Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour, and most of all – its casinos. With dozens of iconic casino resorts lining the Las Vegas Strip, it‘s no wonder why tens of millions visit Sin City every year to try their luck at the tables and slots.
While the house usually wins overall, savvy players can get a lot of value in Vegas by taking advantage of comps and free play offers. Here‘s an in-depth guide on how to get free money and other perks at Las Vegas casinos.
Sign Up for Players Clubs
Nearly every casino in Las Vegas has a players club or rewards program. These are 100% free to join and provide benefits to players based on how much they wager.
The more you play using your rewards card inserted into the machine or presented at the table, the more tier credits and comps you‘ll earn. Make sure to sign up for a players card at every casino you plan to play at. This will maximize the freebies you can take advantage of.
Typical rewards include:
- Free slot play
- Match play coupons
- Discounted or comped rooms
- Discounted or comped food and drinks
- Free parking
- Invites to special events and tournaments
- Gifts and giveaways
Many players clubs have multiple tiers based on your level of play during a certain time period. Higher tiers provide better perks, so even a short trip can earn you top-tier status.
Caesars Rewards, MGM Resorts M life Rewards, and Wynn Red Card are some of the most popular players clubs on the Strip. But don‘t forget to join independent casino rewards programs like the Golden Nugget 24K Select Club downtown too.
Check for Signup Bonuses
Most Las Vegas casinos offer new players signup bonuses to attract business. These often come in the form of free slot play, match play coupons, or deposit bonuses.
For example, Bally‘s offers new players $10 in free slot play when they join the Total Rewards players club. At Planet Hollywood, new Total Rewards members get $20 free after earning just 1 tier credit on the slots.
Meanwhile, at Caesars online casino, they give new players $20 free plus a 100% deposit match up to $300. You can use this $320 in bonus funds to play online slots, blackjack, roulette, and more.
Be sure to read the fine print on any signup offers. There are usually wagering requirements you must meet within a certain timeframe before you can cash out winnings from free play credits. Still, these bonuses give you extra money to play with at no cost.
Which Vegas Casinos Offer the Best Signup Free Play?
Here are some of the best signup bonuses available right now at major Las Vegas casinos:
- Bally‘s – $10 free slot play
- The LINQ – $15 free slot play
- Paris Las Vegas – $10 free slot play
- Planet Hollywood – $10-$20 free slot play
- The Cromwell – $20 free slot play
- Flamingo – $20 free slot play
- Harrah‘s – $20 free slot play
- The Strat – Up to $100 Match Play
- Sahara – $10 free slot play
- Caesars Palace – Up to $100 Match Play
- WynnBET – $50 free + $50 deposit match
- BetMGM – $25 free + 100% deposit match up to $1000
As you can see, Caesars Entertainment casinos are very generous with the signup offers. But WynnBET, BetMGM, The Strat, and others also give you extra value right off the bat.
Take advantage of as many free play and match play deals as you can by signing up for multiple rewards programs. This will give you more money to play with on your Vegas trip.
Tip Casino Staff for Better Rewards
One Vegas insider tip is to tip casino and hotel staff for better comps. Dealers, waiters, bellhops, front desk clerks, and cocktail servers all have some say in what kinds of perks you receive.
A good rule of thumb is to tip $5-10 when you first sit down at a table, then $1-2 per drink. Slot attendants and cocktail servers appreciate $1-2 tips as well. Show your appreciation to hotel staff with $10-20 tips.
Not only is this good etiquette, but it incentives employees to take extra care of you. The dealer can comp drinks, approve bet changes, or rate your play more favorably. Waiters will put in a good word with their managers. Front desk clerks may upgrade your room.
Money talks in Vegas. Strategic tipping gives back but can also score you free meals, drinks, show tickets, and more. Be smart and take advantage of this unwritten rule.
Earn Comps with Rated Slot Play
Casinos want to identify and reward their best players. Which is why they encourage slot players to use their rewards cards whenever playing.
When you play slots with your card inserted, you‘ll earn tier credits and comps based on factors like:
- Length of play
- Average bet size
- Hitting jackpots
- Overall wins/losses
The system automatically rates your play in real-time. This determines how much complimentary rewards you receive. It pays to use your players card every time you spin.
