VIDEO KENO PLAYERS HOG MY GAMES!

Several Readers Tell Us How They Really Feel

Recently our editor forwarded me several emails from readers of ours who had quite a bit to say about video keno players at casinos.

The emails encompassed the following main points:

Video keno players are on multi-game units which have video poker games and slot games. Customers would like to play those other games but can’t because they are always taken.

Video keno players turn up the game’s volume to maximum which is beyond annoying to non-keno players around them.

In the very few Arizona casinos which still allow smoking, most of those smokers are video keno players.

Most video keno players break the bet buttons, like to hit the machines, and curse, which is not appreciated.

Most video keno players bet the minimum on their games, usually $0.05 per spin. And, as most non-keno players bet far more than that, why are the casinos catering to keno guests?

Why aren’t there 100% video keno games separate from video poker? And, in a separate area from video poker?

Why aren’t there high minimum bets on video keno games?

As these points were quite blunt, I decided to not share any of the readers’ names and cities they live in.

However, here’s what I’d like to share with the readers who wrote in, and all of you, as I have an opinion on this subject as well! Right off the bat, there’s nothing wrong with what these readers said. If the behavior of other patrons is preventing you from playing your favorite game and providing you with a miserable experience, perhaps it is time to move on. Otherwise, I suggest investing in noise-cancelling ear buds. They work pretty well. They don’t block out 100% of the crazy, but they do make it a little more tolerable. Or, use great earplugs. Finally, find another casino. Spend your entertainment dollars elsewhere!

Based on my experience, some Arizona casinos are worse than others in terms of the population of video keno players frequenting the establishment. But, if those casinos have your favorite games, the dilemma a gust finds themselves in is definitely difficult. If you have not already discussed your concerns with management, I suggest you do so. Give the property a chance to address the issue. Although, I've found that some casinos listen, claim they'll make a change, and then never do.

I agree with the assessment about the majority of video keno players. Yes, they create an environment which makes it challenging to enjoy the game you are trying to play. I understand how the readers who wrote in feel like they don't matter as customers, yet the video keno players matter more to the casino. Until a casino shows me numbers to the contrary, based on my knowledge, video keno players are the lowest revenue generating players for the casino, specifically because of their wagers. Why a casino allows those players to impede far higher wagering video poker players from playing is anyone’s guess. I’d love for a Slot Director to prove me wrong with numbers. I printed the points our readers made in the hopes that Slot Directors who read our magazine every month think about what was said. Maybe there will be a change. Perhaps not, but at least I’ll have put it out there. Especially the topics raised by the last three questions.

I’d love to hear what our readers think about this topic. You can write me at Sami@AZGamingGuide.com. Thanks for your letters and emails! Have fun and good luck! $