Casino Hosts and Player Ratings

If this seems meager for $27,000 worth of action, take comfort in the fact that high rollers fare worse. The percent goes down as the numbers grow, so high rollers actually get less per dollar. The casino couldn't and wouldn't comp $900,000 to possibly win $3 million.

The actual formula used by a host to rate players is more complex and includes other factors. How much did you win/lose during your last visit? What is your style of play? To what degree are you casino oriented?

Negotiating for comps

The host puts it all together and then makes a gut decision. Occasionally she will be swayed by some horse trading on your part, but 30 percent of $540 is only $162. You might push it to $200 and get a fruit basket, but that's it.

Remember, the host doesn't owe you a thing. If it seems that you're shopping for comps and aren't particularly casino-oriented, you'll get a free buffet, maybe.

A casino-oriented player would probably be offered a free room for three nights. What happens if you ask for a gourmet meal, too? The host might respond with a meal and the rooms at the "casino rate," which is a discount off the published rate, or she might just ask you to gamble more and "then we'll talk."

You see where this is going. Now you "owe" them some play. You're committed to one casino for most of the weekend, and your game will be monitored. If it's not up to standard, you won't be camped at the same level again. Have a nice day!

A casino host

A casino-oriented player

Pit bosses and slot supervisors

a comp system