January 2016 by Arizona Player

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Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com

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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Boyd’s Eye View – Self Inflicted Wounds Something BIG is coming to Harrah’s Ak-Chin WIN A White Mountains Ski Package Getaway Blackjack Corner – Chart Help for the “Push Bet” Vol. 24 No. 1 • January 2016

Cover Story on Page 8

WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

Contents

Gaming•Entertainment•Travel PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net Editor Phil Scudella Production Assistants John Olson Graphic Design CommuniGraphics

Contributing Photography Arizona Renaissance Festival Kevin Cummings Harrah’s Marketing Department Melody Hudson David Ramsey Melissa Rowberry Satara Williams

Special Thanks to: The Talking Stick Resort Marketing staff and everyone at the Riester Agency for their “beyond the call of duty” help with this issue.

Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Jason Crow Kevin Cummings Cindy Esquer Melody Hudson Briana Jimenez TJ Jorgensen Brian Mulligan David Ramsey Melissa Rowberry Satara Williams

The Arizona Player is published the first weekend of each month. All claims or guarantees are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All comments and views of contributing writers are their own and do not reflect official policy of the Arizona Player which assumes no liability for any advertisement not supplied camera ready by the advertiser. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher and Copyright owners is prohibited.

4 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

Vol. 24 No. 1 • January 2016

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “Self-Inflicted Wounds”

Cover Story “Stay-Cation Poker Tournament” at Talking Stick Resort

Gaming News “Bad Beat Jackpot hit at Wild Horse Pass”

Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “Corgi Cash” by WMS

TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen Chart to help play the “Push Bet”

Gaming News “Something BIG is coming to Harrah’s Ak Chin Resort”

Card Room Action Table Game Action Around the State

Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide

Contest Page “Win a 3 Day/2 Night Ski Package Getaway!”

Travel “Back in Time to the 16th Century”

David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey Film and DVD reviews

Bingo Directory Complete List of Bingo Games at Arizona Casinos

Jokes of the Month, Astrology, & Casino Directory

A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

Self-Inflicted Wounds

he Edgewater buffet in Laughlin Nevada actually has a crying room (mostly locals by know about it) Many casinos have barred Linda Boyd access to high-floor balconies and some live poker games have “bad beat” jackpots. That’s because when you place a wager there could be an invisible cloud hovering above and it can stay there for a long time. But what if you are the one that created the problem in the first place? That’s the sad reality for some gamblers who head for home with only lint in their pockets. Loose Lips: You may hear casino employees on the PA system say “good luck” and take it to heart. My mom used to say “How can everybody have good luck? If they did the casino would have to close”. (once she lost a roll of quarters, when you deposited coins, and never played again.) Casinos are in business to make money and that translates to they win, you lose. So you should never reveal a glitch that gives players an unintended advantage to anybody on the house’s payroll. What about your good friend who plays at the same casino? No way! Years ago I told a few buds about 9/6JOB progressive dollars where you received 800 to one odds on a royal with short coin and somebody told management. Presto gone-o! To be sure, sometimes a game is a winner for both the casino and the patron. That’s because it doesn’t need an expected return (ER) at or over 100% to be playable. Most people don’t play even close to computer-perfect (that’s the only way long term odds resemble those sent to the house by the gaming manufacturer) and some player’s factor in comps and perks that don’t cost the casino anything. The fastest way to lose a game with a good ER is to broadcast it to casino employees or friends. This is definitely at the top of my list of self-inflicted wounds! Mystery VP: You may find a game with an excellent ER by writing the pay schedule down and then checking it against the pay tables in my book “The Video Poker Edge” (Square One Publishers, New York or amazon.com), but you must practice using my strategy cards or with tutorial software. Even if you

6 ARIZONA PLAYER NJanuary ovember2016 2015

don’t know how to play rare hands, say those with penalty cards (reducing the odds that you will back into a straight or flush because the target hand requires that a straight or flush card be discarded) you will be very close to the ER over time by knowing the basics. If you select a game that looks good it may not be and you absolutely will make mistakes without home practice. You should stick to classic games like 9/6JOB, 8/5 BP and so on before getting hooked on unfamiliar choices. If you lose your bankroll playing unfamiliar games blame “the man in the mirror”. Walk of Shame: Some VP experts will tell you to bet the ranch if it’s a positive play and you know the game’s strategy. I’m not one of them. Even if the progressive is sky-high the variance or risk of losing your bankroll will be stratospheric as well. That’s because you must get the long-shot royal (approximately a 1 in 40,000 chance depending on the game’s strategy) to get the ER. So avoid trips to the ATM (I call it the “walk of shame” and know it first-hand) stick with your pre-determined budget. If you don’t get the royal and the odds depend on how many devices are connected to the progressive jackpot, it will be a long ride home. Your injuries will be more painful on the bumpy trip when you invest more than you can afford to lose. Final Thoughts: If you have gone several royal cycles (theoretical number of hands to get a royal) or 4OAK cycles on the bottom of the bell-shaped curve you’re going to feel like the walking wounded. However, if you shoot yourself in the foot by dropping your purse that holds a loaded weapon, the pain is much worse. You need to play smart not only to get the best odds available, but also for psychological reasons. Being an innocent victim of the odds is bad enough, but when your injuries are self-inflicted and avoidable you should rethink your gambling decisions. Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming and “American Casino Guide” Her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for her story in current editions of “American Casino Guide” (ACG) and her YouTube videos, also with ACG. Her radio shows with Southern Gaming are available on iTunes. The Second Edition of her book is in paperback and kindle. Available at (877) 900-BOOK - amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publishers. www.squareonepublishers.com

COVER STORY

Talking Stick Resort Offers Three Days of Poker Fun with 2016 Staycation Weekend Classic

Poker lovers can celebrate the New Year with a No Limit Hold’ Em threeday extravaganza! Talking Stick Resort is launching its 2016 Staycation Weekend Classic on January 29, 2016. The tournament will take place in The ARENA Poker Room and features a prize pool of up to $130,000 – But that’s not all! Players who take advantage of the three-day package and enter all three days will receive a complimentary two-night hotel stay at the resort! “We’re truly excited about the upcoming tournament and can’t wait to see who takes home the top prizes this year,” said Tom Young, director of The ARENA Poker Room. “The three-day event is a real crowd pleaser and we’re thrilled to offer our players a luxury two-night stay at our property. Winning a share of the cash prize is life changing and we look forward to seeing the tournament champions take home the big win.” Kicking off on January 29, the tournament will run until January 31 and begins at 11:15 am each day. The tournament buy-in for January 29 is $200, while the buy-in for the remaining two days is $300 each day. Players will begin each day with $13,000 in tournament chips and all buy-ins are mandatory at the time of sign-up. Sign-ups are currently underway and are taking place at the Poker cage.

