Did a search and did not see anything really on first couple pages. Was wondering if anyone has ever been comped? What did you get comped? Was it a room, food? Where were you playing? How much did you spend before getting comped? Did you recieve while at the casino or did you get a free room later by email or by letter? I was just trying to figure out where I should gamble at, or where I should sign up for player clubs in hopes of getting comped free stuff with spending little money. I have been to Vegas once and stayed at the Aladdin and room was upgraded at front desk for free. I don't really think this was a comp though. I don't want to hear about the $20.00 trick. There already is a place for that.
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posted: Feb. 17, 2007 @ 1:40a
ClaptonIsGod96
Member
posted: Feb. 17, 2007 @ 4:36a
Comps are too terribly difficult to obtain. I don't have a whole lot of experience in Vegas, but I've been to Atlantic City a few times. Usually, you will receive something in the mail about a month after your trip, unless you are a high roller or specifically ask for a comp.
First, you want to sign up for a players club card. I'd recommend going with Harrah's Total Rewards card, since you will earn comps at a bunch of hotels (Harrah's, Flamingo, Caesars, Paris, Bally's, hotels in Atlantic City, etc). If you typically stay at the same hotel all the time and they have their own card, obviously get that as well.
Many times, you will get some type of comp just for signing up for the card. It is nothing big, sometimes it is something dumb like a hat, other times you'll get a buy 1, get 1 coupon for the buffet (which is like a $20 value at some places). There are some publications available that list free gifts that are available when you sign up for the cards - try a Google search for that (I think it is the Las Vegas Advisor...?). Just know that even though you are signing up for Harrah's family Total Rewards card, different hotels might offer different gifts. Signing up for the card at the Flamingo might get you a free cardholder, while signing up at Paris might get you a mug or something. Also, many casinos will give you Cash Back when you play on the day you sign up for the card. When I signed up for my card in Atlantic City, the Showboat was offering 50% back on all slot machine losses (they mail you this offer after your visit).
Sometimes you can just ask for comps and get them. For instance, if you sit down at a blackjack table and buy in for like $200, after you are done you can just ask the host if you can get a comped meal. Same thing goes for when you leave the hotel after your stay. If you think you played a good chunk of change, then ask to talk to a casino host to see if you can get a reduced rate or free stay.
The old fashioned way is to accrue points on your card. Harrah's family gives you 1 point for every $5 you play on a slot machine and 1 point for every $10 you play on a video poker machine. I'm not sure how they break down the points for table play, but they give more points to machine players. You need to play like $2000 or something to go from Gold (base) up to Platinum and I think it is like $10,000 to go from Platinum to Diamond. Platinum and Diamond members obviously get the best offers and even get to cut in line at the buffet. In addition to points, you also earn things called reward credits. I'm not sure what they base their reward credits on. I played about $80 worth on tables and slots when I was in Atlantic City the first time and I ended up with 91 reward credits, so figure that one out. Reward credits are traded in towards meals and stuff, which start at around 400 credits for the smaller restaurants and around 1200 points at the buffets and nicer joints.
Most commonly, it seems, you will get an offer in the mail. My brother played about $250 (lost all of it) on slots and tables in Atlantic City and he got $50 in credit and an offer for a free weekday room. He played about $100 in Vegas and ended up coming out $500 ahead and he didn't get anything. My grandmother actually goes to Vegas a few times a year and gambles a decent amount (maybe a grand or less each trip...she's not a high roller by any means) and she almost always stays for free for at least 3 or 4 days of her trip. Many times she will have 3 free nights at Bally's and 3 free nights at Aladdin or something, so she just hotel swaps.
Buy these books: The American Casino Guide and/or Comp City
If you are a low-roller like me who sticks to the quarter slots and video poker machines, then the only comps you can likely expect are free drinks from the cocktail waitresses and maybe some food or buffet comps if you play long enough and spend enough. The comp returns on these games are very low.
It is pretty much the high rollers at the table games who get what most would consider traditional comps: free rooms, suite upgrades, show tickets, invitation to events, etc. I do not have $20 to let ride on each hand, let alone the higher stakes that are generally required to get you noticed.
However, we at FW have our own ways of getting "comps": the $20 trick, exploiting travel deals (like the recent Travelocity promo which yielded LV hotel rooms @ < $1 for two nights...search for the thread), using coupons from casino Fun Books, The American Casino Guide and Las Vegas Advisor's Pocketbook of Values book, the recent 1/2 price KA tickets, etc.
DO NOT gamble because you are chasing a comp. DO NOT spend more than you can afford or otherwise would gamble because you want a comp. GO gamble for entertainment and/or strategically to maximize your returns (e.g. learn how to play the game).
chark540
Addicted Member
posted: Feb. 19, 2007 @ 2:32p
Just be sure to use your players club card. In Vegas I am a $200 a trip gambler but I get comped rooms mailed to me and special deals as well as about $10 Cash Back on my cards by the time I leave.
