Rolling Daily Volume 3 by Deliverabilities

ROLLING DAILY FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY

TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS

ISSUE 03 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2017

6 10

FUN IN THE ORLANDO SUN

It sounds obvious, but advance planning of more than your airfare and...

10 STEPS TO FAMILY REUNION SUCCESS Whether you’re expecting a dozen cousins or several hundred relatives....

Casinos offer a variety of games to entice everyone from those....

The unique combination of wetland, bayou, prairie, and forest,...

CASINO TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

5 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS

sizes -- geared towards students,...

13 MOMAPPROVED WALT DISNEY WORLD HACKS When I was a kid, I remember feeling perplexed by my mother’s...

8 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR GROUP TRAVEL

7 BEST SUMMER VACATION DESTINATIONS IN TEXAS Texas is large enough that you don’t have to leave the state to find an incredible summer...

THE EXPERT’S GUIDE TO COMPS

WHERE TO GO. WHAT TO DO.

Group tours come in all shapes and

Nothing gets a player more excited then when you mention the word “comp”. Everyone wants...

A DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE BEST, HOTTEST, HIPPEST, COOLEST, DOWNRIGHT AWESOME...

PRODUCTION Production deliverabilities layout&design: Phone: 360.468.3699

Email: info@deliverabilites.com www.deliverabilities.com

ADVERTISING First Class Tours

opportunities:

Phone: 281.590.8800 Email: info@firstclasstours.net www.firstclasstours.net

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Back to School! A time when students develop a foreboding sense of dread and parents rejoice that the kid’s time will once again be occupied with academics and social development. This issue of Rolling Daily is filled with great travel ideas for the late summer an early fall seasons. Take your time, read it, share it, and live out some of these great travel ideas around Houston and beyond. Somebody asked me a while back, “Jeff, what things are really important to you that your company embodies?” I thought it was a great question! I responded with our values as a company. Integrity – Every employee should tell the truth and do the right thing. I believe integrity begins by being honest with yourself and that it should extend from you to others in your sphere of influence. At least two things happen when we are people of integrity. First, we begin to influence those around us to do the right thing as well and second, people around us begin to see us as someone they can count on. Humbleness – There is an old saying, “Stay humble, you could be wrong!” It is a lot easier to be wrong with humility than it is to be wrong with pride. Humbleness is mistaken by some as weakness. The simple truth is the opposite: humbleness is strength. I believe humility is a key value as we communicate with our customers. Pursue Excellence – we may finish school, but we never finish learning! I never (and I want our employees to demonstrate the same) want to stop learning and growing. I want to be teachable, trainable, and coachable as I lead First Class Tours. Seeking excellence is not about being perfect, it is about being the best we can be for our clients, community, and each other. Financial Success – I want everyone in our company to understand how their position impacts the financial success of all our stakeholders (especially our clients as stakeholders). We need to continual be aware that our decisions and actions can dramatically impact someone’s ability to take a trip. If we cannot offer it cost effectively then we might as well not be open! As president, I want these values to permeate our culture at First Class Tours! They embody our motto to be, “First Class in Every Way!” Day by day it is my desire to see our company live these values. Roll On!

-Jeff Rogers

www.firstclasstours.net

Jeff Rogers President First Class Tours Houston, TX

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DAILY TRIPS WITH PERKS

Perk

EVERY DAY! TICKETS START AT $18 Ride with First Class Tours to Coushatta Casino departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminal Every Day! Free play Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday AM only.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY

OVERNIGHT TRIPS WITH PERKS

Perk

OVERNIGHT TRIPS! TICKETS START AT $49 PP/DBL

Ride with First Class Tours to Coushatta Casino departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminal Every Sunday!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY wwwfirstclasstours.net

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

COUSHATTA RESORT LUCKY 7 SUNDAYS...

GET $7.00 OFF

YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY WHEN BOOKING ONLINE. www.firstclasstours.net

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FUN IN THE ORLANDO SUN

START PLANNING EARLY

ORLANDO BY: MARTHA C. WHITE 6

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

It sounds obvious, but advance planning of more than your airfare and hotel is especially true of a vacation to the Orlando area. Put together itineraries — one for the entire trip and one dayby-day — including must-see events or attractions as well as a “B list.” Check the times of any events you want to catch, like a SeaWorld show or Disney’s nightly fireworks. Keep the energy level and attention spans of your kids in mind and consider building in some down time each afternoon to let them (and you) recharge. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, consider which park or parks you want to visit each day. Disney has four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Universal has two: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Keep in mind that multi-park tickets are more expensive, and that you’ll have to build www.firstclasstours.net

in time for crisscrossing between areas. Buying theme park tickets in advance is cheaper and saves you time waiting in line. Walt Disney World experiences like Cinderella’s Royal Table and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (which offers “princess makeovers” for kids) take reservations 180 days ahead of time, and they fill up quickly. It’s also recommended to reserve early for the Dolphin Swim Experience at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove, Cirque de Soleil and Blue Man Group tickets. Visit Orlando offers the Magicard, a free pass good for a constantly-changing roster of discounts on everything from museum admission to restaurant dining. You can pick them up at the visitors’ center, but save time by printing one online or ordering one that will come in the mail. ¦ 7

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Just a short 2 hour drive from Houston, Golden Nugget Lake Charles combines the glitz and glamour of

WEEKLY TRIPS AS LOW AS $17.00 Las Vegas withDAY the hospitality and charm of the South – creating an exceptional one-of-a-kind gaming and entertainment destination in Louisiana.

Since it’s unveiling in December 2014, the 242-acre casino and resort has attracted guests from all WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, & SUNDAY! neighboring states. The Golden Nugget name is synonymous with exceptional service and luxury, including TICKETS START AT $17 deluxe accommodations, 15 restaurants and lounges, a private beach and marina, a championship golf FRIDAY & SATURDAY! TICKETS START AT $18 course and an innovative casino floor.

Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles departing Terminal and Eastex Terminal Located off of interstate 210, Lake Charlesfrom is theFM fifth1960 installment of the iconic Golden Nuggeteach brand which Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday! is owned and operated by Houston-based restaurant, hospitality and gaming group Landry’s Inc. The

Perk

craftsmanship and attention to detail is evidence of money well spent. The luxurious rooms and suites feature plush bedding, premium amenities like idocking stations and picturesque lake and pool views.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY

PROPERTY FEATURES • 1,600 of the newest slot machines WITH PERKS • World-class spa, salon and barbershop OVERNIGHT TRIPS • State-of-the-art fitness center • 70 table games • • • • • •

• Pool complex with swim-up bar, lazy river Poker room and waterslide 740 luxury rooms and suites, with a tower addition in 2017 • Shopping promenade 18-hole championship golfAPRIL course 11-12, 2017! TICKETS START AT $69 • Arcade 30,000 square-feet of meeting and convention space • A-list entertainment Wedding gazebo Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles Marina with dockage up to 206 feet

Perk

departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminal April 11-12, 2017!

G A M B L I N G CLICKPHERERFOROTICKET B AVAILABILITY L E M ? 8

P L E

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New for 2017!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

B US TOUR S PACKAG ES DAY TRIP PACKAGES (Minimum 5 Hour Stay)

Package A • Golden Nugget will pay $10 per passenger • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *No minimum passenger count required.

Package B • Golden Nugget will pay $500 for Bus Transportation • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit

GOLDEN NUGGET TRIP • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 40 passenger counter required.

Package C

• Golden Nugget will pay $1,000 for Bus Transportation • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 50 passenger count required.

*All passengers must be 21 or older. No deposit required. Any payment made by Golden Nugget will be sent to the approved motor coach company. Group leaders are not eligible to receive payment.

From upscale to casual, Golden Nugget Lake Charles also boasts a collection of Landry’s, Inc. awardwinning and nationally recognized restaurants that cater to every palate. Grotto Ristorante, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood House, Claim Jumper, Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar and the crown jewel of steakhouses – Vic & Anthony’s – are just a few of the impressive selections. Guests can also peruse through a shopping promenade featuring all of the latest fashions from designers like Tommy Bahama and Michael Kors, catch a game of golf, or bask in the sun at H20 – an opulent Vegasstyle pool, swim-up bar and lounge. To learn more about available Bus Tour Packages to Golden Nugget Lake Charles, please call 337.508.7221 or email BusTours@gnlcm.com. 2550 GOLDEN NUGGET BLVD.

A S E

C A L L

www.firstclasstours.net

LAKE CHARLES. LA 70601

GOLDENNUGGETLC.COM

1 . 8 7 7 . 7 7 0 . S T O P 9

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10 STEPS

TO FAMILY REUNION SUCCESS BY: MARY SNYDER

Whether you’re expecting a dozen cousins or several hundred relatives, planning a meaningful, memorable and fun family reunion is a challenge. It takes time, organizational skills and a sense of humor. These 10 steps will help make your reunion a success—and keep you sane. 10

1. Make a plan. Start by picking a date and location. Professional planner Bill Gunkel of Reunions Unlimited recommends you begin planning at least 12 months ahead. Your best first step, he says, is sending questionnaires to family members to get input on when, where and

what they want. Gather a committee to select three possible dates and locations. Send questionnaires asking family members to rank the options. While you can’t meet everyone’s needs, a survey is the best tool for finding out what works for most relatives. wwwfirstclasstours.net

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

2. Recruit and delegate.

play peacemaker.

