48
24 SCIENTIFIC GAMES’ WORLD OF
WONKA AT THE 2016 GLOBAL
GAMING EXPO IN LAS VEGAS!
04 EDITOR’S NOTE
06 PLAYERS TALK
10 TABLE GAMES
15 NEW SLOTS
18 AINSWORTH AT G2E
20 IGT AT G2E
24 FEATURE STORY
26 TRIBAL NEWS
28 GAMING NEWS
34 LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
38 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
42 SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
43 FUN FACTS
44 FUN & GAMES
46 CASINO DIRECTORY
IN EVERY ISSUE
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 03
PLAY THE TITAN 360 SLOT
AT DESERT DIAMOND
This unique and massive slot is one
of only 25 in the world and has a
monstrous bonus game on top.
INTERNATIONAL GAME
TECHNOLOGY AT G2E
Slot giant IGT brings new Wheel of
Fortune hits, 3D games, and so many
more slots to casinos.
20 15
Contents SEPTEMBER
AINSWORTH GAME TECH-
NOLOGY AT G2E
A brand new cabinet, packed with
player favorites and exciting new
titles, coming to a casino near you.
18
can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait! Tuesday, September 27, 2016 can’t come
soon enough! That’s the first day of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) which
runs through Thursday and gathers all of the world’s slot manufacturers,
along with the rest of the casino gaming industry, together in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Every year, G2E gets bigger and better with more and more brand new slots on
display by companies like Scientific Games, Ainsworth, IGT, and Konami, just to
name a few. With each new show, the slots are more innovative, larger, brighter,
louder, and more fun all at the same time. Our staff and I will be there sampling
all the new games and we are fortunate enough to give you a sneak peek at some
of what we’ll see in this issue. Stay tuned for the October and November issues
where we’ll tell you all about what we saw at the show!
You might notice some of the regular sections missing as we had to make room
for all of the slot information. Sorry about that! We’ll return to our “Regularly
Scheduled Programming” (with all of the sections you’ve come to expect and
love) next month.
Please visit our Facebook at: facebook .com/ArizonaGamingGuide , become part of
our community 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 the Arizona Gaming Guide on our website at
AZGamingGuide.com . Let me know what you think of this issue and have fun!
Alexandra Lang
Editor-in-Chief
Alexandra
VOLUME 08 • ISSUE 09
PUBLISHER
Chris Höft
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Torma
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alexandra Lang
ART DIRECTOR
Melanie Mueller
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Al Moe
Lee Allen
Matt Probst
Mark Novak
Lana Hartmann
Samantha Becker
ADVERTISING SALES
Elizabeth Torma
Nina Consiglio
MAILING INFORMATION
Arizona Gaming Guide
P.O. Box 20636
Mesa, Arizona 85277
INTERNET INFORMATION
www.azgamingguide.com
www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
Copyright © 2016 The Arizona Gaming Guide.
All rights reserved.
The Arizona Gaming Guide (AGG) presents casino industry and
gaming related facts and editorial opinions. AGG accepts no
responsibility and no liability for any actions of readers based on
articles and/or advertisements presented within. Information
contained within is not guaranteed to be correct. All pictures,
images, logos, trademarks and trade names, etc. are the sole
property of their respective owners. Intended for single use. Sale
and/or distribution without written consent is not permitted.
You must be 21 or older to gamble. Please play responsibly.
Help is available at 1.800.NEXT.STEP or problemgambling.az.gov.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Your Authority On Everything Gaming
Arizona’s State Gaming Regulatory Agency:
Arizona Department of Gaming
1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007
1.602.771.4263 or azgaming.gov
Tribal Gaming Funded Problem Gambling Resource:
Office of Problem Gambling
1.800.NEXT.STEP or 1.800.639.8783
1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Phoenix, 85007
1.602.542.8998 or problemgambling.az.gov
04 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
“Like” us on Facebook because
we “Like” you too!
www.facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
GLOBAL GAMING EXPO New Slots In Las Vegas Every September!
I
PLAYERS TALK
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Q: You often mention Random Number Generators (RNG) in
your answers to questions. Some machines give you an option
of games to choose from. I’ve seen from 2 to 9 choices on some
slot machines. Is the RNG different for each game or is the
RNG assigned to the machine no matter what game you se-
lect? For example, if you change games through the “More
Games” option midway through your bankroll, will the RNG
change for the new game or stay the same RNG for the ma-
chine? On a related matter, on machines that allow you to play
multiple games on the screen, is the RNG different for each
game or is it assigned to the machine being played? Great
magazine! We always enjoy your interesting and informative
columns and Sami [Sami’s Smackdown on page 42] is spot on
with her comments.
Norman “Stormy” Veierstahler—Mesa, AZ
A: Stormy, thank you for being a fan of the Arizona Gaming
Guide! We truly appreciate your support of our publication! Each slot
machine has one RNG. That’s it. There is only a need for one
RNG as the computer operating the slot machine on the inside
of the steel cabinet is fast enough to handle many millions of
requests per second for random numbers (RNs) which is far
more than are needed by a slot machine game.
When a player presses the Spin button on a slot machine, they
set the game program in motion and the computer controlling
the game requests multiple RNs. Generally, for a video slot ma-
chine, a spin requires five RNs. One for each reel. If there are
more reels, more RNs are requested and produced by the RNG.
For games with multiple reel sets on the same screen, like Aris-
tocrat’s Wonder4, the pressing of the Spin Button demands 20
RNs! That’s five RNs for each of the four games. Those RNs all
come from the same RNG in the slot machine.
On multi-game machines, there is still only one RNG in the slot
machine (or video poker machine, or video keno machine). Re-
gardless of the game you decide to play, or when you decide to
play it, you are requesting RNs from the same RNG.
By the way, a slot machine’s RNG is constantly producing RNs,
even when the game is idle between spins, or when no one is
playing the game. This principle is enforced by the strict regula-
tions and technical standards governing the gaming industry.
The reasoning behind this rule is to force slot machine manufac-
turers to design RNGs for their slots which do not send
“sequential” RNs back whenever the slot machine’s program Continued on page 8
and get a $25 gift or gas card if we decide to print your question! Do you have a question for our staff of casino gaming industry professionals and slot experts? Write us with your questions
and comments in any area of gaming and we will make every attempt to publish a response in upcoming issues. Space is
limited so we are unable to print every letter or e-mail we receive. Please include your name and mailing address with all
correspondence. Mail to: Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or E-mail to: [email protected].
requests one or more RNs.
To make this principle a little clearer, imagine the difference
between drawing a card repeatedly off the top of one deck of
shuffled cards until you exhaust the deck and start over and
continually drawing from somewhere within one deck of cards
which is constantly being shuffled. The gaming regulations
force an RNG to behave similar to drawing from somewhere
within a constantly shuffled deck of cards. Of course, a slot ma-
chine’s RNG is not producing only 52 outcomes as with a deck
of cards, rather trillions of random outcomes.
Q: I’ve heard some casinos have looser slots. Is this true?
Mary Weinmann—Sun City, Arizona
PLAYERS TALK
08 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Continued from page 6
A: Mary, yes some casinos have looser slots than others. I
must warn you that “looser” is a relative term. In general, the
word “looser” refers to the value of a slot’s payback percentage,
which is set by the casino’s Slot Director. The higher the pay-
back percentage, the “looser” the slot is. In turn, this means the
casino’s hold (the amount they’ll win) is less. Of course, as the
slots are governed by RNGs, these percentages are theoretical
averages based on millions of spins made over time. You, as a
player, can definitely notice a difference in the “looseness” of
different casinos. Just identify one game that both casinos have
in common (same bet, same denomination, same game rules)
and play those slots at both casinos. Over time I’m sure you’ll
notice which casino’s slot lets you win more, or play longer, or
get into the bonus more often, or have higher bonus wins. $
TABLE GAMES
10 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Writer Al Moe has worked in the casino industry for many years.
He has lived and worked in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. He
also attended the University of Nevada, Reno. He is an avid writer
and blogger, author of “Vegas and the Mob"—available at Amazon.
He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.
game Blackjack.
You can increase your chances of having a good session by in-
creasing your Blackjack wager with your War win at any time
that you have the dealer’s up card dominated.
