I agree it is of the utmost importance to get a card, and get rated...It does help to have a line of credit. If you do get set up with a line of credit (markers):

Settle up before you leave each table...If you owe them money and can cover the marker you signed there, DO IT. If not, put the money in your pocket and move to the next table.

If you do the above, then ALWAYS sign a new marker when you sit down at a new table, IMHO...That way, you always know that they have a record of you playing there. If you just ask to be rated, the floorman may or may not actually rate your play...By signing another marker, they are pretty much forced to watch you.

Also, it never hurts to try to become friendly with a floorman/pit boss/shift boss...That person should be your 'go-to' guy or gal...BE BLUNT! Say, "Joe, I've been playing here for the last 8 hours, you at least going to buy me some dinner?" At the end of the trip, if you think that you had played enough to earn it, ask "Is there anything you can do about my hotel room?" Like QuietLion said, never hurts to ask.

If you get comped that time, there really isn't any reason that you shouldn't in the future...Even before you go out there. Get the name of a casino host who you can call to make a reservation in the future. Chances are if they'll put you in touch with a host, then chances are also good you'll at least get a casino rate and a few meals, if not RFB (casino jargon for a full-comp of Room, Food and Beverage).

Also, it's my belief that if you are going to Vegas to gamble and you are new, just like the airlines, don't spread yourself too thin. Find a place you like, and gamble there...IMHO, better to have everything comped at one casino/hotel than to have a meal here and there at several casinos.

Just my thoughts...I haven't had to pay for a hotel room in Vegas since I started gambling at 19 (oops, did I say that?). And I'm not even that huge of a gambler, just consistent.




[This message has been edited by MBS PremExec (edited 01-12-2001).]