Places (1d20) | Physical Description | Notable Lore | Additional Notes |
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1. Meridian System | A set of nodes connected by roads covering the eastern portion of the main continent. The meridian system concentrates much of the radiation in the world, which is harnessed by large land sailboats, trains, and other constructs along the road. | All major kingdoms are on meridian nodes, which are magically protected by much of the powerful creatures throughout the continent. Travel along the roads is likewise relatively safe, and travel that would otherwise take months by wagon may take only days. | While there are mutant villages off the system which interact with the kingdoms, there is far more uncharted space off the roads than on the system itself. |
2. Nova Arkham | Over-developed with off-white, flat-looking industrial buildings and office parks. Many of these buildings are connected in a nigh-endless sprawl. The sprawl makes it difficult to gain perspective, making navigation difficult- designed like a casino. Interspersed are the largest modern structures in the meridian system, reaching the sky, and a hodge-podge of buildings with romantic pillars, baroque steeples, brutalist towers, and other mismatched styles. | The newest major kingdom, built on a new node produced by the Fey King. The only major kingdom without a formal class system, and where mutants are predominantly represented in government. The mix of architectural styles and taller buildings reflects its inter-cultural presence and modernity. However, it is very economically unequal, and increasingly leaning towards fascism. | Being diverse and an "international hub" makes this a good starting location for tabletop RPG campaigns. |
3. Harlequinade Embassy | Rivers and streams run through the city. The architecture and aesthetic is a mix of renaissance Venetian, Americana (colonial/Georgian), on brutalist, cement foundations, and a brutalist panopticon in the center. At the top of the panopticon is a cement sculpture of a non-descript harlequinade head. A series of smaller panopticons of a similar design exist throughout the city. The foundations hide tripod-legs, and periodically the buildings will all at once uplift and rearrange themselves, either hopping or skittering, seemingly at random. This rearranging will occur when the panopticon yells: “SWITCH! IT! UP!” | At the southern tip of the continent, closest to Nova Arkham, but serves as the embassy for all of the major kingdoms. Even more recent than Nova Arkham, and not technically a meridian node (although it is only a short distance from the road). | It is clear that the Harlequinade are far more knowledgeable about the history of the world and far more advanced than they let on from the embassy alone. The embassy has been mostly generous and diplomatic with the major kingdoms, but most suspect that the Harlequinade have some grander and more sinister goal. |
4. Dogu Kingdom | Covered in a soft, steamy-pollution haze. The buildings are colorful and exotic, with pagodas, arched shrines, and onion domes, utilizing clockwork and chain-link technologies and magics which rotate on extradimensional and imaginary planes turning paradoxically. Also utilizes steam and direct current electricity. The kingdom was built on the ruins of a prior, positronic civilization, and they still maintain positronic pylons which serve as both advanced defensive turrets, as well as a data network hub. | Has a class system assigned at a young age determined mainly by aptitudes towards invention, alchemy, engineering, and other pursuits of applied knowledge. High social equality despite class system, due to strong social welfare programs. Only major kingdom in which slavery is illegal (although indentured servitude is still legal). Overall quality of life below average due to food shortage, corruption, and nepotism. | The positronic pylon network gives them a large advantage in defense, and its value as an information hub is unrivaled by the other major kingdoms. Has a large kobold minority. |
5. Deino Kingdom | Sophisticated biodome, bioengineering, and environmental protection technologies and magics, but otherwise less technologically or magically advanced as the other meridian kingdoms. Elements of austere and brutalistic palaces and gothic, steepled buildings. Many turrets and tall buildings suitable for aether tactics. Kept warm and somewhat muggy. | Philosophically Zen Fascist. The development of the state always comes first. A rigid class system, but relatively little class disparity. However, non-deino tend to find the deino kingdom unbearably oppressive, and the primarily mutant slave class are treated poorly. Only the most exceptional mutants thrive in the deino kingdom. | Other than for a rebellion/resistance style story, the deino kingdom might be a difficult starting place for a campaign. It is better served as an antagonistic or cold war-style location. |
6. Tartarian Kingdom | Full of black stone structures with neon gems and crystal veins, carved into pyramids and other exotic and awe inspiring forms, supplemented by steam (and more recently diesel) powered structures and devices. Many buildings were constructed with non-euclidean geometries running through extra-dimensional spaces. | Has a class system assigned at a young age determined mainly by aptitudes towards math and basic science. Rigid but meritocratic. Resource-rich, overall high quality of life. Little care for environmental, political, or other grounded concerns. | Might be a bit difficult as a starting/primary location for a campaign, but less restricted/impractical than e.g. deino kingdom. |
7. Tartarian Woods | Forest, swamp, and marshlands populated by tartarian and mutant villages. The trees are cursed by fey; twisted, gnarled, char-like or vantablack. Most of the "flora" besides the cursed trees are softly glowing, white, semi-translucent, crystalline plant- or coral-like invertebrates. The swamps and lakes are full of bioluminescent or inky algae-like creatures, giving them unique and identifying colorful features. Though often covered in a low fog, the sky is always clear and pure, and non-euclidean geometric patterns and auroras can be seen clearly in the sky, which mostly cannot be seen elsewhere. | A short ways off the meridian system. The villages are not directly associated with the kingdom. Although the villages are small and seemingly vulnerable, many of the woodsfolk are such talented hunters, warriors, daemon-summoners, and science-witches, that the kingdom generally leaves them alone. Rich in elemental resources and powerful magical and technological artifacts. | Mutant or tartarian players could be from one of these villages, and this could be a potentially good entry point for players with little knowledge of the setting, as their character could also reasonably not know much about the rest of the world. |
8. Quenduin Desert | A massive desert region. Contains sands of various common and exotic colors, large portions of perfectly smooth, or rocky and cracked glass, and regions of unidentifiable technological detritus. Few creatures thrive in the desert, mostly impossible organisms, or organic life so strange as to be indistinguishable from the impossible. | There are few settled towns or villages even within the portions of the desert on the meridian system. Most of the quenduin and mutant tribes in the desert are nomadic. The quenduin do have a loose confederation, but do not generally identify as a kingdom. | Similar to the tartarian woods in terms of usefulness as a starting location for a campaign. Good for survivalist-style adventures. |
9. The Wilds | Not a single place, but a sprawling network of lands off the meridian system. Vibrant, pastel, rainbow, neon, like a kids cartoon from the 1980's-90's. Full of exotic and surreal animal and plant life and lesser fey. | Though all the world is Weird and Wonderful, it is also full of Worry and Weariness. Except, that is, for the Wilds. It is the embodiment of the abstract concept of all that is Wonderful about the natural world, bare of civilization. | With the exception of certain lesser fey, it is generally not possible for impossible organisms to survive long in the Wilds, and likewise anything made of the ordinal elements or otherwise impossible in nature will become inert and break down over time. |
10. Deep Time | Art Deco meets Googie meets Cyberpunk aesthetic. Objects in the environment look as though they’ve all been scrambled like reality blended through multiple asymmetric kaleidoscopic lenses. Objects pop in and out from different angles as though not on the same plane. Faces likewise scramble, as if features were cut from a photo and oddly repasted. When speaking, newspaper and magazine letter cutouts project, but the legibility and visual clarity of the words are relative to the degree of attention paid to them, such that inaudible conversations appear as ellipsis. | A "debug" universe outside the paraverse. Can coursely be used as a model of the paraverse. Those whom have been to Deep Time are, by definition, Paraversal beings- beings outside the paraversal algorithm whose actions, upon return, may change its nature. Home of the Dada-DA (Dada Defense Artists), a paraversal organization whose goal is to keep the paraverse safe. | Usually, I do not tell my players about the full nature of the paraverse, nor of Deep Time, at the beginning of the campaign, and instead let it be a big discovery / plot point. That being said, having players be Dada-DA from the get-go could be a good starting point for a campaign too. |
