Some time ago someone reported that Aria had started to install sensors in their BJ tables (I'm not sure about other table games) to track the number of hands played. The word was that the technology would be rolled out to other MGM casinos. I read a TR today which suggested that the sensors were glitchy and disliked by dealers and supervisors at Aria. I also read a report where someone betting 2 hands stated that their average bet was halved but the time played was doubled. So flat betting 2 hands at $50 for 2 hours was being recorded as 4 hours play at $50! Has anyone experienced this technology at Aria? I would be interested in any comments on how it affected ratings.
When I was there over Labor Day weekend, the pit I played at was apparently their "test" area. I was told that four of those table had the sensors. The dealers had to place the cards on top of the sensor to register a hand played (obviously). I did note a few times that cards were placed very near, but not over the sensor - so I likely missed some credit. It was unclear if playing at those tables impacted my theo, as the dealers were not clear on that. They did note that playing heads up (as I usually like to do - two hands at a time) would get me many more hands/hour than the average. Again - they did not know if the test nature of those tables was being taken all the way to my account or just used to analyze results. My average bet was $225 per hand ($450 over the two). I played for close to 11 hours, though after my trip I was informed that I was rated at close to $225 for 22 hours. Such a method (doubling my hours) has occurred in the past as well - once at the Bellagio as I recall. I'm interested to see where this test takes all of us...
Tubbs and BLNT, have you been rated at, say $200 when playing 2 hands of $100? Wynn has always rated me per the bet, regardless of the # of hands in bj. Oddly, in PGP they count two $200 hands as $400 bet. Better HA I guess. My time played has also always been close to actual, not doubled but very open to subjectivity. I check with the floorperson and toke well to ensure maximum ratings.
I specifically asked multiple pit bosses at Monte Carlo as I was playing two hands of $50 what the rating would look like. Every one of them said $100 a hand. Some of these guys I've known from multiple trips and they've always been straight with me.
I always play two hands at Aria & my rating has always been accurate - although I normally play in HL/Carta Privada, so I guess it's probable they pay better/closer attention in there.
I almost always play 2 hands. I have always been rated on the total bet everywhere I played - MGM props & Wynn. I prefer the idea of being a higher level player for fewer hours than a lower level grinder, even though the theo is the same. I would rather have 4 hours play at $200 on my account than 8 hours at $100. I have no objection to counting the hands I play if it is used accurately in the theo calculation. As I posted in another thread, anyone playing at $50+ will usually be playing at a quiet table and often on their own against the dealer. That can mean a lot of hands per hour, even playing 2 hands at a DD game.
Massive Video Surveilance intrusive violation of privacy? After watching the tv show on cheaters in Vegas, I would never go into the Aria much less gamble there. I venture they probably have cameras in the bathroom, as well as the gaming floor. Choke points? These areas herd you through a gauntlet so they can do facial recognition. They watch your every move. Sure they must protect their assets, but this is way too far. What happens in Vegas goes on You Tube.
Wow! Do your posts make me feel like a piker. $200, $100 per hand? I play $5 per hand Video Poker and the downtown casinos treat me like a king. OK, used to (10 years ago) play bigger stakes craps but still nothing over $100 on one roll and now, much less. All I need is free rooms, free food and I'll make a donation, but I prefer to win.