Consider a Vacation Package

Readers often ask me how they can obtain a free or room reduced room rate at a casino that they have never visited before. In the past I suggested that they call a casino host at the property and give them and estimate of the amount of play they normally give a casino during their stay. This was usually a good way to get a room up front at the discounted casino rate if not a free room. However, this has become harder to do in the last few years.

Many of the casinos in destinations such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City have been shifting their focus away from just gambling and concentrating their efforts to become full service resort destinations highlighting fine dining, shopping and first class entertainment. The days of free rooms, food and cheap entertainment to entice patrons to gamble are coming to an end. I feel that part of the reason is that as gambling has spread across the county the novelty of visiting a casino and gambling as entertainment has lost some of its mystique for many players. Some patrons are looking for something beyond the gambling when they choose their vacation destination and the casinos are trying their best to entice them with other amenities.

This is not to say that there are still not bargains to be found. However if you are visiting a casino in a new place your best bet may be to look into a vacation package that includes airfare and hotel together. Many of these packages offer you the best value for your dollars.