Summer of Tournaments – Day 2
Over the years, I’ve received many inquiries about Laughlin. The first time I came here many years ago, I didn’t like it. There are too many old people, not enough going on at night, not enough casinos, very little to do if you’re not into the river things. Now ten years later, I’ve grown into the place. Even at 63, I’m still one of the younger kids around here. I find plenty to do and I’ve grown accustomed to the slower pace. Granted, I only come here when there’s a tournament or special offer, but I usually enjoy my time just hanging around the lounge and visiting the few casinos that are here.
I slept in late and didn’t get out of the room until it was almost time for the tournament. They’ve moved the slot tournament area to the non-smoking section of the casino on the newer machines that are roped off. There are only 14 machines in play per five minute session with nine sessions per hour for three hours. They’ve really sped up the times because with these new machines, you don’t need to check in or sign out as your name is right on the machine. When you finish your session, you know right then what place you’re in within that section.
There is no skill to slot tournaments. You tap on the deal button as fast as you can and just hope some good hits come your way. Today (and this is usually the case for me), the good hits didn’t come my way and I came in 10th place out of my group of 14 people. By the end of the day, I was 101 out of 385 people playing. The tournament pays the top 50 spots. I’m not holding my breath. Unless I come in the top 3 at my session tomorrow, there will be no need to hang around for the payouts.
I had an $80 free play coupon, so I did play but not for long. I only had one quad in a couple of hours playing and quit with just 600 tier points. I didn’t want to lose too much on my first stay. It’s going to be a long summer.
I dropped into the Diamond Lounge for a little lunch. They were serving sandwiches, cordon bleu balls, and rice. I drove down to the Golden Nugget to check out the atrium, which had been remodeled a little bit and see if anything was new in the place. There were a good many people playing and so I sat down to play a couple of games. This place has the highest point requirements at $30 for 1 point.
The famous Gold Nugget still sits in the lobby. At today’s prices…if only...
The remodeled atrium at the Golden Nugget – still one of the prettiest spots in Laughlin
I walked next door to the Pioneer. It’s been a while since I’ve been in here and you know what I found new here? Nothing. Aside from rebranding their café, everything is same as it has been for the past ten years. If you like old school Vegas, this is your place. Low ceilings, red booths, coin fed machines, and a snack bar that serves foot long hot dogs for $4 (a tad high for this old place).
The Pioneer entrance
I debated whether or not to go see another movie, but thought I’ll have a lot of time to kill in Vegas, so I headed back to Harrah’s. The Belmont Stakes was about to be run, so I went back to the Diamond Lounge, ordered a vodka tonic and waited for the race to begin. The lounge was packed with everyone holding racing tickets and there was a real party atmosphere going on as the race was about to start. Of course, California Chrome lost and the Diamond Lounge floor was covered with torn tickets. No one bet on the winner (at least no one said they had) and as soon as the race was over, everyone was out of there.
The view of the Colorado River from the Diamond Lounge patio.
I was back in the casino as I needed to put a couple of points on Martin’s card so his comp points would stay in play. I then just headed back to my room. Here’s hoping I do little better during the second session of the slot tournament.
More tomorrow.
Over the years, I’ve received many inquiries about Laughlin. The first time I came here many years ago, I didn’t like it. There are too many old people, not enough going on at night, not enough casinos, very little to do if you’re not into the river things. Now ten years later, I’ve grown into the place. Even at 63, I’m still one of the younger kids around here. I find plenty to do and I’ve grown accustomed to the slower pace. Granted, I only come here when there’s a tournament or special offer, but I usually enjoy my time just hanging around the lounge and visiting the few casinos that are here.
I slept in late and didn’t get out of the room until it was almost time for the tournament. They’ve moved the slot tournament area to the non-smoking section of the casino on the newer machines that are roped off. There are only 14 machines in play per five minute session with nine sessions per hour for three hours. They’ve really sped up the times because with these new machines, you don’t need to check in or sign out as your name is right on the machine. When you finish your session, you know right then what place you’re in within that section.
There is no skill to slot tournaments. You tap on the deal button as fast as you can and just hope some good hits come your way. Today (and this is usually the case for me), the good hits didn’t come my way and I came in 10th place out of my group of 14 people. By the end of the day, I was 101 out of 385 people playing. The tournament pays the top 50 spots. I’m not holding my breath. Unless I come in the top 3 at my session tomorrow, there will be no need to hang around for the payouts.
I had an $80 free play coupon, so I did play but not for long. I only had one quad in a couple of hours playing and quit with just 600 tier points. I didn’t want to lose too much on my first stay. It’s going to be a long summer.
I dropped into the Diamond Lounge for a little lunch. They were serving sandwiches, cordon bleu balls, and rice. I drove down to the Golden Nugget to check out the atrium, which had been remodeled a little bit and see if anything was new in the place. There were a good many people playing and so I sat down to play a couple of games. This place has the highest point requirements at $30 for 1 point.
The famous Gold Nugget still sits in the lobby. At today’s prices…if only...
The remodeled atrium at the Golden Nugget – still one of the prettiest spots in Laughlin
I walked next door to the Pioneer. It’s been a while since I’ve been in here and you know what I found new here? Nothing. Aside from rebranding their café, everything is same as it has been for the past ten years. If you like old school Vegas, this is your place. Low ceilings, red booths, coin fed machines, and a snack bar that serves foot long hot dogs for $4 (a tad high for this old place).
The Pioneer entrance
I debated whether or not to go see another movie, but thought I’ll have a lot of time to kill in Vegas, so I headed back to Harrah’s. The Belmont Stakes was about to be run, so I went back to the Diamond Lounge, ordered a vodka tonic and waited for the race to begin. The lounge was packed with everyone holding racing tickets and there was a real party atmosphere going on as the race was about to start. Of course, California Chrome lost and the Diamond Lounge floor was covered with torn tickets. No one bet on the winner (at least no one said they had) and as soon as the race was over, everyone was out of there.
The view of the Colorado River from the Diamond Lounge patio.
I was back in the casino as I needed to put a couple of points on Martin’s card so his comp points would stay in play. I then just headed back to my room. Here’s hoping I do little better during the second session of the slot tournament.
More tomorrow.