No one person can manage all aspects of a family reunion. Surround yourself with capable and enthusiastic committee members. As the chairperson, you’ll oversee the event, handle communications between committees, coordinate the volunteers—and occasionally

For small events with 20 or 30 people, you’ll need only a few volunteers. Large events require more volunteers and committees. Here’s a brief list of reunion jobs:

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• Finance director: handles the reunion checking account, maintains the budget, makes purchases

• Lodging liaison: Finds accommodations and negotiates group discounts • Food director: works with the caterer or handles the potluck • Correspondence officer: communicates with family members • Entertainment director:

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organizes activities for a variety of ages • Reservations officer: tracks who’s coming • Mementos procurement: gathers mementos for display • Welcome committee: makes name tags, agendas and signage; mans registration; helps people mingle 3. Create a command center. A reunion generates paperwork: Even with subcommittees, the reunion chairperson needs copies of pertinent information, such as contracts with food vendors, updated registration information, and lodging details. You might keep everything in a simple file folder, or you may want separate folders for each committee in a file box. Keep your records organized—you’ll refer to them often 4. Build a budget. Cost can be a big factor in attendance, says Katy Anderson, owner of Reunion Masters in San Jose, Calif. “Keep your costs down or try to give the family plenty of lead time to budget.” She recommends 12 to 18 months. Give an idea of the price in the first mailing. For more-expensive get-togethers such as cruises, Anderson suggests

offering monthly payment options. In mailings, asking each family to pitch in a set amount of seed money is a good way to offset startup costs. Get more dough with our fundraising ideas. Include financial updates in mailings. 5. Prepare a back-up plan. If your reunion will be outside, reserve a pavilion that can accommodate all the attentees in case of unexpected weather. Pack a few board games or crafts for the children can do indoors. 6. Get the word out. Send invitations as early as possible. You might opt for a simple flyer, an elaborate newsletter or a postcard. Use mailings to relay information and incite interest. Opt for e-mail if your family is plugged-in to keep costs down and give an easy point of contact. (You also can use family-centered Web sites such as Geni as a message hub.) Include family trivia in your communications. Encourage relatives to send stories, ideas and updates for the mailings. This involvement often leads to better attendance. 7. Offer something for everyone. Offer a range of activities to meet varied ages and inter-

ests. You also can have optional outings such as golf, mall trips or excursions to historical sites. For kids, aim for a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. Teenagers can organize the younger children’s games. See our family history reunion activities at Family Tree Kids! 8. Start with a bang. Linda Johnson Hoffman, author of The Reunion Planner (Goodman Lauren Publishing), suggests icebreakers to kick off the reunion. “Getting everyone involved as they arrive is essential to setting the right tone,” she says. Here are some suggestions: Have a welcoming committee greet arriving guests. Create a blank family tree and have each member fill in his information. Provide an agenda of activities so no one gets left out. Create welcome banners Give away freebies, such as imprinted pens or notepads, at registration 9. Share your family’s story No matter how different your relatives are, your family heritage is one thing you all have in common. Celebrate it by setting out old photos and memorabilia. Incorporate food, music and decorations from your family’s ancestral

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homeland. Use the opportunity to make a family photo album (everyone brings pictures and create a page), a book of family stories, a video of reunion footage, or a family recipe book.

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10. Maintain the momentum. After the reunion, plan to keep in touch until the next one. Family newsletters and Web sites are great for this. Recruit volunteers to send a newsletter, or create and

monitor a Web site or a profile on a family networking site such as Geni. ÂŚ

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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2NIGHT TRIPS WITH PERKS

Perk

2NIGHT TRIPS! TICKETS START AT $104 Ride with First Class Tours to Paragon Casino Resort departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminal and receive unbeatable hotel deals on your trip!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY

OVERNIGHT TRIPS WITH PERKS

Perk

OVERNIGHT TRIPS! TICKETS START AT $44 PP/DBL

Ride with First Class Tours to Paragon Casino Resort departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminal and receive unbeatable hotel deals on your trip!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY wwwfirstclasstours.net

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

PARAGON RESORT

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BY: MARK GRUETZE

CASINO T FOR BEGINNERS

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Casinos offer a variety of games to entice everyone from those dreaming of a jackpot to people simply enjoying a night out. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a beginner or a veteran, it is important to know helpful tricks to make your time at a casino more profitable and fun. Some players will win big but the vast majority of people wont. Over the long run, the casino will win because of how the games are structured. However, each game you play has different little strategic manoeuvres that you can use to improve your game. Here are our top casino tips for beginners.

TIPS

Contents Tips for Slot players - How does it work? - Strategies for Slots Tips for Table Games - Basic Strategies for Table Games Tips for Slot players Slot Machines Slot machines are the easiest and most popular form of casino gambling. The process is simple: Push a button; win or lose; repeat. Casinos make more money from slots than from any other game and account for 70 percent or more of the money casinos make from

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gambling. How does it work? The house advantage on slots can vary by casino, but typically itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about 10 percent. It is pure luck, as opposed to skill games such as blackjack and poker. With slots, the outcome is determined by a computer program called a random number generator (RNG). The number combination generated at the instant you hit the spin button determines what symbols will be displayed and whether you win or lose. Regardless of what you might hear elsewhere, there is no strategy for winning at a slot machine, however there are some useful tips to keep in mind. Strategies for Slots Here are some strategies manoeuvres that players should abide by in order to have make a better chance of winning money.

1) Stick a fixed maximum payout The reason for this being that there is a better chance of a winning with a fixed maximum payout machine compared to the progressive jackpots. Because of the number of people all playing for that huge jackpot amount, your odds of winning on a progressive game are lower. That goes not only for the jackpot amount, but also for the odds of winning smaller amounts as well. 2) Avoid video reels These machines pay back far less than the normal machines. It can be anything up to a 5% less return, which might seem like nothing but is in fact a great amount for slots. 3) Choose games with smallest jackpots The smaller the jackpot, the easier it is to win, increasing your chances of walking away a winner. Tips for Table Games Vegas Casinos One of the

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

first things to remember when going to a casino is that you are going to lose some games. Regardless of how good you are or how much experience you have the odds are stacked in the favour of the casino. Firstly, best advice to remember is decide beforehand how much money you can afford to spend in the casino and take no more than that amount in cash. When you have played through the cash in your pocket, leave. This way you will not put yourself in any financial risk just for a nights entertainment. Secondly, read and remember the strategic tips below in order to try and improve your game, your winnings and your experience. Basic Strategies for Table Games In order to get one up on the casinos read the following strategic points.

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1) Eye the Time You will notice when you step foot in a real casino that there are no clocks or windows on the house floor. Casinos want you to lose track of time so you play for as long as possible. Some casinos prohibit dealers from wearing watches for that reason too. Therefore, a good strategy is to wait until you are up some money, check the time and leave. 2) Do not play Keno If you are looking to make some money a good idea is to stay away from Keno as your chances are terrible. At some casinos, the house has a 35 percent edge. No gambler has ever matched all 20 numbers on a 20-spot ticket so therefore it is extremely difficult to make a return. 3) Keep your eyes on the prize Some casinos have recently sexed up their

tables games with bikini clad dealers. These types of casinos are known as ‘Party Pits‘ as on the surface they look like Vegas inspired casinos with free alcohol and beautiful women but in most occasions they double the house edge. Therefore, always go for a simple and classic casino. 4] When playing Roulette Always bet on outside chances whether Red/ Black, Odd/Even, High/ Low, Columns or Dozens. The returns are marginal here but they will help you in winning the game. Furthermore, the house always enjoys a 5 percent edge at roulette. You have a better chance of winning in the short term but if you were to play roulette forever, the house would take away all your chips. So if you’re winning, stop. 5) Dont Drink Alcohol dulls the senses

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and impairs judgement; that is why casinos keep offering you free drinks. Stay away from the alcohol and just concentrate on having fun winning. 6) When playing Texas Hold’em & Omaha

When playing these types of table games it is important not to reveal anything with your reaction – you need to channel your best poker face. By not giving yourself away due to your expression you have a better chance of bluffing. ¦

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Retirement

sets you free.

A MOTORCOACH

helps make it

The best it can

possibly be. The Good Life Starts Here!

Welcome to the next generation of retirement! A retirement designed for those who have a passion for living, for fun and for spending their best years with those they love the most. Nothing compares to the experiences available on a motorcoach. From local sightseeing to a week on the road, motorcoaches offer the flexibility, comfort, and amenities that will make your next trip the best trip. Motorcoaches are a great way to make the most of your golden years and we look forward to the chance to welcome you aboard one of our modern coaches and wow you with all we have to offer.

GoMotorcoach Make the Smart Move! Safe | Green | Efficient | Affordable | Fun

281.590.8800 | www.firstclasstours.net www.firstclasstours.net

FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY

5 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM

HOUSTON, T

TEXAS BY: VACATIONIDEA STAFF

The unique combination of wetland, bayou, prairie, and forest ecosystems in the area around Houston, Texas have given rise to several protected wildlife and natural refuge areas. Beyond the outdoors, several major cities lie close to Houston and an array of art, historical, and science museums in the area provide a host of destinations for culturally oriented trips as well. Here are some of the best road trips and day trips from Houston.

DALLAS (3 HOURS 25 MIN) Part of the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Dallas is the state’s most important urban center and a regional hub for the South as a whole. Like any big city, Dallas has an impressive skyline and a lot to enjoy in terms of activities, food, and culture. Art lovers are especially fond of the city, as it has the country’s largest continuous arts district, which includes such highlights as the Nasher Sculpture Center, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and the neighborhood of Deep Ellum. Other notable aspects of Dallas include the city’s many green spaces and its special

connection to John F. Kennedy. Keep reading for more road trips from Houston. Photo: George Wada/Fotolia Weekend Getaways & Attractions near me: From NYC, Ohio, TX Places to Visit, PA, CA, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago

AUSTIN (2 HOURS 45 MIN) Austin is famous for its local independent music scene and thriving hipster culture. Two of the country’s most famous festivals, Austin City Limits, which is strictly a music festival, and South by Southwest, which celebrates music, innovation, and media, are held here annually. Even when no special events are being held, Austin has many permanent attractions worth seeing, such as the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, and the Mexic-Arte Museum. Foodies are particularly big fans of the city as it has a thriving culinary scene that plays on the strengths of its location in the Southwest. Photo: hstiver/Fotolia Fun Vacations & Things to do near me: Montauk

Places to See, Tampa Attractions, Fun Tucson Date Ideas, Charlotte Places to Go, Top 10 in Newport Beach

GALVESTON ISLAND (1 HOUR) Galveston Island is a 30-mile-long island located to the southeast of Houston in the Gulf of Mexico. The island has several beach parks that run along its shores and are open to the public. Access to the gulf lends itself to a number of activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports. The nucleus of tourist activity on Galveston is definitely Seawall Boulevard, where the beach meets a long pedestrian-friendly sidewalk lined with hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. The seawall is also the site of the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, an amusement park that stretches out into the gulf on a large pier. Keep reading for more road trips from Houston. Fun places to visit, events, facts, tours, all inclusive & photos of what to do last minute near my location: Great Attractions near my location & Free Activities

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TEXAS CITY (1 HOUE) Texas City is a small city located on the southeastern coast of Texas in Galveston County. Naturally, it offers an outlet to the Gulf of Mexico, and one of its most famous attractions is the Texas City Dike levee. This dike is the world’s longest manmade pier, which runs for more than five miles and has areas for fishing and picnicking along the water. Texas City also celebrates its rich history with several museums, such as the Texas City Museum, and historic homes, such as the Davison Home and the Engineer’s Cottage, which provide memorials to the first AngloAmerican settlements in the region. Photo: Texas City You are reading “25 Best Day Trips from Houston, Texas Today” Back to Top or Closest Weekend Vacations with Kids, Trip finder, Getaways near me & Scenic places near me Best things to do with kids & fun things near me: Santa Barbara, Poconos, Cleveland Events, Key West Free Things to Do, SF Activities, Sanibel Island, OR, Island

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Getaways, SC

PORT ARTHUR (1 HOUR 30 MIN) Port Arthur is another small-sized city sitting along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It has more than one Gulf coast beach, all of which provide homes to many species native to the region, including diverse bird, fish, and alligator populations.

