How Poker Tournaments Drive Revenue for Operators

Evenbet Gaming crew of professionals — the company's CEO and founder Dmitry Starostenkov, Chief Customer Success Officer Ekaterina Nebogina, and our Head of Product Marketing Julia Panina — once again share their expertise in a comprehensive marketing guide to organising online poker activities. And today, we will focus on what makes for a successful tournament structure and how operators can benefit from it. We’ll break down the different types of poker tournaments, find out which audiences they appeal to, and look at how to organise and promote them effectively.

Please note that this article is only a quick glimpse into what’s to be found in the full guide, so if you are interested in a deeper dive, we’ll be happy to provide you with the original document which is free for download on our website.

The grand tour of poker tournaments

First of all, what is the value of poker tournaments in general? Actually, they are a key driver of both acquisition and retention in an online poker environment. They bring rhythm to your platform through predictable play cycles, promote longer sessions, and build a sense of both rivalry and community among users. As a format, tournaments fit a wide range of player profiles — whether it’s freerolls for first-timers or big prize pools that draw in regulars, the action keeps all of them coming back.

The universal value of poker tournaments is the only universal thing you’ll find about them. With tournaments, there is no one-size-fits-all solution: they come in a huge variety of structures, each catering to specific player preferences and business goals. This diversity is what gives smart operators the edge, regardless of the size and clientele of a given iGaming platform. Let’s have a breakdown of the key tournament formats that deserve a spot in your schedule.

Start formats

Not all tournaments kick off the same way: some run like clockwork, others spring into action the moment enough players join. Knowing the differences is how you match the format to your traffic patterns and audience behaviour.

Scheduled (MTT)

Multi-Table Tournaments, or MTTs, are the most widely used format in online poker. These events begin at a specific time and typically bring together a large field of players distributed across multiple tables. MTTs are ideal for driving consistent engagement, and they can run daily, weekly, or monthly. These events often feature guaranteed prize pools to boost participation. The format supports deep stacks and gradual blind increases, which appeals to players who prefer strategic, long-format gameplay.

Sit & Go (SNG)

Unlike Multi-Table Tournaments, Sit & Go tournaments start automatically when the required number of players have registered. Since they have no fixed start time, SNGs are accessible and suit players who seek quick, on-demand action. They are particularly effective during off-peak hours or for targeting niche audiences that lean toward short-form play.

Manual

Manual tournaments are very flexible since they allow administrators to launch the event at any time. This is especially valuable for private games or VIP events that require tighter control over timing and access.

Entry options

Entry mechanics can make or break a tournament’s appeal. You need to mix flexibility with player motivation, from risk-free freerolls to multi-entry formats that let players fire more than once.

• Freerolls — they require no buy-in but still offer real rewards, which makes them a great tool for player acquisition. They introduce new users to the platform with no risk, while driving early-stage engagement and building brand loyalty.
• Re-entry, Re-buy + Re-entry — with these formats, players can return to the tournament after being eliminated. Re-entry gives a fresh stack, while “re-buy + re-entry” combines in-game re-buys during the early stages with the ability to rejoin after busting. Both options help grow the prize pool and extend player involvement.
• Multi-entry and Multi-flight — let a single player register more than once, which increases their chances of success. Multi-flight formats run several qualifying stages, allowing users to advance over time and bring their accumulated chips into the final round. These structures help build larger prize pools and create a multi-phase tournament experience.
• Early-bird — such tournaments reward players who register well before the event starts. This incentivises early commitment and helps operators forecast turnout more accurately.
• Spin&Go — these are fast-paced, three-player tournaments where the prize pool is randomly determined by a multiplier at the start. The random element adds a high-stakes thrill to this compact, rapid format.

Bounty types

Bounty tournaments are where strategy meets adrenaline. They turn every elimination into an opportunity, giving players the chance to win instant rewards just for knocking out opponents.

