Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - July 2020 - 12:07

JULY

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 06 PLAYERS TALK 10 GREAT GAMES

14 TABLE GAMES 18 ELECTRONIC TABLE GAMES 20 FEATURE STORY 24 ARIZONA LOTTERY 26 GAMING NEWS 32 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT 34 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN 36 FUN & GAMES 38 CASINO DIRECTORY

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DIVE INTO SUMMER WITH TALKING STICK RESORT’S PLAYCATION PACKAGE

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The AZ Dept. of Health Services and the AZ Dept. of Gaming release COVID-19 recommendations.

Soar to Desert Diamond Casino Tucson for a chance to play Quick Hit Ultra Pays Eagle’s Peak.

Winnings are heating up with this great new promo, because as the temperatures soar so do the prizes.

CASINOS, PATRONS AND THE CORONAVIRUS

DESERT DIAMOND’S NEW SLOTS IN TUCSON

AZ LOTTERY’S BEAT THE HEAT PROMOTION

azgamingguide.com | July 2020 | Arizona Gaming Guide

03

EDITOR’S NOTE

GOOD LUCK!

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

That’s From Shakespeare...

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 07 MANAGING DIRECTOR & VIDEO POKER GURU Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com

O

ver the years of working on the Arizona Gaming Guide every month, I have always been intrigued about the origins of words, games, casinos, and everything having to do with the casino gaming industry.

I look forward to discovering and learning about little factual tidbits in all aspects of my life, the casino industry is just one of many subjects I make a point to continue to learn about. In any case, here’s the origin of “Good Luck!”

The phrase “Good Luck” comes from Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, first published in 1602 but may have been written and performed as early as 1597, featuring the main character Sir John Falstaff, who says: “You shall hear.

As good luck would have it, comes in one Mistress Page; gives intelligence of Ford’s approach; and, in her invention and Ford’s wife’s distraction, they conveyed me into a buck-basket.”

I’m looking forward to sharing more of these “factoids” with all of you in the months to come.

Have a lucky month!

Alexandra

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

PUBLISHER & SLOT GURU Chris Höft chris@azgamingguide.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Lang editor@azgamingguide.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Mueller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Moe Matt Probst Mark Novak TJ Jorgensen Lana Hartmann Heather Foreman Samantha Becker Daniel Cruikshank ADVERTISING SALES Elizabeth Torma liz@azgamingguide.com Nina Consiglio nina@azgamingguide.com MAILING INFORMATION Arizona Gaming Guide P.O. Box 20636 Mesa, Arizona 85277 INTERNET INFORMATION AZGamingGuide.com Facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide Copyright © 2009-2020 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. AGG is not liable for claims made in articles and/or advertisements. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners.

Intended for single use only. Reproduction in part or in whole in any form without consent is not permitted. Sale and/or distribution in any form without consent is not permitted. Check all details with the respective casino’s Players Club. Our full legal disclaimer can be found at AZGamingGuide.com/index_files/legal_disclaimer.html.

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 Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource: Division 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

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PLAYERS TALK QUESTION: Dear Friends: First, I would like to say my wife and I love reading your publication. Second, I have long wanted to write about a particularly revolting [behavior] I have seen at [the casinos] many times over the years.

[At the casinos] I personally have seen, on numerous occasions while in the men’s bathroom, that many (yes, many) men do not wash their hands after their hands have handled their private parts. These men are slobs to say the least. They go back on [the casino] playing floor and place their hands on the play buttons and play handles with no consideration for the health of others. Now, with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) [outbreak], this is an awful practice [by other casino guests].

My wife and I are going to STOP our weekly visits to [the casinos] because of this behavior.

W. & M. B. – Apache Junction, AZ ANSWER: Thank you for your kind words about our publication and for having written us about your concerns. We always appreciate hearing what our readers have to say about their experiences at casinos. And, you should know your letter was one of hundreds of letters and emails we have received recently regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.

QUESTION: I was very excited to learn that both Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona were going smoke-free. I feel very safe playing there. They check temperatures at all the doors and they require that all the customers wear masks. If it wasn’t for the smoke-free policy, I still wouldn’t be going to a casino yet while the Coronavirus is out there. I’m very nervous to go to a casino where there’s smoke and people are running around without masks.

I asked employees at both Casino Arizona and Talking Stick if they will continue to have a smoke-free policy after the pandemic is over and I’m being told that for now this is a temporary policy that has been put in place. As a non-smoker, and the friend of many non-smokers who enjoy going to the casino on a regular basis, I am hoping (we are all hoping) that this new smoke-free policy stays in place. Both casinos are so clean and fresh. I believe all of us non-smokers would really appreciate having one or two casinos that we can visit and play at without being assaulted by all the smoke.

I don’t believe any of the valley casinos have gone smoke-free but do you know of any out-of-town casinos in Arizona that aren’t allowing smoking for now? I would drive to a casino just for that reason. Thanks for a great magazine!

