Considering all casino perks, can you get to playing "on fair ground" with the house?

We all know the house has an edge in every game in the casino, however, if you were to play optimally at the game that least favors the house, how close can you get to playing "on fair ground" (or even beneficial to you) if you are to consider the value of free drinks (more like $1 for the typical tip), the somtimes free table food, complimentary restaurant food, comped travel, match plays, comped stay, slot money, returned cash, free gifts, etc.? Obviously, the amount per play will affect these additional items. Is there a particular amount to bet to be on fair ground of benefitting (i.e. the value of a free drinks while betting $25/hand is more impactful than the value of the drink betting $1,000.00/hand)? Since all those perks only add positive value to the gambler, can a gambler be even or better mathematically?

Yes. In the delightful read "Comp City" by Max Rubin he outlines the best ways to get a dollar worth of comps for a dime in theoretical loss at the gambling tables.

You could also consider the ways of turning the odds in your favor, by legal means, on several games. Takes work though which erodes some of the "fun" of losing.

Thanks Bigfoot - I'll add that to the read list!

True DeMango. Funny you mention the fun of losing. I have always had some amount in my head as an amusement value, i.e. if you can spend $75 for 6 hours sitting on rollercoasters, there has to be a "fun" value for playing cards for 6 hours which I enjoy more than the roller coaster fun. Therefore, if I add comp value, amusement value, minus my optimal play at the least advantageous house game, I am WAY ahead lol.

Quote: quadmike

We all know the house has an edge in every game in the casino, however, if you were to play optimally at the game that least favors the house, how close can you get to playing "on fair ground" (or even beneficial to you) if you are to consider the value of free drinks (more like $1 for the typical tip), the somtimes free table food, complimentary restaurant food, comped travel, match plays, comped stay, slot money, returned cash, free gifts, etc.?

I think you answered your own question. Answer: Very, very close.

Quote:

Obviously, the amount per play will affect these additional items. Is there a particular amount to bet to be on fair ground of benefitting (i.e. the value of a free drinks while betting $25/hand is more impactful than the value of the drink betting $1,000.00/hand)? Since all those perks only add positive value to the gambler, can a gambler be even or better mathematically?

The best play is to play as little as possible and keep sucking up those free drinks while losing next to nothing at the tables or slots. The higher up you go, the more you lose but the comps improve. At $25 you'll start getting free food at lower end places and the occasional free room or matchplay. At $100 you'll get comped meals and rooms at most casinos. Anything over $200 is diminishing returns since they watch you more closely, and what more could you get? I would say $200 is the sweet spot for comps.

Thanks teddys! Wish I knew about this site earlier.