klimate10
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April 23rd, 2017 at 1:26:37 PM permalink
I visited the Lucky Dragon (LD)on Saturday at around 4pm.

The LD does not have direct access from the main road. You have to go under a bridge and circle around. Getting to it is a bit confusing.

Here's the outside of the casino.



Pic from the backside of the property, as we were looking for parking.



On the outside, one would imagine that the casino inside would be huge. The gaming floor is actually very small.

Parking is free. Nowadays, with Vegas, you can not take free parking for granted. They're trying very hard to cater to the Asian customer base, with the Asian theme.

The garage was very empty.



This pic was my first view of the casino as we walked in from the garage and off the elevator. Notice the lack of open tables and players. This was on a Saturday at 430pm.





First thing we did was eat at the little fast food counter. They have traditional Asian food. We sampled a little of of everything. I ordered 3 of the Bao appetizers (each order comes with three pieces), a bowl of beef noodle soup, fried rice, and chicken wings.

The food was very mediocre. The bao was good, but the buns were cold, like out of the fridge cold. They did not have any siracha, but they did have the chili garlic sauce. The beef noodle soup was lacking in flavor and was undersalted.

They were out of the roast duck bao, which was a sign of bad management. How can you be out of any dish at 430 on a weekend in a dead casino.

I've been to the Revel when it first opened, and I saw the bad management there. The Lucky Dragon has similar echoes of poor management. Little touches are often signs of bigger issues.



Here's the view of the gaming floor from Bao Now eating area.



Here is the dragon chandelier that they show in their press releases. In the press releases, they take a close up of the chandelier to make it look huge. In reality, this is what it looks like when you're on the gaming floor. It's too high up, so it looks smaller than it may actually be. When I think of a grandiose casino chandelier, I think of the Trump Taj Mahal chandelier. That thing was impressive, and the way they displayed it made it look grand. The LD chandelier is too high up, and they put it right over the bar (as seen in the pic), so people can't walk under it.



Here I am playing Pai Gow tiles. Min bet was $25, but they lowered it to $15 when I said that their limit was too high for a casino with less than ten people at the tables.



Here's a pic from within the gaming floor.



Here's what their chips look like. They have a selection of Asian beers, such as Tsingtao and Sapporo.



We played a lot of Pai Gow poker. Min bet $15.



The high limit area is called the Emerald room. It has about 8 or so tables (I didn't count). There were two open, with like two pairs of people playing. One table was EZ Bac and the other was regular bac. The EZ had a min of $300. I didn't see the limit for the other table.

Not very many slot machines. They have no craps tables (other than the bubble craps), and no live roulette.

Businesses succeed or fail based on the ability of management and the strength of their staff. I'll close with this story.

As I was playing, I asked for a comp to their restaurant. I wanted to try this restaurant.



The pit boss granted the comp and said I could go. I asked if I needed a ticket or if the comp was on the players card. I didn't really get an answer, so I clarified if I just needed to show my card. The answer, 'it should work'.

About an hour later, we decide to go eat. My friend asked the floorman for a comp, and the floorman went and asked the host. I don't know if the host was busy, but she made some sort of annoyed gesture to the asking floorman. The floorman came back, gave my friends players card back, and told my friend that 'she didn't want to look'. No exaggeration.

So we go upstairs to eat, and because I already didn't trust the staff, I ask the restaurant to verify the comp. They sent me to the bar outside, next to the Pearl Ocean, and I check the comp. Bartender tells me there is no comp.

So I walk back down and talk to the floorman, and tell him there is not a comp on my players card. He goes and tells his boss (who I assume is the pit boss), and the pit boss said she never comped me anything. I argue with her and pointed out that person over there said I had a comp to the restaurant on the second floor (the Pearl Ocean). So she goes over to the first person, and then comes back and says, you have a comp to the Bao Now restaurant.

I'm now thoroughly disgusted by this casino, so I take the comp and order a bunch of food just to burn the comp.

This place will one day be called the Chapter 11 Dragon, unless they iron out their kinks.
FleaStiff
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April 23rd, 2017 at 2:52:13 PM permalink
Quote: klimate10

This place will one day be called the Chapter 11 Dragon, unless they iron out their kinks.

Sorry, but it sounds like its a problem far more serious than 'ironing out some kinks'. If there are ten players in the whole casino they should comp you...and not in their second tier restaurant but in the one you wanted to try.

