If you're trying to get comps it seems to make sense to bet more when the pit boss is looking. I've seen multiple authors recommend this. Maybe bet $10 when s/he's not around and then increase to $50. Personally I think this is dishonest, maybe somewhat worse than telling your wife she "looks nice" when she doesn't and somewhat less serious than pirating movies.
I haven't varied my bets like this, but I have considered it. Usually I avoid chasing comps.
What's the chance of the pit boss noticing this? Would they confuse it with counting? I suspect it would just be dealt with by comping at the $10 rate.
Let me ask you this:
When the pit boss sees you are wagering at $50, you are actually risking that $50 at that moment? If his rating is for $50 then that is because that is precisely what you are risking. If they cannot watch you as you vary your bets then they need a better system. Feel no guilt about it.
Here is another scenario. You have a system that requires you to bet more as you lose (or win). Not necessarily a straight martingale but you raise your bets in a succession. Is it ethical that the pit boss sees your first bet and rates you at ten bucks an hour when within fifteen minutes you might be wagering hundreds per hand? And when using this system you lose thousands is it ethical that the casino comp you as a ten dollar bettor? Or is ok when the issues with their comping methods work in their favor?
Quote: dudestupidPersonally I think this is dishonest, maybe somewhat worse than telling your wife she "looks nice" when she doesn't
1. Your wife always looks nice.
2. Don't fret about the honesty.
Casinos generally base comps on the greater of ADT or actual losses. They're tracking your buy-in, your rebuys, your cash-out, and the duration you were at the table. Periodically, they're looking at your bet size. They're inferring the number of rounds played based on time at the table.
If there's any doubt on your bet size, they'll gladly call surveillance to check... or more likely, they'll just assume your average is the lowest they saw.
You're going to get shorted on comps, even if they give you full credit for your bets. Don't feel bad about playing the game.
I use to employ a strategy of betting only when rolling the dice. Well guess what, the pit actually stopped rating me when I had no action.
If you have ethical dilemmas about this, then don't try to milk a comp. Its not uncommon for the supervisor to subtly.check with the rest of the pit on a players level of action.
I believe We had a supposed supervisor/ dealer say if you don't tip enough, he will lie and and make sure you get no rating and marked as a card counter or possible cheat.
Casinos are very unethical. They will serve you booze until you pass out as long as your not being an ass. I guarantee you I can get 7 BIG shots (=to about 11) in a 1 HR from 1 person without a second though, and I don't weigh a lot.
Casinos will or have done the following.....
They retroactively screw people on promotions.
They have baited AP's to 86 them.
They have denied expired slot tickets.
They will go out of there way to entice you to lose your money.
They have unfairly kicked people out of their rooms.
They have knowingly illegally detained players.
They occasionally unfairly beat players.
They have denied cashing of chips.
They cheat at drawings.
They use slot keys to spy on each other.
I had the head of security tell me, he would lie and get his underlings to lie to metropolitan police to say he previously 86ed me and have me arrested for trespassing.
Employees will steal from you.
They don't want anyone with skill to play.
I've had machines cheat me and they refuse to compensate me.
I've had proof another customer took my cash out tickets and they refused to do anything.
They have lied in court.
They have knowingly let underage gamblers loose thousands.
They have voided payments on technicalities.
They have knowingly accused innocence players of serious crimes.
They knowingly faults advertise.
They will supply big players with illegal perks.(drugs, hookers)
They turn a blind eye to gamblers with million dollar addictions and even encourage people like that.
It's only an illusion that they want winners. They only want suckers to occasionally win.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/peppermill-casino-owners-agree-1-million-fine-over-use-slot-machine-reset-keyQuote: HunterhillAxle what do you mean by"they use slot keys to spy on each other" ?
Quote: dudestupidPersonally I think this is dishonest, ...
I don't. It is part of the cat and mouse game. It is like going a little slower when you see a cop up ahead. Furthermore, in my experience, it isn't even helpful. Most of the time when the floorman comes by you're in the middle of the hand and can't do anything about whatever you wagered. It is these "mid state" wagers that they tend to rely on.
Quote:maybe somewhat worse than telling your wife she "looks nice" when she doesn't and somewhat less serious than pirating movies.
Nobody ever accused me of understanding the first thing about women. However, after 20 years of marriage, I've learned that your wife/GF ALWAYS looks nice.
Once my wife wore a hideous blouse composed of a little flower pattern. I told her it looked like Walt Disney threw up. She has been holding a grudge over that remark for years.
