July 2010

INSIDE THIS ISSUELottery News

Card Room ActionCasino Entertainment

Harrah’s Ak-Chin to ExpandAZ State Poker Championship

Prodigious Pool Party At The Passwww.arizonaplayer.com VOL. 18 NO. 7 • JULY 2010

Cover Story on page 8

ARIZONA PLAYER JULY 2010 3

VOL. 18 NO. 7 • JULY 2010WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • [email protected]

The Arizona Player is published the first weekend of each month. All claims or guarantees are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All comments and views of contributing writers are their own and do not reflect official policy of the Arizona Player which assumes no liability for any advertisement not supplied camera ready by the advertiser. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher and Copyright owners is prohibited.

Special thanks to:Tony Averitt, Pam Irvin, Lita Sorensen

and the entire marketing department at Cliff Castle Casino for all their help

Editor Phil Scudella

Production AssistantsCharlie Scheeler

John Olson

Graphic Design CommuniGraphics

Contributing WritersLinda Boyd

Cindy Esquer Nicole Gilotti Kelly Hawke

T.J. Jorgensen Marianne Minneci

Brian Mulligan David Ramsey Lita Sorensen

Melody Walcott Shanna Wolfe

Contributing Photography Benoit Photo Cindy Esquer

Anthony Franco Nicole Gilotti Kelly Hawke

J. Russell King David Ramsey Lita Sorensen Justin Sullivan Tosca Upshaw

Melody Walcott

ContentsGaming News Harrah’s Ak-Chin Expanding Hotel 4

Entertainment 6

Cover Story Cliff Castle Casino is Going Green 8

Gaming News Pool Party at the “Pass” 10

Card Room Action 12

Gaming News 6th Annual Arizona State Poker Chanpionship 16

Lottery News & Draws 18

Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “The Thrill of It All” 20

TJ’s Blackjack Corner T.J. Jorgensen - “$115 an Hour Job” 23

Woman’s Point of View Marianne Minneci “Action at the Fort” 24

Horsin’ Around Brian Mulligan “17 in a Row” 25

David at the Snack Rar David Ramsey 26

Gaming News BB King Returns to Tucson & “Wheel” winners at Vee Quiva 27

Bingo Directory of Games 28

Astrology, Jokes of the Month, & Casino Directory 30

4 ARIZONA PLAYER JULY 2010

GAMING NEWS

S T A R G A Z E R P A V I L I O N I S P R O U D T O P R E S E N T

I-17, Exit 289 · Camp Verde

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HARRAH’S AK-CHIN TO EXPAND HOTELHarrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort broke ground

on June 8 at the future site of its hotel expansion featuring a five-story, 152-room hotel tower on the existing property in Maricopa.

A large group of local residents, community leaders and the media attended the ground-breaking

General Manager of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Geoff Andres opened the ceremony that was held under the canopy of the casino entrance, and welcomed everyone in attendance to this expan-sion - which had been in the planning stage for several years.

According to Andres, the new tower will include 15 ADA-accessible rooms and five guest suites. All 152 rooms will include upgraded amenities such as granite countertops, 50-inch flat screen televisions and larger showers.

The $20 million hotel expansion designed by Tempe-based RSP Architects will accommodate more visitors, increase room availability and pro-vide an opportunity to host conventions and other meetings. The new tower will more than double the number of available rooms from the current 148 to 300.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Executive Team (left to right): Geoff Andres (General Manager), Angie Groeneveld (Director of Hotel and Food & Beverage), Michael Kintner (Director of Marketing), Beth Amoroso (Director of Human Resources), Alan Trantina (Director of Finance)

Ak-Chin Tribal Council (left to right): Gabriel Lopez, Anthony Narcia, Sr., William Antone, Leslie Carlyle-Burnett and Louis Manuel, Jr.

continued on page 22

*Free Slot Play is not redeemable for cash. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2010, Harrah’s License Company, LLC. 1600-0710-013

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Quechan Casino Resort525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA(5 mi W of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426In the PIPA Event Center:Aug 12, Lewis BlackSidewinders: Live entertainment on

weekends

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit -

Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILAIn the Ovations LIVE! Showroom: July 24, “49 Laughs” Comedy Tour

with “James & Ernie” (James Junes & Ernest Tsosie), Pax Harvey and Tatanka Means

July – August, “Summer Comedy Series” with headliner comedians Friday nights, July 16 - Marc Yaffee, July 23 – Richard Villa, July 30 – Dean Austin, Aug 6 – Tim O’Rourke, Aug 13 – Vic Dunlop, Aug 20 – Carrie Snow and Aug 27 – Jimmy Della Valle

The Encore Lounge features live entertainment on weekends with bands like: Marty & the Party, Ronnie Dye, Pima Express, Tyrone D & the Ledge, The Hamptons, Marlin Zimmerman, Rhythm Edition, Str8Up Band, Route 66, Bob Villa, Aztex and JJs Band

Talking Stick Resort Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road -

Scottsdale 480-850-7777COMING SOON - Talking Stick

Resort Showroom!Opening in September,

“Degree 270” 14th floor lounge with live entertainment, dancing nightly and a spectacular view of the city.

Desert Diamond Casino Hotel7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson Toll Free 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Live bands or

DJs Thurs-Sun at 8pm

Desert Diamond Casino 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Tucson 520-294-7777 or1-866-DDC-WINS Free entertainment In the Sports

LoungeConcerts & Events in the Diamond

Center:July 21, Diamond RioJuly 17, Bill EngvallAug 9, BB King

Fort McDowell Casino N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills1-800-THE-FORTConcerts - Call for updated scheduleLucky 7 Saloon: Free entertainment

Fri – Sun featuring bands like: Cowboy Floyd, The Realtones, Furious George and The Chris Lukert Band

New updates at fortmcdowellcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000Oasis Lounge: Free entertainment

on weekends including:July 16, Chubby CheckerJuly 30, Colin RayeJuly 31, Hollywood YatesHarrah’s Event Center: Call

for updated schedule or go to harrahsakchin.com

Hon-Dah Resort and Casino Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGHIn the Timbers Lounge: Mon, Comedy Club - no cover Tues-Sat, Live Music with bands

like: The Mike & T Band and Ronnie and the Classics

Lone Butte Casino202 loop at the Kyrene exit –

Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Free live entertainment Fri & Sat in

the Cascades Lounge with bands like: Marty and the Party, STR8UP band and Jadi Norris

Thursday nights - don’t miss the “Lucky Break” singing competition (Be in the TV audience)

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 1/2-mile South of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.comTribute Bands every month: July

24, “Paperback Writer” A Beatles Tribute, Aug 21, Adam Tucker (Tribute to Tim McGraw, Sept 24, “Hotel California” A Tribute to the Eagles, Oct 30, “Rock Lobster” An 80s Retro Tribute

Paradise Casino 450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777-4946In the Event Center:July 17, Great WhiteSharky’s Bar & Bites: Live

Entertainment every weekend

Apache Gold Casino Resort 5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-APACHE-3Events & concerts in the Pavilion:

Call for summer scheduleApache Legends BBQ in the Pavilion

features free live entertainment on weekends:

BlueWater Resort and Casino 11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360At the Amphitheater: Call for

updated scheduleThe Dig Lounge: live bands, Tues-Sun

Casino Arizona 101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 In the Showroom:Tues-Sun, “Showstoppers Live” A

musical tribute to Elvis, Reba, Temptations and more

Pima Lounge: Live entertainment and dancing nightly featuring top local groups

The Arizona Room Piano Lounge with free entertainment nightly

Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater concert & event

schedule:July 21, Robert Plant & the Band

of JoyJuly 22, RihannaAug 15, Cyndi LauperFREE live entertainment at The

Paradiso Bar on weekendsPlus Free Tribute concerts on

Thursdays July 15, TNT – AC/DC Tribute, July 22, Blasphemous Rumors – Depeche Mode Tribute, July 29, Dog N Buterfly – Heart Tribute

Cliff Castle Casino I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOTStargazer Pavilion:Aug 13, Rodney CarringtonDragonfly Lounge: Free

entertainment on weekends

ENTERTAINMENT

Sinbad

Chubby Checker

49 laughs Comedy Tour

Cyndi Lauper

Robert Plant


“Finally, after years of trying to make this happen, we are doing it,” said Ken Reynolds, Team Member Relations. “We have formed a recycle committee that has been operating for about a month and have some great things planned.”

