I just read with interest the thread about hosts. We have been going to LV 2x a yr for the past 6 yrs and never knew any of this. Then again, never had a computer before to learn this. We basically play slots/video poker ($1), although last trip started an interest in BJ.

Please tell me. I know you have to seek out the host, but, how? Do you have to play a minimum? I stay at Flamingo. Will a host comp more that what they offer at the 'slot desk'? (which isn't much)

I'm a complete idiot when it comes to this and am rather shy. Please, please, tell me how to go about this. Do I have to "show them the money" before they help me? Will they go by past play?

We are returning in Sept. I would like to be able to get some confidence up to do this on this trip. Thanks for any help.

Carol- Just call up the casino and ask to speak to a host. They'll ask you some questions (how often do you come to lv, what do you play, how many hours per day dp ypu average). My host is really nice we chatted about prior visits to lv, restauants, shows, etc. My advice is answer truthfully, the host is taking a chance on you......oh, also if you have a slot card the host will be able to actually see what type of player you are......so if there were reason's why you didn't play alot at their casino tell them why. My host at bellagio asked me the why question-I replied -it was the fire alarms going off and the large crowds (it was the second week they were open for business)-that answer was good enough for her. Hope this helps.

Carol, Lee can help you out with info on the Flamingo's system since he is our resident Flamingo expert.
If you have been using your slot card you will have a history with the casino stored in their computer under your account number.
Just go to the slot club booth and as to meet a host. As said before, be honest with the host and don't be afraid to ask questions. They are there to help you and make sure you enjoy your stay.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Carol,
Any Dollar slot player who plays at least 4 hours a day should work with a host IMO. Yes, they can do more for you that what you'll get dealing with a clerk at the slot counter. Most clerks at slot counters can offer youstandard comps, a buffet for XXX points, casino rate for XXX points. They normally don't have the power to exceed teh standards set by the slot marketing dept. A host can do just about whatever they want to make a player happy and get them to return and gamble.
I'm sure the host's have to show results, meaning if they keep giving stuff away and don't have customers who are gambling, they'll get in trouble.
The other replies already told you how to get in touch with a host.
Good luck and let us know if using a host helps you.

jm

Thanks to all of you. I will try this. Should I contact a host prior to my Sept. trip, or should I wait until I get there?

Also, we play a little here one day, there another day, and still another casino the next. I'm picking up that it is better to only gamble at one or two casinos. Is this correct?

Also, my husband and I are under the one card. Do they take into account both of our play (even if at same time) or separate?

Also, hubby plays poker a lot and says they don't take slot card. Is he just saying this or do they not include poker? (which is where a lot of his time is spent)

LEE........any advice for me? Hear your the Flamingo guru!

54 Carol: Certainly it never hurts to contact a slot host prior to a trip. You can ask questions about what is expected to earn comps, inform him/her of your arrival date, find out their schedule, and then make arrangements to stop by and introduce yourself when you do arrive.

If you enjoy going to different casinos, then that's what you should do and not worry about playing for comps and restrict yourself to one or two casinos. Just make sure when you are at any casino to sign up for their slot club card and insert it in the machine every time you play. You will be surprised how often this will generate offers from hotels/casinos for your next trip.

If you gamble just to get comps, then you would need to limit yourself to 1 casino for
approximately 4 hours a day so that the slot club host can comp you. If you are having a good time at 1 casino and you happen to end up gambling for around 4 hours, then comps will be a bonus. There's the difference between playing for comps versus having a good time and ending up with comps too!

Having one account is fine. All play is taken into consideration if you are playing machines because both cards are accumulating points into one account.

As for poker/slot card question, Jeff can answer that one.

Carol, you ask a lot of good questions. I would encourage you to write them down and then ask them of a host at a casino in Las Vegas. The reason is that most places have different policies and the host is the one who can definitely tell you their casino's policies. Also, once a host gets to know you they will tell you of any changes in the casino policies as they occur.
Also, one thing about what Veronica told you about playing 4 hours a day. That is true on the tables since the casino controlls the speed of the game.
On vp and slots however, the total time played really doesn't matter. It is total points accumulated on your slot card that matters. You and I could sit down next to each other and play for 4 hours and if I play twice as fast as you do I will earn more points and get more comps. So don't think that sitting and playing slow or playing less than max coins is a way to get more out of the casino and at the same time you are risking less money. A computer tracks your play and as we all know, You can't fool a computer<G>
Don't be afraid to ask a host questions. They are there to assist you and there is no question that they haven't heard before or is too dumb to ask. I have been using hosts for years and I still ask a lot of dumb questions<G>
They just smile and politely answer them. I know they think I'm a dumb @ss, but I don't care<G> Knowledge is power in Las Vegas.


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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

>>>>>>>>>LEE........any advice for me? Hear your the Flamingo guru!<<<<<<<<

I never claimed anything like that!
My advice will be limited here. I've had limited success with the hosts at the Flamingo, truth be told. A great deal of the time, I'm told politly, I'm lucky to be getting what I got! LOL
I'm basicly a quarter player that occasionaly moves up to dollars. I play some table games, but hardly any at the Flamingo, since they moved the PiaGow poker tables on to the main casino floor. So I'm limited to what they can do for me. If I get comped a few nights, great. I always get casino rate. But the Flamingo is one of the easier places to get casino rate. I also bring along new people (players) from time to time.
I trust your a Hilton Honners member? If not, become one, membership is free! If you have an upgrade coupon from the club. (this is a ploy I use at other hotels too) I tell them I have this coupon, but I don't want to waste it if it won't get me a decent upgrade.
This way, they are sort of being put on the spot to do something nicer. Again, kindness, goes a long way. The check-in people put up with a great deal of rudeness, so a little humor & understanding goes a long way. Personally, I hope the person in front of me in line is as pushy and arogant as possible. I listen and then when it's my turn, I say something like "what a jerk" the agent will only smile, but he/she now likes you!
The slot desk at the Flamingo is only good for cashing in points. They can do little for you except that part of there job. They are order takers, that's all.
I like to go to the host quarters and try to squeek out something. A small gift, is a nice touch. I use Godiva Chocolates.
My best recomendation for you, if you constantly stay at the Flamingo, start making friends! We can't walk through the casino without saying hello to someone.
I'm not a comp chaser. If I get something for my play, great. But I won't chain myself to a place and loose $1000 for 3 free room nights.
As for poker room at the Flamingo, I have no clue how they operate it. That would be a great question to ask, when you call the Flamingo and talk to a host! I'd also like to hear about the conversation, so please report back to us! I know some of the poker rooms don't do so well, and if I recall correctly, some casino's even rent out the poker room, to be run by an outside operator.

John is right, Knowledge is power in Las Vegas!

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Thanks everyone. I will call and let everyone know what happened.....all thanks to you! I'll tell them they got such 'great reviews' on the internet! Think that will get me anything?

Thanks again....Now just have to keep myself from crying if they say no. Hey! do they have male hosts?? Maybe I WILL try crying!

PS. having fun on this site and learning lots!

Carol, in jest you hit upon a very good thing for someone to do.
I have ALWAYS looked for and done better with female hosts. And, I think most females will do better with a male host. There are a lot of intangibles that a host can do and I have always found male hosts to be very matter of fact and the females to be much friendlier and accommodating. So, make sure you find a male host and turn on the charm. It works pretty well.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

John,
You know what, she might be SOL on the male host thing, at the Flamingo. I'm not sure they have one. Atleast I've never seen one.
Lee-PA

Ok. Will have to send hubby in for the 'kill'! Quite the charmer he is.

I think Will800's mother (see what's the deal thread) tried to pick him up once in Excalibur.