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The Bowl and Roll. And More Jackpots!

 
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Apr Tue 09, 2013 8:42 pm    Post subject: The Bowl and Roll. And More Jackpots! Reply with quote

Hi, hope everyone is doing well. Stoked that it's finally starting to get warm around here, although there was a mini snow-dump here yesterday - right after I dumped the remainder of my winter gear at the storage unit, go figure. At least in Mammoth, it was always cold, so this place has sure been an adventure trying to determine what the weather will be like tomorrow.

Let's see, I think my last posts were in JD's trip report, where I finally got the chance to meet him in person. Got some great pointers on how to score free drinks and other bar-type stuff, a few video poker lessons, and it was great seeing John after so many years too.

Oh, and speaking of JD - I just joined Yelp, and who was the first person I bumped into on there? JD! (JD - my handle there is FloridaSnowboarder R., just in case you were wondering who that rude soul was that jumped into your conversation! Haha!)

I mentioned previously that Photobucket revamped their system, and posting a bunch of pictures in succession is now more of a pain in the butt than it's been in the past, so:

(INSERT TEN BAZILLION BLAZING SEVENS $200 AND $300 HITS HERE!)

Ok, there. No more scrolling!

I'm having a blast with the Bowl and Roll promo at Harrah's each Friday and Saturday night. To say the least, it's a fun thing to just go watch. 90% of all called contestants, 25 each drawing, seem to be 3/4 tipsy.

Last weekend, I decided to give it a whirl and earn 25 tier credits between 3 and 5 pm. Went to the drawing at 6 pm on Friday night, and go figure, I was called as contestant #7! For having to clap around in a pair of size 14 shoes, and with a 15 pound ball being the only one available with my grip size, definitely no complaints. I didn't get the strike to advance to the craps table in an effort to produce the million dollar roll, but $75 in free play is better than nothing.

And oh, it was. I was able to utilize it in a Double machine a couple of hours later, push it a bit, and a few spins later, look what came out of it. Gotta admit, the jackpot bell needed a good, swift kick in the rump, but I took it anyway. $1,047.39!



(Click on the image to view the video clip.)

Played a bit here and there throughout the weekend, and as much as I really didn't want to leave, my three days at Harrah's were up. Checking the comp folder, looks like the only thing available in the lineup was…yup, you guessed it, the Grand Sierra Resort!

OK, a comp's a comp, and I won't question that, as many issues as I've had with the place, it had been a while since our last visit, so we packed up and walked on over from downtown. I made my reservation about an hour before we left like I usually do. I was secretly wondering what kind of new policy or rule they've come up with since our last visit, but decided to stay in suspense. Not sure if I mentioned it, but they were actually looking for a graphic designer in January in their marketing department. I got called in, had a total of 4 interviews plus a layout exam, got to meet everyone (gotta say that the crew that works in the back is tons better than the one that works in the front!), but, at the last minute, someone with previous graphic design experience directly in casino marketing-the one thing I'm lacking-got it. Probably better off!

Well, I had to go saying something. At the check-in line, I was greeted by the same nice lady that always checks me in (stressing the ONLY nice lady at the check-in desk!) Then, the bad news unfortunately came out - something on the order of, "Sorry sir, we know you are a loyal guest and stay here quite often, but we have a new policy and are no longer allowing German Shepherds and other MEAN BREEDS on our property."

Yes, just like that. Word for word. MEAN BREEDS.

Like the outrageous deposits, specialized foo-foo dog leashes, extremely retarded customer service, and all the other things that have emerged from the "Cesspool on 2nd Street" haven't been bad enough over the past year, now the GSR isn't allowing MEAN BREEDS! What about all the Yorkies and Dachshunds and such that I see running around there 24/7, usually with no leashes at all? Maybe THEY are contributing to the problem somewhat? I wonder if they too will get placed in the MEAN BREED category when someone gets bit...

No matter. I couldn't do anything but grab Tessa and shout five words at them: "DON'T CHARGE MY DEBIT CARD!!!!!!!"

Well, since we were already on that side of town, and my cheap Wal-Mart suitcase's wheels were on the verge of giving out again (God bless Wal-Mart and their unlimited returns!) we had to find somewhere to stay. Quick. Then, I looked up in the sky and saw the towers at the John Ascuaga's Nugget. I figured, what the hell, why not give it a try? I was in their casino for the first time ever just back in February, and I kind of liked it. Older, seedier, and three kiosks of Blazing Sevens machines! Looked through the comp collection and it turns out I had an offer code for two free nights, so I was on the phone booking - in the parking lot at the GSR!

I remembered someone here mentioned that there isn't enough coverage of the Nugget and the Sparks casinos on this board, so here we go:

When we arrived, I was expecting to have to stay in the Courtyard area, since it was the only room type on their site that seemed to allow dogs. However, I was pretty surprised when I was given a room in the West Tower - I think they've expanded the lineup recently and are now allowing pets to stay on floors 3 and 4. I'm not sure if it was just their standard room size or if I might have possibly gotten upgraded to a mini-suite or something, but the room was HUGE, complete with a small sofa and coffee table in addition to the mainstream table and chairs. My MEAN ASS DOG was really happy!

I found out along the way that the West Tower is now the older one, and a lot of people complain about the old-skool decor. For some reason, that little bit of velour and hippie flowered wallpaper and carpeting gave me a flashback of the old Peppermill. Classic!



No major wins in the casino, but did get back what I put in with a few bonuses of $200 and $300 hits.

I think the best feature of the Nugget is most definitely their indoor atrium pool area. It has windows in the roof that slide open to let sunlight in, it's not completely overcrowded with children, and the pool attendants make absolutely certain no one under 13 is in the hot tub. The chlorine levels in the water are very high, but that's a good sign they're keeping it sanitized properly. In addition to the hot tub, there's a huge heated swimming pool with waterfalls, and about 8-10 little "micro pools" flanking both sides. I happened to notice there's a few swim lane markers in the pool, and I found out it's only open to the lappers from 6-7 am. Good knowing.

This was a Wednesday, so it was time to mosey back over to the GSR for my free weekly Wednesday night buffet and $15 daily free play. I vow, from this point forward, to utilize my goodies and rob the place blind! A 300 credit hit was generated on a quarter machine, another 300 hit on a dollar machine, then, I switched over to the one with the highest jackpot meter - coincidentally, the same one John, JD and I each pooled $20 in when JD was in town.

Good thing I did, because within a few spins, I heard my song again. $1044! It finally hit, guys!



(Click on the image to view the video clip.)

Thanks for the big tip, GSR! After all, we travelled to your atrocious digs some two miles across town on foot, only to get denied. Karma's a bitch, yeah?

Went back to the Nugget. No major wins and started to lose a bit, so went to check out Rosie's Café to see if their Awful Awful burger was any different than the one downtown. I didn't see any major differences, the only one being that the Sparks Nugget's fries aren't coated with parsley flakes like the location downtown's are. Either way, one thing's for sure: there's NOTHING awful about the Awful Awful!



Next night, got a chance to check out the Rotisserie Buffet. I think it was the only buffet I've ever been to in this area that actually has tablecloths and a slightly upscale feel to it. Everything was great. The theme night was Mexican food, and although there wasn't quite as big a selection of meats and other dishes in comparison to some other places in town, definitely no complaints. I was blown away at the dessert selection - there must've been between 8-10 different whole pies on display that the attendant was cutting to order.

Next afternoon, it was back downtown to Harrah's. I forgot that we had travelled so far to get to the Nugget to begin with, so let's just say the trip back downtown was fondly dubbed, "The Grand Hike Down Second Street (skipping over that lame property with the name GRAND in it along the way!)"

It was 3 pm by the time we arrived, so I immediately played a bit to earn my tier credits for the Bowl and Roll. Actually scored a $200 and $300 hit along the way.

Enter 6 pm, where everyone was assembled and the commentator started calling the names. I guess lightning struck twice, because I got called again - this time as contestant #17! Got a chance to snap a photo of the $75 free play prize certificate and the beautiful assistants working there, assisting the bowlers with their shoes and ball selection. Fortunately, I got a correctly sized shoe this round, in addition to my mainstream 16 pound ball. Missed a strike by the 7 pin only, but 9's better than 8!





Later on, I went over to the Eldorado to slide my card at the Treasures kiosk. Played a couple of random machines, and just when I least expected it, about $200 in, I hit another jackpot - $1,154! I was cracking up, because a loudspeaker kept blaring off a list of names of those tardy for their 1 2 Blind No Limit Hold 'Em round. I was like, "Come on, Jerry, Judy, Steve, Lou, Art, Song, and Rick - don't be afraid, go play!" (I've always wondered how many people don't show up for those things, and if other players are called in their absence, just like it is at the promos?)



(Click on the image to view the video clip.)

At about 2 am the next morning, I jumped on another Double machine, and hit it for $1,012 after just a few spins in. Unfortunately, my iPhone died upon entering video mode, but I was at least able to snap a photo.



