Comp Rating

I know this is old news for all of you guys but I am fairly new to live table action. I have compared different ratings from different floormen, BIG difference. lol I could play the same hours, the same chip denomination, same game, and depending on whoever's doing it, I've had wide variation in points, where points is given. Not really complaining, rather I'm just observing. Anyone got any good schooling for me?

Quote: bobbartop

I know this is old news for all of you guys but I am fairly new to live table action. I have compared different ratings from different floormen, BIG difference. lol I could play the same hours, the same chip denomination, same game, and depending on whoever's doing it, I've had wide variation in points, where points is given. Not really complaining, rather I'm just observing. Anyone got any good schooling for me?

Not sure what good schooling means to you.

I completely agree I get rated differently by different guys, even in the same property. I shamelessly suck up to the person who takes my card if possible. I also place my best (highest) bet the first couple hands, including playing more than one hand, while they're looking at the table and entering my card. And, if I want a better rating, I buy in for more than I plan to gamble, because some of them rate on initial amount. If I'm playing a game with a side bet I play the side bet while the PB is looking at the table even if I'm not going to play it otherwise.

Some of this is contrary to pro counters or other people, but it depends on your objective. As a medium roller, I get hosted and over-comped compared to the amount I actually expose most places, and compared to other mainly table players.

Edit: also, if you do a re-buy, make sure it gets entered in their computers. Some places just call it out, get a "yeah yeah" from a busy Floor, and it never gets logged. You want to show as much buy-in as you can.

Thank you, Barb, sounds like excellent advice for me to think about.

Sounds like a broken system for rating to me

Read Max Rubinstein's Comp City.
While the "plays" in it are outdated, it opens many possibilities for people capable of thinking outside the box.

Any system where the same input results in different output based on personality or human choice is not a very good system in my opinion

"2+2= 3 or 4 or 5 depending on who you are asking" should make everyone cringe

Quote: darkoz

Sounds like a broken system for rating to me

Sounds like a system begging to be exploited.

Ratings are based upon your average wager and the length of time you played. The length of time is verified so the arbitrary part of the formula is the average wager which is often done incorrectly. Make sure the floor person is aware of your average wager by asking them what amount they have you at. Buy-ins are never a part of this equation. Buy-ins are recorded in the US to keep track of your earnings and losses for tax statement purposes.

Here are some of tips for getting rated better
1. Like others have said, put a bigger first bet out first. That's what will be initially recorded. If the pit boss is busy/lazy, that may be the only average bet you get posted for your whole session until you color up.

2. Play in a full table. Different casinos rate hands per hour differently. However, it doesn't matter whether you're playing 1 on 1 against the dealer, or a full table vs the dealer when getting rated hands per hour. You'll play less hands with a full table which means a more accurate rating for you. Playing 1 on 1 will hurt you by not rewarding you with the right amount of comps.

3. Befriend the pit boss. Just striking a conversation with the pit boss can have positive effects. They are people after all. If you're nice to them, and they like you...they may rate you more favorably.

4. This is controversial. I would say all pit bosses have been a dealer one time in their career. They appreciate tips. Al though the pit boss does not earn tip, he/she will appreciate you taking care of the dealers. When the pit boss is watching, it doesn't hurt to put a few bucks of tip out for the dealers. You'll be surprised how far this can take you. I've had several misdeals and the dealer volunteered and called the pit boss and ruled it favorable for me. This was definitely EV+.

5. Go to the restroom every half hour. Now, some players might not appreciate you messing up the "flow," but who cares. While you take two 5-minute bathroom breaks an hour, you are banking 10 minutes of free rating. If you play 4 hours, that's 40 minutes! Most bosses are too preoccupied or distracted to stop your rating while you're away. If you're drinking a lot of beer or coffee, it's a totally understandable excuse to excuse yourself every half an hour.

