I update the American Casino Guide (ACG) each year with information on all U.S. casino/resorts, riverboats, and Indian casinos. The 2013 edition covers more than 700 casinos in 41 states and is loaded with pertinent details on each casino: their toll-free numbers, web site addresses, room rates, buffet prices, casino size, casino games offered, and any special features of that particular property. There are maps of each state showing where the casinos are located, plus detailed maps of five major gaming cities: Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, Biloxi, and Tunica.

For casino players interested in playing slot machines, the ACG includes the slot payback percentage for every state where it’s made available. You’ll also learn which states’ gambling differs from other states. For example, Native American casinos in Montana are only allowed to offer class-II gaming machine that is based on bingo game running in the background of each spin, and the results of the spinning reels are for "entertainment purposes only." Another example, is the pari-mutuels in New York. The video poker on their Video Gaming Machines resembles video poker, but skill is not a factor because these machines have a predetermined number of winners similar to a scratch-off lottery ticket (so you’ll want to avoid those machines).

The main reason that players really love this book is all of the money-saving cut- out coupons located in the back. For 2013, we have a whopping 203 money-saving coupons that can be used in many casinos throughout the U.S. (However, the majority is for the Las Vegas area.) These include 2-for-1 buffets, 2-for-1 show tickets, free drinks, special room rates, and most importantly, there are many gambling coupons. By using just a few of the coupons, you’ll recoup the cost of the book.

Here is a sample of the blackjack and video poker coupons in the book for Las Vegas.

$25 matchplay for new members only at Golden Gate

$10 matchplay at Hard Rock

$10 matchplay at Lucky Club

$10 matchplay at The Orleans

$10 matchplay at The Palms

$10 matchplay at The Plaza

$10 matchplay at The Riviera

$5 matchplay at Ellis Island

$5 matchplay at Bighorm

$5 matchplay at Jerry’s Nugget

$5 matchplay at Longhorn

$5 matchplay at Hacienda

$5 matchplay at Gold Coast

$5 matchplay at Las Vegas Club

$5 matchplay at the Tuscany

$10 in free slot play at El Cortez for new and returning members

$5 in free slot play at Las Vegas Club for new and returning members

$5 in free slot play at the Plaza for new and returning members

$5 in free slot play at Gold Coast for new members only

$10 in free slot play at Golden Nugget for new members only

$10 in free slot play at Hard Rock for new members only

$10 in free slot play at The Palms for new members only

40 coin bonus on a natural 4-of-a-kind at Lucky Club (this includes $1 machines)

40 coin bonus on a natural 4-of-a-kind at Opera House (this includes $1 machines)

Play $10 get $10 in free play at Ellis Island

Play $10 get $10 in free play at Hooters

Earn 200 points get $25 in free play at Golden Gate

Just remember that many of these gambling coupons have restrictions (e.g., most of the matchplay coupons can only be used once per calendar year). They all also require that you are a member of the casino’s players club before you can use them.

There are also coupons for other regions of the country. For example, in Atlantic City, you can use a 2-for-1 buffet coupon at Golden Nugget and when you earn 100 points, you’ll get $10 in free play at the Golden Nugget. In Lake Tahoe, you can use a $10 matchplay or $10 in free play for new members at the Grand Lodge Casino.

The 2013 ACG also has offers for South Florida. You’ll get $25 free play for new members at The Isle Pompano Park and $10 in free play for new and current members at Mardi Gras Casino.

One final note about the book: it also contains 114 pages of how-to-gamble-and-win articles. The most popular table games of blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat are covered in detail, as well slot machines and video poker. You’ll find all the details on how to properly play these games, plus information on the best strategies for winning. Therefore, after you use all the money-saving coupons in the book, you will still have a good reference book for your gambling library.

Here is a sample of the articles in the first section of the book:

Your Best Casino Bets by Henry Tamburin

Player’s Clubs and Comps by Steve Bourie

Las Vegas Resort Fees by Dewey Hill

Slot Machines by Steve Bourie

Slot Machine Trends by John Grochowski

How to be a Good Video Poker Scout by Jean Scott

How to Keep Your Edge in Video Poker by Linda Boyd

21 Mistakes Made by Blackjack Players by Henry Tamburin

I think you’ll agree with the critics who say: