Poll
10 votes (41.66%) | |||
14 votes (58.33%) |
24 members have voted
I understand that CET has a mixed reputation on this board, but they have been great to me, and they offer the best BJ game in the area. If I hit it pretty hard I think I can make Diamond, and probably one part of my strategy will be to earn another 150 points on 8/5 BP every trip, which means probably an hour or so at the 25 cent stakes, where I am comfortable. What are the real benefits to being diamond? What if I was going to end up earning 9k points anyway, would it be worth taking a few extra trips to San Diego to get there?
To put this in perspective, I am in my 20's and single so I don't have family obligations or anything that would really keep me from going besides financial considerations, [though I gamble responsibly....for the most part ;) ]. I work weekends and have Thursdays and Fridays off, so it is easy enough to get room and other comps during my days off to stay down there.
What are the real perks of being diamond that people like? Will my mailer offers increase when I make diamond? Will it be easier to get discretionary comps from hosts (although I get that this varies depending on property)? Do they assign you a host simply for making diamond? Is there anything else I am missing?
Quote: bigfoot66and probably one part of my strategy will be to earn another 150 points on 8/5 BP every trip, which means probably an hour or so at the 25 cent stakes, where I am comfortable.
1.25*300*2%=$7.5 w/realistic play.
Now that's ~40 hours of bonus, which is a lot of time (if you did just that), and $220 worth of expected loss.
I'm probably supposed to know by now, but I don't - are you recreational or semi-AP?
It's not what it used to be, but it's free food and drinks for a few hours a day while you leisurely watch the game on the bigscreen, and you can bring a guest. Food quality is going down in the LV lounges, and it costs $10 in comp points in AC, but it's practically a buffet in AC whereas it's just wings, veggies and chips in Vegas.
I doubt you'll get better offers in the mail. After all, CET knows they already have you captive, why would they offer anything to get you in the door? You're already a regular customer. Those offers are for gold members who haven't been in a while.
You'll get to jump the line at buffets and registration, but you already get that as platinum anyway. But they will call you Mister Bigfoot from now on, if that makes you feel good. You can also flash your Diamond Card to get first on the shuttle between properties, and nice perk in the summer heat.
And you'll get entry into the Summerfest/Winterfest games which is free room for 3 nights and tourney entries (live poker, VP and slots).
I don't think it is worth it if you need to gamble more to get it. Now if you end the year 500 pts away, then that would be a toss up for me. It sounds like you will be 1000-1500 points away that you have to make up though.
I will probably be going for it next year. For me though that just means I push 90% of my play in Vegas to CET properties instead of about 60% right now. I'll know after my first trip in March if it is attainable though. I had thought about gambling a little more to get it, and it just isn't worth it. You may get increased comps, but that is solely because you played more, it has nothing to do with just being Diamond.
While a lot of people in here go on about the Diamond lounges, be aware that there are jurisdictions that cannot serve free alcohol. You may get it at a deep discount, but you probably won't get it free. I don't think the lounges are all that special, but I don't drink and I always feel awkward hanging out there alone. If I am with company though I always take them in there. It is a nice perk if you use it.
My feeling is if you travel a lot to different properties, then Diamond is the best card for you. Only one other casino group has the expansive footprint across America but their properties are not linked (the company is Penn National btw). In fact, upgrades from their own properties aren't even automatic, as I was Silver at Argosy in KC and Hollywood in Lawrenceburg (which used to be an old Argosy) wouldn't upgrade me to their second level. Bad service on their part (shocker, I know)... but I digress...
Lately I haven't been getting great bounceback or hotel room offers from CET. I'm a little disappointed, and I've slowed my play down for that reason with them. I'm really close to Diamond status anyways, so it's not a huge issue, but my offers to HSI have been less than stellar. I travel at least 3.5 hours to play at their casino; I want some incentive to come back. As it has already been stated though, they have me hooked, so why bother? It's sad...
In conclusion, Diamond is a great tier to have, but it's not for everybody. Evaluate what's important to you in a casino, list them on here, and I can comment point by point how you'll do. It sounds like you made up your mind, but for what it's worth, it might help you.
P.S. Expect rdw4potus to chime in on this one too...
Gold card/Platinum share the same check-in lines. Diamond and 7 Star get their own check-in lounge. At Paris, it is a room off the main check-in area. Free bottled water is there for you to grab.
Diamond card gets you in any restaurant in usually 5 minutes or less. It also gets you a stink eye from everyone waiting in the much longer line!
