pcean prime 2023-2024 benefits and tier match

Hang on there – you’ll want to read this article about the Ocean match and related travel benefits which will require some play as of Dec 1, 2024.

When I posted the April/May specific version of the Las Vegas Status Match Merry Go Round™ originally, I realized that I never made a super simple Atlantic City only guide for 2024. 

To be clear, the Master Status Match Merry Go Round™ has had everything below, but that master post is so full of things that keep changing, I wanted to put this specific MGR version in an easier to follow format.

Atlantic City Status Match Merry Go Round™ – 2024 Edition

Step 1: Caesars Diamond

Like the Las Vegas Status Match Merry Go Round™, it still starts with the Wyndham Business Earner credit card, from which you’ll get Wyndham Diamond status which matches to Caesars Diamond (using this page – right-most red button).

You’ll need to pick up your card. You can do that at any Caesars location (Caesars, Harrah’s or Tropicana) in Atlantic City if you don’t already have it. 

Parking is paid on exit so once you have your Caesars Diamond card in hand you are all set even though parking may be listed as $20 or more. 

I chose to pick mine up at Caesars Palace for one simple reason: it’s directly next door (and even connected) to Ballys.

Step 1a: Bally’s (OPTIONAL)

I list Bally’s, which currently offers a status match program, for two reasons. One is that a handful of Merry Go Rounders have been turned down at Hard Rock with a Caesars Diamond card due to desk agent confusion over the rules. To be clear, I have verified that plain old Caesars Diamond is valid for the match, but the way they wrote their brochure confuses some agents as it says “Diamond (Elite/Plus)” which means all three but some untrained agents think is only Elite and Plus.

Caesars Diamond also matches to Bally’s Superstar which is very clearly listed as matching to Hard Rock ICON.

If that is the only reason, you could of course skip it unless you have problems at Hard Rock which you’ll only have if unlucky.

However, you also can get two additional goodies matching to Bally’s 

  • If you bring a physical / printed offer postcard type thing from another casino with an offer for free play, they will load that onto your account. You have to have the physical mailer, not a screenshot / anything online so it’s good to know in advance. I could have at least gotten $40 if I’d known in advance. 
  • If you are there on a weekend (I believe Fri/Sat/Sun) you’ll get a free pass for two to their VIP lounge for some food and drinks. It’s closed other days. I’m not saying it’s an amazing lounge or a reason to go to Atlantic City, but it’s an extra perk 😉 

Step 2: Hard Rock

Drive down to Hard Rock but don’t self park here. Instead use the valet. That is because when you enter self parking at HR, you pay upfront and you don’t have your ICON card for free parking yet. But you pay the valet on the way out and then you’ll have your ICON card which includes free valet.

As I mentioned in Step 1, your Caesars Diamond card is a valid match to Hard Rock ICON even if you’ve had a card before. If you get denied, you may want to politely ask them to check with another agent – or go get the Bally’s Superstar card. Or just go back later. 

At Hard Rock, you’ll get:

First time members:

  • Two complimentary nights, valid any day of the week
  • $50 Bonus Free Play

Ongoing benefits:

Lounge access for a $10pp fee (in comp dollars), free self or valet parking, priority line at buffet. Priority check-in lane (this is actually a huge time saver if staying) and 12pm check out. Possibly a room upgrade by request if they are low occupancy. Free car wash once per month at Rocktane. 

NOTE: As of the date on this article, Hard Rock Atlantic City is the ONLY Hard Rock casino that will ‘rematch” you even if you’ve had ICON before. You won’t get any of the benefits you got the first time, but you’ll get that nice bright yellow ICON card.

Your ICON card will expire Feb 28, 2025

Step 3: Ocean Casino

Walk out the back door of Hard Rock onto the boardwalk and turn left. It’s a 5 minute walk so for most people, there is really no reason to drive next door).

If you are a new member at Ocean OR have been inactive for 18 months (this means NO on-property activity whatsoever) you are eligible to match to Ocean Prime.

First time Ocean members get 2 free nights Sun-Fri. Inactive re-matchers do not get that.

