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

Black Hawk, Central City promos & giveaways Page 6-7, 10-11

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July 15 - 28, 2014

See Cover Story on Page 4

Check Out Valuable Coupons On page 15

PROMOTIONS

Volu m

GAMING

Poker and Clear Creek Canyon Page 9

WESTERN FOOTPRINTS Starting a journey and finding a passion Page 16

TRAIL’S END Polo, Colorado Style Page 17

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CASINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTER TAINMENT


The Last Hand

Saratoga Home Run Cards make

Gambler

remembering that “cards make the players,” but once you get the cards, I received a spethe good players cial phone invitation know how to bet, in from Danny, the blackjack and poker. Tables Games ManSo, in all honesty, ager at the Saratoga out of 20 hands I Casino Black Hawk hardly had a decent asking if I would like By Bob Sweeney hand, no blackto play in a complijacks, splits, double mentary $5,000 blackjack tour- downs, just “stiffs” threes, fours, nament on June 29, starting a 4 fives and sixes – pitiful cards. p.m. That wasn’t the case for evThe answer was a quick, “Yes, eryone, and after the first goof course.” round, one player had taken his Thirty-six players showed up free $5,000 stake, (we all were at the event and it was a shoe full given $5,000 to wager in 20 of fun. The game started with six hands) in excess of $20,000. decks of cards, seven players at After three rounds, about onetwo tables in three successive third of the players were left, the flights. The final winner with the 12 with the most accumulated most accumulated chips collect- winnings went on to play for the ed a cool $2,000 with smaller prize money and the final table. I never got above the $5,000 cash prizes for runner-ups. All stake, many players were in the chips had to be returned. Unfortunately, I was not a same boat and more than half winner. All this advice about of the players washed out, me how to play blackjack and I included. All players drew for one of washed out in the first round. I’ll blame it on the cards, the three flights; there were

the players

three rounds of 14 players dueling against the dealer and the other players. Standard blackjack rules prevailed except a dealer coin moved for first bet from player to player like poker. I watched one player split two 10s against the dealer up card six. He lost both hands. The maximum bet was $2,500 and that amount was allowed for splits and double down hands. The winners really hit it big with the special betting opportunities. When I started at seat five in the third flight, I knew that there were at least five players who had winnings between $10,000 and $15,000. One who had more than $20,000. In order to reach that level it was going to take some large bets to ever catch up. My first bet was $1,000, which I lost. Another $1,000, lost again. This time I threw down $2,000 and won, back even, but slowly losing. Players were going broke at every table; I lasted to deal 12 when the last $1,000 bet went up to a dealer 21.

It was embarrassing to lose, but I had great company. This was a good lesson in not plunging into a gambling game. I ventured over to a real blackjack game and managed to eke out a $175 profit in about 30 minutes by getting much better hands than in the tournament. The Saratoga Casino deserves a pat on the back for hosting this fine tournament. Need to see more of these events back at the Saratoga and at other casinos. Saratoga is brand new and just celebrating its first year anniversary. They were really busy this Sunday afternoon. Most of the players arrived early and stayed late and if the tournament is any sign of beating the house, only a few players can accomplish such a feat. Not sure who won the final prize, but they were very lucky players. I learned something about the game and knowledge is moneywww.coloradogambler.com and power in this game called, “Life.”

Maverick Sharp Tony Thorpe

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PROM OT

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July 15 - 28, 2014

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Winning iS heating uP thiS Summer

Win Your Share of $1,500 Thursday, July 24 • 11:00am – 4:00pm Join in the exciting action of our $1,500 Summer Spins Slot Tournament. Top Score WINS $500. Round one beings at 11:00am Round two begins at 2:00pm Register at the players club beginning at 10:30am.

Win a Prize With

CaSh inSide

Fridays, July 18 and 25 • 4:00pm - 10:00pm July 18 Gift: Patriotic Cherry Pie Plate July 25 Gift: 8-in-1 Flashlight Screwdriver You get an excellent prize when you earn just 20 unadjusted points. And the best part? One out of every five gifts contains a CASH surprise of up to $500. Limited to one per person. While supplies last.

EvEry Thursday Now – Thursday, August 28 • 8:00am – Midnight Point multiplier is not valid on video poker. Must register prior to playing.

1-800-THE-ISLE • www.theisleblackhawk.com © 2014 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Isle is a registered trademark of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 or older. Promotions subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please visit players club or cashier services for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.


Cover Story

Duck Race Adoption Form

Peak to Creek Duck Race, July 26 By Linda Jones

he 11th annual Peak to Creek Duck Race will float by on North Clear Creek at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. The race is produced by the Peak to Peak Rotary club, and they will staff the Duck Race Headquarters on the corner of Main and Richman streets, alongside the Mardi Gras Casino, beginning at noon. Everyone who “adopts” a duck for a $5 donation is entered to win the $1,000 Grand Prize. Each adopted duck has a number on its bottom and the ducks that finish fastest win prizes for their “adopters.” In addition to the $1,000, other prizes include hotel rooms and meals at casinos, opera tickets and more. All those small adopted ducks are entered in the Citizens Race. The Sponsors’ Race pits 8-inch tall ducks representing the 11 sponsors against each other for the first place traveling trophy, which the winning sponsor wins the right to display for the next 12 months. The biggest competition among the sponsors, however, is for the Best Dressed Fleet traveling trophy. Voting for this coveted trophy takes place at Race Headquarters on Race Day. Stop by and choose your favorite fleet. All the money earned by the Peak to Peak Rotary club from this event is funneled into the youth of the Peak to Peak area through scholarships, week-long leadership camps at the YMCA of the Rockies, the Gilpin High School Interact Club and other youth projects. Sponsors of the 2014 Peak to Creek Duck Race: Ameristar, Canyon Casino, Century Casino, Colorado Gambler, IGT, Isle Casino

PAGE 4

Photos by Linda Jones

Hotel Black Hawk, Lady Luck Casino, Lodge Casino, Mardi Gras Casino, Monarch Casino and Saratoga Casino.

Admiral Quackfleet tells all

Q: Admiral, do you think the high level of water in North Clear Creek this year will affect the Peak to Creek Duck Race? A: Oh, definitely. Those young ducks will have a real challenge trying to float around the eddies. I’ve been coaching some of the

youngsters, particularly No. 382, and some of his friends, on the fine points of missing the whirlpools and the brush on the banks. And I expect to see some Rotarians fall into the water at the finish net. Q: Do you think this year’s winning time will be a record-breaker? A: I think we’ll see the speediest duck race ever in North Clear Creek. Q: Do you have any advice for the race watchers this year? A: I’d advise them to adopt their ducks early and set up on the riverwalk alongside the Mardi Gras in plenty of time to enjoy the live music, the great food and all the festivities. Q: Any inside info on which sponsor’s fleet might win the Best Dressed Fleet trophy this year? A: Rumors are flying everywhere. I can safely predict the competition will be tough this year. Q: Thank you for taking the time to quack with us, Admiral. A: Anything I can do to help the Peak to Peak Rotary raise funds for the Gilpin and Nederland schools, I’m happy to do. See you on the 26th.

