A Southern Gambling Trip Report (Part 1) – Planning

Brad and I do most of our gambling these days in Las Vegas because that is where we live and because traveling is becoming more tiring for us.  We did take that monumental 3-week road trip back east this last summer – but it took us at least 3 weeks to “recover.”  So with the exception of a short drive down to Laughlin once in awhile, when we do travel it is by air, a tiring option in itself and one we aren’t inclined to do often.

When we do decide to travel, our out-of-town trips are usually combos, with both visits with family and to casinos.  However, recently we took a trip south, one that was for the single purpose of visiting casinos, namely, Harrah’s New Orleans and the Grand Biloxi. Continue reading

Posted in New Orleans, Non-Vegas Casinos | 4 Comments

Pittsburgh Publicity

“Now it’s official,” Brad says, “You are a frugal nut – and there is a headline to prove it.”

Posted in Media Appearances, Video Poker | 1 Comment

Interesting Reads

Las Vegas Real Estate:  “Investors still buying, but home prices keep dropping. ”   We had been seeing the housing market here in Las Vegas sink lower and lower for 3 years, but had resisted the temptation to invest in any real estate no matter how much it seemed like a super bargain.  Too old, we thought, to take on the hassle of being a landlord.  However, this last July an opportunity came up that we just couldn’t refuse.  Continue reading

Posted in City News, Good Reads | 2 Comments

Station Bonus Points on Columbus Day

E-mail from Station casinos:  On Columbus Day, October 10, “discover” bonus points:  $1=6 points on video poker and 10 points for slots.  Available for all current Boarding Pass members and all new sign-ups, at all 18 Station casinos.  Swipe at any kiosk to activate your bonus point play.

Added an hour later, a valuable comment from a reliable source:  Continue reading

Posted in Stations | 4 Comments

Q+A – The New Stations Players Club

First, I want to emphasize –  again –  that the new Stations players club IS an upgrade in many ways, particularly the fact that their cashback/free play/or comps option adds .3%.  No local competitor pays more.  (Be careful – I see some reports that state wrongly that the Station option pays .33% – an easy math mistake to make because of the unusual way they award points.  (See my earlier blog entry discussing the percentages.)   

Some people are still complaining about the reduction in comps, but I believe the Stations management is aware of this.  Continue reading

Posted in Slot Clubs, Stations | 3 Comments

Another Players Club Changes – Wynn/Encore

Here is the official press release:

LAS VEGAS— (Sept. 22, 2011) – In an ongoing effort to reward the resort’s loyal guests, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have launched enhancements to the Red Card loyalty program. Red Card provides members extraordinary benefits for unmatched experiences exclusive to Wynn Resorts.  Beginning Tuesday, September 20, guests were able to earn points, free credit and comps faster than before.  The credits may be redeemed for services and amenities available at two world class resorts with the ease and usability of just one card. Continue reading

Posted in Slot Clubs, Web Sites, Wynn | 4 Comments

Meet-and-Greet Reminder

American Casino Guide Meet-and-Greet on Sunday, October 2, at 2 p.m., at Sam’s Town 

American Casino Guide author, Steve Bourie, and his son Matt, will be hosting this Las Vegas event for gambling fans.  Other gaming authors attending are  Jean and Brad Scott, John Grochowski,  Scot Krause,  Linda Boyd,  and Viktor Nacht.  The group will meet at 2 p.m. in the patio area of Willy & Jose’s Mexican Cantina in Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town.  Everyone who attends will be given a free Sam’s Town Fun Book which contains some 2-for-1 offers, a $5 blackjack matchplay, a bingo bonus, plus some other money-saving food and entertainment offers (offers are subject to change). This will  be just an informal gathering and it is expected to be finished by 3 p.m.

Hope to see many of you there.

Posted in Public Appearances | 1 Comment

More About the New Stations Players Club

Wow, change brings about a lot of questions and discussions, some of it very heated!

I can’t answer all your questions but I will try to explain a little more to follow up the discussion on this subject in my last entry.  Some details about the Stations new players club you can find if you go to their Web site.   More details might appear if you log into to your personal account there.   And there are brochures at the various slot club booths, but they might not tell you all you want to know.  However, be careful if you ask questions at the booth.  I had someone complain that they were given entirely wrong information from one employee.  It always pays to check with more than one source when you want to be sure of casino facts! Continue reading

Posted in Slot Clubs, Stations | 8 Comments

Traffic Alert

From the R-J newspaper:  “For the next six weeks, repaving work on Interstate 15 will cause around-the-clock lane closures between Tropicana Avenue and the Spaghetti Bowl.”

That news, coupled with I-Really-Don’t-Know-What-They-Are-Doing-But-It-Is-A-Mess” work around I-15 and Blue Diamond, demands some exploration of new driving routes that don’t include freeway gridlock.  Here are some of our “secret” driving hints. Continue reading

Posted in Transportation | 1 Comment

The Locals Love War

I love it when casinos get in a war – it is good for us players!  And the new players club unveiled by the Station casinos last week is a major shot across the bow of the Vegas-based ship called Locals Casinos. Continue reading

Posted in Slot Clubs, Stations | 10 Comments