OK, a comping primer.

First, slots (including video poker) and table games are different. For slots, all your bets are counted exactly. You earn comps at the rate of between about .4% and 1% of your bets, depending on the casino. You go to the slot club desk and ask for a comp and if you have enough built up you get it.

Table games are different. Your play is measured by your average bet times the number of hours per day that you play. A room comp will take a minimum of $25 average bet for four hours in a second-tier casino, perhaps as much as $75 for four hours at a very trendy one.

If you don't plan to gamble that much, you can usually get a buffet or coffee shop comp by asking the pit boss after you have been playing for a while. The trendier the casino, the harder it is to do. But there's no harm in asking.

As a last resort, ask the pit boss for a line pass. That will at least get you to the front of the buffet line.

Good luck!