Casino Rants & Ramblings - Hey New England Casinos, C'mon Man!

Ok, it's time to release some of my concerns about New England's Casinos - some generic to all casino gambling, others specific to New England.  Why wait, here I go....

So, Palmer doesn't think Mohegan Sun didn't do a good enough job to sell it?  The New London Day reports today that Mohegan Sun spent $485,000 on its failed attempt to persuade Palmer, Mass., voters to endorse a $1 billion casino project prior to a Nov. 5 referendum, campaign finance reports show. The sum is about 29 times what an anti-casino group spent and equals the price of buying 24 new slot machines (at approximately $20,000 each).  Hmmmm.....maybe they could have spent more since 24 machines is equal to only (approximately) .4% of their floor inventory.

Over the same period Mohegan Sun spent $485,000, the pro-casino Citizens for Jobs and Growth in Palmer, spent $13,145, nearly all of it supplied by Northeast Realty Associates, owner of the 152-acre site where the casino would have been built. Not much support, if you ask me......

The use of social media by the casinos is out of control.  If I see one more Tweet of Facebook entry from casinos about one more jackpot winner from CT, or see anymore pictures of jackpot winners from Oxford Casino in Maine, I'm going to need to sue for "sight pollution!"  We know - Jackpots happen to a few.  Stop already!  Besides - the "selfies" are bad enough from the patrons.  Who cares which bathroom you went to after eating at the buffet?

New Hampshire - why bother?  You know if you have another chance for a casino, anti-casino groups will get together an d it will be strike two!  If it gets further than that, Massachusetts will send more troops up there to stop it anyway.  Ah, yes - Massachusetts - the state of the anti-casino mercenary force.

Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods - your buffets are not worth the money it takes to pay for it, let alone play to earn one.  The quality has dropped, but the prices continue to rise.  The Mohegan's overhaul is a step back, even though they tried to copy the M Resort's Studio "B" Buffet in Las Vegas.
Ever try to earn one on your points? Here's the breakdown:

• Foxwoods Festival Buffet (dinner) - $19.99 (without any specials added).  To earn that on your rewards, it would take $1800 through slots and $30,600 through video poker to earn 20 points. (Stats to get figures taken from vpFree2.com)
• Mohegan is much more mysterious with it's information, but you can imagine it's similar.  And remember, the Sun has lots of full-pay video poker - THAT YOU CAN'T EARN POINTS FOR!

Finally, what's up with the lack of headliner entertainment in January?  Don't the casino entertainment managers know we need a place to go and people to see in the doldrums of the winter?  You know, something besides Reality Fighting.....we get to see that every night on the news and "reality" TV.

That's NOT all.......but it'll do for today.  I feel better already.

Binbin

Mohegan "Sun"day - New Rewards Club "Momentum"

So, just when we get used to things at our local casino, they change something accordingly for  "the better." To be honest, many casinos change their clubs - some out in Las Vegas (MGM) change every few years, partially due to acquisitions, and new casino clubs that influence change. Others keep the same club name and basic system, but change the inner workings such as Caesars (Harrahs) Total rewards and Stations Casinos. Mohegan's basic club structure has been in use since the casino's opening in 1996.  Let's take a look at what we know about the Sun's new rewards club "MOMENTUM."

According to the Sun Website, "... You'll earn Momentum Dollars to spend on our world-class dining, premium brand shopping, hotel stays, spa treatments and more. Momentum also rewards your level of play with Personal Achievement Awards that may include Free Slot Play, Match Play or other valuable rewards that amplify your thrills." Ok, so far nothing new. Yeah, we know - your play is tracked and you earn points in two ways, your points to spend and your "tier" points that track your level of play. So, what's different about this new rewards club?

1) According to Mohegan Sun, with Momentum, the more you play, the more power you'll have to personalize your Mohegan Sun experiences. VIP lounge access, hotel stays, concert tickets - you'll have the momentum to achieve them all and the flexibility to choose the ones you want. I guess this means that each person will be able to note their preferences instead of hoping the data collected predicts your interests. If this is true, this would be a good thing. I mean, why let a computer tell them what you like - better you do it yourself. This is especially noteworthy for low to mid rollers that don't use hosts.

2) Reward points to spend on dining, shopping etc., are now called "Momentum Dollars."
What will be interesting is the % of return on your dollar. In other words, on Video Poker with lower pay tables (not the ones that are marked no points earned) is a terrible $270 = 1 point. Slots are less, but considering most casinos use the relationship of 2:1 for VP vs Slot dollars earned, let's just say $130 through = one point.
The trend is to make the earning worse for the player. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse because as casinos go nationally, this is very low.

3) There are now four levels, not three:
CORE - under 600 Status points. Status points are the previous Tier points

LEAP - (600 - 1400 Status Points) benefits including priority Hotel check-in, reserved parking and 10¢ off per gallon of gas at Mohegan Sun Mobil Gas Station. Momentum Accelerators will increase your Momentum Dollar earning rate and you'll have increased access to complimentary hotel stays, Arena entertainment tickets, VIP lounges and Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug.

ASCEND - (1400 - 4000 Status points) Additional benefits in addition to LEAP Level include a dedicated priority check-in desk and an Executive Host ready to assist you, access to our VIP lounges and 20¢ off per gallon of gas at Mohegan Sun Mobil Gas Station.

SOAR - (4000+ Status points) Additional benefits include visiting any of three VIP lounges at any time, requesting a complimentary hotel suite on the weekend with priority check-in at Aquai and enjoy free Arena tickets along with access to the Express line at the Arena Club. Plus, you'll receive 30¢ off per gallon at Mohegan Sun Mobil Gas Station. Best of all, you will have the benefit of having a Player Development Executive ready to assist you in exploring the limitless options for experiencing Mohegan Sun the way you want.

Their website includes a chart of all benefits and the comparisons to all levels. Check it out. As to whether this is an improvement, or a new "smoke and mirrors" show to take more and give less, only time will tell.

Also, all Momentum points are usable at Resorts in Atlantic City, and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, which was true recently with the old rewards club.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Website / Podcast Recemmendation - "Gambling With an Edge"

Bob Dancer is a video poker expert and gambling author best known for his book "Million Dollar Video Poker," which recounts six years of video poker experiences. Currently he writes a weekly online article for www.lva.com. More than 400 of Dancer's articles are archived on www.bobdancer.com.

Whether it's in the car, by the pool, or at the fitness center, I like to listen to some of my favorite podcasts. Currently, Bob Dancer co-hosts, with Richard W. Munchkin, (Black Hall-of-Famer), a weekly hourlong radio program called "Gambling With An Edge," on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. on KLAV 1230 a.m. in Las Vegas. This podcast is for the serious gambler, or those who are very interested in the business and industry of gambling. It's purpose is to make you a more informed gambler and closer to being an advantage player - a player looking for the best positive advantage in gambling.

