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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Here is an updated Internet resource list for details about Las Vegas senior promotions:

1. Station and Fiesta casinos – Senior 50 Plus Wednesdays 

2.  M Resort – Seniors Plus 

3. Silverton – Seniors Club 

4. Club Coast Movie Specials – Orleans, Suncoast, and Sam’s Town Theaters 

5. South Point Senior Movie Special 

6. Ellis Island – 50+ Club – (No details given on Web site – check at player’s club) 

Note: Many of these sites will be useful in giving you details about general promotions, as well as those just for seniors. 

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Recently I received this comment from a reader: 

Please tell me more about "senior" status in Vegas. Where can I find info about being 55 and finding some deals? Out East, we are only "seniors" after 65.
My next trip is in December. I am doing some homework on deals. I believe airfare "senior" is still 65? 

A timely question as we are all getting older all the time! 

First, most everyone could snag some frugal discounts beginning at age 50 by joining AARP. Many places, especially motels/hotels and better restaurants, don’t have an age-specific requirement but an organizational one – and that often includes AARP. Be aware that you’re eligible for this membership whether you are retired or still working. 

Vegas is no different than any other city anywhere in the U.S. – if you see a senior discount posted, you can ask for it and ask about age requirement. If you “look old,” you might get this without asking about the exact details. This will often work in fast-food places, where you might score a percentage discount or a bargain-price drink. Those young kids working behind the counter think anyone over 40 is “old.” In fact, one of my rare pleasures these days are the times someone asks for my ID if I ask for the senior discount!!! 

Some Vegas casinos follow the AARP lead. Both the Station and Silverton have strong 50+ promotions. Check out their Web sites to see the food specials, point bonuses, and/or drawings that are offered. Both have chosen Wednesdays as their “Senior Days” for some months now. 

The last time I saw a movie at the Palms, I noticed their senior prices kick in at age 60. At movies always check – matinee prices might be cheaper than senior ones. But after 6 p.m. senior prices are always a big bargain. Speaking of movies, South Point Theater is still running a senior special and it is better than ever. Just $3 cash (can’t use slot club points for this price) EVERY DAY for movies starting before 3 p.m. They don’t state a senior age requirement on their Web site or posted at the ticket office and they waffled when I asked them for this information. 

They seemed pretty loose about this so if you look even “somewhat old,” just ask to buy senior tickets. Maybe slide your AARP card in with your three bucks? Or, if they question your age, just say that you “feel old” that day! And if you don’t meet even their loose standards, anyone can get into the first showing of any movie that day for the early-bird price $6.50, discounted from the regular matinee price of $7.75. (Brad hates inflation – he used to see his cowboy movies for a dime - unless he crouched down and slipped under the ticket window and got in free!) 

The Century Theatres at the Coast Casinos (Sam’s Town, Suncoast, and The Orleans) continue their “Senior Discount Day” on Tuesdays – all movies all day are $3. Their requirements are listed in the newspaper ad: You must be 60 and show your ID and Club Coast players card. (Not 60 yet, go on Wednesday and you get a small popcorn free with a ticket purchase.) 

There are probably more senior deals I have forgotten. Shoot me an e-mail if you know of some I missed: queenofcomps@cox.net.

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