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

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September 16 - 29, 2014

VOTED DENVER’S

BEST CASINO THREE YEARS RUNNING!

2014 • 2013 • 2012

E H T R O

F E M CO See Cover Story on Pages 10-11 PROMOTIONS

Black Hawk, Central City promos & giveaways Page 6-9

Citizen Budget Committee has casino concerns Page 15

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N U F E

H T ON

I T AC

NEWS

ST

R O F AY

COLORADO HISTORY Visit the Schweiger Ranch for a taste of Douglas County history Page 16

Check Out Valuable Coupons On page 4 TRAIL’S END

Colorado Colors: Guanella Pass Scenic Byway Page 17

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

The Last Hand and joy of those early day miners as they washed the gold dust off their faces and headed down to the saloon for a nightly brew or nip. Poker games were plentiful and those miners worked hard to play hard.

The local Register-Call newspaper reported the construction of the Opera House and there were organized baseball games every Sunday I came through Central City a afternoon. Pie socials and train trips few times before legalized gambling were prevalent and life was good – was approved by voters more than until the government pulled the plug two decades ago. There were actual on backing our currency with silver tumbleweeds blowing up and down and gold at the end of the century.

Main Street and one small cafe was There has been a huge investthe sole source of a hamburger. The ment in time, labor and dollars in venerable Elks Club was a place to rebuilding Gilpin and Teller counties get a drink, which I did visit the club infrastructure with water and sewer as a visiting Elk from Craig Lodge systems to handle the large influx 1577. of residents, and daily and weekend Colorado saw fit to establish a By Bob Sweeney gamblers. limited stakes gambling of $5 bets Cities and county governments in the three towns of Black Hawk, Central City have had to develop fire departments with newer and Cripple Creek. A $5 bet on a blackjack table equipment, and law enforcement has had to hire wasn’t much but on a fast spinning slot machine and train dozens of new police officers. There that can amount to mega bucks very quickly. has been a massive amount of employment At one time, we had about 65 operating ca- within the gaming industry and the supporting sinos in these three Colorado mountain venues, organizations. many owned by small mom and pop operators After two decades of limited stakes gaming, like the Black Forest Inn that added slot ma- voters were asked to raise the limits to $100 chines to their restaurant operation. They even- to make the table games more enjoyable and tually went under like almost every other small worthwhile for players and operators. Blowing casino; only a few of the original local owners smoke in the dealer’s faces was also eliminated exist today. and smokers were moved to smoking areas outI loved to visit the exquisite remodeled Glory side on newly constructed decks and porches.

Hole where time was turned back into the early This hurt business short term, but cigarette days of Central City. One could hear the laughter smokers can still be seen standing on the casino

Jobs on the Line Employees need to rise up against Amendment 68

steps enjoying their smoke.

New hours were established and casinos could operate seven days a week around the clock if they chose to do so. The theory was to eliminate the midnight traffic and make for a safer drive home. A few people just want to play on into the wee hours of the morning. Las Vegas goes pretty strong until the wee hours of the morning. The new legislation allowed new funds to go to assist the 13 community colleges across Colorado and to this day, the new money has gone to that purpose, but funds still flow to parks and recreation, impacted counties and historic preservation funds.

Following 2008, the economy collapsed across the nation and here in Colorado. The bottom fell out of the construction business, new home construction ceased and car sales slowed dramatically. The casino industry felt the hit from the decreased workforce. We lost some casinos and we gained some new owners.

But, overall the industry stayed the course, continued to build new hotel rooms, improve food service and bring more entertainment to the mountain venues. Somewhat surprising, the change of betting limits and new hours didn’t impact gaming revenue and taxes that much.

Revenues and the taxes remained steady, but didn’t have the rise that was expected. Perhaps proving that those who gamble knew where to go, what to play and when to go home. Players became more selective in looking for casino prizes and cash bonuses.

In recent years, the casinos have just grown larger, and gained financial strength and support www.coloradogambler.com Continued on page 15

Gambler

Maverick Sharp Tony Thorpe

coloradogambler

cogambler

B L A C K H AW K

Dash for Cash Point Chase

Sundays in September

Race against other A-Play Club® Members for the TOP SPOT! Each Sunday the top ten point earners will receive $50 in QUICKPLAY

OVERALL WINNERS (Combined Sunday points)

1st – $5,000 Cash 2nd – $2,000 Cash 3rd – $1,000 QUICKPLAY

GRIDIRON GIVEAWAY Take the field and make your

play for cash!

September

Fridays Saturdays

3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm and 11pm 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm and 11pm

Two Winners Per Drawing

One entry for every 10 points on slots or every 30 minutes of tracked table games play.

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 2

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

September 16 - 29, 2014

ut

End Summer with a

BIG WIn

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Fridays, September 19 and 26 • 5:00pm – 10:00pm We’re giving away tons of CASH in our random progressive drawings. Unclaimed cash prizes will roll into the next drawing.

0

You get one FREE entry and more with every 100 unadjusted points earned.

EaRn up tO

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Mondays, September 22 and 29 • 8:00am – Midnight Plus, earn a free buffet after earning 100 unadjusted points.* Register at the players club or cashier services prior to playing.

Not valid on video poker. *Maximum multiplier is based on point multiplier awarded and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Thursdays in sepTember 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. Must be 21 or older. Isle and Fan Club are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. **Maximum multiplier is 10X points and cannot be combined with any other offer. 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.

real

Guest Column Vote ‘NO’ on Amendment 68

Here are some valuable coupons

Submitted by Roger Baker

with exciting savings – compliments of these leading Colorado casinos!

DEALS

The presence on November’s general election ballot of Amendment 68 is as profound a threat to our way of life here in Gilpin County as anything we have witnessed in the past 20 years.

Amendment 68 is the latest attempt by a Rhode Island casino company to bypass the existing process for entering the Colorado gaming market by establishing a racetrack casino just east of Aurora.

The operators tried a similar gimmick in 2003, which was emphatically rejected by Colorado voters. But by tying the tax dollars the casino would generate this time around to K-12 education—which everyone agrees could use some serious financial assistance—the out-of-state backers hope to make the proposition a little more palatable.

It’s telling that despite that carrot, the education establishment has largely rejected the blandishments of the promoters.

As of this writing, none of Colorado’s 178

school districts has endorsed the measure, and just a few weeks ago the Denver School Board, which oversees the state’s largest school district, unanimously voted to OPPOSE Amendment 68.

There are plenty of other good reasons to vote no on Amendment 68—it’s deceptive, anti-competitive, and impossibly vague—but we in Gilpin County would have to oppose it out of simple self-preservation.

Even by the very conservative estimates of the folks in state government who calculate the fiscal impact on the state for the “Blue Book” that will be mailed to every voter, the loss to the limited gaming fund in the tax year 2015-2016 would be about $16.4 million, and in 2016-2017 almost $33 million. Since the total revenue generated by gaming for the state is about $100 million in any given year, that’s a 33 percent decrease in the revenues that would be passed on to Gilpin County, as well.

