December promotions at Twin River Casino

Twin River Casino in Rhode Island has a new free app to keep track of news, dining, promotions, and more.  It's free!  If you are a regular at Twin River, you might like to add it to your smart phone.

Until you get it, NETime Gambling is the place to find the latest promotions.  For example, here are some of December's promotions at Twin River:

Tablet Mania in December
Earn Entries: December 1 – December 17, 2013
Tablet Drawings on Mondays & Tuesdays from 12-7pm!
(December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17)
Starting Sunday, December 1, 2013 all Twin River Rewards Club members will be eligible to receive one free entry into this promotion by simply inserting their Rewards Card into any one of our Promotion Kiosks or any eligible VLT. As an added bonus, all guests qualify for accelerated entry earnings where for every 100 points earned on the VLT’s during the earning period, guests will receive one additional entry. On each drawing day, starting at 12pm, two drawings will take place every half-hour until 7pm for a chance to win a Tablet Computer! To activate entries on each drawing day, guests must simply “check in” by inserting their Twin River Rewards Card into any Promotion Kiosk or by having their card inserted into any eligible VLT. For complete Rules and Regulations, please visit any Players Club Booth.

TRIPLE YOUR REWARDS!
Sundays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at Fred & Steve's Steakhouse / Tuesdays at Wicked Bar & Grill
Every Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday at Fred & Steve's Steakhouse and every Tuesday at Wicked Good Bar & Grill! All Twin River Rewards Club Members will be able to redeem their Rewards Points for TRIPLE their value*. *Maximum $200 point redemption per day. Alcohol Excluded. Must be 18+.

Join our Text Club!
Text 'TR' to 411669
Join the Twin River Text Club today and receive exclusive offers from Twin River for free concert tickets and discounts, food offers, giveaways and more!
Just text the keyword 'TR' to 411now (411669) Go to the Twin River website for more information.

That's all now.

Binbin

Thanksgiving Promotions In New England's Casinos - Maine & Rhode Island

Not interested in football?  Want to do something different for Thanksgiving?  Start a new tradition?  Take your parents out for Thanksgiving dinner instead of all that cooking?
Here are some alternatives! - Part 1

MAINE
HOLLYWOOD CASINO, HOTEL and RACEWAY

OXFORD CASINO


RHODE ISLAND
TWIN RIVER

 

Join us for our Thanksgiving Celebration, Thursday November 28th

Starting at 12pm  $15.95

(plus tax & gratuity)

Chef’s Station, Fresh Baked Rolls, Garden Salad, Roasted Winter Squash Soup

Carved Turkey Breast with Gravy, Carved Glazed Ham, Chef’s Vegetable Medley

Red Bliss Mashed Potatoes, Maple Whipped Sweet Potato, Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce

Looking for the Perfect Finish - Try a Pie a la Mode for just $3.99, Your choice of pumpkin or apple pie with vanilla ice cream - add a spiked Cider for just $4 (21+ only)

NEWPORT GRAND

  Turkey Dinner with all the fixins' $8.95 
  Sundays - 11:30 am - 9 pm

  What a better way to start off the week than getting our very 

  popular Turkey Dinner with all the fixins' for just $8.95. 

  Discount  for Rewards Card Members only, one discount per Rewards Card.

That's all for now.  Tomorrow I'll look at CT's Turkey Day Promos.

Binbin

Give Thanks to our Veterans - New England Casino Dining Promotions

For so many reasons, we live in the greatest country in the world. And no matter what their politics are, no matter what their ethnicity is, men and women have served this country for all of us. You know them - they are young and no so young. But whatever their age, they have experienced the job of protecting America. They are our Veterans. They deserve our thanks, they deserve our respect, they deserve our appreciation.

There are a few special promotions available in New England's Casinos for Veteran's Day. Here they are:
Oxford Casino, Oxford, Maine
Veterans free buffet from 11:00 - 2:30. Check website for details.

Hollywood Casino, Bangor, Maine
Brunch For Free at the Epic Buffet from 9:00 to 2:30. Check website for details.

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville will offer a Prime Rib special consisting of Prime Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a chef’s selection for dessert for $28.95 per person from 11:00am to 1:00am. Additionally, past and present military members receive a 10% discount, year-round. Must present valid military ID to redeem discount.

Big Bubba’s BBQ will honor active and retired troops with a 10% discount on Veterans Day from 11:30am to 10:00pm. Must present valid military ID to redeem discount.

Seasons Buffet will serve two buffet meals for the price of one. The special will be featured every Thursday for guests who present their military ID and Player’s Club Card for $16.98 per adult and $9.43 per child.

Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold will pay tribute with 25% off any item that features red, white and blue from 10:00am to Midnight. Discount is available to all guests.

Foxwoods - MGM, Mashentucket, CT
Show your military ID and enjoy a 10% discount at participating Foxwoods restaurants.

That's all for now.

Thank to all our American Vets.


Binbin

Twin River Casino in Rhode Island November Casino Promotions

So, what's happening over in Rhode Island's Twin River Casino?  Besides the new table game hysteria, there are some great November Promotions available to accompany their on-going promos.  Here is a listing:

November Promotions

TV Tuesdays in November Earn Entries: November 1, 2013 – November 26, 2013
Drawings on Tuesdays in November (5, 12, 19, 26) from 1pm – 7pm where 2 drawings will take place every half-hour!
Starting Friday, November 1, 2013 all Twin River Rewards Club members will be eligible to receive one free entry into this promotion by simply inserting their Rewards Card into any one of our Promotion Kiosks or any eligible VLT. As an added bonus, all guests qualify for accelerated entry earnings where for every 100 points earned on the VLT’s during the earning period, guests will receive one additional entry. On each drawing day, starting at 1pm, two drawings will take place every half-hour until 7pm for a chance to win a 60” television! To activate entries on each drawing day, guests must simply “check in” by inserting their Twin River Rewards Card into any Promotion Kiosk or by having their card inserted into any eligible VLT. Over 100 televisions could be given away.

