TravelZork

Vegas News | More Entertainment and a New Casino Opening

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 21:55:00 GMT

Vegas News October 25, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

Feature Story: Entertainment Returning To Las Vegas

Before we touch on our feature story: entertainment returning to Las Vegas; COVID-19 shows no signs of slowing down, and neither does the return of Las Vegas. This week Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak gave the state an update on the surge in Covid cases in the state. However, there are no new restrictions so businesses can continue operating as they’ve been for the past few weeks.

Caesars Shows – Las Vegas

Last week Caesars Entertainment announced three shows would be returning before October ends. This week, the company announced that Tape Face will be returning to Harrah’s in November.

MGM Resorts Las Vegas – Entertainment Las Vegas

MGM Resorts joined the party by announcing that shows would resume at three casinos in November:

Luxor: Carrot Top and Fantasy
Excalibur: Thunder From Down Under and Australian BeeGees
MGM Grand: David Copperfield, Jabawokeez, and Brad Garret’s Comedy Club

The shows will be different when they return. MGM Resorts will have social distancing and other safety measures in place. No show will have more than 250 people. This may not be strange for the comedy club but Copperfield will likely feel very different.

The Strat also announced that MJ Live will return alongside the LA Comedy Club. UNLV will actually have the biggest show in Las Vegas starting next week. Allegiant Stadium has been approved to allow 2,000 people to watch the Runnin’ Rebels play football.

This is all part of the slow road back to Las Vegas returning to the entertainment hub so many have come to enjoy. The entire experience isn’t for everyone but the entertainment venues will have to learn to crawl before learning to walk.

This is sort of the same thing for the Las Vegas experience. Not everything will return at once but that’s like in 2020. One step at a time…

Circa Opens This Week

Wow. Video of @CircaSports sportsbook @CircaLasVegas by @bailey_schulz pic.twitter.com/lic6YPknnA
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) October 22, 2020

Next week Circa will open amidst this strange time to be in Las Vegas. Michael and I will be on hand for the grand opening party and the first day of business for the property.

Circa Casino Opening

The casino at Circa will open with limited capacity and no hotel (that opens in December). The limited capacity and mask mandate are really the only things that will keep this from being a traditional opening. A few journalists and that blogger who won a lawsuit (congrats) this week were invited a bit before early to check out the joint.

Circa – Blowing My Mind

Circa is already blowing my mind. Shiny new objects always excite me and this is no different. The biggest compliment I can give is that the key features look as good if not better than the renderings. The sportsbook (above) appears to be as amazing as expected. That’s a lofty expectation. Stadium Swim is equally as impressive.

You can see pre-opening pics here. We’ll have pictures and video next week along with a new TravelZork Live detailing the grand opening experience.

Be sure to sign-up for the Live Webcast this week!
ZorkCast Live Introducing: Circa-Las-Vegas-Resort-Casino

Quick Hits

I love going through Vegas news as it comes in throughout the week. Trying to share everything is stressful at times but that’s my issue to deal with. Headspace has helped me deal with my stress a lot over the past couple of years.

Anyway, we’ll start Quick Hits with a big of news that is cool but landed at a time I was trying to do other things.

Resort Pool at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Virgin Las Vegas released details about its pool complex this week. It’s pretty and there will be multiple outdoor dining and partying opportunities. I was so all over the place when this landed I forgot to ask about access to the pool for guests. I’ll do that after I’m done here.
Semi-related, Mohegan Sun was approved to operate the casino at Virgin Las Vegas.
The Cromwell Las Vegas is reopening this week. HOLLA! The casino will be 21+ so there will be 0.00000000001% fewer kids. Read more here.
Paris had another power outage. Maybe #NewCaesars will hire an exterminator to get rid of the rats.
MGM Resorts will release earnings on Oct. 29. The earnings call should be interesting if you feel like listening. You can find specifics here.
Las Vegas Sands (The Venetian) released earnings this week. I don’t pay much attention to this company since most of its business if not in Las Vegas. That said, I do look at ADR and occupancy to get a gauge on the hotel side of the business. Occupancy was 43.7% and ADR was $174 as opposed to $237 last year.
Boyd Gaming will resume its Hawaiian travel program to Las Vegas before the year is over. This should help business at The Cal and Fremont. Expect to hear more when the company reports earnings on Oct. 26.
The Lakers partied in Las Vegas after winning the NBA Championship. Read about it here.
The PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort Poker Room is open once again.
Top Of The World at The Strat was the top-grossing independent restaurant in Las Vegas last year according to Restaurant Business. Eater breaks down the other Las Vegas restaurants on the list here.
Din Tai Fung is the number one restaurant not at Circa on my list of places to eat in Las Vegas. So many people have said great things and I need to experience that. The restaurant just opened at Aria. Read more here.
Crafthaus brewery downtown just extended its patio. The Arts District is a must-visit for anyone who loves drinking beer. You can read about my first visit to Able Baker Brewing almost exactly a year ago. Crafthaus created a beer for Psycho.
I don’t eat shrimps but I know many loved the 99 cent Shrimp Cocktail at Golden Gate. It will return to downtown Las Vegas at Circa. Read more here.

New Flay joint at Caesars looks like the old Flay joint

Last but certainly not least, Mesa Grill is closing. Bobby Flay will have a new Italian Restaurant in the same space. You can read the press release here.

Also, be sure to join the ZorkCast Group on FaceBook. This is the Facebook group to continue the conversation from the ZorkCast podcast and TravelZork website. Feel free to start a conversation related to anything TravelZork or ZorkCast.

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Vegas News | Virgin Vegas Fees and more

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 16:05:42 GMT

Vegas News October 18, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

Feature News: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Fees?

Earlier this week, I went through the Momentum Rewards benefits for the Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. They appear to be different than other markets, so I did a deep dive. Another point of interest is the overall situation regarding Vegas Virgin Fees.

During this casino loyalty program “deep dive,” I noticed some interesting information as it relates to staying at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. I’m looking at just a few standout items today. You can see a breakdown here.

Virgin Las Vegas Fees

Parking

First, all members receive “complimentary garage parking.” Only the top two tiers receive “complimentary valet parking.” Additionally, the resort fee includes valet parking. I would have to guess this information means there will be some kind of parking fee.

Resort Fees – Virgin Vegas

Another benefit says “resort fee waived for complimentary rooms” to all members receive. This is a good benefit but it also says that Virgin Las Vegas will charge a resort fee. This is different than Virgin properties in other cities.

We were all hoping that Virgin would bring the fee-less practice to Las Vegas. Oh well. According to the Hilton Virgin Hotels Las Vegas website, the resort fee includes some different offerings than most Las Vegas properties.

The resort fee includes internet access, valet parking, 15% off spa service, 2 for 1 drink at Commons Club, 1 appetizer with 2 lunch entrees at Commons Club, 2 bottles of water, live Streaming Access (Netflix, Hulu), and of course local and toll-free calls.

Pool Access

Lastly, the top two tiers of the Momentum Players club receive “complimentary access to the resort pool.” Does this mean lower tier members have to pay to use the pool? Is there a different pool for the high rollers?

This is language I haven’t seen before so I’m not entirely sure how to read into it. I’m also not as familiar with plans for the property as I should be so I’m not sure how to read this.

Pet Fees

Oh yeah, there’s no fee for pets as we shared a few weeks ago.

I’ll follow up on these fees after I catch up on my non-TravelZork deadlines. Wish me luck!

There’s so much more Vegas news this week.

Casino and Vegas Quick Hits

Quick Hits

Welcome to a newly expanded Quick Hits. We’ll dish you a tease of the Vegas news and you can decide whether or not you want to know more.

The ice skating rink is returning to the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan on Nov. 18. You can find hours and pricing here.
Speaking of things that we remember from last year…shows are slowly returning to Las Vegas! X Country reopens this week at Harrah’s. The following week Piff The Magic Dragon returns to Flamingo Las Vegas while Absinthe will open again in a tent outside of Caesars Palace Las Vegas. You can read more her e.
There are at least two show options if you like to laugh. Delirious Comedy Club at Downtown Grand and LA Comedy Club at The Strat are both open for small room chuckles.

During the week, you may remember I shared renderings of the planned Atari Hotel in Las Vegas. There aren’t many details about the property. There’s no location for Las Vegas (they tell me that will be a separate announcement) but the Blade Runner-esque renderings are cool. This is a hotel concept and the company hasn’t released information about the potential of a casino.
People will be allowed inside the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the NHRA Finals from Oct. 30-Nov.1. This will be the second sport(ish) event to have fans in Las Vegas. You may remember the Las Vegas Lights soccer club had 500 people attend the last game of the season in downtown Las Vegas. You can find more info on the NHRA event here.
Wynn Las Vegas is closing the Encore tower during weekdays due to slow demand. The “poker room” is now at Wynn. Encore will remain open on the weekend so the jabronis from XS have a place to fight. Too soon?
Speaking of jabronis, aggravated assault on the Vegas Strip is up more than 35% since this time last year. That’s not good but if you were to guess a number based on reading Twitter and/or Facebook you may have thought the increase was 3500%.
Remember the last casino that had a massive billboard up the side of the casino? That same property was home to Cardi B. Hopefully, Circa and Area 15 don’t see similar results from their billboard or celebration of Cardi B, respectfully.

You can tell that Circa is about to open. The PR folks are running out of exciting things to share. Recently they revealed details about the art at the property. This week they released details about the retail shops. If nothing else, the latter gave us a new rendering of the casino.
Time for another Boring update! Well, actually two boring updates. First, the Vegas Loop has plans to expand throughout Las Vegas. Also, Elon Musk might have exaggerated about how many people the people mover can move.
This was revealed last month but the Tropicana will be laying off people. The Penn National Gaming earnings call on Oct. 29 should be interesting.
The 2021 NFL Pro Bowl scheduled for Las Vegas has been canceled. If the game returns in 2022, it will take place at Allegiant Stadium. Yippee?
Sticking to sports, Las Vegas will host an NCAA regional in 2023. This round has the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games. The Frozen Four, college hockey’s final four, will come to Las Vegas in 2026 for the first time. The state will also host college golf and bowling events. You can see specifics here.
South Point opened a horse arena. Read more here.
The best brunch in Vegas is back! Border Grill’s all you can eat brunch returns to Mandalay Bay. The first time I had brunch here, I won a couple of hundred bucks playing Top Dollar and paid for everyone. Ahhh…the good ole days.

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Vegas News | Mohegan Sun Plans For Las Vegas and More

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 15:07:29 GMT

Vegas News October 11, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

Work From Vegas

Before we get to the scoop on Mohegan Vegas… The week started with a “work from Vegas” kind of experience. The working staycation was inspired by various casino promotions and a need for a change of scenery. I did end up working a couple of days working from a Stadium View suite at Delano that I mentioned last week.

The Delano

The room itself was as great as I expected. The Delano suites are 750 square feet and have a sizable living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Each room had its own TV if you’re into that. The separate rooms allowed me to relax in bed and a room to work in the living area. This was the combination I was looking for.

Afternoon coffee run to the gelato shop @MandalayBay. The @illyUSA cold brew is delicious. pic.twitter.com/lhtOZcHgve
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) October 6, 2020

Delano Restaurant Situation

Delano itself was almost shut down. Only 3945 Coffee and Tea was open. Unfortunately, it closed at noon. The other bars and restaurants were closed entirely. The closest place for afternoon coffee was the gelato shop (no complaints with the Illy Coffee) at Mandalay Bay. The closest food was at House of Blues.

Both are probably just a two-minute walk from Delano and past the Mandalay Bay sportsbook. Not too bad but not perfect for the seclusion normally at Delano. One of the reasons I selected Delano was the proximity to Mandalay Bay because many restaurants and bars have limited hours or are closed.

Mandalay Bay – Strange As Expected

Mandalay Bay itself was as strange as expected. The casino was dark and not very busy. Many of the restaurants and many table games were closed. Most people were wearings masks, but more than enough had chin diapers while they drank or smoked.

Even though I played a couple of slot machines (Quick Hits and pandas, of course), I barely spent time in the casino. The suites at Delano were great for focusing on work and relaxing. I definitely got the fever to gamble a little bit, but it wasn’t strong enough to keep me away from the room where I watched and wagered on baseball.

The Big Takeaway – Delano/Mandalay
Working Staycation

The big takeaway is that everything was as expected. The casino was mellow, the staff was cordial, and panda enjoyed the view of Allegiant Stadium. I never felt unsafe, but I also made sure to keep my distance from strangers as I usually do. Overall, this was a successful couple of days away, so that I could focus on work.

TravelZork (weekly) Vegas News UPDATE

A quick note about this column: future editions of Vegas News on Sunday will be a little more streamlined. There won’t be a long intro like this. We’ll have one main focus article and slightly expanded quick hits. This should make the news easier to read.

Mohegan Vegas

Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Featured News: Mohegan Sun recommended for a gaming license in Las Vegas

This week representatives from Mohegan Sun virtually met with Nevada Gaming Control Board to get a recommendation to be approved for a gaming license to operate the casino at Virgin Hotels LasVegas. You can watch the meeting here. You can read a general overview by the newspaper here.

Details – Mohegan Vegas

I want to look at some details that won’t receive much coverage.

Aspire Gaming Salon Slide from Mohegan Sun

Aspire Private Gaming – Mohegan Vegas

There was one big surprise. Mohegan Sun is building the Aspire private gaming salon. This isn’t just another high limit room. Aspire is the luxury brand for Mohegan Sun in CT.

The lounge is being built specifically for east coast high rollers. Existing customers should see an invite. Others will have to apply to play here. The goal of the Aspire Loung is to meet the expectations of east coast gamblers.

Don’t “Scare” the East Coasters

General Manager, Joe Hasson, made a note to specify that the casino doesn’t want Mohegan Sun customers from Connecticut to come to Las Vegas and be surprised by the gaming conditions.

This room will have gaming rules, and odds east coast customers are used to. This is great for high rollers. Unfortunately, this leads me to believe the regular casino won’t have great gaming conditions. We’ll find out soon, but that’s my guess.

Momentum Rewards Loyalty Program

As previously mentioned, Mohegan Sun will bring its Momentum Rewards program to Las Vegas. Here are the specific benefits for Las Vegas. The company will use a new IGT platform in Las Vegas. The Connecticut casino uses a Bally’s system, so the programs might not link together perfectly.

Poker and Poolside Gaming Update

Hasson mentioned that they have poker tables and outdoor gaming tables in storage. Mohegan Sun doesn’t plan to have a poker room, but they’re holding onto the tables if there’s demand.

Poolside and swim-up gaming are on hold until they know regulations for COVID next year. Since Caesars Palace had swim-up blackjack this summer, I’m guessing outdoor games will return to the former Hard Rock next year.

Sportsbook Info – Mohegan Vegas

The last thing that stands out from the meeting is that Betfred hasn’t been licensed to operate the sportsbook at the Mohegan Sun casino. Hasson “knocks on wood” that Betfred be approved in time for opening but already has a backup plan if that falls through. This was surprising to hear. As a sports bettor, I’m also looking for new opportunities and odds.

Besides a new sportsbook rendering and the Aspire Lounge, there wasn’t too much interesting information shared. Mohegan Sun was recommended for approval to receive its gaming license during the next meeting on October 22.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Mohegan Sun Casino are on schedule to open on January 15, 2021.

Casino and Vegas Quick Hits

Quick Hits

Last week Wynn Las Vegas increased security. This week they made an announcement about it.
Wynn also relaunched the Lake of Dreams show that I’ve done a pretty good job avoiding over the years. Read about it here.
Last Wynn Las Vegas note for the week. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco had a socially distant outdoor performance for VIPs. You can see some pictures of the scene here. The show was in lieu of his performances that were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cosmopolitan has also increased security. Read more here.
The One Club rewards program for The D and Golden Gate will get a refresh in time for the opening of Circa. Read more here.

