[A] Casinoboss Answers Your Questions
Locals often get room offers: staycations are a developing notion. Rooms can still be convenient for locals who wish to avoid DUI trouble after a night of indulgence. Also, an occasional "staycation" can make a spouse happier about the gambling, so room with a buffet or two or room with an upscale meal or two can be great for locals who get a night out on the town.Quote: LarrySI told them I am local and dont need a room as a comp ... offering a 80-100 dollar room to a local person is useless,
Quote: IbeatyouracesI've this exact same situation at about 4am one time. I asked for a lower minimum and was rebuked so I told the supervisor "fine, pay the dealer to stand there and make no money for the casino." I walked by 20 minutes later with the same dealer and supervisor there and low and behold, the minimum was lowered. I told the supervisor "too late", laughed then left. There was still noone playing.
I experienced something similar, but at least I was given an explanation that led me to understand the situation from a different perspective.
Started about 9 PM in the high-limit area on a $25 game. Table next to me was a $100 reserved game with two people playing. Lost $500 at the $25 table and made my way into the other area with $10-$15 minimums. Played the rest of the evening at lower-limit tables and got my $500 back plus won another $200.
Taking a break, I went to the room, took a shower, and stopped at the deli on the way back to the gaming areas.
By the time I had returned, the casino had went down to their "skeleton crew" and many of the tables had been closed. The lower-limit tables that were open were still full, so I decided to try things back in the high-limit room again.
The room had only two tables open this time- a $25 (not the one I started that evening) and the same $100 game from earlier that night. The $25 had two players, but all 5 spots were being played. The $100 game was standing dead.
This time there was a different boss, a woman probably mid-thirties. I told her I had played on one of the other $25 tables back there the previous shift, and the $100 game was a private table. I asked her if it was still reserved. She replied that the two players had left the hour before.
"So can I play on this table?"
"Yes."
"Can you lower it to $25? Your other table has all the spots being played, and they're full out in the other area."
"I'm sorry, but I can't do it right now. I'll see what I can do after 6."
The two players on the other game overheard the conversation, and stated that although they had just started that shoe, they had no problem with letting me into the next shoe (no mid-shoe entry table).
As I sat at the $100 table waiting for the next shoe on the other one, I chatted with the dealer. He could sense my frustration about not lowering the minimum, and stated that the boss really was not trying to be difficult; there was simply nothing she could do about it.
I reminded him that I was not going to play $100 a hand.
The dealer asked me to look at his rack.
So???
The $100 rack was obviously set up for $100+ bets. One tube for orange, one tube each of red, white, and 50-cent pieces, and two tubes of green. The rest of the rack was black chips.
He explained to me that if she were to lower it to a $25 table, more than one player buying into the game might quickly deplete the rack of green chips. Players would constantly be asked to color up if they had more than a few hundred in green.
Before I could come off with the usual "Then you should change the rack" routine, the dealer told me that usually they could get a rack adjusted in under 20 minutes. Adjusting his rack would require taking off the extra black, and bringing additional green. Normally that would be something they would gladly do, but I had happened to ask for it at a time in the morning when security and the cage put a hold on those types of transactions, as they were "rolling into the new gaming day".
While I was playing on the $25 table with the other two players, I observed the rack. Sure enough, it had only $500 worth of red, and there was no way that rack would have been able to accommodate a $10 game without a rack adjustment.
BTW, true to her word, after 6:00 AM the boss changed the $100 minimum table to $25 and adjusted the rack accordingly.
Quote: rob45I experienced something similar, but at least I was given an explanation that led me to understand the situation from a different perspective.
Started about 9 PM in the high-limit area on a $25 game. Table next to me was a $100 reserved game with two people playing. Lost $500 at the $25 table and made my way into the other area with $10-$15 minimums. Played the rest of the evening at lower-limit tables and got my $500 back plus won another $200.
Taking a break, I went to the room, took a shower, and stopped at the deli on the way back to the gaming areas.
By the time I had returned, the casino had went down to their "skeleton crew" and many of the tables had been closed. The lower-limit tables that were open were still full, so I decided to try things back in the high-limit room again.
The room had only two tables open this time- a $25 (not the one I started that evening) and the same $100 game from earlier that night. The $25 had two players, but all 5 spots were being played. The $100 game was standing dead.
This time there was a different boss, a woman probably mid-thirties. I told her I had played on one of the other $25 tables back there the previous shift, and the $100 game was a private table. I asked her if it was still reserved. She replied that the two players had left the hour before.
