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Does one find a host, or does a host find YOU?

Discussion in 'Comps' started by eloisegirl, Jul 11, 2012.

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  1. eloisegirl

    eloisegirl Low-Roller

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    From reading the threads, Mlife points seem to be less helpful than a human host could be, with regards to comps. If it is your first time in Vegas, but you are betting a lot (and likely losing a lot), do they seek you out? It seems to me they would want someone who can gamble a lot and would want to create loyalty to that hotel/casino. I don't mean to say we'd be expecting hookers and blow, but an occasional room offer and some free play, maybe a buffet or two? How much money would one have to gamble (ie the amount you bring with the express purpose of putting it in a slot) in order to be sought out by a host?
     
  2. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

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    Traditionally, I think a host finds you... but these days I find a lot of folks reach out to a host and introduce themselves. That's what I did...
     
  3. eloisegirl

    eloisegirl Low-Roller

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    How would we find a host? Do you mention you would like to meet one to the CW or the Mlife person at the desk? I apologize for my lack of knowledge, and appreciate the help. When we get there, I will be well prepared!
     
  4. ardee

    ardee It's only money.

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    Our hosts always found us rather than the other way around. If you are "worth it" to them, they'll find you.

    If you've played for a while with a card and gotten well into the system, then go to a Player's Club desk and ask to speak to a host. Tell them what you are playing and for how much, and let them know you exist. At the end of your stay, contact that host again and ask what they can do for you.
     
  5. Reed

    Reed High-Roller

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    I contacted a host at NYNY. Don't think they would approach me based on my play alone, but when I bring 3.5-4k of cash that I am willing to head back home without I figure the least they could do is provide free rooms.

    My summer offers from Mlife didn't even give three comped nights. When I contacted my host she offered 4 nights comped in a Madison Ave room or three nights in a suite and 4th night could be comped based on my play. I took the regular room because I figured the cheaper the room then the more she might comp of my food charges.

    I never bother to ask for anything other than late checkout because I know I am not a big player, but my host is always helpful and quick to respond.
     
  6. cardfelon

    cardfelon Low-Roller

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    My host at Mandalay Bay reached out to me even though I don't play at MB that often. Most of my play is at the B, Aria or MGM. If your play warrants it they will find you. But don't be afraid to ask for one.
     
  7. JillyFromPhilly

    JillyFromPhilly Tourist

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    Most people's first introduction to a host/the hosting system is when they get approached by a host, either while they're playing or when they get home via a marketing mailer/e-mail/phone call. The more you're playing, the more likely you will be approached by a host while playing - if you're new to a property and playing in the high limit room, odds are very good a host will approach you, give you a card & talk you up - this is how I have met most of my hosts at various properies - but there have also been instances where I've wanted to play at a new property and just called up a host to "see what I could get" for my play, so to speak - usually done afer or in tandem with opening up a LOC - although even in most of those cases the host I've called up is someone who used to work at another property I've played at who then sent me a card after moving on to a new property [although sometimes years have gone by between when they've sent me a card & when I've finally called them].

    Of course, if you want a host & have never been approached by one, anyone - regardless of level of play - can just call up any casino and ask to be connected to a host, there's usually at least one lower level host on duty just for that purpose. Some casinos will even list their hosts & their contact info right on their websites and you can contact them directly that way as well.
     
  8. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    Many here have created threads asking something to the effect of "does anyone have a host at X property that they could recommend?"

    If you don't want to do that, call the casino you're interested in and ask to speak to a host.

    I've found hosts every which way. Some have contacted me, either at the tables or via email/phone call. Some, I've sought out by calling the property. And I even found one through another VMB member. And to be honest, the ones who've come to me have been no "better" than ones I've sought out. YMMV, of course.
     
  9. eloisegirl

    eloisegirl Low-Roller

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    I'm having difficulty wrapping my head around the idea of saying "Hi, we're dropping 4G in 4 days, what can you do for me?" Are they used to that? (And I would never say it like that, my momma would kill me!) But no matter how one says it, that is ultimately the question, isn't it? I would think we're doing 80% slots, 20% BJ.

    Before we even check in, we plan on hitting the MLife card booth and doing some gambling. Just countin' the days! (Who isn't?!!!)
     
  10. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    If you have no established history, I'm not sure a host can do much for you before you go. I think you would be better off asking to speak to a host on your last day (or the night before) and see if they can comp some of your room and food for you.

    I had a host e-mail me after my stay at MGM Grand. When I tried to book my March stay using my corporate offer at the Mirage, they said I would need to deal with a host. But I have also found the e-mail address of a host at the Aria, and contacted him - but then again - I had a history with MLife.
     
  11. stuntin909

    stuntin909 Low-Roller

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    I don't have a host or have ever been approached by one. I still get free rooms at times at MGM and comped most of the time at CET. I like it that way. Less "pressure" to play more just to please the host or live up to expected play.
     