That’s new. Drink vouchers at Golden Gate. Freeloaders are trying to ruin everything. Just play! pic.twitter.com/X3ZC07t2YB
— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) October 8, 2020

Vital Vegas shared a pic showing that Golden Gate now has a drink ticket system at its bar. Expect this to be a trial run for Circa.
PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort is officially open. Read about it here. Maybe you can explain why the guy from Blackish was at the reopening. Here are some pics of Anthony Anderson at Planet Hollywood this week. Maybe he really is PHamous.
Hey, Morrisey is doing a residency at Caesars Palace Las Vegas next year. I thought this was already announced but I’m still drinking my morning coffee. Read the press release here.
Maybe I’m thinking about Sting. His residency at Caesars Palace Las Vegas was moved to next year. Read more here.
While we’re on entertainment, some all-male reviews are back. Absinthe is still gearing up to return too. Read more here.
Aristocrat Technologies signed a deal with Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas Raiders. There will be no slot machines in the stadium. Maybe there will be a Raiders slot machine. Read the announcement here.
The Venetian follows Wynn and MGM with new health and safety plans for meetings. Read more here.
Boyd Gaming is laying off hundreds of employees in downtown Vegas. This should make the earnings call on Oct. 16 interesting.
Speaking of earnings, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa (Station Casinos) earnings call is on Oct. 27. I’m expecting some news on Palms Vegas and other land the company owns around Las Vegas.

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Let’s Talk! – Nine Minutes On… Mandalay Bay

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 08:40:33 GMT

Photo by Kevin Walker on Unsplash | Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Nine Minutes On… Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

Michael and I are constantly being asked for our thoughts on certain properties in Las Vegas, both from new visitors and seasoned visitors alike. Due to this, we decided it would be useful to record a series of nine-minute episodes of ZorkCast, interspersed with longer episodes, spending nine minutes reviewing and discussing different Vegas hotels and casinos. With that, “Nine Minutes On…” was born, starting with ZorkCast Episode 94: Nine Minutes On Mandalay Bay.

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Episode #94 – Nine Minutes On…Mandalay Bay

Michael and I begin by running down their thoughts on the different room types at Mandalay Bay. We also give our attention to Mandalay Bay’s sister property, The Delano, as well as the Four Seasons (which is within the resort). We take a look at the different restaurant options through the resort, ranging from fine dining to fast eats. The pool is one of the highlights about Mandalay Bay, we run down why it is a particular strength. Perhaps most importantly, we give a clear run down of the casino itself, and the range of slot machines and table games available. Finally, we both consider the location of Mandalay Bay, a topic that often prompts some heated discussion amongst Vegas visitors!

So should you stay at Mandalay Bay? Which the best room type, and where should you go for breakfast? Is the Delano tower the better option? Get the answers you need, in around twenty minutes, in the latest episode of ZorkCast.

Listen to Episode 94 of ZorkCast Below

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Vegas News | COVID-19 Vegas Capacity Updates, Mohegan Vegas Casino + Visitation Data

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 16:54:30 GMT

Vegas News October 4, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

COVID-19 Vegas Capacity Updates

Finally, some details about Vegas capacity updates. As expected, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak increased the 50 person limit on gatherings. The new capacity limits are a bit confusing as the maximum capacity for most venues increased to 250. At the same time, larger venues like theaters, arenas, and stadia can petition to allow 10% of capacity in attendance.

Allegiant Stadium – Vegas Capacity Updates

A venue like Allegiant Stadium will be able to hold up to 6,500 people socially distanced in pods of 250 people. UNLV has already submitted a plan to have fans in attendance for football games at Allegiant Stadium when the season begins.

Loosening the capacity limits continues the long road for Las Vegas returning to the city it was at the beginning of the year. Be patient, this will be a long and slow recovery.

Shortly before Sisolak’s announcement MGM Resorts shared its new health and safety policy for meetings and conventions. It will take some time before people are comfortable enough to fly to Las Vegas for work but it will happen eventually. The plan should help potential guests feel more comfortable visiting MGM properties.

Shows – Vegas Capacity Updates

One interesting thing is that shows can return but the new capacity limits may not be conducive to the venues generating revenue. Having said that, venues like The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails at the Cosmopolitan already has smaller bands performing.

This is definitely something to keep an eye on. I expect to see some larger venues begin submitting plan for how they can allow fans into certain events.

On a somewhat related Vegas capacity updates note, the Las Vegas Raiders can’t have fans inside the venue yet. The team has a “Tailgate Zone” event for today’s game. Up to five people can pile into a car and watch the game with a lot of food for $400 per car. This might not be optimal but it’s a different way to enjoy the game. There’s no official word if the Raiders will allow fans into the stadium for home games in the future.

Stadium View Rooms At Delano

While we’re discussing Allegiant Stadium…I noticed that Delano is selling rooms with a view of the Allegiant Stadium. If The Linq and Flamingo can tout Ferris Wheel views for their rooms, Delano might as well do the same.

I Was Checking Out Delano

I was checking out the rooms at Delano because I’ll be staying in my first hotel in about 6 months this week. This is a working “staycation” (I hate that word) so I wanted a large room or suite like at Delano. There probably won’t be much gambling happening unless I get bored.

I narrowed my options to about five properties and wanted to stay in a terrace room at Cosmopolitan. As usual, the rooms were more than twice the price of Delano’s suites. I’ll save the Cosmopolitan for a fun night out.

Thanks to twitter I know to be careful around the beds. I don’t want to be stubbing my toe like this guy. This will be my first time staying at Delano after probably 15 trips where I stayed at Mandalay Bay. It should be nice and quiet, which is exactly what I’m looking for.

Speaking of twitter, I’ll be sharing some pics and videos while I’m at Delano if you’re looking for some fun Vegas stuff.

New to Casino Loyalty and Comps?
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What Is A Casino Offer?

Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Las Vegas

mohegansunlasvegas.com launched this week. The website for the casino inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas doesn’t have too much information. However, we did find a couple of new renderings.

The Betfred USA sportsbook above appears to occupy the same space as the sportsbook at the Hard Rock. The small space will have new screens and new seating. The hideous red wagering stations have been removed. It appears as though seating is even more limited with some standing room counter space.

The casino will have 650 slot machines. For comparison, Circa will have twice as many (1,350). Mohegan Sun Casino will have more than 50 table games but no poker room.

Here’s another reminder for the east coast peeps – the casino will use Momentum Rewards just like the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. While looking at Momentum benefits in Las Vegas I noticed that “Resort Fee Waived For Complimentary Rooms” for all members.

There’s no guarantee that Virgin will have a resort fee. They don’t typically charge extra fees. This could be boilerplate language for the players club benefits. I haven’t confirmed that there’s a resort fee because I’m writing this on Saturday. I hope to have an update during the week.

Visitation To Las Vegas Up In August

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released its executive summary for August. If you haven’t seen it before it’s a quick look at monthly visitation and hotel data.

Las Vegas visitation started to rebound in July. That continued in August with a 6.9% increase in visitor volume from July. It’s interesting to note that automobile traffic in August was down compared to July. There was a 7.1% increase in airplane passengers deplaning in Las Vegas.

There’s been a lot of talk about cheap rooms in Las Vegas. That’s a bit exaggerated as the average daily room rate (ADR) in August was $99.24. Room rates in August were only 18% less than in 2019 when the ADR was $120.96.

New Vegas Golden Knights Jersey

Players will wear the grey helmet associated with home uniforms while wearing the gold jersey pic.twitter.com/zyH8cup7qc
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 2, 2020

The Vegas Golden Knights finally released the gold jersey that’s been rumored since the team first took to the ice. Do you dig the shimmers? Response on Twitter and Instagram is mixed.

Quickest Hits!

This will be a very short quick hits section this week. There’s both a lot and a little going on. Since you read TravelZork, you’ve already seen some of the news for the week. For example, we told you about Sahara’s Infinity Rewards program last week. Consider yourself ahead of the game!

You probably saw the new commercial for Circa if you watch baseball. Here it is if you missed it.
I shared this information a couple of weeks ago on twitter when Bazaar Meats announced the new burger. Bazaar Meats at SAHARA Las Vegas officially has a to-go menu if you want the delicious food but don’t want to sit inside the property. Read more here.
Jimbo Jim Murren has a new SPAC. Read more about it here. Read this if you’re not familiar with SPACS. They’re so hot right now.
The Wynn Las Vegas poker room opened this week. It’s one of the few 24/7 poker rooms right now. Read more here.
Caesars purchased William Hill this week. The deal won’t close for a year. Read more here.

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‘And the winner is. . . .’ | Casino Awards | Atlantic City October 2020

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 14:30:22 GMT

TravelZork Atlantic City – News, Promotions and Events

Atlantic City October 2020

Casino Awards

We start this month’s update with a compilation of numerous casino awards. Capriccio at Resorts Casino Hotel is the best casino restaurant in the country, according to a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice poll. Il Mulino and Kuro at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City ranked No. 3 and 6, respectively.

Reflected in the casino awards Atlantic City is the home to three of the best casinos outside of Las Vegas, according to the poll. Hard Rock was ranked No. 2, Ocean Casino Resort was No. 4, and Harrah’s Resort was No. 8.

Casino Awards – Best Loyalty Program

In addition, Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program was named Best Players Club, followed by Hard Rock’s Wild Card Rewards in sixth place and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s M life Rewards in 10th place. For a complete list of winners, click here.

Ocean: Best of the Best

In another poll of casino players, Ocean Casino Resort was named by Casino Player magazine readers as Atlantic City’s best overall gaming resort. Last year’s winner, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, took second place, and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa remained in third place for the second year, after years as No. 1.

Ocean also received first-place awards for best hotel, hotel lobby and rooms, as well as best comps and best pool. Ocean took second-place for VIP services and third-place awards for best hotel staff and suites, best casino, video slots, high limit room and non-smoking casino area.

Casino Awards – “Where You Feel The Luckiest”

In addition, Ocean was deemed “Casino Where You Feel The Luckiest,” followed by Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina and Tropicana Atlantic City.

All the rest of the Casino Awards

Voters also recognized Hard Rock with first-place casino awards for best suites, spa, casino, players club, promotions, video poker, bingo, slot tournaments; second-place awards for best hotel rooms, hosts, comps, video slots and high limit room; and third-place casino awards for best hotel and craps. In addition, Hard Rock was judged “Favorite Casino Resort To Vacation At,” followed by Ocean and Golden Nugget.

Among Borgata’s other honors were best VIP services, table game and poker tournaments, high limit room, blackjack, and non-smoking area. Borgata’s second-place casino awards were for best hotel and hotel lobby, and spa (Immersion), and third place for best hotel rooms, pool, carnival games, bingo and live poker.

Golden Nugget received four first-place casino awards: best hosts, roulette, carnival games and video slots. Among its second-place awards were best hotel staff, slot and poker tournaments, video poker, craps, bingo and non-smoking area. Third-place casino awards included best hotel lobby, spa, players club, VIP services, promotions, dealers, reel slots, blackjack and live poker.

Resorts Casino Hotel followed Golden Nugget with first-place casino awards for best hotel staff, dealers and craps, as well as second-place recognition for best suites, casino, players club, table game tournaments, reel slots, blackjack and carnival games, and third-place for best comps, slot tournaments and roulette.

Tropicana took first-place for best reel slots, second-place for best promotions, dealers and roulette, and third-place for best table game tournaments.

Harrah’s Resort took second-place for best pool and third-place for best hosts, and Bally’s took second-place for best live poker, and third-place for poker tournaments.

Sportsbooks – Casino Awards

Turning to casino sportsbooks, DraftKings at Resorts was named best overall sportsbook, followed by the William Hill’s operations at Ocean and Tropicana. DraftKings also picked up second-place for best promotions, prop bets and friendliest.

William Hill at Ocean took first-place for best betting options, promotions and friendliest, and William Hill at Tropicana took second-place for best betting options and third-place for best prop bets and friendliest. Borgata took first-place for best prop bets, and third-place for best betting options and promotions.

Casino Player magazine is available at CasinoCenter or by calling 800-969-0711.

Good times

Resorts is offering 2X slot cashback every Tuesday in October and a 3X comp multiplier every Wednesday. Be sure to swipe your Star card at a promotional kiosk before you begin play.

Happy half hours

Hard Rock will award $500 in Bonus Free Play every 30 minutes from 2 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday in October. To be eligible play any slot machine with a Wild Card Rewards card inserted.

In addition, Hard Rock will award 10 players with $350 in Bonus Free Play every 30 minutes from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. At 7 p.m. Hard Rock will double the number of winners, for a total of 100 winners. Activate entries by swiping your players card at a Wild Card Kiosk or by playing slots or table games from 1 to 7 p.m. The more you play, the more entries you earn.

To end the month Hard Rock will award 10 players with $500 in Bonus Free Play every 30 minutes from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. At 10 p.m. Hard Rock will double the number of winners, for a total of 100 winners. Activate entries by swiping your players card at a Wild Card Kiosk or by playing slots or table games from 4 to 10 p.m. The more you play, the more entries you earn.

Plus, every Tuesday in October Hard Rock will give $500 in Bonus Free Play every 30 minutes from 2 to 6 p.m. To qualify you must be actively playing a slot machine with your Wild Card Rewards card inserted.

Finally, through Thursday, Dec. 31, all Wild Card Rewards cardholders will receive 2X tier points for all slot and table play.

Everybody into the pool

Borgata’s indoor pool and garden are now open to hotel guests 18 years or older. Masks are to be worn by pool guests at all times except when seated in a lounge chair, eating or drinking, or while in the pool or whirlpool. For details click here.

Hang 10

Every 10 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Borgata is giving away 1,010 Bonus Slot Dollars. Insert your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or table games rating from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win.

Happy Halloween

Win cash or Bonus Slot Dollars in Borgata’s Monster Cash $100,000 Sweepstakes from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. To enter insert your M life Rewards card into a slot machine or open a table games rating from 4 to 10:30 p.m.

Tier up

If you have a top-tier players card with a casino loyalty program M life Rewards may match your status. To see if your card is eligible, visit the M life Rewards desk at Borgata through Thursday, Dec. 31, or review the TravelZork article about status matching.

Best if used by

Any Golden Nugget comp dollars that were initially due to expire Oct. 1 have been extended through Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

Good sports

The Book sportsbooks at Wild Wild West and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City have reopened, as has The Sportsbook at Golden Nugget.

Leave the parking to us

Valet parking has returned to several Atlantic City casinos.

Borgata – Exclusive to M life Rewards NOIR cardholders, parking is complimentary every day of the week.

Hard Rock – Parking is complimentary for Wild Card Rewards Rock Royalty and X cardholders. For all others, it’s $25 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $20 during the week.

Ocean Casino Resort – Chairman, Black and Platinum Ocean Rewards Club cardholders receive free parking every day of the week. All others pay $15 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $10 Monday to Thursday.

Tropicana Atlantic City – Available only to Caesars Rewards Seven Stars cardholders, parking is complimentary from noon Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays.

New exit strategy

Speaking of parking, Harrah’s has a new system in place for its self-park garage. Except for Seven Stars or Diamond cardholders who get free parking, all others can pay in advance at a kiosk located near the entrance to the garage, or pay at the exit.

Pigskin picks

Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program cardholders can make weekly picks by choosing which team they think will win in the eligible NFL football games and activate those picks for their chance to win a share of $60,000 in prizes each week. First place winner each week walks away with $20,000 cash. For further details see Caesars Rewards free NFL PickEm.

Pick more winning teams than the Borgata Book and win $20 Bonus Slot Dollars. Entries – starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays – can be placed at select Sports Betting kiosks, but are limited to one free entry per week. Entries for each week must be placed by 11 a.m. on Sundays. Details on the Borgata website.

Fröhliches Oktoberfest!

North Beach Atlantic City is celebrating Oktoberfest at several of its locations.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is hosting an Oktoberfest party on Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3, complete with entertainment, several German beers on tap and a German-inspired menu.

Rhythm & Spirits will showcase an Oktoberfest-inspired drag show hosted by Jenna Tall at 1 p.m. Oct. 3. Make reservations at RHYTHM & SPIRITS

Visit the Absecon Lighthouse any day in October and receive $1 off admission when you say “Lighthouse” in German: “Leuchtturm.”

Steel Pier’s Bars and its Axe Throwing Pub are offering drink specials throughout October. In addition, you can “Smash O Lantern.” Instead of aiming for the traditional bullseye, you aim for a hanging pumpkin. In addition, on Sundays enjoy $5 sparkling Italian wine, White Claws and Bud Light Seltzers.

