questions about casinos paying for airfare

A host from a non-Vegas casino called me and invited me to fly on their dime to their casino and stay a day. It is a good offer, I don't have to pay for anything, and I'll get some free play out of it.

He said he will give me $1,000 for airfare.
But my flight only costs $600

Does that mean I will get reimbursed for $600? or will the casino simply give me $1,000 regardless of how much it cost to fly down there?

I'd like to know beforehand so I know whether paying for extras is costing me or the casino. It may cost $200 to upgrade to seats with more room. If the casino is only giving me the exact amount of the airfare, then I will take the upgrade. But if they are giving me $1,000 regardless of how much it really cost me, then I will not tkae the upgrade.

I am too embarrassed to ask the host this question directly, because I think it will make me look like a small-time gambler, when I want him to think I'm bigger than that and couldn't care less about $100 here or there.

If you "couldn't care less about $100 here or there," then why is the offer intriguing at all?

Oh, sure, if the excess was considerably less, it wouldn't affect my decision, but we're not talking about chump change here.

Ask the host.

For the record "He'll give me $1,000 for airfare," sound like he's giving you $1,000 for travel expenses. If you wanna pay $29.95, hop on Greyhound, and keep the change, it's your call.

I'm not sure you understand what I meant. I care about $100 here or there. But I don't want the host to think I care, I want him to think I'm bigger than that (which I'm not!)

Unfortunately we don't know their policy. When he made the offer you should have nonchalantly said do I need to bring copies of expenses or are the just going to give a cash voucher. Everyones policy is different. You can stay play the roll. Call the host and say you are anxious to come down and will be arriving on such date. Bye the way do you need and then ask the question. It sounds like you need some practice pretending to be a big shot. No offense intended. Won't they see that you are a "small-time gambler" when you start playing?

Thanks, that's helpful. I do need help acting.

As for your question ... no, I have that department taken care of :)

It seems reasonable that you could call up the host or email and ask what is required to get the reimbursement. If they do need a receipt or something, this isn't something people normally bring with them on a trip. If they don't need anything, it sounds like you could give any response.

"Airfare" in casino host parlance traditionally has been a stand-in for "cash."

Well, on our last conversation before I arrive, I was told it was all cash, no receipt needed. :)

Quote: hhhccc

Well, on our last conversation before I arrive, I was told it was all cash, no receipt needed. :)

I would assume you are going to get $1000 in cash, regardless of what you pay for airfare. I would think that they would specifically say up to $1000 if they meant to reimburse you.

But as this is not an expense account, I can't imagine they reimbursing you $631.75 or whatever the actual value of the ticket would be. Since I am assuming that they would be very dissappointed if you didn't convert $10K immediately into chip, and play for several hours at a high level, I can't imagine them worrying about the actual price of the ticket.

I wonder how many gamblers would actually save the money by using a really cheap form of transportation. like catching a Greyhound Bus for $50 and pocketing the difference.

Quote: Juyemura

I wonder how many gamblers would actually save the money by using a really cheap form of transportation. like catching a Greyhound Bus for $50 and pocketing the difference.

I'd think out of all our posters you would be the last to think of such a thing.


(Since you live in Hawaii........)

Quote: Juyemura

I wonder how many gamblers would actually save the money by using a really cheap form of transportation. like catching a Greyhound Bus for $50 and pocketing the difference.

None.

Gamblers that are of such interest to casinos that airfare is being comped usually make too much money to waste their time on a bus and don't even take the airport shuttle to the casino, they take only limousines.

Every dollar you save multiplies to the bottom line. So, you betcha, if the bus could arrive on time for the comped rooms, sure, I'd pocket that $950 and not even feel guilty.

One thing I would confirm is when do you get the reimbursement for the airfare. Is it after they evaluate your play or before?

I would ask the host how it works. You want to get the 1K before you start play. I don't think this makes you look like a low roller. It makes you look smart.

Quote: Greasyjohn

One thing I would confirm is when do you get the reimbursement for the airfare. Is it after they evaluate your play or before?

I would ask the host how it works. You want to get the 1K before you start play. I don't think this makes you look like a low roller. It makes you look smart.

There are times in life when you should try to look smart, even if you're not.
There's other times when it's best, just put a big stupid grin on your face...

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

There are times in life when you should try to look smart, even if you're not.
There other times when it's best, just put a big stupid grin on your face...

Yes, but I was talking about $1,000 not sex.

Quote: Greasyjohn

Yes, but I was talking about $1,000 not sex.

Made me chuckle there you did, thx

Quote: hhhccc

I'm not sure you understand what I meant. I care about $100 here or there. But I don't want the host to think I care, I want him to think I'm bigger than that (which I'm not!)

You don't need to explain it to anyone who read it while awake.