http://www.ddcaz.com/

http://www.casinoarizona.com/

04 EDITOR’S NOTE

06 PLAYERS TALK

09 GREAT GAMES

14 WINNING WAYS

16 GAMING NEWS

19 FUN FACTS

20 FEATURE STORY

24 CASINO DINING

26 TRIBAL NEWS

28 TRAVEL

30 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

32 CASINO NIGHTLIFE

34 FUN & GAMES

35 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

36 CASINO BINGO DIRECTORY

38 CASINO DIRECTORY

DEPARTMENTS

azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 03

FORT MCDOWELL CASINO

1ST WITH WMS’ ALADDIN

Winning action and a moving seat

that sways and bobs as a virtual car-

pet flies through a castle!

TALKING STICK RESORT

HAS NEW ARUZE SLOTS

New slot maker has just arrived to

town bringing with them some hot

and exciting gaming action!

100 NEW SLOTS ARRIVE AT

HON-DAH CASINO

A perfect reason to plan a trip to the

beautiful White Mountains just

three miles south of Pinetop!

2020

1313 1010 0909

Contents SEPTEMBER

PARADISE CASINO & PARADISE CASINO &

QUECHAN CASINO IN YUMAQUECHAN CASINO IN YUMA

Alexandra

VOLUME 04 • ISSUE 09

PUBLISHER

Chris Hoft

chris@azgamingguide.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Torma

liz@azgamingguide.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alexandra Lang

editor@azgamingguide.com

ART DIRECTOR

Melanie Mueller

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ramses Ja

Mark Novak

Alex Stewart

Samantha Becker

Lana Hartmann

ADVERTISING SALES

Nina Consiglio

nina@azgamingguide.com

Elizabeth Torma

liz@azgamingguide.com

MAILING INFORMATION

Arizona Gaming Guide

P.O. Box 20636

Mesa, Arizona 85277

INTERNET INFORMATION

www.azgamingguide.com

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

Copyright © 2012 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 | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

“Like” us on Facebook because

we “Like” you too!

www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide

More Please!

September ushers in Fall and we are proud and excited to bring you even more

changes and additions as we head into the next season. We’ve got a full-on feature

story about Quechan and Paradise Casinos in Yuma this month. All our staff have

visited both properties multiple times and we felt the timing was right to let you

know about the gaming opportunities in the far southern parts of our state. Also,

we are extremely excited to have partnered with the Arizona Lottery! As re-

quested by our readers and online fans, you’ll see coverage geared towards lottery

news including winners, jackpots, and (of course) in-depth analysis and advice on

all their games.

Please visit us at: www.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 www.azgamingguide.com. Let

me know what you think of our September issue and have fun!

Cheers!

Alexandra Lang

Editor-in-Chief

editor@azgamingguide.com

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PLAYERS TALK Q&A On Everything Gaming

06 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

Q: I have signed up for a player’s card at a local casino.

They award points for play. They give 1 point for each

$5 played. My question is: If I play less than $5, do I get

credit towards my points if I move to another machine

before I reach the $5 increment? Does it carry over to the

next machine?

Dick Hughes – Dewey, AZ

A: Dick, you are very perceptive with your question and when

members of the staff first began using player’s cards at a variety

of casinos, we had the same quandary. After close observation,

we realized it depends on the player tracking system that the

casino has decided to install. We decided to reach out to one of

our casino contacts here in Arizona to confirm our suspicions

and here’s the response we received:

“[The issue described] does depend on the player tracking

system. In some systems the countdown resets once the card is

pulled and it does not carry over. With the Oasis system this

has been in effect since at least 1996 when it was called CDS. It

is something that the manufacturer is looking into but as of

now, no carry over.”

If you decide to be extremely conscious of your accumulating

points, which is a very smart thing to do, always be aware of

your remaining credits and only stop playing the game right

when a point has been earned. This becomes especially valuable

on days where points earned are multiplied!

Q: I’m so frustrated with these new slots because 9 out

of 10 times when I get a bonus I don’t win very much at

all. I’ve even had bonuses where I didn’t win anything

and that’s really annoying because you have to wait for

so long to get into a bonus. I’d like to know how these

bonuses are set up please. Thank you.

Anita Holmes – Avondale, AZ

A: Anita, the reel strips that are used in the base game are not

the same reel strips that are used during the free games, most of

the time. Yes, you read that right! This is why sometimes it's

easier (or harder) to get certain winning combinations during a

free games bonus round. In order to distinguish the bonus reel

ASK THE EXPERTS and get a $25 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: editor@azgamingguide.com.

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 if an alter-

nate set of reels is used. In fact, 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 gener-

ally also changes. And, just to be even more obvious, some

manufacturers write the word "BONUS" across the reel strips!

This is all done to make sure players understand that a change

has occurred and they don't feel cheated. Additionally, with all

these modifications to the game there can be no doubt to a

player that they are currently in a bonus.

Changing the reel strips during the bonus can allow the mathe-

matician to control the volatility of the game. In other words,

they can increase or decrease the hit frequency of the individual

wins, change your chances of retriggering the bonus, affect (on

average) how much each free games bonus will pay, and so on.

Next time you play your favorite slot game, see if you can tell a

difference between the reel strips and what changes were made

to the reels (if any).

Q: Aren’t all the casinos owned by the Indians here in

Arizona? Why can’t the casinos get together and make

sure they all have the same slots for us to play? This

should be so easy and it’s so annoying when I can’t find

all the games I like to play at [a casino] but I really want

to play them!

Magdalena Garcia – Tucson, AZ

A: Magdalena, in Arizona there are 15 individual Native

American Tribes that operate 22 casinos on their own or they

have an outside company run the casino for them. As you can

imagine, this automatically creates a competitive environment.

As a result, casinos are not going to make the purchasing of slot

machines a collaborative process! Even if two or more casinos

are operated by the same tribe, or by the same company on their

behalf, there are no guarantees about the composition of the slot

floor in terms of the games they offer. Each casino will ulti-

mately make their own decisions about which slots to offer their

patrons as every casino is unique in many different ways; all of

which affect the slot floor. $

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New Slots GREAT GAMES

azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 09

Fort McDowell Casino First To Install This

Great New Slot By WMS

he slot department at Fort McDowell

Casino understands slot players and

that’s why they tend to be the first casino in

the state to install all the latest and greatest

new games! Just as they were the first to

bring us the ever-popular Alice slots by

WMS and many others, they are also the

first to install another WMS slot, Aladdin &

The Magic Quest, that is sure to be a hit!

