DOWNTOWN GRAND

This former Lady Luck Casino seemed to be a suddenly surprisingly good play – full-pay deuces wild – for a short time in July, but alas, to no one’s surprise, it disappeared fairly quickly.  If you are interested in all the details, go to Bob Dancer’s July 30 column.  Take note: they no longer give any points for video poker play.

BOYD GAMING

Things here continue to be in a state of confusion.  On July 23 a planned software update for all of the original Las Vegas casinos took place but since then the players club program has not been working properly.  My experience was only with the Gold Coast, but I was told there were problems all over town.  For a week or so no information came up on machine card readers.  You could swipe your card at the kiosk and qualify for bonus points, but did not know if your points were accumulating properly as you played.   (Employees said they were but I have trust issues on this!)  Finally, this last Wednesday, the last time we played at the Gold Coast, the points were accumulating on the card reader but there was no information to be had at the kiosks, as to how many points or tier credits you earned or your account balances.  In the last few days I finally could get that information online.  Fortunately, the kiosks were working properly to give you benefits you earned, such as those senior Wednesdays perks.

Speaking of Young at Heart Wednesdays, I do have one little frugal hint that I only recently discovered.  The coupon for a free breakfast or lunch (or $5 off another food outlet) that you can get after earning one tier credit has a generous 48-hour expiration time.  So perhaps you don’t play until after 3 p.m. on that day so you think you have missed the 3 p.m. lunch closing deadline. Remember you could use it at those buffets on either Thursday or Friday!

There is some good news for some Boyd players, including myself (but not Brad).  We are getting notice of a “loyalty gift,” a tier bonus that puts us into the next tier level – from Sapphire to Emerald in my case.  Don’t ask me how you get this.  No one knows.  Some players who played little after the players club change got a bonus.  Some who played a lot got it.  But not everyone in either of those categories got it.  Who knows????  Do you think the powers-that-be are trying to do a little something to woo back the hordes of players who have left?

Not sure if anyone in the Ruby tier got this bonus.  But if you didn’t, you are still in that sad case of earning no points until you reach Sapphire.   [Correction here:  Ruby does earn tier credits, just not spendable points.]  Do you think the powers-that-be might be thinking that this was a terrible part of that new “improved” players club?  I try to be optimistic – but it isn’t easy here!

GENERAL NOTE

I have written in the past that some casinos (particularly Boyd properties) offer multiple-point days in their mailers that are only open to those who get the mailer, not the general public.  This month I noticed that my Station mailer (from Palace Station) did not mention their usual Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday multiple-point days (it did mention their senior Wednesday multipliers).  But then I noticed that those days did appear in Scot’s Bonus Point List.    Was that just an oversight on the Palace mailer and perhaps on all Station mailers? Anyway, just another reason to always check Scot’s list.  I am figuring there might also be an ad in Sunday’s paper about these multiple-point days.  We’ll see.

MGM Properties

Just read in the vpFREE forum that MGM, which usually had a standardized comp schedule for most properties, is starting to change to one that varies the earning rate depending on the game you play.  Oops – fewer comps for those playing the better-EV video poker games!

The downward trend continues! 

From news release:  MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) has joined forces with the Ultimate Fighting Championship^® (UFC^®) to bring unparalleled VIP experiences and offers to members of M life, MGM Resorts’ loyalty rewards program. M life members will have unmatched access to UFC including parties, fighter meet-and-greets, discounted merchandise and more. 

“By developing a partnership with the immensely popular UFC, we are able to enhance the fan experience like no one else could through M life,” said MGM Resorts’ President & Chief Marketing Officer Bill Hornbuckle. “Now every fight can be unforgettable with special access before, during and after the event. We are combining the best mixed martial arts talent in the world with our iconic venues on the Las Vegas Strip.”

Members of M life’s top three tiers – Gold, Platinum & NOIR – will have access to additional UFC benefits including:

• Pre-sale UFC ticket offerings (limited supply)
• 20 percent discount on UFCstore.com purchases
• One complimentary digital code to purchase and view a UFC fight
• Access to contests and giveaways
• Access to live fighter video chats

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From LVA News:  The Gamblers Book Club has merged with the Gamblers General Store and will operate at a single location at 808 S. Main Street. Though the store will be at the long-time location of the Gamblers General Store, it appears that the official name will be the Gamblers Book Club.

However, this partnership concept is spreading rapidly, not just between casinos but between casinos and other types of businesses, i.e. cruise lines.  One of the first, and still the strongest due to the same ownership, was between Caesars and Norwegian Cruise lines.  A couple who plays heavily at Caesars properties could probably take advantage of a comped or almost-free cruise every other month.   MGM has a partnership with Royal Caribbean.  And Penn National Gaming has struck a marketing deal with Carnival Cruise Lines beginning in April for most of their casinos.  (However, M Casino in Henderson is not yet being included although probably will be at some future date.)

