I know hosts are not suppose to accept tips, let alone cash. But a buddy of mine who is a wealthy gambler (though not frequent) told me he leaves envelopes for his host in Vegas with a few hundred dollar bills in it. I was shocked to hear him tell me that he cash tips his host. He said he usually leaves it in their office. His play is average-low, probably around $100 a hand at a top tier strip property. He doesn't go to Vegas often so he doesn't know what his comps would be like if he didn't tip the host. I'm just wondering if this actually makes a difference? Does anyone else do this?
I tip my hosts cash all the time, most of the time in a sealed envelope with their name on it (sometimes I have to hand it to somebody else if they are not there when I leave). It is supposed to be against the rules, but the casino mostly overlooks it...though I have heard they will use it as an excuse to fire somebody if they wanted to. Personally, I think it helps a little when you need a special favor or accommodation. Although if the favor or accommodation is out of the host's range of discretion, they still can't do it. But I've known hosts that treat my non-tipping gambler friends strictly by the book...no leeways....
I have given cash tips to several hosts at different properties when they went above and beyond and comped things that I didn't deserve. People say you aren't suppose to do this; its against the rules. But every host who I have attempted to cash tip (sometimes in the $500 range) hasn't turned it down.
Reminds of me when I went to Ireland and was told bartenders wouldn't take tips because they were salaried. Even was told it would insult them. Hardly. Everyone took tips and I drank at a lot of places. It's not human nature to turn down money.
I'm sure it's more of a 'if they get caught, they can get in trouble, so why risk it' kinda thing. Seems safer and more respectable to give them a gift card or something that they can't get in hot water over.
of course they accept it and it's fine to give cash if you really want, you just want to be discrete so they don't get in trouble. put it in an envelope and pass it to them on the way out or even better give it to them in your suite or outside the casino where there are no cameras. I just think that in most cases a more thoughtful gift is usually appreciated more than cash unless it's a really large amount.
I should be more clear. I had a mutual arrangement with the host to get comped more than I should have if I "took care of him/her"
Sorry, I am having a hard time with this statement. I am struggling to believe that a host would verbalize anything like this (other than a sleazy third party host who is playing you).
Is it okay to give a bottle to a host in "public"? (at the casino, where the Eye of Big Brother can see?) We don't expect anything extra, just being polite by bringing a gift. Last time we went there was a gift basket and bottle waiting for us, which was a nice surprise. Thought I'd bring a little something this time, even though I know it is technically not necessary. Just how my Momma raised me!
Sure you can find a way to tip most hosts. If someone is promising to over comp for a tip, I would be concerned with my relationship to that casino when the guy gets caught. But am I the only one who thinks it's weird to tip someone who's compensation is generally based on bringing you in with the hopes that you lose?
I always tip my host with cash. Using an envelope, when they were not in, and when I met them, I gave it to them 'invisible' when shaking hands.
I think this over-comping may be more of a 'wiggle room' thing; you typically get comped 35-40% of your theo but your host maintains his/her own overall comp account which is used to measure his/her performance annually/quarterly/monthly, etc. In most cases, if you end up at 42-43% (or even maybe 45%), he/she can usually justify it if his/her overall comp account is in order, etc. However, if there is gross over-comping, that's another issue
