For those who visit the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas often, there is big news coming your way. The resort’s program, Identity Membership and Rewards will be transitioning to MGM Rewards on July 30. For reference, this change comes after MGM Resorts International bought Blackstone’s operating rights for $1.6 billion in September 2019.

Cosmopolitan Identity Program Merging with MGM Rewards After Cyberattack Delays

Back in February, it was initially planned that Identity Membership and Rewards would merge with MGM Rewards by the same month in 2024. This plan faced delays due to an integration issue caused by a cyberattack that affected some domestic operations of MGM last September. Now the transition is happening and details were disclosed that are relevant to account holders.

According to MGM, all Identity Tier Points earned between July 30, 2023, and July 29, 2024, will be doubled and converted into MGM Rewards Tier Credits no later than the end of business on July 29, 2024. Additionally, points earned from table games play during this period will also be added as bonus Tier Credits to members’ MGM Rewards accounts.

These accumulated tier credits will combine with the players’ existing tier status within MGM Rewards through January 31, 2026, so players should not worry about losing any points. MGM Rewards consists of five tier levels: Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and the invitation-only NOIR.

Identity Transforms to MGM Rewards with New Terminology

The conversion from Identity to MGM Rewards modifies some aspects of the casino reward program. One such change is the terminology used. Tier points at Cosmopolitan will now be referred to as “tier credits” in the MGM system. 

Another important thing to note is when a guest will achieve tier status. The Tier Status Earning Year for MGM Rewards begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 each year, during this time members earn credits towards tiers they can hold for that year and the next one which runs from February 1 until January 31. All remaining or unused tier credits reset every New Year’s Day because all guests start over again trying their luck with earning new ones.

Furthermore, Identity Points previously earned through slot machines, video poker, and other gaming devices will be referred to as Slot Dollars in the MGM Rewards program.

Many people worry about changes being made to reward programs. However, altering Identity into MGM rewards was done in order to increase how many points one can earn as well as enhance tier credit opportunities.

Members of this new system will be able to earn not just at the Cosmopolitan but also at over 20 other MGM properties across the US and through the BetMGM app. There are numerous ways in which players can accumulate points including dining out, staying overnight at a hotel, entertainment services like spas or buying things from retail stores.

Notably, to advance through the tiers, members need to collect 25,000 tier credits for Pearl status, 75,000 for Gold, and 200,000 for Platinum. This integration offers a broader spectrum of benefits and earning possibilities for the loyal guests of the Cosmopolitan, making it a win-win for frequent visitors and the MGM Rewards program alike.

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The Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA) announced recently that it will be launching a new membership initiative at SBC Summit North America. With the help of the program, RGAA wants to keep fostering a stronger community of affiliate companies while at the same time prioritizing consumer protection.

RGAA Expands Membership to Strengthen Integrity and Consumer Protection Efforts

Max Bichsel, Chair of RGAA, emphasized the importance of the fresh program, stating: “The launch of our membership program is a pivotal moment for the RGAA as we strive to promote responsible gambling practices and advocate for equitable regulation in the industry. With each new affiliate that joins our ranks, we fortify our efforts to ensure that integrity and consumer protection remain at the forefront of our sector.”

RGAA was founded in 2023 by a consortium of industry giants including Better Collective, Catena Media, FairPlay Sports Media, Gambling.com, Spotlight Sports Group, and XLMedia and since then it has upheld a commitment to promote integrity and responsible marketing practices. 

With this new expansion of its membership rooster, RGAA wants to enhance its influence and build upon the foundation of the goals set by its initial members. New affiliates can reap the benefits of united representation in the gaming industry and will be able to access a wide range of resources such as regulation updates, educational materials, and tools designed to empower their businesses.

Better Collective CEO Highlights Industry Dedication to Player Welfare

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC Gaming, also expressed enthusiasm regarding the collaboration, stating: “Last year’s Summit was a huge success and brought together industry leaders throughout North America eager to exchange ideas, collaborate and make lasting change. I am confident that this year will be no different and our collaboration with the RGAA will further elevate the conversation surrounding responsible gambling practices and player protection.”

Members are obliged to make a commitment to upholding responsible gambling standards. This also includes a yearly compliance audit. The membership also means that all participants receive the esteemed RGAA Standards of Excellence certification, which shows the member’s dedication to championing responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices, and safeguarding consumer interests.

Marc Pedersen, CEO of North America for Better Collective and RGAA board member, underlined the collective dedication to player protection the RGAA propagates and underscored that Better Collective as a founding member has over 20 years of experience in the industry. He further mentioned that he expects many new members to join the RGAA as the organization continues its work to ensure the improvement of safer gambling practices and the protection of players.

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The Tribal Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Tribal-ISAC) announced on November 15 a significant stride in facilitating cybersecurity readiness for Native American and Alaskan Native tribes. The organization disclosed that its membership is recognized as an allowable expense, covered by funds from The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Fiscal Year 2023 Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP).

Tribal-ISAC Steering Committee Excited Over Recognition in Cybersecurity Grant Program

Toni Pepper, a Tribal-ISAC Steering Committee member, commented: “We were very excited to learn that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists the Tribal-ISAC as an Encouraged Membership as noted on page 77 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).” 

Pepper further emphasized that the security of tribal data and infrastructure holds paramount importance, expressing excitement about rendering Tribal-ISAC membership more accessible to tribes through the grant program.

FEMA has officially confirmed that Tribal-ISAC membership is an approved expense under the grant program.

The alarming surge in cyber attacks and digital threats affecting tribal communities underscores the urgency for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Tribal sovereignty, coupled with the unique challenges posed by remote tribal locations and limited resources for cyber preparedness, necessitates immediate action. The TCGP funds will play a crucial role in assisting tribal governments in addressing cybersecurity risks and threats.

Despite implementing robust safeguards, even major corporations are susceptible to cyberattacks. Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International, two of the most prominent gambling entities in the US, became victims of cyberattacks this fall. The infiltrations believed to be orchestrated by the ALPHV and Scattered Spider groups, resulted in the compromise of valuable data as the hackers breached the companies’ cybersecurity defenses.

TribalHub Hosts Open Meeting on November 27 to Enhance Collaboration

For tribes interested in applying for the DHS Fiscal Year 2023 Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program, the application deadline is January 10, 2024. 

To further facilitate understanding and collaboration, TribalHub, the largest community of technology-minded tribal leaders nationwide, is hosting an open meeting on November 27. This session, conducted in collaboration with FEMA, aims to provide tribal government representatives and organizations with the opportunity to learn, inquire, and establish connections that will aid in the application process for the DHS Fiscal Year 2023 Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program. 

Tribal-ISAC is committed to improving the overall security of tribes, with a focus on cybersecurity and all-hazard threats and risks. The organization provides a collaborative environment for tribes to share and mitigate threat information, exchange best practices, and serve as a central hub for security information sharing. 

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