Then there are casino partnerships with other businesses.  MGM is a partner with Hyatt Hotels and Southwest Airlines, to name a couple.  Go to https://www.mlife.com/pages/preferred_partners.html for a complete list.   Caesars and Starwood Hotels have just started reciprocal loyalty programs.  Caesars also has partnered with Hawaiian Airlines and is part of the Fuel Rewards Network.  Go to the Total Rewards Web site for a complete list of TR alliances.

What does all this new partnership action mean to the gambler?  Depends on what your interests are, of course, but if you like to travel, this may add extra value to your casino play.  I encourage comments from any of you who have had personal experience in this area, both the good and the bad of these possibly valuable “extras.”

I shouldn’t have worried – we never had a problem with finding fun things to do.  The problem was finding enough time to do all the things that interested them.  Here are some of the highlights:

1.  Riding the gondolas at the Venetian.  We don’t play at that casino anymore so didn’t have comps, but Zachary was proud to inform me that he found a frugal discount.  Since he is in the National Guard he was eligible for a reduced military rate.
2. Walking up and down the Strip and hitting the usual freebie attractions:  The Conservatory, chocolate fountain, and the dancing waters at the Bellagio; the Mirage volcano; the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat.   A stop at M+M’s World.  The CSI Experience, for which I had found half –price tickets on Groupon.  The girls spent time at the Forum Shops and Fashion Show Mall, mostly window shopping but they did find some bargains within their budget at H+M and Forever 21.
3. Enjoying a 5-hour tour to the Valley of Fire where they hiked and rode ATV’s to view the rugged but beautiful scenery.   (This was another half-off find on Groupon – a very good place for many Vegas bargains, including for activities, food, and shows.)
4. Visiting a local parkour gym.   This was a high point for Zachary who has a passion for this sport.  I call it the Grandma Nightmare – a  climb-every-wall- jump-every-fence I-know- you-are-going-to-break-every-bone-in-your- body thing!
5.  Staying in luxurious digs, again at no expense for us because they were comped.  The first 3 nights we all stayed in a deluxe Caesars suite that had an adjoining extra bedroom.  The next three nights the Gold Coast gave us a suite for the newly-weds.  (Kaitlynn enjoyed staying with Grandma and Poppy in their condo.)  But the last two nights had the ultimate wow impact.  We had a “Rain Man” suite at Caesars Palace.  We don’t know if it was the exact one where the movie was shot since there are 5 of them with the same 2-story floor plan – but it was an exciting perk, something that came about because of a long-time play history with this gaming company.  (I can’t get my pictures of this to load but I’ll try again in my next blog entry.)
6.  Swimming in the blazing Vegas heat, at the luxurious Caesars pools and in the convenient pool at our condo complex.
7. Seeing shows, something we could provide at no expense for us since we had comps.

• We were able to maximize our Caesars 7* benefit of 2 free shows a month each, turning it into 8 free tickets because the visit dates went over two months –   4 tickets for “Jubilee” and 4 for “Penn and Teller.”
• We used MGM Express Comps (from past play – we no longer play at any of those properties) for tickets to “O” and the “Gospel Brunch” at the House of Blues.  This last one provided a wonderful event for all 5 of us to share.  One of the best breakfasts we have even had in Vegas and uplifting and inspiring entertainment that is rare – maybe non-existent? – on the Strip.  I must say I was a little…shall I say a lot… shocked by being urged to do the “Holy Ghost Rock.”  I was raised a bit conservative!  However, these Southern Baptist kids were into this hand-clapping, white-napkin-waving, jiving music – and it didn’t take Brad and me long to get in the joyful spirit with this enthusiastic audience.

8.  And last, but not least, eating their way up and down the street and all around town.  Thank goodness for plenty of food comps – these kids eat constantly – they needed plenty of fuel to power their nonstop activity.  High point in the eating category was our 7* Celebration Dinner at Caesars Bacchanal Buffet with my sister Starr and her partner, David.  We almost had to break the 2-hour-limit buffet rule posted on the tables!

All in all, it was a wonderful visit – and it took Brad and me only three days to recover!

Today something that hasn’t happened to us for a long time took place.  In Chicago we were offered a bump on our Southwest flight, and it turned out to be a very easy one.  $660 for a mere two-hour wait for the next flight – easy money – and a double-dipper to boot since Caesars had paid for our original 7* flight!

Now to address some questions some of you had about the MGM, which I talked about in my last blog entry.  We haven’t played at any of their properties for almost a year so I am not up to date on all their club benefits.  I do know they offer a cruise benefit for those in the Noir tier; but, as I discussed earlier, it is hard to know exactly how to achieve that tier.  If you want to know  about the slot club at any MGM casino (or any casino for that matter) you can go to vpFREE2  and get all the details, including  links to each property’s Web site where you can get even more information.

