Well, I have more leisure time now.  And for a couple of nights I have been staying up half the night to catch up on this new-to-me writing.  I am blown away by it.  Perhaps partly because I am so familiar with the subject material – I have been to or heard about or even written about most of the subjects.  But most of all I am in awe about a writing style that grabs the reader by the neck – and never lets go.

I long to write like that.  But my work will never be described as edgy.  For over 20 years I deliberately tried to avoid as much as possible pointing out the negative aspects of Las Vegas and casinos, concentrating on giving positive advice on how to cope with the reality.  I took the little-Miss-Sunshine role.  And to be absolutely frank, at times I didn’t name names because I wanted to protect my own hunting grounds!

In the last couple years or so, I did begin to point out areas where I thought casinos were being unwise.  I never blamed the casinos for not wanting people like me who were negatively affecting their profitability (even though I thought they were overreacting to an extremely small issue) but I saw and wrote about those draconian actions that were negatively affecting all their customers.

I thought about the comparison between “VitalVegas” and this blog.  Probably the most common adjective readers – even my most loyal fans – would use to describe “Frugal Vegas” might be “sensible” (like sensible shoes – not very fashion-forward but more comfortable).  I wondered if I could make this blog a little more edgy, a little more in-your-face.  I could try – maybe?

But I did think of one possibly more forward-thing I could do – I could start taking and posting selfies.  I have always considered them in the realm of anxious middle-school girls who lack self-confidence – and, not surprising, many of their male counterparts (most who have temporarily dropped out of the human race to become monkeys who are fixated on their private parts). However, sadly, also the adult realm seemed to be crowded with narcissism. So I tried to stay out of that realm.

But yesterday Brad and I was sitting on the beach at our apartment complex lake, not near anyone else so we were observing proper social distancing, and a new thought popped into my head. Time to try something new – and besides I wanted to show how a faux palm tree, with colorful coconuts, could lift one’s spirits – at least temporary – in this dark time.  Here is my first selfie:

NOTE: I will unfriend or de-friend anyone who comments that I am looking good. I don’t look particularly good at all. I haven’t put on makeup or curled my naturally straight straggly hair for weeks – and I don’t plan to do so for at least a month – and maybe longer.

Here is my second selfie:

You may comment on the second selfie if you don’t gush – the longer I don’t cut Tom’s hair, the curlier and thicker it looks, which seems a little unfair to me.

I’m not sure if I will ever take another selfie.  It didn’t seem to inspire me to write edgy words and I don’t feel like addressing anyone right in their face.

I may just have to continue writing sensibly until I can find a new and comfortable style.  Hang on, readers, who knows what the future holds here.

Our trip back to Vegas for the BJ Ball seems like it was in a different lifetime, although it was just a little over a month ago.  It will go down in our memories as the last big good thing before the virus war began.

It was a wonderful experience.  We knew it would very likely be the last time we would be in our favorite city, a place which had provided for us an amazing almost-fairy-tale life for almost 36 years.   We could once again experience the excitement of the bright lights that always beckoned with their message of countless possibilities.

Most of all, we felt honored that we were invited as special guests at this get-together of distinguished gamblers. It was like the cherry-on-the-top as we were retiring at the end of our long frugal casino journey.

It had been many years since we attended one of these gatherings, in fact not since back at the very beginning of the BJ Ball in the late ‘90s.  And being at this one became especially memorable since this year my “boss,” Anthony Curtis, was voted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame.  Brad and I and Anthony had all three been at those early get-togethers, and now here we were together again, celebrating Anthony’s high honor.

For those who want more details about this year’s Blackjack Ball and perhaps learn more of its interesting history, I am giving below some links to articles about this event, some of which are extremely detailed.  And just to answer one question I often get, “No, although it is called a Ball, it is not a dance.”  I find most professional gamblers are the last persons you would find on a dance floor! (Although Brad and I were avid ballroom dancers for many years!)

https://www.blackjackreview.com/wp/2020/02/28/the-24th-blackjack-ball-2020/

https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/blackjack-ball-brings-worlds-greatest-gamblers-to-las-vegas-1969539/

https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/the-24th-annual-blackjack-ball/

https://www.888casino.com/blog/tags/blackjack-ball  – 4 articles detailing 2018 and 2019 Balls

Obviously, Brad and I realize our added risk of old age and, with Brad, underlying medical problems.  So, we do not plan to gather with large groups.  I did go to our nearby Wal-Mart yesterday to do some stock-up shopping so I wouldn’t have to go out so often in the future.  It was extremely crowded, and the sign I was definitely in the South – can you guess which shelves looked the emptiest?  Grits!!!

