Nothing gets a player more excited than themention of the word comp. Everyone wants one,and the casinos are more than glad to give them(over $1 billion worth last year). Yet comps are

one of the most misunderstood aspects of the casino experience,fraught with so many misconceptions that a lot of casual playersdon’t even bother. So to unravel the science and art of gettingcomped, I assembled a team of experts comprised ofexperienced players, well-known gaming authors, advantageplayers, and casino personnel.

First, let’s review the basics.

What Is a Comp?A comp is an abbreviation for complimentary.They are the freegoods and services provided by the casino to its players. Compscan range from drinks and valet parking all the way up to roomsuites, food, beverage and transportation.

What Are the Requirements to Get a Comp?The only requirement is that you gamble. Most online casino require that you bet at a certain level and play for a specific period of time in order to qualify for a comp.The more you bet and the longer you play, the higher the value of comp you can expect.

But I Thought Comps Were Only for High RollersThat’s one of the misconceptions about comps.We all know thestories about high rollers that get shuttled to and from Las Vegas

on a private jet, picked up in a chauffeured stretch limo, given aluxury suite twice the size of your home,and wined and dined inultraswank gourmet restaurants “on the house.” But casinos alsooffer valuable comps to low rollers that include meals, free ordiscounted rooms, and show tickets.

Why Do Casinos Give Players Comps?Casinos need steady customers, and competition for players isfierce. They offer comps to loyal players as a reward for theirbusiness. Comps also have a way of making players rationalizetheir losses so they return again to the same property, andstimulate some players into betting at higher levels for longerperiods of time.

Do I Have to Lose to Get a Comp?Comps are not based on how much you lose (or win),but on thetotal amount of money you’ve wagered (known as the amount of“action”you give the casino). All the casinos want is a shot at yourmoney at their tables and machines.

How Do I Get a Comp if I Play the Machines?You need to sign up for a players card and keep it inserted into themachine’s card reader while you play. The casino’s computer willkeep track of how much money you play through the machine.Always make sure your card is registering properly so you get creditfor your play.Also check at the players club service desk if you areentitled to any freebies just for joining (casinos often havepromotions to entice players to sign up).

THE EXPERT’SGUIDE TO

COMPSBY HENRY TAMBUR IN

I L LUSTRAT IONS BY M IKE M I L L ER

How Long Do I Need to Play the Slots to Get Comped?Casinos used to be secretive about how they rewarded comps. Buttoday the majority of casinos have brochures that tell their playershow many dollars they must play to earn a point, and how manypoints are required to get certain comps. Nowadays, you can alsooften find this information on a casino’s website.On some you cansign up for a players card and keep track of your points online.

Why Go With a Casino Host When I Can Get My Comps Through the Players Club?Hosts have much more discretion in issuing comps than theemployees who staff the players club. A host might get you aninvite to a special event, a room on a sold-out weekend, or otherspecial perks you wouldn’t normally be aware of. Hosts also add apersonal touch to the overall experience.

How Can I Reward My Host for a Job Well Done?Hosts are not allowed to accept cash or expensive gifts fromplayers. But they can accept nominal gifts (a $25 max is a goodbenchmark),such as a gift certificate to a restaurant,a bottle of wineor bouquet of flowers. A thank-you card also goes a long way tocementing a relationship with a host. Another way to show yourappreciation is to send the host’s boss or the casino manager a notestating what a good job your host has done for you. Sending a hostnew customers is another way to show your appreciation.

Can I Carry Over My Earned Comps From One Trip to the Next?Most casinos allow players to accumulate their comp dollarsand then spend them on one big meal orevent. Others do not—they require you tospend your earned comp dollars during yourcurrent trip. It’s best to get the specific casinorequirements on earned comps from theplayers club literature or from a casino host.

How Do I Earn Comps if I’m Playing the Tables?You must ask to be “rated” when you play in thepits in order to be eligible for a comp. Gettingrated means the pit boss or floor supervisor willkeep track of how many hours you play and youraverage bet size. In some casinos you can useyour players card to get rated; others issue adifferent rating card for table players.When yousit down to play, just slide the card to the dealerwith your buy-in and the dealer will hand it to thefloor supervisor, who will begin the ratingprocess (in some casinos the dealer has a deviceon the table that she uses to swipe your card toinitiate the rating process).

