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Bet You Didn’t Know Licensed Titles—What They Are
28
NOVEMBER
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
ARIZONA GAMING GUIDE P.O. BOX 20636 MESA, AZ 85277
www.azgamingguide.com Copyright ©2010 Arizona Gaming Guide
10 Game Review WMS’ The Lord Of The Rings®
Video Keno Cleopatra Keno® By IGT
18
Video Poker Corner Is The Progressive Good Enough ?
20
Sami’s Smackdown Out-Schmoozing A Schmoozer
24
Editor’s Note Our Continued Successes
4
Letters To The Editor Q&A On Everything Gaming!
6
Table Games Table Players Vs. Slot Players
13
Debunking Myths Myth #16: Busy Times & Jackpots
22
Dollars & Sense Tapping Into Your Sixth Sense
14
A Little Thing Called Luck Rainbows And The Pot Of Gold
27
Feature Story Looking Ahead: Problem Gambling
16
Directory List Of Casino Sponsors
30
MVP Spotlight Global Gaming Expo November 2010
8
Slot Machine Image On Cover Page, Table Of Contents Page, And Pages 10, 11 & 28 Are Courtesy Of WMS. © Copyright WMS. All Rights Reserved. www.wms.com.
AZ Office Of Problem Gambling Logo Courtesy Of The Arizona Department Of Gaming. © Copyright The Arizona Department of Gaming. All Rights Reserved. www.azgaming.gov
Looking Ahead: The Arizona Office Of Problem Gambling
10
W
MS
’ T
he
Lo
rd O
f T
he
Rin
gs
®
16
Desert Diamond Casinos Football Promotion 26
4 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
EDITOR’s
Note
As I was looking over the final proofs of this issue, I realized exactly the enormous impact we have had on Arizona’s casino gaming indus-try in such a short amount of time. Our readers look to our advice and expertise every day. We are the only gaming publication whose staff has the unique ability to provide the accurate insight into slots and ca-sino gaming in general. As trained professionals in the casino gaming industry, my team and I have a lot to share with you on a regular basis, and this issue is no exception! We covered a lot of topics in this issue including: Looking Ahead With The AZ Office Of Problem Gambling Game Reviews On: The Lord Of The Rings
® By WMS, And Cleopatra Keno
® By IGT
MVP Spotlight On The 2010 Global Gaming Expo In Las Vegas, NV Video Poker Progressives ...just to name a few! Don’t forget that you can also find the current and back issues of the Arizona Gaming Guide online as well! We added additional informa-tion to the website as part of our monthly update. Get the inside scoop at www.azgamingguide.com. Let me know what you think of our No-vember issue and have fun!
Chris Hoft, Editor-in-Chief
Slot Guru at Large P.S. Many, many, many thanks to our readers and sponsors. You are what make our publication possible. Please continue to provide us with your feedback and I promise we will persist in constantly striving to improve our publication based on your input while successfully in-corporating new and innovative ideas in the months to come. In addition, I personally want to say “thank you” to the editors of other gaming publications and websites both locally and around the world for continuing to imitate our ideas, content, and layouts since our debut in August of 2009. I take your continued lack of originality as an acknowl-edgement of our leadership, success, and creativity.
CONTACT US
ARIZONA GAMING GUIDE P.O. BOX 20636 MESA, AZ 85277
www.azgamingguide.com
THE ARIZONA
GAMING GUIDE
may not be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, and/or sold in any shape or form without the express written
consent of the owners of The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG).
AGG is not responsible, or liable, for the content and/or advertising con-
tained within this publication. AGG does not endorse and/or sup-port any opinions, products, and/or
services contained within this publication. All pictures, images, logos, trademarks, trade names, etc. are the sole property of their
respective owners. All responses in the Letters to the Editor section are
to be considered as advice only. AGG presents facts and/or opinions and expects the reader to make his/her own decisions. AGG accepts no responsibility and no liability for any actions of our readers based on the
opinions and/or advertisements presented within this publication.
You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly.
SUBSCRIPTION
INFORMATION
Many of you have written us ask-ing about receiving our magazine through the mail. As a result, we are now offering subscriptions of 12 issues for $25.00 for the cost of postage & handling. Please
send us a letter that includes your name, mailing address, and a
check or money order (no cash) payable to:
“The Arizona Gaming Guide.” In order for us to process your request as quickly as possible,
please mail subscription orders to:
ARIZONA GAMING GUIDE ATTN: SUBSCRIPTIONS
P.O. BOX 20636 MESA, AZ 85277
LETTERS to the EDITOR W R I T E I N Y O U R
Q U E S T I O N S A N D
E N T E R T O W I N A
$25
G AS CARD !
BY MAIL
Arizona Gaming Guide
c/o Editor
P.O. Box 20636
Mesa, AZ 85277
SAVE TIME
&
GO ONLINE!
azgamingguide.com
OR
We Would
Love To Hear
From You!
Write to us with your questions in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a
response in upcoming issues. Please be aware that space is limited, so we are not able to respond to
everyone. Please include your name and mailing address with all correspondence. Writers whose
questions are selected for printed responses in future issues will be sent a $25 GAS CARD!
6 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
What is going on when you see a bunch of
slots turned off? Are they changing the way
the machine pays?
James—Fountain Hills
Whenever any of the staff here at the Arizona
Gaming Guide sees a bank of machines that are
being serviced, turned off, or otherwise on the
floor but not working, our first task is to always
ask a slot attendant or other employee whose
area of responsibility is handling the slots. In
most cases they will inform you as to what is
happening. The reasons can be varied:
Cleaning
Moving the games
Replacing the games
Maintenance of moving parts or electronics
Software upgrade from the manufacturer
AZ Department of Gaming investigation
and so on...