Continued on page 15

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PAGE 4

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

September 16 - 29, 2014

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Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe Answers on page 18

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS:

1. Post-apocalyptic slot machine (7,4) 10. Type of beer (3) 11. To hide something wearing a large garment (5) 12. The bionic man (5, 6) 15. Shoulder box for carrying bricks (3) 16. Boxing knockout (2) 17. Family members (3) 19. Social media network (9)

22. Possibly toxic stuff used in tattoos (3) 23. Guys at work down under (3) 24. Swedish eagle (3) 26. Take a look at a male goose (6) 27. A shoe with an Irish accent (6) 29. Short police officers (4) 30. Large, flightless African bird (7) 33. Spike Jonze romantic comedydrama (3) 35. Used to indicate a married woman’s former name (3)

36. Rocky Mountain fish (4) 38. Snakelike fish, could be a shocker (3) 40. Abandoned Routt County coal mine (4) 42. Barbadian recording artist and actress (7) 44. Women’s shoe brand (2) 45. Blackjack card holder (4) 46. Ali did this to the cards at the end of the shoe (8)

13. They have management classes for it (5) 14. Jamaican music genre (3) 18. And Out Burger (2) 20. Yachting Cup (8) 21. Medical job (2) 25. Baseball star Pete, not in the Hall of Fame (4) 27. Strong armpit smell perhaps (2) 28. Country that hosts the Premier League (7) 29. House of worship (6) 31. Boil in a state of turmoil (5)

32. Swiss internet domain (2) 34. Relating to the kidney (5) 37. Could be polar, sexual, or both (2) 39. The letter N (2) 41. A flock of pheasants (3) 43. Bavarian town in the Hall of Fame (3)

DOWN:

1. General and President who grew hemp (10) 2. Byrd, was drafted with Larry Bird, ended up in the British league (5) 3. Soccer team from ‘The Damned United’ movie (5, 6) 4. A timeout is supposed to do this to the kicker (3) 5. Wildebeest (3) 6. Lean body type (9) 7. He roped the dope (3) 8. Boxing promoter (3, 4) 9. Smelly road kill (5)

CHUCK

YOU KNOW HIM! COME SEE HIM! Our New Casino Host at the Saratoga Casino!

*See Guest Services for details.

Must be 21 and a Player Extras member. Saratoga Casino Black Hawk reserves all rights.

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

September 16 - 29, 2014

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 5

www.golden mardigras.com $75K Gridiron Giveaway

Take the field in our fun and interactive $75K Gridiron Drawings every Friday and Saturday in September. Drawings start at 3 p.m. every Friday and 1 p.m. every Saturday with two winners at each drawing. You will receive one entry for every 10 base points on slots or 30 minutes tracked table games play so don’t miss your chance to make a big play for cash.

chance to win weekly cash prizes of up to $1,000. There will also be cash prizes for highest and lowest percentage of regular season wins of up to $2,000. We kicked off our Pigskin picks on Aug. 21 and you can participate weekly through Dec. 28.

See Guest Services for details and get your game on with us.

Breakfast at Bourbon Street/Lucky’s

$100 in Z-Play and any Club Z Table Games member playing at the same group Play the hottest table games of machines will receive $10 in in Black Hawk at Z Casino. We Z-Play. have all your favorites from Craps with Sharp Shooter to Three Card 6X Points poker.

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

Head to the Z Spot Pit for our Booya promotion. Get any 4 suited ATV Giveaway Drawings blackjacks and receive $20 in promo Win an ATV in our Z Casino ATV chips.

Giveaway Drawings. Win up to $250 in Z Play at each drawing and a finalist entries for the ATV Giveaway grand prize drawing every time you win. Earn more finalist entries with every 1,000 points earned all month long. The grand prize drawing will be on Nov. 1 starting at 9:30 p.m., where you could win an ATV or win www.saratoga one of our four $500 Z Play prizes. casinobh.com Stick around for our $250 Bonus Z Play finalist drawings at 10 p.m., 11 Pyramid of Cash Drawings p.m. and midnight.

Fridays & Saturdays in September, 6 – 11 p.m., 20 cash Take a ride on us Z Casino offers convenient free winners each night! Earn entries shuttle service directly to Johnny Z’s for every 10 base points on slots Casino in Central City. Shuttle runs and every 10 minutes of rated Thursdays noon – 8 p.m., Fridays play on table games each Friday & and Saturdays noon – midnight, and Saturday.

Sundays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Stop by and try our new breakfast menu at Lucky’s on the 2nd floor of the Mardi Gras Casino.

Breakfast will now be served at Lucky’s Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and at our Bourbon Street Café and Buffet on Fridays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. And be sure to enjoy our delicious lunch and dinner buffets all week plus our

champagne brunch and seafood $10K Dash for Cash Point buffets on the weekends. There Chase are so many options to enjoy at the Sprint for the cash in our Mardi Gras Casino – When Denver $10,000 Dash for Cash every Sunday Plays AND eats. in September. Play every Sunday and the top 10 point earners each week will receive $50 in QuickPlay.

The top three overall point earners for the month will win big prizes, $5,000 for 1st place, $2,000 for 2nd place and $1,000 for 3rd place. www.zcasinobh.com Free Valet Don’t miss your chance to Dash for Free Valet parking every Friday, the Cash, at the Mardi Gras, Gates Club Z Saturday and Sunday. Our Valet and Gulch Casinos.

Sign up for a new Club Z card at hours are Fridays and Saturdays 11

Z Casino and receive up to $105 in a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – Touchdown Kiosk Game Z-Play the next day. See Club Z for 10 p.m. Let us do the parking for you!

You can win cash, QuickPlay and complete details.

Free self-parking every day. other prizes every Tuesday, in our Touchdown Kiosk Game. Swipe your Z Bucks A-Play Club Card at any promotion Bring a Friend If you are a current Club Z Stop by Z Bucks Located on the kiosk with no point requirement for nd Member and you bring a friend with 2 floor of Z Casino get your favorite the first swipe and get an additional swipe after earning 200 base points you to Z Casino and they become a Frappuccino, Cappuccino, Mocha and on slots after 3 a.m. on the day of new Club Z Member, you get $10 much more. the promotion. Enjoy summer fun in FREE Z-Play. All new members with us here at the Mardi Gras, qualify for the $105 Z-Play new Mustang Grill member rebate.

The Z Casino Mustang Grill Gates and Gulch casinos. has an exciting new menu. Try

Hot Bank Drawings Pigskin Picks our specialties which include Head to Z Casino for our Hot the amazing Prime Rib dinner or Pick the winning team each week, Tuesday through Sunday Bank Drawings every Monday and Famous Z Ribs now only $7.77, during football season for your Tuesday. Each winner will receive located on the 3rd floor of Z Casino.

PAGE 6

Hour of Power & Cash Table Games Drawing

penny points. Stop by the wheel before you play.

