Unintended consequences

Grrr...

So watching Roulette tonight (see what you did, Bob?;)), I see a gent place a $1 split for both 1/2 and 2/3. The spin comes and the 3 hits. The dealer marks it, but then pays the gent $34 ($17 for the correct 2/3 split and $17 for the incorrect 1/2 split).

This guy has had more than $100 in front of him for most of my watch, and has been playing for more than 2 hours. I don't want to bother him, but I must contact TG because of the error. I do so and pray they'll just let him go, after all, what's $18 to a guy that's been playing for hours and probably will do so until he's cashed out? Sure enough, right after I notify, TG goes over and gets the $18 back. Fortunately, after what appeared to be light disagreement, the guy pays up and remains on table. But I see him griping to three other guys, all who have likewise been at the table +1 hour and have nearly 30 barrels in front of them together. 10 minutes later, the guy takes his ~$100 and beats feet.

So what would you have done? From either a player or casino perspective, what do you think the right move should have been?

Multi-vote poll, by the way

I suggest a unique solution.
Take the payout in question and make it a free play wager of the player's choice (even money).

If the bet wins, the player gets the chips back, but does not get paid the win amount.
If the bet loses, the casino takes the chips.

If its your job to call down and correct the error, then you did exactly what you are supposed to do.

Couldn't you have let it go and not called the pit? That seems like the best solution for a measly $18. I completely agree that the money was owed, but there's something to be said for customer relations.

Quote: 1BB

Couldn't you have let it go and not called the pit? That seems like the best solution for a measly $18. I completely agree that the money was owed, but there's something to be said for customer relations.

I can't see this being a good idea... it's his job to say when there's a problem, and someone else's to decide if it needs resolution. At what point does he make the call? $25? $50? For a new face? For a guy he knows is a hit and run? etc...

I think the casino's best plan right here is to do nothing but observe more closely. The dealer may require more training. Or there maybe something more going on. I wouldn't ask for the invalid winnings back (but I can see why they did).

If he's that small stakes, losing his business for the day (week?) might not matter.

I do like the "toss yah for it" idea though.

You should have waited till the guy colored
up. If you took all his money before he colored up,
you got the $18 back already. The way they did
it, he left with money and he left pissed off. Good
job, not..

If the dolly is sitting on number 3, why would the
dealer pay on number 1 or 2. Thats ridiculous. I'd
worry more about the dealer than some schlub
getting away with a lousy 18 bucks.

It seems like this guy was providing good action.
The house Letting it go with a "Fine, will give you this, sir" is a good PR move. Player will think: "I was actually in error, but they gave it to me. Next time I won't need to take it, come to think about it..." It'll create good will, and train people to work with floor decisions that were not in their favor.
Or say to the customer, "We have to go with the real result that happened, but for the inconvenience here's a good comp."
You want to:
1. Keep them coming back - because you're the "good guys."
2. Also get the players acclimated to actually playing by the house rules, and honey works better than vinegar.
3. players who are jerks about floor decisions and cannot be accomodated are no losses.
Don't wait until he colors up, as it is important to address issues as they happen, and avoid the appearance of one decision while later imposing a punitive decision.

Quote: 1BB

Couldn't you have let it go and not called the pit? That seems like the best solution for a measly $18. I completely agree that the money was owed, but there's something to be said for customer relations.

What thecesspit said. Sure I could let it go. I could let anything go, probably. But if your not going to do your best, why do it at all, you know? Doing things half assed is a bad habit that's too easy for me to fall into. In the end, I just report it. What happens isn't my call. I was just curious how people felt, and since I imagine there might be someone here that works somewhere out there, maybe this will influence change. If not, it's conversation =)

Quote: EvenBob

If the dolly is sitting on number 3, why would the
dealer pay on number 1 or 2. Thats ridiculous. I'd
worry more about the dealer than some schlub
getting away with a lousy 18 bucks.

Dunno. There was also a Line bet for the 1/2/3, must not have been paying attention and clumped the Line and 2 Splits all together. Couldn't tell ya. But she's a long time dealer, not a problem as far as problem dealers go. Just human.

He and his friends are not shot takers. He received a dealer's mis-pay and probably never realized it.

If you call, roulette will know you've been watching. Probably better for surveillance to just clam up and not reveal they are watching.

If you do get involved... I'd let Pit make the decision. If I were the Pit I'd let it go because otherwise the players will go.

He will be tipping more than that amount.

Quote: FleaStiff

If you call, roulette will know you've been watching. Probably better for surveillance to just clam up and not reveal they are watching.

Really? I'd think by pointing out stuff, it gives the impression we're ALWAYS watching. Seems more of a deterrent.