Colorado Gambler 1-5-16

Gambler Celebrating 23 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community y www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogamblerr

Volu m

e 22

• Nu

Black Hawk, Central City promos and giveaways Pages 4-5 & 8-11

GAMING

2015 Results & 2016 Commitments Page 13

r 49

January 5 - 18 , 2016

Check out valuable coupons on page 12

NUGGETS

mbe

GAMING

Thinking About Poker: Getting Back to Basics II Page 13

WINNERS

These players took home tons of cash Page 14

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CA SINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTERTAINMENT

The Last Hand

The New Year is here – let’s make it a fantastic 2016

FRIDAYS IN JANUARY 8, 15, 22 & 29 6PM – 10PM

SATURDAYS IN JANUARY 9, 16, 23 & 30 7PM – 11PM

Be one of FIVE LUCKY GUESTS each night to turn over a card worth up to $500 PROMO PLAY! Earn entries for every 100 BASE POINTS or every 30 minutes of rated play on table games. Accumulate entries from Sunday through Saturday each week, beginning on Sunday, January 3. Plus, get 25X ENTRIES on Wednesdays and Fridays!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 • 12PM – 8PM Missed a gift giveaway day in 2015?

Pick your own gift! Simply earn 150 SAME-DAY BASE POINTS or play one hour of table games and swipe at a kiosk! Choose from Pyrex® 100th Anniversary Centennial Collector Sets or Easy Grab® Pie Plates, Sherpa blankets, football-themed beer mugs, cheese boards and more.

While supplies last. First come, first served. Limit one gift per person.

Valid only on date and during times indicates. Nontransferable. Void if altered, copied or expired.

Visit Guest Services for details. Must be 21 and a Player Extras Club member. Saratoga Casino reserves all rights. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

PAGE 2

Well, well, well, here we are use whatever skill we possess entering into a New Year. or have learned over the years We have much to be thankto attempt to beat the game of ful for as a nation and state. chance.

Everyone wants to come to In golf, we play to beat the America because we still are a course; in gambling, we play to land of vast opportunity and beat the house. Always play to freedoms. We don’t want to win in gambling and life, be a let these special rights disintegood person, and win, lose or grate and disappear, so let’s all By Bob Sweeney draw, enjoy the journey. do our part to vote and be good Remember this motto to live citizens. by: “Life should NOT be a journey to the Gaming is a pleasurable privilege, and grave with the intention of arriving safely we thank the voters of Colorado for the in an attractive and well-preserved body, wisdom to legalize gaming more than two but rather to ski in sideways, chocolate decades ago. At least 10,000 jobs were in one hand and wine in the other, body created and millions of dollars collected thoroughly used up, totally worn out and in taxes for the state of Colorado. Gam- screaming, ‘WOO HOO what a ride!’” blers didn’t ask much in return except the Happy New Year from all of us at the right to gamble legally in some wonderful Colorado Gambler! venues.

Many of us love the rich history of the three towns and much has been preserved through tax dollars flowing to historical preservation and parks. Many of the old structures have been preserved and remodeled thanks to those funds.

County governments have done a remarkable job of replacing infrastructure, providing water, sanitation and safety to the many visitors that visit these mountain gaming towns.

We find that local governments, casinos and patrons have all become more professional in doing business, while enjoying the surroundings and the towns.

What great places to live, work and play!

Most of us like to play slot machines, poker, roulette or craps, and also enjoy the wonderful food and beverages. What is there not to like?

One doesn’t have to gamble to enjoy this environment.

But, most of us like the action, always challenged to beat the house, take their money before they take ours. It is a battle, playing the odds, watching cards that come out of those mechanical shoe shufflers in no particular order with six decks in play.

Patience is a virtue in gambling; Lady Luck seems to be fussy, particular in who and when she helps the players or the house. Luck is a lifestyle and highly depends on how you treat others. The saying, “what goes around, comes around,” is so true. Tipping and being polite can do wonders for a player’s karma and luck.

The employees of our mountain town casinos have turned the buildings of ironstone and brick into friendly fraternities of folks who like to play cards, drink, and enjoy the fast passing years of life.

Gambling is like other forms of entertainment, it costs money to sit at the tables. Not everyone wins, and some players are better than others, but isn’t that true of life itself?

We all start equal with chips and we

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

January 5 - 18, 2016

ALL ROADS LEAD TO AN

UNFORGETTABLE TIME. Enjoy even more ways to get to Ameristar Black Hawk.

Ameristar is proud to partner with Ace Express and Ramblin Express, who have added us along their routes. With eight convenient pick-up locations, getting away to your favorite casino-resort is easier than ever… it’s leaving all the excitement that’s so hard.

5250 Sheridan Blvd., Arvada 13450 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora 5200 Smith Rd., Denver 15th & Glenarm Pl., Denver

3100 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver 14000 W. 44th Ave., Golden 14th & Oak St., Lakewood 8800 N. Washington St., Thornton

BUS RIDER BONUS After earning 100 tier points present your same day bus ticket to the cashier to receive $23 in cash!

AMERISTAR.COM Terms subject to change. Must be 21 years old. See mychoice ® Center for details. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800-522-4700. ©2 015 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.golden mardigras.com $24K Snow Plow Progressive

More than 120 winners will win $200 in our $24,000 Snow Plow Progressive, all month long. Drawings are Thursdays and Fridays 3 – 10 p.m. and Saturday’s 1 – 10 p.m. If a winner is not present for a drawing, that prize amount will be added to the final drawing of the day so stick around for your change to plow in big winnings! Earn one entry for every 10 base points or every half hour of tracked table games play at our Golden Mardi Gras and Golden Gates Casinos.

$10,000 Polar Point Chase

Play every Sunday in January and you could win the Polar Point Chase and your share of $10,000. The top base point earner of the month will win $4,000 in cash with prizes awarded for top three overall point earners and top five weekly point earners.

Winter Wonderland Play & Earn

Each Monday, play at Golden Mardi Gras or Golden Gates and take home gloves, scarf, hat and a blanket. There is a different item each Monday starting at only 500 base points. Stop by any Guest Service center for full details and find out how to get yours.

All-New Fab 40+ Tuesdays

Win up to 500,000 points every Tuesday in our all new Fab 40+. All guests aged 40 and better will receive 50% off any food purchase (up to $10 discount) and one free swipe on our kiosk prize wheel for free entries, FreePlay and possibly a million points. Play 200 base points for additional swipes. All you need is your A-Play Club Card so stop by Guest Services for full details!

Frosty Flakes Kiosk Game

Now every Wednesday, come in to win up to $1,000 cash, or FreePlay and other great prizes. Swipe your A-Play Club Card at any promotional kiosk with no point requirement for the first swipe and get an additional swipe after earning 200 base points on the day of the promotion.

Golden Gulch Casino Promotions

Enjoy Bingo Mondays and Wednes-

PAGE 4

days, Nifty 50+ specials on Tuesdays, $4,000 Hot Seats Fridays and Saturdays and our Wheel of Winnings kiosk game on Sundays. Stop by and pick up your NEW A-Play Club Card and get all the details of our great new promotions from our friendly Gulch team.

Tray. Just earn 100 same day base points.

The giveaway will start at 11 a.m., quantities are limited.

Are you 60 years of age or older?

Try our delicious double cheeseburger with fries for only $4.99 at Full House Cafe and Lucky’s. Lucky’s also offers Pho and delicious daily specials!