Saratoga 50+

Guests 50 and older reap the rewards every Monday and Tuesday at Saratoga. Earn 4X 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 percent 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 four new friends each day.

EPerks

Drawings every Monday. Provide us with an email address and you could win! One winner of $50 Promo Play will be emailed each Monday. The winner will have until the following Sunday to visit Guest Services and claim their prize. If unclaimed, the prize will increase $50 each week.

Park, Play, Free Buffet

Earn 50 base points on the day you valet park and receive a free Fridays in September, 10 – 11 meal at the Garden Buffet – every p.m., two $500 winners each Friday. day.

Every day from 2 – 10 p.m., nine guests will be drawn to qualify for the Friday night drawings. Earn entries for every one-hour of rated play on table games. Earn 2X entries every Monday – Thursday.

Early Bird Breakfast in the Café

www.theisleblackhawk. com Daily, 9 – 11 a.m., enjoy one of these delicious specials for only $2: $30,000 Fantastic Cash

Random cash prizes of $1,500 or Café Classic Sandwich, Biscuits & more will be given away on Friday, Gravy and Café Breakfast.

Sept. 19 and 26 from 5 – 10 p.m.

One free entry will be awarded and Mystery Penny Multiplier Now Wednesdays & Thursdays, additional entries can be earned for from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., spin the penny every 100 unadjusted points. point multiplier wheel for up to 12X Continued on page 7

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

September 16 - 29, 2014

Continued from Page 6

Mystery Point Multiplier

Receive up to 15X points on Monday Sept. 22 and 29. Visit the Player’s Club or Cashier Services prior to playing to receive a pull-tab that will reveal your point multiplier. Plus, earn 100 unadjusted points and receive a free buffet. Mystery Point Multiplier cannot be combined with any other offer. Point multiplier is not valid on video poker.

$1,500 Surprise Prize Slot Tournament

Reel in up to $500 on Wednesday Sept. 17 and 24. Free registration at the Player’s Club is from 9:30 – 10 a.m. The Preliminary Round starts at 10 a.m. and the Final Round will begin at 1 p.m. The top 10 scorers win. Plus we are giving away random prizes from 1 – 3 p.m. You must play in both rounds to qualify for prizes.

10X Points Penny Slots

Receive 10X points on penny slots each Thursday. You must register at the Player’s Club or Cashier Services prior to playing. Not valid on video poker. Penny Point multiplier cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sunday Funday

All guests age 40 or better who play their favorite slot machines from 8 – 9:59 a.m. will get 7X points, 10 – 11:59 a.m. will get 5X points and noon – midnight will get 3X points. Video poker players will receive 2X points all day. Plus, you will also receive a free ice cream from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and a Free Calypso’s Buffet after earning 100 unadjusted points. For complete details, visit the player’s club. Point multiplier not valid with any other offer.

Bus Fare Refund

Do you ride the bus to Black Hawk?

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 September 16 - 29, 2014

Games and Poker players will receive not be disappointed. Tradewinds even Mystery Point their bus fare back with four hours of offers a mouthwatering cheeseburger Multiplier Thursdays burrito. consecutive play.

Stop by the promotions area from noon – 8 p.m. to play a game and reFree Buffet Cash veal a mystery point multiplier every All new members of the IsleOne Thursday in September. Point multiplayer’s club will receive a free buffet pliers can be 5X, 7X, 10X, 12X or 20X. after playing 30 minutes on their new Guests must spin the wheel in the Players card. Plus, receive $20 for a fupromotions area and register prior to ture visit via email when you provide playing to receive points. Point mulyour email address upon sign up. tiplier is valid from time of registrawww.black-hawk-ladyluck. tion until midnight on Thursdays in Play And Stay isleofcapricasinos.com September.

Play 450 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club card Sundays More Moolah Slot $10,000 Jackpot Frenzy through Thursdays between 8 a.m. Tournaments Earn an entry into Lady Luck’s and midnight and stay the night Sign up for our FREE slot tourna- $10,000 Jackpot Frenzy. Guests will on us. Or on Friday play 750 unad- ment Tuesday mornings from 9 – justed points and your hotel stay is 10:45 a.m. The slot spinning action receive one free entry for every jackFREE. Check with the Player’s Club begins at 11 a.m. Guests will play pot $1,200 or better won from Sept. or Cashier Services once you have two rounds; round two with be worth 8 through noon on Nov. 1. On Nov. 1, earned your points to receive your double. The top five high scorers will guests can place their entries in Lady hotel offer. This offer is valid only on be awarded a cash prize at the con- Luck’s Jackpot Frenzy drawing that the day the points are earned and is clusion of the tournament, top prize takes place from 2 – 7 p.m. Guests based on availability, blackout days $250. After, join us for a bonus draw- can up to $1,000. Over $10,000 in cash prizes will be given away. may apply. ing at 2 p.m. when two tournament player names will be drawn for $100. Play And Stay Table Games Guests must be present to win. See Sundays through Thursdays earn The Isle has all your favorite table guest services for rules and addition- a free room in the Lady Luck Hotel games including Black Jack, Craps al details on all promotions.

Tower. To earn play 500 unadjusted with 10 times odds and Roulette. Also points on your Lady Luck Player’s available at the Isle, Three Card Poker, Card. Poker and Table Games guests $25,000 Fan Club Fortune Bonus 6, Buffalo Black Jack, Double Join us each Friday and Saturday can earn a free room, too. Visit guest Deck Black Jack, 21+3, Mississippi starting Sept. 12 for the $25,000 services or speak to a table games Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and Fan Club Fortune. Drawings will be supervisor for restrictions and addiLet-It-Ride. Play “Craps-Free Craps” held from 2 – 10 p.m. The progres- tional details. Offer subject to availwith 10 times odds. sive pot will grow by $250 each ability. Excludes holidays and blackdrawing until there is a winner. out dates.

Calypso’s Buffet Guests will receive one free entry Enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast, each day plus additional entries for Club 40 brunch, lunch and dinner buffets.

Join us twice a week, Mondays every 100 points played. See guest Featuring delicious breakfast spreads, and Wednesdays, for Club 40. All services for rules and additional crisp salads, freshly baked breads, guests age 40 or better will receive details. tender chicken and beef entrées, 4X points on slots and 2X points on wood stone-baked pizzas and savory Lucky Lucky Blackjack video poker. Guests will also receive side dishes. Enjoy succulent crab legs Lady Luck is only one of a few a free entrée at Otis & Henry’s once 7 nights a week at our all you can eat casinos in Black Hawk that has Lucky they earn 25 unadjusted points dinner buffet!

Lucky Blackjack, and you can double on their Lady Luck Player’s Card. your ways of winning with every Make sure to check out Otis & Henry’s hand. Players can make an optional brand new Blue Plate Specials menu.