Wedding Venues Vacation Spots near Me: Chicago, What to Do in Moab, LA this Weekend, Pittsburgh Skyline, Eureka, Historic Webster House, Detroit Wedding, Saguaro, Phoenix Wedding, Las Vegas Wedding, Rockford, Tampa, Prescott. ¦

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

Port Arthur’s outdoor areas offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, watersports, and even swamp and boat tours. The city also has many cultural attractions, which include the Museum of the Gulf Coast and the famous Faith Trail, along which several monuments to different religions are located. Among them are a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Vietnamese Catholic Church, and the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple & Lotus Gardens. Keep reading for more road trips from Houston. Photo: Port Arthur “25 Best Day Trips from Houston, Texas” Back to Top or More Famous Landmarks, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Fall Honeymoon, Downtown

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13 MOM-APPROVE WALT DISNEY WORLD HACKS BY: CHAUNIE BRUSIE 26

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

When I was a kid, I remember feeling perplexed by my mother’s strange behavior whenever we were on vacation.

was she so worried about the level of fun we were having? Asking us if we were having fun wasn’t very fun, you know?

She would hover around us, peering intently into our faces, pestering us with questions every ten seconds. “Are you having fun?” she would ask anxiously. “You’re having fun, right? Do you love every minute of this trip?”

But now that I am a mom of four kiddos, I completely and totally get why my mother acted the way she did while we were on family vacations. Because the truth is, taking a family vacation as a parent definitely isn’t the wake-up-earlystumble-to-the-car-eat-junk-foodand-play-all-day experience it was when I was a kid. Taking a family vacation as a parent means a lot of

We would often wave her off like a buzzing fly, laughing a little at how weird she was. Why on earth www.firstclasstours.net

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work behind-the-scenes, so planning a vacation as epic as a trip to Disney World means I am now officially the type of mother who will be demanding that everyone have fun, dammit. As the designated planner in my household, I will say this: a family trip to Disney World can be a magical experience that you will treasure forever — but a few pre-planning and prep work “hacks” to help it run more smoothly so that it actually feels like a vacation for you, too. Here’s how … 1. Ship things in advance to the hotel. This genius tip just about made my entire life because hello, packing with four children in tow stinks. To save me money on checked luggage and precious room in my carry-on, I shipped some disposable necessities, like diapers, wipes, swim diapers, and some baby food directly to our Disney resort. Just send to: Guest Name C/O Your Disney Resort *Hold for Guest Arriving on (date) Resv. # Resort Address And while you’re at it, it’s

also a good idea to have snacks waiting at the hotel for you. After a long flight, you’re all going to be exhausted, cranky, and hungry. This Mickey Mouse cooler is full of healthy treats that will help you git the ground running. 2. Take advantage of the My Disney Experience. The My Disney Experience page is like a “landing page” for planning your Disney vacation and it helped keep my OCD tendencies in check because I could literally plan every aspect of the trip right there. You can book all of your FastPass+ selections there (more on that later), make meal reservations, and keep all of your itinerary and travel plans together on one page. If you are traveling with friends or family, you can link them to your page, share travel plans and dinner reservations, and even manage pictures together. 3. Get the Memory Maker. Listen, I know that when you are planning your Disney trip, you are all about saving money where you can because for most of us, this is a once-in-alifetime kind of experience. But when it comes to the Memory Maker package,

trust me when I say just do it. The package lets you get unlimited pictures anywhere in the Disney parks and resorts from Disney photographers for any of the guests in your party. The pictures will be sent right to your online Disney account so you can download them for free when you get home. I loved the Memory Maker because when my girls met their ultimate idols in life — Elsa and Anna — I didn’t have to worry about choosing between capturing the experience on camera or just enjoying it. 4. Two words: Fast Pass Here’s how it works: once you buy your Disney Park tickets, each ticket comes with an automatic FastPass+ that you can use to reserve attractions in advance. So, for example, if you want to meet Anna and Elsa, you can use your FastPass+ to reserve a time to meet them without having to wait in line. Genius. The beauty of the FastPass+ is that you can book them ahead of time. FastPass+ services are based on availability, but in general, you can plan on being able

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

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to choose three per day with a “bonus” FastPass+ you can use the day of your trip to the park. To use your FastPass+ you can make selections through the My Disney Experience account online, at your hotel lobby, using the Disney app, or at the kiosks located within the park. I also suggest browsing through some of the FastPass+ FAQs so you get the full low down. 5. Try and try again for your favorite character experience. As great as the FastPass+ is, the character experiences at Disney World tend to book up pretty quickly. We planned our trip last minute, so of course the experience we wanted — meeting Cinderella — was booked up. However, the nice people at Disney recommended I keep trying and sure enough, the closer you get, the more likely that space will open up. I downloaded the Disney World app on my phone and checked for openings at odds hours any chance I could get and eventually, we got the Cinderella dinner we were hoping for — all because I was up nursing the baby at 3 am.

6. Rent a stroller at the park. With all the walking, it was a lifesaver to be able to keep our four kids contained while navigating the crowds. For guests who are flying and staying onresort, you may not want to lug around a giant stroller the whole time, so my advice? Pack a lightweight umbrella or carry the baby and rent the double stroller when you’re in the park. Note: you can keep your receipt and get a stroller for each park you visit once you purchase a rental. 7. Scout out breastfeeding spots ahead of time. With three other kids and a nursing 6-month-old, breastfeeding was one of my biggest anxieties going into this trip. Technically, I knew I could breastfeed anywhere, but I’m the type of mom who likes a little privacy. So it helped a lot to scout out some good locations for nursing and to try to plan our day with little “pit stops” along the way where I could nurse the baby and the kids could rest for a bit, eat a snack, etc. The Baby Care Center at Magic Kingdom was also a complete lifesaver for me — I brought in all of my kids for a little break from the sun, had my own room

to nurse the baby in, and I was able to buy a pack of diapers when I (inevitably) ran out. 8. Use your baby to ride the rides twice. If you have a baby in your party and someone has to stay off of a ride to hold them, you can simply swap adults and let the kids ride the ride again by requesting an Infant Rider Swap pass. So the scenario goes something like this: Dad holds the baby while you ride with the bigger kids; then, when the ride is over, you bring the rider pass back to Dad so he can ride with them again (and you don’t have to wait in line all over again!) Disney is nothing if not familyfriendly, right? 9. DIY the Cinderella Makeover. For this Disney trip, we had the chance to visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and it was an amazing experience — they make every prince and princess who visits feel so special and even let them keep their make-up and nail polish to take home so they can continue theDisney fun for days. (Bright blue eyeshadow is a good look for me.) But for those of us on a budget or time

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crunch, if you can’t make it to the Boutique, it’s relatively easy to DIY the makeover fun. The first time we visited Disney, I made sure to pack my daughter’s Cinderella costume and we made a big deal of doing her hair and make-up right in our hotel room before heading to our Royal dinner (see below). 10. Do this if your kid wants to meet Cinderella. The prices and the wait for the actual Cinderella castle experience were a bit outside of my budget, so I came across the great tip to book a Royal Family Dinner instead and I’m so, so glad I did. The whole experience came with dinner tickets for the whole family and instead of just meeting Cinderella, the kids got to meet the entire Royal Family, and there was tons of time to take pictures with everyone. It was the highlight of the trip for us! 11. Get a diaper bag that doubles as a backpack. There will be lots of times in the park when you will need to park the stroller and won’t want to lug a diaper bag with a strap around, so some kind of hands-free carrying option is a must. I brought a cheap and small backpack for

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the necessities, but I could have kicked myself for not realizing the genius of these diaper bags that convert into backpacks. Seriously a game changer. And they are totally unisex — an important point my husband wanted me to add. 12. Use the Disney App to avoid long lines. You can download the Disney app to your phone and get updated on wait times for characters or fireworks, make or change reservations, and have all the park maps at your fingertips. It makes it a lot easier too if you’re traveling with other members of a party so you can share info easily. 13. Stay at a Disney Park Resort within walking distance to the park. This is honestly a no-brainer. Staying at a Disney resort means that you are able to simply walk off the plane and board a bus to your hotel while your luggage is magically transported to your hotel without you doing a thing. And the same is true for going home. We checked our baggage right at the hotel before we left and it was ready and waiting for us at the airport baggage claim

when we got home. But besides the obvious benefits for transportation and practical logistics that are just plain easier staying on-site, staying at a Disney resort is like a vacation in itself. I think we could have never left our hotel and our kids would have been just as happy because it’s that much fun. This time, we stayed at the Disney Yacht Resort which was gorgeous, but more importantly, was within an easy walking distance of Epcot Park. I hadn’t considered it before, but booking a hotel within walking distance to a park was perfect with kids. We were able to come and go as we wanted at a more leisurely pace without boarding buses with our kids and it made it such a fun and relaxing experience. You can filter resorts near the park of your choice right here. Now remember, this is by no means everything. So when in doubt, ask another mom. ¦

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WILD TEXAS Check out some of the bizarre creatures of Texas! Coyote and the crew are on the search for as many bizarre creatures as they can find in the great state of Texas! Texas has wide range of habitats including deserts, plains and forests but on this night the Brave Wilderness team will set off near the swamplands of Southeast Texas which is home to giant Alligators, Feral Hogs and plenty of venomous Snakes! So what bizarre creatures will the crew encounter this time? Get ready to find out!

