Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - December 2014 - 06:12

DEPARTMENTS 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 08 GREAT GAMES 18 WINNING WAYS 21 CASINO DINING 24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 29 GAMING NEWS 32 ARIZONA LOTTERY 34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 35 TRAVEL 36 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 38 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 40 CASINO BINGO 42 FUN & GAMES 44 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

JACKPOT BEFORE JANUARY? “MONEY WON IS TWICE AS SWEET AS MONEY EARNED!”

46 CASINO DIRECTORY

IGT SPECIALITY VIDEO POKER

COMFORT FOOD WITH A TWIST AT DIAMOND CAFÉ

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Here’s a handy chart that lets you know which AZ casinos have your favorite IGT video poker games.

Americano comfort food with an urban flair is what you’ll find at this new gem at Desert Diamond.

Join in the festivities this month as Harrah’s Ak-Chin celebrates their 20th Anniversary.

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 12 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com

Jackpot before January?

As Paul Newman said in the movie The Color of Money, “Money won is twice as sweet as money earned!” We love to hear jackpot stories about deserving people winning life-changing amounts. This month’s feature story looks at some of the progressive slots available for play at casinos across Arizona, as well as some recent lucky winners.

This issue also has a sneak peek on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, IGT, and Ainsworth, a popular slot manufacturer whose games have just made their debut in Arizona. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe gives us the inside scoop on a new version of Three Card Poker. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with a synopsis of the events at the recent AIGA tradeshow. And, Mike Kintner, Director of Marketing & Operations at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, tells us about the 20th Anniversary celebrations at the popular valley casino this month.

Please visit us at: facebook .co m /ArizonaGam ingGuid e , become part of our community and share your thoughts and experiences with others who also love the same casino games you do. You can sign up for our e-newsletter and find current and back issues of AZ Gam ing Guid e on our website at azgam ingguid e.com . Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

Cheers!

Alexandra

Alexandra Lang Editor-in-Chief editor@azgamingguide.com

“Like” us on Facebook because

we “Like” you too!

ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Ramses Ja Mike Kintner Cindy Esquer Amanda Riddle Samantha Becker Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford ADVERTISING SALES Nina Consiglio nina@azgamingguide.com Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com MAILING INFORMATION Arizona Gaming Guide P.O. Box 20636 Mesa, Arizona 85277 INTERNET INFORMATION www.azgamingguide.com www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide Copyright © 2014 The Arizona Gaming Guide.

All rights reserved.

The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and gaming related facts as well as personal opinions and expects the reader to make his or her own decisions. All responses to reader posts, e-mails and letters are to be considered as advice only. AGG accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of our readers based on the articles and advertisements presented within this publication. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners.

You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly.

Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.

Arizona’s State Gaming Regulatory Agency: Arizona Department of Gaming 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.771.4263 or azgaming.gov

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide 04 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource: Office of Problem Gambling 1.800.NEXT.STEP or 1.800.639.8783 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007 1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov

PLAYERS TALK Q: Hi Alexandra. I just wanted to give you an idea for an article. I pick up your magazine every month and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you write about the gift shops at the casinos. To be completely honest, I’m usually too busy gambling to see what else is out there beyond the casino floor. Yesterday evening I was out of money (unfortunately) and waiting for some friends to finish before heading home, so I decided to take a walk around. I had never stepped foot into the gift shop at Harrah’s Ak-Chin before (or at any other casino for that matter) and I was shocked and delighted about some of the great deals I came across! I’m putting together a list and will be going back to purchase some holiday gifts for my friends and family. Just thought it might be worth mentioning since the holidays are upon us. Keep up the good job with the magazine. I love your Players Talk and your Great Games sections.

Sarah N.—Phoenix, AZ

Sale items at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Gift Shop

Holiday items at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Gift Shop

Sarah, thank you for your kind words about our magazine and your words of advice to our readers! Admittedly, we don’t find ourselves in the casino gift shops very often either because we

(like you) are too busy playing … and eating! After reading your e-mail, we decided to take a look for ourselves at these hidden gems. What we found was a potpourri of items: Native American objects, clothing, jewelry, books, picture frames, artwork, purses and accessories, and so much more! All the prices were very reasonable, but of course what caught our eye at every gift shop we visited were the sales racks! Brand name leather purses for 50-75% off, sports t-shirts and other clothing for as low as $10, and even Blackjack and Video Poker cheat cards for as little as 99 cents! There is definitely something for everyone at these stores. With the holidays approaching, we do encourage all our readers to peek into the gift shop during their next casino trip. Since almost all establishments allow you to use the points accumulated on your player’s card, and most even provide discounts to players, it’s the perfect place to shop for the season.

and get a $25 gift or gas card if we decide to print your question!

Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: editor@azgamingguide.com.

06 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

PLAYERS TALK

Display at the Cliff Castle Gift Shop

In 2015, we plan on continuing to provide our readers with editorial bursting out of your favorite sections including Players Talk, Great Games, Winning Ways, with plenty of giveaways and so much more thrown in for good measure. Watch for some new sections as well as we continue to respond to reader suggestions.

Judging from what we saw from all the different slot manufacturers at G2E in Las Vegas this year, we’ll all be pleased with the selection of new slots coming to Arizona’s casinos. Plus, we are certain the casinos around the state will be continuing to keep a close eye on popular games and insisting their slot floor offers what people want to play. Don’t forget you, the customer, are an important part of that process. If you enjoy playing a certain game, speak up! Tell an employee about the game or another cool game you played elsewhere.

Plus, we have seen more and more of Multimedia Games’ TournEvent slots in many of Arizona’s casinos. We’ll be sure to let you know when their National TournEvent of Champions slot tournament begins so we’ll all have a shot at winning a $1 million dollar prize in Las Vegas next year! Make sure to tell your favorite casino they should participate in the TournEvent so we can strongly represent Arizona in the 2015 slot tournament.

Thanks for all your compliments, your wonderful casino stories, your article ideas, and your advice. This magazine would not be where it is today without the support from all our amazing fans! We enjoy reading each and every one of your correspondences. Please keep the e-mails and letters coming! Warm wishes to all of you for a safe and happy holiday season - the Arizona Gaming Guide Team. $ azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

07

GREAT GAMES

Table Games

By Al Moe

I

f you’ve tried Three Card Poker, then you know how much fun the game can be. You might also have noticed there are new versions of the game hitting the market on a regular basis, including Three Card Poker with a 6-Card Bonus.

How popular is Three Card Poker? Well, to start with, there are 38 casinos on the Las Vegas Strip with table games like craps, roulette and blackjack. Of those, 33 also have Three Card Poker, and there are more of those tables than Let it Ride, Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker combined! Arizona casinos don’t have roulette or craps tables, so Three Card Poker is the second most popular table game in the state.

The game moves at a leisurely pace compared to blackjack, and while the odds aren’t as good for the player as craps, they are better than roulette. Plus, the game offers some big payoffs, like 40 to 1 for a Straight Flush and even 50 to 1 for a Mini-Royal at Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort casinos in Scottsdale.

That keeps it popular, but still, there have been a number of “improvements” to the game over the years in the form of additional bonus payouts.

Progressive Three Card Poker The first new bonus wager was a side-bet on that very same Mini Royal. For a $1 wager, the player has the option to win a progressive amount (usually a few thousand dollars) if they are dealt a Mini Royal in Spades (Ace-King-Queen of spades). If they manage a Mini Royal in another suit they still win $500, and that’s certainly fun!

The bonus wager is optional and simple to make. Just add your wager (from $5 to $25) to the little red light above the Pair Plus wager spot. The top bonus payoff is for a Royal Flush in the suit of spades. Players use their own three cards and the dealer’s three cards to make their best five-card hand. If you do hit a Royal Flush in spades (Ace-King-Queen-Jack-Ten of one suit) you win whatever happens to be on the progressive meter, which would be $25,000 or more at most casinos in the state.

The Prime Wager Another popular side-bet is the Prime wager, a simple bet that the player’s cards would all be the same color. The payoff is 3 to 1, and should both the dealer and player’s cards all be the same color the payoff is 4 to 1.

Other payoffs include 25% of the progressive meter for a Royal Flush in clubs, diamonds or hearts, and lesser payoffs for all top hands from a straight flush to four-of-a-kind, as well as a fullhouse, flush and straight. Happy hunting! $

6-Card Bonus Progressive – Looking for a Royal Most casinos in Arizona have Three Card Poker, and many also have the new 6-Card Bonus Progressive game. Every casino in the Phoenix Valley has the game, including Casino Arizona, Fort McDowell, Lone Butte, Talking Stick Resort, Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva. There must be a reason.

