April 2016 by Arizona Player

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Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com

Cover Story on Page 8

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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Saint Paddy’s Day Blackjack tournament Boyd’s Eye View – Brick around your ankle Blackjack Corner – How to win a tournament Horsin’ Around – The Kentucky Derby Preview Vol. 24 No. 4 • April 2016

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Contents

Vol. 24 No. 4 • April 2016

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “Brick Around Your Ankle” 6 Cover Story Harrah’s Ak-Chin W-S-O-P Tournaments

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 Tony Deluz Anne Grobner Melody Hudson David Ramsey Melissa Rowberry Satara Williams

Special Thanks to: Jason Crow, Jordyn Carias, Melissa Rowberry and the entire Marketing team and Management at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino for all their help on this April Issue

Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Rachel Brockway Kevin Cummings Cindy Esquer Anne Grobner Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen Lyra Manning Teri Morris Brian Mulligan David Ramsey Melissa Rowberry Shelley Stewart 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.

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Gaming News Casino Del Sol’s Golf Course Named No. 1 in Arizona

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TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen ”How to Win Blackjack Tournaments” 12 Card Room Action Table Game Action Around the State

Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide

Travel “Zip Pa Dee Do Da – New Zip line at Sunrise Park Resort”

Horsin' Around Brian Mulligan Kentucky Derby Preview

Gaming News Desert Diamond Golf Classic Charity Fund Raiser

Gaming News Saint Patrick’s Day Blackjack Tournament at the Fort

David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey Film and DVD reviews

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

Brick

Your Ankle

ou wouldn’t want to jump in the pool with a brick around your ankle any more than you’d choose to play video poker (VP) with the proverbial weight attached. So even by though I’m sure it’s not intentional, I scratch my Linda Boyd head at some of the decisions players make during casino play. I’ll stick with VP even though there are heavy sacks that you should avoid for virtually every casino game.

Choosing a Machine:

I’ve written about the importance of looking at pay schedules before depositing money in the device many times but still meet people who have never heard of such a thing. If you’re a new player then you should write down the pay schedule on a piece of paper or in the notes section of your smart phone so you can determine the game’s expected return (ER) before you play. You may not be able to determine the theoretical percentage until you go home and plug the data into your software unless you can go to the free American Casino Guide icon where you can access this data. (Most smart phones and all iPhones have this capability.) After you know the game’s ER you can make an informed decision about whether or not you still want to play. Sometimes there are games that are identical, but for the pay schedule, within the same casino. For example, I’ve seen 9/6 Double Double Bonus (9/6DDB) on different banks and one is progressive on all four-of-a-kinds as well as the royal flush while the other group is not; some people don’t notice the difference. The same is true about versions of jacks or better (JOB); some are 9/6JOB while others are 8/5JOB or even 7/5JOB. It’s tough to understand why somebody would choose a smaller payback for the same hand on the same game. One lady explained that she played the poorest version because they were “set to pay the same thing”. That’s a totally false statement and if it were true then the casino would be cheating because Arizona requires an RNG (random number generator) in all its VP devices.

Home Practice:

Be aware that you only get the theoretical ER if you play compute- perfect and that requires home practice on your VP software. (WinPoker by Dean Zamzow is still the best on the market, in my opinion.) Even if you play frequently it’s still smart to do occasional brush up sessions at home. There are

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six teaching modes on the user-friendly software and I always choose “warn”; if I’m about to make a mistake a window pops up to warn me of the average cost per hour of my error. Even though I’ve played these games for years I still make a few mistakes, especially on penalty cards and remembering the number of gaps between cards for accurate holds. I explain all of these terms and have free removable strategy cards and pay schedules in my book, “The Video Poker Edge”.

Using Your Card:

Often I see people not using their Player’s club card when playing. This is a big mistake for many reasons. First of all, be aware that using a slot card in no way changes your odds of winning or losing. There is no wire, remote control or wireless capability of altering either the deal or the draw. Some people say they don’t want their spouse, casino or IRS to know if they win. If your win is at or over $1200 you will have to provide your social security number and ID in order to be paid. You will also have to sign a W-2G form and the IRS will get a copy of that. In addition, you can write your losses off against your winnings when tax time arrives on both you Arizona and Federal returns. I’ve written about the cash, perks and contest entry tickets in the past that are some further incentives to use your card. In fact, I see no reason to turn down money, dining and room comps or any of the other things offered by the casino. Even if you’re an infrequent player always use your slot club card!

Final Thoughts:

Some players rightfully observe that VP games are being downgraded (meaning they are lowering the payouts for a given hand) on a regular basis. That’s a good reason to play smart by finding the best pay schedules available, practicing the correct holds for the game at home and using your free slot club card. If you think the tide is treacherous before jumping in, try it with a brick around your ankle! Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern & Midwest Gaming” and “American Casino Guide”. Her videos are on YouTube and American Casino Guide’s web site plus her radio interviews are on iTunes. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and strategy cards for most popular games – For the latest edition of her best-selling book including on Kindle; Call toll Free 1-877-900-BOOK, it’s also in your local book stores plus amazon.com or go to www.squareonepublishers.com

COVER STORY

The World Series of Poker is Here

And….Spring is here with Free Giveaways and Exciting Promotions! Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is the only casino in Arizona to offer World Series of Poker events! $1,000 WSOP Satellite events are available every Wednesday through May 25 at 7:30 PM. The 1st place prize is a seat into a $1,000 WSOP event of choice plus $200 in spending cash! Win even bigger on Sundays through May 29 at 5:30 PM in the $1,500 WSOP Satellite events. First place wins a seat into a $1,500 WSOP event of choice plus $250 in spending cash! And, if you’re going for the big prize, play at Harrah’s Ak-Chin on May 21 for a chance to win a seat into the $10,000 WSOP main event and $500 in spending cash!

5K Poker Run Practice your poker face on Saturday, April 16 after a quick 5K run in the Second Annual 5K Poker Run! Registration into the 5K gets you into the Poolside Poker Promotion. Plus, check out the Pool Party including two free beers, free food and free entertainment! It’s your favorite game, poolside. Get details and register online at harrahsakchin.com

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Free Stuff? Play and Win every Wednesday in April and May from 8am to 11:59pm for a guaranteed $10 prize awarded at your favorite slot machine after earning one Tier Credit! In addition, all Total Rewards guests are invited to pick up a free genuine Murano Glass & Swarovski crystal charm bracelet to celebrate Mothers on Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 7 from 1pm to 6pm. Stop by the Ak-Chin Ballroom for your free gift. Want more? This Armed Forces Day Harrah’s Ak-Chin would like to thank and honor all active and former military members with a free buffet on Saturday, May 21 from 11am to 8pm.

COVER STORY four guaranteed winners will each receive $5,000 in Home Depot® gift cards to be used toward their choice of Energy Star® appliances!

All this and more!

Thursdays are heating up! Thursdays at Harrah’s Ak-Chin are thundering with even more great promotions! Guests ages 55 and over are invited to start the day off early with $5 in free slot play during the Senior Sunrise promotion from 6am to 8am and a free small coffee and three munchkins at Dunkin’ Donuts from 8am to 10am! Plus, all guests are invited to play and earn entries into the Press for Cash Game on Thursdays in April! Two winners every half hour from noon to 7pm will win from $100 - $2,500 in free slot play or even $5,000 in cash!

Offering the largest selection of the latest reel and video slots in a range of denominations, Harrah’s Ak-Chin features slot machines, video poker, video Keno as well as popular statewide progressives and live-action poker and Black Jack. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is also planning an expansion in 2016 to include a spa, a conference center with multi-use ballroom space, a parking garage, additional restaurants and more than 200 additional hotel rooms. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Total Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars family of casinos. Harrah’s Ak-Chin also boasts the only Bingo hall in the Caesars organization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937 See Total Rewards for complete rules regarding all mentioned promotions. Visit harrahsakchin.com for more details.

Earth Day Giveaway Play and earn daily through Earth Day, Friday, April 22. Two winners every half hour from noon to 6:30pm will win $250 in free slot play! Plus, at 7pm

ARIZONA PLAYER April 2016 9

gaming news Tucson Golf Course Named No. 1 in Arizona Golfers hail Sewailo as the top course in the state Southern Arizona’s premier entertainment destination Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center: has recently received the distinct honor of having its championship golf course, Sewailo, being named Golf Advisor’s 2015 Top Course in Arizona and sixth in the country! Sewailo Golf Club is a challenging, first-rate golf course that was codesigned by Notah Begay III and Ty Butler. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course measures 7,400 yards from the tees and features five different tee boxes at each hole. The course’s rolling velvet fairways and exquisite greens complement the nearly 14 acres of extraordinary lakes, streams and water features, with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Thousands of reviews were tallied by Golf Advisor readers during 2015 with the best golf courses being named in the top 25 in the state. The ranking is made up of a course’s overall score combined with its subcategory scores. The number of reviews and how active reviewers scored the course on Golf Advisor was also taken into consideration. With more than 300 courses in Arizona, being the top local ranking and number six U.S. ranking is quite an accomplishment for Sewailo. To view Sewailo’s ranking, visit http://www.golfadvisor.com/ courses/34838-sewailo-golf-club/. “This is an incredible achievement as these rankings are completely generated by feedback from our guests,” said Kimberly Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol. “This is a testament to the exceptional experience and service that everyone at Sewailo delivers every day.” To experience this very special award winning golf course – book a tee

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time for yourself or your favorite foursome at Sewailo Golf Club, go to www.casinodelsol.com/sewailogolfclub/tee-times or call 520-838-6623. About Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center: Located in southwest metropolitan Tucson, Arizona, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with more than 17,000 enrolled members. The Tribe owns and operates several enterprises including Casino Del Sol Resort – Arizona’s only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond casino resort and was recently named in the top 2 percent of Best Arizona Hotels by U.S. News & World Report. For more information call 1-855-SOL-STAY or visit www.CasinoDelSol.com

TJ’s Blackjack corner How to win a

Blackjack Tournament

've noticed that recently whenever a Casino hosts a Blackjack Tournament, it sells-out - Probably because the risk vs reward is so attractive for Players. For example, I can safely say that if you by TJ by walked into a casino with $50 and bought in at a blackJorgensen TJ Jorgensen jack table, it is not very likely that you would walk out $800 to $1000 ahead. But if you take that same $50 and enter a blackjack tournament, your $50 entry fee will get you real close to that amount if you finish in the money. That’s probably why Blackjack Tournaments are getting so popular, and the Blackjack Tournament Players Community is growing so fast. After all, it’s a win-win situation for both the Casino and Players. The Casino gets 100 plus Blackjack Players along with their wives/husbands/ significant others to the casino and players get a shot at a nice reward if they finish in the money, along with a lot of fun. Basically a Blackjack Tournament works like this; Players start with a qualifying round where 5 or 6 Players are seated at a table and all start with the same amount of tournament chips. A set number of hands are played and the player with the most chips at the end advances to the next round – The number of rounds is usually determined by how many players have entered.

So, how do you win a Blackjack tournament?

Most inexperienced players think that the only way is to bet big and hope they are lucky. While this approach will work once in a while, it usually will get you eliminated before the end of the round. In reality, to win a tournament you will need a little bit of luck, and if you follow some basic principles you will give yourself a decent chance of getting some of that prize money. The strategy that I have had a lot of success with is to bet at or near the minimum for the first half of the round and see where that gets you. I have won plenty of tournaments because the dealer was hot and I was the only one left with any chips. There is however no one way to win a tournament. Sometimes you will win by losing the least sometimes betting big will win it. The main point is to be versatile and adapt to the situation.

Here are six tournament tips that will help you be successful: 1. When entering a tournament read the rules. Different tournaments have different rules so you need to know betting limits and number of rounds, as well as how many players advance from each round.

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2. Don’t bet big unless you have to, bet close to the minimum unless you have a reason to make a large bet. 3. Don’t eliminate yourself - make the other players beat you. 4. Leave yourself in a position to win at the end.

Similar results:

All the players at your table will tend to have similar results. If the dealer gets a blackjack, everyone loses, if the dealer goes bust, everyone who didn’t wins. If you are behind and are trying to catch up, the best way to do that is to bet opposite of the person you are trying to catch. If they bet $500 and you bet $10, if you both lose you gain $490 by only risking $10. If you are the chip leader, then you would bet about the same as everyone who is trying to catch you to maintain your lead.

Risk vs Reward:

If you are nearing the end of a round and are forced to make a catch up bet, try and do it in one bet. It is better to risk one large bet than to try to make several mid size bets. You also want to wait until your bet will have the maximum effect, usually when the betting button has passed you so you can see what the other players have bet. Choose your battles wisely.

Summary:

Playing Tournaments is a lot of fun and you can make some good money as well. The best part is that you are playing against other players and not the casino. In the last three years I have played 419 blackjack tournaments, finishing in the money in 162 or about 38% of the time. My net winnings for over that time is six figures so you can definitely make some cash. While it is mathematically possible to win every tournament, it is extremely unlikely. The one thing that can’t be measured is the fun factor, and I always have a good time, not to mention all of the friends that I have made. I would encourage everyone to give it a try and join in the fun.

