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JD goes to Reno
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Tue 12, 2013 8:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You forgot extra for wine. BUT ONLY $ 10 for an entire BOTTLE! Which I believe I have a half bottle in my car somewhere. But we did get the tab up to $ 100 I think.

And GSR (Which has not seen me since it was Bally's or MGM I think) now has bartenders in the $ 2 bill club.

So Blazing Sevens Dude FORCES me to put a $20 in a blazing sevens machine as he does the same.

Seven pulls at $ 3 each with ONE WIN (of one credit) so I put that extra two dollars in....And I'm out.

THE DUDE hits for $ 300 quickly followed by a $ 200 win.

But I'll let him tell the story.

More in "WORST OF RENO" section.

Checkout isn't until noon. So I'm going back to bed... after a few aspirins.
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Mar Tue 12, 2013 7:37 pm    Post subject: Got Rockstar-d at GSR Reply with quote

No worries, John, and thanks for the kind words! Maybe that little lucky streak had something to do with the the fact that three visitreno.com members were all gambling under the same roof?

JD - glad to see you're still with us, and I hear ya about the aspirin! Hope your digs downtown are better, wherever you wound up tonite, the Sands I think?

Kids, just a friendly reminder never to pound about 8-something Rockstar and Vodka cocktails from the video poker bars in two different casinos within a rather short time frame! Jeez...

Well, regarding the little lucky streak yesterday, it went something like this: (Like the case usually is, I have pictures of them all, but PhotoBucket recently switched the format of their image links, which is making it a bit harder to post a bunch of photos without a bunch of copying and pasting code vs. just renaming the original! Anyone else having this problem?)

After a few $200 and $300 random hits between Harrah's and the Eldorado early Tuesday morning, in addition to a 300 hit on a quarter machine, I was back off down to the Virginia/Plumb area.

Texted JD and set out for the Peppermill and the Atlantis. In my previous trip reports, I made mention of my new friend Nicholas from France, who has been showing up at the Peppermill every 3-4 weeks right on cue all the way from Paris. Jeez, what dedication! Well, he's back this week, and go figure the first thing outta his mouth was "I hit the top jackpot on this one and that one and..." So, I have a feeling the Blazing 7s at the Pep might be permanently occupied this week - well, for a good 20 hours or so per day, anyway...this guy is phenominal!

A $300 hit on one machine, another $300 hit on Silent Bob (although it took a while!), a $200 hit on a Double, and then another $200 hit on the Double right beside it.

Arrived at the Atlantis and learned quickly that 50 tier credits by 8 pm would award you with a bottle of some funky vodka that literally had a push-button red flashing light on the bottom. Off to the carousel...

A total of 5 more $200 hits were produced when I got a call from JD. Checked out my tier status and I was 8 measly points under. Darn!

At the GSR, I used my $15 of daily free play and didn't get squat, but decided to insert a $20 on my own, which produced a $300 hit. All of the bill dispensers were broken, so I had to go to the main cage. Upon my return, I decided to jump on one of the old-skool machines by the Shoot to Win Craps machine, and got a $200 hit in about 5 pulls.

After the buffet, we decided to each pool in $20. I inserted all $60 into the machine, which unfortunately didn't produce squat! Moved to a machine on the other side of the kiosk, where another $200 hit came rather slowly. Ditto for the next $300 hit back on the other side, but with slightly less coin-in (dollar-in?), followed by another no-producer on the machine next to it.

Yesterday was awesome and produced a total of 14 hits, but I think it was the recordbreaker for the amount of up-downs in between. One of these days I vow to hit more than one back to back to back, spending no money in between (yah, I know, it's all just a dream, right?)

I mentioned it to John and JD, and I've tried several different strategies with the Blazing 7s, but the route I've been following lately is to simply take $300 and play through it until you get a $200 or $300 hit. Sometimes it might hit quickly, and other times it might take a little while, but nine times out of ten, you'll at least get back the initial investment, if not more. Then, switch machines or stop playing, depending on the results and what your motives are. This has worked far better for me than doing a few pulls on each machine and not getting a dime! My computer geek self actually downloaded the PAR sheets and probability stats from Bally Tech some time back and this technique really seems to be working out for the better - except for those few random times when you encounter a machine that just won't hit. In that case, I usually go to another machine and try the non-paying one later if the bankroll allows (and preferably if someone jumps on it right after me to give it a little push!)

