Bingo Ripoff?

[Bob Winters]

I understand the original poster's comments about Bingo. I have written about this several times and always get the people who say simply do not play. The problem is this. My wife and I go back on cruise ships a long time when Bingo was a fair game to play. The payoffs were always different and we never felt ripped off. About 12 years ago all of the changed and it turned into probably the most profitable areas on the ship. This area is directly related to the cruise line and not a different company running the event such as the casinos. I used to enjoy a good game of Bingo and although I did not win much, I always felt like it was fair.

I like Toto and others gave this up and to this day I am still pissed off.

Just had to get this off my chest one more time

Thanks,

Bob

[LoveThisCruisingThing]

I love playing Bingo. I figure the small amount of my finaces for an hour or so of enjoyment, is worth it. If I win, swell...if I don't, it's ok. I must admit I had a thrill when my pony won the race on my first cruise. Haven't won since but that's ok. Life is to be enjoyed not to analyze it to pieces (well I guess if you are a psychiatrist then you get both) LOL

[dunbawn]

The only time I ever played bingo (at least for money; not counting when a kid) was on my first cruise' date=' and that was because we were taking part in as many activities as possible. But since I'm not that lucky at bingo and gambling (and just don't find those things fun), I usually stay away from the bingo matches and the casino. But I do love participating in the trivia matches. To each his own.

 

If someone doesn't mind the odds, they have that choice.[/quote']

 

 

I love the trivia and the name that tune games. Last cruise we won a bottle of champange. I was disappointed, no luggage tags:D . Haven't played bingo in years.

 

eileen

[kingfoot]

OK, let's avoid getting personal -- I'm not a socialist. A cruise ship is hardly a free market where different bingo games can live or die based on their terms. I'm pretty certain the Princess bingo game would not survive in a "free market" of bingo games.:)

 

Every transaction is about value received for value given. For your bingo purchase, you basically get 2 things of value -- (1) the chance of winning a pot, and (2) the entertainment value, excitement, room high, adrenaline rush, whatever of participating, even if you loose. If you participate in cruise bingo, you should be basing your value largely on (2), since I can tell you mathematically (1) is a very bad deal. Being mathematically inclined, I personally can't ignore (1), but I can accept that other folks can. However, my feeling is that there are a lot of people who think they are getting significant value for (1), and don't understand that they are not. Since I am an empathetic person, this makes me personally sad and further detracts from my personal enjoyment of sitting in the room, thereby wiping out (2) for me. Your mileage may vary and that's ok.

 

For those who still like to play, the best way to think about the Princess bingo return is more like a "raffle", rather than a traditional bingo game. In other words, what the cruise ship is really doing is selling individual chances of winning a fixed amount. As more tickets are sold, your chances of winning decrease, but the pot remains constant. In the limit of an infinite amount of tickets, your expected return is 0. In a fairer bingo game, as more tickets are sold, your chances of winning still decrease, but this is offset by a proportional increase in the pot. In the limit of an infinite number of tickets sold, you would still expect 50c on the dollar (or whatever the house take is). If you are happy with the "raffle" model, more power to you!

 

 

You can apply a similar thinking to the cruise value as a whole. At one limit is the theoretical "100% all inclusive cruise line", where a fixed price is paid for the experience. At the other limit is the theoretical "100% free cruise line" where the rooms are free and the cruise line revenue is made entirely on art, photos, port shopping kickbacks, bingo, casino, spa, food & drink, excursions etc... A number of you have said that all inclusive is not attractive to you and you like the low prices. But conversely neither would I like a free cruise where the focus is 100% on onboard revenue, since then 100% of the space and time of the cruise would have to be spent "selling me" something, and that's not what I'm personally looking for in a vacation. Again, your mileage may vary...

[kingfoot]

but a lot of people really enjoy it, and I'm betting they will still go even if they realize the payouts are a small percentage of the take.

