Is it appropriate to tip a Casino Host?
Also, what is the best manner to hosts to your advantage? Keep asking until they eventually say no? Ask for everything you want before your trip begins?
Any advice from more experienced players will be greatly appreciated.
A Hand shake with folded up money works best. Gift cards 2nd best. The Amount should be based on what they give you. $20 up to 1k. I would give half upfront and just say Ill take care of you again before I leave. Next time you can just do it at the end.Quote: AlembertOver the years I have learned that it is not appropriate to tip floor personnel in the pit. I have recently started to get attention from hosts at the small casinos I play in Vegas. If a host provides you with room and dinner or a show or other fairly nominal comps/perks, what is an appropriate tip? Is it appropriate to tip them when you arrive, when you leave, when they give you tickets?
Also, what is the best manner to hosts to your advantage? Keep asking until they eventually say no? Ask for everything you want before your trip begins?
Any advice from more experienced players will be greatly appreciated.
You can usually get a good feel for what you can get. Their wording is key. "Anything you want let me know" vs "I can take care of SOME stuff for you." If the use word like I might, or ill see what I can do, come see me before you check out. Are not so great
they can also reissue free play, hold offers that you didn't make it for and give it to you later, read back your player account to you, put you in free rooms when you're not technically on property, let you know about gossip/personnel changes, edit your player account, charge off way more than they should, get you prescription drugs/narcotics/women, get you unbanned from the casino, give you non-public information about drawings, explain the marketing system to you, and many more things. those things might be worth a hundred or two to a few thousand.
either way, if you're a nice guy, and you don't yell at them when things don't go your way or they have to say no, then i think you'll be in the top 5% of all their customers. remember, if you want something on either list, you should always ask. the worst they can say is no.
Don't feel obligated to tip for things you're entitled to anyway.
p.s. I was thinking of making an "Ask the Wizard" question out of this, but then found I already did in my Sep. 1, 2007 column.
Quote: WizardI've said this before, but tipping casino hosts is supposed to not be allowed, but routinely happens. It isn't expected, because hosts are already compensated for your play by the casino. However, in my opinion, and that of many, tipping hosts is well worth it if you're asking for things beyond your level play. I think it is only worthwhile for high-end players, who get over $10,000 in comps per year. A tip to the host can help you get into tournaments and other events that you might be marginally qualified for. You don't need to tip a lot. Personally, I like to make a $110 sports bet on the host's favorite team and hand him the ticket, emphasizing it will pay $210 if it wins. I think tipping cash to a host looks tacky and seems like more of an abuse of the rules. Any tip should be put in an envelope, in the interests of discretion.
Don't feel obligated to tip for things you're entitled to anyway.
Mike, I don't mean to judge you or anyone. But isn't tipping someone, with the understanding or even hopes of receiving something back that you are not entitled to or would not otherwise receive, nothing more than a veiled form of bribery? The fact that such activities are commonplace and accepted by society, does not push it across the line from wrong to right in my book.
Did I miss something? DON'T TIP FOR THIS AT ALL. That's what a host should be doing that's why they are a host.Quote: tongniit really depends what kind of player you are. if you're a recreational gambler, you might get slightly increased comps, they may squeeze you into some invite only stuff that your play doesn't quite qualify for, take off an extra 10% of your loss off your room charges making your comp balance negative, etc. for that stuff, $50 is probably appropriate.
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Yes it is a form of bribery. However, it's allowed up to a point. The casinos allow it, they know its going on. They make it against the official policy just to cover their ass in case it goes to far.Quote: kewljMike, I don't mean to judge you or anyone. But isn't tipping someone, with the understanding or even hopes of receiving something back that you are not entitled to or would not otherwise receive, nothing more than a veiled form of bribery? The fact that such activities are commonplace and accepted by society, does not push it across the line from wrong to right in my book.
Don't forget hosts cant give out unlimited comps, they have a comp budget to work with. If it's to far out of whack they will eventually lose their job.
Quote: AxelWolfYes it is a form of bribery. However, it's allowed up to a point. The casinos allow it, they know its going on. They make it against the official policy just to cover their ass in case it goes to far.
Don't forget hosts cant give out unlimited comps, they have a comp budget to work with. If it's to far out of whack they will eventually lose their job.
The casino's allow it, so it must be ok? The casino's allow, encourage, push players to be over intoxicated and lose money that they can't afford. The casinos allow, implement a policy of enticement for working people to cash their paycheck and spend it at the casino, before they ever get home to pay the rent and buy food.
I don't allow the casino's to make the decision of what is right or wrong for me.
I'm confused, are you saying you think its immoral? If so why? I assume its not illeagal, i don't the gaming laws on that. Let us assume its not.Quote: kewljThe casino's allow it, so it must be ok? The casino's allow, encourage, push players to be over intoxicated and lose money that they can't afford. The casinos allow, implement a policy of enticement for working people to cash their paycheck and spend it at the casino, before they ever get home to pay the rent and buy food.
