December 2016 by Arizona Player

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Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com

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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Travel – Glendale Glitters REEL REVIEWS – Buffalo Gold Blackjack Corner – Skill or Luck Boyd’s Eye View – Machine Malfunction Vol. 24 No. 12 • December 2016

Cover Story on page 8

WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

Contents

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

Contributing Photography Rachel Brockway Jordyn Carias Casino del Sol Marketing Kevin Cummings John Olson David Ramsey The Riester Agency Kristen Westervelt Satara Williams

Special Thanks to: the marketing department at Talking Stick Resort and everyone at the Riester Agency for their stalwart effort putting this December issue together!

Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Rachel Brockway Kevin Cummings Jessica Isner TJ Jorgensen Malory Knudson Lyra Manning Teri Morris David Ramsey Melissa Rowberry 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.

Vol. 24 No. 12 • December 2016

Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “Buffalo Gold” by Aristocrat

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “Machine Malfunction”

Cover Story “Talking Stick Resort – Staycation Poker Tournaments”

Gaming News “Willie Nelson returns to the Diamond Center”

Card Room Action Poker and Blackjack Action Around the State

Lottery News “Buy Scratchers and receive Phoenix Suns Tickets and more!”

TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Skill or Luck”

Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide

Contest Page “Win a White Mountain Ski Package Getaway”

David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey Film and DVD reviews

Travel “Glendale Glitters”

Bingo Directory Bingo Games at Arizona Casinos

Jokes of the Month, Astrology, & Casino Directory

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016 3

reel reviews by kevin cummings

A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

Machine Malfunctions

e’ve all seen those words on the front of all slot and video by poker (VP) devices: Linda Boyd “Malfunctions void all pays and plays”. Most of us don’t e-ven give this a second thought because it’s never happened to us or anybody we know. Recently, however, there was a big news splash about a New York player thinking she won almost $43 million dollars only to find out after a sleepless night that “You didn’t win nothing”. Aside from the poor grammar of the casino employee delivering the bad news, she was told that instead of almost $43million the casino was giving her a free steak dinner.

Here’s What Happened:

A New York woman was playing a slot machine at Resorts World Casino when suddenly the lights started flashing that she had won $42,949,642.76 and even read “Printing cash ticket”. In the frenzy that followed she took a selfie to commemorate the occasion before going into shock. Casino staff told her to come back the next day and when she did an employee coldly informed her that it was a machine malfunction and they would give her a free steak dinner for their error. Usually I side with the player since there have been several instances where the so-called malfunction was questionable or in a card dispute the casino sued the wrong party. (A case involved defective playing cards in a mini-baccarat game and player Phil Ivey. The casino should have gone after the card manufacturer instead of Ivey.) The limit on the device’s display screen in this instance indicated a max payout of $6,500 so the casino was most likely correct that it was a malfunction.

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Reasonable Resolution:

Although the machine probably did malfunction voiding the payout I think the house handled the problem poorly, especially from a PR point of view. Both print and electronic media picked up this juicy story and the verdict was that a steak dinner was a totally cheap and insensitive resolution to this situation. After all, how would you feel if you went to bed with visions of Lamborghinis dancing in your head only to wake up to a steak dinner? The woman is looking into suing the casino since even if it was a malfunction, they inflicted some pain by making her come back the next day and then allowed an employee to break the news in the coldest way possible.

Machine Malfunctions:

Be aware that both slot and VP machine do malfunction and you should know what to do when that happens. Slots: Sometimes the door opens in the middle of a game and an attendant has to be called. Usually the problem is quickly fixed and you continue to play. However, that’s not always the case. For example, I was recently at the Hollywood Casino in Maryland when a door opened in the middle of over 300 bonus games on China Shores by Aristocrat and the slot attendant alerted her supervisor who closed the door and waited for the games to play. The supervisor told the player that you would get the same amount of money if you took the cash as if you chose to play the games. Players, myself included, told her that was incorrect--she might get less or more by playing because she could retrigger more games during play. That’s precisely what happened and the player won over $6,800 as a result. Just because this person is a slot supervisor and handles machine malfunctions

don’t believe that they have accurate information about the game itself; that’s true for slots and more so for VP. Video Poker: Frequently players find faulty buttons at VP devices causing cards not hold; I advise you to find another machine whenever this happens. What if you’re playing and you lose a winning hand because the cards you selected didn’t hold? If it’s a small amount, say you lost 5 or 10 coins, you should just call an attendant to fix the machine or move to another device. What if it’s something big like four of a kind (4OAK) or a royal flush? If that happens you should immediately stop playing and call an attendant. The casino can go back 10 or more hands to determine what cards were dealt and use common sense to determine your holds. For example, if there were three aces and two garbage cards dealt they know you tried to hold the aces. Most casinos will pay you for the royal or 4OAK, but they are under no obligation to do so.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re playing VP or slots you always run the risk of losing a jackpot due to a machine malfunction. That’s why you should move when a slot machine door keeps opening or VP buttons aren’t holding. Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern & Midwest Gaming” & the latest edition of “American Casino Guide”. You can see her videos on YouTube or view them on American Casino Guide’s web site and her radio interviews are on iTunes. Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and free strategy cards for the most popular games. The latest edition is available from amazon.com, Square One Publishers and book stores. Kindle edition now available. www.squareonepublishers.com Toll Free: 877-900-BOOK

COVER STORY

$130K at Stake in Talking Stick Resort’s Staycation Weekend Classic 2017

By Jessica Isner

There is no need to wait till summer to plan your next staycation at Talking Stick Resort. Take advantage of the best weather and hottest gaming action with the hotel’s Staycation Weekend Classic 2017. In its second year, the tournament will pay out $130,000 in cash prizes from Friday, January 13 – Sunday January 15. “We are thrilled to bring back the Staycation Weekend Classic in 2017,” said Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort Director of Public Relations Ramon Martinez. “Those of us who call Phoenix home have always had plenty of reasons to love the winter months in this beautiful place, and now, there’s another one. This tournament is the perfect way to kick off the New Year.” Signup for the event begins on December 13 at the Main Poker Cage in the Arena Poker Room or Box Office at Talking Stick Resort. Guests who register by January 9, 2017, could be in for an exciting treat: They will qualify to win a free hotel stay the weekend of the event.

