Ever wonder how much is a Free Buffet? Wonder no more! I will share my thoughts with you and hope to guide you to your next free meal! I went to Showboat for the Free Buffet Promotion eight times. Although the data size is small but I think it is a fair representation of the numbers. It is a simple three step process: 1) Read the fine prints first. 2) Plan a course of action. 3) Focus and get it done. Now, in my situation: 1) Showboat requires 10 Tier Points and 30 minutes of play. The French Quarter Buffet costs around $30 depending on the time of the day and the day of the week. 2) Apply my Bus Package bonus to the play, I will risk only the balance. There is one bank of 9-6 full-pay 25 cents coin JoB located at floor section KM. Note at all the Caesars properties, they award one Tier Point per $5 of slot play but requires $10 on Video Poker. However as a self-respecting proficient player, I opt for the full-pay JoB as should you. As you play, keep an eye on the small screen monitoring the accumulation of the Tier Points knowing that you will need to play exactly $100 worth over 30 minutes. So that means you should play eighty hands set at maximum coin of $1.25 per hand; which is basically three hands per minutes. 3) Pick a machine that works properly. (And I hate the noisy Keno machine right to the East.) Here is my result for the $100 wagered: The average loss was $3 and the range is less than $10. This is very much in line with 97% Payback for perfect play, absent of the Royal Flush jackpot. And yes, that means my Buffet cost me only $3. Once you see the math, you can adjust this formula to any "Play for Free Buffet" promo. PS. This is the best buffet on the Boardwalk. (Foodies argue over the merit of Harrahs v. Borgata on the Marina side of Atlantic City.) I highly recommend the raw oysters but stay away from the unlimited lobsters. Baked crusty salmon can be very good. All the regulars know Sharon of North Carolina is the best waitress. Be nice to her and she'll remember your drink. If you don't have one, ask her to make you a cranberry with seltzer! sugardaddy1