The iGaming sector is one of the most competitive. New online casinos seem to pop up every week. Given how popular internet gambling has become, it’s not surprising that more companies are joining the industry. Kiwis have thousands of offshore gambling sites to choose from. The result of this influx of casinos is a need to retain customers. Reward or loyalty systems are some of the methods operators use. A majority of online casinos have loyalty schemes to encourage players to spend money. These programs increase customer engagement. Operators want to make users feel appreciated, thus prompting them to stay on their websites.
Are they effective, though? Do players get value from casino reward systems? Some players don’t even think about loyalty programs when choosing gambling sites. Should they? If you can understand the benefits of reward schemes, then you would appreciate them more. A New Zealand online casino will tell you that joining its loyalty club enhances your experience, but how true is it? The value of a reward program depends on the operator offering it. Learning a few basics about loyalty systems in iGaming offers insights into their roles and their importance to users.
Vital Components of a Reward Scheme
As the name suggests, these programs are designed to reward players. They offer various perks to motivate customers to keep playing. Most schemes are straightforward: you earn credits, such as comp points, for betting on games. Some games earn more than others. So while searching for the best online casino games for Kiwis, which you can find at NZCasinoClub, consider their potential to earn loyalty points. Consistent play means you collect more credits. These points are exchangeable with different gifts, including cash bonuses, free spins and cashback.
A loyalty program’s structure can be flat or tiered. Flat systems have the same requirements and rewards for all members. Tiered schemes are more popular. They consist of multiple levels, each with a different eligibility. Customers climb the ranks when they meet the requirements. Typically, moving from one level to the next means spending more to earn the required points. Rewards also vary across tiers. Online casinos have anything from three to twenty levels, depending on how comprehensive their programs are. The tiers with the toughest eligibility are usually for VIPs or big spenders. For example, a casino with a five-tier system might have its VIP members in levels four and five. These customers benefit from the most exclusive rewards.
Casino loyalty systems have specific terms and conditions. Operators must ensure players understand the rules and avoid confusion. On most gambling sites, joining a loyalty club is automatic on sign-up. However, always confirm if you are in the system, or if you need to register separately. Credits are earned through real money gameplay. Therefore, you can’t collect points for betting with bonuses. Some operators also reward points for other activities on their platforms. For instance, you may get comp points for inviting a friend, verifying your phone number or completing your profile. A casino’s loyalty T&Cs also tell you how many credits you earn for each wager. If certain behaviour disqualifies you from receiving rewards, the T&Cs will have that information. Hence, always ensure you read them.
Various Benefits for Players
Loyalty programs strive to provide value to players to give them reasons to stay on a particular gambling website. They are an effective way for casinos to reduce churn. The more operators struggle to retain customers, the better the perks they have in their reward systems. See some of the most common offerings in the next section.
Exclusive Bonuses
Personalised casino offers are the most popular ways to reward loyalty in iGaming. Gambling sites give away different bonuses to members of their loyalty clubs. These offers and promotions correspond to a player’s activities. If you have many comp points, then you can expect attractive bonuses. A casino will use a member’s status to determine this. For example, you may earn a deposit match bonus of 25% for being in tier 1 and 30% for tier 2.
Merchandise
Some casinos give away physical prizes to customers. A reward system can include brand merchandise and other items as gifts. Electronic gadgets are the most popular prizes. Gambling operators also gift their VIP members with luxury holidays.
Special Invites
Operators reserve these benefits for their most loyal players – the VIPs. High rollers get invitations to a variety of events. They can be online or offline. Invites can also be for tournaments and other competitions.
Dedicated Customer Service
Gambling operators personalise player experiences by giving them customised care. The most senior members of a loyalty program can get personal account managers. These customer representatives guide players on various aspects. They help tailor offers to match a customer’s gaming habits. While casinos provide many benefits through loyalty programs, there’s potential to do more. A recent recommendation is that gambling sites can reward players for using responsible gaming resources. Earning points for setting time and deposit limits might encourage players who need the features to use them.
For operators, reward programs help boost player retention, engagement and revenue. Players benefit from varied offerings, including physical gifts, bonuses and dedicated customer support. Loyalty schemes improve gaming experiences. However, you should know how to evaluate the value of a reward program to determine if it’s worth your money and time.