NUMBER OF DUCKS ADOPTED QUANTITY

TOTAL

Single Ducks

x $5.00

“Quack Pack” (6 Ducks)

x $25.00

“Pintail Flock” (12 Ducks)

x $50.00

“Mallard Flock” (25 Ducks)

x $100.00

V.I.D. “Very Important Duck” 60 Ducks

x $250.00 TOTAL DONATION

Along with the form, mail your donation with a check or money order payable to: Peak to Peak Rotary, PO Box 512, Black Hawk, CO 80422 Include your Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Telephone Number

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

July 15 - 28, 2014


Crossword Puzzle 1

2

8

13

3

4

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14

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11 18

6

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16

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21

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28

34

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15 19 23

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ACROSS:

35 37

and Mr. Ashe were all this (7) 21. You can play this while wearing your nice watch (3) 23. You have to do this to score one in cricket or baseball (3) 24. Noah’s boat or submarine! (3) 25. Can alter how alcohol affects you (9) 27. Phone company missing a T pole (2)

28. Aircraft homes and medieval noosemen (7) 30. To be good at something (5) 33. Take too much of something (2) 34. Rock band not fun to hang out with (3, 7) 35. Poet TS (5) 36. British NBA player, Deng (4) 38. OJ, Bart and Jessica are this (8)

10. Short English thank you (2) 11. Neither this or that (3) 15. Plural of stratum, or Top Flite golf ball (6) 17. Former Apple CEO (5, 4) 19. After Pizza or mud (3) 20. Soccer’s DC or Manchester are this (6) 22. Baseball league (2) 26. Scandal ridden health place (2) 29. French tree (5)

31. Poker player, Brunson (5) 32. Nikola, has a car company bearing his name (5) 34. It carries players up and down the hill (3) 35. Project to block others from tracking your browsing (3) 37. A type of light (2) 39. French Manchester United player Patrice (4)

DOWN:

32

1. Famous bike race starts in Leeds, England! (4, 2, 6) 8. CO town and English nude beach (7) 12. Contains gold or blood (4) 13. Terrell Owens (2) 14. Biblical book (4) 16. Part of a fisherman’s arsenal, in addition to rods (5) 18. English King, Dudley Moore,

1. CO town, home of Pole Creek Golf Course (9) 2. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales (6, 7) 3. Comes before Ray and Me (3) 4. French cheese (7) 5. Football poll (2) 6. Used in pool or snooker (3) 7. Corresponding exactly, especially in music (6) 9. Spanish goal (3)

Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe Answers on page 18

See Guest Services or SaratogaCasinoBH.com for details. Must be 21 and a Player Extras member. Saratoga Casino Black Hawk reserves all rights. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

July 15 - 28, 2014

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 5


$2: Café Classic Sandwich, Biscuits & Gravy or Café Breakfast.

Saratoga 50+ on the most fun you can have with our Sounds of Summer parties, monthly through August.

Play & Earn Picnic www.goldenmardigras.com $1,000,000 Summer Get your shot at being a millionaire this summer in our fun and interactive $1,000,000 Summer Spin. More than 250 players will have their chance at the million during the Friday and Saturday drawings, with special drawings on Sunday, Aug. 31, and Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Drawings start at 5 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and you will receive one entry for every 10 base points on slots or 30 minutes tracked table games play. Don’t miss out on your chance at becoming a millionaire.

Treasure Hunt Progressive Join the hunt for cash in our Treasure Hunt Drawing, now at $30,000. The drawing takes place on Sunday, July 27, at 6 p.m., when one lucky winner can walk away with $30,000. If the winner is not present, we will hold our finale on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10 p.m. when we will draw until a winner is present. Get one entry for every 10 base points on slots or 30 minutes tracked table games play.

$60K Sizzling Sundays Win your share of $60,000 with our $60,000 Sizzling Sunday Drawings. You have a chance to win whether you have an A-Play Card or not with this sweet drawing. Drawings are every Sunday, through Aug. 31, from 1 – 5 p.m. with two winners per drawing.

Join us for our Summer Picnic Play & Earn to get the goods you want for your summer BBQ’s. Every week in July, earn the required base points or tracked table games play to bring home a picnic blanket, BBQ apron with utensils, a spacious cooler or a portable BBQ. And, you have Monday through Thursday of each week to earn the points or table play needed for that week’s gift. It’s the perfect picnic setup, only at Mardi Gras Casino – Where Denver plays.

Fabulous 40+ Wednesdays are special days for our A-Play club members who are age 40 or better. Receive 50 percent off all food items when paying with points. Plus you can pick your perk and either play our Flower Wheel Kiosk Game for a chance to win up to $500 or you can participate in the Fabulous Forty Slot Tournament with $1,000 in prizes. Play one free round with no points required and earn 100 base points for each additional round! See Guest Services for full details and to make your selection.

Date Night Enjoy a romantic dinner for two with entrees like prime rib or the catch of the day and a bottle of house red or white wine for only $29.99 at the Bourbon Street Café & Buffet, Friday through Sunday.

Sounds of Summer – Jazz Fest Mardi Gras Casino presents the Sounds of Summer Block Parties and concert series. Join us on Saturday, July 26, for our Jazz Fest Block Party from 2 – 10 p.m. There will be live music from Dotsero & Chase N’ The Dream, lots of food and loads of fun. Don’t miss out PAGE 6

www.zcasinobh.com The Party Begins with Z Win a trip for two in our Z Casino $60,000 Jamaican Getaway Drawings. Win up to $250 in Z Play at each drawing

and five finalist entries for the Jamaican Getaway grand prize drawing every time you win. The grand prize drawing will be Aug. 2 at 9:30 p.m., where you could win a trip for two to Jamaica or win one of our four $500 Z- Play prizes. Stick around for our $250 drawings at 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and midnight.

6X Points

Best Casino on the Denver A-List. This will be our first year competing in the Denver A-List. We hope to live up to the high expectations that we have for ourselves but the expectations of all of you. We plan to accomplish this by having the very best guest service, amazing hot slots, the best food in Black Hawk and much more. The Party Begins with Z.

$5 Promo Play

Z Casino is the place for the most points. 6X points on slots every Wednesday & Thursday.

Put your email to work – provide a valid email address not already on file at Saratoga and receive $5 Promo Play just for signing up, plus you’ll be eligible for exclusive email promotions.

