tennesseegambler
tennesseegambler
  • Threads: 3
  • Posts: 5
Joined: Jul 8, 2010
July 8th, 2010 at 5:36:44 PM permalink
Are you kidding??

I went on Tuesday around 1PM and they had a whopping 6 or so blackjack tables open, 3 craps tables, and two or three 3 card poker.

Mind you EVERY table had at least 5-10 people watching and waiting for a spot. All the while there were dozens of unmanned tables.

To top it off the table minimums were either 50 or 100. Thats it, nothing else and folks were there waiting for a spot. Truly getting all they could, but that is the nature of the beast I suppose.

This was the poorest planning and the most blatent gouging (in my opinion) of the "newness" of table games I could imagine. Also, the dealers I observed were very new and obviously still learning.

The thousands of dollars they missed out on is staggering. Again, in my opinion, this lack of planning and lack of staffing should have cost someone their job. It would have in my casino.

They do have a nice layout and what seems to be a good size with potentially many table games, but I would think first week, it would be "all hands on deck" so to speak.

I will give them the benefit of the doubt as they are brand new, and will review again when the newness and the outrageous minimums have subsided.
ruascott
ruascott
  • Threads: 17
  • Posts: 475
Joined: Mar 30, 2010
July 8th, 2010 at 9:11:07 PM permalink
Quote: tennesseegambler

Are you kidding??

I went on Tuesday around 1PM and they had a whopping 6 or so blackjack tables open, 3 craps tables, and two or three 3 card poker.

Mind you EVERY table had at least 5-10 people watching and waiting for a spot. All the while there were dozens of unmanned tables.

To top it off the table minimums were either 50 or 100. Thats it, nothing else and folks were there waiting for a spot. Truly getting all they could, but that is the nature of the beast I suppose.

This was the poorest planning and the most blatent gouging (in my opinion) of the "newness" of table games I could imagine. Also, the dealers I observed were very new and obviously still learning.

The thousands of dollars they missed out on is staggering. Again, in my opinion, this lack of planning and lack of staffing should have cost someone their job. It would have in my casino.

They do have a nice layout and what seems to be a good size with potentially many table games, but I would think first week, it would be "all hands on deck" so to speak.

I will give them the benefit of the doubt as they are brand new, and will review again when the newness and the outrageous minimums have subsided.



Holy cow. that is bad...I'm not exactly sure what the answer is. It sounds like they just flat don't have the trained dealer staff to open up correctly. If you are putting your dealers out there to learn I'd think you'd say Max bet $50, not min...but the greedy casino bosses THOUGHT they could milk it with the early demand. HA goes away pretty quick though if your dealers are messing up.
ahiromu
ahiromu
  • Threads: 112
  • Posts: 2107
Joined: Jan 15, 2010
July 8th, 2010 at 9:36:32 PM permalink
I guess I know where all the idiotic people on the east coast are. If the casino can get away with $50-100 minimums on craps... we should be yelling at the players as compared to the business whose sole job is to maximize profits. On the other hand, I could see this as hurting future business - someone like me would never go to that establishment again after something like this.

And I'd write a fucking letter.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
odiousgambit
odiousgambit
  • Threads: 326
  • Posts: 9557
Joined: Nov 9, 2009
July 9th, 2010 at 2:19:46 AM permalink
Quote: tennesseegambler

Are you kidding??



Thanks for the report. I'm not going until I hear something more reasonable, especially if there's no hope for lower table minimums.

I guess in a way you'd have to see why the minimums are so high, if people are going to stand in line anyway at one o'clock in the morning! There is such a thing as gouging, though, and if they have reasonable minimums when they have enough dealers I am going to hold a grudge about that! If they continue to have the high minimums when they can man all the tables, we'll just have to accept that Charles Town is for High Rollers and plan trips to Vegas paid for by the savings of *not* going local!

I wasn't expecting this. Maybe I have to take back my diss of Harrington Delaware!
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
tennesseegambler
tennesseegambler
  • Threads: 3
  • Posts: 5
Joined: Jul 8, 2010
July 9th, 2010 at 4:33:36 AM permalink
A couple quick clarifications...

1. It was one in the afternoon that I was there

2. The 50 and 100 min. were on ther blackjack tables, I believe craps was 25

Also, I don't know if they will end up catering to high rollers as much as that the customers seemed willing to pay anything to play and they knew it.

I really wonder once the newness wears off and PA get table games how fast we will see the games lowered to a more reasonable amount.

