My convention attendance this year will be solely determined by my personal finances, with the price of airfare being the primary factor. I don't have any races to work that weekend, so the time is available if I can find a way to use it. I really, REALLY want to go!

I had to go to Vegas last month to work a race at LVMS. I flew in a day early because the airfare was $80 less than flying in on the day I needed to meet up with my colleagues. I got a room at the South Point for that one night for $35, and with the free airport shuttle, I figured that would not only save me some pre-trip expense money (even though I get reimbursed for travel expenses, I have to pay for them before the event and expense invoice them afterward), it'd also give me most of a day for decompression. I needed a break from what has been a brutal winter in many ways. Right after I checked in and hauled my luggage up to the room, I went straight to the Catalina Island Bar (the South Point version of the Splashbar during the convention). I had $130 cash in pocket as my total bankroll for the next 5 days in Las Vegas. My chances looked pretty bleak as to being able to do very much playing in the casinos after leaving work at the track every night. The Island Bar at the South Point answered some of my prayers that night. I hadn't been in the place for 30 minutes before I hit a royal flush playing 25 cent video poker. ...and it wasn't just any royal flush, it was the progressive that they have on the machines at the bar! It paid $1785 and I have the W2-G to prove it!

I've stayed at the South Point twice now, and have hit a royal both times. I really like that place, and apparently it likes me too!