Absolute launches some kind of VIP program

[gasoltub]

Dear xxxxxx

We will be launching a new VIP program on April 11th. For details on the program, you can visit www.absolutepoker.com/vip. (http://www.absolutepoker.com/vip.) In order to recognize our current and future VIPs, we have created a new point structure called VIP Status Points. As the name suggests, we are going to use these points to track the VIP status of our players. On April 11th you will see in our cashier window three new entries; VIP Status, Total VIP Status Points and This Months VIP Points. You will notice that you already have accumulated xxxx VIP Status Points. We took your total earned Rewards Points and multiplied that number by 50% or 0.5. Then we used this number or 5,000 whichever is lower as your starting balance of VIP Status Points. To become a VIP, you need to earn 5,000 Total VIP Status Points over the lifetime of your account. You will be able to earn VIP Status Points by playing real money ring games and tournaments. The requirements for earning VIP Status Points are as follows:

• 1 Point for every hand played in a REAL money ring game that has
collected at least the minimum rake ($0.50).
• 4 Points for every dollar in tournament buy-in Fee. Please note that
the tournament fee is now collected as a 9% of the total of the prize
pool and that VIP Status Points will be based on the fee collected
rounded up to the closest whole number. For example a $10 tourney will
generate $0.90 in fees, and will earn 4 points.


Thank you for playing at Absolute Poker and good luck at the tables!

[tagtastic]

multi-tabling micro-stakes players = huge points.

nose-bleed-stakes single tabling huge rake payers = far less points.

[MrMon]

Looks very similar to Stars. Haven't seen the VIP section of the store yet. Hope they have something better than the old store.

[2+2 wannabe]

[ QUOTE ]
Looks very similar to Stars. Haven't seen the VIP section of the store yet. Hope they have something better than the old store.

[/ QUOTE ]

OMG MARK SEIF BOBBLEHEADS YAY

(nothing new yet)

[mosquito]

[ QUOTE ]
multi-tabling micro-stakes players = huge points.

nose-bleed-stakes single tabling huge rake payers = far less points.

[/ QUOTE ]

Subject to .50 minimum rake/point. They start 'old timers' with a max of 5000 of the new points. I'm up to 5041. Gee-Haw!

Setup looks like Stars Lite. Very similar setup.

[Barrin6]

Everything about Absolute looks like STars. Were they both on the same network at some point?

[Webster]

Why would anyone ever want to make a home on the most raked site on the net!

There are SO many better places to play!

[DonkeyKongThe3rd]

Do they really have the worst rake structure? It seems to be the same to a lot of other places I play (5 cents out of every dollar in the pot up to 3 dollars) What about party? I think they take 50 cents out of the first 5 dollars that go into the pot. (but nothing if it doesn't)

Still wishing AP didn't change their raked hand definition from min $0.25 rake, that would make it more worth it to play there.

[MaxSquat]

[ QUOTE ]


Still wishing AP didn't change their raked hand definition from min $0.25 rake, that would make it more worth it to play there.

[/ QUOTE ]

DAMN RIGHT

[WLVRYN]

[ QUOTE ]
Why would anyone ever want to make a home on the most raked site on the net!

There are SO many better places to play!

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Pokerroom takes the cake for most raked place to play. Also, with the unmentionable and the fact that bonuses arent subtracted from MGR, Absolute isnt the highest rake out there.

[ImsaKidd]

Damn, this is AWESOME.

I play 1/2, so the ABS rake structure is the same as stars and better than party, BUT I get unmentionable as well as bonuses. Adding all these points in will be quite nice.

Any guesses on what will be in the VIP store? Ipods??

At least I won't have to keep buying the books and returning them to B&N for store credit.....

[joop]

Anyone think they'll stop their regular reload bonuses because of this...?

[MrMon]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Why would anyone ever want to make a home on the most raked site on the net!

There are SO many better places to play!

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Pokerroom takes the cake for most raked place to play. Also, with the unmentionable and the fact that bonuses arent subtracted from MGR, Absolute isnt the highest rake out there.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is correct. I also think there's one other room that's higher, Pacific maybe because they go to $4?

Depending on what's in the store, this may prove worthwhile. I noticed in the fine print that items in the store will have different prices based on your VIP level. That's interesting!

[mosquito]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone think they'll stop their regular reload bonuses because of this...?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not in the foreseeable future. Nothing is certain in the long run.

