The Top 4 Online Poker Loyalty Programs

Many poker players consider loyalty programs to be the most important factor when choosing an online poker room, as they can have a significant impact on their bottom line. In this blog post, we will explore:

• The Advantages of Online Poker Loyalty Programs
• Why They Matter
• The Top Poker Sites Offering Loyalty Programs
• Factors to Consider
• How to Maximize Benefits
• Future Trends

Why Online Poker Loyalty Programs Are Important

The most common form of loyalty program is rakeback, which gives back a percentage of the rake that the player pays during their time at a poker site. Given how substantial the rake can be at lower stakes, finding a good rakeback program could be the difference between being a winning or losing player.

However, some sites have recognized that this system tends to favor high-volume players, leading to tight, break-even players dominating tables and creating a less enjoyable gaming environment.

To address this issue, they have introduced a new rewards system that encourages players to complete specific challenges for rewards. This approach incentivizes players to accomplish tasks rather than solely focus on generating rake, resulting in a more welcoming environment for recreational players.

Benefits of Online Poker Loyalty Programs

Online poker loyalty programs provide a number of obvious benefits to the player and are a great incentive to log on and play each day. By playing your favorite games and accumulating loyalty points, you can receive a significant boost to your bankroll every week/month. For high-volume players, getting even 20% rakeback offers a significant boost to a player’s weekly win rate; if you rake $1000 a week, you’re getting $200 just from the loyalty program. Depending on the stakes you play, this can represent a significant number of buy-ins that you would otherwise be missing out on.

As well as the significant boost to your bankroll, being part of a loyalty program allows you to take advantage of cool perks such as MTT tickets, access to freerolls, and much more.

Many loyalty programs use a tiered system, increasing the rewards the higher the player climbs. This incentivizes players to log in and play daily, knowing that the more they play, the better their rewards become. This enhances the overall online poker experience, turning grinding into a journey toward achieving higher goals.

Top Online Poker Loyalty Programs

If you want to take advantage of the best online poker loyalty programs on the market, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the hard work for you and researched each poker site to find out who’s offering the best loyalty programs. So, to start getting rewarded for your dedication to the game, check out our list below.

Site 1: Ignition Poker

When playing at Ignition Poker, you can earn Ignition Miles, which can be redeemed for bonuses. These bonuses include free spins, poker tournament tickets, and reload bonuses. Players earn 15 Ignition Miles per $1 of rake in cash games, 15 Ignition Miles per $1 of tournament fees, and 1.5 Ignition Miles per $1 of buy-in at Jackpot Sit & Gos.

At the lowest status level, this equates to a 0.6% rakeback per dollar raked, which is relatively low compared to other loyalty programs. The more Ignition Miles you accumulate, the higher your status, and the more valuable your Ignition Miles become.

For instance, at the lowest status level, 2,500 Ignition Miles are worth $1 in bonuses, but at the highest status level, it only takes 1,000 Ignition Miles to receive $1 in bonuses.

As an added bonus, Ignition Poker offers all Chrome-level players access to $2,500 poker freeroll tournaments each week, and all Platinum-level players are eligible to receive exclusive birthday bonuses!

What We Think

During my time on the site, I found that while the loyalty program was a nice gesture, it didn’t significantly enhance my overall experience. Due to the notably low rakeback, I never felt compelled to grind more to reach targets or earn rewards. If I received rewards while playing, that was great, but it felt more like an incidental bonus than something worth actively pursuing.

I appreciate the access to freeroll tournaments upon reaching a certain level, as they provide an extra income source through the rakeback program, even if luck is a factor. The birthday exclusive is a nice touch, but only the most dedicated grinders are likely to log in on their birthday to claim their reward.

Site 2: 888poker

888poker offers three different ways to earn rewards in their loyalty program: players can earn points by playing poker, betting on sports, or playing in their online casino. Once you’ve earned enough points to reach the next level, you’ll be rewarded with Gold Coins, which can then be redeemed for exciting prizes such as tournament tickets, casino free play, or cash deposits.