But all matchers will get a free lounge pass for the Avila Lounge (which has moved upstairs and can have a long wait to get in), a priority self-parking tag, and a t-shirt.

Beyond that, you will get two free nights at Wynn Las Vegas (or Encore – your choice) and that comes with a $50 resort credit. It’s valid most days there is availability. You do not have to pay the resort fee, however, if you don’t you will also forfeit the resort fee amenities like the Wifi and have to pay a la carte.

You’ll also get the famous MSC Cruise. I go into that free MSC cruise in detail here.

You will receive a complimentary Ocean View Bella stateroom for any sailing up to 10 nights, excluding China, with bookings and sailings to be completed by July 1, 2025. Please note the following details:
 
Standard Blackout Dates: Blackout dates include US Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and all sailing departing from Europe in the months of July and August.
 
Some international itineraries may have additional fees.
 
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $400 is required, which will be returned as Casino Credit onboard.
 

pcean prime 2023-2024 benefits and tier match

Note that when I matched this time, I got a warning that if I do come into the casino and use my card anywhere, they want to see some play else they may lock the card. I’m not sure what to make of that except that I think they are on to the Status Matchers but don’t really want to change their match rules. I have no doubt if you are going in, using offers, and leaving that they will indeed lock the card. 

Your Prime card will expire June 30, 2025.

NOTE: If you match from March to June of 2024, you will have your status automatically extended to June 30, 2025, but your card will say 2024 unless you go pick up a new card after July 1st.

You DO NOT need that new card for the cruise or nights as your status is transmitted by Ocean. You will not be asked for your Ocean Prime card. 

Step 4: Borgata / MGM (Only until September 30, 2024) 

(Extended from a June 30 expiration)

You can reacquire MGM Gold status if you’d like using the Hard Rock ICON card. Note that it will only be valid for 3 months and is now a challenge for the rest of the year (see: MGM Status Match Challenge). 

Keep in mind that there is no longer any reciprocal hotel benefits with Hyatt anymore as that partnership ended. And MGM Gold does not get you much of anything in the new MGM / Marriott Bonvoy partnership. It’s worthwhile if you actually go to MGM casinos for priority check-in, free parking, and waived resort fees plus your Comp Dollars won’t expire while you are Gold.

Also, remember you can share this MGM status with someone at your home address – but you need to go to any MGM casino that is NOT Borgata to do this as it violates New Jersey law.

I think that covers the Atlantic City matches! Hope this made it nice and easy for you. If it did, give it a share 🙂

Remember, MilesTalk is the originator of the entire “Status Match Merry Go Round™” – since 2018!

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76 COMMENTS

  1. Any data points on sharing MGM Gold status with family member when it’s just the 90 day challenge? Would theirs just expire at the same time?

  2. So if I go to Ocean and do the match but don’t use my card at all then do you think I’m at risk of them locking it? I won’t have much time the day I do my matching so plan to get in and out asap.

  3. Matched all your casino yesterday and no issues with the matches. Question, for the msc cruise, do I have to wait until after July 1 to get a sail date in January 2025?

  4. Good to know I should make it just in time for MGM matching. A shame I used my Ocean card last July so I am within 18 months. Unity and MGM are the ones I would grab, Maybe Ballys.

  5. Is anyone aware if the Hard Rock “Two complimentary nights” are only for AC or can they be used for a comped stay at Hard Rock in Hollywood FL?

  7. How soon after matching at Hard Rock (first time matcher) can I book the 2 complimentary nights? Say if I match on Monday, can I book immediately for Monday night or Tuesday? Can I split the 2 complimentary night into non-consecutive days? What’s the deadline to use the complimentary nights? Within the same calendar year? Or 90 days? TIA!

  8. I matched last April and will be heading back to AC mostly to pick up an updated Oceans card and re-match to Hard Rock. If I never used my Oceans free rooms, would they still be available to me even though I’m outside of my original year? I can’t find any information on how to utilize that. And also, will using those comp rooms somehow ruin my 18 month re-match?