Empty tables, not even staffed. How inviting is that? How many people walk in and turn on their heel and walk out?

Something is seriously wrong there. Advertsing? I don't know. Food and beverage service can get the kinks worked out but there has to be an underlying reason for a deserted casino.

Signage? Tours? I don't know. Better limits? Shills? Bring in actors or other temp workers? Hold a Chinese beer festival? Bring in a bar tender with a following? Crank up the music? Turn down the music? I don't know, but they gotta do something. I've no idea what, but food and beverage is just an example, it can't be the fundamental cause.
speedycrap
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April 23rd, 2017 at 2:55:04 PM permalink
It seems to me they are off to a rocky start. Restaurant management was trying to save a few dollars for not ordering/preparing roast duck bun. Not a good sign at all. No craps so LD is not for me.
LostWages
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April 23rd, 2017 at 5:58:27 PM permalink
Quote: klimate10

I visited the Lucky Dragon (LD)on Saturday at around 4pm.

This is such a sad, sad story. There did not appear to be even 1 redeeming value at this property. I will be duly informed if my personal curiosity still insists I set foot on the property in a future trip to Las Vegas. Thanks for the effort and pain you must have had posting this thread. :-(

I always see my cup as half-full vice half-empty. I wonder what the financials look like. I still believe this property has much promise, but it will need a new owner with better skills to capture the Asian market - maybe import someone from Macau or Hong Kong or even Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

LW
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MrV
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April 23rd, 2017 at 6:02:56 PM permalink
Lousy north strip location.

Sort of reminds of the failure of Moulin Rouge: nice idea, on paper, to cater toward an ethnic minority.
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klimate10
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April 23rd, 2017 at 6:46:47 PM permalink
We had just come from another nonstrip property that was pretty busy. And we had been hanging out downtown and on the strip. So when we stepped foot into the
Lucky Dragon, the empty feel was a little shocking.

If you look at those pictures I took, there is also no one on the second floor, and almost no one sitting at any of the tables gambling.

LD is rather hard to get to, so they are not going to have any impulse stops, where people just stop in because they're driving by. They're going to have to rely on loyalty or heavy Asian marketing. The few people who did gamble were ESL speaking asians, so they must be doing some sort of Asian community marketing.

The customer service is a little too authentic Asian. It's no exaggeration that with Chinese culture, the butt kissing, that happens in American customer service, is nonexistent. Ok, maybe I'm stereotyping a bit. If you want to see this stereotype in play, search for reviews of House of Nanking in San Francisco, where the Chinese food is delicious, but the customer service is brutal (I've been).

At the Lucky Dragon for example, there were times I would ask a question and get a nonresponsive answer from the staff. For example, I saw a lady sit down and play a voucher, no chips, and win. They paid her $300, which she immediately picked up and left. I asked the floorman how I could get a voucher like that, and her response was to go to the new player sign up and get a card. I said that the pit boss already ran a card for me, so if I go over there, do I qualify for the new player bonus. Her response was to go to the new player sign up. I'm not sure if it's a lack of communication or if they're just being rude.

Since it was slow, I sat down at Pai Gow tiles, and asked the dealer to teach me. This was my first hand ever at tiles, and the dealer said he would help, but would use house way. Immediately upon flipping my tiles over, the dealer and the floorman laughed at my hand. Said it was a very rare hand, so I'm thinking I have something powerful, but then the dealer took my money. A little confused, I asked what was so funny, and his response was that it was the worst hand possible. I mean, come on. Can you imagine the dealer laughing at a blackjack player when the player busts? That stuff doesn't happen at an American casino. Annoyed, I only played one more hand and picked up.

The Pai Gow poker dealer and her relief were very nice and friendly. That's really the only positive I can give this casino.

There's one more attention to detail issue that I won't get into too much detail about. But I will say this...if anyone goes into the Lucky Dragon, check out the cocktail waitress outfits. It's way too conservative, especially for Vegas.

Edit: the staff were even curt with each other. The nicest person in the casino, who I interacted with, was the Pai Gow poker dealer. On a refil, because she didn't have enough quarters, the security guy said very brusque way, give me the tray, I shouldn't have to reach over the chips. Stuff like that just irks me, especially because she was so nice.
LostWages
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April 23rd, 2017 at 7:57:09 PM permalink
Quote: klimate10

They're going to have to rely on loyalty or heavy Asian marketing.