Mary Witowski – Chandler, AZ

We completely understand and empathize with your point of view. Over the decades, we have seen unsanitary behavior at casinos by patrons and employees alike in the restrooms (in both the men’s and the women’s – ladies, you are not much better than the men when you put your purses on the floor in the bathroom and then on the table in a restaurant!), on the gaming floor, in restaurants, in elevators, in the hotel rooms, essentially everywhere!

But, we also see that same behavior by employees and the general public in doctor’s offices, hospitals (for example, mopping the room of a patient in one room and then “cleaning” another patient’s room without disinfecting the mop, bucket, or changing the water – come on!), restaurants, the post office, office buildings, drug stores, grocery stores, etc. Casinos are not the only public places with an exposure risk to unsanitary conditions, patrons, and employees who may or may not be sick. Unfortunately, in our experience, the incidence of unsanitary behavior (especially in restrooms) among the general public appears to be on the increase, at least to us.

Please rest assured that casinos have been and are continuing to be very proactive as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. These are very difficult times and we hope the general public remains strong, confident, healthy, maintains a positive and fearless attitude, relearns sanitary practices, and establishes those practices as lifelong habits moving forward. Continue to remain informed about the outbreak, be vigilant and protect yourself and those you love. We’ll keep you updated with each new issue as the situation surrounding the pandemic continues to evolve.

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ANSWER: Thank you for your kind words about our publication and for having written us about your opinion on the issue of smoking in casinos. You are correct in stating Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort have implemented a mandatory mask policy and a smoke-free experience during their first phase of reopening. For more information, visit the Casino Arizona website at CasinoArizona.com and the Talking Stick Resort website at TalkingStickResort.com.

And to answer your question, there are other casinos which decided to reopen with mandatory masks and a smoke-free environment. These requirements were put in place the day they opened and not several weeks or months later.

Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos in Prescott reopened on June 1 with a Play Safe campaign. Here’s what the General Manager, John O’Neill shared with us: “The health and safety of our community remains our number one priority during this unprecedented time. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the COVID-19 virus and, whether it be directly or otherwise, all of us have been impacted.

Please be aware that new procedures are in place at both of our properties for the protection of all. All guests and employees will Play Safe by having temperatures checked upon entry, wearing masks at all times and continuing to abide by social distancing procedures while enjoying gaming once again. As (Continued on page 8)

PLAYERS TALK (Continued from page 6)

COVID-19 is transmitted by way of micro droplets, we have decided that both properties will be completely smoke free and vape free. We are being cautious at this uncertain time and your cooperation is requested. In the meantime, please Play Safe, so that you stay safe. It is our pleasure to welcome you back as we navigate this together.”

For more information, visit the Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos website at BuckysCasino.com.

And, on June 17, the Quechan Indian Tribe reopened the Paradise Casino in Yuma with a mandatory mask requirement and a smoke-free experience. Here is what management said about their reopening policies: “The decision to reopen at this time is based on several factors.

Casino Management worked diligently to create a safe environment for our guests and team members, including significant changes to the gaming floor. While other casinos have shut down slot machines, our approach is to concentrate on social distancing by removing slot machines. Some of those machines are placed in Bingo and Sharky's Lounge allowing for optimal capacity and comfort while adhering to maximum social distancing standards. Other measures taken include: Safety All employees will be wearing masks. All guests will be required to wear masks. Smoking in the casino will not be allowed. All employees will be screened and be sent home if they have a temperature over 100.4°. Masks and gloves will be available to our guests. If you prefer you can wear a mask from home. Extensive signage and direction promoting safety and rules will be located throughout the property. A dedicated Sanitation team solely focused on ensuring property cleanliness.

Additional hand sanitizers at all high contact areas around the casino. Please do not visit if you are experiencing flulike symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.

General Property We will be closed from 3 to 7 a.m. daily for additional cleaning.

No one under the age of 21 will be allowed on property. Bingo and Sharky's Lounge will cease operation until further notice but the rooms will be used for slot machines. Loitering strictly prohibited. One guest per machine. Management reserves the right to question and turn away any guest showing signs of illness. We look forward to seeing you soon!” For more info visit the Paradise Casino website at Paradise-Casinos.com.

At press time, several casinos have not reopened yet and it is difficult to predict what policies will be implemented once they do reopen. Everyone should realize that each casino is assessing their unique situation and business operation on a daily basis and will adapt to the guidelines put forth by the Arizona Department of Health Services (see the Gaming News story on page 28 of this issue). $

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NEW SLOTS

Quick Hit U. P. Eagle’s Peak Now At Desert Diamond Casinos Tucson

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oar to Desert Diamond Casino Tucson for a chance to play Quick Hit Ultra Pays Eagle’s Peak—appearing for the first time in Southern Arizona. This trendy game series from Scientific Games includes two new, exciting themes.

