Everybody appreciates getting comps from the casino, whether it be online or at a land-based venue. And slots are consistently the best way to rack up comps because the house edge is usually higher than other games. To illustrate this point, please consider the following generic example for an online casino:
Blackjack: 0.5% house edge, 10 points for every $100 wagered
Slots: 5.0% house edge, 100 points for every $100 wagered
As you can see, it makes sense that slots would deliver 10x as many comps because you’re facing 10x the risk. But rather than focusing on the negative – a high house advantage – perhaps you should consider what happens if you win.
The Theoretical Loss Model helps Winning Players
Some slots players mistakenly assume that comps are based off how much they lose at the casino. However, the truth is that most casinos use the theoretical loss formula to consider comps. Regarding slots, theoretical loss is simply the amount of money you bet multiplied by the house edge.
To illustrate this point, let’s say that the slots house edge is 5% (95% payback) and you wager $1,000 throughout a session. Your theoretical losses would then be $50, and you might be comped on 25% of this ($12.50). Of course, not everybody loses in the casino. So if you were to win a $100 profit during the session, you’d then be hauling in $112.50 total when the comps are included.
Even if you lose…
Of course, most slots players don’t walk away from slots sessions with profits. And it’s never fun when your bankroll really goes through the ringer during a session. But if there’s something to take comfort in here, it is definitely the fact that you can at least get money back through comps. For instance, if the same scenario still applied and you dropped $50, you’d be able to count on the $12.50 in comps to perk you up.
Online casinos already keep track of this for you. But if you’re playing in a land-based casino, then make sure to sign up for their comps program so that you can cash in on extra rewards.