Contacting Host

This October will be my second time going to Vegas so they do not have any history of my winnings or losses. I have two casinos in Connecticut which I go to often. I never bothered with a host there which I guess I probably should of. I plan to bring $1000.00 to gamble. Is that enough to contact a host and if it is, do I make contact when I arrive at the casino or wait until I put hours on the players card. I will be playing Let it Ride and Black jack. Thanks in Advance on all suggestions.

My opinion is that it never hurts to ask to speak to the VIP department of a casino you're using, but on the face of it, I would say a $1K bankroll is not enough to get a host excited. However, it's not really bankroll, it's how much action you give them, so what they'll judge you on will be your average bet and how long you play each day. If you won early and kept playing and/or raised your average bet, doesn't matter how much is in your pocket.

To mimic/dig deeper to what babs said: You might want to ask at your local casino's vip rewards area if they can do anything (if they are in fact affiliated with a casino/hotel you'd like to stay at in Vegas). This probably won't get you anything other than a refresher on any promotions you could use, but in some cases they might hook you up with something (dining credit, a comped night over your promotions, or something). Mostly this is just try because all they can do is say no and you're right back where you are.

Next, what I would do if I was you, I would book the room, be prepared to pay for the entire stay, and play like you would normally. Then, at the end of your trip I would talk to guest services or, a vip person if you can get a hold of one, and ask them if they can comp you anything from your play. One of my first trips to MGM a WHILE ago I didn't even ask anyone. I signed up for a card when I got there, played there mostly through the week, then when I left they took 2 nights off my 5 night stay! This was well before I got in to the comp game/etc where it's more a point of pride not to ever pay for a room in Vegas again =P.

You can also play for a day or two, then ask them "hey given my current action what do you think the possibility of getting my hotel covered by the time my trip is over?" and see what they have to say. Maybe they'll say "yeah if you keep your current level of action we can handle the hotel" or something and let you know where you stand. Again, doesn't hurt to try!

Without prior history, you will get next to nothing from TR. As Romes eludes to, MGM may take off a night, but I wouldn't count on it. Your max bets probably won't exceed $25, this may qualify you for FUTURE rooms at the lowest TR properties.

My recommendation, at that level, is to completely forget about the comp game and just enjoy yourself. Pay cash for a $100 steak and only play at tables/properties you like when you want. If you feel it necessary to concentrate your play for future promotions, I'd do it at a downtown property or TR, MGM will not appreciate your action.

Quote: Romes

To mimic/dig deeper to what babs said: You might want to ask at your local casino's vip rewards area if they can do anything (if they are in fact affiliated with a casino/hotel you'd like to stay at in Vegas). This probably won't get you anything other than a refresher on any promotions you could use, but in some cases they might hook you up with something (dining credit, a comped night over your promotions, or something). Mostly this is just try because all they can do is say no and you're right back where you are.

Next, what I would do if I was you, I would book the room, be prepared to pay for the entire stay, and play like you would normally. Then, at the end of your trip I would talk to guest services or, a vip person if you can get a hold of one, and ask them if they can comp you anything from your play. One of my first trips to MGM a WHILE ago I didn't even ask anyone. I signed up for a card when I got there, played there mostly through the week, then when I left they took 2 nights off my 5 night stay! This was well before I got in to the comp game/etc where it's more a point of pride not to ever pay for a room in Vegas again =P.

You can also play for a day or two, then ask them "hey given my current action what do you think the possibility of getting my hotel covered by the time my trip is over?" and see what they have to say. Maybe they'll say "yeah if you keep your current level of action we can handle the hotel" or something and let you know where you stand. Again, doesn't hurt to try!

I would also recommend, as Romes does, that you talk to the front desk or VIP services BEFORE you check out (ask the front desk for a review of your play; they will either do it themselves or send you or your query to their people) but after you've played, and see what they can do for you. On a first visit, this has worked well for me several times. You might also consider charging your restaurant/bar/gift shop to the room; they may even cover those (except tips) upon review.

I am a pretty low roller like the OP but I do always charge any food or drink purchases in the casino to my room. Note these are purchases would make anyway, not purchases made in expectation of being comped. My play typically isn't enough to get a room comp but I have had meal charges removed. Using room charges also gets you credit for tier points on those purchases. My play isn't even enough to get me to pearl status at MGM, but my play + purchases is. The only significant benefit is a buffet line pass, but I have enjoyed having that a couple times.