Cruise casino players often see terms like ADT, Theo, rated play, backend comps, and gaming day without a clear explanation. This glossary defines the most important cruise casino comp terms in plain English so players can better understand how casino rewards, casino hosts, and comped cruise offers are evaluated.
Direct answer: Cruise casino comps are generally based on rated play, theoretical loss, and how a casino measures your average value over a gaming day, not just whether you won or lost on one trip.
Definitions below are neutral and descriptive. No offer, approval, or comp is implied.
ADT (Average Daily Theoretical)
An internal casino metric estimating a player’s expected daily loss based on game type, time played, and average wager.
Theo (Theoretical Loss)
An estimate of expected loss calculated using house edge and betting behavior.
Rated Play
Gambling activity tracked under a loyalty account or players card. Only rated play is usually considered for casino comps.
Gaming Day
A casino-defined accounting day used to calculate averages. It may not match a normal calendar day.
Front-End Comp
A complimentary benefit extended before travel, usually based on historical play or current offer strength.
Backend Comp
A discretionary comp considered after play concludes, based on actual rated activity during the trip.
Bounce-Back Offer
A follow-up offer issued after a completed trip, based on recorded activity and future marketing value.
Offer Strength
A relative measure of how generous an offer is compared with a player’s profile, recent play, and available inventory.
Sailing Window
The date range during which a cruise offer can be booked, traveled, or both.
Host
A casino employee or authorized casino representative who reviews player value and may help explain or arrange comps within policy limits.
No-Play Day
A gaming day with little or no recorded activity, which can weaken average-value metrics in some comp systems.
Verification Review
A process used to confirm play data, offer details, or account accuracy. Verification does not imply approval.
Players Club
A casino loyalty program used to track rated play, offers, points, and player history.
Free Play
Promotional casino credit that may be included in some offers for qualifying players.
Onboard Credit (OBC)
A shipboard credit that can sometimes appear as part of a cruise offer, depending on the program and booking terms.
Comped Cabin
A cruise cabin provided at no base fare cost to the player, although taxes, fees, gratuities, or other charges may still apply.
Upgrade
A move from one cabin category to a higher category, such as from interior to oceanview, balcony, or suite, when approved.
To see how these terms are evaluated in practice, read how casino cruises are actually comped, how cruise casinos evaluate players, and how casino cruise comps actually work.
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