If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic or any other resort area where gambling is legal, here is a valuable suggestion that will help you save money and stretch your bankroll.
Think of yourself as a high-roller and go for the perks, even if you are just a $2 bettor who is watching his money.
Let me explain what I mean. For years, I did what most occasional gamblers do. I would find a casino I liked and get the usual rewards card that gave me credit for food, gambling or drinks. Such a card is usually worth .75 cents to $1 for each hour of play. That's the rate the casino gives the average person who plays poker, although the amount is often increased for people who play the slots, dice, horses or any of the other table games.
That perk can be applied toward many things -- food, drinks, merchandise in the gift shop or even rooms.
But about 10 years ago, a good friend who works at a Strip casino in Las Vegas told me I was short-changing myself.
'If you want to take full advantage of what a casino will give you for your play, you need to change the way you think,' said my friend George. 'As a player, you want to give the casino personnel the opportunity to track your play.'
'When you arrive at a casino and check into the hotel, go to the pit and request a casino host. Somebody will be assigned to follow your action. Then take whatever amount you have budgeted for your stay and deposit it with the cage. If your deposit totals, say, $2,000, you will be given that amount in markers. I can guarantee that your deposit will be noted and your action will be tracked. You will earn far more in rewards than the old way -- and that is a certainty.'
Well, I followed George's advice. The result was nothing short of amazing. My perks doubled and even tripled. My room rate dropped dramatically, and I found the 'suits' -- those supervisors in the $2,000 suits -- smiling at me when I passed them in the casino.
It always baffles me when I am in a casino and see someone playing the slots without using their rewards card. That is the same as giving money away. It makes no sense and if you want to preserve your capital, don't do it.
Players who treat casino personnel in a cordial, honest way are miles ahead of the individuals who are indifferent toward the employees. It doesn't matter if the employee is a supervisor who earns six figures, or an attendant in the rest room. Courtesy pays. What goes around comes around, especially in a gambling casino.
A couple of months after I started making my deposits with casino cashiers under the watchful eye of my host, good things began happening to me. I would receive special offers in my mail, or an email would be sent to me with special room rates or other valuable perks. If you follow my advice, the same thing will happen to you. Good luck and good gambling as you share that casino gold.
jade 8 years ago
Although I have never spent enough time in a land casino to utilize these options, they sound like a great way to have an even more enjoyable time away know matter what other activities you decide to include in your gambling holiday. I am surprised, but a believer that knowing only a few small added details can make such...
Although I have never spent enough time in a land casino to utilize these options, they sound like a great way to have an even more enjoyable time away know matter what other activities you decide to include in your gambling holiday. I am surprised, but a believer that knowing only a few small added details can make such a big difference. I am sure that anyone reading this article will want to comeback to thank you after they get back from their more memorable holiday. You never seem to forget who you are talking to when you write these stories and articles, so let me just say for everyone who did not get the chance, but would agree with me hands down, thanks Geno, you are the best.........
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
pinkxxx 8 years ago
I have to totally agree with this . On occasions that I would just play and insert card and check points it was nothing fancy . The one time I asked a pit boss in the 5 dollar slot area a question and they asked me where I was staying , and chatted a bit , I found I got a room comp right away . I did not have to play in...
I have to totally agree with this . On occasions that I would just play and insert card and check points it was nothing fancy . The one time I asked a pit boss in the 5 dollar slot area a question and they asked me where I was staying , and chatted a bit , I found I got a room comp right away . I did not have to play in 5's long just long enough to strike a convo and spin a few . My old boss used to take weekend trips and do what the article says above , he got to know the employees at 1 particular casino he would fly to a lot , they started comping him limos , suites, free stuff all the time , vip . If he would have just shown up all the time and hid in the background he probably wouldn't have gotten all that attention and perks. Casinos will give it out as they want your business especially if they know you have money to play with .
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.