6. Different table games have different comp rating levels based on number of hands and house edge.

7. Sneak your chips. If you're playing red chips to black chips, you should palm some of your own chips every once in awhile when heading to the restroom. With the cameras not present, pocket a few of the greens or blacks in your pocket. Don't do it too noticeably. When you finish your session, just color up with the amount you still have on the table (while not coloring up the ones in your pocket). The chances are, you'll show a loss. Casinos like to see losses. At the end of the stay, casinos are more likely to comp you the right amount when they see some losses even if you have broken even with your hidden chips. I think this is probably one of the most important aspects of getting better comps at the end of the stay. However, if you do this you need to be very very discrete.

8. Just be nice to everybody. Pits and dealers have to deal with all sorts of characters. Trust me, they will appreciate nice and pleasant encounters.

I had it happen once, someone else left the table and they assumed it was me. I was shocked when he asked me for my card, because I already gave it to them. This was at craps, so maybe it's easier for there to be mistakes there. They fixed it, asked what time I began and whatever else I don't remember.

Quote: billryan

Sounds like a system begging to be exploited.

Perhaps

I prefer a system where i know im always going to get the same answer

That i can exploit without fail

Ratings based on human frailty sounds like hit or miss

Don't smoke at the table. Get up and walk a few feet away. Make it clear you are doing it as a favor to the dealer and your non smoking tablemates. Two smoke breaks and a bathroom break per hour reduces your exposure by about 20%, effectively giving you more comps than you "earned". Non smokers can do this, with a little practice. An urgent phone call every two hours or so doesn't hurt.
Tricking the casino into recording you betting more hands at more money is one of the best AP plays out there for building comps.
Obviously, you need to know your mark. A move that will get you a steak dinner at El Cortez won't even register on most Strip bosses.

Quote: billryan

Don't smoke at the table. Get up and walk a few feet away. Make it clear you are doing it as a favor to the dealer and your non smoking tablemates. Two smoke breaks and a bathroom break per hour reduces your exposure by about 20%, effectively giving you more comps than you "earned". Non smokers can do this, with a little practice. An urgent phone call every two hours or so doesn't hurt.
Tricking the casino into recording you betting more hands at more money is one of the best AP plays out there for building comps.
Obviously, you need to know your mark. A move that will get you a steak dinner at El Cortez won't even register on most Strip bosses.

With two 5 minute bathroom breaks = 10 mins
two smoking breaks 5 minutes = 10 mins
2 very important phone calls 5 min = 10 mins

You might take the casinos to the cleaners! =D

Quote: billryan

Don't smoke at the table. Get up and walk a few feet away. Make it clear you are doing it as a favor to the dealer and your non smoking tablemates. Two smoke breaks and a bathroom break per hour reduces your exposure by about 20%, effectively giving you more comps than you "earned". Non smokers can do this, with a little practice. An urgent phone call every two hours or so doesn't hurt.
Tricking the casino into recording you betting more hands at more money is one of the best AP plays out there for building comps.
Obviously, you need to know your mark. A move that will get you a steak dinner at El Cortez won't even register on most Strip bosses.

You forgot to add. If all that doesn't work you always have the $1 ribeye at the 99 cent store.😜

Quote: MaxPen

You forgot to add. If all that doesn't work you always have the $1 ribeye at the 99 cent store.😜

How is this not trolling?

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

With two 5 minute bathroom breaks = 10 mins
two smoking breaks 5 minutes = 10 mins
2 very important phone calls 5 min = 10 mins

You might take the casinos to the cleaners! =D

I try to miss about 20% of the hands. Much more than that and I think it might be obvious.
Comps are based on bet times hands played. Bet big at buy in and lazy pit critters often won't correct it.
Convincing the casino you are wagering $25 a hand for 60 hands earns you much more than the $12 or so you average with $10 bets up after your initial four hands at $25 while the critter watched you. Cutting back your hands reduces risk even more.
That your smoke and bathroom breaks coincide with the count going bad is just a fortunate coincidence.

Quote: billryan

How is this not trolling?

He's just trying to get your attention. Kinda like when little boys tease the girls they like.

delete

Quote: AxelWolf

He's just trying to get your attention. Kinda like when little boys tease the girls they like.

