Going through our October casino mailers the last few days, a couple of unusual bonuses for “slots” caught my eye. I am used to seeing ongoing promotions for bonus-point days that give more points for slot play than for video poker play, often twice as much (6x vs.3x at the Cannery Casinos) or even better (5x vs. 2x at Silverton).   However, in October, South Point is offering no bonus-point days for video poker but 5x points every day for slots.   And Ellis Island has added three 12x-point days just for slots, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday. 

Some people use the word “slots” to refer to all machines in a casino, whatever the game. When I use the word, I am always excluding video poker from the slot category - and casinos are doing a better job these days in spelling out what they mean. For example, in the above-mentioned promotions, South Point says you get 5x points on “slots and video reel machines.”   Ellis Island says you get 12x points on “all reel and video reel machines.” 

But these definitions can be confusing and open to interpretation, particularly when casinos talk about “slot machines” in connection with a bonus promotion. Sometimes all machines are treated the same, i.e., if the bonus is awarded on all W-2G jackpots. If it is a royal flush bonus, obviously that would refer only to video poker machines. Where one might need to check details would be on a multiple-points bonus – are keno or blackjack machines considered “slots”? 

Most people know that Brad and I play video poker almost exclusively. However, you might see us playing a little social blackjack on a cruise ship or notice us at a crap table or another casino table game when we have coupons. 

But down through the years you might have been surprised to see us occasionally at a slot machine and wonder why we have strayed from video poker. It could be that a promo a casino is running is “juicier” on slots than on video poker. Or, there is some script or coupons that can only be redeemed in slot machines. (That happened in a casino in Venice, Italy.) Or, the slot machine has a progressive or it is a bonusing machine that has gone into positive territory. It could be that we know a casino may give much better rewards (like higher bounce-back) to a gambler who “mixes up” his play than to someone who only sticks to the best video poker games.  

However, on rare occasions we might just be in the mood for some recreational play and see a new slot machine that looks entertaining. I could just call it “research” – but there is no sin in just having fun!   We need to relax more in our golden years anyway!

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From Martin, a helpful Palms hint:  

Even as an out-of-towner, I always go down that little hallway on the right side of the Club Palm booth and on the wall there are usually all the current promotions listed. Also there are “hard stock” flyers with detailed rules (covering their butts) on all such promos. 

Thanks, Martin, for reminding me to publicize this. The Palms has many good promotions but they are also often VERY complicated. I make it a point to pick up these flyers and read them VERY carefully. It’s a job because there isn’t just a little fine print – the complete flyer rules and regulations are in fine print! 

Derek caught an omission in my August 1st blog entry about “Taxing Changes.” 

I just read your blog about states that do not allow deductions to offset your W2G winnings.  Please add Massachusetts to your list.  We have to claim the winnings but cannot deduct any gambling losses. That's why we call it "Taxachusetts." 

Oops, I missed this naughty state when I copied that list from Chapter 9 of Tax Help for Gamblers: “How All 50 States Handle Gambling Wins/Losses. 

From a reader who wants to stay anonymous, about my “beef” with Station casinos: 

If you try to make an argument for sending the same mailer to two players with the same coin–in, one who plays only Optimums and one who plays penny slots, not only are you wrong, you will never move Station management on anything.   You need to see their side of it - they are a business and they need to make a profit. 

This raises a valid point. Actually I have never said that skilled players should get the same from a casino as unskilled players. I understand and accept the difference. My main concern in the August 14th blog entry was that in a  Stations promotion that seemed to be for all 50+ seniors it was not clearly stated that you were excluded if you didn’t get the monthly mailer. 

I notice that I am not the only one who is bothered about many casino promotions and advertising. A recent article in the Las Vegas Sun says that “some casino customers are taking their complaints about ambiguous or deceptive promotions to the Gaming Control Board” and that the Board is taking them seriously. 

Thanks, Westie, for pointing out that Sun artcle and another one that talks about the theft of slot club points. A warning for all of us to monitor our slot club accounts closely and frequently.

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In June South Point is bringing back one of our favorite promotions – gas cards for half-price. It’s like getting 2x points every day all month! 

