[vpFREE] DIAD compendium (was DIAD ?s)

 

Hi there,

I'm typing to your from the Diamond Lounge in Lake Tahoe, having just completed my DIAD.  I wanted to pass along everything I've learned as 'net fodder in the future.

* "Are there (or will there be) any C casinos that offer bonus/multiplied RCs?"

sector7up2 said that Harrah's Rincon has multiplier days, which is true.  There are other C properties that do as well ... The best place to look for these is under something similar to a "Promotions/Events" tab off the main page of any given C property you're interested in.

* I've read statements (although I can't dig any up this second) that are similar to "DIAD is for new D members only." If this is still true, could this mean that I would not be eligible since I've already lived on the D brick road earlier in my life?

vpbp2002, Dean Nishima and carolm60656 have all achieved D status with combinations of DIAD and "normal" Diamond (ND) earnings.  I just earned DIAD having had ND before.  No problems.  No questions.

* Are there any of the C casinos (or hosts) that seem to be better/worse or more welcoming/hostile toward people doing DIAD?

The answer to this remains unclear to me.  The one thing that was painfully obvious was Harrah's Rincon was far more familiar and conversant on DIAD than Harrah's Lake Tahoe ... That MIGHT, however, be due to the booth staff's far greater command of the English language in Rincon.

My DIAD experience follows for anyone who might be interested.

After searching the VPFREE2 database, much fiddling with Wolf Video Poker software, and coincident travel plans, I decided to head to Harrah's Lake Tahoe for DIAD.  Roughly speaking I figured there awas a 2/3 chance that I would lose less than $1K (including winning in that number).

Calling the slot club, they had no problem telling me that the slot day went from 06:30 - 06:30 daily.

I went to the Rewards desk (TRD) today and there was some confusion ... When I asked about DIAD, I was directed to a slot host -- apparently the booth staffer was thinking that I wanted to be granted a Diamond pass for the day.  After talking to the host -who noticeably recoiled after seeing my most recent play- I went back to  the TRD who informed me what I already thought I knew ... 3K tier credits would get me DIAD.

I plunked myself down with my girlfriend to a $1 JoB 3-play.  My girlfriend and I split the same machine both for companionship and to help ensure fewer mistakes as we played.  Here are the sequential milestones of the session (the $ numbers are my overall standing at the moment of the hand being dealt).

* 4 9s dealt.  +$48
* 4 4s.  +$480
* 4 7s. +$450
* 4 Ks. +$515
* 4 As. +$545
* 4 As. +$525
* 900 base points.  even.
* -$100 @997 base points.
* -$200 @1053 base points.
* 4 8s. -$145
* 4th 7 dealt to 2 different hands.  +$155
* 4 7s dealt.  +$410
* 1500 base points -- half way to DIAD.  +$390
* 4 Ks.  +$275.
* 4 6s.  +$350.
* 2000 base points -- 2/3 to DIAD.  +$180
* Straight flush. +$470
* 2319 base points.  even.
* 4 7s.  -$25
* -$300 @2605 base points.
* -$400 @2644 base points.
* -$500 @2665 base points.
* -$600 @2754 base points.
* -$700 @2805 base points.
* -$800 @2853 base points.
* 4 8s. -$630
* 3000 base points.  -$755.  DIAD achieved.

Elapsed time: almost exactly three hours.

Tough end on a rollercoaster session.  Those last 700 base points essentially costed me a buck apiece.

(For the record, during this session I made decisions on 2000 dealt hands and had three mistakes that my GF and I know of.  At one point I held KQs when there was a 77 on the board (all hands happened to pay on my mistake draw).  On another I held a K only when there was also a suited T on the board.  On another I played suited QJ instead of holding TJQK.)

I marched back to the booth and was given a D card with an expiration stating 3/12.  My understanding -which may not be correct- is this card will be renewed with a card stating expiration on 3/13 when I replace it later this year (if this turns out NOT to be the case, I'll tap the list).  It was extremely difficult to get a precise understanding because the booth person's English explanations were far from clear and precise.

Now armed with a D card, I trooped back to the host and asked for a room and buffet comp.  This was followed by a lot of typing (maybe 10 minutes worth) ... the host gave me a super-nice room, but no buffet.

For what it's worth,
m.

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

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[vpFREE] Bob Dancer's LV Advisor Column - 17 JAN 2012

 

Bob Dancer's LV Advisor Column - 17 JAN 2012

"Rest in Peace Bill Day"

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/bob_dancer/2012/1017.cfm

<a href="http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/bob_dancer/2012/1017.cfm">
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/bob_dancer/2012/1017.cfm</a>

*************************************************
This link is posted for informational purposes
and doesn't constitute an endorsement or approval
of the linked article's content by vpFREE. Any
discussion of the article must be done in
accordance with vpFREE's rules and policies.
*************************************************

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[vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider

 

OK one last comment and then I have to get back to my other duties...

The drug you couldn't remember is Requip used in treating Parkinson's. There are some others, this one has gotten the most press. Anything in the "dopamine agonist" category is of concern. I believe L-dopa is also on the list.

