LearnTheOdds

MGM Rewards: Comps & Points, Explained

The Strip's other giant loyalty program. Here's how points and tier credits accrue, what they're worth in dollars, and a calculator loaded with the program's base rates so you can price your own play.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The one-minute version

  • Points are the spendable currency: worth about 1¢ each toward rooms, dining, and entertainment across MGM's resorts, with slot dollars as a common redemption.
  • Slots earn on coin-in at a faster base clip than Caesars (our illustrative base: ≈1 point per $5 of slot coin-in: about 0.2% of coin-in in point value). Video poker earns at a reduced rate, as everywhere.
  • Tables run on your rating. Average bet × time × house edge sets your theo; the pit comps back a share of it (~20% is a sensible planning number). Express Comps accrue behind the scenes for rated players.
  • Tier credits gate the perks (Pearl → Gold → Platinum → Noir): waived resort fees, lounge access, and, at the top, the perks that used to take a host's phone call.

Price your own play

The calculator below is locked to MGM Rewards' base rates (as of July 2026). Higher tiers and point multiplier promotions raise the earn meaningfully: if you know your actual rates, enter them in the Advanced panel and trust those instead.

Advanced: enter the rates your host or player's club quoted
n/a Net expected cost of the session
n/aTheoretical loss (theo)
n/aComp value earned
n/aEffective rebate on theo
n/aTotal wagered (coin-in)
n/aPoints earned

Theo (theoretical loss) is what the casino expects to win from this play, average bet × decisions per hour × hours × house edge. Comps return a slice of that theo. A bigger comp always means more expected loss behind it: comps reduce the cost of play, they never make it profitable.

Reading your results

MGM's faster base slot earn shows up directly in the effective rebate line, but remember the denominator: slot theo is built on a much larger house edge than a rated blackjack seat. A modest but consistent table rating on a low-edge game frequently beats a fat points balance on total cost. The net expected cost readout is the honest comparison; see how theo is calculated.

Maximizing without overpaying

  • Match the program to your geography. MGM's footprint is Strip-heavy plus regional properties; if your local casino is a Boyd or Caesars house, concentrate there instead.
  • Watch for tier-credit multiplier windows, status earned in a promotion costs a fraction of the usual theo.
  • Always get rated at tables, Express Comps only accrue on tracked play.
  • Don't buy Noir. The top tiers price their perks above any rational theo budget; let your natural play set your tier.

Illustrative base earn: excludes tier multipliers, promotions, and mailers. Rates vary by property and tier; verify at the MGM Rewards desk.