HM 386 Exam 1

Theoretical Win =

(AB) x (TP) x (GS) x (HA) AB stands for the player's average bet and TP represents time played. -Both of these variables are observed and recorded by a floor person. GS stands for game speed, which is usually expressed in terms of hands per hour. -In most tracking systems the GS term is constant HA represents the house advantage, which is also known as the casino advantage. -The HA term is based on the rules of the game and the player's skill level. -This term is also often entered as a constant in the system.

Boulder City, Nevada

-AB 98 did not apply here, as it was specifically created to house workers from the Hoover Dam project. -Still not allowed to operate casinos there today.

The following table games are commonly found on U.S. casino floors:

-Blackjack and all of its many variations -Craps -Baccarat and all of its variations such as Mini- and Midi-baccarat -Roulette -Pai Gow -Carnival games such as Pai Gow Poker, 3-card poker, and Caribbean Stud.

Because of the railroad construction, Nevada now had population centers in both the north and the south.

-Easterners who were opposed to gambling came over -Resulted in the passage of a law in 1909 prohibiting all forms of gambling in Nevada. This ended a 41-year run of legal gambling. -The law allowed gambling proprietors 20 months to cease operations, after which police sheriffs were ordered to destroy all equipment. -Gambling operators used this time to move their casinos underground.

Bull Pen Casino

-Established in 1932 in the Nevada State Prison, in which inmates were permitted to operate gambling tables. -Each game boss was required to contribute a portion of the gaming win to an inmate welfare fund. Boss was allowed to keep the rest. -Survived until 1967 when the prison administration decided that the inmates should engage in more wholesome forms of entertainment.

In 1866, the first bill allowing all forms of gambling was drafted and passed by both houses.

-However, the state's first governor, Henry Blasdel, vetoed the bill. -The legislation was defeated

In 1869, the previous bill was reintroduced, passed by both houses, and again vetoed by the governor's veto.

-However, this time, the proponents were able to attract enough voted to override the Governor's veto. -Finally gambling was legal in Nevada.

The Divorce Industry

-In 1931, Nevada, along with Mexico City and Paris, served as the divorce capitals of the world. -Unhappy spouses came to these destinations, stayed long enough to gain residency, and filed for divorce. During this residency requirement, they would spend money in the community and fuel the economy. -In order to gain a leg up on the competition, the Nevada legislature lowered the residency requirement from 3 months to 6 weeks.

Assembly Bill 98

-Introduces by Phil Tobin, a 29 year old assemblyman from tiny Winnemucca, Nevada -Known as the Wide Open Gambling Bill. -This began what the national press referred to as the "Nevada Experiment"

Cage Manager

-Manage the day-to-day operation of the cage -Manage cage supervisors -Address customers complaints/issues -Schedule all cage staff -Approve/review transactions such as: customer check cashing, substantial cash-outs of gaming cheques, credit requests, cash-for-cash transactions above specified amounts -Assume Cashier duties if necessary -Supervise and schedule the Pit Clerks This is an abridged list, as the responsibilities of this position are many and vary greatly by property

George Lewis "Tex" Rickard

-Primarily a boxing promoter -Staged the "fight of the century" between Jack Johnson (first black heavyweight champ) and Jim Jeffries (retired white heavyweight champ).

James Nye

-The first territorial governor of Nevada appointed by Abe Lincoln. -Opposed gambling -Operating a casino was a felony and placing a wager was a misdemeanor. -To encourage enforcement, prosecuting attorneys were offered a $100 bounty for every conviction.

In 1877, a law to protect families from excessive gambling was enacted.

-The law stated, "The family man has no right to squander any portion of money necessary to maintain the family -This law also allowed family members to notify saloonkeepers that the husband (father) was gambling excessively. -After notification, the gambling operator was to prohibit the problem gambler from placing wagers. If he failed to do this, he was charged with a misdemeanor. -The same act also declared that gambling could no longer be conducted on the bottom floor of the dwelling.

The 1930s

-The stock market crash of 1929, the ensuing depression, and the federal funding of the Hoover Dam project would forever change the U.S. and the history of gambling. -These events created a set of conditions that would eventually bring us to Nevada's modern gaming. -The Hoover Dam project would stimulate the economy by bringing thousands of employed workers in Southern Nevada -In an effort to keep the casinos open and allow both the gaming industry and the State to prosper, the Nevada State Legislature decided to legalize gambling.