[Uglyowl]

I have 35,000+ points, I guess I gotta do something and fast?

[celiboy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Anyone think they'll stop their regular reload bonuses because of this...?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not in the foreseeable future. Nothing is certain in the long run.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have no idea how Absolute is turning any kind of profit. Most everyone there has rakeback, so right off the top they are losing 30% on their income stream...then on top of that they are giving away an essentially unlimited bonus which surely negates any remaining rake after rakeback.

[Hobo McCracken]

VIP Store is up....


--------------------------
Tourney Buy-In - $16K Guaranteed

Use your rewards points to enter the $16K Guaranteed tournament. This is really a 'players' tournament - featuring some of the best competition out there. Winning here is certainly bragging rights! Join the next event. They go off every Tuesday at 22:00 ET. Contact your VIP host to cash in your points and get you on the list! Please note this buy-in is not transferable. It is only good for the VIP player who purchases it. You must request your entry 48 hours in advance to secure your seat. Contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
4,000 RP's

*Please note this is a FREE reward when you first make the Platinum level.

*Please also note that Elite members play one per month free.
-----------------------
500 Pc 11.5g Clay composite chips with Aluminum Case

You will love this HEAVYWEIGHT casino quality composite chipset. Every player needs their own chips. The chips are 11.5 grams and the set includes two decks of Absolute Poker playing cards, an Absolute Poker Dealer Button, and 5 dice in a durable aluminum case. Contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
12,500 RP's

*Please note that this is a FREE reward for reaching Elite Status. All Elite members are eligible for one reward.
----------------------------
Tourney Buy-In- $100K Guaranteed

Use your rewards points to enter our $100K Guaranteed tournament. This is our largest tournament! Join the next event every other Saturday at 16:30 ET. Contact your VIP host to cash in your points and get you on the list! Please note this buy-in is not transferable. It is only good for the VIP player who purchases it. Contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
20,000 RP's

*Please note that Elite members play one per month free.
-------------------------
60 GB Video iPod

Get the flagship iPod you've been thinking about. Stores over 15,000 songs. 25,000 photos. 150 hours of video. Available for PC and MAC and also includes free laser engraving so you can personalize it. Do you really need a more detailed description than that? Available in Black and White. Contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
45,000 RP’s
-------------------------
Private 9 Player Tournament with Back-to-Back WSOP Champion Mark Seif

Be one of the first 8 people to use your reward points to take on Mark Seif for a shot at his money - $4,000 total prize pool! Play as aggressive as Mark does if you want the cash and bragging rights! 1st place pays $1000, 2nd place pays $750, 3rd place pays $500, 4th place pays $350, 5th place pays $300, 6th place pays $250, 7th place pays $200, 8th place pays $100, 9th place pays $50. And, be the player to knock out Mark and win an additional bounty prize of $500! Tournament dates and times will be announced to participants after the first 8 VIPs have requested this reward. Contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
50,000 RP's
--------------------------
Dell XPS M140 Lap Top

The ultimate in mobile entertainment. The XPS M140 combines performance with mobile technology. With a 14.1" widescreen display with a light and compact design to deliver you power and mobility that is unmatched. Please note that this is the base model and that we can not facilitate upgrades. Contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
85,000 RP's
-----------------------------
Custom Poker Table

You can be the 'host with the most' at your next home game with this exclusive 9 person table. Finished in oak with green velveteen, this is the ultimate table for the poker enthusiast. Features 9 cup holders and in-table chip tray. Contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
100,000 RP's

*Please note that this product is only available to Platinum and Elite members. This product may be substituted for a table of equal or greater quality.
---------------------------------
Trip for 2 to Costa Rica

As a reward to yourself, get away to fabulous Costa Rica for 5 days. Your package will include airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, transportation from airport and taxes. For more information, and assistance personalizing a trip to cater to your needs, contact your VIP host for fulfillment today!

Pricing
VIP: 400,000 RP's
--------------------------

[ImsaKidd]

Anyone done the calcs on the best value/point?

[Barrin6]

They should add some dell monitors. That would be freaking sweet.

[MarkSummers]

Am I correct to assume that ARP points don't expire because of this?

[x2ski]

[ QUOTE ]
Am I correct to assume that ARP points don't expire because of this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Doesn't look like it... It seems as though ARP points and VIP status points are kept separate.

They still need to add some more dank stuff to the store though.

