Casinos give away billions of dollars in complimentary items every year—free rooms, meals, show tickets, and more. These "comps" aren't charity; they're calculated investments to keep you gambling. Understanding how the system works helps you get your fair share of freebies while staying within your budget.
What Are Casino Comps?
Comps (short for complimentaries) are free goods and services casinos provide to gamblers. They range from simple drink tickets to luxury suite stays, private jet service, and everything in between.
Common comps include:
- Free alcoholic beverages while gambling
- Meals at casino restaurants
- Hotel room discounts or free stays
- Show and event tickets
- Free play credits
- Spa services
- Golf rounds
- Limo transportation
- Airfare reimbursement (high rollers)
How Casinos Calculate Comps
Casinos don't give comps based on how much you lose—they base them on your theoretical loss, which is how much they expect to win from you mathematically.
The Theoretical Loss Formula
Theoretical Loss = Average Bet × Hours Played × Hands/Spins Per Hour × House Edge
Example for a blackjack player:
- Average bet: $25
- Hours played: 4
- Hands per hour: 60
- House edge: 1.5%
Theoretical loss: $25 × 4 × 60 × 0.015 = $90
The casino might give back 20-40% of your theoretical loss in comps. In this example, that's $18-36 worth of freebies.
Why Theoretical Matters
You might win $500 in a session, but if your theoretical loss was $100, you'll still earn comps based on that $100. Conversely, you might lose $1,000 but only earn comps on a $100 theoretical because you played low stakes for a short time.
This is why comps reward time and action, not results.
Types of Comps by Level
Entry Level (Everyone)
Free Drinks Any active gambler can order complimentary beverages. Cocktail servers circulate the floor—just flag one down. Tip $1-2 per drink for better service.
Player's Club Benefits Sign up for the casino's loyalty program (always free) and earn:
- Point multiplier promotions
- Birthday offers
- Exclusive mailer offers
- Member-only events
Mid-Level (Regular Players)
Once you establish a play history, casinos start offering:
Free Play Credits loaded onto your player's card to use on slot machines. Often comes via mail offers or promotional periods.
Food Comps Discounted or free meals at casino restaurants. May come as:
- Comp dollars on your card
- Specific restaurant vouchers
- Buffet passes
Room Discounts Reduced rates on hotel stays, sometimes 50% or more off rack rate.
High-Level (Frequent/High-Stakes Players)
Complimentary Rooms Free hotel stays based on expected play.
Suite Upgrades Better rooms at no additional charge.
Show Tickets Complimentary admission to casino entertainment.
Golf and Spa Free rounds at casino courses or spa treatments.
VIP/Whale Level
RFB (Room, Food, Beverage) Everything comped during your stay.
Airfare Reimbursement Casino covers your flight costs.
Private Jet Service For the highest rollers, casinos send planes.
Dedicated Casino Host Personal concierge handling all arrangements.
Exclusive Events Private parties, concerts, and experiences.
How to Maximize Your Comps
Always Use Your Player's Card
This is rule number one. Every untracked bet is comps you'll never receive. Insert your card in slot machines, hand it to dealers at table games, and ensure your sports bets are linked to your account.
Consolidate Your Play
Playing at one casino or casino group earns more comps than spreading action across multiple properties. A $50/hand player at one casino is more valuable than $50 spread across five casinos.
Play at Optimal Times
Some casinos offer multiplier promotions—2x, 3x, or 5x points during specific periods. Plan larger gambling sessions around these promotions.
Ask for Comps
Don't be shy about requesting comps. After a few hours of play:
- Ask the pit boss if any comps are available
- Visit the player's club desk
- Call your casino host (if assigned)
The worst they can say is no.
Negotiate Room Rates
When booking, mention you're a player. Ask:
- "What's your best rate for players?"
- "Can you check my comp availability?"
- "I'd like to book under my host's name"
Check Your Mailers
Casinos send offers based on your play history. These often include:
- Free play amounts
- Discounted or free rooms
- Dining credits
- Match play coupons
Don't let good offers expire unused.
Be Strategic About Rated Play
For maximum comp value:
- Bet consistently (big bets early, small bets later looks suspicious)
- Play longer at moderate bets rather than short sessions at high stakes
- Choose games with lower house edges (better for your bankroll AND comp calculation often favors table games)
Table Game Comps
Getting Rated
Hand your player's card to the dealer or pit boss when you sit down. They'll track:
- Buy-in amount
- Average bet size
- Time at table
What Pit Bosses Watch
They estimate your average bet by observing your play periodically. If you want to be rated higher:
- Bet more when you notice them looking
- Don't constantly change bet sizes
- Play longer sessions
Asking for Table Comps
After a few hours, ask the pit boss: "Do I have anything available?" They can often issue food comps on the spot.
Slot Comps
How Slot Play Is Tracked
Your player's card tracks every spin automatically—bet size, game, duration. This is the most accurate comp calculation.
Denomination Matters
Higher denomination slots typically:
- Have better comp rates
- Qualify for more promotions
- Earn tier status faster
A $1 slot player often earns comps faster than a penny slot player betting the same total amount.
Casino Hosts
What Hosts Do
Casino hosts are your personal concierge for gambling-related needs:
- Book rooms at preferential rates
- Make restaurant reservations
- Arrange show tickets
- Handle special requests
- Resolve problems
Getting Assigned a Host
Hosts are typically assigned once you reach mid-tier status or demonstrate consistent play. You can also:
- Ask the player's club for host assignment
- Request to meet with a host during your visit
- Call the casino in advance
Working With Your Host
Be honest about your play expectations:
- How often you visit
- Your typical buy-in
- Games you play
- Average bet
Hosts appreciate realistic customers over those who exaggerate. Building a relationship leads to better offers over time.
The True Value of Comps
Comps Are Not Profit
Remember: comps are a rebate on expected losses. A "free" $200 room isn't free if you lost $500 earning the comp eligibility.
Calculate Your Actual Cost
If you received $100 in comps but had $400 in theoretical loss, your net cost was $300 in expected value—even if you happened to win that session.
When Comps Make Sense
Comps are valuable when:
- You were going to gamble anyway
- You stay within your predetermined budget
- You enjoy the perks without chasing them
When Comps Are Dangerous
Comps become problematic when:
- You gamble more than planned to earn them
- You justify losses by pointing to comps received
- You feel obligated to play because of freebies
Common Comp Mistakes
Playing Just for Comps
Never gamble beyond your budget to earn freebies. A $50 buffet isn't worth $200 in additional losses.
Ignoring Offers
Check your mail and email. Many players miss valuable free play and room offers simply by not paying attention.
Not Asking
Many comps require you to ask. Pit bosses can issue food comps. Hosts can find room availability. But they won't always offer—you need to request.
Being Rude
Casino staff remember difficult customers. Being pleasant and tipping appropriately leads to better treatment and more generous comp decisions.
Overestimating Your Value
Don't expect VIP treatment on a $20/hand bankroll. Understand your actual value to the casino and set expectations accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Casino comps are a legitimate perk of gambling—free drinks, meals, and rooms add real value to your casino experience. But they're not truly free; they're a calculated return on the casino's expected profit from your play.
Maximize your comps by always using your player's card, consolidating play at one property, and simply asking for what's available. Just never let comp-chasing drive you to gamble more than you planned.
The best comp is one that enhances a trip you were already taking—not one that justifies a trip you couldn't afford.