Every week, Bob & Munch host guests that give in depth looks into many aspects of the casino world that are not usually discussed. Here are some of my recent favorites:

• Michael Gaughan - owner of Southpoint Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and son of the famous gambler and Vegas entrepreneur Jackie Gaughan, famous for Binion's Casino and the World Series of Poker.
• Ray Konder, CPA - how to file taxes as a professional gambler; insights into promotion and legal problems with casinos; tax info for all gamblers
• "Old-Timer" - an anonymous Las Vegas professional gambler reminiscing about video poker teams and gambling promotions; changes in gambling and casino security.

The information provided is amazing. From looks into the historic "good old days" of Las Vegas gambling, to the latest suggestions on how to best maximize current promotions, such as Atlantic City's Revel and their recent $100,000 rebate.

It's a highly rated podcast by its listeners - obviously the serious gambler, gambling historians and the like. If you want to hear it live, the Live Air-Time is: 7 PM Thursday nights on KLAV Talk-Radio 1230am In Las Vegas. You can listen live http://www.klav1230am.com

As for me, I prefer to have my Bob Dancer & guests accompany me to work.

That's all for now.

Binbin

What is a Casino Host, And Why Do I Need One?

Well, maybe you don't need one. But let's look at what a casino host does first.

A Casino Host

• delivers services to players at their casino who will become loyal patrons to the establishment.
• tries to fulfill any reasonable requests their clients might have
• has the power to issue complimentary services, ranging from complimentary meals, beverages, and show tickets right up to full accommodation in a hotel casino
• develops a relationship with every level of gambler

That last one is the tricky part. If you are spending a qualifying amount of money and time, it's good to have a host. If you feel you deserve one, ask a slot floor person who is the host on duty and speak to them. Be cordial, polite and expect some customer service. It is their job. There is no minimum level of play necessary just to talk to a casino host. However, unless you plan to direct a fair amount of play towards the casino that they work at, there's not likely to be a lot they can do for you. You should feel free to ask to speak to a host and they will politely tell you if they think they can be of service to you.

If you are a low to mid roller, and visit many different casinos, or visit one casino but not often, having a host will not necessarily help. You may be receiving the deserved comps in mailers or by email already. I'd say that unless you are already receiving full room comps based on players club figures, you're wasting your time seeking out a host. If you are consistently getting comped rooms for the duration of your stay and still feel that you are being under comped - contact a host. But believe me, if a host is not contacting you looking for your business, you are not on their radar.

Just for fun I called around a little. I spoke to someone at the Aria in Las Vegas, where I played very little my last trip. They said they need action of $150/ hand for 4-6 hours a day (minimum total bet of $36,000 yikes) or 3,000 slot points a day. Obviously, a large high end property like that have hosts that cater to the whales - the big bettors. Then I tried called Main St Station in downtown Las Vegas where loyalty and $5000 - $10,000 (maybe less) might get the same host services, depending on daily play & number of visits. So it depends on 2 things - time & money.

You see, the casino host reports directly to the marketing managers in most casinos. The Casino Host is the member of management that has the most contact with players and patrons. The job of a Casino Host can be very competitive as they are seeking the repeat patronage of players, a common goal that is shared with competing casinos and their own Casino Hosts.

Ask yourself "Where is my largest amount of play?" That's where you should look into any host services, if any are available.

By the way, there's nothing shady about working with a casino host. It's their job to make you happy and keep you coming back to the casino. If you're not a high roller working with a casino host can still be beneficial and make planning your trips easier. A host can reserve your room, make dinner arrangements, get show tickets and pretty much anything else you need from the casino with one email. That, in itself, can make hosts a great asset. If they can offer comps, even better.

That's all for now.

Binbin

All I Wanted To Do Was See The Comedy Show at Mohegan Sun....

"THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."  
There are a couple themes in this post, but you have to read the whole post to get them, and the last might be the most important of all.!

Last night just confirmed for me what I knew already....stay away from casinos on Saturday Nights!
It's probably why I stay away from the strip in Las Vegas, or never stay over on a Saturday night in Atlantic City.  But there were other things that I did learn about Mohegan Sun, and it wasn't pretty.

CHAPTER I.  

First. let's start with the obvious. Those of you who live Massachusetts, LISTEN UP!  This is what you have to look forward to.  These are general weekend occurrences at casinos all over the country, and to a casino coming to you.

TRAFFIC & PARKING - Wow, I have never seen so many cars at that casino in my life.  I usually park in the winter garage, which is the last to fill up.  IT WAS FULL!  I parked in the parking lot outside so far away, I was closer to the Fire Dept. than the Casino Garage Entrance. Oh, and for all of you selfish people who consider yourself "Special" because your car so expensive it deserves two parking places, "YOU"RE NOT ALONE IN THE WORLD!!!"  We counted at least 20-30 more spots in the garage alone taken up by these inconsiderate idiots. 

DRUNKS - need I say more?

LOUD, OBNOXIOUS, "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" BACHELORETTE PARTIES - so many blood-curdling screams, you'd swear there was a horror movie being filmed.  Oh no, it's just another arrival before they spend ten minutes in everyone's way taking their 34th "selfie" on their iPhone.

DRUNKS - maybe Maine has it right.  You have to pay for alcoholic drinks in Maine at both casinos.  Massachusetts, hello out there?

PEOPLE EVERYWHERE - AND NO ORGANIZATION or EXPERIENCED HELP TO AID WITH CROWD CONTROL - on a busy night like Saturday Night, when Styx & REO Speedwagon are in the Arena, and New York's favorite vulgar comedian Nick DiPaolo was at the Cabaret, there should more, knowledgeable staff available. (segue)

CHAPTER II.  

AND NOW, the real reason for today's post - All I Wanted To Do Was See The Comedy Show at Mohegan Sun.... TOPIC: EVENT TICKETS, or more apply titled, "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."

Arriving 40 minutes before the show, I was told I wasn't on the list for tickets.  But, I had reserved them by phone through a mailer sent by email weeks previous.  Not only did I not have tickets, but they didn't have enough tickets to hand out - and it wasn't sold out!  So, a line formed behind me, waiting for the tickets to arrive.  The staff were placed in a very awkward situation, since I over heard them say they didn't like their nightly assignment.  Why would they, if they were on the phone contacting hosts because patrons names weren't "on the list,"  and they were obviously not  taught skills to handle the variety of problems thrown at them, AND there wasn't the support and hosts available for them at the time of the comedy show to get their job done!  It was a mess, to say the least.  But it seems this is more the norm than I thought.  Here are two stories that we were told by other patrons while we waited at the front of the line for tickets:

"I drive from a hour away.  They say I don't qualify, yet I get the offer by email.  They say I have no tickets, and this isn't the first time - the same thing happened two weeks ago."

