December 2015 by Arizona Player

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Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com

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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Bad Beat Jackpot Hit at Wild Horse Pass REEL REVIEWS – Class II Slot Machines WIN A White Mountain Ski Package Getaway Blackjack Corner – Get All the Comps You Want Vol. 23 No. 12 • December 2015

Opening December 20

Win Any Time All The Time 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 Kevin Cummings Melody Hudson Vikki Pass Matt Probst David Ramsey Melissa Rowberry Satara Williams SIMG

Special Thanks to: Matt Probst and everyone at SIMG, along with the Marketing staff and Management at Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment

Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Kevin Cummings Cindy Esquer Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen Brian Mulligan Matt Probst David Ramsey Satara Williams SIMG

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 December 2015

Vol. 23 No. 12 • December 2015

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “Acela Express”

Cover Story Desert Diamond Casino West Valley Opens!

Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “Class II Slots Machines”

Gaming News “Bad Beat Jackpot Hit at Wild Horse Pass”

TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Comps”

Card Room Action Table Game Action Around the State

Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide

Contest Page “Win a 3 Day/2 Night Ski Package Getaway!”

David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey Top 10 Films of 2015

Bingo Directory Complete List of Bingo Games at Arizona Casinos

Jokes of the Month, Astrology, & Casino Directory

A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

December 2015-Acela Express – “Double-Double Bonus”

iving on the west coast in relatively slowpaced Arizona, you may be unfamiliar with the Acela Express, rail’s high speed system by that rapidly transports you between Washington Linda Boyd D.C. and Boston (14 quick stops along the way). Currently it moves on average at 65 mph, but plans are there for up to 220 mph by 2040. In fact, around 25% of Amtrak’s revenue came from this fast people-mover but many still choose the slower and cheaper Northeast Regional train. Not everybody wants the additional expense of a fast ride either in gambling or life. Just like the Acela Express, some video poker (VP) choices carry a high risk to your bankroll although the fast ride is more exciting to some gamblers. One such VP game is Double Double Bonus (DDB). Before deciding whether it’s the game for you take a close look at the pay schedule offered (it varies from casino-to-casino) as well as your bankroll. You should carefully examine the DDB options available in your neighborhood casino before selecting this game. Table 1.1 shows the differences in payouts determining both the expected return (ER) and variance (risk to your bankroll). Table 1.1: Double Double Bonus (DDB) Note that the only differences on this table occur on the full house and flush hands, respectively. Winning Hand Royal Flush Straight Flush 4 Aces w/2, 3 or 4 Four 2’s, 3’s or 4’s w/A-4 4 Aces Four 2’s, 3’s, or 4’s 4 Fives-Kings Full House* Flush* Straight 3 of a Kind 2 Pair Jacks or Better Expected Return Variance

10/6 9/6 DDB 9/5DDB 8/5 DDB 7/5 DDB 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 250 250 250 250 250 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 400 400 400 400 400 250 250 250 250 250 50 45 45 40 35 30 30 25 25 25 20 20 20 20 20 15 15 15 15 15 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 100.06% 98.98% 97.87% 96.78% 95.70% 42.1765

41.9849

42.1670

41.9948

42.1676

Expectations: It’s either feast or famine on this turbo train and you can be starving while the guy next door is pigging out with four of kind (4OAK) gluttony. So if you’re an overtly emotional gambler, like the blackjack player going bonkers over a $25 win, this isn’t the best game choice for you. Remember, also, that if your rants and banging causes the display glass to break the casino will present you with a big replacement bill. Honestly, it’s annoying to sit next to a furious player even if you’re the one making them angry by winning. This is a volatile game as evidenced by the variance data in Table 1.1 (all versions listed have variances over 41, translating to extreme exposure to loss of bankroll) so expect a rapid and bumpy ride. You should even consider going down a denomination, say from dollars to quarters, to open a larger window for 4OAKs, which come approximately once in every 400 hands. Time to Disembark: Although you may be playing say 9/6DDB computer-perfect (or according to Zamzow who wrote tutorial software program WinPoker) and still getting killed during your session, the device is never “due” to give you either 4OAK or a royal flush. So before each hand is dealt remember that a royal flush occurs once every 40,799.32 hands in 9/6DDB and I’m not talking about a dealt royal. That occurs around once in 650,000 hands and some frequent players will never get a dealt royal. The moral of the story is you should stop playing when you’ve spent the money you brought with you and try again another day. Final Thoughts: Amtrak’s Acela Express was surely in the danger zone by going over 100MPH around a sharp curve when it derailed causing fatalities and injuries to commuters traveling the Northeast corridor. You, too, may be heading for bankroll ruin when you select DDB, even 10/6DDB if you fail to get the sometimes elusive 4OAKs that make up the game’s theoretical return. Be ready to get off the train once you’ve spent your session budget and don’t lament if it’s a short ride. Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming and Destinations” & “American Casino Guide”. 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 current editions of “American Casino Guide” and YouTube videos, also with ACG. Her radio shows with Southern Gaming are available on iTunes. The Second Edition of her book appears in both paperback and kindle at amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publishers. www.squareonepublishers.com Toll Free: 877-900-BOOK

