Page 10 - September 2003 • Southern California Gaming Guide

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
The Savvy Comp
Gamer
Whetheryouplaypenny
or nickel slots, go to a
casino once a month or less,
using your player’s club card
will net you more! Knowing
about comps is a great way to
enhance your gaming experience!
Ask your favorite casino’s player’s club for a list of club bene ts. Many casinos have brochures listing their amenities. Introduce yourself to the player’s club hosts. If you plan to get the most out of your gaming experience, create a relationship with the player’s club staff. Ask, and you may receive. Know that you don’t have to lose to get comps. I know players who only ask for comps when they lose. It doesn’t hurt to ask, as long as you do not abuse the comp system. On page 11, read the famous Frugal Gambler, the Queen Of Comps, Jean Scott, this month who writes about using and not abusing casino comps.
Casino Comp Systems Vary
Each casino player’s club has different bene ts. They all accrue points based on your play. The more you play, the more comps you rack up. The higher the denomination you play, the more points you accrue. But even if you play penny or nickel slots, use your card and get those points. They add up quickly!
Here’s a list of generic rewards for player’s club members in many casinos:
• Comp Meals: Casinos most often provide free meals
after some amount of slot play. Some will provide a buffet comp once you accrue a certain number of points; restaurant comps require other amounts. After you’ve played, check your player’s club points at the player’s club booth and ask. Some portion of your buffet or restaurant meal may be comped, if not the whole tab. Ask, and you may receive.
redeemable for special promotion entries, and sometimes even coupons for cash!
• Gift Shop or Merchandise Comps Usually, you can elect to “spend” your comps at a
casino’s gift shop for a variety of merchandise from logo items to apparel. Some casinos may also have a player’s club merchandise catalog where you can spend your accrued points for valuable items like high-end watches, televisions,
binoculars, etc.
• 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 that often result in large ticket item and huge cash prizes. Some casinos also give double points on certain days!
• Cash Back: Many Southern California casinos have some kind of “cash back” provision so that you get a percentage of the amount you play back in cash! The amount of cash back varies, and is based on the points you accumulate as you play. Many casinos maintain points for some predetermined period,
like three, six or twelve months. Some do not accumulate. Ask, so you know the time limits.
Common Misconceptions
Your player’s club card is an incredible way to expand your gaming dollar. Using a player’s club card is
a no-risk, win-win exchange between you and 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 the small wins back 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 tell me 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 card whenever I visit a new casino. I am surprised at the amount of offers that come my way every couple of weeks.
Fabulous Southern California Casinos’ Comps
Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino in San Diego County has, by far, one of the most generous and comprehensive player’s clubs. Global Gaming Business, a leading gaming industry magazine, called Club Barona one of the best player’s clubs in the nation. The three-level Club Barona rewards cash back, hotel stays, buffet, restaurant,
and game-side meals, golf green fees and pro shop merchandise, General Store merchandise discounts, and car washing and detailing. Platinum and Diamond levels are for
• Comp Accommodation: If enough, casinos with hotels/ 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 valuable coupons
you
play
frequent players who earn a particular number of points within a six-month period. Some Platinum level rewards include: Free valet parking, 50% off Ranch House Buffet, 15% off gift shop merchandise, and vip special events. Some Diamond level rewards include a personal player’s club host, plus all Platinum amenities and free Ranch House Buffet for two every day, free monthly car wash and 20% off all gift shop merchandise and more! Monthly personalized Barona Valley Ranch newsletters keep players
abreast of their points and casino events, and Free Bonus CashTM offers. Famous for its vip player’s club events, Barona has a fully-deserved reputation of fantastic guest service and its player’s club hosts are its busy
ambassadors.
Page 10 September 2003