 

You are still misunderstanding the math. The payoff is much worse than just a small percentage of the take. The payoff is instead a small fixed amount. As ticket sales increase, your expected return goes to 0.

[cynbar]

You are still misunderstanding the math. The payoff is much worse than just a small percentage of the take. The payoff is instead a small fixed amount. As ticket sales increase, your expected return goes to 0.

 

I understand the math quite well --- I just think that some cruisers will continue to play bingo and enjoy it, feeling they still have a chance to win, small though it may be.I am not among them, by the way. If the numbers playing were to decrease, this reducing the profit, then the cruise lines might make some changes. Otherwise, it will continue as it is, and cruisers can choose to play or not.

[iancal]

On board slots are not much different.....chances of winning are low with no regulation or minimums. But Bingo is worse that slots. As the OP stated, the odds go towards 0 the greater the number of cards sold. At least slots have a constant payout. I believe that Princess contracted out their casino operations to increase revenue. I don't play bingo or slots on board. Just about every cruise line we have been on has offered us some sort of incentive to try out Bingo...there is reason for the incentive. It would be easier for me just to throw the money overboard.

[Casshew]

Bingo revenue keeps fares down.

[Stevanb]

Bingo revenue keeps fares down.

 

 

Correct How can they sell a 7 day cruise for 7-Day Western Caribbean

Inside Oceanview

from $249 from $329

 

Unless they make it up selling something else BUT the something else is not something you HAVE to buy

 

 

Or go to all inclusive and pay 135.00 per day and everything is free including bingo and liquor and tips and everything else you get on a ship

 

THE OLD SAYING PAY MORE AND GET MORE :D

[travelntreats]

Just got off the Star, and noticed something very disturbing about the Bingo games. It appears the payoffs are not based on a percentage of sales, but are instead fixed at an extremely low amount, independent of actual ticket sales revenue. My quick order of magnitude guess (based on attendance observations and estimates) for our 10 day cruise was that Princess sold about $50,000 worth of tickets, and gave away about $5,000 total in prizes. What's worse is that if they managed to sell $100,000 in tickets, they would still only payout $5,000! Every ticket sold after the first 200 or so is 100% profit for the cruiseline! I'm sure most people assume that the bingo offered is the traditional scheme where the more people play, the bigger the jackpot, but it does not appear to be the case. Even if the house kept 50 cents of every dollar I could still enjoy a game, but the fixed payout model is so outrageously unfair it almost seems borderline unethical to me... any other thoughts?

If it irritates you that much.... DON'T PLAY !

[chrysalis]

You know, if I spent my cruise time reflecting on how much profit Princess was making by way of a soda sticker, formal photos, shore excursions, foo foo drinks, extra charge restaurants, wine, casinos, chef's table charges and tapas from the International Cafe, I would end up driving myself crazy.

 

That is hardly what I want to do on my cruises, not matter how many advanced degrees I have.

[kingfoot]

Bingo revenue keeps fares down.

 

There is no free lunch -- the lower the fares go, the more the cruise line will be motivated to up-sell and drive onboard revenue. If you want prices to go lower, eventually they will charge for food, deck chairs, shows, gym access, etc...

[kingfoot]

You know, if I spent my cruise time reflecting on how much profit Princess was making by way of a soda sticker, formal photos, shore excursions, foo foo drinks, extra charge restaurants, wine, casinos, chef's table charges and tapas from the International Cafe, I would end up driving myself crazy.

 

That is hardly what I want to do on my cruises, not matter how many advanced degrees I have.

 

Sorry, but I always strive to be an informed consumer. For every dollar I spend, of course I think about the value delivered! Don't you? Just because I'm on vacation doesn't mean I stop trying to be an informed consumer! I'm perfectly happing buying photos, cocktails, wine at dinner, and shorex. I understand the value delivered on these items, even if the cruise line is making a healthy profit. Am I happy with the overall value of a cruise vacation? Yes. Will I ever spend another dollar on cruise bingo? Probably not. Again, your mileage may vary...

[pjhauswirth]

Anybody who plays "sucker games" like Bingo, the Lottery, or penny slot machines is just setting himself up to lose. If they are that dumb, they deserve everything they get - or lose.

 

You know, some people just enjoy spending a little time playing bingo, slots, etc. I know I do - I call it "entertainment expense" If I decide to play I am doing it for entertainment. I don't expect to win. So not everyone that does it are losers or dumb. That was an insulting thing to say.

[mii]

Anybody who plays "sucker games" like Bingo, the Lottery, or penny slot machines is just setting himself up to lose. If they are that dumb, they deserve everything they get - or lose.

 

I agree with the above poster in that was very insulting to say we were dumb in playing penny slots. Now no one out there is expecting to win HUGE on a penny machine. I do it for strickly for entertainment, I take a certain amount of monies to spend in the casino. When it is spent I leave. I certainly do not think I am dumb in anyway.

 

Now here is a question for the OP. I was also on the same cruise as you and besides the topic of Bingo, what else did you like about the cruise. Did you have a great time, what shore excursions did you do; did you enoy the amenties of the ship. We certainly did and really enjoyed the International Cafe I was just wondering if there was other things you enjoyed besides Bingo.

 

Marilyn

[Spike in FL]

You know, some people just enjoy spending a little time playing bingo, slots, etc. I know I do - I call it "entertainment expense" If I decide to play I am doing it for entertainment. I don't expect to win. So not everyone that does it are losers or dumb. That was an insulting thing to say.

 

Good point. I enjoy playing bingo whether I win or not. I especially love watching the kids play, as each number excites them so much, and each child is so sure they have the winning card. It IS entertainment, and I don't mind paying for it.

 

When I think about what folks do while playing Quest on RC just to win a keyring or baseball cap, I don't question whether playing bingo is "smart" or not!:D

[kingfoot]

Now here is a question for the OP. I was also on the same cruise as you and besides the topic of Bingo, what else did you like about the cruise. Did you have a great time, what shore excursions did you do; did you enoy the amenties of the ship. We certainly did and really enjoyed the International Cafe I was just wondering if there was other things you enjoyed besides Bingo.

 

Marilyn

 

Positives:

- food (Amalfi, and one night each in Crown Grill and Sabatini's)

- staterooms (we had a mini-suite).

- waitstaff and maitre'd's.

- games, quizes, trivia

- ports, particularly Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo.

- hanging on the deck by the pools

- kitchen tour

- high tea

- non-shopping aspects of Princess shorex

- slots (I'm a sucker, but it was fun).

- no cell phone connectivity = total relaxation :cool:

 

Negatives:

- bingo rip-off

- too many port shopping lectures, and not enough port history/culture lectures

- gift shop stops on Princess shorex (particularly in PV)

- no daily newspaper digest like on HAL

- zoe's tourgroup monopolizing prime back deck location for Acapulco sailaway party. I understand she sold 1/5th of the ship, but why can't they use skywalkers, or some other under utilized place, and let the prime realestate be used by the other 80% of the customers.

 

Overall, though, a really nice experience!

[Go-Bucks!]

<begin rant>

More generally, I would almost rather pay a little more $$ for my cruise on a truly all inclusive cruise line than spend the entire cruise feeling that the cruise line is trying to maximize its revenue from me with bogus bingo games, art auctions, jewelry sales, shore excursions (aka more jewelry sales), internet charges, etc... I fear that cruising will eventually turn into the vacation equivalent of a 10 day "time share" sales pitch.

</ end rant>

 

 

You would probably be more suited for a luxury cruiseline. I suggest you look into them.