▪Holding a 7, add against a dealer up card of 4, 5 or 6
▪Holding an 8, add against a dealer up card of 2 through 7
▪Holding a 9, add against a dealer up card of 2 through 8
▪Holding a 10, add against a dealer up card of 2 through 9
The house edge on the War wager is about 1.18 percent when
you add to your Blackjack wager. That, coupled with the house
Blackjack edge, does give you a hill to climb but the game is a
lot of fun and you’ll find that when things are going well your
stack of chips will swell quickly with just a couple back-to-back
War and Blackjack wins in a row!
If you decide to give Casino War Blackjack a try, let us know
how it goes! Send us an e-mail to [email protected]
with “Casino War Blackjack” in the subject line. $
By Al Moe
lackjack is the most popular game in the world. Casino
War is the easiest game in the world. When combined
you get an easy, interesting game that’s addicting and
fun.
If you don’t already know how to play Casino War, it’s really
just high card wins, but when combined into Casino War Black-
jack you get twists, turns, and a reasonable house edge (lower
than regular War, higher than regular Blackjack).
War Wager Rules
This new game is already found at Bucky’s Casino and is slated
to go live at a few other places in Arizona, so you’ll be ready
when it hits the tables if you follow the rules here.
Obviously you have to make a Blackjack wager to play, but the
War wager is optional. If you make the War wager, your bet
rides on your first card and the dealer’s first card (their up-
card).
▪High card wins
▪Aces are low (they count as a one) for the War wager
▪Winning War wagers pay 1 to 1, or even money
▪Dealer wins all War ties except Ace against Ace,
which will result in a tie
Now the game gets interesting. Well, it’s not entirely interesting
if you lose the War wager, but at least you still have action on
your Blackjack bet. However, if you won the War wager you get
two options: you can collect your original War bet and your win
or you can add your win to your Blackjack bet!
To be clear, you can’t parlay the whole wager and win, just the
amount of your win to your Blackjack wager, but it’s a very
attractive option when you have a nice starting card like a ten
(yes, that’s why the Ace plays as low, so the house doesn’t have
to pay you and then watch you add money to a likely Blackjack
hand).
War Blackjack Strategy
After the War hand is finished, the dealer will deal out a second
card to each player and themselves and regular Blackjack is
played. Your success will depend on how well you know the
B
CASINO WAR BLACKJACK Live And Ready For Play At Bucky’s Casino In Prescott, Arizona
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 15
Titan 360 Now Available At Desert Diamond Casino
he Titan 360 is a special edition, limited release product
by Konami Gaming, Inc. that weighs in at nearly 3 tons
and is one of the largest slots in the world! Just 26 of
these massive machines were ever made and it is now available,
for a limited time only, at Desert Diamond’s Tucson location on
Nogales highway. This legendary super slot features a large
multi-station progressive bonus game built upon multiple video
slot machine base games. Standing nearly 12 feet tall, the game’s
central bonusing unit leverages a mechanical wheel and large,
rolling metallic ball to determine bonus award amounts. Titan
360 uses popular Konami 30 line video titles such as Bull Mys-
tery, Dragon Celebration, Lady Peony, Golden Pumpkin, and Tiger
Woman, with fun and familiar game mechanics.
When the bonus is triggered, the entire central unit swivels
around to place the wheel in front of the winner’s machine. A
physical ball launches from one side and swoops back and forth
seeking a pocket to land in. If the pocket happens to have a dol-
lar amount, players win that dollar amount prize.
The ball can land in $20, $40, $200, or $400 pockets on the bonus
ring where the player wins the amount shown times their bet
level! If the ball lands in a green, yellow, or blue pocket, the
player wins a mini, maxi, or major jackpot respectively. And, if
the ball lands in a red diamond pocket, the player has the op-
portunity to play on a new big money ring where prizes are
multiplied by 10 and the jackpots are even bigger!
Players must bet all lines and the extra Titan 360 credit wager to
be eligible for the bonus. What is really exciting about this game
is that players of all bet levels can participate in the bonus. The
higher the bet level when the bonus game is triggered, the
greater the multiplier for the bonus ring credit prize and the
larger the mini, maxi, and major jackpots! All the base games
play the same as the non-Titan 360 base games. However, the Titan
360 bonus cannot be triggered during any free game bonus.
Titan 360 is a testament to Konami’s strong heritage in amusement
products, evidenced by a decades-long legacy in world-leading
video game and arcade entertainment from its parent company
in Japan. Titan 360 is designed to create excitement by provid-
ing a multi-sensory gaming experience that delivers thrilling,
high-frequency bonus events. This game is a major attraction on
the casino floor, and a truly thrilling experience when the bonus
NEW SLOTS
T
is triggered! Watch as the pockets rotate one position after each
bonus event to provide additional randomness to the outcome!
The game first launched in the United States in 2013 and re-
mains an incredible source of excitement at select casinos across
the nation. Desert Diamond Casino is just the latest recipient of
this one-of-a-kind slot machine! “The Titan 360 is truly a sight to
behold,” said Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and
Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise.
“This colossal slot machine offers guests an experience like
nothing else, so don’t miss your chance to try it out at Desert
Diamond Casinos.”
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment has three locations in
Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and one in the
West Valley and they are owned and operated by the Tohono
O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’o-
dham Nation. Additional information can be found at
ddcaz.com or by calling 1.866.DDC.WINS. You can also follow
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment on Twitter
(@DiamondCasinos) and on Facebook (/DDCAZ).
For more information about the Titan 360 and other exciting
new Konami games and products, visit their website at
konami.com/gaming. $
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Game Of Thrones Only At Lone Butte, Vee Quiva & Wild Horse Pass
he brand new slot Game Of Thrones by Aristocrat is available for
play exclusively at all three Gila River Casinos properties. You
won’t find this captivating and exciting slot anywhere else in
Arizona for the next several months!
With random base game features and a massive wheel bonus containing
multiple games and progressive jackpots, there’s plenty of excitement
for fans of the HBO hit show and serious gamers alike. Free games bo-
nuses include “The Wall—Castle Black” and “Battle Of Blackwater Bay”
with each bonus providing wins on its own reel set and game rules.
Picking bonuses include “Mother Of Dragons” and “Lion” both of which
let players reap massive rewards in their quest for riches on this slot.
For more information about Aristocrat and their latest games visit their
website at aristocratgaming.com. For more on Gila River Casinos visit
wingilariver.com. $
T
NEW SLOTS
18 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
insworth Game Technology introduced its innovative
new A600 cabinet in the North American gaming mar-
ket, incorporating the company’s deep and long-
standing knowledge into an exciting new product for its casino
partners. The A600 takes existing Ainsworth technology to the
next level with larger game screens, dynamic lighting effects
and a state-of-the-art LCD touchscreen button deck. “The A600
launch continues the tremendous growth and progress we have
seen in North America over the past year,” said Ainsworth
President – North America Mike Dreitzer. “It has been an excit-
ing year for Ainsworth. We opened our brand-new 291,000-
square-foot North American headquarters in Las Vegas and
began offering our Class II gaming products after the successful
acquisition of Nova Technologies. Now we continue our mo-
mentum with the release of the A600, which is built to perform
with the highest engineering standards and an extensive game
library.”
While being focused on supreme engineering and best-in-class
reliability, the A600 includes the high-end graphics, high-
resolution screens, and interactive button decks that are ex-
pected by today’s casino operators and slots players. Two 24-
inch screen and game-driven lighting effects enable players to
experience Ainsworth’s world-renowned games in an entirely
new way on the A600. A LCD touchscreen button deck gives an
innovative look and feel. The sleek A600 will come with a full
library of game titles – including the proven games developed
for the A560 Dual Screen, alongside a variety of games designed
exclusively for this new cabinet. The math models that made
Ainsworth successful globally for years will play out bigger and
brighter than ever before.
The technologically innovative features include:
Dual, high-definition 24-inch LCD game screens for optimal dis-
playing of exciting game art
LCD touchscreen button deck with “bash button”
Dynamic game-driven lighting effects for increased player excite-
ment
Multi denomination play options
Easy access to game peripherals
Sleek, classic design
Proven Ainsworth game titles, along with new content design spe-
cifically for the A600
A
Cash Odyssey Ainsworth Game Technology at G2E
One of the many games debuting on Ainsworth’s A600 at G2E
this month is Cash Odyssey. Players will take an incredible jour-
ney with Ainsworth’s new Cash Odyssey series of games. Three
30-line titles – Gulliver’s Travels, Huckleberry Finn and Robinson
Crusoe – offer huge wins on free games features, as well as mas-
sive jackpots. The games are featured on the brand-new A600
cabinet with two high-definition 24-inch LCD screens. Dynamic
lighting effects and a state-of-the-art touchscreen button deck
make for exciting play.
