5 Considerations For Casino Freebies

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One thing that we all like to get in the mail is offers for FREE STUFF! Casino Freebies are always a fun part of the gambling experience. However, I always wonder if my mailman thinks I have a problem when he sees the mailers I get from casinos all over the country. If they were to inquire about it, I’d say, “It’s all research, of course.” Meanwhile, let’s look at 5 Considerations For Casino Freebies.

Yes, everyone enjoys free stuff from the casino.

But we all realize that “free stuff” isn’t free, right? And don’t think just because you played that $20 with your card for 15 minutes entitles you to a comp, either.

Free stuff means casinos want your patronage. It’s not because they like you and want to show you they care. But, there is a price to casino freebies and comps from casinos. The reality is casinos want you to spend two things on their property – money and time. And, logically, they feel the more time you spend, the more money you’ll spend.

“Casino management software” tracks slot players and video poker players, so what they see is what you get. But, of course, without inserting your card, you won’t get anything. Table players have to deal with a more subjective system, but still, you need to present your rewards card.

The days of discretionary comps have passed us by. It doesn’t hurt to ask for a meal or room – but don’t feel entitled to it.

What’s a Comp?

Comps are complimentary items and services given out by casinos to encourage players to gamble. The amount and quality of comps that a player is given usually depends on the following:

The games you play and the house edge of each game
The average amount you bet, and
The length of time of your session

In other words,

Theoretical Loss = (Casino Advantage) × (Total Wager)

The term “comp” actually comes from complementary or the “act of compensating.” It was a way of weighing or balancing one thing against another.

So, here are five considerations for earning those freebies.

1) The Big Play

You will get a better casino rating if you go to the casino less frequently, but when you do, play longer. So, Instead of a bankroll of $100 for three visits, try $300 for one long visit. Remember, money and time are what casino management is looking for.

TravelZork Video Poker expert Coach Kitty has an excellent series for thought and application concerning the best way to bring money and time in your favor. Check out the links below:

Coach Kitty, Travel Zork, Casino Freebies, Comps — CoachKitty at TravelZork

2) Beware of Short Play

Once upon a time, a gambler friend of mine went to the casino, played his free slot play, usually on a $1 Full-Pay JOB video poker machine, and cashed out after the correct number of hands for the available free slot play ($10 free slot dollars, $1 per hand) and left, usually with most of his free slot play. So, naturally, casinos don’t like this.

If you follow this practice, you may end up with most of your casino freebies diminishing quickly. In the beginning, you may walk out a winner, but don’t burn the “comps bridge” – it’s difficult to rebuild them.

3) Casino Freebies, Comps – Read the fine print.

If you are offered free dining promotions, be sure the casino isn’t expecting you to stay and play. Many dining promotions expect you to stay and say so “in the fine print.” If you don’t stay awhile, marketing will decrease or cut your offers.

4) The free hotel offers come with a cost.

If you hope to continue similar hotel offers or get better offers, expect to gamble more than usual. A free stay, and no play, will probably mean a lower-rated offer next time or none at all.

5) Finally, Don’t Chase Comps

Gamble to entertain yourself or give yourself a chance to make a few bucks. If you’re not an advantage player, play within your financial means.

The formula casino marketing uses to give out promotions is skewed in their favor. Comps should be included when evaluating the house edge but should never be the sole reason for gambling.

That’s all for now. Remember, embrace the math, not the myth!

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