Back in 1999, Brad and I had been having good success in casinos for 15 years and word was getting around about it, especially after we appeared on “48 Hours.” Friends were hearing about all the comps we were getting on our frequent Vegas trips and bugging us to tell them our “secret.” The problem was that there wasn’t just a one-ingredient hush-hush recipe for success that I could give them in a couple of sentences.
So being a former English teacher, I decided to write a book, The Frugal Gambler, that would be an end-all explanation about how we were able to enjoy this wonderful life full of freebies and how other gamblers could do it too. Then, I could go back to just enjoying our busy casino life.
Silly me!
In my defense, in 1999, almost no one could have predicted how fast and how radical the changes would come in the casino world in the new century. But I soon saw it beginning to happen and with it the need for frequent updated information to help casino visitors continue to play smarter.
Thus, in April 2000, “Frugal Fridays” was born, a weekly column – we didn’t call them blogs back then – on the LVA website. After eight years, I grew tired of deadlines and sent Anthony a resignation email. He was sympathetic, but offered me a new option. LVA was starting a new feature; would I be interested in writing a blog whenever I felt like it? I took a few weeks to rest and think about it and then came back on board with “Frugal Vegas.”
Funny, I often still wrote almost every week even with no deadline pressure; I was constantly finding new situations and ideas that might be helpful to others. Even when Brad and I moved from Vegas and our casino adventures became limited, I would, albeit on an irregular schedule, think of something I wanted to share with my readers. (I have no reasonable explanation why I also felt I needed to write four more Frugal books during this time!)
However, now, many factors in my life are coming together and compelling me to make the hard decision to put two last words, The End, onto this 23-year LVA writing project.
Actually, I won’t miss the actual process of typing the words on the computer keyboard. What I will miss is the wonderful communication with the hundreds of friends Brad and I made here. No, we haven’t met all of you readers in person, although it has been a joy when so many of us have been able to chat at get-together events. And what I loved the most were the many many times we unexpectedly met in a casino, sometimes side by side at a bank of good video poker machines, and it was such a welcome break when someone recognized us and came up and introduced themselves. However, there are so many of you that, although we never met in person, have also become friends through internet contact: Q+A’s, gambling forums, blog comments, personal emails, and social media.
I will miss you all immensely. You have lifted my spirits so many times during these last few years while I’ve concentrated on being Brad’s caretaker.
There is one major way we can keep in touch. I have a public Jean Scott Facebook page, where I plan to be more active in the future: posting pictures, answering questions, reporting on casino news, and maybe even sharing a new nugget of smart-gambling information I have run across. Go to my page and request to be my friend! Please!
Also, as LasVegasAdvisor.com transitions to a paid-subscription model, Anthony tells me that my past blog posts will be available for everyone to see for free in the archives. This fits perfectly with my own plans. Long-time readers might want to peruse them for the memories. New gamblers, although many of the specifics are outdated, will find a surprising amount of basic smart-gambling concepts that will always be helpful.
In my previous post, I shared the news that I’m retiring from advantage play this year. Several friends commented that they thought this would be hard for me. They know that I’m highly competitive and love pitting my gambling skills against the casino edge. I will admit it was a big adjustment when Brad and I moved into a senior facility far from any casino. But it didn’t take long for me to become the resident game instigator here. I rounded up everyone who was bored and taught them Phase 10, Mexican Train dominoes, and Rummikub.
I hear your next question. No, there is no money involved in any of these games. But you may remember how I began my first Frugal book, describing how I played Uncle Wiggley and Chutes and Ladders with intensity at age four and later our family played Scrabble “for blood.” Back now to just gaming, not gambling, I’m realizing that the challenge of competition had always been my fundamental joy; winning money is just one way to keep score.
