Every two weeks, we track casino and travel loyalty moves worth knowing: comps, tiers, points, miles, lounges, cards, status matches, program changes, and the perks that actually matter.

Casino loyalty comes first, then travel loyalty. For TravelZork readers, the real game is where casinos, hotels, airlines, credit cards, and status start talking to each other.

American Express Rebranded $600 Lodging Credit Adds Airbnb Luxe Bookings, but Requires Two-Night Stays in 2027

The war on happiness continues: Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) stays will require two nights in 2027 to redeem semi-annual $300 credits on Platinum cards. Previously, I booked one-night stays at Wynn and Fontainebleau in Las Vegas to redeem my $300 FHR credit, but won’t be able to do this in 2027.

Amex added Airbnb Luxe to the rebranded lodging credit, allowing for more opportunity, but many, especially Las Vegas visitors, will likely see the two-night requirement as a devaluation.

Amex Platinum cardholders can still book two-night stays with The Hotel Collection in 2027, just as they did in 2026.

John Mehaffey of Vegas Advantage Publishes Article ‘The Right Way To Use New Casino Players Cards’

ZorkFest 2025 speaker John Mehaffey shares my sentiments about “a Las Vegas lifestyle influencer” who promises people “completely free vacations” and says you will “never have to pay for a hotel again” if you play just $100 through slots as a new player with MGM and Caesars. We both think this is nonsense.

Mehaffey calls this suggestion “some of the worst promotional advice I have ever heard,” explaining that “the player value is too low to trigger anything meaningful at most casinos.”

I also wrote about this influencer conflating ‘loose slots’ with ‘where do you win the most’ and challenged other gambling myths in a September 2026 article.

Bilt Adds JetBlue as a Transfer Partner

Bilt members may now transfer points to JetBlue at a 1:1 ratio. Bilt joins Rove, Capital One, and other programs allowing points transfers to JetBlue.

This may appeal to Las Vegas fans who fly to Vegas from JFK or other destinations. Read more about the new Bilt and JetBlue partnership.

I had a good experience flying lie-flat with JetBlue Mint from JFK to LAS.

Southwest Tightens Companion Pass Qualifications

Southwest devaluations continue despite Southwest claiming “more opportunities to get Companion Pass benefits in 2027.”

Previously, many would easily get Companion Pass through credit card signup bonuses, but for 2027, signup bonuses will not qualify for Companion Pass.

This change further weakens the case for staying ‘under 5/24’ with Chase (having fewer than five credit cards appearing on personal credit reports in the past 24 months) so that people can be eligible for more Chase cards. Read more about the Southwest Companion Pass changes.

I’ve long argued that it’s likely best to get a few Chase cards, if possible, then move on from Chase rather than staying under 5/24 because program changes can happen and the opportunity cost of missing out on cards from other issuers can be high.

Loyalty programs keep changing. Some changes matter. Some are noise. Status Signals sorts the signal from the static. Check back every two weeks for the next edition of Status Signals powered by TravelZork: The Casino and Travel Loyalty Wire.

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Good news: there’s now more value with MyVegas, a suite of free-to-play games that give you real-life rewards in Las Vegas and many other destinations. I’ve written many articles here about MyVegas, including this one.

I also uploaded a YouTube video demonstrating how to play the games with very little effort required.

New MyVegas Rewards at Venetian

The new rewards at Venetian include:

• $50 or $100 off a room reservation
• $50 or $100 slot credit with stay
• BOGO cocktail at Sala 118
• $20 or $35 dining credit
• BOGO or comp gondola ride
• BOGO or comp Shin Lim tickets

Most of these rewards are premium rewards, so you can’t redeem them all in a single visit. Additionally, a credible Facebook post states:

“The Venetian Premium reward limit is TWO Premium rewards per player in a rolling 30-day period” and “Players are limited to purchasing ONE reward per category (such as Slot Credit With Stay, Dining, Shows, or Room Reservations) in a rolling 30 day period. The slot credit with stay reward also requires a stay booked directly with Venetian, and the reward cannot be combined with any other offer.

The Venetian rewards also require status ranging from myVIP2 to myVIP5. myVIP5 can be earned without any in-game spending, and I wrote about how to earn VIP 5 here.