Unfortunately, last night we had to go to the one place a person doesn’t want to be to avoid bugs of any type – the hospital emergency room.  Some routine blood work Brad had in the afternoon turned up a dangerously high potassium count that required immediate attention that evening. Thanks to our wise decision to move close to family, we had a convenient ride to the hospital, with Angela and Steve being Johnny’s-on-the-spot.  I have taken over driving responsibilities since Brad gave up his license, but some vision decline makes night driving unsafe for me.

Hoping to have a short waiting time with a roomful of sick people – and only some wearing masks – did not come to pass.  It was over 3 exhausting hours until an emergency room curtained-off cubicle became open so Brad could lie down.  The delay wasn’t because of coronavirus fears and people with symptoms wanting to be tested – seemed to be none of that.  Actually, it seemed to be due to gang violence – there was at least one gunshot victim, police all over, and the hospital was put on lockdown – I guess in case that violence would follow into the emergency room.

We didn’t know many details, but the guy in the cubicle across from Brad seemed to have a foot injury and there was a cop sitting next to him at all times.  When he was finally leaving, limping, escorted out by two cops, a medical supervisor asked, “Can he take crutches?”

“Not where he is going,” snapped one of the cops.  Oh, he wasn’t the victim of the violence but a perp that was shot by the police.

Actually, all this drama made the visit a little interesting.  However, it majorly delayed getting to Brad’s problem.  But after an IV and multiple blood tests and long waits, good news came back.  His potassium level was normal – maybe the earlier high one was a mistake??

At 4 a.m. we quickly passed through the still-crowded waiting room to go out in fresh warm GA air while we waited a few minutes for Steve to pick us up.  We were ready to go back to our cozy apartment and be hopeful that we hadn’t picked up any bug – Corona or otherwise!

I knew this move would be a lot of work – but it has been more exhausting than I expected –  and taking us longer to get settled .  I guess we had more energy at 60/67, back when we moved from Indianapolis to Las Vegas 20 years ago.

But we are happy to be in our new Georgia home, albeit surrounded by unpacked boxes.  I love apartment living already.  Toilet won’t stop running – call maintenance. Door sticking – call maintenance.  They cheerfully fix, change, or tell us how to operate anything.  However, one thing they can’t fix is the weather. Our umbrellas and raincoats are getting a heavy workout.  It will take time to adjust to heavy humidity!

It is great to be near family.  These three great-grands will keep us young – if they don’t wear us out first! 

We haven’t had time to miss Las Vegas or gambling yet – too busy getting settled. But I just heard something on the news that I just couldn’t believe.  All the state political talk  here is centered around whether Georgia will finally legalize gambling, with the push for a casino in Atlanta.  But then I heard the governor speak about this subject and he said that other cities around the state were interested in also having a casino.  Then he went on to mention that an official from Columbus told him their city definitely wanted to be included on that casino location list.

Hummmm….wonder if he had found out the Frugal Gamblers had moved to Columbus and might give a casino here a big boost.

Naaaaaw…

However, before we can leave town on December 27, we are knee-deep in packing, getting rid of “stuff” we collected for the last 20 years here.  We are taking some of our possessions to GA, but everything that will not fit into the two “moving pods” we have reserved is being given to friends and charity. No garage sales allowed here in our condo complex – but we wouldn’t have the energy to run one anyway! I am so grateful that daughter Angela is able to take off a couple weeks from her work to come early and help me – a big part of the moving stress is making decisions about what to take or what not to take! She is good at brutal honesty opinions!!!

