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Best Reno casino for comps
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salemgambler



Joined: 12 Aug 2015
Posts: 35

PostPosted: Nov Wed 18, 2015 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks JD.
I love your perspective of what Reno is all about.
Incidentally.............where would you go for fun, drinks and debauchery if you were single, a senior with a dab of testosterone still?
If this is inappropriate please excuse me.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Nov Wed 18, 2015 9:08 pm    Post subject: Seasoned not Senior Reply with quote

Well as it happens, Salem....I too am a "seasoned citizen"...and often single.

What I like, is not what everyone likes. Not even what MOST do. But I usually am able to entertain myself...at a reasonable cost.

I do not play the sluts...I mean the SLOTS. Well, except when John (our leader on this board) makes me. I prefer video poker at the bar. I used to play table craps which is a very social game but can be financially depleting in short order. Now I like the machine craps and found that has the potential to, "PUSH THE BUTTON" (inside joke).

But for social life, I've found music and alcohol are often a successful mix.

Peppermill no longer has bands at the cabaret bar and while the band at the pool sucked on my last trip, ... the bar top VP paid well even if I had to take $ 500 in twenties.

Atlantis usually has an early and a late band ...usually OK but sometimes hard to pick your "neighbor". Speaking of picking (up) ...the " I have more meal comps than I can use and they expire soon...." to be a non threatening " hello ". So is, "So you're a licensed masseuse"?

If you're up to hanging with the college kids... well, they often hang at Siris. Local drunks at The little Nugget.

I was NOT kidding about karaoke on SOME nights at Cal Neva. Sometimes the bar is full of non VP players but that's where those tips will get the bartender to get you a machine . THAT is always (in MY opinion) a FUN CROWD.

And as the night goes on...well, nice to have a room nearby....for several reasons. YOU will be the most sober person there.... which can be entertaining. And sometimes the quality of the singing will shock you.

Sometimes there's either a one man band or small combo at the Silver Baron bar in SL. And I never had much luck at the Eldo but the bartenders always treat me well.

I used to have other favorites but they all went outta business. I am in search of where a few cocktail waitresses ended up as I KNOW what's in their underwear drawer. (inside joke)

Any more info will cost two beers. So next time you're in the Portland area, drop me a private message a day or two in advance. I'm in SW near the Tigard exit.
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Nov Thu 19, 2015 4:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the responses!

Does anyone have experience getting back-end comps after the stay? While I have been to the SL/ElDo before, I didn't do nearly enough gambling to generate room offers, although this trip will definitely be more gambling-centered. I am actually leaning towards ElDo due to their higher VP paytables (according to vpfree2). I contacted them to see if they could match my Harrah's offer, to which they informed me that they do not match competitor offers.

Also, I am a huge fan of dive casinos. Last time I was in Reno I hit up the CalNeva beer and hot dog $3.50 special probably 4-5 times. The only thing I didn't care for was attracting a lot of attention with pretty minimal max bets ($20). I actually thought about renting a car one day to go check out some lesser known local joints.
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Jan Mon 04, 2016 5:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just a quick update... so Black Friday came and went, and somehow the 40% off room rates (still $50 + taxes and fees) didn't allure me. Keep in mind, my alternative for my 3 night mid-week stay was a comped room at Harrah's for only $40 in resort fees.

I kept reading online that the downtown Reno casinos are empty in the dead of winter and I should be able to find near-free rates. Sure enough, I got an e-mail a few days ago for a $25 first night, second night free offer through ElDo. The full trip is Wednesday/Thursday at ElDo, then Fri-Mon at The Sands (host site for tournament), for a much needed 5 night stay in Reno!

Another thing that was kind of interesting is Caesars algorithm that supposedly figures out when rooms should be free. I previously had 3 free nights at Harrah's Monday - Wednesday. I cancel my reservation, and now Harrah's is $40/night, but Harvey's is free. I also checked Atlantic City for June, and Caesars Palace is comped up to 4 nights. Caesars! 4 nights!
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Jan Thu 28, 2016 4:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

IOWActuary wrote:
Just a quick update... so Black Friday came and went, and somehow the 40% off room rates (still $50 + taxes and fees) didn't allure me. Keep in mind, my alternative for my 3 night mid-week stay was a comped room at Harrah's for only $40 in resort fees.

I kept reading online that the downtown Reno casinos are empty in the dead of winter and I should be able to find near-free rates. Sure enough, I got an e-mail a few days ago for a $25 first night, second night free offer through ElDo. The full trip is Wednesday/Thursday at ElDo, then Fri-Mon at The Sands (host site for tournament), for a much needed 5 night stay in Reno!

Another thing that was kind of interesting is Caesars algorithm that supposedly figures out when rooms should be free. I previously had 3 free nights at Harrah's Monday - Wednesday. I cancel my reservation, and now Harrah's is $40/night, but Harvey's is free. I also checked Atlantic City for June, and Caesars Palace is comped up to 4 nights. Caesars! 4 nights!