QuakerPC
Member
posted: Feb. 19, 2007 @ 3:29p
isles1 said: DO NOT gamble because you are chasing a comp. DO NOT spend more than you can afford or otherwise would gamble because you want a comp. GO gamble for entertainment and/or strategically to maximize your returns (e.g. learn how to play the game).
Amen, going after comps these days is not easy and not worth going out of your way for.
For mainstream, ClaptonIsGod96 covered it all. I'm only a Platinum level at Harrah's and I get nice perks (cut in line at check-in, cut in line at buffets), but it's hard to reach being a "lower" roller, I play usually $25 hands blackjack and it seems random a lot when you get credited for points and when you don't. It's supposed to be based on average bet and time of play, but it depends on a lot of factors which we can't see when the pitboss types it all into the terminal.
brucelee3
Senior Member
posted: Feb. 20, 2007 @ 1:21p
During the past year, I've been visiting Vegas approximately once a month usually under a free or heavily discounted room offer from Harrah's, Sahara, Aladdin, or Palace Station. I echo Claptonisgod96's and QuakerPC's findings regarding how comps work in Vegas, although there are differences between the player's clubs from the above casinos.
In general, I've been playing $15 hands at the BJ tables. At the Sahara, I earn approximately $10/hr in comp-credits that I can use at their restaurants, shops, etc, but sparingly receive free room offers. Presently, I have over $300 in my club account that I've only use for food. At my level of play, they also give me $25 or $50 in table play every other week (if I was a local, this would be pretty nice bonus). On the other hand, I earn approximately $1/hr in comp-credits thru Harrah's Total Rewards for a grand total of $12 in rewards, but have been receiving monthly free room offers until recently. At the end of last year, I checked my win/loss record at Harrah's website - they have recorded my play and I am ahead by approx $1500. I think I have been uninvited by Harrah's, since I no longer receive their free room offers. Actually, I believe that my play was not high enough for them to continue offering free rooms (I've calculated that I've played over 2000 hands at Harrah's and since I am $1500 ahead at $15/hand, it seems that I am approx 100 hands ahead which represents about a 5% edge against the house - not great, but better than the house having the advantage over you). At the Aladdin, my table play doesn't seem to earn or accumulate any comp-credits - I am required to ask the pit boss for free food, etc, which so far, I have not been turned down. For Palace Station, I do earn comp-credits, but I have not yet figured out the earnings rate (from a cursory review, it seems to be approximately $2/hr for play at $15/hand). In addition, I do receive their quarterly mailings for discounted and free rooms (usually for their "courtyard" or motel-type rooms).
Another difference between these clubs is the expiration rule. Total Rewards will remove the earned comps if there are more than 6 months between recorded activities. The Sahara comps expire after 18 months of no activities. I do not know the rules for Palace Station.
At some casinos, there seems to be two different comping systems - 1) earning comp-credits thru the above player's club and 2) thru a host or pit boss who grants the freebie, separate from the earned credits on the player's card. At Palace Station, I was introduced to a host, who advised me to submit my bill to him at the end of my stay and he would take care of things depending on my level of play. Since I did not really play very much there, I only used my earned credits to pay for a meal and did not seek his help. However, if you do use a host, make sure they don't first deplete your earned credits before granting the freebie.
The reason I still have so much comp-credits in my Sahara account is that there is not much I want to spend that money on at the Sahara. I only use it to purchase brunch at their buffet and the occasional dinner in their cafe. Their dinner buffet is not very good. So this account generally grows a litle after each visit. In fact, the last few trips, I have been eating comped dinners at the Aladdin's Spice Market Buffet and the $4.95 steak special at Ellis Island (which can be free after winning a hand of BJ using the $5 match play coupon) and not using the comp-credits in my Sahara account.
Most casinos will only track your play for comps ("rate" you) if you play $15/hand or above. That is why I settled on the $15/hand standard playing rate. This lets me compare the different player's club comp systems. Plus, it is at a rate that I can comfortably afford to lose when the cards temporarily turn against me.
And I agree with isles1: Do not gamble to earn comps; Do not gamble more than you can afford to lose - gamble only at a comfortable rate; Gamble if you are entertained by games of chance and enjoy socializing with the dealers, pit bosses, and other players; Gamble after you have thoroughly understood the games and the theories behind the winning strategies (i.e. for BJ, learn basic strategy, and at least a simple card counting method).
