Please note that we have other pages with Vegas and gaming information including: California Casinos News, Casino Gaming Tips, Casino Public Restrooms with information on the best public restrooms, and we have a page devoted to the subject of craps games, and a page on poker, many pages on video poker, and we have a page on the Vegas and casino gaming stocks.

REMEMBER SILVER STRIKE SLOT MACHINES?  DID YOU KEEP THOSE SILVER STRIKES?

Update May 10, 2011  Silver Strike slot machines used to be very popular among tourists because if you hit a certain combination on the slot machine reels, your prize would be a "silver strike" which was usually a casino token about the size of a silver dollar that came in a plastic case.  These Silver Strikes were collectible and the casino wanted you to take them home as a souvenir though they did have a "face value" of $10 or $25 and you could redeem them for cash if you wanted to.

Well, lucky for you if you did take them home because today you could sell those silver strike tokens for much more than their face value because of their silver content.  That is, of course, if you have the original silver strikes that actually have silver in them.

You see, a traditional $10 silver strike had six-tenths of an ounce of silver, and the rest was brass.  When silver was at $5 an ounce, a silver strike had three-dollars of silver in it; the cost of minting the silver strike was a couple of dollars -- so giving it as a ten-dollar prize made it a very profitable venture for the casinos.

But now (updated May 10, 2011) the price of silver is about $38 an ounce and that means the traditional $10 silver strike with six-tenths of an ounce of silver has silver content worth $23 -- more than twice the face value of the strike itself. 

And it's almost impossible to find the "real silver strikes" in those slot machines now, because when you add in the cost of minting the token, which is another couple of dollars, traditional silver strikes with real silver become a losing proposition for the casinos.  So, the casinos are making some changes.

First, a lot of casinos have eliminated silver strike slot machines.  Second, some casinos have replaced the traditional silver strikes that were made with 6-tenths of an ounce of real silver with tokens that look like silver but have no real silver content.  When you win one of these "non-silver silver strikes" you are still getting a souvenir, but you are not getting the precious metal.

So if you still come across a silver strike slot machine, ask if the tokens inside contain real silver before you play -- or if you don't care about the real silver content and just want the souvenir then knock yourself out at the machine.

And if you happen to have some of the real silver strikes laying around that you don't want anymore, any neighborhood pawn shop, gold and silver buyer, or eBay user would be happy to take them off your hands.  But be careful before you sell -- prices can change daily and pricing can vary among stores and buyers.  And most important, be sure that you are not selling a rare silver strike that might be worth much more than what the silver content is worth.  While nearly all silver strikes say "limited edition" there are some silver strikes that are really limited and can be worth much more because of their rarity. 

ANTHONY CURTIS OF THE LAS VEGAS ADVISOR OFFERS TIPS, JULY-AUGUST 2010

In late July, 2010 I interviewed Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor and www.lasvegasadvisor.com and publisher of many gaming books under Huntington Press based in Vegas.  Anthony Curtis is an expert on Las Vegas gaming (he was once a professional blackjack player) and he is an expert on travel deals and bargains and getting the most for your vacation dollar. 

Anthony Curtis of the Las Vegas Advisor is frequently seen on TV shows about Vegas, and interviewed for news reports about Las Vegas tourism and gaming and I had the pleasure of interviewing him for two segments on my KABC 790 Radio Show "Best Buys, Deals & More."  Below is the audio of those radio segments, along with some video from a previous TV interview that I did with Anthony.  

In these radio interviews conducted in late July, Curtis discusses the business climate in Vegas, how it affects tourism and prices, and book sales, and how his newsletter and website businesses help consumers save money.  We also talk about the importance of knowing the games in a casino before you bet and how his Las Vegas Advisor newsletter can also help tourists stretch their vacation dollars with a special value book with several thousand dollars of money saving Vegas coupons including two-for-one specials (two fers) for famous Las Vegas buffets and shows.  Perhaps the most famous coupon is the $50 "Comp" at the Palms which you'll hear about in this interview. 

