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Lottery News Card Room Action Casino Entertainment A Woman’s Point of View Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker TJ’s Blackjack Corner “Trick to Winning www.arizonaplayer.com
Vol. 18 No. 6 • June 2010
Cover Story on page 8
WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM
Contents
Vol. 18 No. 6 • June 2010
Gaming News Record Pai Gow Jackpot Hit & Cash for Cougars at Wild Horse Pass 4 Entertainment
6
Cover Story Fort McDowell Casino Valley’s Biggest July 4th Weekend Celebration 8 PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net
Editor Phil Scudella Production Assistants Charlie Scheeler John Olson Graphic Design CommuniGraphics
Contributing Photography Cindy Esquer Kelly Hawke David Ramsey Stephanie Riley Lita Sorensen Justin Sullivan Tina Torelli Melody Walcott
Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Cindy Esquer Kelly Hawke T.J. Jorgensen Marianne Minneci Brian Mulligan David Ramsey Lita Sorensen Tina Torelli Melody Walcott Shanna Wolfe
Special thanks to: Tom McGill, Regina Bear and the entire marketing department at Fort McDowell Casino, along with Stephanie Riley and everyone at Rethink Advertising
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.
THE
6th ANNUAL
ARIZONA STATE R CHAMPIONSHIP P OK E
Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “The Midas Touch” 10 Card Room Action
12
Gaming News Movie Legend & Funny Stuff Coming to Wild Horse Pass
14
Woman’s Point of View Marianne Minneci “And So It Begins”
16
Lottery News
18
TJ’s Blackjack Corner T.J. Jorgensen - “Magic Trip to Win”
20
Horsin’ Around Brian Mulligan “A Shore Thing”
22
Travel Get “Shanghaied” in Oregon
24
David at the Snack Rar David Ramsey
26
Bingo Directory of Games
28
Gaming News BlueWater Jackpot Winner & Bill Engvall to Appear in Tucson 27 Astrology, Jokes of the Month, & Casino Directory
30
You earn it. YOU DON’T WIN THIS TITLE
BEGINS AUGUST 13, 9AM · FINAL TABLE AUGUST 16, 11AM
$1,000,000 PRIZE POOL*
With a potential million dollar prize pool, the 2010 Arizona State Poker Championship will crown the state’s best No-Limit Hold ‘Em player. Visit our Talking Stick Resort Card Room or call 480-850-7734 to enter. You may also win an entry in our single table shootouts or Sunday tournaments. Elevate Your Game.
101 & INDIAN BEND · 480.850.7777 · CASINOARIZONA.COM Proudly owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. *Prize pool based on 900 entries + $100,000 added. Management reserves the right to modify or cancel these promotions at any time. See Card Room for complete details. Please gamble responsibly. ©2010 Casino Arizona 2733_caaz_6thazstpoker_azp.indd 1
ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010 3 5/21/10 11:24:15 AM
gaming news Largest Pai Gow Jackpot hit in Chandler
“Cash for Cougars” at Wild Horse Pass
At the recently opened Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler, just off the I-10 at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, one lucky woman turned a single dollar into the largest progressive jackpot ever won at a table game in Arizona. Ms. Le was playing at one of the three Fortune Pai Gow tables when she landed a seven card straight flush which triggered a $191,000 progressive jackpot. The history making jackpot took Ms. Le, a regular at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, completely by surprise. After realizing her incredible luck she proclaimed “I can’t believe I just won!” The progressive Pai Gow game was first introduced to Arizona by Gila River Casinos making Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino a fitting location for the largest jackpot in the state’s history. Lone Butte Casino, Vee Quiva Casino and Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino each maintain a unique progressive jackpot for the popular table game and the casinos have now awarded over $270,000 to Valley players since the beginning of this year. In addition to the nearly $200,000 jackpot at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Vee Quiva Casino recently paid a local winner over $80,000 when the Fortune Pai Gow progressive jackpot was triggered
Starting Thursday, June 10, AiRIA Nightclub inside Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino will begin the hunt for the hottest “Cougars” in Arizona. Fierce and fabulous “Cougars”, ages 30 and up, will fill the Chandler nightclub each Thursday from 9pm till 2am as they compete to win a share of $5,000 cash. Contestants will be pre-selected by emailing a photo and brief bio to AiRIAcougars@yahoo.com. These hot Cougars will “Strut their Stuff” for a panel of judges to show why they should be recognized as Arizona’s finest feline. The finals will occur on the evening of July 8 - First prize is $3,500 with $1,500 going to the runner-up and $1,000 to third. AiRIA Nightclub is located at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd in Chandler.