I go to Vegas about 4-5 times a year and always get comped. The Total Rewards card is truly the best one out there, IMO. I get free rooms at Cesars, Harrah's, Flamingo, Balley's, Paris and Rio. Booking the free rooms are really easy and you can do it on their website. However, I do gamble at craps which looks good to the casino since money can be lost in seconds. I avg about $70 a bet and get comped rooms to everywhere and almost anytime plus a ton of free offers. Just picked up a free coach purse this past weekend at Cesars Palace. If you stay there, try for the Augustus Tower as the rooms are really nice there.
Tricks... As soon as you hand in your card, wait till the pit boss comes around and punches you in. He will punch in your bet. When you see him come by, bet big. That way, your avg bet in the system will look bigger than what you are actually doing. He comes around randomly but they are usually too lazy to keep an eye on you. Once he/she leaves, go back to your normal betting style.
Cash in a LOT of money. On the craps table, I usually cash in $1500-$2000. Then, as time goes on, I slowly slip a chip in my pocket here in there. It shows the system how much I cashed in and then when I leave the table, it shows a loss which they love. Just slide it in your pocket when they are not looking but they will know if its $100 and $500 or anything above as they keep track of those on the tables. So, I would recommend doing quarters ($25).
Another way to get comps is to charge everything to your room. Assuming you booked at the Harrah's property, just charge food and anything you can think of on your room and make sure its connected to your total rewards. They like seeing high charges to the room.
Lastly, if you go often, get an account with that casino. You submit your checking account info and all that stuff so that you can just take out "markers" with the casino. You MUST pay them back though. It's the same thing as them lending you money for free but you have to pay back. Taking out markers for thousands of dollars will get you lots of good comps. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to gamble that amount. Just take it out and show them that you are willing to gamble that amount.
If you don't have a diamond or seven stars card, look around the casino and find one (usually around slot machines). It is very useful and will give you front cuts in long taxi lines, cuts in front of busy restaurants, etc. They do not check the name.
Best of all, good luck and do not lose your house and home just to attain some comps.
I just wanted to say that I completely agree with gambling only money you can afford to lose. That should go without saying. I was just thinking if I am going to gamble I would like to gamble at places that are more likely to give free meals or rooms or whatever else they offer.
smashtv
Member
posted: Feb. 21, 2007 @ 1:30p
What a fun topic... I <3 vegas...
So yeah comps are fairly tricky, don't play for the comps, but always get a players card and use it whenever you play.
Ok so I lost a ton of money at the Venetian one time (like $4000) and they kept sending me offers for nearly a year for free 2-3 nights comped and $50-$150 match play offers (they've since stopped )....
If you're of moderate budget, I like the Sahara personally, fairly good comp rate at the table games, and credit can be applied toward meals or the room if you're staying there and it's not for free. To get money applied to your room, just stop by the rewards desk and tell them what room you're staying in, they'll take care of it.
Another thing that should be noted is that if you want comps that you've earned on the current trip to apply to your room, or any reduction in room rate or anything like that, you generally have to book through the hotel, no Orbitz/Travelocity/etc... sites.
Just a side story, I'm going to vegas from 3/2 - 3/11 and I'm only paying for the first two nights. I like hotel jumping myself and somehow the Stratosphere put me on some freaking ridiculous offer.... I've only been there once or twice, and was mad last time I went because I lost like $900 in about 2 hours then left never to return.... but the offer I just got.... OMG... I don't know who screwed up but I'm not complaining =)... from 3/5-3/8 I'll be staying here... comped.... Penthouse Suite with 2 free tickets to the superstar impersonator show 2 free tickets to Bite (topless vampire show) *grin* $125 in salon/spa credit.... massage here I come... and freaking $500 in dining credit!!!!!
Anyway, good luck and have fun is really the most important thing... I usually just play poker nowadays as blackjack and craps are not too friendly to the pocketbook... poker rooms generally accrue $1-$3/hour if you clock in and out, or at other places (like the Sahara) they'll just give you a $4 off a meal coupon after a couple hours.
QuakerPC
Member
posted: Feb. 21, 2007 @ 1:47p
LittleNicky said: If you don't have a diamond or seven stars card, look around the casino and find one (usually around slot machines). It is very useful and will give you front cuts in long taxi lines, cuts in front of busy restaurants, etc. They do not check the name.
Taxi lines yes, it helps, even platinum will get you a cut in the taxi line. Restaurants have always checked my ID, especially the Buffets.
