Visitreno

[CaSwede]

I have a hard time finding something to buy for my oldest daughter's Christmas, so I told her I would take her to Reno. She loves those penny machines. So, we headed to Reno on Wednesday and made our first night at Boomtown. I had a few coupons and offers, so the room was free, I got $20 in cash and our two meals were free also. The rooms at this place are really very nice. The casino has some great video poker which is what I like. However, Boomtown was really dead. I hope they make it. They certainly will not with the business they were doing on Wednesday night. I noticed at about 10 PM there was one person playing blackjack. That was all the action at the table games. When I finished playing for the night at about 11:30 PM the casino players could be counted on one hand. My daughter and I did pretty well playing and came out a little ahead at Boomtown. Good luck Boomtown!

Last November I made a trip to Laughlin and earned a bunch of Macy's gift cards. I knew the Reno Macy's was very close to the Peppermill, so I thought I could use them there. I was given a list of four items to purchase. I hate shopping and have not been in a mall in years, so this was a big leap for me. We found Macy's O. K. and went to find the first item on the list- a queen size sheet set with deep pockets. Wow, what a selection I found! Different sizes, shapes, designs, colors, thread counts and a wide range of prices. I asked a woman working in that department exactly what was written on the paper- queen size sheet set with deep pockets. She said " Is that a 15 inch?" Me "Ahhhhh........I don't know" She then told me that they were having a big sale starting next Wednesday and she could ring up a purchase now and pick up my items on Wednesday to get the sale prices. Well, that won't work at all as I am heading home Friday. So- to make a long story short, I left Macy's without making a single purchase. Did I say I hate shopping?

So we headed over to the Peppermill, and were able to check in about noon. My daughter had an offer for two free nights in the tower and $40 in free play. My offer was for four free nights in the Tuscany tower and $125 in free play. We used my daughter's offer, as I am not much into fancy rooms and actually prefer the tower over the Tuscany tower. We spent the whole day playing the machines, and did not have much luck. The free play was gone in short order, and it seemed my money was going the same way. They have some great video poker paytables at the Peppermill. I can control what games I play, but I can't control luck.

I saw a big line at the Mr. Money's challenge, so I swiped my card and found I had 5 entries. I did run the five games and the attendant said I did very well and would earn at least $50 in free play. The trouble was the free play was not available until tomorrow, and was good only tomorrow. I also printed out a $10 match play- won my bet on red at the roulette wheel for a $20 profit.

Friday morning we checked out of the room, and I went to check on my free play winnings. No free play, so I checked at the information booth and found out it was not good till 11 AM. I also found out that I had won $100 in free play. I wanted to get home, but we stuck around and waited for the free play to be posted on my card. At 11 AM my $100 in free play was posted, so I decided to play it on a quarter Jacks or better game (99% game). I would run the free play through, cash out and leave. I only cashed out with $68.75 - a very poor return, but that seemed to be how my luck went at the Peppermill.

That is about the trip. We had a great time, but despite my $225.00 in free play and playing all 99%+ games I still came out short a few hundred dollars. My daughter also came out on the short end, but had a great time. Not all trips can be winning trips. Also, my daughter kept getting stopped and asking her age. This happened at least 6 times. She is 33- must get her youthful looks from her dad.

[stan_allen]

Well, thanks for giving it the college try, and posting your report!

A night in Reno is almost always better than a night elsewhere - only thing better would be a win, but we can't have 'em all the time.

[john]

Good report, Swede. Too bad you didn't do better at the machines. Of course, if we all won all the time, Reno would have to shut its doors. I'm proud to help keep them open.

[Dave]

Great Report Swede. Sure sounds like fun.
Thanks for taking the time to post!

Dave

[BC Dave]

I didn't do well at the Pep last time either. But, as John says, at least you have the satifaction of helping the Casino stay open. As for shopping at Macy's ... I'd rather shop at Ross. A bed sheet, tee shirt and runners for $25. (well close to that anyway)

[LilyJDragonfly]

At one point, I seem to recall that Macy's was really a prime department store with top-notch brands and service... now, if you go there and pay "sticker" for anything, you're a chump as they discount everything at least every other week. They're quickly becoming the Kmart of the Mall. Good on you for just giving up and leaving. I often do that myself when trying to shop. In fact, I'd much rather gamble than shop...

When shopping, you have to stop shopping to go get a drink or enjoy some tasty tobacco... not so with gambling! And with gambling you have the potential to double your money... not so with shopping!