How the VIP bonus and reward programs differ between sweepstakes and regular casinos 

The online gaming world is very competitive and its difficult nature isn't encouraging for players. While some operators are able to withstand and remain resilient amid the uncertainty, many just cannot. In a bid to attract and retain customers, casinos create enticing incentives like VIP bonuses and reward programs.  

In addition, some offer sweepstakes – a no-risk type of betting – in an effort to keep the gambling industry buoyant. While VIP bonus and reward programs, sweepstakes and casinos have similar aims, which is to entertain and retain players, they differ significantly in many ways. In this article, along with explaining their mode of operation, we'll discuss the differences between these ventures.

Understanding VIP bonus and reward programs

VIP bonus and reward programs, also known as loyalty programs, are targeted marketing strategies designed to encourage players to continue playing at a casino. These programs are usually tiered, meaning the more a player plays, the higher they climb in the tiers, which leads to more substantial rewards. Benefits from VIP and reward programs at sweepstakes casinos are very easy to claim¹.

Furthermore, these programs allow participants to collect special points to boost their gaming levels. Once they've collected a specific number of points, they can be exchanged for rewards. VIP bonus and reward programs vary from site to site, but the way they work, in general, is quite similar. 

In a points-based system, players can receive points for completing designated actions like submitting feedback². The more points they collect in the loyalty scheme, the higher they'll climb the loyalty ladder and increase their chances of getting gifts and prizes. As imagined, the highest tiers offer the best loyalty bonuses and rewards in the reward systems. Participants are usually referred to as VIP members.

VIP members rewards

VIP players are rewarded in several ways. They can win anything from extra loyalty, freebies and casino bonuses to hard cash. It depends entirely on the different tiers and the offers. While some schemes are automated, others require active participation. VIP reward programs should, by definition, be designed for a privileged few³. 

In other programs, bettors participate in events hosted by the casino to boost their status in the program and increase the value of their rewards. The former is more desirable because it can be used by punters of all income levels – not just those with a huge bankroll. Sometimes, casino reward points offer cashback options. For example, you might exchange 100 loyalty points for $1.

Some of the activities that points are awarded for are:

• Activity in online slots.
  
• The amount of cash spent on bets on a game.
  
• Meeting minimum wagering requirements.
  
• The number of events won.
  
• The total cash flow from a member.

Here are some of the basic types of rewards given by casinos:

• Free cash.
  
• Cashback.
  
• Deposit bonuses.
  
• No deposit bonuses.
  
• Faster withdrawals.
  
• No withdrawal limits.
  
• No deposit or withdrawal fees for certain payment methods.
  

Cashback form of VIP bonus and reward programs

The majority of sportsbooks and online casinos offer some form of VIP loyalty rewards system, with many of them including cashback features in their offerings. A large number of the VIP loyalty rewards programs work with a categorized three-tiered system:

• Tier 1: Typically, the first tier offers higher bonus rates and the allocation of a dedicated servicing agent to offer counsel and 24/7 assistance.

• Tier 2: At the next tier up, most brands permit higher deposit and withdrawal limits. Some may even open the doors to far bigger cash opportunities.

• Tier 3: The highest tier usually takes everything to an even greater level. Along with other amazing perks, it includes regular awarding of gifts and prizes.

The VIP cashbacks are typically incentive-based and function by accumulating points based on individual play and achievements, which are then exchanged for money. So, the more a player spends, the more they'll receive back, in the form of cashback⁴.

What are sweepstakes casinos?

Sweepstakes casinos are similar to traditional online casinos. The key difference is that they offer gambling through the use of Sweeps Coins, with reduced risk. Players can redeem these coins for in-game purchases, upgrades, rewards and prizes. These may include gift cards, merchandise or cash.

In some cases, players can win cryptocurrency rewards such as Bitcoin. By offering in-game tokens and not allowing players to bet with real cash, sweepstake casinos have one unique advantage: they can operate in locations where online casinos aren't legally allowed.

Another major advantage of sweepstakes casinos, to the players, is that they can win actual prizes. In traditional casinos, money won usually goes back into the casino in a bid to win more money. On the other hand, in social or sweepstakes casinos, wins are redeemed in a practical form, such as a gift card or prize. This means players can end up with a physical reward for winning, even without necessarily receiving something with a monetary value.

