Use your players card to charge things to your room and pay that way. You can accumulate points. You even accrue new points on your resort credit purchases.
@@jimmyd6740 We started one before it was cool about 3 years ago and just couldn't keep up with the bigger bets that seemed to be needed to grow. Plus this gave us some downtime from filming to decompress between recording meals which is truly what we enjoyed doing for videos
I suggest you try Atlantic City. You can get in your gambling and comp rooms at a fraction of what you are spending. Everything is a lot cheaper so you do not have to raise your bets or put more coin in. See my post below for more details.
The key here is tracking every dollar on a spreadsheet and that's what you guys do. I hang around a lot of gamblers and also see a lot of slot youtubers who claim this or that but they don't track everything. Slot youtubers, we won't mention names, mostly post their winning sessions and only occasionally, mention a loss giving the appearance of being a winning player. Thanks for sharing on youtube the true results of gambling over several years. This is what most people's spreadsheets would look like if they are honest about their gambling.
After 20 years of Vegasing, I've tapped out. I was a status player @ Caesar's Wynn, Venetian. MGM I simply didn't care for. My Caesar's free play went from $1200+ each trip to a fourth of that, even though I still had the same coin in coin out. Wynn and Venetian,same. I love going to Vegas, but I don't have to go to Vegas. Corporate greed from them all. Oh well it was a blast, until it wasn't 😢
@@dansmithbyu1784 Can I likely get better odds at a small locals spot - yes. Do I want to travel to Las Vegas to stay and play at a small off strip joint - no
Love your honesty and transparency! My wife and I did seven trips to Vegas in 2022-2024 to the Cosmopolitan on comps. We never won one time while gambling, but had a blast. The casinos and sports books are out of control with their house edge these days.
@@JoshRachael we are officially done with Vegas for now. The death of the never ending identity rewards offers help us stay away. We ended up being right below MGM gold after the transfer and all of our offer emails were for rooms at an "exclusive rate". I used to get very excited getting a new Cosmopolitan offer email and the MGM exclusive rate emails (plus a resort fee) felt like a slap in the face. Seeing your video gives me hope that we will see a market correction in Vegas at some point. I hope people reject the new 5 to 6 blackjack, triple zero roulette, lower odds on craps, tight slots and astronomical minimum bets. If people are not playing, MGM and Caesars will be forced to change course. If people continue to go we will see quadruple zero roulette within 10 years.
Nice to see you Josh and Rachel! I am a disabiled Canadian. I gamble VERY little at MGM, but they give me 4 days (which I took advantage of twice). I am The Shamus Of Slots , but I prefer to play at different properties and where ever they have the latest games. Yes -- I just go during the week! I got Luxore or Excaliber -- and I need to pay the resort fee! So $200 to stay and they also give some free play and food comps. Last time I went to Smith's Grocery Sore -- and they was wonderful! Very useful video folks. I subscribed! I have been writing on the internet for 25 years -- and on TH-cam for 15 years! Take care Josh and Rachel! I hope we keep in touch!
When I first started going to Nevada, I remember $5 dollar slots had as high as 98% and .25 was 95%. My wife and I always play on a single players card to reach a higher tier for that player, then switch to other player. Excellent explanation of comps.
@ Yeah, that was in the ‘80s & ‘90s. You mentioned returns in low 90%, I’ve seen a couple of TH-cams where returns are reported 85%. The state used to report returns on all denominations and all areas in Nevada, haven’t seen one in some time.
Happy Saturday peeps ! Lots of great info and breakdown explanations. I primarily stay with MGM resorts as they continue to give me really good comps . I only stay Sunday through Thursdays . My comps showing for 2025 are still high. Next trip is in May in a remodeled Bellagio suite at Bellagio for 4 comped nights ..no resort fee .. $375 in free play and a $200 food credit . The best news is since I had a hand pay win on both Vegas stays in 2024 for the first time ever my win loss statement was in the positive so I actually made money . Fingers crossed my luck continues but I’m sure the fates and casino bosses are already gunning for me lol 😎😎😎
I wish we could take advantage of the Sunday through Thursday offers, it just doesn't work for us with all the other trips we take. that is some good freeplay and resort credit that you are getting. No handpays for us this past year is pretty crazy with the amount of coin in
Great tips for newcomers to Vegas! Wish we had a video like this when we first started visiting! We focus on one company to gamble with on the strip and one downtown. Our comps have been getting better each year but our coin-in keeps going up with the longer stays! Spent 31 nights in Vegas in 2024! 8 more coming up in March! Cheers!
We have been going once or twice a year since our honeymoon in 1982. The past few years we have noticed it is getting tighter and tighter. Being spreadsheet people this was quite interesting. We love watching your channel
This video is a gold mine-thanks for sharing! I just wanted to share my experience as a low roller. We’ve consistently received comps at Luxor and Excalibur (4 nights straight), as well as NYNY and Mandalay Bay (2 nights). For 2024, my coin-in was $4K, and my coin-out was $4.5K. Before Cosmopolitan merged with MGM, they gave us 12 days of free rooms. However, since the merger, we haven’t received any comps. This year, I’m considering switching to Caesars Rewards, as we’ve already stayed at almost all MGM hotels except for Bellagio, Aria, and Vdara. For reference, my average bet is $25 per hand, and I exclusively play blackjack.
That’s really interesting! I’m curious to see how Caesars Rewards works out for you. We have been able to get offers for rooms at their lower end properties with just some simple level of play
Excellent and informative video guys! Being transparent is very important and you guys hit the nail on the head with everything in this. We do almost all of the same things as you and the one thing we have said for the past few years as well is our gambling has gone up and the comps have been coming down. One other big thing you mentioned is you can play at a few casinos but you have to throw the majority of your money at one spot (MGM, Caesars, Wynn) etc if you want to maximize value on comps. Anyway I could talk forever on this stuff but this should be watched by anyone that visits Vegas a few times a year.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Last year i took advantage of the cosmopolitan glitch and had my whole 15 days stay comped in suites in Cosmo and NoMad + $2500 Freeplay and $2000 resort credits. This year, i should get a 16 comped suites nights stay (cosmo, luxor and Aria ) but "only" $650 Freeplay and $1200 resort credits... pretty sure this will be the last time I can do that...but the slots machine feels tighter and tighter....
I had a similar trend as you - bigger losses in 2024 from MGM gambling and lower comps, although I was still happy with my comps of big discounts on rooms during March Madness and good comps on another trip in October. Yeah, 84% is definitely disappointing for slots - I am mostly a blackjack player but still have some moderate coin in to break up my table sessions. I'll be back in April and got about 70% off rooms for six nights, so hopefully I'll have better luck, and good luck to you as well. I always appreciate these yearly updates, as you get to see what others are doing, as you have a lot more coin in than me! Good luck in 2025!
This was one of the better vlogs so far in 2025. Thanks for your honesty. As a Platinum at MGM, my losses were about $68,738.00, yet, when you speak to a casino host, they have NO problem telling you that you’re “OVERCOMPED” and it is infuriating! Also, MGM is quick to reduce free play if your last trip had a decrease in coin in(or actual $ in). I’m booking every month with my new offers at increased comps because I know they’d go allot lower after my first trip in a few weeks. There was one vlog where a lady interviewed a “host” and went over the “Theo”(Theoretical win). My comps have gone way down. Used to hit hit all high statuses at Caesar’s, Venetian/Palazzo, and MGM and now I’m only at MGM. Josh, do you consider your airfare and transportation to/from casino as a “sunk” cost?
That’s the brutal reality of the casino business! We have seen that video with the host interview. What I hated about it was the talk of hours played which almost makes gambling in Vegas for comped offers a job sunk cost is a good way to put it. I don’t really think of it as part of the gambling expense since Las Vegas for us now is more about restaurants, experiences and entertainment than just gambling
@ Well said. This vlog arguably is right up there for overall best video. Thanks again for your honesty. Also, I had a “host” at Venetian/Palazzo who told me that for a 3 day hotel “comp”, they expect no less than 8 hours a day of slot “pull” and that does NOT include “break” time. You’ll be bankrupt for a hotel room in a year!
@wallstreettovegas absolutely great to have a strategy. I know its not for everyone but I think its so important to understand that "comps" are not free. They add a heck of a lot of value but you cant just walk in and expect free stuff. Vegas wasn't built on winners. Videos like this add context to what we do, real big fan. Thanks for thinking of me Casey 😀😀
Outstanding video and totally feel ya on the tough stretch. Got kicked in the 🎾 the last 3 trips and less comps even with more money spent. Vegas has definitely changed and seems out of touch with the middle class. Still love it and the vibe but common-sense says spend the money somewhere else.
Thanks for making this type of video. I am always curious about stuff like this. I hope this year goes better for you and you come out ahead at the end of the year.
Thanks for the video. I’m always intrigued how much people bring to Vegas. We’ve been going multiple times per year for the last 10 years and the comps have definitely gone down. I will say, playing table games will really save your bankroll. I never played slots until the last two years or so and the only time we’ve ever come home losing all our gambling money was when I played slots. Coincidence? 🤷🏻♀️ Also, we almost never gamble on the strip anymore, we go to the local casinos. We still get free rooms at MGM properties during most weeks Sun-Thurs so will sleep there but leave to gamble. Also, Fontainebleau has sent me huge comps offers that MGM hasn’t sent me in years, so I think we also will focus our gambling at that property too.
