Question About Comps

[db28455]

I've been to Vegas 11 times, but I've never really worried much about comps (don't really know why.) I pretty much spend my entire time playing BJ at Bally's. Last time, I played about 3 or 4 hours a day at $25 a hand and was told at the end of my trip I had earned $26 in comps.

Hmm...that doesn't sound right.

So what are the tips for comps? What do you ask for when you check out? I did ask the pit boss while playing for some breakfast (after playing for about two hours and up $400, and he said he had nothing to give away.)

Sounds like Bally's is just tight. Any tips?

[jack_retired]

Try downtown. $25 a hand will get you a LOT more.
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[db28455]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I don't make it down to downtown much.

So what exactly do you ask for when you check out? And who do you ask?

Sorry, I'm still trying to talk myself into trying the $20 trick. graemlins/ssst.gif

[ringding]

Talk to a host, not a pit boss. They'll explain what they're looking for in order for you to recieve any comps.

Before you check out, look for your host and ask him if your play has qualified you for any comps.

At the minimum,,you will be required to play $25.00/hand for 4 hours a day. This should at least get you the casino rate for the room.

[jack_retired]

If you don't have a host, get one. graemlins/nono.gif

One way of doing this is to buy in with a larger amount than normal, give the dealer your comp card or drivers license and ask to be "RATED" & that you would like to talk to a host.
smile.gif

Another way is to call the casino before your trip. Ask to talk to a host. Introduce yourself and explain when you will be coming to his/her casino and what your level of play will be; and then say you were wondering what that could get you in comps. Then ask when you should see them during your trip.
;)

I checked in with my new host first thing after buying in day one. We did the hand shake thing, put face with name thing, and let the pit know I was working with a host. Pit still handled minor food comps. Right before end of trip and while my host was on duty (I had asked) I once again asked to talk to my host. At this time he "adjusted" my hotel bill and told the pit to give me another minor food comp.
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[ChipCollector]

At Bally's to the right of the cashiers cage is a dark glass door. That is where the hosts are. Bally's has been really tight, but I have taken them good and am now cut off. Anyway the night before you check out just walk over to that door and ask for a host. They will look you up and give you what you have coming. After awhile when you know the host you can buy them a small gift. Also when you have a host you can check out with a hanging balance and then they will adjust your bill. Barry

[bubbakitty]

We went to LV on June 22; stayed 5 nights at Sam's Town which is on Boulder Highway but has a nice shuttle. I never could get a run going but fortunately the up and the down was not too far a distance between so the losses were minimal. I played anywhere from 5 $ to 30 $ per hand. It was never particularly crowded but it WAS a Sun through Thursday night stay (leaving Friday). We were comped two nights plus all meals charged-- coffee shop and buffet and other. Felt it was a pretty good deal. Actually had offered us 3 nights comped but asked about meals and she (the hostess) said sure; and when we checked out it was two nights and all meals. Our nightly rate was 29.00 $'s so it was better to pay the rate than the 140 $'s meal charges. NOT a bad place to stay except the shuttle times (the gold coast / orleans shuttle is more frequent and runs later), but if you had a car, it was the place for us. Four hours at 25 $'s gives you a complimentary room (they say) and 15+ gives you the casino rate. Rooms are large and clean. Maids very thorough. Not an endorsement but simply an observation. Never were impressed with the strip as we had done the Bally's thing and received about the same rewards(?), 32 $'s or something ridiculous in credit. But then we are in our 40's and certainly past the time of having to be with the "in crowd" to have fun. Probably will check out the Orleans next time to see the difference and see what is what.
Also, got a mail-out for 3 nights and 50 $'s in sportsbook play for september except the week of labor day.....if we didn't live so far (Texas) we'd hop right on it. I'd give them a call at least to see what is offered. Our hostess was named Gina. That may or may not help.

[db28455]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going back in September...but unfortunately, this is more of a "last minute" trip, so I don't have much to waste on blackjack.

What's the least amount of money you need to throw down to need a host?

By the way, I'm sick of Bally's. Their casino services people really ticked me off, so I'm going to stick to playing at some of the off-strip locations now. Does anyone recommend The Orleans? I've heard good things.

[jack_retired]

My guess for off strip and downtown is $25 min bet for most table games.

If anyone knows better, please speak up.

[ July 25, 2003, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: Big Jack ]

[Dougie]

The pit boss at LVC said 25 a hand for 4 hours gets your room comped.

[HoyaHeel]

Originally posted by bazootch:
The pit boss at LVC said 25 a hand for 4 hours gets your room comped. But you can often find the room at $21 a night anyway, so don't chase comps :D

Boozatch.....That still makes me laugh! God bless typos!!

[Dougie]

I bypassed my comped room food and beverage at NYNY to be with you hooligans this weekend. I did play at least 25 bucks a hand for about 3 hours at LVC, and am hoping to use that on the next trip. It wasn't for comps, its because "the less you bet, the more you loose when you win" theory of mine. Thats why I didn't like craps. Getting paid 6 bucks a shot at a very slow pace wasn't exciting for me. I also STILL don't get it, strategy wise...

Who is planning the next trip???

bazootch

[HoyaHeel]

Well, we're going either October 5-8 or Oct 12-15 with some friends of ours, not sure yet where we'll stay.

I enjoyed craps, but I don't have the mindset of a gambler--I'd often rather just buy shoes :D So my stake was much lower.....

[db28455]

Well, that shows how much I was getting ripped off at Bally's. I played at least four hours before going to bed, and played an hour or two during the day. I probably averaged around $25-$35 a hand. And got nothing.

We're staying at the Palms next month (quick trip) and then the Orleans in January. Should be better, hopefully.

[BigLouie]

Just made my last stay at Ballys/Paris a month ago. Too rich for my blood. Host said they're looking for $150-200 average bet per hand just to comp a room. No thanks! Did stay one night at Orleans. Nice, comfortable and roomy casino. Mix of locals and out-of-towners. Low rolling place...$2 craps, tons of .25 machines. Nice people. Good food there too.

Going back Labor Day and staying at Flamingo...only because PPE sent me this special 2 night comp thing and I've got $168 in slot comps due me from PPE that I want to use up.

After that trip, I'm wide open on a new Vegas home. Wife likes the strip.

No doubt. Comps on upscale properties are getting tough! Hey, I go to Vegas to gamble, win some $$$ and blow-it-out, not to be pampered.

[db28455]

Yeah, hopefully I will get a good vibe at the Orleans and make that my new home. I have been with Bally's for the past two or so years...mainly because of location.