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MGM Rewards Guide
The “Bougie Miles MGM Rewards Guide” will show you all of the different ways you can earn MGM Rewards (Formerly Mlife) Tier Credits for status and the two types of redeemable rewards known as MGM Rewards Points and Slot Dollars (FREEPLAY). In the near future I’ll be posting specific articles on how to maximize value and benefits from Mlife and this guide will be a reference. I would love to hear which aspects of earning and redeeming rewards you’d all like to know more about.
GUIDE: Casino Status Matching (Now that Wyndham Match is DEAD!)
Related: How to Match Hyatt Status to MGM Rewards [2022] Step by Step
MGM Rewards (FKA Mlife) is the loyalty program of MGM Resorts International, an S&P 500 global entertainment company with more than 30 unique casino focused properties worldwide. Expanding throughout the U.S. and around the world, the company recently acquired the operations of Empire City Casino in New York and Hard Rock in Ohio, which was rebranded as MGM Northfield Park. In 2018, MGM Resorts opened MGM Springfield in Massachusetts, MGM COTAI in Macau, and the first Bellagio-branded hotel in Shanghai.
Check Out the Bougie Miles YouTube Channel for all Things Vegas and Casino Loyalty
Related: MGM Rewards Credit Card Review: Is it Right for You?
MGM Rewards Overview
The Mlife Rewards Program gives members perks and benefits based on elite status levels. Elite status is based on the number of tier credits each player earns during the year. Mlife Rewards gives members opportunities to redeem rewards points for gaming, entertainment, retail purchases and hotel spend. Something that Mlife does that sets it apart from other casino loyalty programs is the ability for two eligible M life Rewards members residing at the same address to link accounts to share certain benefits. This includes sharing comped nights or discounted room rates, which is a huge perk since most casinos require the comped player to be present at check in for all discounted stays.
HUGE UPDATE Announced January 6, 2022 – Mlife has announced some awesome new tier benefits but at the same time it reduced the number of Tier Credits you’ll earn from various activities. They’ve also changed the way you’ll earn tier credits from gaming. All of these changes are discussed below but here’s the PR announcement of the changes (From the partner email):
MGM Resorts is rolling out its reimagined loyalty rewards program, MGM Rewards, on February 1 2022, unlocking unprecedented access for both gaming and non-gaming guests to the Company’s 20+ premier destinations across the country, offering more ways to earn and a host of exciting new benefits.
For the first time, non-gaming customers will join their gaming counterparts and have the benefit of earning a currency – MGM Rewards Points – redeemable for complimentary food and beverage, entertainment, hotel stays and more. All members can now earn Points on nearly all expenditures at MGM Resorts destinations, integrating both non-gaming and gaming activity. In addition to MGM Rewards Points, customers playing slots also will earn Slot Dollars. MGM Resorts’ five member tier levels – Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum and NOIR – remain in place.
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.
Mlife Rewards has some interesting program quirks. Elite benefits and earnings can differ depending on where you’re staying. For example, something interesting I just learned is that you get a monthly buffet credit upwards of $50 if you’re staying at Beau Rivage- that’s awesome!
Benefits include on site discounts, the ability to earn and redeem rewards, and exclusive member benefits with Mlife Partners.
M Life Tiers Explained + MGM Mlife Status Match
Mlife Rewards has five main elite status levels;
- Sapphire (entry level),
- Pearl
- Gold
- Platinum
- Noir (invitation only)
NEW! Mlife Status Match to Gold or Platinum + World of Hyatt Status Match (2022)
How to Earn Mlife Rewards Elite Status
- Status Match Promotion
- Mlife currently offers an extremely generous status match promotion allowing elite members from other casino programs to receive a comparable tier match (even if they’re existing members.).
- There’s also been a long standing offer available only at The Borgata in Atlantic City matches customers with status at competitor casinos to M life Gold for new members. Check the Promo Page for qualifying partners and eligible status levels.
- Status Match from World of Hyatt
- World of Hyatt can match to a reciprocal status in M Life Rewards (and Vice-versa). Match Page.