Which Venetian Rewards Offer the Best Value?

Personally, I would prioritize the $35 dining credit, since it appears to require no minimum spending or stay. The comp Shin Lim and comp gondola ride rewards also interest me.

The BOGO rewards aren’t bad, either, but you’re likely paying the full rate instead of taking advantage of other possible discounts.

I would pass on room discounts and the free play with stay rewards because I can stay elsewhere with comp stays or low rates. I can’t see spending money on cocktails in Las Vegas (or any casino) when I can get comp drinks while gambling.

How Venetian Rewards Compare to Existing MyVegas Offers

Since most of these Venetian rewards are premium rewards, they also compete with existing premium rewards like $25 and $15 blackjack match play at Park MGM, two-night comp stays, and more.

With four premium reward slots per 30 days, I would redeem for the old $25 blackjack match play, the old $15 blackjack match play, the new $35 dining credit, and either a Shin Lim ticket or a gondola ride.

Your reward preferences may vary, so it’s good to see more variety with MyVegas, especially for people who would normally stay at Venetian and may not leave to visit MGM casinos.

Tips for Booking MyVegas Venetian Rewards

Reserve rewards about 20 days before your Las Vegas visit, especially since rewards are already selling out and will likely refresh later.

Rewards may also not be available while you are physically located in Las Vegas. Use the MyKonami app, as rewards may not show in other apps or games.

Finding Value in Las Vegas

Once again, Vegas continues to offer great value for those who seek it, contrary to the exaggerated social media narrative of Vegas being expensive.

As always, gamble intelligently and responsibly.

If you’re looking to book a stay at Venetian, book with The Vegas Experts at TravelZork Travel.

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Every two weeks, we track casino and travel loyalty moves worth knowing: comps, tiers, points, miles, lounges, cards, status matches, program changes, and the perks that actually matter.

Casino loyalty comes first, then travel loyalty. For TravelZork readers, the real game is where casinos, hotels, airlines, credit cards, and status start talking to each other.

Increased Welcome Offers on MGM Rewards Credit Cards

Earn increased signup bonuses on both MGM credit cards if you apply by January 5th, 2027. Spend your way to MGM Rewards statuses while also earning comps or freeplay. These cards can be extremely valuable for those who value comp cruises, casino status, and frequent MGM casinos. You can also match MGM status to other casino statuses and match MGM cruise offers to other cruise offers. Read more about the increased offers in a recent post.

Carnival Rewards Mastercard Revamp

The Carnival Rewards Mastercard offers a decent welcome bonus and a path to earn Carnival status through spending. However, I’m not a huge fan of this card, mainly because its issuer, Barclays, offers stronger options. Read more about the new card here.

Rove Adds JetBlue TrueBlue as Transfer Partner, Offers 20% Bonus

Rove – the platform on which you can earn transferable points through online shopping, hotel bookings, flight bookings, dining, and more – added JetBlue as a new transfer partner. Transfers through November 14th, 2026 gain a 20% bonus (10,000 Rove Miles will become 12,000 JetBlue TrueBlue points).

Chase Modifies Pay Yourself Back Redemptions

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders looking to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points for cashback instead of travel now have more options, starting in October 2026.

In recent years, these options have changed each quarter. From October through December 2026, redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 1.15 cents per point to offset grocery purchases, 1.15 cents per point to offset wholesale club purchases, 1.2 cents per point to offset department store purchases, and 1.25 cents per point to offset the Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee.

Bilt to Devalue Transfers to World of Hyatt

Through the rest of 2026, Bilt members can transfer Bilt points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Starting in January of 2027, Bilt points will transfer to Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio. This change follows Chase devaluing Hyatt transfers in a similar way, unless Chase cardholders have a Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Loyalty programs keep changing. Some changes matter. Some are noise. Status Signals sorts the signal from the static.

Check back every two weeks for the next edition of Status Signals powered by TravelZork: The Casino and Travel Loyalty Wire.

Get the most out of your rewards and Travel Edge Preferred Partners when you book with TravelZork.Travel.

