Gamble enough in Las Vegas or other casino destinations and you’ll get a casino host. This person helps you with travel arrangements. She also offers perks like free rooms and meals.
C.H.: At my casino for tables we comp based on theo and loss, but it is very hard to earn a high theo on tables. We comp a lot more on slots. It’s very easy to have a higher average playing slots. Partly because the games on tables are somewhat controlled by the customer. The customers can pick or choose what cards they want to keep or throw.
If you have a host, take advantage of the situation. Use their services for whatever you need.
But a casino host won’t tell you everything.
1- Which Games Offer the Highest Comps
The core of a casino host’s job is to get you to gamble as much money as possible. As long as they can get you to put as much money as possible into play, the casino advantage will eventually take the correct amount of it.
Good casino hosts know which games have the highest house edge and highest hold percentage. They also know which ones have the lowest. This information is usually directly tied to the level of comps you can get.
A casino determines a player’s comp level by how much the player is expected to lose. This is determined by the expected house edge on the game being played multiplied by the total amount wagered.
Here’s an example:
A player bets $100 per hand on blackjack. He plays 500 hands. His total amount wagered is $50,000.
With an expected win rate of 2%, the casino expects to win $1,000 ($50,000 X 2%).
The more money the player is expected to lose, the better for the casino host.
2- Which Games Offer the Lowest House Edge
The casino host doesn’t want you playing the games with the lowest house edge. So they probably won’t tell you which ones have it.
It doesn’t matter which games have a low house edge if you don’t play them with the best possible strategy. But your host still wants you to lose as much as possible. They won’t steer you to better games.
3- They Don’t Have Your Best Interests in Mind
Your casino host doesn’t have your best interests in mind. Sure, they want you to have a good time, but only because people gamble more when they’re having fun.
Your casino host wants you to gamble as much as possible during your stay. Everything they do is directly related to this goal.
4- They Don’t Like You
Not every casino host dislikes every one of their customers. But the host isn’t your friend, and she doesn’t like you. Depending on your behavior, she might not dislike you, but don’t make the mistake of thinking she likes you – no matter how she acts.
The casino host’s job is to get you to gamble as much as possible.
Thinking your casino host is your friend? Try this little test:
Call your casino host – tell her you need to come to town on business but won’t have any time to gamble at all. Ask them what they can do for you or recommend for your stay.
If you drop thousands of dollars a year, you might still get a room. The casino doesn’t want to risk losing your future play. But even this has limits.
And if they do comp your stay in this situation, expect them to encourage you to gamble.
5- They Don’t Care About Your Stories or Your Family or Your Business
Casino hosts listen to your stories and look at the pictures of your kids or pets. But they don’t really care.
Their job is to make you think they care enough to get you to start gambling.
6- Nothing in the Casino is Free
The free drinks, meals, rooms, and flights aren’t really free. They’re paid for out of your expected losses. The casino tells you all of these things are free. They want you to be grateful that they’re taking care of you.
Take the blackjack player who’s expected to lose $1,000 per 500 hands played. He comes to the casino and plays 5,000 hands four times a year. His expected loss for every trip is $10,000. He will have a winning trip every now and then. But on average the casino will have their percentages figured correctly.
The casino knows the player is going to lose an average of $10,000 every time he comes. They also know they can afford to give him thousands in “free” things and still make lots of money.
How much does a round trip flight, hotel room for a week, five buffet comps, and four or five nice meals cost?
Nowhere close to $10,000.
7- Everything You Get is Directly Tied to How Much You Play
Your casino host might hint at this if you aren’t playing enough. But they don’t like to come straight out and say you have to play a certain amount up front.
If you want more comps you probably need to play more. You’ll see exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, what you get from your casino host is directly tied to how much you gamble.
8- If You Don’t Ask You Won’t Get
Many players don’t ask their casino hosts enough questions. Your host will probably take care of your meals and room if you play enough. But you really have no idea how much more you may be able to get. If you don’t ask you’ll never know what you might get.
Want to see the Grand Canyon or the Blue Man Group? Ask if your host can help.
What about a trip to the spa for your spouse?
You don’t even have to ask for monetary value things. Sometimes information can be valuable. Your host should either have a great deal of information or be able to access it.
How To Get Casino Comps
9 – You Can Get a Better Deal at Other Casinos
Your casino host doesn’t want you to consider another casino. She doesn’t even want you to start thinking about talking to another host.
