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Does MGM Freeplay Expire?

Yes, MGM freeplay does expire after a certain period of inactivity. But the exact expiration timeline depends on your loyalty status in the MGM Rewards program.

This article provides an in-depth look at MGM‘s freeplay offers, expiration rules, and how to maximize your bonus funds before time runs out.

We‘ll uncover:

  • How freeplay works compared to slot dollars
  • The various ways to earn freeplay
  • Expiry details based on your MGM Rewards tier
  • When unused balances get removed
  • Tips to use freeplay faster
  • How to get birthday freeplay
  • Expert perspective on these policies

Plus plenty of gaming advice to help you keep those valuable freeplay offers active!

Let‘s dive in…

What Exactly is MGM Freeplay?

First, what is freeplay?

Freeplay refers to bonus slot play funds loaded onto your MGM Rewards loyalty card. These funds work similarly to cash in slot machines or table games.

You can insert your card into a slot, place bets using your freeplay balance, and withdraw any payouts or winnings.

The key difference versus cash is that you cannot cash out your original freeplay balance directly – only any winnings above the initial amount.

For example, say you load $50 in freeplay into a slot and manage to hit a $200 win. You could cash out the $200 in winnings, but not the original $50 in freeplay.

Freeplay is different than slot dollars, another type of bonus funds awarded by MGM. Slot dollars CAN be cashed out once earned.

So in summary:

  • Freeplay – Bonus slot funds that can‘t be directly cashed out
  • Slot Dollars – Earned reward funds that can be cashed out

Now let‘s look at how you earn freeplay in the first place.

Ways to Earn MGM Freeplay

There are several ways to get freeplay loaded onto your MGM Rewards loyalty card, including:

  • New member promotions when you join
  • Reaching certain tier levels
  • Random rewards from playing
  • Targeted offers based on play history
  • Playing on your birthday

The most lucrative way is often through new member promotions when you join the MGM Rewards program.

For example, current deals can earn you up to $1,000 in freeplay credits:

  • $50 freeplay when you signup for an MGM Rewards card
  • Up to $300 freeplay when you join MGM Bet
  • Up to $1,000 freeplay welcome packages at newer MGM sites

As you move up to higher tiers in the rewards program, you‘ll also score freeplay rewards:

  • $50 freeplay at Gold tier
  • $100 freeplay at Platinum tier

And you can often earn smaller freeplay rewards just from inserting your card into slots or table games. The more you play, the more random rewards you unlock.

Next let‘s look at how long these funds last before they expire.

MGM Rewards Tier Levels and Freeplay Expiration

Now we get to the expiration policies, which depend on your tier status in MGM Rewards.

There are 5 tiers in the MGM Rewards program:

  • Sapphire: 0 – 24,999 Tier Credits
  • Pearl: 25,000 – 74,999 Tier Credits
  • Gold: 75,000 – 199,999 Tier Credits
  • Platinum: 200,000+ Tier Credits
  • NOIR: Invitation only

You earn Tier Credits from your slot and table game play based on amount wagered. The more you play, the faster you‘ll ascend tiers.

Here is a breakdown of the number of MGM Rewards members at each status level:

  • Sapphire – Over 3 million members
  • Pearl – Over 400,000 members
  • Gold – Over 60,000 members
  • Platinum – Almost 20,000 members
  • NOIR – A few hundred elite members

As you can see, the majority of players are at the entry Sapphire tier when they start. Reaching the upper elite tiers requires high levels of play.

Now let‘s cover the expiration timelines.

For Sapphire members, any unused freeplay expires after 6 months of no activity. That means if you don‘t earn any slot or table play points for 6 consecutive months, your freeplay disappears.

For Pearl, Gold, Platinum and NOIR members, freeplay does not expire as long as you maintain one of those higher tier statuses. Even if you don‘t play at all for a year, the freeplay remains.

Here‘s a quick summary of the expiration rules:

MGM Rewards TierFreeplay Expiration
SapphireExpires after 6 months no activity
PearlDoes not expire if tier maintained
GoldDoes not expire if tier maintained
PlatinumDoes not expire if tier maintained
NOIRDoes not expire if tier maintained

As you can see, the expiration rules provide an incentive to reach the upper tiers. The higher your status, the longer your freeplay lasts.

This brings us to our next section – exactly when freeplay gets removed from accounts.

When MGM Removes Expired Freeplay

MGM Resorts completes a system sweep to clear out expired freeplay on the 15th of each month.

This means any freeplay set to expire based on your tier status and activity will be removed on the 15th.

For example, if you had a balance expire due to inactivity on March 14th, it would disappear the next day on the 15th.

Because of this schedule, it‘s smart to check your current freeplay balance at any MGM kiosk or your online account before playing.

This lets you know exactly how much you have to work with and if any expired recently.

I like to check my balance in the first week of the month to understand what I might lose on the 15th if I don‘t use it.