Taking players on a slot thrill ride, Aladdin

& The Magic Quest game unveils the next

generation of surround sound gaming with

a motion system chair. This moving seat, a

first in the industry, sways and bobs as a

virtual carpet flies through a castle!

In this fully immersive slot experience that

includes 3D graphics, redesigned sound

and full movement, players will enjoy an

unprecedented gaming experience with the

motion effects programmed to align per-

fectly with in-game events. In Aladdin’s

Magical Flight bonus, players can take a ride

on Aladdin’s flying carpet on a quest for

big wins and mini-bonuses and in the Clash

of the Genie bonus, battle past the Genie to

rescue the princess for 100x total bet.

There’s also the Mystical Spins bonus where

10 spins pay double, and the Magic Features

that can trigger on any base spin to award a

multiplier up to 25x, up to five WILD reels

and more!

WMS has managed to bring the excitement

of a theme park ride to the slot floor with

Aladdin & The Magic Quest and slot players

are sure to enjoy their ride on this new

game-changing slot adventure! For more

information about this innovative game,

visit www.wms.com/aladdin. $

10 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

GREAT GAMES New Slots

BRIGHT, LOUD & ACTION-PACKED Aruze’s Slots Have Finally Arrived In Arizona At Talking Stick Resort!Talking Stick Resort!Talking Stick Resort!

ristocrat, WMS, Bally, Konami, and IGT are all familiar

names to slot enthusiasts, because the games produced by

these slot manufacturers have been on casino floors in Arizona

for a long time. However, there’s another slot maker that has

just arrived to town bringing with them some hot and exciting

gaming action! Although just recently licensed to sell games in

Arizona, Aruze Gaming is definitely not a novice in the casino

gaming industry. They have been designing, developing, and

manufacturing slot machines and gaming devices for the global

casino market since 1983 and they have offices located all across

the world including Las Vegas, Australia, South Africa, and

Macau! Aruze Gaming has won numerous industry awards for

azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 11

New Slots GREAT GAMES

their exceedingly innovative gaming products which include

high resolution video and stepper slot machines, community

gaming slots, and multi-terminal devices. Talking Stick Resort is

the first to install their games, but more casinos across the state

will definitely be offering their patrons Aruze Gaming’s exciting

slots as well very soon!

The Innovator Series With Radiant Reels

Slot players will be in amazement when they sit down to try

their luck on Aruze Gaming’s new Innovator slots! The Radiant

Reels on these slots feature the largest five-reel stepper strips for

a standard cabinet in the gaming industry. The 11” diameter

reels radiate with 240 full color LED lights that illuminate when

highlighting a winning combination or while spinning and can

be adjusted according to player preference. To further enhance

game play, Radiant Reels spin with over 10 different movements

forwards, backwards and at various speeds! In addition to the

Radiant Reels, the Innovator slot games all have intriguing theme

specific sound effects, an interactive top box touch screen, and

unique game play. The following themes are available for play

now at Talking Stick Resort: 4 Chinese Beasts, Bamboo Panda,

and King of Dragons.

4 Chinese Beasts is a 5 reel, 50 line stepper and a favorite

amongst the Arizona Gaming Guide staff! The highlight of the

game happens when 3 or more Bonus symbols appear and the 4

Beasts Bonus is triggered. The player spins a wheel in the top

box containing 5 bonus games. When the wheel stops, the

player is awarded the indicated bonus feature which can consist

of a combination of free games, wild reels, multipliers, and even

a multi-level jackpot!

Bamboo Panda is a 5 reel, 30 line stepper game. Three or more

bonus symbols trigger the Panda Bonus for 7 free games. The

Panda Spin occurs when three consecutive WILD symbols land

on any reel and the wilds remain locked in position for 2 free

games. In Climb The Tree Race, players choose from 1 of 3 pan-

das. The first player to reach the goal wins and a multiplier is

awarded according to the results of the race.

Orbs bring rewards in King of Dragons! This mythical dragon-

themed game has an exciting Bonus and Free Games feature

that is played on the top screen. The feature is triggered when 5

or more Orb symbols appear on the reels. The more Orbs that

appear when the Bonus is triggered, the more credit awards are

randomly selected during the Orb Prize Selection. $

Based on the information available to us,

we have determined these slots to be

“loose” as their long-run payback percentages are most

likely above 90% and potentially as high as 94%. As

they make their way across Arizona, this is truly great

news for penny slot players!

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azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 13

lot enthusiasts who enjoy playing Aristocrat games are going to be excited

to know that Hon-Dah Resort & Casino just installed 28 machines with the

hottest new titles! And as many of the games are only available at Hon-

Dah for now, it’s the perfect reason to plan a trip to the beautiful White

Mountains of east-central Arizona just three miles south of Pinetop. If

you’ve never visited this casino, then when you do you’ll understand why

the name “Hon-Dah” (which means “Be My Guest” or “Welcome”) is appropriate

for this cozy entertainment destination located on the gorgeous White Mountain

Apache Reservation.

S

100 New Games Installed

At Hon-Dah Resort & Casino

More New Games At Hon-Dah Resort & Casino

New Themes From IGT: The Dream, The Prince of Lightning, Shadow of the Panther, Money Comb, The Amulet and the Charm, The Mighty Atlas, Day of the

Dead, Lobstermania 2, and Midnight Eclipse

New Themes From Konami: Money Blast, Dynasty of Gold, Jumpin’ Jalapenos, China Mystery, Treasure Voyage, Ancient Dragon, China Shores, Fire of the

East, Quest for Riches, and Clairvoyant Cat

New Themes From WMS: Van Helsing, Lil Red, Spartacus, and Forbidden Dragons

New Themes From Bally: Aloha Island, Big Vegas, Emerald Falls, Gems of Fire, Moon Dynasty, Mysteria, Playboy Hot Zone, Rainbow Dragon, Wild Huskies,

Easy Cash Eddy, Black Star, Cherry Red, Triple Blazing 7’s, Black & White, Aloha Delight, Ole Jalapenos, Cash Wave, and Fishin’ for Loot

More Chilli has a 40 credit minimum bet (25 lines plus a 15

credit ante bet). The free game feature is triggered at random or

when 3 or more scattered BAG appear that award 15 free

games. When the feature occurs, 2 sets of reels appear and free

games commence on both sets of reels. The more CHILLI col-

lected during the free games, the more symbols become wild

on all sets of reels. Collect 30

CHILLI to play 4 sets of reels and

all symbols on reels 3, 4, and 5

become wild on all sets of reels.

