Sportsbook VIP and Loyalty Programs

Two weeks ago, I shared our vision for the future of this newsletter and got some great input from readers.

One reader wanted to know how to qualify for VIP status with a sportsbook, which inspired this week’s topic.

Today, I’ll zoom out and share how I think about VIP and loyalty programs when deciding where to bet — including a comparison of the most common retail sportsbooks available to readers.

As always, we’ll close with our bets of the week, focused on the final stretch of the NBA season.

Let’s get after it.

The Dangerous Allure of VIP & Loyalty

VIP programs and loyalty programs are sportsbooks’ way of incentivizing bettors to do three things:

• Bet larger sums

• Bet more frequently

• Concentrate their action on a single book

These programs exist to make the books more money by extracting more losses from their bettors.

But the incentives they create are often at odds with the advice I give here about betting skillfully (and winning!!).

For example, concentrating your action on one book means taking prices that aren't best in market.

Betting parlays, which are often valued more highly in loyalty programs, increase the house edge you’ll need to overcome.

So my overarching advice, before digging in, is:

With that said, let’s deep dive on VIP and loyalty programs, in that order.

VIP Programs: Vegas Hosts for the Digital Age

VIP programs are the sportsbook equivalent of being “comped” by a Vegas casino host.

These programs are exclusively for “high-value bettors” (large bettors who are not winners) and typically require:

• $50,000+ per month in “handle” (total dollars bet), and/or

• Five-figure net losses over a 3-6 month period

If you’re hitting that level of volume, here’s what you might get:

• Custom profit boosts or reload offers (deposit bonuses)

• Dedicated VIP host or account manager who will text/email them and keep them happy

• Faster/easier deposits and withdrawals

• Tickets to live events (games, concerts, etc.)

• Invitations to exclusive experiences (Vegas weekends, golf outings)

If you believe your betting activity could entitle you to VIP status but the book hasn’t reached out, here’s how to proactively get on their radar:

How to Request VIP Consideration

• DraftKings: Contact support via live chat and ask to be considered for Dynasty VIP.

• BetMGM: Email [email protected] directly with your inquiry.

• Fanatics Sportsbook: Use in-app support; ask to be reviewed for VIP or high-volume perks.

• Caesars: Call 1-800-CAESARS or visit a retail Caesars Rewards desk.

What to say:

That last line matters — books are far more likely to escalate you if you hint at consolidating action in exchange for perks. I’d name drop competitors who are getting a lot of your action to further push the FOMO!

Loyalty Programs: Formulaic Perks for Every Bettor

Loyalty programs are more structured than VIP — think airline status or hotel points. They’re open to everyone and reward volume, frequency, and certain bet types more than others.

Here’s a breakdown of current offerings from the major books (as of May 2025):

Unique Advantages by Book

• DraftKings: Best for users who grind volume and can redeem Crowns for DFS entries or DK Dollars. A good program for those focused on sports betting alone.

• Fanatics: Only program that lets you turn betting rewards into jerseys and team gear.

• Caesars & MGM: If you hit Vegas or Atlantic City (or other gaming locations), your sports bets translate into real-world comps, like free food or discounted hotel rooms.

• Circa/Exchange Books (e.g. Prophet, Kalshi): No loyalty program — but you’re rewarded with better prices.

In my experience, none of these programs offer perks large enough to change my day-to-day betting behavior — line shopping ruthlessly creates much more value.

The one time I might alter my behavior is in December if I were close to reaching a new status tier for the entire ensuing calendar year. Books will show you your pacing with a visual like this one from DraftKings:

On the margins, it might be worth shifting your late-December action toward one book — if you’re close to hitting the next tier for the full year ahead.

Bet of the Week $$

Last week we went 0-1 and lost 1 unit. We were one game too early on the Timberwolves bounceback, as they did not cover the 8-point spread in Game 2, despite posting a record setting win in Game 3.

Even so, since starting the newsletter, bets given out in this section are ahead 16.05 units, at a positive 20% ROI. We’ll update this regularly.

Based on my research, I am making the following bets this week:

• Indiana Pacers +4.5 @-110 on Bally Bet for 1 unit

The Pacers are quietly 6–1 on the road this postseason as their high-octane offense and depth have traveled exceptionally well, especially against a Knicks team that’s just 3–5 at home in these playoffs.

Add in that Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable with a knee contusion, and may be limited if he plays, and I like the Pacers to stay close if not win the game (and series) outright.

Please fill out the survey about today’s newsletter and let me know your thoughts!