Pechanga Resort & Casino

There are so many slot iPhone apps coming out now that’s it hard to keep up; but here are some of my favorites:

This tidy app from videopoker.com shows how to spot a video poker machine with the best odds by a quick glance at the pay table.   Amateurs and Pros alike will love this app.

This is just one of hundreds of slot titles available for free play.  This one represents the entire category of games developed with “Australian math,” which is largely responsible for today’s 1¢ video games surging to the top of the charts.

Again this is one of many video slots available, but like the iconic game above, Cleo helped energize the video game market which eventually moved reel slots into second place on most casino floors.

Just another video-slot-in-an-app but this one has lots of bells and whistles.   They have a feature called Hot Zone which is like playing Tetris on top of your game for bigger bonuses.  It has pretty good sound as well.

What do you get for the Holidays for the slot machine fan or gambler in your life?   Don’t look to the internet with a search engine; you’ll get 10,000 hits and some pretty awful ideas.  Here’s a list of books from our VP of Slots, Buddy Frank, who has pretty much tried or bought everything out there:

This is the best history of slot machines you’ll ever find from one of the greatest collectors.  Marshall’s grandfather invented the world’s first slot machine, so these games are in his blood.  This is a great “coffee table” piece and you’ll notice that most of today’s high tech machines evolved from one of these early concepts.  If you buy through the website, Marshall will be happy to autograph your copy.

Bob is the country’s greatest video poker expert.  His book is easy to understand and once you complete it, you’ll win more money playing than if you didn’t.   He gives excellent tips whether you’re a pro or a complete novice.   Bob and I have been comparing notes on video poker (him from the player side and me on the casino side) for years.  There’s no one better.

Casino table game managers don’t like players who count cards very much.  If you’re really good, they’ll probably ask you to leave.  That said, it is not illegal and if you want to learn how to do it, this book is one of the best.  Olaf has recently become a slot manufacturer, but spent his youth as a math geek (he has a Ph.D.) and there are few better on gambling odds and game play math.  

While sports betting is not allowed in any state but Nevada, probably more people participate in this type of gaming activity than any other worldwide.  Stanford Wong, like Vancura, is a master of gaming odds and has written extensively on many table games as well as this excellent book on betting sports.

This is an academic work, but is also a fascinating look at how gaming got its start….probably a lot further back than you might have imagined.   Schwartz is also an academic (Ph.D.) contributing frequently at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

 

If you’re coming to the kickoff to our Summer Concert Series to see Matchbox Twenty this Saturday, July 9th, then chances are you’re wondering how you’re going to meet the band.

Thankfully, you’ve connected with us online & we’re going to tell you how.

The first way was to be a fan of our Facebook page where we already gave away a pair of Meet & Greets to fans who knew a MB20 song played in reverse.

The second way: Text MB20 to 55678 and you’ll receive a clue at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 9th, on where to find a pair of Meet & Greet passes at Pechanga. It could be anywhere at Pechanga, so make sure you come early to know where everything is!

The third & fourth way: Come to the concert series pre-show at 7 p.m. Saturday (at the venue) hosted by Ryan & Ashley from Pechanga. Two pairs will be given to fans in the audience, so be there to win those, or shirts and Pechanga gift cards.

As the Pechanga Wine Festival nears, we wanted to take a look at some of the amazing wines that will be poured all day April 2nd.

The unique addition to this year’s Wine Festival is the broad selection of wines we’ll have from vineyards from around the world. Check out a few of them below:

Robert Oatley’s ‘09 Sauvignon Blanc, Pemberton (Western Australia)

You may have seen Sandy Oatley, the vineyard’s chairman, recently on Oprah’s “Ultimate Australian Adventure.” The vineyard has been gaining popularity and rave reviews and recently launched in the U.S. in 2008.

The Pemberton wine region in Australia is perfect for growing Sauvignon Blanc. The elevated cool, maritime climate of the region maintains the core freshness and zesty aromatics of this popular variety; arguably the home of Sauvignon Blanc in Australia, says Oatley.

