There’s a recession on, and casinos are hurting for customers. But you’d never know it with a couple of experiences I had last weekend in Atlantic City.

A group of friends and I decided to have a late lunch at the Harrah’s buffet. It wasn’t that busy, at least there were no lines to get inside. But our drink server acted like she couldn’t care less about us. When we asked for refills on our sodas and iced tea, it took her half an hour to bring them. No I’m not joking, we timed it. We had to pile our used plates on an adjacent table, beause no one came by to clean them up. It really put a damper on the enjoyment of what is otherwise wonderful food at this buffet.

After we broke up, I went to Resorts to collect some bonus cash. It was pretty busy for a Sunday night. When it came time for me to cash out what was left of my money and go home, I found that both ticket machines in the area were just about out of money. Apparently, the staff never bothered to check and refill them. People cashing out $25 and $30 vouchers found themselves with a handful of ones. I was cashing out more, and had to stand in a long line in front of the solitary booth that was open. Several people were there to convert their wads of singles in to larger bills. The lone clerk took her dear, sweet time taking care of everyone. When it was my turn to step up to the window, she stood there just counting out all the one-dollar bills for a minute or two. No “I’ll be right with you,” or “Thank you for waiting” when she finished.

Hey folks, you’re working in a service industry. Provide service, and at least pretend that you mean it. In case you didn’t notice, the economy is tough, and you want people to go back to your casino, not the one next door. And if you’re in a change booth, remember that a machine can do your job. If customers find it more pleasant to deal with a machine than with you, you’ll soon join the millions of Americans on the unemployment line.

And that’s my rant for the week.

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