The Knockout format is a crowd-pleaser: take a player out, collect a fixed cash prize. Simple and satisfying. Progressive Knockouts (PKOs) raise the stakes: with every elimination, part of the bounty goes to the winner, and the rest stacks onto their own head, making them a more lucrative target as the game goes on. Then there’s the Mystery Bounty: players only find out the value of their prize after the knockout. It’s like a poker version of opening a loot box.

Though, bounty formats are just the start. The EvenBet platform supports a range of prize structures that let you fine-tune the reward system to match your player base:

• Guaranteed (GTD) — the prize pool won’t drop below a certain amount, no matter how many players register. It’s a proven draw for players who value stability and big wins.
• Double or Nothing (SNG) — the top half of the field doubles their buy-in, making it a fast, clean format with sharp edges and real tension.
• Special Prizes — think beyond cash. You can offer physical rewards or digital perks — perfect for themed tournaments, sponsorship tie-ins, or seasonal campaigns.
• Second Prize — because runner-up deserves more than just “close, but not quite.” This adds another milestone worth chasing.
• Share Prize — give players the option to split the pot at the final table, encouraging cooperative strategies and deeper late-stage dynamics.

Together, these formats let operators balance excitement, reward, and player psychology, all while keeping gameplay varied and the platform sticky.

Speed, blind increase, and stack size

Game pace matters as well. Too slow — players drop off. Too fast, and strategy goes out the window. Striking the right balance with blind timers and starting stacks is key to keeping players engaged.

Slow tournaments are built for the grinders. Blinds increase every 9–10 minutes, and stacks range from 7,500 to 15,000 chips. These run long (4–5 hours) and attract players who like a deeper, more strategic game.

Normal speed hits the sweet spot. A standard structure: 6–8 minute blinds, moderate stacks of 7,500 to 10,000 chips, and a comfortable pace for most users.

Turbo speeds things up and trims the fat. With blinds every 4–5 minutes and smaller stacks (up to 5,000 chips), it’s fast without being frantic — perfect for casual players.

Hyper formats are the most fast-paced — it’s all gas with no brakes. Blinds go up every 3 minutes, and stacks max out around 3,000 chips. Great for short, high-intensity sessions and mobile users.

But pace is only part of the equation. Tournaments, when set up right, are a marketing tool in disguise.

They can help you:

• Onboard new players with low-risk formats like freerolls and satellites.
• Fill in off-peak hours when traffic dips.
• Run themed promotions — crypto tourneys, holiday specials, you name it.
• Reward loyal users and high-rollers through VIP campaigns.
• Experiment with new poker formats in a structured, time-bound setting.

From long-haul strategy sessions to short, knockout-driven bursts, poker tournaments offer a broad spectrum of experiences. Each format plays a strategic role in the operator’s ecosystem, covering all: user acquisition and engagement, retention and monetisation. The right structure doesn’t just make the game run smoother, it turns your tournament calendar into a full-on engagement engine.

Know your audience: matching the tournament to the player

A successful tournament line-up requires both variety and strategic alignment. Operators need the right formats for the right audience.

Beginners need a gentle onboarding, not a trial by fire. Freerolls and low-stakes games give them a no-pressure way in where new players can get comfortable, learn the ropes, and build some confidence before real money’s on the line. Add in entry-level tables and beginner-only events, and you have a solid onboarding pipeline that doesn’t scare off fresh signups.

Casual players come for fun, not long-term profit. Sit & Go’s and Turbo tournaments are perfect for that, because they are quick, full of action, with minimum time commitment.

Experienced players want challenge and depth. Large-field MTTs, especially those with guaranteed prize pools, give them the structure and bigger payoffs these players seek. These are your platform’s regulars, and they know the difference between a well-run tournament and one slapped together.

High rollers and VIPs demand exclusivity. Private tournaments, high buy-ins, tailored promos, and dedicated support — this is your baseline for such players. EvenBet’s segmentation tools make it easier to give this group the red-carpet treatment they’ve come to expect: exclusive tables, birthday bonuses, and loyalty schemes that feel personal.

