A 5-Minute Guide to Casino Comps

Making Comps Work For You

Now you know what they are, you're probably wondering how you can get your hands on them. From the moment you enter the casino, all your spending, as well as the time you invest playing the various games, will allow the casino to calculate the comps you're entitled to. Normally, all this information is tracked via your player's card. This provides all the relevant data to the casino where the numbers are analysed. Depending on this information, the casino is able to decide which gifts are better suited to encourage you to continue playing.

When it comes to casino games, the slots account for the largest slice of casino’s profits. On the whole, these machines attract the middle income and regular players who like to sit and play for long sessions. As you can imagine, this provides a steady income stream for the casino. Depending on the betting amounts, you'll find that by playing the slots, you're more likely to work your way up the comp levels than if you were, for example, sitting at the blackjack table.

Casinos are not in the business of charity. With this in mind, it becomes obvious that the casino comps are paid out from the losses that virtually all players will eventually suffer. Therefore, to a certain degree, the comps received will be dependent on your spending. If you're chasing comps, we suggest you do some research and look for the best bets that will benefit both yourself and the casino. Also, take a look at the casinos that favour players who put in many hours of play. If you happen to be short of time but have quite a large bankroll, then you need to find a casino that gives back more per bet. Of course, if you're not a casino whale or a high roller, then look for casinos that take your overall spending into account.

Work Your Way Up the Comp Levels

All casinos will have their own comps system. When you consider how many different types of comps are available, it can be difficult to understand the reasoning behind the issuance of each one. Below, we’ve put together a concise guide to give you a better idea of what you might receive as you rise up through the comp tiers.

Drinks Comps

If you're new to the casino, then receiving a constant stream of exotic drinks can seem like a welcome novelty. Without a doubt, complimentary drinks are the most common comps you'll find in the casino. Most commonly they are served to slot players, though depending on how much is being spent, these free drinks can be enjoyed by other players around the casino gaming floors. Though the drinks are free, it's important that you remember to tip the hard-working server. We suggest around $1 per drink. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it will guarantee you excellent future service during the course of your stay.

Food Comps

The next level up from free drinks is free food. This is normally given in the form of a coupon that can be redeemed in the casino’s own restaurants and cafes. Most commonly, they are used in the buffet. High rollers may have reservations made at the most popular and expensive restaurants in town.

Room Comps

One of the most sought-after comps by all players are free hotel rooms. Even if your casino doesn't have a hotel attached, they’re still happy to put you up for the night, providing you prove a worthy investment. In order to qualify for free accommodation, you really have to earn your stripes, either by playing the slots or at the casino’s gaming tables. Moving on from this slightly, the next level comp is an upgrade to your room. You may even be lucky enough to be bumped up to a complete suite. On the whole, these upgrades are more likely to occur during the week, as the weekends are already busy with players who have booked rooms in advance. Take note that these gifts cost the casino virtually nothing, especially if it's during low season, simply because there's a much higher chance of empty rooms. However, in order to bag this comp, you will need to spend considerable sums, which means a lot more than you would be spending to gain your supply of free drinks.

The Casino Comps for High Rollers

In many ways, comps act as a form of publicity to show the largesse of the casino itself. That's why the biggest gifts are reserved for high rollers and celebrities. Many of these will be completely out of reach for regular gamblers. On the whole, high roller comps are tailored and custom-made for individual patrons. They may include such things as flights, limousines, and the whole red carpet treatment. For the casinos, it is a double win. Not only are they attracting big spenders to the gaming tables, but by dint of the fame and celebrity of their guests, they are able to attract new players as well.

Why Casinos Give Out Comps

When most people consider a free drink, a free meal or a free hotel room, they tend to be thinking in terms of the retail price. This makes the gifts appear to be a much greater bargain than in reality. Remember that the wholesale price of a drink is about 1/8 of its retail value. To that end, this allows the casino to appear generous and benevolent when in reality the cost involved is much smaller than that perceived by the recipients.

The general idea behind comps is to ensure that you continue playing for the interest of the casino. The hope is that some free drinks or a meal might encourage you to stay and play for a little longer. Likewise, a free hotel room might help you to turn your one-night trip into a long weekend. From a psychological perspective, the casino system creates a sense of loyalty within the player. Comps also act on the idea that many players wish to feel included and, to this end, the comps allow players to join the casino as if they were special or somehow chosen. Nevertheless, if the casino is willing to give away free stuff for the money you would be spending anyway, then it makes sense to take advantage and find those offering the best possible comps. We know of some players go as far as selecting their prospective casino based on the level of luxury found in their hotel rooms.

Take Advantage of Casino Comps

It's important to realise that the comps are directly tied to your spending. Don't go expecting free meals or a hotel room if you're just dropping a few $100 into the slot machines. This means that if you go to the casino infrequently and then spend only small amounts, all the more tempting comps will remain out of reach

We suggest that you only take out your reward card when you plan to spend a decent amount of money. This is the best way to get more bang for your buck when it comes to gaining comp points. On another note, don't bother using your comp card if you're only going to be playing a few hands at the casino gaming tables. However, if you know that you’re going to be passing the whole night playing blackjack, then it's worth clocking in officially. Don't worry if you find yourself on a losing streak. The casino is only concerned about your spending, not whether you’re winning or losing. That’s because those losses still count towards your reward points. So, even though you may have suffered considerable losses, you may still find a pleasant surprise at the end of the evening in the form of a free meal or even a luxury hotel suite.

Spend More to Get More

There's no getting away from it; the only way to get comps is by spending money. After all, you go to the casino to bet, and the comps are designed to reward you for that. Furthermore, they exist to encourage you to bet even more. Though we want you to enjoy all the freebies you have coming to you, don't start overspending just to move up the comp tiers. Always stay within your allotted budget. Understand that in the world of casinos, there's no such thing as a free lunch.