Hi,
After reading Jean Scott's first book, I got interested in VP. I
bought some VP software to practice on, and now am ready to play when
I go to LV next month. I have also been reading everyone's posts
about comp downgrades and it makes me wonder where I should play if I
am interested in:
a) full pay VP or close-to-full-pay VP AND
b) setting up a relationship for future comps
Any suggestions?
TIA
Hi,
After reading Jean Scott's first book, I got interested in VP. I
bought some VP software to practice on, and now am ready to play
when
I go to LV next month. I have also been reading everyone's posts
about comp downgrades and it makes me wonder where I should play
if I
am interested in:
a) full pay VP or close-to-full-pay VP AND
b) setting up a relationship for future comps
First of all, you have to realize that virtually none of the
conditions that existed when Jean wrote her book exist today, and
virtually none of the things that she writes about doing, none of
the accomplishments, are possible today. You used to be able to
saunter into someplace like the Gold Coast, play quarter VP for four
or five hours, and make about $8/hr PLUS have them hand you a room
key and all the food comps you could eat. Also, there were the
promos--short-term plays worth hundreds of dollars, so many that you
couldn't take advantage of them all. Scratch cards. Four-of-a-kind-
of-the-day. Cash drawings. Etc. etc. etc. Those were the days!
But those days are gone. The Frugal Gambler book is now a museum
piece, a curiosity, something that tells you how you used to be able
to make GOBS of money---in 1997. Sort of like Thorp's "Beat the
Dealer".
Nowadays, there are only a few places you can play FPDW, even less
to play fullpay Joker, and even virtually breakeven 10/7 DB is a
relatively rare bird. Stations and Fiestas all have some fullpay
machines, but they slash the comp rate on fullpay VP in half, so
that a full day's play will get you maybe one comped doughnut. Palms
is the only place I can think of that has a decent inventory AND
pays full points for good VP (.25% comps). The El Cortez has had
some great promos in the past, and maybe is the only place where
quarter players get room offers these days.
Another thing that doesn't exist any more (and you might as well rip
out the section of Frugal that deals with this) is
the "discretionary comp", where a host writes you a dinner comp or
something based not on your actual play, but a subjective evaluation
of how good of a customer you seem to be and how much you're likely
to play (and lose). Casinos--especially locals' casinos--have been
VEHEMENT in their instructions to casino hosts that VP players are
NOT to be given discretionary comps.
So, not to burst your bubble or anything, but it ain't the free ride
it used to be out there any more. I suggest the Cortez for cheap or
free rooms, and the Palms to accumulate food comps with an excellent
selection of VP. See the VPFree database for details on these two
properties.
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "jkw98038" <jkw98038@y...> wrote:
Casino Royale - sends 2 free nights (month after month)for almost any
ammount of action. Sign up for the great funbook, play .25 bonus
poker during triple point hours for your quad bonuses.
It ain't Paris, but I don't know of any eaier way to score a cheap
flop in a great location. There is an Outback Steakhouse on property
for your comp dollars.
Hi,
After reading Jean Scott's first book, I got interested in VP. I
bought some VP software to practice on, and now am ready to play
when
I go to LV next month. I have also been reading everyone's posts
about comp downgrades and it makes me wonder where I should play if
I
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "jkw98038" <jkw98038@y...> wrote:
am interested in:
a) full pay VP or close-to-full-pay VP AND
b) setting up a relationship for future compsAny suggestions?