Located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation, Talking Stick Resort features a 15-story tower and 496 guest rooms complete with 14 luxury suites and 30 executive kings. The AAA Four Diamond property occupies 55.5 acres in the Sonoran Desert and is home to six world-class restaurants and various on-site entertainment options including dance lounges, a 650-seat Showroom featuring live headline acts, and Shadows—one of the leading indoor cigar bars in Arizona. In addition to weekly tournaments, the property’s ARENA Poker Room hosts the annual Arizona State Poker Championship and the Arizona State Ladies’ Poker Championship. To learn more about The ARENA Poker Room offerings, visit talkingstickresort.com/gaming/poker.aspx. To learn more about Talking Stick Resort, the satellite tournaments or the 2016 Staycation Weekend Classic, call the Talking Stick Resort Box Office at 480-850-7734, visit The ARENA Poker Room or go to www.talkingstickresort. com. All participants must be 21 or older to enter the tournaments. 8 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

In addition to taking advantage of the three-day package that includes free rooms at the resort, participants also have the option to register for any of the individual days (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) . The daily prize pool breaks down as follows: Jan 29: $34,000 – Jan 30: $53,000 – Jan 31: $43,000 Players can compete in one of two Satellites and win a seat into the 2016 Staycation Weekend Classic. The satellite tournaments run January 10 and January 17 and begin each day 11:15 a.m. The buy-in is $110 and participants begin the satellite with $6,000 in tournament chips. For every paid 10 entries, one lucky winner will be awarded one entry into each day of the 2016 Staycation Weekend Classic. Players may also win their seats by playing in a Single Entry or Double Entry Shootout. Shootouts run twenty-four (24) hours a day and start when ten players have signed-up! Single Entry Shootouts are $100 and start with $2,000 tournament chips and awards one winner an entry to each day of the Staycation Weekend Classic. The Double Entry Shootout is $180 and players start with $2,500 tournament chips and the top two (2) players will receive the entry package!

gaming news Tucson Casino Holds “Arizona Champion of Slots” Tournament Casino Del Sol Resort crowns first-ever Slot Champion Tucson’s premier entertainment destination, Casino Del Sol Resort, has continued to add to its impressive lineup of exciting casino events with the debut of the Arizona Champion of Slots Tournament, the only slot tournament of its kind in the state. An event nearly a year in the making, qualifying tournaments were held on “Slot Tournament Tuesdays” from Oct. through Dec. at Casino Del Sol and its sister property, Casino of the Sun. Each event determined the Club Sol members who would participate in the championship showdown at the end of the year. Close to 650 players participated in the Inaugural Arizona Champion of Slots Tournament on Dec. 29. The participants battled it out on the casino’s extensive collection of slot machines until 50 semifinalists remained. After the top ten participants were determined, fierce competition ensued until only one player prevailed. Club Sol member, Eric F. was crowned the 2015 Arizona Champion of Slots. In addition to taking home $10,000, Eric now has a first place trophy to commemorate his historic win, two tickets to every concert at the award-winning AVA Amphitheater for the 2016 season, as well as a reserved parking space in the Casino Del Sol Resort VIP parking area for an entire year. “It is always our goal to provide superior, engaging experiences to our valued players,” said Kimberly Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol Resort. “The Inaugural Arizona Champion of Slots Tournament was truly a first-class event, and we can’t wait to host the second annual tournament in 2016.” For more information about Casino Del Sol Resort and its gaming promotions, visit www.casinodelsol.com or call 1-855-SOL-STAY.

10 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

Bingo Action is Hot at Lone Butte Casino At Lone Butte Casino in Chandler the bingo action is hot for players on the East side of the valley. If you’re not sure, just ask J. Undeberg – because she walked away a HUGE winner of $162,227 when she hit the grand prize on the “Lucky 7 Jackpot” bingo game. Ms. Undeberg was ecstatic as she covered that final number and shouted, “Bingo!” for all to hear. By the time she collected her prize money she already knew how she was going to use it. “I am so excited to have won, I love playing bingo at Lone Butte Casino,” said the casinos’ newest winner. Bingo players on the east side of Phoenix, or really any part of the valley, there is no better place to dab the dauber than Lone Butte Casino. With exciting promotions, Lone Butte Casino has proven to be the best bingo the east valley has to offer. Bingo games are taking place every day at Lone Butte Casino. Check out their Bingo and find out why the popular east valley casino is the best place to “live it, love it”. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. operates three Arizona casinos owned by the Gila River Indian Community including Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino. All three casinos offer a combination of slots, table games, bingo, poker and hotel and are open 24/7 - 365 days a year. Additional information on these and other events is available by calling 1-800-946-4452, or visit their website at www.wingilariver.com.

Reel Reviews by Kevin Cummings

TJ’s Blackjack corner

Should You Push Your Luck?

by TJ Jorgensen

HARD 4- 8 9 10 11 12 - 14 15 16 17 - 21 SOFT 12 - 14 15 16 17 18 19 - 21 21 SPLITS 2,2 3,3 4,4 5,5 6,6 7,7 8,8 9,9 10,10 A,A s stand 

Tie Side Bet Strategy 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A h

h h

9 10 A

h h

h hit 

14 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

d double 

p split 

Editor’s Note: T.J. turned me on to this game a few years ago – he mentioned that he “pushed” 8 times on one shoe, playing a $50 hand and $25 on the “Push” – That’s a total win of $2,000 on that 6 deck shoe playing the “Push” bet! I have been playing this bet ever since, and it has helped me keep a stack of chips to keep playing, when otherwise I would have been down to the felt. During the past year players have asked me why I play this “side bet” and I have told them, it is the only one I ever play on recommendation from my blackjack writer. I have been asked to re-run this article and include the betting chart – So, here it is.

ome Casinos now offer a side bet called “Push Your Luck” or “Tie the Dealer” In the Phoenix area the Gila River Casinos and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort offer this game – In Tucson, Desert Diamond Casino Hotel also has the game in the blackjack pit. But soon, I have been told it is coming to other casinos around the state Most side bets are bad bets, however the cost of playing this one is relatively low, and it does pay 10 to 1. When calculating the odds, I was surprised to find that the house edge on this bet is small compared to that of other side bets. If you play the max on your side bet which is equal to 1/2 of your main bet the house edge goes from .51% to around .76% for a six deck game. That’s a cost of .025% - however, you are getting 10 to 1 odds. I took this a little further. If you were dead set on playing this side bet, you actually would discard basic strategy and use a different strategy. You would end up hitting most of your hands under 17 regardless of what the dealer was showing. I am sure you would really make the other players lose their minds when you’re hitting 14 against a dealer up card of a six, but that would be the correct play. So you might want to wait until you are alone with the dealer or at least ask the other players if they mind if you play a bit crazy. In any event I’ve included the correct strategy for “Push Your Luck” for a six deck game. If you are serious about playing this T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournagame – cut out the Strategy chart and keep it in ment play and has competed against, and beaten, some your wallet. of the top tournament players in the world. He has also won the prestigious World Series of Blackjack. His book, “Beating the Casino at Their Own Game,” is available through his web site www.freewebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail TJ4justice1@msn.com

gaming news

Something Big is coming to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino And….winter is heating up with free giveaways and exciting promotions!