The first recycling project took place during Cliff Castle Casino’s recent Eddie Money/Camp Soaring Eagle benefit concert. A team member committee collected 84 pounds of cans and plastic bottles that were recycled at Gardener’s Recyclables in Old Town Cottonwood. The com-mittee received $44 for the materials, which will be used in further recycling efforts and projects.

Current committee members are Beverly Crawford, Tribal Management Program; Terry Herrera, Finance; Nate Schreiber, Food and Beverage Manager; David Monrreal, Graphic Designer; and Reynolds. The Casino is asking for team member volunteers for the committee to come up with ideas that will benefit the casino and the community at large.

“We want team members to come join us and help to make a difference,” said Reynolds. “Our efforts will have a direct impact on our everyday procedures at our place of business and in the communities we serve.”

Various departments at Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel are contributing to the effort and adding recycling to their agendas.

“Guests should be on the lookout for one of our next big promotions,” said Tony Averitt, Marketing Director. “Our ‘Green is Good’ electric car giveaway has started in July and will be a lot of fun and emphasize the positive aspects of renewable energy and recycling as well!”

The marketing promotion is geared towards blackjack and poker players, with a grand prize

raffle drawing giveaway for an earth-friendly electric car on Sept. 9 -- with the guest’s choice of colors in customizing it. The car, an H3, was sup-plied by Go Electric Cars, an electric car dealer-ship in West Sedona (928-203-8789), which sells a variety of other electric vehicles as well.

“Everyone should have one of these cars,” said Averitt. “You’ll never have to buy gas again; its street legal, you plug it into a standard wall outlet, and it goes for 40 miles with just one charge.”

Every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday through-out the “Green is Good” promotion, all live table game players will receive two drawing tickets for a blackjack - when a dealer is dealt a blackjack or when dealt a flush at Club 52 poker room. The more participants play, the better their chances to win. There are also free blackjack tourna-ments, free blackjack lessons, as well as poker promotions, to make it even more fun.

Ribbon Cutting - kicking off Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel’s first successful recycling project

COVER STORY

��

Ken Reynolds, Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel Team Member Relations, places a recycling storage container on the casino grounds during the recent Camp Soaring Eagle/Eddie Money benefit concert.

��

continued on page 14

arizonalottery.com��

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Mega Millions just joined Powerball in the Arizona Lottery’s lineup. That means even more chances to win the biggest jackpots! Play Mega Millions Tuesday and Friday. Play Powerball Wednesday and Saturday. And dream even bigger, all week long!


GAMING NEWS

At this party…you’ll be tappin’ your bare feet to beats by Superstar Deejays, enjoying Rockin’ Drink specials and munching on some fabu-lous food from a gourmet grill. This all-day fun party also includes an eye-poppin’ Swimsuit contest. In addition, you’ll have a chance to stuff your pockets with cash and prize giveaways!

PRODIGIOUS POOL PARTY AT THE PASSThe people who brought you Airia

Nightclub, now bring you REFOCUS…the “Sexy Summer Sunday Spot”

REFOCUS is a monthly party at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler that will have you coming back for more!

This “WILD” Pool Party features exclusive VIP Cabanas with complete Cabana service.

There is a $10 cover charge or admis-sion is FREE, if you are a Wild Horse Pass Hotel guest or you have a Gila River Casino Player’s Club Card.

Mark your Party calendar for the next two “Sexy Summer Sunday Spot” events-Gates open August 8th and September 12th at Noon.


CARD ROOM ACTION

CARD ROOM MANAGERS

Please send updates to

[email protected]

APACHE GOLD CASINO 800-272-2433Poker Room opens daily at 6PM

Dealing blackjack, daily at 10AM BLUEWATER CASINO 1-888-243-3360Dealing blackjack 24/7BUCKY’S CASINO 928-771-6779Mon, 10AM & 6PM, Hold Em, $30 - winners

advance to “free roll”Tues, 6pm, Ladies Only Texas Hold Em

Shootouts - $10 buy-inWed, 6pm, Deep Stack No-Limit Hold Em

Tournament - $75 buy-in w/ $20 re-buySat 10am, Hold Em, $30 buy-in, Pays 3

places, winners advance to “free roll” “Aces Cracked” wins $50 - Mon 11am-

1pm & 7pm-3am, Tues & Thurs 7pm-3am & Wed 8am-4pm

Progressive “Aces Cracked” Sat 11am-11pm - Starts at $50, increases till hit

High Hand: Mon – Fri, see poker room for details

FREE Sunday buffet for seated playersDealing blackjack 24/7, “Blackjack

Shootout” Tues at 7pm - $20 entryNew blackjack “Happy Hour” Mon-Thurs

– 8-9am, 3-4pm and 9-10pm, ask pit for details

“Bonus 21” - Win a bonus of up to $75 in chips when you hit a “21” on 6, 7 or 8 cards!

CASINO ARIZONA 101 & MCKELLIPS 480-850-7777Dealing blackjack 24/7$5,000 “Wild Wednesdays” Blackjack

Tournament every other Wed, 7pm - $100 buy-in

CASINO DEL SOL 520-838-6565Mon-Fri, 10 AM, $200 added Morning

Poker league, No-Limit Hold Em, $8 buy-in, $5 re-buys, $5 Add-on + $7 entry fee

Mon 7PM & Sat noon – NLHE Cactus Poker League - $1,500 Guaranteed - $35 buy-in, $6 entry fee

Sun & Tues at 7 PM – FREE Poker League, NLHE - $1,225 Guaranteed

Wed, 7PM, NLHE, $1,500 Prize Pool (w/50 players) $35 buy-in, $5 re-buys, $10 add-on + $12 entry fee

Thurs, 7PM, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $85 buy-in + $12 entry fee

Sat, 9AM, $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $5 buy-in w/$5 re-buys & $5 add-on + $15 entry fee

Sun, 11 AM $1,500 NLHE, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys + $12 entry fee

Special Events:July 30 at 10 AM, $1,500 Guaranteed

No-Limit Hold-Em - $10 entry fee (Pre-qualified players only

Aug 5-7, $10,000 Monster Stack & Mega Bounty NLHE, $240 buy-in with $100 Bounty on each player – No Re-Buys - limited to first 160 players to sign up

Sept 9-11, $20,000 NLHE – Limited to the first 200 players to qualify (and regis-ter) with 40 hours of live play between July 1- August 31, No Re-Buys

CLIFF CASTLE CASINO 928-567-7952Mon, Wed & Fri, 10AM, No-Limit Texas

Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Tues & Thurs, 10AM, Limit Hold Em

Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in Wed, 7PM, No-Limit Hold Em, $60 buy-in

w/$20 re-buySat, Noon, $1,000 added No Limit Hold

Em, $80 buy-in, no re-buysSun, 10AM, Omaha shoot-out, $25 buy-in1st place winners in the $25 Shootouts

qualify for Free Roll Shootout the last Sunday of each month

Aces Cracked WINS $100 rack – Mon-Fri, See poker Room for details

Also dealing blackjack 24/7COCOPAH CASINO 800-237-5687Dealing blackjack, Fri & Sat, 10am-3am;

