Karen,
I think if I lived close to Tunica as you do or down the coast, I would agree with your sentiments. However, despite the proliferation of casino gambling in more areas around the country, the lack of competition makes most of these markets lame.
For example, we live close to the Hard Rock in Tampa.....a similar $10 in gas ride from home that you describe. There are a few playing games but still negative expectation. The mailers (in our limited experience) were weak at best. The term "discretionary comp" is like speaking Latin to a host. The free room offers are great but we have never found once where we could use these on a day that we wanted to (weekday or weekend....it didn't matter). So, for us, despite a 4 1/2 hour $300+ RT flight, Vegas is worth it.
Debating the virtues of Strip vs. local experience is highly dependent upon your expectations. There are local properties that really limit their marketing strictly to locals. There are also some local properties (RR, GVR, Palms, M, et. al.) that like to try to be all things to all people. I would be perfectly happy spending 3 days at any of these places as a stand alone destination. It also depends on the quality of gambling experience you prefer.....some view gambling as an entertainment expense whereas others view it as a means to supplement their income.
There are no right or wrong answers....you'll find people who see the virtue in each of these types of places. In addition, you'll find people who'll find "fault" with even the "nicest" property. I used to think that these people were out to lunch but now I realize that it's simply a matter of different strokes....that's why all of these properties are able to exist.
Dan
I think if I lived close to Tunica as you do or down the coast, I would agree with your sentiments. However, despite the proliferation of casino gambling in more areas around the country, the lack of competition makes most of these markets lame.
For example, we live close to the Hard Rock in Tampa.....a similar $10 in gas ride from home that you describe. There are a few playing games but still negative expectation. The mailers (in our limited experience) were weak at best. The term "discretionary comp" is like speaking Latin to a host. The free room offers are great but we have never found once where we could use these on a day that we wanted to (weekday or weekend....it didn't matter). So, for us, despite a 4 1/2 hour $300+ RT flight, Vegas is worth it.
Debating the virtues of Strip vs. local experience is highly dependent upon your expectations. There are local properties that really limit their marketing strictly to locals. There are also some local properties (RR, GVR, Palms, M, et. al.) that like to try to be all things to all people. I would be perfectly happy spending 3 days at any of these places as a stand alone destination. It also depends on the quality of gambling experience you prefer.....some view gambling as an entertainment expense whereas others view it as a means to supplement their income.
There are no right or wrong answers....you'll find people who see the virtue in each of these types of places. In addition, you'll find people who'll find "fault" with even the "nicest" property. I used to think that these people were out to lunch but now I realize that it's simply a matter of different strokes....that's why all of these properties are able to exist.
Dan
