Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - October 2014 - 06:10

http://www.ddcaz.com/

http://www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com/

BALLY TECHNOLOGIES HAS

THE BIGGEST BOOTH AT G2E

THIS YEAR AND HERE’S WHY.

04 EDITOR’S NOTE

06 PLAYERS TALK

08 GREAT GAMES

16 WINNING WAYS

21 CASINO DINING

22 ARIZONA LOTTERY

24 FEATURE STORY

26 TRIBAL NEWS

29 GAMING NEWS

34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

35 TRAVEL

36 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

38 CASINO NIGHTLIFE

40 CASINO BINGO

42 FUN & GAMES

44 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

46 CASINO DIRECTORY

DEPARTMENTS

azgamingguide.com | October 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 03

GLOBAL GAMING EXPO

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Writer Rodric gets the scoop on all

the brand new games at G2E and

highlights some real standouts!

SAMI OUTLINES THE TOP

FIVE GRIPES OF GAMBLERS

No, losing money isn’t number one.

As a matter of fact, it’s not even on

the list!

TRY SOMETHING NEW

AND WIN BIG

Being flexible and trying new games

from time to time can open up unex-

pected opportunities!

http://www.azgamingguide.com/

Christmas Comes Early At G2E!

Whenever we get to visit the biggest slot machine trade show in the world, we

start drooling months in advance. Not only do we get to see and play hundreds, if

not thousands of new slots, we also have a chance to try out brand new games the

world has never seen before. This year’s G2E runs from the last days in September

through the first days in October and it is a treat as always to go!

This issue has a sneak peek on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, and some advice

on trying something new for a change of pace. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al

Moe gives us the inside scoop on craps. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with an

in-depth look at tribal games. Writer Rodric Hurdle Bradford delivers on G2E’s

cool new games. And, entertainment writer Ramses Ja talks about his new hot

spot at Cliff Castle. As always, we also give you the latest information on gaming

news, hot deals, entertainment, bingo, and so much more!

Please visit us at: facebook .com/ArizonaGamingGuide , become part of our com-

munity and share your thoughts and experiences with others who also love the

same casino games you do. You can sign up for our e-newsletter and find current

and back issues of AZ Gaming Guide on our website at azgamingguide.com . Let

me know what you think of this issue and have fun!

Cheers!

Alexandra Lang

Editor-in-Chief

[email protected]

Alexandra

VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 10

PUBLISHER

Chris Höft

[email protected]

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Torma

[email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alexandra Lang

[email protected]

ART DIRECTOR

Melanie Mueller

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Al Moe

Lee Allen

Ramses Ja

Kelly Potts

Cindy Esquer

Amanda Riddle

Samantha Becker

Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

ADVERTISING SALES

Nina Consiglio

[email protected]

Elizabeth Torma

[email protected]

MAILING INFORMATION

Arizona Gaming Guide

P.O. Box 20636

Mesa, Arizona 85277

INTERNET INFORMATION

www.azgamingguide.com

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Copyright © 2014 The Arizona Gaming Guide.

All rights reserved.

The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and

gaming related facts as well as personal opinions and expects the

reader to make his or her own decisions. All responses to reader

posts, e-mails and letters are to be considered as advice only. AGG

accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of our

readers based on the articles and advertisements presented within

this publication. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade

names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners.

You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly.

Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Your Authority On Everything Gaming

Arizona’s State Gaming Regulatory Agency:

Arizona Department of Gaming

1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007

1.602.771.4263 or azgaming.gov

Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource:

Office of Problem Gambling

1.800.NEXT.STEP or 1.800.639.8783

1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007

1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov

04 Arizona Gaming Guide | October 2014 | azgamingguide.com

“Like” us on Facebook because

we “Like” you too!

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

http://www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide


mailto:[email protected]?subject=Reader%20Comment%20(Web%20Publication)

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.azgamingguide.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.problemgambling.az.gov/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.azgaming.gov/












mailto:[email protected]





http://www.wms.com/

PLAYERS TALK


Q: I play video keno, mostly 4-Card. On occasion, I get

bored (especially if it’s not going well) and I try another

game. I play all the keno games out there except Top-

Bottom. I tried it a couple of times, but didn’t have

much luck. Can you tell me more about that game? For

instance, how often do you get a hit? It seems like I’m

getting 9 or 10 numbers most of the time which doesn’t

pay anything. Also, would like to know the odds of

getting 15-20 numbers. Thanks for all the great infor-

mation. I always learn something in Players Talk – my

favorite section!

Gina Vargas Tucson, AZ

Gina, Top-Bottom keno is probably one of the simplest versions

of keno you can possibly play! All you have to do is place a one

credit wager, touch either the top half of the screen, or the

bottom half of the screen, hit start and wait for something to

happen. Most versions of this game will pay you something if

you have less than 8 or more than 11 “catches.” For most video

keno pay tables in the casinos, if you catch 8 through 11 spots

during a game, you won’t get paid. Therefore, as you mention,

you do catch 9 or 10 numbers most often which does not pay.

However, the good news is that for most pay tables your chanc-

es of winning on any given spin are about 32%. This, in terms

of game play, means once every 3.15 spins (on average) you

will have a winner! Most Top-Bottom video keno pay tables

we’ve observed are set by casinos somewhere between 90% and

96%, so you can expect an average win between 2.75 and 3

credits.

Each catch is paired up with a win. Since the mathematics of

the game allow for symmetry, the chances of getting 20 catches

is the same as getting 0 catches. The chances of getting 19

catches is the same as 1 catch, and so on. You will notice the

pay table has two catches next to each win, until you reach the

7 through 12 catch part of the pay table. What you should

watch for are the 15, 16, and 17 catch (or 5, 4, and 3 catch re-

spectively) wins. These six wins are relatively probable and

tend to pay a significant win, regardless which pay table you

can play at your favorite casino. The 15 (or 5) catch odds are

about 1 in 67 games. The 16 (or 4) catch odds are about 1 in

308 games. The 17 (or 3) catch odds are about 1 in 2,000

games. The 18 (or 2), 19 (or 1), and 20 (or 0) catch odds are

about 1 in 20,000 games, about 1 in 337,000 games, and about

1 in 12,823,000 games respectively.

Q: I need your help with something. Thanks for a great

magazine, btw. I find myself either running from one

machine to another trying a $20 here and a $20 there, or

blowing all my money on one machine. First of all, I’m

not as lucky as some people are. I rarely sit down at a

machine and immediately get into a bonus or hit a big

win. I have to work for it and I mean really work for it!

Therefore, I’ve found that “machine-hopping” doesn’t

produce great results for me – usually. However, if I

pick a machine, sit down and don’t move until the chair

is nice and warm (meaning I’ve fed it with a healthy

amount of 20s), then I usually get something. Either it’s

my money back or a nice win that puts me ahead. Of

course, this doesn’t work all the time. I wish it did. My

question to you is … if I “try” a machine how much

money should I spend? Is $20 enough? What about my

theory of sitting and feeding the same machine until it

pays me something? How do you feel about that strate-

gy? Thanks for any advice you’re willing to offer!

Tonya Denise Brown Phoenix, AZ

Tonya, slot manufacturers are designing modern games that

are increasingly more volatile, so it’s not uncommon to go five

or ten spins without getting a single win. Therefore, you are

not giving the games a chance with an initial investment of

only $20 that buys you just a few spins. Doing this may deplete

your bankroll much quicker than investing a little more time

and money on one game. We recommend $40 as an initial in-

vestment to “test” a game before you get up and move to anoth-

er machine if it’s not going well and here’s why: the average

number of spins it takes to trigger a bonus varies from slot to

slot. Extremely volatile slots can take over 180 spins, on aver-

age, to hit a bonus whereas less volatile slots have much lower

pulls-to-hits of between 60 and 80 spins. If we assume your

favorite slot game has medium volatility with an average bonus

pulls-to-hit of 120 and you intend on wagering 30¢ per spin,

you can expect to spend roughly $36 before triggering a bonus.

Remember this amount includes all the wins you will be getting

and get a $25 gift or gas card if we decide to print your question! Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions

and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is

limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all

correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: [email protected].


mailto:[email protected]?subject=Reader%20Comment%20(Web%20Publication)

as you’re playing a game as well. With $40, you have a very

high chance of hitting one or more bonuses. Since the $40 test is

based on a medium volatility game at a 30¢ minimum bet, just

make sure to adjust the initial stake based on your playing

style.

Let’s examine Aristocrat’s classic slot Buffalo. Introduced in

2003, this game represents the change from dribble, time on

device style games made by most slot machine manufacturers,

to increasingly higher and higher volatility games we are expe-

riencing currently. In the long run, on average, about every 90

to 110 games players will trigger the free games bonus with

either three, four, or five symbols. Based on our math insights

of this game, players are presented with a losing spin around

every other spin and are also able to win at most twice their bet

with the same odds, every other spin. Now, pay attention to this

one: to win more than twice your bet back (not including the

bonus) your chances are around once every twentieth spin!

What this translates into is a game that will happily swallow

any bankroll you place into the slot that can’t outlast about 20

spins in order to win anything significant. Players have to play

at least $8.00 (at the minimum bet of 40¢) in order to win more

than 80¢! Is the picture becoming clearer yet? If we take a look

at the game and break down what value the base game and bo-

nus games have over time, we quickly discover that about one

third of the game’s wins are concentrated in the bonus game

and the remaining two thirds of the game’s wins are focused in

the base game. While the free games bonus in Buffalo can be

amazing, the base game (let’s face it) sucks! In the base game,

the highest win available to players is 7.5 times your bet! An

initial $5, $10, or $20 investment will rarely allow you to expe-

rience the wins of this volatile slot. Why? $20 at minimum bet

(40¢) pays for just over 50 spins. In the meantime, players will

win at most twice their bet 25 times (winning at most $10) and

winning up to 7.5 times their bet about 6 times (for another

$18) generating an average maximum of $28. That will barely

get players another 70 spins allowing for a total of around 120

in the absolute luckiest scenario, on average. Does $20 sound

like enough? I don’t think so!

When we design math models for slot machines we run massive

amounts of simulations on test cases of our games using bank-

rolls of $20, $40, and $100. Guess which bankroll provides the

longest time on device (maximizing player happiness) on ex-

tremely volatile games. Yeah, the $100 bankroll performs best.

Why? The larger bankroll gives the game a “chance” to per-

form.

Ultimately you should choose a strategy that makes you happy

and are comfortable using while at the casino. However, we

strongly suggest you focus your bankroll on one or a few slots

to have a chance at triggering bonuses and hitting big wins! $

PLAYERS TALK


http://www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com/


GREAT GAMES Table Games—Casino Craps


Writer Al Moe has worked in the casino industry for many years.