Always, ALWAYS check the progressive meters, especially if you're in a situation where you can monitor them over a certain timeframe. Anything can happen, but the high numbers of course are an indication that the machine hasn't hit in a while. And one thing that worked for me well on five of those hits yesterday: always look for people that are playing and losing their ass, and play behind them! Three of the hits at the Atlantis and two at the Pep came from playing behind someone who put a ton of money in and didn't get anything.

Enjoy the rest of your trip JD, and keep us posted!

Mammothgambler
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Wed 13, 2013 10:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

And I DID have the required number of points before 8 pm for that bottle. BUT I failed to swipe my card BEFORE adding the points.

The hoops required to jump thru (IN THE CORRECT ORDER) to comply with some of these rules just end up pissing me off.

I am at the Sands on a BOGO ($25 net) . And I had TWO BOGOS for "any restaurant. I went to the Margarita bar, shove in a $20 and ordered a drink from the squishy machine. "That'll be $ 5.50. "BUT I'M PLAYING!" These drinks are not comped...

Cash out. (No deuce for the little lady)

I start looking for a progressive machine and the main bar has a $ 1700 progressive quarter bank. Then I see a previously deuced bartender who remembers me...well the two dollar bills, anyway. I was playing pretty heavily next to this older local guy that turns out went to Army OCS in the exact same company as me but eight years earlier.

We share a few war stories (we both know Ft. Benning's Airborne track well) and I offer to let him have my BOGO at the Sands buffet. Each night, the Sands has a differnt theme to their buffet. Asian on Mondays, Mexican, BBQ, and last night was Prime rib.

The same promotions genius that dreamed up the breakfast special at the Atlantis apparently (while not mentioned in writing anywhere) that Prjme RIB buffet night is NOT good with a BOGO.


Cash out...tell Mona, the bar tender with 4 deuces there will NOT be another in her future and why.

I cannot understand why THESE MORONS make an offer I must refuse.

No more gambling at the Sands for me. I hate these bait and switch promotions. They would be better off with NO special than one that just pisses customers off. Now I'm mad, Mona's mad, LT Thomas is mad, and I'm going to tell everyone what liars these guys are. The Cal Neva has no such promotion, just a low price and employees that are glad for the business.

And I had the BEST $ 6.99 Prime Rib at the counter at TOP DECK , Cal Neva ... maybe it helped that I deuced all 3 line cooks, the dishwasher, waitress and the busboy.

Oh...and I gambled late into the night with JP, the bartender at the Cal Neva Skyway bar well into the we hours. I think I won a little as well.

Good job at the promo, Sands. Get ready to change hands AGAIN !
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Mar Wed 13, 2013 10:19 pm    Post subject: Sands? Reply with quote

I agree, the sands is the arm pit of Reno. I avoid that joint at
all costs.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Wed 13, 2013 11:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In my opinion, it is not the location or the front line people.

The Siena did THE EXACT SAME THING tonight.

So me and another old military guy are easily the best players at the bar.

We are loaded up the bases and betting like crazy. But I wanted something to eat and their "River view" (formerly Contrada cafe) had a huge sign: Burger and home made chips: $ 4.99.

What they MEAN IS: $ 8.55 because you MUST BUY a "Drink" (water at $ 2.95 and your diamond staus allows no discount FOR THIS MEAL ONLY.

Screw you too, SIENA. And fix your damn sign... Unless you want5 to be "SINO".

I told the waitress, " Do I need to bring a lawyer to buy a damn hamburger now?" NO Deuce for her too.
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Mar Thu 14, 2013 7:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeez, this sure has been some wild trip, hasn't it, JD? So sorry to hear of all the misleading promos and what not. Surprising to hear about the treatment at the Siena, but thanks for the heads up about that burger special. I see that special all the time, but it sounds like a similar line they pull on you at Round Table Pizza at the GSR: Their popular all you can eat lunch buffet is only $6.99, but they don't tell you until you're at the counter that a drink doesn't come with it and it's 3+ dollars, making the bill just over 10. They did me a supposed huge favor and gave me a coupon last time to get the drink for $1. Better than nothing, I suppose, but still annoying.

This is probably gonna sound weird from someone who's only been here 7 months, but I was just thinking about how differently things used to operate here a decade ago as a visitor and how different they are now. Most definitely an overall decline in the spirit of the hospitality industry and alot of people now putting out promos that are misleading, changing their minds by the day about checkin policies and deposit fees (ie the GSR!), just an overall different vibe. Still gotta love it though!

So, you're heading to Virginia City now, right? Hope the rest of your trip is awesome!

