Quote: djatcTax for a cold soda? This sounds like the beginning of the Boston Tea Party again.
The Taxman Cometh
Quote: djatcTax for a cold soda? This sounds like the beginning of the Boston Tea Party again.
How about a 16% tax on interests from loans, credit cards, etc? Interests are classified as "services."
Quote: NareedHow about a 16% tax on interests from loans, credit cards, etc? Interests are classified as "services."
Oh nobody cares about taxes on interest.... but raise the prices on soda due to "taxes" and people will flood the streets in anger. Reminds me of a Married with Children episode when they tried to raise a tax on beer.
Quote: djatcOh nobody cares about taxes on interest.... but raise the prices on soda due to "taxes" and people will flood the streets in anger. Reminds me of a Married with Children episode when they tried to raise a tax on beer.
"NO MA'AM"
Quote: djatcOh nobody cares about taxes on interest....
That's not a hypothetical. In Mexico you get charged 16% sales tax on interest, be it on credit cards, loans, mortgages, etc.
Quote: DocAs for a photo at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, I could go for that.
What's a Vegas photo without the official and talnted WoV photographer? A snapshot, that's what.
BTW I immediately thought "I have a tripod at home." Then it hit me that carrying the little monster around Vegas is not exactly a good idea, especially without a car of my own.
When I'm coming out next month I will be staying at one of the MGM Properties. They are comping 2 of the nights for me. Now in the past I've gone on these "comped room" trips and gambled my heart out, adding my show tickets and food to my room, assuming that I was playing enough to be able to get those comped as well. Sadly I had found out at the end of my trip that the only thing I got comped was the room and everything else I had to pay for (minus whatever small "express comps" I had racked up.) So this led me to thinking...
If on this trip I am staying at one of the MGM properties and none of my play will go towards extras (again, other than the small amount of express comps I will have accumulated) wouldn't it be smart for me then to stay at the MGM property but then PLAY at the Caesars properties exclusively (or any other exclusively) that way I get express comps at the other place AND primary comps too? Or am I not thinking about this correctly?
Also, second question, why is it so hush-hush as to what the hold is on games? I had heard a while back that if I'm playing $25 a hand in blackjack, for example, I get comped back about that same amount for every hour I play. I know it's a different hold for craps, baccarat and etc. but when I asked a casino host they were telling me they can't disclose that information. Anyone know the exact details that you'd like to "anonymously" share with me? :)
i have a nice lightweight tripod I can bring if someone reminds me before I head out that way. Unless someone else is already bringing one.Quote: NareedBTW I immediately thought "I have a tripod at home." Then it hit me that carrying the little monster around Vegas is not exactly a good idea, especially without a car of my own.
Quote: HotBlonde
...
Anyone know the exact details that you'd like to "anonymously" share with me? :)
I think the reason you are not getting a clear answer is because there isn't one. The player rating software I have worked on in the past uses four main factors.
1) The house advantage on the game you are playing
2) The speed of the game
3) The skill level of the player
4) The amount bet per game
One of the simple games is roulette. The house advantage is about 5.25%, there really isn't skill, so they just put in if the game is slow, normal, or fast. Let's assume 30 spins per hour is normal. If you are betting $25 a spin the casino expects to win about $39 an hour from you. The comps are based on a percentage of what they expect to win. Typical is about 25% but varies up to 40% for high rollers. In our example you could expect to be comped about $10 per hour.
In Blackjack they would use different house advantage based on your skill level. Reasonable numbers that were used in the past were 0.5% for a skilled player, 1% for a normal player, 1.5% for a poor player.
Quote: HotBlondei have a nice lightweight tripod I can bring if someone reminds me before I head out that way. Unless someone else is already bringing one.
Oh, in addition to the little flexible-leg thingy (something like this one) that I had with me last year and usually take when traveling, I definitely have a regular tripod. I just don't let it take up the space in my luggage unless I know of a definite need for it. I've taken too many trips (no, not that kind of "trip") on which I didn't even need the camera. I'll plan on toting the real tripod to Vegas this time.
