Explosive competition between leading online casinos is playing directly into the hands (and pockets) of players worldwide. The more desperate they become to secure your business, the more generous they get with their incentives.
As you probably know by now, introductory bonuses are all part and parcel of the online gaming experience. To such an extent that even the most generous 888sport bonus codes have become a standard expectation among gamers worldwide.
But alongside these introductory bonuses and generic promos, some casinos are introducing increasingly generous VIP programs to nurture loyalty. After all, what’s the point of encouraging folk to sign up in the first place, if you don’t then give them a good reason to stick around for the duration?
What Are Casino VIP Programs?
As the name suggests, an online VIP program is a special scheme run by any given casino for its most valued players. The idea being that the more time and money you spend at any given casino, the bigger the perks and privileges you access in return. Most casinos aren’t in the habit of letting big spenders slip through their fingers, which is why VIP schemes are now something of a staple on the scene.
Traditionally, signing up for a VIP scheme meant waiting to be invited by casino management. Or perhaps, penning some kind of application by e-mail, asking to be enrolled. In all instances, your deposit and betting habits would determine if and to what extent you were considered eligible as a VIP.
Today, online casinos are so desperate to keep players happy that almost anyone can take part in a VIP scheme. In fact, it’s not uncommon for all players across the board to be enrolled in a VIP programme the moment they sign up. Rather than being exclusive to big spenders and high rollers, VIP schemes are open to all.
A clear effort on the part of casinos to make all players feel special – not just those with the biggest bankrolls.
How Do Casino VIP Programs Work?
There are occasional variations, though the vast majority of casino VIP programs work in exactly the same way:
- You sign up and join the VIP scheme
- You deposit funds in your account and play as normal
- Every time you wager £10, you receive 1 VIP point
- These VIP points accumulate over time
- The more points you earn, the bigger the perks
Most online casinos have a tiered VIP scheme structure, wherein certain numbers of VIP points propel you to certain levels through the ranks. Within each of these levels, additional perks and privileges are afforded to keep you sweet and encourage you to spend your money.
Unsurprisingly, casual gamers who play infrequently and don’t spend a great deal of money aren’t handed anything particularly extravagant. Perhaps the occasional cashback incentive or a few free spins, but nothing that’s going to change your life.
Instead, it’s those who pump the most money into the casinos that are lavished with a veritable cavalcade of goodies. It’s all to ensure you stick around and keep playing, but it’s still nice to be handed something as a token of gratitude on the part of the casino.
What’s on Offer as a VIP?
We’re gradually entering an era where online casinos are using intelligent software and manual analysis to offer personalised bonuses and incentives, based on player preferences and habits. For example, the game category of your preference or the amount of time you spend in one specific area of the casino could influence what kinds of bonuses you are offered.
In any case, you can expect to be offered increasingly generous incentives as you progress through the ranks, which depending on the casino vary from the sublime to the ridiculous.
For example, climb to the mid-reaches of a good VIP scheme and you’ll probably gain access to exclusive tournaments and VIP tables, along with more generous cashback incentives, expedited withdrawals and more attentive customer support. Right at the top of the table, it’s not uncommon to be lavished with random gifts throughout the year, invitations to physical events and meetings, travel vouchers, holidays, experts account management and so on.
The simple fact of the matter being that if you put plenty of cash in the casino’s pockets, they’ll be more inclined to do the same in return.
Where to Find the Best VIP Schemes
Finding the best VIP schemes available has traditionally been a case of scouring the market to find something that works for you. Today, it’s as easy as using independent reviews and recommendations to narrow things down.
Be wary of any recommendations based on affiliations, as you can’t necessarily count on them as objective. Where possible, it’s best to base your decisions on the recommendations of real-life casino gamers, who’ve nothing to gain by telling anything but the truth.
Always Check the Terms and Conditions
Last but not least, each and every VIP programme in operation right now is subject to its own unique contingency of terms and conditions. Some being more restrictive than others, though in all instances absolutely essential reading.
Prior to signing up, it’s important to ensure you know exactly what you are signing up for. Key terms and conditions to be aware of include if and when accumulated VIP points expire, whether there are any withdrawal limitations imposed, wagering requirements on incentives offered and so on. The last thing you want is to spend a fortune climbing the ranks with a VIP scheme, only to find it doesn’t offer anything of value in return.
Again, this is where player reviews and recommendations can prove helpful. But even when you’ve found what seems to be a safe bet, it’s still down to you to consult and consider all terms and conditions in full.
It may not be the most enjoyable part of the process, but it will help keep you and your money safe.
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