Expansion Opening11/11/11

casino del sol hotel & convention center

ENTERPRISE OF THE PASCUA YAQUI TR IBE

Tucson’s Place to Play.COM

InsIde thIs IssueLottery News

Card Room ActionCasino Entertainment

Fort’s Birthday Bash is Back New AZ State Poker Champion

Thunder Valley Rally in Camp Verdewww.arizonaplayer.com Vol. 18 No. 9 • September 2010

Cover Story on page 8

ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010 3

Vol. 18 No. 9 • September 2010WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM

PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net

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: Steve Neely and his marketing team at Sol Casinos and also to Kelly Sheehan and the professionals at SMP Communications

for their extraordinary help on this September issue.

Editor Phil Scudella

Production AssistantsCharlie Scheeler

John Olson

Graphic Design CommuniGraphics

Contributing WritersLinda Boyd

Cindy Esquer Kelly Hawke

T.J. Jorgensen Marianne Minneci

Brian Mulligan Steve Neely

David Ramsey Stephanie Riley Lita Sorensen

Melody Walcott Shanna Wolfe

Contributing Photography Cindy Esquer

J. Russell King Steve Neely

David Ramsey Lita Sorensen

Melody Walcott

ContentsGamiNG NewS Charity Bike rally in Camp Verde & paul anka ConCert 4

eNtertaiNmeNt 6

CoVer Story Sol CaSino’S expanSion “A recipe for SucceSS” 8

GamiNG NewS ted GoldStein – the 2010 State poker Champ 10

Card room aCtioN 12

GamiNG NewS the Fort’S Birthday BaSh iS BaCk! 14

boyd’S eye View Linda Boyd “My cryStAl BAll” 16

tJ’S blaCkJaCk CorNer T.J. Jorgensen “Get free Stuff plAyinG BlAckjAck” 18

GamiNG NewS reCord BreakinG year For the arizona lottery 20

lottery NewS & drawS 22

GamiNG NewS more lottery WinnerS 24

HorSiN’ arouNd Brian Mulligan “clueS froM SoMe clASSic StAkeS” 26

daVid at tHe SNaCk rar David Ramsey “Movie reviewS” 28

biNGo direCtory of GameS 29

aStroloGy, JokeS of tHe moNtH, & CaSiNo direCtory 30

4 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

gAMINg NEWsCHARITY BIKE RALLY IN CAMP VERDE

The premier Northern Arizona Bike Event of the season is back at Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel in Camp Verde.

This yearly event benefits the Yavapai Big Brothers / Big Sisters—a donor-and-volunteer-supported group that is the nation’s leading Big Brother Big Sister agency in the number of chil-dren matched per capita. The organization serves over 1,000 youth in an area that encompasses 20 communities and 65 schools throughout Yavapai County and Sedona.

Feel the Thunder at the 10th Annual Thunder Valley Rally, September 18 & 19 with cash and prize giveaways that include two 2010 Victory Cross Roads motorcycles. There is also a charity

poker run, a bike show and live music during the Battle of the Bands competition. Say you want more?

There’s FREE live music in the Stargazer Pavilion by special guests Led Zepagain on Saturday, 6:30pm-8pm and The Unauthorized Rolling Stones on Sunday, 3:30pm-5pm. Also, don’t miss the second annual Battle of the Bands at Stargazer, featuring bands from Flagstaff to Phoenix on Saturday, 2pm-6pm, and Sunday, 11am-3pm.

Special evening performances in the Casino’s Dragonfly Lounge from 8-10pm by Led Zepagain on Friday evening, September 17, and by the Unauthorized Rolling Stones on Saturday night with no cover charge.

Benefit Ride registration is on Saturday, Sept 18, from 7-10am - Bike Show registration is from 1-5pm on Saturday and 10am-1pm on Sunday It’s a weekend loaded with fun, food, spirits, contests, entertainment, vendors and lots more!

For complete details, visit or call the Castle Club at (928) 567-7999

Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel is located just east of I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde

SINgINg LEgEND COMINg TO VALLEYPaul Anka has been wowing audiences since

the late fifties. His incredible library of music includes some of the most well-known songs in American history. From his first hit “Diana,” to “This is It” a song he penned for Michael Jackson’s ill-fated comeback tour - Anka has proven his talents as a singer and songwriter again and again over the past six decades.

The legendary crooner makes a rare Arizona appearance and will perform at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino on Sunday, October 24 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are on sale now and can be pur-chased online at WinGilaRiver.com, by phone at 877.840.0457 or by visiting the Gift Shop at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. Ask about a special discount for Players Card members.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is located at the Wild Horse Pass exit on I-10 in Chandler.

6 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

ENTERTAINMENTApache 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, featuring Sept 14-19, The Reel BandSept 21-26, DramaSept 28 – Oct 3, T.J. WeaverOct 6-9, Hemlock Bay BandOct 13-16, Swift KickOct 20-23, Walker WilliamsOct 27-30, PilotCasino 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:Sept 17&18, Tejano Music ShowcaseSept 19, Fiestas 2010Oct 2, Rob Zombie & Alice CooperOct 9, Gabriel IglesiasOct 16, WFF Mixed Martial ArtsOct 23, Ana GabrielOct 29-31, Bluegrass FestivalFREE live entertainment at The

Paradiso Bar on weekends plus Free Tribute concerts every Thursday

Cliff Castle Casino I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOTStargazer Pavilion:Sept 17 & 18, Thunder Valley Rally

Concerts w/Unauthorized Rolling Stones

Dragonfly Lounge: Free entertainment on weekends

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

DJs Thurs-Sun at 8pmDesert Diamond Casino 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Tucson 520-294-7777 or1-866-DDC-WINS Concerts & Events in the Diamond

Center: call for updated scheduleFort McDowell Casino N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills1-800-THE-FORTConcerts & Special Events:Oct 1, Scott Stapp of CreedOct 2, Gregg Rolie of SantanaLucky 7 Saloon: Free live entertain-

ment 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

weekendsHarrah’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 bands 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, Otis & the Beat, Rhythm Edition, Capital Down and Powerdrive

Thursday nights – Season 4 of the “Lucky Break” singing competition is back for 18 weeks

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

Sharky’s Bar & Bites: Live Entertainment every weekend

Quechan Casino Resort525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA(5 mi W of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426In the PIPA Event Center:Call for updated scheduleSidewinders: Live entertainment on

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

Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILAIn the Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Sept 25, Clay WalkerThe Encore Lounge: live

entertainment on weekends w/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!Oct 4, Rick SpringfieldOct 24, Average White BandNov 14, Robert CrayOpening in September, “Degree

270” 14th floor lounge w/live entertainment, dancing nightly & a spectacular view of the city.

