This is the rec.gambling.craps Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Craps in Atlantic City.
AC FAQ last
modified: 2-21-00.
http://members.aol.com/jimferr/JimTheSystemMan.html
AC1: What is the difference between craps in Atlantic City and other places?
AC2: Which casino has the best odds in AC?
AC3: Which casino has the best and worst playing conditions in AC?
AC4: Which casino has the highest / lowest minimums in AC?
AC5: Which casinos give away cash back and match-play coupons to craps players?
AC7: What are Mini-Craps and Mini-Dice?
AC8: What is Flash Dice or Mini-Just Dice?
AC9: Should I use casino credit? How does it work?
AC10: What is the best way to get around town from casino to casino?
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Q: AC1 What is the difference between craps in Atlantic City and other places?
(3/99)
A: AC1 The New Jersey Casino Control Commission heavily regulates how casinos take bets and make things consistent among the properties. Because of CCC regulations:
· There is no 'Big 6/8' bet. Any bet on the 6 or 8 (except line bets) must be place bets.
· Put bets are not allowed. Most dealers don't even know what a put bet is.
· Chips are standard colors and size for all casinos:
Ø $1 White
Ø $2.50 Pink - used for BJ, not actively at dice
Ø $5 Red
Ø $10 Blue - commemorative chips
Ø $20 Yellow - used for Baccarat & Pai Gow Poker, not actively at dice
Ø $25 Green
Ø $100 Black
Ø $500 Purple
Ø $1,000 Orange - oversized
Ø $5,000 Gray - oversized
Ø $10,000 Numbered plaque - never(?) used at craps table
· Unlike in Vegas, there are no special oversized chips from the Baccarat tables; one size fits all.
· The table minimum, table maximum and available odds -- i.e. double odds, 5x odds -- must be posted at each table. The odds notice is usually located just under the box-person.
· At all casinos, come bet odds and hardway bets are not working on the come-out roll unless a player says otherwise.
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Q: AC2 Which casino has the best odds in Atlantic City?
A: AC2 It varies not only from casino to casino, but also from table to table within a casino. Most A.C. casinos have some tables where 5x odds are available, but other tables at the same property may have 2x or 3x odds.
Below is a list of properties and available odds. Dates show when the property was last checked or when feedback was provided. Some casinos advertise their 5x tables with an overhead sign, while other casinos make you look for them.
Notes:
- 2x odds - Normally twice the flat bet.
Lay: to win 2x flat bet.
- 3x odds - Three times the flat bet.
Lay: to win 3x flat bet.
3/4/5 odds - Exactly 3x the flat bet for a 4 or 10,
4x the flat bet for a 5 or 9, and 5x the flat bet for a 6 or 8.
Lay: 6x the flat bet to in 3/4/5x flat bet.
- Short 5x odds - 5x the flat bet, but with less rounding up.
Lay: to win 5x the flat bet.
- True 5x odds - 5x the flat bet, but with more rounding up.
Lay: to win 5x the flat bet.
- 10x odds - Exactly 10x the flat bet. Bet $14, take up to $140 odds.
Lay: to win 10x the flat bet.
An example of 'short' vs. 'true' 5x odds would be a flat bet of $30. Where 'short' odds are used, the highest odds bet on a 4/10 is $150, 5/9 is $150, 6/8 is $250. (Yeah, that's really 8.3x odds.) Where 'true' odds are used, the player can take $200 odds on the 5/9. The odds are 'rounded up' to a cleaner payout schedule. $150 odds on 5/9 begets $225; $200 odds begets $300. It is easier for a dealer to pay 3 black chips vs. 2 blacks & one green.
