Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

In Vegas last week I played a little at the Bellagio. I was surprised that they didn't have a screen with players on the waitlist like other casinos do like MGM. While playing 4/8 I got into a conversation with a dealer that was playing and I asked the dealer about this. She said that it was a political thing but couldn't really discuss it. Was just wondering if anyone knew the reason for this, thanks.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

I think electronic waitlists are horrible. They are harder to maintian (a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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(a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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That's exactly why I like electronic lists.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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(a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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That's exactly why I like electronic lists.

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Well if you think the people working in a room can do more for you standing in one spot instead of helping you find your seat or get chips I can see how it would be a good thing.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

I would also prefer they use a room-key based system for room rate qualification, as there is a huge disconnect between the casino and the front desk. I very nearly didnt get my room discounted when I checked out Sunday at 8:30am because no one was available to verify the integrity of the small piece of paper I had to get updated by the floor everytime I sat down.

Example of a place that works off the room key system; The Wynn. And although the games there arent generally as profitable (in my admittedly limited experience), being able to sign up from my room, monitor my position on the list from my room, their rediculously superior orange juliuses, and the convenience of having my roomkey automagically validate me for the room rate makes the choice between B & W a difficult one.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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I think electronic waitlists are horrible. They are harder to maintian (a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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It depends on the system.

A general electronic waitlist like Wynn, then yes, I would agree with you, however the more modern system used at places like MGM, TI, and most Stations properties takes care of the problem you addressed, as the dealer has an electronic button board to mark when and where their open seats are, and a message is immediately shown to the brush computer.

The brush computer shows not only which tables have open seats, but which seats they are.

Also, for players with players cards, they swipe in at the table, for ease of comps tracking (and elimiation of hours whores that clock in and then leave).

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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I think electronic waitlists are horrible. They are harder to maintian (a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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This seems like a problem with a really easy technology fix.

There's a lot about poker room managment that could be impoved with better technology. I still fail to understand (well not really, but...) why more rooms don't have some automated system to communicate open seats to dealers and instead rely on tiny asian women yelling in a crowded room to nobody in particular.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

I was told in no uncertain terms that Bellagio refuses the electronic waitlist so that players who grease the floor can get priority.

Then, last time I was there, I gave the floor $10 while asking to be put on the 15/30 list, and it still took over an hour to get a seat as I was given no priority. How much am I supposed to grease them?

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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I was told in no uncertain terms that Bellagio refuses the electronic waitlist so that players who grease the floor can get priority.

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Exactly. That's what I can't stand. Bellagio needs to come into the 21st century.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

Well the "modern" systems that you see around town may be deceiving to the untrained eye. MGM's system aint bad, but it aint perfect either.

The system in use at harrahs properties, queueos (or chaos, as I call it), is the single biggest piece of garbage ever sold (hook, line and sinker) to a bunch of suckers. Seriously, the paper list is far superior in every way. Not one thing about the chaos system stands out as having any real value. It's slower than dog poo, and I do believe that the programmers who created the software were in fact a thousand monkeys with a thousand typewriters. These morons couldn't even pick a font where someone with a five-letter name can fit in the box. I'd pay you to take it away, but certainly would never buy it. Obviously the people who bought it for all of harrahs 1) never tried it themselves, and 2) have no clue about poker anyway, so thus couldn't tell the difference even if they had tried it.

As for greasing the floor, that can still be done just fine, even with an electronic list.

Al

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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(a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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That's exactly why I like electronic lists.

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Well if you think the people working in a room can do more for you standing in one spot instead of helping you find your seat or get chips I can see how it would be a good thing.

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The Mirage has a new electronic board. But, they're floor staff still walk around, apparently with printouts of the lists.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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Then, last time I was there, I gave the floor $10 while asking to be put on the 15/30 list, and it still took over an hour to get a seat as I was given no priority. How much am I supposed to grease them?

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Maybe ask them what it will take to get seated the fastest?

If that doesn't work, try this...

You: "How long's the wait for 15/30?"
Floor: "Two hours."
You: "How about for Benjamin Franklin???"

Last line works best if you raise your eyebrows at them while pulling out a hundo.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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(a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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That's exactly why I like electronic lists.

