Video Poker Forum

For someone who goes to Vegas just once a year, which loyalty program does everyone suggest? I have cards for most places, but looking to get the most bang for the trip each year I'm out there!

MGM Mlife

I'm not a member of Mlife, and cant think of one that will do you much good as a once a year visitor.  You might be better off joining the Las Vegas advisor to get their coupon book and buy an American Casino guide.Lots of dining and gambling coupons in them. Most comps expire after a year, though some last 15-18 months. South Point and El Cortez were very good to me when I was a once or twice a year visitpor, but I did have times when my comps expired.

From a marketing standpoint, MGM and Caesars are big enough to try to lure players nationwide into coming to Vegas. The high rollers can sometimes have their airfare covered as well as a limo ride from the airport to the casino.

For MLife, provided that someone plays to reach Pearl status, their tier balances will be retained for a calendar year as well as their ExpressCOMP and ExpressPLAY balances. MLife mailer offers also go beyond 1 year and these days can go upwards to 18 months. Other casinos give up after a year, MLife sometimes increase their offer a little to motivate players to bite. If they do not reach Pearl and get stuck in the introductory Sapphire, their point balances are wiped after 6 months of inactivity.

I am not sure what it takes to earn Room and Board at the SouthPoint. How you did on the visit also plays a factor, a winning session/score will less likely produce a decent RFB.

I do not know much about El Cortez, there is a rumor going on that the Gaughan family punishes winners.

I only stay at Caesars Entertainment properties.  I have a host there.  I get 8 nights in a suite for free (kind of, he gets a gift) and I usually have enough points built up to get all free meals (except tip of course).

From a marketing standpoint, MGM and Caesars are big enough to try to lure players nationwide into coming to Vegas. The high rollers can sometimes have their airfare covered as well as a limo ride from the airport to the casino.

For MLife, provided that someone plays to reach Pearl status, their tier balances will be retained for a calendar year as well as their ExpressCOMP and ExpressPLAY balances. MLife mailer offers also go beyond 1 year and these days can go upwards to 18 months. Other casinos give up after a year, MLife sometimes increase their offer a little to motivate players to bite. If they do not reach Pearl and get stuck in the introductory Sapphire, their point balances are wiped after 6 months of inactivity.

I am not sure what it takes to earn Room and Board at the SouthPoint. How you did on the visit also plays a factor, a winning session/score will less likely produce a decent RFB.

I do not know much about El Cortez, there is a rumor going on that the Gaughan family punishes winners.Gaughan family no longer owns the EC. They sold it before Jackie died.

Understandable that the El Cortez is no longer operated by a member of the Gaughan family. Southpoint is run by Michael Sr and the Rampart is run by Michael Jr.

Can you describe what the El Cortez under the Kenny Epstein management did for you as an out of town player? Do you recommend their hotel rooms, restaurants, or even mailers if they've sent you any?

I would personally consider the Southpoint because their games and slot club are just straight up good aside from the promotions they may have for low rollers (25c, 50c, $1, $2 players). Might be worth paying the rooms out of pocket if you've were a big winner during the stay.

If someone is going for the first time or don't have comped rooms I recommend Southwest Airline Vacation packages and an MGM property. With MGM you aren't confined to one hotel so can hop around their casinos and find the one you like then play there longer and you will get offers. I prefer MGM to Caesars because they have nicer hotels. Have fun & good luck!

Understandable that the El Cortez is no longer operated by a member of the Gaughan family. Southpoint is run by Michael Sr and the Rampart is run by Michael Jr.

Can you describe what the El Cortez under the Kenny Epstein management did for you as an out of town player? Do you recommend their hotel rooms, restaurants, or even mailers if they've sent you any?

I would personally consider the Southpoint because their games and slot club are just straight up good aside from the promotions they may have for low rollers (25c, 50c, $1, $2 players). Might be worth paying the rooms out of pocket if you've were a big winner during the stay.

My offers didn't
change at all with the new owners.
Three free rooms per quarter,$25 free slots, $25-50 in food,invites to two or three tournaments with free rooms
per year, and a birthday offering.
The tower rooms are great. I'm not sure if the whole thing is smoke free or just floors. Their Cabana Suites, across the street from the casino is strange but nice. The rooms tend to be small with eclectic furnishings as they try to capture a 1960s Miami theme.
It's not the Mirage but it's A-OK in my book.
My one complaint is the restaurants. They combined the coffee shop and steak house, seemingly keeping only the bad parts.The signature prime rib special is no longer a bargain. Their new pizza parlor is over-priced and underwhelming.
On the other hand, they have what I consider the best drink service of any casino in Vegas.It seems like they have two or three cocktail waitresses working the floor constantly.

Speaking of packages, I don't use them because I travel solo, but they can be great. My nephew last year got three nights at the Mirage plus RT air from NYC for less than the regular RT airfare.