Last August I had discussed our considerations about leaving the frugal gambling life and spending more time in Georgia near our family. If you didn’t read that blog, maybe you could go back to it and then better understand our reasons for this major life change. After much thought – and some serious medical emergencies for Brad – we finally arrived at the decision to make a permanent move from Las Vegas to Columbus, Georgia.
However, before we can leave town on December 27, we are knee-deep in packing, getting rid of “stuff” we collected for the last 20 years here. We are taking some of our possessions to GA, but everything that will not fit into the two “moving pods” we have reserved is being given to friends and charity. No garage sales allowed here in our condo complex – but we wouldn’t have the energy to run one anyway! I am so grateful that daughter Angela is able to take off a couple weeks from her work to come early and help me – a big part of the moving stress is making decisions about what to take or what not to take! She is good at brutal honesty opinions!!!
Angela, Steve, and Kaitlynn will all be here by the 24th of December and we will celebrate Christmas Eve with my sister Starr and her husband David that morning. Then Ang and Steve will take our Encore SUV and start the road trip back east. Brad and I will stay in Vegas to tie up last-minute business and then fly to San Antonio on the 27th where Ang and Steve will meet us. Brad was in basic training there, at Lackland Air Force base, 70 years ago and we look forward to spending a couple of nostalgic and sightseeing days. Then the four of us will continue the road trip together for the 3 days on to GA. On January 3rd we get the keys to our 2-bedroom apartment in a beautiful lakeside complex, just a few minutes down the road from where Ang and Steve live.
I will continue to write this blog through December and perhaps into January. I was thinking this might be a good time to give you readers a chance to ask some questions before I retire from this almost 20-year activity. (In April of 2000 I started writing “Frugal Fridays,” which then morphed into “Frugal Vegas.”) Send me your questions at [email protected] and I will try to answer them in upcoming December blogs.
Jean, thank you so much for sharing with us all these years. I learned so much from you going back to the Skip Hughes days. I wish you and Brad the very best in your new chapter in the book of life.
Thanks you for all of your beautiful and elegant words over the years. I really admire that you have stayed in the creative teaching mode through all these blogs and books.
I’m glad that Dennis and I had the chance to meet you and at the Orleans.
He was so impressed with all of Brads stories, and your love of Orleans racebook hot dogs and your holiday antlers.
Please enjoy your retirement, and even if you are rather far from the casino life, please enjoy the relaxed pace and all the family nearby.
I hope that you can still send a few updates and I hope that the blog will be archived for us to reread and enjoy.
Maureen and Dennis
Will you make occasional trips to nearby casinos like North Carolina or Biloxi Mississippi Cetera?
It is with a tear in my eye that I wish you and Brad adieu as you look forward to the next phase of your life. I first met you when I began work at the Palms in 2002. I remember you coming up and introducing yourself; little did I know that I would see you and Brad often at the Palms. I will always remember when Brad got a dealt royal on a 100 play dollar machine. I will also remember how gracious you and Brad were when I’d run into you at the Gold Coast or M. You both were always willing to stop playing and visit for a few minutes. It’s been wonderful knowing you and Brad over the years, and I wish you both all the best in the future.
I want to thank you so much for turning my gambling life around since reading one of your books. I have three of them now. My wife and I used to be typical wanna be players/tourists in the casino until I read the first book. Then everything changed after reading your Frugal Vegas book. Then we became Advantage Players looking for good video poker machines and comps. We live in Florida and at one point, 10 years ago, we had 18 free nights in Vegas. At the last minute I tried to get another couple to go and share the nights but it was too late. We are also aware enough not to visit most Florida casinos as they have poor comps and no competition. Thanks for everything that you have taught us! Enjoy your retirement!
Jean,
It will be 20 years since we met you at one of your brunches at the Hard Rock. Good times. For once the old days really were better. Caesars Atlantic City with positive machines, 2% comps and 1% cash back. It was fun riding the crest of that wave. Best to you and Brad wherever you alight this Christmas and all the Christmases yet to come.
Don and Anne Brown
Have really enjoyed reading your articles over the years. Safe travels!
