Loyalty programs are nothing new, at least not in the gambling industry. For decades, retail casinos have lured players with promises of free play, discounted rooms, show tickets, and a slew of other kickbacks. In exchange, they ask customers to do one thing: Place wagers.

With the proliferation of online sports betting, operators have extended the reach and creativity of their VIP programs. These days, bettors who place wagers from their desktops or mobile devices are reaping many of the same rewards as retail casino players. As sportsbooks scramble for new customers, sports betting loyalty programs are becoming increasingly lucrative.

In this guide, BettingUSA will explain how online sports betting loyalty programs work, describe the different types of programs, and touch on what it takes to become a VIP.

Best Sportsbook Rewards Programs

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What Are Betting Loyalty Programs?

Sports betting VIP programs are automated tracking systems that monitor bettors’ play and issue rewards based on their activity. As bettors place wagers online, they accumulate status points and earn increasingly valuable rewards as they move up through the various VIP levels. The more money bettors cycle through, the more points they accrue.

Bettors can redeem loyalty points for cash or cash equivalents such as site credit. In addition, online sportsbooks often reward customers with a bevy of other incentives based on their wagering volume. Typical sports betting rewards include free bets, refunds on net losses, invitations to special events, and even luxury gifts.

Some mobile sportsbooks also offer crossover rewards integrated into their land-based holdings. For example, bettors at one sportsbook may earn points online and redeem them for in-person rewards on their next trip to the casino. The obvious prerequisite is that the online book must be partnered or share branding with a physical casino property.

There’s a lot more nuance to loyalty programs than what’s described above. For instance, each book uses a different system to calculate a player’s value, with some loyalty programs offering far more bang for the buck than others. Furthermore, some loyalty programs are simple, while others utilize complex, multi-tier structures.

See BettingUSA’s in-depth loyalty program reviews for the specifics of every major sports betting loyalty program:

• BetMGM Rewards
• Caesars Rewards
• DraftKings Dynasty
• BetRivers iRush Rewards
• PENN Play
• Hard Rock Bet Loyalty Rewards

Signing Up for Sportsbook Loyalty Programs

Signing up for a loyalty program is considerably easier online than it is at a retail facility. There are no long lines to navigate, no pin numbers to enter, and bettors don’t have to swipe their cards whenever they wish to wager.

Instead, online sportsbooks automatically enroll all new customers into their VIP programs. From that point on, the sportsbook tracks every wager customers place and issues rewards accordingly. At most, some customers may have to manually link their online rewards accounts to an affiliated casino brand, but some betting sites also automate that process.

For example, the BetMGM rewards program is integrated into the long-running MGM Rewards loyalty scheme. All new users must do is activate their MGM Rewards accounts, which they can do entirely online.

Then, next time they’re at an MGM property, they can pick up a card, and that card will have a complete record of their online play.

Viewing Loyalty Rewards

Bettors can log in to their online betting accounts to view their current loyalty status, accrued points, and the redemption value of their points. Typically, bettors can find this information under the “My Account” tab after logging in, although placement varies from one betting app to the next.

For example, here’s how BetMGM Rewards members can check their statuses and benefits:

1. Launch the BetMGM app or visit betmgm.com and log in
2. Go to account management (bottom-right in the app; top-right on the website)
3. Select “My Rewards” to visit the loyalty dashboard
4. The next screen displays your current tier status and provides links to view your current benefits, enter the rewards store, and view your rewards history

Three Types of Loyalty Programs

Most online sports betting loyalty programs fit into one of three categories:

• Simple points-based sports betting rewards systems
• Online-only tiered VIP programs
• Crossover loyalty rewards

Simple Points-Based Betting Rewards Systems

Points-based loyalty programs may be simplistic, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t lucrative.

In short, the best sportsbook rewards programs give points to players based on their wagering activity. In turn, bettors can redeem their points for cash or bonuses. Some sportsbooks also issue bonus points and bonuses to customers who reach predesignated wagering thresholds.

There are no status tiers or complicated redemption policies to contend with in simple gambling rewards programs. Most online sportsbooks use simple rewards programs not connected to larger retail operators.

