It's funny how marketing works. You are led to believe you are getting a good deal while just the opposite is taking place.
The giant postcard I received last week from Morongo exclaimed "The Most Cash-Back & More Bonus Rewards!".
WOW - that's for me! But before I jumped in the car and hit the gas pedal I looked at the OTHER side of the card. And after I did, I ended up never leaving the house.
"Starting November 2 slot players earn 1 point for every $3 played and video poker players earn 1 point for every $6 played. All club members earn $1 in Cash-back for every 300 points earned!".
Hey, wait a minute ... isn't that a lot more coin-in than before to earn the same cashback? Sure it is.
So what's so "New & improved" about that? And is it really "The MOST cashback and rewards"?
Not by a long shot.
Spa-Palm Springs and Agua Caliente credits VP players with 3 points for every $2 coin-in. 1000 points is worth $1. So, it takes about $667 coin-in to earn the 1000 points needed to generate a dollar.
Under the new Morongo point structure I need to play $1800 through a VP machine to earn the 300 points which are worth $1.
So, $667 coin-in at Spa-Agua vs. Morongo's $1800? They're not even close.
But it actually gets worse than that . Spa/Agua frequently sends you $50 or more in Cash Play each month. You'll probably also receive in your mailer some free or discounted food as well. Plus a free gift on certain dates. No stay is required.
If you estimate a value for those other perks it makes Morongo's claim even more absurd.
This is why you take the time to do the math and evaluate the TOTAL return for your play. Casino marketing continues to mislead you and "spin" point devaluations (which don't benefit you) to suit themselves.