Quote: DRichIn Blackjack they would use different house advantage based on your skill level. Reasonable numbers that were used in the past were 0.5% for a skilled player, 1% for a normal player, 1.5% for a poor player.
Who determines the player's skill level? How do they determine this exactly?
I've never heard of them determining skill level. So if I'm understanding correctly if the floor manager sees that I am playing with my basic strategy card or sees that I make the "right plays" on most hand I will get LESS comped back to me than an idiot who makes bad plays? I never heard that they take skill into consideration. And this is the only game I could see them evaluating skill as craps, baccarat, slots etc. doesn't seem to take any skill at all. I'm a bit confused.Quote: DRichI think the reason you are not getting a clear answer is because there isn't one. The player rating software I have worked on in the past uses four main factors.
1) The house advantage on the game you are playing
2) The speed of the game
3) The skill level of the player
4) The amount bet per game
One of the simple games is roulette. The house advantage is about 5.25%, there really isn't skill, so they just put in if the game is slow, normal, or fast. Let's assume 30 spins per hour is normal. If you are betting $25 a spin the casino expects to win about $39 an hour from you. The comps are based on a percentage of what they expect to win. Typical is about 25% but varies up to 40% for high rollers. In our example you could expect to be comped about $10 per hour.
In Blackjack they would use different house advantage based on your skill level. Reasonable numbers that were used in the past were 0.5% for a skilled player, 1% for a normal player, 1.5% for a poor player.
awesome then I won't need to bring mine.Quote: DocOh, in addition to the little flexible-leg thingy (something like this one) that I had with me last year and usually take when traveling, I definitely have a regular tripod. I just don't let it take up the space in my luggage unless I know of a definite need for it. I've taken too many trips (no, not that kind of "trip") on which I didn't even need the camera. I'll plan on toting the real tripod to Vegas this time.
Quote: HotBlondeOn a side note, I just had a curious thought.
When I'm coming out next month I will be staying at one of the MGM Properties. They are comping 2 of the nights for me. Now in the past I've gone on these "comped room" trips and gambled my heart out, adding my show tickets and food to my room, assuming that I was playing enough to be able to get those comped as well. Sadly I had found out at the end of my trip that the only thing I got comped was the room and everything else I had to pay for (minus whatever small "express comps" I had racked up.) So this led me to thinking...
If on this trip I am staying at one of the MGM properties and none of my play will go towards extras (again, other than the small amount of express comps I will have accumulated) wouldn't it be smart for me then to stay at the MGM property but then PLAY at the Caesars properties exclusively (or any other exclusively) that way I get express comps at the other place AND primary comps too? Or am I not thinking about this correctly?
Quote: HotBlondeI've never heard of them determining skill level. So if I'm understanding correctly if the floor manager sees that I am playing with my basic strategy card or sees that I make the "right plays" on most hand I will get LESS comped back to me than an idiot who makes bad plays? I never heard that they take skill into consideration. And this is the only game I could see them evaluating skill as craps, baccarat, slots etc. doesn't seem to take any skill at all. I'm a bit confused.
I don't think they've actually made skill adjustments since the records were digitized. When the floorperson used to have to manually write in your info, it was easy to also record how well you played. Now, it's just estimated-average-bet * house-edge * hands-per-hour * hours * %-returned-in-comps=$-returned-in-comps.
And, yes, they used to comp bad players more than good players - bad players make the house more money, so the house wants them to return. See also: slot players.
Quote: HotBlondeNo one had any thoughts on my first question?....
I think I agree with your plan. MGM has comped this room. MGM probably won't comp anything more on this trip (except maybe some small express comps that are earned). If you play mostly at MGM properties, you'll be earning towards your next free room offer & potential offers for future trips. If you play mostly at Caesars properties, you'll be earning mostly towards your next free room offer & potential offers for future trips from them. But there's a chance that Caesars will also offer food and show comps on the current trip, since you don't have the burden of an already-free room hanging around your head there. And, since you want to go to at least one show at Caesars, there doesn't seem to be much downside to trying.
that makes sense.Quote: rdw4potus.And, yes, they used to comp bad players more than good players - bad players make the house more money, so the house wants them to return. See also: slot players.