Angela, Steve, and Kaitlynn will all be here by the 24th of December and we will celebrate Christmas Eve with my sister Starr and her husband David that morning. Then Ang and Steve will take our Encore SUV and start the road trip back east. Brad and I will stay in Vegas to tie up last-minute business and then fly to San Antonio on the 27th where Ang and Steve will meet us. Brad was in basic training there, at Lackland Air Force base, 70 years ago and we look forward to spending a couple of nostalgic and sightseeing days. Then the four of us will continue the road trip together for the 3 days on to GA.  On January 3^rd we get the keys to our 2-bedroom apartment in a beautiful lakeside complex, just a few minutes down the road from where Ang and Steve live.

I will continue to write this blog through December and perhaps into January.   I was thinking this might be a good time to give you readers a chance to ask some questions before I retire from this almost 20-year activity.  (In April of 2000 I started writing “Frugal Fridays,” which then morphed into “Frugal Vegas.”)  Send me your questions at queenofcomps@cox.net and I will try to answer them in upcoming December blogs.

The problem with this party that they both wanted to attend was that it was in downtown Vegas – a bit of a drive from their home. The man, at 87, finally had recently turned in his keys – so the woman would have to drive.  She had driven her whole adult life until the man’s retirement 30+ years ago.  Then they were always together and she had taken the wheel only a few times – mainly like when he was having a heart attack or was in the hospital.  She was now afraid that she had perhaps lost some of her safe-driving skills.  She could cope with the chaotic scary Vegas traffic when the destination was on a familiar route near their home, but she just didn’t want to tackle the downtown maze of constant construction and unknown parking possibilities. At one time they had known every nook-and-cranny of the area and every detail of every casino, but this hadn’t been their gambling stomping ground for many years, and they knew things had been changing.

But then they remember their handy friend, Uber!  They had used share-rides to and from the airport in the past, but decided that this could be the way that they could still enjoy going out even when driving themselves sometimes was not a good option.  The woman hesitated, as usual thinking of the cost.  The woman’s daughter finally convinced her that at age 80 she could let up a little on the extreme frugal concept.  And the man, who had never joined in 100% to the “crazy frugal” concept, reminded the woman that this was the “old age” that they had been saving for all these many years.

So… their beautifully warm autumn evening jaunt began with a jolly Uber driver picking them up at their condo and cheerfully loading the man’s walker into the trunk.  With no concern about the traffic, the couple could enjoy sight-seeing out the windows as the driver took a route they hadn’t been on for several years, noticing all the many changes in the city that had been their frequent vacation destination and then their home for almost 36 years.

The experienced Uber driver knew all the shortcuts and the trip was over quickly, the couple and their walker dropped off conveniently right at the back entrance to the El Cortez, where the party was happening.  They were about a half-hour early so they did what they had been doing for 36 years when they visited a new casino or one that they hadn’t been in for a long time: the woman pulled out coupon books from her purse and found two joining-bonus coupons.  They didn’t know how many years it had been since they last played at the El Cortez.  Would their names still be in the players club database and they wouldn’t qualify as a new member for this bonus?  They knew some casino databases seem to stretch back forever.

The man reminded the woman that he clearly remembers playing a $1 Triple Deuces VP machine here and hitting 4 deuces for $3000.  He doesn’t remember when it was – probably almost 20 years ago – but he said he would never forget the stir it caused as all the “little” players crowded around him, marveling at someone who hit a jackpot on a dollar machine – and at “full-coin” to boot!

Anyway, there was no record of either of their names so the players club clerk processed the coupons for them.  They would each have $10 of free play.

What machine to choose?  This was no time, they agreed, to look for “good” video poker machines; they would go for something fun.  They came across a nickel Triple Play Ultimate X, which was often their “just-for-fun” short-time choice – who cares what the paytable is! They played 5 minutes and then had to quit to head for the party.  Turned the $20 into $5 – cash out – okay – that covers the tip for the Uber driver one-way.