- (World Of Hyatt Credit Card gives members Discoverist Status)
- World of Hyatt can match to a reciprocal status in M Life Rewards (and Vice-versa). Match Page.
- Mlife Rewards Mastercard currently Offers Pearl to cardholders
- Military Appreciation Program offers active duty, vets and their spouses complimentary Pearl Status
- Earn status the old fashioned way by racking up enough Tier Credits
- Promotions
Mlife Tiers: Tier Credit Requirements for M life rewards Elite Status Sapphire (entry level)
- Pearl: 20,000 Tier Credits (Down from 25,000)
- Gold: 75,000 Tier Credits
- Platinum: 200,000 Tier Credits
- Noir (invitation only)
Sapphire
- Earn Points and Express Comps Redeemable at all M life Rewards Destinations
- Exclusive Access to Mobile Check-In via MGM Resorts Mobile App
- Personalized Offers and Room Discounts on mlife.com
Pearl Status
All the perks of Sapphire membership, along with:
- 10% Points Earning on slot play
- Extended Expiration of Rewards Points (as long as you maintain Pearl or better your points will not expire)
- Dedicated Line at Participating Buffets
- Complimentary Self-Parking
- Complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts (beginning February 2022)
M life Gold Status
All Benefits of Pearl, plus:
- 20% Bonus on Points Earned Playing Slots
- Priority Hotel Check-in Line at the Front Desk
- Complimentary Valet Parking at Las Vegas Destinations
- Waived resort fees (beginning Feb 2022)
- Complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts (beginning February 2022)
M life Platinum Status Benefits
All the benefits of Gold membership, and more:
- 30% Bonus on Points Earned Playing Slots
- Priority Access for Valet and Taxi Service
- Annual Complimentary Cruise for Qualifying Members on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises
- Waived resort fees (beginning February 2022)
- Tier Achievement Travel Credit to Las Vegas (beginning February 2022)
- Complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts (beginning February 2022)
NOIR – By invitation only
- 40% Bonus on Points Earned Playing Slots
- Guaranteed Advance Hotel and Restaurant Reservations
- Complimentary Limousine Service to/from Nearest Airport with Hotel Stay
- Waived resort fees (beginning Feb 2022)
- Tier Achievement Travel Credit to Las Vegas (beginning February 2022)
- Complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts (beginning February 2022)
MUST READ: 2022 Caesars Rewards Guide (Plus Earning and Redeeming Tier Credits, Rewards Credits and Benefits)
How to Earn Elite Qualifying Tier Credits
M Life Rewards has two different types of points and credits that members earn through specified activities: Qualifying Credits (aka Tier Credits) and Redeemable Rewards (known as MGM rewards points). Tier Credits are used to determine your elite status with M life.
M life Tier Credits are status credits that are added up to determine a members annual Tier point total which determines the member’s elite status (known as Tier Status within M life). The more Tier Credits you earn, the better status and benefits you’ll get.
UPDATE (NEW as of 2022) Tier Credits earned from January 1 to January 30, 2022 qualify you for your tier beginning February 1 (an extra 30 days to earn a higher status level). If you advance to a higher tier at any time you’ll get the benefits for at least one year since you’ll have the higher status in the year it’s earned, plus the following year. If you advance to a higher tier at any time, you’ll get those benefits at least one year.
Also Read: 2022 Caesars Rewards Guide (Plus Earning and Redeeming Tier Credits, Rewards Credits and Benefits)
How to Earn Tier Credits Fast
M life is a bit different than the other popular casino loyalty programs including Caesars when it comes to earning tier credits. The rate at which you earn tier credits is partially based on geographic location (chart here). If you’re in Vegas at any of the participating properties listed below, you earn 4 Tier Credits per dollar spend (on non gaming activity). (This is reduced from 25 TCs per dollar and goes into effect February 2022).
- Gambling: Varies based on the specific type of gaming. Earning Details for each activity can be found here.
- 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.
- Hotel Stays, retail purchases, entertainment and hospitality spend: Earn 4 Tier Credits for every $1 spent in Las Vegas.
- Promotions- last year M life offered 3x tier credits from mid August until the end of the qualification period in October
- World of Hyatt Stays– You can earn 8 tier credits per dollar when you stay at Hyatt hotels.