Are you a big player?
You should shop your play as much as possible. Get as much in return for your play as you can.
10- You Can Get an Upgrade for $20
$20 is an arbitrary amount. But often you can get a room upgrade for a small amount of extra money. Has your casino host arranged for a room?
Ask her how much you would have to pay to get an upgrade.
11- When You’re Just Short of a Big Upgrade or Perk
Unless you track your play (which you should do) and know how the casino determines the amount of your comps (almost impossible to find out), you won’t know where you are on the scale of players at the casino. The bigger the player, the more you can get, but there’s always a line separating one level of play from another.
If you’re just a few thousand short of the next level of player it would be nice to know so you could play a little more.
A smart casino host may let you know when you’re close, but most of them won’t. If they do tell you, make sure you know exactly how much more you need to play and what you will get in return. You don’t want to lose twice what it would cost you to buy the same perks.
12- When You’ve Had Too Much to Drink
Why do you think casinos offer free drinks to players?
The more you drink, the more you gamble.
Because your casino host wants you to play as much as possible, she’s more likely to order you another drink than tell you it’s time to stop.
13- Where to Find a New Casino Host
The casino host business is competitive. Hosts protect their clients fiercely. If you start thinking about finding another host, don’t tell your current host.
Conclusion
Best Casinos For Comps
Playing enough to have a casino host and getting perks from the casino feels great. But you still need to make sure you’re watching out for your best interests.
The casino host wants you to play as much as possible. Everything she does is done with this ultimate goal in mind. Remember this. You should be able to take advantage of their services and have a good time along the way.
THE EXPERT’SGUIDE TO COMPS
Nothing gets a player more excited then when you mentionthe word “comp”. Everyone wants one and the casinos are more than glad to givethem (over one billion dollars worth last year). Yet, comps is one of the mostmisunderstood aspects of a player’s casino experience, fraught withmisconceptions so that many casual players don’t even bother – which isunfortunate.So to unravel the scienceand art of getting a comp, I assembled a team of experts comprised of savvyexperienced players, well known gaming authors, advantage players, casinomanagers, and a casino host. I asked the experts for tips they would give anaverage casino player who asked, “How doI go about getting a comp?”
Before I turn it over to the experts, let’s briefly reviewthe basics of casino comps.
A “comp” is an abbreviation for complimentary. They arethe free goods and services provided by the casino to its players. Comps canrange on the low end to free drinks and free valet parking all the way up tofree room, food, beverage and transportation.
The only requirement is that you gamble. Most casinosrequire that you bet at a certain level and play for a specific period of timein order to qualify for a comp. The more you bet and the longer you play thehigher the level of comp you can expect.
That’s one of the misconceptions about comps. You don’tneed to be a high roller to get a comp. Yes, we all know the stories about highrollers that get shuttled to and from Las Vegas on a private jet, picked up ina chauffeured stretched limo, given a luxury suite twice the size of your home,and dine in ultra-swank gourmet restaurants “on the house”. But casinos alsooffer valuable comps to low rollers that include free meals, free or discountedrooms, and free show tickets.
Casinos need steady customers and they know there is a lotof competition for players. Therefore they offer comps to loyal players as areward for their business. Comps also have a way of making players rationalizetheir losses so they return again to the same property. Comps also stimulateplayers into betting at higher levels and longer because most playersmistakenly believe that when they get a comp they are getting something fornothing.
This is another misconception. Comps are not based on howmuch you lose (or win) but on the total amount ofmoney you’ve wagered (known as the amount of “action” you give the casino). Allthe casinos want is a shot at your money at their tables and machines.
You need to sign up for a Player’s Card and keep itinserted into the machine’s card reader while you play. The casino’s computerwill keep track of how much money you play through the machine. Always makesure your card is registering properly so you get credit for your play. Alsocheck at the Player’s Club if you are entitled to any freebies just for joining(casinos often have promotions to entice players to sign up).
Casinos use to be secretive about how they rewarded comps.But nowadays the majority of casinos have brochures that tell their players howmany dollars they must play to earn a point and how many points are required toget a specific comp. Nowadays, you can also find this information on mostcasino web sites (you can also sign up for a player’s card and keep track ofyour points on some casino web sites).
Hosts have much more discretion issuing player comps thanthe employees who staff the Player’s Club do. They also open a lot of“comp-doors” that most player’s don’t know about such as an invitation to aspecial event or getting you a room on a busy, sold-out weekend.
