How table limits and comps work

On this page

1. Quick answer
2. What are table limits and why they matter
3. How comps really work (the math casinos use)
4. Negotiating table limits: what to ask and when
5. Maximizing comps without overspending
6. Bankroll and risk management for different limits
7. Where to play: finding friendly limits and generous comps
8. Online vs. land-based: differences in limits and loyalty
9. Pre-table checklist
10. FAQs
11. Sources and further reading
12. Author and editorial review notes
13. Responsible gambling note

Quick answer

TL;DR - Table limits are the minimum and maximum bets you can place at a table. Comps are services (free food, hotel rooms, free play, etc) offered by the casino for your playing time. How to use: Request a floor supervisor in the downtime a table is open to reduce the table minimum or raise the table maximum. How to use: Get rated, establish a solid average bet, play low house edge games, request a small comp toward the end of your play session.

What are table limits and why they matter

There is a minimum bet (a table’s lowest denomination) and a maximum bet (the table’s highest denomination). The limits of the table are displayed on a little placard on the table, which might say, “$25–$2,000.” This placard tells you the lowest and highest denomination in which you can begin and then spread the bet up to. The limits determine your risk, your length of play, and your level of comfort.

Lower limits allow you to play for a longer period of time on a small bankroll. Higher limits are better suited to a higher bettor or a pressing strategy. Table limits can also change at different times of the day. The tables on the main floor may have a lower minimum bet during the day but a higher minimum at night and during the weekend. High-limit tables will usually be higher but offer a better atmosphere and more seclusion.

Sometimes a game has different limit rules. For example, in Roulette there is an inside and an outside limit. In Craps there is a table limit, and sometimes a separate limit for one-roll “prop” bets. In a poker room, the limits are buy-in limits, not per-hand limits like in house-banked games.

Common limits by game

• Blackjack: Main floor can be $10–$50 mins by time of day. High-limit rooms often start at $100 or $200. Max bets vary by property.
• Baccarat: Mins are often $25–$100 on the floor. High-limit can be much higher. Max can reach $10k+ with approval.
• Roulette: You may see $15 or $25 mins. There can be separate limits for inside bets and outside bets. Read the sign or ask.
• Craps: Daytime mins can be $10–$25. Night can be $25–$50. Some casinos use “odds” multiples like 3-4-5x or 10x.
• Pai Gow Poker: Often a $25–$50 min. Slow pace lowers swings. Max varies.
• Poker rooms: Use buy-in limits (for example, $1/$3 no-limit with $100–$300 buy-in). Comps and rating work differently here.

How comps really work (the math casinos use)

• Theo = average bet × decisions per hour × house edge × hours played

The staff has a three-part formula that rates you:

• Average bet: $50
• Speed: 70 hands/hour (full table can be slower)
• House edge: 1.2% (rules and skill matter)
• Hours: 4

The comp rate is usually 20%–40% of theo for table games, but varies depending on the property, the game, the tier, and whether a host intervenes.

• Average bet: $100
• Speed: 60 decisions/hour
• House edge: about 1.2% on Banker (after commission)
• Hours: 3

Theo = 50 × 70 × 0.012 × 4 = $168. Comps @ 30% comp rate would be worth approximately $50.

Factors that affect your rating

• Average bet: Keep it steady. Big swings can lower your recorded average.
• Session length: Longer, stable sessions help your rating.
• Game choice: Games with higher house edge can raise theo fast, but also risk more real loss.
• Speed of play: More hands per hour means more theo.
• Table occupancy: Full tables move slower. That can help control loss.
• Tier status: Higher tiers can get better comp percentages and faster help from a host.

Negotiating table limits: what to ask and when

Good news: You can often adjust limits. Not always, but often. The key is to ask the right person at the right time in a nice way.

• Who to ask: The floor supervisor or pit boss, not the dealer.
• When to ask: Slow hours, shift changes, or before a new table opens. Avoid peak times.
• How to ask: Be clear and polite. Use simple asks like: “Could you open this at $25?” “Can we raise the max to $5,000 so I can press once in a while?” “If I buy in for $2,000 and play two hours, can we do a $50 min?”
• “Could you open this at $25?”
• “Can we raise the max to $5,000 so I can press once in a while?”
• “If I buy in for $2,000 and play two hours, can we do a $50 min?”

• “Could you open this at $25?”
• “Can we raise the max to $5,000 so I can press once in a while?”
• “If I buy in for $2,000 and play two hours, can we do a $50 min?”

The good news is that you can sometimes increase those limits.

• Buy-in size: A larger buy-in shows intent to play.
• Player card: A history of steady play is a plus.
• Time promise: Say you plan to play for a set time (and try to keep it).
• Respect: Be kind to staff and dealers. It goes a long way.

And all you need to do is to ask the correct person at the correct time and in a friendly way.

• Open a fresh table with your min.
• Move you to a quieter pit or high-limit room.
• Set a higher personal max so you can press certain bets.
• Reserve a table for your group (common for baccarat or craps).

