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What is an appropriate gift for a casino host? @cosmo

Discussion in 'Comps' started by lv4life, Feb 5, 2013.

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  1. lv4life

    lv4life Newbie

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    Hi guys,

    Wanted to know what kind of gift can I get a casino host? I want to get something to show my appreciation!
     
  2. JDinTN

    JDinTN MIA

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    Your host should be giving you a gift for you giving them your business -- not the other way around. Unless they are a personal friend who is giving you something you know they are truly not supposed to give you as a personal favor you are already giving them a gift by giving them your play on every visit. That's how they feed their kids and pay their bills -- through your gambling. Hosts are salespeople and will always act like you are special and they are going above and beyond for you but that is what they do for just about everyone. At the end of the day you're a client they are trying to maximize profits from by giving you the minimum comps that will generate the maximum gambling from you. Just like any business.

    If you have any unused comp items that you want to give them its fine, but buying them something out of pocket is role reversal at its most absurd! I wish my clients gave me gifts instead of the other way around haha.
     
  3. DonnyC

    DonnyC VIP Whale

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    I bought a new car. My gift to my sales person was the fact that I bought a car from him.

    I have heard of people buying hosts gifts...sort of backwards. I think people liken it to a tip and that is how they justify it. But I tip for after I have received good service, not in the hopes of getting good service - just a point to consider.
     
  4. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

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    I'm not a huge gambler, but I do stay at the Hard Rock 50-60 nights a year. I've had a host for the past two years, though I'm on my 3rd one. My status on their rewards program allows me "personal host services." Yes... I know my "gift to them" is my loyalty and my business, but I think that very simplistic. I sincerely appreciate the concert tickets, cabanas, and other things my host has arranged, like my favorite room almost every time I visit. I show that appreciation with a $50 gift card inside a nice thank you note and I do that a couple times a year and something else at Christmas time. I don't feel like I have to do it or that it's expected at all... I do it because that's how I do business. Matter of fact, I'm glad you all don't do it, makes mine a little more noticed.

    There've been several threads on this topic over the past couple years and many of the "senior" folks on the board indicate they show their appreciation in a similar manner. They don't hand the host cash however, as I understand that's taboo...

    I think it's good business to show your appreciation for their concern and attention... I do know this, when I call or e-mail, my host doesn't have to look me up on her computer to know who the hell I am and what I like. They're people too.
     
  5. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

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    A gift isn't inappropriate, regardless of what people say. I give gifts to other people who work for me all the time. I don't always give a gift to my host, but sometimes I do.

    Personally I prefer to go for something that's not particularly expensive, but is something that others wouldn't give. A book that I liked if I think my host has the same interest. Or something native to your area that's unusual for Vegas.

    Others who play higher than me go with gift cards sometimes.
     
  6. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    I give my host 50% of wins or losses.

    (he usually has to write me a check)
     
  7. JDinTN

    JDinTN MIA

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    People that work for you is different. I give gifts to my staff every year at Christmas and on their special occasions. Hosts don't work for you! They work for the casino as salespeople. Like DonnyC said -- would you give a gift to your car dealer? Or insurance agent? No of course not. They might give gifts to you but never the other way around because you already give them your business.

    People like Natedog have posted about giving gift cards to their hosts but those are comped cards they received and aren't going to use. Spending money on a gift for someone whose job it is to get you to gamble at their employers casino is just extremely backwards.
     
  8. natedog666

    natedog666 17 and 20 Expert

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    I never give my hosts anything else besides cash. That's what they want anyways. Tips do affect service in Vegas, and it helps me especially when I have friends wanting to come into Vegas when I'm out of town; host will take care of it.

    1-3k on a losing trip, this trip probably 8-10k
     
  9. jrp227

    jrp227 Formerly KingJasonSlots on YT :)

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    What did your Cosmo host do for you? I play 80% at Cosmo, and my host doesn't even try to get my limo right or offer me anything.... They say my avg bet is 750 for lifetime and I've recently gotten into high limit slots and actually have had great luck. If not for loving the rooms, I'd def be searching for a new home base. Lucky you to have a host who actually takes care of you.
     