As to an unbecoming blouse or some such thing .... if you've already left the house, you say nothing. If she still has an opportunity to change it, you say that you do not care for it, but "Honey, you know my fashion sense is worthless to you".
If its not a wife but a niece, you never make any comment about how she is dressed. Not ever. Not even to the cop on the street who mistakenly takes her attire as a sign of a certain profession. You say NOTHING about her attire.
Plus, a decent supervisor will notice your bets back down to $25 the next time someone buys into the table. Do it if you wish, but in my experience, it doesn't work nearly as well in reality as it does in theory.
Quote: ahiromuI will agree with what seems to be the prevailing opinion, it may be devious but I wouldn't call it unethical. Can you get away with increasing your average bet by a few dollars an hour? Maybe. However, unless you're really good at it, I don't see it paying off in the long run, increasing my average bet from $25 to $50 opens up the potential for some bad variance.
Plus, a decent supervisor will notice your bets back down to $25 the next time someone buys into the table. Do it if you wish, but in my experience, it doesn't work nearly as well in reality as it does in theory.
Went to NYNY many years back when it first opened. No pre-arranged deal. Friend was a green chipper at BJ, I was generally a $10 player. I would often bet 35-40 on my first few bets, then return to my usual $10 -$15 range. BS, no counting. I got my 4 night stay virtually totally comped, my friend got one of his 4 nights comped. I may have played slightly longer than him, but his real average bet per hour times hours played definitely was greater than mine.
I am convinced it works. I am also convinced that being friendly with the pit boss helps as well.
Quote: Wizardafter 20 years of marriage, I've learned that your wife/GF ALWAYS looks nice.
My wife had a red suit once, pants and top, that didnt complement her well and wouldn't have even if it was another color. I finally had to tell her it made her look like Mrs. Santa Claus. I think I only got away with this only because I had been observing that same caution 99% of the time. In fact she claimed and still claims I am too quick to say she "looks fine"
Unfortunately, she preserved the pants, which I still hated, and they really made her look so bad I wondered what other people thought. Thank God I think those pants finally gave up the ghost.
Quote: WizardI don't. It is part of the cat and mouse game. It is like going a little slower when you see a cop up ahead. Furthermore, in my experience, it isn't even helpful. Most of the time when the floorman comes by you're in the middle of the hand and can't do anything about whatever you wagered. It is these "mid state" wagers that they tend to rely on.
Nobody ever accused me of understanding the first thing about women. However, after 20 years of marriage, I've learned that your wife/GF ALWAYS looks nice.
Once my wife wore a hideous blouse composed of a little flower pattern. I told her it looked like Walt Disney threw up. She has been holding a grudge over that remark for years.
So you have the Wizards blessings on it. Nuff said.
As for the wife stories, I guess that's why I am sitting here typing alone in my bedroom. My ex always told me it was my mouth that got me into trouble.
Quote: WizardI don't. It is part of the cat and mouse game. It is like going a little slower when you see a cop up ahead.
Gotta love the "stuff we keep to ourselves".
Reminds me of a wintry day in the countryside years ago. The roads were sketchy, and the snow was a flying. A state cruiser behind me for ten miles doing the usual 70 mph. Conditions were too bad for passing, so I didn't want to hold them up there either by doing the "slowing down thing".
Quote: WizardI told her it looked like Walt Disney threw up. She has been holding a grudge over that remark for years.
Good grief.
It ends how it starts.
Quote: darkozAs for the wife stories, I guess that's why I am sitting here typing alone in my bedroom. My ex always told me it was my mouth that got me into trouble.
It's about saying what's on your mind, and listening to the other side, before the "garbage" begins to pile up. Letting the "chips fall".
There's an element of luck, etc, as well. The couples who stay together can't claim it was all about calm thinking, and fate, etc.
Quote: WizardShe has been holding a grudge over that remark for years.
It will be a lifetime, it's in the years phase
now. You committed the cardinal sin, you
questioned her taste. You, a mere man.
She's right to not forgive you. Never
forget this:
Quote: AxelWolf
Casinos will or have done the following.....
They retroactively screw people on promotions.
They have baited AP's to 86 them.
They have denied expired slot tickets.
They will go out of there way to entice you to lose your money.
They have unfairly kicked people out of their rooms.
They have knowingly illegally detained players.
They occasionally unfairly beat players.
They have denied cashing of chips.
They cheat at drawings.
They use slot keys to spy on each other.
ETC.
I've said it many times and believe it to
my core: casinos are evil places. They
prey on us like a hungry animal, they really
believe that once you enter their well spun
web, the gloves are off and what's yours
is soon to be theirs. I hate being there one
more minute then necessary, it gives me
the creeps. Everybody watching everybody,
and the oblivious players like fish in a barrel.