New GM graces Tropicana

Jacqueline Grace has been named senior vice president and general manager of Tropicana Atlantic City. Grace becomes the fourth woman in charge of an Atlantic City casino, joining Bally’s Senior Vice President and General Manager Karie Hall, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa President Melonie Johnson, and Ocean Casino Resort CEO Terry Glebocki.

“I started my gaming career in Atlantic City and I’m thrilled to return and join one of the top destinations in the market,” Grace said in a statement. With more than 20 years of experience in the casino industry, she most recently served as vice president and assistant general manager at Horseshoe Baltimore Maryland Casino.

In that role she helped oversee several expansion projects included the launch of multiple celebrity chef outlets, an extensive renovation of The Marketplace casual dining area, and the opening of The Terrace, a $15 million outdoor gambling and entertainment venue.

Before joining the gambling industry, she spent nine years in various management roles on Wall Street. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia Darden School and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in electrical engineering from Stony Brook University.

Tropicana transitions to Caesars Rewards

The TROP Advantage program at Tropicana Atlantic City has transitioned to Caesars Rewards. TROP Advantage cardholders who do not have a Caesars Rewards card need to visit the Caesars Rewards Center at Tropicana to receive a new Caesars Rewards Local card. The Local card is valid only at Tropicana Atlantic City.

To receive full Caesars Rewards benefits sign up for a Caesars Rewards account, and link your Local account. In addition to the new tier status, Caesars will transition Tropicana comp dollars to Reward Credits, with one comp dollar equaling 100 Reward Credits, and transition tier points to tier credits, with five tier points equaling one tier credit. Future earnings will be based on Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program rules and regulations. Visit the Caesars Website for details.

Tropicana offers limited room charges

Tropicana may now be part of Caesars Entertainment Inc., but, unless you’re staying there, you can’t charge anything back to your room at Bally’s, Caesars or Harrah’s. In other words, if you’re overnighting at Caesars and you have dinner at Chelsea Five Gastropub or The Palm at Tropicana, you can’t charge your meal back to your room – only if you’re staying at Tropicana.

Lounging around
Your guide to players lounges

Borgata – The Amphora Lounge and Society Club have reopened. The Amphora Lounge has moved indoors to its new location at the Borgata Buffet. It’s open from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. The Society Club is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays, noon to midnight Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Golden Nugget – The Chairman’s Club has relocated to The Buffet. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Harrah’s – The Laurel Lounge has moved again. It’s now located at Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar.

Ocean Casino – While the Chairman and VIP Lounges are temporarily closed, the VIP Lounge, open to all Black and Chairman Ocean Rewards Club cardholders, has moved from the fifth floor of the garage to the area outside Ovation Hall. The lounge offers complimentary drinks and full-service dining. It’s open from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Chairman cardholders are permitted up to three guests and Black cardholders are permitted one guest.

Hard Rock – Legends Lounge for Wild Card Rewards Rock Royalty and X cardholders has reopened, but in the Seminole Ballroom. In addition, Rock Royalty and X cardholders now can convert up to 1,000 comp dollars into free play once per day, every day, as long as they maintain a minimum $25 balance.

Resorts – The VIP Lounge has reopened, but, due to state-imposed capacity restrictions, is now limited to Red Carpet and Paramount Plus cardholders. Hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays, noon to 1 a.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Tropicana – Planning to stop by the Trop Advantage VIP Lounge? Visits now are limited to 60 minutes and restricted to Caesars Rewards Seven Stars, and TOP Advantage Black and Platinum cardholders.

Golden Nugget spa reopens

The Spa & Salon at Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina has reopened. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Due to limited capacity, appointments are strongly recommended. Call 800-777-8477 or 609-340-5001.

Win a car

Save the free play

At Harrah’s Resort you no longer have to use all your free slot play at one machine. Let’s say you download $50, have a big win and decide your machine isn’t going to hit again for a while. You’re no longer stuck playing the balance of what you downloaded.

Simply remove your Caesars Rewards card from the machine, and any unused free slot play will automatically be re-deposited back into your bank. Caesars casinos in Baltimore, Cherokee, Hammond, New Orleans, Phoenix and Tunica – and perhaps others – are among those with similar policies.

In the news. . . Atlantic City

A federal judge has ordered a former Borgata employee – who now works for Ocean Casino Resort – to return a cellphone with valuable information about some of Borgata’s best players.

U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro issued a temporary restraining order Sept. 10 preventing two executives who left the Borgata this summer to refrain from contacting any past, current or prospective Borgata customers. She also temporarily ordered them not to use or pass along to Ocean any trade secrets or confidential information belonging to the Borgata.

However, the judge did not order them to leave their jobs at Ocean, nor did she determine that Ocean knew about their using any information about Borgata customers. Executives at both casinos declined to comment. In a lawsuit filed last month in Nevada, Borgata accused Ocean of poaching a half-dozen of its top marketing executives in an attempt to “cripple” it by using secret details about its best and most profitable customers.

Borgata claimed that Ocean hired them, despite the fact that at least two had non-compete agreements that would bar them from working for a competitor for a year after leaving. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada because Borgata’s parent company, MGM Resorts International, is based there. However, it also asserts the hiring of the executives violates New Jersey state law regarding unfair competition. Read the complete story here.

Looking ahead (schedules subject to change):

Nov. 6: Wu-Tang Clan, Borgata
Nov. 7: Almost Queen – The Ultimate Queen Experience, Hard Rock
Nov. 21: It’s A Shore Holiday, Atlantic City Ballet, Caesars

Here are other “insider” tips about what’s happening in Atlantic City during October:

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Promotions
Every 10 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Borgata is giving away 1,010 Bonus Slot Dollars. Insert your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or table games rating from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win.

Win cash or Bonus Slot Dollars in Borgata’s Monster Cash $100,000 Sweepstakes from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. To enter insert your M life Rewards card into a slot machine or open a table games rating from 4 to 10:30 p.m.

Entertainment and Events
Borgata Comedy Club (check for dates in October), Kreeps With Kids Comedy Tour with Rob Bennington, Robert Kelly, Rich Vos and Jim Florentine (Oct. 30). For tickets visit The Borgata or call 866-900-4TIX (4849).

Caesars Atlantic City
Entertainment and Events
An Evening with William Shatner (Oct. 16), Dracula, Atlantic City Ballet (Oct. 24). For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.

Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina
Promotions
Every Sunday 24K and Premier cardholders receive 2X tier credits, Chairman cardholders get 3X and Elite cardholders get 4X.

Every Monday 24K Select cardholders receive 2X comp dollars. Every Tuesday and Wednesday cardholders receive 2X Slot Dollars and 2X tier credits.

Free self-parking continues.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Promotions
Through Thursday, Dec. 31, all Wild Card Rewards cardholders will receive 2X tier points for all slot and table play.

Featuring more than $50,000 worth of prizes, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will celebrate the end of 2020 with a 100-Day Countdown To 2021. The grand prize winner will receive two tickets to every show at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in 2021, including the KISS “End of the Road Tour” scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. Additional weekly prizes include signed memorabilia from top artists including Pitbull and Kenny Chesney, hotel stays, dining experiences, free play, Hard Rock swag, Rocktane gas and car wash giveaways, and more. Visit HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com for complete information and to enter.

In addition, Hard Rock will award 10 players $350 in Bonus Free Play every 30 minutes from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. At 7 p.m. Hard Rock will double the number of winners, for a total of 100 winners. Then, from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Hard Rock will award 10 players $500 in Bonus Free Play every 30 minutes. At 10 p.m. Hard Rock will double the number of winners, for a total of 100 winners. On both days, activate entries by swiping your players card at a Wild Card Kiosk or by playing slots or table games from 4 to 10 p.m. The more you play, the more entries you earn.

Then every Tuesday in October Hard Rock will give $500 in Bonus Free Play every 30 minutes from 2 to 6 p.m. To qualify you must be actively playing a slot machine with your Wild Card Rewards card inserted.

Hard Rock continues its Wild Card tier match program until further notice. Details here.

Rock Royalty and X cardholders now can convert up to 1,000 comp dollars into free play once per day, every day, as long as they maintain a minimum $25 balance.

Free self-parking for Wild Card Rewards cardholders.

Harrah’s Resort
Entertainment and Events
Desperado – The Nation’s Premier Eagles Tribute (Oct. 2), Tusk – The World’s Number One Tribute To Fleetwood Mac (Oct. 9), The FABBA Show – A Tribute to ABBA (Oct. 16), Beatles For Sale – Beatles Tribute Band (Oct. 23). For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.

Ocean Casino Resort
Promotions
Win a share of $250,000 in cash and prizes in Ocean Casino Resort’s $250,000 BMW Sweepstakes. Earn entries through Saturday, Oct. 31, with a 5X multiplier every Tuesday. From 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday five winners will be drawn every hour to receive up to $1,000, plus qualify for the grand finale drawing at 11 p.m. Oct. 31. Two winners will get their choice of a 2020 BMW 330i or X3.

Free self-parking continues for all Ocean Premier cardholders through Thursday, Dec. 31.

Visit the Ocean Rewards Club for details.

Resorts Casino Hotel
Promotions
Earn entries by playing your favorite slots or table games while using your Star Card through 3:55 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, to win a 2021 Mercedes GLA at Resorts Casino Hotel. For every tier point you earn, you will receive one entry.

Premiere cardholders who earn two tier points during a gaming day park free in the self-park garage at Resorts. Check any promotional kiosk to confirm the points and present a valid Star card at the exit.

Visit the Promotions Booth for details.

Everything AC Casinos (Atlantic City)
Facebook Group
JOIN TODAY!!

Recreational gambler Darryl D. McEwen is publisher of the Seven Stars Insider – both the website (SevenStarsInsider.com) and the monthly newsletter. For a free subscription to the newsletter, email him at SevenStarsInsider@gmail.com and tell him how you heard about it. You also can download the newsletter from the website where he frequently updates news about Caesars Entertainment Corp., Eldorado Resorts Inc. and Caesars Rewards under “Latest News” on the Home page. In addition, be sure to follow @7StarsInsider on Twitter. Darryl also writes a bi-weekly column, Mr. AC Casino, for the Atlantic City Weekly. The companion website is MrACCasino.com and the matching Twitter account is @MrACCasino. A former professional journalist, based in Wilmington, Del., Darryl is president of his own consulting firm that manages several small national and international trade associations, and provides public relations and fundraising services for a number of charitable organizations.

The post ‘And the winner is. . . .’ | Casino Awards | Atlantic City October 2020 appeared first on TravelZork.

What Is A Casino Offer? (Casino Marketing Offer)

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 23:34:58 GMT

Casino Offer | Casino Marketing Offer

What is a casino offer? Earning casino marketing offers (and continuing to receive them) from a large casino loyalty program is a very complicated endeavor.

There are numerous variables to consider, such as which property you are playing at and the casino property’s popularity. Other considerations include how badly that casino property wants to drum up business and what games, amenities, and restaurants they offer. But, before I launch into specifics, let me define what a casino marketing offer is.

What is a Casino Offer?

A casino marketing offer is an enticement that a casino directs to a customer, based upon that customer’s gaming activity, to try to lure them into playing more at the property.

The casino marketing offer is usually delivered in a letter, brochure (mailer) or email that lists extra benefits available to that customer to use during a future trip to a casino.

Offers can include comped hotel rooms and shows, free food and beverage, and free play. Free play is gaming credit usually available to download onto a slot of video poker machine. For table games, it will often be paper coupons for match play or free bets.

Offers Can Be Casino Market Specific

These custom offers can be property or market (region) specific. Some casino loyalty programs have casinos all over the country, and sometimes your play in one destination (such as Atlantic City) will trigger offers for other destinations in the US (such as Las Vegas). Free gifts, cruises, giveaways, and drawings may also be offered.

What’s in it for the casino?

Marketing offers are a money-making tool for the casino. Most casino loyalty programs use sophisticated mathematical formulas to tailor the offers to your gaming habits and lure you back into a casino. These extra niceties will ply you away from your cash and maximize the casino’s profit in many cases.

Casinos do a lot of market research and they know that by giving you all these extra perks, it is more likely that you will be beguiled away from your funds!

That—is why—we counter their strategy by coming up with a plan to appear more profitable. If you appear “more profitable,” you are more likely to generate better offers. Now, the casino always has the upper hand. Still, if we enjoy the casino experience and are willing to gather information and develop a play strategy, we can have fun, but less expensively.

How is this done? How Do You Get An Offer?

Getting casino offers is based on when and how much we play in relation to when we take advantage of these marketing offers. The discipline and strategies you need to employ to maximize your offers can seem like a job, which is no small point. You really have to enjoy both the gaming and learning the system to make it all worthwhile.

You can extract maximum value from your bankroll, but you are always at a disadvantage to the casino loyalty program, even when you have a theoretical gaming advantage! You are a human, going up against a computer system, “Lady Luck,” and the whims of the program.

Gather Information – Experiment – Educated Guesses

What determines marketing offers isn’t specifically defined, like tier status benefits or promotions. You’ve got to gather information, experiment, and make educated guesses to try to trigger offers.

Image Credit: Shamim Nakhaei on Unsplash | Don’t Mess Up Your (Casino) First Date

Don’t “Mess Up” Your First Date

Don’t forget, your first time playing at a new casino property is a great opportunity. Look at it like a first date; you don’t want to “blow it.” The Big Play Casino Gambling Day provides a lot of perspective about how you should approach this “first date.”

You’ll Want To Understand The Concept Of ADT

A common narrative at TravelZork is “It’s All About The THEO.” Briefly, your theoretical loss to the casino (your casino theo or average daily theoretical – ADT) is the way the casino calculates what you are worth to them. Learn this, live this, embrace this. You can never escape your ADT, and you want to “protect” your ADT.

Unlike other travel loyalty programs, the concept of ADT is unique to casino programs. It’s not just a matter of earning every point you can earn. This is especially true with regard to how a casino views your “action,” or casino play (gambling).

It’s Still A Gamble

You can invest a lot of time and money for probable rewards that for whatever reason, you do not receive. Just like the play (“gambling”), you are making an informed decision, but it’s still a gamble.

Also, once you establish yourself and the casino loyalty program has data-points on your gaming habits, it becomes more and more difficult to earn the comps you want.

Wait, Back Up A Moment, You Said What?

“once you establish yourself and the casino loyalty program has data-points on your gaming habits, it becomes more and more difficult to earn the comps you want”
Ponder this quote from TravelZork a “bit.”

Once again, casino loyalty programs are not really equivalent to travel loyalty programs. Casinos want to offer you “just enough” to visit, but not too much. Once they know you want to visit, they will adjust the offers to a level that rewards players “just enough” to visit, but not too much.

Casino Loyalty Versus Travel Loyalty

Some things are similar. Things similar to casino loyalty programs and travel loyalty programs include redeemable points and status tier levels.

Both travel loyalty programs and casino loyalty programs in almost all cases provide status tier benefits. These benefits can include priority lines and lounge access. Fundamentally, a casino loyalty program is like a travel loyalty program, but with the added feature that rewards you for your gambling action.

Many travel loyalty peeps really “mess up” things when they dive into casino loyalty. Broad concept, with casino loyalty, it’s not all about earning every single point. Or, shall we say, sometimes you sacrifice some earnings to protect your ADT. This topic really deserves its own article (or two).

Can’t Some Players BEAT THE CASINO?

YES, absolutely. But that’s the exception and far from the rule. Just like some people can hit baseballs out of Fenway Park. These folks in the casino world are called Advantage Players (“APs”). But, even the advantage players can lose playing a “perfect” game. This article does NOT touch on anything remotely close to advantage play. Today’s focus is all about the recreational gambler.

Comp Chasing – DON’T DO IT!

An obsession with comps and offers can lead to comp chasing. Comp chasing is desperately playing, maybe even above your means, to keep getting the same level of perks. Most programs exist to establish loyalty to the brand. A casino’s goal is to make you believe that your losses are worth the total casino experience.

What Are My Losses Worth?

