MGM Resorts operates Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Cosmopolitan, Park MGM, and several other Strip properties. Their loyalty program, MGM Rewards, is the primary comp vehicle for high-limit video poker players on the Strip. The program leans toward luxury benefits — resort fee waivers, suite upgrades, and dining credits.
Tier Structure
| Tier | Requirements | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire | 0 | Base level |
| Pearl | 20,000 TCs | Free self-parking |
| Gold | 75,000 TCs | Resort fees waived (~$50+/night), room upgrades |
| Platinum | 200,000 TCs | Enhanced offers, personal host |
| NOIR | By invitation | Annual airfare credit, VIP everything |
Gold is the critical threshold. Waived resort fees at $50+/night save $150+ on a 3-night trip. At MGM's earn rate (~$100 coin-in per TC on video poker), Gold requires significant annual coin-in — realistic mainly for $5+ denomination players or high-volume multi-hand players.
Slot Dollars and Free Play
MGM uses "Slot Dollars" as their direct cashback currency. The earn rate varies by machine and denomination, but roughly $10 in coin-in earns 1 Slot Dollar on most video poker machines.
More significant than Slot Dollars: the Bounce Back offers. After a trip with sufficient play, MGM sends mailers with resort credits, free play, and room offers for return visits. The size of these offers correlates directly with your ADT.
Optimizing Your MGM Play
High-limit rooms are key. MGM's high-limit video poker rooms — particularly at Bellagio and Aria — tend to have better pay tables than the main floor. At Bellagio, you can sometimes find 9/6 Jacks or Better in the high-limit area when the main floor only offers 8/5.
Host visibility matters. High-limit rooms are staffed by hosts who track your play. Establishing a relationship with a host gives you access to discretionary comps (spa credits, show tickets, restaurant reservations) that don't appear in the standard program.
The checkout strategy. Before leaving, ask your host or the rewards desk to review your charges against your theoretical loss. If your theo exceeded your actual loss, they'll often credit dining and incidental charges against your play.
MGM vs. Caesars for Video Poker
| Factor | MGM Rewards | Caesars Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | High-limit players ($5+) | Mid-stakes grinders (quarters to $1) |
| Resort fee waiver | Gold tier (high coin-in) | Diamond tier (~$150K coin-in) |
| Pay table quality | Varies widely; best in high-limit | More consistent across properties |
| Multiplier events | Less frequent | Very frequent (5x, 10x TC days) |
| Property quality | Luxury (Bellagio, Aria) | Range (Caesars Palace to Flamingo) |
For most video poker players at quarter or dollar denomination, Caesars is more accessible. MGM becomes the better program at $5+ denomination where the higher play levels unlock Gold benefits efficiently.
Multi-Property Strategy
If you play at both MGM and Caesars properties during a Vegas trip, concentrate your play — don't split evenly. A high ADT at one operator is far more valuable than medium ADTs at both. Pick the operator with better pay tables for your preferred game and build your comp relationship there.