Do Tier Credits and Reward Status (at MGM, Sapphire, Pearl. Gold. Platinum, Noir) matter to you? If so, what's your strategy for getting maximum status.
For me, at MGM Springfield, it matters purely as a personal preference (I like Platinum). I use high-limit slots to amass tier credits. I use blackjack winnings to fund the slot play. Last year, it cost me about $8k in slot losses (about $140k "coins in" over 50 days) to get a Platinum card. Of course, I don't play slots every day.
I admit that I have mixed feelings on using cards. I have the 7-star card from...well...let's just say the joint named after a certain Roman leader.
I must admit though that I have used it very little. I am a bit paranoid because a permanent ban is a permanent ban. Casinos tend to get more angry when you bleed them dry of benefits only to find out that you are an AP. Really pisses them off.
My opinion is to not get seduced by the perks. If you're in for the long haul, you can always decide to use them much later. If you do use them, at least use them modestly. Always remember that any "freebie" isn't really free. There are unspoken strings attached to any benefit you use.
Last edited by marriedputter; 02-04-2024 at 11:56 PM. Reason: grammar
Thank you, marriedputter. I imagine that I probably behave that way because I'm still an "inconsequential" player. At 70, with major disabilities" I'm in it for the recreation, not to become "rich." The way things are going, I may change my attitude soon. What concerns me, is the very loose definition of "advantaged player" at the casinos, where pure luck can get one labeled as an advantaged player. For now, I'm enjoying the "status" of a high-value player, something I only dreamed of most of my life. In the end, you most likely have the better approach.
If you want to play square games for points, slots are about the worst option available unless you know how to do AP play on slots.
If your goal is just grinding points, blackjack is usually best. If you're afraid of getting backed off for counting, you can just wong out of negative shoes and get about a breakeven game. Manipulating the floor's perception of your bet size can get you a lot more points.
Otherwise, dice and baccarat are ok games. But they're going to give you points based on about a 1% house advantage on baccarat, and about 2% on dice, which is pretty close to what you'll be giving up. Most casinos give you points on blackjack based on about a 2% house advantage, where a basic strategy player is giving up only a quarter of that. So you can get an advantage there.
The Cash Cow.
I only play 3:2 S17 games (here, they're no mid-shoe). I don't spend nor play nearly enough to accumulate 200k tier credits, and I don't want to play any other game. Slots are no-brainers. At 70 y.o., and a massive stroke survivor, I have all I can do to fight my way (profitably) through a single variety of play (confusion)! lol
I personally enjoy the comps. I have had the luxury of spreading my play to various programs due to a lot of work travel, so I have used that as my strategy. Admittedly, it hasn't worked perfectly (back offs, trespasses, etc.), but that is a risk I am willing to take.Originally Posted by CapitalAppreciation
Do you only play the slots when there is a tier credit/reward credit multiplier on them? Doing so may reduce your losses/get you to that Platinum status quicker.
Also, I know many programs have days that benefit seniors. Do you take advantage of those days?
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