Hosts are not allowed to accept cash or expense gifts fromplayers. But they can accept nominal gifts (max. $25 is a good benchmark) suchas a gift certificate to a restaurant, a bottle of wine, or bouquet of flowers.A thank you card also goes a long way to cementing a relationship with ahost.Another way to show yourappreciation is to send the host's boss or the casino manager a note stating whata good job your host does for you. Sending a host new customers is also anotherway to show your appreciation.
How Casino Comps Work
Most casinos allow players to accumulate their compdollars and then spend them on one big meal or event. But others do not (youmust spend your earned comp dollars during your current trip). It’s best to getthe specific casino requirements on earned comps from the Player’s Clubliterature or from a casino host.
You must ask to be ‘rated’ when you play in the pits inorder to be eligible for a comp. Getting rated means the pit boss or floorsupervisor will keep track of the hours you play and your average bet size. Insome casinos you can use your Player’s Card to get rated while others issue adifferent rating card for table players. If unsure just inquire at the PlayersClub or ask a casino host. When you sit down to play just slide the card to thedealer with your buy-in and the dealer will hand it to the floor supervisor,who will begin the rating process (in some casinos the dealer has a device onthe table that she uses to swipe your card to initiate the ratingprocess).
Each casino has a different policy when it comes to givingcomps for table players. Some casinos that cater to high end players require aminimum of $25 bets to even be considered for comps while other casinos willgladly rate nickel players. My advice is to first call the casino’s marketingdepartment and speak to a casino host about table game playing requirements forrating and comps. This way you’ll know the casino’s requirements and therewon’t be any surprises.
Even though floor supervisors on table games will recordthat information on a player’s rating card, they do not enter into the equationfor comps (see Comp Equations). However, more than one casino supervisor hasadded this caveat.If a steady customerhas a disastrous session where the losses far exceed the casinos theo (ortheoretical loss - see equations), the player is often given an additional compabove what the comp equation would compute for his play. Also, casino managerslook more favorably on players who buy in for say $500 rather than $100 simplybecause they perceive that they have a shot at a larger amount of the player’smoney.
If you’re a low roller it’s best to get two cards on thesame account. This way your play and that of your spouse will accumulate pointsfaster toward a comp. If both partners do a lot of playing, then it’s best toget a slot card in both names (both will earn separate comps).
It depends on the casino but besides comps you might getmailings offering you free show tickets or even an entry into a tournament orother special event. Many casinos also reward their slot and video pokerplayers with cashback (or bounce back). Cashback is cash that you can getimmediately after your play and it is based on a percentage of your action (seecomp equations). Bounce back is a coupon you’ll receive that will allow you toreceive cash on a subsequent visit. In lieu of giving a player directly cashsome casinos will give a player credit on a slot or video poker machine (via aPIN) which the player must play through.
If you don’t have enough play for a free room, you shouldask for a discounted rate (known as the casino rate, which is usually 50% ofthe published rack rate for a room). Likewise if you don’t have enough play fora buffet comp, ask for a line comp. This will allow you to go ahead of the lineof folks waiting to get into the buffet, café, or show theater. This is also agood time to speak with your casino host to see what other options you mighthave.
In most cases, yes. Harrah’s, Mandalay Resorts, Park PlaceEntertainment, and Stations Casinos to name a few have Megaclubs.As more casinos become owned by the same company, this trend will continue.
Yes, and your about to read a bunch from our experts.
Most players are envious of other players who get“comped”. These players play right into the casino’s hands because by bettingmore and longer then they intended in the pursuit of a comp, most players withend up losing more then the comp was worth. Never play longer or bet more for the sake of a comp. Just learnhow to use the system to get your fair share of comps for your normal play.
