Casinos do not give out free rooms, meals, and free play out of the kindness of their hearts. They do it based on a strict mathematical formula known as Theoretical Loss (“Theo”).
Most players only look at how much they won or lost in cash. Smart players (and Advantage Players) look at their Net Expected Value (Net EV). Our free Casino Comps Calculator helps you reverse-engineer the casino’s algorithm. By inputting your play speed, bet size, and tier status, you can see exactly how much your “action” is worth in rewards—and whether the “free” stuff is worth the cost of playing.
Comps & Loyalty Value
Player RewardsHow to Use the Comps Calculator
This tool calculates the “True Cost” of your gambling session by subtracting the value of rewards from your expected loss. Here is how to input your data:
- Session Data:
- Average Bet: Your standard wager per spin or hand.
- Speed: Game pace matters. Slots are fast (~500 spins/hour), while Blackjack is slower (~60 hands/hour).
- House Edge: Select a preset or enter a custom number. For example, standard slots are around 5-10%, while perfect Blackjack is 0.5%.
- Loyalty Rewards (The “Kickback”):
- Points Rate: This is the “Hard Comp” rate. Most casinos give 0.1% to 0.3% of your total Coin-In back as points.
- Tier Multiplier: Higher status levels earn points faster. Select your multiplier (e.g., 2x for Gold status).
- Theo Rebate: This represents “Soft Comps” like monthly mailers, free play offers, and loss rebates. A standard rate is 10-30% of your Theo.
- Analyze: Click calculate to see your Net EV. If the number is green, your rewards outweigh the mathematical cost of playing.
Real-World Examples: Is It Worth It?
Using a theoretical loss calculator reveals the hidden economics of the casino. Let’s compare two players.
Example 1: The Slot Player (High Theo)
You bet $5.00 per spin on a slot machine (8% Edge) for 4 hours at 500 spins/hour.
- Total Action: $10,000 Coin-In.
- Theoretical Loss: -$800.
- Rewards: Even with a generous 30% comp return, you only get $240 in value.
- Net Result: You are still “paying” -$560 for the entertainment. The comps soften the blow, but don’t erase it.
Example 2: The Video Poker AP (Net Positive)
You play 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54% RTP / 0.46% Edge) betting $5.00/hand with a 5x Tier Multiplier.
- Theoretical Loss: Very low (-$46 on $10,000 action).
- Rewards: Because of the tier multiplier and mailers, you might earn $60 in total value.
- Net Result: +$14.00 Net EV. You are mathematically profiting from the casino’s loyalty program, even if you break even on the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “Theo” in a casino?
“Theo” stands for Theoretical Loss. It is the amount of money the casino expects to win from you based on the math of the game, regardless of whether you actually won or lost today. The formula is: Bet × Decisions × House Edge. Casinos base your comps on Theo, not your actual loss.
What is ADT (Average Daily Theoretical)?
ADT is your “score” in the casino’s database. It is the average Theo you generate per day you visit. If you play heavily one day and then visit the next day just to redeem a free meal without playing, your ADT drops, and your future mail offers will get worse. Never visit a casino just to “collect” if you care about your rating.
Can comps make a negative game positive?
Yes. This is the foundation of “Comp Hustling.” If the value of the points, free play, and discretionary comps (food/rooms) exceeds the House Edge of the game, you are playing a +EV (Positive Expected Value) game, similar to card counting.
How do I know my “Points Rate”?
Check the player’s club booth. Usually, it is expressed as “Dollars Coin-In per Point.” For example, if $5 coin-in = 1 Point, and 100 Points = $1, then your rebate rate is 0.2%. Our casino loyalty calculator lets you input this percentage directly.