Vegas Trip Information for anyone looking to go this year.

[superwomble]

Thanks Stuart and Doobs, I'm off to Vegas in May and looking to play one or two tournaments when I'm over there, possibly one in the Venetian as I want to play there, and A. N. Other. Will give the Nugget a miss just in case, although I guess I am unlikely to need to worry about the tax issue wherever I play...  

[tikay]

I think that you have to wait until January to file your return as that is the earliest date you can file.  Two people told me this, and it seems to tally with the US tax form filing dates I read online for the 2017 tax year.  I assume that the other dates are just caused by the pace the refund system works in the US.  I guess he may well have been just giving me long dates so I don't start chasing him too early.  It is too late now, as I have signed the forms and paid the fee, so if there was a quicker way it will likely just be a rub now.  But I guess it is useful for anyone who gets caught like me in the future.

For Superwomble, a lot of Casinos will help you apply on the spot for an ITIN.  I know the Wynn and Rio have done in the past, and I think most of the big ones do in Vegas.  I had already read this was an issue with the Golden Nugget, but I played anyway.  As far as I understand, you can go to the tax office in Vegas and sort it out there without fees.  Unfortunately I cashed early in the morning on my last day.  I guess I could have tried to do it on the morning of my departure, but I needed to sleep and there was no guarantee I would be able to get it done on that morning if I tried.   

I've got no idea, as luckily I've not won anything at the Nugget since 2009, and I had my ITIN from the m/e in 2006 then anyway.

I'll say I could find out this summer, but I'd guess there is much chance of me playing, as there is of me winning

WTF - how the hell did you manage to get in a Seniors Event 6 years ago?

BANDIT ALERT


http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/event.php?a=r&n=60976#

[Jon MW]

I think that you have to wait until January to file your return as that is the earliest date you can file.  Two people told me this, and it seems to tally with the US tax form filing dates I read online for the 2017 tax year.  I assume that the other dates are just caused by the pace the refund system works in the US.  I guess he may well have been just giving me long dates so I don't start chasing him too early.  It is too late now, as I have signed the forms and paid the fee, so if there was a quicker way it will likely just be a rub now.  But I guess it is useful for anyone who gets caught like me in the future.

For Superwomble, a lot of Casinos will help you apply on the spot for an ITIN.  I know the Wynn and Rio have done in the past, and I think most of the big ones do in Vegas.  I had already read this was an issue with the Golden Nugget, but I played anyway.  As far as I understand, you can go to the tax office in Vegas and sort it out there without fees.  Unfortunately I cashed early in the morning on my last day.  I guess I could have tried to do it on the morning of my departure, but I needed to sleep and there was no guarantee I would be able to get it done on that morning if I tried.   

I've got no idea, as luckily I've not won anything at the Nugget since 2009, and I had my ITIN from the m/e in 2006 then anyway.

I'll say I could find out this summer, but I'd guess there is much chance of me playing, as there is of me winning

I'm not planning on going back any time soon - let alone winning anything - but do ITIN's last forever once you've got one?

I think they do, and it makes sense they do - but thought this might be a good chance for someone to confirm it?

Because it'd always be handy to know I don't have to think about it whenever the next time I go to Las Vegas ends up being.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/unused-itins-to-expire-after-five-years-new-uniform-policy-eases-burden-on-taxpayers-protects-itin-integrity

Looks like they expire if you don't cash for five years

Damn that's annoying, particularly when it looks like the original change wasn't going to apply to old ITIN's.

Out of principle I may just have to deliberately avoid cashing for over $5k now

[Marky147]

I'm not planning on going back any time soon - let alone winning anything - but do ITIN's last forever once you've got one?

I think they do, and it makes sense they do - but thought this might be a good chance for someone to confirm it?

Because it'd always be handy to know I don't have to think about it whenever the next time I go to Las Vegas ends up being.

Most of the casinos still do it for you, to my knowledge.

I know there was a thread on 2p2 saying that they no longer could, but I know the Rio said they still were issuing them, and didn't see any uproar last summer.

Thanks Stuart and Doobs, I'm off to Vegas in May and looking to play one or two tournaments when I'm over there, possibly one in the Venetian as I want to play there, and A. N. Other. Will give the Nugget a miss just in case, although I guess I am unlikely to need to worry about the tax issue wherever I play...  

Think the Venetian will still sort one, and you can always check with them beforehand to find out if that's the case.

I know the Bellagio always had someone that would sort you out, if you crossed their palm with silver.

[Marky147]

I think that you have to wait until January to file your return as that is the earliest date you can file.  Two people told me this, and it seems to tally with the US tax form filing dates I read online for the 2017 tax year.  I assume that the other dates are just caused by the pace the refund system works in the US.  I guess he may well have been just giving me long dates so I don't start chasing him too early.  It is too late now, as I have signed the forms and paid the fee, so if there was a quicker way it will likely just be a rub now.  But I guess it is useful for anyone who gets caught like me in the future.

