I just returned from Tunica, where I played Gold Strike tournament, Sam's town, Fitzgeralds, and Hollywood. I did not see any 6/5 games at any of these casinos, but did see pretty consistent rules and penetration at all except for Fitzgeralds. Single deck dealing to one person, deals only three hands before shuffle. Terrible. No double after split Double deck is being cut at 50%. Fitzgeralds does not have much table business at this time, but they are really going after it because they have brought over several management people from the Horshshoe. They also have a new culinary staff that mostly came from Horseshoe. Their stated purpose is to become what the Horseshoe used to be prior to Harrah's making the purchase. Fitzgeralds has one and two deck handheld games that give the 65 to 75% penetration. Double after split permitted. Dealers keep their own tips. No pooling at this time, but it may be coming. The hotel is being remodeled starting at the top working down. Tournaments are being scheduled for the near future, but they will probably be invitational to people who have provided action there. They are liberal with their comps, and really seemed to appreciate their customers. I suggest you check the amount on your next trip there. Sam's town has discontinued all tournaments. I ask why, and they replied that they did not produce any revenue, because they did not get an inside action from participants, so it was a money-losing proposition. It sounds like more casinos will do the same sufficient action during our tournament participation.
Play to Play I haven't been touting this message much lately, so here it is again: TOOLMAN'S LAW #5: PLAY TO PLAY Ladies and gentlemen, if we don't give the side action to the casinos during a tournament, there is no reason for them to hold one. Simple, straightforward, business logic. Now let's do our best to save what little is left.
Sam's Town Tunica canceled their 3 card poker and their BJ weekly tourneys because of decreasing attendance. The last 2 BJ tourneys had around 40 entrys each and the 3 card poker around 60. As attendance went down so did the prize fund and this caused less entrys creating an ever ending cycle. Attendance has been decreasing for the last year.
