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How to get a host?

Discussion in 'Comps' started by sylent, Oct 28, 2019.

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  1. sylent

    sylent Tourist

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    New to the forum but I have been reading quite a bit. I have only been gambling comp-worthy play for the last year and have pretty easily reached Platinum with CET, Gold with M Life and Silver with Identity all this year; in hindsight I maybe should have done most of my gambling all with one program but I have jumped around a bit.
    My question is, how should I go about getting in touch with a host to make reservations and such? I have just been taking whatever comp or low-rate room offers the websites give me. I assumed that a host would just eventually get in touch with me but after my last few trips of decent gambling I think I have come to the conclusion that they see me keep coming without a host so why offer that up if I keep coming anyways?
    Any thoughts?
     
  2. andyg99

    andyg99 VIP Whale

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    just contact the casino and ask - I'm sure if your play is good enough they'll be happy to set you up
     
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  3. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    If the offers you are getting are low rate - you are well be low the level of host attention.

    Also - offers and host services are not tied to your tier level, but to level of play - ADT. Even some MGM Plat or CET Diamonds do not get free rooms, or hosts.
     
  4. sylent

    sylent Tourist

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    I should have been more specific. I can get a free room at Caesars properties pretty much anytime except holiday weekends, holidays are usually $89-99/night.
    I have only gambled at M Life properties on one trip and reached Gold. They are offering me some free rooms on the website. Identity regular sends me emails for some free room offers.
    I understand what you are saying about some ML Plat and CET Diamond not getting offers, I have a friend that is Plat at ML because he takes his company several times a year for conferences and racks up a ton of "points" from rooms, dinners, etc. but gets no offers other than a 25% (I think) discount off room rates.
    I typically bring $5k bankroll and play BJ at $50-100/min tables or Craps at $15-25/min tables.
     
  5. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    A CET employee used to tell me. "A host will contact you when your play level rates one"

    Remember that

    mLife Gold - maybe, depends on your ADT
    CET Platinum - probably not
    I can't speak to Cosmpolitan because I'm not familiar with their play levels.

    Is there a particular reason that you want a host? Do you think that you're "underoffered" based on your ADT?
     
  6. mikel123

    mikel123 High-Roller

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    If you're serious about concentrating your play in one area on your next trip, I would suggest booking whatever comp/low rate you are seeing on the website and talking to a host on the back end. If your play warrants it, they will likely comp you.

    I agree with what @DaiLun said about CET though, they will probably not pay much attention to you if you're platinum. This is the status they give away with their free credit card.
     
  7. VegasBJ

    VegasBJ VIP Whale

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    a 5K bankroll will most likely not warrant a host at the mid / high end MLIFE properties
     
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  8. Lmarl72936

    Lmarl72936 Low-Roller

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    Dont know if this will help. This year i'll get about 60K TR @CET by Dec 31. I play Craps only and I'm a green chipper and I usually get rated $250-$300 per hour for 4 - 6 hours a day.
    This translates into about 2,500TR (another 5K TR bonus of course) for my gambling session.
    Last year I was the same, the year before I hit 85k TR.
    My Room Comp offers are generally all properties (minus NOBU, CP & Cromwell on some days) 365 days a year comp'd.
    My free play offers are usually $200-$250 table play a month sometimes less
    My food offers are usually $100-$200 a month.
    AND.........................
    i DONT have a host..
    I only have a player developmental account executive (pretty much worthless they cant do anything I cant do myself via CET website)
    The only host interaction I get is when I request the host on duty to add a promo to my room comp because I screwed up and didnt do it right when i booked via website.
    Hope this helps.
     
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  9. subafrk

    subafrk Longing to be sipping a Scotch at the Cromwell...

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    This. I used to have an account executive at CET that would reach out to me and send offers that I could book online. It wasn't until one of the times that I went to the host offices at check out to see about back end comps. The junior host in the office made a quick call and an executive host came down to introduce herself. I really haven't asked her for much but sometimes I'll reach out to her if an offer isn't showing available on the dates I need and she seems to be able to make it available while handling the booking. FYI, I have a full comp CET calendar so YMMV.

    I also had a host reach out to me the first time playing at Cosmo. He shot me an email after a day of play with a bounce back offer and offered some back end comps, but I wasn't staying there. I've used him a few times just to check offer availablity before when the Cosmo website sucked, lol. A host will find you, but it doesn't hurt to make yourself available.
     
  10. JulianC

    JulianC Amateur

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    Especially if you are talking about the major Strip properties (Cosmo, CET, Mlife), the first question you need to ask -- do I truly need a host? The second question -- do I get fair enough treatment (especially with the honoring of comps, front- and back-end; also, with access to amenities, dining, and nightlife) by the resort without having a host? Third -- without the assistance of a host, am I getting all that my level of play entitles me to get?

