Self-Service Soft Drinks
M had it, but got rid of it.
Makes no sense to me; all the tribal joints in Pac NW have it.
in off the street in Vegas just to get free pop.
Quote: MrVWhy are they MIA in Las Vegas?
M had it, but got rid of it.
Makes no sense to me; all the tribal joints in Pac NW have it.
Two words....LABOR UNIONS
you think the SEIU is gonna let a Vegas hotel have self serve soft drink stations.....and lay off waitresses? NOT GONNA HAPPEN
Quote: EvenBobEvery Indian joint has two or more. Maybe too many people coming
in off the street in Vegas just to get free pop.
This I can believe. Ate in a QSR place in Phoenix and the illegals came in off the street all the time and filled up, sometimes some very large containers.
Quote: vert1276Two words....LABOR UNIONS
you think the SEIU is gonna let a Vegas hotel have self serve soft drink stations.....and lay off waitresses? NOT GONNA HAPPEN
Definitely the number one reason here... of course, self-service drinks are a standard in Midwest casinos. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out a casino in the Midwest area that DIDN'T have self-service at least one place in the casino... Maybe Detroit, I don't remember if they have them or not. Hollywood in Aurora didn't, because for a time, they charged $1 for soda!! Maybe they have them back now though.
I absolutely love them. There are usually a few of them, and typically, they are spread throughout the casino. They are quick and convenient and require no tipping. I think it would be easier in the Midwest to patrol the homeless type, as nearly all require ID checks as you walk in. In Vegas, I could see kids going and getting drinks pretty easily.
PS: I gather that is typical.
Quote: TiltpoulI think it would be easier in the Midwest to patrol the homeless type,
Most casinos in the Midwest are in the middle of nowhere,
and we don't have the homeless problem that big cities
have anyway.
Quote: EvenBobMost casinos in the Midwest are in the middle of nowhere,
and we don't have the homeless problem that big cities
have anyway.
But the midwest casinos in big cities also have self-serve soda: Lumiere Place in STL, Hammond Horseshoe, Motor City in Detroit, Potowatomi in Milwaukee.
And casinos in small cities with homeless problems do also have self-serve drinks, like the Yuma-area casinos.
Quote: rdw4potusBut the midwest casinos in big cities also have self-serve soda: Lumiere Place in STL, Hammond Horseshoe, Motor City in Detroit, Potowatomi in Milwaukee.
And casinos in small cities with homeless problems do also have self-serve drinks, like the Yuma-area casinos.
Horseshoe Hammond is far enough away from downtown Chicago to say that it's not really in a big city. Besides, Hammond has always had poverty problems. And Detroit... yeah they're having some issues up there too. Now that I think about it the Detroit casinos do have self-service stations... I don't get up that way very often.
What I was trying to point out is that even those casinos are not open to the general public (meaning under 21s). In Vegas, an 8-year old could probably walk up to a self-serve station and get a drink. Or the parents could get them one. And given the weather and everything, people would do that all the time. But again, the main reason is the unions, I'm sure.
They're everywhere here in Colorado.
A couple places I've been roll around a drink cart every few minutes and you can just take what you want.
I don't recall any self-serve beverages anywhere in Nevada, or Mississippi. I think you're more likely to find them in non-destination areas, where people don't travel to explicitly to gamble.
Quote: 7outlineawayI'm not aware of any Chicago casino that has self-serve carbonated drinks, unless this has changed in the past year. Four Winds does have one or two fountains but they're at best on the metro Chicago periphery.
Well, technically Chicago doesn't have ANY casinos, they are all in the metro area. I know for a fact that Harrah's Joliet, Empress (Now Hollywood Joliet), Ameristar E. Chicago, Horseshoe Hammond, and Majestic Stars all have self-service drinks. As I mentioned, Hollywood Aurora may not, since they used to have a time where they charged for them, and I haven't been to the new one and Grand Vic in some time.
Quote: 7outlineaway
I don't recall any self-serve beverages anywhere in Nevada, or Mississippi. I think you're more likely to find them in non-destination areas, where people don't travel to explicitly to gamble.
