The systems are obnoxious but they shouldn’t hamper video poker players that play at a steady pace and max bet ($1.25 per hand) each hand. If the pace and amount wagered (usually $1 minimum per hand) per hand meet qualifications, the bartender is alerted that they can offer complimentary drinks or the machine gives the player a ticket to redeem for a complimentary drink. When a guest places $20 in a machine, they’ll receive one complimentary drink. The drink monitoring systems track how much the player is gambling. These systems help casino operators limit the number of “free” drinks for guests. Most casinos on the Vegas Strip have installed drink monitoring systems at their video poker bars. While complimentary drinks still flow on the main casino floor, they’re limited at video poker bars. Consider these drinks in order to maximize your buzz.

Recommendation: Casinos can’t short pour the amount of alcohol in beer and wine. The quality of your mixed drink may depend on where you’re gambling. MGM Resorts says that they aren’t the only casino operator to short pour drinks in Las Vegas. All drinks, even a delicious Macallan scotch are measured a little smaller. The short pours aren’t only for mixed drinks. The small difference might not be noticeable by every guest but most people should be able to taste and feel the difference. It’s annoying and it’s a challenge to get a great drink. This might not sound like much but that’s similar to paying 6:5 for blackjack instead of 3:2. In 2016, MGM Resorts started to serve cocktails with only 1.25 ounces of spirits instead of the typical 1.5 ounces. Of course, depending on the casino the drink might taste a little different. Waitresses still fly around the casino floor offering table game and slot machine players complimentary drinks. Short Pouring Drinksĭepending on where you gamble in a casino, there might be a different policy for complimentary drinks. Here are a few things to be aware of next time drinkers visit Las Vegas. Casinos have changed policies to match changing preferences in order to maximize profit. That’s a huge decrease from the 1960s, ‘70s, and ’80s. The casino customer has changed a lot over the years and so have the companies.Ībout 30-40 percent of casino revenue comes from gaming. Casinos don’t dish out the freebies like they used to. Forget meals and rooms. It’s a challenge to even find a good complimentary drink.Ĭasino operators in Las Vegas today are mostly corporations looking to maximize profit everywhere they can. There was a time where casinos would hand out complimentary meals, rooms, and drinks just to keep guests gambling. Casino comps are more difficult to come by every day.

Rivers casino drink policy