Do You Need a Casino Host?

19 May 2020

By Frank Scoblete

I am guessing that if you are a high-roller you probably have a host that sets up your trips, comps you the room and meals, sets up theater and sporting events tickets and in other ways takes proper care of you and yours.

Other than maybe a present at holiday times, you do not have to pay the host anything. True, you got that host because the casino values your play – rather, the size and length of your play – and wants to make sure you get what’s coming to you in order to keep you a satisfied customer.

But what if you are not a high roller? Let us say you are a $25 player as opposed to a $100 or more player? Should you have a host helping you out?

Obviously, casinos have their criteria for who and who does not get a host, but someone betting $25 per hand at blackjack or slightly more at craps or enjoys playing those slot machines is probably worth a look. I am guessing the casino would use the following rating list of worthiness when it comes to getting you someone to take care of you:

• What games do you play? All games are rated against each other. Blackjack does not give the kind of comps that slots will give since slots take a higher percentage of one’s wagers. Pai Gow Poker gives lower comp value as a game than does an action player at craps.

• How much do you bet? What is your average bet at the games? The casino will figure what your expected loss is over time and that is a key variable in how they rate you.

• How long do you play? Length of time, meaning number of decisions is a key variable in determining one’s comp level. A player who engages in four hours of play at $25 is worth more than a player who plays that amount of one hour.

• Do you and your spouse both play games? It is easier to get a free room if both ends of a couple relationship would use that room. That two players for them!

• What is it that you are asking for? If you are a low-roller, you probably aren’t going to get free tickets to the heavyweight championship bout but you, on week nights, get a comedy club ticket.

• Do you go to the casino frequently? The more times you visit the casino the better from the casino’s point of view. Would the casino view you are a regular?

• What days/nights do you go to the casino? Weekdays and week nights are the best time to go to get comps if you are a low roller. Hosts have much more freedom in helping you during these times than they do on the weekend.

What should you do if you want a host or if you want to find out if your value to the casino merits a host? That’s simple really: Call a host and find out exactly what he or she is looking for. Generally they will lay it on the line for you.

All the best in and out of the casino!

Frank’s web site is www.frankscoblete.com. His books are available from smile.Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, kindle, e-books and at bookstores.