William Clark

-U.S. Senator from Montana -Owned the railroad that goes through Vegas -Purchased 1,800 acres of prime real estate for $55,000, then divided the land into 1,140 town lots, sold the lots, and pocketed a $195,000 profit.

International Hotel

-Ulysses S. Grant was a guest here -Gas lights provided the illumination and a brass elevator moved the guests from floor to floor.

In 1859 near Virginia City, the discovery of silver known as the Comstock Lode would attract tens of thousands of people to the area.

-Within two years, the population grew from 200 to 20,000. -The town provided entertainment in the form of saloons, women, and gambling. -1 casino for every 150 residents, 1 prostitute for every 35 men. -Casinos of this era would typically offer a roulette table, faro bank, three-card monte, and a few poker tables. -Most gambling establishments were located in saloons or bordellos.

First states to legalize commercial gaming:

1. Nevada 1931 (AB 98) 2. New Jersey (Atlantic City) 1978 3. South Dakota (Deadwood) 1989 4. Colorado 1991

The Red Rooster

2nd to open on the Strip, but 1st to receive a gaming license. Located where the Mirage is now

Double Down

A double-down option describes the conditions in which the player is permitted to double her initial bet. However, when a player elects to double down, he agrees to draw only one card to his original two-card hand. Most casino operators permit the player to "double" for less. That is, to increase his wager by something less than the amount of his original wager. For example, if his initial bet was $100, the player might choose to increase his wager by only $50, rather than the full $100 Some operators restrict the player's doubling options. For example, some operators do not allow players to double down on soft hands, while others only permit doubling on two-card hand totals of 10 and 11. From the player's perspective, the ability to double down on any two-card hand total would be the most beneficial option From the operator's perspective, increases in double-down opportunities lead to decreases in the casino advantage.

Basic Strategy

A player who makes the decision that either minimizes his disadvantage or maximizes his advantage is someone who plays according to basic strategy -Always makes the optimal decision, based only on the knowledge of his own cards and the dealer's up card. Depends upon the rules in place and the number of decks in use. ***This is based off the strategy card we are supposed to know Notice that no hand totals less than 8 are listed on the card, aside from the soft hands. This is because they are not played differently from the listed hand total of 8. -That is, basic strategy would require a player to hit these omitted hand totals, against any up card. Hard hand totals ranging from 17 to 19 are also omitted, as is 21. This is because basic strategy would require the player to stand on all of these totals, against any up card.

Push

A tie between the player and dealer

Strip Rules

All rule modifications are deviations from Strip Rules, which assume: -Dealer stands on soft 17 -Player is not permitted to double down after splitting -Player may double down on any two-card hand -Player may split any pair (except aces), up to four times -Player may split aces (original two cards only). Split aces draw one card only -No surrender

Race Book Supervisor

Duties include: -Create the work schedule for the writer/cashiers -Direct supervision of writer/cashiers -Cater to requests from premium players (e.g. comps) -Ensure that wagers from premium players are tracked (recorded) -Report and log transactions in compliance with federal cash reporting requirements (Title 31) -Address customer complaints -Establish relationships with customers and identify promising customers

Natural

Another term used for having a hand that is a blackjack

Indian Gaming

Beginning in the late 1970s, tribal bingo games began offering significantly greater prizes, which were perceived as a threat to other in-state gambling operations, such as lotteries. State governments began to threaten the tribes with closure of their bingo facilities. The tribes countered by filing law suits in Federal court. --> Seminole Tribe vs. Butterworth (1979) --> California vs. Cabazon Band (1987) In both rulings, if gambling was legal within the state, it was legal on any reservation within that state, and free of state control.

Split

Can only split cards if they are of the same value. A player could split a hand comprised of a 10 and a jack, because each is worth 10. After splitting, the player is required to wager another amount equal to their initial bet. Sometimes the first card drawn to a split hand is a card of equal value. In this case, the hand can be split again, forming a third hand. -This is sometimes referred to as a re-split. -The player first completes the hand located at the dealer's far left, with the order of play continuing to the dealer's right. Most casino operators will allow the player to form a maximum of four hands via the split option. -This is due in large part to the number of possible splits produced from a multiple-deck show. -Surveillance must be able to see all of the card faces, so the dealer can't stack cards on top of one another.

Top-down Management Model

Casino properties are typically structured according to the classical top-down management model, whereby Supervisors report to Managers, who, in turn, report to Directors, and so forth. This vertical structure is evident in the organizational charts featured in Chapter 4. Although job descriptions and communication channels are more clearly defined in top-down structures, there are disadvantages to this design -For example, rigid top-down structures work best when all members of the organization operate within their defined scope of responsibilities (i.e. inside the box) The strict command-and-control structure of the top-down model lacks flexibility and limits innovation and collaboration, especially with those at lower levels of the organization. In any case, the top-down model remains firmly entrenched in the gaming industry.

Caesar's Palace-- Sarno

Construction began in 1964 Exuded opulence (wealth) The Bacchanal Restaurant featured wine goddesses who massaged diners, as part of the dining experience Another of the property's notable features was Cleopatra's Barge, which was a floating lounge Nearly every facet of the resort incorporated the Roman theme Casino was located in the middle of the resort

Poker Dealer

Dealers in most Las Vegas poker rooms are expected to proficiently deal Texas Hold 'em, 7 card stud, and Omaha. Aside from dealing the games, Dealers are expected to be courteous and friendly to the players. Duties include: -This position calls for technical proficiency and the ability to pleasantly interact with customers

Circus Circus-- Sarno

Designed to look like a giant circus tent, featuring all the attractions one would expect to find at a circus. The casino housed a traditional circus midway, complete with sideshows and carnival games that even children were permitted to play. Marketed as a family-oriented gaming destination. Serious gamblers saw the performances as distractions, instead of entertainment. Additionally, the dealers were often distracted by the circus acts, providing a window for people to cheat. Was sold in 1974 to William Bennett and William Pennington

Macau's Geography

Formerly comprised of three regions, now it is comprised of four primary regions: The Peninsula, Taipa, Cotai, and Coloane. Entire Cotai region is reclaimed land, as Taipa and Coloane were previously separated by the South China Sea Date is important when it comes to maps due to the fact that the coastline continually changes from the reclamation of land. That is, the land mass is expanded by way of dumping various land-building materials into the surrounding sea Sands Macau and the resorts on the Cotai Strip were built on reclaimed land. The Peninsula is connected to the island of Taipa by three bridges. A fourth bridge known as the Lotus Bridge connects the reclaimed area of Cotai to Hengqin Island, which is part of mainland China. Macau International Airport was built on reclaimed land Macau's casinos are concentrated in the Peninsula and Cotai regions.

Shift Manager

In the absence of the Director of Table Games, the Shift Manager represents the senior management position, in terms of direct responsibility for the table game operation. Duties include: -Supervise Pit Managers -Participate in the credit granting process --> Shift Managers often have limited authority to grant credit -Issue comps with full comp authority -Address all incidents, conflicts, and crises that occur during the assigned shift -Contact and communicate with surveillance, regarding situations that occur in the pit areas -Participate in policy decisions related to the table game operation -Communicate all decisions related to disciplinary matters to subordinate positions -Determine the number of games to open on the assigned shift -Responsible for scheduling all positions on the shift (e.g., days off, start times, vacation days) -Participate in the payment of slot jackpots (over an identified critical value)

Howard Hughes

Fortune supplied by his father's business, Hughes Tool Company of Houston Considered the first legitimate businessman to take on Las Vegas His father died while he was at Rice University when he was 19. At the time, the legal age of adulthood in Texas was 21, so he couldn't access his inheritance. --> Was able to convince a judge to declare him an adult. His real passions were flying, which he had learned as a teen, and the movie industry. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue these passions. Produced three major films: "Hell's Angels", "Scarface", and "The Outlaw". By the age of 25, he was a powerful figure in the motion picture industry. He would later own RKO Studios. He founded Hughes Aircraft Company, which was responsible for the design and construction of the Apollo 11 spacecraft and lunar landing module. In 1935, he piloted the H-1 Silver Bullet, which he had designed and built, to a world-record speed of 352 mph. In 1937, in the same plane, he set a transcontinental flight-time record -- coast-to-coast in 7 1/2 hours. Set another world record in 1938, circumnavigating the globe in less than four days. In 1939, he purchased Trans World Airlines (TWA) and shortly thereafter became a major defense contractor during WWII. When asked to leave Desert Sands during the holiday season, he decided to buy the resort for 13.2 million due to not wanting to leave his room, this being his first casino purchase He continued to buy Nevada casinos until he eventually bowed to pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Nevada Gaming Commission, as both bodies feared his dominance in the industry was detrimental to free and fair competition. --> Bought Sands, Castaways, New Frontier, Silver Slipper, Landmark, and Reno's Harolds Club --> Owned 20% of the available rooms on the Las Vegas Strip.

