Inside this Issue
Card Room Action Arizona Lottery News Casino Entertainment Horsin' Around at The Derby 2012 World Series Baseball Odds Blackjack Corner – Truth About Myths www.arizonaplayer.com
Vol. 20 No. 04 • April 2012
Cover Story On Page 8
WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM
Vol. 20 No. 04 • April 2012
Contents
Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Truth about Myths”
6
Cover Story BlueWater Resort & Casino “PLAY. STAY. EAT. RELAX.” 8
PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net
Contributing Photography Contributing Writers Kevin Cummings Linda Boyd Melody Hudson Kevin Cummings Production Assistants David Ramsey Cindy Esquer Charlie Scheeler Zwink Photography Bob Goldstein John Olson Tina Holt TJ Jorgensen Graphic Design David Ramsey CommuniGraphics Editor Phil Scudella
Special Thanks to Tina Holt, her Marketing Team at BlueWater Resort & Casino plus Joel Gable and the staff and management at SMP Communications in Scottsdale The Arizona Player is published the first weekend of each month. All claims or guarantees are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All comments and views of contributing writers are their own and do not reflect official policy of the Arizona Player which assumes no liability for any advertisement not supplied camera ready by the advertiser. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher and Copyright owners is prohibited.
4 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
Gaming News New Game Clue exclusive at Harrah’s Ak-Chin
10
Entertainment
12
Boyd’s Eye View Linda Boyd “Big Rock Candy Mountain”
14
Card Room Action Table Game Information Around The State
16
Lottery News
18
Winner Stories
Horsin' Around
Brian Mulligany “Derby Fever”
Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “PLAYBOY Hot Zone”
20 22
Gaming News “Tucson Museum of Art – Win a Dream Home Raffle” ” 24 David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey “Movies and DVD Reviews” 26 Jokes of the Month
28
Astrology, Contest Page, Casino Directory
30
ARIZONA PLAYER November 2011 5
TJ’s Blackjack corner
The Truth about Blackjack Myths
I
recently spent a couple days in Laughlin Nevada playing Blackjack. At my table I couldn’t believe some of the dumb plays individuals were making, and the idiotic statements that they firmly believed were true. I know many of by TJ Jorgensen you have heard these myths and have seen some of these crazy plays made by uninformed players - so here is the truth about what you have seen and heard.
a new player since an ace can be valued at one or eleven. A lot of new players when told they have 17 are thankful and stand. The truth is the hand of 17 is a loser against every single dealer up card except a six, you either hit or double Ace -6 but never stand.
This assumption is not what basic strategy is based on. Basic strategy is based on bust probabilities of the up card that the dealer is showing, or if you prefer, the probability of the dealer making a hand given a certain up card. The best way to play a hand is derived by a computer given the rules and number of decks used. When players split 10’s or double on 7 or less with an up card of a six, they always assume that the dealer will be hitting 16, when the dealer could have a 5 in the hole and be hitting an 11.
A Bad Player Messes Up The Cards
Basic Strategy Assumes the Dealer’s Hole Card Is a 10
Doubling on a Hard 12
The dealer Should Always Bust When Showing a 6
The fact is the dealer will make a hand when showing a 6 about 56% of the time. That means, more often than not, the dealer won’t bust - So when you hear players tell the dealer that they should bust when showing a 6 - well it’s just not the case. These kind of comments, identify them as uninformed players. Players will often blame a player who doesn’t play basic strategy for “taking the dealer’s bust card”, or “messing up the order of the cards”. The truth is they will help you as much as they will hurt you. From a “long run” point of view it doesn’t affect your outcome. Of course you will remember the moron that split his 10s which enabled the dealer to make his sixteen into a twenty-one instead of busting, but you forgot that the next hand you received “Blackjack” because the order of the cards were changed. When I play - you will never hear me correct a player who plays his hand incorrectly. I figure it’s their money, let them play however they want.
This is worth mentioning because I have seen players do it. For example, one gentleman told me that he always doubles hard 12, You Can’t Win Playing One on One With The Dealer because he wins 80% of the time. This is totally not true - in fact I prefer to play one on one. There isn’t “Really” I replied. I didn’t want to burst his bubble and inform him that you a dealer alive that can deal faster than I can count. On my recent trip to will only win that bet 34.92% of the time, lose 60.10% and push 4.97%. I guess Laughlin I found a single deck game that paid 3 to 2 for blackjack, with some people mistake their imagination for reality. decent rules and dealt almost all the way through the entire deck. I was able Standing on Hard 16 versus the dealers’ 7 to get one on one with the dealer at about 5am, which is what you want with Many players believe that it is better to stand with hard 16 versus a dealer single deck. For the next hour and a half I absolutely murdered their game. I up card of 7. The truth is - it’s a terrible hand to begin with, but it’s a 12-5 won’t tell you how much I won but it was enough to buy a small country. underdog to win if you hit it, considerably less if you don’t. The dealer will Until next month, remember - money won is twice as sweet as money earned. only bust 26% of the time when showing a 7 so that means almost 3/4 of the time the dealer will make a hand. In fact if you play four hours a week, it will T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional blackjack player for over twenty years. cost you $37 a year by playing this way. Standing on 16 against a 7 doesn’t He is well 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 presseem like such a good idea after you have all of the facts.
Standing on the hand of Ace - 6
A hand with an ace involved has to be one of the most confusing hands for
6 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
tigious “World Series of Blackjack” – His book “Beating the casino at their own game” is available at: www.freewebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail tj4justice1@msn.com
cover story
Indoor & Outdoor Fun on the Colorado River in Parker!
BlueWater Resort & Casino is the hub of gaming, entertainment, lodging and water sports along the lower Colorado River. No wonder it draws visitors from across the globe! It’s accessible to anyone traveling by water or highway as it sits on the shores of the Colorado River just off Highway 95 in Parker. An enterprise of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, BlueWater Resort & Casino offers something that will appeal to everyone including a variety of gaming options with the newest and most entertaining slot machines, Bingo, Poker and Blackjack. Through THEclub rewards program, members earn free slot play, free or discounted concert tickets, food, hotel stays and more! Membership into the THEclub is free, so join today! The more you play, the more you’ll earn!
RELAX AND ENJOY THE VIEW Each hotel room — whether it’s a deluxe room or suite — features a private balcony or patio providing stunning views of the Colorado River, with California’s Whipple Mountains as a backdrop. AAA has awarded BlueWater Resort & Casino a three-diamond status. With your stay you have access to a long list of amenities. There is an indoor water park offering two pools, a waterslide and spa to appeal to every age.
