Nationwide Benefits – Ways to Win with B Connected
Boyd Gaming gets creative, increases comps, and offer new ways to win with “B Connected”
By H. Scot Krause
While playing close to home, you could be increasing your benefits nationwide. Such is the case with Boyd Gaming, which recently launched multi-property player loyalty program under the nationwide brand “B Connected.”
When I walk the floors of casinos, I often find it amazing how many players are not using player’s club cards. Joining the slot clubs wherever you play holds many obvious advantages; you might say they’re the “lifeline” connecting the player to the casino.
Playing tables or slots, while using your card, opens the door to comps, room offers, cash back, or free slot play. Then there are the other benefits and perks—like free tournaments, special parties and gifts based on your play. If you’re not a member of every slot club at the casinos where you regularly play, joining them should be your next order of business.
While playing close to home, you could be increasing your benefits nationwide. Such is the case with Boyd Gaming, which recently launched multi-property player loyalty program under the nationwide brand “B Connected.”
The B Connected brand is replacing the “Club Coast” name previously used in Las Vegas at Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, and The Orleans. Customers of these properties will keep all of the benefits and club points they’ve previously earned under the program. In addition, all members now get six months to qualify for a promotion to “Sapphire” or “Emerald” level, up from three months under Club Coast; and slot players receive double credit toward their card scores, which can earn them promotions to Sapphire or Emerald level. Table game players get accelerated credits, as well. Members also enjoy new benefits such as priority slot service; advance purchase of show tickets; and special gifts upon achieving the Sapphire and Emerald level.
Paul Chakmak, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Boyd Gaming, said “Given the nationwide popularity of our player loyalty program, we’re excited to unite our properties under the B Connected brand. With a single brand and more consistent rules, customers will find it easier than ever to reap the benefits of the B Connected program.”
B Connected membership is free and available at 13 Boyd Gaming properties. They include Gold Coast, The Orleans, Sam’s Town, Suncoast, California, Fremont and Main Street Station in Las Vegas; Blue Chip in Michigan City, Indiana; Par-A-Dice in East Peoria, Illinois; Sam’s Town in Tunica, Mississippi; Treasure Chest in Kenner, Louisiana; Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana; and Sam’s Town in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Boyd Gaming has also launched “B Connected Mobile,” a personalized mobile application that delivers customized offers and information directly to your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. The app further expands the benefits of B Connected. It’s the first multi-property, loyalty program-based iPhone application of its kind in the gaming industry, and is available for free download at the iPhone App Store.
B Connected Mobile provides a wealth of information tailored to your interests, including exclusive dining and gaming offers and the best available hotel rates; instant access to event information, schedules and special offers at all Boyd Gaming properties; “Locate Me,” a GPS-powered feature that provides real-time information when a customer visits a specific Boyd Gaming property; “Slot Search,” a search engine that allows customers to find Boyd Gaming casinos that have their favorite machines (and even displays the games’ locations on a casino floor map); the ability to track B Connected point balances in real time; and the ability to make immediate hotel or restaurant reservations. The company plans to release BlackBerry and Android versions of B Connected Mobile later this year.
More Sizzlin’ Summer Promotions
Win an iPad everyday through August 28 at Lake Tahoe’s MontBleu Resort Casino. The $30,000 Summer Tech Giveaway drawings are being held nightly at 8:00 pm. Earn entries with casino play. Visit the Cobalt Players Club desk for complete rules and details.
In Las Vegas, Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon is running Bill’s Comp Explosion Giveaway through December 31, with six chances to win $100 in comp dollars daily. You can use the free bucks at eight Harrah’s-owned resorts in Las Vegas. Complete rules are posted at the club booth.
The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is celebrating its 10th birthday with a special event on August 21. Guests can enjoy an array of special prices and activities, including $10 adult admission and $5 children admission (children ages four and under are free); 10 percent off Shark Reef Store merchandise; $10 meal deals at Burgers & Dogs; and complimentary birthday cookies, face painting, balloon animals, birthday “fin” crowns, and appearances by “Sharky the Shark.”
Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel celebrates its two-year anniversary during the month of August. The “Canniversary” celebration will officially kick off on Sunday, August 1 with free cupcakes and champagne in Marilyn’s Lounge from noon to 5 pm. Other special events tied into the anniversary include performances by Grammy Award-winning singer Brian McKnight on Saturday, August 21, and legendary comedian Rich Little on Friday, August 27. In addition, gaming promotions and giveaways will occur throughout the month. For more information visit www.eastsidecannery.com
In honor of National Dog Day on Thursday, August 26, Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino in Primm, NV, invites guests to bring their pets on vacation where furry friends can stay and play for free in an affordable, comfortable environment Aug. 26–29. Pet owners will also receive a doggy discount with rooms all weekend long starting at $45 for the holiday. To book hotel reservations, call 1.800.386.7867.
The M Resort is giving guests the opportunity to win buffets for life, one year or six months as part of its “Biggest Winner Club” August 2 through Sept. 29.
The “Biggest Winner Club” prize includes: One VIP Studio B Buffet pass (for life, one year or six months) entitling the winner to enjoy a complimentary buffet for two daily; priority Line Pass and seating in Studio B for up to four (4) guests; custom-designed Studio B VIP t-shirt, hat and M apron; two tickets to any Martini Time show.
Earn one entry with the purchase of any meal at the resort’s Studio B Buffet. iMagine Rewards card holders can receive up to 10 entries per day with slot play (100 same day base points gets players one entry).
Drawings will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. at Studio B Buffet. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their “Biggest Winner Club” prize.
Happy slot clubbing!
H. Scot Krause is a freelance writer, gaming industry analyst and researcher. He specializes in covering casino games, events, attractions and promotions. He is a former entertainment director and a fifteen-year resident of Las Vegas. His work is regularly featured in gaming publications and the annual American Casino Guide Book. Questions or comments for Scot may be addressed to: krauseinvegas@cox.net
Nationwide Benefits – Ways to Win with B Connected.
