Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
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! JACKPOT BEFORE JANUARY? “MONEY WON IS TWICE AS SWEET AS MONEY EARNED!” IGT SPECIALITY VIDEO POKER Here’s a handy chart that lets you know which AZ casinos have your favorite IGT video poker games. COMFORT FOOD WITH A TWIST AT DIAMOND CAFÉ Americano comfort food with an urban flair is what you’ll find at this new gem at Desert Diamond. HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CELEBRATES 20 YEARS Join in the festivities this month as Harrah’s Ak-Chin celebrates their 20th Anniversary.
Citation preview
JACKPOT BEFORE JANUARY?
“MONEY WON IS TWICE AS
SWEET AS MONEY EARNED!”
04 EDITOR’S NOTE
06 PLAYERS TALK
08 GREAT GAMES
18 WINNING WAYS
21 CASINO DINING
24 FEATURE STORY
26 TRIBAL NEWS
29 GAMING NEWS
32 ARIZONA LOTTERY
34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
35 TRAVEL
36 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
38 CASINO NIGHTLIFE
40 CASINO BINGO
42 FUN & GAMES
44 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
46 CASINO DIRECTORY
DEPARTMENTS
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 03
IGT SPECIALITY VIDEO
POKER
Here’s a handy chart that lets you
know which AZ casinos have your
favorite IGT video poker games.
HARRAH’S AK-CHIN
CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Join in the festivities this month as
Harrah’s Ak-Chin celebrates their
20th Anniversary.
COMFORT FOOD WITH A
TWIST AT DIAMOND CAFÉ
Americano comfort food with an
urban flair is what you’ll find at this
new gem at Desert Diamond.
Jackpot before January?
As Paul Newman said in the movie The Color of Money , “Money won is twice as
sweet as money earned!” We love to hear jackpot stories about deserving people
winning life-changing amounts. This month’s feature story looks at some of the
progressive slots available for play at casinos across Arizona, as well as some re-
cent lucky winners.
This issue also has a sneak peek on exciting new slots by WMS, Bally, IGT, and
Ainsworth, a popular slot manufacturer whose games have just made their debut
in Arizona. Plus, gaming industry veteran Al Moe gives us the inside scoop on a
new version of Three Card Poker. Staff writer Lee Allen provides us with a synop-
sis of the events at the recent AIGA tradeshow. And, Mike Kintner, Director of
Marketing & Operations at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, tells us about the 20th Anniversary
celebrations at the popular valley casino this month.
Please visit us at: facebook .com/ArizonaGamingGuide , become part of our com-
munity and share your thoughts and experiences with others who also love the
same casino games you do. You can sign up for our e-newsletter and find current
and back issues of AZ Gaming Guide on our website at azgamingguide.com . Let
me know what you think of this issue and have fun!
Cheers!
Alexandra Lang
Editor-in-Chief
Alexandra
VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 12
PUBLISHER
Chris Höft
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Torma
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alexandra Lang
ART DIRECTOR
Melanie Mueller
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Al Moe
Lee Allen
Ramses Ja
Mike Kintner
Cindy Esquer
Amanda Riddle
Samantha Becker
Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
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 © 2014 The Arizona Gaming Guide.
All rights reserved.
The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and
gaming related facts as well as personal opinions and expects the
reader to make his or her own decisions. All responses to reader
posts, e-mails and letters are to be considered as advice only. AGG
accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of our
readers based on the articles and advertisements presented within
this publication. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks and trade
names, etc. are the sole property of their respective owners.
You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly.
Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming
Arizona’s State Gaming Regulatory Agency:
Arizona Department of Gaming
1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007
1.602.771.4263 or azgaming.gov
Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource:
Office of Problem Gambling
1.800.NEXT.STEP or 1.800.639.8783
1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007
1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov
04 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
“Like” us on Facebook because
we “Like” you too!
www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
PLAYERS TALK
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Q: Hi Alexandra. I just wanted to give you an idea for
an article. I pick up your magazine every month and I
don’t believe I’ve ever seen you write about the gift
shops at the casinos. To be completely honest, I’m usu-
ally too busy gambling to see what else is out there be-
yond the casino floor. Yesterday evening I was out of
money (unfortunately) and waiting for some friends to
finish before heading home, so I decided to take a walk
around. I had never stepped foot into the gift shop at
Harrah’s Ak-Chin before (or at any other casino for that
matter) and I was shocked and delighted about some of
the great deals I came across! I’m putting together a list
and will be going back to purchase some holiday gifts
for my friends and family. Just thought it might be
worth mentioning since the holidays are upon us. Keep
up the good job with the magazine. I love your Players
Talk and your Great Games sections.
Sarah N.—Phoenix, AZ
Sarah, thank you for your kind words about our magazine and
your words of advice to our readers! Admittedly, we don’t find
ourselves in the casino gift shops very often either because we
(like you) are too busy playing … and eating! After reading
your e-mail, we decided to take a look for ourselves at these hid-
den gems. What we found was a potpourri of items: Native
American objects, clothing, jewelry, books, picture frames, art-
work, purses and accessories, and so much more! All the prices
were very reasonable, but of course what caught our eye at eve-
ry gift shop we visited were the sales racks! Brand name leather
purses for 50-75% off, sports t-shirts and other clothing for as
low as $10, and even Blackjack and Video Poker cheat cards for
as little as 99 cents! There is definitely something for everyone
at these stores. With the holidays approaching, we do encourage
all our readers to peek into the gift shop during their next casi-
no trip. Since almost all establishments allow you to use the
points accumulated on your player’s card, and most even pro-
vide discounts to players, it’s the perfect place to shop for the
season.
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].
Holiday items at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Gift Shop
Sale items at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Gift Shop
In 2015, we plan on continuing to provide our readers with
editorial bursting out of your favorite sections including Play-
ers Talk, Great Games, Winning Ways, with plenty of givea-
ways and so much more thrown in for good measure. Watch for
some new sections as well as we continue to respond to reader
suggestions.
Judging from what we saw from all the different slot manufac-
turers at G2E in Las Vegas this year, we’ll all be pleased with
the selection of new slots coming to Arizona’s casinos. Plus, we
are certain the casinos around the state will be continuing to
keep a close eye on popular games and insisting their slot floor
offers what people want to play. Don’t forget you, the customer,
are an important part of that process. If you enjoy playing a
certain game, speak up! Tell an employee about the game or
another cool game you played elsewhere.
Plus, we have seen more and more of Multimedia Games’ Tour-
nEvent slots in many of Arizona’s casinos. We’ll be sure to let
you know when their National TournEvent of Champions slot
tournament begins so we’ll all have a shot at winning a $1 mil-
lion dollar prize in Las Vegas next year! Make sure to tell your
favorite casino they should participate in the TournEvent so we
can strongly represent Arizona in the 2015 slot tournament.
Thanks for all your compliments, your wonderful casino sto-
ries, your article ideas, and your advice. This magazine would
not be where it is today without the support from all our amaz-
ing fans! We enjoy reading each and every one of your corre-
spondences. Please keep the e-mails and letters coming! Warm
wishes to all of you for a safe and happy holiday season - the
Arizona Gaming Guide Team. $
PLAYERS TALK
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 07
Display at the Cliff Castle Gift Shop
GREAT GAMES Table Games
08 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | 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.
The bonus wager is optional and simple to make. Just add your
wager (from $5 to $25) to the little red light above the Pair Plus
wager spot. The top bonus payoff is for a Royal Flush in the suit
of spades. Players use their own three cards and the dealer’s
three cards to make their best five-card hand. If you do hit a
Royal Flush in spades (Ace-King-Queen-Jack-Ten of one suit)
you win whatever happens to be on the progressive meter,
which would be $25,000 or more at most casinos in the state.
Other payoffs include 25% of the progressive meter for a Royal
Flush in clubs, diamonds or hearts, and lesser payoffs for all top
hands from a straight flush to four-of-a-kind, as well as a full-
house, flush and straight. Happy hunting! $
f you’ve tried Three Card Poker, then you know how much
fun the game can be. You might also have noticed there are
new versions of the game hitting the market on a regular basis,
including Three Card Poker with a 6-Card Bonus.
How popular is Three Card Poker? Well, to start with, there are
38 casinos on the Las Vegas Strip with table games like craps,
roulette and blackjack. Of those, 33 also have Three Card Poker,
and there are more of those tables than Let it Ride, Pai Gow and
Pai Gow Poker combined! Arizona casinos don’t have roulette
or craps tables, so Three Card Poker is the second most popular
table game in the state.
The game moves at a leisurely pace compared to blackjack, and
while the odds aren’t as good for the player as craps, they are
better than roulette. Plus, the game offers some big payoffs, like
40 to 1 for a Straight Flush and even 50 to 1 for a Mini-Royal at
Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort casinos in Scottsdale.
That keeps it popular, but still, there have been a number of
“improvements” to the game over the years in the form of addi-
tional bonus payouts.