Some high-end casinos require a minimumof $25 bets to even consider players for comps,while other casinos will gladly rate nickelplayers. My advice is to first call the casino’smarketing department and speak to a casino hostabout table-game playing requirements.

Do Buy-Ins, Wins or Losses Have Any Bearing on My Comps?Even though floor supervisors on table games will record thatinformation on a player’s rating card, it doesn’t enter into theequation for comps (see the Comp Equations section). However,more than one casino supervisor has added this caveat. If a steadycustomer has a disastrous session where the losses far exceed thecasinos theoretical loss,the player is often given an additional compabove what the comp equation would compute for his play. Andcasino managers do look more favorably on players who buy in for$500 rather than $100. It appears you’re giving them a shot at alarger amount of your money.

Should My Spouse and I Request a Joint or SeparateAccount?If you’re a low roller it’s best to get two cards on the same account.This way your play and that of your spouse will accumulate pointsfaster toward a comp.If partners do a lot of playing,then it’s best toget a slot card in both names (both will earn separate comps).

Besides Comps, What Else Should I Expect From the Casino for My Play?It depends on the casino, but besides comps you might getmailings offering you free show tickets or even an entry into atournament or other special event. Many casinos also reward theirslot and video poker players with cashback (or bounce-back).Cashback is cash that you can get immediately after your play,based on a percentage of your action. Bounce-back is a couponyou’ll receive that will allow you to receive cash on a subsequentvisit. In lieu of giving a player direct cash, some casinos will give a

player credit on a slot or video poker machine (via a PIN),which the player must play through.

What if I Don’t Earn Enough Points for a Comp?If you haven’t qualified for a free room, you can ask for a

discounted rate (known as the casino rate, which is usually50 percent of the published rack rate for a room). Likewise,if you don’t have enough play for a buffet comp, ask for a

line comp.This will allow you to go to the front of theline at the buffet, café or theater.Your host may know

of other options.

Do Points Accumulate From OneCasino Property to Another ifOwned by the Same Company?In most cases, yes. Harrah’s, MandalayResorts, Park Place Entertainment, andStations Casinos, to name a few, havemegaclubs. As single companies ownmore casinos, this trend will continue.

Any Downsides to Comps?Not as long as you remember these words:Never play longer or bet more for the sakeof a comp. If you do this, you’re playingright into the casino’s hands.Learn how touse the system to earn your fair share ofcomps for your normal level of play.

MAX RUBINAuthor of Comp City

Ask. If you don’t ask for a comp while you’re playing, theyprobably won’t offer. Don’t be afraid. If they deny you (no matter howoutrageous the request),ask them how much more you have to play toearn the comp you want. Buffets are easy, but it normally takes someserious machine and table time to qualify for rooms and gourmet meals.

Tip.When you hit a jackpot, make sure to give the cashiers andfloor people a little something when they fork over the cash. If you’reon table games,an occasional small bet for the dealers usually does thetrick. Virtually all of the comp decision-makers (pit bosses and slothosts) depended on tips for their livelihoods at some point in theircareers; if you’re a stiff, they’re less likely to go the extra mile for you.

Be Nice. Friendly people get easy room upgrades, bountifulbuffets and lots of personalized attention. Jerks rarely get whatthey’ve got coming, unless you believe in Karma.

BART PESTRICHELLOCasino Manager

When buying in at a table game, if you have a bankroll of $300,buy in for the full amount—not $100 at a time.

If you’ve been playing for comps at a table game, it doesn’t hurtto ask the floor supervisor what they’ve been recording as youraverage bet. Understand what is needed to get a comp.

Since most comps at a table game are discretionary, it paysto be genuine, honest and courteous.

JEAN SCOTTAuthor of The Frugal Gamblerand More Frugal Gambling

If you want free rooms and other substantial comps,concentrate your play at one casino to reach a highercomp level. If you spread your play around too thinly,youmay not reach a basic comp level anywhere.

All slot clubs are not alike. Read all the literature atthe slot club desk. If that isn’t available or doesn’t giveyou enough information, ask the slot club employeesto explain the system and give you specific details onhow to earn comps.