"So can I play on this table?"
"Yes."
"Can you lower it to $25? Your other table has all the spots being played, and they're full out in the other area."
"I'm sorry, but I can't do it right now. I'll see what I can do after 6."
The two players on the other game overheard the conversation, and stated that although they had just started that shoe, they had no problem with letting me into the next shoe (no mid-shoe entry table).
As I sat at the $100 table waiting for the next shoe on the other one, I chatted with the dealer. He could sense my frustration about not lowering the minimum, and stated that the boss really was not trying to be difficult; there was simply nothing she could do about it.
I reminded him that I was not going to play $100 a hand.
The dealer asked me to look at his rack.
So???
The $100 rack was obviously set up for $100+ bets. One tube for orange, one tube each of red, white, and 50-cent pieces, and two tubes of green. The rest of the rack was black chips.
He explained to me that if she were to lower it to a $25 table, more than one player buying into the game might quickly deplete the rack of green chips. Players would constantly be asked to color up if they had more than a few hundred in green.
Before I could come off with the usual "Then you should change the rack" routine, the dealer told me that usually they could get a rack adjusted in under 20 minutes. Adjusting his rack would require taking off the extra black, and bringing additional green. Normally that would be something they would gladly do, but I had happened to ask for it at a time in the morning when security and the cage put a hold on those types of transactions, as they were "rolling into the new gaming day".
While I was playing on the $25 table with the other two players, I observed the rack. Sure enough, it had only $500 worth of red, and there was no way that rack would have been able to accommodate a $10 game without a rack adjustment.
BTW, true to her word, after 6:00 AM the boss changed the $100 minimum table to $25 and adjusted the rack accordingly.
Rob,
Good answer and I believe you completely. In my days when I used to run a pit I would think a little in advance and change the rack before anyone would ask. You could also still very easily have had a rack that could accomodate $100 bettors as well as $25 bettors. The security thing is quite viable as they are understaffed in the AM and they have many other duties to coduct such as keeping the fighting under control, escorting table and slot drops ect. Still, I would have liked some pro active thinking which would have left you happy and not in an irritated state at all.
Quote: beachbumbabslong but worth the effort, rob. thanks for the info!
yes rob45, thx for the explanation!
the pitboss could have done a little more customer service and explained it to you.
it's not like she had a bazillion players to watch over at that moment
Quote: EdgeLookerAre there currently any talks about banning Google glasses and smart watches since they can record video discretely?
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/another-state-bans-google-glass-casinos-6C10621634
Now its mainly a Wanna-be Cop attitude from security guards who don't like photos being taken of the main entrance or a statue or other such obviously safe item to photograph.
Some joker with a camera equipped cell phone who is snapping his jackpot on a slot machine is hardly violating any copyright ... but security guards get carried away and think you can't take a poor quality photo of the image of the machine even if nice crisp and large images of that machine are available all over the place.
I recall long ago one guy complained of a heavy handed approach by a security guard despite the fact that the photographer was already known to the casino as a guy who liked to snap cloud formations and clearly had his tripod mounted camera aimed at the sky.
Its now simply an attitude.... as if Photography is some dangerous act and anyone taking a photograph is a terrorist until proven otherwise.
True, but can you name one terrorist attack at a casino? I can't.Quote: TankoCasinos are sitting ducks for terrorists. They don't even have exit signs.
When did HS do this?Quote: TankoHomeland Security has advised the casinos to enforce strict no photo policies.
Quote: TankoIt's much more than that. Casinos are sitting ducks for terrorists. They don't even have exit signs. Try entering a casino floor with a backpack. Homeland Security has advised the casinos to enforce strict no photo policies. The security guards are following orders. If they don't they should be fired.
Link or I don't believe you.
The floor plans for most casinos are available on their websites. Those are far more valuable than any photograph.
Quote: MoscaLink or I don't believe you.
The floor plans for most casinos are available on their websites. Those are far more valuable than any photograph.
Maybe. But plans + photos of security stands & camera locations in combination would be ideal...
Quote: rdw4potusMaybe. But plans + photos of security stands & camera locations in combination would be ideal...
As private businesses, casinos have the right to limit photography on their premises, and they don't need a reason. Inventing a "homeland security" reason is ridiculous. Is a casino more of a sitting duck than Disney World, or Yankee Stadium, or a high school football game? And how would photography help a terrorist? As I said, floor plans are available on line, and photographs (of far better quality than one could take surreptitiously) are available on line. As far as up-to-the-minute information, I guess terrorists don't have memories and art skills. I could draw you most of the interior of The Borgata.
to take my camera by force. Pics are evidence in court, everybody
is terrified of lawsuits now.
