We field this question all the time.
The fact is, we try and try again, for 50% discounts good for single travelers in our Pocketbook of Values coupon package. Over the years, we've managed on occasion to wrest 50%-off coupons from casinos. For example, this year’s POV includes five 50%-off meal coupons, along with one for 20% and one for 15% (plus three discounted meals and three free meals). All these can be used by single travelers. In addition, we consider the coupon from the Palms (50% off most charges at the casino, up to $50) our "master coupon"; again, it can be used by individuals to get 50% off on anything at the Palms that qualifies. We always ask, but most casinos prefer twofers.
Why?
Simply because casinos want two warm bodies for the price of one.
It might not make intuitive sense (half-price for two people and half-price for one person is a difference in degree, not kind), but you have to remember the way casinos think. With loss leaders, the emphasis is on the leader, not the loss. In other words, when a casino discounts a meal, it wants a shot at stimulating the gambling urge in two people. For example, if the wife is into the saving the coupon affords for its own sake, the husband might view it as a boost to his gambling bankroll, or vice versa.
If you’ve got a little chutzpah, you can look for other single people, say on a buffet line, with whom to split the cost. You simply say something like, "Hey, I’ve got a two-for-one coupon for this buffet. Would you like to split it with me? Half-price -- and no strings attached."
Many of our members have done this and report back with positive results. In fact, one member we know of actually met his girlfriend this way. She was with two other women whom he approached. She took him up on it, and one thing, as it will, led to another. In fact, he sweet-talked her into splitting the cost of a show with another 2-for-1 coupon in the POV.
Finally, the gambling coupons can only be used by one person. And the accommodation, rental car, funbook, and drink coupon -- which make up the bulk of the POV -- can be used by one or two people.
Bottom line: Even though most of the dining coupons are 2-fers, it’s still worth hundreds in coupon savings to join the Las Vegas Advisor, especially if you come a couple times a year. And the information you receive from the newsletter, the Web site, and the forums is invaluable.
