The Request Lines are Open Live TR, Sep 21-24

[Travel Fanatic]

I guess a good question for @Travel Fanatic is: Was the host smart enough to contact you after your trip and see if you want to come back? Maybe look at what's available and provide you another incentive to come back.

Good hosts know that gamblers will gamble (often) and will come back to get their money back. Even if you decline, he should give it a shot.

He did. I got an email form him the day after I got home. It was a generic "here is what is coming up" at CP email for (I assume) players at my level, but I still got a follow up. None of the upcoming events there move the needle for me, so I am not sure when or if I will stay there again

 

[Travel Fanatic]

I don’t think there is any fundamental disagreement. I think OP may have misinterpreted my post as well.

I doubt TF’s host has a single player who is invited to play privately at CP. The host is new to hosting and was working hard to get more business, neither of which suggests the host has a rolodex of bigger players.

My point is not that TF’s host was distracted by bigger players (I’ll call them that to avoid a debate on who is or isn’t a whale).

My point was there will be better hosts at CP who have better client skills and more autonomy to comp things. If those hosts already make a good living from the bigger players on their roster, they have minimal incentive to put effort in with anybody else. That is an extremely stupid outcome for CET, who should be on their knees begging for TF’s business.

At this point I’d hope more casinos move away from host compensation linked to aggregate theo. The first $10,000 in theo from a single player should pay a higher commission rate than dollars $90,000 to $100,000. It makes no sense that having one player doing $1,000,000 in theo is treated like having 100 players each doing $10,000. That single big player could stop coming or (God forbid) win big. There’s no chance all 100 of the smaller players will win or stop coming.

All this to say, at a hypothetical casino run by LowRollinLarry, host compensation and player development generally would be rethought from first principles.

Again, I don't know the ins and outs of CET well, but based on my experiences at other properties, its not so much whether a host has autonomy to grant certain requests. Its all about the player. For example, my MGM host is one of the highest in the MGM Resorts hierarchy. But I still get bumped form Mansion every now and then even when he is the one that books me there. Conversely, the host I use at Bellagio is, by any definition, a junior level host but she has absolutely gone to bat for me on multiple occasions and fulfilled unique requests where I know she needed approval and/or had to have a discussion with her co-workers about which guests would get a limited in demand event comp. I am at a level where that stuff has to be approved regardless of who my host is. For big players, its automatic, no matter who there host is. Its why I try to develop relationships with hosts I like personally that I know will work hard to get me what I want. Then, I give those hosts more of my business.

I might be wrong, but I assume CP works in a similar fashion. And that means either my host there put forth no effort to get me what I asked for (for whatever reason) or I don't qualify at CET for what I was asking. Either way, I am more incentivized to play elsewhere at properties with hosts that I know will fulfill those requests

 

[Atrophy87]

Again, I don't know the ins and outs of CET well, but based on my experiences at other properties, its not so much whether a host has autonomy to grant certain requests. Its all about the player. For example, my MGM host is one of the highest in the MGM Resorts hierarchy. But I still get bumped form Mansion every now and then even when he is the one that books me there. Conversely, the host I use at Bellagio is, by any definition, a junior level host but she has absolutely gone to bat for me on multiple occasions and fulfilled unique requests where I know she needed approval and/or had to have a discussion with her co-workers about which guests would get a limited in demand event comp. I am at a level where that stuff has to be approved regardless of who my host is. For big players, its automatic, no matter who there host is. Its why I try to develop relationships with hosts I like personally that I know will work hard to get me what I want. Then, I give those hosts more of my business.

I might be wrong, but I assume CP works in a similar fashion. And that means either my host there put forth no effort to get me what I asked for (for whatever reason) or I don't qualify at CET for what I was asking. Either way, I am more incentivized to play elsewhere at properties with hosts that I know will fulfill those requests

I've asked this before in other threads, but I'm curious if you find noticeable value in resort-specific MGM hosts. I use my Bellagio host for all MGM trips and have been really satisfied with his network of hosts and my treatment even outside of Bellagio.