It takes 8334 points to earn one Chevron $50 gas card in this “pump with your points” promotion. (Ordinarily that would be worth only $25 in cashback.) There is a limit of 20 cards per player. For you out-of-towners, be sure you have Chevron stations in your hometown. However, the cards don't expire so even if you don’t have any locally, you might be able to use them when you travel in other parts of the country. If you live in Vegas, there is no problem – plenty of Chevron here. 

There is also a new senior movie promotion at South Point. Now you can see any movie starting before 3 p.m. for $3 if you show your club card. This is good 7 days a week!  

And so that I won’t be criticized as being narrow-minded and not appreciating diversity, I offer you information about two events at South Point coming up:

Tattoos-Days in the Pool - $5 cover – contests with prizes – June 2, July 7, August 4, and September 1. Show off your ink poolside!

Bull-fighting – Fiestas Patrias – Sept 14 and 15. They advertise this as bloodless bull fighting. I hope the bulls get this message! 

More about these money-saving promotions and "exciting" events at the South Point Web site.

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This was totally unexpected  - as it was when the same thing happened at the Stations. On June 1 the Palms is going from a comp-only point system to giving free play for points. And to my surprise, they are keeping the redemption value the same – 400 points = $1. 

Some of the details of the new program: 

You can earn points for your purchases at the Palms - $1 cash purchase earns one point. (This point-for-purchase is also available at the Venetian/Palazzo and Harrah’s and perhaps other casinos.) 

What about points you have in your account June 1? These are called “Original points” and can be redeemed for comps only just as before. They must be used up by May 31, 2010 or they will be “forfeited.” 

Another feature of the new program was mentioned in an e-mail news release I received:  “As an added bonus Palms is also ending its practice of having caps on point multipliers.”  Hurrah! 

In the original printed rules describing this new Palm program, it said that “designated” machines were excluded from earning any points. But a friend of mine who gets good “inside” information has said that they were rethinking this and would be permitting points to be earned on all machines. “ However the ‘better’ machines will not be eligible for any point multipliers. Stickers will be put on the machines indicating this.  Exactly WHICH machines has not yet been officially determined, but for sure all 100% machines will have the stickers, and maybe the NSUDs. Those are currently under discussion.”   

So look for those dreaded stickers starting June 1 before you start playing!

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http://www.videopoker.com/ – Play all the IGT video poker games, including new ones like Quick Quads Poker and Ultimate X Poker.   Practice when there is no risk to your gambling bankroll. 

http://savelv.com/ - “Save Money on Las Vegas Hotels, Entertainment, Dining & Fun Things To Do.” You can subscribe to get daily updates by e-mail. 

www.lasvegasgamblingedge.com - Charles Lund has always been good at collecting information and putting it into lists that are helpful to gamblers who want to play smarter, especially video poker players. After being on various sites on the Internet, he now has his own Web site and information you might not find anywhere else, at least in such an organized fashion. As well as lists about casino promotions and benefits, he also has categories for detailed Las Vegas information, like Free Attractions.   I have added it to my “Favorites.” 

And if you want a comprehensive list of links to video poker information, subscribe to vpFREE at vpFREE-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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As you all know, I recommend play on days when a casino offers bonus-point multipliers. But you must be careful that you know the details of any these promotions. Each casino’s system has its own quirks and here are some of the things you need to watch for: 

--Just what is multiplied? For example, Harrah’s multipliers only add to the base Reward Credits, not to the bonus Credits or to the Tier Credits. And if a casino is running another promotion at the same time, like the one at the Palms this month in which you can earn cash or free play instead of comps, those benefits can be earned only on base points, not on any multiplier points. 

--What are the limits? Some casinos set no limits – you can play for bonus points until your fingers freeze up. However, you need to check. For example, Silverton usually sets a limit of 60,000 bonus points (on top of the regular single points). This means that if you play there tomorrow, President’s Day, you can get their 5x points only on the first 15,000 points you earn; after that you are earning single points. The Palms usually (not always – read rules for each promotion carefully) has a limit of 40,000 bonus points. 

--What are the hours the bonus will be given? Often bonus promotions run from midnight to midnight, but there are exceptions. Silverton ran a 9x promotion this last January 1st from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. 

