Poker Sites with the Best Rewards Programs
Back when online poker was a new business, players just wanted to find a poker room that they could trust not to steal their money. However, since those days a lot of things have changed, and now all of the major online poker rooms are at a similar level when it comes to support, integrity, and customer service. What really separates online poker rooms nowadays is their poker software and their VIP programs.
Besides poker rakeback, which only a few rooms offer, many poker sites offer VIP programs that reward players for consistent play with comps and rewards. One of the best sites in the business when it comes to keeping loyal players around is PokerStars. They recently instituted a VIP Club that has six levels. As you play more and more, you earn a higher and higher level, which leads to more perks. Here are the best poker rewards programs in the industry:
Sportsbook.com has a unique rewards program in the fact that its not based on accumulating player points, but rather is based on how much volume you put in. In essence it turns out to be the same thing, but Sportsbook makes it a lot more fun this way. Everything is based on accumulating Gold Cards, which are dealt out randomly based on how much rake is taken. There are fifty-two total Gold Cards, and by accumulating them all first, you win $52,000.
Besides just the Gold Cards, Sportsbook also has a Gold Chips system that is used to give players real life bonuses and comps. The Gold Chips program is for the average player, and can earn you entry to real life tournaments, merchandise, or even a real cake in the mail! For more info on the program, read our full Sportsbook.com review.
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Early last year PokerStars instituted a VIP Club to help compete with Full Tilt's comp program. Although they were just looking to compete, they actually blew Full Tilt out of the water, and now operate the #2 VIP rewards program in the industry. The rewards program is set up based on FPP's, and how fast you can earn them. FPP's are earned by playing real money poker tables and tournaments, and the more you rack up, the faster you accumulate them.
Every time you reach a new VIP level you earn FPP points faster, and you also gain access to new freerolls, tournaments, and comps. There are six membership levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Supernova, and Supernova Elite. Everyone starts as a Bronze member, and gradually moves up as you achieve a higher monthly point accumulation. Some of the top rewards for Supernova players include a Porsche, a private concierge service, or entry into a freeroll tournament with a PokerStars Pro. Learn more about the PokerStars VIP Club.
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Poker Bonuses
It is important to note that besides just the VIP programs and rewards, players can also receive sign up bonuses when they make their first deposit at a poker site. These bonuses are usually in the form of 100% matches, and give players a dollar in bonus money for every dollar they deposit. Almost every poker bonus is maxed out at $500-$1,000, although there are a few bigger poker bonuses available.
Typical Poker Player Rewards
If you play at PokerStars, Sportsbook.com or any other poker site that offers an in-house rewards program, you'll usually find the same type of perks. Here are some of the most common online poker rewards:
- Poker Strategy Books
- Branded Poker Clothing and Accessories
- TV's, DVD's, iPods, and other Electronics
- Gift Certificates
- Tournament Entry and Satellite Tickets
- Cars, Vacations, and Concierge Services (for the high limit, high volume player)
Besides rewards programs, some sites offer a rakeback percentage to their players. Many sites, like PKR, handle the rakeback in house, but other sites, like Full Tilt, require you to go through a third party affiliate. Here at PokerSite.org we don't deal with rakeback yet, but we plan to add a section soon.