MEET THE EXPERTS
Mr. Pit Boss | Casino employee with a decade of experience in the casino industry. Contributor to the Blackjack Insider newsletter (www.bjinsider.com) |
Steve Bourie * | Author 2003 American Casino Guide (www.americancasinoguide.com) |
John Brokopp * | Author Insider’s Guide to Internet Gambling |
Bill Burton * | Author Get The Edge at Low Texas Hold’em. Gambling guide for About.com |
Jeffrey Compton * | Author Guide to Slot Clubs. Featuredinseveral slot/slot club videos |
Anthony Curtis * | Publisher of Las Vegas Advisor, author of Bargain City(www.lasvegasadvisor.com) |
Bob Dancer * | Author of Million Dollar Video Poker. Featured in several video poker instructional videos & WinPoker software (www.bobdancer.com) |
Winnie Grand * | Advantage video poker player. |
John Grochowski * | Author of several books including The Slot Answer Book, The Video Poker Answer Book, and The Craps Answer Book. |
Skip Hughes * | Host www.vphomepage.com. |
Bart Pestrichello | V.P. Operation, Sunset Station Casino, Las Vegas |
Mickey Petkus | Casino host, Palms Casino, Las Vegas |
LV Pro | Advantage blackjack player and contributor to Blackjack Insider Newsletter(www.bjinsider.com) |
Max Rubin * | Author Comp City |
Frank Scoblete * | Author of many books including Forever Craps: The Five Step Advantage Play, Guerilla Gambling: How to Beat The Casinos at Their Game, and Break The One Arm Bandits (www.frankscoblete.com) |
Jean Scott * | Author of Frugal Gambler (and soon to be released More Frugal Gambler) and featured in Frugal Video Poker software program (www.frugalgambler.biz) |
Barney Vinson * | Author of several books including Ask Barney, An Insiders Guide to Las Vegas, Casino Secrets, and Chip-Wrecked in Las Vegas. |
THE EXPERT’STIPS
Max Rubin(author/columnist)
2. Play. Casinos aren't interested in folks who don't gamble. You don't have tobet a lot (but probably like to anyway-or you wouldn't be reading thismagazine) to get nice offers, but you'll have to show a little speed up frontfor them to invite you back.
3. Ask. If you don't ask for a comp while you're playing, they probably won'toffer. Don't be afraid. They get asked 100's of times each week and all theycan say is 'No.' If they deny you (no matter how outrageous therequest), ask them how much more you have to play to earn the comp you want.Buffets are easy, but it normally takes some serious machine and table time toqualify for rooms and gourmet meals.
4. Tip. When you hit a jackpot, make sure to give the cashiers and floor peoplea little something when they fork over the cash. If you're on table games, anoccasional small bet for the dealers usually does the trick. Virtually all ofthe comp decision makers (pit bosses and slot hosts) depended on tips for theirlivelihood at one point in their careers and if you're a stiff, they'll nevergive you an even break.
5. Be Nice. Friendly people get easy room upgrades, bountiful buffets and lotsof personalized attention while the Jerks rarely get what they've gotcoming-unless you believe in Karma.
1. The number oneway to get comps is to join the slot club before you play any casino game. Thenput your card in any machine you play and starting earning points that will getyou comps. If you play the tables, give your slot club card to the dealerbefore you make your first bet. He will give it to
2. If you want freerooms and other substantial comps, concentrate your play at one casino to reacha higher comp level. If you spread your play around too thinly, you may notreach a basic comp level at any casino.
3. All slot clubsare not alike. So you have to 'dig' in order to get the details thatwill help you maximize your use of the comp system in any casino. Read all theliterature at the slot club desk. If that isn't available or doesn't give youenough information, ask the slot club employees to explain the system and giveyou specific details on how to earn comps.
4. Joining a slotclub can be a good idea even if you don't plan to play at that casino. Cardholders can often get nice discounts all over the property: in the gift shop,the restaurants, and even on the room rates. And when business is really slow,some casinos have been known to send out good offers and coupons to everyone intheir database, no matter how little they have played.
Bart Pestrichello(casino manager)
Mickey Petkus(casino host)
1.Make sure that youare getting tracked for your play. Regardless of whether you are a table or amachine player you must make sure you are getting credit for your casinoaction. Too many times I have customers who come to me asking for a comp and Ihave no record of play in the casino's computer.
2.Once a customer has play recorded in the casino'splayer tracking system they just need to go to the casino's player club booth,or page their casino host if they are on property to ask for the desired comp.Either the club or the host will look up their play and tell the customer whatthey are qualified for. If you don't have a host, ask for the 'host onduty' and introduce yourself to one.
3.It is a good idea to establish a relationship with ahost so that he or she can know your gaming history.
4.Many times I havegotten crazy and outlandish requests...but as Jean Scott would say...'Itdoesn't hurt to ask.'
5.There are alwaysexceptions to the rules.