We are pretty certain that it is a rare occurrence
when the slots are off to change the long term
payback percentage. Remember, a slot that is
on is earning money for the casino. The longer
a slot is off, the less it earns on that day, that
week, that month, and so on. The casino is not
going to enjoy having a slot, much less a whole
bank, off for an extended period of time. More
likely, one of the items mentioned above is the
cause for a bank being off.
Is it OK to play two machines at the same
time?
Elsa—Miami
Most casinos in Arizona have a courtesy policy
that prohibits this activity during ―peak‖ or
―busy‖ times. We observe many people at all
times of the day playing more than one ma-
chine. This is a practice we suggest you do not
adopt.
Playing two machines at the same time reduces
your bankroll by a factor of two immediately.
Furthermore, there is no immediate advantage
to your short or long term odds when you play
more than one machine at the same time.
If you do choose to play more than one ma-
chine at the same time you must factor this in
when defining your bankroll, your play session
frequency, and the entertainment you expect to
receive as a result of playing more than one
game simultaneously.
When I’m playing slots with free games, I’ve
noticed that the symbols look different in the
free games. What does that mean?
Ginny—Litchfield Park
Congratulations on noticing the difference!
Most players don‘t even recognize there has
been a change in the way the symbols look
from the regular game and the free games!
We can divide slot machine games with free
game bonuses into two categories as follows:
free games that use the existing reel strips and
free games that use bonus reel strips.
In order to distinguish the bonus reel strips
from the existing reel strips used during base
game play, regulations in several major gaming
jurisdictions including Arizona require a visible
difference in the symbols used on the bonus
reel strips. In addition, a clear statement should
be displayed somewhere on screen, on the
game, and in the help screen indicating that a
change in reel strips has taken place during free
games.
In most cases, if you look closely, the symbols
have been flipped horizontally and some color
change has happened as well. The reel strip
background generally changes as well, to the
point that some manufacturers write the word
―BONUS‖ across the reel strip!
This is all done as a result of the regulation
surrounding the casino gaming industry in or-
der to ensure security and fairness for players
and to avoid any criminal or illegal activity.
Thanks for all your letters! Please let us know how we are doing on a regular
basis. Until the next issue … have fun!
8 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
Global Gaming Expo Las Vegas, Nevada—November 2010
he Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is held once per year in
the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Ne-
vada. Thousands of gaming industry professionals at-
tend in order to network, participate in the conference, and visit
all the vendors to be able to get a glimpse of what products and
services are available right now and what may be available in the
near future.
G2E is the biggest and most important show for most of the ma-
jor slot machine manufacturers around the world. There are sev-
eral other important casino gaming expositions throughout the
year across the planet, most of which can‘t compete with the
scale, or the focus on casino gaming as we experience here in the
United States.
This particular show is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year!
While there were several incarnations of expos similar to G2E
prior to the year 2000, this is an official celebration which marks
the ongoing success, popularity, and importance of the event
within the casino gaming industry.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions
announced on August 31, 2010 that G2E 2011 will take place
Oct. 4-6, reflecting a newly adjusted schedule that moves the
annual trade show and conference ahead by more than one
month. Also beginning in 2011, G2E will move from the Las
Vegas Convention Center to the Sands Expo and Convention
Center. The dates of G2E Asia, held annually in Macau, also will
shift in order to create a more evenly spaced global calendar of
events.
―G2E is the only international event developed ‗by the industry,
for the industry,‘‖ said Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president and
CEO of the AGA. ―These changes, which were made with the
needs of both exhibitors and attendees in mind, are concrete proof
of our commitment to that creed. We expect the revised schedule
to result in increased attendance and sales at all of our events.‖
According to show organizers, the revised schedule brings with it
numerous advantages, including allowing exhibitors more breath-
ing room between major international gaming events. It also will
help purchasing decision-makers at gaming companies plan for
the year ahead with greater ease and, ultimately, enhance exhibi-
tors‘ bottom lines.
―As a Las Vegas-based casino operator, I know well how crucial
G2E‘s flagship show is to both the gaming industry and to this
city,‖ said Michael Leven, president and COO of the Las Vegas
Sands Corp. ―The Sands Expo and Convention Center is honored
to host such an important annual event, and we are eager to do
our part to help it grow in the coming years.‖
In 2012, G2E Asia will begin taking place in late May, several
weeks earlier than previous shows. The show will continue to be
held at convention facilities at The Venetian Macau.
―Developing shows that address the needs of our participants
always has been our top priority, and their feedback was the key
driver of these changes,‖ said Courtney Muller, senior vice presi-
dent at Reed Exhibitions. ―We have had a tremendous run at the
Las Vegas Convention Center and thank the team there for their
tireless efforts on behalf of the industry. We look forward to this
next chapter with great anticipation for continued success in
G2E‘s next decade.‖
In November, G2E – this year themed ―The New Casino: Operat-
ing at Maximum Efficiency for Today‘s World‖ – will celebrate
its 10th anniversary. The 2010 conference and trade show will
offer several exciting new programs, including the inaugural
iGaming Congress at G2E, which will provide important insights
and information about current and future prospects for online
gaming companies. G2E 2010 will take place Nov. 16-18 at the
Las Vegas Convention Center.
Immediately following Tuesday‘s ribbon-cutting ceremony, G2E
(Continued on page 19)
MVP SPOTLIGHT
T
G AME REVIEW
Images Courtesy Of WMS. © Copyright WMS. All Rights Reserved. www.wms.com.
© 2010 New Line Productions, Inc. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.
POWER SPIN is a trademark used under license from its owner, Multi-State Lottery Association.
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
The Lord Of The Slots We Recommend You Play The Game At Ft. McDowell Casino!
