Things I Don’t Like !

Hi there. Lately I’ve gotten some feedback about my generally positive outlook on things relating to gaming in Colorado. In response, here’s a short list of things I don’t like and am not afraid to talk about.

Number one has to be limited stakes. It means limited options and limited earnings. Gambling is a “streak” activity and Joe Gambler has to be able to maximize his winnings during a hot streak. No can do in Colorado.

Number two is poor planning. City, County, State, Owners. Why didn’t they widen Colorado 119 when they had it torn up for the sewage project? Where are the pedestrian walkways and overpasses? Where’s the non-gaming entertainment and services in Blackhawk? Anybody ever hear of underground parking? Central City – start building a parking facility NOW. Gilpin County - get some signage in on 119 about road conditions, parking, etc. Get some in on the new Central City highway as well. Somebody get a plan to deal with buses!

Number three is overcrowded casinos. Machines too close together. Isles too narrow. Single entrance/exit parking structures. One bartender on a Saturday night. Things could be done to relieve overcrowding but it doesn’t seem to happen.

Number four is bar dynamics at most casinos. You need “players” bars and “non-players” bars. Only Mountain High has a cocktail area without machines in Blackhawk. Plus now many casinos are eliminating bars altogether, making the remaining places way too crowded.

Number five is slow adoption of new technology. It took forever to get “change machines/coin counters” in most places, and many still don’t have them. I love the “ticket” machines, instead of handling dirty coins all the time. Many casinos don’t have these and have no plans to get them.

Number six is check writing in cashier lines. It takes forever. Not enough casinos have “checks only” or “no checks” lines.

My last item is losing. Anybody got ideas how to fix that????

I feel better already.