Hilton (8/99) True 5x, all tables
Tropicana (2/00) True 5x, all tables
Trump Plaza (2/00) True 5x on 2 tables at Trump Plaza, 2x on all other tables
Caesars (2/00) True 5x, 1-4 tables, usually located under the escalator, and 2x, all other tables
Bally's Wild West (2/00) 5x up to 2 tables, and 2x all other tables (no more 10x odds here)
Bally's Park Place (2/00) 2x, all tables
Claridge (8/99) True 5x, 1-2 tables and 3x all other tables
Sands (8/99) True 5x, 1-2 tables downstairs and 2x all other tables
Resorts (2/00) True 5x, all tables
Taj (2/00) 10x 1-2 tables and 2x all other tables
Showboat (8/99) True 5x all tables
Harrah's (8/99) True 5x, 1-2 tables and 2x, all other tables. The 5x tables are closed during way off-peak times, but you can play 5x odds at the 2x odds tables if you ask.
Trump Marina (8/99) 10x, 0-2 tables and 2x, all other tables. During off-peak hours (usually midnight to noon), the 10x tables are closed - only 2x odds available.
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Q: AC3 Which casino has the best and worst playing conditions, i.e. quality of dealers, in AC?
A: AC3 Since most casinos have 5x odds tables or better, the flow of the game and effectiveness of the dealers becomes a more important determinant as to where to play craps. Beverage service and floor-person behavior is also important.
This is a subjective question. However, most contributors believe that Caesars and Harrah's have the best dealers while Claridge and Sands have the worst.
Below are notes on properties from ACMarc's personally observed, and contributed experiences. Dates show when comments were last updated. Your experiences may be different.
Hilton (8/99)
· Some dealers can't keep up with the pace, but they are consistently friendly and appreciative of players giving tokes. Box-people and pit critters are very friendly and supportive of players. Box-people are very alert to any errors made on missed Pit critters take a passive approach to table management; they rarely step in unless absolutely necessary.
· Beverage service is frequent and friendly.
Tropicana (8/99)
· Dealers tend to try hard and keep a good sense of humor, despite the behavior of floor staff.
· The pit critters don't like people very much, especially customers. They can be surly, slow to accept rating cards, and rarely even consider resolving disputes in a customer's favor. Mantra for a Tropicana floor-person: The customer is never right. Some floor-people are known to make racist and sexist comments *while in the pit, where customers can hear*. They can also berate the dealers in a way that could be considered harassment.
· Beverage service is fairly frequent. There is an inverse relationship between the appearance and attitude of the beverage servers.
Trump Plaza (5/99)
· The dealers are generally competent but sarcastic and rude. Many are expressionless and add little to the atmosphere.
· Box-men sometimes miss errors and are easily distracted in conversations with other pit people.
· Beverage service is downright lousy in the craps pit.
Caesars (7/99)
· Likely the fastest tables in A.C. The dealers move very fast in making payouts, collecting losing bets, and placing bets. And they do so with accuracy and flair. They keep tables moving, but watch each other to keep the pace from going too fast. The stick-person often checks with dealers to make sure they have booked all the bets before sending out the dice. Dealers often openly root for the shooter. This is the only A.C. casino where the dealers truly work in sync, as a team. Toking dealers like these actually feels good.
· The best dealers are routinely placed on the 5x tables, but those working the
· 2x tables are just about as good.
· Box-persons are highly alert. They watch player routines, and are quick to politely check with a player if a routine bet doesn't take place.
· Disputes (i.e. size of bet made, if a bet was made, was it or wasn't it a roll) are commonly settled in the player's favor, regardless of the size of the bet. Pit bosses are accommodating.
· When a high roller is staying, Caesars will reserve a spot for that person.
· Sometimes they add additional 5x tables so that high-rollers get their own tables but mid-rollers are not left in the lurch. It's not uncommon to find 2 $100 5x and 2 $10 - $25 5x tables. When the high-roller plays, dealers are careful to give him special consideration but not neglect other players at the table.
· Beverage service is infrequent and slow. Players often wait 20-30 minutes for a beverage server then another 20-30 minutes for their drink, especially at the high limit and other 5x tables under the escalator.
Bally's Wild West (8/99)
· Dealers are fair and friendly, though getting jaded from seeing a lot of big bets.
· Floor-staff is very friendly and accommodating.
