Getting comps/drinks in Las Vegas
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trfie
- Forum Newbie
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2014 2:06 pm
Getting comps/drinks in Las Vegas
I recently memorized a strategy and played video poker for the first time in Las Vegas, but not on the strip. From vp2free it seems that only off-strip casinos have 100%+ machines. Do these casinos give comps? On the Strip, where there aren't any 100% machines, can I come out ahead based on getting free rooms and drinks (which aren't really free because one must tip the cocktail waitress, might it not be cheaper to purchase liquor at a store?)? How do I decide where to play to get the best chance of getting free rooms? Since all the machines will be in the casinos' favor, the higher stakes I play, the more money I will lose. So it seems that I should find the lowest stakes machines, but then I probably won't get much comps? So how do you weigh these 2 concerns? At some casinos there are even $5, $10, $25 machines. even on a 99.58% machine one is going to lose a lot of money, right?
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Vman96
- Video Poker Master
- Posts: 3288
- Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:49 am
Casinos can sometimes give comps for 100%+ games, but they are usually very little.
As far as coming out ahead on the strip, it will be tough...depends on how you value these "free rooms/drinks". Unfortunately I don't play enough on the strip to say: "This amount of play will give you a free room at (fill in the blank). Maybe others can offer more advice.
Generally on the strip, I have always been told that Caesars properties give rooms for free with less play. Unfortunately, their best quarter games are about 98.3%. But if you planned to stay there anyway, and $5k coin-in at VP per day would save you $100/night on the hotel, then it's worth it, imo, since your expected losses are less than $100/day. (Note: I have no idea if $5k is good enough for a $100/night room there).
And with negative games, I wouldn't play more than you feel comfortable losing. Just because the high limit machines have the best percentage payback doesn't mean you should play them.
As far as coming out ahead on the strip, it will be tough...depends on how you value these "free rooms/drinks". Unfortunately I don't play enough on the strip to say: "This amount of play will give you a free room at (fill in the blank). Maybe others can offer more advice.
Generally on the strip, I have always been told that Caesars properties give rooms for free with less play. Unfortunately, their best quarter games are about 98.3%. But if you planned to stay there anyway, and $5k coin-in at VP per day would save you $100/night on the hotel, then it's worth it, imo, since your expected losses are less than $100/day. (Note: I have no idea if $5k is good enough for a $100/night room there).
And with negative games, I wouldn't play more than you feel comfortable losing. Just because the high limit machines have the best percentage payback doesn't mean you should play them.
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pokerpokerpoker
- VP Veteran
- Posts: 543
- Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 12:05 am
What Vman says is right. CET gives away "free" rooms readily. I go to Vegas once a year for 3 nights. I bang away at the .05 to .50 machines for 8-10 hours per day. Shortly after returning home my mailbox is filled with hotel offers. Most of them are for 3 nights at Quad, Harah's, Rio, Bally's, and often Paris. Caesar's is usually excluded. A day's worth of play usually earns enough reward credits to pay for most of dinner. I value these perks - considering I prefer the glitz of the strip, even though paytables aren't great. With some scouting, you can still find playable games.
That being said, Ti treats me the best. They even gave me a host. The location is good and the rooms are nice. Another perk, to a tightwad like me, resort fees are optional. Last I heard, CET makes you pay them - even for a comped room. The drag about Ti is that their players card is only good at Ti. So if you want to hit another casino, your points don't go with you.
For years I was loyal to the MGM properties, but last time I called they wouldn't even give me a discount.
In my experience, a dollar tip for the waitresses gets you decent service. With a two dollar tip, your glass will seldom be empty.
That being said, Ti treats me the best. They even gave me a host. The location is good and the rooms are nice. Another perk, to a tightwad like me, resort fees are optional. Last I heard, CET makes you pay them - even for a comped room. The drag about Ti is that their players card is only good at Ti. So if you want to hit another casino, your points don't go with you.
For years I was loyal to the MGM properties, but last time I called they wouldn't even give me a discount.
In my experience, a dollar tip for the waitresses gets you decent service. With a two dollar tip, your glass will seldom be empty.
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BillyJoe
- Video Poker Master
- Posts: 3198
- Joined: Sat Aug 23, 2008 2:00 pm
Don't miss the point as to why you are planning to go to Vegas in the first place. If your goal is to get rich, my advice is to stay home. EVERY game in EVERY casino has a house edge. Even playing a full-pay VP game requires (A) a significant bankroll and (B) perfect optimal play over an extended time to even HOPE to BREAK EVEN, much less win.
That said, set your expectations accordingly. I believe the large groups, CET and MGM, on The Strip offer the best value for the non-resident, since your play is "portable" among all of their properties, both in Vegas and around the country. They also have the largest inventory of rooms to fill.
If you plan a Vegas trip mid-week, not during a holiday or large convention time, talk with a host by phone beforehand at one of the properties that may interest you to see what the expectations would be for a comped room during your stay. Some hosts would be willing to chance an empty room on someone just to establish them as a player. Remember, they need YOU more than you need THEM, so negotiate from that position of strength.
As far as free drinks, you can always be like our resident 'advantage player', and stiff the waitresses, since tipping cuts into whatever EV you have calculated for your play. Of course, then you are taking your chances with the next drink round.
That said, set your expectations accordingly. I believe the large groups, CET and MGM, on The Strip offer the best value for the non-resident, since your play is "portable" among all of their properties, both in Vegas and around the country. They also have the largest inventory of rooms to fill.
If you plan a Vegas trip mid-week, not during a holiday or large convention time, talk with a host by phone beforehand at one of the properties that may interest you to see what the expectations would be for a comped room during your stay. Some hosts would be willing to chance an empty room on someone just to establish them as a player. Remember, they need YOU more than you need THEM, so negotiate from that position of strength.
As far as free drinks, you can always be like our resident 'advantage player', and stiff the waitresses, since tipping cuts into whatever EV you have calculated for your play. Of course, then you are taking your chances with the next drink round.
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boxofbirds
- Forum Newbie
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:27 pm
I've had rooms comped playing $1 99.17% BP at Aria before, but doubt at that level I will ever get any free play out of them. CET is definitely more generous with free rooms, but I like MGM better. Best is to stay and play where you enjoy yourself the most! Learn strategy and get the best edge you can.
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