In Vegas, the Diamond Lounges are a nice perk. This was the thing my wife loved most about our Diamond status. She made great use of the Lounge. At RIO they have a free computer area so you can check-in for your flight and print boarding passes. I wouldn't call it a buffet though. It is more finger food items, with occasional things like chicken wings, or sausage. Pretzels, chips and salsa, veggies like celery, carrot sticks, dip.
Outside of Vegas, the Diamond Lounges I have visited were not memorable. I like Biloxi, but the Harrah's Grand Diamond Lounge is not a perk. It was almost disgusting when we were there in February.
The Diamond card also gets you free entry into Harrah's nightclubs. I have never used it to get a table and bottle service, but I believe you can do that as well. I did use my Diamond status to get 5 of us into the Voodoo Lounge for drinks and a meal. And Rio comp'd all of our meals, so that was especially sweet.
Finally, I think the Diamond card helps you get a better rating at the table games. Give the pit your Diamond card when you cash $1000, and I swear you get a better rating, than if you had a gold card. I think they tend to think you are a higher bettor than you are playing right now, so they rate you a bit higher.
I have given up my Diamond card. I have been getting free flights/rooms/food to Beau Rivage, so I have been concentrating all of my play there. And as I noted, Diamond status at the Grand is not a big deal.
Quote: duckmankillaI'd like to chime in my 2 cents as a lowly gold member who plays mainly in AC. First, I say go for the diamond card. Second, if you are ever in the AC area, give me a shout and let me know where I can meet up with you and you can strategically "lose" your card which will magically find its way into my wallet. I found a diamond card in a machine a few weeks ago which didn't expire for another 9 months and while a diamond card in vegas without an ID probably wont mean anything, in AC it means FREE PARKING! Being as parking in AC garages can be as high as $15 on the weekends, that card is like money in the bank for me. If you'd like, I'll even buy you a few drinks for your troubles :p
I've never been to AC but if for whatever reason God hates me enough to send me to New Jersey you have my promise that I will give you a copy of my card ;)
I don't believe being Diamond is worth it. Trying to get to Diamond is too much like a job. A job that requires you to run $55,000 thru a slot machine.
Think about that. $55,000!!!!!
You have to run $55,000 thru a slot machine just so you can get in a special line to get into a restaurant or show.
As far as the Diamond lounges go, they are going to charge you 1000 Reward Credits ($10.00). The lounges used to be free. How much did you spend/lose to get those 1000 Reward Credits?
Since I dropped down from Diamond to Platinum I have been receiving many more offers including free rooms, food comps and Direct bets for table play.
I play table games but I used the slot example to show how many dollars have to played to achieve Diamond.
$55,000!!!!!
Quote: bigfoot66wait wait, you get stung for $10 to enter the diamond lounge? what if you dont have any RC balance, you dont get in?
The value of the Diamond Lounge was that it was free. I would not pay to enter a Diamond Lounge.
In 1999, I got fed up with the cheapness that I was greeted with in AC, and I have never gone back, in spite of free flights and rooms. Charging for Diamond Lounge, and parking, is more validation of my decision to never return there.
Can anyone speak to any fee for diamond lounges outside of AC?
Quote: hook3670AC is the only place beacause they offer a full buffet for its patrons. i would be happy with just finger food and having it be free. They do have top shelf liquor and occassionally decnt food like carved prime rib etc... If you are at 25,000 points it is free to enter.
This is correct. I think Atlantic City was a test market for CET to see if people would avail themselves to a better Diamond Lounge. I had a $20 comp this last trip and decided to try it out. It was good, very good actually, though I still prefer a full buffet. In AC, that runs you about 25, so $10 for what was in there was not a bad deal, if you don't mind a slightly limited selection.
They haven't implemented this system (to my knowledge) in any other markets or casinos, so my guess is it's a no-go for the future. However, I do believe (and have stated on numerous occasions) that soon there will be a new tier level, between Seven Stars and Diamond. I called it Ruby, but somebody pointed out Diamond will take 25,000 and Ruby will be 11,000. This will limit access to the Lounges...
Quote: TiltpoulThis is correct. I think Atlantic City was a test market for CET to see if people would avail themselves to a better Diamond Lounge. I had a $20 comp this last trip and decided to try it out. It was good, very good actually, though I still prefer a full buffet. In AC, that runs you about 25, so $10 for what was in there was not a bad deal, if you don't mind a slightly limited selection.