Ms Le (on left) with another casino guest at the Pai Gow table with the $191,000 jackpot on the table at the West valley casino. Lone Butte Casino is still awaiting their first progressive jackpot winner and that jackpot has now surpassed $150,000. Gila River Gaming Enterprises owns and operates Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Vee Quiva Casino. For more information call 1-800-946-4452, or go to their website at www.wingilariver.com
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ENTERTAINMENT Apache Gold Casino Resort
5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-APACHE-3 Events & concerts in the Pavilion: Call for summer schedule Apache Legends BBQ in the Pavilion features free live entertainment on weekends: June 11 & 12, Grey Wolf June 18 & 19, Sneezy Boyz June 25 & 26, The Newmans
BlueWater Resort and Casino
11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 At the Amphitheater: July 3, TNT – The ultimate AC/DC Tribute, with Fireworks show after the concert The Dig Lounge: live bands, Tues-Sun
Casino Arizona
101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 In the Showroom: Tues-Sun, “Showstoppers Live” A musical tribute to Elvis, Reba, Temptations and more Pima Lounge: Live entertainment and dancing nightly featuring top local groups The Arizona Room Piano Lounge with free entertainment nightly
Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater concert & event schedule: June 18, Snoop Dogg June 19, WFF Mixed Martial Arts June 22, Roger Daltrey July 9, Pepe Aguilar July 21, Robert Plant & the Band of Joy July 22, Rihanna Aug 15, Cindi Lauper FREE live entertainment at The Paradiso Bar on weekends with bands like: Myzterio, Imas and the George Howard Band Free Tribute concerts on Thursdays: June 17, “Hollywood Roses” – Guns & Roses Tribute and June 24, “Vitalogy” – Pearl Jam Tribute
Cliff Castle Casino
I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: June 26, George Jones July 3, Creedence Clearwater Revisited Aug 13, Rodney Carrington Dragonfly Lounge: Free entertainment on weekends featuring bands like: Daisy Train and Billy’s Gone Special afternoon concerts “The Legends of Country Music” on June 29 & 30 6 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
Hon-Dah Resort and Casino
Showstoppers Desert Diamond Casino Hotel
7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson Toll Free 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJs Thurs-Sun at 8pm
Desert Diamond Casino
1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Tucson 520-294-7777 or1-866-DDC-WINS Free entertainment In the Sports Lounge Concerts & Events in the Diamond Center: June 26, Carlos Mencia July 17, Bill Engvall
Fort McDowell Casino
N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Concerts - Outdoors under the Stars: July 2, MC Hammer with SWV – FREE fireworks show after the concert July 3, FREE CONCERT featuring The Ohio Players with special guest Finis Henderson, Plus FREE fireworks after the concert Lucky 7 Saloon: Free entertainment Fri – Sun featuring bands like: Cowboy Floyd, The Realtones, Furious George and The Chris Lukert Band Updates at fortmcdowellcasino.com
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino
15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 Harrah’s Event Center: June 26, La Mafia – 2 shows, 5 & 8pm Free entertainment nightly in the Oasis Lounge, call for updated schedule or at harrahsphoenix.com
Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH In the Timbers Lounge: Mon, Comedy Club - no cover Tues-Sat, Live Music with bands like: Groove City, June 15 – 19 and Tony Marques, June 22 – 26
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Lone Butte Casino
202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Free live entertainment Fri & Sat in the Cascades Lounge with bands like: Marty and the Party, STR8UP band and Jadi Norris Thursday nights - don’t miss the “Lucky Break” singing competition (Be in the TV audience)
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
1/2-mile South of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Tribute Bands every month: July 24, “Paperback Writer” A Beatles Tribute, Aug 21, Adam Tucker (Tribute to Tim McGraw, Sept 24, “Hotel California” A Tribute to the Eagles, Oct 30, “Rock Lobster” An 80s Retro Tribute
Paradise Casino
450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777-4946 In the Event Center: June 12, The Men of Playgirl Revue (21 & older) July 17, Great White (21 and older) Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Live Entertainment weekends with bands like Slick Nickel on June 18 & 19
Quechan Casino Resort
525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (5 mi W of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426 In the PIPA Event Center: Aug 12, Lewis Black Sidewinders: Live entertainment weekends with bands like: Leavin’ Ruston, June 18 & 19 and Frogman Down, June 25 & 26
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Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA In the Ovations LIVE! Showroom: June 18, Julio Iglesias – The Starry Night World Tour July 1, Creedence Clearwater Revisited July 10 & 11 at 2pm, Mitzi Gaynor (special Brunch for concert goers before the show at 11am for just $13.50 – Limited seating) July 24, “49 Laughs” Comedy Tour with “James & Ernie” (James Junes & Ernest Tsosie), Pax Harvey and Tatanka Means June – August, “Summer Comedy Series” with headliner comedians every Friday night (except June 18) June 25 - Tommy Savitt, July 2 – B.T., July 9 – Barry Diamond, July 16 - Marc Yaffee, July 23 – Richard Villa, July 30 – Dean Austin, Aug 6 – Tim O’Rourke, Aug 13 – Vic Dunlop, Aug 20 – Carrie Snow and Aug 27 – Jimmy Della Valle The Encore Lounge features live entertainment on weekends with bands like: Marty & the Party, Ronnie Dye, Pima Express, Tyrone D & the Ledge, The Hamptons, Marlin Zimmerman, Rhythm Edition, Str8Up Band, Route 66, Bob Villa, Aztex and JJs Band
Talking Stick Resort
Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road Scottsdale 480-850-7777 In the Grand Ballroom: June 18, Gladys Knight June 19, Smokey Robinson July 2, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy July 3, Cheap Trick COMING SOON - Talking Stick Resort Showroom! Opening Soon – “Degree 270” Lounge on the 14th floor with live entertainment, dancing nightly and a spectacular view of the city.
cover story
there are casinos
... and then there’s
o n i s a C l l e w o Fort Mcd Fort McDowell Casino is your destination for real gaming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – the Fort features the latest state of the art slot machines, poker, bingo, keno, five restaurants, lounges and some of the finest entertainers - the Fort has it all.
“Silver Platter” offers a more casual menu with your favorite burgers, shakes and sandwiches. The Red Rock Buffet, best known for all you can eat Crab Legs Friday, Saturday & Sunday, is just a few steps from all the action in the casino. Also, be sure and try the new and much talked about “Noodles Sushiya”, serving Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese noodle soups along with chicken and pork entrees. Noodles Sushiya also features a great sushi bar. Fort McDowell Casino has become and will continue to be legendary for setting the standard for excellence in gaming, dining and entertainment in The Valley of the Sun and the Southwest. In fact, it has become one of the state’s premier venues for concert and events throughout the years. This summer, Fort McDowell is celebrating our country’s independence Want to play a fun, easy and through an exciting weekend featuring live performances from internationlucrative game? The Fort’s live ally renowned artists. Keno games feature payouts of On Friday, July 2nd, the one-and-only MC Hammer will be taking the up to $100,000 – and they offer stage with SWV, a renowned and recently reunited R&B group. Doors open 23 different games of Keno, including “Speed Keno” for those who like a fast paced game. For more infor- at 6pm and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $40 for premium seating and $25 for general admission seats. Tickets are available at the Fort McDowell mation, visit the Keno Lounge and their friendly staff will assist you. The Fort’s five restaurants offer an amazing variety of dining opportunities gift shop or at ticketmaster.com. On Saturday, July 3rd, the concert is FREE! Comic, singer and impresfrom quick snacks to full-course dining excellence. sionist Finis Henderson, also known as the “Master of Voices,” will be The “New York Deli” properforming at 7pm. The Ohio Players will be stealing the spotlight at 8pm vides a genuine deli experiwith their hit songs such as “Fire”, “Funky Worm” and “Love Rollercoaster”. ence right in the heart of the Doors open at 4pm. desert. Both concerts will be followed by a free fireworks show. Head over early Cottonwood Café with an extensive menu for breakfast, and grab a spot – there’s plenty of free parking. Fort McDowell Casino is located just off Hwy 87 – 2 miles north of Shea, lunch or dinner is designed for casual dining in a peaceful just minutes from Mesa & Scottsdale. and comfortable environment. For more information call 1-800-THE FORT or go to fortmcdowellcasino.com Whether it’s a tournament or a live cash poker game, you can go all in at Fort McDowell Casino’s comfortable, non-smoking card room. The Fort also has the best blackjack, Pai Gow, Perfect Charlie, Let it Ride and more. Fort McDowell Casino is also proud to house an award-winning 1200 seat, state of the art Bingo Hall. With games seven days a week, you can win up to $25,000 at matinee sessions and up to $50,000 in the evening. Play bingo in smoke-free comfort and enjoy free beverages as well as tableside food service
8 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
DREAM BIG. WIN BIG.