 Mark’s Las Vegas  also is a great resource for information about Strip resorts, especially Caesars and MGM properties.

From their Web site, here is their tier levels:

Tier Level is determined by your total number of accumulated Tier Credits as follows:

• Sapphire – Up to 24,999 Tier      Credits
• Pearl – 25,000 Tier Credits
• Gold – 75,000 Tier Credits
• Platinum – 200,000 Tier Credits
• NOIR – By invitation only

You will notice that there is no longer any number beside Noir.  It used to be one million, but recently that number was taken down.  If you ask a hundred employees what the new requirement is you will get a hundred answers.  Maybe it depends on your actual or theoretical loss?    If so, that means if you play “good” video poker games, you may never play enough to be “invited.”  There doesn’t seem to be exact property-wide requirements, and it is almost impossible to find out specific property guidelines.   The slot club personnel almost never have an answer.  Even the hosts don’t seem to know or aren’t allowed to tell you.  Google “MGM Noir tier” and you will find a lot of discussion on this subject.

New Affiliations

Press Release  #1:

HYATT AND MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCE

NEW LOYALTY PROGRAM RELATIONSHIP

New strategic relationship between Hyatt Gold Passport and MGM Resorts’ M life

expected to be largest loyalty program collaboration in Las Vegas

Press Release #2:

MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL AND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES JOIN FORCES TO REWARD LOYAL LAS VEGAS TRAVELERS

Alliance Connects Las Vegas’ Most Prominent Air Carrier with Largest Selection of World-Class Resorts on Las Vegas Strip

See their Web site for details.

I would like to repeat my recommendations for a couple of great resources, particularly if you are interested in playing/staying at Las Vegas Strip properties, although some of this information will be helpful if you play at a MGM or Caesars property anywhere in the country.

     1.  Mark’s Las Vegas.  This has unique coverage with information you might not readily find elsewhere, including a great “Players Club Comps and Tier Advancement Cheat Sheet.”   This shows how you can spend/buy your way up to a higher tier!

2.  The Seven Stars Insider.   From this Web site, where you can subscribe for a free monthly newsletter and read former issues: “While this newsletter was originally designed exclusively for Seven Stars cardholders, there is useful information for anyone who has a Total Rewards^® player’s card and/or plays/stays at a Caesars property.” I can certainly second this.   I find new and valuable details in every newsletter, not just for those who have reached Seven Stars, but for any player who is trying to squeeze more value from their play at a Caesars property.

PALMS

The “Play, Earn, and Win” promotion continues on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  I like that they sometimes are now including a gift card option with the “stuff” choices.  You usually can’t find out the exact list until the first day of the promotion, but in my mailer it shows a Visa gift card for the April 1-12 period.  No card is pictured with the “stuff” for April 15-29 but that may or may not mean there will be none offered. There is another note on my mailer than needs investigation after April 1:  This month use points over multiple days. Does that mean you can combine several days of play to get higher level options?  You need to check at Club Palms for the particulars before you start your play.

A mini earn-and-swipe promotion continues on Tuesdays. And seniors have an extra swipe-and-win promo on Sterling Advantage 50+ Thursdays.

The “Play and Buffet” promotion continues in April on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, various point levels depending on whether you play slots or video poker and which meal you choose.

No mention in my mailer of weekly drawings, but perhaps that information will come later?  Or, perhaps they are taking a drawing break?

TUSCANY

New daily lunch specials at Marilyn’s Cafe, Monday to Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

10x-point days continue in April on Mondays and Fridays.  Pull tabs also return, on the 10^th and the 24th.  Same rules – 1000 base points = 1 pull tab, with a max of 4 per day.  Three Mystery Free Play days are scheduled, on the 2^nd, 16^th, and 30th.  Gift days are on the 4^th and the 18th.

The popular Wal-Mart gift cards ($10) promotion continues every Saturday in April.    Same as with pull tabs, 1000 base points = 1 card, max 4 per person.    There is a 2-step redemption process:  Voucher must be picked up same day at the players club, but you must take voucher to the gift shop the same day earned or the next day, Sunday, to actually pick up your gift card.

A warning note here:  Points earned while collecting free play do not count toward the gift card or pull tab requirements.  We earn our 4000 points FIRST – and then collect any free play we may also have that day.  Keeps us from getting mixed up and ending up at the slot club desk just a few points short!

THE “COAST CASINOS

Another example comes up April 1 of how the 4 casinos do not always march in step and that checking on the Web sites of the Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, and Sam’s Town doesn’t always answer every question.  All of them say they are offering 11x/7x points  (slots/VP) on April FOR LOCALS ONLY.  However, the Gold Coast already has signs up in the casino that mention the11x/ 7x but no note –  even in fine print – that it is limited to locals.  And one executive there has said everyone will get 11x/7x.  No word from the other casinos, so if you aren’t a local I would check before you start playing.