Some boys try and some boys lie
But I don't let them play
Only boys who save their pennies
Make my rainy day.

Quote: billryan

Some boys try and some boys lie
But I don't let them play
Only boys who save their pennies
Make my rainy day.

Every penny brings you one step closer to the $ ribeye.
This is a fact that one cannot deny.

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Here are some of tips for getting rated better
1. Like others have said, put a bigger first bet out first. That's what will be initially recorded. If the pit boss is busy/lazy, that may be the only average bet you get posted for your whole session until you color up.

2. Play in a full table. Different casinos rate hands per hour differently. However, it doesn't matter whether you're playing 1 on 1 against the dealer, or a full table vs the dealer when getting rated hands per hour. You'll play less hands with a full table which means a more accurate rating for you. Playing 1 on 1 will hurt you by not rewarding you with the right amount of comps.

3. Befriend the pit boss. Just striking a conversation with the pit boss can have positive effects. They are people after all. If you're nice to them, and they like you...they may rate you more favorably.

4. This is controversial. I would say all pit bosses have been a dealer one time in their career. They appreciate tips. Al though the pit boss does not earn tip, he/she will appreciate you taking care of the dealers. When the pit boss is watching, it doesn't hurt to put a few bucks of tip out for the dealers. You'll be surprised how far this can take you. I've had several misdeals and the dealer volunteered and called the pit boss and ruled it favorable for me. This was definitely EV+.

5. Go to the restroom every half hour. Now, some players might not appreciate you messing up the "flow," but who cares. While you take two 5-minute bathroom breaks an hour, you are banking 10 minutes of free rating. If you play 4 hours, that's 40 minutes! Most bosses are too preoccupied or distracted to stop your rating while you're away. If you're drinking a lot of beer or coffee, it's a totally understandable excuse to excuse yourself every half an hour.

6. Different table games have different comp rating levels based on number of hands and house edge.

7. Sneak your chips. If you're playing red chips to black chips, you should palm some of your own chips every once in awhile when heading to the restroom. With the cameras not present, pocket a few of the greens or blacks in your pocket. Don't do it too noticeably. When you finish your session, just color up with the amount you still have on the table (while not coloring up the ones in your pocket). The chances are, you'll show a loss. Casinos like to see losses. At the end of the stay, casinos are more likely to comp you the right amount when they see some losses even if you have broken even with your hidden chips. I think this is probably one of the most important aspects of getting better comps at the end of the stay. However, if you do this you need to be very very discrete.

8. Just be nice to everybody. Pits and dealers have to deal with all sorts of characters. Trust me, they will appreciate nice and pleasant encounters.

Using a combination of these things and some other sneakiness, I’ve gotten 3CP well into positive EV without any holecarding.

You can scope out these generous pit bosses just like you would with sloppy dealers.

Many PB’s or rating systems assume that you are playing the 2CB side bet. I’ve played the game hundreds of hours in many different casino’s and I’ve never seen one other person play ante-only.

That assumption alone means you are getting rated for almost 3x the theoretical loss that you are actually playing at.

Never bring out chips when buying in. Always buy in with cash, and in an amount large enough that the floor has to come over to approve it - usually $300 in steerage where I play. Cash buyins get recorded, chips sometimes not.

Rathole green chips, never black. Black chips are inventoried, but green not so much., A "missing" black generates questions between the floor and the dealer and can create tension between them. I will usually rathole any green that I get paid so that the amount of green I have showing equals what I got when I bought in. Palm those chips when the relief dealer comes or goes, and when the floor is somewhere else.

If you need to rebuy and don't have enough cash to garner the attention of the floor, take those ratholed chips to the cage and bring back the cash. Of course you always bring enough cash to avoid running out. Don't we all? Make a point of wailing about your bad luck and needing to dig into the cash for more chips. Again, large enough so that the floor can see. No point in bringing out $100 - you can always cash in those extra chips you never intended to play. And don't we all, always, never play chips we "never intended to play?"

