MAJOR UPDATE – Nov 10, 2024 – Caesars Will No Longer Match from the Wyndham Business Earner card effective February 2025. So the below still works for now, but will change drastically at that point. Read more on the Caesars / Wyndham status match changes here.
Also, 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.
In this article
The Status Match Merry Go Round®
I’ve written a number of times in the past about what I call the Status Match Merry Go Round®. For those that have never read any of my posts about this before, the Status Match Merry Go Round is a series of status matching opportunities that, by the time all is said and done, will have grant you status in half a dozen programs, many of which you’ll be able to keep year after year.
Please note: If you are another blog, YouTuber, TikToker, Instagrammer, etc – the phrase “Status Match Merry Go Round” is a legally registered trademark of MilesTalk®.
In this article, I lay out the strategy of the Status Match Merry Go Round, step by step.
General note: Now that Hyatt and MGM have parted ways, the Wyndham to Caesars Diamond via the Barclays Wyndham Earner and matching in Atlantic City from Caesars to Hard Rock to Ocean Prime is the main match sequence left right now.
Before you read ANYTHING ELSE about the state of the Merry Go Round in Atlantic City, read this Jan 30, 2024 post.
Latest Updates:
Nov 18, 2024: Ocean match and related travel benefits which will require some play as of Dec 1, 2024.
Nov 10: 2024: Caesars will no longer match Wyndham credit card holders effective February 2025.
October 11, 2024: Added in Chicago tier match – Ballys / Rivers
October 1, 2024: Venetian Tier Match is Live… but Kind of Boring.
September 2, 2024: The Fontainebleau match in Las Vegas is expired, making Las Vegas essentially dead for MGRing until the Venetian tier match rolls out October 1st. The MGM match (3 months trial) is still active nationwide through Sept 30, 2024.
April 18: 2024: People loved the simple Las Vegas guide right below this, that I made one for Atlantic City. Atlantic City Status Match Merry Go Round – 2024
April 15, 2024: Do not miss the new Las Vegas Status Match Merry Go Round – only fully available until May 31, 2024. (Note: June 1, 2024 – the Wynn match has expired, Fontainebleau’s has been extended to September 2, 2024).
Feb 15th, 2024: Founders Card will no longer match to Caesars Diamond following the 2024 program year. I’ve never thought FC provided enough value to ever discuss here and so I still won’t… (HT: Miles to Memories)
NOTE: Caesars no longer matches to MGM Gold
Note there is one remaining route on the Merry Go Round if you are near Atlantic City and have/can get the Wyndham Business Earner card or complete the Wyndham Diamond status challenge which is:
- Atlantic City: Wyndham Business Earner Card (or Wyndham Diamond status challenge) >> Caesars Diamond >> Hard Rock ICON>> Ocean Prime >> MGM Gold. You do need to do this all in person after getting the Caesars match… (You do match Wyndham to Caesars online, though you need to get the card in person.) Note that MGM only does a Status Challenge giving you just 3 months of status.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The first step has changed. While Wyndham matches had been paused they are now back as a status challenge.
If you can’t do the status challenge, you can still use the Wyndham Business Earner card on-ramp!
Here are a few of the posts I’ve written going all the way back to July of 2018:
- 5 Status Matches and 5 Free Hotel Nights in 1 Day: Atlantic City – Hard Rock and Ocean AC Resort
- Easy Status Match to Wyndham Diamond (and possibly Total Rewards Diamond, Hyatt Explorist and Mlife Gold)
- Status Match Merry Go Round: What to Do in January
Without question, these have been some of the most popular and widely shared articles I’ve written. In the MilesTalk Facebook group, I love when people post pictures of their various successes. Makes my day.
The phrase Status Match Merry Go Round™ comes from the fact that (at least as it stands now) you simply need to find a way onto the Merry Go Round and then, once there, it keeps going and going for you.
I’ve gotten some feedback that some people have lost track of how this all works, as my info has been spread across various posts. So, I’m bringing this “full circle” today with a start to finish guide.
Why Should You Care About the Status Match Merry Go Round?
In short, because it will confer a variety of statuses on you for relatively little effort and much is repeatable year after year once you get on the Merry Go Round.
I’ll summarize all the programs and tiers involved:
- Wyndham Diamond
- Caesars Diamond
MGM Rewards Gold- Hyatt Explorist
- Hard Rock Atlantic City ICON
- Ocean Casino Prime (Atlantic City)
- Some bonus matches: South Florida and Resorts World Las Vegas
What are the Primary Benefits of Each Status in the Status Match Merry Go Round?
Wyndham doesn’t really have a super exciting footprint nor program, but you will be entitled to early check in, late check out, and suite upgrades when you stay at a Wyndham property. I list this first, however, because it’s the primary “on ramp” to the Status Match Merry Go Round.
While some people report better room offers at Caesars casino properties, that’s not a reliable benefit. Nor are
upgrades. But what is reliable is this:
– Free Parking at Caesars casinos/hotels
– Skip the Line at most restaurants (I’ve saved hours on line with this perk)
– A free four night stay at Atlantis (Also see:Free Atlantis Stay via Caesars Total Rewards Diamond: What To Expect with Room Fees, Food Costs, and More)
– A free $100 “Celebration Dinner” each year including status renewals (renewal dinner only if you have earned Wyndham Diamond status, which includes the Wyndham Earner Business card method). Some members seem to need to get 100 Tier Credits in a year to use the benefit while others do not.
– Free monthly show tickets.
– Waived resort fees
– Diamond Lounge access (requires $10 in comps per person)
– Taxi Queue line cut
MGM Rewards Gold
Free parking (including valet) at MGM resorts, priority checkin, priority buffet seating, potentially better room offers.
(Current MGM Status Challenge until September 2024– note you cannot match from Caesars Diamond anymore, but in Atlantic City you can match Caesars Diamond to Hard Rock ICON to MGM Gold)
When it is your very first time matching to ICON (this includes the former Rock Royalty) at Hard Rock Atlantic City, you’ll receive:
- Two complimentary nights, valid any day of the week
- $50 Bonus Free Play
Ongoing benefits include lounge access for a $10pp fee (in comp dollars), free self or valet parking, priority line at buffet. Priority checkin and 12pm check out. Free car wash once per month at Rocktane.
Read more: Hard Rock Atlantic City: Rock Royalty Trip Review (note: from 2019 and out of date)
Ocean Atlantic City Prime
Access to the Player’s Lounge ($10 comp dollars per person), free parking (including valet or specially reserved Prime self park spots).
First time and 18 month inactive Ocean members also get 2 free nights Sun-Fri., a free one time pass to the lounge (valid for 72 hours) plus 2 free nights at Wynn or Encore in Las Vegas (once per program year).
You’ll also get the famous MSC Cruise. I go into that free MSC cruise in detail here. It’s a totally free Caribbean cruise for two, with ocean view accommodations for up to 7 days and no port charges or fees. Not bad at all – just know they are not a very high end line.
PS: Yes, at some point in time this used to be a 10 day cruise anywhere in the world except China. They have changed that and now only top tier Reserve cardholders receive that.
Read More: Ocean Resort Casino Atlantic City Match to Prime
South Florida Casinos
These are pretty much pre “cash” plays – bonus slot dollars for matching.
Resorts World Las Vegas
They should be status matching; charts are unclear. Note that none of the tiers, even top tier, give you much beyond free parking.
How Does One Take The First Step in the Status Match Merry Go Round?
Right. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? To find out how this all works.
When I did my first ride on the Status Match Merry Go Round, I did everything I’m sharing with one exception. Back then, a Founders Card membership was the easiest way. Not wanting to pay for Founders Card as I didn’t (and still don’t) see value in it, I won my Wyndham Diamond in a charity auction for about $250. It’s been well worth it.
But now, it’s so much easier, thanks to the Wyndham Business Earner.
Step 1: Wyndham Diamond
Once you have that Wyndham Business Earner card (or, worst case, a Founders Card which grants Caesars Diamond), you will be Wyndham Diamond automatically.
Step 2: Caesars Rewards
Now that you have a nice shiny Wyndham Diamond card, you are entitled to an automatic match to Caesars Rewards Diamond. You can do this online here. Wait for your account to update at Caesars. It could be the next day or it could take a week.
You’ll be automatically eligible for that Atlantis stay now and the $100 Celebration Dinner credit is in your account to redeem in person.
(Update: It seems not everyone is still getting the $100 Celebration Dinner unless they earned status or got it via the Wyndham Business Earner Card; YMMV)
You can use this status for Step 4 below now that Step 3 is dead.
Step 3: MGM Rewards
Until September 30, 2024, you can take a Hard Rock Icon card (see Step 4 below) to an MGM property for 3 months of MGM Gold status. It’s a status challenge. Read more about the MGM Gold Status Challenge (not a full match!) here.
Step 4: Caesars to Hard Rock to Ocean Prime – Atlantic City
As of September 2024, Hard Rock in Atlantic City only is matching Caesars Diamond to ICON status. It’s also rematching those that have previously had ICON status, unlike other Hard Rock locations. This could change at any time.
Bring your Caesars Diamond to Hard Rock to match to ICON and then bring your ICON card next door to Ocean Casino Resort to match to Ocean Prime.
Matches from March 2024 on are valid until June 2025, however, if you match between March and June 2024, you’ll need to pick up a new card sometime after July 1, 2024 valid until June 2025 (a March – June 2024 match will show June 2024 as the expiration date until you pick up that new card).
You’ll also get 2 free nights at Wynn/Encore in Las Vegas and the famous MSC Cruise. I go into that free MSC cruise in detail here. It’s a totally free Caribbean cruise for two, with ocean view accommodations for up to 7 days and no port charges or fees. Not bad at all – just know they are not a very high end line.
PS: Yes, at some point in time this used to be a 10 day cruise anywhere in the world except China. They have changed that and now only top tier Reserve cardholders receive that.
Click here to see the Ocean Prime travel benefits brochure with all details on the 2 free Wynn nights and the MSC Cruise – including phone numbers to call to book.
It takes until about the 17th of the month following the month that you match to be able to book either of these.
Once again – you can use the Wynn nights just once per member year (July – June) but you can take one MSC cruise EACH calendar year.
Example: Match August 5th. Starting September 17th (they say 15th but it’s often late), you can book your MSC cruise that sails by Dec 31st. Then in January you can book another one that departs by June 30.
I’ll repeat the benefits from above:
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 and 12pm check out. Free car wash once per month at Rocktane.
Ocean Atlantic City Prime
One time free access to the Player’s Lounge ($10 comp dollars per person thereafter), free parking (including valet). First time Ocean members also get 2 free nights Sun-Fri.
You’ll also get the famous MSC Cruise. I go into that free MSC cruise in detail here. It’s a totally free Caribbean cruise for two, with ocean view accommodations for up to 7 days and no port charges or fees. Not bad at all – just know they are not a very high end line.
Bonus on this bonus! You can status match to MSC’s loyalty program before you book a cruise. Check this chart for what matches to what as of 2024. Hilton Diamond gets you top tier, for example.
Bonus Cruise!
And one more cruise bonus – on Carnival! You qualify in a way similar to the MSC status match, but in this case it’s more nebulous what will get you what. I’d probably upload the Ocean Prime since it’s the highest tier.
I’ll also take a moment here to mention that IF you plan to actually gamble for comps, your first trip to a casino plays heavily into the comps you’ll initially receive, so play wisely and read this article from TravelZork before you go…
More cruises in Step 12!
Step 5: Bonus Match to South Florida Casinos
As with most of the Merry Go Round, this once very lucrative match has been very watered down per Ben in the comments.
Here is what is left:
Now only gives $25 free play when signing up and then you must earn 250 slot points on signup day and you will receive $175 more free play. This is not even a match.
Match to Win Level using Hard Rock Unity (Caesars Diamond no longer works) – no reported perks
$150 in free play for matching from the Gulfstream Win card. Caesars Diamond would not have matched to anything.
In case you are still not convinced about the above, Nick of Frequent Miler saw the post in the MilesTalk group and took his own detour to South Florida, confirming his findings.
Thanks to reader Luke for updated on these matches in Jan 2023 and Ben in Jan 2024.
Step 6: Bonus Match to Resorts World Las Vegas
Resorts World Las Vegas doesn’t publicize a Status Match, but they do have one. Two, actually. If you are a “real” gambler, they’ll match your offers (and status) – per Michael Trager of Travel Zork, but most of us on the Merry Go Round are more casual. So what about if you only have the “standard” cards the Merry Go Round offers? The answer will be your MGM Gold.