· Beverage service is downright lousy during busy times, but good during off-peak times.
Bally's Park Place (8/99)
· Dealers are competent but have a general 'no care' attitude. This attitude does not change at the presence of tokes.
· Floor-people are slow to take care of customers and are just plain jaded.
· The casino is not well-lighted. It is often difficult to see how the dice land because of shadows.
· Beverage service is sporadic.
Claridge (5/99)
· Most dealers are "newbies", they seem like they are in training. They tend not to be very bright and not used to taking care of medium-or high-rollers. Did you hear the about the dealer that quit his job at Claridge? His I.Q. went up 20 points.
· Recent reports suggest that dealer attitude is back to the "Smaller is friendlier" motto, especially at the mini-dice table.
· High-rollers are rare; green chip play causes the pit crew to freak out.
· Disputes (i.e. size of bet made, if a bet was made, was it or wasn't it a roll) are taken seriously and often settled in the player's favor, but not automatically or excessively so.
· Dealers fail to recognize or thank customers for tokes.
· Guys: their female dealers are *not* attractive.
· Beverage service is infrequent and slow. They rarely serve top-shelf beverages.
Sands (8/99)
· Many dealers and pit critters here personify the New Jersey "up yours" attitude that motivate people living an hour away from A.C. to fly to Vegas. The management does not like craps players, and the attitude passes through the pit bosses to the dealers. These are often the rudest dealers in A.C.
· Dealers often place more attention on conversations with each other than taking care of players.
· Almost the opposite of Harrah's and Caesars, the craps dealers get upset with people who often change bets, fail to thank players who toke them or make a bet for them, and sometimes even yell at players and at each other. Dispute with a dealer? Tough.
· Sands no longer gives advance notice of table minimum increases. A.C. casinos are no longer required to give 1/2 notice, but it remains customary in other properties.
· Dealers fail to recognize or thank customers for tokes.
· Beverage servers have the same attitude. They even get sarcastic when toked a dollar -- "only a dollar; gee, thanks."
· Resorts (8/99)
· Resorts was the first to offer 5x odds, so some dealers have seen it all.
· However, many of the dealers are newbies. (Did the experienced ones leave when
· Sun took over?) They are easily frightened of green & black chip action.
· Dealers do not rotate much between craps and other types of table games. They remember regular players from previous trips (and tips). They are basically friendly and courteous.
· Boxpeople and floor-people handle disputes fairly, usually in the player's favor, but not enough so to be taken advantage of. If the customer disputes a dealer's action and the box-person did not see it, the floor-person has no problem checking with "the man upstairs".
· Beverage service is more frequent in the middle aisle vs. the aisle near the high limit slots.
Taj (8/99)
· Efficient and usually friendly. If you play at the same table as a high roller, recognize that all the tokes in the world may not get you priority on bets. Taj dealers give priority to the largest betters. Say a $50 better cries, "Send the dice!" and you are a $10 player who needs time to call your bets, with a dealers' bet on the line -- too bad. When it comes to disputes with dealers, big betters get better treatment than the low- and mid-rollers.
· There is a clear difference between day-shift and night-shift dealers:
· Those on the graveyard and day shifts are friendly, alert, and personable.
· They adapt to player strategies & routines and politely point out when the player deviates. They are willing to slow down the game or speed it up as requested, and may make favorable 'mistakes' when toked.
· Evening shift dealers often cop an attitude. They tell stories to each other and avoid communication with the player. The guys are easily distracted by the ladies walking by to the point where they ignore players' bets. In one recent occurrence, a player called a bet three times to a dealer mentally undressing a female passerby. The dealer didn't book the bet which would have won the player $500. When the player complained, the dealer said, "Too bad, the bet wasn't booked."
· Floor-people and other pit critters are notably friendly and outgoing.
· Beverage service is frequent. Taj is an equal opportunity beverage service employer; the servers are guys & gals of different backgrounds. All servers are courteous.
