Vegas Gambling News Bits for August 6, 2007

A quick round-up of current promotions and future Las Vegas gambling news that might be of interest to you…

• Las Vegas Advisor is reporting that “Bally Pong,” a slot machine incorporating a skill element bonus round where the player tries their hand at Pong (yes, the 70s Atari video game) has been approved by Nevada regulators. After three bonus icons line up on the five-reels on the machine, the player then bounces a digital ball between thin paddles in a simulated game of ping pong in the bonus round. This occurrence has 1 in 70 odds of happening and will be the first time that hand-eye coordination could affect player payout on a slot machine. Next up, a real-life trial in an as-yet-to-be-named casino.

• New members joining either the Binion’s or Golden Nugget slot clubs downtown get $10 in free play. No word on when this promotion ends.

• All MGM Mirage properties are awarding double Holiday Gift Shoppe points during the month of August. These are players club add-on points that can be used for purchasing goods from a casino gift list at the end of the year.

• An ad in Southwest Airlines’ inflight magazine says that if you bring a Las Vegas hotel room key, an out-of-state ID, and join the slot club at the Silverton, you can get 2-for-1 offers on margaritas and select appetizers at Mi Casa Grill Cantina, entrees at Sundance Grill, domestic draft beer in Hootie’s Lounge, specialty martinis at Mermaids, and buffets at Seasons. Silverton says you don’t need the actual ad, just visit the Player’s Club booth with the requested items by September 30 to get the deal.

• Santa Fe Station is holding a “Sandwich Grill Mania in the Pit” promotion every Monday through Thursday this month where Boarding Pass members can win one of the aforementioned sandwich grills if they play enough for the day. For more details visit the rewards counter at the casino.

• If you’re a collector of casino chips and tokens, you might like to attend the 15th annual Casino Chip and Gaming Token Collectors Club convention which takes place at the Riviera from August 8 – 11. Attendees can take part in seminars, gaming and even a swap meet. One day memberships, which include admission to the event, are only $5, and convention rates are available for attendees at the Riviera. For more information, visit www.ccgtcc.com.