[Patton4]

Just got back from Black Oak and played on the automated tables. My thoughts:

I missed the hell out of having some chips to shuffle... will bring my own next time to keep busy in between hands.

There was much less table chatter as people seem to really focus on their little screens.

The no-tip factor is obviously positive for long term.

The game ran faster than a normal live game but I'm sure one or two imbeciles who don't know how to use their screens could make it slow.

If you get bored easily while playing on-line... these automated games could be hell for you.

Fish seemed much more willing to push all-in and make larger bets and calls when they didn't have to actually push their chip stack into the pot.

All in all it was a positive and profitable experience, but nowhere near as enjoyable as a real live game. Profitability will bring me back, but I'm not so sure the fish will stick around, especially the "I just wanna have a good time" fish. Unfortunately casinos will realize that not having to pay dealers and the faster rake will be the way to go. An employee at Black Oak told me that the Harrah's company has already ordered 400 of them.