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8 ESSENTIAL TIPS GROUP TRAVEL BY: ALEX CREANGE

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S FOR

Group tours come in all shapes and sizes -- geared towards students, luxury travelers, adventurous spirits, those over the age of 65, the list goes on. Usually led by one or more directors, tours are a great way to experience a new destination. Along with the guide (an invaluable resource -- even for the most experienced travelers), group travel usually includes other perks like completely preplanned itineraries, all-inclusive prices for flights, hotels, meals, and cultural experiences, and endless opportunities to socialize with your tour group. However, the perks that make group travel great are also some of its biggest drawbacks. As a member of a tour group, you usually won’t get to choose what you do, where you stay, or what you eat...not to mention you’re basically stuck with your group for the majority of your visit. Whether you’re new to group touring, or have done it more times than you can count, here are eight essential tips for making your trip run smoothly.

1. Pack Lightly This is WAY too many bags... Photo Credit: Katy Warner Almost any list of travel tips will tell you to pack lightly, but when embarking on a group tour, we find this advice especially pertinent. From the time you arrive at your destination until the time you depart, you’ll likely be responsible for handling your

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own luggage. Chances are, you’ll have to hoist your own bag onto a tour bus, fit it into an overhead train compartment, or find a spot for it in a tiny hotel room. Imagine having to lug a heavy suitcase up four flights of winding, narrow stairs at your historic, elevator-less hotel in Florence, or having to navigate the notoriously crowded Tokyo metro with a giant suitcase in tow. Trust us, when you’re the one doing all the heavy lifting, lighter is better.

2. Be Patient Group travel is no easy feat (although, we’d argue, 38

it’s often worth it). With a group in tow, it could take 20 minutes to walk to a destination you could have reached on your own in five. You’ll have to wait for someone who’s taking too long in the gift shop, or end your museum visit early because someone needs to use the bathroom. There’s bound to be that annoying group member who asks too many questions/thinks he knows everything/ is impolite/chews with her mouth open/[insert annoying habit here]. No matter how large or small your group, there’s going to be someone or something that really tests your

patience. In these situations, all you can do is learn to go with the flow. Know that traveling with a group will require a different mindset than traveling on your own. No matter how hard it might be, try not to let one person’s annoying behavior ruin your experience.

3. Be Open-Minded We recommend trying local delicacies, like fish head curry when in Singapore. We recommend trying local delicacies, like fish head curry when in Singapore. Any time you travel, it’s always a good idea to keep wwwfirstclasstours.net

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an open mind. Sometimes experiencing a new culture may require you to step outside your comfort zone, and that’s okay. Be prepared to do things you’ve never done before, try new foods and styles of dining, and interact with people who may look or sound completely different than you do. Remember, you are a guest in a destination -- whether it’s a U.S. city or a foreign locale, so it’s important to respect the area’s customs and ways of life. Luckily, when traveling with a group, your tour director will be able to provide you with tips on what to expect and how to act in wherever you may be visiting.

4. Be Flexible Along with being patient and open-minded, it’s important to be flexible. No matter how hard your tour director will try, something on your itinerary will likely go awry. A city-wide strike might shut down public transportation. A protest might block a museum entrance. Or unexpectedly bad weather could cancel flights or cruise departures. Usually, these circumstances are out of your control; and while it may be frustrating to have plans turned upside down, learn to view your situation as a new opportunity rather than a detriment to your trip. Paris metro is closed? Walk instead, and discover the city’s gorgeous www.firstclasstours.net

architecture. The entrance to The National Gallery is blocked by a protest in Trafalgar Square? Visit another one of London’s incredible museums. Your Mediterranean cruise is stuck in port due to bad weather? Now you have an extra day to explore Athens/ Rome/Barcelona/Wherever you may be docked. Unexpected changes to your itinerary are only day ruiners if you let them be. In a positive light, they can add an unexpected element of adventure and excitement to your trip.

5. Listen The view from the Acropolis is worth the climb, even when you’re tired. The view from the Acropolis is worth the climb, even when you’re tired. When it’s 7 a.m. and you’re sitting on a bus anticipating an hour-long drive to your next destination, chances are that falling asleep will sound like a much nicer option than listening to your tour director as she rambles on about the history of the Great Wall of China. When you’re jetlagged after your 13-hour flight to Athens, you’ll stare at your tour director in horror when he suggests climbing to the top of the Acropolis. And at the end of a long day, when all you want to do is sit down in front of the Trevi Fountain and pig out on gelato, you

tour director will use this as an opportunity to test your Italian language skills. We know traveling can be tiring, but do your best to take in all of the historical and cultural significance around you. Listen to what your tour directors have to say. Their knowledge and advice is invaluable... remember, they do this for a living. Plus, when else are you going to receive a history lesson at an actual historical site, or be able to practice a local language in the country of its origin?

6. Assign Responsibilities Learn your group members’ strengths and use them to your advantage. Is someone really good at reading maps? Put her in charge of directions. Does someone speak a foreign language? He’s in charge of communication. Pick out the responsible one to keep the group together, the artistic one to take the photos, and the comical one to keep the group entertained along the way. If everyone in the group is made to feel like they’re an essential member, the group will become a cohesive, well-functioning unit.

7. Remember to Tip Restaurants that are willing to accommodate large groups often employ some pretty special staffers -- who deserve a little tip. 39

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Restaurants that are willing to accommodate large groups often employ some pretty special staffers -- who deserve a little tip. Naturally you’ll want to tip your tour director, group leader, local guide, bus driver, and anyone else who made your trip possible and -- for the most part (hopefully) -- seamless; but it’s also nice to leave a little extra cash at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments, even if tipping isn’t customary in that country. Remember, groups can be a hassle to

accommodate, so if you encounter an especially attentive server or hotel staff person, leave a little something to show your appreciation.

8. Get to Know Other Group Members Getting to know your group members may be one of the most important tips on group travel. Whether you know them already or not, sharing a travel experience will definitely bring you closer together. When you look back on your trip, you won’t remember what went wrong, or who annoyed you

the most -- you’ll remember how you and Sally climbed all the way to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral or how you and Dave shared all those tapas in Madrid. Traveling can be a magical, and making the most of it with the people around you can turn out to be a oncein-a-lifetime experience. ¦

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7 BEST SUMMER VACATION DESTINATIONS IN TEXAS TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS

BY: ELIZABETH ABRAHAMSEN

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exas is large enough that you don’t have to leave the state to find an incredible summer adventure. The state has miles and miles of coastlines that encompass pretty much every kind of marine environment this side of the United States. If you’re not looking for the beach, then you’re surely looking for a river, because summer in Texas is all but unbearable outside of the water. Hit the river with your tube for a nice leisurely float to beat the Texas sun, and be sure to check out some other great cultural historical

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and educational attractions across the state. Here are the seven best summer vacation destinations in Texas.

Corpus Christi Corpus is a great summer vacation destination because it’s not too far of a drive, but still possesses gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches and plenty of sights to see. Corpus is home to the Texas State Aquarium where you can view dolphins and other marine animals, as well as the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center where you

can check out the local flora. If you’re interested in history, the World War II United States Navy aircraft carrier the USS Lexington is docked in Corpus and open for tours.

Concan, Texas Out in southwest Texas lies a little piece of paradise known as the Frio River. Immortalized in song by none other than the great George Strait himself, the Frio is a clear, spring-fed river that meanders through lush Texas greenery. Get yourself a cabin at Garner State Park

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and spend a week or more; you’ll never get bored on the Frio. Drive into town if you somehow grow tired of floating the crystal clear waters. Concan also offers horseback riding, golf, hunting and dancing.

Galveston, Texas Located about 30 minutes south of Houston, the historic city of Galveston offers several beaches. You can take a pedal carriage ride along the seawall, or visit The Strand for shopping and dining. If you’re looking for something educational, try Moody Gardens for their IMAX theatre and rainforest garden. Catch a glimpse of the famous “corpse flower”, and then maybe go rinse off at Schlitterbahn Galveston. If you’re looking for some history, visit Galveston’s historic Bishop’s Palace or the Moody Mansion.

New Braunfels, Texas Surrounded by lush greenery and flowing rivers, New Braunfels is an ideal place to spend a summer vacation in Texas. New Braunfels is home to the original Schlitterbahn, the largest water park in the United States. If you’re more into nature, try a tubing excursion on the Guadalupe or Comal River. You can float the river and then go eat some good

traditional German fare at the celebrated Oma’s Haus in town. Cabins are available to rent on the shores of the river, and portions of Schlitterbahn even pass through segments of the river, giving the monolithic water park a more natural feel.

