The Basics Of Living The Mlife
As we mentioned in the first post in our articles on Mlife, this series will help you, as a player, utilize and understand Mlife and how you can increase your benefits throughout MGM Resorts properties and even its partners. Now that part one introduced you to Mlife, how it is used and how it is structured, let’s take some time to delve into how you earn the perks you deserve as a loyal customer.
There are two sides to earning the Tier Credits that give you status with Mlife. The primary side, which is definitely the more traditional route, is via table games and machine play. Table games are rated by average bet and length of time played, and machine play is tracked electronically when you put your card into the machine, just like anywhere else.
One thing to note is that although some MGM properties use computer based systems at tables, a lot still work by hand written slips entered manually into the system later. So don’t be afraid to ask the pit manager what he’s got you at, to make sure it’s taken care of and that you’re rated as fairly as possible. Sometimes mistakes happen and you should get every credit you deserve. Another thing to note is that some properties have minimum bets for ratings. This is not always strictly enforced, but I’ve seen it done at Bellagio and Aria specifically, where they will not rate, unless it’s at $25 a hand or over, but always remember your mileage may vary and plan accordingly.
Play earns what are called Base Points. One Base Point is not specifically defined at the table game level, but is equal to $3 bet on slots or $10 on video poker (at properties in Las Vegas). Some machines do not allow you to earn base points, such as video craps and other novelties, so always make sure you know where you expect to earn and where you plan to just have some fun. In Las Vegas, 1 Base Point then gets you 10 Tier Credits. Keep betting, keep earning Base Points. One more thing I want to note is that although you also earn at partner properties, not all resorts have the same Base Point to Tier Credit ratio. For example, Beau Rivage and Gold Strike Tunica are 2 Tier Credits for 1 Base Point, whereas MGM Detroit is 1 to 1. Why the difference? Honestly, I’m not sure, but I’m guessing it’s due to revenue in gaming and the volume of play in Vegas, versus smaller, more independent venues in the MGM family.
As you move up in Tier, multipliers start to work on Express Comps and Points (that can be converted into Freeplay (POINTPlay) at a machine or converted to Express Comps at any Mlife Rewards desk).
As you can see, the more you play, the higher tier you reach, and the faster you earn comps. All in all, it’s a pretty great way to reward those people who play well and play consistently. Earn Tier Credits throughout the year, and you’ll continue to rise in status. The clock resets though. On October 1, your Tier resets to 0, but you keep the tier you’ve reached by then, until the next October, at which point the same process happens all over again.
But that’s not even the most unique thing about Mlife, which is what can in reality, allow even a non-gamer to earn Platinum status as I’ve seen several friends do repeatedly. That comes in the form of earning Tier Credits via SPEND too. That’s right, MGM (in Las Vegas and other select properties) also lets you use spend on room, food, and selected retail to earn even more tier credits and accelerate your tier advancement even faster. That and a few other surprises we’ll delve into in the next installment, so don’t lose interest yet. We’re just getting to the really interesting and beneficial things, including a few more surprising ways you can earn Tier Status.
Be sure to check out our other Mlife loyalty program articles :
Living the Mlife: An Introduction
Living the Mlife: The Basics – Earning Tier Credits the Traditional Way
Living the Mlife: Points, Partners, and Payouts – Earning Outside of Gaming
Living the Mlife: Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Beyond – Perks and Oddities
