Now that all the words are hitting the wind about VP advantage play, I would like to ask if any of you think casinos use shills or other folks to aggravate advantage players?
I ask because I noticed something on my Sept. trip to LV that had not happened before but makes me wonder if the casino might be fighting back.
I was playing at Boulder Station, where i often play, and using my homemade strategy card which i have always perched on the glass (it fits behind the coin slot so perfectly!) I was minding my own business. Not button slapping, not blowing smoke, not bothering a soul, just trying to enjoy my VP vacation.
Yet, four times odd circumstances occurred that seemed designed to discourage my play.
First, i am playing away and an overtalkative woman walked up, grabbed my left hand which was laying in my lap, and gushed, "Oh what a gorgeous ring!" Yeah right, it's my wedding ring, special to me, but people do not come from several yards away to admire it. I pulled my hand back and looked all around concerned this was part of some "team" activity to swipe a coin bucket or something. Only the other players were around though. She grabbed my hand again and started in about the ring. I said, "I am concentrating on the game. Can't talk and concentrate." She proceeded to lecture me that "everyone there played for fun, etc.........." I continued to ignore her as she sat down next to me and began blowing smoke everywhere.
Wouldn't have thought much about it, but twice later in the casino in two different areas VERY unsavory men came and 1. hovered over my shoulder commenting on the game or 2. sat nearby, not playing, loitering and giving me the creeps that something illegal etc. was going to go down.
The fourth incident involved a casino employee whispering to me during a hopper fill that I'd been "seen working over at the Reserve" too. I first thought he mistook me for a casino employee and took it in that vein, but he made some other comment about being a pro.
Heck, if i was a pro i wouldn't need the strategy card. I know most people might not set it in plain view, but i have done it for years without any difficulties (other than a couple of execs at the suncoast freaked once summer 2001 saying among themselves they hoped a bunch of other people weren't going to start coming there using cards.........) the card is the same yellow they use on most machines it blends so beautifully. yeah, i know the cameras can read your watch but since i only get to play mostly on vacation keeping the card handy is very useful -- but i will not do it anymore given the current climate.
have other people had discouraging events occur when using a card or appearing very intent on their game?
quad karen