The two largest casino loyalty programs in the United States — MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards — each have strengths for video poker players. Choosing between them (or how to balance both) depends on where you play, how much you play, and what benefits matter most to you.
Program Structures
MGM Rewards
- Tiers: Sapphire (entry), Pearl, Gold, Platinum, Noir
- Earn rate: Tier Credits earned based on theo (theoretical loss), not coin-in
- Key properties: Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria, Mandalay Bay, Borgata, Beau Rivage, MGM National Harbor, MGM Northfield Park
- Best VP properties: Borgata (Atlantic City), Beau Rivage (Biloxi) — not the Las Vegas Strip
Caesars Rewards
- Tiers: Gold (entry), Platinum, Diamond, Diamond Plus, Diamond Elite, Seven Stars
- Earn rate: Tier Credits based on theo; Reward Credits for points/free play
- Key properties: Caesars Palace, Paris, Flamingo, Harrah's, Horseshoe (multiple cities), Tropicana, many regional
- Best VP properties: Horseshoe Bossier City, Horseshoe Tunica, some regional Harrah's
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | MGM Rewards | Caesars Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Total properties | ~30 | ~50 |
| VP pay table quality | Better at regionals | Better at regionals |
| Tier advancement speed | Moderate | Moderate (faster with multipliers) |
| Resort fee waiver | Pearl and above | Diamond and above |
| Lounge access | Limited | Diamond and above |
| Room offers | Good at Gold+ | Good at Platinum+ |
| Free play mailers | Moderate | Aggressive |
| National reach | Strong (coasts + Biloxi) | Strongest (everywhere) |
For Video Poker Specifically
Where MGM Wins
- Borgata is the best video poker property in Atlantic City, and it's on MGM Rewards
- Beau Rivage is the best video poker property on the Gulf Coast, also MGM
- MGM Northfield Park (Cleveland area) lets Ohio players build Las Vegas status
If your travel pattern includes Atlantic City or Biloxi, MGM Rewards gives you the best VP properties in those markets.
Where Caesars Wins
- More properties everywhere. Caesars has 50+ locations. You're more likely to find a Caesars property near you, wherever you are.
- Horseshoe brand has the best VP pay tables in several regional markets (Bossier City, Tunica, etc.)
- Multiplier days at Caesars properties can rapidly accelerate tier advancement
- Seven Stars status (the top tier) includes annual cruise offers and dedicated host service
If you play at multiple regional casinos across the country, Caesars' breadth is hard to beat.
The Dual-Program Strategy
Many serious video poker players maintain status in both programs. This isn't as hard as it sounds:
- Play at MGM properties (Borgata, Beau Rivage, Northfield Park) for MGM Rewards status
- Play at Caesars properties (Horseshoe, Harrah's, regional locations) for Caesars Rewards status
- Use both programs' room offers and free play mailers
- Time visits to coincide with each program's multiplier events
The combined room offers from both programs can cover most of your hotel costs for a year, especially if you visit Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Gulf Coast markets regularly.
The Bottom Line
Choose MGM Rewards if: You play primarily in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Biloxi and want the best individual VP properties (Borgata, Beau Rivage).
Choose Caesars Rewards if: You play at regional casinos across the country and want the widest reach. Caesars is everywhere.
Choose both if: You travel to multiple markets and have the volume to maintain status in two programs. The combined value exceeds either program alone.
Neither program offers great video poker pay tables at their Las Vegas Strip properties. The real VP value in both programs is at their regional properties, where competition for local players forces better pay tables and more generous promotions.