He has lived and worked in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. He

also attended the University of Nevada, Reno. He is an avid writer

and blogger, author of “Vegas and the Mob"—available at Amazon.

He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.

o, there won’t be any live craps tables in the foreseea-

ble future, but you can still play the game in Arizona

casinos! You just have to settle for the video electronic

table game version that’s just as exciting.

One of the great things about playing craps is that players really

get into the game, whooping and hollering, and most of the

electronic craps games found in Arizona casinos have a large

display and up to 12 seats for players. Each player gets a per-

sonal video screen to place their wagers and there are large dice

that actually roll!

Well, the dice don’t really roll, they jiggle. New electronic craps

games like “Shoot to Win” and “Organic” have a big plastic

bubble where the dice are bounced around until they settle on a

new number. On the Organic machine, there is a third blank die

that keeps the others from ever landing askew – so every new

play the dice land correctly. That’s not something you’ll ever see

on a regular craps game, but you can’t take odds or make place

bets for just a buck on a standard game either! Electronic craps

offers wagers between $1 and $39 at most casinos.

Craps Basics

The first roll at craps is called the come-out roll and you have to

place a wager on the pass line or the don’t pass line to shoot the

dice, but you don’t have to be the shooter to make wagers! The

pass line wins on a first roll of 7 or 11 (a natural), loses on 2, 3 or

12 (craps), and any other total (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the

“point.” This point needs to be thrown again to win. If 7 is

rolled first, the pass line loses.

On the don’t pass, the come-out roll wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or

11, and pushes (no action) on a 12. Once a point is established,

the don’t pass line wins if 7 rolls and loses if the point is rolled

again.

The come line works exactly the same as the pass and don’t

pass, but can only be bet-on after a point is established. Every

pass/don’t pass/come bet may be backed-up with odds. On a

regular table the odds are likely to be set at between 3 and 5x

the line wager (you place $5 on the line and take odds of up to

$25) and win when the line bet wins. The odds lose if the point

is not made. Players may also lay the odds on don’t pass wa-

gers. Players like odds wagers because the house has no edge on

the bet!

At electronic craps tables the odds wager may be made for as

little as $1, or set at whatever the minimum line bet is. In addi-

tion, you can place the numbers (a direct wager on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or

10) for that same small bet. Those bets stay up until they lose.

Hardway bets (a pair on the dice) also stay up until they lose,

but remember they lose when the number is rolled the easy way

(no pair) or when 7 rolls! Wagers on the “Horn” and the “Field”

are one-roll wagers and win or lose immediately. $

N

By Al Moe


http://www.talkingstickresort.com/


GREAT GAMES New Slots At G2E

By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

Introducing iconic brands

For those casino players who love slot machines, the annual

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas is Disneyland, Black

Friday and Toys ‘R Us all wrapped up into one event.

“This was a special G2E for Bally Technologies,” says Richard

Haddrill, Chief Executive Officer. “We are uniquely positioned

to deliver a view of the player and connect the gaming world

like never before.”

Part of that connection is introducing iconic brands and televi-

sion to a new generation of slot machine consumer. Bally Tech-

nologies accomplished this in a major way at this year’s G2E by

rolling out several iconic brands that will soon be at a slot ma-

chine near you. Perhaps the most popular show of the 1990’s,

Friends, has revived itself as a progressive slot machine. To enhance

the visuals of the game it is displayed on a 55-inch horizontal

video screen designed to envelop players in the entertainment

experience and deliver maximum impact on casino floors.

“The game gives players the chance to experience the laughs

and loves in a whole new way,” says Mike Trask, spokesman

for Bally Technologies. “Players will love the wide area progres-

sive top award, clips of the show’s many hilarious moments and

a wheel bonus awarding credits, or one of four different free

game features.”

Another legendary television show that has received the slot

machine treatment is Bally Technologies’ new game based off

the 1970’s hit Wonder Woman with Wonder Woman Wild and

Wonder Woman Gold, both of these offer three progressive jackpots

available at any bet level and free games. For current television

fans, Duck Dynasty is Bally Technologies’ attempt to tap into

the viewing base of the most watched reality cable television

show in history.

For cartoon lovers, the adorable Betty Boop is back into com-

pletely different settings, a firehouse and in New York City,

with Betty Boop ’s Firehouse and Betty Boop’s Fifth Avenue. “The

firehouse game features a ladder bonus, free games and a wide

area progressive jackpot,” says Trask. “On Fifth Avenue she

takes players and her dog Pudgy on a luxury shopping spree.”

The most popular non-media brand introduced at G2E was the

Harley-Davidson Open Road slot machine game by International

Gaming Technologies (IGT). Attractive to both bikers and non-

bikers alike, the high energy game includes the IGT exclusive

Enhanced Game content feature, allowing operators to unlock

new content over time, a proposition that is appealing to both

casino operators and players alike. On the opposite end of the

spectrum, the popular lifestyle brand Tok iDok i has made its

debut as a slot machine in U.S. casinos.

“TokiDoki delivers a vibrant, fast-paced, high volatility gaming

experience that features some of the brand’s most beloved char-

acters,” says Michelle Schenk, spokesperson for IGT.

The cult classic game Dungeons & Dragons was introduced to a

Seeing The New Slots

Legendary brands highlight new and improved slot machine games

introduced at the annual Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada



New Slots At G2E GREAT GAMES

new generation as a slot machine at G2E. “Its

debut is in the measure of grandeur and fanfare

that would be expected for a fantasy franchise of

decades-long worldwide acclaim,” says Toshina

Wortham, spokesperson for Konami Gaming Inc.

“We have two available game themes, Conquests

& Treasures and Enchanted Riches, for adventurers at

heart to explore.”

Get your game on

Aside from the high-profile branded games, tra-

ditional slot machine

games were also in-

troduced. A visually

stunning game was

GTECH’s Sphinx 3D

game, the first title in

their new True 3D

product line, which

uses patented, award

winning 3D display

technology which is

exclusively designed

for GTECH. “Players

are so amazed when

they see the 3D

effects for the first

time,” says Foxwoods

L

resort casino executive director of slot operations

Angelo Avallone. “It keeps them engaged and

eager to get more bonus rounds, and they tell

their friends and other players to check out this

truly amazing game.”

IGT introduced several slot brands together to

maximize the player experience for 2015 and

beyond. The Dynasty Edition builds upon the

cross-platform from Wolf Run, Siberian Storm and

Treasures of Troy. “The Dynasty Edition is a mas-

terful series that merges original game features

and math with enhanced characteristics, such as

amplified bonus content, pace and visuals,” says

Schenk. IGT also introduced the Hot Roulette

series, which combines player-favorite themes of

Wolf Run and Enchanted Unicorn, with bonus con-

tent that allows players to engage in a

touchscreen roulette game in the top box.

Konami Gaming introduced a record number of

new games at G2E this year. “The themes we

presented at G2E focused on providing maxi-

mum flexibility and diversity of product for op-

erators appealing to a wide range of target mar-

kets,” says Matt Reback, Vice President of Mar-

keting. Konami Gaming stepped into the past

(Continued on page 12)


http://www.paradise-casinos.com/


GREAT GAMES New Slots At G2E

with Wild Aztec, which features imagery reminiscent of

Central American early civilizations. Another unique

game introduced was Hammer Festival, a progressive

game that spotlights a hammer wielding Amazonian mon-

key who knocks blocks from a colored stack of increasing

cash prizes. The monkey swings its hammer to reach the

jackpot while his displayed stamina gauge dwindles ac-

cordingly, increased only by specially placed banana ener-

gy bunches.

Konami Gaming addressed Japanese culture with its new

game Inari Riches. The game has 11 independent spinning

wheels and mystifying Japanese-themed elements. “Inari

Riches immediately stands out and awakens interest,” says

Wortham. “The popular Xtra Reward and Oversized Sym-

bol features keep players engaged far beyond the initial attrac-

tion.”

Evaluating the Expo

Once again, G2E demonstrated that the lines between pop

culture, media and slot machine gaming continue to blur,

much to the benefit of the casino player. Many of these

games will be rolled out to Arizona casinos between No-

vember of 2014 and June of 2015 and you can make sure

that we’ll keep you updated as to when and where the

new slots arrive! $

(Continued from page 11)

http://www.playqcr.com/


The Wizard of Oz

The Road to Emerald City

n all-time player favorite, THE WIZARD OF OZ theme, is back — this time in a

3-Reel Mechanical theme, The Road to Emerald City game! By combining the

sights and sounds of the classic film with the player-popular WMS Transmissive

Reels feature and Sensory Immersion technology, this new THE WIZARD OF OZ theme

brings all of your favorite characters to life.

Three emeralds trigger the top box bonus, awarding a bonus featuring the classic

THE WIZARD OF OZ characters. Pick crows for credits and multipliers in the Scarecrow

Bonus; watch as row two turns WILD in the Tin Man Bonus, see multipliers descend

from the Lion’s cape for enhanced wins in the Cowardly Lion Bonus; or collect the

emeralds for spins in the Toto Emerald Trails Bonus!

The bonuses do not end there, My Pretty! The Wicked Witch’s Flying Monkeys are

back and awarding WILDs in the Wicked Witch My Pretty Little Spins; Glinda the Good

Witch may appear and wave her wand for up to a 5x multiplier, or the Dorothy Bonus awards

up to 20 free spins, where you can collect emeralds to trigger yet another bonus!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to now.wms.com to learn more about this and other

exciting new slots! $

A

Mouse Trap Move around the board for free spins & awards

ollect cheese wedges and move around the board in this slot machine rendition of the clas-

sic MOUSE TRAP board game. Three scattered MOUSE TRAP symbols trigger the MOUSE

TRAP bonus game, where players collect cheese wedges to move their mice around the top board game

collecting credits, additional free spins, or even the chance to win progressives! Continue to

move around the board until no more free spins remain. Featuring a round top with glass over

an incandescent LED monitor, and a clear LED panel that allows full visibility of the reels, this

low-denomination Blade Stepper cabinet theme is sure to trap your attention!

So pick your mouse, grab some cheese, and head over to now.wms.com today for more infor-

mation on this and other unique gaming experiences!

C

New Slots Coming Soon GREAT GAMES



http://www.buckyscasino.com/

WINNING WAYS


By Samantha Becker

any gamblers tend to be set in their ways. They have

their favorite games and they don’t stray very often un-

less absolutely necessary. In other words, a table poker player

may wander onto the slot floor and play a few hands of video poker just

while he or she is waiting for a seat to open. And, it’s not un-

likely that a video poker player may have the sudden urge to

play video slots or bingo, but it just doesn’t happen that often.

