Arrived at 5:30.
People ahead of me waiting four hours.
Five hours at the very front at 6:30.
Every twelve to fifteen minutes they take four up to register.
Less than twenty an hour processed.
Tickets at 8:30.
$400 deepstack #192.
$250 nlh re-entry #099.
$600 nlh #084.
First flight of the main seems to be around 200 entries.
About 40 people to go.
Five and a half hours in line was not fun. I did get caught up in the FOMO so no one but to blame but myself there. The floor staff were doing the best they could but there were completely overwhelmed and understaffed. It unfortunate they don't have more experienced tournament managers and staff.
To go from no events to a WSOP circuit event is a big jump. Its going to be a cluster bang but should be fun. For those of you going to Turning Stone and Vegas have an amazing trip and bring home some handwear!!!
My apologies, but here's a small portion of the internal rant I pushed aside to get through the process.
I spent decades working, managing, fixing and running events. Festivals, bands, weddings, auctions, corporate comedy gigs, circuses, medieval feasts and more. Can't stand in line without counting, timing and sighing. Never have I seen an entry process run so poorly.[Edit 1]
Can you imagine going to see a band or movie that seats 400 and standing in line for twenty hours (20 people an hour, from my previous post).
Staffing for the sign in was usually 3 to 4 people. One working the line processing paperwork (good). One to walk four people to the cashier and monitoring them until they are done before returning for the next group (bad, two person job). One cashier until around 8, 2 afterwards (ridiculous). One person processing the ticket and handing it to the cashiers (bad, two steps, should be have two stations). With two more people (monitor and cashier) and an extra station, their terrible process would move 60 to 70 customers an hour. With a fourth [Edit 2] cashier close to a hundred.
For a proper fix, using systems they already have in place for poker, customers could be given a call number after the paperwork, and hang around until announced. I can't believe they did not see the value of 4 or 5 hundred extra people spending for hours. I would understand a slow processes if it was crassly exploitive.
At over 4 million in ticket sales you can staff an extra cashier or two for a couple days. That petty savings for the venue comes at a huge cost to you, the customer.
The event is profiting from our lost time. If you don't think that's a big deal, try this absolute minimum cost to customers. 405 (people) x 5 (hours in line) x $16.55 (Ontario minimum wage) = $33513.75 in lost income. And if anyone in that line knew what minimum wage is, it's likely from paying their employees. If the average lost wage is $50 an hour that just over $100000 lost income. All to save the venue about $1000 in wages. The cost of a single mid price ticket in the event.
So many issues at every stage. No communication between staff and venue. Workers at the event did not know their roles or duties before starting. Many woodbine employees were unaware of the sign in. No signage leading to the event sign in.
End of rant. Unless asked for in person.That's on you then.
[Edit 1. I regret dragging an uninvolved group here.]
[Edit 2. Typo correction. Also per hour is in hindsight unrealistic. Casinos have strict money handling rules I did not account for.]
My apologies, but here's a small portion of the internal rant I pushed aside to get through the process.
I spent decades working, managing, fixing and running events. Festivals, bands, weddings, auctions, corporate comedy gigs, circuses, medieval feasts and more. Can't stand in line without counting, timing and sighing. Never have I seen an entry process run so poorly. Including charity events for homeless addicts, run by homeless addicts in derelict warehouses.
Can you imagine going to see a band or movie that seats 400 and standing in line for twenty hours (20 people an hour, from my previous post).
Staffing for the sign in was usually 3 to 4 people. One working the line processing paperwork (good). One to walk four people to the cashier and monitoring them until they are done before returning for the next group (bad, two person job). One cashier until around 8, 2 afterwards (ridiculous). One person processing the ticket and handing it to the cashiers (bad, two steps, should be have two stations). With two more people (monitor and cashier) and an extra station, their terrible process would move 60 to 70 customers an hour. With a third cashier close to a hundred.
For a proper fix, using systems they already have in place for poker, customers could be given a call number after the paperwork, and hang around until announced. I can't believe they did not see the value of 4 or 5 hundred extra people spending for hours. I would understand a slow processes if it was crassly exploitive.
At over 4 million in ticket sales you can staff an extra cashier or two for a couple days. That petty savings for the venue comes at a huge cost to you, the customer.
The event is profiting from our lost time. If you don't think that's a big deal, try this absolute minimum cost to customers. 405 (people) x 5 (hours in line) x $16.55 (Ontario minimum wage) = $33513.75 in lost income. And if anyone in that line knew what minimum wage is, it's likely from paying their employees. If the average lost wage is $50 an hour that just over $100000 lost income. All to save the venue about $1000 in wages. The cost of a single mid price ticket in the event.
So many issues at every stage. No communication between staff and venue. Workers at the event did not know their roles or duties before starting. Many woodbine employees were unaware of the sign in. No signage leading to the event sign in.
End of rant. Unless asked for in person.That's on you then.