Aim for at least 2-4 hours of rated slot play per day. Adjust your bets to average $5-10 per spin. Mix in some bigger $25-50 bets as well. Winning jackpots, even small ones, can really boost your points too.
With frequent rated slot play, you can often earn enough comps for free drinks, buffets, show tickets, and even hotel rooms. Getting your play rated is key to maximizing casino bonuses.
Speak to a Casino Host
Casino hosts are your best friend when it comes to getting the royal treatment. Once you establish yourself as a regular player, ask to be assigned a personal host.
Tell them your game and limits so they understand your habits. Be realistic – don‘t claim you play $500 slots if your average bet is really $5. Slot, table games, and high roller hosts cater to different types of clientele.
A good host advocates for you to get the best comps and VIP perks possible. They have authority to grant freebies like room upgrades, spa treatments, tickets to exclusive events, and more.
Even if you don‘t have an official host, any casino VIP representative can assist with comps. Request their help scoring free meals, drinks, show tickets, or nights in a comped suite.
Play Mobile Casino Apps
Las Vegas casinos offer mobile betting apps with free play bonuses. Download their app to score bonuses you can use when visiting in person.
For example, Caesars Casino gives new users $20 free with registration. You can use this money to play popular slots and table games on your phone. Any winnings can be withdrawn once you meet a low 5x wager requirement.
The main benefit of mobile casino apps is they don‘t require deposits or risk. You play 100% for free. Winnings can be credited to your account and used during Vegas trips for meals, shopping, shows, and more.
Apps like Caesars, MGM, BetMGM, Wynn Slots, and Golden Nugget give new users free play bonuses to enjoy top Vegas games on the go. Take advantage of these to maximize your free money.
Use Your Free Play Correctly
One mistake to avoid is cashing out free play credits as soon as you receive them. While this may be tempting, it violates the terms and could even get your account suspended.
You must put any free play through by making real wagers on slots or tables. Some tips:
- Accept bonuses only on games you actually enjoy playing
- Wager free play on slots with 96%+ RTP
- Play max bet to finish wagering quickly
- Stop once wagering complete to withdraw any wins
Free play allows you to stretch your budget and potentially win real cash prizes. But you must use common sense and follow the rules. Never cash out comps immediately – it defeats the purpose and can ruin your relationship with the casino.
Speak to the Casino Marketing Team
For high rollers and VIPs, the marketing team oversees the biggest offers. Casino marketing execs have authority to approve huge free play packages, luxurious suites, and exclusive entertainment.
Contact the marketing office at your favorite Vegas casinos, even before your trip. Share that you have an upcoming visit and are interested in possible comp offers. Don‘t be shy to ask – the worst they can say is no.
With an established history of play, you may be surprised at what casinos are willing to gift you. Free play credits in the thousands, limo service, private gaming sessions, and more perks are within reach.
Big players know to leverage the marketing staff. Their job is making sure VIPs have an over-the-top experience. See what extravagant comps they can offer for your next Vegas vacation.
Check Your Email and Mail
Casinos send promotional offers to their most loyal players by email and direct mail. Read these carefully and don‘t toss them out.
Valuable coupons could be hiding inside like:
- Free play credits
- Match play chips
- Buffet or restaurant passes
- Show and nightclub tickets
- Discount room rates
- Drawing entries
- Gifts and prizes
Redeem these bonuses during your stay for extra value. Free play credits tend to range from $10-$100 but can be much higher based on your tier. Match plays offer 1:1 matches on table bets up to $100 or even $500.
Invitations to special events, tournaments, and promotions also come via email and mail. These provide fun perks and potential payouts you‘d otherwise miss. Opt-in to casino communications for important updates.
Host Parties and Events
Throwing a bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday celebration, or big blowout in Vegas? Casinos love hosting hot events on-site – especially when you have a large group.
Call the casino marketing team to pitch your party idea. For big groups willing to book rooms, they‘ll often provide:
- Discounted room rates
- Complimentary suites
- Free play credits
- Food and beverage packages
- Party pit or cabana reservations
- Nightclub passes
- Show tickets
- Limousine service
Party organizers can earn huge comps, discounted pricing, and VIP treatment by partnering with the right casino. Shop around to see who offers your group the best perks.