But on another side note I wouldn't consider myself a high roller yet I do gamble close to $50 a hand or so for hours and hours and hours on my trips. Yet I seem to get offers for one or two nights free stays and that's about it. Again I don't gamble a ton on every bet but I was playing a lot of $100 a hand baccarat and even was playing up to $400 a hand on baccarat and blackjack last time. Yet I got no extra perks, no comped show ticket that I always want, and no invitations for me to have a host. Am I really considered that lowly of a player? Most of my friends' eyes pop out when they see how much and how long I gamble for on my trips.
Quote: HotBlondethat makes sense.
But on another side note I wouldn't consider myself a high roller yet I do gamble close to $50 a hand or so for hours and hours and hours on my trips. Yet I seem to get offers for one or two nights free stays and that's about it. Again I don't gamble a ton on every bet but I was playing a lot of $100 a hand baccarat and even was playing up to $400 a hand on baccarat and blackjack last time. Yet I got no extra perks, no comped show ticket that I always want, and no invitations for me to have a host. Am I really considered that lowly of a player? Most of my friends' eyes pop out when they see how much and how long I gamble for on my trips.
Does the floorperson notice those extra bets? $50/hand*70hands/hour*20hours*0.5%HE*20%comprate=$70 in expected comps, which I suppose covers the variable costs to offer a free room for a night or two but not much more. You might consider a little game where you try to play big when someone is watching - start with the $400 bet for a hand or two, let the floorperson wander away, and then settle into your normal bets...
I'm very anal-retentive about making sure the floor man is aware when I have raised my bets, and annoyingly so. And I've even raised my bets when the floor guy walks by but then lower it when he walks away. And on top of that I was disappointed when I found out that when I played for 15 minutes on the high limits room that the guy didn't even record it in the system. My guess is that I didn't play "long enough" for him to make an effort but my play was equal to a full hour of $25 blackjack. Now I feel like it's going to take away from the fun having to hound these guys each and every time to make sure try know the amount of my bets and that they put my full time down. Such work! And for not much benefit in my return! I've tried a couple times to play enough just to get myself one ticket to a show yet I've never qualified yet according to them. WTF?Quote: rdw4potusDoes the floorperson notice those extra bets? $50/hand*70hands/hour*20hours*0.5%HE*20%comprate=$70 in expected comps, which I suppose covers the variable costs to offer a free room for a night or two but not much more. You might consider a little game where you try to play big when someone is watching - start with the $400 bet for a hand or two, let the floorperson wander away, and then settle into your normal bets...
Quote: HotBlondeI've never heard of them determining skill level. So if I'm understanding correctly if the floor manager sees that I am playing with my basic strategy card or sees that I make the "right plays" on most hand I will get LESS comped back to me than an idiot who makes bad plays? I never heard that they take skill into consideration. And this is the only game I could see them evaluating skill as craps, baccarat, slots etc. doesn't seem to take any skill at all. I'm a bit confused.
I don't think you are confused, it sounds like you do understand it. As far as how often the floor manager overrides the default, I can't answer that. But the software definitely has that option. I would guess in craps a less skilled player would be the ones making all of the crazy bad bets. An average player would probably be someone playing the come/don't and playing some field bets. A skilled player is probably taking odds.
another question I have, why does the floor manager always ask the dealer what I bought in for? Is that considered part of the comp equation?Quote: DRichI don't think you are confused, it sounds like you do understand it. As far as how often the floor manager overrides the default, I can't answer that. But the software definitely has that option. I would guess in craps a less skilled player would be the ones making all of the crazy bad bets. An average player would probably be someone playing the come/don't and playing some field bets. A skilled player is probably taking odds.
Quote: HotBlondeWhat's the entertainment tax in Vegas? I know that hotel tax is 12%
Live Entertainment Tax (LET) is 10%.
Quote: HotBlondeanother question I have, why does the floor manager always ask the dealer what I bought in for? Is that considered part of the comp equation?
Sometimes. He wants to know your buy-in so he can estimate actual win/loss. Most of your comps will be based on theoretical losses, but some casinos can adjust comps based upon your actual loss as well.