Jazee is a low volatility game with a very exciting

free games bonus! All wins during the 15 free

games are multiplied by the current multiplier on

the screen. The initial free games multiplier is x1.

The multiplier is incremented by 1 whenever one

or more ZEBRA appear anywhere in the win-

dow. If the multiplier reaches x6 and one or more

ZEBRA appear the multiplier is incremented to

x10! Even more exciting

is that the feature can be

retriggered!

Wicked Winnings III is a highly volatile and entertaining game

where a 6th reel is added for 4,096 ways to win! Whenever 4

WOMAN occur on the same reel (this can happen on reels 3

and 4 only), those reels are held and the other reels are respun

once. Players will be sitting in anticipation since the respin fea-

ture can be triggered again during each respin feature.

Party in Rio is a game

with average volatility. 3

or more scattered WHIS-

TLE trigger the bonus. A

selection screen appears

with 10 instruments. The

player touches any of 5

instruments to reveal the

total number of free

games won. All wins

(except bonus prizes)

during the free games are

doubled. Each GIRL ap-

pearing during the free

games awards a bonus

prize of 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20

credits. Let’s get ready to

samba and rumba! $

Other New Themes From Aristocrat: Aristocrat

Allstars, Buffalo, Buffalo Moon, Cash Catapult, For-

tune Firecracker, Jackpot Manor, Mammoth Thunder,

Samurai’s Honor, Timber Wolf, and Wild Splash

14 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

WINNING WAYS Hints & Tips

Spin after spin after spin after spin with no winners, and cer-

tainly no bonus, makes every slot enthusiast’s heart break.

The burning question is: Leave your slot or stay and keep

playing? Here are two great tips to keep you on track towards

winning.

LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

If you are wondering whether the slot is going to “wake up”

and start giving you wins or a bonus, you should leave. Rest

assured that even if another player tries your machine, what

happens to them would not have happened to you. Just turn

your back on the machine and don’t even look at the slot any-

more. Since you started questioning the slot already, you are

currently in a negative mind set. You’ll have to figure out, on

your own, how you’ll “reset” and get back to a more positive

state of mind. Take a break from playing, have something to eat,

explore other amenities at the casino; anything to get you away

from your momentary negativity.

COUNT THOSE SPINS

Having been a long time fan of our magazine, you know we

advise slot players to determine an average number of spins it

takes to hit the bonus on their favorite slot. We’ve been over this

topic several times, so for more information, check out our back

issues on our website at www.azgamingguide.com. If, for exam-

ple, you’ve determined your favorite slot’s bonus happens

about once every 150 spins, and you’ve blown through that

number of spins already with no bonus, you really have to pay

attention. Individual results on slots will always vary, but in

general, you should expect to see a bonus before spin number

300 and certainly before spin number 450. If you have made it to

450 spins with no bonus, time to leave. Don’t get sucked in to

some self-fulfilling competitive game against the slot, just leave.

How many spins it takes to get into a bonus varies from game to

game, but a winning rule of thumb is to determine the average

number of spins it takes to hit your bonus, based on your previ-

ous observations and triple it. If you can’t hit a bonus in that

number of spins, walk away from that slot! $

How To Tell If Your Slot Is AHow To Tell If Your Slot Is A

LOSER!

http://www.ddcaz.com/

GAMING NEWS

16 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

IGT’s DoubleDown Casino

Partners With Casino Del Sol

Resort In Tucson, Arizona Double Down Interactive’s First Land-Based Partnership

Casino Del Sol Resort and IGT

has made history as the resort is

the first land-based casino to

offer the DoubleDown Casino

games directly on its website at

www.CasinoDelSolResort.com

Casino Del Sol has embedded the

DoubleDown application on its website, allowing players the ability

to engage in thrilling social game play, trying out the best selection

of poker play, slots and table games; including some of IGT’s popu-

lar casino floor slot themes like Da Vinci Diamonds.

This partnership allows Casino Del Sol Resort to provide players

with extended social entertainment time and value by the largest

social casino site in the world – right on its website, while at the

same time delivering upcoming and exciting news on the property

itself.

“Casino Del Sol is proud to be the first land-based casino to offer

DoubleDown Casino games,” said Roy Corby, COO of Casino Del

Sol Resort. “The casino gaming landscape is changing every day so

it’s vital that our offerings evolve to ensure guests’ experiences are

nothing less than extraordinary.”

Double Down Interactive is a wholly owned subsidiary of IGT and is

the leading casual games developer of “fun to play” casino experi-

ences on the internet. Anyone can play at the DoubleDown Casino

by visiting http://app.facebook.com/doubledowncasino. For more

information about IGT, visit www.IGT.com

Aristocrat’s Tarzan Lord of the Jungle video

slot has been on a hot streak this summer!

Just recently, two jackpots were hit in the

very same week, one for $959,961.43 and

another for $260,017.78, bringing the grand

total to more than $5.2 million in jackpot

awards since its debut! This is definitely a

game worth trying your luck on. Make sure

to give them a spin while they’re still hot!

Tarzan Lord of the Jungle

Continues Hot Streak

Arizona Lottery Breaks Sales Records

For Fifth Consecutive Year $18 million more goes to State of Arizona than

previous fiscal year

he Arizona Lottery

closed out their fis-

cal year 2012 with a re-

cord-breaking $646.7 mil-

lion in sales, a double—

digit 10.8% increase over the previous fiscal year and

the highest amount in the Arizona Lottery’s 30-year

history. As a result of fiscal year 2012’s record Lottery

sales, the State of Arizona received nearly $165 million

in net profits, the largest transfer amount in Arizona

Lottery history and an $18 million increase over the

previous fiscal year. These dollars support a wide vari-

ety of programs: education, economic & business devel-

opment, environmental issues, and health & public

welfare. Fiscal year 2012 marked the third year that

every designated beneficiary received full funding as

established by the Arizona Legislature.

In addition to the Arizona Lottery’s sizeable contribu-

tion to the state in fiscal year 2012, Lottery retailers

large and small earned a record $43.7 million in com-

missions. “We are proud to report record-breaking

sales during our 30th anniversary year,” said Jeff

Hatch—Miller, the executive director of the Arizona

Lottery. “Generating nearly $165 million to support

important state programs that directly enrich the lives

of Arizona residents, is a testament to the Lottery’s

commitment, motivation, and ability to provide new

and interesting games players enjoy.

