In most places Video Poker is a high draw for players to come and visit land casinos. But in Montana the casinos have seen a drop in players enjoying the video poker games. Many believe the decrease is due to the economy and players begin pickier on what games they play.

The Halftime Bar in Great Falls has seen a drop in the amount of customers playing the machines. One server commented that people seem to be playing les because they have a limit on how much they are going to spend. At one point he had only one person playing in the casino.

Many workers at the casinos are worried about the drop as they could face shorter work hours or see a decrease in tips. The more people at the casino playing the video poker games the better it is for business and for them.

One waitress commented that she depends on her tips to survive. Robyn Roberts commented: “It does concern me. It’s my livelihood. Thank God for my regulars because if it were not for them, I’d have empty pockets.”



- 2009-07-08