What is a loyalty program?
The gambling industry is a highly competitive one and one of the ways gambling companies try to keep their customers happy is through loyalty programs. These incentive systems are also sometimes known as VIP rewards, player rewards or simply rewards programs.
Casinos and websites use these systems to reward players for making use of their services through the accumulation of company-specific credit. The more you spend, the more credit you build up, which you can redeem for rewards or use to gain access to exclusive discounts and services.
While most programs work like this, there are important differences between these schemes that can separate the best from the rest.
The differences between casino loyalty programs
There are many different types of casino bonuses and in the same way, not all gambling programs are the same. Some may suit you and your play style better than others. Here are some of the differences you need to know about.
Flat vs. tiered structures
If a loyalty program has a flat structure, your rewards tend to be consistent. As long as you meet the minimum requirements, you’ll earn the same rewards as everyone else.
Other programs have tiers or levels, which gamblers can “climb.” Every new member starts at the lowest level but gains more points as they play. Once they hit a certain number of points, they are promoted to the next tier, which gives them access to extra perks and benefits. However, access to these perks is conditional. If the gambler starts to spend less, they may find themselves slipping down the tiers of the loyalty system and losing whatever additional benefits they’ve accrued. To make sure you don’t lose your favorite benefits, read the terms and conditions of rewards programs.
Varying rewards for different activities, bets or games
The number of credits or points you get may vary depending on the type of casino game or activity. For example, you may earn fewer loyalty credits for every dollar that you spend on casino slot games when compared to live dealer casino games. Depending on your loyalty program, the credits you earn playing different games may also only apply to specific rewards.
Wagering requirements and other fine print
An online gambling site may have specific rules about what you’re allowed to do with your loyalty-program credits. For example, you may be required to spend a certain amount before you gain access to these credits, in the same way that you can often only claim rewards from consumer brands’ promotional offers after you spend a certain amount of money on them. If you’re trying to learn about a rewards program or what makes a casino bonus lucrative, the wagering requirements are a huge factor. If they are too high, you might have to wait for incredibly long periods before you can access your winnings or program benefits.
What sorts of perks can you expect at an online casino?
Every casino rewards program is unique, but here are some of the exciting perks and rewards that you might have access to.
Increasing tier bonuses: As discussed earlier, loyalty programs often run a tiered structure that offers greater rewards, depending on how much you spend. This could be something as simple as increasing deposit bonuses as you climb up the tiers of the program. The general idea here is: the more you spend, the more you get back.
Faster response from support services: Are you having technical difficulties and need assistance from the support team? Or do you just have a question about an upcoming event? High-ranking members of a casino’s loyalty program are likely to get a faster response from the site’s support team.
Exclusive access to specific bonuses, services, games and events: If you’re part of an online casino’s loyalty program, you’re likely to get access to special VIP bonuses, services and events, especially if you’re a high-roller. For example, many online casinos organize exclusive tournaments or events that are only accessible to their sites’ biggest spenders. These events sometimes have the biggest jackpots to really push the idea that they’re reserved for the best of the best.
Birthday and other important date bonuses: Whether it’s your birthday or the anniversary of when you signed up for your online casino account, members of a loyalty program may find a few extra goodies in their inbox on important dates throughout the year.
A variety of casino bonuses: Whether it’s cashback offers, deposit bonuses or free spins on slot machines, members can expect more bonuses on a more regular basis.
Access to the loyalty-program store: Some gambling sites have online stores where you can spend your loyalty reward points to buy extra online casino services like free spins or hands in your favorite game. You can use your points for luxury items such as mobile phones or gaming consoles or even exchange them for real money in some cases.
Extra prizes and rewards: Again, this is likely to depend on how much you spend, but if you do enjoy splurging at an online casino, the site might award you extra prizes and rewards, no strings attached. In the same way that a brick-and-mortar casino might “comp” your drinks, an online casino might send you vouchers or other unique offers for being a loyal customer.
