I'm a bit mystified because CAZ claims the casino floor space went UP by a significant amount, but as I walked the floor everything seemed so cramped and confined compared to the tents. And it wasn't because it was opening night, there were plenty of parking spaces available when I arrived and left. The place was by no means "packed". The table layout and slots used to be ideal in the tents, but now the "rows" are curved and its just not easy to navigate. More confined and restricted.

Ah well, I've said enough and hope to hear other views that are more positive... I don't mean to rain on their parade but I just call it like I see it.

How is the new CAZ room compared to the new room at Gila River? I really liked Gila River and it sounds like most people are not as impressed with CAZ.. I will check it out on Sunday...

Gila can't compare to CAZ.

From a game selection perspective for sure. For the feel of the room, not sure at the moment.

Just spoke w the room manager. Almost first he said was 'give us a couple of weeks' which I expected. I've come to like the room better after 6 hours. The lights are dim bec of a prob w the security cameras. More (hopefully bigger) tv's coming.

The Greek salad is vn, too.

Well, the one thing that is without question imo is that the new room is more spacious. The tables are all bigger, and there is more room in between them than there was before.

The bathroom has all sorts of issues in the poker room like everyone said. One thing I think is a huge lol is that the dividers in the urinals are about 4 inches deep. They add exactly 0 privacy, so I'm not sure what they're there for??

Mark

That might be plenty for; never mind.

Moving on, you guys had me worried... But I like the room. The space is the best I have ever seen; major relief from banging the backs of chairs at the Bellagio. No smoke. I like the chair because they actually support your back. The bathroom is less than a minute.

And there is a leading to the casino floor where it is actually comfortable to walk without staining your clothes from the human cacti found growing on the slot machines. Whoever engineered the layout deserves a pat.

My quibble right now is their comp system. At least it's happening but it's one of the least efficient.

Good to hear some positive feedback.

One minor thing I'm wondering, are the tournament chips new as well or are they still using the old beat-up ones? (and before some smart-aleck chimes in, no I do not have a "Men Nguyen" stash of the old tournament chips at home LOL)

I went to check it out for the first time last night. I really liked the layout of the poker room. It's a shame not having the big TVs anymore but I found the seats reasonably comfy and the space between tables was sufficient. Of course it's always going to be nice when everything's new and clean. I am not sure about this whole sign-in player's card thing but I guess any kind of credit seems better than none at all. One issue we had last night was it took almost an hour to get a cocktail server over to the table but I guess they are still ironing out some kinks.

The parking was great. They had I think 49 of the 50 tables going last night and the main casino was packed but I still had no problem finding parking in the garage. I walked around the main casino and it seemed like all the slot machines were jampacked really tight but from what I've heard, slot players actually like this...I remember seeing somewhere that casinos with more packed slots tend to be more successful historically than ones with them all spread out. The pit is engulfed in the middle of the slots. It's nice not having to traverse any of that stuff in getting to the poker room...I will actually have to go out of my way to feed any less healthy desires.

It's nice having a poker bathroom but it does seem pretty small and I imagine there will be a long line during tournmant breaks. There is, however, a second bathroom near the parking garage entrance that can also be used.

Overall I think it will be a nice change of atmosphere and I'm looking forward to making it my second home. I won some money at poker there yesterday which helps me feel more optimistic about the whole thing.

Opening night was a zoo as was yesterday around 2pm. Some things I noticed..

Pros
-Tables are bigger, adding some extra elbow room.
-Sign in system is really cool.
-Poker room bathroom is very convenient.
-New chips are sweet. Not having 10 yr old who knows what on a chip is nice. Also, the $500 chips looked to be a normal size. I have never played w these, but I always thought they looked ridiculous when they were bigger.

Cons
-There is a huge disconnect w the paging system (chips, players, service).
-Old people are whining that they are too far from the cards since the tables are now a little bigger.
-$1 extra jackpot drop gives me sad face, but I understand it brings people in.
-TVs are obv way too small and look out of place on the walls.
-Better chairs should have been purchased.
-Bathroom is too small w only 3 urinals and 2 sinks. Automatic water on the sink would have been nice. The less things you have to touch in a batheroom the better.

I liked the old kind where you got to pick your water temperature. They have them in the bathrooms except you can't get water that is actually cold or hot. I suspect lawyers told them that somewhere someone won a lawsuit from burning themselves in hot water.

I checked out the room last night. I think it's a huge improvement from the old room. I think gila is a nicer room, but CAZ does have the better game selection.

only real complaint was the tvs. wayyyyyyy to small for how big the wall space is. overall tho very nice upgrade especially the new chips. plus i played 20/40 for the first time and made money so im happy

I think if they would lower the tvs they wouldn't look so small. They just need to add a dozen or so more tvs at a reasonable viewing height.

I forgot the biggest pro of the new room. You no longer reek of smoke when you leave. Love that!

Anyone know how the comp system works in the poker room? What rate to do you get comped at? Also, how do you sign out when you are done playing?

Last night I used my card to reserve a table, played for about 5 hours and then left. How would they know how long I had stayed?

The system needs work and you likely lost credit for your hours.

What's supposed to happen is that you sign in, get seated, and reconfirm that you're playing by swiping again every 4 hours (!) and hit the 'continue live play' option and swipe out when you leave.

I tried that last night, didn't work, and was directed to the desk where a couple of managers are sitting to take care of just that problem. I told them how long I played and told me I got my credit. I'm afraid that at this point, with the system not understood by all and not working properly that some players aren't getting their credit. OTOH, management is working on the fix.

Anyone have any idea what the comp rate is?

I was told it would be a "meal" every eight hours of play. The system starts counting your play when you sign in for a seat on the waiting list and gives you four hours of time, and you need to re-sign in after four hours.

the "meal" will be a $5.00 comp added to your players card that can ONLY be used in the poker room. I am not sure if that $5.00 number is final since that is lower than any meals cost on the menu. That is just the amount that was quoted to me by the floor on Friday when I was playing.

On Friday the system wasn't tracking any comps and it was my understanding if you forget to sign out you get the default amount of four hours recorded for your time of play. (when the system is working correctly)

That is a silly system, the chief purpose must be for toursts who wouldn't know they need to check back in. I wish they had used the transparent and simple Bravo program.

So... swipe in and immediately leaving to head to the movies gets you 4 hours?

On Thursday I was told you get $5 of credit for every 4 hours played. Could have been inaccurate though, they were just learrning everything.

If that's accurate, it's very good!

Big ? is if they put a restriction on it. If I play 2 hours each on Friday and Saturday, do I get my comp at the end of the month or will they erase it (c.f. the joke that is Harrahs Entertainment)

Most of the people I've talked to are bummed they're small now. We can't call them frisbees anymore and it's a little harder to easily see if someone has them. The new ones hide easily especially if you're colorblind

The new ones are pretty tho.

Mark