Is it worth it?

Hello Everyone,

I've stayed at the Wynn the last number of years and the only thing I've gotten from them over that time is discounted room offers. However both my wife and I got an invitation to a slot tournament this December. We never play slots so I find this offer a little odd.

The prize pool is $50,000 and the overall winner gets $10,000 cash. The top 100 from the tournament get prizes. The other prizes are things like gift cards of $1000, $500, or $250, free "dream" stays at the Wynn, show tickets, and the bottom 50 people get $50 in free play. Only one prize per person can be won. My question is it worth entering these types of things? They're giving us a discount room offer for the time we're there. Basically you have to come in on Thursday December 19th, register for the tournament on Friday the 20th, and then the tournament is played on Saturday December 21st. I understand the period just before Christmas is their least busy time which explains why they're running during this period.

How do these things normally work? How many people play in these things? Is everyone given a fixed amount of money against a set bank of machines to play against, or is it unlimited spins and whoever has the most after a set amount of time wins?

I'm almost positive we are not going, but I'm curious as to whether people think entering is worthwhile.

--helpmespock

Not sure how Wynn does it, but you can win some money. They don't usually give money for these things to you to play, just monkey pushing slot button effort with a machine set on "tournament mode", no thinking involved. If you have a high score after the allotted time you may win something.

If it's a free offer, no harm in taking advantage of it if you have nothing better to do. Your likely win, if any, will be one of the many smaller cash amounts, but yes, you could even win the big prize (not likely though)

Although, maybe Mickey Crimm has these worked out too. As far as I know, a fast hand (or switch back and forth between hands) to push the button as many times as possible is your best play. Really, your only play. Playing too slow could affect your chances.

Quote: helpmespock

Hello Everyone,

I've stayed at the Wynn the last number of years and the only thing I've gotten from them over that time is discounted room offers. However both my wife and I got an invitation to a slot tournament this December. We never play slots so I find this offer a little odd.

The prize pool is $50,000 and the overall winner gets $10,000 cash. The top 100 from the tournament get prizes. The other prizes are things like gift cards of $1000, $500, or $250, free "dream" stays at the Wynn, show tickets, and the bottom 50 people get $50 in free play. Only one prize per person can be won. My question is it worth entering these types of things? They're giving us a discount room offer for the time we're there. Basically you have to come in on Thursday December 19th, register for the tournament on Friday the 20th, and then the tournament is played on Saturday December 21st. I understand the period just before Christmas is their least busy time which explains why they're running during this period.

How do these things normally work? How many people play in these things? Is everyone given a fixed amount of money against a set bank of machines to play against, or is it unlimited spins and whoever has the most after a set amount of time wins?

I'm almost positive we are not going, but I'm curious as to whether people think entering is worthwhile.

--helpmespock

spock,

I have never done a slot tournament at the Wynn, so take this with a grain of salt. In general,

If you are sent an invitation, you generally get at least one "free" round. It's likely there will be rebuys available for some amount (given that prize pool, might be $100 or so to re-enter) that you can try if you don't like your score on the free round. You will want to ask the Wynn if there are re-buys, and for how much.

You don't say how many people got the invite, but usually there's something about the first 500 or 1000 people to accept the invitation will be in the tournament. If there's not, it might be worth a call to the Wynn to ask about the promotion, in order to get an idea of what your chances are to win a prize.

They usually set a bank of machines in the casino, usually mechanical, so they all have a timed countdown; it's a special setting they can do on machines equipped for it. When they say "go", you're going to start at zero dollars, and you're just going to mash the spin button as fast as you can; it will max bet for you, and the winnings if any will count up. You won't be putting any money in. You'll have probably 3-5 minutes. Sometimes they do have a special set of machines off to the side that are not in normal play, but usually it's a setting they can dial to on machines otherwise in use on the floor.

They may do it in elimination rounds, or they may just track highest scores, where everybody just plays once (unless they re-buy); another thing worth asking the Wynn. My guess is it will be highest scores. It's likely you'll have to use your player's card to enter.

You might also ask about any opening receptions or winners' banquets that go with the tournament; it can be a very nice spread with drinks for their better players on either one.

i have enjoyed them in the past; a lot depends on the property and what their budget is to feed/entertain the players before and/or after the tournament. Harrrah's in particular does these very well, and when I'm invited for theirs, I try to make them; other properties, not so much. If you decide to go, good variance!