T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play and has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world. He also has won the prestigious World Series of Blackjack. His book, “Beating the Casino at Their Own Game,” is available by e-mail tj21pro@gmail.com

CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 827200--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 Fri, Sat & Sun, April 15, 16 & 17 - Getaway Poker Classic, Play in all three Tournaments, receive a complimentary weekend stay! Mon - Fri, 11:15 am - NLHE Tournament - $125 buy-in Mon - Thurs, 7:15pm - NLHE, $145 buy-in Fri, 7:15 pm - NLHE Tournament - $200 buy-in Sat, Apr 9, May 14, June 11, & July 9 11:15 am - “Super Bounty” NLHE - $240 buy-in w/ $100 Bounties Sat, Apr 30, May 28 & & June 25 at 11:15 am - End of MonthNLHE - $160 buy-in Sun May 15, 11:15am - “Jack & Jill” NLHE tournament Sat, May 7, June 4 & July 7 at 11:15am - “Big Stack” NLHE $345 buy-in Sat, May 21, 11:15am - Super Stack NLHE - $500 buy-in Food Specials; Daily $4 breakfast or Steak & eggs $6.75 (2 am - Noon) $16 Prime Rib Dinner (Monday night)

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, $20 re-buy & $5 Bounties w/ “High Hand” of the Tournament Fri at 8pm, NLHE - $35 buy-in w/ $20 re-buy & $5 Bounties Sat at 8pm, NLHE - $100 buy-in w/ no re-buys Daily Aces Cracked $40 - max 3 per day Wed, all day - Straight Flush $50 & High hand of day at 8pm pays $50 Fri, all day - 4 of a kind $50, Royal Flush $200 - High hand of day at 8pm pays $50 Bad Beat Hold-em Jackpot (aces full of 10s or better, beaten) Dealing blackjack daily at 9am

Bucky’s Casino 928-515-5305

Prescott, AZ JUST ADDED! Bucky’s Poker Room’s 20th Anniversary Celebration - 3 Grand Prize winners - Win a 5 day-4 night Getaway for 2 in MAUI! Just play 40 hours “Live” in April, May or June and receive a drawing ticket, plus another ticket for every additional 10 hours of play. One winner will be drawn on May 1, June 1 and July 1 - Good Luck & Aloha! See poker room for details! Mon - Fri, 10am - NLHE Shootouts $25 entry Tues - Thurs, 6pm NLHE $50 buy-in (top 3-5 cash) top 5 earn points for Player of Month (3 places $300, $200 & $100)

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Sat, Noon - DEEP STACK Tournament - $100 buy-in - re-buys

Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687

the first hour Last Sunday of the Month, at Noon - Omaha Hi/Lo - $100 added per table $80 buy-in NEW! Every Mon and Fri at 6:30pm - spreading $2 - $100 Texas hold-em NEW! $25 “Splash Pots” every 15 minutes on Tues, Thur & Sun from noon-3pm & 8-11pm Every Mon & Wed at 8am - Spreading Omaha Hi/Lo “Aces Cracked” Wins $75) every day - no limits in any Texas Hold Em game Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Now playing; Texas Shoot Out and High Card Flush w/ bonus jackpot

Somerton, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 10am

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 (1am Start) Dealing blackjack 24/7

Desert Diamond I-19 Casino 1-866-332-9467

Casino Arizona 480-850-7777

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 Tues, 7pm - $400 guarantee FREE ROLL - 50 players max (no entry fee) opt Dealer appreaciation fee $6 Sun & Wed, 7pm - NLHE, $15 buy-in/Opt $15 add-on Thurs, 7pm - $5,000 Guaranteed deep stack NLHE, $125 buy-in no re-buys - 1st & 2nd place winners win a WPT main event seat + Qualifier plus $200 cash 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 - NLHE - $35 buy-in - no re-buys with opt $5 chip-up Progressive High Hand 24/7 - Win up to $500 - see poker room for details Pro Basketball Pools on Mon, Tues, Sat & Sun - win more if you play longer - see poker room for details Dealing Blackjack 24/7 - New Games featuring; Crazy 4 Poker, Texas Shootout, Casino WAR & Ultimate Texas Hold’Em!

Cliff Castle Casino 928-567-7952

Camp Verde, AZ Mon-Fri, 10am - NLHE Shoot-out, $30 buy-in, w/ no re-buys Wed, 6pm - NLHE Tournament $\30 buy-in 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 - $10 added per player– NLHE $50 or $100 buy-in tables (optional $5 dealer appreciation add-on) All Week - Royal Flush pays $100 “Aces Cracked” 24/7 ,Win from $50 to $200 - see poker room for details Also dealing blackjack - 9am - 2am (Mon-Thurs) 9am - 4am (Fri & Sat)

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 Just Added: Splash Pots for selected Pro Basketball TV playoff games - see for poker room for details Dealing blackjack 24/7 w/ 3 card poker, “progressive 6 card bonus” “Push Bet” and “IN BETWEEN” bet Sahuarita, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7

Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284

Fountain Hills, AZ 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, Feb 21 at 10am - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament - $60 Buy-in + Opt $10 Dealer Appreciation “Aces Cracked” 24/7 Min $100 up to $1,000! See poker room for details

“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, split Aces up to 3 times, hit more than once and Double Down after first hit! In addition NEW GAMES HAVE BEEN ADDED! Including the “Push Bet” that pays 10-1 when you push!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138

Maricopa, AZ Monday Madness NLHE at 7:30pm - $25 buy-in - unlimited $5 re-buys for the first hour Wed, 7:30pm - $1,000 WSOP Qualifier NLHE, $80 buy-in w/ no re-buys (min 20 players) Thurs, 5:30pm - NLHE, $20 Buy-in plus three $10 re-buys & two $10 add-ons Sat, 12:30pm - $500 Guaranteed NLHE - $50 buy-in Sun 12:30pm - NLHE - $25 buy-in w/ two $10 add-ons at the break

Sun 5:30pm - WSOP Qualifier NLHE, $120 buy-in Min 20 players - Winner wins a $1,500 WSOP Seat & $250. Aces Cracked - 24/7 pays $50 All-Day Everyday - Splash pots” every ½ hour 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, 6pm –NLHE “Big Stack’ $50 buy-in w/ no re-buys Tues, 6pm - NLHE “Speed Shoot-Out” $15 buy-in (no re-buys) $2 chip-up Wed, 6pm - No-limit 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 Fri & Sat - all day, $100 High Hand (Hold Em)

Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452

Chandler, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7 Linked Progressive Jackpots include; Crazy 4 Poker & Ultimate Texas Hold EM grows at all 3 Gila River Casinos! Call for current jackpots. The PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was hit this month for over $270,000! It is now over $127,000 and growing again.

