Free Parking isn't just a spot on a Monopoly board. It's a staple at Las Vegas hotel-casinos, a good perk especially for tourists who rented a car and avoided pricey taxis, instead of driving themselves from resort to resort to gamble, or to see a show, or even to have dinner in different places.
The same thing is true for residents who ventured into the city from the suburbs-not anymore.
At least eight major casinos on the Strip have quietly begun to charge for parking over the last eight months or so, which started when MGM began to implement paid parking last June. Now, 10 MGM properties and eight more owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment charge for parking.
Both hotel scions have implemented a system that allows for free parking with a Nevada driver's license or hotel loyalty card.
Casino executives admitted that charging for parking will have a negligible impact on the company's balance sheet.
Mostly, the fees will pay for the lighting and signage and other costs associated with the parking garages. Right now, fees are about, on average, $5-7 for up to four hours, and $8-10 for all day parking. In the case of MGM, the new fees will discourage the little secret practice of residents of Las Vegas and the 'burbs parking their cars for free at hotel parking garages to avoid the $16 a day parking charge at McCarran Airport in favor of a couple of $12 taxi rides back and forth.
So, who's to blame?
Whales.
Yes, whales-the big-money gamblers who come into town from near and far.
"We've been getting increasing feedback from our highest-paying customers that they couldn't park with us anymore," Richard Broome, the executive vice president, public affairs and communications for Caesars Entertainment, told FoxNews Travel. "So it's become a big customer-service issue for us. If you can't fit your highest-spending customers in your parking areas, it's an issue."
Interestingly, many have wondered if the end of free parking also signals the end of other casino perks such as free drinks while gambling. Hate to break it to you, but that's already starting to happen as well, ironically also instigated by MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.
MGM has instituted a system for its slot and video gambling machines that deliver printed drink vouchers for players depending on the length of time at that particular machine.
Caesars now has 'indicator lights' on its video poker machines at all Strip properties. Bet a certain amount, and the light turns green and cocktail servers will bring you a free drink. Bet below the minimum and the light stays red, meaning you have to pay for your beverage.
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