"We drive from Darien.  We were promised a suite, but have a regular room.  My friends couldn't show, but we have to get in line and get all four tickets.  Last time they charged us $25 each and I was afraid they'd do it again."

The problem lies with Mohegan Sun's Marketing and Hosts.  Again, "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."  You see, offers are sent by email for events to patrons, and yet, if you sign into your Mohegan Rewards Account on their website, it says that you must purchase.  When I called to confirm this event, I was told I had tickets, and reserved them. The agent I talked to said it was a problem, and "did I know I had other offers coming up as well?" This really needs to be fixed.

MORAL of the story - always check and recheck your comped offers before going to any casino event.  Expect that "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."

CHAPTER III.  

A HAPPY ENDING.  There are a lot of kind and considerate people in this world, and we met two of them.  Bill & Rosemary also had two extra tickets, and offered them to us to be their guests.  We sat with them in the middle of the Cabaret, great seats, and met two wonderful people.  The show was raw, vulgar, funny and not for the sensitive, but that's a review for another time.

AMONG THE VAST AMOUNTS OF HUMAN BEINGS, DRUNKS AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ALSO FIND AT CASINOS - GOOD PEOPLE.  Thank you Bill & Rosemary for making lemonade out of lemons for us.  You're ACES in our book.

That's all for now. 

Binbin

Foxwoods Friday - New Promotions

Foxwoods - MGM seems to be raising the bar to entice CT, RI & NY gamblers with new promotions. Here's a quick look.

10x FREE CRAPS ODDS
Play Craps at select tables in Club Newport, Grand Pequot Casino and Stargazer Casino you will get 10X Free Odds

MATCH OFFERS FROM OTHER CASINOS
Any Foxwoods Rewards Card Member is eligible to receive a match offer from any Connecticut, New York or Rhode Island casinos. Present and surrender the physical, non-expired offer that has your name printed on it. They will match the offer at any Foxwoods Rewards location.
One match offer per guest, per week up to $500
We will match any Bonus Slot play, Match Play, Free Bets, Food and Hotel offers from any CT, NY and RI casinos
Hotel reservations are subject to availability
Rules & Regulations apply, check website

REWARDS CARD TRADE UP
For new cardholders. Sign up for a new Foxwoods Rewards Card at any Foxwoods Rewards location with identification. Show them your player's card level from any Connecticut, New York or Rhode Island casinos and we will trade you up to our card level that equals it. It's that simple. Rules & Regulations apply, check website

WIN A HOTEL PACKAGE
Enter to win a new prize each month which includes overnight stay, and may come with dinner, entertainment, golf, or spa services! Rules & Regulations apply, check website

• August’s Prize - Fall Wine and Dine
• Producer Suite at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods
• G Spa – G Chianti Crushed Wrap and a Pinot Noir Manicure & Pedicure
• Wine Dinner for two at Alta Strada

The winner will be drawn on August 30.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH (60+)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27

• 25% Discount at Veranda Cafe & Festival Buffet
• 10% Discount at Craftsteak
• Free Small Plate with $15 purchase – one offer per table at California Pizza Kitchen
• 25% off Services and Retail Purchases at the Norwich Spa at Foxwoods
• Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer for Legends in Concert when purchased at the Box Office
• High Rollers – Buy one game of bowling, get one free 5pm-7pm 

TUESDAY, SEPT 10 & 24

• 25% Discount at Veranda Cafe & Festival Buffet
• 10% Discount at Craftsteak
• Free Small Plate with $15 purchase – one offer per table at California Pizza Kitchen
• 25% off Services and Retail Purchases at the Norwich Spa at FoxwoodsHigh Rollers – Buy one game of bowling, get one free 5pm-7pm

AUDI A5, MONDAY, SEPT 2 • 4pm
Earn Entries:

• Friday, August 30 at 6am through Monday, September 2 at 3pm
• Receive one free entry each day at any self-service kiosk
• Get one additional entry for every two rewards points earned
• Receive double entries on Sundays

We will randomly select five lucky winners to win these great prizes:

• Grand Prize Winner: Audi A5
• 2nd Prize: $5,000 CASH
• 3rd Prize: 2,500 CASH
• 4th Prize: 1,500 in Pequot Outpost Mobil Gas Cards
• 5th Prize: 1,500 in Pequot Outpost Mobil Gas Cards

Winners will be announced and posted throughout the property. All winners have 30 minutes to claim their prize. Rules & Regulations apply, check website

That's all for now!


Binbin

Trip Report Part 2 - Oxford Casino, Oxford Maine

A summer trip to Maine is a great vacation idea, whether it includes the inner most camping, hiking, and lakes, or the long coastline. I hope you read Part 1 yesterday when I reviewed the Hollywood Casino, Hotel, and Raceway. If not, go back and read it......we'll wait......

(cue "Jeopardy Theme" music.........)

Now it's time to visit Maine's newest casino - OXFORD CASINO



We stopped at Oxford on our way home. It is about 2 hours southwest of Bangor near Lewiston. There is no parking garage, but tons of outside parking. The front entrance is obviously very new and quite attractive.

CASINO - It is smaller than Hollywood, but they have packed lots of slots in - almost to the point of no space. And while Hollywood is open 8am to 3am, Oxford is open 24/7. Oxford is a non-smoking casino, with areas outside designated for smoking. One terrific idea was the self-service beverage area with coffee, soda and water. If you are thirsty, you can just get up and get something. Free drinks in both Maine casinos are non-alcoholic - alcoholic beverages must be bought and cannot be comped by law.

Table games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini-Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Mississippi Stud Poker, Let-It-Ride and recently added Pai Gow Poker. Minimums were about $5 - $10 and up on BJ, everything else $5.

They have just over 800 slots, packed together. In using the minimal space there is, this casino floor feels like a sardine can - and it was a Monday afternoon with no big promotions, it was filled with people! The previous year's earnings and visitation proves its popularity, and has produced revenue beyond the expected numbers. To their credit, their slot inventory is very new, and very diverse. New slots such as "Family Guy," "NASCAR," and the latest Aristocrat, IGT and Williams machines highlight the slot inventory.

The video poker is not good. The only barely playable game is 8/5 DDB. Quarter players are stuck with 7/5 JOB and 6/5 Bonus with the same pay tables for $1 players. What is with Maine and their poor Video Poker? At least you can play VP at one of the bars, but you still have pay for your alcoholic beverages. NO comps for you!

THE REWARDS CLUB -  redemption for play is $1 in equals 1 point; 500 points equals $1 of rewards. A great innovation as part of their rewards club called "The Loyalty Club" is the Club Partners, which include discounts for over 20 local businesses. More casinos should take this idea and develop it to connect with local businesses.  (Mohegan Sun has spun it's own variation of this idea in its Mass Casino license application in Palmer.)