During base game play, two zones appear on reels 2 and 4. The
blue zone appears on the top and bottom reels and the Red zone
appears in the middle reels. When the Cash Odyssey symbol
appears in one of the zones, credits are awarded. During the
Free Games Feature, when Cash Odyssey appears on either reel
2 or reel 4, the Re-spin Feature is triggered.
Look for these hot new titles, and many more from Ainsworth,
at your favorite casino! For more information about Ainsworth
games, visit their website at agtslots.com. $
The Keystone Kops International Game Technology at G2E
t G2E 2016, IGT will showcase hundreds of innovative gaming solutions that are de-
veloped to deliver unrivaled player entertainment. Attendees will be the first to expe-
rience never-before-seen game themes that illustrate the breadth and depth of IGT’s
best-in-class content portfolio.
G2E will mark the Company’s global debut of several new licensed game themes. IGT expands
its legendary Wheel of Fortune slot family by introducing Wheel of Fortune Double Times Pay
3x4x5x TRUE 3D. Building off the success of Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond 3D, this new theme
leverages the award-winning TRUE 3D technology which delivers glasses-free, immersive 3D
entertainment. The celebrated new theme is displayed on a 5 line, 3 reel game with a fourth
bonus reel featuring free games, multipliers, and the Wheel of Fortune Bonus, which is availa-
ble for players who wager up in pursuit of life-changing jackpots.
IGT expands its awe-inspiring TRUE 3D game library with the international premiere of ZUMA
3D at G2E. Based on the highly successful ZUMA video slot, this new title offers seven must-hit pro-
gressives and a dynamic attract feature, which beckons passing patrons to come play. The Com-
(Continued on page 22)
A
20 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
NEW SLOTS
22 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
pany’s Treasures of Olympus 3D will also make its debut, and display a unique 3D Free Games
bonus with random wild features. Based on the player-favorite title, Icarus, Treasures of Olympus
3D is equipped with a five-level progressive meter. Both games are packed with engaging game
symbols, sounds, and characters that deliver an immersive gaming experience.
Building on the momentum of the wildly popular Ellen DeGeneres Show slot game library, IGT
will launch The Ellen DeGeneres Show Sharing the Love video slots. Packed with humorous
voiceovers and original clips, the new title offers three unique bonus features and a built-in cam-
era which integrates images of players as they enjoy the game. Another television icon that will
be featured in a slot theme is the beloved Betty White . At G2E, IGT will launch Betty White ’s Sto-
ry Time and Betty White’s Tall Tales, which capture custom voice overs, video clips, unique free games and
a three-level Lucky Coin Progressive.
IGT will transport attendees to an adventure with Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows . In-
spired by the blockbuster sensation, the game puts players in the middle of their favorite movie
moments and displays a unique Merge Feature that combines two game windows together for
big win opportunities. Another engaging title that will provide a rich player experience is How to
Marry a Millionaire Starring Marilyn Monroe - packed with frequent-hitting diamond progressives,
a wheel bonus and dazzling multiplier symbols.
Other compelling titles that are designed to elevate gameplay will include the Keystone Kops
game series, which spotlights the famous 1920s cop comedy in animation. IGT will also launch
two new game series, the Prize Disc titles and the Rift Zone game themes. Attendees visiting
IGT’s booth 3659 will explore and have fun with the Company’s industry-leading portfolio of
products. For more about IGT and their games visit igt.com. $
(Continued from page 20)
24 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
he nice thing about being the world’s largest slot mak-
er is that there’s always more games to come! Scientific
Games will have more than 100 slot machines on hand
for the industry’s premier trade show (The Global Gaming Ex-
po, or G2E, held every September in Las Vegas), along with
dozens of other products premiering for the first time publicly.
G2E will host the Scientific Games massive display of products
in 2016, including dozens of slot products, new brands and li-
censes, hardware developments, celebrity appearances, presen-
tations, and so, so much more. Exciting new slot machines with
incredible brands will be revealed.
With powerhouse brands Bally, WMS, and Shuffle Master, Sci-
entific Games is positioned to deliver an unprecedented variety
of quality products that elevate player experiences to new
heights with games to give you the thrills that keep you coming
back for more, again and again. Feel the energy of a unified
portfolio of world-class products from the industry’s most re-
spected brands. Here’s a taste of what’s to come:
The Simpsons: From Springfield to casino floors, it’s the slot
machine inspired by the beloved show The Simpsons. Loaded
with favorites from the show, this immersive game puts players
right into the world of The Simpsons. Players can prank call
Moe’s Tavern, visit Apu at the Quickie Mart, or even be Homer
Simpson, catching donut sprinkles in a bonus that uses motion
capture technology which allows players’ movements to be
mimicked on screen with Homer’s arm and hand.
The Simpsons game is on the brand new Gamescape cabinet that uti-
lizes three vivid, high-definition displays angled toward the
player, and a 40-inch curved top screen that surrounds the play-
er. Additionally, an ergonomic 10.4-inch tablet button panel
integrates gameplay to coordinate graphics across multiple dis-
plays. The result is five unique screens that virtually combine to
create an expanded platform for stunning graphics and seam-
less motion, giving the player an immersion into Springfield.
Willy Wonka—World of Wonka: Raise a glass of Fizzy Lifting
Drink and toast to the latest slot sensation born from the world
of Willy Wonka. Willy Wonka’s World of Wonka is a scrumdid-
dlyumptious blend of incredible bonuses unlike any other game before
in the series, housed in a splendid cabinet. The Gamescape cabi-
net features three vivid, high-definition displays that expand
the games bonus features extra wide to 24 reels, along with a
mechanical bonus wheel, wide area progressive and vivid
sound that brings the World of Wonka to life. Wonderful music
and surprises galore in the magical factory of fun await you.
Look for it today in a casino near you.
Tree of Wealth: Turns out money does grow on trees! The Fu
Scientific Games T
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 25
Babies are back in a new set of games based on the Duo Fu Duo
Cai series. Tree of Wealth—Jade Eternity and Tree of Wealth—Rich
Traditions offer great odds at Free Games, Jackpots and a Pick and
Match feature.
Tree of Wealth—Jade Eternity and Tree of Wealth—Rich Traditions
offer the alluring treasures of 12 Free Games, a Jackpot Feature
and a Pick ‘Em Style Bonus in a strikingly designed game from
the Duo Fu Duo Cai series. Also enjoy the auspicious Tree o f
Wealth Feature, where you can pick from 15 scrolls until 3 match with
a corresponding jackpot. Experience the next generation of this
immensely popular series at a casino near you.
Lock It Link: Lock Down Some Slot Action! TwinStar, the
Scientific Games cabinet with fantastic new themes from WMS
and Bally, now showcases two new Lock It Link games: Dia-
monds and Night Life. The Lock It Link Series is a player favorite in
Australia, making its debut in North America. Players will love
this duo coming ashore with the promise of engaging gameplay
sure to lock players in their seats. Lock It Link—Night Life and
Lock It Link—Diamonds feature four levels of progressive jackpots,
free spins, and the Lock It Link Respins feature offering the
chance for huge credit payouts.
Following its successful debut in casinos in late 2015, Scientific
Games now unveils additional exclusive new game content for
its trailblazing TwinStar slot platform. The TwinStar cabinet is
engineered with dual, vivid, 24-inch full HD displays and com-
bines the best in platform technology from both Bally and WMS,
including a re-engineered and 50 percent larger iDeck multi-
touch button display.
Monty Python—The Holy Grail of Slot Machines: If slaying
killer rabbits, fighting limbless knights and chopping down
trees with a herring sounds like a good time, then we’ve got the
perfect slot machines for you. Monty Python and The Holy
Grail - Killer Bunny and Monty Python and The Holy Grail - Black
Knight showcase a variety of hilarious features with everyone’s favor-
ite zany characters, like King Arthur, “brave” Sir Robin, those
rude French soldiers and so many more.
