Pit Bo$$ posts:

The importance of a great host is worth its weight in $100 cheques.

I want to recommend a few people who have treated me really well in the past and have helped me get comps even when other couldn’t or wouldn’t.

The list of names is at the bottom.

My first rule of thumb when I’m looking for a host is if they are tenured. Look for people that have been in the business the longest amount of time. They will generally have a little bit more leeway in what they can offer you, as opposed to a less seasoned host who has to quote you what the upstairs suits and the computer screen tell him.

A case and point; this past weekend when I went to Las Vegas, I could not get a hold of my regular host. So I asked another host to see if they had any rooms, I was told by her and a coupe of others that the hotel was booked, and the only way to get into the hotel would be on a RFB comp. I was turned away. But the Friday I was driving in I was able to track down my regular host, she pulled some strings and got me t come in as an RFB guest.

I also recommend that you never give up and don’t take no as an answer. No need to be obnoxious, but we are players. We are giving them something and trying to get something in return. If one host tells you they can’t do it, call back on another shift and speak to a different host. Tell them the value of your play by explaining that you have several friends that are joining you and don’t want to be rated. If they still say no, ask them for recommendations to other hotels. Do they know any other hosts at other hotels? Sometimes they will bring you in just so you won’t go somewhere else.

Another very strong convincer is to open a credit line. While you have the host on the line, ask them to send you a credit application. Fill it out right away and call the host back and fax it to them immediately. This will show them that you are a player, and if you are borderline comp, he can justify the comp to the suits. But be careful with credit lines. I have not had to pay on too many markers lately, but if I do lose, I will either pay it off that same weekend or call them on Monday morning and let them know that the check has been mailed even before a statement comes out. There is a company that keeps track of these things. They are the credit reports for the casinos, and you won’t want to get on the deadbeat list of that company.

Here’s a short list of hosts, please ask for these people by name, and give them the business. I have spoken to them about giving our group of “dice enthusiasts club” (please do not mentions dice-setting, careful shooting or GTC by name) It will be safer to mention my name.

Tammy Rambo* Treasure Island Las Vegas 800-944-3777 Day shift
Big Al Caesars Palace LV 800-634-6001 Nights
Mickey Petkus* Palms hotel and Casino LV 866-942-7777 Days
Al Deleon* Las Vegas Hilton 800-457-3307 Nights
Peter Fernandez MGM Grand LV 800-646-5525 Swing

For Tunica Grand Casino
Arnold Byrd He was very helpful in acquiring comps for a friend that did not even play there. He wants your business.
800-946-4946 x 77719

Don’t forget to “take care’ of the hosts that take care of you. A small basket or a tie is usually very appreciated.

Just a quick reminder, Host come and go, sometimes quite quickly, depending on who is running the hotel. The people above were all working at the places I mentioned as of last week.

Good Luck

Pit Bo$$

Bretboy asks:

How much do you have to play for to get a host?

Pit Bo$$ Responds:

Bretboy:

Years ago, before I knew how to play the comp game, I was playing slots at Caesars. I needed change and the only person I found turned out to be a slot host. She not only got me change but comped me lunch and thanked me for playing. Interestingly enough I had put in maybe $20 into the machines. But I learned a valuable lesson. Hosts are put in by the casinos for several reasons.

1) To encourage play by giving away "stuff". Whether it’s a room, a dinner or in Larry Flint’s case, diamond earrings for his girlfriend.

2) To make life a little easier for players. Believe me, you will be considered a player.

3) To keep the player on their own property.

Depending on the property that you are on, the hosts will accommodate you differently. If you are a red chip better and try to get a comped room at the Bellagio, it won’t work. But the Las Vegas Hilton will probably get you casino rates and maybe a couple of buffets.

Remember, that the locals and downtown casinos will have a lower threshold as far as your bets go, so they will be more inclined to give you a nights comp, or a free meal.

Don’t ever get discouraged if a host tells you that you don’t qualify for a comp. Just find someone else and ask him or her as well. If that doesn’t work, wait for the next shift.

The hosts will quote you what they are willing to do for you based on your theoretical win-loss, but some, the good ones, will try to develop players. Those are the KEEPERS.

Pit Bo$$.

DCraigen Asks:

Hey Pit Boss- Regarding your list of hosts, some of them have an asterisk (*) by their name. Is there any significance to this?

Thanks for you interesting posts and trip reports,
Dan

Pit Bo$$ Responds

Ahh good point Dan:

All the ones with an asterisk were verified that they were still working at the casino at the time of posting [2004]. Peter Fernandez should have had an asterisk by his name as well.

I used to have a good host at Paris LV, but Pufff, just like that he was gone (John T. did you like that magic analogy?) very unceremoniously. No one will tell you where they have gone either.

BTW for all of you going to Tunica, The host there, ARNOLD BYRD (The Grand) has been very helpful to me and a couple of other people.

Pit Boss

SI Man Asks:

How much do you have to play to consider hooking up with a host?

Pit Bo$$ Responds SI Man

Nowadays, with completion the way it is, hosts are virtually thrown out to the wolves. The corporation figures that if they throw enough people out on the floor, some of them are bound to get successful and develop good players. So the hosts that are newer are willing to talk with anybody, even a red and green chip player. They will especially love to talk to you if you are $1 slot player.

The hosts are always trying to develop players. So if you start with a host and say you are a red bettor, then the next year you increase your bet size, the host that you have an open communication with will move you along with him. That is to say that as his or her stature grows; he/she will be able to do more for you because
a) You have a relationship with him/her.
b) He/she has more flexibility to do more for you.

If you are a red to green bettor or quarter slot player, you should expect preferential room reservations through VIP services and get the room at casino rates. If the VIP operator tells you that you do not qualify for a casino rate, then ask to speak with the host on duty. Explain to them that you will be coming in with your spouse or a friend and think that they will be playing the machines or playing at the tables as well.

The normal expectation in return for a casino rate is that you give them four hours of action for every day that you are there. But if you give any less, most hotels will still give out casino rates.

And finally, if you are a red chip bettor, it is always better for you to pull a marker than to buy in for say $300. The pit might overlook a cash buy in (especially in Vegas) but they will track ALL credit/marker players.

Good Luck

Pit Bo$$

Replies:

No replies were posted for this topic.