I just returned from the APA Nationals in a Masters Team. I have some observations about the Mini Mania program at Nationals. You have to spend way too much time standing in line waiting to either sign up or get a forfeited spot. I'm talking hours here. It is a huge money maker for APA and they are doing a VERY poor job of managing it. This year the Westgate Hotel was the most packed I've ever seen it. My remedy is that they allow signups on line and you are either in or out and that forfeits are managed in the same way. They are losing a lot of money and goodwill keeping players tied up for lengthy periods. Also the food situation AGAIN is horrible. You can't get anything to eat in a timely manner and this continues year after year. I like the APA system but if some other league comes along with better throughputs then the players may get some other decent choices and locations to spend their money.
APA NATIONALS
- Thread starter Baby Huey
- Start date
They aren’t losing any money. Every tournament sells out lol you know what I did when I was there.. I didn’t play in them because I didn’t want to wait.
I don't know what you guys are talking about. I played in multiple minis, never waited more than 20 minutes to sign up.
It's very simple, you get in line 15-20 minutes before the time is announced for the following day, then give them money. Works nearly everytime. You're only allowed to sign up for one event every 4-5 hours, so you cannot double book yourself.
Also, the minis are 100% payback, so they don't make any money from those.
I totally agree on the food options, very poor selection and expensive. I always go to other stops along the Monorail route for better food.
It's very simple, you get in line 15-20 minutes before the time is announced for the following day, then give them money. Works nearly everytime. You're only allowed to sign up for one event every 4-5 hours, so you cannot double book yourself.
Also, the minis are 100% payback, so they don't make any money from those.
I totally agree on the food options, very poor selection and expensive. I always go to other stops along the Monorail route for better food.
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honestly your the first person I’ve heard say that about the mini’s.
I agree with the food options. The acs at the Tropicana was even worse but you could just cross the street to the mgm and had a million places. I get lost in that place lol.
I stated at the MGM a few years back and couldn't believe how big it was. From my room to the Monorail it look about 20 minutes, barring any foot traffic. The pool was great, but too much walking for me.
It would kind of defeat the purpose of a "world championship", wouldn't it?
The problem with online is that you still have to collect cash entry fees. Credit card companies view entry fees as gambling, and using a credit card to finance gaming directly is prohibited by Nevada state law. It's seen as a form of irresponsible gaming.
The food situation is all Westgate. They got new management during Covid, and the old group that understood the pool crowd (many of whom came from the Riviera) are gone. I think they are geared toward convention center crowds, who like to go off property to eat, have money to spend on food and beverage, and are mostly in bed by midnight. So they focus on the hotel side of the business as their real money-maker, and the casino side is just there. The APA has been able to put a little pressure on them to accommodate (when I've been there for times other than WPC the coffee shop closes at 4, there's no buffet at all, and there are days when some of the other places aren't even open), but for a ten-day event the places don't see much value in making big changes. When Fontainebleu opens (scheduled for this December) that might put some pressure on the Westgate to look at more ways to attract guests, since they will no longer have a corner on the convention center crowd. Will it be enough to make a difference? Who knows?