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Guide to casino comps
(freebies) By
Steve Cheski
Comps, or
complimentaries, are the perks casinos give to gamblers.
They can range
from free drinks, to free meals, to a free room, to free airfare and even
rebates on the money you've gambled.
But you don't
have to be a high roller to earn these freebies.
The casinos
calculate your comps based on how much you gamble, so it's important to have all
your play "rated."
Most casinos
have programs similar to frequent flier plans where they give you a computerized
ID card that allows them to track how much you bet and how long you play.
Before you bet
your first dollar, be sure to get one of these cards. You can apply for one at
the Casino Host Office, at the gaming tables, or in some cases online.
Then be sure to
present the card at all table games. If you're playing a slot machine,
insert the card into the machine and it will track your play automatically.
If you're
betting on sports, present your card at the sportsbook ticket window when you
place your bets.
Since so many big casinos are owned by the same parent corporations, many
cards now work at several different properties.
For example, the MGM Mirage Players Club earns points at Bellagio, MGM Grand, the Mirage, Treasure Island
and New York New York in Las Vegas; Beau Rivage in Biloxi; and the MGM Grand in Detroit
. Members get points for slot or table play in any of these casinos, which makes them eligible for a hierarchy of special offers. The Caesars Connection Card can be used at 18 different casinos
-- and in addition to rewarding casino play, it also tracks and gives points for money spent on hotel rooms, dining, spa services, and the like.
You can visit the Casino Host Office or slot hospitality booth during your stay to find
out what comps you've earned. And be sure to ask about comps when you check out.
Even if you
don't receive any comps on your first stay at a casino/hotel, you probably will
receive special discount offers and invitations for subsequent stays -- if
you've played enough.
Good
luck!
Steve Cheski
is a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, a longtime casino and sportsbook bettor and the webmaster of
all-lasvegas.com
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