DINING - 2 options. the Oxford Grill, open weekdays at 11:00, but on the weekend at 7:30 for breakfast; and the Oxford Express, open 24/7 featuring sandwiches, soups and pastries. We ate at the Oxford grill, which is away from the sounds of slots, and is a beautiful place for lunch and dinner - simple, modern decor with a relaxing feel. We both tried salads. My wife's Summer salad came with Grilled Chicken, Strawberries, Grapes, Oranges, Red Onion, Candied Pecans, Feta Cheese which was not only beautiful to look at but delicious. My Asian Chicken Salad came with Grilled Chicken Breast, Fried Wontons, Sliced Almonds, Ginger Sesame Dressing which ended in a completely clean plate.( I guess I liked it) The serving size was good and the chicken in both was perfectly cooked with a little "char" taste. The Oxford Grill is a great place for a good meal, drinks, and a get away from the business in the casino.

CASINO SERVICE - Everyone was very friendly, but due to the amount of people and crammed rows of slots, the servers certainly have their work cut out for them. Again, Kudos for that beverage station idea!

It was a great trip, finally seeing what all the hub-bub was about in Maine's newest casino. With all that parking space, my suggestion to Churchill Downs, the new owners of Oxford Casino, is:

• Build a parking garage to the far side of the casino
• Expand the casino on the side of the casino
• Continue building upon the success of the first year.

In previous posts I have outlined the phases of expansion already presented. Please check those out.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Casino Card Swiping Promotions - Does Anyone Really Win?

Casinos love to run promotions - basically, to get you there!

But I've never won anything - have you?  I know some do - one friend of mine won $500 with one swipe of their players card.  But for most of us, it's just another exercise in futility...or is it?  And how do they work?

First of all, for those of you who still believe there is some miraculous way that casinos can switch machines to change their payout, or believe in programmed streaks, or refuse to try to understand the science behind a Random Number Generator (RNG), then read no further.  Keep rubbing and talking to the slot machine, keep believing the voodoo you think you know so well, and have a nice uninformed day.

(pause, as people click out of article, leaving the smart ones still reading)

Are they gone?   Good.  So for those of you that understand the RNG, or at least knows it runs the slots and video poker, then keep reading.

I have visited two casinos in the past month - Resorts in AC and Mohegan Sun in CT - that are running similar swiping promotions.  In both, you swipe your card, then choose something on the screen, hopefully matching something or finding something for a reward.  One patron after another  lined up waiting for up to 30 minutes only be disappointed.  I asked the fella running the Resorts promo if anyone had won at all - all day - and he said "No."  Hmmm.....how does this work, anyhow.

I began to think it was very similar to a VERY low paying slot machine.  Remember, the reels, bonuses, etc, on a slot machine is just the entertainment value for pushing a button, or in the old days, pulling the handle. It could be showing SportsCenter, it wouldn't matter.  You push the button, you choose a combination in the RNG (in a milli-second) and what ever you get, you get.  So, I figured, it's not the choosing, it's the swipe that counts.  Again - the screen choosing and all that is just the entertainment value. (Or the not-so-entertaining value.)

So I asked one of the leading gambling experts what he thought of my anaylsis.

John Grochowski is a gambling columnist and author. His weekly newspaper column began at the Chicago Sun-Times making him the first casino gambling columnist at a major U.S. newspaper.
His well-known book The Casino Answer Book explained has explained the basics of casino gambling to beginners and pros since 1998.. His other books include The Video Poker Answer Book, The Craps Answer Book and The Slot Machine Answer Book.
He also contributes articles to magazines and internet publications to the Casino City Times website, Casino Player, Strictly Slots, Southern Gaming and Destinations and Midwest Gaming & Travel, Casino Journal and Slot Manager magazines. And he agreed with me! (pats self on back!)

John also added the following in his email reply:
"You are correct (I LOVE THAT PART!) --- the promo programming is basically a low-paying slot, with results determined by an RNG. There's an extra wrinkle at most casinos. Your players club tier level can make a difference in the odds, whether in more frequent pays (1 in 10 for Tier A, 1 in 20 for Tier B, 1 in 50 for Tier C, for example), or by size of reward, such as most frequent prize being $25 in free play at Tier A, $15 at Tier B, $5 at Tier C.
Such differential programming would be illegal on a slot machine. You can't give a player a better chance at winning just because he's a more frequent customer. But in player rewards, it's not only legal but expected that the best customers are going to get more comps and perks."
So, there you have it.  That's how it works.  Fascinating!
Thanks to John for his timely reply.  Please check out any of his articles and publications, you won't be disappointed.  And thanks for reading this, my royally informed gaming friends.

Thar's all for now.

Binbin

Mohegan Sun Sunday

Mohegan Sun announced plans Tuesday for a $50 million retail complex with a 14-screen movie theater, a bowling alley, a barn-style artisan-food pavilion and high-end shops.
In all, the "Downtown District" development is expected to add 50 retailers and 200,000 square feet to the Mohegan Sun casino, entertainment and retail complex. Construction is to begin later this year finishing an expansion that was interrupted in 2008 by the economic downturn. It is expected to be completed in 2015.

"It's been our strategy all along to enhance the destination experience and have more of an attraction factor, to give people a reason to drive a little further," Etess, Mohegan Sun CEO said.

The Downtown District will feature a retail store promenade called High Street Fashion. It also will have a "PopNShop," which is a storefront that changes monthly, offering trunk shows, product debuts and "the world's best designers," the casino said. All of the retailers are new to Mohegan Sun.

The Downtown District will be built by real-estate developers The Hampshire Cos. of Morristown, N.J., and The Bronson Cos. of Winton, Calif. Richard "Skip" Bronson, founder of The Bronson Cos., was an original co-developer of CityPlace in Hartford.

Plans call for a Taste of New England Gourmet Hall, a large, barn-like pavilion with artisan foods from all six New England states. The hall will have special events, including a farmers market and a harvest festival.

Another feature is Kings Bowl, a "retro modern" bowling and dining attraction by The Lyons Group of Boston, which has similar facilities with a mid-20th-century-modern motif in the Boston area, in Rosemont, Ill., and in Orlando, Fla. The bowling and dining facility will be more than 20,000 square feet.

The development also will have a Marquee Cinemas 14-screen theater, called the Mohegan multiplex, including an IMAX-type theater. Marquee operates movie theaters in eight states, including the Westbrook 12 cinema.

"From farm-to-table to films, designer fashions to date night, the Downtown District will be an amenity to the resort and a daily destination for locals and visitors alike," Mark Rivers, president of The Bronson Cos., said in a prepared statement.