Quote: EvenBobI was taking pics in a supermrket once and the manager tried
to take my camera by force. Pics are evidence in court, everybody
is terrified of lawsuits now.
A supermarket is a private business, and the management is allowed to restrict photography. As far as confiscating your camera, that is a separate issue. But a private business can restrict photography on its premises.
Quote: MoscaInventing a "homeland security" reason is ridiculous. Is a casino more of a sitting duck than Disney World, or Yankee Stadium, or a high school football game?
I agree, I've never heard of that silly "Homeland Security" reason before. That guy was making it sound like terrorists are just itching to attack casinos.
Does the casino boss have a power to install a new game or does he have to get permission?
Since most new games fail, does a casino boss even want to try a new game or wait for it to be a success before a trial? We get to a catch 22 here.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Quote: AceCrAAckersHow hard is it to get a meeting with a casino boss about a new game for a field trial at a casino. especially a small independent?
Does the casino boss have a power to install a new game or does he have to get permission?
Since most new games fail, does a casino boss even want to try a new game or wait for it to be a success before a trial? We get to a catch 22 here.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
I only know from what I read from the Wizard himself: http://www.gamingmath.com/new-games.html
Quote: casinobossI only know from what I read from the Wizard himself: http://www.gamingmath.com/new-games.html
Read that article also. Great article. One should also read the article by Dan Lubin "Casino Game Design: from
a cocktail napkin sketch to the casino floor"
Hypothetical, If Mr.X was to call you about trying a new game would you
1. give him a meeting to hear out his idea?
2. if you like what you hear, initiate the process to get it installed in your casino?
or
a. wait till some else tried it and wait till it is a success.
Quote: AceCrAAckersRead that article also. Great article. One should also read the article by Dan Lubin "Casino Game Design: from
a cocktail napkin sketch to the casino floor"
Hypothetical, If Mr.X was to call you about trying a new game would you
1. give him a meeting to hear out his idea?
2. if you like what you hear, initiate the process to get it installed in your casino?
or
a. wait till some else tried it and wait till it is a success.
It would depend on a lot of things namely how big of a company I worked for and what jurisdiction I worked in. If I'm working for a Caesars property, for example, I don't have a ton of (if any) discretion to trial games. That comes down from on high.
And some jurisdiction limit the amount of gaming space you can have so if I'm in one of those jurisdictions then I obviously only want a proven product.
If we're talking about Nevada and I'm at a standalone property (meaning I can have as many and whatever games I want) then it'd be a function I believe of how much you'd want for the game. If it's free and I don't displace any of my existing games then I don't know where the issue would be in trialing it.
Quote: AceCrAAckersHow hard is it to get a meeting with a casino boss about a new game for a field trial at a casino. especially a small independent?
Does the casino boss have a power to install a new game or does he have to get permission?
Since most new games fail, does a casino boss even want to try a new game or wait for it to be a success before a trial? We get to a catch 22 here.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
I see/review a few dozen games a year. If you can't explain the basic gameplay in less than 30 seconds, I usually delete the email or start to tune out the conversation.
If it sounds interesting I'll put it on my list for consideration, but success elsewhere, a good demo or an award at Raving probably gets a bump toward the top of the list.
ZCore13
Quote: Beethoven9thI agree, I've never heard of that silly "Homeland Security" reason before. That guy was making it sound like terrorists are just itching to attack casinos.
Homeland
Las Vegas Review
Infowars
NY Times
Casino Watch
Mexico
WikiLeaks
Quote: TankoHomeland Security has advised the casinos to enforce strict no photo policies.
Quote: TankoHomeland
Las Vegas Review
Infowars
NY Times
Casino Watch
Mexico
WikiLeaks
Cool, now where do any of those articles say that "Homeland Security has advised the casinos to enforce strict no photo policies"?
(As another member mentioned, casinos are no more sitting ducks—maybe even less so—than sporting events, concerts, etc.)
Quote: Beethoven9th
Cool, now where do any of those articles say that "Homeland Security has advised the casinos to enforce strict no photo policies"?
(As another member mentioned, casinos are no more sitting ducks—maybe even less so—than sporting events, concerts, etc.)
As the link shows, Homeland offers Priority Programs to Commercial Facilities. Included in the training is the advisement to enforce a strict no photo policy at some commercial facilities. This is not a directive, but an advisement.