I haven't been down to Tunica in forever, but Hollywood used to have one place you could do self-serve. It was off the beaten path. If I remember correctly, Resorts and Sam's Town may have had them too. I don't remember about Gold Strike, but I'm certain that Horseshoe and Sheraton DID NOT have them.
Again, the other piece is kids walking through. In Tunica, while not "allowed," often times the only path to the hotel is through the casino. It's not quite like Vegas; most have a separate entrance or are disconnected (like Grand/Harrah's), but Horseshoe's MAIN entrance was through the casino. Hollywood and Sam's Town both had bypasses. But there weren't that many kids in Tunica anyways.
True, but I think the greatest payoff for a self-service soda machine is that a cocktail waitress is thereby relieved of some of the tasks and steps that she would otherwise have to take. The CW is happy because many people do not tip as generously for a 7-Up and they do for a 7&7. The various players in the casino are surely happier because however many cocktail waitresses are on duty at the time they now have the opportunity to be more attentive to the gamblers. The casino benefits not only from that one additional player but from the many happier players who get their drinks faster and easier.Quote: cclub79Soda is extremely cheap; if 50 people come in to only get a free small cup of soda and ONE of them puts a 5 dollar bill in a machine, they are probably up on the deal.
Quote: 7outlineaway
I don't recall any self-serve beverages anywhere in Nevada, or Mississippi. I think you're more likely to find them in non-destination areas, where people don't travel to explicitly to gamble.
I've only ever seen 1 in NV - at the indian casino, Avi. It's remarkable because their license is with Coke and not Pepsi.
Quote: FleaStiffTrue, but I think the greatest payoff for a self-service soda machine is that a cocktail waitress is thereby relieved of some of the tasks and steps that she would otherwise have to take. The CW is happy because many people do not tip as generously for a 7-Up and they do for a 7&7. The various players in the casino are surely happier because however many cocktail waitresses are on duty at the time they now have the opportunity to be more attentive to the gamblers. The casino benefits not only from that one additional player but from the many happier players who get their drinks faster and easier.
If only that were the case...
It's too easy for the casinos to short staff the wait staff, especially during non-peak hours with self-service drink stations. After last call (All Midwest casinos have that), the waitresses nearly disappear, often only ONE for the ENTIRE FLOOR. I agree that the players do not tip as much for soda as drinks, but a tip is a tip. Don't get me wrong: Since I don't drink, I don't mind the drink stations, but I think cocktail waitresses see it as a mixed bag. Any CW's out there who care to chime in?
Yes, easy, but very, very costly. I remember that first sunny day of Spring once when a sole bartender was angry with his employer because it was supposed to be two bartenders plus a bar back to handle the ice machine, etc. We had round after round of ice cold beers that day and his employer got paid only for the first round. If you overwork a bartender or waitress, you get dirty glasses, slow service, mistakes, complaints, unhappiness ... not things that make for a profitable casino. If you save the waitress steps by installing a soda machine and then make her walk more by under staffing the place, your bar will show a bigger profit but your casino won't.Quote: TiltpoulIt's too easy for the casinos to short staff the wait staff,
Quote: FleaStiffYes, easy, but very, very costly. I remember that first sunny day of Spring once when a sole bartender was angry with his employer because it was supposed to be two bartenders plus a bar back to handle the ice machine, etc. We had round after round of ice cold beers that day and his employer got paid only for the first round.
I think that's the exception in the Midwest, rather than the rule. They are so strict about taking money for drinks. Some states don't even allow you to pay in chips (I think it's Iowa). One time of that, and I'm guessing that bartender was looking for a new job.
... around? If these were around when I was a kid, I would have been in soda heaven!
Quote: ItsCalledSoccerHave any of you seen this one around? If these were around when I was a kid, I would have been in soda heaven!
Actually yes. I believe Indiana Live! had a machine that looked similar to that, although not QUITE as many choices.
Quote: MrV...the dearth of readily visible and accessible water fountains is inexcusable.
Agreed. Obviously they want to sell water instead, but I'm surprised some Entity in Charge (the voters? the government?) hasn't demanded fountains be reinstalled in easily-accessible public spots. Starbucks everywhere have free WiFi except at Harrahs, because Harrahs wants to charge $10.95/day for WiFi. People spend so much on silly ringtones now, that soon new cellphones won't have any ringers pre-installed. You'll need to buy 'em at a dollar each from the company store.
