Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - June 2015 - 07:06

JUNE

Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 TABLE GAMES 14 NEW SLOTS 18 ARIZONA LOTTERY 20 DINING 22 WINNING WAYS

24 FEATURE STORY 26 TRIBAL NEWS 30 GAMING NEWS 33 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA 36 CASINO NIGHTLIFE 38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 40 CASINO BINGO 42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 43 FUN FACTS

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44 FUN & GAMES 46 CASINO DIRECTORY

MAZATZAL HOTEL & CASINO HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT IN THE RIM COUNTRY OF PAYSON, AZ

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22

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Enjoy a level of control where the higher the bet, the better the chance of winning progressives.

During June, players have the opportunity to qualify for this exciting inaugural table games tournament.

Staff Writer Joe Hagan explains why the Tropicana Laughlin is an amazing destination any time of the year.

WINNING FORTUNES BY WMS NOW AT HON-DAH

2015 SHUFFLE MASTER CLASSIC

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT TROP LAUGHLIN

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03

EDITOR’S NOTE

VACATION TIME BABY! The Summer Has A Lot To Offer

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Your Authority On Everything Gaming VOLUME 07 • ISSUE 06 PUBLISHER Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com

his summer I plan to take advantage of everything Arizona’s casinos have to offer. And if you think summer is a slow season, then I think you had better take another look at all the destinations and events available to you!

In case you are fresh out of ideas then look no further than our feature story on Mazatzal Hotel & Casino. Plan your next casino trip there and you’ll enjoy 20 degree cooler temperatures and all the same gaming action in a scenic environment.

Or, you can hang out by the pool and enjoy the sun, drinks, entertainment, and more at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. They are hosting their Margarita Sundays poolside parties again and every Sunday in June features a different band and lots of cool drinks to enjoy. Plus, summer always brings about the outdoor concerts at the casinos. Check out our entertainment listings for more info on all the great music at the casinos.

In this issue, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make your next trip to any casino a success. We’ve got the low down on a ton of new slots and those coming soon, plenty of tips for you to incorporate into casino visits, and much more! Please visit our Facebook at: facebo ok .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 AZGamingGuid e.com. Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

Alexandra

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

MANAGING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Lee Allen Mark Novak Cindy Esquer Amanda Riddle Lana Hartmann 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

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Copyright © 2015 The Arizona Gaming Guide.

All rights reserved.

The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and gaming related facts and editorial opinions. AGG accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of readers based on articles and/or advertisements presented within. Information contained within is not guaranteed to be correct. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners. Intended for single use. Sale and/or distribution without written consent is not permitted.

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

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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: On your Facebook, you recently posted that the IRS has suggested that slot, keno, and bingo winnings of $600 or more be reported. You also stated that currently only winnings of $1200 or more on slot machines or bingo and $1500 or more on keno winnings need tax paperwork. So, in other words, there would need to be tax paperwork for everything over $600?

Please explain this in more detail! This would be very upsetting to gamblers, and casinos too, if this goes into effect!

G. Patel – Scottsdale, Arizona A: We received several questions into our email and a lot of comments on our Facebook Fan Page about the topic pertaining to the post mentioned above. Since there was so much interest, we decided to task one of our staff writers, Rodric J. HurdleBradford, to come up with the answers. Here is what Rodric came across during his research: The casino gaming industry has been in the domestic tax code dialogue as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has submitted a proposal that would lower the tax reporting threshold for casino visitors from $1200 to $600 for gaming winnings.

The 50 percent threshold reduction could nearly double or triple the administration at some casinos according to industry sources. To the IRS this means more jobs and economic development, but to the casino this means more floor stoppages and less efficiency, equaling less revenue. Always planning for the future, the IRS has already issued proposed regulations and an official notice updating the tax information reporting rules for players’ slot machines winnings, as well as monies won playing bingo and keno.

Through early June the IRS is accepting public comments regarding the current $1200 threshold level from private citizens, industry advocates and public corporations alike. The main concern is that the new law would add downtime in an already highly regulated industry that has been cleaned up from its infamous past.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) Tax Working Group is made up of the highest industry tax management executives from AGA member companies and has submitted comments to the IRS on behalf of the industry.

“Not only would this potential policy change create additional burdensome and unnecessary reporting requirements for gaming companies, but it could also cost states millions of dollars in revenue that support vital public services,” says Sarah Rayme, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs of the AGA. The current proposal from the IRS does not change the casinos’ reporting thresholds from current levels for winnings from bingo, keno or slot machines. The IRS has already stated that these winnings are also already under review. Once a machine hits the $1200 jackpot threshold, it remains deactivated until all of the tax paperwork is completed and the game is unlocked. This process can take anywhere from five to 30 minutes. This change is anticipated to result in more operational downtime on the casino floor when the threshold is the $600 jackpot that is hit more often.

The current $1200 threshold was established nearly 30 years ago in 1977, along with the $1500 threshold for keno players that was made into law the same year. The amount has not been adjusted for inflation at any time and should actually be nearly $4700 today! The changes would cover land-based, riverboat, racetrack casinos and Indian casinos.

The IRS’ stance is that so much of the reporting is being handled electronically that the threshold reduction should not phase operations in a major way. The administration of the proposed change is the largest issue of debate between both sides. The AGA has the support of the domestic casino gaming industry and neither side was the first to blink and make any concessions in this highly debated issue.

Penn National, operator of 29 casinos and racetracks across the United States, has come out publicly against the IRS proposition, calling it “a very negative impact on business.”

Industry insiders also fear that the lower jackpot tax thresholds will keep potential guests at out-of-state neighboring casino competitors. U.S. casino gaming is a $240 billion industry that supports nearly 2 million jobs and generates $38 billion in taxes across 40 states. AGA has developed public policies favorable to the industry under its “next generation gaming” platform that is aiming to streamline regulations, remove barriers to innovation

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.

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PLAYERS TALK

Continued from page 6

and allow regulators to be more nimble as the gaming landscape continues to evolve.

“Rather than going backwards, the gaming industry seeks forward-looking policies that enable industry to reinvest, innovate and create more jobs,” says Rayme.

Q: I was playing Buffalo at [my favorite casino] recently when an alarm sound kept coming from the game and stopping my spin. I would hit the machine and the alarm would stop, the game would repeat the spin and then I could play again. What is going on here?

Tania Johnson – Avondale, Arizona A: Hi Tania, thank you for writing in to our team with such a unique question! Without more details surrounding what happened while you were playing Aristocrat’s Buffalo, we can only assume something you were doing was causing the alarm to go off, have the slot machine to lockup, and for you to observe the re-spin after hitting the machine. In the future, if this ever happens again, tell a beverage server, slot attendant, security officer, or anyone else who is an employee about the problem you are experiencing.

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Most likely, this particular Buffalo slot is old, approaching ten years of rigorous use on the abusive environment of a casino floor and the main door switch is probably deactivated when you lean or press on the button panel. The main door is set on several hinges and loosens over time because of age, abuse when it is slammed shut by slot personnel or the count team during their nightly replacement of the cash boxes (referred to as the “drop”), and by all of the players leaning on the button panel.

The main door switch must remain active at all times in order for the slot to function. As soon as the switch is deactivated, the game “tilts” and stops all operations until the switch is active again. If the door switch is tripped during a spin, the spin starts over and displays the same outcome and, obviously, will not pay twice. Slots with this kind of problem will be fixed by the casino as soon as possible as play is being interrupted.

Editor’s note: In the May 2015 issue’s Player’s Talk, there was a misprint in our response to the Ted Duval—Tucson, AZ question. Arizona’s casino gaming regulations allow a video slot’s payback percentage to be set as low as 80% (not 85% as originally printed). Thank you Andrea M. for bringing this to our attention! $

TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

COUNTING CARDS Is It Illegal To Count Cards At Blackjack In Arizona Casinos?

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here seems to be a lot of debate over the legality of playing Blackjack, or more specifically, counting cards at Blackjack. Movies like “21” have both glorified the card players and demonized the casinos, mostly because that’s what Hollywood does. It tells tales that are entertaining, if not always based in fact. Every casino in Arizona has plenty of skilled players that show net wins at the clubs and have never been asked to leave.

