The Complete Guide to the Caesars Rewards Program

Caesars Rewards is the loyalty program for Caesars Entertainment, the owner of global brands such as Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Caesars Palace. Known most widely for casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, it also operates in 12 other U.S. states and internationally. You can earn points for gambling and spending on the properties, then turn around and redeem those points for the same.

When it comes to casino rewards programs, Caesars Rewards (formerly Total Rewards) is the leader. Fortunately, it’s also relatively simple to understand, which offsets the fact that it’s not particularly generous, especially at the low tiers.

Still, there’s something to be said for it, given the number of locations that Caesars has, as well as the ease of using points.

Unlike other casino programs, Caesars Rewards is generally transparent in its earnings structure. There are two types of rewards to earn when you play and stay. Here's a look at the redeemable credits, which can be used for free play and property credit.

Machines

• Traditional slot machines will usually give a minimum of 1 reward credit (RC) for every $5 played.

• On video poker machines, which usually have better payouts than slot machines, you earn 1 RC for every $10 played. The earning rate is slower on machines that have better pay tables.

Table games

Be sure to present your card when you play, and you’ll earn based on the type of game, the length of play and how much you gamble. Caesars doesn't disclose the formula for earnings at table games.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for frequent Las Vegas travelers

Other games

You can also earn points through a variety of other betting options including:

• Sports betting and Bingo: 1 RC for every $10 bet.

• Keno: 1 RC for every $3 bet.

• Racing: 1 RC for every $3 bet (except in Nevada).

On property

You earn 1 RC for every dollar on almost all spending at Caesars properties, including rooms, restaurants, entertainment, shops and amenities. Think of it as a 1% rebate on your spending (1 cent earned per dollar spent).

» Learn more: Sin City on a budget: How to save on your next trip to Vegas

One of the best aspects of the program is how easy it is to value credits and use them. Credits can be used in lieu of cash on almost anything that you can buy at a Caesars property. To redeem your points, visit a self-serve kiosk, put your card in a machine or hand it to an employee at a participating shop, restaurant or venue. Or, when you’re checking out, ask them to subtract the cost from your points.

• Free play, gift cards and in-room movies are redeemed at a rate of 2:1, where 200 RCs are worth $1 credit.

• For everything else, the ratio is 1:1, so 100 RCs are worth $1.

Translation: If you play $500 at a slot machine, you’ll earn 100 RCs. Those 100 RCs are worth $1 at most outlets, meaning that your rewards payback is 0.2% ($1 reward for $500 played).

You also earn tier credits when you play or spend money at a Caesars property. Tier credits determine your elite status for the year (and the following year) and are reset to zero on Jan. 1 of each year.

There’s one big exception, though. Book directly through the website and you’ll earn 5x tier credits. That will push up your status quickly. Caesars seems to increase the number of levels in its status chart each year. It is now up to six, and the sweet spot for benefits starts at Diamond.

Gold, 0 tier credits

Everyone starts with Gold. It includes the basics, such as the ability to earn and redeem points as well as receive special offers.

Platinum, 5,000+ tier credits

There are very few additional benefits for Platinum status. They include:

• Complimentary parking (self and valet) at participating properties.

• A two- or three-night complimentary stay at The Atlantis, Paradise Island.

• A status match to Wyndham Rewards.

• Priority lines at some locations.

Diamond, 15,000+ tier credits

Here’s where the real action picks up. It’s a big leap to Diamond, but the additional benefits are worth it for the frequent gambler.

• Priority lines at check-in, restaurants and cages.

• Access to the VIP Laurel Lounge at casinos that have them. Note: At this level, it’s still paid access.

• A four-night stay at Atlantis, with some free play thrown in.

• A $100 celebration dinner at a Caesars restaurant.

• Waived resort fees.

You’ll receive additional benefits at the 25,000 (Diamond Plus) and 75,000 (Diamond Elite) tier credit levels.

• Diamond Plus: Complimentary access to the Laurel Lounges.

• Diamond Elite: $600 Airfare Credit to Las Vegas.

Seven Stars, 150,000+ tier credits

The formerly secret Seven Stars level is now a little more public. In addition to meeting the minimum tier credits requirement, you also must be invited to this level and membership certainly has its privileges.

• You get an upgrade to the best available room, as well as early check-in and late check-out.

• A $500 celebration dinner.

• A trip to any Caesars destination. They’ll kick in $1,200 toward airfare, round-trip transportation between the airport and hotel, and $500 for dining.

• An upgraded four-night Atlantis trip and a free cruise on Norwegian.

• An invitation to Signature Events, as well as eligibility for Seven Stars Experiences.

» Learn more: How to travel to Vegas with kids on points

The card may not be for everyone but if you are looking for a way to build and maintain your points, it’s a great no-annual-fee option.

• There’s a 10,000 RC sign-up bonus when you spend $750 in the first three months.

• Bonus categories: Two points per dollar spent on airlines, gas and groceries.

• You’ll earn five points per dollar spent at Caesars properties and for certain entertainment.

• Earn Platinum Status when you make a purchase within 90 days of receiving the card. Maintain your status by spending $5,000 each year.

• Earn additional benefits, such as VIP lines, when you spend $10,000 in a calendar year.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for Vegas hotels

• Caesars has a good selection of travel partners that offer proprietary deals, including Wyndham Rewards, Atlantis Paradise Island and Norwegian Cruise Line.

• Keep an eye out for retail partners, as well. The Rewards Marketplace allows you to earn points for online shopping.

• Earn points for taking surveys with Say & Play. Complete your first survey for 500 points.

• Check out the Caesar's Rewards Dining program to earn bonus points at over 25,000 restaurants.

You can find options in both the U.S. and Canada.

Arizona: Maricopa.

California: Valley Center.

Illinois: Joliet.

Indiana: Elizabeth.

Nevada: Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, The Cromwell Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel + Experience, Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Harvey's Lake Tahoe.

Canada: Windsor.

Yes, Caesars Reward credits can expire. To avoid this, a member must obtain at least one Reward Credit every six months, otherwise the entire Reward Credit balance will disappear.

Caesars may not have the single highest payback in the casino industry, but it more than makes up for it through ease of use and geographic choices. If you’re a Las Vegas regular, you’ll also want to weigh it against MGM Resorts’ MGM Rewards program.

These two programs make up the majority of casinos on the strip in Las Vegas. While you can certainly join both, you’ll get more rewards, and get there faster, if your loyalty and play is focused on one rewards program.