*** UPDATED January 17, 2020 ***
Over the years, I've become an expert on Caesars properties (especially ones located in Nevada/California) as well as the Caesars Rewards program.
As anyone who plays the WSOP is forced to be part of this program, I am opening up this thread to be a Q&A session where I can clear up any misconceptions or questions you might have.
If you play a lot of events at the WSOP in Vegas, it is highly recommended that you acquire Diamond status! This will entitle you to a special registration room (MUCH shorter lines, which allows you to avoid the 6-hour registration nightmare on some days) and the ability to skip to the head of the cash game list. It also waives the resort fees if you stay at a Caesars property (including the Rio, of course).
Keep in mind that I'm actually a better source than most Caesars employees, as most are clueless about several things at their own company (I blame poor training and communication rather than the employees themselves).
Below is a list of questions I've already been asked, and my answers. First I will give a quick background on Caesars Rewards.
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Caesars Rewards (formerly Total Rewards) is the players' club at Caesars properties. It is universal among all properties Caesars owns.
When you join the program, you are automatically the "Gold" level, which is the bottom. If you play the pit games or machines at their properties, your level can rise to one of the other three levels: Platinum, Diamond, or Seven Stars (listed in ascending order).
You rise to other levels by earning "tier credits", which come at the rate of $5 per dollar wagered on slots and $10 per dollar wagered on video poker. Sometimes better-paytable video poker machines will only give one tier per $20-$50 wagered, which is usually noted on the machine. Make sure to check your tier score while playing (on the players card screen) to make sure you're earning 1 tier per $10 wagered!
The amount of tier credits you'll earn at table games is variable, and honestly isn't very good.
If you earn 1000 tier credits in a day, you'll get 1000 bonus tiers. If you earn 2500, you'll get 2500 bonus tiers, and if you earn 5000, you'll get 5000 bonus tiers.
In order to earn tier credits most efficiently, you must earn the maximum number of bonus tier credits each time you play. This means that you should earn EXACTLY 2500 or 5000 (or slightly more) tier credits in a day to optimize this. This is because 2500 tier credits in a day earns you 5000 bonus credits, and 5000 tier credits in a day earns you 10,000 bonus credits. However, any credits earned beyond that will NOT earn you any further bonus credits! For example, playing 4,999 tier credits will still only earn you 5000 bonus tiers (the same as if you had only played 2500), and 12,000 tier credits would still earn you only 10,000 bonus tiers (the same as if you had only played 5000). Again, plan to play EXACTLY 2500 or EXACTLY 5000 tier credits in a day.
When you reach 5000 tiers, you make Platinum. When you reach 15,000 tiers, you make Diamond. When you reach 150,000 tiers, you make Seven Stars, but note that some people get rejected for Seven Stars if it's seen that they don't gamble enough, and seem to just be "playing for Seven Stars". It should also be noted that Seven Stars benefits have seriously degraded in recent years, and it's honestly not worth shooting for anymore. If you want to figure out how to earn tier credits most cheaply, check out this thread.
You will also earn "Rewards Credits" which can be used to comp yourself at their properties. Reward Credits, also known as RCs, are generally worth 1 cent each at Caesars properties, and can be used to pay for pretty much anything on-property except for tips. You will earn RCs at the rate of one per $5 wagered on slots and one per $10 wagered at video poker. As with tier credits, the amount you'll earn at table games is variable.
You also earn Rewards Credits when you play WSOP events. Here are the Rewards Credits you earn depending upon the events you play (last updated 2016, though I believe it's fairly similar today): http://pokerfraudalert.com/forum/sho...l=1#post552761
You will earn tier credits from playing WSOP events, but I'm not sure how many.
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General questions and answers:
Q: Is there any way to get Diamond without gambling?
A: Yes. There are two ways. First off, you can get a status match with Wyndham, or you can get a status match to your existing players club card at non-Caesars casinos (you will need to show up and ask if your card can be matched). Second, you can buy a "Founders Card" membership, which will get you instant Diamond. It is listed as $595, but you can buy it for $295 with a trick. Just start the 30-day trial (you can't status match during the trial), cancel it before the 30 days are up, and you will get an e-mail offering you it for $295. Even if you don't want to do that, you can usually buy it for $395, and if that price isn't posted, simply call them and ask for it. Also be aware that the status match or Founders Card will get you instant Diamond and the associated benefits, but you will not get any freeplay or extra comps unless you earn them through play.
