Everyone wants the “High Roller” treatment in Las Vegas — free rooms, comped steak dinners, and limo rides. But you don’t need to be a millionaire to get them; you just need to understand how the math works.
Casino rewards (Comps) are not random gifts; they are a calculated rebate based on your “Theoretical Loss.” Our Vegas Comps Calculator does the math for you. Whether you are grinding Blackjack on the Strip or playing loose slots Downtown, this tool estimates exactly how much “Comp Value” you are earning per hour and what rewards you can expect to receive.
Vegas Comps Calc
Reward EstimatorNeed exact math? Use Advanced Comp Calculator →
How to Use the Calculator
Casinos in Las Vegas have different payout standards depending on their location. Here is how to configure the calculator for your trip:
- Select Your Location:
- The Strip: Choose this for major resorts like Bellagio, Aria, or Caesars Palace. The slots here are “tighter” (higher house edge), meaning you generate comps faster, but lose money faster theoretically.
- Downtown / Off-Strip: Choose this for Fremont Street or locals casinos (Red Rock, The Orleans). The games usually have better odds, so comp accumulation is slightly slower per dollar bet.
- Select Game Type: Speed matters. A slot machine spins 500 times an hour, while a Roulette wheel spins only 40 times. The calculator adjusts for this automatically.
- Enter Bet & Time: Input your average bet size (e.g., $5 per spin) and how many hours you plan to play.
- Check Your Rewards: The result shows the dollar value of comps earned and a realistic tier of what that buys you (e.g., “Lunch Buffet” vs. “Free Room”).
Real-World Examples: Earning That Free Room
Many players are surprised to learn that a $10 slot player often earns better comps than a $50 Blackjack player. Here is why.
Example 1: The Slot Player (Fast Comps)
You play Slots on the Strip for 4 hours at $2.00 per spin.
- The Action: You make roughly 2,000 spins (500/hr). Total coin-in: $4,000.
- The Result: Because slots have a high house edge (~9% on the Strip), the casino expects to win $360. They will rebate roughly 30% of that in comps.
- Reward: You earn ~$108 in comps. That is easily enough for a Free Room Night (mid-week) or a fancy dinner for two.
Example 2: The Blackjack Player (Slow Comps)
You play Blackjack (3:2) for 4 hours at $25 per hand.
- The Action: You play roughly 280 hands (70/hr). Total wager: $7,000.
- The Result: Even though you bet more money total, the house edge is tiny (~0.6%). The casino only expects to win $42 from you.
- Reward: You earn ~$12.60 in comps. This might get you a sandwich at the cafe, but definitely not a room. To get a room playing Blackjack, you need to bet significantly higher (green/black chips).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a Player’s Card to earn comps?
Yes, absolutely. If you do not insert your loyalty card into the machine or hand it to the pit boss at a table, the casino does not know you are playing. You will earn $0 in comps regardless of how much you bet. Always use your card.
Do I earn comps if I win?
Yes! Comps are based on Theoretical Loss (Theo), not actual loss. If you bet $10,000 and win a $5,000 jackpot, the casino still gives you the same amount of comp points as if you had lost the $10,000. They reward the “action,” not the result.
Why do Downtown casinos seem more generous?
Downtown and Off-Strip casinos have lower overhead costs than giant resorts like the Bellagio. They often offer “looser” slots (lower house edge) and are more willing to give out food and room comps to lower-stakes players to attract business away from the Strip.