MGM significantly devalues M Life Rewards program
M Life Rewards is one of the most popular casino loyalty programs out there. It's not only because MGM is one of the world's largest casino chains, but the program is also one of the most rewarding, thanks to its partnership with World of Hyatt and other nongaming earning and redeeming opportunities.
Unfortunately, the program will soon become much less rewarding. Come February, M Life Rewards members will earn significantly fewer Tier Credits and lose some elite benefits.
Changes to tier credits
The biggest change pertains to how you earn Tier Credits — what you need to qualify for elite status in the program.
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.
Overall, this is a major loss no matter how you slice it. Previously, the earning rate was 25 Tier Credits for every dollar spent at Las Vegas MGM Resorts and eight Tier Credits at most regional MGM Resorts.
Further, the program is changing how you earn Tier Credits at participating Hyatt hotels. Right now, M Life members can earn eight Tier Credits per dollar for room and incidental charges at participating Hyatt hotels in lieu of World of Hyatt earnings. Starting February, members will earn just four Tier Credits per dollar.
Related: How to match your Hyatt status to M life for free perks in Las Vegas
M Life Rewards is also changing the earning rates when playing slots, video poker and video lottery terminals to be more akin to table games. Although details are still limited, MGM's website notes, "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." Previously, you'd generally earn 10 tier credits for every $3 spent on slot machines and every $10 spent on video poker.
So what does this all mean? It will soon become much more costly to earn M Life Rewards elite status. The program is making it harder to earn Tier Credits but not reducing its existing requirements:
- Sapphire – None
- Pearl – 25,000 tier credits
- Gold – 75,000 tier credits
- Platinum – 200,000 tier credits
- Noir – invitation only
Related: You can get discounted rooms and free cruises with these Las Vegas casino loyalty programs
Other changes to the M Life Rewards program
Although M Life Rewards is making elite status harder to earn, it isn't adding any new benefits. In fact, it's removing some.
Effective February, the Platinum Experience upon check-in at Las Vegas Resorts will be placed on hold. 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.
The website notes, "We will relaunch a new and improved Platinum Experience at a later date."
Additionally, bonuses on Express Comps based on Tier Status earned playing slots will be discontinued but will be offered on a promotional basis. That said, Pearl, Gold, Platinum and NOIR members will continue to receive a bonus on points earned playing slots at the same rate as today.
Related: Yes, Las Vegas can be done on a tight budget — here's how
Bottom line
M Life Rewards is making it much harder to earn Tier Credits and thus qualify for elite status. Luckily, these changes don't affect those who earn their status via a status match from World of Hyatt. If you have any World of Hyatt elite status level, you'll continue to be able to match your status to M Life.
Interestingly, the program has also started to use the name "MGM Rewards" interchangeably with M Life, though as of now, the program hasn't officially changed names.
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