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529

Payson, AZ Live poker Wed –Sun at 10am- includes Omaha on Wed & Thurs morning, and Hold e Fri & Sat nights at 6pm (sign up the day before for all live games. Wed at 6pm, plus Sat & Sun at 3pm, NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in - no re-buys Dealing blackjack 10am to 1am, with $5 games including the “Push Bet”, “Texas Shoot-Out” and new “Multiplier” Blackjack 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

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Quechan Casino Resort 1-877-783-2426

Winterhaven, CA Open Sat & Sun at 10am, Mon &Tues at 4pm, Wed & Thur at 2pm 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 $25 buy-in, unlimited buy-ins first hour

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 Dealing blackjack 24/7

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

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

Sat, 11:15 am, (weekly except 1st Sat) **NLHE “Big Stack”$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 “Sunday Brunch”$30 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee & $20 add-on at break ALL NEW “Quads or Better” Starts at $50 then increases by $25 per day till hit - “Straight Flush” starts at $100 then up by $50 per day till hit! Royal Flush starts at $200 and up $50 per day till hit! “ACES CRACKED” spins the wheel - win up $300 Early Bird Chips” for live play before each tournament - 1st & 2nd place at final table qualify for the “Tournament of Champions” FREE ROLL each quarter. JUST ADDED: D-Backs “Splash Pots” each time the D-Back’s score a run - 3 tables are “Splashed” $50 - Plus ALL tables are splashed $50 for a Grand Slam! Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Friday Afternoon Blackjack Tournament at 4pm - $30 buy-in Linked Progressive Jackpots for Ultimate Texas Hold EM & Crazy 4 Poker grows daily at all 3 Casinos! The PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was hit this month for over $270,000! It is now over $127,000 and growing again.

CARD ROOM ACTION

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

Chandler, AZ Mon - Thurs Noon - NLHE, $30 buy-in, plus opt $10 dealer add-on - no re-buys - $150 added per table - top 10 paid 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 addbefore the break & bonus chips for play before tournament JUST ADDED! Baseball “Splash Pots” during selected games - Any time a run is scored - 4 tables are “Splashed” $50 Guaranteed 12 tables will be splashed during any game “High Hand” 4am-9am wins $100 each hour “Aces Cracked” Win a Rack - 24/7 Plus a $50 Splash Pot on that table the next hand! (except during sports promotions) “Rolling Cash Fever” Drawing every other hour 24/7, $100 min, increases by $100 if not hit - must go at 11pm on Monday Food specials: ½ price poker room menu Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Linked Progressive Jackpots for Ultimate Texas Hold Em & Crazy 4 Poker grows daily at all 3 Gila River Casinos! The PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was hit this month for over $270,000! It is now over $127,000 and growing again.

CARD ROOM MANAGERS

please send updates to azplayer@cox.net

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 sports & more! San Carlos Event Center: April 29 - May 1 - The 2016 World Series of Team Roping June 4 - Apache Reggae Jam3 The Point Sports Bar: Live bands on various weekends

BlueWater Resort and Casino

11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 BlueWater Showroom: Call for updated schedule BlueWater Amphitheater: Summer concert season coming soon River’s Edge Cantina: Call for updates On the Water: April 15, 16 & 17 - Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series May 6 & 7 - Supreme Wake Surf Competition Dig Lounge: DJs/live bands & Sports on the big screens

Casino Arizona

101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Apr 15 & 16 - Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin Tribute Band) Apr 22 & 23 - WANTED (Bon Jovi Tribute) Apr 29 & 30 - Mistress of Reality (Black Sabbath Tribute Band) May 5 & 6 - Evil Waze (THE Santana Experience) May 13 & 14 - QUEEN NATION (Tribute to Queen) May 20 & 21 - Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute Band) May 27 & 28 - The Long Run (Eagles Experience) June 3 & 4 - Paradise City (Guns N’ Roses Tribute band) June 24 & 25 - LA.VATION (U2 Tribute Band) Arizona Room Patio Grill: Sat, April 23 - UFC 197: Jones vs Saint Preux Viewing Party Mon - Chad Freeman and Redline (8pm) Tues– Trivia Tuesdays - $1000 up for grabs

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(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 Sat - Live bands like; Neon, Shining Star or JJ’s Band 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 like; Kung Fu Grip, STR8UP, Latino Rebel Band, Latin Soul& Tribute bands on Thursdays, plus every Sunday 80’s & Gentlemen Band AVA Amphitheater: April 16 - WFF/MMA (World Fighting Federation-Mixed Martial Arts) Apr 21 thru 23 - Tucson International Mariachi Conference 2016 May 7 - Mero Mero Taquero (Taco Tasting Festival) May 14 - Noche de las Estrellas 2016 (25TH Anniversary Mariachi & Folklorico Festival) May 21 - Snoop Dogg June 23 - “I Love the 90’s Tour” featuring Young MC, Kid-N-Play, Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Tone Loc and Color Me Bad Conference Center: May 27 - Comic Mike Epps Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, with bands every weekend and Tribute bands on Thursdays

Cliff Castle Casino

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: Call for new schedule Dragonfly Lounge; live music on weekends with bands; Grupo Concepto (April 15 & 16) Sol Tribe (April 22 & 23) Conjunto Reflejo (April 29 & 30) Rhythm Edition Band (May 27 & 28) Thursday Nights thru May 31 - Live Band Showcase

Cocopah Casino Resort

15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ (Yuma area) (928) 726-8066 Sunset Lounge: Thurs, Fri & Sat - Bling Bling Karaoke River Room: The best Live bands in Arizona featuring; Sat April 30 - The Troubadour Experience (Tribute to George Strait)

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 Saturdays - “Noches Caliente” Featuring; Los Gallegos, Los Centenarios or Angel Norteno

Desert Diamond Casino I -19

1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: April 16 - POLO POLO April 23 - Terry Fator - Best of Las Vegas Winner, Comic, Impersonator and his cast of characters May 3 - The Band Perry May 6 - ABBA (THE CONCERT) Tribute to ABBA Sports Bar: Mon - Fri 5pm -2am, Sat/ Sun 10am-2am w/ Sports on big screens, Karaoke or DJ nightly & live bands on weekends

Fort McDowell Casino

N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: April 23 - UFC 197: Cormier vs Jones Plus weekends with the greatest bands in the southwest; Smokestack Lighting, STR8UP Band, Rhythm Edition, Furious George, Powerhouse Band, The Hamptons and others OUTDOOR EVENT: April 30 - Creedence Clearwater Revisited Bingo Hall: 1st Saturday of each month - Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways Ipdates - go to fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino

15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 ULTRASTAR Amphitheater - (next door to Harrah’s Ak-Chin) At press time no concerts scheduled - Call for updates weekly THE LOUNGE: Weekends in The Lounge starting at 8pm (no cover) Apr 15 - Ghost in the Machine (Police / Sting Tribute) Apr 16 - North, Apr 17 Cowboy Up, Apr 22 - Desert Dixie, Apr 23 - Soundwave, Apr 25 - Walkens Trio Apr 27 - Silhoutte & April 29 - Forever Tops & Temps FREE Special Event: Sat April 30 - 5 time Grammy winner Marty Stuart (8pm show) Mon - Thurs (Happy Hour, 5-8pm) w/ bands; Thaddeus Rose, Chuckey Baby Duo , Flavour, Marley Taylor, Mike & Teddy, Karen & Marcus, Walkens Trio, Stanley Serano Duo, Van & Melanie, John Eric Duo, Freddie Duran Duo, Silhoutte or Unique Wed (noon -4pm) featuring; Bandstand Shows, Silhouette, Yesterday Once More, Swingtips, Jukebox 6Marcini the Band or December ’63 (Four Seasons Tribute) Sun ( 5-9pm) - Hillbilly Deluxe, Walkens Trio, Paul Wells, Sun City Groove Band, Cowboy Up or the Joe Costello Syndicate For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino

Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: April 29 - Randy Linder (A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival May 13 - The Troubadour Experience (Tribute to George Strait) Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Monday is Comedy Night, Tues-Sat, Live bands April 12 thru 16 - Doo-Wah Riders Apr 19 - 23 - Justin Wright & High Octane May 3 - 7 - Marshall Star Band May 10 - 14 - Soular Eclipse June 7 - 11 - Apache Spirit June 14 - 18 - Groove City

entertainment Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit - Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Lone Butte Event Center: Apr 15 - Born Jovi (Bon Jovi Tribute Band Apr 24 - Catch A Wave (Beach Boys Tribute) May 13 - DSB (An American Journey) Cascades Lounge: Mon, Tues & Fri (4-8pm) Featuring; Marty & the Party, Thaddeus Rose and others Fri & Sat (9:30pm- 1:30am) featuring; JJ Band, Soundwave, Str8Up, Powerdrive, Rhythm Edition, Smooth Groove and others Cities Bar & Grille: Sunday: (10am-4pm) live Jazz during Brunch Buffet 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: Apr 15 - HUNKS - The Show (Male Revue) Ladies Night Out! May 21 NEON CIRCUS (Brooks & Dunn Tribute 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

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Talking Stick Resort

Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road - Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: April 22 - HOLY HOLY - Performing David Bowie’s Greatest Hits April 23 - Graham Nash April 30 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band May 5-7 - Thunder from Down Under (Male Revue) May 14 - Tracy Morgan May 15 - Aaron Lewis June 3 - Blue October June 4 - “The Rides” featuring Steven Stills, Barry Goldberg & Kenny Wayne Shepherd Grand Ballroom: May 29 - Lisa Lampanelli July 16 - Happy Together Tour w/The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron (of Three Dog Night) Cowsills, Mark Lindsay, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap and the Spencer Davis Group Aug 12 - The FOUR PHANTOMS “Release” Pool Parties have Returned! The fun begins every Saturday & Sunday Coming Memorial Day Weekend - May 28 - Grammy Award Winning DJ Skrillex Along with these internationally known dance music artists; April 16 - Firebeatz, April 17 - tyDi, April 23 Diplo, April 24 - Paris Blohm, May 1 Stafford Bros, May 14 - Wolfgang Gartner, May 15 - Quintino & Sandro Silva, May 21 - Tigerlily, May 22 - Bingo Players, May 28 - May 29 - Robin Schulz 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, w/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 Free Live Entertainment on weekends w/ bands; Stateline, Camille Rae & District 26, Buckit Band, STR8UP and others

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline - Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: Apr 16 - Beny Mena & Narcizo Gonzalez Apr 23 - Soul Patrol (Tribute to soul music) May 7 - Professional Boxing - Saul “Canelo” Alverez vs Amir Khan (Middleweight Title Fight) May 14 - Los Bondadosos V Q LIVE: Mon - Sat, 4pm-7pm & 9pm-1am, Featuring; Andrea & Gemini, Powerdrive,Eagleheart, Latino Rebel Band, STR8UP, Chaka & Friends, Rhythm of the Sun Band, Walkens Unplugged, Chuck E Baby, Marty & the Party , Priminition, Soul Persuasion and others Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm BINGO ECLIPSE - Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Apr 15 - The Piano Men: Generations, Apr 29 - Clint Black

May 9 - David Cross, May 13 - Night Ranger, May 14 - WFF / MMA fights live, May 15 - Saturday Night Fever Tribute June 3 - Mariachi Vargas, June 4 - Ziggy Marley, June 10 - Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo The Lounge: Mid-day (Mon10am-3pm) w/ Jukebox 6 or Route 66 w/ DJ Danny Davis Late night (Wed - Sun) featuring; Priminition, Shining Star, Smooth Groove, Soundwave, Priminition and others CHROME NIGHT CLUB: Fridays & Saturdays - Arizona’s Newest Hot Spot featuring DJ Medik

Clint Black

travel Zip pa Dee Do Dah

Cool fun in the great White Mountains The snow is nearly gone at Sunrise Park Resort, so they are putting away the skis and boards and trading them in for harnesses and helmets. This year, Sunrise is introducing a new Zip Line Tour that is over a mile long! This will be the longest zip line tour in Arizona. The new “Tour” is built into the forest with six zip lines that spread through the trees and across a ski run for well over 3100 feet and then head down the mountain in tandem for an additional 2,300 feet and speeds reaching 55 miles-per-hour. The landing platform at the end of the sixth line is on a 50’ tower where you can choose how to land: Jump off onto an airbag; repel 45 feet or just walk down the steps. “We are creating an adventure,” says Brian Bressel, general manager, “an adventure that will appeal to thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.” Sunrise Mountain reaches a towering height of 10,700 feet. Activities include a tube slide, bungee jump, mountain biking, disc golf course, archery courses with 3-D targets and the air bag jump (at the end of the zip line). The “scenic” chairlift rides are appropriately named because you ride through tall aspen and Douglas fir, above wildflowers and get an incredible mountain view above the forest; it is a photographer’s dream. A great way to get exercise is to hike up to Sunrise Peak along the trails and then ride the chairlift down or, conversely, ride the chairlift up to the top and then hike