On Going Promotions

BONUS PLAY MATCH PROMOTION!
For a limited time, Twin River guests can bring their current Bonus Play base offer from any Connecticut casino to Twin River and if they join our Twin River Rewards Club, we will match that offer with up to $400 in Bonus Play! Only available to new Twin River Rewards Club members or inactive guests who have not played with their Rewards Club card at Twin River within the last 12+ months. To receive your offer match, qualified guests must bring in their current Connecticut base offer (hard copy of mailer only, valid within 30 days of their visit to Twin River) to any Players Club booth at Twin River. When they join the Rewards Club, Twin River will match that base offer with the same value of that base offer, up to $400 in Bonus Play! For complete rules & regulations, visit any Players Club booth.

Gift Giveaway Extravaganza Earn Entries: October 30 – December 11, 2013
Drawings on December 14, 2013 @ 9am - 7pm (Twin River Event Center)
Starting October 30, 2013 Twin River Rewards Club members are eligible to participate in this exciting promotion by accumulating 100 points over the course of one gaming trip. Once that threshold has been achieved, guests will be credited with 5 raffle tickets, and will be eligible to earn additional entries through December 11, 2013. Then, on Saturday, December 14, guests will report to the Twin River Event Center to receive the total number of raffle tickets available to them and then drop their tickets into the entry drums which will be alongside each available prize. All prizes will be on display starting at 9am on December 14th and the winners will be selected starting at 7:15pm. Winners will not need to be present to win and will have a maximum of 48 hours to claim any prizes (8pm on Monday, December 16th, 2013). Over $150,000 in cash & prizes to be won.

 

That's all for now

 

Binbin

Mohegan Sun "Sun"day - Fall Wine Specials

If you enjoy fine wine, you may be interested in taking advantage of Mohegan Sun's Fall Wine Specials. Here's a few:

BALLO Italian Restaurant and Social Club - Sundays, enjoy 50% off bottles of wine $100 or more.

Todd English's Tuscany - First Wednesday of every month 7:00pm = $20 per person
Taste a variety of wines while enjoying a tempting tapas menu. Also, enjoy 50% off bottles of wine $100 or more on select days.

Hash House A Go Go - Get 50% off on Half-Off Mondays on Select wines.

And don't forget the annual Sun Winefest in January 24-26, 2014.

Short post today. So, after reading, you'll have plenty of time to relax with your favorite wine before the work week begins tomorrow.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Halloween Promotions at Connecticut Casinos

 

Aren't some people at the casino scary enough without the addition of Halloween costumes?

Well, believe it or not, some people hate Halloween (raising my hand, guilty as charged) - yes I said it, AND I KNOW HATE IS A STRONG WORD!
But alas, it seems I'm in the minority. Even though we teach our children about what negatives to avoid in the world 364 days of the year, I guess many feel it's just to celebrate the grossest, most vulgar, most horrific and, yes, "sluttiest" things on Halloween. Oh, the insanity of it all!

Meanwhile, all the kings of Halloween capitalism laugh all the way to the bank about the strangle-hold they have and the billions of dollars they make on those who are so endeared to the "holiday." (holiday? - really) Oh the insanity of it all.
But I digress.....

This post is suppose to be about all the fun promotions for Halloween in Connecticut's Casinos tonight.  Have fun at these events, please be safe and considerate, and no need to look for me.  I'll be home watching "Big Bang Theory" and "Two and a Half Men."    Oh the insanity of it all!

Foxwoods Halloween Party  - A Night Full of Fright!
Celebrity Appearances - Lindsay Lohan & “Pretty Boy” Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr.
DJ Nixx, Celebrity DJ - Sky Nellor
Come in Costume and You could Win Up to 5k in Cash and Prizes
Experience the Monster Mash Candy Bar
Must be 21 years or older

• And Check out the VIP Bottle service which includes:
• VIP Entry for you and 9 guests
• Paid Admission
• Personal sitting area with seating for 8 (consisting of leather/suede ottomans and sofas)
• Minimum $600 beverage spend for entire party 
• For VIP Bottle Service*, please call 860 312-8232

Foxwoods Halloween Party Package - Special Offer for Party-goers.
Stay the night at the MGM Grand Hotel on Halloween night and receive two admissions to the areas hottest Halloween Party – all for $179. To reserve this special package please call 800-369-9663 and reference the Special Halloween Party Package.

Mohegan Sun - MIST Open Costume Party

Thursday, October 31st , 9:00pm
Open Costume Party Halloween Night!

• Drink Specials
• Costume Prizes, including $500 for most original costume, $500 for sexiest costume and $1,000 for best overall costume!
• Music by DJ Playtime
• Sponsored by Bacardi

Want more Halloween tricks and treats? Visit our Haunted House, a Victorian mansion with surprises around every corner, in The Shops concourse from October 25th – 31st. Featuring animatronics, video, lighting and audio effects, this house offers 448 square feet of entertainment for all ages!
Please Note at both Venues - Masks & face paint are not permitted in gaming areas. No squirt guns or weapons of any kind.


That's all for now.  Happy Halloween, I guess.

