I go to Vagas a couple of times a year and would like to find a casio host. I obviously have not been spending enough time and/or money in one casino, my wife and I like to go from hotel to hotel. Do you just call the hotel that you want to go to and ask for a host? I thought of establishing a line of credit at a hotel where we want to stay(Monte Carlo), would that work?

Hi vendsit, this is what I would do:

1. Search for a promotion at your preferred hotel (eg Monte Carlo).
2. Join MGM Mirage Players Club
3. Have fun, but don’t play for the comp!
4. Charge all your expenses to your room.
5. Before you check out, ask a host what he/she can do for you.

You should probably concentrate your play at one (or two) properties. Of course, the biggest factor is how much you play. If you are a slot player, you will need to figure how your coin-in relates to a given properties comp system. For table players, your average bet should probably be above $75 before a host on the strip would be very interested in your business (and this is being kind, as in many cases you need to be a black chip player ++, as with everything in The Vegas... YMMV...)

Of course, you can always just call and speak with a host (you should probably ask to be connected to either a table game or slot host depending on what/how you play), just NOT sure what you are looking for. A credit line can help, BUT... if you don't show the play, it will NOT get you anything. Personally, I think you look better as a CASH player, unless your credit line is above $15K.

edited to add : when I talk average table game bet, I am referring to the bet in the context of approx. 4 hours of play per day. (i.e. $100 (black) average for 4 hours a day, or the equivalent $200 average for 2 hours....)

I normally play craps and have between 50 and 150 on the table. Additionally, I was thinking of opening a 10 to 20K line of credit.

I normally play craps and have between 50 and 150 on the table. Additionally, I was thinking of opening a 10 to 20K line of credit.

You should have little difficulty getting a host / comps.

1. Get a player card and show it every time. You need not stand in line at the players club booth at the ... end of the casino. Just hand your drivers license in with your buy-in money and tell the boxman you want a player card. Someone will get one for you.

2. Charge everything to your room and always tip in cash.

3. Call the host on duty (dial 0) before you check out and ask for a rating.

4. Remember some clubs do not rate free odds bets. Always take odds (they -are- free), make place bets also.

5. Some clubs have host desks or offices, walk up and introduce yourself.

6. If you have done (1) your mailbox will be overflowing with offers.

I would call ahead of time and set up the credit line. Ask if they can bring you in on a comp. They will likely connect you with a host at that time. If not, just pick up the house phone and ask for one when you're done with your play.

By the way, Monte Carlo is still on the Mandalay OneCard I believe, not the MGM card.

QL

By the way, Monte Carlo is still on the Mandalay OneCard I believe, not the MGM card.

QL

Yes, they are. Part of The One Club family of casinos, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, Circus Circus, etc.

I would call ahead of time and set up the credit line. Ask if they can bring you in on a comp. They will likely connect you with a host at that time. If not, just pick up the house phone and ask for one when you're done with your play.

By the way, Monte Carlo is still on the Mandalay OneCard I believe, not the MGM card.

QL
I do have an MGM card and have used it several times in the past. According to the Monte Carlo website, it says they are an MGM property along with the Bellagio, NYNY, TI and others.
As for the line of credit, I called the hotel three days ago and requested that they fax one to me, I haven't heard from them yet. I actually just wanted to take a bank check with me and set up a line there instead of filling out the form and giving them all of my personal information. Would that be a better idea?

I do have an MGM card and have used it several times in the past. According to the Monte Carlo website, it says they are an MGM property along with the Bellagio, NYNY, TI and others.
As for the line of credit, I called the hotel three days ago and requested that they fax one to me, I haven't heard from them yet. I actually just wanted to take a bank check with me and set up a line there instead of filling out the form and giving them all of my personal information. Would that be a better idea?

The term for this is "front money." If I were you I would do this at a better class of hotel than Monte Carlo, for example MGM, The Venetian or Wynn Las Vegas. Whatever floats your boat. Send them the bank check a few days in advance in care of the "casino cage," or call the hotel, ask for the casino cage, get them to tell you or fax you their wire transfer information, and wire them the money. Depositing a substantial amount of front money will definitely get their attention comp-wise. When you arrive, check with the cashier's cage to see that your front money is on deposit, then walk up to the table and ask for $1000 or $2000 or whatever, just like the people with credit lines who take out markers. It works exactly the same (someone will hand you a marker to sign) except you don't have to pay back the marker.

The term for this is "front money." If I were you I would do this at a better class of hotel than Monte Carlo, for example MGM, The Venetian or Wynn Las Vegas. Whatever floats your boat. Send them the bank check a few days in advance in care of the "casino cage," or call the hotel, ask for the casino cage, get them to tell you or fax you their wire transfer information, and wire them the money. Depositing a substantial amount of front money will definitely get their attention comp-wise. When you arrive, check with the cashier's cage to see that your front money is on deposit, then walk up to the table and ask for $1000 or $2000 or whatever, just like the people with credit lines who take out markers. It works exactly the same (someone will hand you a marker to sign) except you don't have to pay back the marker.

Would depositing this "front money" of 10 to 20K equate to comped room and/or meals, and would they tell me before I got there? I didn't want to stay at these hotels and pay 300 to 500 a night when I can stay at the Monte Carlo for 79.

