RVers Flock to Casinos

Ever notice that casinos are becoming very popular among traveling RVers? Casinos in all parts of the country typically see dozens of RVs a week coming in for an overnight stay. No, they’re not the same RVs showing up day after day. Rather, many are retirees traveling the country in their motorhomes or fifth-wheel trailers who stopped in for some casino gaming or for a buffet meal along the way.

These retirees are the leading edge of a new travel phenomenon that is beginning to emerge in this country. Despite high gasoline prices, many new retirees who always wanted to travel the country have discovered that they can see all of America affordably in an RV. In a sense, they are the modern-day explorers, tooling around the highways and byways of the country, seeing all this great country has to offer and enjoying life on the open road.

Most casinos in the West have the welcome mat out for RVers, and gaming has become a popular recreation for retirees. In fact, recent market studies indicate that gaming resorts are as popular as fishing destinations among traveling seniors.

Varied RV accommodations
Most casinos are “RV-Friendly,” that is they either have a full service RV park or campground or they have electric hookups in the parking lot, or they offer free dry camping in designated areas.
Blacktop boondockers—travelers who look for a safe and secure place to pull off the road for a brief overnight rest—often use parking lots at a casino, especially where the casino is located near an Interstate. RVers who wish to dry camp overnight should always get authorization from security or management personnel before settling in for an overnight stay. And, of course, it’s generally a good idea to thank the casino by taking your business there—go in and play, have a meal at the casino or purchase something at the gift shop.

Some RVers prefer to stay at casino resorts that offer full hookups and other amenities to be enjoyed during a stay longer than just overnight. Weekend stays at an RV casino resort can be a mini-vacation packed with relaxation at the pool, live entertainment and gaming fun.

RV resorts at casinos are also popular for RV club rallies, but advance reservations are suggested so the resort can reserve sites and meeting rooms if needed. Some resorts popular with clubs include:

• In Arizona: Fort McDowell in Fountain Hills and Apache Gold in San Carlos.
• In California: Pechanga in Temecula, Konocti Vista in Lakeport and Feather Falls in Oroville.
• In Oregon: Seven Feathers in Canyonville, the Mill Resort and Casino in North Bend and Wild Horse in Pendleton.
• In Washington: Northern Lights in Anacortes, and Two Rivers in Davenport.

For full descriptions of hundreds of casinos throughout the country, plus locator maps and directions, you can consult my book, Casino Camping. Its second edition was published this year.

Casino Comps
RVers who travel from casino to casino can take advantage of comps. “Comp” is a shortened version of complimentary and refers to anything the casino gives you in return for your playing there. There was a time when comps were only offered to high rollers, but nowadays casinos offer comps to virtually everyone who comes there to play.

Just about every casino has a club for players that allows patrons the opportunity to accumulate points toward rewards. Travelers should not think that just because they’re passing through for a day or two, they won’t be able to accumulate enough points to earn a comp. It doesn’t cost anything to join a casino players club; there are no dues, but there are many benefits. When you go into a casino, make the players club booth your first stop. Join the club, and don’t forget to ask if there are any incentives being offered for new club members. Often the casino will give a free gift just for joining—things like a roll of coins to get you started at the slots, match play for table games, meal coupons, entries into special drawing or even logo’d items like a free T-shirt or travel bag.

Players clubs have varying point structures. Often a club card can accumulate enough points in a single session to get you a dollar or two in cash or a discounted or free meal. So once you begin playing, don’t forget to use the card in each machine you play or present the card at every table where you play.

Be a Savvy Discounter
Senior citizen discounts are among the most popular discounts given by casinos. But all travelers, whether or not they’re seniors, can take advantage of a wide range of casino discounts. Here are some key points for RV travelers to remember:

• Always ask about discounts, current promotions and giveaways. Often, if you don’t request a discount, or if you don’t know about a discount, you’ll pay full price. Don’t be too shy to ask about discounts.

• Join the players club when you go into a casino for the first time, even if you only plan to be there for a few hours. It doesn’t cost anything to join and chances are you’ll get discounts and other promotional benefits.

• Senior citizens should take advantage of special discounts at casino facilities and weekly Senior Day events. Casinos are continuously developing new and inviting incentives for those who have reached the golden age.

Jane Kenny is the author of Casino Camping. The 2006 edition of this casino guide for RVers is available from Roundabout Publications at www.travelbooksusa.com or (800) 455-2207. It is also available at other outlets, including RVbookstore.com and amazon.com.