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A Japanese-Inspired Listening Lounge Above the Las Vegas Strip

Created through a partnership between Live Nation and MGM Resorts, Vinyl Room draws inspiration from Japanese listening lounges of the 1970s, where music appreciation takes priority over the typical nightclub atmosphere. The 15,000-square-foot destination features thousands of vinyl records, carefully designed acoustics, and memorabilia celebrating artists who have performed in Las Vegas. According to Live Nation’s announcement, the concept brings together music, dining, and nightlife in a setting that transitions from relaxed afternoon gatherings to late-night entertainment.

78, 45, and 33: Three Spaces Inspired by Vinyl Record History

The venue is divided into three distinct spaces, each offering a different experience. Their names pay tribute to the three classic speeds of vinyl records: 78, 45, and 33 revolutions per minute (RPM), representing the different formats that helped shape recorded music history.

The 78 Lounge provides cocktails, DJ programming, and access to a collection of nearly 4,800 records, while the 45 Dining Room focuses on a more traditional restaurant experience. The exclusive 33 Members Club offers additional benefits and private programming for members. Guests can enjoy Asian-inspired dishes ranging from sushi tots and chili crunch chicken wings to premium beef selections, accompanied by cocktails named after famous songs. The official Vinyl Room website also features an events calendar with recurring programming, including Sunset Sessions, Rewind Wednesday, and other themed evenings.

High-Fidelity Sound Takes Center Stage

Unlike many Las Vegas nightlife venues that emphasize high-energy dance floors, Vinyl Room puts considerable attention into the quality of its musical presentation. The record collection and sound system serve as central features rather than decorative afterthoughts. As Eater Las Vegas reported, the concept includes a premium Mastersounds Clarity-M sound system, with carefully curated music complementing the lounge environment. The combination of analog music, upscale food, and panoramic Strip views offers an alternative for visitors who want nightlife without necessarily committing to a conventional nightclub.

Visiting Vinyl Room at Mandalay Bay

Vinyl Room is open to the public seven days a week, beginning at 3 p.m., with walk-ins welcome and reservations available for dining and drinks. Membership is optional, although certain spaces and experiences are restricted to members. Located at 3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard on the top floor of Mandalay Bay, the venue also accommodates private events and special gatherings. For longtime Las Vegas visitors familiar with the Foundation Room, Vinyl Room represents a significant reinvention of the space, while giving a new generation of guests another reason to experience the Strip from above. If you plan on booking a Las Vegas trip, check out The Vegas Experts at TravelZork Travel.

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Additionally, the MGM Iconic card offers a bonus $200 resort credit when you open the card and when future annual fees post. The credit doesn’t require a stay and does not have to be used all at once. Visit an MGM Rewards desk at an MGM casino so that a representative can add the $200 to your overall comp balance. MGM Iconic also offers a bonus 10,000 Tier Credits and $250 in comps after $25,000 in a cardmember year.

Why the MGM Iconic Mastercard Is So Valuable

This credit card is one of the most valuable in my wallet because of the perks that come from earning MGM Rewards status, including comp cruises, waived resort fees, a $600 airfare rebate, late checkout, and more.

This card is great for miles and points enthusiasts because it offers a reliable path to earning and maintaining casino status and cruise offers, both of which can be matched to other programs for more cruises and perks.

For those already gambling at MGM casinos, the MGM Iconic credit card can help you reach a higher status level or reach status more easily.

As I’ve described in previous articles about the MGM Iconic card, spending on the MGM Iconic credit card earns both Tier Credits and comps or freeplay on spending: 6x on spending at MGM casinos, 2x in many categories including gas & grocery, and 1x everywhere else. 2x on gas and grocery isn’t amazing compared to other cards, but you’re also earning valuable Tier Credits in addition to the 2x.

When to Apply?

I’m writing this article in early October of 2026, and I can see an argument for waiting until early December of 2026 before applying if you want your Tier Credits to post in the 2027 calendar year. Tier Credits post shortly after your credit card statement closing date, so spending in December 2026 will give you a strong start in January 2027.

If you’re close to Gold or Platinum status with MGM Rewards in 2026, consider applying for the MGM Iconic credit card in October 2026 so October and November credit card spending counts toward Tier Credit earnings in 2026.