Rick Springfield

Unauthorized Rolling Stones

Clay Walker

8 ARIZONA PLAYER AuguSt 2010

elcome to the new Casino Del Sol Hotel and Convention Center, the

Pascua Yaqui’s soon-to-be jewel in the desert on the southwest side of Tucson. Completion of the 215-room hotel, one adjacent to the exquisite casino, is expected on 11/11/11. “This expansion further strengthens the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s entertainment and hospitality endeavors,” said Sol Casinos CEO Wendell Long. “With this expansion, Sol Casinos will expand its hospitality and entertainment abilities and be the first choice for corporate groups hosting business events. The new hotel and convention center will not only create jobs for hundreds of people, but will be a tremendous asset to the community.” The 161,000 square-foot facility will feature: 215 rooms, including 10 suites and 15 junior suites; a convention area capable of holding up to 2,000 people; a fine-dining steakhouse; a buffet area built for a capacity of 250 people; a fully-equipped spa and exercise facility and an arcade room. And it’s the perfect complement to AVA Amphitheater when it comes to big-time, fun-to-watch events. Where AVA season ends, the Convention Center venues begin.

How do you improve on a Southern Arizona gem? Just make it better, of course. And Sol Casinos did, which will help the local economy in some form or fashion. “While tourism is not in the best shape with the sagging economy and people traveling less, I believe the new hotel being built by the Pascua Yaquis fills a niche that has (not) been here for a long time,’’ said Jonathan Walker, president & CEO of Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We only have one casino/hotel in southern Arizona and this new product will give us more diversity in that market. New product in a market always creates new interest and any publicity of new products is good for the whole region. The uniqueness of this new hotel/casino will help the entire community.’’ Sol Casino’s newest creation will soon become the ideal spot to have a “staycation” after a big night at a high-profile concert, a night of fine dining, a big night at the casino or a heart-stopping sporting event. “It’s a venue that will provide plenty of entertainment throughout the year,” Long said. “We’re very proud of it. And we’re expecting those who come and see it to

be a part of it will be excited to have it in Tucson and Southern Arizona.” The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with over 17,000 enrolled members. The reservation is located in southwest metropolitan Tucson. The Tribe owns and operates two casinos: Casino of the Sun and Casino Del Sol. Non-gaming enterprises include the Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater, a 5,000-seat open-air concert venue, and the Del Sol Marketplace, which includes a gas station and car wash, convenience store, and smoke shop. For more information, visit www.solcasinos.com.

IT’S A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS AND SOL CASINOS HAS FOUND IT

Expansion Opening11/11/11

casino del sol hotel & convention center

W

COvER sTORY

10 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

gAMINg NEWsTED gOLDSTEIN – 2010 STATE POKER CHAMP

After a grueling three days of high intensity Texas Hold Em in easily the biggest single poker tournament in Arizona, a 24 year old Scottsdale resident took home the cherished trophy, a custom made ring and the most sought after part of the top prize - just over $336,000 in cash!

The Arizona State Poker Championship was held at Casino Arizona’s Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. The entry fee for this event was $1,050 or you could win an entry in one of the $100 single table satellite shoot-outs - where the last player remaining at that table wins a $1,050 entry into the tournament

The final table made up of the 10 best poker players in this event hap-pened at 9pm on Monday night August 16th.

Many spectators watching, most of which had been knocked out of the tournament had predicted that we would crown a new State Champion by midnight at the latest. These guesses were way….way off.

I got the straight scoop from Poker Room Director Kent Odekirk and Tournament Coordinator Dave Smith, who both reiterated that I just might be here to see a beautiful Arizona sunrise.

To my surprise as 4am rolled around, just two players were left - Ted Goldstein with about 15 million chips and Jon Alder with maybe 4 mil-lion chips. With a few people sleeping soundly in chairs around me just after 4am, it seemed like another ho-hum hand of not seeing a flop, when Goldstein limped in to match the big blind – Alder raises to 1 million and Ted calls. Hey we get to see a flop! The dealers flop was rather un-exciting,

7, 8 and 10. I was thinking both would check, BIG SURPRISE - Alter goes all-In – Ted checked his cards, studied the flop sev-eral times, and then called.

Jon showed a 4 and a king off-suit – Goldstein flipped over his cards, a queen and an 8 of spades. This put Ted in the driver’s seat with a pair. Jon was bluffing and needed at least a queen to win or hoped to catch runner-runner and play the board for a straight to split the pot. That never happened and Ted finally showed some emotion after being declared the champion.

Here is the breakdown for the Final Table of the 2010 Arizona State Poker Championship. There were a total of 975 entries and the top 100 got paid. Last year a woman made the final table, this year the top woman finisher came in 33rd place. The tournament came off without a glitch, thanks to the efforts of Kent Odekirk, Dave Smith and their entire staff – A job well done!

Ted Goldstein, $336,368Jon Alter $167,700Manuel Luevano $83,313Brian D. Fanzo $49,988Drew Heide $30,638Steven Doebler $17,738Ryan Hughes $12,900Derek Walters $10,750 Sam Wright $8,869Brian Olsson $7,364

Music for Any EventTAYLORED MUsIC

602.373.8728

WEDDINGS • REUNIONS

THEME PARTIES

A DJ withYears of On-Air

Broadcast Experiencewill Make Your Party A Success

Make Your Special DayMake Your Special DayA LAstingMeMory

12 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

CARD ROOM ACTION

CARD ROOM MANAGERSPlease send updates to

azplayer@cox.net

ApAChE GOlD CASiNO 800-272-2433Poker Room opens daily at 6pm

Dealing blackjack, daily at 10am BluEWAtER CASiNO 1-888-243-3360Dealing blackjack daily 9am-3amBuCky’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, Bounty No-Limit Hold Em

Tournament - $60 buy-i3Sat 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, $300 added Morning

Poker league, No-Limit Hold Em, $13 buy-in, $5 re-buys or free entry

Mon 7pm & Sat noon – NLHE Fall Foot-ball 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 -$10 bounties

Thurs, 7pm, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $85 buy-in

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

Special Events:Oct 7-9, Mega Bounty & “Monster Stack”

