The Players Club Is For Travelers Too

Why do casinos attach those long colorful bungee cords to their Players Club cards? Because slots players are prone to losing the card as they move around the gaming floor. The casino hopes you'll attach the other end of the bungee to your person. That way, if you decide to move to another slot machine, you'll be reminded to take the card with you.

When you go into a casino, always join the Players Club, even if you plan to be there only for a few hours. It doesn't cost anything to join and chances are you'll get discounts or promotional benefits. It only takes a few minutes to get your Players Club card. Just present a drivers license or other photo ID.

Often Players Clubs run promotions for new club members where they give you a free gift just for joining -- like a $5 or $10 credit on the slots or $10 matchplay for table players, or a free gift such as a tee shirt or travel bag. Sometimes it's just a deck of cards or a contest entry..

When playing in the casino, always make sure your card is inserted into the gaming machine before you begin. Points won't be credited unless the card is properly inserted. Table players should place the card on the table and be sure that pit personnel get your information. Lately many Players Clubs accumulate points for cash. Often a card can accumulate enough points in a single session to get a dollar or two or even 50 percent off a meal.

And, if the bungee cord doesn't keep you from losing the card, take time to return to the Players Club desk and get a duplicate card. Better yet, ask for two cards when you join so you can have one at the ready should you lose the first card.

Another PA Casino Set To Open

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in North Strabone is preparing for a grand opening next Tuesday. The casino will be the first in Southwestern Pennsylvania and the fifth casino in the state. Last week, testing of the equipment took place inside the slots parlour while paving and striping of the 1,435 parking spaces could be seen progressing outside. Many of the 425 new employees are currently completing their training programs.

The facility will run two "test" days - by invitation only - on Friday and Sunday. The Meadows 1,738 slot machines will open for public play on Tuesday, June 5th at 9am.

In Pennsylvania each machine must be programmed by manufacturers to return at least 85 percent in prize money to players over long-term use. The casinos already operating in Pennsylvania have, thus far, paid out slightly more than 90 percent overall from what players have put into the machines.

Hard Rock Biloxi Aims for July Opening

The Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi plans to re-open on July 7th. The Hard Rock had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina within days of its opening in August 2005. The property is located on US-90 in Biloxi. The casino has slots, gaming tables and a poker room. You'll also find Starbucks and Ruth Chris Steahouse there. The authentic memorabilia displayed throughout the property will include a mannequin wearing Elvis Presley's Army uniform found floating in the Mississippi Sound after Katrina.

Gulf Coast Casinos Up & Running

The casinos along Mississippi's Gulf Coast were literally flattened in August 2005 when hurricane Katrina roared through. Now -- less than two years since the devastating event -- most of the casino resorts are back in business. If you go to the Gulf Coast anytime soon, you'll find that construction still continues at many of the resorts in Biloxi, Gulfport, Waveland and Bay St. Louis. But there's plenty of action at the casinos and at the entertainment venues as well.

The popular RV Park in Bay St. Louis (at Hollywood Casino, formerly Casino Magic) was one of the first facilities to re-open. Many of the large trees had been spared by the winds so the renovated RV Park is as lovely as ever. It remains the only RV Park at a casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Hollywood Casino (used to be Casino Magic) has also been completely rebuilt. The unique Bridges Golf Course, named for the 21 bridges on the course, is now open too, following a multi-million dollar renovation that was overseen by course designer Arnold Palmer himself.

Look for most of your favorite casinos along the Gulf Coast this season. However, RV parking in the lots may be somewhat tight because of the ongoing construction.

Vegas Security Issues

It's great to read your comments about where to stay in Vegas. That's what this blog is about...sharing information and insight with one another! I learned the in's and out's of casino camping from the terrific RVers we've met at casino RV Parks and in casino parking lots.

Regarding the Las Vegas security issue, we suggest that RVers going to Vegas stay in an RV Park or campground. It is safer than dry camping in a parking lot. There are many places in this country where it's generally safe to stay for free overnight in a parking lot, but I don't believe Vegas is one of them.

Experts who give the seminars on safe RVing will always tell us to "be aware of your surroundings!" That's the key to staying safe on the road. Common sense dictates that, in a city like Las Vegas (affectionately referred to as Sin City), there is a greater risk of break-ins than there would be in many other parts of the country. There are a few casinos in Vegas that will tell you it's OK to park there overnight for free. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, check out your surroundings and choose an option where you feel safe.

