Comments on: Getting Comps at Table Games

By: Stickly

Stickly — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:10:45 +0000

All that tipping for comps could cover a few of those cherished trips to the buffet couldn’t it?

By: Ed

Ed — Sun, 19 May 2013 01:31:58 +0000

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.

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:49:45 +0000

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.

By: Jerry McEwen

Jerry McEwen — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:21:06 +0000

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.

By: QZ

QZ — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:18:21 +0000

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.

By: robert gilman

robert gilman — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:13:23 +0000

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

By: Dan Sowards

Dan Sowards — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:01:30 +0000

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.