Review: “Fresh floral fruit, traces of herbs and hay, and a handsome dry mid-palate with attractive depth. From a remote area of Western Australia with huge potential for this variety.” - Dan Berger, former LA Times wine columnist.

Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port (Portugal)

Six Grapes is a big hearted wine. It is fruity and robust and of superb quality. It is blended to be as similar as possible to a young Vintage Port. It has often been referred to as “the everyday Port for the Vintage Port drinker.”

Graham’s “Six Grapes” pairs wonderfully with rich, dark chocolate desserts, as well as strong cheeses like a creamy blue.

Review: Wine & Spirits gave it 91 points, stating: “The wine has deep color and grip, bright plum and fig richness, dark, sweet tannin…It’s beautifully blended.”

Villa Maria Estate’s 2010 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

Review: Wine Spectator gave it 90 points, stating it “offers a wonderful mix of pineapple, citrus and passion fruit notes that are ripe, fragrant and terrifically refreshing. A beam of acidity keeps the focus and persistence of the flavors, showing hints of mineral and white pepper as well.”

Reviewers from Villa Maria’s site suggest it with seafood like crawfish or shrimp (a classic combo with wine in New Zealand).

Cavas Valmar’s 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mexico)

Made from grapes in the San Vicente Valley, San Antonio de las Minas and Guadalupe. This elegant wine has a dark ruby color with oak and ripe fruit aromas.

It’s full bodied, with good extract and longevity, and is an ideal match for rich cheeses and aged red meats.

They are just as fun to play as their counterparts here at Pechanga, although with no actual money at stake, it loses a bit of the excitement. Nevertheless, for some lunch break entertainment, or even during those exhausting meetings, these two sure make time pass nicely.

And yes, Cash Spin lets you spin the wheel with your finger and everything.

Check them out in the iPhone app store by searching “Cleopatra” or “Cash Spin.” Let us know what you think of them. FYI: Cash Spin costs $1.99 currently and Cleopatra is free (although it also started at $1.99). We hope Bally makes the same move soon.

-RC

It was a “Do or Die” fight for former heavyweight contender Chris Arreola on Friday for ESPN Boxing at the Pechanga Ballroom. Arreola came and conquered with a TKO in 2 minutes and 18 seconds. Watch his post interview and the punches that ended the fight below:

Check out this exclusive, beautifully shot HD video recap of DJ Pauly D’s epic night at Silk the Club at Pechanga. With 1,600 people in attendance and a line that went out of the casino outside, DJ Pauly D did not disappoint and had the ladies screaming all night. View photos from the night here.

This film was shot on a cinematic RED camera.

The royal flush held by Perry Panno may have won the pot, but took second in the jackpot payoff, with 20 percent or $41,617.  Such is the nature of a “Bad Beat” jackpot, where the losing hand wins. In the Pechanga Poker Room, it took beating quad tens or better to trigger.

When the high hands were declared, there are two qualifying rules that come into play: both the winning and losing hands must play their two hole cards, with the board playing first. In this instance four queens (Qc,Qd,Qh,Qs,Ac) was beaten out by nothing less than a royal flush of clubs (10c, Jc, Qc, Kc, Ac). It is a requirement of the jackpot trigger to use both hole cards for each hand, which they were in this instance.

The other six players at the table shared 30 percent ($62,426) of the jackpot, or  $10,404 per seat. In addition, all 183 active Texas Hold’em players in the room took home a combined 20 percent ($41,541) of the jackpot, or $227 per seat.

The Pechanga Mega Share Bad Beat Jackpot is funded by a portion of a $1 promotional drop per hand in all live Texas Hold’em games. Thus, the Mega Share Bad Beat Jackpot increases with every Texas Hold’em hand and has now been reset to $93,453. However, in order to increase players’ chances of winning, the jackpot will begin a new tier system, whereby as each ten thousand dollars is added to the jackpot, the hand qualifier reduces by one (i.e. – quad 7’s, quad 6’s etc.) until any four-of-a-kind qualifies at $130,000. 

Check out some of the questions from this week’s conversation below:

Which slots give you the best odds…..pennies, quarters or dollars?