They’ve just changed their whole program over, so it’s not clear what matches to what now. Please report back! Note that it doesn’t seem like whatever MGM Gold matches to gives many perks.
Step 7: Rivers Casino (Philadelphia)
Winford K. in the MilesTalk Facebook group discovered *another* Philly match that also gives a cruise!
Their Rush Rewards will match MGM Gold or Caesars Diamond to their mid-tier Platinum.
Updated: May 1, 2023 – This no longer results in a free cruise which the casino now states is only for earned status.
People are getting calls having the cruises cancelled 🙁
They aren’t always matching at all but when they are matching, here’s what they match:
Call before you go to ensure they are matching.
Step 8: Rivers and Ballys in Chicago
If you have Ballys Superstar from Atlantic City (where you can match to it from Caesars Diamond) you can get Black at Rivers near O’Hare. If you don’t have Bally’s Superstar, you can match Hard Rock Icon to Ballys Superstar at the downtown Ballys location in Chicago and then bring that to Rivers.
Status will expire at the end of whatever 6 month period you are in (June or December) and does not include the cruise or Atlantis benefits, but if you are local it’s got a primary perk of a lounge with sit down 3 course meals (on the house) but the usual top tier bennies.
Step 9: Want More Free Cruises?
You can take your highest status cards and/or offers and try for free cruises at Carnival, Holland America, Princess, and Virgin.
Different people get different deals. There is no roadmap of what matches to what but many are getting free cruises so just use your highest tier or best offer.
- Carnival Fun Match Form(You can use your Ocean Prime or even Caesars Diamond card for this – they are only asking for your highest tier card to determine offers).
- Holland America Player’s Club Match – upload your highest tier. Doesn’t hurt to put in the comments the best offer you already have if it’s a good one!
- Princess Cruise Match Form – (they will contact you)
- Virgin Cruise Match Offer– must upload an offer from a competing cruise line. While I’d imagine you could use your MSC cruise from Ocean, I think most people do better using what Carnival gives them.
And just to make sure, you already got your free MSC Cruise, right?
Step 10: Round and Round it Goes
(See caveat below)
In January and February, you have homework. Come January, your Wyndham will drop to Blue Level. But you have your Caesars Rewards Diamond that you matched online. Login and check your Caesars Rewards. Still Diamond, right?
Now go ahead and go back to the Wyndham page and match. This will re-up your Wyndham Diamond status.
Then make a note for a few days into February. Your Caesars status will lapse Feb 1. But you can go back to the Caesars page then and re-up for another year!
Sadly, as of 2022, this “match back” only works if you have the Wyndham Business Earner credit card or Founders Card – or get lucky! (some have)
See Why I call it the Status Match Merry Go Round™?
I’m sure you do… (although it used to be MUCH more of a full circle Merry Go Round than it is now after so many program changes that aimed to end it).
Did you do the Status Match Merry Go Round™?
MilesTalk Facebook group members love to post pics of all their new shiny cards and I’d love for you to let me know how it went for you as well. You can let me know here, on Twitter, or in the private group.
You can find credit cards that best match your spending habits and bonus categories at Your Best Credit Cards.
New to all of this? My “introduction to miles and points” book, MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points is available on Amazon and at major booksellers.
[…] I’ve personally just plunked down 480,000 points for 5 nights there (in a villa going for $1,500++ a night) and then have a 6th night reserved for 120,000 points which I plan to swap out with a free weekend night certificate I hope to earn from my Hilton Honors American Express Business Card for spending $15,000 in a calendar year. When used that way, you can be getting up to 120,000 points in value for that “free weekend night.” Now, the WA Maldives is the only 120,000 point hotel currently in the system, but a great many are 95,000. So it wouldn’t be a stretch to say you are getting essentially 225,000 points (or, in my one WA Maldives case, 250,000 points) in value from this sign up offer (although, to be clear, it’s 130,000 points and a free weekend night). The card has a $95 annual fee and will confer Gold Status on you – good enough to get you going on the Status Match Merry Go Round. […]
I’m an existing Caesars Platinum member (military), and current diamond match promo only applies to new members. Is there any way around this besides their credit card? Is it possible to create a new account? I’m looking for diamond for Atlantic City merry go round ride. Currently have Wynn Platinum, Fontainebleau Gold, Resorts World Monarch and 2 months left on MGM Gold. Ideas?
You cannot create a new account. They know. There have been people that have gotten very lucky with a match despite already having had an account but that is against the rules – pure luck.
That said you can take your MGM Gold to Hard Rock for ICON and take that to Ocean for Prime 🙂
Thanks so much for the guidance. I went back to Caesars and started opening a new account with an ID issued by the federal government, and using the address and phone number for one of my out of state businesses. During the account creation I asked to be status matched using my Wynn Platinum card. While they were processing my request, there was a look of confusion, a smirk, then I was handed a Caesars Diamond card with my old platinum account number on it. Guess I got real lucky. Total for my quick day trip was (starting with just Caesars platinum) Caesars diamond, MGM Gold, (90 days) Wynn Platinum, Fontainebleau gold, Resorts World Monarch, and top tier Club One Legend. Prepping now for an overnight at Wynn LV, a short weekender to ACY, then another overnighter at Wynn LV on my way home to satisfy the two stay requirement for the Holland cruise. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge here! You are appreciated.
[…] last week I published a summary of my tips dating back to last July in one article called: “The Status Match Merry Go Round Explained (Using Both Hotel and Casino Status Match Opportunities Ye… […]
[…] casino card from another casino – only this August. And if you are a follower of my Status Match Merry Go Round, you can easily pick up $150 in free play. How do you know how much you’ll get? You […]
[…] fans of the MilesTalk Status Match Merry Go Round know I love a good match and Caesars just sent me an email that you can now do reciprocal matched […]
[…] You also get IHG Platinum status which you can use to get on the Status Match Merry Go Round. […]
[…] (Also see: The Status Match Merry Go Round) […]
Hi Dave, thanks for updating this guide. I was able to get a Caesars diamond match from my MGM gold this summer. I’m a bit confused on how to maintain the status for Caesars through next year as I’ve read somewhere that we need to earn the status for next year instead. Is it still possible to rematch Caesars next year and apply the old merry go round principles if we continue to have MGM Gold and Hyatt Explorist?
the link you show in STEP 4 to be able to match your Mlife Gold status to Hyatt Explorist, is incorrect (It is for Hyatt to MGM match – wrong direction). Here is the correct link – MGM – Hyatt Tier match: https://www.mgmresorts.com/mgm-web/deeplink/en/v1/hyatt
Updated. Thanks.
Hi!
I have a question about the status match Merry go round. I use to travel to the US for vacation from time to time and I live in Europe. Is it possible for me to use the merry go round even if I don’t live in the US or is it necessary to have an address in the US?
Best regards Niclas
Yes, I believe so. We have a member in the MilesTalk Facebook group from Brazil that did it all. Might want to hop on the group and i’ll tag him when you ask.
Thanks for your reply. I’ll hop on that group and I will ask my question there.
Resorts World has a new loyalty program. MGM Gold matched me to Prime (2/4 levels). No clue if that’ll be worth something ever.
[…] I’ve personally just plunked down 480,000 points for 5 nights there (in a villa going for $1,500++ a night) and then have a 6th night reserved for 120,000 points which I plan to swap out with a free weekend night certificate I hope to earn from my Hilton Honors American Express Business Card for spending $15,000 in a calendar year. When used that way, you can be getting up to 120,000 points in value for that “free weekend night.” Now, the WA Maldives is the only 120,000 point hotel currently in the system, but a great many are 95,000. So it wouldn’t be a stretch to say you are getting essentially 225,000 points (or, in my one WA Maldives case, 250,000 points) in value from this sign up offer (although, to be clear, it’s 130,000 points and a free weekend night). The card has a $95 annual fee and will confer Gold Status on you – good enough to get you going on the Status Match Merry Go Round. […]
[…] You also get IHG Platinum status which you can use to get on the Status Match Merry Go Round. […]
Hi Dave! Thanks for this article. Very helpful and informative. Have you come across anymore data points on the Mlife Gold match working at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas? I’ve seen 2 comments in another article in the last month saying the MGM Grand no longer works…
Thank you for your time.
Hi Billy – unfortunately, no. My understanding is that the match in Vegas comes and goes (it’s of course possible that this has become popular enough that it’s gone for good). Either way, I have not heard of a single positive data point since August. Sorry!
[…] you are a follower of the Status Match Merry Go Round, you’ve hopefully been able to make the Mlife match component work. Currently, you’ve […]
I just tried to read over it as I’m coming up for expiration soon on my Diamond Caesars status, I didn’t make it to any MGM property to try it last year to see if status match is possible at other properties (pretty much never go to A/C though after reading the article was tempted)and am curious if anyone has tried doing this at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS (an MGM property) or the Gold Strike in Tunica, Ms (also MGM property) and if they’ve had any luck? Also, anyone tried the Hard Rock in Biloxi for match?
Another question: I thought I read last year that this could only be done ONE TIME…just looked and didn’t see anything about it in the rules so I’m excited, did it change?
I just did the Wyndham status match using IHG Platinum and it says; “After you’re matched, stay 14 qualifying nights in 90 days to keep your DIAMOND level. There is no way I will stay 14 days within the next 90 days. Did I miss something in the directions?” Or is this just the stepping stone to get to Caesars status, and it makes no difference if I don’t keep the Diamond after 90 days? Thank you for taking the time to write out all these steps!! That is much appreciated.
Stepping stone 🙂
I do not gamble, have never been to Vegas. So when I read “Diamond Lounge access (requires $10 in comps per person)” does this mean a $10 co-pay? Thanks!
@clyn6: you need to earn $10 in comps from gambling else you won’t be able to access the lounge. Can’t be paid with cash.
Step 4 keeps getting sign in error
Try this link: https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mlife-rewards-program/preferred-partners/hyatt-hotels.html
I have Caesars Diamond until 1/31/2020 and Wyndham Diamond until 2/1/2020. How and when do I do the status match submissions to qualify for 2020?
@Michael: Your Wyndham should have expired Jan 1, 2020. As soon as either drops off you can match back.
I have Wyndham Diamond until 1/31/2020 and Caesars Diamond until 2/1/2020. How and when do I reapply to ensure that I get DIamond for 2020?
I’m logged in now and it has me as Diamond until 2/1/2020 and says I am still Diamond as of today.
Did my match on the second of februari because my diamond status at Caesars expired on 31 januari. Along the website announcement it should take 6 business days to update from gold to diamond. When I’m logging in on my caesars account I’m still gold. What shell I do
@frank – you may need to resubmit. Many have had this happen. Others, it works fine.
Can you status match Wyndham to Caesars two years in a row?
Tried matching my Wyndham diamonds (marched from Hilton gold) to caesars twice now, ended up at gold. First was first week in Feb second was about a week ago. Am I SOL?
@sideshowbob – no, just keep trying! It will stock eventually.
Can I still get M Life Gold at Borgata with my Caesar Diamond status(card)?
Yes, once they reopen 😉
I have Caesars Diamond thru Founders Card which expires 12/31/2020. My understanding is that once my
Founders Card ends on Dec 31st, they will reach out to Caesars to drop my Diamond. When should I match my Caesars Diamond to Wyndham Diamond to be able to match back to Caesars Diamond?
Will I get 90 days of Wyndham Diamond or will Wyndham downgrade me on 12/31/2020 no matter when in 2020 I match my Caesars to Wyndham?
Caesars status lasts until Jan 31. So normally you’d match back to Wyndham in January. I’m not familiar with Founders Card – do they actually get your status revoked a month early?
As soon as you cancel Founders Card, they reach out to Caesars and cancel your Diamond status within a few days. The fact that my Founders Card expires on 12/31/2020 is making this really frustrating.
If I match Caesars to Wyndham in December, will my Wyndham downgrade at the end of the year anyway? I thought the match is good for 90 days unless you meet their requirements (staying X nights during the 90 days)? Any thoughts?
With a standard status match which Wyndham isn’t currently offering, one gets 90 days, otherwise it does expire Dec 31st. If you’d done that, you could have the 90 days and match to Caesars and then back to Wyndham in January.
You are not in that situation, though. A match from Caesars is instant and through the end of the program year. However, a variable is that this year they extended all statuses for a year. I’m not sure the impact. If you matched on Dec 31st, you might be good for a day or a full year.
