Casino Coding Explained: Talk to a Host Before You Book

Our forum members ask us this all the time: why should I contact an independent casino host company like ECT before reaching out to a cruise line directly? It is a great question, and the answer can make a big difference in the offers you receive.

What "coding" means

When you contact a cruise line's casino department directly, you are automatically "coded" into their system. From that moment on, your offers, comps, and future deals are controlled only by that cruise line. In many cases, that limits your flexibility and your options.

Can you switch your coding later?

Short answer: it depends, but usually it is not simple. Once a player is coded under a cruise line's internal casino department:

• They are tied to that marketing channel.
• Future offers are automatically attached to that code.
• Switching often requires approval from casino marketing.
• Some cruise lines will not release the player at all.

Each cruise line has different rules, and policies change over time. In general:

• If no future bookings exist, switching is sometimes easier.
• If a booking is already in place, it is very difficult.
• If you have a long history under direct coding, it is harder still.

Why a direct booking is hard to move

If you book directly with the cruise line's casino department using a promo, it can be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to switch that booking to an independent host afterward. The cruise line owns the reservation once it is created, and all casino perks, comps, and offers are tied to that original booking. In most cases, transfers are not allowed, or only within a very short window.

A real example

A casino player recently asked us to help with a cruise reservation, even though he did not have the usual offers from the cruise line or a casino marketing department. We started working on his request and discovered he actually qualified for the cruise. Unfortunately, we could not book it for him, because he had already booked directly with the cruise line.

When players book directly first, we usually lose the ability to apply casino benefits, extra perks, hosted programs, or other value we may be able to get for qualified players. Sometimes we can even see offers players do not realize they already qualify for, based on their ADT and casino history.

What an independent host does for you

• We compare offers across multiple cruise lines.
• We use your ADT (Average Daily Theoretical) to find the best value.
• We often have access to group inventory and promotions.
• We can upgrade or match offers when possible.
• We guide you on timing: when to book and when to wait.

Once you go direct, your options can become limited. When you come to us first, your options stay open.

Would you rather have one offer, or someone who shops the entire casino cruise world for you? Already have an offer? Just send it over. Contact ECT before you book.

Have a question for a casino host? Ask it in our Ask the Ca$ino Host group on Facebook.