Dear Mark,
A while ago, you shared with us a mathematical formula that the casino uses to reward players (getting comps) for their play. Is there any chance that you could print those guidelines again? I typically play blackjack at $10 a hand, usually for six hours per visit. I think my play deserves at least a dinner. What do you think?
Kevin M.
Miami, FL

Comps are a reward system for the worthy play of high volume players. The casino thanks them by rebating some of their losses because they played at such a level, for such a period of time. And with blackjack, as with all the casino games offers, they have a notable advantage over the player. To get those perks for play, the casino will demand action, preferably losing action. They also want you to bet a decent chunk of change for a calculated duration to justify their giving you a trip to the chow line.

The mathematical formula they use considers your average bet, multiplied by how many hours you play, speed of the game, and the casino advantage. This, in theory, computes essentially your expected loss to the casino.

To get specific, let's review your play, Kevin. You mentioned betting $10 a hand for six hours. With six hours of play, averaging 100 hands per hour, coupled with a house advantage of five percent the casino holds over the average blackjack player-you didn't cite your playing skill- the casino can predict in advance that you should lose $300 ($10 X 6 hrs. X 100 hands X .05 = $300). I'd say, to compensate your loss of that size, the casino should definitely comp you a dinner, possibly even a trip to their steakhouse.

Dear Mark,
I was sitting at the blackjack table of a casino that I'd never been to before, and after I had played a couple of hands, I realized that I did not fully understand this casino's blackjack rules for splits, double downs, etc. I noticed a small placard at the edge of the table that listed those rules. On top of this placard was a moveable table minimum piece, however, it covered up part of the rules. So naturally, when I tried to read the rules, I took the little card off to finish reading. Immediately, the dealer scolded me, grabbed the card, and put it back from where I had taken it. I was only trying to get a grasp on their rules and the dealer wasn't letting me. What did I do wrong?
Steven H.
Lafayette, IN

My first instinct was that the dealer could have "lightened up" some, but I know all too well that casino management expects, actually demands, total control of the layout. You ran into a dealer who was belligerently protective of his turf. Luckily, you did not mess with the playing cards or you might be missing your hand. As a former dealer myself, I wasn't that cantankerous in enforcing the frivolous rules found in the employee manual. Once, I even let the player take the placard home as a souvenir. I knew we had dozens of them in the pit stand drawer. Not that I didn't mind the store. I was very protective of the company assets (chips) and my tools of the trade (cards), but not of such replaceable expendables as placards, ashtrays, glasses with the casino logo and even helpful hints, like advising you to stand on your 16 against my six.But that does not mean that children do not mark keno tickets that become winners. Actually, it is more common than you think. A kid and a black crayola, a parent with a dream. Here Susie, mark some spots on this sheet of paper for me.

Your best bet, Steven, is to ask the dealer what the playing conditions are, and if you feel the dealer is being discourteous, move to another table. There are plenty of friendly dealers in every casino.

Gambling thought of the week: "They (slot machines) sit there like young courtesans, promising pleasures undreamed of, your deepest desires fulfilled, all lusts satiated." -Frank Scoblete