Today I tried to get a Companion card for someone (I had their ID and slot
card too), but was definitely told they needed to be present. No photo is
taken of the person, but apparently they just have to be there if you are a
Harrah's 7 Star Member and want a Companion.
The other interesting thing was I was told (at least by these Total Reward
people), the card is for Spouses or Significant Others only! I initially said
my Companion was my sister - and was told "no relatives" in no uncertain
terms. "What if you were gay?" I asked -- after some checking they said that
was okay, if the person was your Domestic Partner.
They seemed quite definite that the Companion must be a Domestic Partner or
Legal Spouse. After further questioning, it seemed they wouldn't require a
legal certificate (!) - after all, most people living together of the same or
opposite sexes don't have legal status. But they seemed very certain that a
relative (such as a sister or brother or Mom wouldn't cut it) or mere friend.
The authorization form I've seen and the Harrahs.com website with
information on this don't make that distinction. The form says "You understand that
you are limited to one Companion for the duration of the membership year
defined as 4/1/07-3/31/08. Under no circumstances are we allowed to switch your
Companion due to death, divorce, or any unforeseen event."
Which doesn't seem to prevent you from naming a Sister.
Still - to avoid nitpicking Total Rewards deskies, it would seem if you plan
to name your Mom or anyone except your legal spouse, it would be best (if
asked) to say the person you bring is your Domestic Partner - even if you may be
strangely living the gay life with your Mom for that moment!
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