Las Vegas Wins and Comps

08-10-2025

Family memories started in Vegas.

My family’s connection to Las Vegas dates back a long way. My parents began visiting in the late 1940s. Their go-to hotel was the iconic Flamingo, and my mother swore she heard them page “Mr. Segel” multiple times. She even brought home real silver dollars from the slot machines—yes, the kind that clanged into a metal tray.

They witnessed Vegas history firsthand.

By 1969, my father had taken his interest a step further. He invested in The International Hotel, which was built by Kirk Kerkorian and was the largest in the world at the time. My parents were invited to the grand opening. They saw Elvis perform live and brought home silk scarves he signed—gifts that went to my sisters.

My first Vegas trip felt magical.

I made my first trip around 1981 with my father. We saw Suzanne Somers perform at the Las Vegas Hilton and went backstage to meet her. Most of the time, our visits were over a long weekend, and each evening was an event in itself as we would dress up for dinner and a show. We always made time for Benihana and arrived early to experience the strobe lighting and booming sound of the thunderstorm show, followed by a rainstorm with the talking parrots. The experience was surreal, but all part of the Vegas magic. Likewise, it was not uncommon to see television and movie stars walking around. I remember seeing Mr. T and Tim Reid, the actor who played Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati.

Fine dining made a lasting impression.

Every trip included one visit to Le Montrachet. We always saw Leo the maître d’, and started meals with a silver tray filled with shaved ice, lobster medallions, and jumbo shrimp. Meals weren’t rushed, and they were always complimentary, and the generous cash tip was always greatly appreciated. Looking back, those moments are irreplaceable treasures that no amount of money can recreate.

Earning top-tier comps.

Over time, both my father and I earned full RFB comps—a two-bedroom suite, food, beverages, and limousine transportation. He played blackjack at a $25 per hand minimum, and I favored the high-dollar slots. For years, Vegas treated us like royalty. My two biggest slot wins from memory topped out at $25,000 and $40,000. But like all good things, the golden era faded. Comps dried up. Casinos tightened their games. These days, with server-based gaming, winning feels impossible. Occasionally, I’ll get an offer in the mail for a free room, but the hassle of flying that far keeps me grounded. While Las Vegas recreates itself at least every decade, I’m not sure it is for the better. Everyone knows winners did not build Vegas; however, the casinos have become more than just stingy.

But the comps never really mattered.

Thankfully, I learned early on not to fall into the trap of chasing comps. They’re never worth what you spend trying to earn them. While it feels good in the moment, freedom is better.

Vegas taught lessons and left memories.

Even so, I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss those days. Las Vegas wins and comps were part of a different world—a more generous, more charming version of the city. And while I can’t go back in time, I can still remember and sometimes hope for the magic that once made it special.

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