Las Vegas is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, world-class entertainment, and luxury hotels. However, the cost of a trip can be significant. Fortunately, there are structured methods to obtain complimentary offers, often referred to as "comps," which can offset expenses for accommodations, dining, and entertainment. These offers are typically earned through loyalty programs and official mobile applications associated with major casino resorts. This article details how consumers can access these freebies, focusing on verified programs and apps that provide real-world rewards.
Understanding the Comp System in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, a "comp" is a complimentary good or service provided by a casino or resort, often to incentivize guests to stay and gamble. While traditionally associated with high-rolling players, many resorts now offer comp opportunities to casual visitors through digital loyalty programs and apps. These programs allow users to earn points through gameplay or other activities, which can then be redeemed for rewards. It is important to note that many free offers, particularly hotel rooms, still require the payment of mandatory daily resort fees.
MyVegas: The Official MGM Resorts Loyalty App
MyVegas is a pair of applications (available on Facebook, iOS, and Android) created by MGM Grand Resorts. The apps allow users to play free casino games, such as blackjack and slot machines, using virtual currency. Points earned from gameplay can be traded for real-life rewards. According to the source material, this program has been "extremely successful" in motivating vacationers to stay, gamble, and dine at MGM properties.
Rewards and Redemption
Rewards available through MyVegas include: * Free airfare to Las Vegas * Free hotel rooms at MGM properties * Show tickets * Discounted hotel rooms * Free monorail passes * Drink deals
Users can redeem up to three rewards per month. The points required for a free hotel room start at 15,000 points for Excalibur and go up to 67,000 points for Mandalay Bay. One source indicates that it took approximately 10 hours of gameplay to earn enough points for a first free room reward, though this varies by user.
Important Fine Print
A critical detail is that free hotel room stays require guests to pay the daily resort fee. Furthermore, the source specifies that users earn the most loyalty points when playing MyVegas on Facebook, and the least when playing on the Android app. This discrepancy is attributed to rules on each App Store regarding giveaways. For optimal point accumulation, Android users are advised to play via the Facebook version of the app.
Wynn Slots: A Luxury Alternative
Wynn Slots is described as the "luxury version of MyVegas." This app focuses specifically on the Wynn and Encore properties. Users can earn complimentary stays at the Wynn, where room rates typically exceed $200 per night.
Key Benefits of Wynn Slots
The primary advantage of the Wynn Slots program is the lack of additional costs for the comp stay. Unlike many other comp offers in Las Vegas, guests staying on a Wynn Slots comp trip do not have to pay resort fees, taxes, or parking charges. The app currently allows users to redeem gems for complimentary stays at the Wynn and the Wynn buffet.
Additional Apps and Methods for Freebies
Beyond the dedicated casino loyalty apps, other third-party applications can help travelers secure deals and free items in Las Vegas.
Hotel Tonight
Hotel Tonight is an app that tracks hotel specials up to seven nights in advance at top hotels in Las Vegas. It allows users to browse available luxury properties, with some rooms listed for under $100 per night. Consistently appearing hotels include The Cromwell, The Cosmopolitan, MGM Grand, and Flamingo. The source notes that this third-party app has offered lower prices than booking directly with the hotel. Promotions are frequently available, such as saving up to $25 off a first booking and earning an additional $25 credit for referring friends.
Deal Sites: Groupon and LivingSocial
Deal-saving sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounts on "Food & Drinks," "Things To Do," and more. Common deals found on these platforms include club-crawl parties, buffet discounts, and specials for the High Roller observation wheel. Most deals can be purchased and scanned directly from a smartphone, eliminating the need for printing. The "Local" section on these apps shows deals available nearby while already in Vegas.
Free Parking and Birthday Freebies
Free Self-Parking
Finding free parking in Las Vegas is increasingly difficult. However, several major casinos still offer free unlimited self-parking. The following casinos are listed as providing this amenity: * Circus Circus * Downtown Grand Las Vegas * Encore * Golden Nugget Las Vegas * Hard Rock * OYO Casino * Palms * Rio * The Orleans * The STRAT * Treasure Island * Tropicana * Tuscany Suites * Westgate * Wynn
Birthday Freebies
Visitors celebrating their birthday in Las Vegas can access numerous freebies. While many restaurants offer complimentary desserts or gifts, specific Vegas-related offers include: * Observation Deck at the Eiffel Tower: Free access to the 46th-floor observation tower (reservations required). * SAHARA: A chance to win up to $500 with a free scratch card or spin at the SAHARA Club 52 loyalty desk. * Downtown Taco Foodie Adventure: A free tour with Atomic Scooters when bringing three or more friends. * The Plaza: A free bingo card, dessert, and 25% off room rates. * Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: A free 16-inch cheese pizza when joining their rewards program (must be combined with a purchase). * Hooters: 10 free boneless wings for Hootclub members. * Diablos at Luxor: A free birthday tequila shot. * Free Game Play: Loyalty cards like MLife or Caesars Rewards can be used to receive free gameplay on your birthday.
Strategic Considerations for Maximizing Freebies
Loyalty Programs
Enrolling in loyalty programs, such as MLife or Caesars Rewards, is a fundamental step. These programs often provide immediate benefits, such as free gameplay on birthdays, and are essential for earning points through gambling and spending.
Go City Explorer Pass
For those looking to save on attractions rather than hotels, the Go City Explorer Pass is highlighted as a way to save up to 50% on Vegas attractions. It bundles multiple tours and activities at a single, affordable rate.
Setting a Budget
The source material emphasizes the importance of setting a gaming budget and sticking to it. One strategy to avoid overspending is to gamble with points or comps, effectively using the casino's money rather than your own.
Conclusion
Obtaining free offers in Las Vegas is achievable through a combination of official resort apps, third-party deal platforms, and loyalty programs. MyVegas and Wynn Slots are the primary apps for earning comp hotel rooms, though users must be aware of associated resort fees (except for Wynn Slots) and platform-specific point earning rules. Additional savings can be found through parking at specific casinos, birthday promotions, and attraction passes. By utilizing these verified programs and planning ahead, visitors can significantly reduce the cost of their Las Vegas trip.