For example, rarely do you see diehard blackjack players sud-

denly decide to split their time and bankroll between the tables

and the slots. Even slot players are finicky. Those that enjoy

playing the old mechanical reels usually don’t have any interest

in the newer, bonus-driven video slots.

Loving a casino game and knowing it very well definitely has

its advantages. However, being flexible and trying new games

from time to time can open up unexpected opportunities! Call it

“beginner’s luck” or “blind luck,” people have won large for-

tunes playing casino games and lottery games by listening to

their guts and trying something new or out of the ordinary.

Progressive Slots

One Laughlin man followed the yellow brick road to Aquarius

Casino Resort where he won close to a million dollars recently

playing a WMS Wizard of Oz wide-area progressive penny slot

machine. Charles Watters, of Laughlin, Nevada, was only fifteen

dollars into the hundred dollars he had inserted into the Wizard

of Oz penny slot machine when the big jackpot hit. At first, Watters

thought he had won $9,000. Then he realized there were a cou-

ple more digits and commas involved for a total win of

$953,220.95! Watters went off to see the Wizard on the perfect

day. August 25, the same day that Watters hit the jackpot, was

the 75th anniversary of when the movie, “The Wizard of Oz,”

was released in 1939! Now that was meant to be.

M

In fact, Watters wasn’t the only lucky player on this day. WMS

had just paid out their 300th wide-area progressive jackpot for

$1,391,728.01 on their Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

slot machine just hours before Watters’ win. And, the third jack-

pot was on the Monopoly Luxury Diamonds slot machine for

$2,593,251.74. That’s nearly $5 million won on three WMS ma-

chines in just 36 hours!

Bingo

When people think of bingo, they usually don’t envision being

able to win much more than a few hundred dollars. Well, the

modern version of this historically popular game offers consid-

erable wins that include life-changing jackpots! Just recently,

Casino Arizona announced a winner in its U-Pick progressive

bingo game. Chandler resident Charlene Vance became the lat-

est jackpot winner trying her luck at the property’s 0-75 in

Cha

rles

Watt

ers



WINNING WAYS

twenty numbers or less on August 25. She took home $98,000.

“We are no stranger to jackpots at Casino Arizona, but $98,000

is truly life-changing,” said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public

Relations for Casino Arizona. “It’s thrilling to be part of such a

significant event in a person’s life and further to have played a

role in it. We couldn’t be happier for Charlene!”

A bingo favorite, U-Pick allows players to select eight numbers

between 1 and 75. A jackpot occurs when a participant’s eight

numbers are chosen within the first 20 numbers called. As a

progressive game, the jackpot for U-Pick begins at $5,000 and is

increased $200 each session until it is won. The Jackpot is then

reset once again.

Casino Arizona’s 1,000-seat Bingo Hall features various options

for fun. In addition to oversized flat screen monitors, the facility

offers 16 weekly sessions and a variety of food and drink spe-

cials. Bingo games offered include Double Action 9-Pack, Bo-

nanza, Magic Ball, Starburst Mini’s, Sizzling 7, Salt River and

Double Action Coverall just to name a few.

Table Poker

Want some major action for a relatively minor investment?

Head straight for the poker room and obtain information on the

casino’s daily poker tournament schedule! I guarantee you’ll get

the biggest bang for your buck. Most tournament buy-ins can be

as low as $25 and usually don’t exceed $100, provide several

hours of entertainment, and offer the potential for some very

handsome returns.

A new poker champion was crowned at Talking Stick Resort on

Tuesday, August 19 during their 10th annual Arizona State Pok-

er Championship. The winner, Phoenix native Robert Tanita,

beat 1,459 opponents and took home $257,690! “It all feels pretty

surreal because this is my local casino,” said Tanita who is 30

years old. “I’ve been playing here for 10 years so it feels good to

bring a win home, especially a win from Talking Stick Resort.”

In addition to bragging rights, Tanita not only won $257,690

but also a trophy and bracelet designed by prominent Scottsdale

jeweler Scott Gauthier of Jewelry by Gauthier. Hand-crafted

(Continued on page 19)

Cha

rlen

e V

ance


http://www.cocopahresort.com/

http://www.playqcr.com/


with 14-carat white gold, the bracelet features a customized

2014 closure and touts more than two and a half carats of rubies

and black diamonds.

Second place and third place winners, Jerry “Wolf” Sanchez and

Brayden Quackenbush, were also applauded for their wins,

receiving trophies and payouts of $175,200 and $131,400 respec-

tively. “We had a nice turn out for our 10th anniversary of 1,460

players,” said Tom Young, Director of Poker at The Arena Poker

Room at Talking Stick Resort. “We had multiple poker pros

participate this year, but the game’s outcome shows that poker

is truly anyone’s game. No matter their skill level or back-

ground, any player can win.”

Arizona Lottery

It’s true what they say: “You can’t win if you don’t play!” Many

people don’t play the lottery because they think the odds are

stacked against them. Well, someone has to win! And, for such a

small investment it really doesn’t hurt to try. Besides the million

dollar jackpots, there are numerous other wins that are much

more easily attainable (particularly playing the Scratcher

games)!

The Arizona Lottery just announced there has been a winner,

who wishes to remain anonymous, of the gigantic $3 million

Mega Millions second prize winning ticket sold in Tucson from the

drawing on Tuesday, September 2. The $1 million second prize

was tripled by the Megaplier making this the largest Mega Mil-

lions winning ticket ever sold in Arizona.

“Presenting a check to Arizona’s largest Mega Millions prize

winner was a thrill,” said Karen Bach, Director of Budget, Prod-

ucts, and Communications for the Arizona Lottery. “We’ve seen

an increase in new millionaires in Arizona since the redesign of

the Mega Millions game and we expect this trend to continue.”

This marks the fourth Mega Millions second prize winning tick-

et sold in Arizona since the Mega Millions game was redesigned

October 22, 2013. Now it has faster growing jackpots, a $1 mil-

lion second prize, and better overall odds of winning any prize

while remaining only $1 per ticket. Since July 1981, the Arizona

Lottery has paid out more than $5.8 billion in prizes to players!

A lot of us prefer to stay within our comfort zone. While it’s not

necessarily bad, it does mean we can miss out on great things.

Where gambling is concerned, it’s worth stepping outside of the

box occasionally and trying a new game. There are penny and

quarter slot machine games connected to progressives with life-

changing jackpots that can be won with as little as a 75¢ bet!

Bingo packets can be purchased for just $5 to $10 which provide

hours worth of entertainment and the chance of winning big

prizes. Table games, such as poker, can be fun and rewarding,

especially when playing in tournaments where buy-ins can be

as low as $20! And, why not consider purchasing an occasional

lottery ticket or scratcher? For $1 to $2, you never know when it

can be your lucky day! So, take a chance and try something

different—you never know what might happen! $

(Continued from page 17)

Arizona Lottery Launches

$20 Scratchers® Ticket

with Largest Top Prize in its History

New “$185 Million Cash Explosion”

ticket offers $2.5 million top prize

The Arizona Lottery announced the launch of its newest

Scratchers ticket, $185 Million Cash Explosion. This is the larg-

est $20 Scratchers top prize in Arizona Lottery history.

The new ticket launched September 2 and offers players a

chance to win one of six $2.5 million top prizes. Winners

will have the option of a 30-year annuity or a lump sum of

$1.25 million before taxes. The total value of all prizes for

Cash Explosion is more than $185 million, including three

$100,000 second place prizes and fifteen $50,000 third place

prizes.

“Our new Cash Explosion ticket offers the highest top prize

of any of our previous $20 Scratchers, which is extremely

exciting,” said Karen Bach, Director of Budget, Products

and Communications for the Arizona Lottery. “Keeping

Lottery players happy is essential, that’s why we are al-

ways looking for games that offer new and different top

prizes.”

The Cash Explosion Scratchers ticket can be purchased for $20

at any Arizona Lottery retailer.

For more information about the new $185 Million Cash

Explosion Scratchers ticket, please visit ArizonaLottery.com.

WINNING WAYS


http://www.harrahsakchin.com/

CASINO DINING


asino Arizona, an enterprise of the Salt River Pima-

Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), just announced

the arrival of their first-ever pastry chef. With more than 20

years of culinary experience, Chef Jeff Mack will serve an instru-

mental role in creating the property’s dessert options.

“Appointing a qualified pastry chef is just one of Casino Arizo-

na’s many efforts to enrich guest experiences,” said Ramon

Martinez, Director of Public Relations at Casino Arizona.

“Known for placing an innovative spin on classic desserts, Chef

Jeff Mack was a fitting candidate for the position. His creations

appeal to all tastes and our guests will now have additional

quality options to satisfy their sweet tooth.”

Chef Mack started his career in 1985, and quickly learned the

importance of menu development as an assistant pastry chef at

the Radisson and Resort and Spa Scottsdale. He would continue

to develop his craft and assume additional responsibilities,

managing teams and working as an executive pastry chef at

various properties throughout Arizona. In November 2013,

Chef Mack began working at The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria

Resort, for six months before taking on his new role at Casino

Arizona.

“Transforming classic desserts is my specialty so I enjoy placing

a modern-day twist on traditional sweets,“ Mack said.

“Typically, classic tiramisu is made of mascarpone cheese, es-

C presso and ladyfingers. But in the past, I’ve enhanced the fla-

vors by incorporating a roasted banana into the recipe. It’s the

same concept and idea, but it includes a fresh angle.”

With widespread experience in producing premium dishes,

Chef Mack says food presentation is key. “How a dish is pre-

sented is essential to the dining experience as it can make it

more contemporary or traditional,” he said. “I’ve done apple

pie deconstructed so that each component was shown instead of

it being the traditional pie. When I put it all together, it was an

apple pie with a contemporary feel.”

Foodies won’t have to travel far for the chef’s confections as

they will be featured in the property restaurants including the

Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge, Eagles Buffet, Bingo Hall,

Willows Restaurant and Salt River Café. With eight employees

looking to him for guidance, Chef Mack says his main goal is to

grow in the food industry.

“I’m always looking to progress my career, refine my skills and

learn,” Mack said. “And that’s why I was so attracted to this

position because it’s so different from what I’ve done in the

past. So for me, it’s all about gaining that experience.”

For more information about Casino Arizona and their property,

including all the various restaurants, please visit their website at

CasinoArizona.com or call 480.850.7777. $


ARIZONA LOTTERY Winners


his is Christopher Tate’s second trip to the Hall of Winners.