That was really well thought out King Mob. Jeff Bezos once said once your margin is my opportunity. Can you imagine a sister company to Playground Poker comes in and gets licensing? Until a legitimate company comes in to compete this complacency will continue. It happens to all monopolies.
Here is one bright point. When Daniel Negreanu comes in and sees how things are run (and hears player complaints) he will return to Vegas to talk to talk to the WSOP brass. If there is anyone person that can elicit real change it will be him.
All that being said for those attending embrace the suck and have a great time. Here is one major upside this region is experiencing a new poker boom with all the inexperienced players attached. The ROI will be spectacular for these events.
All that being said for those attending embrace the suck and have a great time.
I do look foreward to the event. It will all be fine by then.
The staff and management at Woodbine were steadly fixing problems and improving the process. Finding ways to accomodating people in line as much as possible.
I assume each day has improved since and it will all be quaint history by Day 1 of the WSOP Toronto.
Five and a half hours in line was not fun. I did get caught up in the FOMO so no one but to blame but myself there. The floor staff were doing the best they could but there were completely overwhelmed and understaffed. It unfortunate they don't have more experienced tournament managers and staff.
To go from no events to a WSOP circuit event is a big jump. Its going to be a cluster bang but should be fun. For those of you going to Turning Stone and Vegas have an amazing trip and bring home some handwear!!!
Do we know if tickets are transferable? Would you take $650 for the $600 6max ticket?
I do look foreward to the event. It will all be fine by then.
The staff and management at Woodbine were steadly fixing problems and improving the process. Finding ways to accomodating people in line as much as possible.
I assume each day has improved since and it will all be quaint history by Day 1 of the WSOP Toronto.
What makes you think they will ever improve? As long as the room is full and paying $20 rake and all the lemmings are lining up for 5+ hrs for a BS event and padding the coffers, they have no reason to change.
I assume each day has improved since and it will all be quaint history by Day 1 of the WSOP Toronto.
Learning right after this comment that the rules for the event were changed after selling hundreds of tickets felt like I was the movie character that stops in the woods and says "I think we lost them" before getting macheted.
Update: All Events are sold out, except Main Event. Alternates will only be available the day of each event. Rebuys will be available after busting (see structure sheet for availability and cutoff). I know freezeout strategies are very different from rebuy. In this case due to structure, limited time and predicted alternate list I suggest you play your events like freezeout's. I could see a hundred people waiting for events and in that case you would be back of the line upon busting. If I'm off on this strategy and thought process let me know.
The Main Event is only allowing 200 people per flight. I was there tonight and staff were unable to explain why but it may be due to leaving space for out of province entrants and GG qualifiers. There is space in all flights and they are approximately 50% filled on each day.
One last point to corroborate what Card Dead has been saying. There is a post on twitter for short term contract dealing positions. This was posted just recently. Looking for dealers 2 weeks before Ontario's first ever WSOP circuit..................
My favorite meme when the shit is about to hit the fan but I'm being told everything is going to be just fine:
I know I'm a tourist who lined up for 5+ hours, I know they changed it to rebuys (that really hurt after the line-up), I know the rake is high. I know the dealers will probably be slow and managers will be inexperienced. I know the rooms carpet looks like it belongs in a vintage 70s garage. I know there is more chance of me growing hair on my head then winning a ring.
All that be said I'm looking forward to this.
If you are going on one of my days and want to say hello please DM me and Ill buy you a coffee. GL to everyone whether your in Vegas, Turning Stone or taking your shot here.
I am playing the Main event day 1B, the $600 6 Max and the $400 deepstack.. but my question is why are they calling it a deepstack lol when other events strart with the same amount of chips and longer blinds lol
Comments
Picture via Twitter.
Fack. No way I'm getting there before this weekend
Someone let Negreanu know! Can't see him being okay with low cap entries.
Im debating... just saw my horseshoe calender.
People ahead of me waiting four hours.
Five hours at the very front at 6:30.
Every twelve to fifteen minutes they take four up to register.
Less than twenty an hour processed.
Line camaraderie is the only positive.
$400 deepstack #192.
$250 nlh re-entry #099.
$600 nlh #084.
First flight of the main seems to be around 200 entries.
About 40 people to go.
Would love to have more folks there. I am comped as well but I only paid $185 for the flight, now they are 3-400
Read an entire novel in line.Hopped a GO to pearson airport to get there and back, for an extra five hours time.
Crushed 1/3 nlh for 75 minutes afterwards. So I'm feeling special.
People still buying in to the wsop at 10:30. No line.
Didn't realize comp was in Vegas that long....
Five and a half hours in line was not fun. I did get caught up in the FOMO so no one but to blame but myself there. The floor staff were doing the best they could but there were completely overwhelmed and understaffed. It unfortunate they don't have more experienced tournament managers and staff.
To go from no events to a WSOP circuit event is a big jump. Its going to be a cluster bang but should be fun. For those of you going to Turning Stone and Vegas have an amazing trip and bring home some handwear!!!