WMS revealed they were working on a slot machine game based
on The Lord of the Rings stories and recent films a little over one
year ago. We had the opportunity to experience the game first
hand in their booth at last years Global Gaming Expo. What they
presented to the public at that time caused quite a stir and a lot of
professionals in the casino gaming industry were very excited to
see what the final product would look like.
This slot has not been on the casino floors for long, and Ft. Mc
Dowell Casino, just minutes east of the Phoenix Metro area, is
fortunate to have several games available for their patrons to
play. As with any new game on a casino floor, everyone wants to
play and it may take a while before you have an opportunity to
find an open machine, but we feel it is worth the wait.
One of the interesting aspects of this game is the total number of
different bonuses available to a player. Regardless of how you
feel about the books and subsequent movies, this slot puts the
player in control over two groups of bonuses and still makes
room for huge wins in bonuses where the player has little to no
control.
Our play sessions were very entertaining and we observed many
other players walking away satisfied. For some reason, this set of
slots produces camaraderie among the players at the bank. While
we were playing, there was lively discussion about what bonuses
November 2010 | Arizona Gaming Guide 11
to select and when to use one or more of
the Power Spin options.
We strongly recommend you try this game
and let us know what you think of it. The
theme may not exactly be to your liking,
but we believe the game itself has poten-
tial. Be prepared to make a small invest-
ment on this machine when you try it out.
The minimum bet is 40 credits, so you
should start a play session with around
4000 credits. This guarantees you at least
100 spins on the game.
I suppose it won‘t hurt to let you in on a
little secret, as the game has been out on
the casino floor for a while now. If you
can trigger the bonus off the reels with
three scattered ―Ring‖ symbols you are
initially presented with the ―Choose a Bo-
nus‖ screen (see picture to the right). The
Gandalf‘s Fireworks bonus awards free
games, and the Garden Heist bonus lets
you pick items for credits. By and large,
the staff here prefers a bonus with free
games rather than credits. At least you
know which bonus is for you before you
start playing! More bonuses are available
for selection the more ―Miles‖ are col-
lected. Make sure you create a login to
save ―Miles‖ for future play sessions. -AGG
Here is what the manufacturer WMS
has to say about their new game:
The Lord of the Rings is the first gaming
product that allows players to:
Save their progress and unlock new bonus
rounds as they accumulate miles.
Collect and use Power Spin awards to en-
hance the outcome of a spin.
Continue their experience with The Lord
of the Rings as they accumulate miles.
Gollum‘s Wild & Legolas‘ Arrows are
random features which award ―Wild‖ sym-
bols across the reels (see bottom picture).
Power Spins:
There are 5 types of Power Spin awards:
Frodo Wilds, Random Reels Wild, Win
Multiplier, Scatter Spin & Bonus Booster.
Power Spin awards can be collected and
used at any time during play session.
Bonuses:
The Lord of the Rings launches with 8
unlockable bonuses: Gandalf‘s Fireworks,
Garden Heist, The Prancing Pony, Arwen‘s
Rescue, Isildur‘s Sword, The Balrog™,
Galadriel's Stairway and Uruk-hai Battle
Bonus. Bonus availability is determined
by the amount of miles earned (see top and
middle pictures).
Garden Heist Bonus Screen
Gollum’s Wild Bonus Screen
Choose A Bonus Screen
TABLE GAMES
TABLE
GAME
PLAYERS
What the table games player needs that the slot player doesn‘t!
hat many table games players talk about at great length
is that they are playing the best game in the casino.
Poker players like to comment on how they are com-
peting against other people rather than the casino. Blackjack play-
ers talk about their game having the lowest house edge.
But bravado has a funny way of turning into serious downfall for
some people. In order to substantiate the claim about playing the
best game in the casino, the table games player has to know abso-
lutely every aspect of the game they play. There can be no
―winging it,‖ ―hunches,‖ ―educated guesses,‖ and so on. If you
don‘t have a playing strategy memorized for poker, blackjack, or
any other table game, you are placing sucker bets and will not get
much enjoyment out of the game you choose to play.
Don‘t walk up to a table game and be blindsided. Make sure you
have researched your chosen game first before you start wagering
money.
In most cases, a slot player is placing wagers without the ability to
use their own skill in order to affect the outcome of a spin of the
reels. Furthermore, the slot player, in general, has a different
point of view of casino games than the table games player. Most
slot players gamble for the entertainment value they receive in
return at the slots. As a result, there is little need for them to
memorize strategies and so on.
W
November 2010 | Arizona Gaming Guide 13
This is not to say the slots don‘t have their own secrets and infor-
mation players need to be aware of. The major difference is that
the outcome of a wager in a table game can be partially influenced
by the skill level of the player.
Of course, video poker is an exception, and I see many table game
players playing video poker while they wait for a seat to open up.
This, I suppose, is an acceptable option as long as you really know
what you are doing. If you play both table poker and video poker,
please make sure you understand all the intricacies of all the dif-
ferent games you play.
While all of us realize that casino gambling is designed so that the
casino has an edge, many players can minimize that edge by fo-
cusing their efforts on learning a particular table game. Poker is
an excellent game to play in a casino as it has a mix of wagering,
randomness, skill, and social interaction, like no other gambling
game.
I highly recommend all you table game players keep practicing
and studying your chosen games to the point where you have all
the rules, strategies, and options memorized. In any event, what-
ever game you choose to play at a casino, know what you are get-
ting yourself into, and most of all have fun!
Write me at [email protected] with your poker questions.
vs. SLOT PLAYERS
14 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
DOLLAR$DOLLAR$ && SENSESENSE
ne evening I was at a casino having dinner and
afterwards, without any thought or hesitation, I
marched over to a bank of Multi-Strike Video Poker
machines by IGT.
