Disappearing Comp Points

My mailbox always heats up (literally) during the summer. Clubs in Laughlin, Nevada send more liberal deals to me because the sun is set to London Broil down there right now (yeah, 117 degrees is all right since it's a dry heat, right?). The average temp in July is 110.

It's only 107 degrees in Vegas, guess that's why I only got a few notices from there; and Reno clubs only hit me with two specials, probably because it's a comfortable 88 degrees this whole week.

So much for my casino gambling deals. E-Trade sent me a nice note that said, "For your convenience, your account has been closed."

I don't know how that was convenient for me, but I guess they couldn't collect my quarterly fee since my account had only worthless securities in it. Yup! I've picked some great stocks.

E-Trade isn't the only gambling (I'm sorry, investing) group that might vacate your account. You should know that many casino player's clubs delete your points and comp earnings each year if you don't use them.

Always read your club news and the terms for your earned points. Because casinos (and the tax man) consider your points to be a liability (once issued, they owe you something in return for them), most clubs have them expire so they can drop them from the year's ledger.

Some clubs do this every year. Most let them expire if you don't use your card or accumulate any points for a six or 12 month period. Check with your casino!

I know that I was surprised when I stayed and gambled at Caesar's Palace several times over a two-year period and then didn't hit a Caesar's Entertainment property for 13 months and my points were gone. My mistake, but I would have loved to have been comped to a few meals "on the house."

Read the rules - stay informed, use your points!