The allure of the land-based casino is undeniable, and even today, many of the world’s finest establishments offer just the same glitz, glamour, adrenaline they always have done. But these days, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the experience, with some of the world’s best-known, big-name casinos having rolled out impressive online platforms to allow their customers to log on and play anywhere, anytime.
This additional accessibility has no doubt gone down a treat with jet-setting gaming enthusiasts with busy lifestyles, and were considered a godsend by many who were forced to stay at home and entertain themselves during lockdown.
Whether you’re a fan of accessing live casino games via your smartphone or still prefer to play in a traditional bricks-and-mortar venue, the chances are that you choose your casinos based on how well they reward you for your spend – and with some impressive VIP programmes made available exclusively to high-rollers, it pays to ensure you’re making the most of the perks on offer in exchange for parting with your cash.
The more you spend, the more you should expect to receive back in return, and the casinos that do their VIP programmes the best reward whales with everything from free stays in luxury hotel suites to fully comped first class flights to and from land-based venues. These loyalty programmes’ sole purpose is to retain high-spending clients as well as attracting new ones, and to encourage them to place even bigger wagers, and although there is no legal requirement for a casino to provide such a scheme, the savviest ones make it a priority because it boosts their revenue no end.
It stands to reason that because of the high value of high-rolling customers to casinos, competition is fierce – but for players, this is only a good thing as it means that VIP loyalty programmes are getting better and better, with venues and platforms all clamouring to outdo one another in a bid to take the largest slice of the financial pie.
How to qualify for a VIP programme
It perhaps goes without saying that the more you spend, the more likely you are to be invited to join a VIP programme. It’s important to note that they are, indeed, invitation-only, so you can’t request to join – and the criteria in order to qualify is often shrouded in mystery. But as a general rule of thumb, those who place large wagers regularly are most likely to receive the golden handshake, so the more often you play with a specific casino, the better.
If you tend to frequent a few different casinos, then it might be time to have a look at the kind of VIP benefits they each offer and focus your attention on the one that you like best, as this will likely get you noticed more quickly. Even as little as a £200 weekly spend has been known to get players the nod, but it varies from casino to casino, and most will assess players on their individual merits.
To get rewards, you must accrue a certain number of points, which are awarded to you when you place bets. Free flights, for example, are awarded a points value, and once you have collected enough, you can cash them in in exchange for the perk. The larger the wager, the greater the number of points you’re awarded – so the more you play, the sooner you qualify for the biggest and best perks on offer.
It’s important to bear in mind that VIP programme membership is assessed regularly, so if you play big only to get accepted onto the scheme and later decrease your betting volume, you could find yourself demoted. Loyalty means loyalty, and if a casino thinks you’re playing elsewhere instead or are no longer spending enough to qualify, you could be ejected and forced to wait until you’re invited back again.
Perks just for playing
The perks themselves can vary wildly from casino to casino, and while land-based venues might offer you complimentary travel and accommodation to encourage you to come back again, online casinos tend to take a different approach and offer bonus spins, free plays and special offers to keep you engaged. Granted, these types of loyalty programmes aren’t as extravagant as those offered by the world’s biggest and best bricks-and-mortar casinos, but if you play regularly, then they’re still worth taking advantage of.
On special dates, like your birthday, both types of casino may up the ante when it comes to showering you with gifts and rewards. The idea is to make you feel special and appreciated as a customer, and more often than not, it works like a charm – with free spins, free credits, free entry into tournaments and even a surprise luxury gift delivered to your door all possibilities depending on which casino you choose to play at.
The bottom line
Ultimately, if you’re a big spender at your favourite casino then you deserve to be rewarded for it, so if you’re not yet making the most of the VIP invitations extended to you, then now is the time to do so. When money is no object, free stuff can feel neither here nor there – but if you enjoy being made to feel special and having the red carpet rolled out for you when you attend your favourite venue, then programmes like these can make the experience all the sweeter.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