Joining a slot club can be a good idea even ifyou don’t plan to play at that casino. Cardholdersoften get discounts all over the property: in the giftshop, the restaurants, even on the room rates. And

when business is slow, some casinos have been known to send outoffers and coupons to everyone in their database,no matter how littlethey have played.

MICKEY PETKUSCasino Host

Make sure that you’re being tracked for your play.Regardlessof whether you are a table or a machine player,you must makesure you are getting credit for your casino action.Too manytimes I have customers who come to me asking for a compand I have no record of play in the casino’s computer. Theysay that they have played for hours,lost hundreds of dollars,and the casino has no record of any of it.When that is thecase, there is not much the casino can do, and the host isleft to tell the customer “sorry.” So make sure you get aplayers card so you can take advantage of the casino’scomp system.

Once a customer has play recorded in the casino’splayer-tracking system, he can go to the casino’splayers club booth, or, if on property, page his casino

host to ask for the desired comp. Either theclub or the host will look up the customer’splay and then tell the customer those comps

he qualifies for.If you don’t have a host,ask forthe “host on duty”and introduce yourself to one.

THEEXPERTS

STEVE BOURIEAuthor of the 2003 American Casino Guide

Call ahead.Every casino has a marketing department,which will give you information on what kind of play is needed inorder to earn a comp.Before leaving on your trip,call ahead and askfor the marketing department. Speak to a casino host who can tellyou what is required. (You can get a list of the toll-free numbers forall U.S. casinos in the 2003 American Casino Guide or visit thewebsite at www.americancasinoguide.com to see the phonenumbers for free.) Call several casinos you’re interested in and askspecific questions of the host: How much do I need to bet to geta comp room? How long do I have to play each day? and etc.Onceyou’ve decided on which casino you want to visit, be sure to callback and speak to the same host. Tell her you’re going to beplaying at her casino and you want to confirm the details of whatkind of play is required to earn the comps that you want.Whenyou finally arrive at the casino,be sure to go meet your host.Thankher for her time and effort in explaining the casino’s comp systemto you.Then you’ll be on your way to earning comps, and you’llknow exactly what’s required.

JOHN BROKOPPAuthor of The Insider’s Guide to Internet Gambling

Take advantage of “first time visitor” privileges. If you’re aveteran player making a first-time visit to a property, always make apersonal contact before you play.Explain to a host that you’ve beenplaying elsewhere, but that you’ve heard a lot of nice things abouthis casino and you’d like to give it a try.Alluding to your games ofchoice or your level of play won’t hurt, either. You might alsomention your playing tier at another property. Casinos are alwaystrying to win over new customers,influence people,and attract newand potential premium players.Work the system and see what kindof “welcome wagon”comps you may be offered.

Ask for “true comps” first, before using your point equity.Truecomps may be a buffet or dinner offered to a player withoutdeducting points from their account.These are based on individualsession play and property loyalty. Always go for true comps firstbefore you tap into the equity that you’ve earned and are entitled toreceive; look at true comps as going for a bonus.

BILL BURTONContributor to the Gambling Guide for About.com

• Buy in for more than you plan to play. This makes the casino thinkyou are willing to risk more.

• Make your first bet higher if the pit is looking on.• Play at a crowded table.The game is slower.• Don’t make your first bet until the pit boss has taken your card

and logged you in.•With slots,after you’ve played for a while, tell a slot attendant that

you would like to speak to a casino host. Continue playing untilthe host gets there and then introduce yourself.Ask if you haveenough play for whatever comp you are seeking.

JOHN GROCHOWSKIAuthor of The Slot Answer Book, The Video PokerAnswer Book, and The Craps Answer Book

Players who have hosts might try charging their meals or otheron-site purchases to their room accounts, instead of asking forcomps up front. If your play warrants it, a meal that you charged toyour room can be comped after the fact.

Take advantage of direct mail offers. The goal of casinocomps is to encourage you to return. Some of the most generouscasino offers come through the mail: bonus cash, bonus slot clubpoints, free meals, free tournaments, free or discounted rooms andmore.The offers often have restricted dates and expiration dates.If possible, plan your trip for days when you can use direct mailoffers.

