Mamasans, their compensation, and tips.
99.44% of the time, the mamasan is not the owner. The owner of a spa is normally wealthy enough not to have to work at the spa. They are also smart enough to know that, should the spa be busted, it is in their interest to be able to deny any and all knowledge of what goes on or has gone on there.
The formula for compensation varies a bit from area to area and from spa to spa in a given area. But in general, the mamasan gets a portion of the house fee and in some cases a portion of the tips that a girl brings in.
I've known guys who thought it a good practice from time to time to slip the mamasan $20 or so. This can often guarantee special perks. For instance, that mamasan will see to it that the customer is not disturbed if he should go over his time by a few minutes, that he can request a particular girl, or that he can call up and get the truth about who's there, who's gone on "bacation", etc. But in my experience, being a frequent visitor is usually enough to guaranty these perks.
LexLuther