It is up to you to decide exactly what your losses are worth because unless you put winnings aside without parlaying them, you will eventually lose. Getting more comps via marketing offers will limit those losses. Remember, comps are still not cash. Can you maximize your comps and minimize your losses? Yes, but that’s the trickiest part of the “game” of gambling.

FAQ – Casino Offers

What is a casino offer?

A casino marketing offer is an enticement that a casino directs to a customer, based upon that customer’s gaming activity, to try to lure them into playing or spending more at a property.

What is comp chasing?

Comp chasing is desperately playing, maybe even above your means, to keep getting the same level of perks.

What is free play?

Free play is gaming credit usually available to download onto a slot of video poker machine. For table games, it will often be paper coupons for match play or free bets.

Note: This article has some major portions originally written by CoachKitty. The TravelZork editorial staff modified some of the elements to provide additional clarity for less experienced gamblers.

The post What Is A Casino Offer? (Casino Marketing Offer) appeared first on TravelZork.

When You Gamble Perfectly But Still Lose

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:00:36 GMT

But The Patient Died

You’ve heard the expression, “The operation was a success but the patient died.” What does it mean? Could it relate to the concept of: “Gamble Perfectly But Still Lose?”

Image Credit: Chuma A on Unsplash | Gamble Perfectly But Still Lose | Bob Dancer | Video Poker

Gamble Perfectly But Still Lose

For many people, the “but the patient died” is the definitive part of that expression. Somebody dying means that there was a failure in the process.

For me, “the operation was a success” is the definitive part of the expression. You did everything right based on the information you had at the time. It didn’t work this time, but that’s not really relevant. There’s nothing more that could have been done.

There is often an, “If we only knew that blah, blah, blah, then we could have done things differently.” Maybe. But you didn’t know. And reconstructing history based on, “If we only knew,” is not a useful exercise.

If we’re talking about an actual death, and the death is somebody close to me (i.e. wife, brother, friend, etc.), then I might not be so dispassionate about the dying not being relevant. Although intellectually I know that we all are going to die some day, when somebody close to me dies, my life is changed irreparably. When somebody dies, they don’t come back to life again — miracles aside.

Great Video Poker Play But Losing A Lot Of Money

Let’s switch the argument to gambling. All good video poker players have many times had the experience that the game, slot club, and promotion made for a great play. They did everything right. And they lost a lot of money. Whether that means $100, $1,000, $10,000, or more depends on the stakes that you play.

This is a perfect example of, “The operation was a success, but the patient died.” We did everything correctly, but on this particular game, the cards didn’t fall our way. It has happened to all of us—many times. We gamble perfectly but still lose.

Regular readers of my writings know that I tend to take the view of, “It’s no big deal.” Swings happen. If you keep playing correctly when you have the advantage, eventually you will come out ahead.

Relation To Your Bankroll

I’m assuming, of course, that however much you lost this particular day is a small fraction of your bankroll. If you lost your entire bankroll — or a significant part of it — then obviously you’re going to feel this is pretty damn important. In fact, you’re going to feel like this is a disaster.

Losing your entire bankroll is quite a bit different than actually dying. Many gamblers have periodically been broke. (It happened to me in 1980. I had to — horrors! — go out and get a job. It was awful!) But being broke today doesn’t mean that you are broke forever and ever. It is possible to financially come back.

What Losing Really Is About

When I say that losing today is no big deal, some people dismiss that as, “Well, you’re rich. If you didn’t have so much money you wouldn’t feel that way.” Maybe. If you’re not close to “dying” financially, you’re not as worried about it as if you are. But a lot of this is like saying, “You have such a big family, losing only one relative isn’t such a big deal.” And that, of course, is rubbish. The pain of losing a relative isn’t about how many you have. It’s about how much you care about these people.

The same is true with money. The pain of losing money isn’t primarily about how much you have. It’s about how much you enjoy holding on to your money. And it’s about how much you feel the need to compare your current wealth with your wealth in the recent past.

If someone has $50,000 in savings, it’s easy for them to believe that if they had $53,000, life would be a lot better; but if they only had $47,000 life would suck. For somebody with $30,000 in savings, it’s hard for them to relate to how life with only $47,000 would suck.

For most of us, daily swings do not change the quality of our life — unless the swings are seriously trending downward. There are a lot of people with poor gambling skills who end up losing everything. This is sad. This is tragic. But these are not the people I’m speaking to in this column.

If you have sufficient gambling skills, and many of my readers either have or can develop such skills, then your gambling bankroll will be trending upward. For these people, the swings do not matter.

Bob Dancer is the premier video poker writer and teacher in the world. He has created a number of how-to-win products available at bobdancer.com. He co-hosts a weekly radio show called Gambling with an Edge, which is also archived on his website. (The show is also available on iTunes.)

FAQ – When You Gamble Perfectly But Still Lose

Can you gamble perfectly but still lose?”

Yes, absolutely. We did everything correctly, but on this particular game, the cards didn’t fall our way. It has happened to all of us—many times. We gamble perfectly but still lose.

More video poker:
Video Poker | Not All Lessons Are Learned So Easily – Bob Dancer
Video Poker | Have You Got What It Takes? – Bob Dancer
Video Poker | How To Learn The Right Lessons – Bob Dancer
How To Play Video Poker The Smart Way
How To Solve The Video Poker Puzzle
Video Poker | Listening To My Mentor – 10x Points At Borgata
Why You Might Be Disappointed With A Straight Flush Jackpot

Be sure to check out some of our other articles on casino loyalty programs & casino gaming:
Casino Loyalty Cards are Similar to Those of Airlines and Hotels — But Not the Same
Video Poker vs. Regular Poker
Why I Prefer Video Poker To Slots
Video Poker vs. BlackJack

Note: Updated September 2020 by the TravelZork editorial staff. This article was originally published in July 2016.

The post When You Gamble Perfectly But Still Lose appeared first on TravelZork.

Casino Comps | The Big Play Casino Gambling Day

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 11:38:00 GMT

Photo Credit: steve sawusch

Casino Comps – Less is More

More play in fewer trips is going to net you the most casino comps. This is just a general statement about casino gambling because the amount of play that will generate marketing offers is not an exact science.

My experience over the last 14 years of playing, reading and speaking with knowledgeable gamblers is that the more concentrated play you do (playing one big day, rather than more frequent smaller days) nearly always leads to receiving better mailers and more perks.

Less is More – Big Play Casino Gambling Day

This is not always easy to do, and it’s not a natural way to play. Of course, you want to play however much you want, when you want and redeem every comp you can. Some casinos offer you a gift or free play almost every day! Surely they want you to take advantage of these extras you’ve earned, or they wouldn’t offer them.

Umm, NO, they want to appear generous, while prompting you to lose more money than you win. It’s not personal. A casino is a business and casino comps are a business expense. They want to make you just comfortable enough so that you will feel that your losses justify what you are getting; be that casino action, lifestyle perks or just plain fun.

Computer algorithms are used by casinos to calculate the minimum offer that will trigger you to come back and spend more money. The casino already has the edge on every wager that is made, but they ALSO want to keep their expenses as low as possible. The less they give you, the more money they make.

Don’t Believe Me?
– Casino Gambling for Casino Comps

If you don’t believe me, you can experiment with different patterns of playing and see what happens. You can go to a host or the booth and ask them outright what kind of play merits specific comps. If you receive a concrete answer, most times this will be true.

An Example – I Tested This

I was getting one night weekday comps at the Tropicana Atlantic City last spring. Suddenly in the summer, the offers stopped. I figured that my play did not justify peak summer comp rooms, even on weekdays, but then fall came and still no offers.

I Was Playing Every Visit, BUT….

I was playing every visit, BUT I was playing their best game, 5 Jokers Wild, which earns casino comps at a lower rate. So I went and asked at the booth why I wasn’t receiving comped rooms anymore. A manager told me, very bluntly, that I had to earn 450 points a visit.

Well, I’m not sure if that is a valid number and even if it is, whether earning that amount is worth one weekday room night a week. (I mean, I’ve stayed in the West Tower, which really ought to be free—okay, maybe not free—I’m willing to pay $22.36, the price of tourist fees and the resort fee plus the taxes on it.) I have Copper Status, their first status tier for earning 4000 tier credits in the gaming year and I knew that I had earned that in more than 10 trips, which means my average was well below 450 tier credits a trip.

So, I stopped playing at the Tropicana (because I wasn’t getting any offers), but then started up again (because we had fun during our weekday outings) but branched out beyond 5 Jokers and upped my points beyond 450 and voila—2 weekday nights a week comped and $10 free play on various dates throughout the month.

Be Realistic

You’ve got to figure out what the minimum amount of play is, that will get the comps you want (or think you deserve) and you’ve got to be realistic. Casinos are more selective with their comps now. Even though I have upped the amount of play that I give the Borgata, I am still not getting any comped room nights or a mailer, after a year of calculated, disciplined play.

They have raised the amount of play required for the same comps and I cannot play to that level because my bankroll is not large enough. So, I adjust the only thing that I have 100% control over—my attitude and my play!

Ease Up On My Quest

It looks like I’m not going to trigger a monthly mailer and I am not going to earn, even weekday room comps. But, I get the occasional room offer through MyVegas, and I have Mlife Gold Status through a match and with the comp rate on video poker still at .2% on full-pay games, I can still comfortably play there, but stay somewhere else.

Another important point is that I am going to ease up on my quest to actually earn status at the Borgata this year. (Why do it? Increasing my risk is not increasing my benefits.)

Had I not taken a step back and thought about just what my goals were at the Borgata, I probably would have continued a frustrating crusade to earn improbable awards. I’m getting all I’m going to get, so I might as well make do.

Why am I doing this?

What do you do when your offers stagnate, but you don’t want to change? I feel your pain. When I’m playing that One Big Day and I’m losing, I’m pretty miserable and I’m thinking to myself, “Why am I doing so much work and spending so much money? This is supposed to be fun.” Because, the alternative is that I can’t afford to play at all or that I feel completely taken advantage of by the casinos and I don’t want that either.

Let’s face it. I really enjoy recreational gambling (knowledgeable and skilled, but still not a positive AP situation) and I’m going to continue to play, so I might as well expend some effort, setting up the casino experience to be as positive as possible.

In Part 2 of this article, I will go into detail about some strategies to help you switch up play to generate more offers.

FAQ – The Big Play Casino Gambling Day

How do I get the most casino comps?

How do casinos calculate your comp offers?

Casinos use computers (computer algorithms) to calculate the minimum offer that will trigger you to come back and spend more money.

Note: Updated September 2020 by the TravelZork editorial staff. This article was originally published in April 2018 by CoachKitty.

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Vegas News | Planet Hollywood Opening, Virgin Delayed, and Circa Approved

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 18:35:03 GMT

Vegas News September 27, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

No big intro this week. Instead, I’ll lead with a quick Vegas Reopening note., which includes confirmation of Planet Hollywood Opening. Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak will discuss possible capacity limit increases next week. The current limit for gatherings is 50 people. Rumor is that this could increase to 250 person gatherings. This could be a step forward for many businesses from casinos to churches. Expect to hear more when there’s an official change.

Planet Hollywood Reopening October 8

This week, Caesars announced that PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort would reopen on October 8 at 10 a.m. This won’t be a complete reopening of the property, but it’s a step forward. Check the press release for specific venues and amenities that will be opening.

Planet Hollywood Opening

The casino at Planet Hollywood will be open 24/7 every day. Similar to The Linq, the hotel will only be open for weekend stays – Thursday through Sunday.

Weekend hotel rooms are important for Caesars as a regional visitation doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Last week we mentioned that Caesars properties were at 95% capacity for Labor Day weekend.

Food and Beverage – Planet Hollywood Opening

Planet Hollywood Opening will feature the reopening of a number of venues. The following food and beverage amenities will open at PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort:

Gordon Ramsay Burger
Starbucks (located in the lobby)
Heart Bar
Extra Lounge
Café Hollywood
Earl of Sandwich
Chick-fil-A
Strip House

Caesars and MGM both said they would reopen properties as demand warrants. It appears as though the weekend crowds aren’t slowing down, which aligns with the Planet Hollywood opening. On a related note, Park MGM will reopen this week on September 30.

Caesars related: Bally’s poker room is open on weekends.

Caesars Might Buy William Hill

This isn’t all that big of a deal for Caesars in Las Vegas but I thought I’d share it while discussing the company. Caesars currently owns 20% of sportsbook operator William Hill from a deal made with Eldorado Resorts.

William Hill Currently Operating Sportsbooks At Caesars

In turn, William Hill is currently operating the sportsbooks at Caesars properties in Las Vegas. This purchase wouldn’t be much of a surprise as Eldorado has been discussing a to find ways to monetize Caesars’ online gaming and sports betting since the deal was announced last year.

This deal would probably mean that Caesars spins off this business and creates a new online gaming and sports betting business. This would be a case of spending money to make money. Another company, Apollo Management, currently have bids for William Hill.

Legal Sports Report has a good synopsis if you’d like to learn more.

The Killers Did Not Implode Caesars Palace

Monday Night Football aired a pre-recorded taping of The Killers performing on a rooftop deck at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Enjoy.

Casino and Vegas Quick Hits

Quick Hits

Photo Credit: MGM Resorts Media | Bellagio Conservatory

Let’s just get to the quick hits this week, since there is a lot more news than just Planet Hollywood opening. The Autumn display at the Bellagio Conservatory is my least favorite every year. That damn tree with the eyes creeps me out. It’s still nice but that tress…bleh. Read more here.
As expected, Virgin moved its opening date back to 2021. Read more here.
Virgin is renaming The Joint. Expect an announcement with a new name next month as they try to keep building buzz heading into next year.
SAHARA Las Vegas has a new players club called Infinity Rewards. It was only a matter of time before the owner connected his Grand Sierra Resort in Reno with his Vegas property. Find more info here.
Shaquille O’Neal purchased a house in Las Vegas. Read about Shaq’s little 5,000 square foot Shack here.
The Fremont was fined $300,000 by Nevada gaming. Read more here.
PBR is following NFR and moving to Texas this year. Later cowboys and cowgirls. Read more here.
SAHARA Las Vegas was fined for COVID-19 violations. Read more here.
Life is Beautiful announced dates for 2021 for some reason. We don’t even know when more than 50 people can gather in one place but we have dates for a 20,000 person festival. Read more here.
As mentioned last week, the Cosmopolitan has banned smoking in parts of the casino. Read more here.
Circa will operate a new sportsbook at Tuscany next year. Read more here.
New casino poker room update: I was working on an article that will publish next week but wanted to share some poker room news. You probably already know some of this. Circa and Virgin will open without a poker room. Resorts World still plans to open with a poker room.

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September 27th
FAQ – Quick Scoop for Vegas News

When is Planet Hollywood Opening?

Planet Hollywood is opening on October 8, 2020.

When is Park MGM Opening?

Park MGM is opening on September 30, 2020.

When is the Life is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas?

Life is Beautiful is September 17-19, 2021 in Downtown Las Vegas.

When is Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opening?

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is opening on January 15, 2021.

The post Vegas News | Planet Hollywood Opening, Virgin Delayed, and Circa Approved appeared first on TravelZork.

Vegas News | Non-Smoking Casino Park MGM Opening, Caesars Packed + COVID Update

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 16:17:13 GMT

Vegas News September 20, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

Two weeks without Vegas news on Sunday is wild! This was the first year I’ve taken a break from my weekend duty with TravelZork. Relaxing an extra day was nice, but I’m a creature of habit and was fidgety while trying to relax. Happy to be back sharing the ‘scoop and also the announcement of the first completely non-smoking casino on the Vegas Strip.

Things in Las Vegas are essentially the same with one major exception. Bars in Las Vegas will be open again at midnight on Monday (or Sunday night if you prefer). We’ll be able to bang away on video poker while enjoying complimentary drinks while sitting at a bar once again.

The COVID-19 numbers seem to be decreasing for locals but who the heck knows anymore. The Las Vegas Review-Journal got their hands on possible COVID-19 exposure locations in June, July, and August.

It looks as though casinos were still hot spots for the virus being spread in the previous three months. You can read the article or the author’s thread on twitter for more info.