BLUEWATER FUN! The 164-boat slip Marina includes electricity, fresh water, and 24 hour security surveillance. You’ll also find a video arcade, miniature golf course and cinema to enjoy the latest movies adjacent to BlueWater Resort & Casino. In addition, the resort continues to provide top-notch entertainment in the BlueWater Show Room indoors and outdoors in the Amphitheater. BlueWater Resort & Casino also plays host to a variety of events, including boat races, off-road races, triathlons and golf tournaments. Just some include: The BlueWater Spring Classic Boat Races the weekend of April 14 & 15. The Parker Open Golf Tournament April 20, 21 & 22 - and the IJSBA BlueWater Resort & Casino West Coast National personal water craft races April 28 & 29. 8 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
SEE THE STARS AT BLUEWATER RESORT A.B. Quintanilla III and the Kumbia Kings/All Starz are coming to the BlueWater Resort & Casino Amphitheater on Saturday May 5th. Heralded for their cumbia, hip-hop, and R & B music, the concert is generating a lot of excitement for this renowned group. Also appearing are opening acts Los Alazanes and Los Salgado. Pre-show tickets are on sale now for $25 while day of show are $30 and are available at the BlueWater Gift Shop. More information can be found under “concerts” at BlueWaterFun.com.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR FUN The Dig Lounge, located right off the casino floor, is open nightly and gives patrons a variety of music options for their listening and dancing pleasure. Live local favorite bands perform Wednesday and Thursday nights. Between live acts, the Dig Lounge provides great musical entertainment with a DJ offering several genres of music and karaoke. It’s a great place to watch your favorite sports too, with 42” HD wide screen TVs and a 160 inch HD projection screen. The River’s Edge Cantina offers great entertainment each weekend through the summer months, along with 10 flat panel televisions to watch all your favorite sporting action all season! Every Saturday night in June, July and August, BlueWater Resort and Casino is throwing a pool party in their Atrium Waterpark. Guests can party and dance with live DJs and enjoy favorite beverages from the bar. The pool party is from 11pm until 2am for those 21 and over. For more information go to BlueWaterFun.com for details Cover Story continues on page 29
gaming news Miss Scarlet - In the poker room – With a Pepsi 12-pack! - you’ll be able to unlock the Conservatory, Library, Dining Room and Billiard Room Bonus feature in random order. After any spin, the “Lights Out” Bonus may trigger to award you any of the six room bonuses, regardless of whether you’ve currently unlocked those rooms or not. After every bonus round - you could have a chance to correctly accuse Suspect, Room and Weapon to win the bank-wide SolveThe-Mystery Progressive Jackpot! If you incorrectly solve the mystery, one of your accusations is removed as an option, making the mystery easier to solve for you or the next player attempting it. Clue by WMS Gaming is exclusive at Total Rewards Casinos (Caesar’s Entertainment properties) until May 20!
IN THE POKER ROOM: The classic board game Clue is now on the floor exclusively in Arizona at Harrah’s Ak-Chin thru May 20th! Choose your character and try to “Solve the Mystery” at the end of each bonus round for a progressive jackpot. With seven unique bonuses (four un-lockable) set through the famous CLUE mansion, players will be kept on the edge of their seats as they have a chance to solve the mystery at the end of each bonus round to win a progressive award. Through a unique game play mechanic, if a player fails to solve the mystery then the next player attempting to solve it will have better odds at the jackpot! Select an available Clue character, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Mrs. White, Colonel Mustard or Mrs. Peacock and start playing the 5-Reel Video base game. Your character becomes the high pay symbol on your reels. After any base spin, the “Time to Add WILDS” Feature can trigger to offer up to 15 WILD symbols to your spin. Three scattered Mansion symbols open the Room Bonus Selection screen, where you’ll select your bonus round from any unlocked Room Bonuses – up to six in all! The Kitchen and Ballroom Bonuses are available from the first time you play Clue slots, but as you accumulate Sleuth Points
10 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
The WORLD SERIES OF POKER Satellite Tournaments are back! Come out and win a seat any Sunday at 5:30pm or Wednesday at 7:30pm until May 30th. The winner of each weekly tournament will receive entry into the 2012 WSOP event of their choice with the corresponding buy-in amount - Plus the winner and top finishers will also receive cash prizes.
TOTAL REWARDS: ESCAPE TO REFRESHMENT Swipe your Total Rewards card any Saturday in April (11am-7pm) to receive a 12 pack of select Pepsi products and a “1 in 5” chance to win even more – Like Reward Credits or Free Slot Play! Limited to flavors on hand; no rain-checks given. Plus, earn drawing entries all month long to win one of 10 prizes in a drawing on April 28 at 7:30pm. There will be over $5,000 in prizes given away, including a $1,800 Weber Summit E-620 Grill! Earn one entry for every 25 Base Reward Credits earned during April and earn triple entries on Wednesdays! Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort is located in Maricopa, AZ. – Just a15 minute drive south of Chandler.
entertainment
Apache Gold Casino Resort
Fort McDowell Casino
5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-272-2438 Cabaret Lounge: free weekend entertainment with some of the best bands in Arizona
BlueWater Resort and Casino
11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 In the Showroom: Apr 14 – Comic Larry Omaha, along with Jimmy Burns & Mike Mreeill Outdoor Amphitheater: May 5 – A.B. Quintanilla & the Kumbia Kings, plus Los Alazanes and Los Salgado Dig Lounge: Deejay or Karaoke nightly, plus free live bands on Wednesdays & Thursdays, also on Sunday May 6 – Los Salgado
Casino Arizona
101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 In the Showroom: Apr 20 & 21, BON FIRE (AC/DC Tribute) Pima Lounge: Free entertainment nightly: Apr 12, 19 & 26 – Powerdrive Apr 13 & 20 – Shining Star Apr 13 & 27 – JJ’s Band Apr 14, 21 & 28 – Los Guys Apr 18 & 25 – Str8up band Apr 14, 15, 16, 17, 28 & 30 – True to Life Apr 22, 23 & 24, Twice as Good Apr 28 – Aaron Nelson Project
Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater: Apr 13 – Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Robert Cray Apr 24 - The Beach Boys Apr 26 thru Apr 28 – Tucson International Mariachi Conference Apr 28 - George Lopez
12 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
Gabriel Iglesias Craig Ferguson May 4 – REO Speedwagon May 12 - Comic Gabriel Iglesias In the Event Center: Apr 19 – Craig Ferguson May 3, 4 & 5 – Body & Sol (Old Pueblo Women’s Expo) May 31 – Chickenfoot June 17 – Scorpions w/Tesla Paradiso Bar: Free live weekend entertainment & Thursday Tribute bands Bingo Hall: Cosmic Bingo Saturday nights featuring music, light show, wacky games and giveaways
Cliff Castle Casino
I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Dragonfly Lounge: free weekend entertainment featuring some of the top bands in Arizona. May 17-20 – BeatleMania Live! 2 shows each night!