What is Illegal?

It is illegal to cheat in any manner at casino games, by mucking cards (hiding them for future use), past-posting or capping your bet (raising your wager after you see your cards), or pinching a wager (reducing your bet after you see your cards). It is also illegal to use any form of device to track the cards in any game, from Poker to Let It Ride to Blackjack. Saying later that you didn’t know it was illegal won’t help your case.

Occasionally, a player is suspected of cheating and asked to leave the casino. Most gaming jurisdictions allow the casinos to handle these issues (as does Arizona) according to their own internal controls. Of course if you are caught with a cheating device while playing table games or the slots you’ll probably wind up arrested.

What is Legal?

Playing Blackjack in any casino in the United States, from California to Vegas to Arizona and all the way to Atlantic City can be a lot of fun. To be more direct, it has always been legal to use any type of betting strategy to try and increase your wins at the table. If you want to try the Martingale (double-up till you win) the casino is happy to give you a chance. If you want to keep adding to your bet after each winning hand, great. Go for it! If you want to bet more when you think you have the edge, bet more!

However, on rare occasions, as evidenced by the Las Vegas Hard Rock casino’s decision to limit Ben Affleck’s Blackjack play, a skilled player (perhaps a card counter), may be asked to play other games but not Blackjack.

If you don’t know what card counting is, it is a mathematical formula used by some gamblers to try and keep track of the

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cards removed from the deck. Through its use, players try to wager more when they believe they have an edge over the casino. It is not illegal.

As for Mr. Affleck, he is a skilled gambler who has won major Poker tournaments and beat the Hard Rock on the Las Vegas Strip for more than $750,000 on previous trips before he was finally asked to stop playing Blackjack.

My advice is that you should learn all you can about Blackjack and enjoy the game. I recently read “True Blackjack” and really enjoyed it. Will it make me rich? Let’s just say that if I make $10 million doing a movie in Hollywood and can finally afford to bet $1,000 to $25,000 per hand at Blackjack, then the Hard Rock might have to kick me out too! $

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.

NEW SLOTS

By Lana Hartmann

Winning Fortunes Ready For Play At Hon-Dah

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MS has created a brand new slot called Winning Fortune Progressives, featuring increased interaction in an Asian-focused, five-level progressive and you can play it at Hon-Dah Resort and Casino. Featuring a stunning art package, the Winning Fortune Progressives game is designed specifically with the Asian aesthetic in mind.

The Winning Fortune Progressives game allows players to enjoy a level of control where the higher the bet, the more progressive symbols appear along the horizontal reel and the better the chance at winning a progressive! But that's not all!

The Winning Fortune Progressives game allows players to choose where to place the progressive symbols before spinning the wheel, giving a level of interaction like never before!

This slot bank has three base themes, each with its own unique free spin bonus! Watch as up to 120 Mystery symbols are added to the Dragon’s Legend bonus, Wild multipliers slide up and down reels during the Far East Fortunes Deluxe bonus, and pick the ratio of free spins and multipliers you want in the Wishing You Fortune bonus! Visit wms.com/now today for more information on this and other exciting new slots and visit Hon-Dah.com for more information on the casino! $

Konami Selexion Now Available At Hon-Dah

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he brand new Selexion machines by Konami at Hon-Dah Resort & Casino are Multi-Game slots allowing players to select from up to 10 titles and multiple denominations.

Our sources at the casino inform us the ten games include the following popular Konami titles: Ad orned Peacock , Bull Mystery, China Mystery (which plays like Lion Festival, China Shores, and Quest For Riches), China Shores, Dragon’s Law, Gypsy Fire, Lotus Land, Solstice Celebration, and Wild Aztec. Our favorites on this Multi-Game slot include China Mystery, China Shores, and Gypsy Fire because of the potential for the large number of free games in the China games, and the volatility of the multipliers during the free games in Gypsy Fire . For more information about the Selexion slots from Konami, visit their website at Gaming.Konami.com. For more information on Hon-Dah Casino, visit Hon-Dah.com. $

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Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Quartermania

By IGT

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GT’s Quarterm ania Wide Area Progressive on the company’s S3000 cabinet awards players with free games and Mini Mania progressives in a classic, spinning-reel format. When a player wins a Quarterm ania jackpot, the overhead signage, light and sound of the entire bank synchronize, creating a high-energy celebration on the casino floor!

The three-reel, five-payline game enhances a classic spinning reel experience with incredible state-of-the-art touchscreen technology, complemented by a userfriendly five-button player panel. Quartermania communicates different jackpot levels, showing players the value of betting up to a highly achievable six-credit, $1.50 max bet. Look for Quarterm ania slots with other S3000 fan-favorite games, including Wild Red Sevens, Triple Red Hot Sevens and Super Times Pay. For more information on Quarterm ania and IGT, visit igt.com. $

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NEW SLOTS

Coming Soon

Dragons Over Nanjing

By WMS Gaming

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ntroducing a new addition to the Blad e s32 cabinet, the Dragons Over Nanjing game. Combining a unique Dragon Boost Feature with a Free Spin Bonus, this 10-level Local Area Progressive, with an Asian-inspired motif, truly is a work of art.

A RED, BLUE, GREEN, PURPLE, LIGHT BLUE, or ORANGE DRAGON symbol may appear on reels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, respectively. Any combination of 2 or more of these different DRAGON symbols landing fully on the reels awards the Dragon Boost Feature. It only takes one DRAGON symbol during the Dragon Boost Feature to trigger an additional dragon boost — awarding up to 10 progressives!

But that’s not all — three or more scattered BONUS symbols award up to 25 free spins and 50x total bet in the Dragon Free Spin Bonus. Before each spin, one wheel will be selected to be covered by a WILD GOLD DRAGON symbol for that spin only, potentially increasing wins!

The first thing you’ll notice about the Blad e s32 cabinet are the two thirty-two-inch screens in the style of WMS Gaming’s Metascreen technology, with high-definition displays that deliver a premium, high-impact "wow" to any casino floor, while providing superior player readability. Enabled by a modern and familiar, ergonomic, 10.4” tablet-style button panel with a multi-touch screen for accurate inputs and improved gameplay integration, the Blad e s32 cabinet and Dragons Over Nanjing theme are a fierce gaming experience. For more information visit WMS.com. $

Hot Hot 8

By WMS Gaming

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ntroducing one of the first themes to launch on the Blade s32 cabinet: the Ho t Hot 8 theme!

Players may choose to play up to 8 themes at once for a max bet of 200 credits—that’s only 25 credits an array! Everyone’s favorite Ho t Hot Super Jack pot star is back, 3 or more FLAMEY symbols trigger the Hot Hot 8 Wheel Feature where, at max bet, players spin the wheel for their chance at a progressive. Land on the Award All wedge, and all progressives on the wheel are awarded. But that’s not all—each base theme features a Free Spin Bonus with player-selected volatility! Before the bonus begins, spin the wheel for a number between 2 and 8. Players then have two options: apply that number as a multiplier on one reel array, or as the number of reel arrays to play at a single multiplier. Each of the 8 WMS themes feature their own unique bonus: watch as two random reels are WILD in the Jungle Wild theme; win up to 100 free spins in the Zeus and Mystical Unicorn themes; watch as RED ZEUS may appear shooting a bolt of lightning across the symbols on the same row, turning all hit symbols WILD in the Great Zeus game. WILD symbols multiply pays in the Raging Rhino and Far East Fortunes II game; expanded WILD symbols stick and hold for the remaining spins in the Black Knight bonus; and special bonus symbols can add up to 50 additional free spins in the Fallen Angels theme. For more information visit WMS.com. $

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Coming Soon

NEW SLOTS

Cash Wizard Featuring Quick Hit

By Bally Technologies

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our favorite wizard is back and this time he’s brought his entire family! Cash Wizard featuring Quick Hit is the third game in Bally’s popular Cash Wizard franchise. In this latest addition, the magical Cash Wizard appears with Ms. Magic and their three children. And they’ve joined forces with Quick Hit and Cash Wheel for even more fun.

