Vegas: What am I Missing?
Quote: Mission146
My wife does not really gamble, except she'll come with me on my birthday, which this can technically count because my birthday is only a few days after we get back..
Be advised: Many casinos offer "birthday specials" that are good if your birthday falls on any day of that particular month.
The Venetian's Birthday Special is that the floor person will say "Happy Birthday" to you.
Some bar's will be happy to have a couple of waiters sing "This is your birthday song, it is not very long"... and then troop off.
Remember: You are going to Vegas during what is unofficially known as "dead week"... Hotel rates will be cheap, Casinos will be sparsely populated, hosts will be generous.
Go to AdvantagePlayerDotCom for:
Current Las Vegas Promotions
Multiple Slot Point Promotions
Players Club Sign-Up Bonuses
Assorted Slot/VP Incentives
Paycheck Cashing Bonuses
Free Funbooks
Free Attractions
Free Offers
Good Deals
LV Slot Club Chart: Cash Back Comparison
.............
Also remember, if your wife signs up for a card as well ...you can get an extra five dollars in food/freeplay and if you each give your email addresses its sometimes good for an extra five dollars : Ellis, Eastside Cannery.
Remember too: Many places allow you to spin a wheel to get multiplier points the day you happen to sign up. Most people get average results but if you happen to hit very high on that wheel.... it can be of good value to you that day.
Also Free 9am Bingo with an out of town address and some other fine print at Ellis Island, but its 9:00am ONLY. Also Ellis lets you do a free spin each day, not just at signup day.
I second someone's prior mention of these Teaser Machines... where the slot has been rigged to payoff a huge prize or nothing. If the 100 or 200 play is limited to two particular machines, chances are it ain't worth the shoe leather you spent to get there.
Do your signups at Players Club Desks if possible,,, if you give your data to the Floor Person in BJ or Craps pit, all you ever get is the card itself rather than the freebie pair of dice or knick or knack.
Quote: GWAEMr. EB, why do your posts only take up half the screen. Are you doing that on purpose.
Yes, he is. He says it makes his posts easier and quicker to read. I tend to agree with him;
however, I haven't really trained myself to follow suit. See what I did there?
And Mission, you MUST do the Cosmo promo at least. The wife should do it too. Most painless promo on the strip. If you lose, that's ok, you get the freeplay back, immediately! If you win, even better, you can try to come back and lose it tomorrow! And if you do lose and want most of your money back, I recommend grinding the 100-play video poker machine. When I was there, they had 98.91% Deuces or 7/5 (98.01%) Bonus for pennies, or 8/5 Bonus (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%), or 9/6 (98.98%) Double Double Bonus for dimes. A minimum bet of $1 per round is required, so it won't take too long to play the freeplay through.
Most of the other decent promos/decent coupons from coupon books are going to be offstrip, so you'll either be bussing a lot, or I'd recommend getting a rental car for one-day minimum if you really think the Strip isn't for you. But I wouldn't totally knock the Strip until you try it. If you (or maybe more importantly, your wife) have any interest in non-gambling activities, the strip is a lot more desirable place.
Where is BOB today?Quote: IbeatyouracesEB's posts are definitely easier to read from a smart phone.
Depending of if you want to MAKE MONEY or HAVE fun There are better things to play for this promotion.Quote: tringlomaneYes, he is. He says it makes his posts easier and quicker to read. I tend to agree with him;
however, I haven't really trained myself to follow suit. See what I did there?
And Mission, you MUST do the Cosmo promo at least. The wife should do it too. Most painless promo on the strip. If you lose, that's ok, you get the freeplay back, immediately! If you win, even better, you can try to come back and lose it tomorrow! And if you do lose and want most of your money back, I recommend grinding the 100-play video poker machine. When I was there, they had 98.91% Deuces or 7/5 (98.01%) Bonus for pennies, or 8/5 Bonus (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%), or 9/6 (98.98%) Double Double Bonus for dimes. A minimum bet of $1 per round is required, so it won't take too long to play the freeplay through.