Billy Wilkerson

He envisioned, planned, and began working toward the construction of Las Vegas' first luxury resort In 1916, the 25 year old was studying medicine in Philly when his father died unexpectedly. A renowned gambler, his father left the family facing a mountain of debt which forced Billy to abandon his aspirations of becoming a doctor, in order to support himself and his mother. In 1929, he sold half interest in his trade paper for $20,000 and borrowed an additional $25,000 to play the stock market. He walked in the Wall Street Stock Exchange 45 minutes before the stock market crash, and he was now broke. So him, his wife, and mother went to Hollywood. Formed the Wilkerson Daily Corporation and published the first issue of The Hollywood Reporter Brought the sophistication and culture of Paris to Hollywood with his many clubs Was addicted to gambling With closure of all casinos in 1938, he explored a wide variety of gambling options, ranging from breeding thoroughbred horses to opening a casino in Cuba Managed the Arrowhead Springs Hotel in Lake Arrowhead, CA. Started hosting back-room card games. Authorities eventually found out and destroyed all gaming tables and equipment. Nearly all of his disposable income was lost to his gambling habit In 1944, he leased the El Rancho Vegas operation for 6 months His vision was to build a casino like no other in the world. Not only lure gamblers from southern CA, it would also serve as a peaceful oasis for non-gamblers who only desired rest and relaxation. -The plan included world class dining, top name entertainment, and extravagant outdoor activities.

Macau's Gaming Operations

In 1930, their gaming industry began to change, as the Portuguese government granted a monopoly gaming concession to the Hou Heng Company. -This gave the company the exclusive right to operate all forms of approved casino games in Macau. Hou Heng introduced novel operating practices such as awarding players complimentary food, entertainment, and cigarettes. They also reimbursed players for the cost of their ferry tickets to Macau. Additionally, they invested in the gaming infrastructure by refurbishing and renovating existing casino facilities. It was the Tai Heng Company that brought baccarat to Macau in 1937, the year they took over the monopoly concession.

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)

In 1988, Congress formally recognized the rights of tribes to conduct gaming operations. However, the act required tribes to negotiate with state governments, regarding key matters such as the variety of games to be offered and regulatory structures. For a tribe to offer gaming such as that found in a Las Vegas casino, a tribal-state compact is required.

Soft 17 Rule

In blackjack, the dealer (on behalf of the casino) is usually required to draw to any hand total under 17. However, some casino operators will require dealers to draw to any hand total under 17 and to any soft 17 total (Ace, 6)

Management skills vs. Technical skills

In gaming, entry-level or front-line employees rely heavily on technical skills to perform their job duties. For example, Dealers must be able to proficiently deal the games. -However, as Dealers are promoted to Floor Person and beyond, they rely much less on their technical skills, and much more on their management skills. Management skills can be described in terms of human skills and conceptual skills. -Human skills involve the ability to work cooperatively in layered environments to achieve specific goals. For example, managers must often motivate their employees to produce a desired outcome. -In gaming, conceptual skills relate to one's ability to see the big picture at the property level. That is, managers need to understand how the actions of their department affect the ability of the larger organization to achieve its stated objectives. --> A manager with poor conceptual skills is likely to focus on departmental goals instead of company goals. Such a perspective could be characterized by the motto-- All for one and none for all.

Macau's Historical Overview

In the 16th century, the Portuguese were permitted to settle here in exchange for ridding the region of piracy. Became an official Portuguese territory in 1887, by way of treaty with China. Remained so until December 20, 1999 when Macau once again became part of China. Terms declared Macau as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. -As a SAR, Macau is permitted to maintain its own police force, passports, currency, and more.