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COVER STORY

West Valley Welcomes Gaming to the Entertainment District

The game has changed in the West Valley’s Sports and Entertainment District. For the first time ever, you can catch an Arizona Cardinals’ game, buy a new wardrobe, enjoy a meal with friends, and now, gamble at Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley. The opening of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise’s new facility will allow residents and visitors to try their luck at one of more than a thousand gaming devices starting Dec. 20. This comes as long-awaited good news for the West Valley. With no gaming options in the area, residents have had to travel to other parts of the greater Phoenix area. With doors opening this month, Desert Diamond will afford residents the ability to play their favorite games without the aggravation of driving far. But the convenience isn’t the only reason residents are applauding this early opening. Since breaking ground in August 2014, more than 1,300 men and women have been hired to complete the first phase of the facility—providing more than 80 companies the opportunity to put their employees to work. As the holidays approach, residents are finally finding work, many providing for their families after months or even years of being unemployed. continued on page 25

8 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015 9

Reel Reviews by Kevin Cummings

CLASS II GAMING

At the request of our editor Phil, I’ve been asked to explain what Class II gaming is. Desert Diamond West Phoenix will be opening on December 20th with over 1,000 brand new Class II slot machines. Within the last few years two Arizona casinos have installed 60 Class II games. Class II gaming has developed and evolved into what it is today... where the gambling machines mimic what we typically see with Vegas-style gaming, where the outcomes are selected at random. While the outside of the machine may resemble a standard slot machine, the software that runs the game is entirely different. Instead of the outcomes being decided by a random number generator, a Class II game is built on a competitive game of bingo which is run by a central controller. Essentially, players on a bank of machines are playing a friendly game of bingo. Each time you bet, a set of bingo balls is drawn from the central computer. If they match certain hit patterns you will win that associated credit prize. The spinning reels, symbols, and bonuses are all a facade and are merely a visual slot machine representation for the bingo game which happens behind the scenes. On Class III machines – these are your standard Vegas-style machines, each spin is random and when the spin button is pressed the local random number generator picks a result.

Let’s say you hit this bingo pattern and this pattern’s payout is a 150 credits. The game’s software will move the reels into a position which visually shows a win of 150 credits. The reels are just for visual presentation. Think of Class II gaming as a fishbowl full of marbles. Each marble has a set award and every time you bet you get to randomly draw one of the marbles out of the bowl. Since that marble has been drawn, it is no longer in play and the outcomes and odds of any future pick are affected. As an example, if you bet 100 spins on a game and do not hit the jackpot, the jackpot odds went from 1:1,000,000 to 1:999,900 over the course of your play. If you’re sitting at a bank of slot machines, all the players on that bank are reaching into the same fishbowl for prizes. Using that same example of the fishbowl, Class III gaming would work a little differently. At random you would pull a marble out of the bowl, and then you would put the marble back into the bowl. Each draw/bet is random and has the same chances of winning the bonus or the jackpot on every spin. A jackpot with odds of 1:1,000,000 would never change even if the game is on the floor for 10 years. Every bet is completely random and independent of each other. That is why jackpots can, in theory, hit back to back. So what’s the difference to the player? To the average player you may not notice any changes to the game, which is exactly what manufacturers want you to experience. Truly, there isn’t much of a difference for most slot players. Since the results are still fairly random and the game will still provide the same entertainment experience. Kevin Cummings has worked in the gaming industry designing, conception and patenting Class II and Class III games for several manufactures. Being an avid player and having designed them, he loves to review game play and mathematics. If you’d like to ask questions or to suggest a game you can contact him directly at KTCummings@cox.net