 

[Travel Fanatic]

I've asked this before in other threads, but I'm curious if you find noticeable value in resort-specific MGM hosts. I use my Bellagio host for all MGM trips and have been really satisfied with his network of hosts and my treatment even outside of Bellagio.

For years now, I have steered clear of this topic, mainly because it seemed to grow out of the tangential topic of whether you needed to concentrate your play at a specific MGM resorts to get the best comps (and there was some unintentional misinformation that spread through those threads a long time back). But since you asked, I am of the opinion that it is better to use resort specific hosts with MGM, but only marginally so.

I started collecting hosts in the old days when you needed one at each MGM resort unless you were a high roller. These days, except for the most junior hosts, any host can book you at any of their resorts. But I still find it more helpful to have someone on site at the property I am staying at for a couple reasons. First, if an issue comes up where I need help, I often find it more productive to find the host in person and make the request. its a lot harder for them to say no face to face and I am not going to find them if they are based at a different resort than the one I am staying at. Second, is I have a unique request or have last minute requests, I have noticed better results if the request is being made by a host base dat the specific property. That just makes sense. If the website shows a restaurant sold out and I need a last minute reservation, my host at that property is likely to know the restaurant manager and can just bypass the whole system to set me up directly. That's just one example of ways I have received better service by using the host on property.

Ultimately, though, the most important factors for me is having a host that is repsonsive (we all want that!) and a host that will put forth the effort to get you more than your base corporate offer when you request it.

 

[Vegas Erica]

I'll have to respectfully disagree with your assessment here. Nevermind that this Host actively sought after @Travel Fanatic and convinced him to stay and play at the property. He was coming off a 100k loss and was given wrong information for a nominal amount of extra cash. An apology would've went a long way here, regardless of how many whales he might've had on his roaster that day, this is basic. Considering that a Host's job is customer retention, there wasn't much rententioning going on here. And in this economy, a Host would be crazy not to value a low maintenance player with this kind of credit line that's actually puting it to use and not try to rebook before leaving.

I was going to say something as well but bit my tongue.
@Travel Fanatic has experienced enough casinos at his play level and knows what his play is worth to the casinos.

Even a low level player, like myself, knows when my level of play is valued appropriately

 

[therrinn]

This has been a fascinating discussion to catch-up on. TF, while you didn't directly address my earlier question around dealer temperament and general vibes/safety, I think you addressed them in spades indirectly -- my take-away is largely that I have no inclination to return to CP given the way I'm treated at FB and Wynn.

FWIW, as a much smaller player, I feel infinitely more taken care of by my bellagio, FB, and Wynn hosts then what you've described here...it feels like some combination of CET handcuffs coupled with an immense lack of EQ/understanding of a gambler's mindset - might be 99/1 or 1/99, but whatever the combo, its not for me

 

[Travel Fanatic]

This has been a fascinating discussion to catch-up on. TF, while you didn't directly address my earlier question around dealer temperament and general vibes/safety, I think you addressed them in spades indirectly -- my take-away is largely that I have no inclination to return to CP given the way I'm treated at FB and Wynn.

FWIW, as a much smaller player, I feel infinitely more taken care of by my bellagio, FB, and Wynn hosts then what you've described here...it feels like some combination of CET handcuffs coupled with an immense lack of EQ/understanding of a gambler's mindset - might be 99/1 or 1/99, but whatever the combo, its not for me

I forgot, my bad. I will try to answer this requets now.