Sun-Thurs, 10am-2am DESERT DIAMOND CASINO, NOGALES HWY 520-342-1810 $500 Added Morning Hold Em Tourna-

ments – Mon & Thurs at 9:30am, $30 buy-in w/$5 sc

Tues, 7PM, $100 added per table Hold-Em, $75 buy-in, with one $60 re-buy

Wed, 7PM, $10,000 guaranteed* Hold-Em, $110 buy-in, no re-buys (*w/100 players)

Sun, Noon, $5,000 guaranteed* Hold-Em, $50 buy-in, $15 re-buys- (*w/ 50 players)

Also dealing blackjack 24/7 DESERT DIAMOND CASINO, I-19 866-332-9467Dealing blackjack 24/7 FORT MCDOWELL CASINO 480-789-1424MEGA Stack Tournament, 1pm, Sun -

$115 buy-in, $5,000 in additional chips with $15 Dealer add-on – no re-buys

“Bounty” Tournaments, Mon-Sat at 1pm and Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sun at 7 pm, $30 buy-in, $5 bounties, BONUS, with 1-3 hours of live play before tournament, Bounties increase to $20, $40 and $60 (Tournaments are NLHE except Omaha Hi-Lo Wednesdays)

Tues, 7pm, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE Tournament - $3 buy-in (To enter, you must play in a live game 1 hour before tournament)

Sat, 7pm, $5,000 Guaranteed NLHE Tournament - $5 buy-in (To enter, you must play in a live game 1 hour before tournament)

“Pocket Aces always win” - In a live game if you lose with Pocket Aces – you win the same amount as the winner (except river raises)

“Poker Hot Seat” 20 random draws each day – Win up to $10,000 – See poker room for details

Also dealing blackjack 24/7 LONE BUTTE CASINO 800-946-4452Dealing blackjack 24/7 HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO 480-802-5000Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri, 3PM - $500 Guar-

anteed No-Limit Hold-Em, $25 buy-in + $10 re-buys

Tues, 3PM & 7PM - $500 Guaranteed

Omaha H/L, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys Thurs, 7PM - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10

buy-in, $10 re-buysFri, 3PM - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10

buy-in + $5 re-buys Fri, 7PM & Sat Noon, $750 Guaranteed

NLHE, $40 buy-in - no re-buysSat, 5PM, $750 Guaranteed NLHE, $20

buy-in – w/$10 add-onSun, Noon - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10

buy-in, unlimited $5 re-buys$50 Daily Splash pots – see poker roomAlso dealing blackjack 24/7HON-DAH CASINO 800-929-8744Mon, 6pm, 50/50, Hold Em & Omaha

Hi-Lo, $25 buy-in + one $25 add-onWed, 6pm, No-limit Hold Em, $40 buy-in,

no re-buys Thurs, 6pm, Omaha Hi-Lo, $40 buy-in, no

re-buys Sat, 2pm, No-limit Hold Em, $30 buy-in,

$10 re-buys + $10 add-onSun, 4pm, Omaha High Only, $30 buy-in,

$10 re-buys + $10 add-on MAZATZAL HOTEL & CASINO 800-777-7529Live Poker at Noon Thurs-Sun - see

poker room for detailsWed & Sun, 7pm, Bounty Tournament,

$50 buy-inHigh Hands - win up to $500Qualify to “Spin the wheel” for cashDealing blackjack 11am-1am, $3 tablesBlackjack tournament, Mon, 6pm, $40PARADISE CASINO 888-777-4946Dealing Blackjack 5pm-1amQUECHAN CASINO & RESORT1-877-QUECHAN Sat & Sun at 1pm, No Limit Hold Em, $25

buy-in + $10 s/c and $5 re-buysSun, 6pm NLHE “Bounty” Tournament -

$25 buy-in + $10 s/c, with $10 re-buys - $5 bounties

Mon & Thurs at 1pm – No-Limit Hold Em - $20 buy-in + $7 s/c with $10 re-buys

Tues & Fridays, Omaha 4/8 or 8/16 KillSpecial $69 room rates for poker players.Dealing blackjack 24/7 $50,000 Blackjack Tournament, August

21 & 22 – Champ wins $20,000 - $250 entry fee – FREE ROLL qualifying thru Aug 18

TALKING STICK RESORT 480-850-77772010 Arizona State Poker Championship,

Aug 13 at 9am, Final Table Aug 16 at 11am - Estimated $1,000,000 prize pool with 900 entries! Win an entry in single table shootouts daily or during special Sunday Tournaments.

Mon - Fri, 11am, NLHE, $60 buy-in Tues & Wed, 7pm, No-Limit Hold Em,

$130 buy-inMon-Thurs – $100 “Splash Pots” hourly

from Midnight – 6pmMon-Fri, 3am-9am “Aces Cracked” Win

$100 rack Sat & Sun, 3am-9am “Monte Carlo Days”Also dealing blackjack 24/7 $5,000 “Wild Wednesdays” Blackjack

Tournament every other Wed, 7pm - $100 buy-in

VEE QUIVA CASINO 800-946-4452Sun - Thurs, 11AM, No-Limit Hold Em,

$1,000 Guaranteed - $30 buy-inWednesdays at 7:30pm, No-Limit Hold

Em Tournaments, $15 buy-in, $10 re-buys & 1 add-on

“D-backs Splash Pots” Two tables are each splashed $100 when the D-Backs score! (TV games)

“ACES CRACKED” wins a rack – daily from 6am - max 10 per day

Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $500.

Progressive Rolling Cash Fever drawings during live play every other hour - 24/7

Also dealing blackjack 24/7WILD HORSE PASS HOTEL & CASINO 800-946-4452 EXT 7375Mon & Thurs Noon, No Limit Hold Em,

$30 buy-in, no re-buysTues at 7:30PM, No-Limit Freeze Out - $50

entry fee – no re-buys Wed at 7:30PM, No-Limit Bounty Tourna-

ment, $10 0 buy-in“$100 Splash Happy pots” Sun, Tues, Wed,

Fri & Sat between 8AM-1PM

Snap & Spin, Mon-Sat 2PM-6PM, 9PM-Mid, Mid-5AM, & Sun 9PM-Mid, win up to $1,000 in cash,

Big Hand – Big Money, win $50 - $250 5-6AM, 6-7:30AM & 7:30-9:30AM

Big Money Royals - Any Royal Flush wins $200

FREE ROLL Tournaments every Satur-day at 10am – Log 16 hours “Live” play weekly to qualify

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AVI RESORT CASINO 1-866-INFO-AVIDaily at 10AM, No-Limit Texas Hold Em,

$25 Buy-In, no re-buysSun & Thurs at 7PM, No Limit Texas Hold

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nament - $50 buy-in w/$5 Bonus buyFri, 10AM, Wed & Thurs 7PM, NLHE, $50

buy-in w/$5 Bonus buyFri at 7PM, NLHE, $100 buy in w/ $50

add-onSat at 2PM, Monster Stack Texas Hold

Em, $160 buy in, no re buys


GAMING NEWS

ARIZONA STATETHE ANNUAL

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*Prize pool based on 900 entries + $100,000 added. Management reserves the right to modify or cancel these promotions at any time. See Card Room for complete details. Please gamble responsibly. ©2010 Casino Arizona

With a potential million dollar prize pool, the 2010 Arizona State Poker Championship will crown the state’s best No-Limit Hold ‘Em player. Visit our Talking Stick Resort Card Room or call 480-850-7734 to enter. You

may also win an entry in our single table shootouts or Sunday tournaments.

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Elevate Your Game.

continued from page 8

In May, Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel’s finance department began a document destruction job, as one of the casino’s first ongoing recycling projects. Nine storage units located behind the Casino were filled with finance documents, plus old TITO and jackpot tickets. So far, the department has emptied five of these units into three 40-yard tem-porary storage containers, which were then trans-ported by a local waste company, Taylor and Sons, on to Sedona Recycles, a grant-funded organiza-tion, which serves as both a community drop-off location for recyclable materials and a processing facility for Arizona’s entire Verde Valley.

