comps
March 15th, 2012 at 12:10:37 PM
permalink
I am posting this in craps 'cuz I play that a lot, but it could be in most of the other forums.
So I have been gambling since I was 22 or so - but not really serious. And I rarely win - mostly cuz I just assume I would lose my $100 or whatever so I keep playing until it is gone.
I have always heard about comps, but never paid attention to it since I just assumed it was for the high rollers.
Yet people talk about it all the time on this board.
Also, in that WoO video on blackjack, (or on his site - can't remember), he quotes the low house edge if you use proper betting strategy (tee hee...ok, ok...money management) and states that if you figure in the comps you are going to get, then it works out pretty good.
So maybe I should pay more attenting to comps and learn something about it. I mean - I have given these casinos A LOT of money over the years.
So how does it work? To get comps, should you play the same casino every time? Do you have to asked for them? Teach me.
I used to never get player cards, but I do now - mostly to get the free $5 coupon I loose quickly on black at roulette - or some free rolls at the slots.
So I have been gambling since I was 22 or so - but not really serious. And I rarely win - mostly cuz I just assume I would lose my $100 or whatever so I keep playing until it is gone.
I have always heard about comps, but never paid attention to it since I just assumed it was for the high rollers.
Yet people talk about it all the time on this board.
Also, in that WoO video on blackjack, (or on his site - can't remember), he quotes the low house edge if you use proper betting strategy (tee hee...ok, ok...money management) and states that if you figure in the comps you are going to get, then it works out pretty good.
So maybe I should pay more attenting to comps and learn something about it. I mean - I have given these casinos A LOT of money over the years.
So how does it work? To get comps, should you play the same casino every time? Do you have to asked for them? Teach me.
I used to never get player cards, but I do now - mostly to get the free $5 coupon I loose quickly on black at roulette - or some free rolls at the slots.
March 15th, 2012 at 12:38:06 PM
permalink
Get a players card and use it all the time. Also, do get real comps you should play at the same casino brand. For example, if you have a B card you should consider playing most of your money at a Boyds casino same with a Harahs total rewards card. it increases your points and they usually reward your loyalty to some extent. Also be very chatty and pleasant with the bosses it doesn't always work but it doesn't hurt either.
March 15th, 2012 at 12:56:31 PM
permalink
Agreed, use a players card always! Some casinos won't rate you (meaning give you credit for play) unless you bet a minimum amount, but most will. And of course machines will always track your play and accumulate points that can be used for comps.
I'd advise that before you get too concerned about comps, you will gain a lot more by studying the games and playing only games that decrease the house edge to a bare minimum (<1%) and in some cases favor the players (usually favorable VP pay tables and BJ with basic strategy proper decisions based on count). You'll save yourself a lot more by paying attention to this, and in most cases accumulate comps as well.
I'd advise that before you get too concerned about comps, you will gain a lot more by studying the games and playing only games that decrease the house edge to a bare minimum (<1%) and in some cases favor the players (usually favorable VP pay tables and BJ with basic strategy proper decisions based on count). You'll save yourself a lot more by paying attention to this, and in most cases accumulate comps as well.
March 15th, 2012 at 1:09:21 PM
permalink
Personally, I was reluctant to take the advice about player's cards etc. for more than one reason, including being a piker; but included in that was concern over privacy and what information might get shared and how. But I finally caved on it and have not regretted it. The privacy thing has not been a problem in any way. Being a piker has had the expected result, but in one case at least the coupons that got mailed to me turned out to be valuable in spite of it.
So there does not seem to be any downside for anyone who is not trying to scoot under the radar.
So there does not seem to be any downside for anyone who is not trying to scoot under the radar.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
March 15th, 2012 at 1:26:19 PM
permalink
Trust me, comps play a HUGE factor (even Bob Dancer says this)
Currently, I'm only playing a game with a 99.55% payback, but when you factor in comps at .35%, and a FULL 2% bounceback, that's a HELLUVA deal (this still doesn't include all the free rooms and VIP events)
Currently, I'm only playing a game with a 99.55% payback, but when you factor in comps at .35%, and a FULL 2% bounceback, that's a HELLUVA deal (this still doesn't include all the free rooms and VIP events)
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
March 15th, 2012 at 1:43:58 PM
permalink
Quote: TIMSPEEDTrust me, comps play a HUGE factor (even Bob Dancer says this)
Currently, I'm only playing a game with a 99.55% payback, but when you factor in comps at .35%, and a FULL 2% bounceback, that's a HELLUVA deal (this still doesn't include all the free rooms and VIP events)
whats boucneback?
