Just got home from the VIP Grand Opening gala, before the M opens to the public at 10 p.m. We got our invitation through a host who used to work at another property where we played. (This is one of the good reasons why I recommend cultivating a relationship with a host.   We have followed some hosts through several property changes!) And one comment about this party besides the great food offered as we traipsed from one restaurant to another. I have not seen so many dressed-up people in a casino for a long time – and so many men wearing ties! It was stylishly fun! 

This new property is stunning, especially the arrangement of the restaurants so that most have terrace dining that overlooks the large pool complex. This will be the place where much of the entertainment action will take place, including concerts, themed pool parties, festivals, and other events.

But no matter how beautiful a casino resort may be, many of you will be like Brad and me: Show us the video poker! Although the machines were not open for play at this VIP party, we could check out the paytables – and they were VERY good. NSUD (a 99.7% deuce game) was available from single-line quarters to $25 Five Play! Lots of 8/5 Bonus in many denominations. There is one bank of 10 machines with 100%+ games on the quarter level – Full Pay Classic Deuces Wild (100.7%), a 100.6% Joker Poker game, 10/7 DB (100.1%), and 10/6 Double Double Bonus (100%). Be advised there is a sign on this bank: “Not included in any casino promotion.” (These machines also take 4 times the coin-in to earn a point, $4 in to earn one point.) 

The slot club pays .3% on all slots and most VP. (1 point for each $1 coin in and 333 points equals $1.) You can redeem your points for free play right at the machine or for cash by going to the slot club. You can also redeem your points (at the same redemption value) for meals, drinks, retail purchases, pharmacy purchases including insurance co-pay and prescriptions, spa and salon services, hotel stays, gasoline and car wash purchases. 

As locals, we will be waiting to see what mailings we will be getting after we put in some significant play one day this week! That and what promotions they run will determine whether M will be a casino we will add to our playlist!

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