Steve Bourie(author/columnist)
1. CALL AHEAD - Every casino has a marketing department,which will give you information on what kind of play is needed in order to earna comp. Before leaving on your trip call ahead and ask for the marketingdepartment and speak to a casino host who can tell you what is required. (Youcan get list of the toll-free numbers for all U.S. casinos in the 2003 AmericanCasino Guide or visit the website at www.americancasinoguide.com to see thephone numbers for free). Call several casinos that you’re interested in and askspecific questions of the host: How much do I need to bet to get a comp room?How long do I have to play each day?, etc. Once you’ve decided on which casinoyou want to visit be sure to call back and speak to the same host. Tell themyou’re going to be playing at their casino and you want to confirm the detailsof what kind of play is required to earn the comps that you want. When youfinally arrive at the casino be sure to go meet your casino host and thank themfor their time and effort in explaining their comp system to you. Then you’llbe on your way to earning comps and you’ll know exactly what’s required.
2. ASK - Many players mistakenly think that the casino staff will automaticallyoffer them comps whenever they play but that isn’t true. You really need tospeak to a floorperson and tell them you want to be rated to see if you’reeligible for any comps. They will then keep track of your average bet as wellas how long you play and they will offer you comps based on your level of play.
John Brokopp(author/comulumnist)
1. Don’t be afraid to ask. Casino guest servicesrepresentatives are in business to please and accommodate people, not alienatethem. In most gaming markets, they are aware that people can take theirbusiness elsewhere. They are out to make friends, not enemies. Besides, foodcomps actually cost the casino a fraction of their face value. Comps are thebest marketing tools a casino has. They don’t want to say “no” to your requestfor a comp if they can at all help it. But they’re not mind readers, either. Asthe squeaky wheel gets the grease, so does the outgoing casino player. Ifyou’ve been warming the seat at a blackjack table for a while or playing at aslot carousel for a period of time, find a representative and inquire about acomp. Just make your request in a polite demeanor and maybe even make somesmall talk. Don’t be a pest or act demanding as if you’ve got it coming to you.Be nice and friendly and you may be in for a surprise.
2. Develop a personalrelationship with a casino host, shift manager, or pit supervisor. Name andface recognition can go a lot further than just being a number in a database.If you’re visiting a casino for the first time, call in advance and ask tospeak to someone in player development. Tell them you’ll be coming in and thatyou’re looking forward to the visit. Get the person’s name and when you checkin, stop by the office with a small gift or token of appreciation, such as asouvenir from your hometown or a specialty item from your locality. When you’reout on the casino floor, don’t be shy about introducing yourself to the shiftmanager or slot or pit supervisor. Just a friendly “hi” along with some chatabout the property and in all likelihood the person will offer you his or hercard and you’ve made a new friend.
3. Always use your playertracking card. Separate and aside from the personal contacts you make in acasino is being a member of the player’s club. All casinos have them now. Cold,statistical dollars and cents decisions regarding comps are based upon theplayer profile that pops up when the host or other casino representative bringsup your information on the computer screen. It’s kind of like a casino player’s“box score”. By using a card you develop equity in the property and areeligible for cash back or comps as the case may be. Player’s clubs encouragebrand loyalty. The more often you attend, the longer you play, and the moremoney you “churn” through the machines or tables, the more valuable you are tothe casino.
4.Take advantage of “first timevisitor” privileges. If you’re a veteran player making a first-time visit to aproperty in your own jurisdiction or out of state, always make a personalcontact before you play. Explain to a host that you’ve been playing elsewherebut that you’ve heard a lot of nice things about this particular casino andyou’d like to give them a try. Alluding to your games of choice or your levelof play won’t hurt, either, such as mentioning the playing tier you are atanother property. Casinos are always trying to win over new customers, influencepeople, and attract new and potential premium players. The casino industry isvery competitive in this respect. Manipulate the system, if you will, and seewhat kind of “welcome wagon” comps you may be offered.
5.Go for “true comps” firstbefore using your point equity. Every casino uses basically the same formulafor determining a player’s worth. The “theo” on a player (theoretical loss) iscomputed using the amount wagered, the length of playing time, and the win/lossledger. The result is the value of comps the player is entitled to in dollarsand cents. On the other hand, every casino uses a different formula for compsbased on points accumulated using a player’s card. A player may redeem his orher points for comps and have them deducted from their account. “True comps”,however, may be a buffet or dinner offered to a player without the loss ofpoints. It’s based on individual session play and even property loyalty. Alwaysgo for true comps first before you tap into the equity that you’ve already earnedand you’re already entitled to receive. It’s kind of like going for a bonus.