That's only the first page of choices.Quote: TiltpoulActually yes. I believe Indiana Live! had a machine that looked similar to that, although not QUITE as many choices.
Quote: ItsCalledSoccerHave any of you seen this one ...
... around? If these were around when I was a kid, I would have been in soda heaven!
They put a bank of them in a movie theatre near me. There are supposed to be 207 different combinations. It's nice to have choices, but it slows the line down when folks have to look through and consider all the different offerings.
I think the Secret Service has better things to do with their time, but it is a federal law that prohibits the casino bar from accepting chips as if they were legal currency. The chip company is allowed to make chips, not currency. Casino cashiers (and probably hookers) accept chips.Quote: TiltpoulSome states don't even allow you to pay in chips (I think it's Iowa).
Quote: FleaStiffI think the Secret Service has better things to do with their time, but it is a federal law that prohibits the casino bar from accepting chips as if they were legal currency. The chip company is allowed to make chips, not currency. Casino cashiers (and probably hookers) accept chips.
I have to agree this is a stupid law if it is indeed a law, at least at the Federal level. Why should the casino not be allowed to be paid in whatever "currency" they choose? Now if a state regulates the casinos and they have a valid reason for not wanting cheques to be accepted as payment then that is a bit more acceptable. But if two private parties agree to accept a form of payment, why not?
Quote: vert1276Two words....LABOR UNIONS you think the SEIU is gonna let a Vegas hotel have self serve soft drink stations.....and lay off waitresses? NOT GONNA HAPPEN
I'm no SEIU fan, but isn't the Culinary the servers' union?
Quote: FleaStiffCasino cashiers (and probably hookers) accept chips.
I remember the story of one hooker who gladly took a $1000 chip as payment, only to notice later it was from a poker tournament and had no cash value.
Quote: zippyboyQuote: FleaStiffCasino cashiers (and probably hookers) accept chips.
I remember the story of one hooker who gladly took a $1000 chip as payment, only to notice later it was from a poker tournament and had no cash value.
Did she win the tournament the next day?
Quote: zippyboyQuote: FleaStiffCasino cashiers (and probably hookers) accept chips.
I remember the story of one hooker who gladly took a $1000 chip as payment, only to notice later it was from a poker tournament and had no cash value.
While book smarts is not among the qualifications for most hookers you would think one smart enough to get $1,000 would be smart enough to recognize a tourney chip.
Quote: SanchoPanzaI'm no SEIU fan, but isn't the Culinary the servers' union?
Ya your probably right...I knew it was one of the two...but did know which one
The man who gave it to her stopped going to casinos and patronizing hookers and instead started going to church. He found a new interest in singing in the choir. The minister was very happy to have acquired a new choir member who was a soprano.Quote: AZDuffmanWhile book smarts is not among the qualifications for most hookers you would think one smart enough to get $1,000 would be smart enough to recognize a tourney chip.
That story was one of the little news pieces on page 4 of a Poker Player a couple years ago. She didn't realize it was a tournament chip, and was making quite a scene when they wouldn't cash it at the cage. I still have that issue. I gotta find it.....Quote: zippyboyI remember the story of one hooker who gladly took a $1000 chip as payment, only to notice later it was from a poker tournament and had no cash value.Quote: FleaStiffCasino cashiers (and probably hookers) accept chips.
Quote: Tiltpoulof course, self-service drinks are a standard in Midwest casinos.
I absolutely love them.
DITTO.
Quote: ItsCalledSoccerHave any of you seen this one ...
... around? If these were around when I was a kid, I would have been in soda heaven!
The Taco Time near me has one of these. I haven't really explored the options yet.
Quote: JohnnyQDITTO.
I agree...nice to have the option to have a drink immediately and not have to wait!
Yeah, same reason the M suppressed its Free Wifi in the lobby area. I hear it was not just the freeloaders filling up massive jugs but the maintenance of the machines caused by the freeloaders, not just the routine stuff. So out they went.Quote: gofaster87Taking advantage of a good thing usually leads to losing it.
