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Opinion: The line at Treasure Island wasn’t for $200. It was for hope.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 6:48 PM
Image aggregated from The Nevada Independent.
  • Bryan Driscoll, The Nevada Independent

My niece was born Aug. 12, some 700 miles from Las Vegas. That same day, somewhere over Greenland and Spain, there was a total solar eclipse.

A new baby, a cosmic event and Treasure Island handing out $200 in free slot play to anyone who signed up for its rewards card. Free money from an established Strip casino, on a lucky day.

My wife and I aren’t the type to double-check our omens. We got in the car and headed for the Strip.

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Walking in from the parking garage shortly before 7 p.m., I passed someone on the phone saying, “Don’t worry, I have someone standing in line for me.” My first thought was that I should sign up for TaskRabbit.