finding a casino host
Apr 23, 2009, 9:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: AA Plat- 2MM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold\
Posts: 188
finding a casino host
assuming you are new to the casino, how do you find a host? can you just send an email to someone? work out potential offers before you arrive?
Apr 23, 2009, 9:32 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Orchard Field
Posts: 1,421
You can call the main switchboard and ask to be connected to a casino host.
Generally I've found it difficult to transfer privileges between hotels that aren't in the same chain. I usually get something along the lines of "We'll give you the casino rate for your hotel nights, and retroactively comp you after we've seen how much you play." Which I don't like.
Generally I've found it difficult to transfer privileges between hotels that aren't in the same chain. I usually get something along the lines of "We'll give you the casino rate for your hotel nights, and retroactively comp you after we've seen how much you play." Which I don't like.
Apr 24, 2009, 12:13 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: LAS ORD
Programs: AA Pro (mostly B6) OZ♦ (flying BR/UA), BA Silver Hyatt LT, Wynn Black, Cosmo Plat, Mlife Noir
Posts: 5,992
You should definitely call a host ahead of your visit to establish that you're a serious player (they can call other casinos you have a line at to verify) and get your casino rate or even discretionaries out of the way. But that doesn't mean that you have to stick with that host. There are a lot of other factors (schedule availability, fit, etc.) that will determine that.
Apr 28, 2009, 10:27 am
#5
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: WN A-list Preferred and CP, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, RIP Kimpton
Posts: 853
You should definitely call a host ahead of your visit to establish that you're a serious player (they can call other casinos you have a line at to verify) and get your casino rate or even discretionaries out of the way. But that doesn't mean that you have to stick with that host. There are a lot of other factors (schedule availability, fit, etc.) that will determine that.
May 2, 2009, 4:21 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 165
A guide to acquiring a slot host & getting comps
Casino hosts are either table or slot hosts.
To get a slot host:
a) make sure you are signed up with the casino's loyalty/tracking card
b) play for 4-5 hours at the highest denomination machine you feel comfortable at, maxiumum coin in (you used to have to play at least a dollar machine to attract a host's interest, but with the multi-line machines this could even be a 10 cent machine playing $5 a bet, eg)
c) then go to the loyalty program desk and ask to see a host
d) introduce yourself, say you are looking to build a relationship with that casino and acquire a host. Then say that "I'm wondering that if I play at this level 6-8 hours a day," (the normal criterion for comping unless you are playing $10 or higher slots), "what would you be able to do for me ?"
e) the host will probably check your card to see your play, and then give you his business card and say something like "Well, come and see me when you are ready to check out. If you keep playing at this level we may be able to look after X." He also may be less specific so as not to give you false expectations.
(X could be a reduced rate for your room, or your entire room comped, or room and some/all meals at medium/high end restaurants in the casino.) He will or should also remind you to sign all your restaurant charges onto your room bill. (The casinos won't reimburse you, even if you have receipts, if you have paid with cash or your credit card.)
He typically may also say, "Well, for now, can I buy you lunch ?" (at the buffet, or he may ask where you'd like to go). In this case, he will give you a voucher. This covers lunch for two. By all means enjoy your lunch - if at a sit-down restaurant, feel free to have a round or two of drinks, or a bottle of modestly priced wine (like in the $25-30 range) and starters, main course and dessert. Don't abuse the hospitality of the casino (unless you are playing at correspondingly high levels) by ordering a bottle of champagne, foie gras, liqueurs and so forth - you might or might not be refused, but hosts are quick to pick up on one-time charlies trying to over-extend what is an incentive based on your play, not on unlimited resources fronted by a fairy godmother casino ! Remember too that it is only fair to the service personnel to tip on the value of what you have received - be that tip in cash or added to the bill when you sign it and charge it to your room at the end of the meal. ALSO REMEMBER - tips are never comped - so if you use the latter method you certainly will have to pay for them when you check out.
f) see that host a good hour or two before you wish to leave the casino. If he isn't available, a colleague can do the same for you. At that time, the host will review your play and let you know what part of your bill he can pick up. He may also say something along the lines of "We look forward to having you back, and if you continue to play at this level we can look after such and such." Or "If you play just a few more hours/one level higher each day, you know you would probably qualify as an RFB player." (Room food and beverage comped). Or, "I'm sorry, there's really not much I can do this time beyond picking up your buffet meals." (which leaves you free to ask what expectations are to be comped on a future visit.)
g) you will probably find that you start getting mail from the casino (often these days personalized as from "your" host) containing a variety of special offers for slot tournaments, prize fights and similar events. These may be fully comped or partially, depending on the casino's estimate of your worth as a customer. Offers from the sales department will typically "up" your comps one level. For instance, I am an RFB player, but when my special offers for an event typically try to entice me with a suite and/or show tickets, a special reception, etc....