With rare exceptions, the higher the denomination, the looser the odds. We have 11 $100 slots if you want to test this theory ;)

Is it true that the average payout for slots is 35%?

35%?!! No. That’s almost as bad as the California lottery at 55% payback. The state law in Nevada limits casinos to 75%. In California, the law permits 80%. However, despite the law, few operator even get close to 90% (mainly back east). I would guess that most of my competitors here in Southern California set their average at 91% to 94%.

When the payout percentage is set for a multi-game machine like Game King, are all of the games set for the same percentage, or each individually? Does Video Keno fall under these “payout percentages” or are the real Keno odds used?

Generally, they are all different. However, the pokers are fairly close within a single cabinet. Here at Pechanga, there is less than three percentage points of difference between the tightest and the loosest poker machine on the floors. But on a single multi-game cabinet, there is less than one percent difference from tight to loose. Keno is generally three points tighter than poker. Video reels games on GameKing machines tend to be five or more points tighter (but they have bigger payouts for the winners).

In the new slot game LORD OF THE RINGS, what is the significance of the Player’s Life login and website? Is this something that will be seen in all new slot games?

Interactivity with slots and the Web is definitely coming. The Lord of the Rings is just one example (in that game you can advance the bonuses and game play themes by playing in the casino …or…playing on-line for free.) Some other options I’ve seen are the ability to “copy” a winning slot jackpot screen and email it to friends. We have our own Facebook games you should check out here.

It seems like the slots have gotten tighter over the years. Have the odds changed?

You’ll never believe this; but the odds on the same types of machines have gotten looser over the years. (In other words, the 5¢; 25¢ and $1 games are the same or looser). However, for the last three years most casinos have added hundreds of 1¢ machines. They are tighter than the older $1 machines for example…but a lot more fun to play and you can play them longer for the same amount of spend (despite slightly worse odds.).

Why not bring back some slots with coins?

When the tickets first arrived; we had thousands of complaints…until guest stared playing them. They didn’t miss the dirty hands, the “empty hoppers,” and machine jams. The folks working in the casino had a dramatic reduction in strains and pains due to lifting, wrapping and exchanging coins and the machines didn’t break down as often. Also, they allowed the penny machine to blossom. The coin hoppers didn’t handle pennies or dimes very well and jammed all the time. I do miss the noise from dollars hitting the trays, but not that much!

“We are becoming well known as the place to spend New Year’s in Southern California,” said Pechanga Development Corporation President Michelle Markstrom. “No one else throws a party like Pechanga. We go to great lengths to offer something for everyone, in a world-class setting, to make for an extraordinary New Year’s filled with unforgettable moments.”

NYE at Pechanga was indeed a series of memorable events, headlined by recent CMA award-winner, Miranda Lambert. As one of the hottest NYE tickets in the nation, Miranda toasted guests casino-wide at the stroke of midnight, as it was broadcast on more than 50 giant LCD and plasma screens across the casino. See it here. Her guitar player sang “Auld Lang Syne” as she reportedly went offstage to kiss her fiancé Blake Shelton. Shelton joined her onstage minutes later for an acoustic version of his hit, “Home.” 

Rap legend Too $hort and Dirt Nasty (AKA Simon Rex) performed in Southern California’s largest nightclub, Silk. Guest star Andre Legacy joined them on stage for a memorable performance that began with Dirt taking the stage just before midnight and Too $hort joining the two after the big countdown.  The Pechanga Grand Ballroom saw a spectacularly decorated New York–themed Gala, complete with a Central Park entrance, street performers, vintage Big Apple cabs and even a scaled-down version of the Statue of Liberty. Twelve floors above the Ballroom, revelers were dancing the night away in the Eagle’s Nest Lounge to a Flashback ’80s party, while an Asian variety show was held in the Comedy Club with Rachel Tran. The Cabaret Lounge saw a free bash with two classic rock bands, entertaining the partygoers well into the morning hours. 

But the real action had to be at the renowned Pechanga Round Bar, where several thousand revelers gathered for the big countdown. As Miranda was broadcast on the TVs and confetti streamed from the ceiling, hugs and kisses were in abundance and the crowd’s roar was simply deafening. 

