MGM Rewards is the premier loyalty program for MGM Resorts International, allowing members to earn tier credits and reward points by spending money on gaming, dining, hotel stays, and entertainment across participating resort properties. Program participants can exchange these earned credits for complimentary rooms, dining discounts, slot play, and exclusive access to entertainment experiences, with benefits scaling across five distinct tier levels ranging from Sapphire to Noir.
Understanding the MGM Rewards Ecosystem
The MGM Rewards program serves as the central customer retention and loyalty framework for one of the largest hospitality and entertainment companies in the world. Designed to unify various physical and digital touchpoints, the program tracks customer spending and engagement to distribute perks proportionally. Whether a guest is visiting a destination resort on the Las Vegas Strip, a regional casino in the Midwest, or an integrated resort abroad, the underlying point-tracking infrastructure remains consistent.
The foundational concept of the program relies on two distinct types of currency: Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points. Tier Credits determine a member’s status level within the loyalty hierarchy, resetting annually on January 1st. MGM Rewards Points, on the other hand, function much like a redeemable cash-equivalent currency that members can spend on property for food, beverages, hotel stays, and slot play. Understanding how these two metrics accumulate independently is essential for maximizing the value derived from the program.
Furthermore, the integration of digital platforms, such as sports betting and online casino applications associated with the brand, allows participants to accumulate rewards outside of physical resort visits. This multichannel approach ensures that engagement is continuous, bridging the gap between digital entertainment and brick-and-mortar luxury travel.
Tier Structure and Status Levels
The MGM Rewards hierarchy is structured into five progressively exclusive tiers: Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Noir. Each level introduces a broader suite of benefits, enhanced customer service channels, and elevated multipliers for earning rewards.
- MGM REWARDS TIERS
- Noir (Invitation Only)
- Platinum (200,000+ Tier Credits)
- Gold (75,000+ Tier Credits)
- Pearl (20,000+ Tier Credits)
- Sapphire (0 - 19,999 Tier Credits)
Sapphire
Sapphire is the entry-level tier assigned to every new member upon enrollment. While it does not include luxury perks like line-skip access or complimentary upgrades, it serves as the baseline necessary to begin tracking Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points on all eligible resort spending.
Pearl
Achieved at 20,000 Tier Credits, Pearl status introduces tangible mid-tier benefits. Members at this level receive a dedicated line at buffets and cage services, an increased earning multiplier on slot play, and the assurance that their MGM Rewards Points will not expire due to inactivity.
Gold
At 75,000 Tier Credits, Gold status unlocks significant travel and resort privileges. Gold members receive expedited valet and taxi service access, waived resort fees on eligible direct room bookings, a dedicated VIP check-in line, and a complimentary annual cruise with select partner cruise lines, subject to promotional terms.
Platinum
Requiring 200,000 Tier Credits, Platinum status delivers elite-tier treatment. Members enjoy priority access to pool cabanas, advanced seating at restaurants and shows, a $100 annual dining credit (for qualifying tiers as dictated by seasonal promotions), and priority valet and bell service.
Noir
Noir is the pinnacle of the MGM Resorts loyalty structure. Attaining Noir status is strictly by invitation only, reserved for the company's most valued high-volume patrons. Noir members receive VIP lounge access, personal casino hosts, complimentary air travel arrangements to participating resorts, and customized luxury experiences tailored to individual preferences.
How to Earn Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points
Earning status and redeemable points within MGM Resorts properties requires strategic spending across various departments. While gaming historically formed the core of casino loyalty programs, modern iterations place significant weight on non-gaming expenditures such as hotel stays, fine dining, and spa treatments.
Gaming Expenditure
Slot machines, video poker, and table games generate Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points based on theoretical loss calculations, average bet sizes, and time played. When playing slots, inserting the physical membership card into the machine ensures real-time tracking. For table games, presenting the card to the pit boss or dealer before play begins is mandatory to ensure proper rating of session activity.
Non-Gaming Resort Spending
Every dollar spent on eligible services at participating resorts contributes to a member’s balance. This includes:
- Hotel Accommodations: Direct bookings made via official resort channels earn credits based on the nightly room rate.
- Dining and Nightlife: Meals at participating restaurants, lounges, and nightclubs generate points when the member charges the bill to their room folio or presents their card at the point of sale.