All 6 slot machines, like sol-
diers standing at attention,
were unoccupied.
As I sauntered from one end to the other and back again,
like their sergeant, I finally resolved to sit at the third
slot in from the aisle. Three spins later I got 4 Threes
with a Kicker on the second row for $1,000 and a few
more spins after that 4 Aces with a Kicker on the top
row for $8,000!
So, I just got lucky right? Wrong. Although these
things happen at casinos all the time, I wouldn‘t say this
particular situation had anything to do with luck.
Whether you call it a sixth sense, intuition, or E.S.P., for
O
SIXTHSIXTH YOURYOUR Tapping Into
SE
NS
E
some reason I had a feeling I should play that specific
game and machine at that time. First of all, even my
husband was shocked to see me heading over to the
Multi-Strikes since the $200 I came to the casino with
that night was nowhere near the proper bankroll to play
a 25 cent denomination game with a 20 credit bet that
equates to $5 a spin.
Second of all, anyone who knows me can tell you that I
gravitate towards the aisle machines, just like I do the
aisle seats on an airplane.
I don’t like to be sandwiched
in the middle, I like my
space.
Okay, maybe it has a little more to do with the fact that
I‘m superstitious and I believe the payback percentages
are higher on those slots or maybe it‘s leftover from the
days when I used to smoke and preferred the smoke drift
into the aisle rather than into the faces of the people sitting next
to me. For whatever reason, I favor the aisles and that‘s where
you will usually find me.
That night, I did something out of
the ordinary and I couldn’t ex-
plain why.
I have had these hunches in casinos plenty of times before and
sometimes I‘ve acted on them and sometimes I haven‘t. Why I
act on them and other times I don‘t leaves me without any expla-
nation. I do know that I regret not acting on certain hunches.
Several years ago, I watched a young man approach a row of
three reel mechanical slots. They were the kind where you wager
three coins, at a dollar per coin. He wavered back and forth for a
while and then started hammering away at $3 per spin on the cor-
ner machine. Hundred dollar bill after hundred dollar bill disap-
peared as 30 minutes stretched into 60 minutes, and then an hour
and a half. He gave up and left the machine.
Not 15 minutes later, an older woman sat down and began play-
ing as the young man had. She eventually cashed out several
hundred dollars after having won a few larger wins and promptly
left. At this point, I got one of those back of the neck chills that
you only read about in novels.
But, I talked myself out of it. I don‘t like those kinds of games,
there isn‘t enough entertainment in the game, and I wasn‘t going
to risk the remainder of my bankroll placing $3 bets!
The young man came back 5 minutes later! Bang, two spins into
his second session he hit the three wild symbols on the pay line at
the $3 max bet for $10,000!
Hmm...that really got me thinking...I had a hunch to play there. I
thought the machine might still pay out a big win, but I just was-
n‘t sure.
A feeling I couldn’t shake, but I
ignored it because of the circum-
stances.
I was having fun at my machine, I didn‘t want to leave, and I
don‘t enjoy playing the mechanical three reel games. As you
know, there is no guarantee the huge win would have happened
to me, but we can all wonder right?
We all have our own sixth sense but it‘s a matter of whether or
not we want to acknowledge this fact. I hope you tap in and learn
to train your sixth sense for your own benefit, both inside and
outside of the casino. The ability to feel your surroundings can
be a tremendous advantage in life. -AGG
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
Looking Ahead With The Arizona
Office Of Problem Gambling
n partnership with Arizona State University, the Office of
Problem Gambling is developing online training courses.
―This is a low, cost effective way for us to reach out to the
public and treatment providers alike,‖ said Rick Pyper, Director of
the Office of Problem Gambling. Courses will cover general
knowledge about the disorder of compulsive gambling as well as
more detailed offerings of special interest to counselors such as
treatment approaches and how this disorder differs from other
addictions. ―We especially want to allow counselors in rural Ari-
zona the opportunity to access training more conveniently than
having to drive to Phoenix or Tucson,‖ added Pyper. The launch
date is scheduled for early 2011.
In conjunction with 2011‘s National Problem Gambling Aware-
ness Week, the Office will host an all-day symposium in Phoenix
on March 7th. The event is open to anyone with an interest in
problem gambling and includes multiple tracks to accommodate
those just beginning to learn about the issue as well as those seek-
ing to add to their advanced knowledge. As the agenda and regis-
tration becomes available it will be posted at
www.problemgambling.az.gov.
There are 28 behavioral health treatment facilities under contract
with the Office of Problem Gambling
I
For the 5th year in a row, casinos are the #1 way callers learn
about the State‘s helpline 1.800.NEXT STEP
As of Sep. 30, 2010, there are 2,528 people signed up for the ca-
sino self exclusion program. Those who wish to participate can
obtain an application at www.problemgambling.az.gov. As the
chart illustrates, most participants choose the longest term avail-
able--10 years.
November 2010 | Arizona Gaming Guide 17
Arizona Department of Gaming’s Self Exclusion Program
If gambling is causing a problem in your life, the Statewide
Self Exclusion program can be an effective tool for recovery.
You can choose to self exclude for one, five, or ten years. The
Self Exclusion is IRREVOCABLE during the time period se-
lected. The Department and Tribes honor your right to privacy
and confidentiality while adhering to the signed contract. This
exclusion applies to every casino in the State of Arizona as
well as all Harrah‘s owned casinos worldwide, and covers all
Indian Gaming facilities and associated services.
The Self Exclusion form can be found on the Department of
Gaming‘s website at www.azgaming.gov. The following is a list
of guidelines to remember when submitting your form:
•The form must be filled out completely
•Your signature must be notarized
•You must provide a recent (within the last 12 months) color
photo (portrait style). A color copy of your driver‘s license or
passport will not be accepted.
