A Comprehensive Guide to Comps

1 October 2001

By Gayle Mitchell

COMPS or complimentaries for rooms, food, beverages, and other goodies are a casino's compensation to the loyal player. However, the player has to earn them, and learn the rules of the COMP game. Just as you prepare before entering any casino; so too is a complete education part of your casino compbat training.

Slot Club Cards are your entrance pass to COMP Heaven and table game players-you are included-as more casinos are patching you into the same rating system. Slot Club Cards now encompass all the games in the casino, and it's FREE!

Slots Clubs were started in Atlantic City where casino execs were very aware that quarter slot players could easily move next door to competing casinos. Some incentive to remain loyal to their casino was established. This plastic marketing tool now comprises policy for most casinos worldwide.

Read the casinos' literature, and determine which casinos give the most compromising bang for your buck. You want to develop a best, better and good casino complete listing. There is no complaint list as it is only to your benefit as a player to join. Compiling active status and total points plus the redeemable value of your card is mandatory for any competent player. Analysis casino card offers as they will compensate you--the games you play, the surroundings, dining/menu offerings, entertainment, and particularly cash back. What are you competing for: free room, free food, free shows, playing coupons, promotional items as take-home souvenirs, or cash-back?

To compare, the rebates available out there are:

All casino players have complied in the beverage catergory, RFB - king of COMPs - room, food, and beverage - all that any high roller or 'whale' could comprehend, however, with some limitations, low to medium slotters are eligible. The compcept is to reward all loyal slot players. Cash Rebates - generally 6c to $1 for every $100 play. This should most certainly determine the casinos "rating" for your compliance list. Turn the tables and 'rate' the casinos when comparing slot cards. Meal COMPs - averaging one meal comp for every four hours of quarter machine play. I ask for a meal comp after a jackpot win and have never been refused---the casino wants to keep you at the company store, plus no standing in line--you head straight for the VIP or 'invited guest' short queue; composed as you pass other waiting diners. Room COMPs-watch your mailbox for casino newsletters, companion room offers or members can reserve rooms at casino rate-generally a 50% reduction. Another component is entertainment goodies. 2 for 1 weekday show coupons and members' rewards can be a headliner showcomp in the mail. Promotional Gifts - dice, cards, caps, t-shirts and that's just for signing on. Your birthday greetings arrive with compatible meal, room and cash coupons. Funbooks and 'lucky bucks': compensation for table games. Put your bet down with these coupons and you've just reduced the house advantage. Ask for these when reserving your room, registering, when your travel agent books your trip, or all 3. Swing by the front desk to pick up casino brochures or local freebie magazines in the larger casino areas and compclip. VIP compatible for active members -- special handling just for you.

More complimentary tips:

Ask, ask and ask again-be nice--if you are comptitled. Make friends with the slot host. Ladies are more competent with the male slot hosts...get my drift? Call the toll free number of your favorite casinos for updated compformation. Contact casino marketing or Events Manager. Ask for total points accumulated, the redeemable value, upcoming special promotions, especially double or triple points days-an incomparable advantage of an active member's dreams. Two comppers can reach their freebie goal faster; request two slot cards with same name/membership compartment number and doublecomp those points. Participate in a companion run hitting at least five casinos, joining as you go and collect all the compoffers.

It's a common miscompception among gamblers that you must lose money to qualify-not true. Casinos want your time in their establishment-use those cards. Tracking your points is based on all monies put through machines whether you are dropping coins or playing off your credits-it all computes. Look UP..at the neon signs, in the casinos windows; where they advertise their best games, best payouts-all compliments of the house. Attaching a card to you is a good idea. I'm the one with the colorful twisted cord attached to me; I have lost my composure and nearly a vital body part at times when forgetting to remove my card. Finally, wager management should also be part of your complete education. Don't play just for COMPs; however, in comparison-a reduction in the cost of play increases your gambling bankroll. Compulsive gambling is bad but compulsion is good for every casino player; not only will you have good luck but you are making your luck with competence.