Re: [vpFREE] Re: Quick question about points at the Stations

 

I got all that before also, but the mailings stopped cold at year's end.

I had no big wins or run-ins with management, so if I was blacklisted, I likely had plenty of company.

The fact that this coincided exactly with the changes in earn rate for the good games is unlikely to be a coincidence. Stations may have reviewed out-of-town VIP's getting good mailers and simply cut off anyone playing mostly good games, a la Peppermill. If that's the case, I should have switched games sooner.

Have you received a FreePlay offer for 2013?
What games do you play?

Sent from TC's iPad

On Jan 22, 2013, at 5:43 PM, "Dave" haaljo@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I know you do not suffer fools gladly but:
>
> We are also out-of-towners and try to get to the GVR once a month from the East Coast. We get $150 free play, free room, sometimes comp food and usually get a point multiplier as well.
>
> I don't know your definition of a $5 bad machine. If you gave them decent action on it, you should in a month or two get a decent offer.
>
> Maybe you landed on the no mail type list b4 then so time 2 move-on.
>
> Whether your a local or out-of-towner it doesn't work anymore gambling exclusively on GVR's >100% machines. I see local Advantage Players and they are at the FPJB, FPSDB, FPTDB; close to but not 100%.
>
> Adjust 2 changes in the industry + hope for the best in couple years.
>
> --- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, Tabby Cat wrote:
> >
> > Clearly, a big year-end change has happened at Stations.
> > It appears they no longer wish to encourage out-of-town play on their
> > better machines.
> >
> > As an out-of-towner I got bucketloads of offers for FreePlay, free rooms,
> > food, concert tickets, and other promos including multi-points despite my
> > playing exclusively on the very best machines. That all stopped with the
> > new year; best I've gotten so far is free popcorn while watching the
> > SuperBowl on their bar TV.
> >
> > Though by no means a source of income, I really made use of the freebies
> > for myself and friends when I came to town.
> > Ironically, I had been so impressed with their generosity with my small
> > play (1-2 hours $1 single line) that I gave them a big play on a "bad" $5
> > machine late last year, hoping to see what the mail would bring.
> >
> > That's been happening a lot lately -- giving a big play at a formerly
> > generous joint, and ending up with a mouth full of sand.
> > Or worse -- two joints last year "No more VP for you" -- one, not very
> > nicely. (Stole a $300 ticket from me, too). That's more welcome mats
> > withdrawn than in my previous 16 years of playing. Be advised, it appears
> > that one era of advantage gambling may be drawing to a close.
> >
> > As far as using a host, go ahead -- but understand that there is a
> > possibility you will get screwed. Without a written offer, anything a host
> > promises you is just talk, and can easily be denied once the marketing
> > director or VP decides they don't like you anymore. It's happening all the
> > time now -- in Reno especially (more on that later).
> >
> > With a nod to Mr. Dancer, I say go out and hit some royal flushes.
> > Just not too many.
> >
> > TC
> >
> >
> > On Sun, Jan 20, 2013 at 9:24 PM, jim_mason7 <7711-jimmason@...> wrote:
> >
> > > **
> > >
> > >
> > > Points are worthless on 100+ machines. However, if you are from out of
> > > town, room and food comps are possible from hosts.
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Card_shark_2121" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > On our next trip to Vegas, we plan on playing at the Stations. I
> > > understand that when playing 100%+ video poker there, one earns (comp)
> > > points at a much slower rate. What was not clear to me, however, was
> > > whether status credits were still earned at the normal rate of $1 = 1
> > > credit, or if those also accrue at a slower rate on 100%+ machines. Any
> > > info would be appreciated. Thanks!
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > What has it come to, this sensible life?
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>

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

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[vpFREE] Re: First Trip to Foxwoods

 



You can get offers from 9/6 jacks, it's really about average points earned per day. You can earn about 10 points per hour playing 5 dollars a hand on the dollar machines. Three hours a day should be enough to get free weekday rooms and some bonus slot play maybe 15-30 dollars a week plus more on Saturday. 5-10 hours a day might be good enough for weekend rooms and more slot play plus other gifts.

