Believe it or not, at one time all the casino completely ignored slot players. They issued "comps" (complimentary hotel rooms, meals, drinks, etc.) freely to players in the pit, but almost never to slot players. Today, however, casinos realize so much revenue from slots that they actually court players. One of the ways they do this is through comps. This is good news for the video poker player because comps increase a game's overall payback as well as your enjoyment. You can increase your edge by joining every slot club you can find and accepting the free drinks, plus the bonuses that some casinos add to a jackpot.
Slot clubs typically return around .05% to .5% of your total wagers, but at least three casino dealers offer up to .67% in cash (plus comps), and at least two pay 1 % or more on reel slots, adding this amount to your payback. Any of these may occasionally be increased by double or triple point’s promotions. For the best information on slot clubs, I recommend Charles Lund's Las Vegas Slot Clubs on the RGE website.
Slot Clubs
If you think that it's not worthwhile joining some slot clubs because their rebate values are so small, think again. When I first started playing, I passed up some slot clubs because the rebate was less than one tenth of one percent and the rewards came in food comps only. Then a friend showed me the coupons he had received in the mail shortly after joining one of those clubs and playing only a couple rolls of quarters. His mailer included: an ace for the first card in blackjack for up to a $10 bet; three $5 match plays, food "twofers" and a coupon for a weekend stay at less than half the regular room rate. After that, I made it a point to join the slot club at every casino I visit and play at least a couple rolls of quarters even if the best game offered is ordinary Jacks-or-Better.
As far as most local gambler are concerned the best slot clubs pay a cash rebate, but of course they're not very interested in the discounted room rates. If you're from out of town, then room comps can be very valuable to you. Select whatever type of benefits is most important to you, but don't let the slot club alone determine where you play. It's usually much more important that they have high paying games of the kind you like.
Casinos Advertisement of Slot Clubs
Casinos advertise their slot clubs in various ways, each trying to make it sound as if theirs is the best with ads such as "Our points are worth twice as much," Twice as much as what? They don't say. Neither do they say how much action it takes for each point, so you'll probably have to figure it out for yourself. Here's how.
First, you need to know how much play the casino requires for each point and how many points you have to earn for each dollar rebate, In some cases, this information is given in the club's brochure, If not, you'll have to ask, but a few casinos still have what Jeffrey Compton calls a "Don't ask, won't tell" policy. In such a case, your only reliable source of information may be the experience of a knowledgeable player.
Believe it or not, at one time all the 