One respondent mentioned Reno. I’ve found that Reno is a better value destination than Vegas but also, that it is getting tighter as well. Your mileage may vary, though. The Atlantis and Peppermill have been not only stingy but sometimes downright dishonest. Silver Legacy, Circus Circus, Grand Sierra, Sands, and Eldorado have been fairly generous. Also, Tahoe is a terrible gambling destination, but if you can establish a relationship with one of the properties there OTHER than Harrah’s, you might find you have a nice room for the weekend in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

After traveling to Vegas twice yearly, for MANY years, I learned something during my April 2017 trip. I found is quite surprising, though, maybe some of you other gamblers already knew this.

I play tables. I spoke with someone at Harrah’s Las Vegas’ pit to say that I did not feel I was being tracked accurately at their table the night before. Don’t recall the details on how it all went down, but end result was Harrah’s did check the tape and indeed saw that I had a lot higher average bet than the table minimum they had me down for (this happens a LOT and seems to be the norm).

Later that same day, I received the call from a pit supervisor. She invited me to meet with her, which I did. She took me into a closed pit and to their computer system. We went over my play. Here is my point… she said to me “hmm… you seem to change tables a lot”, to which I replied “yes, I do if I am not winning at one particular table, as well as there are 3 different table games I enjoy, I do move to another table”. This pit supervisor informed me that if I play 3 different tables, for 1 hour per table, I will earn a lot less tier credits than if I play 1 table for 3 hours. To me, makes no sense. I see 3 hours of gaming equaling 3 hours of gaming. However, that is not how they see it.
This is Caesar’s rating system. I don’t know about other properties.

To test this information, I went to a Caesar’s property in my home state. I sat at a blackjack table for one hour and then checked my tier credits. I then sat at a blackjack table (playing same denomination) and sat for 3 hours. I then went to check my tier score. Sure enough, when I took the tier credits I earned at the table I sat at for 3 hours, divided by 3 (to see my per hour tier earnings), it was more than double (per hour) of what I earned in the 1 and only hour I sat at the first table. So, I have proven to myself that what the supervisor told me is true. Though, still don’t know why it should work this way.

Thought I would pass along my findings.

I remember that ell the meals were quite reasonable, even the “fancy, hand carved English Roast place” at the LV Hilton. I really loved the true “Vegas Coffee Shops and the Value Gourmet Rooms”. I even have fond memories of the “Burgundy Room” at the Lady Luck. Back then, I did not gamble much, but thought everything was a great value and very much wanted to return.

In the mid 2000’s much seemed to be changing for the worst, but still Harrah’s still had good promotions, including $35+ a day in food vouchers, for visiting its six, strip properties, each day. That was the single best “low roller” promo I have ever seen. Now there are nothing/fewer/greatly diminished: slot tournaments, banquets, hosted dinners, VIP parties, player’s benefits, and VP/slot play itself.

Back then, I even enjoyed the flights to Vegas (in coach), now I hate them (in First/Business) and the who “Vegas Service Industry” has lost much of the “service” which used to be so prevalent. It has become such a bother to go there, I just wonder why I should continue?

Jean, I wanted to ask you a question: have you ever considered Reno as a possible replacement for Vegas. They do have a few Vegas type properties; including Grand Sierra (MGM Grand Reno), Atlantis, and the Peppermill. I have heard that the comps, play, mailers, etc., are MUCH better in Reno. I wonder if this is true, being that a Miami ticket, is about the same price. So perhaps you and Brad could make a trip to Reno, to check it out.

I gamble less and less, because I have found i like spending my travel dollars elsewhere. Your first book talked about Vegas, as being a “value vacation”: this is not the case in 2017 and why should I spend $1,000 per person (first/business class, from Miami) for an eight hour travel experience? For that $2,000 alone, I can go many nice places from Miami!

So even a gambling budget of $500 per day, for a five day gambling trip, is $2,500 plus, $2,000 for flights and $700+ for hotels ( plus fees, fees, & more fees), and $200 a day for meals and $100 a day for entertainment. Plus lets add $300 for shopping/etc. and this is a large total of $7,000+ for a middle of the road “trip to Vegas.

For seven grand, I can take a transatlantic cruise (in a JR Suite) to Europe and fly back in business class, for two people, with spending money, and a few days in Lisbon! On Sept. 30th, I am going on a seven night MSC Divina cruise, in a large balcony cabin. The total cost for two people (I live in Miami Beach/Miami departure) is basic cruise $1,275 plus, $450 for $100 cash on-board credit, alcoholic/non-alcoholic/coffee drink package, and four dinner, Specialty Dining Package. This seven night Eastern Caribbean cruise, is a total $1725. Being a VIP Black Card Holder, I get a further $200 on-board credit, from MSC and four additional Specialty Dining Dinners, VIP parties, two bottles of Champagne and other individual gifts.

So my question, what would I get for seven nights in Vegas (travel costs excluded) for $1,725