Video Poker Comps Strategy — How to Earn More Comps Playing Video Poker

By The Comp AnalystIndependent casino loyalty researcherLast Updated: June 2026

Video poker is the most comp-efficient game on the casino floor for skilled players. The house edge on optimal-strategy games (9/6 Jacks or Better, Full Pay Deuces Wild) ranges from 0.5% to 2% — a fraction of slot edge — yet video poker still earns tier credits and mailer offers. The trade-off: many casinos apply a reduced earn multiplier to VP, requiring higher coin-in to match slot comp output.

Why VP Comp Rates Are Different

Comp value follows theoretical loss. Slots at 8% house edge generate $80 in theo per $1,000 of coin-in. Optimal 9/6 Jacks or Better at 0.46% house edge generates just $4.60 of theo per $1,000 of coin-in — almost 17× less. To partially close the gap, casinos either:

  • Reduce the tier credit earn rate on VP (e.g. $10 coin-in per TC instead of $5).
  • Cap VP earn at certain denominations.
  • Exclude lowest-house-edge paytables from full earn.

Best Casinos for Video Poker Comps

  • South Point — strong VP paytables and full-rate earn at most denominations.
  • The Orleans / Gold Coast (Boyd) — historically friendly to serious VP players.
  • Station Casinos — mid-tier VP players see strong mailer offers.
  • Downtown (Plaza, Four Queens) — surviving Full Pay games and decent comp treatment.

Strip casinos generally have weaker VP paytables and weaker VP comp treatment than the locals/downtown alternatives.

Strategy Tips for VP Comp Players

  1. Learn correct strategy first. Random play turns 0.5% house edge into 4%+ — you lose comp value efficiency immediately.
  2. Find the best paytable. 9/6 Jacks > 8/5 Jacks > 6/5 Jacks. The difference is huge.
  3. Check the property's earn schedule before depositing serious money — multipliers vary widely.
  4. Don't switch denomination mid-session if your machine has a higher earn rate — stay on the productive bank.
  5. Track your coin-in — VP volume earns the offers, not session results.

Should You Play VP for Comps?

For long-term Vegas regulars, video poker at proper strategy is one of the best EV plays available. You sacrifice some per-dollar comp speed compared to slots, but you preserve dramatically more of your bankroll — and that bankroll funds more sessions, which builds more comps over time.

For occasional Vegas visitors, the math is closer. If you don't know strategy, you're effectively playing a worse-EV slot. Model both in our calculator and decide based on your actual game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Video poker earns comps at most casinos based on coin-in, just like slots. However, many casinos apply a reduced comp multiplier to video poker because the house edge on optimal-strategy games (Jacks or Better 9/6, Deuces Wild) is lower than slots.

Comp value is tied to theoretical loss. Video poker played at near-optimal strategy has a house edge of 0.5%–2%, far below slots at 6%–10%. To match comp output, casinos either reduce VP earn multipliers or require higher coin-in to qualify for the same tier credits.

South Point, The Orleans (Boyd), and most Station Casinos historically offer the most generous video poker comp treatment in Las Vegas, both in raw earn rates and in mailer offer quality for repeat VP players.

Per dollar wagered, slots earn more comps. Per dollar of expected loss, video poker is dramatically better — you keep more of your bankroll and still build comp value. For long-term players, video poker at proper strategy is the better play.

Yes. Higher denominations (e.g. $1, $5 VP) often earn full multipliers, while lower denominations (25¢) may earn at half rate at some properties. Always check the property's published earn schedule.

About The Comp Analyst: An independent researcher who has spent more than a decade tracking casino loyalty programs, comp formulas, and player tier benefits across Las Vegas, regional, and tribal casinos. Casino Comp Guru is not affiliated with any casino operator — our recommendations are based on publicly disclosed program terms and player-reported data.