 

That said, just because you don't enjoy Bingo doesn't mean it shouldn't be available. I don't drink alcohol, smoke, or gamble; but I wouldn't suggest the cruiseline should sell only non-alcoholic beverages, close down all the lounges, cigar bars, and casinos just because I don't use or like them. Frankly, they keep the base cruise price more affordable for me!! ;)

 

Just attend whatever activities you like and let others partake of the ones they like. Not too hard to do, really.

[cudder]

Bingo sounds like a dangerous game, I thought your original post was good and well said, but I think you blew it with some of your replies,let it go,its a cruise for gosh sakes your supposed to get ripped off.Was surprised you enjoyed the slots, glad you enjoyed your cruise.Beachyfe you should be packing.CUDDER.

[retiring soon]

Hi! I just got back from the Emerald TA cruise & did play Bingo ~ it was entertaining. This was my first Princess cruise & I was surprised at the fixed prize amounts. Two years ago on HAL they gave away a stateroom upgrade, free cruise AND the payouts were always based on the money taken in, so some low, others higher.

~Jo~ :)

[PrincessMelody]

Welcome to Cruise Critic Kingfoot!

 

I for one appreciate the information. In all fairness, they really should base the jackpots on the number of players/cards sold. I think some of the folks here have been a little hard on you. You are simply stating the facts.

 

Bingo is a choice...you can play or not. I would rather know the facts so I can make an informed choice. It's kind of like buying scratch off lottery tickets...would you choose to buy them if you knew the big winners had already been sold? I'm sure there are people who would still play, but I for one would want to know.

 

Cheers!:)

[kingfoot]

Positives:

...

 

 

Oh yeah. One more.... UBER ROSSI...

 

I"M OKKKKK!!!!

 

(had to be there)

[chasetf]

Sorry, but I always strive to be an informed consumer. For every dollar I spend, of course I think about the value delivered! Don't you? Just because I'm on vacation doesn't mean I stop trying to be an informed consumer! I'm perfectly happing buying photos, cocktails, wine at dinner, and shorex. I understand the value delivered on these items, even if the cruise line is making a healthy profit. Am I happy with the overall value of a cruise vacation? Yes. Will I ever spend another dollar on cruise bingo? Probably not. Again, your mileage may vary...

Truth in Advertising.... some games like the Bingo Coverall offer enticing jackpots. The part people do not understand is the astronomical odds of hitting it within the alloted number of calls. http://www.homepokergames.com/bingoodds.php

 

Those jackpots always go to the last day...... "when the jackpot must be won"..... before getting a winner. All those folks coming before the last game are making sucker bets.... yet they still keep coming in hopes of winning it before the last day.

[ILOVEMEXICO]

I feel Bingo is the same as slots, gambling, etc., payouts aren't based on what is taken in. Where on the ship is Bingo offered - never played but wouldn't mind trying - when we go to Vegas (or gamble on the ship or whereever), we take X number of dollars to spend knowing that we don't expect to "win". It's entertainment for our holiday.....

[chasetf]

I feel Bingo is the same as slots, gambling, etc., payouts aren't based on what is taken in. Where on the ship is Bingo offered - never played but wouldn't mind trying - when we go to Vegas (or gamble on the ship or whereever), we take X number of dollars to spend knowing that we don't expect to "win". It's entertainment for our holiday.....

Let me start off by saying... I am not a gambler. That said......

 

Someone who "doesn't expect to win" is an almost guaranteed loser. For a "serious" gambler, every game of chance has a predictable expected return. Picking games with a higher expected return means your "entertainment dollars" will last longer.

 

Slots, table games (like craps), card games (like Black jack) have predictable odds based on the house rules being played. Odds for these games are also effected by their payouts (1 1/2 or double for blackjack for instance).

 

Your chances / odds at the blackjack table are not by how many players at the table. Bingo is different because not only are you playing against the house, you are playing against your fellow players. The only way to provide a true game of chance that has a known expected return is to increase the payout as the number of players increase. If that does not happen... then it is a sucker bet.