Binbin

Hollywood Casino Has Cool November Promotions

The Hollywood Casino, Hotel & Raceway in Bangor, Maine 
has a few good promotions early in November. If you're in the neighborhood, stop in. And if you're in the mood for well-crafted beer and great food, just down the road is Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Turn Back Time
Saturday, November 2 from 3PM-7PM we're Turning Back Time at Hollywood!
Drawings every 15 minutes with card in play.
Spin our Turn Back Time Wheel for guaranteed prizes including meals, hotel stays, Free Slot and more!
PLUS, test your knowledge with our Turn Back Time Trivia for a bonus prize of up to $1,000 Free Slot Play!

Monday, November 11 Veterans Eat Free!
Monday, November 11 from 9:00AM - 2:30PM we invite all veterans to enjoy lunch for FREE at the Epic Buffet!

11.12.13
Tuesday, November 12 from 11AM - 6PM join us for this rare sequential date to test your lucky fate by playing with your club card in any machine for your chance to win $100 Free Slot Play!

That's almost all for now. One more thing - Go, Sox, Go - New England is behind the wicked awesome Red Sox!

Ok, now that's all!

Binbin

Oxford & Hollywood - Maine Casino News

OXFORD CASINO
Monday October 14th, Columbus Day Buffet, from 10am - 2pm
$9.92 with rewards card / $14.92 without (cute - 1492!)

Wicked Good Giveaways - Mustang Madness
Every Saturday in October starting at 1:00pm, 200 qualifiers with their Oxfords card registered in a slot or video poker machine or table game will be randomly selected to receive entries into our 2014 Mustang convertible giveaway to be held OCTOBER 26th at 8:30 pm

Check out their survey for Veteran's day on Facebook
SURVEY QUESTION: With Veterans Day a month away, what should we do to salute our heroes?
A. An All-American Buffet with a discount for Active Military
B. An All-American Buffet with a discount for Retired Military



HOLLYWOOD HOTEL, CASINO, & RACEWAY
Saturday, October 19th, 11am - 8pm
Lucky Pumpkin Pick - Win Free Slot Play or the Grand Prize of $150,000

High Hand of the Hour High - Hand of the Hour every Thursday in the Poker Room from 12PM-12AM! Win $50 at the top of each hour! The Poker Player with the highest qualifying hand will win $50

For other continuing promotions at both casinos, check their websites.  Use the links at the right.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Foxwoods Friday

PEQUOTS BREAK GROUND FOR TANGERS OUTLET
The Mashantucket Pequot tribal casino, fresh off renegotiating sizable debt and competing for a gambling license in Massachusetts, now joins the neighboring Mohegan Sun in broadening the casino brand to include shopping at Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods. The outlet center will offer more than 80 stores, including American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein and Nike. The total investment will be $115 million.

Yesterday, the shovels came out, confetti released and Foxwoods celebrated breaking ground. I will cover more on the addition connecting MGM & Foxwoods in another post.


DEALERS GET DEAL RATIFIED
Table game dealers at Foxwoods Resort Casino have won a wage increase and the right to decide how to distribute their tips in a recently ratified contract.

But workers will still have to breathe in gamblers' cigarette smoke.

Because Indian sovereignty prevails, state law banning indoor smoking in most Connecticut businesses doesn't apply to Foxwoods, which is owned by the Mashantucket Pequots. The United Auto Workers union negotiated improved air filters and regular maintenance schedules.

The state negotiated a voluntary agreement with Connecticut's casinos to limit smoking.

The UAW also won an 11.5 percent wage increase over four years and preserved dealers' right to decide how to distribute tips.

PROMOTIONS

THE RAINMAKER SHOPS
Enjoy a free complimentary sample with purchase of Jack Black Authentic and Original. Available at The Rainmaker Shops.

REGALIA - Boston Strong items are now available for purchase at Foxwoods' Regalia located on the Great Cedar Concourse. Proceeds from your purchase go directly to One Fund Boston, which raises money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during the Boston Marathon. We stand strong with our friends in Boston.

That's all for now.


Binbin

Mondays at Mohegan Sun Means Over 60 Forever Young!

Here I am at the wonderful age of 57(??) and I feel like my old 1999 Voyager Van - any given day I wake up, and:

1. some little thing isn't working
2. something needs to be fixed or replaced
3. something is missing
4. it just seems sluggish, or
5. there's a new leak somewhere.

Wouldn't it be nice to go and get something for being "life experienced" (isn't that a better euphemism than "senior?") instead of the need for more repairs! (Speaking for myself only, of course)

Mondays at Mohegan Sun is a good place to visit if you are 60+. Too bad I need to wait 3 more years - but if you're 60 years "experienced" or more, you can go tomorrow!

FOREVER YOUNG MONDAYS
Every Monday, September 25th - October 28th
includes Dining Specials, Friends & Family promotions, Entertainment & Shopping Offers and a lot more. Check the website before you go to be sure of all promotions and limitations. Some restaurants, for example may have exclusions on alcohol, or "not on Event Nights."

FREE GIFT!
Each Monday our first 2,000 guests with a Player's Club card will receive a special gift by visiting the Summer Coat Check in Casino of the Earth starting at 9:00am. New gift each week!