Two Big Games. Two Big Jackpots. Four Days a Week. Mega Millions just joined Powerball in the Arizona Lottery’s lineup. That means even more chances to win the biggest jackpots! Play Mega Millions Tuesday and Friday. Play Powerball Wednesday and Saturday. And dream even bigger, all week long! arizonalottery.com Must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Overall odds vary by game. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available in an alternate format. Gambling Problem? 1-800-NEXT STEP !Please Play Responsibly.™ *Numbers on tickets are for illustration purposes only.
A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER
THE MIDAS TOUCH: Changing Comps to Gold
nce upon a time you could rely on good video poker by pay tables combined with Linda Boyd mathematically correct play to win at video poker. Times have changed. Nowadays you have to be more diligent to stretch your gambling budget. Wouldn’t it be great if we were all like legendary King Midas? Everything he touched turned to gold, but the downside is that included his food, drink and even his daughter. For video poker players there’s something even better than the golden touch; that’s the ability to keep your comps, convert them to cash or just use discretionary comps.
Tournament Play:
Most casinos offer slots, video poker, blackjack, poker and even keno tournaments from time-totime. For the most part, these are designed to promote games and the casino doesn’t make a profit. If you’re not sure, then ask questions and you’ll be able to figure the amount they collect compared to the cash they’re paying out. Free Entry: Free is a good thing, so always participate when you’re invited. Even if your game is video poker, say yes to slot, blackjack, keno or other contests without fees. Don’t worry about not being an expert, somebody will help you. Comp Account: The next best deal, free being the best, is to use your comp account. You should ask and if they say no, then suggest that they
10 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
consider it in the future. It’s like turning complimentary food or gifts into possible gold.
Club Card Points:
Always ask if you can use your club-card points to pay entry fees. Usually casinos discount the entry when you’re using your slot card. If the casino says you can use your cash points, but there’s no discount - then it’s not worth anything. Discretionary Comps: This is a category that is unknown to many players. If you use your slot card and play frequently you will usually be assigned a host. You will be offered free perks to reward your loyalty. These are the best kind of comps because you do not lose points from either your cash or comps account, in other words “free” really means free. Show Tickets: local casinos are now drawing top entertainment. Not only do casinos offer tickets to frequent players, but they’re usually really great seats. When your host gives you tickets, you won’t lose points from your comp account. Meals: If you’ve been assigned a casino host you should ask about their comp policy for restaurants. If you don’t bring up the subject, then they won’t either. This policy is often in place in tribal casinos where you don’t have a special comps account, so it’d either discretionary comps or nothing. Special Events: It could be a formal dinner, a Super Bowl party or even a cruise—creativity is the name of the game with today’s promotional departments. All of these things are good for both the casino and their loyal customers.
Marketing Offers: Here’s a way to receive perks that don’t come off your comp account. You may receive a mailer from marketing, a separate department from slots, or you might have to clip a coupon from a magazine or a newspaper. Cash: Need I say more? Take it to the casino for redemption – Be sure you read the fine print and following the rules. Free Play: Casinos want you to stay and play not take the money and run. So now most casinos give you credits on the machine of your choice. Credits are downloaded from a computer and you run them through once before cashing in. Blackjack Coupons: Even if you’re strictly a video poker player, you should always use your match play coupons.
Final Thoughts:
Sometimes you have to go north by northwest to gain an edge, by following the rules in a creative way. Half the battle is finding the best video poker games available and using the correct strategy. The other half is finding legitimate ways to convert less desirable perks or food to bright and shiny gold. Linda Boyd - a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming” and “Midwest Gaming and Travel”. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. The Second Edition has a 2010 publication date and is now available at bookstores, amazon.com, or Square One Publishers www.squareonepublishers.com Toll Free: 877-900-BOOK
WILD HORSE PASS HOTEL & CASINO // I-10 and Wild Horse Pass Blvd. TAbLE GAmES bLACkjACk (WITH $1,000 mAx WAGERS), LET IT RIDE, LuCky LADIES, PuSH yOuR LuCk & 3 fORTuNE PAI GOW TAbLES/PROGRESSIvE AT $18,000+ bLAzING CASH bLACkjACk TOuRNAmENT
Tuesday, July 27. Registration at 3pm. Tournament at 6pm. First place: $6,600 guaranteed! Please see Poker Room for details.
POkER ROOm WORLD’S bEST “ACES CRACkED” PROmOTION
Players that lose with pocket Aces can win up to $1,000 during promotional periods daily. Please see Poker Room for details.
TOuRNAmENTS 5 DAyS A WEEk ALL LEvEL buy-IN Please see Poker Room for details.
vEE QuIvA CASINO // 51st Avenue, 4 Miles South of Baseline TAbLE GAmES fORTuNE PAI GOW PROGRESSIvE A $1 wager & your 7 Card Straight Flush wins 100%. Please see Blackjack pit for details. PAI GOW PROGRESSIvE jACkPOT $15,099 POkER ROOm NO-LImIT HOLD’Em TOuRNAmENTS
$30 buy-in with one optional $20 re-buy: Sundays - Thursdays at 11am. Early bird chips available for live play prior to each tournament. Prize Amounts $1,000 Guaranteed. $10 buy-in with multiple re-buys: Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Multiple re-buys during the first three rounds with the option of a $20 add-on at the break.
ROLLING CASH fEvER
$100 progressive drawing: Tuesday at 11pm posted amount must go! Earn tickets by playing in a live game and making a hand that is full house or better with both hole cards playing. Drawings are held on the odd hour every 2 hours. Must be an active, seated player to qualify. See Poker Room for details.