It looks like Retail Wars has started in the CT tribal nations. Once, they were together as one and history saw them take different paths. Let's hope this makes these two giant properties the draw (together) they are hoping for.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Casino City - A Wealth Of Casino Information

If you look for casino info on the net, there is so much to sort through. But today's post reviews a website that I find very informative, and the more I dig, the more I find.

Casino City is a wonderful website that covers, well, just about everything in the world if gambling.  Casino City has four main categories.

1) Casino & Gaming Directory - a global directory of 6,234 casinos and other gaming properties. This includes news on all the major casino meccas, including Las Vegas Casinos, Macau Casinos, Reno Casinos, Biloxi Casinos, Atlantic City Casinos, and every other gaming destination in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, and worldwide

2) Gaming Business Center - For those who work in the industry or for those who are interested in the casino business. The Casino City Press has gaming directories and almanacs. Search gaming properties and executives with our Gaming Directory Online service and their Who's Who directory of gaming executives. It even includes gaming suppliers in their directory of over 14,137 Casino Vendors.

3) Internet Gaming Directory - Covers online gambling sites, ranked by popularity, as well as a directory of 5,180 online slots and our poker dictionary.

BUT MY FAVORITE PART, AND MOST INFORMATIONAL, is
4) CASINO CITY TIMES, which you can get to directly by Googling "Casino City Times." Want to study up before you hit the casino floor? Or get the hottest tips and Playing Strategy on your favorite games with thousands of articles from over 50 top gambling authors and experts? Then, this is the place to visit.

There is a great weekly e-newsletter you can sign up for. And it also includes a section they call "Gaming Gurus." An all-star cast of gambling experts have numerous excellent articles covering everything any one would wonder about. Just think getting your questions answered by the likes of Frank Scoblete, John Gronchowski, Aaron Todd, & Henry Tamburin.

So, take a few minutes and check it out. Some say ignorance is bliss, but the info at Casino City Times is gaming info delight.

That's all for now! Casino City is a Royal blast!

Binbin

Meanwhile, Back in the Downeast Casinos.....

Maine Casino News & Promos

Another Gambling Facility in Maine?
If Scarborough Downs has its way, residents will be voting again on whether to allow a racino in town. The Planning Board now has the language and maps necessary to rezone more than 450 acres owned by Scarborough Downs, passed along after a 6-0 Town Council vote. The current zoning language lists video and casino gambling as prohibited uses, but Town Planner Dan Bacon noted it can be easily amended if councilors and residents approve a change. Gambling at Scarborough Downs would again require approval from voters across the state.

This is news to this blogger, since this first came up before Hollywood & Oxford Casinos and I haven't reached my one year anniversary of this blog yet!  Plans to build a racino near the track were rejected by voters in 2008. In 2010, Terry was courted by Biddeford officials and gained voter support there to build a racino on land off Route 111, west of the Maine Turnpike. The plans were halted in 2011, when proposals for gambling in Biddeford and Washington County were defeated in a statewide referendum.

When one door closes (NH?) another window opens (ME?). I love New England!

Hollywood Casino, Hotel & Raceway
THE NEW LIUC (Live It Up Club) - SHARE OF $5,000 FREE SLOT PLAY
Drawings 11am-3pm for our 50+ members every 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month. Stop by Player Services to pick up your exclusive LIUC pin & ballot for our $500 bonus drawing! Present your pin at the Epic Buffet on the last Wednesday for one FREE* lunch buffet when you buy one at regular price. Visit website for more details.

Oxford Casino
Oxford is celebrating it's one-year anniversary, even as Maine’s Gambling Control Board has ruled that the Oxford Casino won’t be asked to apply for a new operator’s license if a sale to the company that owns the home of the Kentucky Derby is approved. Churchill Downs is expected to present its plans to the board in July.

One way they are celebrating is that the first 500 people through the door each day gets a special Anniversary T-Shirt free.

Short blog today, but didn't want to forget our casino neighbors to the north.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Stupid Human Tricks - Casino Etiquette, Part 5

"You Can't Fix Stupid!" - Ron White, Comedian
Even though this member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour may be correct, I will try to reach out and maybe bring awareness to Stupid and Inconsiderate Human Tricks in the casino.  Get your imagination ready.....

Sometimes, humans in a Casino transcend past the line of good/bad manners and into the the realm of

(cue echo) Sheer Stupidity, Stupidity, Stupidity, Stupidity.....

For them, it's a different reality. It's a light-speed dash to an entirely different planet, in a galaxy far beyond our imagination (cue music from "Star Wars" or even "Twilight Zone") - it's a planet called "Stupidus Horendus."

Ok, so, we've all probably been there at least once, probably more often than we would like to admit. Luckily, we make it back to Earth, hopefully safe and unscathed!

The following are some of those parallel universe experiences we see and unfortunately rub elbows with - figuratively AND literally.

First, it is improper to count your money out in the open. Not only that, but it's just plain stupid. If you are so naive that you think everyone is wrapped up in their own fun not watching you, then you have just visited "Stupidus Horendus." There are people that visit casinos to steal, not gamble. Be humble about your winnings or bankroll - it'll keep you safe and not alienate people around you (get-it? alienate? different planet?) . Casino etiquette would have you take your money up to your room, or into a stall in the bathroom to count it.  Wherever the place is, don't broadcast your win!

Those that have lived by casino etiquette for years know that there are cameras all over the place in a casino. They laugh at those fools that think that it is necessary to point out every camera in the place. Plus, casino security might wonder why you are doing this as well. Do you want them thinking that you have something to hide?

If you see a seat leaning up against a slot machine, leave that machine alone. This is done if a person needs to leave the slot machine for a few minutes and they feel that it has been lucky for them. However, if you don't have someone who you know watching it for you, I wouldn't do this myself - don't trust this long tradition of holding your seat in today's casinos. The clientele of today's casinos have not grown up with these things. It's the cynic in me that says "you shouldn't do this anymore," but, I still think it's stupid to be so naive in today's casino environment.

If you're going to lunch or to play another game, free up your spot. If you're going to be gone for more than a few minutes, it's not fair to other players or to the casino to tie up the game. And, for goodness sake, don't do the chair trick.

By the way, don't pressure someone around you to watch your machine. It's presumptuous to think that they should do that for you. It tends to keep a person there longer then they usually want to be and you don't even know them! Leave them alone!  (But I digress...)

Yeah - free drinks! Who doesn't like free drinks? But drinking to excess while gambling is just another trip to Stupidville. Please don't let me go into the well-known effects of alcohol on human decision-making! Monitor your alcoholic beverages before it's too late and your money is gone after more than expected runs to the ATM, you can't find your car (or the doorway to the parking garage) and you've just left your fly down for two full hours!

Very important - don't drive away from the casino unless you're sober. You're Stupidity of drinking intoxicated could harm or kill someone.

