First off – if you want a good starting place to check July promotions, go to Scot’s list. Lots of multiple-point opportunities this month. And it seems like there is a Monday War going on, with so many choices that day!
However, you will see a trend that I don’t understand. Why would casinos have promotions that are advertised FOR LOCALS ONLY? I had mentioned in previous blog entries that the former-Coast Boyd properties had started doing these locals-only multiple-point days. Now I notice the Stratosphere is doing the same thing this month. I am a local and I don’t feel more loved by this tactic – and I’m sure out-of-towners feel downright insulted. Isn’t their money just as good as mine?? The same insult but in reverse is practiced by some Strip properties. They will send out big free play offers to out-of-towners but little or nothing to locals. I just don’t understand this marketing technique. Don’t the casinos need as many customers as they can get? So why exclude certain groups?
That is the end of my “rant.” Now for some other July promotional information besides what I covered about the Palms in my last entry. (A good resource for non-gambling Las Vegas happenings, including 4th of July celebrations, is at Vegas4Locals. The list there covers events right through the rest of the year.)
TUSCANY
Their mailers were late in coming this month, something unusual since they had always been some of the first ones we received. When they finally arrived, we knew why – a brand-new booklet format, which probably took some extra planning time! Continuing are 10x points on Mondays and Fridays. Mystery Free Play days are on the 9th and 23rd. There are 3 gift days, on the 11th, 18th, and 25th. No gift card or pulltab promotions this month. On Saturdays there are hourly drawings from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Check at the slot club on how to earn entries.
One new and welcome piece of news – you can now use your comp points at the spa. It is open 7 days a week, but by appointment only. Call 702-551-3235.
ELLIS ISLAND
The free Bingo Bonanza continues for Copper up to the highest Elite players. Others not in those tiers can participate by earning 20 base points before 9 a.m. the same day. The sessions are at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, with extra bonus sessions on Mondays at noon and 3 p.m.
Drawings every Wednesday at 8 p.m., with Grand Prize Drawings on July 31 at 7, 8, and 9 p.m.
“Being a senior just got sweeter” – new bonuses for members of the 50+ Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays in addition to the drawings. $5 food specials at the Boardhouse sandwich stand and for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the coffee shop. Print your coupons at the kiosks, where you can also check if there are other Senior Specials going on. Sometimes there is a fun wheel to spin for prizes.
For those who get a mailer, Free Pizza Days continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays , as they have done for a long time.
Jean, you once listed a newspaper website that listed all types of las vegas casino info. It was very helpful. My computer crashed and I lost it. Could you or any of your followers tell me what it was?
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has rocketed straight to the top and is now offering one of the best players programs in Las Vegas. July features 20X/7X on Sat/Sun. 300/600 free Lunch/Dinner Mon/Tue/Wed. 250 free bottle Thu, Big price Drawing on Fri. Room rates for players starts at $19, $10.99 all you can eat prime rib Sundays. $1 in = 1 point on slots and $2 in is 1 point on Video Poker. 1000 points = $1 free play or resort credit. In my monthly mailer I also got 7 times $10 freeplay and 3 times $10 dining credit for the month. Yes the Hard Rock has really steped up their game. Good luck everyone.
Jean, as an out-of-towner who must travel 1,250 miles to visit Vegas, I come out about 4-5 times a year at most. I don’t rent a car (expense/traffic, etc.), so IF I venture away from my HQ hotel on the strip to, say, downtown, I either take a taxi or the Deuce. Therefore, my interest in local casino promotions is on the low side. And consequently, I don’t mind if these casinos wish to cater only to “locals.” I wouldn’t be playing at these casinos enough the move up even one notch on the pecking order.
As far as the strip casinos marketing (rather NOT marketing) to locals, I don’t understand that philosophy. I can only guess, though. If one is a “local,” one can play enough quarter VP throughout the year to manage to be Diamond at Caesar’s/Harrah’s, for example. So, I’m wondering out loud as to whether that casino group, or any other major casino group, wants to dilute their upper tier(s) with locals. I can’t imagine the Diamond lounges accommodating all the locals who might otherwise qualify. I’m not elitist…just a realist.
I am from out of town and yes the “FOR LOCALS ONLY” multiple-point days are truly an insult! I have been going to Boyd properties in order to take advantage of them for several years and it makes me feel like they no longer want my business!