Key principles of a well-run tournament

Great poker tournaments do not happen by accident. They require thoughtful structure, flexible tools, and a player-first approach. As our guide outlines and broader industry insights confirm, it takes more than just having the games and putting players in seats.

Build the Right Blind Structure

The blind structure is your pacing mechanism. Progressive blind increases ensure the game keeps moving forward and create natural pressure points that drive competition and push players into action. EvenBet supports various speed formats: from slow and normal to turbo and hyper, allowing operators to adjust how quickly blinds rise and how deep player stacks start. This flexibility lets you tweak each event to suit the audience and desired session length.

Use customisation to your advantage

A key strength of the EvenBet platform lies in its highly customisable setup. Operators can configure everything from tournament start times and player counts to complex prize mechanics. The admin panel allows for easy control over re-entries, add-ons, bounties, and multi-flight formats.

Design prize structures that drive participation

A strong prize structure is a top motivator for player participation. EvenBet offers several models, including Guaranteed (GTD) tournaments that promise a minimum prize pool regardless of the number of participants, plus Special Prizes like physical items or digital rewards. Clear prize distribution, such as rewarding the final table or a fixed percentage of paid places, helps manage expectations and build excitement. Bounty formats like Knockout and Mystery Bounty add an extra layer of strategy and incentive, turning every elimination into a mini win.

Build the community around the game

Player experience extends beyond the table. EvenBet supports lobby chat and table chat features that help create a social atmosphere and boost retention. Operators can use these channels to make announcements, promote upcoming events, or simply to build a more connected community, because regulars stick around when they feel part of something.

Legal and regulatory compliance

You can have the slickest tournament setup in the business, but if it doesn’t tick the legal boxes, none of it matters. Ignoring the rules is a fast track to fines, shutdowns, or worse. Operators need a clear handle on local gambling laws, especially when it comes to entry fees, prize structures, and player eligibility. Every format, payout model, and promo needs to play by the regional rulebook. It’s not the glamorous part of poker operations, but it’s absolutely non-negotiable. Stay compliant, stay operational, and keep your focus where it belongs: running sharp tournaments that attract players and keep them loyal.

Why tournaments matter — and how to get them right

Poker tournaments are not just another gameplay feature, they are powerful marketing and retention tools for a poker platform. Poker tournaments aren’t just about cards on the table — they’re one of the most effective marketing and retention tools in your entire platform arsenal. From first-touch user acquisition to long-term loyalty, a well-run tournament strategy hits all the key metrics. And with the right backend support, scaling it becomes not just manageable, but profitable.

Tournaments attract. Big prize pools turn heads, especially when you throw in formats like Spin&Go or Mystery Bounty that turn up the variance and excitement. New players love freerolls for the risk-free entry, while regulars chase guaranteed payouts. It's the classic hook, and it works.

Tournaments engage. A consistent schedule (daily, weekly, monthly) builds routine. Players start showing up not by chance, but by habit. And that consistency fuels everything else: traffic, deposits, and time on the platform.

Tournaments retain. Tournaments are designed to hold attention. Rising blinds, knockout phases, and motivation driven by the prize pool keep players locked in for longer sessions. The more time they spend playing, the less likely they are to churn.

Tournaments build community. Shared tables, familiar faces, in-game chat, they simply connect people. That sense of belonging adds a layer of emotional investment that no bonus system can replicate. And when players feel like part of something, they stick around.

If you want steady traffic, strong player lifecycles, and a loyal user base, you need to get tournaments right. And EvenBet gives you the tools to run it all: custom formats, flexible settings, and real-time control from the admin panel. It doesn’t matter if you’re launching a one-time promo or building a full tournament calendar, you’ve got everything you need to do it right.

For a full breakdown of tools, configurations, and marketing tactics that make tournament operations work, download the complete guide from EvenBet Gaming.