Best of luck and wishes of good health for you and Brad. You have enriched so many of us with your knowledge that “Thank You” seems so insufficient. But I as so many of us replying say it with our hearts. We are so much wiser and better prepared to deal with casino issues thanks to you. Blessings on you both.
Jean, I was lucky enough to share a meal with you and Brad at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond,IN. It was the best two hours I ever spent in a Casino! Thanx for everything you have taught all of us over the years, and may God bless you and your family as you enjoy your retirement for the Vegas Rat Race! Thanx again, Joe Stanfa
May this next change in your lives be for the best- know you will be missed……I enjoyed all the invaluable advice I have gained from our discussions, your books, and even from the few times we’ve occaisonally crossed paths. I go way back (from the earliest LVA gaming convention that was held at the Tropicana sometime in the early 1990s) to the Skip Hughes group meet ups, 2 of the more memorable ones were when the Venetian opened and when you and Skip arranged an Easter meetup at the Hard Rock Hotel..(back when they had FPDW and 10/7 DB!)….soon to become Virgin…lol! By the time you return to LV, who knows what other changes will have taken place…It’s been a fun road to travel on with you through live meets and your blogs here… and even the few times together at the GC-YAH days when I was in town at the same time… If you ever visit San Diego/Harrahs -er Southern Cal resorts, look me up. God bless your move. Martin – San Diego (just approaching that ’55-60 age range and reaping the beginnings of my Young At-Heart journey)…guess I’ll be attempting to take over from where you started, LOL…. Young at Heart starts at age 50 in LV….oh my! Still bargains to find, but will have to search harder and longer, but it’s still fun………Frugal Gambling is a fun lifestyle……
I have been a fan from your first television appearance.
I’ve met you a couple times at the Palms. You have been the inspiration to me for learning how to get every advantage possible and enjoy many a weekend in Las Vegas with lots of freebies and comps. And even coming out positive in three of the last five years. Thanks for your enthusiasm and indefatigable desire to share your knowledge.
I think it is a good decision your moving to be near your daughter. I wish you the very best.
Mark.
Your column will be missed terribly but it is time to take care of yourself and Brad. I have all your books and still reread them. You have been a very good writer. Take care of yourself and your family. Gerry K
We all knew it would come but were hoping for maybe 5 more years.
Hopefully you keep up your facebook and occasional trip to Cherokee?
I’ve have looked forward to your blogs for many years. I was excited when I ran into you guys about 10 years ago at the palms. I have learned a lot and hope you guys enjoy your time away from the craziness of Vegas. Thanks for everything.
You will be missed by many. I have enjoyed your column for many years . Thank you (and Brad) for all the great tips and information you have given us over the years.
Thank you also for letting us take a peak at your frugal family adventures.
Hard to believe it has been just on 20 years. I read your blog in August of 2000 when my then fiance and I headed to Vegas for a pre-honeymoon. We were married in early September, and since both being teachers, were still on summer break when we went to Vegas together for the first time. We used many of your frugal suggestions, signing up for slot clubs, using coupons and asking hosts for comps, which back then, they gave us with no hassle, provided we had enough play. Vegas has been our “home away from home” and we now get plenty of free rooms, meals and free play when we go. My one regret is never getting to meet you. It was, I’ll run into Jean and Brad at the Gold Coast one of these days, but alas, it never happened. I wish you and Brad all the best in your second retirement, and hope you get to enjoy your family for many, many more years to come. Thanks for all the advise and how one can live like a high roller while not spending a bunch. Safe travels.
Thank you so much for all of the valuable tips and info. After my second trip to Vegas in the 90’s and playing vp for the first time, I knew there had to be a strategy. I went to Half Price Books and Records in Indy and bought the first edition of The Frugal Gambler. From that point on, I became a “smart gambler” thanks to your books and blogs. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter with your family.
