The Consolidated "Comps -- any hotel or general questions/comments" thread
 

Quietlion in particular seems to be knowledgeable about this, but I was wondering if anyone had any idea about how many slot points per day the MGM or Bellagio would be looking for for a full room comp (not casino rate).

Thanks

d

Doppy,

As we discussed before, comps are based not directly on slot points but on the casino's theoretical win; i.e., the amount of action you give them times the house advantage on the game. Dollar slots average around a 4-5% hold and dollar video poker averages a 2-2.5% hold (make sure you look for good pay schedules!). The comp rate is 30% of your theoretical loss so for a $150 room it would take a $500 theoretical loss to get it comped.

So it ultimately depends upon the machine you're playing, but you're probably looking at a minimum of 5000 points/day for a room comp, more at high-occupancy periods. Once you establish yourself they will birng you in on a comp and you won't have to beg for it later. Both MGM and Bellagio also send out some nice offers, so this play will also reap future benefits. Offers are based on your total play over the trip so the more days you play the better offers you will get.

Note, these are the new points that you earn 10x as fast (at Bellagio) or 3.125x as fast (at MGM) as before. $3 played in video poker or $1.50 in reel slots gives one point.

You should also consider Paris as they have the best offers for players at that level.

QL

So, you're saying that it's done on a per-machine basis (i.e. based on each individual machine's theoretical hold)?

If that's the case, then couldn't we determine the paypack percentage for each individual machine?

So, if I play $1000 in coin-in in a 90% payback machine, the casino "win" booked would be $100 in the Players Card system.

If I play $1000 coin-in in a 100% payback machine, $0 would be booked as the win.

The MGM has (or had) carousels advertisting 101% paybacks. Of course, this means that only one of the slot machines has to have that payback. But, if comp system is as described above, couldn't I simply play a machine, then find out if I'd earned any comp dollars / theo. win for the casino?

If the answer is "no," I've found the positive expectation machine.

Does this sound right?

d

Note that if you like a decent drink while playing video poker, the Mirage probably has the best deal in LAS (that I know of).

The Baccarat bar there serves free mid-level wines (as opposed to the plonk that they serve at the table games) and top-shelf liquors (like Remy XO, single malt scotch) for the asking as long as you play their dollar video poker machines at the bar).

True for games that have no skill factor. For video poker, like blackjack, the theoretical number used is an average of all players.

Unfortunately they are long gone, and they were skill-based reel slots. To my knowledge MGM has no positive-expectation machines. The best games in town are found at locals casinos for the most part. The only place on the Strip that has them is Barbary Coast. In quarters, the best game is Deuces Wild (100.7%). In dollars, it's Double Bonus Poker (100.2%). This assumes you play computer-perfect, a nice trick!

For more info try http://www.lvcm.com/tomesims/VP/CD/Fav.html

QL

Skill based? Really?

The ones I'm thinking about were nickel machines; I think you had to put in 45 coins max.

What kind of skill?

d

So after you drop $4,000 in machine play, you should qualify for a room comp during a non busy period. Some lucky folks will come out way ahead, others will lose their bankroll. Of course, a bank of $100 could get you $4,000 in play. Another player will spend $1,000 to get their 4 grand of play in.

One word: Random

Skill on reel machines would be a new one on me.

http://www.actiongaming.com/productd...hot_reels.html

Comps for Craps Play Downtown?
 

I've read through several of the 'Great Comp Debate' threads here but haven't seen anything specific to Downtown Craps action (I know this is pretty specific)... so here goes:

I'm a $5 to $10 minimum craps player, who will usually take 3 addl. come bets with 2-5X odds. I'll play the requisite 3-4hrs a day, and be willing to put front money in the cage if necessary. Can someone tell me if my action would even be noticed Downtown? I'd especially appreciate any relevant info on this kind of action at the Golden Nugget, Four Queens, or Lady Luck.

Also, I know most places won't count your odds bets in to your total amt played (no house edge), but can anyone tell me of a Downtown casino that they know counts odds bets into the total amt played?

Thanks!

Edited to add: I have taken a look at the cheapovegas site for this information, and did notice a few reviews that indicated some kind of buffet/coffee shop comp for $10 bettors downtown. I would appreciate any personal experience from $20 - $40 downtown players as I think this is where the minimum of my action rates (i.e. not including odds bets)

[This message has been edited by UA835 (edited 04-13-2003).]

Oops. Hit reply instead of edit. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/frown.gif

Moderator - Please delete this post. Thanks.




[This message has been edited by UA835 (edited 04-13-2003).]

You probably won't get anything at the Golden Nugget. But should be able to get comps easilt at the four Queen and Lady Luck, especially if you play more $10 than $5.

What does "front money" mean?

Is this true?

Thanks for the explanations.

I was using the term 'Front Money' to refer to depositing my own money in the cage, and then drawing from it later, as opposed to opening up a line of credit with the casino. I realize that I may have a chance at better comps if I open up a line of credit, as it would be higher than the front money I'd deposit (or maybe this is a comp myth ...), but I'd rather play with my own money.

As far as the odds bets, after the reading I've done(mostly Casino Player, Comp City, etc.), and hosts I've spoken with, I've begun to assume that it is an exception that you get credit for your odds bets in your total layout.

Anyone else have a different experience with credit for odds bets?

A few places give you credit for odds bets, but they have correspondingly lower comp rates so it all comes out in the wash.

QL

Care to name any?

Thanks!