Casino Free Drinks

Question

Hi! Does anyone have any up to date information on whether casinos are giving free drinks to people who are gambling on slots? I’m reading lots of reviews saying it’s now a thing of the past. Does anyone have any recent experience of this, and which casinos are the best for comp drinks? Thanks so much!

Answer

Free drinks while gambling on slots in Las Vegas have traditionally been a perk offered by many casinos to keep players at the machines. However, the landscape has changed somewhat in recent years, and the availability of comped drinks can vary depending on the casino, the size of your bets, and current policies.

Here’s what you should know:

Current status: Many Strip and downtown casinos still offer free drinks, especially for slot players, but the threshold for receiving them has increased. Players usually need to be actively gambling at a machine with a moderate to high average bet.
Service style: Comped drinks are typically delivered by cocktail servers walking through the casino floor. Some casinos may require you to be a loyalty member (e.g., through the casino’s rewards program) to receive complimentary drinks.
Limits: Free drinks may be limited to certain alcoholic beverages, and the quality or brand can vary. Soft drinks are usually always available for free.

Casinos often cited as more generous with comp drinks include:

Downtown Las Vegas casinos like Golden Nugget, Fremont, and Circa – often have friendly servers on the casino floor for slot players, and a slightly lower minimum bet may still earn drinks.
Strip properties like The Venetian, The Cosmopolitan, and MGM Grand – still offer free drinks but typically favor higher denominations or active players.
Smaller off-Strip casinos such as Ellis Island or Sam’s Town – historically known for attentive cocktail service and more accessible comp drinks.

Tips for maximizing comp drinks:

Sign up for the casino’s rewards or loyalty program; this can increase your eligibility for free drinks and other perks.
Tip the cocktail server – even a small tip can improve service frequency and willingness to provide drinks.
Stay active at your machine – long periods of inactivity or very small bets may make servers skip you.
Ask politely if you don’t see a server; some areas may have slower coverage depending on the casino layout and time of day.

In summary, free drinks on the Strip and downtown are still possible, but expectations should be managed: larger bets, membership in the casino’s rewards program, and tipping are key. Downtown casinos often provide more attentive service for slot players, while major Strip resorts may require higher wagering. Checking recent visitor reviews or calling ahead to specific properties can give you the latest, property-specific information.