Children anathema in Harrahs philly

I had a $160 food comp and $250 free-play at Harrah's Philly so decided to take the family to enjoy.

Should point out that I have taken the children (ages 3 and 5) to Sands and Valley Forge in PA and never had a problem. Obviously, they aren't allowed on the gaming floor, that's the only general rule. In fact, at Sands, you can leave the kids in KidsZone so while they play in a Chucky Cheese style environment, you are free to roam the casino gambling.

When we arrived at Harrah's Philly, soon as we entered the main floor, we were surrounded by security and hosts berating us from all different directions that we had to immediately take the children home. They specifically said home which I thought sounded weird and not "leave the gaming area". We were still on the non-gaming side of the cordoned gaming area.

We explained the kids were going to be joining us at the Cove which is a restaurant on the non-gaming side of the roped off floor. They said okay but we had to immediately escort the kids into the restaurant.

At the Cove, the kids were given a warm welcome and we had a wonderful meal, the food was good, no complaints there.

As we were leaving, I asked security if there were any gift shops the kids were allowed as we had some shopping dollars. The guards stated that not only were there no shops the kids were allowed, but we would have to take them home immediately (there was that specific reference to home which for some reason annoyed me.)

I stated that we lived in New York and were not about to take the kids home at this moment. They stated hotel or home didn't matter but the kids were not allowed on the property.

So, I pointed out that we were going to leave the kids in the car.

"No, you can't do that, sir."

"We're not going to leave them alone in the car. One of the adults from our party will stay with them," I pointed out.

"Sir, they are not allowed ANYWHERE on our property. Not even in your parked car in the garage. They must be taken to your car and you must drive away, drive off our parking lot and past Harrah's Blvd which is considered our property."

Shocked, I stated the rest of the party would do that while I ran into the casino to gamble. I still had my free-play after all.

But, security actually followed my party to the car and insisted they leave the entire grounds. I had to call them on the cell phone and have them double back to pick me up.

I know this is not state law as both the Sands and Valley Forge casinos allow you to bring your children on the grounds. The reaction I received towards these kids was like they were diseased. On top of that, it made no sense since we were allowed to eat at the Cove Restaurant which is a lot closer to the gaming area than the inside of our personal car three levels below in the parking garage.

The whole incident made no sense.

So, fair warning, do not bring your kids (and I wouldn't even patronize) Harrah's Philly.

No warning needed. I barely dare to bring myself to Harrahs Philly aka Chester.

Quote: darkoz

The whole incident made no sense.

So, fair warning, do not bring your kids (and I wouldn't even patronize) Harrah's Philly.

My guess is that some bozo or bozoes recently left kids unattended in a car. And not wanting to risk MORE bad publicity, they of course over-reacted and treated you like dirt, throwing common sense out the window.

Quote: darkoz

I had a $160 food comp and $250 free-play at Harrah's Philly so decided to take the family to enjoy.

Should point out that I have taken the children (ages 3 and 5) to Sands and Valley Forge in PA and never had a problem. Obviously, they aren't allowed on the gaming floor, that's the only general rule. In fact, at Sands, you can leave the kids in KidsZone so while they play in a Chucky Cheese style environment, you are free to roam the casino gambling.

When we arrived at Harrah's Philly, soon as we entered the main floor, we were surrounded by security and hosts berating us from all different directions that we had to immediately take the children home. They specifically said home which I thought sounded weird and not "leave the gaming area". We were still on the non-gaming side of the cordoned gaming area.

We explained the kids were going to be joining us at the Cove which is a restaurant on the non-gaming side of the roped off floor. They said okay but we had to immediately escort the kids into the restaurant.

At the Cove, the kids were given a warm welcome and we had a wonderful meal, the food was good, no complaints there.

As we were leaving, I asked security if there were any gift shops the kids were allowed as we had some shopping dollars. The guards stated that not only were there no shops the kids were allowed, but we would have to take them home immediately (there was that specific reference to home which for some reason annoyed me.)

I stated that we lived in New York and were not about to take the kids home at this moment. They stated hotel or home didn't matter but the kids were not allowed on the property.