Progressive Three Card Poker
The first new bonus wager was a side-bet on that very same
Mini Royal. For a $1 wager, the player has the option to win a
progressive amount (usually a few thousand dollars) if they are
dealt a Mini Royal in Spades (Ace-King-Queen of spades). If
they manage a Mini Royal in another suit they still win $500,
and that’s certainly fun!
The Prime Wager
Another popular side-bet is the Prime wager, a simple bet that
the player’s cards would all be the same color. The payoff is 3 to
1, and should both the dealer and player’s cards all be the same
color the payoff is 4 to 1.
6-Card Bonus Progressive – Looking for a Royal
Most casinos in Arizona have Three Card Poker, and many also
have the new 6-Card Bonus Progressive game. Every casino in
the Phoenix Valley has the game, including Casino Arizona,
Fort McDowell, Lone Butte, Talking Stick Resort, Wild Horse
Pass and Vee Quiva. There must be a reason.
I
By Al Moe
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
GREAT GAMES New Slots
88 Fortunes Now Available At Mazatzal Casino
ally’s popular new slot game, 88 Fortunes, is available on the Duō Fú Duō Cái link that
connects with players drawn to the gorgeous Asian theme with many chances to test
their luck. The name of the link is pronounced "Do-a Foo Do-a Chai" and suggests “much
luck, much wealth” in English. True to the name, this low-denomination, 243-way game offers
the chance to win enticing progressive jackpots starting at $10,000 for the penny denomina-
tion.
The Fu Bat Jackpot Feature awards players one of four progressive levels. When a Fu Bat sym-
bol appears, the player may be awarded the Jackpot Feature. In the Jackpot Feature, players
pick from among 12 lucky coins until revealing three matching Baby symbols. Each Baby sym-
bol corresponds to one of four different jackpot levels: the mini jackpot, minor jackpot, major
jackpot, and grand jackpot! The top award is triggered when players select three Duō Fú Baby
symbols.
In 88 Fortunes, three or more scattered Gong symbols start the exciting Free Games feature,
which awards 10 free games that can be endlessly re-triggered. During the free games, the 9,
10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace symbols disappear and are replaced by the five major symbols
in the game, increasing the opportunity for massive wins! $
B
Fast-Hit Progressives
Triple Diamond
Now Available At Yavapai Casino
he new IGT Fast-Hit Progressives Triple Diamond
slot is the first quick-hit community game to team
players up against the house! The five progressives
engage players with large win potential while creat-
ing a community aspect like never before.
If four of the same color symbols line up, that spe-
cific progressive is awarded to one player. The first
two progressives are quick hit to increase progres-
sive excitement. One of the top three progressives is
randomly selected as the community progressive. If
one other person is eligible (playing max bet), he or
she will receive an additional progressive equal to
the one received by the person triggering the pro-
gressive! If two other people are eligible, each player
splits the additional progressive award.
The game also includes a Free Games Bonus and a
Mystery 7 symbol that appears randomly to award
Jackpots!
T
While visiting Yavapai Casino in Prescott, make sure to try one of these new games
just recently installed: Aristocrat’s Rolling Stones, Sunset King, 5 Frogs, Silver
Treasure, and Tiger Queen in addition to WMS’ Giant’s Gold, Neptune’s Quest,
Forbidden Dragons, and Fire Queen. Plus, with dozens of new games at Bucky’s
Casino, right across the street, you’ll want to try your luck there too!
New Slots GREAT GAMES
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 11
The Ellen DeGeneres Show Now Available At Talking Stick Resort
alking Stick Resort just unveiled IGT’s delightful duo of slot machines
inspired by the number one talk show on daytime television: The Ellen
DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party Video Slots and The Ellen De-
Generes Show Featuring 12 Days of Giveaways Video Slots. The casino celebrated
with a launch party held on November 21 where ten lucky guests walked
away with various prizes including Ellen DeGeneres show tickets, cash and
free play!
The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featuring Ellen’s Dance Party features a Free Spin
Bonus which, when triggered, transforms the game’s reels into a boogie-down
bonus round where music motivates fun and big wins are just a spin away.
When the Free Spin Bonus is triggered on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Featur-
ing 12 Days of Giveaways Video Slots, players spin reels full of holiday-
themed symbols and multipliers that increase with each spin, from 1x to 12x.
Also available on both games is the Know or Go Bonus where trusting contest-
ants stand upon a platform and are eliminated, one-by-one, based on player
selections as well as Ellen’s Wheel of Riches Bonus, offering lucky players the
chance at a windfall of wins – including one of two of the game’s progressive
jackpot awards. For more information, visit igt.com. $
T
14 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
GREAT GAMES New Slots
Thundering Herd Now Available At Desert Diamond Casinos In Tucson
esert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is bringing Multimedia’s new slot
Thundering Herd to Tucson (and to Arizona) for the first time! In addition to the
stacked symbols and mystery expanding reels, where over 100 additional paylines
are added to the game screen, once Free Spin bonus symbols land on reels 1, 3, and
5, players enter the Expanding Reel Free Spins, where they are awarded 10 free
spins and a credit prize of 2x total bet. When 2 Expand symbols land scattered on
reels 2 and 4 during this bonus, an additional spin is awarded, 25 more paylines
become available, and an additional row of symbols appear above the reels. Up to
200 paylines are possible in this supersized bonus! When Bonus symbols land
scattered on reels 3, 4, and 5, players enter the Arrowhead Bonus and are prompt-
ed to pick from a 5x6 array until they match 4-of-a-kind, with picks revealing ei-
ther one of four symbols, a wild card, or a prize bump. Uncovering the wild card
advances all symbols towards the 4-of-a-kind award, and the prize bump increases
all prize values! The anticipation heats up even more with Must-Hit Jackpots, where
players can watch their progressive jackpot meters roll up as each game play
brings them closer to the Must-Hit amount and their jackpot prize! While at Desert
Diamond, make sure to try their other new Multimedia product, Captain Nemo !
Information on both these games can be found at multimediagames.com. $
D
Ainsworth Games Now Available At Harrah’s Ak-Chin
insworth Game Technology is a leading-edge designer of gaming ma-
chines and game software. With more than 200 years of combined
gaming experience, this company is committed to a culture of quality, inno-
vation and excellence. With products and sales offices all across the United
States and the world, Ainsworth has now brought their new innovative
games to Arizona! Their wide range of game titles are developed using a
base of new and proven product brands, incorporating stand-alone and
linked progressives, including premium products supported with market-
leading game options and features.
Ainsworth’s first release from the highly anticipated Wheel Winner series,
Fortune Queen, was just installed at Harrah’s Ak-Chin and is sure to be availa-
ble in more Arizona casinos soon. Illuminating in the A560 Dual screen cabi-
net, Fortune Queen incorporates 4 levels of stand-alone progressives, amaz-
ing free games and a unique multi wheel feature that spins the wheel in the
top screen building anticipation and triggering progressives! Fortune Queen
also offers eight exhilarating free games with frequent retriggers and wher-
ever 'Gem Stone' appears it is held in position until the completion of the
Free Games Feature. While at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, make sure to try Ains-
worth’s Mustang Money as well. For more information about these games
and other Ainsworth products, visit their website at ainsworth.com.au.
A
GAMING NEWS New Slots Coming Soon From WMS
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Exploding Pays Featuring an explosive new play mechanic
ntroducing an explosive new play mechanic by WMS exclusive to the
CPU-NXT 3 platform—the Explod ing Pays series! This series features four
unique WILD symbols that activate when included in a winning combina-
tion, blasting other symbols and allowing new symbols to descend, creating
the possibility for additional wins!
Once all other symbols in matching groups have been destroyed, all activat-
ed PINK WILD, BLUE WILD, and GREEN WILD symbols are evaluated
from top to bottom and from left to right, and the activated WILD symbols
destroy other symbols found within their associated patterns, whether those
other symbols are located in spaces adjacent to or horizontal, vertical or di-
agonal from the activated WILD symbol.
But that’s not all—when two of any PINK WILD, BLUE WILD, or GREEN
WILD symbols land horizontally adjacent to each other on the reels and are
activated in a matching group, enhancement features are triggered that de-
stroy even more symbols and can award up to a 10x multiplier!
Launching with two unique themes, the Cool Jewels and Sweet Drops
themes, the Explod ing Pays series slots are sure to be a blast!
Visit now.wms.com to learn more about this and other exciting products. $
I
The Flintstones It’s a yabba dabba doo time
ou’ll take a trip to the town of Bedrock when you play this slot right
out of history! The sights, sounds, and of course all of your favorite
characters from The Flintstones television series make their debut on the
Gamefield xD cabinet in this fresh take on the prehistoric wheel! Featuring a 42”
horizontal screen over a vertical 32” screen with a mechanical wheel, the 5x4
base game of The Flintstones theme features both a Flintstones and a Rub-
bles array. It only takes one character symbol landing on the 5th reel to activate
one of the following bonuses. Watch as Bamm Bamm bangs symbols to turn
them WILD in the Bamm Bamm Bonus, as Dino jumps on Fred and licks
him for additional credits in the Dino Bonus, and as reels stretch up to 10
symbols high as WILD reels and multipliers are potentially added in The
Flintstones mystery feature. Pick the cutest baby to double your credit prize in the
Pebbles beautiful baby contest, or pick bowling balls for credits in the Bedrock bowl-
ing feature. Wilma? WILMAAAAAA! Hurry up, Wilma, and head over to
WMS.com to learn more about this and other exciting slots!