Thank you for sharing. What local casinos are you playing at? For us it is hard to get Sunday - Thursday comps. We basically need weekend offers due to work schedules. Thats likely to be our issue with Wynn and Fontainebleau in 2025 but do have one mare trip to FB from Rachaels offer match last year so we will see
@@JoshRachaelWe like to play live craps and single zero roulette so we go to Ellis Island, Jerry’s Nugget, Golden Valley Ranch, Plaza, El Cortez, The Cal (my husband is Hawaiian), even Palms has pretty good comp offers monthly, M resort, lol we’ve been to them all though. Love Vegas ❤
Excellent breakdown that really tells a story! Going to have to include some of your stats into something I keep that is similar and see what it says! Now I have homework!
What a great breakdown! you don't have to stop going to vegas, either go downtown, or move off the strip.. if you have that same action at stations casinos, they will hook you up.. then you will be in parts of town to take advantage of the great restaurants that don't charge strip prices..
@@JoshRachael yea, ive seen the gaming charts and while that is useful it is over millions if not billions of spins.. each gaming session is its own thing.. but im sure they are much better on the back end than the strip is these days. The other thing again is more work but you could target your play on multiplier events. the other place i will promote is the palms.. the action you showed would get rewarded very well at the palms and while small its a nice property that gets you into chinatown, lots of great bars and restaurants.
Thanks for the informative information especially the spreadsheet. I now plan to start my own spreadsheet. To me a $5000 loss (cost), plus airfare for 17 nights of vacation isn't all that bad.
Thanks for sharing the spreadsheet, it really helps to see that! I finally achieved Gold at MGM at the very end of the year (just by using the MGM Rewards credit card), and was excited because I wouldn't have to pay resort fees. However, when I tried to book a Bellagio offer online, even though it clearly said I was Gold level, it showed the resort fees due on the comped rooms. When I called them, they said that is normal, and that when I show up, I just tell them to waive the fees before I check out. That sounds odd to me. I know when I've been Gold in years past, it has shown the no resort fees right on the offer, and that nothing is due. Anyway, I am starting my own spreadsheet this year (will probably only make 2 trips), and hope that I have better luck on the slots!
Show the front desk your Gold card at check in an they will remove the resort fees. They are super familiar with this and you may just have to remind them.
@@fairbankssheila Thanks! Actually, after I left this comment, I went into my email with the room confirmation, and read all of the fine print below it, and it actually does say there that they will waive the resort fees when I arrive. I also noticed (and the lady who booked the room on the phone with me) that they used to ask for 48 hours cancellation notice to avoid penalty fees and that it has now increased to 72 hours. I've never had to cancel in the past, but with airlines sometimes just canceling flights these days, you never know when you might have to change the room reservation!
Nice Video. Your spreadsheet is very detailed. As an auditor, It is nice to see someone properly factoring in all the comps as income against losses. You would be surprised how many clients don’t realize they have to account for any/all comps as income even if they have no EOY gambling losses. It can create some very uncomfortable tax liability conversations with clients at EOY. In many cases it is actually better pay for your room/ resort amenities in cash using one of many resort cash discount programs than accepting a comp. Casino properties always charge or write-off the full price “tax” value for a comp while the actual “cash” value they realize for the same room or amenity may be far less depending on the property and stay date(s).
These comp report videos are the best stuff on your channel. Even if you cut back I wanna see what y’all get up to end of year. I’m thinking this might be the year of palazzo/venetian but we shall see
We’re glad you enjoy them! We’ll try to keep them going! We do have intentions of an experiment at Venetian this next trip. I was very disappointed that even with lots of play and $2,500 loss at FB we aren't getting weekend rooms comp'd so the next time we stay I don't intend to play there, instead take my gambling budget to Venetian
I've had the same experience over the last couple years. Comps are down even though my gambling and spend have greatly increased over the last 10 years which we average 3-4 trips per year. I am doing the same thing this year, cutting down on the trips and Cancun is getting my January trip this year.
We have been primarily MGM. Over the last 4 years we have seem to have had a similar experience. Our gambling and coin in were never as much as you and had seen net gains in the past. We actually noticed things were drying up late 2023 and early 2024. Yes Vegas has changed. Almost 30 years experience.
I really enjoyed the transparency of this video. I agree that the free play and resort credit amounts have gone down of late. We are MGM loyalists and get pretty decent offers, but it doesn’t offset the increases in prices of table games and restaurants. It’s sad when you get a $50 or $100 resort credit, but most meals at restaurants in the MGM resorts are easily north of $100 for two people. Point being, if you’re staying for 4 or 5 nights, that resort credit doesn’t make much of a dent.
very informative...thank you for providing the breakdown in such an easy way to follow...also thank you for your candor in the presentation...keep on keeping on...
Great content as usual! We have gone from 4 trips a year to LV to 4 cruises a year on Celebrity and Holland America. For us approximately 40 days cruising is better than 12 days in Vegas. Still enjoy the casino on Celebrity especially since it is non smoking.
Another great breakdown! We are still unsure where we will focus going forward as free agents however i do have 2 MGM offers/rooms booked for 2025 😂 they are too good to pass up! I do not expect them to stay that way as our CAD $ is devastating and bankrolls wont be the same so will enjoy the ride while we can 🍀
Thanks Crystal. Next week we are staying at FB on an offer match but plan on playing the majority of our bankroll at Venetian to see how things look over there. We have an MGM offer booked in May currently but open to Venetian if we can work something out.
@JoshRachael awesome! Christine and I were just talking about Venetian/Palazzo yesterday, I wouldn't mind putting in some play there and seeing where it takes us
Thanks for being so transparent. I'd probably disagree on the value of hotel rooms (e.g. MGM usually has coupons available) but I agree this would be hard to accurately track.
Your spread sheet was well done. And yes, casinos in Vegas are getting tighter. Consider the newly arrived triple zero roulette wheels on which a player has little chance of winning.
OMG 😱!!! Your spreadsheets are awesome!!! If you created those, you should offer that as a side service. You could make up some of your losses. I’m a roulette player. In your opinion, would it be smarter to play slots, for comp purposes??? Thank you for this video 🙏 Extremely informative!!
Great Video also hit talk about hitting the nail on the head that the same reason me and my wife will not be going as much this year. We went 11 times last year and rooms where all comps and also had some free play with them. We tried last week to get a room at The Venetian in April for my wife's Birthday 4 nights same as last year but this year they wanted to charge us for 2 nights and would have to pay resort fees. I said no thank you and booked at MGM where I had free room with no fees.Me and wife both are ruby tier at The Venetian. So i guess us spend most of our time playing there last year was a bad move. I think that if the greedy casinos don't loosen there belts and give the people who frequent there more better offers such as in the past. They will be losing a lot more than they realize.
I feel your pain, guys! I find that I’m betting way more than in the past and getting way less comps! In the past, I tended to love the limos, free food, and the smoke my hosts blew up my ass! LOL!😂 😂 Now, I don’t go to Vegas as much as I used to. I like the Beau Rivage - one hour flight from Atlanta and never pay a penny. The games are the good games and you can play in high limit room on $5 and $10 tables. I’m a 77 year old widow and have money, but I’m spending to fly Business or First class and go on fabulous European river cruises - expensive, but, at my age - screw it! I just adore you guys. I’d love to meet up sometime and buy you a drink!!! BTW, I ate the 14 course dinner at Joel Robuchon based on your video! What an experience. Keep posting - I love your cruise trips. If you want to try a river cruise, I highly recommend AMA Waterways on the Danube! Cheers Kathy
Great video, appreciate the analysis. We had an absolute stinker of a gambling trip in September - I started a similar spreadsheet, got sad and stopped 😂 Still think we get value compared to paying for similar standard of hotels / cruise ships but it will be one trip from the UK instead of 2 next year 🤷♀️
Great video Josh and Rachael👍i don't do MGM or Caesar's Rewards because those hotel and casinos are too expensive for me. I'm always on a budget when I travel to Las Vegas and Circus Circus is the only thing affordable for me on the strip (i could actually afford to stay at the Strat also but being at the far end of the strip and that neighborhood behind it doesn't make it desirable for me) I recently got a Circus Circus players card but i don't expect much from it. It terms of gambling i don't play slot machines and prefer blackjack but i play only 5 to 10 dollar tables to minimize my loses because i don't play high stakes
I have the MGM credit card which gives me a bunch of free play. I had $700 of free play when I went last April. It ended up paying for my nice dinners!
nice video. we usually bet less than $2000 total per trip, all on slots, and all at cosmo. We are pretty much even. Have gotten free flights from the east coast using miles rewards and just pay for the rooms. We've been upgraded to a wrap around 50% of the time at cosmo which is the only place we have stayed.
@ ya I’m a low roller. I usually lose $500-1000 each trip. I kinda wish I didn’t get players cards because I’m always enticed by the comped rooms lol. I save $100 for the room but I lose 500 so still ends up being a much bigger loss lol
Yes josh free rooms are really free!try to stay off the strip if you can.for example I play video poker I only play at video poker friendly casinos.try to,play at your favorite casinos when there is a tier point promo going.
At least you had a nice run for 20 years! Also, I am sure that you aren't the only ones who have lost more and been comped less. It seems like since FB opened up, or maybe when the Raiders moved there.... LV has focused on everything but gambling.
