Free play is stupid

Sometimes I go to the casino because of free play, but just as often I will stay away from their casinos also because of it.
Some casinos I won't go back for 6 months at least. Before there was ever FP, I would go for little things like $5 off food coupon, a promotion, or sweepstakes. Now I feel like I need whatever amount of FP to be comfortable, because odds stink to pay for FP. Around the same time FP came out, places started having automatic entries which also creates times where people are called and not redrawn or someone wins who just buys it. The drawings would not be effective to draw me or a lot of people who have given up on them.

I don't see how this system is working when people realize they have to come less for more FP, etc. and don't go there when they simply want to. Obviously, it would not work to just stop offering it if things weren't changed to offset it by equal measures which are clear. If I can tell I am being manipulated to go and manipulated not to go, how effective is the manipulation? The bottom line is I think it is ineffective for the casino and the player. They need to go back to the drawing board.

In my time as a Casino patron, I can state for a fact that I've parlayed Free Slot Play into well over $2000 profit.

Primarily by playing $1 machines and instantly cashing out the winnings. I had done this for the better part of a year and had several wins of $200+ with only $100 free slot play each time. One three occasions I had won amounts of $572, $536 and $660. Without putting any profit back and leaving the casino with my profit. There were also times where little to nothing was won from that $100 free play, and I played other games to win or lose for that day. And yes I realize NOW the ADT was hurt by just playing the free play and leaving. But money in hand is better than possible money in the bank later on.

Granted, a fair amount was burnt on expenses(gas,food, tolls, Bus fare,etc.) and lost back on the BJ table or poker room. But I also used that profit to "go for it" on those same slots in subsequent trips and won roughly 10 Progressive jackpots averaging $1060 on each hit. Once again, leaving with that profit and not putting too much back on the next visit unless there was Free Play involved.

So I would definitely say I am an advocate for Free Slot Play as it has given me a 4 figure profit lifetime. But I do see your point of why it can be detrimental and force you to patron a casino you normally wouldn't. It is one of the best ploys the Casinos have to lure you back and I remember always making the extra effort to go to "that place" that had it waiting for me, just to give it a try!

Quote: onenickelmiracle

Now I feel like I need whatever amount of FP to be comfortable, because odds stink to pay for FP. Around the same time FP came out, places started having automatic entries which also creates times where people are called and not redrawn or someone wins who just buys it. ...Obviously, it would not work to just stop offering it if things weren't changed to offset it by equal measures which are clear. If I can tell I am being manipulated to go and manipulated not to go, how effective is the manipulation?

Are you one of those bots that just fakes talking like a human?

Quote: odiousgambit

Are you one of those bots that just fakes talking like a human?

My programming does not allow for me to laugh, but I did anyways.

Bedwetterbettor,
If a casino mails FP which entices you to come to the casino, then it is effective and both parties are happy at one point. The downside is when the mailing becomes a reason to not go to the casino. This is the part of the formula where it does not make sense to have ever offered it. When it becomes the point where a patron feels the casino has mailed an invitation to not come back, when the whole system doesn't make sense to me. Now if all the casinos just stopped altogether, they would lose a lot of customers for quite some time. Once it becomes a game, then the original purpose is defeated. All when originally people went to casinos without FP. It is as if they have turned all the dogs into cats.

To me free play/promo chips is a bonus, a chance for positive ev. Many here describe the low RC of table game players at CZR. Well I start with $100 chips, $50 cash for travel plus three free nights if I chose to stay. Not too shabby. And more offers next door at MGM and others. I'm not seeing a downside here.

Quote: BedWetterBetter

Granted, a fair amount was burnt on expenses(gas,food, tolls, Bus fare,etc.) and lost back on the BJ table or poker room.

Alas, that is what happens whenever any merchant offers something for "free"... a variety of customers react differently but overall the free item does cost both the merchant and the customer.

For me...without freeplay I would hardly ever go to a casino...
However, it's a 3 hour (one-way) trip for me to get to Reno...and when I go, I'm usually picking up $400.
Hell, I usually only TAKE money when I have to put my monthly coin-in...otherwise, I just go get THEIR money.

i get $10 and $15 freeplay coupons once a month for any table game except baccarat. choices are spanish paigow or blackjack, obvioulsy the best play is paigow by a mile for obvious reasons.

I also like in washington and they do not take commission on the bet.

$15 and $25 match plays also come with them and these are also good value as well. $25 can be used on bacarrat :)