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Hints, Tips, And Advice On Your Favorite Casino Games! A Monthly Publication Created By Slot Machine Game Designers. The Arizona Gaming Guide is a free monthly magazine for people who enjoy visiting casinos and playing casino games. The magazine discusses Slot Machines, Video Slots, Reel Slots, Electronic Table Games like: Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps. Packed with in-depth features, advice, hints, tips, secrets, and so much more! A LOOK AT ALL THE SLOTS FROM THE NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING EXPO IN SAN DIEGO ARISTOCRAT’S BATMAN NOW AT MAZATZAL This popular slot is making its way all across the state. Check out why everyone wants to play it. 2015 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW See what predictions Rodric has for our readers as we all get ready to “Play Ball!” SAMI GIVES VIDEO POKER TOURNAMENT ADVICE A reader is bothered by others and isn’t sure what to do next. Sami weighs in with her strategies.
Citation preview
24 A LOOK AT ALL THE SLOTS
FROM THE NATIONAL INDIAN
GAMING EXPO IN SAN DIEGO
04 EDITOR’S NOTE
06 PLAYERS TALK
10 TABLE GAMES
14 NEW SLOTS
18 ARIZONA LOTTERY
20 DINING
22 WINNING WAYS
24 FEATURE STORY
26 TRIBAL NEWS
28 GAMING NEWS
33 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
36 CASINO NIGHTLIFE
38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
40 CASINO BINGO
42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
43 FUN FACTS
44 FUN & GAMES
46 CASINO DIRECTORY
IN EVERY ISSUE
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 03
ARISTOCRAT’S BATMAN
NOW AT MAZATZAL
This popular slot is making its way
all across the state. Check out why
everyone wants to play it.
SAMI GIVES VIDEO POKER
TOURNAMENT ADVICE
A reader is bothered by others and
isn’t sure what to do next. Sami
weighs in with her strategies.
42 14
Contents APRIL
2015 MAJOR LEAGUE BASE-
BALL SEASON PREVIEW
See what predictions Rodric has for
our readers as we all get ready to
“Play Ball!”
22
am still charging ahead with my plans to implement change in my life during
2015. This month is no different. I have come off a week long vacation and am
recharged and energized to keep going. While I was out of the office I real-
ized I have so many new prospects in front of me.
Furthermore, the staff and I recognize we have plenty of opportunities in front of
us with this magazine. Our amazing fans and readers (We love you and send a big
“thank you” right back to all of you!) are constantly providing us with new ideas
and excellent suggestions. Our advertisers (Thank you for your continued sup-
port!) are also always willing to share their ideas and brainstorm new ones togeth-
er with us for our magazine. So, to capitalize on all of this positive energy, you’ll
see a new regular column on page 33 written by the Tropicana Laughlin Market-
ing Director, Mr. Joe Hagan.
In this issue, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make your next trip to any casino a
success. We’ve got the low down on a ton of slots, plenty of tips for you to incor-
porate into casino visits, and much more! Please visit us at: facebook .com/
ArizonaGamingGuide, become part of our community and share your thoughts and expe-
riences 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!
Alexandra Lang
Editor-in-Chief
March 2015 Issue Correction—Tribal News Article by Lee Allen: Chef Ron Dimas from
Talking Stick Resort took first place and Best In Show Honors at the 2014 Chef’s Chal-
lenge. The 2015 competition will take place at Talking Stick Resort at the end of October.
Alexandra
VOLUME 07 • ISSUE 04
PUBLISHER
Chris Höft
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Torma
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alexandra Lang
ART DIRECTOR
Melanie Mueller
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Al Moe
Lee Allen
Ramses Ja
Mark Novak
Cindy Esquer
Amanda Riddle
Lana Hartmann
Samantha Becker
ADVERTISING SALES
Nina Consiglio
Elizabeth Torma
MAILING INFORMATION
Arizona Gaming Guide
P.O. Box 20636
Mesa, Arizona 85277
INTERNET INFORMATION
www.azgamingguide.com
www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
Copyright © 2015 The Arizona Gaming Guide.
All rights reserved.
The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and
gaming related facts and editorial opinions. AGG accepts no
responsibility and no liability for any actions of readers based on
articles and/or advertisements presented within. Information
contained within is not guaranteed to be correct. All pictures,
images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole
property of their respective owners. Intended for single use. Sale
and/or distribution without written consent is not permitted.
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 | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
“Like” us on Facebook because
we “Like” you too!
www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
NEW OPPORTUNITIES Bring In A Fresh Perspective
I
PLAYERS TALK
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
Q: On the Game [King] slots at [my favorite casino] I noticed
this huge payoff difference in Keno. On the Cleopatra Keno
(where you can get 12 free bonus spins) if you play an 8-spot
and hit all 8 the pay off is 1,000 credits. However, if you play
an 8-spot on the Multi-Keno game on the same slot the pay off
is 10,000 credits. Why is that? Isn't 8 out of 8 the same odds of
hitting regardless what keno you play? I paid attention to that
the other day. One day, I played Multi-Keno there and I hit an
8 of 8 and got paid $500 from the attendant by only playing 5
cents per game. Then I noticed playing Cleopatra Keno that
playing the same 5 cents and hitting 8 of 8 you will get only
$50. Please explain if the machines are set different making
the Multi-Keno harder to hit on to warrant such a different
payoff. Thank You.
Marco Santos – Email
A: Thank you Marco for such an excellent question about
IGT’s video keno games at your favorite casino! You point out a
very interesting fact about the mathematics of casino games. As
an observant player you have picked up on this major differ-
ence between the pay tables on two different versions of video
keno.
In order to explain, perhaps we should address your second
question first. That is, let’s look at the odds of hitting 8 out of 8
spots. Regardless of whether you play straight up Keno, Multi-
Card Keno, or any of the other standard video keno games on
IGT’s slot which allow you to select 8 spots as part of the game,
you will inevitably have the same odds of hitting all 8 spots. The
reason why is you are always selecting 8 spots from a total of 80
numbers and the slot machine selects 20 numbers at random
and displays them to you on the screen. There is no deviation
from this game rule. As a result, the probability of hitting 8
spots out of 8 on the Multi-Card game you are playing on any
individual card are 1 in 230,115. That is on average, over the
long run, you’ll hit 8 out of 8 about once every 230,000 games.
With Cleopatra Keno, there is one key difference in the game
play from Multi-Card Keno. You actually mentioned it in your
question. Cleopatra Keno introduces the ability to win 12 free
games, at double the pay! As you know, if the last ball drawn by
the slot gives you a win, the free games are triggered. This
means you not only have a chance of hitting 8 out of 8 spots
during the 20 drawn balls, you also have the ability to hit 8 out
of 8 during the free games, if you trigger them! This changes the
probability of winning 8 out of 8 spots. The chance of hitting the
bonus while playing 8 spots is about 1 in 42, meaning on aver-
age, over the long run, you’ll trigger the bonus about once every
42 games. However, during any one of the 12 free games, you
can hit 8 out of 8 at twice the pay. This increases the chance of
you winning 8 out of 8 to around 1 in 182,670 overall. So, due to
the change in the chances and due to the change in pay
(doubling) as a result of introducing the free games, the pay
must be lowered in Cleopatra Keno from Multi-Card Keno. Oth-
erwise, if the pays remained the same between the games Cleo-
patra Keno would lose money for the casino in the long run.
The odds of hitting 8 out of 8 do not change on any single draw
in Multi-Card Keno, nor have they changed during any single
draw of Cleopatra Keno (meaning as the slot draws a set of 20
numbers during the regular game or a free game).
Q: I have seen many celebrity photos on slot machines endors-
ing the game. Do these celebrities receive a royalty each time
these games are sold to a casino or do they receive one lump
sum for the use of their photo on a machine? On average, how
much money do they receive for the use of their photo?
Thanks for all the great information in your Players Talk sec-
tion.
David Hough—Phoenix, Arizona
A: David, thank you for your excellent question! We will an-
swer this based on our knowledge of licensing deals we are
aware of as slot machine game designers. The celebrity does not
actually endorse a slot machine. The slot machine manufacturer
pays a celebrity a fee to use their likeness, or other asset like a
song, as part of the game. Each deal is different, but in general,
in order to be able to begin using the licensed image or asset a
deal is struck involving a one time lump sum payment. Other
deals involve recurring yearly payments in order to retain the
license. This can, and has, lead to bidding wars between slot
manufacturers for licenses!
Not all celebrities are willing to have licensing deals set up for
their images on a slot machine. The most notable is the Top Gun
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].
slot machine based on the popular movie. With the exception of
Tom Cruise, all the actors participated in having their image
used in the game as part of the licensing deal. As Tom Cruise
did not, his likeness did not appear anywhere on the game.
At this point, licensing deals for movies and slot machines are
so detailed that brands involving soft drinks, or clothes, or cars,
even if they appeared in the film intentionally, may refuse to
participate in the licensing deal. That means the graphic artists
at the slot manufacturer may have to erase, blur or otherwise
alter the appearance of a pair of sunglasses on a main character
because the sunglass maker didn’t approve their inclusion in
the license.
If a piece of music is to be licensed, some deals approximate
how often the song will be played over the estimated lifetime of
the slot machine in casinos around the world, and a figure is
arranged based on those numbers. Other song deals just work
off a lump sum.
While most deals are on the order of $10,000 to $100,000 per
license as a lump sum, there will be exceptions that make mon-
ey in different ways. Wheel of Fortune is the first major license
that comes to mind. That game was the first licensed slot game
that really took off on casino floors and the arrangement behind
it involves a daily use fee back to the owners of the Wheel of
Fortune copyright.
All licensing deals in the casino gaming industry are pretty
much kept under wraps, but there is information about other
licensing arrangements. The footage to one of Michael Jackson's
final concerts was said to be in the $20 million range. In April of
2005 US Weekly paid $500,000 for pictures of Brad Pitt & Angelina
Jolie. And, the average commercial music licensing deal is esti-
mated to range between $75,000 and $200,000.
