I would say that the effects of Carano family hegemony downtown are starting to be felt:
o About a month ago, Circus Circus removed the good VP from the high limit corral. There were just two machines there, which they have moved across the room. These are $1, $2, and $5 single line machines. The 16/10 NSUD has been downgraded to 15/9, the 9/6 JOB to 9/5. The best game now is 8/5 BP. 9/6 DDB is also a viable choice.
o At smaller denominations, just within the past few days, CC has downgraded the games on all of the bartops and in the Gecko's alcove upstairs. The former 9/6 JOB, which included the 25 ct. progressive games, is now 8/5. The other games are similarly a chamber of horrors. This is RENO, for crying out loud. One might conclude that in distinguishing the three properties, management is positioning Circus Circus to cater only to cretins. I would have to concede that this would be appropriately focusing on what is already their core market.
o At Silver Legacy, the good Joker Poker 2 Pr. is gone. You can still find NSUD, $1, 5-25 coins, upstairs by keno.
o For now, the good Joker Poker 2 Pr. survives at Eldorado.
o At the "jackpot winners' party" Saturday night at Silver Legacy, the master of ceremonies implied that the players' clubs at Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus would be merged. This would be horrible news for players. Currently you can aspire to earn max mailers (or at least high mailers) at three properties. If the accounts are merged, there's no way that your offers for the new combined players' club will equal the sum of what you've been getting from the three separate clubs. Proof that reduced competition is bad for the customer. Also, Circus Circus comps have been quite good in the past. The Caranos haven't been managing Circus Circus until now. I would imagine that any future combined players' club will be more Eldorado-like than Circus Circus-like.
o Atlantis and Peppermill are doing just spectacular business, week in and week out. VP players may want to consider that this may be a case of properties that have no worries about profits being generous with the comps. However, never lose sight of the fact that if you win too much, each of these properties may abruptly cut you off from future offers.
WRX