Bonuses for Slot Play

Posted on October 3, 2009 by queen of comps

Going through our October casino mailers the last few days, a couple of unusual bonuses for “slots” caught my eye. I am used to seeing ongoing promotions for bonus-point days that give more points for slot play than for video poker play, often twice as much (6x vs.3x at the Cannery Casinos) or even better (5x vs. 2x at Silverton).   However, in October, South Point is offering no bonus-point days for video poker but 5x points every day for slots.   And Ellis Island has added three 12x-point days just for slots, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday. 

Some people use the word “slots” to refer to all machines in a casino, whatever the game. When I use the word, I am always excluding video poker from the slot category – and casinos are doing a better job these days in spelling out what they mean. For example, in the above-mentioned promotions, South Point says you get 5x points on “slots and video reel machines.”   Ellis Island says you get 12x points on “all reel and video reel machines.” 

But these definitions can be confusing and open to interpretation, particularly when casinos talk about “slot machines” in connection with a bonus promotion. Sometimes all machines are treated the same, i.e., if the bonus is awarded on all W-2G jackpots. If it is a royal flush bonus, obviously that would refer only to video poker machines. Where one might need to check details would be on a multiple-points bonus – are keno or blackjack machines considered “slots”? 

Most people know that Brad and I play video poker almost exclusively. However, you might see us playing a little social blackjack on a cruise ship or notice us at a crap table or another casino table game when we have coupons. 

But down through the years you might have been surprised to see us occasionally at a slot machine and wonder why we have strayed from video poker. It could be that a promo a casino is running is “juicier” on slots than on video poker. Or, there is some script or coupons that can only be redeemed in slot machines. (That happened in a casino in Venice, Italy.) Or, the slot machine has a progressive or it is a bonusing machine that has gone into positive territory. It could be that we know a casino may give much better rewards (like higher bounce-back) to a gambler who “mixes up” his play than to someone who only sticks to the best video poker games.  

However, on rare occasions we might just be in the mood for some recreational play and see a new slot machine that looks entertaining. I could just call it “research” – but there is no sin in just having fun!   We need to relax more in our golden years anyway!

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Flu – Is It Swine?

Posted on September 12, 2009 by queen of comps

Brad and I have been fighting flu symptoms for a week. First time I noticed anything wrong, I was sitting at a video poker machine with a game that required the JoB strategy, one I have played for almost twenty years and I can practically play in my sleep. Suddenly, I am seeing five cards and I have no idea what I am supposed to do with them. I concentrate really hard and it comes to me – I should hold the pair. I play for about 10 minutes, concentrating hard on each hand, hoping I won't make a silly mistake.   Finally I tell Brad, who is sitting beside me, “I know I am getting Alzheimer’s – I just can’t think. And besides I am getting a terrible sore throat. I want to go home.” 

When I got home, I was feeling really lousy – but I figured I was just having one of my sinus infection episodes. I get these every once in awhile so I took some sinus medicine and went to bed. The next day I was achy and feeling exhausted so continued to rest.  

My doctor sister happened to call and I told her my symptoms and she said it sounded like I had “what was going around – the swine flu.” My daughter called within the hour and was telling me about my granddaughter, Kaitlynn, being down with the swine flu – that it was going around her high school and many students were out. 

Hummmmm……what had I been doing on the previous few days. Back to begin another year as a volunteer in a kindergarten in the school down the street. Twenty-three little ones with the usual number of coughs, grubby hands, and runny noses. I guess it was inevitable. 

I Googled “swine flu” and found there were 38 million references, but I picked a few and found these possible symptoms:  high-grade fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, dry cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. No one has all of the symptoms, usually just two or three and they last on average 3 or 4 days and most swine flu cases are mild.   You can’t positively diagnose swine flu without a lab test but they are assuming that if you have some of these symptoms you probably have it since it is “going around” and it is too early for the regular flu season. I just heard on the local news that there was a sudden jump in the number of swine flu cases here in Vegas – 300 reported in the last few days. 

On the 3rd day I was feeling much better and we were happy that I must have had a mild case and I hadn’t given whatever I had to Brad. I worried about his getting the swine flu because most of the deaths reported from it were because of “underlying medical problems.” 

Well, our happiness about the situation didn’t last very long. A couple of days later Brad got very sick very suddenly in the middle of the night, spiking a high temperature. Unfortunately we happened to be in a hotel in Laughlin at the time so decided to wait it out. And the next morning he said he felt fine – had sweated out whatever bug or virus had attacked him. However, by the next evening he was running a fever again and feeling achy and exhausted so we drove back to Vegas the next day and saw the doctor today. 

At the doctor’s office they took a throat culture for strep and nasal swabs for the swine flu, but by the time the results are back, hopefully he will be well. But if he would have any further complications, they would know better how to treat him. 

They say, like for the regular flu, that the tiredness and cough may linger for a couple of weeks after the other symptoms are gone. Seems like the wisest plan of action for us now is to continue with lots of liquids, Tylenol, and a sensible rest schedule.

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My Readers Help Me Out

Posted on August 19, 2009 by queen of comps

From Martin, a helpful Palms hint:  

Even as an out-of-towner, I always go down that little hallway on the right side of the Club Palm booth and on the wall there are usually all the current promotions listed. Also there are “hard stock” flyers with detailed rules (covering their butts) on all such promos. 

Thanks, Martin, for reminding me to publicize this. The Palms has many good promotions but they are also often VERY complicated. I make it a point to pick up these flyers and read them VERY carefully. It’s a job because there isn’t just a little fine print – the complete flyer rules and regulations are in fine print! 

Derek caught an omission in my August 1st blog entry about “Taxing Changes.” 

I just read your blog about states that do not allow deductions to offset your W2G winnings.  Please add Massachusetts to your list.  We have to claim the winnings but cannot deduct any gambling losses. That's why we call it "Taxachusetts." 

Oops, I missed this naughty state when I copied that list from Chapter 9 of Tax Help for Gamblers: “How All 50 States Handle Gambling Wins/Losses. 

From a reader who wants to stay anonymous, about my “beef” with Station casinos: 

If you try to make an argument for sending the same mailer to two players with the same coin–in, one who plays only Optimums and one who plays penny slots, not only are you wrong, you will never move Station management on anything.   You need to see their side of it – they are a business and they need to make a profit. 

This raises a valid point. Actually I have never said that skilled players should get the same from a casino as unskilled players. I understand and accept the difference. My main concern in the August 14th blog entry was that in a  Stations promotion that seemed to be for all 50+ seniors it was not clearly stated that you were excluded if you didn’t get the monthly mailer. 

I notice that I am not the only one who is bothered about many casino promotions and advertising. A recent article in the Las Vegas Sun says that “some casino customers are taking their complaints about ambiguous or deceptive promotions to the Gaming Control Board” and that the Board is taking them seriously. 

Thanks, Westie, for pointing out that Sun artcle and another one that talks about the theft of slot club points. A warning for all of us to monitor our slot club accounts closely and frequently.

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South Point Promotions

Posted on June 1, 2009 by queen of comps

In June South Point is bringing back one of our favorite promotions – gas cards for half-price. It’s like getting 2x points every day all month! 

It takes 8334 points to earn one Chevron $50 gas card in this “pump with your points” promotion. (Ordinarily that would be worth only $25 in cashback.) There is a limit of 20 cards per player. For you out-of-towners, be sure you have Chevron stations in your hometown. However, the cards don't expire so even if you don’t have any locally, you might be able to use them when you travel in other parts of the country. If you live in Vegas, there is no problem – plenty of Chevron here. 

There is also a new senior movie promotion at South Point. Now you can see any movie starting before 3 p.m. for $3 if you show your club card. This is good 7 days a week!  

And so that I won’t be criticized as being narrow-minded and not appreciating diversity, I offer you information about two events at South Point coming up:

Tattoos-Days in the Pool – $5 cover – contests with prizes – June 2, July 7, August 4, and September 1. Show off your ink poolside!

Bull-fighting – Fiestas Patrias – Sept 14 and 15. They advertise this as bloodless bull fighting. I hope the bulls get this message! 

More about these money-saving promotions and "exciting" events at the South Point Web site.