TIA
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "rockofjello333" <rockofjello333@y...>
wrote:
> Hi,
> After reading Jean Scott's first book, I got interested in VP. I
> bought some VP software to practice on, and now am ready to play
when
> I go to LV next month. I have also been reading everyone's posts
> about comp downgrades and it makes me wonder where I should play
if I
> am interested in:
> a) full pay VP or close-to-full-pay VP AND
> b) setting up a relationship for future compsFirst of all, you have to realize that virtually none of the
conditions that existed when Jean wrote her book exist today, and
virtually none of the things that she writes about doing, none of
the accomplishments, are possible today. You used to be able to
saunter into someplace like the Gold Coast, play quarter VP for four
or five hours, and make about $8/hr PLUS have them hand you a room
key and all the food comps you could eat. Also, there were the
promos--short-term plays worth hundreds of dollars, so many that you
couldn't take advantage of them all. Scratch cards. Four-of-a-kind-
of-the-day. Cash drawings. Etc. etc. etc. Those were the days!But those days are gone. The Frugal Gambler book is now a museum
piece, a curiosity, something that tells you how you used to be able
to make GOBS of money---in 1997. Sort of like Thorp's "Beat the
Dealer".Nowadays, there are only a few places you can play FPDW, even less
to play fullpay Joker, and even virtually breakeven 10/7 DB is a
relatively rare bird. Stations and Fiestas all have some fullpay
machines, but they slash the comp rate on fullpay VP in half, so
that a full day's play will get you maybe one comped doughnut. Palms
is the only place I can think of that has a decent inventory AND
pays full points for good VP (.25% comps). The El Cortez has had
some great promos in the past, and maybe is the only place where
quarter players get room offers these days.Another thing that doesn't exist any more (and you might as well rip
out the section of Frugal that deals with this) is
the "discretionary comp", where a host writes you a dinner comp or
something based not on your actual play, but a subjective evaluation
of how good of a customer you seem to be and how much you're likely
to play (and lose). Casinos--especially locals' casinos--have been
VEHEMENT in their instructions to casino hosts that VP players are
NOT to be given discretionary comps.So, not to burst your bubble or anything, but it ain't the free ride
it used to be out there any more. I suggest the Cortez for cheap or
free rooms, and the Palms to accumulate food comps with an excellent
selection of VP. See the VPFree database for details on these two
properties.
I'm not sure I agree with rocko's assessment of the situation. Most
any casino downtown on Fremont St (plus the Cal and Main St Sta) will
have some full pay VP and easy comps. With exception of the more
upscale GN most rooms will be pretty basic but clean and comfortable.
The serious 25 cent VP player should have no problem getting offers
for free rooms and some meals if not full RFB.
Rick
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "jkw98038" <jkw98038@y...> wrote:
I really must disagree. You are right in saying things are not what
they used to be. True. But it really isn't all that bad. In fact
I have only been playing VP for 2 years and I think it's great! We
(my wife and I) have been to Vegas twice this year, and each time we
have played great games and had almost everything comped.
The really big question is what type of player are you? Low, Mid or
High roller. As your a newbie I would say probably a Low or Mid
roller looking for 25c games. As a vistor to vegas I would
recommend the following:
LV HILTON
FP All American plus Pickem and Loose Deuces. Nice hotel, good
resturants. My wife and I normally play (on one card) 10K - 15K a
day and have never had problem with them picking up the room and we
normally earn enough comps to cover food (we do like to eat well!).
The monorail is another recent bonus making the Strip much easier to
go to. This is important for vistor. If your going to Vegas, most
people are going to want to spend some (or all) of there time on the
strip. We also get lots of offers in the mail, more than any other
property. I'm not sure what effect the recent ownership has had had.
MAIN ST STATION
FP Deuces and DB. OK Hotel, good resturants. Again we have never
had a problem getting the room and most food comped. We normally
spend 2 or 3 nights downtime each trip to Vegas. We either stay
here or Golden Nugget which would also be a good choice if you like
Double Bonus. We get lots of offers from MSS on only about 8K - 12K
play a day (again combined).
CAESARS
When we stay on the strip we stay here. Lots of JoB including STP.
This place has given use more comps than any other casino, normally
around 0.75% or 0.8%. Not sure if this is special treatment of out
of towners or not. The only downside is you really need to play 3
or 5 play to get those comps to cover the room/food. Really nice
joint though.
Now if your a dollar player then I think your choices might be
different. Again, the above are based on good games, nice hotels,
good places to eat.
I hope this helps. Many Royals to you.
