Some random thoughts from me today about how our lifestyle (fulltime RVing) and our hobby (gambling) are related to and effected by fuel prices.
Increased Casino Offers
As fuel prices continue to increase both RVers and other vacationers are traveling less. One result is increased competition for customers among casinos, and RV parks. We’ve noticed an increase in promotions and offers from casinos to entice us to visit, and these offers have included more free rooms, free RV park stays, free buffets. There has also been a big increase in our bounce back cash and free play offers.
I’ll give you an example, one casino we visit a few days each spring and fall. They usually send us an offer for 3 nights in the RV park, 4 buffets for 2, and $50 free play each week. In May, they offered us 7 nights in the RV park, 8 buffets, and $75 free play each day, that’s right $525 free play each week in the month of May. They must really want us back to be offering us 10x what we normally receive. Too bad we couldn’t take advantage of it, because we were 1800 miles away, and it would have cost us $1800 in gas to drive there and back!
Savings from free overnight parking
Between all the Casinos and Wal-Marts you can probably cross the country at a leisurely pace and find a free spot to park each night until you reach your destination. Now don’t say it – I know – that “free” parking at casinos can be very expensive. However, consider two things.
First, if you’re not going to gamble, but just park for the night and eat the buffet, then you ARE saving some money right?
Second, if you would have gambled anyway (like us) then at least you’re still getting the overnight parking for free.
Gas Deals and Promotions
Some casinos operate a gas station and many of these have, in the past, either discounted gas for customers or given gas in exchange for player’s club points. I’ve been told that casinos with gas stations have started leveraging this in their promotions.
Even casinos without gas stations are getting in on the act. Here in Las Vegas at South Point Casino for the month of June you can get double your cash back in gas cards. For example, if you’ve earned enough points in the slot club to get $50 cash back from the casino you can instead take a $100 Chevron gas card. Look for more of this as prices continue to remain high.
Looking on the bright side?
Yes, you could say we’re trying to do that. Although the high gas prices are unwelcome – and are causing us to make adjustments to the way we travel – we’re trying to avoid being pessimistic and are looking for good things in the middle of the bad.
Happy travels, and good luck at the casinos,