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Major Change at the Palms

Posted on May 29, 2009 by queen of comps

This was totally unexpected  – as it was when the same thing happened at the Stations. On June 1 the Palms is going from a comp-only point system to giving free play for points. And to my surprise, they are keeping the redemption value the same – 400 points = $1. 

Some of the details of the new program: 

You can earn points for your purchases at the Palms – $1 cash purchase earns one point. (This point-for-purchase is also available at the Venetian/Palazzo and Harrah’s and perhaps other casinos.) 

What about points you have in your account June 1? These are called “Original points” and can be redeemed for comps only just as before. They must be used up by May 31, 2010 or they will be “forfeited.” 

Another feature of the new program was mentioned in an e-mail news release I received:  “As an added bonus Palms is also ending its practice of having caps on point multipliers.”  Hurrah! 

In the original printed rules describing this new Palm program, it said that “designated” machines were excluded from earning any points. But a friend of mine who gets good “inside” information has said that they were rethinking this and would be permitting points to be earned on all machines. “ However the ‘better’ machines will not be eligible for any point multipliers. Stickers will be put on the machines indicating this.  Exactly WHICH machines has not yet been officially determined, but for sure all 100% machines will have the stickers, and maybe the NSUDs. Those are currently under discussion.”   

So look for those dreaded stickers starting June 1 before you start playing!

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Back From New Orleans

Posted on April 4, 2009 by queen of comps

Just spent 3 nights at Harrah’s in the Big Easy. Some people we talked to on our trip thought it was pretty funny that people who lived in Vegas would make a trip to New Orleans to gamble. One joked about carrying coals to New Castle and a busman’s holiday. Although we do just like the atmosphere in New Orleans, to tell you the truth, we went this time because Harrah’s made us an offer that we just couldn’t refuse, one to the tune of $2100. 

Brad is regaining his strength, albeit slowly, but took the travel very well, his first trip since he “died.”   It was his first time to cope with security measures since he got his pacemaker. Although he can go through the security arches (just no security wands), on his way home they insisted on a hand pat down instead – but they didn’t find any weapons except a big fat bankroll with which to fight casinos. This was thanks to his 20k dealt royal on a $1 Five Play machine plus two more singles. 7 royals in two days – I guess he has his game back on! 

However, I am sad that I must bring some bad news from Harrah’s New Orleans. On April 1 they changed the Reward Credit redemption schedule for their partner restaurants. Although you can redeem your RCs on a one-to-one basis for all the restaurants in the casino and in the hotel (Gordon Biersch, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Grand Isle), the redemption for other partner restaurants is now on a two-to-one basis. That means it takes $2 in Reward Credits to pay for every $1 you spend at “outside” restaurants.

Reducing benefits is a sign of the tough times casinos are facing. And don’t be surprised if there is going to be a lot more of this. On the other hand, some casinos are ramping up the promotions to get more customers into their properties. So, cherry-picking is the name of the game, as it always is whether good times or bad!

 
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Useful Web sites

Posted on March 25, 2009 by queen of comps

http://www.videopoker.com/ – Play all the IGT video poker games, including new ones like Quick Quads Poker and Ultimate X Poker.   Practice when there is no risk to your gambling bankroll. 

http://savelv.com/ – “Save Money on Las Vegas Hotels, Entertainment, Dining & Fun Things To Do.” You can subscribe to get daily updates by e-mail. 

www.lasvegasgamblingedge.com – Charles Lund has always been good at collecting information and putting it into lists that are helpful to gamblers who want to play smarter, especially video poker players. After being on various sites on the Internet, he now has his own Web site and information you might not find anywhere else, at least in such an organized fashion. As well as lists about casino promotions and benefits, he also has categories for detailed Las Vegas information, like Free Attractions.   I have added it to my “Favorites.” 

And if you want a comprehensive list of links to video poker information, subscribe to vpFREE at [email protected].

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Brads Health Update

Posted on February 24, 2009 by queen of comps

Brad is gaining back his strength, albeit slowly. This is probably due as much from the “bug” as the pacemaker since I also am having trouble regaining my normal energy.  