Blacktop boondocking, dry camping in a parking lot, free overnight parking in a section of a parking lot (whatever you want to call it) is commonplace at casinos all over the country...and usually it's safe for a night or two (similar to Wal-Mart parking.) We've done it lots of times in parking lots where the casino doesn't have an RV Park. There are certain safety habits we practice without fail...simple ones like always lock the door when you leave the rig, even if it's just for a 5-minute walk around the parking lot. Take the shuttle back and forth if the casino has one. Make sure Security knows you'll be out there overnight, be aware of what's around you, etc, etc. What other important safety habits do you practice?

Florida finally has Vegas-style slots

Florida finally has casinos with Vegas-style slots and video poker. In 2005, voters in Broward County approved a referendum to permit slots at the four pari-mutuel racetracks in the county, just north of Miami on the state's east coast.

Florida's "racinos" began their openings late last year and now three of the four are now up and running: Mardi Gras Gaming in Hallendale Beach, Isle of Capri in Pompano Beach and Gulfstream Park in Hallendale Beach. All have 1,500 or more slots. Currently their daily hours are limited to closing at 1am or 3am, but legislation is pending to allow them to be open 24 hours on weekends. A fourth racino is expected to open in 2008 in Dania Beach.

Several Indian casinos in Florida have slot machines, but they only have Class II gaming devices that are actually electronic bingo...not convenient to use and definitely not Vegas-style.

Slower Paced Casino Hopping in Laughlin

Some RVers prefer other Nevada gaming destinations as an alternative to Las Vegas. Laughlin, the City by the River, has a special appeal...it offers a slower-paced, pleasant hiatus. Laughlin is nestled in the Colorado River Valley where Nevada, Arizona and California meet. There are 11 Vegas-style casinos in Laughlin plus more than 60 restaurants. It is relaxing to stroll along the walkway on the riverfront where most of the casinos are located. Sightseeing aboard the USS Riverside is a popular non-gaming activity.

Laughlin is RV-friendly. It has two full-service RV Resorts and free overnight parking is permitted at many casino parking lots. At Harrah's (end of the Laughlin Casino Drive Strip), RVs can park for free for up to 3 days, but registration at the gas station is required. There is a dump at the gas station ($3 fee.) Other casinos permit overnight parking, but RVers should be sure to check with Security for guidelines regarding their parking policy before settling in.

The two RV Parks in town are both very nice destination resorts. The city itself is named for Don Laughlin, owner of the Riverside Resort, who settled there in 1966. His terraced RV Park has a lovely view of the mountains. The Avi Resort, 11 miles from the Laughlin Strip, has a pretty KOA RV Park and a white sand beach on the banks of the Colorado River. RV guests can enjoy all the amenities at the large casino resort including the 9,000 square-foot lagoon pool that is heated year-round.

Glory of Rome

Caesars "Glory of Rome" riverboat casino in Elizabeth, IN (just across the river from Louisville, KY) is hospitable to RVs. It has a good-sized outdoor lot designated for large vehicles and free overnight parking is permitted. Open 24 hours, the casino features over 100 pit/table games and 2,800 slots. The riverboat itself is crowded on weekends, but there's always sufficient space for RVs in the lot. Caesars Indiana is about eight miles from I-64 exit 123 on Hwy-111. When coming in from the interstate, drive past the parking garage and the boat and turn right onto Stucky Road.

Have Fun, But Be Safe In Vegas

Las Vegas has been the top destination for American trade shows for 13 years. Vegas hosted 45 of the country's top 200 trade shows last year, and 6 of the top 10. Las Vegas is also the most popular destination for RVing gaming enthusiasts.

While it is common for RVers to be able to safely dry camp for free in casino parking lots in other parts of the country, it's not a good idea to do it in Vegas. As in any large metropolitan area, a motor home left unattended in an open parking lot poses grave safety and security concerns.

The centerpiece of Las Vegas is the 3+-mile-long portion of Las Vegas Boulevard where you'll find some of the most fabulous casinos in the world. The premier RV destination in Vegas is the KOA at Circus Circus because it is the only RV Park located directly on the Strip. There are two RV Parks located at casinos on Boulder Highway and one is downtown. There are also lots of nice RV Parks in Vegas with camping fees that range from inexpensive to moderate to pricey. Many of them provide free transportation to the Strip.