--Are all machines included in the promotion? Tuscany, Cannery, and Ellis Island exclude some machines from their multiple-point days. Fortunately, they do have labels on those machines so you know this before you start your play 

--Are the multipliers for everyone? Station Casinos sometimes sends out cards to individual customers with a promotion only for those that get the mailer. Green Valley Ranch has a multi-point promotion for only seniors on Wednesdays this month. Harrah’s multi-point promotion is only for players with Platinum cards and above. 

As I warn over and over again when I talk about promotions – the devil is in the details!

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I am no authority on how casinos could/should run their business during this severe economic downturn, but it seems as if they shouldn’t be making cuts that say to old loyal customers, “We don’t want your business any more.” And it looks like they should be doing more to attract new customers. 

Among the casinos that are making a good effort to keep existing players and attract new ones, Silverton stands high. You see their advertisements every time you turn around, in the newspaper, on TV, and on billboards. Here are some of the promotions they are running in February: 

--A good no-risk signup bonus. Join their players club and they will give you $50 in free slot play - $25 on the day you join and $25 on your next visit within the next 30 days. 

--Earn a “Snuggie.” You know you have seen these advertised on TV and wished you had one! I had! Earn just 250 points on reel slots or 500 on video poker and you can feel warm and fuzzy on your couch in one of these. And the casino doesn’t even take away those points – so they stay in your account and add to your comp balance. You can earn only one Snuggie a day, but you can do this promo every day –a chance to work ahead on your holiday gift list 

--Two-for-one restaurant deal (4-10 p.m.). This promotion has been running for a couple of months, but it proved too popular and the lines became impossible. So this month they have changed it and you can get this discount only if you have a players card at the silver or higher level. However, this is not a big hurdle if you plan to put some play on your card anyway. Ordinarily it takes 5000 points to reach the silver level but this month you can get there with only 1000 points. 

--Nightly drawing at 8 p.m. Big plus here over past drawings – the entries are generated electronically. And another convenient feature of Silverton drawings: You don't have to be present to win; they give you 3 hours to collect your prize! 

As I always warn, you need to check at the players club for the details of any of these promotions. And another warning, especially during these bad economic times, don't gamble with money you need for life’s necessities.     

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Well, I'm finally back here in Blogville after surviving the last three weeks: 

A Wii-filled holiday with the Frugal Princess family in Columbus, GA. The Wii game Brad and I gave as a family gift this year was a wonderful way to bring together family and friends of all ages, not only for group fun but healthy exercise at the same time - I can't believe how winded you can get virtually bowling! (I read that Wii is becoming THE thing in nursing homes and I can see why.)   Below is a photo of grandson Zachary and me giving Brad some encouragement in virtual baseball.

The backyard trampoline didn't get as much action as the Wii, but Brad and I wanted to show the young whippersnappers that we still had some adventure and energy left!

A family reunion in New Orleans, where I arranged hotel accommodations, meals, and/or entertainment options for up to 13 people, from babies to seniors. It kept me so busy I forgot my shock and dismay at turning 70. Besides people said I didn’t look that much older than my 60- and 65-year-old sisters, left to right, Starr and June.

When Brad and I flew back to Vegas on the 30th, we hit the runway at top speed, phoning to make plans before we even deplaned and organizing to be sure none of our bounce-back expired, stopping at Ellis Island to collect some on the way home from the airport.   On the 31st there is no time to unpack completely or unwind. In the morning free play awaited us at NYNY and Hard Rock, and we did some play at the former. Then the annual New Year’s Eve Huntington Press party was our next stop in the afternoon. By 5 o’clock the Strip was being closed so we had to use the Desert Inn Arterial under it to get to the Eastside and pick up more bounce-back cash at Ellis Island, an every-year extra offer for after 4 p.m. to lure customers to spend New Year’s Eve in their casino. 

However, we were bushed so picked up our $25 apiece and immediately headed back to our west-side-of-the-Strip condo, again via the DI Arterial.   There will be plenty of time to play at EI another time when it is not so crowded and smoky!   And then it was to bed early to sleep the new year in as we were still suffering major jet lag. We had invitations to parties at almost every casino we had ever played in during the last 10 years or so (casinos are desperate for warm bodies so are digging very deep in their databases). However, we had tired of that comp long ago after we had our own place in Vegas and weren’t staying in casinos very often anymore. At our ages sleeping in our own bed is high on our Best Activity in Vegas list.

