playing for comps vs not

[David Lane]

To Comp Or Not To Comp

This issue has been handled differently by different professionals. It's safe to say, at least in the past, that most professionals did not want their play rated or to bring any unnecessary attention to their game. For non-professionals, the issue may be a little more tricky.
Casinos are not scared of the average counter. In fact, it's a sad fact that most average counters lose. They lose not because they can't win but because they do not want to put in the time to develop a winning game.
Such decisions are left to each individual player. I would summarize this way by saying if you are serious about your game and have hopes of entering professional play at some time or other...then stay unrated. if you are using counting as a hobby and means to enjoy the game (which is great) rated play is probably O.K. In other words the bottom line of your gains from play is probably the best indicator of which direction to go. If you lose more than you win on a consistent basis then by all means go for the comps. If the bigger games are more to your liking and you know how to win, you probably already know what to do but I would suggest remaining anonymous.
Good Counting,
David Lane

 

[zengrifter]

This issue has been handled differently by different professionals. It's safe to say, at least in the past, that most professionals did not want their play rated or to bring any unnecessary attention to their game. For non-professionals, the issue may be a little more tricky.

THAT is NOT safe to say. Most APs DO want comps and rating. zg

 

[David Lane]

Thanks for Correction

ZG:
Thanks for the correction. It's pretty obvious you would know. Also, it would be my pleasure to send you an autographed copy of my book. Please send me an address you would like it sent to.
Thank you for posting my book video. Greatly appreciated.
David Lane

 

[zengrifter]

ZG: it would be my pleasure to send you an autographed copy of my book. Please send me an address you would like it sent to.
Thank you for posting my book video. Greatly appreciated.
David Lane

Address sent. Check your PMs. zg

 

[banned]

But why is being backed off with them having a copy of your ID worse than being backed off without them having a copy of your ID? In both cases, I would assume that you're going to play unrated at sister properties and lay low for awhile at the backoff property before returning to play there unrated as well.

Because they'll detect patterns of your spreads in your history of plays, and also they have something called an 'accumulative gain-loss', and if they see you're winning often, then you'll be 'coded'. This is my theory from the lite research I've done since getting my first 'back-off'

 

[CathyRas]

I am not a pro and don't get to Vegas very often but I am interested in getting comps (if possible). What's the best way for a regular person to get comps in Vegas? I play blackjack almost exclusively. I won't have a huge bankroll maybe $750. I know the basic strategy and use it. I can also count cards. The last time in Vegas I won $350 on $5 table.

Several years ago my husband and I went to Reno, stayed at Circus Circus and pretty much only played in their casino. I won about $300 and we ended up with about $150 in food comps between us.

 

[zengrifter]

I am not a pro and don't get to Vegas very often but I am interested in getting comps (if possible). What's the best way for a regular person to get comps in Vegas? I play blackjack almost exclusively. I won't have a huge bankroll maybe $750. I know the basic strategy and use it. I can also count cards. The last time in Vegas I won $350 on $5 table.

Several years ago my husband and I went to Reno, stayed at Circus Circus and pretty much only played in their casino. I won about $300 and we ended up with about $150 in food comps between us.

Get two books - Frugal Gambler by Jean Scott and Comp City by Max Rubin.
Review the two books later with a post, and theen after your first stab at it write us a trip report. Please? zg

 

[CathyRas]

I am getting a copy of the first book from the local library. The other book I will check out the local bookstore to see if they have it.

Started practicing using my pc game. I am also counting. So far the counting does seem to work pretty well.

I am very low stakes between $5 and $15 a hand depending on count. So if i am counting will they even care since I am betting such small amounts?

 

[shadroch]

I am getting a copy of the first book from the local library. The other book I will check out the local bookstore to see if they have it.

Started practicing using my pc game. I am also counting. So far the counting does seem to work pretty well.

I am very low stakes between $5 and $15 a hand depending on count. So if i am counting will they even care since I am betting such small amounts?

Most places won't. No place on the strip, as far as I know, will care.

 

[Brock Windsor]

No they won't. Take all your breaks during negative counts and have fun.
BW

 

[Blue Efficacy]

I am getting a copy of the first book from the local library. The other book I will check out the local bookstore to see if they have it.

Started practicing using my pc game. I am also counting. So far the counting does seem to work pretty well.

I am very low stakes between $5 and $15 a hand depending on count. So if i am counting will they even care since I am betting such small amounts?

You won't make any amount of money without good luck, and they know this. So just have fun and enjoy playing!

 

[CathyRas]

Thanks for the help and replies.
A quick question about counting. I have been practicing using my Hoyle Casino game. If the count is neutral should I bet more? Of course I am using single deck because it's easier to learn the counting.

 

[shadroch]

Thanks for the help and replies.
A quick question about counting. I have been practicing using my Hoyle Casino game. If the count is neutral should I bet more? Of course I am using single deck because it's easier to learn the counting.

There is no easy answer. I play DD and start with a two unit bet. If count tanks, I drop to one. If count is in my favor, I can easily go to 3 or 4 units.
I eaily spread $3-$ in what people here think is the sweatiest casino in Vegas.

 

[CathyRas]

I have Frugal Gambler (finally) and started reading it. So far it is enjoyable and I hope I can learn a little something from it. It would be nice to get my airfare reimbursed.

Still no definitive date I am hoping end of Feb or early March. I know my mom is excited since she will get to spend a few days with her granddaughter.

I have been practicing counting cards every day. I am doing a double deck working up to 4 decks. It really does work and even with using basic strategy and counting still need a bit of luck too.

I think by the time I get to Vegas i will be ready to have some fun and maybe win a little bit more money than when I wasn't counting.

I really enjoy this forum and love getting top notch advice from you guys and girls.

 

[paddywhack]

I have Frugal Gambler (finally) and started reading it. So far it is enjoyable and I hope I can learn a little something from it. It would be nice to get my airfare reimbursed.

At this point in your playing career I would think in terms of getting a few comped meals. You're gonna have to show them a lot more action (average bet size) in order to get airfare reimbursed.

Keep working hard and good luck.

 

[bj21abc]

Bear in mind that many (most ?) strip casinos will not rate your play at all for under $25 a hand (they may take your card to be polite but no play will be noted). You may still get some comps by asking for them, cannot comment on how successful that may be.

If thinking about comps - have you thought of learning to play VP ? A low house edge game (0.5% or less) can usually be found, JoB for example is easy to learn and play, plus casinos like slot (and VP) players better than table gamers - you may find yourself getting good mailing offers for future visits. I put in $5k worth of play at a net positive edge VP game (after cashback) - took me about an hour (playing 50c x 5) and got a mailer for a 3-night stay plus $50 slot credit (off-strip, of course..)

I am getting a copy of the first book from the local library. The other book I will check out the local bookstore to see if they have it.

Started practicing using my pc game. I am also counting. So far the counting does seem to work pretty well.

I am very low stakes between $5 and $15 a hand depending on count. So if i am counting will they even care since I am betting such small amounts?