Join the wizard family as you explore their mythical new world in this five-reel, 25-line video slot, which will enchant you with three exciting bonus features. When the wizard family appears during the base game, you know you’re in for some good luck. As the reels spin, the family members may fly in and cast magic from their wands to award Quick Hit symbols. Five to nine Quick Hit symbols award one of five Quick Hit progressive jackpots for chances to win big. Three scattered Free Game symbols on reels one, three, and five award 12 Free Games, with all pays doubled. You’ll have a blast conjuring up wins while singing along to the hit single “Magic!”

The Cash Wheel Bonus awards up to three spins of the Cash Wheel with multipliers. Cash Wheel symbols on reels two, three, and four trigger this bonus. Pick from among 21 tiles until three tiles match to determine the number of wheel spins and the multiplier. Get ready to make magic on the casino floor with this game. Look for Cash Wizard featuring Quick Hit at a casino near you! $

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ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Cindy Esquer

$50,000 All Or Nothing

$100,000 Scratchers

$50,000 Scratchers

Wesley Marsh, Glendale, purchased a few Triple Red 7’s Scratchers tickets at the counter of a store. He likes the game because it offers multiple ways to win.

After he scratched the tickets, Wesley could see that one of them was a $100,000 top prize winner. He signed the back of the ticket immediately.

Juan Hernandez, Avondale, purchased three lines of random numbers for the All or Nothing drawing of April 21.

When he checked his numbers online, he was thrilled to discover he had matched all the numbers to win $25,000.

Sometime in the middle of the afternoon, Juan remembered something unusual about the ticket and took another look at it. To his amazement, he realized what was unusual about the ticket; one of the remaining lines did not match any of the drawn numbers. Juan’s ticket had two $25,000 winning lines, making his ticket worth $50,000.

Juan has only been playing All or Nothing for a short time. He started to play it because he was intrigued by the idea of winning with matching numbers, or winning without any matching numbers.

Juan, works in the field of education, and occasionally plays Powerball and Weekly Winnings.

Wesley is no stranger to the Arizona Lottery’s Hall of Winners. About ten years ago, he won the top prize on a Win for Life Scratchers ticket, and he was recently a lucky winner of the MONOPOLY MILLIONAIRE’S CLUB trip to the game show in Las Vegas.

Wesley prefers to play the $10 and $20 tickets because he likes the payouts. He buys his tickets from Lottery vending machines as well as at the store counter.

Wesley also plays All or Nothing using his own set of numbers.

Originally from New Jersey, Wesley has made Arizona his home for the last 14 years. For recreation, he enjoys fishing and bike riding with his grandson.

Wesley is going to use the money to pay off a few bills and save the rest.

The ticket was purchased at Circle K, 5049 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale.

Juan and his wife have one child and are expecting their second child. The timing of this win is perfect. He’s going to put some of the money away for the new baby, pay off his car, and save the rest.

The ticket was purchased at QuikTrip, 297 N. 99th Ave., Tolleson.

For more information on the Arizona Lottery, visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. For the winning numbers, call 480.829.7425 in Phoenix or 520.325.9141 in Tucson. Please call 1.800.499.3798 for all other areas in Arizona.

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Rafael Moreno-Nuñez, Mesa, purchased a Daily Crossword Scratchers ticket at the counter of a store. He always plays this game and has had a few small wins with it. He also enjoys playing the Bingo Scratchers game.

Although Rafael enjoys playing Scratchers, he only buys them when he has extra cash or spending money.

Rafael scratched the ticket at home. Since he is familiar with the game, he thought that he’d won $50,000, but he found it difficult to believe. When he arrived at the Lottery with his family and the ticket was validated, it was then he knew without any doubt that he’d won $50,000. His family is thrilled for him.

Rafael works in the construction field and enjoys playing $5 Scratchers. He likes the payouts.

Rafael is going to put his winnings in the bank.

The ticket was purchased at ARCO ampm, 2816 E. McKellips Road, Mesa.

Editor’s Note: All Or Nothing is a recent addition to the Arizona Lottery’s long list of games and is very similar to Top Bottom Video Keno at the casinos. Players win $25,000 when they match 10 of 10 drawn numbers or 0 of 10 drawn numbers! Players are also winners if they match 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, or 9 numbers for prizes of $2 (match 3 or 7), $10 (match 2 or 8) and $250 (match 1 or 9).

Odds of winning are about 1 in 5.59. $

CASINO DINING

By Rachel Brockway

SIP AND SWIM AND SO MUCH MORE Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Serves Up Poolside Drinks And Fun

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s the temperatures start to rise in the Valley, cool off with summer drink specials and fun pool parties at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. To start the week or end the weekend right (which ever you prefer), Sundays in Maricopa are now being “Served on the Rocks” with the return of Margarita Sundays! Always a favorite, Margarita Sundays are poolside parties held each Sunday, from 2-6pm. Guests will enjoy live music, great food and drink, all while relaxing poolside. Upcoming entertainment includes Cheeseburgers in Paradise, a Jimmy Buffett Tribute (June 7), Desert Beach (June 14), Panacea-Steel Drums (June 21) and Kush County (June 28).

There is a $10 cover charge per person which can be purchased at the gift shop inside the Casino. Adult admission includes one drink (beer, wine or margaritas) and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The new 16oz. Margarita will be the centerpiece of Margarita Sundays this year. For an additional $15, you get a specialty glass and your first drink. Bring it back each Sunday throughout the summer for $6 refills during Margarita Sunday (available only at the pool).

But why save all the fun for the weekends? All summer long Harrah’s has fun summer drinks, all for only $8 each! Some of our favorites include: The Harrahcane Start your afternoon right with our signature drink the Harrahcane – made with Captain Morgan Original Spiced and Malibu Coconut rums with pineapple, orange and cranberry juices.

Cucumber Bliss A Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino favorite is the Cucumber Bliss – made with a combination of Skinnygirl Cucumber vodka, club soda with lime and mint.

Bikinitini A refreshing Bikinitini will have you taking a dip this summer – made with Grey Goose L'Orange Vodka, lemon juice, orange juice, Monin sugar-free syrup and soda water.

Frozen Sangria Need to cool off? Try our Frozen Sangria – made with Cabernet, Peach Schnapps, Razzmatazz, Sweetened Lime Juice, Strawberry Puree, and a splash of Sierra Mist blended to perfection.

The Dolce A twist on the traditional pina colada drink is The Dolce – made with Malibu Rum, Absolut Vanilla, colada mix, and salted caramel drizzle served frozen.

Chocolate Martini To add a little “007” to your summer day try the Chocolate Martini – made with Skyy vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and white crème de cacao drizzled with chocolate.

And if “mixing it up” isn’t the way you like to spend your sum-

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mer afternoon, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino also has a wide variety of beer and wine selections.

Looking for some summer fun with your dad? This Father’s day treat your dad to a fun day out by coming to Harrah’s for brunch at The Buffet. From 9am – 3pm there will be plenty of dads’ favorites at The Grill, The Garage and The Seafood Station. The cost is $27.99 per person.

Want someone else to do the driving for you? Did you know Harrah’s offers free transportation to and from the casino? Let us do the driving, with convenient pickup locations throughout Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties. For reservations and more information, call 480.649.6306 (Phoenix Metro) or 520.743.4386 (Pima County).

Celebrating 20 years in Maricopa, Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Offering the largest selection of the latest reel and video slots in a range of denominations, Harrah’s Ak-Chin features slot machines, video poker, video Keno as well as popular statewide progressives and live-action poker and Black Jack. For more information contact Harrah’s Ak-Chin at 480.802.5000 or visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $

WINNING WAYS

By Mark Novak

2015 SHUFFLE MASTER CLASSIC $250,000 Purse—Qualify In June—Las Vegas Finale In September

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f you are an avid fan of Shuffle Master specialty table games like Three Card Pok er, Four Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let it Ride, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus and Crazy 4 Poker, then this is the one national tournament you won’t want to miss! During the entire month of June, players have the opportunity to qualify for this exciting inaugural tournament, the Shuffle Master Classic, at over 200 casinos nationwide.

