Setting up a slot pull....

trying to set up a slot pull to follow our meet and greet. New at this, anyone can guide me as to how to prepare and how and when to contact the casino? Appreciate any tips you may have to set it up and make it fun! Thanks....

trying to set up a slot pull to follow our meet and greet. New at this, anyone can guide me as to how to prepare and how and when to contact the casino? Appreciate any tips you may have to set it up and make it fun! Thanks....

You can do it 2 ways, $20 per person and play a $3.00 max bet machine at 5 or 6 spins and use the overage for a side bet. (Side bet goes to the person who wins the most money in their spins) or you can do 4 spins at a $5 max bet machine with no side bet.

Speak to the casino host on day one and they will probably donate a bottle or 2 of wine and you can give that to the big winner instead of a side bet. Just let them know what time to expect you, also do a walk through the casino to pick your machine (I never let the casino pick it for me). When picking your machine take into account the amount of people you will have and try not to pick a machine that will block hallways.

As far as tracking the people/money, set up a spreadsheet with screenname, real name, paid (use checkmark as ppl pay you) and the following columns “spin 1,spin 2, spin 3 etc to how many spins you plan on using. As people spin on the machine write in the amounts of their wins and tally those as you go along. You can email me at iimmie@yahoo.com if you like and I can send you a spreadsheet I keep and you can edit the way you like.

Depending on your group size you may want to limit it to the first 20-25 people. It gets a little too long with more people than that. You can always plan for a second slot pull on a different date.

DO NOT PLAY WITH YOUR CARD IN THE MACHINE. I know it's tempting to get some of those points on your card but any jackpot $1,200 and over will be hand paid (with tax form and all) to the player with the card in the machine. No taxes for Canadian/ European so best to let anyone in your group claim a jackpot tax free if possible (This scenario just happened with a slot pull a few weeks ago on the Gem, the card holder had to claim prize and get the tax form even though we had someone from Canada playing with us).

Slot pulls are so much fun enjoy!!!!

Depending on your group size you may want to limit it to the first 20-25 people. It gets a little too long with more people than that. You can always plan for a second slot pull on a different date.

 

DO NOT PLAY WITH YOUR CARD IN THE MACHINE. I know it's tempting to get some of those points on your card but any jackpot $1,200 and over will be hand paid (with tax form and all) to the player with the card in the machine. No taxes for Canadian/ European so best to let anyone in your group claim a jackpot tax free if possible (This scenario just happened with a slot pull a few weeks ago on the Gem, the card holder had to claim prize and get the tax form even though we had someone from Canada playing with us).

 

Slot pulls are so much fun enjoy!!!!

I believe that depends on the ship, I was in a slot pull on the BA and the person running it had her card in and we hit a 2K jackpot, someone else with a Canadian passport claimed the prize with no issues. I do think it affected the person running it next comp though since CAS now holds wins against you and CAS’s system doesn’t look at who got the W9-G, it only looks at the cards “play”.

Also that could be argued in the casino because people leave cards in machines all the time. If I left my card in the machine and someone hit a jackpot with it I would argue with the hosts to remove it from my play history because that can be the difference in me getting a Comped room or getting a discount room. I would be emailing CAS from the ship to make sure there was a record of it.

trying to set up a slot pull to follow our meet and greet. New at this, anyone can guide me as to how to prepare and how and when to contact the casino? Appreciate any tips you may have to set it up and make it fun! Thanks....

kmc86,

I have run a few slot pulls.

As you stated you are trying to set it up following the meet and greet, I am assuming your cruise has a roll call on CC ?

If yes, I would post a thread about interest in a slot pull to determine how many folks want to participate.

I have run them at $20.00 per person ( $15.00 each for 5 spins on a $3.00 max bet machine). The other $5.00 goes into a side pot The side pot is awarded to the participate who makes the most amount of money after his/her 5 spins.

I have done 2 slot pulls on a wheel of fortune machine, but the last one we used a quick hit machine. Everyone enjoyed the quick hit machine as there is not only an opportunity to get a bonus round which gives extra spins, but the jackpot which is awarded when you get 5,6,7, 8 or 9 of the quick hit symbols.

