Gulfstream Racing and Casino...Possible Changes.
While the construction for the Village at Gulfstream is in fill swing, there are some reports that the owners of the Gulfstream Racing and Casino complex have a few regrets. While they were the first slot casino to open in Broward last November, first doesn't always mean you will come out on top. Currently, they are in last place in Broward when it comes to attendance and revenue per machine.
They started off strong last November, however lack of strong marketing programs is probably the most obvious error in judgment. The owners now agree. They also moved ahead and rushed to open a second 'casino' room on the property which they admit was also a mistake. The room is often empty and isn't nearly as 'grand' in appearance as the main casino on the second floor. There are reports that they are going to convert the 'new' casino room into a sports book lounge with a few video poker machines. (That would still leave the main casino on the second floor.)
The owners also admit they missed the mark when they decided not to have a variety of smaller denomination machines. The smallest ones are a nickel..that's a nickel per line. (You usually have to play at least 9 lines for a decent payout.) It's reported they are thinking of installing some 1 and 2 cent machines.
These are things I ranted about months ago. They felt they could just open the door and the place would sell itself. That might have been the case if the Village of Gulfstream opened at the same time. People want an entertainment destination. That is why the Seminoles are the leaders in slots right now. The machine payback stink, but the properties are beautiful and loaded with other entertainment options.
Should be interesting to see what shakes out of the changes at Gulfstream.
They started off strong last November, however lack of strong marketing programs is probably the most obvious error in judgment. The owners now agree. They also moved ahead and rushed to open a second 'casino' room on the property which they admit was also a mistake. The room is often empty and isn't nearly as 'grand' in appearance as the main casino on the second floor. There are reports that they are going to convert the 'new' casino room into a sports book lounge with a few video poker machines. (That would still leave the main casino on the second floor.)
The owners also admit they missed the mark when they decided not to have a variety of smaller denomination machines. The smallest ones are a nickel..that's a nickel per line. (You usually have to play at least 9 lines for a decent payout.) It's reported they are thinking of installing some 1 and 2 cent machines.
These are things I ranted about months ago. They felt they could just open the door and the place would sell itself. That might have been the case if the Village of Gulfstream opened at the same time. People want an entertainment destination. That is why the Seminoles are the leaders in slots right now. The machine payback stink, but the properties are beautiful and loaded with other entertainment options.
Should be interesting to see what shakes out of the changes at Gulfstream.
As per your statement: "It's reported they are thinking of installing some 1 and 2 cent machines."
Being a seemingly intelligent fellow that posted this only a few days ago, just thought you'd like to be more informed. Gulfstream has over 300 penny (that's the 1-cent and 2-cent you spoke of) games and they've been adding them for over 10 months now. So what that means is if you'd been to the property since January, you would have been able to play 1-cent and 2-cent slot machines.
Reply to this
Thank you for your comment. I actually have been to the property since January. I went this past summer and didn't find one 'true' penny machine. That was my 3rd trip to that casino. Unfortunatly, I try to circle back to properties I've visited...but haven't had the chance to do so since June-July.
I based my report upon another article I read that stated they were planning on installing true 1 and 2 cent machines. I just went to the website http://www.gulfstreampark.com/CASINO/OVERVIEW/Casino+Overview.htm and it states the following:
Coming in December:
New and Improved First Floor Casino with...
South Florida's hottest video poker room,
New and Exciting Penney Slot Machines,
Additional Simulcast Stations,
Food Court.
So from the sound of it...they are only recently introducing the penny machines and are also going to unveil all of the items I noted in the entry. The only item I didn't report on is the Food Court which I think is a great idea. So I do plan a visit in December to check out the changes. I am also looking forward to the Village at Gulfstream and think that will be an excellent addition to the property. I just hope they can get top notch retail/dining establishments. They also need to ADVERTISE these changes. Many people go on their first impressions and do not stay as informed as we do.
Thank you again for the comment.
Reply to this