How to Redeem Rewards
M life has 2 Types of Redeemable Rewards that can be used for things like free nights, merchandise and free play. Redeemable rewards are earned through both casino play and other qualifying activity based on spending including entertainment activities at MGM resorts destinations.
MGM Rewards Points (earned on slot play, all gambling, hotel, dining and MGM Mastercard)- Cannot be redeemed for FREEPLAY
Earn MGM Rewards Points at all MGM Rewards Destinations, nationwide by playing slots, VLT’s, or table games, and for hotel stays booked directly through MGM Resorts and dining at over 400 participating food and beverage outlets. You’ll earn (1) MGM Rewards Point per $1 spent on eligible dining and hotel folio charges.
Earned Through Gaming– Earn MGM Rewards Points for slots, VLT’s and table games based on game type, average bet, and length of play.
MGM Rewards Points may be redeemed for hotel stays, dining, entertainment venues, or to purchase your MGM Rewards Moments
Members with a Tier Status of Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, and Platinum are limited to a balance of $5,000 in MGM Rewards Points and those with a NOIR Tier Status are limited to a balance of $10,000 in MGM Rewards Points. Once a member reaches the applicable balance limit, no additional MGM Rewards Points will be awarded for activities that would otherwise result in MGM Rewards Points being awarded until such balance falls below the applicable balance limit.
Slot Dollars
Mlife Borgata
Borgata in Atlantic City has long been the crown jewel of east coast casinos and in 2017 they became part of the Mlife Rewards family as an MGM casino. While the Borgata still maintains some unique attributes for it’s player club members the main features of the program have taken effect.
Mlife Rewards Guide: Maximize Rewards with Partners
Although tier credits and spend at Mlife properties don’t earn you redeemable rewards for MGM properties you can earn valuable rewards from several partners.
MGM Resorts
The M life Rewards program is valid at all MGM Resorts worldwide.
MGM Rewards Las Vegas Hotels List- Eligible for World of Hyatt Points and Stay Credits
MGM Rewards stays in Las Vegas at participating resorts earn 5 World of Hyatt Base Points per eligible dollar spent.
-
Bellagio®
-
ARIA™,
-
Vdara™,
-
MGM Grand®,
-
The Signature at MGM Grand®,
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Mandalay Bay®,
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Delano Las Vegas,
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Park MGM™,
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NoMad Las Vegas®,
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The Mirage®,
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Monte Carlo™,
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New York New York™,
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Luxor® and
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Excalibur®.
- (Although Circus Circus is owned by MGM Resorts International, it is not a participating M life Rewards destination and therefore is not part of this relationship.)
Related 5 Easy Ways to Get Hotel Elite Status
Other MGM Resort Locations in the U.S.
- Beau Rivage — Biloxi, MS
- Borgata — Atlantic City, NJ
- Empire City Casino — Yonkers, NY
- Gold Strike — Robinsonville, MS
- MGM Grand Detroit — Detroit, MI
- MGM National Harbor — Oxon Hill, MD
- MGM Northfield Park — Northfield, OH
- MGM Springfield — Springfield, MA
MGM Resorts in Macau
- MGM Cotai
- MGM Macau
MGM Resorts in Japan
- MGM Osaka
- MGM Tokyo
Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality Locations
- Bellagio Shanghai
- Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu
- Diaoyutai Hotel Hangzhou
- MGM Grand Sanya
Mlife Rewards Guide: Partners – Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines
M life members with Gold Tier status and above receive an on-board credit ($125 and up) in addition to welcome amenities and priority check in. Even better, Platinum and Noir Members receive a free cruise each year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Earn 600 Rapid Rewards Points for each qualifying stay at all Las Vegas M life Rewards destinations: Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Delano Las Vegas, Park MGM Las Vegas, The Mirage, New York – New York, Luxor, and Excalibur.
