Summary:
- New rewards program will be more transparent, more flexible, and more equal for all players
- The new changes will be launched first on the dot-com market on January 22, 2024
- New program will address the most common player concerns regarding existing program
PokerStars is kicking off 2024 in style, with the operator set to implement major changes to its rewards program.
The update will ensure increased transparency and flexibility for players, with the revamped program also promising to be more generous. The online poker giant plans to initially launch the new scheme in January next year for its dot-com market. The new changes are expected to be rolled out in other markets soon after.
PokerStars Dot-Com Market to Get First Taste of New Rewards Program
A spokesperson from PokerStars unveiled the plan via the operator’s feedback room, confirming that “significant changes” to the rewards program are on the way. The overhaul will address major concerns raised by players, especially in terms of transparency, flexibility, and equality.
The spokesperson described the changes as a “big improvement” from the existing program, developed through extensive discussions both internally with several PokerStars ambassadors, and some external players. The representative could not provide further details on the new rewards program but confirmed that it will be launched on the global client on January 22, 2024.
There was no mention of when the updated scheme will be introduced to the rest of the markets, including the US and Ontario, but it’s understood that could happen later in the year. PokerStars is also expected to make specific adjustments for the Southern European segregated market made up of Spain, France, and Portugal and for the ring-fenced Italian market as well.
Addressing Concerns About the Existing Program
Launched in 2021, PokerStars’ existing rewards program offers players 15%-25% in guaranteed rewards, based on their rewards tier. However, they can earn additional cashback of up to 40% via weekly poker challenges, bringing the total potential rewards to 65%.
Since these challenges are personalized, with the rake requirements and rewards customized according to the player’s playing history, some think that the system lacks transparency. Additionally, there were concerns raised over the high targets set in these challenges, preventing many players from accomplishing them. Apart from that, not everyone gets the chance to take the challenges as they are only open to those within the Silver or higher reward tiers.
PokerStars has acknowledged the need to introduce a more transparent and flexible scheme that all players can take advantage of regardless of their skill level and profile. That will be the main priority of the upcoming rewards program.
The PokerStars representative confirmed that the operator is currently conducting trials for the new system, with the full details of the new program to be announced in mid-January.