  12. eloisegirl

    eloisegirl Low-Roller

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    I will ask to speak to a host, just because it would be cool (I used to love that Vegas show with Vanessa Marcil and Josh Duhamel). And then politely ask what the best procedure is - and we'll be using our cards the whole time.

    One other host/Mlife question: Re Express Comps, how do you use those at the restos at Mandalay Bay? Do you have them check it before you go in so you know what you are working with, or do you charge to the room and hope your play covers some comps at the end?

    I am sure in a year I'll reread this posts and marvel at my ignorance.... but like the teacher sez, The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask!
     
  13. mjames1229

    mjames1229 # of visits includes only trips w/ hotel stays

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    I tried it in 2009 at Excalibur... called them and said that between my wife and I, our budgeted gambling loss was $500 per day for five days. I was only quoted the "casino rate" (but was lower than I found on-line), was told to use the VIP check-in area. When we got to the room there was a welcome basket with snacks, water, etc.

    About an hour after I arrived, she found me on the craps table and we had a nice conversation and while talking, I mentioned that we were in the air through dinner and hadn't eaten yet. She wrote out a discretionary comp for dinner on the spot.

    We were with family, and it turned out that we spent a lot less time gambling than I had planned. At the end of my stay when I checked out (again in the VIP room), she came to personally thank us, comp our rooms and a meal that we had charged to the room and set up a limo to take us to the airport.

    Now in fairness, we never heard from her again... likely due to the low roll. But during my stay I felt like a king and it really made my trip. All I had done was to call and ask.
     
    USBC Nationals are back in Vegas
  14. numeno

    numeno VIP Whale

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    Telling them how much you are willing to risk is one piece. Telling them which games and at what level would be another piece. Sometimes they can give you something up front, and sometimes they will simply tell you what would be possible at those levels.

    A better example would be to play for one night, and then contact a host the following day and see what might be possible. One day of history isn't a lot, but it is a ton more than no history.



    Don't bother the hell out of a host, but you should feel comfortable asking if they can do anything. Just be prepared for them to say no. Bringing $4k is great, but if you spend $1k at their casino and $3k elsewhere, obviously they can't do much for you.
     
  15. Harry5

    Harry5 Tourist

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    I would find it very awkward to approach a host at the outset of my stay if I had no play history.Unless you are setting up a LOC,how is a host able to take you seriously? I would suggest you get some days' play under your belt before you approach a host so they can see the numbers you are posting.

    I gained a host at Aria by asking to have my play reviewed at the Players desk prior to checkout.She looked at my numbers and comped a very nice proportion of my bill and gave me her card for future.The next trip,I emailed in advance and she comped some nights up front and then knocked off some F+B when she reviewed prior to checkout.

    Booking for my next trip and this time I can see she has been more generous with the comps up front.I feel comfortable with this-clearly she is comping me in a way she feels is appropriate based on prior play and I feel under no pressure other than gamble at my usual level.If I had told her upfront and sought comps on the basis I was going to gamble a certain amount,then I would feel obligated to do so,even if my luck was out.

    Be aware,comps are based on your theoretical loss rather than your actual loss.You could go home a winner and have earned loads of comps.But equally,you could find you run through that $4k very quickly if your luck is out without earning that many comps.
     
  16. tapakip

    tapakip Low-Roller

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    In Soviet Vegas, Host finds YOU!

    /end yakov smirnoff joke
     
  17. lmondun

    lmondun Low-Roller

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    My first attempt to interact with a host was after a stay at Monte Carlo about a decade ago, and I initiated it as I was checking out after a weekend trip. I wasn't very assertive about detailing my play or talking about how often I might visit, and I remember being disappointed that they didn't want to do much for me. Think they comped a meal or something small like that.

    But after that trip, which was the first time I'd been diligent about using a player's card, I started getting promo letters from MGM properties for future trips. And that led to hosted trips over the years from almost all the other properties that now constitute mLife. I have rarely talked face-to-face with any of these hosts (except for one at NYNY who usually tracks me down if I stay there). I only remember two hosts approaching me cold at an mLife property, once while I was playing at Bellagio and once as I was taking my seat at a show at Luxor.

    On the other hand, I have been approached on the casino floor by CET slot hosts several times over the years. (Though less often than I've been approached by hookers, for whatever that's worth.)
     
  18. paperposter

    paperposter MIA

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    they seem to find me and thats a problem i guess i have.maybe should stop gambling:drunk::beer:
     
  19. Nittany1

    Nittany1 VIP Whale

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    After a day or two of play go to the Mlife booth and ask to have your play evaluated.
    They will call a host to meet you if your play is whta they are looking for.
     
  20. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Prior to play, I find host's really do not want to waste their time. All day long, folks come in thinking they are Mr Big Shot or that the casino just has money to hand out.

    Once you have played,then they have something to work with. Even then, I have had hosts not want to bother.
     
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