Comments and responses, questions and answers, fall colors and jackpots

The Comment Folder

I love your comments here on my blog, whether they add valuable information, ask a question, express your feelings, or even disagree with my viewpoint. I never change their main ideas, although I do edit them a bit sometimes, especially spelling, punctuation, verbosity. I can’t control my inner English teacher; I’m afraid she’ll never retire!

Here are some samples (in italics) and my responses to them:

 It’s a time for advantage players to show the patience and discipline that led them to that designation in the first place. Use your feet – they’re the only leverage you have. Hustle around to look for something decent and if you can’t find anything decent, do not succumb to the powerful urge to just play a lousy game. The casinos will come back to us; they do need us, just not right now. Learn from this; it’s a big challenge; they are trying to get us to forget what we learned over time and sweat.

Tired of scrambling for a good play? That is one player’s advice. I hope the casinos will come back to us, but I’m not optimistic for a big move. Hopefully, maybe just a few small ones?

The interesting thing I’ve now noticed is if you have a nice winning month, do not expect a mailer the next month. Last year, I had a great month at Green Valley Ranch. Hit a nice royal and won almost every day that month. No more mailers for 3 months after that.

I used to write that it didn’t matter whether you won or lost, that the casino would reward you on a scale that tracked how much play you gave them. That time is long gone!

Don’t be afraid to use strategy cards in the casino.

I would have to add this warning: Be discreet if you do. Don’t set up the card (or an 8½ by 11 printed-out strategy sheet, which I’ve also seen) on the machine. Casinos may not be as paranoid about smart gamblers as they used to be, but it’s always best to stay below their radar.

I don’t always choose my casino game for its math EV (expected value). I have another EV I look for – “enjoyment value.”

Nothing wrong with either of those definitions!

When I lose in a casino, I just sing the Dire Straits song that goes, “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug.”

😊

The Q+A Folder

I get a lot of questions about comps, which I’m always glad to answer. But sometimes a question has already been asked – and answered – in the Question of the Day section of this website. Here’s one example. And yes, sometimes that QOD guy (Deke) shoots me a question to answer!

Q:  What resources do you like for finding out about all the new technology we see popping up all the time in casinos, like cashless options and everything computerized, even comps.

A:  My favorite is “Frank Floor Talk.” These two Franks, Buddy Frank and Frank Legato, are super knowledgeable and write in a clear way to help players understand the new complex high-tech stuff you are seeing in today’s casinos.  You can check out their archives for a wealth of information they have covered over the years.  It’s fascinating stuff, some that amazes an old-timer gambler like me!

Q:  What is going on with the “Seven Star Insider”? No newsletter or website updates since July.

A:  I haven’t been able to contact Darryl McEwen to see if this is a temporary or permanent situation. This was my first go-to place when I wanted to learn details about CZR properties and benefits. It still has some good usable info, but be aware some will be quickly outdated. I really miss it.

And speaking of good resources, because of the pandemic, many are disappearing or changing their form. Here is the latest word about The American Casino Guide: 

 Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we were not able to publish a 2021 edition of our book. We were hoping to come back with a 2022 edition, but due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, we will be unable to do so. Therefore, after 29 years of continuously publishing our book, we have made the decision to discontinue the printed version. We will be transitioning all of the detailed casino information from our printed book into a digital format that will only be available on our website, or on our FREE iOS and Android apps. Using these platforms, we will also have the ability to offer coupons to our customers and we anticipate that those coupons could be either printed out, or displayed on a mobile device, for redemption at the casinos. We look forward to offering these coupons in the future, however, we don’t see that happening until the COVID-19 situation is less severe.

Now for a personal note. I’m sorry to share the sad news of the passing of one of our dear friends, Hedy Valledolmo. She and her husband Tom (CoachVee) were enthusiastic members of the large group of VP players who over many years became friends as we met in casinos all over the country – at the machines, at the casino parties and tournaments, and on the cruises. Our sympathies are with a grieving husband – Hedy and Tom were a real team! Here is her obituary and a place to leave memories and condolences.

Another note: Angela and Steve are taking us to Harrah’s Cherokee October 14-17 if Brad’s health stays stable. We are hoping to hit the prime beautiful leaves-changing period outdoors and maybe a jackpot indoors too. Also, always looking forward to seeing some frugalites. Email me and we can set up a time to meet: [email protected]