  10. jrp227

    jrp227 Formerly KingJasonSlots on YT :)

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    As an aside, I don't think my action is anything great for a high end property... But, I'd be happy just to get a welcome basket like my friends get at other properties or just not flat out rudeness. Over my birthday weekend two weeks ago, I woke up to my host literally emailing me "got an email that you no showed.. Why did you no show?" This after playing 3-4 hours that night after the clubs!!
     
  11. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

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    We can agree to disagree I guess. There are people who work for me who also work for others. For example, the lady who drives my kid to school on the bus. She works for the school district, but I give her a gift. Yes, it's her job to drive the bus.

    The host works for the casino, but he works for me as well. If he doesn't, get rid of him and get one that does.
     
  12. Ike

    Ike Low-Roller

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    Would you give your car dealer a gift if it could get you your car at half price? What about giving your insurance agent a gift if he worked out a way to get you a rate 75% lower than anywhere else in the country? Get where I'm going?

    A host's "job" is to get you to gamble at the lowest cost to the casino. That means shorting you on comps wherever they can. They are even bonused on this, so if a host goes above and beyond and gets you more than the standard because you've built a good relationship with them and have given them nominal gifts, who wins here?

    So then the question is, what is the standard, and when is the host going above and beyond for you? Well, that's a question only you can answer, but for anyone who has been around gambling and casinos for any real period of time will understand when they get a host that truly makes a difference. A small gift here or there can ensure the relationship does not dry up.
     
  13. SlotChik

    SlotChik Tourist

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    I always tip my host $100 when I get good service...It's only right and trust me, I get more comps because of it.
     
  14. JDinTN

    JDinTN MIA

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    Point taken and I agree with what you're saying. I wrote in my original post if the host is going above and beyond what your play warrants than I think a gift is appropriate. But I think those types of situations are rare just like a car dealer giving you a car at 50% off his normal sales price from your example is rare. I have no bone to pick with people who feel like gifting their hosts -- its a personal choice like any other. I just think that some people think its almost expected which is far from true. Most hosts probably have hundreds or even thousands of players in their portfolio. The OP only has a few other posts which I read -- she just stayed at Cosmo for the first time and booked it all herself as a paying guest -- not a comp. If a host came to her at the end of the trip and decided to comp off her suite and her meals even though she didn't have much play then sure a gift is a nice idea. But if she's just feeling tickled about the fact a host introduced himself to her and threw her some simple comps she should know they do that to guests all day long and she shouldn't feel its standard practice to give the host a gift for that. This is not someone she has any long relationship with. Its a salesperson for the casino -- not your friend.
     
  15. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Good point. Very good point.
     
  16. Ike

    Ike Low-Roller

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    I don't tip hosts, because I'm such a low level player I couldn't get more than what I get already anyway. Hosts will only take it so far. If they comp you to a point you are no longer profitable to the casino it will raise red flags. That said, hosts can and will frequently over reward (higher than the set standard) players who they have a good relationship with or those people who may give them a gift card here or there. Hosts bonuses and evaluations are based on the big picture, and they can easily screw over some uninformed players to make up for the ones they want to over reward.
     
  17. CaptainJack

    CaptainJack Low-Roller

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    I frequent a lot of casinos, I get a lot of gift cards for everything from Walmart to Saks Fifth Avenue. These become my tip pool. Someone recently said it's only fair to share the spoils of war. I agree with that.
     
  18. BeeeJay

    BeeeJay President of The Red Lobster Hostess Satisfaction

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    a DICK PUNCH, i would sooner give a used car salesman a gift for soliciting my business.
     
  19. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

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    I do the same thing with the gift cards... I'll get some $15 Subway or Burger Cards and give one to the girl at VIP when I see she's bustin' her ass to handle way too many people all on her own and then she takes care of me with a smile... I'll also give one to the bartender at the end if a couple hour VP run with endless drinks that get stronger the entire time, etc.

    One bartender did share with me though that it's not unusual at all for them to be given cards that haven't been purchased/activated, as they're fairly easy to shoplift (worthless unless activated). He said he's been burned many times and it's common.
     
  20. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Sort of funny. I can see some cheapies either stealing non-activated cards, or buying $5 ones that do not show the value on the card. Then, give to employee saying - "Here's a $25 or $50 card - thanks for helping me out".

    Days later, the employee finds out otherwise.

    LOL!
     
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