Intriguing development—Cosmo now mostly non-smoking. pic.twitter.com/pw2spJTuPD
— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) September 19, 2020

According to the raw data, it appears as if the Cosmopolitan had the most exposures to COVID-19 of any Las Vegas casino in the past three months. It’s probably just a coincidence that the casino is no longer allowing smoking in parts of the casino floor.

Speaking of non-smoking casinos and the concept of a non-smoking casino……

Park MGM | Non-Smoking Casino

MGM Resorts announced that Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas will open as a non-smoking casino on September 30. The opening date is a little ahead of schedule from what I guessed here last month. Interestingly enough, tickets for Professional Bull Riders World Tour at T-Mobile Arena are still on sale.

The Last Non-Smoking Casino

Park MGM will be the only completely smoke-free casino (non-smoking casino) on the Vegas Strip when it reopens. If you’re curious, the last casino in Las Vegas to ban smoking was Silver City Casino in the early 1990s. That only lasted for a few months and the casino closed its doors before the decade was over.

Smokeless Casino Environment
Non-Smoking Casino

Air quality is more important than ever for casino guests. MGM Resorts included improving air quality in all of its casinos in its seven-point health and safety plan. This is all well and good but Bellagio and MGM Grand were second and third, respectively, on the list of COVID exposure data for casinos.

Anyway, I’m all about a smokeless casino environment (non-smoking casino ) at Park MGM, the Cosmopolitan, and even places like the newish slot area at Rampart Casino. Take that for what it’s worth, I’m not a smoker except for the very occasional cigar.

Vegas Property Reopening Update

Reopening update: Oyo and Tropicana both opened last week. Four Seasons will reopen on September 25.

Caesars Is Packin Em In!

When Captain TravelZork visited Las Vegas the week casinos reopened I felt uncomfortable with how busy Caesars Palace Las Vegas was. Back then, hotels were lucky to hit 50% capacity.

Fast forward a couple of months and add a long weekend and Caesars Entertainment properties were even busier. The Stiffs and Georges blog shared a note from a stock analyst saying “Labor Day (weekend) was good for business, with 95% occupancy.”

Based on all reports, the Vegas Strip was packed for the long weekend. I think we’ll hear better than expected revenue when the casino corporations report third quarter earnings next month.

The regional marketing seems to be bringing the drive in visitors for the time being. There are no events or major holidays scheduled for a couple of months so I’m not expecting busy weekends like this until the Christmas holiday season.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Reveals Rooms

This week Virgin Hotels Las Vegas revealed some new renderings of its hotel room design. The smallish rooms (AKA chambers) look nice and airy.

The company says we’ll hear what the exact opening date will be sometime this month. I’m expecting an announcement later this week. The property has been scheduled to open sometime after Election Day but my guess is that opening is pushed back until 2021.

This is just an educated guess based on previous information about the property trying to attract guests in Las Vegas for conventions. The Consumer Electronics Show has been moved to being an online event, so the busiest days for Las Vegas hotels in January will not happen this year. It won’t be surprising if Virgin waits until February when people might visit Las Vegas to watch and wager on the Super Bowl.

You can read the press release about the rooms here. You can see more renderings here.

Casino and Vegas Quick Hits

Quick Hits

Taking just two weeks away from writing the news roundup has really tapped me. I’ve already taken two “podnaps” (naps that begin after podcasts start and end before the podcast) today.

Having said that, I’m going to drop some more quick hits than usual and probably pass out again. Maybe I’ll get more coffee. Tweet me if you’re curious how the day turned out.

Wynn poker is back on 9/30! Read more here.
The Killers are gonna implode Caesars Palace Las Vegas on Monday! YIKES! Read more here.
DTF opens at Aria in October. People are stoked for this place that I never heard of before seeing it was opening in Las Vegas. Read more here and via GSTP here.
Magic Mike is moving into a new theater at SAHARA Las Vegas and opens next year. Read more here.
NASCAR will take place in Las Vegas without fans. Read more here.
USA Today readers voted on the 10 best Vegas casinos. Read more here.
Milos is moving from the Cosmopolitan to The Venetian. No word if the restaurant will keep the amazing lunch special on the menu. Read more here.
Time for another Boring update. Yes, this amuses me. Read more here.
NAB is being pushed back to October. Read more here.
Here’s a strange one. It appears as though Station Casinos might build Durango Station. I doubt this will happen but it’s on the table. Read more here.
Palace Station is replacing the overpriced, but delicious, burger joint with a sports bar from Clique Hospitality that will probably be equally overpriced. Read more here.
The Vegas Golden Knights season is over. Time for the off-season. Read more here.
The Las Vegas Raiders are undefeated! See and hear more here.

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9 Casino Tweets You Missed – Vegas Vickie RETURNS!

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 15:33:06 GMT

Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

In the week Vegas Vickie returned to Fremont, TravelZork brings you the top 9 casino tweets that you missed this week. If you missed last week, you might want to check out our overview of the Mlife Tier Match.

Vegas Vickie RETURNS

Vegas Vickie returned to Fremont street this week, as she was lit up in her new home at Circa Las Vegas. Visitors to Sin City will be able to visit her in all her glory once Circa opens in October.

Greeting visitors from near and far with a true Las Vegas welcome, Circa’s elevated lobby cocktail lounge will surround the iconic neon Vegas Vickie sign. Making her grand return to Downtown Las Vegas, the celebrated kicking cowgirl first appeared on the dazzling Downtown landscape in 1980 and became a must-see landmark on the Fremont Street Experience.
VEGAS VICKIE’S at Circa Las Vegas

Vegas Vickie or Sassy Sally?

Vickie has a fascinating history, and I am certain there are a few that might think her actual or alternative name is “Sassy Sally.” Deke at Las Vegas Advisor gives one of the best overviews and puts the entire history and rumours to rest. Further, just in case you ever wondered about the spelling of “Vickie,” this is indeed the correct spelling for “Vegas Vickie.”

Oh, one more thing. As you might’ve noticed above, the Cowgirl’s name has been spelled Vicky, Vicki, and Vickie. Herb Pastor spells it Vickie. And since no one else knows anything for sure, we hereby proclaim that her name will be spelled Vegas “Vickie” forevermore.
Deke at Las Vegas Advisor

Elsewhere, fighting broke out at Encore over Labor Day weekend, as concerns over Vegas security continued. Whilst Vegas continued to reopen, with OYO the latest Casino to confirm it will shortly be opening its doors, the Governor in Atlantic City reversed changes allowing smoking in AC Casinos.

Perhaps most importantly, to this writer, the reopening of travel between Europe and the US took a step forward this week as the CDC looked to take a new approach to air travel.

1. Vegas Vickie is kicking it up a notch

She’s lit. @VegasVickie is kicking it up a notch and ready to light up your trip to #CircaLasVegas this October. pic.twitter.com/Vo0ig22ITv
— Circa Las Vegas (@CircaLasVegas) September 12, 2020

2. Amazing jackpot win at Paris Las Vegas

Inbox: Face Up Pai Gow Jackpot for $552,282 hits at Paris Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/h6BxESHHmG
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) September 6, 2020

3. OYO is finally re-opening it’s doors

Look at the picture. Now look at the calendar. That's right…we're re-opening our doors in T-MINUS 5 DAYS!

We can't wait to welcome everyone back next Wednesday at 11a #OYOLasVegas #WelcomeBack pic.twitter.com/T5ZNjVKHvh
— OYO Hotel & Casino Las Vegas (@oyolasvegas) September 12, 2020

4. Fighting at Encore

A big fight broke out at the Encore last night. It got so out of hand that pit bosses were running around telling dealers to lock up the chips. All table games closed down for 15 minutes, according to a witness.

A Vegas casino fight isn't "real" until the chips get locked up.
— Las Vegas Locally (@LasVegasLocally) September 6, 2020

5. NFR is out of Vegas for 2020

Today’s nad kick. https://t.co/bxFEZmMu8m
— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) September 8, 2020

6. Lady Liberty joined the #RaiderNation

Lady Liberty has officially joined #RaiderNation as the @Raiders' biggest fan on the Las Vegas Strip! Who is ready for the football season to kickoff? pic.twitter.com/0x3HjvDP1c
— NYNY Vegas (@NYNYVegas) September 10, 2020

7. Poker tournaments are returning to Aria

I’m beyond excited for the return of tournaments @ARIAPoker next week Friday, September 18th. Tournament play has been an instrumental part of our business here and I’m excited to welcome tourney players back. LET’S GO!!!#MorePoker #LasVegas https://t.co/p4mDfhvqkF
— Sean McCormack (@ThePokerBoss) September 10, 2020

8. Europeans may soon be able to travel to Vegas again

Fingers crossed a solution such as testing on arrival will come to fruition and we can travel to the US again soon https://t.co/eC5wKGVtTF
— Las Vegas UK (@LasVegasUK) September 10, 2020

9. Governor Murphy reversed course in AC

.@GovMurphy reverses course, bans smoking in @VisitAC casinos again because of #coronavirus threat https://t.co/3klMYS21Ns @CaesarsAC @BallysAC @harrahsresort @Caesars_Rewards @CaesarsEnt @7StarsInsider
— Darryl D. McEwen (@MrACCasino) September 5, 2020

Be sure to review these articles if you are new to video poker:
Learn Video Poker | How to Get Started
Playing Video Poker is More Than Video Poker Pay Tables
The Truth About Video Poker – Jacks or Better

Come join the New England Casinos Facebook Group and chat about experiences at our New England Casinos. Feel free to enhance our community with your gambling experiences, casino loyalty program questions, resort experiences and thoughts concerning New England’s casino expansion.

The post 9 Casino Tweets You Missed – Vegas Vickie RETURNS! appeared first on TravelZork.

NEW ENGLAND Casinos Perks And Partnerships

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:27:26 GMT

New England Casinos Perks and Partnerships continue to grow. Since the ’90s, casino brands have been migrating to New England. In all, nine casinos represent many of the industry’s dominant companies.

New England casinos now provide more opportunities than ever. Additionally, casino brands born in New England are branching out globally. Together, these two directions provide northeast gambling and travel fans more destinations than ever before. Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, as well as Twin River Worldwide Holdings now, both reach far and wide.

New England Casinos Perks

Connections Across the Country and the World

MGM, Penn National, and Wynn moved their brands to New England during 15 years of casino expansion. Consequently, New England’s gamblers now have opportunities to visit:

25 other MGM International properties, including non-casino hotels in Las Vegas – Delano & Vdara, through MGM Springfield,
Four Wynn Resorts, including two in China, through Encore Boston Harbor, and
34 Penn National Gaming properties across the country through Hollywood Bangor and Plainridge Park.

That’s over seventy destinations including New England’s nine casinos.

The Push Outward
#1 Mohegan Gaming

Conversely, casinos in New England are extending their brand to other states. For example, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment has pushed its presence to Las Vegas and beyond. Besides seven properties in the US and Canada, future projects are planned in Greece and South Korea.

The Push Outward
#2 Twin River Worldwide Holdings

Furthermore, Twin River Worldwide Holdings, based in Rhode Island, acquired three properties, including Ballys Atlantic City Hotel & Casino. It now owns and operates ten casino and racetrack properties in Colorado, Delaware, Mississippi, Missouri, and Rhode Island as well.

Twin River Casino Expansion?

Is this a good time to expand operations in Lincoln, Rhode Island? Apparently Twin River Hotel and Casino thinks so. Twin River Casino has plans to expand its Lincoln facility by 40,000 square feet. Two additions are proposed: one to add to the gaming floor, and one to expand space put aside for a spa off the casino’s newly constructed hotel, which was completed in 2018. Go to NETimeGambling.com. go more details.

Encore Boston Harbor – View From Dock

Three Notable Perks From Casino Partnerships

Cruise Partners – New England Casinos Perks

New England casinos, as many of the country’s casinos, offer partner perks. I have received a free cruise from Twin River Casino and MGM Springfield. These partnerships give a chance for casino guests to experience from their casino. Here are cruise partners with a link to their other partnerships:

MGM International – Royal Caribbean International® & Celebrity Cruises®,
Mohegan Sun – MSC Cruises,
Elevated Twin River Tier Status gives URComped VIP membership

PointsBet Formalizes Partnership With Twin River Worldwide Holdings.

Global sportsbook operator PointsBet has partnered with Twin River Worldwide Holdings newest acquisition Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino. This is PointsBet first online casino product in the state of New Jersey.

George Papanier, President and CEO of Twin River Worldwide Holdings, is pleased with alliance. “We are excited to have the opportunity to participate in the best-in-class mobile gaming environment [with PointsBet] that New Jersey has created…”

Hyatt / MGM Partnership Is Good Reason to Gamble at MGM Springfield

In 2017, Hyatt and MGM partnered to offer reciprocal benefits, earning, and redemption at their hotels. The World of Hyatt loyalty program has multiple partners including American Airlines AAdvantage. It has proved to be one of the best New England Casino Brands Perks and Partnerships.

Hyatt will match your Mlife tier status at MGM Springfield. Depending on tier, World of Hyatt members will also enjoy on-property benefits at Hyatt hotels and resorts, such as Bonus Points on eligible spend, complimentary premium Internet access, room upgrades, late check-out and more.

No Hyatt Status? No M life Status?
Learn more about
M life Rewards Loyalty Program Tiers
and Tier (Status) Matching
MGM M life Tiers – Living the Mlife – Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Beyond

Great Time To Focus On The Future
New England Casinos Perks

This is a great time to look to the future for new experiences. We hope some day soon to be able to gamble, travel and enjoy hotel stays as we did before. In the meantime, investigate all the options that are growing for us in the northeast.

Visiting New England’s Casinos?

Robin T. Aubin (AKA Binbin at NETimeGambling) has been a guest on Cousin Vito’s Casino Podcast, The Bettor Life Podcast, The Art in the Game Podcast featuring all that is Springfield, Massachusetts. as well as ZorkCast with Michael Trager. As founder of NETimeGambling.com, he has tried to provide a resource for recreational gamblers featuring New England’s expanding casino market events, gambling promotions and entertainment. As a professional musician for over 50 years, he has performed in some of New England’s best venues, namely Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, Foxwoods’ Atrium Lounge, and Twin River’s Lighthouse Bar & Lounge.

LINKS to New England Casinos

Connecticut – Foxwoods Resort/Casino and Mohegan Sun Resort/Casino
Rhode Island – Tiverton Casino Hotel and Twin River Hotel/Casino
Massachusetts – Plainridge Park Casino & Raceway, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor
Maine – Oxford Casino and Hollywood Bangor Hotel, Casino & Raceway.

Robin T Aubin (Binbin)

“NETimeGambling” is a non-monetized blog created with my own personal interest and passion concerning the gambling industry. I love its history and its ongoing evolution and expansion. Add my love for New England, and you have this blog. Come share my passion and visit us.

The goal of NETimeGambling is to provide a service and resource for any recreational gambler visiting New England’s expanding casino market and interested in gambling tips, news, advice and the latest in events, gambling promotions and entertainment.

Follow us on twitter at @NETimeGambling, and on Facebook at NEtimegambling. Come join the New England Casinos Facebook Group and chat about experiences at our New England Casinos.

The post NEW ENGLAND Casinos Perks And Partnerships appeared first on TravelZork.

Vegas News | Biggest Craps Player Ever?

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 15:02:51 GMT

Vegas News September 6, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

What does it mean to be the “Biggest Craps Player Ever?” We will get to that in a moment. But first, where is Marc Meltzer?

It has been a very odd summer for Vegas News. Actually, it has just been a very strange 2020. I was preparing a tale (Marc’s idea) about how Marc and Scott (Vital Vegas) went out to dinner on Wednesday night, and Marc has not been heard of since. But, considering how unusual this year has been, I was afraid people might actually take me seriously. Alas, Marc is totally fine and just enjoying a few weeks off from Vegas News for some well-deserved vacation.

Lovely dinner with this It’s been way too long! https://t.co/cGtD2jSgJX
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) September 3, 2020

It looked like Marc was starting Labor Day Weekend a few days early with a fabulous dinner at Heritage Steak at The Mirage.

4 courses for $68. The 8 ounce filet is $55 alone. Add the cake (below) app and side (not shown) and you have a heck of a deal @TheMirageLV. pic.twitter.com/sItq4aSIsB
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) September 3, 2020

What’s On My (Vegas) Mind?