And, of course, these games are loaded with your favorite fea-
tures, including Free Games, Random Multipliers, Random
Wilds, and an incredible Jackpot Feature with the opportunity
to win 100,000 credits! Ride off into the sunset (with coconuts!) a
winner when you play today at a casino near you.
For more information on Scientific Games, visit their website at
scientificgames.com. For more information on G2E visit their
website at globalgamingexpo.com. Stay tuned for more on G2E
available only in the next issues of the Arizona Gaming Guide ! $
Brings The Best In Slots
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
TRIBAL NEWS
(video/audio) or taking photographs is not allowed in the 12 self
governing villages.
As their web page suggests: “Witnessing a ceremony is a privi-
lege, not a right. Visiting Hopi is a wonderful time to use your
mind and heart to record what you are privileged to see.”
For those who plan an overnight stay, the Hopi Cultural Center
Motel (1.928.734.2400) on the top of Second Mesa, has just 30
units and advance reservations are strongly recommended. In
nearby Tuba City, the Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites
(1.928.283.4500), the first motel to be built on Hopi tribal land in
50 years, also suggests booking in advance.
hile Native Americans throughout the U.S. put fin-
ishing touches on plans to officially celebrate the
month of November as Native American Heritage
Month, two of Arizona’s 22 tribes can’t wait and will hold their
own commemorative events on the last weekend in September.
In Hopi Land, the Cultural Center on Second Mesa in the arid
highlands of Northern Arizona is sponsoring its annual Indian
Day celebration while Maricopa, Arizona will host an Ak-Chin
Native American Recognition Day.
Hopi planners will be welcoming visitors to their 1.5 million
acre reservation highlighted by three breathtaking mesas that
rise up some 7,000 feet to offer panoramic views of the sur-
rounding low-altitude desert. Tribal literature notes: “We have
lived here since ancient time. Where we are located today in
present-day Arizona is where we have always lived with roots
going back in time one hundred generations. Our culture is one
of the first (oldest) on the continent.”
According to the About-the-Hopi web page, “The oldest contin-
uously-inhabited village in the United States is Old Oraibi, lo-
cated on top of Third Mesa (Kykotsmovi, the seat of the tribal
government). The village came into being around 1050 A.D with
ruins still standing.”
The book, Hopi, notes that inhabitants have lived here far long-
er than any other people in North America. The authors write:
“They are not only the oldest dwellers in this land, but are con-
sidered to have a wisdom, a knowledge, of things beyond aver-
age comprehension. Knit tightly together by clan relationships,
they are intensely spiritual and fiercely independent.”
According to the Hopi Cultural Center, the word ‘Hopi’ is trans-
lated to mean ‘peaceful person’. Individuals trace their ancestry
matrilineally to a common ancestor who is part of that clan’s
creation story. The Hopi have many clans within each village
with 34 clans identified today. These “oldest of the native peo-
ple” reside in 12 traditional self-governed villages of intensely
spiritual and fiercely independent residents.
For those who have not visited before, a word about etiquette ---
While Hopis welcome visitors, they ask to be treated with re-
spect and dignity which includes a stipulation that recording
W
By Lee Allen
TWO EVENTS—ONE WEEKEND Hopi & Ak-Chin Tribes Celebrate Their Heritages On September 24
Hopi Second Mesa Cultural Center & Motel—Photo courtesy of the Hopi Tribe
Ak-Chin Indian Community focuses on self reliance in many ways, including agriculture—
Photo courtesy of the Ak-Chin Indian Community
TRIBAL NEWS
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 27
For the Ak-Chin community, Native American Recognition Day
or NARD is traditionally held on the last Saturday in September
at the Milton ‘Paul’ Antone Park in Maricopa in coordination
with the Him-Dak Museum.“
Quite a drop in altitude from the mesa in Hopi Land to the low-
er desert south of Phoenix (at a mere 1,200 feet above sea level),
you’ll find the 20,000-acre Pinal County home of the Ak-Chin
Indian Community and the tribe’s Him-Dak Eco-Museum, the
first of its kind in America.
Two peoples, the Tohono O’odham and the Pima, live here in a
place literally translated as “where the mouth of the wash loses
itself in the sand.”
Visitors to the 5-acre museum site (and community education
center) will find a varied display of tribal crafts, exhibits, and
photographs of the Ak-Chin people. The mission of the muse-
um is to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote, and teach
aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage, culture, and communication
between generations. Distinguished from traditional museums,
the 20,000-square-foot facility utilizes the land itself to replace
standard museum buildings while residents of the area take on
the role of curator.
The unique-to-Arizona multi-storied Casa Grande Ruins Monu-
ment structure, originally constructed by Hohokam Indians
during the 13th century, is a short drive away as is Harrah’s Ak-
Chin Casino that opened its doors in 1994.
The resort casino at 15,406 Maricopa Road (1.480.802.5000)
offers 300 rooms and more than 1,000 slots as well as bingo,
keno, and poker. If you like to plan ahead --- far ahead ---
ground was broken in June for a $100 million expansion project
at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino that will include an ad-
ditional 200 hotel rooms as well as a spa, conference center and
additional restaurants.
“As one of the few full-service hotels and casinos in the area,
this expansion (estimated completion date is early 2018) will
offer more options to visitors and guests throughout both Pinal
and Maricopa counties,” according to Casino General Manager
Robert Livingston. The hotel and casino currently accommodate
approximately 1.5 million guests per year. For devout duffers,
there’s an existing 320-acre, Troon-managed, Southern Dunes
Golf Club, one of Golfweek Magazine ’s Top Ten Arizona courses.
For more info on the Hopi Cultural Center, Second Mesa, Arizo-
na, call 1.928.734.2401, or write to [email protected].
For more info on the Him-Dak Eco-Museum, 47685 North Eco-
Museum Road, Maricopa, Arizona, call 1.520.568.9487. The mu-
seum is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. $
Casa Grande Ruins Monument—Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Ak-Chin Indian Community Seal
28 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
Illegal Gambling
Businesses Shutdown
By ADG & PHX Police
Recently, investigators from the Arizo-
na Department of Gaming (ADG) and
members of the Phoenix Police Depart-
ment served four search warrants
linked to an illegal gambling investiga-
tion. Two of the warrants were for
businesses “Poker Union” at 717 W.
Union Hills Drive and “The Gold
House” at 17220 N. 19th Avenue, while
two other warrants were served at resi-
dences in Glendale. During the joint
operation several people were arrested
in connection to the business and will
be facing multiple charges including
operating an illegal gaming facility,
promotion of illegal gambling, and
racketeering. For almost a year, investi-
gators have been looking into the busi-
ness and found it was operating as an
illegal poker room. The illegal gam-
bling operation allowed members to
gamble during poker games and tour-
naments inside the business.
The ADG takes complaints about ille-
gal gambling businesses very serious-
ly. These unregulated cash businesses
often open near neighborhoods and
can easily attract violent crimes to the
area. The ongoing partnership between
ADG and local police departments,
such as Phoenix, has lead to the closure
of more than a dozen illegal gambling
operations just this year. The ADG, in
partnership with Arizona’s tribes, reg-
ulates Indian gaming. Under the AZ
Tribal-State Gaming Compact, tribes
with casinos contribute one to eight
percent of their Class III (slot ma-
chines, jackpot poker, blackjack, keno)
gross gaming revenue to the state, cit-
ies, towns and counties. There are cur-
rently 23 Class III casinos in the state.
Tribes send contributions every three
months. $
Tribal Gaming
Contributions See
Effects From Diversity
The Arizona Department of Gaming
announces new statewide tribal contri-
bution numbers for the quarter ending
June 30, 2016. Tribal contributions to
the State’s Arizona Benefits Fund from
Class III gaming revenue will be ap-
proximately $25 million for the quarter.
Class III revenue is about 2.9% less this
quarter, when compared to the same
quarter in 2015. “While we have seen a
small change in gaming revenue, the
numbers still showcase how well the
gaming industry is doing around Ari-
zona and the high consumer confi-
dence people have while living and
playing in our state,” said Daniel
Bergin, Director of the Arizona Depart-
ment of Gaming.