Recently, I’ve also gone back to a game I hadn’t played for 50 years, and one that just might provide me a challenge as much as video poker did – mah jongg. It’s addicting and I’m already hooked! It’s sometimes played for very small stakes, although right now I’m only playing in social settings. However, there is the opportunity to play on the tournament circuits. I thought I ‘d developed some good skills during this last year of frequent play, so I entered my first tournament a few weeks. However, I was shocked at the expertise of the competition and was immediately hit with the stark reality that walking the path to great success in this game would take years of practice and experience. But that idea didn’t sound discouraging to me at all; in fact, it lit up some of the competitive fires within me that I thought perhaps were slowly being extinguished. Time will tell!
I’ll do my final signoff here with the same words I’ve used when I autographed so many of your Frugal books down these last 23 years. It will never need updated: The more you study, the luckier you will be!
Thank you for your work…..”frugal” was the first gambling book I ever bought and being a loyal 60 min watcher paid off because it introduced me to you….best of luck going forward to you both! Thank you!!!
Thank you for the advice, the entertainment and sharing your life with me. I feel you have also shared advice on how to live our Golden years and deal with its issues. I wish you all the best with your family.
There are few books that I can say changed my life. “Frugal” was one of the few. Luck to you.
C
Thanks so much for everything you’ve shared over the years. Glad we can keep in touch via FB.
Reading everything you wrote was part of my “routine” that will surely be missed. I fondly remember the dinner we had together at the Palms when you introduced me to your sister (you figured two single gals in Vegas could have fun together – you were right!) and all of the times we bumped into each other at the machines at various casinos. Brad’s stories never failed to fascinate me : )
I’ll continue to follow you on FB… but will miss your columns.
Wishing you two the very best. May God richly bless you and your family. ♥♥♥
Thank You so much Jean and Brad. A few times when I was a pro gambler 2006-2015 I saw you two playing video poker at the Palms but I didnt say hi….I don’t bother people while they are playing. I hope you love your new games…..new worlds to conquer!
Jean, thanks for all your support, help, tips and everything you have done for the gambling community over many years. We will all miss your writings. Best wishes in all you do.
Scot
Hi Jean, we met at Harrah’s Rincon twice and Greg and I enjoyed hanging with you,
Brad and your family. Many blessings to you in the future. Mary Alice
Not on Facebook. The best to you and Brad and the rest of your family.
CHEERS
Eileen P.
Hi, Jean.
I’m going to miss your “columns.”
I had the pleasure of meeting you and Brad in Vegas several years ago. Enjoyed chatting with you on your more recent “just for fun” trip to Atlantic City.
I got a chuckle out of your playing Chutes and Ladders with your competitive family. Reminds me of how I got into poker. In my family, if you couldn’t play pinochle by the time you were 12, we knew you must have been sired by the mailman. . Cards were in our blood. So when the Taj opened its poker room, I started observing. Before long, I ventured into the 2-4 (limit) holdem games and I was hooked! Been playing ever since, although I’ve moved up a few levels.
Ironically, my initial goal was to make enough money at the poker tables to play quarter VP. Now I play both when I can find something playable.
Wishing you and Brad the best going forward. You have both earned the friendships you have developed and nurtured over the years.
We met you at the Palms Years back, Your tips got us comped suites better than the house in Texas we owned. We used your tips on SWA rapid rewards and made 4 trips a year for 2 decades. Old age and mobility have put us out of travel business. Best to you and Brad. You taught us well!
Well written, as usual, Jean!
I’m wishing you all the best in this next phase of your life.
Mah Jhongg! I grew up in a house where the steady call of “one crack…two bam…East…one dot…” happened regularly. I think you’ll have fun with it.
All the best,
Dunbar
Thanks for all you did for many many people who needed a bump or two in playing video poker,You surely explained it well in your writings
Enjoy your time you surely deserve it
Greg Phillips
I’m sure I’m not the only one who became a Vegas veteran based mostly on what I have learned from you through your book, columns and stories. I’ve learned comp systems and video poker mastery with your guidance and I will be forever grateful!
