Suncoast/Sam's Town, July 5-10

As is usually the case, this won't go down in VMB history as one of the more exciting trip reports. In fact, it was initially composed as an email to one of our VMB buddies; but with a few changes, we decided to share with the multitude.

We arrived last Friday morning for our 14th consecutive stay at Suncoast, played for a couple hours, lost at VP and BJ, and caught the 2 pm WAX downtown. We often do well at MSS, but didn't do squat at VP or BJ. In fact, I finally quit playing altogether, while Ms. Gecko continued to tough it out. After being "significantly" down, she got on a major winning streak as soon as the relief dealer took over, and in 20 minutes was able to leave with a profit. We got comped for the seafood buffet (which is one of the reasons we go to MSS on Fridays), thoroughly enjoyed it, thanked the pit boss, and returned to Suncoast.

We usually start the gambling day with bar-top VP and morning drinks, but aside from a low-paying quad, nothing else worked all day Saturday at VP or BJ. Things didn't get any better on Sunday. We had intended to go to the pool that morning, but after putting on our suits, gave it up due to overcast skies with lots of thunder. Of course, shortly after we showered, got dressed, and made it down to the casino, the skies had cleared. We lost a little more at VP and again at BJ; and while that kind of "luck" may be normal for some folks, it was totally unreal for us! At least we ended up getting the champagne brunch comped; but as is nearly always the case, by the time we ate, the last thing we cared about was more alcohol. I think we each had a single sip.

On moving day Monday, we finally made it down to the pool when they opened at 7. Not having lost quite enough to try drowning ourselves in 4 ft. of water, we soaked in the Jacuzzi for a while. We had the whole area to ourselves and it was a relaxing break. The break was only temporary, however, and we were back in the casino a couple hours later. Our losses continued to climb, as did our frustration, and in desperation ended up trying Pai Gow for the very first time. Playing a game you don't know anything about is something we never do and advise strongly against; nonetheless, one of our favorite dealers was bored silly at an empty table and literally begged us to give it a try. She gave us the crash course and made sure we didn't commit any major blunders. I won! Okay, I didn't win much, but by then, any win was a major accomplishment.

We intend to give Pai Gow some serious study (whatever serious study means in gambling), and try it again on our next trip. I understand it's about as social a game as it gets (an aspect I couldn't care less about), but is also a good way to kill time without getting into too much trouble. And I'm sure it's good to have another arrow in the quiver when our butts are getting kicked at our usual games of choice. Anyway, we left Suncoast way down and headed off to Sam's Town. It wasn't particularly comforting to recall that Ms. Gecko always says, "We never win at Sam's Town." Well, we kind of won when we scored a good upgrade to our already comped room, but continued amassing losses at VP and BJ. Things were going from dismal to ridiculously horrible, the Pai Gow tables weren't yet open, and to say we were discouraged is an understatement. That's when everything changed, starting with Ms. Gecko being dealt four consecutive aces on DDBP. She asked our good friend and constant casino companion, Vern the Turtle, for a 2 kicker, and darn if the turtle didn't deliver. The 2000 extra credits helped a lot. We were still way down, but could finally glimpse a little daylight looking up from our hole. Dinner at Willy and Jose's in the atrium was great, and the fajitas and tacos were we best we've ever had. (And I don't even care for Mexican food – though I'm quickly changing my mind.)

Things finally turned around at BJ on Tuesday to the point where we dared fantasize about recovering our losses. We took a mid-afternoon break, however, to attend the "invited guests ice cream social and cash grab." We didn't know what to expect or that it was evidently only for seniors, but the ice cream was good and we ended up with a couple T-shirts and winning $125. Not altogether bad for spending less than an hour with zero risk. Back to the tables, this time Super Fun. While I was barely holding on, Ms. Gecko lost half her buy-in, quit the session, and asked me nicely to win back her money. Her wish was my command, as I immediately got on a winning streak. Not only did we break even for the trip, but actually got ahead! (BTW: we find double deck Super Fun a most excellent game, but are constantly amazed how most players treat it the same as regular BJ without taking advantage of its many options.) In need of another break, and not anxious to immediately risk our modest winnings, we took time out to see "The Heat" at the $3 senior day ticket price.

After a delayed flight, we arrived home late last night, lucky to have survived another Vegas trip, let alone with a small profit. Heck, we're even starting to look forward to our annual Halloween trip – if we don't go back sooner!

 

Glad the two of you were able to turn it around. Nothing better than getting your losses back and even making a small profit. I think it's better that way than to win at the start and lose the rest of the trip.

 

Enjoyed the report, glad you made it back. I love the SunCoast, was probably playing there the same time you two were. I had a bit more luck though, hitting a straight flush in Pai Gow. Next time I stay there, I will have to try and make it down to the pool, am assuming it wasn't too loud??

