall: 1st Saturday of each month – Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways For updates – go to fortmcdowellcasino.com

Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: Oct 31 – The Haunted Halloween Party w/ the Band MUMMY RISING - $3,000 in cash and “Mountian Moolah” Giveaways Nov 20 – “Listen to the Music” Tribute to the Doobie Brothers Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Monday is Comedy Night, Tues-Sat, Live bands Oct 6 thru10 – Harry Luge Oct 13 thru 17 – Chyna Oct 20 thru 24 – Rockhall Doctors Nov 3 thru 7 – Doo-Wah Riders Nov 10 thru 14 – Barrio Latino Nov 17 thru 21 – Marble Heart

Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Lone Butte Event Center: Sept 19 – Kool & The Gang

Kool & The Gang

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino

Outdoor Event Area: Oct 10 – Bridget’s Gift presents Joe Nichols w/ special guest Josh Thompson Sunset Lounge: Friday’s karoake with “Bling Bling” River Room: Live bands (call for updated schedule)

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel

7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-332-9467 Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJ on weekends Fridays – “Dance Fusion” w/ DJ Blade Saturdays – “Noches Caliente” Hottest Tex Mex & Tejano music w/ Los Gallegos, Angel Norteno or Los Centenarios

Desert Diamond Casino I -19

1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: Sept 18 – Smokey Robinson Oct 3 – Brett Eldridge

22 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 THE LOUNGE: Weekends in The Lounge starting at 8pm (no cover) Oct 9 – Austin Webb Nov 6 – The Yardbirds Fri & Sat: 8pm to 1am – featuring bands; Quantum, Doo Wah Riders, Dina Preston, Checker’d Past, Neon Circus, Sound Wave, The Walkens, Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns, Mrs Robinson, New Wave Order & the Thaddeus Rose Band Mon -Thurs: Noon-4pm & 5-8pm w/bands; Swingtips, Silhouette, Yesterday Once More, Paul Wells, Notes from Neptune, Shades of Blue, Route 66, XO Duo, Mancini the Band, Flavour, Walkens Trio, Van & Melanie, John Eric Duo & Bandstand POOLSIDE: Margarita Sundays 2-6pm – Live bands, food and drink specials. $10 cover per adult in includes a free drink! For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com

Sept 26 – Country Classics (tribute to Legends of Country Music) Oct 3 – Notorious (Duran Duran Tribute Oct 24 – Gloria Gaynor Oct 25 – One of these Nights (Tribute to the Eagles) Cascades Lounge: Mon, Tues & Fri (4-8pm) Featuring; Marty & the Party or Thaddeus Rose Wed & Thurs (6-10pm) featuring; JJ Band, XO Band or Str8Up Fri & Sat (9:30pm- 1:30am) Featuring; Soundwave, Shining Star and Andrea & Gemini Cities Bar & Grille: Sunday: (10am-4pm) live Jazz Brunch Buffet featuring Paul Wells or Freddie Duran

Bingo Hall: 11pm Fri & Sat - 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 Event Center: Oct 3 – Journey Unlimited – THE TRIBUTE Oct 31 – HallowScream Bash! Music & Costume Contest 3 places; $1,000, $500 and $250 Apache Spirits Lounge: Entertainment nightly Thurs – Sat (live bands, Deejays and Sporting Events)

Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777- 4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: DJ Rudy on weekends

Quechan Casino Resort

525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (Yuma area) 1-877-783-2426 Sidewinders bar: Free weekend entertainment w/ bands or deejays

Talking Stick Resort

Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road - Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Sundays at 10am – “Football Frenzy” is back with football, trivia and $2,000 in prizes each week! Sept 24, 25 & 26 – Thunder From Down Under (Male Revue) Oct 4 – Zappa Plays Zappa (starring Dweezil Zappa) Oct 24 – JB Smooth w/ Hugh Moore Nov 7 – David Spade Nov 14 – Comic Steven Wright Nov 21 – Anderson Ponty Band Dec 4 – Tracy Lawrence Dec 5 – Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy (Music of Emerson, Lake & Palmer) Grand Ballroom: Oct 31 – Wicked Ball, Halloween’s Hottest Event in the Valley w/ $10,000 Costume Cash giveaway - Party all

night without leaving the property. 3 rooms featuring a different vibe and music including EDM, Trance and Top 40 hits Pool at Talking Stick Resort: Sept 20 – Lynyrd Skynyrd Oct 1, 2 & 3 at 5pm, Phoenix Fashion Week Release Pool Party Events at Talking Stick Resort (Sat afternoons) Sept 19 – DJ Solarz & Sept 26 – Mighty Mi Palo Verde Lounge: Live bands nightly Shadows Lounge: Bands, singles & duos featuring jazz, classic sounds of Frank Sinatra and others Degree 270 Lounge: Fri & Sat, featuring the region’s best DJ’s Orange Sky Restaurant & Lounge: Live jazz

