‘Complementary’ Meaning | Casino & Gambling Terms Explained

Complementary is the name given to free services or items given to players, often called “comps”. Complementary can be either tangible or intangible, depending on the type and the value of the comp. Some of the examples of complementary are:

• Free drinks, meals, or snacks
• Free rooms, flights, or transportation
• Free tickets, shows, or entertainment
• Free chips, credits, or bonuses
• Free membership, status, or privileges
• Free advice, tips, or lessons

Why Complementary?

The purpose of offering complementary is to attract and retain the players, and to increase their loyalty and satisfaction. By giving the players free services or items, the casino can make them feel valued and appreciated, and encourage them to play more and longer. Complementary can also make the players feel more comfortable and relaxed, and enhance their enjoyment and excitement of the game.

The value and the frequency of complementary vary depending on the game, the rules, and the casino. Some games have higher or lower comps, such as slots, which have higher comps, or blackjack, which have lower comps. Some rules have higher or lower comps, such as single-deck, which have lower comps, or double-deck, which have higher comps. Some casinos have higher or lower comps, depending on their location, size, and reputation.

The eligibility and the criteria for complementary also vary depending on the game, the rules, and the casino. Some of the factors that determine the eligibility and the criteria for complementary are:

• The amount and the duration of the bets
• The skill and the strategy of the players
• The win and loss ratio of the players
• The frequency and the loyalty of the players
• The personal and the demographic information of the players

The process and the procedure for complementary also vary depending on the game, the rules, and the casino. Some of the ways that the players can receive or request complementary are:

• Through the slot or the video poker machines, which have a built-in comp system
• Through the table games, which have a pit boss or a floor supervisor who monitors and records the bets
• Through the player’s club or the loyalty program, which have a card or a device that tracks and rewards the play
• Through the host or the manager, who have the authority and the discretion to offer and approve the comps
• Through the cashier or the cage, who have the responsibility and the duty to pay out and collect the comps