The radio interview with Anthony Curtis of the Las Vegas Advisor is presented here in two segments as it was broadcast on KABC 790 in Los Angeles.

CELINE DION RETURNS TO CAESARS PALACE

Update April 30, 2011  This website was among the first (if not the first) to report the talk that Celine Dion would return to Caesars, and now Celine Dion is back at Caesars.  However, Celine's schedule is not what it was when "A New Day" was being presented, and that's because Celine has her kids and she has cut back on performances.  Still, it's a big boost for Caesars and for Vegas.  And Caesars has no trouble finding other headliners for Celine's off days.

The rumors and speculation about Celine Dion returning to Caesars Palace started on the Internet months before the actual announcement that she would return.

The rumor that we heard months ago was spread by the staff at the Caesars beauty salon.  The talk in the salon was that Celine's hairdresser was slated to return to Caesars Palace and that was the giant clue that Celine Dion herself would return.  Well, we know ladies who wouldn't go anywhere without their hairdresser in tow-- so it made about as much sense as all of the other rumors we'd been hearing.

(I have a confession to make: Celine's hairdresser used to cut my hair at the Caesars Salon.)

What did make sense all along is that Celine Dion had a consistently sold out show at Caesars Palace, so why not bring her back if the management at Caesars could get her back?

Jerry Seinfeld is performing on a regular basis and other major headliners stop in from time to time.  Caesars has the best venue in town for stage shows and if Celine had any ideas about returning to Vegas, Caesars Palace is definitely the place to do it.

Personally, I love that Celine is back.  I'm a true fan, and saw "A New Day," Celine's original show at Caesars no less than ten times.  Really, I saw "A New Day" ten times.  And I also played craps with Celine's husband at least ten times.  And the truth is, Celine is a much better performer than her husband is a craps player.

THE GOLDEN NUGGET IS AT IT AGAIN TO WIN OVER YOUR BUSINESS

Update May 10, 2011  The Golden Nugget has been doing this almost regularly.  The casino marketing department sends out "free play" offers to players at other casinos offering those players 150% of the free play amount that they get from their usual gaming destinations.  So, as the Golden Nugget mailers explain, if you have a $500 free play offer from your regular casino, The Golden Nugget will give you $750 of free play,  Free hotel accomodations are usually included.

We heard from a player who has a $2,500 free play offer at Caesars Palace and got the offer from The Golden Nugget which would be worth $3,750 at the downtown casino.  The Golden Nugget offer includes the usual free stay offer that this player also gets from Caesars on The Strip.  "I think I might try downtown," he said.  "It's worth an extra $1,250 of free play."

But The Golden Nugget isn't targeting only high rollers with this promotion.  We heard from another player who usually only gets $150 of free play from his regular casino, and this offer from The Golden Nugget would be worth a total of $225 for her, with a free room included.

So where did The Golden Nugget gets this mailing list from?  The players list at any casino or casino company is closely guarded.  Perhaps this was an inside job?

Also, we've been hearing about many casinos cutting back on their free play and cash offers because of the slowdown.  The Golden Nugget is doing just the opposite -- spending more.

But before you jump at this promotion, consider the "strings" that may be attached.  We've checked with the GN and were told that all of the free play is not given in one day and can be spread out over three days.  This keeps you from showing up on one day, using their free money, and leaving.  They want to keep you there following the strategy that the longer you are there, the more you will play, and the more you will lose. 

GETTING COMPS IN A HIGH LIMIT ROOM

It comes as no surprise that players in high limit rooms at casinos get all sorts of comps, or complimentaries, or free things.  Drinks are, of course, free.  And players in the high limit areas also get the premium drinks, and the premium bottles of water with the "high end" brands -- not the "casino labeled" bottles of water that are given out in the rest of the casino.  High limit players also can get free cigarettes-- and that's also no surprise.

