Whats a comp card?
- Thread starter Dabucci
- Start date
Have you ever been to a casino? Not asking to be a jerk, just asking.
It's just an "account number" that the casinos use to track your play, and feed into their big giant computers to determine what kind of comps and marketing offers they want to give you.
Pretty much all of the US casinos use them. including the big guys.
It's just an "account number" that the casinos use to track your play, and feed into their big giant computers to determine what kind of comps and marketing offers they want to give you.
Pretty much all of the US casinos use them. including the big guys.
As most casinos are owned by corporations now, you can use the same card in a number of properties. So for all HET casinos (ie Harrah's, Horseshoe, Caesar's, etc) you only have one card that tracks your play at all of their casinos. Anybody can get one. Most of them have tier structures (ie Gold, Platinum, Diamond) depending on your level of play. Higher tiers get more perks.
To further elucidate
Take it easy on the kid, Easy. Betcha you didn't know what a comp card was when you were his age. If you did, I hope Mommy Rhino didn't know about it. Just because you dropped 3 Large on your trip to LV, you shouldn't take it out on the youngun's.:whip: :whip:
Now, to further explain the card, as Mr. Rhino had stated you are issued a casino card that is attached to your personal account which allows the casino to trace all of your playing activity whithin that house and all related propetries. Every time you put a coin into a slot (assuming you have inserted your card into the machine) the transaction in noted on the house's computer system. It records the total amount you've played, which machine it was and the time, day and duration of your play. When you go to a table and present your card to the dealer, he will announce to the PB "tracking $200" for example, the PB will then enter your account # and note your buy-in and return the card to you. If you play $10 flat at a BJ table for an hour your comp points will be credited to your account as $10 x 1 hr x HA.
Most casinos have different levels of comp cards, depending on your betting level. For example, I just got upgraded to Gold+ at the ElDorado which is two levels above the basic cranberry and one above the Gold level. Anyone signing up for the first time at a low-roller level gets the cranberry. It just basically puts you in their system for comp points and puts you on their mailing list for seasonal promos. The higher level cards add extra perks, such as discounts to the shows, bufffets, free shuttle to the airport etc. The highest level at this house gets you in on free suites, VIP tickets, free limo service, preferred seating etc. So the larger your action is, the higher up you are on their food chain. Believe me , there are some members on this forum who have some interesting levels of comp privileges.
Take it easy on the kid, Easy. Betcha you didn't know what a comp card was when you were his age. If you did, I hope Mommy Rhino didn't know about it. Just because you dropped 3 Large on your trip to LV, you shouldn't take it out on the youngun's.:whip: :whip:
Now, to further explain the card, as Mr. Rhino had stated you are issued a casino card that is attached to your personal account which allows the casino to trace all of your playing activity whithin that house and all related propetries. Every time you put a coin into a slot (assuming you have inserted your card into the machine) the transaction in noted on the house's computer system. It records the total amount you've played, which machine it was and the time, day and duration of your play. When you go to a table and present your card to the dealer, he will announce to the PB "tracking $200" for example, the PB will then enter your account # and note your buy-in and return the card to you. If you play $10 flat at a BJ table for an hour your comp points will be credited to your account as $10 x 1 hr x HA.
Most casinos have different levels of comp cards, depending on your betting level. For example, I just got upgraded to Gold+ at the ElDorado which is two levels above the basic cranberry and one above the Gold level. Anyone signing up for the first time at a low-roller level gets the cranberry. It just basically puts you in their system for comp points and puts you on their mailing list for seasonal promos. The higher level cards add extra perks, such as discounts to the shows, bufffets, free shuttle to the airport etc. The highest level at this house gets you in on free suites, VIP tickets, free limo service, preferred seating etc. So the larger your action is, the higher up you are on their food chain. Believe me , there are some members on this forum who have some interesting levels of comp privileges.
No, I honestly wasn't trying to be a jerk that time.
To further expound on the comp card thing, their main reason for existence is slot machines. Back in the olden days when table games dominated, the pit boss could just get a hunch of your play and wing it when issuing comps.
But once the casino gets machine players to insert the card into the machine when playing, everything's completely automated.. Plus, machines are the main driver of revenue. plus, it enables fancy consumer demographic data mining (kind of like grocery stores using those little "discount cards" instead of old fashioned coupons).
To further expound on the comp card thing, their main reason for existence is slot machines. Back in the olden days when table games dominated, the pit boss could just get a hunch of your play and wing it when issuing comps.
But once the casino gets machine players to insert the card into the machine when playing, everything's completely automated.. Plus, machines are the main driver of revenue. plus, it enables fancy consumer demographic data mining (kind of like grocery stores using those little "discount cards" instead of old fashioned coupons).
Nobody said it had to be an official government ID. You can often use a novelty ID as long as it has your picture on it. They just need to get your address and and verify your identity for comps. Here are a few more ideas:
http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?t=9115
Also you can use a random card that you find in the casino, especially if it is for someone of the opposite sex. If questioned about it you can just say "Oops, I must have grabbed my wife's/husband's card this morning. Just put the comps on her/his account."
-Sonny-
http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?t=9115
Also you can use a random card that you find in the casino, especially if it is for someone of the opposite sex. If questioned about it you can just say "Oops, I must have grabbed my wife's/husband's card this morning. Just put the comps on her/his account."
-Sonny-
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also take a read through Burning the Tables in Las Vegas by Ian Andersen - if i recall correctly, it has a good section on obtaining legal IDs for use in getting comp cards. also enjoy the other tidbits on cover/camo, etc. It's a great read in my opinion even for those underage looking for enjoyment.