Contributing expert Jean Scott, writes:
Each casino’s comp policies and procedures are different, even in casinos under the same corporate umbrella. And I devote long chapters to this question in my two Frugal books.
But the bottom line is always the same: If you don’t know how a system works, ask. Go to the slot club if you’re in town, or call the casino on the phone and tell the PBX operator to connect you with the booth. Then ask how to go about getting what you want -- a meal, a room, a show, or cashback.
Meanwhile, here’s a brief primer on getting comps through the slot club.
Food: You go to the booth and find out how the casino’s food comps work. The personnel might issue your comp right then and there. Or you might be instructed to use a slot club kiosk or the point-of-purchase (POP) card reader at the restaurant. Or you’ll simply hand your card over to your server, who’ll handle the transaction.
Shows: Again, you go to the booth and they give you the comp or information on how to get the comp.
Rooms: Generally, you call the slot club to reserve your room. Then you check in at the front desk where the comp is handled. But the more common way that people get room comps through the slot club is via offers in the mail sent out by casino marketing. You then call the reservation number on the mailer. These room comps usually don’t come out of your regular comp account. If you want to stay a day or so more than the offer provides, or at a time when you don't have a marketing offer, you can ask a host (if you have one) or at the slot club. These extra nights can usually be covered by comp points.
Jean Scott, better known as the "Queen of Comps," is author of The Frugal Gambler and More Frugal Gambling.