Q: Do RCs last forever if I don't spend them?
A: No. You will lose all of your RCs if you don't earn at least one every 6 months. If you don't visit a Caesars property at least once every 6 months, you might want to get the Caesars Rewards Credit Card, where you will earn 1 RC for every dollar spent, and this will satisfy the one-per-6-months requirement.
Q: Do RCs work at all restaurants at Caesars properties?
A: In general, yes, especially in California and Nevada. In some other states, certain restaurants only allow you to use RCs at half value (that is, two RCs per penny credit). You should never spend your RCs at half value. When booking dinner reservations, you should ask two questions: "Do you take RCs?" and "Are they redeemed at a 1:1 rate?" To find out if the restaurant is redeemed at worse than a 1:1 rate (such as 1.5:1 or 2:1), go to this link, select the appropriate properties/markets in the dropdown, and look for the ** or *** notation next to the restaurant name. Most (but not all) restaurants in the Las Vegas market are 1:1, but always check the list first.
Q: Is it true that you can use RCs to buy into WSOP events?
A: Yes, but I don't suggest it. This is because they basically cut the value of your RCs in half. Recall that RCs are worth one penny each at Caesars properties in restaurants, paying hotel charges, bars, gift shop, etc. RCs are only worth half a cent each when buying into WSOP events, so this is a terrible value.
Q: Do RCs work at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace?
A: No. This technically isn't part of the Caesars Palace hotel and casino, even though it's connected.
Q: If I earn RCs at one property, can I spend them at another?
A: Yes. You can spend them at any Caesars-owned property.
Q: Can you suggest some good restaurants in Las Vegas where I can use my RCs?
A: Most are at Caesars Palace. This includes "Old Homestead Steakhouse", "Nobu", "Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill", "Rao's", and "Strip House" (at Planet Hollywood). You should double-check if Strip House takes RCs because they aren't owned by Caesars and might have changed their policy. At the Rio, there isn't much to get excited about. There are some okay restaurants, but these are inferior for the most part to the Caesars Palace offerings Note that Nevada locals (with ID) get at 25% discount at all Rio restaurants (as well as 20% off at Cafe Matorano at Paris).
Q: Do I get any other discount using my RCs at restaurants?
A: Yes, you don't pay sales tax, so you will save another 8.1% in Nevada, and similar amounts elsewhere. Make sure you pay with your Caesars Rewards card DIRECTLY at the restaurant. If you charge to your room, you will be stuck paying the tax.
Q: What do I get for achieving Platinum, Diamond, or Seven Stars status?
Here is the list of benefits: https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/benefits-overview
Summary of most important benefits is below. Note that this tends to change somewhat each year.
Platinum:
- Free parking at properties where they charge for parking
- 15% discount at Gift Shops
- Some priority lines
- One complimentary night in Vegas or Atlantic City for each 5,000 tier credits earned that calendar year (up to 7 nights earned, blackout dates apply & capacity restrictions apply)
- 10% discount on Norwegian Cruises (in reality it's about 7% after everything)
- Moderately discounted stay at Atlantis Resort in Bahamas
Diamond:
- Free parking at properties where they charge for parking
- You don't pay the Resort Fees when staying at the hotel (and you get free internet)
- Ability to use Diamond Room (same as payout room) to buy in to WSOP events
- Ability to cut in waiting list line at live WSOP cash games
- One $100 complimentary meal voucher, good at Caesars properties (per year)
- One complimentary night in Vegas or Atlantic City for each 5,000 tier credits earned that calendar year (up to 7 nights earned, blackout dates apply & capacity restrictions apply)
- Special VIP check-in area
- 20% discount at Gift Shops
- Priority valet parking (from personal experience, this is hit-and-miss though)
- Special lines at cashier and restaurants
- Free upgrade to better room types, if available (but usually not suites)
- "20% discount" on Norwegian Cruises (in reality it's about 15% after everything)
- 25,000+ tier credits only: Free access to "Diamond Lounges" where you can get free snacks and drinks, including alcohol
- 75,000+ tier credits only: One $600 airfare credit to Las Vegas per year (one flight maximum)
- Discounted stay at Atlantis Resort in Bahamas (better than Platinum version)
Seven Stars:
- All of the Diamond benefits PLUS:
- Trip to any Caesars property with up to $1200 airfare covered and $500 in food credit (one per year)
- "Free" Norwegian Cruise (actually heavily discounted) with Balcony stateroom (one per year)
- Five $100 meal certificates good at any Caesars-owned restaurant (per year)
- "Signature Event" to choose from
- "Companion card" allowing a designation person to enjoy most of the non-comp/non-monetary Seven Stars benefits
- 30% discount on Norwegian Cruises (in reality it's about 25% after everything)
- 25% discount at Gift Shops
- Special allowances by request, such as squeezing you into certain full restaurants (you need to ask for these, and will be provided at their discretion)
- Limousine from airport at certain properties
- Access to Seven Stars lounges at certain properties, as well as all Diamond lounges
- One or more in-room movies per day at most properties
- Highly discounted stay at Atlantis Resort in Bahamas (better than Diamond version)
Q: Does Seven Stars status mean that you're going to get a baller suite and lavish meals on the house every time you visit a Caesars property?
