Source:www1.istockphoto.com

"The rich are different," is an old expression that is certainly true, especially in Las Vegas.

Here's a link to a bunch of interesting stories about "whales," the term now used to describe high rollers, and some other people who are treated quite differently than the average gambler.

Everyone who visits casinos knows about "comps," which comes from "complimentary," which means, to be crude, a freebie.

Before corporate America took over Las Vegas comps were given away very liberally. Any gambler who was a regular at a given casino need only walk in the door and as soon as he or she was recognized by a floor person a comp was given, even before the patron started gambling.

If you arrived with a bunch of out of town guests everyone was given a comp. But that's all changed.

Here's some interesting information about casino comps and the attitude casino owners and managers have towards players.

Now don't get me wrong, it's not all bad. There are still other types of giveaways and incentives being offered, and lots of fun and excitement to be had. It's just that like most things in life these days, the best is behind us.