In August 2013, he won $1,000 with a Money Multiplier

Bonus instant scratch ticket. This time, he purchased a few Crazy

Cash Crossword instant scratch tickets from a Lottery vending ma-

chine. Although he usually scratches his tickets at home, for

some unknown reason, Christopher scratched these tickets

while at the store and soon realized that one of the tickets was a

$100,000 winner! Originally from California, Christopher now

considers Arizona his home. Since Christopher doesn’t have any

immediate plans for the money, he’s going to put it in the bank.

The winning ticket was purchased at Safeway, 3450 W. Bell

Road, Phoenix. $

T

ary Burgess, Scottsdale, loves to play instant scratch tick-

ets. She’s fortunate that her husband will often buy them

for her. Recently, Mary purchased a Blackjack ticket from a

Lottery vending machine to take with her while she waited for

her husband at the doctor’s office. She wasn’t wearing her glass-

es, so at first she thought she’d won $50. When she took a closer

look at it, she realized there were too many zeroes for $50. She

showed it to the receptionist at the desk, who agreed with Mary;

it was a $50,000 winner. Mary and her husband are originally

from Ayr, Scotland, located just southwest of Glasgow. They

came here years ago when her husband was on a year’s sabbati-

cal. They decided to stay and only go back to Scotland to visit

family. The couple has two grown sons and two grandchildren

there. Mary worked more than ten years at a hospital where she

was the liaison between organ donors and recipients. Now, she

spends a lot of her time scrapbooking, swimming, and looking

after her husband. She also manages to find time to use her

camera for another of her interests, photography. Mary plans to

use the money to pay off some bills and take a small vacation to

California with her husband.

The winning ticket was purchased at Safeway, 10773 N. Scotts-

dale Road, Scottsdale.

M

Mar

y B

urg

ess

$50,000 Blackjack Winner!

velyn Clark, Lake Havasu City, purchased two Blackjack

instant scratch tickets from a Lottery vending machine and

took them home to scratch. Evelyn knew as soon as she finished

scratching the tickets that one of them was a big winner. Did she

believe it? Not really. To be sure, she had everyone in the family

check it. After everyone had looked at the ticket, she took it to

the store to have the clerk check it. When she got the paper-

work, she was finally comfortable with the fact that she had

won $50,000. Originally from California, Evelyn loves living in

Lake Havasu City. She enjoys the slower pace and the friendly

atmosphere. She has worked as a bartender for about 30 years.

Now, she also finds herself tending bar for banquets and special

events. In her spare time, Evelyn enjoys working with stained

glass, but most of her discretionary time is spent with her fami-

ly. Since she has eight grandchildren, with twins on the way, it’s

a major group when they get together; she and her husband

love it. Evelyn plans to pay off some bills, do some back-to-

school shopping for her grandchildren, and save the rest.

The winning ticket was purchased at Food City, 1799 Kiowa

Ave., Lake Havasu City.

E E

vel

yn C

lark

$50,000 Blackjack Winners!

$100,000 Crazy Cash Winner!

Chr

isto

pher

Tat

e


http://www.arizonalottery.com/

very year slot machine manufacturers gather in Las

Vegas for the industry’s biggest tradeshow: the Global

Gaming Expo (G2E). This year, Bally Technologies is

front and center at G2E with the show’s largest exhibit.

The massive booth showcased the gaming company’s newest

games and innovations. Here are some of the games that you

can look for at your favorite casinos soon.

Friends™

Bally’s Friends progressive video slot reunites players with Ra-

chel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross, and Joey – the beloved

characters from Warner Bros. Television’s worldwide hit come-

dy that TV Guide named one of the 50 greatest shows of all

time.

The Friends game gives you the chance to experience the

laughs, loves, and lattes in a whole new way. The game will be

part of Bally’s Cash Connection wide-area progressive link and

offer players the chance to win a life-changing jackpot. The

main feature is a Wheel Bonus that awards credits or one of four

different Free Game scenarios featuring clips of the show’s icon-

ic moments.

The Friends game is presented on Bally’s new Pro Theatre cabi-

net configuration debuting at G2E. The Pro Theatre features

twin Pro Wave cabinets topped by a 55-inch horizontal video

screen that will envelop you in the Friends world. With the se-

ries celebrating its 20th anniversary this fall, there’s no better

time to catch up with your Friends!

Duck Dynasty™

The beards are big and the bonuses are even bigger in the A&E

Duck Dynasty branded video slot game by Bally in conjunction with

G2 Game Design. The Duck Dynasty slot, also presented on the

Pro Theatre, will have you hunting for more with a wheel fea-

ture jam-packed with six different bonuses inspired by A&E’s

number one original series and the most-watched reality cable

TV show in history. This game will make you “Happy, happy,

happy!”

Wonder Woman Wild™ and Wonder Woman Gold™

Wonder Woman has arrived! Get ready to experience the iconic DC

Comics superhero in high definition. For the first time ever,

Wonder Woman is coming to casino floors in not one, but two new

games that include action scenes and music from the classic

1970’s television show starring Lynda Carter. Wonder Woman

Wild and Wonder Woman Gold are featured on Bally’s Pro Wave,

E By Amanda Riddle



the industry’s first cabinet with a 40-inch curved touchscreen

monitor. The Pro Wave is also Bally’s first cabinet designed spe-

cifically for women, with a lower button panel height and an-

gled foot rest (but with more leg room, it’s comfortable for men

too).

Both Wonder Woman games offer the chance to win one of

three enticing progressive jackpots that are available at any bet

level. The games also feature Free Games in which you pick

your volatility to get 8, 16, or 25 free games. In Wonder Woman

Wild, you can choose up to 60 wild symbols per reel. In Wonder Wom-

an Gold, you can choose to replace up to four lowest-pay symbols

with a Diana high-pay symbol. With different features in each

game, you’ll want to give both a spin!

Betty Boop’s™ Firehouse™ and Betty Boop’s™ 5th Avenue™

America’s favorite cartoon sweetheart is back in two adorable

new games. Betty Boop ’s Firehouse features a ladder bonus, Free

Games, and a sizzling hot wide-area progressive jackpot on

Bally’s Cash Connection link. Betty and her playful pup Pudgy

will take you on a luxury shopping spree in Betty Boop ’s 5th

Avenue, which offers seven ways to spin the popular Cash Wheel.

Additionally, four new games feature Bally’s beloved Quick Hit

feature: Cash Wizard featuring Quick Hit, Cash Wheel Black &

White featuring Quick Hit, Quick Hit Cash Spin, and Twin Fire,

which is a combination of Hot Shot Progressive and Quick Hit.

Bally will also demonstrate a remarkable new innovation that

will give you the freedom to play your favorite game anywhere

on the casino property. Take ‘n Play enables players to take their

game off the casino floor and into other areas of the property for

the first time by playing a physical slot machine on the conven-

ience of a tablet.

Bally is known for more than just slot games. The company also

develops thrilling table games that increase excitement in the

casino pit. At G2E, Bally will showcase a dozen table games

including Free Bet Blackjack , which lets players split and double

down for free. The popular game is now being played through-

out the United States.

Bally has been leading the gaming industry in innovation since

it developed its first slot machine in 1936. The company is excit-

ed to showcase its latest exciting games at G2E. Look for them at

a casino near you soon! For more information, visit their web-

site at BallyTech.com/Player-Center/. $




TRIBAL NEWS

ative America is no stranger to games and while con-

temporary gaming may take place inside a casino, his-

torical games took place outside in field and forest.

Many games were spiritual in nature, played ceremonially to

bring rain, ensure good harvests, cure illness, or expel evil spir-

its. Some were played to bring pleasure to the gods by demon-

strating physical fitness. But mostly, games were played for fun

and pleasure.

Although they might play the same game, in general, boys and

girls played separately with some ceremonial games forbidden

to women. Young females played with miniature tipis or dolls

made from wood, corn husks, or animal bones.

Boys, now as then, could make a game out of just about any-

thing --- sticks, shells, pebbles --- or nothing at all. To combat

wintertime boredom, one of the favorite games of Chippewa

and Inuit tribes --- and indigenous mothers worldwide --- was

“The Game of Silence” where players sat silently opposite each

other and the last one to speak was declared the winner.

Native American stickball is considered to be one of the oldest

known team sports and major events involving hundreds of

men could last several days with playing time often from sun

up till sun down. The historical game kept peace between tribes

as a way to settle disputes and toughened young warriors for

recreation or combat. Rituals before games were similar to ritu-

als associated with war as dances were held and spiritual songs

sung to bring good luck to the team.

The universal urge to compete and win continues today with

games played at tribal festivals and annual tournaments like the

Choctaw Labor Day Stickball Festival in Mississippi, where the

N By Lee Allen

Photo Courtesy Ron Sullivan


TRIBAL NEWS


national sport is labeled, “the biggest, most hotly-contested in-

digenous ballgame in the country.”

Women, especially those of Southern Arizona’s Tohono O’o-

dham Nation, developed their own version of field hockey

called toka. Similar to the Cherokee do-nah-wah’uwsdi or the

Iroquois bagataway, the O’odham version of the game uses

curved mesquite usaga sticks and an ola made out of two mes-

quite wood pieces tied together with leather. “For as long as

anyone can remember, toka has been a part of community life

played by women of my village,” Crystal Narcho of the O’o-

dham Cultural Center told Tucson Meet Yourself. By legend,

the game was given to women by Elder Brother I’itoi as some-

thing to do in their free time while men were away hunting.

“It’s a tough game that’s more important than just a game --- it’s

a traditional skill to master,” Narcho said. And it’s not for the

faint of heart. Played without any equipment protection, no

breaks, and no out-of-bounds limits, players can range in age

from 8 to 80. After singing a toka song about kicking up dust

and the power of the puck, non-monetary wagers are placed

and play continues until one team earns the best out of seven

goals and takes home winnings ranging from soccer sticks to

bottles of sports drinks.

Traditional playing time is in the cooler fall months, but the

annual February O’odham Rodeo in Sells includes both demon-

stration games and a national tournament. 2015 will be celebrat-

ed as a 25th anniversary of the revival of toka on the O’odham

Nation with a dozen or more teams in competition.

Another game of skill for both genders evolved from an early

weapon that predated the bow and arrow. The atlatl, a hunting

spear of the Paleolithic period, continues today more for sport

than survival. In its earliest iteration, “It was a powerful weap-

on to hurl projectiles at 250 feet-per-second with tremendous

power,” said Bob Sizemore of SALT, Study of Ancient Lifeways

and Technologies, in Phoenix.

Simplistic in design, the atlatl is essentially a stick with a handle

on one end and a hook that engages a spear or dart on the other

end. A flipping motion of the atlatl propels the spear much fast-

er and farther than if thrown by hand.

