How to Get Las Vegas Comps?
 

Does anyone have any advice on how an average gambler (maybe $200 a day) can get comps in Las Vegas? I'd love to get a comp room at Mandalay Bay, for example.

You should sign up for a casino club card which you can use to earn points toward comps while playing slots, cards, etc.

Dave is correct, get a players card and use always use it. However, unless you're able to get on a roll and win for a period of at least 1-2 hrs (straight) it's going to be tough to get a comp. You might get lucky and get a buffet or two by playing for an hour but that's big maybe. I usually have a similar size bank roll and have it difficult to get comped. Enjoy and good luck!

I agree, club cards! We have been comped into the Rio and the Bellagio with those cards! Of course, the money we spent gambling would have paid for the rooms anyway, but we also got a few perks along the way, like a limo, so get those cards!

Don't wanna pop your bubble, but, at $200 a day, you will be lucky to get a buffet. For a room, your looking at a average bet of 75 to $100 at table games, at least 4 hours a day. Get the card though..charge all your meals to your room, then at the end of your stay, go to the host and have him check your play on his computer. They will comp you based on your play. If you get lucky and take some of their $$, you may get offers in the mail from time to time for free rooms. I'm no high roller, but a few years ago I got hot and took a nice sum of $$ home and I still get offers.

Other posted responses are right on - at $200/day, you have your work cut out for you - especially at the classier casios, and by most all standards, Mandalay Bay is included in that group. However, you can improve your odds for receiving attractive comps. First, sign up for the players card at all LV casinos of which you have an interest in attaining a free room or other comps.<BR>Second, register a "session" using your card, no matter how short the session might be (even a five minute play at a slot) And register in some manner - slots, BJ, etc., at least once EVERY DAY of your LV stay. <BR>Third, whenever you initiate a session of play at a table, affirm with the pit boss when your play commences (a major gripe most players have with casios is the discrepancy between the casios credited play time (and amount) and the gamblers) and when it ends. (this can easily be done simply as a curtious "Im here" and "I'm leaving, thanks, enjoyed the x-hour(s) session"..) Fourth, be polite - not obnoxiously so, but socially polite, to EVERYONE within the pit - dealers, pit boss, stickman, - everyone. (If you come across as a classy person, you'll be perceived as one, and classy people are good for the casinos image - they will want to cater to you for continued patronage = comps) <BR>ALWAYS use your players card whenever possible, and charge as much to you room as you can. These additional costs suggest that you are spending time and money in the casino/hotel. Unfortunately for your established level bankroll, few strip casions will even pay you the time of day for less than $25 per hand at BJ, and craps*. (*craps provides a slight opportunity to bet short, because rating is based on both your flat and odds bests. In other words, you might be able to bet short occasionally and still be rated at the initial amount) And finally, as implied by dbc, most "experts" on LV gaming/comps will tell you that the big winners get the free rooms (usually for a return visit, however, because the casino will want a future chance to get their money back), while losers, in the range of your bankroll level, are, if at all, more likely to receive a buffet, room incidentials, etc., as comps upon checkout.<BR>

The minimum for "rated" play at the Imperial Palace is only $10 a hand. All the casinos I frequent have gotten pretty tight with comps during the last year. They make up for it with cheaper rooms but it's hard to get even a buffet these days. Try some of the cheaper strip casinos like Westward Ho, Slots-A-Fun, and Casino Royale. With your bankroll, you'll do better there. I don't play downtown so can't offer any advice there.

Most of the strip hotels require $25/hand to even get rated and 4 hours of this action will probably get you a buffet or coffee shop meal. As said, IP will rate $10/hand, I've seen Harrah's rate $5/hand in the party pit but that doesn't mean you'll get anything other than offers in the mail.<BR><BR>Don't be lured into "playing for comps". Just pay for the room, you'll be far ahead in the long run. What I'm saying is, don't alter your play based on the comp policy at the casino because statistically speaking you'll lose over just paying out of pocket for the buffet/room/whatever.<BR><BR>Mandalay Bay will be one of the most difficult places to get comped in Vegas.

Topping...<BR>I'd like to know more...

Jerry:<BR> You want to know more about what? - Opinions about the comps process/policies? Strategies for getting comps? <BR>Comp receiving experiences? To know more from others???? Please clarify.