Play in a casino's poker room (one that doesn't run strictly by how many hours you are there) and shoot the sheet with the dealers. Aladdin is good for this. Our group spent a lot of time there, and we ended up getting three $40 food comps for use at the hotel's restaurants/buffet.
smashtv said: Just a side story, I'm going to vegas from 3/2 - 3/11 and I'm only paying for the first two nights. I like hotel jumping myself and somehow the Stratosphere put me on some freaking ridiculous offer.... I've only been there once or twice, and was mad last time I went because I lost like $900 in about 2 hours then left never to return.... but the offer I just got.... OMG... I don't know who screwed up but I'm not complaining =)... from 3/5-3/8 I'll be staying here... comped.... Penthouse Suite with 2 free tickets to the superstar impersonator show 2 free tickets to Bite (topless vampire show) *grin* $125 in salon/spa credit.... massage here I come... and freaking $500 in dining credit!!!!! Sounds like they just gave you back your $900 Superstar show is okay (everyone gets that for free w/ a Funbook). Not sure what other restaurants they have, but Top of the World is subpar in terms of food. Gonna be hard to spend that $500 on food...better get the drinks flowing. Let me know what you think of Bite. Enjoy!
As for the OP, you may want to check out the forums at LVTalk.com
Most of the people that frequent that site are either locals or visit multiple times of the year. I find everyone there to be very helpful and friendly. But like we urge people to do here, be nice and search their boards before you post.
jimmyj126
Member
posted: Feb. 21, 2007 @ 11:25p
Here is what my host has repeatedly told me-because I always ask about my level of play. To receive comps at one of the nicer casinos. IE Mirage, Ceasars, Bellagio-but not Venetian or Wynn-here is what you would need for table games-specifically blackjack. A minimum of 4 hrs of rated play for each day of your stay. You can be asked to be rated for a minimum of $25.00 at the nicer casinos but that won't really accomplish much except maybe a buffet comp by the end of your stay. $50.00 a hand average X 4hrs per day =casino rate room $75.00=$100.00 a hand average X 4hrs per day = comped room limited food/beverage $125.00 and up per hand X 4hrs a day =Free room, food, beverage, show tickets upgraded room and use of limo to/from airport. Always ask to be rated. When you leave the table let the pit boss know so he can record your time at the table. Ask him what he has you at per average bet and length of time at the tables. If you feel the amounts are too low-now is your time to speak. The are usually willing to meet you somewhere in between what they have and what you feel it should be. If you don't say anything before you leave nothing will be done later to adjust those figures-so speak up if you feel they are not right. Make sure all your time gets recorded. Sometimes you last session doesnt' get recorded if you leave the table and talk to host before the pit can enter it into the system. The happens when we stay up the last night and gamble until check out-those 12 hrs haven't been credited until we leave the hotel sometimes. Remember,don't play just for comps-it will kill you and you would be better off paying for the amenities your trying to get for free.
holly90000
Senior Member
posted: Feb. 22, 2007 @ 10:29a
LittleNicky said: Tricks... As soon as you hand in your card, wait till the pit boss comes around and punches you in. He will punch in your bet. When you see him come by, bet big. That way, your avg bet in the system will look bigger than what you are actually doing. He comes around randomly but they are usually too lazy to keep an eye on you. Once he/she leaves, go back to your normal betting style.
Cash in a LOT of money. On the craps table, I usually cash in $1500-$2000. Then, as time goes on, I slowly slip a chip in my pocket here in there. It shows the system how much I cashed in and then when I leave the table, it shows a loss which they love. Just slide it in your pocket when they are not looking but they will know if its $100 and $500 or anything above as they keep track of those on the tables. So, I would recommend doing quarters ($25).
Another way to get comps is to charge everything to your room. Assuming you booked at the Harrah's property, just charge food and anything you can think of on your room and make sure its connected to your total rewards. They like seeing high charges to the room.
Lastly, if you go often, get an account with that casino. You submit your checking account info and all that stuff so that you can just take out "markers" with the casino. You MUST pay them back though. It's the same thing as them lending you money for free but you have to pay back. Taking out markers for thousands of dollars will get you lots of good comps. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to gamble that amount. Just take it out and show them that you are willing to gamble that amount.
If you don't have a diamond or seven stars card, look around the casino and find one (usually around slot machines). It is very useful and will give you front cuts in long taxi lines, cuts in front of busy restaurants, etc. They do not check the name.
Best of all, good luck and do not lose your house and home just to attain some comps.
This is some of the craziest advice for getting comps I have ever read. They track average bet and legnth of play at the tables. It does not matter how much you buy in.
Charging things to your room helps in that then they are able to comp some or all of that stuff IF YOUR PLAY WARRANTS it. Do not go crazy charging things you wouldn't otherwise buy/eat to the room cause you think they "like" that or think they will automatically comp it. They would much rather see lots of coin in than a bunch of dinners charged to your room.
They also do not comp you just because you took out a bunch of vouchers. If you're not putting in time at the tables or the slots they KNOW you aren't. The casinos aren't stupid.
LittleNicky is getting lots of good comps because he gambles $70/hand. Going in and taking out markers and charging stuff to your room is not going to get you comps. Playing slots and tables is going to get you comps.
Be careful picking up a lost Diamond or 7 Stars card. It may let you cut the taxi line, but when I cut lines at restaurants, etc, they almost always ask for my ID.
