Earning comps when playing blackjack isn’t as simple as you might think. Not only is there a human element to tracking your play but casino operators reward blackjack players differently than other games. In order to earn any rewards, you have to enroll in the casino players club. High rollers might be able to speak directly with a host and have everything sorted. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll look at the 95% of casino guests who aren’t in the highest tier of a players club.
The majority of gamblers are entry level loyalty club members. There isn’t much public information available since casino operators typically keep players club membership information to themselves. Over the years I’ve seen reports that state anywhere from 50%-70% of customers never leave the entry level of a players club. Those reports also show that 2%-5% reach the top level of casino players clubs.
Rules and promotions change fairly often for casino players clubs. A rule today might not be the same in a few months. Having said that, here are some tips that should alo maximize your casino comps when playing blackjack:
1. Make Sure You Enroll In The Casino Players Club
This sounds simple but the easiest way to maximize your blackjack play is to be enrolled in the casino players club and use it. Just place your players club card with your buy-in on the table for the dealer when you sit down. Players club reward points are given based on an algorithm that takes the buy-in, wager amount, and time played into account.
If you forget your players club just present a legal identification like a driver’s license. The pit boss can use that to sign you in for play. Some casinos can even print a new card for you right in the pit so you don’t have to go elsewhere for a new card.
2. Find Out If The Casino Rewards Blackjack Players With Points
Casino operators have different policies on how the reward table games players. Some will reward points for any wager, regardless of the amount. Some casino operators require a minimum wager (often $25) for a player to be rated. There are some casino operators that don’t offer players club points for any blackjack or table game play.
Every casino operator treats their loyalty club differently. The rules are usually detailed in the players club rules. You can usually find the information on the casino website. If you forget to check before visiting the casino just ask a dealer, pit boss or players club staff.
3. Play The Game With The Best Rules
The best blackjack games can have a minuscule house edge if you play with perfect basic strategy. If you can count cards you may even be able to give yourself an advantage.
Not only do you increase your chance of making money by playing good blackjack games but you can also play longer. The lower the house edge is, the longer your bankroll should last. Since you are rewarded based on time played the best blackjack rules should reward the player more.
For example, Caesars’ Total Rewards players might want to shop around for the best blackjack games among their group of Las Vegas casinos. The Cromwell now offers affordable 3:2 blackjack (under $25) and a host of other good gambling options. Meanwhile, Caesars Palace is just across the street and has plenty of atrocious 6:5 blackjack games.
4. Time Is Money And Rewards
Playing blackjack games with a low house edge is just one way to extend your gambling time. Blackjack players are resourceful and look for other ways to increase their time in the game. A few slow visits to the restroom is one way to add a time to a session of blackjack. Phone calls aren’t allowed at the tables so you’ll have to step away from the game. This can also add a few more minutes to a session.
These are just a couple of sly examples. There are more ways to slow down play to extend a blackjack session. Experienced pit bosses and dealers see these tricks often so don’t get too aggressive with any tactic. However, adding a few extra minutes can certainly increase the time allotted for a session and add a few players club points.
5. Make Sure You Were Rated
Unlike machines games, the table games are monitored, in part, by eye. This isn’t the most accurate system for tracking players. If your vary bet sizes this can be almost impossible for a pit boss to track. When you complete a session just ask the pit boss for your rating. They have access to time and average wager. They’re not always accurate so it doesn’t hurt to double check. Many players lose reward points by being rated below what they spend.