Writer Al Moe has worked in the casino industry for many years.

He has lived and worked in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. He also attended the University of Nevada, Reno. He is an avid writer and blogger, author of “Vegas and the Mob"—available at Amazon.

He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.

08 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

GREAT GAMES

New Slots

Fast-Hit Progressives Triple Diamond Now Available At Yavapai Casino

T

he new IGT Fast-Hit Progressives Triple Diamond slot is the first quick-hit community game to team players up against the house! The five progressives engage players with large win potential while creating a community aspect like never before.

If four of the same color symbols line up, that specific progressive is awarded to one player. The first two progressives are quick hit to increase progressive excitement. One of the top three progressives is randomly selected as the community progressive. If one other person is eligible (playing max bet), he or she will receive an additional progressive equal to the one received by the person triggering the progressive! If two other people are eligible, each player splits the additional progressive award.

While visiting Yavapai Casino in Prescott, make sure to try one of these new games just recently installed: Aristocrat’s Rolling Stones, Sunset King, 5 Frogs, Silver Treasure, and Tiger Queen in addition to WMS’ Giant’s Gold, Neptune’s Quest, The game also includes a Free Games Bonus and a Forbidden Dragons, and Fire Queen. Plus, with dozens of new games at Bucky’s Mystery 7 symbol that appears randomly to award Jackpots!

Casino, right across the street, you’ll want to try your luck there too!

88 Fortunes Now Available At Mazatzal Casino

B

ally’s popular new slot game, 88 Fortunes, is available on the Duō Fú Duō Cái link that connects with players drawn to the gorgeous Asian theme with many chances to test their luck. The name of the link is pronounced "Do-a Foo Do-a Chai" and suggests “much luck, much wealth” in English. True to the name, this low-denomination, 243-way game offers the chance to win enticing progressive jackpots starting at $10,000 for the penny denomination.

The Fu Bat Jackpot Feature awards players one of four progressive levels. When a Fu Bat symbol appears, the player may be awarded the Jackpot Feature. In the Jackpot Feature, players pick from among 12 lucky coins until revealing three matching Baby symbols. Each Baby symbol corresponds to one of four different jackpot levels: the mini jackpot, minor jackpot, major jackpot, and grand jackpot! The top award is triggered when players select three Duō Fú Baby symbols.

In 88 Fortunes, three or more scattered Gong symbols start the exciting Free Games feature, which awards 10 free games that can be endlessly re-triggered. During the free games, the 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace symbols disappear and are replaced by the five major symbols in the game, increasing the opportunity for massive wins! $

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

New Slots

GREAT GAMES

The Ellen DeGeneres Show Now Available At Talking Stick Resort

T

alking Stick Resort just unveiled IGT’s delightful duo of slot machines inspired by the number one talk show on daytime television: The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party Video Slots and The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring 12 Days of Giveaways Video Slots. The casino celebrated with a launch party held on November 21 where ten lucky guests walked away with various prizes including Ellen DeGeneres show tickets, cash and free play!

The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party features a Free Spin Bonus which, when triggered, transforms the game’s reels into a boogie-down bonus round where music motivates fun and big wins are just a spin away.

When the Free Spin Bonus is triggered on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring 12 Days of Giveaways Video Slots, players spin reels full of holidaythemed symbols and multipliers that increase with each spin, from 1x to 12x.

Also available on both games is the Know or Go Bonus where trusting contestants stand upon a platform and are eliminated, one-by-one, based on player selections as well as Ellen’s Wheel of Riches Bonus, offering lucky players the chance at a windfall of wins – including one of two of the game’s progressive jackpot awards. For more information, visit igt.com. $

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

11

GREAT GAMES

New Slots

Ainsworth Games Now Available At Harrah’s Ak-Chin

A

insworth Game Technology is a leading-edge designer of gaming machines and game software. With more than 200 years of combined gaming experience, this company is committed to a culture of quality, innovation and excellence. With products and sales offices all across the United States and the world, Ainsworth has now brought their new innovative games to Arizona! Their wide range of game titles are developed using a base of new and proven product brands, incorporating stand-alone and linked progressives, including premium products supported with marketleading game options and features.

Ainsworth’s first release from the highly anticipated Wheel Winner series, Fortune Queen, was just installed at Harrah’s Ak-Chin and is sure to be available in more Arizona casinos soon. Illuminating in the A560 Dual screen cabinet, Fortune Queen incorporates 4 levels of stand-alone progressives, amazing free games and a unique multi wheel feature that spins the wheel in the top screen building anticipation and triggering progressives! Fortune Queen also offers eight exhilarating free games with frequent retriggers and wherever 'Gem Stone' appears it is held in position until the completion of the Free Games Feature. While at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, make sure to try Ainsworth’s Mustang Money as well. For more information about these games and other Ainsworth products, visit their website at ainsworth.com.au.

Thundering Herd Now Available At Desert Diamond Casinos In Tucson

D

esert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is bringing Multimedia’s new slot Thundering Herd to Tucson (and to Arizona) for the first time! In addition to the stacked symbols and mystery expanding reels, where over 100 additional paylines are added to the game screen, once Free Spin bonus symbols land on reels 1, 3, and 5, players enter the Expanding Reel Free Spins, where they are awarded 10 free spins and a credit prize of 2x total bet. When 2 Expand symbols land scattered on reels 2 and 4 during this bonus, an additional spin is awarded, 25 more paylines become available, and an additional row of symbols appear above the reels. Up to 200 paylines are possible in this supersized bonus! When Bonus symbols land scattered on reels 3, 4, and 5, players enter the Arrowhead Bonus and are prompted to pick from a 5x6 array until they match 4-of-a-kind, with picks revealing either one of four symbols, a wild card, or a prize bump. Uncovering the wild card advances all symbols towards the 4-of-a-kind award, and the prize bump increases all prize values! The anticipation heats up even more with Must-Hit Jackpots, where players can watch their progressive jackpot meters roll up as each game play brings them closer to the Must-Hit amount and their jackpot prize! While at Desert Diamond, make sure to try their other new Multimedia product, Captain Nem o!

Information on both these games can be found at multimediagames.com. $

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

New Slots Coming Soon From WMS

The Flintstones It’s a yabba dabba doo time

Y

ou’ll take a trip to the town of Bedrock when you play this slot right out of history! The sights, sounds, and of course all of your favorite characters from The Flintstones television series make their debut on the Gamefield xD cabinet in this fresh take on the prehistoric wheel! Featuring a 42” horizontal screen over a vertical 32” screen with a mechanical wheel, the 5x4 base game of The Flintstones theme features both a Flintsto nes and a Rubbles array. It only takes one character symbol landing on the 5th reel to activate one of the following bonuses. Watch as Bam m Bam m bangs symbols to turn them WILD in the Bam m Bam m Bonus, as Dino jumps on Fred and licks him for additional credits in the Dino Bonus, and as reels stretch up to 10 symbols high as WILD reels and multipliers are potentially added in The Flintstones mystery feature. Pick the cutest baby to double your credit prize in the Pebbles beautiful baby contest, or pick bowling balls for credits in the Bedrock bowling feature. Wilma? WILMAAAAAA! Hurry up, Wilma, and head over to WMS.com to learn more about this and other exciting slots!

Exploding Pays Featuring an explosive new play mechanic

I

ntroducing an explosive new play mechanic by WMS exclusive to the CPU-NXT 3 platform—the Explod ing Pays series! This series features four unique WILD symbols that activate when included in a winning combination, blasting other symbols and allowing new symbols to descend, creating the possibility for additional wins!

Once all other symbols in matching groups have been destroyed, all activated PINK WILD, BLUE WILD, and GREEN WILD symbols are evaluated from top to bottom and from left to right, and the activated WILD symbols destroy other symbols found within their associated patterns, whether those other symbols are located in spaces adjacent to or horizontal, vertical or diagonal from the activated WILD symbol.

But that’s not all—when two of any PINK WILD, BLUE WILD, or GREEN WILD symbols land horizontally adjacent to each other on the reels and are activated in a matching group, enhancement features are triggered that destroy even more symbols and can award up to a 10x multiplier!

Launching with two unique themes, the Cool Jew els and Sw eet Drops themes, the Explod ing Pays series slots are sure to be a blast!

Visit now.wms.com to learn more about this and other exciting products. $

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

New Slots Coming Soon From Bally Technologies

GREAT GAMES

Ginger Wilde & Rebel Wild Go wild with these two rebels

G

inger Wilde is the world’s most elusive and successful cat burglar and Rebel Wild lives fast and loose. Join them in two new video slots from Bally Technologies and they’re sure to share in their loot!