Austin, Texas If you’re looking for some excitement this summer, look no further than Texas’s Capital. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and hosts concerts and shows all over the city pretty much constantly. In addition to live music, you can cool off in one of Austin’s many lakes or springs. Lake Travis offers boating, fishing and other water sports, or you could visit Barton Springs Pool, fed by a natural spring that maintains a year-round temperature of 68 degrees. If you’re up for a hike, check out Sculpture Falls located about a mile’s trek through the downtown greenbelt just off the Mopac. And don’t forget to catch a baseball game at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock.

shopping Mecca replete with hotels, restaurants and nightlife that will keep you busy. You could go to San Antonio and never leave the Riverwalk and still have a good vacation. The Alamo, the site of the historical battle for Texas independence, is in the center of downtown just a few steps away from the Riverwalk. Across from the Alamo on Houston Street are several bars and tourist attractions. Just down the road a ways is the amazing San Antonio Zoo. If you’re looking for more of a thrill, visit Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

South Padre Island, Texas The southernmost point of Texas is also the site of Texas’s bluest and most beautiful beaches. South Padre is a stone’s throw from Mexico and is without a doubt the most prominent beach in the Lone Star State. On South Padre, there is so much more than just a gorgeous beach, though. You can go dolphin watching, deep sea fishing, and there’s even a Schlitterbahn water park. ¦

San Antonio, Texas One of Texas’s foremost cultural epicenters is also an incredible tourist destination. San Antonio offers the Riverwalk, a

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THE EXPERT’S GUIDE TO COMPS BY: HENRY TAMBURIN

Nothing gets a player more excited then when you mention the word “comp”. Everyone wants one and the casinos are more than glad to give them (over one billion dollars worth last year). Yet, comps is one of the most misunderstood aspects of a player’s casino experience, fraught with misconceptions so 46

that many casual players don’t even bother – which is unfortunate. So to unravel the science and art of getting a comp, I assembled a team of experts comprised of savvy experienced players, well known gaming authors, advantage players, casino managers, and a casino host. I asked the experts for tips they

would give an average casino player who asked, “How do I go about getting a comp?” Before I turn it over to the experts, let’s briefly review the basics of casino comps. What is a Comp? A “comp” is an abbreviation for complimentary. They wwwfirstclasstours.net

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are the free goods and services provided by the casino to its players. Comps can range on the low end to free drinks and free valet parking all the way up to free room, food, beverage and transportation.

you gamble. Most casinos require that you bet at a certain level and play for a specific period of time in order to qualify for a comp. The more you bet and the longer you play the higher the level of comp you can expect.

What are the Requirements to Get a Comp? The only requirement is that

I Thought Comps Were Only For High-Rollers? That’s one of the miscon-

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ceptions about comps. You don’t need to be a high roller to get a comp. Yes, we all know the stories about high rollers that get shuttled to and from Las Vegas on a private jet, picked up in a chauffeured stretched limo, given a luxury suite twice the size of your home, and dine in ultra-swank gourmet restaurants “on the house”. 47

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But casinos also offer valuable comps to low rollers that include free meals, free or discounted rooms, and free show tickets. Why do Casinos Give Player’s Comps? Casinos need steady customers and they know there is a lot of competition for players. Therefore they offer comps to loyal players as a reward for their business. Comps also have a way of making players rationalize their losses so they return again to the same property. Comps also stimulate players into betting at higher levels and longer because most players mistakenly believe that when they get a comp they are getting something for nothing. Do I Have To Lose To Get a Comp? This is another misconception. Comps are not based on how much you lose (or win) but on the total amount of money you’ve wagered (known as the amount of “action” you give the casino). All the casinos want is a shot at your money at their tables and machines. How Do I Get a Comp if I Play the Machines? You need to sign up for a Player’s Card and keep it inserted into the machine’s card reader while you play. The casino’s computer will keep track of how much

money you play through the machine. Always make sure your card is registering properly so you get credit for your play. Also check at the Player’s Club if you are entitled to any freebies just for joining (casinos often have promotions to entice players to sign up). How Do I Know How Long to Play the Slots to Get a Comp? Casinos use to be secretive about how they rewarded comps. But nowadays the majority of casinos have brochures that tell their players how many dollars they must play to earn a point and how many points are required to get a specific comp. Nowadays, you can also find this information on most casino web sites (you can also sign up for a player’s card and keep track of your points on some casino web sites). Why Should I Bother With a Casino Host When I Can Get My Comps Through the Player’s Club? Hosts have much more discretion issuing player comps than the employees who staff the Player’s Club do. They also open a lot of “comp-doors” that most player’s don’t know about such as an invitation to a special event or getting you a room on a busy, sold-out weekend. Hosts add a personal touch to the comp experience and you should

try to establish a long-term relationship with them. How Can I Reward My Host for a Job Well Done? Hosts are not allowed to accept cash or expense gifts from players. But they can accept nominal gifts (max. $25 is a good benchmark) such as a gift certificate to a restaurant, a bottle of wine, or bouquet of flowers. A thank you card also goes a long way to cementing a relationship with a host. Another way to show your appreciation is to send the host’s boss or the casino manager a note stating what a good job your host does for you. Sending a host new customers is also another way to show your appreciation. Can I Carry Over My Earned Comps from One Trip to the Next? Most casinos allow players to accumulate their comp dollars and then spend them on one big meal or event. But others do not (you must spend your earned comp dollars during your current trip). It’s best to get the specific casino requirements on earned comps from the Player’s Club literature or from a casino host. How Do I Get a Comp if I Play the Tables? You must ask to be ‘rated’ when you play in the pits in order to be eligible for a

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comp. Getting rated means the pit boss or floor supervisor will keep track of the hours you play and your average bet size. In some casinos you can use your Player’s Card to get rated while others issue a different rating card for table players. If unsure just inquire at the Players Club or ask a casino host. When you sit down to play just slide the card to the dealer with your buy-in and the dealer will hand it to the floor supervisor, who will begin the rating process (in some casinos the dealer has a device on the table that she uses to swipe your card to initiate the rating process). If I’m a Table Player, How Much Do I Need to Bet and For How Long to Get a Comp? Each casino has a different policy when it comes to giving comps for table players. Some casinos that cater to high end players require a minimum of $25 bets to even be considered for comps while other casinos will gladly rate nickel players. My advice is to first call the casino’s marketing department and speak to a casino host about table game playing requirements for rating and comps. This way you’ll know the casino’s requirements and there won’t be any surprises. Does the Amount of my Buy-In and Whether or Not

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I Win or Lose Have Any Bearing on My Comps? Even though floor supervisors on table games will record that information on a player’s rating card, they do not enter into the equation for comps (see Comp Equations). However, more than one casino supervisor has added this caveat. If a steady customer has a disastrous session where the losses far exceed the casinos theo (or theoretical loss - see equations), the player is often given an additional comp above what the comp equation would compute for his play. Also, casino managers look more favorably on players who buy in for say $500 rather than $100 simply because they perceive that they have a shot at a larger amount of the player’s money. Should My Souse and I Get a Joint Account or or Separate Accounts? If you’re a low roller it’s best to get two cards on the same account. This way your play and that of your spouse will accumulate points faster toward a comp. If both partners do a lot of playing, then it’s best to get a slot card in both names (both will earn separate comps). Besides Comps What Else Should I Expect From the Casino for My Play? It depends on the casino but besides comps you might

get mailings offering you free show tickets or even an entry into a tournament or other special event. Many casinos also reward their slot and video poker players with cashback (or bounce back). Cashback is cash that you can get immediately after your play and it is based on a percentage of your action (see comp equations). Bounce back is a coupon you’ll receive that will allow you to receive cash on a subsequent visit. In lieu of giving a player directly cash some casinos will give a player credit on a slot or video poker machine (via a PIN) which the player must play through. What Can I do if I don’t have Enough Points for a Comp? If you don’t have enough play for a free room, you should ask for a discounted rate (known as the casino rate, which is usually 50% of the published rack rate for a room). Likewise if you don’t have enough play for a buffet comp, ask for a line comp. This will allow you to go ahead of the line of folks waiting to get into the buffet, café, or show theater. This is also a good time to speak with your casino host to see what other options you might have. Can I use the Points Acculmulated at one Casino Property at another Prop-

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erty Owned by the Same Company? In most cases, yes. Harrah’s, Mandalay Resorts, Park Place Entertainment, and Stations Casinos to name a few have Megaclubs. As more casinos become owned by the same company, this trend will continue. Are Their Any Tricks of the Trade to Getting More Comps Faster? Yes, and your about to read a bunch from our experts. Are Their Any Downsides to Comps? Most players are envious of other players who get “comped”. These players play right into the casino’s hands because by betting more and longer then they intended in the pursuit of a comp, most players with end up losing more then the comp was worth. Never play longer or bet more for the sake of a comp. Just learn how to use the system to get your fair share of comps for your normal play. THE EXPERT’S TIPS Max Rubin (author/columnist) 1. Join. To know you is to comp you. If you want the casino to know who you are, join the club. After you’re in with the in-crowd, you’ll get more offers in the mail than you can believe (and want, sometimes). They want your

bankroll and no matter how small you think it may be, you’ll be amazed at the stuff that comes your way once they know who you are. 2. Play. Casinos aren’t interested in folks who don’t gamble. You don’t have to bet a lot (but probably like to anyway-or you wouldn’t be reading this magazine) to get nice offers, but you’ll have to show a little speed up front for them to invite you back. 3. Ask. If you don’t ask for a comp while you’re playing, they probably won’t offer. Don’t be afraid. They get asked 100’s of times each week and all they can say is “No.” If they deny you (no matter how outrageous the request), ask them how much more you have to play to earn the comp you want. Buffets are easy, but it normally takes some serious machine and table time to qualify for rooms and gourmet meals. 4. Tip. When you hit a jackpot, make sure to give the cashiers and floor people a little something when they fork over the cash. If you’re on table games, an occasional small bet for the dealers usually does the trick. Virtually all of the comp decision makers (pit bosses and slot hosts) depended on tips for their livelihood at one point in their careers and if you’re

a stiff, they’ll never give you an even break. 5. Be Nice. Friendly people get easy room upgrades, bountiful buffets and lots of personalized attention while the Jerks rarely get what they’ve got coming-unless you believe in Karma. Jean Scott (author/columnist) 1. The number one way to get comps is to join the slot club before you play any casino game. Then put your card in any machine you play and starting earning points that will get you comps. If you play the tables, give your slot club card to the dealer before you make your first bet. He will give it to the pit boss, which will track your play and be able to tell you what comps you have earned. A casino can not give you anything if they don’t know you are playing; a slot card gives them this information so they can reward your play by giving you comps. 2. If you want free rooms and other substantial comps, concentrate your play at one casino to reach a higher comp level. If you spread your play around too thinly, you may not reach a basic comp level at any casino. 3. All slot clubs are not alike. So you have to “dig” in order