N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free live entertainment Fri – Sun featuring: Apr 14, 20 & 27 – Furious George Apr 13, 21, 22 & 28 - Kenny G Project Apr 15 & 29 – Cowboy Floyd In the Radisson Ballroom: June 15 – George Jones In the Bingo Hall: April 21 Lunar Bingo, Music, dancing, crazy games w/ giveaways Outdoors: Sat, April 21 – Mega Yard Sale (7am2pm) For updates – go to fortmcdowellcasino.com
Lunar Bingo
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino
7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or deejay Thu-Sun
15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 Oasis Lounge: Free Entertainment weekends featuring Arizona’s top bands Bingo Hall: Friday April 20, 11pm – Party Bingo, deejay music, bingo, food and drink specials and fun giveaways For updated schedule, go to harrahsakchin.com
1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-DDC-WINS Diamond Center: Apr 15 – Hotel California (Eagles Tribute)
Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: May 12 – “Marmalade Skies” (Beatles Tribute)
Desert Diamond Casino Hotel
Desert Diamond Casino I -19
Hon-Dah Resort and Casino
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
entertainment
1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Jul 28, Surfin’ Safari (Beach Boys Tribute)
Paradise Casino
450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777-4946 Sharky’s Bar: Free entertainment, Karaoke on Wed, DJs on Thurs, live bands on weekends
Quechan Casino Resort
525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (5 mi West of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426 PIPA Event Center: Call for updated schedule Sidewinders bar: Free live entertainment on weekends
Talking Stick Resort Charlie Daniels Band Festival Grounds: June 2 & 3 – “Pow Wow in the Pines” June 23 – Charlie Daniels Band Timbers Lounge: Free live entertainment, Monday - Comedy Night, Tuesday-Saturday – Live Bands Apr 10-14 – 3 Digit IQ, Apr 17-21 – Doo-Wah Riders, Apr 24-28 – Jadi Norris, May 1-5 – Barrio Latino, May 8-12 – Classic Cowboys, May 15-19 – 60’s Mania, May 22-26 – Groove City
Lone Butte Casino
202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WINGILA Cascades Lounge: Free entertainment Mon-Sat, 4pm-1am: with bands Powerdrive, Western Fusion Band, Jadi Norris, Silouette, Greywolf, Thaddeus Rose Band, Desert Dixie, Michael and Manuel, Chuck E Baby Verona Chophouse: Talia (Fri & Sat), Bridget & the Aug (Sun) Bingo Hall: 11:30pm Saturdays - B.A.D BINGO (Bingo after Dark) DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways
Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road - Scottsdale 480-850-7777 In the Fire Garden: Every Fri & Sat thru May 28 & Memorial Day, Yellow Bird Productions presents Native American Heritage thru music & dance Talking Stick Showroom: May 5, Billy Gardell In the Grand Ballroom: May 26, Jay Leno May 27, Smokey Robinson Degree 270 Lounge: live entertainment, dancing nightly with a spectacular view of the city.
Smokey Robinson
Creedence Clearwater Revisited Vee Quiva Casino
The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline – Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Bingo Hall: Fridays at 11pm – Deejay music, light show & dancing, Every other Saturday at 11pm – BINGO ECLIPSE – Bingo, Deejay 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 13 – Rage in the Cage (MMA) Apr 14 - Kansas Apr 20 – Craig Ferguson (Comic & Host of Late, Late Show) Apr 21 – Da Vu Xuan Thuong (Vietnamese Concert) Apr 22 – Engelbert Humperdinck Apr 27 – Roberta Flack May 4 – Charo May 12 – Keith Sweat May 19 – Russell Watson June 8 – The B-52’s June 15 – Los Lobos June 29 – Creedence Clearwater Revisited Encore Lounge: Free entertainment (Thurs-Mon) with: Route 66, Chuck E Baby, The Hamptons, Eagleheart, Thaddeus Rose Band, Greywolf, Walkens, Pima Express, Rhythm Edition, Marty & the Party, JJ’s Band, Michael & Manuel, Tyrone D & the Ledge, New Frequency and Powerdrive
ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012 13
A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER
BIG ROCK C ANDY MOUNTAIN
ouldn’t it be Reasonable Equity Estimates: even progressives. (Note that 9/6 JOB nice if there Sometimes I take a surreptitious glance at the means the full-house pays 9 for each was a casino number of drawing entries others have as they coin bet and the flush pays 6 times the swipe their player’s card at a kiosk. If you sense just like the spot in “Big bet. All other JOB hands pay the same Rock Candy Mountain”? that there are literally millions of virtual tickets and that’s why they share the same by (Keep in mind this song and you have but a few hundred then by all means name.) Make sure you check to Linda Boyd was written long before stay for the drawing but don’t bust the bank for see the return for each paying “cigarette trees” would be viewed as a negative.) more tickets. hand before you deposit money Can you imagine a real Big Rock Candy Value of Perks: If the free gift is something into the machine. Mountain Casino? Just a perfect setting where the Special Events: Not too you don’t even want why waste the time playing establishment really wished “good luck” to all patrons for it? Sometimes everybody walking through the long ago I attended a VIP Valentines Day dinner and if everybody wins all is well. The place would be door gets the exact same plastic cup and you have at Casino Del Sol and it was definitely worth the owned by a philanthropist that had an endless supply a long wait in line to get it. I usually skip that perk long drive. If two casinos are fairly equal in terms of cash and, of course, not too many people would of their incentives then the deciding factor in who and sometimes leave for casino with a calmer come clamoring through the doors. Dream on. gets your play may the special treatment they give atmosphere. Better than having someone spill a In reality the casino’s promotional displays, like beer in your purse and start cursing about losing to their most frequent players. It’s always a good arbors of roses and whimsical-looking contest idea to concentrate your play on a few casinos areas are truly eye-candy. Many feel happy to “Oh, the Buzzin’ of the bees in the cigarette trees rather than to spread it too thinly. be in a celebratory environment and so it adds With lemonade springs - where the bluebird sings Final Thoughts: The song goes, “As he I’m headed for a land with crystal fountains… to the entertainment value of your casino strolled along he sung a song of the land of So, come with me and you will see visit. In fact, it’s a good thing to take in the milk and honey, where a bum can stay for The Big Rock Candy Mountains” latest displays concocted by marketing and many a day and he won’t need any money”. Lyrics by Harry McClintock show appreciation for their creativity. Just Too bad that’s not the real world; here, espedon’t get too carried away and lose all of your cially if you’re in a casino, you’ll need money common sense in sugar cane lane. for sure. On the bright side of things, you can get half their beer. (This actually happened to me Budget: When the setting is just right, it’s quite extra value for your gambling dollars by making during a crowded promotional event.) tempting to outstay your allocated budget. If you have Available Games: informed decisions before you set out for Rock a tough time removing yourself from a casino then It’s important that your chosen casino not trade Candy Mountain. you should leave your ATM card at home and never in your favorite video poker games for downgraded Linda Boyd ,a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming” leave large sums of extra cash in your car. Your budget versions, replacing them with more promotional and “Midwest Gaming and Travel” Her book, “The Video should include both your discretionary money (not events and trinkets. 