•The picture can be sent as a jpg file attached to an e-mail or
printed on photo paper from a digital camera, 35mm, or Polaroid.
Along with voluntary self exclusion and to ensure a successful
recovery, The Department strongly urges those with a gambling
problem to take advantage of one-on-one counseling with a State-
funded Treatment Provider as well as Gamblers Anonymous
meetings.
If you require additional assistance with this process, you can
directly contact the Department‘s Self Exclusion Program Coor-
dinator, Larissa Pixler at:
Arizona Department of Gaming
202 E Earll Drive, Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
602.604.1801, ext. 213
602.402.4887 Blackberry
Special thanks to The Arizona Department Of Gaming, The Ari-
zona Office Of Problem Gambling, Mr. Rick Pyper, Mr. Rick
Medina, and Ms. Talia Otto for their assistance with this piece.
VIDEO CORNER KEN
Cleopatra Keno® by IGT
Whenever we have the opportunity to walk a casino floor in Ari-
zona or elsewhere, we are always interested to see what all you
video keno players are up to! What we routinely notice is that
some of you are definite fans of Cleopatra Keno® by IGT.
We completely understand why you video keno players enjoy the
game. The mechanic of free plays in a slot machine‘s game de-
sign was powerful when it was first introduced over a decade ago
and will continue to remain powerful in the future.
The game concept is very simple. Pick your spots, make your
wager, and press start. If the last ball drawn creates or improves a
win, you are awarded 15 free spins where all wins are doubled for
the duration of the free spins. What could possibly be better?
Well, knowing which spots to play in order to have the best
chances of hitting the free plays might be nice, right?
Or, knowing which spots to play in order to have the best long
term odds might be nice too!
We‘ll answer those two questions for you now based on a pay
table we have seen recently. Please turn to page 30 to see the re-
sults of our analysis.
For more information on Cleopatra Keno® by IGT, you will have
to log onto our website at azgamingguide.com and click on the
―Keno‖ tab for more secrets and hints. Have fun picking your
spots and good luck! -AGG
Image Courtesy Of IGT. © Copyright IGT. All Rights Reserved. www.igt.com.
2010 will kick off with a keynote address by Geoff Colvin, who
will discuss the leading economic issues impacting the commer-
cial casino industry, as well as how the results of the recent mid-
term elections will affect gaming. One of America‘s sharpest and
most respected business commentators, he will share his insights
on emerging economic trends and offer his perspective on the
commercial casino industry‘s future prospects. Colvin is an ac-
claimed writer, having received multiple honors for his ground-
breaking work, and is a notable broadcaster heard daily on the
CBS Radio Network.
In recognition of G2E‘s 10th anniversary, Wednesday‘s keynote
panel session, ―State of the Industry: Gaming Legends,‖ includes
gaming industry executives who have been on the front lines of
the industry throughout its evolution. They will address the
events that have shaped the industry and make predictions about
what is in store for gaming. Jon Ralston, host of the popular Las
Vegas public affairs program, ―Face to Face with Jon Ralston,‖
will moderate the discussion. Panelists include: Burton M.
Cohen, director, MGM Resorts International; Frank J.
Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO, American Gaming Associa-
tion; Chuck Mathewson, former chairman, International Game
Technology; and Steven P. Perskie, J.S.C. (ret.), counselor to
Perskie Mairone Brog & Baylinson and former chair of the New
Jersey Casino Control Commission.
The G2E 2010 keynotes will conclude with the ―Meet the Press‖-
style panel, ―Tribal Crossfire – Native American Leaders Round-
table,‖ where Native American tribal leaders will discuss a host
of tribal gaming issues, such as financing, sovereignty and a
changed political landscape. The panel will be moderated by Vic-
tor Rocha, the owner and editor of Pechanga.net – a leading
source of tribal and gaming information on the Internet. Panelists
include: Honorable Leslie Lohse, chairwoman, California Tribal
Business Alliance; Kurt Luger executive director, Great Plains
Indian Gaming Association; Sheila Morago, executive director,
Arizona Indian Gaming Association; Brian Patterson, president,
United South & Eastern Tribes, Inc.; Daniel J. Tucker, chairman,
California Nations Indian Gaming Association; and Mark Van
Norman, executive director, National Indian Gaming Association
(NIGA).
G2E announced on September 28, 2010 that the event‘s 2010
conference program will feature an exclusive keynote address by
Gary Loveman, Ph.D., president, CEO and chairman of Harrah‘s
Entertainment, Inc. One of the industry‘s most innovative leaders,
he will share his insights on why addressing misinformation
about gaming needs to be one of the industry‘s highest priorities.
G2E also revealed that this year‘s Advanced Gaming Institute
will include a Capstone Session on generational marketing that
will serve as the culmination of a day of in-depth gaming educa-
tion.
New for G2E 2010, and exclusive for conference attendees, is a
keynote address by Loveman, a former Harvard Business School
professor and current head of Harrah‘s, titled ―The Stockholm
Syndrome: Why Addressing the Misinformation that Plagues
Gaming is our Top Priority.‖ Loveman‘s keynote address will be
held on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
(Continued from page 8)
―It‘s quite an honor to have Gary Loveman offer the G2E 2010
conference keynote address on an issue that is so vital to preserv-
ing the future of gaming,‖ said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president
and CEO of the American Gaming Association. ―He is known as
one of the smartest men in the gaming community, and his in-
sights into where the industry should be going will be valuable
for anyone working in our industry.‖
Additionally, G2E 2010 will offer an Advanced Gaming Institute
Capstone Session titled ―The Next Generation: Marketing to All
Ages‖ on Monday, Nov. 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Room N110.
