How many coupons constitutes an abuse?

[shadroch]

I asked this in another thread but perhaps it wasn't seen. Steve talks about people buying multiple books and supposedly abusing the coupons. I bought four books this year. Next year I was planning on buying a few more.
At what point has someone crossed from educated consumer to coupon abuser?

[Steve Bourie]

Originally Posted by shadroch

I asked this in another thread but perhaps it wasn't seen. Steve talks about people buying multiple books and supposedly abusing the coupons. I bought four books this year. Next year I was planning on buying a few more.
At what point has someone crossed from educated consumer to coupon abuser?

I don't know that there is an absolute definition of a "coupon abuser," but I can give you my thoughts.

First of all, I think the only time there is a problem is when it comes to gambling coupons. As far as food, room or drink coupons are concerned, I don't think there is a problem. However, we did have a problem two years ago with Station Casinos even though they did not have any gambling coupons in the book.

That seemed to be a case of people counterfeiting coupons which was definitely "abuse" and it led to Station Casinos declining to participate with us again.

As far as gambling coupons are concerned, I would say that if you buy four books and use the coupons througout the year I wouldn't consider that abuse. If, however, you buy four books and try to use the coupons all in one casino visit then I would consider that "abuse."

All you do in a case like that, if the casino catches on to what you are doing, is upset the people at the casino. If a lot of people do this then the casino begins to question the usefulness of their coupons and it could lead to cancellation of their participation.

To sum it up, I would say that if you find it necessary to hide your multiple coupon use from the casino's personnel by switching tables and using them on different shifts to avoid being noticed, then that would constitute "abuse."

[RenoPlayer]

Steve,

Generally I agree with your response.

However, there may be limitations on the coupons which help define "abuse". "Once a Day", "Once a Month", "Once a Year", etc. Staying within the guidelines of the coupon even though it would mean using one coupon a day for a week or so shouldn't be considered abuse.

RP

[shadroch]

Thanks. thats pretty much the way I look at it, but its nice to see we are on the same page.

[Ben Jammin]

abuse defined is multiple use of match play coupons, which put the casinos at a disadvantage and the player into a positive expectation.
They don't like to lose.
The coupon is to get you in there to play, and then continue to play and lose.

If you're going to use them, be discreet, but it does lessen the chance of repeat business for the ACG, if they tally up and find too many coupons in a short time.

The casino's position is one book per person, one for the wife or friend.

This is one reason coupon trading is frowned upon by other publishers, like the LVA.

Counterfeit coupons are a problem for casinos, and may be considered a big no no by their management. Don't even think about it.