But what is a surprise is that some players in high limit rooms who do not smoke will still take offers of the free cigarettes because they give the packs of smokes to friends in the casino who do smoke or they simply bring them home for friends.  You can't blame them because a pack of cigarettes is expensive.

So taking those free packs of cigarettes by non-smokers for their friends who do smoke is another way that high limit players stretch their casino privileges.  And as I've told you before, there are other perks for playing in high limit rooms including upgraded bathrooms, sometimes snacks and buffets, and certainly better attention from cocktail waitresses.

And there is another trick that casino players use.  They might sit at a slot machine in a high limit room -- but that doesn't mean they put much money into that high limit slot.  One or two spins here or there just might be enough for that drink service or pack of cigarettes.  And honestly, anyone can use the rest rooms in the high limit areas.

A LITTLE BIT OF GAMBLING IRONY

I found this to be ironic:  Legendary baseball player Pete Rose signs autographs at The Field of Dreams sports collectible store in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on a regular basis -- usually on Saturday afternoons.  Among the balls he will autograph and sell is the ball that says "I'm sorry I bet on baseball."  Imagine, someone being sorry for betting -- and making the apology in Vegas.  Oh, if you're interested Pete Rose will inscribe the ball and sign it for you -- live and in person -- for $299.  A "regular" Pete Rose autographed ball sells for $99.  Yes, Pete is a regular at the store.  I haven't seen him in the sports book though.

SHOULD WE DRIVE OR FLY TO VEGAS?

I hear that question -- "should we drive or fly to Vegas?" -- more than I hear "should I stand on 15 when the dealer is showing a 12?"  Well, I don't know much about blackjack, but I am familiar with the drive from the Los Angeles area to Las Vegas -- and I am familiar with the flight schedule from the Los Angeles and Orange County airports to Las Vegas, so I can offer some opinions here.

Personally, I'd rather drive because then I am not stuck with an airline's schedule.  If I run out of money I can leave early.  If I am having the gambling run of a lifetime and my wallet is stuffed with winnings, I can stay longer (wishful thinking, however).  The reality is, flying is a pain.  You have to arrive at the airport here in the Los Angeles area early and endure the security checks.  You have to wait for your plane.  You have to get off the plane in Vegas and if you have luggage you have to wait and wait for it.  If you just have a carryon, then you only have to get on that endless taxi line.  Unless you have a limo waiting for you from the hotel/casino where you are staying.  Check into the limo option as you might find the charge for the limo is about $35 plus tip.  A taxi ride plus tips will probably cost you $15 to $20 depending on where you are are going.

If you are driving you have several routes to take including the 10 to the 15 north, or the 210 to the 15 north, or the 405 to the 14 east and the back road Pearblossom Highway route to the 15 north.  Depending on the weather and the time of day or night, I prefer the Pearblossom Highway route but you might find the highway routes safer especially at night or when there is weather to deal with.

Baker is a nice stop for food and refreshments and it's about 90 minutes south of Vegas.  But don't buy gas in Baker -- it's about fifty cents a gallon cheaper in Barstow or Victorville.

Driving to and from Las Vegas gives you one more option that flying can't give you-- you can make the stop at the casinos at State Line (Primm, Nevada) for an early try on the way to Vegas or "one last try" on the way home.  And at Primm you can always check out the outlet mall and do some shopping.  Yes, you promised yourself you would shop while you were in Vegas, but you didn't, right?

I will say this about flying to Vegas-- if you can fly from Burbank.  Many times I flew out of Burbank to Vegas.  It's a much smaller airport than LAX or John Wayne or Ontario and for that reason it is easier to get through.  Parking is a breeze -- and it's even easier if you use the relatively low cost valet parking.  There is a garage directly across from the terminal.  The terminal is small.  Southwest has lots of flights from Burbank to Vegas, and I never had a problem with security at Burbank-- they are quick and efficient at Burbank.  I've also flown out of John Wayne and it's almost as good as Burbank.  Nope, never flew out of Ontario, but Ontario is also on the small scale which  must make it better than LAX.