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "rockofjello333"
<rockofjello333@y...> wrote:
> Hi,
> After reading Jean Scott's first book, I got interested in VP. I
> bought some VP software to practice on, and now am ready to
play
when
> I go to LV next month. I have also been reading everyone's posts
> about comp downgrades and it makes me wonder where I should play
if I
> am interested in:
> a) full pay VP or close-to-full-pay VP AND
> b) setting up a relationship for future compsFirst of all, you have to realize that virtually none of the
conditions that existed when Jean wrote her book exist today, and
virtually none of the things that she writes about doing, none of
the accomplishments, are possible today. You used to be able to
saunter into someplace like the Gold Coast, play quarter VP for
four
or five hours, and make about $8/hr PLUS have them hand you a room
key and all the food comps you could eat. Also, there were the
promos--short-term plays worth hundreds of dollars, so many that
you
couldn't take advantage of them all. Scratch cards. Four-of-a-kind-
of-the-day. Cash drawings. Etc. etc. etc. Those were the days!But those days are gone. The Frugal Gambler book is now a museum
piece, a curiosity, something that tells you how you used to be
able
to make GOBS of money---in 1997. Sort of like Thorp's "Beat the
Dealer".Nowadays, there are only a few places you can play FPDW, even less
to play fullpay Joker, and even virtually breakeven 10/7 DB is a
relatively rare bird. Stations and Fiestas all have some fullpay
machines, but they slash the comp rate on fullpay VP in half, so
that a full day's play will get you maybe one comped doughnut.
Palms
is the only place I can think of that has a decent inventory AND
pays full points for good VP (.25% comps). The El Cortez has had
some great promos in the past, and maybe is the only place where
quarter players get room offers these days.Another thing that doesn't exist any more (and you might as well
rip
out the section of Frugal that deals with this) is
the "discretionary comp", where a host writes you a dinner comp or
something based not on your actual play, but a subjective
evaluation
of how good of a customer you seem to be and how much you're
likely
to play (and lose). Casinos--especially locals' casinos--have been
VEHEMENT in their instructions to casino hosts that VP players are
NOT to be given discretionary comps.So, not to burst your bubble or anything, but it ain't the free
ride
it used to be out there any more. I suggest the Cortez for cheap
or
free rooms, and the Palms to accumulate food comps with an
excellent
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "jkw98038" <jkw98038@y...> wrote:
selection of VP. See the VPFree database for details on these two
properties.
<<First of all, you have to realize that virtually none of the
conditions that existed when Jean wrote her book exist today, and
virtually none of the things that she writes about doing, none of
the accomplishments, are possible today.>>
Please don't tell that to the scores, even hundreds, of people who are still doing it very successfully - locals who learn to use the bounce-back system and can still earn more comps than their waistline can take (whether they are discretionary or given as a point benefit), tourists who are still getting comped rooms and RFB, anyone who is willing to be flexible and to work hard.
My first book IS a bit dated in some specific facts, i.e., referring to casinos that no longer exist, etc. However, there is a new edition coming out in the next month or so and it is completely updated. The concepts in that book are still very useful for the beginner - at least that's what hundreds tell me. Then for those that want more advanced information, there is "More Frugal Gambling," where I do emphasize that it isn't as easy as it used to be - but it is still possible for the recreational player to gamble with an advantage if he studies and scrambles. And for many, learning even some of the concepts will at least cut their cost for a nice vacation, a desired and attainable goal for many players.
As for people who want to make their living playing in a casino, they have never been my target audience - not enough of them to make the struggle of writing worthwhile.
________________________________________
Jean $¢ott - Go to http://www.FrugalGambler.biz
for VP software and strategy cards and for the
Frugal series of books.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Thanks for all of your replies. I am in the process of reading "More
Frugal Gambling" and as a beginner, I really like your daughter's
inputs. I fall into the category of a tourist "willing to be flexible
and work hard"; I am certainly not interested in making a living in
LV. I like challenges, so I thought I would try learning VP strategy
and see where it takes me.