Join us every Monday and Tuesday this month for our Silver Tsunami Clue 60+ days. Just earn 60 base points that day and receive one free menu item valued up to $12 and a free nonalcoholic beverage

New Member Offer

Club Z

Lucky’s & Full House Café

Sign up today and you can win up to $1,000 and start receiving all the benefits you deserve. Visit guest services for details and see how far your play can take you.

Table Games

Try your luck at one of our table games at Mardi Gras or Golden Gates Casinos and reap the rewards. We have so many options for you so feel free to ask any of our experienced and friendly dealers how to play any of our table games.

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Z Casino and receive up to $100 in Z-Play the same day! See Club Z for complete details.

Who wants a discount on gas?

Earn your base points Monday through Sunday and receive up to $1.50 off the following Tuesday at our Z Stop Gas Station. See Club Z for complete details.

Don’t want to pay for Golden Gates Poker Parlour Breakfast?

Featuring 20 live-action poker tables

and the best tournaments in Colorado.

Check out our current Poker Promotions and get even more cash for your play.

Just earn 10 same day base points before 11 a.m. and receive a voucher for a free Double Down Breakfast at Club Z! Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

City shuttle stops at Z Casino (on Selak Street adjacent to our free parking lot).

Z Cafe

Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor of Z Casino to get your favorite Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha and much more.

Mustang Grill

Stop by Z Casino’s Mustang Grill and try our specialties which include the amazing Prime Rib dinner or Famous Z Ribs now only $7.77 with your Club Z Card. Located on the 3rd floor of Z Casino.

Birthday

Come celebrate your birthday with us. New and existing members play our kiosk game to win free Z-Play.

High Hand

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday join us for our High Hand table games promotion. Receive a drawing ticket for every one hour of carded play. Drawings will be every other hour from 4 – 10 p.m.

Table Games

Play the Hottest Table Games in Black Hawk at Z Casino! We have all your favorites including Craps with Sharp Shooter, and blackjack. Our table games are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. – close.

$3.99 Prime Rib Dinner

www.zcasinobh.com 10X points

Every Monday and Tuesday this month receive 10X points on slots, just check in at our kiosk. Every Wednesday through Sunday this month win up to 10X Points, just play our kiosk game. See Club Z for complete details for all promos.

Jeep Renegade Giveaway

Join us every day starting Jan. 3 through Feb. 27 for our $100,000 Jeep Renegade Giveaway, win up to $500 in Z-Play at each of our daily drawings. Earn Jeep Renegade finalist entries with every 250 points earned from Jan. 3 through Feb. 27. On Feb. 27, we will have drawings from 1pm-Midnight every hour for $150 in Z-Play at 9:30 p.m. we will have one Jeep Renegade winner and four $500 in Z-Play winners.

Bamboo Chip and Dip Tray

Stop by Z Casino Jan. 26 to pick up your free Bamboo 2 Piece Chip and Dip

Join us every Friday this month for our $3.99 Prime Rib Dinner special. Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Want to convert your comps to FREE gas?

Earn Turbo, Nitro or Flame status and redeem your comps for up to $20 in gas each day!

Play and Ride

Earn 75 same day base points, redeem your bus ticket at Club Z and receive $25 in Z-Play. Earn 500 same day base points and get an additional $5 in Z-Play.

Get Reimbursed for Your ATM Fees

Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our ATM, bring your receipt to Z Casino within 2 hours from the time on your receipt. You will receive $5 in Z-Play or $3 Cash back.

Catch the Free Shuttle

Both the Black Hawk and Central

www.ameristar.com Cash is King

$100,000 is up for grabs each Saturday in January and February. First, swipe your mychoice card at any promotional kiosk for your free entry beginning Jan. 3, then earn additional entries for every 10 tier points earned while gaming with your mychoice card. Drawings at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. every Saturday in January and February.

Bus Redemption Program

Ace Express and Ramblin Express have added Ameristar as a drop-off/ pick-up location along their routes.

With eight convenient pick up locations in the Denver metro area, visiting your favorite Casino Resort just became that much easier. After earning 100 tier points present your same day bus ticket to the cashier to receive $23 in cash.

Live Entertainment

Don’t miss our live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night from

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

• Jan. 8 – Steve Thomas Band, Jan. 9 – DJ-Bedz • Jan. 15 – JV-3 Band, Jan. 16 – DJ-EJ • Jan. 22 – Delta Sonics, Jan. 23 – DJ-EJ • Jan. 29 – JV-3 Band, Jan. 30 – DJ-Bedz

Poker

Black Hawk’s premier poker room deals excitement at all of our 22 live poker tables. Don’t miss your shot at our huge Bad Beat Jackpot and coming soon watch for our new Descending Bad Beat promotion.

Social Media

Cheers to exceptional dining

Centennial Buffet offers food from around the globe all in one convenient location. Timberline Grill offers an upscale option, with aged steaks and locally sourced food, come in and sample our new menu today! Fireside Kitchen is a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a delectable dessert. Waypost deli is the place to go for a quick stop, choose from our juicy burgers, delicious sandwiches, wood-fired pizza and more. Stop by the only Starbucks in Black Hawk for a breakfast sandwich, sweet treat or even a cup of coffee.

Like, Follow and Tweet us for special offers and promotions: Like us on Facebook/AMERISTAR.CASINO.BH. Follow us on Instagram @AMERISTARBH. Tweet us on Twitter @AMERISTARBH.

Table Games

Come check out our 40 table games including Bonus Craps, which allows payouts for Small, Tall and both combined dice rolls. With 35-1 odds, a shooter simply has to roll a set of 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, 9, 10, 11 in any order before rolling a 7 (crapping out) to achieve this sizzling bonus that rewards any player who has placed at least $1 minimum bet on the pot.

In addition, roll all 8 of those numbers, before a 7, and you will receive a bonus of 175-1. Roll your way to a marvelous payday every day at Ameristar.

Mychoice tier benefits

Start earning discounts immediately upon signing up for a mychoice card.

Reach the Advantage tier for 2X earning power on mycash. Earn your way to the Preferred tier or higher and receive annual benefits with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Mlife Resorts in Las Vegas and Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Attain our highest tier, Owners Club. Why do we call it Owners Club? Upon reaching this tier you will receive 100 shares of PNK stock. Then choose from lavish gifts including a year lease on one of four Mercedes Benz models, an all-expense paid international trip, jewelry and much more.

Ara Spa January Special

Enjoy being together by getting a couple massage using the Loving Tara oil which also includes a complimentary split of champagne after your massage.

If a single spa treatment is desired: May we draw your bath? We’ll prepare a luxury bath with mineral salts and essential oil before we slip away. You may order bubbles of another sort with our optional champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

www.saratoga casinobh.com $20,000 Cold Call Hi-Lo Giveaway

Fridays, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Saturdays, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., be one of five lucky guests each night to turn over a card worth up to $500 Promo Play. Earn entries for every 100 base points or every 30 minutes of rated play on table games. Accumulate entries from Sunday through Saturday each week. Plus, get 25X entries on Wednesdays and Fridays. Visit Guest Services for details for all promos.

Mega Points Multiplier

Every Monday and Tuesday in January, spin the multiplier wheel at our promotional kiosk and get up to 20X points on your favorite slots.

Swipe your card at a promotional kiosk before you play. Some restrictions apply.

