SkyBet launches rakeback on its poker site
Sky Poker changes loyalty scheme to offer rakeback to high-value players
eGaming Review operator of the year SkyBet will be introducing rakeback for the first time on its poker site Sky Poker from 1 May.
The UK-focused firm has previously only offered players a ‘cash for points’ reward scheme, and the move comes despite a general industry move away from the rakeback model.
“There is a certain segment of the market that rakeback is attractive to, and this is something we have made more visible within Sky Poker Rewards,” Richard Milner, head of Sky Poker, said.
Sky Poker Rewards will replace the current scheme and will give players earning more than 10,000 points a month (roughly £1,700 in rake) rakeback starting at 20% and rising to 30% for the highest rakers.
Lower volume players will continue on the current scheme where they will receive between 1p and 2p a point for any loyalty points earned on the site.
“What we wanted was something that looked after everybody in a fair and clear way, and we’ve made it easier for lower-stakes players to qualify,” Milner added.
Sky Poker, which is heavily promoted via its own TV channel on the UK’s BskyB satellite TV platform, is aimed primarily at the recreational market in the UK, but it has taken steps to position itself to also cater to the more serious player including a move away from its in-browser software towards a download option.
Sky Poker signed a three-year extension to its deal with software firm Openbet for the supply of its poker software in January.