If you play at Harrahs properties sign up for the Total Rewards card. Harrahs likes to see a good "trip average" (coin in per trip). If you play at the Flamingo and Ballys in the same day, that counts as two trips. So if you put $1000 coin in at Flamingo, and $500 coin in at Ballys the same day, you have 2 trips with an average of $750. If you put that same $1500 thru at just one property you have a $1500 trip average.
Harrahs properties are pretty generous with free rooms. Even if you don't play a lot, you may still get offers for free rooms during off peak times.
While you're there you will accumulate points on your players card. These can be used to "comp yourself" meals or merchandise at the casino. Each point is worth $0.01. If you play a lot a host can comp things above and beyond what your points would pay for, but at Harrahs properties the hosts first take all your points, then cover the excess. You will also get offers in the mail for buffets or "bonus cash" good to redeem on your next visit.
This is some of the craziest advice for getting comps I have ever read. They track average bet and legnth of play at the tables. It does not matter how much you buy in.
If you read my bet clearly, you will notice that I BUY in for thousands and slip them into my pocket. It SHOWS the casino that I have lost more than I have actually lost. And, I never mentioned they DON'T track average bet. As you can see, I bet a little bigger when the pit boss cards you in. Then, go back to my normal pattern. Thus, I have a higher AVG bet during my rated time.
Charging things to your room helps in that then they are able to comp some or all of that stuff IF YOUR PLAY WARRANTS it. Do not go crazy charging things you wouldn't otherwise buy/eat to the room cause you think they "like" that or think they will automatically comp it. They would much rather see lots of coin in than a bunch of dinners charged to your room.
Casino likes charges to the room. I didn't say charge it so it will get comped. It shows that you use their restaurants/shops on their casino and they know you will spend money. What you normally would pay at the restaurants, just bill it to the room. It shows activity in your account. I guarantee you that the casinos likes someone who has a comped room that bills a lot of things to it than a person with a comped room with nothing billed to it. Try asking a host about this if you do not agree.
They also do not comp you just because you took out a bunch of vouchers. If you're not putting in time at the tables or the slots they KNOW you aren't. The casinos aren't stupid.
What are vouchers? If you didn't know the term, its a marker. Obviously, you get markers at the tables. And, like a normal person, you would gamble with that amount that you take out. You don't just get a marker and then walk away from the table. And, you don't get a marker and then just pay them back right after. You don't have to gamble the whole amount. You can gamble as you please. BUT, I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE YOU a person with an account with the casino will get MORE comps than a person with no account based on the same rate of play. Like I have said, if you do not know what you are talking about, please ask a host before making your statements.
LittleNicky is getting lots of good comps because he gambles $70/hand. Going in and taking out markers and charging stuff to your room is not going to get you comps. Playing slots and tables is going to get you comps.
Before making this statement, I would suggest you compare the two and see who gets more comps based on the same rate of play. If you need assurance by a host, please PM me and I will forward you my host information so you can call her.
The simplest way to get comped in a casino is to join the players' club at the casino AND to meet up with a casino host. The host will tell you the levels required for a certain level of comps. Casino hosts are generally very upfront with the requirements.
jlawrence01 said: The simplest way to get comped in a casino is to join the players' club at the casino AND to meet up with a casino host. The host will tell you the levels required for a certain level of comps. Casino hosts are generally very upfront with the requirements.
That's a good start to find out about comps, but just doing that won't get you anything.
Tyalking with a host will allow you to know precisely what you'll get for the amount of gambling that you'll be doing.
Beats posting on this forum where you'll get anecdotal information.
nel1215
Senior Member
posted: Feb. 23, 2007 @ 12:28p
What are vouchers? If you didn't know the term, its a marker. Obviously, you get markers at the tables. And, like a normal person, you would gamble with that amount that you take out. You don't just get a marker and then walk away from the table. And, you don't get a marker and then just pay them back right after. You don't have to gamble the whole amount. You can gamble as you please. BUT, I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE YOU a person with an account with the casino will get MORE comps than a person with no account based on the same rate of play. Like I have said, if you do not know what you are talking about, please ask a host before making your statements.
This is very true. I signed up for an account with Harrah's and used their markers and received a lot more offers in the mail than before. I did the same gambling. I didn't want to pay those rediculous ATM fees and have access to money on a whim. I would recommend signing up if you go more than a few times a year.
jlawrence01 said: Tyalking with a host will allow you to know precisely what you'll get for the amount of gambling that you'll be doing.
Beats posting on this forum where you'll get anecdotal information.
Wrong.
Although most casinos do have a set schedule of comps, there is still quite a bit of leeway in the system, most hosts do have some discretion. This is not unlike the $20 front desk tip, and if one reads that entire thread, one will note that there are many different outcomes, even at the same establishment.