I didn't feel that way 20 years ago, but it's
different now. Everything is bottom line and
it didn't used to be that way.
Quote: EvenBobI've said it many times and believe it to
my core: casinos are evil places. They
prey on us like a hungry animal, they really
believe that once you enter their well spun
web, the gloves are off and what's yours
is soon to be theirs. I hate being there one
more minute then necessary, it gives me
the creeps. Everybody watching everybody,
and the oblivious players like fish in a barrel.
I didn't feel that way 20 years ago, but it's
different now. Everything is bottom line and
it didn't used to be that way.
The average vacationer will not experience any of this. It's a fun form of entertainment for reasonable people.
All the horror stories of people killing themselves or losing everything, its rare and it is because them people couldn't control themselves.
Casinos are not your friends, they want your money. But so does Disneyland.
Quote: AxelWolfCasinos are not your friends, they want your money. But so does Disneyland.
And there is no chance in hell that you will go to Disneyland and come back with more money than you went with.
Quote: AxelWolfCasinos are not your friends, they want your money. But so does Disneyland.
Quote: mickeycrimmAnd there is no chance in hell that you will go to Disneyland and come back with more money than you went with.
After about a year on this board, I think I have finally found my signature. Messrs. Axel and Mickey, may I?
Quote: mickeycrimmAnd there is no chance in hell that you will go to Disneyland and come back with more money than you went with.
And there's also no chance you go to disneyland and blow your kids' college fund in a night.
Even a fatass couldn't eat that much in overpriced snacks.
Quote: AxelWolfthey want your money. But so does Disneyland.
Difference being, Disneyland won't let you
sit there while you knowingly bankrupt
yourself at their park. I've read stories
of AP's who got out of the biz because
they couldn't take the ravenous shark
attitude of casinos anymore. Too many
times they saw some poor jerk sit there,
with the full knowledge of the floor, while
he chased his losses till he was almost
destitute. And did not one thing to try
and stop him.
Who does something like that. Evil people,
that's who.
Have you ever seen the cost of a hotdog there?Quote: EvenBobDifference being, Disneyland won't let you
sit there while you knowingly bankrupt
.
Mrs. Q, however, still likes Disney. She took our older teenagers there for a day while we were in FL just before Christmas. I didn't have to go. Win/Win. (And I'm not sure I want to know how much they spent).
Quote: RSThe only place you can get free alcohol is in a casino. There's a reason for that.
Not true.
You can finish drinks that people have walked away from in a bar.
Quote: sc15
You can finish drinks that people have walked away from in a bar.
Not in my bar, or any bar I've been
at. That's a big no-no.
Quote: EvenBobNot in my bar, or any bar I've been
at. That's a big no-no.
It's kind of like scrounging for credits people left behind on a slot machine.
It's against the rules but you can do it till you're 86ed!
Quote: sc15And there's also no chance you go to disneyland and blow your kids' college fund in a night.
Even a fatass couldn't eat that much in overpriced snacks.
Disneyland wants your money same as the casino
However, Disneyland does not do false advertising.
Disney Ad: Come to the place where everyone has fun.
Disney employee: "How was your stay, sir?"
Patron: "I tried to have fun and I did."
Disney employee: "Fantastic, we'd love to have you back and hope you have fun again."
Casino ad: Come to the place where everyone wins.
Casino employee: "How was your stay, sir?"
Patron: "I tried to win and I did."
Casino employee: "Oh, you tried to win? Did you use any skill when trying like card counting?"
Patron: "Oh, yes. No way you can win consistently otherwise."
Casino employee: "Come with us, sir. Trying to win is not allowed."
Patron: "But the ad says everyone is a winner here."
I know some people will counter with the personal responsibility argument and there is something to that. But I find it outrageous and hypocritical. They run an advertising campaign, you know 1-800 gambler, as if they care, but their actions speak loud and clear. Again how hypocritical.
Now, moving on, despite how predatory I feel the casino industry is, that doesn't mean that anything is fair game. There are activities that some AP's engage in that I think cross the line if not criminally, definitely morally in my opinion. I myself have engaged in some activities like hole-carding that while certainly not illegal, I just don't feel comfortable with, so I ceased doing so.
But, what we are talking about here, doesn't rise to any of those levels in my opinion. I am in complete agreement with Wizard on this one. It's just part of the cat & mouse game that is part of advantage play. I don't feel the slightest bit bad about disguising my bets for whatever reason. :)
Quote: kewljNow, moving on, despite how predatory I feel the casino industry is, that doesn't mean that anything is fair game. There are activities that some AP's engage in that I think cross the line if not criminally, definitely morally in my opinion.