During this high profile session, Chuck Underwood, founder and
principal of The Generational Imperative, Inc. will examine the
unique core values that influence each generation's consumer
decisions, careers and lifestyle preferences. The session also will
address the powerful influence of generational dynamics and give
attendees a clear understanding of how to market to customers
better and manage and motivate staff more effectively.
―As an event created by the industry and for the industry, we are
committed to providing an exciting lineup of innovative educa-
tion experiences for gaming professionals to expand their knowl-
edge and maximize their return on investment,‖ said Fahrenkopf.
G2E is the leading trade event for the international gaming enter-
tainment community, attended by nearly 26,000 industry profes-
sionals from around the world. For more information on G2E
2010, or to register for group or early bird discounts, visit the
website at www.globalgamingexpo.com. Also connect with G2E
on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Global Gaming Expo is the international gaming trade show and
conference ―by the industry and for the industry.‖ Organized by
the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, G2E
made its debut in fall 2001, defining itself as the pre-eminent
show for the gaming-entertainment industry.
The AGA represents the commercial casino industry by address-
ing federal legislative and regulatory issues. The association also
serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational
and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-
related issues of public concern.
Reed Exhibitions is the world's leader in organizing a wide range
of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses and
meetings. In 2006 Reed brought together more than 6 million
industry professions from around the world, generating billions of
dollars in business. Today Reed events are held in 34 countries
throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pa-
cific, and organized by 37 fully staffed offices. Reed‘s portfolio
of more than 460 events services 52 key industry sectors.
We will be reviewing the G2E show, as we did last year, in order
to bring you a glimpse of the slots ready to hit the casino floor in
2011 and beyond. We always have a lot of fun at the show, as
tiring as it can be from all the standing and walking, but we are
excited to share our experience with you as soon as we can in the
December issue. For more MVP Spotlights, visit our website at
www.azgamingguide.com.
-Chris, Editor-in-Chief
November 2010 | Arizona Gaming Guide 19
20 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
VIDEO
CORNER
Is the progressive good enough? Most beginning video poker players have little to no idea what the
true value of a progressive is. In fact, most players probably don‘t
realize the difference between a game which includes a progres-
sive and one that does not.
What every video poker player, regardless of their ability and ex-
perience, must take into account is that a progressive will boost
your long run payback percentage. Among all the different gam-
ing options across the state you should be well aware of the fact
that one casino may offer a Jacks or Better pay table at 8/5 with no
progressive and a short drive away, another casino may offer the
same pay table with a progressive!
As 8/5 Jacks or Better has a long run payback of just over 97%
with the best strategy, players must be aware of opportunities to
play a game which offers the opportunity for a higher payback. If
the casino decides to place a 1% increment rate for the progres-
sive, in the long run, this 8/5 Jacks or Better video poker game is
now just over 98%! This means, you should only consider playing
the progressive version as, over time, your payback percentage
using the best possible strategy will be higher.
Now we can dive into the nitty-gritty details of just how much of
an impact a progressive can make on the long run payback per-
centage.
Since it is easier for you, the reader, to note how high the progres-
sive value has climbed for the Royal Flush, the information below
is presented based on that number, rather than having to estimate
any numbers based on observations and calculations.
5 Coin 25¢ 8/5 Jacks or Better Long Run Best Strategy Payback
Royal Flush is at least $1,000 97.30%
Royal Flush is at least $1,200 97.70%
Royal Flush is at least $1,350 98.00%
Royal Flush is at least $1,500 98.30%
If you are diligent and wait for a progressive to climb to a particu-
lar value before you begin playing, you can always play at a
higher payback percentage. Remember, the approximate payback
percentage values are based on long run max bet play with the best
possible strategy. Good luck playing video poker! -AGG
Casino Image Courtesy Of Edgewater Casino. © Copyright Edgewater Casino. All Rights Reserved.
S N E A K P E E K — D E C E M B E R ’ S M Y T H # 1 7
T h e m a c h i n e i s g o i n g t o ― t u r n a r o u n d ‖ a n d s t a r t p a y i n g m e n o w ! N o t T r u e …
V i s i t w w w . a z g a m i n g g u i d e . c o m f o r a l l p r e v i o u s m y t h s !
Deb
un
kin
g M
yth
s M Y T H # 1 6
Many people share their casino gaming experiences
with us through written letters, e-mail, and in per-
son. We really value our readers‘ opinions about
casino gaming and the editorial content of our
magazine.
As a result, we read and listen to many stories
whose subjects include:
1. When jackpots can be won
2. The best time of day to win a jackpot
3. The best day of the week to win a jackpot
4. The best day during the month to win a jackpot
5. The best day of the year to win a jackpot
6. etc.
As you might imagine, there is a lot of information
to process and respond to within each individual‘s
question or statement. Our goal with this section of
the magazine is to try to shed some light on many
common misconceptions surrounding slot machines
and casino gaming in general. So, here is the truth
about jackpots and ―busy times‖ in a casino.
Jackpots can happen at any time of the day, week
month, and year. Casinos do not know when they
will happen, manufacturers of slots do not know
when they will happen, and us as players do not
know when they will happen. However, all of us
are certain they will happen at some point in time.
The self-perpetuating aspect of this myth is unfortu-
nate. If more people are at a casino, then more peo-
ple are playing the slot machines. In turn, the more
people who play at a particular moment in time, the
more ―winners‖ there will be for others to observe.
However, let‘s place our ―busy time‖ and jackpots
situation into perspective. Let‘s pretend 100 people
are at a casino, and we have 50 ―winners‖ of which
10 are ―jackpot‖ winners. Furthermore, since slot
machines are regulated, changing the number of
players at the slot machines will not affect the
odds of ―winning‖ or observing ―jackpot win-
ners.