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Well if you think the people working in a room can do more for you standing in one spot instead of helping you find your seat or get chips I can see how it would be a good thing.

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The Mirage has a new electronic board. But, they're floor staff still walk around, apparently with printouts of the lists.

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Floor always walking around and being very difficult to catch up to can really be annoying.
I just want to get on the list, not have to play "where's the floor?" again.

In the Tunica rooms I don't think this is a big deal. But I've been left standing at the desk long enough to think, "Well, somebody should have been here by now to answer a Q or get my name"


I also don't think it's really that vitally important for the floor to guide you to your seat. Just point it out to me and tell me where I'm going. I've never needed a floor to walk me all the way there.

I really don't think I need them to buy chips for me either but I guess others tend to like having their chips brought to them instead of getting it themselves for some reason.


Anyway, the short version is: Yes, I think it would be pretty cool if 1 floor person always manned the desk. And I very much appreciate (from a player's perspective) the convenience of an automated wait-list.
Geez, if I glance ar the screen and see 5 or 6 named on an interest-list for a game I'm interested in i might go ahead and put my name on the list too.
But if it's on a clipboard I'm not going to do that because I'm just not going to see it and I'm not going to be looking for it.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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Anyway, the short version is: Yes, I think it would be pretty cool if 1 floor person always manned the desk.

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I think its safe to say 9x out of 10 when someone says they dont like the staff at the Bellagio, what they are really complaining about is how it takes too long to get the attention of the floor to put their names on a list, they cannot check the list themselves on a screen, or they feel the only way to get a seat fast is to grease the floor.

1) Belagio's problem is there is not a separate brush/floor system, thats an easy fix but it was never implemented. Keep in mind it doesn't help Bellagio's bottom line, it just adds to their overhead by adding staff. If they hired a brush whose job was to maintain the list, and the floorpeople assisted players to their seats/got chips/and provided rulings then it would be more efficient, yet I doubt that will happen at Bellagio anytime soon; companies try to reduce their overhead, not add to it.

2) Most tourists don't realize they can check the list themselves. Its a minor inconvenience, but the list isn't some sensitive document, its fluid. MGM has electronic lists at all of their other casinos, they oviously have a method to their madness. Why invest in new technology when your #1 in the market and the technology isn't slowing you down? From a players prospective I would prefer an automated list and automated seat open/service console at each table but I also realize if it ain't broke don't fix it is the policy at card rooms where there is a virtual monopoly.

3)Active players know that its easier for staff to adjust an electronic board than it is for them to adjust a written list. If a staff member wants to place another player in front of you they are going to do it, electronic list or not. At least with paper there is evidence for you to see, with electronic boards its often so seamless that you will never notice the difference.

In short even though I'd prefer there to be a brush and an electronic list, not having these conveniences wont change my opinion about a poker room. The quality of the room should be judged by a mixture of games, dealers, and management decisions. Comfort is also a factor, but I'd rather play in a dump with the best games in the world than be in a comfortable & convenient room any day.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

Ha. The people who complain about Foxwoods should read this thread. Paper lists? Sheesh.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

WEnt to Commerce for the first time last week and was surprised to see that they were using a dry erase board for thier list. This was the LLHE board 3/6 up to 9/18 I think but it worked surprisingly fine. Played Pechanga a few times and their signup board if you have a players card works rather well. Swipe your card and sign up for what you want.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

I love being able to swipe my card and get on lists at Foxwoods. Also, being able to go back and swipe your card and see what number you are on each list you're on without waiting for the lists to scroll through is great. I've never had a problem with queueOS from a player's perspective.

If Foxwoods would get the screens in the tables up and running, that'd be great, but I'm not holding my breath. They've been there for over a year now. Apparently there's a problem with them overheating and failing. I guess the vendor never actually tested one in a table. Brilliant.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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I love being able to swipe my card and get on lists at Foxwoods. Also, being able to go back and swipe your card and see what number you are on each list you're on without waiting for the lists to scroll through is great.

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it does that?
awesome. other rooms should get out of the clipboard-age.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

[quote)Why invest in new technology when your #1 in the market and the technology isn't slowing you down? From a players prospective I would prefer an automated list and automated seat open/service console at each table but I also realize if it ain't broke don't fix it is the policy at card rooms where there is a virtual monopoly.


