Back to Basics

We can’t forget the pain of 2020 that is continuing into 2021, but I feel I must now regain my basic positive outlook and once again return to my long-term goals for this blog: providing practical ideas on how to make your casino life more enjoyable with less stress on your budget. I wish I could tell you about new and wonderful ways to make a lot of money in a casino, but to quote an old cliché, that train has left the station and I’m pretty sure that station is quickly falling into disrepair, never to be remodeled and bustling again. However, I’m still doing the research that I always did, ferreting out information that might help you lose less and thus be able to continue to have casinos as one of your favorite entertainment choices.

First, I want to remind you of the basics I’ve stressed in the past. Of course, you read every piece of casino mail that comes to you, whether hard copy or online. But like me, you’ll also have to be a constant researcher, scouring casino websites for possible promotions that can pump up the EV of your play. To help you with your searches, I point you to the “Good Websites” tab above any “Frugal Vegas” blog, with many resources that give you valuable and current ideas about stretching your finances in a casino. Remember, bargains you find for food and entertainment options let you keep more money for your gambling bankroll. Also, you can expand your research by doing some heavy in-person casino scouting, searching for hidden plays that haven’t been shared online.

As you do your research, be aware of casino changes, especially in the players clubs. Wynn Resorts recently made major changes in theirs, with a new tier system. And because of the pandemic, you need to check on expiration changes. Many casinos, including Caesars, have extended benefits that perhaps you thought you’d lost. Check their websites for details. This also goes for travel companies. Many hotel and airline loyalty programs have also done some major benefit extensions. See many details at the practical and very useful travel section on the LVA website.

Mobile apps are a relatively new possible resource that are becoming more popular. I confess that I didn’t take advantage of them when we were still living and playing in Vegas. Why not? Mainly because we were cutting down on our play in 2018-2019 and we had enough established opportunities to keep us as busy as we wanted or were able to be. But if I were looking for new possibilities now, I’m sure I ‘d download some casino mobile apps. I’m hearing about promotions or offers that are exclusive to this medium.

And never forget the power of coupons. Remember I was the Queen of KuPon before Dan Rather gave me the Queen of Comps moniker. With fewer good plays these days, advantage-hunting players might find they have time for more high-EV couponing and perhaps doing some extra scouting at the same time. The American Casino Guide will not be putting out a new book for 2021, but check here for a list of the 2020 coupons that will be honored through 2021.

And of course, you’ll want to check out that mother of all coupon books, our own MRB (Member Rewards Book) here at LVA. As I write this, they’re being mailed out to current members and are available for pick-up at the Huntington Press office. And despite the pandemic casino limitations, they’re still a frugal bargain, close in value to the pre-COVID editions. The gambling coupons have always been a valuable feature, but with casinos drastically cutting comps, those meal and other discounts perhaps will have added value for many.

And now for the answer to the picture puzzle I gave you back during the holidays. A couple of you did guess the answer I had in mind: I’m wearing the same antlers in both pictures. I think I paid about $2 for them and they have lasted through 30+ Decembers! Maybe one of my most frugal moves!

However, I loved all your guesses, many versions of the following:

“You are still enjoying life together.”

“You still wear glasses.”

“You still have nice smiles; they show even through the masks.”

“The two of you are still joined at the hip.”

“What hasn’t changed is your love for each other, side by side.”

As we celebrated Brad’s 89^th birthday this week, I felt so blessed that those last two are still so very true. Brad’s getting so frail and his memory is failing him in so many of life areas.  But he feels so secure and appreciative that I’m always very near him and he has never forgotten our love for each other. This bond, forged 38 years ago, has never been stronger than it is today.