@LasVegasUK covered a number of items in our semi-regular TravelZork feature “9 Casino Tweets You Missed This Week.” Fun fact, if we have a really busy week, it could actually expand to “18 Casino Tweets You Missed.”

“YAWN” – Mlife Tier Match

The big news in the casino loyalty world was the expansion of the Mlife Rewards Tier Match to markets outside of Atlantic City through December 31, 2020. Fundamentally it’s not that exciting for the status-obsessed miles&points people. The abridged version: Not a lot of value in Vegas, but some opportunities by allowing one to match their Mlife Status to World of Hyatt Explorist status.

That Did Not Last Long
Wynn “Re-Imagined” Buffet

I am not going to “give away” all of our favourite tweet-scoop, but one item really had me thinking a bit. It was announced that the new reimagined Wynn Buffet will be closing permanently. You might recall, Marc did a review recently of the “Re-Imagined Wynn Las Vegas Buffet.”

“Based upon guest feedback, we found that many guests prefer a more traditional buffet experience over the served all-you-can-eat format”
Wynn Resorts spokesman Michael Weaver

According to Wynn Resorts, it seems people were just not interested. While I am a huge fan of everything that has to do with the “Wynn Experience,” I have to ponder that there is a bit more to the closure than just customer feedback. Overall, Wynn has been exemplary in providing a very positive customer resort experience during COVID. Perhaps, this was one area with low occupancy that Wynn Resorts decided to “cost-save” in a strategic fashion. Makes a lot of sense, since closing a buffet barely impacts the overall resort experience.

Biggest Craps Player Ever

On the 1st of September, The Daily Mail “broke” the type of “gossip story” they are famous for. For anyone that gambles and especially those who love craps (dice) this was quite the headline.

EXCLUSIVE: ‘He’s the biggest craps player ever!’ How NBCUniversal exec Ron Meyer, who stepped down after affair with actress was exposed, blew $100M of his fortune gambling, lost up to $7M in one night and chartered helicopters to go casino-hopping
The Daily Mail | Mail Online published 1 September 2020

I actually discovered the “Biggest Craps Player Ever” story first while reading a casino.org piece about the topic, fundamentally sharing the details of the article from The Daily Mail.

There are a few things that do not totally connect in the story. This is not a surprise, since most “gossip stories” with unnamed sources tend to leave off a few pieces of the overall puzzle. No surprise that he stayed in a Penthouse Suite at the Mandarin Oriental in New York. Though, was it a CENTRAL PARK VIEW SUITE (from 2,295 USD) or a PREMIER CENTRAL PARK VIEW SUITE (from 2,695 USD)? (Yes, this pontification was meant to be tongue-in-cheek.)

He would stay at the penthouse suite at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York while on business, and the vice president of marketing at Caesars Atlantic City would send a helicopter to take him to his casino.

He would blow between $5million and $7million at Caesars. Once he exhausted his credit line there, the VP would take him to Foxwoods and the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut where he would blow $3-5million as well at each place.’
The Daily Mail | Mail Online published 1 September 2020

Tapped At One Casino – Move To The Next Casino

What I found odd, or perhaps interesting, is that the quote alludes to the fact that the Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino VP (“the VP”) would actually take a Caesars client to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun after he had exhausted his credit line at Caesars.

While I understand that casinos will often “turn a blind eye” with regard to overall casino credit exposure, as long as the player keeps paying, this seemed unusual that “the VP” would bring his client to another property. One thought is that perhaps there was also an independent host involved. Perhaps it was actually the host that was moving his “big player” around.

Another possibility is that this was an exceptional example of competing properties working together. As we know, casinos share with each other extensive information about the credit profile and credit lines of their players. Perhaps, it is not that unusual for properties to work together like this.

The only strange issue, from a credit compliance perspective, is that Caesars Atlantic City was aware their client (aka “The Biggest Craps Player”) was “tapped out,” and then sending him somewhere else that had (casino) credit available.

“Chronic Gambling Is An Illness”

Over the years, he became known in Hollywood for an interest in high-stakes card games, a hobby that ultimately tormented him. “Chronic gambling is an illness and has a lot of stupidity that goes along with it,” Mr. Meyer told The Times in 2007. He said that he had given it up when G.E. acquired the bulk of Universal from the French conglomerate Vivendi in 2003. “That made my decision for me,” he said, alluding to the visibility and management rigor that ownership by the conglomerate would bring.
NY Times | “Hollywood Executive Ron Meyer Leaves NBCUniversal After Secret Settlement” Published 18 August 2020

According to a NY Times article, Mr. Meyer said he had given up gambling in 2003, though that doesn’t really correlate to the current story. Funny enough, his past history of gambling did not mention much about playing craps.

In the divorce settlement his wife asked for a forensic accounting, because she thought he was hiding the money. But he wasn’t hiding the money, he just blew it.
The Daily Mail | Mail Online published 1 September 2020

Meyer did a fabulous job hiding his gambling losses. Such a good job, in fact, that his wife was convinced he was hiding money during their divorce proceeding. Still, there seem to be quite a few pieces missing from the story. I am certain it was quite the scene to see this “craps action” live at Caesars AC. I guess, these are the stories which breed more gossip.

Mr. Frank’s meagre $10k credit line pales in comparison to this craps player. By the way, James Bond only played craps once, and that was in Las Vegas in “Diamonds are Forever.”

“Mr. Frank’s credit is good” – James Bond plays craps in Las Vegas.

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9 Casino Tweets You Missed This Week + Mlife Tier Match

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 12:36:58 GMT

Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

In the week of a brand new Mlife Tier Match, TravelZork brings you the top 9 casino tweets that you missed this week.

Mlife Tier Match

Casinos fans can benefit from the brand new Mlife Tier Match this week as MGM Resorts announced their first tier match program in years.

Tier Match in Atlantic City for Years

Even though Borgata Atlantic City still offered Mlife tier matching as a hold-over from their Borgata Rewards program (note: Borgata became a MGM Mlife property a few years ago), it was rare for Mlife to do status matching in the Las Vegas market. Reference to the Borgata program has been front and centre for years on their website.

The “NEW” Mlife Tier Match in Vegas

You can now find the details of the tier match on the Mlife website. All matches must be done in person at the Mlife rewards desk. The offer is currently available through December 31, 2020. Funny enough, the Borgata matching page gives a better explanation of the match than the Mlife website. The main MGM Mlife page seems to focus quite a bit on who qualifies for the match.

Tier Match | Benefits 2020 – from Borgata Atlantic City Website

We have been discussing the topic (in a rather cheeky way with the title “WHO THE F*@k CARES?”) of status matching to Mlife Gold in the ZorkCast/TravelZork Facebook group (consider joining if you want an intimate and engaging environment to discuss casino comps, casino loyalty and travel) with focus on the value proposition for non-gamblers.

Another big topic of conversation is if you are already matched to Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program Diamond, is it even worth it to match to Mlife Gold? Once again, with a focus on those who gamble very little. If you gamble consistently the equation is a bit different. But, for those who do not give the casino much (or any) action, they are heavily reliant on tier-based benefits.

Mlife Gold is quite lacking in tier-based benefits in the Las Vegas Market. For example, just having the tier level of Mlife Gold (or even Mlife Platinum) does not grant a waiver for resort fees, whereas Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program Diamond status does provide such a waiver.

In addition, while Caesars Rewards Diamond allows for access to lounges in Vegas (note: currently lounges are closed due to Covid-19) whereas Mlife does not really have mid-tier lounge offerings in Las Vegas like it does (Amphora Lounge) in Atlantic City.

MGM Mlife and Hyatt World of Hyatt

Match Your Mlife to World of Hyatt Status

On additional “perk” to consider is matching your Mlife Status Match to Hyatt Explorist. In addition, previously you received some additional “perks” (free play and comp dollars) when you did the match (trade-up) at Borgata. The Borg website is a bit elusive about this, but it would be a shame to lose those additional benefits for those that match in Atlantic City. (Note: This was a one time “extra benefits” feature, the first time you matched in AC.)

Usher Residency – Caesars Palace

In other news, Usher announced a residency at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, and the Wynn buffet has closed indefinitely. The long-awaited return of ~~smoking~~, indoor dining and drinks service, was announced for casinos in Atlantic City this week, but there will be some limitations. Did we mention – Resorts World is looking sexy AF.

1. Resorts World is looking sexy AF.

Sexy AF. pic.twitter.com/Kin7qnh5KR
— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) September 3, 2020

2. More progress is being made at the Virgin hotel.

Progress slowly being made out front @VirginHotelsLV this morning
…#vegas #lasvegas #virgin @VitalVegas pic.twitter.com/JZnQXFXlca
— LasVegasWitness (@lasvegaswitness) September 2, 2020

3. The Wynn buffet is closing indefinitely.

The Wynn buffet is closing indefinitely from Monday https://t.co/cUnf4UIfrF
— Las Vegas UK (@LasVegasUK) September 4, 2020

4. MGM Resorts is tier matching.

MGM Resorts has begun tier matching. It's a great time to be a gambler. (h/t @LasVegasUK) pic.twitter.com/xn2lwes93m
— Las Vegas Locally (@LasVegasLocally) September 2, 2020

5. Usher announced a Vegas residency.

I’ll be kicking off my Vegas residency July 2021 at @CaesarsPalace Colosseum! Tix go on sale Thursday 9/10 at 10 AM PT, but you can get yours starting Monday. Text me at (404) 737-1821 and I’ll hit you back with the presale code this weekend. All dates at https://t.co/QTITBB3wtW pic.twitter.com/dz5eESVhG0
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) September 4, 2020

6. The City of Las Vegas sign is complete.

The @CityOfLasVegas sign is complete. @LasVegasLocally pic.twitter.com/zSwQrA7D0o
— Mike Dixon (@MikeDixon_VSD) September 4, 2020

7. Smoking, indoor dining and drinks service now available in AC.

“ smoking will be permitted in Atlantic City casinos, along with indoor dining and gaming floor beverage service….."
AC September 2020
Guide to players lounges
Go forth and multiply + Win a Mercedes
via @7StarsInsider #DOAC
https://t.co/Cx125ke4Uv pic.twitter.com/CxNrFCsdI7
— ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟᴢᴏʀᴋ (@TravelZork) September 2, 2020

8. Piff started performing virtually.

We're still sharing laughs w/ our magical friend @thepiff, virtually. Get your tix to enjoy this all-new interactive magic show from the comfort of your home, with the excitement of a live event. #4EverFunny #4EverFabulous
Get your tix here https://t.co/ccPP32IqyB pic.twitter.com/fY3LWCxbHL
— Flamingo Las Vegas (@FlamingoVegas) September 3, 2020

9. TI debuted a new sportsbook.

Was going to check out the new sportsbook at TI last night but decided to go home after that massive meal. Anyway, here's another pic and more info. https://t.co/S5bS5uzTg4
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) September 3, 2020

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Atlantic City indoor dining + Get out the vote – no, not THAT vote! | AC September 2020

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 09:22:09 GMT

TravelZork Atlantic City – News, Promotions and Events

Atlantic City September 2020

Information about Atlantic City and its casinos seems to be changing daily. For the most up-to-date information, visit MrACCasino.com. (We share developments for September 2020, including Atlantic City indoor dining updates.)

Get out the vote – no, not THAT vote!

USA Today is asking readers to help pick the 10Best in several casino-related categories. The newspaper’s travel experts have selected the top 20 nominees. Among the Atlantic City properties, restaurants and players clubs up for a vote are:

Best Casino Outside Las Vegas: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Harrah’s Resort, Ocean Casino Resort
Best Casino Hotel: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Best Players Club: 24K Select Club, Caesars Rewards, M life Rewards, Ocean Rewards Club, Wild Card Rewards
Best Casino Restaurant: Capriccio – Resorts Casino Hotel, Il Mulino New York and Kuro – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Vote at 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting ends at noon (ET) Monday, Sept. 7, and you can vote once a day in each category.

**Nominations for Best of The Press open**

Closer to home, nominations for Best of The Press, the Atlantic City daily newspaper’s annual Readers Choice Awards, are open through Wednesday, Sept. 2. Everyone must register before they can nominate. Only one nomination per category, per user is accepted. At the end of the nomination period the top five businesses in each category with the most nominations will be placed up for voting.

Voting begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, and ends Wednesday, Sept. 23. Everyone must be registered before they can vote. The three businesses with the most votes in each category will be a Best of The Press winner and awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze Certificate. Winners will be announced on Friday, Oct. 30. Among the categories are Best Casino, Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Happy Hour and Best Buffet. For more information, click here.

NEW: Restaurants statewide will be able to open for indoor dining beginning this FRIDAY at 25% capacity and with social distancing between tables.

Reopening responsibly will help us restore one of our state’s key industries while continuing to make progress against #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/EPdEfi5Dmh
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 31, 2020

Atlantic City restaurants can resume indoor dining Friday, September 4th

New Jersey restaurants may open for indoor dining at 25 percent capacity and with social distancing between tables beginning Friday, Sept. 4, according to a tweet Aug. 31 from Gov. Phil Murphy.

“Reopening responsibly will help us restore one of our state’s key industries while continuing to make progress against COVID-19.”
New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy

Smoking will be permitted in Atlantic City casinos, along with indoor dining and gaming floor beverage service, at 6 a.m. Friday. Here is the section of EO 183 as it relates to smoking. pic.twitter.com/OE2uXvEJ6W
— David Danzis (@ACPressDanzis) September 1, 2020

One of the consequences of the indoor dining ban has been the prohibition of beverages on the casino floor. According to David Danzis (@ACPressDanzis) “smoking will be permitted in Atlantic City casinos, along with indoor dining and gaming floor beverage service, at 6 a.m. Friday.”

Eat, drink and be merry:
Your guide to players lounges

NOTE: With indoor dining set to resume Friday, Sept. 4, Atlantic City’s casino players lounges may reopen, thus eliminating the need for these temporary options.

Bally’s, Caesars, Harrah’s

While the Laurel and Seven Stars Lounges are temporarily closed, Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program cardholders with 25,000 or more tier credits get 1,000 Reward Credits a day.

In addition, Seven Stars cardholders can attend a Starlight Cocktail Hour from 9 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino Qua Spa Private Outside Deck in the Ocean Tower. No reservation is required, but there is limited seating. The Seven Stars Starlight Cocktail Hour on the Pool deck at Harrah’s is no longer an option because Harrah’s has opened the Elite Lounge for Diamond Elite and Seven Stars cardholders plus one guest.

Seven Stars companion cardholders may visit without the Seven Stars cardholder, but cannot bring a guest. The lounge is located at the valet pick-up area, down the hall from the Viking Cooking School. Guests need to present their players cards for access. There are 104 seats available for guests to sit and enjoy a cocktail or a light meal served by Harrah’s food and beverage team. Seating is based on availability. The Lounge is open from 4 to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, 2 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Borgata

While the Amphora Lounge is temporarily closed, Gold, Platinum and NOIR M life Rewards cardholders can visit Borgata Gardens for an outdoor dining experience and full-service premium bar. Borgata Gardens is located adjacent to the indoor pool on the Spa Level. Admission is $12.50 Express Comps per person per visit for Gold and Platinum cardholders, and complimentary for NOIR cardholders. Admission is limited to the cardholder plus one guest.

Visit the M life Rewards Desk for hours and other details. In addition, The Society Club at The Water Club is now open for M life Rewards NOIR cardholders. Entrance is through the Sunroom where there is a buffet and seated service poolside. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.

Golden Nugget

While the Chairman’s Club is temporarily closed, Chairman and Elite cardholders are invited to its pandemic alternative on the outside patio of The Wave. The club is open from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Guests check-in at the entrance of The Wave in the retail corridor. Social distancing and masks are required while waiting in line. There is a “Team Member- Served Buffet” set-up on the dance floor of The Wave where you’re served; then return to your table on the outdoor patio. Drinks will be served at your table.

Hard Rock

On Fridays and Saturdays the bar and deck at Hard Rock’s Fish & Co. are open exclusively to Wild Card Rewards Rock Royalty and X cardholders. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays. Located on the Boardwalk, Fish & Co. offers oceanfront dining, featuring such items as New England clam chowder, peel and eat shrimp, steamed clams, mussels, and lobster rolls.