It is up to the commercial facility to decide to what degree they want to participate.
For anyone interested, Homeland offers college credit courses online:
Homeland Courses
As far as casinos being no more sitting ducks than sporting events, concerts etc, I suggest that you review all the links again, if you actually did at all. One includes a photo of a casino where more than fifty people were killed.
So I see you're backtracking. That statement is a far cry from saying "Homeland Security has advised the casinos to enforce strict no photo policies".Quote: TankoIncluded in the training is the advisement to enforce a strict no photo policy at some commercial facilities.
Actually, I don't think you reviewed the link. That casino was in Mexico (where Homeland Security has no authority), not Vegas (which is what people in this thread were originally talking about).Quote: TankoI suggest that you review all the links again, if you actually did at all. One includes a photo of a casino where more than fifty people were killed.
If you are, can you tell us how many layers of felt are used on craps tables?Quote: GWAEcasinoboss, are you still here?
Playing unrated.
absolutely not unless your counting or useing some legitimate AP method.Quote: RorryAlso how likely is it that a player, who show's up once every 1-3 months and pulls from $200(bad day)-$700(normal day)-$5000(awesome day, wont come back for 2-3 months) off a table game, is going to get noticed by the casino?
Playing unrated.
Quote: wrobersonCan I rent floor space at a casino and put in a bank of slot machines?
Yes you may. But first go to 5891 Main St, Niagara Falls, ON (Harold's Buy and Sell) bring him an envelope with 5000.00 in it. Put on the envelope Buzz Paff
Quote: AxelWolfabsolutely not unless your counting or useing some legitimate AP method.
Of course... But not on Blackjack, and not with counting. I'd have losing sessions if I stuck to counting Blackjack.
I just don't want to burn my "dumb luck find" at this place. It's close and the +EV makes me want to quit counting for good.
---
EDIT- casinoboss doesn't seem to be around, so perhaps others with Beyond Counting experience can tell me how much I can milk a juicy table game for without burning it? I feel like once a month or two is scarce enough?
That is why these route slot operators make money. A convenience store can't afford the regulatory overhead and the risks of loss of license.
Quote: RorryOf course... But not on Blackjack, and not with counting. I'd have losing sessions if I stuck to counting Blackjack.
I just don't want to burn my "dumb luck find" at this place. It's close and the +EV makes me want to quit counting for good.
---
EDIT- casinoboss doesn't seem to be around, so perhaps others with Beyond Counting experience can tell me how much I can milk a juicy table game for without burning it? I feel like once a month or two is scarce enough?
You don't often get noticed by the amount of money you win but by the cues such as bet variance, lack of female cover and other noticeable acts that bring you to the attention of the Floor Person who starts watching your chips.
Three retired men hitting a casino together playing BJ and doing well eventually got noticed particularly when playing in the morning, but using wives as cover in the afternoons it went better. The trouble was all three men started getting divorced and then they made the mistake of going to South Point.
In the sixties when a chip sleeve was being used on the Swing Shift BJ tables, some tables were running negative quite frequently but not even the computers picked it up right away and even when it was noted the practice continued for quite awhile. Its not the money going out, its the habits of the gamblers who are taking it that is the tip off.
Quote: RorryOf course... But not on Blackjack, and not with counting. I'd have losing sessions if I stuck to counting Blackjack.
I just don't want to burn my "dumb luck find" at this place. It's close and the +EV makes me want to quit counting for good.
---
EDIT- casinoboss doesn't seem to be around, so perhaps others with Beyond Counting experience can tell me how much I can milk a juicy table game for without burning it? I feel like once a month or two is scarce enough?
Of course without knowing the details, this is an impossible question to answer. If you are the only person who is aware of this AP opportunity you can probably milk it more frequently than that. It is hard to imagine that if you showed up weekly on the same night every week, with no other visits to this casino, that you would be on their radar screen. If you are taking advantage for a couple hundred dollars a night I doubt you should be worried, either.
But if there is a full table all aware, all winning, all returning frequently, all when a certain dealer is there, etc....
Good luck!
Quote: SOOPOOOf course without knowing the details, this is an impossible question to answer. If you are the only person who is aware of this AP opportunity you can probably milk it more frequently than that. It is hard to imagine that if you showed up weekly on the same night every week, with no other visits to this casino, that you would be on their radar screen. If you are taking advantage for a couple hundred dollars a night I doubt you should be worried, either.
But if there is a full table all aware, all winning, all returning frequently, all when a certain dealer is there, etc....
Good luck!