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back down. Either way you get a great workout. Just minutes from the Mountain is Sunrise’s 100-room lodge located above the shores of Sunrise Lake where you can enjoy a rustic experience with views that are absolutely breath-taking. You’ll find an indoor pool, game room and lounge. On the second floor is the Black Diamond Bar and the Summit Restaurant, famous for its “Western Apache Cuisine hosted by Executive Chef Nephi Craig as he conducts culinary demonstrations, tasting dinners and workshops. Some items on the menu are the Three Sisters’ corn fritters, Apache fries, Pozole, special breads along with steaks, fish and chicken. Craig has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Food & Wine Magazine, Arizona Republic and Newsweek. The Marina is located behind the hotel and rents kayaks, peddle boats, motor and row boats — perfect for fishing or just having fun on the water. Across from the General Store at the entrance to the Park is the Snowy Mountain Horse Stable that offers unique horseback adventures as well as wagon rides. Sunrise plans to open in mid-May through September. In general activities run from 10 am till 4 pm. Zip Line Tour hours will start at about 8 am. Please check the Sunrise Park Resort Web site for other activities and events that happen throughout the spring, summer and fall for specific days and hours of operation. If you like the outdoors, having fun, and getting out of the scorching heat in the valley – Sunrise Park Resort is the answer for your family and friends.

ARIZONA PLAYER April 2016 23

HORSIN’ AROUND

2016 K entucky Derby Preview his year’s Kentucky Derby doesn’t seem to have that one commodity like American Pharoah but there are a number of quality runners that could step up and earn the glory at Churchill Downs on May 7.

by Brian Mulligan

Dubai World Cup Wrap-up But first, a shout out has to go to the Dubai World Cup hero California Chrome. After some poor decision about where to spot the 2014 Kentucky Derby winner, his connections made all the right moves this year and they were rewarded when California Chrome became the highest-earning thoroughbred in North America with his win in the $10,000,000 Dubai World Cup boosted his bankroll to over $12.5 million. And he did it in total superiority. He tracked the leaders from an ideal position after breaking from post position 11 under regular rider Victor Espinoza and cruised to the lead with ease and pretty much won as he pleased. If asked, one got the feeling the margin could have been much bigger. And it could have been dangerous to boot. The saddle slipped during the race and it kept on moving further and further back. Espinoza could not ride him properly but he let him go and just held on. Think of it like you are driving a car and all of a sudden the steering wheel falls off. That’s what it would be like to be on a horse going 40 miles per hour and the rider having little control. He finished the mile and a quarter event in a track record time of 2:01.83 and he joined both Silver Charm and Animal Kingdom as runners that pulled off the Derby/Dubai World Cup double.

Qualifying for the Derby On April 9, the last 3 major preps were staged and conclusive evidence is not yet in – since the qualifications to make the Kentucky Derby has gone to the point systems, connections have to make sure they point for just the right races and that those races are well spaced with the Derby in mind. Outwork, trained by Todd Pletcher, was nearly out worked by a maiden in the Wood Memorial named Trojan Nation. University of California fans were jumping out of their shoes as Trojan Nation came from dead last to only lose to Outwork by a diminishing head on a sealed muddy surface, one that compromised the chances of some of the starters. The win not only earned Outwork a spot in the starting gate for the May 7 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, it helped avenge a loss by his sire. Five years ago, Uncle Mo finished 3rd as the 1-9 favorite. The bad news for Outwork is that the final time of 1:52.92 was the slowest time for a Wood Memorial. The previous slowest was 1:52.53 by Tale of Ekati, who finished fourth in the 2008 Kentucky Derby. Brody’s Cause returned to the site of his coming out party in Keeneland’s Breeders’ Futurity and he solidified his love for the Keeneland surface with a win in the Blue Grass Stakes. The Dale Romans trainee gobbled up ground from far back in the pack of 14 sophomores, charged past pacesetter Laoban and he held off My Man Sam by just under 2 lengths. Final time for the 1 1/8-mile test was 1:50.20 on a fast track.

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Out West, it was a family affair in the Santa Anita Derby as trainer Keith Desormeaux and rider Kent Desormeaux teamed up with Exaggerator to win in Arcadia with a juicy 101 Beyer. The colt put in a stirring rally to win the $1-million Santa Anita Derby by a widening 6 1/4 lengths. By winning the 1 1/8-mile race over a strong field of eight, he put himself squarely in the middle of the Kentucky Derby picture. His trainer didn’t really know what to expect from his charge, Desormeaux: “Did I have any doubts as they were going up to the gate? No doubt, I had doubts. We had a good pace to run at in the San Felipe, but not a really fast pace. Today, we had a great pace scenario and he took full advantage.” The trio join a number of others with legit chances to win the Kentucky Derby. Gun Runner punched his ticket with his win in the Louisiana Derby. Nyquist remained unbeaten when he took the Florida Derby. Cupid made love no war with his rivals in the Rebel Stakes and although Shagaf faltered in the Wood Memorial, he may have just hated the off going. To be truthful, after being a public handicapper for almost 40 years it’s hard enough to pick a winner on the walk to the betting window, never mind weeks out, but the lean right now is to the lighly-raced Cupid. The racer wanted no part of sprinting in his first 2 starts. He broke his maiden in his first route attempt and despite being green, he won the Rebel Stakes with style. And he has Bob Baffert in his corner. A lot can still happen with about a month before the Kentucky Derby but things are crystalizing and it will be about keeping the horses happy and healthy until post time. Good luck, enjoy the pomp and circumstances, bet with your head and not above it and have a mint julep for me. Brian Mulligan was the main West Coast line-maker for nearly two decades for the Daily Racing Form writing under the non de plume of “SWEEP.” He continues to contribute to the Daily Racing Form.

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gaming news Philanthropy in Full Swing in Tucson

POWERBALL winner IN PHOENIX

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is known for quality entertainment in Arizona—from the award winning slots to competitive table games to critically acclaimed musical acts. But entertainment has taken on a whole new meaning to those benefitting from Desert Diamond’s annual golf tournament, which took place March 3-4. Now in its 13th year, the Desert Diamond Casinos Golf Classic raises much-needed funds for programs that serve tribal members on the Tohono O’odham Nation. This year’s beneficiaries included the Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association, the Tohono O’odham Community Affairs, the Tohono O’odham Veterans Affairs, and the Tohono O’odham Domestic Violence Program. The two-day 2016 Golf Classic began on Thursday, March 3rd with a PreHistoric Themed Kickoff Party at Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel. In addition to the Nike Golf Store, participants were treated to great food and “dino-mite” raffle prizes. On Friday morning, 240 golfers teed off at the Omni Tucson National Golf Course hoping to take home first place. The day was filled with fun, prizes and lunch while supporting such important causes for the casino and the Tohono O’odham Nation. Sponsors of the 2016 tournament included the Hunt/Penta Joint Venture, Delta Diversified Enterprises, Konami, PepsiCo, Ricor, Rider Levett Bucknall, Lovitt & Touché and many others. Last year, the Golf Classic raised more than $133,000 for its beneficiaries. A check presentation announcing this year’s proceeds with be held later in May. “We’re so pleased to support programs on the Nation and to share part of our culture by awarding traditional Tohono O’odham pottery as prizes. This was another successful event that would not have been possible without our generous sponsors.” said Treena Parvello, Director of Public relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. The Golf Classic is just one example of how Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment gives back to the community. The Enterprise also supports hundreds of local organizations through charitable contributions and sponsorships throughout Arizona. Recent beneficiaries include the, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, West Valley Foundation and the Luke Air Force Base Air Show. For more information on Desert Diamond Casinos, visit ddcaz.com.