Q: On a multi-play slot machine, is there a separate random
generator for each game or just one random generator control-
ling all the games?
Robert Meisenburg—E-mail
A: Robert, this question is really great because we know every
gambler who plays a multi-game video poker, multi-game vid-
eo keno, or multi-game video slot asks themselves this all the
time! Basically, we all ask ourselves, “Would I have gotten this
situation had I played the other game on this slot?”
Slot machines are all designed the same basic way, there is one
random number generator built in to the game. The software in
the game waits for the bet button to be pressed and starts the
process of playing the next spin, or hand, etc. Part of that pro-
cess is to call up one, or more, random numbers to determine
the outcome. The software accesses the only one random num-
ber generator available to it. So, regardless of which game you
play on a multi-game machine there is only one random num-
ber generator.
At the moment you pressed the spin or bet button, the slot se-
lected certain random numbers to determine the outcome of the
spin, or hand, and that’s what makes a win or a loss in the con-
text of the game you are playing (let’s say getting four Queens
in Double Double Bonus Poker). If you were playing a different
game (say Deuces Wild), those same numbers generated at the
exact same time will produce the win or loss in the context of
that other game. Would you have been able to accomplish that
feat? Probably not, because you took the time to switch games.
Q: Love your articles because they are very informative. I have
been going to Laughlin, Nevada for many years and receiving
free rooms, vouchers from between $10 and $30 for food and
$10 for free play. I am not a high roller but I do gamble at
[several casinos there] for about 5 hours a day. Lately I still get
the free rooms but the other comps have been decreasing in
value. I have increased my time gambling over the years but I
find I am receiving less comps. Is there any reason why this is
happening and should I speak to them about this? I love stay-
ing at their hotel because the staff is very friendly, the rooms
are great. I have no complaints and do recommend this hotel
to other people.
Ken Bugay—Cottonwood, Arizona
A: Ken, thanks for your question. There are many factors
which will make your free play, food vouchers, complimentary
rooms and other offers change as you play at one or more casi-
nos. The way to find the answer is to track your play during
every visit you make to any of the multiple casinos you visit.
Your play is what you are able to identify and adjust.
What you are unable to control is any changes made in the Play-
er’s Club. That is, if they are no longer going to offer free rooms.
Maybe they decided to change the rate at which free play is
given back. Perhaps they’ll no longer invite guests from particu-
lar areas for certain types of offers. Essentially, we players can’t
control what changes a Player’s Club may implement.
However, if you keep a log of the number of points you earned
using your Player’s Club card every time you visit, you’ll have
something to refer back to if your free play changes. Ultimately,
casinos all look at what is referred to as a player’s average daily
theoretical win. This is the amount of money they can expect to
earn from your play based on your past history of play. You
essentially have a version of this at your fingertips when you
begin to track your earned Player’s Club points. I’d suggest you
talk to the Player’s Club about your concerns and I suggest you
start tracking your points so if you have to talk to them again
you’ll be armed with some information. $
PLAYERS TALK
08 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
TABLE GAMES
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
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.
Often, they will explain specific rules about why something
can’t be done, such as changing a hit-card or something similar.
Believe it or not, the games have rules set forth by the state, and
some can’t be ignored, even if an error has occurred. On the
other hand, the Pit Boss is really hoping to be able to help you,
honest!
Still unhappy? The state agency overseeing all gaming is the
Arizona Department of Gaming. They have a website, they have
phones. Call ‘em up if you want. $
(Editor’s Note: The Arizona Department of Gaming’s phone number
is 602.771.4263 and their website is AZGaming.gov.)
By Al Moe
o you are having a great time playing blackjack and then
boom, there’s a dispute on your game. Maybe you
thought you won the hand but didn’t get paid. What to
do? First, don’t worry, it happens. Although there’s been some
dispute about this, dealers are human. I know, we checked. In
fact, they are just like you and me, and on rare occasions they
make mistakes. Maybe two cards got stuck together, maybe
they mispaid a bet, or maybe they skipped your hand. What
should be done? Firing squad? Fast Food?
If something doesn’t seem right, just ask for help. Don’t jump
out of your chair and scream “The dealer just cheated me,” be-
cause that’s not what happened. The chances of getting cheated
by a dealer in Arizona are really slim. So, instead, don’t make
another bet, put your hand out and say “Just a second, what did
I have last hand?” or something like that. The dealer won’t get
mad, and although they may be flying along and dealing 400
hands an hour, they’ll probably remember exactly what you
had on the last hand.
You can expect to hear something like “You hit your 14 with a
five for 19, but I made a 20, sorry.” If that doesn’t clear it up,
take the next step. Ask for the cards to be backed-up. The dealer
will call the Floor Supervisor over and they will take care of the
problem.
Dealers pick the cards up in a particular fashion so they can be
backed up (replaced on the layout) just as they were played.
The first cards will be the dealer’s hand, then the player’s. Your
own hand will be recreated right in front of you.
If that still doesn’t make sense to you it’s alright to tell the Floor
Supervisor that it still doesn’t seem right. If it’s questionable to
the boss, they can ask surveillance to check on the hand, but
really, backing up the cards works almost every time. The boss
may decline to do anything more based on the backup of the
cards or on their own observation of the original hand, that’s
their right, and they probably are right.
However, if you are still uncomfortable, ask to see the Floor
Supervisor’s boss for clarification. Note the time and the table
number if you aren’t going to play anymore. A Pit Boss is likely
to be called so they can talk to you. Don’t be angry or demand-
ing, just explain what you think happened and they will take in
all the information and make a decision.
S
TABLE GAME DISPUTES And How They Are Easily Resolved
14 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
By Lana Hartmann
NEW SLOTS
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! At Mazatzal
merican Gaming Systems (AGS) and Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
proudly present Ripley’s Believe It or Not! a trivia based game with a
wheel top box. This exciting game has a 5-level progressive and
is the first game in AGS’ It Pays To Know series, a series of games featuring
AGS’ knowledge based game mechanic. The truly special feature of Rip-
ley’s Believe It or Not! are the trivia bonus games, Hidden Features in Trivia and
Trivia ‘Round the World. A player wins the progressive by answering the
questions correctly on the first guess. Players can accumulate features in
the base game such as “Re-Do”, “Eliminator” and “Stats” which will im-
prove their chances of winning a progressive in the trivia bonus round.
The Wheel is triggered by landing the Mystery symbol anywhere on the
3rd reel where the player will be awarded a single spin. The Free Spins
round will amaze players as they collect and accumulate Jewel Bugs which
will run around the reels and morph into wilds for an improved payout! $
A
Batman Wonder Wheels Slots At Mazatzal
he Batman classic TV series slot game, powered by
Wonder Wheels, is the newest Aristocrat slot game to be
installed at Mazatzal hotel & Casino in beautiful Pay-
son, Arizona. Wonder Wheels is a new game category from
Aristocrat and features three mechanical wheels that increase
player engagement and retention.
The Wonder Wheels slot is larger than other games on the
floor, measuring in at 10.5 feet tall, capable of drawing player
attention from anywhere on the casino floor. Modular in de-
sign for easy and flexible installation, the game also has 55”
LCD screens that catch players’ eyes. The experience is com-
pleted by Aristocrat’s surround sound iChair.
The first game released in the category is Batman Classic TV
Series Slot Game Powered by Wonder Wheels. The game fea-
tures still and video imagery from the classic TV series with
Adam West, who introduced the game at G2E. Game play is
enhanced by stacked wilds, seven themed bonus features,
video clips from the TV series, and a highly anticipatory
wheel feature trigger. The 30-line game has a 50 credit mini-
mum and a 250 credit maximum bet. $
T
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 15
Extreme Progressive By Aruze Gaming
new video linked G-Series family from Aruze Gaming will be upon us soon! Extreme
Progressive is what it is known as; featuring two titles Extreme Dragon and Extreme Phoenix,
and it’s going to rock the casino floors. This is a 5-reel, 3-row, 243 ways to win (ALL
WAYS) linked series which offers Free Games and a 4-level progressive which has over 15 different
jackpot settings. The series will most likely be installed in a penny denomination and has a mini-
mum base game bet of 88¢.
Throughout each of these two titles, 3 or more FEATURE/WILD symbols appearing from left to
right trigger the Free Games. During the Free Games, the opportunity for increased WILD symbols
is greater. If at any point during the base game or Free Games a COIN symbol is to appear, the
Jackpot Challenge is triggered. During the Jackpot Challenge, 14 COINS will be displayed and
selected until a 4-of-a-kind is shown. At that point, whichever corresponding 4-of-a-kind is shown,
that is the progressive that will be won. This new G-Series family of games will be your next stop
for an “extreme” gaming experience!
To learn more about these exciting new titles or any other slot games by Aruze Gaming, please
visit their website at go.aruzegaming.com. $
Coming Soon NEW SLOTS
A
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
By Lana Hartmann
Romance of Fire and Rain By Aristocrat
ristocrat’s E*Series line of games are proven favorites players love with engaging
characters and storylines combined with rich graphics and sound. Now the fun is
going to the next level with a new progressive jackpot component, adding a new
layer of anticipation and excitement to these entertainment-style games. The newest addi-
tion to the E*Series line is slot game The Romance of Fire and Rain, housed in the techno-
logically advanced Helix cabinet. This fun new title has an original reel layout (2x5x8), new
game mechanics, and a five-level progressive. The game combines low-to-medium volatili-
ty with high anticipation in the form of frequent transferring wilds that give players a
chance for big wins. The Romance of Fire and Rain further enhances player enjoyment
with Max Stacks, mega symbols and matching wilds, along with entrancing music and
sound effects. The game’s topper art showcases Rain’s enchanting eyes that practically
make eye contact with players! Features also include 15 Free Games and Progressive Jack-
pots, including Grand with a $1,000 start value; Major, $250 start value; Maxi, $100 start
value; Minor, $30 start value; and Mini, $10 start value. The Romance of Fire and Rain is
configurable for a payback percentage range from 85.37% to 94.75%! For more information
about this game or any of the other exciting E*Series Jackpot titles, visit Aristocrat’s web-
site at aristocrat-us.com. $
A
NEW SLOTS Coming Soon
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 17
5 Treasures On Hit Link By Bally Technologies
lay the game that is entertaining players in Asia and across the globe! The 5 Treasures
video slot joins 88 Fortunes on Bally’s hit Duo Fu Duo Cai progressive link to offer you
another chance to test your luck.
