How to Get Rated for Casino Play at Sea
If your play isn’t captured cleanly, you’re leaving comps behind. This guide shows cruise players how to get rated the right way—so your sessions translate into email-confirmed value before you sail.
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What “Getting Rated” Really Means
- Time × Average Bet × House Edge ≈ your theoretical (Theo) → drives comps.
- ADT (Average Daily Theoretical) = Theo divided by rated days; spikes and gaps distort it.
- Clean tracking matters more than short bursts of big bets.
Carding Rules (Do These Every Time)
- Card every session from the first wager. No card = no rating.
- Keep denomination steady per session. Avoid yo-yoing limits; it muddies average bet.
- Min session length: aim 30–60 minutes (tables) or 300–600 spins (slots/VP) for clarity.
- Close the loop: end sessions with a dealer/pit check-out or slot card removal.
Game Selection That Protects Your Rating
- Blackjack: Prefer 3:2 rules; keep average bet visible to the pit.
- Craps: Take full odds (≈0% HE on odds); stay rated even if you move sides.
- Video Poker: Choose full-pay where available; steady coin-in beats short spikes.
- Slots: Build length with consistent coin-in; avoid micro-bursts.
Avoid These Rating Killers
- Uncarded play (even “just a few hands”).
- One marathon day + three empty days (crushes ADT).
- Frequent denomination changes mid-session.
- No proof: tossing folios/emails that support bounce-backs and future comps.
Promo Windows Worth Using
- Free Play / Match Play: Use early to stabilize time and average bet.
- Point Multipliers: Align steady sessions on 2×–5× days.
- Guaranteed-purse tournaments: Fixed cost, upside return; great for bankroll efficiency.
- Bounce-backs: Onboard play that triggers future cruise offers—save all confirmations.
Lock Value Before You Sail (How We Help)
- Bundle your play: Send current land-casino offer(s) + players-club number(s).
- Match & timing: We align ADT with ships/weeks that rate cleanly for your limits.
- Email confirmation at booking: Cabin/perks documented in writing—no “TBD.”
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From Our Blog
Trusted External Resources
- Blackjack Basic Strategy — Wizard of Odds
- Video Poker Paytables & Strategy — Wizard of Odds
- Cruise Ship Casino Guide — The Points Guy
- Cruise Casino Tips — Cruise Critic
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research
Explore More
- How Comped Casino Cruises Work
- Comped Casino Cruises — Reviews
- Which Cruise Lines Have the Best Casino Comps
- All Cruise Casino Comps
- Upcoming Cruise Comps
- Get Comped Form
- Contact a VIP Executive Casino Host
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