For Superwomble, a lot of Casinos will help you apply on the spot for an ITIN.  I know the Wynn and Rio have done in the past, and I think most of the big ones do in Vegas.  I had already read this was an issue with the Golden Nugget, but I played anyway.  As far as I understand, you can go to the tax office in Vegas and sort it out there without fees.  Unfortunately I cashed early in the morning on my last day.  I guess I could have tried to do it on the morning of my departure, but I needed to sleep and there was no guarantee I would be able to get it done on that morning if I tried.   

I've got no idea, as luckily I've not won anything at the Nugget since 2009, and I had my ITIN from the m/e in 2006 then anyway.

I'll say I could find out this summer, but I'd guess there is much chance of me playing, as there is of me winning

WTF - how the hell did you manage to get in a Seniors Event 6 years ago?

BANDIT ALERT


http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/event.php?a=r&n=60976#

Bald, crutches, mobility scooter. Job done

I want to know what happened to the 14 grand from the 25/25 in Newcastle... I never saw any of it!

[Doobs]

I think that you have to wait until January to file your return as that is the earliest date you can file.  Two people told me this, and it seems to tally with the US tax form filing dates I read online for the 2017 tax year.  I assume that the other dates are just caused by the pace the refund system works in the US.  I guess he may well have been just giving me long dates so I don't start chasing him too early.  It is too late now, as I have signed the forms and paid the fee, so if there was a quicker way it will likely just be a rub now.  But I guess it is useful for anyone who gets caught like me in the future.

For Superwomble, a lot of Casinos will help you apply on the spot for an ITIN.  I know the Wynn and Rio have done in the past, and I think most of the big ones do in Vegas.  I had already read this was an issue with the Golden Nugget, but I played anyway.  As far as I understand, you can go to the tax office in Vegas and sort it out there without fees.  Unfortunately I cashed early in the morning on my last day.  I guess I could have tried to do it on the morning of my departure, but I needed to sleep and there was no guarantee I would be able to get it done on that morning if I tried.   

I've got no idea, as luckily I've not won anything at the Nugget since 2009, and I had my ITIN from the m/e in 2006 then anyway.

I'll say I could find out this summer, but I'd guess there is much chance of me playing, as there is of me winning

WTF - how the hell did you manage to get in a Seniors Event 6 years ago?

BANDIT ALERT


http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/event.php?a=r&n=60976#

Bald, crutches, mobility scooter. Job done

I want to know what happened to the 14 grand from the 25/25 in Newcastle... I never saw any of it!

Perils of drinking.  It was one hell of a party. 

[Marky147]

I think that you have to wait until January to file your return as that is the earliest date you can file.  Two people told me this, and it seems to tally with the US tax form filing dates I read online for the 2017 tax year.  I assume that the other dates are just caused by the pace the refund system works in the US.  I guess he may well have been just giving me long dates so I don't start chasing him too early.  It is too late now, as I have signed the forms and paid the fee, so if there was a quicker way it will likely just be a rub now.  But I guess it is useful for anyone who gets caught like me in the future.

For Superwomble, a lot of Casinos will help you apply on the spot for an ITIN.  I know the Wynn and Rio have done in the past, and I think most of the big ones do in Vegas.  I had already read this was an issue with the Golden Nugget, but I played anyway.  As far as I understand, you can go to the tax office in Vegas and sort it out there without fees.  Unfortunately I cashed early in the morning on my last day.  I guess I could have tried to do it on the morning of my departure, but I needed to sleep and there was no guarantee I would be able to get it done on that morning if I tried.   

I've got no idea, as luckily I've not won anything at the Nugget since 2009, and I had my ITIN from the m/e in 2006 then anyway.

I'll say I could find out this summer, but I'd guess there is much chance of me playing, as there is of me winning

WTF - how the hell did you manage to get in a Seniors Event 6 years ago?

BANDIT ALERT


http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/event.php?a=r&n=60976#

Bald, crutches, mobility scooter. Job done

I want to know what happened to the 14 grand from the 25/25 in Newcastle... I never saw any of it!

Perils of drinking.  It was one hell of a party. 

I must be better than I though, because I haven't been to Newcastle since 2010

[Doobs]

I managed to get some reward flights last night for mid June for the seniors and the O8 mix event weekend.

Premium Economy is about 55k points depending on dates, but checked upper and it is now about 180k average.  Virgin have properly nerfed the possibility of that treat for me.  No matter, I was glad to get any reward flights at all.

I was about 500 points short, so had a look around to see if I could buy any extra points.  I found you could buy 1000 for £15, which seemed fine as I was saving £600 in total.  I wasn't particularly happy to see there was an extra £15 fee after I paid (It was £30 total).  I guess it is there in the terms and conditions, but it suprised me and I normally look out for stuff like this.  The saving is still almost £600, but thought it was a bit cheeky of them.