    Even before all of those questions, though -- what is your ADT? @sylent I do not personally need to know yours, but your description of what you like to play, the table minimums at which you tend to play, and your typical CET room comps, has my educated guess at $175-275. A good question to ask a host, and anyone with any sizable amount of play really should ask -- what is my ADT? A good host will give you a direct and accurate answer, even if your ADT is a fraction of the minimum among their stable of hosted players. If all you hear is something like, "Well... it depends on your average bet and how long your play..." or, "We cannot provide that information to you" -- either you are not playing at a level high enough to be worth their time to talk to you, and/or you might want to find a better place to take your concentrated gaming action.

    I, too, am one who is the lowest of low Diamond with CET and I barely have a junior host / casino account executive. My CET ADT when playing in Vegas tends to be around $200-300 (lower end if I play more VP; higher end of that range if I play more slots). If I had an executive host at any of the big Strip properties, I would be so busy spending way too much time and way too much money maintaining (ADT) the privilege of continuing to have an executive host that I would indeed need that host to help arrange how to spend the rest of my time enjoying the resort and town (and all that my play entitles me to enjoy comped). A good host will ask you what you like to play, even though they already know down to the fraction of a cent exactly what your play on everything you have ever played on your card is worth to the casino. (Even at the exact same amount of theo, the slot player is always going to get more favorable attention in terms of comps than the lower-house-advantage table player.) A better host will take more of a player development approach in order to help you, the strong player (provided your play is minimally worth the attention of a host), optimize (and not necessarily increase) your time on device (with a hosted player expected to put in at least 3-4 hours per gaming day of concentrated and focused play -- preferably, in sessions of at least an hour each). The more idle time you have away from your games of choice, the greater opportunity you have to spend more money elsewhere at the resort -- at the pool, at the fine-dining restaurants, at the bars/lounges/clubs, at the shops -- and a host will be happy to grant you easier access, and a fair bit of comps, to facilitate your potential additional non-comped out-of-pocket resort spend. The up-front offers are there to get you to come back next time and put in even more spend -- gaming and non-gaming. It is quite an intricate dance.

    Other factors outside of your play could increase your chances of becoming a hosted player. All of them involve your individual ability to increase the amount of money the resort can make just from your presence (and the presence of others associated to you) on property. A popular social media influencer who posts Instragram stories and YouTube videos and streams primarily about (and in) Vegas could easily become hosted at a property if said person's presence (especially if that presence involves gaming) can be seen bringing a bunch more people (especially those with deeper pockets) through the door. At the exact same ADT, a couple (doing as is typical, both playing on one card -- though maybe not for much longer at some places) has much more of a chance of being hosted than the known-to-be non-coupled person (and I am convinced that notes and/or calculable metrics reflecting this are on everyone's files). A couple and a single would probably consume the same number of rooms (probably just one), but the couple would more likely spend more per person on everything else -- and more likely splurge at least a bit more. Even if both members of the couple play on separate cards but do not (or cannot) have their cards linked for the purpose of improved offers, the couple overall is still worth more because one person's play is being put in without nearly as much being given back in comps. Then there's the "group trip" 1-3 times per year that tends to bring in heavier amounts of play per person, and even heavier resort spend (especially if it is pool season -- cabanas = $$$).
     
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  11. JulianC

    JulianC Amateur

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    @Lmarl72936 You put in Platinum in a Day days, every CET gaming day. On the lower end of your craps play (4 hours of play, $250 average on the table per roll), I estimate your ADT to be a few dollars under $1300, with a daily comp value of just under $400. CET is notorious for inconsistency with craps ratings, so you must be tipping extraordinarily well -- and probably not playing odds or the pass/don't/come/DC too much. The slot coin-in needed for the same theo (presuming a slot hold of 10%) would also generate just over 2500 base TCs. With CET, I have found TCs from table game play to roughly equate to the same number of TCs earned from the slot play that would generate the same theo. If you are consistently doing PIAD with CET and you are doing it on slots (at least $12,500 daily slot coin-in), you would probably have an executive host (and that level of daily slot coin-in could come close to getting one a "dedicated host" at Cosmo, too). However, because your play is craps and not slots, your offers are a bit lower, and you get to enjoy the limited services of a casino account executive.

    I just presume that one does not get a host playing craps unless and until one is consistently putting at least three (maybe as many as five) different individual black-chip bets on the table for hours on end.
     
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  12. Multifarious5

    Multifarious5 VIP Whale

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    I'm a Mid-roller that gets solid upfront comps (mini suites at top Mlife hotels like Aria/Bellagio, including weekends and holidays, solid FP/RC, last was $400 and $300), but I'm still not at a level a host would actively pursue, and borderline for what they'd be open to dealing with at a low or mid-tier hotel. An Aria or Bellagio host would probably snicker me out of the room.

