How to Earn Comp Points at South African Casinos

Comp points were once a perk for regulars at land-based casinos. Today online casinos offer them to everyone who plays. The system rewards loyalty: you earn points for placing real-money bets and later redeem them for cash or swap them for prizes such as bonuses.

The rules differ from one site to the next. Some casinos award comps for deposits, which is usually the weaker option for the player, because real-money play can generate more in total stakes than the original deposit and so more points.

Below is how comps work, how to earn them faster and what to check before you redeem.

Comp Points at a Glance

Land-based resorts have long offered incentives to attract and keep customers. Players joined a loyalty programme, received a player’s club card and earned complimentary drinks, meals, transport, hotel stays and tickets to events.

Those freebies were based on the comp (short for complimentary) points collected on the card while playing slots, roulette, blackjack, poker or other games. Slot cabinets still have a card reader that records each member’s play.

Online casinos took the same idea and changed the rewards. Instead of cocktails and limo rides, South African players receive cash, no deposit spins and other bonuses.

How to Earn Comp Points

You don’t need to do anything extra to join the loyalty scheme. Once you complete sign-up, you earn comp points automatically every time you make a real-money bet.

The earning rate varies by casino, so read the terms to see how much you must wager for 1 point. At many RTG-powered casinos, the standard rate is 1 point for every R10 wagered, and VIPs usually get a better rate.

You don’t have to be a high roller to collect points faster. Many sites run promotions such as Game of the Month or Happy Hour that double comps on a specific game or during a set period. Another way is to enter a slot tournament, where prizes often include comps next to cash and bonus spins.

Casino Games That Bring In Comp Points

There is no uniform rule. Some casinos give fewer points, or none, for wagers on video poker or card and dice games. Slots, however, generally count towards comps.

If you play more than slots, look for a casino that doesn’t restrict the game type so you earn points whether you spin the reels or the roulette wheel. Check the loyalty terms of a site such as Springbok Casino before you play.

How to Redeem Comps

Redeeming is usually quick. Log in, open the Comp Points section to see your balance, choose how many points to exchange for real money or other perks and click “Redeem”.

Points are usually subject to minimum and maximum amounts, and may only be redeemed in multiples of a set number. At some casinos you can redeem 100 points, at others you need to accumulate 1,000 before you can turn them into cash or free spins.

Comps can expire. Many sites also forfeit the comp balance on accounts that have been inactive for a few months. If you’re unsure of the expiry date, ask customer support.

Finally, find out whether money from exchanged comps is pure cash or has to be wagered before you can cash out. Pure cash is better for the player, especially compared with high playthrough requirements.

Can Players Earn Comps Using Bonuses?

Generally no. Casinos usually don’t count wagers made with bonus funds towards comps, so check the terms of any bonus before you assume your play will earn points.

RTG Casinos That Offer Comp Points

RTG-powered sites run comp point systems, but they don’t all share the same rules on how to earn and redeem. Read each casino’s review and its loyalty terms to compare. These casinos are reviewed on SlotsZar, with the minimum deposit and withdrawal for each:

  • Springbok Casino: minimum deposit R10 (Neosurf) or R150 (credit/debit cards); minimum withdrawal R500.
  • Apollo Slots: minimum deposit R50; minimum withdrawal R200 (e-wallets/bank transfer).
  • Yebo Casino: minimum deposit R100; minimum withdrawal R600.
  • Punt Casino: minimum deposit R20 (Bitcoin) or R130 (credit cards); minimum withdrawal R500 (Bitcoin) or R600 (wire transfer).
  • Rich Palms Casino: minimum deposit $10 (Neosurf) or $25 (other methods); minimum withdrawal $100.
  • Shazam Casino: minimum deposit $10 (Neosurf) or $25; minimum withdrawal $100.

18+ only. Gamble responsibly: SA Responsible Gambling Foundation counselling line 0800 006 008 (24/7).