“So I conclude that, first, there is nothing better for a man than to be happy and to enjoy himself as long as he can; and second, that he should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of his labors, for these are gifts from God.”
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 TLB paraphrased.
Enjoy the fruits of yours and Brad’s many labors, Jean. God bless.
Thank you for all the savvy advice over the years. I wish you, Brad, and the entire family the best!
I have followed you since I met you at the Las Vegas Hilton – Skip Hughes (sp?) meeting. That was the official start of smart playing for us. We had, for several years, played video poker, but had not learned strategy until we came across Skip Hughes and all people involved with him. We have not been back to Las Vegas since 1918 – my husband Bob has Alzheimer’s and our 1918 trip let us know how much it had advanced. Living in Oklahoma, we do have access to casinos, but no full pay any longer. Bless you and Brad for all that you contributed to all the video poker addicts…….lol.
It has been a great run with lots of fun and adventures. From the first day I bought your book and stated following you I have never purchased a drink in a casino. It is always more fun to put $20 in a machine and gamble for it. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But the added fun is always worth it. Over the years my comp value has always exceeded any losses by far and still does. Wishing you and Brad all the best.
Best of luck on your new adventures. We invite you to join us on Facebook.com/groups/MahjongCommunity where talk about all things mahjong! We have directories of teachers and places to play on our women-owned business website, ModernMahjong.com.
So sorry to hear this but HAPPY FOR YOU!!
Hey–the conx to your Facebook link isn’t
working for me. I keep getting the:
This content isn’t available right now
When this happens, it’s usually because the
owner only shared it with a small group of people,
changed who can see it or it’s been deleted.
Can you adjust your controls so we can access
or please advise another way? Even when I
search for you–I get every OTHER Jean Scott
out there!!!! Thx! Jean H
Well done. Thank you.
All good things must come to an end. Thank you for your contribution of information and advice over the years. I wish you all the best in your “post advantage play” phase of life.
I have been a follower since “48hours”. Read all your books, columns,. Your advice has given me fun times. Thank you for all the advice and good reads. Wish you and Brad the best .
Thank you for all of the wonderful, valuable advice throughout the years, Jean! I read “The Frugal Gambler” around 2008 and I have not only been following your valuable advice on stretching my gaming bankroll but have continued to read your wonderful blogs and posts ever since. Not only have they been filled with exceptional advice and tips but they are just plain enjoyable reads! I will miss them immensely but will continue to follow you on Facebook.
Wishing you a fulfilling, enjoyable retirement and wonderful, special moments spent with your beloved husband, Brad! I hope you continue to enjoy playing Mah jongg too!
You & Brad are a very special couple and have made a wonderful and helpful contribution to all of your fans! Thank you & I wish you only the best!
Your books and shared information were invaluable as Rick and I became advantage players. Your friendship was a joy whenever we saw you. Those were unforgettable times. All the best to you both.
Jean,
THANK YOU. May you and Brad be blessed.
I think I’ve read everything you’ve written over the years, so you can bet I’ll be on your Facebook page. At 80 years of age, I fully understand the changes your are making, even though I’ll miss the regular input. Thanks for all you’ve given me and others – make your enjoyment the most important factor to consider from now on. You’ve earned it.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom all these years.
this is the end of an era, but sounds like you’re starting a new era other games. Maybe you can still do a rare an occasional column. we miss running into you guys at the Palms. Take care.
Jean thank you so much for all your words of wisdom. I have all your books and have enjoyed them all. My husband and I have followed lots of your rules. I wish you and Brad the best in the future. Getting old is not fun but think about the fun we have had. God Bless you both.
.
Thank you Jean for the many years of advice. I wish you and Brad all the best ❤️❤️❤️
You’ve changed the lives of many for the better without you even knowing. You’ve brought strategy and challenge and fun and reward into our lives for decades now, and I wish for you that the universe returns a percentage of the joy to you both now that you’ve offered us all. God bless.