One of the "tricks" to comps (just like the "trick" in room upgrades) is to ASK.
If you've just joined a slot club, and only clocked a few thou on your drop, odds are even if you ask you won't be comped full room, meals and drinks. However if you ask nicely a slot host might very well comp you a buffet breakfast, even if you don't have near the points required per the official schedule.
Here's a bit of anecdotal info: last time in L.V we were comped 2 buffet dinners at "Terrible's" even though we had just signed up, had less than 60 minutes worth of slow $1.25 video poker credits. We just asked a host and he gave us the voucher.
The best trick for getting comps is to WIN and WIN BIG. Play on their money and walk away with a bunch. 6 hours and $600 profit at Sahara's resulted in free weekend suite offer. Next offer was free weekend deluxe room and next offer was weekday room. I stayed again and asked the host if he could do anything for me and he said no.
I never really played much after the first night when I was a guest at the Stratosphere.
Whale--> Shark--> Minnow --> Worm
gcgold
New Member
posted: Mar. 4, 2007 @ 12:36p
"The best trick for getting comps is to WIN and WIN BIG. Play on their money and walk away with a bunch. 6 hours and $600 profit at Sahara's resulted in free weekend suite offer."
The key to comps is your third sentence. 6 hours.....Time played and average bet NOT profit or loss determine your level of comps.
"Next offer was free weekend deluxe room and next offer was weekday room. I stayed again and asked the host if he could do anything for me and he said no."
Probably because you didn't play long enough and at a high enough level.
sandimarke
New Member
posted: Apr. 9, 2007 @ 12:58p
I've been going to Vegas about two to three times a year for the past ten years. I can attest that, about a month after you return home, you will start receiving offers for free stays and two for one meals and shows. I agree that the best offers are through the Rewards offered by the Harrah's chain, which includes Flaimingo, Bally's, Paris, Harrah's, Rio and I beleive a few others.
I only play table games (black jack and craps) and as it was explained to me by a pit manager, it is not just the amount of chips you buy in for, but how how large each bet is, and how long you play that determines your comps and/or rewards. I don't know what other's do, but this is what I do:
Put $200.00 down as a chip buy-in at blackjack. Bet $10.00 - 15.00 each bet. This usually lasts me a number of hours. Whenever I'm done gambling, I ask the pit manager for comped meal. They will usually accomodate me, although a few have told me that my game play will not reflect on my player's card until the following day, and that I should wait until then to request my comp.
About a month after I'm home, Harrah's begins sending me offers to stay two nights free. The nice thing is, that I usually travel with a friend that also gambles. They also send her the same offer. Each time we go back to Vegas we combine our offers into one. This way we get 4 nights free and, if we choose to purchase additional nights, Harrah's will give them for a discounted rate.
Because Harrah's continues to treat me well, I will continue to stay with them, gamble at only their locations, let everyone know how great they are!
The only other hotel that has sent me comparable offers is GoldenNuggett, but they're not on the strip and, even though they are a beautiful hotel that has been around a long time, they are surrounded by deteriorating relics that smell terrible and attract an undesireable crowd.
kouichi
Member
posted: May. 26, 2007 @ 11:17a
what exactly is a casino host? The front desk person? Someone you call on the phone? The player's card counter person? Which one is it?
kouichi said: what exactly is a casino host? The front desk person? Someone you call on the phone? The player's card counter person? Which one is it?
A casino host meets and greets guests and is there to identify customers who have a potential to be profitable to the casino The host's goal is to encourage people to do their gambling in their casino. This is generally done by delivering perks to key customers based on the amount of gambling the individual does in that casino.
Winning or losing is irrelevant to the casino host. What is important is that the total gross amount of the wagers that is made by the gambler over the course of a stay. Someone pumping quarters for eight hours into a slot machine is more valuable than the guy who make 1 bet of $100.
If you are going to gamble in Las Vegas or other venues, it is important to get the casino player's card and to get rated so that you can take advantage of your play.
If you are heading to Las Vegas and wish to find out what comps are available, call the hotel directly and ask to speak to a casino host.
kouichi
Member
posted: May. 26, 2007 @ 5:05p
where can I find the casino host in person at the casino? I have a platinum card and I've never talked to a "casino host" or asked for any comps before.
daveland
Senior Member
posted: May. 27, 2007 @ 12:00a
kouichi said: where can I find the casino host in person at the casino? I have a platinum card and I've never talked to a "casino host" or asked for any comps before.
Which casino do you have a Platinum card from? You can generally get a host by asking the pit boss at the tables you are playing.
BTW - I have been told time and time again that it does not matter what you buy in for and it does not matter what you win or lose. Those are tracked to figure your total win/loss but comps are avg. bet X time. That's about it. And believe me, I've dropped serious coin and gotten just about no comps when I've lost it in a big hurry. I've also broken even over hours and hours of table play and gotten nice comps. It's definitely time X avg bet.
