How I was able to parlay a single Atlantic City trip into tens of thousands of dollars in free travel?

First step was to complete the casino status match jackpot – read this for all the details.

I then took it further and directly matched to cruise lines – this post covers the specifics with matching to Holland America (HAL).

There will be other posts that will cover packages, more tips, and other ways to save with Holland America Line.

Lastly, for information regarding the completed cruises, there will be separate review and overview post(s) (along with itinerary/port posts)

HOLLAND AMERICA (HAL) COMPED CRUISE

HOW: DIRECT MATCH to HAL

https://oceanplayersclub.com/hollandamericamatch/
I created a PDF with photos of ALL of my status cards and some of my oceanview and balcony offers
In the ‘Your Message’ section of the submission form, I also listed out the different casinos, status levels and details of the comped cruises
Note: I first direct matched in late 2023 but was unable to use the offer since there was a sail date by end of year so I decided to try again at the beginning of 2024 (with an added bonus of expanded sailings)
My 2024 direct match experience: I submitted 1/1/2024 (you will received a thank you note and ticket number when successfully submitted with a time frame of 1-2 business days). On 1/2/24, I received a note back from the rep that the offer that I had been given was still active and I would be able to use towards the new sailing date

THE OFFER: Match 1: Complimentary Interior Cabin + $100 FreePlay & Drinks for two (2) while playing in the casino
Cruise fare is comped but you are responsible for port fees/taxes AND daily staff gratuities
No deposit required but FULL PAYMENT due for port fees & taxes at time of booking
_{Beautiful Tip: the casino comp cruise is valid for two. Important note that with HAL, booking for one adds an annoying complication that certain changes such as adding Club Orange or Upgrade of stateroom triggers SOLO supplement fee =(}

2023 Offer Description: Valid on eligible sailings to Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, Coastal, and Canada/ New England on 2023 sailings (blackout dates may apply and subject to availability)
2024 Offer Description: Valid on select sailings on Holland America Line only (blackout dates may apply and subject to availability
_{Beautiful Tips: Since it wasn’t clear which sailings were part of the offer, when I called into the number listed on my certificate, the rep emailed me the list of eligible sailings. While it is a process to look up the sailing individually (you have to search by Holland America and the sailing code), I personally preferred to check all the sailings to be able to compare and decide. I went through all the sailings and jotted down notes for the particular sailings I might want to book: sailing code / dates / locations and ship. Letter corresponds to specific ship and numbers to specific sailings}.
The 2024 offer included European sailings / book and sail by 4/6/2025 / and are for cruises only (no land tours sections are included).
Casino offers are for guaranteed rooms (Holland America will assign the staterooms close to sailing dates)
_{Beautiful Tip: Casino booking are non-refundable including any additions (ie Club Orange) or upgrades!}

Able to add Club Orange Package *does trigger solo supplement
Able to add the Have It All (and Have It All Early if applicable) Package *does not trigger solo supplement
Able to Upgrade stateroom at time of booking *does trigger solo supplement
If sailing is not full, upgrade offers may be emailed out