A: No. That's a myth. Stuff like that is reserved for the huge whales. If you barely made Seven Stars, you aren't going to get much beyond the benefits listed above. The main benefit to Seven Stars is the free rooms anytime, including popular dates like New Year's.
Q: I am a Diamond member and I can't even get a freaking comped room for the World Series at the Rio. WTF is going on here?
A: Your status doesn't mean much as far as the comps you receive. That is more based on your recent and semi-recent play. It is quite possible that a Gold member who has played a lot recently will get better and more lucrative offers than even some Seven Stars members! However, Seven Stars members always have the right to a free room if booked 48 hours in advance, regardless of their play.
Q: How long does my Caesars Rewards tier status last?
A: It lasts until January 31st two calendar years after you earned it. So if you earned your Diamond on March 3, 2020, you will remain at least a Diamond member until January 31, 2022. After that, you will receive the level based upon what you earned the previous year.
Q: So does that mean I could simply earn my status once every two years and remain there uninterrupted?
A: Yes. If you earn a status between January 1 and January 31, you will have it until January 31 two years later. So, for example, if you earn Diamond on January 2, 2020, you will remain Diamond until January 31, 2022 even if you don't play any further.
Q: Are WSOP bracelet winners Diamond for life?
A: No. Last I heard, they are only Diamond until January 31 two calendar years later. So 2020 WSOP winners will have the Diamond status until January 31, 2022.
Q: My host told me he can't comp anything for me until I've spent all of my RCs. He suggested I frivolously spend them to get them down to zero, and then he will take care of me after that. Is this a good idea to do?
A: If you are a degenerate gambler who will always be shooting off in the pits, yes. Otherwise, no. The best thing about RCs is that you can "comp yourself" at your own pace, and never need to justify it with future play. If you shoot off your RCs and need hosts to comp you, then you will be at their mercy and they will only give you comps based upon how much you've played. It is true, however, that hosts aren't supposed to comp you without using up your RCs, so be careful when asking them for "comps" or they may just be taking your RCs to give you what you think are "comps".
Q: I have some freeplay. What is the best way to run it for maximum value?
A: I would suggest blackjack (but make sure the freeplay chips "stay until you lose", and make sure you pay a 3:2 paying blackjack game), or video poker (but make sure the paytable is good, and you understand the proper strategy).
Q: I used my RCs at a restaurant. Can I use them to tip? Am I expected to tip normally?
A: You can't use them for tips, and you are expected to tip with cash as if you paid normally.
Q: Will my Diamond or Seven Stars status get me anything at other properties?
A: Yes! Many casinos will "status match" you to their equivalent card. Make sure to ask when you go to non-Caesars properties. This can typically be done only once per property, though. Also, you can repeatedly get a status match to Wyndham properties.
Q: I got in trouble at the WSOP for smoking pot on premises and I am currently banned from Caesars properties. Can I appeal this?
A: Yes. Call security, ask for the reinstatement/appeal procedure. I would suggest claiming that you have quit smoking pot and apologize for what you did, and promise that you will never violate this or any policy again. You can also do this for most other reasons you're banned, unless it was for stealing, cheating, or card counting after being warned not to.
Please post any other questions here. Please note that many of the posts following this one are mostly from 2014, so some of the info in the other posts in the thread is outdated. This post is maintained, though, with current information.