Saturdays at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa are about celebrating Something Big! With free entries based on your Tier and your play every Saturday, will get you closer to a $200,000 cash pay day in the $200,000 Home Giveaway Event. The drawing will take place on December 31, 2016 at 11:30 PM, just before the New Year. One lucky Total Rewards member will take the whole prize! Why a Home Giveaway? Because Harrah’s Ak-Chin is planning a makeover of its own! The excitement; however, goes beyond a simple remodel. As announced in August 2015, Harrah’s Ak-Chin plans on expanding to include a spa, a conference center with multi-use ballroom space, a parking garage, additional restaurants and more than 200 additional hotel rooms.

Celebrating over 21 Years

Do you Like Free Stuff? Harrah’s Ak-Chin does too! All Total Rewards guests are invited to pick up a free Together Forever 20-Piece Rubbermaid Set on Sat, Feb 13 from 1 to 5pm at the Ak-Chin Ballroom. In addition, visit Wednesdays in February from 8am to 11:59 pm for a guaranteed $10 prize awarded at your favorite slot machine!

Is entertainment more your speed? Enjoy a free show at UltraStar Multitainment Center next door to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino for a live performance by Blue Oyster Cult and Foghat on Jan 30 and Salt N’ Pepa on Feb 20. Doors open at 6pm and these free outdoor shows are guaranteed to move your hips!

Thursdays are heating up! Thursdays at Harrah’s Ak-Chin are thundering with even more great promotions! Guests ages 55 and over are invited to start the day off early with $5 in free slot play during the Senior Sunrise promotion from 6am to 8pm, a free small coffee and three munchkins at Dunkin’ Donuts from 8am to 10am and free entertainment from noon to 4pm! Plus, guests are invited to play and earn entries into the Total Rewards Destination game every Thursday in Feb from noon till 7pm. Two winners every 30 minutes will win a guaranteed $100 in free slot play with a chance to win up to $2,500 in free slot play or an allexpense paid trip to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas! 16 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

Did you know that Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is celebrating over 21 years in Maricopa and 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. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Total Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars family of casinos. Harrah’s Ak-Chin also boasts the only Bingo hall in the Caesars organization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937. The Ak-Chin Indian Community is nestled into the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona. The community lies 35 miles south of Phoenix in the northwestern part of Pinal County. Ak-Chin is an O’odham word translated to mean “mouth of the wash” or “place where the wash loses itself in the sand or ground.” Ak-Chin has an enrollment of more than 1,022 tribal members and a land base of just over 22,000 acres. The Ak-Chin Indian Community has a variety of business enterprises including Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, UltraStar Multitainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle and Santa Cruz Commerce Center. For more information, visit www.ak-chin.nsn.us See Total Rewards for complete rules regarding these promotions. Visit harrahsakchin.com for more details.

CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438

Globe, AZ Dealing blackjack, and poker daily at noon NLHE Tournaments – Saturdays at 2pm – Buy-in $25 w/ one $5 add-on

Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777

Scottsdale, AZ Fri, Sat & Sun, January 29, 30 & 31, 2016 “Staycation Weekend Tournament” Play in all 3 tournaments and you receive a Complimentary 2 night stay at Talking Stick Resort! You could also win a free spot into the tournament by playing in the Super Satellite “win a seat” tournaments on Jan 10 & 17 or in single or double entry “Shootouts” daily thru Jan 29, whenever 10 players sign-up. Sat, Sun & Mon, Feb 20, 21 & 22 – “5th Annual Arena Winter Poker Classic” at 11:15am Mon – Fri, 11:15 am – NLHE Tournament - $125 buy-in Mon – Thurs, 7:15pm - NLHE, $145 buy-in Sat, Feb 13, Mar 12 & Apr 9, 11:15 am – “Super Bounty” NLHE - $240 buy-in w/ $100 Bounties Sat, Jan 23 & Feb 27 & Mar 26, 11:15 am – EOM-NLHE - $160 buy-in Sat, Feb 6, Mar 5 & Apr 2, 11:15am – “Big Stack” NLHE – $345 buy-in Fri Jan 15 & Jan 22, 7:15 pm – $200 NLHE Friday Night Tournaments Food Specials; Daily $4 breakfast or Steak & eggs for $6.75 (2 am – Noon) also $16 Prime Rib Dinner (5-11pm on Mondays)

Also dealing blackjack 24/7

Bluewater Resort & Casino 888-243-3360 Ext#7649

Parker, AZ Poker Room opens at 4pm daily except 2pm on Sun & Wed Tues at 7pm, NLHE Tournament - $35 buy-in, w/ one $20 re-buy, $5 Bounties Thurs at 7pm, NLHE – $40 buy-in, w/ one $20 re-buy, $5 Bounties and High Hand of the Tournament Sun & Wed – Spreading 2-8 Omaha Daily Aces Cracked $40 - max 3 per day Wed, all day – Straight Flush $50 & High hand of day at 8pm pays $50 Fri, all day – 4 of a kind $50,Royal Flush $200 High hand of day at 8pm pays $50 Bad Beat Hold-em Jackpot (aces full of 10s or better, beaten) at press time was over $53,000 & Omaha over $7,800 Also dealing blackjack daily at 9am

Bucky’s Casino 928-515-5305

Prescott, AZ NFL Playoff Promotion drawings “Full House Frenzy” & “Player of the Half” & SUPER BOWL SUNDAY Drawings for every score win extra money based on the hours you played “live” before the BIG GAME! See poker room for details Mon – Fri, 10am - NLHE Shootouts $25 entry

18 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

Mon – Thurs, 6pm NLHE $50 buy-in (top 3-5 cash) top 5 earn points for Player of Month (3 places $300, $200 & $100) Sat, Noon – DEEP STACK Tournament - $100 buy-in Last Sunday of the Month, at Noon – Omaha Hi/Lo - $100 added per table $80 buy-in Every Mon & Wed – Spreading Omaha Hi/Lo “Aces Cracked” Wins a Rack! ($100) every day – all day, no limits in any Texas Hold Em game Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Now playing; Texas Shoot Out and High Card Flush w/ bonus jackpot

Casino Arizona 480-850-7777

Scottsdale, AZ Blackjack Tournaments: Tues, noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” $ 50 buy-in Fri, 2:30am - The “Great Late” Tournament, $25 buy-in (Starting time 1am) Dealing blackjack 24/7

Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565

Tucson, AZ Mon - Fri, 10 am - $800 Guaranteed (with 30 players) NLHE, $ 10 buy-in w/ $5 chip-up, plus 2 - $10 add-ons Sun & Wed, 7pm - $800 guaranteed NLHE, $15 buy-in/Opt $15 add-on Thurs, 7pm - $5,000 deep stack NLHE, $100 buy-in no re-buys Sun 11am - $1,500 Guaranteed NLHE, $45 buy-in – no re-buys Sat, 9am – $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $15 buy-in, $5 re-buys + $5 add-on Mon 7pm & Sat noon – $1,000 NLHE - $35 buy-in – no re-buys with opt $5 chip-up New “$30 Splash Pots” Tues & Thurs (up to 3 times per hour) 12:30pm – 4:30pm – see poker room for details “High Hand” Wed, Fri & Sat (12:30p – 11:30p) & Sun (12:30pm – 5pm) every hour & a half win $50 to $200 “Hot Poker Spot” ONLY available at Casino del Sol – a side bet on all Hold-em tables. $1 side bet – Win up to $1,000! Dealing Blackjack 24/7 - New Games featuring; Crazy 4 Poker, Texas Shootout, Casino WAR & Ultimate Texas Hold’Em!