Tradewinds Tradewinds at the Isle has a new wager that pays up to 200-1 odds Breakfast is available all day, too! menu that features what we believe to based on their two cards and the be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. dealer’s up card. Bonus payments for Bus Fare Redemption Every day in September guests Whether you try the classics, a green many more combinations make this who play with a Lady Luck Player’s chili and chipotle, the black & blue or one of the most exciting table games Card can receive up to $22 cash back mushroom and Swiss burger you will around.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

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 4 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. Each day 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 offers 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.

Lady Luck Poker

The Bad Beat Jackpot now includes decreasing qualifier element.

Make sure to check out the new Bounce Back Bonus offers—now every day of the week.

• Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $10 in Bounce Back Coupons after three hours of play.

• Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $20 in Bounce Back Coupons after four hours of play.

• Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $30 in Bounce Back Coupons after five hours of play.

• Be in a game by 11 a.m. and receive $10 in Bounce Back Coupons after three hours of play.

Table Games

Play at Craps, Roulette, Buffalo Black Jack Bonus and 21+3 extreme.

There are 20X odds on Craps everyday in September. And try your hand at the Double Deck blackjack table every day of the week. There are multiple $5 games open every day and $2 craps Monday through Thursday.

PAGE 7

Central City Nuggets 6X Points

Johnny Z’s Casino is the place for the most points. 6X points on slots every Monday & Tuesday.

Z Bucks

www.johnnyzscasino.com Club Z Card

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Johnny Z’s Casino and receive up to $105 in Z-Play the next day. See Club Z for complete details.

Bring a Friend

If you are a current Club Z Member and you bring a friend with you to Z Casino and they become a new Club Z Member, you get $10 in FREE Z-Play. All new members qualify for the $105 Z-Play new member rebate.

Banks of Fire

Head to Johnny Z’s Casino for our Banks of Fire Drawings every Wednesday and Thursday. Each winner will receive $100 in Z-Play and any Club Z member playing at the same group of machines will receive $10 in Z-Play.

Turbo Money Madness

Turbo Money Madness only at Johnny Z’s Casino.

Come check out this awesome promotion every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this month. Win up to $250 in Z-Play at each drawing. The Party’s at Johnny Z’s.

PAGE 8

Head up to Z Bucks. Located on the 2nd floor of Johnny Z’s Casino and get your favorite Frappuccino, Cappuccino, Mocha and much more.

Z Grill Specials

Try our daily specialties at the Z Grill or the amazing Prime Rib dinner or Famous Z Ribs now only $8.99, located on the 2nd floor of Johnny Z’s Casino.

Table Games

Play the Hottest Table Games in Central City at Johnny Z’s Casino. We have all your favorites from Craps with Fire Bet, Three Card poker, Double Deck Blackjack & Buffalo Blackjack. The party’s at Johnny Z’s.

Booya

Booya is back in the Z Spot Pit. Get any 4 suited blackjacks and receive $20 in promo chips.

Take a ride on us

Johnny Z’s Casino offers convenient free shuttle service directly to Z Casino in Black Hawk. Shuttle runs Thursdays noon – 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays noon – midnight, and Sundays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

September 16 - 29, 2014

Central City Nuggets New Members

Central-city.cnty.com Money Match Mayhem

Fridays and Saturdays in September, 4 – 10 p.m. Winner chosen every half hour. Earn entries with every 150 base points played on your Player’s Club card starting Aug. 31.

Our chosen winner will uncover cash amounts on our Money Match Mayham board. Find two like amounts, win that amount. Prize amounts are eliminated as the drawings go on, so the bigger prizes are guaranteed to be found. Win Insta-Play or $250, $300 or $500 Cash Prizes.

Tuesday Hot Seat Inferno

Win $50 Insta-Play Hot Seat drawings every 15 minutes from 2 – 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Just play with your card at any machine or table game to be eligible to win.

Guests who sign up at our Player’s Club for a free club card will get a free $5 Insta-Play bonus immediately on signup. Subscribe to Century Casino emails by providing us your email address for an additional $5 InstaPlay. Give us your phone number and opt-in to join our Lucky Club text offer program for another $5 Insta-Play.

Finally, earn 100 base points on your card within 24 hours of signing up for an amazing extra $5 Insta-Play bonus bonus when you revisit the Club. That’s $20 in Day One Insta-Play for New Members.

Sunday Football Score Board

Score a touchdown and $700.

Score with 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. 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

VOTED DENVER’S

BEST CASINO THREE YEARS RUNNING!

2014 • 2013 • 2012 THANKS FOR CHOOSING US!

GET UP TO

$20 September 16 - 29, 2014

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.

Fantasy Golf Wednesday

Earn up to three Fantasy Golf Card Scratch Tickets Each Wednesday (at 250 base points, 400 base points and 1,000 base points each) and win your share of $1,000 in Cash and Insta-Play prizes if you have one of the lowest five scores recorded that day. Win double prizes if your score is under par for the card.

Scores are tallied and winners posted the next day and prizes must be claimed within one week. Play, scratch, and win with Fantasy Golf Wednesdays at Century.

$7.99 Prime Rib Every Day

Enjoy our 8 oz. slow-roasted Prime Rib Special, accompanied by choice of potato with seasonal vegetables, for just $7.99 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.

MONEY MATCH MAYHEM!

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.

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. We also offer a regular hotel Military discount rate of $39.95 before tax for a standard room Sundays through Thursdays (certain holidays exempted).

Please note that 50% food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including daily food specials.

Senior Celebration – Wednesday and Thursday

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play all day from 8 a.m. – 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 daily food specials.

Birthdays

Guests with a birthday coupon from our mailer redeem 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 gift. Guests who come in on the day of their 21st birthday receive the 2X points and the gift, plus $10 in comp added to their account, plus a $5 Promo Chip to use at the tables.

Lucky Lucky Blackjack

Try your luck with this new Bonus Blackjack game with extra payouts for special hands.

Big Hand Bonus

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.

FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS IN SEPTEMBER • 4PM TO 10PM! WINNER CHOSEN EVERY HALF HOUR! FIND MATCHING PRIZES ON THE BOARD TO WIN INSTA-PLAY OR

$250, $300, OR $500 CASH PRIZES!

IN DAY ONE INSTA-PLAY!

Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 9

Cover Story

Cover Story

Century named ‘Best Casino’ 3 years in a row ‘Come for the Action and Stay for the Fun!’

T

he Denver AList votes are totaled for 2014 and Century Casino in Central City has once again been voted Denver’s Best Casino for the third year in a row.

“We are extremely proud of our three peat accomplishment,” boasted Mickey Rosenbaum, Century’s general manager. “Gaming is an entertainment business, and we believe that we offer the most friendly and fun guest experience in the market. That is the foundation of our continued success and it is always appreciated to be recognized for that.”

Century is known for its special hospitality and outstanding staff.

“We promote fun with our employees and it flows throughout the casino,” said Rosenbaum. “When the staff has fun – the guests have fun. We are like family to our guests and players and they love coming to Century.”