$240 entry free - $10,000 Guaranteed prize pool w/ $100 bounties

Sat & Sun Football drawings – see poker room for details

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-19866-332-9467Dealing blackjack 24/7 fORt MCDOWEll CASiNO480-789-1424MEGA Stack Tournament, 1pm, Sun -

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

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

Tues, 7pm, $3,000 Guaranteed NLHE Tournament - $3 buy-in*

Sat, 7pm, $5,000 Guaranteed NLHE Tour-nament - $5 buy-in*

“Pocket Aces always win” - In live games - 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

*To enter, you must play in a live game at least 1 hour before tournament

Also dealing blackjack 24/7 lONE ButtE CASiNO 800-946-4452Dealing blackjack 24/7 hARRAh’S Ak-ChiN CASiNO 480-802-5138Mon, Wed, Thurs - $500 Guaranteed

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

Tues, 3pm & 7pm - $500 Guaranteed Omaha H/L, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys

Wed, 7pm- $500 Guaranteed Omaha H/L, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys

Thurs, 7pm - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys

Fri, 3pm - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10 buy-in + $5 re-buys

Fri, 7pm & Sat Noon, $750 Guaranteed NLHE, $40 buy-in - no re-buys

Sat, 5pm, $750 Guaranteed NLHE, $20 buy-in – w/$10 add-on

Sun, Noon - $500 Guaranteed NLHE, $10 buy-in, unlimited $5 re-buys

Sun, 5pm - $500 Guaranteed Limit Omaha H/L, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys & a $10 add-on

$50 Daily Splash pots on ALL tables, on the hour Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm & Sat & Sun 6-8am

Sun & Mon NFL $50 Splash Pots – 2 tables for a touchdown, 1 table for a field goal

Progressive High Hand, daily 5pm-5am – and “Aces Cracked” pays $50 - see poker room for details

Daily, Royal Flush pays $200 and Straight Flush pays $100

Also dealing blackjack 24/7hON-DAh CASiNO 800-929-8744Mon, 6pm, 50/50, Hold Em & Omaha

Hi-Lo, $25 buy-in + one $25 add-onTues, 2pm – Mid, “Aces Cracked” pays

$80 (first 5)Wed, 6pm, No-limit Hold Em, $40 buy-in,

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

re-buys Sat, 4pm, No-limit Hold Em, $30 buy-in,

$10 re-buys + $10 add-onSun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in,

$10 re-buys + $10 add-on MAzAtzAl hOtEl & CASiNO 800-777-7529Live Poker daily - see poker room for

detailsSun, 1pm, NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-

in, no re-buys - $50 added per tableWed & Sun, 6pm, NLHE Bounty Tourna-

ment, $50 buy-inHigh Hands - win up to $500Dealing blackjack 10am-1amBlackjack tournament, Mon, 6pm, $40

buy-inpARADiSE CASiNO 88-777-4946Dealing Blackjack 5pm-1amQuEChAN CASiNO & RESORt1-877-QuEChAN Sat & Sun at 1pm, No Limit Hold Em, $35

buy-in w/$5 re-buysMon & Thurs at 1pm – No-Limit Hold Em

TournamentTues & Fridays, Omaha 4/8 or 8/16 KillNFL Sunday Splash Pots! See poker

room for detailsLive the Ultimate Football Fan Dream –

Win 2 tickets to the “BIG GAME” Earn an entry for every 2 hours of live play now thru Jan 22, 2011 – Drawing in the poker room on Jan 23

Special room rates for poker players.

Dealing blackjack 24/7 tAlkiNG StiCk RESORt480-850-7777Mon - Fri, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em, $60

buy-in Tues & Wed, 7pm, No-Limit Hold Em,

$130 buy-inMon-Fri – $100 “Splash Pots” at 7am,

8am,9am, 10am & Noon Mon-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 CASiNO800-946-4452 – Ext 1042Sun - Thurs, 11am, No-Limit Hold Em,

$1,000 Guaranteed - $30 buy-in

Wednesdays at 7:30pm, No-Limit Hold Em Tournaments, $10 buy-in, $10 re-buys & $20 add-on at the break

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

Pro Football “Splash Pots” are back! Sundays & Mondays – any team scores a TD – 3 tables are each splashed $100 – 1 table $100 for a FG and 1 table $200 for a Safety

“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, “Aces Cracked” Mon-Sat 2pm-6pm, 9pm-Mid, Mid-5am, & Sun 9pm-Mid, win up to $1,000 in cash,

JUST ADDED: “Aces & Faces Cracked” 2am – 9am Sat & Sun mornings, $800 per hour up for grabs!

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

Also dealing blackjack 24/7

PREFERRED LAUGHLIN POKER ROOMhARRAh’S RESORt CASiNO 702-298-852Sat, Sun, Mon & Tues at 10am - No Limit

Hold Em, $40 buy-in w/ $5 Bonus buyWed & Thurs, 10am, NLHE “Bounty” Tour-

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

buy-in w/$5 Bonus buySun, Mon & Tues, 7pm, NLHE, $40 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 buysSat at 7pm, NLHE, $120 buy-in, w/

optional $10 Bonus buySun at 2pm, “Bounty” NLHE, $70 Buy-in

w/$5 Bonus buyPlus all kinds of promotions; 80k in 80

days – guaranteed to pay out $1,000 a day with drawings and splash pots – also Free Roll Tournaments on the 1st & 3rd Monday (15 hours to qualify) to win a seat in the Laughlin WSOP invi-tational – with a chance to win a seat in the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas – see poker room for details on all these promotions

14 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

gAMINg NEWs

There is also a San Diego Stay Giveaway draw-ing on Sunday October 3rd at 7pm - they’re giving away cash along with a San Diego trip for two. But that’s not all...there will also be a “Spooky” Slot Tournament on Sunday from 3-6pm, with a finals round at 7:30pm, where you could win a trip for two to your choice of Salem, MA or Savannah, GA! Who wouldn’t want to help celebrate by winning cash and prizes? And bring along your sweet tooth because they’re also giving away free Birthday cake!

Head over to the Fort, October 1st, 2nd & 3rd for a weekend you will never forget.

For details, plus other exciting events and pro-motions that are happening every single day, go to: fortmcdowellcasino.com

Fort McDowell Casino is located on Hwy 87 – just 2 miles north of Shea Blvd. Call 1-800-THE-FORT.

THE BIRTHDAY BASH IS BACK!

The first weekend in October, Fort McDowell Casino will be celebrating 26 years of excellence in gaming with live performances and exciting giveaways.