LONE buTTE CASINO // Santan 202 & Kyrene Road TAbLE GAmES fORTuNE PAI GOW PROGRESSIvE A $1 wager & your 7 Card Straight Flush wins 100%. Please see Blackjack pit for details. PAI GOW PROGRESSIvE jACkPOT $136,471
CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2433
Poker Room opens daily at 6pm Dealing blackjack, daily at 10am
BlueWater Casino 1-888-243-3360
Dealing blackjack 24/7
Bucky’s Casino 928-771-6779
Sat, June 26 at Noon - Omaha Hi-Low Tournament with $200 added per table, $60 entry fee Mon, 10am & 6pm, Hold Em, $30 - winners advance to “free roll” Tues, 6pm, Ladies Only Texas Hold Em Shootouts - $10 buy-in Wed, 6pm, Deep Stack No-Limit Hold Em Tournament - $75 buy-in w/ $20 re-buy Sat 10am, Hold Em, $30 buy-in, Pays 3 places, winners advance to “free roll” “Aces Cracked” wins $50 - Mon 11am1pm & 7pm-3am, Tues & Thurs 7pm3am & Wed 8am-4pm Progressive “Aces Cracked” Sat 11am11pm - Starts at $50, increases till hit High Hand: Mon 4-6pm, Tues 8am-10am & 3-6pm, Wed 7-11pm, Thurs & Fri 8am-Noon FREE Sunday buffet for seated players Dealing blackjack 24/7, “Blackjack Shootout” Tues at 7pm - $20 entry New blackjack “Happy Hour” Mon-Thurs – 8-9am, 3-4pm and 9-10pm, ask pit for details Just Added: “Bonus 21” - Win a bonus of up to $75 in chips when you hit a “21” on 6, 7 or 8 cards!
Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips 480-850-7777
Dealing blackjack 24/7 $ 5,000 “Wild Wednesdays” Blackjack Tournament every other Wed, 7pm $ 100 buy-in
Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565
Sun, 11am $1,500 NLHE, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys + $12 entry fee Mon-Fri, 10 am, $200 added Morning Poker league, No-Limit Hold Em, $8 buyin, $5 re-buys, $5 Add-on + $7 entry fee Mon 7pm & Sat noon – NLHE Cactus Poker League - $1,500 Guaranteed - $35 buy-in, $6 entry fee Tues & Sun at 7pm – FREE Poker League, NLHE - $1,225 Guaranteed Wed, 7pm, NLHE, $1,500 Prize Pool (w/50 players) $25 buy-in, $5 re-buys, $5 add-on + $12 entry fee Thurs, 7pm, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $85 buy-in + $12 entry fee Sat, 9am, $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $ 5 buy-in w/$5 re-buys & $5 add-on + $15 entry fee SPECIAL EVENTS: June 24-26, $22,000 Guaranteed NLHEno re-buys or add-ons – (Limited to the first 160 players that pre-qualify with 40 hours of live play May 1 – June 22) June 30 at 10am, $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE - $10 buy-in (Limited to first 160 players who pre-qualify) See poker room for details Also dealing blackjack 24/7 12 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
Cliff Castle Casino 928-567-7952
Mon, Wed & Fri, 10am, No-Limit Texas Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Tues & Thurs, 10am, Limit Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Wed, 7pm, No-Limit Hold Em, $60 buy-in w/$20 re-buy Sat, Noon, $1,000 added No Limit Hold Em, $80 buy-in, no re-buys (except on June 5th) Sun, 10am, Omaha shoot-out, $25 buy-in 1st place winners in the $25 Shootouts qualify for Free Roll Shootout the last Sunday of each month Aces Cracked WINS $100 rack – Mon-Fri, See poker Room for details Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687
Dealing blackjack, Fri & Sat, 10am-3am; Sun-Thurs, 10am-2am
Desert Diamond Casino, Old Nogales Hwy 520-342-1810
500 Added Morning Hold Em Tournaments – Mon & Thurs at 9:30am, $30 buy-in w/$5 sc Tues, 7pm, $100 added per table Hold-Em, $ 75 buy-in & 1-$60 re-buy Wed, 7pm, $10,000 Hold-Em, $110 buy-in, no re-buys (w/120 players) Sun, Noon, $5,000 Hold-Em, $50 buy-in, $ 15 re-buys Also dealing blackjack 24/7 $
Desert Diamond Casino, I-19 866-332-9467 Dealing blackjack 24/7
Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-1424
“Bounty” Tournaments – Mon – Sat at 1pm & Daily at 7pm, $30 buy-in - $10 bounties, BONUS - with live play before tournament – increase Bounties to $20, $30 and $40 MEGA Stack Tournament, 1pm, Sun - $115 buy-in, with an optional $15 Dealer add-on – no re-buys Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452
Dealing blackjack 24/7
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5000
Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri, 3pm - $500 Guaranteed No-Limit Hold-Em, $25 buy-in + $ 10 re-buys Fri, 3pm - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10 buy-in + $5 re-buys Thurs, 7pm - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sat, Noon - $750 Guaranteed NLHE, $40 buy-in Sun, Noon - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10 buy-in, unlimited $5 re-buys Tues, 3pm & 7pm - $500 Guaranteed Omaha H/L - $10 buy-in, w/ 2- $10 rebuys + $10 add-on Fri, 7pm & Sat Noon, $750 Guaranteed NLHE, $40 buy-in - no re-buys Sat, 5pm, $750 Guaranteed NLHE, $20 buy-in – w/$10 add-on $ 50 Daily Splash pots – see poker room for schedule
Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Hon-Dah Casino 800-929-8744
Mon, 6pm, 50/50, Hold Em & Omaha Hi-Lo, $25 buy-in + one $25 add-on Wed, 6pm, No-limit Hold Em, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Thurs, 6pm, Omaha Hi-Lo, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sat, 2pm, No-limit Hold Em, $30 buy-in, $ 10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Omaha High Only, $30 buy-in, $ 10 re-buys + $10 add-on
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529
Live Poker at Noon Thurs-Sun - see poker room for details Wed & Sun, 7pm, Bounty Tournament, $ 50 buy-in, $25 added per table High Hands for Hold-Em games, win up to $500 “Spin the wheel” for cash on qualifying hands Dealing blackjack 11am-1am, $3 tables Blackjack tournament, Mon, 6pm, $40 buy-in
Paradise Casino 888-777-4946
Poker has mover to Quechan Casino Dealing Blackjack 5pm-1am
Quechan Casino & Resort 1-877-QUECHAN
Sat & Sun at 1pm, No Limit Hold Em, $ 25 buy-in + $10 s/c and $5 re-buys Sun, 6pm NLHE “Bounty” Tournament $25 buy-in + $10 s/c, with $10 re-buys - $5 bounties Mon & Thurs at 1pm – No-Limit Hold Em - $20 buy-in + $7 s/c with $10 re-buys Tues & Fridays, Omaha 4/8 or 8/16 Kill Special $69 room rates for poker players. Dealing blackjack 24/7 JUST ADDED: $50,000 Main Event Blackjack Tournament on August 21 & 22 – Champion takes home $20,000 - $250 entry fee – also FREE ROLL qualifying now thru Aug 18
Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777
6th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship – Begins Aug 13 at 9am, Final Table Aug 16 at 11am. Estimated $1,000,000 prize pool with 900 entries! Win an entry in single table shootouts daily or Special Sunday Tournaments. See poker room for details Mon - Fri, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em, $60 buy-in Tues & Wed, 7pm, No-Limit Hold Em, $ 130 buy-in Mon-Thurs – $100 “Splash Pots” hourly from Midnight – 6pm Mon-Fri, 3am-9am “Aces Cracked” Win $ 100 rack Sat & Sun, 3am-9am “Monte Carlo Days” Also dealing blackjack 24/7 $ 5,000 “Wild Wednesdays” Blackjack Tournament every other Wed, 7pm $ 100 buy-in
Vee Quiva Casino 800-946-4452
Sun - Thurs, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em, $ 1,000 Guaranteed - $30 buy-in Wednesdays at 7:30pm, No-Limit Hold Em Tournaments, $15 buy-in, $10 rebuys & 1 add-on “D-backs Splash Pots” Two tables are each splashed $100 when the D-Backs score! (Selected TV games) “ACES CRACKED” wins a rack – daily from 6am - max 10 per day Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $ 500. Progressive Rolling Cash Fever drawings during live play every other hour - 24/7 Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 ext 7375
Mon & Thurs Noon, No Limit Hold Em, $ 30 buy-in, no re-buys Tues at 7:30pm, No-Limit Freeze Out $ 50 entry fee – no re-buys Wed at 7:30pm, No-Limit Bounty Tournament, $10 buy-in w/$5 entry fee - $10 rebuys w/$20 add-on before final table “$100 Splash Happy pots” Sun, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat between 8am-1pm Snap & Spin, Mon-Sat 2pm-6pm, 9pm-Mid, Mid-5am, & Sun 9pm-Mid, win up to $ 1,000 in cash, Big Hand – Big Money, win $50 - $250 5-6am, 6-7:30am & 7:30-9:30am Big Money Royals - Any Royal Flush wins $200 FREE ROLL Tournaments every Saturday at 10am – Log 16 hours “Live” play weekly to qualify – see poker room for details Also dealing blackjack 24/7 PREFERRED LAUGHLIN POKER ROOMS
Avi Resort Casino 1-866-INFO-AVI
Daily at 10am, No-Limit Texas Hold Em, $ 25 Buy-In, no re-buys Sun & Thurs at 7pm, No Limit Texas Hold Em, $25 buy-in Tues 7pm, Beat the Boss No Limit Texas Hold Em, $30 buy-in w/$100 bounty on the Boss Aces Cracked: Win up to $300 daily
Harrah’s Resort Casino 702-298-4600
Mon, Tues, Sat & Sun at 10am & Sun 7pm, No Limit Hold Em, $40 buy-in Wed & Thurs, 10am, NLHE “Bounty” Tournament - $50 buy-in w/$5 Bonus buy Fri, 10am, Wed & Thurs 7pm, NLHE, $50 buy-in w/$5 Bonus buy Fri at 7pm, NLHE, $100 buy in w/ $50 add-on Sat at 2pm, Monster Stack Texas Hold Em, $160 buy in, no re buys
CARD ROOM MANAGERS Please send updates to azplayer@cox.net
gaming news MOVIE LEGEND COMING TO TOWN
FREE LAUGHS AT WILD HORSE PASS
FUNNY STUFF AT WILD HORSE PASS
Mitzi Gaynor, best known for her starring role in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific and one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars is bringing her act to Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino on July 10 & 11 at 2pm. Gaynor starred in many popular 50’s films including “Anything Goes” with Bing Crosby, “The Joker is Wild” with Frank Sinatra, “Les Girls” with Gene Kelly and “There’s No Business Like Show Business” opposite Ethel Merman and Marilyn Monroe . Performing steadily through the 70’s on television and in Las Vegas, Gaynor resumed her stage act in 2006 after the death of her husband Jack Bean, who was also her personal manager. Tickets are available at the gift shop at Wild Horse Pass, or you can call 1-877-840-0457 or go online at WinGilaRiver.com.
The Summer Comedy Series at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino will showcase a new, headline comedian every Friday at 8pm in June, July and August at the Ovations Live! Showroom. Each comedian has experienced the national stage in television appearances, movie roles or self-titled comedy specials. The series began June 4 and will run every Friday (with the exception of June 18) through August 27. Nationally accredited comedians include; Tom Clark (actor, writer & comic) June 11, Tommy Savitt (International comedy star) June 25, B.T. (featured on HBO) July 2, Barry Diamond (Friends and Seinfeld) July 9, Marc Yaffee (Native American International comedy star) July 16, Richard Villa (seen on LATV) July 23, Dean Austin (Comic View) July 30, Tim O’Rourke (Drew Carey Show) Aug 6, Vic Dunlop (Richard Pryor Show) Aug 13, Carrie Snow (featured in The Aristocrats) Aug 20 and Jimmy Della Valle (seen in Without a Trace) on Aug 27. Tickets are $10, but are FREE with a complimentary Player’s Club card. Purchase online at WinGilaRiver.com, by phone at 1-877-840-0457 or visit the Gift Shop at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
The “49 Laughs” comedy tour makes a stop at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino on Saturday night July 24. This special performance brings together four award winning Native American comedians for a unique and clean comedy routine that has been entertaining audiences throughout the country. Starring Ernest Tsosie and James Junes of the popular “James and Ernie” comedy team and featuring Pax Harvey and Tatanka Means, the show provides something for everyone and is sure to keep audiences laughing out loud. Tickets are just 20 bucks and can be purchased online at WinGilaRiver.com, by phone at (877) 840-0457 or by visiting the Gift Shop at Wild Horse Pass. Listen up – This is no joke, use your free Player’s Club card and get an automatic $10 discount! Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is located at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Chandler.
S TA R GA Z E R PAV I L I O N I S P R O U D TO P R E S E N T Cliff Castle Casino Hotel reserves the right to modify, suspend and/or cancel this promotion at any time, without notice, with approval of the Yavapai-Apache Gaming Commission.
COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND
GEORGE
JONES WITH OPENING ACT RONDAVOUS
SAT JUNE
26 6PM GATE OPENS
$35 · $45 · $65 GENERAL
STAGE LEVEL
VIP
T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E AT C A S T L E C LU B | O N L I N E AT T I C K E T FO R C E .C O M | O R 928 . 5 67.7 9 9 9
I-17, Exit 289 · Camp Verde
14 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
GeorgeJones_7.375x4.625.indd 1
4/29/10 ThuApr 29, 2010 • 10:02 AM
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*Earn 6am – 5pm for play in slots, blackjack and video poker. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2010, Harrah’s License Company, LLC. 1600-610-013
FROM A WOMAN’S POINT OF VIEW
by Marianne Minneci
A nd S o … I t B egins
nd so it begins again…The 2010 World and many of the former pros Series of Poker events are already underof the game, but in the big way, beginning on Friday, May 29 with picture, they are becoming the “Casino Employee’s No-Limit” tournament an endangered species. Poker and ending with the “No-Limit Championship has become a game for the Event July 5 – July17 where the final table will young guns. Fueled by the be determined. Final table play will resume in internet, it has become one November. big video game with outrageous pay-outs for slayIf you play in any of the WSOP events, you ing the dragon. may find yourself playing at a table with Caesar, The first “World Series of Poker” was held in a joker or a fool. You may play with a clown, be 1970, and it was an invitational - Benny Binion stared down by a fossil or be pitted against a Prima invited six of the best known poker players to Donna or a Diva - but you’ll be there, soaking up compete at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. It the surroundings and loving the whole crazy expe- took 12 years before the WSOP finally drew over 50 rience. You’ll be feeling the excitement of what is participants to this tournament. the “World Series of Poker”. The first “World Series of Poker that I attended I’ve watched this event change over the years was at the old Binion’s Horseshoe Casino. Binion’s – hopefully for the better, but I can’t really say. It was tiny in comparison to the new venue, but it seems that, what was once a game of skill, cunning was rich in tradition. Sure it was old and gritty and and mastery of the art of the bluff - has become badly in need of a remodel, but it was the source, the “luck of the draw”, based on dumb luck in the beginning. some instances and nothing else. This is the The greats of the game played there and formed impression I got while watching the final table of the foundation of what poker is today. I often the 2009 WSOP. As unconventional as it may be at wonder what ghosts wander in the shadows of times - it still makes for great entertainment. Binion’s and what would they have to say about We still have some of the poker greats to watch, poker today? Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson, Mike Sexton, Poker has become flash and glamour. When you VideoPoker_1/3page_vp ad.qxp 10/12/09 12:31 PM Page 1 Barry Greenstein, Dan Harrington, Phil Hellmuth win a bracelet at the WSOP you become a star.
You’re picture is everywhere, you receive endorsements and the world is your oyster. If your star continues to shine - you are in the spotlight, but many rise too fast and fall hard long before their dreams are complete. Even though the new “Kings of the Felt” may not be familiar faces to us anymore, we will still be watching. We will all wait and wonder until the final table reconvenes in November - who will carry it to the end and be the new shining star of the poker world, the winner of the World Series of Poker. Who will take home the crown? Is this the year Daniel Negreneau, Phil Ivey or Gus Hansen wind up capturing the prize which has eluded them for so long? Could this be the year for the first woman to win it all? We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. Until next time, “Have a Lucky Month”. Write me at azpokerlady@cox.net
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.
16 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
lottery news Crossword Clues
Diamond Dazzled!
“Crossword” has always been one of the Arizona Lottery’s most popular games, and there have been a variety of Scratchers tickets dedicated to the game, including “Crossword Clues”. The following two winners enjoy playing all of the Crossword Scratchers and also enjoyed collecting their $50,000. Regina Carder not only purchases Scratchers for herself, but also for some friends. One of those friends always asks her to buy “Crossword Clues”. This time when Regina bought tickets for her friends, she decided to buy one for herself. Regina scratched the tickets and on one ticket found nine words. She was thrilled with what she thought she’d won - $2,500. She had several friends check the ticket, but all they did was check to be sure the nine words she had discovered were correct. None of them even thought to check to see if she’d missed a word (she had). When she claimed her prize, she told the customer service representative that she’d won $2,500. When the representative came back to the counter, she said, “It’s not what you think it is.” Regina’s stomach dropped until she looked at the validation slip and saw $50,000. Her next comment was, “I was thrilled with $2,500, but $50,000 is much better!” Maria Jimenez also loves to play Scratchers and plays almost every day, mostly $5 Crossword and Bingo. She usually redeems her winning tickets and buys new ones, and this particular day was no exception. She redeemed one ticket, purchased three more; redeemed her wins and bought four more tickets. One of the four was a winner. Maria scratched her ticket and counted ten words, but couldn’t believe what she was looking at. She then asked everyone in her family to check it. They did and came with the same conclusion - the ticket was worth $50,000. To be sure they hadn’t made a mistake, they wrote each word down on a piece of paper. Later after she had calmed down a bit, Maria said, “I always knew someday I would win a jackpot.” Both winners plan to deposit their winnings in the bank and take time to really think about any plans for using the money.
If you happen to come across two men who have a slightly dazed look about them, you might very well be looking at Terry Linck and Vincent Hart. Each of these men won the $50,000 top prize in “Diamond Dazzler Bingo”. Terry went to the store to buy a “Slingo” ticket, but the ticket was sold out. The clerk pointed to “Diamond Dazzle Bingo” and suggested he buy that one instead as it was new. So he bought one of the new tickets and a couple “Crosswords”, but was still unhappy about there not being any “Slingo” tickets available. Vincent, who buys two Scratchers every day, bought two of the “Diamond Dazzler Bingo” tickets and took them home to play. When Terry first scratched the ticket, he thought he’d won $75 until the clerk checked it and told him he would have to take it to the Lottery office - it was more than the store could pay. Then he thought he had won $5,000. When he turned in his ticket at the Lottery office, he didn’t ask the clerk what it was worth. It wasn’t until the winner liaison came over to him with the check that he finally asked, “How much did I win?” The amount of $50,000 was a most welcome surprise. Vincent also was not sure about the amount he had won. After he scratched the ticket, he looked at it and thought there was something wrong with it, so he took it to the store to be scanned. The clerk told him he would have to take the ticket to the Lottery office to be redeemed. One of the store managers who was standing nearby went over to Vincent and went over the ticket with him. After looking at the ticket, he explained to Vincent what he had missed. Vincent then went home and put it in the safe until he could take it to the Lottery to be redeemed. Terry plans to pay off medical bills and then, perhaps, do some remodeling on his home, pay off his truck and save the rest.