This five-reel, 243-way game will entertain you with its gorgeous Asian artwork, free games that
can be re-triggered, and enticing progressive jackpots.
Three or more Red Door symbols start the Free Games feature, which awards six free games that
can be re-triggered over and over. Before the free games begin, select a Golden Animal symbol to
add to the reel set to choose your own volatility. Then let the reels spin as your pursue exciting
five-of-a-kind wins!
The adorable Fu Babies will bring you much fortune during the Fu Bat Jackpot feature, which
may be triggered when a Fu Bat symbol appears. Pick from among 12 lucky coins until three Fu
Baby symbols match. Each Baby symbol corresponds to one of four fantastic jackpot levels.
Discover your treasure in 5 Treasures! Look for this game on casino floors now as part of the Duo
Fu Duo Cai link. For more information, visit BallyTech.com. $
Coming Soon NEW SLOTS
P
18 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
By Cindy Esquer
ARIZONA LOTTERY
The whole winning ticket scenario began
for Cathleen Gore, Mesa, when, after she
had a difficult day at work, a co-worker
gave her two $5 crossword Scratchers to
brighten up her day. Cathleen won $10
with the tickets and went to a store to
redeem them.
While standing in front of the counter,
Cathleen couldn’t help but notice a $10
crossword Scratchers staring her in the
face. When she realized that her left hand
was extremely itchy, a sign that money
was involved, she purchased two Plati-
num Crossword Scratchers.
Cathleen scratched the tickets at home
and, at first, thought she’d won $30.
However, it didn’t look right. She decid-
ed to have the ticket checked at the store.
As it turned out, Cathleen had missed
two words; instead of $30, she’d won the
top prize of $100,000.
Cathleen works in quality control, and
lately has been working so many hours
that she hasn’t had much time for herself.
The timing of this win is perfect because
Cathleen said she is ready for a vacation.
The ticket was purchased at 4 Sons, 1205
W. Baseline Road, Mesa.
For more information on the Arizona Lottery,
visit their website at ArizonaLottery.com. For
the winning numbers, call 480.829.7425 in
Phoenix or 520.325.9141 in Tucson. Please
call 1.800.499.3798 for all other areas in
Arizona.
$100,000 Scratchers $250,000 Scratchers
Nora Saucedo, Phoenix, received an ear-
ly holiday present from her son. He’d
purchased a few $250,000 Crossword
instant scratch tickets and gave one to
her. He buys crossword and bingo in-
stant scratch games all the time. Nora
scratched the ticket, looked at it in disbe-
lief, checked it a few more times, and
then called her son to come look at it.
Nora and her son kept going over the
ticket, but kept coming up with the same
conclusion; the ticket was a $250,000 top
prize winner. Nora immediately signed
the back of the ticket and they took it
back to the store to have it validated. The
store’s personnel know the family and
are very happy for Nora. She said, “I
wasn’t going to believe it until I saw the
check.”
Once Nora had the paperwork she need-
ed to redeem the ticket, she told the rest
of the family. Everyone was excited for
her.
Nora is a retired teaching assistant. She
spent three years caring for her father,
who died at the age of 103. She’s just
now getting her life back together. Nora
spends a lot of time with her family, es-
pecially her grandchildren. Her son com-
mented that she also spends a lot of time
shopping; Nora agreed with him.
Nora is going to put the money in the
bank for investment purposes; she hopes
to see it grow.
Tomasita Najera, Glendale, calls herself a
sporadic Lottery player. Recently while
grocery shopping, she had an urge to
buy some Scratchers after seeing some
tickets in the Lottery vending machine.
Tomasita purchased a few Jumbo Bucks
Scratchers and scratched them at home.
She saw that one of them appeared to be
a $100,000 winner, but couldn’t believe it.
She is going to save some of it, earmark
some for charity, give some to her par-
ents because they have done a lot for her,
and take a vacation with her son.
Gordon Reierson, Fosston, Minnesota,
enjoys our Arizona weather and is a
yearly winter visitor to our state. Gordon
rarely buys Scratchers back home, but is
a frequent player when he comes to Ari-
zona. He recently purchased two Plati-
num Crossword tickets, not only because
he’s had some small wins with the game,
but because, “…your payouts are better.”
Well, he certainly can back up that state-
ment because one of his two tickets
turned out to be a $100,000 winner! He is
thrilled with his win. $
$100,000 Scratchers
$100,000 Scratchers
20 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO DINING
BUCKY’S & YAVAPAI CASINOS Food & Beverage Director Brian Tolbert Serves Up His Specials
fter several recent visits to Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos,
we had the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes
at Bucky’s Café and at Yavapai Cantina. The sand-
wiches, salads, and specialty ribs (Wednesdays only!) were out
of this world. In tracking down the source of these culinary de-
lights, we met the new Food & Beverage Director, Mr. Brian
Tolbert. Fortunately, he was kind enough to grant us an inter-
view which gives insight into the recent changes at the casinos.
Please give us some background information about yourself.
I have worked from a truck stop in the middle of nowhere to
Ritz-Carlton and Hilton Hotels. I have worked in New Orleans,
owned my own restaurant in La Conner, Washington, Phoenix,
Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, Chicago and in New York City. I
graduated from Scottsdale Culinary Institute. I have trained in
Europe under a plethora of world chefs in Germany, France and
Spain. My favorite country was Spain: the fresh fish from the
Atlantic and Mediterranean, the innovations of culinary tech-
niques, the freshness of food and the love of food. The delicious
Paella; each region had its own take on this saffron rice dish. My
restaurant was called The Dulce Plate where I served Spanish
and Mediterranean dishes using fish from the local fisherman
and produce from farms nearby. I wrote a cookbook called The
Dulce Plate with recipes and my flair for food.
What is new on the menu at Bucky’s Café & Yavapai Cantina?
Every month we have $4.99 Daily Specials to entice our guests.
We also offer a $3.99 Veterans Appreciation Day menu on Mon-
days and a $1.99 Seniors Day Special Breakfast Menu on Tues-
days. At Bucky’s Café, we have brought back both our specialty
rubbed ribs with our own sauce made in house on Wednesday
nights and our special seasoned Prime Rib Dinner on Thursday
nights.
Did you make any behind the scenes changes that you’d like
to share?
We have stepped up our training for both the cooks and the
servers. Plate presentations, guest satisfaction, and knife tech-
niques are just a few things we have done. I have also written
new training manuals for both front of the houses.
What do you find fun about the casino gaming industry?
I like the change and growth of the casino: new ideas, tech-
niques, growth potential and daily learning. There is always a
new growth opportunity every day. Also, I like to learn our
guests’ names, greet them and be greeted by them.
What is your favorite dish to prepare for family & friends?
My favorite dish to prepare is Paella. When in Spain, I was
taught the traditional technique of this dish; how the compo-
nents are cooked at different times and why these ingredients
are placed in the order that they are. Also, how and why this
dish is similar, yet different, in the different regions of Spain.
Plus this dish truly expresses the chef, cook or mother who
makes Paella.
We heard you used to wrestle professionally?
I was a professional wrestler back in the late 70’s and 80’s! I
wrestled out in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I loved it! The camara-
derie of the squared circle, how we used to travel together, set
up the ring, the fans and my fellow brothers of the Cauliflower
Alley Club. Yes, I was one of the wrestlers everyone loved to
hate, but that was the fun part. Also, I traveled a lot and learned
to develop my culinary taste buds from one part of the world to
the other. In case you want to know my wrestling name, let’s
just say I was the man in black that our fans enjoyed to boo!
Also, the staff mentioned you like to ride motorcycles. Is there
a favorite Arizona trip you can share with us?
I ride every day. My new friends at Bucky’s Casino think I am
made of iron because no matter the weather, I ride. I enjoy many
different riding spots. Arizona has so many and you can ride
year round. I ride every year to Sturgis, South Dakota. In Arizo-
na, I like to do charity rides like Toys for Tots, Yuma Prison
Run, and just for fun, Poker Runs. I always enjoy riding to Je-
rome through Mingus Mountain over to Payson mainly because
of the beauty of riding through the forest.
For more information on Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos in Prescott,
Arizona, please visit BuckysCasino.com. $
A
By Mark Novak
By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
uch like a casino, the 2015 Major League Baseball off
season was full of chance, spending money and a
couple of lucky teams that hit the jackpot with free-
agent signings and trades.
Who will win the World Series in October? Nobody knows, but
here’s the 2015 season preview. Don’t be surprised with a final
showdown between Show-Me State royalty and the talented
team located in our nation’s capital. So, let’s play ball!
