Low-level gambler here. I dropped maybe $1K at Harrah's properties in about 6 months. I was killing time earlier and stumbled upon "my offers" in my TR account, and noticed some "special hotel deals."

Some dates were no dice, but I managed to get 3 free nights (Fri-Mon) at a Vegas property. I have a confirmation number, my e-mail confirms $0, and it looks legit. Is it really that easy to get comped rooms? Is Vegas doing that badly?

I can't say whether or not las is "hurting" but i have been out of work for 3 years and have been to las only once during that period (had to for a group 50th b-day w/e but i digress...) and was diamond for many years prior to losing my job and i am still getting comp room offers and free packages

I noticed the same thing. In fact, even outside of their listed offers, if you punch in your desired dates through the TR portal, you'll often find free nights. (Granted, most of my weekend free rooms were for the Imperial Palace, but still...)

In my case, my previous trips have been either DT or at MGM properties. I haven't stayed at a Harrah's property in 5 years, and had minimal action on my TR account - probably less than yours. I played at the KC Harrah's for maybe 30 minutes earlier this summer. Go figure.

Anyway, last trip, my MGM comp came up one day short, so I booked a free room at Harrah's LV for one night. I didn't have to pay a dime - exactly as promised. No strings attached.

I've seen postings on a TR-specific board suggesting that, by racking up 600 pts. in a single session ($3K cash-through in a slot - expected loss $200-300), you can get all the free rooms you want for years to come through the TR portal. Other postings suggest that Harrah's lowers the comp bar for customers with "home casinos" away from LV, trying to get them to fill rooms in Vegas.

Keep in mind that Vegas struggles after the summer - late September through early March with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and sometimes MLK Weekend.

However, I do agree that sometimes if you are geographically further, the comps come more often. I lived in LA and visited Vegas about 2x a year. Drop about $500-1500 a year. Got reduced hotel rooms.

This summer moved to Nashville and changed my address on TR account. Offers came flying in (via mail and e-mail).

Also, noticed that there is lot more emphasis on recording bonuses. I took up 3-card poker and any pair plus bonus greater than 4x - the floor supervisor was punching buttons on the monitor. If you win over a certain amount, you may get some benefits for a return visit so they get a shot at winning the $$ back.

Gosh- I got Diamond status after 2 visits and I live in Australia which I think is a bit further than Nashville and I never get any offers in my Inbox. If I log on to TR I can get 3 free nights at any of the Harrahs properties but they sure ain't chasing me

Yes, Harrah's is very generous with comped rooms. Everyone with a TR card should check on line for free and discounted room nights.

QL

I can attest to this as well. W/L statement from Caesars Windsor (The only Harrah's property I've been to) shows $450 in play all of last year. I logged on to TR account before booking a Vegas trip to find I have been comped up to 10 days in a row at some of the properties (Imperial Palace, Rio, Etc.). Needless to say, Harrah's is footing my room for 4 days in January at The Flamingo ^ Now I just need to focus on winning in their casinos

I think this is an exaggeration, at least in my case. I made a half-hearted attempt at earning DIAD last year but quit when I got hit with the wrong side of variance, so in the end I pumped about $5K coin-in through a video poker machine in a single session. That's my only VP/table play (I'm a poker player). I'm now getting offers for 3 free nights at Vegas properties. (I live in Seattle)

I am hoping you're right about the "years to come" part though.