Rumor: End of Free Drinks?

This would impact our trips and in fact it would likely mean that we don't go as often. Not saying we would stop, but it would be only every few years. We will hit up ABC etc while slotting around but if they 100% stopped the comp of drinks it would change our habits. This rumor has been flying around in some deviation for a long time and I suspect sooner or later something will change no doubt. In AC we actually really enjoyed using the order at machine option at CET properties. They can and do put a limit on it. Easy to track.

 

I’m usually up for a rumour (conspiracy theory) BUT this one just doesn’t add up.

The loss of customers to the competition would be astronomical. Customer acquisition costs would skyrocket once those customers are gone.

Sorry....I just don’t see this one to be true.

 

It probably wouldn't change my Vegas plans. But it would irritate.

Hasn't this been happening in various configurations for years? They've already cut back on what players can get for free. I watched that implemented then rescinded at Harrahs Tahoe 15 years ago... they weren't doing it in 2018, but today? Harrahs Vegas wouldnt serve me call-brands in 2018.

Aria refused my mid-shelf request three weeks ago.... didnt ask to see my card or offer any response related to MLife tier.

There are/were places experimenting with drink orders in the players' accounts panel on slots, reportedly tied to play. Does that still exist?

Wynn was charging parking, now they dont. Did Venetian ever charge parking?

I expect this issue will ebb and flow in the coming years. With all sorts of programmatic options.... think airlines, luggage and affinity credit cards.

I didnt drink when at Bellagio three weeks ago... I'll be curious to see the response when I order in 10 days.

 

So the local casinos won't eventually follow, just like they didn't follow the majors by implementing resort fees after the majors did, right?

 

While I'm sure this gets brought up every year by the penny pinchers at MGM, I cannot believe they would ever stop the free drinks UNLESS all the other casinos in Vegas did the same. I like to stay at Aria and Bellagio, but if this happened, it would mean my gambling moving elsewhere.

 

I’m not saying it will never happen. But I am saying locals casinos are...

a) Traditionally not as nickel-and-diming as strip properties as a matter of culture

b) Less susceptible to drink mooching as a greater percentage of their clientele are driving to/from the casino

c) Motivated to not piss off their clientele because they rely more on repeat business than strip properties do

 

Even if local casinos charged, a person is more prone to staying local than traveling elsewhere. Therefore Vegas casinos need to entice people more, not less, than local casinos. Having one less carrot to entice people traveling to Vegas should help local casinos get more business from people who decide not to travel

 

Not gonna happen IMO. They only provide so called free drinks for their benefit. Keeps you from getting up and also makes you more brave. Everything done in a casino is for them not us. If they stopped it would change the whole Vegas vibe.

 

Agreed. I like Roeben a lot, but he's the quintessential broken clock. I can't find the exact timing right now, but he was talking about the potential sale of the Rio forever before it finally happened, at a time when everyone and their mother figured that the Rio would be offloaded. And hearing something like this from a cocktail waitress is basically "My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious." I can't say they'd never do it, but it'd be highly unlikely.

This is a really good point. They also have to worry about dram shop laws; if they overserve someone who's driving and then gets into an accident, that's huge liability potential. So there's a lot more incentive to be cautious.

 

Both the pit critter and Mike haven't heard anything about this.

 

Casinos would LOSE money if they cut free drinks, not only due to a loss of customers who would gamble elsewhere, but also due to the fact they "earn / steal" significant losses from intoxicated gamblers, gamblers they should stop serving but usually do not unless it is interrupting the game.

5.011 Grounds for disciplinary action

2. Permitting persons who are visibly impaired by alcohol or any other drug to participate in gaming activity.
3. Complimentary service of intoxicating beverages in the casino area to persons who are visibly impaired by alcohol or any other drug

 

Remember a couple years back when venetian put in those machines where you could order drinks by pushing a button. It was all the buzz and the wave of the future. Lasted about 4 months and havent heard a peep about them since. No idea if they still have them or not.

In laughlin they have little placards at the bars saying how much you need to have in the machine and be playing max credits for free drinks. No one makes an issue about it. Dont like it, dont sit at the bar expecting free booze.

 

CW contact at MGM Grand has heard this rumor.

 

There was a lot of fuss made over the video poker bar lights, and for me it highlighted one thing: there is a certain group of people that the casino gains no benefit from buying their drinks. If you’re a fan of low places like me, I was there Day One when the El Cortez stopped giving free drinks to anyone not willing to risk ten dollars. As technology progresses they will continue to tie drinks to actual play, but this issue is much bigger than resort fees and parking garages.

 

I reckon I earn more drinks at Chandelier than any other strip bar. Usually end up stocking up Fiji Water for the room. So if it's the same formula, I guess I'd be OK with that.

 

They have been serving free drinks to gamblers for years as it reduces inhibitions, coherent thinking, and entices people to gamble more $$ than they would if thinking clearly. I do not see this happening. The casinos would lose way more money in reduced gambling dollars than they would save by eliminating free drinks

 

It's also part of the casino entertainment environment. Any reputable casino isn't going to want to get people drunk just so they'll gamble more; places have gotten in trouble for that, after all. But it's part of the fun.

 

I don't think it's going away. However over the last 4 years I have noticed a dwindling in CW service at Mlife resorts. Last October I couldn't find a CW anywhere at the Bellagio, Mirage service SUCKED the previous 2 trips. I remember my first trip I never had an empty glass at Mirage.

I will say the best service on the floor has to go to Wynn. It was fantastic this past weekend.

 

I seriously do not have an issue if they install the keypads. If you have to be playing a certain level to earn the drink, fine. If you need to be a certain players card level to get a comp or a comp higher brand, fine. I will pay at mLife and free at CET because of card level. I enjoyed being able to order drinks from the machine in AC and have actually done it a few times in Council Bluffs too.

If they just cut them off totally, that's a different manner. You should be able to get free drinks if you are a 'real' customer (not just a chair hog). Watched an older gentleman at Harrahs spend approximately .79 cents one afternoon over several hours. During that time he consumed around 4 glasses of wine per hour (didn't tip either). And that was just one instance.

In Wisconsin you have to pay for alcoholic beverages, so it's not that we aren't used to paying. Tribes had no issue with that and part of the reason is because of historic alcoholism within Tribal members - they don't want to give it away. They however don't gouge for drinks price wise. I believe my husband paid 2.75? last night for Spotted Cow on tap per glass. Not a horrendous price. I believe my Smirnoff Ice are $4 each? (Plus tips of course). So it doesn't break us if we have a few drinks there. Quite different than Vegas pricing!! They are also pretty good at monitoring security camera wise and bartender wise. Security came up to the bar last night & told the bartender that a certain fellow near the opposite end was to get no more drinks. He indicated he had already cut him off. So they watch pretty good, even when they are busy. The gal that decided my husband was cute last night lol, bartender continued to serve slowly - but everyone already had already heard who her designated driver was - so he knew she wasn't going out and getting behind the wheel - but he did slow her down.