Whatever you do, do not pay to be in a slot tournament.
Generally, folks who have patronized a casino (and have a players card) receive invites to the "invitational" tournaments.
When you go to Vegas, ask at the players club desk.
You never know when some casino might schedule something to get folks in the door.
Harrah's used to have "Summerfest" and "Winterfest" tournaments that anyone could sign up for (non-invitational).
If they still have those, the dates may or may not match with yours.
They were 10 minute (or less) cattle drive sessions, high 2-3 scorers eligible to be in subsequent rounds, etc.
Call Harrah's (or any property in Vegas) before you go and ask.
For the nicer tournaments, the "invitational" type, invitations are sent from the casinos' lists of players, and usually those who have a record of substantial play.
I like slot tournaments (kills some time away from gambling).
A bank of machines is set up for tournament play only, not the regular casino machines.
You draw (or some other system) for your machine number. Different number each round, usually 2-4 rounds.
When they say "go", you pound on the button as fast as you can for the duration of the round, 3-10 minutes depending.
Your scores from all rounds are totaled, which determines where you end up in prize money (Free Play).
Some give a minimum amount prize to all players, some only to the top 50 or 100 or so, depending on how many play.