Y
New Slots Coming Soon From Bally Technologies GREAT GAMES
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 17
Ginger Wilde & Rebel Wild Go wild with these two rebels
inger Wilde is the world’s most elusive and successful
cat burglar and Rebel Wild lives fast and loose. Join
them in two new video slots from Bally Technologies and
they’re sure to share in their loot!
Ginger Wilde and its companion game Rebel Wild feature free
games and the popular Mystery Stacks feature, in which
mystery symbols on each reel are randomly replaced at the
start of each spin for huge win potential. With the addition
of an entertaining Wild Feature that adds Wilds to the reels
during the base game and free games, these five-reel, 40-line
games offer plenty of excitement!
In both games, three scattered Bonus symbols on reels two,
three, and four award eight free games that can be re-
triggered. All spins during the free games are eligible for the
Wild Feature and Mystery Stacks.
Known as “The Cat,” Gin-
ger Wilde has amassed untold
riches through daring and
stylish crimes. Her targets
are jewels, artwork and
rare artifacts – and she’s
ready to share them with
you. On any spin, this beautiful and skillful cat burglar may
swing across the screen to drop four to 16 Wilds on reels
two through five. With this feature happening often, get
ready for an exhilarating caper for cash!
Start your engines because
Rebel Wild is raring to go!
With a “no rules, no bor-
ders” state of mind, he’ll
go absolutely crazy and
award you tons of thrilling
wins. When a car symbol
lands on reel three, it ex-
pands to turn the entire reel wild. But the fun doesn’t stop
there! Rebel Wild then drives across the screen and leaves
two to thirteen Wild symbols in his wake. With this feature
happening often, you’ll be riding along for some huge wins!
With these rebels heading to casino floors soon, get ready,
set, go for one enticing heist and one wild ride! For more
information about this game or other exciting new Bally
products, visit their website at ballytech.com. $
G By Amanda Riddle
WINNING WAYS
18 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
hen we talk about IGT’s specialty video poker we mean
all of the interesting variations of video poker IGT has
created over the years. These games start with Three Play, move
on to Hundred Play, progress through Spin Poker, Ultimate X,
all the versions of Times Pays, including Multi-Strike, and a
whole lot more!
As you’ve come to count on this magazine as your source for
everything casino gaming in and around Arizona, we’ve done a
little homework and compiled a chart of all the specialty IGT
video poker across the state.
We’ve broken the chart down by casino and by game category.
All you have to do is look up your favorite casino to see which
games they have. Or, look up your favorite games and deter-
W mine which casinos do or do not have them!
Obviously, some casinos have more of these games than others.
Remember that not every casino has the same number of slots.
As a result, the amount of video poker games between casinos
is not the same. Furthermore, the number of IGT specialty video
poker will be a portion of the total video poker games. Just keep
that in mind as you look across the chart below.
We will say this, Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa has the largest
selection of IGT specialty video poker in the state, hands down.
They have every other casino beat by at least a factor of two.
The casinos with the next highest number of IGT specialty video
poker include Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, the Desert Dia-
mond Casinos in Tucson, Casino del Sol in Tucson, Fort
Do You Like IGT Specialty Video Poker? If so, you’d better check out our chart below!
IGT Specialty
Video Poker
BlueWater Y Y Y Y
Bucky's Y Y
Casino Arizona Y Y Y Y Y
Casino del Sol Y Y Y Y Y
Casino of the Sun Y Y
Cliff Castle Y Y
Desert Diamond* Y Y Y Y Y
Fort McDowell Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Harrah's Ak-Chin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Hon-Dah Y Y Y Y Y
Lone Butte Y Y Y
Mazatzal Y Y Y Y Y
Talking Stick Resort Y Y Y
Twin Arrows Y Y Y
Vee Quiva Y Y
Wild Horse Pass Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Yavapai Y Y Y Y
As of 09/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact [email protected] to make updates. *Combines games from all three casinos.
Whe
el
Ult
imat
e X
Su
per
Tri
ple
Pla
y
Su
per
Tim
es P
ay
Su
per
Sta
r
Spi
n D
elu
xe
Spi
n
Qu
ick
Qu
ads
100
Pla
y
Mu
lti-
Str
ike
5 P
lay
Mu
lti-
Str
ike
Su
per
Tim
es P
ay
Mu
lti-
Str
ike
Fiv
e S
tar
Dou
ble
Su
per
Tim
es P
ay
Bu
ild
A W
heel
Big
Tim
es
All
Sta
r
100
Pla
y
50 P
lay
3/5/
10 P
lay
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 19
WINNING WAYS
McDowell in Fountain Hills, and Casino Arizona in Scottsdale.
3-, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-Play video poker allows players to play more than one hand of
video poker at a time all based on the same five initial cards. The cards on the draw
vary for each hand. Players shoot for being dealt winning hands and then drawing into
higher paying hands.
The Multi-Strike video poker concept is perhaps one of our favorite games ever. Players
bet on up to four hands at the same time. Winning on the first hand gives access to the
second hand and a 2x multiplier. Winning on the second hand unlocks the third hand
with a 4x multiplier. Winning on the third hand allows players to play the fourth hand
with an 8x multiplier! “Free Rides” appear randomly on each hand allowing guaranteed
advancement from one hand to the next.
The Super Times Pay versions of video poker allow players to bet one additional credit
at max bet (for a total of 6 credits) to have a random multiplier (2x to 10x) appear and
increase the standard wins of hands.
Spin Poker functions like a video slot but keeps the integrity of video poker at the core
of the game. The initial five card hand spins up, players hold their cards, and the game
then holds the same cards above and below. Then the slot spins up the correct number
of discarded cards until a three by five matrix of cards fills the screen. Like a traditional
slot machine, the screen is then evaluated by predetermined paylines.
Ultimate X requires an additional bet but awards multipliers, up to 12x, based on the
current hand and applies them to the next hand.
So check the chart and best of luck on your next IGT specialty video poker adventure! $
Chicken Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 21
esert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment just opened their new Diamond Café at the Tuc-
son location. Serving comfort food with a twist, this new restaurant provides a delicious
array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to guests seven days a week. The Diamond Café
offers “Americano comfort food with an urban flair.” Breakfast choices are reasonably priced and
range from $8-$13, while lunch and dinner options are just as affordable with a price range of just
$9-$29.
Breakfast selections are endless and include classics such as yogurt and fruit plates, biscuits and
gravy, ham and eggs, pancakes, as well as scrumptious omelets such as the Triple Pork (ham,
bacon, sausage, cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, café home fries and choice of toast) as well
The Diamond Café Americano Comfort Food With An Urban Flair
D
CASINO DINING
Shrimp Po-Boy
Spinach Artichoke Au Gratin Fried TCB
CASINO DINING
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 23
as the Forager (spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, goat
cheese, café home fries, and choice of toast). A favorite amongst
our team is the Challah French Toast (house-made challah
bread, fresh sliced strawberries, cinnamon bananas, toasted
coconut, and powdered sugar with choice of bacon, ham or sau-
sage links), a must-try!
The lunch and dinner menu is just as extensive as the breakfast
menu and includes delectable twists on tried-and-true favorites.
How about some crispy calamari served with green and red
chilies, grilled lemon, green chili ranch or remoulade dipping
sauce? Love mac & cheese as much as we do? Well then your
heart will skip a beat when you see what the chefs did to this
comfort food - fried chicken, ham, white cheddar, fontina, par-
mesan, asiago, and swiss cheese - enough said!
You’ve probably had chicken wings, but have you ever had
pork wings? This dish is the most mouth-watering bone-in
pork ribs you’ll ever have served with spicy peach bbq sauce
and cilantro. And, the café bruschetta is like no other - a toasted
baguette smothered with goat cheese, artichokes, roasted red
peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and basil.
In the mood for a hamburger? No problem! The Diamond Café
has you covered. From the California Light (turkey burger with
sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, goat
cheese, and balsamic reduction) to the Double Diamond (two
grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburger patty, caramelized on-
ions, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, american cheese, and fried
pickles) you’ll have a difficult time choosing from all the mouth-
watering options!
Just want a sandwich? Don’t pass up the Fried TCB (peanut
butter, jam, and bananas battered and fried). Yes, it really is as
good as it sounds. Other favorites include the Shrimp Po-Boy
(fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and creole remoulade) and the
Philadelphia (shaved prime rib on a roll smothered with cheese,
mushrooms, onions and peppers).
Staying away from meat, then may we suggest the Pasta Pri-
mavera (sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, asparagus,
squash, spinach, green onions, garlic, white wine parmesan
cheese sauce with penne pasta).
The options at Diamond Café are extensive. Whether you’re in
the mood for burgers, pasta, seafood, chicken, steak or just a
simple soup and salad - there’s something to satisfy your urges.
