Everyone knows how I obsessively write about checking details about casino programs and promotions. But for some months now – and I’m not sure why – I have neglected this advice when playing at the Palms.
Brad and I hadn’t played at a Station property for many years, not since they changed over from an all-comp players club point system to one that gave cash/free play. So, when the Palms became a Station, what should I have done? Obviously, go to the players club desk and ask for details about their players club. But I didn’t do that. I played their kiosk games and sometimes was rewarded with point prizes. If I got 15,000 points, I figured that was $15 I won and could be used for free play or cash.
Wrong!
I just recently learned that almost all points you get on kiosk games and for other prize-type activities rather than actual play on casino games are not eligible for cashback/free play; they can just be used for comps. I noticed this when I checked my account on the kiosk and my comp-only point balance is growing at a faster rate than my CB/free play balance.
So, I took my own advice and – belatedly – went to the players club desk and asked for written details about their club. Talk about fine print – I was given a folder with FOUR pages of print so small I finally had to look for my trusty magnifying glass!
It took me awhile to find information on this subject that puzzled me. Details galore in this folder but not much detail about the various worth of points . #6 on Page 3 was clear on one important point: “Points earned by using point days or point multipliers are eligible for slot/bingo play and cash back redemption.” Whew… that’s a relief! However, #7 merely says this: “Point grants and point adjustments are not eligible for slot/bingo pay and cash back redemption.”
I talked to knowledgeable friends who had been playing at Station properties for a long time and also asked about this issue on the vpFREE discussion forum. It seems this isn’t a clear-cut policy and no one knows what exactly comes under “point grants and point adjustments.” Anecdotal information seemed at first to point to different policies in the various Station properties, but more likely it is just differing details from one type of promotion to another. However, it seems that at least most kiosk game point prizes and most other types of point “extras” that aren’t given or earned on actual play will probably only be added to your comp balance and can’t be redeemed for cashback or free play. The only way to really be sure is to check your balances at the kiosk before and then after you are “awarded” points for a specific promotion.
On to the Next Problem
I’m glad I was able to research this Station problem and have at least some of the details straight – because the other local giant, Boyd Gaming, is probably going to start driving me crazy very soon. They are introducing a brand-new casino management system that will make major changes to how they track customer play through their B Connected players club. Unfortunately, they are giving out very few advance details. Here is the little I have found out:
- It will be introduced into 29 gaming properties, including their older established casino as well as new ones they have taken over in the past year or so and those in the Midwest where sales are pending.
- This new system roll-out will start August 27, but will be done gradually, lasting the rest of this year and well into 2019.
- This new system will enable property-wide bonusing and progressive jackpots.
Brad and I just received a fancy invitation from Boyd Gaming to an “exclusive party” on Thursday, August 23. I’m wondering how “exclusive” since it is being held in the Orleans Arena! But we will ” be among the first to experience the new B Connected.”
I will let you know if I am as excited as they are when I hear more details.
Just was at the BConnected party at the Blue Chip . It will be interesting to hear Jean’s take on the info. Can’t wait to see what my account status is on Monday.
TO J R: Southpoint may have playable VP but their slots are TIGHTER!!! The Casinos know the public is DUMB . That is why they do it. Take MGM with saying they will now sue the victims of the Oct 1 tragedy. MGM has no CLASS.
I was at the Palms today, and it’s official, Station Casinos has completely ruined the old Palms. The 7 NSU VP machines that remained have all been downgraded to 9/4. The $1/2 9/6 JB VP machines are gone, and the few remaining 9/6 JB VP machines have all been downgraded to either 9/5 0r 8/5. Now there is no reason to every go to the Palms again. Plus, Palace Station has made almost as many downgrades, it’s almost to the point where it’s not a playable casino either. Do they really think I’m that stupid to not notice all the downgrades? South Point and Gold Coast offer very playable VP options everywhere you turn.
Orleans and Gold Coast have long been among our favorites in Las Vegas, and I’m happy with the present card/comp system. I wrote off the major strip and downtown casinos years ago because of bad games and escalating prices and fees. It will be sad if the off-strip places go through the same changes; but I’m quite prepared to abandon them too. Laughlin is closer, and the Phoenix-area casinos have games no worse than the strip.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. . ..
This may have been addressed, but what happens to points earned in a promo that exceed those needed for the swag? IOW, promo says play 1000 points “today” for a 2 slice toaster. Play 4000 points for a six slice toaster. Player earns 3000 points but has to leave (or is out of money). Player takes his 2 slice toaster home. What happens to the 2000 points? Do those points remain in player’s account, or are they ‘left on the table’, gonzo? Or might that be an example of #7 “point adjustment”? Points left in the account for comp purposes but not for Free Play/cash back? Is the computer smart enough to separate that out when player is looking for Free Play from his points?
Going to one of Boyd’s Casino’s is like going back to the 60’s .The Kiosks are slow ,the Casino’s need renovation (Main ST, Freemont ,Boyd’s) and the slots are extremely tight.
Thank you, I will also be at a party at Aliante the night of the 23rd for the same purchase.
I will be very interested in your thoughts and comments after you get the information.
Thank You very much.
Sincerely,
Rod Lion
Jean,
I was just wondering how long a typical gambling ” session ” lasts for you or Brad? Do you switch machines or stick to just one during a ” session “. I will be in Las Vegas on Monday through Saturday and will be staying at the Orleans Wednesday through Saturday morning, so perhaps I will see you there. I was fortunate enough to meet you very briefly at the Gold Coast years ago. I am going to attempt to get a host to get me into the B Connected ” party ” on Thursday, since I am a member of B Connected. It is always a pleasure reading your column.
Bob Dena
They must be doing that at all their properties because my wife and I got invited to the same thing on the same date at Blue Chip Resort and Casino in Michigan City Indiana. Yes, I’m very curious also, about the changes they are rolling out. I doubt it will be good for most players and especially the ones that travel to several different Boyds because there are no Boyds properties close to where they live.
The Stations restriction of points earned in certain ways to comp redemption isn’t really that hurtful as far as I am concerned, since I can get 1/2 off point redemptions for the buffet–meaning that I could use $5 worth of points for $5 cashback/free play or a $10 buffet (I’m President, but just about everybody gets some point discount). It makes no sense to burn them for free play. (Of course, I’m willing to admit the possibility of Palms doing something goofy in that regard, but I did get 1/2 point off redemption for the buffet last month.) Also, on Old Fart Day (it’s been Wednesday for a while), every senior gets 1/2 point buffets.
Likewise, restaurants that are owned by Boyd give you $1 for 600 points, while it takes 1000 points to get $1 in free play. Boyd Old Fart Days give you some really cheap point redemption offers for the buffet.
I of course can’t tell the future, but as far as I’m concerned, the phrase “We are improving our slot club” is at least as scary as “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you.” But who knows, we may be pleasantly surprised by the new Boyd of Paradise slot club.
Interesting, Jean! We’ve been wondering (and nervous) about what the changes to the Boyd program will bring. We’re coming into town on the 22nd and leaving on the 28th, so I’m sure we won’t be able to find out much on our last day there ~ the player’s club boothlings may not know everything by then. But I know you’ll keep us posted! Thanks for being there for us. 🙂