By Amanda Riddle

Ginger Wilde and its companion game Rebel Wild feature free games and the popular Mystery Stacks feature, in which mystery symbols on each reel are randomly replaced at the start of each spin for huge win potential. With the addition of an entertaining Wild Feature that adds Wilds to the reels during the base game and free games, these five-reel, 40-line games offer plenty of excitement!

In both games, three scattered Bonus symbols on reels two, three, and four award eight free games that can be retriggered. All spins during the free games are eligible for the Wild Feature and Mystery Stacks.

Known as “The Cat,” Ginger Wilde has amassed untold riches through daring and stylish crimes. Her targets are jewels, artwork and rare artifacts – and she’s ready to share them with you. On any spin, this beautiful and skillful cat burglar may swing across the screen to drop four to 16 Wilds on reels two through five. With this feature happening often, get ready for an exhilarating caper for cash!

Start your engines because Rebel Wild is raring to go!

With a “no rules, no borders” state of mind, he’ll go absolutely crazy and award you tons of thrilling wins. When a car symbol lands on reel three, it expands to turn the entire reel wild. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Rebel Wild then drives across the screen and leaves two to thirteen Wild symbols in his wake. With this feature happening often, you’ll be riding along for some huge wins!

With these rebels heading to casino floors soon, get ready, set, go for one enticing heist and one wild ride! For more information about this game or other exciting new Bally products, visit their website at ballytech.com. $

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

17

WINNING WAYS

Do You Like IGT Specialty Video Poker?

If so, you’d better check out our chart below!

Y

Casino Arizona

Y

Y

Casino del Sol

Y

Y

Casino of the Sun

Y

Cliff Castle

Y

Desert Diamond*

Y

Fort McDowell

Y

Harrah's Ak-Chin

Y

Y

Hon-Dah

Y

Y

Talking Stick Resort

Y

Twin Arrows

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y Y

Y Y

Y

Y Y

Y Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Wild Horse Pass Y

Y

Y

Vee Quiva Yavapai

Y

Wheel

Super Star

Spin Deluxe

Spin

Quick Quads 100 Play

Multi-Strike 5 Play

Build A Wheel

Y

Y Y

Y Y

Lone Butte Mazatzal

Ultimate X

Bucky's

Super Triple Play

Y

We will say this, Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa has the largest selection of IGT specialty video poker in the state, hands down.

They have every other casino beat by at least a factor of two.

The casinos with the next highest number of IGT specialty video poker include Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, the Desert Diamond Casinos in Tucson, Casino del Sol in Tucson, Fort

Super Times Pay

BlueWater

Big Times

All Star

100 Play

50 Play

3/5/10 Play

IGT Specialty Video Poker

Double Super Times Pay

We’ve broken the chart down by casino and by game category.

All you have to do is look up your favorite casino to see which games they have. Or, look up your favorite games and deter-

Obviously, some casinos have more of these games than others.

Remember that not every casino has the same number of slots.

As a result, the amount of video poker games between casinos is not the same. Furthermore, the number of IGT specialty video poker will be a portion of the total video poker games. Just keep that in mind as you look across the chart below.

Multi-Strike Super Times Pay

As you’ve come to count on this magazine as your source for everything casino gaming in and around Arizona, we’ve done a little homework and compiled a chart of all the specialty IGT video poker across the state.

mine which casinos do or do not have them!

Multi-Strike

hen we talk about IGT’s specialty video poker we mean all of the interesting variations of video poker IGT has created over the years. These games start with Three Play, move on to Hundred Play, progress through Spin Poker, Ultimate X, all the versions of Times Pays, including Multi-Strike, and a whole lot more!

Five Star

W

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

As of 09/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates. *Combines games from all three casinos.

18 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

WINNING WAYS McDowell in Fountain Hills, and Casino Arizona in Scottsdale.

3-, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-Play video poker allows players to play more than one hand of video poker at a time all based on the same five initial cards. The cards on the draw vary for each hand. Players shoot for being dealt winning hands and then drawing into higher paying hands.

The Multi-Strike video poker concept is perhaps one of our favorite games ever. Players bet on up to four hands at the same time. Winning on the first hand gives access to the second hand and a 2x multiplier. Winning on the second hand unlocks the third hand with a 4x multiplier. Winning on the third hand allows players to play the fourth hand with an 8x multiplier! “Free Rides� appear randomly on each hand allowing guaranteed advancement from one hand to the next.

The Super Times Pay versions of video poker allow players to bet one additional credit at max bet (for a total of 6 credits) to have a random multiplier (2x to 10x) appear and increase the standard wins of hands.

Spin Poker functions like a video slot but keeps the integrity of video poker at the core of the game. The initial five card hand spins up, players hold their cards, and the game then holds the same cards above and below. Then the slot spins up the correct number of discarded cards until a three by five matrix of cards fills the screen. Like a traditional slot machine, the screen is then evaluated by predetermined paylines.

Ultimate X requires an additional bet but awards multipliers, up to 12x, based on the current hand and applies them to the next hand.

So check the chart and best of luck on your next IGT specialty video poker adventure! $

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

19

CASINO DINING

The Diamond Café Americano Comfort Food With An Urban Flair

Chicken Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese

Shrimp Po-Boy

Spinach Artichoke Au Gratin

Fried TCB

D

esert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment just opened their new Diamond Café at the Tucson location. Serving comfort food with a twist, this new restaurant provides a delicious array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to guests seven days a week. The Diamond Café offers “Americano comfort food with an urban flair.” Breakfast choices are reasonably priced and range from $8-$13, while lunch and dinner options are just as affordable with a price range of just $9-$29.

Breakfast selections are endless and include classics such as yogurt and fruit plates, biscuits and gravy, ham and eggs, pancakes, as well as scrumptious omelets such as the Triple Pork (ham, bacon, sausage, cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, café home fries and choice of toast) as well

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

21

CASINO DINING (Continued from page 21)

as the Forager (spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, goat cheese, café home fries, and choice of toast). A favorite amongst our team is the Challah French Toast (house-made challah bread, fresh sliced strawberries, cinnamon bananas, toasted coconut, and powdered sugar with choice of bacon, ham or sausage links), a must-try!

The lunch and dinner menu is just as extensive as the breakfast menu and includes delectable twists on tried-and-true favorites.

How about some crispy calamari served with green and red chilies, grilled lemon, green chili ranch or remoulade dipping sauce? Love mac & cheese as much as we do? Well then your heart will skip a beat when you see what the chefs did to this comfort food - fried chicken, ham, white cheddar, fontina, parmesan, asiago, and swiss cheese - enough said!

You’ve probably had chicken wings, but have you ever had pork wings? This dish is the most mouth-watering bone-in pork ribs you’ll ever have served with spicy peach bbq sauce and cilantro. And, the café bruschetta is like no other - a toasted baguette smothered with goat cheese, artichokes, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and basil.

In the mood for a hamburger? No problem! The Diamond Café has you covered. From the California Light (turkey burger with sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction) to the Double Diamond (two grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburger patty, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, american cheese, and fried pickles) you’ll have a difficult time choosing from all the mouthwatering options!

Just want a sandwich? Don’t pass up the Fried TCB (peanut butter, jam, and bananas battered and fried). Yes, it really is as good as it sounds. Other favorites include the Shrimp Po-Boy (fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and creole remoulade) and the Philadelphia (shaved prime rib on a roll smothered with cheese, mushrooms, onions and peppers).

Staying away from meat, then may we suggest the Pasta Primavera (sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, asparagus, squash, spinach, green onions, garlic, white wine parmesan cheese sauce with penne pasta).

The options at Diamond Café are extensive. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, pasta, seafood, chicken, steak or just a simple soup and salad - there’s something to satisfy your urges.

The Diamond Café is open Monday through Thursday from 6am to 11pm, Fridays from 6am to 1am, Saturdays from 7am to 1am, and Sundays from 7am to 11pm. Please inquire with the server about the gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian dishes that are also available. Fore more information about the Diamond Café, please visit Desert Diamond Casino’s website at ddcaz.com or call 866.DDC.WINS. $

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

23

By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

‘Tis

the season for holiday gatherings with family, fun and friends. This year, add a different kind of green to your holiday experience by chasing one of the big money jackpots at the casinos across Arizona!