Great info! 3 of us go to Vegas 1-2 times a year but have never gotten comped. Are we going too infrequently and gambling too little? We typically play blackjack and craps.
If you have a card it’s likely that you gamble too little. Outside of Circa and The D you will need to log in to the website or have an email registered to know if you have any. We know people that go as little as once a year that get compd rooms
I only take like 1500 to gamble now on my 4 night trips. Obviously my comps suffer and while im still getting room comps, the resort fee and tax are on me now. Ive dialed it back so much and dont blame you either!
@JoshRachael Definitely not! I have 4 nights comped at Luxor in March for the madness and it's 200$ for the resort fee/tax. Also have a 4 night at Mandalay in September for 200 at/RF also. Not worth it to overspend anymore!
We plan to move to Vegas in the next few years but have to wait for Corey to retire in 3 years. I have heard that the rewards comps dry up and are not that great once you move to Las Vegas. We get a lot because we live in Michigan so they try to entice us to travel to Vegas..
My buddy (recovering alcoholic hadn’t been to Vegas in 3 years. He’s a sapphire member. Wife and I been 6 times in last 18 months and have spent well over 10k and are pearl members. Point of story; My friend and I have same room comps on our mlife accounts
Can you share a few more details on how to redeem a cruise via MGM rewards? I've searched all over facebook group, reddit and the message boards, but there is almost no information on how someone with status with MGM can obtain this benefit. Thanks for the great video.
You will find in the link below that RC is a preferred partner - it doesn't talk as much about how you can get free cruises on the website as when we first learned about it. Right now though I can tell you we get emails from both Wynn and MGM Rewards talking about how we have earned a free cruise. MGM sometimes will say you have to come during a certain period of time to get one, but we have just found the email notification. The great thing about RC right now is that it is a way to match to Gold with MGM - we did last year since Emerald and above with RC matches to Gold with MGM and is a lifetime status. Hopefully they stay together.
My experience is almost exclusively with CET. that said, when $10 and $15 BJ was the standard, thats what I played, plus some VP. My comps were non-existent. Literally. A moderately discounted rate was the best I could get. Post-covid, $25 min is the norm, though occasionally you will find $15 tables. I still play table minimum BUT, now I charge EVERYTHING I can to my room, and I'll run about $150 through a low volatility slot. Now I get about $30 free play per visit, and free rooms on about half of the weekends. Rather than pay $400-500 for a room for Friday-Sunday, I gamble about an extra $100 and get them comped. My total budget for the weekend is no more than $1200 for everything.
The comp systems have changed in the last ten years. Most casinos want people playing slots, which on average have a 8% house advantage. I would rather play craps, with a house advantage of 0.6%, so my comps are fewer, but my chances at winning are 14 times better at craps. Another point on MGM: they won't rate your table play unless you are at a $25 table. Caesars gives me decent comps, but only during the week. So they get 90% of my play.
Good to know. We don't know how to play craps and it's so intimidating to saddle up to a table. One of these days we will need to try it out. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the stats and tips. FB totally killed us this year. That casino is the Circa of the Strip (slots are very tight). If you factor in any free cruise certificates, are you net positive with comps? We branched out to other gambling destinations like Lake Tahoe and Reno. But we realized we would rather be in Vegas. 😉
Thinking more about it there is some sneaky money out there. $1400 in a cruise offer, 300 in birthday credit, whatever late check out costs are and some other random bits but still under to my knowledge
Only thing I don't like about comp value calculations is you place the rack rate of the room as its value. Half the time those rooms stay empty and to the hotel they cost about 35% of what the rack rate is. For the first time I decided to play more slots instead of tables (El Cortez has 10x multiplers from Sun-Wed). I called to see if I could get an early offer since I need to go back for a conference. 4 comp nights, $125 FP and $75 food. I was betting .88 cents a spin for about 2000 coin in per day. Not to mention I earned $40.00 in express comps daily, plus ice cream bars, additonal FP ect. I was betting $140 average on place bets in craps for 3 hours and barly get anything. Maybe the occasional dinner comp by the pit, 3 nights, barley any F&B or Promo Chips. Downtown is always better at comping.
Is resort credit automatically applied to your checkout bill, or do you have to go to the rewards desk before going to a restaurant & have it manually loaded / applied. Thanks, great video
Nice video. I will let you in on a secret that Atlantic City gamblers know. Vegas has gotten really expensive but for a fraction of what you gamble and spend in Vegas, you can get a lot of comps in Atlantic City. There are 9 casinos in Atlantic City but they are relatively quiet except on the weekends and also prime time in July and August. The big players are in Atlantic City too: MGM (Borgata), Caesars (Caesars, Harrah's, Tropicana), Hard Rock, Golden Nugget, Ocean, Ballys and Resorts. The strategy in Atlantic City is different than Vegas because you do not need to be at higher tiers to get offered comp rooms (you have to pay the resort fee). This means you spread your play around and you can stay two days at one resort (paying the resort fee) then moving to another resort for two days and pay the resort fee. There are a lot less high rollers in Atlantic City so they have to cater to the low rollers. They are just happy to have business during the week. You can be Sapphire (lowest) level at MGM and still get offered comp rooms (where you pay the resort fee). I am an online sports bettor with BetMGM and am a Pearl level at MGM Resorts. I was getting offered comp rooms (pay the resort fee) at Vegas (MGM resorts) while I was at Sapphire level (as I only started gambling at BetMGM midway through 2024 and was deemed a VIP player by BetMGM). MGM offered me 3 or 4 nights comp at 8 different resorts in Vegas when I had just started with BetMGM but was deemed a VIP sports bettor. I had to play around on MGM Resorts website to get the AI program to offer me comp rooms at Borgata (MGM). My host at BetMGM told me that they have not figured out how to offer BetMGM players anything but rooms and comps in Vegas. I play Atlantic City because it is too much hassle to get to Vegas (flight) plus it was getting too expensive to stay at the hotels on the Strip. I am the lowest tier at Hard Rock, Caesars and get offered Comp Rooms from Sept to June (Sunday to Thursday). Also the hotel rooms can be had for approximately $100 to $150 (including resort fee) Sunday to Thursday in the offseason (Sept to June). You can lower your gambling amounts by a lot and still stay at nice hotels. Hard Rock is very aggressive with comps and perhaps the most generous of all the Atlantic City casinos offering nice discounts to meals and giving away gifts with not a huge amount of play. The gambling is the same in Atlantic City as Vegas except you will have lower limits like $15 min blackjack, lower table minimums for other games, Caesars is bringing 6-5 blackjack to Atlantic City but Hard Rock, Ocean are nixing that as there are a lot less gamblers to antagonize. Give Atlantic City a try, its a hidden gem for people who are not high rollers and who do not want to spend like crazy as Vegas has gotten a bit out of hand with costs. There are still nice restaurants in Atlantic City but they have to cater to the low rollers more so more reasonable priced restaurants. You could scale back your betting and still get a lot of comps in Atlantic City.
Interesting perspective! I've heard good things about Atlantic City as well. We want to go but the 4 hour flight vs the 1.5 hour flight to Vegas is tough since we do long weekend trips and east coast travel is tough on us. We do hope to make it to AC on the next year though if possible
Haven’t been smart to go to vegas from the east coast in years!Less flights less nonstops higher prices!Stay on the strip sone resort fees are over 60.00 now.
@@JoshRachaelSince you are in the west, then it makes sense to go to Vegas. Atlantic city is a good option if you are in the east or mid west. Driving is easiest if possible but it is around an hour drive from Philly but you could put ACY (Atlantic City) on your flight destination and they will put you on a dedicated bus from Philly airport (at least this is what I have been told, I drive my car to AC. Anyways the casinos are desperate in Atlantic City so the offers for comps are good, plus you do not have to spend much. I think the casinos there intentionally give away comp rooms (still have to pay resort fees) to get people in the casinos mid week. I noticed that the comp level at Caesars casinos in Atlantic city translates to getting some comp rooms in Vegas.
@ we are trying to visit all 50 states so we figure a long weekend we will fly into Philly, and rent a car to check out Delaware and AC some time next year
Hi Josh and Rachel, Thank you for the great video. I was hoping to ask if you know the coin-in-to-tier credit ratio for MGM properties. You mentioned the Wynn was about $5 coin in = 1 Teir Credit. Thank you for the response in advance. Hoping you have a luckier 2025.
I just wanted to provide another data point. I play at Wynn twice a week (I live only 14 miles away), about 40 weeks in 2024. So, we're talking 80 visits total in 2024 (yes, that's a lot, LOL). I play slots exclusively for about seven hours each visit. Since I'm local, Wynn doesn't offer me free rooms, but I'm fine with that. They do give me $100 free play every week. My coin-in (based on about 28,000 tier points) is $140K. My coin-out is about $136.6K for a payback rate of about 97.6%. Yes, that is quite high and is the reason why I love playing there so much. I would love to hear from other slot players on the Strip.
Sorry off subject. But when are you going g to restaurant Mother Wolf. Only in LA, Las Vegas, and Miami. Not that expensive but you will spend alot as all the dishes are excellent. Bread is a must 11.00. Also saw a review for Top Sushi in LV AYCE. Two people 75.00. Love your videos😅 but will look for. MOTHER WOLF
You aren’t alone; all resorts are super tight ! Wasn’t even fun to play because bonuses seem to be cut in half on machines. I hope enough people take less trips until they are having to work to get our business back!
