In the next two weeks, we will see the beginning of the "summer doldrums" -- the three months of casino business dropoff caused primarily by Mother Nature. But while it may not be the most popular time for tourists to visit Las Vegas, the summer slump provides an excellent opportunity for locals to check out some Strip/downtown properties.

Occasionally a tourist casino will launch a summer long promotion to attract local players, but until (if and when) that happens, one way to pick which casinos to visit is to check out the various giveaways for new player club members. Here is a partial list:

Aladdin -- All new members get a chance to pull for $2 million, and those that earn 40 points ($800 coin-in on slots, $1,600 coin-in on video poker) within 48 hours receive $10 in free play. Earn 80 points within 48 hours of enrollment and receive an additional $25 in free play.

Bellagio -- Earn 1,500 points ($2,250 coin-in on slots, $4,500 video poker) in 24 hours and receive $10 in free play. Earn 2,000 points to get a buffet for two. Please note that if you already belong to the MGM-Mirage Players Club, you are not eligible.

Golden Nugget -- All new members get $10 in free play.

Las Vegas Hilton -- The Hilton does not currently have a new member promotion, but they do offer a 50 percent entertainment discount to all local members. So sign up for a card before getting tickets to Manilow or Reba or "Menopause The Musical."

TI -- Earn 500 points ($750 coin-in on slots, $1,500 video poker) in 24 hours to receive $10 in free play. (Again, you cannot already be a member of the MGM-Mirage Players Club.)

The Venetian -- new members earning 25 points ($500 coin-in on slots, $1,250 video poker -- no time limit) receive an entry to the Wheel Deal drawing and a Grand Canal Shoppes Passport with $3,000 in discounts.

Wynn -- Earn 500 points ($1,500 slots, $4,500 video poker) and receive a coupon good for two buffets, good for 48 hours.

Bonus Point Days: Barbary Coast (Club Coast): 2x May 29; Cannery (American Can Club): 5x Mondays & Wednesdays, 5x Fridays 6 a.m.-6 p.m. (some machines excluded); Casino MonteLago (Club Uno): 5x Sundays, Mondays, & Wednesdays (all machines included); Casino Royale (Club Royale): 2x 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 8-11 p.m., 3x 7-9 a.m. & 4-7 p.m.; Eldorado (Prime Rewards): 3x Mondays, 5x Saturdays, 6x May 29; Ellis Island (Passport Players Club): 2x Saturdays-Thursdays, 5x Fridays (some machines excluded); Fiesta Henderson (Club Amigo) 5x Fridays; Fiesta Rancho (Club Amigo) 5x Fridays, 5x Saturdays 6 p.m.-midnight; Gold Coast (Club Coast): 2x May 29; Golden Nugget (24 Karat Club): 2x Wednesdays & Fridays, 2x May 14 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for Las Vegas locals only ($1 and up video poker excluded); Hacienda (Club Matador): 2x Mondays, 4x Tuesdays; Jokers Wild (Prime Rewards): 3x Mondays, 6x May 28- 29; Nevada Palace (Players Circle) 2x Tuesdays & Thursdays; The Orleans (Club Coast): 2x May 29; Railroad Pass (Players Junction): 2x Wednesdays, 3x Thursdays; Rampart (Club Rampart):2x May 31; Sam's Town (Prime Rewards): 6x May 27-29; Silver Nugget (Slot Club): 2x 2 a.m.-8 a.m.; Slots A Fun (One Club): 2x Wednesdays; South Coast (Club Coast): 2x May 29; Suncoast (Club Coast): 2x May 29; Speedway (Pit Pass) 5x May 29; Terrible's (Players Club): 5x Sundays & Thursdays, 2x cashback Sundays-Wednesdays; Tuscany (Players Club): 2x Tuesdays & Thursdays (all machines), 5x Wednesdays (some machines excluded); Wildfire (Wild Card): 5x Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays; Wild Wild West (Wild Card): 5x Thursdays.