I will not hold my breath hoping for Lucky Dragon to turn around.

Hostile takeover, come on in!

If it will reduce the pain you went through, it looks like there are few redeeming points (that is, none?) in staying at the hotel either. The review below is from Trip Advisor:

I read the reviews before booking with problems with reservations and other issue. I liked the price and size. I send an email to inform that I would arrive late to avoid the cancellation of the reservation.. I got no response only a return receipt. We stayed 3 nights and the room was never done. My wife had to ask for soap. There is not place to have breakfast and the hotel is at a dead street with nothing close to it. The first rule of real estate is Location, Location Location. The neighborhood are run down rental apartments. The cherry for the pie was at check out. they overcharged so I had to print my reservation to show them the price. They have a single computer at the lobby for hotel guess. Again look for another hotel. Claudia told me that the manager will give the credit. If I do not get the credit I will dispute the charges.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45963-d11803016-r474386380-Lucky_Dragon_Hotel_Casino-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html#
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UCivan
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April 23rd, 2017 at 8:36:52 PM permalink
Lucky Dragon is an EB-5 project. US sells green card to foreigner wealthy investors. Not sure if there is any domestic investments. So, not sure whose money is at risk?

http://lveirc.com/project/lucky-dragon/
FleaStiff
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April 23rd, 2017 at 8:38:19 PM permalink
Bad location means extra efforts are needed.

No eateries in the area, uninviting area, no breakfast hours at the casino? I am sure they have had many complaints about it. I don't know what they can do but they should do SOMETHING. Come to our hole in the wall casino and get a free spread of bagels, cream cheese, tiny boxes of cereal, bananas, etc.

Billing errors... why a bill? From the deserted casino aspect, they should be giving the rooms away for free. Staycation marketing or something. Large box chock full of standard goops and ointments and shower caps and stuff like that.
klimate10
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April 23rd, 2017 at 8:54:04 PM permalink
Ahhhh. Makes sense now. The Lucky Dragon is an EB-5 visa program. In effect, a way for wealthy foreigners, probably Chinese, to obtain green cards.
Last edited by: klimate10 on Apr 23, 2017
RS
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April 23rd, 2017 at 11:06:24 PM permalink
I hope they succeed.....I hope all casinos succeed. If casinos are doing well, then us (the APs) will do well. Hopefully other casinos will be built in the area and a whole bunch of casinos do well.

Lucky Dragon is aesthetically pleasing, bright lights with red/gold stuff everywhere. The format is kinda wonky, but it's cool. I like how it's small, although, a little too small IMO. It should be bigger or have 2 floors of gaming.

I don't like all the oriental stuff. I like regular American food like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, etc. There's no level 4 in the parking garage (wtf!), and bunch of writing is in some form of Chinese.

Only peaked in the high limit room. Looked weird if I remember correctly. Tables were up against the walls, so dealer's backs would be to the wall, thus players would be looking at the wall behind the dealer. That's kinda strange, I think. But the room is pretty small and may not be able to fit a "pit" in the center with players on the outside facing in.

For the record, the main entrance is off of Sahara. You don't have to enter through the back way or whatever OP was doing.
LostWages
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April 23rd, 2017 at 11:59:27 PM permalink
Quote: klimate10

If you look at those pictures I took, there is also no one on the second floor, and almost no one sitting at any of the tables gambling.

I checked your posting three times now, and I just want to make sure that you didn't get to play the advertised 3:2 $5 blackjack - or was it not even open?

Quote: klimate10

If you want to see this stereotype in play, search for reviews of House of Nanking in San Francisco, where the Chinese food is delicious, but the customer service is brutal (I've been).

Readers: Partly from growing up, partly from my previous airline job, I've enjoyed the best (& worst) Chinese food in several countries on 5 continents (Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, Middle East), and I can guarantee you this: as the food quality gets better, the customer service is likely (not always) to get worse. Even in Aloha Land (Honolulu), the rolling cart girls (ladies) will scream (not shout): "What you wan? . . . I go other table . . . " "How many? I give you one each, ok?" . . . "Take now, byumbye (later on), no mo' . . ."