One nice thing about the Peppermill, when staying on a comp, you don't pay the resort fees.
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JSR1968



Joined: 18 Jan 2011
Posts: 65

PostPosted: Jan Fri 29, 2016 9:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

IOWActuary wrote:

I have 3 free nights at Harrah's in February (not including resort fees). The thing is, I will be doing all of my gambling at either Silver Legacy or Eldorado, and am not thrilled about having to walk down the street to a lesser room. Any idea if they comp rooms in retrospect at SL/ElDo, and how much gaming it would take?


I'm definitely not trying to argue but the "walk" is two blocks TOPS!

Once you get to the Eldorado door at 3rd and Virginia its all indoors.
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Jan Fri 29, 2016 12:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

We started playing in the SL of and on and started getting free room offers shortly afterward, and they don't charge the (resort fee) harrahs charges and the Rooms are alot nicer and have plenty of eating places.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Aug Tue 23, 2016 1:52 pm    Post subject: BEST COMPS Reply with quote

I could have tacked this comment onto Swede's "Boomtown" posting...but I thought this might be a better spot.

Years ago, I was a bit of a regular at Boomtown. Then, for years as a regular at Siena, I forgot all about them, Well, they are back on my radar now that Siena as I knew it is no more.

I got BACK on Boomtown's list when Bourbon Street (former Silver Club) in Sparks died. Apparently Bourbon Street's customer list was included in a deal when they hired some of Bourbon's former employees.

I JUST GOT my September flyer from Boomtown and for the amount I've played....they offer me by far and away the BEST comps per dollars wagered. That's why this is posted in "Best Comps" comments.

I've stayed twice at Boomtown in the past year. And played some VP at the Guitar Bar (great local two piece band, "ROCK RIVER) but nothing even close to the amount of play I've done at Silver Legacy.

And HERE is what I'm offered in SEPT at Boomtown:

1. $15 freeplay EACH DAY Monday - Thursday with $ 30 EVERY FRIDAY
2. Free Car wash
3. 15 cents/gallon off fuel
4. THREE free nights (NOT a Sun-Thurs as many)
5. $ 15 food credit
6. $ 17 towards Lobster night
7. 20% off Steakhouse
8. Two free concert tickets (Dana Carter Sept 16th only)
9. $ 30 Match Play craps or BJ

Now THAT is a pretty good comp package for the amount I played.

In the past I've gotten better offers, but only with a LOT MORE play.

So when I do my upcoming Eldo Italian Festival trip report (maybe late Sept. to Oct 10) ... expect more stories (if adequate requests made) on BOOMTOWN.

If I play the timing exactly right, I can score a similar deal thru the first few days in OCTOBER. But I hate coming home after two weeks in Reno De Genero only to find a super offer in my mail box at HOME.
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salemgambler



Joined: 12 Aug 2015
Posts: 35

PostPosted: Aug Tue 23, 2016 2:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

JD,
I'm envious. That will make me go to Boomtown from now on.
Thanks.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Aug Tue 23, 2016 4:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Did I forget the downside?


It's 7 miles out of town. And the drive is shared with morons doing 80 mph....a real thrill ride if you just spent a few hours downtown.

In the winter, those 7 miles uphill means Boomtown is where you may need to put on tire chains.
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: Aug Tue 23, 2016 6:36 pm    Post subject: ditto here Reply with quote

It looks like I got the same offer.
--"
Now THAT is a pretty good comp package for the amount I played. "--

Agreed. Now THAT is very good offer for not having been in the place in 3 years.

No downside for me as I come into town on I-80 and it is --on the way to Reno. Or it is on the way home.

Note: That section is a huge speed trap for the California people anxious to lose their money in Reno. It is downhill and many people surpass the 80 mph threshold. The NHP is parked there ready to increase the cash flow for the state of Nevada.
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Aug Fri 26, 2016 12:46 pm    Post subject: Beware the speed traps! Reply with quote

Swede's got that right - I've seen it with three separate speed traps on that last ten miles, the minute the border change occurs - patience, people! You're so close...don't let 'em end your ride before it starts!

JD, enjoy the offers; we will pestering you for trip-report details as they unfold...
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luckydog



Joined: 15 Oct 2016
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Oct Sun 16, 2016 12:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Greetings, I just discovered this site today, and am excited to share my experiences and learn from yours.

I am from Bend, Oregon, and over the past 6 years I have averaged 10 trips to Reno per year. I drive, about a 6.5 hour drive most of the time. I do some fishing in private ponds off of Red Rock road, and, of course, gamble.

Until this year, I was 100% an Atlantis lover. Stayed there every trip, usually three nights. This year, they have been removing some of my favorite slots, Sons of Anarchy, WW 3, The Walking Dead, Lightning Link, etc. and have been slow to get some of my new favorites, Buffalo Grand, Walking Dead 2, Lightning Link, and earlier this year, I started looking around, and found those at Silver Legacy. My last two trips I have split my time between Atlantis and Silver Legacy, and expect I will be staying at Silver Legacy most of the time going forward.

Here are my experiences as far as comps at some of the casinos in Reno.

Atlantis: I am offered three free nights, and 50 dollars of free play every month. I have been getting this offer for more than 5 years, and it does not change. I also get additional offers for free nights for concerts, slot tournaments, etc. Entry fees for tournaments are always waived, and I usually am offered two free tickets to whatever the attraction is.

I have probably played at close to 100 casinos over the past 10 years, and until recently, the comps earned from play were the best anywhere. This year, it appears to me that the rate at which comp points are earned has been reduced, but I cannot document that. They have also reduced the number of multiplier days. One thing that I find weird, even when I book a three day trip, I have to play my free play in the first 24 hours when I swipe my card.

I enjoy the live music on the stage, but there is a wide variance in how good they are, and the sound system is poor, unless you sit right in front of the stage. A band plays every night. The selection fo restaurants is excellent, with lots of variety and choices. I would say it is more of an older person's casino, not really a happening type of place, and can be pretty quiet late at night on weeknights and even some weekends.

The hotel staff, valets and bell service are outstanding, the rest of the staff i would rate from good to excellent. Rooms are very nice, and well maintained. I don't drink alcohol, so no help with the quality of drinks, sodas are week most of the time. Drink service is spotty at times.

This is still one of my favorite casinos, but the changes to the slot floor have caused me to look around.

Silver Legacy:

SL is in the process of becoming my favorite casino. They are in the process of merging the comp program at all three casinos they own downtown, SL, Eldorado and Circus Circus. Once that is completed, this will be my go to casino in Reno, but it is taking FOREVER. Currently, play at the three casinos requires a separate card, and comps are earned separately. That is not the best way to build comp points.

The three casinos attract a much younger, more diverse and more interesting crowd than the Atlantis, especially on the second floor, where most of the restaurants are. much more interesting place to people watch. I have not yet visited most of the restaurants, but there appears to be plenty of variety between the three.

Comps: I have stayed there three times this year, twice was one night and one trip was two nights. I have played there on three or four additional days, and probably averaged four-five hours of play each day at an average bet of 1 to 2 dollars. 100% penny slots. Here is my current offer for October: Three free nights, no restrictions on weekend nights, 40 dollars of free play, and 125 dollar resort credit.

I earn points slower than at the Atantis, but starting out with 125.00 for the month means I end up with higher comps. The biggest difference in earning comp dollars from play is they don't seem to have multiplier days, which is a big advantage for the Atlantis. I am starting to get offers for free entry to slot tournaments and entertainment, which include additional free nights, but have not taken advantage of that yet. Just this week I got offers for free tickets to Adam Carolla, Bill Engvall and Rodney Carrington.

I would rate the staff as not as helpful as the Atlantis, particularly at the players club. The system they use for using your comp points for meals is also poor, you stand at the cash register, hand them your card, and verbally give them your pin number, with most times, people standing there who hear the entire conversation. This is the only casino I have ever been to where you had to give out your pin number to use your comp points.

Both SL and the Atlantis offer a far better experience, in my opinion, than any of the casinos in Vegas, the Indian Casinos in oregon and California, and other casinos I have visited in Oklahoma, Idaho, Washington and Colorado. I expect I will continue to split my play between the two, with the majority going to SL going forward.

I will post some thoughts on the other Reno casinos I have visited tomorrow.

Luckydog
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Oct Mon 17, 2016 2:47 pm    Post subject: Re-yes or Re-no? Reply with quote

Welcome! We feast eagerly on the tiniest details of Reno gaming - thanks for sharing!
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Oct Tue 18, 2016 3:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome Lucky Dog!

Thanks for the input.

I have been staying and playing at the Peppermill all my years now in reno, minus the first few years. The Peppermill has always treated us well. It seems though the free play has gone down. This past trip i played the same as my last trip and my free play went for $250 to $100. I am a Platinum Member at the Pep.

We did manage this trip to Visit the Silver Legacy. I was only there a couple hours and was suprised how fast the comps racked up on my card. I had like $45.00 I know i made it to the second tier. So do you know if they will be combining the players club between the casinos? I know we had asked about using or comps at one of the other properties (eldorado) and was told that if we were staying at the Eldorado we can charge it to our room then pay with comps. Other wise, we could not. So Im curious what is coming down the road. I have been getting offers for 2 free nights, Sun-Thurs, and some free show tickets.

We also went to the Atlantis. I liked the casino but not the layout. Also the comps seemed to acrue really slow there. They have been sending me some offers for free rooms though.
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