I played at EI fairly heavily late last year and early this year, on $1
5-play NSUDs--only on 5X points, perhaps 12-15 hours/week. I had more than my share
of Royals and Deuces, and was ahead quite a bit.
Then, a few months ago (in April, I think), EI reduced the maximum CB on
these machines to .30%, making it a basically break-even play. I reduced my play
there drastically, deciding to just play enough to continue receiving the best
mailing, which is $25 X 10 each month. I only needed to play 4-5 hours each
month to maintain Elite Inner Circle status.
Last month, I received no mailing. I went to inquire at the slot club, and
Shirley, the supervisor, told me my account had been "flagged" so as to receive
no mailings. I asked if there was someone I could speak with about it, and was
directed to GM Michael Koniski. He was very friendly, and asked me why I had
"stopped playing here." I told him that the Palms was running a good promotion
in May (Covette + cash drawings), and that I was mostly playing there. I also
mentioned that I was getting much less cash back now on the machines I play
at EI.
He seemed satisfied, and told me to come in two days later, and my coupons
would be waiting. I returned two days later, and, true to his word, they were
there for me at the slot club.
End of story, right? Not quite...
Again, this month, I failed to receive my EI mailer. I figured maybe Mike had
forgotten to "unflag" my account, so I stopped by this afternoon. Once again,
Shirley called Mike, he appeared in a short time, shook my hand.
Me (smiling): Hi, Michael. Do I need to speak to you every month in order to
get the mailer?
Mike: We're refusing service.
Me: What does that mean?
Mike: We're refusing service. We have that right.
Me: Have I done something wrong?
Mike: We're refusing service. That's all I'm going to say.
Me: So I won't be receiving mailers, right? And I can't play here?
Mike (nodding): We're refusing service.
Me: Very interesting. Thanks for your time.
So I cashed in my points and departed. As far as I know, I am the first
person to be "refused service" at EI. However, it is quite likely I won't be the
last. Those of you who plan on playing there to receive the bounce back
mailings, be aware that the casino has the right to deny them to you, even after you
have played enough to "earn" them. They cannot deny you cash back already
earned, but BB mailers are a different story.
This is not a complaint, or a rant. And even though I was surprised, I
understand that casinos are in business to make money. Management's perception was
that they would not make money on my business, so they took this action. I
can't really blame them!
So, be aware of the possibilities! You just might invest a lot of time and
money playing a break-even game, and end up with nothing for it!
Brian
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