But we are trying to be a little more active each day. In fact, today we got our exercise by walking into the Palms to collect free play, use a food coupon, and do our two free pulls on Megabucks. We got lucky and each of us won $15 on one of our pulls.  

And then we went to Wynn to collect some free play –  and decided to sit down and “rest” and play for a little while.   Brad evidently didn’t forget the point of video poker during his cardiac arrest. Within five minutes he had hit two W2-G jackpots – and yes, one was a royal flush. 

You can’t keep a good man down!

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Health Bumps

Posted on February 19, 2009 by queen of comps

I wrote on the 12th that Brad’s angioplasty, with stent #7, had gone well and he would be discharged from the hospital on the 13th and would probably soon be back to his regular “job” of having fun in a casino. 

Well, he was discharged from the hospital on the 13th and was resting on the 14th when he was suddenly hit by violent vomiting and unrelenting diarrhea. Since this was the same scenario as just before his first heart attack years ago, I immediately called an ambulance to take him to the hospital. In the emergency room he was going in and out of A-fib and then suddenly went into cardiac arrest. After 5 minutes of CPR his heart started up again. (I didn’t learn of this until after the crisis was over. Probably a good thing I wasn’t there at the time or I might have gone into cardiac arrest myself!)  

After being stabilized, he was admitted and went through extensive testing. It was determined that he had problems with a slow heart rhythm (in addition to A-fib) so a dual-chamber pacemaker system was implanted. 

The day after Brad was hit with the vomiting/diarrhea situation, I came down with the same thing so we must have been attacked by the same “bug.” This was inconvenient to say the least since I couldn’t be at the hospital overseeing – bossing? – Brad’s various doctors and nurses, seeing that he got the best attention in a caring but understaffed facility. However, in spite of my forced absence (although I was doing a lot of phone management) Brad seems to be okay now and came home last evening. He always has said that hospitals try to kill him, by freezing and sticking him to death and waking him up so often he never is allowed to get rested. So he is feeling much better to be warm and cozy at home with no needles in sight and able to sleep when he wants and as long as he wants. 

We both are still plagued with slight nausea and dizziness and all-over soreness – we feel like we’ve been run over by a truck. That “bug” that hit us both must be a wicked one and doesn’t want to leave the body easily. (We have heard from others in Vegas and other parts of the country that this “bug” is going around and leaves you weak for quite awhile.) But hopefully we both will be feeling better in a few days. 

We want to give a big thanks to all who have stepped up to help us during this medical emergency. It is wonderful to have so many caring friends.  

 
 
 
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Bonus Point Bumps

Posted on February 15, 2009 by queen of comps

As you all know, I recommend play on days when a casino offers bonus-point multipliers. But you must be careful that you know the details of any these promotions. Each casino’s system has its own quirks and here are some of the things you need to watch for: 

–Just what is multiplied? For example, Harrah’s multipliers only add to the base Reward Credits, not to the bonus Credits or to the Tier Credits. And if a casino is running another promotion at the same time, like the one at the Palms this month in which you can earn cash or free play instead of comps, those benefits can be earned only on base points, not on any multiplier points. 

–What are the limits? Some casinos set no limits – you can play for bonus points until your fingers freeze up. However, you need to check. For example, Silverton usually sets a limit of 60,000 bonus points (on top of the regular single points). This means that if you play there tomorrow, President’s Day, you can get their 5x points only on the first 15,000 points you earn; after that you are earning single points. The Palms usually (not always – read rules for each promotion carefully) has a limit of 40,000 bonus points. 

–What are the hours the bonus will be given? Often bonus promotions run from midnight to midnight, but there are exceptions. Silverton ran a 9x promotion this last January 1st from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. 

–Are all machines included in the promotion? Tuscany, Cannery, and Ellis Island exclude some machines from their multiple-point days. Fortunately, they do have labels on those machines so you know this before you start your play 

–Are the multipliers for everyone? Station Casinos sometimes sends out cards to individual customers with a promotion only for those that get the mailer. Green Valley Ranch has a multi-point promotion for only seniors on Wednesdays this month. Harrah’s multi-point promotion is only for players with Platinum cards and above. 

As I warn over and over again when I talk about promotions – the devil is in the details!

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