How to Get the Most Out of Casino Rewards in Las Vegas

^{A look at the Vegas Strip from a complimentary balcony suite at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com)}

Many people complain about the high prices in Las Vegas on social media. While the complaint may be justified, are they taking action?

Not really. The vast majority of visitors still pay full price for hotel rooms when they don’t have to. According to the annual Las Vegas Visitor Profile report, only a small share of hotel rooms are discounted or complimentary.

In 2024, 58% of visitors paid the regular rate for hotel rooms in Las Vegas. Just 19% booked a complimentary or casino rate room. 

It is not difficult to save money on hotel rooms when visiting Las Vegas. Getting started takes only a few minutes.

Sign Up for Casino Rewards Programs to Save Money

Signing up for a top casino rewards program is the easiest way to save money in Las Vegas. While many people think of huge comps for high rollers, all members can receive discounts.

The entry level of most Las Vegas casino rewards programs offers small discounts on hotel rooms, shopping and more. Visitors can start small and enjoy perks that fit their budget.

Like most retail rewards programs, members get greater benefits the more they spend. Do not get lost in the glitz of complimentary suites and lavish dinners. 

There are discounts and benefits for all members at every Las Vegas casino-hotel. Caesars and MGM operate most of the casino resorts on the Strip. 

They also offer hotel rooms for all budgets and are a good barometer of what discounts are available for most visitors. Let’s take a quick look at the savings available for all rewards program members, no matter how much they spend:

• Caesars Rewards is the largest casino loyalty program in the U.S., with 10 properties in Las Vegas and many more across the country. All members can receive either discounted or complimentary rooms when booking directly through Caesars, which also guarantees the best available rate.
• MGM Rewards members can save up to 15% on hotel rooms with a similar best rate guarantee. Guests also receive discounted tickets for select shows, at least 5% off at participating retail outlets and up to 30% off Avis car rentals.

Both companies also have members-only promotions and discounts. Caesars and MGM have free and premium credit cards to help boost rewards for Las Vegas.

Together, Caesars and MGM properties make up most of the casinos on the Strip. Other casino rewards programs around the Vegas Valley provide similar offers for those who want to explore different areas.

These are just entry-level discounts. Benefits increase as guests spend more with each company and move up in reward tiers.

It is easy to get caught up in the rewards game. Everyone enjoys discounts and complimentary meals or hotel rooms, but members should stick to their budgets and use the perks that make sense.

Changing Comps from Suites to Snacks

My preferences in casino rewards have changed a lot over the years for a few reasons. As a tourist, my goal was to get complimentary rooms and meals. Living in Las Vegas, my main goals have been downsized drastically to as little as a complimentary cup of coffee. 

When I lived on the East Coast I was equidistant from the Connecticut casinos and Atlantic City. While I preferred Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, I visited Atlantic City much more often for the comps.

Caesars Atlantic City properties were good enough and offered better value at more locations. My play earned me comps for rooms, suites and meals not only in Atlantic City but also in Las Vegas.

That immediately knocked hundreds of dollars off each visit to Las Vegas. I could use this money elsewhere or save for another visit.

My needs changed when I moved to Las Vegas.

Instead of earning rewards for hotel rooms, my attention shifted to local casinos. The goals became as modest as a complimentary cup of coffee or a meal instead of a place to stay.

I am also less focused on sticking with one rewards program since I visit many more casinos with local friends and tourists visiting. My budget is now spread across different programs.

The smaller rewards are easier to obtain because the required spend is much less than what is needed for lavish rooms, suites or steak dinners.

There are plenty of ways to save money in Las Vegas. Casino rewards can be useful for visitors and locals at any budget level. 

Being a part of multiple casino rewards programs is helpful because you never know when there will be a random offer that is too good to pass up. Just after the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic the Cosmopolitan offered me comp suites every month as well as a dining credit and free play for my modest budget.