11. The peculiar city for which, by intention, there is no name, or in any case has a name which is revealed only on a need-to-know basis, and as it happens you do not need to know (aka Deep Time City). | Tight, shikumen-style buildings made from a mixture of normal building materials and bone. The tight alleys and wall-like buildings make it difficult to get a sense of the larger city, but from the skyscrapers (greater than those in Nova Arkham) one can see that some of the taller buildings are giant skulls. Most of the "flaura" are actually invertebrate-like impossible organisms. Illuminated by impossible light, bathing everything in indescribable, paradoxical, chimeric colors. | Built on the remains of what are believed to be dead gods or titans, many of which have been incorporated into the city itself. Considered a "neutral zone" for any parties who might otherwise be in conflict in the paraverse. Because Deep Time is outside the paraverse, various species or civilizations extinct in the "present" are alive and well in Deep Time. | Contains a mix of lifeforms from throughout the paraverse (in time and space) and impossible organisms or other extra-dimensional or extra-universal beings. |
12. Perdition | This suburb is mostly empty space and yellowing, poorly maintained grass. There are two main strips, as well as some houses, buildings, and parks vandalized and in disrepair throughout. The first main strip is the downtown. There are a few shops of questionable repute still open, but most of the buildings are empty. A few people walk down the street but not many; of those few, most look just a little shady, disturbed, or defeated. The second strip is a series of houses, which look like they may once have been decent, but now have broken or boarded windows and faded and peeled paint. A few people sit at their porch, doing drugs, listening to unpleasant music, or engaging in Weird activities. | The mutant community developed during an early exploratory/colonial period of Deep Time. A lot of money was poured into the town in the hopes of finding resources or other vague/misguided future plans, but eventually the funding fell through and the community has been stranded with no economy to speak of for nearly a generation in local "Deep" time. The local mutants are mostly humanoid, with pale skin and a vaguely ape-like appearance. The gangsters speak in a strange accent. Examples of dialect: “Hue” – Who’re you? “Gon, yon blong he” – Go on, you don’t belong here. “The non he froo” – There’s nothing here for you. “Wegon ha prom?” – We gonna have a problem? | This is not necessarily the only suburb in Deep Time, although most will be similar. Should reek of hopelessness, emptiness, and broken dreams. Should feel isolated and isolating. If the players don't want to be there, you are doing it right. |
13. Octopus Kingdom / Jellyfleet | Jellyfish of varying sizes and shapes have been bio-engineered by the octopi into form-fitting electrical bio-armour symbiotes, personal modes of transport, and gargantuan bio-electric cities. The octopi are not immune to the electrical tendrils of most of the jellies, but they are programmed to open for their owner or affiliated peoples. | In the open ocean, where movement is free in three-dimensions, one cannot stay still. The bio-engineering of the jellies allows the octopi to live comfortably and develop a civilization, while still freely traversing the ocean. | Keep in mind that the jellyfleet can be anywhere in the open ocean at any time, whatever the plot demands. It is also not necessarily the case that the entire fleet will be together. To the limited extent that the Meridian Kingdoms have interacted with the Octopi, it is actually not clear to what extent they are even a single kingdom. |
14. Coral Forest-Fortresses | Bio-engineered forest-fortresses of a coral-like species throughout the ocean bed. In addition to their sturdiness and sharpness, the corals can project filaments with rapid-digesting enzymes to melt and consume intruders. | The coral forest-fortresses are nearly impenetrable as compared to the jellyfleet, but the forest can only support a small quantity of specific prey species. Most octopi use the forests only for mating, laying eggs, and raising young. | Should be hostile to any non-octopi or unaffiliated octopi. Few direct enemies besides octopi, but the environment is itself the biggest threat. |
15. The Choir | A semi-perpetual / semi-maintained complex of sound-induced waves in the ocean, creating a barrier against enemies, maintaining direction and motion, transmitting information, and inducing cognitive states through neural entrainment. | As with the jellyfleet, the choir allows the dolphins to stay in motion while also being able to develop a stable civilization. By producing sounds at different frequencies they can transmit information, or send signals which entrain brainwaves for e.g. mood and sleep. Together, these phenomena support a dream-like cognitive and linguistic system. | The force of the waves themselves may be semi-visible, but The Choir as a "place" is recognizable more so by the mass of dolphins, or by its physical force or sound. As with the jellyfleet, personal or small-scale choirs are possible, but less efficient and more temporary than the jellyfleet. That being said, the main choir is more stable and easier to maintain than the jellyfleet. |
16. Blue Moon | A giant ocean of impossigen. The liquid forms in gyri and sulci, and other odd and a-logical or non-euclidean shapes along the surface and within the ocean. The atmosphere is thin with foamy, evaporating impossigen. | Without special equipment, only impossible organisms can survive on the blue moon. Additionally, the moon is home to the god Yagak-Sha and its "bees" and Deep Ones, making it hostile to all. | The three moons do not exist in the same physical dimensions as the world, instead they are more like wormholes connecting the world to another part of the paraverse. Things must be very desperate for the players to come here. They must need Yagak-Sha to do the impossible... |
17. Red Moon | A red desert interspersed with stormy or twilight-colored patches of compressed astrium. The physical and astral planes are blurred here, creating a psychedelic and ever-changing landscape of warping dimensions and objects and spaces inverting and contorting, like pulling at the edges of a tesseract connecting to the vertices of a cube. | A place of objects-as-spaces and spaces-as-objects. As much an idea as a place. The Blu who reside there are comfortable with this way of being, but most others are not. There are no other flora or fauna strictly speaking, but one who can handle the inter-dimensionality of objects and spaces can learn to thrive on ideas themselves. | See first additional note for blue moon. Can be difficult to conceptualize. If the object/space relationship is unclear, one could take inspiration from mind-bending, psychedelic, or psychological works e.g. the astral plane in Grant Morrison's New X-Men, the last two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the dreamscapes of Inception. |
18. Green Moon | Its atmosphere is rich in noxium, leaving it in thick fog and tinting everything in greens along the impossible light spectrum. Reality itself waves as if tearing. Fat lines of light in intricate and symmetrical patterns snake through the air. Densely over-built by the anti-mutants, and what land has not been anti-urbanized is covered in fields of prasium. | Organic beings or other objects not in-phase with the noxium will be torn apart. Even impossible organisms not in some stage of anti-mutation cannot sustain themselves long. Given the nature of anti-mutants, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish large individuals from buildings. Although city-like, there is a certain symmetry and independence in design that is totally unlike the systems designed by normal organisms. | See first additional note for blue moon. Often times cosmic/existential horror focuses on impossible or atypical geometries and asymmetry. However, these are still systems, even if beyond our comprehension- what makes the anti-mutants so uncanny is how a-systemic they are. They are disturbingly perfect and symmetrical- each building appears as though it were designed in total independence, and yet is near-identical to everything around it. Utility in design as organic life would understand it does not exist. |
19. Vortekka | A world surrounded by a vortex of multi-colored, shimmering, luminescent ocean dotted with islands. Has a land mass core of a series of disjointed plates floating in place. Life exists both on the plates, and on the inner-surface of the vortex. From the core, the sky appears like the inside of a massive surfing wave. | The centripetal and centrifugal forces between the vortex and core allow for gravity on both planes. After reaching a critical distance away from their respective source of gravity, objects are pulled in the opposite direction. This has created a three-dimensional ecosystem blurring the lines between land, air, and sea. | Vortekka is another dimension or universe interacting with Phantasmos at the bottom of a great lake. I had originally conceived of it as its own setting, and I still think it could easily work entirely independently of the main setting. The Mythic Being Deosheba is one of the major gods of this world. |