In addition to registering early, there’s another way to gain free entry into the competition: Guests can participate in two satellite tournaments on Sundays January 1 and January 8. For every 10 entries into each of the satellite tournaments, Talking Stick Resort will issue one free paid entry for each day of Staycation Weekend 2017. Players who participate in the tournament will have the opportunity to experience the splendor of the Arena Poker Room, where the best poker players from around the state compete each year for million-dollar prize pools in tournaments like the Arizona State Poker Championship and the Arizona State Ladies’ Poker Championship. Moreover, the venue has the distinction of being Arizona’s largest poker room, featuring the highest limits in the state. The prize pool for each day of the tournament is expected to be $34,000 on Jan. 13, $53,000 on Jan. 14 and $33,000 on Jan. 15. Played in a No Limit Hold ‘Em blind format, it will consist of five 20-minute rounds followed by seven 30-minute rounds on Day 1. On Days 2 and 3, there will be 15 total 30-minute rounds each day. 8 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

Buy-in for the first day of the tournament is $200, buy-in for the final two days of the tournament will be $300. At the end of each day spent in the poker room, contestants can enjoy the limitless upscale amenities offered at the AAA Four-Diamond hotel. The property boasts six acclaimed restaurants, highlighted by the Wine Spectator Award-winning Orange Sky, which offers breathtaking views of the Valley in addition to fine dining. The resort also features 11 bars and lounges, two pools, a relaxing and rejuvenating spa inspired by Native American culture and more. After hours, guests can enjoy a number of on-site entertainment options, including a 650-seat Showroom boasting live headline acts and Shadows, one of the leading indoor cigar bars in Scottsdale. To learn more about the Arena Poker Room offerings, visit www.talkingstickresort.com/gaming/poker.aspx. To learn more about Talking Stick Resort, the satellite tournaments or the Staycation Weekend Classic 2017: call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 480-850-7734, visit The Arena Poker Room or go to www.talkingstickresort.com. All participants must be 21 or older to enter the tournaments.

gaming news WILLIE NELSON AT THE DIAMOND CENTER! Music legend Willie Nelson returns once again to the Diamond Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. With previous sold-out shows, tickets to see the iconic musician are guaranteed to go fast. Reserved tickets start at $40 and are on sale through Star Tickets and the Rewards Center. Doors open at 7pm; show starts at 8pm. With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Red Headed Stranger,” and “Stardust.” Willie Nelson has earned numerous awards and honors as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. In the last five years alone he delivered 10 new album releases, released a Top 10 New York Times’ bestsellers book, once again headlined Farm Aid, an event he co-founded in 1985, received his 5th degree black belt in Gong Kwon Yu Sul for his 81st birthday, and graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. In 2015, Nelson added two more titles— “It’s A Long Story: My Life,” the unvarnished and complete story of Willie, hit bookshelves and landed him on the New York Times’ bestseller list,

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and the new studio album with Merle Haggard titled Django And Jimmie, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country album chart. In Nov. 2015, the Library of Congress honored him with their Gershwin Prize for Popular Song for his contributions to popular music. He is the first country artist to receive the distinguished award. And this year began with the release of Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin, a collection of 11 newly recorded Gershwin classics. The album debuted at No. 1 on both the Top Current Jazz chart and the Top Traditional Jazz chart. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “The best holiday gift has arrived! Tickets to see Willie Nelson at the Diamond Center on Feb. 10 go on sale Dec. 10—the perfect gift for family, friends, and yourself!” Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, with three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and one in the West Valley, is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Additional information can be found at www.ddcaz.com or by calling 866-DDC-WINS.

CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438

chips for live play live before tournament

Globe, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 3pm

Spreading $2/$100 Texas hold-em anytime players ask Mon & Wed, 10 am, Spreading Omaha Hi/Lo plus $25 High Hand

Scottsdale, AZ Sat Dec 17, 11:15am – 14th Annual “Christmas Toy Drive” NLHE Tournament, Buy-in $35 + a new unwrapped toy (min $10) Keep in mind, this may be the only toy some children receive for Christmas) Jan 13 – 15, the 2017 “Staycation Weekend Classic” Win up to $ 130,000 in CASH Prizes. Play in all 3 tournaments to receive a complimentary stay at Talking Stick Resort. You could even win a spot in Super Satellite “Win a Seat” Tournaments on Jan 1 & Jan 8 – or in single or double entry “Shootouts” any day Dec 13 thru Jan 13! Mon – Fri, 11:15am – NLHE Tournament - $125 buy-in Mon – Thurs, 7:15pm - NLHE, $145 buy-in Fri, 7:15pm – NLHE Tournament - $200 buy-in Sat, Dec 10, 11:15 am, “Super Bounty” NLHE, $240 buy-in$100 Bounties Sun, Dec 11, 11:15 am - Weekend Tournament 200 Sat, Dec 24, 11:15 am - Weekend Tournament 200 Sat, Dec 31 at 11:15am – End of Month-NLHE - $160 buy-in Sat, Dec3 - 11:15am – “Big Stack” NLHE – $345 buy-in Player Special (2am - Noon) $4 breakfast

NFL “Sunday Splash-pots” 3 games each week “Aces Cracked” Wins $75 in any Texas Hold Em game – selected days & hours Straight Flush pays $50 Royal pays $100 Dealing blackjack 24/7

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

Also dealing blackjack 24/7

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

Parker, AZ Poker Room opens at 2pm Wed & Sun – other days at 4pm 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 (Quads or better) Monday Night Football “Splash-pots” Dealing blackjack daily at 9am

Bucky’s Casino 928-515-5305

Prescott, AZ Mon – Fri, Noon - NLHE Shootouts $20 buy –in w/ Opt $5 Dealer add-on for add $500 in chips Tues - Thurs, 6pm NLHE $40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 add-on (top 3-5 cash) top 5 earn points for Player of Month (3 places $300, $ 200 & $100) Sat, Noon – $500 added DEEP STACK, $80 buy-in/opt dealer add-on $20 + re-buys the 1st hour Last Sunday at Noon, Omaha Hi/Lo, $500 added $80 BI, bonus