The statewide progressive jackpots on slot machines receive the most attention because they offer the largest awards and are usually branded with recognizable entertainment titles. Right now, the most popular statewide progressive jackpot payout comes from the trendy television show, The Walk ing Dead, that has a current $500,000 jackpot. The game was just named ‘Casino Product of the Year’ at the Global Gaming Awards in October.

“When you add our Michael Jack son Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ penny machine that pays over $500,000 with its jackpot, we have five spectacular progressive amounts our guests can play for, adding up to more than $4 million,” says Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “We offer the widest range of jackpots in southern Arizona.”

“We have just opened a new high-limit gaming area at our Tucson location,” says Parvello. “Featuring one dollar, five dollar, ten dollar and twenty-five dollar machines and video poker, we have set the standard for the high limit gaming experience in Tucson.”

“Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is one of only three places in Arizona where you can play The Walk ing Dead ,” says Tony De Luz, spokesperson for the casino. “That is why we have loyal players from all over the world.”

An example of this is the $154,320.52 jackpot that was hit by Desert Diamond guest Frank T. on the Wheel of Fortune quarter game at their Sahuarita location. “We cannot wait to see who will hit the next big jackpot,” says Parvello.

Another major jackpot available at Cliff Castle is at The Wheel of Fortune machine, which has a payout of over $300,000. If you cannot make it up North to that casino, you can find a variety of Wheel of Fortune jackpots at Desert Diamond Casinos in southern Arizona at their three locations in Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why.

For casino players who want to have access to more progressive jackpots just outside of the state of Arizona, head to Quechan Casino Resort in Winterhaven, California for their $3 million Megabucks jackpot and a five dollar Wheel of Fortune jackpot that is worth over $1.3 million.

The standard penny slot game has a current payout of over $400,000, while the penny slot Triple Spin jackpot is nearly $2.5 million. For high rollers, the five dollar Wheel of Fortune jackpot also pays nearly $400,000, and the quarter machine jackpot pays over $350,000.

“People should come here because these wide area progressives are not available in the Arizona market,” says Esther Saldana, spokesperson for Quechan Casino Resort.

Desert Diamond Casinos has over 100 progressive machines available at their three properties.

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

At Talking Stick Resort, emphasis on jackpots is targeted at the card room. They are currently offering the Mega Omaha/Stud Bad Beat jackpot in its Arena poker room.

“Featuring a $50,000 jackpot, the game allows players to put their luck to the test 24 hours a day, seven days a week until a hit occurs,” says Ramon Martinez, Director Public Relations for Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona. “Players will only need to beat a straight flush to take home the massive payout.”

The enormous payouts aren’t limited only to the poker room at Talking Stick Resort, because guests can also head to Casino Arizona and take advantage of the property’s Pai Gow Poker progressive jackpots. Players are dealt seven cards and then are required to compose a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The highest ranking hand takes home the prize which currently stands at over $150,000.

That was demonstrated this summer when Chandler resident Charlene Vance took home $98,000 as the winner in the U-Pick progressive bingo game at Casino Arizona. U-Pick allows players to select eight numbers between one and seventy five. A jackpot occurs when a participant’s eight numbers are chosen within the first twenty numbers called. As a progressive game, the jackpot for U-Pick begins at $5000 and is increased $200 each session until it is won. The jackpot is then reset once again. Just two weeks later, at Talking Stick Resort, luck smiled down on Vahagh Kagramanyan when he played the property’s wide area progressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine and won the jackpot which was over $677,000.

Across town at Gila River Casinos, just last month, Ashwin P. won $424,000 at the progressive Wheel of Fortune jackpot at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino. “We were so excited to win and we can’t believe it happened to us,” says Ashwin. “We love to come to Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino … because the staff here is wonderful and this is just amazing.”

Known for paying out more jackpots, more often, Wheel of Fortune reigns as the world’s most popular slot title of all time!

This all-time-favorite slot has minted nearly 1,000 millionaires and delivered $3 billion in jackpots throughout its illustrious history. IGT has created more than 200 variations of the game that can be found on casino floors all across the state of Arizona as well as more than 20 countries worldwide.

Xo Carroll, Right

“Large jackpots are regularly won at both Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort,” says Martinez. “And they are available at an array of games that satisfy players across all gaming levels.

Winning such a large amount is truly a life altering event for the winner.”

In October, Xo Carroll won nearly $520,000 at the Vee Quiva from the linked Fortune Pai Gow Progressive jackpot that was available at Vee Quiva, Lone Butte Casino and Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. It was the largest Fortune Pai Gow Progressive jackpot payout in Arizona history.

Ashwin P.

Gila River Casinos is only the second casino operator in the country to offer players a progressive jackpot funded by tables at each one of their properties. The progressive jackpot system creates higher jackpots for players and increases the excitement of one of the most popular table games. Since its inception, the Pai Gow progressive jackpot has paid out over $1 million to lucky winners at all three Gila River casino properties.

Jackpot winners in Arizona are treated as mini-celebrities, as they receive publicity photographs, press releases, are included in internal employee newsletters and even postings on social media sites with the winner’s permission. Will you be Arizona’s next big jackpot winner before the end of the year? $

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

25

TRIBAL NEWS

A flaming ice sculpture welcomed all the delegates to the Fort McDowell Yavapai We-ko-pa Resort, site of this year’s Arizona Indian Gaming Association Expo.

Valerie Spicer, Executive Director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, told Expo attendees, “This has been a banner year for Indian gaming in Arizona.”

Images And Words By Lee Allen

I

t is the ‘tribal’ in tribal gaming that makes the difference and this has been a banner year for Indian gaming in Arizona,” said Valerie Spicer, Executive Director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association.

luncheon featuring famous quarterback Jake “The Snake” Plummer (and a pair of tickets to the 2015 Super Bowl), the agenda was jam-packed with positives about where Indian gaming has been, is now, and is anticipated to be in the future.

Kicking off the annual AIGA EXPO last month at the Fort McDowell We-ko-pa Resort, Spicer told nearly 500 attendees, “I look at this phenomenon of Indian gaming and it blows my mind. As of the third quarter of this year, we’ve reached over a billion dollars in contributions made to the State of Arizona.

Reaching that mark is clearly significant and sharing gaming revenues sets our industry apart. Our culture teaches us to give back and help others, providing not only for our own people, but for everyone who calls our state home.”

“Nothing happens in a vacuum and we’re all in this together,” said Spicer in introducing Ernest Stevens Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, who spoke about unity.

“Even though we’ve still got a lot of work to do, we wouldn’t be where we are today if we hadn’t stood up for what we believed in. We need to be large and be in charge through diplomacy, hard work, and respect for one another.”

“If you look at gaming as a sub-category of industry,” said Spicer, “tribal gaming facilities are part of the Top 5 employers in the state and the economic contributions made to Indian communities from gaming will mean more development, expansion, and diversification.”

From the kick-off Desert Classic Golf Tournament (a new car for a hole-in-one) to the casino chefs’ Grill Off challenge to a closing

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Enthusiasm of past successes was a big part of the convention schedule as was the aspect of education that would bring more gains in the future. In a prototype project, San Diego State University’s Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming took its classroom curriculum on the road for a training program in tribal casino management. “This is a new frontier for us, the first time we’ve presented directly to the tribes themselves,” said Dr. Katherine Spilde, the Institute’s chairwoman.

Attendees not seeking certification had an olio of other options

TRIBAL NEWS in training sessions ranging from how tribal gaming made a difference to the latest issues on gaming regulations, digital technology, and a post-election playbook of how the recent elections might impact the industry.

To that subject, panelist Glenn Hamer, President/CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, “The new GOP majority supports job creation and I believe they will view Indian gaming in a positive way. Gaming is a major part of the overall tourism industry and it’s been a textbook scenario in Arizona as a way of economic input.”

On the issue of Brid ging the Digital Divid e and the impact of new technology on traditional brick and mortar casinos, Gary Murrey, Chief Operations Officer at Apache Gold Casino, called it staying ahead of the curve and welcomed the advances. “New technology adds to the glitz and glamour of the social experience --- the bright lights and sound of the machines. It’s a 360 degree immersion experience if you build your casino correctly.”

Children from the H’man ‘shawa Early Development Center Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation sang the Star Spangled Banner in the Pai language.

Indian Community. “Compact negotiation is a several year process and we’re leery at the moment. Everyone needs to put down their bows and arrows, trust each other, and move forward in good faith.”

Building it correctly and running it correctly were both stressed.

“Regulation is a necessary part of the economic development of Indian gaming. It provides credibility as well as efficiency on the operational side,” said Jonodev Chaudhuri, Acting Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. “There’s a direct connection between regulated gaming and economic development, self-preservation, and self-determination and we have 5,400 tribal regulators on the ground to make sure things get addressed before any regulatory compliance enforcement might be needed.”

