A Guide to Casino Comp Points & VIP Programs

A Guide to Casino Comp Points & VIP Programs

Staff Writer
10707

Casino Comp Points & Loyalty Programs

Comp points and VIP programs are rewards offered as a way to encourage customers to play more and stay loyal.

While comp points are freebie points available for exchange for other items, including merchandise and free spins, VIP programs are exclusive programs open to deep-pocketed punters.

This guide introduces you to complimentary points and loyalty programs available both online and in land-based venues. You can learn more about the nature of comp points, their most frequent uses, and benefits.

For loyalty programs, you can see how to join VIP programs, what types of programs exist, and see what the benefits are of claiming these rewards at online casinos.

Introduction to Casino Comp Points

Comp points give players an additional incentive for playing at an online casino.

The casino will offer you points for playing the games. Once you've collected enough of those points, you will be able to redeem them for cash or other rewards.

The first thing that’s important to understand is that not all casinos offer comps. Casino comps are available at only select sites, and it’s up to the operator to decide whether they are going to offer comp points.

Moreover, each casino will have its own way of handling or distributing the comp points.

However, the general idea is that comps are always easily accessible to all players, not just VIPs or big spenders.

The idea is to reward all players for every action they take in the casino – from deposits to betting on games – to encourage them to do that more. And because players are different and are attracted to different things, casino operators also have many uses for comps and types of loyalty programs.

Another thing you should remember is that points are distributed using a comp point level system. The system means that, even though all players get points, spending more at the casino means you get access to better, bigger rewards.

The Origins and Evolution of Comps

The strategy of appealing to players and rewarding them with small favors for every bet is not new.

In fact, casino comp points are as old as the casinos themselves.

It would be difficult to pinpoint the exact casino that introduced comps, because comps have been an integral part of the casino offer for a very long time.

“Comp” is short for complimentary points, or free gifts that the casino gives to the players to encourage activity. And because complimentary gifts were a thing long before online casinos, the first types of comps included various items such as drinks at the bar, or meals in the restaurant.

In fact, most land-based casinos nowadays that offer comps still offer this type of services as low-level comps, with more exclusive and better offers for players who have spent more.

However, as online casinos emerged, comps appeared in digital form, but their nature had to adapt to the changes. Hence, online casino players won’t get cocktails from the casino, but they might get free spins or something more exclusive.

Types of Comp Points and Rewards

As mentioned already, comp points may include an array of rewards. It also matters if you play at an online or land-based casino, as that affects the nature of points too.

If you are playing at an online casino, the most common types of rewards may be:

  • Cash
  • Faster cash outs with higher limits
  • Free spins for games
  • Concert or other event tickets
  • Flight tickets
  • Cashback
  • Exclusive trips
  • Casino merchandise
  • Extra points

The choice of offers depends on the casino. Some casinos mostly allow players to convert their points to cash or free spins, while others have a more elaborate offer.

How to Earn Comps

Getting comps may sound like an easy feat, and for the most part, it is. Players only need to sign up and get to betting, which will then earn them points.

However, there’s a rate at which they are earned and the requirements for converting them to cash or other rewards. Some of the games may allow players to earn more comp points when they play. Other games, however, may be ineligible for comp points.

Hence, the rules for earning and spending comps may get a bit complex.

 Calculating Comp Points at Land-Based Casinos

Casinos do not distribute points randomly, there’s a system.

The system is the casino rating system, which is used for land-based gambling facilities.

Brick-and-mortar venues typically give players their players’ cards. Each card contains information pertaining to the player, such as games played, and the amount wagered. It also contains information about the number of points accumulated.

This info is later used to calculate the number of points players get using the casino rating system.

The formula used for the casino rating system looks like this:

(Total Wager) × (Casino Advantage) = Expected Theoretical Loss

So, the casino first takes the total amount you wagered on a game and multiplies it with the house edge of the game you played.  This produces the ETL or expected theoretical loss.

Once the casino has the ETL, it is multiplied by the average number of decisions you take in the game per hour. The outcome is the expected loss per hour.

Then, the expected loss per hour is multiplied by the length of the session, which is the time you’ve spent playing the game.

The final outcome is the win expected, or what the venue expects to win from your playtime.

Then they decide to give you back some fraction of that result, which is given to you in the form of a comp point.

In most cases, the comps are 10% to 40% of the total expected win amount.

This is why the choice of game affects the number of points players get, as not all games have the same edge and number of decisions per hour. Therefore, players are advised to check thoroughly the rules for comp points at the casino before signing up.

Calculating Points in Online Casinos

Comp point calculations are a bit different for online casinos.  However, some things are similar, such as the fact that the points are converted for other items, and that points are distributed according to the wagering amounts.

Here’s a sample of a typical casino comp points conversion ratio table.

Comp Points Conversion Rate

Online casino comps can cover a variety of perks, from free spins to large cash prizes.

However, sites are more careful in giving out valuable prizes because of bonus abuse (comp hustlers and advantage gamblers who maximize bonus rewards to turn a profit).  That is why it is not odd to see caps on maximum payouts or exclusion of certain types of games from the comp system, such as games with very low house advantage.