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each hour

Casino Arizona 480-850-7777

Scottsdale, AZ Blackjack Tournaments: Tues, noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” $ 50 buy-in “Great Late” Tournament, $25 buy-in (Starts at 1am Friday morning) Dealing blackjack 24/7

Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565

Tucson, AZ JUST ADDED: Sunday at 5pm “Deep Stack” $5,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $100 buy-in Mon-Fri, 10 am - $600 Guaranteed (w/30 players) NLHE, $25 buy-in, opt $5 chip-up & $10 add-on Tues, 7pm - $800 guarantee FREE ROLL – 50 players max (no cost) opt “chip up” of $6 Wed – “Race for Cash” Noon till Mid Thurs, 7pm - “Deep Stack” $5,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $120 buy-in Sun 11am - $1,500 Guaranteed NLHE, $55 buy-in – no re-buys Sat, 9am – $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys & one $10 add-on Sat noon – $ 1,500 Guaranteed NLHE - $55 buy-in – no re-buys with opt $5 chip-up & $5 add-on NFL & College Football boards (Win cash each quarter) NFL “2nd Chance Drawings” $50, $100 & $150 after the game – call for details

Mon – Thurs (noon-Mid) Omaha only-Buy in for a “rack”, play 2 hours and get a “stack”! Mon – Thurs (2pm-Mid) Omaha 6/4 Cracked pays $100 – max 5/day Dealing Blackjack 24/7 W/ new side bet “Buster Blackjack” You win when the dealer busts!

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/ opt $5 dealer chip up Sat, 11am – (every other weekend) Single table shootout - NLHE $ 50 or $100 buy-in tables w/ opt $5 dealer chip up Sat, 11am (every other weekend) Multi-table Shootout - $70 buy-in + $10 Dealer Chip-up All Week – Royal Flush pays $100 “Aces Cracked” 24/7 Win from $ 50 to $200 Sat morning “Faces Cracked” before tournament

Sat 6pm-Mid “High Hand Bonus” 4 of a kind pays $150, Straight Flush $250 – Royals $350 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 – $38 buy-in no re-buys Daily – Any Royal Flush $200 Hold Em, $100 Omaha, Straight Flush $100 Hold Em, $50 Omaha Mon, Thurs & Sun - “50-50-50 GRIDIRON Splash-pots” (selected TV College & Pro games) Special Poker Room menu at ½ off regular prices Dealing blackjack 24/7 with 3 card poker, “progressive 6 card bonus” “Push Bet” and “IN BETWEEN” bet – featuring three 3-deck shoes along with 6-deck shoes

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

Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284

Fountain Hills, AZ Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri at Noon NLHE - $30 buy-in - $20 add-on - No-rebuys Tues, noon and Sat 4pm – Omaha Hi-Lo, $40 buy-in ($100 added per table) 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 - 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 Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament – Dec 11 $60 BI w/Opt $10 chip-up “Aces Cracked” 24/7 Min $100 up to $1,000 between 1am-5pm. “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of tens beaten by Quads or better wins Jackpot! “Faces Cracked” daily 5pm to 1am – Win $75 hourly Dealing blackjack 24/7 w/ “Free Bet” split Aces up to 3 times & hit more than once & Double Down after first hit! Also playing “Push Bet” that pays 10-1 when you push with the dealer!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138

Maricopa, AZ Dec 10 at 5:30pm “$600 guaranteed Toy Drive” NLHE, buy-in, a new unwrapped Toy =3,000 chips, 5,000 chips for a second toy ($10 value) Opt $10 dealer “Chip-up” = 2,000 chips Dec 17 at 5:30pm, $1,000 guaranteed “Tag Team” Toy Drive

CARD ROOM ACTION Tournament – buy-in $70 per team w/ 2 new toys or $125 per team (no toy)=5,000 chips, Opt $10 Dealer “Chip-up” = 3,000 chips Tues 7:30pm ½ & ½ NLHE & Omaha High - $40 buy-in no re-buys Wed 7:30pm “Crazy Pineapple” w/ $20 Bounties - $40 buy-in – no re-buys Thurs, 7:30pm – 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 Aces Cracked – 24/7 pays $50 “$50 High Hand” hourly Mon-Fri 10am-1pm / Royal Flush pays $50 Daily $25 Splash pots” every ½ hour- (1:30pm – close) call for details

NFL and College splash pots – Selected TV games. Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – including “Push the bet”

Hon-Dah Casino 928-369-7555

Pinetop, AZ Open daily at 4pm, Sat & Sun at 2pm Mon, 6pm – Free Pizza and NFL Splash Pots 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 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 “Early bird” tournament chips available daily before tournaments Fri & Sat – $100 High Hand at 6pm, 9pm & Mid (Hold Em) Also dealing blackjack Sun thru Thurs 4pm – 10pm, Fri and Sat 2pm – Mid

Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452

Chandler, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7 Progressive Jackpots include; Crazy 4 Poker & Ultimate Texas Hold EM at all 3 Gila River Casinos! The PAI GOW Jackpot was hit twice in November for $240,000 and $108,000 and it’s growing again.

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529

Payson, AZ “Road to Vegas” Poker Tournaments First Wed of each month at 6pm thru April 5 - $50 buy-in w/ $50 bounties – 2 winners per tournament are seeded into the “Tournament of Champions” on April 26 – Grand Prize $1,000 cash and a seat into a 2017 WSOP

Tournament in Las Vegas Live poker Wed–Sun at 10am- includes Omaha on Wed & Thurs morning, and Hold em Fri & Sat nights at 6pm (you can sign up the day before for all live games) Wed, 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

Quechan Casino Resort 1-877-783-2426

Winterhaven, CA (Yuma area) Open 10am Sat/Sun, 4pm Mon/Tues, 2pm Wed/Thurs Wed/Thurs at 2pm & Fri thru 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 ($20) bounty tournament $60 buy-in, unlimited buy-ins first hour Sun, 4pm, “Deep Stack” NLHE $100 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 Sat 11:15 am, NLHE “Big Stack $10 bounties”-$50 buy-in /Opt $10 Staff chip up & $20 add-on Sun 11:15 am, NLHE “Sunday Brunch”$30 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff “chip-up” & $20 add-on break Wed, 7:30pm, NLHE “Humpday”$40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee

TV games Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Friday Afternoon Blackjack Tournament at 4pm - $30 buy-in Progressive Jackpots for Ultimate Texas Hold EM & Crazy 4 Poker grow daily at all 3 Casinos! The PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was hit twice in November for over $240,000 & $108,000!

