Tag: Casino comps

The Ultimate Guide to Casino Hosts

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Casino Hosts are the personal connection to the casino patron.

Casino Hosts are the casino’s personal connection to the casino patron.

What is a Casino Host?

Today’s post, the Ultimate Guide to Casino Hosts, is everything you need to get started working with a casino host. A Casino Host works closely with the marketing department of casinos. Their job is to identify those guests and players who are either deemed a “high-roller.” They also look for potential players who might become a “high-roller”. Once identified, it is the job of the Casino Host to make sure that these players have a personalized service with access to everything they require.

Do I Deserve a Casino Host?

If you feel you deserve one, ask a slot floor person who is the host on duty.The Ultimate Guide to Casino Hosts suggests you speak to them in a cordial, polite way and expect some customer service. It is their job to listen to your question, even if you don’t deserve a host assigned to you. There is no minimum level of play necessary just to talk to a casino host. However, unless you plan to direct a fair amount of play towards the casino that they work at, it’s not likely a lot will be done for you. You should feel free to ask to speak to a host and they will politely tell you if they think they can be of service to you.

Do Low Rollers Get Casino Hosts?

If you are a low to mid roller, and visit many different casinos, or visit one casino but not often, having a host will not necessarily help , and will probably not be offered. You may be receiving the deserved comps in mailers or by email already. Unless you are already receiving full room comps based on players club figures, The Ultimate Guide to Casino Hosts says you’re wasting your time seeking out a host. If you are consistently getting comped rooms for the duration of your stay and still feel that you are being under comped – contact a host. But believe me, if a host is not contacting you looking for your business, you are not on their radar.

What is an independent host?

An independent casino host can connect you to many properties, as compared to a casino host that works for one property. Many can put your comps to work anywhere – domestic or internationally. So, the biggest difference with an independent host is indicated by the word independent – independent hosts generally work with multiple casino brands and thus are able to offer a broad set of options to our players, instead of just one property. Check out URComped | Your Independent Casino Host | Q&A at TravelZork.com for more information on independent hosts.

What level of gambling gets a host’s attention?

Aria Resort Casino, Las Vegas, takes a lot of play to qualify for a host.

Aria Resort Casino, Las Vegas, takes a lot of play to qualify for a host.

Just for fun I contacted some casinos in Las Vegas.  I spoke to someone at the Aria, where I played stayed & played two years ago. They said they need action of $150/ hand for 4-6 hours a day (minimum total bet of $36,000 yikes) or 3,000 slot points a day. Obviously, a large high end property like that have hosts that cater to the whales – the big bettors. Then I called Main St Station in downtown Las Vegas, one of my favorites for years, where loyalty and $5000 – $10,000 (maybe less) might get the same host services, depending on daily play & number of visits. So it depends on 2 things – time & money.  For a related article on, check out Casino Comps & Your “Average Daily Theoretical”

What’s the best way for a mid-roller to get a Host?

Casino hosts report directly to the marketing managers in most casinos. The Casino Host is the member of management that has the most contact with players and patrons. The Ultimate Guide to Casino Hosts wants you to be aware of how very competitive, the job is. Seeking the repeat patronage of players spurs on the competition between competing casinos as well as their own fellow Hosts is the common goal.

Ask yourself  “Where is my largest amount of play?” That’s where you should look into any host services, if any are available.

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Main Street Station is one of the best low/mid-roller hotel casinos in Las Vegas, in Downtown Las Vegas

There’s nothing shady about working with a casino host. It’s their job to make you happy and keep you coming back to the casino. If you’re not a high roller working with a casino host can still be beneficial and make planning your trips easier. A host can reserve your room, make dinner arrangements, get show tickets and pretty much anything else you need from the casino with one email. Personal contact is preferred. That, in itself, can make hosts a great asset. If they can offer comps, even better.

What does a casino host get paid?

The base salary for Executive Casino Host ranges from $42,246 to $83,902 with the average base salary of $54,699. The total compensation, which includes bonus, health and retirement, can vary anywhere from $46,217 to $92,321. The competition for high rollers can be fierce with so many casinos across the United States. the search for players can raise a host’s wage, depending upon who they bring to their casino. The wages previously listed are ball park figures, mileage  may vary.

Do you tip a casino host?

A casino host supposedly cannot take cash, no monetary tip is needed. Remember, in life, there are exceptions to every rule. Casinos pay hosts on commission according to what you spend at the casino. Some casinos compensate their hosts mostly according to the theoretical loss of their players. (See above link –Casino Comps & Your “Average Daily Theoretical” . Theoretical is often used instead of actual win or loss since “theo” takes the variability of chance out of the casinos’ calculations.) But, if the host went above and beyond the free nights and food such as free show tickets, you could give the host some type of gift, maybe a nice bottle of wine or a box of chocolates for the host. Before you do that ask what they like.