Therefore, if 1000 people are at a casino, we will
have 500 ―winners‖ and 100 ―jackpot‖ winners.
All of the ―jackpot‖ winners are seen by the
1000 people in attendance and a conclusion is
drawn that the chances of winning a ―jackpot‖
must be higher because the casino is full.
Examining both situations, you will immediately
see that the number of ―jackpot‖ winners is 1 in
10. You can prove this on your own at home as
well as follows:
Get a good random number generator (like a
quarter or a half dollar) and start recording the
outcomes of 100 coin flips. Pretend a ―jackpot‖
happens when there are 4 Heads in a row during
the 100 coin flips. Now have all of your friends
come over and repeat the experiment with you.
You will observe a lot more ―jackpots‖, but pro-
portionally, based on the number of friends. The
relationship between the number of jackpots and
100 coin flips will be approximately the same, in
particular the more often you perform the ex-
periment.
If you don‘t want to go through the trouble of
having all this fun with your friends, then we
hope you will take this last point very seriously.
Slot machines don‘t know what will happen on
the next spin and certainly don‘t know whether a
casino is busy or empty.
These two facts are regulated by a large number
of independent agencies and is what helps to
make casino gaming fun, fair, and an exciting
form of entertainment within Arizona and across
the United States of America. -AGG
I have a better chance of hit-
ting a jackpot during a “busy
time” at the casino. WRONG!
STOP!
READ THIS ONLY IF
YOU WANT TO KNOW
THE TRUTH ABOUT
CASINO GAMING
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
here are many people within
the casino gaming industry
that schmooze for a living.
There are the sales people for
a wide range of different
products and services. Then there are the
executives of various companies, including
the casinos, who have to schmooze as part
of their jobs. Last, but definitely not least,
are the representatives at the casino players
clubs and casino host offices.
These people are the individuals I particu-
larly enjoy interacting with on a regular
basis! There is nothing more entertaining
than schmoozing with a professional
schmoozer. I mean, seriously! What could
be better than having gone to college to get
a degree in schmoozing. The last time I
looked, that degree was available in most
Business Schools. But I digress…
You have to ask yourself, how does the
professional schmoozer come across these
kinds of jobs? I doubt the job posting actu-
ally states ―We are looking for the best
schmoozer we can find‖ as that might be a
little hard to remain objective when all the
candidates are trying to schmooze their
way into a job!
In any event, I love the opening lines used
by the professional schmoozer. They make
me feel like they are trying to pick me up
at a bar. For all of you who are at least one
step up from the lowest level, you can defi-
nitely get a taste of what it is like to be
treated like a celebrity. By now, you have
encountered ―the schmoozer.‖
For all of you who remember the television
program ―Friends,‖ you understand what I
mean when I refer to the character Joey
Tribiani‘s famous quote ―How you doin‘?‖
That‘s exactly the way some of these con-
versations start between me and the profes-
sional schmoozer, male or female!
The reply I give is generally very passive
and laid back in order to elicit more
schmoozing. ―Oh, so-so, not too bad.‖
While the schmoozer should have a variety
of immediate responses to my answer, they
generally pause as they do have a little bit
of background information on me based on
my player‘s card status and play that day.
―Ahh, well, um, my name is Jane Smith
(let‘s pretend) and I just wanted to wel-
come you to ABC Casino and ask if there
is anything you need today?‖
This question is critical, absolutely, no
doubt about it. This is what you need to
get out of the schmoozer during your inter-
action with them.
Once they ask for what you want, now you
can ask for almost anything, within reason,
based on your play and status. Go ahead,
ask for it! That‘s why you put up with the
schmoozer to begin with! What‘s the
worst that is going to happen? They say
―No, but I can offer you …‖ and you still
get something out of your request.
Now, the professional schmoozer is truly
good at what they do if they remember
details about past interactions with you!
What I like to do is test them whenever I
can with leading questions. The following
list should be a good start for any one of
you to work with:
When was I last here?
Where did I eat during my last visit?
What was I playing during my last visit?
Who was with me during my last visit?
Don‘t be extremely direct with your ques-
tioning! Make your probes subtle and in-
nocent. Start off with a comment about
how you really enjoyed playing blackjack
during your last visit (however, you don‘t
play blackjack at all). A professional
schmoozer should correct your oversight
politely and be willing to continue to inter-
act with you. If they don‘t, well, I am giv-
ing you free reign to out-schmooze the
schmoozer!
These casino employees should pride
themselves in not only being bright, happy,
efficient, customer service oriented, and
there to help you, but also to make you feel
like you are special in their eyes by recall-
ing specific information about you that
they value or want you to perceive value
in.
The most fun you can possibly have is get-
ting the schmoozer to a point where they
are speechless. If you can do that, you
have out-schmoozed them!
I hope you have as much fun as I do when
interacting with the professional
schmoozer! Until next time… - Sami
Do YOU have something to rant about? Write me at:
OUT-SCHMOOZING
A PROFESSIONAL
SCHMOOZER
T
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
Now through January 13, 2011, Desert Diamond Casinos & En-
tertainment is giving away over $350,000.00 in cash and prizes as
part of their Ultimate Football Fan Giveaway promotion! There
will be one grand prize winner at each of the two Tucson area
locations, so your odds just got better if you frequent either one
of the two properties. The grand prize winner will receive two
tickets to the big game in Arlington, Texas along with $2,500.00
in spending money! What could be better than that?
Well, how about this? Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment
took it upon themselves to reward its loyal patrons with appear-
ances by some of the great players of football!
