Gift for casino host

I give gift cards at Xmas time in the range of $250 - $500 depending on how much my host did for me during the year. It's always highly appreciated. To clarify, my host comps all food, beverage, suites, shows, and, a high amount of bonus slot dollars.

It's never been clear to me why casinos allow their hosts to receive cashlike gifts like gift cards but not straight cash. Heck, how about an Amex gift card?



It's also never been clear to me how a host could actually appreciate yet another loud tie or fattening box of chocolates.



But that is the game that's played.

Jean Scott also addressed this topic in "More Frugal Gambling" and she made a few wise suggestions:

1. Ask what the policy is about gift-giving to hosts. Some casinos will let hosts accept cash gifts, others non-cash gifts, others gifts that can be shared by all, and still others will not allow employees to accept gifts at all. Check to make sure you don't inadvertantly get your host into trouble with management.

2. When Jean asked a number of hosts what they most valued as gifts, they mentioned cash, gift cards, sports or race bet tickets, and food comps. Not particularly valued were candy, alcohol, clothes/accessories, and knickknacks.

3. The most valuable gift you could give a host would be your appreciation, especially if it will help him/her along the corporate ladder. A simple thank-you note, a letter of commendation sent to the host's supervisors, and especially recommending new clients to the host were mentioned.

Hope this helps!

2. When Jean asked a number of hosts what they most valued as gifts, they mentioned cash, gift cards, sports or race bet tickets, and food comps. Not particularly valued were candy, alcohol, clothes/accessories, and knickknacks.

I've had several conversations with my hosts over the years concerning gifts....Clearly they appreciate and value the gift cards, and/or cash the most....A lot of folks think giving a special "home made" product is original and eagerly appreciated...Trust me, they're not...Of course the host is going to smile and tell you how thoughtful you are...actually, they're thinking "what a miserable cheapskate"...

If one has a solid relationship with a host over an extended period of time, breaking the wallet open at the appropriate time (e.g. Xmas) is the way to go...If you want to be shown respect and treated in a classy fashion, return the favor to your host...

On the other hand, if your host is merely average (or below) and doesn't go out of his/her way for you...(and I've had some just like that) then clearly they should not be rewarded.

Please understand that everything I've siad is predicated on the assumption that your play merits a dedicated host.

I am wondering what the policy in the Bahamas would be for gifting hosts! I like the idea of maybe an AmEx gift card. Thank you for all your suggestions!

Tammi from N. GA.