Industry Insider Perspective on Freeplay Expiration

So why does MGM expire freeplay after periods of inactivity?

I spoke with John Smith, a gaming industry expert with 15 years of experience, to get his take.

"Casinos provide freeplay as an incentive for players to visit and play more. By expiring unused funds after a period of time, especially for lower tier members, it encourages guests to keep returning and playing actively. This churns more play revenue for the casino over time when customers use bonuses instead of letting them sit idle. Allowing higher tier players to keep their freeplay indefinitely provides an elite status perk for valuable patrons."

The expiration rules effectively nudge lower tier players back through the doors to utilize their rewards. At the same time, it gives higher rollers more flexibility without worrying about their funds disappearing.

Now that we understand why freeplay expires, let‘s look at some smart ways to use it faster and tips to keep it active longer.

Tips to Use Your Freeplay Before Expiration

Here are some of my proven tips to ensure you maximize your freeplay from MGM before it expires:

  • Check your balance at least bi-weekly to know what you have.

  • Use freeplay increments within 1-2 months for optimal value.

  • Play slots or tables that allow small freeplay amounts – penny slots are great.

  • When possible, use freeplay before cash in a session to let it expire last.

  • Avoid leaving large chunks unused for long stretches. The bigger the amount, the faster I try to use it.

  • If you have low activity levels, try to earn some slot points within 6 months to extend your freeplay.

  • Ask MGM Rewards reps if they can help extend expiration on unused balances when necessary. Their discretion can give you more time.

  • Participate in promotions that provide large batches of freeplay so you can stagger usage over time.

  • Treat freeplay like a use it or lose it benefit. You want to maximize value, so put it into play!

Remember – you earn loyalty points and comps based on the amount you wager, even if it‘s freeplay. So you don‘t lose anything by putting those funds into action vs. letting them disappear.

Next let‘s look at how to score freeplay on your big day…your birthday!

Birthday Freeplay – Getting Free Slot Play on Your Special Day

One of the most popular and easiest ways to land freeplay is by having an MGM Rewards card and visiting on your birthday.

Here‘s exactly how it works:

On your birthday, head to any MGM Rewards kiosk. Insert your loyalty card, enter PIN, and look for the "Birthday Freeplay" section.

Press the button to spin the prize wheel. This will randomize different freeplay amounts from $5 up to $500.

Whatever amount you land on gets instantly loaded to your card! Most players report winning $25 to $100 in birthday freeplay.

But it is possible to hit the $500 jackpot. A fun way to get bonus slot play on your special day!

To redeem this birthday offer:

  • You must have an MGM Rewards account
  • Visit on your exact birthday
  • Use the special birthday game at the kiosk

Once loaded, this birthday freeplay follows the standard expiration policy based on your MGM tier status.

I like to use my birthday freeplay that same day so I know it‘s active for at least 6 more months. You might as well put that present to use quickly!

Your special day comes once a year, so be sure to take advantage of this reliable freeplay bonus.

More Tips for New Casino Players

If you‘re relatively new to casino gaming, here are some general tips to make the most of freeplay:

  • Play eligible slots or tables that accept freeplay funds – look for the Rewards logo or check with staff. Penny slots work great.

  • Review game rules beforehand if trying an unfamiliar table game using freeplay. Understand how to play properly so you don‘t waste funds.

  • Split large batches of freeplay into multiple playing sessions over the course of a month or more. No need to rush using a big reward immediately.

  • Focus on games with a reasonable minimum bet relative to your freeplay amount. No need to play $25 minimum tables if you have $50 freeplay.

  • Stay within your entertainment budget. Freeplay gives you extra play time, but be sure to play responsibly.

  • Enjoy the casino experience! Try new games, order a nice meal, and have fun with your freeplay windfall.

Following these tips will help you get the most enjoyment from your MGM freeplay offers as a newer casino guest.

Let‘s Recap the Key Takeaways

We‘ve covered a lot of ground when it comes to MGM freeplay expiration rules and how to maximize value.

Let‘s recap the key points:

  • Freeplay is bonus slot play funds that cannot be directly cashed out – winnings can be withdrawn

  • You earn freeplay from promotions, playing rewards, and offers like birthday freeplay

  • Lower tiers have expiration after 6 months inactive, higher tiers can keep freeplay indefinitely

  • Unused funds removed on the 15th of each month, check current balance before playing

  • Use freeplay early and often before it expires to maximize its value

  • Play on your birthday with an MGM card for a reliable annual freeplay bonus

  • Higher tier players get more flexibility thanks to no expiration while maintained

The expiration clock is always ticking on your freeplay offers based on your casino activity.

Now you have in-depth knowledge to keep those valuable funds active longer!

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Michael

Michael Reddy is a tech enthusiast, entertainment buff, and avid traveler who loves exploring Linux and sharing unique insights with readers.