Most of the other decent promos/decent coupons from coupon books are going to be offstrip, so you'll either be bussing a lot, or I'd recommend getting a rental car for one-day minimum if you really think the Strip isn't for you. But I wouldn't totally knock the Strip until you try it. If you (or maybe more importantly, your wife) have any interest in non-gambling activities, the strip is a lot more desirable place.
Quote: IbeatyouracesAs for Cosmo's VP. I saw absolute trash on all the low denominations. The do have better in the high limit area but minimum bets even on quarter games are rediculous. The wanted a $25 minimum bet on their 50 play, 25 CENT 9/6 JoB!
Yikes. So you checked the paytables on the 100-play outside of high limit? It may have changed since I was there in Sept. I have read Cosmo alter paytables somewhat frequently.
Quote: AxelWolfDepending of if you want to MAKE MONEY or HAVE fun There are better things to play for this promotion.
Well, of course, but I didn't get the impression he was trying to make lots of money. He did say he was bringing the wife who really doesn't gamble.
And I meant those games for "Phase II" of the Loss Promo. Better for "Phase I" would be something like 9/6 DDB, 9/6 JoB for $25/hand obviously. But the wife might be confused/concerned if he loses $100 in less than a minute. My g/f was pretty shocked I was broke in 8 minutes playing 9/5 DDB at $5/hand (I wanted to play for a "little bit"). :-\ We had a lot more fun on her crack on the rebate because she played it to "have fun". It helped that it took her about 5 or 6 attempts to lose it too.
He would have to be willing to sign for jackpots.Quote: tringlomaneYikes. So you checked the paytables on the 100-play outside of high limit? It may have changed since I was there in Sept. I have read Cosmo alter paytables somewhat frequently.
Well, of course, but I didn't get the impression he was trying to make lots of money. He did say he was bringing the wife who really doesn't gamble.
And I meant those games for "Phase II" of the Loss Promo. Better for "Phase I" would be something like 9/6 DDB, 9/6 JoB for $25/hand obviously. But the wife might be confused/concerned if he loses $100 in less than a minute. My g/f was pretty shocked I was broke in 8 minutes playing 9/5 DDB at $5/hand (I wanted to play for a "little bit"). :-\ We had a lot more fun on her crack on the rebate because she played it to "have fun". It helped that it took her about 5 or 6 attempts to lose it too.
Quote: IbeatyouracesI only wanted to give them some play as they have a working agreement with Motorcity Casino here. If they do still have those games, they were well hidden or I'm just a lousy hunter.
Well, when I was there, there was a 50-play and 100-play near a main path, so I didn't think they were that hidden. But the 98.91% deuces game was only available at pennies and it was 97.58% for 2c, 5c, and 10c. I dunno if I ever recall seeing the lowest denomination on an unit being the highest paying version of a game.
Quote: AxelWolfHe would have to be willing to sign for jackpots.
But he isn't what's the best option left there? 7/5 Bonus for single-line quarters? I figured if Mission won $1200 or more, he would be okay with a W2G. I know I would.
Quote: Mission146I'm afraid that nothing about the Strip impresses me, I just find it supremely annoying. All of the opulence and extravagance is simply not what a casino should be, those are casinos for people who don't like casinos.
A myopic comment.
The strip casinos eclipse any others in America.
Wynn, Bellagio, etc. truly are at the top of the casino food chain.
No tribal joints or boats can hold a candle.
The glitz attracts the tourists; the quality attracts the serious gamblers.
What, do you think only Ma and Pa Kettle play at strip casinos?
If so, you're going to be very, very surprised.
Quote: mycranYou going to take in any shows? Being from the sticks this was the best part of a trip for our bunch nothing we can find local compares. being young and as prepared as you are I see no problems just a ton and half of fun waiting for you. I'm taking the over.
Thanks, probably no shows, no interest.
Quote: tringlomane
But he isn't what's the best option left there? 7/5 Bonus for single-line quarters? I figured if Mission won $1200 or more, he would be okay with a W2G. I know I would.
I'd prefer not, I'll probably just play the best $0.25 JoB game at every casino, I don't like any other VP games.
Quote: Mission146I'm afraid that nothing about the Strip impresses me, I just find it supremely annoying. All of the opulence and extravagance is simply not what a casino should be, those are casinos for people who don't like casinos.