Showboat (7/99)
· Dealers and pit personnel are friendly and supportive of players, often interceding to correct errors in favor of the customers. Dice are returned to the shooter without delay, resulting in a speedy game.
· Dealers advise players when odds on bets are forgotten, and are very appreciative tokes made for them, win or lose. They have been known to make a "mistake" or two in favor of a toking customer.
· Box-people get distracted often.
· Beverage service varies.
Harrah's (8/99)
· The dealers and floor-staff here are consistently the friendliest in Atlantic City, and it shows. They encourage this attitude with their dealers. The dealers are efficient, but not always fast. Sometimes, they'll take the time to chat with players or even tell a joke or two. (If someone calls, 'Send the dice, they'll speed up because it's what the customer wants.) The pit bosses do not appear to push dealers to move fast; that would make the games less friendly. Dealers at tables that are open but not active enjoy chatting with players. One dealer mused, "Two things will get you great treatment here: jokes and tokes." He paused, then added, "But not in that order."
· The dealers for their mini-craps table are especially friendly and helpful. It appears that the best dealers get put on mini-craps.
· Pit critters have been somewhat crabby lately.
· Beverage service is frequent during the weekends, but very slow during the week.
Trump Marina (8/98)
· The dealers here are pretty fast, pretty nice, pretty smart. Not the best, not the worst. They are starting to catch on to the young crowd and offering more of a good time than just dealing craps. They are friendly.
· Dealers seem to have a better attitude than floor-staff. Some pit critters are abrupt and rude, most are just plain surly. Maybe seeing all those 20 somethings makes them feel old.
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Q: AC4 Which casino has the highest / lowest minimums in AC?
A: AC4 Typically, Claridge has the lowest minimums, Taj and Tropicana have the highest minimums, and the other casinos will have a mix of high and low limit tables.
"All boats rise with the tide." Generally, table minimums tend to rise at all properties during peak times and be low during off-peak. Saturday afternoon and nights, Sunday midday, anytime during holiday weekends are peak times. Off-peak would be Sunday after 6 p.m. and weekdays before 6 p.m. Saturday nights during the cold winter months are often off-peak times for the casinos, except for holiday weekends like Presidents' Day or MLK Day.
Minimums will be higher in the summer than the winter, because more people flock to AC in the summertime. On really peak times such as New Year's or the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, minimums will be extremely high. Major events, such as a boxing match or headliner show, also raise the minimums.
The "premier" casinos have higher minimums or will raise their minimums earlier than other casinos. For example, you will not find a $5 table at the Taj on a Saturday night. You will, however, likely see a fully packed $100 table. The Claridge, which drools over $25 betters, would be more likely to host Saturday night $5 action. Harrah's caters to the middle roller, so has few high limit tables. Those who can command a higher minimum, will.
Below is a list of casinos and their typical table minimums:
Hilton (8/99)
$5 - $25 off-peak, $10 - $50 peak. Rarely a $5 table.
If a headliner is playing, all tables: $25 - $100.
Liza Minelli or Bill Cosby = Outrageous minimums
Tropicana (8/99)
$5 - $25 way off-peak, $5 - $25 off-peak, $10 - $50 peak (winter), $15 - $50
peak (summer).
Trump Plaza (8/99)
Plaza: Mid-range on minimums. Keeps at least one $25 table, usually, and one $5
during peak times.
5x: Never under $10, usually $25.
2x: $5 - $10 off-peak, $5 - $25 peak.
Caesars (2/00)
5x: $10 - $100 and 2x: $5 - $25
Tries to maintain 1-3 5x tables @ $10 - $25 and one @ $25 - $100.
Bally's Wild West (2/00)
5x: $10-$25 and 2x: $5-$25
Bally's Park Place (2/00)
$5-$10 off-peak, and $10-$25 peak
Claridge (8/99)
5x: $5 or $10 off-peak, $10 - $25 peak.
3x: $5 off-peak, $5 - $25 peak (winter), $10 - $25 peak (summer).
