What are COMPS?
How do I get them?
"Comps" is the abbreviation for "complimentaries".
Some people think of these as the "freebies" that the casinos give
to you based on your "play" or "action" at the tables. A
"comp" could be just about anything; from a simple key chain to a weekend
hotel stay in a luxurious suite with butler service, full access to a
limo, along with free airfare thrown in. Of course, your gambling will have to
be pretty substantial to get the suite and airfare, etc... Even so, all
players can get some sort of comps if they just ask....
One of the keys to getting "comps" is to
become a slot club member, and to turn the card into the dealer when you're
playing a table game so that you can become "rated". The rating
means how much you bet per hour of play at whatever table game... Of course,
this works with the slot machines too, except the computer keeps a very accurate
account of your play.
Almost all casinos in Las Vegas have a slot club card to do this. Search out
the slot club booth in the casino, they will ask you for an ID, and to fill out a card with your name, address, phone
and social security number and they issue you a plastic, credit card sized card
with an ID number on it. Whenever you sit down at a table game, you should hand
your slot card
to the dealer, who will get the attention of the pit boss, he/she logs you in and notes your average bet. When you leave,
they make a note of that too. Whenever you play at a slot machine be sure to
insert your slot club card into the appropriate slot... Most
casinos offer cash back or comps based on the denomination you bet and your length
of play. You earn "points" based on the number of coins you put into
the machine and those points can be redeemed for various comps from t-shirts
to free rooms. Also it should be noted that getting a slot card puts you on
their mailing list, where you will receive exceptional offers in the mail for
free rooms, discounted rooms, and other deals....
Here are some of the types of things you can get
comped:
One comp, everyone gets while playing is a
"free" cocktail, or drink....while you are playing you will hear a
waitress walk by saying "cocktails" or "drinks"...get
their attention, or wait for them to ask you...and then you may place your
order... Some casinos offer everything....while others are limited to
simple "house" drinks...if you have a favorite, ask for it, and
they'll let you know if they can get it...or if there's a substitute. If you are at Main Street
Station downtown you can order one of their microbrewery beers....
(Remember, it's always a good idea to tip the waitresses).
Another easy comp to get would be a line pass to the buffet.
A line pass, simply means you can jump past the line....usually there's a sign
that says, "VIP", or "Line Passes"... It gets you into the casino
guest line, but does not pay for your food. Maybe a little harder to get is
the "Buffet Pass"; but it's always best to ask for that, as it
will include the "line pass" too. Speak to the casino host, or pit
boss, and ask if they'd consider giving you a "buffet pass" for your
party....if they've seen you gambling at all, most will give you a
comp for two to the buffet which includes a line pass. Just go straight to the
casino guest line with the paper they hand you and eat up.
Use the same method to get comps to coffee shops, restaurants, shows, etc.
You find your slot host or the pit boss in the area you're playing and ask if
you've played enough for a comp to .... whatever. You can also go back to the
slot club booth and see how many points you have available to redeem for a buffet
or restaurant. You will find better success by establishing a relationship
with a host and asking them directly. More often than not, the points will not
be taken out of your account for the meal, or you may be given a comp when you
don't yet have enough points to cover it.
The same goes for getting casino rate or free rooms, etc. When you are ready
to check out of the hotel where you've been staying and playing, go downstairs
and ask to speak to a host. Tell them how much you have enjoyed playing at their
hotel, etc. Then ask if they can take any charges off your bill. I always charge
everything to my room from buffets to restaurants to specialty drinks in the
bar. The "key" is that it never hurts to ask and you won't get anything if you don't try at
all.
Be nice and considerate when you ask for a
comp...remember that the casino host is there
to make sure that you have a good time and that you return to their casino in
the future. Many times a casino host will not be able to give you much at that
time (when you're checking out) but they will give you their card and tell you
to call them prior to your next visit. Calling
them before your next trip will almost always result in a discounted room rate
(casino rate) at a minimum. Establishing a relationship with a casino host at
a particular hotel you enjoy will get you more and more comps each visit if
you consistently gamble in their casino.
Please remember that the hosts are accountable for
what they give to the players...so they must watch your play, and then
determine what they can offer to you. Comps are
generally computed based on expected loss. If you played $1000 at blackjack
with a 3% expected house edge, they would presume that you lost $30. They would
comp you a percentage of that, usually 20-40%, or $6-12. Now, that doesn't mean
that you have to lose that $30. In fact, you can be a winner and still gets
comps....remember they want you to play at their casino...
There are a number of excellent resources out there about what slot clubs are
best and how best to work them. The Queen of Comps is Jean Scott, the author
of the Frugal Gambler. Her book is an excellent resource in learning how to
work the comp system to your advantage. Here are some other great books that
will help you.
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Frugal
Gambler
The Queen of Comps, Jean Scott, shares her tips for getting the most for
your betting dollar. How to work the comp system and get the most freebies
from the casinos. Great tips!
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Comp
City
Max Rubin details everything you need
to know about comps in this book. He talks a lot about high rollers, but
the information is useful to even the lowest of roller
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Casino
Secrets
Barney Vinson goes over how to play almost every game in the casino. A
great book for beginners and experts!
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Guerrilla
Gambling
Frank Scoblette is one of my favorite
authors where gaming strategy is concerned. This is a great reference
for strategy on any and all casino games.
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Casino
Gambling for the Clueless
If you're just starting out and want to
play some of those games you've seen, this book is for you. It's a VERY
simple guide to the major table games.
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Victory
Video Poker
This is a very good book that covers almost all aspects
of playing Video Poker. If you're just starting out with video poker,
or need some tips on how to better your return, get this one..
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