Arizona had another millionaire after an Arizona Lottery player purchased a $2 million winning ticket in Phoenix for the Saturday, March 26, Powerball drawing. The winning ticket matched all five white balls and included the Power Play option, which doubles the one million dollar prize awarded was purchased at the Chevron station at 4737 E. Broadway Road in Phoenix. “This is the ninth ticket worth at least $1 million sold in Arizona since January,” said Gregg Edgar, the recently appointed new executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “Players can win a prize of a million dollars or more in three different Arizona Lottery draw games – Powerball, Mega Millions and The Pick.” There are nine ways to win in the Powerball game from the purchase of a single, $2 ticket, with eight cash prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million and the jackpot starting at $40 million. The jackpot for the Powerball drawing on March 30 rolled over to $116 million. The Arizona Lottery paid more than $219 million in prizes from more than 18 million winning tickets for all of its games during the first half of the state’s 2015 / 2016 fiscal year, and during the same time period, the Arizona Lottery transferred more than $81 million back to the state. That funding contributed to the State General Fund, Healthy Arizona, Heritage Fund, Mass Transit, Tribal College Dual Enrollment and Court Appointed Special Advocates (C.A.S.A.). The Arizona Lottery advises players to sign their tickets immediately and check them as soon as possible to avoid missing out on any prizes they may have won. See more at: http://www.arizonalottery.com

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The Arizona Lottery has new Director There is news from the Arizona Lottery. They have a new Lottery Director. Governor Doug Ducey has appointed Gregory Edgar as the new director of the Arizona State Lottery. “Gregory brings more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, media relations, brand development and management, marketing, public policy and more,” said Governor Ducey. “His extensive background, proven record of leadership and strong reputation for solving problems and getting results will be a valuable asset to Lottery and to the administration. We’re glad to have him on the team.” Mr. Edgar is the founder of Edgar Strategic Communications, a firm he started in 2014 that focuses on delivering effective communications strategy and positive media positioning. He previously served for more than 20 years as chief operating officer and senior communications strategist for Gordon C. James Public Relations. In this role, Mr. Edgar was responsible for managing the firm’s daily operations while directing communication campaigns for a variety of clients – including Arizona Public Service, American Islamic Forum for Democracy, Snickers Brand, and the White House – as well as developing media pitches, producing client events and creating grassroots issue campaigns. Mr. Edgar earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Arizona State University. For more on this story and other lottery news go www.arizonalottery.com

gaming news Inaugural St. Pat’s Day Tournament By Phil Scudella Last month I visited Fort McDowell Casino to cover the 1st ever St. Patrick’s Day Blackjack Tournament on March 17, and for some reason a David Bowie song was playing in my mind, it may have been due to his recent passing – never the less as I looked around the table games area, I began thinking and chanting….”Cha, Cha, Cha, Cha, Changes - Cha, Cha, Changes” because that indeed is what’s happening in the Blackjack Pit and Poker Room since Kirk Brumbaugh took over as Table Games Manager at Fort McDowell Casino. One of the new games added in the blackjack pit is my favorite (and only) blackjack side bet I play called the “Push Bet” You are allowed to bet up to ½ of your blackjack bet on the “Push” circle. So let’s say you’re betting $10 per hand, you have the option to bet as much as $5 on the “Push” option. If you and the dealer each show 2 face cards (fairly common), you keep your original bet on the table because the dealer signals with his hand “That’s a Push” But your $5 bet pays you 10 times the money or in this case $50. My guess is that Kirk will be adding new games and promotions to both the Blackjack pit and the Poker room in the near future. As you can tell, I am glad that this game is now at the Fort! Back to the St. Paddy’s Day Tournament That afternoon I was playing blackjack when I spotted Kirk and told him I was going to cover the tournament at 6pn. He asked me if I had sign up for the tournament I said “No” I missed the cutoff” He replied “Well we have 100 signed up, but we have 8 spots to fill beginning at 3pm, so you better get in line if you’re going to play” So, that’s how I got into this tournament playing against some really great Blackjack Tournament players.

In the 1st qualifying round (9 tables of 6) or 54 players, the 2 players with the most chips left after the determined number of hands moved to the semi-finals. I got some good cards and made some strange bets and wound up being one of the two to make it at my table and moved to the semi-final round along with the other group of 9 tables of 6, thus adding another 18 players to the semi-finals (6 tables of 6 players) or 36 total players. In this round you had to win your table after I believe 15 hands to move to the final table of 6. Again I got lucky and had my Blackjack writer T.J. shaking his head and wishing me luck in the finals. In the finals I got horrible cards and ran out of luck and finished in 5th place taking home $350 not bad for a $30 investment. The prize fund paid 6 places and the winner was Gerald Buck who took home $3,300! 2nd place worth $1,000 went to Jon Smith, Mary Carlson finished 4th and cashed for $675, Mark Shoushe was rewarded with $460 for finishing 4th and William Kelley went home $215 richer for his 6th place finish. Everyone seemed to have a great time and the dealers really did make it a fun event. I am looking forward to more tournaments like this again!

Players L-R: Mark Shoushe, Mary Carlson, Jon Smith, Chicago Phil, Gerald Buck and William Kelly

ARIZONA PLAYER April 2016 27

DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice After what happened the last time we saw Superman, Batman is concerned that he is a threat to mankind and decides to take matters into his own hands. Add in by Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman and a David Ramsey super-monster and it is a big test for Superman. A sequel to “Man of Steel” it has the same problems as that film - it is too long, the fights go on until you don’t care anymore, it isn’t true to the comics and is over stylized. The cast is good but Ben Affleck is outstanding as an aging Batman. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” sets up the coming “Justice League” movies that I can only hope are better and the cast is ideal.