Sands (8/99)
5x: $5 - $10 way off-peak, $15 - $50 off-peak, $25 most of the time.
2x: $5 - $25 off-peak, $10 - $25 peak, but usually keeps one $5 table upstairs.
The tables upstairs, including mini-craps, will have the lower minimums for the casino.
Resorts (2/00)
$5-$10 off-peak, $5-$25 peak
Taj (2/00)
10x never less than $25, $5-$10 off-peak, $10-$25 peak 2x
Showboat (5/99)
$5 - $10 off-peak, $5 - $25 peak; sometimes hard to find tables <$10.
Harrah's (8/99)
Harrah's grandfathering policy makes this a good spot for someone who likes to play long sessions. If you start playing at a $5 table, and the table minimum increases, you can continue to play at a $5 level. (They won't volunteer this info at the table; you need to ask.)
5x: $5 - $25 off-peak, $10 - $25 peak.
2x: $5 - $10 off-peak, $5 - $10 peak (winter). mini-craps: $5 - $10.
When the 5x odds table is closed during way off-peak times, you can play 5x odds at the 2x tables until the 5x tables open for the day. However, you need to ask the floorperson first.
Trump Marina (7/98)
10x: *closed* way off-peak, $15-$25 off-peak, $25 peak.
2x: $5 - $10 off-peak, $10 - $25 peak.
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Q: AC5 Which casinos give away cashback and matchplay coupons to craps players?
A: AC5 Tricky questions. Every casino has a different formula regarding how much to give away in free cash and matchplay. This formula can vary based on seasonality, geography, frequency of play, and other factors. For example, Taj tends to send lower value coupons for the same play in the summer when it gets more business. For a while, Caesars was sending coupons only to players living closer to the Connecticut casinos than to AC.
In addition to free money, depending on play, table players may also receive invites to parties, special drawings, bingo, or freeroll tournaments. Also, the below info can change very quickly when the marketing office decides to changes its schemes.
Hilton (8/99)
Same trip cash back: Yes
Coupons based on last trip play: No
Periodic coupons: Quarterly matchplay mailings, with coupons good for 2 or 4-week periods.
- Same trip play translates into coupons that are worth $2 comp or $1 cash times some formula.
Tropicana (8/99)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: No
Periodic coupons: Bimonthly mailings with free chips redeemable via cash/comp kiosks on casino floor.
- If a customer is a switch-hitter - tables and slots - the amount of the mailing may be based on slot play.
Trump Plaza (5/98)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: ?
Periodic coupons: ?
Caesars (7/99)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: No
Periodic coupons: Highly targeted, not to every player
Bally's Park Place & Wild Wild West (8/99)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: No
Periodic coupons: No
Claridge (5/99)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: Yes
Periodic coupons: ?
· Sends a 'cash back check' after a trip, amount based on last trip play, good for 60 days. Sometimes if you don't redeem it, the casino will follow-up with another check good for 60 days. Of course, the check is redeemable only at the casino.
Sands (9/98)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: No
Periodic coupons: Match play in monthly mailings
· Very often, customers can choose the matchplay value when they redeem a coupon, i.e. $10, $15, or $25.
Resorts (8/99)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: No
Periodic coupons: Matchplay, mailed monthly with coupons good each for one week.
· Table play accrues entries in special drawings.
Taj (8/99)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: Yes
Periodic coupons: No
· Sends matchplay coupons to all table players based on last trip's play. Coupons are good for 60 days, but not on Saturdays or Sundays.
Showboat
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: ?
Periodic coupons: ?
Harrah's (7/99)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: Matchplay
Periodic coupons: No
· After a trip, Harrah's sends a matchplay coupon. Amount is typically the player's average bet or based on average bet from previous trip as determined by totaling place/buy bets, line/come bets, but not odds. Coupon values can run as high as $500.
Trump Marina (10/98)
Same trip cash back: No
Coupons based on last trip play: Matchplay (Also, chip coupons in the mail;
sometimes free rooms)
Periodic coupons: ?(Usually free stuff if you're there on a certain day.