Finally, stupid and annoying machine tricks:

• Rubbing the screen of the slot for luck - how many people do you think have already touched that screen with dirty, germy hands? Google "Random Number Generator (RNG) - it might save you from certain health problems
• Rubbing the machine to make friends - REALLY? If you want a positive relationship, go home to your spouse and kids.
• Believing that a machine is "hot" or "cold." Again, google RNG.
• Telling people that you "just played that machine, and it didn't hit anything. It must be a tight machine." See previous sentences.
• Taking your players card out and then in to change your luck. Aaaaaaaah - stupid, stupid, stupid. All your card does is collect data such as time played, denomination played, and accumulation of points. Really, you're not tricking the machine nor the casino!
• Give ignorant information as if you are an "expert." I had one lady tell me, unsolicited of course, that I needed to play my machine at the $.50 denomination, because after playing it herself, that's what she found it was programmed at. She also told me that ALL slots are programmed to hit better at certain bet amounts. So, once you find out if it hits at $.50, $1.00, etc, you can play professionally. Obviously, she was a native from the planet.

That's all for now. Be considerate and aware of those around you, and don't fly away to the planet Stupidus Horendus - you never know who else you'll find there, or if you may ever come back!

Binbin

"Sun" Sunday - Promos & News

Mohegan Sun Promotions

DOUBLE POINTS - 
FRIDAYS | MAY 24TH & 31ST
Play your favorite slots* between 6:00AM - MIDNIGHT each day to receive your

Free Slot Play Mania - Sunday, May 19th
6:00am - Midnight & Tuesday, May 28th - 9:00pm - 2:00am
Simply insert your Player's Club card into your favorite slot machine.
Earn 1 Player's Club point* and receive $15 in Free Slot Play

Powerplay Bonusing
Power Winners "Mystery" Instant Hit
Tuesday, May 21st
10:00am - Noon, 2:00pm - 4:00pm & 6:00pm - 8:00pm.  At each Instant Hit, 50 Player's Club members will receive $100 in Free Slot Play instantly! In addition, all other Player's Club members who have their Player's Club card properly inserted in their slot game will receive $10 in Free Slot Play instantly!
and
Virtual RacingTuesday, May 28th | Each hour | Noon - 2:00pm, 4:00pm - 6:00pm & 10:00pm - Midnight. Simply play at least $20 on your favorite slot games during the half-hour prior to each Virtual Race to be eligible. Choose the winning driver and receive $25 in Free Slot Play instantly!

Mohegan Sun, Slot Revenue Continues to Decline
Mohegan Sun casino is reporting that their slot revenue is down for the 16th month straight, according to the Hartford Courant.  Mohegan Sun reported that their slot revenue was $52.6 million, which is down 4 percent from last year, which was $54.9 million.


That's all for now. Tomorrow is an update on Massachusetts casino progress.
Tuesday is anmother look at casino etiquette - this time it's Blackjack!


Binbin

New England Casino Cinco de Mayo Promotions

"Sun" Sunday & Cinco de Mayo

Busy weekend - The Kentucky Derby, and Cinco de Mayo! Party-on!

Here is what I could find for May 5th celebrations. I'll start the tour with Connecticut's Casinos,  go east to Rhode Island, and then north ending with Maine's Casinos.

Mohegan Sun (CT)
The Shops concourse - The Sun shines on Cinco de Mayo for a festive fiesta not to be missed! Join the celebration in The Shops Concourse from Noon - 5:00pm and see professional dancers show off their moves to the sounds of a traditional mariachi band, sip on specialty drinks presented by Avion Tequila and learn the steps of Salsa at a special dance instruction! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Foxwoods-MGM(CT)
ERIC DITTELMAN CINCO DE MAYO MIND READING COMIX
COMIX brings Eric Dittelman to the stage straight from NBC's hit show "America's Got Talent," where he finished as a semi-finalist. 8:00
Also, the Scorpian Bar has: $5 Drinks & Appetizers 12-5; party continues 5pm - closing; $12 Yard Glasses ($10 refills)

Newport Grand (RI)
In the Cocktail Lounge -18+ NO COVER, Starts at 9pm, with prozes & giveaways, 9 Layer Chips & Dip, $3 Coronas, $5 Blue & Lime Margaritas, $6 for the Grand Margarita - Music by Lost Radio
Also, Mexican Buffet for $10.95

Oxford Casino (ME)
Rewards Promotion - 10X points on slots or video poker. 10am-11am, 2pm-3pm, 6pm-7pm and 10pm-11pm

Hollywood Casino (ME)
Free Slot Play Fiesta! ~ Sunday at 6pm
This Sunday, May 5 starting at 6pm, pick up your colored MARACA* for your chance to WIN! Watch for the Maraca Patrol and YOU could be a lucky Free Slot Play winner!
*Maracas available while supplies last. Visit Player Services for complete details. Must be present to win. No purchase necessary.

Tienen un Real Cinco de Mayo! (Have a Royal Cinco de Mayo!)


That's all for now.

Binbin

Hey Casinos - SERVICE COUNTS!

"Where Everybody Knows Your Na-ame"

Ah, Cheers!  I loved that show.  Besides the characters, Sam's crazy lovelife, and the placement in New England, it held one underlying truth that is important to me, and I hope those of you reading today - everyone likes to be recognized by a group of friends and made to feel at home. Anyone enjoys the friendly greeting you receive at a place like "Cheers" when you enter your favorite bar, shoe store, restaurant, OR CASINO!

A place as big as a casino may not know everybody's name, but it sure helps when you are made to feel like your patronage is appreciated.  It's called "service with a smile."  It used to be referred to as "the customer is always right" instead of "the customer better leave me a tip for just showing up with their meal."  Like Rodney Dangerfield said, ...lately, I get no respect."

SERVICE is a part of the casino's persona that I think sometimes all employees tend to is forgotten.  SERVICE shows the respect and appreciation for spending your hard-earned money at their establishment.

Whether the casino runs the restaurant, or they lease out the space for a chain, it still ALL reflects on the casino.  Bobby Flay, listen up.  Great burgers, but inconsistent and condescending waitresses will make patrons at Mohegan Sun walk to Johnny Rockets instead!  After waiting longer than usual for a burger "to go" at BBP, I finally get it handed to me, no explanation.  Upon asking why, I get that it's "usual to wait that long" with this patronizing smile.  Do they think we're stupid?  By the way, ten minutes before I asked about my order and watched as they panicked a little and put the order in again.  Good service is being honest, not assuming your customers are too stupid to know what happened.

Certain Casino brands get reputations for it's guest service - both bad & good.  Caesar's Entertainment (previously Harrah's) was not known for it's advantage gambling, but it's reward system and the way it treated it's customers was considered nationally as one of the best.  Then, their reputation changed with their name and the many casino acquisitions.  Now, it seems, they are placing more emphasis on service once again.  Casino CEO's, listen up - "IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS YOUR EMPLOYEES DO THAT MAKES US WANT TO COME BACK!"