Take a ride on us Z Casino offers convenient free shuttle service directly to Johnny Z’s Casino in Central City. Shuttle runs Thursdays, noon – 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, noon – midnight, and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Free Valet Free Valet parking every day. Our Valet hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Let us do the parking for you.

www.saratogacasinobh.com Game of Grand Prizes Saturdays in July, from 5 – 11 p.m., three guests will be drawn to toss a ball into a sequence of buckets to win an assortment of great prizes worth up to $1,000. Earn entries for every 100 base points on slots and every 30 minutes of rated play on table games from Sunday to Saturday. All prizes awarded in Promo Play.

Win a BOSE Wave Radio III

Head to the 2nd floor and get your favorite Frappuccino, cappuccino, mocha and much more.

Fridays in July, from 4 – 11 p.m., 10 winners will be drawn to win a BOSE radio. Earn entries for every 10 base points on slots and 10 minutes of rated play on table games each Friday.

Mustang Grill

$1,000 Lucky 777’s

Z Bucks is now open

The Z Casino Mustang Grill is now open with an exciting new menu. Try our specialties, which include the amazing prime rib dinner or Famous Z Ribs now only $7.77, located on the 3rd floor.

Play table games to win $1,000 every Friday night. Every day, from 3 – 9 p.m., seven guests will qualify to win $1,000 on Friday at 11 p.m. Plus, all qualifiers win a free meal for two at the Garden Buffet. Earn entries by playing table games; see your dealer for details.

Table Games

Park, Play, Free Buffet

The Hottest Table Games in Black Hawk are now open at Z Casino. We have all your favorites from craps with Sharp Shooter to Three Card poker.

Denver A-List nomination Z Casino is proud to announce that we have been nominated for Denver’s

Guests 50 and over reap the rewards every Monday and Tuesday at Saratoga. Earn 5X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Plus, earn 50 base points for a free meal in the Garden Buffet or receive 50% off. Take advantage of discounted menu items in The Café and receive a $20 bus refund when you earn 200 base points.

Bring a Friend Bring a friend and sign them up as a new Club member and receive $5 Promo Play. Plus, new members receive $10 Promo Play. Up to 4 new friends each day.

$5,000 Hot Slot Tournament Sunday, July 27, 1 – 5:30 p.m., 24 hot seat winners will receive $100 Promo Play and a chance to play a five minute tournament round to earn as many points as they can. The top 10 winners will face-off in the finals at 5:30 p.m. 1st place: $1,000 2nd place: $500 3rd place: $300 4th place: $200 5th – 10th place: $100

www.theisleblackhawk.com

Now every day in July. Earn 50 base points on the day you valet park and receive a free meal at the Garden Buffet.

Feel the Power to Prowl Jaguar Giveaway

Early Bird Breakfast in The Café

Win a brand new Jaguar F-Type S Convertible on Aug. 31. Receive one free entry daily and additional entries with

Every day in July, 9 – 11 a.m. Enjoy one of these delicious specials for only

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

Continued on page 7

July 15 - 28, 2014


Continued from Page 6

each set of 20 unadjusted points now until Aug. 31. Drawings will be held on Aug. 31 from 4 – 11 p.m.

Surprise Stash Win up to $500 cash! Monday, July 21, and 28 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Play 30 minutes on your players card at your favorite slot or table game and receive a surprise cash offer. Redeem cash offer at a cash redemption machine. New Members must register prior to playing.

Free Buffet and Cash All new members of the IsleOne player’s club will receive a free buffet after playing 30 minutes on their new Players card. Plus, receive $20 for a future visit via email when you provide your email address upon sign up.

Play and Stay

Receive up to 15X points Wednesdays in July. Visit the Player’s Club or Cashier Services prior to playing to receive a pull tab that will reveal your point multiplier. Point multiplier not valid on video poker. Plus, earn five unadjusted points and receive a free buffet.

Play 30 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club card Sundays through Thursdays or Play 50 unadjusted points on Fridays between 8 a.m. and midnight. and stay the night on us! Check with the Player’s Club or Cashier Services once you have earned your points to receive your hotel offer. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days may apply.

5X Points Penny Slots

Table Games

Mystery Point Multiplier

Receive 5X points on penny slots each Thursday. Must register at the Player’s Club or Cashier Services prior to playing. Not valid on video poker.

Surprise Inside Giveaway Earn 20 unadjusted points on July 18 and 25 and receive an awesome gift! But wait, one in five gifts will have a CASH surprise inside up to $500. Redeem your gift at the Player’s Club from 4 –10 p.m.

Paradise 50 Plus Each Sunday, all guests age 50 or better can join the Paradise 50 Plus club. You will receive 3X points on all slots, 2X points on video poker, a free ice cream and a Free Calypso’s Buffet after earning five unadjusted points. For complete details, visit the player’s club.

Bus Fare Refund Do you ride the bus to Black Hawk? The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $20. Simply earn 35 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. July 15 - 28, 2014

The Isle has all your favorite table games including blackjack, craps with 10 times odds and Roulette. Also available at the Isle, Three Card Poker, Bonus 6, Buffalo Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, 21+3, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and Let-It-Ride. Play “Craps-Free Craps” with 10 times odds.

Calypso’s Buffet Whatever your taste, Calypso’s Buffet is sure to satisfy your appetite any day of the week! 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 stone-baked pizzas and savory side dishes. Enjoy succulent crab legs 7 nights a week at our all you can eat dinner buffet!

Tradewinds Tradewinds at the Isle 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 even offers a mouthwatering cheeseburger burrito. So the next time you are hungry for a great burger, visit Tradewinds at the Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk

the promotions area prior to playing to receive points. Point multiplier is valid from time of registration until midnight on Thursdays.

Summer BBQ www.black-hawk-ladyluck. isleofcapricasinos.com Just Your Style It’s your chance to win a 2015 Lincoln MKC at Lady Luck. Starting July 14 through Aug. 30, receive one free entry each day and additional entries for every 100 unadjusted points played. Earn 2X entries into the Just Your Style car drawing every Tuesday between July 14 and Aug. 30. Drawings will be held Aug. 30, from 2 – 8 p.m. Three winners will be selected at the 6 p.m. drawing; two guests will win $500 and one will drive away in the 2015 Lincoln MKC. See guest services for rules and additional details for all promos and giveaways.

Take it or Leave It Join your friends at Lady Luck for the Take it or Leave it Hot Seat. We’re selecting one winner every half hour. Winners will choose up to three magnetic cards from the game board. Winners can choose to take the prize or leave it for the chance of a higher prize.

Gifts of the Month Join us every Monday in July for the Gift of the Month. Earn 300 unadjusted points to receive a great summer gift.

Smash and Cash On Friday July 18 and 25, we’re selecting one player every half hour from 4 – 10 p.m. to win some cold hard cash. Winners selected will choose an item to smash open and win cash. Top prize $250.

