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So guys..........just lets say i'm the top exec of a live game studio.
What do we want ?
Lucky dealers ? black dresses, white dresses ? what new games ?....tell me and I will give you it !!
Please don't say naked dealers.........unless you are a woman.....then I will give you men.
I will let others comment on games, dresses, etc.
My requirements probably go against most studio theory as to how to keep players, but here are some:
Less feeling of fakeness eg. dealers taught to stand in an unnatural pose at a roulette table.
Dealers allowed to be more honest, eg. that they are married, smoke, know their work schedule ...
Less dealer taught phrases eg. "we get our tips in line with the casino policy" = DON'T get their tips at Playtech!
A points ranking/ pay system for dealers that doesn't reward dealers who 'fish & milk' players for compliments etc. Some Playtech dealers achieve high status by having several regulars who NEVER bet, just chat all the time.
Dealers not able to read player chat to other dealers. Well limited to the previous dealer as player's questions/ concerns may carry forward.
A clean, well lit, modern looking studio. No fireplaces, old paintings, vases etc.
Fester !!.........I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this........almost word for word you have copied my ethos !
I reiterate Fester's comments, plus give me a blackjack table where...
Blackjack pays 3:2, and
Dealer stands all 17s, and
I can double down after splitting, and
I can double down any 2 cards, and
I can hit split Aces, and
I can Re-split, and
surrender is offered.
6 decks instead of 8 would also be good.
Won't ask you to deal the entire shoe each time...but that would be good also :D
Agree with pretty much all of what Unclefester wrote. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good things about Playtech (I can't really comment on others because I don't play them), but here are some of my pet hates that I would change.
Fakeness
I think we have to accept that it's not a real casino and there will always be different feeling from playing in a real casino, but the thing that always gets me is the fake smiles. Some dealers are good actors, but some aren't. There's nothing more irritating that someone inanely grinning at you when you've just lost a big bet.
Unreasonable restrictions
Just when I was beginning to think everyone in Latvia had 20/20 vision, I noticed one dealer squinting at the computer monitor. So I asked her if she wore glasses. The answer i got was surprisingly honest - Yes she does, but Playtech forbid her from wearing them because girls who wear glasses appear less desirable.
I wear glasses myself sometimes if I'm working on a computer for long periods of time, so I know it can be physically uncomfortable not to have them. I can't think of any safety issue with them, so compromising employees' health to squeeze out a few more euros profit is a disgrace in the 21st century. Sort it out Playtech.
Shuffling
Shufflers seem to put on an elaborate display of openess. Showing hands, keeping them above the table, using transparent plastic folders and shoes. Unfortunately all of that counts for nothing if cards then leave the table and disappear off camera. They might as well stuff the cards in their pocket and deal from a cornflakes box for all the difference it makes. I know The Dealer addressed this in another thread, but I've never been comfortable with this. As soon as cards disappear from view, you leave yourself open to suspicion.
Yes she did ... for other readers see Questions-Regarding-Playtech-Live-BlackjackQuote:
Originally Posted by Ėvarr
Re. Wearing glasses ... many of the dealers use contact lenses at Playtech because they normally wear glasses.
You see them rubbing their eyes and some have told me contacts are bothering them.
At Evolution's studio (also in Latvia) they are allowed to wear glasses.
I've tried wearing contacts and I find them awkward to put in and far less comfortable than glasses. If some people like them that's great, but I do feel everyone should have a choice. I was going to give Evolution another whirl and logged into my old Paddy Power account, but I see they've also changed to Playtech.
It's sounds like I'm just moaning, so here are a few of the things I do like.
Smoothness
Everything is well organised and works like a well-oiled machine. I've yet to see any major technical problems. Quite an achievement when you think about it, given there wasn't really any precedent for live dealer studios.
Customer Support
Mostly a comment on Bet365. I always find them professional and helpful.
Latvia
I like the fact dealers are encouraged to talk about Latvia. It's clear most are extremely proud of their homeland. From the pictures I've seen it seems like a beautiful place full of beautiful people, and the dealers do a great job of promoting the country.
Nicknames
I know some people are irritated by dealers not using real names, but I actually think it's a good thing. Because of the kind of work it is, dealers should have some degree of anonymity and protection from malicious or over-amorous players.
The Dealers
Last but not least, it is the dealers who really make the live dealer casinos stand apart. When their personality and good humour is allowed to shine through it makes for a far more enjoyable gaming experience.
an additional reason for not letting them wear glasses is possibly because it may reflect what's in front of them. it may, again MAY show the cameras and other stuffs in front of them. this can be possible since the only angle being used is at the front.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ėvarr
also, dealers smiles regardless of what happens since it can be a requirement for their scorecards. however, on land-based dealers are better in communicating how they feel.
hopefully, this message can be read by those who are in live casinos. ^_^
Well possibly your wish may be granted! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by luckiestgambler
I welcome any competition to the big two of Evolution and Playtech .... especially if it makes them change also.