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "sulbimenfg311" wrote:
>
> I am making my first trip to Foxwoods am looking to generate some offers. Do the 9/6 jacks or better generate solid offers or would I be better off playing machines where the best game does not include 9/6 Jacks. Any help is appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>

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RE: [vpFREE] Palms (long)

 


I've had the same conversation about the full pay machines and the signs there-on with the slot director, Richie Waikus. While Richie doesn't make all the decisions there, he definitely knows what is going on. I've been told the signs will be changing.

One question for GWAE will be how can a 98.4% Joker Wild game be identified as full pay? While there is more than one definition for the term, no definition includes such a game. Does the Palms take truth in advertising seriously or is it a case of "buyer beware?"



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RE: [vpFREE] Questions about the Palms for Gambling With an Edge

 


tiki wrote: WE submitted these questions to GWAE:

1. What is your overall philosophy concerning local video poker players? Do you

place the same importance on them to your business that George Maloof did?

2. What specifically do you plan to do to retain and attract local video poker

players? Are you planning to add any new games (please be specific about pay

tables and denominations) and/or promotions? Will you ever have point

multipliers again?

3. Right now, why should I play video poker at the Palms rather than at the Gold

Coast, South Point or Stations?

Good questions. Thank you.
Bob


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[vpFREE] Re: W-2G and Medicare premiums - drifiting off-topic X VP

 

Thank you for the advice but I did exactly what you suggested and it so
happens that the cheapest plans for us (in the area we live--northern
Nevada--and considering our specific meds ) are the cheapest plans--Walmart
and/or AARP. What is killing us here is the penalty imposed by Medicare on
middle income earners. If a couple filing jointly makes over $170,000, they
incur hefty penalties regardless of the fact that we've already paid Medicare
taxes on that earned income.

B

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[vpFREE] First Trip to Foxwoods

 

I am making my first trip to Foxwoods am looking to generate some offers. Do the 9/6 jacks or better generate solid offers or would I be better off playing machines where the best game does not include 9/6 Jacks. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

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[vpFREE] Re: W-2G and Medicare premiums

 

That is very helpful. Thanks.
Time for us to change to something like nickel 100 play.
Predict casino's will be putting in new rooms for medicare customers.
They will call it "the high geezer room."

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "kcace1024" wrote:
>
> If you will be 63 this year you need to know that your W-2Gs can increase your Medicare Part B and D premiums when you turn 65 in 2015. Social Security uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from 2 years ago to determine your current year premiums. Your Social Security benefit is not affected, but most people have Medicare premiums taken out of their SS check.
>
> The basic Part B premium for 2013 is $104.90 and I will list the higher levels below.
>
> Level 1 - $146.90 (104.90 + 42.00)
> single income $85,000 - $107,000
> married income $170,000 - $214,000
>
> Level 2 - $209.80 (104.90 + 104.90)
> single income $107,000 - $160,000
> married income $214,000 - $320,000
>
> Level 3 - $272.70 (104.90 + 167.80)
> single income $160,000 - $214,000
> married income $320.000 -$428,000
>
> Level 4 - $335.70 )104.90 + 230.80)
> single income over $214,000
> married income over $428,000
>
> Part D is for the drug plan and is also affected, but you may not need Part D and the premiums are much smaller.
>
> A friend of mine just turned 65 and found out he is well over the Level 4 cutoff. You can take a chance and refuse Medicare Part B if you are healthy and enroll after you reduce your gambling income. There is a penalty for every year you delay.
>

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[vpFREE] Re: Quick question about points at the Stations

 

I know you do not suffer fools gladly but:

We are also out-of-towners and try to get to the GVR once a month from the East Coast. We get $150 free play, free room, sometimes comp food and usually get a point multiplier as well.

I don't know your definition of a $5 bad machine. If you gave them decent action on it, you should in a month or two get a decent offer.

Maybe you landed on the no mail type list b4 then so time 2 move-on.

Whether your a local or out-of-towner it doesn't work anymore gambling exclusively on GVR's >100% machines. I see local Advantage Players and they are at the FPJB, FPSDB, FPTDB; close to but not 100%.

Adjust 2 changes in the industry + hope for the best in couple years.

