vpFREE2 Forums

Palms Problems...

#1

Very odd problems...

The "system" went down at 9:30 PM yesterday evening. I left there today at
noon, still down. But the "outage" wasn't complete--some banks of machine would
still accept and print tickets, one computer in the slot club was working,
though no others were, and that one couldn't access today's play. When the
system is down, the machines default to hand pays, no matter the amount, after
printing ONE ticket. The hand pay delay was about half an hour at noon. The
card swipe machines were down, of course. The card readers were giving points,
calling everyone "Guest." You could not, of course, download free play. In
theory, the machines are storing the play info locally, and will download it
to the server when the system is back up. In theory. :slight_smile:

This is the longest I've heard of a system crash lasting at the Palms. One
slot club supervisor was guessing that maybe the construction workers cut
through a cable leading from/to the server. Sounds like a possibility,
considering how long the problem has lasted.

I saw an elderly gentleman (NOT Brad!) wait 30 minutes for a hand pay of,
drum roll please, TWO CENTS! He just sat there, not playing another machine,
occasionally waving to passing floorpeople. Guess he was making sure the house's
"take" was being kept to a minimum! One guy walking by congratulated him on
his "jackpot!"

During these outages, the slot club is basically out of business. They
cannot redeem points, sign up new members, make cards, redeem coupons based on
play, or even answer questions about points or play. Frustrating for players,
and especially for slot personnel and casino hosts, who can't do much for their
players since they are unable look up past play.

Brian

ยทยทยท

------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a message dated 8/8/2005 4:44:31 PM Pacific Standard Time,
QueenofComps@frugalgambler.biz writes:

Mentioned in LVA news today:

August 8 -- Problems at the Palms
We've received reports of an ongoing problem at the Palms. Apparently,
a major computer malfunction is raising havoc -- slot cards can't be read,
point-redemptions can't be made, and other gambling-related operations are
being affected (one report said that the roulette tables had been shut
down).

Anyone have any first-hand experiences to relate? Can you download
your Free Play???

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#2

It was a very odd day indeed. I decided against playing today for
fear of not having my play tracked, but had already put $500 in my
machine (not knowing the situation) so... 30 minute hand pay for
me!

I initially showed up around noon, but can confirm that as of 5PM
today when I returned the problem continued. The slot club
indicated to me that all outlets were recording comps used manually
(i.e. writing down the numbers) so, in theory, one can still redeem
comps on the honor system. Or at least so far as the honor system
works with a joint full of gamblers!

The Megabucks $3 free play promotion was being honored in that Palms
staff would give you the $3 then encourage you NOT to play the
Megabucks machines! (Warning of the 30-minute hand-pays should you
win anything.)

I wonder if this outage has to do with the computer snafu reported
in the drawing a few nights ago?

And, given that free play could not be utilized, I wonder if the
Palms will offer the same amount of free play on a different date?
Is there any precedent for this?