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Frugal
Tips by
Jean Scott We could never get everyone to agree that the more gambling information, the better. Someone on the Internet summed up the problem nicely: "We want to learn all the secrets ourselves, but we don’t want anyone else to learn them." Q: Don’t you think casinos are tightening up on their comps since all the details of the comp system have been discussed in gambling writings? A: Yes, the whole comp system is slowly changing–but it’s not because of my book or Max Rubin’s Comp City or anyone else’s writing. The change is in the way the casinos are being run. The casino veterans who learned their skills from years of experience back when casinos were primarily privately owned are gradually being replaced with the corporate "bean counters," our fond name for casino executives with MBAs who got all their training in business school. It’s a fact that the seat-of-the-pants comping of the old days gave away too much of a casino’s profits–and often gave it to the wrong gamblers. I’ve heard stories about a time when you were granted comps depending on how much front money you brought on a casino junket. Of course, people would bring a lot more front money than they intended to bet and spent most of their visit enjoying their luxurious comps rather than risking their big bankroll at the tables. There wasn’t much research back then to figure out just how much the casino was getting back from all the comps that flowed so freely to players. Now, the new executives are here with the technology to analyze everything about the casino business. However, the bean counters have made their mistakes too, forgetting that customer loyalty takes a long time to develop and you can’t expect to see all the results in one quarterly report. This practical knowledge of the casino veteran combined with the business acumen of the new keepers of the books contributes to an ever-changing comp system. But this doesn’t stop me from writing about it. In fact, I feel the need to write even more to help you find your way through this maze of new regulations and policies and become skillful in maximizing your use of the casino’s comp system. Q: When will we see you and Brad on TV again? A: Look for two different Travel Channel shows this summer. There will also be a couple of opportunities for you to ask me some questions in person. I will be the guest of the Atlantis in Reno on June 8th and 9th to help them launch their new slot club. And Brad and I invite you to join us on a "Frugal Gambler Cruise" from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, February 17—22, 2002. There will be a gambling seminar and a slot tournament with cash prizes. Call 1-800-659-2662 for details. l You can go to www.lasvegasadvisor.com and click on the March 30 Frugal Fridays in the Archives to read more details about the filming of Jean Scott’s "Dateline" story.
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