Calif.-Vegas party train in works for 2013

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I would definitely pass on that one .

T

Yeah - me too... The $198.00 round trip fare is way out of my range!!!

As a Californian, there are several things that puzzle me. One is that the Indian casinos are a lot closer now than Vegas, and many of them have Vegas-style amenities, like shows, buffets, etc. The day is long gone when people only had the choice of driving to Vegas. Some do, of course. Second, you're also right that $198 is more expensive than driving and double the air fare being advertised ($49) from LA. Keep in mind that Southwest jiggers a lot of its West Coast routes to go through Vegas! Third, the Atlantic City ACES service didn't last all that long, and it was basically the same deal.

They may be aiming at getting the casinos to comp the service for high rollers, but that was what the ACES service wanted to do as well.

But this is by no means the first time that scammers have pitched a train to Las Vegas.

Hey, I hate to one-up you guys on the coast, but people here in Arizona are talking about building an new Interstate between Phoenix and Las Vegas. How about that?????? Yeah, yeah, I know, you already have one between LA and LV, but this one will be shiny and new.
On top of that, we have more Indian Tribes here, hence, more casinos than we probably need as well, but remember, this is the wild west.

jwb Wrote:As a Californian, there are several things that puzzle me. One is that the Indian casinos are a lot closer now than Vegas, and many of them have Vegas-style amenities, like shows, buffets, etc. The day is long gone when people only had the choice of driving to Vegas. Some do, of course. Second, you're also right that $198 is more expensive than driving and double the air fare being advertised ($49) from LA. Keep in mind that Southwest jiggers a lot of its West Coast routes to go through Vegas! Third, the Atlantic City ACES service didn't last all that long, and it was basically the same deal.

They may be aiming at getting the casinos to comp the service for high rollers, but that was what the ACES service wanted to do as well.

But this is by no means the first time that scammers have pitched a train to Las Vegas.

If I was a taxpayer in California I would be watching to see how he dips into your pocket for rail grants, either state or local. Having worked in the rail industry where I could see the way the game was played I would be very leery, and I don't see how the fare at 49 bucks one way can cover the expense of the train, then add the cost of constructing new track in some areas. Just my opinion and I am often wrong.
Charlie

We have a casino here in Windsor Ont , opened about 15+ years ago ....I may have been 5 times , take $50 and if I lose it I'm gone home . Detroit has a bunch now too ....I'm not for them . They've taken down a lot of people who can't control themselves . Our area has a lot of bad debt thanks , in part , to the casino IMO. I know a lot of people like them and that's fine , Just not for me .

T

teejay Wrote:We have a casino here in Windsor Ont , opened about 15+ years ago ....I may have been 5 times , take $50 and if I lose it I'm gone home . Detroit has a bunch now too ....I'm not for them . They've taken down a lot of people who can't control themselves . Our area has a lot of bad debt thanks , in part , to the casino IMO. I know a lot of people like them and that's fine , Just not for me .

T

We see TV ads here for these casinos showing people raking in piles of cash. Everyone seems to be a winner, smiling and having a good time. One ad shows a woman playing the slots, then holding up a wad of bills that she won, another shows a group of people around a gaming table laughing and cheering as they all seem to be winning big. Then in tiny print at the bottom of the screen, there is some disclaimer saying that everyone should play responsibly. hock: That's about the same as a liquor ad telling an alcoholic to drink responsibly. Both are really interested in selling their products be it liquor or gambling. We have been to one of those casinos just once in their 20-some years in existence in Arizona, and it's been probably 15 years since we've gone up to Laughlin, NV, and even longer since we've been to Las Vegas, even though they're only a few hours drive from here. I'm not a prude when it comes to gambling, but at least in Nevada, the state regulates the payout percentages and you have a chance at winning, here in the Indian casinos, there are no regulations since the tribes and their casinos all are on Indian Nations. And in Arizona, they don't even have to pay taxes on their profits because of that, but they do "volunteer" to give the state some token sum instead.