Mystery Point Multiplier Thursdays Guests can play a game to reveal a mystery point multiplier for the promotional day. Starting at noon until 8 p.m., guests can swipe their player’s card at kiosks located at the promotions area and to the right of the main cage. Point multipliers can be 2X, 3X, 5X, 7X, 10X or 20X on slots. Guests must redeem voucher at

Summer barbeques are back every Saturday through Aug. 30. Earn a delicious barbeque by playing 5 points on your Lady Luck Player’s Card.

$10,000 Jackpot Frenzy

Earn an entry into Lady Luck’s $10,000 Jackpot Frenzy. Guests will receive one free entry for every jackpot $1,200 or better won from April 28 through July 19. Then on July 19, Lady Luck’s Jackpot Frenzy drawing will take place from 2 – 7 p.m. Guests can win up to $1,000.

Play And Stay

Sundays through Wednesdays earn a free room in the Lady Luck Hotel Tower. To earn play 500 unadjusted points on Lady Luck Player’s Card. Poker and Table Games guests can earn too. Play 4 hours at table games or play 6 hours in a live poker game. Visit guest services or speak to a table games supervisor to redeem offer. Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays and blackout dates.

Club 40 Join us twice a week, Wednesdays and Fridays, for Club 40. All guests age 40 or better will receive 4X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Guests will also receive a free entrée at Otis & Henry’s once they earn 25 unadjusted points on their Lady Luck Player’s Card. Make sure to check out Otis & Henry’s brand new Blue Plate Specials menu.

Bus Fare Redemption Every day, guests who play with a Lady Luck Player’s Card can receive up to $22 cash back on bus fare. Earn 350 unadjusted points on Lady Luck Player’s Card to receive cash back. Poker and table games guests can earn too. Just play 3 consecutive hours at Table Games or 3 hours in a Live Poker Game. Guests must redeem bus ticket at Guest Services. Limit one bus redemption per person per day.

Blue Plate Specials Try a blackened prime rib sandwich or fish and chips at Otis & Henry’s. Each day

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

features a different special for only $6.99. Otis & Henry’s combines the comfort of a neighborhood bar and grill with delicious favorites you’d cook at home. Looking for a sweet treat? Try a delicious milkshake. Otis & Henry’s offer great food at great prices.

Monte Carlo 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, located on the 2nd floor, for details and updated jackpot amounts.

Lady Luck Poker The Bad Beat Jackpot is now a decreasing qualifier. Starting at Ace’s full of Jacks and decreasing each week to Ace’s full of Deuces’ until it hits. And make sure to check out the new Bounce Back Bonus offers. • Be in a game by 10 a.m. Sunday-Friday and receive $10 in Bounce Back Coupons after three hours of play. • Be in a game by 10 a.m. Sunday-Friday and receive $20 in Bounce Back Coupons after four hours of play. • Be in a game by 10 a.m. Sunday –Friday and receive $30 in Bounce Back Coupons after five hours of play. • Be in a game by 11 a.m. Sunday-Friday and receive $10 in Bounce Back Coupons after three hours of play. Visit the Lady Luck Poker Room, located on the 2nd floor, for additional details.

Kings Krushed Win $20 in Bounce Back coupons if your pocket Kings are Krushed by a higher ranked hand in any live hold ‘em game. Promotion runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 – 11 p.m. See Lady Luck Poker Room for additional details.

Table Games Play at Craps, Roulette, Buffalo Blackjack Bonus and 21+3 extreme. There are 20X odds on Craps EVERYDAY in July. And try your hand at the Double Deck Blackjack table every day of the week. There are always multiple $5 games and $2 craps Monday through Thursday. PAGE 7


Gemstones & Minerals

Tourmaline - Gemstone of the Rainbow

Tourmalines are gems with a large variety of colors. The reason, according to an old Egyptian legend, is that the tourmaline, on its long journey up from the center of the earth, passed over a rainbow. In doing so, it assumed all the colors of the rainbow. And that is why it is still referred to as the “gemstone of the rainbow” today. The name tourmaline comes from the Singhalese words “tura mali.” In translation, this means something like ‘stone with mixed colors’. Referring to the color spectrum of this gemstone, it outdoes that of all other precious stones. There are tourmalines from red to green and from blue to yellow. They often have two or more colors. There are tourmalines, which change their color when the light changes from daylight to artificial light, and some show the light effect of a cat’s eye. No two tourmalines are exactly alike. This gemstone has an endless number of faces, and for that reason it suits all moods. No

wonder that magical powers have been attributed to it since ancient times. In particular, it is the gemstone of love and friendship, and is said to render them firm and long-lasting. Although tourmaline was undoubtedly known to the ancients, there are no definite descriptions of it by the gem-writers of the early periods. It was not until the early part of the 18th century, however, that an incident led to the discovery that these beautiful crystals had a strange property not possessed by emeralds. According to a story, one warm summer day some children of Amsterdam, Holland were playing with stones that have been brought home by Dutch navigators and noticed the odd effect produced on them by the sun’s rays. The children’s parents summoned to view the phenomenon were likewise astonished to find that the stones

could attract or repel, with decided force, such light-weight substances as ashes and straws. Because of this, Dutchmen called them “aschentreckers,” or ash drawers. In the trade, the individual color variants have their own names. For example, a tourmaline of an intense red is known as a “rubelite,” but only if it continues to display the same fine ruby red in artificial light as did in daylight. If the color changes when the light source does, the stone is called a pink or shocking pink tourmaline. In the language of gemologists, blue tourmalines are known as “indigolites,” yellowish-brown ones as “dravites” and black ones as “schorl.” The schorl is used mostly for engravings and esotericism (groups use them for special initiation purposes). The schorl is said to have special powers with which people can be protected from harmful radiation. One particular variety is the green tourmaline, known as a “verdelite” in the trade. However, if its fine emerald-like green is caused by tiny traces of chrome, it is referred to as a

‘chrome tourmaline’. The finest among the tourmalines is the “paraiba tourmaline’ “a gemstone of an intense blue to blue-green which was not discovered until 1987 in a mine in the Brazilian state of Paraiba. The high quality paraiba tourmalines are in much demand today. If the center of a slice of tourmaline is red and the area around it is green, the stone is given the nickname “watermelon.” On the other hand, if the crystal is almost colorless and black at the ends only, it is called a “mohrenkopf,” (resembling a certain kind of cake popular in Germany). Tourmalines are found almost all over the world. There are major deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and in South Africa. Other finds have been made in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tourmalines are also found in the USA, mainly in California and Maine.