Bill Burton(author/columnist)
1. Always use your card and get rated.
2. Ask! Comps aren’t given out automatically.
3. If you are looking for a food comp it is best to do thiswhile you are playing.
4. Play during the slower period of the day. It’s easier toget a comp when the casino is not crowded.
5. Be friendly and personable at the table.
6. For a room comp you will want to speak to a casino hostbefore you check out.
Tips for getting ahigher rating when you play table games.
1. Buy in for more than you plan to play. This makes thecasino think you are willing to risk more.
2. Make your first bet higher if the pit is looking on.
3. Play at a crowded table. The game is slower.
4. Don’t make your bet until they Pit Boss has taken yourcard and logged you in.
5. Tip the dealers.
6. For blackjack, take your bathroom breaks during the shoenot while the dealer is shuffling.
7. For craps, buy in and tell the dealers to put you upacross the board but don’t have the bets working right away. Wait a couplerolls and then take them down.
8. For slots, after you have played for while, tell a slotattendant that you would like to speak to a casino host. Continue playing untilthe host gets there and then introduce your self. Ask if you have enough playfor whatever comp you are seeking.
1. Don't just count on the players club booth to issuecomps. Introduce yourself to a casino host. Hosts have the power of thepen--they can write meal comps or comp your room without deducting points fromyour players club account. If you ask for a meal comp at a slot club booth,they'll almost always deduct points in exchange. If you've played enough and ahost sees you as someone the casino would like to encourage returning, he orshe can write the comp without deducting points. Be sure to be polite--you wantthe host to WANT to help you. You won't get the comp every time, but it's worthpursuing.
2. Players who have hosts might try charging all their mealsor anything else they purchase at their casino hotel to their room accountsinstead of asking for comps upfront. Often, a meal that you'd have to pay forearly in the trip before you've played much can be comped after the fact ifyou've charged it to your room.
3. Take advantage of direct mail offers. The goal of casinocomps is to encourage you to return. Some of the most generous casino offerscome through the mail--bonus cash, bonus slot club points, free meals, freetournaments, free or discounted rooms and more. The offers often haverestricted dates and expiration dates. If you can manage, plan your trip fordays that you can use the direct mail offers.
4. Try to combine offers. Sometimes you'll get multiplemailings from the same casino, and sometimes the offers will overlap. I oncereceived one offer from a casino where I'd played a bit, but never stayed, fora free room and an entry into a video poker tournament, and the next dayreceived another mailing from the same casino, offering triple slot club pointsand a $50 food credit. Given that I was planning a trip anyway, that was toomuch to pass up.
Frank Scoblete(author/columnist)
1. Always tip on top of your bet so that you control thetip. Your tip will now be thought of as a part of your average bet and you'llget more comp points for it.
2. Always ask for a comp 10 minutes before you have decidedto leave so that the rater thinks he's kept you at the table an extra 10minutes waiting for the comp. It's rare that you'll play that 10 minutes and notget a comp.
3. Don't ask for comps that you know you can't get, such asthe gourmet room if you're a $10 bettor. Raters like to say yes. However,always ask for a comp that is a little higher than you actually want so thatwhen the rater says, 'Sorry, sir, you can't have the cafe,' you cansay, 'Then can I have the buffet -- for two?' You'll get the buffetbecause that is what you really wanted all along.
4. Always comp as you go. Some casinos want you to waituntil the end of your stay before they decide which comps they will give you.This leaves them in the driver's seat and you begging at the end of your stay,which is not a pleasant feeling. If you comp as you go, you've got the compsyou want. If they say no, you can always wait until the end of your trip andask again.
5. Never play for comps. No sandwich, no gourmet meal, noanything, is worth the expected loss you must have for the casino to give it toyou. Just play your game and take the comps as they come.
Winnie Grand(advantage player/columnist)
1. Don't ask for compsuntil you have played a substantial amount. The complimentaries you receive arebased on tracked play and the amount of play required will vary from casino tocasino. If you have just arrived at the casino and ask for a comp with no playhistory, you will surely get a 'no' answer to your request.
2. Talk to a host about the required play for various 'goodies' attheir casino. This can be done either before or after playing as you are onlyasking for information. You might tell the host that you usually play x amountof dollars on your visits and ask them what you might expect from that play.Often you will get a wealth of information from this conversation and can thendecide if your level of play will get what you want at that particular casino.
