Dear Mark,
When a pit boss approaches and introduces himself, then asks if there is
anything I need, is that an appropriate time to ask for a comp? Danielle,
M. Fort Lee, NJ
Absolutely. Anytime pit bosses or casino hosts offer you anything, they're
not going out of their way to be overly friendly, but your level of action
probably warrants some casino perks. Meaning, your cash play deserves a
comp, and since they're asking, you should start taking.
Your reply, Danielle, from this moment forward, should be immediate and
direct. "As a matter of fact, there is," you should reply. "What
are the chances of you comping me a dinner?" Why do you have to be
forceful? Because even though most floor personnel have some form of comping
authority, you generally have to initiate the request. There are times that
you'll find your front-line pit boss can't board you for the night or allow
you to go on a champagne and escargot feeding frenzy in their gourmet restaurant,
but a buffet or a show room pass is within their limits. If they balk, the
standard "Maybe I should take my patronage next door" always seems
to work.
Strike when they ask, Danielle, because if your bankroll or bet size spirals
downward, the casino's gratuity will probably wane accordingly.
Dear Mark,
I got in a beef with casino management in New Jersey over how rudely I was
treated on a blackjack game. Not only did I decided not to play at this
casino anymore, but I stopped payment on a $20 check that I had written
there. Well, I think it has come back to haunt me because recently when
I tried to cash a personal check in Las Vegas, the cashier refused. What's
the big deal? It was only $20. Anonymous, East Lansing, MI
The "big deal," at least in the casino industry's eyes, is that
you stiffed them. And the penalty for your ingenuous act? Blackballing you
from cashing checks in most casinos nationwide. When you tried to cash that
check in Las Vegas, the cashier most likely ran you through Central Credit
-- the TRW of the gaming industry. Bingo, you came up hot. A little disagreement
and $20 later, you're an undesirable -- according to a computer of course.
Solution -- that is if you want to cash checks in a casino again -- is to
pay off the check, include a graceful apology, then, with knee pads on,
appeal to the cage manager to get your indiscretion taken off Central Credit's
computers. Still peeved and won't give in? You could always cash checks
for $10 or less. Though casinos are required to comply with federal laws
on credit approvals, some get around that by issuing credit for $10 or less
without a Central Credit check. No, it's not the appropriate way to handle
your predicament, but then, I believe in betting only what you can afford
to lose and avoid check cashing, and casino credit, altogether.
Before I Shuffle:
Something irritates big-time in Las Vegas? It's Caesar's Palace's two-lane
moving sidewalk that goes in the same direction toward the Forum Shops.
Not only can't you retreat back to Las Vegas Boulevard, but you have to
walk through the entire shopping mall, through the casino (the true meaning
of shop and drop), then a quarter mile hike back to the street. Though the
security guards are besieged with annoying complaints from patrons all day
long (I witnessed, I asked), they give the standard, "There is a small
shuttle that will take you to back to the street" response. Well, first
you still have to walk through the complete mall and casino, and second,
I couldn't find the shuttle. Also, I know nothing about mechanical engineering,
but why can't they reverse the gearing on one of those horizontal escalators
to go in the opposite direction? It just makes me want to stay and play
somewhere else. Did you hear that, Caesar's? Somewhere else!!!
Got a question about gambling? Write to: Deal Me In, 774 Mays Blvd.
Suite 10, Incline Village, NV 89451 or e-mail:winners@winner.com
· To order Mark Pilarski's "Hooked on Winning" audio cassettes--laminated
win cards package ($12.95 plus $2. S&H) call (800) WINNERS.
Return to Main Menu