Comp vs "Player's Card" confusion
If I have a player's card that accumulates points as I play at several different casinos, based on how I am rated (betting level, number of hands, time spent) when I give them my card, (or is that incorrect terminology). Is asking for a comp for a meal or whatever, still acceptable or is that to be considered as part of my "points" earned?
Is using yoru player's card the same thing as beign rated? The dozen or so books I have read seem to asume that the reader knows the difference, if there even is one.
Thanks.
Long story short: It never hurts to ask, but the answer may also be "no."
Quote: phillimaAs a newbie to casinos and players cards (not playing blackjack, but stil trying ot master BS), I have a question that I hope will result in a positive experience for me here.
If I have a player's card that accumulates points as I play at several different casinos, based on how I am rated (betting level, number of hands, time spent) when I give them my card, (or is that incorrect terminology). Is asking for a comp for a meal or whatever, still acceptable or is that to be considered as part of my "points" earned?
Is using yoru player's card the same thing as beign rated? The dozen or so books I have read seem to asume that the reader knows the difference, if there even is one.
Thanks.
As the wise rdw stated (I had the pleasure of hanging with him this past weekend!), it does depend on the casino. HOWEVER, in general, larger casinos/groups have abandoned writing comps for a more structured system. Caesars properties do not write comps, with one large exception: Horseshoe properties. There, you should ALWAYS ask for one from the pit, as long as you've been playing for a while. They'll almost always give free buffets.
Smaller properties and groups are more likely to write comps out, to keep your business. Always ask before if it will be deducted from your account, and if it will be, make sure they don't over write it (2 buffets when by yourself). I've had that happen a few times.
Quote: FortyDuceIn regards to Caesar's properties. They typically issue something around 30 points and $1 of comps per hour of play at their poker tables; when you sit down they swipe your card and "check in" at the table. For their table games, do they do some sort of similar system? Do you know what that earning rate is?
Much like the great pyramids and Stonehenge, Caesars comp system towards table players is one of the great mysteries of life. Not only does it vary by game, the same game can vary by property. Even on high HE games, don't expect to get too much out of comps, unless you're playing roulette, and even then it won't be a ton.
Quote: FortyDuceIn regards to Caesar's properties. They typically issue something around 30 points and $1 of comps per hour of play at their poker tables; when you sit down they swipe your card and "check in" at the table. For their table games, do they do some sort of similar system? Do you know what that earning rate is?
For table games there's a formula: average bet * duration * hands/hour (stated, not actual) * house edge= thoretical hold. Then a % of the hold is returned as comp $/points. So 4 hours of play at $100/hand at Pai Gow Poker might be worth $100*4*20*0.02=$160. You might get back 10-25% of the $160 theoretical loss in comps, depending on the property.
It's easy to be mis-rated. Average bet is pretty subjective, especially for a blackjack player using a bet spread, or a craps player with an active come/place strategy.
I'm guessing that casinos on the strip would be the stingiest of issuing comps, their goal seems to be aimed at drunk tourist playing slots more then anything else nowadays. Are downtown casinos more generous or would you need to go out of town, like Henderson and such, in order to still get good comps?
Quote: winmonkeyspit3I prefer discretionary comps because from my experience I have almost always been given a buffet for 2 from my low\mid level play when I have asked the pit boss.
100% agree, and I'm also thinking the cost of 1 buffet is far less than $20 worth of food comps at some random restaurant that I order a burger.
In general, ask and they will be honest in what they can give you. A decent rule of thumb is the smaller the casino the bigger the chance is the pit boss can do something for you. Even smaller casinos are getting tighter, but a random food comp has been much more common to me at local casinos and the off strip properties than the big chains. I don't think the floor people can even do anything at MGM or CET properties anymore. But again, if you are curious, just ask. As long as you aren't just rude to them, you should get an honest answer.
Some differences exist at the upper levels if you have a host as well. If you play enough to have a host, this would be a question for them. :)
If I were to use a legal term, table comps and ratings at Caesars properties are "arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable" and the reason is it all depends on a human being keeping track of your bets.
Sorry, but a human being -- a floorman, a boxman, a dealer, a pit boss -- cannot be 100% accurate.
Heck, I've played craps with a minimum of $135 across, $25 on the pass line with full odds, for six hours and was rated as a $50 player. That's FIFTY dollar player... and for only ONE hour.
This is why you should always "check out" with whoever is rating you to confirm what they had you rated for.
RFID was supposed to give the casinos an accurate way to rate table game players. The system was first introduced for blackjack, and they developed a table for craps with sensors in the betting positions, but no one bought it. The makers claimed they had the technology to read chips in a crowded hardways box or place bet box, but I never saw a demonstration of it. I did see the demonstration at the BJ table but that was easy to accomplish because of spacing.
Quote: AlanMendelsonDon't get me started about the comps at tables at the Caesars properties....
Last time I was playing at Caesars, it was a fight weekend, Tommy Hearns vs. Sugar Ray Leonard if I recall and that makes it a while a ago. It was like pulling teeth to get a comp for the showroom simulcast and the fight ended in a draw to boot! For what's worth, I urinated on the floor because I didn't want to leave the action and never have played there again. This *&* of a "host" told me they were on the "highest comp levels" due to the fight crowd meaning of course, it varies based on the action and crowd present/expected. He denied the comp(one seat in showroom!) and I've not played there since. I assume this still matters? (sorry for the long details but a serious question!)