Players can walk into any one of the qualifying casinos, play their favorite Shuffle Master game and when they hit a “Classic Hand” they qualify for the finals in September in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. A “Classic Hand” is a six card straight flush in Three Card Poker or a five card royal flush in any of the other seven games listed above. Every qualified player receives $1,000 in credits to cover travel expenses to Las Vegas and VIP treatment upon arrival. The September Shuffle Master Classic begins with an exclusive welcome party the evening before the National Championship and a cocktail party immediately after the event.

The main event will begin on September 28, 2015 near the Bourbon Room at The Venetian Las Vegas. The tournament will be played on four Three Card Pok er tables on the floor of the casino. The top seven players in the tournament will split $250,000 with the top prize of $100,000 going to the winner. The top player will also claim year-long bragging rights as the luckiest Three Card Poker player in the country and winner of the first ever Shuffle Master Classic!

Roger Snow, Senior Vice President of Bally Technologies, commented: “With a 30-plus year heritage of gaming industry innovation, we are thrilled to continue Shuffle Master’s rich legacy of excellence in table game products with the launch of this event. The first-ever Shuffle Master Classic is an ideal way to celebrate Shuffle Master’s legendary proprietary table games and the twentieth anniversary of Three Card Pok er – the most popular casino card game in play today around the world.

Throughout the month of June, the nation-wide Shuffle Master Classic will offer unmatched levels of energy and excitement to players across the country while featuring Shuffle Master’s legendary proprietary table games. The championship event, which is being held in conjunction with G2E 2015, will bring the best, and luckiest, players from around the country to a single location for a day filled with tournament action, excitement, tension and ultimately celebration for the top seven players.” $

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Where Can I Qualify In Arizona?

Casino del Sol—Tucson Desert Diamond Casino—Tucson Lone Butte Casino—Chandler Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino—Laveen Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino—Chandler For casinos outside of Arizona visit ShuffleMasterClassic.com How Can I Qualify?

Game Three Card Poker Four Card Poker Caribbean Stud Poker Let it Ride Mississippi Stud Ultimate Texas Hold’em Texas Hold’em Bonus Crazy 4 Poker

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Win Your Trip To Las Vegas And A Chance At $100,000 Play a qualifying game at a participating casino in June. Hit a “Classic Hand” and you’ll be enjoying this legendary experience and a chance at over $250,000 in cash and prizes. Visit ShuffleMasterClassic.com to read about the rules, event details, qualifying casinos, and even learn to play the games!

By Lana Hartmann, Cover Photo By DJ Craig

T

he cool, crisp mountain air, friendly and knowledgeable staff, a great selection of casino games, excellent entertainment, quality food at reasonable prices, a variety of promotions, and so much more, is what makes Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson, Arizona a fantastic gaming destination.

With just over 400 slots, the floor has a great selection for every style of player. Mazatzal not only has games from all the popular manufacturers such as Bally, WMS, IGT, Multimedia, Aristocrat, and Konami, but they even have exciting new slots from lesser-known companies that can’t be found at any other Arizona casinos. Several highlights of the gaming area, besides the unique assortment of slots, includes a prevalence of penny games, an abundant collection of video poker machines with excellent pay tables, several multi-denomination and high-limit slots, steppers, and video keno games as well. In fact, fans of Caveman Keno should take note; Mazatzal is one of the last casinos in the state to still offer the original version which awards the 10X multiplier when all three eggs are chosen during a game!

In addition to the slots, you can try your luck in the 280 seat Bingo room. There are six regular sessions each week and sever-

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

al exciting promotions (such as Double Payout Bingo and Bingo cards for as little as 25 cents) every month. Along with offering the traditional paper packs, Mazatzal’s Bingo features electronic Planet Bingo as well. Their card room, which boasts the “Best Blackjack in Arizona,” breaks tradition by using four deck shoes instead of the usual six decks. Plus, their dealers stand on soft 17. Players can double down on any two cards, even after splits (except aces) and split aces up to four hands. With weekly Blackjack tournaments, bonus pays, a variety of side bets and the friendliest dealers around, Blackjack is a great gaming option at Mazatzal. Prefer Poker instead? The tables in the pines are always bustling with activity, offering weekly tournaments and hot progressive payouts.

When you are ready to grab a bite to eat, there are no less than four different dining options to satisfy all the cravings for any appetite. Open from 6am to 9pm, the Coffee Korner serves Peet’s Coffee, the finest homemade pastries, and an assortment of delicious treats. The pastries are the real deal and include muffins, pies, cinnamon rolls, and a lot more. And you can’t beat this house special - refills on coffee for only 80 cents!

Open 24 hours, The Grille serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner

including sandwiches, appetizers, salads, burgers, pizza, and desserts. For breakfast, make sure to try the country breakfast which includes two scrambled eggs, seasoned potatoes with a choice of toast and bacon or sausage for just $6. If you are feeling a little adventurous in the morning, the $7 breakfast pizza comes with sausage gravy, eggs, bacon, and ham. Yum! For lunch, my husband tells me the $7 patty melt with waffle fries is his favorite, while I prefer the $8 southwest crispy chicken salad. The Apache Spirits Lounge is open every day (9am to 1am Su.—Th. and 2am on Fr. & Sa.) with great drink prices, a tasty food menu, and plenty of TVs to catch your favorite sporting event. Their Happy Hour is from 3 to 6pm (Mo.—Fr.) and you can order a Bay Shrimp Cocktail for only $1.25 (10am to 6pm).

Personally, the Cedar Ridge Restaurant is my preference for Lunch and Dinner. The buffet has a great salad bar and a solid selection of meat and vegetables to choose from any day of the week. Prices range from $10 on weekdays to $18 for Sunday Brunch. If you are less of a buffet person and more into ordering off a menu, try the Cubano sandwich or the BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich for lunch – both delectable! For dinner, order the bacon wrapped filet mignon. Plus, don’t forget about Crabby Wednesdays at Cedar Ridge, where you’ll eat all the crab legs

you want for only $16!

John Giles, Director of Marketing said, “Players have the perfect opportunity here at Mazatzal to enjoy Payson, the Rim Country, hiking, fishing, hunting, and so much more. Then, they can live it up with the same gaming available at Valley casinos. Our Ultimate Football Fan Giveaway promotion runs through the end of July and ten lucky winners will each walk away with a pair of season tickets to the Arizona Cardinals! All you have to do is sign up for our Mountains of Money players club and start using your card when you play all your favorite games in the casino.”

From the food to the service to the slot floor and everywhere in between, Mazatzal has everything for the casino gaming enthusiast in a location that can’t be beat. Now that temperatures have started to skyrocket, why not choose Mazatzal as your next gaming destination? Enjoy 20 degree cooler weather among the beautiful tall pines and exciting casino action all day and night long. Then, when you’re ready to relax and take it easy, you’ll do it in style and comfort in one of their fantastic rooms in their all-suite hotel. For more information on Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, visit Mazatzal-Casino.com or call 800.777.PLAY (7529). $

azgamingguide.com | June 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

25

TRIBAL NEWS

By Lee Allen

AIMING FOR ACCURACY Recreating Early Hunting And Warfare With Atlatl Archery

T

o many people, “A is for Apple,” but for the early indigenous peoples, the A stood for Atlatl --- an ancient weapon that predated the bow and arrow and was an effective implement to both fend off enemies or to bring home supper.

The atlatl, one of humankind’s first mechanical inventions, dates back to 15,000 B.C. (or even earlier) with the first-known spear throwers belonging to the Paleolithic period, using their rudimentary weapon to hunt critters for the community BBQ, critters like mammoths and mastodons. In fact, archaeologists digging for history in the Sierra Vista area have found mammoth kill sites there that contain atlatl dart points.

