Quick Answer: What Are Baccarat Comps Based On?
Most baccarat comps are based on:
- your average bet size
- how long you play (time)
- how fast the game is moving (hands per hour)
- the casino’s built-in edge (house edge)
- your table type (standard, high-limit, side bets, no-commission rules)
Casinos estimate how much you’re expected to lose over time, then give you a percentage back as comps.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Baccarat.
What “Theo” Means (In Plain English)
Theo is the casino’s estimate of your expected loss.
It’s not your real result.
It’s a math estimate based on your action.
Simple Concept
If a game has a house edge, and you bet a lot over time, the casino expects to win a certain amount from you long-term.
That expected amount is your theo.
The Basic Theo Formula (Simple Version)
Casinos may use their own internal formulas, but the simple model is:
Theo = Average Bet × Hands Per Hour × Hours Played × House Edge
That’s the backbone.
Everything else is just how they measure those inputs.
What Casinos Track In Baccarat
1) Average Bet (Not Your Biggest Bet)
Most casinos care more about your average bet than your one-time splash.
If you bet:
- $100 for 20 hands
- then $500 for 2 hands
Your average is still closer to $130–$150 depending on tracking.
So if you want comps, consistency matters.
2) Time Played
They track how long you’re rated at the table.
That can be:
- from when you buy in
- from when the pit rates you
- until you leave or stop playing
If you take long breaks at the table, your rating can get weird. Some casinos adjust for that.
3) Hands Per Hour
This is a huge factor in baccarat because the pace can vary:
- fast mini-baccarat
- slower high-limit “squeeze” tables
- live dealer online vs in-person
- frequent shuffles vs smooth shoes
More hands per hour means more total action, which increases theo faster.
If you want the pace side explained simply, read How Baccarat Shoe Size Impacts Game Dynamics.
4) House Edge (Depends On Rules)
Casinos know the edge for the exact table rules you’re playing.
That’s why table rules matter for comps.
A table with:
- commission baccarat
- no-commission Banker 6 rules
- lots of side bets
can produce different theo outcomes than a clean main-bet-only table.
If you want a simple overview of rule changes that affect value, read How House Rules Impact Baccarat Payouts.
A Simple Baccarat Comps Example
Let’s keep it clean and realistic.
Say the casino estimates:
- average bet: $200
- hands per hour: 60
- time played: 2 hours
- house edge used in rating: 1% (example)
Theo = 200 × 60 × 2 × 0.01
Theo = 200 × 120 × 0.01
Theo = 24,000 × 0.01
Theo = $240
So the casino expects you to lose about $240 over that session in the long run.
Then comps might be something like:
- 10% to 30% of theo (varies by casino, player level, and offers)
So you might get $24 to $72 worth of comp value from that session.
That’s why casinos love baccarat: average bets and volume can be huge.
Why You Can Win Big And Still Get Comps
Because comps are not a “refund” for losing.
They’re a marketing expense tied to your action.
If you played big and generated high theo, you can win and still be comped because the casino knows:
- you’ll likely play again
- over many sessions, the math favors the house
- your action is valuable
How To Get Better Comps Without Overspending
Here’s the smart way to think about comps:
You don’t chase comps. You earn them as a bonus for play you already planned.
Tip 1: Get Rated Properly
- use your player’s card
- make sure the pit knows you’re rated
- confirm they logged you in (especially in high-limit rooms)
Tip 2: Keep Your Average Bet Stable
Wild up-and-down betting can lower your average.
If your goal is comp value:
- a steady average often rates better than occasional spikes
Tip 3: Choose Tables That Fit Your Natural Style
If you hate fast pace, don’t force fast play just to increase theo.
Fast play increases expected loss too.
Tip 4: Don’t Let Side Bets Inflate Your Risk
Side bets can increase volatility and theo, but they can also blow up your session faster.
If you do side bets:
- keep them tiny
- cap how often you place them
The Biggest Misunderstanding About Comps
Many players think:
“I should play more to get comps.”
That’s how the casino wins twice:
- more action increases expected loss
- the comp value is usually a fraction of that
Comps are nice, but they’re not free money. They’re a rebate on expected loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Baccarat Comps Based On How Much I Lose?
Usually no. They’re mostly based on theo, which is estimated from your average bet, time played, game pace, and house edge.
What Does “Theo” Mean In A Casino?
Theo (theoretical loss) is the casino’s estimate of how much you’re expected to lose over time based on your action.
Do Higher Bets Always Mean Better Comps?
Higher average bets usually increase theo, which can increase comps. But it also increases expected loss. Only bet what you can afford.
Does Table Speed Affect Comps?
Yes. More hands per hour means more total action, which increases theo faster.
Should I Play Longer Just For Comps?
Usually no. Comps are typically a fraction of theo, so playing extra hands just for comps often costs more than the comps are worth.
Where To Go Next
You now know how baccarat comps are calculated, what casinos track, and why “theo” matters more than whether you won or lost.
Next, we’ll look at how card shuffling machines can affect baccarat pace and table rhythm, and what that means for your session cost.
Continue with How Card Shuffling Machines Affect Baccarat Play.
