John, I've been in the gaming business for 30 years in various parts of the country and I ask myself (and others) the same simple question many times a year. In a town where there is gaming and lots of service jobs, people get paid almost every day of the week. The casinos stagger paydays so the staff doesn't go on a bender on Friday every week and call out sick for the weekend when they are most needed so the 'money on the weekend' theory doesn't cut it. I sure wish I could I explain what the thought process is. Maybe some day when I grow up to be a casino executive (NOT!) I'll have an answer for you.
Have a great trip,
Sunday