3. Don't abuse the comp system. Many people take advantage of the casino byrunning up large bills at the gourmet restaurants. Their attitude is'anything goes' because they don't have to pay. The casinos are nothappy with the customers who do this and will remember you in a negative lightif this occurs. Enjoy the comps you are given but only use what you reallywant.
4. Complimentaries are just that- not a sure thing but a gift from the casino.Be grateful and show your appreciation to your host when you receive thesegifts. A personal note after a visit is always a good idea and will help youbuild a good relationship with the casino.
Jeff Compton(author/columnist)
1) Do not get overwhelmed by the concept that it is free -it is not free, you are paying with it with your play - and frequently it willcost you more than it would it you paid cash.
2) It is better to play at as few casinos as possible to getthe most out of a system. Many of the best benefits do not kick in until youplay at a certain level, so if possible, find your favorite casino and staythere.
3) No casino comp system can be completely understood andmastered quickly - it takes a continue effort of using your eyes and ears.
Anthony Curtis(author/publisher/columnist)
1. Ask.
2. Understand your favorite slot clubs and work through their systems.
3. Sign up for things when at the casino. This enhances chances of gettinglow-level comps through the mail.
4. Get rated when you play table games.
5. Read the advice of the real experts in CompCity, Frugal Gambler, and the upcoming MoreFrugal Gambling.
Bob Dancer (author/columnist)
1. Be ready to use whatever circumstances are appropriate atthe moment. For example, if you hit a big jackpot, ask for a comp. Casinos wantto keep winners in the casino so they can give the money back. On the otherhand, if you have a bigger-than-average loss, ask for a comp. Casinos want to'soothe the pain' of big losers so they'll come back. And since youdon't know which of these events will occur on your next trip (conceivablyboth), you have to be ready to ask either way.
2.Generallyspeaking, you get more asking a host than you do asking at the slot club booth.At many casinos, booth workers are $7 an hour brand-new employees who are givenlittle discretion in comping. Hosts are more experienced and are given moreleeway.
3.Before you ask fora comp, ask other players who the best host is to ask. At many casinos there isat least one host who acts like Santa Claus and will give you the moon, andanother one that acts like Ebenezer Scrooge and treats every comp issued asmaking his children starve. When you are asking for favors, you want the firsttype of host.
Skip Hughes (videopoker web site host/columnist)
variance, such as NSU Deuces or Double Bonus. This gives you a better chance of'staying in the game', and accumulating more playing time and'coin-in'.
2. Play where they have a high 'comp rate'. This is not always easyto determine and it does change, but there are sources on the Internet that canhelp.
3. Always try to develop a relationship with a host. This is not hard. It'swhat they do. Hosts are not just for high rollers. Turn on your change lightand when a floor person arrives, ask for a host. When the host arrives,introduce yourself, explain how much you usually play and ask how much play ittakes for a buffet, room comp etc. Most hosts will be forthcoming. Be sure toget his or her card and keep it. You can 'try out' different hosts ata casino, but once you have found one you like, try to stick with that one.Write
down the host's working hours on the back of the card so you'll know when tocall.
4.If you arestarting out, play at a number of different places to see if you can generate amailed offer. Such offers can often come from very little play and they alsomay be better than the comps you can get from a host. Mailed offers come fromthe Casino Marketing department, while the hosts usually work for a departmentcalled Player Development. It's good to have both sources to work with. Even ifyou receive a mailed offer, you can contact your host to book it. This helpsyou to develop a relationship with you host.
Many casinos as much better at sending mailed offers than others. Again, thiskind information changes and comparisons can be found on the Internet.
5.Always be nice, polite andappreciative of what is offered to you.
LV Pro (advantageplayer)
1. Make sure that you're using a player's card. If playingslots or video poker, make sure to insert the card into the machine at thestart of play. If a table game, present the card to the dealer who will pass itto the floorperson. The suit will start a rating card on you, noting amount ofbuy-in, average bet and time played.
2. Ask. Ask. Ask. Even if you don't think you qualify. You'll be surprised atthe comps you can get by asking. Recently I played blackjack at the TropicanaLV. I played for an hour, betting $10, $15, $20, $25, up to a few $100 bets.Just on a whim I asked for a comp to Follies Bergere, their big evening showwhich costs $55 or so per ticket. They checked their computer and asked howmany tickets I wanted. I was absolutely shocked that I was actually going toget the tickets. No way did I think I had enough play for 2 tickets valued at$110. Once again, and I can't stress this enough: Ask. The worst they can do issay 'no'.