Try the downtown hotels. We nearly always stay at the Golden Nugget. It is quite luxurious, not huge, and seems to cater to the "LV regulars" who have already done their strip time. It seems easier to get comped there (using the advice above - player's card, very polite, tip the dealers/stickmen, etc.) And especially at craps, visibly have fun! Enthusiastic craps tables attract a crowd, and the pit bosses notice.<BR><BR>Sometimes you get comped by asking politely: "Do you think that (whatever) would win me a buffet?" But don't push it, and really think that you deserve it before you ask. <BR><BR>If you "only" get comped to a buffet - so what?!! Enjoy it anyway.

If the Imperial Palace PAID ME $50 I wouldn't stay there. Honestly. That place would ruin my whole trip.<BR><BR>And if people are willing to throw a few hundred dollars a DAY down the hole at the casinos, why are they so CHEAP about spending $100 to stay in a nice hotel???<BR><BR>Some things just never seem to make sense...<BR>Like that bumper sticker that says: "Lotteries: a tax on people who are bad at math"

June Cleaver, We are NOT being cheap by trying to obtain comps. If I am going to spend a few hundred bucks at the casino, I might as well get my room comped. The extra money that I would spend on the room I would rather play. At least that way I have a chance of winning something. You know June, even people who have money like a good deal once in a while.

Here's how comps work:<BR><BR>The casino has an edge on every game in the casino, some better, some worse. So take a game like BlackJack and let's assume the house's edge is 4% (not sure of the exact number, but let's assume that the house wins 52% of the hands, and loses 48% of the hands, thus giving the house a 4% advantage).<BR><BR>The casino may be willing to give back, again let's assume, 50% of their win in comps to the player:<BR>Comp Amount= Casino's Win x %GiveBack<BR><BR>So if you gamble $200/hour, the casino would be willing to give you a comp worth $4, as follows:<BR>$4= $200 x .04 x .50<BR><BR>Therefore given the above assumptions, you would need to gamble $200/hour for 3-4 hours to earn a comp for a $14 buffet.<BR><BR>The amount gambled per hour is not based upon how much you bring to the table per hour, but on "betting cash flow". This means that if you bet $5/hand of blackjack and the casino figures 40 hands of blackjack dealt to each player in an hour, your betting cash flow is $200 =($5/hand x 40 hands/hour)<BR><BR>The above also explains how come slot players are often treated better than table players, as the slot machines are the most profitable game (biggest advantage) for the casino and also why the slot machines take up the majority of the casino's floor space.<BR><BR>It also explains how come crap players feel they get the worst treatment, as it's the game in the casino with the best odds for the player, and thus the house's expected win on each dollar bet is less. Also, there are some bets on the crap table (called "odds") in which the casino had NO advantage. Many casinos DON"T include "Odds Money" in the formula for how much you are betting (although there are still a few that do), as they don't expect to make any money from "odds bets" over time, although it's certainly money that is at risk to be lost.<BR><BR>Hope this sheds some light on the "game". If you still have any questions, feel free to post.

From David: "The extra money that I would spend on the room I would rather play. At least that way I have a chance of winning something".<BR><BR>That's what I thought someone would say.<BR>And therein lies the flaw in your philosophy. (See the comment above about lotteries being a tax on people who are bad at math).<BR><BR>If you're going to LV with the intent to win money, then you're both bad at math and over the long haul will end up disappointed.<BR>The only logical reason to gamble is because (for some) it's entertaining. If you do it to win, you're a loser by definition because you don't understand "math".<BR><BR>You see, if you have to blow $1000 to get a $100 room comp, and you have no mathematical chance of 'beating the house' over the long haul, then statistically you'll come out far behind compared to simply paying $100 for the room you want then limiting yourself to, say, $300-$500 losses at the tables.<BR><BR>People who will pay big $$ in losses at the tables just to get a comped room are really, when you boil it down, just paying a huge amount of money for a little ego massaging by the casino (here's your "free" room, Mr. David, with our compliments).<BR><BR>The casino managers laugh all the way to the bank at such people.

To David and June: Funny thing is you two are both correct; problem however, is with the logic. To obtain a completely equal odds chance with the casinos, one must play blackjack. No other game, under any circumstances, provides an advantage to the gambler over the casino. HOWEVER, even with blackjack, the player must play an absolute and precise game to attain this equality - one slip up and the casino regains the advantage (albeit slight). So, June, mathmatically speaking, everyone playing any casino game, is invaribly at a disadvantage, and percentages and probability come into the picture and over time, the player will indeed,lose. (A more serious player (or less stupid mathmatically, June) will minimize the casino advantage through smarter plays that are less advantagous to the casinos.) So David, see? June IS correct that for many players, in order to get a room comped (the original question by the way) they would have to lose a lot more money (see thereuare's response) - much more than the room would actually cost -in order to get a room comped (as I pointed out however, in my experience, a big winner being rated is more likely to get a room comped than a modest loser) And finally June: Come on. While many people go to Las Vegas and don't gamble, the reason the place exists is gambling. And for you, if a nice room is your only Las Vegas need, then pay for it (and you can feel superior - mathmatically - because you won't foolishly be loosing huge sums of money trying to beat the casios for comps - like the stupid people). But let the gamblers gamble, and if they're excited about the possibility of getting comps let them enjoy the gaming experience - win or lose. And finally, everybody had a "mom" at one time or another, and your surrogation, June Cleaver, isn't much appreciated. There are other stupidities in the world much more in need of your efforts than someone trying to get a Las Vegas hotel room comped.

