CASINO PLAYERS EZINE #84

#1

Gayle: I know that Nevada and New Jersey have gaming control boards that have minimum payback requirements for slots. Do other states that permit slots have similar requirements? More specifically what are the requirements for the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia and Pennsylvania? Thank You. Sbucfan

Sbucfan: LA report their payouts, however not by casino name but by gaming region.
I know this stinks because you don't know which casino is the best in a higher paying region.
When it comes to these two states, I suggest 'testing' 3-4 of the larger casinos on 3-4 machines with $100., then determine which one is worth 'a second chance.'.
To save you some time, the Lake Charles area in LA is always at the bottom of the best payouts and Biloxi and North MS have better payouts and more casinos to select for your 'test'.
WV don't report, but usually stay below 90% overall payouts for all slots including VP and keno.
I don't know about reporting requirements yet for PA, but my guess is that they will set the slots at what most non-reporting and Indian casinos maintain and that's at least 80%.
Again, a double stink as 80% is some joke on slot players, in my opinion.
You can now check monthly for payouts for those casinos that report. See the link in the Slots Payout Report section. Gayle.

#2

Gayle: In your interview w/Microgaming, you did not ask nor inform us as to the home location of Microgaming (city, state, country). Are they in the USA or other countries like "Nigeria". My understanding is that online gaming is not legal in USA, am I wrong or not.
Also, nowhere did you ask the question as to what the gambler could do if they refused to pay or what recourse do the customers have. You did not ask (as I saw it) what was the payout, hold or gross profit on Microgamings' machines.
Will you please find the answers to my questions and advise. I really would like to know.
Respectfully, Earl

Earl: Answers to your questions below and I have an excerpt from a report about online casino players.
1) Microgaming is located in the Isle of Man, part of the British Islands, (hardly Nigeria :-)
MGS House, Circular Road Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1BL
Microgaming released the first true online casino software back in 1994.
Their website is microgaming.com
2) All slots and VP payouts are over 96% with their software. And the online casinos cannot change the percentage. I should have mentioned this in the article.
3) From the interview and to answer your question about complaints:
“As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is also at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, most notably in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection.
I thank Stuart for the interview and would like to emphasis for those casino players who are not aware, eCOGRA is a very important resource. eCOGRA watches out for online players and sets the standards for fair play. You would be wise to determine if your online casino choice is a member of eCOGRA before playing.”
4) Current US federal and state law permits internet betting on horseracing, and internet gambling operated by Native American tribes or within individual state borders. Though gambling on foreign sites is banned, US residents account for the bulk of the $12 billion global industry.”
My statement from the article follows:
”Lastly, as I have said before, "The final decision is yours to make." As your Editor, I am here to provide gambling information you can use to make an educated decision.” Gayle.
Note: The Microgaming interview was in Casino Players Ezine #77 located here:
casinoplayersezine.com/email/issue77.htm

#3

Here is an excerpt from a report about online gamblers:
Report: Internet gamblers can afford it
A gambling industry survey shows that people who use the Internet to place their bets tend to be affluent and educated - a finding that could help advocates of a federal law change to legalize such wagering.
Release of the American Gaming Association survey on Monday follows the Washington, D-C.-based casino trade group's recent call for a congressional study of Internet gambling now that other countries, including Great Britain, are moving to authorize online betting.
The survey of 552 Internet gamblers, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates Inc., showed 41 percent had incomes of more than $75,000 a year, while only 12 percent had incomes of less than $35,000.
More than two-thirds of the online gamblers were men, more than two thirds were under age 40, most had started such gambling only in the last two years, 61 percent had at least a college degree and nearly half of those responding said the biggest reason for Internet betting was convenience.
Read more...

2

Comedian Rita Rudner Opening Night - Harrah's.

4-18

Howie Mandel - MGM Grand.

6

REO Speedwagon - Red Rock Station.

6-7

Jay Leno - Mirage.

5-8

Mickey's Magic Show - Orleans.

6-8

The Osmond Brothers - Suncoast.

7

Andre Agassi Benefit Concert - MGM Grand.

12-14

Liza Minnelli - Luxor.

12-15

Dionne Warwick - Orleans.

13-14

George Lopez - LV Hilton.