Would depositing this "front money" of 10 to 20K equate to comped room and/or meals, and would they tell me before I got there? I didn't want to stay at these hotels and pay 300 to 500 a night when I can stay at the Monte Carlo for 79.

10K to 20K front money will get you room, food, and beverage (RFB) at any casino in town at any time. If your experience is otherwise, come tell us. Or, deposit your front money and call a host at your desired hotel. If you don't like the answer you get, gamble elsewhere.

10K to 20K front money will get you room, food, and beverage (RFB) at any casino in town at any time. If your experience is otherwise, come tell us. Or, deposit your front money and call a host at your desired hotel. If you don't like the answer you get, gamble elsewhere.

YES, but they will probably require that you meet whatever play requirment the property has. (i.e. you'll get RFB as long as you play an average of 4 hours per day at $150/hand....)

I have heard of instances where people were charged full price, because they didn't put in the playing time... now, I assume this is NOT the case, so the OP should be fine.

FWIW, there are often similar requirements for some tourney's... like the 150,000 Baccarat Tourney at the LV Hilton next week. You need to have 10K in front or credit line open, BUT... if you do NOT put in $400/average bet play for 6 hours (or a $8,000 loss) you do NOT qualify to be in the Tourney.

I do have an MGM card and have used it several times in the past. According to the Monte Carlo website, it says they are an MGM property along with the Bellagio, NYNY, TI and others.

Nope.

http://www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/one_club.aspx

QL

I would call ahead of time and set up the credit line. Ask if they can bring you in on a comp. They will likely connect you with a host at that time. If not, just pick up the house phone and ask for one when you're done with your play.

By the way, Monte Carlo is still on the Mandalay OneCard I believe, not the MGM card.

QL

Great advice! In fact QL recommended this to me before, and I rate this as one of the most important tips I have gotten here at FT. I just called ahead, and did not ask for a credit line, just said I was coming there. When I ran into a check-in problem the casino host took care of it for me immediately. I didn't even high-roll while I was there, but I did tip the host for his help.

After QL's tip, and reading Burning the Tables in Las Vegas, getting to know casino staff is now a regular part of my gambling regime, even though not a high roller. Remember to tip them, thank them, and be courteous. These hosts also know what's the latest and greatest in LV. They are a great source of information on cool places to go that aren't typically well advertised.

M8

Great advice! In fact QL recommended this to me before, and I rate this as one of the most important tips I have gotten here at FT. I just called ahead, and did not ask for a credit line, just said I was coming there. When I ran into a check-in problem the casino host took care of it for me immediately. I didn't even high-roll while I was there, but I did tip the host for his help.

After QL's tip, and reading Burning the Tables in Las Vegas, getting to know casino staff is now a regular part of my gambling regime, even though not a high roller. Remember to tip them, thank them, and be courteous. These hosts also know what's the latest and greatest in LV. They are a great source of information on cool places to go that aren't typically well advertised.

This is good advise, but the OP (per post #10) seems to be looking for Comp'ed rooms and possibly RFB treatment -- or at least a commitment to some of these things... that being said, I think you should always be nice and of course, always tip (especially when in Vegas) --- though, helping with a reservation and handing out comp'ed rooms for the weekend are different circumstances IMHO. I've seldom met a host that wasn't helpful, though, I have met a few who were unwilling to comp me what I desired. :D :D

This is good advise, but the OP (per post #10) seems to be looking for Comp'ed rooms and possibly RFB treatment -- or at least a commitment to some of these things... that being said, I think you should always be nice and of course, always tip (especially when in Vegas) --- though, helping with a reservation and handing out comp'ed rooms for the weekend are different circumstances IMHO. I've seldom met a host that wasn't helpful, though, I have met a few who were unwilling to comp me what I desired. :D :D


Hi,

I’m no way a big gambler, and as I live in the UK I only head out to Vegas twice a year (just to get drunk and party). However, last time we stayed at the Aladdin Hotel and I signed up with a card. I spent at least 3 hours each day over 3 days starting off with $100 each day (although I lost and also won). On the last night I went and asked the host what she could do for me and she gave me a $60 credit for a meal in the restaurant.

As me and my mate will be in LA at the end of the month, we want to go for one night and hit the roulette table. If I ring the and ask for the Host there, do you think they would give me a room at a reduced rate? We just want a simple cheap room.

Shall I even bother? How does this game work?

Cheers

Hi,

I’m no way a big gambler, and as I live in the UK I only head out to Vegas twice a year (just to get drunk and party). However, last time we stayed at the Aladdin Hotel and I signed up with a card. I spent at least 3 hours each day over 3 days starting off with $100 each day (although I lost and also won). On the last night I went and asked the host what she could do for me and she gave me a $60 credit for a meal in the restaurant.

As me and my mate will be in LA at the end of the month, we want to go for one night and hit the roulette table. If I ring the and ask for the Host there, do you think they would give me a room at a reduced rate? We just want a simple cheap room.

Shall I even bother? How does this game work?

Cheers

Your best bet is to call the number on the back of the "player card" you got at the Aladdin. There is a thread over on the Starwood forum that have discounts codes you can use when calling. Have fun then contact the host when you checkout just like you did before. I don't believe a host is going to be able to do anything for $100/day bankroll.

Make sure you don't prepay for the room or they will not be able to comp it. Use your card when you gamble. Before you check out, pick up the house phone and ask for a host and they will do what they can.

QL