Watching People Play Slots Without a Players Card

When walking around the casino, I will usually always pass by someone playing a $10+ slot with $1000+ in the machine and hitting spin after spin after spin without a players card in the machine. Watching those unclaimed points just float away! I get so tempted to ask to stick my players card in the machine, but of course I’d never actually ask, but I get so tempted!!!

I know, even if I did and got tons of points, it’s not really representative of my play, the comps might not really change, or would eventually go back to normal, etc... but it’s still so tempting!!!

 

What makes me cringe more is seeing a person playing with their card inserted but not registering as it’s flashing red.

I generally don’t say anything to them unless I’m playing beside them (which is rarely).

 

Has anyone paid anyone to play on their card? I’ve thought about it. Would a High Roller who doesn’t really care about comps accept a payment to play on someone else’s card?

Even a medium roller lol, if asked do you think people would play on someone else’s card?

 

The points in most cases would not really add up to that much... or that is how I feel. In some cases, it could be serious.

Not worth the risk with a high roller as the casino could decide to cancel your account, or even toss you out. Also the risk that all those handpays might track to your account. With that said, every handpay I had using my wifes account always went into my account. But points while playing do track to her account/card.

As to why people do it?

* Some think they really are not going to get anything of value
* Some do not want stuff tracked - funny money, spousal issues, financial issues
* Some believe the system is rigged and using your card lets the casino screw you - yea, stupid - but some believe it

On a related note - when I get to a bonus round, I usually take my card out. No idea if it still tracks me or not, but I figure less wins in the system is always good. I could be totally wrong, no good or bad by pulling the card out. But, with that aside, I have had people say I should leave my card in so I get the points for playing. That is REALLY stupid. You do not earn points on free spins. And of course, if it does track those wins, why tell the casino?

 

The issue would also be a potential tax liability. Even if the casino didn't find out, any major wins would still be listed on your win/loss form as you card would be associated with the account. Just imagine if you had to cough up $10,000 extra that you didn't earn. That would be a fun conversation with the IRS and the casinos.

 

That's what I would believe.

 

I would think getting caught would negate any benefit. You might get banned which would be a bummer for a few TC. Hitting a handpay would cause irs issues as well.

 

As a foreigner i wouldnt have that irs problem, i guess

 

I smile every time I see this.
I know it wont add up to enough to make a difference but I always think of this like those who play blackjack but do not follow strategy.
They are the reason the casino should NOT need to scale back on comps. (Yes I know they do but I believe this is because more and more people get educated and take advantage of players reward programs)

 

There are some reasons if a player doesn't have a card in the machine that I think of:

Don't need the comp for that section...

Forgot his or her player card and do not want to ask for one...

Don't want the casino track the play because they have the urge to play that machine...

Some just want to hit and run just like putting in this amount of money and to see if they hit something or lost all...

And there are unknown reasons..

If I am really want to know I will ask that person directly..

I have comps rooms for the Strips and downtown they require min 2 nts stay but for next trip

I need only 1night so I booked with another hotel and paid for that nt and not to worry about
my level of play..

 

Casino gain/loss statements aren’t reported to the IRS, only W2gs are.

 

The only reason not to use a card when playing the slots is if you would be playing noticeably less then your regular play and don't want it to change your average ADT (impacting future comps)

 

I think the most common reason not to Play slots with a card is the believe that this way the casino can influence your payouts. I have heard people say this so many times... this and the fact that still so many people still have no clue what a players card can do for you.

 

When I see someone not put in their players card I am tempted to tell them about it. Maybe they are new to gambling? Maybe they forgot? Maybe they don't know about the players program and comps?

But then I tell myself not to get involved. It might be possible that they just prefer it that way for some reason.

 

Everybody is not into gambling like some Vegas vets. Some people do not care about points because they know they are not going to be visiting Vegas on a regular basis, so points mean nothing to them. I would imagine any serious Vegas visitor would know about points and would be using their card. What bothers me is when I see somebody playing a progressive machine without playing full coins. If they hit the jackpot with only one coin in, they are going to be surprised and pissed.

 

No tax liability at all, the casinos do not report that information and you cannot use them while being audited.

 

Here’s another scenario...what about asking for people’s receipts so that you could get the points for it? Obviously it would have to be cash receipts, but that’s a waste of points some people pay and then throw their receipts away! Have you ever asked people paying cash, can I have your receipt? Lol

 

Sure you could. But you get ZERO comps for those points. Those points usually are of ZERO value. The only time they are worth something is to get you to the next tier, and even then... no more comps... other than the parking or resort fee in some cases.

I have never taken receipts to get points myself.. but guessing it might mean something for some people.

 

Which program do you enter receipts after the fact (or how)? I was always under the impression you had to show reward card at time of the sale?

 

If you take your receipt to the Players desk, they Will Add resort credits for it to your account.