gaming news Poker Jackpot hit at Wild Horse Pass! Bad beat triggers Super 10 progressive Winning a hand of Texas Hold ‘em with four-of-a-kind is a pretty good bet. However, as Rafael Ramirez discovered on Tuesday, December 8th losing that hand can be much more rewarding. The Valley resident playing in a 3/6 limit Hold ’em game, took home the largest share of the $125,500 jackpot when his unlikely loss triggered the “Super 10” linked progressive jackpot at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The Super 10 jackpot is triggered at either one of two Gila River Casinos – Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler or Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino in the Laveen area, when a hand of four-of-a-kind (tens or higher) is beaten by a better hand from another player at the table. This situation is called a “bad beat” because of the incredibly low probability of losing that hand. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have ever happened for Rafael Ramirez and the other 8 players at his table, since this hand qualified to take down the “Super 10” progressive jackpot that was an incredible $125,500 when the hand of four-of-a-kind Jacks that Ramirez showed was beaten by a queen high club straight flush, and the amazing jackpot was shared between all nine players at the table. The “Bad Beat” loser

12 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

(Ramirez) won the biggest share (50%) of the Jackpot – A little over $62,000! The winner of the hand obviously took the pot on the table plus 25% of the jackpot, a bit over $31,000, the remaining players at the table split the a little over $31,000 of the jackpot 7 ways. A pretty nice piece of change for “just watching” that special hand, play out. Congratulations to all who cashed, and if you’re heading to the poker rooms at Vee Quiva or Wild Horse Pass, the new Jackpot re-started at $15,000 and grows by $500 every day until it is hit again! Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is located at 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. For more information on this and other events call 1-800-946-4452 or go to their website www.wingilariver.com

TJ’s Blackjack corner

Free Stuff For Playing Blackjack?

ES, you can get plenty of free stuff from the casino just for playing winning blackjack? Let me explain; simply have your “Players Card” entered when you buy in at the table – and every time you re-buy, ask that it be added to your original buyin. That will accomplish the task. Thanks to the folks at one of my favorite casinos years ago, the formula was revealed to me. The factors that are in a players control at the blackjack table are; 1) average bet, 2) length of play and 3) the type of game you are playing at that table. These factors - along with some house control factors, creates a “theoretical win”. The math creating the “theoretical win” is what the casino should win from the player. For example - a player that plays perfect basic strategy at the blackjack table should lose about fifty two

by TJ Jorgensen

14 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

cents for every one hundred dollars played. From the “theoretical win”, the casino creates a “comp amount”. This amount is discretionary and is an amount that the casino feels best recognizes good player loyalty. Patron’s are not entitled to its value like cash rewards from slots, where available, but is generally what the casino will “comp” up too. So, you may ask, why do certain games types have larger bonus pay-outs? Some card games give the house a higher edge. Patrons playing those games will generate a higher comp value. Now, another factor that plays into a casinos comp decision is the “quick loss” factor. Patron’s who lose a large amount of money in a quick period of time, will not generate a high comp value even though they are extremely valuable to the casino and deserve to get those comps. Casino Management will make a judgment call as to the patrons value and comp accordingly. This is the standard formula throughout the industry for table games. Like the so called Game of Life…being polite and courteous goes a long way towards getting what you want. Casinos want to recognize all players. Those with tight budgets are no exception. Most important, secure a Player’s Card where ever you play, and always play within your means. After playing for what you think is a reasonable amount of time, ask if you can get a comp. Most likely you will and that’s a win for you and the casino. So what kind of comps can you get? A while back I was offered a suite at Wild Horse Pass. This huge suite included flat screen TV’s, two

bathrooms, refrigerator, bar, a lounge area, and a Jacuzzi. What does it take to get a comp for one of these suites? If you play on average of $250 per hand for a period of six hours, you too may get one of these for free. Even though this sounds like a lot of money, if you are a “perfect strategy” player, it really isn’t all that much. I have also received NASCAR tickets, $50 dinner comps, front row seats to concerts, and countless other cool things from doing nothing more than playing a winning game of blackjack. What’s the moral of the story? Get that Players Card and present it every time you buy in at the blackjack table. It is a win/ win situation for players and the casino. Until next time I hope you play winning blackjack. Editor’s note: I must say TJ is right on the money, I have sat at a table for only a half hour to an hour playing just $10 to $20 a hand and have asked the pit boss if I could get a couple of drink tickets (worth about 10 to 15 bucks) and after I’m handed those vouchers, another player at the table will ask “How do you get free drinks?” and I will ask “Do you have a players card?” and many times the answer is “No, why would I want one of those, I don’t want the casino to know what I’m winning” And I usually reply “Well - there you go” ”