The Diamond Café is open Monday through Thursday from
6am to 11pm, Fridays from 6am to 1am, Saturdays from 7am to
1am, and Sundays from 7am to 11pm. Please inquire with the
server about the gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian dishes that are
also available. Fore more information about the Diamond Café,
please visit Desert Diamond Casino’s website at ddcaz.com or
call 866.DDC.WINS. $
(Continued from page 21)
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
the season for holiday gatherings with family, fun
and friends. This year, add a different kind of
green to your holiday experience by chasing one of the big mon-
ey jackpots at the casinos across Arizona!
The statewide progressive jackpots on slot machines receive the
most attention because they offer the largest awards and are
usually branded with recognizable entertainment titles. Right
now, the most popular statewide progressive jackpot payout
comes from the trendy television show, The Walk ing Dead , that
has a current $500,000 jackpot. The game was just named
‘Casino Product of the Year’ at the Global Gaming Awards in
October.
“Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is one of only three places in Arizona
where you can play The Walk ing Dead ,” says Tony De Luz,
spokesperson for the casino. “That is why we have loyal players
from all over the world.”
Another major jackpot available at Cliff Castle is at The Wheel
of Fortune machine, which has a payout of over $300,000. If you can-
not make it up North to that casino, you can find a variety of
Wheel of Fortune jackpots at Desert Diamond Casinos in southern
Arizona at their three locations in Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why.
The standard penny slot game has a current payout of over
$400,000, while the penny slot Triple Spin jackpot is nearly $2.5
million. For high rollers, the five dollar Wheel of Fortune jack-
pot also pays nearly $400,000, and the quarter machine jackpot
pays over $350,000.
Desert Diamond Casinos has over 100 progressive machines
available at their three properties.
“When you add our Michael Jackson Wanna Be Startin’ Some-
thin’ penny machine that pays over $500,000 with its jackpot, we
have five spectacular progressive amounts our guests can play
for, adding up to more than $4 million,” says Treena Parvello,
Director of Public Relations and Communications for the
Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “We offer the widest
range of jackpots in southern Arizona.”
“We have just opened a new high-limit gaming area at our Tuc-
son location,” says Parvello. “Featuring one dollar, five dollar,
ten dollar and twenty-five dollar machines and video poker, we
have set the standard for the high limit gaming experience in
Tucson.”
An example of this is the $154,320.52 jackpot that was hit by
Desert Diamond guest Frank T. on the Wheel of Fortune quarter
game at their Sahuarita location. “We cannot wait to see who
will hit the next big jackpot,” says Parvello.
For casino players who want to have access to more progressive
jackpots just outside of the state of Arizona, head to Quechan
Casino Resort in Winterhaven, California for their $3 million
Megabucks jackpot and a five dollar Wheel of Fortune jackpot that is
worth over $1.3 million.
“People should come here because these wide area progressives
are not available in the Arizona market,” says Esther Saldana,
spokesperson for Quechan Casino Resort.
At Talking Stick Resort, emphasis on jackpots is targeted at the
card room. They are currently offering the Mega Omaha/Stud
Bad Beat jackpot in its Arena poker room.
‘Tis
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 25
“Featuring a $50,000 jackpot, the game allows players to put
their luck to the test 24 hours a day, seven days a week until a
hit occurs,” says Ramon Martinez, Director Public Relations for
Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona. “Players will only
need to beat a straight flush to take home the massive payout.”
The enormous payouts aren’t limited only to the poker room at
Talking Stick Resort, because guests can also head to Casino
Arizona and take advantage of the property’s Pai Gow Poker
progressive jackpots. Players are dealt seven cards and then are
required to compose a five-card high hand and a two-card low
hand. The highest ranking hand takes home the prize which
currently stands at over $150,000.
“Large jackpots are regularly won at both Casino Arizona and
Talking Stick Resort,” says Martinez. “And they are available at
an array of games that satisfy players across all gaming levels.
Winning such a large amount is truly a life altering event for the
winner.”
That was demonstrated this summer when Chandler resident
Charlene Vance took home $98,000 as the winner in the U-Pick
progressive bingo game at Casino Arizona. U-Pick allows play-
ers to select eight numbers between one and seventy five. A
jackpot occurs when a participant’s eight numbers are chosen
within the first twenty numbers called. As a progressive game,
the jackpot for U-Pick begins at $5000 and is increased $200 each
session until it is won. The jackpot is then reset once again. Just
two weeks later, at Talking Stick Resort, luck smiled down on
Vahagh Kagramanyan when he played the property’s wide area
progressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine and won the jackpot
which was over $677,000.
Across town at Gila River Casinos, just last month, Ashwin P.
won $424,000 at the progressive Wheel of Fortune jackpot at the
Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino. “We were so excited to win and
we can’t believe it happened to us,” says Ashwin. “We love to
come to Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino … because the staff here is
wonderful and this is just amazing.”
Known for paying out more jackpots, more often, Wheel of For-
tune reigns as the world’s most popular slot title of all time!
This all-time-favorite slot has minted nearly 1,000 millionaires
and delivered $3 billion in jackpots throughout its illustrious
history. IGT has created more than 200 variations of the game
that can be found on casino floors all across the state of Arizona
as well as more than 20 countries worldwide.
In October, Xo Carroll won nearly $520,000 at the Vee Quiva
from the linked Fortune Pai Gow Progressive jackpot that was
available at Vee Quiva, Lone Butte Casino and Wild Horse Pass
Hotel & Casino. It was the largest Fortune Pai Gow Progressive
jackpot payout in Arizona history.
Gila River Casinos is only the second casino operator in the
country to offer players a progressive jackpot funded by tables
at each one of their properties. The progressive jackpot system
creates higher jackpots for players and increases the excitement
of one of the most popular table games. Since its inception, the
Pai Gow progressive jackpot has paid out over $1 million to
lucky winners at all three Gila River casino properties.
Jackpot winners in Arizona are treated as mini-celebrities, as
they receive publicity photographs, press releases, are included
in internal employee newsletters and even postings on social
media sites with the winner’s permission. Will you be Arizona’s
next big jackpot winner before the end of the year? $
Ash
win
P.
Xo
Car
roll
, Rig
ht
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
TRIBAL NEWS
t is the ‘tribal’ in tribal gaming that makes the difference and
this has been a banner year for Indian gaming in Arizona,”
said Valerie Spicer, Executive Director of the Arizona Indian
Gaming Association.
Kicking off the annual AIGA EXPO last month at the Fort
McDowell We-ko-pa Resort, Spicer told nearly 500 attendees, “I
look at this phenomenon of Indian gaming and it blows my
mind. As of the third quarter of this year, we’ve reached over a
billion dollars in contributions made to the State of Arizona.
Reaching that mark is clearly significant and sharing gaming
revenues sets our industry apart. Our culture teaches us to give
back and help others, providing not only for our own people,
but for everyone who calls our state home.”
“If you look at gaming as a sub-category of industry,” said
Spicer, “tribal gaming facilities are part of the Top 5 employers
in the state and the economic contributions made to Indian com-
munities from gaming will mean more development, expansion,
and diversification.”
From the kick-off Desert Classic Golf Tournament (a new car for
a hole-in-one) to the casino chefs’ Grill Off challenge to a closing
luncheon featuring famous quarterback Jake “The Snake” Plum-
mer (and a pair of tickets to the 2015 Super Bowl), the agenda
was jam-packed with positives about where Indian gaming has
been, is now, and is anticipated to be in the future.
“Nothing happens in a vacuum and we’re all in this together,”
said Spicer in introducing Ernest Stevens Jr., Chairman of the
National Indian Gaming Association, who spoke about unity.
“Even though we’ve still got a lot of work to do, we wouldn’t be
where we are today if we hadn’t stood up for what we believed
in. We need to be large and be in charge through diplomacy,
hard work, and respect for one another.”
Enthusiasm of past successes was a big part of the convention
schedule as was the aspect of education that would bring more
gains in the future. In a prototype project, San Diego State Uni-
versity’s Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming took its classroom
curriculum on the road for a training program in tribal casino
management. “This is a new frontier for us, the first time we’ve
presented directly to the tribes themselves,” said Dr. Katherine
Spilde, the Institute’s chairwoman.
Attendees not seeking certification had an olio of other options
I
Images And Words By Lee Allen
A flaming ice sculpture welcomed all the delegates to the Fort McDowell Yavapai
We-ko-pa Resort, site of this year’s Arizona Indian Gaming Association Expo.
Valerie Spicer, Executive Director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, told
Expo attendees, “This has been a banner year for Indian gaming in Arizona.”
TRIBAL NEWS
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 27
in training sessions ranging from how tribal gaming made a
difference to the latest issues on gaming regulations, digital
technology, and a post-election playbook of how the recent elec-
tions might impact the industry.
To that subject, panelist Glenn Hamer, President/CEO of the
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, “The new
GOP majority supports job creation and I believe they will view
Indian gaming in a positive way. Gaming is a major part of the
overall tourism industry and it’s been a textbook scenario in
Arizona as a way of economic input.”
