It pays to play online poker -- especially if you're one of Absolute Poker's VIPs. Starting September 1st, Elite VIP Members will earn 9% interest per annum on their Absolute Poker account balance with a new interest bearing account.

"We've taken the Elite level of our VIP program from rewarding to extraordinarily lucrative," stated David Clainer, Senior Vice President for Absolute Poker. "Why withdraw when you can build your bankroll in interest alone?"

The 9% per annum interest bearing account is based on a player's daily balance and requires an average daily balance greater than $1,000. The maximum eligible balance is $500,000.

The popular online poker company rewards its VIP players with exclusive bonuses and front-of-the-line service through three tiers: VIP, Platinum and Elite. To enter the VIP, Platinum and Elite levels, a player must earn 5,000, 20,000 and 40,000 VIP points respectively. Players must also earn a specified number of points each month to maintain their status. These points are earned by playing poker ring games, tournaments and blackjack.

In addition to the new 9% interest bearing account, Elite VIP members will continue to receive:

$200 in pending blackjack cash, plus additional pending blackjack cash based on play
$50 in pending poker cash just for maintaining status, plus additional pending poker cash based on play
A $50 poker tournament entry of player's choice or a $50 blackjack match play
3 times as many Absolute Reward Points as a regular member
The highest exchange rate in Absolute Poker's Points for Cash program
An Elite VIP host dedicated to handling their account
Front of the line service on payouts and deposits