For many dedicated online poker players, loyalty programs are just as important as the quality of the games. These rewards schemes are designed to give back to players based on their volume of play, offering everything from rakeback to exclusive tournament entries and merchandise.
In the highly competitive UK market, poker sites are constantly innovating their loyalty programs to stand out. Here’s a look at some of the uk poker sites known for their exclusive and rewarding loyalty schemes.
PokerStars: PokerStars Rewards
PokerStars has long been a leader in the loyalty space, and its current “PokerStars Rewards” system is a major draw for players. The program is based on a volume-driven model where players earn “reward points” for every real money game they play.
- How it Works: As you earn points, you fill a progress bar. Once the bar is complete, you unlock a “Chest” which contains personalized rewards. The rewards vary, but can include cash, tournament tickets, or a combination of both.
- Tiered System: The program has six tiers, from Blue to Black, with each tier offering a higher average rakeback percentage. This transparent system allows players to see their progress and what they stand to gain, making it particularly appealing for consistent players.
- Select and Select+: For the highest volume players, PokerStars offers exclusive tiers called PokerStars Select and PokerStars Select+. These invite-only tiers provide a fixed, high percentage of rakeback paid out daily, along with access to exclusive promotions and leaderboards.
GGPoker: Fish Buffet
GGPoker’s loyalty program, the “Fish Buffet,” is known for its creative, gamified approach to rewards. The program is sea-themed, with players starting at the “Plankton” level and climbing through various tiers like “Shrimp,” “Crab,” and “Whale.”
- How it Works: Players earn “Fish Points” (FP) for every game they play. Once they accumulate enough points to fill a progress bar, they get to spin a wheel to determine their reward. The prizes can range from small cash amounts to a jackpot, with a higher-level player having a greater chance of winning a larger prize.
- Rakeback: While the rewards are based on chance, GGPoker offers a transparent average rakeback percentage for each level, ranging up to a very high rate at the top tiers.
- Platinum Ranks: For players who prefer a more consistent and guaranteed reward, GGPoker also offers “Platinum” ranks. These are annual levels that provide a fixed, weekly rakeback payment, removing the element of chance from the “Fish Buffet” wheel.
PartyPoker: Diamond Club
PartyPoker has a strong focus on rewarding loyal players, and its “Diamond Club” is a testament to this. The program offers tiered rewards based on the amount of rake a player generates.
- How it Works: The program is a weekly cashback system. Players earn points based on their play, and at the end of each week, they receive a percentage of their generated rake back as a cash bonus. The more points you earn, the higher your cashback percentage.
- Clubs for All Levels: PartyPoker has a variety of tiers, including the basic cashback system for regular players and the “Diamond Club” for high-volume grinders. The Diamond Club offers a fixed, high percentage of rakeback and other perks, such as a personal account manager and exclusive promotions.
888poker: 888poker Club
888poker takes a mission-based approach to its loyalty program, making it particularly engaging for a wide range of players. The “888poker Club” is a tiered system that rewards players for completing “challenges” rather than just playing a high volume of hands.
- How it Works: Players complete challenges, such as playing a certain number of hands, entering a tournament, or winning a specific type of game. Each completed challenge awards “Club Points” which allow the player to climb levels.
- Gold Tokens: Every time a player reaches a new level, they are awarded “Gold Tokens,” which can be redeemed for a variety of prizes, including cash bonuses, tournament tickets, and merchandise. This gamified approach makes the program feel less like a grind and more like a game in itself, appealing to casual players.
- No Demotion: A key feature of the 888poker Club is that players can never go down a level, providing a sense of continuous progression and a safety net for those who take a break from playing.
