In the following you learn more about the differences between the programs.
How do you earn points?
In contrast to rakeback programs, where your earnings directly depend on the rake you pay, you get points just for playing. This might be 1 point for each hand you play and are not sitting out.
The main difference is that you get the points for playing - not for betting (poker rooms). Casino loyality programs sometimes depend on the height of your bettings. Often the higher the stakes are that you play, the more points you get. Sometimes you have to call preflop to get a loyality point.
Some poker rooms offer increasing point systems. The more points you have earned during the previous month, the more points you get for each played hand.
A special program that is worth to be mentioned, is the one of Everest Poker. Here you can play poker with your Everest Points in a special area. It is neither a real money nor a play money, as you can use your Everest Points for signing into regular tournaments which other players pay for.
what do you get for your points?
- cashback programs
These programs allow you to convert your earned points into cash money that is funded to your player account. Normally this is not automatic and you have to request for that exchange. It is possible to withdraw this money. There are normally no requirements for cashing out. - qualification for special tournaments
you can play special tournaments if you reach the required minimum number of points. Normally your points for these kind of tournaments are deleted after the tournament took place. There is no carry over to another tournament. - qualification for regular tournaments
your points have value like money. So you can pay the buy-in for regular tournaments with your points and if you are successful you win regular money that you can withdraw. The points themselves cannot be converted into real money. - merchandising articles
change your points into merchandising articles that will be sent to your home. These might be caps, cards, poker tables, poker sets, sweatshirts, poker lecture and so on.