Arctic Chill Kiosk Game

Every Thursday in January, play our new Arctic Chill Kiosk Game and reveal a prize of up to $1,000 Promo Play. To win, simply swipe your Player Extras Club Card at a kiosk after earning 100 base points or playing 30 minutes of table games before 11:59 p.m. Some restrictions apply.

Gifts Galore Giveaway

Get the gift you want on Sunday, Jan. 17, from noon – 8 p.m. Now it’s your turn to pick your own gift. Simply earn 150 same-day base points Continued on page 5

January 5-18, 2016

Continued from Page 4

or play one hour of table games, then swipe at a kiosk. Choose from Pyrex 100th Anniversary Centennial Collector Sets, Pyrex Easy Grab Pie Plates, Sherpa blankets, Footballthemed beer mugs, cheese boards, and more. While supplies last. First come, first served. Limit one gift per person. Some restrictions apply.

Saratoga reserves all rights.

Weekday Warriors Exclusive Menu

All day, Monday – Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, take advantage of the $2 breakfast, $4 lunch and $6 dinner menu in the Main Street Café.

Some restrictions apply.

Weekday Warriors $20 Bus Fare Redemption

All day, Monday – Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, get $20 cash back on bus fare.

Gold members – only 150 same day base points. Platinum members – only 100 same day base points. Diamond members – FREE. Some restrictions apply.

Join Now, Win Now

New Player Extras Club members get up to $210.

points on all penny slots from 8 a.m. – midnight. Register at the Players Club or Cashier Services prior to playing.

Make You Happy Mystery Multiplier On Mondays Jan. 4, 11 and 25, from 8 a.m. – midnight, you will receive a lucky mystery multiplier when you visit the Players Club or Cashier Services upon registration. Multipliers range from 5X to 20X points. You will receive a free buffet after earning 100 tier points. Not valid on video poker.

Multiplier cannot be combined with any other offer. Must register prior to playing.

50+ Perks

Every Sunday in January from 8 a.m. – midnight, everyone age 50 or better is invited to stop by for 5X points on slots and 2X points on video poker.

Receive one free buffet after earning 100 unadjusted points from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Cannot be combined with any other point multiplier.

New Member

In January, all new members of the Fan Club will receive a free buffet after playing 30 minutes on their new Players card. Guests who provide an email address at the time of enrollment will receive 5,000 Fan Club points.

Social Media

Make sure to “like” Isle Black Hawk on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Also, make sure to register your email with the Players Club or Cashier Services to receive special promotion emails.

Win a share of $10,000

www.theisle blackhawk.com Glee Ball

Don’t miss your chance to win up to $1,500 in CASH every Friday in January. Random drawings will take place from 6 – 10 p.m. Winners will get to play Glee Ball and try to roll their way to win some major cash. Get one FREE entry and earn more with play.

Spin, Win & Grin

Spin the wheel to reveal your prize, up to $500 in cash. With two times the grins each Tuesday in January from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and again from 5 – 7 p.m. Receive one free entry each Tuesday and additional entries with play.

20X Points on Pennies

Every Thursday in January is 20X

January 5-18, 2016

Win you share of $10,000 in cash and prizes, Mondays and Thursday in January from 2 – 8 p.m. Receive one free entry each day and additional entries with play. The Isle has all your favorite table games including Blackjack, Craps with 10 times odds, Roulette and more.

Play And Stay

Earn 500 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club card Sunday’s through Thursday’s between 8 a.m. and midnight and stay the night on us! Or on Friday earn 800 unadjusted points and your hotel stay is FREE. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days in may apply. You must register prior to playing. Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays and blackout dates.

Bus Fare Refund

The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $22. Simply earn 450 unadjusted points on your Player’s card and present your return bus ticket to the player’s club or cashier services. Table Games and Poker players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play. Guests must redeem bus ticket at the Players Club or Cashier Services. Limit one bus redemption per person per day.

THE BIGGEST AND BEST CRAB LEGS IN BLACK HAWK

NOW AVAILABLE AT CALYPSO’S® THURSDAY – SUNDAY DURING DINNER

WALK AWAY WITH

Calypso’s Buffet

500

$

Enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner buffets. Featuring delicious breakfast spreads, crisp salads, freshly baked breads, tender chicken and beef entrées, wood stonebaked pizzas and savory side dishes.

IN CASH AND PRIZES

Tradewinds

Tradewinds has a new menu that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, a green chili and chipotle, the black & blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds now offers the best desserts in town.

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY 11:00AM - 1:00PM AND 5:00PM - 7:00PM Two times the grins every promotional Tuesday with two separate drawing periods!

Spin the wheel to reveal your prize. Receive one free entry each Tuesday and earn additional entries for every 100 unadjusted points earned.

WIN UP TO

$

www.blackhawk ladyluck.isleofcapri casinos.com Happy Fortunes Pyramid

Work your way up Lady Luck’s Happy Fortunes Pyramid on Friday and Saturdays. From 2 – 8 p.m. you could be chosen to win some green. Win up to $750. Receive one free entry and additional entries with play. See guest services for rules and additional details for all promos.

1,500

FRIDAYS, JANUARY 8, 15, 22 & 29 6:00PM - 10:00PM Score points for a chance to win great cash prizes!

Receive one FREE entry each Friday and earn additional entries for every 100 unadjusted points earned.

Happy Go Lucky Hot Seat

Join your friends at Lady Luck from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays in January for the Happy-Go-Lucky Hot Seats.

We’re picking players to choose one out of seven mailboxes containing prizes starting at $50 all the way up to $250 Cash. Plus, the players sitting directly to the right and left of the winner get 25,000 fan club points.

Platinum and Millionaire Bonus Points

The tier rewards are racking up in

Continued on page 11

CONNECT WITH US

1-800-THE-ISLE (843-4753) • WWW.THEISLEBLACKHAWK.COM © 2015 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 or older. Calypso’s and Isle are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 or older. Promotions subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Please visit the players club or cashier services for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. www.theisleblackhawk.com

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 5

OVER 120 WINNERS WILL WIN $200

WIN A SHARE OF $10,000

HOURLY DRAWINGS

EVERY SUNDAY

THURSDAYS • 3PM – 10PM FRIDAYS • 3PM – 10PM SATURDAYS • 1PM – 10PM

1ST PLACE • $4,000 2ND PLACE • $2,500 3RD PLACE • $1,000

Earn one entry for every 10 base points or 30 minutes tracked table games play.

Top 5 winners each Sunday receive $100 in FreePlay!

303-582-2600 • 300 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 • GoldenMardiGras.com Must be at least 21. Must be an A-Play Club ® Member. Management reserves all rights. See Guest Services for rules. Gambling problem? Call 800-522-4700.