Ask the dealer if he wants to play his tip or put it directly in the box. Many dealers don't gamble based on what they see in their daily work and would rather pocket a sure tip. Compliment them on their choice, whichever it is. Good relations with the dealer cannot hurt.

Always color up when leaving the table for good, without being asked, and, if possible, at the end of the shoe. Again, common courtesy and drawing the floor over to your table at a logical break in the action. Give the dealer a stack that works out to an exact number of black and green chips (oh yes, and purples too!) and leave the spare reds on the table in front of you so that the floor thinks he's seeing all the chips you have. Missing green chips? Nothing to see here!

These helpful hints are from a longtime low-roller who is in it for the points. People playing at other than the lowest limit in the house may offer other advice.

STAY HYDRATED (WINNERS DONT WORRY ABOUT COMPS)

bring a roll of quarters to tip cocktail waitresses. 1 quarter per 2 drinks (since you can order 2 drinks at one go)

Please clarify.....For comp purposes....some conflicting posts here...

1. Is it better to buy in at the table or the cage? (leave out the tax and reporting requirements in your opinion. referring to $1000-2000. cash type of buy ins...)

2. The recent Wynn legal case confirms what some of us knew. Tips are shared not only with dealers but with just about everyone in the casino including "suits" and "managers".

Thanks.

I wouldn't be doing four $3000 buy-ins, or cash-ins at the cage if I didn't have to. Maybe four $30,000 buy-ins or cash-outs in order to keep all amounts on the CTR lines above $10,000. For $1-$2K I'd have some kind of zippered hip chip bucket on a belt and roam table to table. Damn the color-ups.

Quote: NokTang

Please clarify.....For comp purposes....some conflicting posts here...

1. Is it better to buy in at the table or the cage? (leave out the tax and reporting requirements in your opinion. referring to $1000-2000. cash type of buy ins...)

2. The recent Wynn legal case confirms what some of us knew. Tips are shared not only with dealers but with just about everyone in the casino including "suits" and "managers".

Thanks.

For comp purposes, buyin at the table.
Wynn's tip system is not the industry standard. I don't know any other casino that does this.

Quote: NokTang

...1. Is it better to buy in at the table or the cage? (leave out the tax and reporting requirements in your opinion. referring to $1000-2000. cash type of buy ins...) ...

100% always buy in at the table if you're chasing comps.

Quote: darkoz

Ratings based on human frailty sounds like hit or miss

The majority of income people earn is variable because of this exact thing.

"Comp hustling" is one of the easiest and oldest ways to earn a profit from the casino. Especially true if you consider rooms, meals, and drinks as part of any winnings. When I did it, I followed fairly close to a lot of the advice already given here. One other major advantage is it can turn a practicing card counter into a profitable one with a very small spread. And in that case you're actually trying to draw attention to raising your bets instead of trying to find cover for it

I've read on other forums that casinos are very stingy with comps for blackjack at the current time
I don't play BJ any more so I'm not sure if that is correct.


but maybe some others would like to comment on this before somebody accepts more risk in search of nice comps

Quote: lilredrooster

I've read on other forums that casinos are very stingy with comps for blackjack at the current time
I don't play BJ any more so I'm not sure if that is correct.


but maybe some others would like to comment on this before somebody accepts more risk in search of nice comps

Yes. They are stingy with BJ players. Also, after you get noticed with some decent wins, they analyze your play. They make a determination on you. If warranted, they can flag you as a "skilled player," and your rating will be calculated even lower.

Who do think should get more comps... someone who plays blackjack at $10 a hand on a 0.7% house edge playing 70 hands an hour or someone playing a slot machine playing $1.50 a spin on a 6.0% house edge playing 500 spins an hour?

The above slot player is 9x more valuable to the casino than the blackjack player.


ZCore13

Quote: Zcore13

Who do think should get more comps... someone who plays blackjack at $10 a hand on a 0.7% house edge playing 70 hands an hour or someone playing a slot machine playing $1.50 a spin on a 6.0% house edge playing 500 spins an hour?