  9. Thank you so much! Been following your tier match Merry-Go-Rounds for several years now! I was bummed that Ocean requires 18 months inactivity, so I don’t qualify for that one. But recently I was at Golden Nugget AC, and their requirement of inactivity for matching is 24 months! Yikes! Just wanted to share in case anyone was looking for that one.

  10. FYI, I was asked for my Oceans card at Resorts World for the free play and dining credit in April this year. Not checking in, but at the rewards desk.

  11. I did the Caesars Diamond match to Hard Rock ICON and Ocean Prime the week of 5/20/2024

    What’s the fine print on the 2 free nights at Hard Rock? Do they have to be redeemed within a certain time period?

    The Ocean 2 free nights have to be redeemed within 60 days of match.

    Also, on the Ocean deal for 2 free nights at Resorts World Las Vegas – do those need to be claimed in a certain time period?

  12. Did AC MGR run Sunday 5/28/24. Picked up new Caesar’s card (via Wyndham Business Earner), lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s pub, longer walk on the boardwalk than I realized to Hard Rock, new Unity account and instant match to Icon, shorter walk to Ocean, new Ocean Rewards account (and free T-shirt!) matched to Prime. Two matches done in less than an hour. Not sure when I’ll get to Vegas again.

  14. I now have the Wynn platinum, FB gold and Resorts World Monarch for the rest of this year, but my Caesars diamond and MGM gold are expired.
    How can I still get the Ocean match for the free cruise??

  17. I am confused by your statement …’I got a warning that if I do come into the casino and use my card anywhere, they want to see some play else they may lock the card.’

    Did you mean to say they DO want to see some play or they DON’T want to see some play…..

    I am trying to book a flight an do these matches, but I don’t want to mess this up.
    I have Caesars Diamond and Bally’s SuperStar, I want to go get the Hard Rock, then the Ocean.

  20. Just came to say that I followed the Merry-go-round on 6/22 and no issues. Went to Oceans Avilia lounge and it’s worth the trip.

  21. Just did the merry-go-round 6/28, I wasn’t able to get Ballys or Ocean since I don’t have enough inactive time. Ballys requires 13 months and Ocean 18 months. Matched Hard Rock and MGM without a problem. Where can I find info on the two complimentary rooms at Hard Rock? Since they are a one time benefit can the two rooms be used on weekends? I saw above I need to call do I just ask them about the offer?

    • Well, ignore that comment..i did not realize i was at Signature status..i did status match in May so according to the flyer i should be renewed for Ocean Prime from 7/1/24 to 6/30/25..anyone know if there is a delay in them updating status?

        • Called Ocean, they said that when I tier matched in late April there was a major system issue. They restored my Prime status but i cannot call for cruise until after 8/15

  23. Thank you so much forr egg by his updated guide – invaluable. I currently have Caesar diamond via wbe card. I am flying to fly to Ac via in sept on their sun country plane and stay at borgata for 3 nights ($60 offer). Then I plan on doing the merry go round you so nicely laid out. Question I have is the mgm match still going to work? Article says mgm match until end of June. I will stay at borgata for 3 nights and unless I get matched to gold I will end up paying resort fees when I check out ($90). I did a status match 2 years ago but I doubt that affects this. Thank you

  25. I was able to get everything matched easily. Ocean was very friendly and the lounge was great. For Bally’s, their website suggests that Superstar status gets you a free Carnival cruise and a stay in another Bally’s property. Do you know how you get those or if it is superstar + a certain amount of play.

  26. I just checked Ocean Prime Tier Match Brochure from Ocean Casino website, the tier benefits provides “Complimentary stay at Wynn Las Vegas”.

    But your article in above mentioned:
    “Beyond that, you will get two free nights at Resorts World Las Vegas (Hilton or Conrad only) and that comes with a $100 food credit and $100 free play. It’s valid most days there is availability. ”

    Could you please clarify which one is correct? Wynn or Resorts World?

  27. Hypothetically, if you are blacklisted from Barclays, so you are unable to open any credit cards with them due to some mistakes made many moons ago, is there any other way to get started on the MGR?