For slots, the standard formula of the value casinos are willing to give you in comps is based on your EL - expected loss. Varying slightly according to casino, the player's track record at that casino and the economic conditions of the moment - the recession works in your favourm the formula is 40% of your EL returned in the form of comps: Average bet X bets per hour X hours played X house edge on that game.)
For a $10 slot player this works out as follows: Jean plays $10 a pull X 300 bets/hour X 6 hours played a day X 3 days X 4% house edge on those slots. A little quick math reveals that Jean is putting $18,000 through the machine each day, $54,000 during her stay, and that the house expects to win $2160 from her. (Her actual results don't matter - the law of averages and huge number of players makes the formula "true" as far as the casino is concerned regardless of whether she wins big or loses every penny of her bankroll.)
40% of $2160 is $864, a rough value of what the casino is willing to comp you (this does not include the free drinks served all players). It values the room at the casino rate (significantly reduced from its listed room rates) and the meals and so forth at the cost of the checks you have signed.
Once you have established a track record with the host, and presuming your play is sufficient, he will tell you that your play entitles you to RFB or RLB (room, all or some restaurant charges and beverage) - and you will not need to see a host on check-out. You may be told to register on arrival at the "house guest" desk or even in the VIP room. Your status will remain, or increase (to suites, to more elaborate meals, airport limos and so forth) as long as your play remains steady. Casinos usually look at your average play for your last three visits to mitigate the effect of one disastrous trip where you might lose your bankroll on day 1 and so show little action. They are good at knowing who is a steady player and who is trying to milk the system !
g) next time you are planning a Vegas trip, phone or email that host and make your hotel reservations through him, along with any restaurant reservations you wish. This will allow you to build a relationship with a host and let him see you as a player committed to his casino. It also typically means good seats at premium restaurants, including ones "sold out" to the casual inquirer, or otherwise only available at 5 pm or 10 pm.
While building your track record with the host/casino, DO NOT ABUSE YOUR COMPS. Example: I know I am a solid high end middle-level slot player. I feel free to order $100 bottles of wine, eat at gourmet restaurants, enjoy breakfast in bed or some room service cocktails before dinner, order a limo to take me to the mall. But I do NOT order bottles of Cristal or Dom Perignon, do NOT invite five friends for dinner and expect the casino to pick up the tab, do NOT ask for my first-class air fare to be covered. Get the picture ? Always feel free to say to your host, "Is my comping appropriate for my level of play ?" or words to that effect. He will be honest with you ! enjoy the little perks of "casino guest" line at the buffet, so avoiding a long wait; or the fruit and cheese gift that may be delivered to your room - but remember, they are not "free" in the sense that you and your fellow gamblers are paying for them. And if you personally aren't on one trip, you surely will on the next.
h) If your host is helpful, sends treats to your room, secures a last-minute reservation, slightly over-comps you on a stay - be sure to write him a thank you note. A handwritten note mailed from home means more than an email -the former are so rare ! The next time you come, by all means bring a gift that is original (after all, hosts have access to all the high liviing they could want), perhaps reflective of your home town or country and of ONLY REASONABLE VALUE so that there is NO QUESTION of its being a "bribe" to get more comps. Appropriate gifts I have given include a package of Canadian smoked salmon in a cedar box - available at our airports -or a tin or two of maple syrup, ditto - or a new book about a host's hobby.
Remember that in the end, no matter how affable the host, no matter how pleasant a guest you may be, the comping process is in essence a business transaction between you and the casino. Think of your gambling cost as an entertainment expense. Enjoy your wins and lose within your means. NEVER play for comps. Count the comps that come your way as a fun part of your holiday, nothing more, nothing less. Remember that you could dine at and pay for dinner at Le Cirque EVERY NIGHT for far less than what you should expect to lose when gambling at a medium or higher level !