The above slot player is 9x more valuable to the casino than the blackjack player.


ZCore13

That's a no brainer. Slot players are the most valued at a casino behind whales.

Quote: lilredrooster

I've read on other forums that casinos are very stingy with comps for blackjack at the current time
I don't play BJ any more so I'm not sure if that is correct.


but maybe some others would like to comment on this before somebody accepts more risk in search of nice comps

Anecdotally, it seems like every other person that comes on here to complain about comps is playing high green, low black blackjack and expects more than a room. Casinos comp really poorly for BJ. I don't mean this as a veiled insult to anyone personally or directly here.

My best ratings come from supervisors or PBs that I have a history with OR hit it off personally with. One guy at Paris tends to give me my max bet for the whole duration. As a hard pressing craps player, this is significant. I tip well and am never the problem in his pit. Another guy... We like to talk horses. He gave me triple the rating of a friend I gambled at near parity with.

You can always negotiate, but you might end out hurting yourself when you negotiate. Both of the guys above had me WAY above what i would have asked for if negotiating, so tread carefully.

Edit: Also, don't jump around. What happens to a lot of people is they spend 20 minutes atna dozen tables and expect it to add up to three hours of play in their system. Not all places will get you in at each and every table for the full time. My minimum is one hour at a table, exceptions exist.

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Quote: lilredrooster

I've read on other forums that casinos are very stingy with comps for blackjack at the current time
I don't play BJ any more so I'm not sure if that is correct.


but maybe some others would like to comment on this before somebody accepts more risk in search of nice comps

Yes. They are stingy with BJ players. Also, after you get noticed with some decent wins, they analyze your play. They make a determination on you. If warranted, they can flag you as a "skilled player," and your rating will be calculated even lower.

When playing a break-even game, any comps -- even the stingiest -- is profit. I play typical double deck games with a less than 0.5% house edge, spread $5 to $100 and earn about $10 in hard comps and $10 in soft comps per week only playing 30 minutes.

Casinos generally don't comp BJ players as well as slot players, but the systems are easy to hack.
BJ ratings are based on human observation, most slot comps are based on coin played.
Other than playing on multiplier days, there isn't a lot a slot player can do to increase their ratings.
A good comp counter can play the rating system like a piano.

Get the Total Rewards Visa card and/or MLife Mastercard and you can build up comps just buying things like food and gas.

Quote: billryan

Casinos generally don't comp BJ players as well as slot players, but the systems are easy to hack.
BJ ratings are based on human observation, most slot comps are based on coin played.
Other than playing on multiplier days, there isn't a lot a slot player can do to increase their ratings.
A good comp counter can play the rating system like a piano.

Using slots i can play a comps system like a stradivarious

if you're not an advantage player, and I think many on this forum are not, it's critical to remember that comps are a psychological game the casino is playing on you

it's easy to get beat in the comp game - chasing comps and not paying attention to how much you are losing while chasing them

and end up getting comps nowhere close to equaling in value the dollars you have lost

if they comp you to a restaurant meal you could probably get the same food elsewhere for about half of what they are pricing the meal at

this happens to an awful lot of gamblers. many are so thrilled by getting what they see as being special treatment that they don't get elsewhere that they lose sight of what's happening or possibly they don't even care because they're made to feel special. like a girlfriend who always has her hand reaching for your wallet but you don't care because she makes you feel so good.

I seem to remember an Indian casino said you need to play for 4 hours to even get rated. If you're playing at a $25 table with $25 bets, you'll get a $25 comp (for the gift shop or a meal). I suppose if you want a $200 room, you have to be betting $200 a bet for 4 hours, so find a slow table that deals 60 hands an hour. I can't imagine what paying taxes on comps is like. Makes me not want to care unless I'm a high roller who needs a room & meal comped.