    My upfront comps are strong enough, that there really isn't much on the backend a host can give based on my ADT.

    But ONE biggie a host CAN/will often give is guaranteed late checkout, which is gold for me, and they have always comped it, even when I offer to pay. An extra night is something I've had success with too. At a new hotel, I will find a host online via their webpage (if it mentioned their name/email) send them a nice email WITH my offer and offer code attached, and say I was just hoping to book it, would they be open to it? I also include my player's number so they can research my metrics before committing to any communication.

    It's a freebie on their books since they can see I already have the unfront offer, and I've always had good luck this way.

    But, one caveat, remember a host almost ALWAYS wants to see 3x play that it takes for a Corp offer. If a Corp offer will spit out for 4k daily coin-in? A host is going to want to probably easily see 10k+ (or more) daily coin-in. (Some want 20k plus, even though Corp offers spit out at WAY, way less.)

    But, it never hurts to explore new paths, and you might find a host you really gel with. I'd just suggest go into it gently versus asking a bunch right away. What we mere mortals see as big spend in Vegas often doesn't even bat an eye with a host....the money that rolls through there is jaw-dropping. (I speak from experience. My spend is obscene to non-Vegas people. In Vegas? I'm one step above a minnow!)

    Good luck and have a blast!
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2019
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  13. tee6395

    tee6395 Downtown Dreamer

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    Much, much easier to get the soft comps like late/early check out (in) and rooms than any other comps. This is something hosts can easily and most readily provide for most mid to higher level players with just an ask. Whenever I ask my host for things like can you check me in the night before I arrive and check me out the day after I leave, it's always met with a wave of the hand...this means it is "nothing" and "no problem."
     
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  14. sylent

    sylent Tourist

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    Thanks for all of the replies. I got Platinum staying at Caesars for 2 nights in March and really only gambled there part of the time and the rest at Cosmo. So I think I had a pretty good earn on points based on time played (hotel was free because I was Plat last year too).
    I actually talked to a host that my friend uses at CET and she was able to get me a nice deal at Cromwell for a few nights coming up at a rate of about 75% off the rate it’s showing me online. So I think I’m probably set.
    Thanks for all of the feedback, I’ve really only got into gambling the last couple years and still figuring out all of the details of the rewards programs.
     
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  15. Multifarious5

    Multifarious5 VIP Whale

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    @sylent it is GREAT to ask on this board, tons of info!

    Also though, just if some of us have less luck with a host, comps, whatever, still try yourself.

    I'll always remember when I came onboard with VMB, what made me fall in love is someone asked what $500 a day of a gambling budget would get. Someone said "you're lucky if you get a free buffet" . I had just started getting fully comped trips, at that exact daily bankroll, so I was hooked.... as it showed how complex/different comps can be.

    So, rule of thumb, just because someone else doesn't have success (myself included) doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

    Also, Vegas won't give stuff away for niceness, BUT niceness and politeness goes a LONG ways when you have a little play to back it.

    I've been overcomped for years, and a big part is that people want to give me as much as they can. If I was an ass? They also can give you LESS than you have coming. (And I've seen that too, where someone is a bit of a snot, and get less than they probably should.)

    Also, not liking one answer? Be nice. Hang up. Call again. Different person. YMMV. (Your mileage may vary)

    So be nice, but always ask. Just because someone else doesn't get something, doesn't mean you won't. Worst they can say is no!

    Tier rules are set. But non-tier comps? Can vary widely, so explore your parameters!
     
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2019
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  16. SloggingScotsman

    SloggingScotsman Tourist

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    JulianC, thank you for such an insightful post. It has helped me get my mind around some things better. Thank you.

    while I have never been to Vegas, it does intrigue me, and when/if I get there my wife and I are much more likely to be in the resort spend than gaming ‘buckets’ but I will give gaming a fair shot (as you can do it for free on the internet I just don’t get the ‘gamble’ appeal).

    given your insight, I was wondering if you, or anyone else, could help me get my mind around the following points a bit better? (I have spent years getting my mind around Vegas as a business case study).

    1. Surely Vegas being a money city, a Benjamin could sort out many issues that a host or card tier could? Eg a quick taxi/limo?

    2. Where does all this ‘loyalty’ that is discussed on here, that hosts expect, come from? After all it’s your money, and it sometimes seems that guilt is used to motivate you to stay ‘loyal’. When surely it should be about having fun and spending your money where you want to spend it, without fear of upsetting a host? I am naive I know. I would give a host 5 minutes with my wife, while I grabbed a drink and cookies and watched with a smile on my face, before the poor host became a nervous wreck.