Good luck - hope this helps !
To get a slot host:
a) make sure you are signed up with the casino's loyalty/tracking card
b) play for 4-5 hours at the highest denomination machine you feel comfortable at, maxiumum coin in (you used to have to play at least a dollar machine to attract a host's interest, but with the multi-line machines this could even be a 10 cent machine playing $5 a bet, eg)
c) then go to the loyalty program desk and ask to see a host
d) introduce yourself, say you are looking to build a relationship with that casino and acquire a host. Then say that "I'm wondering that if I play at this level 6-8 hours a day," (the normal criterion for comping unless you are playing $10 or higher slots), "what would you be able to do for me ?"
e) the host will probably check your card to see your play, and then give you his business card and say something like "Well, come and see me when you are ready to check out. If you keep playing at this level we may be able to look after X." He also may be less specific so as not to give you false expectations.
(X could be a reduced rate for your room, or your entire room comped, or room and some/all meals at medium/high end restaurants in the casino.) He will or should also remind you to sign all your restaurant charges onto your room bill. (The casinos won't reimburse you, even if you have receipts, if you have paid with cash or your credit card.)
He typically may also say, "Well, for now, can I buy you lunch ?" (at the buffet, or he may ask where you'd like to go). In this case, he will give you a voucher. This covers lunch for two. By all means enjoy your lunch - if at a sit-down restaurant, feel free to have a round or two of drinks, or a bottle of modestly priced wine (like in the $25-30 range) and starters, main course and dessert. Don't abuse the hospitality of the casino (unless you are playing at correspondingly high levels) by ordering a bottle of champagne, foie gras, liqueurs and so forth - you might or might not be refused, but hosts are quick to pick up on one-time charlies trying to over-extend what is an incentive based on your play, not on unlimited resources fronted by a fairy godmother casino ! Remember too that it is only fair to the service personnel to tip on the value of what you have received - be that tip in cash or added to the bill when you sign it and charge it to your room at the end of the meal. ALSO REMEMBER - tips are never comped - so if you use the latter method you certainly will have to pay for them when you check out.
f) see that host a good hour or two before you wish to leave the casino. If he isn't available, a colleague can do the same for you. At that time, the host will review your play and let you know what part of your bill he can pick up. He may also say something along the lines of "We look forward to having you back, and if you continue to play at this level we can look after such and such." Or "If you play just a few more hours/one level higher each day, you know you would probably qualify as an RFB player." (Room food and beverage comped). Or, "I'm sorry, there's really not much I can do this time beyond picking up your buffet meals." (which leaves you free to ask what expectations are to be comped on a future visit.)
g) you will probably find that you start getting mail from the casino (often these days personalized as from "your" host) containing a variety of special offers for slot tournaments, prize fights and similar events. These may be fully comped or partially, depending on the casino's estimate of your worth as a customer. Offers from the sales department will typically "up" your comps one level. For instance, I am an RFB player, but when my special offers for an event typically try to entice me with a suite and/or show tickets, a special reception, etc....
For slots, the standard formula of the value casinos are willing to give you in comps is based on your EL - expected loss. Varying slightly according to casino, the player's track record at that casino and the economic conditions of the moment - the recession works in your favourm the formula is 40% of your EL returned in the form of comps: Average bet X bets per hour X hours played X house edge on that game.)
For a $10 slot player this works out as follows: Jean plays $10 a pull X 300 bets/hour X 6 hours played a day X 3 days X 4% house edge on those slots. A little quick math reveals that Jean is putting $18,000 through the machine each day, $54,000 during her stay, and that the house expects to win $2160 from her. (Her actual results don't matter - the law of averages and huge number of players makes the formula "true" as far as the casino is concerned regardless of whether she wins big or loses every penny of her bankroll.)
40% of $2160 is $864, a rough value of what the casino is willing to comp you (this does not include the free drinks served all players). It values the room at the casino rate (significantly reduced from its listed room rates) and the meals and so forth at the cost of the checks you have signed.