T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years 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 Sat Dec 19 at 11:15am – The 13th Annual Christmas Toy Drive Tournament – Buy-in (a new unwrapped Toy) & $35 Fri, Sat & Sun, January 29, 30 & 31, 2016 “Staycation Weekend Tournament” Play in all 3 tournaments and you receive a Complimentary 2 night stay at Talking Stick Resort! You could win a free spot into the tournament by playing in the Super Satellite “win a seat” tournaments on Jan 10 & 17 or in single or double entry “Shootouts” Dec 19 thru Jan 29, whenever 10 players sign-up. Mon – Fri, 11:15 am – NLHE Tournament - $125 buy-in Mon – Thurs, 7:15pm - NLHE, $145 buy-in Sat, Jan 9 & Feb 14, 11:15 am – “Super Bounty” NLHE - $240 buy-in w/ $100 Bounties Sat, Dec 26, Jan 23 & Feb 27 – 11:15 am – Last Saturday NLHE - $160 buy-in NLHE Weekend Tournaments - $200 buy-in Sat, Jan 2 & Feb 6, 11:15am – “Big Stack” NLHE – $345 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, Football “Splash pots” during the game Bad Beat Hold-em Jackpot (aces full of 10s or better, beaten by 4 of a kind) at press time was over $51,000 & Omaha over $7,000 Daily-“Aces Cracked” pays $40 and Royal Flush pays $200 Also dealing blackjack daily at 9am

Bucky’s Casino 928-515-5305

Prescott, AZ NFL Splash Pot Sundays - Am,Pm & night games – splash every table for every score, plus “random seat” winner for every score! 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

16 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

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 “Dirty Tequila” Blackjack Tournaments – Every Wed in Dec from 7:30 – 10:30pm – Winners at EVERY TABLE every ½ hour- Player with the highest chip amount for the night wins a NASCAR Event Package that includes NASCAR Event Premium Admission PLUS a Limo ride winner and a guest to and from the March event! 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 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” ONLY available at Casino del Sol – a side bet on all Hold-em tables. $1 side bet – Win up to $1,000! Dealing Blackjack 24/7 - New Games featuring; Crazy 4 Poker, Texas Shootout, Casino WAR & Ultimate Texas Hold’Em!

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 928-567-7952

Camp Verde, AZ Last Sat of the Month Tournament; Dec 26 at Noon - $100 buy-in (opt $50 add-on & $10 Dealer appreciation fee) 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 – (Except last Sat) $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 (Mon-Thurs) 9am – 4am (Fri & Sat)

Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687

Somerton, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 10am –

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 520-342-1810

Tucson, AZ Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am, plus Tues & Wed at 7pm $500 added NLHE – $35 buy-in no re-buys 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 NFL “Splash Pots” Various nights and Sunday AM, PM and Eve games including playoff 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, Jan 17 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 Sun of month, Qualify: Win a daily tournament or 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 buy-in Sun 12:30pm – NLHE - $25 buy-in w/ two $10 add-ons at the break

NFL “Splash Pots” Sun, Mon & Thurs – PLUS College Bowl Games “Splash Pots”(Call for 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 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! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot at press time was over $160,000 and growing!

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529

Payson, AZ Live poker Wed –Sun at 10am, High Hands (Wed & Thurs includes “Scoop-a-dupe”(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 $100 in chips” 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 Mon & Thurs Nights & Sunday all-day NFL “Splash Pots” 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 Poker Room 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

CARD ROOM ACTION **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. 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 $160,000 and growing!

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext #7375

Chandler,AZ NFL “Splash Pots” Sunday, Monday & Thursday (call for details) Hockey “Splash pots” - each goal scored gets 3 tables splashed for $100 each. Both teams splashed on these games! 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 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 $160,000 and growing!

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)

CARD ROOM MANAGERS

please send updates to azplayer@cox.net

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015 17

entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort

(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! Convention Center: Jan 15 & 16 – Standup Comedy of Steven Briggs & Andy Kern San Carlos Event Center: Jan 8, 9 & 10 – Clinton Anderson Horsemanship Clinic – Innovation – Inspiration – Instruction Jan 30 – Through the Roots The Point Sports Bar: Dec 19 – The Comedy Machine presents gut busting free show starring Michael Bailey & Mike Simpson

BlueWater Resort and Casino

11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 BlueWater Showroom: Dec 18 - Comedy of Williams & Ree (2 shows 5pm & 8pm) Jan 30 – Elvis & Johnny! The Ultimate ELVIS starring Justin Shandor and Philip Bauer as Johnny Cash BlueWater Amphitheater: Call for new event schedule River’s Edge Cantina: Call for entertainment updates Dig Lounge: Deejays or live bands “Southbound & Company” or “Zero Gravity Fighters” PLUS Sports on the big screens