When playing poker, players receive 100 points for every $1 in tournament fees paid and 50 points for every $1 paid in cash game rake. While this may seem unfair to cash game players, it’s important to note that accumulating rake is typically easier in cash games, especially when multitabling.

As you progress through the ranks, you’ll encounter challenges that provide bonus points upon completion, facilitating your ascent through the levels and unlocking more Gold Coins. With 2,000 levels to climb and thousands of gold coins up for grabs, even dedicated grinders will have plenty to strive for.

Players above Level 20, 40, 60, and 80 gain access to exclusive freerolls with substantial cash prizes every week.

What We Think

The system of earning gold coins through points and redeeming them for prizes may seem somewhat complex, but during my time on the site, I found the 888poker Club to be a motivating factor. The numerous levels made it easy for me to consistently advance, and I was eager to keep playing to unlock the next reward.

Having challenges that award points for completion is an excellent feature. I appreciated the variety of challenges, which encouraged me to explore different poker formats. The offered prizes are genuinely worthwhile and make you feel like you’re working toward something meaningful.

The four different freerolls at levels 20, 40, 60, and 80 are a valuable addition and shouldn’t be underestimated. While the Level 20 freeroll has a $640 prize pool, the Level 80 offers $10,000, making it important not to miss out if you play on 888poker.

Site 3: GG Poker

Online poker giant GG Poker offers two versions of its loyalty program, providing flexibility to choose the one that suits your preferences. The default program is the Fish Buffet, where players earn Fish Points by playing their favorite games at a rate of 100 FP for every $1 in rake. When a player accumulates enough Fish Points to reach a new rank, they receive a prize wheel spin, with cash bonuses ranging from 10% to 50% rakeback based on their level.

Upon reaching a new level, players have a specific time limit to climb higher ranks, with the time allocated increasing as they advance. Failing to reach the next level in time results in receiving 10% rakeback based on accumulated Fish Points and moving back down to the previous rank.

Alternatively, players can opt for the Platinum Fish program, offering a consistent 20% rakeback each week based on Fish Points earned. Over a year, accumulating enough Fish Points can lead to unlocking 60% rakeback per week.

What We Think

In my opinion, this loyalty program is an excellent example of how it should work. You grind all week and receive a cash reward at the end—no convoluted point systems or prize redemption. While such programs are rare today, GGPoker stands out with its Fish Buffet/Platinum Fish program.

The option to choose between a guaranteed weekly payout and the possibility of higher rakeback through a prize wheel is a clever way to cater to both serious grinders and recreational players. It allows serious grinders to calculate their weekly rakeback while letting recreational players enjoy some gambling excitement.

Having tried both programs, I found myself favoring the Platinum Fish program because I prefer knowing precisely how much rakeback I’m earning each week. The transparency provided by GGPoker regarding a player’s potential earnings from the loyalty program is commendable and sets a great example for other poker rooms.

While offering additional rewards such as tournament tickets or Spin & Gold tickets would be a nice touch, it’s challenging to find faults with this loyalty program.

Site 4: LoyaltyStars

LoyaltyStars program recognizes that the online poker experience extends beyond the virtual felt. Dedicated players spend hours off the tables analyzing hands, discussing strategy, and studying the game. Shouldn’t they be rewarded for their dedication outside of gameplay? LoyaltyStars provides a space for like-minded poker players and online gamblers to come together, share ideas, and earn rewards.

Users earn 10 stars for every $1 deposited at partner sites, and the program introduces an exclusive invite-only VIP Tier where players can earn up to 10% in cashback. Membership to this elite tier begins when players reach the Gold Tier (40,000 – 79,999 stars) and maintain good standing within the community.