SPEAK

Make your first bet higher if the pit is looking on

MR. PIT BOSSAnonymous Casino Supervisor

A sure-fire way to make sure you’rebeing rated is to put $500 to $1,000 ondeposit at the cage and draw on it in theform of a marker when you sit down at agame. This way there will be a paper trailof your play.

The casino is looking for time played,sotake advantage of time away from the game.Leave some of your smaller denominationchips at the table and leave the game for 10to 15 minutes per hour. They will continueto rate you while you’re gone.

If you catch a run and you’rewagering more than you usually would,feel free to point this out to the floorsupervisor who is rating you. You want tomake sure that they see and rate yourhigher play.

If you’re usually a $100 player but aremaking lower bets (say, $25) due to a badstreak, you might not want to be rated,since this will lower your average bet andthus reduce your comps.

Most important, when you finish playing don’t beafraid to ask the floor supervisor what your average bet was and howmuch time he has you in for. If you disagree, this is the time to let thesupervisor know. If you work on him a little (in a nice way), he maypump up your rating. If he doesn’t, just be polite and shake his hand.The next time you sit down in his section, he may be more generous.

FRANK SCOBLETEColumnist and Best-selling Gaming Author

Always tip on top of your bet so that you control the tip.Your tipwill be considered a part of your average bet, and you’ll get more comppoints for it.

Always ask for a comp 10 minutes before you have decided toleave, so that the rater thinks he’s kept you at the table an extra 10minutes waiting for the comp. It’s rare that you’ll play that 10 minutesand not get a comp.

Don’t ask for comps that you know you can’t get, such as thegourmet room if you’re a $10 bettor. But do ask for a comp that is a bithigher than what you actually want. If you and your spouse want to eatat the buffet, inquire about a comp to the cafe. When the rater says,“Sorry, sir, you can’t have the cafe,” ask for the buffet—for two.You’llmore likely get what you want this way.

Comp as you go. Some casinos would rather have you wait untilthe end of your stay before deciding what to give you; this keeps themin the driver’s seat. Instead, use your comps during your stay, and if oneof your comp requests gets turned down, you can always ask again atthe end of your trip.

Never play for comps. No sandwich, no gourmet meal, noanything is worth the expected loss you must have for the casino togive it to you. Play your game and take the comps as they come.

WINNIE GRANDAdvantage Video Poker Player

Don’t abuse the comp system.Many people try to takeadvantage of the casino by running up large bills at the

gourmet restaurants. Their attitude is“anything goes” because they don’t haveto pay.The casinos are not happy withcustomers who do this, and willremember them in a negative light.Enjoy the comps you are given, butonly use what you really want.

Complimentaries are just that;they’re not a sure thing, but a giftfrom the casino. Be grateful and

show your appreciation toyour host when you receivethese gifts. A personal note

after a visit is always a good idea, andwill help you build a goodrelationship with the casino.

JEFF COMPTONColumnist and Author of The Guide to Slot Clubs

Don’t get overwhelmed by the concept that it’s “free.” It’s notfree—you’re paying for it with your play, and frequently a “freebie” willcost you more than it would if you paid cash.

Play at as few casinos as possible to get the most out of theirsystem.Many of the best benefits don’t kick in until you play at a certainlevel, so if possible, find your favorite casino and stay there.

No casino comp system can be completely understood andmastered quickly. It takes a continual effort of using your eyes and ears.

BOB DANCERColumnist and Author of Million Dollar Video Poker

Be ready to capitalize on the circumstances.For example, if you hita big jackpot, ask for a comp right then. Casinos want to keep winnersaround in the hopes that they’ll wind up giving the money back.On theother hand, if you have a bigger-than-average loss, ask for a comp.Casinos want to “soothe the pain” of big losers so they’ll come back.Since you don’t know which of these events will occur on your nexttrip, you have to be ready to ask either way.

Before you ask for a comp, ask other players who the best host is.At many casinos there is at least one host who acts like Santa Claus andwill give you the moon,and another one that acts like Ebenezer Scroogeand treats every comp issued as making his children starve. Obviously,when you’re asking for favors, you want the first type of host.

