Poker Stars
PokerStars.com is known for attracting both rookie and professional players and scores high in every department, with fast and easy to follow graphics, excellent withdrawal and funding options as well as a seriously impressive game variety. Of course, when it comes to bonuses, Pokerstars won’t fall short of the competition. Unlike lesser poker sites, the signup and loyalty bonuses on Pokerstars are both very attractive offers.
$600 Signup Bonus
Pokerstars’ 100% first-depositor bonus is worth up to $600. Players are allowed have three eligible deposits, provided they are all made within a period of 90 days.
Of course, the more money you deposit the greater the bonus, but it’s important to remember the limits: a $300 deposit will earn a $300 bonus, but as the maximum value is $600, a second deposit of $400 will only receive another $300 bonus.
For the promotion, you must collect ‘VIP Player Points’ (VPPs) by playing the real money tournaments and ring games on the site. This points system is part of Pokerstars’ VIP Program (which claims to be the best rewards program in internet poker). For every $1 paid towards an entry fee or rake you will earn 5.5 VPPs.
The bonus is released in $10 increments, while the VPP total has to equal 17 times the first amount before it will become available; i.e. for the $10 bonus you will need to earn 170 VPPs. Players have six months to earn the required number of VPPs to take full advantage of the promotion.
Loyalty Program
Pokerstars boasts one of the best loyalty programs for long-term players. Special bonuses and prizes are earned by accumulating two different points –FPPs (Frequent Player Points) and VPPs. FPPs can be exchanged for prizes, such as merchandise or electronics in the online store, and can also be used for entering special tournaments as well as claiming cash bonuses.
When players are starting out, they receive one FPP for every VPP earned. These points are earned by playing raked real-money hands and for every $1 paid in tournament fees. However, after only 750 VPPs, a player will have reached ‘Silverstar’ status and the rate of FPP accumulation increases by 50%. At ‘Supernova’ status – 100,000 VPPs or more – a player can receive 3.5 FPPs for every VPP. The more VPPs you earn the higher your VIP level and, in turn, the faster you accumulate FPPs.
In addition, January 2010 saw Pokerstars introduce the ‘Stellar Rewards’ program, where players receive bonuses based on accumulated VPPs. For 750 points, or ‘Silverstar’ status, there is a $10 bonus, with the promotion going up to $1000 for ‘Supernova’ players.
