Lotteries are Better than Casinos
Posted by baadster on May 25, 2009
Once again the best teacher is experience.
Lured by the flashy brochures from Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort I made the decision to go to see the free shows.
Yes the shows were excellent – the Yuk Yuk comedians were current, funny and entertaining and Le Grand Cirque was varied and exciting.
My problems started 5 minutes after walking into the Fallsview Casino. The casino has “upgraded” the high limit slots area with new machines.
My old favourite blackjack machines are gone, replaced by these new flashy looking blue-lettering multi-game, multi-denominational Game Maker machines produced by Bally.
These Game Maker games have two buttons one that controls start hit deal – the other button controls stand and play max. There are no distinctions between what function the button is “on or controls” when you are playing.
I was dealt a 20 and chose to stand. The whole screen blinked white, then the machine showed the dealer had a blackjack and I was somehow into another game at max bet where magically this blackjack took my 50 bucks. I was down 60 bucks in a flash.
I called the attendant who identified himself as the floor manager. The attendant played back my games to explain to me that two dealer blackjacks had occured. I did not even know what happened.
I explained that did not choose to play again – I did not choose to play at maximum bet – the Game Maker machine did it automatically.
He said that the casino can not give refunds every time a machine screws up. He said that it is my responsibility to understand the game before I play. Even if/when there are no posted instructions or warnings anywhere.
He said that he understands that having stand and max bet on the same button is deceitful. The best he could offer was a complimentary buffet dinner.
So the lesson for me is do not play the Bally Game Maker multi-game multi-denomination games that have multi-function buttons.
I will be writing a letter to the OLG to complain – I would like the casino games inspector to investigate this machine and any other multi-function button machines that have recently hit the market.
If you played one of these multi-function button machines and was placed into games at max bet that you did not choose – I suggest that you also write to the OLG to complain. Send a copy here -we will post it.
I am sure if someone went to an industrial psychiatrist – they could give a more qualified opinion that these machines are designed to trick casino patrons as they are designed to immitate regular game playing buttons and functions but with different and dire consequences for the players.
I have never had a lottery vendor take all my money and say – hey this your problem.
When I play the lottery – I choose my numbers and I choose how many entries. The price is either .50 cents or 1 or 2 bucks.
Playing the lottery is much more safe than going to the casino. The lottery does not force you to put your money into a machine then do whatever it wants – and still it is your fault and your loss.
OLG you should be ashamed of yourself.
First it was OLG vendors who steal tickets, then OLG security who do not investigate, then OLG executives who deny any problems, now it is OLG casinos with machines you can not trust.
More later
Baadster
