Have been going to Vegas for a number of years. The Imperial Palace has a SMALL, but very good book with props out the yinyang. Most of the big properties, those owned by Caesars or MGM Mirage, treat their books like afterthoughts...they really don't generate much cash for them except during football season. Waitress will come by occasionally with drinks...
Some books serve horseplayers free drinks while requiring sports bettors to get drink tickets when placing wagers. So just pick up a Daily Racing Form and waitresses generally don't need to see more than that.
Disclosure statement: I'm employed by the Form, but that doesn't lessen the validity of the advice.
Meyer Lanksy brings up a good point, too. Having tickets garners more respect. Above and beyond that, something I learned long ago (and applies to many other situations) is that if you look like you know what you're doing or that you're in the right place, people won't question you. If it looks like you're just begging for free drinks, that's not a good sign. If you act like you belong there (without being an a--hole about it), you'll usually be treated accordingly.
Disclosure statement: I'm employed by the Form, but that doesn't lessen the validity of the advice.
Meyer Lanksy brings up a good point, too. Having tickets garners more respect. Above and beyond that, something I learned long ago (and applies to many other situations) is that if you look like you know what you're doing or that you're in the right place, people won't question you. If it looks like you're just begging for free drinks, that's not a good sign. If you act like you belong there (without being an a--hole about it), you'll usually be treated accordingly.
Harrah's gives you drink tokens....I think 2 for every bet you place. The Mirage and the Bellagio always give me free drinks, and have never even checked to see if I had placed a wager. Bottom line is if you tip, you'll get drinks. The waitresses just want to get paid, they don't care about whatever the true policy is.