18 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
THE PICK
Date
Numbers
May
01-02-05-09-10-39 02-06-07-11-17-39 01-05-12-13-25-31 09-11-13-21-33-36 01-16-19-32-35-43 06-24-32-37-39-40 05-06-16-29-34-37 04-09-11-15-28-32 05-22-26-27-39-43
01 05 08 12 15 19 22 26 29
May
01 02 03 04 05 06 08 09 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31
POWERBALL Numbers
16-23-25-49-58 13-34-40-47-57 05-22-34-41-57 37-51-52-53-58 15-21-23-28-36 02-07-29-55-58 19-20-40-47-57 01-06-10-13-20 01-03-24-28-41
PICK 3 CASH 4 9-9-9 2-4-1 1-0-5 1-6-6 7-0-5 7-1-6 9-1-7 9-5-6 2-9-7 5-5-0 8-8-1 3-8-3 6-2-5 3-0-1 1-7-3 4-8-2 8-3-9 1-0-8 9-9-7 6-9-4 9-5-1 7-5-6 2-2-1 3-3-5 2-8-4 4-9-6 8-1-0
06-15-24-25 14-17-23-24 07-10-17-23 04-10-17-26 06-21-22-26 01-04-05-23 04-06-08-25 02-07-15-19 02-10-13-22 01-19-21-24 02-03-05-21 11-19-22-23 05-08-10-15 01-05-06-12 08-11-16-19 05-14-17-25 02-07-08-18 01-13-15-26 03-11-14-24 04-05-16-24 05-11-15-26 04-10-14-25 01-15-21-22 11-19-22-26 02-12-15-21 06-09-18-25 04-07-13-21
PB PP
20 11 31 38 20 27 29 32 10
4 4 5 2 2 3 2 4 4
PICK 5 07-10-11-13-24 02-22-23-28-34 07-11-15-18-35 05-09-11-29-30 12-20-25-26-37 02-24-27-31-39 01-07-10-13-30 02-11-17-31-36 12-16-24-32-34 19-26-27-35-37 09-10-17-36-37 10-14-31-36-39 01-23-28-33-35 02-17-23-28-39 02-12-18-36-38 01-03-08-15-35 11-22-31-35-38 10-12-17-21-31 04-09-19-34-36 02-04-12-19-27 03-16-23-28-39 01-05-07-28-35 09-13-29-30-34 01-06-13-25-27 04-08-10-22-25 07-09-10-15-18 20-23-29-30-32
May
MEGA MILLIONS
PB
PP
04 07 11 14 18 21 25 28
09-21-31-36-43 02-07-20-34-50 26-33-43-46-54 20-21-40-47-56 11-13-19-37-40 15-20-23-26-30 05-14-17-19-24 03-11-20-29-39
08 40 09 12 26 17 25 26
3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4
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.
TJ’s Blackjack corner
“Trick” for Beating Blackjack
by TJ Jorgensen have often been asked what the best “trick” for beating blackjack is. This may surprise you but my response when someone asks that question is “flashcards”, that’s right flashcards. Remember when you were growing up and trying to learn your multiplication tables? You had a set of four inch by four inch cards, on one side you would see “8 x 8” the other side would provide the answer “64”. Make a set for yourself with all the basic strategy hands. For example on one side you will have “ace & 7” on the answer side you will have; stand when the dealer has a 2,7 or 8, double when the dealer shows 3-6 and hit when the dealer shows 9,10,ace. By the way this is the most misplayed hand in basic strategy. Quiz yourself until you can get them all right. Once you have them mastered don’t throw them in the kitchen drawer, rather run through them every time before you go to the casino. Many players at one time knew basic strategy perfectly, but quit practicing . Some of the hands come up so infrequently that they forget how to play them. For example the hand of “9,9” vs dealer showing a “2” comes up 43 times for every 100,000 hands. By reviewing you will always be on top of your
20 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
Side1
Side 2 (Dealer Showing) Dbl Down Stand Split Hit 9 3-6 2, 7-A 10 2-9 10-A 11 Any 12 4-6 2-3, 7-A 13 2-6 7-A 14 2-6 7-A 15 2-6 7-A 16 2-6 7-A Any 17 A, 2 5-6 2-4, 7-A A, 3 5-6 2-4, 7-A A, 4 4-6 2-3, 7-A A, 5 4-6 2-3, 7-A A, 6 3-6 2, 7-A A, 7 3-6 2, 7-8 9-A A, 8 Any A, 9 Any 2, 2 2-7 8-A 3, 3 2-7 8-A 4, 4 5,6 2-4, 7-A 5, 5 2-9 10-A 6, 6 2-6 7-A 7, 7 2-7 8-A Any Any 8, 8 9, 9 7, 10-A 2-6, 8-9 10, 10 Any Any A, A
game. The player who plays perfect basic strategy has a 25% chance of being ahead after 25,000 hands. This is what your flash cards should look like for six decks, dealer hits soft 17, double on any 2 cards. Usually after a session of blackjack you can point to one hand that was the turning point as to whether you ended up a winner or loser. It is hard enough to beat the casino when you play a perfect game, make sure you don’t give the casino any additional advantage by misplaying a hand. Practice with your flashcards cards until you know basic strategy perfectly. Once you know it as well as your own name, then you’ll give yourself the best chance of walking out of the casino a winner. Until next time I hope you play winning blackjack. T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play, both locally and internationally. He has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world. He is the author of the book, "Beating the Casino at Their Own Game," available through his web site www.freewebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail TJ4justice1@msn.com
HORSIN’ AROUND
A Shore Thing
verybody knows droves, it just may change the way racetracks do there is no such business in the future. thing as a sure As far as the players involved, Garrett Gomez by Brian thing, but officials at will be a new steady jockey fixture, as will Johnny Mulligan Monmouth Park are Velazquez, to go along with Jersey Joe Bravo and thinking out of the box, as they are trying to invent Elvis “Is in the house” Trujillo. Trainers to watch their own version of a SHORE thing. will be Todd Pletcher, Mike Mitchell, the Dutrow I cut my teeth at Monmouth Park, first went to boys, underrated Robert Hess Jr., Joe Orseno and the track there when I was 10, and made my first Linda Rice. bet there at 8, but more on that later on. With more runners, the complexion of the This meeting in Oceanport, N.J., is so unique it races may also alter from the speed-friendly track is now the buzzword of the sport. Monmouth has been for years. Watch runners from First off – here are the numbers. A total of 148 Tampa, and runners that drop, because since they horses entered for opening day, last year 46 less will be running for more money, the drop may not passed the entry box. Not only will $5,000 claimers really be a drop. run for a $30,000 purse, unheard of even in today’s Personally, I have something invested in this slot-driven world, Monmouth will pay $1,500 to the track. I made my first bet at 8 through a friend of last-place finishers in Jersey-bred races. my father’s. Pops was a big shot at General Motors, What this will do is to try to even the playing and once a year he got a perk at Monmouth Park field a little, so the smaller barns will not be totally and was allowed to utilize a special box. It was not swallowed up by the huge purses offered for qualjust some chairs in the Turf Club, but a fully staffed ity runners. area for about a dozen at the very top of the track. Consider this: On opening day, $25,000 claimers To put it in perspective, Princess Grace Kelly ran for a $46,000 purse; Jersey-bred MSW runners owned the box next door. aimed at a $75,000 purse and $15,000 claimers ran All of dad’s friends would gather for drinks at for a $38,000 purse. the house before the track, and one of his buddies Over the first 5 days of Monmouth this meet, the asked me whom I liked in a particular race. After average handle was up 162%. Average attendance glancing at the sheet, I offered my opinion, and is up 86%, while the field size has increased by broke the piggy bank for the $2 needed. About 10 nearly 2 horses per face. Granted, this is a bold hours later, the gang was home, I got $16.80 back, PGP-PlayerThird pdf maker:Layout 1 11/4/09 9:17 AM Page 1 experiment, but if it works, and the people bet in and the rest, as they say, is history.
