PokerStars’ latest promotion the “VIP Mega Month,” which runs throughout August, allows players to move up the VIP ladder ten times faster than usual.
Players need only earn 1/10th of the normal VPPs required to achieve all the lower-tier VIP status levels. Supernova and Supernova Elite – the highest rewards levels – remain unchanged.
VIP Player Points (VPPs) measure your monthly and annual progress towards VIP levels; the higher your level, the faster you can earn Frequent Player Points (FPPs), which can be exchanged for cash bonuses or items in the gift shop. Normally it takes 750 VPPs to earn SilverStar VIP status; this month it will only take 75.
This promotion will show direct benefits to the recreational and part-time players, who will be able to earn a significant amount of additional rewards. Full-time grinders should benefit from the increased play of the often less-skilled recreational players.
The promotion comes on the heels of the 65th billion hand promotion. Since the milestone was achieved and prizes awarded, PokerStars has seen a decrease in traffic: According to PokerScout’s Online Traffic Report, PokerStars traffic dropped 13% in the last week.
The bigger picture shows that the drop in traffic may just be a variance swing: PokerScout added, “although dramatic, the decrease still left PokerStars 7% ahead of where it stood two weeks ago.” Their recent upward trend is due in large part to long-time competitor Full Tilt Poker having their license suspended and being forced to close their doors.