[Siegmund]

It's not so much a new VIP program -- as a means to remove the VIP status from those who got into the existing VIP program but weren't still playing there a lot (like me - har)... the old one was 25000 ARPs to get in for life... new one is 5000 to get in, but 1000 per month to stay. Oh well. Not like I am missing out on THAT much.

[mosquito]

[ QUOTE ]
new one is 5000 to get in, but 1000 per month to stay. Oh well. Not like I am missing out on THAT much.

[/ QUOTE ]

Uhh.... 1000 points is earning 100.00 in bonus. Not THAT hard.......

[dutchgrl]

Man this is sweet. I can get both the laptop and the ipod and still have plenty of points!!! GO ABSOLUTE!!

[Isura]

I haven't played at absolute. Does anyone have numbers for how fast you can get points playing say 4 tables of NL .5/1?

[ImsaKidd]

[ QUOTE ]
I haven't played at absolute. Does anyone have numbers for how fast you can get points playing say 4 tables of NL .5/1?

[/ QUOTE ]

I play 1/2 SH, so I'm guessing .5/1 NL will be higher than my #'s.

IIRC, I earned about 38 VIP points (the same as ones that count towards bonus clearing), and 70 ARPs per 100 hands.

[Losing all]

[ QUOTE ]
I haven't played at absolute. Does anyone have numbers for how fast you can get points playing say 4 tables of NL .5/1?

[/ QUOTE ]

I get around 20 per table hour at 100nl. 4 tables could be a problem as there's only 1 or 2 running much of the time. If you don't mind mixing in some nl50 you're set.

[Hobo McCracken]

[ QUOTE ]
I haven't played at absolute. Does anyone have numbers for how fast you can get points playing say 4 tables of NL .5/1?

[/ QUOTE ]

The ARP points clear at the same rate as the bonus points, wich I've found to clear at almost exactly 30pts/100 hands at $100NL (6 max). (Meaning that about %30 of hands you are dealt in reach the minimum rake requirement)

[Barrin6]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I haven't played at absolute. Does anyone have numbers for how fast you can get points playing say 4 tables of NL .5/1?

[/ QUOTE ]

I play 1/2 SH, so I'm guessing .5/1 NL will be higher than my #'s.

IIRC, I earned about 38 VIP points (the same as ones that count towards bonus clearing), and 70 ARPs per 100 hands.

[/ QUOTE ]

Clearing rates for ARPs and VIP should be the same. It's only different when you go up VIP levels. They both recieve one point when it's raked at .50 cents right?

[Hobo McCracken]

[ QUOTE ]
4 tables could be a problem as there's only 1 or 2 running much of the time.

[/ QUOTE ]
Are you referring to FR or 6 max?

[ImsaKidd]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I haven't played at absolute. Does anyone have numbers for how fast you can get points playing say 4 tables of NL .5/1?

[/ QUOTE ]

I play 1/2 SH, so I'm guessing .5/1 NL will be higher than my #'s.

IIRC, I earned about 38 VIP points (the same as ones that count towards bonus clearing), and 70 ARPs per 100 hands.

[/ QUOTE ]

Clearing rates for ARPs and VIP should be the same. It's only different when you go up VIP levels. They both recieve one point when it's raked at .50 cents right?

[/ QUOTE ]

Here is my understanding:
ARP: used to buy stuff in store; 1 awarded when rake reaches $.25 ($5 pot)

VIP status point: Used to determine VIP level, 1 awarded when pot reaches $10 ($.50 rake)

Bonus point: Used to clear deposit bonuses, 1 awarded at $10 pot.

I'm 95% sure this is correct.

[Barrin6]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I haven't played at absolute. Does anyone have numbers for how fast you can get points playing say 4 tables of NL .5/1?

[/ QUOTE ]

I play 1/2 SH, so I'm guessing .5/1 NL will be higher than my #'s.

IIRC, I earned about 38 VIP points (the same as ones that count towards bonus clearing), and 70 ARPs per 100 hands.

[/ QUOTE ]

Clearing rates for ARPs and VIP should be the same. It's only different when you go up VIP levels. They both recieve one point when it's raked at .50 cents right?

[/ QUOTE ]

Here is my understanding:
ARP: used to buy stuff in store; 1 awarded when rake reaches $.25 ($5 pot)

VIP status point: Used to determine VIP level, 1 awarded when pot reaches $10 ($.50 rake)

Bonus point: Used to clear deposit bonuses, 1 awarded at $10 pot.

