In the current world where internet use has become a necessity in the day to day life, the world of entertainment is changing dramatically. For instance, Statista claims that at least 5.56 billion people (67.9% of the total global population) were using the internet at the start of 2025. And mark you, this is a major increase from the previous year, meaning that more people are getting more accustomed to online stuff.
When it comes to online entertainment, iGaming is ruling the world. Online casinos are popping up everywhere, breeding so much competition. As of 2023, IBISWorld reported that there were 4,922 operational businesses. Since this is such a competitive market, the only issue has been how casinos can actually attract and retain more players on their side.
Now, one of the biggest strategies that online platforms use to increase and retain followership is bonus offerings. There are incentives that are specially curated for players and are made in such a way that they keep the players coming back for more. Let’s discuss this in more detail below.
Welcome bonuses for new players
The one way that casinos can ensure that they are getting frequent visitors to their platforms is by offering incentives. Welcome bonuses are specifically created for players signing up to the online gaming platform for the first time.
Once a player comes across a ‘welcoming’ welcome bonus, they are more thrilled to join the casino as they will have a chance of exploring different games without putting their own finances at stake. The better the bonus, the more attractive it is.
Welcome bonuses can come in various forms, including:
- Matched deposit bonuses: The casino will match your initial deposit to a certain percentage. For example, if you get a 200% matched bonus, then the bonus is going to double your deposit.
- Free spins: They work for slot games. Just as their name suggests, these are extra spins tied to specific types of games.
- No-deposit bonus: For this one, you are able to play specific games without having to make any deposit.
Welcome bonuses have been used by casinos since the beginning of online casino gaming and have proved to be very effective. In fact, according to a survey done, 76% of respondents went on to use a bonus when offered one. In the survey, free bets were most popular with conversions of 6 out of 7 respondents.
Using loyalty bonuses to retain players
It is one thing attracting players to your platform and another thing making them stay for a long time. Take Ireland, for example. With 49% (in 2022) of adults having involved themselves in some form of gambling activity, it is necessary for a casino platform to offer value for players to ensure that they are staying in the casino for longer. Actually, Statista estimates that the number of gamblers in the country is to reach 2.2 million by 2029.
Ireland casinos use loyalty bonuses to encourage repeat visits. You see, loyalty bonuses are like hotel points or airline miles. The more you get them, the higher your chances of sticking with the same service whenever you need it. In the same respect, if you are incentivized to play in a casino, then you can play there for longer.
Actually, these casinos do it in such a way that the more you wager, the more benefits you receive. This is important in fostering long-term engagements. In fact, around 79% of customers are more likely to recommend a brand that offers good loyalty programs.
Casinos can offer different loyalty programs, including:
- Points-based systems: Players earn points for every coin they wager or for specific activities they do, like logging in or playing specific games. When points are accumulated, they can be redeemed for different rewards such as free spins, cash prizes and even merch. Other casinos offer multipliers to encourage players to engage more frequently.
- Tiered rewards: Players move from level to level, with each level granting higher benefits. High tiers can unlock special promos, invitations to VIP events, personalized services and even dedicated account managers.
- Gamified loyalty programs: These programs introduce gaming elements like challenges, guests or virtual currencies to foster engagement. Players earn rewards by completing specific challenges.
Good loyalty programs will ensure that casinos are not only retaining players but also players are recommending the platforms to their friends. Your best chance of getting great players is ensuring that your current players are recommending your site.
High-roller bonuses and treatment
Casino businesses often rely on high-stakes players, commonly known as whales, who contribute significant portions. If a casino gets one player like this, it does all it can to ensure that their experience is as attractive as possible. High-value players are given personalized treatments, ensuring that they feel appreciated. And if there is a thing that people value, it is feeling appreciated.
There are a number of strategies that casinos use in a bid to retain their most valued players:
- Luxury accommodations and travel: High rollers are given access to complimentary stays in high-end suites, first-class and private jet transportations, access to exclusive resort amenities, etc. With these perks, gambling ceases to be just a game, it becomes a whole premium experience.
- VIP access and personalized services: Players are given VIP access to high-end concerts, sporting activities, or private parties. For example, you are given front-row seat tickets to premium comedy shows or UFC fight nights. On top of the access, casinos assign personalized services, like hosts and PAs, in order to take care of their ‘guests’ whenever they are traveling.
- Compensation and cashback: Many casinos offer cashback on losses, ensuring that players get something in return.
These high roller bonuses are not all about being generous, but they are strategically placed to make players feel valued. If a player feels like they are valued for their status, then there is a huge chance that they will keep coming back to the platform.
Wrapping up
Casinos have realized that the best way to ensure that they have many players around is to ensure that the players feel the value for their money. Online casino bonuses are there to show players that casinos are not taking away from them, but it’s a win-win situation.