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TT said it best it the quote above. Why should Bellagio improve their waitlist or the attitute of their employees or anything when they know it will be expensive plus they don't have to because the people will still show up because it's the Bellagio and it has the best higher limit games.

It's the same at the WSOP. I have been reading all the criticism of Harrah's and the tent (which sounds terrible) and people say how can they do this. Well they will keep doing it until enough people complain or even more so if people speak with their money and stop playing there.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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I love being able to swipe my card and get on lists at Foxwoods. Also, being able to go back and swipe your card and see what number you are on each list you're on without waiting for the lists to scroll through is great.

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it does that?
awesome. other rooms should get out of the clipboard-age.

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The Station casinos have this too. Green Valley and Red Rock at least.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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Geez, if I glance ar the screen and see 5 or 6 named on an interest-list for a game I'm interested in i might go ahead and put my name on the list too.
But if it's on a clipboard I'm not going to do that because I'm just not going to see it and I'm not going to be looking for it.

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This is a great point. There have been times when I have gone to Foxwoods and seen a game (or limit) that isn't normally spread and have joined the list to play it. If the list was done on paper, it wouldn't even occur to me to search for this random game/limit and I'd just play my usual.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

When I played at Mirage for the first time, I had a hard time adjusting. When it got crowded in there and the floor was walking around with the list with my name on it, I couldn't hear a thing. I basically tried to stick really close to either one of the games I was getting in or I had to at least keep an eye on the floor, if not outright shadow them. Granted, this was my Vegas virginity showing, but I thought it was extremely difficult. MGM, on the other hand, was surprisingly smooth. Big screen with my name on it so I could see how many more players were in line before me.

I'm probably spoiled by how they run it at Canterbury. The big whiteboard in the front with two attendants and microphones. Floorpeople walking the room and helping find seats. Speakers in the pit and the bathrooms. Not a giant room like Bellagio, but I've never had a problem there.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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I'm probably spoiled by how they run it at Canterbury. The big whiteboard in the front with two attendants and microphones. Floorpeople walking the room and helping find seats. Speakers in the pit and the bathrooms. Not a giant room like Bellagio, but I've never had a problem there.

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those attendants are actually brushes, and is what I wish they had at Bellagio. But when you look at the actual real estate available to be used it kinda makes sense that they dont have a brush system. I love the old-school dry erase boards, it reminds me of California Split every time I see it (TT was the first name called in the lowball list in the first scene of the move - a premonition of things to come?)

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

Joker, I was told for Bellagio poker room that there was a $20 list and a $50 list and that most people just tip the $20 but the $50 will get you almost immediate seating because few people do it. Haven't tried it myself as I almost invariably play table games in Vegas. The irritating thing is that the floor doesn't tell you this or even hint in any way that I can pick up on, rather, I had to get the information from some other players. Why don't they just tell you that in exchange for such and such tip, you can get such and such added service? Don't make a mystery out of it. Some of us come from areas where tipping the floor is not allowed or at least frowned on. We are not psychics. Oh well, rant over. If I get a chance to play again and try the tipping trick, I'll let you know how it works. I have never heard anyone say $10 is enough.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

Edge34 - When I was talking about occasional frsutrating experiences trying to get on a list and the floor being everywhere BUT the front-podium much of the time I was thinking specifically of a couple times I played at Mirage.

Like you, it was partly a result of my Vegas-noobness.

But for crying-out-loud, poker-rooms are supposed to cater to people who don't know all the ins and outs of this stuff.
It's supposed to be easy, not intmidating.

I had played live-poker before in Tunica so I knew that what I wanted to do was find whoever has the damn list so I could get in a game.
But if I was completely new to it I could easily have gotten so intimidated and frustrated that I might have said, "F-this. I don't know what the hell is going on" and just left.

I imagine this is how it works for many would-be noob poker-players.