20. Carnopolis (aka Mimic City) | An ever-expanding city, far to the west of the meridian system, composed of shoglite "nanomachines". In parts appears "normal", while in other parts the slimy, gummy shoglite is exposed. The city can quickly re-arrange itself to take on different forms, compartmentalize areas, and populate itself with various sorts of mimic objects and mimic-drones. By encrypting information in its structure, can create "augmented/virtual-reality"-like spaces. | Most within the meridian system are not aware of Carnopolis. It is not known how long it has been growing. The post-apocalyptic-like civilizations within have limited records or ability to record history, but it would seem the city has existed for generations. All life (of what little life there is) is hunted by the mimics, who cannot be reasoned with. | As with Vortekka, this could very easily work as a setting unto itself. Keep in mind that the shoglite city can manipulate itself at such a fine-grain scale, that the distinction between physical reality and augmented/virtual reality is no longer meaningful. It is possible that some or all inhabitants are entirely or at least in part unknowingly shoglite (androids/cyborgs) themselves. |
Questions | Answers |
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What's the best way to go about getting a table/bottle service without completely breaking the bank? It's Vegas so of course it's not gonna be cheap by any stretch but do you have any tips to get the most bang for your buck? | Stay away from clubs that have a Major Dj/ Act on that night. Fridays and Saturdays are the worst. They'll price you according to how many people you have. For example at Encore beach club, if you have 6 in your group they'll price you at $1k-1500 to start with. Night clubs usually start at 4/bottle. If you have women with you get them inside through a guest list. They'll get in free. Example, its 4 guys and 4 girls they'll want to get you on a two bottle minimum. Instead have the guys walk in for the one bottle minimum and let the girls know what table number youre at. TA-DA! Youll also get just enough seating for 4-6 but fuck it, youre in a club so get up and have fun! |
Its all about real estate. If you just want to have a table to enjoy your own space and not have to worry about waiting at the bar then get a table situated off the side. Also give hosts a hard time, don't just say YES to the first offer. Maybe see if they can throw in a bottle of champ or something. Or a buy two get one free. | |
Whats the craziest thing you've seen in vegas? | Craziest? uhm sex inside clubs. Sex in cabs. Sex out in the open. A girl once was sooo fucked up that she was walking around The Aria with only a bikini bottom and a fishnet top. That's it. Fishnets used to catch Whales so a whole tit, and she had very nice sized tits, pretty much was hanging out. You could see a wave of jaws drop and conversations stop as she walked by with her drunk friend and their two guy friends. Ahh memories. But all in all, drugs, sex, and money being spent on the craziest things. Hobos fighting with themselves. Brides-to-be doing the walk of shame. Craziness. |
Walk of shame? How do you mean? | Still in the clothes that they wore the last night. Usually because they spent the prior night with someone that they shouldn't have. But its Vegas, spend your night with whoever you can!!! Yaaay! |
Hobos fighting themselves? Like, Tyler Durden style? | I saw a hobo talking to himself. He then got mad at himself and started punching himself in the gut. I didn't know who to put my money on. |
Helix or dome fossil? | Helix. |
What is the biggest scam on the strip? | Id say paying for club passes that are to be had for free. Biggest scam is paying for these wrist bands that promise you no line, no cover, and open bar all night. And its on a night when Tiesto or Zedd is playing. Yeah right, youre showing up to the club and they'll laugh at you. And after you tell them that you gave $30 to someone that seemed honest and even gave you his/her number. I once met a group of 26 girls from a sorority from AZ that each paid $25. After I told them that it was fake two out of the seven girls started tearing. I got them on guest lists to access the clubs for free with one offering an open bar. Was happy to alleviate some of the pain. |
Oh shit, I forgot! The guys that bring out their tables on the strip and do the whole follow the ball thing. The people winning work with them. Watch them, they'll win and make sure they let out a WHOOO really loud and make sure people are looking. They lure in others and make it look really easy to win. I once saw a guy lose $1700 and a thick heavy as fuck gold chain in less than 3 minutes. he got on his knees and asked for some of it back . The guy gave him $200 because the idiot said it was the last of his money and was with his wife and three kids. Greed I tell ya. | |
It's always hard for me to believe that in 2014, people actually still fall for that shit... I mean, it's completely unmodified, it's literally a movie cliche scam. | Exactly. I'm like really. Really people? I once saw a guy paying out $300 to 3 ladies and 2 dudes for helping. Imagine what he kept. |
"A fool and his money are soon parted". Sounds like vegas exemplifies this adage? | I pondered how to answer this question for too long. Short and simple... yes. Perfectly. |
What's the best way for a middle-aged couple to do clubs? We love the music but feel ridiculous (which kills the fun) queuing up with beautiful twenty-somethings. | First off, you wouldn't be the only middle aged couple. I see them all the time. Some just kick back and drink and then some are dancing all night and don't give a shit what anyone else thinks. Let me know what days you are here and I'll put you on some guest lists so you don't pay cover. |
Where can I find those hot dogs? | At the Casino Royal, next to the Venetian. All the way in the back. Michelobs for $1 at the bar at the entrance. |
What about the shots? | Bally's Casino. Taco joint in the back. |
Sunglasses inside a nightclub. Fucking douche-bags or clever way to hide pupil dilation? | Fucking get the fuck out of here. I cannot say "fuck" enough when I see those idiots in the club. I hope they slip on spilled beer, fall on sticky residue and get up right when the confetti is shot out. |
Did someone stab you with sunglasses or something? | No, they stabbed me with audacity... audacity to wear them inside a club. I guess its because I'm a form follows function type of guy. Sunglasses inside would only be ok when you're covering up a black eye from a beat down or your bloodshot red eyes would give away that you've been on a drug binge. |
This is a long shot, but my friends and I are going to be in vegas for EDC, we plan to stay a week, is there anyway you could hook us up when EDC is over? | Sure. Text me before you're here and ill let you know what I can do. Worst case ill be able to do a reduced cover. 7736200454. |
You are now in my phone as Vegas promoter. I do Vegas about 6 times a year. So expect a text soon and if your down I'll buy you a few beers. | You had me at "Beers". |
Hey DisasterBUSE, got a question for you. I'm not really a club guy but I do like to go to bars. What are some of the better bars in the casinos that are good for someone who just likes to have a few drinks in between gambling. Also are there any good rock clubs in Vegas? If so, what are the called and where are they? | The Wynn and Encore are very lively at night. If you want to gamble and drink with a great view, that's the place. Venetian, Palazzo, Bellagio, Aria, and last but not least The Cosmopolitan ate great places with great energy. The clubs SurrendeEncore Beach Club and XS have gambling tables in case you'd like to soak a little of the scene in while playing a few hands. |
How's papa Giorgio? | Not sure but I think he might look something like this nowadays. |
Going to vegas for a cousins bachelor party from May 14 to 18. I am a student got any tips for me to be money wise? as the people I am going with are all older professionals with money. Any hook ups? thanks! | Do most of your drinking at slots, tables. Ill put in $10 in a slot, and sometimes not even gamble at all. Cocktail servers come around and ask if I want drinks..."two vodka/tonics please" and tip her $4. If youre doing any pool parties and not doing bottle service you might want to get tickets before hand since theyre cheaper than paying at the door. Flasks flasks flasks! Let me know if I missed anything that concerned you. |
In all seriousness, I'll be in Vegas for the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament. Know of any awesome places (besides the casino sports books) to catch the games? | Bars off the strip are always great. No pressure and decent pricing on booze. unless youre willing to pony up and do Lagasses place at Venetian or something. |
What's the most common misconception about clubbing and how do you correct people about it? | That theyre impossible to get in, theyre not fun, expensive to get in, girls are hard to meet/ leave the club with. The club I work for 75% of the times im able to get couples in free provided that they show up early. On slower nights Im able to get uneven ratios in (more guys than girls) or give tickets that grant free entrance. And the ladies. To me they all look the same BUT its hard to get over it. Ive seen guys pick up ladies super quick and they only had a beer in their hand, you don't need a massive table with free drinks galore. Theres a lot of girls in the clubs that have awesome personalities but have their guards of because theyre just not comfortable with being groped. Approach them in a non creepy way and youre golden. I see this every week. What surprises me is how many people come to vacation here and are just total Debbie downers. The most amazing thing about this place is that people come here to have fun and dance theyre asses off, even when they have no clue what theyre doing. Walk in to a club through a guest list and get in free, have a drink and enjoy an amazing sound system. Even if its for 30 min, I feel its large part of the Vegas experience. |
