KenoMom
10-12-2005, 10:05 PM
As a subscriber to a few casino-type magazines, I came across a little piece of proposed news that has me really bothered and I thought I'd throw it out here to see if I'm the only one with this reaction....
"Cash access machines in more than 900 Las Vegas casinos will soon be equipped to dispense tickets that can be deposited directly into the casino's slot machines".
As a 1-2 times a year visitor from the East Coast to Las Vegas, I have witnessed many changes over the past 15 years...some good and some not so good. In some cases, I've even been surprised that an idea that I thought was horrible (ticketless) would become a great idea. But I have to say that as an avid gambler, I draw the line at the above announcement.
To better track my spending, I utilize ATM machines instead of carrying cash or traveler checks. The convenience is worth the $4 surcharge (although I admit to sometimes going to Target and other places where it's only about $1.50).
But I DO NOT WANT an ATM machine to disburse a "voucher". I want my money to decide what I'm using it for...whether it's a machine at that casino or one down the street, food, gas, tips...whatever. Yeah, I'm sure someone is going to say I can always go to a cashier and cash it but why on earth would I want to pay a $4 ATM surcharge to do that? ATM's are a convience to get cash, they should not be a vessel for vouchers that can only be used in a machine.
Sounds to me as if the casino's are now trying to come up with ways to get people back to the machines and tables instead of the clubs and stores....an idea that is best served by allowing us to win and allow the thrill of the victory to be heard by those around us who might then decide to take a chance in winning themselves.
I miss those days and the ATM changes are going to be one more nail in the coffin for those of us who used to look forward to a Vegas trip.
"Cash access machines in more than 900 Las Vegas casinos will soon be equipped to dispense tickets that can be deposited directly into the casino's slot machines".
As a 1-2 times a year visitor from the East Coast to Las Vegas, I have witnessed many changes over the past 15 years...some good and some not so good. In some cases, I've even been surprised that an idea that I thought was horrible (ticketless) would become a great idea. But I have to say that as an avid gambler, I draw the line at the above announcement.
To better track my spending, I utilize ATM machines instead of carrying cash or traveler checks. The convenience is worth the $4 surcharge (although I admit to sometimes going to Target and other places where it's only about $1.50).
But I DO NOT WANT an ATM machine to disburse a "voucher". I want my money to decide what I'm using it for...whether it's a machine at that casino or one down the street, food, gas, tips...whatever. Yeah, I'm sure someone is going to say I can always go to a cashier and cash it but why on earth would I want to pay a $4 ATM surcharge to do that? ATM's are a convience to get cash, they should not be a vessel for vouchers that can only be used in a machine.
Sounds to me as if the casino's are now trying to come up with ways to get people back to the machines and tables instead of the clubs and stores....an idea that is best served by allowing us to win and allow the thrill of the victory to be heard by those around us who might then decide to take a chance in winning themselves.
I miss those days and the ATM changes are going to be one more nail in the coffin for those of us who used to look forward to a Vegas trip.