MORE CASINOS OFFER "FREE PLAY" GIVEAWAYS, AND HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY THEM

You are likely to see more "free play" promotions from casinos, especially this summer.  With most "free play" promotions, you will get a certificate that is awarded by the casino based on your previous betting level.  Let's say you get $500 of "free play."  But you might find that the free play promotion is for a certificate for slots, and you are a blackjack player.  What do you do?  Well, the first thing is to ask the casino (ask your "host" if you have one) if the slot promotion certificate can be exchange for table play -- that's your best option.  If that can't be done, then play your slot certificate "carefully."

What does "carefully" mean?  Well, it means this: if you get a $500 certificate you can't cash in the certificate, and you must play through the entire $500.  But you don't have to play anymore than the original $500.  So find yourself a slot and keep track of your bets.  As soon as you have bet all $500, you can keep whatever is left which are your "winnings."

Some casino slot machines might be set up so that you can push the "cash out" button after each win and collect that winning amount, while you leave the promotional value of your promo certificate still in the machine.  This eliminates the need for counting the number of bets you have to make to exhaust the value of your promo certificate.

WHAT CASINOS ARE DOING TO BOOST BUSINESS.

Update May 10, 2011  Everyone knows just how poorly the casinos in Vegas and even in California have been doing because of the tough economy.  Well, the casinos are now offering some richer cash incentives to get players to show up.  The cash incentives include "show up money" as well as money for shopping sprees and gift cards.  There are even promotions for free slot play.

In the California Indian casinos, players are getting monthly mailers with free slot or free table play.  Harrah's Rincon and Pechanga both send out the monthly mailers for free play, and Harrah's Rincon is also sending out "mystery" vouchers that players can insert into a slot machine for free play.  You don't know how much money you get until you show up at the casino.  Harrah's Rincon is also sending out bonus "checks" to players each month with a bounce back offer -- cash to play on the next visit.

And what else are the casinos, especially in Vegas, doing to boost traffic?  Well, many casinos are now cutting their room rates.  As one host told me, "I can stay in a strip hotel for a month for less than what my mortgage payment costs me."  And then there are the obvious cutbacks in spending.  When it comes to cash promotions, some players are finding their promotions are not as generous as in years past.

DINING AT JOE'S SEAFOOD AT THE FORUM SHOPS

This article isn't about gaming, but it is about the "games" that a restaurant or a waiter can play with you when you are out having a grand old time.

A while back, three of us were dining at Joe's Seafood in The Forum Shops which is adjacent to Caesars Palace.  We had a delightful time, and we enjoyed the stone crabs, steaks and seafood.  Then, when our meal was complete, instead of the waiter asking us about dessert or presenting a dessert menu, the waiter approaches the table with a slice of key lime pie and a slide of some cheesecake something-or-other and places them on the table.

After running up a dinner bill of about $300, my party and I figured the deserts were complimentary.  Well, we were wrong.  When we finished the desserts and enjoyed our coffee, the check came -- and the desserts were there on the check.  I was kind of stunned but since we had a guest with us at dinner, I decided not to make an issue of it-- I paid the check and we left.

But all I can say is -- shame on Joe's Seafood.  It was enough to make me not go there again.

CAESARS STARTING NEW SLOT MACHINE VIDEO SERVICES

Update May 10, 2011  Around the country, Caesars (formerly Harrah's) has started new high tech links on slot machines that will allow slot and video poker players to order drinks, redeem cash offers, order show tickets, check offers for shows and rooms, and a lot more things that will save time and money.  The system is called "Total Touch" following the theme of Caesars "Total Rewards" concept.