9/6 Jacks or Better (9/6JOB) Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and free strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for needed to pay essentials) as well as your psychologiis quickly becoming a dinosaur replaced by her story in the 2011and 2012 Editions of “American cal budget. If losing a few hundred dollars is going to 8/5JOB, 7/5JOB and worse. If it’s an 8/5 progresCasino Guide”. The 2010 Second Edition of her book is now available in both paperback and kindle.Available turn your stomach, then lower the amount you wager. sive (the amount of the royal flush increases as at amazon.com, bookstores, Square One Publishers Remember, it’s supposed to be fun. people play) it’s not so bad; however, many aren’t www.squareonepublishers.com or 1- 877-900-BOOK
14 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438
Dealing blackjack, daily at 3pm
BlueWater Casino 1-888-243-3360
Poker Room opens at 4pm except Sun, Mon & Wed at 2pm Mon & Wed, 6pm-10pm – High Hand per night pays $50 at 10pm Tues, 7pm, NLHE “Bounty” Tournament - $35 buy-in w/one $20 re-buy Thurs, 7pm, NLHE - $60 buy-in, no re-buys – optional $5 High Hand Mon & Wed (first 3 each night) – Quads pay $75, Straight Flush pays $50 Daily, Aces Cracked wins $75, Royal Flush pays $400 – (Max 3 per day) Dealing blackjack daily at 9am
Bucky’s Casino 928-771-6779
Sat 10am, Bounty No-Limit Hold Em Tournament $ 80 buy w/ $10 Bounties Mon 10am, plus Mon, Wed & Thurs at 6pm - NLHE $40 entry fee w/ optional $10 re-buy, top 5 in the money and earn points toward $250 Player of the Month award Tues, 6pm, Ladies Only Texas Hold Em Shootouts $ 15 buy-in Progressive “High Hand” Mon – Fri (See poker room for details) Progressive “Aces Cracked” Sat 11am-11pm - Starts at $50, increases till hit Splash Pot Sundays, every 30 minutes! 11am – 11pm (wheel is spun to determine amount splashed) Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Now playing Texas Shoot Out & Triple Attack Blackjack
Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips 480-850-7777
Dealing blackjack 24/7 Tues at noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” Tournament, $ 50 buy-in Fri at 3 am, The “Great Late” Tournament, $25 buy-in May 2nd at 7pm (First Wed of each month) $2,000 added Tournament
Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565
May 8-12, WSOP “Win a Seat” NLHE Free-Roll $25,000 Tournament - Limited to first 180 players w/ 50 hours of live play Mar 11 – April 30, 2012 – see poker room for details Mon-Fri, 10 am - $800 NLHE, $15 buy-in w/ optional $15 add-on Mon 7pm & Sat noon – $1,200 NLHE - $35 buy-in Sun & Tues, 7pm - $1,000 NLHE, $15 buy-in – Opt $15 add-on Wed, 7pm, Limit Omaha, $1,500 Prize Pool, $45 buy-in w/ $10 add-on Thurs, 7pm - $3,000 NLHE, $85 buy-in Sat, 9am - $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $15 buy-in, $5 re-buys + $5 add-on Sun, 11 am - $1,500 NLHE, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 928-567-7952
Mon, Wed & Fri at 10am, NLHE Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in – Winner take all Tues & Thurs, 10am, Limit Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Wed, 7pm – NLHE Single Table Shoot-Out $80 buy-in, no re-buys w/ $25 added per player per table Sat, Noon, $1,500 guaranteed added – NLHE $100
buy-in, no re-buys Aces Cracked wins a $100 rack – Sun-Fri - See poker Room for details New “High Hand” promotion ($50 per hour) 7pm till Midnight - Mon, Tues & Thurs Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687
Dealing blackjack daily starting at 10am
Desert Diamond Nogales Hwy 520-342-1810
Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am “Cup of Coffee” NLHE - $35 buy-in, Max 40 players – no re-buys Tues at 7pm, $100 added per table NLHE - $75 buy-in, with one $60 re-buy Mon & Wed 7pm, NLHE - $35 buy-in, Max 40 players – no re-buys Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Desert Diamond I-19 Casino 1-866-332-9467 Dealing blackjack 24/7
Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284
Mon-Fri at Noon – NLHE - $30 buy-in Sun at Noon & Mon 7pm - NLHE Deep Stack tournament - $50 buy-in Tues, Wed & Thurs at 7pm & Sat at Noon - $1,000 guaranteed NLHE - $5 buy-in Fri at 7pm, Mega-Stack $50 Bounty NLHE - $120 buy-in Sat at 4pm & Sun at 7pm $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE - $10 buy-in Sat 9pm, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE tournament - $20 buy-in “Aces Cracked” win a rack – 24/7 Win up to $300 “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of anything beaten by Quads or better wins Jackpot “Play More – Cash More” in 4/8 Omaha win up to $100 per day – see poker room for details Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452 Dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138
WSOP Satellites are back! Sun at 5:30pm - Win a $1,000 WSOP seat & $250 cash - $50 buy-in w/two $20 re-buys Wed at 7:30pm – Win a $1,500 WSOP seat & $500 cash - $65 buy-in w/two $25 re-buys Tues, 7:30pm, Limit Omaha H/L, $25 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Thurs, 7:30pm – NLHE, $10 Buy-in plus two $10 re-buys & $10 add-on Fri, 7:30pm, Sat, 12:30 & 5:30pm - NLHE, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sat, 12:30 & 5:30pm – NLHE, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sun, 12:30pm – NLHE, $25 buy-in, one $10 re-buy $ 25 Daily Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, 9am-10pm $ 25 Sat & Sun Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, 6am-8:30am Daily “Aces Cracked” from open till 11am – High Hand promotion (straight Flush or better) 24/7 gets to spin the cash wheel to win$25 - $200 Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Hon-Dah Casino 1-800-929-8744
Mon, 6pm, New Tournament – call for details Tues, 4pm – Mid, “Aces ($50) & Faces ($25) Cracked” (first 10 total) 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, No-limit Hold Em, $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $ 10 add-on 16 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529
Live Poker Wed-Sun - High Hands, win up to $500 Sun, 1pm - NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in no re-buys Wed & Sun, 6pm, NLHE Bounty Tournament, $50 buy-in Dealing blackjack 10am-1am - Blackjack tournament, Mon at 6pm, $40 buy-in
