Page 16 - November 2002 • Southern California Gaming Guide

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
by Billie Lee Bartell
Want to know how your casino play can pay you all the time? Join the club! The player’s club, that is, of any casino you play in. The most important card in the casino is your casino players’ club card! This card is worth much more than you may think.
If you are going to enter a casino more than once a year, you owe it to yourself to join the player’s club — you may be surprised at the bene ts that will come your way.
the casino. Remember, you are always in control of your play. Privacy issue advocates understand that giving out limited information cannot compromise them.
I am continually amazed to see people play a slot machine for hours without using a player’s club card. On occasion, I’ve asked people why they don’t use a card and have received some different answers.
The most common answer is: “I don’t play enough to earn anything.” It’s surprising to see how quickly points add up. Most players sit at a machine and will put back the small wins into the machines. The casinos call this “churn.” It’s not uncommon to churn hundreds of dollars through a machine in an hour of playing time. Why not get some extra return on that play?
Some players say they don’t want to use a player’s card because they think “the slot machine can tell and then it doesn’t pay.” This can’t be further from the truth. There is no connection in a slot machine between the card reader and the slot machine’s random number generator. Technically, the correlation is impossible, and furthermore, illegal in California—or any other state for that matter.
Other players say they are afraid to sign up because they don’t want to give out their address to the casino. The casino cannot send you any promotions if they don’t have your address. I do not hesitate to sign up for a player’s club card whenever I visit a new casino. I am surprised at the amount of offers that come my way every couple of weeks. Get your card and use it!
Here are some of the fantastic ways Southern California casinos treat their player’s club guests.
Southern California casinos give players some of the most creative and generous “comps” (short for complimentary) around. Comps are the way the casinos reward players and get them to return. You spend your gaming dollar with a casino, and they will let you know with comps how much they appreciate your business.
Years ago Las Vegas casinos started comps for table game players. The original concept was to reward high- roller, frequent players with free meals, rooms, show tickets and even air fares. Later, as slot machines rose in popularity, slot clubs were created in Atlantic City as a way to give an incentive for casino loyalty. Player’s clubs have evolved and now reward the casual and low-stakes players as well as frequent gamers.
Almost every Southern California casino has a player’s club. When you enter a casino, look for the player’s club or guest services (usually close to the entrance), and if you aren’t already a card-carrying player for every casino you visit, go and sign up! It’s always free! The application is brief, and you will be asked to show a picture ID showing that you are 18 or 21 years of age. (Age requirement varies depending on each casino). Many casinos even reward new player’s club sign-ups with bonus points.
“Use your player’s club card. Make sure you get paid to play!”
On the spot, you will receive a plastic card (that looks like a credit card). Some Southern California casinos let you sign up on their web sites, and then you can pick up your card when you get to the casino. Once you’ve got your player’s club card, use it faithfully! Insert your card in the card reader of the slot machine you want to play, making certain it’s been accepted (most readers will display your name once the card has been read properly). Remember to remove your card when you’re nished—this mistake is so common that it is almost guaranteed that you will nd someone else’s card left behind during your visit. And don’t forget to show your
card to the dealer at any table games. Not all player’s club cards are good for table play, so ask. Also ask the casino’s player’s club for a list of club bene ts.
Here’s a list of generic rewards for player’s club members in many casinos:
• Cash Back — Most Southern California casinos have some kind of “cash back” provision, so that you get some percentage of the amount you play back in cash. The amount of cash back varies, but is based on “points” that are accumulated as you play. Many casinos maintain points for some predetermined period, like three, six or twelve months. Some do not accumulate.
• Comp Meals—Casinos most often provide free meals after some amount of slot (or video poker) play. Some will provide a buffet comp, others require a certain number of points, etc. Ask and you may receive.
• Comp Accommodation—If you play enough, those casinos with hotel/resorts may provide a “comp” room, or even a suite. Again, ask and you may receive.
• Mail Offers and Free Money—After you’ve visited a casino and played a bit, you can expect to receive mailings that contain coupons redeemable for special promotion entries, and even money!
• Entries for Special Promotions—Many casinos run fun, fabulous prize-winning promotions speci cally for player’s club members (See page 21.) You must be a player’s club member to participate in these exciting contests which often result in large ticket items and huge cash prizes.
• Gift Shop Comps — Usually, you can elect to “spend” your comps at the casino’s gift shop.
At best, the card is an incredible way to expand your gaming dollar. At worst, you may receive unwanted casino news and offers in the mail. Using a player’s club card is a no-risk, win-win exchange between you and
Page 16 NOVEMBER 2002