Casinos have promotions all the time. Some are very useful to the winning player (such as point multipliers) and some are basically useless (such as 2-for-1 Margaritas during happy hour on Tuesdays.)
Today I want to write about what promotions I like the least and invite you to respond. Wherever you originally read this article, it will be posted on www.gamblingwithanedge.com, where comments are welcome and discussed.
To limit the discussion somewhat, I’ll propose the following parameters on the promotions:
1. You must have an edge of at least a half percent.
2. The promotion is within your bankroll (which will mean nickel games for some readers and much larger games for others.)
3. The promotion will last a reasonable length of time. (This will exclude such things as “come in Thursday and pick up $10 in free play,” or “promotion limited to your first $1,000 of coin-in”.)
The promotions may include several things going on at once (i.e. point multiplier, earn tickets for a good drawing or two, and earn tier credits toward a tier whose benefits you desire.) This would be a good thing in my opinion — but opinions vary.
I do most of my gambling as a “local,” so comps such as RFB and airfare do not enter into my considerations. If you are not a local at whatever casino has this promotion, you’re welcome to include such comps in your equation.
So, with these parameters in mind, let me tell you what I like the LEAST. My list could very well expand after reading your responses.
1. Very few relevant machines, so players must compete with each other for time on device. Sometimes you must show up six or more hours before the promotion starts in order to get a machine. Sometimes you show up six hours early and find that all machines are already taken with players who are planning on sticking around for the duration. Sometimes you can make a deal with a player to get the machine at such and such a time — sometimes you can’t.
2. A relatively smoky casino. I know I need to tolerate some of this in order to play in casinos, but some have smoke levels that keep me away, no matter what the promotion is.
3. Very high variance (say, larger volatility than Double Double Bonus) for stakes that are at the high end of my bankroll comfort zone. This is especially true if the casino has the reputation of kicking out players who win more than a certain amount.
This means you’re either going to lose a considerable amount or get kicked out. Being kicked out usually includes the forfeiture of future free play (which could well have been part of the calculation) and you can lose comps and other valuable things.
4. It’s at a tribal casino that has a reputation of not paying players. There is one such casino in Southern California where they recently offered a bonus on W2Gs, and a large number of players were kicked out. Understandably when there are a lot of W2Gs, things back up. Many players made “tickets” of, $2,000 or $3,000 to insert into the machines after they were paid in cash. The casino kicked out some of these players and refused to redeem their tickets. That means players were stuck holding worthless paper — which are only valuable if the casino says they are.
This is not an isolated incident. If you are unfamiliar with what can and does happen at these places, check out Bob Nersesian’s book, The Law for Gamblers, especially his chapter entitled, “Indian Gaming: OMG, WTF”
5. Uncomfortable machines. This could be because the chairs are locked into position and don’t adjust — and the standard height doesn’t fit my body. It could be the screens are very dark and hard to read. It could be the buttons are very sticky and so frequent mistakes are common unless you play extremely slowly.
6. Some of the benefits are uncollectible. It could be that there is a future drawing where I would have a decent chance at winning something, but I can’t be there. It could be that a large proportion of the benefits must be collected sometime in the future at that casino and it’s difficult or impossible for me to return. If the edge is high enough without these uncollectible benefits, then this doesn’t have to be a showstopper.
7. I’m already way ahead recently at this place. Even if a casino doesn’t have a reputation for kicking players out, every casino has a limit for what they will tolerate. If I think I might be close, it makes sense to stay away for six months or so.
Okay. That’s my list at the current time. What did I get wrong and what did I forget to mention?
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Promotions for “locals only”. Dang!
It’s in the fine print at the bottom of the rules.
None of these were really types of promotions. Just playing conditions that are not liked.
This is a very comprehensive list, but I can add one: Tax Problems that erase your edge. There are a huge number of tax complications that can cost you more than you think you can win. Best place to start might be the latest “Tax Help for Gamblers”.
Confused as to purpose:
Least Favorite Type of Promotion, i.e. 2 for 1 Margaritas, or least favorite casino conditions, i.e. smoky casino?
A Delaware casino that shall not be named who’s promotions state: Not valid on ETGs or Video Poker.
