Casino rewards are about personal choice and what you want. My needs as a Las Vegas local are different from when I was a tourist, and even then, my preferences changed over time.
Unlike some casino-goers, we consider where we spend our money and what rewards we receive in return. There was a time when I wanted to be a big fish in a small pond.
I did not mind playing at less popular casinos because they took great care of me with comps. Later, I wanted to visit only the best casinos, but my comps were minimal, even though I was spending the same amount of money.
Nowadays, my casino budget is spread among so many properties that I am fine with something as simple as a discounted meal now and then.
This is a long introduction to share updates about rewards programs at a couple of off-Strip casinos. It’s also giving me an excuse to share info about two properties that don’t get enough shine.
Last week, I shared news from Vital Vegas that Ellis Island updated its rewards program. Meanwhile, the casino formerly known as Rampart made a tweak to its program that should have happened 10 years ago.
While Ellis Island is a block off the Las Vegas Strip, Rampart is about 20 minutes away. Ellis Island is viewed as a near-Strip budget property, while Rampart is home to the only JW Marriott in Las Vegas and is frequented by older guests and business travelers.
One thing the casinos have in common is that they are independently operated. Since they are not connected to other properties, their rewards perks may not appeal to everyone.
Ch-Ch-Changes
I am not going to dive too deeply into the specifics of either rewards program. Instead, I would rather focus on the broader benefits of frequenting these casinos, rewards or otherwise.
The Vital Vegas post about the Ellis Island video poker change says enough:
“Previously, $1 of ‘dollar-in’ got you one point or tier credit. Now, it’s $2. In English: It’s twice as difficult to get a base point or tier credit.”
The casino FKA Rampart is now officially “Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin.” I have no time for that name and won’t use it today.
That said, players club members now receive 30 Rampart Rewards points for every $1 spent on food and beverage purchases. Previously, rewards were earned only through gambling. While not groundbreaking, this is a benefit for guests.
Ellis Island Is Promo Heaven
Ellis Island is one block east of the Las Vegas Strip, behind the Horseshoe. Anyone looking for deals should be aware of this casino.
Despite tightening its rewards program, Ellis Island consistently offers a wide variety of promotions. Some involve gambling, while others are aimed at members simply looking for a deal. However, many of the deals require being a rewards club member.
Point hustlers will always appreciate promotions such as multipliers and free-play giveaways. Someone like me, who enjoys trying new beers in a flight, might prefer earning a free full-sized beer with each purchase.
One thing most of us can agree on is that $9.99 and $10.99 dinner specials are always a win.
Ellis Island is a small, fun casino for eating, drinking, and gambling on a budget. While it has been renovated, it lacks many of the amenities offered by nearby Strip casinos.
This is a solid casino for people looking for low-rolling gambling and cheap eats, but don’t mind being in a smaller casino without all the niceties of the Strip properties.
Rampart Is A Vibe
Rampart Casino is about 20 to 25 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip in Summerlin. It backs up to a golf course, with another across the street and several more nearby.
The property is undergoing a major rebrand and refresh that goes well beyond its lengthy name. The restaurants are hit or miss, based on what I have been told but I have a couple favorites.
The addition of Wineaux is a major plus, and Hawthorn Grill offers a strong happy hour with a great burger and $5 beers. My favorite parts of the property are outside the casino, including a lake, a waterfall, and a small walking trail.
The customer base skews older. Tourists are often affluent business travelers, while many locals are closer to the age of your grandparents. I enjoy it because I will always feel young there, no matter how old I get.
The casino itself is small, with fair odds and low minimum bets. The downside is that it can be smoky. As someone once told me, even if you do not smell it while you are there, you will when you get home.
Unrelated to anything, Rampart was once home to a BUFFALOOOOOOOO BAR.
Let’s Take A Trip!
Both casinos offer something for different types of guests. While Ellis Island is easier to reach, Rampart provides a calm escape from the action of the Strip or downtown.
Neither casino receives enough attention. Many tourists know Ellis Island for its deals but never wander beyond the main tourist corridors. If I did not live in this part of Las Vegas, I would likely never know about Rampart.
Las Vegas has something for every budget and travel style. Ellis Island fills the need for visitors seeking cheap eats, drinks, and gambling near the Strip. Rampart delivers a much more relaxed Las Vegas experience than most casinos.
Neither is for everyone, but both are worth visiting if you are looking for something different. The recent rewards club changes gave me an excuse to write about both properties. I could say the same about Durango and Red Rock, but I am biased since I live roughly equidistant from both.
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.