Essential Casino Comps Information
You don't have to be a Jean Scott to know how to benefit from comps. Comps are actually rebates from your wagers in a casino. They come in various forms: food, cocktail, limousine service, haircuts, suites, jewelry, toys, bonus money (online), free entries to tournaments and more. If you want to improve your comp rating, learn how below.
- Play slot machines and use a slot card.
Slot machines are the cash cows of the gambling business. Casinos make more money off them than all their other games put together. That should tell you two things: They must have lousy payback percentage (they do!), and they are what the casinos want you to play. That means if you want to get rated highly for comps, you should play slots regularly. Slot players are viewed as average, mindless gamblers by the casinos. You won't be viewed as a threat like you would be if you played only single-deck blackjack and full-pay video poker.
- Gather information about a casino's comp system.
The first thing you should look at is the casino literature; that is, brochures and flyers that provide basic information about the house's comp system as well as their various games. But the casinos don't reveal the exact formula for their comp rating (or else, it would be subject to abuse and manipulation). If you have questions that aren't addressed in the literature, ask a casino employee.
- Be a good casino customer.
Getting comps isn't all about earning points in the comp system. You have to go through the casino employees when asking for comps. When you do, be nice. If you are warm and respectful, it will make it easier to obtain comps. Tip the employees generously if you are a tourist, and regularly if you are a local player.
Another point about being a good customer is appearing like a happy loser. Try to get as little attention as possible when you're winning. On the other hand, make a show of it when you lose. Casinos love losers. Make them think you love it too.
- Don't spread yourself too thinly.
Don't chase comps in one casino after another. Establish yourself very well in one casino before you try another one. Comp systems are multi-level and it is the higher levels that really pay off. If you don't show your loyalty to one casino by flitting from one house to another, how can you get there?
- Keep looking for special promos and offers.
While it is important to stay loyal to one casino, that doesn't mean you should ignore a special promo in another casino if one comes along. Special promos mean better payback or better comps for the duration of the promo. No advantage player should let these pass by.
Comps add to the fun that's in casino gambling already. You should make every effort to take advantage of them if you are a regular player. And no, don't you worry about the casinos going bankrupt due to comps. Trust us, they've done the math and they know they can't lose. For every miserly, freeloading gambler on the planet, there are tens of thousands more who spend their money freely. Thank your lucky stars for such people. They keep the casinos - and you - happy.