Not only does LVA know about these cards, but with the timescale that you reference, we're pretty certain that it was in none other than the LVA newsletter in which you learned about this handy tip (it's okay, our memory isn't what it used to be, either).
For the benefit of those of you who aren't LVA members*, and as a reminder to the person who submitted this question, here's a taste of the kind of money-saving information from which our subscribers get to benefit (and not just when it comes to gambling, but also dining, entertainment, and most other possible facets of a Las Vegas vacation -- the legal ones, anyhow). The information that follows is what appeared in the November, 2013 issue of Las Vegas Advisor, updated to include some minor corrections and additional information we included in the December issue.
"Casino gambling incentives—matchplay, free-play, loss rebates, etc.—come and go all the time. But one incentive has been around for decades. It’s "Win Cards."
"Win Cards are strategy cards of sorts that provide advice on how to play, along with bet-payout details for blackjack, craps, and roulette. The strategies espoused aren’t detailed enough to make you a winner, but there’s something else about the cards that will.
"Win Cards typically sell for $10, but the package comes with $15 in play-till-you-lose chips. Since you can replay them when they win, these chips are worth just a fraction less than face value, and your expectation is to profit about the difference of the amount of the free chips and what you pay for them. If you get hot, you can make a little score (and if you run bad, you still have the Win Cards).
"Each package comes with a 'tip slip,' which is a $1 tip for the dealer when placed alongside one of your bets. This takes away most of the stigma attached to coupon play and absolutely enhances the experience.
"Win Cards are currently available at five casinos in Las Vegas, namely Circus Circus, Four Queens, Mandalay Bay, Riviera, and Tropicana. Click on the image link below to see a chart with details of cost, chips included, and the positive expected value (+EV) of your purchase.
"By playing all five casinos, you can construct a little Win Cards coupon run that will yield an expected profit of $35, with a maximum (and very unlikely) downside of $70. The best strategy to avoid a loss is to play the chips at the smallest minimum possible in order to get the most trials. Play as a couple or with friends and combine results to reduce downside risk even more.
"Win Cards are typically sold at the casino cage or players club, and there are restrictions on how often you can buy them—often once per year, but sometimes once per month. Other places you can find Win Cards are at Circus Circus in Reno, Harrah’s/Harveys and Hyatt in Lake Tahoe, Mill Casino Coos Bay in Oregon, Swinomish in Washington, and Soaring Eagle in Michigan."
*If you still need some convincing, and will be in Las Vegas by Christmas Eve or earlier, why not take advantage of our seasonal Three-Month Trial Membership which will really give you a taste of what you're missing. Our 2014 Member Rewards package of exclusive deals and discounts is also almost ready, and we can tell you now, you won't be disappointed... Plus, right now, you can take advantage of our member-only offer and enjoy two free nights at the Cosmopolitan, on select dates between now and Jan. 20, 2014.
