One of the most popular destinations for entertainment in America is a casino, like Valley View Casino & Hotel in San Diego. In fact, 41 percent of adults reported visiting a casino in 2023. It’s easy to understand why: good food, a range of fun gaming options, year-round access, exciting promotions and live entertainment, all in a comfortable and luxurious setting.
But what if you’re on a budget? Just like a healthy diet, it can sometimes be hard to stick to a conservative financial plan all the time. You don’t have to cheat on your budget to enjoy your leisure time at a casino, though, especially if you plan ahead.
When you want to enjoy time at a casino even while you’re on a budget, check out the helpful tips and strategies outlined below, including leveraging casino promotions, joining loyalty programs, using your Players Club card strategically and taking advantage of free or low-cost entertainment.
Take Advantage of Casino Promotions
Casinos regularly offer promotions and bonuses to their guests to make their visits even more rewarding and enjoyable. Free play credits, for instance, can extend your gaming time without costing you anything extra. Free play offers also give you a great opportunity to try new games since you literally have nothing to lose.
Check for daily or weekly specials as well. Popular promotions include things like free play on certain days of the week or monthly, or discounted food or drinks. Valley View Casino hosts Thirsty Thursdays, Wear It Wednesdays, Midweek MOREPLAY® and Dave’s Weekend Windfall, and you can find even more promotions on our promotions page. Limited-time promotions, giveaways, tournaments and sweepstakes can also be fun and exciting, giving you a chance to win big prizes. If you don’t have time to look at the website before your visit, just stop by the Players Club when you arrive.
One of the best ways to make the most of what casinos have to offer while still staying financially responsible is to take advantage of their tiered promotions. (See “Join a Casino Loyalty Program” below.) Basically, you earn points, rewards or benefits for playing games and participating in different casino activities. The more you visit and play, the more you earn. Points can usually be redeemed for things like free play, free dining and access to VIP benefits.
Join a Casino Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs improve customer experiences, making it easier, more enjoyable and more profitable to interact with the business in question. Just like rewards programs with your credit card or frequent flier programs with your favorite airline, a casino loyalty program offers perks and benefits for money you’re already spending on gaming, food and other entertainment.
Casino loyalty programs are often tiered, which means that the rewards and benefits increase with each visit. Valley View Casino’s loyalty program, the Players Club, for instance, has five levels with a range of benefits like free gameplay at slots and table games, extra entries for promotional drawings, dining credits, complimentary valet parking, invitations to special events, priority seating at restaurants and more.
Once you join, remember to use your Players Club card every time you visit and play so that you continue to build up points. Then use your rewards strategically, choosing the things that will enhance your experience without adding extra costs. For example, discounts on meals or hotel stays might not be as exciting as credits toward gaming, but they will stretch your budget further and free you up to enjoy some of the other entertainment options available. If you think you might become a regular visitor, joining the loyalty program is a must.
Enjoy Free or Low-Cost Entertainment
One of the major attractions of visiting a casino is that there is so much to do all in one place. Besides gaming, many casinos offer free or low-cost entertainment in various venues throughout the property, like concerts, sporting events and live shows featuring comedians, magicians, dancers or circus acts. Visit our Main Stage Bar for fun promotions, events, sporting action on the flat-screen TVs and more.
Keep an eye out for dining specials, happy hour deals or buffets that give you outstanding value for the price. You might also be able to take advantage of free or discounted drinks during certain times or with certain games, which will save you money. Again, joining a loyalty program and using your Players Club card every time you play will earn you more rewards and help stretch your budget.
Depending on the location, you might have fun exploring the casino itself. Many casinos have beautiful artwork and interior design or impressive architecture. Valley View Casino & Hotel features breathtaking views of the Palomar Mountain Range and a beautiful 3,300-gallon saltwater aquarium.
Set Aside Funds Specifically for Your Casino Trip
Consider setting up a “casino fund” in your budget to separate your entertainment money from the rest of your money. You can even set up automatic savings that will set aside a certain amount each month to build up your “fun money” while you stay on track with larger financial goals.
Enjoy Low-Stakes Games
Many gaming options are good for those on a tight budget. Penny slots or low-limit table games allow you to play and enjoy yourself without worrying about your budget.
You CAN Have Fun If You’re on a Budget!
With some thoughtful planning and incorporating some of the strategies outlined above, you can have fun at the casino even when your budget is tight. Come see why Valley View Casino & Hotel is Southern California’s premier gaming and dining. When you’re here, don’t forget to join the Players Club and use your Players Club card to keep the fun going!
