Inspired by the wisdom and experience of Jean Scott
If you are a senior gambler whose experience dates back to the 80’s, I’m sure you have heard of “The Queen of Comps.” Jean Scott is one of the champions for the recreational gambler.
She was one of the many who started suggesting video poker as a game to play for recreational and professional gain. But most of all, Jean Scott knew how to get things from casinos. After all, she WAS the most successful casino low roller in the country.
Jean has shown that gambling shouldn’t be reckless and full of taking chances. The smartest gamblers are those who learn the best strategies for the best games. That using any legal method to increase the player’s odds and lower the casino’s advantage was part of better gambling with calculated strategies. She defined the term “Frugal Gambler” as gamblers who “stress sensible, responsible gambling and show how to stretch out casino fun time whatever your gambling bankroll.”
Things Change with the Times
Receiving comps in 2026 has changed from 40 years ago, as well as the ability to play video poker professionally. Casinos have turned discretionary comps into a math game, using algorithms to tighten everything they may hand out. The suggestions below are still important with certain updates for gambling in the 21st century.
1. Study Before You Go
Now, instead of bookstores, audiobooks have oodles of money-saving suggestions. And reviews of over 1000 American casinos are available that include how much money equals levels of comps. Learn which games have the smallest casino edge or enable slower play to lengthen your session.
2. Budget Your Gambling as a Form of Entertainment
Budget it just as you do whatever else you do for fun, such as movies, eating out, and vacations. Nothing takes away the fun factor more quickly than losing money that you need for life’s essentials. Lock up your ATM or credit card. Decide how much you can afford to spend (lose), and only take that amount. Easier said than done.
3. Organize Your Bankroll into Sessions
Make your gambling bankroll last the whole time you plan to be in a casino by dividing it into segments, i.e., in thirds if you are staying three days, in three-to-four session bankrolls for each day. Then never “borrow ahead” from the next session bankroll.
4. Join Every Casino Player’s Club You Can
Even if you don’t plan to gamble, sign up. You can join many online before you get there. Membership is free, and many casinos give discounts to players’ card holders in their restaurants, gift shops, and for rooms. First-time cardholders often receive a small amount of free slot play upon signing up.
5. Use your player’s card
This allows the casino to track your play and thus know how much to reward you with comps, those freebie meals, rooms, shows, and other benefits that the casinos want to give their players. Check out John Mahaffey’s Players Cards: How They Work and Earning Rewards
6. If you are Losing Your Bankroll Too Quickly:
- Go down in denomination – Change from the dollar slots to quarters or from quarter to nickels. At the tables, bet the lowest-value chip allowed.
- Slow down your play – Savor the noisy, fun-filled atmosphere that makes the casino such an entertaining experience.
- People watching is a nice way to take a break. Check out Courtney’s 5 Casino People Watching Spots: The Entertainment Goes Beyond the Slots
- Go For a Break – take a walk.
7. Check Out Casino Websites for Promotions
In the old days, we would bounce from casino to casino in Las Vegas looking for coupons and specials for discounted meals and shows, all in a nice “Fun Book.”
Today, it’s all available on your phone. Some resources are local, including a group of casinos. I remember here in New England, a Website called NETimeGambling.com always listed a monthly list of promotions, entertainment, and food specials. Ah, those were days.
8. Look for Promotions that will add Value to Your Game
- Bonus players club points
- Double points on holidays or on a certain day every week
- Bonuses for certain events, like the top jackpot on slots, a certain quad in video poker, or a special hand in blackjack
- Free tournaments
- Drawings for which you can earn tickets by playing your favorite game
9. Don’t Drink Too Much “Free” Alcohol
It always has a cause to repeat. “It clouds your judgment and makes it easier to overspend.”
10. Lock Up Your Winnings
Want to bring home part of your bankroll? Bring a Winners Bank. It’s a metal box that fits into your pocket with a slot to slip away your winnings. It has a lock, with keys, of course. Keep those keys in the car, or even at home. Remember, whatever you slip in, cash or TITO, stays until you unlock it.
Takeaway
I know, you’ve heard it all before. But this is definitely a “do as I say, not as I do” situation for the vast majority of us. All of that N/A Beer can really skew my play!
I have a question, did I miss the part where Raymond doesn’t help you with your videos anymore?
Hi Lisa! Brian has addressed this a few times – unfortunately as social media goes it’s very easy for many to not see the times he did reference it. Here’s a live stream where he discusses it.