Royally Flushed

New Owner Phil Ruffin assures players that their points and play will be safe even with the sale of TI.

We received this — “A Message from the New Owner of TI” — and wanted to share it with our readers who may not be signed up to receive emails from MGM Mirage’s “Players Club.”  It answers a number of questions that have been floating around since the announcement of the sale of TI – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino to Phil Ruffin.  It’s good news for those of us who have frequented TI in the past.

“Dear _______,

I am very excited to announce the acquisition of Treasure Island by Ruffin Companies. TI is a property that is in pristine condition, ideally located in the heart of the strip and benefits from a wonderful team of outstanding employees. Ruffin Companies was able to purchase TI while acquiring little or no debt, therefore making TI a financially strong company within the Las Vegas market. I, along with the entire TI team, appreciate your loyalty and we want to assure you that, although there is a new captain at the helm, we are all committed to providing you with the amazing experience that you have come to expect at TI. (more…)

Came across this players club promotion while doing some research for an article I’m writing for “Casino Player” magazine and just had to share it with you.  Seems Easter Sunday in Australia will be extremely lucky for anyone who loves — make that adores — chocolate.  At the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns, Queensland, players who enter the casino’s “Easter EGGstravaganza” contest have the chance to WIN THEIR WEIGHT IN ASSORTED CHOCOLATES up to 150 kilograms.  That’s 330 pounds of assorted chocolates!

Check out this excerpt from the “official rules:”
“To enter the promotion, Reef Club Members must earn a minimum of 50 Bonus Points on any day and swipe their membership card at the Entrance Terminal on that same day, to automatically receive 1 entry form….

6. A minor prize draw for 1 Easter Basket will be conducted on Sunday the 29th March at 4:00pm and again on Sunday the 5th April 2009 at 4:00pm. A major prize draw for 150 kilograms of assorted chocolate will take place at approximately 4:00pm on Sunday the 12th April.

7. The major prize winner will win an amount of chocolate equivalent to their body weight up to a maximum of 150 kilograms, or if they do not wish to disclose their body weight, they will automatically win 150 kilograms of assorted chocolate.”

Considering my love for all things chocolate, I would SO BE THERE for the drawing.  Even if I wasn’t chosen, I might be able to talk the lucky winner into sharing the wealth because, as the rules state…

15. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash, services or other goods.

(Now, I also have you wondering what that magazine article is all about but you just have to wait ’til the May issue release to find out!)