    • Probably ending this year but Founders Card still works (although very expensive and maybe not worth it). Also if you happen to be Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Emerald or higher that would match to MGM Gold.

  28. Completed the matches this past weekend in Atlantic City. Approved for Wyndham business earner card in early August and saw Diamond status about a day after, received Caesar’s Diamond match a couple weeks after submitting the match online. Dropped off car with valet and matched Diamond to Hard Rock Icon at the Unity Rewards desk 8/30/24: received $50 slot credit and 2 free nights (haven’t checked that this posted yet). Walked to Ocean where I matched this to Ocean Prime: received voucher for Avila lounge good for 72 hours and pamphlet that listed other features. Rep did not mention needing to show play to prevent locking of card. Used the lounge pass the next day and put $5 in a slot machine at Ocean to show some play just in case.

  29. Hey Dave, I spoke to a supervisor at the players club desk (black suit) at Hard Rock Tampa and was told “the website is wrong” and that Caesers Diamond only matches to Hard Rock Legend level. Any other data points that say otherwise? I plan on flying to AC and start with Caesers Diamond > Ballys Superstar > Hard Rock Icon instead.

    • He’s 100% right. We’ve been saying for about a year now that the only place you can match Caesars Diamond to HR Icon is in AC. All other Hard Rocks will only match to Legend. So it makes sense that they would tell you that in Tampa since it’s true 😉

  30. This is a bit longer but just paying forward my experience and some tips. Thanks again for this write up and all the comments, just did this a few days ago when I got here: got hard rock icon, then ocean prime, then mgm gold. Everything worked like a charm.

    If you check in to borgata with a lower status like sapphire at first a few hours before doing status match, make sure you hit the hotel check in desk again and show them your new status so your resort fees get waived. I was here for 3 nights so that’s $90 in fees waived. If u don’t do that there is a chance when you check out they hit you with the resort fees. Also, use the status to request a late checkout if needed, they gave me 1pm checkout without issue.

    Avila lounge at Oceans is fantastic. Staff, service and food was fantastic; everything i tried was spot on. The food was excellent when I went, like restaurant quality. Voucher for access is good for 72 hours, I advise you come with someone and dine when you’re really hungry. The prime rib was perfect, and the server even took out a new prime rib for me because I asked for the burnt ends. Everything from veggies to kielbasa was aces. This was my first time here and I personally thought it was much better than amphora lounge in the borgata .

    Bar drinks were great, staff very cheery and happy, every server that passed my table greeted me. All the servers knew the guests (I’m sure there are many regulars) all the servers talking to the guests, shaking hands, fist pounds, Clean cut, engaging, happy servers. The lounge is open and airy, and has great energy. There are standard tables, bar seating, high tops, etc. the only downside was no free wifi, and my cell reception wasn’t good. Honestly, it’s a hidden gem in AC and it’s unfortunate it’s not my preferred casino to play in. The lounge here is better than borgata and so are the rooms (this hotel still has the most comfortable rooms).

    I can’t speak to the unity lounge at hard rock, I didn’t have enough comp to get in (need at least $10). I did get copped at the noodle bar near the front casino entrance, which is always good, been going there to watch for years.

    At borgata, Amphora lounge is nice but food and experience just not as good as the avila lounge. Food options were similar but not as fresh and earthy. Cost to get in for one person is 12.50 in comp, same deal at unity lounge at hard rock. In this case I did have enough comp so was able to get in, and It was worth the visit since I had never been there before, but would rather goto Avila lounge hands down.

    As far as status expiration I got starting 9/11/24

    Borgata/mgm expires 12/10/24 – you have three months to get 50,000 to your credits (which is a lot of play) to maintain gold status

    Hard Rock unity expires 2/28/25, so six months status and you will need 15,000 to your credits to maintain icon status.

    Ocean prime status expires 7/1/25 so 10 months status to qualify. I’m not sure how many tier credits you will need because it’s not listed in the app to maintain prime.

    Many thanks to everyone that contributed to this thread, had a great experience trying two new lounges and getting perks over my stay.