DINING DEALS

• BALLO Italian Restaurant & Social Club - Receive a complimentary cannoli with the purchase of a lunch entrée.
• Ben & Jerry's - Purchase one sundae and receive a second sundae at half-price.
• Chief's Deli - Receive 10% off food purchase.
• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - 10% off food purchase.
• Geno's Bagels, Sweets and Subs, Geno's Fast Break, Geno's Pub & Wok-On By Geno's Fast Break* - Purchase one entrée and receive a second entrée of equal or lesser value at half-price.
• Hash House A Go Go - Featuring our special "downsize menu" forguests who are 60+ which offers our same "twisted farm food" in smaller portions. Choose breakfast from $5.95 or lunch and dinner from $6.95. Don't forget, you can get breakfast selections at lunch or dinner too!
• Jasper White's Summer Shack - Fish sandwich and a cup of chowder for $15.
• Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - Ham and Swiss grinder with French fries and a scoop of ice cream for $15.95.
• Johnny Rockets & Johnny Rockets Express - Receive 10% off food and beverage.
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - Receive a FREE small coffee or tea withpurchase of six or more doughnuts.
• The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House - Prime Rib special with roasted potatoes, vegetables and au jus for $15 from 11:30am-10:00pm. Coupons and Player’s Club points are welcome!
• Michael Jordan's 23.sportcafe - Penne pasta with chicken, spinach, parmesan cheese and a light basil cream sauce and a soft drink or coffee for $15.
• The Original SoupMan - Receive a FREE cookie or danish of your choice with any purchase of $10 or more. Receive an additional 10% off with any purchase of $20 or more.
• Seasons Buffet - 2-for-1 Buffet.
• Todd English's Tuscany - 2-for-$30 Tuscan Table.
• Virgil's Real Barbecue - Receive 10% off food purchase.

FRIENDS & FAMILY
Bring your friends and receive up to $30 in Free Slot Play!* The more friends you bring, the more you earn! In addition, all guests 60-plus who sign up for a new Player's Club card on Mondays will receive $10 in FREE SLOT PLAY!

THE WOLF DEN takes you back with these special performances! Never a cover. Never a minimum.
Select Mondays, Noon - 12:45pm & 1:15pm - 2:00pm

• September 23rd - Phil Dirt and The Dozers
• September 30th - The Bronx Wanderers
• October 7th - Reminisce
• October 14th - Rick K. & The Allnighters
• October 21st - Phil Dirt and The Dozers
• October 28th - The Bronx Wanderers
• Must be at least 21 years old to enter the Wolf Den

SHOPPING offers - Mondays, September 2nd - October 28th

• Caché - Receive 10% off total purchase.
• Galina's - Receive $5 in "Galina's Bucks" withany purchase of $75.
• Kids Quest - Purchase two hours and receiveone hour FREE.
• The Old Farmer's Almanac General Store - Receive 20% off total purchase.
• Yankee Candle - Purchase a regular-price Reed Diffuser and receive a second at half-price

That's all for now.  Have a royally "life-experienced" Monday!

Binbin

Twin River & Newport Grand Accomodation Options

I have said it before, and I'll say it again - The Rhode Island Casinos need on site hotel accommodations before Massachusetts gets their casinos, or they will be doomed - table games or no table games.

That said, there are some options. Here are places to stay in that are working with both casinos:

Twin River
Twin River has teamed up the Marriott Providence to put together a series of exciting Stay and Play packages to help you enjoy all that the state of Rhode Island can offer. Hit the jackpot for vacation fun in Rhode Island with our exciting Providence Marriott Downtown Twin River Vacation Package. There are two packages:

• Twin River Stay and Play Rate & 
• Twin River Stay and Play Package, which includes deluxe accommodations and breakfast buffet for two at the Bluefin Grille. 

Check The Twin River Website to connect.

Sleep like a baby on a Cloud Nine Bed TM at the Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Smithfield - just 3 miles from Twin River! Twin River guests will be offered the low rate of $119 with complimentary hot breakfast! Includes a shuttle to and from Twin River until 10PM weekdays and 12AM on the weekends!

Newport Grand
Newport Grand Rewards Club members simply call the hotel directly for their reservations mentioning "Newport Grand Slots Stay&Play." Then simply check in with your Rewards card or redeem your Rewards points at Newport Grand for a voucher to use points to pay for your room.
Points can be redeemed for gift certificates in denominations of $25, $50, $75 and $100 values. Visit the Reward Center for more information.

The participating properties include:
Best Western The Mainstay Inn - Located right across the street.
Residence Inn by Marriott - 20% off their standard rate!
Howard Johnson Inn - Less than 2 miles away. Rate includes 1,000 Grand Reward Point Voucher!
              Pet Friendly Rooms available.
Hampton Inn & Suites - Less than 2 miles away. Rate includes hot breakfast buffet.
Ramada of Newport - Only 2.5 miles away Rate includes hot breakfast buffet

That's all for now.

Binbin

Social Media & Promotions - Dale Earnhardt Jr at Foxwoods

Social media is great for following casino promotions and events - some that are only available that day on Facebook, Twitter, etc. When I visit Vegas, I like to check it out because special things happen at casinos without prior mention on their websites, but they include them on social media.

One I found on Facebook is from Foxwoods - MGM - a Question & Answer session with Diet Mountain Dew Driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr.! That's right!
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is coming to Foxwoods for Q & A on September 19!
Race fans are invited to join Dale in the Fox Theater located at Foxwoods Resort Casino at 6 p.m. for brief and intimate Q&A.  Hosted by MRN Radio’s Kyle Rickey, the Q&A will feature questions submitted by you!

Got a question for Dale Jr.? Submit questions now through Sept. 15
~ Twitter at @FoxwoodsCT using the hashtag #FoxwoodsDaleJr



Also interesting was a question from Foxwoods appeared on Facebook a few days ago - "Where's your favorite spot to snap a photo at Foxwoods?" If you have a facebook account, check out the answers - 130 to be exact. Some are funny, some stupid, some a serious comment - but all in all, fun to read.

That's all for now.

Binbin

NE Casino Promotions Part 4 - Mohegan "Sun"day

In my last installment of September's New England Casino Promotions, I look at Mohegan Sun.  Here is what to look forward to for the rest of September:

PowerSpin
Friday, September 13th
Noon - 10:00pm
Each time you earn four Player's Club points during the PowerSpin promotion, you will receive a free spin on the PowerSpin wheel! You could win up to $1,000 in Free Slot Play INSTANTLY!

