The Comp Paradox

[SPX]

It seems that the mortal sin in regard to comps is to break even. If you want comps, you either have to win a lot or lose a lot. Either one achieves the same result (paradoxically so).

If you win a lot they want to keep you around to get their money back. If you lose then they want to keep you around so that you can lose more.

But don't break even. You're not important to them then.

 

[shadroch]

That is completely wrong.Its so wrong in fact that I had to double check to make sure it wasn't yet another inane Cardcounter thread.
Casinos care about the amount of money you put into play. Short term positive or negative results are secondary.

 

[SPX]

That is completely wrong.Its so wrong in fact that I had to double check to make sure it wasn't yet another inane Cardcounter thread.
Casinos care about the amount of money you put into play. Short term positive or negative results are secondary.

Something tells me that if you go to a casino and start out with $200 and end up with $10,000 (without them tagging you as a counter) then they'll want to send a limo for you. . .

 

[EasyRhino]

And you know, I had a horrible losing session at a Harrah's property, and for whatever reason, it broke the Total Rewards system, and for one month they thought I was way awesomer than I really was, even though I was playing the same way I usually do.

So while it shouldn't matter whether you win or lose from the casino's standpoint, I do think that outsize wins and losses are more likely to garner attention.

 

[moo321]

That is completely wrong.Its so wrong in fact that I had to double check to make sure it wasn't yet another inane Cardcounter thread.
Casinos care about the amount of money you put into play. Short term positive or negative results are secondary.

Seriously, stop attacking people just for posting stuff you disagree with. This isn't 2+2.

 

[shadroch]

Seriously, stop attacking people just for posting stuff you disagree with. This isn't 2+2.

Its not a matter of disagreement,its a matter of posting misinformation.If Someone post "did you know one plus one is really 23,not 2,"I'll call them on on it. If you don't like it,use the ignore feature.

 

[SPX]

Its not a matter of disagreement,its a matter of posting misinformation.If Someone post "did you know one plus one is really 23,not 2,"I'll call them on on it. If you don't like it,use the ignore feature.

Everyone knows you get rated by how much money you put into play on average, but that's clearly not what I'm talking about.

But everyone also knows that it's those days when you win BIG or lose BIG that they are falling all over you (unless you're a high roller).

I remember reading a post the other day about a guy who bought in for $2000 and ended up with $17000. When he turned around he had 3 guys in suits wanting to give him whatever was necessary to keep him from going home with their money.

The fact of the matter is that you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about but you want to be difficult.

 

[shadroch]

You stated-"Don't break even.You're not important to them then"

The entire idea behind Comp Counting is to try to break even or lose just a little.As even folks like ZG will agree that Comp Counting is better than card Counting,I'm not sure how that jibes with your premise.
Sure,if you have a one in a million day,you'll get some extra attention,but to say that they ignore you when you break even is simply wrong.Its a complete distortion of how the comp system works.

 

[SPX]

You stated-"Don't break even.You're not important to them then"

The entire idea behind Comp Counting is to try to break even or lose just a little.As even folks like ZG will agree that Comp Counting is better than card Counting,I'm not sure how that jibes with your premise.
Sure,if you have a one in a million day,you'll get some extra attention,but to say that they ignore you when you break even is simply wrong.Its a complete distortion of how the comp system works.

Well if you're low stakes then they really DON'T care. As a red chipper who plays about once a week they never want to give me a thing. Can't even get a buffet out of the cheap bastards and it's not like we're talking about Vegas here.

 

[moo321]

Its not a matter of disagreement,its a matter of posting misinformation.If Someone post "did you know one plus one is really 23,not 2,"I'll call them on on it. If you don't like it,use the ignore feature.

How can an opinion be misinformation? And "if you don't like it ignore it" doesn't work. Being a jerk to people because you disagree with them is unacceptable, and it doesn't help us get the money. The bad guys are the casinos and the system sellers, not people making general observations about comps.

 

[shadroch]

How can an opinion be misinformation? And "if you don't like it ignore it" doesn't work. Being a jerk to people because you disagree with them is unacceptable, and it doesn't help us get the money. The bad guys are the casinos and the system sellers, not people making general observations about comps.

