VIP Tipping Test Showed Modest Withdrawal Impact
How The Test Worked
An operator tested an optional tipping feature for VIP players who had personal managers. The prompt appeared in the cashier during withdrawals and let players leave 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% as a tip.
The feature was designed to fit the usual withdrawal flow without disrupting it. It only activated for withdrawals of at least EUR 50, which kept the mechanic focused on higher value transactions.
From a product perspective, the tip was effectively deducted from the withdrawal amount. Personal managers did not receive the money, which means the feature worked as a retention mechanic rather than a staff reward tool.
What The Numbers Showed
In the first month, the test ran on a small project with 124 VIP players linked to personal managers. Sixty-nine players used the feature at least once, and tips were added to 37% of withdrawals.
Most players selected the lowest option. In 92% of cases, users chose a 5% tip, while 6% selected 10%. The 15% and 20% options each accounted for 1% of tipped withdrawals. Total tips reached EUR 9,520 for the month.
In the second month, the feature was available to 141 players. Seventy-four used it at least once, and 40% of withdrawals included a tip. Total deductions rose to EUR 13,200.
Choice patterns stayed similar, though some players moved to higher percentages. Eighty-nine per cent chose 5%, 5% chose 10%, 4% chose 15%, and 2% chose 20%.
Why RTP Matters Here
The test results need to be read alongside return to player, or RTP, which measures how much stake value is paid back to players over time. In the first month, RTP was 93.9%, which meant players won less and had less to withdraw.
RTP rose to 95.4% in the second month, creating a more favourable environment for withdrawals. That context matters because the tipping feature can only influence withdrawal value when players are already cashing out.
Commercial Takeaway For Operators
The experiment did not materially reduce total withdrawals across the whole project. In absolute terms, the retained amount was about 0.3% of monthly withdrawal volume, so this is not a major revenue lever on its own.
The stronger signal came from player behaviour. A notable share of VIP users engaged with the option, and many did so repeatedly. For European VIP segments, tipping appears familiar enough to sit naturally inside the cashier journey.
For operators, that creates an interesting product insight. Optional mechanics that feel culturally normal can generate incremental retained value without changing terms, adding friction, or triggering the frustration often linked to withdrawal restrictions.
Source: iGaming CEO Telegram
🌐 Source: iGaming CEO Telegram