And as for your comping plan, I would consider playing CET instead if you don't feel like you're getting enough love from MGM. But then again, I have heard CET doesn't treat table game players that well either. But I'm just going off of what I read. I hardly ever play tables personally.
If you want to move up in the comp game, you could learn Ultimate Texas Holdem and play it better than the huge ploppies. :)
Quote: tringlomane
If you want to move up in the comp game, you could learn Ultimate Texas Holdem and play it better than the huge ploppies. :)
That's a great idea, and basic strategy is very easy.
I think the floorperson also wants to know the buyin for the simple reason that they can then compare the cash in the drop to the total recorded buyins to prevent/catch discrepancies (employee theft).
so if I buy in for say $1000 and I cash out with only $200 in chips that's better for ME than if I cash out with say $1500 in chips? I had assumed that was true and I will readily admit I have a couple times purposely pocketed some of the chips I bought in for so that my close-out chips were lower and therefore would show that I lost more or not win as much. I never knew if my strategy was effective or not.Quote: tringlomaneSometimes. He wants to know your buy-in so he can estimate actual win/loss. Most of your comps will be based on theoretical losses, but some casinos can adjust comps based upon your actual loss as well.
One time while staying and playing at Mandalay Bay I went to the Players Card booth and asked if I had any comps that I could use up since me and my friends were about to check out. They said I had x amount and I determined that it was enough to get me and all my three friends comped food to go since we were about to check out and leave town. There was a short wait at the restaurant for some reason so while we were waiting I walked over to some slots for a very brief period of time and won a good amount of money, probably a couple hundred dollars or so. As I made my way back to the restaurant I stopped at the players club to get my printed comp voucher to take to the restaurant to get our food comped (as was the procedure back in the day before express comps and such) and they said "Oh yeah, you don't have any more comps left." I said, "Wait a minute, just ten minutes ago you told me I had x amount and my friends are up at the counter all ordering food right now. I was paying for our food with the comps you told me I just had coming to me." And they said "Well it looks like since we just spoke you won some money so now your comps went down." I basically told them that my friends were ordering all this food because of my comps and we wouldn't have ordered it otherwise and after some encouraging they decided to go ahead and print the voucher for the original amount they told me anyway. Sheesh! I was almost stuck in a pickle! Now some of you could say, "well you did just win money so you could've paid cash" but a) we were making the purchases based on what they JUST told me how much I could have comped and b) even after that last win I was still down $900 or so overall from that trip.
Quote: HotBlondeanother question I have, why does the floor manager always ask the dealer what I bought in for? Is that considered part of the comp equation?
Tringlomane is correct. The pitboss wants to know your actual win/loss, but they also need to balance the chips on the table. If a $1000 dollars is missing out of the dealer tray, they want to know where it went. If it is in the drop box then it makes sense, otherwise they are always worried about theft and not balancing. the problem with table games is that there is money out somewhere and the drop/count only happens about once a day. The floor is responsible for keeping track of the money and hates to hear the next day that they were short somewhere. It is the same when you leave the table, the floor wants to know what is walking away and won't be accounted for in the chip count.
but people tip the waitresses often with their chips. And sometimes massage ladies that come around and (maybe this was just back in the day) the cigarette girl. Do they add all that up too somehow?Quote: DRichTringlomane is correct. The pitboss wants to know your actual win/loss, but they also need to balance the chips on the table. If a $1000 dollars is missing out of the dealer tray, they want to know where it went. If it is in the drop box then it makes sense, otherwise they are always worried about theft and not balancing. the problem with table games is that there is money out somewhere and the drop/count only happens about once a day. The floor is responsible for keeping track of the money and hates to hear the next day that they were short somewhere. It is the same when you leave the table, the floor wants to know what is walking away and won't be accounted for in the chip count.
And is it bad if I'm pocketing some of my chips? I'm guessing it is to my advantage to do this if it shows my "wins" as less than they actually were.
Quote: HotBlondebut people tip the waitresses often with their chips. And sometimes massage ladies that come around and (maybe this was just back in the day) the cigarette girl. Do they add all that up too somehow?
