If you could open a vp bar...

[DAAnMAAn]

Hypothetical question, but whether one realizes it or not, small video poker bars have proven to be lucrative and profitable, opening up everywhere they can. Some of the more well known ones are dotty's, Molly's, jackpot Joanie's, and not well known like truck stops, gas stations, small independent bars.
So...a fun exercise, if u could open one up, how would you do it? What would make it unique? Would u gear it more towards promos or a loyalty program? How good/bad would be your games? Drinks comped or not? Food yes or no?
I've been thinking about this for a bit now and have my own thoughts about it, would like to hear yours.
Here is my thoughts...first, I'd go with the loyalty route to get repeat loyal customers to keep coming. Not to nix promos completely, but won't concentrate there. Similar to b connect with Boyd's...start with bronze and go to silver, gold, diamond, and diamond vip...all with increased multipliers and mailers...perhaps X1, X2, X2.5, X3 point multiplier thing.
Second, all drinks except specialty cocktails comped with full coin play. Must be using a card for this.
Third, and this would set us apart, great payttables tied with progressives. Games that aren't 100% ER, but close like for example 9/6 JOB, 9/6 bonus deluxe, so forth. 99% games tied to a half percent, or .50% meter with a bit going to secondary reset when one hits so royal always over the 4000 coin mark. Result? Games that quickly go over 100% that we would promote the heck out of (at least for the lucky person who hits the Royal flush). Prog will be in the Royal and separated by denomination, I.e, .25c, .50c, $1, $2, and $5. Result? People dropping coin in 100X faster than regular poker bars resulting in steady streams of drop instead of slow chunks like the other bars. Resulting in more money for the bar, happier players who are getting at least the opportunity for better gamble...and busier in serving food and drinks to a busier bar. Remember that huge ER from the prog is only going to one person, the one that hits it. Everyone else? Thanks for playing and come back soon. Idea is to skin the costumers slowly and many times for a long time instead of skinning them once like they do now. And all that money in the Royal? Coming from from the players, not us.
Hopefully this model would be successful and other bars may follow suit and maybe another vp Renaissance takes place where operators realize it can be a win win business. If not, all the better for us.
Lastly, more space and eye pleasing plush comfortable seating and games with plenty of room between players, ambient lighting and decor, and top notch bartenders and mixologists.
So...after smoking my dream pipe, what kind of vp bar would you open?
Ps would offer video blackjack and keno to satisfy those degenerates too of course

[alpax]

To respond, if I had the ability to open my own bar in Nevada (I really want to if I was financially stable).

I'd probably be an affiliate of the Affinity Gaming A-Play, that is what I saw on the gas stations. Will be willing to pay a share of royalty to them. I'll let them handle mailers to players.

I'd go for 98% games like 8-6 Jacks or Better, 8-6 Bonus Poker Deluxe, 7-5 Bonus, 9-6-5 Double Bonus, 9-6 Triple Double Bonus (I'll bite the bullet on that one), 8-5 Triple Bonus Plus, and 9-5 DDB Red and Black (I'll bet on that too).

Yes the Game King will be all Keno games available capped at 4 credit bets. You have to pay 7000 for 1 on 7 out of 7 hits on the original video keno game without a theme like Power/Caveman/Cleopatra.

If they play for an hour, they'll get a free pack of cigarettes. (I am not a smoker)

Good finger food like wings will be available. The beer will be comped like the Caesars system.


The possible downsides to be aware of:

There are regulations where you cannot have more than 15 at a time. If you are the owner, you have to be prepared to pay out W2Gs if you do not feel comfortable stashing large amounts of cash (if the player demands it over a check to avoid the IRS) in the bar for theft/burglary safety reasons. I am hearing that bars like Dotty's face resistance time to time from the big chains like Stations.

Mr. Dancer has stated in the past (before he left the forum) here as well as on the GWAE radio that some of the most lucrative opportunities are there when there are the promotions. Otherwise the games are in the 97% range and are not playable under normal circumstances.

Why limit yourself to bars? It is not just gas stations, bars, or 7-Eleven/convenience stores. Only in Vegas where you will see this:

[billryan]

It doesn't cost that much to buy an existing bar, and you don't need to own the machines, people will install them and maintain them for you. My local bar has a set up where when someone cashes out,the computer does everything but hand the person the money. In the event of a Royal, the bartender.needs to call to call someone to review the tapes.

[DAAnMAAn]

Picture of tgifridays is priceless. Very vegas. Free pack of cigarettes? You'll get a line out the door
I asked a 10 year bartender veteran about how the bar he works at is doing. He said they make so much revenue off the machines, they can give away the drinks. And many do.

[FloridaPhil]

Here's what would get me to go there.   Good selection of sit down video poker machines with games in the 99% range.  All machines in good repair without sticky buttons or wavy screens.  No smoking!!!  Did I say no smoking?  Free water, soft drinks and coffee. I'll pay for the alcohol.  Good music.  Great looking attendants that smile and like their work.  Good food at modest prices.  Generous comp plan that rewards frequent players. Oh yeah, no smoking!!!    

[alpax]

I was thinking twice about offering free cigarettes. An hour may be too short, they could either slow play or just bet 1 credit at a time. Maybe $1500 coin-in worth? Would be good if the state law makes the smokers to do their thing 15-20 feet away from the bar.

Forgot to include TVs so the players can also watch sporting events.

Judging by what bill and daan posted, it seems like a decent opportunity to open and operate one. I think location plays a big factor in terms of competition.

[DAAnMAAn]

After a bit of investigation, a restricted gaming license you can't have more than 15 machines. Unrestricted can have more but looks like a daunting task to get unrestrictive. Gas stations, 7-11's, and such have 7 or less, perhaps easier still...
And I believe if the bar is not grandfathered in by a certain date, if gaming revenue exceeds 50% of drinks/food/other revenue, it can be subject to the gaming tax of Nevada, or 6.75%. Compared to other states, quite a bargain. (I heard Pennsylvania tax on slot earnings is a whopping 54%! Highest in the country).
Anyway, would have to consider some kind of non-smoking area if feasible. Still like the free cancer sticks...I mean, cigarette idea.
Cheers

[alpax]

Nice picture of a bar.

Coincidentally, this week's Scot Krause article covers the Timbers bar chain. The article mentions what stands out is their food. I learn about a new slot club called Gamblers Bonus (GB). Maybe a good idea to associate with a player network?

Gaming Today - Timbers, 8-time winner of Vegas best bar food, has a great slot club by H. Scot Krause

[billryan]

I've never had much success with food in my bars. Offering it opens a can of worms with the Health Department. It adds payroll and good short order cooks are hard to keep.
Worse than having no food is having inconsistent food, and pricing food is really hard unless you put in strict portion controls.
I've had limited success leaving out the kitchen and letting someone else take the headaches.
I'd try to find another hook to bring in people.