I was also pretty surprised that both these events are re-entry.  I was unaware of this until Tikay posted, but I don't really follow the poker news too much.  I am not sure I like it, but I guess if I was going to re-enter any events it would be these two.  Given I am planning on playing the O8 mix the day after, I dare say I won't re-enter the seniors.  Will think about it though.

Anyone else playing the O8 mix on the 16th June?  I was thinking about this the other day, and I think last year's Golden Nugget tournament is the only time I have ever played that live or online.  Not sure I ever had any idea what I ws doing in the limit and big O rounds, but it seemed to work (maybe some sample size issues?)



   

[Simon Galloway]

Premium Economy is about 55k points depending on dates, but checked upper and it is now about 180k average. 

I think in the deep history of this thread I suggested that PE was twice as good as economy and Upper was 3x as good as premium.  I may well have understated the ratios there too, but I was primarily highlighting how much of a steal Upper was on the old reward points tableau of 50k/75k/100k.  It looks like Virgin now agree.  Ah well, nice while it lasted.  You still have a very slender chance of going Upper, simply by enquiring at their sales desk before check-in and if they are under-sold in Upper, they may offer you a decent points deal to upgrade before you check in.  (You can predict the likelihood of that being an option by trying to purchase 3 or 4 tickets in Upper yourself the day before to see what availability is like)

[Doobs]

Premium Economy is about 55k points depending on dates, but checked upper and it is now about 180k average. 

I think in the deep history of this thread I suggested that PE was twice as good as economy and Upper was 3x as good as premium.  I may well have understated the ratios there too, but I was primarily highlighting how much of a steal Upper was on the old reward points tableau of 50k/75k/100k.  It looks like Virgin now agree.  Ah well, nice while it lasted.  You still have a very slender chance of going Upper, simply by enquiring at their sales desk before check-in and if they are under-sold in Upper, they may offer you a decent points deal to upgrade before you check in.  (You can predict the likelihood of that being an option by trying to purchase 3 or 4 tickets in Upper yourself the day before to see what availability is like)

Thanks for the tip Simon.  I'll give it a go, though won't hold out much hope.

Upper used to be a great bargain at those rates.   I remember doing premium economy out and upper back for about £50 more than PE each way too.   

I don't know how long this lasts though.  Now credit card surcharges have stopped, I assume it is going to be harder to get people to take american express and there might be some pressure from retailers for the fees to go down to compensate?   I haven't read anything, but it seems a plausible way for it to play out.   I guess Virgin's reduction in rewards was likely related to this.

[tonytats]

We booked 21-12 for 40 k miles  and £883
You do need to book miles  seats ASAP
We also have a double upgrade to be applied from our mbna cards spends ,planning on using this in September though
I can’t emphasise the  value I feel we get from channeling all our spending through the mbna virgin credit card for miles and upgrades !
I don’t know if this deal is still available now the fee has been dropped ?

[Longines]

There is still a way to earn miles for HMRC spend for free. I had a Curve card when they first came out but cancelled it when they dropped support for Amex.

https://www.headforpoints.com/2018/01/22/you-can-still-pay-hmrc-visa-mastercard-no-fee/

[StuartHopkin]

There is still a way to earn miles for HMRC spend for free. I had a Curve card when they first came out but cancelled it when they dropped support for Amex.

https://www.headforpoints.com/2018/01/22/you-can-still-pay-hmrc-visa-mastercard-no-fee/

This looks amazing. Thanks Longines

[Marky147]

>$1.4 available to us  at the moment, which is the same as 2016.

Don't listen Donald, you're doing great, son <3

[hhyftrftdr]

Dublin to Vegas, change at Gatters, selected dates in November £260. Book via Expedia/Google flights.

I have thought about these Dublin flights, and am pretty sure I'd take flying direct in premium economy over upper class from Dublin with lots of extra flights and waiting around.

Upper is really nice, but getting there quickly is also nice.  I only get a week off there each year, so want to waste as little time as possible waiting around. 

If I lived a long way from Gatwick or Manchester I guess it works.  If you are having to fly from Inverness to Gatwick then you may as well go to Dublin instead. 

I'm an advocate of these Dublin flights, but do appreciate it is all down to circumstances (I don't have children, or a wife, or much of a life)

I just wanna get there and back as cheap as possible (generally), so if I can save a few hundred in the process then that usually covers my hotel for the week (alas I'm too peasant for Wynn/Venetian/Bellagio).

Some of the ones from Dublin (or Scandinavia) do get a little silly with multiple stops both ways, but the one stop jobs via London are good, and doesn't involve too much pissing about. Plus I only take hand luggage so I can skip the last leg and travel home without having to head back to Dublin/Gothenburg/Copenhagen/Stockholm.....yes I've done them all

Some mates going out in Novemeber for the marathon, there is a chance I'll be joining with my girlfriend in tow so I think I'll be looking at non-stop options