Issuing complimentary points, also known as comp points, is a marketing technique employed by casinos. Casino members often receive a membership card which is similar to a credit card. Every time a player competes in a game, such as slots or video poker machine, the membership card is swiped and the transaction is recorded. As the player plays, they earn casino comp points. Based on the amount of comp points, various forms of compensation are issued to the player. Comps are common in group or chain casinos because they encourage players to spend more money.

Types of Casino Comps

The most basic of casino comps comes in the form of free drinks. Players are encouraged to tip the waiters and waitresses, but the drinks come free. Alcohol is expensive, so when it is served for free it encourages players to spend more money on casino games. Other casinos, especially chains, offer more value-based comps including free show tickets, limousine rides, complimentary rooms, food & beverage (RFB), and even flights to and from casinos within the chain.

Casino Comps for Table Games

At certain casinos, players earn casino comps while playing table games like blackjack or poker. The dealer or pit boss will add comps to a player's account based on their buy-in amount, average bet size and length of play. Casinos often compensate an amount between 10% and 40% of the amount the casino expects a player to lose while betting. This form of compensation is valuable to high rollers. Players who place larger and more frequent bets are often given a larger compensation because the casino would rather lose the amount of a comp, rather than lose the potential income of a high roller's losses.

"Comp Hustlers"

Some people, commonly known as comp hustlers, take advantage of casino comps. These players seek to maximize their casino comps while minimizing risk by playing games with low house edges. They often make large bets while being assessed by the casino's pit crew and then either lower their bets or bailing the game soon after. Although many attempt to hustle comps, many are unsuccessful. Casinos employ professionally trained security teams dedicated to spotting comp hustlers and immediately removing them from the casino grounds.

For both the casino and players, comps offer a win-win situation. The players win by receiving free drinks, tickets or hospitality, while the casino wins by encouraging the players to spend more money on games instead of amenities.