Tips and advice for the Great Gift Wrap Up

The first session of the Great Gift Wrap Up for Caesars / Total Rewards members starts on November 7. Here is the schedule:

November 7 - 11, 2013
Flamingo Las Vegas
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST

December 4 - 8, 2013
Caesars Palace
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST

Do you have any tips and advice?

I have this suggestion: that unless you are going to exchange your "reward points" for free play when you start your visit in Vegas, it's best to make the GGWU the final event prior to leaving Vegas so you can use all of your play towards purchasing items.

And don't forget about the $10 gift cards to maximize the use of your points so you don't have any "leftover points."

Also, if you are short a few points (a few will vary) go to the "help desk" and ask for a break on the points redemption. I have seen these "help reps" discount some items by several hundred points when a player was "short" the amount needed. Usually the "floor staff" will tell you to go back to a game and play a little more but if you go to the help desk and tell them you've checked out you might catch a break.

One question I have is: what items give you the most value? Do you get more for your money exchanging points for free play or for gift cards or for merchandise? And what merchandise gives you the best value for points?

Here is what I posted in April, 2013 regarding tips to the GGWU. They still apply today:

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- Stay away from electronics. This is because electronics are constantly going obsolete, and therefore getting cheaper (or less valuable) as every day passes. Furthermore, the electronics on the Great Gift Wrap Up tend to be priced months in advance, meaning that the camera that was worth $600 when it was "priced" in points is very possibly only worth $450 by the time November/December rolls around. iPads are the one exception to this, but make sure that the iPad you are buying is not about to be replaced by a new model within weeks.

- Always do your research in advance, and pick items you think you probably want to buy. Then go to Google Shopping and figure out the best price you could actually purchase the item. Use this to figure out whether you are getting a good deal regarding the number of points you are paying.

- In 2012, the gift cards and the freeplay were the best value. Some people did not want freeplay because they actually wanted something tangible to show up at their door for the holidays, which is understandable. However, keep in mind that you are getting the most bang for your buck by buying gift cards and freeplay.

- You can transfer gift points to a friend! Or at least you could in 2012. Both people need to be there in person at the same time, but they definitely let you do it. This is a great way to prevent points from going unused, or to be able to afford something you want that you're just short of being able to buy. To transfer gift points, both people need to go up to the checkout area (with their TR cards and ID), and the transfer will be done without any fees.

Last year, I had about $1100 worth of gift points. I got an iPad with about half of that, and I took freeplay for the other half. I bought a $10 Shell gift card with the remainder.

Harrah's Rincon has been running an interesting promotion during October. Each Friday and Sunday if you swipe your card at the Total Rewards area, (no play required), you get extra GGWU points. In my case its 31,500 points for each day's swipe which is more than enough for a $100 shell gas card. My son who is a Diamond gets 11,500 points per swipe. Well, you guessed it -- we drive down just for the swipe plus we have free play on Fridays and Sundays that covers the cost of the excursion. We drive together so that cuts our costs.

In my case that's 8 X 31,500 = 252,000 points without making a single bet. That's $840 of gas cards.

I also get another 20,000 or so points if I put on 1,500 tier points. Now, some days I didn't play more than about $150 of free play, but a few days I did score the bonus.

The bonus points won't be visible on my account until Nov 1, but the way it looks to me now, based on my current score, I might have enough points for $3,200 of gas cards.

The reality is, we use more than $100 of gas here per week for a combination of personal and business travel. I can't see using those GGWU points for anything but gas cards.

Also, I am not planning to stay in Vegas for the GGWU. The plan is to drive up in the morning, attend the event, and get outta Dodge... except for a stop at the Gold Strike in Jean where I can play $3 craps.

I don't have that promotion from Rincon, despite being a Seven Stars member.

I went to Rincon once on a freeplay/massage promotion, but didn't play at all aside from running my freeplay. I imagine that this might have influenced them never to give me any further offers, though I did get a last-minute offer recently for some kind of Disneyland/Sea World excursion.

I didnt get the Disneyland/Sea World offer. I think the GGWU promotion is probably for players who are there more often.