Players can try their luck with the fan-favorite Quick Hit feature where the number of Quick Hit symbols landing during the base game corresponds to a jackpot when playing max credits bet. Plus, the Free Games Bonus has an initial Pick Feature that determines the number of Free Games a player can win, and a Free Games feature with up to six expanding reel positions.

You’ll love the view from Eagle’s Peak at Desert Diamond Casino Tucson. For more information on the latest slots, visit DDCAZ.com, call 1.866.DDC.WINS (1.866.332.9461), or follow them on their social networking pages including Facebook (@DDCAZ), Twitter (@DiamondCasinos), and Instagram (@DiamondCasinos). $

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NEW SLOTS

Red Hot Tamales Jackpots Now At Talking Stick Resort

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nspired by the original, player-favorite Red Hot Tamales! slots, this theme is the newest spinning-reel addition to Multi-Level Progressive games. This game features four progressive jackpot levels with multiple ways to win and an exciting new Sombrero Wheel bonus that is prominently advertised in the top screen. The Sombrero Wheel bonus is triggered when a scatter bonus symbol lands on reel three in the center position. If the bonus has not been awarded after a number of spins, the scatter bonus symbol may nudge to the center position and trigger the bonus where players are awarded one wheel spin for the chance to win bonus credits, a progressive jackpot, or all four jackpots. The two bottom jackpot levels can also be awarded through the Blackout Pays Feature. A blackout of yellow “7” symbols at maximum bet awards the Excelente jackpot. A full reel of green “7” symbols on reel one, white “7” symbols on reel two, and red “7” symbols on reel three at maximum bet awards the Muy Bueno jackpot.

These four progressive jackpot levels, with multiple ways to win, will keep players engaged with every spin and the frequently-occurring Sombrero Wheel bonus elevates big win excitement! You’ll find this game, along with many other new games, ready for play at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. For info about the casino visit their website TalkingStickResort.com. Info on the slot’s manufacturer, IGT, is at IGT.com. $

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TABLE GAMES

By Al Moe

WHAT’S A “CASINO GEORGE?” Insights Into Blackjack Games & Names

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asinos invite all kinds of players: good, bad, happy, sad; you name it, everyone gets a chance to play. But not everyone is a George. But first, let’s look at two side wagers to lead up to player names.

PUSH 22 Push 22 is only found at Free Bet Blackjack. I’ve mentioned Free Bet before, but if you’ve forgotten, it has standard Blackjack rules, but on double down hands of 9-10-11 and all split pairs except tens, you don’t have to put any extra money up. The dealer places a token where your double down or split bet would go. If your hand wins, you get paid double. If you lose, you only lose the one wager. It’s a free bet.

Since you get this free bet, when the dealer busts with a total of 22, all wagers are a push. That’s where the Push 22 side bet comes in.

Before you get cards, you can make the side bet, and if the dealer busts with exactly 22, the bet gets paid 10 to 1. It’s cool to push and win at the same time. If the dealer 22 is all one color, the bet pays 17 to 1, and if the cards are suited, you’ll get 35 to 1.

At these payoffs, the house edge is less than 4%. Payoffs and odds may vary at your favorite casino.

TRILUX BLACKJACK TriLux is another Blackjack side bet based on each player’s first two cards and the dealer’s up card. It can also be found with different payouts for each winning three-card hand. My favorite is 25 (to 1) for a straight flush, 15 for three-of-a-kind, 10 for a straight, and 5 for a flush.

The payout table also shows a Lucky George payout. No, you don’t get that too. Any winning hand’s corresponding Lucky George payout goes to the dealer. The most likely payouts are $10 for the straight flush down to $1 for a flush – for the dealer.

Now that’s innovative.

Do the dealers love it? That remains to be seen. And what of this George name? Well, there’s quite a history there. Any player who tips in a casino is great for the receiver. Poker and table game dealers have continuous interaction with players, and their income is dependent on good tippers since they are only paid minimum wage. That’s where the history comes in. Casino breakrooms and bars across the industry are filled with stories from elated and deflated dealers who may have been tipped

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well, or not at all over their past few tables. That’s the norm.

Non-tippers are affectionately known as stiffs.

Back in the 1960s, a sports-betting taxi driver in Las Vegas used to live and die by the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team’s success. He bet them when his favorite pitchers were going, especially Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax.

Fortunately, the Dodgers were very good, and from 1963 to 1966, Koufax had an amazing record of 97 wins and just 27 losses. The taxi driver bet big, won big and took his winnings to the Blackjack tables where he tipped big. His name was George.

Sandy Koufax is in the baseball Hall of Fame. The Dodgers retired his uniform number. Most dealers like a George more.

Good luck and have fun! $ 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. His book, “Vegas and the Mob," is available online at Amazon.com. He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.

TABLE GAMES

By TJ Jorgensen

NOON BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT At Casino Arizona Every Tuesday

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or the last 13 plus years or so Casino Arizona has held a weekly Blackjack Tournament on Tuesdays at Noon. I have played pretty much every Tuesday for the last nine years. Trudee and the gang have fine-tuned their tournament hosting skills to make it the best run tournament anywhere to be found. The tournament operates like a fine oiled machine.