For the first time since Arizona em-
braced Tribal Gaming, a casino is oper-
ating in the Valley that does not share
revenue with the State. This facility is
not regulated by the Department mak-
ing it impossible to know what effect it
is having on statewide gaming num-
bers. Despite the small drop in this
quarter’s contributions, regulated casi-
nos will still provide millions in addi-
tional funding to areas such as educa-
tion and emergency services. $
The current distributions are:
Instruction & Education: $12,463,013
Emergency Services: $6,231,506
ADOG Operating Costs: $2,250,544
Wildlife Conservation: $1,780,430
State Tourism: $1,780,430
Problem Gambling: $500,121
TOTAL: $25,006,044
NIGC Reports 2015
Gross Gaming Revenue
Largest Ever
The National Indian Gaming Commis-
sion said thanks to strong regulation,
gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2015
was the highest it's ever been. The 5%
increase in GGR from 2014 is the larg-
est increase in 10 years. "We are proud
to announce that Indian country's 2015
gross gaming revenue was $29.9 billion
dollars," said Chairman Jonodev Osce-
ola Chandhuri.
For the first time, the commission re-
vealed the revenue information live to
the public at Fantasy Springs Resort
Casino in Indio, California on Tuesday.
Of more than 230 tribes included in the
revenues, all increased between 3 and 8
percent in 2015. The chairman and
members of the Cabazon Band of Mis-
sion Indians said the announcement
validated they've come a long way and
so has the valley economy.
"It shows the growth that's happening
in our valley and the region, the other
tribes. Everyone is doing well," Chair-
man Doug Welmas said. "We've been
through in the last 10 years a horren-
dous recession. A lot of people have
lost jobs and lost homes. We are proud
to be able to provide jobs here and we
were actually a tribe that never laid
anyone off," said Brenda Soulliere of
the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.
Soulliere said casinos and resorts in the
desert not only provide jobs to boost
the local economy, but they also help
the tribes remain self sufficient.
"They're not really profits. They're
funds that come to the tribal govern-
ment and the tribal government is able
to provide basic things that people take
for granted like education, health care,
things like that," Soulliere said. $
30 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
GAMING NEWS
12th Annual Arizona State Poker
Championship Winner Crowned
Pat Lyons Wins $241,700 & A Rolex
The ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort was wall to
wall with some of the best regional, local and even national
poker players August 12-16, 2016 for the 12th Annual Arizona
State Poker Championship. After a 4.5-hour bout of strategy at
the final table of ten, Pat Lyons of Northern California was
victorious winning the title of 2016 Arizona State Poker
Champion. Lyons was among the 1510 that participated in
what is quickly becoming one of the most popular five-day
poker tournaments in the Southwest. The spacious ARENA
Poker Room, the beautiful property and $1.5 million prize
pool are all reasons why the Annual Arizona State Poker
Championship is a not-to-miss occasion every August.
“The ARENA is active with poker tournaments for all styles of
play year-round, but the Annual Arizona State Poker Champi-
onship is one-of-a-kind,” said Tom Young, the Director of
Poker at the ARENA Poker Room. “Every year we add more
competitors from all levels of play, making the entire tourna-
ment unpredictable all the way to the end.” Four-time World
Series of Poker champion, Tom Schneider hosted the final
table on August 16. The final ten earned their seat at the Finals
by battling through the No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament kick
off on August 12 and a semi-finals round on August 15.
In the end, Lyons beat his opponents with two pair of aces
and jacks. This year’s Champion walked away with $241,700,
a $25,000 Rolex watch and a customized trophy. Second place
and third place finishers, John Seaman and John Jensen also
earned trophies as well as payouts of $181,200 and $128,350
respectively. For more information about the ARENA Poker
Room and upcoming tournaments at Talking Stick Resort,
visit talkingstickresort.com or call 1.480.850.8693. $
The following players comprised the final table of ten as well
as their corresponding winnings at the 12th annual Arizona
State Poker Championship:
Winner Pat Lyons $241,700 + 25K Rolex watch
2nd Place John Seaman $181,200
3rd Place John Jensen $128,350
4th Place Ed Pickens $94,375
5th Place Adam Leyba $86,825
6th Place Terrance Eischens $71,725
7th Place Linglin Zeng $56,625
8th Place Balram Bhandari $41,525
9th Place Kevin Steele $26,425
10th Place John Dibella $18,875
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 33
GAMING NEWS
Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center is surrounded
by tall ponderosa pine and groves of aspen trees. It is the cool
climate and outdoor ambiance that guests experience when
they enter Hon-Dah Resort. Hon-Dah Resort Casino offers a
casual and relaxed atmosphere with fun and excitement at
your fingertips with gaming, dining, entertainment, and
sports and recreational opportunities in Northeastern Arizo-
na. Hon-Dah is located in the spectacular beauty of Arizona’s
White Mountains at an elevation of 7,200 feet.
Experience real Las Vegas-style gaming, with a smoke-free
poker room and blackjack room. The casino has over 800 of
the newest slot machines, including multigame slots, unlim-
ited progressive jackpots, and video poker/keno.
The magnificent hotel lobby features a rockscape with water-
fall, an animal display, and an enormous fireplace. Upscale
amenities up in the cool air include 128 oversized guest rooms
featuring wet bar, refrigerator, 25” remote-controlled satellite
flat screen television set, in-room coffee, microwave, iron,
More And More Reasons To Visit
Hon-Dah Resort Casino And Conference Center In The White Mountains
ironing board, dataport, telephone, iPod dock alarm clock/
radio, hairdryer, and work table. A Jacuzzi, sauna, and all-
season heated swimming pool are also available to all guests.
Great dining at casino prices can be enjoyed in the Indian Pines
Restaurant. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets offer a
variety of choices for every eater. Steak lovers can savor a ri-
beye steak dinner, cooked to order, offered in the Tuesday spe-
cial. Plus the Friday Seafood buffet is the best in the region! The
famous Sunday champagne brunch makes for a perfect wrap-
up to a perfect week.
Hon-Dah Resort Casino also offers Vegas-style entertainment
and nationally recognized performers in the Timbers Show-
room Lounge and the outdoor event area.
Hon-Dah Resort Casino is owned by the White Mountain
Apache Tribe. Hon-Dah Resort Casino is located just 3 miles
south of Pinetop at the junction of Highways 260 and 73. The
facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more
information call 1.800.929.8744 or visit hon-dah.com. $
Aquarius Casino Resort
800.662.LUCK
aquariuscasinoresort.com.
1,250+ slots, no smoking slot area,
high limit slots area, blackjack, table
games, roulette, craps, keno, race/
sports book.
Avi Resort & Casino
(Fort Mojave Tribe)
800.430.0721
avicasino.com.
1,000+ slots, bingo, blackjack, table
games, craps, roulette, poker room,
keno, race/sports book, KidsQuest.
Colorado Belle Hotel Casino
877.460.0777
coloradobelle.com.
750+ slots, blackjack, table games,
craps, roulette, poker room, keno,
race/sports book. Build your own
amazing burger at Pint’s Brewery!
Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
800.227.3849
riversideresort.com.
1,300+ slots, no smoking slot area,
high limit slots area, bingo, black-
jack, table games, craps, roulette,
poker room, keno, race/sports book.
Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall
800.634.3469
pioneerlaughlin.com
490 slots, blackjack, table games,
craps, roulette, sports book. Make
sure to check out the video poker &
reel slots!
Harrah’s Laughlin
800.447.8700
harrahslaughlin.com
900+ slots, no smoking slot area,
high limit slots area, blackjack, table
games, craps, roulette, poker room,
live keno, race/sports book.
Golden Nugget Laughlin
800.237.1739
goldennugget.com/laughlin
850+ slots, blackjack, table games,
craps, roulette, race/sports book, live
keno. Sign up for the player’s club
and spin for guaranteed free play!
Edgewater Hotel Casino
800.677.4837
edgewater-casino.com.
750+ slots, no smoking slot area,
high limit slots area, blackjack, table
games, roulette, craps, race/sports
book. Great all-around casino!
We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. To inform us of
updates, please email [email protected]. The Nevada Gaming Control Board
publishes statistics on casino gaming activity in Nevada according to their state’s gaming
regulations. The most current data for Laughlin at press time is from three months prior.
*A negative hold percentage indicates that game overpaid during the stated month.
Tropicana Laughlin
800.243.6846
troplaughlin.com
1,000+ slots, blackjack, table games,
craps, roulette, and a sports book.