Sedona Recycling processed 24 bales of paper from the units, which by their measurement equals 14 tons of paper (saving 247 trees), 101,500 gallons of water, 44 cubic yards of landfill space, 29 barrels of oil and 59,450 kilowatt hours of electric-ity (enough to power an average home for 6 years). Smaller-scale “green” efforts are scheduled for multiple operating areas throughout the casino. “We are asking that everyone help out by taking the time to sort the recyclable items properly within their work area,” said Beverley Crawford.

There are plans to recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum cans and glass throughout both

the casino and the adjacent hotel. Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel Facilities Department will continue to use “green” cleaning products, and the IT and slot departments, with the assistance of Nellie Monroe, Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel Controller, will be recycling electronic parts. Future project ideas include the Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel’s gardening department employing composting techniques, and perhaps even growing edible items in an employee community garden.

Cliff Castle Casino has been voted the #1 casino in Arizona for 11 consecutive years. It is proudly owned and operated by the Yavapai-Apache Nation and offers live-action poker, blackjack and more than 660 gaming devices. Visitors can enjoy fine dining at Storytellers Steakhouse and family dining at The Gallery, The Gathering Restaurant & Bar, and Johnny Rockets.

Bowling is available at Shake, Rattle and Bowl or dance to the live music in the Dragonfly Lounge.

In addition, nationally known entertainers perform at the Stargazer Pavilion including Grupo Control, German Lizarraga and Grupo Latido on July 24 – Then on Aug 13, Rodney Carrington brings his hilarious show to the stage. And even more fun concerts are in the works.

Also coming in September, it’s one of Arizona’s true fun events - The 10th Annual Thunder Valley Rally bike event for charity. Please remember - If you want to spend the night, just call the Hotel at Cliff Castle (928) 567-6611 or (800) 524-6343.

Cliff Castle Casino is centrally located just a short drive north of Phoenix on I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde.

For more information, call the Castle Club at 928-567-7999 or visit www.cliffcastlecasino.net

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GAMING NEWS

Casino Arizona prepares to give away its largest poker tournament payout in the 6th annual Arizona State Poker Tournament Aug. 13-16. One of the most popular tournaments in Arizona, the Arizona State Poker Tournament expects to attract 900 men and women of all skill levels this year to the new state-of-the art poker room at Talking Stick Resort.

The tournament will begin at 9am on, Friday, August 13, with 300 players per day and will carry on through the weekend until the final players are determined. They will then battle it out for the final championship starting at 11am on Monday, Aug. 16.

“This is an exciting year, not only for Casino Arizona, but also for our poker players. Everything is bigger and better,” said Kent Odekirk, Director of Poker. “We have a beautiful new Card Room in a beautiful new resort, and on top of that we are giving away more money than ever before.”

This year the prize pool increased from $750,000 to a record $1 million. In addition, Casino Arizona has promised to add $100,000 to the prize pool if the tournament sells out. This unprecedented pool has allowed for the top 90 players to each walk away with a minimum of $2,300, while the new champion will take home $312,500, along with a

championship ring and trophy. Second and third places will earn $156,000 and $75,000 respectively and a trophy.

To enter, players can pay $1,000 to buy in, along with a $50 service fee or they can “win a seat” at regular daily satellites - when 10 players sign up, or during Sunday qualifier tournaments. Guests must be at least 21 years old to play.

The Arizona State Poker Tournament isn’t the only tournament hitting the Card Room at Casino Arizona at Talking Stick.

On Sept. 11-13, Casino Arizona at Talking Stick will host the annual Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship. Now in its fifth year, the Ladies Poker Championship will bring together 500 of the finest female players, each vying for their share of the $137,500 payout. To top it off, Casino Arizona has promised to add an additional $50,000 should the tournament sell out.

On September 11 and 12 beginning at 10am - 250 players will play down to the final tables on Monday, Sept. 13. The top 50 players will walk with cash, while the new champion will earn $35,578, a trophy and championship bracelet. The tourna-

CASINO ARIZONA TO HOST $1,000,000 POKER TOURNAMENT!ment’s second and third place winners will win $20, 625 and $15,675, respectively. Each also will win a trophy.

“The Arizona State Poker Championship and the Arizona State Ladies Poker Tournament are among our biggest poker events at Casino Arizona. Each year, we have seen them grown in popularity and excitement, said Odekirk. With our new Card Room, we can better accommodate both that excitement and interest.”

The new Card Room in Casino Arizona at Talking Stick remains one of the largest in the State. The non-smoking room has 50 tables dealing a variety of games including Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud and Omaha Hi-Lo.

Players in the room enjoy 24-hour table-side food service from Talking Stick Resort’s Black Fig Bistro as well as watching all the sports they can handle on several large plasma screen televisions.

For more information about the Arizona State Poker Tournament, the Arizona State Ladies Poker Tournament and Casino Arizona at Talking Stick’s other tournaments, visit www.casinoarizona.com or call (480) 850-8693.

2008 State Champion David Granath along with tournament coordinator Dave Smith (L) and poker room director Kent Odekirk (R)

2009 State Champion Frank Linden

2009 Final Table L-R back row: Jesse Holcomb, Patrick O’ Sul-livan, Quang Van Dinh, Frank Linden & Darren Johnson - L-R front row: John Vitale, Gina Webster, Hesam Alagha, Kevin O’Donnell & Perto Theocharides

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The Video Poker EdgeThe Video Poker Edge

Available at bookstores everywhere, or call the publisher toll-free at 1-877-900-2665.

$17.95 • 2-Color throughout • Includes tear-out video poker “strategy cards”


ticket, and when he found out she was working, took the ticket into the store to be scanned.

Mike says, “I feel blessed!” He is very excited about his win and already knows how he’s going to use his winnings. First, he intends to pay off some bills, take a vaca-tion to San Diego with his family, and save the rest.

Cindy’s plans for her win are still under discus-sion, but she is thinking along the lines of hous-ing, a car, and sharing with her family. However, she says, “It’s such an amazing feeling to be a winner.”

Both winners were laughing as they said they would continue to work—Cindy as a hotel break-fast concierge and Mike as a building mainte-nance worker. They both agreed that although it’s not enough to retire on, it’s the kind of win that helps take the stress off of daily living.

IT’S SUCH AN EASY GAMECindy Stephens

received her six “Match and Win’ Scratchers tickets as a gift from her husband. Cindy had some small wins on five of the six tickets, but the last one she scratched was a winning ticket worth $50,000.

Mike Rivera purchased about $30 worth of tick-

ets for himself from a ticket vending machine; two of them were “Match and Win”. Mike won $10 on one ticket and the other was worth $50,000.

Neither of these winners believed that they were holding a winning ticket (otherwise known as the, “It always happens to someone else” syndrome). Cindy woke up her son in order to have him check the ticket and the next day had it scanned at the store. After checking his ticket numerous times, Mike called his friend, whose wife works at the store where he bought the

TWO DIAMOND DAZZLERSTwo different

sides of town, but each are win-ners of the same game. Laurel Newell hails from Phoenix, Gordon Verville from Peoria. Both of these Scratchers play-ers won $50,000 on “Diamond Dazzler” Bingo.

Laurel Newell went to the store

to redeem some tickets and used that money to purchase one “Diamond Dazzler” Bingo ticket. She scratched the ticket at home and went over it carefully, number by number. Laurel’s husband had her check it again, then had it scanned at a store. Her husband was so excited about the win that he called everyone he could think of to tell them the news.

Gordon Verville went to the store and bought two of the Dazzlers. He gave one to his wife to scratch and he scratched the other. It just so happened that the one he scratched was the winning ticket. Gordon signed the back of his ticket right away.Gordon and his wife are very excited about the win.

Gordon, who works in the plumbing industry, said it’s incredible to be a winner – it always hap-pens to someone else. Regarding plans for their winnings, he and his wife “may consider a newer car.” Laurel, who is an auditor, said they have no immediate plans, but maybe will take “one heck of a vacation.”