Century features 500 of the latest and loosest slots and video poker in a warm inviting and easily accessible gaming layout. The table action is located in an intimate room separated from the slot floor where you can enjoy blackjack, craps, roulette and a 2-5 game of Texas Hold’em.

PAGES 10 - 11

The dealers at Century create a fun and crazy wild experience unlike any in the market. The friendships to be made while playing are as valuable as the winning.

The Mid City Grill and Retro Deli maintain outstanding reputations for consistent food quality and great value and selection.

The signature $7.99 Prime Rib dinner is served daily from 11 a.m. with a Player’s Card. The Rattlesnake Eggs, Mid City Burger and Wok Charred Salmon are sure to hook you in the Grill while the fresh made Noodle Bowls, thin crust pizzas and Daily Specials will satisfy your cravings in the Deli. The Deli also features all of the signature Starbucks drinks and hand scooped ice cream selections.

“Guests rave about our food,” said Rosenbaum, smiling.

“People come to Century because they heard about our great food and then immediately fall in love with the staff and feel of the casino. It’s fun to watch!”

Century’s player rewards and benefits are definitely some of the best in Colorado gaming. Daily and monthly promotions are always fun and offer great payouts and paybacks.

Century offers a great

incentive for new members to try all the benefits of the Player’s Club, with an offer for up to $20 in Insta-Play (free machine play) on day of signup for new players signing up for the free Century Casino Player’s Club card. Play with the card to receive some great new benefits in your mail! You must check it out!

The hidden gem of the property just might be the 26-room “boutique style” hotel located above the gaming floor. It is a quiet escape yet close to the gaming action. Make a reservation with a casino Host for a relaxing overnight getaway or special occasion. The 500-spaces covered parking garage offers great access to the gaming floor from all levels. Arrive on the four lane Central City Parkway from I-70 and head directly into Century’s garage and Casino.

There are many great reasons why Century Casino has been voted Denver’s Best Casino for three years running. They invite all to “Come for the Action and Stay for the Fun!” There is no shortage of either. Check it out and you’ll love it. Visit online at central-city.cnty.com or on facebook.com/Century CasinoCC. THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

September 16 - 29, 2014

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

Susie won $11,605 playing a Quick Hits penny machine at Mardi Gras Casino.

Wesley won $30,000 with our Treasure Hunt Progressive Blowout at Mardi Gras Casino.

George won $5,000 playing a 5X Pay machine at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Gurdeep won $7,500 playing a 5X Pay machine at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Robert won $2,160 playing a Triple Stars machine at Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk.

Cecil won $10,429 playing AfterShock at Saratoga Casino Black Hawk.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

September 16 - 29, 2014

News

No deal with tax watchdogs Citizen Budget Committee has casino concerns

By Bob Sweeney

The Arapahoe County Citizen Budget Committee held its second session on the proposed casino at the Arapahoe Park racetrack. The new casino is proposed in Amendment 68 heading for statewide voters as a Constitutional Amendment on Nov. 4.

The first formal discussion occurred Aug.13 when the group heard a presentation against the proposal

by Katy Atkinson, President of Katy Atkinson & Associates, a public relations firm representing the casino gaming industry opposing the proposed Amendment 68.

The outcome of that session was a 12-0 poll of the members present with none of the board members in favor of the casino proposed Amendment 68.

The board was fearful of the massive infrastructure costs that have to be negotiated after the fact with the developers. An initial impact fee would be paid, but not specified as the amount.

Concerns were expressed about the lack of a countywide vote on the rejection or acceptance of the casino that would be placed in Arapahoe County because of the only existing horse racing track left operating in Colorado. The amendment allows operating racetracks to have limited stakes gambling, the same as in the three mountain communities of Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.

Mounting traffic problems were also cited at Gun Club Road and the growing traffic along Arapahoe and Quincy roads that would increase with the new gaming traffic that could exist 24 hours a day with casino operations.

The Budget Committee wanted to hear both sides of the proposal and invited the proponents to appear at the regular committee meeting Sept. 10, before rendering any official statement to the Arapahoe County commissioners as their financial advisory board.

Two spokespersons appeared on behalf of the Arapahoe Park racetrack organization supporting the proposed Amendment 68. Becky Brooks, who is a spokesperson for the track, accompanied by Danny Williams, veteran Eagle County Commissioner and former state representative from northwest Colorado, who represents the horse racing and Arapahoe track interests.

Williams related that “K-12 education is underfunded in Colorado” and that Colorado taxpayers had

September 16 - 29, 2014

failed to pass the last funding measure in the statewide election.

He made the point that this proposed casino could pay as much as $114 million in taxes that would flow directly to the school districts to spend as they wished. The money would not go to the state general fund, but directly to the school districts. In later discussions board members questioned this amount and Williams explained that the figure was an estimate taken from what the casino incomes are currently.

The funding per student could range from $50 to $114 per student across Colorado, depending on casino taxable income at 34 percent versus the graduated tax scale on casinos, which is currently at 17 percent.

According to Williams the tax would be almost doubled and gambling would be allowed at racetracks where legal gaming already occurs.

Two other tracks are mentioned in the bill, now closed Uranium Downs in Mesa County and a track in Pueblo County where greyhounds once raced dating back to 1939. The tracks would have to be operated for a period of five years before a gaming license could be considered under the amendment.

Williams expressed his opinion that land use would still fall under Arapahoe County rules and regulations subject to the boards and county commissioners. It was his opinion that the commissioners could hold hearings and delay or stop casino construction and operations. Committee members expressed that this could lead to litigation if parties could not agree on impact fees, infrastructure costs and ongoing revenues to the county to pay for costs of the casino operation.

Committee members expressed their concerns about the county spending a large amount of money without the full knowledge of how the money would be repaid with “negotiations” with the casino operators.

A question of fire protect was raised and whether a new fire station would have to be constructed and equipped to serve the growth in the proposed area?

Williams expressed this belief that the casino operators were not interested in construction of a new hotel in the area or at the casino, but that was questioned by board members believing that further growth could occur in the area leading to additional traffic and road concerns.

Williams pointed out that the figures in the election Blue Book, being mailed to all Colorado registered voters, was prepared by a bipartisan legislative council that estimated the taxable revenue would be around $114 million and that his group was not responsible for the

proposed income figures.

Discussion continued, during and later, following the presentation about the success or failure of the casino and the large expense expended

by Arapahoe County with no guarantee of repayment except estimates of future gaming taxable incomes.

Jared Ingwalson raised the question of how disputes could be resolved outside of court? Williams responded with his belief that Arapahoe County commissioners and zoning boards would still have major controls over the growth and development of the land use.

Board Chair Jamie Wollman expressed her opinion of lack of a local vote on the proposed casino development saying, “This amendment doesn’t allow Arapahoe County citizens to vote.”

Board member Jordan Rohde stated the financial matters … “boggle my mind.”

Questions were raised about what would happen if the casino went bankrupt and the county was stuck with the infrastructure costs?

Ingwalson asked whether this would be new business or just “slicing the pie more thinly.” He continued, “If we’re just slicing the pie – don’t we all lose?”