Join a Casino Loyalty Club
Casino Loyalty Clubs provide extra rewards and benefits year-round. For a monthly or annual fee, members earn valuable coupons, discounts, and exclusive access.
Caesars Palace Nobleman Club ($100/year) offers $200 monthly free play plus 30% off rooms and 20% off spa services.
Wynn‘s Red Card ($75/year) gives $50 quarterly free play, priority reservations, discounted rooms, and passes to the Encore Players Lounge.
Cosmopolitan‘s Identity Membership ($300/year) provides $150 monthly free play, 20% off rooms, priority lines, and private registration.
Given the high value perks, loyalty club fees can quickly pay for themselves in Vegas savings. Sign up to start cashing in on serious comps and VIP treatment.
Slow Play Competitions
Most slots and VP tournaments in Vegas employ a slow play format. This levels the playing field by basing prizes on who can slowly build their credits up over time.
Instead of slamming max bets, smart strategy is to play minimum wagers and grind out small wins. This preserves your balance while advancing on the leaderboard.
Every casino runs different tourneys, but common formats include:
- Biggest increase in credits over set time limit
- Play until you reach X amount of credits
- Last player standing with credits remaining
Buyins normally range from $10-$50. With a slow play approach, your money goes further. First place prizes like $500 free play make these contests profitable.
Learn Video Poker Strategy
Getting good at video poker (VP) can lead to generous casino comps. That‘s because VP machines have high returns when played using optimum strategy.
By making mathematically correct decisions on which cards to hold/draw, skilled VP players enjoy payouts of 99-100%+. This minimizes losses and earns profits long-term.
Common machines like 9/6 Jacks or Better, 8/5 Bonus Poker, and 9/7 Double Double Bonus have the best schedules. Learning guides and cheat sheets exist for popular games.
Casinos gladly comp rooms, meals, and amenities for VP players due to their slim edge. Brush up on strategy to capitalize. Combining VP skill with rated slot play and sports betting is a powerful combo.
Negotiate Loss Back Offers
After big losses, you may get lucky by negotiating loss back offers from the casino. Marketing execs have authority to grant credits refunding a portion of your losses.
Obviously, this requires sizable bets and variance falling in the casino‘s favor. But any substantial loss can present an opportunity to haggle for money back.
Be polite and realistic. Something like 25% cashback on verified losses over $10,000+ is reasonable. Maybe they counter at 10% or 15% – still putting money back in your pocket.
If you have an established high stakes history, don‘t be afraid to request loss back comps. Just stay cool and avoid demanding tones – no one responds well to those.
Avoid Chasing Comps
It‘s easy to get carried away chasing casino comps – especially with all the techniques discussed above. Just remember that gambling comes with a real downside as well.
Don‘t justify playing slots or tables only to earn rewards. If you‘re not genuinely enjoying the experience, it‘s smarter to avoid gambling entirely.
Set a firm gambling budget based on entertainment value alone. Let any comps be viewed as a nice bonus, not the reason for playing. Never exceed limits hoping rewards will make up for it.
Maintain perspective on freebies. Getting a "free" buffet that follows $500 in slot losses is terrible value. You can pay out of pocket and still come out way ahead.
Always gamble responsibly with money you can afford to lose. Never sacrifice financial stability solely to earn comps. Play smart, have fun, and use the casino‘s money for extra value – not the driving factor.
In Summary
Mastering how to get free money and perks in Las Vegas comes down to a few key tips:
- Sign up for every casino‘s player rewards program
- Check for signup bonuses and take advantage
- Use your players card whenever gambling
- Develop relationships with casino staff
- Play rated slots and tables to earn credits
- Ask marketing reps for personalized offers
- Redeem valuable mail and email coupons
- Throw parties and events at casinos
- Join high-tier loyalty clubs for extra benefits
- Brush up on video poker strategy
- Politely request loss back if you take a big hit
- Gamble responsibly and view comps as a bonus
Put these steps into practice on your next trip. With the right approach, you can enjoy thousands in Vegas perks, amenities, and free play cash over time. Just remember to gamble at moderate limits you can afford and have fun first.
Stay savvy by shopping around offers between different Vegas casinos both on and off The Strip. Combining signup bonuses, ongoing promotions, and VIP rewards is the recipe for maximizing your free money.
