Sinclair Oil launches mobile game to boost loyalty

Sinclair Oil is leveraging mobile gaming to boost customer loyalty, reporting a notable uptick in station traffic following the integration of new rewards into its Dinopay application. The fuel retailer, which operates a network of more than 1,900 branded stations across the United States, launched the feature to encourage repeat visits as inflationary pressures continue to influence consumer behavior.

The company utilized a technology solution known as LoyaltyPlay, provided by the mobile rewards firm Mistplay. This integration allows users to earn discounts on fuel by engaging with mobile games promoted directly within the Dinopay interface. These rewards are tied to physical purchases at the pump, creating a digital bridge between smartphone gaming and routine errands.

The business case for such programs rests on the challenge of maintaining brand presence when customers are not actively filling their tanks. For the average driver, a gas station is a functional utility rather than a destination, making these interactive elements a way to stay top-of-mind during daily commutes. By shifting the relationship from a purely transactional one to a recurring digital interaction, the business effectively creates a psychological nudge that favors its specific locations over competitors.

The retailer is not alone in seeking innovative methods to engage shoppers. Other businesses, such as those that launch a seasonal private label lineup, also aim to increase touchpoints with their audience.

According to the filing, the primary objective of this update is to increase visit frequency. Data from a campaign conducted between November 2025 and June 2026 suggests the strategy is gaining traction. During this period, the organization recorded a 42% increase in site visits among its most active members. Additionally, fuel purchases linked to reward redemptions rose by 9.7%.

Success depends on consistent user engagement.

Nick Gauger, the manager of loyalty and marketing for Sinclair Oil, stated that the program provided a method to motivate repeat trips through interactive experiences. They noted that these tools are designed to provide a tangible incentive for users to return to the pump sooner than they otherwise might. The integration connects these digital rewards specifically to the brand’s Top Tier gasoline.

The gaming initiative arrives alongside other adjustments to the company’s rewards structure. Earlier this month, the firm introduced a promotion called Mammoth Monday. This weekly event allows members to save as much as 25 cents per gallon on fuel by activating a specific coupon within the app.

The broader retail sector has seen a shift toward more complex loyalty programs throughout the year. Many operators are moving beyond simple point-based systems to include features that offer immediate financial benefits or gamified incentives. These changes are a response to a climate where consumer spending remains cautious and competition for daily traffic is high, as retailers look to secure steady volume in a volatile economic environment.