We've all had friends come back from triumphant weekends in Las Vegas bragging about how their hotel rooms or meals were "comped." For those of us who are naïve to casino etiquette and ritual, the word "comp" is short for "complimentary." When a meal or a show ticket was "comped," this implies that the casino gave these things to a gambler free - sort of.

For most people, comps aren't really free. Casino comps are generally given to those who are gambling, and let's face it, most people end up losing. Particularly for those playing the slots, the majority of gamblers in a casino, the house advantage is such that comps really don't make up for the typical slot player's losses. A free buffet ticket is generally worth less than the average gambler's losses on a given day.

So what kind of comps can one expect when gambling? The most obvious is free drinks. If you're in the casino, and you're actually gambling, you can get free drinks. Don't try to fake it either; those cocktail waitresses have seen it all, and they are not fooled by lame attempts to "appear gambling." Also, if you wish to get more than one free drink per night, be sure to tip the server appropriately.

For any other comps above free drinks, the casino needs to know who you are. As comps exist to build relationships between the casino and gambler, the casino will want to know how to contact you with coupons and specials. This is accomplished through signing up for a "player rewards card" or a "slot club card." These cards are free and each casino will have their own card. Cards are inserted into machines or picked up by pit supervisors, and they keep track of how often you gamble, your winnings, and your losses. It is these statistics that will determine what comps you may receive.

Once you have your card, the comps will start coming. The most frequently awarded comp is cash, which is either given on site or mailed out at a later date. Other common comps include airfare, show tickets, free valet parking, and hotel rooms. Again, these things are given based on how much you play, win, and loose.

Although it isn't uncommon for a supervisor to approach a gambler and ask him or her if a room or meal comp is desired, it's generally your responsibility to find out what comps are available to you. This can be accomplished by speaking with representatives of your club to find out which comps you may receive. If you plan to become a casino regular, it is in your best interest to introduce yourself to the casino host. This person can grant all kinds of different comps if he or she thinks it will keep you spending large amounts of money in the casino.