Two Cards Are Better Than One

The no-annual-fee MGM Rewards Mastercard also offers a higher welcome bonus of 20,000 points ($200 value), but the Iconic has higher earning rates, more bonus categories, and more benefits. I have both cards in order to earn more Tier Credits with more overall credit limit. MGM Rewards credit cards have a one-year welcome bonus cooldown, so don’t disqualify yourself from earning a welcome bonus by applying for both cards too quickly.

With higher-than-usual welcome bonuses, MGM credit cards are even more appealing to miles and points enthusiasts, gamblers, cruisers, and casino fans. Apply by January 5th, 2027, to take advantage of these offers.

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The new clubhouse includes Cliff House Grill, a player’s lounge, pro shop, locker rooms and a rooftop tee that moves one of the course’s starting points onto the top of the building. The structure was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in collaboration with Wynn Design & Development, with architectural elements intended to acknowledge the Desert Inn, which once occupied the property before Wynn was developed.

Food is a major part of the concept rather than simply an amenity for golfers. Led by Executive Chef Patricia Gamez, Cliff House Grill transitions from breakfast and lunch into afternoon small plates and cocktails. Menu selections include Sticky Toffee Pancakes, a Beef Birria Breakfast Burrito, the 18th Hole Benedict, Bigeye Tuna Aguachile and a Marinated Grilled Steak “Sando,” while later offerings include items such as crispy chicken tenders and Prime Rib Sliders.

The restaurant is also designed to function independently from a round of golf. Cliff House Grill is open to resort guests, locals and other visitors whether they are golfing or not. Floor-to-ceiling views and an open-air terrace overlook the 18th green, waterfall, mature landscaping and surrounding desert, while the Strip itself largely disappears from view.

Cliff House gives Wynn Golf Club a more substantial social and dining hub while adding another restaurant experience that does not depend on the casino floor. The combination of clubhouse dining, sunset cocktails, course views and the unusual rooftop tee gives the property appeal beyond golfers alone, while its nod to the former Desert Inn connects Wynn’s newest addition with the history of the land beneath one of the Strip’s most recognizable resorts. If you’re looking to book a stay at Wynn contact TravelZork Travel first to maximize perks and avoid costly “almost-right” bookings.

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Does the new card live up to the press release hype, and should cruisers prioritize this new credit card?

The Good

The new Carnival Rewards Mastercard offers a 50,000 Carnival Rewards points welcome bonus after you spend $1000 in the first 90 days after card approval. My understanding is that points can be worth one cent per point and used for cruise fares (including deposits), onboard purchases (including Wi-Fi), excursions, and more, so this welcome bonus may be worth $500.

All spending on the credit card also earns one Status Qualifying Star per $1 spent. There’s also no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, a 0% intro APR on “Carnival cruise bookings” for six months, and travel protections including trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and an auto collision damage waiver. See terms for details.

Earn an anniversary bonus of 2,500 Carnival Rewards points each anniversary year “after spending $2000 on purchases” (each year?), but this is only worth about $25. Oddly, this isn’t featured on the official card benefits page, but is listed in the press release.

The Not So Good

Earn up to 6x points on Carnival purchases: “3x points from your card, plus up to 3x points from Carnival Rewards.” The Carnival Rewards 3x is earned even without this credit card, so it’s really only 3x coming from credit card spending on Carnival purchases. 3x points, only usable with Carnival, aren’t very competitive compared with other credit cards that bonus travel spending, including cruises. The US Bank Altitude Connect card gives 4% cashback, better than 3x Carnival points. The Chase Ink Preferred gives 3x Ultimate Rewards points on eligible travel spending. It goes on.

Earn 2x points at “eligible restaurants and grocery stores” (are there ineligible restaurants?) with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. 2x isn’t competitive compared to many credit cards that offer 4x or more on dining and groceries. Many cards also give 2% cashback on all spending, and that’s not points tied to Carnival Rewards. However, 2x earning plus progress toward status can be somewhat interesting.

Earn 1x points on spending outside Carnival, restaurants, and grocery stores. This isn’t competitive either, but you also get progress towards status.