Just want to clarify the above comment regarding "Blackjack having completely equal odds with the casino."<BR><BR>Basic strategy (even perfectly played) will NOT result in equal odds with the casino!! <BR><BR>Blackjack is the only game that where the player can put the odds in his/her favor IF (and only IF) they count cards. However, although i don't believe illegal, if you are caught counting cards you will be asked to leave the casino and told that if you return they will arrest you for trespassing (which they are within their rights to do).

Some good information and some not so good information in this thread. WHile I agree with June that you should never go to a casino with the expectation of winning, her statement about having to lose $1000 to get a $100 comp shows she does not understand how the comp system works. The size of your comp does not depend on how much you lose or win - more to do with how long you play and at what denomination. For example, you will get a better comp if put $20 into a quarter slot machine, get lucky and are able to play for 2 hours off of that initial $20 than you would if you put $80 in but was able to play for only 15 minutes.<BR><BR>Also, Speedo is incorrect about blackjack, as thereuare indicated. But there are some games that do provide close to and, in some instances more than, a 100% percent payback - Video poker machines.<BR><BR>If you are serious about gambling and making the most of your money, I suggest that you buy a book or two, learn about the different variations of video poker, and learn how to play optimal strategy. For someone with a $200 daily gambling limit, this is your best bet for getting comps (and maybe winning a little money).<BR><BR>

I also disagree with Speedo's comments on BJ. You do have to be an elite counter to gain the edge in BJ and there are only a few casinos with rules which will allow you to gain the edge if you can count. With that said, the best odds game for an unskilled player is craps at casino royale which offers 100X odds almost elliminating the house edge (but you have to pony up $101).

Ah, at last the smart folks have arrived at this post.<BR>Thanks for commenting Mike, Tom and thereuare (and for the most part, speedo, too).<BR>To Tom: I was only using the $1000/$100 comp example for reference. It is true that one need not lose any money to get comped. My comments are all qualified with the phrase "over the long haul". Over time, the losses will always far exceed the value of comps given to players (by definition this is true or the casinos would operate in the red).<BR><BR>Two things that keep mathematically challenged people coming back to the tables believing they'll be winners are 1) sometimes people DO win....for a day or even a week, and 2) people tend to rationalize, repress or forget their losses. <BR><BR>Hey, people, I like LV a lot. I'm not here to be a wet blanket. I just think more gamblers would enjoy LV over a longer period of time if they understood the games better and gambled more sensibly. And the bottom line is always entertainment value.<BR>People who go with the intent to win are a sad bunch IMO. They haven't figured it out.<BR>If it's not for pure entertainment value, it's for the wrong reasons. Even if you're a very 'skilled' gambler.<BR><BR>(And yes, I know the odds slightly FAVOR the gambler at Jackpot Video Poker, but to come out ahead you have to play perfect strategy for an average of 22 hours. Your reward is a 1% edge on the house).

Message for thereuare, Tom and Mike: I'll only defend myself a tiny bit, and apoligize for the misleading statements I made. But in defense, my reference to blackjack is from both reading and experience, and my conclusion is this: Each card out of the deck modifies, or changes the cards remaining in the deck. Knowing this and with precision play, (basic strategy won't do) a player has the possibility to even out the playing field with the casino. Of course, single deck, shoes, casino payout policies, etc., also come into play and can affect the players chances of winning. (Mike, I know of no Las Vegas casino that allows card "counting". If they either know or even suspect a player doing so, the player is requested to leave. But in reality, there are few serious players that don't keep track of cards) Also, Mike, in my opinion, craps odds are a gross misrepresentation. Dispite the 100X odds you reference, chances are a seven will come up before any other number - including the point number on which you have your 100X odds. I agree, the 100X odds increases your payout in the event the dice do pass, but the odds of them passing remain constant, and favor the house. And finally, regarding video poker, I stand corrected. My thought process in the earlier response was on gaming, as in competition - inner-action with others, if you will - not slots or videos. Yes, most all authorities on the matter that I have read, will tell you that with perfect play on certain machines, the gambler can indeed, attain an ever-so-slight advantage. <BR><BR>Again, I apologize for any misleading statements. I do not try to mislead in responding, but gambling in Las Vegas is an enjoyment for me and I visit there often. So if anyone has better insight on how to maximize my chances of winning, I'm eager to listen.

