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Is American Casino Guide worth it?

Discussion in 'Las Vegas for the Frugal (not Cheap)' started by DonnyC, Apr 18, 2013.

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  1. DonnyC

    DonnyC VIP Whale

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    Hey all,

    I can buy a copy off amazon for $11.70.

    Here are the coupons that I would realistically use: (have you used any or find that they are hard to use)



    Play $10 get $10 FREE Slot play at Ellis Island

    2-for-1 menu item at Ellis Island

    $5 table game match play at Ellis Island

    $60 in poker chips for $50 at Golden Nugget Las Vegas

    2-for-1 drink at RUSH Lounge in Golden Nugget

    Play $10 get $10 in free play at Hooters

    2-for-1 draft beer at Las Vegas Club

    $5 even money matchplay at Las Vegas Club

    $5 FREE slot play at Las Vegas Club

    2-for-1 admission at the Roller Coaster at New York New York

    $10 even money table game match play at Riviera
     
  2. atom

    atom High-Roller

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  3. Jimbo338

    Jimbo338 VIP Whale

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    People often ask about coupon books the most notable of which are the ACG and LVA. The coupons are all listed on their websites so it is easy to take a look and see which ones are desirable for whatever you intend to do and how mobile you are. Many of the coupons are for off strip and downtown businesses. I used to buy them mostly for their discounts on admissions to shows or buffets. As the years passed buy there were fewer coupons for either of these, and just about all dropped the "or 50% off for singles" negating their value to me since I am usually solo. In addition, I found that more and more you had to jump through more hoops before using the coupons like having to redeem the coupon for a voucher and then using the voucher for a meal which meant standing in 2 or more lines instead of one. This is common with theater tickets but for half price it is still worth it but to save 5.00 on lunch, not so much.

    Many of the coupons are useful for places that you haven't seen and for things that you wanted to try but not things you would do year after year. So today I don't buy either usually but I always check the lists because as atom stated above, it only takes one or two of the coupons to get your money back. Each person needs to access their utility to them and make the decision. They served me well the times I bought them, so I have no regrets.

    Jimbo338
     
  4. NickyDim

    NickyDim Hockey is life

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    If you're downtown (I see GN, LVC) you need to include the free match and slot play from the plaza and the El Cortez. Plus the 2-1 dinner at magnolia's is in play. That Ellis Island $10play $10 free will require you to return after 24 hours for the play, but the 2-1 dinner is outstanding.

    We use it all the time. My whole clan is going (8) this Sunday and we have 4 books so we can all enjoy the 2-1 deals and match/slot play.
     
  5. fugsworth

    fugsworth VIP Whale

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    Do they restrict these offers to new players, or can anyone use them?
     
    EDC
  6. Buddha

    Buddha VIP Whale

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    The very high majority of the coupons are for anybody.
     
  7. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    Is it worth it? I think you answered your own question. Just from the coupons you mentioned, it would be difficult not to come out ahead during even a single trip.
     
  8. Criminole

    Criminole Low-Roller

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    It is worth it for sure. I think if you are frugal the coupons are a no brainer. I did both LVA and acg on our last trip with another couple. You can still eat at nice places and when I gamble in Vegas I usually have some kind of freebie that makes my gambling money go farther.
     
  9. shanecrow99

    shanecrow99 Low-Roller

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    Don't forget about The Flame coupon if you at the El Cortez downtown. Great food and it's a steal with the coupon.
     
  10. Vegas Insight

    Vegas Insight MIA

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    If you know you're going to be at two or three properties on your trip, and that you'll get value out of those coupons for little effort, you cannot go wrong.

    If you're going to Ellis Island, as long as you have a player's club card, you'll save money on dining. If you have two people and go to the barbecue restaurant, for example, the coupon will pay for your book, period, with little effort.

    You are not obligated to save hundreds of dollars by purchasing a coupon book. Buy the book, save your purchase price with minimal effort, and you are a winner. Period. The mindset that you have to save a truckload of cash with a coupon book is preposterous. If you do, Yahtzee!

    So, after saving a modest $5 or $15 on your book purchase with a food coupon, everything else is a bonus. If a matchplay hits, now the books is an even better investment. If not, big deal. You had a chance at a bonus win with a match play, and that's more than you would have had without it.

    During my last two trips I was able to treat my girlfriend to new Vegas experiences and save money while doing it.... bonus for us. She had never been to the top of The STRAT , so we saved money on admission. Likewise for a ride on the NYNY roller coaster.

    If nothing else, buy the book, read a chapter in it that intrigues you, save $15 and give the remaining coupons and the book to a co-worker after your trip. You're a great humanitarian, you saved money and you supported the publishing industry. You're a great American hero.
     
  11. DonnyC

    DonnyC VIP Whale

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    But I'm a Canadian.

     
  12. bswim

    bswim High-Roller

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    we bought it and before going last week I clipped out everything I could see us possibly using. The only one we used was the Eiffel Tower 2 for 1 but you can find those all over town for free.
    We're headed back in July so we'll take them again in hopes of scoring some bargains. There's money to be saved but I quickly discovered when I'm on vacation I didn't like running all over chasing deals.
     
  13. Vegas Insight

    Vegas Insight MIA

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    That's a shame.
     
  14. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    I hope you're kidding. We LOVE Canadians!
     
  15. Vegas Insight

    Vegas Insight MIA

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    Nope, I'm not kidding. I'm as serious as a heart attack.

    As a Canadian DonnyC cannot be a great American hero, evidently. That's a shame.
     
  16. warpdrvr

    warpdrvr Low-Roller

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    I have a question that hopefully someone can answer:

    Can you use the 2 for 1 Coupon for Ellis Island with their steak special? The coupon says "Menu Item" I can't remember if that special is an off menu thing or ?? It's been years since we've been there and my memory isn't what it used to be :confused2:
     
  17. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    Nope, the infamous steak special isn't on the menu so you can't use the coupon. On a side note, the BBQ chicken and ribs combo is fantastic and a better way to use the coupon.
     
  18. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    I'm Canadian. I get the ACG via Amazon, it comes right to my door. Like others have said, if you use the right coupon you recoup the cost with that one coupon. All the other coupons you use are gravy.

    It is a bulky book though. I recommend to take it apart and only bring the appropriate coupons and the card in the back with you.
     
  19. warpdrvr

    warpdrvr Low-Roller

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    May have to try that....I'm not a lover of ribs, tried them a few times. Maybe this place does them good. I have heard a lot of raves about them..
    Thanks Turtleman
     
  20. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    Well, you can also get just the BBQ chicken, which is also fantastic. Ms. Gecko and I have even split a meal before and still couldn't finish it! Be hungry.
     
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