The promotional strategies of online casinos

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As the widespread use of online casinos, sportsbooks and fantasy sports platforms continues its growth the online gambling industry is using new strategic methods to promote and market the various different platforms where would-be players can take part.

The traditional method of offering bonuses and free plays is still very much the standard when it comes to advertising in the industry, as platforms aim to successfully develop innovative promotional material that will attract new customers. 

But the variation of such promotional offers is changing as online casino businesses strive to get ahead of the competition in a highly competitive industry.

Refreshing promotions to attract and retain customers

The online casino industry knows just how popular the various slots and blackjack online games are to its customers. They can offer multiple different slots and blackjack games both for free play and real money play and are always developing and refreshing offers and bonuses to attract new customers and retain existing players. 

Such platforms use data collated from players’ previous blackjack visits or online gambling habits, as well as previous successful promotions they have used, to tailor-make relevant promotions to specific players who wish to enjoy the whole range of blackjack games available. From Premium and Original Blackjack for the aficionados to Cashback and Cashout versions of the game for novices – there is something on offer for every player. And every player is within the target audience for promotions.

The types of promotions used by such online casinos range from deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses and free spins you would usually expect to the more niche cashback offers and loyalty rewards. These are practices that are proving successful judging by the rapid rise in online casino players, and are now being replicated successfully in tailor-made ways across the wider online retail and entertainment industry.

Types of promotions on offer

Deposit bonus – this is the most common ‘welcome’ bonus for new players whereby their first bet is usually matched by the online casino to essentially double the players’ winnings. Although quite rare, some casinos can occasionally offer as much as 500% in bonuses.

No deposit bonus – essentially a free bet for new players visiting what is usually a brand new online casino allowing players to give the platform a try at no financial risk. Winning returns are paid out even from a free bet, and players only need to register with the platform, without needing to provide their financial details. 

Free spin bonus – a promotion usually used to allow existing customers the chance to try out a brand new slot game on the platform, although this can be extended to new customers too. A limited number of free spins on the reel can produce real money.

Cashback offers – a similar theme to the above promotions but one that explicitly allows the player to have their stake returned if they lose. This is another method online casinos use to give players a ‘free bet’ to try. 

Referral bonus – this is where longstanding players are rewarded with bonuses for referring their friends and family to the platform, usually via a link to forward on. This is a rare method but just as effective in attracting new customers.

The impact on the wider online entertainment industry

As we mentioned earlier, such promotional methods in the online casino industry are so successful in attracting and retaining customers that similar methods are being adapted in the online entertainment industry as a whole.

Think “buy one, get one free/half price” offers on monthly subscriptions when it comes to film and music content providers. There is also a myriad of customer loyalty programs for valued users of such services, and customised offers catered specifically for individual consumers. These are all variations of some of the online casino promotions we have mentioned above.

All of these different marketing strategies used by online casino platforms have their benefits to the industry as a whole – from player to platform.