Thanks for the many fond memories. I think my original post didn’t save.
Anyhow, enjoyed the last few times we had been together at those Gold Coast days as Young at Heart.
Enjoy the game of my ancestors, LOL, Mah-Jongg which I have never mastered. Maybe someday when I’m fully retired.
Martin M, San Diego
All good things change or sometimes come to completion, Have enjoyed your many blogs, books, advice and infrequent meet ups (last as at the Gold Coast, Young at Heart daily drawings when you and Brad and other friends were there) Thanks for helping me in my journey using video poker as a way to stretch gaming time and money, along with all the benefits that came my way (and still do, although more so in Laughlin than LVegas now).
And I’ll also remember meeting up in SoCal Harrah’s for one of your adventures.
Journey onward as you explore ‘Mah-Jongg’, the game of my ancestry which I never mastered! *I enjoy new games as well, having grown up with many board games of various sorts, until computers took over our world!~ Will look for occaisional posts in FaceBook.
Best wishes on your new life – free from writing here.
Martin M. San Diego
I have been a fan since 2008. I have really enjoyed your writings, first for their educational value, but also because they were FUN to read! Best wishes to you and to Brad, Jean! Enjoy life!
Jean, Thank you for all the wonderful articles,advice,and tips you have shared with us all these years. I will never forget the great meal I was lucky to share with Brad and you at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. We had a great time reliving some Las Vegas escapades and adventures. May God bless you both and please enjoy your retired life.
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us. You saved us, your loyal followers, billions of dollars. I personally would not have gotten two dozen and still counting royals without your help.
Will try to keep up with you on your web page. It was so much fun in the good old days when we would see you frequently. Your books were such a help in spending a winter months with freebies in Las Vegas. Time marches on and new challenges. Enjoy your easier life, my friend.
Good luck in your further retirement. I look forward to the Facebook posts!
Thanks for all you have done over the years!
I was a fan as soon as I stumbled across the original “The Frugal Gambler” at Half Price Books and Records here in Indy in 2000. You spoke my language, and I was hooked then on learning as much as I could about coupons, comps, and video poker.
Thank you so much for all of the invaluable info, and best wishes in your well deserved retirement.
Jane from Indy
Thank you for all your sharing through out the years. Will follow you on Facebook. Wishing you and Brad a long healthy life.
The end of an era. We have been reading your posts and following your advice for over three decades. And it has been almost that long since we paid for a room or a meal in a casino, again thanks to your advice. Unfortunately we have never met you in person but feel like we know you from your blog postings and books. I was flattered that you once quoted from one of my trip reports on VPFREE, “The buffet was so bad we didn’t even steal any food.”
Wishing you the very best for your future endeavors.
Rick & Lucky Lucy
Thank you so much for all the great reads and great advise over the years, as my wife and I worked our way to becoming low rollers. Your books and blogs were a welcomed beacon on how to navigate the casinos and get the best bang for our buck. I’ll undoubtedly keep checking out your Facebook page for updates on yours and Brad’s life and adventures. All my best to you both.
Thanks for all the assistance and tips through all the many years. As sports comps were radically reduced through the 90’s, I turned to alternative sources of free food and the occasional room, and you were very valuable. As I negotiated the costs of 90 days a year spent in Las Vegas, your recommendations and hints helped me eat better and live cheaper. I salute both you and Brad. My wish to you, as I hope to do myself, is to bring home that last hundred yards of the 440 of life with a steady gait and as clear a vision as we can muster. Take care and enjoy the home stretch!
thank you for all of your advise it has been very helpful.
My freshman year of college, a friend and I used to play gin at a penny a point. We kept a running total on a bulletin board for the semester instead of exchanging coins on a regular basis. At the end of the semester, my friend wrote me a check for over $90. You can still gamble even if not in the casino and still enjoy it.
Good luck on this next phase of your retirement.