Good answer man! I'd love to have your job | Theres a lot of bad that come with the jobs. A significant other will not be happy with your phone blowing up until the early morning. A lof of girls are absolute bitches and think the whole world owes them something for having their tits out. Its a hustle and with every "NO!", "EWW", and "I HAVE A BOYFRIEND CREEP" you have to keep on and hope the next says yes. And please note, I always approach with something non creepy like "Hey ladies sorry to interrupt, have you been invited to see Macklemore & Ryan Lewis tonight on a guest list"? |
I've always wondered you guys must get paid pretty good money right? (There was one particular promoter I always stuck with until he recently moved) but this guy had an assistant and took nice trips I kinda just always wondered how that system works. And do Diplo and Dillion Francis put on good shows? I wanna see either one sometime soon | Great question. First off Diplo is at my workplace tomorrow night so best believe Ill be instagramming tons of Videos. All of Maddecent are awesome. Dillon Francis and Diplo are both awesome. Tons of ass shaking tomorrow for sure! |
So everyone pays differently. I only work at SurrendeEncore Beach and have a day job so my time is limited. So Ill breakdown promotions as much as I can. First off there are different types of Promoters. You have the ones that work at a club like yours truly. Since I only work at SurrendeEncore Beach club, which is run by Las vegas Nightlife Group. I only get paid for people that come to my club. XS and Tryst are owned by the same people and we are all located at the Wynn/Encore. You then have Tao Group, Angel Management Group (AMG), and Light Group. Tao clearly has Tao, Tao beach, Marquee and Marquee Dayclub. AMG has (or had, Hakkasan just bought the group out). Hakkasan, Wet Republic, Pure, LAX, Chateau, Venus, Coyote Ugly, Saville Row. LG runs Light, Daylight, Haze, 1Oak, The Bank and a few lounges/restaurants. Tao group promoters can have guest lists at all their venues so if they leave a group with a great impression and they check in on their guest list at all joints then the person just made $ times the number of venues they checked in. Light Group usually confines their employees to one club, unless they need help filling out another (which they usually do) and allow them to be paid (I waited 8 months to get paid by them, I don't like the way they manage their places). AMG varies as well, I heard some are only focusing on Wet and Hak but heard that before they had to have a certain amount check in at other properties. With all this said, if youre a good promoter, hardoworking, and have a good network, 1k a week is a cakewalk. Even 2k can be done for the greater part of the summer. I know of a guy that can make 4-8k/wk and its all through his phone. Money can be real good IF you work hard and hit high numbers. Ill elaborate a little more later on tonight if anyone wants me to. I need to head home. | |
If you feel like elaborating, what's the difference between the 1k a week promoter and the promoter making 4-8k? | Well if you don't bring any people and ate not being paid hourly then you might not get a check at all. Those that are successful in this biz network hard, are usually seasoned, and are good enough to the point that clients want to go back to them and refer them to others. Ive heard of hosts being flown to exotic places, gifts being custom made as gifts, and so on. Its really like any other sales job, many do it, some are good, few are great. There are also many ways to make money. You can book hotel rooms, sell packages, etc. where you receive a kick back. When done right its a win/win/win. |
What's are your experiences like with the Vegas drain dwellers? Any good stories? | Theyre all over the place. Usually just getting drunk and laying out on the sidewalk. I pay no attention to them. Some have demanded money and when I tell them I have no cash or simply say "sorry, cant help ya" at times can get very aggressive. Then they fall on their ass or something. Comical most of the times. Look at them too long though it becomes depressing. The sad thing is I see a lot that are soo young. There was this young girl with a sign that read "pregnant with 2nd child and cannot afford anything. please help". I sat down next to her and asked her why she was out there. I asked if she sought help. I was baffled that such a young person could be so out of luck. She proceeded with a story about her losing her Social Security Income when she moved to Arizona or something. When she moved back they denied her or something along those lines. In the end it seemed like she lost hope and possible gave up too quickly. She said she didn't have family to turn to. Those are the moments when I realize that I am lucky to have a great family that would take me in if I ever went near that route. |
Whats a good tip to you afer helpi. Some people out? | I don't ever expect to get tipped. I get paid by the club. There are always people who value what I do and slip me a $20,$40. The most I've ever been tipped was $160. It was for setting up someone with table service at a few clubs. Tips humble me, just buy me a shot and we're good! |
Show up at club with a big line. What amount should you slip the bouncer to let you in and a date? What would you say? I'm always afraid i'll hand over a hundred bucks and he'll make me wait in line anyway. | Depends on the club. If its just you and a date Id say start at $40. Order of difficulty to skip the line from hardest to easiest: All guys> More guys than girls>even ratio mixed group>all girls. That being said if its just a guy and a girl then Id start out at $40, they might come back with $60-$80. If you feel like pulling their bluff thank them for the help but youll just wait in line. Sometimes they'll see $40 better than nothing. Imagine if he does that 10 times a night? Not bad... |
Another thing you might want to think about is say you just left at a restaurant that's in the casino. Id probably use the whole "My buddy So-and-so, manager at ___, told me to come check it out. I forgot the name of who Im supposed to ask though (maybe guess a name). Can we go in and check it out"? Worst case scenario is they say no, next is they let you pass and you pay cover, best thing is you walk in no line and no cover. Ive met people who have succeeded. | |
I read your comment about tipping and whatnot and how its not really necessary. i went last august with a group of 12 for my buddy's bachelor party and we got tables at light on a friday and lavo on a sunday. we tipped on both occassions, as i was under the impression that it was proper etiquette. for light we gave the guy a little over 200, and he was able to move us from a table on the 2nd floor in the corner to one that was pretty close to the main floor for the same bottle minimum (we had planned on giving him that much anyway before he moved us). at lavo we hooked the guy up with 100. were we too generous? or is that pretty standard? | A 20% gratuity is always on the bill plus 8.1% tax. Now, with the $200+ you gave the host you then bettered your real estate setting in the club. While you don't really have to tip your host its customary to throw them a bone. You can get your table and have everyone leave you be except your busseserver. Start tipping security and they will make sure the crowd stays clear of your area. Tip your host and they seat you at a better table. Tip a "girl-guy" and they will bring you hot ladies. Now with that last one be very careful, ladies that table hop are very thirsty and the only way for them to stay alive is to have a constant source of alcohol. Party too hard and your 2k table has turned into 8k. Or your 7k has turned into 22k. Ive seen this happen at many clubs. If you just hit it big at the tables or hit a progressive at the slots then fuck it, LIVE IT UP! (Im kidding, save a small town from hunger). |
Do promoters make a huge difference in cutting the line, hooks, and discounts, and saving money? Rather than just walking into the club blind? | A good promoter wants your experience to be soo awesome that they contact you on their next visit or mention their name when a friend has Vegas plans. That said, our guest lists offer no cover or reduced entry. Express entry is only done when their at the ropes and have an incentive to get you inside faster. If youre a dude youll probably have to tip someone off to skip the line. When I come across a couple I always offer to set them up somewhere else the following night. Its simply good business and I believe in paying it forward. Before I moved to Vegas I made a trip with my SO and I know how hard the city can be without a hookup. I put myself in their shoes and do what I can for them. I always provide pics of my club and explain the whole line/open bar situation. I don't lie to them just for them to get in, it comes back to bite you in your ass. |
So what's the best way for an international tourist to get some good coke? I've heard it's best to hire a limo and ask the driver. What do you think? | Be very careful. Vice (undercover cops) are all over and look the role they are playing. I once was walking in front of the Bellagio fountains and within a matter of seconds a couple of men, tattoos on their necks and all, went from talking to a guy one second to quickly pulling out their badges and handcuffing the man. All I heard was "under arrest for possession and intent to..". |
I'm a you get guy and I like older women, what are the best spots to meet them? Just to let you know im23 so older form me is 30+ | Check out the pools, casinos. There a ton of HOT older ladies. A difference between them and younger chicks: Mature woman have no problem having a drink, laying out, or just walking by themselves. You'll find these that are here for a convention and have nothing planned for the night. Whenever I get them on my guest list theres a 90% chance they'll show up. Two weeks ago I had a large group of 9 woman show up. Every. Single. One. Was. Hot! |
