Earning points on MLife

Have booked a trip for April of this year and am planning on bringing a larger bankroll than I usually would (approx 1.5K per day 3 days); however, not really sure that I want to play craps at $25 level, especially since it's my understanding the casino does not consider free odd bets in determining your level of play; I'm not even sure want to play $25 blackjack. I realize that if I change my mind about $25 craps I'd better bring more money too.

I have always understood that the casino will not rate you if your not at least playing green chips, is this still true? If it is true then is it even possible to accumulate points on MLife if you are playing with a bet that averages less than $25? Will probably do most of my gambling at MGM and New York New York in case that makes a difference.

 

You know, I have heard that as well and in years past, floor supervisors at MGM Grand and Bellagio told me they could not rate me unless I wagered $25 per hand. But I also know I was rated at $10 a hand at lesser mgm properties. Don't know about NYNY because it has been a few years since I played there.

Based on your thread title, I assume earning mlife points is your goal, without playing at a level that makes you uncomfortable. Just a thought, if that is your goal, maybe play at $25 a hand on a game that is less volatile, such as pai gow.

 

I'm virtually certain that NYNY will rate at a $10 Craps table. I played mostly craps last trip and had a few things taken off my bill on the back end. Though I was usually doing at least $12 6's and 8's sometimes pressing them on good runs. No idea how much they rated me at.

 

I have heard this and been told this before by pit bosses. Do you play any carnival games like, 3 Card Poker, Crazy 4, Ultimate Texas Hold'em? If so, then even a $10 table will allow you to get rated. They want $25 per hand to be rated, which can be met on $10 min carnival tables...$5 min table for UTH.

 

So does that mean that Mlife doesn't really care for the low rollers?

 

I played a lot of BJ at Monte Carlo and NYNY last August and in both casinos the dealers said the old $25+ requirement to get rated is gone and they will rate you for any play. I was playing $10-$20 per hand and definitely was rated. Not sure how much, but I was.

 

MGM props will rate anybody at craps, besides, even at at a $10 table, a pass line and two come bets and you're at $30 anyway.

 

Thanks to all who responded. Planning this trip has made me realize that my tolerance for potentially losing large sums of money isn't quite what I thought it would be. I'm reminded of one of the best pieces of advice I ever heard about comps, namely that comps should be dictated by your play; that your play should not be dictated by any hoped for comps.

I was just trying to figure out if it even made sense to give my MLife card to various dealers when I play; after hearing from all of you my plan is to simply give them my card to them and determine after everything is done and I've gambled at whatever level I was comfortable with what type of points I accumulated. In the interest of giving back to the board I'll make sure to report what I find.

 

Good attitude! Book your room and spend what you are comfortable spending for food. Room charge everything. The night before you check out, stop by the Host On Duty and see if he/she can take care of any of the room charges. Gamble what you are comfortable to risk and spend what you are confortable to spend. In the end, you may be pleasantly surprised. Have fun and report back!

 

I didn't even have to see a host. I just went to the MLIFE desk and asked if they could take anything additional off based on my play during my stay. This was at NYNY in July 2013.

 

MGM Grand, NYNY, Bellagio will rate you at $10. One of the dealers at the Bellagio specifically told me they recently gave up the $25 rule.

The only two I know of that are still sticklers about the $25 thing is Aria and Mirage.

 

Add Mandalay to that list. I used to have pit bosses affirmatively asking for my card even at $15.

The other thing to remember is that even if the minimum for rating is $25, that doesn't mean they'll only rate you at a $25 table. I've particularly never had a problem at craps, because they recognize that your $10 pass line bet is often joined by a couple $10-12 friends up on the place line, maybe a hardway or two, etc.

 

You should never play for comps...just play where you feel comfortable and the comps will come as deserved.

Also, you should always give your card to the dealer...that atleast gives you SOME chance of being rated...but if you dont give them your card then there is ZERO change of them rating you.

 

I disagree with the word "always". If you are a regular and have a decent ADT/Theo in their system, there are times when you should NOT give them your card.

For example, staying at a CET hotel, but stop into Mirage for a few minutes - maybe throw a couple hundred out, but well below your normal play. If you give them a card, the computer starts ticking and they will come up with an average for you. If well under your normal play, it will hurt future offers.

Sure, you pick up $1.43 in comps for your play, but your average gets killed.

 

Good point