A look at the MGM rewards program

As a blackjack player in the US, there’s a very good chance that you’ve come across MGM. As one of the most popular casino operators in the country, what they have to offer is hard to avoid (not that you’d want to).  While playing at MGM casinos, there are many players who have taken advantage of the M Life Rewards program. However, something exciting happened in February 2022: the program was relaunched and is now known as MGM Rewards.

While MGM rewards bring plenty of new benefits, there is another interesting change here. Previously it was the case that MGM casinos in Las Vegas saw different earning thresholds. The new MGM Rewards balance things out. Now, no matter which of the 20 plus casinos you play at, you’ll benefit from the same rate. This is great news for blackjack players from outside this area.

The changes that have been brought in give players a whole host of new ways to earn as well as the opportunity to enjoy a host of new benefits. Does this have an impact on those for who blackjack is the game of choice? Well, the biggest impact for blackjack players will be for those that spend money at MGM Resorts that are outside of the casinos. 

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How do MGM Rewards work for blackjack players?

When it comes to table game players at casinos, they are all rated on the same things. These are:

  • The type of game
  • The amount of the average bet
  • The length of play

This hasn’t changed when it comes to playing at BetMGM and other MGM Resorts casinos.

What has changed is the number of points that you can now earn per dollar spent on amenities that are non-gaming at MGM Resorts casinos. The other significant change for blackjack players is that any points earned can now be redeemed on the same day.

How tier earnings per dollar have changed – the MGM rewards program

What’s changed here is that guests are now rewarded with four Tier Credits for every dollar that’s spent on non-gaming amenities. Those who have previously benefited from Tier Credits will clearly recognize what has happened here. Prior to the changes, that came into effect on 1st February, guests could earn eight or even up to 25 Tier Credits for every dollar that was spent. The huge variation here was all about the resort that you played at and that’s why Las Vegas players will feel the biggest impact.

The guests that enjoy playing at Las Vegas casinos will be subjected to a mammoth 80% reduction in the points that are earned. For those who play at smaller MGM Resorts, the impact isn’t quite as big but there is still a 50% devaluation of Tier Credits.

What’s happened here is more than just a little significant. These changes, which now affect every MGM casino, mean that it now takes a $6 spend to earn 24 tier Credits. If you look at the previous program, those playing Las Vegas could earn 25 Tier Credits for every $1 seen. To put things into perspective, it now takes $6 to earn 24 Tier Credits while previously the same spend would earn 150.

The positive here though is that Tier Credits are no longer restricted to gaming spend. What has long been enjoyed by players in Las Vegas has now been rolled out to even the smallest of MGM Resorts. This sees players being rewarded for their spend on the likes of hotel rooms, dinners, spa treatments, and more. While this won’t be of benefit to Las Vegas players, those playing elsewhere could see their credits increasing more quickly.

Little change to Tier Level benefits in the MGM rewards program

This is one area that has seen next to no change. The biggest issue is that it now takes more money to advance through the various levels. While one level has seen the earning threshold being lowered, there are no other benefits to players here. Let’s take a look at the new thresholds:

  • Sapphire: All
  • Pearl: 20,000 Tier Credits required – previously 25,000
  • Gold: Still 75,000 Tier Credits
  • Platinum: Remains at 200,000 Tier Credits
  • Noir: Still invite only

When compared to the old program, the new MGM Rewards does offer a few benefits. If you’re at Gold, Platinum, or Noir levels, if you book directly with MGM Resorts, you will find that the nightly resort fee is done away with. Depending upon the property, this can see guests saving as much as $50 every night.

Other benefits include:

  • Gold members are eligible for $100 per year for a celebratory dinner
  • Platinum members now receive $200 for the same
  • Noir members are able to benefit from a $500 dinner credit

There are also travel credits available. Platinum members can benefit from $600 while Noir members can benefit from a $1,200 travel credit.

What does it all mean?

MGM Rewards will prove to be hugely popular. Why? Well, it works at numerous Vegas Strip casinos that are hugely popular. These include:

  • Aria
  • Bellagio
  • Excalibur
  • Luxor
  • Mandalay Bay
  • The Mirage
  • MGM Grand
  • New ark-new York
  • Park MGM

What really impacts here is the fact that Las Vegas players have seen their Tiered Credits significantly devalued.  For players outside of Las Vegas, they have seen their rewards being brought in line. For players who may play in Las Vegas and then visit other casinos, they now know that wherever they may play, the rewards are equal. 

Only a few months down the line, it’s still not clear how these changes will impact players. While players in Las Vegas are bound to suffer, there is a real chance that the rest of the US, where there are MGM Resorts, will benefit. The truth here will not be fully known until these players begin to become vocal. If the changes prove to have a hugely negative effect, you can guarantee that these effects will become known much sooner than later. That being said, what’s for sure is that Las Vegas players will experience the changes more than any others across the US.

21+ | Terms & Conditions Apply | NJ Residents Only
Betmgm$25 FREE on Signup
100% up to $1.000 on First Deposit
Hotspot Leaderboard
Visit Casino
Review
the MGM rewards program