Casino Arizona

101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Monday Night Showroom Football Dec 2 – 23 – SHOWSTOPPERS LIVE! “Holiday Spectacular” Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party w/ “Loveshack” (Call for details) Jan 1 & 2 – DSB (Journey Tribute) Jan 8 & 9 – Generation IDOL (Billy Idol Tribute Band) Jan 22 & 23 – Blasphemous Rumours (Depeche Mode Tribute) Jan 29 m& 30 – Aeromyth – (Tribute to Aerosmith) Arizona Room Patio Grill: Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party w/ Sapphire Sky Jan 2 – UFC 195 – Lawler vs ConditMon – Chad Freeman and Redline (8pm) Tues– Trivia Tuesdays - $1000 up for grabs (register 5:30-6:30 – action starts at 7pm) 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 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 AVA Amphitheater: Conference Center: Feb 6, 2016 – Lewis Black Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, with Live bands on weekends and Tribute bands on Thursdays

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

ELVIS TRIBUTE-Justin Shandor

18 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: Call for updated schedule Dragonfly Lounge; live music on weekends featuring MONDAY FOOTBALL MADNESS -$10 admission includes Stadium style buffet – drink specials plus win cash & prizes: Dec 19 – Native American Fest Dec 25 & 26 – Kill Babylon Coalition Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party #1 Under the Tent at the

Main Entrance w/ the band Grupo Latido $10 Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party #2 in the Dragonfly Lounge with the Mike Reeves Band (Free)

Cocopah Casino Resort

15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ (Yuma area) (928) 726-8066 Sunset Lounge: Thurs at 9pm – Whitehorse band Fri & Sat - karoake River Room: The best Live local bands in Arizona

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel

7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-332-9467 Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJ on weekends Fridays – “Old School Mix” w/ DJ Blade

Lewis Black

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015 19

entertainment

Dec 19 at 1:30pm – Ultra Star Amphitheatre (next to the casino) Gin Blossoms THE LOUNGE: Weekends in The Lounge starting at 8pm (no cover) Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve – Pop Vinyl w/ 3 shows 8pm, 10pm & Midnight Fri & Sat: (8pm to 1am) – featuring Bands; ZFG, Basketball Jones, Smooth Groove or The Walkens Wed (noon -4pm) featuring; Guy Pennachio, Joe Costello Trio, Bandstand Shows, Silhouette, or the Buddy Holly Tribute Tues & Wed (Happy Hour, 5-8pm) w/bands; Flavour, Karen & Pat, Walkens Trio or Stanley Serano Trio For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino

Saturdays – “Noches Caliente” Hottest Tex Mex & Tejano music w/ Los Gallegos or Grupo Latido

Desert Diamond Casino I -19

1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: Dec 19 – Johnny Rivers Jan 3 – Willie Nelson & Family 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 with bands; Smokestack Lighting, Rick Lenzi as ELVIS featuring Roustabout, and Route 66 New Year’s Eve – STATUS (New School Cover Band) Bingo Hall: 1st Saturday of each month – Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways Updates – go to fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000

20 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: Dec 18 – “The Tribute” Shania Twain & Tim McGraw Tribute Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Monday is Comedy Night, Tues-Sat, Live bands Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party w/ Ronnie & The Classics Jan 1& 2 – Firstborn Jan 5 thru 9 – Radio Rave Feb 2 thru 6 – Creagles CCR & Eagles Tribute Feb 9 thru 13 James Presley Band

Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Lone Butte Event Center: Dec 27 – Mariacci Fiesta Valle Del Sol Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Polka Party at 12 Noon featuring “Squeeze Box” Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party with Str8Up Band Jan 2 – Comedy with Ed Regine & Gregory Fuller Cascades Lounge: Mon, Tues & Fri (4-8pm) Featuring; Marty & the Party or Thaddeus Rose

Wed & Thurs (6-10pm) & Fri & Sat (9:30pm- 1:30am) featuring; JJ Band, Shining Star or Str8Up Cities Bar & Grille: Sunday: (10am-4pm) live Jazz Brunch Buffet featuring Tim Hern 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: Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Bash featuring LIQUID BLUE – Voted America’s #1 Dance Band! 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 or bands 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 11am – “Football Frenzy” is back with football, trivia and $2,000 in prizes each week! Dec 31 – Raven’s Annual New Year’s Eve Gala Jan 2 – Jerry Riopelle Jan 8 – Todd Rundgren Jan 22 – Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam World Tour Jan 23 – Comedian Jim Norton Feb 27 – The Mavericks Mar 12 – BoDeans Mar 16 thru Mar 20 – Legends in Concert! (2 shows each night at 5 & 8pm – except on Wed 1 show at 8pm and Sun I show at 5pm) Mar 25 – Tesla Mar 26 – An Evening with David Crosby Grand Ballroom: Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve – 3 Parties – 1 Night! w/ Boogie Nights, DJ Diverse, DJ Tranzit + AC/DC & Led Zeppelin Tribute Bands – Call for details and resvertations Jan 17 – STYX Feb 12 – Trace Adkins Feb 13 – Frank Caliendo Mar 5 – Joe Satriani –