Quote: lilredrooster

if you're not an advantage player, and I think many on this forum are not, it's critical to remember that comps are a psychological game the casino is playing on you


That's what they think

it's easy to get beat in the comp game - chasing comps and not paying attention to how much you are losing while chasing them
and end up getting comps nowhere close to equaling in value the dollars you have lost

If that is true, then so is the opposite.
if they comp you to a restaurant meal you could probably get the same food elsewhere for about half of what they are pricing the meal at

So what. Can you get the meal elsewhere for free?

this happens to an awful lot of gamblers. many are so thrilled by getting what they see as being special treatment that they don't get elsewhere that they lose sight of what's happening or possibly they don't even care because they're made to feel special. like a girlfriend who always has her hand reaching for your wallet but you don't care because she makes you feel so good.

What are you suggesting? That you don't take advantage of opportunities?

Quote: lilredrooster

if you're not an advantage player, and I think many on this forum are not, it's critical to remember that comps are a psychological game the casino is playing on you

it's easy to get beat in the comp game - chasing comps and not paying attention to how much you are losing while chasing them

and end up getting comps nowhere close to equaling in value the dollars you have lost

if they comp you to a restaurant meal you could probably get the same food elsewhere for about half of what they are pricing the meal at

this happens to an awful lot of gamblers. many are so thrilled by getting what they see as being special treatment that they don't get elsewhere that they lose sight of what's happening or possibly they don't even care because they're made to feel special. like a girlfriend who always has her hand reaching for your wallet but you don't care because she makes you feel so good.

You're right, most here are not advantage players, to include myself. You're probably a bean counter (I don't mean this in a bad way) and you know the exact value of the comp you're getting. You probably weigh the mathematical savings playing X amount in return for X comp. You also debate getting comps at a casino to eat vs. eating elsewhere. I get that. However for casual recreational gamblers who visit once or twice a year, getting an edge on their green chip play can mean "Free 3 nights Sunday-Thur" vs "$40 discount a night Sunday-Thurs." Nobody should comp chase, but getting a comp'd room mid strip for three days is a huge EV+ for folks who have to fly in. At the end of the day, it's not always about gambling for us rec gamblers. We love the free rooms, but we love the perks of being mid-strip and being able to soak in the energy of the strip. Yes we know there are better/cheaper games in local casinos. Yes, we understand driving 4-5 miles will get us the same buffet for half the price, but these are all the cost factors we consider. However, it's easier said than done when you're a tourist who enjoyed 5-6 comp'd beers while playing and having to pay $15 each way in cab fee to save $10 in buffet.

A comped meal cost me the price of a tip. I don't care if the casino says it cost $25 or $500. It cost me nothing.
Can I go elsewhere and get a meal for nothing?

Quote: billryan

A comped meal cost me the price of a tip. I don't care if the casino says it cost $25 or $500. It cost me nothing.
Can I go elsewhere and get a meal for nothing?

Yes. At the Heart Attack Grill. You just need to weigh in at 350 lbs or more. Otherwise, good point.

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Yes. At the Heart Attack Grill. You just need to weigh in at 350 lbs or more. Otherwise, good point.

I'm right around that right now. I'm playing with the thought of grabbing one while still eligible. Another few weeks and the option will be gone.

Quote: billryan

I'm right around that right now. I'm playing with the thought of grabbing one while still eligible. Another few weeks and the option will be gone.

I don't know the exact rules, but I don't think they check what's in your pockets. Maybe a few rolled up quarters in your pocket may tip your over if you're close.

Quote: darkoz

Using slots i can play a comps system like a stradivarious

#TeamMozartOnTheBus

Quote: billryan

What are you suggesting? That you don't take advantage of opportunities?

I'm not an active player anymore. when I was active as an AP in blackjack I never played for comps and never had a comp card. I didn't want them tracking me. I also didn't like being conscious of comps when I was playing. I wanted to focus only on playing. I was very intense. I saw playing for comps as a botheration on my mind.

I played mostly in A.C. which was a long drive for me, about 4 hours each way. I played for long hours one day every week, about 14 hours on that day. I didn't pay for a hotel. I took naps in my car.