The word atlatl comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztec who used the weapon in encounters against Spaniards. “The actual Aztec definition is ‘to throw over water’ because the indigenous hunters used the atlatl to hunt small game around lakes. It’s an efficient tool to use for large and small animals,” says Choctaw Nation member and amateur atlatl thrower Dave Morris.

Spokesman Bob Sizemore of Arizona’s SALT organization (Study of Ancient Lifeways and Technologies) adds: “It was a powerful weapon that could hurl projectiles at 250 feet-persecond with tremendous power. Spanish soldiers left written records that the atlatl had even penetrated their armor plating.”

Indeed, author Colin Taylor writing in Native American Weapons, notes the atlatl “is capable of sending a dart with such great force that it has been known to pass completely through a man armed with a coat of mail.”

The atlatl is simplicity in design, essentially a stick with a handle on one end and a hook that engages a spear or dart on the other end. A flipping motion of the atlatl propels the spear much faster and farther than if thrown by hand.

“The throwing motion is the same as throwing a ball or a rock,” according to John Whittaker of The World Atlatl Association.

“The main difference is when you snap your wrist at the end of a pitch, your wrist provides a short lever arm while that same wrist snap with an atlatl provides a long lever, like adding another arm joint.”

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

“The stick makes your arm longer, so when you swing the atlatl and release the arrow or dart, you have a lot more speed, force, and distance of the projectile --- about 200% more energy than a toss by hand,” says Sizemore. And, that can make a big difference as demonstrated in the current world record toss of 848 feet.

Most everybody’s ancestors used atlatls at some time in the past. “The atlatl technology actually put humans at the top of the food chain,” Sizemore says. “We didn’t have the claws, teeth, strength, or speed of wild animals, so at some point someone used their brain to create a method of throwing a spear farther and faster than you could by hand and, overnight, that put humans in the category of being at the top of the predator class.”

Today the atlatl may still be in use among remnants of Aztec and Mayan cultures as well as in some parts of Mexico and by Eskimo groups who hunt seals in the Pacific Northwest.

For the past 25 years, the World Atlatl Association has been promoting interest through World Atlatl Day Throwing Compe-

TRIBAL NEWS

titions in a number of states and 16 countries around the world.

Four years ago, the first such competition in Arizona found a home at Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix where Charles Tadano was one of the participants.

“I got interested in primitive skills because I grew up on a farm near the Salt River, a former settled area filled with indigenous peoples for centuries and when we’d plow our fields, we would often find artifacts and implements of those early days --- that’s what sparked my interest,” Tadano says.

The mission of the SALT group is to teach, share, and practice skills that allowed ancient peoples to not only survive, but thrive, in their environments, between instructing neophyte throwers how to use the atlatl, SALT members also demonstrate how to make a fire with just the materials on hand as well as how to make stone arrowheads by flintknapping or baskets and cordage using available plant fibers.

One of their displays shows samples of different ways people in different parts of the world create their own version of a hook on a stick --- atlatls representing Aztec, Peruvian, Australian,

Amazonian, and other cultures from around the globe.

World Atlatl Day this year falls on June 6th when SALT and Pueblo Grande Museum again partner with demonstrations and accuracy contests. The event is free (although donations are accepted) and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required and no experience is needed to participate in throwing atlatl darts at a stationary bull’s eye.

Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, is situated on a 1,500-year-old archaeological site that was once part of the Hohokam culture. Now a National Historic Landmark, the museum is the largest preserved archaeological site in the city with three separate galleries dealing with Hohokam artifacts, the Pueblo Grande village site, Southwest cultures/ Arizona history, and a children’s hands-on gallery to help youngsters learn about the science of archaeology.

For further information about atlatls, how to throw them, and how to be a part of this year’s competition, contact The World Atlatl Association, WorldAtlatl.org. For details on the Pueblo Grande event, call 602.495.0901 or visit PuebloGrande.com. $

azgamingguide.com | June 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

27

TRIBAL NEWS

By Heather Austin

TWIN ARROWS TO OFFER EVEN MORE Premier Resort To Add Spa, Trucker’s Lounge, New Buffet In 2015

O

n Memorial Day 2015, Twin Arrows turned two years old. The past few years have been busy for Northern Arizona’s only AAA Four Diamond resort – winning accolades, establishing successful partnerships with other local businesses and offering new amenities. To celebrate its second anniversary, Navajo Gaming CEO Derrick Watchman made a big announcement that will have local patrons and international guests applauding.

“We will build out our Spa – with treatment rooms, massages and pampering services for guests. We are also completely redoing our buffet concept. There will be expanded seating, new menu, a pizza oven, plus action stations for feature nights like lobster and prime rib,” said Derrick Watchman, CEO of Navajo Gaming. “Finally, we are creating a new Trucker’s Lounge. It will provide a great place to relax with computers, coffee and showers. Admission will be based on the trucker’s level of play at the casino, but will help us better serve truckers which make up 50 percent of freeway traffic.” All three projects are expected to be completed before the end of 2015.

Watchman’s announcement comes about a decade after Navajo voters approved Gaming in late 2004 and demonstrates the tremendous growth that Navajo Gaming has experienced in a short time.

Some of Twin Arrows milestones include: November 2004: Navajo people vote in favor of gaming 2006: Navajo Gaming created by The Navajo Nation 2008 – 2012: Navajo Gaming opens three New Mexico casinos Memorial Day 2013: Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort opens July 2013: Voted AZ’s Best Casino Resort Destination October 2013: Top Native American Casino Facility (G2E) May 2014: Twin Arrows expands hotel (110 additional rooms) May 2014: Bingo Series launches June 2014: AAA’s Four Diamond Designation July 2014: Three Green Globes Sustainability Award July 2014: Wine Spectator Award (Zenith Steakhouse) August 2014: AIGA Culinary Honors – Navajo Beef 2014: Navajo Beef Initiative generates $1.2 Mil. for local ranchers January 2015: Video Game Arcade opens May 2015: Twin Arrows celebrates Second Anniversary The Twin Arrows location, on the tip of the Navajo Nation near Flagstaff, has facilitated complimentary hospitality and business development – such as the recent Glittering Mountain project

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

announcement – increased tourism opportunities, improved the region’s infrastructure and provided much needed jobs in Northern Arizona.

“Twin Arrows is an example of great collaboration between Navajo enterprises and tribal programs. The Begaye-Nez Administration will ensure this effort continues and expands to other Navajo locations so that economic development, jobs, and revenue are created for the Navajo people,” said Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye.

Additionally, in just two years, Twin Arrows’ positive economic impact is being felt. Since 2006, Navajo Gaming has paid out $173,164,947 in wages and benefits to its hardworking employees, half of which are employed at Twin Arrows. Navajo Gaming has also begun paying back its loan to the Navajo Nation which is more than $10.2 million in principal and $64.9 million in interest. Finally, six million dollars in profits has been paid to the Navajo Nation Gaming Distribution Fund.

“I continually monitor the financial progress of Navajo Gaming as their capital was provided by Navajo Nation resources and they [the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise] are growing and returning on the Navajo Nation’s investment,” said Speaker LoRenzo Bates, Navajo Nation Council.

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort showcases Navajo culture and features more than $500,000 in commissioned Navajo artists’ original paintings and other artworks. The casino offers live entertainment, more than 1,000 slot machines, table games, Poker, live Keno and Bingo. The resort also includes a five-story hotel with 200 lavish rooms and suites, 16,000 square foot banquet and conference center, fully equipped fitness center, heated indoor pool, video game arcade for kids and six distinct dining concepts. Visit their website at TwinArrows.com to learn more about the casino resort or to book a room. $

GAMING NEWS

Lucky Guest Wins Over $2.5 Million At Desert Diamond Casinos Sahuarita On April 24, 2015, lucky guest Michael H. visited Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment’s Sahuarita location and struck a spectacular jackpot of more than $2.5 million! Michael hit his massive jackpot playing the Ghostbusters progressive slots from IGT. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O'odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “Congratulations to Michael on becoming Southern Arizona’s newest millionaire! This spectacular, two million dollar jackpot shows once again that Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is the place to play for the biggest wins in Tucson and Sahuarita. We can't wait to see who will hit the next amazing jackpot.”