American League
Eastern Division – Expect another 90-plus win season from the
Baltimore Orioles, with the Boston Red Sox finishing second
within five games. The Toronto Blue Jays are destined for anoth-
er average season, while the New York Yankees will spend the
season in fourth place hosting the Alex Rodriguez show. With-
out longtime coach Joe Maddon, the Tampa Bay Rays return to
last place. Division Champion: Baltimore Orioles
Central Division – The Kansas City Royals will use the best
defense in baseball to finish in first place, slightly ahead of the
Detroit Tigers. The Chicago White Sox added pitcher Jeff Samar-
dzija and former All-Star game MVP Melky Cabrera and are the
dark horse pick of this division. The Cleveland Indians will be
just good enough not to factor into the playoffs, and the Minne-
sota Twins may be the worst team in baseball. Division Champi-
on: Kansas City Royals
Western Division – the Los Angeles Angels should secure their
second division title in a row, even with the troubles of Josh
Hamilton. Expect the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners to
battle it out for a second-place finish and a wild card spot in the
playoffs. The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros will have a
season-long Lone Star State battle for last place. Division Cham-
pion: Los Angeles Angels
National League
Eastern Division – it’s World Series or bust for the highly-
touted Washington Nationals. The New York Mets are very
young but very talented and could still division with good
pitching and team speed. With the boatload of money the Mi-
ami Marlins gave Giancarlo Stanton, their ceiling is limited. The
Atlanta Braves look average and there’s no love in the city of
brotherly love, where the Philadelphia Phillies will finish in last
place again. Division Champion: Washington Nationals
M
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME A Preview Of The 2015 Major League Baseball Season
22 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
WINNING WAYS
Central Division – The St. Louis Cardinals will maintain their
annual perch on top of the division, but they will be challenged
hard by Andrew McCutchen and his Pittsburgh Pirates, as well
as the new-look Chicago Cubs. The Milwaukee Brewers and
Cincinnati Reds aren’t bad, just not good enough to compete for
the division championship. Division Champion: St. Louis Cardi-
nals
Western Division – Arizonans will be lucky to get a close look
at the best division in baseball this season. World Series Cham-
pion San Francisco Giants could finish in first place or fourth
place, and neither would be a surprise. The Southern California
spending spree highlighted the off-season as the San Diego Pa-
dres and Los Angeles Dodgers added multiple All-Stars to their
rosters. Our Arizona Diamondbacks seemed destined for fourth
place, while the mile-high Colorado Rockies are low in the cel-
lar for last place. Division Champion: San Diego Padres
Playoffs
American League Championship:
Kansas City Royals over the Baltimore Orioles
National League Championship:
Washington Nationals over San Diego Padres
World Series:
Washington Nationals over Kansas City Royals $
(Editor’s Note: Sports betting is illegal in Arizona. Place your bets
legally at the many sportsbooks in Laughlin or Las Vegas, Nevada.)
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 23
WINNING WAYS
EARNING PLAYER’S CLUB POINTS What To Watch For In Every Casino You Visit
hen Alexandra, our Editor, forwarded a press re-
lease over to me about a recent change to the play-
er’s club point earning rates at a major Las Vegas
Strip casino, I was very curious to verify what some of the casi-
nos in Arizona are doing. Between all the different casinos
across the state and beyond, it is not easy to keep track of how
much coin-in (the amount of money wagered) it takes to earn
one point on a particular game at any given casino. Sure, I can
remember a few off the top of my head from the last time I visit-
ed, and I certainly remember the rates for the casino I frequent
regularly, but all of them? And, don’t get me wrong! Just be-
cause it costs more or less to earn a point at one casino over an-
other doesn't mean one player’s club is better. There are many
factors involved. For example, the number of points needed to
move to the next tier will vary and the benefits at different tier
levels vary as well (along with free play, comps, offers, etc.).
What you absolutely must be aware of is the rate at which you
are earning points at a particular casino while playing your fa-
vorite games. In almost all cases, casinos have different rates for
earning points while playing slots, video poker/video keno
games, table games, and electronic table games! Most player
tracking devices, where you insert your card in a game, have a
countdown meter telling you how much coin-in earns a point.
But if it doesn’t, march over to the player’s club and ask for a
direct answer. Be sure to watch out for any changes they may
make to the rates or the rest of the player’s club program as
time passes. Then you can calculate how much you have to bet
on your favorite game to move up a level at that casino’s play-
er’s club. Just take the rate and multiply it by the points needed.
If $5 of coin-in earns one point and the next level up is at 1,000
points, then that’s $5,000 of wagering to get you to the next lev-
el (1,000 x $5 = $5,000). Do the same exercise with your casino! $
W
By Lana Hartmann
By Lana Hartmann
elebrating its 30th year, the National Indian Gaming
Association (NIGA) Annual Tradeshow and Conven-
tion from March 30 through April 2, 2015 at the San
Diego Convention Center, is anticipated to be the largest gather-
ing of tribal leaders and casino industry executives in the coun-
try. In celebration of this important milestone, NIGA is imple-
menting a number of new initiatives and enhancements, includ-
ing free tradeshow floor admission opportunities, an improved
Conference Program, expanded product resources, new net-
working events and more.
“The only constant is change so we are celebrating our 30th An-
niversary edition with some changes and enhancements that
signal the beginning of a brand new era for our show,” explains
Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., Chairman, NIGA. “From show floor ad-
mission procedures to education and networking opportunities,
we’re fine-tuning and enhancing every element of the show to
make sure it exceeds the needs of Tribal Gaming community
members, as well as the many other businesses that serve and
support Indian Gaming. We believe these enhancements will
further the one thing that will never change -- NIGA’s mission
to promote Tribal sovereignty and Indian self-reliance to ad-
vance the lives of Indian people economically, socially and po-
litically.”
But, what we’re all really interested in is the slots baby! Every
year all of the slot manufacturers show off a selection of current
slots at their booths during the NIGA expo. While it’s no G2E,
there are still a ton of games and, of course, we scored a pre-
view for you!
IGT Booth Preview
It’s always game time for slot creator IGT! New game themes
and product innovations are on the horizon so make sure you
visit your favorite casino for the latest variety of slot entertain-
ment and ways to win big jackpots, including a new addition to
the most popular theme of all time, Wheel of Fortune .
Most people play for the thrill of winning big, and IGT exceeds
that demand with Wheel of Fortune Winning Wedges. You’ll
soon be immersed in a gaming experience featuring wheels and
symbols that come to life through the game’s high-resolution
touch-screen display. Trigger the Pointer Frenzy feature and
you’ll have the opportunity to win various jackpots, and if
you’re really lucky, initiate a bet multiplier to increase your big
win payout.
C
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
FEATURE STORY
Are you in the mood for an
island getaway? Cruise
into the tropics with Wheel
of Fortune Jackpot Paradise.
A fruit-filled symbol dis-
play with kiwis, coconuts
and bananas will whet
your appetite for the life-
changing jackpots, includ-
ing the chance to win the
top award when you enter
the Jackpot Pick Bonus.
Hollywood’s charismatic,
and clue-finding charac-
ters, Sherlock and Watson
unlock fun and mystery in
IGT’s new game, Sherlock
Holmes Video Slots. In addi-
tion to action-filled scenes
direct from the movie,
you’ll be blown away by its
fun Blow-By-Blow Bonus,
which allows you to identi-
fy boxing moves that
award various levels of
credit value. Don’t forget
to look up at the game’s
three wheels, each filled
with more awards, credit
value and jackpots that include potential to increase based on
your initiated bet multiplier.
Soar into sky-high game entertainment with IGT’s Golden Eagle
Video Slots. Your excitement will reach new heights when you acti-
vate the game’s Nudging Wilds Feature; the more Wild symbols
that cover your reels, the larger the win. Golden Eagle is housed
on IGT’s newest game Cabinet, the CrystalDual, which offers a
brilliant screen display and riveting sound technology, giving
you the ultimate gaming experience.
If you’re a classic spinning reel slot machine enthusiast, you’ve
probably seen the bright lights of IGT’s new S3000 cabinet at
your favorite local casino. S3000 preserves the content that you
have loved for years, with themes such as Double Diamond ,
Pink Diamond and Double Gold, while revolutionizing your reel expe-
CELEBRATING INDIAN GAMING 30 Year Anniversary Of NIGA
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 25
rience with new themes, modern design and more ways to score
that big payout. Spice up your gaming experience with Red Hot
Tamales or live on the blazing wild side with Hell on Reels.
WMS Booth Preview
Game themes being showcased include Dancing in Rio , Gorilla
Chief II and 9 Suns. Also on display is the Cool Jewels theme, which
represents the first theme simultaneously launched by WMS
and SG Interactive for land-based, social and real money wager-
ing.
The Game Chest HD Multi-Game series, featuring eight top-
performing themes that players can choose from on a new, more
interactive main menu that displays reel layouts for each theme
along with theme-specific features.
With The Flintstones theme, the town of Bedrock is brought to
life thanks to a 42-inch horizontal screen over a vertical 32-inch
screen with a mechanical wheel on the Gamefield xD cabinet.
Reels stretch up to 10 symbols high as Wild reels and multipli-
ers are potentially added to the reels in The Flintstones mystery
feature.
The Austin Powers theme brings “the international man of mys-
tery” to life on the Gamefield xD cabinet. Featuring characters
from the Austin Powers movies, players can match symbols for up to
a 100x multiplier in the Picture Pay Feature, and wheels may
award free spins, wheel spins, credits or even a progressive.
The Life of Luxury Progressive theme brings back a clas-
sic WMS game in multi-game format with five games that fea-
ture a combination of classic, current and new WMS content. In
the Life of Luxury Bonus, each reel is assigned to a GEM symbol
which allows players to pick for a chance at the progressive
when the symbol appears on the reels.
Bally Booth Preview
The Friends video slot reunites players with the beloved charac-
ters from Warner Bros. television’s worldwide hit comedy
that TV Guide Magazine named one of the 50 greatest shows of
all time. Players can experience the laughs and loves in a whole
new way with many clips of the show’s hilarious moments and
a wheel bonus awarding credits and Free Games.
The Friends game is presented on the Pro Theatre, a new cabinet
configuration built on the award-winningPro Wave that is
topped by a massive 1080p 55-inch display.
MultiDeluxe on the Pro Se-
ries V27/27 is a four-level
standalone progressive with an
interactive second-screen fea-
ture, showcasing five incredi-
ble games in one cabi-
net: Mixteca, Golden Relics, Lux-
ury Dreams, Karnak and Yellow
Emperor. MultiDeluxe has been
specifically designed for opera-
tors who are looking to help
maximize their gaming floor
returns.
88 Fortunes and 5 Treas-
ures themes on the Duo Fu Duo
Cai link, offering players the
chance for much luck and
wealth, draw players to prov-
en performers. These titles
feature All Up, Reel Ways,
Free Games that can be re-
triggered and the exciting Fu
Bat Jackpot Feature, which
awards players one of four
fantastic progressive levels.
