I just moved to Vegas and want or get the most value out of my poker play as possible. I've been signing up for player's cards at every casino, but is there any more I can be doing to get the most out of living here? For example, I heard there is a Total Rewards credit card that will allow me to get free gas with enough poker play. Are there any other tricks like that?
Also, is there a summary of what players cards can be used for? Bellagio players can only use their comps at a few restaurants...it would be cool if some casinos allowed you to use your poker comps for other things like a night at the hotel or entry to their spa/pool/gym or like cash. For example, I see the Commerce has a new program where players can buy plane tickets with their comps. Anything like that here? Is there any +EV situation by virtue of a promotion that should lead me to gamble at anything besides poker?
Just want to know if there's anything every Las Vegas poker player should be taking advantage of (besides the poker games). Any non-poker related Las Vegas tips/tricks would be helpful too.
It varies from place to place but there aren't any standouts IMO. The Venetian lets you use accumulated comp dollars to enter any of their tournaments and that combined with their low rake / no promo drop / well priced decent food from the Grand Luxe probably makes them the best comp value. Comp points earned on your Caesar's card can be used at any restaurant on any Caesar's property (I like the Noodle Bar in Harras) without going through a voucher procedure or anything, you just swipe it like a credit card seamlessly, which is convenient. I think TI has some free gas promo thing on their card currently but you have to play at their one table with the same seven not-atrocious nits to get the points to begin with.
Your payout for playing at a room that has bad comps and high rake however is sometimes more bad-loose players than you usually see at a room like Venetian. I honestly think it's pretty close to a zero sum game with that consideration thrown in and you should pick a room that you feel comfortable in or that you want to support with your rake or whatever and go about it that way.
Occasionally a room will run exceptionally strong promos and if that's what you're interested in just ask any of the 60+ locals at your table what's what and they'll give you an excruciatingly detailed rundown. Like I think Caesar's was offering extra tier points toward diamond statusbor whatever for a while, some old guys are excited about Flamingos ~40k AAAJJ bad beat jackpot right now, etc.
As for non-poker play I don't know much about it. There are people who go for higher tier rewards or whatever playing non-poker games but I usually get the impression they're doing it casually as a mindless break from whatever.
Last edited by Sheep-Goats; 04-03-2015 at 12:17 AM.
I believe the total rewards card will let you use your comp dollars towards rooms too. They also have a store that allows you to redeem comp dollars for various other things such as gift cards, but they give a poor rate (ie.. $50 gas card may cost the equivalent of $100 in comp dollars). Taking into account that most Caesars properties only give $1 per hour you can play at the Venetian and get $200 in comps in the time it would take to get a $50 gas card all the while you are paying a higher rake at most Caesars properties.
I remember when I posted about using poker comps at buffets and getting a line pass a lot of people didn't seem to know about that.
and yes there are lot of good sign up promotions if you don't already have players cards. Match plays, loss rebates, win cards,etc.
Never sign up for a card you don't need unless you are getting something. Not sure how many of the loss rebates are still around, but when those started it was easily $1000+ in equity per player.