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

Chandler, AZ Mon-Thurs, Noon - NLHE, $30 buy-in, opt $10 “chip-up” no re-buys - $150 added per table Tues & Wed, 7:30pm - $1,000 added NLHE Freeze Out, $50 entry fee w/ $10 optional add-on Sun, 3:30pm, NLHE - $30 buy-in, $5 opt, $20 add-on & bonus chips for play before tournament

NFL & College “Splash pots” – selected TV games “Aces Cracked” Win a Rack – “Rolling Cash Fever” Drawing every other hour 24/7, $100 min, increases by $100 if not hit – must go Monday night Food specials: ½ price poker room menu Progressive Jackpots for Ultimate Texas Hold EM & Crazy 4 Poker grow daily at all 3 Casinos! The PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was hit twice in November for over $240,000 & $108,000!

before play for added chips

1st Sat of the month at noon “Super Stack” NLHE - $110 BI, $20 Staff “chip up” & $20 add-on “Quads or Better” Starts at $50, up $25 a day till hit – “Straight Flush” starts at $100 up by $50 per day till hit! Royal Flush starts at $200 up $50 per day till hit Quads or better progressive increases daily “ACES CRACKED” (Mon-Thurs) spin wheel win up $300 Early Bird Chips” for live play before any tournament - 1st & 2nd place at final table qualify for the “Tournament of Champions” FREE ROLL each quarter. Next one is Feb 25 NFL & College “Splash pots” Sat, Sun, Mon & Thurs – selected

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

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016 13

arizona lottery news Buy AZ Lottery scratchers and receive Phoenix Suns Tickets! Plus a chance to win the Grand Prize - a Suns VIP Experience! This seems too good to be true – but here are the all too real details: Drop by either of these Fry’s Food Stores on Dec 14th or Dec 17th Dec 17 Dec 14 4 pm - 6 pm 11 am - 1 pm Fry’s Marketplace Fry’s Marketplace 13730 West Camelback Road 1311 E. Bell Road Litchfield Park Phoenix

To take advantage of this special promotion, just purchase two ($20) $200 Million Cash Explosion Scratchers at either Fry’s locations and receive: One voucher redeemable for two tickets to a Phoenix Suns home game between Dec 15, 2016 and Feb 15, 2017! And that’s just the beginning, because you’ll also receive one entry for the Grand Prize a Suns VIP Experience, (Valued at $1,000) plus a spin on the Arizona Lottery Prize Wheel! Grand Prize: Four, Row #1 tickets to the January 28, 2017 Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets game, round-trip limo transportation to and from the game, the ability to watch pre-game warm-ups from the team bench, a $100 team shop gift card, and a locker room tour. (There is a limit of 4 vouchers, 4 Grand Prize entries and 4 spins on the prize wheel at each location) Let us not forget the potential of winning up to $2,500,000 on those 200 Million Cash Explosion Scratchers! Drawing/Prizes Within 48 hours after the close of the December 17, 2016 Retail Event, the Suns will conduct a random drawing at the Sun’s offices located at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona. Three Grand Prize (3) finalists will be chosen from the Entry Forms submitted at the Retail Events (“Finalists”). To be eligible to win the Grand Prize, the Finalists must redeem a Voucher won at the Retail Event for tickets to the Suns vs. Houston game on December 21, 2016 and attend the game (“Game”). One Grand Prize winner will be selected in a game of chance conducted on court at the Game. The winner must be present to win. The Vouchers and “Spin to Win” prizes do not involve a drawing. Grand Prize: The Grand Prize is four (4) tickets for the January 28, 2017 Phoenix Suns vs. Denver game, round-trip limo

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TJ’s Blackjack corner

Luck or Skill?

ere’s the question I get asked most often by blackjack players – “Is Tournament Blackjack a game of skill or mostly Luck?” Most Player’s understanding of the relationship between luck and skill is generally extremely shaky and a massive simplification from the truth at best. A typical tournament that has 6 players seated at a table for the first round, and advances the player with the most chips to the semi-final, the odds of making the semis by luck alone are 6 to 1. In the semi-final if the top two chip counts advance to the championship round, it makes the odds of getting paid by luck alone 18 to 1, or about 5%. If a skilled player gets in the money 1 in 5 tries; or 27% of the time; could you then rank that players skill between 5-27%? Would you say that for that Player Tournament Blackjack is 23% skill and 77% luck?

by TJ Jorgensen

Two dimensions, not one Most players think Luck and skill are the same thing. If we take the game of craps as an extreme example of a game of luck, and compare it to chess as a game of pure skill, you will see how the comparison between the two is measured. There are two independent factors which contribute to our understanding of whether a given game is a game of skill or luck. What we have is not a linear scale between craps and chess, but a twodimensional field. Game design is something that people have only started thinking about formally very recently, so there is no fixed terminology, but I’m going to use the terms “luck factor” and “strategic skill.”

Luck factor Of the two, luck factor is easier to understand and, easier to measure. Simply put; luck factor, describes the likelihood that a clearly inferior opponent can defeat a superior one. If we take the game of chess and add dice to the game it becomes «Dice Chess». Dice Chess is simple: It’s just like regular chess, except that once one player has called checkmate, they must roll a die. If they manage to roll a certain result – say 3 or higher – they win, but if they miss, they lose and the checkmated player is considered to have won instead. Dice chess is pretty clearly a bad game which few people would enjoy more than regular chess. As a thought experiment, though, it demonstrates what we mean by “luck factor.” In a game of regular chess, a grand master can be expected to defeat a beginner 100% of the time, or so close to 100% that it doesn’t matter. With dice chess, however, we can set the probability however we like. If the grand master needs to roll 3 or higher on a six-sided die to win following checkmate, then his overall odds are 66.7%, but by adjusting the rules and the dice used, we could make it anything we like, between 50% and 100%. This is, the game’s luck factor.