I’ve definitely played more for the comps than it would have cost to pay outright. By far. However, I would have had to pay for the food and hotel anyway. 😮
@JoshRachael what helps you is that you do most gambling in Vegas where MGM has the high multiplier. It used to be 20x points up until a couple years ago. Is it 8 now? So for every dollar I spent on property it would convert 20x to tier points. Most of my points came from MGM properties outside Vegas and I would use those to fund my anual vegas trip. But my local MGM closed, so it’s difficult to keep up MGM platinum in 1 or 2 trips a year. And I have a little hack for this too… Bellagio at least is kind of dumb…. I wait for the bill to come at the restaurant and after I have the thing I tell them I changed my mind charge it to the room. Then I keep the receipt snd take it to the host desk to get credit. Then settle the hotel bill at checkout with express comps. Otherwise you don’t get the tier points from express comps.
I wish everyone could take an accounting of just how much earning these comps actually cost in net wagers. (Are you actually going to maintain you "usually" win?) If you could, you'd probably discover that long-term it's cheaper to not wager at all and pay for the rooms, shows, and services directly.
2024 they pretty much cut my offers completely except Rio kept offering me a free week. Interestingly MGM has started sending me offers once again, but not for Bellagio or Aria.
@@JoshRachael It's been a year since I was there, I thought they had jacked up prices for everything beyond what I thought was reasonable. Vegas isn't the cheap gambling vacation it once was. I live in the DC area and really don't see a reason to pay jacked up Vegas prices when the MGM National Harbor is just across the river from where I live.
You need to do the following:. 1. Get off the strip. South Point and M resort ore good options, but there are others. 2. Play video poker. Be sure to study the game and find the right payables. Slot and keno paybacks are trash. 3. Avoid Stations. They no longer comp or give anything to you if you play the good video poker.
Thanks for sharing Our issues with that plan we would be off strip and we might as well go to our local casino (Blackhawk Colorado) if just looking to gamble
I tally all my WINS and LOSSES ... together with my COMP values. For COMPS ... I always calculate for the AMOUNT that I would actually pay for them and not the value they say it may be worth.
Would it be possible to obtain the excel spreadsheet you created? I am curious as to the value I am receiving. My coin in is about the same every year, and I have noticed a decrease in comps and I struggle to hit Gold at MGM now. Thank you for the video with the breakdowns.
I found your video very informative. I am hoping you have a suggestion for my situation.... Starting in May, 2024, I have been going to Vegas every single month. I am an Elite member at Golden Nugget so, my rooms are always comped (4 nights) and all food & beverage gets changed to my room. I play slots with an average coin-in of 1200-1500/ per trip. This last trip in January, 2025 I was charged $152 for food/gift shop purchases. I noticed most of the machines I played, the card reader was not working so, my play was not properly tracked. Should I bring it to my host attention or what do you suggest?
Definitely talk to your host, but I don’t know that there is anything that they can do. Personally if my card doesn’t read on a machine I don’t play it. No reason to potentially lose any money without it being accounted for. If you have issues on multiple machines see if you can have them reprint you a new card
I appreciate your transparency. I had a great 2024 if I factor in the comps. 3 trips 6 hotel stays. 23 days comped. 4 FB, 7 cosmo (including 4 in wraparound),8 park, 4 MB. 600 airfare. 3 free rides from airport. $3k plus in resorts credit. About 3k in free play. But 100% agree RTP drops continually. I got lucky in 2024. -$312 on 290k coin in (most at my local) but that was with $45k in jackpots, which you can't count on. Previous years not so lucky. I've gone to vegas 2 or 3 times a year for a couple decades, and pretty sure I'm going once this year for my birthday. As much as I love it, the experience the last few years gets worse each year. $3k in resorts credit over 3 weeks sounds awesome, but when burgers are $25 and a pool drink is $42 it doesn't feel so great. Pre covid if you didn't go hi end, $100 a day was plenty..for 2. Now it's 2 drinks and some nachos.
Totally agree Paul - thanks for sharing your experience. We have a free offer from Rachael at FB next week but don't plan on playing there much since almost $2,500 loss only gets me Sunday through Thursday comps currently. They are doing comps like they are Wynn and its just doesn't match up for us
@JoshRachael yeah. Most of my play is at MGM, but really enjoyed gambling at FB when I was there in September. Really liked the restaurants and property. Played enough to get to Silver, so wasn't expecting much for offers. Am getting the same 4 night with a gold king "best view" whatever that is and $3-400 freeplay, so probably going to back to back with an MGM when I go back. Trying to hold off till Sept. I'll see if I can make it. Lol. Not feeling like there's much of an advantage with Platinum at mgm. The airfare and extra dining is nice...but with as much as it takes to get to 200k, not worth it. Been platinum for 7 years and get pretty comparable offers as friends that are Gold. Short taxi lines aren't worth an extra 125k coin in.
@@JoshRachael okay, I didn’t mean pay for your gambling losses specifically. I thought the TH-cam income could offset the costs you incurred and when added to comps might put you in the positive for your travels.
MGM - 4 comp nights is Nice only the freeplay is only being added when it is your first trip. Second trip we didnt receive the freeplay. Did you Guys have the same problem?
@@JoshRachaelok but the freeplay is only valid in your first trip. So for example if you book your trip now to ny ny with 4 comp nights and 100 usd freeplay. Incase you have stayed at any mgm property earlier you will not recieve the freeplay. Incase you have experienced otherwise let me us know.
Other than never Gambling, what do you think is the best Tip for Casino Comps.
Walk, a lot. It wears down the gaming urge...................
Use your players card to charge things to your room and pay that way. You can accumulate points. You even accrue new points on your resort credit purchases.
It seems like you gamble a good amount. Why don't you have a slot channel?
@@jimmyd6740 We started one before it was cool about 3 years ago and just couldn't keep up with the bigger bets that seemed to be needed to grow. Plus this gave us some downtime from filming to decompress between recording meals which is truly what we enjoyed doing for videos
I suggest you try Atlantic City. You can get in your gambling and comp rooms at a fraction of what you are spending. Everything is a lot cheaper so you do not have to raise your bets or put more coin in. See my post below for more details.
The key here is tracking every dollar on a spreadsheet and that's what you guys do. I hang around a lot of gamblers and also see a lot of slot youtubers who claim this or that but they don't track everything. Slot youtubers, we won't mention names, mostly post their winning sessions and only occasionally, mention a loss giving the appearance of being a winning player.
Thanks for sharing on youtube the true results of gambling over several years. This is what most people's spreadsheets would look like if they are honest about their gambling.
New subbed here ☝🏻👍🏻
haha yea it is not all glitz and glamour but we keep coming back. Hopefully this next year we will figure out a better way to take back the advantage
After 20 years of Vegasing, I've tapped out. I was a status player @ Caesar's Wynn, Venetian. MGM I simply didn't care for. My Caesar's free play went from $1200+ each trip to a fourth of that, even though I still had the same coin in coin out. Wynn and Venetian,same. I love going to Vegas, but I don't have to go to Vegas. Corporate greed from them all. Oh well it was a blast, until it wasn't 😢
It is sad to see it going that way, but at least you had some good years.
Never play at a publicly traded company
@@dansmithbyu1784 Can I likely get better odds at a small locals spot - yes.
Do I want to travel to Las Vegas to stay and play at a small off strip joint - no
It's about time!!! No one has ever done this so thoroughly thank you coming from a local!! Lol
Thanks! It is getting more and more important to track
Love your honesty and transparency! My wife and I did seven trips to Vegas in 2022-2024 to the Cosmopolitan on comps. We never won one time while gambling, but had a blast.
The casinos and sports books are out of control with their house edge these days.
Kinda crazy, yet we keep going back
@@JoshRachael we are officially done with Vegas for now. The death of the never ending identity rewards offers help us stay away.
We ended up being right below MGM gold after the transfer and all of our offer emails were for rooms at an "exclusive rate". I used to get very excited getting a new Cosmopolitan offer email and the MGM exclusive rate emails (plus a resort fee) felt like a slap in the face.
Seeing your video gives me hope that we will see a market correction in Vegas at some point. I hope people reject the new 5 to 6 blackjack, triple zero roulette, lower odds on craps, tight slots and astronomical minimum bets. If people are not playing, MGM and Caesars will be forced to change course. If people continue to go we will see quadruple zero roulette within 10 years.
Find a host when you lose and get them to comp something. .maybe a meal or room night. Did it at cosmo b4.
Nice to see you Josh and Rachel! I am a disabiled Canadian. I gamble VERY little at MGM, but they give me 4 days (which I took advantage of twice). I am The Shamus Of Slots , but I prefer to play at different properties and where ever they have the latest games. Yes -- I just go during the week! I got Luxore or Excaliber -- and I need to pay the resort fee! So $200 to stay and they also give some free play and food comps. Last time I went to Smith's Grocery Sore -- and they was wonderful! Very useful video folks. I subscribed! I have been writing on the internet for 25 years -- and on TH-cam for 15 years! Take care Josh and Rachel! I hope we keep in touch!
Glad we could help! Thanks for subscribing.