I don't allow the casino's to make the decision of what is right or wrong for me.
Quote: kewljThe casino's allow it, so it must be ok? The casino's allow, encourage, push players to be over intoxicated and lose money that they can't afford. The casinos allow, implement a policy of enticement for working people to cash their paycheck and spend it at the casino, before they ever get home to pay the rent and buy food.
I don't allow the casino's to make the decision of what is right or wrong for me.
In this case, if it's wrong, the only victim is the casino. Therefore, if they consent, it is no longer wrong.
for the average person 500 max. But what if they give you 12k in losses back. Free play ,gift shop comps, limos, shows , shopping credit? 500 would be cheap.Quote: mdsA tip to a host is for a job well done on that particular trip. A thank you for going above and beyond his/her job for their client. Or, for comping 12k which was 3k more than the host should have. Always at the end of a trip. And, not every trip. How much? Well that is relative. 500 max..
Quote: AxelWolffor the average person 500 max. But what if they give you 12k in losses back. Free play ,gift shop comps, limos, shows , shopping credit? 500 would be cheap.
Axel, you and I need to talk about this.
To whom it may concern, I was very happy MR. Host way over comped me.Quote: 1BBHow about a glowing letter to the host's supervisor or am I being old fashioned? That could be worth more than a few bucks. Yes, you could tip as well but the letter takes a little effort.
Quote: AxelWolfTo whom it may concern, I was very happy MR. Host way over comped me.
Ha ha, just what he's looking for.
Quote: kewljMike, I don't mean to judge you or anyone. But isn't tipping someone, with the understanding or even hopes of receiving something back that you are not entitled to or would not otherwise receive, nothing more than a veiled form of bribery? The fact that such activities are commonplace and accepted by society, does not push it across the line from wrong to right in my book.
Ouch! Very valid point. Yes, you could argue that this is a mild form of bribery. Maybe it is a bad excuse, but this kind of bribery is the way Vegas does business. Also, these bribes don't get me things way beyond my means. They just ensure that the host fights harder to get me into events where I fall into a grey area of being worthy for.
I don't have to worry about it anymore because I'm persona non grata at most Vegas casinos now.
Some give a nice tie at xmas.
Quote: WizardI don't have to worry about it anymore because I'm persona non grata at most Vegas casinos now.
How come Wizard, because of the website, or blackjack, or other AP stuff?
I remember you saying you hardly play blackjack anymore but that could have been a ruse as you crushed the 6 decks that dealt out five decks I have found lying around vegas.
Either way I am sorry to hear that.
Great minds think alike or read alike.Quote: 1BBHow about a glowing letter to the host's supervisor or am I being old fashioned? That could be worth more than a few bucks. Yes, you could tip as well but the letter takes a little effort.
By John Robison
I may win the hosts back by saying that what I think you should do is write a letter to the host and say how much you enjoyed the concert and thank her for making the arrangements for the tickets. You can also mention that you're looking forward to your next visit to the casino and that your host's hospitality is one of the main reasons why you like this casino.
Isn't a bribe something you do beforehand? My question:Is there a gambling law regarding host tipping?Quote: WizardOuch! Very valid point. Yes, you could argue that this is a mild form of bribery. Maybe it is a bad excuse, but this kind of bribery is the way Vegas does business. Also, these bribes don't get me things way beyond my means. They just ensure that the host fights harder to get me into events where I fall into a grey area of being worthy for.
I don't have to worry about it anymore because I'm persona non grata at most Vegas casinos now.
I don't know whether or not to comp my host there, because maybe the things I'm comped are to be expected for my play. If the host doesn't balk at my requests are they still able to give me more?
What can the host do after a say a $10,000 or $20,000 loss?
I am not against comping my host, although I had never thought to do it before.
Quote: OzzyOsbourneHow come Wizard, because of the website, or blackjack, or other AP stuff?
AP stuff, but the website doesn't help. When I got backed off from NCL cruise ships they said they Google'd my name when they were suspicious of my play and that made the decision what to do next easy.
Quote: WizardAP stuff, but the website doesn't help. When I got backed off from NCL cruise ships they said they Google'd my name when they were suspicious of my play and that made the decision what to do next easy.
Yeah, we are "uncomfortable with your play."
Quote: WizardAP stuff, but the website doesn't help. When I got backed off from NCL cruise ships they said they Google'd my name when they were suspicious of my play and that made the decision what to do next easy.
What happens next when you get backed off on a ship? You get thrown overboard?
I assumed gambling and having access to casinos convenient to you would be a necessity for your personal and professional life.
Maybe it's time to seek greener pastures.
