Hi All,

My husband was a Black/Diamond level player (blackjack and poker were his games) at just about every casino in AC and Vegas. He recently passed away. I miss the time we played together, though mostly he played and I watched. I had my entry level cards at Harrahs', Borgata, etc. in my own name, of course, but he was the big player in the house who earned all the comp rooms, shows, meals, etc.

I have started going back down to AC recently on my own and have been playing the stakes my DH used to play at blackjack ($25 min, but I mostly play $50 min or even $100 min depending on the night and the cards). I've been paying for my rooms since apparently his comp levels do not transfer to his spouse after his death. Since learning about these programs wasn't a priority while he was fighting cancer, I now have a bunch of questions and I'm hoping you guys can help me with the answers.

I have concentrated my play at Borgata for now because I really like it the best of the casinos in AC. This past weekend I played for a few hours Saturday night ($100 min) then a few hours Sat am/afternoon ($50 or $100 min) and I lost some pretty good change (about $5-7K, I can't remember the exact amount) without really hitting any runs where I was winning to offset the losses.

1. Does this level of play help me get to my pwn Black card faster?
2. Is there any way to approach to the Borgata and see if they will consider moving me to Black status faster in light of my husband's previous level of play and my current level? I believe his hosts at Harrah's, Caesar's, and Borgata were aware of his medical condition in the final months. In fact, Borgata comped us an Piatto suite for our anniversary because it was likely to be our last.
3. What should I be doing differently if anything? Should I ask to speak with my late husband's host, just to say hello and touch base so they know who I am?

Any help appreciated. I really like going down - it gets my mind off of things and it helps me remember some good times.

JMM

I am sorry for your loss. I would think that your late husband's hosts would be a good starting point.

In most casinos slot players get better comps than those playing table games. [The computer chip in the slots is programmed to give them a known edge.]
You need 1000 comp dollars (in a year period) to become Black Label at The Borgata. With your level of table play, you would make BL reasonably fast on slots.
Did your husband reach Titanium level at The Borgata (a level that exists, but is not spelled out in Borgata's literature)?

Do you have your husband's old Borgata player number? Call them and ask for a host (or go to the host office). Tell them you want to pick up where he left off and that they won't regret it if you can be comped at an appropriate level. Just don't let them push you to a higher level of bet than you can afford. I would then tell you to go to Amazon and buy a very simple book about blackjack basic strategy and learn as much of it as you can absorb. You will then be upping your comps and minimizing your losses.

This. A year ago one of my friend's wives passed on and he asked if any of her benefits would be "left for him" (He was a regular at the MGM, she played at HET properties and was Diamond), HET was more than happy to accomodate him.

I am very sorry for your loss.

You should also talk to them about points he left on his account. Often casinos will set up HH accounts and those should transfer to you as well.