entertainment Bo Deans

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 - Call for details

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline – Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: Dec 26 - Mariachi Rodriguez Dec 31, at 3pm - Catch A Wave (Beach Boys Tribute Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party with “One of these Nights (Eagles Tribute) Jan 9 – Nashville Gold Jan 23 - Casper Jan 30, 2016 – Brenton Wood Feb 13 & 14 – Little Joe Y La Familia V Q LIVE: (Monday – Saturday, 4pm-7pm & 9pm1am, Nov 14 thru Nov 28) - Featuring; Andrea & Gemini, New Frequency Band, Reality Band Str8up, Priminition, Powerdrive, Latino Rebel Band, Rhythm of the Sun Band, Chuck E Baby, Marty & the Party or Soul Persuasion (Sunday) 4pm-7pm, featuring; Mariachi Rodriguez Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm – BINGO ECLIPSE – Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways

22 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Dec 18 – LeAnn Rimes “Today is Christmas” Tour w/ Ellee Duke Dec 20 – Vegas Country (Shania Twain & Tim McGraw Tribute) Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve - Powerdrive Jan 2 – Piano Man Tribute Jan 3 – ’56 Rock & Roll Revue Jan 8 – Donny Osmond Jan 9 – Squeezebox & Mollie B Jan 10 – Teen Idols Tribute Jan 16 – The Temptations Jan 17 – The Magic of Motown Jan 22 – Burton Cummings Jan 23 - Comedy of Norm Macdonald & Kevin Nealon

Jan 31 – Lou Nelson (Tom Jones Tribute Feb 5 – Engelbert Humperdinck Feb 12 – “DECEMBER ‘63” (Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Feb 13 & 14 – Smokey Robinson Feb 19 – Roseanne Barr Feb 20 – Oak Ridge Boys The Lounge: Mid-day (Mon11am-3pm) 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

Smokey Robinson

contest page WINTER WONDERLAND SWEEPSTAKES

If you love the idea of racing down the snow covered slopes of the spectacular White Mountains on skis or a snowboard, then waste no time and enter this exciting getaway to Sunrise Park Resort and Hon-Dah Resort Casino. This Grand Prize Package includes; a 3 day 2 night stay in the picturesque Pinetop area at Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center. You and a guest will also receive breakfast and dinner at the Indian Pines Restaurant. Now add to that; lift tickets to Sunrise Ski Resort for one full day, plus additional surprises when you arrive and check in. You’ll have an incredible amount of fun on the slopes plus lots of other outdoor adventures in the beautiful White Mountains. let’s not forget all of the indoor excitement you and your guest will have at Hon-Dah Resort Casino

24 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

including; live entertainment in the Timbers Lounge featuring the absolute best bands in Arizona along with some nationally known performers too! There is also various “live” poker games and poker tournaments daily to play in, plus some of the loosest slots anywhere in Arizona, so that you can bring home a jackpot. Along with the Grand Prize Winners, Arizona Player will also have some runner-up prizes: 2nd & 3rd place winners will receive All-Day Lift Tickets for two people to the Sunrise Ski Resort along with dinner for 2 at the Indian Pines Restaurant! We are also adding two additional runner-up winners each will receive $50 gift cards to Macy’s to do some well-earned after the holiday shopping for yourself! So don’t delay, enter as soon as you can at Arizonaplayer.com Just go to the website to enter the contest but hurry – entries close on January 3rd. Be sure to fill it out the entry form completely to be eligible to win – Winners will be announced in the January 2016 issue. Once you enter – you can increase your

chances of winning by going to the Arizona Player / FACEBOOK page and “Like” Arizona Player Magazine – When you do you receive an additional entry! GOOD LUCK – Hope to see you soon enjoying the spectacular White Mountains this winter compliments of Arizona Player along with Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center and Sunrise Ski Park. Thanks for picking up, reading and passing along copies of Arizona Player to your friends - We love all of your suggestions to make our magazine even better! Look for new exciting announcements coming in 2016. You are going to like them. What’s not to like in my world with great people like you out there – You’re the best! Phil Scudella

