I enjoyed this Dancer column quite a bit. It hit home with several
trains of thought I've had over the last few weeks about maximizing
the value in a casino relationship.
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But, ultimately, the most accurate knowedge (and the knowledge that is
most applicable to your personal play circumstances) is ideally
sourced from the casino itself.
Now, we all pretty much expect that a player who presents an annual
value in the 10's of thousands of dollars each year will pretty much
find the casino on his doorstep, anxiously doing anything it can to
retain him/her as a client. But the far more modest player (say, one
with a theo of only a couple thou or so) is typically at a loss here.
No one comes knocking on their door.
It's not uncommon to see a player who presents a significant theo
profit to a casino to foresake the services of a host altogether,
sometimes finding that general marketing services greet his calls with
greater enthusiasm.
That's particularly true if they've happened upon, at some point, what
I refer to as a "comp kiosk on legs" -- a functionary who offers
themselves up as little more than a reservation agent. These
misguided souls do both the player and the casino a disservice -- and
an intelligent casino would penalize this behavior.
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I stress to others that a good host is their strongest ally in the
casino -- and, if they're frustrated with a host, that they (as I
believe Jean Scott refers to it) "fire" their host and seek out
recommendations from other players for a more attentive one.
If you haven't tuned out of this post yet, I'll warn you that I'm in a
mood to toss out a number of thoughts on this topic that I hope will
provide at least a couple of useful nuggests for some players.
Most players tend to value a host in terms of what they extend to
them. While fraught with frustration, I place as much value on what
they can't offer -- provided that they're forthcoming with where my
play falls short in qualification. That's information I can use in
deciding whether there's value in modifying my play patterns to obtain
perks that I value.
This is info of a type that isn't going to spill out of a host's mouth
upon first introduction. Frankly, most players overvalue their play
and expect (demand!) far more than their play value warrants. A host
can quickly find themselves on the defensive and those who initially
are forthcoming with info can find it subsequently used as a noose by
a disgruntled player.
What I'm suggesting here is that a player's relationship with a host
is best strategized (I'm not advising manipulative behavior, though,
since that wears thin quickly). A good host will respond to a
player's efforts to get the max for their play and take pleasure when
they're helpful -- not just in being an effective gatekeeper.
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This is a benefit that can be enjoyed by any player who qualifies for
host attention at a casino, even if that qualification is relatively
nominal. But it's clear that the necessary element here is seeking
out a good host and not simply relying upon the luck of the draw.
This can be a tricky thing.
The best approach is to keep your ear to the ground and ask out
recommendations of the players that you consider reliable sources of
info -- this works best if you approach play as a social function,
getting to know the regulars you see during visits, not to mention
using these groups as a networking tool. In time you can weigh the
feedback and get a sense of who's good and who's mediocre.
It doesn't pay to approach a new prospective host cold. You could be
simply someone's who's difficult to please and no host is anxious to
take on someone like that. Establish a rapport with another of that
host's clients and ultimately seek out a genuine referral.
Some casinos place obstacles to this, however. In a seeming effort to
buffer their poorest hosts, they don't permit a player to change hosts
once one is assigned. I know some players who've circumvented this by
pitching a fit to a VP. I'd consider this a last resort.
One alternative that I favor in such a case is to establish an
informal relationship with a second host through the means suggested.
They don't act as your host; your assigned host still gets credit for
all your play activity. But, as a courtesy to the referring player
they value, they'll take you under their wing and advise you on how to
get the best value.
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Listen, no doubt a paint a rosy picture of the potential in a host
relationship. I'd suggest at least half of hosts don't really get
what they're job is about, many so enamoured by the alure of catering
to big players that they neglect the bread and butter players.
But the best hosts are to kill for! They can enrich your play in ways
that make a casino an unlikely ally -- a win-win situation. This
isn't to be found in all casinos, but you don't have a shot if you
don't make an effort. And, if you find that there's not a satisfying
host relationship to be found, perhaps it's time to consider
alternative play venues.
- Harry
