As the title say: Don't Go ! I moved from Florida to Pennsylvania to be close to my 77 year old Mother. She LOVES slots. Before my father passed, they would go to this Casino and spend the day, Wining and Losing. More winning according to her. These were the 'TENT' days. That was before my time, here. Anyway, I have been here in PA since 08, and have had to drive my mother to the rancid 'Ranson" Casino at least once a week, sometimes twice. Every week for three years! She has lost over 100,000 grand! She plays 25 cent to $1 dollar machines. I personally have lost at least 15-17 grand. In the three years, 2008 - 2011, I have won $650 twice, and $700 dollars twice. That's it. There really is no in between. They just take all your money quickly, I guess hoping you will revisit the ATM, which my MOM does. She wins on occasion but never anything worthwhile, the bell never goes off for either of us.........3 years, 1 or 2 times a week, all that money! We go to Dover DE, and Grantville PA also, and I usually can win or at least win enough to play for awhile at those casinos. The reason we keep going back to Ranson / Charlestown is because my Mother is determined to get one last 'bells and lights' jackpot. Then, she says we will not go back. We will frequent the others close by. This place is really costing me lots of money. Yes, I am aware it's gambling, But, there is gambling, and there is RAPE! This Casino will Rape you for every penny you have, given you allow it. NO WINS. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!! Hear me folks, PLEASE. Now for some observations we have made, and discussed with others, as well as visiting friends we have taken there for something to do. I MEAN NO OFFENSE by this at all. As a matter of fact you can use it to your BENEFIT at this Casino. The observations are these: 1) Lots of Poor People with canes, wheelchairs, walkers, hooverrounds, and even oxgygen tanks ( in the smoking area ?) They lose everything they have, including their "checks" if you know what I mean. Go there, play beside them, talk to them. They will tell you. 2) They plant people to play beside you and strike up a conversation. I've had this happen several times when my 'attitude' was not so pleasant, which I presume was caught on camera. LOL These people talk about "how great the place is, and how much they win". They will never acknowledge losses. Nothing but Positive about the Casino. Always neat in appearance, they never stay and chat long. 5 minutes max. NOT your typical casino patron. 3) They plant winners. These are the people who we presume work for the casino and are assigned specific machines in high traffic areas. They always bet max, and the credits just roll in. 9 out of 10 times they are attractive, outgoing Black Women. We see this too much to be coincidence. Some, while still winning and talking to you, will pull out a stack of their other tickets (I once saw 11 from 1 woman) with high dollar amounts. Never less than $100. We have never encountered this at another Casino. 4) 85 percent of the time, the only 'bells and whistles' you hear or 'high credit balances on slots' you will see are on the slots whose player is a Minority. Being Black, Hispanic, or Asian... Again, no Offense (use it to your benefit). We have discussed whether this is because of the ratio of minority to white. Conclusion is No. We've observed on days and evenings when the minority count was largely less than white, the only 'big winners' were/are of Ethnic decent. 5) Each and every time I have grabbed a Rum-n-Coke from a cocktail waitress, I have had 'black watery diarrhea' the following day. I suspect they are putting something into their bottom shelf liquor to expand it's volume? I can say with certainty, this is the only time it happens. YUK! Needless to say, I no longer imbibe there. I will help my self to a coke at the fountain on occasion. No problems yet. Just seems to be the liquor. Mom drinks the beer. No problems. 6) If you go, and you really shouldn't, the best food to be had is the Stromboli in the Food Court. Don't waste your time with the BUFFET! It's second rate at best. I've spent my life in the restaurant business, serving and cooking at some very nice places in Florida. I've also gone to some Awesome Sunday brunch Buffet's while living there. There is no comparison. If it's a buffet you want, find a RYAN's, the quality is only slightly worse, but you will save lots of money. There is an Appleby's very close by. NIX the buffet people. Oh, did I mention their deserts.......YUK! The worst creme brulee I've ever had! GAG! NOT WORTH IT if you're looking for quality. 7) They used to have a band on Saturday nights. It made the 'money raping' much less painful. Of course, some genius, sitting in Her or his office made the brilliant decision to take away the Casino's only redeeming quality. These people get paid big bucks figuring out ways to take more of our money, while giving us less, in the way of entertainment. RIDICULOUS! I could go on, but I really want people to read this. Offer some feedback. If you are looking to go out and have some fun at a Casino, pass on this place if you are WASP. YOU'll lose. If you're of ethnic descent you may win big. My Partner says this review sounds "racially biased". I disagree. I am a critical thinker, always trying to understand how things work. These are observations made over a weekly, 3 year, and growing period. The conclusions should speak for themselves. I've got no choice but go back. Mom is determined to win, and when we hang out we go to Casino's. I walk through the door always hoping to get some of my money back from this place, and always leave feeling depressed and angry. That's not entertainment Folks! The decision is yours.
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