PokerStars changes VIP program

<img src="http://www.liquidpoker.net/staff/LiquidMeat/buttons/pokerstars_left.gif" align="right" style="margin:5px;">With the year nearing its end, poker players were already anxious to know what kind of updates poker rooms would do in their software and promotions. PokerStars showed why they are the biggest poker room in the world and announced a big upgrade on its VIP program. The upgrade focusses on making it easier for micro stakes players to move forward in the VIP ranks and, why not, make it more attractive for the general player. These changes will be implemented by the beginning of 2010.

One of the coolest improvements is the new VIP stellar Rewards, a program that offers 19 cash bonuses for players as they earn VPP throughout the year. The first bonus, worth of $10, can be acquired once the 750 VPP milestone is reached. There are five more $10 cash bonuses, eight $50 bonuses and five $100 bonuses. If a player manages to claim all 19 bonuses, he/she will have cashed a total of $1,000.

Worth mentioning are the changes in SilverStar VIP and Supernova VIP. The first is now easier to get, as the minimum required was reduced to only 750 VPP. This change should make the task doable to some of the lowest stakes in the game. Supernova VIP is now easier to retain, as the monthly requirement has been lowered by 25%, from 10,000 VPP to 7,500 VPP. Players who are Supernova and above will also be happy to know they have free entry to the new $1,000,000 Quarterly tournaments. These tournaments will replace the old $75,000 weekly tournaments, and users who are Goldstar and Platinumstar can guarantee their seat by playing FPP satellites.
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There are some more important changes in this update, including one which makes the earning of VPP quicker for many players. The complete list of changes can be found on PokerStars website.

If you don't have a PokerStars account, create one now and use STARS600 as deposit code to get a 100% bonus up to $600!

Full Tilt Poker possibly changing cash games structure

As the biggest rival of PokerStars, it's expected that Full Tilt Poker will come out with changes in its VIP program as well. Rumors have been floating around internet boards, and with PokerStars recent move, it's reasonable to think that Full Tilt Poker will respond in great fashion. Apart from the rumors about the VIP program, it's already certain that FTP will update its system, regarding the cash games structure, in the near future.

According to FTPDoug, one of FTP's spokesman on twoplustwo, there are some changes in sight for the cash games structure. Full Tilt Poker wants to avoid the presence of short-stackers in its standard tables. So they will be raising the minimum buy-in on these tables from 20bb to 40bb. Such a change will likely reduce the number of the infamous hit-n-runners in cash games. The cap-game tables will continue allowing players to buy-in for 20bb.

FTPDoug's post also brought a few other features that might appear in the next Full Tilt Poker big update, such as tournament tickets in the FTP Store. He continues the post saying there will be a "2-click exit" and a "Do you want to take this seat?" dialog box for tables.

Make your first deposit at Full Tilt Poker and they'll automatically match your initial deposit with a 100% bonus up to $600!

oh shit

I hope FTP responds in kind on the VIP changes so I don't have to go through the hassle of moving my money. 40bb min ftw

i hope fulltilt changes the riggedness of the games

On December 26 2009 23:54 whamm! wrote: i hope fulltilt changes the riggedness of the games

i like the consistent articles that have been up to date

IF you convert this vip shitz into % rakeback with all the things VIp means, how much do you think it is~~~? It's more than 30%? :O etc

Just because you aren't getting a monthly transfer from your rakeback provider doesn't mean that you aren't getting money back in exchange for paying rake. Pokerstars' VIP program hinges on FPP's. Rakeback is in the form of their VIP store. One of the better values for your FPP's is the $4000 cash bonus for 250,000 FPP's. It comes to 1.6 cents per FPP.

Pokerstars has a very unique program with a top heavy reward system. Players who put in lots of volume will have a much higher rakeback equivalent. Pokerstars keeps track of your volume on a system that resets yearly and counts VPP's (see FPP's vs. VPP's). As you put in volume and move up the VIP ranks (see VIP Ranks), you will be given an FPP multiplier, milestone bonuses, freerolls, and access to cash bonuses with better FPP value.

A table is included below with very approximate rakeback percentages for different VIP Ranks at PokerStars. The first column is VIP Level, the second is the rakeback equivalent for tournaments and short handed cash games, the third is the rakeback equivalent for full ring cash games.

VIP Level SNG/MTT/SH FR
-----------------------------------------------------
Bronze Star* 8.8% 9.6%
Silver Star* 13.2% 14.4%
Gold Star* 17.6% 19.2%
Platinum Star* 22.0% 24.0%
Supernova 37% 41%
SN, 200k VPP 41% 45%
SN, 300k VPP 43% 47%
SN, 400k VPP 44% 48%
SN, 500k VPP 45% 49%
SN, 600k VPP 46% 50%
SN, 700k VPP 47% 51%
SN, 800k VPP 48% 52%
Supernova Elite ~63% ~69%


ue to the Stellar Milestones, rakeback for low volume players may fluctuate greatly. Use this calculator for more accurate numbers. The posted percentages are for FPP value only (no Stellar Milestones have been taken into account).


These were calculated by assuming you would purchase the $4000 cash bonus (250,000 FPP's). Using your FPP's for satellites, gift cards, etc. may give a slightly better value (see Best FPP Value). Buying smaller cash bonuses or items with worse FPP values would decrease these numbers. For Supernova+ rakeback equivalents, it is assumed that you are already a Supernova VIP. The weekly Supernova Freeroll ($75,000) is not included in these numbers. Over 52 weeks and assuming 1800 players, these freerolls are worth slightly more than $2200 and would add 1-5% to the above numbers.

Once you reach 200,000+ VPP's, rakeback equivalent percentages fluctuate depending on how far you get between milestones (see the graph below for a visual representation). Numbers were rounded to the nearest whole percent. See the SNE/VIP Value Calculator for a more detailed analysis.

Thanks man!