When I first started going to Nevada, I remember $5 dollar slots had as high as 98% and .25 was 95%. My wife and I always play on a single players card to reach a higher tier for that player, then switch to other player. Excellent explanation of comps.
That is interesting about the payout percentages, we would love to play those games!
@ Yeah, that was in the ‘80s & ‘90s. You mentioned returns in low 90%, I’ve seen a couple of TH-cams where returns are reported 85%. The state used to report returns on all denominations and all areas in Nevada, haven’t seen one in some time.
@@JTA8130LVGet the magazine, Casino Player, the % is there every issue.
There is talk about the casinos no longer allowing a couple to “pull” their play.
Happy Saturday peeps ! Lots of great info and breakdown explanations. I primarily stay with MGM resorts as they continue to give me really good comps . I only stay Sunday through Thursdays . My comps showing for 2025 are still high. Next trip is in May in a remodeled Bellagio suite at Bellagio for 4 comped nights ..no resort fee .. $375 in free play and a $200 food credit . The best news is since I had a hand pay win on both Vegas stays in 2024 for the first time ever my win loss statement was in the positive so I actually made money . Fingers crossed my luck continues but I’m sure the fates and casino bosses are already gunning for me lol 😎😎😎
I wish we could take advantage of the Sunday through Thursday offers, it just doesn't work for us with all the other trips we take. that is some good freeplay and resort credit that you are getting. No handpays for us this past year is pretty crazy with the amount of coin in
@ I hear ya . Usually my coin in versus coin out ratio causes me to see a grief counselor 😎😎😎
Great tips for newcomers to Vegas! Wish we had a video like this when we first started visiting! We focus on one company to gamble with on the strip and one downtown. Our comps have been getting better each year but our coin-in keeps going up with the longer stays! Spent 31 nights in Vegas in 2024! 8 more coming up in March! Cheers!
thanks so much
We have been going once or twice a year since our honeymoon in 1982. The past few years we have noticed it is getting tighter and tighter. Being spreadsheet people this was quite interesting. We love watching your channel
Thanks so much!
This video is a gold mine-thanks for sharing! I just wanted to share my experience as a low roller. We’ve consistently received comps at Luxor and Excalibur (4 nights straight), as well as NYNY and Mandalay Bay (2 nights).
For 2024, my coin-in was $4K, and my coin-out was $4.5K. Before Cosmopolitan merged with MGM, they gave us 12 days of free rooms. However, since the merger, we haven’t received any comps.
This year, I’m considering switching to Caesars Rewards, as we’ve already stayed at almost all MGM hotels except for Bellagio, Aria, and Vdara. For reference, my average bet is $25 per hand, and I exclusively play blackjack.
That’s really interesting! I’m curious to see how Caesars Rewards works out for you. We have been able to get offers for rooms at their lower end properties with just some simple level of play
@@JoshRachael I have some other datapoints from other gamblers that Caesers are more generous on room comps but not on shows and freeplays.
Excellent and informative video guys! Being transparent is very important and you guys hit the nail on the head with everything in this. We do almost all of the same things as you and the one thing we have said for the past few years as well is our gambling has gone up and the comps have been coming down. One other big thing you mentioned is you can play at a few casinos but you have to throw the majority of your money at one spot (MGM, Caesars, Wynn) etc if you want to maximize value on comps. Anyway I could talk forever on this stuff but this should be watched by anyone that visits Vegas a few times a year.
Thanks guys!
Good video. New sub here. I enjoy casino walkthroughs, budget and deal tips, plus elaborating on comps. Thanks.
Glad you found it helpful!
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Last year i took advantage of the cosmopolitan glitch and had my whole 15 days stay comped in suites in Cosmo and NoMad + $2500 Freeplay and $2000 resort credits. This year, i should get a 16 comped suites nights stay (cosmo, luxor and Aria ) but "only" $650 Freeplay and $1200 resort credits... pretty sure this will be the last time I can do that...but the slots machine feels tighter and tighter....
Take advantage of what you can
I’m in the same boat… will be cutting back trips this year. Good info, thank you for sharing this!
We understand! It’s a tough game!
First of all, I want to say I really found this video informative and really appreciate the insight on how comp / value works!
Thanks! We are glad you found it useful.
I had a similar trend as you - bigger losses in 2024 from MGM gambling and lower comps, although I was still happy with my comps of big discounts on rooms during March Madness and good comps on another trip in October. Yeah, 84% is definitely disappointing for slots - I am mostly a blackjack player but still have some moderate coin in to break up my table sessions. I'll be back in April and got about 70% off rooms for six nights, so hopefully I'll have better luck, and good luck to you as well. I always appreciate these yearly updates, as you get to see what others are doing, as you have a lot more coin in than me! Good luck in 2025!
Thanks for the support, and I hope you have great luck in April!
This was one of the better vlogs so far in 2025. Thanks for your honesty. As a Platinum at MGM, my losses were about $68,738.00, yet, when you speak to a casino host, they have NO problem telling you that you’re “OVERCOMPED” and it is infuriating! Also, MGM is quick to reduce free play if your last trip had a decrease in coin in(or actual $ in). I’m booking every month with my new offers at increased comps because I know they’d go allot lower after my first trip in a few weeks. There was one vlog where a lady interviewed a “host” and went over the “Theo”(Theoretical win). My comps have gone way down. Used to hit hit all high statuses at Caesar’s, Venetian/Palazzo, and MGM and now I’m only at MGM.
Josh, do you consider your airfare and transportation to/from casino as a “sunk” cost?
That’s the brutal reality of the casino business! We have seen that video with the host interview. What I hated about it was the talk of hours played which almost makes gambling in Vegas for comped offers a job
sunk cost is a good way to put it. I don’t really think of it as part of the gambling expense since Las Vegas for us now is more about restaurants, experiences and entertainment than just gambling
@
Well said. This vlog arguably is right up there for overall best video. Thanks again for your honesty.
Also, I had a “host” at Venetian/Palazzo who told me that for a 3 day hotel “comp”, they expect no less than 8 hours a day of slot “pull” and that does NOT include “break” time. You’ll be bankrupt for a hotel room in a year!
Guy's absolutely loved this video. Thank you for making it, such a great way to add context to Vegas trips over time.
Thanks so much!
I was to send this to you knowing you would love it! I’m going to have to incorporate some of these!
@wallstreettovegas absolutely great to have a strategy. I know its not for everyone but I think its so important to understand that "comps" are not free. They add a heck of a lot of value but you cant just walk in and expect free stuff. Vegas wasn't built on winners.
Videos like this add context to what we do, real big fan. Thanks for thinking of me Casey 😀😀
Outstanding video and totally feel ya on the tough stretch. Got kicked in the 🎾 the last 3 trips and less comps even with more money spent. Vegas has definitely changed and seems out of touch with the middle class. Still love it and the vibe but common-sense says spend the money somewhere else.
We're definitely feeling the sting of that!
Thanks for making this type of video. I am always curious about stuff like this. I hope this year goes better for you and you come out ahead at the end of the year.
Thanks for the well wishes!
Thanks for the video. I’m always intrigued how much people bring to Vegas. We’ve been going multiple times per year for the last 10 years and the comps have definitely gone down. I will say, playing table games will really save your bankroll. I never played slots until the last two years or so and the only time we’ve ever come home losing all our gambling money was when I played slots. Coincidence? 🤷🏻♀️ Also, we almost never gamble on the strip anymore, we go to the local casinos. We still get free rooms at MGM properties during most weeks Sun-Thurs so will sleep there but leave to gamble. Also, Fontainebleau has sent me huge comps offers that MGM hasn’t sent me in years, so I think we also will focus our gambling at that property too.
Thank you for sharing. What local casinos are you playing at? For us it is hard to get Sunday - Thursday comps. We basically need weekend offers due to work schedules. Thats likely to be our issue with Wynn and Fontainebleau in 2025 but do have one mare trip to FB from Rachaels offer match last year so we will see
@@JoshRachaelWe like to play live craps and single zero roulette so we go to Ellis Island, Jerry’s Nugget, Golden Valley Ranch, Plaza, El Cortez, The Cal (my husband is Hawaiian), even Palms has pretty good comp offers monthly, M resort, lol we’ve been to them all though. Love Vegas ❤
Excellent breakdown that really tells a story! Going to have to include some of your stats into something I keep that is similar and see what it says! Now I have homework!
Thanks so much! Let me know if you have any questions.
What a great breakdown! you don't have to stop going to vegas, either go downtown, or move off the strip.. if you have that same action at stations casinos, they will hook you up.. then you will be in parts of town to take advantage of the great restaurants that don't charge strip prices..
Did you notice that downtown hold is actually higher than the strip is now?
@@JoshRachael yea, ive seen the gaming charts and while that is useful it is over millions if not billions of spins.. each gaming session is its own thing.. but im sure they are much better on the back end than the strip is these days. The other thing again is more work but you could target your play on multiplier events. the other place i will promote is the palms.. the action you showed would get rewarded very well at the palms and while small its a nice property that gets you into chinatown, lots of great bars and restaurants.
Thanks for the informative information especially the spreadsheet. I now plan to start my own spreadsheet. To me a $5000 loss (cost), plus airfare for 17 nights of vacation isn't all that bad.