In general, the staff was all very good. Dealers were, by and large, friendly and good at their jobs. Drink service in the high limit was very prompt. Obviously, it helps that they both have bars inside them now. There were a couple supervisors that seemed a little surly, but the majority of them were friendly and helpful. The vines at any given time were more dependent on the other players in the room. As for safety, I feel like that is a bit of an issue at CP. This is a mark against the new sky villas. Its such a long walk from the Octavius tower to either high limit room or any cage. If you are carrying a lot of cash or chips, there are plenty of places where some could follow you. They now have stands set up by the elevators where you flash your key card, but its not a secure system. For one, every time I strolled by the Augustus tower elevators walking toward Octavius, nobody asked to see my card. And at the Octavius tower, only once did the security person ask to see it. Otherwise, I just strolled on by. So, if security is important to you, CP is not the best for that

 

[yolo23]

I think @LowRollinLarry could be on to something. I remember listening to a podcast with an ex-Caesars host. He was a younger guy and he said their compensation was best when they brought players from another casino. He roped some whale from Wynn to Caesars. Engaged in shenanigans and made a lot of money. He didn't care about the player or Caesars they payday helped launch some other venture of his.

Of course he could have been lying on the internet. And I can't really blame the guy if that's the corporate culture the company creates.

 

[Travel Fanatic]

I think @LowRollinLarry could be on to something. I remember listening to a podcast with an ex-Caesars host. He was a younger guy and he said their compensation was best when they brought players from another casino. He roped some whale from Wynn to Caesars. Engaged in shenanigans and made a lot of money. He didn't care about the player or Caesars they payday helped launch some other venture of his.

Of course he could have been lying on the internet. And I can't really blame the guy if that's the corporate culture the company creates.

It is correct that bringing in a new customer counts for more in the host marketing departments than simply servicing an existing customer. But that factor can also be manipulated

 

[Scottndindy]

When I was a loyal CET player, I had a Host that had been there for quite a while, and to say that he was frustrated with the handcuffs CET kept putting on him would be an understatement. He eventually got fired over it. Most hosts there will not deviate from what the computer says they have to do. It was always their policy that you had to use rewards credits prior to them picking up your folio. He always had me go spend all of mine first because otherwise he was just gonna have to take them. I even used to use their online store to order stuff at grossly inflated prices just because otherwise the rewards credits were gonna go away.

 

[El Jugador]

This post has nothing to do with any request for this report, but its on my brain. I mentioned earlier seeing the new Venetian high limit this trip. Has anyone played there yet or have any thoughts? Part of me really wants to check it out ASAP and is contemplating adding another Vegas trip this year. But I also might just wait til the new year. Anyway, I'm just seeking input on the room if anyone has played there yet

It wasn't open when I was there in July, so I played in the Palazzo HL that was recently redone (new to me) and it was really nice. If the new Venetian HL is as nice as the Palazzo it will be a home run.

 

[MohrPfun]

When I was a loyal CET player, I had a Host that had been there for quite a while, and to say that he was frustrated with the handcuffs CET kept putting on him would be an understatement. He eventually got fired over it. Most hosts there will not deviate from what the computer says they have to do. It was always their policy that you had to use rewards credits prior to them picking up your folio. He always had me go spend all of mine first because otherwise he was just gonna have to take them. I even used to use their online store to order stuff at grossly inflated prices just because otherwise the rewards credits were gonna go away.

^ all of this.

My old Host in Tahoe sounds very similar. He would push me to spend as well and hated that he had to do it that way. He ended up retiring in 2018 before he could be forced out, which is how I ended up with my current host and friend.

 

[Travel Fanatic]

It wasn't open when I was there in July, so I played in the Palazzo HL that was recently redone (new to me) and it was really nice. If the new Venetian HL is as nice as the Palazzo it will be a home run.

I have played on the Palazzo side a few times. Between the Palazzo salon, the Palazzo High Limit, and now the Venetian High Limit, its like watching the evolution of HL rooms

 

[dankyone]

Yesh, I probably should have, but I thought maybe what they had done with my RC is standard procedure at CET. I should have inquired on here sooner

Years ago I had a CP host who would “book me in at RFB”. This was unpublished/off the record/they don’t offer this anymore but in fact they could still code you as RFB and perhaps still can. When this was done, RCs were automatically taken to cover eligible charges, THEN the RFB would kick in. This is probably what happened with Fanatic.