I’d probably match now and then see when it is set to expire. If it’s this year, then be ready at 12:01am on Jan 1st to match a second time from Caesars.
Thanks for the advice Dave. That’s what I’ll do. I’ll match now and check the expiration date hoping for sometime past the end of 2020. If not, I’ll try to do another match on New Years Day first thing and will keep my fingers crossed!
thanks for sharing, very useful.
Sadly it looks like Wyndham has ceased its status match so that puts a wrench in the gears of the Merry go Round.. basically as I was getting on!. 🙁
Im Explorist with Hyatt and ive earned Mlife Gold on my own.. end goal is to get Diamond with Caesars Rewards!
I have reached out to Wyndham by phone, email, and social media to try to encourage them to bring back the status match and/or let me know what the plans are going forward. All I get in all cases are form letters and canned responses.
I’m diamond select at Best Western. Wyndham not matching right now correct? Are they going to offer it again any time this year? I’m trying to get Caesars diamond. Thanks
Unfortunately they are not currently matching and have not indicated if/when they will again.
Royal Caribbean Status => Mlife Status Match!
Diamond Plus & Pinnacle => MLife Platinum
Emerald & Diamond => Mlife Gold
Platinum => Mlife Pearl
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/countries/crown-and-anchor/pdf/MGM_Partnership_Benefits_Page.pdf
Mlife Status => Royal Caribbean Onboard Status Benefits
https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mlife-rewards-program/preferred-partners/royal-caribbean-and-celebrity-cruises.html
As an FYI, I just tried the normal way of re-matching my Caesars Diamond status to Wyndham and it worked! I’m Diamond again with Wyndham. I guess Wyndham either reversed course or they are allowing people already on the merry go round to keep going or maybe I’m confused about what they stopped doing (ie not doing matches to the original hotel chains at the top of the diagram pyramid)
Yes, it’s the very top of the pyramid (matching other hotel programs to Wyndham if you don’t already have Caesars Diamond. The rest still works 🙂
awesome – thanks. I’m glad I’m already on the merry go round then 😀
Now that the Wyndham hotel status match seems to be dead (though I still hold out hope of it coming back), what are your thoughts of going the FoundersCard route? It looks like I can become a member for $395. If I get Caesars Diamond from this, will it be matchable back and forth to Wyndham diamond year after year (assuming they continue their partnership)? If so, I’m thinking Caesars Diamond in perpetuity is worth way more than $395.
I still have Hilton Gold until 2022 now I believe, so there’s also the chance I can get on the merry go round that way and save the $395.
Have you looked into a Wyndham Business credit card? It comes with Wyndham Diamond and sure is much cheaper than FC: https://milestalk.com/new-on-ramp-to-status-match-merry-go-round-wyndham-diamond/
This is why you’re my go to! I’m on the Facebook group, but somehow I missed this new on-ramp. Any tips on applying as an individual? Sole proprietorship, any specific revenue level, etc.
I don’t personally… though I know Barclays was (in 2019) requiring full business docs. This might actually be a good question for the group 🙂
I obtained a Wyndham business card for $95 as a sole proprietor. No business docs required but they will check your individual debt to income ratio. My credit is 800+. I had a little snafu with income misunderstanding, other wise I would have been instantly approved on their website. I had to call in to give more income information and due to that review, had to send them a copy of my DL and SS card as well as a utility bill verifying my address. That was from the security dept to prevent fraud (not the credit approval dept), but I was otherwise approved with no business docs. Got my card and Wyndham Diamond, then matched to Caesar’s diamond. This was done in early May 2021.
Hi, are they still matching? I have a IHG platinum. And was told Wyndham is no longer matching.
Hi Cami. Please see the very first paragraph of the post 🙂
So I went today to AC and got my Wyndham status matched to Caesar’s (picked up the card) and then Mlife at Borgata. Nothing was mentioned about a free night there and there was a medical emergency nearby so I tried to jam as soon as possible to let staff in there/create space. Is it something that gets loaded to the account or how does this work?
Also- trying to get Hyatt globalist. I got the credit card and am wondering if I book stays through M life page with a discount will they still count for Hyatt? Or what is the best play?
If you have never had an MLife card before and matched at Borgata, you get the free night. You have to call Borgata to book and cannot view online.
For Hyatt, only MGM properties that you can find on the Hyatt website award elite night credits. (So, not Borgata at this time). If you are staying on COMP nights, note that a stay will only count for elite nights if at least one night has a cash rate component and resort fees don’t count. (This is a bug AFAIK – really comped nights should not count.) All Hyatt or MGM rates qualify but be sure to provide your Hyatt number at check-in.
Thanks for your fast reply!
So what you are saying is that I could book something in Vegas for instance, but through the MGM site, is that correct? Looks like a good stacking opportunity w/amex offers right now (If I have 2 different MGM offers, will they stack as long as highest value is met?)
You can book via MGM or Hyatt – doesn’t matter. Just make sure the front desk has your Hyatt number if you book via MGM. The two MGM offers are for different properties, so no way to stack.
Once you’re on the merry go round is there any action needed to keep it going? A couple years ago I matched my Caesars Diamond status (from FoundersCard) to MGM Gold and got matched to Hyatt Explorist. As of November 2021 nothing seems to have changed but not sure how much of this was due to status extensions. Will the MGM-Hyatt reciprocity just keep continuing the match without any intervention on my end?
That is only because of the status extensions. Normally you would indeed need to rematch between Hyatt and MLife. Hyatt will expire at the end of Feb and that is when you rematch from MLife. Then when Mlife expires, you do the reverse.
“Note that I’m being told that as of Dec 2021, expiration dates are not printing on the Hard Rock cards which makes them invalid for matching at Ocean.”
I matched from Caesars to Hard Rock today and my card printed with expiration date. No issue matching the Hard Rock status to Ocean.
Great!! Someone else told me the same so I’ll remove that “black box warning” now 😉
Awesome guide, thanks Dave. I was able to get Wyndham Diamond to Caesars Diamond, to Mlife Gold to Hyatt Explorist over a year ago, and took advantage of the Caesars perks (no resort fees, free valet, VIP check-in, $100 celebration dinner) a couple of months ago! (btw Mlife revamped their program and the Gold status has better benefits now, making this Merry Go Round even more fun).
But i am not clear what the process is to re-match from Hyatt to Mlife after the Mlife status lapses. In your guide I see the link to match Mlife to Hyatt, but what about the other way around?
Hey Alex. You can match back here: https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/rewards/other-partnerships.html
When I checked earlier today, though, my MGM hasn’t been downgraded yet.
Awesome, thank you! My mlife was still Gold yesterday, and today it is Sapphire. Hit your link and voila: “Your MGM Rewards tier will be matched to your World of Hyatt tier. Please allow up to 24 hours for your new tier to reflect on your account.”
Have Wyndham Diamond and two status match requests had no response, still no upgrade. I just submitted my 3rd request.
Yeah, trying to match Caesars using my Wyndham Diamond this year. I’ve done it twice earlier this month and still Caesars Gold. I did get the “WYNDHAM REWARDS MATCHING STATUS
Thank you! Your Caesars Rewards tier status will be updated to Diamond within 7 business days.” status message after typing in my Wyndham number.
I actually have a booking with Caesars for May, but might cancel and stay elsewhere if I don’t have diamond status
Quick question for anyone willing to answer. I know the status matching with Wyndham isn’t happening right now so I reallt don’t have a was to get onto thr merry go round. I also know the founders card isn’t worth the price however, if I were to get the founders card just to get the ceasers diamond status. Would I be able to get all other statuses and then be able to see them all just and the layout states? If possible could someone tell me if this is possible and break It down for me, it would be greatly appreciated.
HI AJ,
I am currently on the merry go round, but I started with Founders Card.
In my Founders card travels, I discovered that an existing FC holder can send you a trial invitation for FC.
That trial will not allow you to get the Caesars Diamond Benefit, however If you wait the trial out or cancel it, they will start sending you emails to get you to join. If you wait long enough you should get an offer to join for $99 for one year. I haven’t needed to try it, but you might give that a go and see how it works.
I got the Wyndham business card and after waiting two weeks for the status match from Caesars, I emailed them asking about it. Three days later they answered and said they were working through a backlog. Two days after that, I checked the app, and the diamond status finally appeared.
I had already booked a trip to Harrah’s Las Vegas with my gold status, and we arrived on April 5th. I was able to print my new diamond card from a kiosk. I then checked my promotions and the $100 dinner was not listed. The only thing of value was 2 free rides on the Linq High Roller ferris wheel.
The next day, I went across the street to The Mirage and they status matched me to gold and gave me a card. I gambled a little bit on the slots to generate some activity but nothing of value showed up on the promotions. I checked the MGM app and it still showed pearl, so I figured it might take a day to come through.
We were due to check out on Friday, so on Thursday, I checked with the front desk at Harrah’s to make sure the resort fees would be removed. They said it would be taken care of…
Friday morning rolls around and I checked the bill and the resort fees were still there, so I headed down and had to wait in line with everyone else as the priority line was closed. This time, they actually removed the resort fees – though I learned that they will only remove them from one room. I had booked connecting rooms so had to suck it up on the other room. I also made sure that I would get the free parking. They added it to the key and I swiped it at the exit to get out. I’m glad I asked because I thought that I would have to use the parking kiosk.
Before leaving, I went back to The Mirage and asked why my app still showed pearl status. The person there said that no one had actually processed it, so she went ahead and pushed it through. It shows gold now on the MGM app. One thing I noticed about the $100 dining credit is an asterisk stating that you still have to get 75k tier credits to use it. The waived resort fee and room upgrade perks have no asterisks.
I stopped by the Caesars Rewards desk before leaving and I was told that the $100 food credit won’t show up under promotions but it is loaded and will be available at a long list of restaurants that he gave me a printout of. I forgot to ask about the free Atlantis trip but see nothing about it under my offers.
Once home, I used the link in the article to upgrade my Hyatt from discoverist to explorist. It happened instantly.
Lots and lots of legwork but I finally achieved the 4 main statuses. Thanks for laying everything out so clearly Dave!
The Baha Mar Status match asks for actual proof of activity and a matching offer. The status and card alone is not enough. They also take 7 days to respond by email. Sometimes not at all.
Hi Dave,
I notice the wording for Caesars to match Mlife Gold specifically states it is only for new Caesars reward members. https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/promotions/terms-and-conditions/2022-Terms-and-Conditions
“To be eligible for this Offer, participants (“Participants”) must be a newly verified Caesars Rewards member and be registered to receive marketing emails at a valid email address on record with Caesars Rewards.”
Seems they are trying to close all the loopholes.
Not sure if, in practice, they will hold to that, but it is something to note.
just got back from Atlantic City – only got $50 free play with my new status match (not 75 or 100 as mentioned in this article) but I’ll still take it. Also got a free tshirt at Oceans with my new card. This page was very helpful in navigating all the matches so thanks for putting this together. Now to see when I can book some trips for all these free rooms 🙂
whoops – forgot to mention the $50 was at Hard Rock
Any status match opportunities in Laughlin? I currently have MGM Platinum and Caesars Diamond. Will be heading to Vegas in a few days and plan to try and status match at Resorts World but wondering if there are any other places I could in Vegas or if I drive out to Laughlin.
You guys are the best! Followed the status matches from Caesars Diamond to Hard Rock Royalty to Oceans Prime – all worked out as you said, wearing my new Oceans shirt down the Boardwalk, booking my cruise on July 15th, booking Wynn 2 nights in August. Really appreciate the clarity of your spot on blogs!
wasn’t the Ocean’s free cruise expired or completed by 6/30/22, or just needed to book by then but could cruise afterwards?
The 2022 year ended and the 2023 year began today. You’ll need new status to book everything. See a different post I just published today for details.
thx Dave; my Q is to J Rod as his post dated on 6/30…
They renewed it thru 2023
MGM + Caesars – Carnival Cruise Status Match – 1 Free Cruise + 100 on-board credit + free drinks while you gamble.
https://www.carnival.com/Registration/Promotions/casino-funmatch-altoxpatz.aspx
Hi. So being a merry-go-round, this gives an impression of being able to start at nearly any spot.. that being said, I have a mlife gold. Is there a way to go from that to Caesars diamond???
