new MGM Rewards details

Updated Jan 6, 2022 at 1:50pm ET with specific tier benefit info including what requires earned tier credits vs. a matched tier. Still no details on the enhanced suite upgrades for Platinum +.

MGM Rewards Replaces MGM’s M life Rewards Starting February 1, 2022

MGM Rewards replaces Mlife

MGM Resorts announced today that their new MGM Rewards program will formally launch on February 1, 2022, replacing MGM’s “M life Rewards” program.

I know that you’re thinking you already knew this…. but no, all we knew about was the program name change, an extra month of tier credit earning (Jan 1 -31 counts for both last year and this year) and that non-gaming spend will only earn 4 tier credits per dollar, down from 25.

Now, we have most of the fine details, and many are quite exciting.

For MGM Rewards Gold members (what you get if you are on the Status Match Merry Go Round), the biggest and most exciting change is waived resort fees, matching what the equivalent Caesars Rewards Diamond level already offers their members. On my trip to Las Vegas for ZorkFest last month, I paid $39 a night in resort fees at Aria, plus tax, for almost $200 in resort fees in 4 nights. I would have certainly welcomed this benefit!

MGM Resorts’ five member tier levels – Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum and NOIR – remain the same.

New MGM Rewards Tier Benefits

Per the release, MGM Rewards offers members new and exclusive marquee benefits, including waived resort fees (Gold+), Tier Achievement Travel Credit to Las Vegas (Platinum+), complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts (Pearl+), advanced suite upgrades for up to three nights (Platinum+), access to exclusive tier appreciation events and experiences (Gold+) and 4 p.m. late check-out (based on availability; Platinum+). As an added benefit, MGM Rewards Points and Slot Dollars will not expire for Pearl+ members due to account inactivity.

As mentioned, those resort fees for Gold + are huge. It also looks like there will be special events for Gold + (TBD).

But what if you can achieve MGM Rewards Platinum? It looks like you’ll get a travel credit towards a trip to Las Vegas (?!) as well as some sort of “advanced” suite upgrades (perhaps a limited number confirmable in advance? it’s not clear) as well as a 4pm checkout. That last bit would be amazing, though I note it is “based on availability” so it will remain to be seen if that is freely granted or not. (A guaranteed late checkout like Marriott offers Platinum and up would have been better, although those do exclude resorts from the guarantee and all MGM properties are resorts anyway).

There will also be some sort of Celebration Dinner (I can only imagine this is very similar to the $100 Celebration Dinner Caesars Diamond gets) and they also are dropping the number of tier credits needed for Pearl to 20,000. All other tier earning remains the same, despite the massive drop in tier credits earned for non-gaming spend. This certainly says they are leaning back into gambling as a more primary focus as compared to the rooms, dining, and entertainment spend.

Lastly, it looks like members from Pearl and up will get complimentary concert tickets.

Here’s a chart of benefits by tier:

MGM Rewards tier benefits detailsAnd the fine print…

1 Offers will vary in terms of frequency, ticket types, number of tickets, location, dates, etc. based on member’s Tier status and spend/gaming activity. Availability of tickets may be limited by capacity or otherwise and are subject to availability. Redemption instructions will be included in offer communication.

2 Applicable daily resort fees will be waived on up to two room reservations per trip when an eligible member books direct, under their name, with MGM Resorts International and his/her eligible MGM Rewards account number is attached to such reservations. To redeem, the eligible member may be required to visit the Front Desk during their stay to confirm eligibility and request waiver of the daily resort fee (e.g., if member advances to eligible Tier level during stay). Not applicable to reservations associated with convention, trade show and/or group sales unless billed to the qualifying member.