Edit: I have no illusions of actually surviving long enough to bring back a ring, but what the heck, I can dream right?
I spent decades working, managing, fixing and running events. Festivals, bands, weddings, auctions, corporate comedy gigs, circuses, medieval feasts and more. Can't stand in line without counting, timing and sighing. Never have I seen an entry process run so poorly.[Edit 1]
Can you imagine going to see a band or movie that seats 400 and standing in line for twenty hours (20 people an hour, from my previous post).
Staffing for the sign in was usually 3 to 4 people. One working the line processing paperwork (good). One to walk four people to the cashier and monitoring them until they are done before returning for the next group (bad, two person job). One cashier until around 8, 2 afterwards (ridiculous). One person processing the ticket and handing it to the cashiers (bad, two steps, should be have two stations). With two more people (monitor and cashier) and an extra station, their terrible process would move 60 to 70 customers an hour. With a fourth [Edit 2] cashier close to a hundred.
For a proper fix, using systems they already have in place for poker, customers could be given a call number after the paperwork, and hang around until announced. I can't believe they did not see the value of 4 or 5 hundred extra people spending for hours. I would understand a slow processes if it was crassly exploitive.
At over 4 million in ticket sales you can staff an extra cashier or two for a couple days. That petty savings for the venue comes at a huge cost to you, the customer.
The event is profiting from our lost time. If you don't think that's a big deal, try this absolute minimum cost to customers. 405 (people) x 5 (hours in line) x $16.55 (Ontario minimum wage) = $33513.75 in lost income. And if anyone in that line knew what minimum wage is, it's likely from paying their employees. If the average lost wage is $50 an hour that just over $100000 lost income. All to save the venue about $1000 in wages. The cost of a single mid price ticket in the event.
So many issues at every stage. No communication between staff and venue. Workers at the event did not know their roles or duties before starting. Many woodbine employees were unaware of the sign in. No signage leading to the event sign in.
End of rant. Unless asked for in person.That's on you then.
[Edit 1. I regret dragging an uninvolved group here.]
[Edit 2. Typo correction. Also per hour is in hindsight unrealistic. Casinos have strict money handling rules I did not account for.]
That was really well thought out King Mob. Jeff Bezos once said once your margin is my opportunity. Can you imagine a sister company to Playground Poker comes in and gets licensing? Until a legitimate company comes in to compete this complacency will continue. It happens to all monopolies.
Here is one bright point. When Daniel Negreanu comes in and sees how things are run (and hears player complaints) he will return to Vegas to talk to talk to the WSOP brass. If there is anyone person that can elicit real change it will be him.
All that being said for those attending embrace the suck and have a great time. Here is one major upside this region is experiencing a new poker boom with all the inexperienced players attached. The ROI will be spectacular for these events.
The 6-max is capped at 270, and someone else said 405 for other events - seems to me like they have 45 tables and that's all they've got.
I wanted to play the 6max but I'm assuming it's already sold out most likely. 😕
I do look foreward to the event. It will all be fine by then.
The staff and management at Woodbine were steadly fixing problems and improving the process. Finding ways to accomodating people in line as much as possible.
I assume each day has improved since and it will all be quaint history by Day 1 of the WSOP Toronto.
Do we know if tickets are transferable? Would you take $650 for the $600 6max ticket?
I’m trying to add a screenshot but can’t. It’s in the Ontatio Poker group
My extra copy was lost in transit.
What makes you think they will ever improve? As long as the room is full and paying $20 rake and all the lemmings are lining up for 5+ hrs for a BS event and padding the coffers, they have no reason to change.
I was refering specifically to the registraion process. I would not go to Woodbine solely to play cash.
Learning right after this comment that the rules for the event were changed after selling hundreds of tickets felt like I was the movie character that stops in the woods and says "I think we lost them" before getting macheted.
The Main Event is only allowing 200 people per flight. I was there tonight and staff were unable to explain why but it may be due to leaving space for out of province entrants and GG qualifiers. There is space in all flights and they are approximately 50% filled on each day.
One last point to corroborate what Card Dead has been saying. There is a post on twitter for short term contract dealing positions. This was posted just recently. Looking for dealers 2 weeks before Ontario's first ever WSOP circuit..................
My favorite meme when the shit is about to hit the fan but I'm being told everything is going to be just fine:
I know I'm a tourist who lined up for 5+ hours, I know they changed it to rebuys (that really hurt after the line-up), I know the rake is high. I know the dealers will probably be slow and managers will be inexperienced. I know the rooms carpet looks like it belongs in a vintage 70s garage. I know there is more chance of me growing hair on my head then winning a ring.
All that be said I'm looking forward to this.
If you are going on one of my days and want to say hello please DM me and Ill buy you a coffee. GL to everyone whether your in Vegas, Turning Stone or taking your shot here.
My events:
Event 1 - $250 Turbo
Event 4 - $400 Deepstack
Event 6 - $600