Once you have established a track record with the host, and presuming your play is sufficient, he will tell you that your play entitles you to RFB or RLB (room, all or some restaurant charges and beverage) - and you will not need to see a host on check-out. You may be told to register on arrival at the "house guest" desk or even in the VIP room. Your status will remain, or increase (to suites, to more elaborate meals, airport limos and so forth) as long as your play remains steady. Casinos usually look at your average play for your last three visits to mitigate the effect of one disastrous trip where you might lose your bankroll on day 1 and so show little action. They are good at knowing who is a steady player and who is trying to milk the system !
g) next time you are planning a Vegas trip, phone or email that host and make your hotel reservations through him, along with any restaurant reservations you wish. This will allow you to build a relationship with a host and let him see you as a player committed to his casino. It also typically means good seats at premium restaurants, including ones "sold out" to the casual inquirer, or otherwise only available at 5 pm or 10 pm.
While building your track record with the host/casino, DO NOT ABUSE YOUR COMPS. Example: I know I am a solid high end middle-level slot player. I feel free to order $100 bottles of wine, eat at gourmet restaurants, enjoy breakfast in bed or some room service cocktails before dinner, order a limo to take me to the mall. But I do NOT order bottles of Cristal or Dom Perignon, do NOT invite five friends for dinner and expect the casino to pick up the tab, do NOT ask for my first-class air fare to be covered. Get the picture ? Always feel free to say to your host, "Is my comping appropriate for my level of play ?" or words to that effect. He will be honest with you ! enjoy the little perks of "casino guest" line at the buffet, so avoiding a long wait; or the fruit and cheese gift that may be delivered to your room - but remember, they are not "free" in the sense that you and your fellow gamblers are paying for them. And if you personally aren't on one trip, you surely will on the next.
h) If your host is helpful, sends treats to your room, secures a last-minute reservation, slightly over-comps you on a stay - be sure to write him a thank you note. A handwritten note mailed from home means more than an email -the former are so rare ! The next time you come, by all means bring a gift that is original (after all, hosts have access to all the high liviing they could want), perhaps reflective of your home town or country and of ONLY REASONABLE VALUE so that there is NO QUESTION of its being a "bribe" to get more comps. Appropriate gifts I have given include a package of Canadian smoked salmon in a cedar box - available at our airports -or a tin or two of maple syrup, ditto - or a new book about a host's hobby.
Remember that in the end, no matter how affable the host, no matter how pleasant a guest you may be, the comping process is in essence a business transaction between you and the casino. Think of your gambling cost as an entertainment expense. Enjoy your wins and lose within your means. NEVER play for comps. Count the comps that come your way as a fun part of your holiday, nothing more, nothing less. Remember that you could dine at and pay for dinner at Le Cirque EVERY NIGHT for far less than what you should expect to lose when gambling at a medium or higher level !
Good luck - hope this helps !
May 3, 2009, 12:51 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: Almost all status expired. Hilton Silver. UA 0.8 MM. AA 0.6 MM.
Posts: 1,380
4 hrs at $1 machines (max coin, non-video poker) should get you free room anywhere in Vegas.
One hr at $1s is ~$1,000-2,000 coin-in depending on your speed of play.
One hr at $0.25 is ~$400-600 coin-in.
A few hours at $0.25 machines (or 1 hr at $1s) will get you noticed by marketing departments in today's environment. At $1,000-2,000 coin-in/day ($50-200 theoretical win), you will cover the $15/day it costs for a hotel room. While this is less than what a host might like (e.g. $800-1,000 theoretical/day for a $250-350 comp/day), marketing is trying to fill rooms.
Sometimes the guideline I use is comps are 4-10X the free play you've earned. This obviously depends a lot on whether the cashback rate is 0.10% (Fitzgerald's) or 0.66% (MGM).
...and the comp thresholds will be very different at downtown casinos, where RFB might only be $50/day.
One hr at $1s is ~$1,000-2,000 coin-in depending on your speed of play.
One hr at $0.25 is ~$400-600 coin-in.
A few hours at $0.25 machines (or 1 hr at $1s) will get you noticed by marketing departments in today's environment. At $1,000-2,000 coin-in/day ($50-200 theoretical win), you will cover the $15/day it costs for a hotel room. While this is less than what a host might like (e.g. $800-1,000 theoretical/day for a $250-350 comp/day), marketing is trying to fill rooms.
Sometimes the guideline I use is comps are 4-10X the free play you've earned. This obviously depends a lot on whether the cashback rate is 0.10% (Fitzgerald's) or 0.66% (MGM).
