I was an ex-employee for full disclosure but I've been a professional poker player for 13 years. First off, I can confirm to some degree they do use props. Games are started by on duty managers daily and I was also offered a prop deal which I turned down (Instagram: brokefishpoker, I have proof). The promo drop is $2 a hand. We had a 2 month long raffle which was supposed to be open to all but the night manager Casey would give away extra raffle tickets throughout his entire shift for seemingly no reason, so if you played during the day your value on this promo was totally washed out. Secondly I was told during my time there that the promo would be given to anyone since we were all playing but it turns out to actually receive any part of the $10,000 that we the players funded you needed to be in the facility on the day of the raffle. In casinos with a gaming commission this sort of promo is illegal because eligibility is granted by having played in the room and paid in over the course of the promo, not just on the day of the drawing. Some of the managers are very legit with serious casino experience but unfortunately the night management is very poor and doesn't create a safe or relaxed atmosphere. Good is pretty good but cleanliness is poor, including a bad cockroach problem (once again IG for photos) and also for some reason coffee is almost never made which is a very standard amenity for a poker room.
I had held off my review until I finally received a paycheck I had waited 2 months for, which was shorted. Considering the history 52 had of not paying employees and collusion, you would thing they would be more steadfast and organized on things like props, promos and employee payments but they seem to be the same 3 issues I have dealt with. I tried to be as fair as I could with this review including a 5/5 competition rating because when the night time games run they are very soft fields. But with one of the greatest poker rooms on earth across the street and TCH down the street moving into a state-of-the-art facility, there is zero reason for me to play here or for their better employees to stay here. This place will be out of business within a year and doesn't deserve the community's support.