“Great Gift Wrap Up” bonus points or similar promotions where the benefit can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars in merchandise (or less in gift cards) but only if you plan to return to Las Vegas 6 months later on very specific dates.
– Another vote for Great Gift Wrap Up as a least favorite promotion. A specific redemption date is a deal breaker. Plus the merchandise is over-priced in terms of the point requirement. Play a lot for a little..
– Slot tournaments with large buy-in requirement. JMHO, but many of these are “fixed” to ensure management favorites win. Seen it.
– Drawings whereby players receive 1 or 2 “free” entries, more entries earned with play during the eligibility period. Whales come in and earn thousands of entries. Smaller fish need not apply.
– Most any drawing. They start late evening, one drawing per hour so you lose more money (or sleep) waiting to hear your name called, which mostly won’t happen (the high rollers again).
As to least favorite casino conditions/environment:
– Agree that cigarette/cigar odor is a buzz kill.
– Chairs locked by footplate in one position. Can’t scoot it closer to reach the buttons more easily.
– Loud music, particularly rap/heavy metal/hard rock/nasty lyrics. Showing my age here.
– Lax cleanup around machines–ashes/ash trays, drink glasses.
– Player account access buttons stubborn. Screens faded, hard to read.
This comment is not on topic, but after reading Candy’s comments, I offer mine – card readers at Boyd properties – they are the worst for recognizing your players card when inserted. Even the game tech’s complain.
1. Free slot (non-poker) tournament entry.
2. Free tournament on old upright machines.
3. Free tournament with mystery payout poker game.
I’m not giving the casino my name for a paltry 1/2%. Better yet, I don’t want them too have it at all.
As for worst condition…smokers and button pounders.
I’m responding to something that Bob Dancer mentioned that is more about immoral/unethical/illegal behavior than worthlessness. He recited the incident of an Indian casino not redeeming tickets that were made in their casinos with authentic American dollars. That’s fodder for a lawsuit, and it’s also fodder for an action on the part of the federal government. I would like to know whether any of those victims filed a lawsuit and/or reported the casino to the feds. The mere fact that Indian casinos are not directly under the purview of either the state or the federal government does not mean that they can do whatever they want. Both fraud and breach of contract are illegal at both the state and federal level. But more cogent would be in the adage of “hit ’em where they’ll hurt”: the Indian casinos have to abide by certain California state laws in order to operate, and I can see California (more than any other state) taking every measure possible against them, and also officially warning its citizens against playing in those casinos. I think those casinos would rather not let it come to that.
I agree — but you can take that into consideration when you decide to play or not.
If I was going to get thousands of dollars worth of goodies — I would arrange my life so I could be there. for a few hundred of dollars or less, it’s not so important.
It’s not nearly so black and white as what you present. Listen to some of Nersesian’s GWAE podcasts. It’s tough to sue a tribe. in some states the lawyers don’t even try because they know the tribes always win.
Agree about the loud music, Candy. I never go *anywhere* without earplugs. Especially casinos. 😉
Concur. Al should read Nersesian’s “Law for Gamblers”. For those who don’t know, Nersesian is a famous Vegas gambling lawyer. He’s also a member of the Blackjack Hall of Fame. I’m sure he has other accolades as well.
I recommend a small aerosol spray can of Ultra Duster to do the trick. Contains no cfc’s, which beak down the ozone layer. A quick blast 2″ away from the empty card slot will remove dust that has settled on the strip reader. For no cost, if you can position yourself, take a big inhale and blow.
Yes, loud music is overwhelming – can’t even hear your self think or converse with anyone!
Also, have been noticing people (not handicapped) bringing their dogs into the casino – dumb idea!!!
There are quite a few live poker promotions out there that are only attractive to people who play 20 hours or more per month. These tend to attract “grinders” who aren’t very profitable or fun to play against. I’d
be happier if the casino spent that money to attract the type of player who only visits a few times a year, even if it meant getting less back from the casino in direct comps. I may not want that free T-shirt or buffet, but if that’s what gets the fish to sit down with his chips then I’m happy.
Does the caveat apply only to Indian casinos on Indian land? For instance, Hard Rock in Atlantic City is owned by the Seminoles. Should one be cautious there as well or even avoid it altogether?