September seems to be bringing more changes in Vegas than just in the weather – and just like the weather, it isn’t always good, at least for video poker players:
There is scuttlebutt, but no confirmed details yet, that Station casinos is bringing in a brand new players club. I can always hope – but experience reminds me that changes in casinos are rarely good for video poker players.
Hard Rock has revised its players club as of September 1 – for the umpteeth time in the last few years – and the facts have already killed any slight hope I foolishly might have had. They have doubled the coin-in amount ($2) needed to earn a point on most video poker machines. That isn’t a complete surprise because many casinos give slot players more points than VP players. However, on some VP machines they call “Optimum,” it takes $4 to earn a point. Problem is these machines are not “optimum” in the common use of the word, like 9/6 JoB or other paytables with higher paybacks. They seem to be mainly multi-line and/or specialty games but with no better paytables. It looks like they are scared to death of any who might want to give them some heavy play. Even recent promotions favored the low-level player and penalized the higher-level ones. They say they want to attract more locals, but with an earlier slashing of paytables and now a downgrade in slot club benefits, the only action they will be getting from many formerly loyal customers will be the swinging of the doors as they leave in disappointment and frustration. Some casino employees have said that there are plans for better promotions, but I am not holding my breath!
Another new development that all players should be aware of. Silverton has now put an expiration date on the old comp dollars that were earned before their new slot club went into effect several months ago. At that time there was no mention of an expiration date, but now we are being told you must use them up by December 29th of this year. (Humm…. that will not be a welcome birthday gift for me this year.) This is a warning for those who like to bank casino benefits: Casinos love to change programs; casinos even go out of business. A wise player needs to think ahead – hope for the best but be prepared for the worst!
Joe, you seem to looking at specifics and not the big picture. If a chef teaches you a recipe, then you know how to make one dish. But if you focus on the chef’s techniques, you will be able to make many dishes. Yes, Jean and Bob go into some specifics; but the advice they give (searching for better pay tables, anlyzing slots clubs, learning proper strategies, etc) can be used no matter where you play. Thanks for all your help Jean.
Sincerely,
Linda
JOE, do you realize that most of the entire gaming population of the USA is in Las Vegas several times a year. We in San Antonio will be out on September 17. Jean’s advice and suggestions will allow us to a comped stay at the PALMS. USAirways is giving us adward miles comp for the roundtrip. (We still have to Pay For The Bags).
Thanks Jean
Gil & June
In your column “A Gambling Constant – Change” you mention the obvious perils of piling up slot card points. Our B-Connected Card points can be used at downtown Boyd casinos (we love the Fremont) for a 40@ discount on meals – – using points vice cash or credit card. We are pleased to be silver card holders and use this feature when we have guests for a buffet. What do you feel is a fairly standard rule-of-thumb for a minimum number of points to keep active in a casino?
DO YOU AND DANCER REALIZE YOUR POSTS
APPLY TO A MINISCULE AMOUNT OF LV RESIDENTS ONLY ?
YOU CAN’T POST ANYTHING RELEVANT TO THE
ENTIRE GAMING POPULATION OF THE USA ?
Hopefully they can be convinced to change their minds. If they want to be local, they need to have competitive games. I also heard the same thing you did about promotions. But it doesn’t help if no one plays
Ms. Scott
I am a huge fan and follower of yours. Thank you for all your useful information.
Sincerely
Patrick Okano
[email protected]
Thanks for the tips, Jean ~ we’re heading to Vegas on the 12th, so hopefully Stations hasn’t changed their player’s club before then 🙁
One question for you ~ do you think it’s better to play games with the best pay schedules that take more money to earn a point? or to play the lower pay schedules and earn more points?