What is a slot host and do I need one?

A slot host is a liaison between the player (you) and the casino. They are the one who tries to woo you to gamble in their casino. They are privy to special or free hotel rooms, food, alcohol, limousine transportation, show tickets and more. Depending on your "action" , the play you give to the casino, they will extend freebies knows as comps. Comp is short for complimentary. It may be a free night at the hotel, a buffet or gourmet dinner, passes to the spa. You never know.

You should have a slot host if you play or stay in a favorite casino. Call the casino and ask for a host. They are friendly and eager for your business. Let them know your intentions to stay there, tell them you plan on gambling in their hotel and they'll help you make your hotel reservations. When you arrive, introduce yourself in person to the host so that they can put a face with the name. If you go to the slot club, they will call the host for you.

When you gamble in the casino, use your slot card. Ask at the slot club the procedure for table games. Many times you give your card to the dealer who gives it to the pit boss to track and rate your play for comps. Charge all the food to your room. At the end of your stay, visit your slot host BEFORE you check out of the hotel. The host will evaluate your play and see what they can take off your bill. You may be pleasantly surprised to see that even if you are a penny slot player, that you are eligible for comps. Don't be afraid to ask, all they can do is say no.

Gambling and Working the Comp System in Las Vegas!

Gambling!

If you are planning on gambling in Las Vegas, set a daily budget and stick to it.

Its easy to blow the gambling budget and hit the cash machine, but you'll regret it later. Learn the games you want to play so you'll have some knowledge and know your risk. People can and do win, but if you go EXPECTING to win, you'll be disappointed. You can play penny video slots and they are a lot of fun, or you can play table games. Most casinos offer classes in the games so the novices can feel comfortable playing the games. If you don't have a clue what you are doing, ask the casino staff and they'll be happy to explain the games.

Join every slot club in every hotel even if you are not planning on gambling there.

You will get a slot card that looks like a credit card, you insert it into the slot machine and it tracks your play for comps. Some will give you free buffets and show tickets to afternoon shows, tee shirts and key chains just for signing up. Some will require you to reach a certain amount of points to get a tee shirt of a food comp. A comp is short for complimentary and the casinos hand out comps based on your play. You might get comps for food at great restaurants.

All drinks are free as long as you are gambling. Some hotels are more liberal with their offerings, you won't get top shelf alcohol unless you are a big gambler, but free is free. A tip to the cocktail waitress, usually a dollar per drink is appreciated and will keep her coming back to your spot. In addition to the comps you can receive by playing on your slot card, the hotel will send you future offers for discounted lodging. If you plan on going back, its a deal to book at the casino rate instead of the regular rack rate.

IMPORTANT!
If you didn't book a package rate and you are going to gamble in your hotel, charge your food to your hotel room. ALWAYS use your slot card when you are gambling, either at the machines or give it to the pit boss so the casino can track your points for comps. They track it by issuing points. Before you check out, go to the slot club and have them check your points. Many times the casino slot club will will pick up some of your food and maybe discount your hotel room, or even give you free nights. They'll take the comps right off your bill, but you have to do it BEFORE you check out. It pays to ask when you join what point range you have to achieve to get comps.



Don't think because you are not a big gambler that you can't get comps. It also pays to introduce yourself to a slot host, either in person or by phone. Tell them if you are celebrating a special occasion or on your honeymoon and that you are interested in joining the slot club and doing some gambling. Your slot host is your laison to better room rates and comps. Don't be afraid to call the hotel and ask to speak to a slot host. They are nice and accomodating and will give you the information you need if you are planning on doing some gambling.