Discounts on other branded services: This doesn’t apply to all online casinos, but if a website is associated with a brick-and-mortar casino or a hotel resort, its program may offer loyal customers rewards that extend beyond the site itself. For example, you might get a discount on the penthouse suite at a hotel or even deposit bonuses for playing at real tables in the brand’s land-based casino.
A dedicated account manager/staff to assist you personally: While it may not be as common or accessible as other rewards, an online casino may provide you with a dedicated account manager. Naturally, this depends on how loyal you are to the service. If you’re an elite member of the loyalty program, you may have direct access to a member of staff whose job it is to make sure you’re happy.
These are just some of the potential perks you might be able to receive, so be sure to do your research before you sign up and start playing at an online casino. Have fun!
Join the best casino loyalty program: MGM Rewards
Now that you’ve seen the benefits that are available through casino loyalty programs, you might be wondering what are the benefits offered at BetMGM’s online casino. The answer is simple: all this and so much more.
BetMGM’s online site now offers players access to the revamped MGM Rewards program. The MGM brand has created rewards programs that have won four Freddie Awards, one of the travel loyalty industry’s most respected award schemes. This is a clear testament to the value that MGM programs bring to loyal customers.
How do I get MGM Rewards points?
With MGM Rewards, you don’t need to visit a land-based MGM casino resort to earn points and enjoy benefits like complimentary dining, entertainment, accommodation and more. The rewards program lets online and offline players earn MGM Rewards points. You can earn points by playing online slots and table games at our live dealer online casino. Sports bettors aren’t left in the dark, either. Every wager placed on the BetMGM online sportsbook can also earn you rewards points.
You can use the same loyalty program to earn rewards points at land-based casinos. And even if you exclusively play online, you can redeem online points for MGM Rewards points and use them for resort benefits and extras.
MGM Rewards tiers
There’s a different loyalty program tier for every kind of player. The higher you go, the more benefits, points and extras you unlock. Don’t worry if you have to start low; rewards members earn tier credits whenever they play at an MGM online casino or a land-based resort. As your tier credits accumulate, you’ll be able to move to the next level.
Sapphire
0 – 19,999 tier credits
Though it might be the lowest tier, Sapphire members still enjoy discounted rooms at live MGM Resorts venues and free $5 birthday and BetMGM Anniversary bets.
Pearl
20,000 – 75,000 tier credits
Pearl members enjoy $10 free bets and a 10% boost on the points’ generation rate.
Gold
75,000+ tier credits
Gold members can expect to receive $25 free bets, a 20% boost on points and access to premium customer support.
Platinum
200,000+ tier credits
Platinum is the second-highest MGM rewards tier. Members receive $100 in free bets and a significant 30% points boost. Members will also enjoy expedited window service at all BetMGM sportsbooks available across MGM Resorts properties.
Noir (Invite Only)
In the exclusive Noir tier, players get $200 free bets and a 40% boost on points. This tier gives access to a dedicated VIP host.
Pearl, Gold, Platinum and Noir members will also receive occasional complimentary tickets to exclusive MGM Rewards concerts in Las Vegas, complimentary self-parking and exemption from rewards points expiry. Gold, Platinum and Noir members will enjoy free valet parking, resort fee waivers and complimentary room upgrades. Other exclusive benefits for elite members include air travel credits, tier achievement celebration dining vouchers and much more.
MGM Rewards gives you the option to redeem your points online for online free play or to convert your points to use at an MGM resort. If you’re learning how to play roulette at a casino, our loyalty program will reward you whether you play online or at a traditional venue. Visit our MGM Rewards info page to learn more about how you can earn points and tier credits when you play online.
Roll out the red carpet with BetMGM Rewards
You don’t win Casino Operator of the Year by being mediocre. At BetMGM, we believe more is more. We offer more casino games, more promotions, more rewards and more benefits. If you’re trying to find the best slot machines to play at a casino, we have thousands to choose from. Plus a wide selection of sports to bet on and table games with real professional dealers. Register with us to take your casino gaming to the next level with MGM Rewards.