$300,000 Plink-it Giveaway
Now - November 30th
Swipe your Player's Club card once a day at the promotional kiosks. Select a disc from the top of the kiosk screen to play. You could instantly win Free Slot Play or Player’s Club Points.  Play your favorite games to earn extra swipes!  Earn 10 Player's Club points to get a second swipe! Earn another 10 Player's Club points and get a third swipe!

Free Slot Play Mania
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
6:00am - Midnight
Simply insert your Player's Club card into your favorite slot machine.
Earn 1 Player's Club point* and receive $15 in Free Slot Play!

Forever Young Mondays
60 or over? It's time to cut loose!
Every Monday in September & October , we're giving you more great entertainment and offers catered to you during Forever Young Mondays! Guests 60 and older can take advantage of great deals, giveaways and entertainment.

That's all for now.

Binbin

New England September Promotions Part 3 - Foxwoods Fridays

Remember to check all info below at the casino website
Foxwoods - MGM Grand (C T)
10x FREE CRAPS ODDS
Play Craps at select tables in Club Newport, Grand Pequot Casino and Stargazer Casino you will get 10X Free Odds

WE'LL MATCH THEM!
Any Foxwoods Rewards Card Member is eligible to receive a match offer from any Connecticut, New Jersey, New York or Rhode Island casinos. Present and surrender the physical, non-expired offer that has your name printed on it. We will match the offer at any Foxwoods Rewards location.
One match offer per guest, per week up to $500
We will match any Bonus Slot play, Match Play, Free Bets, Food and Hotel offers from any CT, NJ, NY and RI casinos
Hotel reservations are subject to availability

REWARDS CARD TRADE UP
Not a Foxwoods Reward cardholder yet? Simply sign up for a new Foxwoods Rewards Card at any Foxwoods Rewards location with identification. Show us your player's card level from any Connecticut, New Jersey, New York or Rhode Island casinos and we will trade you up to our card level that equals it. It's that simple.


TUESDAY, SEPT 10 & 24

• 25% Discount at Veranda Cafe & Festival Buffet
• 10% Discount at Craftsteak
• Free Small Plate with $15 purchase – one offer per table at California Pizza Kitchen
• 25% off Services and Retail Purchases at the Norwich Spa at Foxwoods
• High Rollers – Buy one game of bowling, get one free 5pm-7pm

Enter to win a new prize each month which includes overnight stay, and may come with dinner, entertainment, golf, or spa services!

• September’s Prize - Fall Wine and Dine
• Producer Suite at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods
• G Spa – G Chianti Crushed Wrap and a Pinot Noir Manicure & Pedicure
• Wine Dinner for two at Alta Strada

The winner will be drawn on September 30.

That's Foxwoods Friday. Part 4 will be on Sunday with promotions from Mohegan Sunday.

That's all for now

Binbin

NE Promos Part 2 - Rhode Island

Let's look at the two Ocean State's Casinos for September Promotions:

Newport Grand, (RI)
$10,000 Trivia Challenge - Season Two
Hosted by DJ Robert Black
Thursdays - 7pm
July 11 thru September 26, 2013
$1,000 Cash Prize to the CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING TEAM! - 11 weeks to qualify
$500 in weekly prizes include : Free Slot Play, Gift Cards, Food & Drink!
Championship will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 7pm

Grand Karaoke Contest - Season Two
Sing your heart out! September 11 thru November 20, 2013
No Experience necessary!
Everyone who particpates can win!
Weekly qualifying rounds win Slot Free Play, Salon Services, Sports Ticets, Gift Cards & more.
Championship - November 27, 2013

5x Points Tuesdays - September
Hours: During regular gaming hours (10:00 a.m. - 12:59 a.m.)
Date: September 3, 10, 17, 24, 2013

$13,000 Friday the 13th Giveaway
Date: Friday, September 13, 2013 - Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
$1,000 CASH ---- 1 winner announced every 30 minutes!

Car Care Set & Secret Stash - Swipe & Win
Friday, September 20 & Saturday, September 21, 2013 - beginning at 10:00 a.m. daily.
Swipe your Rewards Card at a kiosk for a chance to win a Car Care Set & up to $250 in Slot Free Play!Two chances to win! One card swipe per day.

$20,000 Fall into Winning Giveaway
104 - $200 Prize Packages!
2 Winners announced every 15 minutes!

$200 Prize Package ($100 Cash & $100 Slot Free Play)
Friday, September 27
Day 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (One free entry & entry earnings begin at 10:00 a.m.)
Evening 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (One free entry & entry earnings begin at 4:00 p.m.)
Saturday, September 28
Day 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (One free entry & entry earnings begin at 1:00 p.m.)
Evening 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (One free entry & entry earnings begin at 5:00 p.m.)

Twin River (RI)

$175,000 Bonus Play Sweepstakes
Starting Thursday, August 1, all Twin River Rewards Club members will be eligible to receive one free entry into this promotion by simply inserting their Rewards Card into any one of our Promotion Kiosks or any eligible VLT. As an added bonus, all guests qualify for accelerated entry earnings where for every 100 points earned on the VLT’s during the earning period, guests will receive one additional entry. To participate, guests must simply “check in” by inserting their Twin River Rewards Card into any Promotion Kiosk or by having their card inserted into any eligible VLT on each drawing day. Starting at 11am, one drawing will take place every half-hour until 7pm for a chance to win a Bonus Play prize ranging from $500 – $5,000!

BONUS PLAY MATCH PROMOTION!
JOIN OUR REWARDS CLUB & WE'LL MATCH YOUR CONNECTICUT OFFER!

