Question of the Day - 09 July 2017

To begin with, your complaint is the first we’ve received.

Secondly, we certainly hope you're aware of My Vegas Friends! This is the longest-running MyVegas Facebook fan group, which is fan-run (not owned or operated by PlayStudios). It's a highly active and up-to-date group that answers game questions, posts daily images of Vegas, and provides tips on deals, including how to get extra playing chips. Check out the site from the link above; we highly recommend MyVegas Friends.  

Back to your question. MGM is surely flattered that you’re playing the MyVEGAS games so much. However, we didn't receive a response to your query. We’ve never psychoanalyzed a corporation before but, hey, there’s a first time for everything.

At the risk of stating the obvious, locals aren't priority customers for MGM. They're never discussed in MGM’s conference calls with investors. (Can you imagine the same being said of Station Casinos?) The company’s full name — MGM Resorts International — gives a hint as to where the company’s focus lies: on global travelers and convention business. That locals' business is just gravy was clearly indicated by the temporary amnesty from self-parking fees, enjoyed by locals for a few months, but ultimately rescinded (unlike Caesars, where parking for locals remains free). MGM had clearly done its calculus and determined there was more to be gained from widening the fees than from potentially alienating some Vegas-area players.

MGM clearly wants to make those social-gaming rewards more remunerative for guests who stay (and presumably play) at MGM properties than for those who might drop in for a buffet or a little blackjack, but won’t be spending the night. Also, it views locals players as being value-focused, as evidenced partly by steering them toward the low-roller joints like Circus Circus. Evidently, the perception of locals players as a low-value proposition would also explain the comparatively minuscule coupon you describe, such as a free dessert at a high-end restaurant. MGM would appear to have little expectation that a local player such as yourself would patronize a Bellagio restaurant, hence the relative lack of offers.

Also, since restaurants are some of the relatively new profit centers of the casino business, MGM is likely trying not to give away the store by deeply discounting a meal at Aria or the Mirage, especially to customers it clearly views as being at the bottom of the food chain in multiple respects.

As always, the way to tell MGM that the local player matters is to take your business elsewhere. That said, given that MGM  has solved this equation in favor of non-local visitors, it probably won't make any difference to them.