Maximizing Bankroll for Comps

I know you guys have probably answered this question 1000 times, but I am not really finding what I am looking for. I am headed to Vegas in a few months and will be staying at the Wynn. This will be my third time in Vegas, so I am no pro, but my wife and I are looking for some comps. Beyond my comp quest I want to play Blackjack for about 4 hours or so in the morning just for fun. I am not looking to make money only maximize my playing time. Based on that I have a few questions I hope you can help me with.

The amount I am prepared to lose in four hours is $500. That should be doable, however I think a 3/2 table at the Wynn is $25 minimum, so I suspect my chances of busting out in an hour are higher than I would like. Again though this is for fun. I am learning basic strategy, so I would like the practice. Is my best betting strategy flat betting $25 per hand? Should I not give the dealer my Red Card? I wonder if the small action may count against my comps, which I will try to build at slots and a much larger bankroll. Keep in mind this trip and gambling for me is just for fun.

Thanks in advance, and hopefully I am fortunate at the table.

Four hours of $25 bets should get you two breakfast buffet comps at the Wynn. Could possibly get dinner if you are able to do some "comp hustling."

Best thing you can do is ask what you can get. Usually best to wait about 40 minutes (or until down to your last few chips) so they don't think you're just trying to get something for nothing. Tips can a long way, even with just one white chip after every blackjack

Can also go downtown and get just as much playing at the $5 or $10 table

Someone tonight said Wynn was now all 6-5.
If its true, uber elsewhere.

'Don't play for comps' is advice that has been around for a long time.

Not playing Blackjack for comps. Actually I am concerned my low play at the Blackjack table may hurt comps, that's why I am not sure about giving the players card when I sit at the table. I doubt if you get much from the Wynn at $25 per hand.

I am just playing Black Jack for fun in the mornings and trying to get 4 hours out of $500 at $25 per hand minimum. Is flat betting the best way to get 4 hours out of $500?

Thanks again

The Wynn isn't the best place to hunt for comps. Also, if you're worried about your rating with blackjack and you want to be known as more of a slot player, then why not hop over a casino or two and play blackjack somewhere else where A) they'll give you comps for your $25 level action, and B) it won't affect your rating/comps at Wynn?

The Venetian has double deck games and a few $15 3/2 tables I believe. It's an ascetically pleasing place, so you could play there in the morning and even earn some comps there. As long as you don't have a room with them you can get some comps, but if you ever stay with them they won't comp you crap over the room unless you're playing pretty big action.

Also, the best way for you to lose the least amount would be to bet as small as possible (whether that's $25, $15, etc) and to play perfect basic strategy. If you played 80 hands per hour, for 4 hours, flat betting $25, your Expected Loss would be:

EL = (NumHands*AvgBet)*(HouseEdge) = (320*25)*(-.005) = -$40

Of course with variance you could make $500 or lose $500, but your "expectation" mathematically speaking is to lose about $40 every time you have a 4 hour session with them, playing ~80 hands per hour and flat betting $25.

I didn't scour every table at the Wynn when I was in LV, but from what I saw, it's mostly 6-5 at the Wynn.

Not just the Wynn, but most strip casinos have 6-5. I saw very few 3-2, regardless of the number of decks.

Also, at a couple of casinos, they figured a way to minimize comp abuse. It used to be that you could hustle comps from the pit or floor. When I asked, the floor said that they no longer have authority to issue comps from the pit.

Vegas is very different nowadays.

Quote: Romes

The Wynn isn't the best place to hunt for comps. Also, if you're worried about your rating with blackjack and you want to be known as more of a slot player, then why not hop over a casino or two and play blackjack somewhere else where A) they'll give you comps for your $25 level action, and B) it won't affect your rating/comps at Wynn?

The Venetian has double deck games and a few $15 3/2 tables I believe. It's an ascetically pleasing place, so you could play there in the morning and even earn some comps there. As long as you don't have a room with them you can get some comps, but if you ever stay with them they won't comp you crap over the room unless you're playing pretty big action.

Also, the best way for you to lose the least amount would be to bet as small as possible (whether that's $25, $15, etc) and to play perfect basic strategy. If you played 80 hands per hour, for 4 hours, flat betting $25, your Expected Loss would be:

EL = (NumHands*AvgBet)*(HouseEdge) = (320*25)*(-.005) = -$40

Of course with variance you could make $500 or lose $500, but your "expectation" mathematically speaking is to lose about $40 every time you have a 4 hour session with them, playing ~80 hands per hour and flat betting $25.

Thanks for the response. Upon reflection I think my OP was poorly worded. I take it from your answer flat betting the table minimum is my best bet to make my $500 last. Thanks for taking the time to run the numbers.

As far as comps, I am not chasing them, but my wife and I are a once a year Vegas trippers. We like the Wynn Tower. We have a budget of X and plan to spend that at the Wynn just because that is the place we like. We understand it is not the most practical place to spend the money for a comp return.

Thanks again

Quote: klimate10

I didn't scour every table at the Wynn when I was in LV, but from what I saw, it's mostly 6-5 at the Wynn.

Not just the Wynn, but most strip casinos have 6-5. I saw very few 3-2, regardless of the number of decks.

Also, at a couple of casinos, they figured a way to minimize comp abuse. It used to be that you could hustle comps from the pit or floor. When I asked, the floor said that they no longer have authority to issue comps from the pit.

Vegas is very different nowadays.

I was there a couple of weeks ago, and they had 3/2 on a $25 minimum table, but that minimum may change with the busy times.

This year we are headed to Vegas twice. I have just stumbled upon this site and the odds site. I am learning basic strategy and plan to use the session as mostly practice to see how well I retain the knowledge in a real world setting.

Thanks

Quote: odiousgambit

'Don't play for comps' is advice that has been around for a long time.

That would depend on the type of comps, what games you are playing and your financial situation. If you could play a breakeven or close game and earn thousands in comps at a good rate it might be worth it to some, especially if comps can be used in the gift shops.

Max Rubin was berry berry good for me.

Quote: klimate10

I didn't scour every table at the Wynn when I was in LV, but from what I saw, it's mostly 6-5 at the Wynn.

Not just the Wynn, but most strip casinos have 6-5. I saw very few 3-2, regardless of the number of decks.

Also, at a couple of casinos, they figured a way to minimize comp abuse. It used to be that you could hustle comps from the pit or floor. When I asked, the floor said that they no longer have authority to issue comps from the pit.

Vegas is very different nowadays.

Harrah's LV is one, and there are probably others, where you DO have to scout every table. Last time I was there, they had 1 $10 3:2 table in the same pit as their $10-25 6:5 tables (the one just up the stairs from the Asian pit). Fwiw.

I'm seeing a trend in a lot of places where you have to ask what a blackjack pays as it's not listed on the felt or signage.

Quote: odiousgambit

'Don't play for comps' is advice that has been around for a long time.

It's also not necessarily good advice. I've heard plenty of awful advice in my day. Much advice is interpreted incorrectly, particularly this snippet above about not playing for comps.