What is the incentive for someone under 21 to visit Vegas? | To make it to 21 and join the fun! Now you have a goal. youre welcome. |
I kid, kind of. I approach many under 21 and they all look like theyre having fun. I don't even think theres a curfew so you can at least people watch while sipping on whatever. The city never sleeps. Jump on the roller coaster at NYNY or head to Strasphere and have some fun. Lots of walking and selfie opportunities. | |
Are there ways to get a table at a club for free? | If you have a group of great looking girls or have a local ID then yes, its possible. Youll only have to pay tip. $70-some odd bucks per bottle instead of $600 and change? not bad. |
Does a promoter like yourself just walk up to us and say "hey, want a free table?" | It depends. For a group of all ladies and if theyre cute I can get them a table with champagne bottles for free. The clubs want pretty ladies in so some places offer then a free dinner and a free table. Every club is different. But if theyre hot my first questions is "so how many girls/guys with you" and when its all girls then its a go. Some clubs require a picture of all girls, it then has to be sent to a manager to approve the group. |
Is that the real Caesars Palace? Did Caesar live there? | It was faxed it over bit by bit starting in the 60's. Yes Caesar lived there. Ordered tons of room service. |
How often do people offer you drugs/money/sex in order to get into clubs? | Those younger than 21 are willing to give me their first born just to get in. I get offered tons of things, Im not surprised anymore. |
Has anybody ever told you that you look like Ami James? Like if you tattooed your neck and stuff I swear you could pass as a double. | No but I see a resemblance. I always get Vin Diesel or Willie Nelson. Ok maybe not Willie. |
What suggestions do you give for a small college restaurant/bar in terms of bringing people inside? Also what do you NOT suggest doing? | Suggestions like what works to get them inside your place? |
Any place really! I've seen just about everything in my city but most bars here are dead(50-100k population being students alone!) | Its really location specific. Im from Chicago and Vegas is a whole different ball game. We deal with people that are here for a short amount of time. In the end though all places want bodies inside their place. Motion created commotion so if youre in a place that's packed and fun people want to stay and consume more. Most important, get bodies inside the club/bar early. Before 11 is key. That way any propect walking by sees that its busy and wants to be part of the fun. Does this make sense? |
What would you recommend as far as afterhours edm parties go? | You might like Artisan. The times that Ive been there its been nothing but deep house and some edm. Really weird décor too, worth seeing. Body English and Drais usually mix it up. |
What's the craft beer scene like? I've always been a fan of travel, and love checking out the local craft breweries/brewpubs in an area. | Sin City brewery at a few casinos, Big Dog Brewery, Banger Brewery in Downtown, Chicago Brewery to name a few. Yard House carries a few local brew I believe. |
Chicago Brewing, at Rampart and Ft Apache was my stomping ground for the two years that I lived in Summerlin. I loved that place. Decent food and beer, and the upstairs bar area was perfect for baseball viewing. Good memories, thanks for reminding me of it. | I remember watching my first Bears game there. I got Goosebumps seeing all the people with their jerseys on. Refreshing in this transient city. |
Hey, thanks for the AMA. What's the deal with dress codes at various clubs? Does it depend on night/weekend? Heading out to Vegas with a bachelor party in June, curious to get your thoughts on this and strategy for a group of 15 drunk idiot single guys. | You know, even I don't know. I mean if you're put together in a presentable manner than you shouldn't have a problem. If you stick to collared shirts and nice shoes then you're good. No athletic wear, no hats. Sometimes chucks slide but id rather you be safe than sorry. Clearly the day clubs are lenient on dress code, still no athletic wear. If you have a club in mind text me and ill make sure to find out what it is they are/are not tolerating. |
You got me with the the VIP pass? | Hit me up and if I have tickets I don't see why not. |
Whats the best nightclub on the strip? | Define Best and Ill tell you which one. |
Surprise me. | My favorite is XS. Hakkasan is the latest and greatest. It cost $100m and was named Nightclub&Bars best top club for 2014. Light inside the Mandalay Bay is awesome. I like Surrender because its an outdoor club with a dancefloor inside (I don't like being shoved every two seconds). Tryst is also cool with a 90ft waterfall. Marquee has always done well and is a must visit (it also gets too crowded for me though). It really depends if you like dancing in the middle of the dancefloor, what kind of music you like, outdoor vs indoor. Then you have your older clubs that still have a following like Pure, Tao. Maybe its because they've been around FOREVER. |
I fly around a decent amount, if I wanted to make Vegas a frequent destination how could I get in contact with you? | Buy calling/texting! 7736200454. Christopher Landeroz. Texting is way better, I can reply whenever. |
Too bad doubles are 25$ there lol. | Yes, a simple sprite sets you back $7. $10 at Hakkasan! That's why I tell people to load up at a slot so you only need 1-2 more when you're inside the club. But the place is awesome. Awesome can be expensive =/ |
Do those mexican guys on the Strip throwing phamplets at anyone actually manage to get people to call those escort lines? | I talk to a few on a regular basis. Super nice people sweating their asses off and getting paid very little. According to one of them theyre just there to pass them out for a company. They almost never see a bonus for it. If the people they work for still have them up and down the strip passing them out then people must be calling. I don't know too much about the escorts you get from calling those numbers. I do know escorts that work for themselves though. Some of those chicks make tons of dough. |
Do you know my cousin Tiffany? | Does she own jewelry stores all over the place? Make pretty lamps with stained glass? Kidding. |
Should I know her? Does she work there? | |
She used to work at surrender now she works at light. | Server? Promoter? |
I'll be in Vegas for edc weekend. Any chance you might be able to hook it up with guest list? :) | Sure. I'm pretty sure we'll have some major talent that week. Message me sooner than later. |
What are y'all gonna do when the water runs out? | I should be back home in Chicago by then. Maybe swap out water for Vodka or something. |
Promoter. | Tae? |
Yea, tay. | Didn't talk to her much but yes, I remember her. |
Leaving for Vegas tomorrow for Spring Break/My Bachelor Party! Any way to to get a sweet deal on your club for Saturday night? | Madeon will be there Saturday night! Text me 7736200454. |
My fiancee is bringing me to LV for my birthday in April. Any tips on birthday hook ups or perks I can get out there? We're staying at The Wynn. | Your hook up is right here! Text me or message me. |
I'll be there next week, any chance you could hook me up? :) EDIT: It'll also be my 21st Birthday! | Of course! message me. |
Wanna hook me up VIP style for my 21st in July? | Why not! Message me! |
I'll be there with my best friend in two weeks for her birthday. Any way you can help us out? | Yup! Message me! |
I highly recommend the show Absinthe in Las Vegas. I was there about two weeks ago and the show was AMAZING. Although, the humor in the show can be a bit vulgar so if you're offended very easily then I wouldn't recommend it. | This. Ive heard nothing but good things about Absinthe. |
I am going EBC when it opens March 29th for my birthday. Can I contact you for bottles !! | Yes. Text me! Number is on my instagram profile or message me! |
I'll have to check it out from Australia sometime :) | Aussie Aussie Aussie!!! Aussies have to be some of the best people that come out. Super friendly, party hard, and uhh party hard! |
Headed to Vegas the weekend of April 11th for my cousins bachelor party. Staying at Hard Rock. Need some direction on clubs! | Message me, and Ill let you know whats hot. It usually boils down to hip hop or house (and don't get me started on todays "hiphop, Im oldschool but whatev), outdoor or indoor, daytime or night? Ill point you the way. you cant go wrong with the clubs at the Wynn/Encore though. Don't pay for anything online, sometimes they can be had cheaper here. Example: strip club packages for a bachelorette/bachelor party online charge $30-50 when I can get you the same thing for $7-45. A group of girls from back home (Chicago) were referred to me. For some odd reason one of them decided to buy a package for 9 girls. Turns out they overpaid by $135. Its the internet, they know that people like to preplan so they get you like that. Knowing what I know now Id book a room in advance (but would probably willing to try the last minute hotel sites, Ive heard great things about them) and tickets for clubs if it was all males. |