Recently they've offered flashlights, radios, umbrellas, towels...)
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Q: AC6 Who is "the Pumpkin Man"? (5/97)
A: AC6 He's a high roller who shows up on occasional weekends at Taj or Caesars.
The nickname the dealers bestowed him is based on the $1,000 chips he uses to bet. These oversized orange chips are nicknamed pumpkins.
He buys in at a 5x table with a marker of $20,000 or more. He bets $1,000 on the line, and takes $5,000 odds. He makes up to three $1,000 come bets, each with $5,000 odds.
The odds are always working, even on the come-out roll. After winning some bets, he'll take his odds down until a seven-out comes along. Then, he starts again with his $1,000 line bet. He never hedges or makes prop bets.
When the value of lessor chips paid out to him add up to $1,000, he immediately has them colored up to a pumpkin. Dealers are not to talk to him; no idle chat.
If a player tries to talk to him, he'll ask for Security to move the player. And the security guard behind him will talk to that player.
He always plays in the first spot to the right of the stickperson. You can tell he's in town because that spot at the 5x tables is marked Reserved.
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Q: AC7 What are Mini-Craps and Mini-Dice? (5/98)
A: AC7 Mini-craps, also known as "Crap Shoot", is a sit-down version of craps.
Two Harrah's dealers who worked the graveyard shift designed it while bored, according to a floorperson.
The rules and bets at the same as regular craps, as are the payoffs. The difference is the table. The table is a little larger than half the size of a standard craps table. Along the outside of the table are eight seats, one for each player. Only one dealer runs the game.
Even though most people can reach the speculative bets, the dealer places them for players. After each roll, the dealer goes around clockwise and asks everyone what bets the want to make and odds they want to take. After one pass, he'll ask if anyone has any other bets, then call "No more bets", and pass the dice to the shooter with a mini-stick. Once the player has the dice, no one can make any bets.
The shooter shoots the dice to the other side of the table. If both dice don't hit the back wall, the roll is automatically invalid. No boxperson is around to call an exception.
This game is slower paced than standard craps. The dealer moves slower, and the dice don't move until all bets are made. Gone are dealers who rush the dice out. Instead, players can relax as they play. The atmosphere is more casual, a little akin to Caribbean Stud, where people smile at each other and maybe even have a conversation.
According to a pit boss, mini-craps was introduced as a way to attract new people to the game, but it turns out to be a way to get people to return to the game. Older folks who liked the game but couldn't keep up with standard craps are loving mini-craps.
The game is slower paced. However, customers are rated with the same treatment as standard craps even though there are fewer decisions per hour. This is good for players interested in comps.
Because there is no boxperson looking over the dealer's shoulder, the maximum bets at mini-craps tables tend to be lower than at regular tables. This is to deter high rollers from playing.
Mini-dice is similar to mini-craps in that players sit at the table. However, this table has a stickperson and a dealer. The table is shaped a little differently and the pace is a little faster. However, all the bets are the same. Currently, mini-dice is found only at Claridge.
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Q: AC8 What is Flash Dice or Mini-Just Dice? (3/99)
A: AC8 Both are the same: a new game developed by a Taj pit boss and is exclusively at the Taj. It is a sit-down table game that uses two dice and bets from the craps table. There are four types of wagers offered, most with payouts like those at a craps table.
· "Any Seven" is a one roll bet which wins when the 7 rolls and loses when any other number rolls. This bet pays 4 to 1. House edge: a whopping 16.67%.
· "Over Seven" or "Under Seven" are one roll bets that pay even money. If a 7 rolls, both bets lose. House edge: 16.67%.
· "Field" is a one-roll bet that pays even money when a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 rolls and pays double when a 2 or 12 rolls.
· Some individual numbers can be bet. The wagers are active until won, when the number rolls, or loses, when a 7 rolls. Bets on "4" and "10" pay 9 to 5; "5" or "9" pay 7 to 5; "6" or "8" pay 7 to 6. Just like place bets.