16 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

Strategic skill Strategic skill is much trickier, but has to do with a game’s learning curve and the extent to which a person can master it. Here, the go-to example of an easy to master skill game is tic-tac-toe; while again, chess is typically used as a difficult to master counter example. Tic-tac-toe does not involve any luck at all, except in determining the start player, and in any case, results in a tie under perfect play. It is, however, possible to be better or worse at it. Two perfect players will tie every game, but an imperfect player will sometimes lose to a perfect one, unlike in craps where any two players will perform equally in the long term. What’s important in looking at tic-tac-toe as an example is that perfect play is within human reach – you can memorize the correct response to every move in an afternoon, – and so the skill ceiling is strictly capped. Checkers, meanwhile, has also been solved, yet there is a wide spectrum in human ability, and games like chess still have no practical ceiling for the time being. Quantifying the strategic skill of a game essentially involves looking for the longest hypothetical chain of players you can construct such that each is measurably better than the last. You have a complete beginner at one end, and someone with full knowledge of the optimal strategy at the other: How many people can you insert between them, each of whom is clearly better than the last? In the case of tic-tac-toe, there’s only so much to be learned; it’s easy to come up with a few general rules which lead to a win more often than random play, but it’s only another short jump from there to a completely perfect strategy. On the other hand, if you walk into any chess club, you’ll find that all the players have a ranking and know where they stand, with the only disputes in standing existing between players who are extremely close in skill.

The sum of the parts It may not be immediately obvious why strategic skill relates to luck factor, but the reality is that the former determines the extent to which the latter matters. Dice chess is still essentially chess; if the checkmating player wins two-thirds of the time, then a grandmaster will beat a novice two-thirds of the time. There may be short-term variance, but the long term winner will depend purely on skill. Conversely, if you played a variant of tic-tac-toe in which ties were resolved by coin flip, then in a population of experienced players, you’d expect that the actual tic-tac-toe portion of the game would rapidly become irrelevant, because all games would result in ties and be resolved by the flip of the coin. What’s important here is that it’s not one aspect or the other which defines whether a game is “mostly luck” or “mostly skill,” but a combination of the two. Dice chess is still chess, but “dice tic-tac-toe” isn’t really very different from just rolling dice. Given that monetary stakes incentive people to train hard at a game, strategic skill is the more important factor, but it can be hard to discern beneath the more obvious luck factor.

Measurement problems Unfortunately, it’s hard to quantify either component of a game’s luck and skill aspects. The luck factor is the easier of the two, but still not as simple as it seems. On the surface, all you have to do for something like dice chess is look at the dice odds, but even games of “pure” skill like chess contain a certain amount of variance when played by humans. If this were not the case, you would expect that every match played between international grand masters would play out the same way, with the better player winning, but the reality is that everyone commits errors occasionally, and slightly worse players sometimes beat slightly better players even in a game like chess. Thus, on top of the dice odds, we have to include the “blunder factor” of a given game, by which mental lapses – or moments of brilliance – can affect a human player’s performance. Assuming we’ve established a game’s luck factor, it’s still not obvious how to measure strategic skill. An intuitive and reasonable starting point for establishing skill levels is to take some fraction of the maximum edge. For instance, if a game’s luck factor limits the better player to winning 66.7% of the time (2-1), then perhaps we take a tenth of that edge to define a skill level; you are then one level above me if you can beat me with 1.2-1 odds, or around 55% of the time. If we could do that, then it would just be a matter of taking a population of players and counting the skill levels which exist. Unfortunately, here we have both the problems with quantifying luck factor in the first place, and an additional problem in establishing a baseline: That is, what constitutes a beginner? The most objective approach

would seem to be to assume that a beginner plays completely at random, but of course this isn’t the case. Even a complete beginner at poker is unlikely to fold four of a kind, and a beginner daily fantasy sports bettor isn’t likely to draft a team of all bench-warmers. In almost all cases, some of a game’s heuristics (basic strategies) will be apparent to most players once they understand the rules, so establishing a skill floor can be at least as hard as establishing a skill ceiling.

No easy answers If you were hoping that I was coming around to a solid opinion on what does or does not constitute a game of skill, I’m afraid that I have to disappoint you. In fact, it’s the extent to which I’ve thought about such things which leads me to throw my hands in the air and say “it’s complicated.” What I can say is that the complicated reality of the situation makes semantic wrangling pointless.

T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for decades and is known for his live tournament play. He has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world and has won the prestigious “World Series of Blackjack”. To contact TJ Jorgensen for questions or information on his books, send an e-mail to; tj4justice1@msn.com

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016 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 sports & Live bands on weekends; Dec 17 – Aravaipa Band Dec 30 – She’s Back! “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey vs Amanda Nunes for the World Bantamweight Championship Pay Per View “Live” in the Lounge New Year’s Eve – Ring in 2017 with the XS Band -

BlueWater Resort and Casino

11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 BlueWater Amphitheatre: Call for updated schedule Dig Lounge: DJs/live bands & Sports on the big screens River’s Edge Cantina: Sports on the big screens

Casino Arizona

101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Monday Night Football promotion! Dec 9 thru Dec 23 – Christmas, MOTOWN & More! NEW Year’s Eve – Ring in 2017 with the band STONE SOUL Arizona Room Patio Grill:

New Year’s Eve featuring the band ROCK LOBSTER Tues– Trivia Tuesdays - $1,000 up for grabs (register 5:30-6:30 - action starts at 7pm) Wed - Country dance instruction w/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 (call for update) 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 Conference Center: New Year’s Eve – “80’s & Gentleman” FREE Event 10pm till 1am Bingo Hall: New Year’s Eve – Tejano New Year Celebration! FREE Event (8pm - 1am) w/Ruben Ramos, AJ Castillo and La Tropa F AVA Amphitheater: Call for new concert schedule Paradiso Bar: AZ top bands (free) every weekend and Tribute bands

on Thursdays; Dec 15 “Breakdown” Tom Petty Tribute band, Dec 16 – BOOMER, Dec 17 – Angel Norteno, Dec 22 – “Heartbeat City” The Cars Tribute, Dec 24 – Los Nawdy Dawgs, Dec 29 – “Latin Royale” Tribute to Gloria Estefan, Carlos Santana and Selena, Dec 30 – STR8UP

