Will,

I'll try to answer your questions based on my experience:

1) As far as I know there is a name, most of time first and last, an account number and when you insert it into a slot machine or other device you can see how many points they have. I don't know how you can abuse the card as you need to know the password and in some cases provide ID.

2) I've been harvesting cards now for about 6 months and have only been stopped by any casino employee once, security. A lot of times I get stopped by the card holder because they have left the card in the machine on purpose looking to gain points and they don't want to lose the card, like they can't get another, so I chew them out, acting like an employee, for leaving the card on purpose and give it back at the same time telling them next time it goes to security.

3) Discreet - Not very, I've picked up cards, even remove them from slot machines, while security is standing there - but, it's a thrill doing it, hahahaha.

The one time I was stopped was during the convention while harvesting at Terribles, Las Vegas. He, security, had to jab me in the back to get my attention, asked if I was picking up slot cards, I said no, just the payout tickets and handed him 4 blanks and 1 for a penny. He studied the cards, asked me for a "Players Card and ID" which I did. He thought for a while, told me he was keeping the Payout Tickets and I should not pick up the tickets or slot cards, I said okay. Walked to a slot machine, played for couple of minutes and walked out with 41 cards in my pocket, which he did not get to see.