The Carnival Rewards Mastercard is also issued by Barclays, and other Barclays cards are likely more rewarding, especially Wyndham credit cards, which can be valuable for hotel stays, benefits, and the ability to transfer to Caesars Rewards Reward Credits (comps).

Barclays also released a Samsung Galaxy Card offering a $200 welcome bonus and 3% cashback on Samsung Wallet purchases. JetBlue Barclays cards may also be compelling to some. It’s best to prioritize signups of higher-value Barclays cards because they can be strict with approvals, and Carnival likely falls near the bottom of the list.

High spending is needed for meaningful status, and it’s probably not worth it

You can earn progress toward status in addition to “up to 6x,” 2x, and 1x earnings. $10,000 of spending on the credit card (or slightly less given other spending, especially in the casino) gets Gold status, which gives paltry benefits including a “gold member sail and sign card,” one comp beverage on a 5+ day cruise, and “one complimentary 1.5L bottle of water.”

Water is free on the ship, and you can bring an empty, refillable bottle onboard. A comp beverage isn’t worth much to me, but it may be worth a few dollars to you. A sign and sail card…maybe some aesthetic value?

Platinum status is more rewarding, but that would require about $50,000 of credit card spending! Status can be earned in a two-year status-earning window, currently September 1st of 2026 through December 31st, 2028, so this would be about $25,000 in credit card spending per year.

Carnival Platinum status also grants comp wash and fold, one to four bags depending on the “duration of sailing” (maybe a few dollars in value?). Platinum status also gives embarkation priority lines where available, early bag drop-off, and debarkation priority (water shuttle boarding and leaving the ship on the final day). Platinum members also get other benefits like priority dining times and two comp drinks, but these are underwhelming.

America Still Loves Math

Earn Carnival Diamond status with $100,000 (or slightly less) in credit card spending in the two-year status-earning window. Diamond status gets “access to a dedicated casino host,” 2-5 bags of laundry washed and folded, “member-only offers,” onboard events, and more. I still don’t find this very appealing to justify such high credit card spending, especially at only 1x and 2x.

Spending even $25,000 in a year on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard comes with significant opportunity cost. Low spenders would likely be better off getting multiple cards with multiple high welcome bonuses. High spenders would likely focus on signup bonuses with higher spend requirements and bonus categories on other cards earning better than 2x. Even high spenders earning only 2% cashback should value that more than 2x Carnival points.

Those pursuing status would likely get more value from casino, airline, and hotel status than from Carnival status.

Who is this card really for, then?

Casual credit card users who sail with Carnival at least somewhat often may like this card for its 50,000-point welcome bonus, but beyond that, it has little appeal compared to other cards offering more flexible rewards with value above one cent per point, cashback, and higher welcome offers.

This card may appeal to gamblers if charges to your room connected to the Carnival Rewards Mastercard count for 3x rewards, but again, 3x on cruises isn’t special compared to other cards offering the same 3x or more.

The final verdict

This card is a pass for me and likely many others. The signup bonus is decent for Carnival cruisers, but even frequent Carnival cruisers can do better with other cards. If Carnival enhanced the value of status, offered more rewarding earning categories, and lowered the spending needed for status, I could value this credit card more.

If a different bank issued this card, I’d be more interested. The new Carnival Rewards Mastercard…maybe 3 or 4 stars out of ten. While the answer to everything is usually more credit cards, this card probably isn’t one.

As always, use credit intelligently and gamble responsibly.

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Don’t forget about casino accounts or travel programs you don’t use very often, since those are usually the ones with login details you’re less likely to remember. Just seeing the app installed on the new phone isn’t enough; the real test is whether you can actually sign in to the account.

With two-factor authentication, often shortened to 2FA, a password is paired with another verification step, such as a code from an authenticator app. Copying a code from the old phone won’t actually move the account’s 2FA setup to the new one. The authenticator app needs the saved account information that lets it keep generating new codes.

That means your casino password and your authenticator setup are two separate things to verify, even if you normally use them together. For casino accounts and travel programs, the easiest way to know everything transferred correctly is to make sure you can complete the entire login process on the new phone, including any extra verification step.