When we can play at the Wynn or Bellagio for less than Charlestown,WV there is a problem!
odiousgambit
odiousgambit
  • Threads: 326
  • Posts: 9557
Joined: Nov 9, 2009
July 9th, 2010 at 5:24:48 AM permalink
Quote: tennesseegambler

1. It was one in the afternoon that I was there



duh

Quote: tennesseegambler

2. The 50 and 100 min. were on ther blackjack tables, I believe craps was 25



could be they are coming down, see this review of how awful it was at the opening. Quite ridiculous that people were unprepared for the really high minimums and just watched! $200 blackjack!

review-of-hollywood-casino-at-charles-town

Quote: tennesseegambler

Also, I don't know if they will end up catering to high rollers as much as that the customers seemed willing to pay anything to play and they knew it.

I really wonder once the newness wears off and PA get table games how fast we will see the games lowered to a more reasonable amount.

When we can play at the Wynn or Bellagio for less than Charlestown,WV there is a problem!



"High Rollers" is an exaggeration I guess, but the gambling is out *my* league anyway. Unless things change, which seems possible.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
  • Threads: 265
  • Posts: 14484
Joined: Oct 19, 2009
July 9th, 2010 at 6:37:26 AM permalink
Most casinos over-hire for an opening and then adjust the number of dealers they retain after there has been an opportunity to discover what sort of crowds they are getting and just how some of those dealers have actually performed. Usually dealers are not only scheduled for the opening but there is a substantial pool on standby. If the afternoon crowds were high the casino should have been phoning like mad to get evening shift dealers in early.

25.00 Minimum bet on the craps table. Fine. Maybe they want to set a certain tone and stick with it. I would not like it and I sure would think it was unwise of them but I can understand it.

100.00 Blackjack. 200.00 Blackjack. They are probably not going to be able to sustain those levels. Heck, "real" casinos, ie, those in Vegas, can't do that!
odiousgambit
odiousgambit
  • Threads: 326
  • Posts: 9557
Joined: Nov 9, 2009
July 15th, 2010 at 12:43:06 PM permalink
Reliable report from someone today [he was there in the morning today] saying the "hardly any dealers" problem continues. Table minimums of $25 and $50 in various games; one $15 table for Let It Ride though. All tables packed, maybe 15-20 altogether. 4 Craps Tables stood empty, Craps to start at noon with $25 minimum.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
ruascott
ruascott
  • Threads: 17
  • Posts: 475
Joined: Mar 30, 2010
July 15th, 2010 at 1:12:35 PM permalink
So the entire casino only has 15-20 tables? Or that was all that were open?
odiousgambit
odiousgambit
  • Threads: 326
  • Posts: 9557
Joined: Nov 9, 2009
July 15th, 2010 at 1:27:38 PM permalink
Quote: ruascott

So the entire casino only has 15-20 tables? Or that was all that were open?



report is that was all that were open, many more tables ready but lacking dealers

& remodeling still going on to make more space for something
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
IWillWorkHarder
IWillWorkHarder
  • Threads: 0
  • Posts: 2
Joined: Jul 15, 2010
July 15th, 2010 at 2:05:18 PM permalink
I heard a similar review from some friends who went last weekend. Apparently when they tried to open up new tables the tables didn't have any chips, and it took an hour to get chips wheeled from the cage to the new table.
My friend also said the dealers were horribly unskilled--apparently one tried to tell him that a straight doesn't beat three of a kind at pai gow. The dealer thought this because of the bonus bet pay table, which pays more for 3 of a kind than for a straight.
I'd like to go soon, but not if it doesn't improve a whole lot, and only if they get some more modest minima going.
ruascott
ruascott
  • Threads: 17
  • Posts: 475
Joined: Mar 30, 2010
July 15th, 2010 at 3:28:50 PM permalink
Unskilled dealers + outrageous minimums + waiting in line to play. Sounds like a ball of fun.
cclub79
cclub79
  • Threads: 35
  • Posts: 1147
Joined: Dec 16, 2009
July 15th, 2010 at 3:32:16 PM permalink
Quote: ruascott

Unskilled dealers + outrageous minimums + waiting in line to play. Sounds like a ball of fun.



Think of all the people from DC that are going out there (at least an hour drive), to wait an hour to play 50 minimums. Should have just driven to AC or Delaware!
CrappedOut
CrappedOut
  • Threads: 4
  • Posts: 62
Joined: May 9, 2010
July 15th, 2010 at 3:41:19 PM permalink
Also - double odds only on their $25 craps tables. Pass.

I'm from DC and will drive the extra hour to the Delaware casinos, two of which I recently visited, and was impressed.
Nareed
Nareed
  • Threads: 373
  • Posts: 11413
Joined: Nov 11, 2009
July 15th, 2010 at 3:45:47 PM permalink
It's the novelty factor, even if there are other casinos nearby.

When Walmart opened a store in my part of town some years ago, it was flooded solid for a week or so, even though there were 2 other similar stores within walking distance, and a bigger Walmart super center just 2 miles away.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
cclub79
cclub79
  • Threads: 35
  • Posts: 1147
Joined: Dec 16, 2009
July 15th, 2010 at 3:53:44 PM permalink
Quote: Nareed

It's the novelty factor, even if there are other casinos nearby.

When Walmart opened a store in my part of town some years ago, it was flooded solid for a week or so, even though there were 2 other similar stores within walking distance, and a bigger Walmart super center just 2 miles away.



Normally I'd agree, but there AREN'T other casinos nearby, so people are thinking they can play some table games (since they are advertising them a lot in the DC market). For every person that waits and is willing to play 50 a hand, I'd imagine many more casual players who had a bankroll of 100 bucks were disgusted, left, and might not want to come back.
Nareed
Nareed
  • Threads: 373
  • Posts: 11413
Joined: Nov 11, 2009
July 15th, 2010 at 3:57:48 PM permalink
Quote: cclub79

Normally I'd agree, but there AREN'T other casinos nearby, so people are thinking they can play some table games (since they are advertising them a lot in the DC market).



I don't know the area well. By nearby I meant up to, say, a 3 hour drive away. But if there aren't any, then the novelty factor is more compelling still. Eventually interest will wane and minimums should come down.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
ruascott
ruascott
  • Threads: 17
  • Posts: 475
Joined: Mar 30, 2010
July 15th, 2010 at 4:15:55 PM permalink
Quote: cclub79

Normally I'd agree, but there AREN'T other casinos nearby, so people are thinking they can play some table games (since they are advertising them a lot in the DC market). For every person that waits and is willing to play 50 a hand, I'd imagine many more casual players who had a bankroll of 100 bucks were disgusted, left, and might not want to come back.



Exactly. If I, personally, drove out there and found that I would not return for quite a long time. But I'm small potatoes, so they probably wouldn't give a damn. When is Maryland going to start opening casions? Semms they are surrounded by states with casinos now.
ruascott
ruascott
  • Threads: 17
  • Posts: 475
Joined: Mar 30, 2010
July 15th, 2010 at 4:23:38 PM permalink
I'd almost think it'd be easier for the DC area people to take Amtrak up to Philly once they get their casinos open, rather than drive over to WV. I could be wrong, but isn't it only about a 90 minute train ride? I have no clue the about the location of the Philly casinos, and how close/far they are from the station, but if I lived somewhere where it was train all the way, I'd take it.
teddys
teddys
  • Threads: 150
  • Posts: 5527
Joined: Nov 14, 2009
July 16th, 2010 at 6:46:52 AM permalink
Quote: ruascott

I'd almost think it'd be easier for the DC area people to take Amtrak up to Philly once they get their casinos open, rather than drive over to WV. I could be wrong, but isn't it only about a 90 minute train ride? I have no clue the about the location of the Philly casinos, and how close/far they are from the station, but if I lived somewhere where it was train all the way, I'd take it.



Harrah's Chester is withing walking distance of the Chester SEPTA station, through some pretty bad industrial neighborhoods. I wouldn't make the walk unless you really needed to get your gamble on. You would have to take the Amtrak to Wilmington and then transfer to the SEPTA. I believe the Philly-area casinos are getting table games this week or next, can anyone confirm? They are going to be MOBBED.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
ruascott
ruascott
  • Threads: 17
  • Posts: 475
Joined: Mar 30, 2010
July 16th, 2010 at 7:04:21 AM permalink
Quote: teddys

Harrah's Chester is withing walking distance of the Chester SEPTA station, through some pretty bad industrial neighborhoods. I wouldn't make the walk unless you really needed to get your gamble on. You would have to take the Amtrak to Wilmington and then transfer to the SEPTA. I believe the Philly-area casinos are getting table games this week or next, can anyone confirm? They are going to be MOBBED.



What about the new casiono locations? Sugar House and the location that Wynn was originally involved in?
  • Jump to: