Another way for comps in lieu of identification?

[MJGolf]

OK, I know that there are a few threads on NOT disclosing identification while playing. Or getting "rightful" but alternative name ID's for showing at tables. Then the subject always comes up "but how do you get or take advantage of comps that you should have for your play?"

I just got notice of another offer from the Evil Empire/Ceasars on their Total Rewards program. Not that I want to specifically benefit them OR the bank credit card company BUT it seemed like a way to get your expenses paid WITHOUT having to disclose your identity to the tables. You still have to have a Total Rewards Card and tie it to their Visa card, issued by Comenity Bank but it might assist with TWO concerns.

They have a new offer that if you use their card for $5000 in charges for the year, that they will maintain your platinum status for 2016. This is ASIDE from getting tier credits from play. In addition IF you spend $10,000 for the year, then you will receive a NEW option, VIP status (looks like Diamond status to me) for the upcoming year which includes VIP Diamond Line Access to all restaurants, VIP Diamond check in, VIP Diamond Line Access for taxis AND entertainment venues, along with preferred entry into their Las Vegas nightclubs and pools at ALL Vegas properties.

So, considering that you get to exchange your points for 1 cent per $ earned at their properties, this might be a way for you to get comp privileges or expenses paid for by just normal, everyday spending. They have small bonuses for gas and grocery purchases (along with their 5x points on purchases at their properties). In addition, starting last year, they now give tier credits for money spent at their properties (hotel, restaurant, gift shops, stores, etc.)

So this might be a way to take advantage for you guys who are looking for a way to defray expenses BUT still not disclose identity at tables. I'm not sure what they are going to ask IF you never show your card to play BUT still use it for their privileges. Maybe it's THEIR way of turning their properties into a true rewards system like normal hotel chains? But it sounds like it could work for some of us who like this game as an avocation v. professional play. At least until we get there.

I can see KJ taking this one ALL the way to the bank! And anyone else is welcome to "blast me" if they think I'm wrong on this. Don't really see a downside for a frequent player who is concerned about costs if those are properties you want to STAY at.

[moo321]

It's just a credit card churn. Certainly a legit AP strategy. There are probably better credit card rewards out there.

If you could find a commodity that they sell, you could be on to something. It could also be a good move to stack with comp-hustling play.

[muffdiver]

Surveillance is throughout most casinos so I never feel overly confident using my card in machines and not using it at tables. Granted, it's probably a different person watching, but still, we are never invisible.

[Marlene]

Granted, it's probably a different person watching.

Why do you say this?

[muffdiver]

Why do you say this?

Just a guess. I don't have any idea how many people are watched by each surveillance person or camera.

[Jet]

But yet you make a comment about surveillance?

[muffdiver]

But yet you make a comment about surveillance?

Sure. What's the problem with that?

[Three]

I like to get actual cash back for my purchases. generally I get either 1.5%, 2%, 3% or 5% back on my everyday purchases. I guess if you use 2 or 2.5% as the average cash back $5,000 in purchases costs you $100-125 for whatever reward the platinum card would get you. The $10K minimum for diamond would cost you $200-250 for those diamond benefits. I guess if you ate in the Diamond Club every day it could be worth it. They charge $10 for minimal Diamond Card level guests. I think you might get 1 guest free. Higher Diamond Card used to be able to bring 3 guests for free. I am not sure what it is now. CET Casinos has been cutting everything so many people are looking to other casinos for their gambling destination.

[moo321]

Where are you getting 5% back on everything? Or is this a rewards card with categories (i.e. 5% on gas)?

[MJGolf]

Where are you getting 5% back on everything? Or is this a rewards card with categories (i.e. 5% on gas)?

5% are rotating categories on my Chase cards for example. Discover has that, too. They change each quarter so you might have department stores in December. Gas in Summer; grocery stores at moment. Amazon at other times. Depends. The only way to get higher percentage back on any card is to use them at their branded aligned companies. Like Marriott at Marriott hotels (or partners). Total Rewards at total rewards/Ceasars properties. SWA Rapid Rewards for SW Airline purchases. I have not seen ANY cards that give you 5% back on total general purchases anywhere and I try to pay attention to that, too. Though Target gives you a 5% discount at their stores on any purchase made with their credit card or debit card.

The purpose of my original post was merely to show a way to earn comp dollars at specific properties under a new program where you didn't HAVE to show your players card to get the usable comp dollars. Even if it's only a 1 or 2% cashback at those places other than the purchases on property. I'd be surprised if T-Three is getting 5% globally and not sure that's what was meant.

[muffdiver]

It isn't cash directly paid but I got a GM Card many years ago that gives 5% earnings back on all purchases. Has to be used for GM vehicle purchase, lease, etc. ($500 max annual ceiling for earnings). To date, I've redeemed just under 10k on vehicle purchases and have another 2k and counting available now.
I was tempted to start buying Fords when they were the only US maker that didn't take the government bailout but the credit card incentive has kept me with GM.

[MJGolf]

It isn't cash directly paid but I got a GM Card many years ago that gives 5% earnings back on all purchases. Has to be used for GM vehicle purchase, lease, etc. ($500 max annual ceiling for earnings). To date, I've redeemed just under 10k on vehicle purchases and have another 2k and counting available now.
I was tempted to start buying Fords when they were the only US maker that didn't take the government bailout but the credit card incentive has kept me with GM.

I thought this was a possibility too, muff. Hope you had a good experience. But I always worried about bottom line pricing and whether the dealers didn't reduce price enough to cover the cost of the 'so called' credit. Did you have a good experience? $500/year seemed like a little slow to accumulate but then again, my other cards at 1-2% with the 5% special categories don't really earn much different at my spending capabilities or capacities.

A little off topic but in any event, still trying to let people know that if Ceasars maintains this promotion, that it's a pretty good way to earn comp dollars through every day spending so that you do NOT have to show ID at the tables. It's like KJ does; he earns his comp dollars doing other things, even though he only needs it for meals v. hotels. For example, I used the points to pay for my last trip to Tunica. Positive trip for winnings and did NOT have to be concerned about rating or tier points at tables.

[muffdiver]

MJGolf,
Yes, it's slow. Twenty four years to earn 12k but that's a good savings on the last 3 or 4 vehicles I've bought. I negotiate a price with the dealer before telling them that I have that perk to use.