Moreover, in online casinos, players are more likely to encounter comps as part of a larger system called the loyalty programs. Some casinos also offer VIP programs that include casino comps.

Loyalty programs and VIP programs are not the same thing, although VIP programs are types of loyalty programs (but not every loyalty program is a VIP one).

How to Accumulate More Comp Points

If you have a long winning session playing at any online casino site then during that session you will have earned yourself a lot of comp points, however it is very true to say that many gaming sessions are not always winning ones and as such you need to look for the best games to play if you want to earn more points.

Therefore the games that are going to allow you to have a good chance of earning plenty of points over the long term are those which boast very high payout percentages such as video poker games, and casino card games such as Baccarat and Blackjack that have very low house edges.

Also, if you are a fan of playing slot machines then try and play those with not only high payout percentages but those that have a very low variance too. By doing so you should always earn plenty of comps due to the way you will be able to recycle your bankroll many times.

Do Online Casino Comp Points Expire?

Some casino sites may have a limit in regards to how long your comp points will remain valid for, and if you do not claim them within the time limit they will expire and you will not be able to exchange them for playing credits if you do not claim them within that time limit!

Introduction to VIP Loyalty Programs

Many of the online casinos offer VIP Programs, sometimes known as VIP Club, Loyalty Program, or Players Club.

But are these the same thing? What’s a casino loyalty program, and what’s a VIP program?

Loyalty programs are multi-level programs that are used to reward casino players and encourage them to play more. There are many forms of loyalty programs, some of which include VIP perks or VIP levels, while comps are typically just one type of perk offered through an online casino loyalty program.

Some online casinos have done a great job of putting together rewards that add an even more personalized touch to the rewards, so players truly feel rewarded when they play.

Moreover, every casino comes with a unique program. Of course, casinos belonging to the same network may choose to offer the same type of VIP Program.

Types of Casino Programs

Like every aspect of the casino offer, loyalty and VIP programs come in various shapes and sizes.

There are three most important types of loyalty programs that you can find at online casinos.

Auto-Enrollment Loyalty Programs

With some loyalty programs, players automatically become a part of when they join the casino.

The automatic enrollment applies to everyone who registers at the casino.

Moreover, these programs don’t require anything from the players besides a completed registration. In fact, they begin earning points the minute they begin playing real money games.

This is the most common form of loyalty programs found today. These are not VIP programs, of course, but they may feature a VIP level or two – typically the last two or three levels are kept for VIP players.

Criteria-Based Loyalty Programs

The other type of loyalty programs that is quite common is the criteria-based one. The criteria-based program is a program with a condition, or something similar to a threshold in terms of wagering/money spent at the casino.

In other words, you are required to earn access to the program by meeting certain criteria or condition, such as wagering a specific sum of money.

Once you have met the requirements needed, you become a member of the Program. This won’t always happen automatically, which means you may be required to inform the casino of your new eligibility for the program.

Invitation Only Loyalty Programs

There are VIP Programs which require you to be invited in. There are the most exclusive ones.

This means you will need to be given an invitation from another person before you are able to become a VIP member. You can obtain invites for these types of VIP Programs by receiving them from other frequent players at the casino. The forums are a great place for you to network with other online casino players.

In some cases, only the casino has the right to invite you to the VIP program if they deem you worthy of such an offer. This generally comes after you’ve spent a lot of money and time at the casino.

Important Factors to Remember

While each VIP Program may have different rules and offer different point systems and rewards, there are also many ways in which they are similar.

Therefore, there are some factors that always apply.

Remember, having a full understanding of how the program works is the best way for you to be absolutely sure that you are making the most of it in the easiest way possible.

Here are some of the key factors you should keep in mind when you head out to find a VIP program to join.

Conversion Ratio

When you join an online casino and become a member of its VIP Program you want to familiarize yourself with the inner workings of its program. You should pay attention to which games are included and what the conversion rate is for the games. This will help you to understand how many points you will be earning for playing the different games.

Not Valid for All Games

Also, be aware that some of the online casino VIP Programs will have excluded games. This means you won’t collect any points for playing those particular games.

While you may still want to play them for fun purposes, you cannot expect them to yield you any results as far as the VIP Program at that casino goes.

Redeem Your Points for Cash

Once you have collected a certain number of points you will be able to convert them. The most popular reward you can generally convert your points to at most casinos is cash, but you may find many other rewards available as well.

You should be able to find this information in the program or loyalty section. If you can't find the information you need, contact customer support.

Tiered Levels

Many programs are tiered, which means players earn their way up to higher levels. These programs offer tiers in which the rewards get even better the higher up you go.

An example of this type of program would be one in which there are four tiers that go from Bronze up to Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Bronze features small rewards, but as you go up each level, these rewards continue to increase.

A screenshot of the well known VIP Club belonging to 888 Casino.
A screenshot of the well known VIP Club belonging to 888 Casino.

How to Join a VIP Program

When it comes to finding the best loyalty programs, a lot of help is available online.

First, players can read through casino reviews, which often contain important information regarding bonuses and VIP perks.

