Why is the California Hotel & Casino a non-union hotel, when the other Boyd casinos downtown are? Why doesn’t the Culinary Union picket the Cal?

We just returned from Las Vegas and were at the Quad for the "Divas" show. That hotel and the parking-entrance is a disaster. I thought you said it was to open as the Linq in November. It looks like a very major rebuild would be needed to open it as anything. What is the real story here?

I seem to recall a Vegas local recently won one of the big eating contests. Have any restaurants started offering new challenges in light of this?

I first read Comp City many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, repeatedly referring to it over the years in order to maximize my comps. Given the residual effects of the Great Recession, the exponential progress of tracking/analyzing technology, and the almost-absolute stranglehold that the corporate mindset has on the gaming industry (which puts profits above all else including customer satisfaction/loyalty), I wonder how much of the techniques or even the practice of comp wizardry is feasible today. Any thoughts?

I love the variety of topics covered in the Question of the Day, as well as the expert answers. There's something I wondered about, though, from a recent QoD regarding comps for sports bettors. While referencing Coast casinos you wrote "As you move up the ladder to better casinos, the requirements escalate. MGM Grand requires ..." I know that MGM Grand is bigger and fancier, but I’m wondering what criteria you use for calling it a "better" casino. I thought that the Orleans has better slot and video poker payouts, and that the table games rules are similar at both. I could be mistaken, and would appreciate being corrected if I am. But if I'm not, why call the MGM Grand a better casino?

As a break from the norm, we decided to go with pictures rather than words today, since some kind readers sent us some cool links to visuals that complement a couple of recent QoDs, and we have more than a few on file ourselves or have since located additional images. So, take it easy today -- like we are, for a change!

I get "complimentary" room offers on a regular basis from Strip hotels, but I've found out these "comp" rooms are ANYTHING but FREE, as it seems all the Strip resorts still charge "resort fees" of $25 of more per night, even on the so-called "free" nights. Do all the resorts apply those mandatory surcharges even on "free-room" nights?

Which hotels/casinos would be best for someone who can only walk short distances and will mainly use a wheelchair?

Can you tell me the difference between a VLT (video lottery terminal) and a regular slot machine? Here in Ohio they advertise VLTs, not slot machines. Also, I have not seen VLTs in Vegas.

I have a copy of a QoD dating all the way back to May 23, 2007 in which you listed the Ultimate Gambling Song list of music related to Las Vegas and/or gambling. Believe me when I tell you that many of those tunes are on my iPod for my friends and I to enjoy on our frequent excursions to Las Vegas. I was thinking that after all of these years you might have some great additions that you have come across. I know that I have, and I always add them to my Las Vegas playlist for the drive up. It was just a thought that you might like to update your list after so many years. Thanks for your time.