Loyalty schemes have evolved into a central feature of contemporary consumer culture, with both retail stores and internet casinos racing each other to deliver the most attractive extras. Whether you are a regular shopper or a regular player, reward schemes promise cashback, exclusive deals and more to keep you hooked. But which is more valuable—the retail reward schemes or those from casinos?
The answer is a matter of what you are seeking as well as the design of these schemes. This article will examine the distinguishing features, strengths and limitations of both retail as well as casino reward schemes to guide you in making a suitable choice.
How Casino Loyalty Programs Work
Online casinos like JackpotCity have also implemented extensive loyalty programs that will have you returning again and again. Such programs are usually tiered, with you earning points on each wager placed. The more points you collect, the more you can collect free spins and cashback on money spent, as well as exclusive offers. The more you play, the more you can collect in terms of VIP client attention, quicker payouts and invitations to VIP events. The more you play, the more you can collect in terms of prizes in the real world as well, with some casinos giving away hotel stays, event tickets and high-end trips.
Understanding Retail Rewards Programs
Retail loyalty plans are not all the same. The majority are point-based plans that reward customers with points on a per-dollar basis spent. The points can be cashed in as a discount, free item or promotional item. Some plans, from big grocery chains or department store loyalty plans, also award customers with targeted coupons as well as advanced notice on sales.
Similar to retail plans, retail loyalty plans reward consumer spending. They do not, though, feature tiered advancement as in a loyalty plan from a casino. Retail rewards also have a time limit on them, meaning that customers have a deadline in which to cash in before forfeiting accumulated points.
Earning Potential
When it comes to earning power, loyalty schemes at casinos tend to pay out more attractive prizes for regular users. Because casinos earn money from betting as opposed to product sales, they can pay out more in terms of prizes. A player at JackpotCity can earn points quickly by betting, whereas a consumer in a retail establishment can take a couple of hundred dollars to achieve noticeable dividends.
Although both models involve regular activity to achieve dividends, loyalty schemes at casinos tend to pay out more in a shorter space. Because of that, loyalty schemes at casinos are especially attractive to high-frequency users wishing to achieve dividends in a short space.
Flexibility in Rewards
Another key difference is flexibility. Rewards in retail are generally tied to a single store or a single brand, which means you can redeem points in that company’s network. Rewards in casinos are more likely to let you spend points on a range of benefits, from free bets to cashback as well as travel rewards.
Some casinos also allow you to cash out points, making them more universal than retail loyalty schemes, which tend to give you a pre-specified discount or store vouchers. Many casinos also have deals with high-end brands as well as travel companies, which means that you can spend points on experiences that are not necessarily linked with gambling.
Benefits Over And Above The Points
Each type of program extends far beyond just points. Brick-and-mortar retailing doles out exclusive discounting, birthday gifts and pre-notification on sales. But web casinos are more likely to dole out much more desirable extras, such as customized bonuses, high-stakes tourneys and high-end holiday prizes.
Take JackpotCity as a case in point. VIP players can be treated with extras that can range from invitations to live-casino events to expedited customer service. Casino loyalty plans also tend to feature promotional bonuses that increase in scale as gamers progress in rank, paying out more generously over time as a reward.
Accessibility and Ease of Use
Retail loyalty schemes are straightforward in concept—customers join free and earn points on purchases. Internet casino schemes have straightforward join-ups, although some VIP schemes are invitation-based, with ongoing play required to be invited. That is not to imply that casino rewards are not straightforward to redeem. Numerous retail schemes have points that expire, as do restrictions on their use. In casinos, points are valid as long as you keep on playing. Instant redemptions of points are also offered by some casinos, meaning that you can win prizes with no waiting.
Consumer Behavior and Psychological Appeals
Another key feature of loyalty schemes is that they are psychologically appealing. Store loyalty schemes address repeat buying with sales inducements in terms of discounting and exclusivity. In casinos, loyalty schemes address excitement at play as well as progression through points towards reward thresholds to attract ongoing play. The gamification in loyalty schemes in casinos is particularly effective in terms of player loyalty because it gives a sense of accomplishment with each level attained. In addition, casino gamers are more likely to be treated with individually tailored inducements about play patterns, making them more loyal.