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
March 16th, 2012 at 12:29:20 PM
permalink
Thanks for the responses.
I'm still clueless.
So how do I GET comps? Do they magically happen?
I'm still clueless.
So how do I GET comps? Do they magically happen?
March 16th, 2012 at 1:34:36 PM
permalink
Quote: slackyhackyThanks for the responses.
I'm still clueless.
So how do I GET comps? Do they magically happen?
'Get a player's card' is the main thing. Ask how to get one when you walk in, there will be a special desk.
Do some of your own research too. https://easy.vegas/gambling/comps
Last edited by: unnamed administrator on Aug 19, 2019
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
March 16th, 2012 at 1:44:53 PM
permalink
Some DO 'magically' happen - in the form of postcards and email.Quote: slackyhackySo how do I GET comps? Do they magically happen?
Others can be gotten by asking a pit boss. But sometimes, the pit boss is just giving you a comp that would prevent a postcard for the same comp.
The key is to get a player's card, and use it.
Once you have a card, slip it into the slot machine before you insert your money. Hand it to the dealer when buying in at a table games. The rest of the 'magic' is more or less automatic. Just remember to take it with you when you leave. It's a minor PITA to get a replacement, but why not avoid that hastle?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
March 16th, 2012 at 1:49:45 PM
permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBearIt's a minor PITA to get a replacement, but why not avoid that hastle?
I've replaced two cards. A B Connected Boyd card and a TR. Both took less than two minutes, but in the case od the BOyd I had the card with me (long story), and for the TR I had the number handy. I did get the impression the people at the card desks don't like replacing lost cards.
I wonder if you can ask for two cards when you apply. I mean two of the same card. At MGM, Riviera and with the TR replacement, they gave me two without asking.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
March 16th, 2012 at 2:31:58 PM
permalink
Quote: NareedI did get the impression the people at the card desks don't like replacing lost cards.
Nareed, I have had just the opposite experience with TR cards. At least twice, I have just gone to the Total Rewards Desk at a casino to ask a question, and they make a new card for me, "Just in case you need it." I expect it will happen again on my May visit to Las Vegas, since it seems they have changed their designs. If you haven't seen the new design, check out page 10 of this Caesars emag.
March 16th, 2012 at 3:31:58 PM
permalink
Quote: DocNareed, I have had just the opposite experience with TR cards. At least twice, I have just gone to the Total Rewards Desk at a casino to ask a question, and they make a new card for me, "Just in case you need it."
I'll tell you. This was at the Rio around 8 am. I approached the desk and said I'd lost my card. the lady behind the desk roleld her eyes and said "I've heard about that before."
Ok, next I said "I have the number with me," and handed her a copy of my hotel reservation, which I'd booked at the TR site. She smiled then. More properly she beamed. She just typed the number on her computer and out popped two cards a minute later.
The impression I had was that without a number you have to look up the customer by name. That can be problematic. there's a reason why just about everything issued in a person's name, DL, credit cards, accounts, etc are given numbers.
But we've hijacked the thread long enough... I'll say of my personal experience and very low, flea-like play level, over three trips I've gotten zero in comps.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
March 16th, 2012 at 6:09:18 PM
permalink
Quote: NareedQuote: DocThe impression I had was that without a number you have to look up the customer by name. That can be problematic. there's a reason why just about everything issued in a person's name, DL, credit cards, accounts, etc are given numbers.
Pit bosses can often issue the cards. The driver's license or similar photo ID is usually requested.
March 16th, 2012 at 6:28:23 PM
permalink
SanchoPanza, you must have a formatting code error in your post. You have Nareed's comment attributed to me.
March 16th, 2012 at 6:35:11 PM
permalink
Quote: SanchoPanzaPit bosses can often issue the cards. The driver's license or similar photo ID is usually requested.
Yes, the floorperson can always call club services to get a new card issued although you might not need one. The floor can often rate you with just your ID if you're already in the system or if you know your number. It's more difficult to have to look a guest up by name but it never really bothered me.