The Blob theme, on the strik-
ing Pro Series V22/22 with Hammerhead cabinet, will capture
players’ attention just like the cult classic movie. This new game
has All Up, Reel Ways, a five-level progressive, a U-Choose Free
Games Feature, and much more engulfing fun.
With Betty Boop’s Firehouse, America’s cartoon sweetheart is back
in a playful new game showcased on the Pro Series V22/32 cabi-
net featuring a 1080p resolution 32-inch vertical monitor. Betty
Boop’s Firehouse will fire up players with a classic ladder bonus,
Free Games, Mystery Stacked Reels and Betty’s 5 Alarm Scatter.
Betty and her playful pup Pudgy are ready to heat up the casino
floor!
Wonder Woman Wild and Wonder Woman Gold themes, deliver
powered-up entertainment and volatility. Both titles feature
action scenes and music from the classic 1970’s TV show star-
ring Lynda Carter, along with three progressive jackpots availa-
ble at any bet level, Free Games and popular play mechanics. $
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
TRIBAL NEWS
avajo tribal member Derrick Watchman is the right
man for the job, which is to stand watch over his na-
tion’s current casinos --- three in New Mexico, one in
Arizona --- and possibly more on the drawing board. As direc-
tor of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE), he over-
sees the $80 million dollar a year in new winnings that the exist-
ing casinos (Gallup [Fire Rock], Farmington [Northern Edge],
and Shiprock [Flowing Water], New Mexico, and Flagstaff
[Twin Arrows], Arizona) bring in.
It wasn’t until 2004 --- after three attempts --- that the Navajo
people finally voted in favor of gaming. “A decade later, we
employ a staff of 1,400 and return millions in revenue to the
Nation and the states we operate in,” says Watchman. “Not
only does the Navajo Nation benefit, we are also a major eco-
nomic engine for Northern Arizona and New Mexico. We will
continue to drive commerce, hospitality, and economic opportu-
nities as we look toward the next ten years and continued
growth during that decade.”
The most recent step forward came in a newly-negotiated uni-
fied gaming compact with New Mexico that would ensure Class
3 gaming operations through 2037. Navajo Nation Council
Speaker Pro Tem LoRenzo Bates called the compact “fair for our
people,” even though the revenue sharing formula that brings
in dollars to the state increased from 9 percent to 10.75 percent
over the life of the compact.
“The agreement had some pros and cons, but there’s some pro-
visions in it that we think will be very beneficial,” said Watch-
man. Anticipating future expansion, the NNGE leader points to
a strong possibility of a fourth casino on tribal land west of Al-
buquerque, possibly within the next 5 years. “It’s no secret that
location could be a possible site over time,” he admits.
Arizona’s lone tribally-owned facility, Twin Arrows Navajo
Casino Resort, a $200+ million casino with more than a thou-
sand slots, table games, and an eventual 200 room hotel, opened
in 2013 after five years in the making, and is proving financially
healthy. There is also discussion that Twin Arrows could be
joined by another such venture in the future.
“We’re basically a retail business that provides gaming, now
coming up on our second anniversary at Twin, and we have
plans in place to continue to stabilize and grow that market
while encouraging our sister enterprises to develop and locate
some of their operations there, things like a gas station and the
possibility of the Glittering Mountain shopping center project in
the same area. We know there is a bright future for Twin Ar-
rows and an increased commerce connection on the reservation
property.”
“We’ve had our challenges at Twin, but I was able to report to
our new Navajo Council that we broke even in 2014 and are
looking optimistically at 2015,” Watchman said. Although the
gaming endeavor opened in a depressed economy, things have
continued to improve and 1Q15 statistics compared to 1Q14 are
positive…”a big improvement,” according to Watchman.
The property itself hit a bulls-eye in its attempt to both embody
and showcase Navajo land, infusing the property with the art
and culture of the Dine people at a site located beneath the sa-
cred San Francisco Peaks Mountain, or Doko’oosliid, meaning
“where light shines from within.”
Guests are welcomed with a Ya at eeh greeting as they enter the
front door where they stand in awe, transfixed in the hotel lob-
by rotunda where a shimmering chandelier, made up of thou-
N
By Lee Allen
NAVAJO GAMING GURU LOOKS AHEAD A Conversation With Director Derrick Watchman
Derrick Watchman, Director of the NNGE
(photo by Lee Allen)
TRIBAL NEWS
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 27
sands of pieces of hand-blown glass rings, symbolically depicts
the vertical rise of inhabitants of different worlds who came
before. The upward movement of ancestors through the Four
Worlds is all part of the Navajo Creation and Emergence story.
Inside the front door is a stone vestibule abstraction of the First
World, a place filled with mist and sound, attested to by drop-
lets of crystal cascading through multi-colored rings like water
streaming from above while the floor below entrances visitors
with an infinity circle reflection feature. Truly an awe-inspiring
introduction to the 267,000 square foot facility augmented by
some 40 original art creations purchased from local Native art-
ists.
The Twin Arrows compact runs until 2022 and the gaming en-
terprise is already keeping an eye out toward additional sites.
Asked about the possibility of a second property in Arizona,
Watchman admitted, “I’m updating our demographic and fi-
nancial feasibility studies and exploring that concept. We’ve
already admitted that an ideal location would be next to a reser-
vation border town like our existing casinos and one of the last
border towns available would be Page. It’s obviously a seasonal
market, but Page is an area we’re looking at. We’ve been ad-
vised by tribal government not to focus on anything internally,
like Chinle or Tuba City, but I’m also looking at a couple of oth-
er smaller locations as possibilities. “It’s a function of market,
market potential, feasibility, and access to capital. We have new
Navajo leadership in place and because NNGE is owned by the
Navajo Nation, I take my cues from them, they have to be in
agreement before everything falls into place.”
Like the rest of the country’s economy, Indian gaming in the
Southwest took a hit during the recession with growth slowly
returning. “Based on the spin I get from our customers, gaming
continues to be viable. Things are gradually getting better and I
believe we’ll improve marginally over the next decade.” In or-
der to do that, however, he says Indian Country gaming needs
to continually re-invent itself in order to remain sustainable.
“We need to refine our product offerings and add new ameni-
ties – the kind of retooling you’ve seen in Las Vegas. We’re go-
ing to have to change as they have over time. Demographics
have changed and Indian gaming needs to keep up. “You have
to jazz things up and keep your product attractive beyond the
simple basic casino with a restaurant idea that got things start-
ed.” Watchman admits he doesn’t have the future figured out
yet, but acknowledges his mission going forward is to “add
pizzazz and increase the draw. Indian casinos need to repro-
gram themselves to keep up with the changing times and take
tribal gaming to the next level.” $
100 hotel room expansion at Twin Arrows
(photo by Navajo Gaming)
Elvis Sweet pours drinks at the Zenith Bar
(photo by Ryan Williams)
GAMING NEWS
28 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
On February 25, 2015, a slot player at Pechanga Resort
& Casino in Temecula, California scared up a million
dollar jackpot Tuesday on The Walking Dead Slot
Game. Rocio H. from Chino Hills, California won
$1,053,775.64 just before 2pm, but without any blood-
curdling screams!
She was visiting the casino with her parents. A fan of the TV show, Rocio chose to
play the penny slot, but at first did not play with max bet. A few spins before the
jackpot hit, she decided to risk a bit more. She watched the zombie symbols line up
across the screen and realized she hit the progressive, million-dollar jackpot. She
had only been playing the machine for 10 minutes before she scored the frighten-
ingly awesome windfall.
“We are thrilled to have the wide area progressive hit here at Pechanga Resort &
Casino and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer lady,” said Buddy Frank, Vice
President of Slot Operations. “The Walking Dead slots have been some of the most popu-
lar we’ve seen here and this million-dollar jackpot will create even more zombie
buzz for the game!”
“The response to our Walk ing Dead Slot Game has been tremendous,” said Dallas
Orchard, Vice President of Gaming Operations for Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
“The game gives people some edge-of-your-seat thrills just like the show itself. The
winner at Pechanga certainly had that feeling and we are very excited for her!”
The game’s tagline, “it pays to play dead,” came true for Rocio. Released in 2014,
the Pechanga Resort & Casino jackpot is the first $1 million payout for the popular
slot machine which won "Casino Product of the Year" at last year’s Global Gaming
Awards. The last million-dollar jackpot won at Pechanga Resort & Casino was on
Thanksgiving Day in November 2014. For more information, visit Pechanga.com.
The Walking Dead Slot Game is based on AMC’s hit TV series. AMC’s leading brand
combined with Aristocrat’s superior math and the experience of Aristocrat’s sur-
round sound iChair is attracting a horde of new players in a game that challenges
players to win the fight for survival. This engrossing,
dynamic game is housed in the VERVEhd cabinet and is
packed with clips from the show, features, and an abun-
dance of bonus opportunities.
Bonus features include “Reel Growth,” where reels 2, 3,
4 and 5 will randomly grow to a height of 5, 6 or 7 high;
“Wild Attack,” where random positions in Reel Growth
are replaced with Wild; “The Horde,” where the horde
reveals a winning combination on the reels in Reel
Growth. In “Atlanta Wheel Bonus,” players win credits,
jackpots, CDC Wheel or Escape from Atlanta Free
Games. In “CDC Wheel,” players win credits, multiple
prizes with the Grenade or trigger Walker Bonus spins
with a multiplier. Players win free games in “Escape
From Atlanta Free Games,” and there is a Grand Jackpot
that starts at $500,000! The Walk ing Dead Slot Game has
a 75 credit minimum bet, and a 300 credit max bet. $
Zombie Fan Plays Dead And Wins Big!
Scientific Games Pay Big
Recently, Scientific Games Corporation announced that a very
lucky player at The M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas won a
$890,863.27 jackpot on a WMS Monopoly Luxury Diamonds
slot machine on February 15, 2014. This jackpot marks the
significant milestone of more than $200 million dollars won
on WMS machines since its first wide-area progressive (WAP)
installation in 2004.