Quote: WizardOuch! Very valid point. Yes, you could argue that this is a mild form of bribery. Maybe it is a bad excuse, but this kind of bribery is the way Vegas does business. Also, these bribes don't get me things way beyond my means. They just ensure that the host fights harder to get me into events where I fall into a grey area of being worthy for.
I don't have to worry about it anymore because I'm persona non grata at most Vegas casinos now.
I apologize, Wiz. I knew when I wrote the 'thinly veiled bribery' statement, that it was being judgmental, and now when I re-read it, it is very much so. You are 100% correct that these types of things are the way of Vegas. There are some things like this that and even some aspects of AP, that, I personally am not comfortable with and struggle with, but I have no right to project my own internal struggles off on anyone else. Everyone has their own comfort levels about all sorts of things.
Quote: WizardAP stuff, but the website doesn't help. When I got backed off from NCL cruise ships they said they Google'd my name when they were suspicious of my play and that made the decision what to do next easy.
Clearly it's time to move on to disguises.
Quote: AxiomOfChoiceClearly it's time to move on to disguises.
The Wizard with a Groucho Marx moustache, please.
That's a bit of an overstatement. he is probably screwed in some places on table games however there are many other opportunities.Quote: MrVThat's gotta be a real bummer, you not being able to gamble in Las Vegas casinos.
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WWBD. Dancer gets around it.
As for AP's, sometimes its a necessary evil to deal with hosts. However writing a letter with your players card number and name, YIKES. As an AP you might not want people in a higher positions, like management (People who have no chance at receiving a tip or deal with bumping up your account) Looking closely at your account. Something to conciser when talking to a host especially if you are winning and only playing +EV games. I don't suggest talking with a host at some places(Southpoint). I have ran into situations where I regretted asking the host for something extra and got my card revoked immediately after.Quote: beachbumbabsI get to know what my host enjoys and make sure something happens in that direction each visit. One was a coin collector. Another was Greek and loved anything to do with the homeland. Another enjoyed fine wine. Another was Old Vegas. So something tailored to them, along with appreciating the slightest effort, being polite and gracious about the rare "no", and especially important these days, doing comment cards/surveys/follow-ups for the casino that included my name/player card number. That last part is HUGE for them, getting a big rating from you, especially written comments talking about what specifically you like about the host. I often get phone calls following up my written comments, wanting to know more about my experiences, verifying which employees I was talking about. In return, I can do no wrong, I get great invites and immediate service, and (I believe) comps well above my play.
I know some AP's that will NEVER talk to a host a few comps is not risking exposure. Some hosts are quite sharp and don't like AP's. AP's they kill there bonuses or whatever.
Quote: VenthusThe Wizard with a Groucho Marx moustache, please.
I was actually thinking that exact thing when I suggested the disguises :)
Quote: AxelWolfAs for AP's, sometimes its a necessary evil to deal with hosts. However writing a letter with your players card number and name, YIKES. As an AP you might not want people in a higher positions, like management (People who have no chance at receiving a tip or deal with bumping up your account) Looking closely at your account. Something to conciser when talking to a host especially if you are winning and only playing +EV games. I don't suggest talking with a host at some places(Southpoint). I have ran into situations where I regretted asking the host for something extra and got my card revoked immediately after.
I know some AP's that will NEVER talk to a host a few comps is not risking exposure. Some hosts are quite sharp and don't like AP's. AP's they kill there bonuses or whatever.
If and when I become an AP, I will change my ways. You're a professional. But on the question of tipping a host, as a medium roller, this is what works for me.
Quote: AxelWolfSome hosts are quite sharp and don't like AP's.
On this topic... I have been told that hosts get a percentage of their customers' losses (sort of like a commission for a sales person). Does anyone know if that's true? It would seem to me that a % of theo would make more sense than a % of losses...
You should absolutely talk to a host in your position and even write your letters. Carry on I was just giving looking at it from both sides.Quote: beachbumbabsIf and when I become an AP, I will change my ways. You're a professional. But on the question of tipping a host, as a medium roller, this is what works for me.
The host? He will do a combination of both at some places. Different hosts will even do different things they make judgment call that's basically what there job is.Quote: djatcI would like to find out which casino property goes by theo or actual.
In the past some hosts got a % of the actual losses. Mostly it was bonuses for the over all year. Nowadays I think most standard hosts go by theo and get a standard salary with bonuses. I believe there are some independent hosts that negotiate different deals that include a % on actual losses. They have in house hosts that specialize in recruiting big players as well I can imagine they have a better chance of getting a % of actual losses and even a small % of any large casino deposits.Quote: AxiomOfChoiceOn this topic... I have been told that hosts get a percentage of their customers' losses (sort of like a commission for a sales person). Does anyone know if that's true? It would seem to me that a % of theo would make more sense than a % of losses...