Besides direct casino reviews, punters can also access helpful articles, which may be instrumental in guiding them towards the best programs. Lastly, there are numerous forums that are meeting hubs for players. And peers are often the best source of information and advice that one can attain online.

Players are also encouraged to, after reading through all available information and considering it, visit the online casinos for themselves.

A direct visit gives them an opportunity to review the VIP Program information directly on the premises. Sometimes the casinos don’t provide easy access to all the information on the VIP Programs. If that's the case, they may need to contact the support team and request additional information.

After all the information has been gathered and the player has made an informed decision, it’s time to join the program. There are three ways to do that, and they depend on the type of program the casino offers.

The easiest way is the auto-enrollment, as the only task is to join the casino. For the other two types, players must spend some time at the casino by wagering on games and claiming offers. Once all the requirements are met, the player will enroll into the loyalty program.

The Best Casino VIP Programs

VIP programs are exclusive, but more casinos offer them now than in the past.

The reason for that is twofold: first, there are more casinos now than there were in the last decade; and second, casinos must offer more competitive offers to attract customers, and VIP programs are a good way to do that.

Even though there are many operators where players can join VIP loyalty programs and enjoy exclusive perks, here are the top 3 VIP programs that players can access this year.

Pribet Casino

Pribet Casino VIP Club

The VIP club at Pribet Casino offers members an array of great perks. First, there’s expert guidance in the form of a dedicated VIP account manager. There is also a regular supply of personalized promotions. Lastly, players can also access faster withdrawals.

To access the club, visit the casino’s official website, register, and then contact the support team to inquire about the VIP club enrollment process.

20Bet Casino

20Bet Casino VIP Club

20Bet Casino’s VIP program is a 30-level VIP program. It’s a criteria-based program, meaning you need to collect points to enter a level. Thankfully, to get to the first level of 20Bet Casino program, players need only collect 10 points.

Some of the perks included in the 20Bet VIP experience are exclusive VIP promos and offers, as well as priority customer support. Comp chips and free spins for table and slot games are also available.

 Revolution Casino

Revolution Casino VIP Program

Revolution Casino also has a level-based system for VIP players. There are 5 levels, each fitted with unique offers and better rewards. As players progress to the next level, they unlock better perks.

The VIP program benefits for Revolution Casino members include personal VIP account managers, as well as higher withdrawal limits. There is also a selection of personalized offers tailored to fit the players. Finally, punters in the program also get access to 24/7 customer support, as well as cashback offers.

The Pros and Cons of Loyalty Programs

One of the biggest benefits of joining a loyalty program and earning comp points is having free gifts.

Comp points are literally that – free gifts.

They give players extra chances to have fun by enjoying great perks such as free spins and cash. However, one should be careful not to overdo it and pick bonuses that suit their needs.

Another perk is that they are easily accessible. Especially comps, as they are typically on offer for all players, not just VIP.

The same goes for auto-enrollment programs, where, as a new player, you will appreciate the fact that you won’t have to earn your right to begin reaping the benefits the program has to offer. You can claim them right away.

However, there are also downsides to claiming these deals. For starters, VIP programs are banned in some markets.

The UK, for instance, has a strong stance on VIP programs, as the UKGC considers them potentially harmful to the players as it encourages gambling activity. The promotion of gambling may lead to an increase in problem gambling within the player base, so an effective method of preventing (or at least minimizing that) is to ban VIP programs altogether.

Moreover, even in markets that allow VIP programs, some casinos offer conditions that are not exactly player friendly. They may have unfavorable conversion rates or may have many game exclusions.

Conclusion: Useful Tips for Earning Comps & VIP Programs

VIP Programs have become a big part of the online casino gaming industry. So big that they’ve become a point of concern for gambling authorities due to the increased risk for player safety.

But they often offer exclusive perks that can really be useful, such as the comp points.

One thing that we would advise you against, is trying to accumulate as many points as you can, especially if for example you are not far off moving up to another tier of a clump club scheme.

We have seen many players who only require a few hundred comp points to allow them to move up to a higher rung of a casino comp club scheme spend a small fortune trying to earn those additional comp points, and often the benefits of moving up a tier or rung of a comp club do not warrant the expense of earning those additional comp points!

As such try and look at a comp club as a way of getting a few little extras every now and then, for most casinos these days tend to offer bonuses to their players that are going to be much more generous than anything they can claim when using comped playing credits.

Before you decide to join a VIP program and earn comp points, make sure to find the best casino operators with reliable playing conditions and player-friendly rules that aim to enhance the gaming experience, not abuse the players.

Importantly, please realize that not all of the casinos offer VIP Programs. Therefore, you want to verify there is one available when you are considering joining a specific casino.

Also, if you can't find answers to your questions about its program, you should contact the customer support team. While it may seem overwhelming at first, once you learn about these programs, you'll be able to go through them and compare them quickly.

 

LEAVE A COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Best Online Casino By Country

Although most casinos online are inherently international, some of them specialize for certain markets. If you’re looking for the best casino for your country or area, you’ll find it on this page. The CasinosOnline team reviews online casinos based on their target markets so players can easily find what they need.