They haven't implemented this system (to my knowledge) in any other markets or casinos, so my guess is it's a no-go for the future. However, I do believe (and have stated on numerous occasions) that soon there will be a new tier level, between Seven Stars and Diamond. I called it Ruby, but somebody pointed out Diamond will take 25,000 and Ruby will be 11,000. This will limit access to the Lounges...
I will be pissed if I go for diamond and then they kill the benefits and it is just platinum plus. In Vegas platinum is good enough to bypass some pretty big lines which is a very real benefit but I am not sure there is much else there, though at rincon they give you $5 in RC's every month you have a trip there if you are platinum.
Quote: soulhunt79Do you get your own checkin as platinum? I thought at some it was just diamond/7stars. To me the perks would be diamond lounge, easier checkin, and quicker cashing in chips at the cage with the diamond line.
It's highly variable what the different lines are at check in. At Flamingo, they have a separate lobby for Diamond and Platinum cards, and the last time I was there, they even had a separate line out in the main lobby for GOLD members. It was stupid, the main line was probably a 45 minute wait, and the line for Gold members was empty. Clearly those people were n00bs. I believe at Bally's they at least have a separate line for Platinum. These are clearly 2 of the cheaper CET properties in Vegas, so it makes sense they make the lower tiers feel more exclusive.
Trivia Question, NO GOOGLING:
What is the term "7 stars" a reference to?
Quote: bigfoot66What is the term "7 stars" a reference to?
Unless it's something really obscure or a kind of in-joke, then it could be:
hint:
Quote: TiltpoulThis is correct. I think Atlantic City was a test market for CET to see if people would avail themselves to a better Diamond Lounge. I had a $20 comp this last trip and decided to try it out. It was good, very good actually, though I still prefer a full buffet. In AC, that runs you about 25, so $10 for what was in there was not a bad deal, if you don't mind a slightly limited selection.
They haven't implemented this system (to my knowledge) in any other markets or casinos, so my guess is it's a no-go for the future. However, I do believe (and have stated on numerous occasions) that soon there will be a new tier level, between Seven Stars and Diamond. I called it Ruby, but somebody pointed out Diamond will take 25,000 and Ruby will be 11,000. This will limit access to the Lounges...
The cost to get into an AC Diamond lounge is 1000 Reward credits. They say that equals $10. It is probably much much much much more. You probably had to spend about $300 to get those 1000 Reward credits.
I use the word PROBABLY because the formula they use for Reward (not Tier) credits is unknown to me. The $25 cash buffet will cost you less than the 1000 tier credits required to enter the Diamond lounge. And if you're with another person, that's another 1000 Rewrd credits.
Diamond is not worth it.
I am platinum and like I said in an earlier post, I receive more offers than I did as Diamond. These are some of my July offers that I received.
7/1 Free beach towel
7/2 4x slot multiplier
7/3 5x slot multiplier
7/4 6x slot multiplier
7/5 7x slot multiplier
5 weekly buffets
$60 ($30 & $30)comp dollars
$120 (4x$30) Direct bets
4 Buy one get one buffets
$15 super market gift card
$125 (3x25, 1x50) Direct bets
7/5 $25 Direct bet
7/8 $30 Direct bet
7/8 or 7/22 Free hotel room
$60 ($15, $20, $25 ) Direct bet
2 tickets to a show
Reduced hotel rates
If you feel like running $55,000 thru a slot machine just to get into the Diamond Lounge , go for it.
I still don't think It's worth it.
Quote: TiltpoulHowever, I do believe (and have stated on numerous occasions) that soon there will be a new tier level, between Seven Stars and Diamond. I called it Ruby, but somebody pointed out Diamond will take 25,000 and Ruby will be 11,000. This will limit access to the Lounges...
I was that other person. I fully agree that the'll add a level, I just think they can avoid re-branding the lounges if they shift diamond up instead of adding Ruby above it.
As to whether diamond is worth it, I think it depends on your starting level. In the OP's case, I did it last year from almost exactly the same position. I'd do it again. With 5,400 points in mid-june, it wouldn't take much additional play at all to get to the 11,000 point level by the end of the year. Being diamond - or, technically, just showing that much play - will help with a couple things. First, it'll help ensure that there's a comped room waiting for you when you want it. That was extremely important to me since I wanted to lean on CET's properties for free stays while traveling (and not necessarily playing there). Second, the lounges are pretty nice. Yeah, it sucks to have to pay in AC, but the mini-buffets aren't bad. Third, If it works out for you, there's also the diamond and 7 stars gift promotions a few times per year. I wouldn't make a trip for the (insert random low-value item here), but if you're there anyway it's nice to get free stuff.