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

to get the details that will help you maximize your use of the comp system in any casino. Read all the literature at the slot club desk. If that isn’t available or doesn’t give you enough information, ask the slot club employees to explain the system and give you specific details on how to earn comps. 4. Joining a slot club can be a good idea even if you don’t plan to play at that casino. Card holders can often get nice discounts all over the property: in the gift shop, the restaurants, and even on the room rates. And when business is really slow, some casinos have been known to send out good offers and coupons to everyone in their database, no matter how little they have played. Bart Pestrichello (casino manager) 1. Table game players -- always present your players card to the dealer or floor supervisor as soon as you arrive at the table 2. When buying in at a table game, if you have a bankroll of $300, buy in for all $300 instead of $100 at a time. 3. If you want something comped, ask for it. The only thing we can tell you is YES or NO. Don’t be shy! 4. If you are playing for

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comps at a Table Game, it does not hurt to ask the floor supervisor what was you average bet during that play session. Understand what is needed to get a comp. 5. Since most comps at a table game are discretionary, it pays to be genuine, honest and courteous. You are more likely to get what you want. Mickey Petkus (casino host) 1. Make sure that you are getting tracked for your play. Regardless of whether you are a table or a machine player you must make sure you are getting credit for your casino action. Too many times I have customers who come to me asking for a comp and I have no record of play in the casino’s computer. They say that they have played for hours, lost hundreds of dollars, and the casino has no record of any of it. When that is the case, there is not much the casino can do, and the host is left to tell the customer “sorry”. So make sure you get a player ‘s card so you can take advantage of the casino’s comp system.

club or the host will look up their play and tell the customer what they are qualified for. If you don’t have a host, ask for the “host on duty” and introduce yourself to one. 3. It is a good idea to establish a relationship with a host so that he or she can know your gaming history. 4. Many times I have gotten crazy and outlandish requests...but as Jean Scott would say...”It doesn’t hurt to ask.” 5. There are always exceptions to the rules. Steve Bourie (author/columnist)

1. CALL AHEAD - Every casino has a marketing department, which will give you information on what kind of play is needed in order to earn a comp. Before leaving on your trip call ahead and ask for the marketing department and speak to a casino host who can tell you what is required. (You can get list of the toll-free numbers for all U.S. casinos in the 2003 American Casino 2. Once a customer has play Guide or visit the website at recorded in the casino’s play- www.americancasinoguide. er tracking system they just com to see the phone numneed to go to the casino’s bers for free). Call several caplayer club booth, or page sinos that you’re interested their casino host if they are in and ask specific questions on property to ask for the of the host: How much do I desired comp. Either the need to bet to get a comp

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room? How long do I have to play each day?, etc. Once you’ve decided on which casino you want to visit be sure to call back and speak to the same host. Tell them you’re going to be playing at their casino and you want to confirm the details of what kind of play is required to earn the comps that you want. When you finally arrive at the casino be sure to go meet your casino host and thank them for their time and effort in explaining their comp system to you. Then you’ll be on your way to earning comps and you’ll know exactly what’s required. 2. ASK - Many players mistakenly think that the casino staff will automatically offer them comps whenever they play but that isn’t true. You really need to speak to a floorperson and tell them you want to be rated to see if you’re eligible for any comps. They will then keep track of your average bet as well as how long you play and they will offer you comps based on your level of play. John Brokopp (author/ comulumnist) 1. Don’t be afraid to ask. Casino guest services representatives are in business to please and accommodate people, not alienate them. In most gaming markets,

they are aware that people can take their business elsewhere. They are out to make friends, not enemies. Besides, food comps actually cost the casino a fraction of their face value. Comps are the best marketing tools a casino has. They don’t want to say “no” to your request for a comp if they can at all help it. But they’re not mind readers, either. As the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so does the outgoing casino player. If you’ve been warming the seat at a blackjack table for a while or playing at a slot carousel for a period of time, find a representative and inquire about a comp. Just make your request in a polite demeanor and maybe even make some small talk. Don’t be a pest or act demanding as if you’ve got it coming to you. Be nice and friendly and you may be in for a surprise. 2. Develop a personal relationship with a casino host, shift manager, or pit supervisor. Name and face recognition can go a lot further than just being a number in a database. If you’re visiting a casino for the first time, call in advance and ask to speak to someone in player development. Tell them you’ll be coming in and that you’re looking forward to the visit. Get the person’s name and when you check in, stop by the office with a small gift or token of appreciation,

such as a souvenir from your hometown or a specialty item from your locality. When you’re out on the casino floor, don’t be shy about introducing yourself to the shift manager or slot or pit supervisor. Just a friendly “hi” along with some chat about the property and in all likelihood the person will offer you his or her card and you’ve made a new friend. 3. Always use your player tracking card. Separate and aside from the personal contacts you make in a casino is being a member of the player’s club. All casinos have them now. Cold, statistical dollars and cents decisions regarding comps are based upon the player profile that pops up when the host or other casino representative brings up your information on the computer screen. It’s kind of like a casino player’s “box score”. By using a card you develop equity in the property and are eligible for cash back or comps as the case may be. Player’s clubs encourage brand loyalty. The more often you attend, the longer you play, and the more money you “churn” through the machines or tables, the more valuable you are to the casino. 4.Take advantage of “first time visitor” privileges. If you’re a veteran player making a first-time visit to a property in your own ju-

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risdiction or out of state, always make a personal contact before you play. Explain to a host that you’ve been playing elsewhere but that you’ve heard a lot of nice things about this particular casino and you’d like to give them a try. Alluding to your games of choice or your level of play won’t hurt, either, such as mentioning the playing tier you are at another property. Casinos are always trying to win over new customers, influence people, and attract new and potential premium players. The casino industry is very competitive in this respect. Manipulate the system, if you will, and see what kind of “welcome wagon” comps you may be offered.

be a buffet or dinner offered to a player without the loss of points. It’s based on individual session play and even property loyalty. Always go for true comps first before you tap into the equity that you’ve already earned and you’re already entitled to receive. It’s kind of like going for a bonus.

5.Go for “true comps” first before using your point equity. Every casino uses basically the same formula for determining a player’s worth. The “theo” on a player (theoretical loss) is computed using the amount wagered, the length of playing time, and the win/ loss ledger. The result is the value of comps the player is entitled to in dollars and cents. On the other hand, every casino uses a different formula for comps based on points accumulated using a player’s card. A player may redeem his or her points for comps and have them deducted from their account. “True comps”, however, may

4. Play during the slower period of the day. It’s easier to get a comp when the casino is not crowded.

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Bill Burton (author/columnist) 1. Always use your card and get rated. 2. Ask! Comps aren’t given out automatically. 3. If you are looking for a food comp it is best to do this while you are playing.

5. Be friendly and personable at the table. 6. For a room comp you will want to speak to a casino host before you check out. Tips for getting a higher rating when you play table games. 1. Buy in for more than you plan to play. This makes the casino think you are willing to risk more. 2. Make your first bet higher

if the pit is looking on. 3. Play at a crowded table. The game is slower. 4. Don’t make your bet until they Pit Boss has taken your card and logged you in. 5. Tip the dealers. 6. For blackjack, take your bathroom breaks during the shoe not while the dealer is shuffling. 7. For craps, buy in and tell the dealers to put you up across the board but don’t have the bets working right away. Wait a couple rolls and then take them down. 8. For slots, after you have played for while, tell a slot attendant that you would like to speak to a casino host. Continue playing until the host gets there and then introduce your self. Ask if you have enough play for whatever comp you are seeking. John Grochowski (author/ columnist) 1. Don’t just count on the players club booth to issue comps. Introduce yourself to a casino host. Hosts have the power of the pen--they can write meal comps or comp your room without deducting points from your players club account. If you ask for a meal comp at a slot club booth, they’ll almost always

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deduct points in exchange. If you’ve played enough and a host sees you as someone the casino would like to encourage returning, he or she can write the comp without deducting points. Be sure to be polite--you want the host to WANT to help you. You won’t get the comp every time, but it’s worth pursuing.

casino where I’d played a bit, but never stayed, for a free room and an entry into a video poker tournament, and the next day received another mailing from the same casino, offering triple slot club points and a $50 food credit. Given that I was planning a trip anyway, that was too much to pass up.

2. Players who have hosts might try charging all their meals or anything else they purchase at their casino hotel to their room accounts instead of asking for comps upfront. Often, a meal that you’d have to pay for early in the trip before you’ve played much can be comped after the fact if you’ve charged it to your room.

Frank Scoblete (author/columnist)

3. Take advantage of direct mail offers. The goal of casino comps is to encourage you to return. Some of the most generous casino offers come through the mail-bonus cash, bonus slot club points, free meals, free tournaments, free or discounted rooms and more. The offers often have restricted dates and expiration dates. If you can manage, plan your trip for days that you can use the direct mail offers. 4. Try to combine offers. Sometimes you’ll get multiple mailings from the same casino, and sometimes the offers will overlap. I once received one offer from a

1. Always tip on top of your bet so that you control the tip. Your tip will now be thought of as a part of your average bet and you’ll get more comp points for it. 2. Always ask for a comp 10 minutes before you have decided to leave so that the rater thinks he’s kept you at the table an extra 10 minutes waiting for the comp. It’s rare that you’ll play that 10 minutes and not get a comp. 3. Don’t ask for comps that you know you can’t get, such as the gourmet room if you’re a $10 bettor. Raters like to say yes. However, always ask for a comp that is a little higher than you actually want so that when the rater says, “Sorry, sir, you can’t have the cafe,” you can say, “Then can I have the buffet -- for two?” You’ll get the buffet because that is what you really wanted all along.

