Casino Comp Points: Turning Play into Perks

Author: Editorial Team | Last updated: 6 Jan 2026

Disclaimer: Gambling carries risk. Only play if you are of legal age in your area (often 21+ in the U.S., 18+ in many other places). If gambling affects you or someone you know, get help at the National Council on Problem Gambling, GamCare, or BeGambleAware.

Comp points are casino loyalty credits. You earn them when you play. You can use them for free play, food, rooms, and more. This guide shows what comp points are, how they work, how to do the math, and how to get value without overspending. You will also see common mistakes and a simple plan that keeps you safe and smart.

What Are Casino Comp Points?

Short answer: Casino comp points are loyalty credits you earn from tracked play. Points add up based on how much you bet, what you play, and the casino’s rules. You can redeem points for perks like free play, meals, rooms, or show tickets. They offset part of your expected loss, but they are not truly “free.”

Casinos use comp points to say “thank you” for your play. Both land casinos and online casinos use them. Each program has its own rules. The rules say how fast you earn points and how you can spend them. Some programs are simple. Some have many levels and perks. Always read the terms. Good places to start are official pages like MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards, and Wynn Rewards.

Comp Points vs Tier Points vs Cashback

Comp points: These are loyalty credits you can spend on perks (like food, rooms, or free play). Some brands call them “Reward Credits” or “Points.”
Tier points (tier credits): These move you up in status levels (like Silver, Gold, Platinum). Higher tiers bring better perks, like priority lines or fee waivers. See how tiers work at Caesars Rewards rules and MGM tier overview.
Cashback/free play: This is money-like value back from your bets. It is simple to understand but often at a low rate.

How Comp Points Are Earned

Casinos look at how much you bet, what game you play, and how long you play. Many land casinos track “coin-in” (total wagered). They also look at the house edge of the game and your play speed. Slots and table games can earn at different rates. Online casinos often use game “weighting.” For example, slots may earn at 100% weight, but low-edge games (like some video poker) may earn at 10% or 20% weight.

To see standard edges and game details, you can read math guides like Wizard of Odds. For data on casino hold (how much casinos keep), see reports by regulators like the Nevada Gaming Control Board and research hubs like the UNLV Center for Gaming Research.

Important: your play must be tracked to earn points. In a land casino, use your player card. In an online casino, be logged in. If your play is not tracked, you get no points or perks.

Theoretical Loss and ADT Explained

Theoretical loss (theo) is what the casino expects you to lose based on the math of the game. A simple rough formula is:

Theo ≈ Total Wagered (coin-in) × House Edge.

Example: if you bet $10,000 total on a slot with an 8% house edge, your theo is about $800. Many properties set comp budgets from a share of your theo. The exact share is not public and can change by program, day, or player. Do not treat any sample number as a promise.

ADT means Average Daily Theoretical. It is the average theo the casino sees per day you play. If you have many tiny low-bet days, your ADT may look weak. That can reduce offers. Fewer, stronger rated days can help. This idea is discussed in industry studies and forums, but exact scoring methods are private to each brand. For general industry context, see the American Gaming Association and UNLV’s gaming research reports.

How Much Are Comp Points Worth?

Value depends on the program and on what you redeem. Some online programs show a fixed rate (for example, X points = $1 in free play). Some land programs give bigger value on rooms or food than on cash. Point value can also change with demand (like peak dates for hotel rooms).

Key notes:

Online: Many sites set a clear points-to-cash or points-to-free-play rate. Low-edge games may earn slower. Always read the site’s T&Cs and responsible gaming pages (for example, the UK Gambling Commission guidance for players).
Land: You can often spend points on food, rooms, or shows. Some hosts can also grant “discretionary comps” (more on this below). Value can be strong on rooms if you pick off-peak nights.
Expiration: Many programs remove points if your account is inactive for a time (often 6–12 months). Check rules for each brand, like Caesars and MGM.

Real-World Examples and Quick Math

Slots example: You cycle $10,000 through a slot with an 8% house edge. Your theo is about $800. If your program returns some share of theo as perks, that could be a few hundred dollars of value in rooms, food, and free play. This is not pure cash. It is often spread across different perks and can have rules or blackout dates.

Video poker example: You cycle $10,000 on a low-edge game with about 1% house edge (perfect play assumed). Theo is about $100. Perks as a share of $100 will be small. The game is better for your bankroll, but it earns slower in many programs. Some sites also reduce earn rates for these games. See math and paytable guides at Wizard of Odds: Video Poker.

Blackjack example: Say you bet $25 a hand, 60 hands per hour, for 4 hours. That is $25 × 60 × 4 = $6,000 total bet. If the house edge vs your play is about 1% (this depends on rules and your skill), theo is about $60. Perks will be a part of that. Blackjack is slow to earn, but better for expected loss. For rule effects on edge, see Wizard of Odds: Blackjack.

Takeaway: Perks help, but they only cover part of expected loss. Treat comps like a rebate, not income.

Redeeming Points and Unlocking Perks

You can often redeem points for:

Free play or cash-like value (rules vary by brand).
Food and drinks at partner venues.
Hotel rooms, late check-out, or upgrades (when offered).
Show tickets and event invites.
Spa or transport perks at some properties.
Priority lines or waived fees at higher tiers.