January 1 didn’t bring a rest day - holidays in Vegas never do for us. Bonus point promotions are still one of our best techniques for extracting money from casinos. We don’t have the stamina to play as many hours in one day as we used to do but we managed to max out the 9x points at Silverton (they only gave the bonus on 10K earned points) and do the 10K points at South Point that would be doubled and qualify us for the $30x4 mailer in March. There is a higher mailer there - $50x4 –that requires 45K points, but we usually opt for the second level down because we like the more comfortable playtime length. And it does have a higher EV.

The busy schedule continued on January 2 and 3rd: To the Palms to use comps in the Salon – haircut and style, fill for acrylic nails, pedicure – so I looked presentable at the infamous Blackjack Ball on Friday night. A tournament at Excalibur, with free play pickup and some major play. Pickup and play at NYNY. Bounceback pickup and play for 5x points at Hard Rock. Pickups at Palms and Green Valley Ranch.

On the 4th and 5th we crashed, the first days in a month I didn’t have to comb my hair, put on makeup, get dressed, and go out among people – I call them my nightgown days . We finally got completely unpacked and I could attack the stack of paperwork that had accumulated while we were out of town.     

Today, after I finish this blog entry, I am reviewing all our past-year casino play, double-checking the EV (game plus extras), and looking for casinos to drop since I am resolving – for the umpteen time – to cut down on our busy schedule. Although all of our plays are over 100% - that’s what being an advantage player means – I am going to drop some where the edge is lower and step up play where the edge is better. I will take other things besides EV into consideration: whether I like the game we have to play or it seems more like a duty, or whether the casino has good air circulation or is very smoky. 

A big issue is travel time. Although we like to play Multi-Strike at Green Valley Ranch, our January mailers (Brad and I just can’t get the same one although we play about the same amount of time on the same machines) require 14 trips to do all the play on bonus-point days and pick up all the free play. 14 trips of 25 miles round trip. Even with gas prices down, the expense of this play and the time involved cut down the hourly rate and/or EV to an unacceptable level. So out it goes – and I feel more relaxed already!

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I was catching up on “Today’s News” on the LVA homepage and saw this September 24 item: “ECan Tops Market.  According to Majestic Research, which tracks "game usage" (i.e., number of bodies on the games) at Vegas casinos, Eastside Cannery is #1 in the locals market during the third quarter of 2008.” 

I was wondering when they took their survey. If it was on September 15, that was the first day of a 10-times-points promotion and I saw more skilled VP players than I had seen in one place since Tuscany had their 4-to-a-royal promotion several years ago. Some had driven in from Nevada border states and even flown in from points more distant. However, it is not just those players who live and die by their math calculations who are attracted to good promotions. There are hundreds of Vegas locals who may not be able to figure the math of a promotion but when they see 10x points, they will guess that it is good and make an effort to take advantage of it. 

So, if the newly opened East Cannery was wanting to plump up their database, this 10x promotion was a good idea that worked. However, it may have been more successful for the players than for the casino. What was to be a continuing promotion on Mondays and Wednesdays the rest of September was abruptly cancelled after that first Monday. So if the 3rd quarter survey was taken a couple of days later, the results would have been much different – you would have seen a much less crowded casino floor. 

A personal note here: Although this was a super promotion, with a strong EV (theoretical return), Brad and I lost about $4000 that day, even counting the $4000 we earned in bonus slot points. High EV does not guarantee short-term wins. However, after gambling with a good advantage percentage for 23 years, we have proved without a shadow of a doubt that it is the key to long-term profits.    

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The premiere edition of the "Coast Connection" appears in today's Review-Journal. This is a 20-page insert similar to the one Station has been offering the last few months. It contains property-specific coupons (including those valuable match plays!) and information about gaming promotions, food specials, and events for each of four Boyd casinos -- Sam’s Town, Suncoast, The Orleans, and Gold Coast. A handy feature is the October Event Calendar for each casino that lets you see a lot of information with one quick glance.

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