Cliff Castle Casino

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Dragonfly Lounge: live music on weekends & Monday Football Madness – Win Castle Cash, Prizes and plenty of fun – New Year’s Eve 2 FREE Parties, PARTY #1 in The New EVENT CENTER – Party with the band Priminition from 9pm-1am, PARTY #2 in the Dragonfly Lounge with the Sidewynder River Rattler Band from 9pm till 1am

Cocopah Casino Resort

15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ (Yuma area) (928) 726-8066 Sunset Lounge:

Fri & Sat - Bling Bling Karaoke River Room: Best live bands in Arizona

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel

7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-332-9467 Monsoon Night Club:

NEW YEAR’S EVE – Party in 2017 with Tucson’s local Favorite LOS GALLEGOS $25 per person or $30 per couple Flashback Fridays: featuring Classic Hip-Hop and Old School w/ Primetime Deejays Saturdays: Hottest Live Latin bands like; Angel Norteno, Los Gallegos and others 18 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

entertainment Desert Diamond Casino I-19

& the Stilettos, The Walkens and Fates Highway

1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: Jan 13 - The Temptations Jan 17 – “Who Loves You” Tribute to Frankie Valli (and the four Seasons)

New Year’s Eve – Clevland’s Breakfast Club Bingo Hall: 1st Saturday of each month - Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways

Updates - go to fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino

15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 THE LOUNGE: Monday & Thursday Pro Football on the big screens New Year’s Eve – “Mother Mercy” FREE Shows at 8pm, 10pm and Mid, From Midnight – 2am Deejay music Friday & Saturday 5-8pm and 8pm-1am - BIG NAMES – NO COVER! Great bands on weekends featuring; Young Country, Soundwave, John Eric Band, Quantum and others Wed (Happy Hour, 5-8pm) featuring; Walkens Trio or the Stanley Serano Trio Wed (noon -4pm) w/Route 66, Walkens Trio, Mancini the band, Bandstand Shows, Thaddeus Rose or Silhouette For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com

BON QUI QUI

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH

May 5 - Anjelah Johnson Presents BON QUI QUI in concert Sports Bar: Nightly Sports on big screens, plus

Karaoke/DJ nightly & live bands on weekends

Fort McDowell Casino

N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT “Lucky 7” Saloon: The top bands in Arizona on weekends; Duane Moore, People who could fly, Furious George, the Dave Arnold Band, Tommy Price

Conference Center: Jan 19 – JOURNEY UNLIMITED The Tribute - $10 per person OR $79 Room Package includes 2 free concert tickets! Feb 14 – Rod Stewart Tribute $10/person or Dinner/show or dinner/Room and show packages – call for details Timbers Lounge: Dec 13 thru 17 – Justin Wright &

High Octane (Country)Jan 3 thru 7 – In-A-Fect (R&B)Jan 10 thru 14 – Smokehouse (Country & Boogie Woogie swing)

Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit - Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Lone Butte Event Center: Dec 16 – Yolanda Del Rio New Year’s Eve - Soundwave Cascades Lounge:

New Year’s Eve – Guest Emcee Natasha Castles Mon, Tues & Fri (4-8pm) and Fri & Sat (late night) featuring Marty & the Party, Thaddeus Rose, The Hamptons, JJ’s Band, Smooth Groove, Rhythm of the Sun band, New Frequency Band and Rhythm Edition 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: New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring the band Spin Fusion – Call for details and Stay & Play packages 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

CLASSIC VINTAGE EARLY DAYS OF LAS VEGAS SLOTS FOR SALE! Private collector is selling off entire collection of late 40’s, 50’s & 60’s Bally, Pace and Mills slot machines nickel, dime, quarter and half dollar slots the ones you’ve seen in classic movies and TV shows. Nothing will be held back – everything will be sold. Slot dealers, Casinos or private individuals

Call John McAdams in Tucson at 520-740-1234

20 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

entertainment Talking Stick Resort

Sunday’s; Mariachi Rodriguez or Mariachi Fiesta Valle Del Sol Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm - BINGO ECLIPSE

Loop 101 and Talking Stick Way – Scottsdale 480-850-7734 NEW YEAR’S EVE - Talking Stick Resort’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is always the best Las Vegas style party in the valley. Beginning at 9pm, you’ll have access to three party spaces each offering a unique entertainment act. ROOM 1 – “Wanted” A Tribute to Bon Jovi (9pm-10:30pm) and DSB – A Tribute to Journey (11pm-12:30pm) Room 2 – “Discolicious” (9pm – 12:45pm) ROOM 3 – DJ Jen Jones (7pm-9pm) Tranzit (9pm-11:30pm) & Bad Boy Bill (11pm – 2am) Showroom: New Year’s Eve – Raven Presents “All that Glitters NYE Gala” (various packages available – Call for details) Jan 7 – Dave Mason Feb 4 – Kenny Wayne Shepard Band Feb 10 – Gino Vannelli Feb 17 – Arsenio Hall Feb 18 – Johnny Rivers

- 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: Dec 10 – Charlie Daniels Band, Dec 15 – Tower of Power, Dec 18 – A MOTOWN Christmas party NEW YEAR’S EVE: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Mic Adams & The Stones plus 34 North The Lounge:

Styx Grand Ballroom: Jan 14 – Andrew Dice Clay Jan 15 - STYX Palo Verde Lounge: Live bands nightly Shadows Lounge: singles & duos featuring jazz, classic

sounds of Sinatra

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 with the Top Bands like: Rebel Heart, Uptown Band, Country Road 5, Buckit, Matt Farris, Latino Rebel, Stateline, John Eric Band and Outside the Line

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline - Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: Dec 17 – Yolanda Del Rio New Year’s Eve – Paperback Writer (Beatles Experience) V Q LIVE: Open Wed – Sat, Featuring; STR8UP Band,

Johnny Rivers

22 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

Powerdrive, Rhythm of the Sun, Marty & the Party, Priminition, Chaka & Friends, Latino Rebel Band, Rhythm Edition and others

Mid-day (Mon10am-3pm) w/ Jukebox 6, Swingtips or Route 66 w/ DJ Danny Davis Late night (Wed - Sun) featuring; The Walkens, Chaka & Friends, Shining Star, Rhythm of the Sun band, Smokestack Lightning, New Frequency and others CHROME NIGHT CLUB: Fridays & Saturdays Arizona’s Hot Spot featuring DJ Medik

contest page WINTER WONDERLAND SWEEPSTAKES If you love 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. We will have a total of 7 Lucky winners! The Grand Prize Package includes; a 2 night stay in the picturesque Pinetop area at HonDah Resort Casino and Conference Center. You and a guest will receive breakfast and dinner at the Indian Pines Restaurant. Plus lift tickets to Sunrise Ski Resort for both adults for 2 full days! And to sweeten the pot even more – Arizona Player is including $100 in spending cash! This 2 night Winter Wonderland Ski Package Getaway Grand Prize is valued at $595! 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 the Grand Prize winners will have at Hon-Dah Resort Casino including; live entertainment in the Timbers Lounge featuring the best bands in Arizona along with some nationally known performers too! You’ll find “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.

