Newbie needs help

[Moosehaven]

Hi there,

Just found this site, and would like to ask for some help/advice.

I was recently approached by a host at my local (tribal) casino!  I've never had a host before, and am really unsure of what to do.  Do I ask for stuff outright?  (That feels weird)  Do I tip them at the end of the year? (If so, how much?)  Just go with the flow and see what happens?  So far, I've gotten tickets to a baseball game (Go Mariners!), but other than that, my host doesn't seem to eager to respond to the couple of emails I've sent.  I know she's busy with a lot of other players, so I'm wondering if any one here has any experience with hosts at local casinos, and can give me some advice as to what to expect.

Thanks!

-Moosehaven

[Bob B]

Moose,

Welcome to the site. Can't help much on the local front but from what I've experienced and heard, hosts are not the most efficient folks at responding to emails. Phone contact, for me, works much better. Also, the general rule of thumb is - if you don't ask, you don't get. I'm sure others will weigh in with, hopefully, more relevant information for you.

[Voice of Reason]

Bob's right, use the phone.  I'm still waiting for Courtney and Ipo to reply to my emails.

Being very specific about your interests is helpful in allowing the host to determine what can be done for you.  Think your conversation out before you make the call.

[Moosehaven]

Thank you Bob B and Voice of Reason.    Appreciate the help.

[knagl]

I'm still waiting for Courtney and Ipo to reply to my emails.

You too, huh? 

What the guys said above is right. Ask for whatever you want (show tickets, food comps, hotel comps, etc.).  You don't have much to lose -- worst case they'll say no.

You can make it less awkward by phrasing your requests as, "Have I played enough to get a comp for two of us for the steakhouse?"

You can give your host a gift if you'd like (although I'd hold off until they've actually done stuff for you or gotten you comps above and beyond what you're expecting). Do not give them cash.

[Moosehaven]

Thank you!  I like the advice about phrasing as well as the earlier advice about thinking the conversation through before I contact the host.  Hadn't thought of either of those things.  Glad I found this site. 

[knagl]

Glad to have you here. Welcome, and we look forward to having you join in the conversations here.