Last week, Boyd Gaming Corporation launched its “all-new B Connected” with the addition of new reward tiers and exclusive new benefits for Boyd Gaming customers, including annual cruises on Holland America Line; vacations to Hawaii and Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas; annual gifts of luxury jewelry and electronics; and unique and memorable trips and experiences.
The all-new B Connected has been expanded to five player tiers – Ruby (up to 749 tier credits), Sapphire (750-14,999), Emerald (15,000-49,999), Onyx (50,000-199,999) and Titanium (200,000 and up.). And while the rewards and perks keep growing as players move up through the tiers, B Connected offers a wide host of benefits, including discounts on hotel stays, buffets and retail purchases at Boyd Gaming properties; special discounts with exclusive partners like Advantage Rent-A-Car; and access to annual Boyd Gaming promotions and contests, like Pick the Pros and Trees of Hope.
But as the saying goes, “No one likes change.” There are changes with the program that some may find unfavorable. For example, players entering or playing at the Ruby level receive no B Connected points until they reach the next Sapphire level, starting at 750 tier credits. Double points for Sapphire members and triple for Emerald members, a standard with the old club, have been eliminated.
However, it appears there will be bonus multiplier days offered throughout the month and in addition, “Bonus B Connected points” are awarded at an unspecified rate. Point earning for slots remains at $1 coin-in earns one point, however for video poker it now takes $2 coin-in to earn one point. Tier credits determine card level and are different than B Connected points. For most slot .5 coin in equals one tier credit but is not defined for video poker except to say “tier credits will be calculated separately from regular points and based on theo.”
Tier credits have no value and may not be cashed out (where available) or redeemed for FastPlay. When you advance to a higher card level, you’ll become eligible for those benefits for at least one full calendar year. Tier Credits expire on Dec. 31 each year. Your slot and table points are now included in the B Connected point calculation. B Connected points can be spent on dining, shopping, hotel stays or redeemed for FastPlay (free slot play).
Although not mentioned in the literature, players have reported that cash back for points is still an option. On the good news side, players can still save 40 percent on the dollar value of B Connected points when redeemed for food; 600 points equals $1. FastPlay and retail purchases are 1,000 B Connected points equal $1.
Once a tier upgrade is earned, the player immediately receives their new card – and keeps that tier level and its associated benefits through the next full calendar year.
Additional good news is the returning Pick the Pros for its 11th season. Each week during the professional football season, Boyd Gaming will award a guaranteed $30,000 cash prize pool to the week’s top performers. To participate, players can pick a slate of winners straight up without regard to the week’s pointspread. Pick the Pros is completely free for B Connected members.
B Connected members who are Ruby or Sapphire customers receive one free pick per week. Emerald members and above receive two free picks weekly. This promotion will take place at Aliante, The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, California, Fremont and Main Street Station. For more information, visit pickthepros.com, BoydGaming.com or any Boyd Gaming race and sportsbook.
This week, on Thursday, Sept. 6, B Connected members who earn 40 tier credits playing slots or table games at The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town or Aliante, or 200 spendable points playing slots at Cannery or Eastside Cannery, will be eligible to swipe at a kiosk to receive Just Add Ice gifts, including a professional football-themed beer bucket and six 12-ounce Bud Lights, while supplies last and limited to one prize per account, per property. See the Players Club for complete details.
In Mississippi at Sam’s Town Tunica and IP Biloxi, Boyd Gaming plans to roll out the program at additional properties nationwide in early 2019.
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