While the Plum Lounge is temporarily closed, the Daer Deck is open exclusively for Wild Card Rewards X cardholders. From 4 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, cardholders can enjoy complimentary beverages and full-service dining. While the Legends Lounge is temporarily closed Rock Royalty cardholders can enjoy the Legends VIP Deck, a rooftop VIP experience featuring a rotating menu, cocktails and live music. The Deck is located off of Fort Pierce Hallway, then make a left at the Registration Desk. The Deck is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (brunch) and 4 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is 10 comp dollars each for the cardholder and a guest.

Ocean Casino Resort

While the Chairman and VIP Lounges are temporarily closed, Ocean has a new outdoor VIP Lounge open to all Black and Chairman Ocean Rewards Club cardholders. Located on the ocean side of the fifth floor of the garage, the lounge offers complimentary drinks, full-service dining, TVs and other entertainment. It’s open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are required. The Reservation Desk, located in the indoor VIP Lounge next to The Grind, is open 2 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Chairman cardholders are permitted up to three guests and Black cardholders are permitted one guest.

Resorts Casino Hotel

Hosts invite small groups of Red Carpet cardholders for private by-invitation-only dinners on the balcony outside Capriccio.

Tropicana

Trop Advantage Club Black cardholders can enjoy complimentary cocktails, light bites and live entertainment – weather permitting – from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the North Tower Pool Deck. Caesars Rewards Seven Stars guests are welcome also.

Interested in matching at Tropicana? Be sure to read:
Eldorado and Caesars Status Matching
– mostly done right, worth it?

Win a Mercedes at Resorts

Earn entries by playing your favorite slots or table games while using your Star Card through 3:55 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, to win a 2021 Mercedes GLA at Resorts Casino Hotel. For every tier point you earn, you will receive one entry.

That’s a wrap!

From July 1 through the end of 2020 Caesars Rewards Diamond Elite and Seven Stars cardholders can earn Great Gift Wrap Up points for play at all Caesars Rewards casinos throughout the United States and Canada. In Atlantic City that would be Bally’s and Caesars, as well as Harrah’s Resort and Tropicana. Previously, any level cardholder was able to earn points, but only at participating properties in Nevada, Arizona and California. Cardholders who reach Diamond Elite or Seven Stars status after July 1 are eligible to begin earning points at all Caesars Rewards casinos once their status is upgraded. No points will be earned or awarded retroactively.

Go forth and multiply

Borgata – 5X Slot Dollars every Saturday for all Gold, Platinum and NOIR for every M life Rewards cardholders.

Resorts – After activating the offer at any promotional kiosk, Star Cardholders will earn 3X comp dollars every Tuesday in September.

After opting in at any promotional kiosk, earn up to 10X comp dollars Friday, Sept. 18. Premiere and Epic cardholders are guaranteed 2X, Paramount cardholders are guaranteed 3X, Paramount Plus are guaranteed 4X, and Red Carpet cardholders are guaranteed 5X.

After opting in at any promotional kiosk, earn 2X cashback every Wednesday in September. Cashback available for slot play only and will be available 72 hours after a trip ends.

Earn two tier points to receive a free Resorts mask – while supplies last. Visit the Promotions Booth from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. There is a limit of one mask per customer during the length of the promotion.

After opting in at any promotional kiosk, Red Carpet Club cardholders will earn 4X cashback every Thursday in September. Cashback available for slot play only and will be available 72 hours after a trip ends.

Keep on truckin’

While both Ocean Casino Resort and Borgata promote the food trucks on their premises, only the Borgata food trucks accept M life Rewards Express Comps. Ocean’s trucks accept only cash or credit cards.

Look, up in the sky!

Ocean Casino Resort has opened a new rooftop-style dining experience, the Sky Garden Grille. Set on three acres of landscaped gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Sky Garden Grille is the latest addition to the area, which also features the Sky Garden Bar, patio dining areas where Ocean’s takeout options are welcome, fire pits and more. The Grille is a full-service restaurant open daily, weather-permitting, serving such fare as peel and eat shrimp, lobster or Thai salad, ribs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches, as well as scampi, halibut, Thai scallops and steamed clams.

Ultimate Payout canceled

The year-long Ultimate Payout promotion has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new promotion will be announced soon.

Harrah’s offers outdoor entertainment

Harrah’s Resort is presenting Bayside ROCK Live, featuring contemporary DJ sets and music of the ’70s and ’80s by some of today’s top tribute bands. Shows are every Friday through Oct. 23. Tickets are $44.50 and must be purchased in advance at Ticketmaster.com. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the South Jersey Branch of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Each ticket includes a socially-distanced space for up to two people. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase popcorn and beverages to be enjoyed in their spots. The stage will be located at the Waterfront Conference Center parking complex. Attendance is limited to persons 21 and older. No smoking will be allowed and facial coverings must be worn at all times except when eating or drinking. The series is sponsored by LG Business Solutions and the New Jersey Lottery. For details, click here.

GNOG reports records second quarter

For the three months ending June 30, Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) reported gross gaming revenues of $28.2 million from its New Jersey operations. Compared to $15.3 million during the same period in 2019, that’s an increase of 85 percent. GNOG Senior Vice President and General Manager Thomas Winter said, “Our second quarter beat our target, supported by record player activity and average revenue per user.” GNOG has since entered into a transaction agreement with Landcadia Holdings II Inc., a special-purpose acquisition company. GNOG will become an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Landcadia, which will change its name to Golden Nugget Online Gaming Inc.

Take a seat

With indoor dining prohibited in New Jersey through Sept. 4, Caesars has set-up tables and chairs on the third floor of its Colosseum Garage for guests to consume their take-out food and beverages. You may want to take along some wipes. Some of the tables were not very clean and there is no one there monitoring this.

Resorts Casino Hotel’s outdoor covered QuickBites Patio is now open daily, and includes a bar serving draft beer, hard seltzer and wine.

Wine down Thursdays

Hard Rock is offering blind wine tastings at its outdoor DAER Deck Lounge. At 5 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 3 and 10, guests can taste six different varietals and try to identify the type of wine. Those who select the correct varietal will receive a small prize. The hour-long tastings are $25 per person. For complete information or to register, click here.

Harry’s, Morton’s reduce comp redemption

Harry’s Oyster Bar at Bally’s and Morton’s The Steakhouse at Caesars now accept Caesars Reward Credits on a 1:1 basis. Previously, it took twice as many comp dollars to pay for food and beverages. Keep in mind that this could be temporary so be sure to ask first.

Spa Toccare reopens to hotel guests

Spa Toccare at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has reopened – but only to hotel guests. However, to follow social distancing guidelines, the lounges have been reconfigured to ensure all safety guidelines are met. Click here for details.

Caesars Shuttle change

The Caesars Shuttle now picks up and drops off passengers in front of the outside entrance to Harry’s Oyster Bar at Bally’s. Previously, the stop was located inside Bally’s Bus Terminal.

In the news. . . Atlantic City

Governor signs open container law

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Aug. 28 that permanently allows for the public consumption of alcohol within the Atlantic City Tourism District. The bill defines “open container areas” as portions of the beach, Boardwalk and other areas within the Tourism District, as determined by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, in which pedestrians are permitted to carry and consume open containers of alcoholic beverages, the Governor’s Office said in a statement. “Despite the economic hardship that this pandemic has levied on our casino and hospitality industries, the Atlantic City community has once again proven its resiliency and readiness for a strong future,” Murphy said. “By permanently allowing outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain areas of the Tourism District, we can extend short-term support to small businesses who need it, and further strengthen the resurgence of Atlantic City as the East Coast’s premier resort destination.”

Borgata: Ocean Casino is poaching our execs, trade secrets

Borgata is accusing Ocean Casino Resort of poaching a half-dozen of its top marketing executives in an attempt to “cripple” it by using secret details about its best and most profitable customers. In a lawsuit filed in Nevada on Thursday, Aug. 28, Borgata says Ocean hired six marketing executives, despite the fact that at least two had non-compete agreements that bar them from working for a competitor for a year after leaving.

The lawsuit was filed in Nevada because the Borgata’s parent company, MGM Resorts International, is based there. However, it also asserts the hiring of the executives violates New Jersey state law regarding unfair competition. Read the whole story here.

Man admits to killing brother at Harrah’s

A Philadelphia man has admitted to killing his younger brother last year at Harrah’s, according to a news release from Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner. John A. Villante, 39, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the May 28, 2019, death of 32-year old Joseph Villante, Tyner said.

Security responded about 3:10 p.m. to a medical emergency in a room on the 11th floor, Tyner said. The younger Villante was found and transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy determined the death was a homicide from multiple injuries, including blunt force head injuries, Tyner said. John Villante was arrested May 30, 2019, in Philadelphia, and is scheduled to be sentenced Monday, Oct. 26.

Big win online

Christopher M., Long Valley, N.J., won $228,105 from a single $45 wager on the slot game Lock It Link Night Life. This is the largest online jackpot this year for Ocean Online Casino, the digital gaming platform for Ocean Casino Resort.

**Looking ahead (schedule subject to change):**

Oct. 2: Desperado – The Nation’s Premier Eagles Tribute, Harrah’s
Oct. 9: Tusk – The World’s Number One Tribute To Fleetwood Mac, Harrah’s
Oct. 16: An Evening With William Shatner, Caesars
Oct. 16: The FABBA Show – A Tribute to ABBA, Harrah’s
Oct. 23: Ace Frehley, Hard Rock
Oct. 23: Beatles For Sale – Beatles Tribute Band, Harrah’s
Oct. 24: HYMN: Sarah Brightman In Concert, Ocean Casino Resort
Oct. 24: “Dracula,” Atlantic City Ballet, Caesars
Oct. 24: Cat & Nat, Harrah’s
Oct. 30: Kreeps With Kids Comedy Tour with Rob Bennington, Robert Kelly, Rich Vos & Jim Florentine, Borgata
Oct. 30: Aaron Lewis, Ocean Casino Resort
Oct. 31: Styx, Tropicana

Here are other “insider” tips about what’s happening in Atlantic City during September:

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Promotions
Every 15 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 13, Borgata is giving away 1,500 Bonus Slot Dollars. Insert your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or table games rating from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win.

Entertainment and Events
Borgata Comedy Club (check for dates in September), Wayne Brady (Sept. 11), Marlon Wayans (Sept. 18). For tickets visit The Borgata or call 866-900-4TIX (4849).

Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina
Promotions
Free self-parking continues.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Promotions
Hard Rock continues its Wild Card tier match program until further notice. Details here.

Harrah’s Resort
Entertainment and Events
Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience (Sept. 4), DSB – A Tribute to Journey (Sept. 11), Aerosmyth – The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute Experience (Sept. 18), Songs In The Attic: The Music of Billy Joel (Sept. 25). For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.

Ocean Casino Resort
Promotions
All Ocean Premier cardholders get free self-parking daily through Thursday, Dec. 31.

Visit the Ocean Rewards Club for details.

Resorts Casino Hotel
Promotions
Premiere cardholders who earn two tier points during a gaming day park free in the self-park garage at Resorts. Check any promotional kiosk to confirm the points and present a valid Star card at the exit.
After activating the offer at any promotional kiosk, Star Cardholders will earn 3X comp dollars every Tuesday in September.

After opting in at any promotional kiosk, earn 2X cashback every Wednesday in September. Cashback available for slot play only and will be available 72 hours after a trip ends.

Resorts $35,000 Jackpot Sweepstakes for June has been rescheduled to Saturday, Sept. 26. All June entries will be accepted for these new drawings. Players can earn one entry for every taxable hand paid jackpot. One person will win $1,000 in slot cash every 10 minutes, followed by a $10,000 cash Grand Prize Drawing at 10:15 p.m.

Visit the Promotions Booth for details.

Everything AC Casinos (Atlantic City)
Facebook Group
JOIN TODAY!!

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Vegas News | Vegas Is Still Rockin’ Despite Layoffs and Closed Casinos

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 11:07:50 GMT

Vegas News August 30, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

A strange thing happened during quarantine from March to June. I lost much of my desire to gamble inside of a casino. Specifically, solo trips to the casino just don’t interest me as much. Finding new ways to entertain myself isn’t new as an only child. But, Vegas Is Still Rockin’……

This is ironic because I prefer solo trips to gamble unless it’s part of a day and night hanging out with friends where we can enjoy everything the casinos have to offer from drinking and dining. EDGe (Eat, Drink, Gamble) Vegas didn’t come from nowhere.

Listening to friends visit casinos around the country again, I don’t think I’m alone with this feeling. We all enjoy the full casino experience – especially with others. Even missing part of our traditional casino visits changes how we feel about returning. I’ll get back to full casino trips eventually with and without friends, but that’s where I am today.

I still enjoy betting on sports and do so almost every day from somewhere that isn’t inside of a casino. I very rarely bet on sports with a human even when I’m in a casino. Mobile betting is the best. The staggered starts for most sports don’t leave me in the lurch for a place to watch all the action at once. That could change in a couple of weeks when the NFL kicks off its season. All those 10 a.m. games at the same time on a Sunday might make me rethink my casino visits.

That said, I still enjoy visiting casinos and even venues attached to casinos. Friday night I went to dinner at the Miracle Mile Shops expecting to be sad that PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort is closed. Nope. I enjoyed walking around the mall and wasn’t said I couldn’t dump a few bucks in a machine to kill time before others showed up.

On a related note, Chosun Hwaro & Nara Teppan was good! The restaurants at the Miracle Mile Shops are hit and miss so this was a pleasant surprise. There are a lot of great Asian restaurants around town but this is a solid option if you’re a carnivore and enjoy All You Can Eat Korean BBQ at an affordable price and don’t want to leave the Vegas Strip.

COVID-related updates

Things aren’t the same for me and many people as we continue to try to get back to something resembling the normal from January and February. There’s not too much to update on COVID in Las Vegas this week so I thought sharing some personal effects might be interesting. I’m not alone but there are plenty of people that haven’t missed a beat visiting casinos daily.

In COVID related news bars are still closed. The entertainment available is still very small if non-existent. COVID is still real for some people. You can read about the horror show for some at the Cosmopolitan.

Travel to Las Vegas still down

Travel to Las Vegas is still down compared to last year. Duh. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority monthly Executive Summary shares more details on travel and hotel occupancy and prices.

Overall visitor volume to Las Vegas in July is down 61% from last year. The 100% decrease in convention visitation has a lot to do with that. Regional leisure travel to Las Vegas by car is down less than 10% from July last year.

Hotel occupancy and pricing is interesting to me. Overall occupancy was 42.5% in July. Weekends saw a 54.4% occupancy rate while midweek hotel rooms were 36.9% full.

The average daily room rate for the month was only down 17.8% from last July. The average hotel room price per night in July was $104.39.

The price drop is coming mostly from locals properties. Average daily room rates on the Vegas Strip were down 15.2% to $115.68 per night. Downtown Las Vegas saw a smaller price drop of 13.5% to $59.74 per night.

Anecdotally, it sounds like more people are flying to Las Vegas for some time away. The experience is still different than before March but this is still Vegas, baby.

MGM still feeling the pain

MGM Resorts is still feeling the pain from COVID. Despite opening The Mirage this week, the company announced it’s laying off 18,000 employees. This accounts for around 25% of its workforce.

Strap in because it’s going to take a while for the casino business to get back to pre-COVID times.

I’m sure this is coincidental but for some reason, it became public on the same day that the layoffs were announced that MGM Resorts is suing Ocean Casino in NJ for hiring key employees away from Borgata. It’s isn’t difficult to see why employees might want to jump ship.

More importantly about MGM Resorts is this sweet deal Scott/Vital Vegas found at Heritage Steakhouse inside The Mirage. The Welcome Back prix fixe dinner is $68 for four courses. Not a bad price considering the 8-ounce filet is $55 alone. Add the appetizer, side, and dessert and you have a deal at one of the best steakhouses in Las Vegas.

Related: Eater has a list of restaurants open at The Mirage.

Dogs stay free at Virgin?

His face when you tell him the hotel isn't pet friendly.

