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Preparing for Your Next Trip

Attempting to earn comps should always begin before you enter the casino. You should have a gambling budget that you will stick to and an idea of the comps you're hoping to earn. Going into a casino without a plan is like going to war without a map. The difference is that going to a casino is a lot more fun than going to war!

So how should you prepare? Here are some suggestions:

1.Call your host and let them know you'll be in town. Ask if there is anything they can do to help you get a room. (Notice you did not say you want them to give you a room? Again, don't ever act like you are entitled to something. Hosts hear this all the time and it can be a major turn-off.) Hopefully they'll be more than happy to give you a room comp but, if not, they may be able to offer you a "casino rate" or "marketing rate". These rates can be better than half the normal price and, if your play warrants it, can be further reduced at the end of your stay.

2.If you are flexible on what dates you can come in, let the host know that. It may be that your first set of dates is quite booked but the second set is wide open. Availability makes it easier to get more comps both in the hotel and in the restaurants. (If a restaurant has plenty of seats, it is much easier to comp you a meal than if they are completely booked.)

3.Assuming you asked your favorite pit bosses and hosts for their business card last time, send them an E-mail a couple of days before your arrival and let them know you're looking forward to seeing them again.

4.Bring a small gift for your host. All casinos allow this within reason. If you bring a bottle of wine, some perfume or a box of chocolates, it will be appreciated, remembered and hopefully reciprocated. Bring a new Porsche however and they'll most likely have to refuse your gift!

5.Check both your mailbox and your E-mail for special offers that the casino sends. You may find an outstanding room rate being offered that wasn't available when you spoke with your host. If you bring this to their attention, not only will they honor it but they may be willing to improve upon it to make up for the error.

6.If you were not satisfied with your previous stay, contact other casinos and ask to speak with a host on the phone. Explain that you normally play at xxx Casino but you haven't been happy and you were hoping to sit down with them for five minutes during your upcoming visit to better understand what their casino has to offer.

7.Review this eBook to remind you of tips and tricks you might have forgotten.