Obviously you're entitled to your own opinion, but from my perspective the opulence and extravagance is exactly what impresses me about the strip. If I just want to gamble, I can do that on-line or go somewhere close. If I just want to socialize, there are plenty of local casinos I can visit. If I want to ski or boat by day and gamble by night there is Tahoe. But if I want to visit the gamling center of the world with over the top hotels and casino's, nothing beats the Vegas strip!
That being said it does lose it's luster after a while, but since you haven't been there before, I guess I don't understand how you know that you won't be impressed?
Quote: Mission146I'm afraid that nothing about the Strip impresses me, I just find it supremely annoying. All of the opulence and extravagance is simply not what a casino should be, those are casinos for people who don't like casinos.
And how would you know this, Pierce, never having
been there. The sheer size of everything on the Strip
is impressive, it can't help but be. As far as opulence
and extravagance, it's just not there. Garish, yes.
Overdone, for sure. But the casinos themselves aren't
any different than places like Four Winds or Mohegan
Sun, once inside you can't tell the difference. And many
of the Strip casinos are so dated, like Trop and Circus
and Flamingo and Harrah's and TI and Riv and many
others, it's almost embarrassing.
Quote: Mission146I'd prefer not, I'll probably just play the best $0.25 JoB game at every casino, I don't like any other VP games.
I wouldn't recommend playing JoB at Cosmo unless you want to bet $25/hand on "Phase I" of the loss rebate. Otherwise find a 7/5 Bonus unit, which is better than 8/5 JoB, and the strategy for both games are virtually identical. I know that the "Double Super Times Pay" machines have 7/5 Bonus for quarters. You can set the game to play one line and bet only 5 credits on the touch screen to guarantee avoiding W2Gs. Or just play 8/5 Bonus for dimes for 2 or 3 hands on the 100-play if it's still there.
On the Vegas Strip, Bonus is almost always a better returning game than JoB on multigame units. The only time JoB is better is if the sum of the full house and flush is 2 units higher than Bonus. 8/5 JoB > 6/5 Bonus for example. The only 9/6 JoB game on the Strip for quarters is at NYNY.
True, but alot of people watch the Bellagio fountains but stay and play elsewhere.Quote: MrVWynn, Bellagio, etc. truly are at the top of the casino food chain.
Some countries don't have lavish mega-resort casinos. Just small neighborhood ones that draw locally and often are ONLY gambling dens, not bars, restaurants, beauty parlors, spas, car dealerships and tattoo parlors as well.
The Mirage opened with a million dollar a day "nut"... they were in the red until they won a million dollars simply because of all the money spent in construction and all the opulent extras about volcanoes and the like. Yet on opening day, they hit the three million dollar mark.... and the race for Mega-Resorts in Vegas was suddenly "on".
South Point's graveyard steak and eggs. (Midnight)
Silverton's ham steak and eggs or sliders. (Midnight) [They also give 3$ worth of points on your birthday. Enough for 3 sliders, or almost a scoop of gelato.]
Binion Burger/Hangover Burger. (Member card, all day.)
Oh, and stay away from Sam's Town's buffet. It was the only place I was glad to get kicked out of during the breakfast/lunch changeover so I didn't have to feel guilty about the half-eaten heap on my plate. Wasn't worth the 2.50$ to get in...
tring I respect your math abilities your a genius when it it comes to math. However after meeting me in vegas. You should realize that there is always more then what's obvious. Thats all I can say.Quote: tringlomaneWell, when I was there, there was a 50-play and 100-play near a main path, so I didn't think they were that hidden. But the 98.91% deuces game was only available at pennies and it was 97.58% for 2c, 5c, and 10c. I dunno if I ever recall seeing the lowest denomination on an unit being the highest paying version of a game.
But he isn't what's the best option left there? 7/5 Bonus for single-line quarters? I figured if Mission won $1200 or more, he would be okay with a W2G. I know I would.
Quote: AxelWolftring I respect your math abilities your a genius when it it comes to math. However after meeting me in vegas. You should realize that there is always more then what's obvious. Thats all I can say.
