Max Rubin

Max Rubin came to professional gambling through an unconventional path. He worked in the casino industry in various capacities, giving him insider knowledge of how casinos operated and, crucially, how their comp systems were designed. This background allowed him to see opportunities that players focused purely on game strategy often missed.

Rubin gained recognition with his 1994 book "Comp City," which revealed that casinos often gave away more in complimentary services than the mathematical house edge would warrant. By understanding rating systems and playing strategies that maximized comps while minimizing risk, players could effectively achieve a positive expected value through perks alone.

Rubin's approach emphasizes working the system rather than just the cards. He teaches players to understand how casinos rate them, how to maximize comp value, and how to appear like a more valuable customer than they actually are. His strategies involve optimal play that looks like gambling while minimizing actual risk. He advocates for a holistic approach that considers all forms of casino value.

Beyond his book, Rubin helped establish and organize the Blackjack Hall of Fame, serving as its unofficial ambassador. He has been instrumental in recognizing and honoring the game's greatest contributors. He regularly writes about gambling strategy and serves as a consultant to players seeking to optimize their casino experience.

Max Rubin changed how advantage players think about their relationship with casinos. His insight that comps themselves could be an edge opened new possibilities for players who couldn't count cards or didn't want to risk being banned. He was inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2004, honored for both his strategic contributions and his work promoting the Hall.