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[Andara Bledin]

I've yet to visit a casino that didn't have some version of a leash that you could get for their player's club. I actually ended up with 10 cards on one leash when I did a run on the strip at Vegas one year.

I'd suggest that sis get her own card. That way, if they both want to play different things at the same time, there's no trouble. Also, when they send out the low-value players perks, they'll both get something, too. That's the way I'd do it.

^-.-^

[Angry_Hippie]

Jetfire,

I hope you and your family enjoy your trip. If you can't find a leash before you arrive just ask at any players club in any casino and you can get your mom one.

The Rio is pretty busy lately with WSOP so you should see some interesting people and things. As far as comps for light gamblers. The choice to get a card for your sister or just a 2nd one in your mom's name is a personal one. There are pros and cons both ways.

The offers you might receive in the mail are specific to the cardholder. Having two cards in one name could earn more points on that card than two separate cards would have and get better offers. But, your mom would have to be the one to redeem the offers. So if your sister and mom always go to a casino together this may be an OK way to go. Also if you wanted to use the earned points to pay for dinner, a show, hotel bill (full or partially) you mom would have to be the one doing the redemption. Sharing cards is something that isn't officially supposed to be done but we know people do it and we kind of look the other way (there is an certain regional/cultural group that typically comes to Vegas once a year with a large group of family they all share one account earn big offers and redeem them and share on next year's trip). I can't really say it, but I'd imagine going this route if you thought your mom and sister playing together could earn enough points to change your mom's tier status (most light gamblers wouldn't do this). *wink*

I think for a light gambler two cards would be better. A) your following official policy B) your mom and sister might fall into different demographic marketing groups (age, region, inferred ethnicity based on name) certain demographics with little to no play get surprisingly fantastic offers (possibly even better than having both on your mom's account).

For the light gambler the players cards are important but not super hugely so (remember to always use them (clumping on one day if possible) but never gamble more than you would have without the card). Just let whatever happens happen . Also make a point of signing up at every casino you go to (keep in mind many share players clubs so don't waste time in line at sister properties) the little coupons you often get are gold for the light gambler (learn how to use a "match play" well and you find yourself with an extra $5-$25 in your pocket more often than not).

The biggest advice I can give for you on this trip is "it never hurts to ask". Depending on how ballsy you are (and since it's midweek at the moment) when you check in ask the front desk if you could have a strip view (or whatever tickles your fancy) or free internet or whatever else you can think the worst they can do is say no. I think this is better than the old school way of handing the front desk agent a $20 discretely as you ask (I've read stories of people who have gotten upgraded just for asking nicely on a non-busy day with no $ involved as well as stories of people who tried the $20 and failed).

Also I'm a big fan of coupon books. The Las Vegas Advisor book and The American Casino Guide can both pay for themselves easily if you use the coupons in them. Keep an eye out for promotions and special deals everywhere you go and take advantage of ones that do something for your needs. If you play table games buy those "win cards" at the casinos that have them you typically get $15 in chips for $10. It's a great way to limit your play to a small amount if you wish while getting a slight discount.

If you like reading I recommend the following websites highly.

www.lasvegasadvisor.com
www.vegasclick.com
www.bigempire.com/vegas/

www.cheapovegas.com
www.wizardofodds.com

Hope I helped somewhat and have a great trip.

[Angry_Hippie]

I just remembered one of my favorite cheap gambler "plays". There is a locals casino connected to a super 8 one block from the strip. It has a $6.95 steak special (filet cut sirloin, salad, potato, garlic green beans, and a micro-brewed beer (or root beer). It is a steal at it's asking price and with a little bit of legwork you can get it for $1.95 + tip and have the option to lose $5 or win $10-$12 (instead of the typical $5-7) on a blackjack table after dinner.

When you join their players club you are given 5,000 points. Every 1,000 points can be used as a $1 for food purchases. The only catch is it can take 24 hours for your points to post to your account so you may need to make 2 trips one to get your points and another one to get your steak. The menus have a $5 match play coupon. So you can get a good dinner and a bit of advantageous gambling on the cheap. BTW try asking for the steak butterflied .

[Primer]

Late last year, I went to stay on a comp voucher. I had requested a room with a King bed. The very awesome counter person decided to book me into the only available King he had....an $800 a night suite! That's right, my wife and I got to stay in a room usually reserved for celebrities absolutely FREE. That Casino has my business for a long time because of that.

And that is exactly WHY they do it!