Back in early 2020, before most Canucks realized just how long we’d be stuck inside with our Double-Doubles and Netflix, casino loyalty programs looked like a sure thing. Sign up, rack up points, maybe grab a two-four of free spins and some bonus credits—it was simple. Then came lockdowns. Online play spiked coast to coast, but so did bonus abuse, tighter budgets, and shifting priorities. It’s worth unpacking why so many loyalty schemes stumbled during the pandemic, and more importantly, how some bounced back stronger. That’s because understanding the stumble sets the stage for understanding the rebound.
When casinos across the provinces shuttered, players migrated en masse to online platforms. The surge wasn’t just numbers—it changed the type of bettor logging in: more casuals, first-timers, and folks who only played on holidays like Canada Day. Loyalty programs that banked on steady, high-volume players hit a wall. Without regular attendance, tier perks got stale, and point systems felt irrelevant. This shift in audience is what drove the initial loyalty program crisis, and it also hints at the strategies some operators used to pivot.
Pre-Pandemic Loyalty: Why It Felt Steady for Canadian Players
Before the pandemic, loyalty schemes were built on predictable patterns. Frequent flyers to land-based spots—Vegas trips or a weekend in Niagara—would translate directly into online play when they were home. Regulars knew the perks: comped meals, VIP rooms, or generous cash-back in C$. Interac-ready deposits made keeping a steady bankroll effortless. But these perks were tailored for consistent high-rollers, meaning loyalty programs weren’t exactly built for someone logging in from Vancouver during a snowy Boxing Day weekend on a whim. That gap would grow glaringly once restrictions hit, and it set the stage for long-term challenges.
It’s important to note that back in those days, programs were built assuming steady input and high spend. Players from Leafs Nation or Habs fans anchoring bets between hockey games formed the predictable core. The pandemic shattered that model, forcing casinos to rethink how they tracked and rewarded engagement—a rethink that some, like jackpotcity, executed faster than most.
Pandemic Impact: Crisis Hits Loyalty Programs
During the first lockdown phases (spring 2020), loyalty points piled up without corresponding in-person claim activity. A player could have a hefty C$200-worth of online credits yet nowhere physical to spend them. On the tech side, older systems struggled—especially in provinces running legacy lottery-based casinos like Espacejeux.com—making integration between offline and online accounts clunky. Operators relying on cross-channel perks lost their cohesion, and players started drifting to platforms that operated entirely online. This movement emphasized the need for seamless digital loyalty experiences, something that wasn’t standard before.
This raised two intertwined problems: programs couldn’t deliver the promised perks, and they weren’t designed to track the fragmented, high-variance play seen during extended lockdowns. bridging these problems required fresh strategy—from tier redefinition to live-event rewards—and set the foundation for the 2021 revival efforts.
Revival Strategies: What Worked in the True North
By mid-2021, some operators realized they couldn’t just wait for normalcy. Casinos began redefining “loyalty” to include social engagement, tournament participation, and even micro-wagers. For example, offering tier boosts to players making steady C$20 Interac e-Transfers proved effective—both accessible and easy for casual bettors from Halifax to Burnaby. Digital-only perks like exclusive Mega Moolah free spins or Big Bass Bonanza tournaments became loyalty points in themselves. The ability to instantly credit rewards without physical redemption was key, especially when service providers like Rogers and Bell ensured smooth mobile play even in rural areas.
That’s why platforms blending online exclusivity with regular incentives thrived. They didn’t just rebuild loyalty—they made it more adaptable. Today, these strategies are part of standard playbooks, and reviewing them gives us insight into how modern programs, like those run on jackpotcity, are designed with pandemic lessons baked in.
Quick Checklist: Building Pandemic-Proof Loyalty in Canada
- Offer CAD-supporting deposits (Interac e-Transfer, Instadebit, iDebit).
- Integrate loyalty points with both slots and live dealer play, reflecting varied preferences (e.g., Mega Moolah, Book of Dead, Live Blackjack).
- Ensure perks have digital and in-person value—usable coast to coast.
- Adapt tiers for casual and high-roller patterns.
- Provide rewards that scale with connection quality, ensuring mobile users on Bell or Telus get equal benefit.
Following these measures builds flexibility into the loyalty structure—a flexibility that matters when player routines shift unexpectedly, as seen during COVID waves.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overweighting perks to offline experiences that may be inaccessible.
- Neglecting CAD currency support, leading to conversion frustrations.
- Failing to adjust tier requirements for new player demographics.
- Ignoring regional holidays like Thanksgiving or Canada Day in promotion planning.
- Overcomplicating reward redemption, which deters casual use.
Addressing these issues now prevents program stagnation and nurtures cross-provincial loyalty engagement. It’s worth noting that attentive support and transparent terms help keep churn low—critical in volatile times.
Case Example: Loyalty Revival Done Right
One standout case came from an Ontario operator licensed under iGaming Ontario. By offering double points during Victoria Day weekend and integrating hockey-themed slots like 9 Masks of Fire with extra spins, they hit both the cultural and entertainment marks. CAD-only rewards ensured no hidden conversion costs for Canucks spending their Loonies and Toonies in-game. Such tactics rebuilt trust and participation levels to pre-pandemic rates. Strategies like these are mirrored by sites including jackpotcity, which lean into Canadian-friendly payment systems and seasonal hooks.
This kind of alignment to culture, tech, and payment convenience underscores how loyalty isn’t just about points—it’s about relevance. When perks resonate locally, they remain sticky.
Mini-FAQ
Are pandemic loyalty schemes still relevant?
Yes. Many adaptations from 2020–21—like digital-first rewards—are now industry staples. Players expect these options even post-pandemic.
Do Canadian players prefer perks in CAD?
Absolutely. Conversion fees on USD/EUR rewards are a turn-off; offering in CAD maintains loyalty.
Which payment methods integrate best with loyalty programs?
Interac e-Transfer for instant deposits, iDebit for bank-linked funding, and Instadebit for e-wallet convenience are top choices.
Comparison Table: Pre- vs Post-Pandemic Loyalty Programs in CA
| Feature | Pre-Pandemic | Post-Pandemic |
|---|---|---|
| Perk Delivery | Mostly in-person | Hybrid, online-ready |
| Tier Structure | High-roller oriented | Inclusive of casuals |
| Payment Integration | Limited digital options | Full Interac/e-wallet |
| Cultural Hooks | Sporadic | Regular holiday tie-ins |
This content is for informational purposes only. Gambling is for adults (19+ in most provinces, 18+ in Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba). Play responsibly. In Ontario, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 if needed; in other provinces, visit GameSense.com or PlaySmart.ca for support.