24 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

Along with the Grand Prize Winners, Arizona Player will also award 6 runner-up prize winners that will receive a 4 pack of Arizona Renaissance Festival tickets (2 adult and 2 child tickets) a $72 value good anytime from Feb 11th thru April 2nd.2017! That’s Over $1,000 in cash and prizes for this Winter Wonderland Sweepstakes – So don’t delay, enter now! Go to the Arizonaplayer.com website and fill out the form completely…..or if you prefer you can mail your entry to: Arizona Player “Winter Sweepstakes” PO BOX 33393 Phoenix, AZ 85067 Hurry, entries close on Jan 31. (Strict rules – there is a limit of one entry per person, 2 per household - multiple entries will result in disqualification) If mailing in an entry, use a

3x5 card that must include your Name, Address, E-mail, Phone #, Age, Male or Female, Favorite Casino & Favorite Casino activity (Slots, blackjack, Poker, other games, entertainment or dining choice. Be sure to fill it out the entry form completely to be eligible to win – Winners will be announced in the February 2017 issue. Hope to see you soon enjoying the spectacular White Mountains this winter compliments of Hon-Dah Resort Casino 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 new things coming in 2017. 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

DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR

Movies To Watch This by David Ramsey

La La Land -

Holiday Season

Mia is a struggling would be actress working as a barista on the Warner lot. Sebastian is a struggling jazz musician lamenting the slow death of jazz. When they meet it’s not exactly love at first sight but they do end up connecting later. As their romance grows their careers take different paths and compromises are made. This is a wonderful musical with great music, a perfect cast and a well-directed script. La La Land’ is headed for a bunch of awards as it is one of the best films of the year.

26 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

Allied -

A British intelligence officer infiltrates Casablanca in 1942 where he teams up with a beautiful French resistance fighter to accomplish a deadly mission. They fall for each other and he arranges for her to travel back to England with him. Their relationship grows while the war rages around them. It’s not long before they are married and have a child but the pressure of the war intrudes on their happiness. The writing goes from action to romance to tension and back. Allied is one of the best war movies in a long time.

Alternative Christmas Movies Looking for something different this holiday season? Here are some Christmas films that you may not have thought of from action to comedy - in no particular order.

In Bruges After a job gone wrong two hit men wait in Bruges, Belgium for word from their boss. Ray hates it there and finds ways to distract himself. This unique film has a brilliant cast and a fun and witty script.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang A thief on the run walks in on an audition and ends up headed to Hollywood where he gets mixed up in a murder mystery with a quirky private eye and a struggling actress. Well written, terrific acting make this film one to watch. Shane Black wrote and directed Robert Downey, Jr back to stardom in this film.

Die Hard Yes, the John McClain series started at Christmas. This is one of the best action films of all time with a great hero and villain. The writing is brilliant and the

Trading Places

Lethal Weapon A veteran detective is paired with a younger, suicidal officer as they learn to work together a friendship forms. This Christmas season movie mixes action, humor and the holidays. This film that started the buddy cop film genre is still one of the best. This is the second Shane Black film on this list.

Edward Scissorhands A young man with scissors for hands lives by himself in a mansion. One day a determined saleslady finds him and brings him home to live with her family, where he falls in love with her daughter. He does the best he can to fit in, in this wonderful quirky film by Tim Burton.

About a Boy A twelve year old boy helps an immature thirty-something to grow up in this different romantic comedy.

action non-stop. 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.

Millionaire brothers disagree on the nature vs nurture theory and end up making a bet that involves a con man from the street and one of their rising stars. This is another very funny movie featuring a great cast.

The Apartment A man tries to rise in his company by letting executives use his apartment for romantic liaisons. Things get complicated when a romance of his own begins to develop. This romantic-comedy won 5 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director for Billy Wilder.

The Hudsucker Proxy A naive business graduate has an idea for a new product “you know, for kids” As part of a stock scam he ends up being made President of the company – Funny and one of the Coen Brother’s lesser known but still great films.

Love Actually The all-star cast is brilliant and the writing is wonderfully witty and romantic. A number of stories come together during Christmas time in one of the Best Romantic Comedies of all time. ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016 27

TRAVEL GLENDALE GLITTERS LIGHTS UP THE HOLIDAY SEASON! Downtown Glendale “Sparkles, Shines & Glitters” as Arizona’s Largest Free Holiday Display returns Glendale’s Holiday Lighting Season draws over 250,000 visitors every year to this West Valley community. There can’t be anything more synonymous with the magic of holiday lights in the Valley of the Sun than Glendale Glitters. Glendale’s award-winning holiday festival has become a family tradition across the valley and state. This award-winning festival, “Glendale Glitters” was recognized by CBSnews.com in 2014 as one of the top five holiday light displays in the country. The city of Glendale was selected not only for the Glendale Glitters display, but also for neighborhood and business participation throughout the city. This year the annual celebration kicked off on Fri and Sat Nov 25 & 26 from 5pm to 10pm each evening. The stunning display of 1.5 million LED lights illuminates sixteen blocks of Historic Downtown Glendale, making it the largest free holiday light display in Arizona. Free admission makes this beloved event family friendly. Visitors of all ages will delight

