Success in getting comps from casinos starts with knowledge. Knowledge is power. If you don't understand the casino comp system, you'll never be able to really get the benefits you deserve. The more you know, the more comps you'll get.

This article, and the ones to follow, will explore the world of Casino Comps and how you can become part of this massive giveaway. If getting "comped" is something you've never benefited from you've come to the right place! Each month we'll provide you with information you can use immediately to save you money on each and every gambling trip you take.

As the gambling industry continues to expand and casinos continue to add rooms by the thousands, the competition to fill these new rooms increases. One approach some of the casinos are using to fill these rooms and become more competitive is to enhance and upgrade their comp polices and procedures. For the consumer, namely you and me, that's good news!

For those of you who are new to comps they can simply be defined as "complimentaries" that casinos give out to their "valued" customers. Most people think you have to be a "high roller" to get comped. Not so! If you bet in the $10 range and up you can get comped! While you may not qualify for the full RFB (room, food, & beverage) comp, you can still get enough comps to make it worthwhile to learn all you can about the casino comp system.

I am continually amazed at the number of people I meet who spend thousands of dollars at the casinos, and have virtually no clue about how to get a comp for a meal or for show tickets. I know, I was there once myself. When I talk to people about getting comped, and the casino comp system in general, I get some interesting comments. They include:

"I don't want to be tied to one casino, I like to visit and play at other casinos. If I'm going to get comped I would have to spend all my time playing in the casino that comps me."

"I got a players card, but I'm not sure how it works. The pit boss got me a card and said something about tracking my play and rating me, whatever that means."

"I really don't bet enough to get comped. Besides, I don't like to have to ask for comps."

"It's too much trouble to use. Sometimes I never stay at a table long enough to get rated."

Sound familiar? Ever felt that way? If so, read on!

First of all, you don't have to have a players card to get comped and you can get comped in any casino. Second, your perception of the amount you have to bet to get a comp may be wrong. A number of casinos will give you a free buffet meal for two for only a couple of hours of table play and at only $5 to $10 a hand. Understand that you can play anywhere you want and get comps. The key to getting comped can be summed up in one word. ASK! That's where most of us get hung up. First we don't like to ask and second, we don't know how to ask. We'll get to the how do I ask part shortly.

Understand this - a players card is not like your frequent flyer card. You won't get a statement in the mail telling you how many "points" you have and how much it is worth in comps, the system just doesn't work that way. The floor personnel are going to encourage you to get a players card - it's their job. However, you can still get comps without one.

Casinos know that once you have one of their players cards you will probably give their casino more play. In all likelihood, you'll probably give them more table time than you really need to for that free meal. What you need to do is turn the tables on them! Become smarter than they are.

One way to be smarter is to ask for that comp after you've only played for a short while. Also, ask for more than you really want. If the buffet is OK, then ask for a meal in one of the nicer restaurants and be prepared to settle for less. The way you ask could go something like this:

"Have I played long enough to get a lunch (or breakfast, or dinner, or show) comp?"

This is called the "assumptive" approach. (Salesmen use it all the time.) You're not asking if you can have a comp, you're "assuming" you can, it's just a matter of whether you've played long enough to get one. It beats the heck out of "Can I get a lunch comp?" or worse yet "What does it take to get a comp around here?"

You will probably be asked if you have a players card and you may even have to fill out a form to get one. Big deal! Casinos like you to have one of their player cards and to check in with them when you begin to play. That way they have a record of the time you started your play, your average bet, etc.

I'm now going to share a very important technique with you that you can use in numerous situations. Remember this - the person who controls the questions, controls the conversation! If you're asking the questions, (of the floor person) you're the one in control! If you're not, they're in control.

If they ask if you have a players card you can simply respond with, "It's our first time here. My wife and I came in a couple of hours ago to try our luck .. Do I need a players card to get a comp?"

What you've done here is let them know that 1) both you and your wife are playing , 2) you've been there a couple of hours, 3) it's your first time at their casino, and 4) you end up answering their question with a question.

What will probably happen is that they will tell you that you will have to play a little longer. That's OK. Ask them how much longer. Then you have to determine if you want to stick around that much longer.

I have never been denied a meal comp! I have just had to learn how to ASK. Are you getting the picture? You have to Ask. After a while it becomes fun and as one friend put it , "... a challenge and a game." The casinos use every trick in the book to separate you and your money. Now it's your turn! By learning how to simply ASK you can save yourself over $100 in meals alone on your next weekend trip!

Until next month remember, "When you know how, it's easy."