Comps : Casinos are not just about bright lights, ringing slot machines, and high-stakes poker games—they are also about hospitality. One of the most well-known and misunderstood aspects of casino hospitality is the concept of “comps.”
Comps, short for complimentary items or services, are rewards that casinos give to players for their loyalty and play. Think of them as the casino’s way of saying, “Thank you for your business.”
But there’s more to comps than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll dive into:
- What comps are and how they work
- Types of comps you can receive
- How comps are calculated
- Tips to maximize your comps
- Sample comps by player level (with tables)
- Myths vs. Reality
What Are Comps?
Casino comps are free perks given to players based on their gambling activity. These can include:
- Free meals
- Hotel stays
- Show tickets
- Cash back
- Free play credits
- VIP access
- Travel packages
- Luxury gifts
These rewards are not random. Casinos use player tracking systems (usually via a player’s card) to monitor how much you play, for how long, and how much risk you take.
How Comps Are Calculated
Casinos don’t just give comps based on how much money you win or lose. Instead, they use a formula based on your theoretical loss—how much the casino expects you to lose over time.
🎲 Formula:
Theoretical Loss = Total Action × House Edge
Then, casinos typically offer 10% to 40% of your theoretical loss back in comps.
Example Calculation:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Bet | $25 |
| Hands per Hour | 60 |
| Hours Played | 4 |
| Total Action | $25 × 60 × 4 = $6,000 |
| Game Type | Blackjack (House Edge: 1%) |
| Theoretical Loss | $6,000 × 1% = $60 |
| Comps (25% Rate) | $60 × 25% = $15 in comps |
So even if you win money at the table, the casino might still give you $15 worth of comps just based on your play.
Types of Casino Comps
Different players receive different types of comps based on their play level, frequency, and casino tier status.
🎁 Table of Common Casino Comps
| Type of Comp | Description | Who Gets It? |
|---|---|---|
| Free Drinks | Complimentary alcohol or soft drinks | All players (most casinos) |
| Meals / Buffets | Free or discounted dining | Mid to high-level players |
| Hotel Rooms | Free or discounted nights | Regular or rated players |
| Free Play Credits | Slot credits for future play | Slot & video poker players |
| Show Tickets | Concerts, magic shows, etc. | Mid to high-tier members |
| Cash Back | Money returned based on losses | High rollers, loyal members |
| Limousine Service | Transportation to/from casino | VIPs and whales |
| Airfare Reimbursement | Casino covers flight cost | Very high-tier players |
| Suite Upgrades | Upgrades to luxury rooms | High-level players |
Comps by Player Level
Casinos often categorize players into tiers or levels. Here’s a general breakdown of what players at different levels might receive.
📈 Table: Comps by Player Level
| Player Tier | Daily Theoretical Loss | Example Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Player | <$20 | Free drinks, occasional buffet |
| Regular Player | $20–$100 | Free meals, discounted hotel rooms |
| Mid-Tier (Gold) | $100–$300 | Comped hotel stays, show tickets, free play |
| High-Tier (Platinum) | $300–$1,000 | Limo service, suite upgrades, event invites |
| Whale/VIP | $1,000+ | Luxury suites, flights, personal hosts |
Tips to Maximize Your Comps
Want to get more from your gambling without spending more? Here’s how:
1. Always Use Your Player’s Card
This is how casinos track your play. No card = no comps.
2. Focus on Games with Low House Edge
Games like blackjack and video poker still earn comps, but with lower risk to your bankroll.
3. Play Longer at Lower Stakes
Casinos reward time and action, not just big bets. A longer session can yield more comps than short high-stakes play.
4. Ask for a Host
If you’ve played for a few hours and spent a good amount, ask to speak to a casino host. They can manually comp meals or rooms even if the system doesn’t.
5. Visit During Slow Days
Casinos are more generous with comps midweek when there are fewer players.
Myths vs. Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| You need to lose money to get comps | Comps are based on theoretical loss, not actual loss |
| Only high rollers get comps | Even small-time players can earn free meals or stays |
| Slot players get the most comps | True—because slots are easier to track and have higher house edges |
| Comps are always worth it | Not always—don’t chase comps at the expense of your bankroll |
| Casinos are giving free money | Comps are calculated to ensure the casino stays profitable |
Final Thoughts
Comps are a clever system that benefits both the casino and the player. The casino encourages loyalty, and the player gets rewarded for their time and money. However, it’s important to treat comps as a bonus, not a reason to gamble more than you can afford.
If you play smart, know how the system works, and stay within your limits, comps can turn a regular night of gambling into a luxurious and memorable experience.