It was also the casino’s most interactive NYE to date, with Facebook “check-in” promotions, text-in shoutouts displayed across the casino, and a live photo gallery of revelers updated on Facebook and on screens across the property throughout the night.

To see the festivities in more than 100 photos, check out our Facebook gallery here.

Entree : Surf and Turf * 6 0z Filet Mignon with 3 prawns, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, port wine mushroom sauce

Dessert : Crème brulee

Price : 3 course meal $25.95 * Dinner plate $19.95

Great Oak 

Starter : 1st* Oxtail consommé * oxtail dumplings, root vegetables brunoise OR mache salad, drunken goat cheese, candied walnuts, beet vinaigrette

2nd* Cold salmon, grains of osetra caviar, extra virgin oil OR Duck confit, Molokai sweet potatoes, blood oranges, and savory baby greens and herbs

Entrée : Tenderloin, petit filet of beef on slow roasted short rib ragout, salsify, fingerling potatoes and asparagus, béarnaise sauce OR Seafood, “Sopa de Mariscos” topped with pan roasted sea bass and fried calamari, scallop, shrimp, and crabmeat in fresh herb-tomato broth

Dessert : Pastry Chefs New Year’s Chocolate Extravaganza

Price : $69

Seafood Grotto 

Appetizer : Baked oyster topped with crab meat OR Crispy shrimp remoulade, corn relish, mixed greens

Entrée : Surf & Turf * Filet mignon with butter poached lobster tail, roasted root vegetables, béarnaise sauce

Dessert : Pastry Chefs New Year’s Dessert

Price : $55


 

Kelsey’s 

Appetizer : Kelsey’s House Salad, with choice of dressing OR Clam chowder

Entrée : Surf & Turf * Medallions of tenderloin of beef and jumbo shrimp, crispy potato cake, asparagus, béarnaise sauce

Dessert : Chocolate lava cake

Price : $39.95

Paisano’s 

Starter : Scallop gratin with prosciutto, parmesan and focaccia herb crust OR Tomato caprese

Entrée : Tortelli Pasta filled with braised short rib, chives and sage butter OR Pork Tenderloin, crackling skin and sausage with lentils creamy polenta

Dessert : Cassata Paisano, layers of chocolate and ricotta cheese cake with candied fruits

Price : $49

The Buffet 

Carve Station : Roast prime rib of beef, teriyaki glazed pork loin

Americana Station, Pasta Station, Seafood Station, Asian Station, Pizza Station, Soup, Mediterranean Station, Seafood

Price : $28

So now we want to know: How are you giving back in your community for the holidays? In return, one of you will get to experience a Spa Pechanga Miracle Makeover and massage. Check out our last makeover to get an idea of how great it truly is.

Click here to tell us how you’re giving back this holiday season and enter yourself to win.

It’s just a small way for us to once again give back to those who give and contribute to our community. Good luck to all who participate and happy holidays from all of us at Pechanga!

The contest ends Dec. 23rd, so hurry!

KTLA’s Gayle Anderson took a trip out to Pechanga for their “One Tank Trip” series to show off California’s largest casino and some of our four diamond amenities. It’s a great snapshot of only a few of the great reasons as to why Winners ‘Like’ Pechanga.

Thanks for coming, KTLA!

Maria Velasquez hit the jackpot on the $1 machine after investing only $10 (not a bad payoff for the investment). Pechanga Casino, California’s largest casino, has paid out more than $37 million in jackpots over $1,200 in November so far. Watch the live jackpot meters here.

Velasquz’ jackpot comes just two months after a San Diego County woman hit a $2.4 million jackpot on the Indiana Jones penny slot.

Another Mega Jackpots machine playable at Pechanga, Mega Bucks, currently has a jackpot of more than $8.2 million and is due to hit soon. If slots aren’t your style, the Pechanga Poker Room has a Mega Share Jackpot set at more than $155,000.

