Loyalty and rewards programs have become a major battleground between land-based casinos or online sports betting sites in 2025. With increasing competition for gambling dollars, both industries are investing heavily in customer loyalty initiatives to retain existing players and attract new ones. But which offers better perks and long-term value – casino loyalty clubs or online sportsbook rewards programs?
How Casino Loyalty Programs Work
Casino loyalty programs have existed for decades, allowing players on such platforms as Dream Jackpot Casino to earn points based on factors like:
- Time spent playing slots or table games
- Amount of money wagered
- Room nights booked at on-site hotels
- Money spent on food, drinks, entertainment, etc
As players accumulate points, they can unlock various casino perks and privileges. Common tiers in loyalty programs include:
- Entry-level – Free drinks, discounted hotel rooms, free parking
- Mid-tier – Priority lines, free show tickets, birthday free play
- Elite – Luxury gifts and limo service, exclusive events/tournaments
One advantage of casino loyalty schemes is that they span both online and land-based gambling. Players can accumulate points whether they play online slots, bet at a sportsbook kiosk or sit at a blackjack table.
Online Sportsbook Rewards Programs in 2025
Meanwhile, online sports betting sites have beefed up their loyalty initiatives dramatically since launching in the US in 2018. Top sportsbooks now offer programs that give points and credits for:
- Making real-money wagers
- Playing daily fantasy sports
- Referring friends who sign up
- Completing promotional missions
Typical rewards unlocked by sports bettors include:
- Site credit bonuses
- Free bets
- Bet boosts & odds boosts
- Entry into contests/tournaments
- Branded merchandise
- Tickets to sports events
A key difference versus casino programs is that online sportsbooks focus purely on sports betting behaviors rather than ancillary spend. But some sports gambling operators now offer tiered levels with additional perks based on total money wagered per year.
| Type of Loyalty Program | Common Reward Types | Average Reward Value | Top-Tier Requirements |
| Casino | Free play credits, gifts, trips, tickets, discounts | 1-2% of tracked play/spend | $25K+ Tracked annual casino play |
| Online Sportsbook | Free bets, boosts, contests, merch, tickets | 5-10% of tracked wagers | $50K+ in lifetime bets |
As shown above, online sportsbooks offer much higher reward values compared to casino loyalty schemes. But their top loyalty tiers also require more lifetime sports betting volume.
Which Provides More Long-Term Value?
For serious bettors who wager tens of thousands per year, online sportsbook rewards clearly provide superior value. A sports bettor who bets $100K+ annually can expect around $5K to $10K in free bets and perks.
However, more casual gamblers may find better loyalty benefits at land-based casinos. A player who only spends a few weekend nights per year gambling and seeing shows can still unlock free hotel stays, discounts and other perks.
Hybrid loyalty programs could emerge as the best option going forward. Caesars Entertainment now lets customers earn rewards points for both casino and online sports betting play that apply across both products. A unified program allows players to unlock the best perks of both worlds.
The battle for gambling customer loyalty will rage on as casinos and sportsbooks keep seeking new ways to differentiate their offerings. But for now, online sportsbooks appear to offer superior loyalty rewards for serious bettors. The power of free bets and betting boosts simply outweighs the value of casino comps for VIP players who wager the most each year.
Emergence of Lifestyle Rewards
In 2025 both casinos or online sportsbooks have moved beyond just gambling-related rewards in their loyalty programs. They now cater to customers with lifestyle perks and experiences to drive deeper brand attachment.
For example, Caesars Entertainment offers elite members access to exclusive dining experiences, parties and entertainment events at its properties. These limited-access occasions go beyond free hotel stays or discounts to create FOMO and buzz.
Meanwhile, top-tier members in DraftKings’ sportsbook rewards program get opportunities like:
- All-expenses paid trips to marquee sporting events like the Super Bowl, Final Four and The Masters
- Sideline passes to meet professional athletes and get VIP treatment at games
- Roundtrip chartered flights and 5-star accommodations for on-site sports betting
These aspirational perks have become crucial for customer acquisition and retention. Gamblers crave status and experiences that money alone can’t buy.