It was a winning week with three more lucky players winning
big on WMS machines at three casinos: Cher-Ae Heights Casi-
no in Trinidad, California, Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson,
Arizona, and FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michi-
gan. That makes four six-figure jackpots won in 48 hours! To-
gether the four jackpots total over $1.6 million won on WMS
games in a week, and the grand total of jackpots awarded by
WMS since 2004 grew to over $200 million with 330 jackpots.
Dean Ehrlich, Senior Vice President of Global Gaming Opera-
tions, said: “It is thrilling to be a part of so many jackpot wins
in such a short period of time. Congratulations to all of the
winners! We are also very proud to have reached the momen-
tous landmark of $200 million in jackpot awards and greatly
look forward to continuing to add to that number.”
The first jackpot on a WMS wide-area progressive was on
October 16, 2004, at the Oneida Casino in Green Bay, Wiscon-
sin. The casino patron won $221,503.71 on a WMS Monopoly
Sevens game. $
One pull of the handle was all it took for one lucky Mazatzal
player to take home $433,476.63 on Sunday March 15, 2015.
The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, "just a feel-
ing" he said, "but we have been coming to Mazatzal every
week and just love it here. Everyone is fantastic, the casino is
great and you guys have the best slots around." Playing his
favorite one dollar IGT Wheel of Fortune machine alongside
his wife, the Arizona resident watched as all three reels lined
up for the perfect combo of three Wheel of Fortune logos
which paid off the Statewide progressive jackpot.
This is the third large progressive jackpot won at the Mazatzal
Hotel & Casino. In 2012, Mazatzal had two winners with each
win over $1,000,000. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino is located in
Payson, Arizona and is proudly owned and operated by the
Tonto Apache Tribe.
The winning machine, Wheel of Fortune Triple Cash , is a 3-
reel, single pay line, wide-area-progressive game. Whenever a
Triple Cash symbol lands on the pay line, that symbol acts as a 3X
multiplier. This applies to the appearance of more than one
Triple Cash symbol on a pay line as well. A high feature-frequency
wheel bonus awards players with credit wins and an exciting
wheel spin. When 3 Wheel 7s appear on the reels, the reels
light up and cycle to award a specific Winning Colors award
based off of the ending color arrangement. Players are then
awarded a traditional wheel spin. $
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
$433,476.63 Won At Mazatzal In Payson
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 31
GAMING NEWS
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has
announced the promotion of
Stacy Walker to casino opera-
tions manager. Walker, previous-
ly the assistant casino operations
manager, will now manage the
day-to-day table games opera-
tions, including compliance and
regulatory requirements, as well
as coordinate with various de-
partments in ensuring a positive
guest experience.
“Stacy’s vast experience in the
gaming industry continues to
prove to be of great significance in our ability to provide ex-
ceptional customer service,” said Mike Kintner, director of
marketing and operations at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. “He
has exceptional leadership abilities which then allows for each
guest to receive a one-of-a-kind experience.” Walker received
his Bachelor of Science degree in radio, television and film
from University of Southern Mississippi. He also earned his
Master of Business Administration degree from Ottawa Uni-
versity. He lives in Maricopa with his wife, Penny.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin & Ak-Chin Indian Community Announcements
The Ak-Chin Indian Community is
pleased to announce Phoenix resi-
dent Keith Franklin as its information
systems director. In his role, Franklin
is responsible for the overall strategic
plan and budget for the information
systems (IS) department. In addition
he will be responsible for implemen-
tation and prioritizing technological
improvements to meet the Ak-Chin
Indian Community’s mission and
goals. Franklin brings nearly two
decades of experience including de-
signing, developing and administer-
ing IS networks. “Keith has extensive
experience leading an IS department and we see his skills as a
tremendous asset to our Community,” said Ak-Chin Tribal
Chairman Louis J. Manuel, Jr. “We are looking forward to the
outstanding work that he will do for our Community.” Frank-
lin received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pepperdine Uni-
versity in Malibu, California. He has experience as an IT pro-
ject manager, in developing tribal networks from the ground
up, and is knowledgeable in Cisco networks, storage, Mi-
crosoft and VMware environments. $
Stacy Walker
Casino Operations Manager
Keith Franklin
I. S. Director
32 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
After years of patiently waiting, West Valley residents passing
by 95th and Northern Avenues can get a glimpse of the major
project taking form at the site of the Tohono O’odham Na-
tion’s West Valley Resort. With the arrival of its multi-million
dollar steel order, work on the site has gone vertical as hun-
dreds of workers are raising the framework for the casino-
resort’s first permanent structure. The interim gaming facility
is scheduled to open during the fourth quarter of 2015.
The Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (TOGE) has re-
tained 40 separate companies thus far for construction and
continues its commitment to hiring locally. 85% of these com-
panies have offices in the Phoenix metro area, including the
joint venture of Hunt Construction and Penta Building Group
who are leading the team. More than 1,300 workers have been
contracted to work on the project so far.
TOGE is committed to developing a first-class casino and re-
sort and has already invested millions into the design and
development of the project. In addition to the steel work that
has been done, a multimillion dollar grading effort has been
completed and concrete efforts are underway. Construction of
the first phase facility and related infrastructure upgrades for
the site will exceed $200 million in 2015, a major boost to the
West Valley economy.
Once completed, more than 500 new, permanent jobs will be
created in the community to operate the facility. It will feature
1,089 slots, food court, bar, and rewards center, and will in-
clude a 1,100 space surface parking lot. While this facility is
operating, construction of the $400 million project will contin-
ue, including the permanent gaming facility and all of the
resort amenities that go with it.
Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise CEO Andy Asselin said,
“It is great to see dozens of companies and more than 1,300
construction workers coming together to get this fantastic new
attraction up and running. I appreciate their hard work in
keeping us on schedule to open in 2015 so we can bring new
economic and entertainment opportunities to the West Val-
ley.” For more information visit WestValleyResort.com $
West Valley Resort Update
GAMING NEWS
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 33
often get asked what makes Tropicana
Laughlin different from the other casi-
nos in Laughlin. I would say it is not
one thing, but several. It all starts when you
are first coming into town, especially at
night. You can’t miss the Tropicana at night
because it is the towering green gem right
in the middle of Laughlin.
When you get to the property it has ample
self-parking with easy access for RVs and
boats, of course you could always just valet
your car. Inside the Tropicana the ceilings
are high with more than adequate ventila-
tion so smoke is never a problem.
Tropicana Laughlin is one of the largest
casinos in Laughlin with almost 1,000 gam-
ing machines. We maintain a mix of older
favorite styles like IGT’s classic reel Red,
White & Blue, as well as brand new ones like
IGT’s Ellen DeGeneres Show , Bally’s Won-
der Woman, and GTECH’s Sphinx, along
with a large selection of video poker and
keno machines. Also, bingo players can pull
up a comfortable seat in our new state-of-
the-art bingo hall.
Once you get checked in you will head up
to one of over 1,400 refreshed rooms. Over the past several
years, Tropicana Laughlin has invested in resort upgrades from
hotel rooms to restaurants. During 2015 a number of floors, ele-
vators, and public spaces are being refreshed and refurbished.
Tropicana Laughlin has six main restaurants… you cannot beat
the variety and quality. Carnegie’s focuses on American classics
featuring a new steak burger menu. Passaggio Italian Garden
serves up fresh pizza and pasta dishes made to order. Taqueria
Del Rio is quick-order Mexican food, where you can grab great
tacos, burritos, tortas, or even a Margarita, for dine in or take
out.
Still can’t decide what you want? Taste a little bit of everything
at the Roundhouse Buffet offering American comfort food,
Asian, Italian, and Mexican cuisine, and a great salad bar. Be
sure to visit on the weekends for the best
seafood dinner buffet in town.
Don’t have time for a sit down meal or just
need a cup of coffee before you head out?
You are in luck as the Poolside Café has
you covered offering freshly baked bagels
and breads, hot and iced coffee, frozen yo-
gurt, overstuffed sandwiches, smoothie,
and desserts. For that special event you
have to try the Steakhouse, where you will
find aged-to-perfection steaks, a great selec-
tion of wine, decadent desserts, and a salad
cart that is the rave of the tri-state area.
Once you are refreshed and have had a bite
to eat, it’s time to burn off some energy. Let
me recommend our nightly entertainment
in the Lounge featuring a wide range of
musical genres as we cycle from bands with
a classic flair, to country, to quirky and off
beat; but no matter who is playing, it will be
a high-energy show that will make you
want to get up on the dance floor.
In the end, the truth is I can’t possibly list
all the many reasons that make us different.
In 2015 we will continue to refresh and re-
brand the resort, making the Tropicana
Laughlin a place you will just need to experience yourself. For
more information about the casino, visit TropLaughlin.com. $
I
By Joe Hagan
Director of Marketing, Tropicana Laughlin
Do you have a question for a Marketing Director? Have you
ever wondered how the play on your player’s club card trans-
lates into offers? Do you want to find out how it really works?
We know you do and here is your chance to find out!
Send your question in an email with “Ask Joe” in the subject to our
address at [email protected] and if Joe selects your question
to be answered in an upcoming issue, you’ll get a $25 gift card! (If
you prefer to send a letter, you may mail it to the following address.
“Ask Joe” Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277)
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
TROPICANA LAUGHLIN What Makes This Casino Different & Why You Should Visit
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,
high limit slots area, blackjack, table
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,
high limit slots area, blackjack, table
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
troplaughlin.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!
Laughlin River Lodge
800.835.7904
laughlinriverlodge.com
1,000+ guest rooms and suites, over
30,000 square feet of the hottest
Vegas-style gaming, four restau-
rants, fast food options, & more!
