Like others have already mentioned, I agree that Talking Stick Resort & Casino is like a mini Vegas in the Phoenix area.
The casino was very nice, clean, and upscale. There were plenty of interactive video slots, video roulette, table black jack, a HUGE room for poker, and of course, LOTS of SMOKERS too (cough! cough!).
There were a few licensed slots like "The Hangover", "Deal or No Deal", "Ghostbusters", etc. You win in small increments, so you feel like a winner! It also depends on the slots if "Lady Luck" is with you. The Progressive Slots didn't have HUGE thousand dollar payouts, I dunno...maybe there were recent winners?
The Ticket Redemption machine doesn't pay out any coin change - you will receive a machine voucher for the coin difference after you collect your paper money.
The Spa is on the 14th floor. They were very friendly. (I was checking it out for next time).
I LOVE (Vegas quality) buffets! I really liked this buffet - there was a very nice variety of different foods, salads, and lots of fantastic desserts! Friendly and professional service in the buffet overall. I seriously forgot I was in Phoenix! It almost felt like I was in a Vegas resort buffet! (If I lived closer, I would eat in this buffet all the time!)
We signed up for the Players Rewards...they gave us a free pair of sunglasses and $4 credit. We used the $4 towards the $15 price for the lunch buffet.
The lovely view of the natural desert out the huge windows reminded me of why tourists come to the Phoenix area.