Las Vegas Gambling - Bar comps for VP play

Jeff in Houston

Oct 2, 2017
11:45am

On many occasions I've played bartop VP, either because that's where the best machines were, or I was playing a coupon in a place that's primarily a bar/pub (like Big Dog's or Sagos from the MRB). Usually the bartender will ask if he/she can get me a drink or something from the menu (and I kind of feel weird saying, "No, I'm just here to play the machines"). I don't drink alcohol, although if asked, I might get a soda and/or some food. My question is, how do comps usually work in this situation? So far, I think they've always comped my soda. Is that pretty standard, kind of like getting a drink from a cocktail waitress in the main part of a casino? Last year, Sagos also comped an appetizer (normally $9 or so) after I had played 50-cent VP for around 45 minutes. Is that typical, too? Thanks in advance for any feedback on your experiences.

Bill Ryan

Oct 2, 2017
2:16pm

Block User

While there is no steadfast rule, most bartenders will comp you a soda if you are playing a machine. One bar I go to on occasion has a sign that says $20 played per drink comped but it is pretty loosely enforced. Another says ninety cents per spin for free drinks. Tipping also changes the equation. Outside of Crown and Anchor and Ichabod's, I am not aware of places that comp food for play, although its not something I've ever asked about. I was in one bar that only comped if you played max coins. didn't see a sign so it might have been a rogue bartender.

Jeff in Houston

Oct 2, 2017
3:44pm

Block User

Thanks, Bill. If I sit down to play a bartop machine, it's generally max coins at a 25-cent machine (which will hit $20 coin-in pretty quickly) -- so it sounds like I should be fine on drink comps. I'll generally be prepared to pay for any food, though (and if they comp it, it will be a nice bonus).

Bill Ryan

Oct 4, 2017
2:35am

Block User

In a lot of local bars, the kitchen is operated by a person who rents space from the bar. Not in the big chains, of course but in places like E-string and others. That makes comps harder.

Antennanut

Oct 4, 2017
10:05am

Block User

Two months ago, I was surprised at Green Valley Ranch when I sat down and started playing two coins on a quarter machine, and I was told I had to play at least 3 coins to qualify for a comped beer. On the Strip, I understand - but at a "locals" casino? Of course, it was obvious I wasn't local, too, with my tropical shirt. Tommy

Shane

Oct 30, 2017
5:29pm

Block User

I was at the Silverton playing bartop VP and they wanted me playing at least $1 per hand to get a comped drink. I understand where they are coming from though. If they don't enforce the minimum amount of play then they will get someone in there slow playing VP at 25 cents a hand and downing drinks like crazy. I have found that sometimes it is all up to the the bartender's descretion. Some bartenders will sweat your play while other's could care less (especially if tipping). I enjoy the heck out of getting to try all the different beers on tap and not having to worry about how much the drinks cost while playing bartop VP. The absolute best place I EVER played bartop VP was at Pub 365 at the Tuscany Casino. Good Lord they comped just about anything as long as you were playing and they had 50 beers on tap. I was drinking a different beer every 15 minutes for over 2 hours and I don't remember much after leaving. Sadly, they don't comp for bartop VP play anymore.

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