1. If you are new to casinos, please study a book or web site on how to play a low house percentage game such as craps or BJ before you arrive or your meal will be trop cher.

2. Enroll in the players' club. Always use your card.

3. If not guests of the hotel, play a while, and then ask nicely for a buffet or coffee shop comp for two, preferably a coffee shop comp -- you would usually be able to order steak and lobster and a hot fudge sundae and a pina colada, or anything else your hearts desire. Your comp slip is your line pass. When in doubt use the Casino Invited Guest line. Remember to tip based on the menu price of your meal.

4, If guests of the hotel, ask for a line pass at check-in. You will be charging everything to the room, always tipping in cash, and requesting a casino rating at check-out time. You may well find yourself in possession of a blank line pass or a VIP key card that acts as a line pass. Hang onto it for next time. At MGM Mirage properties, the front desk will give you a line pass if you are staying in a comp room, or possibly if you are nice to the clerk.

5. At Harrahs properties, if you are a Plat or Diamond you get special seating and a line pass for your status regardless of whether you have been playing or you just arrived. For example at the Rio Carnival Buffet there is a separate entrance and separate plush seating. The server will suck up to you for a positive comment card; apparently an "A" from a status guest is sought after. You will be able to pay for your meal with comp points if you have 'em.

6. At the Venetian, forget about a line pass unless you are a Gold and this requires a $50,000 credit line (really). Eat at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub on the 4th floor -- where there is no line.