A group of us still go to Vegas every year - the rooms are cheap (if not comped) , the drinks are still 'free' (tip for the waitress usually $1.00/drink). You do need to sign up for their loyalty cards (that helps) and if you play slots that really helps (my Wife , I don't really gamble and all she plays is slots so most all our gambling allowance is on the slots). We don't spend a fortune by any means (a daily limit) but a lot of what we do spend is at home base or a sister casino. (last several years it has been Bally's which is owned by Harah)
Food can still be cheap - there are several good buffets that are pretty resonably priced but for the most part I agree food is no where as cheap as it once was. As for show tickets well that is also true - the headliner shows (we try and go to one a year) are quite expensive , but it also pays to research the venue. For example we saw La Reve at the Wynn. It is such a small theatre that there was not really a bad seat in the house so the $99.00 were as good as the $199 ones.
There has also been talk of completely stopping the comps for people like us (ie: non whales) . If that ever happens where I have to pay $5 - $6 a drinks and $100 - $200 a night for a room , well they will loose us as customers that 's for sure.
Some 2007 stats for the MGM Companies show : 60% of the revenue comes from non-casino operations. Gambling only accounts for 40% of their revenue of course that is one internet site but I believe it. In the 60's I'll bet gambling accounted for over 80% of revenues and they still managed a profit - greedy bugger nowadays........
Last edited by daacon; 09-07-2009 at 06:31 PM.