The new system got its first test at Harrah's Rincon Casino in San Diego and now it is being installed at other Caesars casinos outside of Nevada.  Eventually the system will be in place in Nevada as well.  The Harrah's Rincon casino is known as an "alpha casino" because it is used to test many new systems before they are used in Las Vegas and in other markets.  I tried it and it works-- I've downloaded free play and ordered drinks and summoned help when the machine I was on had a malfunction.  Frankly, I prefer the old way for getting free slot play offers when you are given a slip to insert into the machine just like inserting a $20 bill.  With the Total Touch System at Rincon you have to insert your player's card (no problem) and then punch in the exact promotion code.  Punching in the code can take time, and sometimes you have to do it several times to redeem all of your free play offers.

The system will require that new video display screens are installed on slot machines and video poker machines.  Players will use their video display screen to order drinks directly from the bar, and once the drinks are prepared a server will deliver them to the player.  This will eliminate the need to find a cocktail server to order -- the player will order their drinks directly.  The video display system will also "store" information about what drinks players like-- so a player could simply indicate "send another" and the bar's computer will have the player's "favorite" already in the system.

The video display system main purpose to to have the player's promotions.  For example, if a player has an offer for $50 of free play, the player will be able to access that free play directly at the machine -- and there will be no need to visit the players club or, in the case of Caesars, the Total Rewards desk.

Players will also be able to use the video display screen to check out their offers for shows and events, and even to order tickets.  Caesars hopes this will cut down on phone calls to the Total Rewards departments at its casinos, and will also save time for players as well as its personnel.  And the video display screens will also remind players about what "offers" they have for future stays or that current visit to the casino.

Of course the "personalized information" will be dependent on the player inserting their "players card" or Total Rewards card into the machine's system.

Employees at the Rincon Casino have been trained and know the system well, and when a "bug" in the system develops they know how to fix it.   "Once we get the bugs out of the system," a Rincon manager told me in mid-March of 2010, "the system will be installed in Vegas."

So just imagine -- no more searching for a cocktail waitress.  In the future you'll click on a drink (yes you might even be able to order a Martini with extra olives or order a coffee with Amaretto without whipped cream, or click "send another" and it will be deliverd to your slot or video poker machine.

CAN THE iPHONE HELP YOU COUNT CARDS IN BLACKJACK?

Update May 10, 2011  It was about a year ago that Nevada gaming regulators have warned the State's casino operators that there is an application available for the iPhone that can help iPhone users count cards at blackjack.  Counting cards by itself is considered a skill, and counting cards by itself is not a crime -- but casinos can ban players who do count cards.  However, if a player uses a device to help him count cards at blackjack, then the use of that device makes card counting a felony under gaming regulations in the State.

But then we heard from some gaming experts that the iPhone blackjack card counting application is not all it's cracked up to be.  In short, it doesn't turn any player into an expert card counter.  The problem is that the iPhone card counting program not only is not complete, but it also does not include many of the other variables that a true card counter and expert blackjack player would take into consideration when counting cards and betting.

The "bottom line" say these experts is that people might think they are really "counting cards" when they use the iPhone application or "app," but in reality the app isn't helping them at all.  One gaming expert referred to the iPhone app for counting cards as nothing more than a "toy" and not a real threat to the casinos.

But the threat to players is real.  Casinos just might bar players, or even arrest players, who are seen with an iPhone at a blackjack table fearing they are using the card counting app.  And if the app is indeed loaded on the iPhone, gaming experts fear that players might indeed be prosecuted for a felony even if innocent-- even if the app is not in use and over the last year more casinos including California casinos are barring iPhones and all sorts of phones from being used at blackjack games.

CHECK YOUR HOTEL ROOM CHARGES CAREFULLY

When you are in Vegas hotels, and use "room service," check the bills you are presented carefully.  Some hotels are now including tips in the actual room service bill -- but they also have a blank line on the bill for a gratuity.  This would actually represent an "added gratuity" since the basic bill already includes a "tip" of 15%.  Since many travelers are not aware of this change, they automatically add a tip amount to the room service bill but what they are really doing is "tipping twice."