Many casinos also offer free-to-play options. With this, players can try out a game before they convert any of their funds into game currency. This will enable them to get a feel for how it works and decide if the casino or game is for them.

Games on sweepstakes casinos

The games available on sweepstakes casinos are also similar to those offered in most online casinos. You can find popular slot games and table games that offer the same functions and features. However, there are no incentives to use real money, and players can play for free if they desire. Buying in-game currencies is an optional extra.

As well as the aforementioned, crash games are one of the popular games at online casinos. Here, wagers are placed on a multiplier. Essentially, the idea is to cash out your bet before the multipliers crash. You can find out the kind of games offered at each casino by visiting a good review site.

VIP bonus and reward programs vs sweepstakes and regular casinos: how they differ

VIP reward programs and sweepstakes casinos offer shared benefits, which help operators retain customers. Customer loyalty programs can be an effective way to retain existing customers and increase sales⁵. The main differences between VIP loyalty programs and sweepstakes casinos lie in their objectives and manner of presentation. Here are some of the key differences:

1. Membership: VIP bonus and reward programs offer perks to loyal and high-spending players at online casinos. So, you may have to attain a certain level, such as playing a certain number of games or staking at a particular level to become a member. On the other hand, sweepstakes and regular casinos are open to all.
   

You don't need to have any achievements to be allowed entry. When you sign up for a casino and start playing real money games, it's very likely that you won't become a VIP member straight away. In some rare cases, you can attain this level even as a new member – but only if you start off with a huge deposit, perhaps of five or six figures.

1. Functions: Sweepstakes are promotional events that players can enter to win prizes. Customers who frequent a brand and spend more often reap greater rewards⁶. They're a great way for a casino to show just how much they value their high-roller players. VIP clubs give participants their money's worth and bettors can add a significant amount of cash into their casino account from the perks, points and promotions offered.

1. Offerings: Sweepstakes and regular casinos only offer winnings based on games or activities a player earns. On the other hand, VIP rewards are earned from participating in an online casino or sweepstakes. The more you play and the more loyal you are to a casino, the higher you'll move up in the VIP tiers.

1. Benefits: Being a VIP member at an online casino opens doors to a lot of very exclusive offers and benefits, including extra points, exclusive invites, more bonuses, priority seating at games, special rewards, personalized customer support and more. Players are basically treated like royalty. On the other hand, sweepstakes and regular casinos offer guaranteed and not-so-special benefits that include cash rewards and prizes.
   

VIP programs in sweepstakes casinos

Dedicated players looking to elevate their status and rewards can leverage sweepstakes casinos offering VIP programs to unlock a realm of exclusive benefits. These programs, usually tiered, reward engagement with incredible perks and rewarding benefits as players' accounts mature.

Some of the VIP benefits available in sweepstakes VIP programs include:

• Increase in coin acquisition rate: With this, players can gain entry into more prize draws, which may boost their potential for real-world rewards.

• Exclusive tournaments and challenges: These are perks specifically given to VIPs. Aside from offering unique gameplay experiences, members also stand the chance of getting additional Sweeps Coins (SC) and/or other exclusive prizes.
  

• Personalized bonuses and promotions: These offers are tailored to improve the playing experience while incentivizing continued engagement.
  

• Dedicated account managers: VIPs also receive personalized support and assistance. This will foster a sense of community and exclusivity.
  

• Faster withdrawals: Seamless processes ensure a streamlined experience when redeeming earned prizes.
  

The VIP rewards and cashback offers on sweepstakes casinos are almost the same as those of regular casinos. Playing games consistently, wagering higher and participating in offers are some of the ways in which players can attain these rewards.

1. Sweepstakes Casinos VIP And Rewards Programs, Written by Jonathan Hill, Published by sweepstakescasino.net
   

1. Loyalty programs: How they work, tips, and examples, Written by Halona Black, Published by zendesk.com
   

1. VIP Program: How to Create Irresistible Loyalty Experiences, Written by Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Published by antavo.com
   

1. Rewards Redemption, Written by xoxoday, Published by xoxoday.com
   

1. From Customer Loyalty Programs to Strategic Partnerships: Smart Ways To Grow Your Small Business, Written by Alan Watts, Published by clclt.com
   

1. Loyalty Program: Definition, Purpose, How It Works, and Example, Written by James Chen, Published by investopedia.com