Director Hatch—Miller credits much of this year’s fi-

nancial success to the introduction of the $2 Powerball,

the world record-breaking $656 million Mega Millions

jackpot, a more than 9.7% increase in Scratchers ticket

sales, and to the public’s recognition of how the money

helps players and non-players alike. “One of the main

objectives of the Arizona Lottery is to listen and re-

spond to our players and deliver on their requests for

bigger prizes and more winners,” said Hatch—Miller.

“We’re now focused on the future and will be launch-

ing many exciting new products during the year ahead.

I know these new games will be very attractive to both

new and existing players. This past year was a record

setter and I fully expect the Lottery will produce sound

financial results in the coming year too.”

For more information about the Arizona Lottery, please visit

www.arizonalottery.com. For winning numbers call (480)

829-7425 in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. All other

areas in Arizona, call 1-800-499-3798. $

T

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FUN FACTS

azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 19

is the most common is the most common

Hold’Em starting hand; also called “Pocket Hold’Em starting hand; also called “Pocket

Rockets,” “Bullets,” or “American Airlines.”Rockets,” “Bullets,” or “American Airlines.”

Bet You Didn’t Know …

rizona Department of Gaming announced that tribal con-

tributions to the state from gaming revenue will be ap-

proximately $25.1 million for the quarter ending June 30, 2012.

This is a 2.4 percent increase from the same quarter of last year.

It also marks the eighth consecutive quarter increase. “As the

nation continues to deal with a struggling and uncertain econ-

omy, an eighth consecutive increase in quarterly tribal gaming

contributions is evidence that we are on the right track in Ari-

zona,” said Mark Brnovich, Director of the Arizona Department

of Gaming. “In addition to providing strong consumer confi-

dence feedback, this increase in revenue will benefit critical pro-

grams throughout the state.” The quarterly tribal contributions

to the Arizona Benefits Fund will be distributed as follows:

Instructional Improvement Fund/Education: $ 12,495,460

Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: $ 6,247,730

Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs: $ 2,256,403

Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: $ 1,785,066

State Tourism Fund: $ 1,785,066

Problem Gambling Ed., Treatment & Prevention: $ 501,423

TOTAL for the quarter ending June 30, 2012: $ 25,071,148

Tribal Gaming Contributions To State

Of Arizona Continue To Increase

Casino Arizona Will

Offer Exciting Bingo

Game For Guests

asino Arizona’s new bingo hall is

slated for opening November 1, 2012

and will feature 11 sessions every week,

two late night sessions on Fridays and

Saturdays, huge TV’s, food and drink spe-

cials, and GemHunt, an exclusive speed

bingo game from PlanetBingo.

GemHunt is played on a handheld unit

with a massive 10.4” color touch screen

and multiple configuration and playing

options. GemHunt is also the only speed bingo game that offers

5 progressive jackpots on top of the standard prize. Set on a

treasure map, GemHunt brings out the adventurer in every

player in the hall. Game play is extremely quick and gets the

heart racing. The gems that make up the 5 progressive prizes

are the Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, and Topaz which

are highlighted across the top of the screen along with the exist-

ing jackpot values. The current game value is also highly visible

so players know exactly what they are playing for. Mark your

calendars and get ready for some exciting bingo action at Ca-

sino Arizona’s new bingo hall coming soon! $

The first written reference of twentyThe first written reference of twenty--one one

(now Blackjack) appears in “Novelas Ejem-(now Blackjack) appears in “Novelas Ejem-

plares” written by Spanish author Miguel de plares” written by Spanish author Miguel de

Cervantes, who also wrote “Don Quixote!”Cervantes, who also wrote “Don Quixote!”

If you add up all the numbers on a roulette If you add up all the numbers on a roulette If you add up all the numbers on a roulette

wheel, you’ll come up with a demonic total wheel, you’ll come up with a demonic total wheel, you’ll come up with a demonic total

of 666.of 666.of 666.

ACEACE--ACE ACE

Known for its historic and tribal attrac-

tions, the Yuma region is also a premier

destination for entertainment and lei-

sure. Sister properties Paradise Casino

(Yuma) and Quechan Casino Resort

(Winterhaven, CA) offer well-rounded

excitement throughout the year.

(Continued on page 22)

Gaming

A favorite among local players, Paradise Casino features more

than 500 new and classic slot machines with frequent additions.

Its bingo including daily play, monthly promotions and extra

ways to win is wildly popular too.

One of the Southwest’s largest gaming centers, Quechan Casino

Resort includes more than 1,000 new and classic slot machines,

Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker and Three Card Poker games, a large

live poker room, and the Yuma region’s only high-limit room.

Players at both casinos can get even more from their play with a

free Players Rewards Club Card. All play with the card earns

points that can be redeemed for comps, cash or Rewards Play.

Frequency of play can also raise club status for greater player

benefits.

Accommodations

Quechan Casino Resort offers 166 luxurious guest rooms – in-

cluding eight 800 sq. ft. suites – with amenities such as a flat-

screen HDTV, on-demand movies, a Keurig® coffee maker and

free Internet service.

Those who want some sun can relax outside by the resort’s

Mediterranean-style swimming pool and tranquil Lazy River.

A fitness center, a gift shop, room service, onsite truck & RV

parking, and free valet parking are among the resort’s many

other conveniences.

Dining & Nightlife

Players at Paradise Casino can enjoy family style–diner cooking

at Seahorse Restaurant. The same menu is available to those

relaxing with companions and friends at Sharky’s Bar & Bites.

Diverse dining at Quechan Casino Resort includes daily meals

at Sidewinders Bar & Grill, VIP steak-and-wine dining at Iron-

wood Steakhouse, all-you-can-eat global fare at Ocotillo Interna-

(Continued from page 21)

22 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

PARADISE & QUECHAN CASINOS Yuma’s Complete Entertainment

tional Buffet, quick and tasty bites at the Food Court, and fresh

pastries & Starbucks® coffee at Gila Blend.

For stepping out in the evening, Quechan Casino Resort’s Ocoti-

llo Bar offers creative cocktails as well as programming on

HDTVs. Laughter and conversation are common.

Live Entertainment

Paradise Casino features headlining concerts at the Paradise

Event Center. Players can also enjoy weekend shows by local

and regional artists at Sharky’s Bar & Bites.