The spirit of RFB was upheld—everything got comped—and in Fanatic’s case some was left on the table. The host threw out $1000 as something like a guaranteed amount to assure Fanatic that would be available, but in fact he was coded as RFB.

If you are planning a stay like this and you have a large stash of RCs from previous play you should use them in advance to get full value. The RCs earned on the RFB trip to CP don’t amount to much in the grand scheme of things especially for a table player.

 

[MohrPfun]

Years ago I had a CP host who would “book me in at RFB”. This was unpublished/off the record/they don’t offer this anymore but in fact they could still code you as RFB and perhaps still can. When this was done, RCs were automatically taken to cover eligible charges, THEN the RFB would kick in. This is probably what happened with Fanatic.

The spirit of RFB was upheld—everything got comped—and in Fanatic’s case some was left on the table. The host threw out $1000 as something like a guaranteed amount to assure Fanatic that would be available, but in fact he was coded as RFB.

If you are planning a stay like this and you have a large stash of RCs from previous play you should use them in advance to get full value. The RCs earned on the RFB trip to CP don’t amount to much in the grand scheme of things especially for a table player.

This is very likely, but I wasn’t even going to mention it as it just muddy’s the waters, so to speak.

RFB with CET has always been an anomaly, at least to me, but I’m kind of surprised it’s still around as the scope of it from a player standpoint seems quite limited.

 

[Travel Fanatic]

Years ago I had a CP host who would “book me in at RFB”. This was unpublished/off the record/they don’t offer this anymore but in fact they could still code you as RFB and perhaps still can. When this was done, RCs were automatically taken to cover eligible charges, THEN the RFB would kick in. This is probably what happened with Fanatic.

The spirit of RFB was upheld—everything got comped—and in Fanatic’s case some was left on the table. The host threw out $1000 as something like a guaranteed amount to assure Fanatic that would be available, but in fact he was coded as RFB.

If you are planning a stay like this and you have a large stash of RCs from previous play you should use them in advance to get full value. The RCs earned on the RFB trip to CP don’t amount to much in the grand scheme of things especially for a table player.

If that is what happens it kind of sucks. If I had known I was RFB, I would have got all the macarons at DA to take home, lol

 

[Travel Fanatic]

This is very likely, but I wasn’t even going to mention it as it just muddy’s the waters, so to speak.

RFB with CET has always been an anomaly, at least to me, but I’m kind of surprised it’s still around as the scope of it from a player standpoint seems quite limited.

There was a day I was RFB at the Wynn, but that was a long time ago. And I used to be RFB in Tunica MS, but there wasn't that much there to take advantage of. I'm RFL across the board in Vegas and I assume every player at my level is also

 

[don1701]

I was very surprised too. I noticed throughout the resort that CP has some of the worst prices for basic stuff like soft drinks. So maybe they just don't want people saving or bringing their own food or drinks to their rooms

Yes, Minibar pricing is horrible (as it is at MGM properties) but at least they usually have a few vending machines on every floor with $3 or $4 softdrinks

 

[dankyone]

This is very likely, but I wasn’t even going to mention it as it just muddy’s the waters, so to speak.

RFB with CET has always been an anomaly, at least to me, but I’m kind of surprised it’s still around as the scope of it from a player standpoint seems quite limited.

I realize it complicates things and I don’t want this to degenerate into “RFB at CET does not exist!” Officially it doesn’t. Off the record it does, and what Fanatic described is what happens when it is being used behind the scenes. Hosts could/can use it without telling you.

 

[MohrPfun]

I realize it complicates things and I don’t want this to degenerate into “RFB at CET does not exist!” Officially it doesn’t. Off the record it does, and what Fanatic described is what happens when it is being used behind the scenes. Hosts could/can use it without telling you.

Unfortunately, this host failed miserably at it.

Which is a shame, because it’s not that complicated. Even with their handcuffs from corporate, there are at least 2 or 3 things he could’ve done instead…