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From the beginning of the boom in online casinos, players were enticed to a site with huge incentive bonuses, offering ‘Free Bonus’ and promotions. With the introduction of strict regulations in 2018 from the UKGC and other regulatory bodies, online casinos are having to re-think the glossy offers they present to players, does this mark the end to online casino bonuses?
Strict Regulations
With problem gambling on the increase, the UKGC states, “ It is a condition of your Gambling Commission license that your marketing communications, including those for free bet and bonus promotions, do not mislead”, this in itself leaves online casino operators in no doubt, offering huge unrealistic bonuses needs a re-think.So what’s next? Gone are the days of huge incentive bonuses, smaller bonus incentives seem more popular now rather than four figure bonuses of the past. NetEnt Casinos in the UK have never been ones for offering huge, over-sized bonuses, smaller bonus options seem to work for the popular Scandinavian software developers, it looks like others may follow suit.Many operators now believe that offering ‘Free Spins’ or over-sized bonuses devalues casinos; they have simply been overused in the past. Casinos became reliant on the fact that bonuses attract new players but now, with the strict ruling, this may become a thing of the past.
What’s The Alternatives?
So what else can online casinos offer as an attraction to players? Some online casinos are focusing more on VIP and loyalty, expanding spending levels and increasing games selections. Where others are looking at jackpot games on offer.In the entertainment industry, players want to have a good time, huge jackpots peak the interest of players, along with tournaments and other gamification. Players know jackpots have to be won, as with tournaments, so the element of ‘having a go’ is appealing.Giving up on bonuses all together will be a hard call for some online casinos, this has been an effective tool in attracting new players, moving forward, with the strict regulations being enforced, bonuses could become a thing of the past.