And is it bad if I'm pocketing some of my chips? I'm guessing it is to my advantage to do this if it shows my "wins" as less than they actually were.
You are correct that chips come off the table and are unaccounted for in the short term (ie. waitress tips). Taking chips out of action and hiding them is referred to as ratholing. If you are successful and the dealer and floorperson don't realize it, it will potentially help your comps because the floor assumes you lost those back to the tray. It is hard to get away with if you are betting big money, but black chips are easy to rathole at a busy game.
Quote: DRichYou are correct that chips come off the table and are unaccounted for in the short term (ie. waitress tips). Taking chips out of action and hiding them is referred to as ratholing. If you are successful and the dealer and floorperson don't realize it, it will potentially help your comps because the floor assumes you lost those back to the tray. It is hard to get away with if you are betting big money, but black chips are easy to rathole at a busy game.
True. But as ZCore13 wrote in another thread, if you get caught ratholing, it may be noted in a database and your future comps may be impacted by this because they may factor in that you have ratholed.
Quote: HotBlondeif the floor manager sees that I am playing with my basic strategy card
I never heard that they take skill into consideration. And this is the only game I could see them evaluating skill as craps, .
A) He starts laughing inside because this is a indication your a newb and their gift shop or free chip ploy has worked.
This is a good cover play for a card counter. Have that card right in front of you. Count using your fingers, when the count gets real big call the pit boss over and say, I seen a lot of small cards come out, should I bet big? (defiantly a queen)
B) You just offended a large group of craps players (3) Casinos (0) are so scared of DI they(1 guy) are thinking of buying new software just for comping craps players.
Skill level/Comp rate
1)Hot Blond [ ]7[ ]8[ ]9[X]10
2)Hot brunette [ ]8[ ]9[X]10
2)Random shooter[ ]
3)Dice setter[ ]
4)Dice Influence [ ]1 [ ] 2[ ] 3 [ ]+ Short Roller [ ]yes [ ]no
5)Dice Control *CALL SECURITY*
<Software updates available> add .5 to hot chick rating for free at WWW.CrapsBeAfraidBeVeryAfraid.com
Quote: HotBlondeplaying at Mandalay Bay And they said "Well it looks like since we just spoke you won some money so now your comps went down."
This doesn't pass the smell test. Slot machines just award you a certain number of comps per dollar put in. It is inconceivable that the comps are tied to whether you won or lost. having comps GO DOWN for playing more? I would have asked to speak with his/her supervisor immediately.
Well if it was based on how much money I gambled then it would have gone up, not down. But they did tell me that the amount available to me went down and it was because of my win. That's exactly what they told me. And I didn't need to ask for a supervisor because I was able to get them to give me the previous amount they said they'd comp.Quote: SOOPOOThis doesn't pass the smell test. Slot machines just award you a certain number of comps per dollar put in. It is inconceivable that the comps are tied to whether you won or lost. having comps GO DOWN for playing more? I would have asked to speak with his/her supervisor immediately.
Quote: HotBlondeWell if it was based on how much money I gambled then it would have gone up, not down. But they did tell me that the amount available to me went down and it was because of my win. That's exactly what they told me. And I didn't need to ask for a supervisor because I was able to get them to give me the previous amount they said they'd comp.
I could see this being said teasingly, but not seriously. It just doesn't work that way.
Well that's what they told me at the Player's Card booth. And the lady wasn't joking around with me.Quote: rdw4potusI could see this being said teasingly, but not seriously. It just doesn't work that way.
Ugh I so dislike that smell test quote. The visions I get in my head have to do with a pervert and women's dirty underwear. I believe that wins and losses can affect comps. Normally its only discretionary comps. In this case I Believe her story strange crap like that has happens to me frequently. For instance Some slot machines at the Tropicana only count 20% of your losses. A different casino has a machine that adds 30% more to losses. I went to a casino with my brother who lives in Bogata and has never been to the Tropicana. he signed up then asked about the slot rebate he was not eligible they told him he already had a card from 6 months earlier. I told them they must have him mixed up with me same rare last name. She said impossible the card name and #s are different.I asked how the heck did you sign him up just now then she called a manager over who did a override of some sort and said see me when your done playing.Quote: SOOPOOThis doesn't pass the smell test. Slot machines just award you a certain number of comps per dollar put in. It is inconceivable that the comps are tied to whether you won or lost. having comps GO DOWN for playing more? I would have asked to speak with his/her supervisor immediately.