I just don't want the dealer to realize I always win... It's a smaller joint so going every week scares me, although it would greatly increase profits.
Quote: RorryI just don't want the dealer to realize I always win... It's a smaller joint so going every week scares me, although it would greatly increase profits.
It really depends on what you are doing. Are you counting or is there a flaw that you have noticed?
Quote: IbeatyouracesHe said it want counting. I'm pretty sure I know what it is he found.
oh yeah, I guess I did read that. Dealer exposing card when dealing?
Hopefully you are not betting player and banker on the same hand.
Quote: IbeatyouracesHe said it want counting. I'm pretty sure I know what it is he found.
This probably needs it's own thread. --> https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/tables/15439-how-to-not-be-noticed-when-using-beyond-counting-methods/#post279124
since u are in marketing, I have a Q for you.
I used to get $20/week in free slotplay. I've been getting this offer for the past year.
I played MORE in late oct/beginning Nov, like going 2x/week instead of once a week.
plus playing more such that i'm earning double my normal weekly points.
today I received my Dec offers. it was down to $15/week.
is it because i'm coming and playing more thus no need to give as much incentive to intice me to come?
if not, then possible explanations?
Quote: 100xOddscasinoboss,
since u are in marketing, I have a Q for you.
I used to get $20/week in free slotplay. I've been getting this offer for the past year.
I played MORE in late oct/beginning Nov, like going 2x/week instead of once a week.
plus playing more such that i'm earning double my normal weekly points.
today I received my Dec offers. it was down to $15/week.
is it because i'm coming and playing more thus no need to give as much incentive to intice me to come?
if not, then possible explanations?
Looks like he's disappeared again, so I'll try and help you. My thought would be that you received your Dec offer on Nov 18. That means that it went to print the week before, which means that the play numbers were accumulated just before that. I would guess most of your increased play might have fallen after their deadline. If I were a betting man, I'd say you'll see an increase next month if you continue to visit them at your normal pace for the next few weeks.
ZCore13
I was playing at CaesarsAC about 2 years ago at a $100min. table in their high limit room. There were a total of 8 blackjack tables open:
3 were Reserved;
2 were 500min;
2 were 200min;
1 was 100min.
There were 4 players (including me) at the 100min table and we had been there from 3 to 6 shoes (some sat down later than others)
A floorperson came over and put a note on the table min/max sign stating the game would change to a 200min at 8pm (it was 7:45pm when he posted it)
The table, almost in unison, asked the floorperson if we would be 'grandfathered in' - we were met with a resounding "no"
A couple of us pointed out that there were no players in the high limit room but us and that there already were 2 other 200min tables available with nobody thereon
The floorperson shrugged and said "it is what it is - orders from above"
We asked if he could make a call and he said "no"
So, when the clock struck 8pm and the minimum changed from 100min to 200min, we all left.
Therefore, rather than have 4 players stay at a 100min table, they had decided they would rather have no players at any of the tables.
I am not in the casino business but, this does not seem to make any business sense whatsoever.
I have always yearned for an explanation - I hope you can oblige.
Thank you for your time.
Quote: aceofspadesHere is my question CasinoBoss:
I was playing at CaesarsAC about 2 years ago at a $100min. table in their high limit room. There were a total of 8 blackjack tables open:
3 were Reserved;
2 were 500min;
2 were 200min;
1 was 100min.
There were 4 players (including me) at the 100min table and we had been there from 3 to 6 shoes (some sat down later than others)
A floorperson came over and put a note on the table min/max sign stating the game would change to a 200min at 8pm (it was 7:45pm when he posted it)
The table, almost in unison, asked the floorperson if we would be 'grandfathered in' - we were met with a resounding "no"
A couple of us pointed out that there were no players in the high limit room but us and that there already were 2 other 200min tables available with nobody thereon
The floorperson shrugged and said "it is what it is - orders from above"
We asked if he could make a call and he said "no"
So, when the clock struck 8pm and the minimum changed from 100min to 200min, we all left.
Therefore, rather than have 4 players stay at a 100min table, they had decided they would rather have no players at any of the tables.
I am not in the casino business but, this does not seem to make any business sense whatsoever.
I have always yearned for an explanation - I hope you can oblige.
Thank you for your time.
This sounds like what was going on one time when I went to a casino and they had Pai Gow Tiles one table was filled up at $20 minimum and the $50 minimum had nobody playing the $20 table had like 4 people watching- I asked if they would open the second table at $20 so we could play- refused and rather have it sit there unused at $50. It dont make smart business sense to me.
