Recently, a favorite podcast of mine produced their 400th episode!

Congratulations to co-hosts Tony Snyder & Jason Gillikin and their podcast Vice Lounge Online.  Bravo!

If you are not aware of this unique podcast, let me explain it the way  did on a recent podcast. The podcast celebrates good cigars, good drinks and great gambling.  Jason & Tony have experience in all three areas, but insist they don’t lean towards any one of the three areas included in every podcast.  Three distinct parts, somewhat related, neither the specialty.

I, for one, have enjoyed hearing about the intricacies of cigars – smoking, wrappers, production and more.  Their “cocktail” talk centers around scotch, whiskey and bourbon, but often branches out to mixed drinks, aged specialty liquors and beer. Gambling advice and explanations are very interesting, many times focusing on things we take for granted, but would like a little refresher.

But it’s their personalities that make this so good.  I can almost see them, in their smoking jackets, cigar in one hand, brandy sniffer in the other, chatting about their latest casino visit.  (I believe Tony prefers podcasting in his pajamas, but that’s a story for another time.) 

Which brings me to today’s post – 5 Reasons Why Bartenders Hate You.

1.  When you want a free drink before you have played enough – After the initial investment into the machine, many casinos now expect an amount to be played, or time to be seated, before another drink will be served to you. As Tony mentions, ” if you are an excruciatingly slow player,” or don’t play at all, don’t feel entitled to that next alcoholic beverage.  Annoying the bartenders about it will only make them hate you.  Remember people, video poker bartops are for players only.
   

   Commonwealth Lounge and VP Bar at MGM Springfield

2. Trash talking staff behind the bar, both bartenders, servers and other staff – How about a little kindness people, or at least some discretion. Rude comments between patrons about certain staff will not be taken lightly.
3. When the bartender is really busy, don’t expect YOUR drink takes precedence over everyone else – In the rush, your bartender will still appreciate some respect and patience from you, and they will remember when you do – and when you don’t!   If you are insistent to the point of rudeness, you might wait longer than expected. To be honest, I don’t blame them.
4. Don’t flash your high tier status expecting better service for you at the expense of everyone else – We’ve all seen it.  Someone rushes to sit down, flashes their MGM Noir, or their Caesars Diamond card, and wants immediate service, like you’re special. (In New England it would be Noir, Mohegan’s Soar, Foxwoods’ Diamond, Penn National’s Owner’s Club and Twin River’s Club 100 for example).Besides, you want special treatment? – that’s what the VIP lounges are for.  Then you can fight it out with all the other high end players.
5. Don’t give unwanted advice to guests next to you, and cause a ruckus. Matter of fact, don’t EVER be that loud, obnoxious guy that causes bartenders to call security. People enjoy the relaxation of VP and like the control of how much socializing they do while playing.  Bartenders who love their job enjoy a little banter with you if you want it, and enjoy taking care of you, if you deserve it.

Tammy, Steve & Catherine, my favorite bartenders. Find them at Play Bar, Foxwoods.

Finally, I would like to add the final thought that I’m sure Jason & Tony would agree with.  TIP YOUR BARTENDERS.  I prefer tipping a little extra on the first drink, getting their attention and basically saying “I’m here to enjoy your service, I appreciate what you d and I’m not that guy you dread to serve.”  If they don’t give you that service, don’t be obnoxious, pushy, rude, or entitled – just don’t tip anymore.

Well done, Jason & Tony.  Well done.

Binbin

Remember – Embrace the Math, Not the Myth in Gambling