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 !