Cash is King, Credit is Costly
Markers that aren't redeemed are eventually deposited, but most casinos prefer that you settle up before then because the money is interest free. A floor person may ask you to buy the marker if you're winning. The cashier will probably ask you to settle the marker when you cash chips at the cage.
Some casinos require you to sign an agreement that you won't leave with chips when you owe them on a marker. The exact arrangement between you and the casino regarding how the marker will be repayed can vary, but the basic system is designed to make playing convenient, and at the same time make it difficult to move the borrowed money out of the house.
Casino A doesn't want to finance action at Casino B. Besides being convenient, markers can also be useful as a method of regulating your bankroll.
Some people use markers as their sole source of funds when gambling. The big drawback to this strategy is that the credit line only works in one casino. And of course that is exactly what the casino wants.
Comps and the casino system
About the time you will be signing your first marker, or maybe when you buy in for $500 or $1,000, a friendly gentleman or lady in a stylish suit will come to say hello. That person will be a "casino host." Hosts work in a department called "player development." They're looking for casino-oriented players.
The host holds the casino cookie jar. Your goal is to snatch a few sweets without getting your hand stuck. The two of you will play a friendly game of cat and mouse. Sometimes you will be the cat; occasionally you will be the mouse. Or maybe it will be the other way arzound. It depends on the host.
the credit system
gambling credit information
the casino cookie jar
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