Maximizing comps without overspending

• Always get rated: Hand over your player card before you buy in.
• Keep a steady average bet: Ask mid-session, “What average do you have me at?”
• Pick lower-edge games: Basic strategy blackjack, Banker in baccarat, or full-pay video poker (if you play machines).
• Control speed: Fewer decisions per hour can cut swings and real loss.
• Ask for a small comp at the end: “Could I get a dinner comp for two? How close am I?”
• Build a host relationship if you visit often: Hosts can help with rooms, late comps, or back-end reviews.

• Do not raise your average bet just to “buy” comps. That can blow your bankroll.
• Do not chase losses to reach a comp. Comps reflect expected loss, not wins or losses in one night.

Checking and correcting your rating

Remember, your objective is value, not benefits.

Bankroll and risk management for different limits

Your bankroll is the money you set aside to play. You want it to fit the table min and the game’s swings. Simple rules of thumb:

• Blackjack: 50–100x the table min for a casual session.
• Roulette or craps: 100–200x the table min due to higher variance.
• Pai Gow Poker: Lower pace means smaller swings; 30–60x min can be enough for casual play.

Example: If you bring $1,500 and want a 3-hour blackjack session, a $25 table is safer than a $50 table. You can also last longer at a full table where the game is slower.

Never risk rent or food money. Set a stop-loss before you start. Keep breaks. If things go bad, walk and try another day. For basic house-edge facts and game math, you can read the American Gaming Association education pages (americangaming.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">americangaming.org) and UNLV resources (gaming.unlv.edu/reports/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">gaming.unlv.edu/reports).

Where to play: finding friendly limits and generous comps

Pick casinos that match your style. Look for:

• Flexible mins at off-peak hours.
• Clear players club rules and fair table game ratings.
• Hosts who answer fast and can grant small discretionary comps.
• Good rules for your main game (for example, blackjack with good shoe rules).

Ideally, your bankroll should meet both the minimum buy-in for your chosen table and also allow you to survive the natural swings of the game.

Online vs. land-based: differences in limits and loyalty

Online live-dealer tables often have lower mins than land casinos. They also play faster, so your decisions per hour go up. Loyalty online can be “cashback,” bonus credits, or points. Always check the rules: how each game earns points, what the comp rate is, and any wagering rules for bonus credits.

Example: If you have $1,500 and you want to play blackjack for three hours, don’t play at a $50 table; play at a $25 table. And you’ll survive longer at a full table where the pace of play is slower.\nDon’t gamble with your rent or grocery money. Decide on a stop-loss before you begin. Take time-outs. If things aren’t going well, leave and come back another day. For some simple facts on the house edge and the mathematics of the games, check out the AGA’s education pages at americangaming.org or the reports at UNLV’s gaming.unlv.edu.

Pre-table checklist

• Join the players club and bring your card.
• Set a session bankroll and a time limit.
• Pick your game and the limits you want.
• Before you buy in, ask if a lower min or higher max is possible.
• Get rated from the start and confirm your average bet mid-session.
• At the end, ask if you qualify for a small comp today.

FAQs

How are casino comps calculated?

You can use a 3rd party site that monitors table minimums, club membership, and comp structure.

Are comps worth it if I am a low-stakes player?

Yes, if you play smart. Get rated every time, play low-edge games, and keep a steady average bet. You might earn meals, match play, or small free play. Do not raise your bet just for comps.

What is a typical comp rate for table games?

About 20%–40% of theo is common. Some casinos give less. A good host may help if you are close to a room or dinner comp. It helps to ask.

Can I negotiate lower minimums at peak times?

It is harder at peak times. Try slower hours, early weeknights, or mornings. You can also ask for a fresh table to be opened at your target min if staff is free and the pit is not busy.

Do I need to tip to get better comps?

Most use: average bet × hands per hour × house edge × hours played. That’s your “theo”. You earn comps based on that. Some casinos return 20%-40% of theo on table games. It depends on the casino and the game.

How do I get a casino host, and when does it make sense?

Certainly, if you're smart about it. Be rated whenever possible, choose low house edge games, and maintain an average bet size. You may get food, matchplay or a little freeplay. Don't increase your bet size solely to get comps.

Are comps taxable?

Theo ranges from 20%-40% give or take a little, some casinos are more stingy.

Do online casinos offer comps?

Sources and further reading

• UNLV Center for Gaming Research: Reports and data (gaming.unlv.edu/reports)
• Nevada Gaming Control Board: Regulations and resources (gaming.nv.gov)
• American Gaming Association: Industry education (americangaming.org)
• Wizard of Odds: Game math and house edge charts (wizardofodds.com)
• BeGambleAware: Safer gambling help (begambleaware.org)
• National Council on Problem Gambling: Support and helpline (ncpgambling.org)

Author and editorial review notes

Or request a new table be started at your desired min if there aren't other tables waiters can attend to and it's not busy in the pit.

Responsible gambling note

Tipping won't alter the math. But being friendly with the servers can go a long way with service and comps. Don't tip for comps. And only tip if you feel like it and can afford it.