3. Here's how to expand a meal comp. If at first they can offer you either twofor the buffet or one for the coffee shop [which you would prefer], take thecomp for 2 for the buffet. Find out what time the buffet closes. Show up withyour meal-mate after the buffet has closed and tell a pit boss you came allthis way, suffered traffic and parking only to find out the buffet is closed.Ask if there's any other restaurant open now. Of course you'll already know the24-hour coffee shop is the only open venue. The pit boss will usually changethe comp from buffet to coffee shop with no problem.
4. Read Max Rubin's 'CompCity'.
4.If you catch a run and you’re wagering more than youusually would, feel free to point this out to the floor supervisor who israting you.You want to make sure thatthey see and rate your higher play.
6. Be pleasant!Thebetter rapport you build with the dealer and the floor supervisor,
thebetter chance you have in stretching your rating to the limit. Tipping thedealer once in a while will get noticed by the floor supervisor (who was at onetime working for tips). That is the defining factor of a nice player, whichwill probably boost your rating.
7.
8. The bottom line with comps is the longer you play and thehigher your average bet, the more you get.Just make sure you always get rated for your play.
BarneyVinson (author)
1. In order to get a casino comp, you usually have to berated. Simply give your name to the supervisor when you come to the table.You'll be rated just like the high rollers are, and entitled to the samespecial treatment. (In addition, the casino will know who to bill when youthrow your chair through the plate glass window after losing your lifesavings.)
2. Join the casino's slot club. You'll get credit every time you play the
machines, and you'll be eligible for discounted room rates, free meals, andother casino goodies—plus you can use the card to scrape the ice off your car'swindshield. Many slot clubs set aside blocks of rooms for their players duringbusy times of the year, and if you're a slot club member you may be able to geta room when nobody else can. Even if you don't plan to play the machines, jointhe slot club anyway. Sometimes you get a free gift just for signing up. At thevery least, you're now on the casino's mailing list, which means you'll startgetting coin vouchers, meal discounts, and room deals throughout the year.
3.Concentrate your play in the casinowhere you're staying.
4.Introduce yourself to a host, and askhim what it takes to get a free room,
RFB (room, food, beverages), or free air fare. He'll tell you how much you haveto bet, and how many hours a day you have to play to get any of these.
If he tells you that you have to bet $50 a hand for four hours to get a freeroom, don't let that scare you off. You could bet $25 a hand for eight hours,and be entitled to the same thing.
5.Set up a credit line at the casinocage. Most people who make frequent
gambling trips do this. For one thing, your money is a lot safer in thecashier's cage than it is in your wallet, and you can withdraw it any time youwant. An ideal line of credit would be $5,000. You'll need either cash or apre-authorized check from your bank. Now you're in the casino computer!
'Yes, I would like to get breakfast in the coffee shop, please.' Thenadd nonchalantly, ' I'm in the computer.'
The supervisor checks, and sure enough you're good for five thousand. He knowshe's dealing with someone who has money and will probably gamble with it. Hecertainly doesn't want to offend this person by denying a simple request for afree meal.
6.When all else fails, just ask for acomp. Getting something for
nothing is what put Vegas on the map in the first place. The easiest comp toget is one to the buffet. It's usually the cheapest—for you and the casino. Abreakfast buffet may cost you $3.95, but it costs the casino about 60¢. It'salso easier to get a comp in a large casino, because smaller casinos work on alower profit margin.
Here's how one fellow did it. 'Can I get a comp?' he asked the pitboss.
'A comp to what?'
'Anything!'
One Final Tip
Thisbit of sound advice comes from Gamblingfor Dummies by Richard Harroch, Lou Krieger, and Arthur Reber. It’s the keyto getting the rewards you deserve when you play.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for a comp. As long as you arepolite and courteous, you can’t ask too often. When in doubt, ask. Always ask.Ask your pit boss. Ask the VIP desk. Ask your host. Ask now. Ask later. Askagain. Ask, ask, and ask”.
Formula #1
average betx#decisions per hourx hours played
Formula #2
trip/session handlexcasino’s advantage (theoretical holdpercentage)=player’s expected loss (or theoretical)
Formula #3
Player’s expectedlossxcasino’s percentage return *=comp dollars
* Theexpected return percentage