hosts

[flyingwind]

Well, I finally got the tap. No, not that one. The other one. A host has been assigned to me. I am nervous about using a host though. I'd feel like I was under a microscope all the time. I've seen some of the debates before about using hosts or not. I'm leaning towards using the host. Any pitfalls to watch out for? Words of advice?

If I decide not to use this host, will my play be scrutinized more than if I use the host?

 

[Gamblor]

From my experience, absolutely not.

 

[Dyepaintball12]

Not in a "heat" sort of way, but they will be watching your play if you had them hook up comps for you.

Like if you have them arrange a suite and limo and a show and then you stiff them, you may not have a host much longer.

So if you are spreading big one trip but next trip play 10 hours but are never able to raise your bet that high, the Host is gunna be pissed that you didn't throw down big action.

 

[flyingwind]

So if you are spreading big one trip but next trip play 10 hours but are never able to raise your bet that high, the Host is gunna be pissed that you didn't throw down big action.

It's just a different kind of heat.

Any host ever pause in shock when they looked up your info in the computer... because a big red flag popped up on the screen that said, you're looking at an A-P?

 

[flyingwind]

I was a little shocked that the host knew more about me than I had told them. I wonder if they did a background check. Either I'm paranoid, this is standard practice for them to profile someone, or both.

 

[Richard Munchkin]

The debate is not whether to use a host or not, it is whether to use a players card. Once you start using a players card the casino knows everything about you so you might as well use a host. Host can get you more in comps than you can get without them. Some hosts have been known to accept gifts now and then which may increase your comp values even more.

 

[Dyepaintball12]

The debate is not whether to use a host or not, it is whether to use a players card. Once you start using a players card the casino knows everything about you so you might as well use a host. Host can get you more in comps than you can get without them. Some hosts have been known to accept gifts now and then which may increase your comp values even more.

Yeah, no, most hosts will not deal with you if you don't play rated.

 

[Gamblor]

I was a little shocked that the host knew more about me than I had told them. I wonder if they did a background check. Either I'm paranoid, this is standard practice for them to profile someone, or both.

I think you are being a bit paranoid. I see no detriments in having a host. In fact, it might be something of a benefit in slight cover - "oh this guy is buddies with the host, can't be a threat".

 

[21forme]

I avoid hosts (and player's cards). The less attention to you, the better.

 

[tthree]

I avoid hosts (and player's cards). The less attention to you, the better.

Playing big without a card draws immediate attention. They want to know why you are turning down valuable comps. The most likely reason is you are an AP.

 

[Dyepaintball12]

Playing big without a card draws immediate attention. They want to know why you are turning down valuable comps. The most likely reason is you are an AP.

Agreed. I had that happen in Vegas and they did NOT like it. 2 different hosts and 2 pit bosses asked me if I wanted a card and they kept trying and trying.

 

[flyingwind]

Agreed. I had that happen in Vegas and they did NOT like it. 2 different hosts and 2 pit bosses asked me if I wanted a card and they kept trying and trying.

Varies by location, but it seems like the magic number is buying in for 2 or more purples. Do it with a card, no problem. Do it without a card, problem. More attention than I care for.

 

[jaygruden]

Agreed. I had that happen in Vegas and they did NOT like it. 2 different hosts and 2 pit bosses asked me if I wanted a card and they kept trying and trying.

I tell them that I can't take the chance of having mail/promos sent to my house bc my wife doesn't know what I'm doing. This fits nicely with the degenerate gambler image.

 

[Polarbearsolvent]

I think, as with many things in our field, that your answer depends a lot on your circumstances. Act, what you are doing, local heat conditions, etc should all be a factor in the decision to play anon or not. Just be careful about remembering who knows you. I had a very awkward moment at a store where I was playing unrated (got some nasty heat there before) and a new pit boss comes on who knows me by name >.>

Also, find out information about your host if you can, specifically how they are compensated. I think it was discussed in Rubin's book, but a host that is evaluated by the action of their players (win or loose) could be a useful ally if you are careful.

 

[PonyPrincess]

I tell them that I can't take the chance of having mail/promos sent to my house bc my wife doesn't know what I'm doing. This fits nicely with the degenerate gambler image.

Haha, this is great. Anything that makes you look like a greasy, degen is good in my opinion.

 

[Richard Munchkin]

Next week we are going to have Steve Cyr on our show. He bills himself as the Super Host and is the subject of the book, Whale Hunt in the Desert. If there is anything you want me to ask him just let me know.

 

[rondoman]

Man I am just so new to this stuff.

What exactly is a host? What do they do?

Thanks guys.

 

[bigplayer]

Well, I finally got the tap. No, not that one. The other one. A host has been assigned to me. I am nervous about using a host though. I'd feel like I was under a microscope all the time. I've seen some of the debates before about using hosts or not. I'm leaning towards using the host. Any pitfalls to watch out for? Words of advice?

If I decide not to use this host, will my play be scrutinized more than if I use the host?

Do it all via telephone and e-mail. Knowing a host face to face for a BJ player is bad bad bad. Hosts are sales people, they tend to move around a lot and you don't want a host moving from one casino where you are known as Mr Y to another casino where you are known as Mr. Z. If you want your charges comped call from your hotel room the morning of check-out and get them to take care of it...arrange future stays by e-mail.

Sometimes meeting a host is unavoidable...for example they may find you playing at the blackjack table. In that case there isn't much you can do but minimize future contact and hope that eventually that host won't remember exactly what you look like if they move to another store.

Regarding comps, if you are heavy comp user it will bring your name up for evaluation...especially if you are over comped and winning. By all means take advantage of RFB and other offers but don't push them too hard...it could result in an adverse reaction from the casino.

 

[Brock Windsor]

Playing big without a card draws immediate attention. They want to know why you are turning down valuable comps. The most likely reason is you are an AP.

Not true. Each suit will come up with their own reason why you wish to play unrated, that you are an AP is far from the most likely. Here are my top 10 most likely reasons a suit would come up with for why a big player would play unrated:
10. "It is probably drug money".
9. "If he bets that much he doesn't care about a free buffet."
8. "Anyone playing that kind of money wouldn't stay in our hotels."
7. "He's probably paranoid about identity theft"
6. "He's likely on the self exclusion list"
5. "I guess he hates getting our junk mailers."
4. "Maybe he's someone famous"
3." He must be travelling through from out of town."
2." He doesn't want to be bothered while he's playing..."

And the number one reason a suit will come up with for why a big player is playing unrated: " Who cares, this job sucks, how long til my shift's over?"

 

[flyingwind]

Not bad Mr Letterman. I had no idea David was an AP.