T h e most promin e n t tourmaline mine in the world is the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine found in Mesa Grande on Gem Hill across the valley from Mt. Polomar in San Diego County, Calif. The mine is an underground labyrinth of steep passageways that were dug, drilled and blasted over the past 100 years. The Himalaya Mine produced more tourmaline than any other tourmaline mine in the world for 15 years straight including an amazing 5.5 tons in 1904 (most tourmaline ever produced in one year). Although there are plenty of gemstone deposits which contain tourmalines, good qualities and fine colors are not often discovered among them. For this reason, the price spectrum of the tourmaline is almost as broad as that of its color.

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303-582-5600 • 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 8

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

July 15 - 28, 2014


Gaming

Poker and Clear Creek Canyon poker talk

BY LARRY JOHNSON

H

ave you had the chance to be a passenger in a vehicle driving up through Clear Creek Canyon on the way to play poker in Black Hawk/Central City? If you get a chance - take it. Or, even better, plan on stopping at some of the wider pullouts and stepping out checking out the canyon. Travelers mistakenly just rush through in a quick 15 minutes, not realizing the spectacular cliffs that soar hundreds of feet above or the wild river below. Well, let’s take a moment away from the poker table and take a look at this river and canyon we all know so well but really may not know at all. I’m talking about the 11-mile section that descends more than 1,000 feet from the mid-canyon stoplight at Hwy 6 and Hwy 119 in a series of large descending rapids and sheer cliffs before bursting out onto the plains and joining with the South Platte River. There are six tunnels in the canyon, numbered east to west, that were constructed between 1937 and 1952 (with work halted during WWII) although tunnel No. 4 is no longer accessible and is boarded up due to road improvements. The entire 66-mile Clear Creek begins on the high slopes of the Continental Divide and travels through the towns of Silver Plume, Georgetown, and Idaho Springs before it drops into the depths of Clear Creek Canyon. In the 1820s the waterway was known as Cannonball Creek due to the large round rocks found by French trappers. Then, it became known as Vasquez Creek after fur trapper Louis Vasquez who had a trading post at the mouth of the canyon. Finally, the overwhelming wave of gold seekers pouring into the area during the mid1800s named it Clear Creek - and the name stuck. In 1872 the Colorado Clear Creek Railroad Company completed the narrow gauge railroad to Black Hawk and six years later it was finished to Central City. This railroad became the lifeline of the mountain towns as it carried supplies and people into town and the finished ore out. In the canyon at spots along the line stations popped up to serve the travelers and one of the most popular for excursions (day or night) was the Beaver Brook Station. The station had an octagonal dance pavilion situated

July 15 - 28, 2014

on a cliff overlooking the river and a think about how different the trip shop to serve travelers. would have a century ago in a buggy; Today the Beaver Brook Station on a horse; or riding the rails while site is a hidden jewel – just far enough battling the weather and the road itoff the highway and hard enough to self just to get to a good game of poker. get to that when walking on the old We definitely have it a bit easier torailroad grade and looking up at the day! With that said - back to the table! cliff where the pavilion once stood, And remember - Play your Game! the sounds of the creek rushing by and the quiet beauty of the hillsides can View looking west as fool one into thinking they are miles group of tourists stop and away from civilization. pose at the Hanging Rock In 1891 a horrible train wreck hapformation, circa 1890. pened nearby – with 26 passengers Photo courtesy of Denver Public seriously injured and five killed. Library According to The Decatur Review, “There were others View looking east on who were slightly the Colorado and injured, but whose Southern Railway names could not be with prominent learned.” Hanging Rock Just a few bends formation looming down the twisting over photographer’s canyon to the east child on a pushcart, was the Hanging circa 1900-1910. Rock formation, Photo courtesy of famous for its huge Denver Public Library overhang and a favorite spot for travelers for decades to stop and take dramatic photographs. Sadly, Hanging Rock had to be demolished to complete the building of Hwy 6. To see the Hanging Rock formation (or the soaring wall where it was) go up the canyon 5.6 miles from the light at the bottom of the canyon at Hwy 6 and Hwy 93. You will round the corner where the amazing formation was and can view the sheer wall left behind after the demolition by the Highway Department. For the Beaver Brook Station area, go 1/2 of a mile up the canyon past the Hanging Rock formation and park just in front of Tunnel No. 2. Then walk to bridge and go under - finding your way (only when water is low) along the south wall onto the riverbank. Then hike another 1/2 mile and where Beaver Creek joins Clear Creek - that was Beaver Brook Station. Keep an eye out above you as driving or hiking - there are rock climbers on many of the sheer cliffs above. Also, keep an eye out below you - lots of rafters and kayakers enjoying the river. So, as you are driving up Clear Creek Canyon take a moment and

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

Same view today looking east without the Hanging Rock formation. Transportation is a bit different today. Photo by Larry Johnson

PAGE 9


Central City Nuggets any penny denomination slot ALL DAY, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. automatically. No check-in required, just play with your card to get your bonus points.

Central-city.cnty.com 500 Hundred-Buck-O-Rama

Fridays & Saturdays, 5 – 11 p.m., July 11 – Aug. 2. $500 cash prizes every hour, $50 Insta-Play Hot Seats on-the-half-hour. Players can earn entries for each week’s drawings with every 150 base points earned starting July 6. Every hour on the hour we will draw for a $500 cash winner. On the half hour a $50 Insta-Play Hot Seats will be awarded to any players currently using their Player’s card at a machine or our poker and table games. Don’t miss out on the big money, as every hourly cash prize is $500.

Insta-Play

Players can redeem their points for Insta-Play right at their slot machines, quickly and easily, for amounts as low as $1 in value. All that’s needed is a quick trip to the Player’s Club to establish a PIN to allow players to take advantage of the convenience and ease of redeeming points directly for Insta-Play, which they can play instantly at their machine.

5x Point On Penny Slot Tuesday

All guests will receive 5X points on their play on

$5.99 Prime Rib Every Day

Enjoy our 8 oz. slow-roasted Prime Rib Special, accompanied by choice of potato with seasonal vegetables, for just $5.99 from 11 a.m., just by having a player’s card. Prime Rib special is also available for $14.99 with no card. Not to be combined with any other discount or coupon.

BINGO –Thursday Bingo

Enjoy FREE Bingo every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a $100 Insta-Play prize for each game. Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.

Sunday Cash Blast

Sundays at Century feature $200 drawings every half hour from 2 – 6 p.m. Every player with a Century Casino Player’s Card can get one entry to the drawing per drawing day, additional entries are available to players who receive our mail.

4X Entries on Slots & 2X Entries on Video Poker

Get 4X entries on slots and 2X entries on video poker every Wednesday for our Friday and Saturday cash drawings, the Five-Hundred Buck-O-Rama.

Century ‘Lucky’ Club

Players can text “LUCKY” to 313131 to receive an immediate offer for three free entries for that weekend’s drawings or a Free Spin to win up to $1,500. By joining the “Lucky” Club players will receive surprise LUCKY offers via text message. Messaging and text rates may apply.