With an automated list that everyone can see it is immediately obvious to any noob walking past what types of games are being spread and that you need to get into the list to get into that game.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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Joker, I was told for Bellagio poker room that there was a $20 list and a $50 list and that most people just tip the $20 but the $50 will get you almost immediate seating because few people do it. Haven't tried it myself as I almost invariably play table games in Vegas. The irritating thing is that the floor doesn't tell you this or even hint in any way that I can pick up on, rather, I had to get the information from some other players. Why don't they just tell you that in exchange for such and such tip, you can get such and such added service? Don't make a mystery out of it. Some of us come from areas where tipping the floor is not allowed or at least frowned on. We are not psychics. Oh well, rant over. If I get a chance to play again and try the tipping trick, I'll let you know how it works. I have never heard anyone say $10 is enough.

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It's all a joke and one of the primary reasons I do everything possible to avoid playing at Bellagio.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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Joker, I was told for Bellagio poker room that there was a $20 list and a $50 list and that most people just tip the $20 but the $50 will get you almost immediate seating because few people do it. Haven't tried it myself as I almost invariably play table games in Vegas. The irritating thing is that the floor doesn't tell you this or even hint in any way that I can pick up on, rather, I had to get the information from some other players. Why don't they just tell you that in exchange for such and such tip, you can get such and such added service? Don't make a mystery out of it. Some of us come from areas where tipping the floor is not allowed or at least frowned on. We are not psychics. Oh well, rant over. If I get a chance to play again and try the tipping trick, I'll let you know how it works. I have never heard anyone say $10 is enough.

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bah, sometimes I wonder if this is all rumors that are spread by irate locals/tourists. People were recently fired allegedly for this reason, how soon we all forget.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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(a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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That's exactly why I like electronic lists.

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They can still jack you with an electronic list. It happened to my friend at Borgata about a year ago. I raised a huge fit. We wanted to play 2/4 (he is not a good poker player) and came back from lunch. They put us to the top of the list. They called me first. Then about 10 minutes later called some random guy that got put in front of my friend. I raised hell for like an hour because he had to just sit there and wait.

I am sure some palms were greased.

Greg

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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(a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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That's exactly why I like electronic lists.

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They can still jack you with an electronic list. It happened to my friend at Borgata about a year ago. I raised a huge fit. We wanted to play 2/4 (he is not a good poker player) and came back from lunch. They put us to the top of the list. They called me first. Then about 10 minutes later called some random guy that got put in front of my friend. I raised hell for like an hour because he had to just sit there and wait.

I am sure some palms were greased.

Greg

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for a 2/4 game? lol. In reality its often a friend of the staff, a regular, an off-duty dealer; there are lots of people who get special privileges above and beyond the average player.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

Borgata routinely re-adds people who miss their game second on a list. I know from experience.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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(a brush or florr can't carry the list with them and make changes while they are walking around the room).

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That's exactly why I like electronic lists.

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They can still jack you with an electronic list. It happened to my friend at Borgata about a year ago. I raised a huge fit. We wanted to play 2/4 (he is not a good poker player) and came back from lunch. They put us to the top of the list. They called me first. Then about 10 minutes later called some random guy that got put in front of my friend. I raised hell for like an hour because he had to just sit there and wait.

I am sure some palms were greased.

Greg

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you and friend get put on top of the list. seat opens, you get called. someone else gets back from dinner and gets put on top of the list. no palm greasing. just one of many ways that someone got put on top of the list. palm greasing is obviously a possibility.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

So you are saying I should not try to tip them at Bellagio if I return and there seems to be a long line? I don't want to put anyone on the spot at their job but neither do I want to sit on my hands waiting if I can legally buy my way to the head of the line. Is there a poster who works at Bellagio who can just come out and tell us the right thing to do?

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bah, sometimes I wonder if this is all rumors that are spread by irate locals/tourists. People were recently fired allegedly for this reason, how soon we all forget.

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Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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So you are saying I should not try to tip them at Bellagio if I return and there seems to be a long line? I don't want to put anyone on the spot at their job but neither do I want to sit on my hands waiting if I can legally buy my way to the head of the line. Is there a poster who works at Bellagio who can just come out and tell us the right thing to do?

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bah, sometimes I wonder if this is all rumors that are spread by irate locals/tourists. People were recently fired allegedly for this reason, how soon we all forget.