If you catch a run andyou’re wagering morethan you usually would,

feel free to point this out to the floor supervisor who is rating you

SKIP HUGHESColumnist and Host ofwww.vphomepage.com

When the overall return is about equal (due todifferences in cashback, for instance), try to play gamesthat are “low variance” such as Jacks or Better orPick’em, rather than a game with highervariance, such as NSU Deuces or DoubleBonus. This gives you a better chance ofstaying in the game, and accumulating moreplaying time and coin-in.

If you’re just starting out,play at a numberof different places to see if you can generate amailed offer. Offers often come from very littleplay, and may be better than the comps you canget from a host. Mailed offers come from thecasino’s marketing department,while hosts usuallywork for a department called Player Development.Use both resources; when you receive a mailed offer, youcan contact your host to book it.

This helps you to strengthen the relationship.

LAS VEGAS PROAdvantage Player

Ask and ask again, even if you don’t think you qualify. You’ll besurprised at the comps you can get just by asking. I once playedblackjack for about an hour at the Tropicana LV, betting $10, $15, $20,$25,up to a few $100 bets. Just on a whim I asked for a comp to FolliesBergere, their big evening show that costs $55 or so per ticket.Theychecked their computer and asked how many tickets I wanted. I wasshocked that I actually got them; no way did I think I had enough playfor two tickets valued at $110. Hey, the worst they can do is say no.

Here’s how to expand a meal comp.If they offer you either two forthe buffet or one for the coffee shop (where you would actually preferto eat), take the comp for two for the buffet. Find out what time thebuffet closes. Show up with your meal-mate after the buffet has closedand tell a pit boss you came all this way,suffered traffic and parking,onlyto find out the buffet is closed.Ask if there’s any other restaurant opennow. Of course, you already know the 24-hour coffee shop is the onlyopen venue.The pit boss will usually change the comp from buffet tocoffee shop with no problem.

BARNEY VINSONAuthor of Ask Barney: An Insider’s Guide to Las Vegas

Set up a credit line at the casino cage.Most people who make frequent gamblingtrips do this. For one thing, your money isa lot safer in the cashier’s cage than it is inyour wallet, and you can withdraw itanytime you want. An ideal line of creditwould be $5,000.You’ll need either cash ora pre-authorized check from your bank.

This way, when you ask for a compedbreakfast in the coffee shop, you can

nonchalantly add, “ I’m in the computer.” Thesupervisor checks, and sure enough you’re good for five thousand. Heknows he’s dealing with someone who has money and will probablygamble with it. He certainly doesn’t want to offend this person bydenying a simple request for a free meal.

When all else fails, just ask for a comp. Getting something fornothing is what put Vegas on the map in the first place.The easiestcomp to get is one to the buffet. It’s usually the cheapest—for you andthe casino. A breakfast buffet may cost you $3.95, but it costs thecasino about 60 cents. It’s also easier to get a comp in a large casino,because smaller casinos work on a lower profit margin.

Here’s how one fellow did it.“Can I get a comp?” he asked thepit boss.

“A comp to what?”“Anything!”♠

Henry Tamburin is the author of six best-selling books including HenryTamburin on Casino Gambling. For a free subscription to Tamburin’sBlackjack Insider e-newsletter, visit www.bjinsider.com. For a free copy ofTamburin’s Casino Gambling catalog, call toll-free (888) 353-3234 or writeto RSU, PO Box 10727, Greensboro, NC 27419.

COMP EQUATIONSFORMULA NO.1

average bet x # decisions per hour x hours played = player’s trip/session handle

FORMULA NO. 2trip/session handle x casino’s advantage (theoretical hold percentage) = player’s expected loss (or theoretical)

FORMULA NO. 3player’s expected loss x casino’s percentage return* = comp dollars

*The “expected returnpercentage” percentage isdifferent from one casino to thenext. For example, locals casinosin Las Vegas tend to offer a10–20 percent return on aplayer’s theoretical, while Stripcasinos average 20–40 percent.Note that the amount a playeractually wins or loses per sessionmay be much more or much lessthen his theoretical, but overmany sessions his actual resultswill approach the calculatedtheoretical loss.

When all else fails, just ask for a comp.Getting something for nothing is

what put Vegas on the map in the first place.