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 928-567-7952

Camp Verde, AZ Mon-Fri, 10am - NLHE Shoot-out, $30 buy-in, w/ no re-buys Wed, 7pm – NLHE Tournament $60 buy-in Thurs, 6:30pm – NLHE Tournament $20 buy-in – Max 2 tables – re-enter first 10 minutes Fri, 7pm - NLHE Shoot-outs, $ 150 added per table of 10 - $25 buy-in – no re-buys (re-enter first 15 min) Sat, Noon – $100 added per table of 10– NLHE $50 buy-in (optional $5 dealer appreciation add-on) All Week – Royal Flush pays $100 “Aces Cracked” 24/7 , Win from $50 to $200 – see poker room for details Also dealing blackjack – 9am – 2am (Mon-Thurs) 9am – 4am (Fri & Sat)

Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687

Somerton, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 10am –

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 520-342-1810

Tucson, AZ Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am, plus Tues & Wed at 7pm $500 added NLHE – $35 buy-in no re-buys Daily – Any Royal Flush $200 Hold Em, $100 Omaha, Straight Flush $100 Hold Em, $50 Omaha Special Poker Room menu at ½ off regular prices Dealing blackjack 24/7 w/ 3 card poker, “progressive 6 card bonus” “Push Bet” and “IN BETWEEN” bet

Desert Diamond I-19 Casino 1-866-332-9467 Sahuarita, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7

Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284

Fountain Hills, AZ NFL “Splash Pots” Various nights and days playoff games (Call for details) Mon-Fri at Noon NLHE - $30 buy-in - $20 add-on - No-rebuys Mon at 7pm, Omaha High/Low - $5 buy in w/ $5 re-buys – plus at the break $5 -$20 add-on Sun, Tues & Thurs, 7pm - NLHE - $5 buy-in Fri, 7pm, NLHE - $60 buy-in w/one $10 dealer add-on for additional $5,000 in chips Sat, Noon & 4pm - NLHE - $5 buy-in Sat, 7pm, NLHE Deep Stack tournament - $50 buy-in w/ opt $30 add-on Sun, Noon & Wed, 7pm – NLHE - $10 buy-in, $5 re-buys & Double $20 add-on at the break Sun, Jan 17 at 10am - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament - $60 Buy-in + Opt $10 Dealer Appreciation “Aces Cracked” 24/7 win $100 during first 2 hours of live play, $200 during 3rd hour, 4th hour and after pays $400 “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of tens beaten by Quads or better wins Jackpot! “High Hand Spin” – with 4 of a kind or better win up to $599 & each live table is splashed with amount

Dealing blackjack 24/7, w/ Free bet blackjack, also split Aces up to 4 times & hit more than once and Double Down after first hit!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138

Maricopa, AZ $1,000 Invitational Free Roll -1st Sun of month, Qualify: Win a daily tournament or 60+ hours of “live” play during previous month

Monday Madness NLHE at 7:30pm - $25 buy-in – unlimited $5 re-buys for the first hour Tues, 7:30pm – Limit Omaha Hi/Lo -$60 buy-in – no re-buys or add-ons Wed, 7:30pm – $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $60 buy-in w/three $10 re-buys & one $20 add-on at break Thurs, 5:30pm – NLHE, $20 Buy-in plus three $10 re-buys &

CARD ROOM ACTION two $10 add-ons Sat, 12:30pm – $500 Guaranteed NLHE - $50 buy-in Sun 12:30pm – NLHE - $25 buy-in w/ two $10 add-ons at the break NFL “Splash Pots” every playoff game & SUPER SUNDAY (Call for details) Aces Cracked – 24/7 pays $50 All-Day Everyday – 9am (weekends) 10am weekdays until 5:30pm ‘Splash pots” every ½ hour Daily 5pm – 2am, “Hourly Trips High Hand” $50 per hour Hold-Em & Mixed Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – including “Push the bet”

Hon-Dah Casino 928-369-7555

Pinetop, AZ Open Mon-Fri at 4pm – Sat & Sun at 2pm, “early bird” tournament chips available daily Mon, 6pm –NLHE “Big Stack’ $50 buy-in w/ no re-buys Tues, 6pm - NLHE “Speed Shoot-Out” $15 buy-in (no re-buys) $2 chip-up Wed, 6pm – No-limit Hold Em - $40 buy-in no re-buys Thurs, 6pm – Omaha Hi-Lo - $40 buy-in, no re-buys Fri, 6pm – NLHE – “$25 Bounty” Tournament, $45 buy-in w/$10 re-buys and $10 add-on Sat, 4pm - NLHE, $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Fri & Sat – all day, $100 High Hand (Hold Em)

Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452

Chandler, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & Ultimate Texas Hold EM starts at $10,000 and grows at all 3 Gila River Casinos! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot at press time was over $208,000 and growing!

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529

Payson, AZ Live poker Wed –Sun at 10am, High Hands (Wed & Thurs includes “Scoop-a-dupe”(see poker room for details) Wed at 6pm NLHE Tournament, $50 buy-in no-re buys Sat at 3pm, NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in – no re-buys Aces cracked “wins a $100 in chips” various times daily – Max 3 per day (see poker room for details) Dealing blackjack 10am to 1am, with $5 games

Mon - 6pm, Blackjack Tournament $40 buy-in w/two $25 re-buys Bonus Blackjack get dealt a 6, 7 or 8 card “21” win up to $200

Quechan Casino Resort 1-877-783-2426

Winterhaven, CA Mon & Thurs Nights & Sunday all-day NFL “Splash Pots” Open Wed-Sun at 10am, and Mon, Tues at 4pm, Wed & Thurs at 2pm Fri – Sun at 10am - spreading 4/8 Hold Em with a kill, 4/8 Omaha hi-low split with a kill also 3-6 & 4-8 limit Texas Hold-Em, plus 1-3 & 2-5 No Limit Texas Hold Em Sat, 1pm, NLHE Tournaments $40 buy-in Thurs, 7pm NLHE Deep Stack - $80 buy-in Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Special room rates for poker players

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort 928-856-7244 Flagstaff, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext#1507

