I guess the obvious question is why anyone who plays 60 $25/$75 hands an hour is even worried about having someone pay for their hotel room? I had a pretty decent room last month for $79/night.

Here's a page about casino comps... http://casinogambling.about.com/hobb...omps/index.htm

And the gratuitous obvious answer, Opus: Because after playing 60 $25/$60 hands per hour one has no money left for a $79 hotel room http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I couldn't have spelled it out better myself!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Fascintaing thread! Never knew it was so precisely measured. I guess the big picture is much like airline FF schemes - the more you patronise/spend the better they reward your loyalty!

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~ Glen ~

When playing table games (craps, blackjack etc) do you have to physically ask the pit boss to rate your play, or is this just a figure of speech? At table games, players usually give their slot card/rating card to the dealer when they start at a table. Is this the same as asking to be rated and/or is this sufficient to earn rating points, or should you still physically "ask" to be rated?

You'll be rated when you give them your card, that's your way of saying, "I'd like to be rated." At Caesar's Palace (my personal favorite), you'll be rated at table games only if you bet a minimum of $25 per bet. As mentioned already, comps are calculated based on the theoretical house advatange, your average bet, and the amount of time you play.

The pit boss is basically is the guy/gal who is in charge of the "pit," which usually consists of a group of tables (5-10). His boss is the floor boss, but you'll probably never encounter him/her unless you're betting $1000 bets regularly. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Anyway, the point is to introduce yourself when you start playing. Make some conversation, be interesting. They'll pay more attention to you and your betting. Kick your bets up when you notice them watching you; and by all means, ask for what you want. You don't get what you don't ask for in this biz.

As koko mentioned, comps are kind of a funny thing... If you're playing for comps, I question your judgment. You should play because you enjoy it; the comps are a nice way for them to say thanks. But if you're stretching your bankroll for a chance at a $100 hotel room, I must say... why not just stop playing four bets earlier?

I'll be out in Vegas this Thurs/Fri if you want to be taken around in person.

I'll second most of the advice above. If you want to be taken seriously, and get the good comps, you need to make friends with a Casino Host -- one level up from the pit bosses. They're the ones you call up before you get to Vegas, and they get you a comped room (almost always upgraded to a suite), the free tix to sold out shows, and dinner at the $100+/person restaurants.

If you can manage to find one, your best bet is to get a newer host, who doesn't already have an established group of high rollers.

Also, the trendier the casino, the less you get. For instance, Venetian and Bellagio don't even rate play at under $25/hand on the table games.

Lastly, there's the one sure-fire way to get recognition in Vegas. Go to the cashiers cage and have an incoming wire or cashiers check to play on for the visit. Anything over $15,000 in the second tier places, or $30,000-$50,000 in the top ones will get you good attention.

Of course, if you want to *KEEP* your money, don't worry about the comps. They're never as valuable as the money you lose. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

just thinking, if i had 30 to 50 thou of playing money for the wknd, why would i care about hotel 'comp'? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Well....duh? Why is everyone on this board in the first place!! The same reason people earn free airline tkts and free hotel rooms. It's the concept -

As a young, well off, beginning gambler. Great self description of a smart ....

My advice. You don't begin gambling for comps. You don't play for comps. Understand the rules regarding comps as stated by so many previous posts.

And may you be one of the few successful gamblers. If you're considering gambling to earn money, rather than comps, sports or poker has you betting against the public and not so much the casino. If you're playing for comps, look at the slot machine rebate. Would you be happy getting a .4 to 1.% payback rate on your hotel ot airline program?

Many top bridge players (one of my hobbies, not at that level though) are also gamblers and choose to live in Las Vegas as a result. In addition to the comp rooms and meals (which they don't need) many casinos have merchandise options.

One pair of pros I know, a couple, play video deuces (I think it is) or whichever game has the least house advantage (actually a tiny player advantage if you play perfectly). My friends break about even for the year on the winnings (maybe a bit less since I don't think they count the tips they give on hand pays), but claim to come out way ahead on the merchandise. All their kitchen and laundry appliances, for example, were new over a two year period.