However, something unexpected happened to me over the last nine years of tournament playing. I gained a lot of really good friends. It is usually the same group of players week after week, with an occasional new player or two. These players are always welcome and other players usually will help them with the rules, especially if they have never played before. In fact, often times the new player will finish it in the money.

My friend Brent, who I have known since third grade, decided to come and give tournament play a try after I had been nagging him for the last year. I just gave him some tournament basics since there is a lot of luck involved. He paid his $50 entry fee and took 1st place in his very first tournament, which paid around $1,300. The next Tuesday he entered again and didn’t take 1st place, but did make the final table and was paid around $700. The following Tuesday he entered again, and once again he took 1st Place. He again took home around $1,300. My point is that if you come out and play, anyone has a chance to win!

Here is how the Noon Blackjack Tournament on Tuesdays at Casino Arizona works. In the first qualifying round, they use four or five tables with up to six players per table. Each player gets $5,000 in play chips and if you buy a $5 keno ticket you get an extra $500 in chips. Betting Limits are $25 to $2,500. Each round consists of twenty one hands. At the end of twenty one hands, the player with the most chips advances to the semi final. If you aren’t the player with the most chips, for another $50, you can give it another try in the second qualifying round. If you aren’t the player with the most chips once again, for an additional $50, you can give it one more try in the third and final qualifying round.

six equal shares and everyone takes 1/6. That way everyone gets the same amount. The other option that the players may choose is to “Chop and Play.” What this means is the prize money is divided into seven equal parts. The players then play eleven hands, and the player with the most chips gets the extra portion.

The amount of prize money depends on how many entries there are for that given Tuesday. So if you have Tuesday at Noon off, come out and play at Casino Arizona! Everyone is very friendly and, who knows, you might make some new friends and win some cash? The nice thing about this tournament is that you are playing against other players and not the casino.

I teach what it takes to be a card counter in my brand new book How To Become A Blackjack Jedi, available for sale now. You will learn everything you need to know and some things that you haven’t even thought of before. Order it on my website at FreeWebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner/mybook.htm.

Note: Due to the pandemic, tournaments may not be offered. $

If you don’t win in the third round, you still have a chance because they usually draw some wild cards for the semifinal. In the semifinal, there are three tables of six players all starting with $5,000 in play chips. Again twenty one hands are played, but this time the two players with the most chips advance to the money round or Final Table. Everyone who makes the Final gets paid. What usually happens is the players either decide to “Chop and Go” which means they divide the prize money into

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Writer TJ Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his tournament play and has beaten some of the top tournament players in the world. He has also won the World Series Of Blackjack. His book “Beating The Casino At Their Own Game” is available by email at: TJ21PRO@GMail.com.

TABLE GAMES

By Daniel Cruikshank

STATISTICS FOR WINNERS Hot, Cold & Average Roll

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ou have probably heard that expression “statistics are just for losers” most likely when watching your favorite sporting event, and your team, statistically, mopped the floor with their opponent. Unfortunately, your team lost again.

If only the statistics could be used to overturn that loss, the other team just caught a lucky break at the end of the game. Statistically, your team was the winner.

What if the other team was also using statistics? What if the opposing coach knew that their star player was due to make a big play, if only the right situation presented itself. Suddenly, there it is, the defense has lined up in a “prevent” formation. If the star player sees it, and can get open, it’s a sure score.

One of the biggest advantages available to an informed e-Craps or e-Roulette player, is the statistics provided by the electronic versions of the live table games. In this article, I will look at some of the statistics available for e-Roulette and e-Craps.

HOT AND COLD When I play e-Roulette, I employ one of several betting strategies that usually involves four to six numbers. One such strategy is betting zero and double-zero, aka Green, and their neighbors, i.e., the numbers to the immediate right and left of the Green. These are the 1/27 and the 2/28 respectively. The amount I bet depends on the HOT and COLD statistics.

If two or more of the numbers are HOT, then I make a single bet on each number. This means I will win 35 times a single bet. If the numbers are COLD, then I split the numbers that are next to each other on the betting layout. This would be the 0/00 and 1/2.

The 27/28 are not together; I cannot split bet these numbers.

Based on the statistics, I bet six units when the numbers are HOT, and four units when the numbers are COLD. During my last casino trip, the Green were hit repeatedly; ten times in total within fifty spins. I bet twenty-five cents on each number and doubled the bet if any of the six numbers won. I cashed out $132 ahead. For me, that was a big win.

AVERAGE ROLL When playing Craps, I employ a similar strategy based on the statistic AVERAGE ROLL. This number represents the average number of rolls made when a point is established. A point is the number that must be rolled twice before a 7 is rolled, in order to win the bet.