Laveen, AZ Wed, 7:30pm, **NLHE “Humpday”$40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee at the break for added chips

Sat, 11:15 am, (weekly except 1st Sat) **NLHE “Big Stack”$40 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee for extra chips + $20 add-on at break

1st Saturday at 12:15pm – “Super Stack” NLHE ($110 buy-in) Opt $20 Staff fee for extra $5,000 in chips + $20 add-on at the break

Sun 11:15 am, **NLHE “Sunday Brunch”$30 buy-in w/ Opt $10 Staff fee & $20 add-on at break Coming Feb 1st ALL NEW “Quads or Better” Starts at $50 then increases by $25 per day till hit – “Straight Flush” starts at $100 then up by $50 per day till hit! Royal Flush starts at $200 and up $50 per day till hit! “ACES CRACKED” spins the wheel - win up $300 (see poker room for details) **“Early Bird Chips” for live play before tournament - 1st & 2nd place at final table qualify for “Tournament of Champions” FREE ROLL each quarter. Dealing blackjack 24/7 – Friday Afternoon Blackjack Tournament at 4pm - $30 buy-in (registration starts at 2pm) Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & ULTIMATE Texas Hold EM starts at $10,000 and grows daily at all 3 Casinos!

PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot at press time was over $208,000 and growing!

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext #7375

Chandler,AZ NFL “Splash Pots” for all playoff games and SUPER SUNDAY! Call for details Hockey “Splash pots” - each goal scored (either team) gets 3 tables splashed for $100 each! Mon – Thurs Noon - NLHE, $30 buy-in, plus opt $10 dealer add-on - no re-buys - $150 added per table Tues & Wed, 7:30pm - NLHE Freeze Out - $50 entry fee w/ $10 optional add-on - $1,000 added to prize pool Sun, 3:30pm, NLHE - $30 buy- in, $5 dealer add-on, $20 add-at the break & bonus chips for play before tournament “Aces Cracked” Win a Rack – 24/7 (except during sports promotions) “Rolling Cash Fever” Drawing every other hour 24/7, $100 min, increases by $100 if not hit – must go at 11pm on Monday Progressive Royals $100 added daily until hit. “Super Jackpot” Quad 10s or better beaten wins jackpot that increases $500 per day – at press time jackpot was over $33,500! Food specials: ½ price poker room menu Also dealing blackjack 24/7 - Linked Progressive Jackpots for “Crazy 4 Poker” & Ultimate Texas Hold Em starts at $10,000 and grows at all 3 Gila River Casinos! PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot at press time was over $208,000 and growing!

CARD ROOM MANAGERS

please send updates to azplayer@cox.net

ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016 19

entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort

(5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70) 1-800-272-2438 The POINT Sports Bar & Grill:

Big screens to watch sports & more!

Convention Center: Feb 13 (8pm) Heartbreakers Ball 3 – Male Review (Ladies only) San Carlos Event Center: Jan 30 – Through the Roots Mar 12 & 13 – Apache Gold POW WOW - $32, 500 prize money awarded The Point Sports Bar: Live bands on various weekends

BlueWater Resort and Casino 11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360

Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 520-838-6506 Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, Live bands weekends & Tribute bands on Thursdays, plus every Sunday 80’s & Gentlemen Band AVA Amphitheater: New schedule coming soon Conference Center: Jan 22 – SHOWBOX LIVE BOXING – Main Event features; Robert Brant vs Decarlo Perez Jan 23 – AJ Castillo (DVD Release Party) w/ guests Stefani Montiel & Gabriel Zavala

Desert Diamond Casino I -19

1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: Jan 23 – Brian McKnight

Ron White

Lewis Black

ELVIS TRIBUTE-Justin Shandor

BlueWater Showroom: Jan 30 – Elvis & Johnny! The Ultimate ELVIS starring Justin Shandor and Philip Bauer as Johnny Cash BlueWater Amphitheater: Call for new event schedule Feb 27 – Lee Greenwood Mar 12 – Colorado River Blues Festival River’s Edge Cantina: Call for entertainment updates Dig Lounge: DJs/live bands & Sports on the big screens

Casino Arizona

101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Jan 22 & 23 – Blasphemous Rumours (Depeche Mode Tribute), Jan 29 & 30 – Aeromyth (Aerosmith Tribute) Feb 5 & 6 – Don’t Look Back (Boston Tribute), Feb 7 – The BIG GAME! Football viewing party (FREE) cash giveaways & Prizes Feb 19 & 20 – The Ultimate Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute) Arizona Room Patio Grill: Sat Feb 6 – UFC 196: Werdum vs Velasquez (Viewing Party) Mon – Chad Freeman and Redline (8pm) Tues– Trivia Tuesdays - $1000 up for grabs (register 5:30-6:30 – action starts at 7pm) Wed – Country dance instruction with Laina Lee, (6-8pm) Daisy Train at 8pm Thurs – Latin Fire Dance Night w/ Dance Lessons (6-8pm) Rhythm of the Sun Band at 8pm Fri – Superhero Band at 8pm Sat – Live bands like; Neon, Shining Star or JJ’s Band Sun – Str8Up Bingo Hall: Fri & Sat at Midnight, L-8 Nite Bingo! Music, light show & dancing w/ host Corina & DJ Kenji!

20 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

Feb 6, 2016 – Lewis Black Mar 11 – Comic Jim Jefferies Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, with Live bands on weekends and Tribute bands on Thursdays Jan 28 – “December ‘63” Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute band

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: Call for new schedule Dragonfly Lounge; live music on weekends Jan 14 – Mar 31 THURSDAY NIGHT Band Showcase Jan 15 & 16 – Grupo Nuevo Regimen Jan 22 & 23 – First Born Jan 29 & 30 – Harry Luge Band Feb 5 & 6 – The Mods Feb 7 – SUPER SUNDAY Tailgate Party Feb 12 & 13 – Sammy Davis Feb 19 & 20 – Signo 12 (Latin) Feb 26 & 27 – Apache Spirit

Cocopah Casino Resort

15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ (Yuma area) (928) 726-8066 Sunset Lounge: Thurs at 9pm – Whitehorse band Fri & Sat – Karoake (You’re the Star!) River Room: The best Live local bands in Arizona

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel

7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-332-9467 Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or DJ on weekends Fridays – “Old School Mix” w/ DJ Blade Saturdays – “Noches Caliente” Hottest Tex Mex & Tejano music w/ Los Gallegos or Grupo Latido

Feb 6 – Ron White Feb 12 – Frank Sinatra Jr Feb 27 – Tracy Lawrence Sports Bar: Mon – Fri 5pm -2am, Sat/Sun 10am-2am w/ Sports on big screens, Karaoke (Wed), DJ nightly or live bands (weekends)

Fort McDowell Casino

N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free entertainment weekends with bands; Smokestack Lighting, Route 66, along with Rick Lenzi as ELVIS featuring Roustabout, Bingo Hall: 1st Saturday of each month – Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways For updates – go to fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino

