Just a bit of background. I was one of the original members of Skip
Hughes group so I go back a long way with VP Free, etc.
I have been a Diamond member for at least 8 years. I have gotten DIAD twice before but have made the points needed every year before the end of the year anyway.
Last year I had severe back problems and was a "shut-in" starting in March because of so much pain. In Oct I had a multi-level 4 spinal fusion complicated by severe scoliosis. A very difficult recovery and it will probably take another 6 months to realistically recover.
Lost 45 pounds but it sure was the hard way. (I had it to loose)
Feb 7th my husband and I drove to the Horseshoe in Hammond, Indiana at 10 in the morning. We live in Chicago near O'Hare airport so have to go thru downtown which at times can take a few hours on the expresway during rush hour. We have to pick a good time to go and come back.
I didn't use a wheelchair but used my rolator that I had bought from Costco before surgery and had put it together months ago. Like a walker on wheels with a seat. I got a seat on the 50 play machines and played 2 to 3 lines APDW and J/B 9/6. Of course before I played I stopped at the players club and asked if I qualified for DIAD because I had one that expired the end of March 2012. The answer was of course. Tier point for video poker was one point/$10 on the 50 play machines. (I had e-mailed Jean Scott cause I know she has traveled to that Horseshoe and had asked her so I knew ahead of time)
BTW we should all be very grateful that we have Jean "Queen of Comps" on our video poker boards. She is so knowledgeable and and shares and "teaches" so much with us.
You know I haven't been out and about except to physical therapy and had so much fun playing. After about 5 hours I went to the players club and had 3600 tier points and asked the boothling (of course different boothlings were working than when we arrived) to put it into the computer that I did DIAD. He said I didn't qualify because I had a diamond card. A supervisor was there and agreed with him. Well I persisted and said I knew I qualified for DIAD. I really had to do a lot of persistence. The supervisor made a phone call to her supervisor and told me oops they must have changed the rules. (Boothlings DO NOT know the rules because they are not told them) I walked away with my diamond card expiring 3/13.
I really like the Horseshoe and probably will be mid diamond by years end. I have to be careful about W-2's. On social security and husband pension and I do not want to have to pay extra for medicare,real estate taxes, etc. And since I am from Illinois, Indiana takes out almost 4 percent tax that I do not see as I am not a professional gambler and cannot file as such. In total I had few 4/kinds and no 4 deuces. Lost about $800 but 2 years ago won a total of $14,000 w2's which put us over the limit for some real estate exemptions.
Saved my credits earned over the past few years worth over $600. They would have expired Feb 11th. Good thing I felt good enough to go out to play. This surgery was a lot rougher than I imagined or was told.
I rarely go to the diamond lounge. I like the complimentary valet parking and the entrance is close to the casino. There are a number of entrances at the Horseshoe. It is much easier walk for me. I will now get many good offers and I hope junkets for putting thru $36,000 in a day which is the main reason I did the DIAD. I wish I could have stayed longer but my back told me I had to go home. With Harrahs it is all about the ADT. I know it will take a few months for them to be send any offers to me.
That is my story. Thanks for listening and if I helped anyone it is a pay forward.
Persistence and taking names of personnel that give you information is a key to DIAD and most problems with Harrah's.
Also thanks MissCraps for all the great info you put out there. I know you spend lots of time with the very informative Harrah's group.
Deuces to all,
Carol M