If You Don’t Ask You Won’t Get

GamblingSites.com reminds us the following: “Many players don’t ask their casino hosts enough questions. Your host will probably take care of your meals and room if you play enough. But you really have no idea how much more you may be able to get. If you don’t ask you’ll never know what you might get. Want to see the Grand Canyon or the Blue Man Group? Ask if your host can help. What about a trip to the spa for your spouse? You don’t even have to ask for monetary value things. Sometimes information can be valuable. Your host should either have a great deal of information or be able to access it.”

How is the host situation in New England?

In New England, it takes quite a bit to get noticed by hosts. However, with increased competition, the nine New England casinos might provide easier access.  This may be good for mid-rollers, because with more competition comes a trickle-down effect, meaning hosts may be available for more than just the “whales.” That is when New England will show if casino saturation is beginning to happen or not.

Remember, it doesn’t cost anything to ask to see a host and question your status.  Ask what you can do to raise your status, or what your previous visits have done to diminish your status. You may find that “no gambling days” when you used comps for dining without playing, or stopping to swipe at the kiosk brought your ADT down.

Remember, anytime you visit a casino, visit NETimeGambling first.

Binbin

Casino Comps and “Average Daily Theoretical”

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Ever wonder how the casino you visit decides on what comps to give you?  It all comes down to the relationship that casino comps and Average Daily Theoretical have.

When I first started gambling, my bankroll was small and I played often. I thought that if I went to the local casino and played a little more often, the casino would see me as a loyal customer and raise the quality of my comps, such as free play. I would say to myself, “How could they depend on that player that appears once a year instead of me?  After all, – they have me for life if they played their cards right.” Alas, my comps continued to be menial – I call them “minion’s comps.”

Casino Rewards and Average Daily Theoretical

My thoughts of how casino rewards players with comps was wrong. Further research led me to understanding Average Daily Theoretical. Average Daily Theoretical, or ADT, is the average amount that a gambler losses per day for gambling activity. It is  usually expressed in absolute terms, such as dollars. It’s your value to the casino, based on your average daily play – NOT the number of appearances at the casino.

Your players card is how the casino tracks your play.

Your Average Daily Theoretical is the amount a casino assumes your play is worth to them. A positive Theoretical is an assumed loss to the the player. A casino typically comps players based on their actual worth and the actual worth the game is to the casino.

An “ADT” Example

A casino assigns each game a theoretical house advantage. Let’s say you play a certain game with a Theoretical of 5%. Assuming a player’s coin-in is $10,000, a casino would then limit total comps to some fraction (less than one) of the theoretical $500 the player is assumed to lose. If the player had the same coin-in on a game with 1% Theoretical, the comps would have been limited to some fraction of $100.

To make it simple, basically it’s based on your play in one day. A long play in a casino’s day raises your “comp-ability” and playing a little lowers it. Play your bankroll over fewer visits and see better mailers – spread out the same amount of money over more visits, less time each visit, the offers decrease.

Related Posts below by Coach Kitty from TravelZork provide an interesting way of raising your ADT: Casino Comps | The Big Play Casino Gambling Day – Part 1;    Casino Comps | The Big Play Casino Gambling Day – Part 2

 Casino Days, Casino Visits

It’s not just about time. Lowering your play per hand to play longer won’t increase comps. The casino wants two things from your play – time & money.  Raise one or both (preferably) will raise your value to the casino, thus raising your worth to the casino.

One very important part to know is the “casino day” which may not be what you consider a day, or may differ from casino to casino. Some casino day’s start at 12:01AM, while others start at 6:00AM. Make sure you know which day your play falls on at, for example, 1:00AM.

Great Podcast for craps, home poker games, and all sorts of gambling advice.

The guys from “You Can Bet on That” give a good example. Let’s say you are staying at a casino for two nights with $400 as your bankroll. If you play the $400 through on the first day, your ADT is better than if you split your bankroll over two days. And what if you get up to check out and put in one more $20 before you leave? Well, your ADT is now figured over three casino days, thus lowering your ADT.

So, if you visit often and put through $50 each time, don’t expect great offers. Make fewer visits putting though the same amount in a month and you will find your offers increase.

No Rewards Card, Casino Comps and Average Theoretical

Cleo Keno, a NETG favorite.

There are times that not using your card is a good idea. The morning of your departure may call you to play just a little bit more.  But a small play before you leave will lower you visit’s ADT. In the same vein, stopping by for a little VP or Video Keno and a drink on your way home may not need your card in play, especially since VP & VK has a low casino theo and takes more money in to earn points. Weigh the options available to you.

A Word of Caution

But please remember – play for fun and play for recreation with the bankroll you can spend. DO NOT PLAY MORE THAN YOU CAN SPEND JUST TO GET BETTER COMPS. Always spend up to your allowable bankroll.