Although the couple had been on the El Cortez casino floor many times, they had never had a room there – and they certainly had never been up in the penthouse suite, which is where the long-time owner, Jackie Gaughan, lived for 25 years, until his death in 2014.  The suite has remained unoccupied by a permanent resident since then although it may be rented out – at a high price, of course, by someone who wants to enjoy the throw-back luxury of the 50’s-60’s.  It is also available for group functions, such as this party the couple was attending. They not only enjoyed chatting with old friends and making new acquaintances, but the 15^th floor patio view at dusk gave a beautiful picture of downtown, with both the familiar old sights they remembered and the new buildup beyond the Fremont Street Experience.

The couple left the party, happy that they had made the effort to get out of the house that evening.  It had been an interesting and entertaining get-together.  Should they order up an Uber and go straight home from the El Cortez?

Or, should they continue down Fremont Street and revive some more memories?  There were still lots of coupons in the lady’s purse.

Tune in next week for the answer.

So…as I have done hundreds of times over the years when one casino advantage opportunity disappeared, I sat down when we arrived at the casino and starting figuring what our next best move could be.  Fortunately, this would not be a hard decision for Brad and me this time.  We had already decided, especially after Brad’s recent medical problems, that we were going to phase ourselves out of CZR after this Cherokee trip.  So, we would just call it quits a little earlier.

However, since we were already in Cherokee, we would keep this Seven Star retreat reservation, a benefit we had already earned.  In the past, we had always been careful not to “burn our bridges,” giving at least a little play whenever we were taking advantage of a casino benefit.  However, this time we weren’t going to worry about our “reputation,” having decided we weren’t interested in having any future offers anyway.  We were not going to play at all!

It was relaxing – Steve and Angela and we just using our $500 folio for lots of good food and in the retail shops looking for educational toys for our three great-grandchildren.  We had a nice balance of accumulated Reward Credits that we could turn into cash, something we couldn’t do at other CZR properties.

We all four had a bunch of coupons good for free play, including $40 for taking advantage of their no-housekeeping program, those from monthly mailers, and about $1100 in airfare reimbursement.  Angela and Steve got lucky on the slots and hit a jackpot that almost doubled their free play amount.  Brad and I used ours on electronic blackjack and felt lucky that we got back the full free play amount. None of us were interested in doing recreational (non-advantage) play after we had run our free play through the required one time. We all decided we would rather use our money later for other entertainment choices.  It was going to be so much more fun to come home from a casino with a fatter wallet!

This Cherokee experience also did something really important for Brad and me – and it may explain to some who have questioned why we are retiring within the next few months. I’ve already detailed the health reason, which is very important.  But there is another – one about which Brad and I weren’t yet 100% sure.  Was this something we really wanted to do?

But when we got the news about the Cherokee downgrades, instead of feeling sad and disappointed as we have reacted in the past, we both felt…. well… RELIEVED.  We have 36 years of gloriously happy casino memories – but smart gambling is “work” as well as fun.  We are ready to stop working!

Here is a picture of Brad being transferred from the military hospital at Fort Benning to a civilian one in Columbus, the latter one having a better cardiac department.

Brad is still a little weak, but with strong meds kicking in and the help of a walker (and a wheelchair which is complimentary at the casino), he feels he is up to a short 4 ½-hour road trip from Columbus, GA to Harrah’s Cherokee, with Angela and me and tough ex-Ranger Steve as his “nursing assistants.”

This trip is my Harrah’s 7* retreat that we had to cancel for last weekend.  So, for those of you on property this weekend who might want to stop and chat, we will be on the casino floor or at the buffet or the Laurel Lounge (Formerly called the Diamond Lounge) on this Friday evening (20^th), off and on all day Saturday, and Sunday until early afternoon when we will be driving back to Columbus.

I don’t want to clutter up this blog with personal details but if you want to follow more of our “real life,” as opposed to our casino one, you can join us on my Jean Scott Facebook page for updated news.  I’ll be happy to friend you if you are not there already.

Now for some details for those who don’t know much about this beautiful Indian casino, managed by Harrah’s.  We have visited here once or twice a year for many years.  In my opinion it is located in one of the prettiest areas of the U.S, the Smoky Mountains.  (Tied with Lake Tahoe at the top of our casino favorites.) We especially like to visit in the fall to see the leaf-changing spectacular – something we miss in Las Vegas.  And it is always a good place to take the family, with many non-gambling options, like sightseeing, hiking, and fishing.  It also has our very favorite casino buffet, bar none.

