Saving Money On Casinos by Mac McClellan
 
Listen … hear that? The casino is calling your name. You’d love to get away for a week, a weekend, or even just a day, but fuel costs are up and cutting into your budget. Don’t despair, I have some ideas that will make that trip more affordable.Driving: Driving an automobile or a recreational vehicle there are several ways to save money on gas and diesel.

1. Shop for the lowest prices. Several websites collect gas price information with help from their users. One of the best is www.GasBuddy.com. You can search for the lowest price gas in any area of the USA or Canada

2. Use a discount gas card. There are many different variations of this. Two examples: Murphy Express stations, affiliated with Wal-Mart stores, offer a 3¢ per gallon discount if you pay with a Wal-Mart gift card. Safeway grocery stores also operate gas stations, and you can save up to 6¢ a gallon by using their discount cards.

3. Credit card rebates. Various cards provide a 5% to 10% discount on gas purchases. Some have limitations such as a limit to monthly purchases or a decrease in the discount after 90 days. Read the advertising fine print.

4. Casino gas discounts or promotions. Some casinos operate gas stations and give discounts to players club members. Promotions are sometimes available allowing you to convert your points to gas cards; often you can double your comp dollars if used for gas.

5. GPS. Looking for an excuse to buy a new gadget? A GPS can help you save by planning the shortest route, and also by routing you around stopped traffic, construction, and accidents, so you don’t sit and idle away the gas.

6. Driving habits. Drive slower. We’ve all heard this advice, but it’s hard to follow. Driving 55 in the slow lane is boring. But even slowing down a little helps. If you typically drive 80 on the interstate, slowing down to 65 or 70 will give you better fuel economy.

7. Ask your host. This is a good one. If you’re a big player and generally get RFB maybe your host can give you a travel allowance. It’s worth a try.

Flying: If you prefer flying there are ways to save money here too.

1. Casino junkets. These are all inclusive trips. The casino will charter a jet to fly a plane load of customers from another city. Harrah’s properties are well known for this, along with some others. Your cost may be anywhere from completely free to a few hundred dollars; normally includes the round trip flight, hotel stay, and often some food coupons and free play. If you receive an offer for a junket compare the total cost with your other options. I bet you’ll usually come out ahead on the junket.

2. Packaged trips. These are like junkets, but without the chartered flight. Casinos will often partner with an airline and create a package deal including flight, hotel, transportation and sometimes more. Find out about these in local newspapers, or by calling casino marketing.

3. Other cheap airfare. Here’s a way to fly free; however, not on “this” flight but the next one. Plan your trip so you’re on a flight that is often overbooked. You can volunteer to be “bumped” so other passengers can have your seats. They put you on a later flight, and in exchange you’ll get a free flight voucher for a future trip. This only works if you are very flexible.

Alternatives to Flying and Driving

1. Take the train. This may be convenient and inexpensive in some areas. Do some research and it may surprise you what’s available.

2. Travel by bus. Of course you could consider Greyhound, but I’m talking about a charter bus trip. Ask your favorite casino if they have charters from your local area. You may even get a free ride.

My Top Recommendation. Explore casinos closer to home. Instead of expensive travel to a casino a thousand miles away, why not explore the casinos in your own back yard? The Casino Locator in this publication is a comprehensive listing of Midwestern casinos with maps to show you each casino’s location. You may discover that you enjoy yourself more in a nearby casino, and that along with your travel budget, your gambling and entertainment budget may also go farther. Are you considered a “low roller” at Las Vegas Strip properties? If so, a Midwestern casino may treat you better. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to vacation where my level of play is appreciated and rewarded.

I hope one of these ideas will help you save money on your casino travels. You may also find other ways to save as you research these and talk with friends about the subject. Happy travels to you, and good luck in the casinos.

— Mac McClellan started the website www.CasinoCamper.com to help travelers find RV-friendly casinos, improve their gambling knowledge, and take advantage of casino comps. Mac writes a weekly post for the Official Blog of the Open Road at http://blog.rv.net.