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Just tip when you sit down. If you play a lot and you tip often, thats more than enough. Greesing is in poor taste, tipping after service is ok.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

The order of names on electronic lists can magically change just like on a paper list, although the fact that everyone can read the electronic list might make it happen less often.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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The order of names on electronic lists can magically change just like on a paper list, although the fact that everyone can read the electronic list might make it happen less often.

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Or the person running the list can put some made up names on the list in case someone they want to put in the game shows up.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

There should really be gaming regulations dealing with this sort of thing. Allowing for shady manipulations of the wait list by casino employees really impacts the perceived fairness of the game. It is crap like this that makes the American public so hesitant to condone legalized gambling.

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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It is crap like this that makes the American public so hesitant to condone legalized gambling.

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I doubt that most Americans have a clue about poker waitlists as it relates to gamblings. Most Americans that are opposed to gambling have either lost a lot of money, seen someone close to them lose a lot of money, or have never gambled and think all gambling is "wrong".

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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1) Belagio's problem is there is not a separate brush/floor system, thats an easy fix but it was never implemented. Keep in mind it doesn't help Bellagio's bottom line, it just adds to their overhead by adding staff. If they hired a brush whose job was to maintain the list, and the floorpeople assisted players to their seats/got chips/and provided rulings then it would be more efficient, yet I doubt that will happen at Bellagio anytime soon; companies try to reduce their overhead, not add to it.


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One thing you may not be taking into account is that the system they have in the poker room likely takes away money from the more lucrative casino games. First time I stayed at the Bellagio and got on the list I asked how long it would be, and was told they didn't know and to keep checking back. To kill some time I went and played Video Poker on the bank of machines just outside the room - kept running back every 5-10 minutes to check the list. The list was only moving a few players every time I checked, but then from when I was like 12th on the list I check back about 10 minutes later and am told I had been called and when I didn't respond within the minute or so they give you I was taken off the list and had to wait again (they must have opened a new table). In contrast, at the Wynn I am given a beeper, and when my seat opens I am paged. I usually go and play some BJ while I am waiting. At the B I am afraid to leave the poker room because I might lose my seat, and cannot see a list or hear any pages for poker players outside of the room, even at the nearest slots. I am sure there are many others like me that they could be getting some casino action from while they wait if they would modernize their system a little (even an electronic list that could be easily checked from outside the poker room would help a great deal).

Re: Why doesn\'t the Bellagio have a more \"modern\" waitlist
 

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So you are saying I should not try to tip them at Bellagio if I return and there seems to be a long line? I don't want to put anyone on the spot at their job but neither do I want to sit on my hands waiting if I can legally buy my way to the head of the line. Is there a poster who works at Bellagio who can just come out and tell us the right thing to do?

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bah, sometimes I wonder if this is all rumors that are spread by irate locals/tourists. People were recently fired allegedly for this reason, how soon we all forget.

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Just tip when you sit down. If you play a lot and you tip often, thats more than enough. Greesing is in poor taste, tipping after service is ok.

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So it's OK for regulars to tip their way to the front of the list, but not tourists?

thanks for yr patience but what is a tourist rather than a pro to do?
 

TT, I take away from your answer that I as the occasional visitor to Bellagio shouldn't bother to tip the floor. Obviously, I am not going to wait 2 hours and then tip the guy for a service I didn't receive in the hope that the next time I visit, which might be months later, the same guy will be there AND will recognize me AND will remember that I tipped AND will then put me on the head of the list. I just don't see the point. It's too cumbersome, it doesn't work for me.

The last time I visited Bellagio the floor said, straight up, there would be a 2 hour wait. I just want to know if he was soliciting for a tip and if we'd given one, if we'd really move up on the list. I don't care if it's crass or tacky. I only care to know if it's legal and effective. Silly and tacky as I might feel asking, "How long would my brother Mr. Grant have to wait?" it wouldn't feel much sillier than sitting around and waiting when I could be doing something else.

Do you see what I'm asking? I want to know if there is a way for the occasional player to jump the line or if there isn't. If there isn't, OK, it is not entirely unfair that regular customers should have a privilege that occasional ones don't get. But if there is, I'd just like to know it.