Williams said he believed the new casino would grow the pie and referred to the Blue Book analysis that relates that the Denver market is “underserved.” He observed that some “cannibalization” could occur with loss to the present industry at an estimated 30 percent – but a gain in the Denver market of 20 percent with a higher tax rate.

Racetrack spokesman Brooks related that currently employment at Arapahoe Park is seasonable and that the new casino could create 650 jobs in construction and operations. She said that the track now has around 4,000 people coming to the track for the three-day racing sessions with most of the traffic on the weekends.

The meeting ended with the committee questioning whether costs for the casino would, or could be covered? Lack of local voting was a major concern, expressed by Wollman.

The group agreed with a full majority to write a letter to the county commissioners expressing concerns about the Amendment 68 proposal and the pitfalls of the financial risks for Arapahoe County taxpayers.

Following the presentation, a discussion ensued on the new county fairgrounds and financial aspects of this upcoming project and a representative from the county will be asked to explain more details at the Oct. 15 session where the 2015 proposed county budget will be discussed.

Jobs on the Line Continued from Page 2

from stock sales and out-of-state investors.

An estimated 10,000 people work in the three towns and many others work in supplying the food, paper supplies and beverages to these towns.

The cities now have larger payrolls and jobs flow in from Denver, Idaho Springs and rural mountain areas.

This is a steady payroll of pretty good jobs with real benefits and regular hours of work.

Amendment 68 would change all this stability and provide a new venue for gaming at the Arapahoe Park racetrack in far southeastern Arapahoe County where a suffering horse race track wants to add an estimated 2,500 slot machines and table games to shore up their ailing business.

They have been able to place this Initiated Amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot by virtue of hiring a firm to obtain 130,000 signatures in support of the new casino with the taxable proceeds going to K-12 education and not the other currently funded groups.

The clever amendment allows three venues in Colorado where gambling would be allowed at racetracks, but the only operating racetrack in the state is Arapahoe Park, which is owned by a racetrack/gambling operator in Rhode Island. Under the proposed amendment, only one racetrack currently exists so they would be the sole beneficiaries of such an amendment giving them a monopoly placed in the state Constitution. Giving any business a monopoly in our Constitution seems rather odd, rare, vague, unusu-

al and probably illegal if challenged in court. The other two venues in Pueblo County and Mesa County would have to build new racetracks and operate them for five years before becoming eligible for a “Race Cino.”

A casino in Pueblo would spell a disaster for historic Cripple Creek that depends heavily on the Pueblo gamers to support their industry that does pretty well during the tourist season, but suffers during the long winter months. The rise and fall of the gold mining industry has a huge impact on Teller County and local jobs. Cripple Creek is redoing the main street with new infrastructure and spending millions to welcome visitors to this fabulous historic venue.

A covenant was given to these three mountain towns that they could develop a legal gaming industry 24 years ago and they’ve honored their part of the bargain. Colorado voters need to keep our bond with them and not allow an East Coast company run around our Colorado counties. The huge number of employees who would lose their jobs and the tinkering with the Constitution to benefit one company and industry is frightening.

There is nothing in the proposed law that any money goes to horse racing folks and the county has to negotiate their expenses with the casino people after the fact since the state controls all the gambling operations.

Arapahoe County taxpayers get the bill for the new adventure with no local controls or funding mentioned in the legislation.

That isn’t good horse sense! Vote NO on Amendment 68.

Vote ‘NO’ on Amendment 68 Continued from Page 4

For the past few years, that Gilpin County share of the gaming revenue has averaged about $9 million; so one can figure that our annual payment would decline by about $3 million by 2017. What would that mean?

Well, for starters, the county transfers about $1.1 million every year out of the general fund to support what might be termed “discretionary” programs--$750,000 to Parks and Recreation, $185,000 to the Library, and lesser amounts to some other entities. So one could safely assume those amenities would go away.

But then cutting an additional $2 million out of the remaining county programs would be extraordinarily difficult. We can’t just close the jail, or stop maintaining the roads (even though we use about $750,000 of our gaming dollars on this). But unless the citizens authorized a tax measure equal to the amount lost, the cuts would be inevitable and brutal.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

And that would just be the obvious and immediate impact. The increased competition for the Front Range gaming dollars (the Arapahoe Park racino would be larger by 66 percent than Ameristar, and closer to downtown Denver than Black Hawk or Central City) would inevitably cause some casino closures. That would put a lot of local residents out of work, depress commercial property values and thus decrease property tax collections, and absolutely devastate the budgets of the two cities.

These are scary numbers. The battle of the television spots has already begun, indicative that both sides are taking this ballot measure very seriously.

I don’t suppose the number of votes cast in Gilpin County will greatly affect the outcome one way or another, but I would hope that everyone up here would vote against the measure.

And tell your friends, too: Vote no on Amendment 68.

PAGE 15

Colorado History

Visit the Schweiger Ranch for a taste of Douglas County history

By Rosemary Fetter

The Ridgegate development in Douglas County lies at the far southern edge of the City of Lone Tree, where cattle once grazed and jackrabbits and prairie dogs proliferated.

Now a bustling community a few miles south of Park Meadows Shopping Center, the ranch and surrounding acreage belonged to the Schweiger family 140 years ago.

The three Schweiger brothers, John, Joseph and Jacob, were Austrian immigrants who established their ranch in 1874, southeast of what is now I-25 and Lincoln Avenue. Through land purchases and grants, the family eventually amassed between 4,000and 6,000-acres, constructing a ranch house and outbuildings between 1894 and 1910. Fortunately, most of the original structures remained intact, along with remnants of an apple orchard.

Like many homesteaders, the Schweigers suffered financial difficulties during the early years. To earn extra income, they decided to work in the smelters. Since no one wanted to stay behind and operate the ranch, they agreed that one of them should marry and leave the farm work to the lucky bride. In a singularly unromantic gesture, they drew straws, determining that the loser should find a wife. John, who drew the short straw, called on a German rancher in Castle Rock named George Engle, who had several eligible nieces. John reluctantly went a-courting and finally chose Anna, the most timid of group, who obviously feared and disliked him. Given no choice by her uncle, she married him. The couple’s relationship went downhill from there. John drank constantly and abused his wife, but Anna’s seven children provided her some consolation.

When her daughter, Rose Toggle, died

The Schweiger Volunteer Firefighters.

in 1988 (at age 102), she passed down her diary, which revealed the difficulties and hardships of their lives.

According to Rose, John was harsh taskmaster, forcing his children, even the girls, to do heavy work on the farm.

“As soon as the clock chimed 5 a.m., we’d hear father’s feet hit the floor. He would walk along the hall knocking on doors…we older children knew that if we did not heed that call we’d regret it. One half an hour later, my mother would come to our rooms and in her gentle voice tell us to get up and go to work, or else dad would take it out on us.”

In the winter the older children milked the cows, cleaned the barns and washed 40 or so milk pans and a dozen milk buckets along with the cream separator and then walked to school.

