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Back in 1994,
Max Rubin's COMP CITY hit bookstores with a resounding
"hello." Packed with its revelations about how to get
freebies or "complimentaries" (comps); how high rollers
operate; the kind of a bankroll needed to get free rooms, food or
transportation, even at a price of $40, it sold quickly and without
question to cost.
 Almost
eight years later, COMP CITY is back, revised, updated
and as valuable as ever to those with questions about how much a
person must put into action before being entitled to the freebies.
The 382-page paperbound ($19.95) not only covers Las Vegas in this
edition, but also takes a look at comps on a national level. This
includes California (Barona in particular) the Midwest (with a focus
on Binion's in Hammond, IN.); the Beau Rivage in the South and the
Mohegan Sun in the East.
About 30 percent
of this edition is new and all charts are updated as necessary.
A key difference in today's system is that a rating technique known
as the "four-hour conversion" has been generally phased
out. Comps are now based on theoretical win, which is more straightforward,
while advice is geared toward this current format.
In the book's
first edition, great controversy was generated in regard to "bad
ratings"-the book discusses whether a rated player can hurt
his comps if he plays for low stakes. In this edition of the book,
the subject is addressed where appropriate.
Rubin's most
significant changes occur in the completely rewritten and revised
section on Regulation 6-A and Suspicious Transaction Reports. This
is information all "Big Players" must have and understand.
Other sections with greatly expanded coverage include Slots, Slot
Clubs and Other Games.
There are more
than 40 new pages in the section titled Other Jurisdictions (Comps
Across America). This section examines Arizona, Atlantic City, California,
Colorado, the Dakotas, Connecticut, Florida, on the Internet, Kansas,
Louisiana, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin,
Mississippi, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
The book also
contains advice on how to play smart; how to avoid hookers who really
want to take you on a ride (with "trick rolls"); information
on wedding chapels; chip hustlers; escort services; avoiding "clip
joints," dealing with pawn shops if you must; being aware of
hotel long-distance charges; the history of junkets and how players
are "rated" and tips on managing your bankroll.
Indexed and
packed with charts and formulas only many insiders know, this book
should make beginners or somewhat hopeful "high-roller"
types more knowledgeable about every aspect of gaining comps, including
the importance of know the floorman's responsibilities; understanding
how VIP services operate; dealing with floorman; dressing to impress;
letting the casino bosses watch you and how to "block"
yourself from view appropriately.
The book also
contains a "bankroll index" chart to help an individual
determine what size bankroll is needed to pursue comps described
in the book. In
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