Facebook Contest

Win $100, plus a Free Hotel Stay and Dinner for Two good Sunday – Thursday, just by liking our Facebook page and winning our monthly drawing from all of our fans.

Mail My Multiplier Monday

Players who receive our monthly mailer will receive an offer for a mystery multiplier amount every Monday up to 5X points! Players do not need a coupon or to approach the club before playing. They will automatically receive their selected mystery multiplier amount every Monday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Senior Celebration

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play ALL DAY from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus 50% off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50% food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including the $8.99 daily food specials.

BIRTHDAYS

Guests with a birthday coupon from our mailer re-

deem it at the Player’s Club for a gift of a single bonus of 10X their age in points. All guests can come in on the day of their birthday and get 2X points plus a free T-Shirt. Guests who come in on the day of their 21st birthday receive the 2X points and the T-Shirt, plus $10 in comp added to their account, plus a $5 chip to use at the tables!

Win a BBQ Grill Playing Poker and Tables

Players can win entries for weekly drawings for a free BBQ grill just by playing poker and table games at Century. Get any of these qualifying hands to win an entry: Blackjack: Any suited blackjack or pair of Aces dealt. Craps table: A win on any of the hardways with a $3 minimum bet. Roulette: A straight up or line bet. Poker room: A winning hand of a full house or higher. Earn double entries on Fridays from 2 – 10 p.m. On Saturdays at 10 p.m. each week, one player will win the Grill. Must be present to win, and names will be drawn until a present winner is found.

Big Hand Bonus

Play at the place with the Poker bonus you can win. Win a qualifying hand with these hands and win a percentage of the progressive jackpot: Royal Flush – 50% of the jackpot Straight Flush – 25% of the jackpot Quad Aces – 20% of the jackpot Quad 2’s, 3’s, or 4’s – 15% of the jackpot Quad 5’s through Kings – 10% of the jackpot

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PAGE 10

ND

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

July 15 - 28, 2014


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July 15 - 28, 2014

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 11


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

585

No

SD, B

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

Crystal Palace

VP

101

No

D

free city lot

720-253-1669

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, R, 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

18

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.

Closed


PAGE 14

A lucky player won $10,000 on July 5 playing on the Progressive Black Tie machine at Century Casino in Central City.

Huy was a lucky Caddy winner at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Wanda was a lucky Caddy Winner at Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk.

Tonya won $5,577 playing a Triple Hot 777 machine at Monarch Casino Black Hawk.

Alejandro won $5,760 playing 12X Pay machine at Saratoga Casino Black Hawk.

Jan was a $3,000 winner at Z Casino Black Hawk.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

July 15 - 28, 2014


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July 15 - 28, 2014

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 15


Starting a journey and finding a passion

I

found my passion for history and sharing what I learn with others rather late in life, and it has been an amazing journey for me. First there was a short-lived teaching career followed by what is not so common anymore, a career as a stay at home mom. That led in a round about way to three years as a guest on Blinky the clown’s TV show teaching kids to make nutritious snacks while dressed like a vintage Holly Hobbie doll. The trend in healthy snacks at that time was to serve very little sugar. It was a challenge to come up with vaguely enticing snacks every week that were low in sugar. The most popular one I served was finger Jello. I had brought it to the show several times and had had an enthusiastic response. Then one fateful day, as I went to serve it on the air, the fruit juice had separated leaving the gelatin in a hard, glutinous, leathery layer. From times like this I learned a lot about how to ad lib! When I decided to “retire” from the show, Blinky replaced me with a person in a gorilla suit. He could put anyone in that suit making him less reliant on any

one person. It was time to move on. I had had a passion for acting since I went to a camp for the arts in Steamboat Springs while I was 9 and 10. I played Ariel in the Tempest and could flit all over the stage, which was a large multi-tiered patio. I remember clearly the emotional tears that welled up in me when the play finished successfully. A while after my stint on Blinky’s show, I started taking acting classes and doing some local TV commercials. I had always found both joy and fear in acting. Now years of the fear of speaking to audiences was beginning to dissolve. The TV work was rewarding but was interrupted by my parents’ needs. This took up a lot of my time for about 16 years: finances, legal arrangements, running business matters, traveling, holding hands, and saying final goodbyes. What little time I had left over in those years I was studying western culture in the 1800’s and learning things like how to shoot a

Anna Lee Ames Frohlich, dressed as Holly Hobbie, was a guest for three years on Blinky the Clown’s TV show teaching children how to make nutritious snacks.

PAGE 16

Colorado mountains (Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak), as seen from the Ames Monument in 2009.

Ames Monument (1882)

black powder rifle. About that time I had the good fortune to meet Sam Arnold, proprietor of the Fort Restaurant, a man of many talents and interests. I really only knew him for the last two years of his life. What I gained from knowing him was invaluable. I used to sit at his feet, and we would read to each other and tell stories from our lives. I have a rather colorful, as well as controversial, family, the members of which can be found in the annals of history. Sam insisted that I needed to tell those stories to others. I started looking through my mother’s records. Bless her heart, she had done the genealogical work the hard way, before computers and Ancestry.com, in the world of the Rolodex and letter writing. I was the inheritor of all her extensive work and was delighted that I didn’t have to do that work myself. I delved into it to find the stories. In 2008 I started traveling to meet all my recently found second cousins once-removed and to learn about their branches of the family. I also sought others who were the modern day keepers of places and stories. Now that I am drawing on this wealth of information, I am astounded by what I

was able to acquire in a relatively short period of time, especially because I had no formal training in doing research. I had joined the Denver Posse of Westerners where I was meeting people with not just an interest in western history, but an amazing knowledge of it as well. It was Dr. Tom Noel, affectionately known hereabouts as “Dr. Colorado,” who, knowing my connection to the Ames brothers of Union Pacific fame, suggested to me that I do a presentation about the Ames Monument in Wyoming. That started me on a path that I am still following, and to a climax to that is in sight. The story of the Ames Monument is filled with political scandal, the story of the great transcontinental railroad (the Union Pacific), talented artisans, tangled relationships,

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

trains, rails and equipment improving, many brilliant and driven men. It is because of my early acting experience and my love of these family stories (the president of the UP during building and the chief financier of the UP were ancestors of mine) that I have ended up as a speaker on historical subjects, I love doing this. Until a few years ago, it was completely unexpected, and it has expanded into my writing a history column for the Colorado Gambler newspaper. Most important to me have been the people I am meeting on this journey, their passionate interests, and their enthusiasm and desire to help others to find what they are seeking. Next I would like to write about some of these committed people.