Check the Casino Account’s Recovery Route

A casino account’s reset process may also depend on access to its registered email address. Check that address while you can still open the account, then read the instructions for replacing an unavailable authentication method. The reset instructions for Lucky Rebel describe entering a username and password, using a temporary emailed code to reset 2FA, and then enabling it again. To complete the new setup, scan the supplied QR code or enter the setup key in the authenticator, then confirm with its six-digit code. The email code authorizes the reset; the authenticator code confirms the replacement setup.

If the mailbox itself requires a code from the old phone, include that email account in the transfer. Otherwise, a casino recovery route that depends on email still depends on the device you are replacing. Confirm that the mailbox opens on the new phone and receives new messages before treating it as an available recovery method.

Transfer While Both Phones Are Available

Keep the old phone nearby while you move everything over. Start by making sure you can access your email and password manager on the new phone, then work through your casino accounts and travel programs. Doing those first gives you the login and recovery tools you may need for everything else.

If your password manager asks for its own verification when you open it on the new phone, make sure that works too. Having a casino password saved there doesn’t help much if you can’t get into the password manager itself, so treat that as part of the transfer process just like your email.

For each casino account, check three things:

1. Make sure the username and password are available on the new phone. If you use a password manager, confirm you can open it and find the right login.
2. Follow the authenticator app’s transfer instructions. Depending on the app, that may mean syncing, restoring from a backup, or exporting and importing your saved accounts.
3. Check that the casino account actually appears in the authenticator on the new phone and that you’re using the correct entry when you sign in.

For example, if the casino password is in your password manager but the authenticator app is empty, only part of the transfer is finished. The password made it over, but the 2FA setup did not. As long as you still have the old phone, use the authenticator app’s transfer process and keep the casino account’s recovery instructions handy in case you need them.

If the Old Phone Is Unavailable

First, check whether your authenticator app had a backup or sync feature enabled before the old phone became unavailable. If it did, follow the app’s recovery steps to restore your accounts. Simply reinstalling the authenticator app on a new phone doesn’t mean your old codes will automatically come back.

If you can’t restore the codes, you’ll need to use each account’s recovery process instead. For casino accounts, make sure you’re following the instructions for resetting 2FA, not just changing the password. A new password won’t help if the missing piece is still the authentication code, so use the recovery option for the part of the login process you can no longer access.

Travel programs have their own requirements, so read these carefully.

Miles & More says its self-service device-change process requires access to the existing device or authentication app. Without that access, its instructions direct members to the service team. An email-based reset available for one account therefore should not be assumed to exist for another.

Test a Fresh Sign-In

Ente’s transfer guidance recommends checking that authentication works before erasing data from the old phone. Apply that check to the accounts you need, including the casino login and its recovery mailbox. Complete a fresh sign-in on the new device and respond to the verification prompts presented by the service.

Having an account already open on the old phone doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to sign in again on the new one. If the account uses an authenticator app, make sure the correct code appears on the new phone and that the service accepts it. For a casino account, that simply means confirming you can log in successfully; there’s no need to make a wager or complete any other transaction.

It’s also a good idea to keep a list of any accounts that still need recovery or a new authentication method set up. Once the accounts you want to keep can be accessed fully from the new phone, without relying on a code or email account that only works on the old device, you can safely retire the old phone.

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If you’re not familiar, it’s the casino industry’s annual gathering. Executives discuss hot topics in the casino business in The Venetian ballrooms while game manufacturers try to sell new games to properties.

I often refer to it as the slot machine conference when people ask, and most understand, since those are the games that occupy most of the expo and casino floor. 

I approach the G2E as a fly on the wall with the executives in panels. This always gives me an understanding of the other side. When I hit the expo floor, I’m usually looking for unique games, or I know people would like. I’m also “video poker guy” at IGT, so I always have a clear path to the newest games. 

Here are some takeaways that might relate to TravelZork readers more than people looking for a general overview of the popular games.

The Loyalty Squeeze

I’m pretty sure most of you are familiar with the Pareto Principle, AKA the 80/20 rule. This is a general idea that 80% of a business’s revenue comes from 20% of the customers. 

