The 2011 version of AMERICAN CASINO GUIDE by Steve Bourie is now available. If you are traveling anywhere in the United States and enjoy visiting the local gambling establishments, you need this book.
Although the guide is full of good advice, the biggest section is a state by state breakdown of the gambling laws and traditions as well as the location and facts on each casino in that particular state. Besides explaining the types of gaming and the size of the casino floor, the guide lists how many rooms are available and their price range. It provides information on RV parking, restaurants, prices at the buffet, minimum age, and if liquor is served. The phone number and web site are also included.
The first quarter of the book is a collection of articles written by gambling experts. Covering a large range of subjects such as including the best bets in a casino (craps and blackjack, if played properly), how to take advantage of the comp system and how to pick a machine, you'll get the inside scoop directly from those in-the-know. There are also chapters explaining how to play various games and how to tell if your gambling is becoming a problem.
The chapter that shocked me was the one on the Las Vegas resort fees. Casino hotels in Vegas now charge an extra fee to cover the use of things that were once included like the swimming pool, parking, free wifi, etc. This was a heads-up as a reminder to ask questions, because the fees can come as a surprise after reservations are made.
The last quarter of the book is full of coupons. That's right—coupons! These coupons are good for everything from a free day of car rental to free drinks or appetizers. To be honest, most of the “freebies” already come with membership in the casino's slot club, but I did find several that I will be using.
To those of you who rarely go to a casino, let me get a word in about slot clubs. This is a club with no fee for joining or dues once you are a member. All that is required of you is to stop by the promotion booth in any casino, show ID, and sign up. The casino then can follow your playing and reward you. It is the only way to get treated to the free rooms, meals, and cash that are offered as promotions (also known as "comps").
AMERICAN CASINO GUIDE is a good resource for the occasional gambler as well as the seasoned one. I get one about every five years, but so many states are now adding facilities, that it is hard to keep up. I would hate to be driving through Oklahoma and miss a fun place just off the highway! Now, thanks to the handy Guide, I won't miss a thing!
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