So, I pointed out that we were going to leave the kids in the car.

"No, you can't do that, sir."

"We're not going to leave them alone in the car. One of the adults from our party will stay with them," I pointed out.

"Sir, they are not allowed ANYWHERE on our property. Not even in your parked car in the garage. They must be taken to your car and you must drive away, drive off our parking lot and past Harrah's Blvd which is considered our property."

Shocked, I stated the rest of the party would do that while I ran into the casino to gamble. I still had my free-play after all.

But, security actually followed my party to the car and insisted they leave the entire grounds. I had to call them on the cell phone and have them double back to pick me up.

I know this is not state law as both the Sands and Valley Forge casinos allow you to bring your children on the grounds. The reaction I received towards these kids was like they were diseased. On top of that, it made no sense since we were allowed to eat at the Cove Restaurant which is a lot closer to the gaming area than the inside of our personal car three levels below in the parking garage.

The whole incident made no sense.

So, fair warning, do not bring your kids (and I wouldn't even patronize) Harrah's Philly.

I can't speak for Harrah's. Or any CET property. However, when I was in LV Harrah's in January, they were constantly checking ID's on anyone even stopped in the aisle of the casino, watching a game, anything in the area. It was so heavy I finally asked what the deal was. They said they had just gotten fined $77,000 for a minor who, passing through the area with parents, had all stopped to look at a game in play for a minute. (Not to sit down, talk to a player, anything like that; just stopping while walking through.) I don't know that it was that one incident or there were other crackdowns similar to that. But I suspect you experienced a company-wide backlash in enforcing prohibitions about minors. I'm guessing people's jobs were/are on the line about being strict on it.

Quote: Hunterhill

No warning needed. I barely dare to bring myself to Harrahs Philly aka Chester.

Agreed. I can't think of a good reason to venture into that rathole of a town. I spent a short time working there 25 years ago and it was lousy then; can't imagine that a casino and 25 years of crack and heroin have done anything to make it better.

Sands and valley forge both have non-gaming purposes (hotel, mall, conference center, concert venue, etc.). Harrah's Philly is just a casino. So there's probably less reason to bring kids to Harrah's Philly than those other properties. That said, it's pretty common to see kids at the track (even at Harrah's). I wonder what would have happened if you'd headed to the races.

If it had ended with us not being allowed to have the kids on the same floor level as the gaming area, I would not even have thought too much of it. But kids aren't even allowed in your own car if its parked in a garage three levels below.

On top of that, they WERE allowed in the restaurant. So, this was contradictory to their own rules.

Quote: darkoz

If it had ended with us not being allowed to have the kids on the same floor level as the gaming area, I would not even have thought too much of it. But kids aren't even allowed in your own car if its parked in a garage three levels below.

On top of that, they WERE allowed in the restaurant. So, this was contradictory to their own rules.

A Couple with drinks in hand were dragging their 3 rugrats (2 were toddlers) though the Binions pissed filled elevator at 2 am in the morning. Seriously? Don't bring your kids downtown and have them up at 2 am in a place like that.

Parents waling young kids talking to street performers downtown Friday nigh well past a decent hour with men in dippers and half naked women?

I have seen many parents try to gamble with their kids standing there at places like Cosmo, Rio, Palms certainly not family places. How do people not know this is inappropriate? Never mind the law but just logical good parenting should be a clue.

Quote: rdw4potus

...That said, it's pretty common to see kids at the track (even at Harrah's). I wonder what would have happened if you'd headed to the races.

Good question. I don't know why but "A day at the races" is considered a family event - kids are welcome.

In WPA Meadows has a bowling alley and even hosts kids parties. At Rivers those under 21 are not even allowed in the parking lot.

Sorry, but IMHO kids do not belong in a casino atmosphere. Meadows has an entirely separate entrance and for the most part you cannot even tell you are in a casino. Even then I am not keen on the idea.

I would not be worked up about the "take them home" thing. That is just words and they probably thought it was nicer than "leave the premises."