Conversely, when I had a nice roll at the Barbary Coast I was comped two lunches at the coffee shop just for the asking, played a total of maybe 30min. So again a stupid question, do these outfits still comp "more" if you are a winner? hoping of course you will come back and play some more, perhaps losing....
Thanks, Nok
Quote: winmonkeyspit3As others have said, it really varies by property. The chains are being cheap and eliminating discretionary comps. This means you strictly have just your points. I prefer discretionary comps because from my experience I have almost always been given a buffet for 2 from my low\mid level play when I have asked the pit boss. This is a 30 dollar value, and I bet at a casino that gives points I would have had 10/15 at most. I think that hosts/pit bosses should have the authority to comp rooms/meals, I think it is so silly when I read the Wizard's reviews of Vegas casinos and they say things like "We can only comp 34 dollars on your 45 dollar room charges because that's how many points you have", meanwhile he is a black chip player. Customer service just isn't what it used to be.
Same here. If I've been sitting at the tables for 6 hours, I'll ask for a buffet for me and my wife. If my dad is with me, I'll ask for 2 for me and 2 for him. I've never been denied. On the other hand, I don't abuse it; I only ask when I think it's deserved.
Quote: NokTangFor what's worth, I urinated on the floor because I didn't want to leave the action and never have played there again.
Not sure if serious...
Quote: dlevinelawNot sure if serious...
Yes, serious. I only remember because I was so pissed(no pun) I had to pay $45.usd to watch a fight on the big screen and had never done it before(or since). I was playing craps $25.usd line plus odds and perhaps a place bet or three when the comp denied. Rushed to see the fight directly from the table. Basically a green chip player denied a comp which cost them nothing or very little.
For some comps you will find that the casino requires certain earned points but you can use them for a meal comp and still keep the points in your account. So be sure to read the various offers on the kiosk screens.
Quote: NokTangLast time I was playing at Caesars, it was a fight weekend, Tommy Hearns vs. Sugar Ray Leonard if I recall and that makes it a while a ago. It was like pulling teeth to get a comp for the showroom simulcast and the fight ended in a draw to boot! For what's worth, I urinated on the floor because I didn't want to leave the action and never have played there again. This *&* of a "host" told me they were on the "highest comp levels" due to the fight crowd meaning of course, it varies based on the action and crowd present/expected. He denied the comp(one seat in showroom!) and I've not played there since. I assume this still matters? (sorry for the long details but a serious question!)
Conversely, when I had a nice roll at the Barbary Coast I was comped two lunches at the coffee shop just for the asking, played a total of maybe 30min. So again a stupid question, do these outfits still comp "more" if you are a winner? hoping of course you will come back and play some more, perhaps losing....
Thanks, Nok
Urinated on the floor? Really?
Quote: 1BBUrinated on the floor? Really?
Excellent bump, thank you.
Do we know Nok's gender? I'm a boy, and I suppose it could be achieved discreetly with the proper wardrobe. With something like cargo shorts, you could just reach into your pocket and hold the leg open. Long trousers would require different technique, but with the proper synthetic fabric (such as nylon track pants), you could pee down the leg, and the pants shouldn't absorb very much of the moisture.
But for maximum amusement, I think I would prefer to do it in a place with tile floor rather than carpet.
Jacket draped over forearm, beer cup in same hand, wandering around crowded room; unzip and pinch self into cup with draped hand, do business, tuck lil buddy in, dump cup in corner as used beer, check zipper later and re-zip. Or some variation of that.
Much harder for ladies to pull this sort of thing off than guys, btw. Even if she's doing a Paris, it's pretty inconveniently located compared to hose-like equipment with some range. Maybe behind a skirted table while sitting down (barely - yeah, pun intended) on the edge of a chair.
Quote: NokTangLast time I was playing at Caesars, it was a fight weekend, Tommy Hearns vs. Sugar Ray Leonard if I recall and that makes it a while a ago. It was like pulling teeth to get a comp for the showroom simulcast and the fight ended in a draw to boot! For what's worth, I urinated on the floor because I didn't want to leave the action and never have played there again. This *&* of a "host" told me they were on the "highest comp levels" due to the fight crowd meaning of course, it varies based on the action and crowd present/expected. He denied the comp(one seat in showroom!) and I've not played there since. I assume this still matters? (sorry for the long details but a serious question!)
Conversely, when I had a nice roll at the Barbary Coast I was comped two lunches at the coffee shop just for the asking, played a total of maybe 30min. So again a stupid question, do these outfits still comp "more" if you are a winner? hoping of course you will come back and play some more, perhaps losing....
Thanks, Nok
No glass used this time. He urinated right on the floor. May I suggest adult diapers?
in that one, see link, he seems to suggest peeing on the floor is not OK, increasing my suspicion he is putting us on since he is not consistent. [edit]
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/craps/21197-leaving-your-chips-on-the-rail-while-you-go-to-the-bathroom/3/#post438353
edit, new info: see other thread [link]
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/craps/21197-leaving-your-chips-on-the-rail-while-you-go-to-the-bathroom/4/#post438448
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPl94ir6dLw
Quote: odiousgambitsecond thread in which Nok is referring to this practice, which he claims is an asian thing in the other thread
I didn't refer to it being an Asian thing. I'll go look, but am sure I didn't. I also mentioned the paper cup incident at Caesars and this fight in the other thread. So suffice to say once again, discretely taking a leak during a major event such as a PPV boxing event or hot roll on a craps table is no big deal to some of us. Others care, that's their problem.