Jane in Indy
Thank you for all your years of insights and tips! We will all miss your knowledge and perspective for Vegas Frugality, but I wish you, Brad, and the family nothing but the best ^^ Have a great 2020 and enjoy your time relaxing more
Such sad news to read couldn’t wait for your emails. At least I am lucky enough to have your books. Best of luck to you and your family on your new adventure, please keep us informed. Thank you. Linda Barker
Oh my, it’s Jean Scott were the first words out of my mouth when I first meet you in the restroom at the Gold Coast! I carried all of your books with me on my next few trips until I finally ran into you and Brad again at the Gold Coast to get you both to sign one of them. You have taught so many of us valuable lessons on gambling, that I don’t have words enough to show my gratitude. Wishing you well on your move and best of health to you and Brad in 2020.
Will miss you Jean. You know you can keep writing your blog even if you are not in Vegas and we would all enjoy reading it. I am sure you will still occasionally visit Vegas and other areas. Relax when you have completed the move for awhile, but then don’t get too bored ! Have fun in your new city.
It was always a highlight of our trip to the casino if my wife and I were lucky enough to bump into Brad and you and say a quick hello. We will miss looking for your antlers at Christmas time! Have a great time in Georgia!
Jean thank you for everything. I have learned a lot from you when I first started gambling back in 2001 and still read you column weekly.
I always enjoyed meeting you and Brad at some of the members meets throuht the years that I attended and enjoyed talking with Brad about the midwest.
I hope you and Brad enjoy this phase of your retirement, and the new exciting changes ahead!
Jean, I can only echo the thoughts expressed above. You will be missed very much!
May the rest of your days be Royals.
Thank you.
It was a great pleasure to meet you and Brad a few years ago in the Gold Coast. Wishing you a nice Holiday Season and safe travel with family.
Please don’t stop letting us know about your life adventure and where it takes you.
Gosh,,,,Vegas will not be the same without you……!You all are so special to all of us….I feel like a part of your family…..But,,,,go with God….Have a safe trip….and enjoy your lovely family……Best wishes to all….Virginia Vega
Good luck on the next chapter! It’s hard to get rid of all the old things, but afterwards you’ll feel liberated!
I love reading your blogs; they are very helpful on being frugal, I hope both of you have a safe trip, Thank You very much.
Thank you Jean for your years of public service to your fans those who care about others. Have a long healthy retirement in Georgia. And don’t worry about your loyal fans. They will be just fine.
Aloha,
John M. Tamashiro
Jean, thank you for all you have done for all the video poker players. You are the reason I became interested in Video Poker and learned to play the proper way. We all know that good things come to an end. You will be dearly missed for all of your wisdom not only in Video Poker, but life itself.
Thank you for all the tips and the “ride alongs”. My best to you and Brad for you next adventure.
Jean,
I will miss reading your posts. I have always anticipated your columns and enjoyed reading them. I wish you and Brad the best on your new adventure. Thanks for all you have done for us.
Jim
Aww Jean will miss your always informative writings..you deserve to retire & glad you & Brad will be closer to your family..Regards & thank you.
I wish you and Brad a wonderful retirement, surrounded by your family. We will miss you and you blogs, it just won’t be the same without you. Thank you for all of your tips and tricks to help us gamblers get the best bang for our buck. I wish you and Brad a safe trip and a long and happy life together.
Two questions: Will you make an occasional trip to nearby (?) casinos? Will you continue to contribute to VPFREE and/or the LVA?
Thanks … and Godspeed.
Will be missed. Please drop a note or two in how you are doing. God bless and happiness in your future.
I’m sorry to see it end. But I’m so happy you’re going to be with family. Thank you for all your good advice and for sharing your adventures.
I hope Brad feels better soon.
Thank you Jean
Video poker and Vegas won’t be the same you guys. Job well done, I will cherish your advice and books. Stay well and thank you DeniS
Jean, I think I am speaking for the vast majority of us when I say – from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for sharing the narratives of yours and Brad’s wild ride through the world of casino advantage play for all these years. From your early days of scrounging for every coupon you could get to the myriad of TV appearances to becoming able to play for higher stakes, you have selflessly shared the lessons you have learned through those years. Our gratitude for your stories as well as your sage advice is boundless. I wish you and Brad the very best as you relocate to enjoy your family being so much closer.
Good luck on your move i have enjoyed reading and learning from your books