MGM Rewards Unveils More Marriott, Royal Caribbean Perks

  • It’s one of the gaming industry’s biggest loyalty programs
  • Furthers relationship with Marriott Bonvoy

MGM Resorts International announced today that its loyalty program, which is one of the largest in the casino industry, is adding new avenues for accruing perks, including some via established partnerships with Marriott and Royal Caribbean.

MGM Rewards
MGM Rewards cards. The gaming company announced a significant expansion of that program.(Image: MGM Resorts)

In a broad expansion of its partnership with Marriott, which went into effect last year, MGM said members of its rewards program will now have access to tier-matching benefits with Marriott Bonvoy. For example, Pearl members of MGM Rewards are eligible for Silver Elite in Marriott Bonvoy while those with Gold status in the casino rewards plan can leverage that for Gold Elite in the hotel loyalty plan. The same goes for MGM Rewards Platinum members.

These elevated tier match benefits, collectively, provide more MGM Rewards members with additional access to perks at over 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy global destinations, such as priority late checkout, room upgrades, welcome gifts and more,” according to a statement.  “Previously linked accounts will reflect the new tier status match automatically.”

Those in the invitation-only Noir tier of MGM Rewards will continue garnering benefits Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite – the highest level of that loyalty scheme.

Cruising for MGM Rewards Points

MGM Rewards members also have new avenues for earning points with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Added perks include an annual cruise benefit for MGM Rewards Gold members.

Those that like to bet during their voyages on the high seas might like the fact that regardless of their MGM Rewards status, they’ll earn a free play offer on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruises. The catch is that the free play is earned when traveling on offer through the gaming company, on a certificate or when traveling in a group.

“MGM Rewards Platinum and NOIR members will receive greater access to benefits for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, including upgraded stateroom types, a larger variety of exciting itineraries and longer vacation options redeemable through their Annual Cruise Benefit,” according to the statement.

Royal Caribbean Group also has a points-sharing agreement with Hard Rock International’s Unity by Hard Rock casino rewards program.

Other MGM Rewards Enhancements

In addition to the broadening of the Marriott and cruise partnerships, MGM said its rewards program participants can now earn what it’s calling milestone rewards that can ease to the move to higher tiers by allowing some tier credits to be carried over to the following year.

Most casino loyalty programs allow points to be carried over from year-to-year, but customers’ tier credits are typically reset with the start of a new year. MGM Rewards’ milestone plan allows for carrying over of 7,500 tier credits to 2026 for clients that earn 50,000 tier credits this year. Those that garner 125,000 tier credits this year can keep 17,500 for 2026.

The gaming company also unveiled the MGM Rewards eGift card, which can be used to book stays at the operator’s casino hotels or for food and beverage purchases at those properties.

Todd Shriber
Todd Shriber Financial Reporter

Todd Shriber is a senior news reporter covering gaming financials, casino business, stocks, and mergers and acquisitions for Casino.org.

Todd got his start in financial markets as a reporter with Bloomberg News. Later, he became a trader at a Southern California-based long/short hedge fund, where he specialized in the trading sector and international ETFs leading up to and during the financial crisis. He joined Casino.org in 2019.

Currently, Todd analyzes, researches, and writes on ETFs for various web-based publications and financial services firms. Shriber has been featured and quoted in Barron's, CNBC.com, and The Wall Street Journal. His work can also be found on Benzinga, ETF Daily News, ETF Trends, MarketWatch, Fox Business, and Nasdaq.com.

He currently resides in Las Vegas, where he enjoys golf and taking his black lab to the dog park. He's also an avid sports fan and likes to wager on college football and the NBA. You can also find him at the three-card poker and roulette table, even though he knows better.

Contact Todd at todd.shriber@casino.org.

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