Harrah's gives you 1 point for $10 if you play Video Poker and 1 for $5 for
Reel slots. These are BASE points. As you play you also accumulate
(usually), extra Bonus credits. The more you play, the more bonus. For example if
you play 500 base points you might get 320 Bonus credits. If you keep playing
the same day, you could end up with 1000 base and 1000 Bonus; later you
will see 2000 base and 3000 bonus. And so on.
Over the last year the number of Bonus credits seem to be reduced. At some
VP machines you may get Zero bonus to base. For example $5 Jacks or Better
at Rio, $1 Five Play NSU/9/6 JB at New Orleans.
The ratio of bonus to base seems to be somewhat random, but some factors
such as what sort of machine you are playing and how long you play seem to
affect it. Winning/losing may or may not affect it.
Your COMPS are based on the total of Base plus Bonus. So if you play 2000
Base and get 3000 Bonus you have a total of 5000 Total Reward Credits (or
RCs). 5000 credits are worth $50 in comps for food and most items.
You also will receive CashBack based on play. Most Harrah's locales will
mail you a check for cashback later (in a month or so). Vegas cashback is
quite low compared to some other areas of the country.
Your "TIER" Level is based on BASE points only. Once you have 10,000 Base
you have accumulated during Jan-Dec. year, you become a DIAMOND member and
entitled to visit the Diamond Lounge for free. You need 100,000 Base to become
7 STARS. You can also get Diamond by playing 3000 points in 1 day at most
locations (ask before going for it). These levels are based on your total play
for the year. You can redeem points for comps and the points will still
count toward your TIER level. PLATINUM level is less than Diamond, and everyone
is automatically Gold when they join.
If you are a new signup, ask if there are any gifts for playing a certain
amount of points. Look for various signs telling you about promotions at each
property. Go to _www.harrahs.com_ (http://www.harrahs.com) to check on your
offers, promotions, tier level, and so on. It will take a couple of months
for your play to show up as an increase in offers. Local Las Vegas players
get shafted by not receiving many mailers that out-of-towners will get. Be
prepared to have a Love/Hate relationship with Harrahs.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]