For a limited time, Twin River guests can bring their current Bonus Play base offer from any Connecticut casino to Twin River and if they join our Twin River Rewards Club, we will match that offer with up to $400 in Bonus Play! Only available to new Twin River Rewards Club members or inactive guests who have not played with their Rewards Club card at Twin River within the last 12+ months. To receive your offer match, qualified guests must bring in their current Connecticut base offer (hard copy of mailer only, valid within 30 days of their visit to Twin River) to any Players Club booth at Twin River. When they join the Rewards Club, Twin River will match that base offer with the same value of that base offer, up to $400 in Bonus Play! For complete rules & regulations, visit any Players Club booth.

TRIPLE YOUR REWARDS!
Sundays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at Fred & Steve's Steakhouse / Tuesdays at Wicked Good Bar & Grill
Every Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday at Fred & Steve's Steakhouse and every Tuesday at Wicked Good Bar & Grill! All Twin River Rewards Club Members will be able to redeem their Rewards Points for TRIPLE their value*. *Maximum $200 point redemption per day. Alcohol Excluded. Must be 18+.

New England Casino September Promotions - First Maine

So, Labor Day has passed - where did the summer go?

September is time that casinos usually rev up new promotions to make up for the additional summer traffic that that dwindles as the summer vacation period ends. In seasonal areas, such as Atlantic City and New England, the yearning of warm sand and fun in the sun turns to the dread of hurricanes and snow (do I sound like a Debbie Downer or what?) So, Casinos try to come up with their own fun - in the casino!
All week I will be looking at some September Promos that may inspire you to make some visits.

Today we start up north in Maine. Here's what the rest of the week looks like:

Wednesday - NE Entertainment List for September 9 & 10
Thursday - Rhode Island Casino Promotions
Friday - Connecticut Casino Promotions





Hollywood Casino (ME)



Spin to Win
SPIN TO WIN 2PM-6PM, Saturday, September 7 & 21! 5 Winners EVERY half hour! Play with your Club Card for your chance to spin the Hollywood Wheel for Free Slot Play, Bonus Entries into the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Giveaway, and other great prizes!
*Visit Player Services for complete details.

High Hand of the Hour
High Hand of the Hour every Thursday in the Poker Room from 12PM-12AM! Win $50 at the top of each hour! The Poker Player with the highest qualifying hand will win $50!

Jackpot Rewards (A continuing promo)
Jackpot Rewards August 1 - October 26! $15,000 Free Slot Play Giveaway! Grand Prize Drawing Saturday, October 26.
For every taxable *Jackpot you hit between August 1 - October 26, you will receive one ballot towards the Grand Prize Drawing at 7PM!


Oxford Casino (ME)



6X Points Tuesday - Every Tuesday, from 6pm to midnight, earn 6x points on slots and video poker

Thursday Nights are Ladies Nights

• From 5pm - 9pm , receive a decadent brownie at Guest Services and your drawing ticket
• Drawings for $1250 in prizes every week
• 10 lucky winners receive $25 in free slot play at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, & 9pm
• 40 winners enter into a seperate drawing for a $250 Spa Package

That's all for now. Tomorrow it's all about this weekend's Casino entertainment in New England.

Binbin

Foxwoods Friday - New Promotions

Foxwoods - MGM seems to be raising the bar to entice CT, RI & NY gamblers with new promotions. Here's a quick look.

10x FREE CRAPS ODDS
Play Craps at select tables in Club Newport, Grand Pequot Casino and Stargazer Casino you will get 10X Free Odds

MATCH OFFERS FROM OTHER CASINOS
Any Foxwoods Rewards Card Member is eligible to receive a match offer from any Connecticut, New York or Rhode Island casinos. Present and surrender the physical, non-expired offer that has your name printed on it. They will match the offer at any Foxwoods Rewards location.
One match offer per guest, per week up to $500
We will match any Bonus Slot play, Match Play, Free Bets, Food and Hotel offers from any CT, NY and RI casinos
Hotel reservations are subject to availability
Rules & Regulations apply, check website

REWARDS CARD TRADE UP
For new cardholders. Sign up for a new Foxwoods Rewards Card at any Foxwoods Rewards location with identification. Show them your player's card level from any Connecticut, New York or Rhode Island casinos and we will trade you up to our card level that equals it. It's that simple. Rules & Regulations apply, check website

WIN A HOTEL PACKAGE
Enter to win a new prize each month which includes overnight stay, and may come with dinner, entertainment, golf, or spa services! Rules & Regulations apply, check website

• August’s Prize - Fall Wine and Dine
• Producer Suite at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods
• G Spa – G Chianti Crushed Wrap and a Pinot Noir Manicure & Pedicure
• Wine Dinner for two at Alta Strada

The winner will be drawn on August 30.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH (60+)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27

• 25% Discount at Veranda Cafe & Festival Buffet
• 10% Discount at Craftsteak
• Free Small Plate with $15 purchase – one offer per table at California Pizza Kitchen
• 25% off Services and Retail Purchases at the Norwich Spa at Foxwoods
• Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer for Legends in Concert when purchased at the Box Office
• High Rollers – Buy one game of bowling, get one free 5pm-7pm 

TUESDAY, SEPT 10 & 24

• 25% Discount at Veranda Cafe & Festival Buffet
• 10% Discount at Craftsteak
• Free Small Plate with $15 purchase – one offer per table at California Pizza Kitchen
• 25% off Services and Retail Purchases at the Norwich Spa at FoxwoodsHigh Rollers – Buy one game of bowling, get one free 5pm-7pm

AUDI A5, MONDAY, SEPT 2 • 4pm
Earn Entries:

• Friday, August 30 at 6am through Monday, September 2 at 3pm
• Receive one free entry each day at any self-service kiosk
• Get one additional entry for every two rewards points earned
• Receive double entries on Sundays

We will randomly select five lucky winners to win these great prizes:

• Grand Prize Winner: Audi A5
• 2nd Prize: $5,000 CASH
• 3rd Prize: 2,500 CASH
• 4th Prize: 1,500 in Pequot Outpost Mobil Gas Cards
• 5th Prize: 1,500 in Pequot Outpost Mobil Gas Cards

Winners will be announced and posted throughout the property. All winners have 30 minutes to claim their prize. Rules & Regulations apply, check website

That's all for now!