3 One (1) Tier Achievement Celebration Dining Experience benefit valid for qualifying member is offered during the current Tier Status Earning Year to each qualifying Gold, qualifying Platinum or qualifying NOIR member who has earned the minimum Tier Credits associated with reaching the applicable Tier Level (and, for NOIR Tier Level, invited to such level during such Tier Status Earning Period) based on spend during such period. Members who receive their Tier Level status through a third-party or other partnership tier match program are not eligible for the benefit. Dining Experience benefit is not awarded based on a member’s Tier Level status as of the beginning of the Tier Status Earning Year. A qualifying member who reaches multiple eligible Tier Levels during a Tier Status Earning Year as described above will receive one such benefit (awarded as a dining credit) for each such level reached. Amount of dining credit for reaching specific Tier Levels is as follows: up to $100 dining credit for reaching Gold, up to $200 dining credit for reaching Platinum, and up to $500 for reaching (and invited to) NOIR. Dining experience must be booked by qualifying member through designated MGM staff (who will apply applicable dining credit to member’s MGM Rewards account). Dining experience must be completed within twelve (12) months after qualifying for the benefit. Valid only at participating MGM-owned dining outlets. The dining credit cannot be used for gratuities, is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. To redeem your dining credit, you must present your MGM Rewards card at time of payment. Offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Member will not receive the cash value or be compensated in any manner for any unused dining credit (if any) which will be forfeited if not used during the applicable dining experience. MGM reserves the right to modify the amount of the dining credit offered and/or otherwise modify and/or limit quantity/type of items offered (e.g., alcoholic beverages) all of which may vary based on Tier Level reached and other factors.

4 One (1) air travel credit benefit of up to $600 is offered during the current Tier Status Earning Year to each qualifying Platinum member who has earned the minimum Tier Credits associated with such Tier Level during such Tier Status Earning Year based on spend during such period. One (1) additional air travel credit benefit of up to $600 is offered during the current Tier Status Earning Year to each qualifying NOIR member who is invited to NOIR Tier Level during such Tier Status Earning Year based on spend (including earning the necessary Tier Credits) during such period. Accordingly, a qualifying member who earns the minimum Tier Credits associated with both Platinum and NOIR Tier Levels (and who is invited to NOIR) during such Tier Status Earning Year is eligible to receive two separate air travel credits of up to $600 each, totaling up to $1,200, subject to these term and conditions and the MGM Rewards Rules. Members who receive their Tier status through a third-party or other partnership tier match program are not eligible for the benefit. Air travel credit is not awarded based on a member’s Tier Level status as of the beginning of the Tier Status Earning Year. Air travel must be booked directly by qualifying member and travel must be completed within twelve (12) months after qualifying for the benefit. Travel itinerary must be in the name of such qualifying member. Air travel credit will be reimbursed based solely on the paid ticket price (including upgrades, but excluding luggage/baggage fees, pet fees, etc.) of the qualifying member’s ticket and of his/her guest(s) reflected on proof of purchase if all on the same single travel itinerary and in the name of such qualifying member. Costs, fees and expenses associated with obtaining and/or using airline points, miles, etc. to obtain air transportation are not eligible for reimbursement. Qualifying members will not receive the difference (if any) between the offered maximum air travel credit amount and the actual paid cost of the ticket(s). Qualifying member must provide designated MGM staff with a copy of receipt and other required documentation at least one week prior to scheduled hotel check-in day. Air travel credit will be awarded in the form of MGM Resorts International resort credit (or as otherwise determined in MGM’s sole discretion) that can only be used during the Las Vegas hotel stay associated with such trip. Resort credits are valid at participating MGM Resorts International destinations in Las Vegas only and can be used for hotel accommodations that are booked directly with MGM Resorts International, and select food and beverage, nightlife/entertainment, retail merchandise, and spa services. Resort credits cannot be used for gratuities and gambling. To redeem your resort credits, you must charge the expense to your room at the outlet or other participating location. Resort credit is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Member will not receive the cash value or be compensated in any manner for any unused MGM Resort credits which will be forfeited if not used on trip as set forth herein. Credits must be used prior to guest’s checking out of hotel. Subject to MGM Rewards Program Rules available at mgmrewards.com/rules.