On the issue of Bridging the Digital Divide and the impact of
new technology on traditional brick and mortar casinos, Gary
Murrey, Chief Operations Officer at Apache Gold Casino, called
it staying ahead of the curve and welcomed the advances. “New
technology adds to the glitz and glamour of the social experi-
ence --- the bright lights and sound of the machines. It’s a 360
degree immersion experience if you build your casino correct-
ly.”
Building it correctly and running it correctly were both stressed.
“Regulation is a necessary part of the economic development of
Indian gaming. It provides credibility as well as efficiency on
the operational side,” said Jonodev Chaudhuri, Acting Chair-
man of the National Indian Gaming Commission. “There’s a
direct connection between regulated gaming and economic de-
velopment, self-preservation, and self-determination and we
have 5,400 tribal regulators on the ground to make sure things
get addressed before any regulatory compliance enforcement
might be needed.”
“From a regulatory standpoint, Indian gaming in Arizona runs
smoothly,” according to Dan Bergin, Director of the Arizona
Department of Gaming. “We maintain cordial relationships
with the tribes. They respect our regulations, we respect their
sovereignty. We’re viewed nationally on that basis of coopera-
tion, a model relationship. Tribes are interested in compliance
issues too because of the importance of maintaining the integri-
ty of the industry and protecting it from corrupt influences like
criminal elements and money laundering.”
One cloud that may be gathering on the horizon is the issue of
gaming compact renewals. “Contracts start expiring in 2023,”
said Bergin, “We have a three year negotiation period, so I think
at some point we’re going to have to start talking about re-
negotiation and extensions and things of that sort. It took us
years to negotiate the last pact and I think we should see the
signs of discussion beginning soon. One can never start too ear-
ly on developing a game plan.”
That issue took center stage at a Tribal Leadership Forum on
Gaming Decisions Made for Generations to Come --- Has it Turned
Out as You Anticipated?
“Our concern isn’t with state negotiations, just inter-tribal dis-
cussions,” said Diane Enos, President, Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community. “Compact negotiation is a several year pro-
cess and we’re leery at the moment. Everyone needs to put
down their bows and arrows, trust each other, and move for-
ward in good faith.”
Thomas Beauty, Chairman of the Yavapai/Apache Nation add-
ed, “I wish, in 2002, we could have negotiated a compact allow-
ing adjustments to be made rather than something that ends
and requires renegotiation because we’re always the ones being
strong armed. Arizona is in a fiscal deficit and they’re going to
be looking under rocks for new finances. We already return 12
percent. Do we have more to give? I don’t believe so. It’s going
to be a struggle to renegotiate because we don’t want to get the
short end of the stick this time.” $
Children from the H’man ‘shawa Early Development Center Fort McDowell Ya-
vapai Nation sang the Star Spangled Banner in the Pai language.
Nearly $1 Billion in Total
Revenues Contributed to
AZ From Indian Gaming
With the passage of proposition 202, gaming tribes in Arizona
volunteered to share a portion of their gaming revenues with
the state of Arizona and local governments to support specific
state and local programs. 12% of the total monies is directed to
city, town and county governments for services benefitting the
general public such as public safety and promotion of com-
merce and economic development. An additional 9% of the total
funds the State’s regulatory expenses. The remainder is contrib-
uted to the Arizona Benefits Fund. Of that fund, 56% of the
shared revenues is directed to educational programs and needs;
28% funds emergency services and trauma centers; 7% funds
wildlife and habitat conservation; 7% funds statewide tourism
promotion; and 2% supports the education, prevention and
treatment of problem gambling. Since 2002, Indian gaming has
contributed nearly $1 billion, in total revenues, to Arizona.
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 29
GAMING NEWS
hen you think about the last 20 years, you probably re-
flect on how much has changed. Gas was $1.20 a gallon, a
gallon of milk was under two dollars and you could get a dozen
eggs for about 87 cents.
Twenty years ago, on December 27, 1994, hundreds of people
came to celebrate the opening of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. And
in the past 20 years, one thing that has not changed is our com-
mitment to the community.
Giving Back
Over the years, our employees have overwhelmingly supported
community projects and nonprofit organizations. In fact, last
year alone, we had more than 75 percent of our employees par-
ticipate in a HERO activity (our employee-based, volunteer pro-
gram).
Our employees donated more than 15,000 hours of their volun-
teer time to such organizations as March of Dimes, American
Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Phoenix
Indian Center and we raised thousands of dollars for breast
cancer research, food banks, research hospitals and more. It has
always been our belief that as a business, we must give back to
the community and to the people that support us. Making a
lasting impact is just as, and perhaps more, important as defin-
ing your mission.
We have been honored with a number of significant awards
recognizing our commitment to the community. We are proud
to be named a “Most Admired Company” by both Arizona
Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ. Phoenix Business Journal
has named us one of the “Best Places to Work in the Valley” for
four consecutive years. And Harrah’s Ak-Chin was awarded a
Volunteer Service Award from the Arizona Governor’s Com-
mission on Service and Volunteerism.
That is something that we are proud of as we celebrate our plat-
inum anniversary in Maricopa and a legacy we will continue in
the years to come.
Charity may begin at home, but it certainly does not end there.
Whether it be a small grass-roots enterprise or a large organiza-
tion, building partnerships with local nonprofit organizations
and supporting our employee volunteer opportunities is a great
way for us to give back to those who have helped support our
business.
Celebrating in Style
Through the month of December, we are celebrating in style!
Our Total Rewards members have a chance at some great cash
prizes! We’re giving away $1,250 every 30 minutes from 1pm to
6:30pm on December 27! Plus, one lucky winner will walk away
with $2,500 in cash at our 7pm drawing!
Not a Total Rewards member? There are other ways you can
celebrate our 20th anniversary. Celebrate at Dunkin Donuts
with a 20-cent small coffee and 20-cent donut (limit two of each
per guest) or enjoy our seafood buffet for $20! Offer only valid
on December 27.
Looking for a night out during the holidays? Rising country star
and Grammy-nominated artist David Nail will take the main
stage during the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Masik Tas cele-
bration on Saturday, December 13.
To further celebrate our 20th anniversary, Aaron Lewis, rock-
band-frontman-turned-country-star, will take the stage in The
Lounge on Saturday, December 27 for a free intimate perfor-
mance of his hit songs. For more information on all the events
happening during our 20th anniversary, please visit our website
at HarrahsAkChin.com. $
Celebrating
A Platinum
Anniversary
W
By Mike Kintner—Director of Marketing & Operations at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
GAMING NEWS
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
egendary slot machine Wheel of
Fortune has left the same indelible mark
on International Game Technology’s
(NYSE: IGT) DoubleDown Casino that it
has left on land-based casinos world-
wide. Fans love it! And, building on the
success of Wheel of Fortune Double Dia-
mond, DoubleDown Casino just announced
the launch of Wheel of Fortune Triple
Extreme Spin.
Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin intro-
duces exciting new bonuses and game-
play straight from the casino floor to a
desktop or mobile device. Players can
spin for the Mini Wheel Bonus, where
scatter symbols transform into three
mini wheels that spin simultaneously, or
the Triple Extreme Bonus, where the
player picks from a selection of enve-
lopes to reveal chances to win big when
the giant triple wheels are sent spinning.
“DoubleDown Casino players have
shown that they love playing Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond , so we’re very excit-
ed to follow up with the launch of Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin. Nothing
says casino slot play excitement quite like Wheel of Fortune , and DoubleDown Casi-
no brings the authentic experience to desktop and mobile devices so our players can
play anytime, anywhere,” said Will Daugherty, Senior Vice President and General
Manager of DoubleDown Interactive.
More Wheel of Fortune titles are currently in development for DoubleDown Casino,
as part of IGT’s multi-year agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to de-
velop mobile and online games for DoubleDown Casino and for-wager online play
worldwide through 2024.
In 1996, IGT launched the Wheel of Fortune slot machine and solidified the Compa-
ny’s leadership in Wide Area Progressive technology. Known as the most successful
slot title of all time, the fan-favorite theme has minted nearly 1,000 millionaires and
delivered $3 billion in jackpots throughout its illustrious history. IGT has created
more than 200 variations of the game that can be found on casino floors in more than
20 countries worldwide.
IGT’s acquisition of DoubleDown Interactive provides engaging social casino style
entertainment to approximately 6 million players monthly. More information about
IGT is available at IGT.com. Anyone can play at the DoubleDown Casino by visiting
apps.Facebook.com/DoubleDownCasino or DoubleDownCasino.com. $
L
IGT’s DoubleDown Casino Extends
Its Winning Streak With Wheel Of
Fortune Triple Extreme Spin
GAMING NEWS
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 31
Arizona Tribal Gaming
Revenues Holding Steady
he Arizona Department of Gaming had nothing scary to report this past
Halloween. Tribal contributions to the state from gaming revenues was
approximately $24.1 million for the quarter that ended September 30, 2014.
This is a 0.8% increase when compared to the same quarter of last year.
“Indian gaming revenues have stayed consistent throughout the year,” said
Daniel Bergin, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Many state
services will continue to benefit from this financial support.”