Eat real food . . . and you won't need medicine (or a lot less!)
onenickelmiracle
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April 24th, 2017 at 1:00:46 AM permalink
My solution, free food for all gamblers. They can give a hamburger and fries cheap, fill the place, and start thinking about the future. This place does have the revel feel, maybe they scared away too many people, the majority of the population. Slowly creep up play requirements as the place gets too busy.
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KingoftheEye
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April 24th, 2017 at 9:49:59 AM permalink
Too bad about your experience. I know the Surveillance Director there. Nice guy. I may shoot him a link to this at some point. Then at least you'll get some feedback to mgmt. Then again, a surveillance guy has about as much control over customer service as an AP has over rules of the game offered.
djatc
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April 24th, 2017 at 12:15:46 PM permalink
Quote: klimate10

Ahhhh. Makes sense now. The Lucky Dragon is an EB-5 visa program. In effect, a way for wealthy foreigners, probably Chinese, to obtain green cards.



Explains a lot. Those wealthy Chinese who want green cards just need a foothold in an American business. They probably aren't too concerned over profit like publicly owned companies.
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AxelWolf
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April 24th, 2017 at 12:35:53 PM permalink
Quote: KingoftheEye

Too bad about your experience. I know the Surveillance Director there. Nice guy. I may shoot him a link to this at some point. Then at least you'll get some feedback to mgmt. Then again, a surveillance guy has about as much control over customer service as an AP has over rules of the game offered.

I don't think we need more surveillance people on this forum.
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DRich
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April 24th, 2017 at 12:37:32 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

I don't think we need more surveillance people on this forum.



That was exactly what I was thinking. AP's don't want any casino people coming to this site.
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FleaStiff
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April 24th, 2017 at 1:01:05 PM permalink
Ah, yes. Why didn't I think of that.
Some Chinese prefer America because the food is far more pure and business involves far less bribery and one can actually breathe the air here even though it takes them some time to get used to breathing air that they can not see.
klimate10
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April 24th, 2017 at 1:36:29 PM permalink
The Chinese just have different customer service expectations. We gotta remember that before Wynn and Sands set up shop in Macau, forced tipping was a real thing in a Chinese casino. It's was their way or the high way.

Lucky Dragon is going to find out this isn't Stanley Ho's China.

But then again, I'm not sure Lucky Dragon is in it to make a profit, being that it's an EB-5 project with foreign money.
MrV
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April 24th, 2017 at 2:59:21 PM permalink
Quote: DRich

That was exactly what I was thinking. AP's don't want any casino people coming to this site.



Bring him on.

What do I care, I'm a ploppie.
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ahiromu
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April 24th, 2017 at 3:57:32 PM permalink
So does it get sold in less than 10 years? Who would actually want it? Could be another Boyd property.
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smoothgrh
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May 9th, 2017 at 9:41:33 AM permalink
Quote: klimate10

the staff were even curt with each other. The nicest person in the casino, who I interacted with, was the Pai Gow poker dealer. On a refil, because she didn't have enough quarters, the security guy said very brusque way, give me the tray, I shouldn't have to reach over the chips. Stuff like that just irks me, especially because she was so nice.



I'm saddened that Lucky Dragon sounds like it's gone downhill so much since my visit in December 2016. All the employees were great then, but at the time I'm guessing everyone who visited thought "how long can this place last?"—especially with so few gamblers on a Saturday!

One of the high points was also great interaction with the pai gow poker dealers—they were all very nice. When I wanted to take a picture of a 50-1 winning side bet, the dealer politely asked me to wait until he got permission from the pit boss, who said "go ahead." A female dealer also was happily conversational with all my wife's questions.

This week, I got my first mailer from Lucky Dragon—five months after signing up for a player's card. It advertises that they're "now offering pai gow!" and gives players one $10 dining credit each week in May for Pearl Ocean, their nice dim sum restaurant. They also have a Lucky Sundays promotion that if you get enough points, you can get logo sunglasses (15 points), t-shirt (15), beach towel (50), or cooler bag (15). These offers are similar to what I get as a low roller from Indian casinos.

Here's a photo I took of the garage last year. I parked on the second floor, which I learned later is supposed to be for certain player's card holders—it wasn't clearly marked like how some casinos go overboard. Also, there were plenty of empty spaces. I just think it's funny that the entrance to the casino from the garage is hardly inviting, and they overcompensate with huge signs.
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