Interesting proposition

I've had word from Jim at Patriot...

Apparently the events manager at the Grosvenor Casino recently contacted Jim and he is interested in getting people in to use their space for non gambling activities.

Jim immediately thought of us. They have a nice space that would be ideal for board games, and if we go when they are not using the Poker Room for Poker, those tables are awesome.

They would not be looking for any payment just having people in is fulfilling their brief.

The bar area, which would be good for gaming in is free anytime Monday to Thursday

Is that the one on queens road ?... sounds quite good to me, are you thinking an alternative to the uni arms, or additional ad-hoc evenings ?

Yes that's the one... Possible additional meeting? Would anyone be interested? Have any ideas for extra sessions?

Aneurin wrote:Yes that's the one... Possible additional meeting? Would anyone be interested? Have any ideas for extra sessions?

I think it's definitely worth a punt...

We do need somewhere for the 1st Tuesday in November as the Uni arms has an event on.

Aneurin wrote:We do need somewhere for the 1st Tuesday in November as the Uni arms has an event on.

Sounds like a good opportunity to test it out. Let's do it.

Sounds good (almost too good) for an additional ad-hoc thing.

Are we still on for the first Wednesday in November at the Uni Arms though?

https://www.sheffieldboardgamers.com/t707-tuesday-3rd-november-uni-arms-unavilable

Or should we do Tuesday and Wednesday?

I think I'd prefer it personally. Acoustics are terrible at the uni arms as well as the quiz.

Honestly, something doesn't sit quite right with me at the idea of being in a casino, certainly not as a permanent alternative to the Uni Arms.

karl_b wrote:Honestly, something doesn't sit quite right with me at the idea of being in a casino, certainly not as a permanent alternative to the Uni Arms.

I agree. A casino feels less welcoming that the Uni Arms, but it's worth a look. If they can give us significantly more space it may be worth considering.

Do we need to be a member of the casino to get in?

FWIW, I agree with PaulC & Karl - quite possibly a less welcoming venue for newcomers and may well put some people off. But worth giving it a try to see what they have to offer.

Everyone is making some good points here - both pro's and con's - While I broadly like the Uni Arms there are some annoyances - the pub quiz, the students, and like Andy says the accoustics suck, but on the other hand Karl and PaulC make some very good points about the appeal of a casino vs a pub for games.

It's definitely worth checking the place out and seeing what we think of it but as it stands I don't think I'd be keen on moving there permanently...

I agree with most points here... I'm wasn't looking to replace uni arms.

My idea was testing now as we have the spare Tuesday coming up (and yes play both dates)... But perhaps looking to use it in addition to the normal Tuesday meets... If someone would like to take that forward (probably not me as I can't really get out twice a week and Tuesday's work well for me)... The club is expanding rapidly... And this could be an option to dilute Tuesday's to better fit the space the Uni arms offer...

As an aside is there is a 21+ age limit in Casinos?

Aneurin wrote:I agree with most points here... I'm wasn't looking to replace uni arms.

My idea was testing now as we have the spare Tuesday coming up (and yes play both dates)... But perhaps looking to use it in addition to the normal Tuesday meets... If someone would like to take that forward (probably not me as I can't really get out twice a week and Tuesday's work well for me)... The club is expanding rapidly... And this could be an option to dilute Tuesday's to better fit the space the Uni arms offer...

That makes sense. I suppose it depends what the casino is hoping to get out of it too. If they have some 'mandate' so be seen to be doing something for the community (i.e. making their space available) then that's different to hoping to get some extra bar revenue when it's quiet and is likely to affect how they'd view a smallish group. I could definitely see it being better for games needing more concentration as there should be some quiet areas. And I'm sure the likes of Netrunner, LOTR CCG, etc. would be pretty cool on those card tables.

From Jim's email I get the impression the Casino events manager is trying to perhaps change public opinion of what it is for... Less seedy gambling den to more community based space... I emailed the guy... No reply yet...

I think I broadly agree with points Dave and others have made. It's certainly worth checking out and evaluating the place though. Also, anyone know what the parking situation would be like, will we be able to use their car park?

I agree it's worth seeing what the space is and if we can use it for anything.

Sorry, I should have added that we should definitely check it out. However, the cynic in me just doesn't see a casino opening it's doors as a community benefit. I'd love to be wrong and I hope we can take a look.

karl_b wrote:Sorry, I should have added that we should definitely check it out. However, the cynic in me just doesn't see a casino opening it's doors as a community benefit. I'd love to be wrong and I hope we can check it out.

Yep, I'm a bit on the cynical side too. I can't help but wonder, what's in it for them? How will they want to monetise us etc? Is it just that they're almost empty mid-week and want people in, just to make the place look busier? (presumably a venue that has a few people in it, is going to draw more people, than a completely empty venue).

Yes, I agree it all seems rather dodgy/unlikely. I just think it's worth having a look. It might work. But I doubt it.

I think we may be being a little harsh on them. Surely there's only as much in it for them as there is for a pub offering us the space.

PaulC wrote:I think we may be being a little harsh on them. Surely there's only as much in it for them as there is for a pub offering us the space.

I think we're being a bit cynical here, they are probably feeling the pressure with a lot of users moving to the internet and high street betting stores as well as the lack of a good reputation.
The possible downsides;
*Membership possibly required
*21 age restriction
*Could end up being short term, once they get what they want (publicity) they may decide to no longer invite us in for free
*May turn others off

Upsides
*Better acoustics
*Better space and tables
*Quieter
*Possibility of it staying open later if we want a late night gaming session
*Free parking

Anyway that's my two cents worth - I think it certainly worth a shot at least

AndyM wrote:

PaulC wrote:I think we may be being a little harsh on them. Surely there's only as much in it for them as there is for a pub offering us the space.

I think we're being a bit cynical here, they are probably feeling the pressure with a lot of users moving to the internet and high street betting stores as well as the lack of a good reputation.
The possible downsides;
*Membership possibly required
*21 age restriction
*Could end up being short term, once they get what they want (publicity) they may decide to no longer invite us in for free
*May turn others off

Upsides
*Better acoustics
*Better space and tables
*Quieter
*Possibility of it staying open later if we want a late night gaming session
*Free parking

Anyway that's my two cents worth - I think it certainly worth a shot at least

Good list of pros and cons I think. It might also be a useful 'backup venue' if they're ok with us using it on an occasional/casual basis when we have trouble with one of our usual venues (i.e. not available to book) or want to organise something extra.