The reaction was not one of them "being diseased." It was a matter of "why would someone bring kids to a casino?"

FWIW some people have left kids in cars while they gamed and IIRC they did make a law about it.

Quote: AZDuffman

Sorry, but IMHO kids do not belong in a casino atmosphere.

While most of us would agree, that's irrelevant to this discussion. The OP brought kids for non-gambling purposes and got treated badly because of it. Period.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

While most of us would agree, that's irrelevant to this discussion. The OP brought kids for non-gambling purposes and got treated badly because of it. Period.

Thanks, DJ.

I wanted to share a dinner with the family, particularly since I am not going to eat $165 in food at one sitting. So, it made sense to me.

As other posters point out, there are some casinos where families are welcomed. Certainly, you wouldn't argue that families shouldn't be brought to Circus Circus -- or is that indoor amusement park with the kiddie rides just for show.

And just about every casino in AC has a family fun arcade.

Op, just curious but are there signs at all that say no kids or anythung? If I were you I would send corporate an email explaining what happened and how unhappy you are. Include your players card number if you have action enough that they might care.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Good question. I don't know why but "A day at the races" is considered a family event - kids are welcome.

Why wouldn't it be?

I bring my kid to casino restaurants all the time. Of course I don't bring him on the gaming floor. But sometimes you have to go very near the casino (right next to it) to get to certain restaurants. I've never once been bothered by security. Kids have every right to go to a restaurant. If I'm staying at a casino hotel, what's the kid supposed to do stay in the room all weekend? He's gotta eat. Now granted Harrah's Philly (which by the way is fooling no one, it's still in Chester..shudder), is not a hotel. But you have every right to go eat there with a kid(s). There is a limit of course. No kid should be out at 2am, which I've seen some people do at casinos. But I don't see any issue going to eat. Yet another reason not to go to Chester.

Yeah, for those commenting on kids out at two am, this all happened about six or seven in the early evening.

Quote: darkoz

As other posters point out, there are some casinos where families are welcomed. Certainly, you wouldn't argue that families shouldn't be brought to Circus Circus -- or is that indoor amusement park with the kiddie rides just for show.

I think that whole set-up is kind of crazy. Not one of Jay Sarno's better ideas. Call me old-school if you must but that is my position.

Quote: darkoz

Yeah, for those commenting on kids out at two am, this all happened about six or seven in the early evening.

OK ...I had your back man. I just said I draw the line at the people I see out with their strollers and kids at 2am. See it in AC all the time.

I love to gamble and have a good time. Some parts of society see gambling as degenerate. I kind of find it hard to see why taking children around a casino and expose them to an arena where people are imbibing in a generally -EV event and allowing them to believe that they are seeing what children might perceive as adults having fun playing games (and spending money). Kids play video games (that cost no money) and have fun. Playing games is fun and adults are having fun. There is a cost when it comes to gambling. There is no cost when it come to video gaming. Children don't realize there is hard earned money at risk when they see adults gambling. But I play video games with Dad/Mom. Dad/Mom is having fun playing that game, I want to play it too. When I am old enough, I am going to play that game and have fun.

Kids need time to be kids and learn life as they go. Do they need to be influenced by casino play like they are influenced by video games? A baby sitter is completely appropriate when visiting a casino. If someone can afford to visit a casino, then they must have enough money to spend on a babysitter so the adults can have their time for relaxation.

Quote: mason2386

I love to gamble and have a good time. Some parts of society see gambling as degenerate. I kind of find it hard to see why taking children around a casino and expose them to an arena where people are imbibing in a generally -EV event and allowing them to believe that they are seeing what children might perceive as adults having fun playing games (and spending money). Kids play video games (that cost no money) and have fun. Playing games is fun and adults are having fun. There is a cost when it comes to gambling. There is no cost when it come to video gaming. Children don't realize there is hard earned money at risk when they see adults gambling. But I play video games with Dad/Mom. Dad/Mom is having fun playing that game, I want to play it too. When I am old enough, I am going to play that game and have fun.

