PokerStars Rewards: Everything You Need to Know

What is PokerStars Rewards?

The newly revamped PokerStars Rewards is how the platform gives back to its player base. It's essentially the new rakeback system that the site implements and caters to all poker players. You don't need to be a professional grinder to reap the benefits, as you'll see from the information provided below.

The new initiative highlights PokerStars' commitment to inclusivity, making sure that even the most casual players can enjoy the perks of playing on the site. These equitable rewards will enhance the experience when playing on PokerStars.

Launching on January 22, 2024, PokerStars Rewards is designed to create an environment where everyone, regardless of skill level, feels like a valued customer.

What is PokerStars Select/Select Plus?

The previous PokerStars program comprised six tiers, offering players 15-25% rakeback, with the opportunity to boost it by 10-40% through weekly challenges. The updated rewards program introduces eight tiers, featuring new levels such as Select and Select Plus and has eliminated the challenge component.

Reaching the Select tier entails generating $50,000 to $100,000 in rake annually, granting a 50% rakeback and access to exclusive promotions for these players.

Players exceeding $100,000 in annual rake qualify for Select Plus membership, receiving a base 50% rakeback, escalating to 60% for participation in Zoom games and Spin & Gos. Select Plus members also gain entry to exclusive competitive promotions.

How Does PokerStars Rewards Work?

PokerStars has made things simple by going back to the straightforward concept of 'do X and get Y.' Initially, players faced uncertainty as rakeback challenges underwent changes in size and requirements. Now, players can expect a consistent and predictable experience - play a certain volume and receive a specific rakeback rate every time.

The new PokerStars Rewards program eliminates rakeback missions and challenges. Although Weekly Challenges found favor with some players, data reveals that a significant portion of PokerStars players never completed them, missing out on rewards for their gameplay.

Now, every contribution a player makes to cash game rake and tournament fees is rewarded. This not only boosts players' earnings but also provides increased flexibility, as the removal of challenges means players are no longer obligated to spend extended hours or entire weeks grinding for cash rewards. Instead, they are rewarded based on their gameplay throughout each calendar month.

How to Qualify for PokerStars Rewards

All players will be automatically enrolled into the new scheme, so to qualify for PokerStars Rewards, all you need to do is play your favorite poker games on the platform to benefit.

The lowest tier is 'Blue'; these players will be rewarded daily by generating up to $19 monthly. They'll receive $0.50 in PowerPass tickets. Blue players who amass $20-$59 in rake each month will also receive a 15% Rakeback in addition to the daily rewards.

The next section is bronze, and those players will receive the daily reward and 17.5% rakeback if they hit $60-$199 in rake. Silver players will get 20% rakeback if they hit the $200-$499 milestone. Gold players ($500-$1,200 in rake) will get 25%, and those in the Diamond tier will get 30% rakeback when tallying $1,200-$2,500 in fees. Black is the final level before the select tiers, and this group will get 40% rakeback when crossing the $2,500 rake barrier.

How to Qualify for PokerStars Select

Once you hear the benefits of making it to the Select reward level, you'll want to up your grind to get your hands on the juicy perks.

50% rakeback and exclusive promotions await in the Select tier, and to qualify, you need to rake between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.

How to Qualify for PokerStars Select Plus

Select Plus is available to PokerStars' most loyal players, who generate over $100,000 in rake annually. For their time, dedication and efforts, they will be eligible for 50% base rakeback for cash games and tournaments. Sit and Go and Zoom can see a 60% rakeback in this tier, along with tailored promos.

PokerStars Rewards v Competitors - Is PokerStars Rewards Good?

The PokerStars Rewards system is a cut above and sees a new approach for casual and recreational players while also rewarding those who put in the most volume. Aspects include:

• A clearer, easier-to-understand loyalty program
• Flexible rewards with achievable targets
• A program that doesn’t penalize winners
• Rewards from 15%-60% of rake and tournament fees, depending on reward level

PokerStars Rewards v GGPoker Rewards Programme

The Rewards system at competitor site GGPoker is called Fish Buffet and, like PokerStars, it uses a tiered system to determine the reward a player receives.