“The throwing motion is the same as throwing a ball with the

main difference being a snap of your wrist at the end of a

pitch,” according to John Whittaker of The World Atlatl Associ-

ation. “The stick makes your arm longer, so when you swing

the atlatl and release its dart, you have more speed, force, and

distance in the projectile.” And it can make a big difference as

demonstrated in the current world record toss of 848 feet.

While most everybody’s ancestors used atlatls at some time in

the past to bring home the bacon (or the mastodon or wooly

mammoth), it remains in use among remnants of Aztec and

Mayan cultures in Mexico and by Eskimo groups in Pacific

Northwest to hunt seals.

For the past 25 years, the World Atlatl Association has been

promoting interest through the national Atlatl Throwing Day

competition throughout the country. At one distance and target

accuracy competition held in Phoenix, Charles Tadano showed

how it was done. “I grew up on a farm near the Salt River, an

area occupied by indigenous peoples for centuries, and when

we’d plow our fields, we’d find atlatl artifacts and that sparked

my interest,” he said.

The weeklong International Standard Accuracy Contest Winter

Count Competition in Arizona took place earlier this year in

Phoenix (and will do so again February 15-21, 2015, near the

Maricopa Wilderness area). Promoters note: “We’ve used this

site for four years and are joined by regular visitors like coyotes,

roadrunners, javelinas, and deer.”

For further information about atlatls, how to throw them, and

how to be a part of the 2015 Phoenix competition, contact The

World Atlatl Association, WorldAtlatl.org. For those who just

can’t wait until next spring, atlatls will be part of the September

20-21 Neolithic Festival at Doney Park in Flagstaff featuring

more ISAC competition, flint napping, and primitive skills in-

struction. For further information about the event, contact the

organizers at [email protected]. $

October Ongoing Events

Every Saturday—McDonalds’ Rock N Roll Car Show 4-8pm

(PTS). First Saturday of every month—Home Depot Kids Work-

shop. Kid’s workshop is FREE, and is from 9-Noon. Each month

features a different project for the kids to build, using tools such

as sandpaper, nails, hammers and paint! (PTS). Every Friday—

Dinner Date Night—Mountainside Fitness 5-8 pm, a short date

night for parents where the kids are fed dinner while they play

in their childcare! $15 for the 1st child, $5 for each additional

sibling. (PTS). Every Thursday—Baby’s Night Out Movie Op-

tion for Parents and Kids at UltraStar Cinema. Starting at 7pm

for most recently released dramas or comedies that are geared

towards parents are featured in a baby friendly setting. (PTS).

Every Sunday—Sunday Football Frenzy from 10am-1pm the

ultimate football experience at the Showroom on the Big Screen.

No cover charge. (TSR)

Talking Stick A Cultural And Entertainment Destination

Fall/Winter 2014 Schedule

October Calendar

2nd & 3rd Phoenix Fashion Week (Talking Stick Resort—TSR),

3rd Nils Lofgren (TSR), 5th Dish It Out (Salt River Fields at

Talking Stick—SRF), 7th Workshop: Yoga in the Rainforest

(Butterfly Wonderland—BW), 11th “Animal Sense” Workshop

Communications Foundations & Energetic Connection (BW),

11th Octoberfest (SRF), 17th LoneStar (TSR), 18th Arizona Taco

Festival (SRF), 24th & 25th & 26th Jewish Community Festival

(Pavilions at Talking Stick—PTS), 24th & 25th Halloween

Spooktacular (SRF), 25th Workshop: Waking Up with the

Butterflies Photography Session (BW)



http://www.777play.com/


By Kelly Potts

GAMING NEWS

When you think of casinos pink may not

be the first color you think of, but this Oc-

tober one Valley casino is going all-in on

PINK!

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, celebrating

their 20th anniversary, has a long-standing

tradition of going above and beyond for

Breast Cancer Awareness month and this

October will be no different.

“All Caesars properties are encouraged to

engage in employee awareness cam-

paigns, contests and fundraisers related to

raising awareness about breast cancer,”

said Christine Todd, Harrah’s Develop-

ment Systems Program Manager. “We are

lucky to have employees and guests get so

involved in our fundraising efforts.”

Think PINK!

For the second year, Harrah’s is bringing

back the VIP fundraising event, PINK

POOL PARTY. This 21+ event takes place

on October 25th at 7pm with PINK drinks

and treats.

The highlight of the pool party will be the

Battle of the Bras fashion show. Each casi-

no department has the chance to design a

bra for a male manager or supervisor to

model at the party. Guests will then have

the chance to bid on the bras, with all pro-

ceeds going to the American Cancer Socie-

ty.

“Battle of the Bras was such a fun success

last year, that we had to bring it back

again this year,” said Todd. “It’s a great

way for our guests and employees to come

together for such an important initiative

that raises awareness of preventative

health and treatment of breast cancer dur-

ing Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Guests Playing for a Cause

For the entire month of October, Harrah’s

Ak-Chin Casino will proudly be display-

ing PINK throughout the property. Guests

can enjoy a PINK drink in PINK lighting

while doubling down with PINK playing

cards on PINK felt Blackjack tables in sup-

port of the health observance.

All month long, table games players will

get PINK ducks to show their awareness

for breast cancer for qualifying hands.

The qualifying hands will include:

Blackjack – 7,7,7 or a 5-Card Charlie (when

a player has five cards or more and does

not bust)

Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride, Ultimate

Texas Hold ‘Em, Crazy 4 Poker – A five

card straight or better

Three Card Poker – Three of a kind

Pai Gow Poker – Full House or better

Prefer Bingo over table games? Bingo

players have their PINK shot as well!

Breast Cancer Awareness Bingo Daubers

will be given away in the Bingo Hall!

The Caesars Initiative

Caesars Entertainment properties have a

long-standing commitment to the commu-

nities in which they operate casinos. Cele-

brating 20 years, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

is continuing the tradition of giving back

with the help of the community and dedi-

cated groups of more than 700 employees.

Guests aren’t the only ones who get a

chance to get their PINK on. There will be

an Employee Blackjack Tournament bene-

fiting the AZ Pink Pacers and Employee

Poker Tournaments that all benefit the

American Cancer Society. Also, look for

our employees to be in PINK throughout

the month, including dress out days where

employees can wear pink attire to show

their support. On October 4th, Lee Nation-

al Denim Day, employees will have the

option to wear jeans when they make a $5

donation to the American Cancer Society.

For more information, please visit their

website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $

Betting On PINK At Harrah’s Ak-Chin


GAMING NEWS


On Thursday, August 28, 2014, the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (TOGE)

broke ground on its West Valley Resort & Casino project during a ceremony attended

by community leaders from across the region.

TOGE is moving forward with the project following more than a dozen straight fa-

vorable rulings by courts and federal agencies, as well as a recently approved agree-

ment with the City of Glendale. The project site has been taken into federal trust as

reservation land. TOGE and the Tohono O’odham Nation are committed to creating

jobs and opportunity in the West Valley as soon as possible.

Construction of the West Valley Resort will create thousands of jobs and hundreds of

millions of dollars in positive economic impacts, at no cost to taxpayers. Build-out

will occur in phases over the course of approximately three years. TOGE and its con-

struction team have committed to hiring locally, with plans for a job fair in the near

future.

The first phase of the West Valley Resort will feature a gaming component, as well as

a range of elegant and contemporary facilities including five restaurants, meeting and

multi-purpose space. The project’s design inspiration stems from the ever-changing

natural characteristics of the desert, including the composition of rock formations

transformed by wind and water over time as well as the brilliant hues and natural

vibrancy of the endless desert sky.

Andy Asselin, CEO of TOGE, said, “This project has been a long time coming. We’re

excited to finally begin creating jobs and stimulating business in the West Valley as

we build this world-class entertainment destination.”

Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said, “The Tohono O’odham Na-

tion and our gaming enterprise are proud to move forward together with our friends

and neighbors in the West Valley to bring greater prosperity to all our communities.

Today’s groundbreaking demonstrates the Nation’s commitment to keeping its word

and delivering the major economic development project we proposed more than five

years ago.”

The Tohono O’odham Nation is a federally-recognized Indian tribe, with existing

reservation lands in Maricopa County, Pinal County, and Pima County, Arizona. The

West Valley Resort will be located at 95th and Northern avenues and will generate

thousands of new jobs and more than $300 million in annual economic impact. For

more information, visit WestValleyOpportunity.com. $

Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise

Breaks Ground On West Valley

Resort & Casino

By Matt Smith


GAMING NEWS


On September 8th, the casino cash services company Global

Cash Access announced it would purchase slot machine manu-

facturer Multimedia Games for about $1.2 billion. Many casino

patrons are familiar with both companies as Global Cash Access

is a main supplier of ATM and Credit Card cash advance termi-

nals located in casinos and Multimedia Games has slowly been

installing more and more of their slots on casino floors across

the last few years. Most notably, many slot machine players will

have played on Multimedia’s TournEvent platform during a

slot machine tournament at their favorite casino.

Global Cash Access To Buy Slot Machine Maker Multimedia Games

"The acquisition of Multimedia Games ... uniquely positions

GCA as an important strategic partner to gaming operators,"

said Global Cash Chief Executive Ram Chary. This deal will

help Global Cash Access strengthen their portfolio of services

offered to existing and future casino clients. The deal is expected

to close in early 2015, will save around $30 million in costs for

Global Cash Access and is expected to generate an additional

$800 million for the company. Financing for the acquisition is

anticipated to be sourced with cash on hand and debt. For more

information, visit GCAInc.com.

A new study from the Harvard Medical School’s Division of

Addiction found that online gaming does not promote gam-

bling addiction, and that the vast majority of those gambling on

the internet are casual gamblers who effectively set limits for

themselves.

Harvard researchers worked with online casino operator

bwin.party to study gambling habits of millions of online play-

ers over a two-year period, and supplemented the research with

a six-month study done by the University of Hamburg. The

Hamburg research studied only internet poker; Harvard looked

at all online casino games.

Online Gambling Does Not Promote Gambling Addiction

According to the Harvard report, 95 percent or more of gam-

blers studied played in moderation, with “Intense gambling

behavior” exhibited by only 1 percent to 5 percent of the play-

ers. According to the report, bwin’s subscribers, on average,

went online once every two weeks and lost around 5.5 percent

of their bankroll each time. Sports bettors placed 2.5 bets every

four days, with an average stake of $5.50.

The Hamburg study indicated that the median online poker

player only went online 4.88 hours per week and paid less than

a dollar per hour per table in rake or tournament entry fees. For

more information, visit DivisiononAddiction.org.

October is bringing more with “Dinner on Us Mondays!” Hot

Seat winners get a gift card for one of two restaurants for a

scrumptious local meal. Tuesdays offer a “Senior Scratch Card

Giveaway” plus a Senior’s breakfast special for only $1.99.