 

Hey Now!

Glad things turned out for y'all- especially after yer last trip.
We are getting ready to spend 4 days in AC to check out Jimmy Buffet's latest joint..
Will have Stretch nestled in his nest when I sit down at 3rd base....
TR to follow!

 

Thanks for the TR. Have to agree with you about the Pai Gow game. Wife n I started playing it last year and we've come to relying on it when VP isn't friendly. We like to play Pai Gow at Binions GN and 4 queens.

Aw234

 

Nice report! See that wasn't so painful, was it?

 

I'm glad you enjoyed your time playing Pai-Gow. My wife and I learned how to play on our last trip to LV in May. We were at El Co and the dealer was at an empty table. We asked how to play and he patiently showed us the ropes for the game. We now consider it to be a favorite. We have so much fun and social interaction with the other players. The side bet is good to play as well, my wife was hitting full houses and straight flushes like crazy and that alone helped our win loss....

Love hearing about trips at othe Boyd properties. We've only stayed at Orleans so far, but Suncoast was nice the morning we visited. We just had the buffet and played about 2 hours of VP at one of the bars. How are the rooms there?

 

Without a doubt, the rooms at Suncoast are the best of the seven Boyd/Coast Vegas properties, which makes it our favorite place to stay. (And we've stayed at all seven numerous times.) We've always had the golf view, but I imagine the rooms on the other side of the hall are identical. I wish our bathrooms at home were nearly as nice! For sure, it's out of the way, especially since we don't drive in Vegas; but thanks to Suncoast's airport shuttle and primarily the WAX, it's cheap and easy to go between there and airport or downtown. Try it – you'll like it!

 

Do you play at / get offers from multiple Boyd properties or strictly Sun Coast?

My experience w/ the Boyd group is offers concentrated from one or two properties and "tier discounts" for all other hotels. I started at Stardust and was transfered to the Orleans after Stardust was imploded. I asked to transfer to Gold Coast and they put me in a two room suite with a decor that would have impressed Dirk Diggler 35 years ago. I dropped out of Boyd world for a few years until staying downtown (Fremont, then after significant California Play - California).

I would like to seed a future comp offer at Sun Coast during my August stay. It appears based on my offers, Boyd is different from CET (which offers comps pretty much at all hotels which your play qualifies) and you are limited to offers from one or two properties (one from each of their zones - downtown, Orleans/Gold Coast, maybe Sun Coast / Sam's Town).

I would like to determine whether I must formally "change" my property again (similar to my request from Orleans to Gold Coast) or if offers are strictly based on the casino(s) they have assigned you to or is it based on your most recent play, if significant?

Thanks and thanks for the trip report. I look forward to playing and staying at Sun Coast in the near future.

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We used to play at and receive offers from all seven Boyd/Coast properties, but that's dwindled in the past couple of years. These days, most of our decent offers come from Sam's Town and Coast properties. My "home base" is still listed as the Fremont and Ms. Gecko's is the Cal, but we mainly play at MSS when downtown. I'll likely be changing my home to one of the Coast casinos, though I'm not sure what that may do for (or to) me. My guess is that offers from downtown (regardless where you play) are only for your home casino, while Coast offers seem based on where you've actually played.

We know a big bettor will always receive better offers than the small fish (like us), but exactly what determines what seems destined to remain a mystery. Sometimes Ms. Gecko and I get the same offers and sometimes they're very different, even though we typically play together and bet the same way. No, our cards are not linked. If anyone ever truly stumbles across the magic formula, we'd love to see it!

 

Thanks for the report, Turtleman.

Even though MSS is our usual homestead, we also have stayed at the SunCoast several times. As you said, the SunCoast rooms are the best of the Boyd/Coast properties ... spacious, with the full couch sitting area, and the floor-to-ceiling windows. And the bathrooms, with the double vanities, and separated from the shower/toilet area is even better than the Orleans.

We also always request the "golf view" rooms, and it's fun to watch some of the "hackers" play from tee to green from those big windows.

We were at the SunCoast for four comped nights over the Super Bowl weekend, which really surprised us that we were even sent that offer.

Nice recovery on the bankroll for your trip. I think that is more fun, than winning big on the first couple days, and then watching it all disappear over the next 3 or 4 days.

Maybe we'll catch up with you at the SunCoast or MSS one of these trips ...

"Buddha"

 

Thanks for the responses Turtleman & Buddah!

My brother lives in Summerlin and I would like to stay a portion of my next trip at Sun Coast. My plan is to go on a multiplier day and rack up decent points and hope for a future offer. I usually get close or exceed Sapphire during my three night stay. Nothing big (won't hit Emerald like Joe unless I go on multiple trips) but I'd definitely try out Sun Coast (or even Sam's Town once).