Can Floor Supervisors and Pit Bosses Issue Comps or Just Hosts?

On the LVA YouTube video with author and casino supervisor Andrew Uyal, Mr. Uyal was talking about comps and how they've changed from the good old days when pit bosses had a comp pad and the authority to issue comps. He said that only hosts now have that authority. Could you ask him to elaborate, please?

Happy to. Here's what Andrew has to say about today's comp scene.

In the words of Bob Dylan, “The times, they are a’changin’.”

Mostly gone are the days when you could ask the floorman or pit boss to comp you a couple of buffet passes. Not only are most of the buffets gone, but the comp situation works a little differently in this new hospitality-business world.

Now, at least for the big casinos in Vegas, the hosts take care of all the comps and it’s all done with codes. Hosts and a few other members of the departmental management teams have comp codes that they give to the retailers -- restaurants, box offices, spas, and the like -- at their points of sale.

Even departmental managers have less discretion than hosts to use comp codes. It's not that the casino supervisors don’t want to comp you to the coffee shop or don’t like you, they just don’t have the codes. Oftentimes, there isn’t an avenue for the supervisors to issue a comp even if they wanted to. There’s no "ticket book" like the good old days. Besides, there's no pencil or pen to write anything down with; so much for the "power of the pen/pencil." Heck, there isn’t even an option in the casino software to issue comps, at least not that the table-game people have access to.

You didn't ask, but I'm sure at least some readers are wondering, How can I get comps then?

The easiest way to get them nowadays is to charge your meals, shows, and purchases to your room account and have a host take care of them all later on. Of course, that assumes you're gambling in the casino and your action warrants what you're signing to your room number.

If you’re playing in a casino that you’re not staying at, you should still have a host there. As I say, they're the ones who can comp food, drinks, tickets, or whatever else your gambling heart desires.

I highly recommend chatting with your host about what comps you qualify for before you go ape charging everything in the world to your room. All that does is put your friendly host in a position to have a difficult conversation with you about not qualifying for everything that you’ve charged. They have thresholds in terms of what they can comp, based on what kind of action you’re giving them. You don’t want to get stuck with a big bill after you've outkicked your comp coverage.

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Edso Jun-01-2025

Ask!

If you're not sure what you can get in regards to comps, make sure to ask your host, and let them know if you have any special events (birthdays, anniversaries, etc happening).  They want you coming back to spend more money, so they will be happy to help you out.  It was my wife's 50th birthday last year and we let our host at the Westgate know this and he ponied up a $150 discretionary comp that we could use for anything.  

This Sept. is our 25th anniversary and we'll be hitting up the Westgate for their big slot tourney, and I'll definitely be letting our host know when we go in July to see what he can do for us.  He's even hooked us up with more free slot play on top of the slot play were were already given, and has cleared more than a few of our charges not covered by food comps we charged to the room.  

If you have a good relationship with your host, don't be afraid to ask what he/she can do for you.  that's what they are there for.

grouch Jun-01-2025

no host

how do you get a host? probably by being a HIGH limit player and if you are a low li,it player probably not

Albert Pearson Jun-01-2025

It depends on the property

I've seen pit personnel hand out comps at the Rampart ,and also at California.

David Miller Jun-01-2025

Comps

 It seems that every casino/chain has their own specific guidelines - guidelines that are not always followed - there is more flexibility by hosts if you are a "big" gambler/spender. Hosts will be very generous to those who make them look good as long as your individual tracked record indicates that your presence is worth the comps you receive. In other words, the more you lose, the more they can authorize giving to you - it is that simple. No matter if you are staying at a casino - or just stopping in to gamble there - try to secure a host. They will view your play and comp accordingly - and it does not hurt giving your host a gift (Starbucks gift card, liquor, etc.) from time to time - trust me, it does work. The other main thing, don't abuse your comps - you don't want to make your host look bad.

Edso Jun-01-2025

To grouch

Most casinos should have a host office.  If not readily visible,  ask a slot attendant that you would like to see a host.   My wife and I are pretty much low rollers, so you don't need to be a whale to have a host.

Kevin Lewis Jun-01-2025

Specific question

I've asked several hosts: "How much coin-in on video poker do I need to get my room comped?" BEFORE I've arrived. Pretty straightforward question, right? Well, I rarely get a straight answer. The Four Queens is the only place that has told me up front. South Point, by contrast, has said, "Check with your host when you're checking out '

Marcus Leath Jun-01-2025

Restaurant comps

I am certainly not a high roller.  After playing several hours at a $10.00 BJ table for three days, I asked the pit boss if I could get a meal comp just for me, and he was able to use his computer to issue me a very nice comp to one of the nice restaurants in the hotel.  He asked me the day and time I wanted to dine, and he said "It is taken care of.  When you arrive, just give the maître d your name and say that you have a comp."  It was very easy and the meal was wonderful (a $100 comp).

MannyB007 Jun-01-2025

Jerry's Nugget

Last year my friends and I wanted to try a more local casino and went over to Jerry's Nugget. After a few hours of $10 black jack, the pit boss gave the three of us a comped meal at their diner. He cited being kind to his dealers and tipping them for their efforts. I guess with the tipping we probable paid for our meal, but we were going to do that anyway. We are not high rollers. We play for fun and know we are not going to win in the long haul. But it did make our night nicer. Now every time we go to Vegas, we make sure to stop at Jerry's Nugget.

O2bnVegas Jun-03-2025

late entry

Re Kevin's take on it, I once had a Host tell me it took $120 a hand [blackjack] at the tables for four hours to get a comped room.  Uh, no way.  

Next thing I knew another Host was comping us rooms with a view, show tickets, etc.  So, learned not to ask 'how much it takes' to get this or that comp.  As Kevin said, you'd get a different answer by different people, they probably can't really tell you much, and the best way is charging to the room so they can see what you played on THAT visit.  Then if you keep a relationship with the casino/Host, that pretty much works.  Sometimes it takes a few visits, so they can see you have the makings of a loyal customer.

Candy

Candy

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