One of my goals with mystery shopping is doing hospitality shops. I'm a relative newbie (started shopping in November). I've done a bunch of restaurant shops and have my first hotel shop scheduled for later this month, a relatively simple one-night stay with a bar interaction and a breakfast buffet.

After I get some more experience with hotel shops under my belt, I was thinking of trying a casino shop. Casino shops, to me, look like a combination of hotel, restaurant, gift shop, parking, etc. and I am getting experience with all of those.

My once concern though is that I don't really know how to play table games and most of the shops I see have some interactions with table games. I do know the rules of several table games, but I don't have experience with the interactions because I usually play them on my phone.

Would casino games be a no-go for me then? Can one use a scenario of being a newbie at table games? Or can I learn enough to be believable? I wouldn't be adverse to going to a casino as a customer and trying out some table games, but I am not going to spend a ton of time or my own money on it. I don't mind gambling a little for entertainment but I don't like to spend a lot on it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2016 11:27PM by CeciliaM.

I've done some casino shops, though not as much as some others have. I didn't have to do any table games for my shops, though, because the casino I shopped only has slots. I would think you could do table games quite easily, as generally dealers (like blackjack) are willing to help newbies play. I played blackjack in Vegas at a casino for a few hands (not on a shop) and the dealer was very helpful. I decided it wasn't for me and I went back to the slot machines, though, and I actually won about $350!

Usually you'll only need to shop two table games. Roulette is a pretty safe choice since you're making the minimum bet ($2). If you bet on black/red or odd/even consistently, you should come out pretty close to even. Your other choice might be straight blackjack with the minimum buy-in and low bets (like $5). Or Spanish blackjack, but just playing the normal hand. If you play a special blackjack (like Spanish), part of your interaction can be asking the dealer what makes the game different. People do this all the time, and it won't mark you as a newbie. You probably want to stay away from craps as a newbie unless you simply follow someone else's bet.

Good luck!

For the ones I have done, you have to get the name of the pit boss, the dealer and the server. Generally, you can get the name of the dealer pretty easily since you are already sitting there. You just have to ask a quick question regarding any bonuses that evening.

The name of the server and pit boss could be trickier since their interactions are much more random and quick. Before sitting down at a table, I encourage you to stand behind the table as if you are watching the players... try to get the name of the pit boss at that time.

Also, when you notice a server coming down the aisle, that is when I sit down. That way, I can get that interaction right away and being timing whether the server comes back within the required amount of time.

You need to document on your phone. You need to interact with the dealer. You need to play the cards! If you can do that for one table game and one slot game for each 8 hour shift, then casino shops are for you! I did two casino shops in my career and decided against doing them, even though the pay is good.

@LindaM wrote:

I did two casino shops in my career and decided against doing them, even though the pay is good.

Why is that? They do seem pretty complicated. I am sort of intimidated by them, so I am going to try doing a bunch of other shops first that are kind of components of the casino shop and then think about whether I think I can, or want to, do them all in one shop.

You can't use your phone if you are playing at a table. Sometimes, you can get up to use your phone during the shuffle (if there is one). I've tried to use my phone at the table during the shuffle and have been scolded.

I think it is actually better if you know absolutely nothing about table games. That way you will come across natural and believable when you ask the dealers questions.

I have done many casino and casino/hotel combination shops. In fact I just did one this past weekend. If this post seems long and tedious; well that just gives you an idea of how long and tedious your report is going to be. Hotel/casino shops are basically most of the mystery shops you have done all rolled into one shop with some new ones thrown in. The reports are long and often detailed, but the pay and perks are good and you often get to keep what you win.

The main thing is you have to plan ahead on "shop route" through the property. Have an idea the order you will do the interactions. Your cell phone apps are your friends. I use Simple Note Pad to make a checkoff check list before I go to the location. That way I don't miss anything.

Make notes on it in the restroom stall after each interaction if possible - name and description of employee, opening and closing statements, table or slot number, amount won/lost. You must have a lap timing device or app. Study the guidelines well and do not make a mistake on the games. It could be expensive to do one over. Know the instructions and the form well. Know the times the restaurants and bars are open. Find out early if you need reservations. If one of the restaurants closes at 9 you want to fit your schedule such. Know when the bingo sessions are. Ask when you first arrive when poker games are, then put your name on the list. Don't put your name on the poker list and then immediately do a restaurant interaction. If possible know when the shifts change. You generally must get names of all employees you interact with. You generally stay at a table game long enough to see a dealer change. This means that you will have at least 2 dealers, 1 pit boss, and one beverage server to report on for each table game interaction. If the game is craps you will probably have 4 dealers, at least 1 supervisor, and 1 server.

The casino shops I have done generally consist of
Player's Club (sometimes 1 per shift)
at least 1 restaurant per shift
2 or 3 table games, pit bosses, and beverage servers (sometimes 2 or 3 each shift)
2 or 3 slots, attendants and beverage servers (sometimes 2 or 3 each shift)
2 cage cashiers
1 or 2 bars
1 or 2 security officers
poker sometimes
bingo sometimes
2 Valet (1 in and 1 out)
general observations of cleanliness, etc.