The region’s top local talent likewise performs at Quechan Ca-

sino Resort’s Sidewinders Bar & Grill on weekends. The resort’s

Pipa Event Center hosts performances by some of entertain-

ment’s biggest stars as well.

Discover more about the many ways you can have fun and relax

when staying in or passing through Yuma. Call Quechan Casino

Resort at 877-QUECHAN or Paradise Casino at 888-777-4946

today.

How to Get There

Paradise Casino is located near downtown Yuma. Take 1st

Street east and then turn north to cross the Ocean-to-Ocean

Bridge. The road becomes Quechan Drive. The casino is on the

east side of Quechan Drive less than one mile from the bridge.

Quechan Casino Resort is 11.5 miles from Yuma International

Airport with connecting round-trip service to Los Angeles Inter-

national Airport (United Airlines, two flights daily) and Phoe-

nix Sky Harbor International Airport (US Airways Express, four

flights daily). It is also within driving distance from San Diego

(2.5 hours), Phoenix (3 hours) and Tucson (3.5 hours). $

For more information on Paradise Casino, visit their website at www.paradise-

casinos.com or call 888.777.4946. For more information on Quechan Casino

Resort, visit their website at www.playqcr.com or call 877.QUECHAN

(877.783.2426). Special thanks to Petra, Danielle, Veronica, and Spectrum for

their assistance with this article.

Yuma’s Complete Entertainment PARADISE & QUECHAN CASINOS

24 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

hen you’ve been playing for a while and you’re coming

off a winning streak or just need to get your second

wind, you can never go wrong with a really good breakfast

meal at your favorite casino.

As there are so many different options on each restaurant's

menu, deciding what to order quickly becomes a nuisance when

looking for something that will hit the spot but just isn’t jump-

ing off the page.

Two tips to remember: First, classic and simple is always an

excellent choice and a great way to judge the quality of the

kitchen for future visits. And, second, select a dish which cap-

tures local flavors which may or may not be familiar to you.

You can always choose the straight up steak and eggs meal.

Many casinos offer this as a special or even at a discount to pa-

trons. The best part of ordering this meal is that you get to

choose how every part of the meal is made. You’ll be asked how

the meat should be prepared, how you like your eggs, and what

sides will accompany your meal. As of press time, the best deal

we could find on steak (by the ounce) and eggs was a 6oz New

York Steak with eggs and sides for $8.75 in the Willow Room at

Casino Arizona in Scottsdale, AZ. If you know of a better deal,

just e-mail us!

If you’d prefer to go after local flavors, look for breakfast burri-

tos, huevos rancheros or any menu item that identifies itself as a

southwest flavored item. For example:

• Apache Grill at Apache Gold Casino serves up a Chorizo

Scramble

• Blue Coyote at Talking Stick Resort offers a Ranchero Beef

& Cheese Omelet

• Café 24-7 at Wild Horse Pass Casino offers a Breakfast Bur-

rito

• Café 87 at Fort McDowell Casino offers Huevos Rancheros

• Cedar Ridge at Mazatzal Casino has an out-of-this world

Southwest Breakfast Burrito with potatoes and all the fixings

• The Gathering at Cliff Castle Casino has a Chile Relleno

Skillet on their menu

• Gila Bend Café at Quechan Casino offers a Breakfast Burrito

• Indian Pine Restaurant at Hon-Dah Casino makes an amaz-

ing Apache Sunrise which includes Indian fry bread, refried

beans, scrambled eggs, chorizo, jack cheese and salsa, one of

several southwest inspired breakfast dishes on the menu!

• Yavapai Cantina in Yavapai Casino also serves a South-

western Breakfast Burrito with your choice of bacon or sau-

sage.

Fort McDowell Casino near Fountain Hills, AZ recently intro-

duced a breakfast promotion for the months of July, August,

and September of this year. At their Café 87 restaurant, Fortune

Club Card members will enjoy one of three breakfasts any day

of the week from 7 to 11am for only $2.99! Choices include:

• 2 Pancakes, 2 strips of Bacon, and Scrambled Eggs

• 2 Eggs, Sausage, Home Fries, and a Biscuit

CASINO DINING Breakfast at Arizona’s Casinos

Favorite Casino Breakfasts

W

azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 25

Breakfast at Arizona’s Casinos CASINO DINING

• Country Fried Steak, Scrambled Eggs, and a Biscuit

A really amazing food special is at Fort McDowell Casino’s Red

Rock Buffet which is actually a free breakfast! Your next oppor-

tunity to eat for free is September 18, 2012, but don’t forget to

bring your Fortune Club Card! $

All restaurants have different hours of operation. Please verify all details and any age

restrictions with each casino. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated information.

HUEVOS RANCHEROS

A popular Mexican mid-morning meal from rural farms, con-

taining fried eggs, lightly fried corn tortillas with a tomato-

chili sauce, refried beans, and avocado (or guacamole). As the

dish has spread beyond Mexico, wheat tortillas, pureed chili

sauce, enchilada sauce, cheese, sour cream, fresh tomatoes,

lettuce, meats, and scrambled eggs are also common ingredi-

ents. If you can’t wait to eat this dish, here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 (6 inch) corn tortillas

1 cup refried beans with green chilies

1 teaspoon butter

4 eggs

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup salsa (optional)

Directions:

Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortillas

one at a time until firm, but not crisp. Remove to paper towels

to drain grease.

Meanwhile, combine the refried beans and butter in a micro-

wave-safe dish. Cover & cook in the microwave until heated

through. When tortillas are done, fry eggs over easy in skillet.

Add more oil if the tortillas have absorbed it all.

Place tortillas onto plates, and spread a layer of beans on

them. Top with cheese, a fried egg, crumbled bacon and if

desired, salsa.

26 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

TRIBAL NEWS Spotlight on the Tohono O’odham Nation

THE TOHONO O’ODHAM

Revenue from gaming

contributes to the eco-

nomic growth of one of

Arizona’s largest Native

American Tribes—The

Tohono O’odham. The Tohono O’odham Nation's gaming operations continue to

provide crucial funds for vital community services on the reser-

vation by creating significant financial support to local infra-

structure including health care, transportation, resources for

youth and public safety.

The Nation’s gaming enterprise has created jobs and funded

over $15 million in small business grants, enabling Tribal mem-

bers to utilize employment opportunities and lower the Nation's

unemployment rate. Gaming revenues have also enabled the

Nation to open the Tohono O’odham Community College and

provide over $40 million in scholarship funds, assisting more

than 2,000 members in receiving post-secondary education.