Just goggle search for, "drugs that cause gambling addiction".

Dysfunctional dopamine pathways are also linked to gambling addiction in general. The drugs merely cause the imbalance, but it can be caused by environmental and genetic factors as well. Research is ongoing.

~FK

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "armchairpresident" <smellypuppy@...> wrote:
>
> >
> > The denial is more ubiquitous than you'd imagine Rob and extends far beyond AP's or even gambling. Psychologist's definition of gambling and gambling related disorders includes anything involving risk taking.
> >
> > Picking risky partners for marriage, car racing, military service, the stock market, buying and selling antiques, etc... are all risky and are all subject to abuse. The list is nearly infinite.
> >
> > The issue is not whether or not one gambles, we all gamble, everyday. The issue is how risky are our choices and how much forethought preparation and diligence one puts into managing their risk. If they take unnecessary risk without proportionate potential reward, "Houston we have a problem!".
> >
>
> The molecular genetics of risk will take a long time to unravel, but an important point is that evidence already exists that risk pathways can be independent. This is because side effects of certain drugs have been documented to influence specific types of risk. I can not recall the specific drug, but it is being considered to have an additional warning added to its label because it specifically targets gambling risk taking and no other.
>
> Since this drug's side effects (surprised its not in the food at every casinos buffet) dramatically cause increased gambling risk taking behavior while leaving other risk taking behaviors unaltered that the molecular pathways for risky behaviors are not the same. Since I don't write technical papers anymore I don't have the references but this stuff is fascinating.
>

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[vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider

 

>
> The denial is more ubiquitous than you'd imagine Rob and extends far beyond AP's or even gambling. Psychologist's definition of gambling and gambling related disorders includes anything involving risk taking.
>
> Picking risky partners for marriage, car racing, military service, the stock market, buying and selling antiques, etc... are all risky and are all subject to abuse. The list is nearly infinite.
>
> The issue is not whether or not one gambles, we all gamble, everyday. The issue is how risky are our choices and how much forethought preparation and diligence one puts into managing their risk. If they take unnecessary risk without proportionate potential reward, "Houston we have a problem!".
>

The molecular genetics of risk will take a long time to unravel, but an important point is that evidence already exists that risk pathways can be independent. This is because side effects of certain drugs have been documented to influence specific types of risk. I can not recall the specific drug, but it is being considered to have an additional warning added to its label because it specifically targets gambling risk taking and no other.

Since this drug's side effects (surprised its not in the food at every casinos buffet) dramatically cause increased gambling risk taking behavior while leaving other risk taking behaviors unaltered that the molecular pathways for risky behaviors are not the same. Since I don't write technical papers anymore I don't have the references but this stuff is fascinating.

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[vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider

 



>
> A Montana casino owner once told me that one of his expenses was replacing chairs that had been ruined by urine. That's pretty bad if a person is so zoned in that they won't even get up and go to the restroom.
>

Perhaps this is more of an elderly incontinence issue? A neighbor of mine has ruined several chairs in our common space facilities. Now, whether the debilitation of age on the human body causing this is better/worse/different than caused by compulsive addiction will be left to the philosophers.

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[vpFREE] Re: progressive machine

 

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, Dan Paymar <Dan@...> wrote:

I know at least two true pros today that stick with
> a break-even strategy.
>
My guess is one of them is DR

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[vpFREE] Re: Another One Bites the Dust

 

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "TIMSPEED" <corvetteracing87@...> wrote:
>
> Wow, in Marysville there's only Gold Country and Feather Falls...hmm...
>
>
>
Wrong Marysville....Marysville, Washington. Tulalip Indian Reservation. It was a 4-8 Stud 8 gig.

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Re: [vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider

 

Good answer Bob. Addicted to breathing? Is it a choice.....

Frank, I understand the similarities to gambling out there, but I'm only referring to actual casino gambling.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone

----- Reply message -----
From: "Bob Bartop" <bobbartop@yahoo.com>
To: <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider
Date: Tue, Jan 17, 2012 12:30 pm
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, Tom Robertson <007@...> wrote:

>

> Are you addicted to breathing, Rob? And before you answer, keep in

> mind that I'll consider any denial by you as evidence of your

> addiction. Is anyone doing any job therefore addicted to it?

>

When I first started breathing, it was exciting. I felt alive. Now I have to breath just to maintain.

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

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Re: [vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider

 

I don't see what any of this has to do with addiction. I often risk
running out of gas for the sake of finding cheaper gas. The risk is
probably greatly disproportionate to the tiny potential gain. Does
that mean I'm addicted to cheaper gas or just stupid? Maybe I'm
concerned that medication will be involved in treating "addiction,"
which I believe is ridiculous. Isn't intelligence the only cure?
Maybe casino owners should be treated the same as drug dealers if
gambling addiction is similar to drug addiction.