Telling people that they won't get comps if they break even is not an opinion. It's misinformation. If the casinos are the bad guys( and I don't agree with that at all),helping the casinos out by telling people they shouldn't ask for comps unless you win or lose big is aiding and abetting the bad guys.
Where do you play regularly that won't spring for a buffet?
Have you read "Comp City" and tried to follow even a few of his methods?
Anyone that is a regular at a casino is entitled to comps and if you aren't getting them-either you are doing something wrong,or the place is a sweatshop that doesn't deserve your play.
Almost every flight home from Vegas,I end up talking to people who just stayed three days at MB or Bellagio and never bothered to even sign up for a card,due to thinking only hi rollers get comps.
Its as widespread a belief as card counting is illegal,or that only a genius can count six decks.And it's just as false.

 

[shadroch]

Everyone knows you get rated by how much money you put into play on average, but that's clearly not what I'm talking about.



That is not correct either. You get rated by how much money they percieve you putting into play. It's a huge difference. As big a difference as you standing on line for your free buffet while I decde if I want red or white wine with my Baked Alaska in the steakhouse.

 

[ChefJJ]

The bad guys are the casinos

Without casinos, are we even talking about this? Make the casino your b**ch, not your enemy. It's just like bad players (gamblers)...without them, where would your winnings come from?

good luck

 

[SPX]

Where do you play regularly that won't spring for a buffet?

The specific casino I was referring to was Ameristar in Vicksburg, MS. It's a nice casino, at least by Vicksburg standards. But they're pretty strict about only giving you what you're "entitled" (by running your card) unless they know your face.

 

[SPX]

That is not correct either. You get rated by how much money they percieve you putting into play. It's a huge difference. As big a difference as you standing on line for your free buffet while I decde if I want red or white wine with my Baked Alaska in the steakhouse.

Now you're just being argumentative and bordering on being insulting.

 

[blackchipjim]

comps

I think it's common knowledge how casinos comp people who gamble. Yes there are some who comp better on the floor if they know you and some who don't. A general statement about the process is not really accurate nor warranted. I have had numerous pit bosses ask me to bump my bets up as to afford me comps that warrant my hours of play. I couldn't because of my limited bankroll( count didn't warrant it). The pit bosses at the casinos are very freindly almost helpfull when telling so I could get better ratings. This is just my past experiences. blackchipjim

 

[EasyRhino]

As even folks like ZG will agree that Comp Counting is better than card Counting

Hey! You take that back!

 

[shadroch]

Now you're just being argumentative and bordering on being insulting.

Not in the least. If you really don't know the difference between the two,you need to study up on comps.Have you read Comp City? Or anything about the art of Comp Counting? It certainly doesn't seem like you have.The whole idea of it is to make the casino think you are gambling much more than you really are.That way you end up with many times more comps than what your action dictates.Comp hustling can give you a much higher edge than card counting.It's closer to hole carding.

 

[moo321]

Telling people that they won't get comps if they break even is not an opinion. It's misinformation. If the casinos are the bad guys( and I don't agree with that at all),helping the casinos out by telling people they shouldn't ask for comps unless you win or lose big is aiding and abetting the bad guys.
Where do you play regularly that won't spring for a buffet?
Have you read "Comp City" and tried to follow even a few of his methods?
Anyone that is a regular at a casino is entitled to comps and if you aren't getting them-either you are doing something wrong,or the place is a sweatshop that doesn't deserve your play.
Almost every flight home from Vegas,I end up talking to people who just stayed three days at MB or Bellagio and never bothered to even sign up for a card,due to thinking only hi rollers get comps.
Its as widespread a belief as card counting is illegal,or that only a genius can count six decks.And it's just as false.

You're mistaking my taking issue with your tone as disagreeing with you on issues. I'm not disagreeing with you on what you're saying about comps. I'm saying you need to quit being a jerk to people.

 

[shadroch]

I'm sorry you don't like my tone. But perhaps you are reading a tone that isn't intended.I think its great that people come to this site and share their expertise,but when people come and post things like- winning $50,000 isn't a taxable event,or you can't get comps unless you win or lose an extraordinary amount of money,they need to be corrected.Otherwise,months from now someone will be scrolling thru the archives,find this ridiculous statement and think its correct.