4. Always comp as you go. Some casinos want you to wait until the end of your stay before they decide which comps they will give you. This leaves them in the driver’s seat and you begging at the end of your stay, which is not a pleasant feeling. If you comp as you go, you’ve got the comps you want. If they say no, you can always wait until the end of your trip and ask again. 5. Never play for comps. No sandwich, no gourmet meal, no anything, is worth the expected loss you must have for the casino to give it to you. Just play your game and take the comps as they come. Winnie Grand (advantage player/columnist) 1. Don’t ask for comps until you have played a substantial amount. The complimentaries you receive are based on tracked play and the amount of play required will vary from casino to casino. If you have just arrived at the casino and ask for a comp with no play history, you will surely get a “no” answer to your request. 2. Talk to a host about the required play for various “goodies” at their casino. This can be done either before or after playing as you are only asking for information. You might tell the host that

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you usually play x amount of dollars on your visits and ask them what you might expect from that play. Often you will get a wealth of information from this conversation and can then decide if your level of play will get what you want at that particular casino. 3. Don’t abuse the comp system. Many people take advantage of the casino by running up large bills at the gourmet restaurants. Their attitude is “anything goes” because they don’t have to pay. The casinos are not happy with the customers who do this and will remember you in a negative light if this occurs. Enjoy the comps you are given but only use what you really want. 4. Complimentaries are just that- not a sure thing but a gift from the casino. Be grateful and show your appreciation to your host when you receive these gifts. A personal note after a visit is always a good idea and will help you build a good relationship with the casino. Jeff Compton (author/columnist) 1) Do not get overwhelmed by the concept that it is free - it is not free, you are paying with it with your play - and frequently it will cost you more than it would it you paid cash.

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2) It is better to play at as few casinos as possible to get the most out of a system. Many of the best benefits do not kick in until you play at a certain level, so if possible, find your favorite casino and stay there. 3) No casino comp system can be completely understood and mastered quickly - it takes a continue effort of using your eyes and ears. Anthony Curtis (author/ publisher/columnist) 1. Ask. 2. Understand your favorite slot clubs and work through their systems. 3. Sign up for things when at the casino. This enhances chances of getting low-level comps through the mail.

in the casino so they can give the money back. On the other hand, if you have a bigger-than-average loss, ask for a comp. Casinos want to “soothe the pain” of big losers so they’ll come back. And since you don’t know which of these events will occur on your next trip (conceivably both), you have to be ready to ask either way. 2. Generally speaking, you get more asking a host than you do asking at the slot club booth. At many casinos, booth workers are $7 an hour brand-new employees who are given little discretion in comping. Hosts are more experienced and are given more leeway.

5. Read the advice of the real experts in Comp City, Frugal Gambler, and the upcoming More Frugal Gambling.

3. Before you ask for a comp, ask other players who the best host is to ask. At many casinos there is at least one host who acts like Santa Claus and will give you the moon, and another one that acts like Ebenezer Scrooge and treats every comp issued as making his children starve. When you are asking for favors, you want the first type of host.

Bob Dancer (author/columnist)

Skip Hughes (video poker web site host/columnist)

1. Be ready to use whatever circumstances are appropriate at the moment. For example, if you hit a big jackpot, ask for a comp. Casinos want to keep winners

1. When the overall return is about equal (due to differences in cash back, for instance) try to play games that are “low variance” such as Jacks or Better or Pick’em,

4. Get rated when you play table games.

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rather than a game with higher variance, such as NSU Deuces or Double Bonus. This gives you a better chance of “staying in the game”, and accumulating more playing time and “coin-in”. 2. Play where they have a high “comp rate”. This is not always easy to determine and it does change, but there are sources on the Internet that can help. 3. Always try to develop a relationship with a host. This is not hard. It’s what they do. Hosts are not just for high rollers. Turn on your change light and when a floor person arrives, ask for a host. When the host arrives, introduce yourself, explain how much you usually play and ask how much play it takes for a buffet, room comp etc. Most hosts will be forthcoming. Be sure to get his or her card and keep it. You can “try out” different hosts at a casino, but once you have found one you like, try to stick with that one. Write down the host’s working hours on the back of the card so you’ll know when to call. 4. If you are starting out, play at a number of different places to see if you can generate a mailed offer. Such offers can often come from very little play and they

also may be better than the comps you can get from a host. Mailed offers come from the Casino Marketing department, while the hosts usually work for a department called Player Development. It’s good to have both sources to work with. Even if you receive a mailed offer, you can contact your host to book it. This helps you to develop a relationship with you host. Many casinos as much better at sending mailed offers than others. Again, this kind information changes and comparisons can be found on the Internet. 5. Always be nice, polite and appreciative of what is offered to you. LV Pro (advantage player) 1. Make sure that you’re using a player’s card. If playing slots or video poker, make sure to insert the card into the machine at the start of play. If a table game, present the card to the dealer who will pass it to the floorperson. The suit will start a rating card on you, noting amount of buy-in, average bet and time played. 2. Ask. Ask. Ask. Even if you don’t think you qualify. You’ll be surprised at the comps you can get by asking. Recently I played blackjack at the Tropicana LV. I played for an hour, betting $10,

$15, $20, $25, up to a few $100 bets. Just on a whim I asked for a comp to Follies Bergere, their big evening show which costs $55 or so per ticket. They checked their computer and asked how many tickets I wanted. I was absolutely shocked that I was actually going to get the tickets. No way did I think I had enough play for 2 tickets valued at $110. Once again, and I can’t stress this enough: Ask. The worst they can do is say “no”. 3. Here’s how to expand a meal comp. If at first they can offer you either two for the buffet or one for the coffee shop [which you would prefer], take the comp for 2 for the buffet. Find out what time the buffet closes. Show up with your meal-mate after the buffet has closed and tell a pit boss you came all this way, suffered traffic and parking only to find out the buffet is closed. Ask if there’s any other restaurant open now. Of course you’ll already know the 24-hour coffee shop is the only open venue. The pit boss will usually change the comp from buffet to coffee shop with no problem. 4. Read Max Rubin’s “Comp City”. Mr. Pit Boss (casino supervisor) 1. Make sure you obtain a

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player’s card and always use it every time you sit down on a game. 2. A sure-fire way to make sure you’re being rated is to put $500 to $1,000 on deposit at the cage and draw on it in the form of a marker when you sit down at a game. That way there will be a paper trail of your play. 3. The casino is looking for time played, so take advantage of time away from the game. Leave some of your smaller denomination chips at the table and leave the game for 10 to 15 minutes an hour. They will continue to rate you while your gone. 4. If you catch a run and you’re wagering more than you usually would, feel free to point this out to the floor supervisor who is rating you. You want to make sure that they see and rate your higher play. 5. If you’re usually a $100 average player and you’re having a streak of bad luck and decide to play $25, you might not want to be rated since this will lower your average bet and thus reduce your comps. 6. Be pleasant! The better rapport you build with the dealer and the floor supervisor, the better chance you have in stretching your rating to the limit. Tipping

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the dealer once in a while will get noticed by the floor supervisor (who was at one time working for tips). That is the defining factor of a nice player, which will probably boost your rating. 7. Most importantly, when you finished playing don’t be afraid to ask the floor supervisor what your average bet was and how much time he has you in for. If you disagree, this would be the time to let the supervisor know. If you work on him a little (in a nice way) he may pump up your rating. If he doesn’t just be polite and shake his hand because the next time you sit down in his section, he may be more generous with his rating. 8. The bottom line with comps is the longer you play and the higher your average bet, the more you get. Just make sure you always get rated for your play. Barney Vinson (author) 1. In order to get a casino comp, you usually have to be rated. Simply give your name to the supervisor when you come to the table. You’ll be rated just like the high rollers are, and entitled to the same special treatment. (In addition, the casino will know who to bill when you throw your chair through the plate glass window after losing your life savings.)

2. Join the casino’s slot club. You’ll get credit every time you play the machines, and you’ll be eligible for discounted room rates, free meals, and other casino goodies—plus you can use the card to scrape the ice off your car’s windshield. Many slot clubs set aside blocks of rooms for their players during busy times of the year, and if you’re a slot club member you may be able to get a room when nobody else can. Even if you don’t plan to play the machines, join the slot club anyway. Sometimes you get a free gift just for signing up. At the very least, you’re now on the casino’s mailing list, which means you’ll start getting coin vouchers, meal discounts, and room deals throughout the year. 3. Concentrate your play in the casino where you’re staying. 4. Introduce yourself to a host, and ask him what it takes to get a free room, RFB (room, food, beverages), or free air fare. He’ll tell you how much you have to bet, and how many hours a day you have to play to get any of these. If he tells you that you have to bet $50 a hand for four hours to get a free room, don’t let that scare you off. You could bet $25 a hand for eight hours, and be entitled to the same thing.

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5. Set up a credit line at the casino cage. Most people who make frequent gambling trips do this. For one thing, your money is a lot safer in the cashier’s cage than it is in your wallet, and you can withdraw it any time you want. An ideal line of credit would be $5,000. You’ll need either cash or a pre-authorized check from your bank. Now you’re in the casino computer! “Yes, I would like to get breakfast in the coffee shop, please.” Then add nonchalantly, “ I’m in the computer.” The supervisor checks, and sure enough you’re good for five thousand. He knows he’s dealing with someone who has money and will probably gamble with it. He certainly doesn’t want to offend this person by denying a simple request for a free meal. 6. When all else fails, just ask for a comp. Getting something for nothing is what put Vegas on the map in the first place. The easiest comp to get is one to the buffet. It’s usually the cheapest—for you and the casino. A breakfast buffet may cost you $3.95, but it costs the casino about 60¢. It’s also easier to get a comp in a large casino, because smaller casinos work on a lower profit margin. Here’s how one fellow did it. “Can I get a comp?” he asked the pit boss.