LOTTERY NEWS

JUNE PICK 3 CASH 4 PICK 501 6-3-3 10-15-16-19 07-09-23-26-33 02 7-3-9 03-04-10-20 05-20-22-31-38 03 2-3-4 09-12-16-17 02-20-30-36-37 04 6-9-0 14-16-20-23 10-18-23-37-39 05 5-6-7 01-03-12-23 04-07-08-22-30 07 5-3-6 06-22-23-24 11-22-24-27-35 08 0-3-2 06-08-22-25 03-08-10-15-28 09 4-0-4 07-11-12-21 04-05-19-28-36 10 2-6-7 01-02-14-20 04-13-14-15-24 11 1-3-9 02-05-08-13 24-27-34-35-39 12 0-2-0 05-09-11-15 13-22-29-32-34 14 3-6-0 11-12-16-26 20-22-29-36-37 15 8-9-1 02-03-09-22 08-12-25-28-35 16 6-6-4 16-17-20-24 07-08-17-25-38 17 3-8-0 04-11-24-26 02-04-15-26-28 18 4-1-7 01-06-20-22 02-04-09-10-15 19 9-3-0 02-11-24-26 12-27-31-32-35 21 9-8-8 02-11-13-15 04-06-24-27-32 22 6-0-1 15-19-22-23 11-13-15-25-27 23 6-5-9 04-05-14-19 02-19-29-32-39 24 6-9-8 02-07-16-20 12-14-16-25-26 25 6-7-5 02-06-12-25 02-05-13-17-18 26 6-2-7 17-18-22-24 08-12-13-22-32 28 6-2-9 04-14-21-25 03-08-11-26-33 29 9-3-4 07-08-11-23 05-20-29-35-39 30 1-8-1 04-05-22-25 03-09-19-30-33

THE PICK Date POWERBALLNumbers JUNE Numbers PB PP

03-04-05-09-18-27 02 04-09-14-39-43 38 405-06-26-35-37-43 05 18-34-40-48-59 25 403-04-06-21-27-29 09 14-22-27-32-49 5 406-08-16-19-22-43 12 09-12-13-35-38 30 1001-04-14-25-33-38 16 08-11-18-29-36 6 506-15-22-28-36-37 19 09-30-31-50-54 39 306-14-15-18-25-38 23 11-30-45-47-48 10 301-04-18-33-37-40 26 13-30-32-38-57 25 417-18-33-36-37-41 30 0 6-38-43-47-48 27 5

In Phoenix catch the winning numbers first on ABC Channel 15 at 10:25 nightly. You can also call the Lottery Hotline at (480) 829-PICK (7425) in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. For outlying areas in Arizona call 1-800-499-3798. Visit our website at arizonalottery.com or see a participating Lottery retailer for the winning numbers.

JUNE MEGA MILLIONS MB MP

01 12-27-44-45-51 30 204 12-13-15-17-50 23 408 12-18-28-48-54 06 311 06-12-33-34-42 25 315 04-12-13-21-27 46 418 11-36-37-41-55 07 422 12-17-21-23-30 24 425 01-02-13-19-27 21 429 03-04-15-27-37 35 3

Santan 202 and Kyrene RoadI-10 and Wild Horse Pass Blvd 51st Avenue, 4 miles south of Baseline

WILD HORSE PASS HOTEL & CASINO // I-10 and Wild Horse Pass Blvd.TABLE GAMES

BLAZING CASH BLACKJACK TOURNAMENTTuesday, July 27. Registration at 3pm. Tournament at 6pm. First place: $6,600 guaranteed! Please see Table Games Supervisor for details.

BLACKJACK (with $1,000 max wagers) Let it Ride, Lucky Ladies, Push Your Luck & 3 Fortune Pai Gow tables/Progressive at $18,000+

POKER ROOMYOU ASKED FOR IT … NEW ASIAN MENUNew Asian selections available from 11am - 10pm for all live players at half price.ACES AND FACES IS BACK!$800.00 per hour guaranteed from 2am - 9am Saturday and Sunday mornings. Please see Poker Room for details.

VEE QUIVA CASINO // 51st Avenue, 4 Miles South of Baseline

TABLE GAMESFORTUNE PAI GOW PROGRESSIVE A $1 wager & your 7 Card Straight Flush wins 100%. Please see Blackjack pit for details.

PAI GOW PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT $24,313

POKER ROOMNO-LIMIT HOLD’EM TOURNAMENTS $30 buy-in with one optional $20 re-buy: Sundays - Thursdays at 11am. Early bird chips available for live play prior to each tournament. Prize Amounts $1,000 Guaranteed. $10 buy-in with multiple re-buys: Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Multiple re-buys during the first three rounds with the option of a $20 add-on at the break.

ROLLING CASH FEVER $100 progressive drawing: Tuesday at 11pm posted amount must go! Earn tickets by playing in a live game and making a hand that is full house or better with both hole cards playing. Drawings are held on the odd hour every 2 hours. Must be an active, seated player to qualify. See Poker Room for details.

LONE BUTTE CASINO // Santan 202 & Kyrene RoadTABLE GAMES

INTRODUCING WORLD POKER TOUR ALL-IN HOLD’M ON JULY 20TH. All the excitement of the World Poker Tour at Lone Butte Casino!

BLACKJACK (with $1,000 max wagers) Let it Ride, Lucky Ladies, Push Your Luck & Fortune Pai Gow Progressive at $136,471!


Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turn-ing to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming” and “Midwest Gaming and Travel”. Linda’s story is in the 2009 edition of American Casino Guide. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge” includes removable pay sched-ules and strategy cards for the most popular games. Her book is Available at amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publishers. www.squareonepublishers.com

byLinda Boyd

A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

��

ecently Michael Gaughan, owner of the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, announced that he was replacing the

computer chips in their slots to keep less of a hold for the house. Gaughan could do this without worrying about shareholders or checking with a board of directors because he’s the sole proprietor of the casino.

He believes customers may not understand the math or know the ER (expected return) for slot machine games, but they certainly notice when their play time increases or decreases on a given budget. In short, if you come with a hundred dollars and play two hours instead of four hours you’re less likely to come back. It doesn’t matter that people don’t know the technical terms and call it “loosening” or “tightening” the machines instead of theoretical ER. Customers are much smarter than some owners think and they know when their overall results or amount of playing time is down.

Gaughan is thinking just like IGT founder and “father of video poker”, Si Redd. Both contend that the secret to success in the gaming business lies in volume and not trying to gouge a few high rollers with bad cases of gambling fever.

Most players don’t have a gambling problem but, instead, want to let their hair down and have some fun. This sort of mindset, in my opinion, is absolutely right on the money, especially when times are tough economically. Really, it’s far better to have a crowded casino with a party-like atmosphere than a quiet one with mostly empty chairs. That’s why we see more promos locally with casinos gaining a boost in profits while patrons play in between prize drawings.

How about video poker? The same rule of thumb applies as with traditional slots. People want a bigger bang for their buck, translating to fair pay schedules. Never mind that most don’t have the software to figure out the ER for video poker, just like with slots they know when their playing time is less on each twenty.

��Video poker players will not find win-

ning a return of their wager too thrilling. That’s why low risk games that just return even money on winning hands are con-sidered boring. Most players only get a rush with a four of a kind, straight flush or a royal flush. Let’s look at the odds of each final hand to better understand the likelihood of getting a moment of joy during a session. Keep in mind that when you get to play fewer hands on a given bankroll the odds of getting thriller results are diminished in proportion to the amount the pay schedule has been downgraded.