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Once established, if the AVERAGE ROLL is four or less, then I will place a bet on four numbers: inside (5, 6, 8 and 9) if the point is one of those numbers; outside (4, 5, 9 and 10) if the point is 4 or 10. If the AVERAGE ROLL is five or more, then I place a bet across (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) which covers all the point numbers.

The amount I risk is $4 when the 7 is being rolled excessively or $6 when the 7 is asleep. I press the bet for each number, other than the point, that wins during the roll. If the point number wins, then I clear the bets. When the next point is established I place my bets accordingly, checking the AVERAGE ROLL statistic.

SUMMARY There are several statistics available on the InterBlock electronic table game machines. I suggest you take some time to review the Help on each machine. There just might be a statistic that will help you score that winning touchdown or home run. $ Writer Daniel Cruikshank lives in Arizona, is retired, and has been an Electronic and Live Table Games player for decades.

COVER STORY—Talking Stick Resort Celebrates 10 Years

TALKING STICK RESORT CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF GAMING & MORE!

Dive into the summer months with Talking Stick Resort’s annual summer Playcation package. Scottsdale’s leading entertainment destination has reopened its doors and is giving guests the opportunity to enjoy all of its state-of-the-art amenities for one low price. As part of the hotel room package, the property teamed up with the Talking Stick Entertainment District, giving guests access to some of Arizona’s top indoor and outdoor attractions at a discounted price.

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“Talking Stick Resort’s Playcation package is coming at a time when our guests need it most,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations for Talking Stick Resort. “With the advent of the Coronavirus, people are not comfortable with conventional travel, this package gives them the escape they are looking for at a destination close to home at an unbelievable price.”

Now through September 7, guests can enjoy room rates starting at $129 per night Friday and Saturday and $99 Sunday through Thursday. They will also score discounts to some of the Valley’s hottest destinations including Top Golf, Talking Stick Golf Club, OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, iFly, Octane Raceway, Mavrix and Medieval Times. The summer package also includes a $25 food and beverage credit. The Playcation package is available now through September 30 and guests with a valid Arizona I.D. will have the resort fee waived.

The pool is just one of the areas where the resort has instituted new protocols for the safety of employees and guests. Since reopening on June 1, guests visiting Talking Stick Resort have their temperature taken upon entry and are required to wear masks while on property. Smoking has also been temporarily prohibited. These protocols are considered to be the first phase of the reopening.

Continued on page 23

More discounts can be found at Talking Stick Resort’s popular main pool where discounted cabanas and daybeds are available.

From Sunday through Friday, cabanas are $50, while daybeds are $25 as part of the package. All seating at the pool has been reconfigured to implement appropriate social distancing measures as directed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as guidelines from local and state officials.

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7.787"

COVER STORY—Continued: TSR Celebrates 10 Years Continued from page 21

In this phase, a limited number of the property’s restaurants will be open including the Black Fig, Blue Coyote and Ocean Trail. There will be no seating at this time only a partial menu for grab and go selections. Guests staying in the hotel, however, will have access to contactless room service. Other changes are in place on the gaming floor with social distancing measures that include limited seating at slot machines and in the ARENA Poker Room as well as acrylic dividers at the tables.

“Though we have put many changes in place at Talking Stick Resort for guest safety, the one thing that will never change is the amount of entertainment people can expect when they visit,” said Martinez. “We are happy to offer guests a much-needed escape.”

Talking Stick Resort lies in the middle of the Sonoran Desert surrounded by Arizona’s beautiful landscape, the perfect destination where guests can retreat for a fun and relaxing getaway.

The property features a multitude of amenities, including three swimming pools, restaurants and lounges, and a whole world of gaming on the main floor. The 15-story property not only provides extraordinary day and nighttime views, but endless options for guests to play all day and night, making it Scottsdale’s ultimate Summer Playcation destination.

For more information about Talking Stick Resort and Playcation offerings, please visit TalkingStickResort.com. $

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ARIZONA LOTTERY

By Ashley Bold, Public Relations Coordinator

AZ LOTTERY’S BEAT THE HEAT PROMO As The Temperatures Soar, So Do The Prizes

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he winnings are heating up with Arizona Lottery’s Beat the Heat Second Chance promotion, because as the temperatures soar, so do the prizes!

From July 7 through August 31, players can enter eligible nonwinning heat-themed tickets into the Beat the Heat Second Chance promotion, a promotion that gets better as the temperatures rise. In each of the promotion’s four drawings, three lucky players will win $10, $100 or $1,000 times the highest temperature* recorded during that entry period. So, if the high temperature for an entry period is 112 degrees, three winners will take home $1,120, $11,200 and $112,000 respectively!

“It’s never easy watching the mercury climb during Arizona’s long and sweltering summer months,” says Arizona Lottery Executive Director Gregg Edgar, “but with the chance to win up to $1,000 times Phoenix’s high temperature in the Beat the Heat Second Chance promotion, we are making it easier to find the silver lining in our triple-digit temps.”