Yes, if you don’t already have a Caesars card, you can match to Caesars Diamond. However, with the recent changes, this will only last one year unless you pick up a Wyndham Business Earner credit card. https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/promotions/diamond-tier-upgrade
Baha Mar Offer has been updated and won’t work for Ocean prime anymore https://bahamar.com/casino-match-your-offer/ , sigh
My wife and I did the status matching merry-go-round in mid-July 2022. We started at the Borgata where we matched my wife’s Royal Caribbean Diamond status to Mlife Gold. (I am already MLife Gold). We then went to Hard Rock AC and successfully matched to Rock Royalty + got $50 free play each and then went to Ocean AC and matched to Ocean Prime + $25 free play each. Note that we had wanted to use our HR complimentary nights but HR sign-up info are only loaded after 24 hrs. We tried calling the booking line multiple times that day but no go. Thanks so much for your info!
I love to hear it!!
Has anyone attempted the Baha Mar match with an offer received by one of the updated properties listed? I have an offer from one of the casinos and I’m wondering what they’ll request in order to approve the match? I have a screenshot of the offer. Thanks!
If you submit the form, a VIP Host will manually reach back out to you via email with something like this:
—-
Thank you for your interest in Match your Offer and Baha Mar Casino.
We will need a little more information to put together a trip for you, which is listed below.
Please provide a matching offer from one of the casinos that we have listed on the website.
DOB
Home Address/Phone Number
Do you have a contact from that casino we could reach out to verify your play?
Are you a table games or slot customer (will you need a credit line set up)?
A copy of your Casino Rewards Card
Log into your account & send a screenshot of your offer that you are looking to match (Please note that we are not matching Tier Benefits)
*Also please read the terms and conditions of “Match Your Offer” as this is an exclusive program to certain tier levels of YOUR CASINO REWARDS & must be matching an offer/ and new customer to Baha Mar*
Just a note about the free nights at the Ocean:
I definitely thought you got two free nights Fri-Sun at the Ocean, but it is actually One STAY of up to two free nights. So I booked a one night stay, then a couple weeks later tried to book my second free night but I got told that it basically got forfeited because I had already used my free stay.
How soon can you redeem the free stay once you match? Thx
Hi, is this marching route still working as of August in Atlanta city? MGM Gold -> Rock Royalty -> Ocean Prime.
The Ocean AC tier matching brochure says the qualifying card is Rock Royalty “X” Card.
Hope the matching route still works.
Thanks!
Any DP with HR complimentary nights booking? I did status match in the middle of August. Tried to call and book two nights. Tried lots of dates (weekend/ weekdays) , none available, not even for one night. Not sure if there is any update?
This is such an incredibly valuable post — thank you so much for compiling all of this information in one place. Have you seen any data points on what counts as a “new” member to Hard Rock? I did a status match when they first opened, and haven’t been back in at least three years, and when I try to log into my old online account, there seems to be no record of it. I am wondering if a player falls off their books after a long period of inactivity.
I don’t think you will qualify as new, but you can still rematch to Rock Royalty – just without the free stuff 😉
Data points for Atlantic City 9/8/22:
Took MGM Gold to Hard Rock. They matched me to Rock Royalty. That came with $50 slot play and two free nights.
Took Rock Royalty to Ocean. They gave me Prime which has the free 7 day MSC cruise, two nights at Wynn, and two nights at Ocean. I also got a pass to their lounge which is basically a buffet that I could use for 72 hrs and bring a guest (including that same day). I had lunch there. Food was okay.
Then I went to Ballys and showed them all my cards (including Caesars Rewards Diamond). They told me that they could use any of them to match since they’re all high tier cards. They matched me to Superstar. I had heard a rumor that that included a free cruise. It doesn’t. The perks aren’t great unless you stay at their hotel. It also came with a one time lounge access pass but their lounge is only open on the weekends.
And that’s it!
Thank you for this comprehensive post!
Re ur Sept 14 update re Borgata no longer offering perks with a match – I have searched and can’t find any notice anywhere by Borgata or MGM of this change. How was this change released? Is this change just for land-casino matches only? Trying to find addl info.
It was never a published benefit and went away sometime after MGM took over. I attempted to find out when it ended and nobody would acknowledge it ever existed nor comment on the record. Not even their Twitter responded to a request for comment.
I’m so confused – what prompted the latest 9/14 update then? What benefit is there to matching status if there are no perks offered?
I think you are indeed confused 🙂
You still get all MGM perks. No resort fees. Match to Hyatt Explorist. Free parking. Everything.
You simply no longer get a free night a slot dollars with the match which only Borgata gave and was not an MGM offer.
Hi Dave!
I recently attained Paramount at Resorts in AC and was wondering when would be a good time to tier match to Caesars’ diamond status. I’d ideally like to rematch to Diamond (if it works) next year using MGM’s Gold tier (and rematch the gold tier using Hyatt Explorist), but with all the expiration dates coming up I’m getting a little confused.
My end goal is getting the 2 Complimentary nights in Las Vegas from Ocean’s Prime card!
Should I jump on the merry-go-round now or should I wait until a certain month?
Thank you!
To start, are you sure you can match Paramount to Resorts to Caesars Diamond? If so, you have two options. Wait until Feb next year to match to Caesars (with the risk they may not be matching!) to get the full year of it since while you can rematch MGM you can no longer rematch Caesars yearly. If your goal is Ocean Prime and the cruises/Wynn rooms, then match now, get MGM Gold, bring to Hard Rock and bring Hard Rock to Ocean ASAP.
Yes! I’m fairly certain the Paramount tier will match to Diamond (I guess I’ll find out for sure when I do it!) My big dilemma is whether or not it’s worth it to tier match now and only have the Diamond status for a few months instead of potentially matching in February to have it for a whole year. Do you find more value in just matching ASAP and going through the steps to get Prime or do you find more value in keeping the Diamond status active longer?
Thank you for your help so far!
This page is a valuable resource. Will anyone who has recently been there please confirm is the expiration date is printing on the cards from Hard Rock? I am seeing conflicting comments.
It’s been printing ever since a blip late last summer.
1) Any data points on the Carnival Free Cruise? IE: Which statuses match the highest program to get the free trip?
2) You mentioned in the IG video at the top you get (2) free cruises, were you including the carnival or is there another one?
Afraid I don’t know about the Carnival tiers. As for the ‘two’ cruises, if you match early enough in the second half of a year, you can take a cruise by Dec 31 and another one Jan-June
Can the cruise end in July as long as it departs by June?
Hi Dave,
Thanks for all this helpful information. I matched to most of the South Florida Casinos listed in the post on December 23 2021 and had some luck at the slots. Any data points on if I can match again prior to December 23, 2022? Is it possible to get free play or is this one time free play when matching? TIA.
Wish I could help here but have no use if they are repeatable or not. Sorry!
Are there other matches you can do in Vegas? Headed out there soon and really only looking for free slot play (aka free money)
Hi I just received gold status for MGM life from my stay in Vegas. When should I match over to Hyatt? What month? Also, I was told gold expires 12/31/2023 instead of the following 2/1/2024. Will this affect the merry-go-round?
Match to Hyatt now! When one expires you can match back from the other.
I already have MGM Gold and Hyatt Explorist. When my MGM Gold expires in February, I can rematch using Hyatt and then when Hyatt expires I can rematch using MGM Gold right?
Yup!
I got the Wydham biz as my on ramp, and then matched to Caesars and then went to AC to get the MLife Gold. However, when I completed the status match form for Hyatt (I am only a member with Hyatt) instead of elevating my Hyatt status to Discoverist, it downgraded my MGM status to Sapphire to match my low level Hyatt tier. I’ve spoken to several customer service reps and they keep bouncing me back and forth. I do not live near AC and made a special trip to the casinos for this, specifically with Hyatt status as the overall goal. Anyone else ever have this happen and manage to get it resolved?
Can’t say I’ve ever heard this happen to anyone. You went to the Hyatt site (ultimate URL which requires login is https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/rewards/other-partnerships/tier-match.html) and matched from there? It should have sucked in your MGM level and upgraded Hyatt accordingly. Only way I could see what you describe happening is if you tried to match on the MGM side and that could have sucked in your lower status from Hyatt but STILL that shouldn’t have downgraded your MGM status. I would stick with calling MGM here as they will be able to see your previous status and that it shouldn’t have been downgraded.
Hey an update. South Florida portion is not as good anymore. Gulfstream only matches diamond to their win level now which takes away the $200 freeplay at Hialeah (just $20 for new players) and bumps casino Miami down to $150 freeplay. Also called Miccosukee and they aren’t doing any matches or freeplay.
Thanks – updated the above though I was not clear about the Hialeah going down due to Gulfstream as Hialeah was matching to CZR Diamond. I updated as you said but maybe you can clarify.
wow…never knew about these Ocean Prime benefits…never been to AC and on West Coast so if I did see anything related to that, I likely ignored it.
Never been a member of Hard Rock or Ocean of course….so if I can make it to Atlantic City with my Mlife Gold (Freshly reminted)..I get free nights at both places after joining / matching + Wynn Las Vegas for 2023/24?
I can see organically being near Atlantic City in 2H 2024…but who knows by then….to visit this year would require a special trip.
Indeed Caesar Diamond to MGM yield only Pearl status (for half a year). However, I can confirm that Caesar -> Hard Rock -> Ocean -> MGM works! MGM will give matched status only for 6 months.
Should be enough as my target is Hyatt status.
I was a bit nervous as Hard Rock Status expires at the end of February. Last year MGM refused to match in January with Caesar Diamon which expires at the end of the month. Luckily, Ocean accepted my expiring card and gave me their Prime so I could close the loop.
anyone been upgraded from Wyndham—>Caesars yet? I have WBE and older Wyndham card both giving Diamond. Still waiting….registered Feb.1
Did you eventually get upgraded to Caesars Diamond? If so, how long did it take. I applied for the upgrade on March 4th and it still hasn’t upgraded.
When does Hard Rock Status normally reset? Is it just at the beginning of the calendar year? I am heading to AC next month and was going to do the status match, but I wasnt sure how long the status would last for. Also, has anyone heard of hard rock being lenient on the 90 days requirement for the 2 free nights? I am planning on going back to AC in July and I was really hoping to use the free hard rock nights, but that would be more than 90 days after…..
As of now, Hard Rock status expires at the end of February each year. March should be a perfect time for that match if nothing changes. They will not extend the free nights.
Same here. Was looking for award nights in April or MY without luck.
I got Ocean Prime status match last June (2022). Can i get status match again before June 2023?
Nope. 366 days since you last gambled at Ocean (or matched) whichever is later.
Hi! Just wanted to add a data point. For South Florida, Hard Rock Seminole is matching Caesar’s Diamond to Hard Rock Unity Icon (Seminole, Hollywood FL). And that Hard Rock Icon card can be matched to Casino Miami for $150 in Free Play.
1. Is the Hard Rock Atlantic City still using the Wild Card program or have they moved to Unity now?
2. Will Ocean match Unity Icon or ONLY Wild Card Rock Royalty?
Until Spring, Still Wild Card – and Ocean will match Rock Royalty or ICON
So I went to Atlantic City last weekend to do the status match merry go round (since Oceans put on their website that anyone who matched after March 1st would automatically have their status extended through 2024). While there I went by Live! Philadelphia just to see what they would match to. When you go to their rewards desk to status match they do not instantly upgrade your status, instead they take a picture of all of your status cards and say they will get back to you within a week (you do get $10 freeplay as a new member).
I just checked my Live! Rewards status online for Live! Philadelphia a couple days ago and it looks like I was matched to Black Rewards (not sure which of my statuses got matched to that as they took a picture of all 4 of my status cards).
Looks like with the new status levels, Black Rewards only gives you two free nights at the Baha Mar after you pay for two nights (instead of the 3 free nights you could previously match to). There are other perks though like $300 birthday celebration dinner, $200 reimbursement for Live! partner travel and complimentary 3 night stay at the Hilton at Resorts World Las Vegas. The Jade tier level is where the real Baha Mar and Norwegian Cruise would have been nice. Will be interested though if the $200 reimbursement and free Hilton stay are not too hard to use.
Also, just as a note: they only give you the basic card when you sign up. You have to go back to the casino to pick up your new Black Card Once you are matched.
Thanks for this info!!!! A 4 for 2 at Baha Mar isn’t terrible. And 3 nights in Vegas perfectly compliments the Wynn nights from Ocean. They are across the street from each other 🙂
Thanks for this info. Do you know if you get the perks of the black card status at Live! Philadelphia if you do not go back to pick up your card? I could make the stop to sign up but will not be in town long enough to pick up my card. Much thanks!
what card did u use to match to black at live?