TABLE 1.1: 9/6 JOB HAND FREQUENCYHAND FREQUENCY

Royal Flush 40,390.55

Straight Flush 9,148.37

Four of a Kind 423.27

Full House 86.86

Flush 90.79

Straight 89.05

Three of a Kind 13.43

Two Pair 7.74

Jacks or Better 4.66

Nothing 1.83

Expected Return 99.5439%

� �� First of all, it is important to understand

that computer perfect play is required over a long period of time for actual results to mirror theoretical expectations. Many people under-stand this concept but mistakenly disregard the significance of this mathematical data. If you’re a frequent player and your playing skill is accurate for key plays - your long term results will resemble the game’s ER. Nobody will argue that short term results, say five or ten sessions, will rely a lot on luck. To put this in perspective, you have a greater probability of winning if you can play 400 dealt hands in a session, than if you can only play 200.

When the casino pays less for frequent hands, like two pair or any hand lower than four of a kind, they are diminishing the number of chances on your bankroll to score a big jackpot. Notice that four of a kind comes around once every 400 hands or about twice per hour if you play 800 hands per hour. Be aware that even though this data is for 9/6 JOB the results are similar for other video poker choices. If you want statistically correct informa-tion and as well as computer checked and easy to use strategy cards - you’ll find them in my book, The Video Poker Edge; Dean Zamzow’s award win-ning software, WinPoker, is also a must have for frequent players. www.videopokerpractice.com

� ��If you’re a video poker player, then you

already know the big thrill is a royal flush that comes approximately once every 40,000 hands - Infrequent, but quite memorable. If a casino allows more play on your given bankroll, it won’t break the bank. In the long run nobody outruns the numbers; this means even with a smaller house edge, the casino makes a profit. Casino operator Michael Gaughan has it right when he reverts to the game plan that built Vegas--give the players a reason to come and your casino will prosper.


GAMING NEWS$40,000 contribution from Ken Alber of PENTA Building Group, general contractor for the project, for the community’s education fund. According to Alber, the contribution is a demon-stration of Penta’s commitment to the project and the company’s mission to enrich the commu-nities in which they work.

The city of Maricopa, long time partner with the Ak-Chin Indian Community, represented by Councilman Marvin Brown, also participated in the event, sharing the City’s ongoing support to the Ak-Chin Indian Community. “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort has brought people to our growing city for the last 15 years. We are excited for this hotel expansion because it will help bring in more visitors who will not only enjoy the amenities on property but the charms of Maricopa as well,” said Brown.

As is tradition on tribal lands, Gila River Indian Community member

Joseph Enos led a tribal blessing on the land where the hotel will be built.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino opened in Maricopa, Arizona in 1994 and was Arizona’s first Indian casino to have a management partner. Harrah’s has everything you need for a thrilling gaming experience, with reel and video slots, video poker, table games from blackjack to poker, plus Keno and Bingo.

The newly remodeled Ak-Chin Bingo Hall provides the latest in Bingo technology. Harrah’s

Ak-Chin is the only Bingo hall in the Harrah’s orga-nization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937.

For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort in nearby Maricopa - please visit www.harrahsakchin.com.

The project is also expected to create more than 200 jobs. In addition to the pre-construction and construction jobs - the opening of the new tower will add additional staff to the front desk, house-keeping and guest services areas.

Other plans for the Ak-Chin property include a remodel of the Harvest Buffet and the relocation of the bingo operations to the hall located just out-side the main building, which will open up more than 4,700 square feet in additional meeting space.

At this special event, Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Louis Manual accepted a

Pick any color and go “green”!Thursday, July 1 - Thursday, September 9Earn your tickets every Sunday, Tuesday & Thursdayfor your chance to win on September 9, 2010.Call (928) 567-7999 or visit cliffcastlecasino.net for all the details.

I-17, Exit 289

continued from page 4

left to right - Ken Alber (Penta Building Group) and Louis Manuel, Jr. (chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community)


by TJJorgensen

TJ’S BLACKJACK CORNER

T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play, both locally and interna-tionally. He has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world. He is the author of the book, "Beating the Casino at Their Own Game," available through his web site www.freewebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail [email protected]

any recreational players think that it would be fun and glamorous to be a professional Blackjack player. It does have its perks, it

can be rewarding, and you can make a lot of money under the right conditions, but it is not fun.

Making a living playing Blackjack is difficult because you have to put up with rude players, drunks, big losses, and casinos that want to throw you out because you are too good at what you do. However if you can deal with all that, it is fun to play the Casino’s game, with the Casino’s rules, with the Casino’s Dealer’s, with the Casino’s Cards and walk out with the Casino’s money. It is simple to do and in this article I will tell you how to make about $115 an hour playing Blackjack.

While it is possible to hammer out a living play-ing Blackjack in the Arizona casinos, I generally limit my play for serious money to the Las Vegas Casinos. I have way too many friends that work in the Arizona Casinos as Pit Bosses and upper management positions, so I would prefer not to jeopardize my friendship by beating their Casino out of large amounts of cash.

You will see me playing in tournaments locally but unless I am just playing for fun with some friends, you won’t ever see me playing the high limit tables in Arizona.

In Vegas I prefer a double deck game with double down on any two cards, including after splitting pairs, dealer hits soft 17, one card on Aces, no surrender, cut card is at least at 70%, and betting limits that are $50 to $400.

I use an $8000 dollar bank roll for a four hour playing session, and I use an advanced plus minus count system with 42 basic strategy variations that are used for playing the hands according to the true count. Because I am a full time player with no means of replacing my bankroll with a full time job - the risk of losing my bankroll must be very low, around 1%. With a top bet of $400 per hand - the chance of me losing my entire $50,000.00 bankroll is .68% or about 1 in 100 because of variation alone.

My betting schedule for one hand in a double deck game is as follows:

COUNT BET

0 or lower $501 $1002 $2003 $3004 or higher $400

It is easy to remember what to bet playing the double deck game, because your bet is $100 x the true count. My long term advantage is 1.37% and my average bet is $112.50. My expected value in the long run is 0.0137 x $112.50 = $1.54 per hand.

As long as I am not playing at a full table I can play at least 75 hands per hour with an expected income of $115+ per hour.

While I do not win all the time, using this method of play I win on average 70% of all my playing sessions. If you think that you would like to learn to play like me - I teach card counting in my book available for $22.95. You can get it by sending check or money order to TJ Jorgensen, P.O. Box 54275 Phoenix, AZ, 85078.

Until next time I hope you play winning Blackjack

��


FROM A WOMAN’S POINT OF VIEW

by Marianne Minneci

��

he Fourth of July fireworks may be over, but there is still plenty of explosive excite-ment during the month of July in the Fort

McDowell poker room.For you tournament lovers, The Fort is offering two

new tournaments on Tuesdays and Saturdays in July. Tuesday play is a $3,000 guaranteed no-limit

tournament for just $3. In order to play, you must clock one hour of live play before 7p.m. on the day of the tournament, and players must have a Fortune Club card. Players will start with 1,500 in tournament chips, but for an additional $3 dealer-appreciation fee, players will receive an additional 1,500 in chips. In addition, $3 optional re-buys are available during the first two hours of the tourna-ment, providing your chip count is below 1,500.

Saturdays at 7, the fun continues with a $5,000 guaranteed no-limit tournament for $5. The same rules apply for this event as with the Tuesday tour-nament, except the dealer-appreciation fee is $5, with unlimited $5 re-buys for the first two hours.

Sundays in July it’s the “Mega Stack” no-limit tournament. Players get up to 15,000 in starting chips. Buy-in is $115 for 10,000 chips. Receive an additional 5,000 in tournament chips for an optional

$15 dealer-appreciation fee. There are no re-buys.In addition to the tournaments, The Fort has

several sizzling promotions. One of the best is the “We Insure Your Aces Will Win the Pot.” In hold-em, lose with Pocket Aces and along with the winner you will be awarded the amount of money in the pot, excluding river raises.

Another red hot promotion is the “Poker Hot Seat.” There are 20 random draws in the poker room daily. Players must be in their seats and be an active player when their name is called to win the drawing or a player’s share. Players drawn will win $20 and a chance to win one of the three tier jackpots.