I played in a slot tournament a few years ago. It was at the Palms, I signed up for a players card and they told me I could enter a free slot tournament. I was intrigued so I decided to try it. Got in a real long line. Had to wait about 30 to 40 min in line. Finally got assigned a machine and started playing. Its really absurd, you sit there simply tapping the spin button over and over. It got so tiresome, I had to use my other hand. Its all under a time limit so the objective is get as many spins in say 10 min. My score was pitiful and did not win anything. Its totally mindless and I thought a waste of my time. 40 min wait and 10 min at the slots. Why not just hold a drawing and save me 49 min out of my life. That was the last slot tournament I played in. Its just a gimmick.

I usually get a free entry each month there. Normally its 25k freeplay for top prize, but less small awards, along with a must be present $3000,$1500,$500 free play drawing if you participate in all sessions, since they are back to back sessions, I don't know who wouldn't. probably 100 people show up to the drawing(I have won the 3k) The Wynn usually has about 150 to 300 people per tournament. Normally you play a machine with bars, 7ns and 2x 3x 4x wild symbols on it. Normally you play 2 back to back 10 min sessions (no need to switch hands). They play loud pop music and try to excite people as you play. somewhere near 200k total points gets the top prize. I have seen as low as 38k in ten min and as high as 120k. I have cashed a few times for small amounts. I doubt you can do anything other then spin fast to increase your chances to win. No line during registration however its a long walk to get to the registration area. Note: usually the tournament is held at the Encore.

I think these things are played by people with callouses on their red-button thumbs or something.
Anyone has a chance but some of these people sure go lickety-split.
If you don't like slots and its only a discounted room... its not much of an offer for YOU.

Their computer has you in their novice gambler category.

I'd forget about it.

Hi everyone. I read this forum every now and then, and since I saw this thread I figured I'd join because I'm pretty good at using these kind of slot tournaments as a positive play.

I've played in several of them at Wynn and his alter ego: Encore. The first thing you need to know is whatever appears on your offer as far as tournament rules is not set in stone. If not enough people sign up then the prize pool and/or structure will get reduced, and it may be cancelled without notice also. But assuming all systems are go, why would you even think of going without a comped room? Call them as the date gets closer and tell them point blank that you were also invited to one at the Palms or the Mirage etc. with comped rooms included, so if they won't comp your room then you'll cancel. I did this successfully there once. If it doesn't work then don't ever go to a tournament w/o the room comped.

Most slot tournaments pay as mentioned for the highest score, next highest, etc. I've been to two however that are like wild cards. Coming in 1st May pay the 20th highest prize, coming in 278th may be top prize, etc. These are way more fun. No need to slap the button with a cork like a zombie on speed while wearing a racing glov . Go at your own pace and see what randomly happens. But in any case, these things always come with breakfasts of some type, free drinks, and sometimes even dinner at the awards ceremony.

Again, Don't get suckered in by paying for what should always be a free room for a free tournament, esp. at that time of Dec. when the resorts are scrambling like Obamacare apologists to fill their rooms.

Quote: tournamentking

Hi everyone. I read this forum every now and then, and since I saw this thread I figured I'd join because I'm pretty good at using these kind of slot tournaments as a positive play.

I've played in several of them at Wynn and his alter ego: Encore. The first thing you need to know is whatever appears on your offer as far as tournament rules is not set in stone. If not enough people sign up then the prize pool and/or structure will get reduced, and it may be cancelled without notice also. But assuming all systems are go, why would you even think of going without a comped room? Call them as the date gets closer and tell them point blank that you were also invited to one at the Palms or the Mirage etc. with comped rooms included, so if they won't comp your room then you'll cancel. I did this successfully there once. If it doesn't work then don't ever go to a tournament w/o the room comped.

Most slot tournaments pay as mentioned for the highest score, next highest, etc. I've been to two however that are like wild cards. Coming in 1st May pay the 20th highest prize, coming in 278th may be top prize, etc. These are way more fun. No need to slap the button with a cork like a zombie on speed while wearing a racing glov . Go at your own pace and see what randomly happens. But in any case, these things always come with breakfasts of some type, free drinks, and sometimes even dinner at the awards ceremony.

