Keeping the Welcome Mat Out for Yourself

Posted on March 27, 2011 by queen of comps

Hummmm…. I really thought you all would give me some help with some hints on how to keep on the good side of casinos as long as possible.  Okay, I’ll just have to rack my own brain. Continue reading →

Posted in Video Poker | 3 Comments

I Need Your Help

Posted on March 23, 2011 by queen of comps

I promised that I would write about some of the things  skilled VP players could do that MIGHT keep them out of the cross-hairs of casinos desperate to pump up their bottom line.  But I find that this is a hard subject to tackle.  For one reason, skilled players vary so much in their goals, from the very few full-time professionals who have no other income to the more casual players who just want to have a fun hobby that doesn’t cost too much – and everyone in-between those two groups. Continue reading →

Posted in Casino Policy, Video Poker | 6 Comments

Still in Shock

Posted on March 21, 2011 by queen of comps

Over the ending of the 5-year HBO series “Big Love.”  I am a writer and routinely look for foreshadowing – but this one hit me unexpectedly – right in the gut.  Continue reading →

Posted in Non-gambling Activities | 2 Comments

They’re Still Out to Get Me

Posted on March 20, 2011 by queen of comps

The medical profession in Las Vegas, that is! Continue reading →

Posted in Health | 3 Comments

New Tax Ruling for Professional Gamblers

Posted on March 16, 2011 by queen of comps

The  Las Vegas Review-Journal recently published an article about a new tax ruling for professional gamblers. It is always big news when the IRS decides something in the FAVOR of gamblers! Continue reading →

Posted in Taxes | 1 Comment

Advice for Casinos

Posted on March 13, 2011 by queen of comps

Last week I gave some examples of disturbing countermeasures casinos are taking against skilled video poker players.  Brother, did the Comments section fire up!  I didn’t name names because I usually talk about general trends players should know about so they can watch for them in any casino where they play.  However, you can check out the Comments if you want some names. Continue reading →

Posted in Casino Policy, Video Poker | 4 Comments

Followup on Taxes

Posted on March 10, 2011 by queen of comps

The  short  segment I just finished on the radio show “Playing with an Edge” barely skimmed the surface of  the very complex subject of gambling and taxes.  Obviously if you want more information you might want to read the book Tax Help for Gamblers.   As well as the Web sites mentioned on the show where you can order the hard copy, you can go to the LVA store to download the e-Book.  

Many players have asked for recommended  tax preparers who understand gambling issues.  These are two good ones I want to mention because they are gamblers themselves. Continue reading →

Posted in Taxes | 1 Comment

Media Appearances About Taxes

Posted on March 8, 2011 by queen of comps

Thursday, March 10, on the 7 p.m. weekly radio show “Gambling With an Edge,” I will be talking with Bob Dancer and Frank Kneeland about tax issues for gamblers.   My segment will probably start around 7:15 p.m.

Continue reading →

Posted in Media Appearances, Taxes | 1 Comment

Maybe It Is a War?

Posted on March 7, 2011 by queen of comps

For years I have said, “I’m not at war with the casinos but I am fighting the casino edge.”  So I have spoken and written about playing smarter so you reduce this edge.  This will allow you to stretch your gambling bankroll to provide more entertainment that casinos provide – and for the overwhelming majority of casino customers, this it their goal. Continue reading →

Posted in Casino Policy, Video Poker | 21 Comments

Back From Biloxi

Posted on March 2, 2011 by queen of comps

We just returned from a great 6-day vacation in Biloxi, Mississippi, staying at the Grand (a Harrah’s-now-called-Caesars property).  The main purpose was to get together with my daughter Angela, the Frugal Princess, and her now-retired-from-the-Army hubby Steve, who drove down from Columbus, Georgia. We usually have family trips that include the grandkids, like the Alaskan cruise last summer and New Orleans visits over the December/January holidays, but this time Ang and Steve said they needed an adult-only get-away. Continue reading →

Posted in Comps, Family News, Non-Vegas Casinos, Travel | 12 Comments