I write a lot about video poker in this blog because that is the game we play the most. However, we do play blackjack once in a while, mostly on cruise ships where the VP schedules are usually extremely low-pay. And sometimes I encounter questions about table games.
Recently the Las Vegas Advisor editor tossed me a question about getting BJ comps that they had received from a Question-of-the-Day reader. I am going to reprint here the answer I wrote. If you are a regular reader of that daily feature, you know what a wealth of information it contains. And if you are a subscriber, you can access these Q+A’s anytime by searching in the archives. However, even if you don’t subscribe to the monthly magazine, you can read the current QOD the day it is published. In fact you can sign up for a daily notification e-mail that contains a link to the current question and its comprehensive answer – so you don’t forget to check it out.
The question I answered was from someone who didn’t want to be embarrassed by asking for a comp and being turned down. He said his question was probably too simple but he wanted to know when he could ask for a comp at the blackjack table. Here is what I answered – and some of this information would be helpful to machine players as well as to table players:
This is a good question but not a simple one – nothing about casino policy is ever simple. Therefore, it is hard for me to give you a simple answer. Getting comps is an art, not a science. I did address the subject in my book More Frugal Gambling. In fact, I guess I got a little carried away with this favorite subject of mine because I filled up 84 pages. Although I did discuss in the comp section of the book some very broad ranges of betting requirements, depending on whether the casino was a fancy resort, a low-level grind joint, or something in-between, I’m assuming you want a little more specific guidance.
So, here is my suggestion if you want to know about earning comps on table games. You approach a pit boss and ask what the minimum bet is for your play to be tracked. You have to do this for each casino which you are considering for your play. There is no general rule, even for casinos under the same company umbrella or for casinos in the same general area. You need to do this before you start playing because the casino needs to know at what level you are betting and for how long (that’s “tracking” you) before they can issue you a comp. If you are playing at the very minimum tracking bet, you probably shouldn’t expect to get comps until you have played for 3 or 4 hours. If you are playing way above the minimum, then comps may become available after an hour or two.
But even with this information and you are being tracked, you may still be scared to ask. So now I will give you some of my favorite “tricks” to avoid feeling foolish when you use my trusty just-ask strategy:
1. First decide to whom you will talk. Usually if you play tables, you talk to a pit boss. If you play machines, you talk to a slot host. However, if you play both as you said you do, depending on how integrated the casino comp system is, one of those may or may not know about your play in the other area. I would first talk to a slot host and you can ask him/her if both your table play and machine play show up together on the computer records. If the casino does not combine these two areas of gambling in the computer records, asking a pit boss for a comp might let you save slot club points for an additional comp at a later time.
2. Whatever person you plan to ask, try to make contact with that person when you are playing at the highest level you always play. First impressions are important. If you sometimes play quarter machines and sometimes dollars, ask to see a host when you are on those dollar machines. Don’t try to be sneaky here and sit in front of a $5 machine if you never play that high. The host will more than likely check your account, if not right away but eventually, and then label you as a Comp Hound. Your potential for future favors will suffer.
3. Use language in your interaction with a pit boss or a host that doesn’t require a yes-or-no answer. Casino executives really don’t like to say no. So these neutral questions make them – and you – feel more comfortable and avoid awkwardness on either side.
- “How much longer would I need to play to get two comps for a buffet?”
- “I was wondering how many hours I need to play at this machine to get a room comped.”
- “Can you evaluate my play and let me know what comps I’m entitled to?”
4. Show a good attitude. Casino executives have to follow their company guidelines, but these include a broad range of benefits. Be demanding and you will find yourself with only the minimum for your level of play. Be friendly and appreciative and you’ll be amazed at the comps you’ll be readily offered.
All that tipping for comps could cover a few of those cherished trips to the buffet couldn’t it?
Raymond, I’m not a big tables game guy, usually just stick with Black Jack, when not playing VP, but it is just as you said. If you tip well the dealers will help you get the comps by building up your play with the pit bosses when you might not have earned the “play” that the upper level guys think you have. Having a great sense of humor helps as well.
I was a craps dealer for 17 years and I’ve been to Vegas many, many times so I think I can shed a little light on this for you. First, smile. Dealers, pit bosses and even the other players like people with a good attitude. Second, if you start winning, TIP THE DEALERS!!!! It doesn’t have to be a lot, couple bucks a hand. Dealers love the action. It makes them feel like they are part of the game. What I liked for people to do when they bet for me was to “Piggy Back” my bets on their bet. If they made a two dollar bet for me and it won, I made four bucks. I would rather just have you “Piggy Back” my money and make two dollars every time you won. You get on a winning streak, I make more money. Third, I would ask the dealer FIRST if they thought I could get a comp. If you’ve made me some money, I would tell the pit boss that you’ve been taking care of me. Some pit bosses “push the pencil” filling out the rating cards to people that tip. The dealer will know which boss to ask for the comp for you as well. One might be a grouch, the other might be a jerk. They’ll bump up your buy-in amount, you’re average bet, and the time you’ve been playing to justify the comp, even though you might have “earned it” by the big wigs standards. I know this is just my opinion, but I know it works for me when I play.
Jean, things have changed at the larger casino groups like Caesars and MGM properties. First, they log you in at the table electronically. Then, if you ask the pit boss for comps, they say they can no longer give comps, they accumulate on your card through the computer. It seems to take days for them to show up on your card as comp dollars and the amounts are pitifully small. If you are staying at the hotel, they tell you to charge your food to the room and they will comp you when you check out. I have lately received much smaller comps through this process than before. I was amazed that MGM and Tropicano have stopped providing free card cords (plastic bungee cord). They must be cutting costs dramatically to stay in business.
Another strategy is to ask for a little more than you think you \deserve\. The idea is to find the boundary and therefore know you have achieved the maximum. This works well with airfare too. Ask for the entire thing and if they say, \Sorry, we can’t cover that, but I can cover up to $150\, you will know you have maximized your situation.
Why don’t you write about the fact that table game players are second class players it is much easier to get different elite levels if you play video poker. Even slot machines are more productive than table games. Robert Gilman
Jean, I responded to LVA after reading your answer to the QOD with information similar to below.
IF the player is gaming at a Caesar’s property (it may also be the same at some other casino groups), Reward points are combined. Caesar’s policy is that all points must be exhausted before they will provide any additional comps. To do this, one must charge all meals, drinks, spa, etc. to the room. Then at checkout a host will view your play, and if warranted, grant you additional comps (i.e. comp more of the charges than points alone would have covered). My executive casino host at Harrah’s is my source of information. A couple of years ago while in Vegas and playing BJ with my best friend, and playing black chips, I eventually asked the pit boss if I could get a comp for the café for lunch. His response was that I was earning points and I would have to use the points before any comp slips could be issued.