15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 ULTRASTAR Amphitheater – (next door to Harrah’s Ak-Chin) Jan 30 FOGHAT (at 6pm) Jan 30 – Blue Oyster Cult (at 8pm) THE LOUNGE: Weekends in The Lounge starting at 8pm (no cover) Feb 13 – The Company Men Feb 20 – SALT N PEPA w/ Spinderella Fri & Sat: (8pm to 1am) – featuring Bands;

ZFG, Basketball Jones, Smooth Groove or The Walkens Wed (noon -4pm) featuring; Guy Pennachio, Joe Costello Trio, Bandstand Shows, Silhouette, or the Buddy Holly Tribute Tues & Wed (Happy Hour, 5-8pm) w/bands; Flavour, Karen & Pat, Walkens Trio or Stanley Serano Trio For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com

entertainment

The Company Men

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino

Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Conference Center: Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Monday is Comedy Night, Tues-Sat, Live bands Feb 2 thru 6 – Creagles CCR & Eagles Tribute Feb 9 thru 13 James Presley Band

Lone Butte Casino

202 loop at the Kyrene exit – Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Lone Butte Event Center: Jan 25 “Mirage” (Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Jan 29 – The Ultimate Elvis Concert Starring Justin Shandor Feb 6 – “The Pettybreakers” (Tom Petty Tribute), Feb 13 – “Paperback Writer” (Beatles Tribute) Mar 5 – Comedy w/ Barry Neal & Debbie Praver, Mar 10 – The Leon Olsen Show Cascades Lounge: Mon, Tues & Fri (4-8pm) Featuring; Marty & the Party or Thaddeus Rose Wed & Thurs (6-10pm) & Fri & Sat (9:30pm- 1:30am) featuring; JJ Band, Shining Star or Str8Up Cities Bar & Grille: Sunday: (10am-4pm) live Jazz during Brunch Buffet Bingo Hall: 11pm Fri & Sat - B.A.D BINGO w/ DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Event Center: Feb 13 – ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE featuring Kenny Metcalf Apache Spirits Lounge: Entertainment nightly Thurs – Sat (live bands, Deejays and Sporting Events)

Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777- 4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: DJ or bands on weekends

Quechan Casino Resort

525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (Yuma area) 1-877-783-2426 Sidewinders bar: Free weekend entertainment w/ bands or deejays

Talking Stick Resort

Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road - Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Jan 22 – Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam World Tour Jan 23 – Comedian Jim Norton Feb 20 – The TUBES Feb 27 – The Mavericks Jan 30 – Jerry Riopelle Mar 12 – BoDeans 22 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

Oak Ridge Boys

Mar 16 thru Mar 20 – Legends in Concert! 2 shows, 5 & 8pm (except Wed 8pm, 1 show & Sun I show at 5pm) Mar 25 – Tesla Mar 26 – An Evening with David Crosby April 2 – Steve Hackett April 9 – Kathleen Madigan Grand Ballroom: Jan 17 – STYX Feb 7 – THE BIG Game (Super Sunday Viewing Party) FREE w/ cash and prize giveaways Feb 12 – Trace Adkins Feb 13 – Frank Caliendo Mar 5 – Joe Satriani – Palo Verde Lounge: Live bands nightly Shadows Lounge: Bands, singles & duos featuring jazz, classic sounds of Frank Sinatra and others Degree 270 Lounge: Fri & Sat, w/ the region’s best DJ’s Orange Sky Restaurant & Lounge: Live jazz

Trace Adkins

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

22181 Resort Blvd (I-40 @ exit 219) Flagstaff (928) 856-7200 Free Live Entertainment on weekends w/ bands; Sweet Cherry Pie, Chad Freeman & Redline, Rebel Heart, Uncle Click and others

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline – Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: Jan 23 - Casper Jan 30, 2016 – Brenton Wood Feb 13 & 14 – Little Joe Y La Familia V Q LIVE: (Mon – Sat, 4pm-7pm & 9pm-1am, Featuring; Andrea & Gemini, New Frequency Band, Soundwave, Str8up, Powerdrive, Latino Rebel Band, Rhythm of the Sun Band, Chuck E Baby, Marty & the Party , Soul Persuasion and others (Sunday) 4pm-7pm, featuring; Mariachi Rodriguez Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm – BINGO ECLIPSE – Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Jan 22 – Burton Cummings Jan 23 – Norm McDonald & Kevin Nealon Jan 25 – EUROPE World Tour Jan 31 - Lou Nelson (Tom Jones Tribute) Feb 5 – Engelbert Humperdinck Feb 12 – “Dec ‘63” Tribute to Frankie Valli & Seasons Feb 13 & 14 – Smokey Robinson Feb 19 – Roseanne Barr Feb 20 – Oak Ridge Boys Mar 4 – Gordon Lightfoot (50 Year Carefree Hwy Tour), Mar 6 – Nashvillre Gold Mar 11 – Larry Gatlin & Gatlin Bros Mar 12 – 38 Special Mar 20 – Magic of Manilow Mar 25 – Jim Jefferies Mar 26 – Richard Marx Apr 1 – Belinda Carlisle Apr 8 – Sinbad Apr 29 – Clint Black The Lounge: Mid-day (Mon11am-3pm) w/ Jukebox 6 or Route 66 w/ DJ Danny Davis Late night (Wed – Sun) featuring; Powerdrive, JJ’s Band, Str8Up, Shining Star, Chaka & Friends, Smooth Groove, The Walkens, Priminition or Rhythm Edition CHROME NIGHT CLUB: Fridays & Saturdays – Arizona’s Newest Hot Spot featuring DJ Medik

contest page WINTER WONDERLAND SWEEPSTAKES If you love the idea of racing down the snow covered slopes of the spectacular White Mountains on skis or a snowboard, then waste no time and enter this exciting getaway to Sunrise Park Resort and Hon-Dah Resort Casino. This Grand Prize Package includes; a 3 day 2 night stay in the picturesque Pinetop area at Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center. You and a guest will also receive breakfast and dinner at the Indian Pines Restaurant. Now add to that; lift tickets to Sunrise Ski Resort for one full day, plus additional surprises when you arrive and check in. You’ll have an incredible amount of fun on the slopes plus lots of other outdoor adventures in the beautiful White Mountains. let’s not forget all of the indoor excitement you and your guest will have at Hon-Dah Resort Casino including; live entertainment in the Timbers Lounge featuring the absolute best bands in Arizona along with some nationally known performers too!