In casino parlance, this would mean that only 20% of rewards members are in the upper tiers, while 80% are in the bottom tiers. This is roughly reflected in the Las Vegas Visitor Profile, where less than 15% of tourists stay in comp rooms.

This may no longer be the case with some casinos. The new split could be as wide as 90%/10% depending on the casino market. 

This coincides with what I’ve seen in Las Vegas.

Over the past few years, I’ve been writing frequently about hotel room and high-limit space upgrades. Around 10 casinos have expanded or renovated their high-limit slot rooms in the past year. A similar number have upgraded their hotel rooms.

For the past year or so, MGM Resorts has been focused on the ABC casinos: Aria, Bellagio, and Cosmopolitan. Why? As I’ve shared before, Luxor and Excalibur account for 6% of profit in Las Vegas. The money is with the rich people.

More recently, I learned that MGM has sold out the Bellagio Fountain Club that blocks the view of the casino every year it’s been open. It charges $8,400 per person and generates more than $33 million in gross revenue. Not too shabby.

This is a long way of saying the squeeze we see in the real economy is happening in casinos. The rich will be treated better while execs figure out how to placate the normies like me. 

If you’re a high roller or spend big cash, you’ll be good to go for the foreseeable future. The rest of the visitors will deal with the leftovers.

Cruises Are For Boomers

I’ve heard something like this repeatedly for the past year. Boomers are no longer just boomers. It now includes elder Gen X, which makes this young Gen X feel strong like an ox! 

While casinos are evolving for millennials and Gen Z, many older players are taking their gambling to cruises more often than ever. Hurdy Gurdy Justin does a great job keeping you updated on cruises.

Since many of you are my age or older, you should continue to see more cruise offers. I’ve noticed the trend, but it was interesting to hear cruise and casino executives discussing gamblers.

This isn’t my world, so it stood out to me. 

RIP Video Poker (Not Really, but Kinda)

Video poker isn’t totally dead. It’s just not a big priority for casinos. Standalone games in Las Vegas seem to be going the way of single-line reel slots we all grew up with.

IGT is the main manufacturer of video poker games, and they had fewer new games than ever. 

The variants are fun, but the returns will be lower than most of you will play. I’m at the point in my video poker life where I’m looking for fun games as often as I am good paytables.

Some of the newer variants are already in casinos. You can see everything here.

One thing that I did like to see is that they’re now making variants of 3-Way Action Poker. This is a fun game that isn’t in many casinos but should be in more in Las Vegas and around the country.

Most casinos have the newish curved Peak Bartop machines, and it seems as though more will be offering the new Super Star Poker options that include my favorite variant, Dreamcard. 

IGT is pausing production of the tall video poker games on the Crystal Curve cabinets. These games are visually appealing and fun to play. The cabinet is being retired, and new versions could appear in the future.

Top Dollar Megabucks

When I was walking through the IGT booth, I noticed a Top Dollar Megabucks machine that nobody seemed to be aware of. 

We all know the house edge of Megabucks games is as large as any in Las Vegas. That said, so many of us love Top Dollar and play every new version.

Would you drop a few bucks in one of these games?

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Tickets are scheduled to go on sale to the general public October 2 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.

An official Resorts World Las Vegas announcement shows the January 27 date and places the show inside the newly renovated 4,850-seat Resorts World Theatre. The venue includes dedicated VIP entry, luxury banquettes with cocktail service, two VIP lounges and an immersive audio system built around more than 200 L-Acoustics speakers powered by L-ISA technology.

The Piano Guys have built a sizable following by combining classical instrumentation with recognizable pop songs, soundtrack-inspired arrangements and elaborate music videos. Since their official debut in 2011, the Utah-based quartet has released 13 albums, with six reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums chart. Their music has also surpassed 2 billion global streams while their videos have accumulated more than 1.6 billion YouTube views.

The Las Vegas stop gives the group another high-profile theatre date during an early 2027 run that also includes cities across the western United States. For Resorts World Theatre, the booking adds another one-night touring act to a venue already designed around large-scale concert productions, while fans of The Piano Guys get a chance to hear the group’s genre-mixing catalog in one of the Strip’s newer major performance spaces.

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