28 ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016

in holiday entertainment, delectable food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a children’s winter wonderland and petting zoo, shopping and of course everyone’s favorite person this time of year – Santa Claus. Festivities continue with events in downtown Glendale, every Friday and Saturday through December. 17 from 6pm till 10pm each evening – on Dec.16 & 17 it’s Glendale’s Spirit of Giving Weekend The glittering magic of Glendale’s holiday display remains lit nightly through Jan 7 from 5pm till-11pm. The seven-week long holiday light display comes to its conclusion with the Glendale Glitter & Glow Block Party on January 7th, when the 1.5 million lights are combined with glowing hot air balloons and a variety of musical entertainment,

which brings out more than 75,000 people in its final evening. Free shuttles from Glendale Community College are provided during this Glendale Glitter and Glow Block Party. Street parking in and around the downtown is free, but event attendees will have the option of paying $10 for preferred parking in two downtown garages, which are accessible from 59th Avenue and Glenn Drive. Historic Downtown Glendale is located at 58th and Glendale avenues. For more information, call the Special Event Hotline at 623-930-2299 or visit www.glendaleaz.com/events.

bingo Apache Gold Casino – Globe, Wed thru Sun at Noon Fri, Sat – plus 1st Mon of the month at 7pm BlueWater Casino – Parker, Mon thru Wed at 6:30pm & Sun at 1:30pm Casino Arizona – Scottsdale, Daily at 1pm and 7pm plus “Late Night Bingo” Midnight Fri &Sat Casino Del Sol – Tucson, Daily Mini-Session at Noon and 2pm & 7pm sessions (early Birds ½ hour earlier) Cocopah Casino – Yuma, Daily at 1pm & 7pm Desert Diamond Casino – Tucson, Daily at 2pm & 7pm (early Birds ½ hour earlier) Fort McDowell Casino – Fountain Hills, Wed – Mon at 9am, 12:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri & Sat at 11:30pm and Midnight on the 1st Sat of the month for “Lunar Bingo” featuring a DJ, music, light show, dancing and Bingo. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino – Maricopa, Wed thru Sun 11:30 am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm & 6:30pm (Super Coverall & MP Bingo each evening) Lone Butte Casino – Chandler, Daily at Noon & 6:30pm, Sat & Sun at 10am, “Mini’s” at 3:30 & 5:30pm – also “Bingo After Dark” Fri & Sat at 10:30pm featuring a DJ, Music, light show, dancing and bingo. Mazatzal Casino – Payson, Daily at Noon & 6:30pm – DOUBLE Payoffs on 1st Thurs and 3rd Tues Paradise Casino – Yuma, Daily at 1:30 & 6pm Vee Quiva Casino – Laveen, Daily at Noon & 6:30pm, Plus “Bingo Eclipse” each Sat at 11:30pm, eaturing DJ music, dancing and bingo

ARIZONA PLAYER December 2016 29

Joke page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory Trouble in the Ozarks

jokes of the month

Dear John Letter

Back woods Husband Billy Bob called the local Sheriff to file a report: “My wife is missing” he said “What happened?” asked the Sheriff Billy Bob: “She went shopping yesterday and has not come home!” Sheriff: “I need a description – how tall is she?”? Billy Bob: “Not sure - a little over five-feet I think”. Sheriff: “What about her weight?” Billy Bob: “Don’t know - Not slim, not really fat.” Sheriff: “Eye color?” Billy Bob: “Sort of brown I think, never really noticed.”

Sheriff: “What about her hair color?” Billy Bob: “Changes often - maybe dark brown now, can’t remember.” Sheriff: “Help me Billy, what was she wearing?” Billy Bob: “I think pants, or shorts, not sure exactly. Sheriff: “What kind of car was she driving?” Billy Bob: “She left in my new truck” Sheriff: “What kind of truck was it?” Billy Bob: “A 2016 pearl white Ram Limited 4X4 with 6.4 Hemi V8 engine, back up and front camera, leather heated and cooled seats, a custom matching white cover for

the bed, a trailing package with gold hitch, sunroof, DVD, GPS, satellite radio, Cobra 40-channel CB radio, USB ports, power outlets, special alloy wheels, off-road Toyo tires, retracting running boards….and” At this point Billy Bob started choking up. Sheriff: “Take it easy Billy, we’ll find your truck!”

Dear Johnny, I have been unable to sleep since I broke off our engagement. Won’t you forgive and forget? Your absence is breaking my heart. I was a fool - nobody can take your place. I love you and miss you so much. All my love, Belinda P.S. Congratulations on winning the Powerball lottery!

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

D ec 10–16 Be Persistent it works Dec 17–23 Repair friendship Dec 24–31 No is easy to say Jan 1–7 Pleasant surprise soon D ec 10–16 Fun week for all Dec 17–23 Your hunch is correct Dec 24–31 Serious $$$$ soon Jan 1–7 Missed opportunity

D ec 10–16 Old friend has answer Dec 17–23 Now is the right time Dec 24–31 Weekend to remember Jan 1–7 A trip worth taking

D ec 10–16 Mini vacation - enjoy Dec 17–23 Safe but sure bet Dec 24–31 Good time & nice win Jan 1–7 Tough times ending

Aries Mar 21 to April 20

D ec 10–16 Small tasks are important Dec 17–23 Interesting encounter Dec 24–31 Out of town win Jan 1–7 Timing is perfect D ec 10–16 Best friend needs help Dec 17–23 Big $$$ coming soon Dec 24–31 Family fun ahead Jan 1–7 Things are looking up

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 December 2016

D ec 10–16 Trust first thought Dec 17–23 In the nick of time Dec 24–31 Exactly what you needed Jan 1–7 Think outside the box

D ec 10–16 Things look good this week Dec 17–23 Mornings are getting better Dec 24–31 Unexpected thrill Jan 1–7 Play fast and tight

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

D ec 10–16 Plan needed trip Dec 17–23 Good thoughts help Dec 24–31 Really great new friend Jan 1–7 Smiles for you all week

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 poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452

D ec 10–16 Luck plays big factor Dec 17–23 Idea is a good choice Dec 24–31 Fun trip in near future Jan 1–7 Stick to your convictions

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

D ec 10–16 Right place right time Dec 17–23 Best pal has great idea Dec 24–31 Call from the past Jan 1–7 Plan further ahead D ec 10–16 No risk – no benifit Dec 17–23 Friend calls for help Dec 24–31 Timing is important Jan 1–7 Needed help - on the way

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