Category Archives: Memories

A Fond Frugal Farewell

Back in 1999, Brad and I had been having good success in casinos for 15 years and word was getting around about it, especially after we appeared on “48 Hours.” Friends were hearing about all the comps we were getting … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Comps, Frugal Fridays, It's Personal, Meet-ups, Memories, Online, Public Appearances, Q+A, TV Appearance, Video Poker | 47 Comments

A Textbook Trip Report Part 3

Before I start addressing some of the many questions I’ve been asked about the gambling part of our Harrah’s Cherokee casino visit, I need to give some details about the non-gambling part for those who wanted some up-to-date information for … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Bankroll, Brad Stories, Caesars, Casino Player Benefits, Cherokee Casino, Family News, Food Review, Gaming Writing, Hotel Information, Memories, Non-gambling Activities, Q+A, Slot Clubs, Slots, Video Poker | 14 Comments

Can You Still Have Fun Casino Visits?

Before I start talking about casino fun, I need to add something to the subject I’ve briefly discussed in recent blogs. Artificial intelligence (AI) has generated many comments and questions from readers who want more information. I find AI is … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Bankroll, Caesars, Cherokee Casino, Family News, Meet-ups, Memories, Non-Vegas Casinos, Slots, Travel, Video Poker | 6 Comments

Hints and Pics from the Frugal Files

Some of you told me that my last blog was depressing. I feel your pain. I realize that hearing about negative changes in the casino world is anything but uplifting. I also fear the future of downgrades, like when I … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Casino Hosts, Casino Player Benefits, Casino Policy, Comments, Comps, It's Personal, Memories, Transportation, Video Poker | 11 Comments

The BIG Question

I field questions all the time about all sorts of gambling and casino topics. But recently, it seems they can mostly be combined into one big question: Why is it getting so hard to be an advantage player? And then many … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Casino Hosts, Casino Player Benefits, Comps, Memories, Online, Q+A, Slot Clubs, Technology, Video Poker, Web Sites | 13 Comments

Reno Trip Report

My recent casino visit to Reno was definitely a trip down memory lane. Although I’d never played or stayed at the Silver Legacy before, Brad and I had made many trips to the city, especially back in the mid-’80s when … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Atlantic City, Bankroll, Blackjack, Caesars, Casino Hosts, Casino Player Benefits, Casino Promotions, Comps, Harrahs Lake Tahoe, Meet-ups, Memories, Non-gambling Activities, Non-Vegas Casinos, Reno, Slots, Transportation, Travel, Video Poker | 3 Comments

Las Vegas Trip Report Part 4

Hope all the readers here are having a happy and healthy holiday season. Despite unseasonably cold weather in Georgia and viruses hitting friends and relatives right and left, we felt blessed that we could spend some time with family members … Continue reading

Posted in Couponing, Downtown Vegas, Four Queens, Holiday Greetings, Memories, Non-gambling Activities, Vegas History | 3 Comments

Las Vegas Trip Report Part 2

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I had an especially fine one, just thankful to be alive — especially since my Facebook Messenger account was hacked and contained a notice of my death. It caused a lot of consternation … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Caesars, Casino Policy, City News, Holiday Greetings, Hotel Information, Memories, Non-gambling Activities, Stations, Travel, Web Sites | 6 Comments

Las Vegas Trip Report Part 1

I’ve always said that the more fun you have on a vacation, the longer it takes to recover.  Well, my visit to Las Vegas ended more than three weeks ago and I’m just now rested up enough to tackle a trip report. … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Comps, Couponing, Downtown Vegas, Four Queens, Meet-ups, Memories, Podcast, Public Appearances, Video Poker | 8 Comments

Answers and News

After my last Cherokee trip report, as usual there were reader questions, which I’m always happy to answer. Q: Did it work out that your granddaughter could take a break from her Appalachian Trail thru-hike and meet you all? A: … Continue reading

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Caesars, Casino Player Benefits, Cherokee Casino, Children's Activities, Comments, Comps, Family News, Harrahs Lake Tahoe, Memories, MGM, Non-Vegas Casinos, Palms, Q+A, Slot Clubs, Travel, Video Poker, Web Sites | 5 Comments