Tricks of the Comp Trade
By: DUTCH THOMS

After you’ve mastered the basics, there are all kinds of little things you can do to enhance your comp take on a small bankroll. For example, whenever possible, a man should ask a woman pit boss for a comp and a woman should ask a man. You’ll almost always have better luck with a cross-gender move; this is also true for male and female slot hosts.It’s Just a little psychological manipulation. I m almost embarrassed by the number of comps and faVors I’ve gotten from male pit bosses,just because I ye been friendly in a feminine sort of way. Brad Just shakes his head in amazement when I ask for get outrageously fine comps from the guys for such small play.Here’s another pioy. Since most table-game play ers are bucking negative expectation, the more they can limit their exposure to the house advantage, the better. That means playing as few hands as Possible. After you’ve been clocked in, you don’t have to stay seated at that table the whole time. One trick is to drink a lot (but I suggest your beverage of choice be nonalcoholic, so your judgment isn’t clouded). That gives you an excuse for a lot of bathroom breaks. When you go, don’t rush back to the table. The rating clock is always running. Wander around and people watch or go outside for a breath of fresh air. You can leave two or three times an hour and stay gone for five minutes or so at a time.You can say things to the dealer such as, “Watch my chips, I have to get rid of some of this coffee (juice/cola/beer...).” Or “I’m going to get a little air.” Or “You know, I’m allergic to smoke and this smoke is really getting to me.” (Don’t use this if you’re the one smoking!) You can also sit at a nonsmoking table and say, “Well, time for a smoke,” even if you don’t smoke. These are all logical reasons for leaving the table for periods of time. By taking two ten-minute breaks an hour, you wind up playing 40 hands instead of 60, but you get credit for playing all 60. Your bankroll will last longer, plus your mind and body will thank you for the breather. These are only a few tricks of the comp trade. There’s a whole book on the subject, an excellent one written by Max Rubin called Comp City—A Guide to Free Las Vegas Vacations. Although it emphasizes the high roller, dozens of the hints Max gives can be used effectively by low rollers, too. He tells you the best games to play for comps, how the casino calculates them, and how to get the most comps for the least betting action. It’s a hardcover book and therefore a bit expensive, but it’s worth it, even for a low roller. Work Max’s system diligently and you’ll reap thousands of dollars in casino comps.

Are You Getting Your Share? Here are some interesting statistics from a couple years back. Fully 72.8% of all the drinks dispensed in downtown Las Vegas were complimentary. Of all the meals served downtown, 38% were free. Things are a bit tighter on the Strip. Of all the drinks served in Strip casino, 46.6% were free, and 18% of the meals were complimentary. As far as rooms are concerned, 29.6% of downtown’s occupied rooms were comped, compared with 14.5% on the Strip.A very small percentage of these comps were given to high rollers, because the number of high rollers in Las Vegas compared to everyone else is very small. Most of the comps go to low rollers.You say you’re too shy or embarrassed to ask for comps? Remember that one of the pit bosses’ and slot hosts’ biggest responsibilities is to reward people who play in their casino so they’ll feel good and come back (and the bosses and hosts will continue to have jobs). The casinos build their business on customer loyalty. They want to give you comps. You don’t have to be loud or even pushy to get them. That powerful little word “ask,” when used in a gentle and kindly way, can produce outstanding results.

A Caveat Never bet more than you ordinarily would just to get a comp. The food in the most elegant $50 Sunday brunch will taste awfully bitter if you’ve lost $500 playing blackjack just to get it.Play the games you always play. Bet the same amounts you ordinarily bet. Gamble no longer than you normally do. But get all the comps you have coming to you for your normal habits. Take advantage of the systems that have been put in place to give you your just rewards.

Let's Hope Marbury's $15.00 Shoe Is Winner!

Today is the official unveiling of the Starbury, an athletic sneaker that will be offered throughout America at all Steve and Barry’s. The Starbury is the brainchild of New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, who has been anything but a bargain in his last 5 years with the Suns and Knicks. I must be honest with you, I’ve visited Steve and Barry’s several times in Buffalo and find the place outstanding if you are looking for a gift for a relative or a friend. The place is line. . .

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