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

22181 Resort Blvd (I-40 @ exit 219) Flagstaff (928) 856-7200 Arrows Lounge: Live Entertainment on weekends Oct 10 & 11 – Larry King presents the Legends of Country Music

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline – Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: Sept 26 – Listen to the Music (Doobie Brothers Tribute Oct 17 – Tony! Toni! Tone! Oct 23 – Los Mismos V Q LIVE: (Mon – Sat) 4pm-7pm & 9pm-1am , Featuring; Silhouette, Str8up, Primintion, Powerdrive, Latino Rebel Band, Rhythm of the Sun Band, Walkens Unplugged, Marty & the Party, Chaka & Friends, Soul Persuasion or the New Frequency Band (Sun) 4pm-7pm, featuring; Yumi La Rosa or Mariachi Rodriguez Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm – BINGO ECLIPSE – Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways

entertainment

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Sept 19 – Comedian Dana Carvey Sept 20 – Broadway Concerts Sept 25 – New Zealand Bee Gees Tribute Sept 26 – Randy Linder’s Tribute to CCR Oct 2 – Polo Polo Oct 10 – Lost 80’s Live w/ ABC, Wang Chung, A Flock of Seagulls, Berlin, Bow Wow Wow, Boys Don’t Cry, Escape Club, Tommy Tutone, The Motels, Naked Eyes, John Waite and others Oct 17 – Loverboy Oct 18 – Mick Adams & the Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute Oct 20 – SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators Oct 23 – Ramon Ayala Oct 24 – Latin Legends Live featuring Malo and Tierra Oct 31 – Abba Fab (Tribute to ABBA) Nov 13 – Melissa Etheridge Dec 18 – LeAnn Rimes “Today is Christmas” Tour w/ Ellee Duke The Lounge: Mid-day (Mon11am-3pm) Melissa Etheridge featuring; Jukebox 6 or Route 66 w/ DJ Danny Davis Late night (Wed – Sun) featuring; Powerdrive, JJ’s Band, Str8Up, Shining Star, Chaka & Friends, Smooth Groove, The Walkens, Priminition or Rhythm Edition CHROME NIGHT CLUB: Fridays & Saturdays – Arizona’s Newest Hot Spot featuring DJ Medik

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015 23

travel TRAVEL – REX ALLEN DAYS IN WILLCOX By Phil Scudella Cowboy singer Rex Allen grew up on a homestead about 40 miles north of Willcox. After Rex graduated from high school, he joined the rodeo circuit, but in the late 40s he switched to a career in music, which led to starring in movies and television. Rex Allen was known as “Mr. Cowboy,” and became quite famous, but never forgot his roots, as he returned every year during this special celebration of their favorite son.

He also wrote and recorded “I Love You Arizona” that was honored in 1982 as the official state song. Go to YOUTUBE and watch this video by Rex Allen Jr. – It will make you proud to call Arizona your home.

He rode his famous horse Koko in the annual parade and performed during that event until he passed away in 1999 – But the town of Willcox continues to celebrate every year and this is the 64th Annual Rex Allen Days and Rex Allen Days Rodeo from October 2 – 4 and now his son Rex Allen Jr. continues the tradition by putting on a concert during this celebration. Rex Allen Jr. was the star on shows like Yesteryear and The Statler Brothers TV show on TNN for 9years. Rex Jr. - a long time “Warner Brothers” artist had over 50 charted country hits and is a member of the “Western Music Hall of Fame”.

