Oct 1 Shooting -- 6/10/2017

I am writing this newsletter just a few days after one of the most tragic events in Las Vegas history. It's impossible for me not to comment on these events.

My heartfelt condolences go out to all those injured and to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic shooting. Additionally, I want to recognize the courage and rapid response of the Las Vegas Police Department, whose actions undoubtedly saved many lives.

As we learn more about the shooter, Stephen Paddock, it's apparent that he was a proficient video poker player and quite likely among the best. I'm acquainted with many players like him, and some members of the Wizard of Vegas forum might share that profile. There's a possibility he could have been part of our community, and we are looking into it.

Given my background in video poker, I've already had three interviews with various media outlets. Some of the reports featuring my quotes include:

The shooter was given a complimentary $500-per-night suite at Mandalay Bay, where he carried out his attack, and he managed to sneak in thirteen suitcases filled with weapons during staff shifts.

Reports indicate that the shooter gambled around $100,000 an hour on video poker while consuming alcohol and was treated as a VIP, receiving complimentary accommodations and shopping allowances.

One article misquoted me by characterizing a \"premium mass\" player as someone who bets more and possesses a better understanding of the game than average players. That’s not accurate. In gaming terminology, a \"premium mass\" player refers to someone who represents the higher segment of the mass market—not a high roller but significant nonetheless. Their skill level isn’t the main focus; instead, it's their perceived value to the casino that counts. In fact, less skilled players are often more profitable, and I wanted to clarify this point.

I also want to clarify the notion that Mandalay Bay shares some culpability for allowing Paddock into their establishment while apparently not noticing his firearms. This is in no way Mandalay Bay's responsibility! Major casinos in Las Vegas frequently offer suites to high-level players as a standard practice. Personally, I have stayed in that particular suite—or one directly above or below it—complementarily many times during my visits as a recognized higher-stakes gambler at the Mandalay Bay. This is a common business practice across all Las Vegas properties, and providing incentives to players is considered beneficial.

Regarding the impressive stash of weapons found in the room, it appears that he brought them in incrementally using bags. He likely concealed the firearms within the bags ahead of time so that the housekeeping staff would not discover them. From everything I have seen and heard, Stephen Paddock was clever and took precautions to avoid detection. No casino in Las Vegas checks every bag brought in by guests. Would you enjoy having your luggage searched when you stay in a hotel? Paddock seemed quite aware of what might provoke suspicion and took steps to prevent that. His actions do not imply any fault on the part of the Mandalay staff.

Speaking of the ongoing search for someone or something to blame for this incident, I want to express my disagreement with claims that this was politically motivated against Republicans. So far, I have not seen any credible evidence supporting such a theory. Just as in gambling, blaming someone else for your losses is often a tempting response. How many gamblers have grumbled, 'I would have won if it wasn't for that fool who hit a 12 against a 2' or, at the craps table, 'I would have won if that jerk hadn't placed a late bet'? The reality is, life is unpredictable and often out of our control. Other players might influence your outcome positively or negatively. Stop looking for scapegoats and focus on your personal responsibility.

Thank you for letting me vent.

Written by: Michael Shackleford