Cost Cutting Suggestions for Your Casino Vacation

Just as the economy seemed to be improving and many of us were starting to feel some relief from the money pinch of the last few years, the price of gasoline skyrocketed forcing us to reevaluate our budgets again to make up for higher fuel prices. This is coming at a time when many of us are planning our yearly vacations and will have an effect on our travel plans.

In the past I have shared some tips for stretching your dollars during your casino visits and I have been looking for some new ways that you might find helpful.

Transportation

If you have to fly to your casino destination, airfare will probably be one of your biggest expenses. You can save money on your flight by booking it yourself using one of the online discount websites. You can also save quite a few dollars if you can be flexible with the day and time that you fly. Early morning flights are usually more expensive than afternoon and evening flights. Flying on weekends or holidays can also be more costly. When you get ready to book your flight, make sure to compare different days and times of the flights. If you can be flexible in your travel plans, you may be able to save a considerable amount of money.

If you drive to the casino, you can save money by carpooling. Instead of meeting your friends at the casino, if possible, you should meet at a location close to where you all live and drive together. My friends and I will take turns driving or split the price of the gas. Some casinos offer shuttle busses and you may find it is cheaper in the long run to take the bus.

Hotels

Booking a room at the casino during the week will be less costly than on the weekend. It's a matter of supply and demand; rooms are at a premium on the weekends. If you belong to the casino's players club you should call and talk to a host. You may be able to get a comped room or a discounted casino rate. Don't forget to check out the casino's website for any deals and promotions they may be having. Many casinos offer discounts that can only be found online.

Package Deals

A vacation package plan combines a casino room and airfare to give you savings on both. These packages sometimes include shows and other discounts to give you more savings. In many cases you will be able to pick up a package for the price you would pay for airfare alone. A little shopping around can save you a lot of money on your trip.

Valet Parking

I recently spent five days at the casino and I found it was more convenient to valet park than use the parking garage. During my stay I was going in and out several times a day to do other things. I always tipped the valet (as you should) each time I got my car. At the end of the trip I figured out that it had cost me an additional $30 during my stay that I could have saved if I had parked the car myself.

Dining

Dining at the casino can be expensive if you always eat at the higher end restaurants. One way to save money is to choose dining options that are less expensive. Instead of the steakhouse, try the café or choose the buffet or food court. If you are going to the casino for a day trip, you might want to have a big breakfast at home before you go and then you can get through the day with a light lunch. If you are going for the evening it will be less expensive to have your dinner at home before you go.

When You Play

The easiest way to save money when you gamble is to lower the denomination of the games you play. Instead of playing the dollar slot machines, drop down to a quarter machines. If you play quarter machines, go to nickels.

When you play the slots, you want to get the most entertainment as possible for your money and reducing the number of lines you play can help you achieve this. Unless you are playing a progressive machine, there is no reason to play the maximum coins on every available line. If you choose to play all of the lines without trying for the progressive jackpot, then you should play a single credit on each line.

If you are getting ready to leave, avoid playing off your credits because it is more convenient than cashing out and taking your ticket to the redemption machine. Like the valet parking, a dollar here or there can add up.

Play one machine at a time. Playing more than one machine just gives you more exposure to the house edge. In the long run you will lose your money faster and shorten your playing time.

Join the Club

Room discounts are not the only reason to join the players club. Some casinos offer cash back, discount dining and other promotions to members of their players club. Make sure to use you card every time you play. Two or three times a week my mailbox contains offers from various casinos. I have also been receiving some offers from casinos I have not visited in a few years. They must be mining the database from their players clubs for anyone who previously signed up for a card. I've received offers for free nights at some luxurious casinos where I have not given them enough play to rate a free buffet let alone three free nights in mini-suite.

Shop Around

There are many special deals offered by different airlines and casinos and Internet websites. Spending a little time doing some research can save you a lot of money on your next casino trip.

Until next time remember:
Luck comes and goes.....Knowledge Stays Forever.