Back in mid-January I talked about the “war” the locals casinos were waging to win the hearts and the money of Vegas residents. Well, the shooting has not abated.

This month the Palms took a page from South Point’s war plan and put a little chart in their February mailers, comparing their comp-point system with Station and Coast properties, their close-by competitors. Never mind that you have to look at a lot more factors than how many points it takes to earn a $1 comp. (Like what kind of promotions they have, whether all machines earn the same for promotions and bounce-back, and whether you can get cash instead of comps.)  But their little chart showed that they were at the top of the heap for the least number of points needed for a dollar in comps.

However, I just got a mailing from the Stations and they are preparing for a major assault on February 14. I’m sure they are hoping this will be modern-day Valentine's Day Massacre that will destroy the competition. From that day on, all Boarding Pass members can redeem points for free slot play @ 1,000 points = $1. That is a major change in the comp-only points of the previous Station players club.

They are adding some “sweet” treats for the players that I’m sure will leave a sour taste in the mouths of competing casino executives. First, members will earn points while playing off their free slot play. As the notice said: “That’s free play on their free play!" And to kick off this new benefit, all the Stations will be giving SEVEN times points from February 14-18, which “will add up to more free slot play!”

Some details before you ask: Only points earned after February 14 are eligible for free slot play but there’s no max on how much you can redeem.  You won’t lose your existing points; they can still be used for comps.

Let the war continue!

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