- Scheduled launch date set for January 22, 2024.
- Specific details of the rewards will be revealed in mid-January.
- Emphasized as “very transparent,” designed to be equitable for all players and provide flexibility.
- Expected to be more generous than the existing program.
- Initial rollout planned for the dot-com market; other markets may come later.
We have discussed these changes in tremendous detail both internally, with many of our ambassadors, and some external players as well
PokerStars is gearing up for a major overhaul of its poker rewards program, set to go live in January 2024, pokerfuse can exclusively reveal.
While specific details are yet to be disclosed, discussions within the PokerStars feedback room, as seen by pokerfuse, provide a sneak peek into what players can expect.
A PS spokesperson confirmed that the platform is actively working on making “quite significant changes” to its PokerStars Rewards program. The focus is on introducing flexibility, transparency, and an equal program accessible to all players, regardless of whether they are winning or losing players.
The representative expressed confidence that the new program “will be a big improvement” and address various concerns voiced within the poker community.
PokerStars will reveal exact details of the new rewards proposition in mid-January, and the official launch is scheduled for January 22, 2024, in the dot-com market, pokerfuse understands. A rollout in Ontario and the US markets could come later.
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“We have discussed these changes in tremendous detail both internally, with many of our ambassadors, and some external players as well,” a PokerStars representative involved in the new Loyalty Program said. “Theme has been flexibility and transparency. Without giving more away, I am confident to say that these two areas will see drastic improvements with the new program.”
The operator will also tailor specific adjustments for the Southern European segregated market comprising France, Portugal, and Spain, which share a common player pool. Similar modifications will be implemented in Italy, too. However, the primary focus would be the global dot-com market.
Notably, no mention was made of other markets like the US and Ontario. This could occur in the latter part of 2024.
Challenges with the Existing Rewards System
Under the current PokerStars rewards system, which was rolled out in 2021, players receive a guaranteed rakeback equivalent of 15% to 25%, depending on their rewards tier. Additionally, players have access to personalized weekly challenges, offering an opportunity for an extra rakeback of up to 40%, thus allowing players to earn up to 65% rewards.
However, a significant critique of the system revolves around the lack of transparency and equality in these weekly challenges. Challenges are individually crafted, tailoring the rake requirements and rewards based on each player’s playing history. Frequently, these challenges set high targets, and failing to complete them results in the inability to carry over redemption points (rake targets) to subsequent challenges. Furthermore, these challenges are exclusively available to Silver or higher reward tier players.
Moreover, not all players get a 40% offer; some receive offers that translate to a mere 10% in additional rakeback. While the exact proportion of players receiving the lower offer is undisclosed, the operator asserts that only “long-term winning poker players” are likely to receive a 10% weekly challenge, with the majority being offered the 40% incentive.
Due to its unpredictability, the current rewards system has garnered dissatisfaction among many players. The operator acknowledges this sentiment, admitting that the weekly challenges are “not perfect” and “not a good way of rewarding recreational players.”
New Rewards Program to Address Previous Concerns
The forthcoming PokerStars Rewards program is designed to address previous concerns and ensure uniform rewards for all players, irrespective of their profiles.
SuperNova was good in many ways, and certainly, from a skilled player perspective, it was amazing. Probably too good
“We have opted to go with the most transparent option for the next iteration. No PVI [Player Value Index], no restrictions on winners, no downside of withdrawing, etc,” stated the PokerStars representative.
Although the Chest mechanism will stay, a spokesperson hinted at a departure from the current rewards structure, emphasizing that the upcoming program is likely to be more generous than the existing one.
However, it was hinted that the new rewards program wouldn’t match the levels of generosity observed in past Supernova and Supernova Elite programs, where players could earn rakeback as high as 74%.
“SuperNova was good in many ways, and certainly, from a skilled player perspective, it was amazing. Probably too good,” wrote a PokerStars representative.
- Deposit $20 and get $30 worth of free play
- One of the best mobile apps
- Biggest MTT guarantees
More Insights Into the New Rewards Program
The specifics of the highest rewards achievable under the upcoming rewards system are unknown.
According to player reports, PokerStars is conducting trials to refine the new rewards system. Players participating in these trials have received offers with varying percentages of flat rakeback, including 40%, 55%, and even 65%. The spokesperson clarified that these offers are part of a testing phase, and players currently on “flat rakeback” will be transitioned to the new Loyalty program upon its official launch.
Addressing inquiries about the feasibility of providing everyone with up to 65% rakeback, the PokerStars representative underscored the impracticality of such a scenario, emphasizing its financial non-viability.
The representative explained that extensive calculations have been conducted, revealing that the majority of players will experience improved benefits in the upcoming changes. However, acknowledging the inherent challenge of modifying a loyalty program, the representative admitted that some players might find themselves in less advantageous positions.
Specifically, players currently completing challenges at the 40% level with relatively low volume may receive less than the potential 65% in the new program. Nevertheless, the representative highlighted a positive aspect by pointing out that these players will gain increased flexibility in their gameplay.
They will be free to adjust their rake amounts, either exceeding or falling short of their targets, while still being eligible for rewards in the revamped loyalty program.
The upcoming changes reflect PokerStars’ commitment to addressing player concerns and adapting to the evolving landscape of online poker. It remains to be seen if the new rewards program will positively impact its cash game traffic. Only time will tell.
The tentative launch date for the new PokerStars rewards program is January 22, 2024.