You need to get different employees; in other words the 2 table games cannot be the same employee. Try to get slot machines in different areas so you get different servers. Servers work from bars. So if both your slot machines are near the same bar, there is a good chance you will get the same server twice.

If you are also shopping the hotel, there are all kinds of things that could be required. Do not start "moving in" as soon as you check in and enter your room. You will need to report on things in the room before you disturb them, and you likely will be asked to take photos. Your shop form will tell you which things to check in the hotel room. Other common requirements or interactions could be:

report on the common areas, such as hallways, elevators, vending/ice machine area, elevators, windows, plants, walls, floors, ceilings, etc.
1 or 2 interactions with the housekeeping
1 or 2 interactions with front desk by phone
at least 2 interactions with front desk in person (check in and check out)
2 bell desk/baggage service interactions (one in and one out)
pool bar interaction
fitness center interaction
massage interaction
gift shop

The hotel shop you have scheduled seems like a simple one to get you started and get some experience. From there, my suggestion would be to try and find a casino shift shop where you only shop 5 to 8 casino employees and spend up to 4 hours. Then try some bar shops where you have to report on bartenders and their actions. These kinds of shops will get your ready for the overnight hotel/casino shops while giving you an idea of whether you will like them.

@AZwolfman wrote:

I think it is actually better if you know absolutely nothing about table games. That way you will come across natural and believable when you ask the dealers questions.

True maybe for most table games, but a complete disaster for live poker games. If you need to play live poker, I suggest entering the daily tournament if you can,

There are many good books available on live games. You can always get some friends together on a Saturday night and practice. Some shops say in the guidelines you MUST be an experienced gamer to accept the shop. I think it's a great idea to join a tournament, if the guidelines do not specify that you may not.

The casino shops are not as scary as they look. I've done 5 overnight stays (sometimes 3 nights!) and many other shops at casinos during the day. I had some knowledge of table games before starting, but I got to learn a lot more while shopping. Dealers will be more than happy to assist you in understanding the game, and that is usually a great way to have your interaction. There are many things to remember, but usually everyone has a name tag easy to read so it's not hard to get their names.

The only thing that is important if you get assigned an overnight stay casino is to schedule your day properly while on property. You'll have a lot of interactions to do, each of them being generally pretty short (a few minutes at most) and then the longer ones at the tables.

I was worried at first that being a newbie would flag me as a shopper or something similar - absolutely not! Casinos are full of people who are just starting/learning/discovering and in all the casinos I've shopped, the staff is more than happy to help you lose your money

These shops are usually not easy to get assigned - I was offered one after two years of mystery shopping with the same company, and I was not aware at first they had casino shops. You might want to start with regular casinos (i.e. no overnight stays) if they're available in your area, so you get a "feel" of what the shops are like.

But to answer your original question : do not worry of not knowing the games, you'll be absolutely fine.

Some casino servers at the slot machines don't take credit cards so make sure you bring plenty of cash. Also, they don't usually offer you a receipt at the slot machines, even if you ask sometimes you can't get one.

@charlhenri wrote:

The only thing that is important if you get assigned an overnight stay casino is to schedule your day properly while on property.

This.

Bingo has to take precedence since it's usually only the once. Check the gift store hours so that one transaction can be in each shift. They're not usually open all hours -- one MSC is now no longer reimbursing for gift shop intereactions (cheapos), but I usually buy gum or throat lozenges because otherwise you scream "mystery shopper" by moving around in a tiny space for the required observations. Familiarize yourself with the drink laws in your state; I ended up having to order a drink for breakfast once because the no-alcohol hours kicked in. Also, if there are events scheduled at the casino, not all food venues may be open during regular hours.

For the amount of work required, casinos are not worth it for the non-gambler. I like to play on someone else's money so I take them occasionally. If you're just in it for the hotel and what you think will be amusement time, you're better off applying for a resort instead. An overnight casino shop is more work than a 2-night resort shop.

@PasswordNotFound wrote:

For the amount of work required, casinos are not worth it for the non-gambler. I like to play on someone else's money so I take them occasionally. If you're just in it for the hotel and what you think will be amusement time, you're better off applying for a resort instead. An overnight casino shop is more work than a 2-night resort shop.

I am not really a "non-gambler" but more a "I don't like to spend money on gambling since the house always wins" gambler haha. My hometown had a bunch of casinos and we used to go all the time for the cheap food and cheap thrills haha. I never play very long because I go in with a set limit of how much I will spend. But there are some really nice casinos in my region that I think would be fun to visit and do all the different aspects along with gaming.

I'm also goal-oriented person so I like to try more and more complex things so I don't get bored. Mystery shopping is my new thing with this. But if I do a casino shop, it won't be for at least a year or something. I think the ones I am eyeballing are probably pretty competitive to get anyway.

Last- When I do hospitality shops, I bring my husband and it's fun for him too. So I don't mind doing some work to let him have a little fun.

