When they went to the "new" system (and I believe it was for 2013 for the first time), there was a brochure explaining the increased points needed to achieve Diamond etc., and explaining the new bonus points for achieving certain point totals in a single day -- and also introducing the "extra benefits" (such as they are) for various points along the way beyond Diamond but short of 7 Star. Although I'm not absolutely certain (and I'm currently away from home, so can't check the brochure, which I think I did save), I thought they also described how you earn tier points. Of course, a brochure is not a contract.
I'm in Vegas on business right now, but because the paytables are so poor at the $1 level on the strip, I don't intend to play any VP at all this trip, so a decrease in points at Caesars doesn't really hurt me. When I've been here on vacation a few years ago, I've stayed at Caesars and played the $5 machines to get a full paytable, even though it was a little too high for my current bankroll, but with reduced tier points, if I were there again, that would be less attractive, leaving me with no real play options.
Regardless, this would certainly be (or, if true, as appears to be the case, "is") a change in the program -- and to me, surprisingly soon after the changes for 2013. Seems like they should let one set of changes run the full year before making still more changes -- but they are free to do whatever they want.
I've never asked for a full written description of all of the details and rules applicable to Total Rewards, but if such a document is available, I'd be amazed if there's not a provision that everything is subject to change (or probably even subject to complete cancellation of the program). But in terms of good will (not always a priority for the business), it seems like bad practice. But businesses do this all the time, just as the airlines have made it harder to earn miles, require more miles for "free" flights, and worst of all, have imposed "fees" for flights with miles, some so high as to make the use of miles almost void of real value (I flew to Europe a couple of years ago and was offered a fee of over $800 to use miles to upgrade from a paid coach fare to business class; I flew coach!).
For those earning 7* status regularly, I'm sure excellent treatment via a host will persist as described. For those of us at lower tiers, even including Diamond, tier points do matter. And for those who don't play that frequently (and perhaps don't put in extensive hours / coin-in on each visit), a host is not always readily available at all properties (although I haven't actually tried that hard; perhaps I should do so). For those of us in these situations, tier points do have some importance.
I am always surprised (but perhaps I shouldn't be) that as a Diamond member, I receive very little special treatment at properties at which I don't regularly play. To be specific, I usually play at Horseshoe Hammond, but get down to Horseshoe Southern Indiana about twice a year, and to Vegas properties about once a year, along with one or two chances to visit other TR properties while traveling on occasion. When I ask about comp'ed rooms at the latter locations, it's always "you haven't played here lately" or "talk to us on your way out and we'll see what we can do" (which is the treatment I would get at any casino I'd visit, even if I've never been to any of their properties and/or participated in their frequent player program). Of course, in Hammond, where I do play regularly, they have no hotel to offer me (I did call VIP once and was told I could use tier points to pay for nearby hotels, but that's not a comp - although I do think it was at a
better rate than if I just converted the points to cash).
Of course, I get to use the VIP checkin wherever I go, even if I'm paying for the room, and the Diamond lounge, etc., but that's very valuable compared to free rooms. And I do get an annual packet of coupons for free rooms in Vegas for varying numbers of nights, usually 2 to 4 depending on which property I would choose. And of course, my TR points can be "spent" at any property. But it seems (to me) that earning Diamond status should qualify you for comps at all TR properties even if you're a first-timer to that location.
To me, it's one more step away from the "good old days" (I started VP when there was 2/3% cash back, lots of generous comps (I usually got free suites and limos from the airport along with free meals at the gourmet restaurants) and once there was an additional 2/3% in dollars spendable at the hotel shops, and I believe it was even better "before my time"). I'm sure it's just a matter of time before points become even more infinitesimally small, along with all the other side-benefits of playing video poker.
I've been thinking it's time to brush up my skills and go back to playing blackjack.
--BG
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> > > Reportedly Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is now only giving 1 tier credit for every $25 played on video poker. This has been 1 tier credit per $10 coin-in on video poker so this would be a huge change in the negative direction for VP players. Can anyone confirm this?
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