Thomas Beauty, Chairman of the Yavapai/Apache Nation added, “I wish, in 2002, we could have negotiated a compact allowing adjustments to be made rather than something that ends and requires renegotiation because we’re always the ones being strong armed. Arizona is in a fiscal deficit and they’re going to be looking under rocks for new finances. We already return 12 percent. Do we have more to give? I don’t believe so. It’s going to be a struggle to renegotiate because we don’t want to get the short end of the stick this time.” $

“From a regulatory standpoint, Indian gaming in Arizona runs smoothly,” according to Dan Bergin, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “We maintain cordial relationships with the tribes. They respect our regulations, we respect their sovereignty. We’re viewed nationally on that basis of cooperation, a model relationship. Tribes are interested in compliance issues too because of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the industry and protecting it from corrupt influences like criminal elements and money laundering.”

Nearly $1 Billion in Total Revenues Contributed to AZ From Indian Gaming

One cloud that may be gathering on the horizon is the issue of gaming compact renewals. “Contracts start expiring in 2023,” said Bergin, “We have a three year negotiation period, so I think at some point we’re going to have to start talking about renegotiation and extensions and things of that sort. It took us years to negotiate the last pact and I think we should see the signs of discussion beginning soon. One can never start too early on developing a game plan.”

That issue took center stage at a Tribal Leadership Forum on Gaming Decisions Made for Generations to Come --- Has it Turned Out as You Anticipated?

“Our concern isn’t with state negotiations, just inter-tribal discussions,” said Diane Enos, President, Salt River Pima-Maricopa

With the passage of proposition 202, gaming tribes in Arizona volunteered to share a portion of their gaming revenues with the state of Arizona and local governments to support specific state and local programs. 12% of the total monies is directed to city, town and county governments for services benefitting the general public such as public safety and promotion of commerce and economic development. An additional 9% of the total funds the State’s regulatory expenses. The remainder is contributed to the Arizona Benefits Fund. Of that fund, 56% of the shared revenues is directed to educational programs and needs; 28% funds emergency services and trauma centers; 7% funds wildlife and habitat conservation; 7% funds statewide tourism promotion; and 2% supports the education, prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Since 2002, Indian gaming has contributed nearly $1 billion, in total revenues, to Arizona.

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

27

GAMING NEWS

Celebrating A Platinum Anniversary

By Mike Kintner—Director of Marketing & Operations at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

W

hen you think about the last 20 years, you probably reflect on how much has changed. Gas was $1.20 a gallon, a gallon of milk was under two dollars and you could get a dozen eggs for about 87 cents.

Twenty years ago, on December 27, 1994, hundreds of people came to celebrate the opening of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. And in the past 20 years, one thing that has not changed is our commitment to the community.

Giving Back Over the years, our employees have overwhelmingly supported community projects and nonprofit organizations. In fact, last year alone, we had more than 75 percent of our employees participate in a HERO activity (our employee-based, volunteer program).

Our employees donated more than 15,000 hours of their volunteer time to such organizations as March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Phoenix Indian Center and we raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research, food banks, research hospitals and more. It has always been our belief that as a business, we must give back to the community and to the people that support us. Making a lasting impact is just as, and perhaps more, important as defining your mission.

We have been honored with a number of significant awards recognizing our commitment to the community. We are proud to be named a “Most Admired Company” by both Arizona Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ. Phoenix Business Journal has named us one of the “Best Places to Work in the Valley” for four consecutive years. And Harrah’s Ak-Chin was awarded a Volunteer Service Award from the Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.

That is something that we are proud of as we celebrate our platinum anniversary in Maricopa and a legacy we will continue in the years to come.

Charity may begin at home, but it certainly does not end there.

Whether it be a small grass-roots enterprise or a large organization, building partnerships with local nonprofit organizations and supporting our employee volunteer opportunities is a great way for us to give back to those who have helped support our business.

Celebrating in Style Through the month of December, we are celebrating in style!

Our Total Rewards members have a chance at some great cash prizes! We’re giving away $1,250 every 30 minutes from 1pm to 6:30pm on December 27! Plus, one lucky winner will walk away with $2,500 in cash at our 7pm drawing!

Not a Total Rewards member? There are other ways you can celebrate our 20th anniversary. Celebrate at Dunkin Donuts with a 20-cent small coffee and 20-cent donut (limit two of each per guest) or enjoy our seafood buffet for $20! Offer only valid on December 27.

Looking for a night out during the holidays? Rising country star and Grammy-nominated artist David Nail will take the main stage during the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Masik Tas celebration on Saturday, December 13.

To further celebrate our 20th anniversary, Aaron Lewis, rockband-frontman-turned-country-star, will take the stage in The Lounge on Saturday, December 27 for a free intimate performance of his hit songs. For more information on all the events happening during our 20th anniversary, please visit our website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $ azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

29

GAMING NEWS

IGT’s DoubleDown Casino Extends Its Winning Streak With Wheel Of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin

L

egendary slot machine Wheel of Fortune has left the same indelible mark on International Game Technology’s (NYSE: IGT) DoubleDown Casino that it has left on land-based casinos worldwide. Fans love it! And, building on the success of Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond, DoubleDown Casino just announced the launch of Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin.

Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin introduces exciting new bonuses and gameplay straight from the casino floor to a desktop or mobile device. Players can spin for the Mini Wheel Bonus, where scatter symbols transform into three mini wheels that spin simultaneously, or the Triple Extreme Bonus, where the player picks from a selection of envelopes to reveal chances to win big when the giant triple wheels are sent spinning.

“DoubleDown Casino players have shown that they love playing Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond , so we’re very excited to follow up with the launch of Wheel of Fortune Triple Extrem e Spin. Nothing says casino slot play excitement quite like Wheel of Fortune , and DoubleDown Casino brings the authentic experience to desktop and mobile devices so our players can play anytime, anywhere,” said Will Daugherty, Senior Vice President and General Manager of DoubleDown Interactive.

More Wheel of Fortune titles are currently in development for DoubleDown Casino, as part of IGT’s multi-year agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to develop mobile and online games for DoubleDown Casino and for-wager online play worldwide through 2024.

In 1996, IGT launched the Wheel of Fortune slot machine and solidified the Company’s leadership in Wide Area Progressive technology. Known as the most successful slot title of all time, the fan-favorite theme has minted nearly 1,000 millionaires and delivered $3 billion in jackpots throughout its illustrious history. IGT has created more than 200 variations of the game that can be found on casino floors in more than 20 countries worldwide.

IGT’s acquisition of DoubleDown Interactive provides engaging social casino style entertainment to approximately 6 million players monthly. More information about IGT is available at IGT.com. Anyone can play at the DoubleDown Casino by visiting apps.Facebook.com/DoubleDownCasino or DoubleDownCasino.com. $

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS

Arizona Tribal Gaming Revenues Holding Steady

T

he Arizona Department of Gaming had nothing scary to report this past Halloween. Tribal contributions to the state from gaming revenues was approximately $24.1 million for the quarter that ended September 30, 2014.

This is a 0.8% increase when compared to the same quarter of last year.

“Indian gaming revenues have stayed consistent throughout the year,” said Daniel Bergin, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Many state services will continue to benefit from this financial support.”

The quarterly tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund will be distributed as follows: Instructional Improvement Fund/Education: Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs: Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: State Tourism Fund: Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention:

$12,011,758 $6,005,879 $2,169,058 $1,715,965 $1,715,965 $482,013

TOTAL Tribal Contributions For The Quarter That Ended September 30, 2014:

$24,100,638

The Arizona Department of Gaming, in partnership with Arizona’s tribes, regulates Indian gaming. Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, tribes with casinos contribute one to eight percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties. In Arizona, Class III gaming includes slot machines, jackpot poker, blackjack, keno and off-track pari-mutuel betting. There are currently 23 Class III casinos in the state. Tribes send contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund every three months. $

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

31

Winners

Ronald Vega

$250,000 Crossword Winner

$100,000 Crazy Wild 10’s Winner

Kyle Carson

ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Cindy Esquer

R

onald Vega, Concho, purchased a few $250,000 Crossw ord instant scratch tickets at a store counter. He took the tickets home, but didn’t scratch them until more than a week later.

Initially, after he finished scratching one of the tickets, he was confused about how much he won. Once he realized the amount of the win, he got the surprise of a lifetime.

