How Do Online Casino Loyalty Programs and VIP Clubs Work?
Almost every Canadian online casino now has some kind of loyalty program aimed at regular players, offering various casino bonuses and possibly other perks for active players. This reward system can also be called a rewards program.
Sometimes, the term “VIP program” is used, which might be confusing because it’s often just a community open to all players. However, a real VIP club usually refers to an exclusive rewards program available only to the most frequent and high-stakes players.
How do loyalty programs work? What kind of rewards can you earn from them? What does a gamified loyalty program mean? These questions will be answered in this article.
How Do I Join a Casino Loyalty Program or VIP Club?
On most online casinos, new players automatically join the loyalty program as soon as they register and/or make their first deposit. There’s no need to sign up separately or wait for an invitation. All you have to do is deposit money and start playing the casino’s games. Some casinos gift hundreds or even a couple of thousand loyalty points to new players as a welcome bonus when they make their first deposit.
If we’re talking about a VIP club, only the most active players with high betting volumes, selected by the casino, get to join this exclusive group. The online casino staff monitors player activity and the total amount deposited and invites those who meet the VIP club requirements. Players can also reach out to the casino’s support team to inquire about their chances of getting VIP status.
Collecting Points to Level Up and Earn Rewards
The basic principle behind nearly all loyalty programs and clubs, whether on new or older casinos, is:
- Earn points or the casino’s own “coins” by playing and staying active.
- Move up through the levels as your point balance increases.
- Earn rewards and perks based on the number of points and levels you achieve.
Points are usually earned by playing with real money, especially on slot games. If the casino offers points for other games, the rate of points earned from table games and live casino games might be lower compared to slots. Additionally, some online casinos allow you to earn points by participating in tournaments or completing various challenges in the casino’s games.
Your point balance is typically reviewed at the end of each month. If you’ve been active enough, you’ll move up to the next level in the loyalty program and earn a valuable level-up reward. However, if you’ve played only a little or with lower stakes, you might remain at the same level or even lose your loyalty status.
The number of levels in a loyalty program varies from one casino to another, ranging from four to several dozen. For example, at casinos operated by the well-known Aspire Global International, such as Mr Play Casino, the loyalty program consists of seven levels. The main idea is that the bonuses, cash rewards, and services available improve with each level.
What Rewards Can You Get in a Casino Loyalty Program?
Level-up rewards are usually:
- Bonus money
- Free spins
- Cash
The higher you climb in the levels, the better the rewards you can expect. For example, while lower levels might give you a few dozen free spins, higher levels could reward you with hundreds. Often, the wagering requirements for bonuses and free spins decrease as your status increases, and sometimes you might even receive cash or bonus money with just a single wagering requirement. Some loyalty programs also allow you to spin a prize wheel to choose your level reward.
In some cases, the entire loyalty program might have reduced wagering requirements (e.g., 3–10x), and some casinos offer all loyalty program free spins with no wagering at all.
It’s also very common for loyalty programs to include a casino shop where you can exchange your accumulated points for bonuses or, in some cases, cash. Often, the exchange rate improves as you level up.
Cashback and VIP Club Benefits
Cashback bonuses have become increasingly common on online casinos, especially on those without registration. Sometimes these are offered to all players, and sometimes only through the loyalty program. In the latter case, the cashback percentage might increase from level to level, for example, from 5% to 20%, or cashback might only be given to players on the top three levels. In the best scenarios, cashback is given as cash without wagering requirements or with much lower requirements compared to the casino’s general bonuses.
Exclusive VIP programs often come with additional perks as you move up the levels, such as faster withdrawals, higher deposit and withdrawal limits, a personal account manager, customized casino bonuses, and VIP tournaments and events. On Aspire Global International’s casinos, the loyalty program is designed so that the top three levels offer benefits and services similar to an exclusive VIP club.
Rewarding Themed Games
Beyond the standard loyalty programs, online casinos also offer gamified reward programs reminiscent of video games played on consoles and computers. At the core of these programs are the familiar elements of point accumulation, level progression, and earning bonuses and other rewards by playing casino games. However, this all happens within the framework of an enchanting-themed game adventure, where your avatar progresses through a fantasy world, encountering various challenges and characters.
One of the pioneers of gamification, particularly beloved by Canadian players, is Casino Heroes. For years, it has offered players the chance to embark on an adventure in the cleverly designed and beautifully illustrated Hero Islands, comprising Treasure Island, Rock of Riches, and Mythical Mountains. You can freely explore and switch between the islands, as all your progress in this gamified loyalty program is saved.
In this game, your earnings come from victories in battles against formidable bosses. Along the way, you can discover valuable treasure bags and earn Casino Heroes’ in-game currency, rubies, by playing. Your treasure chest fills with bonuses and free spins, which you can use during the game. You can track your progress on your personal dashboard.
If a general loyalty program doesn’t match your playing volume, you might consider joining House of Spades Casino’s exclusive VIP program for high rollers. This program offers bonuses, increased withdrawal limits, VIP customer service, and at the highest levels, a weekly cashback.
