COMP POLICIES HAVE A SOLID PLACE IN CASINO HISTORY - HOW DOES IT AFFECT TO BOTTOM LINE

Implications: Money, cash, dollars, dough - I don't care how you use these words -it's the bottom line that is most important. Does a strict comp policy aid or distract from the profit picture of a property? Where do these casinos draw the line with customers that have become used to the best of the best comps?

Analysis: Comps, the word brings all sorts of ideas to a players mind. On the others hand, management of properties take a very dim view of handing out comps unless they are richly deserved. There are exceptions to all rules and Laughlin, Nevada and other smaller markets find it a very large part of doing their daily business. Looking back on history of comps, we can find times when they were always given out. The theory was that the casino would cover all costs. Over the course of years and with the advent of the Mega Resorts it became a fact of life that all departments on a property must make a profit. It's hard to disagree with that logic. The smaller markets must take a different view of the policies. Their's is more like the days of old Las Vegas  comps. What ever it takes to keep everyone happy is their plan of action. Give away's have been the policy of "Local" establishments such as Boyd and Stations since the start of local gaming. It's always been disguised by other names such as Player Clubs and Reward Systems. The reality is that they are comps.

Comps do have an affect on the bottom line - so, many properties have tightened up on these policies. It is a big part of doing day to day business. The properties can find ways of giving their guests some comps without to much hurt. It remains to be seen what polices on comps will be in the future - they will never go away - it's how to control the dollar investment of the properties comp policy.........