PAGE 6

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

January 5 - 18, 2016

Crossword Puzzle 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe. Answers on page 14

FACE IT…YOU COULD

ACROSS: 1. CO Governor (12) 10. Private NY university (3) 11. Belonging to us (3) 12. Open area of grassy land (3) 14. Made from tanning cattle hide (7) 15. T-Rex singer Marc (5) 16. Urinate (3) 17. Department of the Interior (3) 19. Manning brother (3) 20. South African golfer Ernie (3) 22. Egyptian god (2) 24. Suffix expressing a state or condition (3)

44. Expensive silver flute (4) 45. Low Naval rank (6) 46. Brazilian city (3) 48. Princess Diana’s companion (4) 50. Switch setting (2) 51. Auto racing competition (4) 53. Coastal Georgia biting creature (4, 4) 57. Make foul, dirty, or unclean (6) 58. Make changes to (4)

DOWN: 1. Texas poker game (6) 2. Where the dice tables are (5, 3) 3. For the benefit of Mr.? (4) 4. Diethyl oxide (5) 5. Of the Rings (4) 6. Sooners (2) 7. Gravitationally curved path (5) 8. French lifestyle magazine (4) 9. Madrid soccer team (4) 13. Cartoon filmmaking process (9) 18. Essential ones are used for healing (4) 21. Knowledge passed on (4) 23. Insurance company (3)

OT SEAT WINH CASH FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, JANUARY 2 - 30 2:00PM – 8:00PM

26. To brood or sulk (4) 27. Local youth sports league (3) 28. Highest town in CO and the US (4) 31. Tiny northeastern state (2) 32. East of Alabama (2) 33. Yes senor (2) 35. Out sounds like this in Scotland (3) 36. Lovely Rita, the maid (5) 39. One of the two main branches of Islam (5) 40. Indian Bay and Cincinnati football player (6) 43. Legendary Pontiac (3)

25. You slang (2) 29. Town between Denver and Fort Collins (8) 30. Big sky country (7) 32. Desire for more and more money (5) 34. Big casino hotel across from the Monarch (4) 36. Spanish Capital (6) 37. Goes with flow (3) 38. They make phones and TVs (2) 41. Loop at the end of a rope (5) 42. Ancient Greek city and Kelly Khumalo song (5)

44. The fiddler was on it (4) 47. Anger, fury (3) 49. Short for dad (2) 52. Ivory Coast top level domain (2) 54. DuPont ticker symbol (2) 55. Joe was a famous one in the military (2) 56. Score in football (2)

WIN UP TO $

250

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY 11:00AM – 5:00PM

1-888-LADY-LUCK • WWW.LADYLUCKBLACKHAWK.COM © 2015 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 or older. Lady Luck is a registered trademark of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Promotions subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please visit the players club or cashier services for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. www.ladyluckblackhawk.com

January 5 - 18, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 7

Central City Nuggets www.johnnyzscasino.com 10X points

Every Monday and Tuesday this month receive 10X points on slots, just check in at our kiosk. Every Wednesday through Sunday this month win up to 10X Points, just play our kiosk game. See Club Z for complete details for all promos.

Bahama Mama Tropical Getaway

will have one Bahama Mama winner and four Don’t want to pay for Breakfast? $500 in Z-Play winners.

Just earn 10 same day base points before 11 a.m. and receive a voucher for a free Double Bamboo Chip and Dip Tray Down Breakfast. Receive your voucher from the Stop by Jan. 26 to pick up your free Bamboo promotional kiosk.

2 Piece Chip and Dip Tray. Just earn 100 same day base points. The giveaway will start at 11 Prime Rib Dinner special a.m., quantities are limited.

Join us every Friday this month for our $3.99 Prime Rib Dinner special. Receive your voucher Are you 60 years of age or older? from the promotional kiosk.

Join us every Monday and Tuesday this month for our Silver Tsunami Clue 60+ days.

Just earn 60 base points that day and receive Want to convert your comps one free menu item valued up to $12 and a free to FREE gas?

Earn Turbo, Nitro or Flame status and renonalcoholic beverage. deem your comps for up to $20 in gas each day.

Club Z Card

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Johnny Play and Ride Join us every day starting Jan. 3 – 30 for Z’s and receive up to $100 in Z-Play the same Earn 75 same day base points, redeem your our Bahama Mama Tropical Getaway, win up day. bus ticket at Club Z and receive $25 in Z-Play. to $500 in Z-Play at each of our daily drawings.

Earn 500 same day base points and get an adEarn Bahama Mama finalist entries with every Who wants a discount on gas? ditional $5 in Z-Play.

250 points earned from Jan. 3 – 30. On Jan. 30 Earn your base points Monday through Sunwe will have drawings from 1 p.m. – midnight day and receive up to $1.50 off per gallon the Get reimbursed for your ATM fees Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our every hour for $150 in Z-Play at 9:30 p.m. we following Tuesday at our Z Stop Gas Station.

PAGE 8

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

ATM and bring your receipt to Johnny Z’s within 2 hours from the time on your receipt. You will receive $5 in Z-Play or $3 Cash back.

Most Points

Johnny Z’s Casino is the place for the most points. Every day this month win up to 10X Points every day, just play our kiosk game.

Prime Rib or Z Ribs

Try our amazing Prime Rib dinner or Famous Z Ribs now only $7.77 with your Club Z Card, located on the 2nd floor of Johnny Z’s Casino.

Z Cafe

Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor of Johnny Z’s to get your favorite Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha and much more.

Birthday

Come celebrate your birthday with us. New and existing members play our kiosk game to win free Z-Play.

Catch the Free Shuttle

The Central City shuttle stops right in front of Johnny Z’s in Central City. With quick, easy access to Z Casino in Black Hawk, ride the Central City Free Ride.

January 5 - 18, 2016

Central City Nuggets p.m. will be given the first four letters of “HAKE” guaranteeing them at least $300 CASH with one die to roll for $1,000.

Introducing Insta-Draw

Central-city.cnty.com Shake, Rattle, and Roll

Roll the Dice and Win up to $1,000 each hour. Fridays and Saturdays, 4 – 11 p.m. Winner drawn every hour will get to Roll a special set of dice to win up to $500 CASH. Win up to $1,000 at 11 p.m. earn entries with every 150 base points played on your Player’s Club card from Dec. 27 to Jan. 30. Earn 2X entries on slots with all your play on Tuesdays. Guaranteed winners each hour on Friday and Saturday! Each winner will roll a set of 5 Dice trying to spell “SHAKE.” After their first roll they will get to keep any die they like and re-roll the remaining dice a second time.

Bonus Prizes for any five of a kind or completing “SHAKE.” The winner at 11

In January our Friday/Saturday drawings Shake, Rattle, and Roll will now feature our new ticket-less drawing system, Insta-Draw. Earn entries just the same way you always have. Never wait in line again at the Player’s Club to print out your entries. Every drawing day, all you have to do is play with your Player’s Club card that day to “activate” all your earned entries for the drawing period (the full month’s worth with Shake, Rattle and Roll) will go into our digital, virtual Insta-Draw ticket barrel. Watch the drawings on any of our HD TV screens around the casino, and the winner’s name and countdown will be displayed for you so you can enjoy our weekend drawings right from your seat.

Free Prime Rib Tuesdays

Every Tuesday you can enjoy the our Prime Rib Special at the Mid City Grill for FREE from 11 a.m. with just 150 base points earned on your Player’s Club card that day. Must redeem for certificate at the Player’s Club prior to being seated for your meal, and must redeem certificate on the same day it is issued.

Just play on Tuesdays and eat our most popular meal for FREE.

Sunday Football Score Board Score a touchdown and $700.

Score with drawings every half hour from 2 – 8 p.m. every Sunday. Every player with a Century Casino Player’s Card can get two entries to the drawing per drawing day, with additional entries available to our VIPs, up to six total possible entries per player.

Winners punch out spots on our game board to find out how many “yards” they earned on that “down.” Gain a total

of ten yards or more for a First Down to win $100 Insta-Play instantly. Score a Field Goal to win a total of $300 cash. And score a Touchdown to win $700 cash. Everyone playing the board wins at least a $50 Insta-Play prize.