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, Tabby Cat wrote:
>
> Clearly, a big year-end change has happened at Stations.
> It appears they no longer wish to encourage out-of-town play on their
> better machines.
>
> As an out-of-towner I got bucketloads of offers for FreePlay, free rooms,
> food, concert tickets, and other promos including multi-points despite my
> playing exclusively on the very best machines. That all stopped with the
> new year; best I've gotten so far is free popcorn while watching the
> SuperBowl on their bar TV.
>
> Though by no means a source of income, I really made use of the freebies
> for myself and friends when I came to town.
> Ironically, I had been so impressed with their generosity with my small
> play (1-2 hours $1 single line) that I gave them a big play on a "bad" $5
> machine late last year, hoping to see what the mail would bring.
>
> That's been happening a lot lately -- giving a big play at a formerly
> generous joint, and ending up with a mouth full of sand.
> Or worse -- two joints last year "No more VP for you" -- one, not very
> nicely. (Stole a $300 ticket from me, too). That's more welcome mats
> withdrawn than in my previous 16 years of playing. Be advised, it appears
> that one era of advantage gambling may be drawing to a close.
>
> As far as using a host, go ahead -- but understand that there is a
> possibility you will get screwed. Without a written offer, anything a host
> promises you is just talk, and can easily be denied once the marketing
> director or VP decides they don't like you anymore. It's happening all the
> time now -- in Reno especially (more on that later).
>
> With a nod to Mr. Dancer, I say go out and hit some royal flushes.
> Just not too many.
>
> TC
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 20, 2013 at 9:24 PM, jim_mason7 <7711-jimmason@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Points are worthless on 100+ machines. However, if you are from out of
> > town, room and food comps are possible from hosts.
> >
> >
> > --- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Card_shark_2121" wrote:
> > >
> > > On our next trip to Vegas, we plan on playing at the Stations. I
> > understand that when playing 100%+ video poker there, one earns (comp)
> > points at a much slower rate. What was not clear to me, however, was
> > whether status credits were still earned at the normal rate of $1 = 1
> > credit, or if those also accrue at a slower rate on 100%+ machines. Any
> > info would be appreciated. Thanks!
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> What has it come to, this sensible life?
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

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[vpFREE] Re: Palms, other annoyances and so on....

 



"Would you be interested in some adult entertainment?" I answered "I thought that was what I was doing." :)
>
> A guy's gotta have his priorities, and I guess that told me where mine are.
>
> -BG
> ==========================
>
An almost perfect retort. Well done/said. May we assume she left rather soon thereafter? :)

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Re: [vpFREE] Re: W-2G and Medicare premiums

 

Every year, the income from either the previous year or the year before that (I'm not sure which) is used to determine the Medicare premium for the calendar year.   If your income goes down enough, the premium decreases.  I was told that if there's a major life change--for instance, stop working if still working after full retirement age, or death of a spouse--you can call Medicare and ask them to reconsider.  So far, I'm still working so I haven't had the opportunity to check this out.

________________________________
From: VpKing77 vpking77@yahoo.com>
To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 5:29 AM
Subject: [vpFREE] Re: W-2G and Medicare premiums

 
Could someone explain this to me as I almost 62. If I have $200k to $300K in W-2Gs and still end up losing for the year will my Medicare premium be based on my net income or my income before I take my loss deduction. It seems to me it would cost several thousand more per year. An extra $190 a month. How long does the penalty last?

--- In mailto:vpFREE%40yahoogroups.com, "kcace1024" wrote:
>
> If you will be 63 this year you need to know that your W-2Gs can increase your Medicare Part B and D premiums when you turn 65 in 2015. Social Security uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from 2 years ago to determine your current year premiums. Your Social Security benefit is not affected, but most people have Medicare premiums taken out of their SS check.
>
> The basic Part B premium for 2013 is $104.90 and I will list the higher levels below.
>
> Level 1 - $146.90 (104.90 + 42.00)
> single income $85,000 - $107,000
> married income $170,000 - $214,000
>
> Level 2 - $209.80 (104.90 + 104.90)
> single income $107,000 - $160,000
> married income $214,000 - $320,000
>
> Level 3 - $272.70 (104.90 + 167.80)
> single income $160,000 - $214,000
> married income $320.000 -$428,000
>
> Level 4 - $335.70 )104.90 + 230.80)
> single income over $214,000
> married income over $428,000
>
> Part D is for the drug plan and is also affected, but you may not need Part D and the premiums are much smaller.
>
> A friend of mine just turned 65 and found out he is well over the Level 4 cutoff. You can take a chance and refuse Medicare Part B if you are healthy and enroll after you reduce your gambling income. There is a penalty for every year you delay.
>

