1. Casino Home Truths:
Generally people think that owning and operating a casino is a sure fire way of
earning good money, many of these that do actually get as far as opening their
casino doors in fact do not find this to be true.
Why not?
The short answer is that they do not have the experience and understanding of
the workings of a casino operation.
Having the machines and tables on your floor is just the start of the game; this
represents about 10% of the achievement.
On Slots it is all about understanding your market, what type of machines to put
on offer and what denominations and Return to Player (R.T.P) percentages.
Each machine is run by a “motherboard” upon which sits an “eprom” this chip
determines the RTP; many different percentages are on offer by the Suppliers –
getting the right one however is the key.
To put in one that is on a to high RTP on a low denomination and you will make
great turnover but little profit.
Place a low RTP chip on a low denomination and you will kill the game as Players
will not win nor get playing time on device.
The inverse is also true for the higher denominations – which are the more
“Salon Prive” games.
That is an important point – a casino is in the entertainment and volume game –
not a gambling one!
You need to know your Theoretical averages by area, denomination and across
the whole floor – to track variances for added security.
Security is an interesting side comment – if you run a casino – please note that
someone is trying to rip you off 24 hours a day, it is human nature!
Many people are caught – not because they got careless but because they get
greedy, and if you monitor your daily figures closely, these will stand out.
This does not work overnight, but with experience and knowledge you know
where to look.

2. Tables is another world to the uninitiated – a mystery to those who have not
worked up through the ranks, this is the main area in your casino where scams
are played out, most are through collusion between both Staff and Players, call
bets scams, slight of hand chip skimming, shoddy procedures and senior staff
that watch the ceiling or their watches instead of the games…these plus many
others lead to “shrinkage” and lost profits.
Upon opening many new owners also think that the higher the minimum /
maximum bets (spreads) are offered – the more money they will make.
This is a big area of risk, you have to look at the number of tables on offer in
relation to the spreads given.
If you have a small number of tables and large spreads – you run the risk of
gambling as the casino and remember, we are not in the gambling business,
turnover is your friend and you make your profits on your house edge, game
speed (hands or spins per hour), average bets, hours played and controls.
Procedures are of paramount importance they protect both the house and the
staff – if procedures are kept to, scams are that much more difficult to do, shoddy
attention to procedures – will cost you money, time and a lack of discipline on
the casino floor.
ACMS (Associated Casino Management Services) are there to help with all these
problems, we have over 130 years on the floor gaming experience at all levels
from Slots, Tables, Surveillance to Financial Services.
We are happy to act on a Consultancy or Operational Management Contractual
level.
ACMS has an offering of experienced staff to put into your operation to add value
immediately to your bottom line.
We have experience in both opening new operations as well as turnaround
strategies for those struggling or looking to improve their bottom line.
Our costs are competitive and negotiable dependant on your requirements.
If you are interested in our services or advice we are available via mail on
mcs@acms-group.com or telephone Marc Carlton-Smith on +27836301936.