Always check blackout dates, resort fees, and taxes on comps. Rooms may cost more points on busy nights. Some fees may not be covered. Official pages for rules and redemption are the best source: Caesars Rewards, MGM Rewards, Wynn Rewards.

VIP Tiers, Hosts, and Discretionary Comps

VIP tiers add perks as you climb. This can include free parking, priority lines, better offers, and invites to events. Each brand has its own levels. Check how tiers work at your chosen program before you grind for status.

Hosts help players with high, steady play. A host can look at your history and give “discretionary comps,” like a meal or a room, when it fits your play. Be polite, clear, and realistic. Have your dates, average bet, and recent trips ready. Final calls are up to the property and the data in your file. For fairness and your rights as a customer, regulators like the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the UK Gambling Commission set standards casinos must follow.

Strategy: Maximizing Value Without Overspending

Pick one main program: Put most of your rated play in one group (for example, a single brand’s network). This builds tier and offers faster.
Mind ADT: Avoid many tiny, low-bet days. Plan fewer, stronger sessions when possible.
Choose smart games: Low-edge games protect your bankroll but earn slower. High-edge games earn fast but cost more in expected loss. Find your balance.
Use points well: Look for strong value redemptions. Rooms on off-peak dates can be great value. Free play is simple and flexible.
Read the fine print: Check earn rates, point expiration, and blackout rules on official pages. Here are examples: MGM Rewards Terms and Caesars Rewards Rules.
Bankroll control: Set a budget before you play. Comps are a bonus, not a goal. For safe play tips and policy, see the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Gaming page.
Online basics: Know your payment options, fees, and limits. In some regions, mobile wallets are common. If you want a simple primer on mobile money, this guide to payments via Vodafone Cash explains key steps and pros/cons for that method.

Common Mistakes and Myths

“Comps are free.” No. You “pay” for comps with expected loss. Treat comps like a discount on fun, not free money.
Chasing status at any cost. Do the math. Do not spend $1,000 extra to gain $100 of perks. Make sure the value is real for you.
Too many short sessions. Many small low-bet days can lower ADT and hurt offers.
Breaking rules. Sharing cards or accounts can break T&Cs. You can lose points or get banned. If you have a dispute, check regulator sites like the UKGC complaint guide.
Ignoring expiration. Points can expire with no play for months. Set reminders.

Comparing Casino Loyalty Programs

When you compare programs, look at:

Earn rate: How fast do you get points and tier credits? Is the policy clear?
Redemption value: What is 1 point worth for free play, rooms, or food? Are there blackout dates?
Footprint and partners: Is the network big where you travel?
App and support: Is the app stable? Can support fix issues fast?
Stability: Do rules change often? Read current terms on official pages like Caesars, MGM, and Wynn.

Also check independent math and policy sources. For example, the UNLV Center for Gaming Research has industry reports. For game math, Wizard of Odds is a clear resource.

How to Talk to a Casino Host

When to ask: If your play is steady and rated, ask for a host. You can do this at the loyalty desk or by phone.
What to say: Share facts: your average bet, hours, and dates. Ask what they can do for your next trip.
Be polite and brief: Hosts handle many players. Clear info helps them help you.
Know it is not a right: Discretionary comps depend on data and budgets. It is okay to ask, not to demand.

FAQs

Do comp points expire?
Often yes, after 6–12 months of no play. Check the program rules. See examples at Caesars and MGM.

Are comp points better than cashback?
It depends. Free play or cash is simple. Points for rooms or food can give more value at times. Pick what fits your plans.

Which games earn points fastest?
High-edge, fast games (many slots) earn points fast but cost more in expected loss. Low-edge games earn slower but protect your bankroll.

How do online casinos calculate points?
They often use wagered amounts with game weighting. Low-edge games may earn at reduced rates. Read the site’s T&Cs and responsible gaming pages, and the UK Gambling Commission if you play in the UK.

Can I turn points into cash?
Some programs allow cash or free play. Others limit to food or rooms. Check the rules for your program.

Will many small daily sessions hurt my offers?
They can lower your ADT in some systems. Fewer, stronger rated days may help. Exact methods are private to each brand.

Do comps cover resort fees?
Sometimes. It depends on status, offers, and the property. Ask the front desk or your host and check the program page.

Final Thoughts

Comp points can turn play into real perks. But they are not free. Think in terms of theo and ADT. Use simple math. Aim for fun first, perks second. Watch your budget. Pick one main program. Redeem where you get the most value. Read official rules before you play, and follow safe play advice from groups like the American Gaming Association, NCPG, and GamCare.

Sources and Further Reading

MGM Rewards (official)
MGM Rewards Terms (official)
Caesars Rewards (official)
Caesars Rewards Rules (official)
Wynn Rewards (official)
UNLV Center for Gaming Research
UNLV Gaming Reports
Nevada Gaming Control Board
American Gaming Association: Responsible Gaming
Wizard of Odds (game math)
Wizard of Odds: Blackjack
Wizard of Odds: Video Poker
UK Gambling Commission: Terms and Conditions Guidance
National Council on Problem Gambling
GamCare Support
BeGambleAware