I collected all the funds at the meet and greet, and told everyone where to gather at the specified time.

On the first day of the cruise, I introduced myself to one of the casino hosts, told them I was running a Cruise Critic slot pull and she was nice enough to give me 3 bottles of win to give away as prizes. I also asked in advance if the cashier would be able to break down the funds when we were done (We did well, everyone got back $17.00 of the original $20.00).

We awarded the side pot to the person who made the most $$ on their spins, 2 of the bottles of win to 2nd and 3rd place, and the 3rd bottle went to the person who made the least amount of $$.

I would also suggest creating a table so you can keep track of the names, order of participants and how much money each person made on each spin. ( I brought a clipboard with me to make it easier)

We had 44 people on our slot pull in December, and that was out of 58 people who signed up.

It took us about 90 minutes from start to finish.

Have fun and good luck.

Regards,

Vinegarjoe

Best advice is DO NOT notify the casino about your slot pull. There really is no need unless you want them to donate a bottle or two of cheap wine. If you do notify them they will dictate time and machine etc. Who needs that? Just form your group and head to the casino and machine of your choice.

Best advice is DO NOT notify the casino about your slot pull. There really is no need unless you want them to donate a bottle or two of cheap wine. If you do notify them they will dictate time and machine etc. Who needs that? Just form your group and head to the casino and machine of your choice.

You can notify the host and NOT have them pick the machine, I notify them every time I run one and I have never had them pick my machine.

You can do it 2 ways, $20 per person and play a $3.00 max bet machine at 5 or 6 spins and use the overage for a side bet. (Side bet goes to the person who wins the most money in their spins) or you can do 4 spins at a $5 max bet machine with no side bet.

 

Speak to the casino host on day one and they will probably donate a bottle or 2 of wine and you can give that to the big winner instead of a side bet. Just let them know what time to expect you, also do a walk through the casino to pick your machine (I never let the casino pick it for me). When picking your machine take into account the amount of people you will have and try not to pick a machine that will block hallways.

 

As far as tracking the people/money, set up a spreadsheet with screenname, real name, paid (use checkmark as ppl pay you) and the following columns “spin 1,spin 2, spin 3 etc to how many spins you plan on using. As people spin on the machine write in the amounts of their wins and tally those as you go along. You can email me at iimmie@yahoo.com if you like and I can send you a spreadsheet I keep and you can edit the way you like.

Thanks I would appreciate a copy of the spread sheet if you can send to kmc86kmc@aol.com . Thanks for the tips!

Thanks I would appreciate a copy of the spread sheet if you can send to kmc86kmc@aol.com . Thanks for the tips!

I sent you 2 versions, email me back if you have any questions

One has the side bet, the other doesn’t

trying to set up a slot pull to follow our meet and greet. New at this, anyone can guide me as to how to prepare and how and when to contact the casino? Appreciate any tips you may have to set it up and make it fun! Thanks....

I have done it two ways: 1-contact the casino manager via email a few weeks prior to sailing to let him/her know. Then agree to meet him the day of sailing. Keep a running account of who will be playing. We have always done this via the person who is in charge of the M&G or whomever is doing the roster. The other way is just go into the casino on embarkation day and ask to speak to the manager. Tell him/her your plans, ask for ideas of slot machines that might work best and see if they are willing to give, maybe a bottle of champagne. Usually the cost is $15 per person. Some say $20. That you can work out for yourself. They are easy to set up and fun. To be really fun you need at least 15 if not more playing.

Best advice is DO NOT notify the casino about your slot pull. There really is no need unless you want them to donate a bottle or two of cheap wine. If you do notify them they will dictate time and machine etc. Who needs that? Just form your group and head to the casino and machine of your choice.

I have notified them every time I have headed up the slot pull and never have they tried to dictate to me. The only thing I will say, twice I have asked for advise on slots and both times those slots had paid out poorly. So now I just choose the one that I think will work best, usually wheel of fortune.