It is Nevada that is recognized as the birthplace of the modern era of commercial casinos.

It was the Nevada Experiment, as it was called, that advanced casino gambling into the science that it has become.

Player rating systems

Management should not use a players win/loss results to determine who is a good player. Instead, skill judgments should be based on how the player plays. Player valuation is a critical issue, as it is the basis for all reinvestment decisions. -Reinvestment refers to expenses such as room, food, and beverage comps, as well as more costly play incentives. A player's value is expressed in terms of theoretical win. -If the casino has an advantage, theoretical win will always be a positive number.

Stingaree Gulch was reportedly the:

Only true rival to San Fran's Barbary Coast. -Pioneered in 1907, was said to have 500-600 girls on the line, all colors/nations.

Jay Sarno

Opened Caesar's Palace in 1966 and Circus Circus in 1968 --> First two properties to incorporate a conspicuous theme throughout the design and decor of the entire property --> Two incredibly different target markets Moved to Miami and became a tile contractor in the late 1940s after WWII. By late 50s, he had built the Atlanta Cabana Motor Hotel, a concept that merged the convenience of a motel with the luxury of a traditional hotel. Avid craps player and frequent visitor of Vegas. He saw the Vegas resorts as rather uninteresting destinations, in a hotelier's perspective. Noticed the uncommitted attempts to theme the properties. Seeing an opportunity for a different type of Las Vegas resort, he purchased a plot of land from Kirk Kerkorian and, in 1964, began construction on Caesar's Palace. Experimented with floating lounges in his Palo Alto Cabana, which featured a hotel resembling Caesar's Palace. As a student of architecture, he incorporated the idea of locating the casino in the center of the resort complex. He configured the overall complex in the shape of a wheel, with the casino as the hub. With all the entertainment in Circus Circus, he charged an entry fee for admission to the casino. This charge was lifted after a couple years Sold Caesar's Palace to Milton and Stuart Perlman in 1969, which he would later regret. Died of a heart attack in a Caesar's Palace suit on July 24, 1984. He died with two hot bitches in his bed that were half his age. Spent most of his time gambling, golfing, and attempting to build his next resort concept -- the Grandissimo, which featured a 6,000 room hotel, a pair of cascading waterfalls, and moving sidewalks to transport patrons to the casino.

The Meadows Hotel-Casino-- Tony Cornero

Opened in May 1931 with 12 table games and 5 slots. -2 miles southeast of downtown -Nicest property in LV in 1931 -Private landing strip -Fire destroyed the hotel in September 1931 --> Firemen refused to fight the fire, as the hotel was not located within the official city limits Built at a cost of $31,000; it had 30 rooms, each with its own bath and plumbed hot water. Also had carpeted floors First casino to offer live entertainment Featured its own landing strip to accommodate the aircraft of its wealthy customers

Tony Cornero

Opened the Meadows Prior to his arrival in Nevada, he was a convicted bootlegger, which made him a felon. After his release from prison, him and his brothers Frank and Louis moved to Las Vegas to build a hotel-casino. Since he was a felon, his brothers applied for and held the gaming license Two months after the Meadows opened, the Cornero brothers sold the hotel portion of the property to a Southern California hotel owner and builder. Sold the casino portion in early 1932. In 1955, he was overseeing the construction of the Stardust, his 1,000 room hotel-casino. He invested over $3M into the facility and the project was near completion when he died. Died at the craps table.

Northern Clubs-- Tex Rickard

Operated by George Lewis "Tex" Rickard Rickard would eventually own Northern Clubs in Goldfield, Tonopah, and Stingaree Gulch. One of Rickard's partners in both the Goldfield and Tonopah clubs was famous lawman Wyatt Earp, who also worked in the two casinos as a pit boss. The Goldfield Club was known as the "Monte Carlo of the desert" and Stingaree Gulch was reportedly the only true rival to San Francisco's Barbary Coast Most of Nevada's early gambling operators were far more interested in the business of prostitution.

Burn card

The first card from the shuffled and cut deck or pack that is removed from play.