Yea it isn't as bad when you think that way, but compared to years past its rough
Thanks for sharing the spreadsheet, it really helps to see that! I finally achieved Gold at MGM at the very end of the year (just by using the MGM Rewards credit card), and was excited because I wouldn't have to pay resort fees. However, when I tried to book a Bellagio offer online, even though it clearly said I was Gold level, it showed the resort fees due on the comped rooms. When I called them, they said that is normal, and that when I show up, I just tell them to waive the fees before I check out. That sounds odd to me. I know when I've been Gold in years past, it has shown the no resort fees right on the offer, and that nothing is due. Anyway, I am starting my own spreadsheet this year (will probably only make 2 trips), and hope that I have better luck on the slots!
Show the front desk your Gold card at check in an they will remove the resort fees. They are super familiar with this and you may just have to remind them.
@@fairbankssheila Thanks! Actually, after I left this comment, I went into my email with the room confirmation, and read all of the fine print below it, and it actually does say there that they will waive the resort fees when I arrive. I also noticed (and the lady who booked the room on the phone with me) that they used to ask for 48 hours cancellation notice to avoid penalty fees and that it has now increased to 72 hours. I've never had to cancel in the past, but with airlines sometimes just canceling flights these days, you never know when you might have to change the room reservation!
Good to know, thanks for the heads up
Thanks for sharing! Adding up my comps from last year makes it easier to swallow the big loss I took 😬
It’s basically all we have 🤣 😬 😭
Informative video-thank you! Loved that you shared the spreadsheet at the end.
Glad it was helpful!
Nice Video. Your spreadsheet is very detailed. As an auditor, It is nice to see someone properly factoring in all the comps as income against losses. You would be surprised how many clients don’t realize they have to account for any/all comps as income even if they have no EOY gambling losses. It can create some very uncomfortable tax liability conversations with clients at EOY. In many cases it is actually better pay for your room/ resort amenities in cash using one of many resort cash discount programs than accepting a comp. Casino properties always charge or write-off the full price “tax” value for a comp while the actual “cash” value they realize for the same room or amenity may be far less depending on the property and stay date(s).
Thanks for sharing, that is interesting info
That is baloney; there is no tax liability associated with accepting comps.
Great video. Very informative.
Thank you!
These comp report videos are the best stuff on your channel. Even if you cut back I wanna see what y’all get up to end of year. I’m thinking this might be the year of palazzo/venetian but we shall see
We’re glad you enjoy them! We’ll try to keep them going! We do have intentions of an experiment at Venetian this next trip. I was very disappointed that even with lots of play and $2,500 loss at FB we aren't getting weekend rooms comp'd so the next time we stay I don't intend to play there, instead take my gambling budget to Venetian
I've had the same experience over the last couple years. Comps are down even though my gambling and spend have greatly increased over the last 10 years which we average 3-4 trips per year. I am doing the same thing this year, cutting down on the trips and Cancun is getting my January trip this year.
Sounds like a smart plan! We have been increasing our nonVegas trips more and more it seems - it just makes cents (see what I did there)
We have been primarily MGM. Over the last 4 years we have seem to have had a similar experience. Our gambling and coin in were never as much as you and had seen net gains in the past. We actually noticed things were drying up late 2023 and early 2024. Yes Vegas has changed. Almost 30 years experience.
Yeah we are definitely seeing it as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for these videos every year they are very helpful
Thanks so much
Really useful video. Thanks for sharing
Glad it was helpful!
I really enjoyed the transparency of this video. I agree that the free play and resort credit amounts have gone down of late. We are MGM loyalists and get pretty decent offers, but it doesn’t offset the increases in prices of table games and restaurants. It’s sad when you get a $50 or $100 resort credit, but most meals at restaurants in the MGM resorts are easily north of $100 for two people. Point being, if you’re staying for 4 or 5 nights, that resort credit doesn’t make much of a dent.
You are so right about that. Our last trip to Wynn we spent our $100 on random waters, sodas, coffees and juice - it doesn't go very far any more.
Thankyou for your open and honest program . Very enjoyable 😊
Thanks!
very informative...thank you for providing the breakdown in such an easy way to follow...also thank you for your candor in the presentation...keep on keeping on...
Thanks, we're glad you found it useful!
Always love your topics and content! Thanks for sharing your experiences with all of us!
You are so welcome!
Great content as usual! We have gone from 4 trips a year to LV to 4 cruises a year on Celebrity and Holland America. For us approximately 40 days cruising is better than 12 days in Vegas. Still enjoy the casino on Celebrity especially since it is non smoking.
We're starting to lean more towards non-Vegas trips now too. First cruise with Celebrity next month! Very excited
Nice information...very informative. Miss the old days!
We miss those days too, but it's still fun!
Fantastic commentary, thanks for posting, very informative, job well done 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another great breakdown!
We are still unsure where we will focus going forward as free agents however i do have 2 MGM offers/rooms booked for 2025 😂 they are too good to pass up!
I do not expect them to stay that way as our CAD $ is devastating and bankrolls wont be the same so will enjoy the ride while we can 🍀
Thanks Crystal. Next week we are staying at FB on an offer match but plan on playing the majority of our bankroll at Venetian to see how things look over there. We have an MGM offer booked in May currently but open to Venetian if we can work something out.
@JoshRachael awesome! Christine and I were just talking about Venetian/Palazzo yesterday, I wouldn't mind putting in some play there and seeing where it takes us
Very detailed & informative. All gamblers should follow your system to better gauge their gambling activity. Well done!
We appreciate that! It isn't always pretty but it's still good to know where you stand
Bang on!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks guys!
Thanks for being so transparent. I'd probably disagree on the value of hotel rooms (e.g. MGM usually has coupons available) but I agree this would be hard to accurately track.
Agreed
very helpful information. Thanks for your honesty.
You're welcome! Trying to keep it real.
Hello from Oz, what a great video, thank you very informative
Glad you found it helpful!
Thank you for that breakdown.
Thanks for watching!
Your spread sheet was well done. And yes, casinos in Vegas are getting tighter. Consider the newly arrived triple zero roulette wheels on which a player has little chance of winning.
Thanks for the info!
My wife and I love watching Josh and Rachael. Our upcoming trip to Park MGM includes $715 in free play and $500 resort credit.
Holy Cows that's nice! Hopefully you can win big with it!
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing. ❤
Thanks for watching!
We have the exact same offers from MGM. They recently cut mine from December to January.
We’ve heard that to be the trend unfortunately!
OMG 😱!!! Your spreadsheets are awesome!!! If you created those, you should offer that as a side service. You could make up some of your losses. I’m a roulette player. In your opinion, would it be smarter to play slots, for comp purposes???
Thank you for this video 🙏
Extremely informative!!
haha thanks Raymond, I am a total novice I just know what type of information I want to know haha
Great Video also hit talk about hitting the nail on the head that the same reason me and my wife will not be going as much this year. We went 11 times last year and rooms where all comps and also had some free play with them. We tried last week to get a room at The Venetian in April for my wife's Birthday 4 nights same as last year but this year they wanted to charge us for 2 nights and would have to pay resort fees. I said no thank you and booked at MGM where I had free room with no fees.Me and wife both are ruby tier at The Venetian. So i guess us spend most of our time playing there last year was a bad move. I think that if the greedy casinos don't loosen there belts and give the people who frequent there more better offers such as in the past. They will be losing a lot more than they realize.
Thanks for sharing, it's a sad state being lower to mid level players in Vegas these days apparently
Very informative.
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful.
Hey thanks! Good video
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I feel your pain, guys! I find that I’m betting way more than in the past and getting way less comps! In the past, I tended to love the limos, free food, and the smoke my hosts blew up my ass! LOL!😂 😂
Now, I don’t go to Vegas as much as I used to. I like the Beau Rivage - one hour flight from Atlanta and never pay a penny. The games are the good games and you can play in high limit room on $5 and $10 tables.
I’m a 77 year old widow and have money, but I’m spending to fly Business or First class and go on fabulous European river cruises - expensive, but, at my age - screw it!
I just adore you guys. I’d love to meet up sometime and buy you a drink!!! BTW, I ate the 14 course dinner at Joel Robuchon based on your video! What an experience.
Keep posting - I love your cruise trips.
If you want to try a river cruise, I highly recommend AMA Waterways on the Danube!
Cheers
Kathy
Thanks so much! We’re planning to have to make a trip down to the Beau sometime!
Great video, appreciate the analysis. We had an absolute stinker of a gambling trip in September - I started a similar spreadsheet, got sad and stopped 😂 Still think we get value compared to paying for similar standard of hotels / cruise ships but it will be one trip from the UK instead of 2 next year 🤷♀️
Haha I almost didn't make this video after putting together the spreadsheet this time around
Great video Josh and Rachael👍i don't do MGM or Caesar's Rewards because those hotel and casinos are too expensive for me. I'm always on a budget when I travel to Las Vegas and Circus Circus is the only thing affordable for me on the strip (i could actually afford to stay at the Strat also but being at the far end of the strip and that neighborhood behind it doesn't make it desirable for me) I recently got a Circus Circus players card but i don't expect much from it. It terms of gambling i don't play slot machines and prefer blackjack but i play only 5 to 10 dollar tables to minimize my loses because i don't play high stakes
We have never stayed at Circus Circus, might be worth a little play to see how it goes
I have the MGM credit card which gives me a bunch of free play. I had $700 of free play when I went last April. It ended up paying for my nice dinners!