Paradise Casino 888-777-4946
Dealing Blackjack 5pm-1am
Quechan Casino & Resort 1-877-783-2426
Mon, Tues & Thurs at 7 pm, also Sat & Sun at 1pm NLHE - $35 buy-in Sat, April 14 & 28 at 1pm, $5,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $80 buy-in Special $59 room rates for poker players Poker Room Hours: Wed – Sun open at 10am, Mon & Tues at 3pm Dealing blackjack 24/7
Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777
Sat at 11:15am - BIG Stack NLHE Tournament - May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3 & Dec 1 $300 Buy in w $30 sc Sat at 11:15 am - SUPER BOUNTY BIG Stack NLHE – Apr 14, May 12, Jun 9, Jul 14, Sept 15, Oct 13, Nov 10 & Dec 8 - $200 Buy in w $25 sc - $100 Bounty for each player you knock out Sat at 11:15 am - SUPER Turbo, Super BOUNTY BIG Stack NLHE - Apr 21, Jun 16, Jul 21 & Oct 13 - $200 Buy in w $25 sc - $100 Bounty for each player you
knock out Last Saturday NLHE at 11:15am – Apr 28, May 26, Jun 30, Jul 28, Aug 25, Sept 29, Oct 27, Nov 24 & Dec 29 - $125 Buy in w $25 sc Ladies NLHE – Sunday at 11:15am - May 20, July 15, Oct 14 & Dec 9 - $60 Buy-in w/ $15 sc Mon - Fri, 11:15 am - NLHE, $50 buy-in w/ $10 sc Tues & Wed, 7:15pm - NLHE, $115 buy-in w/ $15 s/c Jack & Jill NLHE Tournament – Apr 29, May 27, & Jul 22 Pot Limit Omaha (High Only) May 19 at 11:15am $200 + $30 s/c Omaha Hi-Lo Tournaments – July29 & Sept 16 at 11:15am - $120 buy-in + $30 s/c Daily, 2am-10am “Aces Cracked” Win $100 rack Get a Royal Flush, Spin the wheel – win $50 to $500 – see poker room for details Jack it Up! Tuesdays & Wednesdays - $20,000 added to Hold Em Progressive Bad Beat Jackpot - $5,000 added to Omaha / Stud Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Vee Quiva Casino 800-946-4452 – Ext 1042
Mon - Thurs, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em, $1,000 Guaranteed - $30 buy-in w/ 1 $20 re-buy Wed at 7:30pm, NLHE - $15 Unlimited $10 re-buys till the break Sat, 11am, NLHE, $20 buy-in, $10 re-buys & $20 add-on Sun 11am, NLHE “Bounty Tournament, $30 buy-in w/ one $20 re-buy for $3,000 in chips “ACES CRACKED” wins a rack – daily starting at 6am - max 10 per day Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $500 – Bonus Royals Mon-Thurs (see poker room for details)
CARD ROOM ACTION
Progressive Rolling Cash Fever drawings during live play every other hour - 24/7 Mon- Fri, 2am-6am -“High Hand” Promotion, Top 3 hands win $100, $75 & $50 Thursdays 4pm-8pm – “Match your stack” drawings every hour – 1 lucky seat wins up to $100 Baseball “Splash Pots” Selected TV Games Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 ext 7375
Mon & Thurs Noon, NLHE, $30 buy-in, no re-buys $150 added per table Tues & Wed at 7:30pm, NLHE Freeze Out - $50 entry fee w/ $10 optional add-on, with $1,000 added to prize pool Sun at Noon, NLHE Big Buy Tournament - $100 Buy-in w/ $10 entry fee, plus optional $10 Dealer appreciation fee High Hands Daily 4am – 8am win up to $150 Bonus Aces Cracked (first 10) 2-6pm Tues, Wed & Fri Sun – Thurs, 10pm – Mid & Mon-Fri 1am-4am “Aces & Faces Cracked” $100 each hour D-Backs $50 per table Splash Pots, Selected games see poker room for schedule Big Money Royals - Any Royal Flush wins $200 “Wet & Wild $50 Splash Pots” every table splashed Mon & Thurs 1pm - 4pm, also Fri – Sun + Tues & Wed 9am (everyone at table must have a players card) Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
CARD ROOM MANAGERS Please send updates to azplayer@cox.net
ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012 17
lottery news Sight Unseen
On the Way to the Airport
George Mikuta of Glendale found an extremely unique way of selecting his Powerball numbers – he simply closed his eyes and randomly selected six of them. He’s been playing these same numbers for years, and on February 22, they came through – winning him $1,000,000. The winning ticket was purchased from the Albertson’s, located at 8950 West Bell Road in Peoria. That draw date was Ash Wednesday and George went to church that day and prayed. After he checked his numbers the next morning, he said his prayers were answered. He checked his numbers online, and being a former pilot, was very calm when he realized he’d won second place for $1,000,000. The first thing he did after discovering he was a winner was to call his financial advisor – who was thrilled with his win, because this 61 year-old Mechanical Engineer has been unemployed for several years. George plans to remodel his home and put the rest into his retirement fund. This win means he will be able to spend more time on his favorite pastimes – outdoor photography, and of course playing the Arizona Lottery.
Brandon Fortenberry is a Louisiana resident who has been living in Arizona for about a year working on construction project. Since his wife and family are still in Basile, he has lots of spare time that he fills it by playing the Arizona Lottery Scratchers. He and a friend were heading to the airport when they stopped at a Circle K in Buckeye. His friend bought two Slingo Trios and two Wheel of Fortune Scratchers. He kept the Slingo tickets and gave Brandon the Wheel of Fortune Scratchers. When Brandon showed him the $50,000 amount on one of the tickets, his friend began to swear about how lucky he was and threw the ticket back at him, throwing his hands up in disbelief. Later that day, Brandon called the Lottery Hot Line to get instructions and was told to quickly sign the back of the ticket. After redeeming his ticket he got on a plane to go home for a brief visit. He called his wife before he left to tell her he was bringing a special check home with him. He plans to pay off his truck and 4-wheeler and put the rest down on a double-wide trailer.
Fantasy 5 - No Longer a Fantasy
Kim Hodge of Casa Grande is a regular player of the Lottery’s Fantasy 5, always purchasing Quick Picks. She usually buys two Quick Picks about three times a week, and that’s exactly what she did for the draw of February 2nd. The next morning, she went online to check her numbers. Then she kept rechecking them until finally she had her husband check them. When he too agreed it was a match, she signed the ticket. Poker_1/3page_vp ad.qxp 10/12/09 12:31 PM Page 1 Now, the Fantasy 5 is no longer a fantasy. She did not take the ticket to the store to be
scanned, but did breathe a sigh of relief when the Lottery validated the ticket for the jackpot amount of $51,000. The winning ticket was purchased at a Fry’s Food Store on Florence Blvd in Casa Grande. Kim likes Fantasy 5 because she feels the odds are better. As a stay-at-home mom, she believes she has a better chance of winning a small prize, which is nice “pocket money.” She and her husband are both excited about this win as it means paying off all bills, still having some left over for a few personal expenditures, and banking the rest.
The book that Vegas doesn’t want you to read. Start your winning education with
The Video Poker Edge $17.95 • 2-Color throughout • Includes tear-out video poker “strategy cards” Available at bookstores everywhere, or call the publisher toll-free at 1-877-900-2665.
