VIP Programs at Online Casinos

How much does it cost to join VIP programs? What benefits come along with them? The answer to these questions might surprise you!

You’ve probably heard about VIP clubs or loyalty programs that offer perks such as free chips, special bonuses, and other rewards. These are known as VIP programs, and they play an important role in maintaining player interest and encouraging repeat visits. 

Many casinos offer their own VIP program options, but there are also several third-party companies offering similar services. If you’d like to try out one of these types of programs, it might be worth learning about the different types and costs involved.

Below, we look more at VIP programs at online casinos.

What is an Online Casino VIP Program?

An online casino would not exist without players spending money on games and activities. To encourage customers to keep coming back time after time, the industry uses a system based upon loyalty points.

VIP points give members preferential treatment as well as various extras. Allowing for customer retention and new client acquisition, VIP programs have been proven to work, and many operators will use a third-party company to provide this service.

poker chips

VIP Programs Categories

Typically, VIP programs can be broken down into three categories:

  1. Free Spins

Players can get extra spins during game activity and if they win, additional cash payouts. In most cases, these credits are given automatically, provided certain requirements are met. Some sites make payments to members who qualify through their existing bonus code or by reaching a particular level of play.

  1. Cashback or Bonus Points

Members earn cashback or bonus points (referred to simply as “points”) every time they place bets. This is usually done using software systems designed to track action played across any number of deposit methods. 

For example, if a member places $5,000 in total wagers over 20 days, he’ll receive 40,000 points. This could translate to a payment of up to $100 in cash. Most commonly, however, points may be redeemed for real prizes rather than simple cash. For instance, some sites will issue vouchers which can then be exchanged for merchandise.

  1. Rewards

Like point bonuses, VIP club memberships often involve receiving specific products, discounts, or even free items as compensation for participation. They are typically offered at no charge, but members must meet prerequisites before qualifying for membership. For instance, a rewards card might only be available to certain people who’ve made a particular amount of deposits or won a prize.

The Benefits of VIP Programs Explained

When considering whether or not to subscribe to a VIP club, players should take note of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. While all programs share a few common features, there are also substantial differences between each type. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these programs unique.

Benefits & Advantages

There are numerous reasons why a VIP program could benefit your gaming experience. Here are just a few of them:

Loyalty

Players who sign up with a VIP program may become eligible for benefits including special promotions, higher limits, and exclusive offers. These privileges can build brand recognition, increase sales, and develop strong relationships among all members of a loyalty program.

Bonuses

By awarding members with ongoing incentives and rewards, a VIP program can encourage patrons to continue playing and betting. It gives players more reason to return to the site.

Promotion

Because members are treated differently from non-members, promotional efforts aimed specifically at VIP club members are likely to yield more responses than standard marketing campaigns.

Advertising

A promotion that targets a smaller group of potential clients means advertisers can reach those individuals while avoiding larger segments of the population.

Customer Service

VIP clubs offer an unparalleled opportunity to interact directly with customer service representatives. Players can use this direct communication channel to help resolve issues, ask questions about promotions, or complain about broken links.

Drawbacks & Disadvantages

There are many reasons why you might not want to join a VIP club. Here are just a couple of them:

Costs

For these clubs to operate efficiently, they require significant investment. A single bettor or player isn’t enough to sustain operations in such a manner. If a site has fewer loyal fans, it may lose money on advertising expenses alone.

Discrimination

If you sign up for a VIP club, you’re putting yourself in competition with other members. Some companies consider this form of discrimination illegal, so make sure yours does too.

Privacy Issues

Since members’ personal information isn’t kept confidential, there’s always a risk it could be misused.

How do I Choose One?

Most websites have several different loyalty programs. To find the best one for you, you need to consider three key factors:

What Rewards Are Available?

Each club provides different types of perks. You need to evaluate how they compare to the others out there. Which options would you prefer and why?

Is There Any Chance Of Being Banned?

If gambling laws apply to you where you live, you should research their rules carefully. Find out if you’d face legal penalties for using a VIP club. Also, find out if the site is legitimate.

Will They Allow Me To Post My Results Online?

Many sites don’t allow people to post results online. Others will permit users to create blogs or forums dedicated solely to sharing their wins and losses. Be sure you understand any restrictions the company places before signing up.

Final Thoughts

The way people play poker varies greatly. That means every website caters its services around individual preferences in a variety of ways. By deciding which features appeal most to you, you’ll be able to discover the right one to meet your needs.