FREE SHOWS IN VEGAS
The newly-released third edition of Casino Camping includes a listing of some of Las Vegas's free shows and attractions. The book is now available in the bookstore.

Dancing Eagle - Convenient to I-40

If you're planning to travel I-40 across New Mexico, Dancing Eagle offers comfortable and reasonably-priced RV accomodations. It is adjacent to the interstate at exit 108. The RV Park and casino are situated in an adobe-type village owned and operated by the Pueblo of Laguna Tribe. The village, visible from the eastbound lanes of the interstate, includes a travel center and supermarket. The RV Park features level, full hookup sites and some are pull-thrus. Pets are welcome. The daily rate of $20 will be reduced to $10 if you obtain a free Players Club card at the casino.

Pennsylvania Gets "Racinos"

This year the State of Pennsylvania opens casinos at five race tracks in the state. When casinos are added at existing race track facilities, they're commonly referred to as "racinos." Other states where you'll find racinos include West Viginia, Delaware, Iowa and Maine.

Pennsylvanis racinos include:
-- Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre that opened last November,
-- Harrah's at Chester Racetrack and Philadelphia Park in Bensalem, both opened in January,
-- Presque Isle Downs in Erie that opened in February,
-- Meadows Race Track near Pittsburgh, expected to open sometime this month.
-- The largest racino in the state will be located at Penn National's race course in Grantville, PA. The 365,000 square-foot facility, a unique integrated racing and gaming complex, will open next year.

Other casino locations, that are not at race tracks, will also be developed in the future in selected locations throughout the state. In Pennsylvania casinos will be known as Slots Parlors because live table games are not permitted (at least for now.) However, Philadelphia Park chalks up a first when it has the grand opening of the state's first electronic table games. The electronic table games "pit" officially opens to customers today (May 5th).

Electronic table games feature a dealer on a high definition 42-inch plasma screen who deals out an electronic hand of cards in front of each player's seat. The players bet their hands against the dealer's. The major benefit of this game -- called Royal Match 21 -- is that the bets of other players cannot influence another player's hand, nor diminish their chance of winning.

Also today the Kentucky Derby will be simulcast at most racinos and tracks throughout the country,

Casino Fits In At Historic Landmark

If you like to visit historic sites, you'll really enjoy Indiana's newest casino -- French Lick Resort. Two resort hotels in the heart of the Hoosier National Forest area (French Lick and West Baden) date back to the 1850's when people flocked to the area because of its mineral springs waters. Listed as National Historic Landmarks, the hotels have been meticulously restored to their original turn-of-the-20th Century opulence. Historic tours ($) are given twice a day.

Gambling was a popular activity at West Baden until it closed in 1932. The 21st Century version of the historic resort's gaming is a brand new boat that sits on a body of water specifically built for the casino. It is connected by walkway to the historic French Lick Hotel, and it is just across the road from the buffet restaurant. Also fully restored is the 1920 Donald Ross-designed golf course.

The resort is somewhat off the beaten path -- about 40 miles from the nearest interstate, but it makes for an interesting stop if your summer travels take you to the Midwest. There is no RV Park at the resort, but you'll find free overnight parking in the level paved parking lot behind the casino boat.

Indian Gaming

An important milestone occurred on Feb. 25th of this year. On that day 20 years ago the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision (California vs Cabazon Band of Mission Indians) that essentially recognized the sovereign rights of Native American Tribes to use gaming as a tool for economic development. While individual states still have a limited regulatory role, the Supreme Court decision literally kicked the door open to what has become a $25 billion industry of tribal casinos in 22 states.

There are varying opinions about Indian gaming -- some think there are too many Indian casinos, others believe the Indian casinos should be paying more taxes, while some gamblers are not happy when they can't learn about slots payouts ( in some states Native American casinos don't have to release information about their slot machine payout percentages like the commercial casinos do.) But generally people seem pleased that Native Americans have this opportunity to bring new economic development to their communities.

We've visited many Indian casinos throughout the country -- some large and lavish, others quaint and cozy. But one thing is certain --- gaming brought jobs, education, improved health services, community centers, hospitals and college scholarships to tribes that had been impoverished and struggling. When the decision was handed down 20 years ago, who could have imagined the profound impact it would have on so many Native American communities and on the gaming industry itself!