Quote: AxelWolfIn this case I Believe her story strange crap like that has happens to me frequently. For instance Some slot machines at the Tropicana only count 20% of your losses. A different casino has a machine that adds 30% more to losses. .
I have no idea what percentage of loss, or theoretical loss, any given casino credits you with. I only know it is ludicrous to think that any players club would DECREASE your reward credits after you play MORE. As I said earlier, if a representative would have said that to me I would have immediately asked to speak with a supervisor, as it would have been so outlandish that I wouldn't have believed what I heard!
Quote: NareedOk, about the lunch venue, what do you all think about The Sugar Factory at the Paris?
What type food is it - having a sweet tooth, Sugar Factory sounds great to me
Quote: aceofspadesWhat type food is it - having a sweet tooth, Sugar Factory sounds great to me
You'd best see the menu here: http://www.sugarfactory.com/
I'd call it eclectic.
If this had happened about 6 months ago, I could have treated with my $750 in Caesars comps.Quote: NareedOk, about the lunch venue, what do you all think about The Sugar Factory at the Paris?
Oh wait ... I withdraw the offer anyway :)
Quote: teddysOh wait ... I withdraw the offer anyway :)
You haven't even said whether you're coming, BTW. :)
So is Margaritaville and The Pub ruled out? Did you call these places and ask what they thought about the atmosphere on the day and time we're all planning on meeting up? When is the final decision going to be made?
IE
Daily, 8:00am - 2:30pm
Free Lunch
with $20 Max Coin Play
http://www.crownandanchorlv.com/restaurant.html
definitely not bar food its kind of different
I have not checked the VP here in a while but they had 7/5 bonus at one time not sure about now. I know Its not great VP but its worth the food and free drinks as well.
not far from strip IMO.
Quote: HotBlondeThe sugar factory is not a restaurant though. It appears to be just a candy store. I'm not big on sweets but I do like to eat dessert-type foods but usually only after eating a regular meal first.
So is Margaritaville and The Pub ruled out? Did you call these places and ask what they thought about the atmosphere on the day and time we're all planning on meeting up? When is the final decision going to be made?
http://sugarfactory.com/sites/default/files/Sugar-Factory-Menu-November-2012.pdf
Quote: HotBlondeThe sugar factory is not a restaurant though.
According to their menu, they are a restaurant.
It also struck me as less commonplace than most other palces, and the location seems convenient (the door is on the Strip). Besides, I managed to make a reservation online.
That only leaves the question of gambling afterwards. CR is about a block and a half away. Or we could just go next door to Bally's and play poker (assuming Doc's not horribly disappointed with this turn of events).
Quote: Docbut if ParisLV is to be the destination,
Well, no, it doesn't have to be Paris.
What I did was look at a map and then at the sites of the casinos near to the CR. My implied criteria was a reasonably priced place, a varied menu and a good location. The Sugar factory complied with all this, plus it seems different from the usual other places. So I tried their online reservation system and I found a slot for a large party.
So, unless there are major objections, that's it.
Quote:I guess that last one is out of line, and you don't need any more options, so forget it.
Oh, not at all. I mean, it's not out of line.
So I'm confused. Did you make the reservation already? Cause I thought you posted that you made it but now it sounds like you haven't yet.Quote: NareedWell, no, it doesn't have to be Paris.
What I did was look at a map and then at the sites of the casinos near to the CR. My implied criteria was a reasonably priced place, a varied menu and a good location. The Sugar factory complied with all this, plus it seems different from the usual other places. So I tried their online reservation system and I found a slot for a large party.
So, unless there are major objections, that's it.
Quote: HotBlondeSo I'm confused. Did you make the reservation already? Cause I thought you posted that you made it but now it sounds like you haven't yet.
Oh, the reservation's been made.