Vice President of Marketing

Reports directly to the President/GM of the property Responsible for: Entertainment; Casino Marketing; Other responsibilities include involvement in public relations, advertising, promotions, and more. -The degree to which public relations and advertising activities are outsourced varies by resort

Vice President of Casino Operations

Reports directly to the President/GM of the property Responsible for: Slots; Table Games; Race & Sports; Poker; Bingo; Keno (with Bingo and Keno offered by far fewer casinos)

Macau's Casino Environment

Since 2002, Macau battled a serious image problem; there was too much crime, violence, and corruption in and around its gaming industry Following the 1999 handover of Macau to China, the central government of China took aggressive steps toward improving Macau's image. -The presence of organized crime in Macau was greatly diminished by way of swift and purposeful action. It was common practice for dealers to pay a portion of their humble salary to the person that hired them. All customers pass through metal detector before permitted entrance.

What brought gambling to the West?

The westward expansion of the population, in general, and the California Gold Rush, in particular.

National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)

The IGRA established this to regulate gaming activities on Indian lands. It is a federal agency put in place to ensure that gaming is conducted fairly and honestly by both operators and players, and to ensure that Indian tribes are the primary beneficiaries of gaming revenues. Comprised of a chairman and two commissioners. These three full-time members serve a term of three years. --> The chairman is appointed by the President of the U.S. and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, while the remaining two commissioners are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior There are 565 federally recognized Indian tribes, less than half of which are engaged in gaming operations. --> Of those engaged in gaming operations, only about one fourth produce enough revenue to issue per capita payments to individual tribal members

The Goldfield club was known as:

The Monte Carlo of the desert

Some of the most famous casinos were:

The Northern Clubs, operated by George Lewis "Tex" Rickard.

Long before Jedidiah Strong Smith set foot in the territory that would eventually become Nevada:

The Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe Indian tribes frequently engaged in gambling activities. -They bet on foot races and rope games. The stakes for these wagers were items such as baskets, eagle feathers, jewelry, and buckskins.

Most of Nevada's early gambling operators were far more interested in:

The business of prostitution. -Gambling was something of a supplementary activity.

The Macau Market Factor

The casinos are operating in a market with a tremendously favorable supply-demand condition. -There is an incredible number of willing and nearby gamblers available to relatively few casino operators.

Hole card

The dealer's second card, which is dealt face down

Sports Book Supervisor

The duties include all those mentioned in Race Book Supervisor section. However, this position is also charged with routine bookmaking duties. That is, the Sports Book Supervisor will make routine adjustments to betting lines, as prescribed by book policy. -Any potentially dangerous adjustments to lines would be made or approved by the Manager of the book.

Although the bill legalized gambling, it severely curtailed the operation and marketing of casinos.

The law stated that gaming could not be conducted in front rooms where it could be viewed by passers-by, and all signs and advertising were prohibited. -Proprietors were required to obtain a license and pay a fee for the right to operate the casino.

Nevada became a State in 1864. During the first state legislature, the anti-gambling prohibition was reenacted in Nevada.

The new legislature was more tolerant toward gambling, as the penalty for operating a casino was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Nevada's population distribution was soon to change with the opening of:

The railroad between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Salt Lake. -This railroad traveled through an area that would eventually become known as Las Vegas. -The steam engine locomotives required watering stops, and Vegas was known for its abundant underground springs.

The operation of commercial casinos (for profit) dates back to the 1500s in Northern Italy.

Therefore, it could be argued that Italy is where commercial gaming began.

Openers and closers

These are inventories of the cheques on each table game. These inventories are provided by supervisors from the Table Game Department. The Pit Clerks input these inventories into the casino accounting system

Fills

These are requests for additional cheques to be transferred from the cage to a particular table game.

Credits

These are requests to move cheques from a particular table game to the cage

Marker Redemption Slips

These record payments made by players against marker balances

Player Rating Slips

These record the gambling activity of players, as observed by personnel from the Table Game Department. In general, these slips are the basis of comp awards and player valuation

Marker Issue Slips

These record the issuance of cheques to table game players.

Multiple Transaction Log (MTL)

This is required to comply with U.S. Title 31 of the 1970 Bank Secrecy Act. Pit Clerks are responsible for recording certain types of transactions in the MTL.

