Understanding the Difference Between Casino Rewards and Tier Points

^{Casino rewards programs change a lot and the old loyalty cards provide great Vegas memories. (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com)}

Casino rewards programs are different from most non-gaming-related loyalty programs. For starters, there are typically more types of points for separate perks for each dollar spent.

This differs from a supermarket, coffee shop, or other retail outlet offering one point per dollar spent. Casinos offer both reward points and tier points for each dollar spent. Each type of point has a different purpose.

Each has benefits, but they’re usually earned and used differently. The difference is in the names, even though that might not be obvious for those new to casino rewards programs.

In brief, reward points at casinos are used to redeem rewards, while Tier points contribute to your status within the rewards program. Unfortunately, it may be a little more confusing since casino groups may use different terms.

Earning Casino Reward Points

Before diving into the differences in the points, it’s helpful to see how points are earned. Gaining both types of points could be different at the casino you visit. 

Most important: Use the rewards program when gambling and whenever you buy something at the casino.

Each casino group has a different model for how each dollar spent earns tier and reward points. One casino could reward 1 point per dollar spent on everything, while another could give 1 tier credit and 10 reward credits per dollar spent. Check the rewards program FAQ or terms and conditions for specific information. 

Most casino groups offer points for all spending on the property, from gambling to dining and retail spending. Some of the largest casino loyalty programs, like Caesars Rewards and MGM Rewards, also have credit cards and outside partners to earn points.

Some smaller casino operators may use a mostly outdated policy that only rewards gambling. These are few and far between in Las Vegas, but they still exist at casinos like Binion’s in downtown Las Vegas.

What Are Casino Reward Program Tier Points?

TLDR: Tier points go towards the level of rewards program membership.

Tier points (or credits) are fairly straightforward. Most casino rewards programs have multiple levels, or tiers. 

A player will earn a tier point for a certain amount of money spent with a casino group when they play using a rewards card or submit it when paying for a good or service. 

These points have no actionable value. They’re specifically used to determine the status of a member in a rewards program. Earning more points leads to achieving a higher status in a rewards program. This leads to greater benefits and perks.

The entry level in a rewards program may simply offer a small discount on hotel rooms and access to members-only promotions. Meanwhile, the highest tier in the program might receive everything from the lower levels, plus perks like complimentary suite upgrades, along with airfare and dining credits.

Since higher-tier customers tend to spend more money, they’re more valuable to the casino operator. Better perks come with a higher tier status, and some customers will make sure to spend enough to keep their status. 

To lure higher spenders from other casino groups, some operators will offer promotions like the Venetian tier match last year. This can be a good way for customers to explore other rewards programs to see if they’re getting the best bang for the buck.

Tier status usually lasts one year. 

What Are Casino Reward Points?

TLDR: Reward points can be used for goods, services, and free play

Understanding Reward points (or credits or dollars) is also simple but different from their tier counterparts. These points can be earned from all spending in a casino and used towards items such as hotel rooms, dining, entertainment, and retail purchases. Reward points can also be turned into Free Play for machine games in the casino.

Again, some smaller programs may only offer reward points for money spent while gambling. 

All casino rewards programs dole out reward points at a different rate. Tier status doesn’t matter in how members use their reward points. Check the terms and conditions or the FAQ for the program to get specific information.

While a bigger spender may accumulate more reward points, everyone will spend at the same rate. For example, using 2,000 reward points for lunch would be the same for an upper-tier member as someone still at the entry level.

Reward points usually expire after a period of inactivity – usually six or 12 months. Check the rewards program websites for specific dates. 

It’s frustrating to earn points but only visit Las Vegas once a year and have them go away for no reason. Knowing the expiration could give an “excuse” to visit Las Vegas or to use before leaving.

Rewards and Tier Point Terms in Las Vegas

As previously mentioned, each casino group uses its own terminology for branding its reward program. The terms points and credits are usually interchangeable, but the marketing messages may be slightly confusing at first.

Here are the terms for the larger Las Vegas rewards programs, since it might be confusing to new members.

• MGM Rewards: Reward Points and Tier Credits
• Caesars Rewards: Reward Credits and Tier Credits
• Wynn Rewards: Slot Points and Tier Credits
• Venetian Rewards: Reward Points and Tier Points
• Boyd Rewards: Boyd Points and Tier Credits
• Station Casinos Boarding Pass: Reward Points and Tier Credits

For simplicity's sake, all points that use the word “tier” go towards status. Any other terminology is for reward points or credits that can be redeemed for goods, services, and free play.

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