22 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
One thing I’ve learned is that this game is a work-in-progress, and if you can’t improve or learn something every day, you are not paying attention. Bettors cannot just do their work in their room, go to the track, be ignorant about scratches, the weather or the environment at the track, and expect to win. There are far-too-many variables that make up a race that need to be scrutinized. How huge were the numbers at Monmouth opening day? A total of 7,611 more were on hand than on the 2009 opener, and the total betting went through the roof. Last year, just over $4.2 million was bet on opening day. This year’s opening day combined handle for the card was $9,357,444. Hope some Shore things come through for bettors this season. 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 has probably handicapped more races than any man alive since he set lines on up to 15 tracks a day for all those years. Mulligan also led the other public handicappers in Los Angeles at every meet in SoCal at one time or another during his tenure there. He continues to contribute to the Daily Racing Form writing “A Closer Look” analysis daily.
They couldn’t keep them apart – Powerball and Mega Millions are together at last!
gaming news Travel Get “Shanghaied” in Oregon As the hot Arizona summer rages on – maybe it’s time to “Shanghai” the family to a spot where real Shanghais were a way of life – in Oregon. Buried beneath the streets of Portland, left over from the 1800s, are tunnels, where drunken and drugged visitors were transported to waiting ship captains. They arrived in the tunnels when they carelessly stepped on trapdoors in the bar floors above, and from there they were shanghaied for about $50 per head. Center your trip in the Portland and you can tour some of those old bars and tunnels. For some wild excitement, just east of Portland is Hellgate Canyon, and the Rogue River - Take a boat tour along the same route where they filmed “Rooster Cogburn,” and “Gunsmoke.” One tour includes a breathtaking journey over white-water rapids - Get ready to get wet - It’s quite a trip. After a day on the river, the perfect place for continuing your adventure, and to spend the night, is north on I-5 to Canyonville, and the Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino with full gaming action, casual and fine dining, multiple bars, plus an RV park.
24 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
Continue the adventure to nearby Hood River, where you’ll find the century old Hood River Railroad, at the foothills of Mt. Hood. There are themed rides, including the Western Train Robbery – A trip back in history, with spectacular views. For a memorable adventure, head northwest to the Columbia River Gorge near Astoria, Oregon and the bridge over Multnomah Falls – What a spectacular view! For even more fun, head north into Washington - to Mt. St. Helens, one of America’s active volcanoes - Tour on foot, by road, or helicopter. The last major eruption was captured on film, and is there for your viewing While the area is remote, many of the activities are free, and food and gift items are available including jewelry made from the volcanic ash. When you return, check out the Portland Saturday Market and the International Food Court, where everything is fresh and grown or caught locally – admission is free, including the entertainment and is easily reached by public transportation. To plan your Shanghai adventure, contact Oregon Tourism Commission at 503-378-8850 or go to www.traveloregon.com
DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR The Karate Kid ««««
When 12-year-old Dre moves with his mother from Detroit to China he has a hard time adjustby ing. While talking to a David Ramsey local girl in the park he quickly runs afoul of a local bully who beats him up using kung fu. He has to stay clear of the bully and his friends but wants to see the girl. He talks the maintenance man and kung fu master into teaching him kung fu and enters a tournament. This remake of the 1984 film is faithful to the original. The action is engrossing, scenery is beautiful and the acting is very good with Jackie Chan giving his best performance. It is over 2 hours long but it does not drag. You will be on the edge of your seat and cheering at the end.
David’s Video Details Alice in Wonderland – «« Alice is now 19 and when she falls down the rabbit hole, she is reunited with her old friends. However, she doesn’t recognize them and they aren’t sure she is the right Alice. All the characters are there but as a sequel it has too many holes and is not all magical - it plays more like a formula action sci-fi than a magical fairy tale.
Shutter Island – ««««
The A-Team «««
An elite team of Army Rangers is framed for a crime and imprisoned. They escape determined to find the real criminals and clear their names. Chasing the four members of the “A-Team” is an old flame, the army, the CIA and the real criminals. There are a few twists, some impossible but entertaining stunts, lots of explosions and a few jokes (some are even funny). This film is better than the 80’s TV series it’s based on. Stay through the credits for a kicker that is a lot of fun for the fans of the series.
In 1954, a US Marshall investigates the disappearance of patient at an isolated mental hospital for the criminally insane – who is thought to be hiding on the isolated island. Not is all as it seems and it is very good.
The Book of Eli – «« In a post-apocalyptic world, a man travels cross country to deliver the last copy of an important book to a mysterious location. Everything about this movie is predictable except for the ending which is lame.
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). Catch him on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday at about 6:20am and on ABC-15’s “Sonoran Living Live” every other Friday. Visit David’s website at www. TheSnackBar.net or contact him at David@TheSnackBar.net. 26 ARIZONA PLAYER June 2010
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1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on. 2. They have a lot of data but still can’t think for themselves. 3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and 4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model. The women won.
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