  31. Sept 2024 update – I believe the programs caught on to Caesars handing out Diamond so easily. The merry go round is now much harder, perhaps even dead? Caesar’s D tiers are Diamond, Diamond PLUS and Diamond ELITE. Hard Rock’s status match page now states that you need Plus or Elite to qualify for ICON. The page for Oceans also says you need Plus/Elite to qualify for Prime. If this is enforced then regular Diamond won’t get you anywhere. *Maybe* Bally’s will give you Superstar, which you can then use to continue the round but we’ll need to see some recent data points. So far Bally’s only says “Diamond tiers” on their page to qualify.

    • Is this accurate? I was planning an AC trip in a few weeks with my Ceasar’s Diamond card. Will it now be a waste of my time? Any confirmation if I can still get the Bally’s Superstar card and use that?

      • Sorry – I was sure I’d responded to her at the time. No,, nothing she wrote is accurate. The brochure has been that way since the dawn of time. Poorly worded, but unchanged,

        There’s also no “maybe” about Ballys. They will match CZ Diamond to Superstar.

        The only thing right is that Ocean doesn’t match to CZ Diamond which it *never did* – thus why you have to first go to Hard Rock.

        TL;DR – the post is accurate as written as of today and nothing has changed one bit. Refer to Step 1 and 1a.

  32. Hi. I was approved for my Wyndham Earner Business card today (Oct. 3, 2024). I’ve read your article on how to navigate getting matches in Atlantic City.
    My question is, when is the best time to plan to visit AC (what month) so that I get the longest time to benefit from obtaining status for the Merry go Round?

    • This is tricky because we have no idea what programs will do next year. Hard Rock status expires Feb 28th. Ocean expires June 30. The last two years Ocean has let you match in April and get 15 months.

      But we don’t know what will change next year including if Hard Rock, integral to this, stops matching Caesars Diamond / Ballys Superstar. Or if Ocean significantly changes tier matching.

      All things equal, IF Ocean allowed early matching again, then April would be the best time.

      That said if all you want is one MSC cruise (some people really want one per calendar year), then you could do it now since Hard Rock rematches. It’s the Ocean 18 months of inactivity thing that gets you…

  33. Just in AC Friday night. Some data points from our match excursion:

    Matched MGM Gold to Bally’s Superstar – this came with a free shirt, hat & one time access to their Legacy Lounge (food was free, drinks did not appear to be? – drink menus had prices. We just had some desserts & I got a Prosecco, No one bought a bill though so I just left cash). Card says 12/31/2024.

    Then matched MGM gold over at Hard Rock to ICON tier (previously matched to Rock Royalty here back in 2022 & at Mirage to ICON in 2023; no issues rematching. I was not offered the free nights or free play but my husband was – even though he also matched at Mirage back in 2023). ICON status expires 2/28/2025.

    Walked over to Ocean – we both matched to Prime from ICON. My husband’s first time with an account there; they gave him a shirt & parking pass, but not me (I had matched back in 2022 & also had previously had an account back when Ocean was Revel. Maybe they were supposed to but they were very busy). We both got lounge passes for Avila (although too late for us by the time we got over there since we wanted to go to Amphora once we got back to Borgata. Last time I matched, Avila was closed & they sent us to the makai restaurant) & we both got the free cruise & Wynn offer. Status expires 7/1/2025.

    • This is the most asked and least answerable question 😉

      I have no idea what the casinos will do in 2025. Maybe all of this is gone next year? I don’t know how to advise. Obviously you’re not getting as much matching now – but it could beat nothing? Or you can take your chances and see what happens next April.

  35. Hello, I am going to head over to Atlantic City this month. I am trying to get a free night when I go on my status matching journey. I heard something about booking a head of time at Hard Rock, not sure if that’s the only casino that may offer this, pay ahead of time with no status, and upon checking out, ask the desk about your new status match and see if they can waive fees. Is that correct? Thanks!

    • Sorry to say but whoever told you this was pulling your leg. This is *definitely* not a thing. Unless you plan to gamble for maybe 4-6 hours at a $250+ average bet. Then a host would probably comp the night. The nights you get are after the match, very hard to book with very limited availability and bookable only over the phone.

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