7a. Pesky Hosts?
Date: Tue Jan 8, 2008 10:13 am ((PST))I was playing in high limit recently at a $5 machine.
I hit a few small taxables, nothing humongous, but it isn't hard to
go over $1200 if you play at the $5 level. Any four-of-a-kind in many
games, as you know, will pay $1250.At least TWICE during the course of my play I had two different hosts
approach me. My card was inserted in the machine, so all play was
being tracked. I am aware that staff sometimes "roams" the casino
looking for players not using a card (perhaps not signed up with the
slot club). This obviously was not the situation in my case.So, I'm wondering what exactly "signaled" those two hosts to drop
whatever else they were doing and come over and chat. Does a high
limit staffer pick up the phone and call them? Does the event of a
taxable jackpot alert hosts?Both ladies, though not my host, addressed me by my name as they
walked up.So, my question is this: How did they know?
How they knew is easy - any number of ways -- (1) your card is in the machine and the computer can tell anyone with access to it who is playing what machine, or (2) someone who issued you one of your W2Gs decided to gossip for whatever reason -- even though they probably are not supposed to -- eg, "the guy on machine number xxx sure is cute" or "sure smells funny" or "has his pants unzipped" - something that might make them curious to come around -- or they may have had a legitimate reason for visiting, like "keep this player happy, he's spending mucho $$".
First time I played VP at the $5 level was at Treasure Island (long ago, 2/3% cash-back days) and I was not enjoying my first experience at that level, not having previously experienced the cash vacuum that a bad run of $5 VP can be. While I was busy losing, a host came up to me and introduced herself, saying she would need to get me in the database and make sure I got my room comped, etc. (I didn't yet have a host and was recently barred for counting cards at blackjack, so wasn't asking for anything).
She said it would take about 15 minutes. I said fine, but I don't know if I can last another 15 minutes the way things are going. While she was punching her computer keys, I hit a royal. Of course, she came over, along with everyone else, and then they had to have a tech check the machine (they said it was routine on big payouts) and do a bunch of other stuff. I was new to the game and using a strategy card, and was afraid they'd roll the tapes, see my card, and refuse to pay me. I was so shook up that when they finally did pay me, I forgot to tip anyone, about which I felt a little guilty ever since -- and since I didn't know the personnel, didn't know who to go back and give some $$ to.
Anyway, the point is, they can be checking on you for any number of reasons - from reasons you might not like, to reasons such as making sure you're happy / comfortable and know that they recognize you as an important player. You never know exactly why you get the attention, in my opinion.
--BG
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