Related Post: 5 Considerations For Casino Play and “Casino Freebies”

10 Casino Money-Saving Tips From Jean Scott

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JeanScott

Jean Scott is the “Queen of Coupons” and in her many posts and newsletters, she included one must read with her “10 Casino Money-Saving Tips.”

Everyone like to save money at the casino. These money-saving tips should be part of every casino visit. Those considered “good” gamblers learn the best strategies on the best games and use any legal method to increase their odds and lower the casino’s advantage, thus, saving-money and lengthening their bankroll. Jean Scott is one of those authors who practices what she preaches.  Before continuing on, check out two of her websites Jean Scott’s Queen of Comps  & Jean Scott’s Frugal Vegas. For related posts in NETG, click on Big Data, Casinos, & Jean Scott & Playing Video Poker Like Jean Scott – The Monday Link

Jean Scott is the author of the best-selling book “The Frugal Gambler,” (a must for every gambler) a casino guide for thrifty low rollers, plus a sequel, “More Frugal Gambling.” She stresses sensible, responsible gambling and shows how to stretch out casino fun time whatever your gambling bankroll.

Retired from the high school English classroom, her passion is still education while she continues as an active player in casinos all over the country. Today, Jean Scott, who, in her words, is just an “ordinary grandmother,” is the world’s most famous low-rolling gambler and her fans are legion. 

While all of Jean’s suggestions are with Las Vegas in mind where she resides, her 10 Money-Saving tips in the Casino are great ideas to use or modify in our New England Casinos.  Here are her tips:

10 Casino money-saving tips from the Frugal Gambler

1. Study before you go.

Libraries and bookstores have oodles of casino and gambling books that will guide you on a money-saving path. The Internet is full of information on the various casino games. Learn which games have the smallest casino edge, or have a skill factor you could learn, or that enable you to risk your money more slowly. All of these will allow you to lose less and/or stretch your bankroll further.

Shooting at the Craps Table – have fun whatever your game is.

2. Treat gambling as a form of entertainment and budget it just as you do whatever else you do for fun, such as movies, eating out, and vacations.

Nothing takes away the fun factor more quickly than losing money that you need for life’s essentials. Do not take your checkbook or ATM or credit card to the casino with you. Decide how much you can afford to spend (lose), and take that amount in cash or safe traveler’s checks as your gambling bankroll. Make your gambling bankroll last the whole time you plan to be in a casino by dividing it into segments, i.e., in thirds if you are staying three days, in three-to-four session bankrolls for each day. Then never “borrow ahead” from the next session bankroll.

3. Join every casino player’s club you can, even if you don’t plan to gamble there.

You can join many online before you get to Vegas. Membership is free and many casinos give discounts to player’s card holders in their restaurants, gift shops, and for rooms.

4. Use your player’s card EVERY TIME you play, no matter how small the amount or short the time.

This allows the casino to track your play and thus know how much to reward you with comps, those freebie meals, rooms, shows, and other benefits that the casinos want to give their players.

Mohegan Sun's Momentum Players Club

Mohegan Sun’s Momentum Players Club

If you play machines, there is a place for you to insert your card. If you play the tables, you merely hand the card to the dealer of any game and ask that your play be tracked. Casinos cannot give you comps if they don’t know you are playing in their casino.

    An added benefit of joining and using a player’s card is that casinos often send mail offers to everyone in their database, sometimes even to those who have played little or not at all. You will be surprised at the money-saving offers that will appear in your mailbox when you get home.

5. Don’t drink too much alcohol, even if the drinks are free. It will cloud your judgment.

More Money-Saving Tips From Jean Scott 

6. If you are losing too fast, lower your denomination.

Change from the dollar slots to quarters or from quarter to nickels. At the tables, bet the lowest-value chip allowed.

7. Slow down your play — savor the noisy, fun-filled atmosphere.

The bells and whistles, the clanking coins, the high fives at the tables, the excited screams of winners — this is what makes the casino such an entertaining experience.

Remember the days of casino trips with coupon books?

8. Look for coupons and specials for discounted meals, shows, and sightseeing tours.

You can find many of these in the freebie magazines around town: at the bell desk, at rental car agencies and motels, at the airport, and right in your room. Read the marquees for menu specials.

9. Look for promotions that will add value to a game you play:

a. bonus players club points, like double points on holidays or on a certain day every week;
b. bonuses for certain events, like the top jackpot on slots, a certain quad in video poker, or a special hand in blackjack;
c. drawings for which you can earn tickets by playing your favorite game.

10. Make your bankroll last longer by taking frequent non-gambling breaks.

Take in a show, go sightseeing, have a long, leisurely meal, take a tour or go shopping. Get your proper rest. A tired gambler is a gambler who will make decisions he will regret. Get a full night’s sleep and take a nap, if possible. Gambling is hard work!
The Royal Queen of Coupons has spoken!  Check out her books at Amazon

Remember, when gambling & comp-harvesting, embrace the math not the Myth.

Binbin