Slot tournaments - love them? Hate them? Don't care?

Just curious what everyone thinks about slot tournaments. Do they influence your decision to visit a particular casino or not? I know they've been around forever, but I've never really been into them. I won $500 in a tournament at a Wildfire property a few years ago, but it was one that I entered only after I had already played and found out that I was qualified to enter, and thought I'd kill a few minutes while finishing a beer.

I've never gone to a casino specifically to enter one. What does everyone else think? I'm curious as to whether it's as much a draw as marketing personnel think it is.

Oh, and please feel free to post what DOES draw you to a casino (in terms of promotions, not 3-2 BJ, etc). I'm not a marketing person, just curious.

free rooms/freeplay and dining credit

As above, but also it fills part of the day. I don't have the bankroll to gamble all day, so these are always a nice break.

On the former "Seniors Tourney" on Tuesdays at the Hilton, I walked away with $350 cash for third place. There was no entry fee either.

Hubby came in seventh at a CET Invite and got $800 in freeplay.

Other times all we have gotten was a sore wrist, lol.

Joy

Love slot tourneys, mostly for the fun of playing but also for the potential win and free rooms, etc. DH won $2500 at one at Rio a few years back and that's when they gave away real money not slot play. I won $200 on one at the Super Bowl tourney at RR last year. In Dec. DH would have won $800 in free play in a VP tourney at Flamingo but we were leaving that day and couldn't collect. NOWHERE did it say that you had to be present to win. Numerous calls, letters and emails failed to even get a response from anyone at Flamingo. Shame on CET!!!

I think they can be a good value. Most that I have entered have come with free or discount rooms as well as free play. I entered one at the Plams in July and finished 2nd for 10k in free play. It came with three free nights plus 300 fp. Devi agley worth it. Check the details and enjoy.

Good paytables on video poker
Point multiplier days
Extra free play
Redeem points for cash and/or free play

I've done several slot tourneys at the Plaza over the years ( or Vegas Club). they usually come with 3 nights free stay and used to include some meals and gifts. The best I've done has been win a round or two. My Sis in law who did it one year with me, placed in the money. If they work into my schedule, I would do more in a heartbeat. They usually don't keep you away from the "real " gambling that long as you are assigned times to play.

Otherwise things that draw me to a place is the offer of free rooms, free play or other perks. I'm a pretty low roller.

They aren't a big draw for me, mainly because I have never won anything on them. My first won was played at NYNY not too long after they opened, also one at Harrahs, and two at Palazzo. Won "zip", "zero", "zilch" and "nada", respectively.

Though the free rooms have always been a nice perk, I have done better taking an offer with a free room and guaranteed free slot play.

The slot tourney , usually in the middle of the day, can be a plus or a drawback; if you are looking for a cheap way to spend your time, then it is great. But it can also be a drawback since it ties you up in the middle of the day, and may prevent you from getting out and going somewhere else in town.

Depends on the tourny. They are more attractive when they have cash winnings instead of free play. The smaller, invitation only, are better than the "everyone can play" as you have a better chance of winning something. I agree that they make you schedule your day around your play time which can be annoying. But the free room offers may make it worth the trouble, if you need free rooms. I have won money in the past, but the free play winnings don't appeal to me so I have passed on recent invites.