LoyaltyStars encourages players to explore forums covering general topics, online casino gaming, sports, crypto, and poker in order to enhance their bankroll. The LoyaltyStars program also offers various activities, such as signing up to new betting sites, writing reviews, and referring friends, each earning stars to level up in the loyalty tiers. With LoyaltyStars, players can elevate their online poker experience while reaping the benefits of a rewarding loyalty program.

What We Think

Having grown accustomed to viewing study time as an unprofitable yet essential aspect of the game, it’s refreshing to encounter a company that actively rewards players for improving their skills and engaging with the community. During my time on the site, I was captivated by the LoyaltyStars community. It consisted of knowledgeable users with expertise in various areas of iGaming and online poker, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere even for newcomers.

The diversity of ways to earn Stars was another major advantage. This inclusivity means that everyone can contribute in their unique way. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the rewards received, which exceeded expectations for a program primarily focused on posting content.

If you seek a place to enhance your poker skills alongside like-minded individuals while reaping rewards for your contributions, LoyaltyStars is the ideal destination.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Poker Site for Loyalty

As demonstrated, there are several excellent choices for online poker loyalty programs. However, choosing the right one for you can be challenging due to the abundance of options. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of factors to consider when selecting an online poker loyalty program.

• Transparency and Fairness – Ensure that the site is fair and transparent regarding the rewards you can expect. Read the terms and conditions of the loyalty program to check for clauses that could allow the site to renege on its promises.

• Value of Rewards – Assess the overall value of the rewards offered. Understand the types of rewards available—cashback bonuses, tournament tickets, or other perks. Consider the real-world value of each program.

• Compatibility with Playing Volume – Determine how the program aligns with your playing schedule. Calculate the rewards you are likely to receive based on your game preferences, average playing time, and estimated rake contributions.

• Other Bonuses and Promotions – Take into account additional bonuses and promotions offered by the site. A loyalty program is not the only factor to consider; exceptional bonuses can significantly impact your overall value.

How to Maximize Benefits

After selecting a loyalty program and creating your casino account, it’s crucial to maximize the benefits offered. A great loyalty program is only as valuable as the effort you put into it. Here’s how to make the most of your chosen program:

• Understand the Program – Familiarize yourself with the program’s mechanics. Determine if it’s based on a straightforward rakeback system, if you need to hit specific rake targets, or if challenges are involved. Knowing this information helps you tailor your gameplay for maximum rewards.

• Tiered Systems – Many programs have tiered structures that increase the value of rewards as you climb. Pay attention to tier requirements and consider pushing for higher tiers to unlock extra rewards. Be aware of tier reset conditions, whether weekly or on a different schedule.

• Adjust Your Gameplay – If your loyalty program is straightforward, increase your playing volume by adding more tables, extending your sessions, or participating in more hands. If rewards are game-type specific, focus on games that yield more reward points.

• Don’t Neglect Your Poker Game – While it’s essential to maximize your loyalty program benefits, remember not to compromise your poker game quality. Maintaining a strong win rate should be your priority.

Future Trends in Online Poker Loyalty Programs

The online poker landscape is continually evolving, and poker rooms will continue to innovate to attract new players. What can we expect from future online poker loyalty programs?

• Personalization – With advancements in AI and data analytics, poker sites are likely to create customized loyalty programs tailored to each player’s profile. Rewards will align with a player’s preferred game types, ensuring a more satisfying experience.

• Gamification – More gamification elements are expected, as they effectively encourage repeat visits to poker sites. While poker should naturally attract players, incorporating engaging loyalty programs can further enhance player retention.

• Collaborations – Collaboration between online poker rooms and established online gaming platforms may become more common. This could lead to poker being recognized as a legitimate eSport, potentially attracting a new generation of players.

My Conclusion

Online poker loyalty programs offer a valuable way to reward consistent players. They provide substantial benefits to players and can determine whether you’re a winning or losing player. Several high-quality loyalty programs are available, but it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your preferences and playing style. Armed with this information, you should feel confident in your quest to find the perfect online poker loyalty program!