Phil: Best Casino(s) for Comps

[Parker]

> What're the best casinos on the Strip (or
> Off-Strip) and Downtown if you're playing
> strictly for comps (i.e. basic strategy
> player not counting).

Hard to say. The best comp house for someone whose average bet is, say, $200 would be totally different than for a red chip bettor.

> What avg. bet size do you need for food/bev
> and what avg. bet size do you need for room?

Naturally, the bigger and more elegant the hotel/casino, the tighter the comps. In general, comps downtown are easier than on the strip.

A few hours with a $10 average bet will get you a coffee shop or buffet comp just about anywhere downtown, and at the smaller strip properties.

Solid green action ($50-$75 average bet) will get you just about anything downtown (except possibly at the Golden Nugget).

Room comps are actually easier to get than gourmet restaurant comps, except during big conventions, special events (Super Bowl) or holiday weekends.

As others have mentioned, there are a couple of good books on comps available:

The Frugal Gambler by Jean Scott

Comp City by Max Rubin

The Frugal Gambler is primarily aimed at red chip level players, while Comp City is for the better bankrolled bettor. Both have been recently updated.

[pat]

> Hard to say. The best comp house for someone
> whose average bet is, say, $200 would be
> totally different than for a red chip
> bettor.

> Naturally, the bigger and more elegant the
> hotel/casino, the tighter the comps. In
> general, comps downtown are easier than on
> the strip.

> A few hours with a $10 average bet will get
> you a coffee shop or buffet comp just about
> anywhere downtown, and at the smaller strip
> properties.

> Solid green action ($50-$75 average bet)
> will get you just about anything downtown
> (except possibly at the Golden Nugget).

> Room comps are actually easier to get than
> gourmet restaurant comps, except during big
> conventions, special events (Super Bowl) or
> holiday weekends.

> As others have mentioned, there are a couple
> of good books on comps available:

> The Frugal Gambler by Jean Scott

> Comp City by Max Rubin

> The Frugal Gambler is primarily aimed at
> red chip level players, while Comp City is
> for the better bankrolled bettor. Both have
> been recently updated.
your leaving something out.36.00 bettors dont get those kinds of comps at the mirage properties.they are tight as hell.

[Marc]

Perhaps I got "lucky" with the casino host...but that is what I got. My total play in 3-1/2 days was approx. 35 hours + my wife's approx. 15 hours. I was a bit surprised as well as normally I will get my room comped only regardless of MGM or PPE, etc. Interestingly, since that trip in early March, I have received some significantly attractive offers from MGM including suites for up to 3 days, Tabu table, etc. via email and USPS. I get the impression that the strip is hurting vs. previous trips and perhaps the offers are a bit better. I did spend 2 hours at Binions during the same trip at a SD table and wasn't offered Jack----. In fact, it took over 30 minutes to get a waitress and over 30 minutes to cash out...brutal atmosphere - preferred the SD at Boardwalk though pen. was no better at the SD games.

[bigplayer]

requires about $100 avg for 4 hours a day...less at TI and GN, more at Bellagio.

An average of $36 is lucky enough to even be rated and probably wouldn't even get you casino rate unless arranged beforehand. Exception, if you played 12 hours a day with a $36 average then that would be the same as a $108 average for 4 hours.

Likewise, if you're a huge loser a host may have mercy on you hoping for a return trip.

[The Kid]

Just a newbie here. I just got back from a week long trip. My 4th week long adventure to sin city in two years. I am definitly a small fish with green gills.

Straight from the casino hosts, as I keep asking. This goes for BJ, Pai Gow or craps (should actually be any table game though). For craps its only your come and pass bets that count. Odds dont go towards the rating.

$25/hand will get you rated at any MGM property.
$25/hand avg. 4 hours will get you food or you qualify for lower room rate (which is always higher than what I am paying anyway)
$75/hand avg 4 hours will get you room comp at TI.

I stayed at Bellagio and forgot what they were looking for per hand for room comp, but as I recall it was less than $100 but that's out of my atmosphere.

Now I have to agree with Marc. Charge everything to your room. They love to see you eating at their restraunts and gambling at their properties. Especially those $100/person dinners at Picaso and Prime.

On past trips they have taken my card and marked me even though I was only playing $15 on come and pass at TI. If I've played at least three to three and half hours I've always asked for buffets and got em.

This time at Bellagio I was playing $10 pass/come for three numbers and played for about 3.25 hours. I asked for and got two buffets. When I used them I found out he gave me a round of drinks too.

No where near what marc was getting, but hey I am the little guy.

But all that aside, I don't play for comps or free booze. I play and manage my money to win. If I can sustain 3+ hours at the table without raising my stake and the game is flowing so be it. At the point I am thinking about cashing out I always ask for some grub. They've only said no once.

Now hopefully next time I tell this story it will be from a Jackers perspective and not a crappers ;-)

Does anyone have any thoughts on your appearance and comps? How well your dressed and look? I think it has an affect.

[Bettie]

> As others have mentioned, there are a couple
> of good books on comps available:

> The Frugal Gambler by Jean Scott

> Comp City by Max Rubin

> The Frugal Gambler is primarily aimed at
> red chip level players, while Comp City is
> for the better bankrolled bettor. Both have
> been recently updated.

Just to clarify, only Comp City has been updated. It is a second, expanded version of the first. The Frugal Gambler has not been updated. Jean's new book, More Frugal Gambling (due out in July this year) is a completely different book with the same focus. You would do well to own both, as they are very different. Comp City and The Frugal Gambler are both available on our online catalog under "Gaming Guides and Information" and we will add More Frugal Gambling as soon as it becomes available.

Thanks,
Bettie