And to agree with others - never chase comps. You'll lose more than you ever planned to and find a host telling you they can give you one buffet (or not even that) if you lose your money too fast or simply don't log enough time playing.
Also - rule of thumb at many nicer strip casinos is 4 hrs a day X $25 minimum bet to be considered for room comps. (I do not mean players rates, I mean comped rooms). And some casinos won't even take your card if your bet is under $25 (Mandalay Bay, Caesar's, Bellagio, Venetian). Wynn won't "rate" you (as it's called) for less than a $50 avg bet.
Casino Royale is a dump. It is by far one of the dirtiest casinos on the strip. Their comp system sucks, but as a craps player their odds are unbeatable anywhere on the strip. The backs of most of their tables are worn down, so dice don't deflect randomly like at other casinos (pyramids on the sidewalls). The mini craps table with a half dozen seats around it is where some serious craps players play, and if you just follow their lead on bets you stand a chance at making good money. Be respectful and pass the dice at that table if you don't know what you are doing. If you know what you are doing it is the one place you can really go to play hard at craps. I would rather win money than comps in Vegas.
kouichi
Member
posted: May. 28, 2007 @ 4:34a
I have a platinum at Harrahs' properties. So next time I just have to ask a bit boss for a casino host to get comps after I play? Or can I just ask the pit boss him/her-self? Any advice is appreciated as I have never asked for comps before.
fasth
Member
posted: May. 28, 2007 @ 7:39a
Get your card out and go to this site Harrahs Total Rewards Use your card number and get a pin code to get into the system. You will see a section called My Offers. Check in there and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised. You can also call any Harrah's property or check with the Total Rewards desk at the casino you play at. *not sure why I can't get link to work but if you go to total rewards or harrahsdot com you can find it.*
kouichi
Member
posted: May. 28, 2007 @ 2:31p
Thank you but I was thinking about meal/buffet comps.
fasth
Member
posted: May. 28, 2007 @ 2:41p
If you don't want to look at the harrahs site just ask at the Total Rewards booth at the casino you play at.
sandimarke
New Member
posted: May. 29, 2007 @ 10:16a
You are correct either way. When you sit down hand your card to the pit boss or dealer before you even begin gambling. When you leave, that is the time to ask the pit boss to comp you. THe longer you stay, the better your comps. If you dont get a comp from the pit boss you can ask to speak with a host, who can make offers to you without relying completely on your posted stats.
Most casinos do not updated their computers with player stats until the end of the day, so your information may not be posted until the following day. Thus, it's worth speaking with a host.
The other bonus is the offers for free rooms that Harrahs and their affiliates send you in the mail after you've played with them. Because of these offers and their accessible hosts, I am very loyal to them.
sandimarke said: The other bonus is the offers for free rooms that Harrahs and their affiliates send you in the mail after you've played with them. Because of these offers and their accessible hosts, I am very loyal to them.
And for Harrah's, it is critical to use your card when you visit ANY of theie properties. Often, your play on the casino boats in IL, IN, LA, MS, etc. will earn you a free room in NV.
CptSavAHo said: Just to put it out there as a Vegas craps player-
Casino Royale is a dump. It is by far one of the dirtiest casinos on the strip. Their comp system sucks, but as a craps player their odds are unbeatable anywhere on the strip. The backs of most of their tables are worn down, so dice don't deflect randomly like at other casinos (pyramids on the sidewalls). The mini craps table with a half dozen seats around it is where some serious craps players play, and if you just follow their lead on bets you stand a chance at making good money. Be respectful and pass the dice at that table if you don't know what you are doing. If you know what you are doing it is the one place you can really go to play hard at craps. I would rather win money than comps in Vegas.
Totally agree. This place is dirty and so is the restaurants but I come back because of the 100x odds they offer. If you get that hot roller, you can really rake in the dough. But, with low minimums come crappy players who jinx the table who screws things up. The best is the sit down craps. Try to get a bunch of your friends (who know craps) and you will have a great time. Watch out for all those superstitions (dice bounces of table, dealer change, dice hitting chips on table, etc), they seem to always be right. After you gamble here, make sure you grab their free wet wipes at the cashiers cage and clean your hands.
Anyone notice that Harrah's changed their offers around? I had a ton of offers for free 4 night stays throughout the summer and then I checked recently, and they reduced it to free 2 night stays? I've checked with a few other people and they saw the same thing. Anyone run into this with Harrah's? Are they reducing their rewards all of a sudden?