I have done two Casino shops in my town. I live in Iowa, not Las Vegas, and I found the scenarios for the hotel stay a little contrived. The fact that I was a Shopper had to be obvious. Turn down service? Valet parking? Bellman service? My casino hotel did not have bellmen and the front desk person carried up my bag. Cringe.

When traveling I often stay at casino hotel and never shop them. I always use valet parking and have a bellman take my bags to my room

@jodojet wrote:

I have done two Casino shops in my town. I live in Iowa, not Las Vegas, and I found the scenarios for the hotel stay a little contrived. The fact that I was a Shopper had to be obvious. Turn down service? Valet parking? Bellman service? My casino hotel did not have bellmen and the front desk person carried up my bag. Cringe.

I don't know if that screams SHOPPER. It might just scream ENTITLED haha. JK.

I happen to work in an industry where a lot of people make more money than they are worth, and believe me, there are people out there who just love to have other people do things for them that they could definitely do themselves. It's a status thing or something.

Do you ever get a manicure? Do you dine out? You do realize you could cook your own meals at home and file your own nails, right?

@LisaSTL wrote:

Do you ever get a manicure? Do you dine out? You do realize you could cook your own meals at home and file your own nails, right?

Haha definitely. I didn't mean any harm. I was just joking around.

What MSC have casino shops? I never seen one or maybe there is none in my area...

@lanadag wrote:

What MSC have casino shops? I never seen one or maybe there is none in my area...

I think they go pretty fast and they go to sort of "preferred shoppers" since they are so complex. They can be lucrative though.

I like the ones that let me keep any money I win. Yes, this has happened. For one MSC, I am supposed to put $75 in each of the slot machines I play and play for a minimum of 30 minutes. If I am able to do my attendant and beverage interaction in this time period as well, I can take out whatever money is in the machine to keep. I have come out ahead more than once doing this, gotta love it!

I have also been offered some shops from an MSC that stated I may not keep anything I win. I declined.

I did one recently, my first. Required to play slots, table games, and poker. I also had to do a deli style dining option, and a few other things. We did not get to a hotel stay. Shop started at 10pm. I was required to have a guest and we had to stay together to make sure we got all our information correct. We enjoyed it, but the hours were a killer. Also our poker part was denied. My guest played the poker tables in the main gambling floor and not the poker room in the upstair part. My instructions stated we could not ask how to play the game. Luckily I knew how to play black jack already. We laughed at one game, it was basically war. The worst part was the report the next day. We didn't get home until very late and the report is long.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/2016 04:50AM by kmish.

Fortune Pai Gao Poker is my favorite table game for shops because it moves so slowly and many hands are splits. If you pick a game that moves too fast and you're stuck there for a required period of time, you can blow through your funds really quickly.

Since no casino names have been divulged, could somebody give me a few MSC names? I live in an area where gambling is illegal, but we frequently (intentionally) travel to areas with casinos.

I've been doing retail and restaurant MS for years but am new to hospitality. I'd like to be able to explore a few MSC job boards to see what they offer. I would have to build a relationship with other, smaller shops before getting a traveling casino shop, I'm sure.

If it is better/more comfortable, could someone send me information in a private message? Or even better, a referral link? Thank you, all.

What states do you shop?

mmmspam, you might find some by searching this board. I can only remember one off the top of my head and that's one that's local to my city.

The first couple of casino shops I did were so intense I could not relax very well. I was so worried about making a mistake or forgetting something, as well as shelling out over a thousand dollars on my credit card, it was no fun, but my wife enjoyed it, and I got high ratings. Then I did one recently where I actually got to swim in the pool and enjoyed myself. I can't wait to do it again. The only problem I had with the last shop was I wasn't allowed to keep any winnings. I recorded it on my expense report, but they have not yet told me how I am supposed to return the money to the client.

I have done a couple of them And all I had to do was eat at a specific restaurant, then go to the bar and order a drink and then go gamble. I could take someone and I took my daughter that is really pretty. This drunk guy kept "hitting" on her and following us around.That one was really bad because of this. But, I done a couple more and it was not big deal. I just played the slots.

Hey Jake, let me know how that goes. It does seem like they should let you keep your winnings, don't you think?

The ones I did where I got to keep my winnings also gave me plenty of cocktails and food. I had to go to a comedy show and eat, and also do a counter service meal, do 3 slot machine attendant interactions and 2 slot machine server interactions, a bar visit, ticket sales interaction, and a player's club interaction, all in an 8-hour period. I did my counter food service first so I wouldn't be too full to eat during the comedy show, but I wasn't able to finish that second meal. It was tricky to get everything done, since sometimes cocktail servers weren't visible and I ended up spending more than 30 minutes time at the slot machines, because I wasn't allowed to use the service button to call a server until 20 minutes had passed. Your best bet is to get there as early as allowable (my visit start time was 4:00) so you can fit everything in. The shop had a nice, hefty reimbursement of over $300 plus a $25 fee, and of course it was nice to get to keep the money that I won!

I'll let you know how it goes. I did other casino shops for this same company where I could keep the winnings, so I am sure it is the client and not the MSC. I got to do other stuff besides gamble, like eat at seven restaurants in two days so I am not worried about giving the money back.