I am terribly bad about noting the obvious, but if Mission comes up with what you're thinking in your head, then he is obviously smarter about this than me. One of his favorite games, progressive slots, are out for the promo. Video blackjack for a $100 bet? Rapid roulette for ~$30 a whack? I forget if e-table games were allowed for this.
Quote: MidwestAP
That being said it does lose it's luster after a while, but since you haven't been there before, I guess I don't understand how you know that you won't be impressed?
I'll be impressed, just not by The Strip.
Quote: tringlomaneI wouldn't recommend playing JoB at Cosmo unless you want to bet $25/hand on "Phase I" of the loss rebate. Otherwise find a 7/5 Bonus unit, which is better than 8/5 JoB, and the strategy for both games are virtually identical. I know that the "Double Super Times Pay" machines have 7/5 Bonus for quarters. You can set the game to play one line and bet only 5 credits on the touch screen to guarantee avoiding W2Gs. Or just play 8/5 Bonus for dimes for 2 or 3 hands on the 100-play if it's still there.
On the Vegas Strip, Bonus is almost always a better returning game than JoB on multigame units. The only time JoB is better is if the sum of the full house and flush is 2 units higher than Bonus. 8/5 JoB > 6/5 Bonus for example. The only 9/6 JoB game on the Strip for quarters is at NYNY.
Thanks, Tringlomane. I'll have to look up the different plays required in order to play Bonus, I suppose. Either that, or I might just play the sucky JoB anyway, still better than a slot machine. I hate Video Poker, so I'd rather do something automatic. I can tolerate JoB.
Quote: VenthusIf you're looking for relatively cheap food (~5$), aren't comp'd, and don't have particularly high standards:
South Point's graveyard steak and eggs. (Midnight)
Silverton's ham steak and eggs or sliders. (Midnight) [They also give 3$ worth of points on your birthday. Enough for 3 sliders, or almost a scoop of gelato.]
Binion Burger/Hangover Burger. (Member card, all day.)
Oh, and stay away from Sam's Town's buffet. It was the only place I was glad to get kicked out of during the breakfast/lunch changeover so I didn't have to feel guilty about the half-eaten heap on my plate. Wasn't worth the 2.50$ to get in...
I'll keep that in mind about South Point, that's one of the places I really want to see, anyway.
Quote: tringlomaneI am terribly bad about noting the obvious, but if Mission comes up with what you're thinking in your head, then he is obviously smarter about this than me. One of his favorite games, progressive slots, are out for the promo. Video blackjack for a $100 bet? Rapid roulette for ~$30 a whack? I forget if e-table games were allowed for this.
I happen to know that Wheeling Island won't allow Free Play on its Vegas Star Roulette game, obviously, if I can find a place that will, and the Free Play is sufficient to cover all 38 relatively equally, then I'll simply liquidate the Free Play.
Quote: Mission146I'll keep that in mind about South Point, that's one of the places I really want to see, anyway.
Oh, and to expand on something somebody else mentioned that's in the area...
There's a timeshare next to SP that's been for sale for a while. If you head out from Silverton, they give you the breakfast/lunch buffet there and 130$ on a Visa gift card. The downside is that it takes like, 5 hours. I guess that's very +EV, but not so sure it's worth it... (And if anybody's actually remotely interested in it, I don't mind going into details, but I doubt it.)
Quote: VenthusOh, and to expand on something somebody else mentioned that's in the area...
There's a timeshare next to SP that's been for sale for a while. If you head out from Silverton, they give you the breakfast/lunch buffet there and 130$ on a Visa gift card. The downside is that it takes like, 5 hours. I guess that's very +EV, but not so sure it's worth it... (And if anybody's actually remotely interested in it, I don't mind going into details, but I doubt it.)
I wouldn't mind the details, if I somehow manage to get everything else done on Thursday, then this might be a valuable way to spend Friday morning. It'd only be if I got everything else done, and if the actual return ended up really poor compared to the Expected Return, but I'd certainly keep it in mind.
Quote: Mission146I wouldn't mind the details, if I somehow manage to get everything else done on Thursday, then this might be a valuable way to spend Friday morning. It'd only be if I got everything else done, and if the actual return ended up really poor compared to the Expected Return, but I'd certainly keep it in mind.
