MGM Rewards Replacing M life, Points Expert Decries Changes
Posted on: January 5, 2022, 10:01h.
Last updated on: January 5, 2022, 10:31h.
M life Rewards, one of the gaming industry’s most popular loyalty programs, is getting a new look and will become MGM Rewards on Feb. 1. But at least one travel and leisure points expert isn’t enthusiastic about the changes.
![M life](https://www.casino.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/bellagio2-142x95.jpg)
In a recent email to M life members, MGM Resorts International previews the new rewards program, saying it will be easier to earn and redeem points at the operators 20-plus venues. The largest operator on the Las Vegas Strip is also extending the tier credit-earning time line.
“In anticipation of the new loyalty program, we have extended the Tier Credit-earning period to January 31 giving you a little extra time to lock in your current tier or even level-up before your tier status is evaluated,” according to the M life site.
However, Benji Stawski of the The Points Guy — a media property dedicated to coverage of credit card and travel and leisure loyalty and points programs — says the transition to MGM Rewards from M life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, he argues it’s going to make earning tier credits harder.
MGM Rewards Elite Status Difficult to Reach
One of the dramatic changes is how customers earn tier credits, which are applied to the various status levels.
“Starting Feb. 1, 2022, you’ll earn just four Tier Credits per dollar spent on nongaming spending, including hotel accommodations, dining, and spa services. Although the program used to have different earning rates for Las Vegas properties and regional ones, this change applies to all MGM Resorts destinations, nationwide,” says Stawski of the new points scheme.
The current earning rate is 25 tier credits per dollar spent at one of MGM’s Las Vegas venues, and eight credits for each $1 spent at one of its regional properties.
For its part, MGM says it’s expanding the way guests and bettors can accrue points, and that more points can be earned on dining, hotel stays, and gaming. Points can also be earned via BetMGM, which is the largest internet casino platform and second-largest online sportsbook by market share in the US.
As Stawski notes, MGM is also altering credits earned on slot machines, video poker, and other gaming devices, making the points accrued comparable to what bettors earn on table games.
“Starting February 1, 2022 earn Tier Credits playing slots, video poker, and video lottery terminals based on length of play, average bet, and game type,” notes MGM.
Under M life guidelines, bettors earned 10 tier credits per $10 spent on video poker and 10 tier credits for every $3 wagered on a slot machine.
M life Rewards has more than 34 million members, making it one of the largest programs of its kind.
Some Benefits Trimmed
Loyalty programs, casino and otherwise, often undergo changes and those alterations are rarely met with praise by points-crazed members. Usually their gripes revolve companies making it harder to earn higher status or some perks being reduced.
Stawski claims MGM is going down both roads.
“Effective February, the Platinum Experience upon check-in at Las Vegas Resorts will be placed on hold,” he notes. “This is where Platinum and Noir members are offered unique welcome amenities like complimentary tickets to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art or the Big Apple Roller Coaster at New York-New York.”
Currently, Sapphire is the lowest level in M life and it takes 25,000 tier credits to get bumped to Pearl. From there, 75,000 points are needed to move to Gold, and Platinum requires 200,000 tier credits. The aforementioned Noir level is invitation-only.
Related News Articles
Bally’s Has Big Plans for Tropicana Las Vegas, Demolition Possible
Penn National Gaming Rebrands to Penn Entertainment
Caesars, EBCI Holdings to Partner on $650M Virginia Casino Project
Most Popular
SPHERE OF FAILURE: U2 Concert Film is Vegas Orb’s First Flop
VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: The Strip’s Naked City Was Named for Sunbathing Showgirls
Star Gold Coast Can Recoup $38.7M Debt from Billionaire Ex-Betting Exec
Wynn Las Vegas Strikes $130M DOJ Settlement, Largest Fine Ever for a US Casino
Most Commented
-
VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: You Don’t Have to Pay Resort Fees
August 2, 2024 — 16 Comments— -
VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: Elvis Was a Straight-Up Racist
August 9, 2024 — 11 Comments— -
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Vegas Casino Buffet Stunt in Poor Taste Goes Viral
August 16, 2024 — 7 Comments—
Last Comments ( 7 )
I take back everything I just said, I read the actual MGM Rewards release, as Platinum I will get 600$ travel credit, 200$ celebration dinner, annual complimentary cruise, NO RESORT FEES (that's what I am most excited about) room upgrade and late checkout, OKAY they got me, I am super SUPER Excited now, I am so very glad I took the time to read the MGM Rewards page, this article makes me seem bad, but all I ever wanted was no resort fees so I am really happy THANK YOU MGM
This is total BS , I have worked so hard for my Platinum benefits, they barely upgrade my room, and now they are making it even worse? I might as well become a regular at Caesars
I did read that Gold and above will have resort fees waived so on a 4 night stay thats about $200. They do not waive resort fees as of now.
What a big disappointment. This is just another way of MGM properties making sure they're not losing out financially. Greed!!
The video poker points are now 20 dollars per; this changed back in October
Yes, the program is definitely devalued. An insult. MGMs explaination is an insult to anyone's intelligence. Loyal customers should vote on "MGM Rewards" with their feet.
Scott Roben already wrote about this ... this is just a rehash of his article.