5 One (1) cruise benefit is offered during the current Tier Status Earning Year to each qualifying Platinum or qualifying NOIR members (valid for such qualifying member plus one (1) guest and subject to availability) who has earned the minimum Tier Credits associated with Platinum Tier Level or who is invited to NOIR Tier Level during such Tier Status Earning Year based on spend during such period. Accordingly, a qualifying member who earns the minimum Tier Credits associated with both Platinum and NOIR Tier Levels (and who is invited to NOIR) during such Tier Status Earning Year is eligible to receive both a Platinum and NOIR cruise benefit. Unless otherwise indicated, cruise must be booked during the applicable Tier Status Benefit Year (2/1 – 1/31) for travel completed within three (3) months after such period. Length of cruise and cruise destination will depend upon member’s earned Tier Level status and recent MGM Resorts spend and gaming play. Members are responsible for transportation to/from cruise embarkation and final disembarkation locations. Certain restrictions, fees and limitations apply. Subject to additional terms and conditions available at mgmresorts.com/royalandcelebritycruises.

Press Release

I gave you the juiciest bits above, but here are a few more details straight from the Press Release:

Additional program highlights include:

  • All members can now earn MGM Rewards Points when they play, stay or dine at all domestic MGM Resorts destinations on directly booked rooms and food & beverage, as well as slots and now, table games. In addition to earning MGM Reward Points, slots players can now earn Slot Dollars (formerly referred to as PointPlay) for their play. 
  • Non-gaming and gaming members alike will now be able to redeem MGM Rewards Points for a multitude of experiences from hotel stays and food & beverage to entertainment, award-winning spas and more.
  • New Tier Advancement Celebration Dinners and access to exclusive tier appreciation events recognize members who reach Gold or above tiers based on 2022 gaming and non-gaming spend.
  • Extended earning window – To celebrate MGM Rewards’ launch, Tier Credits earned by members from January 1- January 31 will count toward both 2022 and 2023 Tier Status earning.
  • Tier Credit multiplier promotion – As a welcome to MGM Rewards, all members are invited to take advantage of a limited-time 2x multiplier on Tier Credits earned at the Company’s Las Vegas resorts February 1 – April 30, 2022 (at the applicable earning rates). Tier Credits may be earned on all gaming play as well as spend on hotel accommodations, dining and spa services.
  • Tier Credits required to achieve each Tier Status remain the same for all tiers with the exception of Pearl which will be lowered from 25,000 to 20,000 Tier Credits required.
  • The enhanced MGM Rewards app simplifies the digital experience, allows members to easily review their tier status and benefits, and visualize how they can advance to the next tier. Play and spend are recognized as a single account, making it easy to stay, play and dine wherever and whenever members prefer.
  • Smart integration between MGM Rewards and BetMGM, the Company’s leading sports betting and iGaming offering, unlocks even more rewards for MGM Rewards members. 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.
  • MGM Rewards has partnered with leading brands to bring members even more rewards by land, air and sea. From perks with brands including Hyatt Hotels, Southwest Airlines and Avis Rental Cars to complimentary cruises with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines, with more on the horizon, MGM Rewards ensures members can enjoy world-class travel experiences even when they’re not at MGM Resorts properties. Additional partnerships with premier brands will be unveiled in the coming months.

Summary

Overall, while early news about the “devaluation” made the rounds, the news is, in my view, quite positive.

Previously there was almost no reason to shoot for the Platinum tier as it was almost the same as Gold, not even waiving resort fees. Now, even those matched to Gold from Hyatt Explorist will be happy with the waived resort fees, but they’ll also have a reason to gun for Platinum as the new benefits are substantial. I’ll reserve full judgement until I can see all of the fine print, but I’m impressed and intrigued right now.

Keep in mind that I’m writing this from the perspective of matched Gold.  Those earning each year from scratch will no doubt feel a bit less satisfied.

They also have a teaser website with some limited details.

There were a few questions I’d asked MGM but had not heard back as of this article’s press time. I will update if/when I get a bit more info.

Thoughts?

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1 COMMENT

  1. Best coverage that I’ve seen regarding the MGM changes.

    Re: “Tier Credit multiplier promotion – . . . a limited-time 2x multiplier on Tier Credits earned at the Company’s Las Vegas resorts February 1 – April 30, 2022”.

    Couple of questions:
    1. Is the promo on top of the 4x for non-gaming spend, i.e. – you get 8x for non-gaming spend?
    2. What about the gaming spend – is it still 25x?
    3. How does gaming spend work with the 2x promo – does it make it 50x?

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