About how many days did the match take? 2-3 or closer to a week? Thanks!
Thanks for the tip Andrew. Can I ask which cards you shared with them for the match? Just wondering if there’s any particular strategy there on cards to use, or even not use.
Hi! thanks for this! any update on using your free nights at RWorld in Vegas? Also what level of cards did you give them for matching? Thanks 🙂
@Matt – A match at RW LV does not come with free nights. If you mean the match from Philly LIVE!, that’s no longer available so if you haven’t done that yet it’s too late.
Do you know what’s going on with the Wyndham earners biz card? It matched me Diamond with Caesar’s last year but this year I submitted the form over and over beginning of February and they never matched me. Now I go to the form to try yet again and the form is gone and instead there is a page saying new sign ups can get Diamond status by showing another loyalty card with high status (even cards like mgm gold said it would match to Diamond). Well I’m not a new sign up so that’s not going to work. Am I not getting matched this time???
Many people have had challenges with the match taking effect. This is the page to match from: https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/partners/wyndham_resorts
If it hasn’t happened, you can contact Wyndham via their website. Caesars is even a dedicated subject to write about.
Thank you! Will update if I have any luck.
So once I emailed total rewards it took about 2 days and I was Caesar’s Diamond again.
Is it true that you only get earned status Year 1 of the Wyndham earner biz card? Then requires $5k spend? Read this on Reddit somewhere and it was a recent thread and was a bit confusing.
https://www.reddit.com/r/CaesarsRewards/comments/110u0lx/caesars_status_match/?sort=new
Absolutely, 100%, not true. You just pay the $95 annual fee.
Hard rock status expired in February. Do you have to wait a year as inactive to rematch? Or can it be done at any point?
Any point.
i thought the RR match was a one time thing?
It is not. The free room etc is, not the match.
Is this really correct? I could’ve sworn they wouldn’t match me to Rock Royalty a second time when I tried. I have the valid Caesars status to match to it. It even says right on their tier page “TIER MATCH OFFER IS VALID FOR NEW MEMBERS ONLY” https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/promotions/wild-card-tier-match
It is really correct and I have rematched in AC at HR 5 years straight. You just don’t get any new member benefits – only a Rock Royalty card to have and to hold…
Thanks for letting me know. I plan to try it next time I’m there. I’ll report back. If they let me do it, I can wait to go inactive with Oceans again and match to Prime.
The Atlantic City Caesar/HR/Ocean/MGM/Hyatt match worked, but MGM is set to expire Jun 2023. Are we expected to rematch from Hyatt -> MGM Gold on Jul 1st?
That’s the plan / hope.
Remember that “Lifetime MGM Rewards Gold Status Match” applies with Royal Caribbean Emeralds & above. You just need to re-request the Status Upgrade annually.
Florida Casinos
Calder Casino, Miami Gardens, FL, just sent me a flyer: “WE MISS YOU!, Come back to Calder & get your Tier Matched Again!” “Plus we will give you another $300 free play!” Black VIP Tier includes, increased Comp earnings, VIP Lounge, VIP Parking.
Big Easy Casino, Hallandale, FL, (when they offer Status Matching) to Black VIP Card. This includes, $300 Free Play, one Daily Meal, Premium Bar Drinks every 1/2 hour, VIP Lounge, VIP Parking, Bottle of Wine when upgraded, Special weekly Status Promos.
Do we have a page that record all the expire month for each Reward?
Caesar expires on Jan.
MGM expires on Jan.
Hard Rock expires on Feb.
Ocean Prime expires on July.
Philly Live expires ?
Philly Parx expires ?
Philly Rivere expires ?
So is it March the best month to re-match?
I tried doing the Live Philly Match with Hard Rock Rock Royalty and they said they don’t match it with Black anymore, just Platinum. They don’t have the 10 day cruise either for Black. This was on 4/23/23.
Just got back from Atlantic City matched Caesars diamond to Rock royalty, ocean prime and finally mgm Gold. Was done on may 6th.
Florida Casinos on 5/22/2023:
– Went to Gulfstream first to match Caesars Diamond to their Champions Club Triple Crown.
– Hialeah matched from Gulfstream, but only $20 free play now. They said I can get “the other” $180 after I earn $100 slot dollars or I should come back in two weeks again. Not sure if I still need the earned slot dollars when/if I come back in 2 weeks. Sounded like they might give it if you are not a one-timer.
– Casino Miami also matches from Gulfstream and still gives $200 free play.
– Also went to Diana Beach Casino since they have decent Video Poker machines. No matching here but new players get up to $1000 free play based on some scratch off ticket. Mine was only $15 but I somehow got lucky on a slot machine with that. Unfortunately, you can’t use the free play at video poker.
Has anyone done the Hard Rock status match recently since Sean’s May 8th post? I am headed to Atlantic City the first weekend in June where my wife and mother in law are planning to status match their Caesar’s status to get the free cruises. I am a little worried though because when I called the hotel about my reservation they referred to me as an Icon member instead of Rock Royalty, and when I asked about the status match the CSR seemed to indicate that they werent doing it anymore. Wanted to confirm that they are still doing it before we head up there.
Ocean will accept an ICON card the same as RR.
I was in AC about 3 weeks ago and status matched w/ my MGM gold. When I got HR Rocky royalty, there was no cruises offered. Not sure what promotion you are mentioning. I did match HR RR to Ocean Prime, that have me a MSC cruise. Is this what you mean?
@Memuxamune – not sure if you are asking me, but yes the point is the MSC cruise from Ocean. Hard Rock does not offer any cruises.
Have you ever tried getting status matches at Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, and Resorts World Casino in NYC?
@Allan, Mohegan Sun doesn’t match. Foxwoods will match only if you haven’t stepped foot there in 5 years and would not tell me what would match to what (please feel free to try and report back if you haven’t been!) and AFAIK RW NYC (and RW Catskills) does not do any status matching. Again, if you find differently, please comment back 🙂
Trying to use Oceans AC free cruise before June 30 expiry this year. Called their casino department they were able to find my member number and details but said no cruise certificate was attached to my account and to email in to support. Anyone have this issue and was able to get it resolved?
Just wanted to add a more recent data point for those still looking to do the matches in Atlantic city that they are still indeed all doing the status matches. I just got finished taking my wife and mother in law to Atlantic City using the Oceans free nights as well as the Hard Rock Free nights. I signed them both up for the Wyndham business card and matched their Wyndham Diamond status to Caesars Diamond status a couple of months ago (this was originally to get the free cruises). this Weekend they matched Caesars Diamond -> Hard Rock Rock Royalty (they haven’t actually switched over to Unity yet) -> Oceans Prime -> MGM Gold (and in turned that into Hyatt Explorist). The Ocean’s reward desk confirmed that starting July 15th they should be able to book the MSC cruise and that their status was good through June 30, 2024. Very successful weekend and glad everything worked smoothly without any issues (my wife previously came up with me in March when I did my matches and we were not successful in combining our MGM status so that she could share my gold status. Didnt realize that didnt work in AC….)
So hopefully that should mean that the status matches should be good through the rest of the month for anyone looking to do them this month. We will see what Oceans and Hard Rock look like next month to see if the train keeps on moving!
For those of you reading this, as of June 10, 2023, the Atlantic City status match route is still working. But not for long!
I accidentally let my Hyatt Explorist status lapse – so I went with the Wyndham Business Earner Card to get Wyndham Diamond Status. I then matched to Caesars Rewards Diamond online.
In Atlantic City, I went to Caesars first to get the physical Diamond card. Hard Rock next, who matched me to Rock Royalty (no mention of Unity coming up soon). Then to Ocean, who matched me to Ocean Prime. Note that Ocean matched me through June 2024, but I believe they aren’t matching to Prime after June 30th, 2023. Then I went to Borgata and got matched to MGM Rewards Gold. Bear in mind, MGM isn’t matching after June 30th either, so I was warned I would only have Gold until June 30th.
Note that if you’re in Atlantic City and you DON’T have Hard Rock status, do not park at Hard Rock’s self park garage. Hard Rock charges you to park on ENTRY, not on EXIT. I paid $30 to park, but I was able to show my receipt at the Players Club and get the $30 put back on my card as free play.
After June 30th, 2023 – I don’t know what the route will be in Atlantic City – as it seems like that’s when this current arrangement ends.
Resorts World has a new loyalty program. MGM Gold matched me to Prime (2/4 levels). No clue if that’ll be worth something ever.
Looks like Genting Rewards no longer has an “A-lister” tier, perhaps it’s been revamped?
I wonder if they are still status matching.
In any case, probably time to update the piece WRT that program. And thanks so much Dave for all you do to keep it current!
Whoops, didn’t see veeRob’s post right above mine, giving a valuable data point on this. Apologies and thanks! Will try to update with my own data point from MGM Platinum ASAP.
I read Steve’s response above and wanted to confirm is this is true, will Ocean AC be stopping the status match to prime after 6/30/2023?
Also side note, I was there a week ago and was told the rematch can be completed after 6 months of inactivity (rather than 12 months) but assume this was a mistake from the representative as the website still says 12 month.
It’s now 18 months of inactivity but they still status match h
Moshe: Appreciate the comment but the brochure clearly states 12 months (brand new brochure) – source for your comment?
They updated the brochure and now it states 18 months instead of 12 months of inactivity. https://www.theoceanac.com/prime-tier-match
Thanks, Tre! I was looking at a brand new version of the brochure that still said 12 months so they must have made a last minute change. I see it on your link and will update, thanks!
I am Diamond + with Royal Caribbean and used that status to get MGM gold status. This past June 2023 while in Las Vegas I used my MGM Gold status to get the Hard Rock (Unity) Icon status. This weekend 7/10/23 while in Atlantic City I went to the Hard Rock in Atlantic City and used my Hard Rock Unity (Icon) status to get the Atlantic City Hard Rock (Rock Royalty) card. I then went to Ocean Casino and signed up for their players club and got their (Prime Card) I was told that after August 15, 2023 I can book a free cruise on MSC. Happy Happy
PS, I already had a Hard Rock A C card from signing up two years ago and they just discarded my old information and updated it from theUnity Card.
Dave, have you come across this Princess casino match before? I know that like Holland America, Princess is also owned by Carnival (the signup pages even look very similar). I just happened to stumble on this and didnt know if it was an old match and people didnt get a free cruise or if it was a new one. I just finished my Holland America cruise but I havent taken my Carnival cruise offer yet. I havent decided if I am going to try it and which casino statuses it would be worth submitting (I think I did Caesars and MGM for Holland America, but I wasn’t sure if Ocean’s status would be better):
https://oceanplayersclub.com/princessmatch/
Looks like MGM to Hyatt match is dead as of July 14, 2023. How does this impact the merry-go-round or is Caesars Diamond alone enough to get it all done?
No matter what I try, every time I try to add my casino cards to Holland America, I get an error that the file size is too big, even though it is always below 5 MB. I don’t know what else to do. I tried a jpg and a PDF
Same problem here. Any resolution/solutions??
I did all this in AC mid June. From my Wyndham Business, I have Caesars Diamond. Also have MGM gold from matching Royal Caribbean Diamond. Went to Hard Rock and got their match, as well as $50 free play. Then went to Ocean and received the Prime match, free entry to the lounge, AND a five year anniversary t-shirt. Lounge was great by the way – good drinks, buffet for dinner, etc. After July 15, I called Resorts World and booked 2 nights in September, plus will receive the $100 free play and $100 food credit – no issues at all. Room is in the Hilton section and the only requirement is that you have to go their rewards desk and complete a sign up for the Resorts World program. I’ll be looking to book one or two MSC cruises but I have not called them yet to inquire.
I did the matching circle in AC April 2023, unfortunately Ocean now it seems is 18 months of inactivity to repeat. My wife and sister just approved for Wyndham business cards last week and submitted for match to Caesars Diamond. We’ll all be in AC in 6 days, any way to match in person from Wyndham to Caesars onsite at the casino in AC if the online request doesn’t get completed? Hate to waste the opportunity, our AC trips are rare. Thanks
You can contact Wyndham via there website (there is a dropdown for Caesars) and request it expedited due to the upcoming stay.
I did my 2nd time match from Rock Royalty to Ocean Prime on 12th Aug. Did not have to wait for 18 months of inactivity as my inactive days were only 12 months. So not sure the 18 months time span is being followed strictly.
