Tunica is virtually a ghost town

[cook1947]

I just returned today from a 3 day trip to Tunica, and was so surprised to find basically, all the casinos were practically deserted. We stayed at Harrahs, and the few video machines they have left, have been moved to the far end of the casino. A trip over to Fitzgeralds was so depressing, because 80% of the v.p. machines that they had upstairs are gone. I think I counted maybe 8 - 10. Most of the casinos had parking next to the door, the only exception was Binion's and The Gold Strike. We had no lines in any of the restaurants, but the biggest problem is the removal of so many poker machines in favor of the penny slots. Sickening.

[ko king]

It's been like that for quite a while now, I've played video poker there for many years and spent most of my time at Harrah's. I play a lot of $2 DDB, $1 TDB and $1 slots, the last couple of years the machines have become very greedy, I know a few people that quit playing all together but I tried to weather the storm which shows no sign of letting up. It's been over 2 years now without hitting a handpay on the slots and the vp has been crazy bad for about the same amount of time. Year after year I'd have a stack of W2G's but best I can remember last year I had 12 and the year before I had 13, I wasn't playing any less but it was sure costing me a lot more money. Something seems very different there and you can't expect people to keep coming when the balance shifts to far in the casinos favor. You get what you deserve and the sparse crowds didn't happen overnight.

[cook1947]

I realize the casinos have to make their money, but are they so stupid that even they can't see what is happening? I realize they don't listen to what we players are saying, but a good class in Economics 101 would be a good start for the CEO's to understand that the penny players are not going to keep their casino's afloat. Times are very difficult for everyone, yada,yada,yada, so they cut back their paybacks to the customer. Well, good for them. I will not go back to Tunica again and the Harrah's St. Louis has been sold, so I guess I will just trek back to Vegas. Maybe I'll have somewhat of a chance not to loose my shirt.

[rascal]

When I play in Mississippi, I play on the coast. I have never been a bit impressed with the casinos in Tunica, Vicksburg or Natchez. There is some good video poker on the coast at times, but you have to look for it. There is also some awful video poker there: Beau Rivage is a good example of terrible, terrible paytables, yet people flock to it. Unexplainable.

[robclyde]

I go to Tunica 2 - 3 times per month and it definitely has changed over the last 18 years.  I was there last weekend and every place was full.  The biggest drop off has been during the week days.  All 9 of them offer incentives for players during the week but they really work hard to fill the facilities over the weekends.  Almost every casino gives away a car or 15,000 - 50,000 in slot play on Fri and/or Sat nights.  Even though the payouts are not what they used to be I still get great comps there.  For a couple of weekend nights, a concert, a drawing, seafood buffet and 250 - 300 in free play, I don't feel too bad leaving $500, or so,  there.  If I win, even better.VP is definitely not what it used to be but I see the trend, in general, in all of the US markets. Just my 2 cents! Good Luck and Enjoy!  Robert

[opalineopaline]

Rascal,I agree the pay tables at the Beau are not good.  That being said, I have won more there than I ever have in Las Vegas, either on or off the Strip.I also get free flights and hotel rooms at the Beau.  I went 12 months without going and they still send me free trips.  This time my trip in July includes a voucher for $500.00 at their shops.  If I do nothing else (like come home with money) I will have bought some nifty xmas presents for my family.  Plus - the service is always good and the shuttle to the other casinos is $1.25.  That's why people keep going.  Free trips , a variety of casinos and great beaches.If Texas would only open up to casinos!

[cook1947]

I think another trip to Biloxi is in order. The last time we were at the Beau was a week before Katrina, and unfortunately we haven't been back. I was supposed to take the free flight to Laughlin (still my favorite place) but the brakes went out on our car (all 4), the garage door opener went kaflooey and the dog decided to have my part of my carpet for lunch. I figured that might be an omen. Next time.  (anyone need a 121 pound Malamute with carpet draping out of her mouth. I'll deliver.)

[spxChrome]

I play I'm MS 90% of the time and you are right ever since Nov. 2010 things changed. It just downright impossible to have a winning session. Many of the requlars have thrown in the towell. The places used to be packed at night. Now even on the weekends the places are dead minus the out of town scraggler or two. Comps are down from 200$ a week to $35 and they used to have hourly drawings from 2 to midnight for 500$ in free play. Now it's 7pm to 10pm for $100. Things are not the way they used to be in MS it's very noticeable how the machines play for those of us who go several times a week and even some went daily. They all say the same thing.