K

When Ronald came to the Lottery to redeem the ticket, the customer service representative validated the ticket for him. That’s when he found out he had won the top prize of $250,000. It took a while for the reality of his win to register with Ronald; his win almost seemed surreal.

Kyle had played the game enough times to know what he’d won, but he wanted to have the ticket checked at a store before he told his wife. After he returned from the store, he told his wife that he’d won $100,000. It took his wife a few minutes to absorb the news! Both are ecstatic over their good fortune.

Ronald, who works in the utility industry, is also a big fan of The Pick™, “…because it helps support Arizona.” He plays instant scratch games an average of once every two weeks. In his spare time, Ronald enjoys playing the guitar; he says it helps him relax. He’s also taken classes in studio recording.

A native of Arizona, Kyle has spent the last eight years working in the financial industry. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities including playing softball in a men’s league. The rest of the time, he’s busy with work and spending time with his family. Kyle plans to use the money to pay off some bills, buy a new truck, and save the rest. When asked about celebrating his win, he said, “I’ll buy a couple of steaks for tonight.” The winning ticket was purchased at a retailer at 3435 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix.

Ronald plans to use some of the money to pay back a small loan and talk to a financial advisor about investing the rest. The winning ticket was purchased at Butler Easy Mart West, 1311 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff.

Carole Boble

$10,000 Million Cash Winner

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

yle Carson, Phoenix, buys instant scratch tickets about once a week. He prefers to play the $5 and $10 tickets, but occasionally will play a $20 ticket. He plays Powerball® and Mega Millions® when the jackpots are high. He recently purchased a Crazy Wild 10’s instant scratch ticket from a neighborhood store and scratched the ticket at home.

C

arole Boble, Peoria, purchased a $185 Million Cash Explosion instant scratch ticket from a Lottery vending machine. She scratched it in her car in the store’s parking lot. She wasn’t sure how much she’d won, so she went back into the store and had the clerk check the ticket. The clerk confirmed that the ticket was a $10,000 winner. Carole was so stunned that she went back outside and simply sat in her car for a few minutes with the doors and windows locked. After the reality of her win registered, Carole called her daughter to tell her the news.

Carole is considering using the money for a trip back home to see friends and family. The winning ticket was purchased at Fry’s, 7455 W. Cactus Road, Peoria. $

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

Directory & Gaming Statistics

Aquarius Casino Resort 800.662.LUCK aquariuscasinoresort.com.

1,250+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, roulette, craps, keno, race/ sports book.

Avi Resort & Casino (Fort Mojave Tribe) 800.430.0721 avicasino.com.

1,000+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book, KidsQuest.

Colorado Belle Hotel Casino 877.460.0777 coloradobelle.com.

750+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book. Build your own amazing burger at Pint’s Brewery!

Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino 800.227.3849 riversideresort.com.

1,300+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, bingo, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, keno, race/sports book.

Edgewater Hotel Casino 800.677.4837 edgewater-casino.com.

750+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, roulette, craps, race/sports book. Great all-around casino!

Golden Nugget Laughlin 800.237.1739 goldennugget.com/laughlin 1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, sports book. Sign up for the player’s club and spin for free play!

Harrah’s Laughlin 800.447.8700 harrahslaughlin.com 900+ slots, no smoking slot area, high limit slots area, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, poker room, live keno, race/sports book.

Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall 800.634.3469 pioneerlaughlin.com 490 slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, sports book. Make sure to check out the video poker & reel slots!

Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics September 2014 Slots

Laughlin River Lodge 800.835.7904 laughlinriverlodge.com 1,000+ guest rooms and suites, over 30,000 square feet of the hottest Vegas-style gaming, four restaurants, fast food options, & more!

Tropicana Laughlin 800.243.6846 tropicanax.com 1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games, craps, roulette, and a sports book.

Stop in for lunch at Carnegie’s or the Poolside Café and enjoy the food!

Hold % Tables

Hold %

Loose $5

3.76

Blackjack / 21

13.58

$1

5.10

Craps

15.97

25¢

5.13

Roulette

21.22

Multi-Denom 5.60

Pai Gow Poker

21.84

5¢

7.85

Let It Ride

28.85

Megabucks

11.77

Other Table Games 30.37

1¢

11.88

Three Card Poker

Tight $25

Other We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. To inform us of updates, please email editor@azgamingguide.com. The Nevada Gaming Control Board publishes statistics on casino gaming activity in Nevada according to their state’s gaming regulations. The most current data for Laughlin at press time is from three months prior. *A negative hold percentage indicates that game overpaid during the stated month.

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Loose Race Books Sports Pools

Tight Live Keno

35.60

13.75

Hold % Win Amount

Dollars

17.06

Slots

30.5 mil.

17.07

Tables

2.9 mil.

27.36

Other

0.8 mil.

Laughlin, Nevada

TRAVEL

Laughlin Event Center Presents

ALAN JACKSON Keepin’ It Country Tour 25 Years Of Hits 25 Years Of Live Shows

C

ountry superstar and multi-platinum selling Grammy winner Alan Jackson brings his 25th Anniversary Keepin’ It Country Tour to the Laughlin Events Center in Laughlin, Nevada on February 21, 2015.

Joining Jackson on his Keepin’ It Country Tour, which is sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, will be Nashville’s rising new artist Jon Pardi and Grammy/CMA/ACM nominated hit singer/songwriter Brandy Clark.

Tickets and information for all Keepin’ It Country Tour dates will be available via laughlineventcenter.com and by visiting alanjackson.com, where you can find information about Alan, his tour schedule, music and more. VIP tickets and packages are also available.

The Keepin’ It Country Tour will be a memorable celebration.

Fans will hear the songs they love from the man who wrote them and made them famous including his massive debut hit Here In The Real World to Chattahoochee, Drive, Gone Country, the summertime party-anthems It’s Five O'clock Somewhere and Good Time, as well as many, many more.

Jackson’s tour, which will run through March 2015, is an extension of the already year-long 25th anniversary celebration which kicked off this summer with the opening of his exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. $

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 No scheduled events at press time.

BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm Events: Jersey Boys Celebration—Dec. 20 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Showstoppers Live Holiday Spectacular—Now-Dec. 20 Pyromania (Def Leppard Tribute)—Dec. 26-27 Whip Its—Celebrate New Year’s Eve—Dec. 31 One More From The Road (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute)—Jan. 2-3 Monday Night Showroom Football—Mondays at 5:30pm The Arizona Room: Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Tuesdays 6pm The AZTEX Band (Latin, R&B, Old School, Funk)—Tuesdays 8pm Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wed. & Thu. at 6pm The Tommy Ash Band (Country)—Wednesdays & Thursdays 8pm Empire Records Celebrates New Year’s Eve—Dec. 31 at 6:30pm Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 AVA Amphitheater: Tamal Festival—Dec. 6 Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Fr at 8pm Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: Thunder From Down Under—Dec. 13 Dance Fusion with DJ Blade—Fridays Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music!

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467 Sports Bar: Karaoke Night—Wednesdays 7-11pm Live music or DJs—Fridays & Saturdays Diamond Center: Gary Allan—Dec. 6 Willie Nelson—Jan. 3 Winter Dance Party (B. Holly & R. Valens Tribute)—Jan. 10 Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678 Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live music every weekend Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000 The Lounge: Geo rgia Chro me—5th, The Troubadour Experience (George Strait Tribute)—6th, ZGF Band—12th, Western Fusion— 13th, Shining Star—19th, The JJ’s—20th, Born Jovi (Bon Jovi tribute)

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Willie Nelson Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita January 3, 2015, 8PM Music legend Willie Nelson makes his return to the Diamond Center after nearly three years. With previous sold-out shows, tickets to see the “Red Headed Stranger” are guaranteed to go fast. Reserved tickets start at $50 and are on sale now. With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust. Willie Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. In the last five years alone he delivered seven new releases, two of which received Grammy nominations, a career-spanning box set, and much more. Treena Parvello, the Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “Desert Diamond Casinos is so excited to welcome back Willie Nelson! His shows always sell out at the Diamond Center so my advice to anyone wanting to see him is get your tickets soon!”

—26th, Stars of Beatlemania—28th, Laura Walsh—29th, Cold Shott—29th, Grooveline—31st Wild Wednesdays Bandstand Shows— 3rd, Western Fusion Trio—10th, Walkens Trio—17th, J White—24th The Lounge Happy Hour Sta rting Dec. 2nd Mo nda ys thro ugh Thursdays from 5-8pm. The Sahnas Brothers—Wednesdays 5-8pm.

Amazing Dueling Pianos—Tuesdays starting Dec. 4th.

Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Munday Funday—Comedy Show begins at 7pm Featuring a variety of live local talent Tuesday through Saturday New Year’s Eve Party—Dec. 31st (Featuring Country Nation) Conference Center: New Year’s Eve Party—Dec. 31st (Featuring Reall Deall Band) Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment throughout the week featuring the Valley's best local bands & DJs Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529

Editor’s Pick Apache Spirits Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.

Ladies’ Night on Thursdays with a DJ. UFC 181—Dec. 6 Event Center: New Year’s Eve Bash—Dec. 31

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Join Harrah’s Ak-Chin as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary in Maricopa with two special shows:

Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426 Sidewinders Bar & Grill: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Pipa Event Center: The O’Jays—Dec. 12 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Blue October—Dec. 5 Jerry Riopelle—Dec. 13 Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers—Dec. 26 New Year’s Eve 2014 at TSR—Dec. 31 Tesla—Jan. 23 Average White Band—Jan. 24 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of local, regional & headlining acts. Call for info.

Country Star David Nail December 13, 2014 Rising country star and Grammy-nominated artist David Nail will take the main stage during the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Masik Tas celebration. Come out and hear all his top hits like Red Light, Let It Rain and Whatever She’s Got. This show will be set up on an outside stage, near the casino. Tickets are available at TicketMaster.com.

Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 VQ Live: Featuring a variety of cover bands, local & regional acts. Call for info.

Event Center: Motown Holiday Party—Dec. 26 Paperback Writer (Beatles Tribute)—Dec. 31 Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452 AiRIA Unplugged—Live music Fri & Sat 4pm-2am Encore Lounge—Featuring a variety of live music nightly Classics With A Twist—Featuring jazz music & cocktails Thu-Sun Showroom: Bob Newhart—Dec. 5 Patti Labelle—Dec. 6 Motown Holiday Party—Dec. 7 Three Dog Night—Dec. 12 Vicki Carr—Dec. 13 Na Leo Kupono—Dec. 19 Mix 96.9’s Jingle Rock Featuring Fitz & The Tantrums—Dec. 20 Bret Michaels—Dec. 27 New Year’s Eve 2014 with Powerdrive—Dec. 31 Oak Ridge Boys—Feb. 6 Engelbert Humperdinck—Feb. 14 Lason Latimer—Feb. 27 Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744 Yavapai Cantina: Karaoke—Fr at 8pm-12am Featuring a variety of live bands on Saturdays from 7 to 10pm

Country Star Aaron Lewis December 27, 2014 Best known as the front man for the band Staind, Aaron Lewis has since begun his solo career in country music. With hit songs like Country Boy and Granddaddy’s Gun, this is one show that you will not want to miss!

For more information, call Harrah’s Ak-Chin at 480.802.5000 or visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $ Verify all details & age restrictions (generally 21 & over) for each event. Venues, times, dates, & ticket information are subject to change. Photos/images copyright of the individual artist(s), photographer(s), or venue(s). All Rights Reserved. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

37

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

By Ramses Ja

L

et’s face it, the only time we go to the casino is when we want to relax, unwind and have some fun! It’s not that it isn’t supposed to be that way it’s just that some people either never find the time or what they deem reason enough to head out to a casino for an evening out! Well, Raven Events has given professionals, entrepreneurs, and socialites reason enough to head over to Talking Stick Resort, Wild Horse Pass, and other valley hotspots to expand their rolodexes and (hopefully) their wallets!

Raven Events was founded by Raven Valdez in 2003. Valdez, being one of the valley’s more popular socialites, made an even greater name for herself and her company by organizing some of the valley’s most talked-about social gatherings! Since then, the company’s event roster has expanded across the calendar, with some of her larger events taking place at the valley's premier gaming establishments.

These events are created to appeal to a more sophisticated and fun-loving crowd. Raven's Guest List contains men, women, singles and couples from all over Phoenix and Scottsdale. With a list of over 30,000 business owners and professionals receiving personal invitations to all of her events, there is always a great crowd at these gatherings! Additionally, each guest has the option of attending whichever events they choose and guests are welcome to invite their own guests. As exclusive as this list may seem, there is no fee associated with joining Raven's Guest List!

With business-to-business networking events, holiday drives, charity events, masquerade balls, and just about everything else you could imagine, Raven provides a reason for everyone to get

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

out of the house (or office) from time to time! Once you're out, the real fun begins! Meeting new, like-minded individuals in a setting that is conducive to forming and developing relationships is key to establishing and maintaining a solid network.

The showrooms are where her events usually take place. They are large enough to contain the crowd she brings, yet private enough to be true to the nature of the event. Afterwards, taking your newfound friends to the blackjack tables or to try their hand at video roulette will also give you a glimpse into their competitive side! See? It's a win-win!

Raven Event’s next undertaking will be on Wednesday, December 31st at 8pm in the Showroom of Talking Stick Resort. Appropriately named Raven’s New Year’s Eve Gala, the event promises to be her best yet! Plan on creating some awesome memories with new friends and associates in one of the valley's premier gaming establishments known for ringing in the New Year in the right way! For more information about Raven Events, visit her website at RavenEvents.com or send her an email directly at Raven@RavenEvents.com! $ Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II

•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat

•Resident DJ/VJ for KTVK-3TV Friday 10am •Host of R.E.D.Y. Set Radio •Official Bum Squad DJ •DJ Vatican Member •For more information on Ramses Ja, visit his website at: ramsesja.com.

CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY Lone Butte Bingo New Year’s Eve Free Admission Package Drawing From December 1st through the 24th, during all Matinee & Evening Sessions, guests will receive one drawing ticket for an initial bingo spend of $50 or more. On December 25, during the Holiday Wrap-Up Session, 5 winners will be drawn from the drawing barrel to win a free bingo package valued at $150 to be played on New Year’s Eve! 50% Off Electronics On December 5 & 19, Matinee & Evening Session guests will receive 50% off electronic packages. Electronic fees apply. While supplies last. Senior discount not available on these dates. Level 1 and Level 2 packages excluded.

12th Day of Christmas On December 12, Matinee & Evening Session guests may purchase a 3-on for $2 for a chance to win $1,199 or 2nd chance for $500 when they bingo on a special pattern. Guests with a valid buy-in will also receive a special series gift.

Holiday Wrap-Up On December 25, the doors will open at 2:00pm for a Matinee Mini Session starting at 3:30pm. All main pack games will pay $500, Holiday Wrap-Up Special will pay $600 + $150 gift certificate, and the Coverall will pay $1,000.

Mazatzal Bingo Now offering 25 cent bingo cards during the Matinee (available from 10:45 to 11:30) and Evening sessions (available from 5 to 5:45)! Players with bingo on a star during a 25 cent game receive a coupon for an electronic package. On Thursday evenings ladies receive an extra regular pack for electronic or paper when they buy-in. The same deal is available for men during the Thursday Matinee. On January 1st, the bingo room will host a special Holiday session with double payouts!

Paradise Bingo Kozmic Bingo is on Saturday, December 20th and is a Pajama Party with $75 and $125 payouts with $100 specials. Swipe your Player’s Club Card with a purchase of an electronic buy-in and receive one set of specials for free! Christmas Session is Thursday, December 25th (6pm session only) with $25 paper buy-in and $47 or $77 electronic. Payouts are $300 main games with $500 specials and $1,199 double action special. Bring in your Reindeer Bucks to play for $200-$500. New Year’s Day Bingo is January 1st, 2015 (1:30pm session only) with a $25 paper buy-in and $47 or $77 electronic. Payouts are $315 main games with $515 specials and a $1,199 coverall. $

Casino

Sessions

Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic

Apache Gold

Su, We, Th at Noon. Fr & Sa at 7pm. 1st Mo of the month at 7pm

100

No

Yes

No

BlueWater

Mo-We 4:30pm. Su at 11:30am.

400

Yes

Yes

No

Casino Arizona

Mo-Su at 6:30pm Daily Matinees at 12:30pm

1000

Yes

Yes

L8 Nite Bingo Fr & Sa Doors at 10pm. Games at midnight

Casino Del Sol

Daily at Noon, 1:30, 2:15, 6:30 & 7:15pm

600

Yes

Yes

Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.

Cocopah

Daily at 1:30 & 6:30pm

350

Yes*

Yes

No

Desert Diamond I

We-Mo 1:30, 2, 6, 6:30 & 7pm

300

No

Yes

No

Fort McDowell

Sa & Su at 6:45am. We-Mo at 9am. Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm.

1275

(2 sections: enclosed or in general seating)

Yes

Fr & Sa at 12:10am.