24 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

There is also various “live” poker games and poker tournaments daily to play in, plus some of the loosest slots anywhere in Arizona, so that you can bring home a jackpot. Along with the Grand Prize Winners, Arizona Player will also have some runner-up prizes: 2nd & 3rd place winners will receive All-Day Lift Tickets for two people to the Sunrise Ski Resort along with dinner for 2 at the Indian Pines Restaurant! We are also adding two additional runner-up winners each will receive $50 gift cards to Macy’s to do some well-earned after the holiday shopping for yourself or $50 gift cards to your favorite restaurant (that have gift cards available at grocery stores) So don’t delay, enter as soon as you can at Arizonaplayer.com Just go to the website to enter the contest or because of the requests also by mail at Arizona Player – “Winter Wonderland

Contest” PO BOX 33393 – Phoenix, AZ 85067 but hurry – entries close on February 5th. For those mailing in entries – they must be filled out on a 3x5 card and must include your Name, Address, Phone #, Age, Male or Female, favorite Casino and Favorite Casino game or activity. Be sure to fill it out the entry form completely to be eligible to win – Winners will be announced in the February 2016 issue. Once you enter – you can increase your chances of winning by going to the Arizona Player / FACEBOOK page and “Like” Arizona Player Magazine – When you do you receive an additional entry! GOOD LUCK – Hope to see you soon enjoying the spectacular White Mountains this winter compliments of Arizona Player along with Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center and Sunrise Ski Park. Thanks for picking up, reading and passing along copies of Arizona Player to your friends - We love all of your suggestions to make our magazine even better! Look for new exciting announcements coming in 2016. You are going to like them. What’s not to like in my world with great people like you out there – You’re the best! Phil Scudella

ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016 25

travel TRAVEL – Back in Time to the 16th Century! Looking for an uplifting good time? It’s easy! Take a trip Back in Time to the wildly popular and entertaining Arizona Renaissance Festival. Today’s audience want to be more then spectators. They want to interact and be surrounded by entertainment as they seek to escape the everyday world. This Festival transports visitors to an European style fair filled with an agreeable rabble of knights, rogues, royalty and craftsmen, all roaming throughout a 30-acre village filled with delectable sights and sounds tantalizing the senses. Explore 200 charming craft shops, 13 stages of non-stop entertainment, an arena for full-contact armored jousting, a living fountain, kitchens, pubs, and people powered games and rides. All the Festival is a stage with a cast featuring more than 2,000 brightly costumed actors, dancers, mermaids, acrobats and musicians. These are the amazing people who populate this bustling event to ensure a good time for the 265,000 visitors who mingle into the endlessly wacky and unpredictable merriment and mayhem. At the Renaissance Festival, the audience is a special guest in another place and time. The Renaissance Festival experience is meeting and interacting with a variety of colorful characters, shopping for unique arts and crafts, and taking in a selection of over

26 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

150 shows every event day. Some new shows this year include “Sea Fairies” The Living Mermaids, Captain Francis Drake, The Angels (Heroines in Disguise) and others , plus all your favorites like; The Ded Bob Show, Don Juan & Miguel, The Tortuga Twins and dozens more! There is a great variety of food for feasting, and a bevy of beverages including Medieval Margaritas, Da Vinci Coladas, Dukes of Daiquiri, wine, honey mead, beers and ales, along with soft drinks and lemonade. A popular attraction at the Festival are the live Jousting Tournaments held three times daily in the 5,000 seat arena, complete with knights on charging horses, clanging weapons and a great deal of braggadocio.

travel A most special event within this giant event is The Pleasure Feast. This is a one and a half hour, five courses Medieval Feast with live music and comedy entertainment, all you can eat and drink, plus festival souvenir. With limited seating twice daily, advance feast reservations are recommended. Don’t miss this time travel experience—see thee at the Faire. Huzzah! The 28th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival is just east of Apache Junction on US Highway 60. The faire begins at 10 am every Sat & Sun (and Monday Presidents Day) from February 6 thru March 27.

The 16th century Festival is home to many popular traditions including chomping down on a giant roasted turkey leg, adding to your collection of drinking vessels or hair adornments as well as battling wits with the village idiot where he will insult you as you walk by…now, you can pelt him with tomatoes for a small fee, BUT don’t miss or you will be ridiculed in front of friends and strangers. It’s good clean, or rather messy fun! Create YOUR own tradition at this annual event. The Faire features demonstrations of time honored crafts such as weaving, jewelry making, glass blowing, blacksmithing and pottery throwing. Shopping is fun and if you are looking for a unique gift; you shall surely find it at this bustling marketplace.

ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016 27

DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR The Revenant After their fur trapping party is attacked the survivors attempt make their way back to safety following their expert guide, Hugh Glass. While scouting ahead Glass by is mauled by a bear in a very David Ramsey intense scene. The commander decides to leave two men and his son with him as they continue on. Those left with him are to wait until he dies then give him a decent burial. Fitzgerald decides that they are wasting time and endangering themselves but when he attempts to kill Glass his son intervenes and is killed. Fitzgerald leaves Glass for dead but he survives vowing vengeance. Barely able to move, Glass is driven by sheer will. The acting is spectacular with DiCaprio and Hardy likely heading for nominations. Shot in existing light “The Revenant” is a beautiful film but it is a slow in places and the dream sequences detract from the narrative.

The Hateful Eight It’s the dead of winter in Wyoming shortly after the War Between the States, a stage coach with just two passengers is trying to outrun a huge snowstorm. On board is a bounty hunter known as ‘The Hangman’ and his prisoner. He begrudgedly allows two others stranded on the trail to join them. They make it to a way station to wait out the storm with four other stranded travelers. They think they are safe but something is not quite right. The cast is good but the story is nothing new, has too many plotlines and it drags. Quentin Tarantino tries to be artsy and instead adds unnecessary minutes to this incredibly long film. After three hours and seven minutes it comes to a typical Tarantino bloody, cartoonish end. “The Hateful Eight” would have been a little better if it was about forty minutes shorter. 28 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

David’s Video Details

The Walk

Philippe Petit grew up fascinated by highwire walkers. He taught himself enough to impress one the greats who became his mentor and teacher. He worked a street performer in Paris but was always looking for some place to hang his wire then he saw a picture of the then under construction twin towers of the World Trade Center, He knew he had to hang his wire between them and walk it. The planning and recruitment of his accomplices is treated like it’s a heist because what they are doing is illegal. They have to break in to both towers while they are under construction, hang the wire, stabilize it and then Philippe has to walk the wire - all before the police can stop them. The way “The Walk” is told is captivating and you feel as if you are on the wire with him.

The Martian A manned mission to Mars has to leave quickly when a severe storm hits. As they hurriedly prepare to leave one of the astronauts, Mark Watney, is lost and presumed dead. The next day he makes his way back to camp knowing everyone is gone. Mark is faced with the daunting task of finding a way to survive until the next Mars mission in 4 years and he has to figure out how to let NASA back on Earth know he is alive. Watney uses his ingenuity and training while recording what he is doing with wit and pathos. As Watney, Matt Damon is the movie but the supporting cast of NASA officials, scientists and other astronauts are perfectly cast. “The Martian” is at times tense but it’s also filled with humor and excitement.