Words of wisdom: " Never play with the sole intention of being comped or receiving so-called free drinks." The so-called free drinks can get very expensive if you're on a losing streak!

First off, a budget of 200 dollars a day in gaming is NOT going to get you a comp room at the Mandalay Bay, or anywhere else. Maybe 800 a day get one free night, but I don't even see that happening. I worked for another upscale hotel on the strip and would not even consider giving somebody a comp room, or anything else, for 200 bucks a day. I don't mean to be rude, it is just the name of the game.

Whoops! Don't want to mislead anybody, that was 800 dollars an hour, not per day! To get a comp room, based on maybe 3/4 hours of play.

So you were a casino host or casino manager?<BR>The decision as to whether or not a specific comp is justified is based on a simple formula, plus the player's long term history at the casino.<BR><BR>It's not really a very subjective decision. Any casino will be glad to tell you exactly how much you have to put in play per hour and how many hours you have to do that to get a specific comp.

You're right x. "Don't think so's" answer doesn't sound like an answer a casino host would give. I budget approximately $200/day (sometimes I play less, sometimes more) and regularly get free rooms at Caesars and Rio. Although I budget $200/day, I'm gaming around 5-6 hours per day.<BR><BR>I suggest to Susanna that if she is going to Vegas with someone that she gets two cards in her name and both play on one card.

Speedo,<BR><BR>I'm not trying to be a flamer, but your analysis is simply mathematically wrong. I had a lot of wacky theories until I started studying the mathematics of gambling. I'd definitely recommend that you read the Mensa Guide to Gambling. It's an awesome book, I think you'd love it.<BR><BR>A few things: <BR><BR>1) The odds bet in craps DOES NOT favor the house, no ifs ands or buts, it is a perfect 50/50 bet, this is simply not debatable No mathematician has ever argued this and it is a pure calculation. The $101 Casino Royale bet has a .0146% house edge on the pass line and a .0137% edge on the don't pass line.<BR><BR>2) You cannot get an edge in single deck BJ, S17,DAS,double any,split 4,no surrender, 3:2BJ, without altering your strategy based on played cards (counting). No blanket strategy works. You must alter your play as you penetrate the deck, this is counting, which I agree will get you booted. Most experts rate best possible BJ play without Rain Man - esque counting for the game I described above which is the BEST you'll get in Vegas at .1412% house edge.<BR><BR>3) A full pay Deuces Wild VP machine DOES offer the player an edge for perfect play in the long run. One problem with this is the long run is a very long run because you have to do some wacky things in pursuit of the elusive Royal Flush, so you'll give back some potential wins in the short run to get the Royal.<BR><BR>Anyone who finds this topic intersting, read the Mensa book I mentioned and/or read http://www.thewizardofodds.com/

June and Speedo, You both are traking my comments out of context. I do not go to Reno or Las Vegas with the idea of winning. There is a reason why they have all these nice hotels and casinos in operation. Basically I play because I find it entertaining, not with the idea that I will win or get a comp. I go up with a pre-determined amount of money that I am prepared to lose, and then I stop playing after that. My philosophy is that if I am going to play anyhow, why not get a comp in the process? I agree that it is foolish to play just to get a comp or to play with the idea of winning.

Message to Mike, David, June and Susanna: June, you seem to be a good sport, and even without odds, I'd bet your a good mom, too. Say "hi" to Wally and the Beav for me. thanks.<BR><BR>Mike: Won't engage in further debate, but will say thanks for the advice and tip. I'll follow up on the Mensa book and website.<BR><BR>David, I too enjoy gambling for the entertainment value, don't mind dropping some money, and have few visions or expectations of leaving Vegas with the casino mortage in my pocket. And a comp or two along the way often feels like a pretty good consolation. <BR><BR>June, my opinion's changed. You seem to be a good sport, and even without odds, I'm betting you're a pretty good mom, too. Say "hi" to Wally and the Beav for me.<BR><BR>And Susanna. Are you satisfied with the answers to your question???<BR><BR>Everyone have a great weekend, and should your travel plans include Vegas in mid-October, look me up - I'll be there. We can further debate the merits of comps right at the table!

