campus_chic13 wrote:
> Wow, I can't believe the wealth of information I just got -
> especially that first missive from you, vp_wiz...
Thanks. Others were equally generous when I was an "up and coming" player. Just passing on the deed.
> Then I found multiplay machines, and while I'm back to where my
> bankroll is a factor again, the swings aren't as big as they would
> be at dollars - but my coin in and number of hands played went up
> almost an order of magnitude.
There is indeed an almost "magic" about multiline machines ... permitting you record trip ratings that would otherwise white-knuckle you as a single line player (given relative inherent risk).
The struggle, of course,, is finding multiline machines with strong paytables ...
> What I'm really looking to do is put some monstrous level of play
> through my casinos here at home, and use the earned comps there
> (plus 7* goodies) on low-play trips to AC or Vegas. The cruises
> sound like one heck of a perk, as well!
>
> Of course, I'm assuming my math re: multiplay bankroll requirements
> is sound. I've only backed it up by two trips to South Point, so I
> don't have a lot of real-life data yet.
>
> Another note about the cruises: I've read all over the web that
> people get free cruises for booking a trip to, say, Tunica - but I
> just can't imagine them continuing to send these offers if I never
> gamble on the ship. Does anyone know who these offers are funded
> by? CAS/NCL or Harrah's? I'm sort of suspecting that I'll be
> offered these in the beginning, but they'll peter out when they
> realize I don't gamble onboard. Still, even one 'free' cruise a
> year is awesome.
I have confidence that experience will give you a strong gut feel on true multiline bankroll requirement in very short order.
Your plan of earning 7* at your home casinos as an avenue to some nice low-play LV or AC freebies is sound. Since Harrah's engaged in wide-scale paytable cutbacks in LV, we've indulged in 7* trips to LV with limited play with little overall consequence. (Only conseqence is that I now receive LV offers that I wouldn't walk across the street for, much less fly cross-country.)
(FWIW, AC is still home to some strong paytables at reasonable denominations and there's every reason to indulge a play appetite ... I just wouldn't recommend trying to impress anyone with play volume in AC under current circumstances).
On the cruise front, I'm as mystified as you. Still, we've sailed NCL 6 times now under various casino offers, giving nominal or nil play each time, with no adverse consequence.
I'm sure this will change down the road. But for now, NCL seems content with a business model of "board them, and they will play". From my casual observation, it's a pretty reliable predictor in the majority of cases.
As far as funding, it's my guess (and that's all) that the awarding casino pays a nominal charge per offer made to play-qualified player (say something like $300). NCL relies upon gaming revenue to do the rest.
- Harry