“A comp to what?” “Anything!” One Final Tip This bit of sound advice comes from Gambling for Dummies by Richard Harroch, Lou Krieger, and Arthur Reber. It’s the key to getting the rewards you deserve when you play. “Don’t be afraid to ask for a comp. As long as you are polite and courteous, you can’t ask too often. When in doubt, ask. Always ask. Ask your pit boss. Ask the VIP desk. Ask your host. Ask now. Ask later. Ask again. Ask, ask, and ask”.

player’s theoretical whereas strip casinos average 2040%. Note that the amount a player actually wins or loses per session may be much more or much less then his theoretical but over many sessions his actual results will approach the calculated theoretical loss. ¦

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

COMP EQUATIONS Formula #1 average bet x # decisions per hour x hours played = player’s trip/session handle Formula #2 trip/session handle x casino’s advantage (theoretical hold percentage) = player’s expected loss (or theoretical) Formula #3 Player’s expected loss x casino’s percentage return * = comp dollars * The expected return percentage percentage is different from one casino to the next. For example local’s casino in Las Vegas tend to offer a 10-20% return on a

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2017 MAJOR LEAGUE QUIDDITCH CHAMPIONSHIP August 12-13, 2017 @ Hometown Heroes Park

2017 PEARLAND INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND MUSIC CONCERT

BRUNO MARS IN CONCERT

OKTOBERFEST HOUSTON

MAYA: HIDDEN WORLDS REVEALED @ THE PEROT MUSEUM

CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ TEXAS RANGERS

October 24, 2017 @ Toyota Center

July 29 - Sep. 4, 2017 @ The Perot Museum

September 15-16, 2017 @ Pearland Town Center)

September 30, 2017 @ The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou

August 17-20, 2017 @ Globe Life Park in Arlington

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DALLAS CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 2017

TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL IN CONCERT

WHALES: GIANTS OF THE DEEP

LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS FRIGHT FEST

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September 8-10, 2017 @ Fashion Industry Gallery

May 27 - September 4, 2017 @ Witte Museum

September 16 - October 29, 2017 @ Six Flags Fiesta Texas

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October 7, 2017 @ American Airlines Center

August 25, 2017 @ Majestic Theater

October 6-14, 2017 @ Beethoven Maennerchor

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AUSTIN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL

FALL PECAN STREET FESTIVAL

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September 30, 2017 @ Fiesta Gardens

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September 23-24, 2017 @ Sixth Street Austin

October 6-8, 13-15, 2017 @ Zilker Park

September 23, 2017 @ Woldenberg Park along the Mississippi River

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

GENTILLY FEST October 6-8, 2017

LOUSIANA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL October 27-29, 2017 @ Woldenberg Park

GOOD BURGERS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

MOLLY RINGWALD’S AT L’AUBERGE

LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM’S ANNUAL RED GALA

CHRIS STAPLETON, MARGO PRICE & BRENT COBB IN CONCERT

August 9, 2017 @ Burgersmith

September 22, 2017 @ Louisiana Art & Science Museum

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September 9, 2017 @ L’Auberge

October 19, 2017 @ River Center

FIRST CLASS

TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS

4 OF THE SMARTEST T HACKS YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL EVER N 66

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

BY: LISA BE

TRAVEL NEED. www.firstclasstours.net

FIRST CLASS

TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS

#1. Use Google Maps offline by typing “OK Maps” and the visible area will save for future access.

#2. Save an empty plastic water bottle and refill it after passing security instead of buying water at the airport.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

#3. When reserving seats for two people, choose the aisle and window seats. If no one takes the middle seat, then you get the full row, and if someone does, then just ask to switch seats so you can sit next to your partner.

#4. If you forget your wall plug, you can charge devices through the USB slot on a TV.

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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FIRST CLASS

TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS

DAILY CASINO TR WITH FIRST CLASS PERKS

18 Departs EAST $

Departs 1960 Terminal 310 FM 1960 | Houston, TX 77073 | 281.443.1200 CASINO

DEPART

ARRIVE @CASINO

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RETURN

DAYS

Coushatta

8:00 AM

11:30 AM

4:30 PM

8:00 PM

Every Day

Coushatta

12:00 PM

3:30 PM

8:30 PM

Coushatta

8:00 PM

11:30 PM

4:30 AM

8:00 AM

Coushatta

9:30 PM

1:00 AM

6:00 AM

L’auberge

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

L’auberge

7:00 PM

Delta Downs

8:30 AM

Golden Nugget 6:00 PM Golden Nugget 10:00 AM

12703 Eastex Freeway | Houston CASINO

DEPART

ARRIVE @CASINO

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8:30 AM

11:30 AM

Coushatta

12:30 PM

3:30 PM

Every Day

Coushatta

8:30 PM

11:30 PM

9:30 AM

Fri-Sat

Coushatta

10:00 PM

1:00 AM

5:00 PM

8:00 PM

Every Day

L’auberge

9:30 AM

12:00 PM

10:00 PM

3:00 AM

6:00 AM

Every Day

L’auberge

7:30 PM

10:00 PM

11:00 AM

4:00 PM

6:30 PM

Tue, Thu

Delta Downs

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

9:00 PM

2:00 AM

5:00 AM

Thu, Fri, Sat

Golden Nugget 6:30 PM

6:00 PM

9:00 PM

Wed, Sun

Golden Nugget 10:30 AM

1:00 PM

12:00 AM Wed, Sat, Sun

9:00 PM

1:00 PM

First Clas

COUSHATTA DELTA DOWNS

10 Perk $5 Perk

Free Play

Sun 8PM-Fri 9AM

Casino Perks Every trip

*Perks not valid on Holidays o

SENIOR DAY

HELP US KEEP YOUR

PRICES LOW...

Use your casino card during your next trip. Your card earns valuable points while at the casino and helps First Class Tours keep prices as low as possible and perks as high as possible! We work hard to keep you playing! Good luck!

EVERY WEDNESDAY

$6.00 Off Any Daily Casino Trip.

over 60+ years Senior Code: SNRWED Offers can not be combined.

Terms & Conditions: Check-In number allows you to check in up to 90 minutes prior to departure. It does not guarantee you a seat on the bus. All seats are on a first-come, Casino Schedule Inside v1.indd 1

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

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3/23/17 11:56 AM

5 BEST FAMILY BEACH VACATIONS IN FLORIDA BY: VACATIONIDEA STAFF

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Explore some of the best beaches in Florida on your family trip to one of these unique destinations. Choose from small secluded islands, quiet FL beach towns and city getaways with great state parks just steps from famous museums, attractions and restaurants. Play in the water, relax in the sun, build sandcastles and have fun with your kids on these stunning Florida beaches. Key Biscayne A trip across the Rickenbacker Causeway across the beautiful Biscayne Bay is an adventure in itself, but after a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Miami, you will find yourself in true Florida in a tiny island town between two

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wonderful parks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park. Palm tree-lined streets, quaint shops, galleries, restaurants, and, of course, some of the best beaches in Florida make Key Biscayne a lovely escape destination. Go for a swim or rent a kayak at Bill Baggs Park, visit the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, go swim with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium, play golf at the renowned Crandon Golf Course, or watch turtle eggs hatch at the two-mile long Crandon Park beach. Weekend Getaways & Attractions near me: From NYC, Ohio, TX Places to Visit, PA, CA, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago

Sarasota Sarasotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Siesta Key beach is one of the best Florida beaches. Glimmering white and made of pure quartz crystal, this piece of paradise is hugged by waters of the Gulf Coast. And that is just one of several Sarasota beaches to choose from. You might find it hard to leave your hammock or lounge chair on the beach in this lively Florida Gulf Coast town south of Tampa, but the kids might demand some action. Take them paddling through Sarasota Bay and look for manatees and dolphins, let them compete in building sand castles at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, charter a fishing boat, or go snorkeling, as there is as much under the water as

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there is above it. And if you can, convince them to go see the Ringling Museum of Art – it will be worth it. Keep reading for more great family vacations in Florida.

spectacular sunset every day, so find a comfortable chair with a colorful drink in your hand and wait for the famous green flash. Photo: mariakraynova/Fotolia

in Naples.

Sarasota, FL: Things to Do in Sarasota, Restaurants in Sarasota, The Ringling, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Photo: ArenaCreative/Fotolia

Fun places to visit, events, facts, tours, all inclusive & photos of what to do last minute near my location: Great Attractions near my location & Free Activities

You are reading “25 Best Family Beach Vacations in Florida Today” Back to Top or Closest Weekend Vacations with Kids, Trip finder, Getaways near me & Scenic places near me

Fun Vacations & Things to do near me: Montauk Places to See, Tampa Attractions, Fun Tucson Date Ideas, Charlotte Places to Go, Top 10 in Newport Beach

Best things to do with kids Best known for its fantastic & fun things near me: Santa golf and high end shopping, Barbara, Poconos, Cleveland Naples, located in southwest Events, Key West Free Things Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, to Do, SF Activities, Sanibel is a perfect family vacation Island, OR, SC destination. The city has miles of powder-fine golden Florida Beaches: Cedar Key sand beaches and many Cedar Keys consist of wonderful parks where kids enchanting little islands can spend hours building about three miles off the sand castles, swimming, Florida coast about 100 or playing ball. This area is miles north of Tampa and home to some of the best fifty miles southwest of Florida beaches. Gainesville. Laid back and charming, many of them are Take a free tram through uninhabited and make for a the lush mangroves to the fabulous kayak destination Clam Pass Park, go for a where you can spend a day stroll along historic Naples on the deserted beach. The Pier built in 1888 to watch biggest town is Cedar Key the playful dolphins or try located on Way Key. It is a your hand at fishing, visit lovely old downtown with all place artists discovered and have taken over, and you the galleries and shops, or should consider visiting in pick a colorful bayside café April when 120 artists come for a bite to eat. Kids would for the annual festival. love an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades with The Cedar Keys were so many birds and the declared a bird and wildlife occasional elusive alligator. sanctuary in 1929, and the It is not possible to be bored park there is named the

Family Vacations in Florida: Mexico Beach Mexico Beach is one of the best Florida beach towns where time has stopped. Just 20 minutes from Panama City Beach, you will find no fancy resorts or enormous condo buildings blocking the spectacular view of the ocean. Just miles and miles of fine sand, emerald waters and quaint seaside restaurants and shops where you can go barefoot like everyone else. Mexico Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. It is the perfect place to try scuba diving, go for a boat ride, watch thousands of birds or try to catch some fish. There is also a

Naples

Naples, FL: Things to Do, Restaurants, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Photo: Pix by Marti/Fotolia

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge. You can see rare white pelicans, majestic bald eagles, and vibrantly pink roseate spoonbills, along with many other birds that make the islands their home. The islands are a beach loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise,

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and it is difficult to decide which of the beaches you will discover is the most beautiful. Beachcombing, hiking, fishing, boating, or canoeing are among the favorite activities. You can also do nothing but sit on the beach with your camera

and wait for that perfect shot. Photo: Earl Robbins/ Fotolia ÂŚ

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FCT NEWS THE COMPANY PARTY

Everyone should have a Sno-Cone Friday! Thanks to Kona Ice of Houston. Over 100 shaved ices were served! Thanks to our valuable team members and their kiddos.