Six Arizona Lottery games are eligible for the Beat the Heat Second Chance promotion. Warm up with the $2 Fiery 5’s Scratchers®, where players scratch to match their numbers to the winning numbers in order to win the prize shown, and if a player reveals a “5”, they’ll win five times that prize amount! Feel the burn with the $5 $50,000 Inferno Scratchers, with a top prize of $50,000 and a bonus game where players can win $50 instantly.

And turn up the heat with the Blazing Hot 100s Fast Play™ ticket, where players match anywhere from four to 12 summertime symbols to win up to $20,000!

Entering the Beat the Heat Second Chance promotion is easy.

Players can visit azplayersclub.com or download the Arizona Lottery Players Club app (available for download on the iTunes® App store and the Google Play™ store) or at AZPlayersClub.com. $1 tickets will receive one entry into the promotion, $2 tickets will receive two entries, $5 tickets will receive five entries and $10 tickets will receive ten entries. Players can enter up to 20 tickets per day for their chance to win.

Players can purchase Scratchers and Fast Play tickets at all 3,000 Arizona Lottery retail locations and the $10 Scratchers ticket is available in a ten pack at Costco for $89.99. For full promotion details, visit AZPlayersClub.com.

*The prize for each prize level will be determined by multiplying the high-

Scratchers® is a registered service mark of the California Lottery.

by the respective multiplier ($1,000X, $100X, $10X). $

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est temperature recorded at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service during the entry period for that drawing

GAMING NEWS

Arizona Department Of Gaming Reports $25.5 Million In Tribal Gaming Contributions To The State For The Fourth Quarter Of FY 2020

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) just announced $25.5 million in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the State’s fourth quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2020.

This amount represents a 5.2 percent decrease when compared to the same quarter of FY2019. “Like much of Arizona, our tribal partners did their part and closed casinos to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Ted Vogt, Director, Arizona Department of Gaming. “While this signifies the first tribal gaming revenue decrease in three years, I am confident that this is not a long term trend and the industry will bounce back stronger.” Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Tribes with casinos contribute 1 to 8 percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties.

Currently, there are 25 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates with Arizona tribes.

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2020 | azgamingguide.com

TRIBAL GAMING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARIZONA BENEFITS FUND FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER FY2020 Instructional Improvement Fund Education .............$12,751,877 Trauma and Emergency Services Fund ........................$6,366,488 Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs ........$2,280,393 Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund ...................................................................................$1,818,996 Tourism Fund ...................................................................$1,818,996 Problem Gambling Ed., Treatment and Prevention ......$510,954 FY2020 Q4 Total ............................................................$25,547,704 For more information about the Arizona Department of Gaming, visit their website at Gaming.AZ.gov. $

GAMING NEWS Source: AZ Department of Health Services & AZ Department of Gaming

AZDHS & AZDOG Release COVID-19 Recommendations For Casinos & Gaming Facilities

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, under all circumstances, the following precautions should be taken by people visiting casinos or gaming facilities:

To the extent possible, casinos and gaming facilities should take measures to ensure that employees and guests follow these guidelines.

Stay at home when sick.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) recommends the following additional steps be taken by casinos:

Protect yourself while visiting casinos and gaming facilities: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

• After leaving a casino or gaming facility, use hand sanitizer.

When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with others.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) and immediately throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Consider wearing cloth face coverings, if it can be safely managed, in public settings where other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

• If you are at higher risk for severe illness, you should avoid crowds and non-essential travel. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.

• Implement physical distancing precautions that maintains at

• • •

•

• •

least 6 feet between guests who do not live in the same household.

Provide space and visual cues (e.g. floor markers) for guests when they are in queue lines (check-in, check-out, elevator lobbies, casual dining, etc.).

Slot machines should be reconfigured to align with physical distancing recommendations. Ensure that guests do not congregate around slot machines.

Table game operations should allow for physical distancing by closing every other table and removing chairs to ensure physical distance between guests. Wipe down slot machines or gaming equipment between guests.

Enforce occupancy limits in retail spaces and pool/outdoor settings.

Enforce similar physical distancing requirements in all the employee-only spaces, such as dining rooms, uniform control areas, and shared office spaces.

Consider whether meetings and gatherings in convention spaces may need to have limited attendance, be held virtually, or suspended if physical distancing is difficult.

(Continued on page 30)

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2020 | azgamingguide.com

GAMING NEWS Source: AZ Department of Health Services & AZ Department of Gaming

AZDHS & AZDOG Release COVID-19 Recommendations For Casinos & Gaming Facilities

(Continued from page 28)

• Encourage guests that are most vulnerable (i.e. adults 65 and • • •

• • •

• • •

over and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions) and those with symptoms of illness to stay home.

Post signage at entrances advising those with symptoms of illness to not enter.

Consider separate services, with added precautions, for vulnerable adults.

Consider use of masks for employees, if feasible, along with increased sanitation and enforcement of physical distancing.

Provide adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, disinfecting wipes, tissues, and no-touch trash cans.