So i'm going to vegas for the first time starting the 12th of march for my 21st birthday/ mountain west tournament trip what do you think the best clubs and pool parties are to go to to get the whole first time vegas trip experience | Are you the one who text me already? If not then here it goes: (shameless plug) Surrender its an indoooutdoor club. We book talent ranging from hip hop, trap to EDC, Dubstep. While there check out XS and Tryst. Hakkasan at MGM is new and pretty big. Light at Mandalay Bay is new as well. Great lighting and "powered by Cirque du Soleil", meaning performers hang from the ceiling and behind their LED screen. Marquee at the cosmo has always held their weight. Both indoooutdoor. You then have Hyde, Pure, Tao, Moon, Ghost bar and many others. During the day I'm pretty Sure Ghost bar dayclub (GBDC) and Lavo Brunch will be going on during the day on Saturday. Basically they're clubs open during the day. Encore Beach Club might be open and a few others. Those dates are right on the cusp of pools opening so its TBD as of now. Message me and ill see what I can do for you. |
You mean you're a mexican immigrant who flips cards at people? Or you're a strip bar "concierge" who wanders the strip getting bachelor parties to go to Treasures? And those cheap beers and tequila shots are available at the Taco place in Ballys... duh! | Yes, glad I made myself clear. And not everyone knows their way around Vegas, just trying to help. Thanks for your contribution to the cause. |
Questions | Answers |
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So if he was making more than 500k it would be okay in your book? That's pretty messed up. | Seems like I'd be even more of a piece of shit if I was that successful. |
Are you involved much with the general goings on of the casino? If so, what goes through your head when you see huge amounts of money being gambled away by someone who doesnt know when to walk away? | Yes, I'm an executive so I'm in touch with most everything that goes on. Most of the time when I see something like that, I just say "good for us" and try not to think about whether or not the person can afford it or not. |
How much do you make a year? Unless you are making like $500,000+, then you are a piece of shit. you are destroying thousands of people's lives so that you can make a living and afford your bmw and other status symbols. | I don't make $500K a year so I guess that makes me a piece of shit. |
What is the worst most tasteless thing you or the casino in general did to make money? | I, obviously, like to think I'm uber classy. But in general I think paycheck cashing promotions are pretty tasteless. E.g., Cash your paycheck and get 5% of the total value in free slot play. |
Can you ELi5? Sorry, to me that just sounds like you hand over your $1000 you earned, and get back $50? Which seems wrong...? Or do you get an extra $50? Hmmm... Thoroughly confused myself. | Let's say your check is $1,000. The casino will cash your check and then also give you $50 in promotional credits to be used on the slot machines. The idea is that since we've given you some "free" money to begin playing the machines you will also dip into the $1,000 cash that we also handed you. |
Are there any clauses that prevent you from just spending the $50 in free bets and cashing out the $1k without actually playing with it? | No, you get the $1K in cash and the $50 can only be used in the slot machine. I've done this once when I started my new job and my direct deposit wasn't set up yet so they issued me a live check. |
How many people just walk directly out of the casino after cashing the check with their 5% bonus? | I don't know, I've never run this promotion but generally speaking when we give away promotional credits, the "walk rate" is in the 25% range. |
How often do you go to the strip clubs in vegas? If you go how much do you spend? Do you get treated better if they know what your job is? | I really don't like them so not often unless someone is in town that wants to go. I don't have a moral objection, just think it's a waste. "Hey do you like to eat steak? Give me $20 to smell this delicious steak! No, you can't try it!!!". |
So that having been said, I might spend $20 to give to the girls on the stage and maybe a lap dance. | |
No, I don't get treated better because of my title really. They usually just care about how much money you spend and that's it. | |
What are some sneaky strategies that you use to get people to spend more money? I don't mean obvious things like having ATMs...but things related specifically to gambling.. | Ummm... Off the top of my head I think the sneakiest thing is probably side bets on table games (e.g., play an extra $5 and if your two cards are a pair then you win $25) because the odds are terrible or things like advertising low table game limits but modifying the rules (e.g., blackjack pays 6:5 vs 3:2) to increase the house advantage. |
Some casino customers are super cheap and only play $1 Blackjack. Others are whales and the casino spends a lot of money to attract them, but they are rare. Somewhere in between, I imagine, there are customers who spend a significant amount and exist in numbers to make most of the casino's profits. | First, we quantify most everything by "theoretical worth". That is, how much we can expect to win from you based on the house advantage of the game you play and how long you play. The general formula is decisions per hour X house advantage X hours played X average bet. So, $25/hand at blackjack X 1.5% house advantage X 2 hours played X 60 decisions per hour = $45 in theoretical worth. |
Is that true? How much does a "bread and butter" customer gamble in a day? | Second, It really depends on the particular property. The number is a lot higher for Wynn then it would be at Joker's Wild (a really, really dumpy casino on the outskirts of Vegas). That having been said, most places will be very happy to have you if you are in the $150-300 a day in theoretical worth range. |
That sounds pretty affordable. Assuming a 30% comp return I guess that comes out to $50-90 in comps a day. | 30% includes the stuff we send you in the mail generally too so at the $300 range you could expect a room and a meal a day. |
What kind of awful rules are you using to have a 1.5% house advantage, or is that number based on the average player being really terrible? How much in comps would I actually generate for two hours of $25 a hand Blackjack? | I just threw the 1.5 number out there. We also factor in skill into house advantage so as to be more favorable to the player, comp wise. comp wise we'd probably give you 15% of the $45, or $6.75. That's just in what we call discretionary comps that the pit supervisor or host can give you. Then you could expect another 30% in the mail via free bets, hotel, food, etc. |
I guess you need to register with the casino loyalty club so you know what we are spending. | Correct. |
I currently reside in Arizona, where you can't swing a dead cat without hitting an Indian reservation and - as a result - a casino. | Well I've worked all over the country and, yes, of course we always keep an eye out on new competition that would impact our existing customer base, especially as the business has seen much more legalization in new jurisdictions in the past 20 years. |
The casino/resorts are getting increasingly sophisticated. Better facilities, better entertainment, and better marketing. | For Vegas, I think most strip properties have dealt with this by investing in properties in regional markets so as to send their customers to their Vegas properties so it is pretty accretive. Someone from Harrah's Ak-Chin in the Phoenix area gets offers from Harrah's Las Vegas quite often. |
Is this something the Vegas casinos consider a rising threat, welcome competition, or something else? How do you - as a marketing guy - react to the fact that a trip to a casino no longer necessarily means a trip to Nevada or New Jersey? | The bigger problem really is for the markets where they were a monopoly for some time and really rested on their laurels. Reno and Atlantic City come to mind. Those markets are dying fast and there really isn't much upside. In Atlantic City, for example, you have casinos buying competitors just to close them so as to reduce the inventory. |
What really happens when somebody wins on a slot machine? Like, what is the behind the scenes stuff that we don't see? Are they checking out the cameras to make sure it was that specific person before they payout? What if you switch seats? What if an underage gambler wins?... What if they switch seats with an of-age gambler?? Honestly, I've never done that, but I've always wondered the underage stuff because I've never ever got carded on slots! I've won hand-pays before (nothing really exciting) and they always hit me with the tax form. What do you guys do with the tax form? Does it get sent out from you guys or does it remain my responsibility from thereon? | I worked as a slot analyst (analyzing machine performance) years ago and never on the floor so I don't know/remember the exact steps. Essentially, though, it's verifying that the machine is functioning properly and recording the details of the jackpot for audit/regulators. If it is a taxable jackpot ( >= $1,200) then we are required to fill out the IRS W2G form to report it to them for tax purposes so at that point we have to get your ID, etc. to facilitate that. Then of course, there is the matter of actually paying you the money, verifying that it is the correct amount, etc. The tax form does get sent to the IRS. You can request the taxes not be taken out of your jackpot as you are only taxed on the net win at the end of the year. |
How did you get involved in the casino bussiness? | 1/2.) Just needed a job and applied to a very entry level job and worked my way up. |
Did you set out to work at one or did it come about another way? | 3.) It can be fun and exciting. |