Best advice is DO NOT notify the casino about your slot pull. There really is no need unless you want them to donate a bottle or two of cheap wine. If you do notify them they will dictate time and machine etc. Who needs that? Just form your group and head to the casino and machine of your choice.

One advantage of notifying the host in advance is to avoid having a conflict with a slot tournament the casino might be running. Especially if the machine you want to use is next to the tournament area. The host will ask you to schedule for a time where you won't have a crowd blocking their area.

Mike

I have notified them every time I have headed up the slot pull and never have they tried to dictate to me. The only thing I will say, twice I have asked for advise on slots and both times those slots had paid out poorly. So now I just choose the one that I think will work best, usually wheel of fortune.

The next one I am running is on the Escape which is a new ship for me so as soon as I get onboard I will do a walk through and pick a machine. I will also have the person running the meet and greet (He knows who he is) pick one and then we will play rock, paper, scissors for the final decision. That way we can let everyone at the meet and greet know as soon as they arrive where to meet us at the given time.

I hope we pick a winner!

The next one I am running is on the Escape which is a new ship for me so as soon as I get onboard I will do a walk through and pick a machine. I will also have the person running the meet and greet (He knows who he is) pick one and then we will play rock, paper, scissors for the final decision. That way we can let everyone at the meet and greet know as soon as they arrive where to meet us at the given time.

I hope we pick a winner!

The Escape is a great ship with a slightly larger casino than the other Away ships. They took out the asian restaurant and added machines and also took Bliss lounge out and opened the bar space quite nicely with nightly entertainment adding to the casino experience. Bartop poker machines remain at the skyline bar. When is your Escape cruise? I will be on board as well this summer.

One advantage of notifying the host in advance is to avoid having a conflict with a slot tournament the casino might be running. Especially if the machine you want to use is next to the tournament area. The host will ask you to schedule for a time where you won't have a crowd blocking their area.

 

Mike

That's the beauty of not notifying the casino. You and the group get to make ALL the decisions without interference. Blocking the area in a casino is what a casino is all about. Lots of people gambling makes NCL happy. I suppose some people in the world just need guidance on even the smallest decisions :rolleyes:

I believe that depends on the ship, I was in a slot pull on the BA and the person running it had her card in and we hit a 2K jackpot, someone else with a Canadian passport claimed the prize with no issues. I do think it affected the person running it next comp though since CAS now holds wins against you and CAS’s system doesn’t look at who got the W9-G, it only looks at the cards “play”.

Also that could be argued in the casino because people leave cards in machines all the time. If I left my card in the machine and someone hit a jackpot with it I would argue with the hosts to remove it from my play history because that can be the difference in me getting a Comped room or getting a discount room. I would be emailing CAS from the ship to make sure there was a record of it.

I agree! I brought that up to the person doing the pay out how people leave cards in machines all the time. She just said that they would have to figure something out if that was the case but that it wasn't and those were the rules (on the Gem at least). And definitely wouldn't want to mess with my comps ;p

I just don't think it's worth it for the few extra points to maybe have to claim a jackpot on my taxes for other people. Smaller hand pays are not a big deal to write off/ cancel out but a $30,000 jackpot would have me sweating come tax time. I know chances are small but I've seen people hit BIG on the Breakaway a few times now on the slots. Murphy's law and all I just wouldn't chance it but that's me, other people take the gamble :D

The next one I am running is on the Escape which is a new ship for me so as soon as I get onboard I will do a walk through and pick a machine. I will also have the person running the meet and greet (He knows who he is) pick one and then we will play rock, paper, scissors for the final decision. That way we can let everyone at the meet and greet know as soon as they arrive where to meet us at the given time.

I hope we pick a winner!

We have normally done the slot pull following the M&G but not always. I am usually running the M&G, not this time and the slot pull, though I sometimes arrange it, my husband pretty much takes over cause I play and we keeps track of the money and of who is playing. it works out really well. Last time we did pick out the slot machine ahead of time and told the casino manager. how did it work out? Well not well. I think we all got back about $11 or $12 but it was fun.