July 15 - 28, 2014


Trail’s End

Polo, Colorado Style n the high country amidst lush meadows the polo season begins. Mid May into September whirls with practices, meets, matches tournaments − and parties. The brisk swoosh and plummeting swoop then, crack of mallet on ball. Poetry in motion, especially against the greenery of a late, wet Rocky Mountain spring.... Traditions abound... Polo’s ancient origins date to Persia in the sixth century B.C. The sport was introduced to England from India where military officers had played local teams. The British are credited with spreading polo worldwide in the late 19th century and the early 20th century. The first U.S. polo match was played in 1876 in New York City. The horse-y sport swiftly spread west where other forms of equestrian entertainment, like rodeos and Wild West shows, were taking hold. The U.S. Polo Association organized in 1890. The first polo match in the Pikes Peak region was played in the 1890s at Cheyenne Mountain Country Club at the city’s south edge, which was also one of the earliest polo clubs in the West. A handful of people can be credited for bringing the Sport of Kings to Colorado. Brothers Walter and Horace Devereux profited mightily in silver mining near Glenwood Springs, then turned their hand to hospitality where their passion for polo ensured that their grand Hotel Colorado included adjacent polo fields. Mining capitalist Spencer Penrose likewise installed polo fields near his world famous Broadmoor Hotel, added barns and raised a few ponies. Lawrence C. Phipps molded the Denver Polo Club by helping acquire 160 acres near the Denver Country Club as polo fields and site of an inviting clubhouse. Three sites stand out in the Colorado polo story – Denver, Colorado Springs and Glenwood Springs. Denver Country Club, founded in 1887 and one the oldest private clubs in the country, was centered first around horse racing, then expanded into polo, golf and tennis. Pampered sons of Denver’s founding class grew up at the adjunct Denver Polo Club and became stellar polo athletes. When polo declined in the 1940s, the Denver Polo Club playing fields were developed into spacious dwellings as the Polo Club district. Colorado Springs and the Broadmoor blossomed into a premier polo center, cultivated by millionaire hotelier Spencer Penrose, whose affection for the sport stemmed from his Philadelphia roots. Passion for equestrian pursuits was

July 15 - 28, 2014

The revived Denver Polo Club at a practice match at their fields near Sedalia. Photo by Cathleen Norman

The dashing Devereaux family polo team poses on the playing fields at Glenwood Springs, circa 1905.

Photo by Louis McClure, courtesy of Denver Public Library – Western History Collection, X-8853.

The Denver Polo Clubhouse, in all its glory.

Photo by Henry Rhodes, courtesy of Denver Public Library – Western History Collection, Rh-383

Two teams of polo players in Colorado Springs, possibly the 1906 match that celebrated the Pike Expedition centennial celebration. Photo by Louis McClure, courtesy of Denver Public Library – Western History Collection, MC-306

heightened by the wealthy British and affluent Easterners who flocked to Colorado Springs and brought their taste for equestrian past times such as trail rides, jumping and fox hunting. The city’s founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer was also a horseman, and honored by a downtown bronze statue of him astride his steed. An early Colorado Springs polo event was a tournament during the 1906

Zebulon Pike Centennial Celebration. Four teams participated - Cheyenne Mountain Country Club, Denver Country Club, Sheridan (Wyoming) Polo Ranch, and United States 10th Cavalry. The sport was spurred further in 1912 when the Army Polo Association became part of USPA. By 1914, there were 17 Army stations playing sanctioned polo, many in the West.

In Glenwood Springs, polo was vigorously spearheaded by the Devereux family, silver tycoons who rode and played passionately. Their grand and gracious Hotel Colorado hosted the first polo tournament in in 1893 – the Devereux Cup during the hotel’s opening celebration. Walter Devereux and his partner, Hervey Lyle, championship polo players, brought the sport to the Grand Valley. They formed the Glenwood Polo and Racing Association and built hotel polo field. The Glenwood team won the world polo championships in 1903, 1904 and 1912. The galloping game has changed little over the centuries. Opposing teams of four riders on horseback move the ball down field with their long-necked mallets toward the opponent’s goal. Two referees on horseback patrol the field, while a third observes from the ground. Less rough than rodeo, the gentlemanly sport even specifies “no dangerous riding” in its official rulebook. Ideally, each polo rider has six ponies, changing to a fresh horse for each sevenminute “chukker;” a match is made up of four to six chukkers. Many polo ponies are former racehorses. The small horses stand less than 14.1 hands high but must sturdily gallop long thirty-something miles per hour carrying a rider wielding a long-handled mallet. To field a team properly requires at least 24 trained ponies, costing $15,000 to $60,000 apiece. Polo’s popularity took off during the roaring twenties. In 1922, the National Polo Pony counted 63,000 ponies. Celebrities enjoyed and promoted the sport, among them Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers, film stars Spencer Tracy and Leslie Howard and imaginative Walt Disney. The USPA listed 65 clubs and 2,500 players by 1935. The Broadmoor became a major polo center with stables for more than 400 horses. Quite a few guests brought their own ponies, especially those visiting from the oil-rich regions of Oklahoma. Spencer Penrose installed four (900’ x 1800’) polo fields for wealthy sportsmen who sought the cool summers in the Colorado Rockies. He groomed a Broadmoor Polo team and sent it East for national competitions. Accentuating dashing image, innkeeper Penrose pulled on his jodhpurs

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

and donned his Stetson to ride horseback, making his daily rounds to oversee the Broadmoor and surrounding grounds. Local millionaires and tycoons enthusiastically embraced the sport, organizing the Broadmoor Polo Association and applauding when the Penrose Polo Park with grandstand opened at Elm Avenue and Polo Avenue. The 1920s saw outdoor sports in Colorado blossoming, popularized by vacationing movie stars and aided by the efforts of the Colorado Mountain Club. Tourists took pleasure in trail rides, picnics, pack trips and backcountry hunting and jodhpurs became the stylish choice for the trail. Polo declined in the thirties due to the Depression and sunk further during World War II as horse stock was depleted by the war. The Broadmoor polo auditorium was converted into an indoor ice arena for figure skating. Not until the 1960s did polo see a revival. Polo clubs active in Colorado today include Aspen Valley Polo Club, Boulder Polo Club, Colorado Springs Polo Club and Colorado State University Polo Club; also Columbine Polo & Equestrian Center (Littleton), R & L Farms Polo Club (Elizabeth), Red Rock Rangers Polo Club (Larkspur), Roaring Fork Polo Club (New Castle) and Rose Spur Polo Club (Snowmass). The Roaring Fork Polo Club west of Glenwood Springs hosts the Devereux Cup. Named for the founder of the historic Hotel Colorado, the end-of-August event attracts more than 1,000 spectators for the round-robin matches. The weekend festivities include a meet-the-players party and auction that benefits a local children’s charity. The Denver Polo Club operates fields and barns 30 miles south of Denver beside Plum Creek. Erica Gandcomcar, whose family runs the Denver Polo club, is one of the top female players in the nation. The annual Denver Polo Classic combines world-class polo with the nation’s largest charitable polo tournament. The three days of entertainment, sport, and culinary delights held at majestic Polo Reserve in Littleton against the spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains with Schomp BMW as the major sponsor.

