Guide to Casino Comps, both Live and Online
Comps are one of the few things in the world of casinos which create a win-win for players and for the casinos too. This is a way of rewarding regular players for their custom, by giving out points which can later be exchanged for cash or services. Almost all casinos will have a comp points system these days, and the idea has also make the transition to online casinos.
This article takes you through the world of Casino comps in several different ways. First of all the idea is explained, to show you how these work in practice. You will then find more detail on comps in the live casino setting. Next online casino comps are looked into – along with some notes on how to compare the different deals.
How Casino Comps Work
Electronics make the casino comp systems possible, both live and online. These can be collected via a card for live casinos, and computers can do this as part of play for online casinos very easily. What you will find with comps is that the rewards are very small. You’ll often need to put in a lot of play just to get a couple of dollars-worth of rewards.
The reason that these schemes are so popular is that you are playing the games anyway – so this is effectively free money. You can choose not to take it if you wish, though it will add up nicely over time and can get you anything from a tournament entry, a buffet dinner or a cash bonus.
From the casinos point of view, rewarding regular players makes perfect sense. If a player is 50% / 50% between playing at one casino or another, and remembers the player card in their pocket - then this might well be reason enough to go to that specific venue. Of course, now most casinos have them, so it is a matter of any that do not have them losing out.
Another advantage from the perspective of casinos is that they have your name, address and e-mail details when you register for the scheme. This means they can send you promotional material. Again, if you are a regular player it could be in your interest to check this material out. I advise against discarding it as a default.
Casino Comps at Live Casinos
These systems are based on a player card, which you register for. When you sit down at a table game you put your card down on the felt and the dealer will call one of the floor staff to register it. All the while you are playing, the card will accumulate points, usually based on the table betting limit.
For slots games, this is handled electronically. You place your card into a slot in the front of the machine, and your play is automatically earning you points from that moment onwards.
The benefits of live casino comps come in various different formats. The most common is to use these to buy dinner at the casino buffet or maybe some restaurants. You may also be able to use them to get discounts on accommodation, or to enter slot tournaments which have real money prizes. These benefits are small, but do add up nicely – especially if you would have played the games anyway.
Casino Comps at Online Casinos
You will not need a physical card to collect comp points at online casinos. These are tracked by the computer systems automatically as you play. Comps are generally low value, with 100 points being worth $1 at your typical online casino.
Some casinos have tiered comp points systems. These reward those players who collect a lot of comp points with better exchange rates for cash, and sometimes with exclusive deals and promotions too. For example, the first tier might be 100 points per $1, going to 90 per $1, then 80 per $1 and so on. Since it is usually the bigger bankroll players who will accumulate enough points to move up the tiers, the rewards can make a big difference to your play.
VIPs and Comps
VIPs at both online and live casinos are treated completely differently to the regular players. Live you will often find a host to look after your needs, and have comps like free accommodation and meals on the house. Online the systems work differently, though you’ll also have a host assigned to you. Access to the best bonus deals, exclusive promotions and even extras like invitations to VIP boxes at prestigious sporting events are all usually part of the package.
By sticking to a single casino (either live or online) you can maximize the number of comp points you ear. Remember, that as nice as it is to receive comp points, the value of these often does not make them more important than your main bonus and promotions.