Absolutely. There are bottom feeding AP's that will
do anything to make a buck, and are proud of it.
They brag about how much money they have,
and strut around, but are no better than the HS
kid with a coat hanger who figured out how to
rip off vending machines.
Quote: DeucekiesAfter about a year on this board, I think I have finally found my signature. Messrs. Axel and Mickey, may I?
Sure. I don't have a problem with it, Deucekies.
Quote: ukaserexOne thing I have found interesting - and still don't know what impact it has - is to buy in for $500 or $1000 - but only use $100 or 200 in chips. For games like 3 card poker, the straights and flushes are so rare, I generally cash out as soon as they hit, so I leave with some of their money, or having only lost a little of mine.
100 a hand at 3cp is like losing a little? We definitely have a different definition of a little.
Quote: MathExtremistI think he means playing at the $5 or $10 level after buying in for $1000.
Oh lol yeah that makes sense.
Quote: beachbumbabsI don't know the CET formula, so I don't know how much it matters, but it does matter to them how much cash you buy in for. And you seem to get less credit for buying in with cheques rather than cash. There's a cage right there, so I don't know what the difference is, but they smile down on you better for new money. Even if you just got it from the cage out of your previous stake. Something to do with the drop/hold/win formula, I guess.
Cash or chips makes absolutely no difference to most pits. I don't know of any that base anything off total buy-in. It's average bet, time played and the game that make a difference. The only thing buying in for more cash instead of back in with chips will get you is Title 31 tracking faster.
ZCore13
Quote: Zcore13Cash or chips makes absolutely no difference to most pits. I don't know of any that base anything off total buy-in. It's average bet, time played and the game that make a difference. The only thing buying in for more cash instead of back in with chips will get you is Title 31 tracking faster.
ZCore13
Fair enough, as you would know. I've just had them not bother if I came in with cheques several times, where they were always quick to sign in the cash, so I went to all cash buy-ins. No idea why it matters to them, or even if it does.
I'm with you, Babs, though I have no reason to doubt Zcore since a) as you said, he would know, and b) what he said makes sense! However, casinos are not always the best at making sense with their policies.Quote: beachbumbabsFair enough, as you would know. I've just had them not bother if I came in with cheques several times, where they were always quick to sign in the cash, so I went to all cash buy-ins. No idea why it matters to them, or even if it does.
Most times I buy-in at the table, the pit wants to know how much and whether it was cash or cheques. I assume they are noting this on their tracking slip/screen. If the buy-in details aren't considered, I wonder why they record them.
I also remember Max Rubin in Comp City advising to always buy-in with cash, not cheques, but that book is 10+ years old now. Personally, I like taking my winnings to the cage and converting them to cash, even if I only have it for a few minutes before I sit at the next table.
Quote: Zcore13Cash or chips makes absolutely no difference to most pits. I don't know of any that base anything off total buy-in. It's average bet, time played and the game that make a difference. The only thing buying in for more cash instead of back in with chips will get you is Title 31 tracking faster.
ZCore13
How does 'Hold' factor into things?
Recently it has crossed my mind that since I always buy in really big compared to my needs [it's superstition] that this makes my Hold as a player look bad. This affects what kind of offers you get in the future?
Quote: odiousgambitHow does 'Hold' factor into things?
Recently it has crossed my mind that since I always buy in really big compared to my needs [it's superstition] that this makes my Hold as a player look bad. This affects what kind of offers you get in the future?
Hold is no factor in rating or promotional offers. The only thing buying in for a large amount of money and playing smaller denominations is going to do is raise suspicions and have someone keep an eye on you more.
Your best chance for better comps than normal is to be pleasant to the Supervisor who is rating you. Chat with him/her. Bet larger when they are around. Play for the dealer when they are around.
ZCore13
Quote: JoemanThanks for the insight, Hunter & Zcore!
Yes!
btw why is Hold calculated?
Quote: odiousgambitYes!
btw why is Hold calculated?
Hold has value for historical comparison, mostly within ones own casino, but a little bit when comparing to other locations. If my player base stays basically the same and most other factors remain the same, I can compare hold of one game to another since everything is pretty consistent. It's not as easy when the variables of other casinos are mixed in. Higher buy ins, less locals, minimum wager amounts, etc. call all make a difference (although usually slight) on hold percentage.
Drop and win are much more important. Most statistics are much more relevant internally than for comparing to the outside.
ZCore13