13-15

Bill Acosta - Suncoast.

14

Ray Price - Santa Fe Station.

14-15

Ray Romano - Mirage.

19-Nov 1

Chicago - MGM Grand.

20-21

The Beach Boys - Luxor.

20-22

Jose Feliciano - Orleans.

21

Jimmy Buffett - MGM Grand.

21

Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis - Orleans Arena.

21

Bill Engvall - Green Valley Ranch.

26-29

The Smothers Brothers- Orleans.

27

Arturo Sandoval - Santa Fe Station.

27-28

LeAnn Rimes - Luxor.

27-28

David Spade - Mirage.

28

Alan Jackson - Buffalo Bill's, Primm, NV.

28

Jimmy Buffett - MGM Grand.

VIP Casino!

As reported by the Gaming Commissions.
Slot players know that payout %'s and top casino payout rankings can change monthly.
Note: Not all land-based casinos/regions are required to report payouts.

This link will provide current reporting for Slots Payouts.
easycasinogambling.com

To Tip or Not to Tip—ahhh, that is the question.
It is particularly relevant topic for casino players where ‘greasing palms’ is practiced everywhere for services—in the casino, hotel, restaurants, valet, airport and baggage handling.
It seems to me that there is a created ‘tipping mentality’ when it comes to casinos/hotels.
Nowhere else do you feel compelled to Tip than when you visit a casino and/or stay in a casino destination.
Services that I require at home include the butcher, the baker and the clean-maker (dry cleaners) yet I don’t tip them.
Why do I feel compelled to ‘pay the piper’ when I am in the slots playground?
I answer those questions below, give examples with explanations and invite your comments at: yourcasinovoice.com.

I classify Tipping in three categories and provide five examples for each:
1) Tipping that is ‘earned’ for ‘extra’ service.
2) Tipping because your experience (or your Mom) told you that you should and you feel guilty if you don’t.
3) Tipping that is not deserved and worthy of a rant.

1) Examples of Tipping for ‘extra service’ include:
Free drinks quickly and with a smile while playing in a casino.
Valet Parking that offers speedy service.
For a waiter/waitress who provides fast service and ensures an enjoyable dining experience.
Buffets: at least $1/person for drink orders and keeping the table cleared.
Room Service providing quick service and hot/chilled food as requested.
Explanation: Where else can you get the beverage of your choice served directly to you at $1 or less?
Valet Parking is the most important ‘extra service’ a casino offers me in that not only do I have my car parked for me, but if I am gambling alone, the security of not having to walk a garage or parking lot is priceless.
While 20% is the norm for a wonderful dining event, keep in mind that the $5.99 special should include a tip according to the true value of the meal.
At Buffets, I know you do all the ‘heavy-lifting’ and believe me, I have seen some very ‘heavy lifters’ at buffets, however, it’s worth at least $1/person for the value received.
Room Service tipping is payment for a luxury, in my opinion. With the sky-high prices, I don’t use this service often, but don’t mind paying for the privilege.

2) Examples of Tipping because you think you should include:
A bet ‘for the boys’. Placing a bet or tipping at table games to friendly and helpful dealers.
Pool People: for asking or providing items to make that ‘refreshing dip’ more relaxing.
Bellman: for either hauling your luggage to your room or holding your luggage at the front desk.
Maids: if you were truly messy, $5/day would be in order or lower/not if you were neat.
Taxi or Limo Drivers: chat me up or answer my questions and that tip of up to $5 is yours.
Explanation: Here’s where the ‘tipping because of guilt’ kicks in for me.
I don’t mind the bet ‘for the boys’ although usually I will tip the friendly dealer at the end of a winning cycle. It does annoy me that most casinos pool their tips so that my helpful, friendly dealer gets the same as the grouchy dealer I just left.
Pool People and Bellman deserve a tip; the latter only for holding my luggage. I don’t require a bellman to carry my luggage as I carry my own—mainly because I’m cheap.
Speaking of cheap—ok I admit it, I rarely tip maids because a) we are neat people, sometimes even making the bed. b) Recently, in Vegas, the maids got a raise.
Additionally, I rarely tip washroom attendants for what—the use of a towel!
This washroom attendant ire stems from our recent trip to Europe where several times, we had to pay to use a restroom and then the towel was extra—grrrrrr.
Lastly, however, Taxi/Limo drivers always get my tip because frankly, I am scared of them!
With the other four examples, those service people are not going to yell “Hey Cheapo, where’s my tip?” because they may see you again and perchance get that anticipated tip the next time around, but cabbies—chances are this is their only shot at a tip from you.
Now you know my fear factor—a screaming cabbie that’s after his/her tip.