The quarterly tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund will be dis-
tributed as follows:
Instructional Improvement Fund/Education: $12,011,758
Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: $6,005,879
Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs: $2,169,058
Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: $1,715,965
State Tourism Fund: $1,715,965
Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention: $482,013
TOTAL Tribal Contributions For The
Quarter That Ended September 30, 2014: $24,100,638
The Arizona Department of Gaming, in partner-
ship with Arizona’s tribes, regulates Indian gam-
ing. Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Com-
pact, tribes with casinos contribute one to eight
percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to
the state, cities, towns and counties. In Arizona,
Class III gaming includes slot machines, jackpot
poker, blackjack, keno and off-track pari-mutuel
betting. There are currently 23 Class III casinos in
the state. Tribes send contributions to the Arizona
Benefits Fund every three months. $
T
By Cindy Esquer
ARIZONA LOTTERY Winners
32 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
arole Boble, Peoria, purchased a $185 Million Cash Explo-
sion instant scratch ticket from a Lottery vending machine. She
scratched it in her car in the store’s parking lot. She wasn’t sure
how much she’d won, so she went back into the store and had
the clerk check the ticket. The clerk confirmed that the ticket
was a $10,000 winner. Carole was so stunned that she went back
outside and simply sat in her car for a few minutes with the
doors and windows locked. After the reality of her win regis-
tered, Carole called her daughter to tell her the news.
Carole is considering using the money for a trip back home to
see friends and family. The winning ticket was purchased at
Fry’s, 7455 W. Cactus Road, Peoria. $
C
$250,000 Crossword Winner
onald Vega, Concho, purchased a few $250,000 Crossword
instant scratch tickets at a store counter. He took the tickets
home, but didn’t scratch them until more than a week later.
Initially, after he finished scratching one of the tickets, he was
confused about how much he won. Once he realized the
amount of the win, he got the surprise of a lifetime.
When Ronald came to the Lottery to redeem the ticket, the cus-
tomer service representative validated the ticket for him. That’s
when he found out he had won the top prize of $250,000. It took
a while for the reality of his win to register with Ronald; his win
almost seemed surreal.
Ronald, who works in the utility industry, is also a big fan of
The Pick™, “…because it helps support Arizona.” He plays
instant scratch games an average of once every two weeks. In
his spare time, Ronald enjoys playing the guitar; he says it helps
him relax. He’s also taken classes in studio recording.
Ronald plans to use some of the money to pay back a small loan
and talk to a financial advisor about investing the rest. The win-
ning ticket was purchased at Butler Easy Mart West, 1311 E.
Butler Ave., Flagstaff.
R yle Carson, Phoenix, buys instant scratch tickets about
once a week. He prefers to play the $5 and $10 tickets, but
occasionally will play a $20 ticket. He plays Powerball® and
Mega Millions® when the jackpots are high. He recently pur-
chased a Crazy Wild 10’s instant scratch ticket from a neighborhood
store and scratched the ticket at home.
Kyle had played the game enough times to know what he’d
won, but he wanted to have the ticket checked at a store before
he told his wife. After he returned from the store, he told his
wife that he’d won $100,000. It took his wife a few minutes to
absorb the news! Both are ecstatic over their good fortune.
A native of Arizona, Kyle has spent the last eight years working
in the financial industry. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor
activities including playing softball in a men’s league. The rest
of the time, he’s busy with work and spending time with his
family. Kyle plans to use the money to pay off some bills, buy a
new truck, and save the rest. When asked about celebrating his
win, he said, “I’ll buy a couple of steaks for tonight.” The win-
ning ticket was purchased at a retailer at 3435 W. Deer Valley
Road, Phoenix.
K
$10,000 Million Cash Winner
Car
ole
Bob
le
Ron
ald
Veg
a
Kyl
e C
arso
n
$100,000 Crazy Wild 10’s Winner
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
tropicanax.com
1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games,
craps, roulette, and a sports book.
Stop in for lunch at Carnegie’s or
the Poolside Café and enjoy the food!
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 $5 3.76 Blackjack / 21 13.58
$1 5.10 Craps 15.97
25¢ 5.13 Roulette 21.22
Multi-Denom 5.60 Pai Gow Poker 21.84
5¢ 7.85 Let It Ride 28.85
Megabucks 11.77 Other Table Games 30.37
1¢ 11.88 Three Card Poker 35.60
Tight $25 13.75
Other Hold % Win Amount Dollars
Loose Race Books 17.06 Slots 30.5 mil.
Sports Pools 17.07 Tables 2.9 mil.
Tight Live Keno 27.36 Other 0.8 mil.
Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics September 2014
34 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 35
ountry superstar and multi-platinum selling Grammy win-
ner Alan Jackson brings his 25th Anniversary Keepin’ It
Country Tour to the Laughlin Events Center in Laughlin, Neva-
da on February 21, 2015.
Joining Jackson on his Keepin’ It Country Tour, which is spon-
sored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, will be Nashville’s rising
new artist Jon Pardi and Grammy/CMA/ACM nominated hit
singer/songwriter Brandy Clark.
Tickets and information for all Keepin’ It Country Tour dates
will be available via laughlineventcenter.com and by visiting
alanjackson.com, where you can find information about Alan,
his tour schedule, music and more. VIP tickets and packages are
also available.
C
Laughlin, Nevada TRAVEL
The Keepin’ It Country Tour will be a memorable celebration.
Fans will hear the songs they love from the man who wrote
them and made them famous including his massive debut hit
Here In The Real World to Chattahoochee, Drive, Gone Country, the
summertime party-anthems It’s Five O'clock Somewhere and Good
Time, as well as many, many more.
Jackson’s tour, which will run through March 2015, is an exten-
sion of the already year-long 25th anniversary celebration which
kicked off this summer with the opening of his exhibit at the
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. $
Laughlin Event Center Presents
ALAN JACKSON Keepin’ It Country Tour
25 Years Of Hits
25 Years Of Live Shows
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Listings
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438
No scheduled events at press time.
BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360
Dig Lounge:
Featuring a variety of live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm
Events:
Jersey Boys Celebration—Dec. 20
Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777
The Showroom:
Showstoppers Live Holiday Spectacular—Now-Dec. 20
Pyromania (Def Leppard Tribute)—Dec. 26-27
Whip Its—Celebrate New Year’s Eve—Dec. 31
One More From The Road (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute)—Jan. 2-3
Monday Night Showroom Football—Mondays at 5:30pm
The Arizona Room:
Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Tuesdays 6pm
The AZTEX Band (Latin, R&B, Old School, Funk)—Tuesdays 8pm
Country Dance Nights (Learn to dance)—Wed. & Thu. at 6pm
The Tommy Ash Band (Country)—Wednesdays & Thursdays 8pm
Empire Records Celebrates New Year’s Eve—Dec. 31 at 6:30pm
Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506
AVA Amphitheater:
Tamal Festival—Dec. 6
Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568
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—Fr at 8pm
Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467
Monsoon Nightclub:
Thunder From Down Under—Dec. 13
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:
Gary Allan—Dec. 6
Willie Nelson—Jan. 3
Winter Dance Party (B. Holly & R. Valens Tribute)—Jan. 10
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: Georgia Chrome—5th, The Troubadour Experience
(George Strait Tribute)—6th, ZGF Band—12th, Western Fusion—
13th, Shining Star—19th, The JJ’s—20th, Born Jovi (Bon Jovi tribute)
—26th, Stars of Beatlemania—28th, Laura Walsh—29th, Cold
Shott—29th, Grooveline—31st Wild Wednesdays Bandstand Shows—
3rd, Western Fusion Trio—10th, Walkens Trio—17th, J White—24th
The Lounge Happy Hour Starting Dec. 2nd Mondays through
Thursdays from 5-8pm. The Sahnas Brothers—Wednesdays 5-8pm.
Amazing Dueling Pianos—Tuesdays starting Dec. 4th.
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
New Year’s Eve Party—Dec. 31st (Featuring Country Nation)
Conference Center:
New Year’s Eve Party—Dec. 31st (Featuring Reall Deall Band)
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
Willie Nelson Desert Diamond Casino—Sahuarita
January 3, 2015, 8PM
Music legend Willie Nelson makes his return to the Diamond
Center after nearly three years. With previous sold-out shows,
tickets to see the “Red Headed Stranger” are guaranteed to go
fast. Reserved tickets start at $50 and are on sale now. With a
six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the
creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red
Headed Stranger, and Stardust. Willie Nelson has earned every con-
ceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable creden-
tials as an author, actor and activist. He continues to thrive as
a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. In the
last five years alone he delivered seven new releases, two of
which received Grammy nominations, a career-spanning box
set, and much more. Treena Parvello, the Director of Public
Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham
Gaming Enterprise, said “Desert Diamond Casinos is so excit-
ed to welcome back Willie Nelson! His shows always sell out
at the Diamond Center so my advice to anyone wanting to see
him is get your tickets soon!”
Editor’s Pick CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 37
Apache Spirits Lounge:
Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.
Ladies’ Night on Thursdays with a DJ.
