Casino Comps Guide
Everything you need to know about earning free drinks, rooms, meals, and more through your casino play in Las Vegas.
What Are Casino Comps?
Comps (short for "complimentaries") are free goods and services that casinos offer to players as a reward for their gambling activity. The idea is simple: the more you play, the more the casino rewards you.
Casinos track your play through loyalty cards and calculate your "theoretical loss" - the amount they expect to win from you based on your betting patterns, time played, and the house edge of the games you play. A percentage of this theoretical loss is returned to you in the form of comps.
Free Drinks
Complimentary cocktails while playing
Free Rooms
Complimentary hotel stays
Free Play
Slot credits and match play
Free Shows
Tickets to entertainment
How Comps Are Calculated
Casinos use a formula to determine your comp value based on your theoretical loss. They don't base comps on how much you actually win or lose - only on how much action you give them.
The Basic Formula
Casinos typically return 20-40% of your theoretical loss as comps
Slot Machine Comps
Slot play is tracked automatically when you insert your player's card. The casino knows exactly how much you bet and for how long.
- Typical comp rate: 0.1% to 0.3% of total coin-in
- Higher denominations often earn comps faster
Table Game Comps
Pit bosses track table play manually by observing your average bet and time at the table.
- Typical comp rate: 20-40% of theoretical loss
- Ask the pit boss to rate your play when you sit down
Free Drinks Guide
One of the most popular perks in Las Vegas is free drinks while gambling. Here's how to get them and what to expect.
At Slot Machines
Cocktail waitresses circulate regularly through the slot areas. Make eye contact, wave, or press the "service" button if your machine has one. Expect service every 15-30 minutes during busy times.
At Table Games
Table players typically receive more attentive drink service. Cocktail waitresses check tables more frequently, often every 10-15 minutes. Simply ask your dealer or the waitress.
At Casino Bars
Video poker machines at casino bars usually qualify you for free drinks while playing. Bet at least $0.25-$0.50 per hand to be eligible.
Tipping for Comped Drinks
While the drinks are free, tipping your cocktail server is expected and appreciated. Good tipping leads to better and faster service.
Recommended Tips
- Beer/Well drinks: $1-2
- Mixed cocktails: $2-3
- Premium/Top-shelf: $3-5
Why Tip Well?
Cocktail servers remember good tippers. You'll get faster service and your drinks will be made stronger. A $2 tip per drink is money well spent.
Comp Return Percentages by Game
Different games have different house edges, which affects how casinos calculate your comps. Here's what you can typically expect:
| Game Type | Typical Comp Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 0.1% - 0.3% of coin-in | Based on total amount bet, not time |
| Video Poker | 0.05% - 0.15% of coin-in | Lower rate due to lower house edge |
| Blackjack | 20% - 30% of theoretical | Assumes ~0.5% house edge with basic strategy |
| Craps | 25% - 35% of theoretical | Varies by bet type (pass line vs. props) |
| Baccarat | 25% - 40% of theoretical | High rollers may negotiate better rates |
| Roulette | 20% - 30% of theoretical | 5.26% house edge (double zero) |
* Rates vary significantly by casino, player tier, and time of year. These are general estimates.
Ready to Start Earning Comps?
Join a casino loyalty program to track your play and start earning free rooms, meals, shows, and more. Most programs are free to join.
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