3) Examples of Tipping that is not deserved and worthy of a rant include:
To get a better seat at a show/event.
To get a better view/room in the casino hotel.
Change People/Cashier for changing or counting out your cash.
Casino Attendant when you receive a hand-pay win.
Poor service because you are female.
Explanation: I begin with words I believe in, ‘Tips should be earned, not expected.”
The first two examples of the better seat or room is ‘a casino bribe game’ and there will always be people who will ‘palm’ an extra $20+ for these services.
The hairs on the back of my neck rise when I think about the price of a Vegas show ticket, so extra cash is not on my agenda and if I want a better room, I will request it when I make the reservation and hope for the best.
What is this I see? An extra 5 passed to the cashier or change person. I too, am pleased and carry a huge grin when I cash out a big-ticket amount, but I can think of 10 other ways I can spend that fiver than give it to a cashier, especially after standing in line.
As for tipping change people, let me try to grasp this--pay to have my bankroll monies changed?
Am I supposed to tip when I turn on the light because a ‘dud’ bill won’t work in a machine? Generally, if I want to break a $100 bill and play 20’s, I use the bill-breaking machines in the casino and it cost me nothing. For these two examples above, I will remain a non-participant even if my bankroll is on the plus side.
I remember reading that you should tip 1-2% for a hand pay win at which point the steam came out of my ears. $10-20 for hitting a $1000. jackpot played with MY money!
When the day comes that casinos start reimbursing my losses—then the tips will also begin.
How many times, folks, have you spent close to or more the amount of the hand-pay?
Why does it take four people to count out YOUR money and all expect a tip?
My sister, Kathy, was standing next to me when I collected $1000 for a Royal Flush and she asked afterwards, why I didn’t tip. My reply, “Tip for an attendant bringing MY money?” After a pause, she said, “You know, you’re right; but, I felt I should share my good fortune.”
“I agree with sharing your good fortune, therefore, I choose to toss playing money to my husband or other playing partner towards their good fortune.”
Or, as was the case for that day, buy dinner for everyone. We have a rule that when gambling in a group, the big winner buys dinner.
My experience has been that Vegas hand-payers are more aggressive for tips. While, they may not come right out and ask, you do get the dark stares at which time, I turn, tuck my winnings away and continue to play.
Lastly, I swear that casino service people could increase their tips by taking a different stance with female customers. Some get it, but a lot don’t.
A small example is that I order bottled water with a straw. I say the "with a straw" part clearly, yet 9 times out of 10, the straw is forgotten, apology made and they return much later. I believe they expect another tip for bringing what I originally asked for---not!
Sitting next to a fellow player, I said to him, “Did you hear me ask for a straw?” to which he replied, “Yes”, as he took a sip of his drink that was as he had ordered.
I can recount several occasions where I was ignored or treated differently from my male partner when in restaurants, in casino hotels or in the casino.
Do I wear a warning sign, “Female—Does Not Tip”?
From my previous ranting, you may think that they are right---I am cheap. However, I contend that with certain services I will tip as generously as my male counterpart will. Alternatively, when I am cheap, there are many males sharing the same boat as me.
To Casino Personnel: Let’s scrap those gender stereotypes and treat everyone alike.

In conclusion, most casino employees are paid well with unions to back them.
However, there are still some inequities, although with these salaries, I’m not shedding tears for this example.
Wynn Las Vegas dealers are the highest- paid dealers in the city earning about $100,000 per year with tips, however, supervisors of the dealers earn about $60,000 a year.
Breaking news states that the dealers are now protesting ‘sharing’ with supervisors as ordered by Wynn management, however the Gaming Commission is siding with Wynn.

Got a rant or comments? Send us an email or post at yourcasinovoice.com.