Downtown Grand matchplay strategy

Thank you. Not everybody here is an AP, of course, but a core tenet of the AP philosophy is to gamble as little as possible. So let's say I have three $25 matchplays. Worst case scenario, I lose $75; best case, I win $150. To me, this is the exact same thing as having $37.50 in my hand, and I really don't want to lose money trying to realize that expected value. Thus, the strategy I outlined. It's the same approach I have to free play. I want to turn it into cash money with as little risk/fluctuation as possible. Some folks may take the exact opposite tack and ram it through a slot machine, viewing the free play as a free shot at a big win. I can't do that, because to me, when you put a $100 bill or $100 free play into a slot machine, you're just turning it into $90.

The asinine side discussion is tangential, but I want to reiterate that making simultaneous "opposite" bets is NOT against casino rules and they have no reason to object.

Does anyone know if all online bookings get the $50 matchplay or is it only certain packages? I checked their site and cannot see a general $50 matchplay offer. I did see one package which included it though.

Their policies--on everything--change constantly. Used to be that all online bookings got a $50 MP issued at the front desk (along with other coupons), but that may have changed. Only way to know is to call and ask (and hope that the person you ask knows what they're talking about). Let us know.

Kevin, not sure where the comments about politics fits into this discussion and calling the pit people 'worms' is definitely derogatory. 

Now, back to the actual topic. Sure you can offset bet at the dice table. If you think the pit won't notice or be annoyed, you are naive. Also, this will encourage the casino not to offer matchplays. If they wanted everyone to bet like you, they could just give you a $23 voucher and you wouldn't even have to go to the table.

Look at it from the casino standpoint. They want you to gamble. The matchplay is a customer acquisition cost. If everyone takes the EV and runs, why offer the match play? 

Part of being an advantage player is getting most of the value out of a play without antagonizing the casino, so the play remains.  When I do match plays, I usually do them at the roulette table. Yes, I am giving up a little bit . I also tip the dealer if the match play session is profitable, also giving up a little bit. 

My method will perhaps encourage casinos to keep match plays going and at the least won't be a negative mark. Your method will encourage casinos to drop match plays. 

I'd rather give up a little bit to hopefully keep an opportunity going. Yours is more of the short term , grab what I can, approach. 

Jimmy, I'm not arrogant enough to think that what I do is going to affect a casino's policy-- I'm just one low roller --and I'm not naive enough to think that when a casino is giving away something, my or anyone else's maximizing of that value is going to make them spitefully yank it away.

The intention of any promo is to get you to hang around and lose back more than the promo is worth. The player who redeems a $10 free play coupon, runs it through a machine, cashes it out, and leaves, is frustrating that goal. But will the casino hit you with a lightning bolt? Naah.

And just so you know...in my former activities as a full-time AP, I learned just how ephemeral promos can be. So I took full advantage. There's nothing wrong with that, though some say otherwise. To me, it's not any different than the casinos offering games that can be beaten and then some players doing just that.

Lastly, never, never forget that the casinos are your enemies and would have NO compunction over taking your last dollar, using whatever deception and trickery they can.