Kids need time to be kids and learn life as they go. Do they need to be influenced by casino play like they are influenced by video games? A baby sitter is completely appropriate when visiting a casino. If someone can afford to visit a casino, then they must have enough money to spend on a babysitter so the adults can have their time for relaxation.

I don't know what Atari 2600 games you are playing but when I get my kids their Xbox and PlayStation consoles, add-on controllers and individual games it most certainly costs money.

I just don't agree that kids can't be exposed to gambling activities. We grew up with a craps table in the basement (my dad made it), family poker and blackjack games (also many other games), parents went to vegas every other year, training races at the dog track, stuff like that. We wouldn't put the casino on the spot (though back then it was only Vegas), but I just don't think it's any big deal to go to a casino for non-gaming activities like dining, swimming, resort amenities. Lots more I could say, but that's the crux of it.

Quote: darkoz

I don't know what Atari 2600 games you are playing but when I get my kids their Xbox and PlayStation consoles, add-on controllers and individual games it most certainly costs money.

Also easy to blow through $20 or more in an hour at a Dave n Busters too. And many of those games are ticket games that "win" you things. Hell one of the games there is actually a touch screen fruit machine. My gf got the "jackpot" on it once, tapping 3 "wild" symbols within 2 seconds.

As for the original topic, that's one thing nice about states that charge "admission taxes" on casinos with electronic turnstiles. It's crystal clear as to where kids aren't allowed, anywhere inside that turnstile.

Quote: beachbumbabs

I just don't think it's any big deal to go to a casino for non-gaming activities like dining, swimming, resort amenities. Lots more I could say, but that's the crux of it.

Don't forget that in Vegas many casinos have large multiplex movie theaters attached to them.

Quote: beachbumbabs

I just don't agree that kids can't be exposed to gambling activities. We grew up with a craps table in the basement (my dad made it), family poker and blackjack games (also many other games), parents went to vegas every other year, training races at the dog track, stuff like that. We wouldn't put the casino on the spot (though back then it was only Vegas), but I just don't think it's any big deal to go to a casino for non-gaming activities like dining, swimming, resort amenities. Lots more I could say, but that's the crux of it.

I remember learning the game of blackjack from my dad when I was 8 years old. I remember having family poker tournaments growing up with rolls of quarters. My parents took me to Arlington Park to watch horse racing as a kid and my dad would place bets on my behalf. My dad went to Vegas on business 3-4 times a year on business as well, and would ask me to give him roulette numbers. he would even give me a cut if he netted a win.

Quote: SanchoPanza

Don't forget that in Vegas many casinos have large multiplex movie theaters attached to them.

And/or bowling alleys.

Quote: tringlomane

Also easy to blow through $20 or more in an hour at a Dave n Busters too. And many of those games are ticket games that "win" you things. Hell one of the games there is actually a touch screen fruit machine. My gf got the "jackpot" on it once, tapping 3 "wild" symbols within 2 seconds.

As for the original topic, that's one thing nice about states that charge "admission taxes" on casinos with electronic turnstiles. It's crystal clear as to where kids aren't allowed, anywhere inside that turnstile.

I never knew they paid taxes on that. I just thought they were counting the people coming in.

Quote: darkoz

I don't know what Atari 2600 games you are playing but when I get my kids their Xbox and PlayStation consoles, add-on controllers and individual games it most certainly costs money.

And DLC. And micro transactions. And expansion packs. And preorder deluxe editions... a keno habit would probably be cheaper =p

My earliest memories, possible my earliest memory period, is of grandpa taking me to the dog track. All growing up and still today it's rummy or skat or some sort of card game for quarters. Still, I have almost no urge to step foot in a casino, card room, nor will even spend $5 on a football pool. I haven't ever even bought a scratch off, and my last pull tab was a church fete sometime around '91. I was 11 =p

Of course, wave a gun raffle in my face and I'll remortgage my house for tickets,... I guess we all have our weaknesses =p

I'll take the Atari 2600 over the stuff that comes out now a days anytime.

Snes master race

I got the most mileage out of that or the ps1