Notes

Aspects of Playing For Complimentary Gifts (Comps) From Casinos
Casinos compete for gambler's time and money by compensating them with complimentary gifts (comps). These comps offer free drinks, meals, reduced-rate rooms, or free tickets. Comp programs are designed to promote customer loyalty and return visits. These incentives are not limited to high-rollers. Many low-to-mid-level gamblers can receive surprising amounts of freebies or discounts. This is particularly relevant presently in part due to the current state of our general economy; in Las Vegas, visitor counts and gambling bankrolls have dipped significantly and this has increased comp offers from gaming properties in their attempt to encourage gamblers to enter their doors. My wife and I stayed in Vegas for nine days, late October 2008. We didn't need to pay anything for our nights (all comped rooms). And we're not high-roll gamblers. Our gambling activities include blackjack at 10-25 dollar minimum bet tables, penny or nickel denomination slot machines and video poker with stakes ranging between 40 cents and $ 2.00 per turn.

Comp awards are usually determined by average wager x hours played, x bets/hour, and x expected house edge. X % casino return to players. (Generally ranges from 25 - 40 percent of the expected win by a casino). As an example, suppose you play a decent blackjack table with a player-friendly rule set and play a simple strategy. Your average bet is 10 bucks per hand. An "average" 6-deck shoe game can see 60-80 hands per hour. This is assuming there are at least 3 or 4 players. In order to calculate expected dollar returns for players and comp calculations, most casinos employ 60 hands per an hour with a house-edge of 2%. Most casinos will return approximately 40% of their expected win back to a player in the form of comps. Assuming you play the above game for five hours, and possibly at more than one casino table, a reasonable comp calculation would have $10 (average wager) X 5 minutes (hands per hour) X 60 (comps). X .02 (house edge) X .40 (proportionate casino return to players). This is a cumulative wagered of approximately $ 3000.00. Surprised? This is equivalent to $60.00 in earned comps. X.02 = $60.00

Be polite when asking for comps at Las Vegas properties or elsewhere. You might be required to wager $15-25 per Hand at some Vegas properties to qualify for table comps. Some casinos in Las Vegas are more generous than those on the Strip with their meal comps. I've been to the Orleans multiple times with a 10-20 Dollar average bet, and have never had trouble obtaining buffet comps when asked. There are many variations in comp programs among casinos and corporate gaming establishments. It is important that players decide where they want to play, and then take advantage of the comp program details at that location. If a player's club representative/host is unclear about the exact method of calculating earned comps, don't be surprised. The amount of patronage and season can affect how comps are calculated. This high-traffic environment can make it harder for low- and mid-level players to get comped. It's suggested that gamblers familiarize themselves with a slots / table games host that they are comfortable with; generally speaking, it's a good idea to solicit a host of the opposite gender. A host can communicate with players to help them win more. Many properties offer meal comps to pit bosses. The key elements to playing a comp game with enhanced value are to keep your bankroll under control, play games with a lower house edge, be familiar with the property comp program, and ask questions. But free play chasing comps" (i.e. playing too long for a meal) can increase your gambling losses. The best advice is to be logical.

Blackjack is a great place to get comps. There are usually lower house odds in blackjack than in other casino games. Players can also choose games with player-favorable guidelines and learn basic strategy. These conditions can be used by players to increase their comps. Factors that can slow down a game include playing at crowded tables, talking with other players regularly while the game is in progress, extending decision times on hand plays, and taking frequent bathroom breaks or cell phone call breaks. An additional strategy to increase comp accrual at blackjack is increased bet amounts when pit bosses, or table hosts, are watching specific play. These will improve your table play ratings and accrued Comp levels. If the casino staff is not watching, one can reduce their bet levels.

Slot / video poker (VP) play tracking for comps requires that players have their player's club cards inserted and inserted properly to accumulate points; always determine that this is the case and periodically check during sessions at a given machine. Video poker is generally more profitable than slot machines. However, VP play comps are usually less for the same wagers and time as slots. games news is an accepted casino tradeoff. If best games to play find a casino that you like to play in, you enjoy the slots, and you have ample time, I believe it's possible to identify some particular machines that exhibit a higher payback percentage than others (we know this is fact; the key is in identifying them). The payback percentages for machines with higher denominations (e.g. $1 slots vs. penny machines) are generally higher. Your ability to play these machines will depend on how much money you have and how well you manage your money. There are many different payback percentages, even among penny slot machines. Common sense, observation, and the willingness to play these slots can help you spot the best ones. It is important not to get too soaked expecting the next pull..and so on..to earn a large payout. For slot machines, we recommend a stoploss approach. After reaching 40-50% of the original buyin amount (i.e. $20-25 USD credit remaining after a $50.00 first buy-in), we always stop playing a particular slot machine. Although most slot machines will drain your bankroll, there are other options for comps. Players can observe and actually play higher paying machines to help them identify these. Video poker with solid paytables is a great way of accumulating comps. This paytable (minimum 9/6 Blackjacks Or Better or Double bonus) means that the machine will pay a 9 for 1 full house payout and a 6 for 1 flush payout. Although it's slower than many other slots machines, it's still a viable option for comps. The key is to identify machines that pay a higher percentage over time. This includes machines with "full-pay" or machines that pay close to 100%. However, individual sessions can still result in losses.


Look out for casino promotions such as blackjack enhancements and point multiplier dates. Also, be sure to use the gambling coupons (blackjack match play or first-card poker ace coupons) which will increase your expectation of a comp game. Even though the economic situation in Las Vegas is generally poor, it is still favorable for comp offer acquisition.


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