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Video Poker Video Poker @ Casino Bars

Discussion in 'Video Poker' started by Uranium 235, Mar 11, 2016.

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  1. Uranium 235

    Uranium 235 Low-Roller

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    Dear all

    I've been to Vegas a number of times but not quite sure of the Video Poker bar etiquette when it comes to drinks.

    My questions are:
    Will casinos serve you drinks for 'free' at the bar if you're playing VP?

    If so, what is the tactful way of asking for a drink; especially when you first arrive?

    How does the tipping work?

    In the past, I have sat at the bar, started playing, asked for a drink, they served me, I asked the price and they proceeded as if it was a normal sale. Yes I was playing at the time.

    I asked this a while ago on another forum but didn't quite get a straight answer.

    Thanks
     
  2. WDMJB

    WDMJB Low-Roller

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    In my experience as long as you're playing the drinks are free. I usually play $0.25 max bet & when I get down to the last $1.25 I cash out & put the ticket in the glass for a tip.
    I was at the Mirage and was told that the drinks would only be free if I was playing max bet but I've never been told that downtown.
     
  3. aaisack

    aaisack VIP Whale

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    Put you players card and at least a $20 bill into the machine. Do this or be playing when the bartender approaches you. Ask them what is the best whiskey or whatever you like is available for comp. Drink up. Make sure to tip at least a buck a drink. Ignore whatever is written on the receipt they put in the glass in front of you. Most put a dollar amount on them even though you're being comped.

    Also most require you to do max bet, some casinos that only have $1 level or higher require 2 credits minimum. Don't be afraid to ask.
     
  4. Uranium 235

    Uranium 235 Low-Roller

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    Thanks WDMJB

    So it's perfectly expected to put your money in the machine, ask for a drink and expect it to be 'on the house'?

    Do they know if you're indeed betting max? I would anyway but just interested.
     
  5. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Put in $20 or so into the machine, bet max and order a drink. They will put a receipt in a glass in front of you. You put tip money there. That is the comp receipt, don't look at it as it is for them not for you. IF you paid that price in the past I bet the bartender took the cost as a tip, unless you were at WYNN, no drinks comped at bars for VP there.

    If you want something extra top shelf or even kinda top shelf like MM, ask what they can comp, they will tell you.

    Some bars at Cosmo had a drink ticket system, where first is comped and you must play consistently to earn next one.

    Hell if you are not sure, just ask the bartender what it takes to get a comped drink, tell em you are new. They are always very nice in this situation.

    As always $$$ talks.
     
  6. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Also look at Tring's sticky in this section for the best places to play payout wise. He did a good job with it.
     
  7. Uranium 235

    Uranium 235 Low-Roller

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    Thanks a lot folks. Quite interesting and certainly helpful.

    These 'rules' apply to the major casinos along the Strip (with the exception of the Wynn)?
     
  8. Wonka

    Wonka Tourist

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    Thanks for this post, plan to play some VP on my next trip as well. Good to know.
     
  9. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Anyplace I have been.

    There is a bar at mirage that has tickets. Aria has a 1 drink per 30 mintues from what I read. Caesars sports bar has a red light green light system on back of machines where red means no drink.

    But other than those asking if not sure is the best bet. You won't look cheap.

    You will however if you put in cash, get a drink and cash out! Lol.
     
  10. Ty

    Ty ?

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    I would expect yes. I don't play at Wynn. A couple of weeks ago at Sams Town a lady sat down next to me and put in $10 and ordered a glass of wine, the bartender asked her to put in another $10 so he could comp it.
     
  11. Snidely

    Snidely VIP Whale

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    Nothing wrong with asking the bartender what the rules are for comped drinks.
     
  12. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    At a bar in the El Cortez, I watched the bartender eyeing a somewhat down-and-out looking "gentlemen" like a hawk to make sure he wasn't merely going through the motions to get a free drink. The bartender insisted he play a few hands before pouring! I'm sure that's a regular occurrence at some of the not so fancy establishments. For the most part, as already mentioned, if you look like a player, even if you haven't yet fed the machine, getting a comped drink is as simple as asking. Most bartenders and cocktail waitresses couldn't care less what you're doing ... the first time. Play, tip well, and you'll drink well!

    At Sam's Town in Tunica several years ago, and not being familiar with their requirements, I asked the bartender their policy on comped drinks. She simply asked what I wanted and said nobody cared! That was great, but obviously varies.
     
  13. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    At most casinos, the machine isn't smart enough to know the difference. I used to bet 1 occasionally in the past when a bartender wasn't near by and bet max when they were around. If strip paytables go much lower, I may be going back to that too. Also some casinos, they will claim $1 is the minimum bet. Never do that for VP though! Betting 4 quarters is the worst thing you can do since 5 quarters gives a major bonus on a Royal Flush.

    It's still that way at some of the Tunica casinos. Particularly Fitzgeralds because their waitresses are understaffed. But Sam's Town Tunica still has 9/6 Jacks at the bar, so why wouldn't you play? :beer:
     
  14. DESPERADO

    DESPERADO VIP Whale

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    :wave: just wanted 2 add that most places put a glass with receipt in it in front of u. this is 4 their tip. however last year at harveys in LT, bartender said just to lay it on the bar. all the advice on this thread i agree with 100%. good luck :beer:
     
  15. TIMSPEED

    TIMSPEED Money’s on the way, with CashNetUSA

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    Having always played in Reno...that's what I was used to..just placing the tip on the bar next to my drink(s)...but in Vegas, yeah, they'll put a cup in front of you, for their tips.
     
  16. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    The bartender just has to glance at the machine to know if you're betting max bet. The amount you're betting is highlighted in red (in the pics the max bet column is red).

    V (27).jpg V (209).jpg
     
  17. Johnzimbo

    Johnzimbo VIP Whale

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    When i want to catch a good buzz I sit at one of the bars at the Orleans and order a shot after putting a $20 in. When the bartender delivers it and puts the glass for tips down I'll stick a tenner in it so that he/she can see it and they usually hit me every 5 minutes or so for refills
     
    Annual me and Pete
  18. Uranium 235

    Uranium 235 Low-Roller

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    Sounds like a good strategy Johnzimbo.

    Thanks to all for their input.
     
  19. imwired

    imwired High-Roller

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    I believe you're supposed to play max bet to get drinks comped at all casinos but a lot of them don't enforce it and people take advantage - like playing Keno one quarter at a time.
     
  20. tonysb8

    tonysb8 Low-Roller

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    I do this as well. I usually make the first tip a decent one, so they keep an eye on me & keep the drinks rolling! :drunk:
     
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