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 and that you now need 2 years of inactivity at Ocean to re-match, up from 18 months
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. You also now need 2 years of inactivity at Ocean to re-match, up from 18 months.
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.
(Last MGM Status Challenge ended 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 24 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). Yes, it used to be 18 months of inactivity. Now it’s 24 months.
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. Must depart the US to avoid a $1,400 surcharge.
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?