Tips for Getting Comps in Casinos
How to Get Freebies, Comps, Free Dinner and More in a Casino
If your next vacation is at a gambling destination, take advantage of free food, reduced hotel rooms and tickets to premium entertainment.
Casinos are in constant competition with each other to lure in prospective gamblers. This is particularly true where multiple casinos are located in an area surrounded by little else and cater to a targeted audience. During your visit there are several ways to cut costs and score some nice freebies.
Research what Each Casino is Offering
Casinos always have some sort of promotion or give away featured. If you have the time, call ahead before your visit and find out who is offering what during your stay. Usually, all you have to do to qualify for the promotions is to sign up for the membership card each casino offers. If you don't have the time to call ahead, visit the casino host desk once you arrive and they can fill you in on anything going on.
Sign Up for the Player's Card
Every casino offers a free membership card. These cards will put you on a mailing list for the casino, and you'll receive coupons and offers for future visits. Quite often there is a freebie just for signing up, so don't hesitate to ask when you get your card. Often times its a key chain, or an entry into a giveaway, but occasionally the host or hostess will give you a free dinner.
Use Your Card
If you sit down at a slot machine, be sure to feed your players card into the designated slot. Every dime you spend racks up points you can use later for discounts on hotel rooms and meals. If you play table games, make a point to ask for the pit boss, and introduce yourself. Let the supervisor know that you're visiting, and ask where you should turn in your player card to receive credit for playing at the tables. More often than not, the supervisor will direct you to hand it to the dealer when you take a seat, but you'll leave an impression. After playing for a little bit, don't hesitate to call on the same pit boss and let him or her know that you would like to have dinner. Ask if they would be willing to take care of the comp for you. Casino employees like to be helpful, and likely you'll eat free.
Poker Room Comps
Poker rooms are notorious for taking care of their guests. Whether you're a poker player or not, if you take a seat at a low limit table and have a few drinks, after a half hour or so you can feel comfortable asking the poker room manager to comp you for dinner for two. Poker rooms can also give you hotel rooms at ridiculously low costs, all you have to do is ask.
Other Perks and Giveaways
If your hotel room is already taken care of, and dinner has been comped, feel free to ask for tickets to upcoming shows or events. Casinos are in the business of ensuring your repeat business, and they take generous steps to win your loyalty. Always be gracious, get to know casino staff and smile whether you're winning or losing.
The Customer is Always Right in Casinos
The best time to get comped is always going to be during the week, but that doesn't mean its impossible on the weekends. If you are turned down, thank the casino host for their time, and ask for directions to the next casino. Quite often they'll do what they can to make amends, and if not, you're off to the next place which will no doubt be of comparable quality and entertainment.
Don't be Afraid to Ask for Comps
You don't have to be a high roller to be treated like royalty in a casino. You are the most important guest on the gaming floor, and you're entitled to be treated like such. Never hesitate to communicate your needs with casino staff, they're there to be helpful. Free meals are the easiest comp to come by, so save your money for spa treatments and the gift shops. At the end of your visit, be sure to communicate with guest services just how grateful you were for their care and consideration. Get the names of management level staff, and thank them personally. Before your next visit, give them a courtesy call and let them know you're returning. You'd be surprised how generous casino staff can be when they know they've won your repeat business.
