Casino Player Rating Systems in Australia
| Premium Player Rating Systems and Standards in Australia. By Andrew MacDonald Gaming Manager, Casino Operations, Adelaide Casino, 1996 |
Casino Analyser Reference Complimentary Allowance |
Introduction | The Adelaide Casino Complimentary Policy | Terminology | Other Australian Casinos | Complimentary Policy Profitability | Analysis of Rounds per Hour on Blackjack | Rounds Per Hour (per player) | Hard Versus Soft Comps | Rating Efficiency Levels | Conclusion |
Obviously given that a premium player’s contribution is an important potential increment to bottom line profitability fierce competition exists between Casinos in an attempt to gain a larger market share. Therefore each Casino tends to offer slightly different policies to entice players as well as offering various combinations of the aforementioned marketing packages.
As far as the Australian premium player market is concerned the main competitors to the Adelaide Casino are Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast, Crown (Melbourne), Sydney Harbour, Casino Canberra and the two Tasmanian Casinos operated by Federal Hotels. The primary reason that these Casinos are competitors is basically proximity to the large Eastern seaboard markets of Melbourne and Sydney. The Tasmanian Casinos success may be due in some degree to player loyalty established through a long association both with the Casino and individual staff members as a result of the virtual monopoly held by Wrest Point from 1972 until the major Australian Casino developments of 1985. The Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast moved into the premium player market with their Club Conrad opening in 1989. The success of this operation may rely on proximity to the Sydney market, the resort facilities offered, climate and general facilities on hand at the Gold Coast. All operators would also suggest excellence of service plays a role.
In terms of competition for the overseas premium player it is first necessary to establish that due to proximity the Asian market is the most lucrative and has the greatest potential for Australian Casino operators.
The Adelaide Casino’s Australian competitors for this market are Burswood Resort Casino (Perth), MGM Grand Casino (Darwin), Crown (Melbourne), Reef (Cairns) and Jupiter’s Casino (Gold Coast). Due to the immense population base and wealth of this region, the international premium market is a highly lucrative, but also a highly competitive, market.
Wrest Point Casino complimentary policy (extract)
|
STATE OF ORIGIN
|
AMOUNT
|
AVE BET
|
|
Victoria
|
$10 000
|
$150
|
|
NSW, SA & ACT
|
$15 000
|
$200
|
|
Queensland
|
$15 000
|
$250
|
|
WA and NT
|
$20 000
|
$300
|
“To qualify for Premium Player Status, the following conditions must be observed. Playing time per day has to be a minimum of four hours duration but not necessarily at one sitting, in order to qualify for one economy airfare and two nights in house accommodation. Upon arrival at the Casino you must exchange cash or bank cheques for cheque credits at the Casino Cash Desk. The amount to be lodged, and the average bet per hand or spin varies depending on the player’s state of origin. The table above should assist you.
Premium players are requested to wear a VIP pin at all times, to enable our staff to provide you with the attention you deserve”.
Wrest Point Casino system standards
Complimentary value (max) = 30% x theoretical win
|
GAME
|
DECISION RATE
|
EDGE
|
|
BJ
|
80
|
2.0%
|
|
AR
|
60
|
2.7%
|
|
BA
|
40
|
1.0%
|
Also 20% payable on substantial loss greater than $3,500.
Jupiters Casino Complimentary policy (extract)
|
PLAYER DEPOSIT/LINE
|
MIN. AVE BET
|
IN HOUSE COMPLIMENTARY
|
MAX. AIRFARE REIMBURSEMENT
|
|
$3 000
|
$50
|
Room Only
|
0
|
|
$5 000
|
$50 |
Room Only
R, F, B |
0
0 |
|
$7 500
|
$100
$150 |
R, F, B
R, F, B |
0 |
|
$ 10 000
|
$125
$150 $175 |
R, F, B
R, F, B R, F, B |
0
$250 $400 |
|
$15 000
|
$150
$175 $200 |
R, F, B
R, F, B R, F, B |
$250
$400 $550 |
1. Complimentaries are based on playing requirements of four hours per day.
2. Maximum guest trips shall be three nights/four days.
3. In house complimentaries of room, food and beverage are extended to the player and one guest. All other charges are the responsibility of the player and shall be settled on check out.
4. Airfare reimbursements are based on a minimum of 12 hours playing time.
5. A player’s complimentary level may be reduced if his average bet size falls below the expected level as indicated by his deposit/line.
6. A player who loses a significant portion of his deposit/line shall be entitled to the maximum level of complimentaries available to him, regardless of his average bet size.
Jupiter’s Casino system standards
|
GAME
|
DECISION RATE
|
EDGE
|
|
BJ
|
60
|
2%
|
|
AR
|
60
|
2%
|
|
BA
|
45
|
1.27%
|
|
CR
|
40
|
2.5%
|
|
TU
|
35
|
3.1%
|
|
BS
|
45
|
4%
|
|
BW
|
40
|
4%
|
|
MB
|
60
|
1.27%
|
|
KE
|
10
|
27%
|
|
AVERAGE BET |
HOURS PLAYED
PER DAY |
VALUE OF COMPS
|
|
$50
|
5
|
$170
|
|
$75
|
5
|
$225
|
|
$100
|
5
|
$340
|
|
$200
|
5
|
$680
|
Sheraton Breakwater
The Sheraton Townsville Casino always takes into account in house costs before reimbursing airfares.
Sheraton Breakwater system standards
|
GAME
|
DECISION RATE
|
EDGE
|
|
BJ
|
80
|
1.7%
|
|
AR
|
60
|
2.7%
|
|
MB
|
70
|
1.1%
|
|
TU
|
40
|
3.25%
|
|
BW
|
60
|
4.4%
|
|
CR
|
45
|
1.5%
|
Complimentary % = 50%