    3. However I slice and dice it, when I think about the ‘programs’ that the big players get, from the details posted on another forum detailing the specifics at various play levels and properties, even a million dollar program, the comps sound really good, until you do the maths that you only have 50 betting units and need 25% Theo. Odds are you will bust out and run out of money due to limited bankroll and play requirements. Even if you recovered 20%+ in discount/front money bonus/airfare/comps, you are likely to still be down 800k.

    so instead of playing 20k hands, why not just play 5k hands, (off the top of my head) you will save 3/4 million dollars (even with vastly fewer and lower discount and comps) and still get reasonable comps. Perhaps I would need to be rich to understand. That 3/4 million could pay for a few good nights out! Palomino...ouch that’s the wife thumping me.

    this I think is the bit that I am not getting. I have struggled to comprehend what playing big ‘gets you’. Is it as simple as ego flattery? Quick access to nightclubs (which eg staying in Wynn Fairway villas paid for I think also gets you), etc?

    my point, to me there seems to be an ‘optimal point’ of gaming, high enough bets to get you the experience you want, but low enough so that you are not throwing your hard earned money away unnecessarily (can you tell I am a Scot!). But not being a gambler (though am addicted to this forum!) I don’t really get it.

    it just seems to me that ‘being played by a host’ using ‘emotional marketing techniques....loyalty, guilt, what have you done for me lately, etc’ isn’t much of a holiday. It seems like hard work. All to get a special invite to spend even more money.

    now please don’t be offended, I am in no way criticising, I am trying to understand. One day, health and money permitting, I may well spend a few weeks in Vegas and dive right in, for the experience. But all the stuff I read about how hosts work, sort of makes me want to pay my way and leave them be. Mostly.

    hope you don’t mind me asking JulianC. Thanks.
     
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2019
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  17. Iratus

    Iratus Low-Roller

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    If there’s something you want, paying for it will always be cheaper than playing for a comp for it. Comps are just a way to incentivise play. Hosts are just a way to tailor those to what you prefer. Some do what you’re talking about but not all. It’s bad business to be a ******.

    Personally I don’t rate one where I like to stay but I’m fine with it.
    3 nights in a wraparound suite at the Cosmo, limo transfers and $250 a night for food is about ~$3k (bit more cos of the room but keeps it simple and it’s discounted anyway ). You need up to $9k theo for that. If I had 3k adt then I’d probably be able to book it anyway without talking to anyone.

    To get that playing blackjack I’d have to play purple chip. Which means I’d need to have a bankroll of about $75k and sit down with 25 at hand. I’d rather just pay the money for the room and play black chip.

    As a table player, just go and see the host in the office at the end of your trip and see what they’ll take off. Upfront Comps are overrated as a table player, we don’t get meaningful free play and the room is a few hands play. Getting some money taken off at the end is just icing on the cake of your trip and they’re much easier to get.

    Depending on whether you meant an American Scot or a proper one (Kingdom of Fife represent!) that can affect it too. International players are less likely to be on radar because it harder to develop their business unless they’re a bigger player than people like us. If local, sure when you go frequently or like the big holidays etc it does have a value for getting a room etc but meh, I’d rather just pay than nurse a massive bankroll or play slots.
     
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  18. SloggingScotsman

    SloggingScotsman Tourist

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    Iratus

    Thank you. I agree, I could see myself play your way. One day I must take the plunge.

    I am a proper Scot btw. :)

    It’s funny, I have zero desire to visit casinos anywhere bar Vegas (and perhaps Reno as slot holds are much better). Yet Vegas is like a magnet.
     
  19. Chuck2009x

    Chuck2009x VIP Whale

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    Your instinct is correct. For a lower level player, getting things comped via gambling will cost you about 3x - 6x what the cash value of those things is. That's the simple math. You receive about 1/3 (or less) of theo in comps and you will normally lose about 1x - 2x your theo.

    So the idea is to gamble at a level you're comfortable with, calc how much that is worth in comps, and make sure you get comped fairly. Instead of setting a target of this room type and that perk, invite, etc. and increasing your play until you get it.
     
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  20. Iratus

    Iratus Low-Roller

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    All my other stuff comments aside, I do get the desire to feel a bit more special. I’ve got an mgm host but won’t go back, considered just doing my table budget for $20k a day coin-in to see if I get one at Cosmo.

    Luckily everytime I actually get there I remember I can only tolerate my normal few hundred dollars for a WoF and Progressives day dream and that slots would drive me crazy if I did it for hours.

    Just play how you you wanna play, buy the experience you want food and room wise, hosts come up or email you if you rate one. Otherwise just go at the end of the trip and claim the back end. I got >30% of actual rather than theo on a trip last year so it can be worth it.
     
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