How Many Things in a Casino are Free?
Some things in casinos are free, but how many is not clear
Sunday, December 03, 2006
By Gary Rotstein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Any gambler who’s been on a casino floor in Las Vegas or Atlantic City knows an offer of free alcohol will come his way and, perhaps, he counts on it.
And if that player is a big-time customer in the eyes of the casino, the “comp” system of free meals, lodging, entertainment and other gifts kicks in.
Such industry standards will be part of the slots business in Pennsylvania, but it’s still uncertain as to how much.
Gov. Ed Rendell signed legislation last week that permits the 14 potential casino licensees to give away drinks, but it’s an option, not a mandate. And the casinos have the choice of providing complementary items and services to customers they feel deserve it, but Pennsylvania’s relatively high tax rate on gambling revenue might minimize such offers compared with other gambling meccas.
“Don’t fall into the trap of comparing this market to Las Vegas or Atlantic City,” said Bob Oltmanns, spokesman for PITG Gaming LLC, which is applying for a license to operate on the North Shore. “Pittsburgh is not going to be that, with people coming from all over the country. … It’s not at all unreasonable to expect there will be comp services for our more frequent players here, but what that’s going to be, I don’t know.”
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