“I used to be so tired when I sat down at the desk that I’d sometimes go to sleep,” she wrote. “After school it meant hurry home, about a quarter of a mile, feed the chickens, help feed the hogs, milk a few cows and help mother in the house with the cooking and the younger children. Mother was not very

Photos courtesy the Douglas County Historical Society

strong and the work she was forced to do along with having a baby every two years was terribly hard on her.”

According to Rose, John felt if his children could count to 100 and read through the third (grade) reader, that was enough education.

“Raising children on the farm is one of the best things that can happen to them, providing the work was reasonable,” she said.

The Schweigers prospered, however, raising cattle and a variety of crops including wheat, corn and alfalfa.

At one time, flowering orchards dotted the property. The ranch would be named in honor of a passing stranger, who asked to sleep in the barn for a few days. Each morning as he walked in the hills, the guest sang beautiful melodies that reminded the Schweigers of their Austrian homeland. When the stranger departed abruptly, the disappointed

brothers decided to name their ranch for his horse, Happy Jack.

Schweiger descendants worked the ranch until 1970, when developer George Wallace purchased the land.

The ranch and environs have changed owners several times, becoming a state landmark in 2004. In 2008, the current owner, Ridgegate Investments, donated the ranch and surrounding 38 acres to the Coventry Development Corp., which is developing the property. The Schweiger Foundation was created the following year.

The earlier phases of restoration included the barn, livery and ranch house. Work on the third phase, the granary, chicken coop, corral, loafing shed and mechanical shed, commenced this summer. The property is being restored to its 1930s appearance, when most of the buildings were constructed. Some items for a future house

museum have been donated by Schweiger descendants. At this point there are no animals, but a future time horses and goats will again be seen on the property. So far, the ranch has received more than $300,000 in grants from various sources, including the State Historical Fund, which is financed by Colorado gaming revenue.

The Schweiger Ranch, which has a live-in caretaker, is open to the public for tours. On Oct. 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Ranch will hold its annual fall festival. Guests can tour the property, pick out a pumpkin from the patch, and take a hay wagon ride. The address is 10822 Havana St., Lone Tree.

Partial excerpt, From Stage Trail to Light Rail, the Dynamic Denver South Corridor by Rosemary Fetter, due to be published in early spring.

John and Anna Schweiger during the early years of their marriage.

The Schweiger Ranch and family the 1930s.

PAGE 16

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

September 16 - 29, 2014

Trail’s End

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway As a Colorado native, I have taken many mountain drives during the aspen season since I was a child. All are beautiful, all over the state. However, an often-overlooked scenic drive is just an hour from Denver, and perhaps one of the most colorful. The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway can be accessed from above Georgetown, going south, or off U.S. Highway 285, from Grant, the northern route.

The byway, which is paved, and maintained year-round, is twenty two miles long and takes about an hour. It is a leisurely drive, with only a few sharp and narrow curves. It is beautiful, rich in aspen color, mountain vistas, and scenic splendor, taking the traveler through the alpine and high tundra of the mountain eco-systems, cresting the top of the pass at more than 12,000 feet.

This scenic bypass straddles across the steep divide between the Clear Creek and South Platte watersheds, as well as Clear Creek and Park Counties. Glaciers created much of the mountain scenery you will see, including the many cascading creeks. Today, the road winds through beautiful wildlife environments. And of course, all along the drive are the magnificent trees of the mountains, including the colorful aspens. It is the aspen trees and the golden color that make autumn a beautiful time to drive this byway, when the leaves are changing, amidst the gleaming streams flowing through the meadows. The road crests well above timberline in the fragile tundra.

At the highest point of the pass, more than 12,000 feet, amazingly, fragile tiny wild flowers and tundra manage to survive the trials of one of the harshest environments.

Originally a knotty dirt wagon road, Guanella Pass served the miners and area merchants, traveling between Georgetown and

September 16 - 29, 2014

Grant. In January 1859, prospector George Jackson discovered gold near the area of today’s Idaho Springs. Remains of the original mine shafts and tailing piles surrounding the area from Idaho Springs, to Georgetown, and south to Grant, provide the traveler the visual reminders of the mining history in the area.

While the gold attracted the first miners, it was the silver that caused the area to boom, the center of which became the Victorian town of Georgetown, the Silver Queen of the Rockies.

Georgetown flourished by the 1870s, with more than 5,000 residents mining the silver, and making Georgetown their home.

Georgetown is quietly nestled between some of the most majestic peaks in the state, giving the backdrop to the quaint Victorian mining community it is today.

Georgetown is an exceptional mountain town that has held fast to its Victorian charm with many homes and buildings rich in that architectural style. The town has preserved so many extraordinary examples of Victorian architecture

that the town itself is nearly a museum wonder.

“Georgetown greets the eye and moves the imagination,” - The Central City Register Call, 1867.

During its silver-mining heyday, Georgetown was the epicenter of Clear Creek Canyon.

“Whatever anybody had a hankering for, regardless, it was here, store bought clothing, of all sorts, even frills and laces for the ladies; grocery stores with sawdust on the floors, catered to any taste from

sow-belly to fresh oysters...fresh fruits and vegetables all brought by wagon and freight-car,” according to the paper.

The best example of preserved Victorian architecture, now a museum, is the Hamill House. A popular tourist attraction, it is a must-see stop on your day trip. The museum is housed in the former home of one of the town’s richest silver barons, William A. Hamill. It is a beautiful Gothic Revival-style home, built to Hamill’s architectural drawings. The home was completed in 1879, with furnishings brought in from England, Hamill’s birthplace. Historic Georgetown, Inc., purchased the home in 1971 for the purpose of preservation. Through many restorations, the home now serves as a museum. Many of the original features of the house are still visible, including walnut woodwork, hand-painted wallpaper and imported marble fireplaces. The exhibits include the parlor area, the kitchen, pantry, and bedrooms. It is trip back into the living time of yesteryear.

Another historical site in Georgetown is the Hotel de Paris, which has been a main attraction to the Georgetown area, since it

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

opened in 1875. Since the grand opening, over 130 years ago, it was immediately known as one of the state’s premier hotels, and famous for its superb restaurant cuisine. Today, it is a magnificent museum. The hotel was built by Louis Dupuy, a Frenchman who came to Georgetown in 1870 to seek his fortune in mining, yet a mining accident ended his mining career. Dupuy stayed in Georgetown and managed to purchase a small bakery.

Within a few short years, he had turned the bakery into a luxurious hotel and a fine white-cloth restaurant. The wine cellar is particularly interesting, exhibiting the old wine barrels Dupuy used to store his wine, and he later bottled. The hotel, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is now owned and operated as a museum by the Colorado chapter of the Colonial Dames.

