Casinos offer dozens of special promotions to attract new players and keep their regulars coming back. One of the most common — and most widely criticized — promotions is an offer to double, triple, or even quadruple your paycheck. This is a device to encourage people to cash their paychecks at the casino. A typical promotion involves a pull-tab, usually given to you free when you cash your check, with prizes ranging from $1 or $2 to $2,000 or more. The idea behind this promotion is simple: casinos want you on their gaming floors when you're flush with cash, and that means bringing you in on payday.

It is best to avoid payday bonanza promotions. Although the pull-tab itself usually doesn't cost you anything, the very act of walking through a casino with your paycheck converted to cash violates two of the most important rules of responsible gambling: you've got a pocketful of “scared money” — funds earmarked for bills, which you can't afford to lose — and you don't have a predetermined budget or gambling plan. Ignore the bait and go to the casino on your own terms.

Drawings

Most casinos offer drawings for cash and prizes on a regular basis. The odds of winning depend on how many people enter, but usually you can count on a lot of competition, especially for those that allow multiple entries. Make sure you understand the rules of the drawing before you enter. Many, if not most, are free, but some are limited to rated players, and many require you to be present at the drawing in order to win. In some cases, if the drawn winner is not present, the casino keeps drawing names until a winner turns up. However, sometimes the casino simply never awards the prize or money if the winner isn't there to claim it.

Double Points

Occasionally, and especially during traditionally slow periods, casinos will offer double, triple, and even up to ten-times comp points for their players' club members. These are usually great deals if you can take advantage of them. Again, be sure to check the rules, because sometimes special points will expire or there will be limits on what you can use them for. Ask the casino host if you have any questions.