Cherokee has many advantages for those in the Harrah’s 7* players club tier.  Unlimited comped movies.  Free Internet access for 5 devices.  Large selection of free beverages at check-in.  Opt out of daily housekeeping and get $20 free play per night stay.  A special set-aside room in the Laurel Lounge, with additional food selections.  And very valuable, you can get cash instead of free play when you cash in your Reward Credits.  If you are on your 7* retreat, you can use your $500 folio money in the many shops, not just for food and beverage.

A friend recently sent me this good hint, one which I didn’t know:

You can use Celebration “vouchers” for room service.  Before we used ours, I checked at the Rewards Center and was told that I could use the voucher for room service, but I needed to tell the room service people when I placed our order.  I did and it worked perfectly.

Perhaps this will work at other CZR properties?  You could check.

If you want more hints about this property and extra benefits, go to the Seven Star Insider,  where you will find tons of very detailed information about Cherokee and all other CZR properties.  Although this website zeroes in on 7* benefits, there is much information that would help lower-tier players maximize the value of their play.

The main drawback for many VP players is that there are not good paytables at the lower denominations.  The best ones are at the $5 machines.

——-

If Brad continues to gain his strength back, we plan to return to Vegas on September 28th – and I can be back here with more Las Vegas casino frugal information.

Most everyone is surprised by our decision. Won’t we miss gambling? How will we spend our time with no casinos around?  Won’t we get bored?

I can explain, with so many reasons and factors.  Our ages – 80 and 87.  Our energy levels, decreasing at a fast pace.  Health issues – Brad especially has been dealing with serious medical problems.

However, family is a major consideration.  Angela, the frugal princess, and her hubby Steve want us to be nearby so they can help out whenever we might need any kind of assistance. And we would like to be able to see more often our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  This picture shows Grandson Zachary, just back home from a National Guard deployment to Afghanistan, with 3 of our important “little” reasons for wanting to be in GA!!

As far as missing gambling, video poker just doesn’t have the appeal to either of us as in the past.  After 36 years of playing the frugal game in Vegas, we both are ready to retire from chasing positive value. Even Brad, who has been gambling at something for 83 years (started when he was 5), says he is ready to “rest.”  Many people won’t understand this, but serious gamblers will – successful gambling takes a lot of “work.”  And this “job” is getting harder and harder.  “Retiring” sounds very relaxing to both of us.

As I said at the top, we are still in the planning stages.  There may be a transition period when we keep our home in Vegas and spend longer periods in GA. In fact, we are leaving  for GA soon, staying for several weeks.

Furthermore, we aren’t leaving gambling completely right away.  We still have at least one comped Harrah’s Seven Star trip on tap that we will use on this next GA visit.  Angela and Steve like to take us on that 4 1/2-hour road trip from Columbus up to beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee. And when we are back in Vegas, you might see us at times taking advantage of a multiple-point day at a local casino.

And don’t worry about not hearing from me – I will continue writing blogs as long as I find useful hints for frugal gambling and my fingers can still work a keyboard.

It’s not that I haven’t talked about food in previous writings.  I have given many frugal hints for getting good value for casino eats, like scheduling late buffet lunches, with their lower prices, that often spill into the availability of higher-level dinner selections.  But in this blog, I am going to talk about Brad’s and my personal eating habits, mainly because I get so many questions about this subject and realize many people have false ideas about our Vegas life.   They often compare it to their routine  when they come to town for a vacation and stay in a casino for several days.

Most Vegas locals eat about the same way they would if they lived in a non-casino town.  They do not eat in a casino every day but regularly cook meals at home.  However, like people everywhere, they do eat out frequently and, especially if they gamble at all, they often choose a casino restaurant where they play.  And even non-gamblers often look to casino eateries because of the wide choice of high-end and famous choices.  The picture changes a bit if you look at those local gamblers who are earning comps. Obviously, those people will be eating at the casino more often – how often depending on their comp level.

Brad and I did eat in casinos a lot after we moved to Vegas 20 years ago – even almost every day – because we were playing frequently and heavily and earning more comps than we could eat up!  We made a big effort to find friends and relatives to help us with this “task.” But we were never foodies and, even then, much preferred buffets, delis, and coffee shops over gourmet restaurants.  For years we would have hosts who would beg us to let them write us a comp for their top-level epicurean offerings – and they would just shake their head in disbelief when we turned it down.

Things are so much different these days.  First, all casinos have made significant cuts to their comp benefits.  This is true at every level – from the fanciest Strip properties down to the smallest local joints – hitting both visitors and locals. And, for us personally, we do not have the energy to play as much as we used to.  We go to a casino 3 or 4 days a week and are usually able to play only two-or-three-hour sessions.  Therefore, we do not have the flood of comps as in former days.  Believe it or not, my cleaning lady doesn’t just have to dust my stove; my return to some cooking after 35 years gives her some grease to remove!

But all that said, you will still see us eating in a casino fairly often.  You would never catch us eating one of these giant stacked-high-with-whatever “gourmet” hamburgers that seem so popular these days.  We aren’t big beef eaters in the first place, but we would always prefer a single-patty with cheese; Brad wants nothing added but pickle and onion and I would add just lettuce and tomato.  We like those at Steak’n Shake at South Point, combined with half-price milkshakes between 2-4 p.m.  We do hit other casino fast-food places occasionally.  Love the hot dogs at South Point and sometimes stop at the hot-dog cart or Subway at Gold Coast.  We like the sugar-free butter pecan ice cream at Java Vegas Coffee at the Gold Coast or at Kate’s Corner at South Point.  And we can grab a pizza slice at Little Tony’s near the sports book at Palace Station or have a great spaghetti meal to eat there or carry home.  (Stations run a senior special on Wednesdays with discounts on restaurants that vary from month to month.  Check these out on their website and watch for 50% off your favorite place to eat.)

We are a bit picky about buffets.  When we have comps, we take our out-of-town visitors to the widely publicized Caesars Palace Bacchanal over-the-top buffet, but we never choose that just for the two of us even if we have comps.  We aren’t big eaters and just don’t need so many “exotic” choices.  We like comfort food.  The Orleans and Gold Coast are good choices for us, especially their special weekend brunches.  We have mixed emotions about the new buffets at Palace Station and the Palms.  They both usually have sugar-free brownies and good soup selections so that keeps Brad from complaining too much about “weird food.”

Recently we have found a new meal idea that appeals to us even though it involves gourmet restaurants which we eschew.  Going to the Cornerstone lounge at the Gold Coast during happy hour – 4-6 p.m. – has become one of our favorite activities.  We like the idea of sharing small plates which gives us variety even though we are light eaters.  Many steak houses and other upscale restaurants run these with very reasonable prices on both food and drinks in a relaxing comfortable but still “gourmet” atmosphere.  Check  out this frugal option at your favorite casino’s fine restaurants!

Obviously, we eat in other places than casinos.  We always eat breakfast at home – and always the same menu for many years:  Hot oats, with walnuts and flavored with dark chocolate mix, a daily coco extract supplement that has proven to reduce inflammation in the body.  We drink green tea and V8 juice – low sodium – and add fresh fruit, like bananas, oranges, or berries.

Lunch is light – sandwiches or soup.  If we are out and about, we might stop at a fast-food place.  Our favorites include Wendy burgers or chili, Mexican pizzas at Taco Bell, and hot pretzel sticks and  sugar-free Dilly Bars at the Dairy Queen.

If we are having dinner at home, it is often left-overs brought home from a casino or a Nutrisystem selection.  If I am cooking, it is usually a one-dish meal like stir-fry.

We try to eat healthy as much as possible wherever we are.  More fruits and vegetables.  Less sodium. Very little red meat – more chicken.  We take some vitamins and supplements.  Nothing different than if we lived in a non-casino atmosphere.  Brad doesn’t gain weight, but I am always trying to watch mine.  And that is a problem in Vegas – buffets can jeopardize any healthy diet unless you have strong self control!