IGT also just announced recently another big Wheel of Fortune winner. A player won a $1,836,877 jackpot on IGT’s Wheel of Fortune slot at Menominee Casino Resort, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. The winner wished to remain anonymous.

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

IGT launched Wheel of Fortune slots in 1996 and solidified the Company’s leadership in Wide Area Progressive technology. Known as the most successful slot title of all time, the fun fan-favorite theme has produced nearly 1,000 millionaires and delivered over $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.

For more information on Desert Diamond Casinos, visit ddcaz.com. For more information on IGT, visit igt.com.$

Harrah’s Ak-Chin HERO Program Delivers

In 2014, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino made a large impact in the community through its HERO program. HERO is an employee-based volunteer program in which employees and their families make noteworthy, visible contributions to the community by lending their time, skills, expertise and caring to dozens of volunteer projects throughout the community.

Once again, HERO volunteers broke the property record for the amount of time and money donated in 2014. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino volunteers surpassed their goal of 12,000 by contributing a total of 15,423 hours. Harrah’s employees also continue to donate their time and attention through participation in events throughout the year that benefit local non-profit organizations. In 2014, 84 percent of employees participated in a HERO activity, up from 75 percent of employees in 2013.

The casino also provided monetary and in-kind donations amounting to more than $41,500 to organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging’s DOVES® Program, American Cancer Society, Honoring, Hiring and Helping our HEROES of Pinal County, F.O.R. Maricopa, Melonhead Foundation, Maricopa Against Abuse, Recycling Association of Maricopa, Susan G. Koman Foundation, United Way and many others. For more information on Harrah’s Ak-Chin and their HERO Program visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com or call 480.802.5000. $

azgamingguide.com | June 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

31

Directory & Gaming Statistics

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

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 March 2015 Slots

Hold % Tables

Hold %

3.27

Craps

17.17

$5

3.31

Blackjack / 21

17.91

$1

5.04

Roulette

20.68

Multi-Denom 5.91

Pai Gow Poker

21.63

25¢

5.93

Other Table Games 28.32

5¢

6.84

Let It Ride

30.27

Megabucks

10.04

Three Card Poker

30.81

5.39

Win Amount

Dollars

Race Books

16.64

Slots

44.1 mil.

Bingo

24.60

Tables

4.1 mil.

30.75

Other

0.8 mil.

Loose $25

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 troplaughlin.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!

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.

Tight 1¢ Other Loose Sports Pools

Tight Live Keno

11.72

Hold %

azgamingguide.com | June 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

33

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

By Joe Hagan Director of Marketing, Tropicana Laughlin

TROPICANA LAUGHLIN There’s Something For Everyone With Events, Casino Action & More!

M

any of us like to relax by the pool, while some enjoy a good round of golf, and then there are others who explore places to see and seek things to do. Tropicana Laughlin does not fall short on events for seekers of things to do. And after reading this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t hear about these events before.

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss our four signature car shows each year: Cinco de Mayo Car Show & Celebration, The Gambler Classic River Run Car Show, Viva Tropicana Car Show & Celebration, and the Haunt & Glow Car Show.

Anchoring the start and end of each year are the Cinco de Mayo and Viva Tropicana events. Both are Tropicana’s celebration of Hispanic culture. Custom cars from all over the Southwestern states participate and feature low riders to classics. Trophies are awarded in every category. Viva Tropicana is scheduled this fall October 2-4, 2015 while the Cinco Car Show returns May 6-8, 2016.

The Gambler Classic rolled in earlier this spring April 16–18, 2015 which featured Chevrolet automobiles, Corvettes and trucks from ‘55, ‘56, and ’57. Trophies are awarded in over 25 categories after the “Show ‘n’ Shine” event. This truly classic car show has plenty of other action including a private slot tournament, traditional sock hop and lip synch contest.

Not all of the Tropicana’s car shows are traditional. The Haunt and Glow car show, scheduled for October 30–November 1, 2015, mixes all makes and models with unique awards for muscle cars, Cameros, PT Cruisers, and Scions. It celebrates the wild side of cars with over-the-top custom paint jobs as well as their owners who participate in the annual costume contest.

In November, Tropicana Laughlin honors our brave service members with a special Veteran’s Day weekend celebration.

This November 6-11, Tropicana Laughlin’s celebration will feature several tracked and wheeled military vehicle shows. In November 2016, Tropicana will once again host the American Veterans Traveling Tribute® - an 80% scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. (As a side note, Tropicana Laughlin is committed to supporting American veterans. Once every month all veterans with a Trop Advantage Card receive a free meal for two at the Roundhouse Buffet. The

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

The Tropicana Laughlin Glowing Like A Jewel At Night Veteran’s Buffet is held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.)

While car and military vehicle shows are key events for the Tropicana, the resort also participates in local area town-wide events.

This past April, Tropicana Laughlin was home to the HarleyDavidson Association as they featured their demo rides and more during the 33rd Annual Laughlin River Run®, the largest motorcycle event in the southwest. The late April weather and wide open roads makes Laughlin the perfect escape for the forty thousand riders looking to get away.

Coming this summer is the Bullhead River Regatta August 7-9, 2015. It is the biggest inner tube float in the Southwest and

Do you have a question for a Marketing Director? Have you ever wondered about the people working behind the scenes?

Do you want to find out how it really works? We know you do and here is your chance to find out!

Send your question in an email with “Ask Joe” in the subject to our address at editor@azgamingguide.com and if Joe selects your question to be answered in an upcoming issue, you’ll get a $25 gift card! (If you prefer to send a letter, you may mail it to the following address.

“Ask Joe” Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277)

Tropicana is the official Laughlin registration site and will host a Thursday night pool party. Join thirty thousand visitors in what is expected to be the biggest float so far on the Colorado River.

Laugh till your side hurts, October 2–4, 2015. It will be the second year for the Laughlin Laugh Fest. A number of Laughlin casinos, including Tropicana Laughlin, partner to host individual comedy events such as comedy contests, all-female comedienne shows and more.

These are just a few of the events you will find happening at, or around, Tropicana Laughlin. So if you’re a seeker of things to do, you’ll find there’s so much more fun, variety, and choices than you thought when you visit the Tropicana. For more information about the casino, make sure to head over to their website at TropLaughlin.com. $

azgamingguide.com | June 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

35

CASINO NIGHTLIFE

By Mark Novak

OMNIA NIGHTCLUB - CAESARS PALACE Three Nightlife Spaces, Innovative Design & Impressive Talent

T

he OMNIA Nightclub opened its doors on the evening of March 15th welcoming guests to experience the highly-anticipated debut of the venue, kicking off with a performance from Calvin Harris. OMNIA’s inaugural events will establish a new industry standard for Las Vegas with its fresh articulation of the nightlife experience, merging opulent design and an incomparable talent roster with never-beforeseen, state-of-the-art technology.

The completely redeveloped 75,000-square-foot venue, architecturally led by the Rockwell Group, houses three distinct nightlife spaces - the Main Club including the Balcony level, Heart of OMNIA, the sleek and seductive ultra-lounge, and the Terrace each distinct in atmosphere and mood. OMNIA’s innovative use of technology enhances the interaction and storytelling to create an immersive, sensory and celebratory experience.

Guests of OMNIA are greeted by beautifully lacquered gold ticketing kiosks surrounded by plush purple velvet walls. A multi-armed chandelier and elaborate art installation bring guests to the main corridor sheathed in stone tile. Liquid-crystal display (LCD) portals embedded in black one-way mirrors on all four sides of the walkway create a unique and ever-changing environment through interactive technology as guests enter the Main Club.

The Main Club boasts a dramatic 65-foot-tall ceiling dome, which encompasses a 22,000-pound kinetic chandelier. The grandiose centerpiece of the Main Club consists of eight concentric rings featuring different production elements including theatrical lighting effects, video projections and light-emitting diode’s (LED) all choreographed to evolve throughout the night.

