More Changes - PokerStars Partners

[JohnG]

Just received the email below, looks like they are more than doubling the CPA requirement on all players who haven't qualified by January in our accounts, see below:

Dear Partner,

We have some important news regarding changes to our affiliate program in 2010.

Change to CPA Requirements

As from January 1, 2010, players will need to reach 250 VPPs in order to
qualify to be paid CPA. Due to changes to our VIP program we expect to see
an increase in player activity and thus an increased likelihood of players
reaching 250 VPPs. If you are bringing in quality players, then this should
not affect you. This change will apply to all players that you have signed
up in the past who have not yet been paid for; not just those who sign up
from January 1, 2010. The payout levels will remain the same.


Revenue Share for Russian Players

We will no longer be paying CPA rates for Russian players. From January 1,
2010 we will pay on a revenue share basis for all Russian players at the
following rates:

20% for $0-10,000
25% for $10,001 - $30,000
30% for $30,001+


VIP Program Changes

From January 1, 2010, changes will be introduced to the PokerStars VIP
Program. These are as follows:

• Changes in VPP Earning: New, simplified method for awarding VPPs to
players. This means many players will earn VPPs and FPPs faster, especially
in tournaments and Sit & Gos.

• $1,000,000 Quarterly VIP Freerolls: These will replace the old $75,000
weekly freerolls. Supernovas can enter for free. GoldStars and PlatinumStars
can win seats via FPP satellites.

• SilverStar status at 750 VPPs: This level will be reduced from 1,200 VPPs
to 750 VPPs for 2010.

• Easier to retain Supernova status: The monthly requirement will go down
from 10,000 VPPs to 7,500 VPPs.

• Supernova Milestone bonuses restructure: This will be changed to reward
players for reaching the earlier milestones. Players who reach Supernova in
2010 will get a $200 increase in the 100,000 VPP milestone.

• PokerStars Pro Sit&Gos: Will be available to SilverStar VIPs and above to
play against Team Pros. Seats will be reserved for players from the same
country as the participating Pro.


Stellar Rewards

Along with the changes to our VIP Program, from January 1, 2010 PokerStars
will be introducing Stellar Rewards. The rewards are a series of 19 cash
incentives that are gained by earning VPPs over the calendar year.

There are three different cash amounts:

• $10 – available at (750, 1.5k, 2.25k, 3k, 4k & 5k Yearly VPPs)
• $50 – available at (10k, 15k, 20k, 25k, 30k, 35k, 40k & 45k Yearly VPPs)
• $100 – available at (50k, 60k, 70k, 80k & 90k Yearly VPPs)

A player that reaches 90k Yearly VPPs in 2010 will earn the maximum of
$1,000. This equates to an approximate additional 6% rakeback, on top of our
existing benefits. Players will be able to track how close they are to each
cash credit through the client as the milestones will be integrated into the
PokerStars software. Once a milestone is reached, the cash credits may be
purchased from the VIP Store for 1 FPP each.

While this will inevitably increase player costs, we believe it will
increase player lifespan, and thus increase average player value. The net
result will be a better deal for the players and improved revenue for
PokerStars and their Partners.


PokerStars Team Online

After sifting through 2000 applications, we have finally selected the
inaugural members of Team PokerStars Online. This new branch of Team
PokerStars Pro consists of top online players from around the world. This
means players will find a Team PokerStars Pro presence whatever game they
play, and wherever they’re from. They can all be found using the ‘Team Pro’
button on the main PokerStars lobby.

We thank you for all of your hard work throughout 2009 and look forward to
an ever better 2010. Wishing all the very best for the holiday season.

Kind Regards,
The PokerStarsPartners Team

[Marcelo]

Just got it.

What were the requirements before? i don't remember.

For me, a small affiliate on Stars (2-3 qualified monthly), not a very good change.

[RaymondM]

Before it was 200VPP's.

[Marcelo]

Then it won't be a problem for me, it seems.

Would you try to change to Rev Share if you were in my situation (2-3 convertions/month)?

[happyjack]

Great timing Stars.

[ThePower]

I know - just checked my account and realised they paid me - then got that email

I send approx 50 players a month to Stars, I wonder how this will affect my stats? Sure they're making their VIP program better - but that should be par for the course.

I guess no point crying about it - Stars are like Party used to be - they can rule the roost as they see fit.

[imteaz]

As from January 1, 2010, players will need to reach 250 VPPs in order to
qualify to be paid CPA. Due to changes to our VIP program we expect to see
an increase in player activity and thus an increased likelihood of players
reaching 250 VPPs. If you are bringing in quality players, then this should
not affect you. This change will apply to all players that you have signed
up in the past who have not yet been paid for; not just those who sign up
from January 1, 2010. The payout levels will remain the same.

[kef272]

WTF?

As from January 1, 2010, players will need to reach 250 VPPs in order to qualify to be paid CPA.

This change will apply to all players that you have signed up in the past who have not yet been paid for; not just those who sign up from January 1, 2010.

So this is effective Jan 1, but applies to our Dec commissions?

[MAC]

Stars players are easy to get and that is why they have a ridiculous $75 CPA, why increase the VPPs in a 150% and not the CPA to $100.

[Graham]

I don't know if you will even notice a difference. It really depends on what exactly the changes are in this sentence:

Changes in VPP Earning: New, simplified method for awarding VPPs to
players. This means many players will earn VPPs and FPPs faster, especially
in tournaments and Sit & Gos.