Aria - not what we expected

[jj & cindy]

On our visit to Aria in December, we were playing a 10 play VP with no sound or speed control and it was dealing very slow. We asked a slot attendant if they could assist us. Their response was no. We moved onto a floor supervisor who brought a tech with them. We were told that management would not allow speed and/or sound controls on their VP machines. . .no explanation. . .does anyone know why a casino would want to lose customers for features that add to the entertainment?

[dewey089]

Does it have something to do with the machines being server based?

[jj & cindy]

If it is server based, are we to understand that MGM Properties has no control over the VP machines in their casino?

[Frugal Rhombus]

If it is because of the server based gaming, you should be able to go to another machine and fix the problem because Aria is only 40% server-based. But I don't see why that would affect being able to change the speed or sound.

And to answer your question JJ & Cindy; No, only Aria has server-based gaming so it would not affect any other MGM properties.

[jj & cindy]

Thanks for all the information about server based systems. . .you did encourage us to do some research and we do understand it alot better. However, our original question yesterday, February 2nd was. . .does anyone know why a casino would want to lose customers for features that add to the entertainment on a machine?

[jimorl57]

Well, I'm sure they don't see that way. With all the disappointing reviews I've read about Aria, I would guess it's simply a matter of the total lack of training given to the staff.
Tech didn't know how to fix the simple problem, and supervisor doesn't know how to smooth things over with a customer. A reasonable explanation or reason would go a long way.
It dosen't make sense for a casino to set a machines permenantly on slow. The faster you can bet, the faster they can take your money.

[fingerstim]

One of the main features of the server based concept is to give a patron MORE choices not less. I find it difficult to believe that speed and sound cannot be controlled by the player in a server based system.

[Steve Bourie]

I am not sure that this situation with the speed of play on a video poker machine is a result of server-based gaming.

I know that I have played on machines where the speed is set and it can't be controlled by the player.

I believe that is the case at Gulfstream Park and Casino where we sometimes play.

When I go there next week I will try to notice if all of the machines are set that way.

[jj & cindy]

We believe all your explanations make sense. . .we thought we understood that the new system at Aria would give a player more choices at each machine, so we were surprised when it didn't have sound and speed options. Since we have been unsuccessful in contacting anyone at Aria about this, we contacted our host at Mandalay Bay. She said she would get an answer for us and we will post it when we do.

[jj & cindy]

We did hear from Jacob, Director of Slot Operations, at Aria. He informed us that they are very interested in guest feedback. He addressed every concern we had and he agreed that sound and speed control are essential to a guests gaming experience and will be looking into it. He also said they will be lowering some of the denoms to $0.25 on VP machines, especially multi-hand. It seems like he is interested in customer feedback. . .we’ll see.