I would like to explore this a big more:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

keep in mind that you are getting the most bang for your buck by buying gift cards and freeplay.

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Let's say that you can play your free play on a 8/5 Bonus game returning 99.1%. And your goal is get the most "cash value" out of your points. Which do you choose -- free play or gift cards for a store you will use?

Of course if you have a lot of points you can allocate and divide your points. But for a player who can only get $100 of free play or $100 of gift cards, which do you choose? What factors are you considering? Thanks.

I've said this before:

The value of freeplay depends upon whether you would otherwise be gambling for cash anyway.

So if you're NOT planning to gamble at all, but need to just "run your freeplay", then the value is the expected win-rate -- such as 99.1% in 8-5 Bonus poker.

If you ARE planning to gamble anyway, then the value is 100% of the freeplay, since it will replace cash that you would have otherwise fed into the machine. For example, let's say you start off feeding $500 into the machine when you play video poker. If you have $500 freeplay, and feed that in instead, now you have $500 more sitting in your wallet. In this case, the freeplay is REPLACING real physical money that you are going to spend, so it is of full value.

Let me put it a different way. Let's say someone gave me a $300 gift certificate to Tommy Bahama. I have use for the clothes there, but it's also overpriced, so I normally wouldn't shop there. So a $300 Tommy Bahama gift certificate might be worth $200 to me in real life. But if I liked Tommy Bahama enough to where I was shopping there anyway, and was about to spend $300 of my real cash, then a $300 gift certificate would be worth $300 to me.

Anyway, getting back to your question:

If the freeplay and gas cards are the exact same number of points per dollar, then it simply comes down to which you would be more likely to "use anyway".

The gas cards, for example, are for Shell only. If you normally get gas elsewhere, this is somewhat of an inconvenience. Additionally, perhaps the Shell around you is expensive (the prices at Shell vary a lot by location). But if you're already a Shell customer, or if you don't care where you get gas, the cards have 100% value.

As far as freeplay, as I said above, it will carry either full value if you are planning to gamble anyway, and 98-99% value otherwise. Of course, this also carries a LOT of variance, and you could easily end up with a small fraction of the freeplay's value (such as cashing out $75 on a $500 freeplay). This bothers a lot of people, as many want to see something tangible and guaranteed from their GGWU points.

Last year, I had a little over $1100 in points. I used like $520 on an iPad 4/case combo (surprisingly good deal), $500 in freeplay, and got one $10 gas card with the remainder.

I might just get gas cards this year, as there is a reasonably priced Shell by my house. I would like another iPad, but I'm not sure if they will be carrying them, and I also want the newest iPad, which may or may not be offered by Caesar's by then.

Dan: do you know if the free play you get from the GGWU can be used at any TR property, and are there any time limits on when to use it?

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Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson

Dan: do you know if the free play you get from the GGWU can be used at any TR property, and are there any time limits on when to use it?

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I don't remember. I went right down and used it immediately.

From what I remember last year - they asked me which property I wanted the Free play for. I was staying at Paris and asked them for that. I don't remember the expiration date.

I was first scheduled for the November GGWU but will probably be changing it to December.

Can one of you guys look if they are carrying any iPads, and if so, what the point price is? And most importantly, is it the iPad 5?

The iPad 5 will be released on November 1.

The first GGWU event starts November 7.

Last year they had iPad 4, which was new at the time.

I would love to get an iPad 5 with my points, provided it breaks out to a reasonable price.

Well I see they are carrying the iPad 4:

http://greatgiftwrapup.com/greatgift...me&c=696372181

It's 171,100 points.

Gift cards are still 3,000 points per $10, including Shell gas cards.

This means each GGWU point is worth a third of a penny each (that is, 3 GGWU points is worth a penny).

This makes calculating value easy. Just divide the number of points by 300, and that's the dollar value you're paying in GGWU points!

That makes the iPad $570.33 in GGWU points.

This is a terrible deal!

You can buy an identical iPad 4 from Walmart right now for $450 plus tax.

Last year the iPad 4, which was new, went for something like $535 in GGWU points, AND you got a free case with it. At the time, the iPad 4 went for $500+tax in the store, meaning about the same, and here you got the free case, too.