That is the exact and only reason, not the additional reason. Everybody is informed about that already when having a job interview. It makes me crazy that some Dealers are moaning about things like that - lenses, night shifts, working in weakends etc. It is not hided info of them that that's part of their job. It would be the same if a guy who wears a chicken custom in advertisment purpose would moan about that for every single person who pass by - it's part of that exact job. Accept it or leave it. Nobody is forced to stay. :mad:Quote:
an additional reason for not letting them wear glasses is possibly because it may reflect what's in front of them. it may, again MAY show the cameras and other stuffs in front of them. this can be possible since the only angle being used is at the front.
I think this is a question of personality. In both --> land-based and online Casinos you can find Dealers who are into comunication and do it well and natural, without beeing fake and at the same time there are people who just are slow in any daily situation of picking up the conversation or understanding the general mood on the tableQuote:
also, dealers smiles regardless of what happens since it can be a requirement for their scorecards. however, on land-based dealers are better in communicating how they feel.
I agree. The sad thing is that some Dealers in online Casinos are unable to follow the game results. They just simly don't have to, when at the same time at land-based Casinos the Dealer have to remember the result of each box to provide the Playres with quick and immediate payout after the hand. And by the way - on the Roulette and Baccarat the online Casino Dealer just are unable to see the Players bets, so we just have no idea who just won, and who did not.Quote:
There's nothing more irritating that someone inanely grinning at you when you've just lost a big bet.
I totally agree about 6 decks, re-split (till traditional 4 hands) and surrender, but I think receiving one card after splitting Aces is just as it should be. There is always a high chance to receive a 10, so I think that's kind of rule is just correct, fair, logic.Quote:
I can hit split Aces, and
I can Re-split, and
surrender is offered.
6 decks instead of 8 would also be good.
Won't ask you to deal the entire shoe each time...but that would be good also
By the way - what would you say a about shuffling machines? I have not noticed them yet in any Online Casino, but they are quite common in those land-based. Would it be trustfull enough? I have an idea of transparent kinds... In that way the game would be endless (or pause-less), quick and the cards would be all the time on the table in front of the Players. :confused:
To be fair to the dealer i spoke with, she was simply answering a question in an honest way. The opinions offered here are mine.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dealer
I just don't buy the reflection argument I'm afraid. If it were true, you wouldn't see newsreaders wearing glasses and and youtube would be full of unwatchable videos. Even if it were true, it would seem to be an error of the setup. Technology should be there to make our lives easier, not having us bending over backwards to accomodate it.
Of course any company can have rules but this one seems to cross over into dubious legal territory. Apart from anything else, it just doesn't make business sense to risk being dragged through european courts if someone was able to prove their health suffered as a result.
I think this could work with a few adjustments like showing machine was empty before displaying cards for the camera and putting them in the machine. The only thing is it would have to be repeated every time a table went offline. I guess you'd be putting a few shufflers out of a job though.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dealer
I believe it's the sole reason Playtech give when employing dealers, but appearance (supposed desirability) is likely a factor also.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ėvarr
Playtech have 'form' in manipulating the desirability of dealers ...
Not allowed to say they are married
Not allowed to admit to smoking
Not supposed to admit to excess drinking
Not supposed to have major visible tattoos (several do have them on their backs etc., visible when they walk across studio floor)
Attachment 1544 Attachment 1659
There is at least one male & female Pit Boss who wear glasses. Why are they not bothered about reflection from their glasses when they come to the tables?
How is it that Evolution with so many tables (100+) have managed to set all their camera angles and info screens so they are not worried about reflections and allow glasses?
still waiting. perhaps a casino representative over here please. come on, and put your comments here. ^_^Quote:
Originally Posted by Unclefester
you don't have to be too mad about. calm down.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dealer
well, unclefester gave us a pitboss with a glass, so it's a start.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ėvarr
anyway, i think we're focusing too much on the glasses part. what about other details on the casino. i remember one that has too much red in it.
I was surpried to see the first one at Unibets Casino Royale from Netent. Why to play them in an online live casino? When I want to play with continous shuffling I can play RNG. That´s 40 times faster.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dealer
The point being RNG is not real & not live dealers :(
I guess most players have had to wait for a shuffler to arrive at Playtech etc. ... hence the discussion about shuffling machines and procedures.
the idea to play online live dealers is to feel the same environment as playing in land-based. that is why even the shuffling with playtech sometimes takes a lot of time. though, you can just chat with the dealer while waiting :)
luckiestgambler, I am not mad, I as just a bit annoyed, as if receiving a dirty fork in a restaurant. Not nice, that's all. Actually, it turned out it was Ivarr's translation of some Dealers words, so it all was misunderstandment and overacting from my side.
By the way, I don't think that any Casino representetive would care so much about opinion of just some people. Maybe only those of really small Casino, whose floor is made just for one Online Casino site. The thing is, both Evolution and Playtech floors are giving service to lot of sites at the same time, so they have to satisfy the expectaations of hundreds of Casinos in every single category - design, procedure, Dealers, rules, etc. I think that's the reason why such floors tend to choose old good classic style/ stay close to traditional looks and looks.
yeah mate. i understand. anyway, we may be a small people but i really hope that we'll be heard. all it takes is just a few people to start a war. LOL
I was enjoying a blackjack table at Evolution and it suddenly reminded me of this thread.
