PokerStars Players Plan to Strike Over VIP Changes

A player revolt against PokerStars is being formed over the recent changes to the VIP program announced by parent company Amaya on November 1.

Those changes, a revamp of the player rewards program and the elimination of third-party software, have been met with disdain by high volume and high stakes grinders. Not so much the plan to get rid of HUDs and poker-tracking software, but more the announced modification of the player loyalty program that will cut into the income of a number of top players.

PokerStars announced at the beginning of this month that on January 1, 2016, FPPs will be known as StarsCoin and be reduced in value to $0.01. Also, Supernova, Supernove Elite and Platinum Star players will have their rewards slashed and capped, and the highest stakes games beginning at $5-$10 and up will no longer pay out rewards.

While the changes are being made in the name of balancing the ecosystem of the poker room and leveling the playing field for recreational players, PokerStars grinders argue that they will be forced to move down in stakes in order to obtain rewards at the lower levels. As a result, recreational players will find more pros taking aim at fish in action at lower stakes.

Killing Poker?

A new website has been launched at www.theykillpoker.com that calls for players opposed to the changes to wage a strike against PokerStars beginning on January 1, 2016. Those who wish to participate in the strike are advised to:

1) Withdraw all funds from PokerStars and Full Tilt and stop playing until Amaya reconsiders the changes
2) State your intention to quit playing at PokerStars by sending an email to support@pokerstars.com outlining the reasons for your departure
3) Use the hashtag TKP (#TKP) avatar whenever warranted and share the website link with others to spread the word
4) Watch for the latest updates at the TKP site and on social media

At the top of the home page of the new website is the phrase "PokerStars is killing online poker!" The site reaches out to players with the following summation:

"We call on everyone who loves and values poker, to stop playing at this site starting from January 1, 2016 and till full cancellation of the forthcoming changes, as a mark of protest against PokerStars policy that ignores players' interests."

Player Feedback

PokerStars has long been known for considering the interests of players when making wholesale changes. The site has invited players to the Isle of Man headquarters to discuss various matters of interest. PokerStars also reached out to New Jersey players to get their thoughts on a number of topics when regulatory approval in that state appeared forthcoming.

It seems the latest changes were made without first getting player feedback. Perhaps the reason why is that PokerStars points out that only 2% of players will be impacted negatively come January 1.

PokerStars did implement a rake increase one year ago almost to the day, but later relented and kept the increase intact only on Spin & Go tables after players complained. “After additional analysis and consideration, we have now returned the rake to pre-November 3 levels in most instances and have cancelled the planned additional increases,”Eric Hollreiser, the Head of Corporate Communications for Amaya and PokerStars, said at the time.

Will the Strike Work?

The strike planned for the beginning of next year may not find the same success. PokerStars made the announced changes so that online poker can grow and prosper, with an eye toward attracting and retaining more casual players.

The Supernovas of the world are playing for volume, gaining rewards for the amount of tables open rather than skill. It's hard to fault PokerStars for cutting those rewards (unless you're a Supernova, of course).

However, eliminating the earning of VPPs at the higher stakes does seem a bit harsh. Perhaps Amaya will reconsider that decision. Then again, perhaps they won't. Let's face it friends, the tables are shifting in favor of recreational players throughout the online poker industry, not only at PokerStars.