Head up play

This occurs when there is only one player at the table

Slot Shift Manager

This position could be thought of as a managerial generalist, at the shift level. The Shift Manager is the primary administrator for his or her shift. Duties include: -Scheduling at the shift level --> Match staff to expected business volumes --> Develop and implement a process that fairly addresses employee requests for specific days off (on the weekly schedule) --> Make determinations related to vacation requests -Recruitment, development, discipline, and termination of direct reports -Succession Planning: identifying management prospects among the floor persons -Provide administrative support to Shift Supervisors and Floor Persons for common/recurring transactions

Dealer

This position is the face of the Table Game Department. Duties include: -Deal the games in a technically proficient manner -Provide a friendly gaming atmosphere -Alert management to any suspicious act by a player -Ensure that players adhere to all game rules and casino policies (posted & otherwise) -Ensure that the pace of game is sufficient, but not so rapid that players feel rushed -Verify the accuracy of game fills and credits

Pit Manager

This position reports directly to the Shift Manager. Duties include: -Directly supervise all Floor Persons and indirectly supervise the Dealers within his or her assigned area or responsibility -Track/estimate the cumulative win (loss) of the assigned pit, noting any substantial player wins (losses) -Determine when to open or close games within his or her assigned pit -Determine when to increase or decrease the dollar-amount of the required minimum wager on individual table games -Issue comps -Advise Shift Manager of any critical issues, incidents, or situations occurring in their assigned pit -Game protection

Director of Table Games

This position reports directly to the VP of casino operations. It is the senior management position with regard to table game operations Responsibilities of this position: -Strategic planning and implementation -Recruitment, development, discipline, evaluation, and termination of table games management -Represent interests of the Table Game Department at the property level -Prepare capital and operating budgets -Ensure that all games are operated according to the prescribed regulations -Responsible for all activity within the table game operation -Determine operating policies and procedures -Authorize/grant credit to players -Manage the table games operation within the financial guidelines set forth by the operating budget -Participate in the development of the casino marketing plan and day-to-day casino marketing decisions

Poker Room Manager

This position reports directly to the VP of casino operations. This is often the senior position in poker room management. Casinos featuring larger poker rooms sometimes have a Director of Poker Operations above the Poker Room Manager. Duties include: -Strategic planning -Recruit, develop, discipline, evaluate, and terminate all poker room positions -Represent interests of the poker room at property-level meetings -Prepare capital and operating budgets -Scheduling -Issue comps -Create promotions and tournaments -Responsible for compliance with gaming regulations and Title 31 reporting requirements

Pit Clerks

This position reports to either the Cage Manager or the Director of Cage Operations, depending on the organizational structure of the property. Although all duties of the Pit Clerks are directly related to table game operations, they report to the Cage Department. This is because Pit Clerks are responsible for recording critical transactions that occur in the Table Game Department. Duties include: -Input openers and closers -Input fills and credits -Input marker issue and redemption slips -Input player rating slips -Record transactions in the Multiple Transaction Log, in compliance with Title 31

Floor Person

This position represents the front line of table game management. Duties include: -Supervise the operation of one or more table games -Customer dispute resolution (e.g., addressing customer claims of dealer error) -Request fills and credits as needed -Along with the dealer, ensure the accuracy of requested credits and fills -Identify unknown players for the purpose of having their name added to the casino system and their play rated/tracked -Responsible for estimating the following items related to the player rating process: --> The player's average bet --> The duration of a player's wagering session --> The player's actual win or loss -Initiate credit requests for established players (those who have existing credit lines) --> If approved, the Floor Person will obtain the player's signature on a marker in the amount of the approved credit request --> Once the marker is signed, the Floor Person authorizes the dealer to advance gaming cheques to the player -Accept the repayment of previously issued markers, if permitted by the gaming regulations -Issue comps (if authorized by the casino's comp policy) -Identify and log all reportable cash transactions as required by U.S. Title 31 -Game protection -Alert senior management and/or surveillance to any suspicious activity occurring on his or her assigned tables

Poker Room Game Attendant

This position takes direction from the Floor Supervisor. This position is also known as a Brush or a Chip Runner. Duties include: -Facilitate buy-ins by poker players -Keep the poker room clean of debris -Attend to the waiting list of players -Recruit and encourage play by interacting with patrons standing near or passing by the entrance of the poker room

