Ask The Slot Expert

Dear John,

Can you tell me where I can play the WMS Gaming Machine "Stroke of Luck" in Reno? I have played this machine in Vegas at the Mandalay Bay and would love to play it this weekend in Reno. Thanks!! :-)

Best regards,
Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth:

The WMS Gaming web site (www.wmsgaming.com) does not list which casinos have which of their machines. You can try calling their headquarters in Chicago (800-932-3021) or their office in Reno (775-827-6617). Someone in sales or public relations should be able to answer your question. You can also try calling the casinos and asking them if they have Stroke of Luck.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos!
John

Dear John,

Do you know what happened to the comps at Bellagio?

For the last two years we have been getting very nice offers from Bellagio. We have taken them up on these offers a couple of times and on each visit we received additional comps, so I know that they were pleased with our level of play. We love the property and we not only gamble there, we have eaten at each of the resteraunts.

Since the MGM buyout....nothing. Is this a change in policy? Should I look for another hotel? What would you suggest? What have you heard?

I haven't called our slot host yet, but in the meantime I'm curious about what changes MGM may be inflicting on it customers.

Thanks,
Bill

Dear Bill:

I have heard rumors that MGM tightened up the comps at Bellagio and the other Mirage properties, but I received a very good offer from Treasure Island after the merger and Frank hasn't seen any difference in his level of comps. Since you have a host at Bellagio, give him or her a call and ask about the mailings.

Choosing a new home base in Las Vegas is a rough process. I had to do it last year because I used to always stay at the Desert Inn, and that's not an option anymore. The DI was in the process of making their video poker inventory less desirable, so I might have had to decide whether I still wanted to stay there even though I didn't like their video poker had they remained open.

Comp policies change all the time. I wouldn't start looking for a new hotel unless you feel you now have to pay more than you think it's worth to stay at Bellagio. If you want to stay with a Mirage property, you can try the Mirage or Treasure Island, both of which require less play than Bellagio for similar comps.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos!
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@home.com.

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