PAGE 17


Humor

to get our share of the hot water. One of us left the bathroom door unlocked while we showered. The other snuck in while no one was looking and stepped into the shower just as we were stepping out. We’d leave the water running so our brothers wouldn’t know they’d just missed their turn. I’m amazed at how many times it worked before one brother caught on and turned off the hot water heater valve in the middle of my shower. That still sticks in my craw. Not really. Today my siblings are my friends and getting together is wonderful. We all get along. We all have plenty of bathrooms. And no one lives in a chicken coop. (Contact drosby@rushmore. com or see www.dorothyrosby. com. Follow @dorothyrosby.)

email her at navamsa9@q.com PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) This is a great time for your career. You can move ahead easily. Events seem to work in your favor. Just watch out for low energy periods that require rest. Lucky Numbers: 4, 12, 19, 25, 46, 51

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may not feel like being the center of attention at this time. That’s fine as you can observe those around you and figure out your next moves as you are starting a new cycle in your life, Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 23, 34, 35, 45 SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You may feel out of phase with your environment at this time. Routine activities are best at this time. Make sure to schedule some downtime for yourself as well. Lucky Numbers: 10, 19, 30, 41, 49, 60 CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The unresolved desires inside of you will no longer allow themselves to be ignored. They seem to be popping out and making you rebel against everything else. Plan for what you want instead of disrupting your life. Lucky Numbers: 3, 8, 15, 20, 24, 38 AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Long cherished goals are coming to the fore at this time. You may have to work hard to achieve them but the results will be worth it. Those in power are willing to help you at this time. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 22, 30, 34, 52

ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) Everything seems to be moving fast in your life. That’s good as you haven’t patience at this time for any other pace. Be careful though, challenges that come your way must be approached carefully for the best outcome. You Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 10, 29, 39, 59 TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) This is a time to continue on, whatever projects or ambitions you have, this is not the time to start or initiate anything. Routine activities will go well. Lucky Numbers: 12, 23, 24, 27, 44, 52 GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) You appear to be inspired by those around you. They look to you for leadership and friendship. Be careful if you are feeling tired make sure to set aside time for yourself to recharge. Lucky Numbers: 3, 15, 21, 29, 35, 39

1. Tabernash 2. United Kingdom 3. Doh 4. Fromage

DOWN

5. AP 6. Cue 7. Unison 9. Gol 10. Ta

11. Nor 15. Strata 17. Steve Jobs 19. Hut 20. United

22. AL 26. VA 29. Sapin 31. Doyle 32. Tesla

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

ACROSS

Horoscopes

33. OD 34. Bad Company 35. Eliot 36. Luol 38. Simpsons

CANCER - (June 22 - July 22) Anything approached in a dictatorial manner will fail and have long lasting consequences. Perhaps somebody else is approaching you in this way, you still must remember that the best approach is a democratic approach. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 33, 42, 48, 50 LEO - (July 23 – Aug 22) Lately it seems like you are working hard and getting nowhere. Then other times events and opportunities jump up suddenly. Your hard work is paying off. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 11, 21, 40, 51 VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You have the energy and the sobriety to go for that position at work. If you have been working on any long time projects this is the time to present them to those in power or the public. Lucky Numbers: 1, 17, 25, 27, 34, 47 LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Those around seem strong willed at this time, trying to dominate you. This is a reaction as you also appear like this to others. A democratic approach will go further in your negotiations with others at this time. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 10, 13, 19, 36

if you want seconds. Drumsticks were also my younger brother’s favorite piece—and he ate faster than I did. That’s still a bone of contention between us. The other thing you have to do fast is get in the bathroom—or wait. We learned to be patient— and assertive when necessary. We learned to put others first—especially if the others were bigger than we were. And we learned to plan. There’s nothing spontaneous about taking a shower in a large family with one bathroom. To maintain peace, it was necessary we declare our intentions before showering, to make sure no one had more pressing business. I don’t know how big our hot water heater was, but I know it wasn’t big enough. So, one of my sisters and I devised a scheme

24. Ark 25. Elevation 27. AT 28.Hangers 30. Adept

Horoscopes by Teelok

fan. Even today when anyone asks who I’m rooting for in the Super Bowl, I answer enthusiastically, “Who’s playing?” That’s because when there was a game on, there was no room for me on the couch. And being number nine, I was in no position to push anyone else off. I still loved sports, but not because I wanted to watch them. A game on TV meant my brothers were occupied. It meant peace— unless I walked in front of the television. It was the next best thing to living in a decked-out chicken coop. The downside was the dishes. I grew up thinking men invented football to get out of doing dishes on Sunday. And there were a lot of dishes—and not just on Sunday. But Sunday dinner was special. Along with all the trimmings, my mother often made her legendary fried chicken. Drumsticks were my favorite and there are a lot of drumsticks when you cook chicken for a family of twelve. But in a big family, you have to eat fast

14. Amos 16. Reels 18.Arthurs 21. Tag 23. Run

A mother of three No, my chicken coop emailed me a funny was decked out—and forward describing clean. In my fantasy, how moms treat their my parents brought children differently me meals and none of based on birth order. my nine siblings enAt least, she thought tered unless I invited it was funny. “First them. I’d feel guilty baby: You pick up at admitting this publicly the first whimper. Secif I wasn’t so sure some ond baby: You pick By Dorothy Rosby of them wished I lived drosby@rushmore.com up if cries threaten to in the chicken coop wake first born. Third too. Tormenting is a baby: You teach toddler to rewind two-way street. mechanical swing.” I didn’t find it Besides I’ll bet they had simifunny. I was baby number nine in lar daydreams, though theirs may my family, and we didn’t have a have featured more luxurious acmechanical swing. commodations. You crave space While I have no memories of when you grow up with nine sibthis, I suspect I know what hap- lings in a three-bedroom house pened, if not when I whimpered, with one bathroom. at least when I wailed. Child one, Seven of my siblings were boys two, or three probably picked me so, counting their buddies, there up. That’s how it is in big families. were 40 or 50 boys around all the Big kids care for little kids—or tor- time. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but ment them. I swear more than once I heard Maybe that’s why as a child I my father ask my mother, “Is he daydreamed of living alone in a one of ours?” Growing up with so many chicken coop in the backyard. Not the one with the chickens in it. boys, I naturally became a sports

1. Tour De France 8. Brighton 12. Vein 13. TO

Cooped up

34. Bus 35. Tor 37. UV 39. Evra

Crossword puzzle answers from page 5

PAGE 18

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

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