Some recent experiences:
1)  I go to the Players Reward booth (M Life) at Mirage in Las Vegas.  I ask if there are any promotions I need to know about.  This young person behind the desk replies abruptly "I don't know?"  She stands there, flashing her fake eye lashes, with no answers, not offering to get any answers, and not even asking if there was anything she could do for me.  SERVICE RATING - Poor

2)  A musician in a local casino arrives at the venue early, and is met by a disgruntled, opinionated, arrogant, and obviously unhappy employee.  The sound engineer continues to berate the band, complain about things the musician have no control over, and complain about the casino's hiring bosses for not providing the correct paperwork.  In short, why is this employee dumping on me?  It's like yelling at the mailman because the letter you received wasn't sent by the sender on time!  EMPLOYEE ATTITUDE & SERVICE - Poor

3)  Same casino - a friend of mine plays plays video poker at $.25 level ($1.25 x 300 hands per hour equals $375 through in one hour) and orders a beer.  Without explanation, the bartender brings a bottle beer.  After the hour, he bills her $4.00 for the beer after playing $375 through.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  But wait, there's more.....

The difference in these three scenarios - in #3 the manager came over, got the information, discussed it with the bartender, apologies were made and peace was restored. They made up for it with any libation on the house, and more importantly a sincere respect and concern for their patron - kudos! And I might add, a new found respect for that bar, that bartender, that management, and that casino.  SERVICE - "Cheers!"

SERVICE COUNTS!  When more casinos are built, and more options are available in New England, it will be SERVICE and the things that make you feel at home that will keep locals and attract day-trippers from other states.  I will go out on a limb here and say "none of the New England Casinos will offer advantage play games, and slots payout % will be similar to each other." (Wow, that's a stretch!)  The games will all be similar, maybe the rewards clubs will be a little different, and bonuses will be tried to lure people in, but in the end, a steady clientele is what will be needed for their bottom line.  So, what might be the difference breaker  is to keep locals and add patrons - SERVICE!  "WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME"

That's all for now.  But, I think it's "royally" enough said.  Don't you?

Binbin

Slot Players and their Quirks

Weekend Entertainment will be pushed to tomorrow for this very important announcement.

A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF SLOTS PLAYERS are quirky, crazy and/or just plain NUTS!!!

Recently, I visited a local casino - 2x points, COOL!

In the short time I was there, the crazy quirks of slot players were all around me - so distracting, amazingly entertaining, and incredibly ANNOYING!  Here are a few of the varios slot players that we find around us at any given casino visit:

#1 The Slapper - "yes!," I said to myself.  "Hit it harder show it you mean bussiness!  Maybe you can dislocate your finger or break the machine in the process!"         SO ANNOYING!

#2 The Pre-Melodic Player - This is the person who hits all the "#of lines" buttons, composing the beautiful sounds of the slot symphony, before they push the bet button.  "ding, doing, donk, ping, pang, etc....."  are some the sounds - I know you've heard it before.  Sometimes well composed like that annoying song on the radio played over and over and over.  Other times, they mix it up - you know to fake out the machine as they improvise the melody.      PLEASE STOP!  IT DOES NOTHING except to be SO ANNOYING!

#3 The Bitter "Just my luck" Player - Oh yes, you know the kind.  They play the machine on your right,  lose quickly, move to the machine to your left while somebody else takes their previous seat on your right.  The new person on your right hits the bonus immediately.  Uh-oh, here it comes....... The person on your left says to you quietly, so the person on your right does really hear (as if I Care!) "I just left that machine - so typical, NOW it gets hot - I hate this place!"  blah, blah, blah - get over it!  I'M NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR SOURPUSS ATTITUDE!  IF YOU'RE UNHAPPY - LEAVE!  YOU KNOW WHY? - BECAUSE YOU'RE SO ANNOYING!

Finally
#4 - The Card Switcher - It is inevitable to sit next to someone who has to switch their players card if they git a winning streak or losing steak.  In and out, in and out.  WHY?  The machine doesn't care, it doesn't know the difference - IT'S A MACHINE!!!  You can't fake it out - IT DOESN'T HAVE A BRAIN - IT DOESN'T HAVE AN OPINION - IT'S A MACHINE!!!!  And to everyone else, IT'S JUST SO ANNOYING!!!!

Now, take a deep breath close your eyes and repeat after me.....
"I Have no control over the RNG, "I Have no control over the RNG, "I Have no control over the RNG, "I Have no control over the RNG..........

There, now doesn't that feel better?

That's all for now. 

Binbin

Taxes - A Quick Gambler's Guide - Part 1

Wow! a Jackpot! Now What...

How many times have you finally hit that rare jackpot over $1200, your machine has locked up and here comes casino staff - much quicker than that 15-minute ago drink order.

"Congratulations!", as they make the usual check for any machine malfunction or possible shenanigans on your part - to be expected, of course. The you are asked the famous question "would you like taxes taken out now, or will you be taking it out later?

What's a person to do? You're excited, nervous (unless this thing happens to you all the time like me.....lol), and have to make this decision, usually without a lot of experience in this area.

Well, I am going to try to look into what the experts say about gambling & taxes. Today we look at the question of "tax me now, or tax me later?"

A personal true story that stopped me from ever considering getting taxes taken out instantly:
I was playing Triple Play Video Poker at the Palms in Las Vegas. Playing full-pay Bonus Poker I was dealt 10-J-Q-K of spades. Triple play, if you haven't played it, is a VP game where you play three hands based on the deal of the bottom hand. Most Video Poker paytables jackpot of a Royal Flush is 4000 credits, and at the $.25 level, that's under the taxable amount of anything over $1999. Well, I was extremely luck??? - I drew an A of spades at the top hand and a Straight Flush 9 of spades draw on the bottom for a total of 5000 credits - yeah! Oh wait a minute - that's $1250!
I took the taxes immediately because I didn't know any better and was handed a little over $900. I know I should be grateful, but on that extra $ 300 I could have played single VP all day - enough for comps, and future offers. THAT WAS THE LAST TIME I TOOK TAXES OT IMMEDIATELY!

IRS Reporting
All casino winnings are subject to federal taxes however the IRS only requires the casinos to report any wins over $1,200 on slot and video poker machines or other games such as keno, lottery or hose racing. When you have a win equal to or greater than $1200, you will be issued a W-2G form. This form lists your name, address and social security number. The casinos are not required to take out withholding tax on jackpots under $5,000 as long you supply your social security number. If you don’t provide your social security number the casinos will withhold 28 percent on smaller jackpots.

