Someone on Reddit asked this simple but quite an important question. I’ll address it below:
Is slots really the quickest way to earn tier points at casinos?
I play blackjack religiously at casinos. I rarely play slots (if ever). I buying for $200 and have been doing this consistently for a few years now. I was so stunned to learn how little tier credits I have with my casino (The Brook in NH). The lady told me they’re working to upgrade their tier system for table games, I just find it crazy we don’t get nearly as many tier points for table games as slot players do. What do you guys do to maximize your points?
Tier points are part of casino loyalty programs, like The Brook’s, designed to track player activity and reward perks such as free play, dining credits, or room comps. Points are earned based on wager amount, game type, and play duration. Casinos often favor games with higher house edges, which is why slots typically generate points faster than table games like blackjack.
Why Slots Earn Tier Points Faster
Slots often have a house edge of 5-15%, compared to blackjack’s 0.5-2% with basic strategy. Casinos award points based on theoretical loss (their expected win), which is higher for slots. For example:
- At some casinos, you might earn 1 tier point per $5 wagered on slots but need $25 wagered on table games for the same point.
- Slots involve faster play and continuous betting, increasing “coin-in” (total wagered) per session, which boosts tier points.
This explains why your $200 blackjack buy-ins at The Brook have resulted in fewer tier credits. The system likely rewards slot players more due to the higher house edge and betting pace.
The Brook’s Tier System and Table Games
The Brook offers blackjack and slots, but specific details about their tier system are limited. Your mention of an upcoming upgrade suggests the current system may disadvantage table game players. The employee’s comment indicates potential improvements, but for now, blackjack likely earns points slower than slots. For table games, points are typically based on:
- Average bet size: Your $200 buy-in is spread over multiple hands, so your average bet (e.g., $10-$20) is tracked.
- Time played: Longer sessions increase points, as duration is a factor.
- Game type: Blackjack’s low house edge means fewer points per dollar wagered compared to slots.
Maximizing Tier Points as a Blackjack Player
Since you prefer blackjack and rarely play slots, here are strategies to maximize tier points at The Brook with your $200 buy-in:
- Play During Multiplier Promotions:
- Casinos often offer point multiplier days (e.g., 2x, 5x, or 10x tier points). Check The Brook’s promotions for table game multipliers. For example, a player leveraged a 10x promotion to earn significant points in a short session. Prioritize blackjack on these days to boost points.
- Increase Session Length:
- Tier points for table games often depend on time played. With a $200 buy-in and $10-$20 bets, playing 2-3 hours per session earns more points than short sessions. For example, a $25 average bet might earn around 37 tier credits per hour (based on a formula like 1.5 credits per hour per dollar bet). Pace your play to stretch your bankroll.
- Use Basic Strategy to Minimize Losses:
- Blackjack’s low house edge (around 0.5% with basic strategy) lets you play longer, increasing points. Study basic strategy to optimize decisions, maximizing playtime per $200 buy-in and indirectly boosting points.
- Inquire About Table Game Ratings:
- Hand your player’s card to the dealer or pit boss to track your play. Ask how The Brook calculates blackjack tier points (e.g., points per dollar wagered or hour played). Some casinos award 1 point per $75 wagered on blackjack, but this varies. Clarify to estimate earnings.
- Explore Multi-Hand Blackjack Machines:
- If The Brook offers electronic blackjack machines, try them occasionally. They may earn points faster than table games, as they’re treated like slots, yet offer blackjack’s lower house edge with 3:2 payouts.
- Combine Non-Gaming Spend:
- Some casinos award points for dining or hotel stays. Check if The Brook’s program includes points for restaurant spending or other resort activities to supplement blackjack points.
- Avoid “Chasing Comps” Mindset:
- Chasing points can increase losses, especially with slots’ higher house edge. Stick to blackjack and your $200 budget to manage risk while earning points.
Specific Considerations for The Brook
- Age and Betting Limits: The Brook allows 18-year-olds to gamble, and betting limits may be low (e.g., $10 maximum bets). Confirm table minimums/maximums to align your $10-$20 bets with their rules.
- New Player Promotions: If you’re new or open a new rewards card, The Brook may offer boosted points for first-time play. Ask about sign-up bonuses or first-day incentives.
- Upcoming Tier System Changes: Inquire about the planned tier system upgrade for table games. It may offer a better points-to-wager ratio or improved comps for blackjack.
Practical Example
Estimate your tier points at The Brook with a $200 buy-in:
- Assume $15 per hand, 60 hands per hour (typical blackjack pace) = $900 wagered per hour.
- If The Brook awards 1 tier point per $75 wagered on blackjack, you’d earn 12 points per hour ($900 ÷ $75 = 12).
- Over a 3-hour session, that’s 36 points. Multiple sessions per month add up but are slower than slots (e.g., 1 point per $5 wagered = 180 points for $900 on slots).
Ask The Brook’s players club for their exact blackjack tier point formula to confirm.
Final Tips
- Track Your Play: Check points via The Brook’s app (if available) or players club after sessions to ensure accurate tracking.
- Stay Disciplined: Stick to your $200 buy-in to manage risk. Blackjack’s lower house edge preserves your bankroll while earning points.
- Engage with Staff: Build rapport with pit bosses or the players club. They may offer discretionary comps (e.g., dining credits) for loyal blackjack play, even with lower points.
Slots are typically the fastest way to earn tier points due to their higher house edge and play speed, but you can optimize blackjack at The Brook by leveraging promotions, extending sessions, using basic strategy, and exploring non-gaming points. The upcoming tier system upgrade may benefit blackjack players, so stay updated. Keep enjoying blackjack, and these strategies will help maximize points within your $200 buy-in.