Everyone should get players cards when they are gambling. Whether you are a low or high roller you will most likely get something out of it. I do frequent Las Vegas 3-4 times a year and I spend most of my time on $5 craps tables. Despite our low stakes gambling my friends and I have gotten comped rooms. Some casinos are just stingier than others (cough MGM). One that has given us good deals in the past is The Orleans. We didn’t gamble a lot there or do anything out of the ordinary but got free room offers in the mail. Another place that is willing to comp a red chip player is El Cortez. I wouldn’t describe either place as luxurious, but they fit my gambling style. So don’t despair, it is possible to get a free room without selling your car to play high stakes blackjack. Just try to get the low hanging fruit.
One tip that can help you get better offers is to gamble some locally. I know that one of my friends plays occasionally at a Total Rewards casino in his neck of the woods and his offers have gotten better dramatically. While in Vegas the pit boss often doesn’t care to rate me, but in a local joint they are much more likely to rate me and be friendly. At my favorite local casino the craps dealers make it a point to try to learn everyone’s name at the table. So if possible make a splash in your local pond before you go to the ocean of gambling that is Las Vegas.
When I first got a players card at a high end casino it seemed like a waste of time. The high end casinos often don’t have any tables for less than $15 and I am not a green chip player. Despite that I have got some decent offers from these places. These casinos do treat slot players well and an afternoon of slot play did net me a free buffet at The Wynn. It’s a good idea to just get on their radar and see if anything comes your way. That being said, the casinos always win in the long run, and they will only win more if you chase players card benefits. So don’t forget that you play for fun, but play smart and maybe you will get a comp explosion!
DiceRunner is definitely right about gambling locally on your players card. They rate me for a lot lower play than the Las Vegas casinos require. It also keeps your points active and offers can translate to Vegas.