Lucky for you, we're pet friendly and their stay is always on us. pic.twitter.com/o0QDGXzPGn
— Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (@VirginHotelsLV) August 25, 2020

Last week we mentioned that the opening of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas may be delayed. This week the company didn’t answer that question but did share some new info about the property.

Not only will the property be pet friendly but it appears as though your four-legged friends can stay for free. For comparison, MGM Resorts charges a green chip ($25) per night for pets. Caesars charges a black chip ($100) for pets for however long you stay.

ICYMI – TravelZork
9 Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

Casino and Vegas Quick Hits

Quick Hits

Again the bulk of Vegas News will come via quick hits. Let’s get to it starting with a preview of a review that took me all week to write.

New Boyd sports betting app in Nevada

Boyd Gaming did a soft launch of its new B-Connected Sports app. This is only available in Nevada. The IGT software is among the best in the state. The Boyd wagering menu is either the largest or close to it. This review still needs some editing but you can read a lot of words here.
Olive Garden is coming to the Vegas Strip! It will be located in between Target and Chili’s in the middle America portion of the Vegas Strip across from Aria and in between PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort and MGM Grand. Keep your excitement to a respectful level and read more here. PS: If people didn’t like these chain restaurants they wouldn’t keep opening on the Vegas Strip.
No idea when we’ll be able to go inside Allegiant Stadium but Eater has a list of food and drink spots in the stadium. Read more here.
Looking for unique stuff from the Flamingo Las Vegas? Read more here.
Cleaning up the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas with more retail and restaurants. Read more here.
Cowboy Christmas in December has been canceled. This seems like a prelude to NFR taking place elsewhere or without people in attendance. We should find out soon. Read more here.
Want to buy Wayne Newton’s casa? Read more here.
Vital Vegas got some renderings from The Drew. Check them out here.
If I’m dreaming about what could have been with that big blue monstrosity I prefer looking further back at the renderings of Fontainebleau. See them here.
Looks like the LVCVA is buying the monorail. Read more here.
The ESPN studio at The Linq is now open. Say hi to the guys next time you ride the zipline. Read more here.
As expected William Hill was approved to buy CG Technology sportsbooks. Read more here.
Last but not least, a new pro golf event is coming to Vegas. Read more here.

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Are UK Casinos safe to visit?
UK Casinos Reopening
From the exclusive Playboy Club in London

The post Vegas News | Vegas Is Still Rockin’ Despite Layoffs and Closed Casinos appeared first on TravelZork.

9 Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 13:27:05 GMT

Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

In the week of the Westgate Las Vegas fire, TravelZork brings you the top 9 casino tweets that you missed this week.

Many were shocked to see The Westgate caught fire this week as a discarded cigarette started a fire on the pool deck. Thankfully only one person was injured, as they attempted to extinguish the flames. Elsewhere, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced plans to buy and operate the Las Vegas monorail. In a week of debuts, Caesars Entertainment and ESPN debuted a brand new state of the art studio at the Linq, and Love Island USA debuted from its new home at The Cromwell Hotel and Casino.

1. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is buying the Monorail.

The @LVCVA plans to buy and operate the Las Vegas Monorail.

In related news, we need some of you to start using the Las Vegas Monorail. pic.twitter.com/XBKZqE692Z
— Las Vegas Locally (@LasVegasLocally) August 25, 2020

2. Visitor spending and tipping is down in Vegas.

Diplomatic AF. “One part-time Strip restaurant worker, who was granted anonymity to protect her job, said tips have fallen about 75 percent since the pandemic began.” https://t.co/FE1fnS73B6
— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) August 25, 2020

3. Caesars debuted the new 6,000 square foot ESPN studio at The Linq.

We're excited to debut the all-new 6,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art @espn studio at @TheLINQ. Tune in to ESPN to now catch Vegas-exclusive sports betting and entertainment news to fans around the world. More information https://t.co/yNviTZOC7D pic.twitter.com/zekIznh1yE
— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) August 24, 2020

4. Virgin said pets are OK with them.

His face when you tell him the hotel isn't pet friendly.

Lucky for you, we're pet friendly and their stay is always on us. pic.twitter.com/o0QDGXzPGn
— Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (@VirginHotelsLV) August 25, 2020

5. Nevada worried about being left behind in the casino world.

Good read –> As online gaming expands in the U.S., experts worry Nevada could be left behind https://t.co/9nPvBcXnr9
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) August 24, 2020

6. Fire took hold at Westgate.
Westgate Las Vegas Fire

Fire at Westgate #LasVegas. pic.twitter.com/TsSanGsYF7
— Dayna Roselli (@DaynaRoselli) August 21, 2020

7. Garage Mahal at Circa is taking shape.

Walkway glass sides from the Garage Mahal to Circa being installed & the parking structure itself coming together and looking mighty fine! #64daystilopening @RandoShadow @VitalVegas pic.twitter.com/0w0gIdl9RJ
— J-Dandy (@Mrs_Shadowen) August 26, 2020

8. UK Casinos continued to entertain guests.

Summary of my day with @LasVegasUK at @PlayboyClubLDN #awesome #casino #slots pic.twitter.com/xag563b2oe
— ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟᴢᴏʀᴋ (@TravelZork) August 22, 2020

9. Love Island USA debuted from The Cromwell.

The best part of #LoveIsland — by far — is the intro pic.twitter.com/nfmgKwOTjk
— Las Vegas Locally (@LasVegasLocally) August 25, 2020

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Vegas News | Tropicana Delayed, Virgin News, Finally Released –"Imploding The Mirage”

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 16:13:58 GMT

Vegas News August 23, 2020

TravelZork Las Vegas News

Imploding The Mirage This Week!

This week we celebrate “Imploding The Mirage!” No, not the obviously fake story I made up last month about Sheldon Adelson buying the Mets and moving them to a new baseball stadium across the street on the land where The Mirage once stood.

Photo Credit: The Killers Website | Imploding The Mirage

This week we celebrate the release of The Killers latest album “Imploding The Mirage.” They’re probably the most popular band from Las Vegas right now. You can see the latest single performed on the Colbert show below.

Buy “Imploding The Mirage”
and The Mirage Won’t Be Imploded Anytime Soon

As someone that used to work closely with bands, I recommend you buy the new album (“Imploding The Mirage”) that was released on Friday. if you’re a fan. If you’d rather stream it, you can check it out on Spotify.

Coincidence? NOT “Imploding The Mirage”
But, Mirage Is Reopening This Week

The Mirage won’t be imploded anytime soon. It may be a coincidence but The Mirage is reopening this week. Last week MGM Resorts announced the property will open on August 27.

There was a tweet of the poker room that was repurposed to be a non-smoking slots room. The account that tweeted the photo of the room has been deleted. We should find out if this is real in a few days.

Virgin Las Vegas On Time But Maybe Not

Inside Virgin Las Vegas

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas sent out a press release on Friday saying that construction on the property was on schedule. Cool. However, the press release also states that the property may not open in November as scheduled. Richard “Boz” Bosworth, President and CEO of JC Hospitality, owner of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas said:

“However, due to current COVID-19 regulations, market conditions and recent event and convention cancellations, the ownership group is carefully evaluating the previously announced Fall 2020 opening date. The ownership group expects to have a date identified by mid-September at which time we will provide full details.”
Richard “Boz” Bosworth, President and CEO of JC Hospitality

Hmmm…Virgin might be delayed until next year. @TravelZork noticed this message on the Hilton Curio website.https://t.co/rGvdwMViaX pic.twitter.com/HvwNSSF1tx
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) August 11, 2020

On August 11, Mr. TravelZork noticed that the Curio Collection website tagged Virgin as opening in January. The next day I was told this isn’t true. I guess we’ll find out when the Virgin Hotel and Mohegan Sun Casino will open in a few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled.

Opening Of The Tropicana Delayed

During the week the Tropicana website flipped its reopening date from September 1 to “will open soon.” Various media outlets have been tweeting that the opening date was pushed back to September 17.

In Other News, Oyo

I’ll believe it when I see it. In other news, Oyo (formerly Hooters and next door to the Tropicana) is supposedly scheduled to open on the same day. That’s another reopening I’ll believe when I see.

While we’re on the topic, it appears as though Eldorado Casino in Henderson will remain closed until next year. You can read more here. Another casino you’ve never been to in North Las Vegas may also remain closed until next year.

Lastly, Casino Royale dumped its table games. Now it’s laying off about 100 employees. This shouldn’t be a surprise.

Station Casinos Is Going Cashless

Cashless payments aren’t a new thing to businesses. However, they have become very popular since COVID-19 started spreading around the world. I’ve been using use cashless payments for some purchases but today almost every purchase is cashless.

Casinos are slowly hopping on the cashless trend. Last year Red Rock casino tested the PlayOn Cashless Table Game Solution. This is a cashless payment technology that allows players to purchase casino chips using a debit card at table games. The field trial was a success and Station Casinos is expanding PlayOn with their other properties.

According to the press release, Station Casinos will also use PlayOn for slot machines, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. You may remember that Circa Resort and Casino will also use PlayOn for cashless gaming. There are fees involved with cashless gaming that vary depending on the property.

Semi-related: Boyd Gaming is switching sports betting tech to IGT in Nevada. In brief, there will be kiosks in casinos, a new mobile app, and the casinos will have new tech in the sportsbooks. You can read the press release here.

ICYMI – TravelZork
9 Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

Quick Hits

High temperatures in Las Vegas will be below 110 degrees today! I’m gonna go play shortly. In the meantime, here are some quick hits of news in and around Las Vegas. (I also promise not to bring up the topic of “Imploding The Mirage” anymore, well, maybe….)

Caesars Rewards Dining is a new way to earn Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program credits. Sign up with this link for Caesars Rewards Dining.
Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke canceled this year’s event. It will return next year. Read more here.
NFR may or may not happen this year. Read more here.
The Sphere at The Venetian is now slated to open in 2023. Read more here.
MyVegas made an update that I can’t see. Read more here.
Bars in Clark County will remain closed due to COVID. Read more here.
South Point is adding to its equestrian center. Read more here.
Betting on the Kentuck Derby may or may not happen in Las Vegas. Read more here.
Does secret shopper COVID data sound interesting? Read here.
Marijuana dispensaries in Las Vegas can build a drive-thru. Read more here.
Robots servers will be hustling at X Pot inside The Venetian. Read more here.
Love Island is done recording at The Cromwell. Hopefully, they sanitize before opening. Read more here.
Las Vegas is dog friendly. Read about it here.
RIP Power Bingo

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9 Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:05:06 GMT

Casino Tweets You Missed This Week

In the week that UK Casinos reopened, TravelZork brings you the top 9 casino tweets that you missed this week.

Following a two week delay, UK Casinos reopened this week after finally receiving approval from Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The reopening had previously been delayed from 1 August, with the delay largely attributed to rising Covid-19 cases. On the other side of the Atlantic, construction finally restarted on the MSG Sphere, and Circa tweeted about finally being all the way up. Le Rêve at the Wynn became the first permanent show closure as a result of Covid-19, much to the surprise of many of our Twitter followers.

What else did you miss this week? Take a look at our, hand selected, top 9 casino tweets you missed this week!

1. Construction has restarted on the MSG Sphere.

Good news: construction has restarted at the MSG Sphere Thingy site. @MaverickHeli pic.twitter.com/ihVwJ9zo5L
— Las Vegas Locally (@LasVegasLocally) August 15, 2020

2. UK Casinos reopened, with some changes.

It’s lovely to be back in a casino in the UK. Very “chill” at @PlayboyClubLDN
— can’t wait to wander here with @LasVegasUK this week… #casino #london #Champagne https://t.co/JqAy0YcMYd
— ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟᴢᴏʀᴋ (@TravelZork) August 15, 2020

Also Read:
Let’s Talk! – WTF?! Travel Corridors?!

3. Le Rêve at the Wynn is closing permanently.

Le Rêve at the Wynn has seemingly become the first permanent show closure as a result of Covid https://t.co/EVhdHj2s0u
— Las Vegas UK (@LasVegasUK) August 15, 2020

4. The Oyo reopening date got bumped again.

I think it is time to move Oyo to the closed indefinitely category. Its reopening date just got bumped for the fourth time. The company announced it is now 9/16.
— John Mehaffey (@John_Mehaffey) August 18, 2020

5. William Hill took over the Caesars Sportsbook.

Just made my first visit to the ⁦@WilliamHillUS⁩ Race & Sports Book at the iconic ⁦@CaesarsPalace⁩, literally the most famous casino in the world. We could not be more excited to be operating this one. A big thank you to our team and the Caesars team! https://t.co/ZuuJE8aP5G
— Joe Asher (@JoeAsher) August 15, 2020

6. Palace Station underwent a transformation.

A little transformation for your Tuesday! New Palace VS old Palace before the major revamp https://t.co/PBdWmoZWrg
— Palace Station (@palacestation) August 18, 2020

7. Chris Baltazar took this super cool photo on the top of Bellagio.

Don't even look at this.

Chris Baltazar. 7thcapture https://t.co/4KCyFAUzE0
— Las Vegas Locally (@LasVegasLocally) August 19, 2020

8. Circa is all the way up.

Are you ready for October 28th? Because we’re all the way up. #BuildingCirca #CircaLasVegas https://t.co/xkm4k015Jk
— Circa Las Vegas (@CircaLasVegas) August 18, 2020

9. Are Las Vegas Casino perks a thing of the past?

An interesting read for a Monday afternoon: https://t.co/f6OKZLWsHZ
— Las Vegas UK (@LasVegasUK) August 17, 2020

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TravelZork

Vegas News | More Entertainment and a New Casino Opening

Vegas News October 25, 2020

Feature Story: Entertainment Returning To Las Vegas

Caesars Shows – Las Vegas

MGM Resorts Las Vegas – Entertainment Las Vegas

Circa Opens This Week

Circa Casino Opening

Circa – Blowing My Mind

Quick Hits

Vegas News | Virgin Vegas Fees and more

Vegas News October 18, 2020

Feature News: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Fees?

Virgin Las Vegas Fees

Parking

Resort Fees – Virgin Vegas

Pool Access

Pet Fees

Quick Hits

Vegas News | Mohegan Sun Plans For Las Vegas and More

Vegas News October 11, 2020

Work From Vegas

The Delano

Delano Restaurant Situation

Mandalay Bay – Strange As Expected

The Big Takeaway – Delano/Mandalay Working Staycation

TravelZork (weekly) Vegas News UPDATE

Mohegan Vegas

Featured News: Mohegan Sun recommended for a gaming license in Las Vegas

Details – Mohegan Vegas

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Momentum Rewards Loyalty Program

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Quick Hits

Let’s Talk! – Nine Minutes On… Mandalay Bay

Nine Minutes On… Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

TravelZork Has a Podcast, ZorkCast

Get Your Daily Dose

Episode #94 – Nine Minutes On…Mandalay Bay

Listen to Episode 94 of ZorkCast Below

Vegas News | COVID-19 Vegas Capacity Updates, Mohegan Vegas Casino + Visitation Data

Vegas News October 4, 2020

COVID-19 Vegas Capacity Updates

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Shows – Vegas Capacity Updates

Stadium View Rooms At Delano

I Was Checking Out Delano

Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Las Vegas

Visitation To Las Vegas Up In August

New Vegas Golden Knights Jersey

Quickest Hits!

‘And the winner is. . . .’ | Casino Awards | Atlantic City October 2020

Atlantic City October 2020

Casino Awards

Casino Awards – Best Loyalty Program

Ocean: Best of the Best

Casino Awards – “Where You Feel The Luckiest”

All the rest of the Casino Awards

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Good times

Happy half hours

Everybody into the pool

Hang 10

Happy Halloween

Tier up

Best if used by

Good sports

Leave the parking to us

New exit strategy

Pigskin picks

Fröhliches Oktoberfest!

New GM graces Tropicana

Tropicana transitions to Caesars Rewards

Tropicana offers limited room charges

Lounging aroundYour guide to players lounges

Golden Nugget spa reopens

Win a car

Save the free play

The Big Takeaway – Delano/Mandalay
Working Staycation

Lounging around
Your guide to players lounges

Don’t Believe Me?
– Casino Gambling for Casino Comps

September 27th
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Smokeless Casino Environment
Non-Smoking Casino