New Members get up to $20 in Day One Insta-Play Sign up at our Player‘s Club for a free club card to get a FREE SPIN to win up to $1,500. Earn 10 base points on your day of signup and return to the Player’s Club for $5 in Insta-Play added right to your account. Earn 100 base points total on your signup day and redeem at the Club for $5 in InstaPlay added to your account. Earn 200 base points that same day for another $5 Insta-Play bonus. Finally, earn 300 base points that same day for another amazing $5 in Insta-Play bonus available at the Club. That’s up to

$20 in Day One Insta-Play for New Members.

Bigger Bingo –Thursday Bingo Enjoy FREE Bingo from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., with $100 Insta-Play Play or Table Games Play Chips prizes, with $250 cash prizes for our bigger bingo games at 11 a.m., 8 p.m., and one random hourly game Thursday.

Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.

Tuesday Bonus Entries Earn 2X Entries on slots to win Friday and Saturday Shake, Rattle, and Roll drawings!

Military Appreciation Monday Guests with military ID will receive a free ice cream, plus 50% off meals (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill.

FREE

PRIME RIB TUESDAYS

WIN BIG THIS JANUARY AT CENTURY!

Every Tuesday you can enjoy our Prime Rib Special at the Mid City Grill for FREE from 11am with just 150 base points earned on your Player’s Club card that day!

SHAKE, RATTLE

$20

GET UP TO

IN DAY ONE INSTA-PLAY!

ROLL THE DICE AND WIN UP TO

$500 EACH HOUR!

TICKETLESS DRAWING SYSTEM!

WIN UP TO

NO MORE LINES!

$1,000 AT 11PM!

$5 INSTA-PLAY - sign up for the Player’s Club for free and earn 10 base points that same day! + $5 INSTA-PLAY - earn 100 base points on day of signup! + $5 INSTA-PLAY - earn 200 base points on day of signup! + $5 INSTA-PLAY - earn 300 base points on day of signup!

January 5 - 18, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 9

Casino•Guide Casino

Games

Slots

Ameristar - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

Black Hawk Station Bull Durham

Lodging

Food

Parking

Contact

over 1400 536 rooms

B, D, SD, Starbucks

free valet and self parking

720-946-4000/.ameristar.com/Black_Hawk.aspx

VP

120

No

SD,SB

city lot

303-582-5582/ blackhawkstationcasino.net

VP

188

No

SB

city lot

303-582-0810/.bulldurhamcasino.com

Z Casino Formerly Bullwhackers Mon-Thurs 8am-3am/Fri-Sun 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP

400

No

SD, D

free valet and self parking

303-271-2500/zcasinobh.com

Canyon - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

415

No

SD, SB

free valet and self parking

303-777-1111/canyoncasino.com

Saratoga - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

453

No

SD

free covered valet

303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/saratogacasinobh.com

Gilpin - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

460

No

SD

free valet across the street

303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com

Golden Gates - 24/7

BJ, P, C, VP

280

No

D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Gulch

VP

140

No

V

free self/free valet

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Mardi Gras - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

680

No

SD,SB,D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/goldenmardigras.com

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP

1308

238

B,D,SD

free valet and self parking

1-800-The-Isle/theisleblackhawk.com

Lady Luck - 24/7

BJ, P,C, R, VP

500

164

SD,SB

free covered valet and self parking

1-888-Lady-Luck/ladyluckblackhawk.com

Lodge - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

975

50

B, D, SD, SB

free valet parking

303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com

Red Dolly

VP

149

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net

Monarch - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

766

No

B

free valet and self parking

303-582-1000/monarchblackhawk.com

Sasquatch

No

70

No

D

No

720-880-1616

Wildcard

VP

220

No

D

city lot

303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

520

26

SD,D

free covered self parking

303-582-5050/cnty.com

Dostal Alley - 24/7

VP

64

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1610/dostalalley.net

Easy Street

VP

205

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Famous Bonanza

BJ, P, R, VP

244

No

SD , D

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Johnny Z’s - 24/7 Mon-Thurs 8am-3am/Fri-Sun 24/7 BJ, C, VP

367

No

SD, D

free covered parking

303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com

Reserve Casino Hotel - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

700

119

SD, D, B, SB, V

free valet and self parking

1-800-924-6646/reservecasinohotel.com

The Brass Ass - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

250

No

SD

free covered self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasino.com

Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

750

23

SD

free self parking

877-989-2142/broncobillyscasino.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, R,

448

21

SD

free self parking

719-689-0333/cripple-creek.cnty.com

Colorado Grande - 24/7

BJ, R, VP

211

5

SD, SB

free self parking

877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com

Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7

BJ, P ,C, R, VP

700+

158

SD, SB

free valet and covered self parking

800-711-7234/decasino.com

Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7

VP

255

No

SD

free self parking w/validation

719-689-2080/johnnynolons.com

J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat

VP

300

40

SD

validated self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Midnight Rose - 24/7

P, VP

400

19

SD, B

validated self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Wildwood Casino- 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530

68

SD, D, B

Climate controlled self parking

877-945-3963/playwildwood.com

Games Key

Food Key

BJ - Blackjack, P - Poker, C - Craps, R - Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker

B-Buffet, D-Deli, SD-Sitdown, SB-Snackbar, V-Vending Machine

This information is subject to change without notice.

Central City Nuggets Continued from Page 5 January with a great point multiplier day for Platinum and Millionaire players. Tuesday, Jan. 12, Platinum players will receive 8X points and Millionaire players will receive 10X points. You don’t need to register, enjoy your favorite slot machine and receive bonus points all day!

Select and Gold Bonus Points

The tier rewards are racking up in January with a great point multiplier day for Select and Gold players.

Tuesday, Jan. 26. Select players will receive 3X points and Gold players will receive 5X points. You don’t need to register, enjoy your favorite slot machine and receive bonus points all day!

New Member

Join the club today. When you’re a fan, you get better rewards faster than ever. For all new members, just play $10 and receive $20 in Otis & Henry’s Bar & Grill. Sign up your email address, receive $5 and start raking in those rewards.

Thursday between 8 a.m. and midnight for a free room in the Lady Luck hotel tower. On Fridays play 800 Tier Score Points between 8 a.m. and midnight for a free room. Register at guest services prior to play. Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays/ blackout dates.

Club 40

We’re multiplying the fun Mondays and Wednesdays. Join us twice a week for Club 40. All guests age 40 or better will receive 6X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Guests will also receive a free entrée at Otis & Henry’s once they earn 25 Tier Score points on their Lady Luck Player’s Card.

Bus Fare Redemption

Guests who play with a Fan Club Card can receive up to $22 cash back on bus fare every day. Earn 350 unadjusted points on Lady Luck Player’s Card to receive cash back. Poker and table games guests can earn too. Ask Supervisor for details. Guests must redeem bus ticket at Guest Services. Limit one bus redemption per person per day.

Monte Carlo

Win Win Mystery Point Multiplier

Earn up to 20 Times Points Thursdays in January.

Drop the puck from noon until 8 p.m. in the promotions area and try to score up to 20 times points on slots. Plus you get 5X points on video poker.

The new Monte Carlo Jackpots are up and running with 12 individual progressive prizes. There are jackpots for Royal Flushes, Straight Flushes and any 4 of a kind. Visit the Lady Luck Poker Room for details and updated jackpot amounts.

