Kasino News

Casino Slot Cards and Casino Comps

Casino Comps

You have probably heard of casino comps: those nice extras you get for playing in the house. They can range from free cocktails to haircuts to hotel suites. Casinos give players these services as a thank-you gift for giving them their business (and to keep them from wandering off to other casinos). In the old days, the only way to get these comps was to play table games like blackjack and baccarat. But the scene today is quite different: Now casinos realize that most of their earnings come from the slot machines, not card games. And this is why slot cards exist today.

Slot Cards

Slot cards are essentially tracking devices that the casinos use to know who is loyal and who isn't. Loyal players are those who play frequently in the same casino. When a player inserts a slot card into a slot or video poker machine, the slot card will keep track of their playing activity until the player takes it out of the machine. Then the player is "rated" for comps according to the casino's comp-ranking system. Each casino has its own com-ranking criteria. You should read the comp brochure first and ask a casino employee if you have any questions about comps. (Just make sure you ask nicely.)

Comps as Status Symbol

A major misconception about comps is that they are solely for high rollers. That might have been true at one time, but it is no longer the case. In the first place, 70-80% of the house's revenue comes from slot machines, and the majority of folks who play them are not millionaires! So the casinos have every reason to cater to average players as well as upper-class players, and they do.

You don't have to wager thousands per hour to get any worthwhile comps. You'd be surprised how much you can bet in a short span of time. If you max bet on a .25c video poker machine at a speed of 400 hands per hour, you will be betting $500 in that amount of time.

How to Get a Slot Card

It's easy to get a slot card for comps. When you enter a casino, look for the players' booth. Ask for directions if you can't find it. Present your IDs (with at least one picture ID) and fill out the form. You will be given a slot card that you can use for slots and video poker. For table games, just ask the pit boss to rate your playing time for comps and show them your slot card.

Tips about Slot Cards and Comps

- Always insert your slot card before playing video-based games and slots.

- Always use your slot card no matter how small your wagers.

- Ask casino staff about the house's comp-ranking system so you can make the most out of it.

- Ask politely about comps; do not be demanding.

- Never forget to remove your slot card from the machine after use.

- Do not hop from casino to casino searching for the best comps. Comps were made to reward loyalty and being a butterfly just won't pay off.

- Always ask about special promos and offers. You never know what you could be missing.

- Tip the casino employees who deliver comps to you.

- Don't abuse comps. Some people go to a buffet and grab enough meals that would choke an elephant. Why be a pig?