Isle Lake Charles VP Changes

[Lucky Larry]

The majority of Isle VP has been moved to the middle of the bottom floor of the Grand Palais immediately in front of the escalators. The total # of VP machines appears to have been reduced.

One major change occurred in the 25¢ machines. A year ago they were changed from 5 coin to 10 coin for full RF and JOB and DW were removed. Both JOB and DW have been re-added to the 25¢ machines and they are all now 5 coin only. The 10 coin option (double your money) for 50¢ machines has also been removed.

Pay tables were lowered to around 96% for 25¢ (6 machines + 6 Progressive 8/5 DDB). JOB-8/5, DW 16/13 and DDB 8/5;

50¢ VP (12 machines) is around 97%; JOB-9/5, DW 12/10, DDB 9/5;

$VP (12 machines) is around 99%. JOB 9/6, DW 25/15/9/4, DDB 9/6; L'Auberge du lac still offers NSUD-99.7% vs DW 98% $VP. But, $TDB (9/7) is now set at 99.58.

The 8/5 DDB Progressive is still available. (6 machines) The $15 9/6 Progressive is gone.

Spin Poker, Ultimate X, 3/5 play, STP, 50/100 play 5¢ have all been moved to the small back room by the RR. Dream Card was removed completely.

I would be interested in what other who play at Isle think of these changes.

Editorial comments: While most of the players were gripping especially with the noise on main floor. Standardizing the 25¢ and adding back JOB/DW has improved the overall VP options. The back room is crowded but less noisy at least most of the time. Players in the back room were getting slot techs to turn down the sound on machines because of the noise level with the low ceiling.
BTW the slot techs are evidently putting in 12 hour days and will for the next 5-6 weeks to finish up the renovations of the floors. They are all exhausted but really working hard to renovate and keep up with the normal floor duties.

The new 1.25 multiplier is nice for "Select" members even higher for "Paradise" level players. The GM also hopes to be able to have corporate reprogram the software to allow access to your comp points. A requirement if comp points are being used now for meals.

[ravenbynight111]

larry I played  at isle a 2 weeks ago and i am not happy with the machines at the isle. Like  i said in a another  post all my big wins have been at lac playing tdb for 50 cents. I will just start planning my trips a few weeks in advance so i can stay at lac. As you know it it tough to get a room at the last minute at lac. By the way nice win you had.

[Lucky Larry]

raven,
Thanks.
We're going to give a LDL a try in a week. Except for $VP, with Isle changes aren't the two about the same on pay returns?

[Lucky Larry]

Director of Slots told me Saturday night he hopes all Isle renovations and moves will be complete by Thanksgiving. In spite of the renovations the place was full Saturday night.

[ravenbynight111]

 What is funny in a down econmy people with some comps will go to the casino, get a bite to eat on there comps,have a few drinks,or what i seen a few weeks ago a lot of drinks.So a couple will take a couple of hundred and play penny slots and have a nice evening out,heck you go to a nice place here for dinner and a couple drinks, after tip heck you spent a hundred,so instead they head to the casino with a shot to hit the big one.. I have noticed that saturday night is always super busy in lack charles.

[Lucky Larry]

 What is funny in a down econmy people with some comps will go to the casino, get a bite to eat on there comps,have a few drinks,or what i seen a few weeks ago a lot of drinks.So a couple will take a couple of hundred and play penny slots and have a nice evening out,heck you go to a nice place here for dinner and a couple drinks, after tip heck you spent a hundred,so instead they head to the casino with a shot to hit the big one.. I have noticed that saturday night is always super busy in lack charles.

There is a lot of data that shows gambling and alcohol sales go up during tough economic times. People want relief from their misery and both are seen as offering possible 'good times". Besides as you said "gambling" offers the possibility to "hit the big one".

[backsider]

Ive not been to casinos down there. Are they in a depressed area that would attract a low income crowd? Drinking and smoking are definitly two reliefs from misery and gambling is too if theres money to do it with.

[Lucky Larry]

Why would you think they might be in a depressed part of town?

For us richy's from Texas, Lake Charles (2) and Vinton (1) have the 3 closest casinos in La. to Houston (2 hours away). Four different casino bus lines offer multiple trips daily to the three from Houston. The three casinos are averaging a little under $60 million/month gross. 80-90% coming from Texas. Vegas quality L'Auberge du lac (LDL) leads with about $30M/month. LDL is one of the flagships of Pinnacle Gaming and used to fly VIPs in their private corporate float plane from Texas but corporate sold it during the recession. Now we are forced wait for a fleet of 8-10 LDL stretch limos or drive our Lexxus' or BMW's over. We don't even get gas reimbursement.   

Weekends are hopping at all three especially LDL with its $25 minimum black jack tables. And, with LDL's 99% return VP the $1/$2 and $5 VP machines are always busy. Ultimate X starts at $15/hand and Spin offers good returns for $90/hand and are often busy for hours @ $90/hand. I haven't yet been able to play the $90 Spin!!!   Lake Charles also voted for a third casino in March - Mojito Point - a new Vegas quality high roller casino/spa to be build next to LDL. All three should continue to do well until either Texas finally approves "legalized casino" gambling or our old Ford's can't make the trip. Then Sweet C and I will be limited to monthly free flights from Houston to Biloxi's Beau Rivage.