Whether you have a passing interest in football, or are the ulti-
mate football fan, you won‘t want to miss the following appear-
ances by some football legends at the Desert Diamond Casinos:
Nov. 14, 2010—Tony Dorsett Nov. 29, 2010—Roger Craig
Dec. 6, 2010—Mel Renfro Dec. 12, 2010—Marcus Allen
Jan. 8, 2011—Kellen Winslow Jan. 9, 2011—Jim Plunkett
Sign up for a players club card while you visit either one of the
Desert Diamond Casino properties and good luck while playing
their games and participating in their promotions!
Desert Diamond Casinos are located at 7350 S. Nogales High-
way, Tucson about 1 mile South of Valencia Rd on Nogales
Highway. Call 1-520-294-7777 or visit desertdiamond-
casino.com. Featuring 1089 Slots, Live Keno, a 270 Seat Bingo
Hall, 24 Poker Tables, and 18 Blackjack Tables. The second
property is at 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita, South of Tuc-
son at I-19 and Exit 80 (Pima Mine Rd). Call 1-866-332-9467 or
visit desertdiamondcasino.com. Featuring 890 Slots, 2 Poker
Tables, and 10 Blackjack Tables.
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment are an enterprise of
the Tohono O'odham Nation. To all you football fans young and
old… thanks for reading our magazine and don’t forget to tell the
Players Club the AZ Gaming Guide sent you! -AGG
FOOTBALL and CASINOS ?
You Have To Check Out The
Desert Diamond
Casinos
Ultimate Football Fan Giveaway Promotion !
A Little A Little
Thing CalledThing Called
LuckLuck
Write me your good luck stories at:
ainbows are probably one of the
most fascinating displays of pure
beauty one can find in nature.
For one reason or another I have been for-
tunate enough to see a lot of rainbows this
year! On some days I was able to see sev-
eral in the morning and then later in the
afternoon again.
Double rainbows have become a favorite
of mine. One afternoon, during the recent
monsoon season, I saw a pair of full half-
circle rainbows stretching over the Super-
stition Mountains.
In general, rainbows have represented a
sign of a bridge between the world of hu-
mans and the realm of gods. This belief
appears throughout history in many cul-
tures and religions around the world.
Many religions and cultures still carry this
belief to the present day.
For those of us who want luck on our side
as much as we can, we accept the Celtic
and Irish view of rainbows. In Celtic my-
thology, a crock of gold awaits a lucky
finder at the end of a rainbow. Perhaps as
an evolution to that myth, the Irish culture
believes the mischievous leprechaun has
hidden a pot of gold at the end of a rain-
bow.
While we can never reach the end of the
rainbow, we can still take our observation
of one as a sign that fortune is just around
the corner! Several of you who have writ-
ten me have commented on seeing a rain-
bow followed by good fortune on a subse-
quent casino visit. I hope you all see a
rainbow soon!
R
BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW ...
Licensed Titles:
Making a game
with an idea, a
theme, some art,
you didn‘t create.
28 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2010
There are millions of products readily available to us that use the
images and ideas of movies, television shows, games, sports
teams, and so on, that many of us don‘t even stop to think about
them anymore. Certainly, they don‘t surprise us when we encoun-
ter similar products at the casino! How many of you have played
a version of the Wheel of Fortune® series of slot machines by
IGT? Our guess is that all of our readers will admit to playing one
of the many games at least once. As such, you have played what
is generally referred to as a ―licensed title‖ by professionals in the
casino gaming industry.
These licensed titles are generally developed with the intent of
drawing a large amount of attention to a new game, in the hopes
that casinos will enter into an agreement with manufacturers to
purchase, lease, or revenue share in exchange for the game. By
selecting licensed titles which may appeal to players, the theory is
that these particular games will support high amounts of play and
remain on the casino floor for a long time if players truly enjoy the
game.
Pulling this complicated sequence of events off is more easily said
than done. First, a manufacturer must find an interest in a particu-
lar licensed theme. Many of these themes are based on movies,
game shows, games, celebrities, and musicians. Once a theme
has been selected, the manufacturer must begin to negotiate with
the copyright holder. These negotiations take time and generally
involve either a flat fee in exchange for the right to use the theme,
or involves a mixture of fees and recurring payments which may
be linked to the performance and revenue of the game on casino
floors.
Nothing is for certain during these negotiations and you can well
imagine that competitive bidding wars and exclusivity arrange-
ments can easily be part of the negotiating process. A manufac-
turer will obviously have to examine all the financial responsibili-
ties of obtaining the rights to reproduce a theme they are interested
in along with the research, development, regulatory approval, in-
stallation, and maintenance costs required to get such a game onto
a casino floor in front of players where it can actually generate
revenue for the casino, and possibly the manufacturer and the li-
cense holder.
If we just look at what the manufacturer WMS has recently intro-
duced to the market in terms of licensed titles, you should begin to
understand the challenges a manufacturer may have to endure
when offering a product line which includes multiple licensed
titles.
WMS‘ recent slot machine games which include licensed material:
The Wizard Of Oz®
Top Gun®
The Price Is Right®
Star Trek®
The Lord Of The Rings®
Just because you are not a fan of The Lord Of The Rings® or The
Price Is Right® doesn't mean you should overlook these games.
Try them out, they may strike your fancy, even if you have no clue
as to what strange creature is helping you win! -AGG
Image Courtesy Of WMS. © Copyright WMS. All Rights Reserved. www.wms.com.
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Video Keno Corner
Cleopatra Keno® by IGT
from page 18
Chances of triggering a set of free
plays based on number of spots in
order from best to worst:
10 Spots
7 Spots
9 Spots
4 Spots
6 Spots
8 Spots
3 Spots
5 Spots
Long term odds based on number of
spots in order from best to worst:
6 Spots
3 Spots
8 Spots
7 Spots
4 Spots
9 Spots
10 Spots
5 Spots
The AGG recommends you play:
6 Spots or 7 Spots