24 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

During Rex Allen Days this year there is fun for everyone including the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, featuring Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrels, Break-Away Roping, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer

Wrestling & Team Roping. For more information call (520) 384-2272. There is also a morning parade down the streets of Willcox,, a carnival all weekend, Craft Fair and food vendors, Kid’s Pre-Rodeo event, Men’s and Co-ed Softball Tournament, Home Run Derby, Tractor Pulls, Live entertainment all weekend, including a Saturday night after Rodeo Concert and Dance. There is also the Annual “Cars for Kids2” charity Classic, Custom and Vintage Car Show at Keller Park on Sat October 3rd where you can participate with your car or truck. It’s just $25 to register your ride and you’ll receive a T-shirt commemorating

travel the event when you do. There will be a “Best of Show & “People’s Choice Awards.Call Sherry Lynn at (520) 253-0566 to participate. After “Rex Allen Days and Rodeo” you might just want to plan a return trip to Willcox because just two weeks later on Oct 17 & 18 it’s the simi-annual Willcox Wine Country Festival. This is two-day fun-filled event at historic Railroad Park in downtown Willcox. Remember, Willcox is just a one hour drive east of Tucson on I-10. The Willcox Wine Country Festival is a perfect getaway for Phoenix & Tucson residents. It’s not too far, but feels a world away. Admission to the festival is FREE – That’s right, you can enjoy live music and browse vendor and wine booths without charge. In addition, there are several downtown shops and cooperative events within walking distance. If you would like to imbibe - Tasting glasses and tickets may be purchased for $20-$25 This semi-annual event is coming up on the 3rd weekend in October – Sat & Sun Oct 17 & 18. Choose from over 70 wines from 17 Arizona wineries! Plus great food, music, fine Art, crafts, local

produce and lots more! While you’re in the area remember Apple Annie’s Orchard is nearby for picking apples and pears right off the trees, plus fresh home-made apple pie and Apple Pie Ice Cream and lots

more including the Fall Pumpkin Celebration – Weekends in mid-September thru the end of October. Pick your own pumpkin, feast on Pumpkin pies, Pumpkin Ice Cream and don’t miss their famous “Corn Maze” It’s the biggest one you will ever experience. Apple Annie’s Orchard is at 2081 W. Hardy in Willcox. Open at 8am – July thru October. Apple Annie’s also has a second location – Apple Annie’s Country Store just off of I-10 exit 340, offering their famous pies, apple bread, fudge, jarred goods and other Apple Annie’s goodies year round! 520-766-2084. While you travel to Willcox you will be stunned by some incredible rock formations nearby just off the I-10 – This is the Chiricahua National Monument – The Apache Indians called this 12,000 acres of Arizona nature “The Land of Standing Up Rocks” Travelers from around the world come to experience this site of unique rock formations created by a volcanic eruption about 27 million years ago leaving rock spires – precarious surreal pinnacles several hundred feet in height, along with caves, mountains and lava flow formations.

gaming news continued from page 6

At the 11:30 break the final four chip count was 1st – Vance Fitzgerald $22,000,000, 2nd – Jake Balsinger $8,500,000, 3rd – Matt Schlutz $5,100,000 and 4th – Chad Mizner $4,300,000 At 11:45 the blinds are huge 150,000/300,000 with 50,000 ante – Play resumed and right away Matt with about 5 million in chips went all-in Chad with about 4 million called and was knocked out in 4th place. At 12:20pm Jake goes all-in with Ac/9d – Chad calls with pocket 10’s – Flop 3-J-A, turn 7, river 5, and Chad’s pocket tens hold up and Chad is now at $8,000,000. At 12:45pm Jake is All-in with A/Q, Chad calls with A/K, no hits for either player on the flop, turn

or river or any pairs on the board, so Jake was out in 3rd place. The final two players chip count is Chad Mizner with $13,000,000 and Vance Fitzgerald with the rest $27,000,000 – They continued playing until at 1:10pm (only 3 hours into the finals) Chad went all-in with (A/J off suit) and around $6,000,000 – Vance called with Pocket Queens, Flop was 8-5-3- rainbow, turn card a 6 and river a 7 for almost a straight on the board and a chop – but no 4, so Vance takes out Chad Mizner and becomes the new 2015 Arizona State Poker Champion In addition to $253,600, Vance Fitzgerald took home a Presidential Rolex watch and a customized trophy. Second place and third place finishers, Chad Mizner and Jake Balsinger, also earned trophies as well as payouts of $189,600 and $134,300 respectively. Various poker professionals competed in the 2015 tournament including Dennis Phillips, Karina Jett and Kenna James. For more information about the ARENA Poker Room and upcoming tournaments at Talking Stick Resort, visit www.talkingstickresort.com or call (480) 850-8693.