Social Media

Table Games

Make sure to “like” Lady Luck Black Hawk on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Also, register your email with Guest Services to receive special promotion emails.

Play and Stay

Earn 500 Tier Score points Sunday through

Football Sundays $50,000 American Dream Giveaway

How would you like your house payment made for one year? Dec. 4 – Jan. 30, we will hold drawings every Friday and Saturday, 5 – 9 p.m. Three winners from each drawing will win cash or Reserve play prizes and automatically receive 50 entries into the grand finale drawing on Jan. 30. The winner of the grand finale drawing will receive a prize package valued at $20,000. See Guest Services for full details on all promos.

$11,500 Supercharged Blackjack Progressive Bad Beat

If Blackjack is your game, play with us every day in January. Players at the table split $11,500+ when the dealer draws an 8-card 21. In addition to an 8 card 21, we have decided to Supercharge this promotion. This means that when the dealer draws a 7 card 21 the table will split $500.

2016 Progressive Slot Tournament

Join us Saturday, Jan. 9 from 1 – 4 p.m. for our Progressive Slot Tournament. The first round is free and you can earn up to three additional rounds with every 300 base points earned 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. If a contestant hits a score of 10,000 points or more they win the progressive jackpot. Top 10 win cash or free play.

Don’t miss out on all the great food, games, and prizes. Play FREE squares for your chance to win up to $250. Watch the game on our big screen and make sure to wear your favorite football gear. Must earn 50 base points to join party.

Plush Blanket Giveaway

Earn 750 base points on Jan. 6 and 13 to take home a cozy plush blanket. Starts at 8 a.m.

Ultimate Jackpot Bingo

Play Bingo for FREE every Monday in the Lava Room at noon and 2 p.m. Win your share of up to $2,700. Earn additional Bingo cards for every 200 unadjusted base points.

Live In Concert

Reserve Casino Hotel presents Firefall, Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Purchase tickets today at www.reservecasinohotel.com.

Dine With Us

Dine with us in Chef’s Kitchen Café every MondayFriday, featuring classic favorite American dishes.

Every Tuesday 5 – 10 p.m., in January enjoy All-You -Can-Eat Pizza & Salad for $9.99. You won’t want to miss our Crab Dinner Buffet Friday-Sunday all for $17.99 with player’s card. If you’re a night owl or just need a quick snack, check out the Java Express featuring B-Iconic, open daily and featuring coffee, burgers, pastries, paninis and more!

Play Craps, Roulette, Bonus 6, Buffalo Black Jack Bonus and Double Deck Blackjack every day of the week. There are 20X odds on Craps everyday. $5 games open every day and $2 craps Monday through Thursday. See Table games, located on the second floor of Lady Luck, for additional promotions and details.

LAND OVERLOOKING BLACK HAWK & CENTRAL CITY

DORY HILL ROAD BLACK HAWK

~35.1 Acres ~1.5 miles from Ameristar’s front door ~Active spring on property ~Road cut into multiple building sites ~Building plans available ~MLS #1101316 ~Sprint on property ~Electricity & gas right on Dory Hill Road.

Call us today for a tour of this magnificent homesite!

Beautiful property featuring views of snow-capped mountain peaks, Mount Evans, Black Hawk & Central City, aspen trees, and multiple clear building sites for which log home plans are available. Take this opportunity to build your dream home on a property full of mountain charm that is private yet readily accessible to fun! +$25,000+ invested into building road to potential building sites.

WACHTER’S

YOUR TEAM

TM

Exceptional Experience Serving YOUR Best Interests

Kevin Wachter

Nicole Sokolowski

www.KevinWachter.com Direct 720.320.1191 Kevin@KevinWachter.com

Direct 720.463.4134 Nicole@KevinWachter.com

Broker Associate

Buyer Specialist

I-70 WEST EXIT 243 CENTRAL CITY • ReserveCasinoHotel.com (800) 924 -6646 • WE ARE HIRING!

All information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Each office independently owned and operated.

January 5 - 18, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 11

Real DEALS Here are 刀䔀䐀䔀䔀䴀 夀伀唀刀 䈀唀匀 吀䤀䌀䬀䔀吀 䄀吀 䜀䔀吀 ␀㈀㔀 䤀一 娀ⴀ倀䰀䄀夀℀

䄀䘀吀䔀刀 䔀䄀刀一䤀一䜀 㜀㔀 匀䄀䴀䔀 䐀䄀夀 䈀䄀匀䔀 倀伀䤀一吀匀 伀一 夀伀唀刀 䌀䰀唀䈀 娀 䌀䄀刀䐀⸀

㄀㄀㌀㈀ 䰀愀眀爀攀渀挀攀 匀琀⸀ 䌀攀渀琀爀愀氀 䌀椀琀礀Ⰰ 䌀伀⸀ 㠀 㐀㈀㜀 ㌀ ㌀ⴀ㔀㠀㈀ⴀ㔀㘀㈀㌀ ∠ 䨀漀栀渀渀礀娀猀䌀愀猀椀渀漀⸀挀漀洀

㄀ ㄀ 䜀爀攀最漀爀礀 匀琀⸀ 䈀氀愀挀欀 䠀愀眀欀Ⰰ 䌀伀⸀ 㠀 㐀㈀㈀ ㌀ ㌀ⴀ㈀㜀㄀ⴀ㈀㔀 ∠ 娀挀愀猀椀渀漀䈀䠀⸀挀漀洀

匀䔀䔀 䌀䰀唀䈀 娀 䘀伀刀 䌀伀䴀倀䰀䔀吀䔀 䐀䔀吀䄀䤀䰀匀⸀ 䴀䄀一䄀䜀䔀䴀䔀一吀 刀䔀匀䔀刀嘀䔀匀 䄀䰀䰀 刀䤀䜀䠀吀匀⸀

$

MONDAY – THURSDAY • ALL DAY! FRIDAY • 9AM – 5PM

2 Breakfast, $4 Lunch and $6 Dinner in Main Street Café

20 Bus Redemption! $

Gold – Only 150 base points Platinum – Only 100 Base Points Diamond – FREE

Valid only during dates and times indicated. Limit one per person.

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Some restrictions apply.

Visit Guest Services for details. Must be 21 and a Player Extras Club member. Saratoga Casino reserves all rights. Gambling Problem?

Call 1.800.522.4700.

some valuable coupons

These Looking coupons to offer advertise? exciting savings - Gambler courtesy of these % OFF 50 leading Colorado casinos!

T h i s s p a ce co u l d b e yo u r s.

Call us today!

303-773-8313 Ext. 305

Any Breakfast Entree at the Mid City Grill 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. only

for readers of “The Gambler” Expires 1/18/2016

PAGE 12

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

January 5 - 18, 2016

Gaming

2015 Results & 2016 Commitments 2015

poker talk

Financially, this has been a tough year for me as a player.

As of today, with 10 days to go in the year, I am negative $879 for 2015 and am looking at my first losing year in quite BY a while.

