Author Archives: queen of comps

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

A Textbook Trip Report Part 2

In my last blog, I talked about my extensive planning for our recent visit to the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in North Carolina. This made for a smooth and relaxing start to our family vacation, a pleasant six-hour trip north through … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Bankroll, Caesars, Casino Policy, Casino Promotions, Cherokee Casino, Comps, Family News, Non-Vegas Casinos, Reno, Travel, Video Poker, VP Extras | 3 Comments

A Textbook Trip Report – Part 1

Twenty-five years ago, I started writing how-to books and articles about ways to play smarter in a casino. Over that time, I occasionally talked about the experiences of other players, but almost every idea I ever discussed came from the … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Caesars, Casino Hosts, Casino Player Benefits, Cherokee Casino, Comps, Family News, Meet-ups, Non-gambling Activities, Non-Vegas Casinos, Public Appearances, Show Tickets, Travel, Video Poker | 3 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

An Old Gambler

Yes, I want to talk about aging and being 84, I feel well qualified to discuss the topic. Of course, getting old is such a broad subject that it could and has filled many entire books. In this post, I want to talk … Continue reading

Posted in Advantage Play, Caesars, Cherokee Casino, Non-Vegas Casinos, Public Appearances, Reno, Taxes, Travel, Video Poker, VP Software | 7 Comments

Tax Help Q+A

Down through the years, many casino players, and especially regular readers here, knew that when they needed information about how to handle gambling figures on their tax returns, they could go to the most current edition of Tax Help for … Continue reading

Posted in Q+A, Taxes, Web Sites | 3 Comments