President & General Manager

This position usually reports to an owner, corporate office, or in the case of Indian gaming, the tribal government. GM is responsible for all matters relating to the operation and performance of the property. One of the greatest challenges facing this position is ensuring that all the VPs and department heads are working together to maximize property cash flows, as opposed to profits at the individual department level. Business acumen, leadership, and diplomacy skills are traits common to many successful GMs

6 to 5 payout

Traditionally, when a player received a natural it was paid at a rate of 3 to 2, or 7 1/2 to 5. However, casino operators have discovered that they can significantly increase the game's theoretical advantage by paying blackjacks at a rate of 6 to 5. Gains the casino operator about 1.36% over the base game, giving them a 1.93% advantage. For example, on a base game with a 0.57% casino advantage, moving to a 6 to 5 payoff would result in a 239% increase in the casino advantage (increase from .57% to 1.93)

In 1911, Nevada's lawmakers amended the 1909 prohibition by legalizing social games such as poker, provided that the deal rotated and the house took no fee for the game.

Two years later in 1913, Nevada legislature again prohibited all forms of gambling, including social games. -However, they convened a 2nd time to declare social games legal. Additionally they voted to legalize nickel slot machines, provided these games paid winners in cigars or drinks.

Face-down vs. Face-up

When cards are dealt from a hand-held deck they are dealt face down. On a face down game, the players pick up the cards dealt to them. -To draw an additional card from the dealer, the player gathers the two original cards in his hand and uses them to scratch the table's surface. -If the player is content with his original two-card hand, he slides the two cards under his bet. When players touch cards, the game becomes less secure. (Some players will use this opportunity to mark cards or slip other cards into the game). The game security is greatly increased when the cards are dealt face up. A face-up game prohibits the player from touching the cards. -If a player wants to draw additional cards, he motions with his hand or finger instead of scratching the table top with his cards. -If the player is content with his hand, he indicates so by waving his hand.

Insurance

When the dealer's up card is an ace, he will actually have a blackjack in just under 1/3rd of those hands. If a player placed an insurance bet, it would be paid at a rate of 2:1. Therefore, the maximum insurance wager is equal to 1/2 of a player's initial wager Rare case: Assume the player insures his blackjack and the dealer also has blackjack. In this case, the insurance bet is paid, but the original wager results in a push.

Surrender

When this is offered, the player is allowed to surrender his hand, but only if the dealer does not have a natural. That is, the dealer must first verify that his hand is not a natural, before the surrender option is available to the player. Permits the player to forfeit his initial two-card hand and 1/2 of his wager to avoid playing the hand under what he deems to be very unfavorable conditions.

Double after splitting

When this is permitted, the split hands are afforded the same double-down opportunities as the original two-card hand. Allowing the player to double after splitting is a rule that is advantageous to the player.

Bust

When you go over 21; immediate loss. If a player's hand is busted before the dealer's hand is eventually busted, the player still loses.

The Flamingo-- Wilkerson and Siegel

Wilkerson was the brains behind this project, though Bugsy Siegel tried to take credit for it. Siegel opened it in December 1946, but without a hotel Just after opening, the revolutionary air conditioning system broke down Two weeks into operating, the casino lost $275,000, forcing Siegel to close it until it was operational. The completed Flamingo opened in March, 1947 Pretty much ran by a bunch of gangsters, including Siegel, Lucky Luciano,

The Smiths (Raymond "Pappy", Harold, and Raymond A.)

With a loan of $500 from their father, Harold and his brother Raymond A. opened Harold's Club in Reno in 1935 Its operators had gained international acclaim for some of their aggressive and creative promotional tactics Innovative operating and marketing practices -Made the casino visible from the street -Extensive employment of women dealers --> With a uniform featuring pants -Mouse roulette -"Poor bastards" hands- when Pappy would be dealer and hit until he busted then would say "Pay the poor bastards" -Extensive billboard advertising campaign Learned that honest games made more money than crooked ones in the carnival circuit. Pappy joined the team as the GM, with Harold owning 2/3 of the business and Raymond A. owning 1/3. Pappy would eventually acquire equity in the casino. The Smiths also emphasized friendliness, encouraging dealers to engage in light conversation with the players Pappy developed a reputation for his willingness to try anything

One of Rickard's partners in both the Goldfield and Tonopah clubs was:

Wyatt Earp, who also worked in the two casinos as a pit boss.