Hi Allan and Jeff,

Thank you for your perspectives. However, if my post intended to “knock” the casino(s) or not be positive, I would have used different words, possibly not postable ones, to describe the situation. I agree, we do need to support the program, however, I do not have to blindly dump my money into a machine that delivers nothing to me. Gambling is the idea that I am going to get something that I want from the experience (big payout, special item, jackpot, et al.). Simply programming the machine to pay out at 80% doesn’t meet my expectations.

And here comes the silver part, it is not my responsibility to figure out for the slot manufacturers or casinos how to include silver center strikes for profitability, it is theirs, that is part of their job; design a machine that creates an environment of excitement where the player, based on designed odds, loses time and money. And let’s not forget that last part, all gaming is purposely designed for the player to lose. I need not care about the feelings of the casinos as I am sure they do not care about mine. We gamble, we try to get something from the casinos, and they try to get something from us.

Lastly, perhaps a solution would be to have our club leadership liaison with the slot manufacturers and casinos, if they are not already, to ensure that they design machines and programs that engage the player at a high level and provide a profitable revenue stream for the casino. Shaun has built and maintained an excellent program at the 4Qs over the years. He is a member of our club and listens to the players intently to design machines ($40 strike machine, et al.) and programs (special strikes, themed strikes, tournaments, et al.) that excite the player and increase profits. He is the example other casinos should follow. One thing I will never do, intentionally or unintentionally, is knock Shaun or the 4Qs and I am positive that I will be playing at the 4Qs when it is safe to do so.

That was my soapbox.