We have normally done the slot pull following the M&G but not always. I am usually running the M&G, not this time and the slot pull, though I sometimes arrange it, my husband pretty much takes over cause I play and we keeps track of the money and of who is playing. it works out really well. Last time we did pick out the slot machine ahead of time and told the casino manager. how did it work out? Well not well. I think we all got back about $11 or $12 but it was fun.

I never tell the host what machine we will use, it’s more for me to know so we don’t circle the casino aimlessly. I only let them know we will be doing it on what day/what time. They always search me out with a few bottles of wine to give out. That is the extent of their input

On 3/16/2018 at 7:55 PM, Vinegarjoe10 said:

 

kmc86,

 

I have run a few slot pulls.

 

As you stated you are trying to set it up following the meet and greet, I am assuming your cruise has a roll call on CC ?

 

If yes, I would post a thread about interest in a slot pull to determine how many folks want to participate.

 

I have run them at $20.00 per person ( $15.00 each for 5 spins on a $3.00 max bet machine). The other $5.00 goes into a side pot The side pot is awarded to the participate who makes the most amount of money after his/her 5 spins.

 

I have done 2 slot pulls on a wheel of fortune machine, but the last one we used a quick hit machine. Everyone enjoyed the quick hit machine as there is not only an opportunity to get a bonus round which gives extra spins, but the jackpot which is awarded when you get 5,6,7, 8 or 9 of the quick hit symbols.

 

I collected all the funds at the meet and greet, and told everyone where to gather at the specified time.

 

On the first day of the cruise, I introduced myself to one of the casino hosts, told them I was running a Cruise Critic slot pull and she was nice enough to give me 3 bottles of win to give away as prizes. I also asked in advance if the cashier would be able to break down the funds when we were done (We did well, everyone got back $17.00 of the original $20.00).

 

We awarded the side pot to the person who made the most $$ on their spins, 2 of the bottles of win to 2nd and 3rd place, and the 3rd bottle went to the person who made the least amount of $$.

 

I would also suggest creating a table so you can keep track of the names, order of participants and how much money each person made on each spin. ( I brought a clipboard with me to make it easier)

 

We had 44 people on our slot pull in December, and that was out of 58 people who signed up.

 

It took us about 90 minutes from start to finish.

 

Have fun and good luck.

 

Regards,

 

Vinegarjoe

Assuming there's a handpay jackpot, how are the taxes handled??

Maybe I'm the only one, but I've grown very tired of slot pulls where you can see nothing because of all the people.  The only time you know what is going on is your 30 seconds of time at the machine.  The last cruise, I organized a group roulette spin instead.  $15 buy in gets you five $3 chips.  A random five people place a bet on each spin of the wheel, and you can only bet individual numbers - no even/odd, red/black, etc.  So, every winning bet pays 35:1.  If 30 people participate, that's 30 spins of the wheel and 150 total bets.  If the group has 5 winning bets out of the 150, they come out ahead.  Best of all, there is enough room around the table that everyone can see what's going on.

No need to contact the casino at all.    Just have everyone show up at the agreed upon time, pick a machine, and go for it.

On 3/15/2018 at 6:11 PM, kmc86 said:

trying to set up a slot pull to follow our meet and greet. New at this, anyone can guide me as to how to prepare and how and when to contact the casino? Appreciate any tips you may have to set it up and make it fun! Thanks....

I wouldn't.  Just do it.

8 hours ago, Birdie And Sue said:

No need to contact the casino at all.    Just have everyone show up at the agreed upon time, pick a machine, and go for it.

I have done it both ways. The only benefit of letting them know ahead of time is the possibility they will throw in a bottle of wine and it is nice to get to know the casino manager, but basically you are right. Just pick out the machine and have everyone there right after the M&G

20 hours ago, Zonagirl said:

Assuming there's a handpay jackpot, how are the taxes handled??

I asked if any of the participants were Canadian who would accept the jackpot payment. If not, I would have, as I gamble enough to itemize the losses against the wins. 

thanks, I figured it would be something like that.  There is someone trying to organize a slot pull and they are insisting that they MUST withhold 24% of any winnings to cover taxes.  I didn't think that sounded correct.