That's pretty cool!
nice video. we usually bet less than $2000 total per trip, all on slots, and all at cosmo. We are pretty much even. Have gotten free flights from the east coast using miles rewards and just pay for the rooms. We've been upgraded to a wrap around 50% of the time at cosmo which is the only place we have stayed.
Nice!
After years of paying for rooms, I finally got players cards in 2021. So far, I’ve gone to Vegas almost 20 times lol. I was just there yesterday
That's awesome. If anyone is going to play even small amounts they should always get a card but lots of people don't
@ ya I’m a low roller. I usually lose $500-1000 each trip. I kinda wish I didn’t get players cards because I’m always enticed by the comped rooms lol. I save $100 for the room but I lose 500 so still ends up being a much bigger loss lol
@ this is the reality sadly
Our comps at Wynn are down by a third despite the same amount of coin in. We are cutting down from 4 trips a year to 2.
Only makes sense to cut down at that point
Great video. Is it worth it to get a player's card if you primarily spend on dining?
Yes, absolutely. You will never get any comps without a players card so what does it hurt
Yes josh free rooms are really free!try to stay off the strip if you can.for example I play video poker I only play at video poker friendly casinos.try to,play at your favorite casinos when there is a tier point promo going.
Thanks Bill
At least you had a nice run for 20 years! Also, I am sure that you aren't the only ones who have lost more and been comped less. It seems like since FB opened up, or maybe when the Raiders moved there.... LV has focused on everything but gambling.
Might be true
Gambling is available in most states now ,you don't need to go to Vegas ,so they push other activities and jump up the price of everything
Great info! 3 of us go to Vegas 1-2 times a year but have never gotten comped. Are we going too infrequently and gambling too little? We typically play blackjack and craps.
If you have a card it’s likely that you gamble too little. Outside of Circa and The D you will need to log in to the website or have an email registered to know if you have any. We know people that go as little as once a year that get compd rooms
I only take like 1500 to gamble now on my 4 night trips. Obviously my comps suffer and while im still getting room comps, the resort fee and tax are on me now. Ive dialed it back so much and dont blame you either!
Pretty sure 2025 will be the year to dial it back for us as well. $1,000 a day just doesn't get us where it used to it seems.
@JoshRachael Definitely not! I have 4 nights comped at Luxor in March for the madness and it's 200$ for the resort fee/tax. Also have a 4 night at Mandalay in September for 200 at/RF also. Not worth it to overspend anymore!
By the way, do you also have a spreadsheet that calculates in the table games
We haven't really played much for table games lately
We plan to move to Vegas in the next few years but have to wait for Corey to retire in 3 years. I have heard that the rewards comps dry up and are not that great once you move to Las Vegas. We get a lot because we live in Michigan so they try to entice us to travel to Vegas..
We have heard the same thing. There was a comment earlier about a guy who goes to Wynn every week and gets freeplay but no rooms
Damn Josh and Rachael are Ballers!!
Don’t feel that way after the win/loss
My buddy (recovering alcoholic hadn’t been to Vegas in 3 years. He’s a sapphire member. Wife and I been 6 times in last 18 months and have spent well over 10k and are pearl members.
Point of story; My friend and I have same room comps on our mlife accounts
Makes zero sense
Can you share a few more details on how to redeem a cruise via MGM rewards? I've searched all over facebook group, reddit and the message boards, but there is almost no information on how someone with status with MGM can obtain this benefit. Thanks for the great video.
You will find in the link below that RC is a preferred partner - it doesn't talk as much about how you can get free cruises on the website as when we first learned about it. Right now though I can tell you we get emails from both Wynn and MGM Rewards talking about how we have earned a free cruise. MGM sometimes will say you have to come during a certain period of time to get one, but we have just found the email notification.
The great thing about RC right now is that it is a way to match to Gold with MGM - we did last year since Emerald and above with RC matches to Gold with MGM and is a lifetime status. Hopefully they stay together.
Your very honest
figure there is no point in faking it
Last 2 times we went we were denied our free play with no explanation and both people at Aria and MGM were rude about it
that would piss me off
My experience is almost exclusively with CET. that said, when $10 and $15 BJ was the standard, thats what I played, plus some VP. My comps were non-existent. Literally. A moderately discounted rate was the best I could get. Post-covid, $25 min is the norm, though occasionally you will find $15 tables. I still play table minimum BUT, now I charge EVERYTHING I can to my room, and I'll run about $150 through a low volatility slot. Now I get about $30 free play per visit, and free rooms on about half of the weekends. Rather than pay $400-500 for a room for Friday-Sunday, I gamble about an extra $100 and get them comped. My total budget for the weekend is no more than $1200 for everything.
The free rooms is the key for us so glad to hear you were able to find something that worked to get some
The comp systems have changed in the last ten years. Most casinos want people playing slots, which on average have a 8% house advantage. I would rather play craps, with a house advantage of 0.6%, so my comps are fewer, but my chances at winning are 14 times better at craps. Another point on MGM: they won't rate your table play unless you are at a $25 table.
Caesars gives me decent comps, but only during the week. So they get 90% of my play.
Good to know. We don't know how to play craps and it's so intimidating to saddle up to a table. One of these days we will need to try it out. Thanks for sharing.
Wow lots of good information guys ! I gotta remember to take my damn cards lol
Thank you
Thanks for the stats and tips. FB totally killed us this year. That casino is the Circa of the Strip (slots are very tight). If you factor in any free cruise certificates, are you net positive with comps? We branched out to other gambling destinations like Lake Tahoe and Reno. But we realized we would rather be in Vegas. 😉
Thinking more about it there is some sneaky money out there. $1400 in a cruise offer, 300 in birthday credit, whatever late check out costs are and some other random bits but still under to my knowledge
Only thing I don't like about comp value calculations is you place the rack rate of the room as its value. Half the time those rooms stay empty and to the hotel they cost about 35% of what the rack rate is.
For the first time I decided to play more slots instead of tables (El Cortez has 10x multiplers from Sun-Wed). I called to see if I could get an early offer since I need to go back for a conference. 4 comp nights, $125 FP and $75 food. I was betting .88 cents a spin for about 2000 coin in per day. Not to mention I earned $40.00 in express comps daily, plus ice cream bars, additonal FP ect.
I was betting $140 average on place bets in craps for 3 hours and barly get anything. Maybe the occasional dinner comp by the pit, 3 nights, barley any F&B or Promo Chips.
Downtown is always better at comping.
Thanks for sharing
Is resort credit automatically applied to your checkout bill, or do you have to go to the rewards desk before going to a restaurant & have it manually loaded / applied. Thanks, great video
I like to go to the rewards desks to ensure free play and resort credit is activated just in case
Nice video. I will let you in on a secret that Atlantic City gamblers know. Vegas has gotten really expensive but for a fraction of what you gamble and spend in Vegas, you can get a lot of comps in Atlantic City. There are 9 casinos in Atlantic City but they are relatively quiet except on the weekends and also prime time in July and August. The big players are in Atlantic City too: MGM (Borgata), Caesars (Caesars, Harrah's, Tropicana), Hard Rock, Golden Nugget, Ocean, Ballys and Resorts. The strategy in Atlantic City is different than Vegas because you do not need to be at higher tiers to get offered comp rooms (you have to pay the resort fee). This means you spread your play around and you can stay two days at one resort (paying the resort fee) then moving to another resort for two days and pay the resort fee. There are a lot less high rollers in Atlantic City so they have to cater to the low rollers. They are just happy to have business during the week. You can be Sapphire (lowest) level at MGM and still get offered comp rooms (where you pay the resort fee). I am an online sports bettor with BetMGM and am a Pearl level at MGM Resorts. I was getting offered comp rooms (pay the resort fee) at Vegas (MGM resorts) while I was at Sapphire level (as I only started gambling at BetMGM midway through 2024 and was deemed a VIP player by BetMGM). MGM offered me 3 or 4 nights comp at 8 different resorts in Vegas when I had just started with BetMGM but was deemed a VIP sports bettor. I had to play around on MGM Resorts website to get the AI program to offer me comp rooms at Borgata (MGM). My host at BetMGM told me that they have not figured out how to offer BetMGM players anything but rooms and comps in Vegas. I play Atlantic City because it is too much hassle to get to Vegas (flight) plus it was getting too expensive to stay at the hotels on the Strip. I am the lowest tier at Hard Rock, Caesars and get offered Comp Rooms from Sept to June (Sunday to Thursday). Also the hotel rooms can be had for approximately $100 to $150 (including resort fee) Sunday to Thursday in the offseason (Sept to June). You can lower your gambling amounts by a lot and still stay at nice hotels. Hard Rock is very aggressive with comps and perhaps the most generous of all the Atlantic City casinos offering nice discounts to meals and giving away gifts with not a huge amount of play. The gambling is the same in Atlantic City as Vegas except you will have lower limits like $15 min blackjack, lower table minimums for other games, Caesars is bringing 6-5 blackjack to Atlantic City but Hard Rock, Ocean are nixing that as there are a lot less gamblers to antagonize. Give Atlantic City a try, its a hidden gem for people who are not high rollers and who do not want to spend like crazy as Vegas has gotten a bit out of hand with costs. There are still nice restaurants in Atlantic City but they have to cater to the low rollers more so more reasonable priced restaurants. You could scale back your betting and still get a lot of comps in Atlantic City.
