A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how casino rewards are changing for a younger audience. As I mentioned, I don’t like the changes, but this doesn’t affect me too much since I live in Las Vegas and spread my money around to different operators.
Writing that led me down a rabbit hole where I was thinking about the rewards I actually want and use. There’s not much more than what I mentioned in the article earlier this month.
However, there are a few things I can still do to save money in casinos that don’t involve their reward programs. I figure this is the right forum to discuss the topic because the community is much more well-versed than I am in this arena.
The Starbucks Hack
Last week, I saw a discussion about using Starbucks rewards in casinos. I can’t remember who started the chat, or I’d link to it.
I mentioned that this isn’t a new concept or hack, and that I’ve been doing it for years.
The idea is simple: Starbucks rewards will cover the cost of a handcrafted drink like a cold brew or latte when you reach 200 stars. The cost of the drink doesn’t matter; it’s “free.”
Free is in quotes because we’re paying for this complimentary drink. Nothing in life is free.
It makes sense to use a free drink when it costs more money. In Las Vegas, that’s the Strip, where drinks are typically around 25% more than at home.
I’m a black cold brew drinker when it comes to Starbucks, and the difference between the store down the street and the Strip locations is about $2. When I typically pay for my Starbucks at home and use the stars on the Strip.
I imagine this hack can apply to other chain restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack and most chains in Las Vegas and around the country.
Using Non-Casino Rewards in Las Vegas
This got me thinking about using other non-casino rewards in Las Vegas. There are plenty of opportunities to save money on hotel rooms, food, and drink with rewards programs. At the very least payying the higher prices can lead to earning more points.
A friend who visits Las Vegas for conferences uses delivery apps for a weeklong supply of food and drinks. He could switch to a supermarket app to earn points to use at home. Either way, it’s a way to stock up on things without paying crazy casino prices.
I don’t shine with non-casino rewards, despite my curiosity. I don’t go to many chain businesses regularly outside of Starbucks for cold brew.
Reservation apps might be good for earning and saving a few bucks, but I don’t use them often enough to earn points to redeem for restaurant discounts. My friends and I typically split reservations depending on who has the idea. While doing some research today, I learned about the inKindapp, which might be useful for saving some loot.
Hurdy Gurdy Justin is a great resource for these kinds of tips. He shares them here, on his podcast, and in the TravelZork Facebook community.
He uses MyVegas rewards for discounted or complimentary food. The World of Hyatt is good for rooms and breakfast at the Rio.
These are all great ways to save money on a trip to Las Vegas. At the very least, they can reduce spending on some things so you can splurge on others.
One of the great things about the TravelZork community is sharing rewards tips. What are some of your favorite non-casino rewards to use in Las Vegas?
Drop a comment below or wherever you read this.
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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.