Wednesday’s “Gas Card Hot Seats” get you moving with $50

Gas Cards! And their “Ladies Day Thursdays” are heating up!

Bucky’s And Yavapai Casinos Bring On October Specials

A Ladies only lunch special with You-Call-It cocktails equals

fun with friends! Be in the right seat for Ladies Day and enjoy a

custom box of chocolates. Pick a day and join them! The casinos

are located across from each other on Highway 69 in Prescott.

For more information, visit BuckysCasino.com.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort has been selected by Arizona

Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ as one of 40 Winners for

the Arizona’s Most Admired Companies Awards (MAC).

Arizona’s Most Admired Companies are selected based on how

a company has performed in the following areas: Workplace

Culture (as voted by employees), Leadership Excellence, Corpo-

rate and Social Responsibility (community and environment),

and Customer Opinion (as assessed by customers).

“We are honored to have been named with some of the best

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort Selected As A Recipient Of The MAC Awards

companies throughout our state,” said Robert Livingston, Vice

President/General Manager at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. “I am

so proud of the environment that we have created in our 20

years in Arizona.”

This is the most comprehensive and most prestigious corporate

awards program in Arizona. It recognizes the contributions and

impact these “most admired companies” bring to the state.

For more information on Harrah’s Ak-Chin visit their website at

HarrahsAkChin.com. $


http://www.wingilariver.com/

GAMING NEWS


The Arizona Lottery reports a record-breaking $724 million in

sales, a 4.5 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, and

the highest amount in the Arizona Lottery’s 33-year history.

Lottery beneficiaries received more than $175 million in net

funding during the year. As a result of revenues for beneficiar-

ies increasing 33 percent over the past five years, fiscal year 2014

marks the fifth consecutive year that every beneficiary designat-

ed by the Arizona Legislature received full funding.

Lottery dollars support a wide variety of programs under four

main pillars: education, health and public welfare, economic

and business development, and the environment, benefitting

cities and towns throughout all of Arizona’s 15 counties. Players

received a huge payout with nearly $460 million in Arizona

Lottery prizes, including 17 winning tickets each worth $1 mil-

lion or more. Arizona Lottery retailers, big and small, earned

more than $48 million in commissions during the year from the

sale of Lottery tickets—also a record amount.

“Generating essential funding for important state programs,

while benefitting the state’s retailers, speaks to the Lottery’s

commitment to enrich the lives of all Arizona residents,” said

Jeff Hatch-Miller, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery.

“We are proud to report record-breaking sales for the seventh

consecutive year and are already working toward surpassing

this record by introducing innovative games to engage new

audiences, while continuing to provide a wide range of choices

for our core players.” Director Hatch-Miller credits much of

fiscal year 2014’s success to a surge in Scratchers sales, which

totaled more than $483.9 million for the year. The introduction

of the popular Lucky Life Scratchers series greatly contributed

to the year’s strong ticket sales.

The addition of the new All or Nothing draw game and a re-

vamp of Mega Millions also contributed to fiscal year 2014’s

financial success. All or Nothing is the first Arizona Lottery

draw game offering players the chance to win $25,000 twice

daily, Monday through Saturday, by matching all or matching

none of the drawn numbers. The Mega Millions game was rede-

signed in October to have larger starting jackpots, faster-

growing jackpots, a $1 million second prize and better odds of

winning any prize—all for the same price of $1 per ticket.

In fiscal year 2015, the Arizona Lottery plans to introduce addi-

tional new games, beginning with the September launch of $185

Million Cash Explosion, a new Scratchers ticket that offers the highest

payout ever for a $20 Arizona Lottery ticket. Since July 1981, the

Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $5.8 billion in prizes to

players, more than $3 billion in net funding to the state and

more than $686 million in commissions to retailers. $

Arizona Lottery Breaks Sales Records For Seventh Consecutive Year

http://www.azgamingguide.com/index_files/giveaway.htm


LAUGHLIN, NEVADA Directory & Gaming Statistics

Aquarius Casino Resort

800.662.LUCK

aquariuscasinoresort.com.

1,250+ slots, no smoking slot area,

high limit slots area, blackjack, table

games, roulette, craps, keno, race/

sports book.

Avi Resort & Casino

(Fort Mojave Tribe)

800.430.0721

avicasino.com.

1,000+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table

games, craps, roulette, poker room,

keno, race/sports book, KidsQuest.

Colorado Belle Hotel Casino

877.460.0777

coloradobelle.com.

750+ slots, blackjack, table games,

craps, roulette, poker room, keno,

race/sports book. Build your own

amazing burger at Pint’s Brewery!

Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino

800.227.3849

riversideresort.com.

1,300+ slots, no smoking slot area,

high limit slots area, bingo, black-

jack, table games, craps, roulette,

poker room, keno, race/sports book.

Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall

800.634.3469

pioneerlaughlin.com

490 slots, blackjack, table games,

craps, roulette, sports book. Make

sure to check out the video poker &

reel slots!

Harrah’s Laughlin

800.447.8700

harrahslaughlin.com

900+ slots, no smoking slot area,


games, craps, roulette, poker room,

live keno, race/sports book.

Golden Nugget Laughlin

800.237.1739

goldennugget.com/laughlin

1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games,

craps, roulette, poker room, sports

book. Sign up for the player’s club

and spin for free play!

Edgewater Hotel Casino

800.677.4837

edgewater-casino.com.

750+ slots, no smoking slot area,


games, roulette, craps, race/sports

book. Great all-around casino!

We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. To inform us of

updates, please email [email protected]. The Nevada Gaming Control Board

publishes statistics on casino gaming activity in Nevada according to their state’s gaming

regulations. The most current data for Laughlin at press time is from three months prior.

*A negative hold percentage indicates that game overpaid during the stated month.

Tropicana Laughlin

800.243.6846

tropicanax.com

1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games,

craps, roulette, and a sports book.

Stop in for lunch at Carnegie’s or

the Poolside Café and enjoy the food!

River Palms Resort Casino

877.787.7256

river-palms.com

550+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table

games, craps, roulette, sports book.

Don’t miss the view of the river from

Denny’s!

Slots Hold % Tables Hold %

Loose $25 1.84 Craps 15.17

$1 4.88 Blackjack / 21 20.29

25¢ 5.46 Roulette 22.45

Multi-Denom 5.91 Let It Ride 25.01

$5 6.61 Pai Gow Poker 25.10

5¢ 7.28 Other Table Games 27.26

1¢ 11.80 Three Card Poker 33.59

Tight Megabucks 12.46

Other Hold % Win Amount Dollars

Loose Sports Pools -3.63 Slots 34.3 mil.

Race Books 16.57 Tables 4.0 mil.

Tight Live Keno 32.03 Other 0.2 mil.

Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics July 2014


mailto:[email protected]?subject=Laughlin%20Directory



egendary rock bands, Chicago & REO Speedwagon will

kick off a co-headlining tour this summer season with a

planned stop in the tri-state area! For the first time ever, both

Chicago and REO Speedwagon will bring their talent to the

stage. On Friday, October 10, 2014 they will both perform at Avi

Resort & Casino’s event center, Mojave Crossing in Fort Moha-

ve, Arizona located just across the river from the Avi. Both are

wholly owned subsidiaries of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.

Be a part of music history as these two acts perform for their

first time together on stage! "It's ironic, that these two legendary

bands, who both have roots in Illinois, were label-mates

(Columbia/Epic) in the 70's, and experienced waves of immense

success in the 80's and 90's, and have somehow continued to

consistently make compelling music, both in-studio and on

tour, have never before performed together," says Chicago's

Robert Lamm. “This situation is about to change, as Chicago

and REO will perform together during the concert's encore and

present a finale that will thrill their audiences. As a musician

who has always respected REO's skills, I look forward to our

L

Laughlin, Nevada TRAVEL

first rehearsals early this summer. This will be fun!"

“With so many personal connections between various members

of REO and Chicago, it is amazing that we have never actually

toured together. I love it that the Chicago guys feel the way we

do about truly playing together when you tour together,” says

REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin. “Can you imagine the Chica-

go horn section on Roll With the Changes? That would blow my

mind! This tour promises to deliver some unique music from

two bands who have made a ton of hit records, share that Mid-

west work ethic, and still refuse to sit back on their past accom-

plishments. We both keep raising the bar, challenging ourselves,

and rocking hard, and the audience is the ultimate winner. We

are psyched! I can't wait for this tour.”

Be at Mojave Crossing this October to experience these two leg-

endary acts perform their top hits! Tickets are already on sale to

the public and start at just $45, which includes live entertain-

ment from both bands. For additional information or to pur-

chase tickets, please visit AviCasino.com. $


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.azgamingguide.com/

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Listings


Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438

Events:

Los Lonely Boys—Oct. 18

The Nirvana Experience (Nirvana Tribute)—Oct. 31

Dwight Yoakam—Nov. 8

BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360

Dig Lounge:

Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm

Events:

Dream Show 2014 Paul Wall & Mike Jones—Oct. 18

Cage Rage 8—Oct. 25

Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777

The Showroom:

Native American Recognition Days (Micki Free)—Oct. 2

Fandango (ZZ Top Tribute)—Oct. 3-4

Native American Recognition Days (JR Redwater)—Oct. 9

Native American Recognition Days (Texas Tornados)—Oct. 16

Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute)—Oct. 17-18

Native American Recognition Days (Williams & Ree)—Oct. 23

Chicago Experience feat. Kenny Cetera (Chicago Tribute)—Oct. 24-25

Native American Recognition Days (The Plateros)—Oct. 30

KISSMania (KISS Tribute)—Oct. 31

Monday Night Showroom Football—Mondays at 6:30pm

The Arizona Room:

Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Tuesdays 6pm

The AZTEX Band (Latin, R&B, Old School, Funk)—Tuesdays 8pm

Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wed. & Thu. at 6pm

The Tommy Ash Band (Country)—Wednesdays & Thursdays 8pm

Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506

AVA Amphitheater:

Ramon Ayala—Oct. 18

Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568

Stargazer Pavillion:

Taste of Verde Valley—Nov. 1

Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687

Events:

Bridget’s Gift presents Randy Houser—Oct. 4

Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Fr at 8pm

Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467

Monsoon Nightclub:

The Lalas Burlesque—Oct. 31

Dance Fusion with DJ Blade—Fridays

Noches Caliente—Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music!