To eat, I'd get a steak and cheese sub and a coke and it cost me about $8.00 at a dive. And let me tell you, those dives had some great philly steak and cheese subs. Maybe a snack later that cost about $5.00. I did suck up the free drinks at the tables, usually non alcoholic drinks.

My expenses were almost nothing. Gas and tolls, that's it.

I also didn't like the idea of asking the casino for anything.

Not saying my way was the best way. But it was my way. I made money. I could care less about a meal in a fancy restaurant. I saw myself as being on a mission. I had no interest in being pampered.



My earlier post was not meant to criticize those who play for comps. I was mainly suggesting to be aware of what's going on as it is possible that there are some who are not really aware of everything. If, ultimately a person doesn't mind if they lose a great deal more than the value of their comps, that's their decision. They're a free agent.

Bill, you mentioned in another post the value of your free meal. I'm not saying you but how many have been comped for a meal priced at $35 after losing $800? Lots and lots and lots.

Just saying. Whatever.

Quote: darkoz

Using slots i can play a comps system like a stradivarious

I used to go out with a Straddle Various. She couldn't play either a piano or a violin. But she did have a skill. Yes, indeed.

Quote: lilredrooster

I'm not an active player anymore. when I was active as an AP in blackjack I never played for comps and never had a comp card. I didn't want them tracking me. I also didn't like being conscious of comps when I was playing. I wanted to focus only on playing. I was very intense. I saw playing for comps as a botheration on my mind.

I played mostly in A.C. which was a long drive for me, about 4 hours each way. I played for long hours one day every week, about 14 hours on that day. I didn't pay for a hotel. I took naps in my car.

To eat, I'd get a steak and cheese sub and a coke and it cost me about $8.00 at a dive. And let me tell you, those dives had some great philly steak and cheese subs. Maybe a snack later that cost about $5.00. I did suck up the free drinks at the tables, usually non alcoholic drinks.

My expenses were almost nothing. Gas and tolls, that's it.

I also didn't like the idea of asking the casino for anything.

Not saying my way was the best way. But it was my way. I made money. I could care less about a meal in a fancy restaurant. I saw myself as being on a mission. I had no interest in being pampered.



My earlier post was not meant to criticize those who play for comps. I was mainly suggesting to be aware of what's going on as it is possible that there are some who are not really aware of everything. If, ultimately a person doesn't mind if they lose a great deal more than the value of their comps, that's their decision. They're a free agent.

Bill, you mentioned in another post the value of your free meal. I'm not saying you but how many have been comped for a meal priced at $35 after losing $800? Lots and lots and lots.

Just saying. Whatever.

I understand what you're saying. I also respect your "ways" and your discipline. I just want to tell you that you're in the minority on this. Most people here are casual gamblers. You have a different objective than most of us here. I, for one, would not grind out driving 8 hours total round trip, take naps in the car, not drink alcohol, and grind for 14 hours to make $800. Going to AC or Vegas is leisure for me. Of course winning is good. However, I'd rather lose $800 and get my $35 crappy buffet, drink free booze, enjoy my 3 star comp'd crummy room than go through what you do. I appreciate your perspective on this. It reminds me that in casinos there are so many different types of players and characters with different objectives.

Quote: lilredrooster

if you're not an advantage player, and I think many on this forum are not, it's critical to remember that comps are a psychological game the casino is playing on you

it's easy to get beat in the comp game - chasing comps and not paying attention to how much you are losing while chasing them

and end up getting comps nowhere close to equaling in value the dollars you have lost

if they comp you to a restaurant meal you could probably get the same food elsewhere for about half of what they are pricing the meal at

this happens to an awful lot of gamblers. many are so thrilled by getting what they see as being special treatment that they don't get elsewhere that they lose sight of what's happening or possibly they don't even care because they're made to feel special. like a girlfriend who always has her hand reaching for your wallet but you don't care because she makes you feel so good.

A Player's Club Employee straight up told me that they give free play based on how often much you lose. So if you are constantly WINNING, you don't get any free play. Another local Player's Club Employee said free play is based on how often you play, I presume that even if you are constantly WINNING, you still get free play.