Explanation Needed?

It has come to my attention that a few people are confused about my August 18 blog entry, “Blast from the Past,”  although, according to my mail, most readers “got it,” enjoying it when I sometimes write about “the way it used to be.”   We all like nostalgia once in a while, and most of the time the point is clear that although gambling and casino things often change, many basics remain the same.  But I am always quick to admit when something is wrong in my writings or to explain something that is incomplete or needs more explanation.

Most of my readers who follow my writings already know that we started out as quarter players and that we slowly worked our way up to much higher play levels, and I have written in detail about this exciting ride up to more luxurious benefits.  But I should have been clearer when I re-published this 20+-year-old article, which was definitely written by a very inexperienced quarter player!

I should have left out or explained more fully this one short sentence from that entry:   I’d never run an unfair promotion, like a slot-point marathon where quarter players are competing with $5 players.   Actually my intent would have been more obvious if I had started this paragraph with my second sentence: People like a promotion where everyone has at least a chance to win. Then I could have given a present-day example like a recent pull-tab promotion at Silverton in which the prizes went up in value, depending on the level of your play, but smaller play would win you something.  Obviously, higher-level players can score more benefits in most promotions, but it is nice when casinos think about the lower-level players, who are the bulk of the gamblers in many casinos.   One promotion comes to mind here, the royal bonus promotion going on at the Gold Coast this month.  Quarter players can earn the top bonus of $100; higher-denomination players get that same $100 bonus, not a higher amount.  Thus this is a “better” promotion, looking at EV, for lower-level players.  And many casinos, especially those catering to locals, often run better bonus-point promotions for penny machines, which target the smaller players.  They often also cap multi-point promotions that discourage more high-level play.

Funny, other than this one sentence I discuss above, I think the rest of that article is as timely today as it was so long ago.  My main purpose was not to analyze particular promotions and decide what level of players would benefit from them, but most of the ideas on my “wish list” had to do with customer service.  And most of those issues affect all levels of players.  Everyone likes to be able to get their questions about players club benefits answered by a knowledgeable employee at the club booth.  No one likes to receive notice of a promotion after the date it expired or find that club rules have changed and they are going to lose benefits they have already earned because they weren’t notified in a timely fashion.  Everyone likes to be treated like a valued customer, by the valet parker, the housekeeper, and even by the porters who clean up.  I have seen buttons worn by every employee in a casino, reminding customers of a casino-wide promotion that makes them all VIPs.  I liked that!

It seems most thoughtful readers, whatever the level of their play, appreciated the total message rather than fixating on one out-of-date sentence.

My next blog entry, which I promised earlier, will be back on my usual track of practical information, giving examples of how to boost the EV of your VP play.

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8 Responses to Explanation Needed?

  1. ken orgera says:

    Nice article! A lot of nitpicking by detractors! Thanks

  2. Mo says:

    There is definitely one thing that hasn’t changed in 20+ years. You and Brad definitely keep us informed, entertained and wealthier in both our wallets and our spirits with all your tips, ideas and fun situations.
    We all have a great gratitude day whenever we read any of your books, blogs or articles. THANKS!!!
    MO

  3. Kevin Lewis says:

    Interestingly, some of the most pointed criticism your post received was in Bob Dancer’s blog. His point of view, though, is far, far removed from that of the quarter player. A casino run in the way you describe would actually be less profitable for him. He prefers situations where being a player with a huge bankroll and razor-sharp playing skills is rewarded, such as amount-of-play-specific drawings where someone pumping through hundreds of thousands can dominate. Many casinos feel this way as well, that the big player is worth more than hundreds of quarter players and thus, promotions should cater to him.
    I disagree, though, about the supposed value of the small player. He doesn’t just gamble–he eats at the restaurants, sees a show, stays there, etc. He also responds to even small incentives, as those incentives make him feel he is valued.

  4. Dwight Mercer says:

    Thanks for all you do. Still have your books from twenty years ago.

  5. Debra Johnston says:

    Love reading everything you write. In someways I wish it was like it was in the old days but love I love the casinos

  6. James Immel says:

    Jean
    Thanks to you and Brad we all are treated like VIPs. The valuable information you provide us with has helped my wife and I to live like kings when we are in Las Vegas. The two of you have taught us everything we know about video poker, slot clubs, comps, etc. No one else that has a web site or radio show could come close to giving out the valuable information that you provide each week.
    Bless you.
    Bev and Jim from Indiana

  7. Rick says:

    “Everyone likes to be treated like a valued customer, by the valet parker, the housekeeper, and even by the porters who clean up.”

    Very true. Our local Harrah’s (Kansas City) must instruct their employees to do just that. Every employee we meet, from the janitor pushing a cart to a VP coming out of her office, greets customers with a smile and a hello. They once ran a promotion where players were sent bonus coupons to be given to employees, employees we thought gave exceptional service with a friendly attitude. I thought it was a great idea and the workers did too.

  8. Nelson D. Wallaker says:

    Jean, I understood what you were talking about, and yes, I think the majority of the people reading the article did also. You do a marvelous job keeping people informed, and intertaining them with your stories. Please continue to do so and don’t let negative comments bother you. Thank you for all you do to help and entertain!

    Sincerely;

    Nelson W.

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