MGM Resorts International’s popular M life Rewards loyalty program will be rebranded as MGM Rewards on February 1. There will be sweeping changes to the program, including new ways to earn points, additional perks, and new requirements for anyone hoping to earn elite status.
MGM Resorts International is the co-owner of the BetMGM online sportsbook and casino, along with online gaming giant Entain. BetMGM customers have been able to join the M life Rewards loyalty program and earn points by placing bets, so the changes concern anyone that holds a BetMGM account.
How MGM Described the Change
MGM naturally put a positive spin on the changes. “It’s so much more than just a name change,” insisted the company in a post announcing the news. “When we set out to reimagine our rewards program, we listened to your feedback and we did it to give you more.
“More ways to earn, more ways to redeem, and more exclusive benefits that you’ll only get at all 20+ MGM Resorts destinations nationwide. “If you’re already an M life Rewards member, there’s nothing for you to do but enjoy your membership benefits. If not, sign up now and get ready to be rewarded.”
MGM Resorts International properties include Bellagio, The Mirage, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Luxor, and Park MGM in Las Vegas. It is the largest operator on the Strip.
The company also owns Beau Rivage and Gold Strike in Mississippi, Borgata in Atlantic City, MGM Grand Detroit, MGM Northfield Park in Ohio, MGM Springfield in Massachusetts, MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino in New York, along with various properties in China.
The Changes
M life Rewards currently offers points, express comps, and Tier Credits. It provides Tier Credits on most products, points on credit card spending and select gaming, and express comps on select gaming. The major change will mean that all members can earn MGM Rewards points on gaming and non-gaming activity from February 1.
Players can earn points “on nearly all expenditures at MGM Resorts destinations,” including hotel stays, food and beverages, slots, video lottery terminals, video poker, and table games. You will earn MGM Rewards points based on your time played, average bet, and game type. Additionally, you will earn Slot Dollars when you play slots, video poker, and video lottery terminals.
The current five loyalty levels – Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Noir – will remain the same, and the number of Tier Credits required to reach each level will also remain in place (20,000 for Pearl, 75,00 for Gold, 200,000 for Platinum; Noir is invitation only).
Many of the perks will remain the same. For example, Pearl members will still get complimentary parking, and Gold members can still get room upgrades, and there are a few additional benefits available.
However, from February 1, you will earn just four Tier Credits for every $1 spent on non-gaming items – such as hotel rooms, dining, and spa treatments – at MGM Resorts properties. The previous rate was 25 Tier Credits for every $1 spent at an MGM Resorts property in Vegas, and 8 Tier Credits for every $1 spent at properties outside of Vegas, such as Atlantic
City and Detroit. The number of Tier Credits per $1 spent on hotel rooms and incidental charges at Hyatt hotels will also drop from 8 to 4. Essentially, that means it will be harder to reach the higher tiers if you regularly visit MGM properties on the Strip or around the country, or stay at Hyatt hotels.
However, on the plus side, there will be waived resort fees for Gold members and higher, and free show tickets. That also applies to anyone with an “Explorist” or higher status at World of Hyatt, as there is a partnership between MGM and Hyatt.
Smart Integration for BetMGM Customers
BetMGM customers will continue to rack up points by placing sports bets at the same rate. “Smart integration between MGM Rewards and BetMGM, the company’s leading sports betting and iGaming offering, unlocks even more rewards for MGM Rewards members,” said the news release.
“Play with BetMGM earns members digital rewards for more BetMGM online play, Tier Credits towards advancing to new MGM Rewards tiers, and access to tailored offers and real-world experiences across MGM Resorts and BetMGM.”