COVER STORY

continued from page 8 “It means the world to me to finally get back on my feet for me and my five children. To be able to support them and not have to ask for assistance from anybody,” said Daniel C. from Avondale, a newly hired employee at Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley. This first phase of the facility—costing approximately $200 million to complete—will initially open as a Class II property. Andy Asselin, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, noted that the high demand by the public for Desert Diamond to open its doors led the Enterprise to make this decision. “We’ve heard from West Valley residents loud and clear. They want this open!” Asselin said. “We are making that happen by first starting as a Class II and then transitioning to Class III as we expand the facility.” Guests won’t even know the difference, Asselin added. Starting on Dec. 20, visitors to the property can play on any of the 1,089 gaming devices on the casino floor which include fan-favorites IGT’s Wheel of Fortune, Bally’s Buffalo along with 88 Fortunes, Aristocrat’s 5 Dragons Legends, and Everi’s Smokin’ 777. A two-venue food court will also be up and running in time for opening day.

Touted as only the start of something much bigger, Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley will eventually expand as additional phases are complete. The final product will include a large primary gaming floor that will house a bingo hall and a poker room, in addition to a full-service hotel with a spa, restaurants, retail space, and other amenities. With all of this, it’s no wonder the facility is a welcome addition to the Entertainment District. The upcoming phases are another win for the West Valley, especially for those looking for work. Once fully complete, Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley will create 3,000 permanent jobs and generate more than $300 million in annual economic impacts for the state. Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley is located at 9431 W. Northern Ave., just east of Loop 101 near Glendale and Peoria. Guests can sign up for a free Rewards Card at the casino’s Rewards Center starting December 20.. More information can be found on Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment’s website www.ddcaz.com

DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR

by David Ramsey

Top Ten Films of 2015

1. The Walk

2. Star Wars:

Philippe Petit grew up fascinated by high-wire walkers. He taught himself enough to impress one the greats who became his mentor and teacher. He worked a street performer in Paris but was always looking for some place to hang his wire then he saw a picture of the then under construction twin towers of the World Trade Center, He knew he had to hang his wire between them and walk it. The planning and recruitment of his accomplices is treated like it’s a heist because what they are doing is illegal. They have to break in to both towers while they are under construction, hang the wire, stabilize it and then Philippe has to walk the wire - all before the police can stop them. The way “The Walk” is told is captivating and you feel as if you are on the wire with him.

The Force Awakens The Republic is trying to find one of its heroes with one of its best pilots hot on a lead when the First Order appears hot on his trail led by masked villain. A scavenger gets involved in the action with the help from a traitor. A lot of family faces show up but you don’t have to have seen any of the previous “Star Wars” films to understand and enjoy this one. From the opening fanfare to the end credits “The Force Awakens” is a joy to watch. Taking place 30 years after the end of “The Return of the Jedi” this is the film we have been waiting for all that time. Thank you Disney for returning the magic to the “Star Wars” universe.

3. Joy

4. Spotlight

Joy is a divorced overworked underpaid mom whose divorced parents and ex-husband live with her and her kids. Feeling her life’s dreams slipping away she comes up with a new invention and sets out to sell it. First she has to get financing, arrange manufacturing and a sales channel. She runs into obstacles at every turn that she has to overcome in dramatic, often amusing and entertaining fashion. Based on a true story “Joy” reunites the writer/ director and stars of “Silver Lining Playbook” and “American Hustle” in another brilliant film.

When a new editor arrives at the Boston Globe he asks its investigative division, known as Spotlight, to look into the possible connection between two stories about priests molesting children. The investigation uncovers a large worldwide conspiracy and rocks the foundation of one of the most powerful institutions in the world as well as the very foundation of the city. The cast is outstanding as is the storytelling. Based on the true story “Spotlight” is a compelling story as well as a cautionary tale.

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.

Honorable Mention

26 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

(in alphabetical order): American Ultra, The Big Short, Black Mass, The Danish Girl, The Intern, Jurassic World, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Mistress America, Shaun the Sheep, Straight Outta Compton.

5. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Greg spends most of his time making parody of classic movies with his co-worker Earl. They have been making them since grade school and what we get to see of them is hilarious. Greg has managed to navigate the treacherous environs of High School without being involved with or alienating any group. One day his mother asks him to spend some time with a girl from his school who has been diagnosed with cancer. At first he does so reluctantly but as they get to know each other he enjoys spending time with her. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is told with humor and heart.