Binbin

It's Mohegan Sun "Sun"day - and SolToro is Today's Feature

Let me start with a situation fin Video Poker that some of you can relate to - being dealt 5 cards, none of which should be held. (especially in Deuces Wild.) Ok, no big deal (pun intended) but on the draw of your next 5 cards you are pleasantly surprised with a flush, or a full house.....or maybe even a Royal Flush! (yes, it happens). Well that best describes my dining experience at SolToro.

So, after reading this review, go try
 SolToro

According to the Mohegan Sun website "this authentic Mexican restaurant features handmade guacamole and tortillas. The bar menu includes a list of eighty tequilas, offering blanco, reposado, and anejo selections, specialty margaritas and tequila-based cocktails." Three years ago, I first visited SolToro and found poor service, good but overly priced food, a loud party atmosphere where socializing with people at your table was impossible, and little concern for it's patrons. Sounds pretty bleak!  I decided to try it again, and I am so glad I did. I introduce the new SolToro.

SERVICE: Excellent! We were greeted and seated by smiling hostesses to the very back of the restaurant. We were one of three couples in that area and the music was too loud for conversation. We asked if it could be lowered, and withing a New York minute, it was to the perfect combination of festive background music that anyone could have a conversion over! Catering to their clientele so quickly was just the beginning of the terrific dining experience we were about to have.

Kate, our server, was spectacular. She even helped us take a picture on Instagram for a monthly picture contest. (Specifics on the contest later in this post). Other servers stopped to answer questions or concerns we had (like the music) even though they had other tables. By the time we were ready to leave, I felt as if I had dined with friends.

BEVERAGE: My SolToro Margarita was very tasteful, rimmed with it's signature salt. The portion was just right with a classic balance of sweet and sour. My wife enjoyed her "Skinny Girl" margarita, which has a splash of soda and no salt.

THESE BEVERAGES ARE INCLUDED IN THEIR SUNDAY TO FRIDAY BITES AND DRINK SPECIALS FROM 4:00-5:30pm. The appetizers looked very enticing, but we were glad we held off to have room for the night's food.

FOOD: After ordering, a large order of warm tortilla chips are brought to your table with a thin, extremely tasty salsa, different from the usual chunky variety, with just enough heat for most palates.  You won't find the usual combos on this menu. Instead, you will find great authentic Mexican food, tweaked to the side of gourmet, with reasonable prices. My Chile Relleno & Enchilada combo was absolutely delicious - and one of the biggest chile rellenos I've ever had. My wife loved her Mixed Grill - Cilantro marinated filet Mignon, pork tenderloin, and chipolata-adobo chicken, all served on a bed of plantains and a trio of delicious sauces. The price for the mixed grilled was $26, which might  sound a little steep, but the value of gourmet preparation and taste was worth every penny. Most Mexican entrees are between the $13-$15 range and are accompanied with authentic rice and re-fried beans, some of the best re-fried beans I've ever had. You can check the menu online, since their their is too much for me to cover here.

DESSERT: While not hungry anymore, we felt we were on quite a roll, so we shared two desserts. Both were outstanding! The Chocolate Banana Burrito was like the combination of two desserts - the burrito soft shell around the soft banana on top of a chocolate sundae, with pumpkin seeds added throughout ( I loved the pumpkin seeds...and the burrito....and the....well, you get the idea!). Not to be outdone, our second dessert was very different, and something you MUST try - the Chipotle Brownie. It is accompanied with cinnamon ice cream, and the soft, decadent brownie has a slight amount of heat from the chipotle. It was one of the best desserts I have ever had - and anyone who knows me will agree that I know and love my desserts!

PROMOTION: Everywhere you look , you see sombreros. If you take a funny, interesting, or maybe serious picture and send it through Twitter or Instagram @ SolToro  #SolToroSombrero, you will be entered into a contest to win $50. This is an ongoing promotion each month. Believe me, if you put on the sombrero and you can't help but smile.  Check with the restaurant to be sure I got this info correct, I was still in Chipotle Brownie heaven when it was explained to me.

REMINDER to SUN SEASON TICKET HOLDERS: You have a 20% discount on food through the regular season.

The BVR rating (Binbin's Value Rating) - A ROYAL FLUSH!

I would like to thank the staff, our server Kate, and General Manager Marshall Crane for making our night one of the best dining experiences at Mohegan Sun in years. Marshall did say they will be tweaking the menu to include possible explanations and pairings of the many brands of tequila to the food menu. This would include suggestions for the tequila that would best enhance that specific entree. If the best beer brewpubs do this with beer pairings, then why not tequila? I think it's a great idea to educate those of us who still think tequila is all the same. Bravo, SolToro!


That's all for now!

Binbin

Mohegan Sun New Marketing Plan For Palmer Community

This new idea in marketing is the kind of "think-out-of-the-box" initiative is the type of thing that could be the edge they need.

Mohegan announced Wednesday a new marketing program to benefit local businesses and tourist attractions throughout the region. Through this Player's Club program, guests would be able to receive additional discounts and redemption opportunities at participating local businesses and destinations in Western and central Massachusetts.