All bets must be placed by seated players only prior to the dealer announcing "no more bets". Each player is responsible for the correct positioning of his or her own wagers. Two dice are offered to the players in a shaker on a rotating basis, passing to the next player a clockwise direction when a 7 rolls. The dice shaker must be shook three times by the player and kept in full view of the dealer at all times. The dealer removes the outer lid of the shaker, announces the total of the uppermost sides of the dice and then takes the non-winning bets and pays the winners.
There is no "come out roll", no intimidating boxperson, and little yelling. The table seats seven players in front of a dealer. The individual number bets (except 7) have the same payout of place bets on a craps table, and a decent house edge. The one-roll bets are sucker bets.
The name of the game used to be Mini-Just Dice, but was changed to Flash Dice as to not confuse it with Mini-Dice and Mini-Craps.
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Q: AC9 Should I use casino credit? How does it work? (7/99)
A: AC9 All of the below applies to only Atlantic City casinos. ACMarc, who originally wrote this, was not familiar with policies elsewhere. This is neither legal nor accounting advice. Consult your own professional if you need advice.
Benefits of using casino credit include:
· No need to carry large amounts of cash to the casino.
· You can draw from your credit line at the table.
· If you lose, the marker will be deducted from your checking account after a waiting period.
· If you win well, you can get a check for your winnings. This means you don't have to carry large amounts of cash home from a casino.
· You are always rated when you play with casino credit, so you are more likely to be comped appropriately.
· Credit players are more likely to offered matchplay coupons and be invited to events, shows and freeroll tournaments.
· Drawing a marker for chips, paying a marker with chips, and receiving a check for winnings are not considered cash transactions and therefore not subject to the IRS reporting rule for cash transactions exceeding $10,000.
· No ATM, debit card, or credit card fees.
· You can request a win/loss statement at the end of the year. A loss statement can be used to offset W2-G winnings - say, from horses or slots - on your tax return.
The downsides include:
· The casino keeps a detailed accounting of your play and wins/losses, which can be shared with the IRS if your are audited and/or suspected of fraud.
· Applications for casino credit sometimes result in a credit bureau inquiry, which appears on credit bureau reports. This can make it more difficult for you to receive credit cards, a mortgage, or other consumer loans.
· Your banker will know that you gamble.
· Your postman will know that you gamble, as you will be on the casino's mailing list.
· Your credit line can be as much money as you have in the bank, so you can lose it all if you lack discipline.
· A cash buy-in to play takes less than a minute. Drawing a marker can easily take 3-10 minutes, by which time a hot roll may be over.
Setting up casino credit is easy:
· Call the casino a day or two before you visit and ask for a credit executive.
· Tell the executive that you want to get casino credit, and he (or she) will ask for information about you, your player's card number, and your checking account.
· The credit exec will ask for the amount of credit you would like. The minimum is $500, with a maximum being the amount of money in your account. If you are already a rated player, the credit exec may decide to give you a line based on your previous trips' buy-ins.
· If you have credit with other casinos, the exec can obtain most information through a Central Credit database, shared by all the properties. (This database lists the size of your credit lines at all A.C. casinos; how much you owe to any one; if you have any payments in transit; and the checking account used for the credit lines.) If not, you will need to provide bank account information in detail.
· When you arrive at the casino, visit the casino credit office with a voided check and two forms of positive ID (Driver's license, passport, etc.) The credit exec will copy all materials, take down information about your appearance, and request a signature for their files.
· The exec will then tell you how much your line will be.
· After ~10 minutes for the line to be entered in the casino's system, you are ready to draw a marker.
How to use casino credit to play craps after your credit line is established:
· Approach a table and request a marker.
· The floorperson will hand you a marker request form where you jot down your name, date of birth, amount requested, and bank name. You will also sign the form in a marked box.
· For your own protection, your signature will be checked against the one on file with your Casino Credit application. Sometimes, your appearance attributes will also be checked against those listed on your application.