7. Age of Adeline Adeline 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. “Age of Adeline” is one of the rare romantic films that I truly enjoyed.

9. Ant-Man Scott Lang has a talent that Dr. Hank Pym needs. He is a very good thief and Pym wants him to break into high security lab to save the world. Pym gives him a super-suit that allows him to shrink while retaining all his strength. With training Scott become Ant-Man. After the letdown of the past few Marvel movies “Ant-Man” is one of the best films in the Marvel Universe. It has a typical story but it’s told with the right amount of humor and action. I can’t wait to see him team up with the Avengers. 27 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015

6. Mad Max: Fury Road It’s been 30 years since the last time George Miller took us to the post apocalyptic world he created in 1979 and he proves he has not lost his touch. Max gets caught up in race for freedom from a warlord and his thugs. The story is captivating, the cast is perfect, the effects are terrific and the action is non-stop in one of the best of films of the year. I hope we don’t have to wait another three decades for the next one.

8. The Martian

A manned mission to Mars has to leave quickly when a severe storm hits. As they hurriedly prepare to leave one of the astronauts, Mark Watney, is lost and presumed dead. The next day he makes his way back to camp knowing everyone is gone. Mark is faced with the daunting task of finding a way to survive until the next Mars mission in 4 years and he has to figure out how to let NASA back on Earth know he is alive. Watney uses his ingenuity and training while recording what he is doing with wit and pathos. As Watney Matt Damon is the movie but the supporting cast of NASA officials, scientists and other astronauts are perfectly cast. “The Martian” is at times tense but it’s also filled with humor and excitement.

10. Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation The IMF team is disbanded and Ethan is on the run wanted by the CIA. Ethan believes there is an organization called The Syndicate that is trying to take over the world and its going to start by eliminating the IMF. He manages to get proof with the help of a beautiful and mysterious agent and enlists the rest of his team to join him. The action is amazing, the stunts are breathtaking, and the story may be the best of the series. Cruise and team have upped the ante for the next one, and I can’t wait for MI6.

bingo

Bingo Games Statewide Apache Gold Casino - Globe

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino - Maricopa

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

& 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

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

Cocopah Casino - Somerton (Yuma area) 1pm & 6pm (Daily)

Desert Diamond Casino - Tucson 2pm & 7pm (Daily)

Fort McDowell Casino - Fountain Hills

11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

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) Mon - 50% off electronic pack* (early bird) Tues – Senior’s, 50% off electronic package* Wed – 5 free bonus packs*, Sat – 50% off electronic packs*, Sun – Second Chance Sunday* *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)

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2015 29

Joke page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory

jokes of the month

Final Answer

Billy was applying for a job after being unemployed for the third time within the year The new employer loved Billy’s credentials and asked “Well, Bill, what would you consider your greatest weakness?”

Letter to the neighbor

Dear Marvin

We have been neighbors for nearly five exasperating years. During that time when you borrowed my lawn mower, you broke the blade, same luck with my chain saw – you burned out the motor and told me it must have been defective.

Billy looked up and said “always being too honest” “Honesty?” said the HR Director “Is not what I would consider a weakness” Billy replied “I don’t care what you think!”

When I was ill and in bed for a week, you played your karaoke machine and screeched your version of Elvis songs till all hours of the night and when your pit bulls tore up my flower garden, you just laughed. Look, I am not one to hold grudges, so I am writing you this letter to let you know your house is on fire.

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20

Gemini May 22 to June 21

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20

Cancer June 22 to July 22

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19

Taurus April 21 to May 21

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22

Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7 Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7 Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7

Renew old friendship New place brings big win Time to try a new way That trip you needed is now Go with your guts Late night jackpot Unexpected visitor More fun than you thought Old friend has answer Now is the right time A weekend to remember A trip worth taking

Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7

Aries Mar 21 to April 20

Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7 Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7

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 December 2015

Strange weekend Safe but sure bet Good time & nice win Tough times ending Why not try it New game hits big Terrific week Some needed help

Best friend needs help Big $$$ coming soon Persistence is rewarded Things are looking up

Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7 Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7

Great attitude pays off In the nick of time First thought was right Trust is a must

Big thrills on the way Good news this week Hard works pays dividend Old friend returns

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7

Think positive Repair old friendship Really great new friend Smiles for you all week

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

Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7

You make correct move Idea is a good choice Fun trip in near future Stick to your convictions

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7 Dec 10–16 Dec 17–23 Dec 24–31 Jan 1–7

Do not underestimate luck Best pal has great idea Call from the past Plan that needed trip Bust out of your routine Relax with good friend Now you’re cookin’ Believe in yourself

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