VERY interesting. Thanks for sharing!!
Hello Dave – It has been said in this forum that the 2 nights comp stay at Atlantic City for Ocean Prime members is only when you match the first time from Rock Royalty. That is also not true. I could book 2 nights after my second match.
Hi Salim, I must have missed where that was said but it would be a simple confusion. You get the free nights at Hard Rock one time only but can rematch without them. Ocean gives full benefits on rematch (now 18 months from last activity although a handful have people have reported getting matched back sooner.)
Do you mind sharing what your 1st match date was to Ocean Prime if they went ahead and did your 2nd one on August 12th? If they’ll rematch after my April 2022 original match it would save me a 2nd day long trip to AC!
Hello Brian. My first match date to Ocean Prime was on July 1st 2022.
Dave (or anyone),
Can anyone confirm that you can book an MSC cruise in 2023 and then again in 2024 (before July 1). The brochure from Ocean says valid once per calendar year, but just talked with a rep at MSC and she said you can only use once. My main interest is something in Europe in May/June 2024 but I was also going to use my 2023 if available out of Miami in Oct.
I have this same question. I am using my Oceans cruise in November, but I was also eying a Europe cruise in may/June. It was my understanding that the oceans cruise was once per calendar year so we should get two cruises for our first year, but I have seen some conflicting comments since and I can’t seem to get anyone to confirm one way or the other.
FL dp
Gulf stream – Match to Triple Crown status from caesars diamond (NO PROBLEM)
Hialeah – Showed Gulfstream card they said they do not match. Got $20 fp for signing up and if you earned 100 points you would then get 180 more fp. Couldn’t find any vp machines so this was a waste of time. Rewards desk rep had no idea what the earning rate was to get the 100 points.
Casino Miami – Showed Gulfstream card and got $200 (NO PROBLEM)
UPDATE: Ocean rematched 8/26/23 into Prime from Rock Royalty even though my last match was April 2023. Wanted to provide this data point since new members now must wait 18 months to rematch, but that doesn’t apply to existing old members
So they rematched you after just 4 months?! Are you saying they told you that someone that had a card before they changed to 18 months can now rematch anytime? I mean it used to still be 12. I’m not sure you didn’t just get super lucky. Would love more data points!
I originally matched for the first time April 2022. Super bummed when I saw they switched to a 18 month rematch time requirement, up from 12 months previously. Went with family members today (almost 16 months) to AC for their matches, Ocean rematched me. So I’m saying that those who matched BEFORE the change to 18 month inactivity period requirement may be grandfathered in with just a 12 month timeframe.
Adding a data point for Hialeah Park Casino: they give you $20 in free play and will match the status from gulfstream, however they now require you to reach 100 “points” in the casino in order to get the additional $180. I spent 45 minutes and $70 in the casino and ended up with just 27 points for my efforts. Ended up leaving – not worth it
I last matched to Ocean Prime in Dec 2022, and was wondering if there were more data points of people re-matching after short timeframes. Was considering a trip to AC this weekend, but it would be primarily for this status match! Thanks in advance.
Hi all, has anyone had DPs of matching Hard Rock Royalty to Ocean Prime post-June 30, 2023? Steve from the comment above mentioned this matching path expired by then.
We’ve yet to have a report of anyone being denied at Ocean. That poster seemed to be purely speculating.
I was just in atlantic city last week 9/23 to do this merry go round. Got Rock Royalty card by status matching from MGM Gold at Hard Rock Atlantic City. Then went to Ocean and got the Ocean Prime card from showing them my Rock Royalty card. So it does very much still work.
Thanks. I can confirm that I was able to do the status match from Rock Royalty + parking pass + one time Avila Lounge access (with one guest) + a free T-shirt when I did this two weeks ago. Still alive and well!
I know this won’t be popular but I’m glad this status match merry go round is ending. Good riddance to the free loaders
Just did the South Florida part of the Merry-Go-Round today and can confirm that as their website now states, Gulfstream Park would only match my Caesar’s Diamond card to their lowest tier level, Place. I ran up to Hard Rock Hollywood to get my Unity card from my Hard Rock AC status instead. This way, it matched to Win status at Gulfstream and got me the birthday month free play, and could be used for the free play offer at Casino Miami.
A lot of things to look forward and anwers to find out October 1:
1. Will there be a merry go round with MGM and Marriott status and will there be online links that work in light of the hacking?
2. Growing chatter on MGM redit boards that demand MGM to allow current status to be kept at the current level for 2024 due to many not earning their points and/or that MGM staff told customers not to put cards in the machine which caused some to loose out on 20,000 tier credits per visit.
3. Will the Hard Rock Mirage be a path to a rematch to MGM since Unity doesn’t expire until 2/28/24 and MGM expires 2/1/24??
4. The Rio is now a Hyatt property and it does not waive resort fees and does not tier match even for Caesars Diamond card holders according to its website riolasvegas
@steve
1) We’ll find out but don’t be surprised is any MGM / Marriott details are delayed now. Also, don’t expect any sort of matching. It’s possible but I don’t expect it. I expect sharing of elite benefits without an actual match.
2) That would be great.
3) Remember MGM only even had a status “challenge” now, not a match. We’ll have to see what 2024 brings.
4) Rio is not yet operating as a Hyatt brand hotel, thus no benefits yet,
Rio October options does not look good. I will quote a post from the New Rio’s gaming officer from another board:
“Tier Matching has ruined loyalty programs around the city.
However, offer matching will be done. A person who gambles an appropriate amount (offer match or not) will receive everything they could possibly need, regardless of tier.
But we can’t simply hand out our top tier loyalty benefits upfront to everyone who shows up with a loyalty card (that they possibly only have because they matched it somewhere else) without the required amount of activity.”
In other posts he is silent about whether those who booked as Diamonds will get resort fee waived and likely only if they gamble enough.
Here are a couple of data points. I was in AC and got Hard Rock Royalty while there but when i went to Mirage to get the Unity card they said i was no longer Rock Royalty and the best they could do was match my Caesars Diamond to Hard Rock Unity Legend status. Got $50 in food and beverage credit, Another data point is that i called the phone number in the Ocean Casino travel benefits and booked 2 nights comped at Resorts World at the Conrad for a Friday and Saturday night on what seems to be a busy weekend, I had some comp rooms from MGM and there was no availability fully comp for this weekend but Resorts World booked no problem.
Any recent dp on ocean match inside of 18mo. I just saw on Reddit someone was recently rejected.
The last MGM challenge Ocean Prime did not match over to MGM Gold it required the tier above Prime.
That’s correct. Described in the linked article at the top of the page and why MGM is crossed out entirely.
We have MGM status challenges to look forward to hopefully. And the MGM-Marriott linking of accounts has been postponed to “Early 2024” according to Marriot’s website.
Hi Dave, thanks for updating this guide. I was able to get a Caesars diamond match from my MGM gold this summer. I’m a bit confused on how to maintain the status for Caesars through next year as I’ve read somewhere that we need to earn the status for next year instead. Is it still possible to rematch Caesars next year and apply the old merry go round principles if we continue to have MGM Gold and Hyatt Explorist?
@Jen – with all of the recent changes (and MGM/Marriott Bonvoy pushed to early 2024), you have few options. Your Caesars will expire Jan 31, 2024. The only way to keep rematching that is to get the Wyndham Business Earner credit card.
Remember also that Hyatt and MGM broke up, so those will no longer renew from each other.
This could be useful for 2024 if the Merry Go Round doesn’t revive itself.
https://youtu.be/U8MSWh6Kt6w?si=J2pCz01Gl-NqWBuv&t=381
A video of a poker player reports that each MGM poker room can grant Gold tier independant of actual tier points but based off of hourse played. Then look at at the commends since the video provides incorrect information but the comments section states that one commenter asked Mandalay Bay poker room and was told it is 150 hours and that this can be combined from all properties. Therefore on a 1/2 poker table with 8 players and about 20-25 hands per hour, if one just folds each hand (other than the blind and the big blind) then it should cost about $3 per hour which would be about $450 total if one just folds as much as possible to get to the 150 hour amount.
Having acquired the Wyndham Earner Business this year to stay on the Merry-Go-Round, I am a bit concerned with the takeover attempt of Wyndham by Choice. Thoughts?
I don’t think you have to worry at this time: https://wtop.com/business-finance/2023/10/wyndham-rejects-hostile-big-from-rockvilles-choice-hotels/
I live somewhat near vegas. Is the status match merry go round still worth learning about to get any benefits ? I took a look at article and it seems a lot of things are removed/canceled now unless you are willing to fly to atlantic city to do some matching.
Hello all. I am in Vegas right now for one more day. I went to Resorts World and they were going to match me to their highest level, Imperial. I didn’t take it as there were no offers for free play, cruises, hotel stays, etc. I already have Caesars Seven Stars, MGM Platinum and matched today at Mirage to Icon status. They gave me $300 in food and beverage comps, which can be converted to $171 in freeplay.
My question is, will it really help me to have Resorts World Imperial status? I want to wait till the future in case they have better matching deals possibly.
I currently live in Europe for military and can’t get to Atlantic City for the cruise offer that I really want.
Are there any other status matches in Vegas that I should know about with my cards and/or military status while I am here?
Thank you!
You should have taken the Imperial because there could be a theoretical possibility it could rematch to MGM status or challege MGM offer on or after February 1, 2024.
But I am having a terrible time with FNBO trying to get approved for the MGM card. I have no negatives on my report and was denied for no reason. Should I wait 30 days and reapply because I need this prior to February 1, 2024.
Hey everyone, I’m just reading up on all of the comments. I have Wyndham Diamond and in turn, have Caesars Diamond. I have a few questions seeing that there are some new gray areas with the most recent changes over the last few months especially with the PA matches getting nerfed a little bit. Would you still say in December of 2023 it is wroth the trip to PA to get all the status matches? I am mainly looking at them for the free nights in Las Vegas and the hotel comps/cruise comps.
I also have a question about the MGM gold match from Ceasers Diamond. If I was to match to MGM gold using the Diamond Status with Ceasers do I have to gamble a certain amount to keep that gold status? To my understanding I do but what if I do not within that 90 day window? Will I be blakclisted from trying to match to MGM gold again in the future or is there a certain cooldown in between matches?
Thanks so much for all the data points I appreciate it. I started a little google sheets document with the current info I could come up with. (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Co49rIFX0HIzDWmOPrUC8hcFG-TeDp1-EU3zn1sc52o/edit?usp=sharing)
@michael – a few things
Currently, no, PA is not worth it.
Also, regarding MGM, two things. A) they stopped matching after the hack. B) they no longer match from Caesars. Most people don’t have a required card for that match anymore as they really caught on.
That said if you did do the 3 month match and then didn’t qualify, no, it wouldn’t hurt you at all. Since they only did this for a short time we don’t have word on timing for a repeat challenge match.
Hope that helps!
Hey Dave thanks for the response, why exactly would you say PA is not worth it? Just because of the recent change with the Rivers Black status or are the rest of the status matches also worse now?
Neither PA match gives a cruise anymore. You can see if Live! Platinum benefits are worth it for you.
Doesn’t Oceans Prime give that MSC cruise?
Yes, it does 🙂 But that’s AC 😉
Gotcha so AC is still worth it, it seems!
I do see that on the hard rock AC website they status match Caesars. The way it is worded on their chart I find confusing. Do they only match Diamond Plus/Elite and 7-Star or do they also match regular Caesars diamond?
Link: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/promotions/wild-card-tier-match
I’m 99.99999% sure that is the way they have always written it and includes all Diamonds.
Hey Dave,
From recently readings it seems that this the order in which you have to match:
Caesars Diamond > Hard Rock Royalty > Oceans Prime > MGM Gold
Can you confirm that this is still accurate and up to date?
@anon: Caesars Diamond > Hard Rock Rock Royalty > Ocean Prime
MGM has no current match. That expired Sept 30, 2023.
Hey Dave,
Awesome resource here! Some new data points since I just did a match in AC over the weekend.
* Matched Hard Rock Icon to Oceans Casino Prime with no issues. I tried to take a 5 year old son into the Ocean’s lounge, but was rejected, so my wife and I alternated access into the Lounge (free pass valid for 3 days).
* We WERE NOT able to tier match to Bally’s. The rewards guy said that they stopped matching ever since they divided from Ceasars. I got stuck with a $25 parking fee since I left empty handed. Was trying to get the $100 credit mentioned above.