Attachment 1744 ... 3 things you don't see at Playtech
- dealers wearing glasses ... all of them actually!
- dealers shuffling
- dealers wearing different dresses ... a lot of flesh on display in the background everytime she went to spin the ball!
OMG! ..... SHOCK!!!!!!!!
Playtech have allowed dealers to wear glasses. :cool:
Attachment 1874 Attachment 1875 ... Alisija looking beautiful wearing glasses
Seems that if you make enough noise even Playtech finally get their head out of the sand.
Apparently some dealers were also raising the issue recently ;)
It's not the only change for the better in recent months after things were commentated upon.
Well Playtech do have their 'technical moments'......Quote:
Originally Posted by Ėvarr
Any players today trying to access Playtech tables on the morning shift may have been worried they were the latest country to be blocked from live dealer tables.
Attachment 2063 Attachment 2064 ... technical hiatus at Playtech
In reality, all the live tables crashed and were off for a significant amount of time. After the Pit bosses went round the tables cancelling games.
It's not the first time I've witnessed it.
I could see from the camera feed dealers looking bemused, waiting for normal service to resume.
Perhaps Playtech should pull the plug on the live camera feed next to the Pit boss station when things go wrong to maintain the illusion? ;)
Another technical hiatus middle of Friday night shift.Quote:
Well Playtech do have their 'technical moments'......
All tables were off for about 2 hours & 20 mins - studio App problem.
More technical problems for the Playtech Euro studio again this afternoon. All tables were off for over an hour with dealers stranded at the tables.Quote:
Originally Posted by barabus
Was busy peak shift ...... so I guess some Ladbrokes players were wanting to be back at Evolution :D
All Playtech Euro studio tables offline again for several hours - late Sunday night shift & into Monday morning shift.
Fester, do you think these technical issue down times are becoming more regular, or are you just more vigilent reporting them these days?
Well considering how little time I now spend at the Playtech Euro studio compared with 2 years ago, they do seem more frequent. At least once a month that I notice.
I do wonder if, as they have expanded the 'technical side' (greatly increased the number of tables, dealers now able to communicate with CSRs via keyboard, higher definition cameras, etc.) they have just added onto what was already there and maybe that is a potential source of some problems. Rather than a complete new system fit for purpose.
Also nowadays there is always some building work ongoing .... new dedicated areas, new backroom facilities/ staff areas (kitchen etc.) which could be a possible cause of downtime through either mishap or planned work.
Of course other studios have technical problems.
But I have never seen the loss of all tables for a lengthy period of time at local rival Evolution that has over 100 tables to manage. They do have single table 'issues' and the dealer left to appologise for the delay.
I would like to thank all the members who have ever read this and posted a reply. Especially Fester. I agree with much of what has been said.
barabus / Bucephalus
mans vecais draugs :)
Any input on this idea? Or topless....;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by yang
You are lucky The Dealer is not logging in to beat you up over this!
Perhaps you will have more luck elsewhere in a quest for nudity.
ps. Actually, topless dealers already exist if you search.
Was my routine dash around the casinos today with thoughts of this month's blog.Quote:
Fester, do you think these technical issue down times are becoming more regular, or are you just more vigilent reporting them these days?
Came across another technical hiatus at Playtech's Euro studio . It wasn't planned studio work as dealers were left mid game with cards on tables etc.
Thankfully the delay was shorter than some of the 1hr+ times that I've experienced.
Attachment 3157
Attachment 3156
Watching the dealers 'twiddle their thumbs' in the live clickable lobby helped pass the time. ;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by barabus
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unclefester
Over my years playing online casinos my general disdain for anything unnatural has remained fairly resolute. Although the things I'm prepared to tolerate has waxed and waned.
- One thing though I've never liked is studios providing dealers with specific questions & chat topics to try to get players talking at the tables.
The other day at Paddy Power's private tables the dealer was obviously reading through a list of Playtech Euro studio provided questions to ask the players. Normally such a thing would be my cue to exit the table and never wish to chat to the dealer again.
One question in particular she asked I found so unnatural and out of place ...
Attachment 3447
Quote:
Have you ever toilet papered somebody's house?
It just felt like the people supplying the questions had spent too much time watching American pop culture. It may be a relevant question to American players .... IF THERE WERE ANY actual American players at Playtech. But toilet papering somebody's house is not a regular occurrence in the UK.
- Fundamentally I'd rather just have a 'normal' conversation with a dealer about films, sport, life etc. and see where the conversation goes. Not the studio providing the dealers with a list of abstract questions and the lack of engagement between dealer and player it creates.
Naked dealers! it is a good idea! why not?));)
Already been done at a few studios/platforms to varying degrees of undress. Trying searching the web using the word 'porn' for a more recent offering.
Comp Poins at all the Evolution powered casinos. Especially Unibet.
P.S. I was wrong about Unibet. The only thing i wish to Unibet is it's bankrupting and closing.
But Comp Point at Evolution Gaming = perfect thing. At some casinos can already be found.