The festivities kicks off on Friday, October 1st, with an intimate acoustic performance by Scott Stapp, lead singer of the popular rock group, Creed.

His voice became widely recognized and acclaimed through songs such as “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher.” Stapp says of his current tour, “I’m stripping down all the Creed hits, as well as my solo material, in a manner that fans have never heard before but have long been screaming for.

”The show starts at 8pm - tickets are $30 for general admission, but if you want to get up-close and personal - premium seating is only $50. And leave it to the Fort to follow one exclusive perfor-mance with another.

On Saturday, October 2, take a trip back to the psychedelic years. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Rolie, best known as the original singer

of Santana, will be taking the stage with his hit songs. You may recognize his voice from the chart-topping songs Black Magic Woman and Evil Ways. The keyboardist/organist/vocalist was also one of the founding members of the band Journey.

This is a performance you won’t want to miss. All tickets are $25 general admission. Both performances will take place outside, so you can enjoy the beautiful fall weather along with the entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for both concerts at the Fort McDowell Casino gift shop, or at ticketmaster.com. They’re selling fast, so you may want to grab some now to be sure you and your friends are a part of all the action! Along with enjoying some hits on the Fort’s weekend celebration, you could also hit it BIG. Yes...you could hit the jackpot on one of their interactive slot machines, clean up at the poker table, or score a huge BINGO win. And because it’s their Birthday Bash weekend - Fort McDowell is giving you even more exciting ways to win.

The Fort’s ongoing promotion, Random Riches, will be having “Birthday Bash Bonus” cash give-aways.

when you’re dealt three Aces in say Double Double Bonus, you’d hold all three. Admittedly, this is an extreme example, but it emphasizes the need to use probabilities rather than possibilities during play. Be aware that there are many counterintuitive correct holds, so practicing on tutorial software (www.videopokerpractice.com) and using strategy cards (free in the back of

my book, The Video Poker Edge, will make you a smarter player. Behind the eight Ball:

There have been many occasions when other players have asked me what to hold after a hand is dealt. Often they expect me to be able to know which cards they will draw. Nobody can do this. The best anyone can do is indicating the holds that will be mathematically accurate. In the long run you will do better in video poker, blackjack, hold’em or any other casino game with a skill component by playing statistically correct. In the short run luck is always going to be a factor. That’s why the WSOP always has some unknown players at the final table. Final thoughts:

I don’t have a crystal ball, nor does anyone else. If somebody says they know which cards will be dealt or drawn then it’s best to disregard their advice. I’ve heard lots of weird theories about “cycles” or “times when the video poker machines are hitting”, but nothing scientific to back up these odd claims.

Part of the problem is many people have great true stories about how they threw the entire hand away and got a royal flush. The reason it makes such a terrific story is its improbability and the fact that they beat the overwhelming odds against such an event.

Instead of relying on hunches, superstitions and crystal balls, invest in video poker tutorial software and books. You’re still going to be frustrated when your ship doesn’t come in, but you’ll play longer on your bankroll over time.

Linda Boyd ,a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming” and “Midwest Gaming and Travel”, her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. The Second Edition is now available by calling 877-900-book, at bookstores, amazon.com or www.squareonepublishers.com

byLinda Boyd

A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER

My Crystal

Ball

If you select the computer correct

holds you will get more chances

to “get lucky”

here are a few people in Nevada casinos that love to ask what they should do on Full Pay Deuces Wild (FPDW) after their dealt hand. If they have an inside 4-straight and nothing else going on, of course

I tell them to hold the four cards. I could make a side bet that they’re going to come up with nothing, since that’s how it goes when anybody asks you what to do. Incidentally, it’s the correct play for this game--just check WinPoker software if you don’t believe me. www.videopokerpractice.com

It’s difficult for most to understand that when you’re dealt a dog hand you’re most-likely to lose regardless of what you hold. Still, you should go with the best odds, often counterintuitive, but always trust the software over anybody’s guess. Even if the person is a math whiz, computer perfect tuto-rial programs will trump the human brain every time.

Bottom line is I dislike being asked how to play a hand, even though I probably know the best odds or I wouldn’t be playing the game. What’s the reason? I’ve invariably left my crystal ball at home whenever I venture into a casino. Seriously, nobody can tell you which cards will pop up on the draw; the best they can do is tell you the hold cards with the best odds over the long run.Random numBeR geneRatoR (Rng):

Refers to an internal component of a video poker machine that, through the use of a computer chip, produces unpredictable combinations of numbers, each represents a specific virtual card. Outside the world of quan-tum physics true randomization is not possible; however, it’s close enough so that you can not base future hands on past results. Nevada and Arizona both have legislation requiring an RNG on all video poker devices, a good thing for smart players. Playing the odds:

People who say they know the cards that will be dealt or what you will draw are simply mistaken. Sure, they may guess correctly from time-to-time, just like people will choose the correct numbers on a roulette wheel at times. The best you can do is to hold the cards that give you the greatest odds of winning over time. All casino games, including video poker, have a component of luck. If you select the computer correct holds you will get more chances to “get lucky”.PossiBility veRsus PRoBaBility:

For those who are mathematically challenged this is a difficult concept to understand. In games of chance anything is possible, but probabilities, an exact science, determine the likelihood of an event. For example, it’s possible to hold a single Ace and draw a royal flush, but it’s not probable. That’s why,

18 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

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 TJ4justice1@msn.com

How to Get Free StuFF

PlayinG Blackjackf you have ever wondered how to get free stuff from playing blackjack - I will explain that by showing your “Players Card” when

you buy in - will accomplish that task. Thanks to the Michael Thompson Director of games at Wild Horse Pass, the elu-sive formula can finally be revealed.

The factors that are in a players control at the blackjack table are aver-age bet, length of play and type of game .

These factors - along with some house control factors, creates a “theo-retical win”.

The math creating the “theoretical win” is what the casino should win from the player. For example a player that plays perfect basic strategy at the blackjack table should lose fifty two cents for every one hundred dollars played.

From the “theoretical win”, the casino creates a “comp amount”. This amount is discretion-ary and is an amount that the casino feels best recognizes good player loyalty. Patron’s are not entitled to its value like cash rewards from slots, where available, but is generally what the casino will “comp” up too.

So, you may ask, why “game type.” Certain games have large bonus payouts. This requires

the house to have a higher edge. Patrons playing those games will generate a higher comp value.

