Quick Takeaways
- Comps are usually tied to your theoretical loss (what the casino expects to earn from your play).
- Bet size and time played matter—but so do rules, game speed, and how the casino rates you.
- The biggest comp mistake is playing longer or looser just to “earn” perks.
If you want the full blackjack foundation first (rules, payouts, and table selection basics), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. This article explains how comps are typically generated for blackjack players and what casinos pay attention to.
What Casinos Mean by “Theo” (Theoretical Loss)
Most comp systems are based on theo.
Theo is a rough estimate of how much the casino expects to earn from you over time, based on:
- your average bet
- the game’s house edge (based on rules)
- how long you play
- how many hands per hour you play (speed)
A simplified way to think about it is:
Theo ≈ Average Bet × House Edge × Hands Played
It’s not perfectly precise, and different casinos estimate it differently, but the idea is consistent:
the casino comps you based on expected value—not your actual results.
If you want to understand why EV thinking matters in blackjack decisions and systems like this, revisit How Expected Value Applies to Blackjack Decisions.
What Casinos Track (And Why It Matters)
Casinos don’t usually measure your play in a lab-accurate way. They “rate” you using practical signals.
Average Bet
This is one of the biggest drivers.
If you bounce between $25 and $200, the casino typically tries to estimate a blended average.
Time Played
Longer rated time usually increases theo.
That’s why casinos encourage extended sessions with comfortable environments and perks.
Game Speed (Hands Per Hour)
This part is overlooked by many players.
A faster blackjack table means:
- more hands per hour
- more expected loss per hour
- and therefore more comp value (in many systems)
But it also means:
- more chances to make mistakes
- more emotional swings
- and faster bankroll movement
If table speed affects your sessions, revisit The True Impact of Table Speed on Blackjack Losses.
Why Blackjack Comps Can Feel “Smaller” Than Slots
This surprises many players.
Blackjack (with decent rules and solid play) can have a relatively low house edge compared to many casino games.
Lower house edge means:
- lower theo per dollar wagered
- which can mean smaller comps compared to high-edge games
That’s not a “bad thing.” It simply means comps reflect expected casino profit.
How Casino Rating Can Be Imperfect
Comps aren’t always calculated perfectly. Some common reasons:
- your average bet is estimated incorrectly
- a pit supervisor rates you conservatively
- table speed is assumed rather than measured
- your strategy quality isn’t factored (they usually don’t try to rate “skill” precisely)
This is why two players can play similar sessions and receive different offers later.
The Biggest Trap: Overplaying for Comps
This is where comps become dangerous.
Players often think:
- “If I just play longer, I’ll earn the free room.”
- “I should press my bet so the host notices.”
But comps aren’t profit. They’re a rebate tied to expected loss.
If you play longer than you should, tired and unfocused, you often give back far more than the comp value.
A simple rule:
Never let comps push you into extra hours or higher bets.
How to Use Comps the Smart Way (Without Getting Trapped)
Here’s a practical approach that keeps comps in the “bonus” category:
1) Decide Your Session Plan First
Set:
- a session bankroll
- a stop-loss
- and a time limit
Then comps are just a side benefit.
2) Choose Tables You’d Play Anyway
Don’t play bad rules for perks.
If a table is 6:5 or has restrictive doubles, the long-run cost is often not worth the “free” value.
3) Treat Offers as “Nice to Have”
If you get a room offer, great.
If not, don’t force it.
When players chase comps, they often chase losses too.
Are Online Casino Comps the Same?
Online promos often look like “comps” but can be structured differently:
- wagering requirements
- tier systems
- cashback rules
- bonus caps
The key mindset is the same:
promos are designed to increase volume.
Always read the terms and avoid playing beyond your plan to “unlock” rewards.
Mini FAQ: Blackjack Comps
1) Do Casinos Comp Based on My Actual Wins/Losses?
Usually no. Most comps are based on theo, not your real session result.
2) Why Did I Lose but Still Get Offers?
Because offers are tied to expected loss over time, not whether you won yesterday.
3) Does Faster Play Earn More Comps?
Often yes, because hands per hour increases theo—but it can also increase mistakes and bankroll swings.
4) Should I Use a Player’s Card?
If you want comps, you usually need to be rated. But it can also make your play patterns easier to track.
5) What’s the Best Comp Strategy?
Play the game you already planned to play, with rules you’re comfortable with, and treat comps as a bonus.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how comps work, the next step is learning how to choose the best blackjack table for your skill level—because table choice affects your edge, your comfort, and how consistently you can play.
Continue with How to Choose the Best Blackjack Table for Your Skill Level.