I find a bit embarrassing asking the pit boss for the comp and he denies you. Especially in front of other players.
sandimarke said: You are correct either way. When you sit down hand your card to the pit boss or dealer before you even begin gambling. When you leave, that is the time to ask the pit boss to comp you. THe longer you stay, the better your comps. If you dont get a comp from the pit boss you can ask to speak with a host, who can make offers to you without relying completely on your posted stats.
Most casinos do not updated their computers with player stats until the end of the day, so your information may not be posted until the following day. Thus, it's worth speaking with a host.
The other bonus is the offers for free rooms that Harrahs and their affiliates send you in the mail after you've played with them. Because of these offers and their accessible hosts, I am very loyal to them.
kouichi
Member
posted: May. 30, 2007 @ 9:27p
optical said: I find a bit embarrassing asking the pit boss for the comp and he denies you. Especially in front of other players.
very true, especially on the low roller blackjack tables. I've never seen anyone asked a pit boss for a comp and I usually play at $15 tables.
beauright
New Member
posted: May. 31, 2007 @ 6:43a
My wife and I are both Diamond club members with Harrah's, we go to casinos free all the time and will be at Caesars next week for free....Free in this sense is PRE-PAID by gambling!!! Don't gamble for comps, take comps if you gamble!
little info on comps that I've learned in my trips.....keep in mind, I'm the type that does TOO much research on stuff that I'm going to take part in--especially comps
**this info comes primarily from pit bosses, hosts, and other big gamblers...also internet and comp books
-most of your 'rating' is based upon avg. bet and hours played
-the 2nd most important factor is what game you are playing!!! these days the comps are done by computer based upon the casino's expected amount they would earn on your play ie- the casino has a 33% (think thats right, give or take a few) edge in roulette, so a roulette player that avg's $15 bet per spin will get a higher rating than a player that bets $15 per hand at blackjack where a perfect player can make the house edge only around 1% -- same thing goes for the odds bet at craps, you DON'T get rated much on that bet regardless of how much it is
-Buying in for larger amounts can increase your rating because they do input the amount you bring to the table to gamble and attempt to find out how much you left with....I ALWAYS BUYIN BIGGER THAN I'M PLANNING TO GAMBLE!!!
-Gambling in Vegas will get you LESS comps than gambling in other areas...My wife and I usually go to Tunica, Mississippi where we are treated very well. Before Harrahs took over the Grand there, we even got all of our spa treatments for free... The first time we went to Vegas, we went to the VIP desk to get a couple players cards and the clerk said "you wouldn't have gotten that rating for your play in Vegas!" BUT we are still diamond club and enjoy the perks everywhere.
**TIPS FOR SQUEEZING OUT A BETTER RATING!!***
-once again buyin for larger amounts and pocket some after sitting for a while
-busy games are slower, but they also mean you will play less hands/rolls/spins and will have the chance to lose less, BUT the rating system doesn't keep up with how many hands are being played per hour....so less bets/hour but you get same rating on avg. bet and number of hours
-if you need to go to the bathroom, grab a bite to eat, run to the room, etc...Leave your money on the table and ask the dealer to hold your spot for you with the money! I know this may sound risky to some, but if you don't trust the casino to protect the money then just reserve your spot and say you are coming right back. The reason is you usually don't get taken out of the system during your time away from the table.
-at blackjack, the multi-deck tables where the dealer shuffles the cards (not a machine) will play less hands per hour than other tables.
-the carnival games (let-it-ride, 3 card, hold'em poker) all rate very well and play relatively slow
-slots rate better than almost everything else because it is fast, no dealers are required, and they have a specific house edge that accrues a large percentage of all casino revenues!
-THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT HAS HELPED MY WIFE AND I GET A DECENT RATING----BEING FRIENDLY WITH THE PIT BOSSES!!!! My wife plays relatively small bets, but she likes to sit in corner seats and she is a talkative person...therefore, she always seems to know ALL the dealers and pit bosses within a few hours!!! (sshh..don't tell anyone, but in Tunica--one pit boss would keep us in the system for twice our avg bet and after we had left just to be nice!-dont ask for a 'hook-up' just be friendly and hope for the best)
Finally, I want to reiterate the fact that you SHOULD NOT GAMBLE FOR COMPS, but should simply take comps if you are going to be gambling!
hockeystl said: largeeyes said: I will be staying at the Bellagio May 25-28. Seems like I'd have to gamble more than I'm comfortable with there and Harrahs may be a better bet. What is the opinion of most on where your comps get the most bang?
Neither Harrahs nor Bellagio has any games a knowledgeable player would spend time on. If you insist on playing on the Strip there's some $1 9/6 Jacks or Better at Venetian which returns 99.54% with perfect strategy (pickup Frugal Video Poker to learn perfect strategy)
I second that.
Most Jacks or Better games on the strip are 8/5 or worse. I believe at Harrah's, they have $0.25 8/5 JB.
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