· If everything matches and you have the credit available, a marker will be printed for that amount.
· A clerk will hand you the marker to sign. This is a legally binding note that you will repay the casino. You sign it.
· The dealer will hand you chips for that amount.
· Win some dough!
How to pay a casino credit marker:
· If you won money, pay with chips from your winnings at the casino cage.
· Present your players card and your chips, and tell the cashier that you want to pay your marker.
· The cashier will count your chips and obtain your marker. She will then return your marker to you after collecting chips for that amount.
· Other chips remaining can be deposited with the casino, redeemed for cash, or
· redeemed for a check (if warranted. Some casinos limit the number of checks you
· can receive in a given day or have a minimum amount.)
If you lost money, you can pay different ways:
1) Pay with cash at the casino cage. Present cash and your players card and tell the cashier that you want to pay your marker. The cashier will count your money and return your marker to you.
2) Pay with a combination of cash and chips. Same method as #1.
3) Let the marker sit with the casino. After a waiting period, the marker is deposited like a check against your account. The waiting period is dictated by the Casino Control Commission and is the same for all A.C. casinos:
· Up to $1,000: 7 calendar days
· $1,001 - $5,000: 14 calendar days
· $5,001+: 45 calendar days
4) Pay with a check from the designated checking account. Present your check and players card at the casino cage. The cashier will check the account number, tell you to whom to make out the check, and return your marker to you. Your check will be deposited the next morning.
5) Pay with a "check substitution". Present your check and players card at the casino cage. Be sure to tell the cashier that you are using a check substitution. The cashier will check the account number, tell you to whom to make out the check, and return your marker to you. The difference between this method and #4 above is that your check will be held for the designated waiting period.
Also note:
· When you receive your marker back from the casino, be sure to mark it "VOID", have it stamped "PAID", tear off the signature line, or alter it in such a way that no one can cash it. Otherwise, it is a live check.
· Cash payments for markers are considered cash transactions as it applies to cash reporting rules. Payments using a check or chips are not considered cash transactions.
· The casinos reserve the right to deposit markers earlier than the designated waiting period. Some will do this if your rating shows that you won money, but you did not pay your marker.
· If you draw a marker but do not gamble and do not repay the marker that day, your credit line can be frozen. Casinos do not like it if you take an interest-free loan without given them action.
· If you do not use your casino credit for 6 months, your credit line becomes inactive per CCC regulations. You will be required to reapply for credit.
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Q: AC10 What is the best way to get around town from casino to casino? (8/99)
A: AC10 It is very easy to get around town.
10 of the 12 casinos are on the Boardwalk within about a mile from each other, so you can walk if you want to. If the walk is too long, you can get a ride in a moving chair. You can find one of these outside just about ever casino. A guy will push your chair up or down the Boardwalk. Fares are posted in the chair and max out at $10 for the furthest two casinos. Don't forget to tip the chair pusher. (These chairs are snug - a great way to get close to your date.) Enclosed hallways connect some casinos. This is great when the weather is bad. You can get from Showboat to Taj to Resorts without going outside. You can do the same between Claridge and Sands.
You can get a free ride between Trump Plaza, Taj, and Marina via the free Trump Jitney, daily from 10 a.m. - midnight.
For $1.50 each way, you can take a jitney between any two casinos. The jitneys stop behind the Boardwalk casinos and in front of Trump Marina and Harrah's.
There are four jitney routes, two of which are designed for casino patrons.
· The #1 jitney goes by all casinos on the Boardwalk.
· The #2 jitney goes by all casinos in A.C.
If you have any questions about where to stop, just ask the driver. They act surly, but are very helpful. You don't have to have exact change, but the jitneys rarely accept bills above $10.
Taxis are available at all casino hotels. They now have maximum fares:
· Any Boardwalk casino to any other Boardwalk casino: $6.
· Any Marina casino to any Boardwalk casino: $8.
· Any Boardwalk casino to any Marina casino: $8.
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