Goosebumps

Zach and his mother move to a small town and he is upset about it until he meets, Hannah, the girl living next door. But her father refuses to let her leave the house. Zach sneaks in to see her and accidentally leaves a book open that unleashes a monster. It turns out Hannah’s father is R. L. Stine, the author of children horror stories, and the creatures from his stories have come alive. Stine, Zach and Hannah have to team up to stop them from destroying the town. If you have read Stine’s books or watched the TV show you will know the creatures and how dangerous they are. “Goosebumps” is fun with just the right amount of scares. David Ramsey is the President and co-founder of the Phoenix Film Critics Society and a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (The Critics Choice Awards). Watch his reviews on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday between 5:30 and 6:30am and on ABC-15’s “Sonoran Living Live” every other Friday. Read more of his DVD reviews at WildAboutMovies.com. Contact him at David@TheSnackBar.net.

bingo

Bingo Games Statewide Apache Gold Casino - Globe

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino - Maricopa

Noon (Wed, Thu & Sun) 7pm (Fri & Sat & 1st Mon)

& 6:30pm (Wed - Sun)

BlueWater Casino - Parker

Lone Butte Casino - Chandler

6:30pm (Mon-Wed) & 1:30pm (Sun)

Casino Arizona - Scottsdale

Paper & Electronic buy-ins; Matinee session daily at 1pm (Early birds at 12:30pm) Nightly session at 7pm (Early birds at 6:30) Late Night Bingo - Fri & Sat at Midnight (With music, light show & dancing!)

Casino Del Sol - Tucson

2:15 & 7:15pm (Daily) (Daily mini Sessions at noon & 1:30pm)

Cocopah Casino - Somerton (Yuma area) 1pm & 6pm (Daily)

Desert Diamond Casino - Tucson 2pm & 7pm (Daily)

Fort McDowell Casino - Fountain Hills

11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

Noon & 6:30pm (Daily) 11:30pm - B.A.D. “Bingo After Dark” Party (Fri & Sat)

Mazatzal Casino - Payson

Noon (Mon-Thurs) 6:30pm (Tues & Thurs) (Double Payouts 1st Thurs & 3rd Tues)

Paradise Casino - Yuma 1:30 & 6pm (Daily)

Vee Quiva Casino - Laveen

Paper & Electronic buy-ins; Daily at Noon & 6pm (mini session at 5:30pm) Bingo Eclipse Party (Sat at 11pm) Mon - 50% off electronic pack* (early bird) Tues – Senior’s, 50% off electronic package* Wed – 5 free bonus packs*, Sat – 50% off electronic packs*, Sun – Second Chance Sunday* *see Bingo Park for details

*9am, 12:30pm & 6:30pm (Mon - Fri, *except Tues) 6:45am, 9am, 12:30pm, 6:30pm (Sat & Sun) Midnight (Fri & Sat) & Midnight (1st Sat - Lunar Bingo Party)

ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016 29

Joke page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory

jokes of the month

50 Shades of Goofy Golf

Four guys from Chicago have been going on the same Golfing trip to St Andrews for years – But two days before the group is to leave, Leroy’s wife puts her foot down and tells him he can’t go. Of course Leroy’s pals are very upset that he can’t go, but what can they do? – They book their flights and head for the British Isles. When they arrive at St Andrews the three golf buddies are shocked to find Leroy sitting at the bar with four drinks set up! “Wow Leroy - how long you been here, and how did you talk the little lady into letting you go?” “Well, I’ve been here since this morning. Two days ago I was sitting in my living room chair and my wife came up behind me, put her hands over my eyes and asked, ‘Guess who?” I pulled her hands off, and there she was, wearing a skimpy negligee.

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20 Jan 10–16 Happy ending to trip Jan 17–23 Go with first thought Jan 24–31 Time for some changes Feb 1–7 New friend has great idea

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19 Jan 10–16 Big thrills on the way Jan 17–23 Good news this week Jan 24–31 Hard works pays dividend Feb 1–7 Old friend returns

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20 Jan 10–16 Strange weekend Jan 17–23 Safe but sure bet Jan 24–31 Good time & nice win Feb 1–7 Tough times ending

Cancer June 22 to July 22 Jan 10–16 Just what you needed Jan 17–23 Plan that special trip Jan 24–31 High time you hit it big Feb 1–7 Your lucky week

Jan 10–16 You make correct move Jan 17–23 Idea is a good choice Jan 24–31 Fun trip in near future Feb 1–7 Stick to your convictions

Taurus April 21 to May 21

Leo July 23 to Aug 23

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22

Jan 10–16 Best friend needs help Jan 17–23 Big $$$ coming soon Jan 24–31 Persistence is rewarded Feb 1–7 Things are looking up

Jan 10–16 Here’s that lucky week Jan 17–23 Fun with family & friends Jan 24–31 Play favorite machine Feb 1–7 Exciting trip ahead

Gemini May 22 to June 21

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21

Aries Mar 21 to April 20

Jan 10–16 Great attitude pays off Jan 17–23 In the nick of time Jan 24–31 First thought was right Feb 1–7 Trust is a must

CASINO DIRECTORY a

1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe-slots bingo & blackjack & Entertainment (800) 272-2438 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (888) 243-3360 3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots, poker & blackjack (800) 756-8744 3a. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots & Entertainment (800) 756-8744 30 ARIZONA PLAYER January 2016

She took my hand and pulled me into our bedroom. The room had scented candles and Rose petals on the floor and on the bed. Well, she explained that she and her girlfriends have been reading “50 Shades of Grey.” Whatever that is, anyway – On the bed she had handcuffs, and ropes! She told me to tie her up and cuff her to the bed, so I did just that. And then she said, “Do whatever you want Leroy!” So…..Here I am.

Jan 10–16 Hunch will pay off Jan 17–23 Interesting encounter Jan 24–31 Needed rest is best Feb 1–7 Timing is perfect

4. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots poker blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 6. Casino Del Sol Resort • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation-slots blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel • (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo poker & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots blackjack & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10b. Desert Diamond • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Slots 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation-slots keno bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (480) 837-1424

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23

Jan 10–16 Don’t underestimate luck Jan 17–23 Be ready to move on Jan 24–31 Call from the past Feb 1–7 Plan that needed trip Jan 10–16 Bust out of your routine Jan 17–23 Relax with good friend Jan 24–31 Now you’re in charge Feb 1–7 Believe in yourself Jan 10–16 Think positive, always Jan 17–23 Repair old friendship Jan 24–31 Rip roaring win soon Feb 1–7 Smiles for you all week

12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots keno blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 13. Gila River Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa) Ak-Chin Indian Community - slots keno poker bingo blackjack & Entertainment (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe - slots poker & Entertainment (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe - slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots bingo.& Live Entertainment (888) 777-4946 19a Quechan Casino Resort • (Winterhaven, CA) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots table games poker & Entertainment 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe-slots (888) 837-4030 21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort • (Flagstaff) Navajo Nation - Slots, Table Games, Poker, Keno & Entertainment