On the GG platform, players receive fish points for each dollar they make and similar to PokerStars, climbing the various levels have a time limit attached. For most of the tiers, when claiming your rewards, you'll spin a wheel to determine how much rakeback you receive, with the amount returned varying. On PokerStars, each tier has a flat cap so you'll know how much exactly you'll get back.

On GGPoker, a flat cashback weekly payout mainly takes place at the three top tiers, which range from 50% to 60%, so in that respect, it is very competitive when compared to Select and Select+.

PokerStars Rewards v 888Poker Rewards Programme

The 888poker rewards system is called the 888poker Club. On the platform, players receive points each time they complete a set challenge, which can be redeemed for bonuses, cash and goodies.

While there are positives to the loyalty program that 888poker has, players have often described it as okay and an area that could be improved on.

888poker does reward players of all types due to the tier system but the challenges can be a grind akin to the former PokerStars model.

PokerStars Rewards v PartyPoker Rewards Programme

PartyPoker offers a Rewards Program allowing players to receive weekly cashback of up to 55%. With a minimum rake of $1.50, players earn points ranging from 2 points per $1 raked in multi-table tournaments (MTT) to 4 points for every $1 raked at fastforward tables. Once a player accumulates sufficient points, they can convert them into real cash, receiving automatic payments every Monday.

The rewards system is similar to PokerStars in the amount a player can earn in rakeback and also allows caters to casual and professional players.

Difference Between NEW PokerStars Rewards and Past PokerStars Rewards Programmes

PokerStars Rewards differs from previous programmes by:

• Removing weekly poker challenges
• Moving into a transparent, fairer, best rate programme
• New approach for casual and recreational players
• New PokerStars Select for high raking players

PokerStars Rewards v Weekly Challenges

Under the previous scheme, rewards for completing weekly challenges were personalized to activity rather than volume.

Based on 2023 behaviour, 6.7% of players were completing 40% rakeback challenges, and most will receive less back under the new system. 0.3% of players completed 10% rakeback weekly challenges, and most in this group will receive more rakeback.

Surprisingly, 93% of PokerStars players were not eligible for rakeback in regard to the weekly challenge. Now, all players in this group will receive better generosity.

PokerStars Rewards v Supernova Elite

What was PokerStars Supernova Elite?

Supernova Elite was a prestigious and highly coveted VIP status level on the PokerStars online poker platform. It was a part of the Supernova VIP program, which had different tiers indicating a player's level of loyalty and activity on the site. Supernova Elite was the highest level in this program.

Why was PokerStars Supernova Elite Scrapped?

PokerStars decided to discontinue the Supernova Elite program and make significant changes to its VIP program in 2015 for several reasons. The primary motivation was to create a more balanced and fair reward system that benefited a broader range of players. With its extremely high requirements, the Supernova Elite program was criticized for disproportionately favoring a small number of high-volume players.

Was PokerStars Supernova Elite Good?

The benefits of being a Supernova Elite included lucrative rewards such as cash bonuses, milestone bonuses, and entry to various live poker events. It was largely regarded as online poker's best and most generous reward scheme.

Sign Up, Play and Start Earning New Rewards at PokerStars Now

New depositing PokerStars customers can claim a welcome bonus worth up to $400. Download PokerStars via PokerNews, create your free account and decide how much you want to deposit. Your deposit is matched 100% up to $400 as a bonus. In fact, your first three deposits in the first 60 days after making your first deposit are matched up to a combined total of $400.

The bonus releases into your playable balance in $10 increments each time you generate 180 redemption points, which in turn are earned at a rate of five per $1 contributed to the cash game rake or spent on tournament fees (6.5 points per £1, 5.5 points per €1, and four points per CAD$).

PokerStars Rewards FAQs