Casino Loyalty Points Explained
Loyalty points (comp points, coins or miles) are credits a casino awards for wagering. You can usually exchange them for bonus money, free spins or items in a shop, and they often also count towards VIP levels. Their value is the conversion rate multiplied by the earning rate, which gives a return as a percentage of turnover. Most programs return well under 1% of turnover.
This page shows how to calculate that return and compare programs. It is part of our bonus guides.
The Two Rates You Need
- Earning rate: points per A$ wagered, for example 1 point per A$32.
- Conversion rate: A$ per point when redeemed, for example 25 points = A$1.60.
Return as % of turnover = (points per A$1 wagered) x (A$ per point) x 100.
Worked Example: CristalPoker
Our CristalPoker review records 1 point per A$32 wagered and 25 points converting to A$1.60 of cashback, up to A$800.
- Points per A$1: 1/32 = 0.03125.
- A$ per point: 1.60 / 25 = A$0.064.
- Return: 0.03125 x 0.064 = 0.002, or 0.2% of turnover.
On A$10,000 of pokie bets you earn 312.5 points, worth A$20. The expected loss on that turnover at 96% RTP is A$400, so the points return 5% of expected losses. That is the same as a 5% cashback with no wagering, assuming the redeemed value is withdrawable or has no wagering attached.
Comparing Programs
Express every program in the same two numbers: return as a % of turnover, and wagering on redeemed value.
| Program feature | What to find out | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Earning rate by game | Points per A$ on pokies, tables, live | Tables and live games often earn at a fraction of the pokie rate |
| Conversion rate | A$ per point, and whether it rises by VIP level | Higher levels may convert at better rates |
| Wagering on redeemed funds | 0x to 40x | At 40x the redeemed value is mostly lost to the house edge |
| Minimum redemption | Points needed for the first exchange | Low-volume players may never reach it |
| Expiry | Points lapse after inactivity | Unused points disappear |
Effect of Game Choice on Points Value
Points are earned per A$ wagered, but the expected loss depends on the game. The same A$10,000 turnover that loses A$400 on a 96% pokie loses about A$270 on European roulette (2.70% edge) and about A$50 on blackjack with basic strategy (about 0.5%). If the program awards the same points on all games, the points are worth more relative to losses on low-edge games. That is why most programs reduce the earning rate on tables and live games. Calculate the return separately for each game type you play.
Points From Bonus Play
If points are awarded on bonus-funded bets, wagering a bonus also earns points. A A$100 bonus at 40x generates A$4,000 of turnover, which at CristalPoker’s rate would earn 125 points, worth A$8. Many casinos exclude bonus bets from earning, so read the loyalty terms before counting on this.
Points Shops and Coins
Some casinos sell bonuses, spins or entries in a shop priced in coins. CrownPlay’s gamified coin shop and MrPunter’s bonus shop work this way, as recorded in our reviews of CrownPlay and MrPunter. To value a shop item:
- Find the coins earned per A$ wagered.
- Find the item’s coin price and its A$ value (for example 50 spins at A$0.20 = A$10 of play).
- Apply the wagering on the item. 50 spins worth A$10 with 40x on winnings return roughly A$9.60 in winnings that then need A$384 of turnover.
Shop items with wagering are worth less than their face value. Cash or no-wagering items keep their full value.
Miles and Rewards Programs
Ignition’s Rewards program uses miles that can be redeemed for cash and bonuses, as noted in our Ignition review. Spin Samurai’s loyalty program has two paths, letting you choose between different reward styles. Wolf Winner runs a five-tier Wolf Pack Points scheme. The same formula applies to all of them; only the names change.
Points vs Cashback vs Rakeback
| Type | Base | Paid when | Typical return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyalty points | Turnover | On redemption | 0.1%–0.5% of turnover |
| Rakeback | Turnover (share of house edge) | Daily or weekly | varies by VIP level |
| Cashback | Net losses | Daily, weekly or monthly | 5%–25% of losses |
The ranges are typical figures across offshore programs, not guarantees. Loyalty points pay on every bet regardless of results; cashback pays only on losing periods. See cashback and crypto bonuses for rakeback.
How Points Interact With Bonuses
- Many casinos do not award points while a bonus is active or on bonus-funded bets.
- Points from wagering a bonus may be removed if the bonus is forfeited.
- Redeemed points may come as a new bonus with its own wagering and max bet.
Practical Tips
- Redeem regularly if points expire after inactivity.
- Do not increase play to reach a redemption threshold; the extra expected loss is around 20 times the extra points value in the CristalPoker example.
- Check whether points count towards VIP status and whether redeeming them lowers your level (it usually does not, but some programs combine the two). See VIP programs.
All current loyalty-related promotions we track are in the bonus archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply points per A$ wagered by the A$ value per point. At CristalPoker the result is 0.2% of turnover, or A$20 per A$10,000 wagered.
Usually at a lower rate than pokies. Check the earning table in the loyalty terms.
Many programs expire points after a period of inactivity. The loyalty terms state the period.
It depends. Some casinos pay cash or cashback without wagering; others credit bonus money with standard wagering.
Not always. Points are the currency you redeem; status is your level, which may be based on the same points or on separate criteria.
Points are earned by gambling and do not offset losses. Play only if you are 18+, and call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 for support.