Anyway, unless they get the iPad 5 in stock, and unless it's a proper price, I won't be buying an iPad from the GGWU this year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson

Dan: do you know if the free play you get from the GGWU can be used at any TR property, and are there any time limits on when to use it?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

I don't remember. I went right down and used it immediately.

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Originally Posted by sassycat

From what I remember last year - they asked me which property I wanted the Free play for. I was staying at Paris and asked them for that. I don't remember the expiration date.

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This could make a big difference. If I find that the free play can be used during 2014 at a casino such as Rincon, the free play could be much more valuable to me because there are better video poker games at Rincon (even with some of the latest changes) and there is a chance that the free play credit play would go towards 2014 tier scores.

We discussed before that sometimes free play does not earn tier points -- but sometimes it does.
And at Rincon there are still a couple of full pay games at the 25 cents level (Bonus, Aces and Faces) but at Caesars the full pay games start at $5 and they require $25 of coin per tier point.

I also discussed "free play" vs "gas cards" with my son who pointed this out to me: it would take close to a year to use up all of the gas cards, while the "free play" benefit immediately frees up cash.

The free play they offered me last year was only at Vegas casinos.

What a dumb discussion about the ipads. Has anyone ever considered WINNING the money to actually buy an iPad with, instead of going all gaga over a year-end gift "giveaway" that most or all of you lost five times the amount you could have bought one for? Right now if anyone associated with CET is reading here, guaranteed, they are patting themselves on the back for another job well done in the oh-so-special Seven Stars dept.

Rob, stop terribling up every thread with the same garbage.

Are you suggesting that we just toss away these points, rather than redeem them?

Rob, please let what Dan wrote sink in:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

Rob, stop terribling up every thread with the same garbage.

Are you suggesting that we just toss away these points, rather than redeem them?

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The points you get for the GGWU are not a consolation prize for losing. You get the same points even if you win. So why not use them? You of all people should be trying to maximize every free thing you can get out of a casino for your play. I will probably get about $3,000 of "free stuff" in two weeks at Flamingo. My only question is "what" to take 'em for?

Here's a flash Alan: the ONLY reason CET has this year-end "freebie" is because they make oodles from those who walk in pumping their fists with thousands worth of points. Most or all of you lose big time, AND CET AND EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT. It's simply a marketing method of making players think "it was all worth it". In other words....and there's no reason for me to put this into fine print....you and others are being played like fiddles, to the point of you all telling yourself all that losing "was OK".

Please wise up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

Rob, stop terribling up every thread with the same garbage.

Are you suggesting that we just toss away these points, rather than redeem them?

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No, I'm providing you one of those "teachable moments". Set goals when you go in to play, play at properties that Don't have you by the nuts with those stupid card level statuses and year end "giveaways" that makes people play longer and more than they know they should, and when you reach your win goal for an iPad or a cruise or a new bag of underwater, you leave.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rob.Singer

No, I'm providing you one of those "teachable moments". Set goals when you go in to play, play at properties that Don't have you by the nuts with those stupid card level statuses and year end "giveaways" that makes people play longer and more than they know they should, and when you reach your win goal for an iPad or a cruise or a new bag of underwater, you leave.

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Gee Rob, this past year I did play with win goals and loss limits and as an added bonus I will have somewhere around $3000 of gas cards or free play or merchandise (which I am not likely to take). What's wrong with that?

Checking out the gift cards again: there are gift cards for AMC Theaters (sometimes go), Gap Clothes (might be worthwhile for a limited purchase), Marshalls (I shop there a lot) and some other retailers where a modest amount spent on gift cards might be worthwhile. Unlike the specific retail items listed on the GGWU site I am assuming that gift cards used at stores like Gap can also be used to buy sale items?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson

Checking out the gift cards again: there are gift cards for AMC Theaters (sometimes go), Gap Clothes (might be worthwhile for a limited purchase), Marshalls (I shop there a lot) and some other retailers where a modest amount spent on gift cards might be worthwhile. Unlike the specific retail items listed on the GGWU site I am assuming that gift cards used at stores like Gap can also be used to buy sale items?

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Marshalls may be good if you shop there a lot.