"Our goal is to have hundreds and hundreds of participants over time," Mohegan's chief executive Mitchell G. Etess said. "We want to let people know that this is out there."

As Mohegan has just unrolled this latest initiative, the company could not release names of participating businesses. Etess said they also hope that businesses contact them to be part of the program.

According to information from Mohegan, casinos typically have players club card programs which allow patrons to redeem rewards only at businesses inside the casino.

"The Mohegan Sun Player's Club card program will provide millions of dollars in discounts and rewards every year, and guests will be able to redeem points outside our resort casino to benefit the entire region," Etess stated. "This unique marketing program will enable us to further promote tourism and economic growth throughout Western and Central Mass. and directly drive business into the region."

Joint promotional opportunities will be available, such as the inclusion of participating businesses in Mohegan Sun Massachusetts advertising campaigns, along with employee discounts.

The marketing program will be subject to approval by the Gaming Commission, which will award the lone Western Massachusetts casino license.

The town of Palmer and Mohegan are continuing discussions on the host community agreement, which Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard expects will be completed within a few weeks.

Pretty good idea for the inclusion of communities in and around the casino. This could give local businesses access to many visiting the casino. Ingenious!

Thats all for now!

Binbin

Russell Moore, GoLocalProv Article Informative, But Has He Ever Been ToVegas Lately? - Part 2

Happy Birthday, America!
There are July 4th promos and events through New England's Casinos. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date happenings. Don't forget to check the casino websites, too.
Tuesday, I referred to a terrific article from GoLocalProv. In Part 2, I discuss Mr. Moore's propsals. In my opinion, percentages like those in the Bloomberg study don't really tell the whole truth. It takes more than blanket statements based on % to bring out the whole story. Basically the story is based on the following study and statistics:

• An analysis by Bloomberg News this week found that Rhode Island currently ranks second in the nation with respect to reliance on “sin” taxes (see Tuesday's post for definition of "sin" taxes.)
• Roughly 5.1 percent of the (RI) state’s budget is provided by those sources.
• The Bloomberg News study survey did not take into consideration revenue derived from other gaming such as slot machines or table games! (Mr. Moore assumes Rhody would be #1 if this was added to pot.)

First of all, size matters. Being the smallest state in the Union skews those percentages. Also, large states, especially those with strong industrial and government taxable revenue, may lose position in that study, even though they may lead in numbers and size of casinos in their state. Tobacco and alcohol taxes raise the "%" of sin taxes in many large states such as Montana & Texas (#4 & #5 respectively). Montana, which has only seven casinos, and permittable VP in bars, and Texas, which has only one casino in the entire state, depend heavily on it's tobacco & alcohol tax revenue.! Interesting that GoLocalProv doesn't mention #1 state - Vermont, at double the "%" and no casinos.

So, here are his suggestions and my analysis:

1) "...Twin River and Newport Grand should [not] be allowed to have a monopoly on gaming in our state. On the contrary, the state needs to build more casinos." I DO NOT AGREE - has Mr. Moore noticed the latest trends in Atlantic City, CT and the drastic downturn in Delaware due to additional casinos in Pennsylvania & Maryland? Additional competition in such a small area as New England is not the answer. Raising the quality of our casinos to all-in-one destinations is a better answer.

2) Moore says, "I’m sure the not-in-my-back-yard-types who own tourism and entertainment businesses in Rhode Island will be up in arms about my feelings about gambling. The argument they’ll make is that entertainment and restaurants from casinos will hurt the existing businesses in Rhode Island." An additional casino would hurt existing Ocean State businesses, just ask the stores, and restaurants along Route 2 on way to Foxwoods. Raising the quality of our casinos to all-in-one destinations is still a better answer.

3) Moore says, "why not consider taking what once was the Rhode Island Mall and inviting Steve Wynn or some other gambling mogul to build a casino there? A second full-scale casino in Rhode Island, which would also be run by the state the same way Newport Grand and Twin River are, would give those facilities competition and make them both more efficient." First of all, Wynn got run out of Foxborough, MA (even with Patriot's owner Kraft's help) because of potential traffic problems and local business concerns. Just think what a casino would do to traffic and business in Warwick on Post Road! I repeat, raising the quality of our casinos to all-in-one destinations is still a better answer.
4) Moore also suggests the need for a large hotel at Twin River. This I AGREE WITH, ABSOLUTELY. Get 'em there, keep 'em there.

5) Finally, he says, "I noticed that New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas all have plenty of entertainment and dining options yet all theaters and restaurants seem to have no problems coexisting. In fact, they make those places more of a tourist destination for people to flock to when they’re looking to have fun. Rhode Island would do very well to follow their example."  REALLY?

• Let's compare, shall we? New York City - over 302 sq. miles. The entire state of Rhode Island is only a little more than 3X larger (1045 sq. miles). Population? Good question - NY over 8,000,000, RI over 1,000,000. No wonder all those options "coexist."

• And, Las Vegas? Well, Vegas population (those who live there) is just under 2,000,000, not counting the 36,000,000 that visit yearly. Coexistence is easy with those numbers, and still there is an amazing turnover of clubs and restaurants weekly, as well as show closings and local businesses closing - there is a transient entertainment ceiling to patron expectations.

Mr. Moore has the right idea. I like a guy who thinks out if the box - just not out of the universe.
Rhode Island should consider expansion and renovation to compete with CT and MA. They need to make Twin River a stay and play destination, and Newport Grand must become more integrated into the Newport vacation scene. Otherwise, the rich will get richer and.......well you know the rest.

That's all for now. Let the Fireworks Begin!!!

Binbin