Casino Loyalty Programs – VIP Schemes Explained

Playing at an online casino with a loyalty program can be very rewarding. Many of the top online casinos in Canada have loyalty programs which offer further benefits to players who stick around for the long term.

Unlike first time bonuses which are awarded once when a player joins, loyalty programs continue to reward players the more they play. Let’s take an in-depth look at what Canadians can expect when joining these schemes.

How do casino loyalty programs work?

Loyalty programs are structured to give players bonuses and boosts for continuing to play at a casino actively. You don’t have to pay to join or do anything in particular. You simply need to sign up and then you’re usually automatically enrolled in the casino loyalty program straight away.

Most sites use a point or tier system. When you make real money bets on casino games or other gambling, you will accrue points. How fast you earn points, or the number of points you get per dollar will depend on each casino. Once you have collected enough points, you will be able to exchange them for bonuses and rewards.

Some casinos also introduce levels or tiers. As you earn points, you will move up through these tiers. By going higher, you can unlock bigger and better perks. For instance, on the basic or first level, you may be awarded something like 5% cashback. Make it to the higher levels and the percentage of cashback might increase. Again, how fast the bonuses increase depends on the individual program and how hard it is to earn points. Of course, it also depends on how much you deposit, bet and play.

Types of casino loyalty rewards

Depending on the reward program, there are many different types of rewards you can claim. Some of them are classic casino bonuses where you are given extra bonus money to play with. In other cases, you may get real-world perks like vouchers, tickets, or experiences.

Here are a few of the most common options.

Cashback

A very common one, cashback is almost a certainty when it comes to the different rewards you can claim. This gives players different percentages back on their losses over a specific period, usually a week. It’s a great perk to add to a loyalty program as it’s further encouragement to return again and play.

Free cash or credit

Depending on the level, some casinos will offer free play on games like slots or bingo. This is usually in the form of free spins or bonus money. These can really help get players excited for specific games. And, as players don’t have to lay any of their own funds down, they’re more inclined to keep playing.

Real-world discounts and offers

Bonuses and perks are not restricted to the online world. Many casino loyalty programs, particularly those from sites that also have land-based casinos, will offer real-world offers and perks as well. This can include money off hotels adjoining their land-based venue, concert tickets, dining vouchers, theme park visits and more.

Other benefits

Though not as common, some loyalty programs will also increase the maximum withdrawal limits on accounts of players who have moved up through the levels. Payout times may also be sped up. And, some will even offer personalized account managers.

How does this benefit the casino?

So, why do casinos offer loyalty programs when they could actually lose more than they gain? The main reason is player retention.

All casinos are looking to attract players and then keep them. This is why there are so many casino bonuses around. With a loyalty program, players are further encouraged to stick around for longer. When players stick around, they will make more deposits. And, as everything is in favour of the house over the long term, casinos will eventually win out. Even if they lose on a few players, the number joining a loyalty program will benefit them overall.

Gamification in loyalty programs

A feature which really helps casinos keep players is gamification. This is where challenges are put in place to motivate players to make a bet or deposit. They also help players engage more with the casino interface.

Gamification features can be added to standard loyalty programs by casinos. For example, there may not only be a points system, but also badges when players reach specific milestones. Leaderboards can create a feeling of competition between the players, which is beneficial to keeping players long-term. Leaderboards can be married with tournaments and competitions where players actively compete against one another too for a portion of the prize pot or other prizes.

In some cases, challenges can be added to help players reach bonuses or levels faster. Casinos offering daily challenges, for instance, will get more players coming back as they attempt to gain more points and rewards. Having additional options to gain rewards on their way to the next level will also motivate players to keep playing.

Finally, with strong gamification elements, casinos can also allow personalized elements within the casino interface. Allowing players to change their gaming experience through choosing an avatar, game name or game settings, this helps players feel more at home.

VIP clubs

In most cases, casino VIP clubs are the same as casino loyalty programs. It just depends what the casino decides to call it.

However, sometimes this can be a separate thing altogether. For example, a loyalty program might be available for all players who join – but a VIP club is invitation only. Players will often have to meet specific criteria in order to participate. Usually, this means they are a high roller or have made deposits of substantial sizes in a specific time period.

Typically, a VIP club member will get superior service and rewards. Promotions are often very specifically tailored to the individual. Higher percentage rewards are given, and premium access to tournaments or events is provided. Many casinos offer luxury perks such as private party access, trips, or even bigger rewards like high-end watches or other electronics.

Canadian loyalty programs

Most online casinos across Canada offer their own loyalty program. This means you have to keep playing at that site specifically in order to grow your points and get benefits.

However, some casinos may decide to share a program. A good example is the Casino Rewards scheme which includes a range of casinos in Canada. All your gameplay across participating casinos is accumulated in one account, making it faster for you to gain prizes and rewards overall.

Whatever the loyalty program is, it’s almost always worth signing up to. They are usually free to join and can offer great perks for players in the long run.