Here is how this all works. To win the Tier One Jackpot, at the completion of the current hand the dealer will change decks and turn over the first two cards of the deck. If there is any pair, the player who was drawn wins the Tier One Jackpot.

To win the Tier Two Jackpot, you must have won the Tier One Jackpot. Once again, the dealer will change the deck and turn over the first two cards. If there is any pair, the player wins the Tier Two Jackpot.

To win the Tier Three Jackpot, you must have won both the Tier One and the Tier Two Jackpots.

The dealer will change decks again and turn over the first two cards. If it is any pair, the Tier Three Jackpot will be awarded.

Each Tier will be raised $10 every time there is no winner. When any Tier reaches $1,000 or more, the player’s share will be $50 and the balance awarded to the winner. When any Tier reaches $3,000 or more, the player’s share will be $100, with the balance going to the winner. When any Tier reaches $10,000 or more, the player’s share is $300, with the balance awarded to the winner.

Players may only claim the highest single award for this promotion, and may not win multiple cash awards.. For more information on these promo-tions, please contact the poker room.

Until next time, “Have a Lucky Month.” Write me at [email protected] at [email protected]


HORSIN’ AROUND

17 IN A ROWHO S OUHORSIN AROU

by BrianMulligan

Brian Mulligan was the main West Coast line-maker for 17 years for the Daily Racing Form writing under the non de plume of “SWEEP.” He has probably handicapped more races than any man alive since he set lines on up to 15 tracks a day for all those years. Mulligan also led the other public handicappers in Los Angeles at every meet in SoCal at one time or another during his tenure there. He continues to contribute to the Daily Racing Form writing “A Closer Look” analysis daily.

o move past legendary names like Cigar and Triple Crown-winner Citation to win her 17th in a row, Zenyatta had to reach

back for all she had in order to collar St. Trinians in the $250,000 Grade 1 Vanity Handicap, June 13, at Hollywood Park.

The Queen was 2½ lengths off the lead with a furlong to go, but eventu-ally wore down her key rival in the final 2 jumps. The outcome was far from determined until that point, as it appeared St. Trinians was digging in and would hold off the champ, but it was not to be. For the record, she came from 11 lengths back after going 5 wide to post the winning time of 1:49.01 for the 9 furlongs. The Beyer earned added up to 103, and once again she proved that she does just enough to cash.

The scary part is that Zenyatta’s connections think she will move up from this race. From her rider, Mike Smith: “What’s amazing about this race is that I think she needed the race. I think she had an easy race first time out, and she got a really easy race at Oaklawn. I think this will put her back to the (form of the Breeders’ Cup) Classic and maybe better, I hope. I think this race will really move her forward.” Her next appearance is still up in the air, and connections will not make a decision until very late, but the logical spot would be the Aug. 7 Clement Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar. THE MOTT FACTOR

Although Bill Mott’s trainee, Drosselmeyer, surprised at 13-1 in the Belmont Stakes, that was not Mott’s first trip to the rodeo, and he had some interesting things for bettors to digest in a recent chat courtesy of the New York Racing Association.

Before we get into what works for Mott, and some of his ideas about how he gets horses up to winning races, a review of how he got to the big stage is warranted.

Mott started out training thoroughbred horses at age 15, and won a stakes while he was still in high school in South Dakota. He learned the early lessons from some of the best in the business, by becom-ing first an exercise rider, then an assistant trainer for legendary Hall of Fame trainer, and one of my personal heroes, Jack Van Berg.

Mott himself became the 2nd youngest trainer ever to enter the Hall of Fame. In a 15-year span, he won 9 training titles at Saratoga, one of the toughest meets in the world, and added 10 and 9 at Belmont and Gulfstream, to prove he was not anyway biased. National prominence came to him as he guided Cigar to an amazing 16-race win streak, with the icing on the cake the $5 million score in the Dubai World Cup.

Asked some very serious questions in the NYRA piece, Mott was honest and telling. He admitted that although he started like most everybody else as a claiming trainer, he now generally handles homebreds that are well-pedigreed.

He tipped his hand about his juveniles this summer, when mentioning he has 50 2-year-olds in training at Saratoga right now, and that he is optimistic that they will be firing by August. Mott intimated that speed of workouts is not as important as knowing what a normal work pattern would be for a particular horse, and to pay strict attention if that runner deviates, one way or the other, from that steady pattern.

On the body language of runners, Mott suggested for bettors to look for a horse that is alert and looks good, and worry when the horse gets wet and sweaty. He cautioned that on warm days, every horse will sweat, and you want to see some sweat on them so you know they’re cooling off a little, but you don’t want to see a horse that’s dripping wet, because usually those horses are showing some anxiety or nervousness about competition, and in many cases won’t fire their best shot that way.

His three most important handicapping factors that he focuses on are dis-tance, track surface and then the level of competition, and that the last factor will take care of itself if the first two factors are properly addressed.

So what are the areas that Mott has excelled at over the decades?He gets horses to fire fresh off long layoffs to the tune of nearly 25%, and he

is more potent with second-timers than debuters. Equally adept going sprint to route, or cutting back, when Mott takes the blinkers it generally signals an improvement is in store.

In the last 5 years when his runners have gone dirt to turf, he has hit at 22%, with a median winning price of 3-1, and almost 50% of those runners have been in the money.

He has hit just over one-in-5 going Maiden Special Weight to maiden claim-ing over that same time frame, and over 50% of those runners were in the money. Bettors have to be careful when looking at his foreign shippers, as he is only 4-for-29 in that category the last several years, with a small return on investment.

Lastly, when the money is down on the Mott runners, it has been a very good sign, as 47% of his odds-on runners the last 5 years won, and nearly 80% of them have been in the money.

Zenyatta with Mike Smith aboard rushes past St. Trinian at the wire for record 17th win in a row.Photo courtesy of BENOIT PHOTO


Despicable Me��Gru thinks of himself as the world’s greatest villain and to prove it he plans to steal the moon. With the help of his minions he steals a shrink ray but needs to raise the money to build a rocket. When the shrink ray is stolen by his rival he decides to use three orphan sisters to get it back and pretends to adopt them. The girls are adorable but they change his life in ways he doesn’t expect. There are plenty of laughs and cute characters – the minions are unique. It’s fun for the entire family. This is the first film that I recommend you see in 3D – if you stay through the credits.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse��A series of killings in Seattle alert the Cullens to a threat headed their way. Is Victoria behind it and where are the Volturi? Bella’s graduation is fast approaching and she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob. Once again they have to protect Bella but

this time it will require the natural enemies, vam-pires and werewolves, to work together. The third installment of this teen angst vampire werewolf love story actually has some action, making it the best of the series. Fans will love it, but if you want vampire and werewolf action there are better options.

byDavid Ramsey

DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR

David Ramsey is the President and co-founder of the Phoenix Film Critics Society and a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (The Critics Choice Awards). Catch him on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday at about 6:20am and on ABC-15’s “Sonoran Living Live” every other Friday.Visit David’s website at www. TheSnackBar.net or contact him at [email protected].

David’s Video DetailsTHE RUNAWAYS – ��It’s 1975 and Joan wants to do what girls don’t – play an electric guitar fronting a rock band. This coming of age story is about two teen girls who become rock stars and how they deal with it. Kristen Stewart is very good as Joan Jett but Dakota Fanning is spectacular as Cherie Currie - the jailbait sex kitten who becomes the face of the band. The Runaways didn’t last long as a group but they changed music history.

KICK-ASS – ��A high school comic book fan decides to put on a costume and become super-hero. He quickly becomes an internet phenomenon

inspiring an ex-cop and her daughter looking for revenge to don costumes and follow his lead. This movie is not for kids – it is rated R, a very hard R for rough language and bloody violence. It does have its funny moments but the action is intense, the writing is witty and acting is very good.