This total breaks down LARRY to 48 winning sessions and JOHNSON 40 losing sessions, including four tournaments played with one in the money finish. My than two hours per session. On top biggest win of the year was $1,800 of that, my longest session without and my largest loss $2,100. It was a break was nine hours with 10 sesjust a tough year all around, where I sions of less than an hour. could not get any momentum going And, now that I think about it, or put together any kind of positive almost every time I sat down there winning streak. was something else on my mind or Why? After reviewing my poker I was on my way somewhere, thus I book records and the many ses- did not focus on the game in front of sions played, it’s clear I simply did me. One thing I do know - being disnot commit to my game. The times I tracted from a game where every one spent at the table were considerably of your opponents is poised to take shorter than in the previous years advantage of every mistake, does not with an overall average of just more equate into winning poker.

As I was playing the big games for shorter lengths of time, I was taking the first seat available and not taking my time to choose the right game with the best chance of winning. Due to the shorter spurts, I also was playing marginal hands or staying too long with low odds of winning the hand. All this was due to my feeling rushed while playing.

Because of all these reasons, it’s clear I was depending on more luck than I should have and not utilizing the skills I have learned over the years - ending up with an overall losing record.

So, looking back through the year and realizing that I did not commit to the game at all - it occurs to me that I am lucky to be close to even for the year. It’s also very clear that in the New Year I must play better and recommit to my game - each and

every session - or risk another possible losing year.

The great news is I have a few more sessions left in 2015 and with the above awareness and some solid play I can still make it a winning year. Keep tuned!

2016

Success in the upcoming year depends on one thing – my ability to play Perfect Poker. What I mean is to play the best poker I know how, every hand, and in every situation Perfect Poker with no exceptions This means staying out of situations that I should not be in and avoiding calling with subpar hands, being very careful and analyzing every call after the flop, and maximizing the betting when I am ahead. In other words, playing Perfect Poker.

I have a friend who plays poker on an almost daily basis, mostly up in Black Hawk. He is retired and plays because he loves to play the game

and to make a few extra dollars.

Recently, he came back from a nine-day trip to Las Vegas where he played the $2 - $5 No-limit Hold’em game in the Aria and Bellagio Poker Rooms. He played 12 sessions and won all 12! When I asked him how, he had a simple answer - “I played the best cards and wasn’t bad beat.”

So, he played Perfect Poker and won.

My plan for 2016 is simple. I am going to take all of my 25 years of live poker playing experience and the thousands of hands I’ve played and be a winning poker player. That’s it!

I am not going to worry about handby-hand results or session-by-session results, I am just going to play the best I know how every hand and let the results fall where they may.

But I have faith that if I stick to Perfect Poker, I will win!

How about you - what is your plan to be a winning player in 2016?

Remember, play your game!

Thinking About Poker: Getting Back to Basics 2 In my last missive I reported to you how a poker hiatus afforded the opportunity to review my performance at the felted table and the con c l u si o ns arrived at. It prompted the first article with this title: I dug out old poker books and in restudying them decided I was too lax in playing a serious, disciplined game of poker.

I decided to get back to basics, sharply curtailing the number of hands played focusing only on entering a pot with premium hands.

I also reported the next three times I played profitable; here’s the continuation of my journey back to poker excellence…

One concept re-revealed to me in my studies of poker was of “Patience – Position – Power.” My last report detailed what could be done when focusing on and playing - virtually exclusively - powerful hands. Again, admitting that

January 5 - 18, 2016

no human being is perfect and since I’m a human being, well … I’m sure you understand the end of that logic trail. I reverted a time or two in playing less-than premium hands and took the hit for it, but overall I focused on powerful hands listed in my article last month]. Simply put, waiting for powerful hands and playing hands with large profit potential is one of the keys to having a winning night. And month. And year.

Which brings the second factor in having winning nights at the casino – that of having patience.

The old joke about that is “I want patience and I want it NOW!” having the intestinal fortitude to wait things out is a huge asset to a player who can exercise it wisely.

I know when we go play, we love to mix things up, have the chips flying back and forth – hopefully

coming to rest in our stack – we came for some ACTION and entertainment! It’s a long enough drive up the canyon [unless you can camp somewhere, Colonel] to just sit there and wait. Sometimes – read: Most times – that is what we must do to have a profitable night, sit there and wait it out.

Just before a snowstorm pounced on the hills, I drifted down to one of my favorite Pokertoriums to play before the forecasted snows plunged me into an Alferd E. Packer dilemma.

I bought into a $2 / $4 to $100 no-limit hold-‘em game and began to use my incredible powers of discernment to find the powerful, playable hands which would make my night. So I waited … and waited … and mucked hand after lousy hand while expecting the first powerful hand was waiting in the deck right after the current hand finished. Side comment: We’ve all been ‘card-dead’ at some time during a game or a tournament, haven’t we? I mean, we’ve been playing our hearts out with good cards and expecting the momentum to carry us through to glory at the finish, haven’t we?

Well, I started out card-dead

and remained so for almost four hours. If that doesn’t take the wind out of your sails and make you wonder why you gave up bridge, I don’t know what does.

My beginning stack just slowly melted away with only a blind being returned to me a time or two to slow the bleeding. It finally got down to where I had to think to myself do I go home with my tail between my legs [quite a sight, btw] or do I pull out the reserve C-notes and reenter the fray? As it was spitting outside and the streets weren’t snow-packed yet – quite a reason to stay, eh? – I elected to re-fund myself and soldier on.

Remember the old 1960’s poster of two vultures sitting in a tree above a barren wasteland – “Patience, my ass! I’m gonna kill something!” That’s how it felt.

Shortly after that, I won my first substantial pot when my pocket Aces held up to an incredibly coordinated board; straight draws and flush draws everywhere and no one hit anything! Not long after my flopped set turned into quads – too bad someone else didn’t have a bad beat hand to oppose it – and that

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

brought me back better than halfway to my original buy-in.

After that, I went on a tear and, gaining confidence in my reads and style, began aggressively pushing my luck and some of the other players around. I had A – J of hearts, flopped two hearts and called an aggressive bet from the player to my left. An Ace on the turn made me feel better about my hand and when he bet the max I reraised the max, putting him in a quandary of wondering what I had. After he called a heart on the river sealed his fate; I bet the max and he tanked, talking to me and trying to get a read on me and what I had. After a spell he mucked his cards and I was finally well above what my original buy-in was.

I ended the night up $565 for my fifth-in-a-row winning night.

Along with playing powerful hands, I learned how to better play with patience. Some times one must wait, and wait, for the right point to strike. Patience plays that role; it’s something we must learn to employ and be at peace with, no matter how long it takes. That and always thinking about poker!

PAGE 13

Mary Jo won $9,059 playing a Gold Pays machine at Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk.

Horoscopes

VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) If you are not the head of a group now, you will have opportunities in that area of your life. You may not feel very ambitious at this time, may even feel your energy is low at this time. Pace yourself, as your successes are dependent on you taking action. Lucky Numbers: 15, 19, 33, 47, 48, 58

LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Many major changes have been happening in your life. Your health will be sensitive if you resist the changes that are at hand. Be open to change as the changes are coming as a way of self-expression.

This is a good time for getting together with friends. Lucky Numbers: 1, 7, 41, 51, 53, 59

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) People around you see a person with a definite personality ready to take on whatever comes your way. You have energy and confidence, a formidable combination for success in any of your undertakings.

