Casino Loyalty Programs – Are They Worth It?
Loyalty schemes are an integral part of casinos, where gambling addiction is turned into a lucrative enterprise for vendors. Such schemes provide gamblers with virtually everything that can be done to keep them inside and keep them on seats: free spins, bonus credits, cashback, instant bet refunds, personal account managers, timely customer support, et cetera.
Furthermore, most online casinos have rewards structures where players move through levels to get access to additional perks, from merchandise, travel and events.
Rewards
For example, a casino’s loyalty programme gives prolific players free cash or spins on slots in lieu of their playing. This is just one of the many approaches to customer retention that iGaming operators use.
At the same time, those interested in climbing the VIP ladder should wield their loyalty bonuses and rewards carefully. The best way to get the maximum value on such extras is to stick to one platform. Flip-flopping between different play sites can eat into the playtime you need to reach higher tiers.
Placing time and monetary restrictions on gambling will help ensure that it is a fun hobby rather than an unhealthy addiction for which players are wired. VIP and loyalty programmes are typically designed for players who spend the most money, and these players are offered higher betting limits, personal host services and tickets for travel and events, on top of cashback rates much higher than those offered to their lower-spending peers.
Promotions
Casino loyalty programmes are the most important player-retention tool for iGaming operators, as they’re able to reward their most dedicated customers with promotions and exclusive deals that make them want to keep giving them their gambling business. This often includes free bonuses, cashback deals and even things like having a dedicated personal host or discounted hotel room rates at partner casino resorts.
And some casinos have what I call a tiered ‘name-and-shame’ system, in which they reward players according to the amount they have spent over periods of months or years. These players then compete for prizes or can use their credits to gain access to VIP programmes, where casino staff give ‘high-rollers’ special treatment to encourage their continued patronage.
In addition to these privileges, loyalty members can also get faster customer support when they have technical issues while playing the online gaming platforms, especially if the members are of a high rank. This way, casino operators can feel assured that the players they attract are getting the most out of their money.
Reward Points
Loyal players accumulate rewards to be exchanged for bonuses and prizes, including play at no cost, promotions and VIP club membership, which may boost casino player conversion and retention.
Other iGaming operators also offer tiered loyalty programs, whereby users are given additional benefits based on their level in the program. The traditional VIP club offered in bricks-and-mortar casinos serves as a model for this.
There are online casinos points redeemed in their rewards store for extra plays (hands and spins), luxury goods (like mobile phones or consoles) or cold hard cash. As with all casino loyalty bonuses, the effect of these points is magnified if you stick with one online casino; switching between several of them will see your play time suffer, resulting in slower progression up the casino tiers. Another way you can make the most of those casino loyalty bonuses is to use special events or promotions.
Subscription-Based Programs
Some online casinos use loyalty programmes to encourage player acquisition and interaction, but this strategy may not work if it’s not communicated clearly to them or they are not able to sign up easily for the programme.
In addition to targeted rewards and bonus game play, casino loyalty schemes might translate what is happening in online gaming environments into real-world rewards and bonuses, including for bad days. Customers could receive gaming credit when they were experiencing a bad day just to lift their spirits and ensure the fun continued!
Some sites also have VIP programmes, which reward the casinos’ most loyal punters with special gifts such as free spins, access to special tournaments and a dedicated account manager. While more expensive than a site’s free programmes, VIP programmes have been shown to be effective at attracting high-rollers and ensuring players stick around; one study found that customers in the highest tiers of an iGaming loyalty programme are more likely to be satisfied and less likely to file complaints than customers in lower tiers.