PokerStars Expected 2017 VIP Changes

Poker media outlets have begun publishing the anticipated PokerStars changes to its VIP program and it appears they will continue to polarize high stakes players, many of whom are fleeing to some of the only remaining pro-friendly online poker sites like Americas Cardroom.

What we already know.

PokerStars sent out the following email to its customers this week:

“Today we began contacting players to provide notice of important planned changes to our VIP Club, notably that our current VIP Club, with rewards centered around monthly and annual statuses, will be replaced sometime in 2017 with a new, combined rewards program for poker, casino and sportsbook.”

Specifics are still being worked out but the speculation is…

*PokerStars shifting to a rewards program focused on recreational players.

*Supernova status changes that won’t favor high stakes players.  In 2017, the rakeback cap for Supernova players will be 28 percent, according to the email PokerStars sent its players.  The loss is approximately 2 percent.

*Supernova will become a monthly tier and will need to be earned on a monthly basis. Instead of players achieving Supernova status over the course of a year.  So no taking a month off. 10,000 VPP’s will be required every month. Previously, players could achieve Supernova status after earning 100,000 VPP’s in a single calendar year.  Many predict that Supernova will be gotten rid of in the coming years.

*StarsCoins will expire for players who have been inactive on all Stars platforms over a 6 month period.

*Monthly VIP status rewards and requirements will remain unchanged.

An announcement of the new rewards program launch date will be made at least two months in advance.

- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com