Mammothgambler
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mjames1229



Joined: 23 Dec 2009
Posts: 406

PostPosted: Mar Thu 14, 2013 8:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

In fairness, the "with purchase of a beverage" is listed on the special on Siena's website, albeit in fine print.

I do imagine, though, that you can't read the fine print on a sign on a casino floor from 100 yards away.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Thu 14, 2013 9:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You are correct... looking back, that was in the very fine print. But they have these scrolling TVs all over the casinos which cycle thru maybe 15 screens in maybe two minutes.. The burger promo is one page and you have maybe 20 seconds before it scrolls to the next screen.

In the case of the 2 for 1 buffet offer... There was NO SUCH FINE print anywhere. Even the bartender was unaware that apparently one nigh a week the BOGO offer was no good. "Good at any restaurant or buffet"

But WHY do they do that?

All I wanted was a tap water. And they tacked on $ 3 for a water?

Jokes on them. I got $ 500 of their money (which three days earlier was MY money)... and now it's mine again.

The more "gotsyas" these casinos play to bait and switch you, have quite the reverse effect on me. And I suspect others feel the same.

If a casino will try to pull a fast one on a diamond player (LIKE ADDING ANOTHER TIER LEVEL) , it tells me they cannot be trusted.

Fool me once........
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Mar Thu 14, 2013 9:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In other words, this is just Bait and Switch!
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Sat 16, 2013 10:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.rgj.com/article/20130316/EVENTS/303160058/St-Patrick-s-pregame-events-Virginia-City-oysters-parade
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: Mar Thu 21, 2013 8:19 am    Post subject: What is the ending? Reply with quote

The updates of the trip seemed to have stopped. I wonder if the trip fizzled out or.... what I think is more likely is that JD fizzled out.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Thu 21, 2013 10:08 am    Post subject: Virginia City Mark Twain Payoff Reply with quote

Well, I got a phone call my second day in Virginia City and had to come home early for a family emergency. I didn't think you'd want to hear the details.

In my brief time in Virginia City, however, I did hit a 4oK on the second bar top inside the Mark Twain. These VP machines have one game called, "FOUR PLAY", which pays 400 credits for any 4oK. I was playing dollars...hit on first $ 20 in. LAST St. Pats/Oyster fry trip, I took over $ 1000 from the FIRST bar top nearest the door.

I waited until the owner walked thru the door when I hit the cash out button. These machines are not ticket in/out but play the "We're in the money" happy dance song and hand pay instead or drop coins. The owner just replaced that machine earlier that day and I insisted HE pay me in person.

Best $ 440 hand pay ever. (No one tell him he got about half of it back).

And the Rocky Mountain Oyster cook off results:

http://virginiacitynews.com/the-cajones-caliente-team-sweeps-the-awards-in-the-testicle-festival-p5173-1.htm
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Mar Thu 21, 2013 10:58 am    Post subject: Down and out Reply with quote

Who can blame him? He's been stymied by a dizzying array of subterfuge at the hands of casino marketing people...who can focus on a round of good stiff drinks at a Cal-Neva bar when plagued with obscure promotions? I can practically see JD, head in his hands, as he struggles to figure out just how many gyrations and conditions he must meet to get a single, grudging discount, in exchange for his years of faithful play and boozing.

There's not a two-dollar bill in the world that can buy an exemption from these shenanigans.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Thu 21, 2013 5:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Actually Stan, after the master bait & switchers, I have more respect for Cal Neva than many others that hire five Vice Presidents of Promotions.

Cal Neva is straight up with cheap prices, few choices & zero ambiance. The bartenders NEVER have charged me $ 7 for a bloody Mary THERE unlike the Siena that burned me for TWO of them once. The Siena.... that charged me $ 3 for a glass of tap water. I will have my revenge. Oh wait... I think I already did.

I repeat, "Any casino that'll cheat a customer out of $ 3 for a glass of water... will go WAY out of their way to cheat you at the Mini Bar, room reservations, your Visa card, a Keno Ticket or a craps roll".

Which reminds me... I need to dig out my Atlantis Bill for a rundown on THEIR junk fees. As I recall my advertised $ 47 room was about $ 67. They cheated on that vodka promotion too.
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Mar Thu 21, 2013 6:41 pm    Post subject: JDs Right on. Reply with quote

The neva is the best locals casino in Reno/Sparks. The food is good and
reasonably priced, you can play the games longer there than anywhere
else on the same money. Plus you see a lot of the Employees from
other casinos playing and eating there. That's a big plus. That says a lot!
And I'm not even a local! The older you get the finer the fine print gets!
Its not worth the hassle!
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