Jeez, four jackpots in less than 72 hours…the April showers can keep right on coming! I need more runs like this for sure. The tax man cometh soon, so this was much needed. Still waiting on the final win/loss paperwork to come in, but I'm still about 99% sure I came out ahead last year and might actually get a refund. Time will tell. Meanwhile, getting geared up for the $20,000 Gold Slot Tournament at the Eldorado this upcoming weekend. Hoping for more showers. Monsoons, for God's sake!

Until next time,
Mammothgambler
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john
Site Admin


Joined: 17 Dec 2005
Posts: 1181

PostPosted: Apr Wed 10, 2013 5:41 am    Post subject: Back in the saddle Reply with quote

Well, jeez, MG. I think you have found your life calling. You don't need no stinking job as long as you have $3 to stuff into a Blasted 7's machine. Keep up the good work.
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Apr Wed 10, 2013 1:17 pm    Post subject: Those skirts were a definite "Strike" Reply with quote

John, you should probably make a separate section on the board just for MammothGambler; it can be called "Life Reports", now that they're no longer "trips".

Mammoth, great job, as always, but I must say that this time around, your best photography efforts were clearly at the bowling thingy - could we please have a few (dozen) more of that subject material, with closeups if possible???
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Apr Wed 10, 2013 2:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Right on!

John, I'm now wondering why Bally didn't call them Blasted 7s to begin with. The story I got was that the "Blazing" part indicated it was a "hot" machine, but they're not always hot, so I'm liking Blasted better. Or maybe a combination of both, for the good and the bad - Blasted Blazing 7s?

stan_allen, well currently, I have only one other shot from a couple weeks ago that I think I might of posted elsewhere, but if not, here it is. I'm thinking they should make that promo permanent instead of ending in the summer. It's the most packed I've seen that area of Harrah's in years and I think it's the most creative I've seen on the block - most of these other promos are just a spinoff from the Wheel of Fortune (no pun intended!) or the Price is Right. Regarding the "trips", I think maybe in my case, it should be "Local Tourist Reports" - so saying because I have the Harrah's hotel star logo embedded in my left eye, and the big red 6 of the Motel6's logo in my right. Jeez, the hotel/motel life...

Mammothgambler

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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Apr Wed 10, 2013 3:42 pm    Post subject: VOTE Reply with quote

John: We need a pole dancing poll.

Red skirt or Blue skirt?

More bowler babe pics, Mammoth. But next time they pic YOU, tell them you need THEIR ID and phone number... "Here's something to write on, oh....THE ONLY PAPER I HAVE ARE THESE 35 W-2Gs. Go ahead and take one, I have more than I need"
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remano



Joined: 20 Dec 2005
Posts: 717

PostPosted: Apr Wed 10, 2013 4:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mammoth,

Thanks for the update. Interesting reading.

Regarding the "mean dog" issue, it's an insurance thing. Certain breeds have a higher incidence of bite claims, and more serious injuries, than other breeds in general so the insurance companies won't cover them. The most commonly excluded breeds are German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls and Dobermans. That doesn't mean that individual dogs of those breeds can't be real sweethearts, but it's a numbers game and insurance companies are like casinos - they make the rules so that the odds favor themselves in the long run.

Looking forward to your next report.
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Apr Wed 10, 2013 5:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Remano, hope all is well! Yah, I understand that it's all about insurance, and I wasn't necessarily offended by that - German Shepherds are in the list for many corporate-owned apartment complexes too, and I've dealt with that a few times over the years, between Tessa and my old Shepherd (who was much longer and taller!). Prime example is here in town - I've only found about 3 corporate owned properties that will even take that breed, period! (I'll most likely investigate them again once the full timer arrives).

What irked me the most is that once again, kind of like everything else they've done and all the rules they've changed over there on a daily basis, they don't tell you any of this information on the phone, or on their website, or even on a sign in the lobby for that matter. I found out about this, the $25 dog leash deposit, the mandatory $25 charge to pre-book a reservation, the mandatory $50 per night deposit, etc., all while standing in the check-in line during various visits - and it's never the same thing twice, despite the fact it's these same people I've talked to and dealt with each visit. Had I known ahead of time, I obviously would have prepared accordingly. Not to mention these policies seem to just pop up outta the woodwork - we had been there not even two weeks prior, which I believe was the only visit I encountered there ever where there were no "surprises." I hope they get it someday. Things like this can get challenging in situations like mine, because being without a car, there's not even a place to leave Tessa for a minute or two (although the "hey, she's a service animal!" line has worked quite well in Super WalMart, McDonalds, restrooms, and a couple of other places around here - gotta do what you gotta do!)

Oh well, off to the FREE Elements buffet, and $20 of free play today. I even inquired at one point if they could consolidate all the free play for usage in two week increments, as it was before I moved here, instead of having to go over there six days each week to use it, and of course got a no. The strangest place in the world, they are...but at least I'm still getting perks!

