Meeting a Casino Host

Friends at a Craps table

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One of the most important members of the casino staff you will meet is the casino host. Establishing a good relationship with a host can save you hundreds of dollars. The job of a casino host is to cultivate relationships with players who will become loyal patrons to the establishment. The casino host has the authority to issue comps to players. Comps can range from free meals and show tickets up to full room and beverage.

The casino host reports directly to the marketing managers in most casinos. Marketing managers are constantly trying new ways to bring patrons into the casino. The host can help keep them coming back by assuring their needs are met while they are playing there. Casino hosts are outgoing and friendly individuals. They will try to accommodate the player's reasonable requests for comps. If you don't qualify for a particular comp they can suggest an alternative or let you know what you need to qualify for the comp you are requesting. They want to please the player but they also must be accountable to their bosses in the marketing department. A casino host also must have business sense and the ability to make difficult decisions involving the issuing of credit and the disbursement of comps.

Contact the Host

Meeting a casino host is not difficult. You can talk to a host on the phone before you check into a casino or you can meet them once you are there. If you are planning to stay at a new casino you should call and ask to speak to a casino host before making your reservations. Introduce yourself and tell them you are planning to book a room and would like to inquire about their qualifications for the casino rate. You can tell the host what games or machines you play and what your usual betting levels are. In most cases, you can qualify for casino rate up front. The casino host can usually book the room at that time. You then get their name and tell them you look forward to meeting them upon arrival.

The most important thing you must do before dealing with a host in the casino is to make sure your play is getting rated. This means joining the player's club and using your card if you play the machines. Table game players will need to ask the pit boss to rate their play. If you are playing a table game you can tell the pit boss you would like to speak to a casino host.

How to Get What You Want

Once you meet the casino host, always introduce yourself. If you are looking for a comp you should ask the host if you qualify for a comp to the restaurant, show, or whatever else you are looking for. In the Frugal Gambler, Jean Scott states that by asking you are avoiding putting the host in an awkward situation if your play has not met the requirements for that particular comp.

If you have been staying at a casino, always make sure you contact a host before you check out. You may have enough play to qualify for free nights or at least a reduced rate. Many players who feel they didn't have much play are surprised to find out that they qualified for a free room. You don't know unless you ask!

Ask is what you should do. Never demand a comp of feel you should get something for nothing. The hosts will do their best to make your stay a pleasant one but they must be accountable to their bosses. Also, you should never abuse a comp. Some players will look at a restaurant comp as an invitation to order everything on the menu whether they want it or not. Don't be a pig. It will only come back to haunt you when you ask for a comp in the future.

Say Thank You

Finally, remember that a host is a person with feelings. All of us like to be appreciated for our efforts. Be sure to thank your host for their hospitality. It's a nice gesture to send a written thank you note when you get home. You can even send a letter to the host's supervisor praising the fine job they do. Establishing a good relationship with a casino host can make your visit to the casino even more enjoyable.