I'm 95% sure this is correct.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh ok then. I thought bonus points and ARP's cleared at the same rate.

[1p0kerboy]

First, OP can you edit your post and fix the link such that the period is not on the end?

Second, this seems to be a decent program for those that are bonus whoring and collecting rakeback there.

Kind of sucks for tournament players. Stars VIP program is more catered for the SNG/tourney guys or gals.

Having said that, other than double FPPs what the heck does a VIP Platinum get? Let's go over the list:

Receive special reload bonuses throughout the month. What is this? Does this mean that they are doing away the standard reload bonuses? If that is the case, who are you going to play against once nobody plays there because the reloads are gone? Are the clearance requirements going to be the same?

Access to the VIP store. I actually like some of the tournaments they have in there. But, this is nothing that a standard VIP can't get...right?

Weekly freerolls and monthly platinum freeroll. What are the values of these tournaments going to be? When will they be run?

Special VIP Player parties...sounds kinda cool actually but will likely not be the Bodog red carpet parties with an open bar.

I guess there are still a lot of questions yet to be answered but it's not looking too juicy yet.

[livinitup0]

I give it 90 days before bonii is taken from MGR.....I gaurantee it. Think about it....

Their affiliate system has been having major problems for over a year....they are just going to scrap it, and try to sell us on this as an alternative.

(PS....I highly doubt you will be able to use your existing points for this new swag.)

Just watch...AP has never disapointed me with their incompetence...Seriously Fred Roman is a registered user here....but yet he cant come on here to answer questions??? Wouldnt this be the best time for him to do this????

I bet you his boss Gian(pronounced Jan, if you'd like to call and talk to him) fired him for being lazy (he certainly was with me) and decided this was good of a time as any to just scrap the whole RB thing in general.

...god Id be afraid to take that Costa Rica trip. AP being in charge and responsible for all my travel affairs while in another country??? NO THANKS!!!

[ImsaKidd]

[ QUOTE ]
I give it 90 days before bonii is taken from MGR.....I gaurantee it. Think about it....

Their affiliate system has been having major problems for over a year....they are just going to scrap it, and try to sell us on this as an alternative.

(PS....I highly doubt you will be able to use your existing points for this new swag.)

Just watch...AP has never disapointed me with their incompetence...Seriously Fred Roman is a registered user here....but yet he cant come on here to answer questions??? Wouldnt this be the best time for him to do this????

I bet you his boss Gian(pronounced Jan, if you'd like to call and talk to him) fired him for being lazy (he certainly was with me) and decided this was good of a time as any to just scrap the whole RB thing in general.

...god Id be afraid to take that Costa Rica trip. AP being in charge and responsible for all my travel affairs while in another country??? NO THANKS!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope you're wrong, but I have my doubts too.

Having Bonuses come out of MGR would probably make me change sites.

[1p0kerboy]

Can you please tell us about your experiences with Absolute? I have a feeling this is a rakeback issue?

[Barrin6]

Experience is freaking great. I don't even know how Absolute themselves are still in business after giving away so much bonii and rakeback. I'm beating thier rake with bonuses and rakeback. Now with the VIP program I don't feel safe. I hope they don't deduct bonuses from MGR.

[ImsaKidd]

[ QUOTE ]
Can you please tell us about your experiences with Absolute? I have a feeling this is a rakeback issue?

[/ QUOTE ]

They only update the trackers like every 3 days. The email support is bad as well.

[Barrin6]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Can you please tell us about your experiences with Absolute? I have a feeling this is a rakeback issue?

[/ QUOTE ]

They only update the trackers like every 3 days. The email support is bad as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

My affialite updates them everyday.

[livinitup0]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Can you please tell us about your experiences with Absolute? I have a feeling this is a rakeback issue?

[/ QUOTE ]

They only update the trackers like every 3 days. The email support is bad as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

My affialite updates them everyday.

[/ QUOTE ]

Your affiliate gives them enough buisness to care. They dont give a crap about the small affiliates.

PS 24 hours later....no responses from Fred on here. But there are at the AP forum and at several RB site's forums...shows you what he thinks of us.

Paging Fred@AP...Paging Fred@AP.

[metsandfinsfan]

[ QUOTE ]
My affialite updates them everyday.

[/ QUOTE ]