David, not that it likely makes any difference to you, but I'm glad to see that you think as you do (as per your last post). That's a very defensible and reasonable perspective.<BR>In fact, then, you are simply there to enjoy the experience, if you win or get a comp, great. If not, you were budgeted for the loss.<BR><BR>Mike, excellent summary. (But .1412% equals .001412; the house advantage for BJ is 1.4%).<BR><BR>speedo, Wally is still on summer break and is picking up Eddie Haskell from the detention center right now. I'm worried they may not come straight home. The Beaver is over at Larry Mondello's house making pancakes. I'll be sure to tell them you said hello.

interesting thread. I have a good friend who used to be a dealer and still gambles quite a bit. He gave me the name of his casino host and I flat out asked what level of betting would be required to get a casino rate on a room at Bellagio and was told $50 per hand on blackjack for 4 hrs per day. At that point I decided to pay the regular rate for the room and just gamble with what I felt comfortable with. After 4 days of $5/hand blackjack for 3-4 hrs per day I asked for and received a buffet for 2 at the Bellagio and thought that was fair.<BR><BR>

Susanna - unfortunately, Vegas has a way of "pulling in" the novice gambler and leading them to believe that comps are "a given". No matter what anyone says...$200.00 per day is not chump change. However, for Vegas - it is. My husband and I were first-timers last year, and spent 10-12 hours per day in the casinos ( 7 days - VP and slots), Mirage - and only got a few buffets for our trouble. We had quite a few points on our slots cards, but since our rooms were paid for online - we couldn't get a break. Lesson - don't get your rooms online, don't stay at the Mirage and learn how to play table games - we expect to do much, much better when we go in December. However - we are still not counting on the room comps...maybe a special in the mail for 2003...we can only hope!

Christina: you really need to go back through and read the above posts, and try to learn what's been said.<BR>You'll save yourself a lot of money and frustration.<BR>DO NOT go to LV and strategize your spending habits expressly to get comps.<BR>It's a total and complete waste of money.<BR>Your comment "don't ever book a room online" is exactly the wrong advice.<BR><BR>I'm not going to repeat everyhting above, but, Christina, you still don't get it yet.

Look, HANNA...if you were smart enough to read my post, you would see that I was explaining WHAT NOT to do. Particularly for a first timer...I believe I was clear that comps are not a given, or even worth it for the casual gambler. Why people like you insist on post ignorant comments is beyond comprehension. GO BLOW. Susanna...just letting you know that the Casino Host suggested that we do not book online (i.e. Travelocity, Expedia). Obviously, for HANNAH's sake I have to be more clear...book online with the specific hotel - you're okay. Charge everything to the room. Have fun...maybe you'll get lucky!

Geezzz Christina, I guess one trip to sin city makes you an expert huh??...<BR>Well, at the risk of being flamed by the "pro", I might suggest that the money you will save booking online versus booking thru the hotel web sight will more than make up for any comp a $200 a day gambler will recieve...but hell, what do I know,, I've only been to Vegas 60 times.

I've been comped rooms after having booked through expedia and specific hotel websites. There's no reason you should not be able to unless it's something like Expedia's priceliney type thing where they give certain rates and you pay in advance and they're not cancellable, it doesn't have anything to do with the internet rather a pre-pay reservation. Book on the internet like Hannah said but make sure it is a normal reservation where you give a cc at checkin and they charge it at checkout (other than the typical 1 night pre-charge which I've only had done to me in Vegas). ANyway, if you really want to play for comps you should arrange everything with a host ahead of time and don't just call the promo dept but get the name of a good host ahead of time.

THANKS EVERYONE!!! Your information has been very helpful. It was interesting to read that my $200/day is piddly. And, it tells me that I'd prefer to pay for the room ($179 for a Sat. nite) and just play at the level I can afford. We'll still go ahead and get the club cards - my husband and I - and use them as we gamble. Then, at the end of our stay, we'll see what they've earned us....if anything.<BR>You are all terrific!<BR>Susanna

Hi Susanna,<BR><BR>I travel to Vegas 1-2 times a year. Sign up with the Players Club at the Casino of you choice for a chance at cimp's. M-Bay, Luxor, Excalliber, and a few others are the same club. Its called the "One Club", play as you intend to play either machines or table games. Check with the "One Club" desk when you leave to see how you did. You level of play will determine what you may get. I played for hours on a $20 and did not check mine when we left last time. Luxor has sent me nice offers for comp rooms and even Boxing tickets at M-Bay. Have some fun, relax, and see what happens.<BR><BR>Good Luck,<BR><BR>Don