18 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
THE PICK
Date
04-16-22-27-38-44 05-07-18-19-22-24 05-09-15-23-24-26 01-02-03-13-32-44 14-25-27-32-37-42 06-08-12-16-23-26 06-08-25-34-35-43 17-27-32-34-35-37 10-11-14-31-34-36
03 07 10 14 17 21 24 28 31
Numbers
March
01 02 03 05 06 07 08 09 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31
March
POWERBALL Numbers
PB
29-30-45-47-49 12-35-45-46-47 05-14-17-20-41 01-08-41-46-59 11-14-49-55-58 32-43-53-55-56 01-15-35-37-47 11-16-29-50-58 05-14-36-54-58
35 12 5 24 30 6 8 33 27
PICK 3 CASH 4 8-9-7 2-5-9 5-4-3 4-6-9 2-8-1 7-9-0 3-9-5 9-9-0 7-3-1 8-8-2 3-2-2 2-2-7 8-2-4 5-5-4 3-7-4 9-8-4 3-4-0 6-8-1 1-7-3 4-3-0 8-2-2 6-1-2 9-8-4 4-9-1 8-1-3 1-8-2 4-1-3
01-05-15-23 03-04-06-23 04-08-15-23 01-13-20-24 07-12-16-19 04-06-18-24 04-09-12-20 02-05-11-12 07-08-12-14 03-12-24-25 05-11-22-23 05-17-19-25 01-11-16-18 03-05-18-20 01-06-21-24 05-14-24-26 07-09-22-24 10-14-24-26 01-04-08-21 04-07-09-12 08-13-18-21 02-06-17-20 07-18-19-24 06-09-21-23 01-06-13-16 04-15-19-26 07-08-09-11
PICK 5 01-05-13-18-20 04-12-22-26-34 05-08-26-36-41 14-21-28-39-41 04-09-19-33-34 03-06-22-26-33 05-25-32-33-35 08-20-27-30-36 03-13-18-21-40 06-19-20-29-39 08-30-31-33-39 24-26-28-33-37 13-21-29-32-36 14-21-28-31-35 04-07-17-21-29 02-10-17-28-41 08-17-19-21-26 04-11-20-25-36 12-15-20-29-40 02-11-15-21-32 01-22-26-36-39 13-19-27-39-40 03-11-16-35-38 04-20-31-38-41 05-16-21-27-29 08-12-19-33-38 07-09-27-34-40
March
MEGA MILLIONS
MB
MP
02 06 09 13 16 20 23 27 30
16-29-48-52-54 20-24-31-33-36 09-10-27-36-42 02-08-30-36-48 28-29-43-51-53 01-04-06-11-14 06-17-19-20-21 09-19-34-44-51 02-04-23-38-46
5 44 11 31 7 30 20 24 23
2 4 4 3 3 4 4 3 3
In Phoenix catch the winning numbers first on ABC Channel 15 at 10:25 nightly. You can also call the Lottery Hotline at (480) 829-PICK (7425) in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. For outlying areas in Arizona call 1-800-499-3798. Visit our website at arizonalottery.com or see a participating Lottery retailer for the winning numbers.
HORSIN’ AROUND
DERBY FEVER ith less than a month by Brian before the Mulligan Kentucky Derby May 5 at Churchill Downs, the contenders are starting to come to the forefront but before we get to the logical, proven runners, a word has to go out to the winner of the Louisiana Derby Hero of Order. Everybody loves an under dog and Hero of Order, a $3,000 yearling purchase, got an ideal 2-hole trip in the Louisiana Derby, held on by a half length and paid $220.80, the largest price ever in the fixture. Owned and trained by Russian Gennadi Dorochenko, the conditioner didn’t mince any words after his biggest victory. Dorochenko: “I don’t know why this horse was 99-1. This horse was just 4th in a $300,000 race, you know, I don’t know why. I ride horses. I work this horse. I do everything I know, you see, this is the result. In America, it is different. You know these people, they workout. Workouts don’t pay. What do you get for workouts? Money pays at the wire.” It sounds like he is a man with a plan. As for his runner, the blood is decent. His sire is known as a sprinter, but did win routing. His dam was unraced, but the dam is kin to Grade 1 winner and over $300,000 earner Things Change. For lightning to strike twice in Kentucky, Hero of Order will have to prove he can handle a contested pace.
Union Rags, if he stays healthy, will be hard to beat in Kentucky even though he lost the last day of March in the Florida Derby. He was left with too much to do and may have been unsettled a bit because he had to be re-shod in the paddock. Union Rags won his first start of the year without his A game and should come to Churchill primed for a smasher. Trained by Barbaro’s mentor Michael Matz, Union Rags, this is also some quality blood on the bottom side as his winning dam dropped a runner that won at the Kentucky Derby distance on grass. His dam is also kin to Marry Me Do, who won several stakes, cashed 19 times, and earned nearly $400,000. The Florida Derby winner Take Charge Indy just took charge. Calvin Borel, who has won the Kentucky Derby 3 times in the last 5 years, rode this son of A.P. Indy beautifully, opening up a length, taking a little hold and backing off on the throttle, then holding sway by a length to pay $17.40. He was timed in 1:48.79 with a Beyer of 95 and his connections were not surprised. Take Charge Indy’s pedigree screams quality. His sire took the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His dam won multiple Grade 1s and banked over $2.4 million taking half of her 22 starts. She won several stakes at 9 furlongs and was 2nd beaten 6 in her lone try at a mile and a quarter. The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Hansen has blinding speed and will be prominent in Kentucky,
but the pace is always crazy in the Derby and that will not work to his favor. Creative Cause carries the hopes of the West Coast. We’ll have a better concept of him after the Santa Anita Derby but he did win the San Felipe despite going wide. Bodemeister is named for his trainer’s son. Bob Baffert is the dad and this guy ran well to Creative Cause but he is bucking a major trend, and that’s trying to win the Kentucky Derby after not racing at 2. No horse has accomplished that feat since 1882. Mark Valeski was hung wide every step of the way chasing Hero of Order and he seems to be improving. The pedigree is decent too as there are several route winners in the tree and his dam won stakes routing and banked nearly $350,000. Other runners that must be watched are Daddy Long Legs, Sabercat, Daddy Knows Best, Wrote and Secret Circle but the feeling at this point is if Union Rags gets a clean trip the first Saturday in May, he will come away with the hardware. Good luck and have a mint julep for me. Brian Mulligan was the main West Coast linemaker for 17 years for the Daily Racing Form writing under the non de plume of “SWEEP.” He continues to contribute to the Daily Racing Form writing “A Closer Look” analysis daily.
ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012 20
REEL REVIEWS by Kevin Cummings
22 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
gaming news WIN A NEW HOME & HELP NEEDED PROGRAMS! The Tucson Museum of Art’s annual Dream Home Raffle is one of the largest fundraisers for the Southern Arizona non-profit Museum. Each year they limit the ticket sales to 9,000, which offer ticket holders incredible odds of winning a prize! The grand prize this year is the choice of a $500,000 home, set amongst the spectacular foothills of the Catalina Mountains, or a cash prize of $400,000.
About the home: It’s a deluxe A. F. Sterling model that defines modern luxury and style. The model is 3541 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, a living room, a dining room, a family room and a nook. If you would like to visit the model home, it is located in the Tortolita Vistas Community, at Thornydale Road, north of Tangerine Road in Tucson. Programs the Raffle helps: Some of the programs that are in part funded by the Dream Home Raffle are varied Exhibitions, the Summer Arts program, Lectures, Exhibition tours, the Docent
24 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
Council, and more. The Museum supports the artistic community through the Museum Shop, Artisan Markets as well as partnering with other artistic venues to help foster importance and awareness of all the arts. The Museum is open Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 10am – 6pm; Thurs Noon8pm and Sun, Noon – 6pm. Admission is $8 with discounts available. The Tucson Museum of Art blends the traditional with the inventive to create compelling and beautiful exhibitions. Whether it’s paintings of the American West, folk art of the Americas, or intriguing modern art works, there is always something new and interesting showing at the museum. Located in historic downtown, the museum also features five distinctive houses built between 1850 and 1907 that provide visitors with a unique look
into Tucson’s past. Current and upcoming exhibits include: Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray an intimate look at painter Frida Kahlo through the photographic lens of her longtime lover and friend Nickolas Muray. Frida’s Style: Traditional Women’s Costume from Mexico, featuring examples of the types of jewelry and traditional costumes favored by Frida Kahlo. Tesoros del Pueblo: Latin American Folk Art, it showcases the variety, imagination, and artistry of Latin American folk art. (January 28 – June 3, 2012). Upcoming is: 100 Years, 100 Ranchers (June 16 – September 23, 2012), this exhibition of large format black and white photographs by artist Scott Baxter documents 100 Arizona ranchers whose families have continued the ranching tradition in the state since 1912. Deadline to buy tickets: The final drawing is at 6pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012. You do not have to be present to win. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased online at TucsonMuseumofArt.org/dreamhome or by phone at 520-624-2333 ext. 110. Please note: tickets are NOT tax deductible according to IRS rules. You must be at least 21 years old to enter. For official rules, please visit www.TucsonMuseumofArt.org/DreamHome.
DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR Cabin in the Woods Five friends go on vacation at a remote cabin in the woods. They are completely isolated with no cell phone coverage or internet access. The cabin itself is weird and they find a basement full of by odd stuff. This David Ramsey sounds like a typical horror/slasher flick but it is anything but typical. When things start to go bad for our five friends there is more to it than they know. Co-written and produced by Joss Whedon “Cabin in the Woods” has everything including edge-of-your-seat action, bloody horror, some very funny stuff and more than a surprise or two. It is one of the best films of the year.
The Hunger Games In a dystopian society a boy and a girl are selected from each of twelve districts to fight to the death on live television. When her younger sister is selected, Katniss volunteers in her place. Once at the Capital she learns that politics can mean more than her fighting skills once she’s in the arena. “The Hunger Games” followed the best selling youth book it is based on very closely. While it is a little disturbing to see children fighting other children to the death it is an intriguing story that will have you running the gamut of emotions. The cast is amazing but it’s the story that makes this a very good film.
David’s Video Details Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol
Ethan Hunt and the IMF team are blamed for the bombing of the Kremlin and are shut down. They are cut off from all help and wanted by every agency in the world. They have to clear their name, reestablish the IMF and save the world. This adventure takes them all over the world with edge-of-your-seat action. Everything about this film is great from the cinematography to the writing to the cast. This is one of the best action films of the year and makes you want to see more of the “Mission: Impossible” series.
Contraband
Chris was one of the best smugglers in the business, but now he is retired. He is married, has a family and has gone legit. When his brother-in-law gets involved with a drug dealer and blows the deal he has to get involved to save him. Chris puts together a crew and manages to smuggle millions of counterfeit dollars from Panama but just before he can deliver them things go wrong. Now the drug lord is threatening his wife and children. The action is good and the suspense will keep you involved till the end. “Contraband” is a little better than a typical action film because of the cast
Torchwood: Miracle Day
One day no dies, literally, no one. Rex, a CIA agent is mortally wounded but doesn’t die and neither does anyone on the planet no matter how bad the injuries. It quickly becomes a problem when the hospitals are over run with critically ill and injured patients who remain in pain but don’t die. It is a worldwide crisis. Rex and his partner turn to the long disbanded Torchwood and Captain Jack Harkness. It is only 10 episodes but it is very good television. Even if you have never seen “Torchwood” you will be quickly engaged by this well written action ride. 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 for him on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday just after 6am 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.
26 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
gaming news ODDS ARE: BASEBALL IS BACK! The “Boys of Summer” have returned and being the gambler that you are – I suppose you were wondering “Just what are the chances my team will win the NL or AL pennant and go on to win the 2012 World Series?” As in past years, there were “Free Agent” signings, trades, spring training injuries, players that gave up the dream and retired and surprises like retired pitcher Jamie Moyer, who came out of retirement (last played near the end of the 2010 season when he had arm surgery) to make the starting rotation with the Colorado Rockies at age 49! He started his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1986! If he stays with the team for the season he will have the distinction of being the oldest player* in MLB history. *Satchel Paige often called the greatest pitcher who ever played baseball, tossed 3 scoreless innings in one game for the Kansas City A’s at about age 60. He was the most dominant pitcher in the Negro Leagues for over 22 seasons. (Joe DiMaggio once said Satchel was the best and fastest pitcher he ever faced) Satchel Paige played for the first time in the major leagues for Bill Veeck in 1948 (at about age 43, they think) and helped the Cleveland Indians win the American League Pennant. When reporters would ask him his age - his reply was something like “Age is a question of mind over matter…So, if you don’t mind…It doesn’t matter.” Good Luck Jamie - He is a throw-back to the days when players were glad to get paid anything to play this game! Now, here’s pre-season look at the odds – called the “Baseball Futures” for the 2012 season - according to Vegas odds-makers. Remember these odds change daily based on trades, injuries to key players and the way a team is currently playing.
ODDS TO WIN THE 2012 WORLD SERIES: Philadelphia Phillies Los Angeles Angels New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Boston Red Sox Texas Rangers San Francisco Giants Tampa Bay Rays Cincinnati Reds Miami Marlins Atlanta Braves Arizona Diamondbacks Milwaukee Brewers St. Louis Cardinals Washington Nationals
5-1 7-1 7-1 8-1 10-1 10-1 14-1 18-1 20-1 21-1 22-1 24-1 25-1 25-1 30-1
Colorado Rockies Toronto Blue Jays Chicago Cubs Los Angeles Dodgers Cleveland Indians Chicago White Sox Minnesota Twins Kansas City Royals New York Mets Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners San Diego Padres Pittsburgh Pirates Baltimore Orioles Houston Astros
35-1 35-1 40-1 40-1 60-1 65-1 75-1 80-1 80-1 80-1 99-1 100-1 100-1 150-1 200-1
Now, before you get too depressed - by looking at your team’s odds (if they happen to be near the bottom)… keep this in mind, in recent history, some long shots went on to win the World Series like the St. Louis Cardinals did last year! They were given no chance to win the National League Wild Card – But they did - No chance to win the NL Playoffs – They did that too, and all the top baseball prognosticators said they would get crushed in the World Series – WRONG AGAIN. So get out there and cheer your team on! Finally, again this year – there is no line available on Pete Rose being inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012 27
Joke Page As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary year at Arizona Player – Here are 2 more classic jokes from the past. More of our reader’s favorites – I hope these make you smile, chuckle or better yet, bust out in laughter! Because, here’s a fact - Doctors say laughing daily is beneficial to your health! “I Love to Laugh” – A therapeutic song by Julie Andrews from the classic movie Mary Poppins and my philosophy on life Phil Scudella - Publisher
THE PERFECT MAN A man walks out to the street and catches a taxi just going by. Cabbie: “Perfect timing. You’re just like Frank.” Passenger: “Who?” Cabbie: “Frank Feldman. He’s a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time.” Passenger: “Hey, everyone has a few faults.” Cabbie: “Not Frank Feldman…He was a terrific athlete. He used to golf with touring pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star, and could he play the piano, you
28 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
would have thought Liberace was banging those keys. He was an amazing guy.” Passenger: “Sounds like he was something really special.” Cabbie: “And there’s more. He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody’s birthday. He knew which wine to order with any meal, which fork to eat them with. And he could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole house goes dark. But Frank Feldman, he did everything right.” Passenger: “Wow, this was some incredible guy.” Cabbie: “Hey - I’m not through, Frank always knew the quickest way to go in traffic, not like me, I always seem to get stuck in traffic jams - and he knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never argue, even if she was in the wrong. His clothing was always immaculate, and shoes polished too. He was the perfect man! No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman.” Passenger: “What an amazing fellow - How did you meet him? Cabbie: “I never actually met Frank….He died about 10 years ago…..I’m married to his widow.”
