I'm rather new to having status with TR, but I believe the qualification year runs 1/1/15 to 12/31/15 for 2016 status (my tier credits reset to zero on 1/1), so you can start earning now rather than waiting until April.
In fact I just got the following e-mail, which is a really sweet deal to get extra tier credits prior to 3/31.
Dear mudpuppy,
As you may have heard, a Caesars Entertainment subsidiary and some related business units have filed for reorganization under Chapter 11. The reorganization is part of our efforts to ensure our long-term success and our ability to deliver world-class entertainment to you for many years to come.
We want to assure you that Total RewardsŪremains the same, and we are here to stay.
As you are one of our most valuable guests, the following are a few important details that we want to make sure you are aware of as you visit our resorts and casinos:
Business as usual at all Total Rewards resorts and casinos
We are open for business and will continue to operate as usual
Total Rewards remains the same
You will continue to receive offers and comps from your favorite resorts and casinos
Your Reward Credit balance remains in place
The Tier Status you have earned for 2015 stays in place
You will continue to earn Tier Credits and Reward Credits for all of your activity
Daily Tier Credit Bonuses will remain the same through 2015
Your hotel and event reservations are secure
Our employees are here to serve you
Plus, heres the really exciting news! We would like to take this opportunity to give you MORE!
Through March 31st, 2015, we are giving you a 50% bonus on the first 50,000 Tier Credits you earn! So, you could walk away with up to 25,000 EXTRA Tier Credits to count towards your Tier Status, and we even started counting on January 1st.*
Thank you for your continued loyalty. We will keep doing everything we can to offer you the best casino loyalty program.
See you soon!
Michael J. Marino
Vice President of Total Rewards
with the fine print:
*Member must earn at least 1,000 Tier Credits by March 31, 2015 to be eligible for the promotion. 50% Tier Credit Bonus will be awarded on up to the first 50,000 Tier Credits earned from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, for a maximum total bonus of 25,000 Tier Credits. Daily Tier Credit Bonuses will count toward the 50,000 Tier Credits maximum. Loyalty bonuses are not earned Tier Credits and thus, are not eligible for this promotion. Tier Credit Bonuses, including this promotion, do not count toward Reward Credit balance, promotional Tier Credit earnings, or qualifying for another daily bonus. Total Tier Credit Bonus amount awarded through this promotion will be calculated after March 31st, 2015 and will be posted to the Total Rewards account on April 15, 2015.
FWIW, I play mainly the $10/TC VP games in Vegas and my free play offers have not been very good there compared to similar play in Cleveland and Chicago.