Basically, you show up in the morning of (Friday/weekends only, I think, though you can book in advance), fill out a few forms that basically say that you meet certain standards (No verification. I recommend at least wearing pants though...) and arrange a time. Show up at the desk at the appropriate time and wait for your agent to show up. They'll take you into breakfast/lunch, and start talking about the property.
After food, you take a drive around the back of SP to the place. They take you in, go over some of the basic info, take you on a tour, then they begin The Sell. They'll start pulling out (misleading) numbers to show how amazing it is and pushing you to make the purchase. At this point, your job is basically to come up with reasons to turn them down over and over until they give up. Make sure that they stop by the first floor for the exit operation, which is where corporate does QC, does a final attempt, and signs off on the compensation.
Having said that-- if you're like a normal vacationer, the deal's actually pretty decent. If you're a cheapskate like me though, it's a much harder proposition. By my math, if you utilize everything you can efficiently, you're paying the equivalent of ~70$/night for a fully furnished unit, utilized over 20 years. Much of this cost (~50$) is actually the surcharge to book the time slot and maintenance fees, rather than the initial outlay. Each unit is bed/bath/living/kitchen/laundry, and comes with basic equipment like pots and pans, toiletries, detergent, etc. The lowest normal price is ~10k/20k for 1bed/2bed, so even if you are interested, you should reject everything until that point.
Edit: Oh right, this is the property in question: http://www.vacationvillageresorts.com/vvr/grandview_las_vegas/
Other options than the Visa card I got include a Bass Pro card, free play, non-neg(?) chips and free nights.
Quote: Mission146Thanks, probably no shows, no interest.
Hey Mission, I think that's a mistake. You can get 2 for 1 tix for Mac King at Harrah's if he is not off that week, and it is a hilarious afternoon show. Go see it if he is playing that week, you'll thank me later.
Definitely go do the COSMO loss rebate. Where else will can you lose $ 100 and get a do over ON THE SAME DAY ?
And another thought is the free daily Slot tournament at The Quad (you may need to play some small amount through the day before). Since the crowds will be light, your chances will be better. My brother won $ 500 in free play this summer, and cashed out with a good percentage of that.
I would also like to recommend my favorite steak dinner at Ellis Island. Ask for the sirloin special, it isn't on the menu.
I was referring to roulette and loss rebatesQuote: Mission146Why not?
Quote: JohnnyQHey Mission, I think that's a mistake. You can get 2 for 1 tix for Mac King at Harrah's if he is not off that week, and it is a hilarious afternoon show. Go see it if he is playing that week, you'll thank me later.
Definitely go do the COSMO loss rebate. Where else will can you lose $ 100 and get a do over ON THE SAME DAY ?
And another thought is the free daily Slot tournament at The Quad (you may need to play some small amount through the day before). Since the crowds will be light, your chances will be better. My brother won $ 500 in free play this summer, and cashed out with a good percentage of that.
I would also like to recommend my favorite steak dinner at Ellis Island. Ask for the sirloin special, it isn't on the menu.
I think Ellis Island is where I had my Steak and 3 or 4 huge friend shrimp, salad, and baked potato for something like $2.99 or $3.99
Quote: GWAEI think Ellis Island is where I had my Steak and 3 or 4 huge friend shrimp, salad, and baked potato for something like $2.99 or $3.99
My recollection is $ 7.99 or something like that, but at one point in time in came with a tall microbrew beer.
Quote: JohnnyQMy recollection is $ 7.99 or something like that, but at one point in time in came with a tall microbrew beer.
I think it's been bumped to $8.99 and you need a player's card. The beer is still offered I think. We didn't make it there again last trip...ugh Next time for sure!
Quote: tringlomaneI think it's been bumped to $8.99 and you need a player's card. The beer is still offered I think. We didn't make it there again last trip...ugh Next time for sure!
It was 2005 ish when I was there.
Quote: FleaStiffBe advised: Many casinos offer "birthday specials" that are good if your birthday falls on any day of that particular month.
The Venetian's Birthday Special is that the floor person will say "Happy Birthday" to you.
