Originally Posted by tableplay View Post
Originally Posted by mickeycrimm View Post
Originally Posted by tableplay View Post

I remember one time back in the mid 2000's (maybe around 2007) where Circus Circus (Reno) had a 5-bank of slant-tops with $5 denom FPDW (single-line). A pro-team had them locked up (a styrofoam cup of coffee on each of the five games) so that no one else could get in. I don't know when they opened those up, I only know that after I initially saw them they were blown out the next day (so maybe 15 hours or so).
In 2002 the El Dorado put in a 5-machine bank of 20 coin $1 FPDW. Tuna and his team destroyed it in a couple of days.

Also in 2002, Peppermill put in an 8-machine bank of 5 coin $1 FPDW. After my first day of play I went to the booth to get a meal comp. The boothling said "you've been assigned a host." She told me where the host's office was and that I should go visit. I didn't go. After my 2nd day of play I did the same, went to the booth to get a meal comp. The boothling said I hadn't met my host yet and set up an appointment. I blew the appointment off.

On the 3rd morning I was playing when a host walked up to a friend of mine who was also on the play and said "Al, I'm disqualifying you from all drawings and special events." If you knew anything about the Peppermill the drawings were a big part of any play you found there.

"What? Why am I disqualified?"
"C'mon, Al. You know you're a pro. I'll leave your comp alone for now. Now I have to tell this Crimm guy the same thing."
"I know him. I'll tell him for you." said Al.

Little did the host know I was right there listening to him. "Screw this play" I told Al, cashed out and left. I've been disqualified from drawings and special events ever since.
Great story. I should mention that the Circus Circus play was 5-coin, if my vision and memory serve me (I never played those machines, just observed briefly as the team was playing). If 5-hand $1 FPDW (I assume 5-coin) is showing up in 2019, I think it is likely an act of desperation, perhaps industry-wide but certainly for the Grand. The appearance of FPDW is one of the odder bellwethers of the economy I suspect.
DTG had unusually good paytables before this (I know they had $1 9/6 JoB at least), and also rather haphazardly distributed games (something like 8/5 BP right next to 7/5 BP).

They may just have no idea what they're doing with VP. Maybe they decided they should be getting more VP action and didn't realize FPDW is a guaranteed loser for the house in LV.

As far as action I thought the place seemed to be doing reasonably well for a boutique casino.