Interesting perspective! I've heard good things about Atlantic City as well. We want to go but the 4 hour flight vs the 1.5 hour flight to Vegas is tough since we do long weekend trips and east coast travel is tough on us. We do hope to make it to AC on the next year though if possible
Haven’t been smart to go to vegas from the east coast in years!Less flights less nonstops higher prices!Stay on the strip sone resort fees are over 60.00 now.
@@JoshRachaelSince you are in the west, then it makes sense to go to Vegas. Atlantic city is a good option if you are in the east or mid west. Driving is easiest if possible but it is around an hour drive from Philly but you could put ACY (Atlantic City) on your flight destination and they will put you on a dedicated bus from Philly airport (at least this is what I have been told, I drive my car to AC. Anyways the casinos are desperate in Atlantic City so the offers for comps are good, plus you do not have to spend much. I think the casinos there intentionally give away comp rooms (still have to pay resort fees) to get people in the casinos mid week. I noticed that the comp level at Caesars casinos in Atlantic city translates to getting some comp rooms in Vegas.
@ we are trying to visit all 50 states so we figure a long weekend we will fly into Philly, and rent a car to check out Delaware and AC some time next year
Hi Josh and Rachel, Thank you for the great video. I was hoping to ask if you know the coin-in-to-tier credit ratio for MGM properties. You mentioned the Wynn was about $5 coin in = 1 Teir Credit. Thank you for the response in advance. Hoping you have a luckier 2025.
MGM does not make it public, it depends on bet level, machine and duration. it used to be public but they changed a couple years ago. lame
I just wanted to provide another data point. I play at Wynn twice a week (I live only 14 miles away), about 40 weeks in 2024. So, we're talking 80 visits total in 2024 (yes, that's a lot, LOL). I play slots exclusively for about seven hours each visit. Since I'm local, Wynn doesn't offer me free rooms, but I'm fine with that. They do give me $100 free play every week. My coin-in (based on about 28,000 tier points) is $140K. My coin-out is about $136.6K for a payback rate of about 97.6%. Yes, that is quite high and is the reason why I love playing there so much. I would love to hear from other slot players on the Strip.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Sorry off subject. But when are you going g to restaurant Mother Wolf. Only in LA, Las Vegas, and Miami. Not that expensive but you will spend alot as all the dishes are excellent. Bread is a must 11.00.
Also saw a review for Top Sushi in LV AYCE. Two people 75.00.
Love your videos😅 but will look for. MOTHER WOLF
Very soon! We have a reservation
GREAT
You aren’t alone; all resorts are super tight ! Wasn’t even fun to play because bonuses seem to be cut in half on machines. I hope enough people take less trips until they are having to work to get our business back!
Yeah, it seems like everyone is feeling it!
I’ve definitely played more for the comps than it would have cost to pay outright. By far. However, I would have had to pay for the food and hotel anyway. 😮
It's true and the fact is we enjoy gambling so there is some entertainment value there as well
@JoshRachael what helps you is that you do most gambling in Vegas where MGM has the high multiplier. It used to be 20x points up until a couple years ago. Is it 8 now? So for every dollar I spent on property it would convert 20x to tier points. Most of my points came from MGM properties outside Vegas and I would use those to fund my anual vegas trip. But my local MGM closed, so it’s difficult to keep up MGM platinum in 1 or 2 trips a year. And I have a little hack for this too… Bellagio at least is kind of dumb…. I wait for the bill to come at the restaurant and after I have the thing I tell them I changed my mind charge it to the room. Then I keep the receipt snd take it to the host desk to get credit. Then settle the hotel bill at checkout with express comps. Otherwise you don’t get the tier points from express comps.
@@bw2082 Good point, we don't have any MGM properties near where we live so it's our only option, which probably helps us stay away from the locals
I wish everyone could take an accounting of just how much earning these comps actually cost in net wagers. (Are you actually going to maintain you "usually" win?) If you could, you'd probably discover that long-term it's cheaper to not wager at all and pay for the rooms, shows, and services directly.
This video is proof of it for me
2024 they pretty much cut my offers completely except Rio kept offering me a free week. Interestingly MGM has started sending me offers once again, but not for Bellagio or Aria.
We are scaling back trips some this year. Will be interesting to see if that figures into the offers we get
@@JoshRachael It's been a year since I was there, I thought they had jacked up prices for everything beyond what I thought was reasonable. Vegas isn't the cheap gambling vacation it once was. I live in the DC area and really don't see a reason to pay jacked up Vegas prices when the MGM National Harbor is just across the river from where I live.
You need to do the following:.
1. Get off the strip. South Point and M resort ore good options, but there are others.
2. Play video poker. Be sure to study the game and find the right payables. Slot and keno paybacks are trash.
3. Avoid Stations. They no longer comp or give anything to you if you play the good video poker.
Thanks for sharing
Our issues with that plan we would be off strip and we might as well go to our local casino (Blackhawk Colorado) if just looking to gamble
I tally all my WINS and LOSSES ... together with my COMP values. For COMPS ... I always calculate for the AMOUNT that I would actually pay for them and not the value they say it may be worth.
nice
I stayed at the Bellagio in Jun and won around 4800.
Heck yea!
Would it be possible to obtain the excel spreadsheet you created? I am curious as to the value I am receiving. My coin in is about the same every year, and I have noticed a decrease in comps and I struggle to hit Gold at MGM now. Thank you for the video with the breakdowns.
Send us an email and I will try to figure out how
I found your video very informative.
I am hoping you have a suggestion for my situation....
Starting in May, 2024, I have been going to Vegas every single month. I am an Elite member at Golden Nugget so, my rooms are always comped (4 nights) and all food & beverage gets changed to my room.
I play slots with an average coin-in of 1200-1500/ per trip.
This last trip in January, 2025
I was charged $152 for food/gift shop purchases.
I noticed most of the machines I played, the card reader was not working so, my play was not properly tracked.
Should I bring it to my host attention or what do you suggest?
Definitely talk to your host, but I don’t know that there is anything that they can do.
Personally if my card doesn’t read on a machine I don’t play it. No reason to potentially lose any money without it being accounted for. If you have issues on multiple machines see if you can have them reprint you a new card
@JoshRachael Thank you for responding. I appreciate your suggestions. I think, I will reach out to my host. 👍
Caesars uses daily average play in their calculation when giving comps. You're significantly better off gambling 5k in 1 day than 10k over 10 days.
thanks for that
I appreciate your transparency. I had a great 2024 if I factor in the comps. 3 trips 6 hotel stays. 23 days comped. 4 FB, 7 cosmo (including 4 in wraparound),8 park, 4 MB. 600 airfare. 3 free rides from airport. $3k plus in resorts credit. About 3k in free play. But 100% agree RTP drops continually. I got lucky in 2024. -$312 on 290k coin in (most at my local) but that was with $45k in jackpots, which you can't count on. Previous years not so lucky. I've gone to vegas 2 or 3 times a year for a couple decades, and pretty sure I'm going once this year for my birthday. As much as I love it, the experience the last few years gets worse each year. $3k in resorts credit over 3 weeks sounds awesome, but when burgers are $25 and a pool drink is $42 it doesn't feel so great. Pre covid if you didn't go hi end, $100 a day was plenty..for 2. Now it's 2 drinks and some nachos.
Totally agree Paul - thanks for sharing your experience. We have a free offer from Rachael at FB next week but don't plan on playing there much since almost $2,500 loss only gets me Sunday through Thursday comps currently. They are doing comps like they are Wynn and its just doesn't match up for us
@JoshRachael yeah. Most of my play is at MGM, but really enjoyed gambling at FB when I was there in September. Really liked the restaurants and property. Played enough to get to Silver, so wasn't expecting much for offers. Am getting the same 4 night with a gold king "best view" whatever that is and $3-400 freeplay, so probably going to back to back with an MGM when I go back. Trying to hold off till Sept. I'll see if I can make it. Lol. Not feeling like there's much of an advantage with Platinum at mgm. The airfare and extra dining is nice...but with as much as it takes to get to 200k, not worth it. Been platinum for 7 years and get pretty comparable offers as friends that are Gold. Short taxi lines aren't worth an extra 125k coin in.
Enjoy your videos. Have you done one on your TH-cam income? I would guess it pays for your losses and then some.
We have not and don’t plan on it. TH-cam can help cover some of our travel but does not pay for gambling losses.
@@JoshRachael okay, I didn’t mean pay for your gambling losses specifically. I thought the TH-cam income could offset the costs you incurred and when added to comps might put you in the positive for your travels.
Any tips on how to generate comps and free play on “ table games “ ? Would you be willing to share your spreadsheet ?
The only thing is to ensure the dealer accurately captures your time and average bet. email us and I can try to figure out how to share
MGM - 4 comp nights is Nice only the freeplay is only being added when it is your first trip. Second trip we didnt receive the freeplay. Did you Guys have the same problem?
We have not lately but we haven’t had more than one MgM trip booked at the same time for a little bit
@@JoshRachaelok but the freeplay is only valid in your first trip. So for example if you book your trip now to ny ny with 4 comp nights and 100 usd freeplay. Incase you have stayed at any mgm property earlier you will not recieve the freeplay. Incase you have experienced otherwise let me us know.