Stop in for lunch at Carnegie’s or
the Poolside Café and enjoy the food!
Laughlin River Lodge
800.835.7904
laughlinriverlodge.com
1,000+ guest rooms and suites, over
30,000 square feet of the hottest
Vegas-style gaming, four restau-
rants, fast food options, & more!
Slots Hold % Tables Hold %
Loose $1 6.04 Craps 18.22
25¢ 6.35 Blackjack / 21 18.26
Multi-Denom 6.44 Roulette 20.67
5¢ 8.09 Let It Ride 24.83
$25 8.41 Pai Gow Poker 27.56
$5 8.61 Other Table Games 27.74
1¢ 11.20 Three Card Poker 33.27
Tight Megabucks 13.61
Other Hold %
Loose Sports Pools 8.75 Win Amount Dollars
Bingo 10.28 Slots 34.6 mil.
Race Books 15.05 Tables 3.3 mil.
Tight Live Keno 30.49 Other 0.5 mil.
Laughlin’s Gaming Statistics June 2016
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA Directory & Gaming Statistics
34 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
By Mark Novak
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 35
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
he Golden Nugget Laughlin is a unique resort on the
banks of the Colorado River and a gaming destination
that strikes the perfect balance between excitement and
relaxation! You’ll find plenty of offers and all of your favorite
casino games from slots, to video poker, to a long list of table
games, to choose from. The Golden Nugget has a wide assort-
ment of specials and gaming promotions going on now through
the end of summer, so there’s no better time than the present to
plan your trip to Laughlin!
Mark your calendars now for the 29th Annual Fastpast Car
Show held November 3-5. Room packages start at $149 (plus
tax) which includes four days and three nights of non-stop ac-
tion. In addition, participants will attend a welcome reception
on Thursday, November 3 in the afternoon, enjoy a Ladies Pok-
er Walk, the Best Of Show Awards, receive an event t-shirt (one
per room), and exclusive Blackjack and Slot Tournaments where
the entry fees are distributed back to the players. For reserva-
tions and more information, call 1.800.950.7700.
The Golden Nugget Laughlin is also offering Room and Concert
packages for September’s hottest tickets! Hank Williams Jr. is
performing at the Laughlin Event Center on September 24.
Then, Dolly Parton performs on September 30.
And if that’s not enough excuses to come visit the Golden Nug-
get Laughlin, then keep in mind September is filled with pro-
motions and tournaments. On September 3, 10, 17, and 24, the
casino is having a $20,000 Sizzlin’ September Cash Giveaway.
Make sure you sign up to become a 24 Karat Club member in
order to participate. For those of you who are video poker fans,
the Four-Of-A-Kind Bonus Pays promotion is still happening on
Thursdays and Fridays. Look for the card of the day at the 24
Karat Club on those days. Plus, The Spin To Win Daily Slot
Tournament ($1,000 in guaranteed prizes) runs Mondays
through Wednesdays from 7am to 10pm with an entry fee of
only $10. In addition, the table games department is hosting a
Moonlight Madness Blackjack Tournament every Friday with a
guaranteed first place prize of $500. A $15 buy-in gets you
$2,000 in tournament chips. The top 6 players will all be win-
ners! So, sharpen your card playing skills and get ready to win!
So what are you waiting for? Plan your Laughlin getaway to the
Golden Nugget right now! For information on the Golden Nug-
T
get Casino in Laughlin, visit goldennugget.com/Laughlin or call
1.800.950.7700 for rooms, or call direct at 1.702.298.7111. $
THE GOLDEN NUGGET LAUGHLIN The Perfect Balance Between Excitement And Relaxation This Summer
ortunately the temperatures will be cooling off soon and
the Tropicana Laughlin is the place to be this September!
There is non-stop excitement all month long from the
casino floor to the three bars to Victory Plaza to the pool.
For those of you who are Trop Advantage members, they’ve got
gifts for you! Earn base points on your Trop Advantage Card on
any of the dates below, print out a voucher from the Trop Ad-
vantage promotional kiosks, and redeem it for a gift at Event
Registration from 8am-2pm or 6pm-10pm that same day! Gifts
include: Oven Glove—Sep. 2nd, BBQ Digital Thermometer—
Sep. 4th, Salad Spinner—Sep. 10th, Air Couch—Sep. 17th, Ther-
mos & Mug Set—Sep. 18th. Every month there is something
new so make sure to return for more!
Now that it is September, not only have Dolly and Hank arrived
F
By Mark Novak
in Laughlin, but so has Championship Bull Riding and a tribute
to Reba McEntire! All this right next door to the Tropicana
Laughlin at the Laughlin Event Center. You’ll be able to easily
walk back and forth to all of the events. September starts off
with Championship Bull Riding on the 10th featuring over two
hours of 8 second battles between 150 pound men and 2,000
pound bulls. On September 18th, fans of Reba McEntire can
enjoy Simply Reba, a tribute to her music. Award winning sing-
er Kelly Vohnn is backed by a five piece band letting everyone
sing along to Reba McEntire’s mega hits. Grammy award-
winning 5-time Country Entertainer of the Year and Country
Music Hall of Famer Hank Williams, Jr. returns to the Laughlin
Event Center on September 24th, for an encore appearance of
great music for 'all his rowdy friends' in town! And then Dolly
Parton arrives on September 30th. For room packages and more
information, visit troplaughlin.com or call 1.800.343.4533. $
SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER AT TROP! Weekly Gifts, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams Jr., And More
36 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
CASINO ENTERTAINMENT Listings
38 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
Apache Gold Casino—Globe, AZ—800.272.2438
Events: Mexican Nationa l Rodeo—Sep. 2-4, Jordan World Cir-
cus—Sep. 8, World Series Roping—Sep. 26-28, David Nail—Sep. 30
BlueWater Casino—Parker, AZ—888.243.3360
Dig Lounge: Featuring a variety o f live music. Events: 4th An-
nual Southwest Nautique Regatta—Sep. 16 & 17, BlueWater Desert
Challenge—Oct. 7-9, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series—Oct. 14-
16, BlueWater “336” Enduro Boat Races—Oct. 28-30
Casino Arizona—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777
The Showroom: Pyromania (Def Leppard Tribute)—Sep. 2-3,
DSB (Journey Tribute)—Sep. 16-17, Don’t Look Back (Boston Trib-
ute)—Sep. 23-24, Mötely Crüe’d (Mötely Crüe Tribute)—Sep. 30-
Oct. 1 The Arizona Room: Arizona Room Trivia—Tue. 7pm, Country
Dance Instruction (Learn to Dance)—Wed. 6pm, Daisy Train
(Country)—Wed. 8pm, Latin Fire Dance Nights (Learn to Dance)—
Thu. 6pm, Superhero Band—Fri. 8:30pm
Casino Del Sol—Tucson, AZ—520.838.6506
Paradiso Bar & Lounge: Thursday Tributes: Faux Fighters (Foo
Fighters Tribute)—Sep. 1, The Song Remains The Same (Led Zeppelin
Tribute)—Sep. 8, 56 A Rock ‘n Roll Revue—Sep. 15, Catch A Wave
(Beach Boys Tribute)—Sep. 22, Masters Of Puppets (Metallica Trib-
ute)—Sep. 29 Friday Nights: LIVE MUSIC—Sep. 2, Latino Rebel
Band (Latin, Reggae)—Sep. 9, Suerte Musical (Tejano, Latin)—Sep.
16, Santa Pachita (Latin, Ska)—Sep. 23, Tony Corrales Band (Top 40,
Country)—Sep. 30 Saturday Nights: Reality Band (Variety, Tejano)
—Sep. 3, Festival Band (Tejano)—Sep. 10, Los Sociales (Tejano)—
Sep. 17, Uptown Band (Top 40, Old School, R&B, Tejano, Country)
—Sep. 24, LIVE MUSIC—Oct. 1 Sunday Nights: Los Nawdy Dawgs
—Sep. 4 AVA Amphitheater: Marco Antonio Solis—Sep. 17, Hank
Williams Jr.—Sep. 25, Neil Young & Promise Of The Real—Oct. 6
Event Center: Frank Ca liendo—Sep. 2
Cliff Castle Casino—Camp Verde, AZ—800.381.7568
Dragonfly Lounge: Featuring a variety of live entertainment.