A couple of questions:
* Would I be able to match my Oceans Casino free MSC cruise offer to Holland America for a free cruise with them? If so, would they match 7 days, including in Europe? I’d like to combine with my MSC cruise to do a Europe trip of MSC cruise + Holland America cruise.
* Since my Hard Rock and MGM statuses are set to expire shortly, can I use my Ocean’s Casino Prime tier to match back to either of those programs? Anything else i should look to match with Ocean’s?
* If I signed up for Hard Rock Unity, would Hard Rock Royalty (AC) be considered the same program or could I sign up for that as well?
@Mike: I’m not familiar with all the matches that come from the MSC Cruise. Nick at Frequent Miler went down that rabbit hole and I’d check them out for that.
For re-upping, while Hard Rock retains their old program, you can rematch from MGM Gold or Caesars Diamond. They don’t (AFAIK) match from Ocean and MGM definitely does not, sorry!
As of now, Unity is separate entirely from Wild Card – so you can do both.
Have done the Caesars Diamond to Hard Rock Royalty to Ocean Prime match in AC. Going to Vegas in 3 weeks using both my and wife’s two free nights at Resort World that comes with Ocean Prime. Anything worth matching to in Vegas, any of those statuses from AC work? Thanks!
You should be able to match your Caesars Diamond to Mirage – I think ICON, though everyone was using MGM Gold for that I do think Caesars Diamond works as well. That’s it right now.
Great resource, Dave! Just to confirm though: Someone CAN do a status match from Ceasars Diamond to Hard Rock Royalty (end goal: Ocean Prime) without being a new member? Recently was told new members only by a phone rep, but her general tone didn’t inspire much confidence it anything she told me. Just the same rather not waste a trip if something had recently changed.
Also, is there ANY word or even credible rumors on future MGM Gold+ status matching?
Thanks!
Correct about Hard Rock. They have matched me yearly since 2019. You just don’t get the extra benefits – only a card. Anything is always subject to change, though, and I can’t rematch until March due to Ocean’s new 18 month policy.
And no, no credible rumors at all on MGM as of now.
Looks like the Turning Stone match is dead. Can’t find any info on either site and the old links are dead. Glad I used it last year. I did match Hard Rock Unity Icon from Mirage Vegas match to match to Ocean Prime then match to HR Rock Royalty last week in AC. Hoping Caesars or MGM will match to one of those this year after I lose Diamond and Gold. Thanks for keeping all this info updated it’s appreciated.
Hey Mark – thanks for sharing this update! I’m going ahead and deleting this match as I have thoroughly Googled to confirm and as you say, all info on both sites is gone. Thanks!
Glad that it was helpful and thank you for keeping all of this up to date, it is truly appreciated.
Very good information a lot will be learned on February 1 if matches are allowed and also on January 18 if the Sycuan-Barona matches go through.
South Florida is completely dead as of Jan 2024
Hialeah Park Casino only gives $25 free play when signing up and then you must earn 250 slot points on signup day and you will receive $175 more free play. No benefit for Caesars and no match of any kind. (An argument can be made that this offer itself is still positive EV but requires some of your own spend).
At Golfstream Park, Diamond only matches to Place, below Triple Crown and Win, which now require Seven Stars and Diamond Plus respectively
This then ends Casino Miami, which only offers $50 in free play with no eligible matches
Should we be matching to MSC Diamond with Hyatt status before that expires? I am planning to match Ocean Prime on 3/1 and sail this summer.
Seeing stories that the Founders Card on-ramp is now dead and not getting many confirmations of rematches to Caesar’s Diamond by Wyndham Business Earner holders, myself included. Any inside scoop?
@ramcm7: I’m aware of Founder’s Card dropping it, but we do not have any word one way or the other on the Wyndham credit card. I have reached out to a contact I have on that side and will update if/when I get a comment back.
Caesar’s rematch hit today. I may try the AC loop before my next LV visit.
I have Wyndham Diamond Status via the Wyndham Business Earner card, but my Caesars match has not been approved after waiting 3 weeks. Today via online Chat with Cheryl K. at Wyndham, she told me
“Your account is not eligible to Status Match to Caesars as your level with Wyndham Rewards was attained via the Mastercard Status Match program. To be eligible you have to have 40 qualified nights in Wyndham Rewards in the year in order to match.”
The chat is wrong unless they just changed the rules. I have my Wyndham Diamond Status via the Wyndham Business Earner card and had not problem matching to Wyndham Diamond this way in February. I just did the online form and it was approved. It did take some time, but I don’t think it was 3 weeks. You may want to try to submit it again or see if you can find a different agent to speak to.
Sorry I meant matching to Caesars Diamond!
Going to Vegas in April for vacation and don’t think I’ll make it to Atlantic City anytime soon.
I have Caesars Diamond via the Wyndham Business Earner card.
I know my first step should be to go to Caesars and get the physical card.
Is there anywhere I can do the Caesars Diamond > Hard Rock Rock Royalty > Ocean Prime in Vegas?
Any other matches I can take advantage of while I am there?
Thank you for your help with all of this!!!
You should be able to match to the lowest Fontainebleau tier for a $100 dining credit. But You can’t match it to Caesars in Vegas and there is no Ocean casino there 😉
Mirage data point: Mirage also known as Hard Rock Las Vegas will not match if one has matched previously. Thus I am no longer an Icon but was given a Legend which is one tier down not sure if this is a consolation prize. But certainly not as good as last year when I matched to Icon.
Caesars diamond only matches to icon legend at mirage but ocean prime from Atlantic City matched over to Icon status!
While Oceans matches to the new Hard Rock Icon and above status at the Atlantic City Hard Rock, how do they know that it is the Atlantic City Hard Rock when the Unity program is common to all the Hard Rock properties? I guess I am wondering if I could get a status match to Icon in a different location, and then when in Atlantic City, match to Oceans.
You cannot tell the difference between Unity cards from different locations so that should answer it 🙂
Vegas / Atlantic City Data Points:
I was in Vegas and Atlantic City within last week. In Vegas at the Mirage, was unable to match Caesars Diamond -> Hard Rock Icon, they only offered Hard Rock Legend. I think that’s just the policy now for the Vegas location, you would need to be Diamond Plus to get Icon.
Atlantic City matched Caesars Diamond -> Hard Rock Icon, with $50 Free Play and they mentioned a 2 days hotel stay. Expires Feb 28, 2025 ( 1 year) and no mention of once in a lifetime match, but they could always change that retroactively. I saw a sign similar to Vegas saying only Diamond Plus and above should match to Icon so I’m not sure how long this matching route will stay viable.
Also in Atlantic City, matched Hard Rock Icon -> Oceans Prime which gave a T-Shirt, 3-day lounge pass (lounge only opens at 12pm, though), 10-day cruise (2 people, anywhere but China), and Vegas Stay (3 nights, bunch of credits). Card however expires June 30, 2024 (3 months). I was told if I wanted to do the cruise or stay after that date I would need to come back to renew/pick up a new card. So according to them I should be able to keep the status through June 30, 2025. (1 year, 3 months). Who knows how smoothly that will go.
Summary: Definitely recommend going to Atlantic City first if you only have Caesars Diamond so you can get Hard Rock Icon. If I had done that first I could have matched Hard Rock Icon -> Fontainebleau Gold in Vegas for more Spa and Restaurant credits. I would ignore other DPs that were posted before March 2024 as the policies may have changed.
Was this your first match with Hard Rock?
Thank you MilesTalk. I wanted to give an update of my Atlantic City trip 3/1 to 3/3 2024 and my results. The following are the results of my wife and I on this trip, and we both did all the matches.
-I matched to MGM Gold over the phone on 2/15/24 from my Celebrity Cruise Status from past cruise activity on Royal Caribbean.
-Matched MGM Gold to Hard Rock ICON in Hollywood, FL in February. Card had expiration date of 02/2024. I had to go back to Hard Rock on 3/1 before my flight to Atlantic City to get the card with new expiration date, which is now 2/28/2025. They said this is a once in a lifetime match verbally. MGM indicates cruise offers quarterly but I do not have any info on this yet and when I spoke to Royal Caribbean, they said nothing there for me.
-Flight for 2 to Atlantic City was $150 total for 2.
-Hard Rock ICON gave me free Hotel Stay in Atlantic City for 2 nights for being ICON in Florida.
-First visited Philly casinos to see if any value even though I was aware this might be dead, but first went to Live casino and they would not honor a match.
-Then went to Rivers Casino and with my Unity Icon from Hard Rock, they matched me to Platinum. There is listed on their site that this qualifies me for the free MSC cruise, but I contacted MSC and the offer has not loaded yet, and I am not sure it will. I contacted Atlantis today and confirmed that they do have the offer for me for a free stay of 4 nights, which will cost $75 per day in fees.
-Went to Atlantic city next and checked into hotel and spend Saturday doing all my matches.
-Resorts match was a bust, as I had to earn 100 tier credits on that day in order to validate the match to their higher tier, which I did not do and thus couldn’t get free cruise offer.
-Caesars – tried matching to Hard Rock ICON, and they did not, and said I needed my MGM Card, which I only had on the app. So had to go to MGM to get my card printed and back to Caesars. They did the match to diamond, but I needed to earn 25 tier credits to receive the $100 celebration dinner. Verified with Atlantis that my offer for 4 free nights from Caesars is in their system and yes I can use both Caesars and Rivers offers but on separate trips.
-I matched online to Wyndham Diamond and it was instant from Caesars Diamond. (but I don’t think this will have much value to me).
-I matched Hard Rock ICON to Ocean Prime. Access to their lounge for meals on 2 separate times b/c wife also had it. Tried confirming with MSC and offer not loaded yet. Called Ocean Today and they said offers will be sent after 30 days on each 15th and I need to check on 4/15 but they confirmed I will receive it. Ocean confirmed that my status will be good until 7/1/25 since I matched after 3/1/24 even though my card says expires 7/1/24.
-I matched Hard Rock ICON to Bally Rewards Superstar. Website says free cruise annually, but not sure I will get it because I did not play to earn any tier credits at Bally which might be required to activate their offers.
-I matched Hard Rock ICON to Golden Nugget, which also had some tier credit earning requirement to activate offers, so do not know if I will get free annual cruise with them as mentioned on their site.
-I attempted to match to cruise offers with Holland America, Carnival and Princess. Princess told me that Hard Rock Icon was my best card and offered me a 3 to 10 day balcony cruise. Holland offered me a 7 to 12 day INSIDE cabin cruise (which I am still trying to see if they can improve it), no offer yet from Carnival, which might not come because I have history of Carnival cruises from 10 years ago. I also submitted my cards to Virgin to see what happens but nothing yet. I also submitted some offers to Virgin and Holland that I received from my casino offers from Royal Caribbean, but no update yet.
I am sure there are some other benefits I missed describing because my goal was about getting the free cruises.
I have been getting several free cruise offers from Royal Caribbean, because I had played hard on my last cruise to reach their Prime status (2500 Points) so that my offers would improve, and they have. I received an instant cruise certificate as well for my play on that cruise and booked a free 8 day cruise for April on Oasis Class ship (worth more than double what I spent to reach status). As well will receive an annual cruise benefit as well for this level.
Previously I had the lowest level card at Hard Rock Hollywood, and they gave out Free Cruise certificates, apparently to all members (had to go in person to get it) last October. It said free choice of Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. I booked with both for free, but my level was very low so my room choices were not great, but it was still 2 free weekend cruises that I have used with only port charges and taxes.
I know this is a ton of info, but I gained a lot of insight from this posting and wanted to share my results. I have only tried the casino offers for me so far and not my wife as I want to see my results and have more time with hers for a later time period. So basically the above is doubled. This worked for me because of Select Status from Celebrity Cruises, which was a match from Emerald Status on Royal Caribbean.
I understand that all this will also work for someone getting on the path from the Wyndham credit card as well.
I hope this is helpful to the readers.
I wanted to provide an additional update on all cruises I was able to get:
-Received 2 Comp Cruise Offers from MSC Cruises, 1 for Rivers Casino and 1 For Ocean Casino (my wife and I each received both offers confirmed by MSC).
-Received Comp 7 day Balcony Cruise from Virgin from sending them my cards and offers.
-Received Comp 3 to 11 day Balcony Cruise from Princess Cruises plus $200 onboard credit per person from sending them my Cards (x2 for wife as well)
Does your Ocean Casino comp cruise with MSC have a travel by date of June 2024 or 2025?