SHOW ME THE DUMMY 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’s going through his usual stupid Redneck jokes, when a big burly guy in the audience stands up and says, “I’ve heard just about enough of your hillbilly jokes. We ain’t all stupid here – I’m about ready to open a can ah whoop-ass on ya.” Flustered, and looking scared, the ventriloquist begins to apologize, when the big guy pipes up again, “You stay out of this mister….I’m talking to the smart ass little guy sittin’ on your knee.”
Final Thought – I need to say thanks to Barry G. – We attended the same high school in Park Forest, IL decades ago. We reconnected on Classmates.com three years ago. He and his wife now live in N. California – I recently found out that he played keyboard with some big name rock bands in the 60’s & 70’s. Now retired, Barry sends me jokes and flash videos every day and I laugh my butt off – He has contributed many jokes I’ve used over the years. Thank You my friend! He sent me a video yesterday and ended with this message – I thought I would pass it along. As you have your first cup of coffee tomorrow morning – Please consider this: Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly.
Cover Story continued from page 8
or outside seating while enjoying the impressive view of the Colorado River. Here you’ll find a fullservice bar, great food and daily specials. Open Sunday thru Thursday 10am till Midnight and Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 2am. \
EXCITING PROMOTIONS
GREAT DINING CHOICES BlueWater Resort & Casino offers both elegant and casual dining. For an experience in fine dining, try The River Willow, BlueWater’s steakhouse. Open at 5pm daily, The River Willow offers the finest selection of steaks, seafood and the “best priced wine list” on the river. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 928-669-7003. The BlueWater Buffet features breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a “Night Owl” late night ala-carte menu. The River’s Edge Cantina offers guests inside
April is tax month so BlueWater Resort and Casino wants to help ease the tax burden with their EZ Money promotion. Win your share of over $25K. Earn entries daily from April 2 to April 29. There are weekly Sunday drawings April 8, April 15 & April 22 from 1- 5pm to win your share of $500 Cash! Final Drawing is April 29. Final Drawing Winners will be paid up to $2,000 cash on taxes owed or equal to the amount of tax refund up to $2,000! Drawings are every half-hour starting at 12pm You must have a filed 2011 Tax Return handy.
YOUR FAVORITE GAMES ARE HERE! There’s exciting, 24-hour a day gaming at BlueWater Resort and Casino. With the latest slot machines, players have a wide selection of gaming choices. There’s also blackjack and a
poker room with live games and tournaments. Bingo players love BlueWater Resort and Casino. The 10,000 square foot Bingo Hall comfortably seats 400 players! Need food or a drink while playing your favorite game? Relax - the casino floor is designed for comfort with a wait staff ready to serve your needs. What are you waiting for? Head for the Colorado River for some BLUEWATER FUN! BlueWater Resort & Casino is located at 11300 Resort Drive, off Highway 95 in Parker. You can visit www.bluewaterfun.com, or call 1-928-669-7000 or 1-888-243-3360 for more information or reservations.
ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012 29
gaming news ASTROLOGY & Contest Page
Aries March 21 to April 20 Cancer June 22 to July 22
Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6
Go with your hunch Fun time with new friend A real lucky week Big win coming soon
Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6
Things are looking up Believe in yourself Blackjack win streak Plan for that needed trip
Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23
Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20
Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6
Lucky flop shocks all Old pal is right Play favorite games Late night win
Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6
Good time out of town New friend will help Exciting week The getaway you needed
Taurus April 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
You will be successful Second chance pays off Good times are coming More than ever expected You get what’s needed An old friend returns Weekend of real fun Cards will be friendly
Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6 Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6
Good idea reaps reward Do what comes naturally Your instinct is correct Pretty nice win ahead Trust is a must Unexpected big payday Try something new Voice inside is right
Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6 Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6
New friend seems nice Upcoming trip worth it Reunited with old pal Strange but true event
Lucky you this week They won’t believe it Night of fun is extended Really great weekend
Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6 Apr 7-13 Apr 14-21 Apr 22-30 May 1-6
You make correct choice Unplanned trip is fun New friends are terrific Don’t underestimate luck Try to help your friend Trip works out fine You have it clicking This time you did it
The Arizona Player 20th Anniversary I “Like” To Win Sweepstakes Congratulations Winners! Here are the monthly winners for the period ending March 31st. Jeanine Enos Scottsdale Tony Blanckaert Dewey Teresa Kersting They will all have a choice of several events in the Phoenix metro area like concerts, sporting events or admission to great places of entertainment. Even though they won a monthly prize they are still eligible to win the Grand Prize getaway
every quarter. The most Creative mailed in entry came from Susan Kalivas of Scottsdale – As promised, here’s your prize Hope you enjoy a great meal or two at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant nearby – A $50 gift card is on the way!
DON’T FORGET THE GRAND PRIZE! Lucille Peterson of Lake Havasu City, AZ was our first Grand Prize Winner
CASINO DIRECTORY
1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 272-2438 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (888) 243-3360 3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai–Prescott Indian Tribe–slots, poker & blackjack.. (800) 756-8744 4. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community–slots poker blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 30 ARIZONA PLAYER April 2012
and won a 3 day-2 nights Getaway to the spectacular White Mountains at the HonDah Casino Resort and Conference Center in the Lakeside-Pinetop area. Remember 3 more of these Grand Prize packages will be given away during this very special 20th Anniversary year. The next Grand Prize Package is a 3 day 2 night stay at the beautiful Bluewater Resort and Casino located on the
Colorado River in Parker, Arizona. This package also includes dinner and breakfast for two, along with some other very nice surprises! Our second Grand Prize winner will be announced in the up-coming May issue. There are 2 ways to enter: Go to FACEBOOK and like Arizona Player – or if you are not Facebook friendly or don’t use a computer – you can still win. Just send a postcard or 3 x 5 card in an
5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community– slots blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 6. Casino Del Sol • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots poker & blackjack (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel• (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo & poker (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots & blackjack. (520) 294-7777 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (480) 837-1424 12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots keno blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452
envelope with your name, address and Phone number to: Arizona Player “I Like You” Contest PO Box 33393 Phoenix, AZ 85067 (Limit of 1 entry per person per month – 2 entries per address)
Thanks and GOOD LUCK Phil Scudella Publisher Arizona Player
13. Gila River Vee Quiva Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452 14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 946-4452 15. Golden Ha’ San Casino • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Slots 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa) Ak-Chin Indian Community–slots keno poker bingo & blackjack. (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe–slots keno bingo poker blackjack (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (888) 777-4946 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe–slots. (888) 837-4030 21. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe–slots (800) 756-8744