Comments on: 35 Years of Advantage Play – Part 3

By: Sherry & George

Sherry & George — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:04:04 +0000

Another interesting read on Brad’s and your exploits! You’ve made such a difference to so many by sharing your knowledge, and over the years your name continues to comes up when encountering a gambling issue/promo etc! Thanks for educating ‘us’ amateurs in the world of gambling and please keep sharing your stories!

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 16 May 2020 22:32:46 +0000

Wow. You sure have done your share of learning many games. We got started gambling in 1995 and played only slot machines. After being inspired by seeing you on national television, our first time playing video poker was quarters at the bar in Treasure Island. We were dealt a royal flush on our first hand EVER!! Needless to say, that changed our whole way of looking at a Las Vegas vacation. We quickly learned that locals casinos had the best games and the best comps. Our trips became more frequent and even though we have had some winning years, I should conservatively say that all in all, we are at best at break even on the gambling. The comps though, have made going to Las Vegas a frugal vacation choice. We haven’t paid for rooms or food in years.

By: CrocDoc1

CrocDoc1 — Sat, 16 May 2020 19:21:34 +0000

Jean, I met you about 15 years ago at the Rio during a LVAdvisor get-together. You signed my books and I got to talk to Brad for quite a while, which was a pleasure.
My first Vegas stay was also at the Westward Ho in 1991 (I was 21). Even as I aged, earned more money/comps, and was able to stay at much nicer hotels, I always visited the Ho every time I was in town. Remember the snack bar with the monster, mystery-meat hot dogs and 99 cent shrimp cocktails? And the snack bar always smelled like mustard to me…ahh, so many great memories there.
I miss the fun “tacky-ness” of Vegas before Wynn and the big corporations ruined it. Wonder if there are any casinos (or towns) anywhere that has that old, unpolished Vegas feel?
Now days I avoid the strip like the plague (no pun intended) and stick to poker and good BJ games (if I can find them). But reading your blog brings back great memories of my favorite “quad” in town–Westward Ho, Stardust, Riviera and Slots-a-Fun. Thanks and God bless you!

By: Martin

Martin — Fri, 15 May 2020 19:52:58 +0000

I love these stories………sure stirs up memories too Jean! You had a few years start on me, and I (being younger) only began to experience the comps/couponing in LV abundance since 1991. In fact, I don’t know if you remember, but I was actually introduced to LVA with you and others at a ‘Gaming’ conference held at the Tropicana. It had a fee to attend, but included a slot tournament, which I was able to cash in on and it paid for the conference! Great seminars and info in those days. Westward Ho, Riviera, Stardust, Vegas World, Four Queens…….amazing that only the Four Queens is still around…depending on what Corona effects may have. I can see where all the table play began your comps experiences; Mine started differently (on .25c reels at W-Ho, until I learned video poker). Then I was a .05c (yes nickels) VP player, but learned well without losing much…and the occaisional Royal was such a thrill……any offers generated were icing on the cake for me at the time…. Thanks for the stories. Never let a grandma @ Craps fool ya….lol! Martin. San Diego. PS- At one time, I too have picked up mp’s from the free coupon sheets (Sands, Tropicana) and actually showed my brother how it could make your trip more ‘fun’ while profitable..He did quite well, winning 75% of his 50-50 matchplays….

By: Elaine Rose

Elaine Rose — Fri, 15 May 2020 18:11:03 +0000

Great stories! Keep ’em coming.
When I was in Canada, the Vancouver papers had ads for a charter from Bellingham, WA to West Wendover, NV for about $160, including three nights’ hotel. I was told even this was comped if you played enough. I couldn’t take advantage, because due to the type of visa I had, if I left Canada there was not guarantee I’d be let back in. But it looked like a great deal.