Cocopah Resort Casino—Somerton, AZ—800.237.5687
Events: Karaoke with Bling Bling—Fr & Sa, Selena Tribute & Los
Chicos Del Apartamento 512—Sep. 15, Bridget’s Gifts presents
Thompson Square & Lauren Alaina—Oct. 22
Desert Diamond Casino I—Tucson, AZ—866.332.9467
Monsoon Nightclub: Flashback Fridays—Classic Hip-Hop and
Old School fun with primetime DJs, Noches Caliente—Saturdays with
the hottest live Latin music!
Desert Diamond Casino II—Sahuarita, AZ—866.332.9467
Sports Bar: Dub Sounds DJs—Fr & Sa Diamond Center: Hotel
California (Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 2, Gloria Trevi—Sep. 24, Brian
Regan—Sep. 30, Gary Allan—Dec. 3
Fort McDowell Casino—Fort McDowell, AZ—800.843.3678
Lucky 7 Saloon: Featuring a variety of live entertainment.
Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino—Maricopa, AZ—480.802.5000
Featured Entertainment: Asleep At The Wheel—Sep. 3, December
’63 (Four Seasons Tribute)—Sep. 5, David Lee Garza & Los Musi-
cales—Sep. 15 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays In The Lounge: En-
joy live music in the evenings. Quantum—Sep. 2, Live DJ—Sep. 3,
The Walkens—Sep. 9, Static—Sep. 10, Outside The Line—Sep. 16,
Chad Freeman & Redline—Sep. 17, Young Country—Sep. 23, Check-
er’d Past—Sep. 24 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays In The
Lounge: Enjoy live music in the a fternoon. Stanley Serrano Trio
–Sep. 1, John Eric Duo–Sep. 6, Thaddeus Rose–Sep. 7, John Eric Duo–
Sep. 13, Thaddeus Rose–Sep. 14, Walkens Trio–Sep. 14, Live DJ–Sep.
15, Freddie Duran Duo–Sep. 15, Silhouette–Sep. 21, Stanley Serrano
Trio–Sep. 21, Freddie Duran Duo–Sep. 27, Silhouette–Sep. 28, Stan-
Gary Allan Desert Diamond Casino—December 3
Country star Gary Allan is bringing his artistic voice back to
the Diamond Center on Saturday, December 3, 2016. With the
allure of a modern day outlaw, Gary Allan has won over fans,
peers and critics with his signature blend of smoldering vo-
cals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances. While
becoming a force on the country music scene, Allan has re-
mained true to his artistic voice each step of the way. Allan
just re-signed with Universal Music Group Nashville, the label
home for the entirety of his twenty-year career. Gary Allan’s
last album, Set You Free , topped the Billboard 200, a career
first for Allan. The album also made its debut at the top of the
Billboard Country Album chart and produced his fifth No.1
country radio chart topper with Every Storm Runs Out of
Rain. The California native released his first album, Used Heart for
Sale, in 1996 and since then has released eight additional studio al-
bums selling over seven million albums, been certified plati-
num on three back-to-back albums, and been certified gold
five times. Treena Parvello, Director of Public Relations and
Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise,
said, “Country fans are in for a real treat when Gary Allan
takes the stage at the Diamond Center. Be sure to get your
tickets early—Tucson loves Gary, and his shows here always
sell out fast!”
Editor’s Pick CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 39
ley Serrano Trio–Sep. 28 Sunday Poolside Entertainment: Enjoy live
music from 2—6pm. Kush Country—Sep. 4
Hon-Dah Casino—Pinetop, AZ—800.929.8744
Timbers Lounge and Showroom: Marble Heart (Country)—Sep.
1-Sep. 4, Rev It Up (Variety)—Sep 6-10, Smokehouse (Variety)—Sep
13-17, Groove City Band (R&B Variety)—Sep 20-24, Kid-n-Nic
(Variety)—Sep. 27-Oct.1 Events: Desperado (Eagles Tribute)—Sep.
2, Customer Appreciation Party—Sep. 10, Run To the Pines Car Pre-
Show—Sep. 23
Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452
Cascades Lounge: Phoenix area bands & DJs offer free live en-
tertainment throughout the week. Shining Star—Sep. 2&16, Rhythm
Edition—Sep. 3, Andrea & Gemini—Sep. 6, Soundwave—Sep. 9,
Smooth Groove—Sep. 10, Rhythm Of The Sun Band—Sep. 17, Soul
Persuasion—Sep. 23, New Frequency Band—Sep. 24
Mazatzal Casino—Payson, AZ—800.777.7529
Apache Spirits Lounge: Featuring a variety o f live music.
Events: Desperado (Eagles Tribute)—Sep. 3, Southbound (Lynyrd
Skynyrd Tribute)—Oct. 8, Hollywood Halloween Bash—Oct. 29
Paradise Casino—Yuma, AZ—888.777.4946
Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Fea turing a variety o f live enterta inment.
Quechan Casino—Winterhaven, CA—877.783.2426
Sidewinders: Fea turing a variety o f live enterta inment.
Pipa Event Center: Los Lobos—Sep. 16, Boz Skaggs—Oct. 29
Talking Stick Resort—Scottsdale, AZ—480.850.7777
The Showroom, Grand Ballroom & Pool: Tedeschi Trucks
Band—Sep. 2, The Zombies & Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals—Sep. 11,
Thunder From Down Under—Sep. 22-24, Alice In Chains—Sep. 30,
Dweezil Zappa—Oct. 1, Cyndi Lauper—Oct. 7, ZZ Top—Oct. 9,
Phoenix Fashion Week—Oct. 12, Los Lobos—Oct. 14, Foreigner—
Oct. 16, Terry Fator—Nov. 18, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias—Nov. 20
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino—Flagstaff, AZ—855.946.8946
Featuring a variety of live entertainment. John Eric Band (Country)—
Sep. 2-3, Kung Fu Grip (Top 40)—Sep. 9-10, Priminition (Variety)—
Sep. 16-17, Stateline (Country-Rock)—Sep. 23-24, Rebel Heart
(Country, Rock, Variety)—Sep. 30-Oct. 1
Vee Quiva Casino—Laveen, AZ—800.946.4452
Events: Los Muecas—Sep. 10, Mariachi Rodriguez—Sep. 16,
Checker’d Past—Sep. 30
Wild Horse Pass Casino—Chandler, AZ—800.946.4452
Chrome Nightclub—Fri & Sat 9pm-2am, The Lounge—Featuring a
variety of live music nightly, Festival Park—Live music outdoors
Showroom: Boyz II Men—Sep. 2, Sara Evans—Sep. 24, Voz De
Mando—Oct. 14, Latin Comedy Jam: Paul Rodriguez Featuring DJ
Kane of the Kumbia Kings—Oct. 22
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias Talking Stick Resort
November 20
Comedian/actor Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is bringing his
#FluffyBreaksEven World Tour to Talking Stick Resort’s
Salt River Grand Ballroom on November 20. The witty
funnyman will showcase his larger-than-life persona in
front of the Scottsdale crowd.
Revered for his abundant charisma, Iglesias’ perfect mix of
parodies, anecdotes and impersonations will have fans
laughing uncontrollably during the show. Iglesias’ knack
for storytelling has made him a hit with mainstream media
and led to the overwhelming success of his DVD specials
I’m Not Fat…I’m Fluffy and Hot & Fluffy.
While most individuals would shy away from certain topics,
Iglesias confronts them head on and references his weight
in his comedic routine. He has appeared in a slew of movies
including Magic Mike, A Haunted House 2 and his very own
comedic film The Fluffy Movie, as well as television shows
such as Cristela, My Wife and Kids and Last Comic Standing.
He currently stars in Fuse TV’s hit series, Fluffy Breaks
Even, and continues to perform in venues across the country
and world.
To learn more information about the show, call the Talking
Stick Resort Box Office at 1.480.850.7734 or visit their web-
site talkingstickresort.com. Must be 21 or older to attend. $
Verify all details & age restrictions (generally 21 & over) for each event. Venues, times, dates, & ticket
information are subject to change. Photos/images copyright of the individual artist(s), photographer(s),
or venue(s). All Rights Reserved. We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information.
SAMI’S SMACKDOWN
42 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
light, floor it across the intersection, barely missing the cross
traffic, just to turn right into a strip mall. I guess the driver real-
ly needed a Starbucks!