If your time allows, the Georgetown Loop Historic Railroad is a rail ride you won’t forget. Originally built in 1884, the railroad fulfilled the economic necessities for Georgetown merchants and mine owners. With the marvel of the railroad, the town became a prosperous settlement connected to Denver, the commerce center of Colorado. Today, the tourist rails travel just between Georgetown and Silver Plume, a two mile ride that is absolutely breath taking in scenery, and engineering.

Perhaps the greatest way to experience Georgetown is to simply walk along the streets, filled with restaurants, shops and old-fashioned mountain charm. There is a variety of shops, including clothing, books, hardware, antiques and restaurants. There are a few jewelry stores offering a great collection of silver, turquoise, and Native American jewelry. For book lovers, there is Idylls and Odysseys book store, with all the books from local history, to the best sellers, and even rare books.

A day trip to Guanella Pass and Georgetown is a day full of nature’s color, and Colorado’s colorful mountain history.

Don’t miss it!

PAGE 17

Going Green

Go green by freezing fall’s bounty imported nectarines, cucumbers, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, hot pepper, domesticallygrown summer squash, and leafy greens,

Freezing tips

Before freezing, all fruit and vegetables, they should be rinsed clean, cut and prepared (as if you were going to cook or eat them immediately). Then blanch them by dipping in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.

Quickly submerge them in ice water. Dry thoroughly.

Lay the prepared fruits or vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet or flat pan. You can line the pan with parchment paper, waxed paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the produce is not crowded and touching as little as possible.

Put the sheet, flat, in the

freezer at 0- degrees F or colder until the produce is frozen solid.

This usually takes an hour or two. You can leave the uncovered produce in the freezer for several hours but not overnight.

When frozen, the water in fruits and veggies expands and causes ice crystals to puncture and break cell walls. As a result, some fruits and veggies tend to get mushy when thawed. To reduce the amount of cellular damage, freeze fruits and veggies as quickly as possible because colder temperatures pro-

Horoscopes

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) This is a good time for relationships with family and loved ones. You may feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and look to excuses to avoid them. Make a plan to handle those that need your attention.

Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 20, 32, 51, 64

GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) Things are going well for you. Perhaps you’ve achieved a long cherished goal. Maybe a new romance is on the rise. All is good as you don’t lose sight of your responsibilities. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 24, 25, 44, 59

CANCER - (June 22 - July 22) There may have been many changes recently in your life. Changes that feel overwhelming and upsetting. As you settle into your present life you will find the changes are actually for the better to improve your life. Lucky Numbers: 4, 18, 28, 48, 55, 56

LEO - (July 23 – Aug 22) You are doing well and feel optimistic about life. You are lucky with gambling and other forms of speculation. You are enjoying others and they are enjoying conversations with you. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 7, 15, 24, 42

CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) This is a good transit for romance or if you are married, this will be a happy period of your marriage. You are being bombarded by many responsibilities, so having a supportive partner will help you through this temporary period.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 21, 39, 46, 48, 55

AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) This is a mixed transit, you have the opportunity to achieve long cherished goals. On the other hand you are being given many new responsibilities. You want to do neither. Try to balance that what needs to be done and what you want to do. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 7, 29, 33, 35

PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) This transit brings a time where your goals, projects, or career path can be achieved. You have success in the palm of your hand. Your only enemy is yourself, as long as all is approached in a spirit of cooperation you will succeed. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 12, 17, 23, 48 ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) Overall this is a good transit for you, for romance, for career advancement. In general there are many communication errors going on. For you this is more so, take time to verify communications with others to enjoy your good fortune. You Lucky Numbers: 3, 15, 21, 31, 36, 59

29. Cops 30. Ostrich 33. Her 35. Nee 36. Chub

38. Eel 40. Edna 42. Rihanna 44. Ys 45. Shoe

1. Washington 2. Alton 3. Leeds United 4. Ice 46. Shuffled

DOWN

5. Gnu 6. Ectomorph 7. Ali 8. Don King 9. Skunk

13. Anger 14. Ska 18. In 20. Americas 21. RN

25. Rose 27. BO 28. England 29. Church 31. Seeth

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

ACROSS

VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) This is a good transit for romance, financial speculation, and the arts. Even if you are not a creative person, beauty and creativity will come into your life. You have increased responsibilities at this time, but enjoy what you are doing. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 12, 17, 29, 48

LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Your mind is clear, your thinking is sharp at this time. Situations are being pressed into your life that are sudden and seem overwhelming. You do have a good luck transit that protects you, as well as your good intelligence. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 27, 29, 37, 42

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You are alternately going through periods of enthusiasm & negativity. Don’t give into the negativity. This is a good time for your career. Also a good time for family relations. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 20, 21, 29, 47

SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) This is a good transit for financial speculation, career advancement, general success. Your mind is keen and sharp, ready for action.

This is the one area that you may neglect, action. To get the good fortune does require action on your part. Lucky Numbers: 12, 15, 17, 24, 27, 59

email her at navamsa9@q.com

22. Ink 23. Men 24. Orn 26. Gander 27. Brogue

Horoscopes by Teelok

duce smaller ice crystals, which do less damage to cell walls.

Once pieces are frozen through, transfer them to heavyduty freezer bags. Press out as much of the air as possible and seal the bag. You can suck the air out with a straw if you like. Your fresh frozen fruits and vegetables will be at their best quality for about a year. Storing longer is fine, but the quality may decline.

These tasty frozen fruits and vegetables will give the family food budget a lift and brighten up winter menus. There’s a nice feeling of accomplishment of having a freezer filled with healthy frozen foods selected at the peak of their freshness and then quickly frozen to lock in flavor.

12. Steve Austin 15. Hod 16. KO 17. Kin 19. Instagram

These pesticides may contain carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, and developmental and reproductive toxins.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group releases its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of the worst offenders in the produce department of supermarkets by analyzing USDA tests of residue on 48 produce items. Generally, tree fruits, berries and leafy greens fall into this group every year.

Fruits and vegetables with thick skins that are removed before eating (melons, avocado, corn, etc.) tend to have the lowest amounts of pesticide residue.

It’s not a surprise that apples, strawberries and grapes (foods often consumed with little or no washing) top the “Dirty Dozen” list. The rest of the offenders consist of celery, peaches, spinach, bell peppers,

1. Walking Dead 1. Walking Dead 10. Ale 11. Cloak

My mother and aunts spent many hours canning fresh summer fruits and vegetables over a stove in a hot Oklahoma kitchen. Now it’s much easier to go green by freezing instead of canning Colorado’s bountiful fall harvest of vegetables and fruits. Freezing is quick and easy. It locks in that “just picked” taste while effectively retaining nutritional value and high quality. Moreover, it eliminates working in a hot kitchen.

In the days of our grandparents, most all fruits and vegetables were organically grown. Today, however, pesticide residues and other health concerns are a big motivating factor to spend the extra money for organic fruits and vegetables. Some fruits and vegetables have higher residues of pesticides than others.

33. Ch 34. Renal 37. BI 39. En 41. Nye

43. Hof

Crossword puzzle answers from page 5

PAGE 18

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 19

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