Mammothgambler
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: May Wed 22, 2013 7:30 pm    Post subject: Mammoth! Where you this weekend?? Reply with quote

Did you see your competition this weekend at the Eldo?
My neighbor down the street was at their Tourn, and
she plays Flaming 7s, she hit the bank down stairs 8 times
and the one up stairs once. She said she never had to
put more than 1 C note in any of them. Were you sleeping
how did you miss all that action? Left 16K up!
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mjames1229



Joined: 23 Dec 2009
Posts: 406

PostPosted: May Wed 22, 2013 8:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I did hit this at the Silver Legacy on May 12. The best part? It was a free $10 match play coupon for checking in at the National Bowling Stadium. I turned the FP into about $40 on one particular machine, then got ballsy at the Blazin' 7s...

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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: May Wed 22, 2013 9:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow, congrats everyone!

Spdmrcht, yes, I was at the Bon Voyage tournament, but like the case usually is, I didn't get SQUAT! But yes, the Eldo is a good place to play the Blazing 7s. Those banks firing, both upstairs and down, was the prerequisite to this particular run if I recall correctly, seems like there was at least a $200-$300 hit on each one before the top jackpots turned on at Harrah's. Right now, at this very moment, there's a quarter model at Harrah's with a jackpot looming at $833 - meaning someone dropped a TON of money in it because the quarter models reset at $375 and hardly ever get that high - might hafta jump on it a bit later to see if this week's free play can get me anywhere!

Mjames - congrats on the win! I'm noticing that this particular machine has a blue face though, and the LED screen is making a reference to Xtra Play credit and a Crazy Money jackpot, which are all at the Atlantis. The Blazing 7s machines at the Silver Legacy are the slightly newer ones with the wider-format 7s, unless there's a new machine or two kicking around there that I don't know about, but I've pretty much stopped playing there so don't really know. Cal Neva, Harrah's and Eldorado all the way are my current scene downtown.

Mammothgambler
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dfens



Joined: 19 Jul 2012
Posts: 59

PostPosted: May Sat 25, 2013 4:18 pm    Post subject: good job! Reply with quote

Good job on the blazing 7's! All your jackpot photos gets me itching to play them too!

I'm starting to get some Harrah's free room offers. How does Harrah's comp rooms compare to the others in the area? I'm also assuming you're getting comped with the base rooms... but then again with all your play I wouldn't be surprised if you're getting some deluxe rooms/suites!
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: May Sat 25, 2013 9:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Dfens, great to see you! Unfortunately no further major luck with the Blazing 7s these past few weeks, and those four jackpots in this trip report wound up going straight to the IRS (the casinos put me WAY ahead last year after all was said and done, but there weren't enough losses to offset the win taxes+unemployment compensation+1099s and I had to give Uncle Sam close to $3000, so seeing if the daily free play can bring any further miracles moving forward!)

Regarding Harrah's Total Rewards, they've been the biggest mystery known to man as long as I've been with them. I was always getting at least two free weekday nites+free play even as a Gold member, which got increased to three free nites any day of the week with no coupon/offer code needed when I hit Platinum, then Diamond (where they also started kicking down gifts, free slot tournaments, show tickets, etc.) Having the pet rooms being totally free in the end has been the best deal yet, because they are usually double priced. In Reno, all offers thus far have been in either tower, but the pet rooms are only on the 4th floor of the east tower, so that's been our spot. I recall seeing one option for a free mini suite upgrade early last summer, but I think the suites in Reno are reserved for the Seven Stars people-I have yet to see them advertised and everything's kind of hidden.

I checked once for Vegas and it looks like there are more options, including staying up to 5 days comped at a time 7 days a week at different properties (they put Rio, Planet Hollywood and The Quad in the mix), but the three day max rule is the best you can get in Reno and Tahoe right now.

Good news is they've revamped the Total Rewards system, and are now offering more multiplier days and more tier credit offers than ever. I'll probably never make it to Seven Stars unless I get an invitation, but just rolled over the 15,000 tier credits to maintain Diamond Status until March 2015! There are also now three different levels of Diamond Status, and also an improved Total Rewards Visa Card (which is gonna be the first thing in the lineup, if I ever find a job!)

The best thing has been the Reno Local's Club. 25% off all food if it's not already comped (at this point, the Hash House tractor logo is permanently embedded in my eyes!) and FREE access to the health club, which I discovered by pure accident just a few weeks ago...man, that sauna and steam room would've come in major handy throughout this past winter, but better late than never, right?

Mammothgambler
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