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

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[vpFREE] Questions about the Palms for Gambling With an Edge

 

We submitted these questions to GWAE:

1. What is your overall philosophy concerning local video poker players? Do you
place the same importance on them to your business that George Maloof did?

2. What specifically do you plan to do to retain and attract local video poker
players? Are you planning to add any new games (please be specific about pay
tables and denominations) and/or promotions? Will you ever have point
multipliers again?

3. Right now, why should I play video poker at the Palms rather than at the Gold
Coast, South Point or Stations?

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[vpFREE] Palms (long)

 

My husband sent the following to the Palms, and gave me an O.K. to post on VPFree:

(I don't exactly agree with his evaluation of the buffet.)

Here it is:

I was in the Palms yesterday (1/21/13) and noticed some large yellow signs
advertising "full pay" video poker. These signs contained numerous errors, a few
of which I will point out. First, however, I would like to share the definition
of "full pay" because these signs indicate that whoever put them up does not
understand this concept.

A "full pay" video poker game is the best generally available version of that
game. It may or may not pay back to the player 100 percent or more with perfect
play at maximum bets. Full pay deuces wild -- which you have in a separate group
of machines -- can in fact pay back more than 100 percent. Full pay jacks or
better, on the other hand, cannot. (Of course, even games that can return more
than 100 percent rarely do, because very people can play perfectly.)

The game you have labeled full pay deuces wild and designated as "program --
4/10" is in fact what video poker players refer to as "not so ugly" deuces and
is characterized by its payback for the five of a kind (16) and straight flush
(10). This game has a maximum payback of 99.73 percent, not the 98.8 percent
stated on your sign. Even at 99.73 percent, the payback of this game is a more
than a full percentage point less than the payback of the real full pay deuces.

Also erroneous was your sign for the "8/4" loose deuces. This is not the full
pay version of this game. The full pay version pays 12 for five of a kind for an
overall maximum payback of 100.15 percent. The game you are offering has a
maximum payback of 99.2 percent, not the 98.2 stated on your sign. Even at 99.2
percent payback, your version is vastly inferior to true full-pay loose deuces.
At 98.2 percent, it would be laughably bad.

A staple of local advertising is bragging about a casino's large number of
video poker games with 99 percent payback or better. The Palms looks pretty
silly touting as full pay a game with 98.2 payback -- especially since that
figure isn't even correct!

Furthermore, there is nothing at all special in the Vegas market about these
games at the denominations you are offering -- 25 and 50 cents. Many casinos
offer the 16/10 deuces and actual full-pay loose deuces at much higher
denominations, thereby attracting players who bet more and, in the long run,
lose more. It is also unusual that you are reducing the points earned by half
for playing the games you have labeled full pay. Most casinos reduce points only
on games that return more than 100 percent.

When I saw these signs, I asked to see a slot supervisor to point our the
errors. In talking with this gentleman, whom I will not name to protect the
guilty, it became apparent to me that he had no knowledge whatsoever of the
different versions of these games or even of the concept of "full pay" video
poker. It is equally apparent that whoever approved the posting of these signs
is unqualified for his or her job.

In fairness, I will say that I like the buffet better under the Palms' new
ownership, and the background music in the casino is less objectionable that it
was. As far as the casino floor goes, however, I cannot think of a single change
that has been handled well. The overall impression I get is of a management that
lacks a clear vision. There appears to be -- at best -- an indifference to the
video poker playing locals George Maloof carefully cultivated as a key part of
his customer base.

I am frustrated with the past year's disappearing games, moving machines, and
inability of managers on the floor to provide help or any useful information. At
this point I am looking hard for some good reasons to keep playing at the Palms.
Can you give me any?

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