Thanks again!
<<First of all, you have to realize that virtually none of the
conditions that existed when Jean wrote her book exist today, and
virtually none of the things that she writes about doing, none of
the accomplishments, are possible today.>>Please don't tell that to the scores, even hundreds, of people who
are still doing it very successfully - locals who learn to use the
bounce-back system and can still earn more comps than their waistline
can take (whether they are discretionary or given as a point benefit),
tourists who are still getting comped rooms and RFB, anyone who is
willing to be flexible and to work hard.
My first book IS a bit dated in some specific facts, i.e., referring
to casinos that no longer exist, etc. However, there is a new edition
coming out in the next month or so and it is completely updated. The
concepts in that book are still very useful for the beginner - at
least that's what hundreds tell me. Then for those that want more
advanced information, there is "More Frugal Gambling," where I do
emphasize that it isn't as easy as it used to be - but it is still
possible for the recreational player to gamble with an advantage if he
studies and scrambles. And for many, learning even some of the
concepts will at least cut their cost for a nice vacation, a desired
and attainable goal for many players.
As for people who want to make their living playing in a casino,
they have never been my target audience - not enough of them to make
the struggle of writing worthwhile.
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Jean Scott" <QueenofComps@f...> wrote:
________________________________________
Jean $¢ott - Go to http://www.FrugalGambler.biz
for VP software and strategy cards and for the
Frugal series of books.[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
As a fairly new VP player I would like to thank Jean Scott, since
after I saw an ad for her book, I picked it up and did some research
on the internet. After joining LVA, buying ACG and using information
from various Web sources (including VPFree,) I have made seven trips
since May 2003. Just by using a few coupons and playing VP, I have
spent a total of $200. This figure does not include airfare and car
rentals, but does include all rooms and food while on vacation and
also all gambling wins/losses.
So for someone who wasn't well versed before in getting comps other
than drinks, I am now getting much more for my money spent. I never
would have paid to stay more than once at The Venetian, but now I get
offers all the time for tournaments and free rooms. I usually always
have an offer for free rooms every month from one casino or another.
While some of the information may be dated and comps seem to be
getting harder to come by at some casinos, the basic information
still holds true for the average tourist, and can be used to enhance
one's vacation. I think it's a pretty good deal since I'm mainly a
quarter player except at the V when I play dollars. Also, by doing
all of this, it has become quite a hobby for me and provided much
entertainment and new experiences. I would never had visited many
casinos in the outlying areas if I hadn't done all of the research.
And they do get my repeat business quite frequently.
Thanks Jean!
<<First of all, you have to realize that virtually none of the
conditions that existed when Jean wrote her book exist today, and
virtually none of the things that she writes about doing, none of
the accomplishments, are possible today.>>Please don't tell that to the scores, even hundreds, of people who
are still doing it very successfully - locals who learn to use the
bounce-back system and can still earn more comps than their waistline
can take (whether they are discretionary or given as a point
benefit), tourists who are still getting comped rooms and RFB, anyone
who is willing to be flexible and to work hard.
My first book IS a bit dated in some specific facts, i.e.,
referring to casinos that no longer exist, etc. However, there is a
new edition coming out in the next month or so and it is completely
updated. The concepts in that book are still very useful for the
beginner - at least that's what hundreds tell me. Then for those
that want more advanced information, there is "More Frugal Gambling,"
where I do emphasize that it isn't as easy as it used to be - but it
is still possible for the recreational player to gamble with an
advantage if he studies and scrambles. And for many, learning even
some of the concepts will at least cut their cost for a nice
vacation, a desired and attainable goal for many players.
As for people who want to make their living playing in a casino,
they have never been my target audience - not enough of them to make
the struggle of writing worthwhile.
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Jean Scott" <QueenofComps@f...> wrote:
________________________________________
Jean $¢ott - Go to http://www.FrugalGambler.biz
for VP software and strategy cards and for the
Frugal series of books.[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]