Slots Hold % Tables Hold %
Loose Megabucks 4.14 Craps 13.88
$5 4.52 Blackjack / 21 14.35
$1 4.53 Roulette 21.46
25¢ 5.23 Pai Gow Poker 24.96
Multi-Denom 5.41 Other Table Games 27.24
5¢ 6.09 Let It Ride 27.60
$25 8.44 Three Card Poker 33.19
Tight 1¢ 10.52
Other Hold %
Loose Sports Pools 11.64 Win Amount Dollars
Bingo 21.34 Slots 35.2 mil.
Race Books 17.79 Tables 3.2 mil.
Tight Live Keno 24.85 Other 0.9 mil.
Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics January 2015
34 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 35
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
Laughlin River Run
From April 22 through April 26, 2015, Laughlin will celebrate
the 33rd year of Laughlin River Run. The exciting annual event
has more than 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts roar into town for
the festivities. This is the largest motorcycle-oriented event on
the West Coast. Activities will include stunt shows; motorcycle
exhibits; custom bike shows; all types of clothing, leather and
motorcycle vendors; the annual Miss Laughlin River Run con-
test and the always-popular "River Run" to Oatman, Arizona,
on historic Route 66. Several Laughlin hotels will feature top-
name entertainment and specialty acts during this sensational
event. Official event passes are available for purchase and they
are just $25 per person. The event pass includes an official 2015
souvenir t-shirt, and official 2015 River Run ride pin, admission
to the official poker run, and either contestant entry to the cus-
tom bike show or the Ms. Laughlin River Run contest. Event
registration takes place at the Riverside Resort Star View Room
daily. Exhibit hours at the Riverside, the Edgewater, The Colo-
rado Belle, and the Golden Nugget are from 10am to 10pm on
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Noon to 8pm on Wed.). Con-
certs include Slaughter at the Riverside on Thursday, Friday,
and Saturday at 9pm, ZZ Top at Harrah’s on Friday at 8pm,
Foghat at the Edgewater on Friday at 8pm, and Burton Cum-
mings (former lead singer for The Guess Who) at the Edgewater
on Saturday at 8pm.
Plus, the Tropicana Laughlin will give away a 2015 Harley-
Davidson® Switchback motorcycle on Saturday at 11pm. Make
sure to visit their player’s club for all the details as you can play
to win drawing entries on the days leading up to the drawing!
And, the Tropicana Laughlin is the place to check out all the
Harley-Davidson® demo rides and their 2015 motorcycle exhib-
it. In addition, the Tropicana Laughlin will host the American
Heroes Charity Poker Run benefitting tri-state veterans. Regis-
tration takes place on Friday morning from 8:30 to 10am with
the run starting at 10am. Riders pay $15 and passengers are $10.
Contact your favorite Laughlin hotel for event room packages.
For more information, visit LaughlinRiverRun.com. $
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO NIGHTLIFE
t’s going to be an exciting summer for fans of Electronic
Dance Music (EDM). Scottsdale’s Talking Stick Resort has
entered into a contract with Relentless Beats, a ground-
breaking enterprise that’s booked and promoted EDM acts
throughout the Valley for nearly two decades.
By teaming up with Relentless Beats, the resort will be able to
bring the hottest names in EDM to the resort’s venues. “We’re
really excited about expanding our entertainment offerings,”
said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Casino
Arizona and Talking Stick Resort.
The names of the EDM acts coming to the resort will be released
soon. “We are very excited to start bringing world class DJs to
Talking Stick Resort this May,” said Ryan Auhl of Relentless
Beats. “We look forward to making it one of Arizona's premier
EDM destinations.” In a statement from their website, Relent-
less Beats said: “At Relentless Beats we decided to forever re-
main true to the electronic dance musical roots that we heard
first hand. The Relentless ones… The ones burnt into your
memory that makes you physically travel to hear them time and
time again. It’s these ongoing hummable tunes and the artists
that produced them who at the same time made way to our
countryside made us flourish over the last decade.”
“From inception, we decided to steer away from the radio, keep
it all about the evolution of dance music and remain true to the
underground. Since then, the underground we were raised with
has unabashedly become above ground and we have no choice
but to grow with it, like everything else in our natural world
that begins below the surface. We are proud to have our audi-
ence as a branch in this growth moving forward.”
“We have slowly become the number one supplier of the best of
the best of our musical taste and EDM in the state of Arizona
with shows growing by the day and at the same time the con-
stant heartfelt appreciation of our fans that respect the afore-
mentioned history, and much more, the unlimited future of
dance music to come. We are Relentless Beats.”
In addition to Electronic Dance Music shows, the resort will
host a variety of musical performers this summer. Pool cabanas
and daybeds are available for purchase on a first come, first
served basis and can be reserved in advance. For the latest list of
acts scheduled to perform visit TalkingStickResort.com. $
I
TSR & RELENTLESS BEATS EDM Acts Will Play To Thousands At The Resort’s Pool Stage
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Listings
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438
Contact the casino for the latest entertainment information
BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360
Dig Lounge:
Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm
Events:
Tutankhamun—Now through Apr. 12
Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777
The Showroom:
House Of Pink Floyd (Pink Floyd Tribute)—Apr. 10-11
Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute)—Apr. 24-25
The Arizona Room:
Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wed. & Thu. at 6pm
Daisy Train (Country)—Wednesdays 8pm
The Tommy Ash Band (Country, Rock, Americana)—Thursdays 8pm
Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506
Paradiso Bar & Lounge:
Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends
Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568
Stargazer Pavillion:
The Band Perry—Apr. 25
Dragonfly Lounge:
Featuring a variety of live bands & DJs on weekends
Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687
Events:
Karaoke with Bling Bling/DJ Sosa—Th & Fr at 8pm
Los Cadetes De Linares—May 9
Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467
Monsoon Nightclub:
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:
Lupita D’Alessio—Apr. 4
Peking Acrobats—Apr. 25
Michael McDonald—Apr. 30
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: The Walkens—3rd, AzTex—4th, Travis Ledoyt (Elvis
Tribute)—10th & 11th, Stan & Miguel Trio—17th, Quantum—17th,
The Lovin’ Spoonful—18th, Smooth Groove—24th, Bostyx (Boston &
STYX Tribute)—25th Wild Wednesdays The XO Band—8th, Thadde-
us Rose Band—15th, Bandstand Shows—25th, Silhouette—29th Sun-
days In The Lounge Every Sunday from 4-8pm enjoy live music in
the Lounge from the Stan & Miguel Trio The Lounge Happy Hour
Starting April 1st Mondays through Thursdays from 5-8pm. Laura
Walsh—Mondays, Jay Allan—Tuesdays, Stan & Miguel—
Wednesdays, and He Said She Said—Thursdays.
Poker Run—Harrah’s 5k—April 18 at 9am
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is hosting the first-ever 5k Poker Run! The
race will be timed. Medals will be awarded for top 3 male and top 3
female finishers, and it all goes down at the Pool Party from 9:30am to
2pm! A portion of proceeds will go to The United Way of Pinal Coun-
ty.
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
Sir Paul McCartney Tribute Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita
June 6, 2015
Live and Let Die – A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Paul
McCartney takes the Diamond Center stage Saturday, June 6,
2015. Reserved tickets start at $15 and are on sale now through
Star Tickets and at the casino Rewards Center, (10% discount
to members). The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at
8pm. Actor, singer, and recording artist, Tony Kishman is the
creator and band leader of Live and Let Die. The Tucson, Ari-
zona native starred for six years in both the national and inter-
national tours of Broadway’s smash hit, Beatlemania. Tony,
with his long time band mate Jim Owen, performed in the
international symphonic Beatles tribute, Classical Mystery
Tour. He has been performing his award-winning tribute to
the most successful band of all time around the globe for over
a decade, bringing the Beatles to a new generation. Treena
Parvello, Director of Public Relations and Communications for
the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said “It’s a real treat
to bring Tucson’s own Tony Kishman and his award-winning
tribute to Sir Paul McCartney to the Diamond Center! Don’t
miss your chance to celebrate the songs of this musical icon!”
Editor’s Pick CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 39
Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452
Cascades Lounge:
Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment throughout the
week featuring the Valley's best local bands & DJs
Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529
Apache Spirits Lounge:
Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.
Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946
Sharky’s Bar & Bites:
Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends
Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426
Sidewinders Bar & Grill:
Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends
Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777
The Showroom & Grand Ballroom:
Doyle Bramhall II—Apr. 3
Leon Russell—Apr. 4
Al DiMeola & Billy Cobham—Apr. 22
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers—Apr. 24
ZZ Top—Apr. 26
Gregg Allman—May 2
Thunder From Down Under—May 7—9
Moody Blues—May 8
REO Speedwagon—May 17
Chris Young and Thompson Square—May 29
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946
Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends
Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452
VQ Live:
Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends
Event Center:
Richard Villa featuring Keith Ellis (Comedy)—Apr. 10
Sheila E.—Apr. 17
Diamond In The Rough (Neil Diamond Tribute)—Apr. 25
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:
Morris Day & The Time—Apr. 11
DSB: An American Journey (Journey Tribute)—Apr. 17
Michael Salgado & Albert Zamora—Apr. 18
Turn The Page (Bob Seeger Tribute)—Apr. 19
Kenny Rogers—Apr. 25
Michael McDonald—May 2
Eddie Money—May 15
Starship: Featuring Mickey Thomas—May 22
Talking Stick Resort Presents:
ZZ Top April 26, 2015
Talking Stick Resort is proud to announce legendary Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame trio ZZ Top will perform live at the
pool on April 26. Since embarking on the music scene in
1969, the group has sold 50 million records, released 13 mul-
ti-platinum albums and performed for thousands of sold-
out crowds. Fans will be in awe the moment the band steps
on the pool stage and performs their repertoire of hits in-
cluding Sharp Dressed Man, Viva Las Vegas and Legs.
While signed to London Records, ZZ Top released a debut
album titled, ZZ Top’s First Album, in 1971. The American
rock band would go on to cultivate a distinctive sound of
their own, infusing new wave, punk, rock, blues and the
inclusion of a synthesizer.
