In my experience, nothing draws a crowd like a crowd. Trying to take from Peter to pay Paul and the casino's cut is more social sciences.
There could be worse paytables on the end seats on the bank or sprinkled within the bank so someone would actually have to look and know the paytables to gain a better advantaged play. Easier games could have lower payback while driving the meter higher. Offer Keno on the machines that also pumps the progressive. Marketing signs and machine placement is also very important as well as comfort.
I doubt very much this would be an option but thought I would throw it out there. Optimal placement could be just outside the buffet entrance and changing the entrance from a standing line to a number calling system with a sign so they could play while waiting to be seated. The bank would have the side where the sign was not visible to the buffet with better paytables.