Also located within the Main Club are the Opal and Velvet bars, each unique in their aesthetic, offering guests prime views of the performance area. Two ascending grand staircases lead guests to the Balcony, with 12 opera boxes and two grand skyboxes for premiere seating with remarkable views of the dance floor below. Also located on the Balcony level is the Mirror bar, featuring facetted iridescent mirror displays; an ideal offering for general admission guests looking to enjoy a premium vantage point to the performance area and dance floor below.

Atop the venue sits the Terrace, providing sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip. Architectural LED strips embedded into the flooring and walls, etched glass light fixtures and cantilevered

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

lampposts provide a soft glow after dusk. The space includes a dance floor, a 50-foot long main bar, tiered cabanas, plush sofas and DJ booth for guests looking to enjoy the energy of The Strip under the stars.

Heart of OMNIA features a sultry material palette rich with dark woods, bronze crocodile-embossed leather banquettes and furnished with an unrivalled LED screen arrangement. Envisioned as a seductive lair, the ultra-lounge features private seating areas, sumptuous bar and imposing DJ booth which will host a roster of world-class, open format talent, ideal for guests looking to enjoy a more seductive area of OMNIA. The nightclub is open Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday from 10pm until late. For reservations and tickets, visit their website OmniaNightclub.com or call 702.785.6200. Guests can also find OMNIA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Guests must be 21 years or older. Cover charges and table reservations will vary.

While at Caesars Palace, make sure to visit their newly opened lounge. The Vista Cocktail Lounge, an upscale, interactive cocktail experience premiered at Caesars Palace this month and is located in the former Shadow Bar. Owned by Caesars Palace and operated by Hakkasan Group, Vista Cocktail Lounge will be located off the main casino floor, complementing the neighboring Hakkasan Group properties OMNIA Nightclub and Searsucker Restaurant, also within the iconic Las Vegas resort.

The experiential cocktail bar and lounge will create a cozy, yet still modern, atmosphere combining immersive and hi-tech offerings alongside custom-crafted cocktails. $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Listings Wed. & Thu. at 6pm, Redneck Rockstars (Country)— Mon. 8pm, Daisy Train (Country)— Wed. 8pm, The Tommy Ash Band (Country, Rock, Americana)—Thursdays 8pm Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506 Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568 Stargazer Pavillion: The Beach Boys—Jun. 27 Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends

Comedian DL Hughley Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita August 1, 2015 Comedian and actor DL Hughley is coming to the Diamond Center for a night of laugh-out-loud standup on Saturday, August 1. Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now. One of the most popular and highly recognized standup comedians on the road today has also made quite an impression in the television, film and radio arenas. DL can currently be heard nationwide as host of his own afternoon radio show “The DL Hughley Show” which is nationally syndicated in over 60 cities across the country including the #1 radio market – New York.

First and foremost a standup comedian, his sixth stand-up comedy special “Clear” aired on Showtime last year. DL also created and starred in the satirical documentary special for Comedy Central “DL Hughley: The Endangered List,” which premiered to rave reviews. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We are excited to bring one of the Original Kings of Comedy to the Diamond Center for a night of laughs! Don’t miss your chance to see DL Hughley live on August 1.”

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438 Events: Apache Reggae Jam 2—Jun. 20 BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360 Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm Events: Cage Rage 9—Jun. 20 Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Showroom: Mötley Crüe’d (Mötley Crüe Tribute)—Jun. 5-6, Strange Days (The Doors Tribute)—Jun. 12-13, Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute)—Jun. 26-27 The Arizona Room: Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—Tue. at 6pm, Rhythm of the Sun—Tue. at 8pm, Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—

38 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687 Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Th & Fr at 8pm Fifty Shades of Men—Jun. 6 Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467 Monsoon Nightclub: 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: Live and Let Die (Beatles Tribute)—Jun. 6 REO Speedwagon—Jun. 27 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 Special Events: Ma rsha ll Tuck er Ba nd—19th, JT Hodges—27th The Lounge: Jo hn Eric Ba nd—5th, Doo Wah Riders—6th, New Wave Order—12th, Rock Lobster—13th, The Walkens—20th, Quantum—26th, Wild Wednesdays Jukebox 6—3rd, Thaddeus Rose—10th, XO Band—17th, Yesterday Once More—24th The Lounge Happy Hour Sta rting June 1st Mo nda ys thro ugh Thursda ys fro m 58pm. Stan & Miguel Duo—Mondays, John Eric Duo—Tuesdays, The Walkens Duo—Wednesdays, Van & Melanie—Thursdays, Al Ortiz— 15th, Soloman King & The Chosen—29th Sundays In The Lounge Live music from 4-8pm. Notes From Neptune—7th, Jo Costello Project—14th, Stan & Miguel Trio—21st, Soloman King & The Chosen—28th Margarita Sundays Poolside parties held Sunday’s throughout the summer. Enjoy live music, great food and drink, all while relaxing poolside. Margarita Sunday from 2 to 6pm. Cheeseburgers in Paradise—7th, Desert Beach—14th, Panacea (Steel Drums)—21st, Kush Country—28th Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744 Timbers Lounge and Showroom:

Editor’s Pick Munday Funday—Comedy Show 7pm, Apache Spirit (Variety)—Jun. 2-6, Johnny Ray Band (Variety)—Jun. 9-13, Lil’ Elmo & The Cosmos (Oldies)—Jun. 16-20, Kid-n-Nic (Variety)—Jun. 23-27 Events: Pow Wow In The Pines—Jun. 6-8 White Mountain Bike Rally—Jun. 27-28

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Presents:

Marshall Tucker Band June 19

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 Apache Spirits Lounge: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.

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 Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777 The Pool: Posso—Jun. 6, DJ Zhaldee—Jun. 14, J Funk—Jun. 20, Miss DJ Frankie M—Jun. 21, Jessica Who—Jun. 27, Danny Stern—Jun. 28 The Showroom & Grand Ballroom: Whitesnake—Jun. 5, Hairwars—Jun. 7, Robin Trower—Jun. 11, Peter Frampton & Cheap Trick—Jun. 14, 311—Jul. 2 Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946 Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452 VQ Live: Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends Event Center: DSB: An American Journey (Journey Tribute)—Jun. 19, Powerdrive—Jun. 20, Los Humildes de Los Hermanos Ayala—Jun. 26

The Lounge will play host to the Marshall Tucker Band on June 19 at 8pm. One of the major Southern rock bands of the '70s, the Marshall Tucker Band was formed in Spartanburg, SC, in 1971. The group's style combines rock, country, and jazz and features extended instrumental passages.

JT Hodges June 27 On Saturday, June 27 at 8pm, Texas newcomer, JT Hodges takes the stage, bringing his original and raucous sound to The Lounge. His soulful lyrics have made him an undeniable country-rock artist, producing alongside award-winning songwriters and touring with such artists as Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and others.

These free concerts are on a first-come first-serve basis, with wristbands available two hours prior to showtime at the Main Casino Entrance. There are plenty of other live performances all month long, just visit HarrahsAkChin.com for more information. $

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: Banda MS—Jun. 5, OneGunn, One Love (Bob Marley Tribute)—Jun. 6, Mariachi Vargas 2015—Jun. 12, Hannibal Buress—Jun. 13, Tears For Fears w/ special guest Carina Round—Jun. 19, Air Supply—Jun. 20, Don’t Look Back (Boston Tribute)—Jun. 21, Three Dog Night— Jun. 26, Intocable—Jun. 27, Catch A Wave (Beach Boys Tribute)— Jul. 3, American Hitmen & The GIs of Comedy—Jul. 4 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 | June 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

39

CASINO BINGO

By Mark Novak

PARADISE CASINO BINGO HALL June Schedule Of Games, Promotions, And Winners

T

he Paradise Casino Bingo Hall in Yuma has been heating up with several big winners in April!

June 14th Flag Day: $500 Must Go Special at the 6pm session.