New technology will be incorporated in every hotel room. Each deluxe room will have a 42-inch LCD HDTV, while each suite will feature three LCD HDTVs – a 32-inch screen above the wet bar, as well as two 42-inch screens in the living room and in the bedroom. Every guest room will be outfitted with GuestLink, a new input system that will allow guests to plug in their personal electronic devices to view on the HDTV and listen through the surround sound system.

Guests will be able to hook-up their laptops, video game systems, portable Blu-ray players, iPods or whatever electronic device they choose to use through the video and audio channels.

Free wireless Internet will continue to be offered, allowing younger guests to enjoy online multiplayer games with their friends back home. This will save Pechanga guests from costly add-on room charges that many hotels tack on to customer bills.

Every corridor will have plush new carpet in a subtle blue hue with French chocolate borders. New wallpaper in the hallways will accentuate the natural aesthetic of the hotel tower, giving way to a softer ambience. Each deluxe room will receive new contemporary furniture, including an armoire, writing desk, three-drawer dresser, nightstands, headboard, and entertainment center.

Be sure to check in with us on Facebook and ask her a question about skin products, how to keep your skin healthy, and any questions about spa massages and treatments.

Jennie: What’s a good moisturizer? I oily tzone skin and dry everywhere else.

I have the same issue!! I use Epicuren’s Colostrum Cream Serum, It is amazing we sell it, I live by it! It is great for people like us because it goes on light but gives you the moisture that your skin is craving.

Rose: The hard water in the Inland Empire is ruining our skin. What can we do extra?

Hard water is a tough one, but if you tone your face after washing it, with Epicuren’s Protein Mist Enzyme toner it restores the skin’s PH while hydrating. I keep my bottle in the fridge for a refreshing boost.

Tracey: Best under-eye treatments for both wrinkles and dark circles without taking out a loan?

I know what you mean, eye serums can be so expensive! Eye Alive by Epicuren is a good one, it increases blood circulation that combat puffiness, and dark circles.

Robin: Best facial for a perfect poker face?

Nothing keeps me more cool and collected than if know I am looking my best, I recommend the express facial if you are in a hurry to get to the poker room, if you have more time try the Organic Enzyme Facial it is like a facelift in 80 minutes.

Maria: Recommendations for redness?

Redness can be caused by many factors, without analyzing your skin I would start by taking a look at what you are currently using, what are some of the ingredients in the products that you have? Are you allergic to any foods such as milk, some facial products are made with things like milk, honey, nuts etc. There may be something that is causing the redness. Stop by and we can take a look at your skin and find a solution.

Carrie: Do you have any special spa packages for an anniversary?

The Couples Massage is perfect for you! We offer massages side by side, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in our large luxurious couple’s suite. Talk about romantic!!

Cheryl: What’s the best face moisturizer to use that has spf in it?

Most great moisturizers unfortunately do not have SPF in them, or very little (like 15) GM Collin’s Voile Solaire Mineral Sun Veil Cream Tinted lotion does have SPF 15. i will remind you to apply SPF throughout the day as one application is not enough if you are out and about. Better safe than sorry! Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the US and affects 2 million people a year.

Consider it an early Christmas present that you’ll never forget — the ultimate spa package, including a haircut + up do, full glamour makeup and, best of all, our signature massage. And all you have to do to enter to win is head to our Facebook page, ‘Like’ it and submit your entry.

Learn more about Spa Pechanga in the latest review from the Press-Enterprise or head to the Spa Pechanga website to check out their latest specials.

Miranda Lambert

New Year’s Eve is already upon us, and we’re excited to announce that our Pechanga Theater event with country star Miranda Lambert is now on sale. She will also play a show on 12/30. This is Lambert’s second show at the Pechanga Theater. Tickets start at $70 for 12/30 and $80 for New Year’s Eve.

Pechanga was host to more than 70,000 people for last year’s New Year’s Eve festivities, rivaling the entire city of Las Vegas.

MMA Apocalypse in the Cage

You asked, and we listened: MMA is on its way to Pechanga Nov. 19, with special guest appearances from UFC fighters Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. Tickets start at only $37. The fight card will be announced soon, but these tickets will go fast, so reserve your seats now.