South Point Casino

In my last entry, I said that the South Point casino had changed its mailer system for locals.  I want to emphasize that I did not say that no one should play there anymore because of this.  I merely wanted to give you the facts about this change.

Now, with the facts before you, you will need to make up your own mind whether you want to continue  (or start) playing there.   If you are a video poker player, it is wise to first look at the payback of the game and add all the extra benefits you will get by playing this game.    Serious  “advantage” players will know the exact percentage of the game(s) they play.  Then they will add the percentage that the slot club points give (.3% on most days – .6% on double-point days).  After that they might have to guestimate  the percentage of the bounce-back free play  from the mailer (if they even get one) until they see what they get for the next few months under the new system.   Some may decide it is not a good play for them at all.  Others may decide to play only on bonus-point days (this month on the 10th and 31st)  even if they get no mailer or a greatly-reduced one.

On the other hand, recreational players may look at other factors.  Some live close and so it remains very convenient for them in spite of the new system, especially since they like the wide variety of restaurants, most with reasonable prices.    Some might like the inventory of  good video poker  (and South Point still has probably the best in town, which you can check at vpFREE2.com), but they often mix in some slot play too. This might mean that they will still get good mailers, and they  like the coupons for the restaurants and the free or discounted show tickets.

Remember also, the change in the mailer system only affects locals.  Out-of-towners will still benefit from the good video poker games that are offered and, depending on their play, can score some comps for their room, food, and shows.  Will comps for out-of-towners  follow the same decreaseed benefits for local VP players  if they play only the best VP games?  Only time will tell –  and tourists will have to learn by trial-and-error.

As I have said so many times, people in a casino have so many different goals.  Therefore, one size of advice does not fit all!

But with all the changes casinos are making these days, many NOT for the better for the customer who is trying to lose the least or win the most or who is trying to extend his fun playing time.  You might recall one of my favorite expressions from long ago:  “Do not marry one casino; have only limited-time affairs!”  Being flexible is still one of the most useful characteristics of a successful gambler.