My Ocean MSC has July 1 book by and travel by requirement. But will have another for the next year. Rivers has book by July 1 and travel by Dec 31
Thanks for the info. I was planning to go to AC in June, which I feel might be a bad timing because I can only do the cruise next year. From what I read, the tier match will auto extend to June 2025. Do you know if I need to go back to get the physical card after July 1st if I matched in June in order to get the MSC cruise? I mean if that is the case, I might as well just go to AC after July 1.
You can’t get a 2025 expiration card without going in person after July 1, but you CAN book that cruise as you describe without the new card. Your status will be extended whether or not you go pick up the card and MSC does not ask for it.
That’s great to know. Thanks so much for the explanation.
Hi Judd,
Thank you for all the great info. What did you send to Virgin and how or where did you send it?
For Virgin,
I went to the following site:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciHVoRRY69hbz0mxQx-_tWZhdQn6USMefVQfurwq-vJ5APqQ/viewform
After submitting it, I received a copy of the form to my email. I forwarded it to the following email address [email protected] providing them with my offers from Royal Caribbean & Princess along with my Caesars Diamond card. I am not sure if this was necessary, but I had done it anyway and gotten a reply of free cruise in about 4 days:
“We are happy to extend to you an offer for a complimentary Sea Terrace Cabin for a voyage up to 7 nights on our Scarlet, Valiant, or Resilient Lady through October 2024 excluding holidays or transatlantic voyages. The only cost would be the government taxes & fees for the cabin- which varies by sailing and will be disclosed to you once a voyage date is selected. “
Does any one know what MGM Gold would get requesting a princess cruise offer? I live near a hard rock casino if that helps for any match too.
What status can I match if I have mgm gold in nj/pa? Anyway into the loop? Czr diamond ?
Follow the AC MGR at the top of this article below all the updates.
You can start at HR using your Gold.
Caesars will match you if you are a first time player. (Or if you get lucky).
For South Florida Casinos, I went yesterday and was able to also get $300 free match play with match to Caesars diamond or Gulfstream win card. Matched to their black card. Also got $150 Freeplay at casino Miami for match to Calder, Hard Rock or Caesars.
https://www.caldercasino.com/get-your-tier-matched-again/
Do you have a FL driver lic or are you out of state? Was the 300 split over 3 visits like the website says
Hi Jeff,
I do have a FL drive lic. The split was $100 on each of 3 visits, plus a virtual scratch off for 5 visits, but each time it was an additional $15.
Does the free Ocean’s cruise work to book for other folks? I don’t have interest/time for a 10 day cruise, but would take advantage of the benefit if I can book it for my parents.
Without a doubt the cruise must be for you. They think you are a big time gambler. Letting you book for others wouldn’t make any sense.
OK, I’m confused.
I previously did some status matching: Wyndham, Hyatt, MGM Gold (at Borgata), Caesar’s, ICON. I never did Ocean or Rock Royalty. I did everything in AC other than ICON, I did that in Vegas.
Can I get ICON again in AC or no?
@dizzy – as of June 2024, yes, if you ICON from Vegas expired you can rematch at AC.
i currently have ceasars diamond status. should i wait until july to start the merry go round?
I was just in Vegas and status matched at Resort World Monarch (second highest tier) using Wynn Platinum on June 4. Benefits require tier points mostly but free parking is nice. The food court at RW is amazing so its worth stop. The Wynn status match ended on May 31 so I don’t know what else gets you Monarch. HR Icon maybe. I think Caesars Diamond gets you the one below Monarch which still has free parking.
Next week going back to Vegas and want to see if Mirage will give me Icon. If not, going to Atlantic City in July for Icon and Prime.
The free nights at Resort world are good on any day or subjected to availability? Any blackout dates?
Are those free nights in Resort world good for any nights or subjected to availability? I know vegas’ room prices swing wildly from day to day.
Did anyone match to Ocean Casino in AC and then successfully book the cruise? I matched and waited till the following month and now they are saying there is no cruise in my account. They told me to just wait and see next month. Is the cruise a real benefit or did they just mess up my account somehow?
Did you match before May 31? If so, then yes, you should be in the system by now.
So in your breakdown of the final steps above “in January, you have homework..” etc, etc, it doesn’t explain how I rematch back to Ocean. Ocean states that only new and inactive members (18 months inactive) can status match, so I am feeling confused how I get the status match with Ocean if my current Ocean status expires today, July 1, 2024?
Can you assist me in understanding this?
Thanks!
Once you haven’t stepped foot in Ocean for 18 months you can follow the steps outlined for Atlantic City again. Caesars to Hard Rock to Ocean.
It’s still free for Prime.
I completed the status match at Ocean and they have a sign up letting everyone know they ended the partnership with Resort World and the free nights are now at Wynn in Las Vegas.
I have tried to match to Hard Rock Icon both at Mirage and they would only match me to the level below Icon. In Atlantic City they now have published brochure that very specifically says the Diamond levels they match to and Diamond to Icon isn’t listed. BUT, I just successfully matched to Ballys Superstar with Caesars Diamond in Atlantic City (on July 12) and then matched to Ocean Prime with Ballys Superstar. You’ll get a pass to their player’s buffet which was underwhelming. Oceans was much better.
Between Hard Rock Icon and Ocean Prime that’s 2 free nights each which I just added onto the end of my trip after waiting 72 hours. I was able to book them that week. Ocean Prime now offers two nights at Wynn which is also on their website now.
Hi Gregory – for clarification for other readers, this is a point of confusion that comes up regularly and sporadically at Hard Rock where new employees don’t understand the match chart. It has not changed. It still says “Diamond (Plus/Elite), 7-Star” which has been confirmed to me til the cows come home as meaning all three Diamond levels. It should be rewritten. But the clue is that if you look to the column to the left, it only has Platinum. And of course they wouldn’t simply exclude a tier in the middle! So if one gets rejected they should ask to speak to someone else OR as you mention just grab the match at Ballys and go back.
How long ago did you confirm it? Because it has been rewritten and not in the direction you want them to. The status match flyer is published on their website now and I’ve seen the physical flyer when I was there in Atlantic City. The flyer clearly lists the Prime status matches as:
Seven Stars
Diamond Plus
Diamond Elite
Link to PDF: https://www.theoceanac.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/WEB_2024_OCR_Prime_Tier_Match.pdf
I don’t think there’s any room for confusion now that Diamond is excluded as a status match. Previously the grammar was confusing the understanding, but it looks pretty clear to me that they do not intend to match Diamond. I’m not arguing that you did confirm that all three levels confer that status match, and clearly there is empirical evidence that that was true, but we’re seeing casinos change their programs very quickly probably in response to all the non-gamblers using the benefits. Was one of the times you confirmed with them in the past two months?
If someone is going to make the trip to Atlantic City, Prime really is the big prize. For me, living in San Francisco, it was a long way to go to not have it work out, and if someone doesn’t read all the detail or the “optional” steps, they might leave empty handed. I think the Bally to Hard Rock steps are mandatory now if Prime is what someone is after.
Hi @gregory. Your confusion is that I’ve never said Diamond matched at Ocean ;). It never has.
It matches at Hard Rock to ICON – and THAT matches to Ocean Prime.
Hope that helps 🙂
@gregory. And with regards to the occasional Hard Rock rep reading their own sheet wrong, as long as Bally’s is matching, there is no way to leave Mott handed.
All of that said, could you get on a plane only for Ocean to stop matching Hard Rock or something else in the chain to go wrong? Absolutely. People have had things go wrong the day they traveled over the last 7 years for sure.
Has anyone been able to rematch at Borgata / MGM?
Did tier match at Fountainbleu with Hard Rock Icon and got the gold with $150 spa/food credit. Then went over to Resorts World to match with MGM gold. They gave gold but in order to get the $350 dine credit you have to get 250k point.
Do I need to keep the Wyndham business earner after my diamond match to continue on the merry go round?
Yes. You will lose your Wyndham and Caesars statuses if you close the card.
Hello. I am trying to make sure that I understand the merry-go-round fully. So, I am hoping I can please get questions answered.
1. I recently received Caesar’s Diamond Status from the Wyndham Business Earner Card. When retrieving the card at Caesars’s in Las Vegas, I was advised I didn’t have the $100 celebration dinner and it needs to be earned. Is this correct?
2. We are going to be going to New York in December and thinking of taking a couple nights to go to Atlantic City. Do I take the Caesars Diamond card to Hard Rock Atlantic City, then to Ocean, then to MGM? Am I matching Caesars to Hard Rock, Hard Rock to Ocean, Ocean to MGM or all Caesars Diamand? If from Hard Rock to Ocean, etc., is there a wait to have Hard Rock Status, Ocean Status, before the next card?
3. How long does the Hard Rock status last if going in December?
4. How long does the Ocean status last if going in December?
5. How long does the MGM status last if going in December?
6. My Caesar’s Diamond status expires on January 31, 2025. Will it renew automatically due to my Wyndham Business Earner card or do I need to do something?
Thank you for your assistance!
1) Some people do have to earn 100 Tier Credits before it is loaded on their card, but the best way to check is to have a (not busy!) bartender check if they see it. The rewards desk isn’t always accurate.
2) In December the MGM match should have ended Sept 30th and be unavailable unless extended. If it were available, it would be valid for 3 months. You could do Caesars to Hard Rock to Ocean (if nothing changes before December). However, your Hard Rock status would expire Feb 28th and your Ocean would expire June 30th. It’s not an ideal time.
3) Your Caesars will renew but you will have to rematch online – it is not automatic.
Data point from 10/5 re celebration dinner for Caesar’s Diamond derived from Wyndham Business Earner credit card. I matched the status in August and when I went to Atlantic City in October to print the card and I didn’t have the celebration dinner on the account per the rep. I emailed someone too, who said this, “You have to earn 100 Tier Credits before the Diamond Celebrate Dinner is available in your account.”
On 10/5, a friend and I went to Atlantic City and matched Caesar’s Diamond (derived from Wyndham Business Earner credit card) to Icon at Hard Rock and then matched Icon to Ocean Prime.
Some notes: The $50 in free play at Hard Rock loaded instantly, we played a bit then cashed out and left with cash in pocket. The free buffet in the Avilla Lounge in Ocean is perfectly fine after a long day of driving and status matching. Make sure your cards have the expiration dates on them, especially the Icon card. When we left the Hard Rock, the rep who helped me printed a card with an expiration date whereas my friend, who had a different rep, had a card printed without an expiration date. The Ocean rep questioned him about the absence of a date when he matched, but after explaining what had happened, the rep, in her wise discretion, took care of it all without making him go back for a new card.
Hope this helps out any on the fence like we were; just do it!
I forgot this data point and question from my last post.
Re the MSC cruise, they changed the terms in September and now Prime members have to pay a surcharge for a European cruise, which is $1400 according to the MSC rep I spoke with on 10/7.
Also regarding the statement above about potentially cruising twice with MSC: “Match August 5th. Starting September 17th (they say 15th but it’s often late), you can book your MSC cruise that sails by Dec 31st. Then in January you can book another one that departs by June 30,” the current Prime benefit brochure indeed says one per CALENDAR year. But, when I asked the MSC rep about it, they said no, you can’t take one in 2024 and then another in 2025, it’s only one before 6/30/2025. Has anyone actually booked two cruises, one in each different calendar year? I wonder if my rep didn’t have it right, and I wasn’t actually booking at the time (have to wait until mid November), so I wonder they were just saying whatever to move on to the next call.
I successfully performed the merry go round yesterday during my quick stop in Atlantic City.
Started by matching my Ceasars Diamond to Bally’s Superstar. Received a free hat and access for 2 to the Loyalty Lounge. Lounge is mostly fine but the available food was underwhelming.
Then drove to Hard Rock and left car with valet. Matched Bally’s Superstar to Hard Rock Icon and can confirm $50 free play was loaded on card right away. Agent stated that free nights would be available to book in 48 hours.
Finally, walked out the back of Hard Rock, down the boardwalk to Ocean casino. Matched Hard Rock Icon to Ocean Prime and received lounge pass plus ocean t-shirt. Agent confirmed 2 free nights at Wynn would be available December 15 plus provided pamphlet for redeeming cruise. Went up to the VIP lounge but the line was quite long, slow moving, and we had a hard deadline to get to our final destination city that night.
Bummer didn’t get to check out the Ocean lounge but the status matches were very easy. Thank you everyone for all the tips and hope this data point encourages the next set of readers.