Just FYI: I was at AQ for a short trip this past Oct 30-Nov 1 2016.
Remodeling/riverwalk and back entrance areas by COVE bar/Sportsbook.
The back walkway (from garage to Food Court entrance/middle doors) only allows you into the casino/ the walkway between garage and the River walk area is now closed as is the back entrance, south corner that used to lead to the Cove Bar and Sportsbook half facing Cove bar.
A whole new pool area is being put in back there (just past end of the garage and the area that used to have a temporary stage built up for concerts).
Also - from the inside of AQ: casino ends at Slot booth and small sportsbook that is up against the Outback Steakhouse. The other half of Sports book/ Cove bar and surrounding casino area is now ‘temporarlly’ walled/blocked off for remodeling.
You can still reach Riverwalk, but only at the doors near entrance to the buffet. Even the doors facing Splash/nightclub (currently being used for open viewing of all fbal games, since other Sportsbook/covebar TVs also off/blocked from public. However, the DOORS leading into Splash/lounge area are NOT open from outside to let you in, you can only go back out to the river patio/exit.
VP: I noticed most machines in the casino – (wasn’t able to get a bartop-due to world series/fball games on most of the time) – if 8/5 BP was best game, then you earned 1 pt every $2 .
pts still worth 300-1 for $1 food comps at restaurants/buffet, 500-$1 if used for table/freeplay at machines or 600 - $1 for cash back.
Tier pts : Somewhat variable (based theo on ‘time’ played, type of machine played, etc, etc).
BP gamekings seemed to be about ‘1’ tier pt per 600-800 (so maybe $1500 coin in?)
Any multigames with 9/6 JB seemed to be at a rate of $5/1 pt, and ‘1’ tier per approx $2500-3K (or 500-600 pts earned).
Finally , 100% VP seemed to be set to $8/pt. Tier weak at maybe .1 tier pt per $800 coin in.
I’ve heard from local/AZ visitors that it’s worth it to reach 10 tier (Orange level) to begin to receive marketing offers- rooms/bonus freeplay/dining credits - in addition to 2x/pts and 25% off buffet/cafe etc .
Base blue card only yields minimal offers/10% off and 1x pts for your play.
ALso - once you start playing (for first time), the ‘12 month’ cycle is set. Swipe at 1 of 2 kiosks next to slot club next day (after playing ) to see what your current ‘tier’ status is, and all account info.
Or you can ask slot club staff for more info.
Good luck- all,
MM