Final Thoughts: MGM Rewards Guide
The M life Rewards program isn’t exactly generous when it comes to rewarding players or hotel guests, but MGM sets its self apart from the competition by having some of the nicest casino properties in the world. The inability to earn redeemable rewards credits on spending makes its utility very limited for anyone who doesn’t gamble. However, World of Hyatt points are extremely valuable and those are earned for all participating resort stays. Additionally, gamblers will benefit from enhanced earnings for play and generous comps in Vegas. There are some easily accessible shortcuts to earning status so even non gamers can access elite program benefits. As I mentioned earlier, we’re going to do a whole series on how to maximize certain benefits and extract as much value as possible from rewards and I’ll continue to update this Mlife Rewards Guide as necessary.
How much is each point worth ? i.e. 30,000 points equal what ?
Each point is worth a cent- so 30k MGM Rewards Points would be worth $300.
Hi my wife and I visit Vegas at least once a year and stay at mgm resort properties and have, before the pandemic ,had been upgraded to gold status members but it was do to the triple points in September. Holy run-on sentence. Lol. Would love to hear about tricks to ” maximize and extract” as much rewards as possible. Even though we do gamble everyday, we aren’t huge gamblers. It nice to learn all the tricks to get better perks and higher tier status without having to spent a crap load of money. Thanks for the future advise you can give. 34 days till Vegas.
trying to apply for the master card but I can not log in to my account
Quick way to get 75k tier credits? Video poker?
Hotel stays seem like the easiest. Video poker is solid too.
Completely agree. Thank you for reading!
So, if I get 8 pts per $1.oo spend on dinning, hotel, or spa with any credit card (which I do here in A/C), but instead I use my M-life mastercard which gives me 3x points, is it as easy as multiplying 8x + 3x and I actually get 24x that 1.00? Im confused
Which part are you referring to? So you only get 3 TCs extra per dollar for using the Mlife card. And you only get 25 TCs per dollar in Vegas- the other US locations vary.
The onboard credit for cruising has changed. You only receive the credit if you are given the free cruise yhrubthe mlife rewards program as a Platinum or Noir member. They do not give the inboard credit as they once did. Bummer!
Oh man… that is a bummer! What about when you book it as part of a promo from Mlife?
We are Platinum. Can we pay to upgrade the cruise to a different destination/cabin?
Is earning tier credits at gold strike casino in tunica the same as at Bellagio in Las Vegas?
Yes, tier credits are all equal regardless of how/where earned.
I need 7200 TC to remain gold. I don’t have MGM CC. What the quickest way to earn those TC? Dinning, slots or Spa.
If I have Diamond status at Caesars through FoundersCard, can I get a status match at mLife? And if so, do I need to get the status match by January 30th?
They actually extended the status match through June and Diamond via FC will match you to MGM Gold.
How many dollars need to be spent to reach Pearl status?
If you’re earning by spend only 5k- It’s probably not worth it since you can earn comps on play regardless of your status or you can grab a credit card to shortcut to Pearl
My husband any my accounts are linked, I if get the MLife credit card will he have a Pearl status as well, or jsut me?
Only you will have it but since his account is linked- he basically has it since he can share ALL of your perks and offers aside from your individual free play and bonus slot earnings. To fix that he should just use your card at slots.
Do they have a 2022 schedule for x2 or x3 points? I struggle to get to gold status, but my buddy went last week and hit double points and went straight into platinum. Now I need to pay catch up!! Lol
LOL- sadly they don’t have a schedule but if you check in once a month or so you won’t miss the announcement. I got an email in advance for the current 2x Tier Credit promo.
Does MGM have a daily tier bonus similar to Caesars Rewards (5,000 tier credits earned results in 10k tier bonus as an example)? Thank you.
Sadly no, but they do have double tier credit earning days.
I am new to the rewards program. Just got the MGM Rewards credit card. I have over 300.00 in Slot dollars. How would I go about turning that into real cash?
I’m not sure if you can but you can convert it at MGM rewards for dining and hotel credit etc
It says we can only get 4 tier credits per dollar at participating Hyatt stays, not 8 tier credits
Hello
We will be going to the Bellagio in December. I will be starting at Sapphire level tier. How much do I need to spend on my my hotel room and maybe some dining, to earn 20,000 points to achieve Pearl status. I am only interested in having my parking charge paid.
Thank you !