The following are the top 10 players and their winnings in the 11th annual Arizona State Poker Championship: Vance Fitzgerald $253,600 Chad Mizner $189,600 Jake Balsiger $134,300 Matt Schultz $98,750 Gail Getzwiller $90,850 Hooman Nikzul $75,050 Matt Elsby $59,250 A.T. Gruzak $43,450 Alex Shelton $27,650 Tom Uwanawich $19,750 A total of 160 places were paid out in this largest poker tournament in the state of Arizona – and next year promises to be even bigger. Talking Stick Resort (TSR) is a AAA Four Diamond Rated Resort and a central landmark within the emerging Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination. Talking Stick Resort is located just east of the Loop 101 on Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale. TSR is locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

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26 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR Black Mass This is the true story of Boston mobster Whitey Bulger and his childhood friend who grew up to be an FBI agent. Bulger is the most violent criminal in South Boston, but is offered a deal by his friend. by If he gives them information on the David Ramsey Northside mob moving in on him, the FBI will get rid of them and he’ll get the protection of the FBI. It works well for Whitey as he expands his criminal empire but when the new federal prosecutor starts asking questions things start to fall apart. A great cast brings the story to life in a riving manner.

David’s Video Details

The Age of Adaline

Adaline Bowman stopped aging at the age of twenty-nine. Over the past eight decades she has had to move and change her identity every ten years. She has not been able to keep any friends or fall in love and has lived a lonely life. It is almost time for her to move again and while she is making the necessary arrangements she meets someone who she could fall in love with. If she decides to stay and try to make a life with him her secret will get out and the repercussions could be disastrous. The cast is brilliant and the story is very engaging. This is a rare romantic film that I truly enjoyed. “Age of Adaline” is worth adding to your collection.

Pitch Perfect 2

American Ultra Mike and Kristen – a happy stoner couple until one night when he is working and he finds two guys messing with his car. Suddenly

buried instincts kick in and he takes them out killing one of them with a spoon. He has no idea how he was able to do it but the CIA does and they want him dead. Mike keeps surprising himself as he outwits and outfights trained killers. As things escalate the action gets more intense and secrets are revealed. The cast is perfect, the story is unique and very well written. 28 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

In the sequel to the surprise hit the Barden Bellas the group have won consecutive championships. They are nationally celebrated but after a humiliating command performance for the President at the Lincoln Center they dramatically fall from grace. Banned from competing in the U. S. they enter an international competition that an American group has never won but if they win they will regain their status and right to perform. Not as good as the first one but entertaining enough.

Furious 7

Picking up where the last on left off as Deckard Shaw sets out to avenge his brother by killing Dom and everyone else involved in what happened. Everyone is back and the story circles back to “Tokyo Drift.” The direction is at times cartoony, the dialogue is painful to listen to and it seemed like everyone forgot how to act. The action is non-stop to the point that it feels like a stunt reel more than a complete film. “Furious 7” is the worst of the series and has me cringing at what the next one will bring. The highlight is a very nice and tear-inspiring tribute to Paul Walker at the end. David Ramsey is the President and co-founder of the Phoenix Film Critics Society and a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (The Critics Choice Awards). Watch his reviews on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday between 5:30 and 6:30am and on ABC-15’s “Sonoran Living Live” every other Friday. Read more of his DVD reviews at WildAboutMovies.com. Contact him at David@ TheSnackBar.net.

bingo

Bingo Games Statewide Apache Gold Casino - Globe

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino - Maricopa

Noon (Wed, Thu & Sun) 7pm (Fri & Sat & 1st Mon)

11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm & 6:30pm (Wed - Sun)

BlueWater Casino - Parker

Lone Butte Casino - Chandler

6:30pm (Mon-Wed) & 1:30pm (Sun)

Casino Arizona - Scottsdale

Paper & Electronic buy-ins; Matinee session daily at 1pm (Early birds at 12:30pm) Nightly session at 7pm (Early birds at 6:30) Late Night Bingo - Fri & Sat at Midnight (With music, light show & dancing!)

Casino Del Sol - Tucson

Noon & 6:30pm (Daily) 11:30pm - B.A.D. “Bingo After Dark” Party (Fri & Sat)

Mazatzal Casino - Payson

Noon (Mon-Thurs) 6:30pm (Tues & Thurs) (Double Payouts 1st Thurs & 3rd Tues)

Paradise Casino - Yuma 1:30 & 6pm (Daily)

Vee Quiva Casino - Laveen

Paper & Electronic buy-ins; Daily at Noon & 6pm (mini session at 5:30pm) Bingo Eclipse Party (Sat at 11pm) Cocopah Casino - Somerton Monday – 50% off electronic pack* (early bird) Tues – Senior’s, 50% off electronic (Yuma area) package* 1pm & 6pm (Daily) Wed – 5 free bonus packs*, Desert Diamond Casino - Tucson Sat – 50% off electronic packs*, 2pm & 7pm (Daily) Sun – Second Chance Sunday* Fort McDowell Casino - Fountain Hills *see Bingo Park for details *9am, 12:30pm & 6:30pm (Mon - Fri, *except Tues) 6:45am, 9am, 12:30pm, 6:30pm (Sat & Sun) Midnight (Fri & Sat) & Midnight (1st Sat - Lunar Bingo Party)