Now, one other factor plays into a casino comp decision and that’s “quick loss” factor. Patron’s

who lose a large amount of money in a quick period of time, will not generate a high comp value even though they are extremely valuable to the casino and deserve to get those comps. Casino Management will make a judgment call as to the patrons value and comp accordingly. This is the standard formula throughout the industry for table games.

Like the game of “Life”, being polite and courteous goes a long

way towards getting what you want. Casinos want to recognize all players. Those with tight budgets are no exception. Most important, secure a Player’s Card where ever you play, and always play within your means. After playing for what you think is a reasonable amount of time, ask if you can get a comp. Most likely you will and that’s a win for you and the casino.

So what kind of comps can you get? I was recently offered one of the twenty three suites that Wild Horse Pass has to offer. This huge suite included flat screen TV’s, two bathrooms, a full

size refrigerator, a bar, a lounge area, and a Jacuzzi.

What does it take to get a comp for one of these suites?

If you play on average of $250 per hand for a period of six hours, you too can get one for free.

Even though this sounds like a lot of money, if you are a perfect strategy player it really isn’t all that much, and if you are a card counter like me it usually costs the casino to comp you.

I have also received free NASCAR tickets, $50 dinner comps, front row seats to concerts, and countless other cool things from doing nothing more than playing a winning game of blackjack. So the moral of the story is to get that Players Card and present it every time you buy in at the blackjack table.

For all of you blackjack tournament players - there is going to be an invite only blackjack tournament at Wild Horse Pass on November 5th, 6th, and 7th with $11,000 in Prize money. There is no entry fee and the only way to get an invite to the tournament is to play table blackjack at Gila River and present your Players Card. I hope a lot of you will play enough blackjack at Gila River Casinos to join me in this sure to be fun filled event.

It is a win/ win situation for players and the casino so I hope to see you there. Until next time I hope you play winning blackjack.

The factors that are in a players control

at the blackjack table are average bet, length of play

and type of game .

20 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

gAMINg NEWsRECORD-BREAKINg YEAR FOR THE LOTTERY!

The Arizona Lottery closed out the 2010 fiscal year with a record-breaking $551 million in sales - the high-est amount in the Lottery’s history and a 13.8 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. Nationally, the Arizona Lottery ranks No. 1 in the country in the percentage increase of overall lottery sales.

As a result of 2010 lottery sales, the state of Arizona received nearly $142 million in net profits. These dollars will fund a wide variety of public projects and programs, including healthcare, wild-life, homeless programs, economic development and education in cities and towns throughout all 15 Arizona counties.

“We are proud to report these record-breaking sales figures, particularly at a time in our state’s history when every dollar counts,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “Raising almost $142 million in revenue for the state bodes well for our future performance. The

Arizona Lottery is committed to its mission of gener-ating revenues that directly impact and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.”

Don Cardon, Director of Arizona’s Department of Commerce, recently stated, “This support [of the Arizona Lottery] has proven critical in the current economy in order to continue the Arizona Commerce and Economic Development Commission’s wide array of economic development activities, including fostering economic sustain-ability programs in rural commercial districts, start-up funding for research and development institutes associated with Arizona’s university core competencies, securing loans to businesses expanding or relocating in Arizona, and developing the technology foundation that enables all busi-nesses in Arizona to grow and prosper.”

Mark Holleran, executive director of Central Arizona Shelter Services stated in support of the Arizona Lottery, “In an unprecedented time of declining resources and increasing need in our communities, the support from the Arizona Lottery played a vital role in allowing service providers to continue delivering critical emergency and transi-tional shelter and supportive services to thousands of homeless men, women and children throughout our state”

In addition to revenue for the state, Lottery retailers large and small earned a sizeable $37 mil-lion in commissions.

Director Hatch-Miller credits much of this year’s financial success to the continued success of the $100 Million Cash Spectacular instant

ticket and the introduction of new products such as the national drawing game, Mega Millions, as well as notable changes to Scratchers games that now offer bigger prizes, higher payouts and more winners.

“The Arizona Lottery has been and continues to be a great partner to the Retail Food Industry in Arizona. Jeff and his team are constantly looking for ideas to drive sales and keep the Lottery games exciting,” writes Paul Bancroft-Turner, Marketing Coordinator for the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance. “Even in today’s tough economy, Lottery sales continue to grow and Arizona Food Retailers appreciate their effort.”

Hatch-Miller said that the Arizona Lottery has begun working aggressively toward meeting next year’s revenue goals for programs established by the Arizona Legislature, and introducing new, innovative products, partnerships and industry technology that will continue to deliver sound results for Arizona Lottery beneficiaries through-out the state. To learn more, visit www.arizonalot-tery.com., www.Facebook.com/ArizonaLottery or www.Twitter.com/AZLottery

The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets - nearly $3 million per week - fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out over $4.2 billion in prizes to players, more than $2.5 billion in net profit to the state, and almost $510 million in commissions to retailers.

Arizona Lottery’s Executive director Jeff Hatch-Miller

22 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

Dallas Comstock also decided to play Double Play because it was a new game and, “It looked good in the machine.” He ended up buying two tickets.

Neither one of these players believed they actually had a ticket worth $50,000. Dallas, really found it hard to believe – to the point that he used a magnifying glass to check and recheck the ticket. Dallas had his ticket checked at the store, as he had a number of other tickets he wanted checked. He made sure to tell the clerk, “You can’t cash this one,” referring, of course, to the Double Play. The lady behind him in line upon hearing what he had won, jokingly said, “I hate you!”

Dallas is going to use his winnings to pay for his daughter’s wedding, pay off bills, and help a friend who owns an animal rescue.

