I voted no on the possible slot tournament. It appears to me to be an ordinary slot tournament with cash prizes and an entry strike which will be "won" by every entrant who plunks down $300. I have been led to believe there will be no strikes awarded as prizes. If that is so, I don't think this should even be called a silver strike tournament.
$300 is quite a bit to pay for a strike which isn't won, since the machine will be rigged so that everyone gets one. The "winning" is a transparent disguise so that the Gaming Commission will approve it as a silver strike and therefore it will fit the definition set forth by the Chapter. My analysis of the math indicates that the entry strikes will cost the casino less than $4000 total, including die costs. If there are 300 entrants, it will cost the individual strikers $90,000, plus transportation, meals, tips, other gambling, etc. If there are 300 entry strikes, then the value should be less than the 250 limited blue caps from the Four Queens, currently ranging from $145 to $175.
Because of the recent proliferation of $200 strikes, I have used my slot cards a lot. In the last month, I have received free entries into three slot tournaments with up to $10,00 as a top prize, along with free rooms for two or three nights, some meals and in one case free meals for three days for myself and companion. How does this compare to $300 entry fee?
Sorry, but I believe the "strike tournament" is clearly not in the best interests of the hobby. We have enough expenses without this additional $90,000.
I urge a "NO" vote on the proposed tournament.