June 21st Father’s Day: The session starts at 1:30pm and offers a $25 Paper Buy-In / $47 & $77 Electronic Buy-in and includes 10 main games paying $300 with $500 Specials and the Double Action Coverall for $1,199. Plus, there are free Father’s Day Dauber’s while they last!

Monday & Wednesday Bonanza Gold Nights: Starting at 6pm, players can come out and try their luck with the Bonanza Special and win a chance at the Big Progressive Jackpot or a $500 consolation. The Bonanza Jackpot is valued at over $11,000.

Thursday Nights No Split Bingo: If you are tired of sharing

Mary Jo Garewal Progressive Coverall

$2,450.95 Sammy Colter 4/10/15 Progressive Coverall

$2,621.95 4/28/15

your bingo winnings, this is your night! The No Split Bingo session begins at 6pm and no matter how many winners bingo together on the main games, each winner will receive $100. No Split Bingo is not valid on Hot Ball or other Specials. $

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 6:30pm. Su at 1:30pm.

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

Yes

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 11:30pm.

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: 10, Noon, 3:45, 5:30pm.

Daily: Noon & 6:30pm.

750

Yes

Yes

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

Mazatzal

Mo-Th at Noon.

Tu & Th at 6:30pm.

280

Yes

Yes

No

Paradise

Tu-Su at 1:30pm Mo-Fr at 6pm.

300

Yes

Yes

Call for Kozmic Bingo & Other Special Dates

Twin Arrows

Th-Su at 7pm & Su at 3pm.

100

No

Yes

No

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 05/01/15 & 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 | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

THE SLOTS ARE SET SO TIGHT A Frustrated Reader Says What We Are All Thinking … “This Sucks!”

L

ook, I know you are probably going to write off my rant as coming from a frustrated loser, but I am really starting to get fed up with the casinos and their slots! I feel I can’t win anymore. I know I always walk away a loser and I’m actually not expecting to be a winner, I just want to have my money last for a while so I can get some fun out of the games. If I could just walk away even from time to time, I think that would make me happy at this point. Also, it doesn't seem to matter which casino I visit, the slots are all the same.

Nothing but tight, tight, tight. I used to be able to walk in to a casino with $50 and occasionally come home with $50. Now, $500 isn’t enough and all I do is lose, lose quickly, and walk away frustrated.

Candace Jergens—Chandler, Arizona Candace, I truly feel your pain. Believe me when I say you are not the only one who voices your opinion to me. As a matter of fact, during my recent casino visits, I hear your comments all around me. Other casino patrons are having the same topic of conversation as you are, out loud, on the casino floor. If only the casino had ears!

There are several points to make in response to your concerns.

The first is I want to make sure everyone understands a bankroll should only be made up of money budgeted for entertainment and walking in or out of a casino frustrated is not a good thing.

Second, slot machine design has changed over the past ten years or so. Gone are the good old days when playing a nine line “dribbler” slot and winning $20 in a bonus round for a total of 400 nickels was a good time. Those games allowed you to continue playing with only a small bankroll.

Third, pay close attention to the minimum bets of the newest machines, even those slots that have come out in the past five years. Many of them start at 30, 40, even 50 credits! We used to play 9 or 15 credits. Heck, 20 credits was a stretch already ten years ago!

Fourth, the most popular denomination of the slots on the casino floor is pennies. It used to be nickels. With that change came a decrease in overall payback percentage. Most nickel games in larger casinos are probably set in the low to mid 90% payback range and most penny slots are in the high 80% payback range.

42 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Fifth, the slots are more volatile, way more volatile. When I come across a slot that a slot manufacturer lists as “low volatility,” I am ready to laugh. Low volatility to me means a nine line Texas Tea by IGT or similar game (Do you remember Texas Ted and his armadillo in the oil derrick bonus?) The number of losing spins between wins of any significance (like just getting your bet back or, God forbid, twice or even five times your bet back) is so long, sometimes it feels like the slot machine behaves like a vacuum cleaner!

All these reasons combine to generate frustration. The environment we are playing in now has changed. Us players can’t keep going with the game design direction forced upon us by the slot manufacturers forever. I do hope someone wakes up and smells the coffee, and the conversation on the casino floors! $

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: sami@azgamingguide.com

FUN FACTS

By Mark Novak

ARIZONA BENEFITS FUND Quarterly Tribal Gaming Contributions On The Rise

T

he Arizona Department of Gaming announced that statewide tribal contributions increased for a third consecutive quarter. Tribal contributions to the State from gaming revenue will be approximately $25.2 million for the quarter that ended March 31, 2015. This is a 4.7 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of last year.

“Since September of last year, we have remained optimistic that tribal contributions would continue to grow and reflect an improving State economy,” said Daniel Bergin, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “This sustained growth is a positive sign not only for our State, but most importantly for the crucial programs this funding supports.”

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: Total Contributions:

$12,690,958 $ 6,345,479 $ 2,000,000 $ 1,812,994 $ 1,812,994 $ 503,315 $25,165,740

The Arizona Department of Gaming, in partnership with Arizona’s tribes, regulates Indian gaming. Under the Arizona TribalState 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 parimutuel betting. Tribes send contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund every three months. $

azgamingguide.com | June 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide

43

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH In honor of Flag Day on June 14th, find: STARS, FOURTEENTH, RED, AMERICAN, CEREMONY, CONGRESS, OLD GLORY, ALLEGIANCE, RESPECT, STRIPES, FIFTY, WHITE, PATRIOTIC, MEMORIAL, PARADE, UNION, BANNER, THIRTEEN, JUNE, BLUE, BETSY ROSS, HOLIDAY, PLEDGE, SYMBOL, HISTORY. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

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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

1

4

9

7

6 9

6

3

2

8

7

3

6

5

4 3 4

8

6

9 8

2

4 5

44 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

3

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 904

Y

Y

05. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,065

Y

Y

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 289

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 652

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 509

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

Tucson

866-332-9467 1,089

I-19, Exit 80

Tucson

866-332-9467 675

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

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

480-802-5000 1,089

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 825

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

800-946-4452 786

Y

Y

Payson

800-777-7529 419

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

Y

Y

Chandler

Y

101 & Indian Bend

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 759

Y

I-40, Exit 219

Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,085

Y

Y

6443 Komatke Ln.

Laveen

800-946-4452 950

Y

Y

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 950

Y

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 243

21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino 22. Vee Quiva Casino 24. Yavapai Casino

Y Y

Y Y* Y

Y

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

20. Talking Stick Resort

Y

Y

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

17. Paradise Casino

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 904 Maricopa

15. Lone Butte Casino

Y

Y

58

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

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

866-332-9467

Y

Y

Spa

04. Casino Arizona

Golf

800-756-8744 320

RV Park

888-243-3360 524

Prescott

Hotel

Parker

1500 E. Hwy. 69

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 05/01/15 & 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 W P H I S T O R Y U N I O N

N L A E S S C O E R R Y E S M T O E N B Y P

H E C D I F G O B O L T C A T R

S S E R T H I R T I S T A R S N T R U E O F R J L I E E G S F U D M Y T L R M A Y L B T E R O U E D E E E A E P S E R N R I O T I C E N N A B

G N O E E N Y S H M T O E R L M I I O P D R E A I S Y A D L R T A H P

Sudoku Solution C

A L L E G I A N C E

2

9

8

1

7

6

4

3

5

4

3

1

9

8

5

7

2

6

7

6

5

3

4

2

8

1

9

8

1

9

6

2

7

3

5

4

3

2

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5

9

4

6

8

1

6

5

4

8

3

1

2

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7

5

8

3

4

6

9

1

7

2

1

7

6

2

5

8

9

4

3

9

4

2

7

1

3

5

6

8

46 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2015 | azgamingguide.com

Smoke-Free Area

Y

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Arcade

Y

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Poker Room

Y

800-272-2438 598

Table Games Y

Globe

Live Keno

Y

City

Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe

06. Casino of the Sun

Slots

Y

Location

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort 03. Bucky’s Casino

Phone

Bingo

Casino

High Limit Area

CASINO DIRECTORY

Y Y Y