Quote: FleaStiffI hear it was not just the freeloaders filling up massive jugs but the maintenance of the machines caused by the freeloaders, not just the routine stuff. So out they went.
If you go back to the start of this thread, thats what I said.
In Vegas, the freeloaders would soon put it out of business.
Quote: gofaster87I talked with management about the M's removal of the self serve station when it happened and it boils down to the abuse of the customer. People were walking in with 64 and 100oz containers and filling them up all day everyday. Im sure it also cost a pretty penny to have employees take care of the station for 3 shifts, 24 hrs a day everyday. The removal of the station was about the same as a group of pro vp players burning a play. Taking advantage of a good thing usually leads to losing it.
I remember somewhere a casino manager was asked why some of the promotions of the "glory days" of 1950s-60s never came back and the reply was that people simply have less class and restraint than they used to. Along the line things degraded from, "free soft drinks, great, I'm thirsty," to, "they are screwing us on everything else so I am going to 'make it up' on the free soft drinks!"
Then the same people who loaded those 100oz containers blame "greedy corporations" for everything bad in their life.
Quote: gofaster87People were walking in with 64 and 100oz containers and filling them up
Thats another difference between Vegas and Indian joints. They won't let you bring any
containers into the casino because of the liquor laws. It was the same when I had the
bar, no outside containers allowed because people would bring in their own booze and
thats illegal. Nevada casinos give booze away, they have no container laws.
And I don't blame Indian casinos. Reservations are often Dry and even if the reservation is not Dry for the general public, it is often Dry for Indians. Even if its an off reservation casino, the feelings about "Firewater" run high. So I don't blame Indian casinos for having concerns about alcohol, but even the hot chocolate and fruit juices cost money!! I mean its nice when fellow players whom you've allowed to enter Mid-Shoe buy you a drink, but that drink is supposed to be free... and in an Indian casino, its not!
That is BS obfuscation. The casino got rid of the machine because they didn't want to pay to maintain and clean it. The machine is a sunk cost. The syrup and water costs next to nothing. People taking 40 oz. of soda is a negligible cost to them (who drinks that much soda anyways?). The only cost of the machine was maintenance and labor, and the casino didn't want to pay that anymore.Quote: gofaster87I talked with management about the M's removal of the self serve station when it happened and it boils down to the abuse of the customer. People were walking in with 64 and 100oz containers and filling them up all day everyday. Im sure it also cost a pretty penny to have employees take care of the station for 3 shifts, 24 hrs a day everyday. The removal of the station was about the same as a group of pro vp players burning a play. Taking advantage of a good thing usually leads to losing it.
Quote: teddysThat is BS obfuscation. The casino got rid of the machine because they didn't want to pay to maintain and clean it. The machine is a sunk cost. The syrup and water costs next to nothing.
I'm not sure about the water, which may be tap water for all I know with a carbonation unit attached to the amchine, but cheap as the syrup is I'd hardly say it costs next to nothing.
Quote:People taking 40 oz. of soda is a negligible cost to them (who drinks that much soda anyways?).
It's not so much who drinks it as who takes it. People will grab free anything with both hands and waste much of it.
Quote:The only cost of the machine was maintenance and labor, and the casino didn't want to pay that anymore.
That's a legitimate cost-cutting measure, if true. Of course you ahve to balance it aaginst the ill-will generated in customers who miss the soda machines.
Or perhaps its simple fewer customers therefore fewer freeloaders whereas Vegas is an endless stream of customers most of whom will grab all they can and come back for more.
I heard it was the repair costs and nuisance that drove the M to rip them out but by no means the actual cost of the soda or ice.
Quote: FleaStiffPerhaps people in the midwest do not go overboard at the word "free".
Or perhaps its simple fewer customers therefore fewer freeloaders whereas Vegas is an endless stream of customers most of whom will grab all they can and come back for more.
I heard it was the repair costs and nuisance that drove the M to rip them out but by no means the actual cost of the soda or ice.
More or less every casino I have been to here in the Midwest has them, but as was mentioned before nearly every casino I have been to in the Midwest is not close to or within a densly populated or commercial/business district of the city. Therefore you do not have any random traffic through the casino to pick up free drinks, every one there is there to be in the casino...no one is going in specifcally for the free pop.