If in a relationship, this is a good time for you both. Lucky Numbers: 18, 22, 24, 28, 44, 59

SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) During this transit you feel in tune with yourself, friends and other groups are attracted to spending time with you. The opportunity for new experiences will come your way. This is a good time for financial speculations as well. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 24, 37, 48, 64

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) This the time to make changes in your life that you may have been planning for a long time. Your health is good and you have the energy to pull forward. If you have been wanting to put in for a promotion, a raise, go for it, this is the time. Lucky Numbers: 2, 13, 21, 25, 38, 44

GEMINI - (May 22 - Jun. 21) Pleasant times for you especially in your relations with the opposite sex, actually you are getting along with other people in general at this time. This is a good time for any kind of financial speculations.

Many opportunities come to you suddenly at this time. Lucky Numbers: 10, 33, 36, 40, 42, 46

CANCER - (Jun. 22 - July 22) You are ready to take on the world. Your energy can be used in better ways than taking on those around you. You enjoy physical labor at this time. Use your energy wisely and you will be able to accomplish much at this time. Lucky Numbers: 4, 7, 13, 39, 48, 52

LEO - (July 23rd – Aug 22) This is a good time for any kind of study on your part. This is also a good time for starting a new physical regime. Your relationships with friends and groups are good at this time. Be open to new experiences, they will help you go forward. Lucky Numbers: 6, 17, 39, 41, 42, 53

35. Oot 36. Meter 39. Sunni 40. Bengal

43. GTO 44. RBEO 45. Seaman 46. Rio

48. Dodi 57. Defile 50. On 58. Edit 51. IROC 53. Sand gnat

1. Holdem 2. Craps pit 3. Kite

DOWN

ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) You are full of energy and ready to go, choose wisely where you go.

Wintertime sports could be a good outlet healthy for you. You are ready for competition of any kind anywhere. And you are ready to move beyond past limitations of your life.

Lucky Numbers: 6, 12, 31, 33, 47, 53

28. Alma 31. RI 32. GA 33. Si

AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Opportunities for advancement at work will come suddenly through relationships with your superiors. You are meant to gain greater control over your life at this time and have more opportunities to do what you want. This is a good transit for financial speculations.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 23, 29, 31, 32

PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) New opportunities to be personally effective often come up under this transit. You maybe given a responsibility that lets you demonstrate your skills, which later leads to a promotion and a raise. This does not mean that you don’t work well with groups as you do. Others will recognize your achievements as well. Lucky Numbers: 9, 25, 42, 46, 51, 52

22. Ra 24. ity 26. Mope 27. AYL

CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Seems as though sudden events around may spark an aggressive and impulsive behavior on our part. Of course you are maybe trying to control activities around you. The more you try, the more events can slip out of your hands. Those projects started a while ago will be finished to your satisfaction. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 12, 16, 51, 62

email her at navamsa9@q.com

16.Pee 17. DOI 19. Eli 20. Els

Horoscopes by Teelok

Douglas won $2,500 playing a $1 Double Cherry Bar slot machine at Saratoga Casino Black Hawk.

11. Our ACROSS 1. Santa Claus 12. Lea 1. Hickenlooper 14. Leather 15. Bolan 10. RIT

Cresincio won $87,338 playing a Caterina won $2,160 playing a Triple Penny Progressive at Century Casino in Double Diamond machine at Isle Central City.

Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

4. Ether 5. Lord 6. OU 7. Orbit

8. Elle 9. Real 13. Animation 18. Oils

21. Lore 23. AAA 25. Ya 29. Longmont

30. Montana 32. Greed 34. Isle 36. Madrid

37. Ebb 38. LG 41. Noose 42. Asine

44. Roof 47. Ire 49. Da 52. Ci

54. DD 55. GI 56. TD

Contact Mary Nightstar at marynihtstar@yahoo.com and type “horoscope” in the subject line.

Crossword puzzle answers from page 7

PAGE 14

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

January 5 - 18, 2016

Trading Post EMPLOYMENT NOW SERVING ALCOHOL 24 HOURS A DAY!

we take success personally.

Hiring for all shifts including Grave Shift!

Looking for a career that rocks? Apply today!

Food & Beverage

Gaming

★ COOKS-ENTRY LEVEL AND EXPERIENCED ★ FULL TIME/ PART TIME

★ DROP AND COUNT TEAM MEMBER ★ FULL TIME/GRAVEYARD SHIFT/GAMING LICENSE REQUIRED

★ BAR BACK ★ FULL TIME/ PART TIME

★ BLACK JACK DEALER ★ ★ COCKTAIL SERVER ★ FULL TIME/PART TIME/ FULL TIME GAMING LICENSE REQUIRED ★ DISHWASHER ★ FULL TIME ★ DELI ATTENDANT ★ FULL TIME/PART TIME

★ DICE DEALER ★ FULL TIME/PART TIME/ GAMING LICENSE REQUIRED

★ POKER DEALER ★ FULL TIME/PART TIME / ★ FOOD AND BEVERAGE GAMING LICENSE REQUIRED SUPERVISOR ★ FULL TIME/GAMING LICENSE ★ SLOT ATTENDANT ★ FULL TIME/GAMING LICENSE REQUIRED ★ FOOD SERVER ★ FULL TIME

Internal Maintenance

★ FOOD SERVER ASSISTANT★ FULL TIME

★ PORTER ★ FULL TIME/VARIOUS SHIFTS

Security

Cage

The Isle and Lady Luck casinos in Black Hawk, CO are seeking fun, energetic and outgoing individuals to fill the following positions:

Isle Casino Hotel

Lead Cook • Slot Technician • Revenue Auditor Guest Safety Agent • Banquets & Group Sales Manager Casino Service Representative • EMT Maintenance Technician • PT Dealer • PT Beverage Server Poker Dealer / Supervisor • Table Games Supervisor Dual Rate Dealers • Guest Safety Supervisor • PT Slot Attendant Lady Luck Casino

Busser • PT & FT Dealers • Sous Chef Guest Safety Agent • Casino Cleaner • Casino Host • Cashier For additional information on these positions, company benefits and online application, please visit our career site at www.islecasinojobs.com.

Black Hawk’s Best Bet for a Great, Exciting Job • COOK • FRESH MEXICAN GRILLE ATTENDANT • CRAPS DEALER

• BLACK JACK DEALER • WAITPERSON • CAGE CASHIER • COCKTAIL SERVER

Apply at the Canyon Casino 131 Main Street, Black Hawk or call 303-777-1111 (8:30-5:00, Mon.-Fri.)

Isle of Capri is an equal opportunity employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.

• CAGE SUPERVISOR • COCKTAIL SERVERS • F&B HOSTS • FOOD SERVERS • COOKS • SECURITY OFFICERS • FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR

• F&B MANAGER • TABLE GAMES DEALERS • CRAPS DEALERS • TABLE GAMES FLOORS • SLOT COMPLIANCE • CAGE CASHIERS

Apply online at www.affinitygaming.com 300 Main St. Black Hawk, CO 80422

© 2013 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21. All rights reserved.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

SERVICES

ADVERTISE THIS COULD TODAY BE YOUR AD! 303-503-1388 Call Sharon today to place an ad

at 303-503-1388

★ SECURITY OFFICER ★ ★ CAGE CASHIER ★ FULL TIME/GAMING LICENSE FULL TIME/ GAMING LICENSE REQUIRED REQUIRED

Gambler

Apply in person at 321 Gregory Street, Central City or complete the online application on the careers tab at www.reservecasinohotel.com

January 5 - 18, 2016

Come be part of the Best Team in Black Hawk

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

December 29, 2015 - January 4, 2016