LOTTERY NEWs

AuguSt PICK 3 CASH 4 PICK 502 6-4-0 10-11-14-16 01-05-24-28-3403 2-5-6 06-16-17-18 02-21-22-26-3204 2-5-3 05-06-08-20 08-09-10-24-3005 1-7-8 06-08-18-26 01-06-16-18-3706 9-3-3 09-15-18-19 05-06-12-35-3807 7-4-1 01-05-11-19 05-17-24-30-3109 9-2-5 02-06-08-25 10-16-22-23-3010 4-2-3 04-09-17-22 12-14-16-18-3611 0-8-1 15-22-23-26 13-19-25-38-3912 4-0-1 07-08-09-13 16-19-20-29-3513 6-0-1 03-06-09-16 01-02-08-09-2214 6-3-7 09-12-16-19 01-13-19-25-3116 2-7-9 07-08-22-23 05-13-15-22-2817 0-8-4 01-05-12-15 02-15-35-36-3918 4-9-3 03-05-12-25 02-07-20-26-3519 7-7-5 13-19-21-22 01-05-16-28-3720 8-5-8 09-14-15-18 09-12-32-34-3921 9-5-5 03-05-07-13 04-10-13-29-3223 1-5-2 07-13-17-21 09-19-28-33-3424 1-6-6 05-11-13-14 04-08-12-26-3425 3-5-9 07-09-17-26 14-17-19-28-3726 9-4-6 01-04-11-14 02-17-33-37-3827 5-3-2 03-05-21-23 16-17-20-30-3828 6-5-9 09-13-14-23 12-19-27-29-3330 5-1-8 05-06-11-14 04-21-22-31-3831 9-5-9 07-10-17-25 01-02-08-16-25

THE PICK Date POWERBALLNumbers AuguSt Numbers PB PP

12-14-30-32-43-44 04 19-28-30-37-53 36 4

06-25-27-35-38-42 07 04-22-26-31-52 30 5

03-04-11-20-25-36 11 07-10-22-23-52 29 2

10-15-20-25-35-37 14 09-33-36-50-58 31 2

01-08-23-31-34-40 18 04-32-33-47-55 39 3

02-28-31-35-36-41 21 07-10-12-22-27 26 2

01-05-13-15-30-35 25 16-17-29-31-36 23 3

01-02-06-15-17-28 28 04-22-27-32-56 13 4

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.

AuguSt MEGA MILLIONS MB MP

03 04-13-20-22-56 32 206 07-13-30-33-54 30 310 02-14-26-50-56 12 213 06-17-24-43-55 36 417 11-19-40-43-44 33 420 04-13-20-29-48 36 424 04-23-24-28-32 31 327 04-10-26-32-41 31 431 10-20-29-47-48 38 3

DOuBLE PLAY - DOuBLE WINTwo Arizona Lottery players, Ayman Yehig and

Dallas Comstock, purchased a couple of Double Play Scratchers tickets, and each won the top prize of $50,000. Although neither of them won anything on the additional game on the back of the ticket (this ticket offers additional chances to win when a player opens each strip located on the back of the ticket), they weren’t concerned since they had hit the “big one” on the front.

Ayman Yehig, an accountant, stopped at a neighborhood store to get gas and a few items for home. On a whim, he decided to buy a ticket. He’d never played Double Play before, so he was excited about trying it. Ayman, who is working

on his MBA, plans to celebrate his win by buying gifts for his children. His wife cautioned him not to get too carried away and reminded him to do something for himself.

THEY MATCH!Allyson Lackey of Prescott purchases

Scratchers tickets whenever the mood strikes her. Well, last month the mood “struck,” and she bought five $2 tickets and one $5 Match and

Win.When Allyson

scratched the Match and Win, she thought she had won $5,000 and was absolutely thrilled. She then went over all the numbers again to be sure she hadn’t made a mistake. That’s

when she realized she’d missed a zero, and it was actually worth $50,000. Like most winners, she had a hard time believing it even after the ticket was scanned at the store. Her husband was away on a business trip, and Allyson wanted to see his face when she told him, so she waited until he returned. It was well worth the wait to see the look of shock on his face. After all, these wins always seem to happen to someone else.

This win came at a good time for Allyson, as she plans to pay off bills and save the rest for her children’s college fund. She said, “It’s a wonderful win, because it takes the stress off of daily living, but doesn’t change your lifestyle.”

Joe Manzanares of Lake Havasu City was buying some Scratchers tickets to give to a friend for a birthday present. Since he purchases Scratchers on a regu-lar basis, he decided to buy a few extra tickets for himself. (He didn’t mention whether or not he

bought some of the Match and Win tickets for his friend.) He tends to purchase tickets in the $5 and up price range, as he feels the payouts are better. When he realized that his Match and Win ticket was a $50,000 winner, he was so excited that he made sure he told everyone he knew. All of his friends were excited for him.

Joe, who works in sales, plans to pay off bills, but has not decided what he plans to do with the rest of his winnings.

Both winners plan to continue playing Arizona Lottery Scratchers.

24 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

gAMINg NEWsCHRISTMAS IN JuLY!

The Scottsdale winners of the $1,200,000 The Pick jackpot of July 26, who chose to remain anonymous, plan to keep their win to themselves and surprise their children at Christmas. They plan to divide the winnings equally between their children; each will receive a nice check for their holiday gift. (That is, if the winners are able to keep their secret.) Even though they plan to say nothing, they do realize that they are going to have to be extremely careful not to “spill the beans.”

The winning numbers were a com-pilation of their birthday dates, and they’ve been playing them for years. And yes, they only bought the one ticket with their one line of numbers. They purchased the ticket the same day as the drawing, and as always at the same store - Albertson’s, on N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale.

The winner’s wife is the one who always checks the tickets in the newspaper the next day. Her husband happened to call her around mid-

“THE PICK” HAS A LOYAL FOLLOWINgThe odds on The Pick are better

than ever and, as an added incentive, all of the money remains in Arizona. One recent winner of the $2,600,000 The Pick jackpot redeemed the win-ning ticket June 3, and requested to remain anonymous. He and his wife stated that they had been loyal players of the game for about twelve years.

The winning ticket, purchased at the Valero Corner Store in Surprise, was a Quick Pick. The winner purchased six lines, as always, and then put the ticket away, planning to check the numbers the next morning. Since his wife usually got up early, she was the one who turned to the section of the newspaper that listed the winning numbers and checked the ticket. When she saw that the numbers matched, she was so stunned she couldn’t even talk. She woke up her husband and daughter, but it took several minutes for her to calm down enough so she could explain about the ticket.

morning that day to tell her he had some news for her. She very calmly told him, “I have a surprise for you, too,” but refused to tell him what it was until he came home.

After he got home and they had a chance to examine the ticket and calm down, they decided they’d better contact a long-time friend who was their financial advisor. They asked him so many questions that he finally asked, “How much did you win?” After he heard the amount, their questions began to make sense to him.

The couple made a trial run to the Lottery office to clarify some ques-tions about claiming the ticket, but didn’t validate it at that time. They did come back a little later to redeem the ticket and brought their financial advisor with them.

As of now, the couple has not told their family and still plan to wait until Christmas to share their news. The winners, who never truly retired, still deals in investment properties.

