Vegas report April 2012

[dljpdx]

Spent a weekend in Vegas last month, thought I'd share a few highlights. Video Poker at the Golden Nugget (downtown) bar: had just checked in, needed a beer and a few hands of VP while waiting for my travel companion.  Hit four 2's with an Ace kicker, big win and I hadn't been there an hour yet.  Roulette at The Fremont (downtown): favorite place to play Roulette anywhere in Vegas.  Always (and I mean always, without fail) walk out significantly ahead.  Very friendly croupiers, but wait staff can be very slow if you're thirsty.  Video Poker at the Palms (off-strip) bar: walked into the bar after losing $200 at slots (which by all reports are supposed to be the loosest in Vegas - I did get a bunch of free games via scatter "wins" but almost zero payout).  Had been playing $1 a hand VP in the bar, then switched to another machine and played 25 cents at which point the bartender got on my case for getting a comp beer and not playing $1.  Told him how much I had lost at slots, and the VP machine next to me - he didn't care - said "just play a dollar for one hand and I'll comp the beer", so I did - and hit four 2's w/ Ace kicker again!  I would have left the bartender a nice tip, like I did at the Nugget, but he could have been less abrasive.  Not worth the trip to the Palms from downtown via taxi, even including the nice VP win. I always hit every casino downtown - it's where I stay - and will in the future.  Heart Attack grille downtown was obscene - you can get a regular burger and fries, or opt for a massive burger with dozens of bacon slices, and a chocolate milkshake that comes with a pat of butter on top. I've moved from the west coast, to the east coast, so likely won't make my twice-yearly pilgrimage to Vegas any longer, but will be hitting Biloxi over Memorial Day and if anything is worth reporting I'll drop a note here. Happy playing!

[faygo]

How nice that poetic justice was served upon the Bartender. Good Luck in Biloxi! 

[Lucky Larry]

dl,
Nice hits. Sweet C and I are headed to Biloxi BR next week. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[Tomcat1569]

Spent a weekend in Vegas last month, thought I'd share a few highlights. Video Poker at the Golden Nugget (downtown) bar: had just checked in, needed a beer and a few hands of VP while waiting for my travel companion.  Hit four 2's with an Ace kicker, big win and I hadn't been there an hour yet.  Roulette at The Fremont (downtown): favorite place to play Roulette anywhere in Vegas.  Always (and I mean always, without fail) walk out significantly ahead.  Very friendly croupiers, but wait staff can be very slow if you're thirsty.  Video Poker at the Palms (off-strip) bar: walked into the bar after losing $200 at slots (which by all reports are supposed to be the loosest in Vegas - I did get a bunch of free games via scatter "wins" but almost zero payout).  Had been playing $1 a hand VP in the bar, then switched to another machine and played 25 cents at which point the bartender got on my case for getting a comp beer and not playing $1.  Told him how much I had lost at slots, and the VP machine next to me - he didn't care - said "just play a dollar for one hand and I'll comp the beer", so I did - and hit four 2's w/ Ace kicker again!  I would have left the bartender a nice tip, like I did at the Nugget, but he could have been less abrasive.  Not worth the trip to the Palms from downtown via taxi, even including the nice VP win. I always hit every casino downtown - it's where I stay - and will in the future.  Heart Attack grille downtown was obscene - you can get a regular burger and fries, or opt for a massive burger with dozens of bacon slices, and a chocolate milkshake that comes with a pat of butter on top. I've moved from the west coast, to the east coast, so likely won't make my twice-yearly pilgrimage to Vegas any longer, but will be hitting Biloxi over Memorial Day and if anything is worth reporting I'll drop a note here. Happy playing!

 dljpd, Thanks for the report. Sorry to hear about your experience at the Palms bar ... they have been downgrading comps and cutting costs for some time now. My local friend who used to be a VIP there just lost his status this month. Even before that he had also experienced problems using undated drink coupons at the bars, and had to call for a manager to accept them. This couldn't be what the Maloofs had in mind when they opened the joint ...

[JIMDUECE`SWILD]

Do the Maloofs still own the Palms ? I thought they sold it.

[Tomcat1569]

Do the Maloofs still own the Palms ? I thought they sold it.
 Jim, They sold most of it, but they still have a minority stake of about 2% that can rise to as much as 20% based on certain performance targets being met over the next few years. I believe TPG Capital owns the controlling stake.

[royal flush]

the private equity is owned be caesars (harrahs) the scurge of vp they are putting some good games for short run enjoy while there

[opalineopaline]

Good report from Vegas.  I'm glad you didn't leave the bartender a tip - I've never heard of not getting a free beer if you are playing at the bar.  Bad pr for the casino.Good luck in Biloxi.  The Grand has some decent paytables although not as many machines as Beau Rivage.I hope you do well.

[cook1947]

In the report from the sale of Harrah's St. Louis, the article intimated that Caesar's will be selling off other properties (none other's mentioned). The article said that while other casinos in the St. Louis area had continued to grow, this was not the case with Harrah's. I liked playing at Harrah's St. Louis, but the machines had gotten TOUGH. Each time I went, (6 times since Christmas) the casino seemed very empty, as opposed to Ameristar across the river. Maybe Harrah's will get the message.

[mammajamma]

 As far as all the negative comments about the bartender....could it be that his bosses have set some guidelines for comping the drinks at the bar? Seeing that  there is surveillance all around him, he maybe was just trying to keep his job.It would be silly for him to act unfairly or rude to possibly ruin any chance of him getting a tip(s).I remember the past when I'd buy a rack of dollars for the machines at the bar and the bartender would make sure the other bartenders there knew I could drink whatever I wanted all night long.The strongest I drink is iced tea or club soda but I made sure I got my $100 worth.  Glub....glub....