.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29750-i78-k5524798-Harrahs_Diamond_Club_keeps_getting_worse-Atlantic_City_New_Jersey.html
Quote: WongBosleazars strikes again
SLEAZARS!!!!
Please explain.
Quote: WongBodelete
What the fuck man? Of all the internet forums I've been on, you are the only poster who seems to redact the majority of his posts. Okay, maybe not majority, but you definitely redact a large amount of them. You really need to take a few extra minutes before you post or something, because this shit gets tiresome when reading through old threads. Seriously.
lol.
reading a six letter word is tiresome?
no, reading some endless post about craps is tiresome.
you want boredom?
read up all the threads "analyzing" systems for a completely random game.
or how about a 700 post thread about a bet on a woman's plan to lose weight.
i only delete my posts if i have made a mistake or an inappropriate comment/troll post.
i try not to post unless i really have something to add.
in this thread, i deleted the post because i made a mistake in a citation
and didn't get a chance to find the correct one.
sorry to ruffle your feathers.
Quote: WongBo
or how about a 700 post thread about a bet on a woman's plan to lose weight.
Hey Mr. Bo! You hurt my feelings!
Quote: WongBoreading a six letter word is tiresome?
No. But clicking on a thread marked as having new posts, waiting for it to load (lag is everywhere), and then finding out the new posts says "delete," is kind of annoying.
Quote:or how about a 700 post thread about a bet on a woman's plan to lose weight.
I should think it would be of interest to the people betting on the outcome. If someone amde a big bet like that on, oh, a soccer game, people might even watch it :P
the bet was noble,
but the thread got a little crazy,
you have to admit!
to get back on track,
as far as going for diamond goes...
if you are going to gamble that much money,
i suppose you will get more diverse and usable comps overall from CZR than from any others,
but try to avoid bets and games where they have a higher edge than other casinos.
Quote: WongBo
i try not to post unless i really have something to add.
How do you explain calling me a SLEAZER?
I posted a link to what others thought of the Diamond Lounge.
I'm still waiting for your explanation of SLEAZER or an apology.
The ball's in your court.
i try not to post unless i really have something to add.
Gee, if we all did that, well bye bye forum LOL
As to WongBo, I'm glad you finally said something positive about CET. I have many criticisms of the properties, and agree that AC is terrible, but there are some nice ones out there with decent games. For those who travel a lot, it's about the only place to play.
I was going to comment on the deletes as well, but decided it wasn't necessary. I often start posts, hit preview, then cancel the post because it's not appropriate.
I also am often guilty of typing before engaging brain.
Don't forget Valley View, just a little further south...though, I never venture there anymore.
Quote: AcesAndEightsIt's highly variable what the different lines are at check in. At Flamingo, they have a separate lobby for Diamond and Platinum cards, and the last time I was there, they even had a separate line out in the main lobby for GOLD members. It was stupid, the main line was probably a 45 minute wait, and the line for Gold members was empty. Clearly those people were n00bs. I believe at Bally's they at least have a separate line for Platinum. These are clearly 2 of the cheaper CET properties in Vegas, so it makes sense they make the lower tiers feel more exclusive.
Funny this thread should bump, I was thinking about this post I made when I was checking in at Flamingo on my recent trip. I was all excited to use the PLATINUM/DIAMOND CHECK-IN room there with my new Platinum card, and I walk up and lo and behold, there is a little temporary sign that says "Diamond and Seven Stars guests" (the PLATINUM/DIAMOND is in giant permanent letters above the double doors). Scowling, I dragged my ass back to the "Gold" line (which was still there, and still mostly empty). A few minutes later a couple walks up behind me with their diamond card, say the other lounge isn't even open (it's about 9pm on a Friday, lots of people checking in).
What a joke, but hey, it's the Flamingo. Got a free room with a decent view of Bellagio for free on the weekend, so I'm not complaining. I even met my host with whom I exchanged a couple emails before the trip with questions, she tracked me down while I was playing craps after checking out. I didn't really need her for anything on this trip, but it was a nice gesture.
Oh, and to the original topic...after this trip I ended up with a balance of 7690 Tier Credits. If Boise State ends up in the Vegas Bowl again (excuse me, the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas), I'll probably make the trip down there just before Christmas, which would make 4 trips to Vegas in calendar year 2012, lol. I doubt I could put in the required amount of gambling as it would probably be a short trip, but who knows how the flights would work out. I might try.