Fanatics Sportsbook Rewards Program: FanCash

FanCash is the perfect example of a simple, points-based loyalty scheme.

Fanatics Sportsbook customers simply place wagers and earn FanCash to redeem for bonus bets or store credit at Fanatics.com. Bettors earn FanCash as a percentage of every wager they place, and the type of bet determines the percentage:

• Straight Bets: Up to 1% FanCash on every wager placed
• Parlay Bets: Up to 3% FanCash on every wager placed
• Same Game Parlays: Up to 5% FanCash on every wager placed

FanCash converts to bonus bets or store credit at a one-to-one ratio, meaning Fanatics Sportsbook customers get back anywhere from one to five percent of their wagers as bonus bets or store credit.

DraftKings Sportsbook Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards

The DraftKings VIP program uses a similar model, but instead of FanCash, it issues Crowns to active customers.

DraftKings customers receive 1 Crown for every $2 they wager. They can redeem Crowns for DK Dollars or casino credits (where applicable) at a rate of approximately 552 Crowns per $1.00. It’s an odd number, but it goes to show just how differently various sportsbooks price their on-site currency.

According to these figures, customers must wager $1,104 to redeem $1 for a low cashback rate of just 0.091%. There are plenty of good reasons to bet with DraftKings, but its baseline loyalty system isn’t one of them.

Online-Only Tiered Loyalty Programs

Online-only tiered loyalty programs are more complex than points-only systems. In addition to accruing rewards points, bettors also accumulate status points that determine their ranking in a tiered VIP system that unlocks progressively valuable rewards.

Online-only VIP programs may have loose ties to an affiliated retail casino brand, but the online and retail rewards systems aren’t directly linked.

BetRivers iRush Rewards

The BetRivers VIP program features a typical online-oriented loyalty program. BetRivers’ loyalty program is called iRush Rewards (iRR) and consists of 11 tiers. As players climb the ranks by placing real money wagers, iRR unlocks a host of benefits.

For instance, bettors who reach Level 7 unlock an exclusive VIP Calendar, which awards a slew of valuable promotions. Customers who move up to level 10 receive a VIP thank-you dinner, custom gifts, and expedited withdrawals.

Customers unlock each of the first ten tiers by accumulating a designated number of Loyalty Level Points, while the elusive 11^th tier is invitation-only.

Bettors earn Loyalty Level Points by placing wagers. The amount depends on both the wager size and the “combination size,” which is a fancy way of saying the number of parlay legs:

As displayed, bigger parlays offer better conversion rates. That’s because for each parlay leg customers add to their tickets, the house edge grows. At least BetRivers recognizes this fact and compensates players appropriately.

For example, imagine a bettor wants to reach Level 7. To do that, they must accumulate 5,200 points. According to the table, they can get to Level 7 by risking $31,200 on straight bets, $15,600 on 2-leg parlays, or just $6,500 on 5-leggers.

The caveat is that after 30 days, Loyalty Level points begin to depreciate. Points earned 31-60 days ago drop from customers’ balances at a rate corresponding to the average number of points earned during that timeframe.

To put it simply, if bettors don’t continue wagering, they won’t be able to maintain their Loyalty Level for much more than a month. This stands in stark contrast to retail programs, where achieved statuses are usually valid for a calendar year.

In addition to accruing Loyalty Level points, bettors also accumulate iRush Rewards Points. Customers earn both at the same rate, but iRush Rewards Points do not expire and are used to redeem Bonus Store prizes.

The types of rewards BetRivers customers can redeem in the Bonus Store run the gamut from free bets to profit boosts and bonus money. Bettors can even try their luck by redeeming their points for scratch cards or wheel spins that award valuable prizes.

All bonus funds on BetRivers are subject to a 1x wagering requirement, rendering them effectively as valuable as cash.

Crossover Loyalty Programs

Crossover loyalty programs are potentially the most valuable, as the benefits extend beyond the online sphere. They’re particularly attractive to bettors who frequent land-based casinos.

Like tiered-loyalty systems, crossover programs allow bettors to earn both tier points, which determine their loyalty status, and rewards points, which are redeemable both online and at affiliated brick-and-mortar properties.