...and the comp thresholds will be very different at downtown casinos, where RFB might only be $50/day.
May 5, 2009, 1:38 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: IAH
Posts: 2,674
Just call ahead. I called a host that Quiet Lion recommended at Mandalay Bay. I am not a big time gambler, mostly just poker room and $0.25 poker video slots.
We had a check-in problem. Called the host. He put us in the VIP lounge and fixed up the check-in problem for us. We also got a free night due to a plumbing problem. All I did was slip him a twenty. As for the gambling, I think I won $100 at the poker tables, and lost about the same on the video poker slots. One doesn't have to be a whale to be treated well by the casino hosts. The host was very polite and helpful.
We had a check-in problem. Called the host. He put us in the VIP lounge and fixed up the check-in problem for us. We also got a free night due to a plumbing problem. All I did was slip him a twenty. As for the gambling, I think I won $100 at the poker tables, and lost about the same on the video poker slots. One doesn't have to be a whale to be treated well by the casino hosts. The host was very polite and helpful.
May 5, 2009, 10:08 am
#10
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: WN A-list Preferred and CP, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, RIP Kimpton
Posts: 853
How does one go about swapping casino hosts? I'm stuck with a guy at Encore that I could care less about and doesn't do a damn thing to help me out. He simply put himself down as my host because he picked up one of my good friends that's playing $500-1000+/hand. The guy won't return my calls or do anything at all to help me out so I would like to get somebody new.
May 5, 2009, 12:24 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: St Louis
Programs: UA-Premier, Avis-Prefered, USA Hockey Referee-Level 3
Posts: 116
May 5, 2009, 9:15 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 165
Have no experience of table game hosts, sorry.
McTrees, there is no reason at all to put up with an uncongenial host. Next time you are in town, go to the club desk, explain the situation to a sympathetic clerk and ask her for a recommendation - the sort of personality you would feel comfortable with. That may result in the best match. Your friend's host probably only deals with higher-end players, but that is not an excuse for his ignoring you. I had a host at Caesars who was perfectly correct but rather a cold fish - probably the main reason I switched to Bellagio about 8 yrs ago.
McTrees, there is no reason at all to put up with an uncongenial host. Next time you are in town, go to the club desk, explain the situation to a sympathetic clerk and ask her for a recommendation - the sort of personality you would feel comfortable with. That may result in the best match. Your friend's host probably only deals with higher-end players, but that is not an excuse for his ignoring you. I had a host at Caesars who was perfectly correct but rather a cold fish - probably the main reason I switched to Bellagio about 8 yrs ago.
May 6, 2009, 9:08 pm
#13
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
How does one go about swapping casino hosts? I'm stuck with a guy at Encore that I could care less about and doesn't do a damn thing to help me out. He simply put himself down as my host because he picked up one of my good friends that's playing $500-1000+/hand. The guy won't return my calls or do anything at all to help me out so I would like to get somebody new.
QL
May 18, 2009, 9:39 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Washington, D.C. Metro
Programs: AA EXP | UA Million Miler Gold (former decade-long 1K) | SPG Plat | Hyatt Plat | Avis Chairman
Posts: 822
h) If your host is helpful, sends treats to your room, secures a last-minute reservation, slightly over-comps you on a stay - be sure to write him a thank you note. A handwritten note mailed from home means more than an email -the former are so rare ! The next time you come, by all means bring a gift that is original (after all, hosts have access to all the high liviing they could want), perhaps reflective of your home town or country and of ONLY REASONABLE VALUE so that there is NO QUESTION of its being a "bribe" to get more comps. Appropriate gifts I have given include a package of Canadian smoked salmon in a cedar box - available at our airports -or a tin or two of maple syrup, ditto - or a new book about a host's hobby.
I have a question specifically about the above for anyone with host experience. I recently developed a host contact who went well above-and-beyond for me, not even realizing it, on a personal matter. I'd like to show my appreciation. Not sure about the "home town" gift idea (doubt he wants an Obama t-shirt
). And without knowing his personal taste, I'm finding it tough to think of an appropriate gift to buy. I definitely want to get him something upscale and personal-ish (i.e - not a gift card); perhaps in the couple-hundred $ range (that wouldn't be seen as "excessive" would it)? Any thoughts or suggestions? TIA!