Her daughter immediately went to the computer to check the num-bers on the Lottery website. Then, although the numbers matched, she cautioned them not to get too excited until they knew precisely how many winners there were. They did not have the ticket scanned at a store. Instead, they called the Arizona Lottery Hotline and discovered there was only one winner. So, they checked it again before allowing themselves to get excited over their win.

The winners took a few days to calm down and think things over by talking to a financial advisor. They decided to take the cash option of $1,460,013.60 before taxes. The first thing they thought was, “Now we can relax and enjoy our retirement without worry.”

These big winners were originally from the East Coast, but they love living in the desert and with all of their family now relocated here - they now consider Arizona their home. As a side note, they don’t miss the snow one little bit.

26 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

HORsIN’ AROUND

Clues From some ClassiC stakesby

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.

in, lose or break even, bettors have to try to learn from defeats and successes and be able to project what will happen in future events and in the past several weeks, there

was a ton of information to be gleaned from several stakes coast to coast. First off, let’s talk Horse of the Year and the performance of Rachel

Alexandra against 4 rivals in the one and a quarter mile Personal Ensign. Two of those foes were Graded winners and the favorites were tooth and nail till the top of the lane as Life at Ten pushed Rachel from the get go.

Rachel started to pull away late but the distance and the contested honest splits got to her. At the end, Persistently, trained by Shug McGaughey, who trained the “miss” that this race was named after, grinded out a win just wear-ing down the leader in the final 100 yards.

It was a game effort by Rachel and she dueled with a classy horse but it does put a major question on her ability to go the classic mile and a quarter distance. And it has become apparent that she may not be the horse she once was at the top of her game.

As far as the winner, she always showed ability and still has upside to her as she matures. Don’t be shocked if this upset was no fluke as Persistently continues to get better and if she shows in the Breeders’ Cup, she will be a player.

In the Grade 1 $250,000 Ballerina at Saratoga this summer some of the fastest distaffers in the lane squared off at the demanding distance of 7 furlongs.

Eight lined up and all but one had a Graded win in the resume. Rightly So, proved that she just invents ways to win. She cut out all the splits bringing her record to 7 for 11. This is the leader in the clubhouse, as she has never run a dull one, has been in the money in all 11 starts and will be one tough cookie this fall in the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs.

In Saratoga’s Travers Stakes, otherwise known as the ‘Mid-Summer Derby’, 11 of the best sophomores in the land lined up to duke it out for the $600,000 first prize.

Talk about wide open, the Travers was as contentious as it gets. With a minute to go post the chalk was at 4-1 in Trappe Shot with 7 of the remaining 10 between 5 and 9-1.

When the smoke cleared after Miner’s Reserve finally gave up the lead, Fly Down and Afleet Express came to the wire virtually together and Express prevailed by the narrowest nose you will ever see.

What does it tell us? Well, both came out of the Jim Dandy, which was won by Travers also ran A Little Warm. And this result just seems to reinforce the theory that there is no dominant sophomore in the land so far, but Lookin at Lucky is looking better every single day.

Trappe Shot just never fired, Admiral Alex was in way too tough off just one win and First Dude ran as well as he could but just doesn’t want to go a classic distance.

Ice Box didn’t pull up right but was just left with too much work to do anyway.

Friend or Foe tasted defeat for only the 2nd time in 5 outs and has some upside to him if he matures this fall.

Afleet Again is just not this good while Super Saver could have been too close early and just could not out quicken these rivals. He may be best set-tling and making one run.

The projected best runner out of this race with an eye to the future just may be Fly Down, who will be coming to the fall events relatively fresh and he had an edge of breaking his maiden over the Churchill Downs strip.

Out West, older runners were showcased in the Pacific Classic and those that believe in the déjà vu thing, got paid. Richard’s Kid won the 2009 Classic under Mike Smith and was re-united with that Hall of Famer in a superbly timed ride to defend his title.

Long-shot, Crowded House ran well at a big number in only his second race in the states.

Bottom line, this was not the best Pacific Classic of all time. Looking to the BC Classic in the fall, the one thing Kid has in his favor is fact he has handled the conventional surfaces at Laurel and he’ll likely get a hotter pace to close into at Churchill.

He’s not a new Kid, but there is now a legit Kid in town.

28 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

DAvID AT THE sNACk BAR

David Ramsey is the President and co-founder of the PhoenixFilm 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 david@thesnackbar.Net.

David’s Video DetailsiRON MAN 2 – ««««Iron Man has brought peace to Earth but now Tony Stark must face his toughest adversary: the Federal government. While Tony is facing off with the Senate a new vil-lain appears from Russia with a suit of his own. Their initial battle is pretty spectacular. As with most super-hero movie sequels, things go bad for our hero and he must battle back, not only against the bad guys but himself as well. While not as good as the first one it is very close.

pRiNCE Of pERSiAthE SANDS Of tiME«««A young prince is framed for his father’s murder and must go on the run with a princess of a conquered country.

He doesn’t know that he also has a stolen mystical knife that can turn reverse time. They need to avoid being captured while battling a villain who wants the knife. Lots of action and a good cast makes this worth watching.

ROBiN hOOD – ««« An archer in King Richard’s army finds his way home impersonating a noble. Before long he is living the man’s life and leading the locals against Prince John. This is a different story than you are used to, it is gritty and lacks all the whimsy and fun of the original.

The American«««A hit man takes a few days off to get away only to be tracked down in Denmark. On the run he ends up in Italy where he takes one more job. While there, he makes the mistake of falling for a local. There is some suspense, a little

action, a little romance and lot of brooding. George Clooney and the supporting cast blunt the boredom but they don’t make the film move any faster or any less predictably.

byDavid Ramsey

Going The Distance«««Erin and Garrett’s brief fling turns serious just at Erin is leaving New York to return home to San Francisco. She has been in the Big Apple on a publishing

internship while he works for a local recording company. They decide to try a long distance relationship despite advice and horror stories from friends and relatives. This romantic comedy works largely due to the cast. There are some laughs and some romance. If you are looking for a romantic comedy this one is better than average.