The funniest thing about this confusion is that they are advertising this as a “No foolin’!” promotion.

The Gold Coast is running an “Earn a Buffet” special on April 10 + 24.  Ear 100 points for breakfast or 200 points for lunch or 300 points for dinner.  Limit 1 buffet per day.

SOUTH POINT

Swipe, Spin, ‘n Win Promotion – Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in April.  Earn 200 same day points between 3 a.m. and 11 p.m. to be eligible to spin the wheel at a kiosk and win prizes.  See details about this and their Multiplier Mondays at their Web site.

THE M RESORT SPA CASINO

We talked last month about the good buffet at M.  Here is some more information about it:  Free beer, wine, espresso, cappuccino, and cordials come as part of your meal price. And the Friday, Saturday and Sunday seafood buffet includes free champagne.  Check their Web site for prices and hours of operation.

The rolling expiration date for tiers and Tier Credits will be replaced with one set expiration date per year – October 1. If you advance to a higher tier before that date, you’ll enjoy those tier benefits for at least a year!

The higher your tier, the more points and Express Comps you will earn at all M life destinations. We have broken it down by the percentage of Bonus Points and Express Comps you earn as you reach each new Tier Level:
• Pearl – 10% Bonus
• Gold – 20% Bonus
• Platinum – 30% Bonus
• NOIR – 40% Bonus

Check their Web site for more details.

From an official press release I received by e-mail:  ” MGM Resorts International  and Ameristar Casinos, Inc.  today announced a strategic marketing relationship for the companies’ rewards programs – MGM Resorts’ M life and Ameristar’s Star Awards/Plateau Players Club. Beginning in mid-March, the strategic agreement allows targeted MGM Resorts’ M life members to receive offers and benefits at Ameristar casinos and Ameristar’s Star Awards/Plateau Players Club members to receive offers and benefits at MGM Resorts’ properties in Las Vegas.

“Member Benefits

• Star Awards/Plateau Players Club members will receive personalized ongoing offers, which may include complimentary or discounted hotel rooms and casino FREEPLAY® at MGM Resorts’ properties, and will receive Star Awards/Plateau Players Club tier credits for their M life play while in Las Vegas.
• Targeted M life members will receive a special introductory offer to Ameristar Casinos, which may include complimentary or discounted hotel rooms, Bonus Play, dining and other offers.
• M life Pearl members and above and Star Awards/Plateau Players Club Premier members and above will receive upgraded Tier status and associated benefits.

“For guests seeking more information, visit mlife.com or ameristar.com.”

The same day I received by snail mail from Caesars (formerly called Harrah’s) a jazzy new Total Rewards magazine. This was the most exhausting piece of mail I’ve ever received from a casino in the almost 30 years I’ve been connected to casino gambling. Every page – 38 of them – was breathless in describing the new, the improved, the largest, the best. They are “thrilled” to tell me about their new logo that “captures the energy and excitement” of the “new” Total Rewards.   I guess I am getting old but being bombarded with such exhilaration doesn’t revve me up – it makes me want to lie down and rest. However, it probably isn’t my age that is the problem. I know it is my long-time experience. I have almost never seen a change that a casino is excited about that turns out to be just as exciting for us customers.

The magazine doesn’t really spell out the details of the “new and improved” Total Rewards program They mention presale show tickets for cardholders and dining discounts.  They wax eloquent for two pages about a new promotion online but on first reading I couldn’t understand the complicated instructions.  I will need to take time to see if that is something I want to bother with.

The most interesting tidbit I found was this:  “Beginning in April, you will be able to redeem your Reward Credits for Free Play at any Total Rewards casino – any day, every day.”    Now that might be of great benefit to me since Brad and I have thousands of dollars more in credits than we would ever want to redeem for comps.  However, I will definitely need to find out the details. What is the redemption rate?  Will it be available for old credits – or new credits only?

The devil is always in the details!  Only time will tell!

There is another separate category called Tier Credits, which has separate benefits, like line passes, shopping discounts, etc.   Those accumulate at a different rate than points:  You earn 10 Tier Credits for every $2 of coin-in on reel and video slot machines or 10 Tier Credits for every $10 of coin-in on video poker and specialty games.  Your Tier Credits for playing table games accumulate according to length of play, average bet, and game type.  You can link your account with another member from your household and receive Tier Credits based on the combined play.

There is also a 3rd category, Express Comps, which allows you to comp yourself at a kiosk or at the slot club.  Receive $.02 in Express Comps for every point you earn on slot and video poker machines.  This allows Gold and Platinum level players to earn comps faster.  Players with heavier play may get discretionary comps from a “hidden” comp bank that only a host can access.

For more information and to set up  and keep track of your personal online account, go to the Mlife Web site.