Place hand sanitizer and disinfection materials frequently around gaming tables, slot machines, guest-facing counters and services.

Encourage use of a cloth face covering, when feasible. Coverings should not be placed on children less than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.

Restrict common areas where people are likely to congregate and interact.

Distribute and post health messages and materials to staff and guests and educate about everyday preventive actions that include respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene.

Enforce disinfection procedures of casino cages, slot machines, game tables, table chairs, card shoes, card shufflers.

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2020 | azgamingguide.com

• Enforce disinfection procedures of any game chips and pieces of equipment that game players touch while participating in table games, poker, or bingo or keno stations.

The AZDHS recommends the following additional steps be taken by hotel services: • Enhance disinfection procedures in hotel guest services including public spaces, including the front desk, public bathrooms, check-in counters, bell desks, ATMs, etc.

• High-touch surfaces in guest rooms including television remotes, toilet seat and handles, light switches, temperature control panels, etc.

• Provide hand sanitizer and disinfectant in each guest room and communal space.

• Continue to wash bed linens/laundry at high temperatures.

• Consider an enhanced cleaning procedure if a guest with confirmed COVID-19 is identified.

• Increase air filter and HVAC cleaning/replacements.

• Ensure that all water systems like drinking fountains, decorative fountains, and hot tubs are safe to use after a prolonged facility shut down to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other waterborne diseases.

• Avoid the use of buffets or family-style food services in guest rooms or guest communal spaces. ● Provide informational cards in each guest room with details on recommended COVID-19 precautions.

The full list of COVID-19 Recommendations For Casinos & Gaming Facilities is at Gaming.AZ.gov or AZDHS.gov. $

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Editor’s Pick

Talking Stick Resort In Scottsdale Releases List Of Upcoming Entertainment

COMEDIAN JB SMOOVE Saturday, August 8

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND Friday, November 13

THE MAN IN BLACK (JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE) Friday, August 21

CASH CAB’S BEN BAILEY Saturday, December 5

COMEDIAN NICK SWARSDON Saturday, September 12

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL Friday, December 11

TYLER HENRY—THE HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM Friday, October 2

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK Saturday, January 9, 2021

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND Sunday, October 11

JOHNNY MATHIS Friday, February 12, 2021

JOHN FOGERTY Saturday, October 17

For details and tickets, visit TalkingStickResort.com, or the box office at Talking Stick Resort.

PITBULL Saturday, October 24

Verify all details with the box office for dates, refunds, cancellations, etc. which are at the sole discretion of the venue. $

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2020 | azgamingguide.com

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker

RAVING ABOUT GENUINE EMPLOYEES Even If I Lose, Casino Employees Can Take Some Sting Out Of It

T

here’s nothing worse than a losing session. Let’s just be honest, they suck, big time. I don’t like them, don’t want them, keep them away, thank you!

But, the one thing that always puts my experience back into perspective is how some employees, more so than others, at some casinos, more so than others, make me feel better when I interact with them.

I’m a student of body language, eye contact and eye movement, non-verbal cues (and verbal ones too), and I am able to separate the disingenuous employees from the genuine ones relatively

accurately, in my opinion. So I’d like to praise all the front line casino employees who are genuinely happy; genuinely happy a “regular” is at the casino, and are genuinely happy any customer is at their casino. Plus, I recognize that casino management, either knowingly or not, is supporting and encouraging the behavior of their employees when they interact with customers.

Personally, I really enjoy hearing genuine comments from an employee, whether I’m walking in or out of the casino after winning or not. They perk me up far better than some rehearsed line that every employee says over and over again. And, that goes for other establishments I frequent too! $

FUN & GAMES

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

To Celebrate Gambling, Casinos and Casino Games, Find: CHANCE, LUCK, GAMBLE, CASINO, SLOT MACHINE, COIN FLIP, ROULETTE, BLACKJACK, POKER, VIDEO POKER, KENO, LOTTERY, TABLE GAMES, WAGER, BET, CHIPS, MONEY, DICE, CARDS, WINNING, LOSING, FATE, FORTUNE, GAMES.

Each of the columns, rows, and 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.

Level: HARD (Solution on page 38)

Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 38)

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Jokes & Quotes

Horoscope

Research shows that laughing stimulates the immune system and may help prevent or reverse some medical conditions.

Your Lucky Numbers For July 2020 Aries (March 21 – April 19): 2, 5, 10, 38, 51 Taurus (April 20 – May 20): 21, 22, 23, 30, 64 Gemini (May 21 – June 20): 19, 39, 52, 59, 67 Cancer (June 21 – July 22): 2, 9, 25, 44, 59 Leo (July 23 – August 22): 3, 26, 42, 48, 64 Virgo (August 23 – September 22): 2, 24, 37, 55, 73 Libra (September 23 – October 22): 5, 24, 33, 41, 43 Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): 8, 25, 42, 53, 69 Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): 2, 18, 25, 28, 55 Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): 20, 41, 44, 51, 64 Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): 31, 43, 49, 53, 71 Pisces (February 19 – March 20): 27, 44, 60, 69, 74

Some Cheesy Casino Jokes…

How can you tell if a poker player is bluffing?