What do you enjoy most about your job? Least? | 4.) There's a lot of pressure to make money/meet your budget so all of the bullshit that goes along with that. Dealing with politics, having to adjust staffing, etc. And I don't like that at my level the usual tenure is 2-3 years so you move around a lot. I'd like to be more settled, especially in a place I'd really want to live for a long time and I don't feel like I have much control of that in this business. |
1) When you talk about being moved around a lot, is that relating to being moved around in what you do at a particular casino? or more like which casino your working at? 2) Do you feel that your skills at this current job gives you fallback options should your tenure run out? ( Such as in other service based industries?) | 1.) I mean there is only one of me at every casino so if something happens whether I don't like where I work or what something different (e.g., more money) or they don't like me (shocking, it happens!) then the likelihood that I have to move is high, especially if I'm in a city that only has a handful of casinos. 2.) I obviously feel like my skills could take me anywhere! But in reality, it has been tough to change industries when I've tried. Usually places like hotels don't pay as much as casinos and look for more sales-related skills and restaurants don't really have marketing people except at the corporate office whereas my skills are more analytics-oriented. And both usually pay less than casinos. |
time I went to Vegas (around 30 years ago) it still had that "mob" vibe. When I got married there in the 90s (I joke now that I gambled on marriage in Vegas and lost half my stuff) it was much more "corporate" and "family friendly." The "What Happens in Vegas" campaign seemed to try and change that perception. Do you think there's value in returning Vegas to a more "wise guy" kind of feel...playing up the classic vibe, or is it just a big collection of theme parks with gambling? | The problem with returning to that type of vibe is that it's difficult/impossible given how big the casinos are. Sure it was easy for Benny Binion to control everything and not be "corporate" when the old Horseshoe was literally 1/10th the size of MGM Grand. |
What was UNLV like? Did you live in the dorms? It seems like a strange school where everyone commutes and there's no college life around the campus. What are the pros and cons of going there? | I went there for grad school so was older and had a wife and a house. It is definitely a commuter school so there's not a lot of school spirit. I went to undergrad a school with a huge, huge, huge, football program so it was a bit of a change for me. I also didn't find the students to be terribly bright (with exceptions, of course). On the upside, a lot of people like living in Vegas and the Hotel Administration College (where I went) has very, very good brand recognition. |
Do you find people have lots of misconceptions about the casino industry? | That the games are rigged and that we love giving away a lot for nothing/little in return are probably the two biggest. |
So what's up with prostitutes and the casinos? I understand that prostitution is illegal in Vegas, but that they're still there. Is it like the movies, where they're just hanging out in the casino bars waiting to be picked up? | Yes, they hang out at the bars and then there are services you can call and have them sent to your room. If it's overt, casino security will clear them out of the bar area but the vice cops generally focus on human trafficking kind of stuff. |
As an insider, what do you think the job prospects are in the industry for someone with a similar education background, but no casino experience? | 1.) The industry relies heavily on industry experience so job prospects are good if you're willing to start in a low position and work you're way up. If you go to UNLV and get the degree I got and expect for some casino to make you a Director of VP with no experience then you're going to be very disappointed. |
Is that just bizarre luck? | 2.) Bizarre luck. |
What does the industry think about states with Indian reservations that prohibit casinos like Texas? | 3.) Definitely potential opportunity. I've read about that small tribe in Texas. It'll happen eventually in Texas. The people in Louisiana will not be happy, though. |
Is it viewed as a potential opportunity for growth with a small tribe, more competition, or a wedge to open the state to gambling? | 4.) No problem! |
For every average person out there, would you suggest not playing? I mean, in the sense that, it's just not a viable option? | Viable for what? Making consistent money? Then definitely not. If you are entertained by thrill of gambling and have the discretionary funds to do it, then by all means. |
Aw okay! cool. Any idea why people do it? Is it just a thrill? Would being a "whale", make more of a difference? | For the people that do it for entertainment, it's the thrill of anticipation. |
Was it hard getting a job with such a detailed degree? | My undergrad degree is pretty bland, political science, so it wasn't hard at first. I did my grad degree in casino management because I was living in Vegas, wanted to get an MBA, didn't want to take 2 years off from work to get a full-time degree, didn't have the support of my job to get an executive MBA, and didn't like UNLV's MBA program. |
EDIT: Thanks for answering my first AMA question! Really good answer too! | NP! Keep asking away! |
What's your favorite aspect of your job? And do you like to gamble yourself? | 1.) It can be exciting. Picking new acts to play in your showroom seems more exciting to me than selling propane. 2.) Yes... |
What is the best way for tourist to get the best bang for buck in your casino for entertainment, food, gambling etc to have a good time and not go broke? | I'm currently working at a Vegas strip property. |
If you can answer in terms of Vegas, that would be great also. | Unless you have something more specific in mind, the first place I'd direct you to is the Las Vegas Advisor Top 10 Deals List. |
With legal online poker gaining momentum which might mean eventual legal online gambling for other house games online; are the casinos doing what they can to kill this before it starts or your thoughts on this? | Las Vegas Sands / Venetian is actively trying to kill it (which I don't really understand) but everyone just sees it as a means to make more money so are ready to pounce when it's legal. |
I don't know if you're still answering questions, but what are the qualifications for being, say, a Texas Hold'em Dealer in Vegas, specifically your casino, and are the dealers specific to just one game? I.e. omaha, hold 'em, pai gow, stud... Also, without being too specific, what is the average annual income for said occupation? Are the dealers payed solely by tips/do they get to keep all tips? | 1.) Generally there are poker dealers and table games (e.g., blackjack) dealers. Few do both. Among the table games dealers, most know multiple games as the more you know the more hirable you are. In terms of the qualifications it's just that you've gone to some sort of dealer school (there are commercial ones and some casinos do it in-house), experience, and a live audition. 2.) Really depends on the market and the casino. At the high end like Wynn or Venetian they will do close to $100K/year but at an entry-level place it could be more like $25K/year. It's base salary plus pooled tips (aka tokes). |
3.) You've never thought of dealing the WSOP? They need as many dealers as they can find. | |
Do Casino's design their decor for different target groups? | Of course. Hard Rock and Cosmo are designed for younger demographics and Wynn and Venetian for older affluent ones. |
I find all Casino's to be outright horrible to my senses due to the noise/flashing lights. | Encore and the new Barrymore are definitely designed for the Asian gambler. And you'd, obviously, have to assume the casinos in Macau are, too, although I've never been. |
Could you describe your typical work day? also I've had some great times a Joker's Wild! | Ha! I honed my dice skills at JW! |
Typical work day is get to work and look at the previous day's financial results and react accordingly. I.e., ask the analysts to pull numbers, talk to the head of a certain department about their opinion on something, etc. | |
Emails emails emails. | |
Then it's usually a lot of meetings about upcoming things whether it be planning an event, approving new advertising, doing the strategic planning for the property for 2015, meeting with vendors, etc. | |
Emails emails emails. | |
By this time the numbers or reports I've asked to be run are ready so I sit down and look at them and act accordingly (e.g., hey, looks like we're spending too much on postage to mail to customers too far away, let's change the way we do this for next time), etc. | |
Emails emails emails. | |
Then it's usually time to go home but 2-3 times a week I'll have a dinner or event to go to with a vendor or colleague or someone from the press. | |
Emails emails emails. | |
Probably 2-3 Saturdays a month I'll go in and work for a few hours just to catch up on stuff or if there's an event to meet and greet players, make sure everything is going well, etc. | |
Emails emails emails. | |
Has the rise of 6:5 blackjack been hurting the game's popularity, or are there enough people who don't "get" the odds change (or don't care) that it all works out in the end? Is the odds change enough to swing the game back in the casino's favor in the long run even if players count cards? And what about continuous shuffling machines: have any of the casinos you've been with used them, and how did the players react? | The masses don't care about either especially if you're able to offer low limits. The limit and the number of decks is what attracts people to a bj game. Still never going to allow counting. |
