Methods, systems, and devices are provided for validating player entitlement to a complimentary award or service (such as a complementary beverage), such as in a gaming establishment, and/or facilitating the patron's direct payment for such. A validation module at a gaming machine may indicate an award of a free drink or other comp to a player based upon meeting certain criteria, such as levels of wagering. A player might alternately purchase voucher at a gaming machine or kiosk and then use the voucher as payment for the drink.