Their chips are moving!

What did the dealer say to the deck of cards?

I can't deal with you anymore!

Why isn't gambling allowed in Africa?

Because of all the cheetahs!

What kind of shark is always gambling?

A card shark!

What do craps dealers eat for dessert?

Dice pudding!

What’s the difference between online poker and live poker?

You can cry after a bad beat online and no one laughs at you!

What's the difference between a poker player and a dog?

In about ten years, the dog quits whining.

Why did a blonde from England bring a bag of French fries to a poker game?

Someone told her to bring her own chips!

What do vampires play poker for?

High stakes!

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2020 | azgamingguide.com

Lunar Year Horoscope For The Month Of July 2020—Year Of The Rat Best days to ask for good luck: 3, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25, 27, 28, 31.

Best days to travel: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 22, 23, 27, 29.

Best days to meet with someone: 7, 10, 13, 15, 16.

There is Luck & Travel overlap on the 3rd, 11th & 27th!

Ranking first in the Lunar zodiac, the rat represents wisdom. The people born under the Rat sign are intelligent, charming, quick-witted, practical, ambitious, and good at economizing as well as social activities. Dates for Year Of The Rat: 02/05/1924-01/23/1925, 01/24/36-02/10/37, 02/10/48-01/28/49, 01/28/60-02/14/61, 02/15/72-02/02/73, 02/02/8402/19/85, 02/19/96-02/06/97, 02/06/08-01/25/09, 01/25/20-02/11/21.

888-243-3360 571

Y

Y

1500 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 284

05. Casino Arizona

101 & McKellips

Scottsdale

480-850-7777 579

Y

Y

06. Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Tucson

855-765-7829 1,018

Y

Y

08. Casino Of The Sun

5405 W Valencia Rd

Tucson

855-765-7829

7406 S. Camino De Oeste

Tucson

855-765-7829 273

I-17, Exit 289

Camp Verde

800-381-7568 648

09. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel 10. Cocopah Resort Casino

15318 S. Ave. B

Somerton

800-237-5687 300

Tucson

866-332-9467 658

12. Desert Diamond Casino-Sah.

I-19, Exit 80

Sahuarita

866-332-9467 353

13. Desert Diamond Casino-W.V.

101 & Northern Ave.

Glendale

866-332-9467 670

14. Desert Diamond Casino-Why

Hwy. 86, Milepost 55

Why

15. Fort McDowell Casino

Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd.

16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 881 Maricopa

480-802-5000 825

777 Hwy. 260

Pinetop

800-929-8744 721

1077 S. Kyrene Rd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 859

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

Payson

800-777-7529 369

Yuma

888-777-4946 290

18. Lone Butte Casino 20. Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Dr.

21. Quechan Casino

I-8, Exit 166

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

22. Spirit Mountain Casino

8555 Hwy. 95

Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 125

23. Talking Stick Resort

Y

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480-850-7777 528

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Flagstaff

855-946-8946 1,090

Y

Y

Y

6443 Komatke Ln.

Laveen

800-946-4452 970

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler

800-946-4452 996

Y

Y

Y

Y

1505 E. Hwy. 69

Prescott

800-756-8744 227

Y

Y

Y Y

Y

Y

Y Y

azgamingguide.com

facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Word Search Solution R E G T E A S E W E N M I A H Y G C E E A N C M O D N T M I A O C H L E C S

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F O R T U N E

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Sudoku Solution L U C K C O I N F L I P

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38 Arizona Gaming Guide | July 2020 | azgamingguide.com

Y

Y

Y

Sources: AZ Dept. of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 06/17/20 & direct inquiries at press time. Not responsible for incorrect information. Contact editor@azgamingguide.com to make updates.

Use the QR codes for our website & Facebook Page!

Y

Y

Y

Scottsdale

27. Yavapai Casino

Y

Y

I-40, Exit 219

25. Vee Quiva Casino

Y

Y

101 & Indian Bend

24. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino 26. Wild Horse Pass Casino

Y

58

15406 N. Maricopa Rd.

17. Hon-Dah Casino 19. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

866-332-9467

Y

8

7350 S. Nogales Hwy.

11. Desert Diamond Casino-Tuc.

Y

Y

04. Bucky’s Casino

07. Casino Del Sol Marketplace

Y

Smoke-Free Area

800-272-2438 301

Parker

Y

Spa

Dudleyville

11300 Resort Drive

Y

Arcade

Slots

Golf

Milepost 127 on Arizona 77

03. BlueWater Resort & Casino

Phone

Poker Room

800-272-2438 479

Table Games

Globe

Live Keno

City

RV Park

02. Apache Sky Casino

Location Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe

Hotel

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort

Bingo

Casino

High Limit Area

CASINO DIRECTORY

Y Y Y