Would you give up comps for much better games?

I was just reading an article about a Vegas casino that was going to seriously restrict its comps (while doing nothing to improve the games,) and it got me thinking, would you accept no comps for better casino games?

I know this will probably never happen, but one can dream.

Personally, except for drink service (which I rarely use anyway, as I live in the gaming wasteland of Chicago,) I would make the tradeoff in a heartbeat.

Better or much better?
With comps at 25-30% as today, that's a reduction of HA by under 1/3. Maybe 8x instead of 5x odds in craps, one pro-player rule in blackjack. There already are such games, you just need to look around. Going from $4 to $3 would help low-limit poker noticeably, though.

I'll keep my free/cheap hotel stays and still play on decent blackjack tables.

I would say that for most gamblers, the answer is no. However, I believe that for the vast majority of members of the Wizard of Vegas site, the answer will be yes.

I argue that most gamblers, whales especially, would rather have the free stuff. People come to Las Vegas to escape from their lives, if only for a few days or a weekend. Gamblers like feeling like kings. How much fun is it to get a "free" suite, get free VIP show tickets, or eat an expensive dinner with several bottles of overpriced wine knowing that your host will pick up the tab. Perhaps some gamblers don't understand what the house edge is for various games or bets, but they don't care. They want the chance of winning, and figure that their "free" comps help to ease the blow when they had a loss.

If gamblers would really want to give up comps for much better games, all of them would be playing the craps tables at Casino Royale's 100x odds. They would only play $5 on the pass (or don't) with $500 odds behind (or more for don't). After 4 hours of play, they might get a free lunch at Denny's and some free drinks, but not much more.

My issue is that I'm a level or two below a low roller.. Call me a "Pathetic roller." I don't use comps because its pointless for me. So I would like to have an option for good games. But living in the Chicago market, there is very little to get worked up about out here.

I think being a pai gow (cards and tiles) player, all tables are the same at every casino. So I guess I like the comps. I love the concept of a free room before I have put a dollar on the line. I love having a weekly match play coupon at my local casino, along with a free buffet, before I have risked a dollar. If I still played BJ, and there were no 3:2 tables, I would probably feel differently.

Quote: SOOPOO

I think being a pai gow (cards and tiles) player, all tables are the same at every casino. So I guess I like the comps. I love the concept of a free room before I have put a dollar on the line. I love having a weekly match play coupon at my local casino, along with a free buffet, before I have risked a dollar. If I still played BJ, and there were no 3:2 tables, I would probably feel differently.

Correct me if I am wrong but these offers you get are not exactly received before you put a dollar on the line. I would imagine the comps you receive are from previous play.

But to the original question why not just play places with fair games and decent comps. They still exist but they don't have the overhead of lions, fountains and fluff.

Quote: Wavy70

But to the original question why not just play places with fair games and decent comps. They still exist but they don't have the overhead of lions, fountains and fluff.

If I could get to one like that, I'd be there. Unfortunately, there's nowhere like that anywhere near me.

No, really like prime rib and free cigars.

It's fun to get free stuff..even though I really already paid for it all in HA. And since retail gamblers don't worry about HA, no need ot change.

Well, I have both choices...
One place I play in Reno, has 100.17% Payback (10/7 DB Video Poker) along with .25% comps.
Another place I play has 99.54% (9/6 JoB Video Poker) along with .5% cashback
The third place has 99.54% (9/6 JoB vP) with 1.4% comps.
Personally, I'm pretty happy with what I've got...

What hourly wages do you expect for your hard work ??


Wizard of Oz: To confer, converse, and otherwise hob-nob with my brother wizards.

Then I would seriously recommend Sam's Town or most Boyd casinos. they have really good video poker, good odds on craps and pretty decent blackjack. but they can be tight on comps. Sounds like just what you are looking for!