I think AMC may not be worthwhile, as you can probably get discount tickets if you buy in advance. Gap would be good if you like their clothes and if the cards are ALWAYS good (even with discounts). In fact, you should make sure the Marshall's card is just as good as cash there, too.

I still think Shell gas cards are the best, since you always need gas, and Shell is everywhere in the west. The only problem is some Shells are expensive, but there is one pretty close to me that is unusually cheap for a Shell.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

I think AMC may not be worthwhile, as you can probably get discount tickets if you buy in advance.

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I am under the impression that these gift cards can also be used to buy discounted tickets.

Alan, I will not be going to the November GGWU. I will be waiting for December.

Can you please take a look there if they are offering the iPad Air (the new iPad), and how many points it is? Thanks.

Did you decide to head to the Flamingo this weekend Alan or you going to stay at Rincon and build up for December instead?

I am trying to go this weekend to Flamingo. I will have a report if I go about any new items or "rules" that I find out about. I am particularly interested in is the exchange rate for free play and what casinos the free play can be used in and what the expiration date is.

Thanks Alan. I plan on going in December also so look forward and appreciate your comments on the event.

By the way, there are other "offers" that also apply to the GGWU dates and they can be better. The GGWU offers basically cover the hotel room. But I have other offers for November and December that also are good on the GGWU dates that include restaurant credits plus free play. The offer I am using this coming weekend is for $400 restaurant credits plus $400 free play.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson

By the way, there are other "offers" that also apply to the GGWU dates and they can be better. The GGWU offers basically cover the hotel room. But I have other offers for November and December that also are good on the GGWU dates that include restaurant credits plus free play. The offer I am using this coming weekend is for $400 restaurant credits plus $400 free play.

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Wait, are you saying that I can go to the GGWU without being signed up on the GGWU offer? So I can use a freeplay offer that happens to coincide with the GGWU dates, and just show up for the GGWU anyway?

If so, I'm totally doing that. Please clarify.

Of course you can go without using the GGWU offer and use another offer instead. I have nine different offers during the GGWU dates.

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Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson

Of course you can go without using the GGWU offer and use another offer instead. I have nine different offers during the GGWU dates.

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Wow, I had the erroneous idea that you had to stay on a GGWU offer to be signed up for it.

So you just basically have to show up for the GGWU, and it doesn't matter where you stay or what offer you use?

You don't even need to be a registered guest. In years past I have driven up to LV, went shopping at the event, got in my car and drove home without even making a single bet. Yes, Rob Singer.... without making even a single bet.

Alan, if you could post the following here after going to the GGWU, I would be grateful:

1) Is there an iPad Air available, and how many points is it? And does it come with a case? (Last year's iPad 4 did!)

2) How many points per $100 of freeplay (or whatever increments you buy it)?

3) How many points per $10 gas card?

4) Did there appear to any other items with a value of better than 3 points to a penny?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson

You don't even need to be a registered guest. In years past I have driven up to LV, went shopping at the event, got in my car and drove home without even making a single bet. Yes, Rob Singer.... without making even a single bet.

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I've done the same multiple times, but you never saw me get all giddy over any of it, and ask for meaningless questions to be answered when all it takes is a winning strategy be followed to save oneself the embarrassment of identifying how such trivial items cannot be afforded. Once again, we see how CET absolutely OWNS 7-Stars "oh so special" players. And this GGWU? Guess how much probably ALL of you are really paying for all that junk. But this IS entertaining...watching you all wear your W2G's and overall loss statements on your sleeves.

If I had to bet on it, I'd say he won the money. I don't think GT would have given him a complete pass on that for all of those years.

For all the things I don't like about Rob -- the anti-math systems, the tone when people died, and the recent Asian crack, I think he pretty much nailed the merit badge nonsense of the various slot club systems. I take advantage of every slot club offer, but I'm disciplined as hell and have been doing this for 35 years. Most people, I suspect, have no way of separating the scouting badges from the gambling, which is the raison detre of the slot clubs.

I have no real idea why Rob goes after Arci the way he does -- what he has said about Arci was magnitudes worse than his criticisms of Alan's gambling.