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467

Sports Bar:

Karaoke Night—Wednesdays 7-11pm

Live music or DJs—Fridays & Saturdays

Diamond Center:

Marisela—Oct. 25

Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678

Lucky 7 Saloon:

Featuring a variety of live music every weekend

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000

The Lounge: Bella Donna—3rd, DaisyTrain—4th, Original Im-

pulse Band—10th, Elaine Stepter—11th, Metalhead—17th, Harry

Luge—18th, Vertical Horizon—24th, The SOS Band—25th, British

Invasion—31st Wild Wednesdays Notes From Neptune—1st, Route

66—8th, Vinny DiJohn—15th, Buddy Holly Tribute—22nd, The XO

Band—29th The Lounge Happy Hour Starting October 8th Thurs-

days from 5-8pm. The Sahnas Brothers—Wednesdays 5-8pm. Amaz-

ing Dueling Pianos—Tuesdays starting Oct. 7th.

Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744

Timbers Lounge and Showroom:

Munday Funday—Comedy Show begins at 7pm

Featuring a variety of live local talent Tuesday through Saturday

Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452

Cascades Lounge:

Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment throughout the

Mexican-American music icon Marisela is coming to the Dia-

mond Center on Saturday, October 25, 2014, for a special con-

cert sponsored by La Caliente 92.1 FM. Reserved tickets are

$30 and are on sale through Star Tickets. Tickets are also avail-

able at the casino Rewards Center. Born in Los Angeles, Cali-

fornia, Marisela recorded her first album at the age of 15 in

1984 and continues to release albums into the twenty first cen-

tury. Marisela’s early career got a boost from the famous Mexi-

can TV show Siempre en Domingo by Raúl Velasco and then

later expanded into the United States thanks to many other

Spanish broadcasting shows famous in the 80’s and 90’s such

as Cristina, Don Francisco, and Sábado Gigante. Marisela is one of

those artists that will always remain a favorite in the hearts of

her audience. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and

Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise,

said, “We are so excited to bring you a fantastic evening of

music with the one and only Marisela this October! Be sure to

get here early for this special night you won’t want to miss!”


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.bluewaterfun.com

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.casinoarizona.com

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.solcasinos.com

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.cocopahresort.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.ddcaz.com/


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.fortmcdowellcasino.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.harrahsakchin.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.hon-dah.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.wingilariver.com/

Editor’s Pick CASINO ENTERTAINMENT


week featuring the Valley's best local bands & DJs

Verona Chophouse:

Talented Musicians—Saturdays 5-9pm

Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am-3pm

Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529

Apache Spirits Lounge:

Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.

Ladies’ Night on Thursdays with a DJ.

Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946

Sharky’s Bar & Bites:

Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends

Karaoke Contest—Now through Oct. 25 on Saturdays at 6pm

Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426

Sidewinders Bar & Grill:

Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends

Pipa Event Center:

Heart—Oct. 17

Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777

The Showroom & Grand Ballroom:

Nils Lofgren—Oct. 3

Lonestar—Oct. 17

Darlene Love—Nov. 1

Gloria Trevi—Nov. 2

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946

Featuring a variety of local, regional & headlining acts. Call for info.

Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452

VQ Live:

Featuring a variety of cover bands, local & regional acts. Call for info.

Event Center:

Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac Tribute)—Oct. 4

Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon—Oct. 17

Southbound (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute)—Oct. 24

Vive Selena (Selena Tribute)—Nov. 1

Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452

AiRIA Unplugged—Live music Fri & Sat 4pm-2am

Encore Lounge—Featuring a variety of live music nightly

Classics With A Twist—Featuring jazz music & cocktails Thu-Sun

Showroom:

Latin Legends Live—Oct. 3

Survivor—Oct. 4

Ramon Ayala—Oct. 17

Kansas—Oct. 24

Latin Comedy Jam VII—Oct. 25

Ziggy Marley—Oct. 31

Merle Haggard—Nov. 7

Don Rickles—Nov. 21

Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744

Yavapai Cantina:

Karaoke—Fr at 8pm-12am

Featuring a variety of live bands on Saturdays from 7 to 10pm

Quechan Casino Resort Presents

Heart October 17, 2014

Legendary Rock Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson bring

HEART to Quechan Casino Resort!

Performing their numerous classic hits on Friday, Oc-

tober 17th, you can see and feel the power of Heart. Be

there to watch them rock Winterhaven, California as

they appear at Quechan Casino Resort's Pipa Event

Center for one night only. With iconic songs like Cra-

zy on You, Magic Man, Barracuda, Straight On, These

Dreams Alone, What About Love, and Never, it will be

an unforgettable concert.

Their lush vocal harmonies, driving guitar riffs and

melodic songs sound stronger than ever. Original pio-

neers of female fronted Rock music, they've sold over

30 million records. Tunes like Dreamboat Annie, Dog

and Butterfly, Heartless and more remain eternal on

Rock radio playlists.

These multi-platinum, award-winning recording art-

ists have received many Grammy nods along with

considerable honors and achievements. In 2013 they

were honored by their peers as inductees to The Rock

and Roll Hall of Fame.

Join Ann and Nancy Wilson with their band Heart on

Friday, October 17th at Quechan Casino Resort's Pipa

Event Center, located at 525 Algodones Road, Winter-

haven,CA 92283.

For more information call Quechan Casino Resort at

877.783.2426 or for tickets call Star Tickets at

800.585.3737. Also visit PlayQCR.com for tickets. The

tickets are now on sale. $

Verify all details & age restrictions (generally 21 & over) for each event. Venues, times, dates, & ticket

information are subject to change. Photos/images copyright of the individual artist(s), photographer(s),

or venue(s). All Rights Reserved. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.777play.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.paradise-casinos.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.playqcr.net/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.talkingstickresort.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.twinarrows.com/



http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.buckyscasino.com


CASINO NIGHTLIFE

Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II

•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for

KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat

•Resident DJ/VJ for KTVK-3TV Friday 10am

•Host of R.E.D.Y. Set Radio

•Official Bum Squad DJ

•DJ Vatican Member

•For more information on Ramses Ja, visit his

website at: ramsesja.com.

tion…a local Camp Verde group that can jam with the best of

them! The Dragonfly Lounge is an intimate venue, however

with a full band, great lighting, great music, and the dreadlocks

of the front man swinging back and forth with the songs, the

energy spilling out onto the casino floor was simply magnetic!

In fact, there was a crowd built up at the doorway of the Drag-

onfly Lounge of people who had fallen under the spell of the

hypnotic melodies of the Kill Babylon Coalition.

Because of this, and the fact that I have been able to open, per-

form alongside, and close for bands equally as talented as these

guys at this casino, I can undoubtedly assure you that Cliff Cas-

tle has what it takes to offer a nightlife experience that can rival

any Valley casino! I know that I had a great time, but what is

even more important is that I know that everyone else in the

room with me did too! I checked out their lineup of acts, and

can say for certain that they know how to keep this room rock-

ing week after week. At a casino, the gaming will always be a

draw, if not, the shows, dining, or other amenities. My job, how-

ever is nightlife, and for Cliff Castle, I can say that it’s still all

good, bruddah !

For more information on Cliff Castle Hotel and Casino, or the

events scheduled at The Dragonfly Lounge, visit their website at

CliffCastleCasinoHotel.com $

f you are one of those people who follow my career closely,

you’ll undoubtedly notice that I travel across this great state

of ours lending my DJing and hosting skills to various charity

events. In doing so, I get the opportunity to explore some of the

most beautiful, exciting, and fun places that Arizona has to

offer. Last month, I was able to host an event by The Color Dash

5K that took place near Prescott. And, because I was staying at

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, I made it a point to check it out.

To be honest, I have been to Cliff Castle Casino Hotel before! I

have had the opportunity to DJ for events there on a few occa-

sions. However, it had been a few years since I stayed there and

I was keen to take notes for this month’s entry on nightlife for

the Arizona Gaming Guide . My charity event took place in the

daytime, so when it was time to head back to the hotel, I caught

a nap to get rested up for a night of partying!

I was surprised to learn that the entertainment that Cliff Castle

had lined up for the night in the Dragonfly Lounge was a reg-

gae group…and a good one at that! The last time I visited Cliff

Castle, their offerings were limited to country music, stand up,

and Top 40. Nowadays, their schedule is full of these and just

about everything else…including Latin and Pop! There is some-

thing for everyone!

The group I was able to enjoy was called Kill Babylon Coali-

I

By Ramses Ja

Ramses Ja & The Dragonfly Lounge

At Cliff Castle Casino Hotel


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.ramsesja.com/



http://www.bluewaterfun.com/


Casino Sessions Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic Late Night

Apache Gold Su, We, Th at Noon. Fr & Sa at

7pm. 1st Mo of the month at 7pm 200 No No No

BlueWater Mo-We 4:30pm. Su at 11:30am. 400 Yes Yes No

Casino Arizona Mo-Su at 6:30pm

Daily Matinees at 12:30pm 1000 Yes Yes

L8 Nite Bingo Fr & Sa

Doors at 10pm. Games at midnight

Casino Del Sol Daily at Noon, 1:30, 2:15, 6:30 &

7:15pm 600 Yes Yes Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.

Cocopah Daily at 1:30 & 6:30pm 350 Yes* Yes No

Desert Diamond I We-Mo 1:30, 2, 6, 6:30 & 7pm 300 No Yes No

Fort McDowell Sa & Su at 6:45am. We-Mo at

9am. Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm. 1275

Yes (2 sections: enclosed or in

general seating)

Yes Fr & Sa at 12:10am.

Call for Lunar Bingo schedule.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin We-Su at 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30,

and 6:30pm 470 Yes Yes No

Lone Butte

Sa & Su at 10am, Noon, 3:45,

5:30pm. Daily at Noon &

6:30pm.

750 Yes Yes B.A.D. Bingo 2 Fr at 11:30pm &

B.A.D. Bingo Sa at 11:30pm.

Mazatzal Mo-Th at Noon.

Tu & Th at 6:30pm. 280 Yes Yes No

Paradise Daily at 11:30am & 1:30pm

Mo-Sa at 6pm. 300 Yes Yes

Call for Kozmic Bingo

& Other Special Dates

Vee Quiva Daily at Noon & 6:30pm. 366 Yes Yes Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 09/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

Contact [email protected] to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4am Sunday to 4am Monday.

CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY

On August 24th, Gold card guest Tammy Hoglund, from Sur-

prise, Arizona, hit the Green Jackpot during a Matinee Main

Game for $66,137! She took her winnings in cash and can’t wait

to tell her friends back home in Maine about her luck in Arizona

after only being here a few short months!

Did you know that the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Bingo Hall is the only

bingo hall among the Caesar’s Entertainment properties contin-

uing the tradition of bingo started by Mr. Harrah in Reno in

1937? For more information on Harrah’s Ak-Chin Bingo Hall,

visit their website at HarrahsAkChin.com. $

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Big Win!

