This is the last installment of a three part series on comps. Why do you need a casino host? A host is really only important if you want to maximize your comps. For some people this can amount to hundreds of dollars, and for others it could mean thousands of dollars a year.

Hosts can give you discretionary comp's (more on this a little later), hook you up with a better room, limo rides and reservations (for just about anything). Hosts can secure you a seat in a tournament and some hosts have parties and tournaments exclusively for their clients.

Elton John at Caesars Palace Coliseum

But most importantly a host can help you understand the comp policy at their property. Lets say you want tickets to see Elton John, your host can get these for you but if you don't have enough play they can tell you how much longer or at what level you need to play at to get the comp.

Meeting a casino host is easy. Most hotels have hosts names and profiles online or you can call and ask to speak to a host or ask for a host while you are in the casino. Many casinos have hosts who are from Hawaii or sensitive to the nuances of folks from Hawaii if this is important to you be sure to mention it.

My best advice is to check out the casino website then call a host and ask about their comp policies, tell them what machines or games you play. Now you know a host and have not asked for anything. Hosts are people, people and most become lifelong friends of their clients.

After you've chosen your travel dates contact the host again and ask if they can assist you with reservations; airport pick up, etc. Remember this is not free but services extended to you in exchange for giving the casino a shot at your bankroll.

Becky Meldrum & local girl Sarah Harding Traverso from KA! 

The best way to ask for a comp? Ask the host "if you qualify for whatever comp you want". This way you don't put your host on the spot by asking "Can I get comps to KA!? Most hosts will give you the comp if you are on the bubble (this is known as a discretionary comp) The most frequently asked question in Vegas... "Do I qualify for a buffet comp"?

Pit Bosses are also a good source for comp's, they can set up late check out, freebies at the buffet and restaurant and the all important line pass, sometimes these don't get counted towards your total.

The Fountains at Bellagio

This technique is effective when you are visiting a casino but staying in another hotel. For example if you are staying at the Bellagio but playing at the Wynn after a few hours of play ask the pit boss if you qualify for a buffet comp (make sure he knows where you are staying). This works well if the hotel you are staying in is at the same level or slightly above or below the hotel you are playing in. The Wynn is not likely to comp a Frontier visitor unless you've been betting blacks for a few hours.

If you need help meeting a host I'd be happy to introduce you, mailto:Kimo@KimosVegas.com?subject=Feedback from AroundHawaii.com from AroundHawaii.com there are a few who are from Hawaii and others who are familiar with Kama'ainas.

I have gotten a lot of questions recently about slot machines; join us next month when we reveal the "Secrets of Slot Machines" here on Oceanic Time Warner's Around Hawaii!

For the latest Vegas news and more Kimo's Vegas visit us at www.KimosVegas.com.

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