Call for Lunar Bingo schedule.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin

We-Su at 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30, and 6:30pm

470

Yes

Yes

No

Lone Butte

Sa & Su at 10am, Noon, 3:45, 5:30pm. Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.

750

Yes

Yes

B.A.D. Bingo 2 Fr at 11:30pm & B.A.D. Bingo Sa at 11:30pm.

Mazatzal

Mo-Th at Noon.

Tu & Th at 6:30pm.

280

Yes

Yes

No

Paradise

Daily at 11:30am & 1:30pm Mo-Sa at 6pm.

300

Yes

Yes

Call for Kozmic Bingo & Other Special Dates

Vee Quiva

Daily at Noon & 6:30pm.

366

Yes

Yes

Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.

Yes

Late Night

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 11/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4am Sunday to 4am Monday.

40 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th, find: NICHOLAS, BISHOP, SAINT, GIFTGIVER, WONDERWORKER, MITER, CROZIER, BOOK, COMPANIONS, CHILDREN, MIRACLES, SHOES, COOKIE, GOLD, COINS, WINTER, ADVENT, CELEBRATE, DECEMBER, SIXTH, CHRISTMAS. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

B

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X

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SUDOKU Each of the columns, rows, and nine 3 x 3 grids must contain all of the digits 1 - 9. None of the digits may appear more than once in each column, row, and 3 x 3 grid.

(Solution on page 46)

9

8

8

5

4

3

7

9 3

3 3

2

1

3

9

8

7 6

2

1

4

4

5

7

9 2 42 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

7

1

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

$300 Free

Priceless

By Sami Becker

A

s our readers know, we get a lot of mail and e-mail from our fans. Most correspondence is short, but some letters are long, detailed, and encompass several points. Last month, I received a long rant from one of our fans about not wanting to be bothered by other players while at the casino. I wanted to share this letter with the rest of you as I am certain many fellow gamblers feel similarly. When we reached out to the reader who wrote in they preferred we not use their name. I can tell you the rant came in via e-mail from a reader in the Phoenix Metro area.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me! — Sami This rant comes from one of our readers: I don’t care if someone approaches me and strikes up a conversation while I am out shopping. If I’m concentrating on reading my new favorite book while waiting for my flight at the airport and someone interrupts me, I don’t get upset. When I receive a compliment from a random stranger on the street about my clothes or purse, I rather enjoy it. As I complete my movie ticket purchase and the attendant says, “you are really going to like this film” I don’t even blink. Actually, I get more excited about what I am about to experience.

If my friends start talking about what a wonderful (or terrible!) time they had when they went on vacation to where I am about to go, I don’t look sideways at them and sigh with disgust, I ask for more details! Now, twenty years after the cell phone boom, when someone is practically yelling into their phone at a coffee shop as part of a normal conversation, I just laugh and leave.

When a shop clerk begins to give me advice on some items I am looking to purchase, I ask for further information.

Why do the same situations bother me so much when I am at the casino? Oh, yeah, there’s those two important elements that takes all of us to the casino in the first place that are being toyed with by other people. Entertainment and money. That’s what is directly at stake at the casino. Am I right?

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

When people randomly begin to distract me in one way or another they are directly messing with my entertainment and my money. To me these people are like a movie-goer who doesn't silence or shut off their cell phone and then proceeds to answer a call during the film. Does that put my issue in perspective?

People talk to me at my slot when I just want to be left alone I know I am not the only person out there who thinks this way. I came to the casino to have a good time and, when I am lucky, to add to my bankroll. I didn’t come to socialize with random strangers. Maybe my personality, attitude, the smile on my face, and general appearance is mesmerizing to the point that I become irresistible to all those Type A personalities out there. I get it, positivity and luck are attractive to people! Why can’t people see I’ve got my own thing going on and just let me be?

Talking to a video poker player just to talk should be criminal Video poker is a game of skill. For the most part, you’ll find the highest long run payback percentage games in the casino on a video poker machine. This game requires focus, and a knowledge of mathematics to play at an optimal level in order to take advantage of the game’s high payback percentage. Just don’t randomly approach video poker players and begin talking to them while they are playing. After all, we are concentrating!

When I am in a bonus round I want to enjoy it As you all know, it can take forever to hit a bonus on most modern slot machines. When the bonus is triggered, I want to have fun experiencing the bonus and the entertainment the game designers put into the slot. I want to know what I win along the way! When people start talking to me during the bonus I have such a hard time with it. Do you really expect me to turn, look at you, and talk to you while taking my eyes off the wins?

Don’t root for me or cheer me on I already have an amazing cheerleading squad and they are

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN doing a fantastic job on my inside. I don’t let them out for others, so please keep yours under control. I don’t need your help or encouragement. My cheerleading squad has no openings and I’ll let you know as soon as one becomes available!

Gamblers are superstitious, so keep your comments inside “Ooh, you got Fort Knox!” or “Nice! You got the bonus!” comments from other players is not information I need. I saw the incredibly obvious visual and audio cues from the slot that a bonus is about to start. Please don’t say anything. I feel like you are going to jinx the bonus. Just think it, don’t say it. Thanks!

I don’t care about what happened to you “last time” People who insist on sharing how good or bad a slot is, how good or bad their last bonus was, or any other past experience are overlooking the simple fact that as a gambler, I’m selfish. All I care about is what happens with my slot, right now! Get it?

Listening to longwinded stories about your gambling history makes me grit my teeth when I am forced to listen to you.

Being loud is one thing, being obnoxious is another matter Look, we are all here to have fun. Casinos are supposed to be loud and noisy. Obviously there is a ton of excitement in the chase of winning and the celebration of jackpots and I’ll participate, don’t worry. However, please be just a little self aware and respectful of others. Sitting down with your friend for a therapy and sharing session at full volume next to my slot is not what I came to the casino for, thank you.

Casino employees should stick to the facts Please don’t tell me where to play, as I make my own luck. I don’t need your advice on which games are hot or cold or pay out a lot. Just stick to “Thanks for coming out to visit us today!

Is there anything I can get you or help you with? If not, then have a great time and good luck!” $

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide

45

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

11300 Resort Drive

Parker

888-243-3360 522

03. Bucky’s Casino

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 314

04. Casino Arizona

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 905

Y

Y

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol 06. Casino of the Sun

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,041

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 293

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 648

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 514

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 675

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel 08. Cocopah Resort Casino 09. Desert Diamond Casino I 10. Desert Diamond Casino II 11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why 12. Fort McDowell Casino

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 890

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

480-802-5000 1,088 800-929-8744 831

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 786

Y

Y

Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson

Payson

800-777-7529 416

Y

Y

Y

Y

450 Quechan Dr.

Yuma

888-777-4946 486

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

18. Quechan Casino

I-8, Exit 166

Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+

19. Spirit Mountain Casino

8555 Hwy. 95

Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247

21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 758

Y Y

I-40, Exit 219

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,082

Laveen

800-946-4452 950

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 950

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 241

24. Yavapai Casino

Y

101 & Indian Bend 6443 Komatke Ln.

22. Vee Quiva Casino

Y Y

Y Y* Y

Y

Pinetop

20. Talking Stick Resort

Y

58

Maricopa

17. Paradise Casino

Y

Y

777 Hwy. 260

15. Lone Butte Casino

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

14. Hon-Dah Casino 16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

866-332-9467

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 11/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4AM Sunday to 4AM Monday

For information on the casinos & much more, scan our QR codes with your smartphone!

azgamingguide.com

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Word Search Solution B S A M T I S R E V I B H S R O O A A E O P L I E T K O N L I H T E A M C B D S I R V N E N A E S I I T N H O K E T O C O E O S C

S I H G T S R C E D K E R C O E W M R B E E D R N O W

R H C T X I F I G R R E E T I N N Z E I O R W R D C L I G H O C L D

Sudoku Solution

S

S E L C A R I M

S N O I N A P M O C

9

1

2

4

6

8

5

7

3

6

8

5

9

3

7

4

2

1

4

7

3

5

1

2

8

6

9

7

9

6

1

8

4

3

5

2

5

4

1

3

2

9

6

8

7

3

2

8

6

7

5

9

1

4

1

3

4

2

5

6

7

9

8

8

5

9

7

4

1

2

3

6

2

6

7

8

9

3

1

4

5

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Y

Arcade

800-272-2438 608

Spa

Globe

RV Park

Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe

Golf

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort

Hotel

Slots

Poker Room

Phone

Table Games

City

Live Keno

Location

Bingo

Casino

High Limit Area

CASINO DIRECTORY

Y Y