Casino comps are an important part of playing at a lot of land-based and online casinos around Canada. They are used to rewarding loyal players and allow gamblers to access cool perks. I personally think they’re one of the most vital things to understand as a bettor and always check what comps any casino has first.
With so many comps at so many casinos now though, I get how tricky it feels to find the very best, or get a proper idea of how they work. Pit bosses at different casinos tend to calculate perks players should get in different ways and this only adds to the confusion. This guide cuts through all this and tells players in Canada what they need to know.
Casino loyalty schemes and perks
One thing I need to point out from the start is that not all people who gamble at casinos will get a casino rewards bonus. Unlike the best welcome bonuses at Canadian casinos, they’re not open to everyone right away.
I found this out myself when starting out gambling on casino games but only a few times per month. After contacting my casino for the reason, I realized that the casino comp system was reserved for loyal customers who play more frequently.
But how do casino comps work? In my experience, both land-based and online casinos will look to reward their most loyal customers. I find this is normally via a point-based system or a physical rewards card. It’s possible to find casinos which handout perks via email, post, or mobile app as well.
The levels of casino comps
Complimentary alcohol
In my personal experience of placing bets at casinos, casino comps are structured across various levels. I find the most basic level at land-based sites is free alcoholic drinks. This is something which I really enjoy as a new player, where getting a free drink on arrival makes me feel a million dollars!
Complimentary meals and parking
This is the next level up in my experience of playing at land-based casinos. Valet parking is something I especially like and takes away the hassle of trying to find a parking space myself. Complimentary food is another comp I love to make the most of and normally comes in the form of free food coupons for meals at on-site restaurants.
Complimentary accommodation and lounge access
Free rooms/suites are the perks I like most! This might be a free room at the hotel attached to the casino or a room at one of the local hotels nearby.
Access to exclusive lounges is one of the top casino rewards VIP players can get. I like how this perk allows me to gain entry to games I wouldn’t be able to take part in otherwise.
Comps for high rollers
This is the top level most casinos have in terms of comps and one of my all-time favorite VIP casino rewards. To get there, I put in plenty of hours and money at the casino in question. Comps for high rollers are often bespoke to the individual and covers everything from private cars to the casino, to airport transfers and live entertainment events.
Tips for earning comp points
One of my top casino comps secrets is knowing how comp points are awarded and how to get comps at a casino.
At land-based sites, I notice that pit bosses sometimes keep an eye on players and calculate perks they’re eligible for. Some land-based sites though use electronic card systems to track player behavior and calculate what comps they’re due.
When it comes to online casinos in Canada, comp points are collected automatically in the background when I play and feed into the casinos overall reward programme.
But what are my top tips for earning comp points at casinos? The most obvious thing is playing for a decent amount of time and spending a decent amount of money. I focus on the games I play as well, as some (like slot machines) pay more comp points than others.
Tips for maximising casino comps
- I like to keep an eye out when pit bosses are around and place bigger bets. This makes me look like a valuable player to them and means they’re more likely to give me extra perks!
- Another of my top tips for making the most of comps is joining tables with more players. This keeps me playing for longer but for less hands, thus looking after my bankroll.
- Be careful with free alcohol! Having one or two on the house is fine, but I like to keep a clear head when playing.
- Once I have built up a good number of comp points in my account, I like to use them for a luxury trip away. This helps me get the most from them and makes me feel like a high roller.
Getting bang for your buck
When it comes to casino comps secrets, getting bang for your buck is one of my most important tips. By making the most of perks which casinos giveaway, players can actually make back the cash they spend on bets.
Enjoying a luxury trip away with comp points for example should easily cover the money spent building up the points needed to book it! In some cases, making the most of these perks can even pay back more than players bet to get them.
FAQs
1. What do casinos look for in a player when deciding to award comps?
I find that casinos look at my bet size/overall spend, how long I play for, how loyal a customer I am and which games I play when deciding to give me comps. These are the key criteria I’ve noticed at both land-based and online casinos in Canada.
2. How can I find out what comps a casino offers before visiting?
For me, the easiest way to check the perks a casino offers is visiting their website. This is the best option when I’m trying a new online casino but I find it works well for offline ones as well. Land-based casinos have websites too and this makes it simple to find the information I need.
3. What are some of the biggest known comp offers out there?
VegasLand Casino has a superb loyalty program which delivers awesome casino comps across various levels. This includes things like birthday bonuses and customized offers. Bet365’s Loyalty Club is another one I like and allows me to earn comp points as I play. This then allows me to access more prizes in the Loyalty Store.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 19+. T&Cs apply. Responsible Gambling Council
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Responsible Gambling Council – https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
Gamblers Anonymous – Discover resources and support for individuals facing gambling addiction. This dedicated support group offers valuable advice and a safe space to share personal experiences. – 
Contact: +1 (855) 222-5542
Gam-Anon – A 12-step self-help fellowship designed for those impacted by a loved one’s gambling struggles. Non-religious and open to all across Canada, Gam-Anon provides a welcoming community for voluntary members seeking support. – Contact: 718-352-167
For help with a gambling problem, call the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on 1 800 463-2338.
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