Tam

my

Hog

lun

d



http://www.royalfaires.com/arizona/?UseMobile=False&utm_source=azgamingguide&utm_me


SUDOKU Each of the columns, rows, and nine 3 x 3 grids must contain

all of the digits 1 - 9. None of the digits may appear more than

once in each column, row, and 3 x 3 grid.

(Solution on page 46)

4

6

1

8 3

1

2 4

7 6

8

5

4 7

9 1

6

3

6

2 4 9

4

7

3

7 2

6

WORD SEARCH

In honor of National Dessert Day on October 14th, find:

APPLE CRISP, CAKE, CANNOLI, CHEESECAKE, COOKIES,

CUPCAKE, DOUGHNUT, FLAN, FRUIT, FUDGE, ICE CREAM,

MOUSSE, PASTRIES, PIE SLICE, PUDDING, SHORTBREAD,

SUNDAE, TORTE, TRIFLE, TURNOVER.

Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)

A P P L E C S B Y V L N P R I

Q E L F I R C N N O L I A T R

F T I U R F P O H K K R S C Q

U E T U R N E N N U I F R O V

Z T E E S E T A P Y F Y S I R

X R H M A E E C I W Q U T R C

O O A E K A C E S E E H C D E

M T M D A E T O H S G C R R B

O P U D D I P N F K E I N N G

M F R C U P K J C W M L E C A

O L P M S F C K E N T S A A D

U A X C Z K Z O Y G T E J W S

S N S E I K C B X V S I Z O O

S J X K D O H U T P H P N U G

E T S U N D N S L O J Q S A E

FUN & GAMES



http://www.fortmcdowellcasino.com/

higher player status, she was told, “They base it, at least partly,

on ‘theoretical points.’” When she asked how to get more theo-

retical points, they said “keep playing.” Casino patrons deserve

better explanations than that!

#3. Employees.

Many players expect a higher level of customer service from

casino employees and they don’t appreciate when they act supe-

rior, rude, or disinterested. Casino visitors can tell quite easily if

the employee enthusiasm is low. And, that directly affects

attendance. “I can’t believe the employees at [the casino] don’t

ever smile. I’m never going back because it just feels off,” are

the words of one of our readers. Another adds, “Last week I

was at [a casino] and I was treated like I was the last thing on

the employee’s mind while waiting for a table at [the restau-

rant]. Why do they let this go on?”

Playing casino games is, obviously, all about luck and the way a

person feels at any given moment has a lot to do with what they

will play, for how long, and how much they are willing to risk

from their bankroll. Anything that interferes with a gambler’s

lucky feeling will certainly result in shorter time spent at the

casino and potentially lead to that casino being labeled as

Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?

Write me at: [email protected]

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN


Top 5 Complaints From Gamblers Losing Money Not #1!

During a recent discussion with a casino executive and a tribal

gaming officer, our publisher was asked what the majority of

casino visitors complain about when they write in their rants to

us. Both casino employees had mistakenly assumed that most

gamblers are disgruntled about losing money at the casino, so

they were quite shocked to hear that “losing” is actually not the

biggest complaint we hear from gamblers. In fact, nearly all

casino enthusiasts understand that gambling is a form of enter-

tainment that involves a high level of risk and most are respon-

sible enough to gamble with money they can have fun with but

still afford to lose.

Here are the top five complaints we have received in 2014:

#5. Slots.

Slot players feel that the manufacturers are spending too much

of their attention producing theme-based games. In fact, it

seems that hard-core slot fans intentionally stay away from

those games stating they “have too many bonuses with small

wins,” that the bonus games “don’t offer the same level of ex-

citement” and that they “are too girlie.” Another common senti-

ment is that the slot games, in general, have become extremely

volatile and that triggering a bonus takes too long. It’s not sur-

prising that slot players feel this way since the average pulls for

a bonus can take 200 or more spins to trigger. Another common

concern is the increasingly larger and larger forced minimum

wagers. In the words of one slot enthusiast, “I don’t like that

some games force me to bet a certain amount. I’d rather be able

to choose how many lines I feel comfortable with. Don’t make

me play 50 or 100 lines if I only want to play 30!”

#4. Comps.

Many casino visitors are dissatisfied with the offers they receive

from the casinos and believe they deserve better comps such as

more free play, free rooms and concert tickets based on their

play and loyalty. “I think the casinos give better incentives to

those who gamble less than to those who spend more and visit

their property more frequently,” said one player. “Casinos en-

tice new players with practically the same offers they give to

their regulars,” said another player.

Programs used by marketing departments to generate comps

are based on several different criteria including but not limited

to frequency of visits and average theoretical wins. Casinos

need to be more forthcoming with how the offers are generated,

so that customers don’t feel slighted or cheated. When one of

our readers asked her local casino what was required to attain a

By Sami Becker



SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

“unlucky” with that patron being less likely to return in the

future. Employees can go a long way to keep that lucky feeling

with their patrons even if it is as simple as smiling and saying

“Hi!” or another friendly gesture.

#2. Players.

Casino patrons don’t appreciate other players that are obnox-

ious, intoxicated, and disruptive. While that may seem obvious,

it’s not easily kept under control. A casino floor is supposed to

be loud, filled with excitement, and full of people. However,

here’s a list of occurrences our readers recently pointed out that

are not only rude but just plain wrong.

“I couldn’t believe it when the drunk guy poured his drink all

over the lady’s lap. No one came to her rescue and no one

seemed to care.”

“This is the last time I let someone bump into me and nearly

knock me over while walking between the slots. The next time

I’m talking to security.”

“I can’t stand the hollering from the blackjack table. Why are

they so happy? All they can ever win is their bet back or maybe

twice their bet. Why all the unnecessary screaming like a bunch

of animals?”

“I am sick of waiting at the change machine for some old lady to

break a hundred into twenties and then break those twenties

into fives and then start breaking fives into singles! And this

happens about every other time I go to use the change ma-

chine.”

“I am really bothered by people who don’t understand lines for

VIPs or higher status players. I feel like people are talking be-

hind my back or are upset that I have a special line when I de-

serve it based on my play. Worse yet is when people are in the

exclusive lines without having the privilege and the employees

allow it.”

#1. Smoking.

Smoking continues to be the hottest topic amongst our readers.

Those that don’t light up object to the smoke-filled casino envi-

ronments and contend “casinos need to focus on better air quali-

ty” and they need to “have larger non-smoking areas.” Many

non-smokers also don’t understand why most poker rooms are

non-smoking while the majority of slot floors aren’t. Baffling!

While there is an abundance of non-smokers writing in to us

saying the smokers are rude and inconsiderate and they “aren’t

careful where they ash and which direction the smoke is drift-

ing,” we receive almost as many complaints from smokers as

well. The smokers don’t appreciate the dirty, belittling looks

and the condescending treatment they receive from those

around them who don’t smoke. They, too, “wish the non-

smoking rooms were bigger and they could go off in their cor-

ner and stop complaining.” $



http://www.problemgambling.az.gov/

CASINO DIRECTORY


City Phone Slots Hig

h L

imit

Are

a

Bin

go

Casino Liv

e K

eno

Tab

le G

ames

Po

ker

Ro

om

Ho

tel

Sm

ok

e-F

ree

Are

a

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 09/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

Contact [email protected] to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4AM Sunday to 4AM Monday

RV

Par

k

Go

lf

Location Sp

a

Arc

ade

01. Apache Gold Casino Resort Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe Globe 800-272-2438 589 Y Y Y Y Y Y

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino 11300 Resort Drive Parker 888-243-3360 527 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

03. Bucky’s Casino 1500 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 314 Y Y Y

04. Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Scottsdale 480-850-7777 911 Y Y Y Y

05. Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 855-765-7829 1,089 Y Y Y Y Y Y

06. Casino of the Sun 7406 S. Camino De Oeste Tucson 855-765-7829 292

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel I-17, Exit 289 Camp Verde 800-381-7568 656 Y Y Y Y Y

08. Cocopah Resort Casino 15318 S. Ave. B Somerton 800-237-5687 514 Y Y Y Y Y* Y Y Y

09. Desert Diamond Casino I 7350 S. Nogales Hwy. Tucson 866-332-9467 1,089 Y Y Y Y Y Y

10. Desert Diamond Casino II I-19, Exit 80 Tucson 866-332-9467 679 Y

11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why Hwy. 86, Milepost 55 Why 866-332-9467 58

12. Fort McDowell Casino Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd. Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 906 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa 480-802-5000 1,089 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

14. Hon-Dah Casino 777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop 800-929-8744 831 Y Y Y Y

15. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler 800-946-4452 786 Y Y Y Y

16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson 800-777-7529 418 Y Y Y Y Y Y

17. Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Dr. Yuma 888-777-4946 486 Y

18. Quechan Casino I-8, Exit 166 Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+ Y Y Y Y Y Y

19. Spirit Mountain Casino 8555 Hwy. 95 Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247

20. Talking Stick Resort 101 & Indian Bend Scottsdale 480-850-7777 752 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino I-40, Exit 219 Flagstaff 855-946-8946 1,083 Y Y Y Y Y

22. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800-946-4452 950 Y Y Y Y

23. Wild Horse Pass Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler 800-946-4452 950 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

24. Yavapai Casino 1505 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 241 Y

azgamingguide.com facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

For information on the casinos & much more,

scan our QR codes with your smartphone!

Sudoku Solution

5 2 4

9 7 6

8 1 3

9 7 6

1 8 3

4 5 2

8 1 3

5 2 4

7 9 6

3 9 2

7 6 8

4 5 1

5 4 7

3 9 1

6 2 8

6 8 1

2 4 5

9 3 7

6 8 7

1 3 5

2 4 9

2 1 4

8 6 9

7 3 5

3 5 9

4 7 2

1 6 8

Word Search Solution

A P P L E C S P R I

E L F I R C A N N O L I T

T I U R F

E T U R N E R O V

T S E T S A P F I R

R M A E E C I U R C

O E K A C E S E E H C D E

T D A E T R O H S G C R B

P U D D I E I N G

M F C U P K E L C A

O L C A K E S

U A E

S N S E I K C I O O

S D O H N U T P U G

E S U N D A E


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.bluewaterfun.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.buckyscasino.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.casinoarizona.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.casinodelsol.com/













http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.playqcr.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://g.co/maps/gqf2b

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.talkingstickresort.com






http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com/




http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.bluewaterfun.com/

http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.talkingstickresort.com


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.casinoarizona.com/











http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.playqcr.com/


http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://g.co/maps/gqf2b





http://www.azgamingguide.com/counter/agg_counter_script.php?target=http://www.twinarrows.com/


http://www.ddcaz.com/

http://www.777play.com/

Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - October 2014 - 06:10

Documents

Transcript of Arizona Gaming Guide Magazine - October 2014 - 06:10