A few players are affected by some further changes; after 5,000,000 VPP generated (about $870,000 rake) a player automatically gets a Tag Heuer watch engraved with his name and after 10 million VPP, they are awarded with a customized experience. The player will also be provided with a cell phone number to call senior PokerStars staff for urgent issues. There is currently one player in this Hall of Fame bracket: Team Online member George Lind, who earned his 10 millionth VPP in September of 2012.
Our original analysis of the VIP Club from 2010:
General info on rakeback
Poker rooms usually follow two different strategies when it comes to rakeback. These two systems that poker rooms offer are either rakeback or a VIP system. A majority of the poker rooms tend to offer a rakeback system. This is an easy to see through system allowing players to know exactly how much rakeback (within a percentage) they will receive. This amount is not dependent on how much rake a player generates – for example, Full Tilt Poker offers 27% rakeback. On the other hand, other poker rooms offer VIP systems. These systems are usually harder to understand and to calculate exactly how much you get back. The VIP system is structured in a way to urge players to play more, in order to acquire points and rewards faster. PokerStars, Everest Poker, Betsson and Party Poker are just a few examples of poker rooms using the VIP system.
Basic breakdown of the PokerStars system
Point Calculation
• VPP point = VIP Player Point (standard score unit, not valid for PokerStars store purchases)
• FPP point = Frequent Player Point (valid for purchases, the more you play, the more you earn)
There is a strong relationship between VPP and FPP points. VPP points only depend on the amount of rake you generate, while FPP points also depend on your VIP level. A summarized overview on the exchange rate of VPP and FPP points is listed below.
VIP levels
Monthly structured levels:
• BronzeStar (base level)
• SilverStar (750 VPP required – 1 VPP = 1.5 FPP)
• GoldStar (3000 VPP required – 1 VPP = 2 FPP)
• PlatinumStar (7500 VPP required – 1 VPP = 2.5 FPP)
Yearly structured levels:
• Supernova (100,000 VPP required – 1 VPP = 3.5 FPP)
• Supernova Elite (1,000,000 VPP required – 1 VPP = 5 FPP)
Once a player has acquired the amount of VPP points necessary for the next level, he is immediately eligible for benefits of that level. For example, if a player had been at a Silver level and made the required VPP points, the player would immediatly start receiving the GoldStar rewards; and start on GoldStar the next month. If a player reaches a yearly structured level (Supernova or Supernova Elite), they are entitled to receive the benefits until February of the following year as a minimum. This status is retainable for a longer period of time if the player meets the monthly VPP requirements of the appropriate level. (For more details, please visit the PokerStars website.)
Depending on the game played (MTT, SNG, Cash Game, Heads Up, and so on), PokerStars reimburses its players with VPPs in different ways. At different levels players receive new freeroll entries on a regular (weekly or monthly) basis. They can also obtain presents and bonuses exchangeable for cash. When reaching Supernova Elite status, players open the door for tickets to bigger tournaments i.e EPT, in company with Milestone cash bonuses.
(Further details in our summaries here and here.)
VIP Club Reward Cash Bonus (Stellar Rewards)
Within the changes made in 2010 on PokerStars, the VIP Stellar Rewards program was born. This is a yearly structured reward program for the ‘smaller fish’ to gradually obtain a variety of different cash rewards for their gameplay. For further details on this offer please click here.
VPP Calculation
PokerStars calculates VPPs according to a basic dealt method. Every player being dealt cards receives VPPs.
VPP calculation at cash game tables with 7 seats or less:
$1 rake = 5.5 VPP points (fractional points also available)
€1 rake = 8 VPP points (fractional points also available)
VPP calculation at cash game tables with 8 seats or more:
$1 rake = 6 VPP points (fractional points also available)
€1 rake = 8.5 VPP points (fractional points also available)
VPP calculation at tournaments:
$1 rake = 5.5 VPP points (fractional points also available)
€1 rake = 8 VPP points (fractional points also available)
Rakeback calculation method
When converting the PokerStars VIP points to rakeback, the first step to take is to change the FPP points into dollars. During this exchange we follow the guidelines stated on many international forums:
• FPP point dollar value for cash game players (Platinum Star and below): $0.015
• FPP point dollar value for cash game players (Supernova and Supernova Elite): $0.016
• FPP point dollar value for tournament players: $0.016
When converting FPPs to cash, presents or tournament entries you must keep in mind the freeroll entries as well. The value of the freerolls has been included in our calculations by raising the dollar value of the FPP by $0.001. (For example, in the case of cash game players at Platinum Star or below, we have changed this value from $0.015 to $0.016). It is important to note that for the players that actually take part in these freerolls, this value can mean a lot more than $0,001.
We also need to include in our calculations the new cash reward system (introduced in 2010 by PokerStars), the Stellar Reward Program. When calculating rakeback we counted the cash offered as ’rakeback dollars’ available for acquisition (the rakeback equivalent changes, but is around 6%).
Once a player reaches Supernova status, 50,000 FPPs are equivalent to cash rewards ranging between $1,000 to $5,000. These rewards have been taken into consideration within our calculations (the FPP points converted have also been deducted). As a player progresses from Supernova to Supernova Elite, the player’s rakeback equivalent grows simultaneously, through increasing cash bonuses. When reaching Supernova Elite, we presume that the player will choose the two biggest reward packages available, with a grand total value of $38,300.
To sum it up, the conversion to rakeback equivalent consists of the following:
Rakeback equivalent = dollar value of FPPs + Freeroll value + Stellar Rewards Cash + Supernova Milestone Bonuses + Supernova Elite Live Packages + Supernova Elite Milestone Bonuses
Rakeback equivalent for 6-max Cash Game, Sit-and-Go and Tournament players
*at Bronze Star- Platinum Star levels 1FPP = $0.016
at Supernova – Supernova Elite levels 1FF = $0.017
The table also includes the amount of Stellar Rewards
Rakeback equivalent for Full Ring Cash Game players
*at Bronze Star- Platinum Star levels 1FPP = $0.016
at Supernova – Supernova Elite levels 1FF = $0.017
The table also includes the amount of Stellar Rewards
The equivalent of rakeback starting from zero
In the case of the tables above we have taken into consideration how much value (equivalent to rakeback) a player receives at a given level. In the graphs below we have provided an overview on how the rakeback equivalent can be calculated if a player starts from scratch ($0) and achieves a given number of VPPs. The horizontal axis of the graph below (illustrating Short Handed gameplay) demonstrates how a player with 10,000 VPPs has achieved 25% rakeback so far.
The graph below supposes a calendar-based yearly reimbursement and that the player is gradually progressing. When a player shows no progression (remains within his level month to month), the table above is a more clear indication of what the player will receive as a rakeback equivalent.
Graph for Short Handed, SNG and MTT players:
Click on image to enlarge
Graph for Full Ring players:
Click on image to enlarge
Conclusion:
The PokerStars VIP point system offers a great opportunity for the average player to easliy achieve the 27% flat rakeback (offered by Full Tilt Poker) at the GoldStar status and 33% with PlatinumStar status (equivalent with Cake Poker’s rakeback). A huge percentage of players are within this zone, which illustrates how PokerStars is targeting offers of its competitors. For the biggest poker grinders the Supernova and Supernova Elite provide a much greater value back. This, however, is not an easy task, because in order to achive Supernova status a player has to generate an yearly total of $18,000 in rake. With Supernova Elite status being achieved, a player must generate a whopping $182,000 yearly rake. In conclusion, PokerStars is an all-over great opportunity for players of all levels, offering the biggest grinders better deals than just a rakeback equivalent (not to mention its doors are open for US players).
