Online Casino Loyalty and VIP Programs

One of the reasons why users prefer gambling sites over land-based casinos is their impressive selection of bonuses, promotions, and of course, loyalty programs. In fact, there is a growing number of players who are choosing online casinos over traditional ones due to VIP perks and loyalty rewards.

But what exactly these rewards are, and who can get them? This guide covers all you need to know about online casino loyalty programs, including what they are and how they operate.

Table of contents:

What are online casino loyalty programs?

Online casino loyalty programs are types of casino promotions reserved for returning customers. They come in different forms and are credited in different circumstances. Yet, the idea is the same – you are loyal, you qualify for extra perks, and the operator gives them to you.

Online casinos provide casino loyalty schemes to encourage players to keep making deposits. They reward players' loyalty with bonuses and other benefits. However, this practice dates back much further, and land-based casinos used it to reward high rollers by providing them with special offers widely known as "comps."

A casino loyalty program allows you to win prizes while playing your favorite casino games. Usually, these are multi-leveled systems where the more you wager, the higher you climb. As you unlock new tiers, you get better bonuses and more special loyalty perks, such as cash, free spins, cashback, and more.

Why do casinos have them?

Player retention is a significant challenge for online casinos nowadays. Operators, developers, and affiliates concentrate on creating various strategies to keep players coming back for more. Given how saturated the market is and the availability of alternatives for unhappy members, player retention methods are essential.

Loyalty schemes and VIP perks are just that. And they are a win-win for everyone involved. Players get rewarded for playing at the same casino, while operators get more loyalty.

Types of loyalty bonuses

The benefits of a multi-tiered VIP loyalty program are extensive for players. As you go through different levels, the bonuses are bigger and better. Yet, various types of loyalty bonuses are available, and it all depends on the casino operator.

Some of the most popular kinds include:

• Exclusive bonuses – This is one of the most popular types of loyalty bonuses. Online casino VIP programs reinforce this with greater bonus deals for members, such as access to free spins and enticing weekly promos. In some VIP schemes, players can accumulate reward points faster than regular players.
• Physical gifts – Online casino VIP schemes offer players numerous intangible benefits. However, the greatest casino loyalty schemes often include some tangible goodies. Some online casinos give VIP members free apparel, accessories, gadgets, and other gifts.
• Improved payment terms – The possibility of better banking terms is a significant perk provided by some online casino VIP programs. This can take the form of improved deposit bonuses, lower fees, or faster cashing out.
• Special invites – The diverse range of tournaments that online casinos offer is one of their best features. VIP members can compete for invitations to VIP-only tournaments. Additionally, some systems give VIP members free access to tournament events. Sometimes, VIPs may even get exclusive invites to events like parties, cruises, and vacations.
• Better customer service – VIP members in online casinos can also access exclusive VIP levels of customer support. These are professional and dedicated teams of agents who provide quick solutions for their loyal players. Depending on the status, a personal account manager may be assigned to you.

How to become a VIP member at an online casino?

The general strategy of online casinos is pretty much the same. You must play frequently enough to qualify for a casino's VIP reward program. However, the methods used by different casinos vary.

When you join a real money casino and make your initial payment, some casinos grant you instant access to their loyalty program. These are typically new casinos. In addition to other benefits like no deposit bonuses and welcome bonuses, they offer new players automatic VIP membership as an incentive. However, these perks are modest and progress as you reach higher loyalty tiers.

Many operators believe online casino VIP schemes should be kept as exclusive as possible. And for that reason, these casinos may, at their discretion, provide invite-only VIP membership. Once the casinos see that a user is playing regularly enough and spending enough, they take the initiative to offer VIP membership.

Tiered loyalty programs versus invitation-only VIP clubs

Some online casinos offer players a multi-tier loyalty scheme where they collect points and climb through the levels. Others might offer an exclusive invitation-only VIP club, which only selected members can access.

The main difference between these two is in accessibility. Tiered casino loyalty programs are available to all players, and they can enjoy different benefits depending on their accumulated points. On the other hand, invite-only VIP Clubs are, as the name suggests, only available to players – typically high-rollers, who got invited to become VIP players.

Some casinos provide an in-depth description of the requirements for becoming a VIP player, and others don't. But generally, players who are actively wagering and playing have a higher probability of joining a VIP Club.

Does everyone get VIP perks?

No, not everyone qualifies for loyalty rewards. VIP perks are reserved for true casino enthusiasts who keep returning and wagering at a specific casino site. For the most part, every dollar wagered results in a certain number of loyalty points. To get VIP rewards and loyalty perks, you must first earn a certain number of points.