MY TOP 7 CASINO GRIPES

And Losing Isn’t One Of Them

Whenever I visit a casino, I go prepared to win! Call me an eternal optimist! Don’t get me wrong, I accept that gambling is a form of entertainment, so the amount of money I take with me to a casino is what I feel I can afford to part with. However, if lady luck happens to not come my way then of course I’m disappointed, but that’s gambling.

I believe it’s just silly to expect to win at the casino ALL the time. I have my ups and downs and if one casino visit isn’t the greatest then I look forward to my next visit in the hopes that my luck will change for the better. Therefore, not winning at the casino every single time I go is not one of my gripes. I do, however, have several other complaints which detract from my overall casino entertainment experience. And, some of them really piss me off.

1. Sitting next to people at a casino that are whining and grumbling about losing is completely annoying. The huffing, the puffing, the protesting, and the criticizing isn’t a whole heck of a lot of fun. In fact, I’ve found that these kind of party poopers actually carry a contagious negative attitude that spreads like spilled water.

If it’s not going well at a machine, then just change machines! If it’s not going well in general, leave! The casino is not going to close before you have a chance to visit again.

2. On the flip side, I can’t stand the overly excited hyperfreakazoids either. You know the kind that yell like they’ve just won a million dollar lottery every time they get a win even if it’s just for a couple of dollars. I relish the energy and the excitement of the casino. However, sitting next to this type of person (or worse yet, a group of friends standing around all screaming in unison) is pure torment!

There’s nothing wrong with having fun at the casino, but please be respectful of those around you. Would you like to have someone screaming in your ear for an extended period of time?

3. Most casinos in Arizona have gone completely smoke-free. However, there are a few that still have smoking sections or allow smoking in the bar areas. And, although most smokers are extremely respectful, there are also incredibly obnoxious and inconsiderate smokers as well who decide that blowing smoke in other people’s faces, scattering ash on top of them- selves, on top of others sitting next to them, on the slot machines and all around is okay. Well, it’s not okay.

Be aware of the direction the smoke is traveling and, for Pete’s sake, use the ashtrays that are provided.

4. Which casino visitor isn’t as bothered as I am by those niggling, pesky hoverers? The quiet lurkers are annoying because you just feel their presence, but the blustering oglers that interject maddening comments like “ooh, that was close” and “aah, what an awful bonus” are downright infuriating. As if I need my very own play-by-play commentator!

If you’re a hoverer, stop it! Go get your own machine, sit down, play, and have fun. Stop standing around and join in on the action!

5. I’m playing my favorite video slot machine, I get into the bonus, and all of a sudden the lady next to me decides she wants to strike up a conversation. Not the most opportune time! I consider myself a “people person.” I love meeting new people and I love socializing. But, when I’m in front of my favorite video slot machine, or trying to focus on using optimal strategy at the blackjack table, it’s a little difficult to carry on a conversation.

If you want to talk to the stranger sitting next to you at the casino, make sure your timing is convenient and appropriate.

6. Another annoying action people do, that seems to have gotten worse since the pandemic, is to hit and smack the machine buttons very loudly. It’s baffling to me how it doesn’t hurt them after a while?

If you’re angry to the point you’ve become aggressive, and potentially violent, it’s time to walk away. Cursing and abusing a slot machine can only bring more harm to yourself and others.

7. I want to be treated with kindness and gratitude by all the employees at the casino from cocktail waitresses to the slot attendants to the blackjack dealers to the security officers and everyone in between. I have two dozen casinos to choose from in Arizona alone and I chose to come play at your casino.

A casino is a business, just like any other business, and you are the customer. So, if you’re not satisfied with the level of service you’re receiving, don’t continue to provide them with your patronage. $