Frank wrote:

>The denial is more ubiquitous than you'd imagine Rob and extends far beyond AP's or even gambling. Psychologist's definition of gambling and gambling related disorders includes anything involving risk taking.
>
>Picking risky partners for marriage, car racing, military service, the stock market, buying and selling antiques, etc... are all risky and are all subject to abuse. The list is nearly infinite.
>
>The issue is not whether or not one gambles, we all gamble, everyday. The issue is how risky are our choices and how much forethought preparation and diligence one puts into managing their risk. If they take unnecessary risk without proportionate potential reward, "Houston we have a problem!".
>
>Some pro's risk is far less than a cab driver in New York. Others though caution to the wind and stick their necks on a platter everyday, hoping the axeman is absent or on a potty break.
>
>In gambling you'll find the full spectrum that lies between over- cautious and wild abandon for pros and non-pros alike.
>
>I agree with everything you said except for your generalizations about "all-Ap's". I've never known two alike.
>
>Playing machines in a casino is indeed "gambling", as is getting out of your bed in the morning, or for that matter staying in it.
>
>The better question is: Is it a good gamble???
>
>~FK
>
>--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "rob.singer1111@yahoo.com" <rob.singer1111@...> wrote:
>>
>> Mickey, that's a little more than I was referring to. The majority--if not all--of AP's have posted thru the years how they are not gambling because they believe they are playing in a "positive situation" thanks to a theoretical edge.
>>
>> My point is, if someone is playing any game inside any casino, they are gambling. AP's especially, because they sit so long at the machines which, in my case when I was an AP, caused me to become addicted to vp. So when someone says they are "doing their job" and/or "are not addicted to playing" instead of saying how they are really seeking that intermittent satisfaction as provided by the machines, then they are deeply into denial.
>>
>>
>> ----- Reply message -----
>> From: "Mickey" <mickeycrimm@...>
>>
>> Rob, call me slow, but I don't get where the "AP's, experts, and math people" are somehow responsible. Should the entire population not be enlightened on strategic gambling because a percentage of them will turn out to be compulsive gamblers? In that case, then ignorance reins.
>>
>

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[vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider

 

I don't have a lot of time right now to do daily posting on every forum. Sorry, but I need to bail for now.

Good luck out there and I'll post my article on March 1st.

~FK

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[vpFREE] Re: Preview of Upcoming Article in Black Jack Insider

 



The denial is more ubiquitous than you'd imagine Rob and extends far beyond AP's or even gambling. Psychologist's definition of gambling and gambling related disorders includes anything involving risk taking.

Picking risky partners for marriage, car racing, military service, the stock market, buying and selling antiques, etc... are all risky and are all subject to abuse. The list is nearly infinite.

The issue is not whether or not one gambles, we all gamble, everyday. The issue is how risky are our choices and how much forethought preparation and diligence one puts into managing their risk. If they take unnecessary risk without proportionate potential reward, "Houston we have a problem!".

Some pro's risk is far less than a cab driver in New York. Others though caution to the wind and stick their necks on a platter everyday, hoping the axeman is absent or on a potty break.

In gambling you'll find the full spectrum that lies between over- cautious and wild abandon for pros and non-pros alike.

I agree with everything you said except for your generalizations about "all-Ap's". I've never known two alike.

Playing machines in a casino is indeed "gambling", as is getting out of your bed in the morning, or for that matter staying in it.

The better question is: Is it a good gamble???

~FK

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "rob.singer1111@yahoo.com" <rob.singer1111@...> wrote:
>
> Mickey, that's a little more than I was referring to. The majority--if not all--of AP's have posted thru the years how they are not gambling because they believe they are playing in a "positive situation" thanks to a theoretical edge.
>
> My point is, if someone is playing any game inside any casino, they are gambling. AP's especially, because they sit so long at the machines which, in my case when I was an AP, caused me to become addicted to vp. So when someone says they are "doing their job" and/or "are not addicted to playing" instead of saying how they are really seeking that intermittent satisfaction as provided by the machines, then they are deeply into denial.
>
>
> ----- Reply message -----
> From: "Mickey" <mickeycrimm@...>
>
> Rob, call me slow, but I don't get where the "AP's, experts, and math people" are somehow responsible. Should the entire population not be enlightened on strategic gambling because a percentage of them will turn out to be compulsive gamblers? In that case, then ignorance reins.
>

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[vpFREE] re Harrahs New Orleans

 

Regarding the Penthouse suite at Harrahs New Orleans - I don't know what
this refers to exactly, but a warning if you are put into one of the suites
on the Suite Floor (26th I think). The rooms look beautiful, there is a
butler, and there are high ceilings. That's the good. The bad is, because
of high ceilings we found the room extremely noisy due to the condensers on
the roof. My husband is a sound sleeper, so didn't notice, but I am a
light sleeper and the sound wouldn't stop. Part of it was from the air vents
from the airconditioning, part was from the roof. I ended up switching to
another room.

The TV reception was also horrible, and couldn't be fixed, don't know why.

We have had so many noisy experiences in the Harrahs New Orleans hotel, we
are now staying at one of the partner hotels.

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

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