Crossover programs can be difficult to comprehend, but once bettors understand one, they’re likely to grasp the concept behind them all.

BetMGM Rewards

We mentioned previously that BetMGM automatically enrolls customers into MGM Rewards, MGM Resorts’ retail loyalty program.

Bettors begin accruing BetMGM Tier Credits from the minute they place their first wagers (TCs). However, BetMGM is a bit vague about its sports betting earn rates, only offering the following:

Tier Credits determine each bettor’s MGM Rewards level:

• Sapphire: Everyone starts here
• Pearl: 20,000+ Tier Credits
• Gold: 75,000+ TCs
• Platinum: 200,000 TCs
• Noir: By invitation only

Based on this, a spread bettor would have to wager approximately $100,000 just to reach Pearl and a whopping $1 million to hit Platinum. Now, while that seems like a lot, and it is, bettors do have an entire calendar year to reach their goals and maintain their status for what MGM calls a “Tier Status Benefits Year,” which runs from February 1 – January 31.

The list of loyalty perks that MGM offers is long and varied, including increased Rewards Points earnings, priority check-ins, comped rooms at MGM Resorts, and even free cruises and limo service.

Speaking of BetMGM Rewards Points, that’s the currency bettors accrue from placing wagers. Customers accumulate BetMGM Rewards Points at the same rate as Tier Credits and can redeem them for various rewards at the BetMGM Rewards Store, including:

• Sports, casino, and poker bonuses: Subject to a 1x wagering requirement
• Convert to MGM Rewards Points: Redeemable at MGM Resorts properties and used for hotel accommodations, dining, entertainment, and other purchases.

All in all, BetMGM Rewards is a multi-faceted and expanse loyalty program, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than more straightforward benefits systems.

Caesars Rewards

Caesars Rewards is another all-encompassing loyalty program that rewards customers for shopping, dining, playing at Caesars properties, and betting on the Caesars Sportsbook app in regulated states. Caesars customers can sign up for Caesars Rewards online or through the mobile app to link their in-person and online play under a single account. As a result, bettors can earn points for wagering through the app, staying at Caesars properties, and so on – and can redeem their loyalty points for in-person or online rewards.

Caesars customers earn Tier Credits (TC) and Reward Credits (RCs) simultaneously at various rates depending on the activity. For online wagering, customers earn 1 TC and 1 RC for every $5 in potential profit on wagers they place. In addition, customers earn points for playing online casino games, booking stays at Caesars hotels, and more.

Reward credits take some time to add up based on volume. Once they do, they can be redeemed towards things like hotel stays, dining, and entertainment options.

Meanwhile, tier credits are earned at the same time and are used to determine your status in the VIP program. The more tier credits you earn in a calendar. year, the higher up the ladder you go. All customers stat out as Gold Level VIP members and move up from there through five additional tiers. Each tier up the ladder unlocks increasingly valuable rewards.

Golden Nugget Ultimate Rewards

Golden Nugget Rewards is mainly casino oriented, but it touts a number of value-added features for online bettors, including daily odds boost wagers known as Golden Lines that are open to all. Additionally, the Golden Nugget Ultimate Rewards program offers a whole range of exclusive benefits for loyal customers.

One of the nice things about this program is that there is no additional sign-up process. Once you have signed up at Golden Nugget, you are automatically enrolled and will begin earning 1 point for every $100 wagered on sports.

Your first sports wager will automatically put you into the Golden Reward Club where you can take advantage of standard loyalty perks such as being able to exchange points for cash, receiving daily bonus offers and a birthday offer every year.

Once you reach 5,000 points, you’ll move up to the VIP Rewards Club where the offers start to become a bit more lucrative. Here you’ll get all the same perks as Golden Rewards Club members plus expedited withdrawals, weekly VIP cashback offers, exclusive promotions, complimentary rewards at Golden Nugget AC and upgraded VIP customer support.

Moving up one more level is the by-invitation-only VIP Elite Club. If you’re invited to become a VIP Elite member, you’ll get all the above rewards plus enhanced promotional offers, invitations to exclusive events and tournaments, luxury gifts and a personal VIP host.

