In this column, we deliver you the latest and most interesting online poker industry news from across the world and all platforms.
PokerStars launches new rewards program
Given the highly competitive online market, major operator PokerStars is getting ready to undertake a big change across its rewards program to benefit the majority of their player pool. The revamped PokerStars Rewards program is set to launch this coming Monday, January 22nd across several markets including the global COM, EU, UK, Estonia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Spain. The improved version is a direct result from the network’s transparency efforts in communicating with players via Discord support, forums and other means.
“We have worked hard to listen to our players’ concerns and address them by providing a more transparent and easy to understand rewards system,” Chris Straghalis, PokerStars Director of Online Poker Experience told pokerfuse.
Unlike its previous offering, the new program strays away from penalizing winners, ensuring equal rewards for all and focusing utterly on the played volume alone. The more generous offer also eliminates rakeback missions and challenges altogether, after results indicated that only a small percentage took advantage of this promotion. With that said, players can lock in as much as 40% in rakeback rewards for the base tier and more premium Select and Select Plus levels for high volume grinders.
Keeping in mind its recreational user base, PokerStars likewise puts emphasis on its Power Path route which allows players under entry levels Blue and Bronze to claim daily bonus tickets. Under this promotion, players can accumulate up to $15.50 per month in additional value by simply logging in and recording at least one raked hand.
“Bringing in more casual players and keeping them engaged is what makes online poker thrive, and that’s what Power Path is designed to do” explained Straghalis to PokerNews. “Giving everyone a Power Path ticket increases the generosity of the Power Path promotion itself. For example, during last month’s New year Series, we gave away $160,000 in additional New Year Series tickets through Power Path.”
PokerStars Rewards Program
| Level | Rake ($) / Month | Reward |
| Blue (no completion) | 0 – 19 | Daily Reward |
| Blue | 20 – 59 | 15% Rakeback + Daily Reward |
| Bronze | 60 – 199 | 17.5% Rakeback + Daily Reward |
| Silver | 200 – 499 | 20% Rakeback |
| Gold | 500 – 1,200 | 25% Rakeback |
| Diamond | 1,200 – 2,500 | 30% Rakeback |
| Black | 2,500+ | 40% Rakeback |
| Select | 50,000 – 100,000 (annual) | 50% Rakeback + Exclusive promotions |
| Select Plus | 100,000+ (annual) | 50% base (60% Spin & Go and Zoom) + Exclusive promotions |
GGPoker awards 50% rakeback for 100 days
Top network GGPoker is similarly holding a player-centered rewards promotion where all eligible players can upgrade to Killer Whale status temporarily and claim up to 50% rakeback for 100 days. The generous campaign started earlier this week, January 15th and will be available through February 14th for those interested in kicking up their VIP status. The GGNetwork runs on a Fish Buffet system where players earn required Fish Points (FP) within the time limit to rank up and claim higher rewards. The ongoing promotion jumpstarts this venture, propelling everyone under the Killer Whale tier to surge to that level which regularly would require 3,000,000 FP.
Aside from the boost, players are also given the opportunity to collect only a fraction of the required FP within the specified duration to maintain the premium level. Those able to reach the 400,000 mark will reach Platinum Whale status (50% rakeback) for a minimum of 365 days while those unable, will slip back to the next lower rank – Platinum Octopus (35% rakeback). While all players under the network can technically benefit from the bonus, those above the Platinum Whale tier level will no longer be eligible for any upgrade across the promotion.
Chico Poker Network kicks off $3M GTD Championship Online Poker Series
US-friendly Chico Poker Network (BetOnline Poker, TigerGaming, and SportsBetting Poker) is kicking off the year with its flagship Championship Online Poker Series (COPS) running from January 21st through February 4th. The two week frenzy boasts a combined festival guarantee of $3,000,000 across 193 tournaments. Buy-ins begin at a modest $11 to a $215 high with a number of satellites, freerolls and missions for those looking to extend their bankroll.
Amongst the lineup, the crown jewel of the series remains to be the $300,000 guaranteed Main Event happening on the series’ concluding day. Five other highlights listing six figure prize pools accompany the Main Event, each posting a buy-in of $109 and playing through the classic NLH format.
COPS Highlights
| Date | Event |
| January 21, 2024 | COPS 2: $200,000 GTD |
| COPS 8: $100K GTD Sunday Showdown | |
| January 28, 2024 | COPS 90: $250,000 GTD |
| COPS 96: $100K GTD Sunday Showdown | |
| February 4, 2024 | COPS 184: $300,000 GTD Main Event |
| COPS 188: $100K GTD Sunday Showdown |
