Understanding Comps
The word comp is stands for complementary items given at a casino. Comps are also called freebies and these are items that are given to players as a reward for playing at their casino. Giving out comps is useful way to promote good will and entice players to be loyal to the establishment. However, comps is one of the most misunderstood aspects of gambling and is a missed opportunity for many.
Many people believe that comps are only available for high stakes gamblers or high stakes rollers. Many people who watch movies fall prey to the idea that only the rich clients get the star treatment. This far from the truth. Any player can avail of comps anytime. There are different levels of comps depending on the amount of money bet. Most casinos make it a point to have some sort of comp for every player that plays on the floor.
Standard comps can range from free shirts, hats, or house engraved pens to a high level comp of food, beverage and even free rooms for the night. Free drinks are the always the standard comps extended to all players. They are usually served at the game tables during game time or at the slots machines.
Casino rate is another comp that all players can avail of anytime. Casinos love the idea of players on the gaming floor spending betting money and offset the players losses by offering discounts on room rates for the day. Players who play a lot or long enough may even get a full room comp. Special rates on the buffet or the casino coffee shop is another comp that players can ask for instead.
Qualifying for comps is very easy. A player has to accomplish two tasks. The first is to have the players play rated. This simply means signing up into playing or players club and using that card whenever playing at the machines. For table games, the player has to ask the pit boss or manager in charge to rate the play. The second task in order to get a comp is to ask for it. Some casinos do not outright offer the comp but instead wait for the players to request it. This way, the casinos save on any overhead costs that may be encountered. Some comps require a certain time and amount of gameplay and the casino would inform the player if their play does not reach the requirement.
Many players agree the best comp is the free food. The best time to request for this comp is during gameplay. Players can signify their intent by informing any one of the numerous attendants or pit bosses around the floor..
A room comp requires a talk with the casino host before checking out of the hotel. If a casino host is unavailable, the hotel would connect the player to the right person to talk to. Room rates are best availed of just before check out and before payment. Once the payment has been made, room comps can no longer be applied. Many players actually do not ask for this comp for they believe that their game play was not long or large enough.
The most important thing to remember when asking for a comp is to be polite. Never demand for a comp even if one knows they qualify for it.