Again, Don't get suckered in by paying for what should always be a free room for a free tournament, esp. at that time of Dec. when the resorts are scrambling like Obamacare apologists to fill their rooms.

I have played in slot tourneys that had a FEW wild card spots, BUT I have never seen or hear of one that didn't have top score getting a first place prize and so on. Can you show me an example of one like you described? I agree you should probably never pay for a slot tournament unless they are adding money or somthing that makes it a + EV situation.

I can't show an example because I've recently tossed the invite from the Peppermill Hotel in Reno which was in Sept. I couldn't get there, but I did play in one at Palace Station about two years ago. I came in 312th, which was good for $750 in free play. Normally such a lousy finish might award $25 if that.

Quote: tournamentking

Again, Don't get suckered in by paying for what should always be a free room for a free tournament, esp. at that time of Dec. when the resorts are scrambling like Obamacare apologists to fill their rooms.

It is not a comp'd room. In fact, I've never gotten ANYTHING comp'd at Wynn ever and I've asked many times. They want $149 for Thursday night then $199 for Friday and Saturday nights for a room. A room booking is required for entry to the tournament.

Quote: FleaStiff

If you don't like slots and its only a discounted room... its not much of an offer for YOU.

Their computer has you in their novice gambler category.

Indeed I am a low level gambler in the Wynn's eyes. My play is typically $15 blackjack, $0.25 JoB VP, or sometimes $10 minimum craps at Wynn but never for more than an hour per day. I'm surprised the Wynn offers me anything given my level of play.

If my wife and I hadn't just had a trip to New York City and I had some spare vacation days at work and I could find cheap flights to Las Vegas I might have signed up, but overall it doesn't sound like I should go out of my way for this.

--helpmespock

Quote: tournamentking

I can't show an example because I've recently tossed the invite from the Peppermill Hotel in Reno which was in Sept. I couldn't get there, but I did play in one at Palace Station about two years ago. I came in 312th, which was good for $750 in free play. Normally such a lousy finish might award $25 if that.

If all places were random, including first this would be Interesting indeed(top score person would be pissed when he got zero), however I cant see how that changes the EV. It would seem to me you have the same chance to win 1st as you do to come in 312th place, so im not sure how this kind of structure would help or hurt anyone unless you knew lager prizes were purposely geared towards lower scores. Then you could purposely spin slow.

If the prizes are set randomly, then you would be better off playing in a tournament where the top scores get most of the money. just incase some people play slower then the average person and you play faster.

Quote: AxelWolf

If all places were random, including first this would be Interesting indeed(top score person would be pissed when he got zero), however I cant see how that changes the EV. It would seem to me you have the same chance to win 1st as you do to come in 312th place, so im not sure how this kind of structure would help or hurt anyone unless you knew lager prizes were purposely geared towards lower scores. Then you could purposely spin slow.

If the prizes are set randomly, then you would be better off playing in a tournament where the top scores get most of the money. just incase some people play slower then the average person and you play faster.

This type of slot tournament is worth more to me because I don't have to stress while playing super fast after the usual looong lines of waiting to sign up, waiting for this and that etc. You can play leisurely and actually enjoy yourself in one of these things. 1st place is never a loser and has some value better than a regular placing, but the top 10 or so prizes are scattered. As for the plus EV part, just the fact that they're random and it gives me a random chance as good as any super big player, is a plus. In regular tournaments, I do well and usually can expect to do well because I play exceptionally fast

Quote: tournamentking

As for the plus EV part, just the fact that they're random and it gives me a random chance as good as any super big player, is a plus. In regular tournaments, I do well and usually can expect to do well because I play exceptionally fast

I would seriously doubt you spin any faster then 99% of the people in the tournaments. Everyone seems to get the exact amount of spins in, unless its not instant credits and they hit something where credits take longer to rack up. Occasionally they have some old granny with arthritis who can't spin fast. Or they have some guy who thinks he has a system with timing. If your claiming you have some speed advantage over most people then your fooling yourself.

Why would a super big player normally have a better chance at winning in the first place? whether or not they are random prizes or top place prizes? I can understand why Super big players may get more or better invites then you.