Peoples: The Tohono O’odham means “desert people”

Population: Approximately 31,000

Location: Comparable in size to Connecticut, in South Central

Arizona and into Mexico in the form of 12 communities.

Reservation: 2,854,881 acres that covers approximately 5,000

square miles; created in 1874 through a series of Executive Or-

ders. The Tohono O’odham Nation incorporates the 71,095-acre

San Xavier Reservation, 10,409-acre Gila Bend Reservation near

the city of Gila Bend, and the 20-acre Florence Village.

Enterprise: Papago Farms, San Xavier Industrial Park, Tohono

O’odham Nursing Care Authority, Tohono O’odham Utility

Authority, KOHN-FM Radio Station, and the Tohono O’odham

Community College

Attractions: San Xavier Mission Del Bac (the White Dove of the

Desert), Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arts and Crafts mar-

ket, and Baboquivari Mountain Park

Gaming: Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, AZ, Desert Dia-

mond Casino in Sahuarita, AZ and the Desert Diamond Casino

in Why, AZ

The Great Seal: Consists of items that are symbolic to the Na-

tion; outside purple border contains the words “Great Seal of

the Tohono O’odham Nation,” the yellow

border has eleven stars which represent

one of the eleven districts of the Tohono

O’odham Nation, at the bottom of the

borders are the dates 1937-1986 (1937 is

the year the original constitution was

approved by the U.S. Department of the

Interior and 1986 is the year in which the

Nation adopted a new constitution and changed its name from

the Papago Tribe to the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Tribal Facts

http://www.aristocratgaming.com/

28 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

TRAVEL Laughlin

he Tropicana Laughlin Hotel and Casino and Happy

Times Events will be holding the 5th Annual Viva

Tropicana Classic Car Show September 28-29, 2012 in

the North parking lot at the Tropicana Laughlin.

Car show registration is just $25 per car and includes an

event t-shirt. All cars are welcome. The trophy categories

include American motorcycles, classic car, classic low rider,

classic muscle car, and a Tropicana Choice Award. Show

entrants can pre-register their cars by calling 1-800-343-4533.

Entertainment during Viva Tropicana also includes live mu-

sic with Tierra and Thee Midniters in the Pavilion Theater at

8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, September 28-29. Tickets are

just $25 and are available online at the Tropicana’s web-

site. The weekend “Block Party” also features drink specials

and live performances by Ru Crew in Victory Plaza from 7

p.m. to 11 p.m. and New Voice from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The Tropicana is located at 2121 S. Casino Dr., in Laughlin,

NV, just minutes from the Colorado River. For more infor-

mation on room packages or to purchase show tickets, visit

the Tropicana online at www.TropicanaX.com or on Face-

book at www.facebook.com/tropicanacasino. $

Viva Tropicana Classic Car

Show At Tropicana Laughlin

T

The car show is free and open

to the public.

Photos courtesy of Roger Wilbur

http://www.bluewaterfun.com/

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Schedule of Events

30 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438

Cabaret Lounge:

Live bands every weekend—Sep. schedule not available at press time.

BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360

Dig Lounge:

Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Daily at 5pm

BlueWater Showroom:

Fishbone and Voodoo Glow Skulls—Sep. 28 at 7:30pm

Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777

The Showroom:

Sep. schedule not available at press time.

The Arizona Room Piano Lounge:

Features a variety of music styles including the sounds of swing and

jazz. Start times: 4pm weekdays & 5pm weekends

Casino del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506

AVA Amphitheater:

Crosby, Stills and Nash—Sep. 5 at 8pm

Neal McCoy—Sep. 7 at 8pm

Ramon Ayala—Sep. 8 at 8pm

Def Leppard & Poison—Sep. 12 at 7pm

Alejandro Fernandez—Sep. 14 at 8pm

Jeff Dunham—Sep. 15 at 8pm

Marco Antonio Solis—Sep. 21 at 8pm

Tejano Showcase—Sep. 22 at 7pm

Brit Floyd—The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show—Sep. 26 at 8pm

War—Sep. 28 at 8pm

The Macadelic Tour—Oct. 4 at 8pm

Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568

Stargazer Pavillion:

Sep. schedule not available at press time.

Dragonfly Lounge:

Variety including live bands, karaoke & DJs—Ladies Night every Th,

Open late on Fr & Sa.

Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687

River Room:

Zumba Fitness—Mo & Tu at 6pm

Concerts/Events:

Chris Cagle—Oct. 13

Gerardo Ortiz—Nov. 3

3rd Annual Benefit Car Show—Nov. 3

Sunset Lounge:

Live Jazz & Cocktails—Tu 6pm

Karaoke—We-Fr at 8pm

Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467

Monsoon Nightclub:

Friday Night Groove—Join 106.3FM The Groove for a dance party

now through Dec. 28. $5 cover, ladies free! Noches Caliente—

Saturdays the hottest Tex Mex and Tejano music!

Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467

Sports Bar:

Friday Night Party—Music & dancing at 8pm or after the featured

game. Saturday Night Party—Music & dancing at 8pm or after the

featured game.

Diamond Center:

Twist & Shout (Beatles Tribute)—Nov. 2 & 3 at 8pm

Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678

Radisson Ballroom:

Sep. schedule not available at press time.

Lucky 7 Saloon:

Featuring a variety of live music every weekend including Furious

George, Kenny G Project & Cowboy Floyd

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—800.427.7247

Amphitheater:

Country Fest featuring Dierks Bentley & more—Oct. 27 at 1pm

Oasis Lounge:

Sep. schedule not available at press time.

Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744

Festival Grounds:

Chubby Checker—Sep. 7 at 7pm

The Spinners & The 5th Dimension—Sep. 8 at 3pm

Timbers Lounge and Showroom:

Munday Funday—Comedy Show

Latin Vida (Latin Dance Variety)—Sep. 4-8

Creagles (CCR/Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 11-15

Clue & the Honkeytones (Variety)—Sep. 18-22

Groove City (R&B Variety)—Sep. 25-29

Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452

Cascades Lounge:

Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live entertainment Mo-Sa

Verona Chophouse:

Sunday Jazz Brunch Live—10am to 3pm

Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529

Event Center:

Hotel California (Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 21

Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946

Events:

Karaoke Contest Sa Nights through Sep. 29

Sharky’s Bar & Bites:

DJ Rudy Espinoza—Fr—9:30pm

Also featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.

Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426

Pipa Event Center:

Latin Legends Live (Los Lobos, Malo & El Chicano)—Sep. 14 at 8pm

Sidewinders Bar & Grill:

Featuring a variety of live music on the weekends.

Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777

The Showroom & Grand Ballroom:

Little Feat—Sep. 15

Joe Walsh—Sep. 21

TOTO—Sep. 23

Leon Russell—Oct. 17

Editor’s Pick CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Don Felder (An evening the Hotel California)—Oct. 17

Cowboy Mouth—Oct. 26

Jackie Evancho—Nov. 3

Elayne Boosler—Nov. 10

Asia—Nov. 13

Blue October—Nov. 17

Styx—Nov. 18

Coffee Garden:

Dueling Pianos—Th, Fr & Sa from 8-11pm

Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452

Encore Lounge:

Featuring a variety of live music.

Showroom:

Latin Legends Live! - Sep. 7

Blood, Sweat and Tears—Sep. 14

49 Laughs—Sep. 15

Merle Haggard—Sep. 21

Psychedelic Furs—Sep. 27

Melissa Etheridge—Oct. 5

Country Showdown—Oct. 6

Alfie Boe—Oct. 13

Jeff Garlin—Oct. 19

The Temptations—Oct. 26

Yavapai Casino—Prescott, AZ—800.756.8744

Yavapai Cantina:

Karaoke with Cruisin’ Susan—Fr—8pm-Midnight

Trivia—We, Live Bands—Th & Sa

Jackie Evancho at TALKING STICK RESORT

Saturday, November 3, 2012

When Jackie Evancho submitted a video to YouTube to compete

for a slot on “America’s Got Talent” she could never have pre-

dicted that a little push of the “send” button would eventually

send her to the top of the entertainment industry.

Remarkably, Jackie was 10 years old at the time, but her long-

held desire to perform -- sparked after seeing the film version of

“The Phantom of the Opera” – convinced her parents to let her

take a chance at stardom. And Jackie has shown everyone that

she has the brilliant talent needed to succeed.

“She is a prodigy; they break the rules by definition,” wrote

music critic Andrew Duckenbrod in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

after seeing Jackie perform to a sold-out crowd in her home-

town in October, 2011. “[Her] voice mesmerizes.”

She’s gone so far so fast and new opportunities keep presenting

themselves. Already the recipient of Platinum and Gold records

and music industry acclaim, Jackie has accepted a new chal-

lenge and will make her premiere as an actress. She has been

selected to play Robert Redford’s daughter in “The Company

You Keep,” a political thriller that Redford will also direct and

produce.

In less than 18 months, Jackie’s unique, gorgeous soprano has

won her millions of fans and her recordings have dominated the

music and DVD charts. Her warmth, charm and poise have

helped her gain the support of legendary music producers like

David Foster, and now, movie producers like Redford. Billboard

Magazine named Jackie to their list of music movers-and-

shakers under the age of 21 because her “spellbinding, operatic

vocals possess a power and poignancy that often moves listen-

ers multiple times her age to tears.”

In the summer of 2011, she sold out concert halls around the

country during a tour that culminated with a show at home in

Pittsburgh and later at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Her most recent effort, “Heavenly Christmas,” a full-length

holiday album, was released in November 2011 and is sure to

immediately became a holiday classic.

For tickets, and more details, call the Talking Stick Resort Box

Office at 480-850-7734 or visit www.talkingstickresort.com.

Verify all details & age restrictions 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/outdated info.

azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 31

32 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

CASINO NIGHTLIFE Exclusively Featuring Ramses Ja

he game of bingo typically brings to mind little old

ladies hunched over their markers on a leisurely

Sunday afternoon. Or maybe it brings up images of

retirees sitting quietly in front of a computer screen while their

numbers light up. However, these ideas of bingo went com-

pletely out the window once the creative minds at Lone Butte

Casino were charged with reinventing the bingo-playing experi-

ence. Enter B.A.D. Bingo and B.A.D. Bingo II (Bingo After

Dark)!

Every Friday and Saturday at 11:30pm, the lights dim in the

bingo hall at Lone Butte and the room fills to the seams with

glow sticks, strobe lights, music, and party people! DJ Rockin'

Rob spins the best in old school, cumbia, reggaeton, top 40, hip

hop, and anything else you can imagine, and on the right night,

Eva 95.5 FM's Melissa the Midnight Mamacita even hosts!

This is a far cry from your grandmother's bingo! This night club

alternative stays rocking until 1:30am with over 1000 people in

attendance! Enjoy video mixing, a dance floor, and a killer light

show! In the past, there have even been limbo contests, bean bag

tosses, dance contests and musical chairs...using people! Every

B.A.D. Bingo session can yield up to $5000 with games ranging

from $300 up to $1000...but the prizes don't stop there! Give-

aways include TVs, iPods, tablets, GPS systems, t-shirts, and

coupons for future bingo sessions! Between dancing during

intermission and dabbing during the games, winning money

has never been more fun!

T By Ramses Ja

Despite all of the exciting components to B.A.D. Bingo, Lone

Butte hasn't lost sight of the element that truly makes bingo so

much fun...the people around you! This is why you'll find that

they go to great lengths to ensure that there is enough glow

sticks, beads, and of course, prizes for you and all of your

friends! You'll be able to dance to the Cupid Shuffle, get a birth-

day or anniversary shout out, or request your favorite song...all

for the sake of having a good time with your friends!

Talking to the host Melissa the Midnight Mamacita will give

insight into just how much fun the session is! From the "O-69"

crowd call to the Cupid Shuffle, everyone is so entertained!

In her own words, "My original vision of bingo was just old

people playing quietly, but at Lone Butte, it’s a night full of mu-

sic and dancing. It's so much fun and just an overall great ex-

perience." If you don’t believe the hype, go check it out and see

for yourself! $

Ramses Ja hosts 3-7pm weekdays on 101.1 FM

The Beat in Phoenix! He is the resident DJ for

Your Life A to Z Fridays at 10am on KTVK 3TV

Channel 3, & Resident DJ for Talking Stick

Resort.

Visit www.ramsesja.com

for more information on

Ramses Ja.

B.A.D. with Melissa the Midnight Mamacita of Eva 95.5 FMB.A.D. with Melissa the Midnight Mamacita of Eva 95.5 FM

http://www.fortmcdowellcasino.com/

FUN & GAMES

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 38)

CASINO MATH 101

On a recent flyer from a local casino in Arizona, there was an offer for

a free gift. The letter told a member of the editorial staff to earn 250

points on her player’s card in any slot machine in order to obtain a

toaster. If she earned 375 points she’d receive a blender, and 500

points would get her a new purse. It takes $5 of wagering to earn one

point on her player’s card. How much wagering does she have to do

in order to earn each gift?

As an extension to the question above, think for a minute about your

own betting behavior on your favorite games. Before you race off to

your favorite casino in order to obtain an enticing gift, think about

how much of your entertainment dollars that “gift” will cost you!

You may want to consider which “gifts” you chase after!

(Solution on page 38)

WORD SEARCH

Find these words taken from the names of Native American Tribes in Arizona

to honor Native American Day on September 28th! Ak-Chin, Apache, Coco-

pah, Colorado, Gila, Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Kaibab, Maricopa, Mojave,

Navajo, O’odham, Paiute, Pasqua, Pima, Quechan, Tohono, Yaqui, Yavapai,

Zuni. Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 38)

FUN WITH

TRIANGLES

How many triangles are located in the image below?

(Solution on page 38) 5

6

7 9

9

2

3 7

4

2

8

8

7

9

9

3

6

3 4

7

5

4

1

8

7 2

I U Q A Y G I O F J X N A L

P R E H C A P M W I K V O A

H A P O C O C A B M Y G X J

Y R O H Y O A R O O S P N O

A I P O H V D I M J I E H A

V K W K A A H U L C A A K T

A Q Q N R C A Y G O H V A U

P B D O E L I P D E I I B O

A V L U A O L A O B B A Y B

I O Q P M I I Z O H A P U N

C W A W A K C N Y C B L I H

E I D J T O H O H B T E N O

K J Y K A M I U C S A P A P

K N H A V A S A I J U L P U

34 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

azgamingguide.com | September 2012 | Arizona Gaming Guide 35

SAMI’S SMACKDOWN

By Sami Becker My favorite video poker keeps teasing me! Sami, over the past several years the video poker machines

have changed. They all look a little different and I know the

casinos have been changing the old ones out with new ones.

This is where I am suspicious, I don’t see royals anymore and

I don’t see four-of-a-kinds either. I get lots of set-ups for them,

but I am not hitting anything. I am about ready to find a new

game because they are driving me crazy! James B.—Mesa, AZ

I totally empathize with your situation. Been there, done that!

Nothing is worse than always being teased over and over again

with the potential for a huge win, or even a nice boost to your

bankroll, and never enjoying the follow through.

I’m not sure how to help with the pain and frustration except to

remind you that ultimately you want to have fun. If that’s not

happening, better you find another game or take a break for a

while! Having talked to the rest of the staff, there is a lot of sta-

tistical analysis on the game of video poker available as many

different people have spent a considerable amount of time try-

ing to figure out all the little details of each particular pay table.

To alleviate the sting of the royal flush teases, be aware that a

standard video poker game will present you four-to-a-royal

roughly once in every 455 hands. Looking at this a different

way, for every royal flush you win, you’ll see almost 90 hands

of four-to-a-royal.

For a four-of-a-kind, the message is similar. You’ll hit a four-of-

a-kind once every 420 hands, yet you’ll have a three-of-a-kind

once every 13 or 14 hands. So for every four-of-a-kind, you have

to burn through around 31 three-of-a-kinds.

If luck is not on your side, and it seems not to be, the nicer wins

will take even more hands to play. Also, shop around at the

casinos to make sure you are playing the best pay tables! $

Do YOU have something to rant about?

Write me at: sami@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 1000 No No No

BlueWater Su at 1pm. Mo-We at 6pm. 350 Yes Yes No

Casino Arizona Arriving Nov. 1st 2012!

11 sessions per week 1000 (To Be Determined) Yes Fr & Sa

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

7:15pm 694 Yes Yes Cosmic Bingo Sa at 11pm.

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

Desert Diamond I Th-Mo 1:30, 2, 6, 6:30 & 7pm 270 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. Lunar Bingo

8/18, 9/15, 10/27, 11/17,

12/22 & 12/31.

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,

5:30 & 6pm. 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 1:30 & 6pm. 300 Yes Yes Sa at 11pm varies-888.777.4946.

Vee Quiva Daily at 12:30 & 6:30pm. 366 Yes Yes Bingo Eclipse Sa at 11pm.

Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 5/01/12, casino websites & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

Contact editor@azgamingguide.com 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.

36 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

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38 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2012 | azgamingguide.com

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Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 5/01/12, casino websites & direct inquiries by press time. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.

Contact editor@azgamingguide.com 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

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01. Apache Gold Casino Resort Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe Globe 800-272-2438 634 Y Y Y Y Y Y

02. BlueWater Resort & Casino 11300 Resort Drive Parker 888-243-3360 493 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

03. Bucky’s Casino 1500 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 303 Y Y Y

04. Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Scottsdale 480-850-7777 931 Y Y Y

05. Casino del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 855-765-7829 324 Y Y Y Y Y Y

06. Casino of the Sun 7406 S. Camino De Oeste Tucson 855-765-7829 966

07. Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel I-17, Exit 289 Camp Verde 800-381-7568 656 Y Y Y Y Y

08. Cocopah Resort Casino 15318 S. Ave. B Somerton 800-237-5687 504 Y Y Y Y Y* Y Y Y

09. Desert Diamond Casino I 7350 S. Nogales Hwy. Tucson 866-332-9467 1,065 Y Y Y Y Y Y

10. Desert Diamond Casino II I-19, Exit 80 Tucson 866-332-9467 738 Y Y

11. Desert Diamond Casino-Why Hwy. 86, Milepost 55 Why 866-332-9467 66

12. Fort McDowell Casino Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd. Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 906 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

13. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa 480-802-5000 1,089 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

14. Hon-Dah Casino 777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop 800-929-8744 802 Y Y Y Y Y Y

15. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler 800-946-4452 850 Y Y Y Y

16. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson 800-777-7529 407 Y Y Y Y Y Y

17. Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Dr. Yuma 888-777-4946 470 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 732 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

21. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800-946-4452 846 Y Y Y

22. Wild Horse Pass Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler 800-946-4452 990 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

23. Yavapai Casino 1505 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 236 Y

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Fun With Triangles: 27 total. 16 one-cell, 7 four-

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