- Entertainment and Spas: Purchasing tickets for resident shows, concerts, and wellness treatments at resort spas also contributes to point totals.
| Spending Category | Earns Tier Credits? | Earns MGM Rewards Points? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | Yes | Yes | Based on theoretical win/loss metrics |
| Table Games | Yes | Yes | Requires active rating by pit management |
| Hotel Rooms | Yes | Yes | Excludes third-party booking sites |
| Dining & Bars | Yes | Yes | Valid at participating outlets only |
| Retail Purchases | Yes | Yes | Excludes select third-party shops |
Redeeming Rewards and Maximizing Value
Accumulated MGM Rewards Points can be utilized across a vast portfolio of properties. Knowing when and how to redeem these points determines the overall return on investment for a member's loyalty.
Slot Free Play and Express Comps
MGM Rewards Points can be converted directly into Slot Free Play at participating machines, allowing members to gamble without dipping into their personal bankrolls. Alternatively, points can be used as "Express Comps" to pay for meals, drinks, and retail items directly at the point of sale by presenting the membership card and a valid photo ID.
Hotel Offers and Room Redemptions
One of the most popular redemption avenues involves booking complimentary or discounted hotel rooms. Mid-tier and high-tier members frequently receive targeted mailers and digital offers providing free nights at properties across Las Vegas, regional US markets, and international destinations. Members must ensure they book directly through the official website or app to apply these offers successfully.
Geographic Scope and Participating Properties
The MGM Rewards ecosystem spans numerous premier destinations, primarily centered in the United States. Understanding where these benefits apply prevents confusion when traveling.
- Las Vegas Destinations: Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Delano Las Vegas, Park MGM, NoMad Las Vegas, New York-New York, Luxor, and Excalibur.
- Regional US Properties: Borgata (Atlantic City, New Jersey), MGM National Harbor (Maryland), MGM Springfield (Massachusetts), Beau Rivage (Biloxi, Mississippi), Gold Strike Tunica (Mississippi), and various properties under partner networks.
Common Mistakes and Program Limitations
Navigating a complex loyalty structure often leads to common pitfalls that can diminish the value of a member's activity. Avoiding these errors ensures maximum return on expenditures.
- Booking Through Third-Party Sites: Reserving hotel rooms through online travel agencies (OTAs) or discount aggregators typically voids the ability to earn Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points for the stay. Always book direct.
- Ignoring Tier Credit Expiration: Tier Credits reset annually on January 1st. Failing to reach a status milestone before December 31st results in a reset to Sapphire or the tier matching the prior year's adjusted volume, depending on current promotional guidelines.
- Failing to Present Cards During Table Play: Unlike slot machines that track activity automatically via inserted cards, table games require manual rating. Forgetting to present the card to the dealer before commencing play means the session data—and the associated points—are permanently lost.
- Overlooking Resort Fee Policies: While Gold, Platinum, and Noir members enjoy waived resort fees on direct bookings, lower-tier members (Sapphire and Pearl) are still subject to these daily charges, which should be factored into travel budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for MGM Rewards?
Enrollment is free and can be completed online via the official website, through the mobile application, or in person at any participating MGM Resorts loyalty desk by presenting a valid government-issued photo ID.
Do MGM Rewards Points expire?
MGM Rewards Points do not expire for Pearl tier members and above, as long as account status is maintained. For Sapphire members, points are subject to forfeiture if there is no earning activity on the account for a consecutive 12-month period.
Can I share my Tier Credits or Points with family members?
No, accounts are strictly individual. Transferring Tier Credits, MGM Rewards Points, or promotional offers between accounts is prohibited by program terms and conditions.
What is the difference between Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points?
Tier Credits are used exclusively to determine your loyalty status level (Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, Noir) and reset every year on January 1st. MGM Rewards Points are a redeemable currency that can be spent on food, entertainment, hotel stays, and slot play.
How do I check my current point and tier balance?
Members can view their real-time balances by logging into the official MGM Resorts mobile app, accessing their online account profile via desktop, or visiting a self-service kiosk located at any participating resort property.
Next Actions for New and Existing Members
To maximize the benefits of MGM Rewards, new participants should immediately download the official mobile application and link their physical membership card to their digital profile. Before booking any upcoming travel or dining experiences, verify that the destination is a participating property and ensure all reservations are made through official direct channels. For active members approaching a tier threshold, reviewing annual account statements toward the end of the calendar year can help determine if a final targeted trip is worthwhile to secure upgraded status for the upcoming year.
