Definition
A Non-Discretionary Comp is a reward or benefit given to a player automatically by a casino’s loyalty system based on a fixed formula. Unlike “discretionary” comps, which are handed out by hosts or pit bosses based on personal judgment, non-discretionary comps are “earned” through tracked play and are usually visible to the player as “points” or “reward credits.”
In context
A player inserts their loyalty card into a slot machine. For every $5 they wager, they earn 1 “Reward Point.” After four hours of play, they have earned 2,000 points, which they can redeem at the casino’s gift shop for a $20 sweatshirt. Because this was handled entirely by the computer system without any human intervention, it is a Non-Discretionary Comp.
Why it matters
Non-discretionary comps provide transparency and consistency for the player. You know exactly what you are getting for your play. For the casino, these comps are easier to manage and budget because they are tied directly to “Theoretical Win” (Theo). It removes the risk of a Pit Boss “over-comping” a friend or being inconsistent with rewards.
Related terms
In detail
In the old days of Vegas, if you wanted a free steak dinner, you had to catch the eye of the Pit Boss, look like a “player,” and hope they liked your style. That was the era of the Discretionary Comp. Today, the industry has shifted toward the Non-Discretionary Comp—a math-driven, automated system that treats every player with robotic fairness.
The Mechanics: How Comps are “Earned”
Non-discretionary comps are powered by the Player Tracking System. When you slide your card into a machine or hand it to a dealer, the casino begins a calculation:
Bet Amount x House Edge x Time = Theoretical Win (Theo)
The casino then allocates a percentage of that “Theo” (usually between 10% and 30%) back to you in the form of non-discretionary comps.
- Slot Players: Usually earn points based on “coin-in.” For example, $10 played = 1 point.
- Table Players: Earn points based on the dealer’s input of their average bet and the time spent at the table.
Because this is “non-discretionary,” the math is set in stone. If the rule is 100 points equals $1 in value, no human can change that for you. It is your “right” as a player to redeem those points.
Advantages for the Player
- No “Begging”: You don’t have to talk to a host or feel awkward asking for a freebie. The points are yours, and you can see them on the machine screen or the casino’s app.
- Predictability: A smart player can calculate their “Reinvestment Rate.” If you know a casino gives 0.2% back in points, you can factor that into your overall gambling budget.
- Portability: These comps are often part of a larger network (like Caesars Rewards or MGM Rewards). Points earned in Las Vegas might be redeemable at a sister property in Atlantic City.
Advantages for the Casino
- Liability Management: Comps are a liability on the casino’s balance sheet. By using a non-discretionary system, the finance department knows exactly how much “comp debt” they owe players at any given moment.
- Data Collection: To get the “automated” points, the player must use their card. This gives the casino 100% visibility into the player’s habits, allowing for more targeted (and cheaper) marketing later.
- Eliminating Bias: It prevents “Comp Fraud.” In the past, a host might give a $500 suite to a player who didn’t actually play that much, simply because they were friends. Non-discretionary systems make this much harder to do.
The Modern Mix
While the industry has moved toward automation, most major casinos use a hybrid model.
- Tier 1 (Non-Discretionary): The points you earn for coffee, buffets, and gift shop items.
- Tier 2 (Discretionary): The “extra” stuff. If you lose $50,000 in a night, a host might look at your points (Non-Discretionary) and realize they aren’t enough to make you happy. They will then “reach into their pocket” and offer a Discretionary Comp—like a free limo ride or a loss rebate—to ensure you come back.
The Trap: “Chasing” Points
The danger of the Non-Discretionary Comp is the psychological lure of the “next level.” Casinos design these systems with “Tier Status” levels (Gold, Platinum, Diamond). Players often find themselves betting more than they intended just to get the last 500 points needed to hit the next tier.
As a veteran of the floor, my advice is always: Never play for comps. The math is designed so that the “value” you receive in points is always a tiny fraction of the amount you are expected to lose. Treat non-discretionary comps as a “rebate” on your entertainment, not a way to “beat” the casino.