Understanding ADT (Average Daily Theoretical) and Theo (Theoretical Loss) is the foundation of how casino comps — including high-value offers like comped cruises — are evaluated. This master guide breaks down the math, the rating logic, and how casinos and cruise casino programs literally calculate your value so you can turn play history into confirmed cabin deals more consistently.
Whether your play history is tribal, commercial, regional, or destination-level, mastering ADT and Theo math lets you speak the casino rating language and maximize comp outcomes.
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What Is Theoretical Loss (Theo)?
Theoretical Loss — or Theo — is the estimated amount a casino expects to win from a player based on how long you play, how much you bet, and the house edge of the games you choose. It’s not your actual win/loss; it’s the **mathematical expectation** that forms the basis for comp evaluations.
- Time played: how many hours/minutes you gamble
- Average bet: your typical wager size
- House edge: casino advantage per game
The most commonly used formula for theoretical loss is:
Theo = Time Played × Average Bet × House Edge
Cruise casino programs look at your Theo to evaluate your expected contribution to their game floors, then convert that into comp offers like cabins, onboard credits, and bonuses.
What Is Average Daily Theoretical (ADT)?
ADT is simply your **Theoretical Loss per day** averaged across all your play sessions. It’s the metric most cruise and land comps use to compare players, because it normalizes play consistency over time.
The basic formula is:
ADT = Total Theo / Number of Days Played
ADT makes it easy for casinos and cruise comp programs to measure your play value regardless of how many trips you take or how widely you spread out your sessions.
Why ADT Matters for Cruise Comps
- Standardized measurement: Gives cruise casinos a consistent way to evaluate play.
- Cross-market comparison: ADT lets them compare players from tribal, Vegas, or regional markets.
- Consistency wins: Steady ADT is often better than volatile spikes.
- Offer leverage: Strong ADT profiles help justify higher-value cruise cabin offers.
ADT also plays a major role in how land casino comps are valued and weighted when players submit history for cruise comp evaluation.
How Casinos Calculate Theo for Slots
- House edge: The built-in advantage of the machine type
- Denomination: Higher denominations often create stronger Theo per spin
- Session length: More time played = higher Theo mathematically
Slot Theo math tends to be more predictable than table math because the house edge is fixed and built into the machine’s paytable.
How Casinos Calculate Theo for Table Games
- Game rules: Blackjack 3:2 vs 6:5 makes a huge Theo difference
- Average bet: Larger bets raise Theo rapidly
- Hours played: The longer you play, the more theoretical loss builds
Table Theo calculation is less predictable than slots because player decisions affect house advantage — but consistent table math with favorable rules still produces strong ADT.
Examples: Theo & ADT in Practice
Example 1 — Slots (Steady Coin-In)
2 days × 5 hours × $50 average × 10% house edge = 2×5×50×0.10 = $50 Theo/day
Example 2 — Tables (Consistent Blackjack)
3 days × 6 hours × $100 average × 1.5% house edge = 3×6×100×0.015 = $27 Theo/day
These examples show how different play styles produce different ADT profiles even when time played is similar.
Maximizing Your ADT for Cruise Comps
- Consistent denomination: Keep wagers steady within sessions
- Focus sessions: Longer, uninterrupted sessions read cleanly
- Track loyalty: Card every play session
- Upload proof: Offers + players-club info strengthen submissions
These practices not only improve your ADT profile but make it easier for cruise comp programs to interpret your history.
Common ADT/Theo Mistakes Players Make
- Hopping casinos: Interrupts rating continuity
- Irregular denomination: Creates noise in average bet math
- Short sessions: Weak overall Theo build
- Missing carding: No card = no rating
How ADT & Theo Are Used in Cruise Comp Evaluation
- Offer strength: ADT as proof of value
- Consistency: Regular sessions favored
- Cohesive narrative: Cruise programs want clear, consistent history
Submit your play history and offers via the Get Comped form for the most efficient cruise comp review.
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Next Step — Turn Math Into Cruise Value
Understanding ADT and Theo is half the battle — the other half is presenting your play history and offers in a way that cruise comp programs *trust and reward*.
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