29 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

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Phoenix West Elks5525 W. ColterTuEs 7pm, suN 1pm, 6pm

Postal Worker’s Social Club3720 W. Greenway Rd.TuEs & suN 6:30pm

Reflections Bingo3414 W. NorthernmoN, TuEs, THu & Fri 7:00pm, saT 6:30pm & LaTE NigHT Fri & saT 10:30pm

Casino Games – Phx areaFort McDowell CasinoFountain Hills AreamoN, WEd, THu, Fri:9am, 12:30pm, 6:30pm

TuE: 12:30pm, 6:30pm

saT & suN: 6:45 & 9am, 12:30 & 6:30pm, Fri & saT @ midNigHT Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino15406 Maricopa RddaiLy 11:00am, 2:30 & 6:30pm Lone Butte CasinoSanTan Loop202 & KyreneNooN & 6:30pm daiLy

VEE QuiVA CASiNO

51st Ave. 10 mi. S of I-10daiLy: 12:30 & 6:30pm

statewide GamesApache Gold Casino • Globe5mi E of Globe on Hwy 70suN-THurs NooN;Fri & saT 7pm

Preferred BinGo LoCations

Bingo Halls - To get your games listed call 602-373-8728 or E-mail Phil Scudella atazplayer@cox.net

BlueWater Casino • Parker11300 Resort DrdaiLy 6:30pm

Casino Del Sol• Tucson5655 W. Valencia miNi sEssioNs 11:30am & 1:30pm maTiNEE 2:15pm & EvENiNg 7:15pm

Cocopah Casino • Yuma15136 South Ave B SomertondaiLy 1 & 6pm

Desert Diamond • Tucson7350 S Nogales HwydaiLy: 1:30 & 7:15pm

Mazatzal Casino• PaysonHwy 87 at mile post 251 moN-THurs 12:45pm

moN & TuEs 6:30pm

Paradise Casino • Yuma450 Quechan Dr. daiLy aT 1 & 6pm

30 ARIZONA PLAYER September 2010

AsTROLOgY & JOkE

1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe–slots keno bingo & blackjack. (800) 272-24332. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker)Colorado River Indian Tribe–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (888) 243-3360

3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott)Yavapai–Prescott Indian Tribe–slots, poker & blackjack.. (800) 756-87444. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale)Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community–slots poker blackjack & Keno (480) 850-77775. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale)Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community–slots blackjack & Keno (480) 850-77776. Casino Del Sol • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots poker & blackjack (800) 344-94357. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson)Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots (520) 883-17008. Cliff Castle Casino • (Camp Verde)Yavapai-Apache Nation–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 381-75689. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma)Cocopah Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack (800) 237-568710. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel• (Tucson)Tohono O’Odham Nation–Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo & poker (520) 294-777710a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots & blackjack. (520) 294-777711. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (480) 837-1424

12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots keno blackjack & poker. (800) 946-445213. Gila River Vee Quiva Casino • (Laveen)Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo black-jack & poker. (800) 946-445214. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler)Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 946-445215. Golden Ha’ San Casino • (Why)Tohono O’Odham Nation–Slots16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa)Ak-Chin Indian Community–slots keno poker bingo & blackjack. (480) 802-500017. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 929-874418. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson)Tonto Apache Tribe–slots keno bingo poker blackjack (800) 777-752919. Paradise Casino • (Yuma)Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (888) 777-494620. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City)Fort Mohave Indian Tribe–slots. (888) 837-403021. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe–slots (800) 756-8744

CAsINO DIRECTORY

Joke of the MonthFIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHINg

Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23 Sept 7-14 Finally - the BIG one Sept 15-22 Persistence pays plenty Sept 23-30 Weekend to remember Oct 1-6 Way to start the month!

Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23 Sept 7-14 Stick with convictions Sept 15-22 Old friend returns Sept 23-30 Another good decision Oct 1-6 Really exciting week

Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22 Sept 7-14 Believe - it will happen Sept 15-22 Stay late & play hard Sept 23-30 Kindness pays off Oct 1-6 Terrific fun week

Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21 Sept 7-14 You will be right Sept 15-22 Odd but happy ending Sept 23-30 A call from the past Oct 1-6 Things are looking up

Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20 Sept 7-14 Unplanned event Sept 15-22 Just in the nick of time Sept 23-30 Get tougher on decisions Oct 1-6 Terrific weekend ahead

Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19 Sept 7-14 Hunch works after lunch Sept 15-22 Great things coming Sept 23-30 Stay focused all week Oct 1-6 Unplanned trip a lot of fun

Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20 Sept 7-14 Comeback win Sept 15-22 Chills & thrills weekend Sept 23-30 Good advice from pal Oct 1-6 Plan that special trip

Aries Mar 21 to April 20 Sept 7-14 Every reason to believe Sept 15-22 Good luck happens on trip Sept 23-30 Lucky is your middle name Oct 1-6 Unavoidable trip will happen

Taurus April 21 to May 21 Sept 7-14 Huge comeback victory Sept 15-22 You bluff for big payoff Sept 23-30 Winning keeps coming Oct 1-6 Unexpected excitement

Gemini May 22 to June 21 Sept 7-14 Eventful month coming Sept 15-22 Great things are near Sept 23-30 Lull before the storm Oct 1-6 Lots to be thankful for

Cancer June 22 to July 22 Sept 7-14 Stand up for your rights Sept 15-22 Unplanned fun trip ahead Sept 23-30 Right place - right time Oct 1-6 Big changes are coming

Leo July 23 to Aug 23 Sept 7-14 Fine way to start week Sept 15-22 Pretty good choice Sept 23-30 Week of excitement Oct 1-6 Wow! You hit paydirt

A girl asks her boyfriend to come over Friday night to meet, and have dinner with her par-ents. Since this was such a big event, the girl tells her boyfriend that after dinner, she would like to go out and make love for the first time.

The boy is ecstatic; this would be his first time, so headed to the pharmacy to get some con-doms. He tells the pharmacist it’s his first time, so the pharmacist talks with the boy for nearly an hour and covered everything about having safe sex.

At the register, the pharmacist asked the young man if he’d like a 3-pack, 10-pack, or family pack. The boy took the family pack, gave the pharmacist a “High 5” and bolted out the door saying “I’ll be back in just a few days I’m sure”.

That night, he rushed over to his girlfriend’s house. ‘Oh, I’m so excited for you to meet my parents!’ she said as they arrived at the dinner table where her parents were seated. The boy quickly offered to say grace and bowed his head.

A minute passed, then five as he kept his head bowed. Ten minutes passed, and still he seemed deep in prayer.

Finally, his girlfriend leaned over and whis-pered in his ear “I had no idea you were so religious.”

The boy took a deep breath, turned his head, and whispered back, “And I had no idea your father was a pharmacist”