Another Zorkfest is in the books! I shared my initial thoughts on social media, but it’s time to reflect on the conference.
As usual, it was interesting and informative, though I didn’t get as much insight into different topics as I’d planned to. That’s the case with every conference since I tend to go with the flow. For comparison, I say the same thing after G2E every year.
Above is a quick look at the history of ZorkFest. I’ve been a part of TravelZork since its early days and have been to every ZorkFest besides Reno.
I’m not an expert on any topic and always find useful takeaways. Sometimes it’s about points and miles, and other times it’s about gambling. This is the only conference that combines the two areas, which is what makes it useful for attendees.
I come from the gambling and casino world and have a solid grasp on how to get the most from the experience, whether it’s comps or good drinks. This is why I plan to check out the points and miles sessions so I can learn about something different. I’ve shared information from both tracks on TravelZork and other websites I’ve written for over the past decade.
Here are some of my takeaways from Zorkfest 2025.
Points and Miles People Prefer Visual Education
For the first time, Zorkfest had gambling labs for blackjack and craps. The tables were packed as Dr. Mike and Josh Duffy shared details on how to play craps while Anthony Curtis shared the finer points of blackjack.
I didn’t recognize 95% of the participants, which makes me believe they were from the points and miles world. They were deeply engaged and asked a lot of questions.
All of the educators offered easy-to-understand and accurate information. They shared what most gamblers would consider basic information without talking down to the participants. I’d fail that assignment, and they deserve props for their patience.
I ended up at most of the casino panels because that’s where the conference took me. Interestingly enough, there were a lot fewer points and miles diving deep into the finer points of this side of the conference.
Like me, they tended to stick to the topic they’re most familiar with. Getting the most out of Zorkfest would be mixing both tracks.
Since everyone who attends Zorkfest has the goal of maximizing their experience, I think we’ll see more of these low-key and hands-on casino/gambling sessions next year.
Gambling Is Slowly Becoming Like The Lottery
All forms of gambling are becoming more like the lottery every day. This is the case with everything from online sports betting to table games and slot machines.
This is a three-way street. Gaming operators like the larger house edge, recreational gamblers like jackpots, and content creators want views – which come from big wins.
Everyone is to blame, and I’ll get into that another day. Today, we’re looking at how Zorkfest is a conference where attendees can learn to get the most from casinos and gambling.
Going to Zorkfest is a way to find the advantages that still exist in points and miles or casinos. John and Kristina Mehaffey from Vegas Advantage, along with Jon B,. highlighted which games to play and which to avoid, like short-pay electronic versions of roulette.
Hurdy Gurdy Justin shared how to earn and maximize rewards from gambling to the fullest. He offers a deep look at what’s available if you spend the time to look and are open to all of the options available.
In addition to the gambling labs, Anthony Curtis from Las Vegas Advisor shared some deals his company finds, and which deals are going away. Ironically, He shared a tip on how to get free tickets to DiscoShow at The Linq. The show was canceled the day after Zorkfest. Coincidence?
Gambling is going down a road where there won’t be many deals available because the advantage for the casinos will become too large for there to be much value. Learning how to get the most from the experience today will help attendees know when those deals have gone sour.
Happy Holidays!
The holiday season is a great time. Christmas is always my favorite Bellagio Conservatory display of the year, even if they did get rid of the polar bear.
However, the Dancing Dreidels of Las Vegas have a special place in my heart. The religion shouldn’t matter because these are people dancing like a spinning top.
Whatever you celebrate, enjoy the holiday season!
Good morning from the Dancing dreidels! pic.twitter.com/1cg8H6TvNr
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) December 17, 2025
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Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. He learned about gambling at a young age working down the street from a bookie who took action on anything from the mainstream sports to the last three digits of the purse for certain horse races. Yeah, that's a thing. Today Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant which allows him to work anywhere there's a wifi signal. This allows him to work from the sportsbook at Red Rock Resort or the food court at The Venetian where you’ll find fast and free wifi. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.