As an added benefit, there are no play requirements to maintain levels. Once you hit VIP status, you’ll always be in that group.

PENN Play Rewards

PENN Play is an all-in-one rewards program for Penn National properties and ESPN Bet. Customers earn Tier Points for betting on sports, playing online casino games, and spending money at Penn National properties to advance through the five-tiered VIP program that unlocks ever more valuable rewards.

All ESPN Bet customers start at the Play tier and move up to Advantage, Preferred, Elite, and Owners Club to unlock benefits such as cheaper hotel stays, exclusive online betting promotions, cruise line discounts, complimentary cruises, free hotel rooms, and luxury gifts.

Additionally, customers earn PENN Cash as they earn Tier Points. The more Tier Points customers earn, the faster they earn PENN Cash, which they can redeem for online casino credits or spend on dining, shopping, and hotel rooms at Penn National properties.

However, PENN Cash only provides limited benefits for online activities. Customers in states where PENN Entertainment offers online gambling can redeem PENN Cash for casino credits, but there’s currently no option to exchange PENN Cash for online sports betting credits.

What Is a Betting VIP Program?

Betting VIP Programs are special subsects of loyalty programs reserved for the biggest players.

Some sportsbooks define the entry criteria, while others extend VIP status by invitation only. For example, BetRivers automatically considers anyone who reaches Level 7 a VIP player. Additionally, BetRivers is transparent about how much wagering it requires for customers to reach the VIP benchmark.

Other sportsbooks use an internal algorithm to determine who is worthy of VIP status. In this case, bettors have little clue how much and what type of action they must give to earn the distinction. Asking customer support might provide some insight, but their answers are often purposely vague.

Regardless, the benefits of being a VIP are expansive. The most apparent benefit for online sports bettors is access to exclusive promotions. Sportsbooks offer deposit match bonuses, refunds on net losses, free bets, risk-free bets, and special odds to their most valued patrons. Often, the promotional terms are so generous that bettors gain a temporary edge over the house.

VIPs also gain access to a host. A lot of the value of having a dedicated on-call host comes from working with them on custom promotional offers and bonuses. Hosts also provide the highest level of customer support, ensuring all problems are quickly resolved and withdrawals handled expeditiously.

Beyond this, VIPs may gain access to other miscellaneous benefits that don’t directly impact their sports betting wallet but still provide value:

• Invitation-only VIP events, including tickets to local sports events and entries into exclusive sweepstakes
• Free rooms, meals, and entertainment at affiliated casino properties
• Luxury VIP gifts, including tablets, fine wines, and gourmet items, sent directly to a bettor’s home
• Limo service to and from events or casinos
• Complimentary cruises and airfare
• Top-tier customer support
• Guaranteed reservations for restaurants and high-profile events

Online Sportsbook Loyalty Program Tips

• Always calculate reward point conversion rates. Loyalty program cashback rates vary wildly from sportsbook to sportsbook. This may require some time and research (and a little bit of math), but it’s well worth it.
• Estimate your monthly handle before signing up for a sportsbook. Based on that amount, see what tier you’d achieve at various sportsbooks, and choose the ones that offer the most value.
• If you believe you’re worthy of VIP status but haven’t received it, reach out to customer support, and ask to speak with a host. You’d be surprised how far sportsbooks will go to lock up your loyalty.
• If you’re a VIP at one book, see if other sportsbooks do a tier match. It may result in a free path to VIP status or at least a higher card level.
• Always take advantage of promotional offers. This will allow you to place more bets with a positive expectation. More handle = more loyalty points and potentially a higher tier status. Just don’t overdo it, as recreational books are quick to “promo ban” bettors that only place promotional wagers.
• If you rarely visit retail casinos, it may be better to stick with books that only offer online benefits.

Loyalty programs are an essential component of a bettor’s bottom line, but line shopping, taking advantage of promos, and recognizing value are even more impactful. Don’t automatically shun a book just because its loyalty system isn’t great – there might be value to be found elsewhere.

Sports Betting Loyalty Program FAQ