This happened to Brad and me recently.
We received a good offer from an out-of-town casino, RFB including a suite for 3 nights, two concert tickets, 3x points, and a nice cash bonus to boot. We like this casino and were in the mood for a weekend get-away, plus we had friends who would be there at the same time. So we booked the offer.
The day before we were to leave we heard from a friend who had just come back from this casino – and his news was bad. They had downgraded the paytables on every video poker machine that we had planned to play.
What should we do? Cancel the trip? Go ahead and go – collect the cash bonus and soak up the comps – but not play?
What would you do?
What do you think Brad and I did?
You can think about these questions – and if you want, put down your guesses and your ideas in the Comments. In a couple of days, I’ll return to tell you what we did – and why.
This is what I would do, and I think we have a similar value system:
The paytables aren’t the only reason for the trip, so why pass up all the other good stuff? You have many valid reasons for going: to be with friends, free entertainment and accomodations. The playing part doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition, just play through the cash bonus they give you, have a good time. You earned those comps based on past play, you made no commitments to play in the future.
Not sure what you guys did, but I’d go and take advantage of the perks. Then I’d let the casino know that while I appreciate the offers I’ll not be back nor would I be playing at my normal levels due to the changes they elected to make. Perhaps this would prompt a change in the pay tables on the machines, but more likely result in my being removed from their mailing list. No great loss as I would not go out of my way to visit them anyway.
When they down graded their payout scale they are trying to get more money out of you. I would go and use all the comps I could. I would also talk to the slot manager and tell him why I would not play a tight machine. I don,t mind a 99% machine for a weekend, but when you have 6 5 bonus poker, thats when I quit playing at your Casino
I think you and I would handle this differently — and your way would be more honorable.
I’d go for sure. After looking forward to a gambling trip, nothing short of a major emergency would keep me away. I’d stay at the place that offered the RFB with suite and I’d play at least the cash bonus. I’d probably play some VP (I know, shame on me since the expectation isn’t there) but I’d see if the Blackjack was acceptable. If the area has other casinos, most of my play would go to them. I figure the home casino’s offer was based on past play. They want me to play more while I’m there, but I’m under no obligation to do so.
I think you would still make the trip — to see your friends if nothing else. I think you would talk to your host and explain your disappointment at the changes in pay tables. You’d tell him that you can’t enjoy playing at that level and that’s why you’re taking your business elsewhere. Then you’d head to another hotel/casino, have fun with your friends and play enough to get the room and food comped.
I would take advantage of the RFB, enjoy the suite, either go to the concert, (if I liked the performer(s)) or sell the tickets, spend the cash, or play it. Finally, look for new opportunities in the casino that have a decent play schedule. Free is free, not to be complained about!
You, as I beleive, would do the same thing.
Dave Manning
ps I am available to take your spot at a minutes notice.
Since it appears you’re in the mood for a get away, and that you will be seeing treasured friends, I will say to go ahead and make the trip. You’re playing at triple points, so despite the fact that you’re favorites have been downgraded, you will research and determine the best play that exists. With triple points, I’m assuming you will be close to positive expectation territory, and that doesn’t even take the free cash into consideration. Life is about experiences. Great friends, a nice venue, a concert, a getaway…..all for break even? Ahhhhhh life is good.
I would go ahead and go, play a little bit, take advantage of the comps and have a good time.
Step down to quarters, take a small loss and enjoy your visit. Maybe you’ll even get lucky and win.
I think you went ahead with the trip. It’s a place you like, friends were there, and it was free. I don’t see a downside.
go anyway
Go, check out thr paytables, if they are changed, don’t play there, enjoy the comps.
sit back and enjoy the moment.