You can request a specific amount of withholding tax to be taken out on any jackpot you win. Some players like to do this to avoid a big tax payment in April when the file their income tax returns. The additional withholding may not be necessary if you keep a log book. The law allows you to deduct gambling loses up to the amount of your winnings. You can only do this if you have documentation of your losses. Keeping a diary or logbook, is the way to do this.

However if you gamble at a specific casino, you should ask for a win/loss statement that the casino will provide to show the losses that offset your jackpot. Personally, I am able to gamble enough locally and once per year in Las Vegas to get whatever win/loss statements from different casinos to show my losses to offset that jackpot. (Boy, can I show the losses!)

IF you still don't trust the players club, here is where it is your friend!
If you hit a big jackpot, you'll be so happy you were a player's club member you might just dance in the streets. If you weren't, you might be out in the street. Using your player's club card will allow the casino to keep track of your wins and losses. At the end of the year you can ask for a win/loss statement and they will either email or snail (if the post office is still in business) mail you a copy. That should shrink your big jackpot's tax liability.

Tomorrow, we will get some tax tips from gaming experts. That's all for now.

Binbin

"Sun" Sunday

Mohegan Sun Promotions

Free Slot Play Mania
Sundays, March 10th & 24th
6:00am - Midnight
Simply insert your Player's Club card into your favorite slot machine.
Earn 1 Player's Club point* and receive $15 in Free Slot Play!

Double Points
EVERY TUESDAY IN MARCH!
Play your favorite slots* between 6:00AM - MIDNIGHT each day to receive your DOUBLE POINTS!     TUESDAYS | MARCH 19TH AND 26TH
*Select machines excluded.


MOHEGAN SUN'S $25,000 Best of the Bracket Giveaway
March 18th - 21st
Swipe your Player's Club card once starting Monday, March 18th through Thursday, March 21st at the designated kiosks in Earth or Sky Promotions, as well as Bow & Arrow Sports Bar, to choose which team you think will win the 2013 men's college basketball tournament! As your team advances, you will earn entries towards the grand prize drawing, a trip to see the final four teams play during championship weekend in 2014 in Arlington, Texas! Plus, you can win cash prizes or a home entertainment system from Brookstone!

Powerplay Bonusing
Virtual RacingFriday, March 22nd
Each hour from 10:00pm - Midnight
Simply play at least $20 on your favorite slot games* during the half-hour prior to each Virtual Race to be eligible. Choose the winning horse on the Mohegan Sun Circuit and receive $25 in Free Slot Play instantly!       *Select slot games excluded

Power Winners "Mystery" Instant HitWednesday, March 27th
Noon - 2:00pm, 4:00pm - 6:00pm & 8:00pm - 11:00pm
GUARANTEED TO WIN AT LEAST $10 IN FREE SLOT PLAY!
Simply insert your Player's Club card while playing your favorite slot games. Two Instant Hits will occur between Noon - 2:00pm, two more between 4:00pm - 6:00pm and three between 8:00pm - 11:00pm! But it's a mystery exactly when the Instant Hits will occur! For each Instant Hit, 50 Player's Club members will receive $100 IN FREE SLOT PLAY INSTANTLY! In addition, all other Player's Club members who have their card properly inserted in their slot game will receive $10 IN FREE SLOT PLAY INSTANTLY!


That's all for now!


Binbin

Good Intentions, Change of Plan - The two-face approach to Casino Gambling

I was recently reading an article by John Grochowski's article "The Casino Slot Sybil" which got me thinking, "Are there two personalities battling to get out when  I enter a casino?"

I have always said that a true gambler is not one that takes chances on the biggest gamble, but a true gambler is the person who gambles using the best strategy, the best odds, and the best overall advantage.  I play Video Poker and I try to find the best paytables where ever I play.  I will even go out of my way to visit a different casino with better VP.  So, why will I play Monopoly PartyTrain for hours?

It's an interesting two-face approach for many of us - here's a typical pompous predictable discussion I have with myself, walking into the casino:

"Oh, Yes, I only play the best paytables, 3/2 Blackjack (single deck of course),  $5 dollar 3-reel slots, and the pass line bets on crap with the best odds offer.  Oh, goody-goody - there's the newest Wizard of Oz Progressive!"  (as a run over to the slot's last seat!)

Wow - stepping into a casino can make a person fickle - okay, it makes ME fickle.  Here are a few more examples - have you done similar decisions as this:

Good Intention - Play full pay 8/5 Bonus video poker
Change of Plan - Play 7/5 Draw poker because the bar has a great beer menu! (I do this all the time at the M Resort in Vegas)

Good Intention - Play $1 3-reel slot with higher payback percentage (usually)
Change of Plan - Play my favorite slot, progressive or not!

Good Intention - I will play Video poker to sustain my bankroll
Change of Plan - I play that favorite slot in the double points area that I'm sure will finally hit!

Good Intention - I'll just stop by the casino, have a nice meal on my $20 voucher and go home!
Change of plan - I'll just play $20 in this slot on my way out! (Seriously? How many times has that really worked?)

And finally,

Good Intention - I'll take a break after two hours for a good choice in eating
Change of plan - I play 4 hours straight and settle for three Krispy Kreme Donuts on my way out!
(I forget who told me this one)

That's all for now!

Binbin

New England Gambling This and That...

Here is another mish-mash of news and humor:

"I don't gamble, because winning a hundred dollars doesn't give me great pleasure. But losing a hundred dollars pisses me off."
— Alex Trebek

OXFORD NEWS
Western Maine’s Oxford Casino is looking for people interested in becoming blackjack dealers and running roulette, craps and other casino table games. The casino is holding a recruitment event at Lewiston’s Career Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in hopes of getting a large number of applicants interested in becoming card dealers and table game operators.
Casino officials say they’re hoping to attract 75 people to attend the casino’s six-week training classes in anticipation of a busy summer season.

"I used to be a heavy gambler. But now I just make mental bets. That's how I lost my mind."
— Steve Allen

WAMPANOAGS CONTINUE
The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe said Tuesday that a favorable opinion on its land bid from the federal government was a ‘‘huge step forward’’ in its effort to build a $500 million casino in southeastern Massachusetts. The Mashpee Wampanoag, a landless tribe that achieved federal recognition in 2007, has cited strong historical ties to Taunton, which is about 40 miles from the tribe’s headquarters in the town of Mashpee.  The tribe has cited historical evidence that in Cohannet, Taunton’s former Indian name, the tribe had villages and sachems, or chiefs.
‘‘Tribal members and our advisers worked tirelessly to document our historic ties to Mashpee, Taunton and our ancestral homeland encompassing present-day southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island,’’ Cromwell said in his statement.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has considered opening up the southeastern Massachusetts casino license to commercial applicants, but decided on Dec. 18 to give the Mashpee three more months to demonstrate progress in overcoming legal and regulatory obstacles.

"Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing for something."
— Unknown


That's all for now!


Binbin