The final situation looked like something out of a Jason Bourne
car chase, I actually got chills and then started looking for a
movie crew as I thought this must have been staged. The driver
to my right also decided to floor it through a red light just
avoiding two cars coming from opposite directions. Wow!
Please be careful and practice safe driving on the roads. $
Do YOU have a RANT OR RAVE?
If so, write me at: [email protected] or by mail
at: “Sami” Arizona Gaming Guide PO BOX 20636
Mesa, AZ 85277. If I pick your topic for publication
in a future issue, you’ll get a $25 gift card!
henever I get into my car to drive to a casino I am
always prepared. I buckle up, drive the speed limit
(mostly), don’t talk (or text) & drive, and I keep my
eyes peeled for all of those crazies on the road!
Recently, I have found myself stopped at red lights during the
day observing the most unusual behavior. The first incident
happened when I was behind a driver and both of us were wait-
ing to make a left turn. The green arrow (indicating the left turn)
turned on and the driver in front of me didn’t budge. I gently
honked several times to no avail. When we finally lost our ar-
row and the green light was given for regular traffic, the driver
in front made the left turn, narrowly missing oncoming traffic!
The second situation was also at a red light with traffic at a
standstill when the driver to my right decided to ignore the red
ARE YOU SEEING BAD DRIVERS TOO? Not Once, Not Twice, But Three Red Light Runners In The Past Week!
By Sami Becker
W
FUN FACTS
ot only have the employees of the Arizona Gaming
Guide personally tested many different models of slot ma-
chines, but we have also witnessed a “power cycle”
ourselves at multiple casinos across the country. Our readers
have most likely witnessed a “power cycle” as well!
Imagine you are playing your favorite game at the casino, when
all of a sudden, the power goes out across the entire casino
floor! Almost as quickly as your mind registers the power out-
age and are grappling with the surprise of it all, the casino’s
backup generators (generally diesel) kick in and supply power
back to the entire casino. Cool, right?
Unfortunately, your slot machine lost power too and is now
automatically rebooting? Wow! Isn’t that neat! Whenever you
lose power at home, everyone always has to run around turning
azgamingguide.com | September 2016 | Arizona Gaming Guide 43
SLOT MACHINES & POWER CYCLES Just One Of Many Reasons Why Slot Machines Are So Secure
N
By Lana Hartmann
everything back on again, like your computers, or the television.
Not with slots! They restart as soon as power returns!
Furthermore, because of the strict regulations, and the rigorous
testing performed not only by the slot manufacturer, as well as a
third-party laboratory, and, at times, a state regulatory agency,
the slot returns to the same state it was in before the power was
lost.
Why is this important? For starters, you wouldn’t want to lose
all of the money you had in the machine. Plus, if you were in the
middle of a winning spin, triggering a bonus, that would cer-
tainly be a downer if the spin didn’t count. Worse yet, imagine
if you were in a bonus already and you had won several hun-
dred dollars and that just disappeared! Thankfully, slot ma-
chines recover all of that, and more, during a “power cycle.” $
44 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
SUDOKU Each of the columns, rows, and nine 3 x 3 grids must contain
all of the digits 1 - 9. None of the digits may appear more than
once in each column, row, and 3 x 3 grid. Level: Mild.
(Solution on page 46)
8 6
5
7
2
1
7
3 8
4
2
4
9 4
8
4
7
7
1
8
9
7
1
6 2
3
WORD SEARCH
To Celebrate Arizona’s Native American Tribes, Find:
AKCHIN, APACHE, COCOPAH, COLORADO, GILA,
HAVASUPAI, HOPI, HUALAPAI, KAIBAB, MARICOPA, MOJAVE,
NAVAJO, OODHAM, PAIUTE, PASCUA, PIMA, QUECHAN,
TOHONO, YAQUI, YAVAPAI, ZUNI.
Words appear in any direction. (Solution on page 46)
T D F W U J A A V A Y P P Z I
I N U Z W O J P I T Y Z I A L
X S L W B P S F A A O I P X C
O P V Q A G I H H U U Y P H N
D E H C U A A C A Q R V O I U
A G H R W H N O A V A Y A T L
R E C V C E A O C U P A Y A M
O I H K M U C N S N P I M M O
L G A Y H B A B U A O P O P S
O H Y K A A F D P H C Q J A H
C V Y B H P L A A C I P A D L
I J I U F O J L I E R O V P L
S A Z B O Q L I S U A M A D E
K F D Q H O D G M Q M V N P I
B J M I M O V P D L T L E J A
FUN & GAMES
CASINO DIRECTORY
46 Arizona Gaming Guide | September 2016 | azgamingguide.com
City Phone Slots Hig
h L
imit
Are
a
Bin
go
Casino Liv
e K
eno
Tab
le G
ames
Po
ker
Ro
om
Ho
tel
Sm
ok
e-F
ree
Are
a
Sources: Arizona Department of Gaming—Current Tribal Gaming Status as of 08/01/16 & direct inquiries by press time.
We are not responsible for incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Contact [email protected] to make updates.
RV
Par
k
Go
lf
Location Sp
a
Arc
ade
01. Apache Gold Casino Resort Hwy. 70, 5 mi. E. of Globe Globe 800-272-2438 563 Y Y Y Y Y Y
02. BlueWater Resort & Casino 11300 Resort Drive Parker 888-243-3360 528 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
03. Bucky’s Casino 1500 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 330 Y Y Y Y
04. Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips Scottsdale 480-850-7777 898 Y Y Y Y
05. Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 855-765-7829 1,071 Y Y Y Y Y Y
06. Casino of the Sun 7406 S. Camino De Oeste Tucson 855-765-7829 278
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 512 Y Y Y Y Y Y
09. Desert Diamond Casino I 7350 S. Nogales Hwy. Tucson 866-332-9467 1,016 Y Y Y Y Y Y
10. Desert Diamond Casino II I-19, Exit 80 Tucson 866-332-9467 563 Y
11. Desert Diamond Casino-W.V. 101 & Northern Ave. Glendale 866-332-9467 1,089
12. Desert Diamond Casino-Why Hwy. 86, Milepost 55 Why 866-332-9467 58
13. Fort McDowell Casino Hwy. 87 & Ft. McDowell Rd. Fort McDowell 800-843-3678 905 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
14. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa 480-802-5000 1,089 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
15. Hon-Dah Casino 777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop 800-929-8744 824 Y Y Y Y Y
16. Lone Butte Casino 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler 800-946-4452 828 Y Y Y
17. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of Payson Payson 800-777-7529 412 Y Y Y Y Y Y
18. Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Dr. Yuma 888-777-4946 480 Y
19. Quechan Casino I-8, Exit 166 Winterhaven, CA 877-783-2426 1,000+ Y Y Y Y Y Y
20. Spirit Mountain Casino 8555 Hwy. 95 Mohave Valley 928-346-2000 245
21. Talking Stick Resort 101 & Indian Bend Scottsdale 480-850-7777 765 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
22. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino I-40, Exit 219 Flagstaff 855-946-8946 1,078 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
23. Vee Quiva Casino 6443 Komatke Ln. Laveen 800-946-4452 908 Y Y Y Y Y
24. Wild Horse Pass Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler 800-946-4452 950 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
25. Yavapai Casino 1505 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott 800-756-8744 236 Y
azgamingguide.com facebook.com/ArizonaGamingGuide
For information on the casinos & much more,
scan our QR codes with your smartphone!
Sudoku Solution
8 4 6
5 9 1
3 2 7
3 5 9
4 7 2
8 6 1
7 1 2
3 8 6
5 9 4
9 3 2
1 6 8
7 5 4
6 1 7
5 9 4
2 8 3
8 4 5
2 3 7
9 6 1
2 7 3
4 1 5
6 8 9
9 4 6
7 3 8
1 2 5
1 5 8
6 2 9
4 7 3
Word Search Solution
A P A V A Y I
I N U Z P I T A
P A A O I
O A I P H H U N
D C A O C A Q I U
A H H N O A V A A T L
R E C E A O C U A Y A M
O K U C M S N P I O
L A H B A O U A O P P S
O A A J P H C A H
C B H P A A A C I D
I O V L I E R
A O A I U A
K H O N G Q M P I
M O V E J A