Some bar's will be happy to have a couple of waiters sing "This is your birthday song, it is not very long"... and then troop off.
Remember: You are going to Vegas during what is unofficially known as "dead week"... Hotel rates will be cheap, Casinos will be sparsely populated, hosts will be generous.
Go to AdvantagePlayerDotCom for:
Current Las Vegas Promotions
Multiple Slot Point Promotions
Players Club Sign-Up Bonuses
Assorted Slot/VP Incentives
Paycheck Cashing Bonuses
Free Funbooks
Free Attractions
Free Offers
Good Deals
LV Slot Club Chart: Cash Back Comparison
.............
Also remember, if your wife signs up for a card as well ...you can get an extra five dollars in food/freeplay and if you each give your email addresses its sometimes good for an extra five dollars : Ellis, Eastside Cannery.
Remember too: Many places allow you to spin a wheel to get multiplier points the day you happen to sign up. Most people get average results but if you happen to hit very high on that wheel.... it can be of good value to you that day.
Also Free 9am Bingo with an out of town address and some other fine print at Ellis Island, but its 9:00am ONLY. Also Ellis lets you do a free spin each day, not just at signup day.
I second someone's prior mention of these Teaser Machines... where the slot has been rigged to payoff a huge prize or nothing. If the 100 or 200 play is limited to two particular machines, chances are it ain't worth the shoe leather you spent to get there.
Do your signups at Players Club Desks if possible,,, if you give your data to the Floor Person in BJ or Craps pit, all you ever get is the card itself rather than the freebie pair of dice or knick or knack.
Do you happen to know how things are around Christmas? It will be my first time and I can't really find any info about that time of the year?
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304066404579127541755775378
anybody seen the magician show Mac King?
Plaza has a football sized burrito that you can't
eat in one sitting if you get everything they offer
on it. $7.99
Quote: odiousgambitgood article
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304066404579127541755775378
anybody seen the magician show Mac King?
Yes, many times, and he still makes me laugh out loud. There are usually 2 for 1 type coupons if you watch for them. Check the player's club at Harrah's.
Have fun!
Quote: Mission146Is it common to see a $5 PGP table? If so, can you usually use free play on those? Been a long time since Wheeling Island had PGP, I really miss that game.
I think you will find $5 PGP at the Quad; it used to be there in the IP, but I did not make it over there this fall, so I don't know. Harrah's has it for $10 nearly always that I've seen. I think you will also find it downtown, but again can't confirm recently. I have had PGP considered an even-money bet eligible for free play in the past, other places, but can't speak for Vegas recently.
There is $5 PGP all over Biloxi and Tunica, and in the Sacramento Valley in CA. Neither helps you on a Vegas trip, but the MS run is pretty manageable from where you live, so if you really want to play it, I would suggest either one, Biloxi over Tunica.
EDIT: Excuse me, failure to think, "Reason to be in Jersey," is an oxymoron.
Quote: ruascottI can't wait to read the follow up trip report. Your current plan sounds exhausting and miserable to me, !
Shhh, he doesn't know. Don't ruin the potential
schaden of this for me.
I've no idea.Quote: joecranstonDo you happen to know how things are around Christmas? It will be my first time and I can't really find any info about that time of the year?
Usually "Dead Week" is the name given to the week prior to the week containing Christmas. Usually the crowds get much better by the actual week that contains Christmas.
Quote: FleaStiffI've no idea.
Usually "Dead Week" is the name given to the week prior to the week containing Christmas. Usually the crowds get much better by the actual week that contains Christmas.
I was in Vegas at Xmas years ago. Was so dead and so
boring I tried to kill myself maybe three times. Never
again. Same with Tgiving. No crowds, no action in
the casinos, just bored to death dealers looking at
their watches.
Quote: EvenBobI was in Vegas at Xmas years ago. Was so dead and so
boring I tried to kill myself maybe three times. Never
again. Same with Tgiving. No crowds, no action in
the casinos, just bored to death dealers looking at
their watches.
Short player's club lines, good.
Dam... a golden opportunity missedQuote: EvenBobI was in Vegas at Xmas years ago. Was so dead and so
boring I tried to kill myself maybe three times. Never
again..