2:15 & 7:15pm (Daily) (Daily mini Sessions at noon & 1:30pm)

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015 29

Joke page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory

jokes of the month

A Shorter Password is Needed

Doctor’s Advice

“Well,” said Billy, “I was thinking about getting a vasectomy.” “That’s a big decision Billy….Have you talked it over with your family?” “Yea….we took a vote, and they’re in favor of it 15 to 2.”

I asked my primary care physician if he could prescribe something to stop my sleepwalking – He said “absolutely not – you need the exercise”

Close Encounters of a Different Kind

After a checkup, a doctor asked his long time patient Billy Bob “Is there anything you’d like to discuss?”

Here’s a comment from a patient during a colonoscopy that really broke up the Physician in the middle of his exam “Say Doc, could you write a note to my wife saying that my head is not up there?

The lawyer met with his client in jail with good news and some not so good news, “what’s the not so good news” asked his client. “Well” the lawyer remarked “It seems the blood found at the crime scene matches yours” And the good news?” asked his client. The lawyer

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20

While he was visiting our family for a few days, my father, who was staying in the guest room asked for the password to our Wi-Fi. “It’s taped under the modem,” I yelled upstairs to him. After many failed attempts to log on, he yelled to me “Am I spelling this right? “t a p e d u n d e r t h e m o d e m?”

Cutting advice

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

Kindness is rewarded Pretty good week

Stay true to your word Thanks are in order

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

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

Stand up for your rights Unplanned fun trip ahead

Right place – right time Big changes are coming

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22 Sept 7–14 Sept 15–22 Sept 23–30 Oct 1–6

Beautiful decision Go to special event Feels great to be right Stick with your plan

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

Right path coming soon

Get outside help Bright future getting near

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20 Sept 7–14 Sept 15–22 Sept 23–30 Oct 1–6

Aquarius Sept 7–14 Sept 15–22 Sept 23–30 Oct 1–6

CASINO DIRECTORY a

1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe-slots bingo & blackjack & Entertainment (800) 272-2438 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (888) 243-3360 3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots, poker & blackjack (800) 756-8744 3a. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots & Entertainment (800) 756-8744 30 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2015

Time to make changes

Stick to it- you’re right Chilling reality New friend in your life Unexpected good outcome

Jan 21 to Feb 19

Fall into a great start Persistence is needed

Plan a vacation Big win helps!

Legal Advice

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

Things take turn for better Odd but happy ending

Friend has great advice Stay close to home for win

Aries Mar 21 to April 20

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

It all adds up Just explain the situation Quite a week of fun Stay focused – it will work

Taurus April 21 to May 21 Sept 7–14 Sept 15–22 Sept 23–30 Oct 1–6

Patience – will help Chilling reality Get tough with friend Terrific weekend ahead

4. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots poker blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 6. Casino Del Sol Resort • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation-slots blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel • (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo poker & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots blackjack & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10b. Desert Diamond • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Slots 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation-slots keno bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (480) 837-1424

said “the test revealed your cholesterol level is in the good range”

Testing the Water

I see the Pope is visiting the United States this month and a local talk show host was discussing just that subject when a caller asked “How do you make Holy Water?” His response “I guess you boil the hell out of it!”

Gemini May 22 to June 21 Sept 7–14 Sept 15–22 Sept 23–30 Oct 1–6

Don’t change your ways Good decision pays off Lucky, Lucky week Loads of good news

Cancer June 22 to July 22

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

Strange good outcome Unexpected windfall

Go with your gut Good choice again

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

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

Fine way to start week Believe it can happen

Unplanned fun trip Take advice from old pal

12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots keno blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 13. Gila River Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa) Ak-Chin Indian Community - slots keno poker bingo blackjack & Entertainment (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe - slots poker & Entertainment (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe - slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots bingo.& Live Entertainment (888) 777-4946 19a Quechan Casino Resort • (Winterhaven, CA) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots table games poker & Entertainment 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe-slots (888) 837-4030 21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort • (Flagstaff) Navajo Nation - Slots, Table Games, Poker, Keno & Entertainment