Zootopia Set in a world where animals act as humans and predators and prey have learned to live together. Judy Hopps has always wanted to be a policeman but it has always been a job for big strong predators. Judy perseveres and becomes the first rabbit on the force. The chief assigns her to parking detail where she convinces a conman fox, her natural enemy, to help her solve a big case. She has 48 hours to solve the disappearances of a number of well respected citizens who happen to be predators. “Zootopia” is one of those rare animated films that has something for adults and children. It is funny, has a great message and a nice touch of suspense.

David’s Video Details

Star Wars: 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 a 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..

Joy Joy is a divorced overworked underpaid mom whose divorced parents and exhusband live with her and 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.

The Revenant

After their fur trapping party is attacked the survivors attempt make their way back to safety following their expert guide, Hugh Glass. While scouting ahead Glass is mauled by a bear in a very intense scene. The commander decides to leave two men and his son with him as they continue on. Those left with him are to wait until he dies then give him a decent burial. Fitzgerald decides that they are wasting time and endangering themselves but when he attempts to kill Glass his son intervenes and is killed. Fitzgerald leaves Glass for dead but he survives vowing vengeance. Barely able to move, Glass is driven by sheer will. The acting is spectacular with DiCaprio and Hardy likely heading for nominations. Shot in existing light “The Revenant” is a beautiful film but it is a slow in places and the dream sequences detract from the narrative. 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.

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bingo

Metro Phoenix Games

State-wide Games

Casino Arizona- Scottsdale

Apache Gold Casino - Globe

Daily; 1pm Matinee & 7pm Nightly (Early Birds at 12:30 & 6:30pm) Fri & Sat at Midnight; “Late Night Bingo” w/Music, Light Show and dancing

Fort Mc Dowell Casino - Fountain Hills

Daily; Wed-Mon, 9am, 12:30 & 6:30pm Fri & Sat “Late Night” at 11:30pm Midnight on 1st Sat of each Month; “LUNAR BINGO” Features a DJ w/music, light show and dancing March 19 - Mega Bash 38 game session w/$80,00 in cash and prizes including a 70” LED TV and a Cruise! The FORT features MP Bingo & Planet Bingo NEW BINGO GAMES COMING SOON!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino - Maricopa Wed-Sun; 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm Evenings features MP Bingo & Super Cover All

Lone Butte Casino - Chandler

Daily; Noon & 6:30pm, plus Sat & Sun Morning at 10am & Minis at 3:30 & 5:30pm Fri & Sat “Bingo After Dark” Party at 10:30pm featuresDJ music, light show & dancing Bingo at 11:30pm

Wed-Sun at Noon Fri, Sat & 1st Mon of Month at 7pm

BlueWater Casino - Parker

Mon-Wed at 6:30pm & Sun at 1:30pm

Casino Del Sol - Tucson

Daily; 2pm (Early Birds at 1:30pm) & 7pm (Early Birds at 6:30pm) BINGO PLAYOFFS! Bingo winners Are invited to Playoffs on Saturday to play 5 special games that pay $500 each! JUST ADDED: March 23 Evening Session $ 20,000 Bingo Bash w games paying $1,199 PLUS the final game pays $10,000!

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

Desert Diamond - Tucson

Daily; 2pm (Early Bird 1:30pm) 7pm (Early Bird 6pm, warm up 6:30pm)

Mazatzal Casino - Payson

Daily; Noon & 6:30pm (sales at 5pm w/warmups) Double Payoffs on 1st Thurs & 3rd Tues

Paradise Casino - Yuma Daily at 1:30 & 6pm

VeeQuiva Casino - Laveen

Daily; Noon & 6:30pm, Sat 11:30pm “Bingo Eclipse” w/DJ, music & dancing

ARIZONA PLAYER April 2016 29

Joke page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory

jokes of the month

Are you talkin’ to me?

A young ventriloquist is touring the Southern United States and on his way back to Chicago he stops to entertain at a small bar in the Ozarks. He goes through his usual stupid redneck jokes, when a big burly guy stands up and says, “I’ve heard just about enough of your smart ass hillbilly jokes. We ain’t all stupid down here and we don’t go to no family reunions to meet women and its only one of them co-insee-dents that my richest relative lives in a house that has wheels…so you best slow down with them wise cracks or I gonna come up there an open a can of whoopass on you." Flustered, the ventriloquist begins to apologize, when the big guy pipes up again, “HEY...You stay out of this, I’m talking to the smart ass little guy sittin’ on your knee.”

Aries March 21 to Apr 20 Cancer June 22 to July 22

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

Lucky streak begins Good friend was right Set aside some playtime Take a break this week

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

Things are looking up Believe in yourself Beware of a stranger Plan for a short trip

See Alice

Alice the newlywed at the break of dawn asks her husband Billy “Sweetie, Would you like some breakfast”? “How about bacon, eggs, hash browns, toast, coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice” He declines. “Thanks, but I’m not hungry right now…It’s those pills, he says. “It’s really taken the edge off my appetite. At lunchtime she asks if he would like something. “Darling how about a bowl of soup, and a grilled cheese sandwich”? Again he declines and says “Sorry honey, it’s either the Cialis or the Viagra I’m just not sure, I can’t even think about food right now”. At dinnertime Alice enjoys watching a beautiful sunset out the window and asks again if he would like something to eat. “Baby, Let me grill a thick juicy Porterhouse steak plus a baked potato with all the trimmings and a hot fudge Sundae for dessert”. She says smiling. “Sorry sweetheart”, he replies, “I’m just not hungry” “WELL” she says, “would you mind letting me get up? Dammit….I’M STARVING”!

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

Be very careful this week Try new place to play A fun week with friends Keep your eye on the ball

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

Good advice from friend Short trip worth taking Very pleasant week Fun getaway you need

Taurus Apr 21 to May 21

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19

Gemini May 22 to June 21

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6 Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

Super way to end trip Second chance pays off Good times are coming More than ever expected You’ll be relieved An old friend returns Weekend of real fun Old friend is back

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6 Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

CASINO DIRECTORY a

b 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 (800) 756-8744 5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 30 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2016

Good idea reaps reward What a comeback! You bet you’re right Pretty nice win ahead

Try something new Fun time with new friend A real lucky week Big trip is just ahead

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6 Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

Happy week ahead Nice trip with friends Short trip pays A great flop is coming

Terrific turn of events They should have listened Night of fun is extended Really great weekend

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 • (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 10c. Desert Diamond West Valley • (Glendale) Slots 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation-slots keno bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (480) 837-1424 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

Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6 Apr 7–13 Apr 14–21 Apr 22–30 May 1–6

Make correct choice Unplanned event ahead New friends are terrific You get lucky Play nearby for results Trip works out fine Voice inside is right This time you did it

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. Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots poker blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 22. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort • (Flagstaff) Navajo Nation - Slots, Table Games, Poker, Keno & Entertainment