Quite often , when something of consequence happens close to you , it has a big effect .
When I was at the Ford dealer , a customer camein ....Italian fellow who had won about $125k on the Super Jumbo Slot machine that is apparently tied into other casinos in some way . It was $5 per pull and the guy hit the jackpot after only 3 or 4 pulls . I sold him a new Mustang ...total about $25k with taxes . When I saw him about a year later , I was told that he had put the remaining $100k BACK INTO THE MACHINE at the Casino . Atleast he got the car out of it . Casinos get a huge % as it is and I suspect a lot of people put winnings back instead of going home .
Retirees / widows are a hard hit group .....they're bored , go to the casino , and spend their whole pension in many cases .

T

Not a gambling fan myself but I get the train concept....it's a way to feel like a high roller and enjoy something not everyone does...an exclusive expereince...with booze...and a designated drvier in the cab!

The train ride part of it would be cool ...have dinner , make an event out of it .

T

teejay Wrote:...Retirees / widows are a hard hit group .....they're bored , go to the casino , and spend their whole pension in many cases .

T

Since I seem to be surrounded by the Sun Cities, It's hard to drive by any large parking lot where they aren't picking up people in those large comfy buses taking them to either local casinos or overnight trips to Laughlin, NV. Most of those trips are either free, or they give the riders tokens and coupons worth more than they paid. I'm not sure that some of those that take these trips aren't there just for the ride and entertainment and good food at the other end, not to gamble.

Ralph Wrote:Not a gambling fan myself but I get the train concept....it's a way to feel like a high roller and enjoy something not everyone does...an exclusive expereince...with booze...and a designated drvier in the cab!

I'm not sure that taking the train wouldn't be a step up from taking the bus for the retirees in So Cal. It would be around here if they ever run a train from Phoenix to Las Vegas instead of an Interstate highway. I might choose to go just for the ride and other amenities.

The "X Train" group has equipment, which needs to be completely rebuilt yet, and an agreement with Union Pacific to pay for track upgrades before service can start. It does not, however, have any California station space negotiated yet, nor an agreement with Metrolink to access the Los Angeles area.

The business plan includes gamling lessons in California, which would immediately turn to gambling upon entry to Nevada, and included drinks and food onboard the train.

I am still skeptical it will ever begin revenue service, however.

We camped 2 nights in LV on our way to LA this year. It's impossible to go into anywhere without going through casino space which is the noisiest space on Earth. As a Scotsman, I don't get the idea of gambling -- I lost a quarter playing bridge in university -- and nothing anyone bets in has any interest for me.
And I bumped my head every time I got on the bus.

BR60103 Wrote:We camped 2 nights in LV on our way to LA this year. It's impossible to go into anywhere without going through casino space which is the noisiest space on Earth. As a Scotsman, I don't get the idea of gambling -- I lost a quarter playing bridge in university -- and nothing anyone bets in has any interest for me.
And I bumped my head every time I got on the bus.

Be aware that the design all hotels in Las Vegas (and I'm sure every other place where there's gambling) so that you have to walk through the casino to get anywhere. If you're not careful, you can lose a bunch just trying to find the check-in desk. hock: I'm surprised that they don't have the elevators and restrooms in the middle of the casino floor. These people are clever and devious. Try to find a clock anywhere around any casino.... you can't. They don't want you distracted by knowing what time it is. It's been a long time since I've flown into Vegas, but I remember stepping off the plane and the first thing I saw was a row of slot machines. And the noise level, well, that has to be intentional as well, generates and exciting atmosphere. They used to build slot machines that made a lot of noise when they paid off and the coins hit the payout tray.

I suppose it can be fun just walking around, looking at the attractions like the sinking pirate boat or the dancing waters, but still, they are there to make money and the draw is the casinos. They say that the slot machines played by the general public nets the casinos more profit than the high rollers that lose those big, big bucks.