UFC 181—Dec. 6
Event Center:
New Year’s Eve Bash—Dec. 31
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
Pipa Event Center:
The O’Jays—Dec. 12
Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777
The Showroom & Grand Ballroom:
Blue October—Dec. 5
Jerry Riopelle—Dec. 13
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers—Dec. 26
New Year’s Eve 2014 at TSR—Dec. 31
Tesla—Jan. 23
Average White Band—Jan. 24
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946
Featuring a variety of local, regional & headlining acts. Call for info.
Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452
VQ Live:
Featuring a variety of cover bands, local & regional acts. Call for info.
Event Center:
Motown Holiday Party—Dec. 26
Paperback Writer (Beatles Tribute)—Dec. 31
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:
Bob Newhart—Dec. 5
Patti Labelle—Dec. 6
Motown Holiday Party—Dec. 7
Three Dog Night—Dec. 12
Vicki Carr—Dec. 13
Na Leo Kupono—Dec. 19
Mix 96.9’s Jingle Rock Featuring Fitz & The Tantrums—Dec. 20
Bret Michaels—Dec. 27
New Year’s Eve 2014 with Powerdrive—Dec. 31
Oak Ridge Boys—Feb. 6
Engelbert Humperdinck—Feb. 14
Lason Latimer—Feb. 27
Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744
Yavapai Cantina:
Karaoke—Fr at 8pm-12am
Featuring a variety of live bands on Saturdays from 7 to 10pm
Join Harrah’s Ak-Chin as they celebrate
their 20th Anniversary in Maricopa
with two special shows:
Country Star
David Nail December 13, 2014
Rising country star and Grammy-nominated artist Da-
vid Nail will take the main stage during the Ak-Chin
Indian Community’s Masik Tas celebration. Come out
and hear all his top hits like Red Light, Let It Rain and
Whatever She’s Got. This show will be set up on an
outside stage, near the casino. Tickets are available at
TicketMaster.com.
Country Star
Aaron Lewis December 27, 2014
Best known as the front man for the band Staind, Aa-
ron Lewis has since begun his solo career in country
music. With hit songs like Country Boy and Grand-
daddy’s Gun, this is one show that you will not want
to miss!
For more information, call Harrah’s Ak-Chin at
480.802.5000 or visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $
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.
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
CASINO NIGHTLIFE
Ramses Ja Rudi King-Taylor II
•Music Director/On-Air Host (3-7pm) for
KNRJ-FM 101.1 The Beat
•Resident DJ/VJ for KTVK-3TV Friday 10am
•Host of R.E.D.Y. Set Radio
•Official Bum Squad DJ
•DJ Vatican Member
•For more information on Ramses Ja, visit his
website at: ramsesja.com.
out of the house (or office) from time to time! Once you're out,
the real fun begins! Meeting new, like-minded individuals in a
setting that is conducive to forming and developing relation-
ships is key to establishing and maintaining a solid network.
The showrooms are where her events usually take place. They
are large enough to contain the crowd she brings, yet private
enough to be true to the nature of the event. Afterwards, taking
your newfound friends to the blackjack tables or to try their
hand at video roulette will also give you a glimpse into their
competitive side! See? It's a win-win!
Raven Event’s next undertaking will be on Wednesday, Decem-
ber 31st at 8pm in the Showroom of Talking Stick Resort. Ap-
propriately named Raven’s New Year’s Eve Gala, the event promis-
es to be her best yet! Plan on creating some awesome memories
with new friends and associates in one of the valley's premier
gaming establishments known for ringing in the New Year in
the right way! For more information about Raven Events, visit
her website at RavenEvents.com or send her an email directly at
et’s face it, the only time we go to the casino is when we
want to relax, unwind and have some fun! It’s not that it
isn’t supposed to be that way it’s just that some people either
never find the time or what they deem reason enough to head
out to a casino for an evening out! Well, Raven Events has given
professionals, entrepreneurs, and socialites reason enough to
head over to Talking Stick Resort, Wild Horse Pass, and other
valley hotspots to expand their rolodexes and (hopefully) their
wallets!
Raven Events was founded by Raven Valdez in 2003. Valdez,
being one of the valley’s more popular socialites, made an even
greater name for herself and her company by organizing some
of the valley’s most talked-about social gatherings! Since then,
the company’s event roster has expanded across the calendar,
with some of her larger events taking place at the valley's prem-
ier gaming establishments.
These events are created to appeal to a more sophisticated and
fun-loving crowd. Raven's Guest List contains men, women,
singles and couples from all over Phoenix and Scottsdale. With
a list of over 30,000 business owners and professionals receiving
personal invitations to all of her events, there is always a great
crowd at these gatherings! Additionally, each guest has the op-
tion of attending whichever events they choose and guests are
welcome to invite their own guests. As exclusive as this list may
seem, there is no fee associated with joining Raven's Guest List!
With business-to-business networking events, holiday drives,
charity events, masquerade balls, and just about everything else
you could imagine, Raven provides a reason for everyone to get
L
By Ramses Ja
40 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
Casino Sessions Seats Smoke-Free Area Electronic Late Night
Apache Gold Su, We, Th at Noon. Fr & Sa at
7pm. 1st Mo of the month at 7pm 100 No Yes No
BlueWater Mo-We 4:30pm. Su at 11:30am. 400 Yes Yes No
Casino Arizona Mo-Su at 6:30pm
Daily Matinees at 12:30pm 1000 Yes Yes
L8 Nite Bingo Fr & Sa
Doors at 10pm. Games at midnight
Casino Del Sol Daily at Noon, 1:30, 2:15, 6:30 &
7:15pm 600 Yes Yes Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.
Cocopah Daily at 1:30 & 6:30pm 350 Yes* Yes No
Desert Diamond I We-Mo 1:30, 2, 6, 6:30 & 7pm 300 No Yes No
Fort McDowell Sa & Su at 6:45am. We-Mo at
9am. Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm. 1275
Yes (2 sections: enclosed or in
general seating)
Yes Fr & Sa at 12:10am.
Call for Lunar Bingo schedule.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin We-Su at 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30,
and 6:30pm 470 Yes Yes No
Lone Butte
Sa & Su at 10am, Noon, 3:45,
5:30pm. Daily at Noon &
6:30pm.
750 Yes Yes B.A.D. Bingo 2 Fr at 11:30pm &
B.A.D. Bingo Sa at 11:30pm.
Mazatzal Mo-Th at Noon.
Tu & Th at 6:30pm. 280 Yes Yes No
Paradise Daily at 11:30am & 1:30pm
Mo-Sa at 6pm. 300 Yes Yes
Call for Kozmic Bingo
& Other Special Dates
Vee Quiva Daily at Noon & 6:30pm. 366 Yes Yes Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 11/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.
Contact [email protected] to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4am Sunday to 4am Monday.
CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY
Lone Butte Bingo
New Year’s Eve Free Admission Package Drawing
From December 1st through the 24th, during all Matinee &
Evening Sessions, guests will receive one drawing ticket for an
initial bingo spend of $50 or more. On December 25, during the
Holiday Wrap-Up Session, 5 winners will be drawn from the
drawing barrel to win a free bingo package valued at $150 to be
played on New Year’s Eve!
50% Off Electronics
On December 5 & 19, Matinee & Evening Session guests will
receive 50% off electronic packages. Electronic fees apply. While
supplies last. Senior discount not available on these dates. Level
1 and Level 2 packages excluded.
12th Day of Christmas
On December 12, Matinee & Evening Session guests may pur-
chase a 3-on for $2 for a chance to win $1,199 or 2nd chance for
$500 when they bingo on a special pattern. Guests with a valid
buy-in will also receive a special series gift.
Holiday Wrap-Up
On December 25, the doors will open at 2:00pm for a Matinee
Mini Session starting at 3:30pm. All main pack games will pay
$500, Holiday Wrap-Up Special will pay $600 + $150 gift certifi-
cate, and the Coverall will pay $1,000.
Mazatzal Bingo
Now offering 25 cent bingo cards during
the Matinee (available from 10:45 to 11:30)
and Evening sessions (available from 5 to
5:45)! Players with bingo on a star during
a 25 cent game receive a coupon for an
electronic package. On Thursday evenings
ladies receive an extra regular pack for
electronic or paper when they buy-in. The
same deal is available for men during the
Thursday Matinee. On January 1st, the
bingo room will host a special Holiday
session with double payouts!
Paradise Bingo
Kozmic Bingo is on Saturday, December 20th and is a Pajama
Party with $75 and $125 payouts with $100 specials. Swipe your
Player’s Club Card with a purchase of an electronic buy-in and
receive one set of specials for free! Christmas Session is Thurs-
day, December 25th (6pm session only) with $25 paper buy-in
and $47 or $77 electronic. Payouts are $300 main games with
$500 specials and $1,199 double action special. Bring in your
Reindeer Bucks to play for $200-$500. New Year’s Day Bingo is
January 1st, 2015 (1:30pm session only) with a $25 paper buy-in
and $47 or $77 electronic. Payouts are $315 main games with
$515 specials and a $1,199 coverall. $
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | 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
8
3
8
9
5 7
3 2
4
3 9
7
3 2
8
1 4
1 3
9
2 7
6
7
1 4 5
WORD SEARCH
In honor of Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th, find:
NICHOLAS, BISHOP, SAINT, GIFTGIVER, WONDERWORKER,
MITER, CROZIER, BOOK, COMPANIONS, CHILDREN,
MIRACLES, SHOES, COOKIE, GOLD, COINS, WINTER, ADVENT,
CELEBRATE, DECEMBER, SIXTH, CHRISTMAS.
Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
B V L B S A S R H C S X I M T
Y Q V I M K N T X I S Y H T F
G R O S R E V G T F I G V U I
N B S H N S S U H R P B R F S
R O R O J L C R R E V D E A A
E O P P B L D K E F T Q S I E
T K M L O N L F E R I N N K N
I C C H T E C Z E I S O O A D
M L C B B D E O R W E I W S L
Q I K R V U M R D O L N R N E
N S A E S H B C L Z C A E I I
R T N Q H B E H I G A P D O K
E T D I O T R F H O R M N C O
Q Z P N E L T K C L I O O V O
B F V L S H E H E D M C W A C
FUN & GAMES
When people randomly begin to distract me in one way or an-
other they are directly messing with my entertainment and my
money. To me these people are like a movie-goer who doesn't
silence or shut off their cell phone and then proceeds to answer
a call during the film. Does that put my issue in perspective?
People talk to me at my slot when I just want to be left alone
I know I am not the only person out there who thinks this way. I
came to the casino to have a good time and, when I am lucky, to
add to my bankroll. I didn’t come to socialize with random
strangers. Maybe my personality, attitude, the smile on my face,
and general appearance is mesmerizing to the point that I be-
come irresistible to all those Type A personalities out there. I get
it, positivity and luck are attractive to people! Why can’t people
see I’ve got my own thing going on and just let me be?
Talking to a video poker player just to talk should be criminal
Video poker is a game of skill. For the most part, you’ll find the
highest long run payback percentage games in the casino on a
video poker machine. This game requires focus, and a
knowledge of mathematics to play at an optimal level in order
to take advantage of the game’s high payback percentage. Just
don’t randomly approach video poker players and begin talking
to them while they are playing. After all, we are concentrating!
When I am in a bonus round I want to enjoy it
As you all know, it can take forever to hit a bonus on most mod-
ern slot machines. When the bonus is triggered, I want to have
fun experiencing the bonus and the entertainment the game
designers put into the slot. I want to know what I win along the
way! When people start talking to me during the bonus I have
such a hard time with it. Do you really expect me to turn, look
at you, and talk to you while taking my eyes off the wins?
Don’t root for me or cheer me on
I already have an amazing cheerleading squad and they are
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
s our readers know, we get a lot of mail and e-mail from
our fans. Most correspondence is short, but some letters
are long, detailed, and encompass several points. Last month, I
received a long rant from one of our fans about not wanting to
be bothered by other players while at the casino. I wanted to
share this letter with the rest of you as I am certain many fellow
gamblers feel similarly. When we reached out to the reader who
wrote in they preferred we not use their name. I can tell you the
rant came in via e-mail from a reader in the Phoenix Metro area.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me! — Sami
This rant comes from one of our readers:
I don’t care if someone approaches me and strikes up a conver-
sation while I am out shopping. If I’m concentrating on reading
my new favorite book while waiting for my flight at the airport
and someone interrupts me, I don’t get upset. When I receive a
compliment from a random stranger on the street about my
clothes or purse, I rather enjoy it. As I complete my movie ticket
purchase and the attendant says, “you are really going to like
this film” I don’t even blink. Actually, I get more excited about
what I am about to experience.
If my friends start talking about what a wonderful (or terrible!)
time they had when they went on vacation to where I am about
to go, I don’t look sideways at them and sigh with disgust, I ask
for more details! Now, twenty years after the cell phone boom,
when someone is practically yelling into their phone at a coffee
shop as part of a normal conversation, I just laugh and leave.
When a shop clerk begins to give me advice on some items I am
looking to purchase, I ask for further information.
Why do the same situations bother me so much when I am at
the casino? Oh, yeah, there’s those two important elements that
takes all of us to the casino in the first place that are being toyed
with by other people. Entertainment and money. That’s what is
directly at stake at the casino. Am I right?
44 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
A
$300
Free
Priceless
By Sami Becker
Do YOU have something to rant or rave about?
Write me at: [email protected]
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
doing a fantastic job on my inside. I don’t let them out for oth-
ers, so please keep yours under control. I don’t need your help
or encouragement. My cheerleading squad has no openings and
I’ll let you know as soon as one becomes available!
Gamblers are superstitious, so keep your comments inside
“Ooh, you got Fort Knox!” or “Nice! You got the bonus!” com-
ments from other players is not information I need. I saw the
incredibly obvious visual and audio cues from the slot that a
bonus is about to start. Please don’t say anything. I feel like you
are going to jinx the bonus. Just think it, don’t say it. Thanks!
I don’t care about what happened to you “last time”
People who insist on sharing how good or bad a slot is, how
good or bad their last bonus was, or any other past experience
are overlooking the simple fact that as a gambler, I’m selfish. All
I care about is what happens with my slot, right now! Get it?
Listening to longwinded stories about your gambling history
makes me grit my teeth when I am forced to listen to you.
Being loud is one thing, being obnoxious is another matter
Look, we are all here to have fun. Casinos are supposed to be
loud and noisy. Obviously there is a ton of excitement in the
chase of winning and the celebration of jackpots and I’ll partici-
pate, don’t worry. However, please be just a little self aware and
respectful of others. Sitting down with your friend for a therapy
and sharing session at full volume next to my slot is not what I
came to the casino for, thank you.
Casino employees should stick to the facts
Please don’t tell me where to play, as I make my own luck. I
don’t need your advice on which games are hot or cold or pay
out a lot. Just stick to “Thanks for coming out to visit us today!
Is there anything I can get you or help you with? If not, then
have a great time and good luck!” $
azgamingguide.com | December 2014 | Arizona Gaming Guide 45
CASINO DIRECTORY
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | December 2014 | azgamingguide.com
City Phone Slots Hig
h L
imit
Are
a
Bin
go
Casino Liv
e K
eno
Tab
le G
ames
Po
ker
Ro
om
Ho
tel
Sm
ok
e-F
ree
Are
a
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 11/01/14 & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.
Contact [email protected] to make updates. *Cocopah Resort Casino offers “Smoke-Free Sundays” which is a casino-wide non-smoking experience every week from 4AM Sunday to 4AM Monday
RV
Par
k
Go
lf
Location Sp
a
Arc
ade
01. Apache Gold Casino Resort Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe Globe 800-272-2438 608 Y Y Y Y Y Y
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino 11300 Resort Drive Parker 888-243-3360 522 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
03. Bucky’s Casino 1500 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 314 Y Y Y
04. Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Scottsdale 480-850-7777 905 Y Y Y Y
05. Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 855-765-7829 1,041 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 648 Y Y Y Y Y
08. Cocopah Resort Casino 15318 S. Ave. B Somerton 800-237-5687 514 Y Y Y Y Y* Y Y Y
09. Desert Diamond Casino I 7350 S. Nogales Hwy. Tucson 866-332-9467 1,089 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
10. Desert Diamond Casino II I-19, Exit 80 Tucson 866-332-9467 675 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 890 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa 480-802-5000 1,088 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
14. Hon-Dah Casino 777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop 800-929-8744 831 Y Y Y Y
15. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler 800-946-4452 786 Y Y
16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson 800-777-7529 416 Y Y Y Y Y Y
17. Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Dr. Yuma 888-777-4946 486 Y
18. Quechan Casino I-8, Exit 166 Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+ Y Y Y Y Y Y
19. Spirit Mountain Casino 8555 Hwy. 95 Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 247
20. Talking Stick Resort 101 & Indian Bend Scottsdale 480-850-7777 758 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
21. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino I-40, Exit 219 Flagstaff 855-946-8946 1,082 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
22. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800-946-4452 950 Y Y Y Y
23. Wild Horse Pass Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler 800-946-4452 950 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
24. Yavapai Casino 1505 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 241 Y
azgamingguide.com facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
For information on the casinos & much more,
scan our QR codes with your smartphone!
Sudoku Solution
9 1 2
6 8 5
4 7 3
4 6 8
9 3 7
5 1 2
5 7 3
4 2 1
8 6 9
7 9 6
5 4 1
3 2 8
1 8 4
3 2 9
6 7 5
3 5 2
6 8 7
9 1 4
1 3 4
8 5 9
2 6 7
2 5 6
7 4 1
8 9 3
7 9 8
2 3 6
1 4 5
Word Search Solution
B S A S I R H C M T
I H T X I S
S R E V G T F I G I
B H S R R S
R O O C E R E A A
E O P L D K E T S I E
T K O N L E R I N N N
I H T E C O Z E I S O A
M C B D E W O R W E I S
I R V M R R D L N N E
N A E S B E C L C A I I
T N H E D I G A P O K
E T O R N H O R M C O
E O C L I O O
S W D M C C
