CASINO PET PEEVES - Author: Gayle Mitchel 

Casino Pet Peeves by Gayle Mitchell As much as I enjoy spending time at my favorite casino/hotels and I have visited my share, it seems that often, the "annoyance-factor" also accompanies me. Here is my pet-peeves list. Aren't you annoyed by writers who use lists? This list is in no particular annoyance-factor order; I dislike all of them without bias. 1) Those eternal line-ups at the cashier cages. I want my coins in crisp bills-fast! Of course, I always get in the slowest line. You have a nice win to cash out, but you are not so lucky when selecting in which line to stand. Many casinos have adopted the one line, first available cashier approach -- good idea. In addition, those blasted coin buckets that don't fit under the spewing coin tray without tossing coins all over the floor. One more thing, what's with the shortage of coins in a roll of quarters - last time I looked $10.00 = 40 coins, right? 2) Casinos set-up in such a maze of criss-crossing aisles that you have to be a rocket-scientist to find the exits. During this search, you are regaled by the constant "Wheeeeeel of Fortune" chant in the casinos. Can we kill or at least soften that sound? While, we are talking about the set-up of the casino floor, would it be too much to ask for more restrooms? 3) Machines that are not replaced---the buttons stick or come off in your hand as you try desperately to hold a card. Some screens are so blurred or "sun-burnt" that you can barely see what is going on in front of you. 4) Casinos who continue to serve drinks to someone who really does not need "one for the road". It's just good PR to put this client in a cab and thank them for visiting. 5) Casino/hotel check-in that takes more than 10 minutes. Casino security - all single women should automatically get a room next to the elevator without asking and get an immediate response when requesting an escort to their car. Parking lots that are not well-lit and well-patrolled. Easy answer for this one - use valet parking at all times - the few bucks are worth the peace of mind. No need to loudly announce my room number or how much money you are counting out. 6) a) Blackjack rules - not only do the rules change from casino to casino, but since when do 6-8 decks, burning 10-15 cards and mid-shuffle become attractive to me as a player? When I show the least inclination towards playing intelligently, casino management reserves the right to remove me from the property. b) A "hot" craps table that suddenly comes to a grinding halt because dealers decide that it is time to ask questions. Does this game have a rhythm to it - you bet - does this ploy affect the shooter - often. Do the dealers know this - bet your last buck on it! c) Megajackpots that are paid out over 20 years, or paid up front at a huge discount to the "winner". "Certified" or guaranteed slots not clearly marked and why are there not loads of these slots everywhere? d) Keno runners - give me some credit for knowing that this is the worst bet in the house or do I have to wear a sign "I don't play Keno" to be left alone. 7) Machine Hogs - read the message one machine per customer at busy times. Don't these people know that when slots are placed side-by-side, rarely do they both pay? And, when you finally do get to play your favorite machine, you are treated to the foaming at the mouth onlooker who will hover until you surrender. 8) Casino players who touch the screen after enjoying their latest snack, bang on it, caress it or the worst--talk to their newest acquaintance - the slot machine. People who leave little mementos after exiting the slot - cigarette butts-ashes, wrappers, any old garbage - not an appreciated gift. 9) Unfriendly or uninformed staff. "I don't know" or "we don't offer that" should not be part of the vocabulary for any hotel/casino representative. A decent, living wage so that staff members are not constantly groveling for tips should be high on casino management's to-do list. 10) Casino/hotel management who are not in touch with customer's wants, needs and dislikes concerning all aspects of their gaming establishment. Take a poll, offer comment cards with a free gift for completing, use your club card mailings for feedback, place a suggestion box in a visible area, teach your staff the art of customer satisfaction and ask them to approach customers for their opinions. What can we, as casino players, do about the annoyance-factor? Plenty - start by being vocal, in a nice way and make sure that top management people hear your advice. Write a quick note about your complaints and leave it in your room or at the front desk. An avalanche of patron's complaints cannot be ignored for long. I believe all is not lost, casino management can and will change. We just need to nudge them in the right direction before they completely forget what the words "customer service" means. All of us have the right to enjoy every casino experience. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Gayle Mitchell is author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, Ebooks, booklets & Slots Trilogy. Gayle's profile can be viewed here.