Is is harder to get jobs in the background or management functions of the casino? | Well certainly there are more what we call "front of house" positions (dealers, porters, servers, bartenders, etc.) than "back of house" positions (accountants, IT, warehouse, etc.) so in terms of pure numbers, yes it's easier to get -any- FOH than -any- BOH position. |
I'm an IT grad looking to move back to Vegas and wondered if there were more "non-floor" jobs than actually functional jobs. | That having been said, if you're wanting an IT position shouldn't be too hard if you're willing to work anywhere and have a little experience. If you're wanting to just jump into the CIO job at Bellagio, more difficult. |
Great! thank you. I've got about 8 years under my belt, but dear god...no CIO for me. This really eased my worry about options. thanks. | You should be OK as long as you're not too picky. |
Just how rigged are the automatic roulette machines? | They aren't. The games have to go through pretty rigorous testing by the state or an agency of the state to be allowed to be sold. Gaming Labs International is one such company. |
I would think that SEO campaigns and similar web based marketing would be ineffective techniques for a casino in a place like Las Vegas. Is this the case? I know I'm quite late but I would love to know if you have time. | We definitely do SEO/SEM campaigns but primarily for hotel related keywords for people looking for hotel rooms. I worked at a place a little outside of the main city in the south one time and we'd buy broader search terms for people looking for "entertainment in main city" in case they didn't know there was a casino nearby. |
Thanks for the response. I was just curious about engaging people in person in public? Do you operate campaigns on the street such as call to action flyers or similar? Are there laws specific to this type of promotion in Las Vegas? | Not a typical marketing channel most casinos explore, but it's not entirely unheard of. Sorry I'm not entirely sure of the laws. |
Who owns the casino you work at? Is it one guy or a publicly traded company? | I'd rather not say as I don't want to be outted but I have worked for large publicly traded companies, privately held companies (e.g., owned by hedge funds), and publicly traded companies where one individual owns the majority of the shares. I've never worked at a privately owned casino owned by one individual, though. |
How do I get over 65 year olds excited about my product? | Without knowing what said product is, the best thing I can say is to figure out how to make it relevant to them. |
What does a marketing exec. at a casino make a year? | Depends on the size of the property. 75 at a small riverboat casino to 250 at a large place like Bellagio. |
To succeed in marketing, what is the first step to landing a successful job? and what should be the over arching goal in mind to maintain a competitive advantage over fellow competition as well as new shifts in market trends? | 1.) be tenacious. take any job you can get. be a sponge and learn everything you can. |
2a.) don't be afraid to fail, but be smart (and profitable) about it. | |
2b.) don't rest on your laurels. stay in touch with your customers. | |
Go on ... What does a casino do in that regard? | From a gambling standpoint, people in that age range like penny slots so we offer a lot of penny slots. We put on shows that would appeal to them. We would make the decor more classic vs hip. Etc. |
I've always wanted to work in the gaming industry. I have a strong sales background and a B.S. degree... which department would you recommend to get my feet wet? | Probably player development which is the department that deals with VIP guests or maybe special events/promotions. |
What's the best movie you've seen this year? You did say we could talk about life in general... | Absolutely! 12 Years a Slave. |
Edit: Also, Dallas Buyer's Club. | |
Dang, haven't seen it yet...will have to wait for it on DVD or streaming. Edit: Haven't seen that one either. I'm starting look like a Philistine. | It's pretty heavy but sometimes that's good. |
Do you prefer to market for families or adults? Casinos are adult fun, but I've noticed a shift in the past decade. | Definitely adults. |
Your AMA was one of the best, you answered almost every question, so if you're still answering here's one: If a young person comes in and wins more than 100k and then just leaves, would you suspect him/her of anything? | It really depends more on the manner in which you win and how you behave. We're required by law to fill out a Currency Transaction Report for transactions over $10,000. So if you got to that point you would have already given us your ID, etc. We'd obviously make sure that surveillance is watching you to make sure you're not cheating but if you're on a random hot streak and betting $10K/hand then it wouldn't be a huge deal at most strip properties. |
How about a free load just this once? lol. But hypothetically what would 10 grand get you :( | At my place, (which is not an uber classy place like Wynn or Venetian), you'd get pretty much whatever you'd want. Suite, dinners, limo from the airport, show tickets, etc. We'd generally reinvest in you 30% of your loss so just figure out what $3,000 in comps would get you. |
What advice can you give to new grads who want to get into marketing, but can get work due to lack of experience? | As I mentioned in a previous post, I believe you really just need to be tenacious and take anything to get your foot in the door. It's a very crowded field, especially on the what I call "pretty picture" side of marketing. I wish I had a more specific answer to give you. |
What does being a marketing executive involve? | I usually say I'm in charge of driving profitable revenue. The departments that report up to me are charge of advertising, promotions, entertainment, public relations, direct mail/database marketing, and VIP marketing. |
I'm coming to Vegas in December from Australia, can you PM me your email address? | Just PM me. Happy to see if I can help |
Do casinos hire interns? I'm currently a student at a public university. | Absolutely. I think most of the major companies have management training/internship programs. Go to their careers websites. Caesars Entertainment, MGM International, Pinnacle Entertainment, Penn National Gaming, etc. |
Would you recommend a job in marketing? what skill sets would be helpful for marketing? i'm interested in it but not entirely sure what it's about. | I think the best combination in today's world is to be more right brained with a creative bent as more and more the question asked of marketing folks is "quantify how your idea makes me money?" and less and less "what's the most most creative idea you have?" |
It's a crowded field especially on the left brained side (e.g., advertising and public relations) because people think it's "cool". So if that's you're interest, I'd say being tenacious and creative is what is going to get you far in that world because it's tough to get your foot in the door and you have to have thick skin and then when you do get your foot in the door you are going to have a very short leash to prove yourself. | |
Any specific company you recommend? | If you're at the intern stage, apply liberally. |
Do you have the sides backwards, or do I? | Um, well I think of left brained as creative and right brain analytical? |
How selective is the casino management program at UNLV? | The hotel management program in general is not selective but the casino management program is difficult because it's pretty quantitatively-focused so there's a lot of attrition. |
What do you do for family entertainment in Vegas? | I'm single so that having been said, there's all your typical family stuff to do here: parks, camping, hiking, movies, bowling, etc. |
You don't have any family in Vegas? What's something that you go do with your friends, then? | I'm not from here and my ex-wife hated living here thus why she's my ex. My friends and I go and see concerts, go to bars, we like guns so go shooting sometimes, and most Sundays cook for each other. |
Sounds like a nice life! | It's OK. City is kind of soulless and superficial. |
One of my favorite aspects of Vegas is that if you want your experience to improve, it's usually a strategic $20 tip away... whether that be a tip to upgrade your room when you check in, to skip the long line at a club, to get a table with a great view at dinner... What potential 'Experience' improvements would you recommend in Vegas? | Link to thetwentydollartrick.com |
Vegas or Macau. Which is better? | Better for what? |
Have you read The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester? | I haven't. |
So basically I should just buy from the half off kiosks? | Yes. |
How do you feel about those who are addicted to gambling and those who have lost everything because of it? | Bad, obviously. |
Late to this ama, are you still taking questions? | Sure! |
Sure buddy. | Do you mean to say that you don't believe me? |
I just got started in hospitality marketing, any advice? | Doing what, exactly? Just be willing to make not a lot of money for awhile and be willing to relocate frequently if you want to move up the ladder. I guess those are the first things that come to mind. |
Have you had any good marketing ideas that you couldn't do due to marketing regulation. | Not necessarily due to regulation but a lot of times you're gun-shy to do a promotion because well, what happens if no one shows up? |
Bastard. | Danka. |
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