The band has reached tremendous heights during their 40-
plus year career including 11 gold records, 6 number one
hits on the Mainstream Rock chart and an induction into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Join the party at the
pool and see the trio perform firsthand!
Tickets are on sale now. Please call 480.850.7777 or visit
TalkingStickResort.com for more information. $ 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.
40 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 03/01/15 & 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 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 100 No Yes No
BlueWater Mo-We 6:30pm. Su at 1:30pm. 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 Yes 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 11:30pm.
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: 10, Noon, 3:45, 5:30pm.
Daily: Noon & 6:30pm. 750 Yes Yes B.A.D. Bingo Fr & Sa at 11:30pm.
Mazatzal Mo-Th at Noon.
Tu & Th at 6:30pm. 280 Yes Yes No
Paradise Tu-Su at 1:30pm
Mo-Fr at 6pm. 300 Yes Yes
Call for Kozmic Bingo
& Other Special Dates
Twin Arrows Th-Su at 7pm & Su at 3pm. 100 No Yes No
Vee Quiva Daily at Noon & 6:30pm. 366 Yes Yes Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.
CASINO BINGO
ingo is the game that started it all for Desert Diamond
Casinos well over 30 years ago and their bingo now is
better than ever with new games and exciting levels to
buy into.
Right now at Desert Diamond’s bingo hall, there have never
been more ways to win! Players can take home up to $30,000 on
their VIPickems do-it-yourself games where players choose
their own numbers. Or, guests can take part in the multitude of
progressive jackpots available at the hall. With state-of-the-art
bingo technology, 300 seats offering both smoking and non-
smoking sections, and free beverages, players are ready to walk
in to pure excitement and walk out pure winners. For more in-
formation, please visit DDCAZ.com.
DESERT DIAMOND BINGO HALL There’s Something For Everyone All Week Long
Bingo Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Monday
Session Hours: Eye Opener at 1:30pm, Matinee at 2pm, Early
Bird at 6pm, Warm-up at 6:30pm, Evening at 7pm
Matinee Buy-ins: Level 1: $4 with a payout of $150, Level 2: $8
with a payout of $300
Evening Buy-ins: Level 1: $4 with a payout of $250, Level 2: $7
with a payout of $500, Level 3: $14 with a payout of $1000
Progressive Jackpots: Matinee Jubilee starts at $100 grows
until won, Matinee G-ball grows $100 per session until won,
Matinee Bonanza grows $100 per session until $5,000, Pick 8
grows $100 until $15,000, Super Multi-win Coverall in 48#’s or
less wins $50,000. Plus, the Evening sessions have even more
progressives! MaxPaks Bingo and Planet Bingo Hand devices
are available. For progressive information, call 520.342.1840. $
B
By Mark Novak
Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?
Write me at: [email protected]
4. You have to practice, practice, practice. You have to get to a
level of play where, without any four-of-a-kinds or Royals, you
are scoring around 1,100 or 1,200 points per 10 minute session.
5. Wear ear plugs or headphones. That way other people don’t
bother you. Don’t let their behavior and comments suck you in.
Don’t look at their screen. It doesn't matter what hands they get
or how they play them. Your hands matter!
6. Use a mantra. While you are playing, remain focused. I sit
there and tell myself, after 5 minutes I need to be at 600 points
(halfway through, I need half of the points I want, i.e. 1,200).
Then I continue to say at 7 minutes and 30 seconds I need a
score of 900 points since we’ll be three quarters of the way there.
Above all, accept the fact that people sign up for a video poker
tournament thinking it’s a slot tournament or they'll get lucky
somehow and win something. Remember, you can win too! $
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
hat would you do if your video poker tournament
went awry? Do you complain to management? Do
you pick strategies to improve your game, focus on
what you can control and forget about what you can’t control? I
think we should pick the latter. Up your game and focus on
what you can control is definitely the right answer
Dear Sami,
Last week I was at [a casino] playing in [a video poker tournament]
and I was really upset by the actions of most of the rest of the players.
They were talking, looking at my screen and making comments, basi-
cally making it obvious they didn’t know anything about video poker. I
had to ask, why are they even here? Also, I don’t seem to have any luck
in these tournaments. Any advice you could give me would be much
appreciated.
-Doris Flynn from Tucson, Arizona
Doris, I understand your frustration, especially since your com-
ments seem to indicate you were distracted by other players
and that probably affected your overall score and chance of
placing high enough to take home some prize money or win
more money than you did. But don’t worry! I’m going to pre-
sent you with a few tips so you’ll be more successful next time. I
mean, let’s face it, during a video poker tournament, I am al-
ways amazed by the number of people who show up inebriated
(at 10am already) and proceed to help themselves to more alco-
hol during the tournament session! The distractions will not go
away, but I’ll prepare you for a more successful tournament
with the following advice.
1. Speed is key. You must practice your speed. The more
hands you can get in, the better your chances at having more
winning hands. Practice using one hand to select cards and the
other to hit the deal/draw button. Focus on not having to move
your hand very far. You’ll save time that way while selecting
cards. My hubby can play video poker without moving his
hands left or right!
2. Be comfortable. Don’t bring a drink. Put your purse away.
Set yourself up in front of the machine. Get to that Zen place.
Meditate, whatever, just be comfortable.
3. Be positive. Tell yourself you’ll have a great score and a
great tournament. Nothing kills a session like negativity.
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
W
TOUGH VIDEO POKER TOURNAMENT A Reader Rants About One Of Their Recent Experiences
By Sami Becker
FUN FACTS
hen I first came across a recent report by the Ameri-
can Gaming Association, I couldn't believe some of
the numbers they were listing about the casino
gaming industry.
Reading that there are 734,000 people directly employed by casi-
nos in the United States is a pretty astounding fact. Plus, you
also have to consider the additional million people that work for
companies providing direct support to the casinos.
With around 470 commercial casinos and about the same num-
ber of tribal casinos, you can just imagine how the economics of
the casino gaming industry begin to add up! While not every-
one understands the importance of gaming, the American Gam-
ing Association is trying to get their “Get To Know Gaming”
message out there. For more info visit GetToKnowGaming.org $
azgamingguide.com | April 2015 | Arizona Gaming Guide 43
THE CASINO GAMING INDUSTRY Bet You Didn’t Know This About Commercial & Tribal Casinos
W
By Mark Novak
$240 Billion That represents the total economic impact of casino gaming.
1.7 Million That represents the number of total jobs supported by gaming.
$74 Billion That is the employee income of the 1.7 million gaming jobs.
64,000 More Jobs That is the projection of additional jobs in gaming in 10 years.
Over 200 Unique Careers Casino gaming has more than 200 distinct career opportunities.
44 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
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)
9
3 8
9 6 7
6 3
5 1
1 6
4
8
5 4
2
5
4
3
9
2 5
4
9
8
1
WORD SEARCH
In honor of Zucchini Bread Day on April 23 or 25th, find:
ZUCCHINI, BREAD, LOAVES, FLOUR, SALT, BAKING SODA,
BAKING POWDER, CINNAMON, EGGS, OIL, SUGAR, VANILLA,
WALNUTS, GREASE, PREHEAT, OVEN, SIFT, BEAT, STIR, BAKE.
Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
A C Y R I V K B G Q D T A D E
A I C D W E U L F W B N O A R
D N N S T U N A W D A E R B L
O I F D O B R O N A R P D Z Q
S H S N M A K O Z E G R A O V
G C Q A E U A M B D F Q E I T
N C W E L V L A A N W T Y F H
I U S B S T G I N J C E O O N
K Z I E P A P C L E F A Z N O
A F F A S I E T L L N T B E G
B V T T C U J O T W A N H N R
R I T S F I G E T I Q T A G F
S G G E K V V A F C B P W V A
D X E A U F R Z E P G V K Z E
Z O B N T Y X I Y J O D A S K
FUN & GAMES
CASINO DIRECTORY
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2015 | azgamingguide.com
City Phone Slots Hig
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Are
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go
Casino Liv
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Tab
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Po
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Ho
tel
Sm
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Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 03/01/15 & 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
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Arc
ade
01. Apache Gold Casino Resort Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe Globe 800-272-2438 598 Y Y Y Y Y Y
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino 11300 Resort Drive Parker 888-243-3360 526 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
03. Bucky’s Casino 1500 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 320 Y Y Y Y
04. Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Scottsdale 480-850-7777 904 Y Y Y Y
05. Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 855-765-7829 1,073 Y Y Y Y Y Y
06. Casino of the Sun 7406 S. Camino De Oeste Tucson 855-765-7829 293
07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel I-17, Exit 289 Camp Verde 800-381-7568 628 Y Y Y Y Y
08. Cocopah Resort Casino 15318 S. Ave. B Somerton 800-237-5687 509 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 Y
10. Desert Diamond Casino II I-19, Exit 80 Tucson 866-332-9467 673 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 894 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 829 Y Y Y Y
15. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler 800-946-4452 786 Y Y Y
16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson 800-777-7529 417 Y Y Y Y Y Y
17. Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Dr. Yuma 888-777-4946 476 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 759 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino I-40, Exit 219 Flagstaff 855-946-8946 1,085 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
22. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800-946-4452 950 Y 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 243 Y
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Sudoku Solution
6 4 5
1 7 9
8 3 2
1 3 8
4 2 5
9 6 7
9 7 2
6 8 3
4 5 1
7 1 6
4 9 3
5 2 8
5 4 3
8 1 2
7 9 6
8 2 9
7 6 5
1 3 4
3 8 1
9 6 7
2 5 4
2 7 4
3 5 1
6 8 9
5 9 6
2 4 8
3 1 7
Word Search Solution
K A B E
A I U O L F R
D N S T U N A W D A E R B L
O I N R P
S H S N O E R O V
G C A E A M D E I
N C E L V L A N W H
I U S B S T O I E O N
K Z I E A P L A N
A F A S I L L T E G
B T T C U O A N R
R I T S I G A G
S G G E K V A
A R E
B S