THE LOSERS – ��On a mission in Bolivia a CIA black ops team is betrayed, framed and left for dead by a mysterious voice on the com system. They have are deter-mined to clear their names and get revenge on the man behind it all. There is a lot of action with a little humor thrown in. The cast is very good so if you’re looking for a couple hours of mindless fun this ‘popcorn’ movie delivers.movie is predictable except for the ending which is lame.

ARIZONA PLAYER JULY 2010 27

GAMING NEWS

The valley’s only west side casino, Vee Quiva Casino in Laveen awarded an incredible $1,177,949 MegaJackpot on July 2 to a lucky winner who asked to remain anonymous. He is a regular visitor to the casino, but this was the first time he had played that “Wheel of Fortune” machine. After investing only twenty dollars, the MegaJackpot winner won the top progressive prize.

“I didn’t realize I had won and was stunned!” he commented. He was excited to share news of his big win with his wife, who was also stunned and said she didn’t believe him. When asked about his immediate plans, the new millionaire said the first order of business on his list will be to buy a house.

This jackpot was the fourth to be paid at the casino this year, and the second to hit in five days. On June 26th, the casino awarded a $199,558 MegaJackpot on a “Wheel of Fortune” quarter machine to Joseph M.

Back to back payouts are nothing new to Vee Quiva as a similar run occurred in January when the casino paid a $282,708 MegaJackpot, fol-lowed by a $112,915 payout two weeks later.

Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. owns and operates three casinos within its Gila River Indian Community including; Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, Lone Butte Casino and Vee Quiva Casino. For more information, call 1-800-946-4452, or visit www.wingilariver.com

B.B. KING RETURNS TO TUCSONOn Monday,

August 9, the King of Blues, B.B. King, will stop off in Tucson to perform live at the Diamond Center at

Desert Diamond Casino. The show starts at 7pm and tickets are on sale now.

For more than half a century he has been a lead figure in the music industry, tackling multiple genres and creating his own unique sound. Since the 1940s, King has released more than 50 albums, includ-ing producing many chart-topping singles. His Grammy Awards, which number more than a dozen, include the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. That same year he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He was born Riley B. King in Mississippi in 1925 and his big break came on Sonny Boy Williamson’s radio show in Memphis, that led to his own show known as “King’s Spot.” His nickname “Beale Street Blues Boy”, was later shortened to B.B. King. from

then on it was all success for King. He toured nationally, including being the opening act for The Rolling Stones’ 1969 American Tour. King is a leadimg spokesman in the fight against diabetes and a supporter of music education for children. He continues to perform more than 250 shows a year.

Treena Parvello, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “Desert Diamond Casino is always pleased when we are able to bring legends to the area. B.B. King, one of music’s greatest figures, is returning and we couldn’t be more excited. He’ll bring Lucille, his classic hits, and his unceasing energy to the Diamond Center where fans can experience the blues and jazz from the man himself!”

For tickets go to any Ticketmaster location, or call 1-800-745-3000, contact the Desert Diamond Box Office or visit www.desertdiamondcasino.com.

Desert Diamond Casino is located south of Tucson off I-19 at the Pima Mine Road exit.

“WHEEL” HITS TWICE AT VEE QUIVA!


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VEE QUIVA CASINO51st Ave. 10 mi. S of I-10DAILY: 12:30 & 6:30PM

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Bingo Halls - To get your games listed call 602-373-8728 or E-mail Phil Scudella [email protected]

BlueWater Casino • Parker11300 Resort DrDAILY 6:30PM

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Desert Diamond • Tucson7350 S Nogales HwyDAILY: 1:30 & 7:15PM

Mazatzal Casino• PaysonHwy 87 at mile post 251 MON-THURS 12:45PM

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Paradise Casino • Yuma450 Quechan Dr. DAILY AT 1 & 6PM

Real estate professional David Ramsey of Help-U-Sell has

been named a charity case - AND he’s proud of it!

David has created a program that provides a donation in the name of his clients to their favorite non-profit charity.

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Whether buying or selling a home, David Ramsey will donate 10% of his net commission to a non-profit organization selected by his clients. Call for Details

If you are considering buying or selling a home, talk with David Ramsey today.Not only will you get superior service, but you’ll be helping others in the process.

David RamseyRealtor®

[email protected]

game planHAVING NO PLAN CAN BE A GREAT

With exciting dining, gaming and entertainment across two locations, Casino Arizona isalways your perfect strategy. Look for our new Talking Stick Resort to open early 2010.

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101 & INDIAN BEND · 101 & MCKELLIPS · 480.850.7777 · CASINOARIZONA.COM · SCOTTSDALE Owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Please gamble responsibly.


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CASINO DIRECTORY

��OH! …To Be 5 Again...Bob was lying in bed, pretending to be asleep,

while observing his wife, as she stepped out of the shower and looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I’d give anything to be 5 again”, she said.

Since she was turning 40 the very next day, and he had been racking his brain on what to do for this special birthday – an idea hit him. The next morning he got up early and made his bride a big Bowl of Lucky Charms, and then…took her to the theme park.

What a day! He put her on almost every ride; the Merry-Go-Round, Tea Cups, Giant Ferris Wheel, and the Roller Coaster. They played games and he even won her a giant Teddy Bear. After a full day there, it was off to McDonald’s where he ordered her a Happy Meal and a chocolate shake. Then as a final treat he took her a Disney movie, for popcorn, soda and M&M’s…….What a fabulous adventure!

Exhausted, they wobbled home, and collapsed

on the bed. Smiling, he turned to his wife and asked, ‘Well sweetheart, I heard you talking to yourself in the mirror yesterday – So, did you enjoy being 5 again?’

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed, “FIVE”? She questioned….shaking her head side to side… “I meant my dress size, you idiot!”

The moral of the story: Even when a man listens intently…….he’s going to get it wrong.

Cancer June 22 to July 22 Jul 7–14 Things are looking up Jul 15–22 New friend turns romantic Jul 23–31 Time to make the move Aug 1–7 Great choice for big win

Leo July 23 to Aug 23 Jul 7–14 Rewards are good Jul 15–22 Good time with friend Jul 23–31 Time to travel and relax Aug 1–7 Go for it, it’s time

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23 Jul 7–14 Big trip and nice payoff Jul 15–22 Extremely fun weekend Jul 23–31 Cards are good choice Aug 1–7 Rare chance – take it

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23 Jul 7–14 Happy days ahead Jul 15–22 Romance returns Jul 23–31 Adventure coming Aug 1–7 Expect only good things

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22 Jul 7–14 Strange idea works Jul 15–22 Learn from past mistakes Jul 23–31 Old pal returns Aug 1–7 Back to basics

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21 Jul 7–14 Time to make a choice Jul 15–22 Things are looking up Jul 23–31 Great chance to win big Aug 1–7 Play game your way

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20 Jul 7–14 Forget the past Jul 15–22 Happier times to come Jul 23–31 Rare opportunity – take it Aug 1–7 Good things will happen

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19 Jul 7–14 Lucky streak ahead Jul 15–22 Get ready to take leap Jul 23–31 Great advice from friend Aug 1–7 Make good choices

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20 Jul 7–14 A very lucky week Jul 15–22 You will be surprised Jul 23–31 Crazy weekend coming Aug 1–7 Old pal has great plan

Aries Mar 21 to April 20 Jul 7–14 You guessed correctly Jul 15–22 Playing hard pays off Jul 23–31 Favorite spot this week Aug 1–7 Plan that big trip now

Taurus April 21 to May 21 Jul 7–14 Best is yet to come Jul 15–22 Believe – it will happen Jul 23–31 Try cards this week Aug 1–7 luck has returned

Gemini May 22 to June 21 Jul 7–14 Do not get discouraged Jul 15–22 You were right Jul 23–31 Cards flop in your favor Aug 1–7 Old friend returns

July 2010

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