The slow death of the online casino bonus

[polli123]

Hahaha, great offer!

 

[Valhalla]

I fully agree with you Bryan. I detest bonuses.
Deposit, play, win, lose, withdraw where applicable. No rules, no restrictions. It's the way it should be.

 

[SlotsLover]

I understand all the concerns but I like the bonuses. I also think that no bonus should come in automatically and this way the player has the choice. Bonuses are not really that complicated, greedy cheating casinos just take advantage. A group like ClubWorld (except for maybe their odd Aladdins intro bonus program) generally has no problems. Very simple rules for bonuses:

1. No max cashout on deposit bonuses. Not fair at all when playing slots to cap winnings.
2. No max bet rules that cannot be enforced by the software.
3. Adjust rollover to protect casino in the manner they wish to be.
4. Bonuses are never automatic.
5. Make clear when you redeem code the types of games that are allowed (don't mince and say some slots and allow the others to be played).
6. Disallowed games are not allowed by software or they don't count towards rollover or winnings get an additional rollover on these games. No games DQ's.

With these rules, there will rarely, if ever, be a problem.

The current issue with bonuses is mainly that when the casino wins they are happy but when the player wins, they think they are evil and "abusing bonuses." The casino operators have been trained to believe no one should ever win.

 

[kavaman]

This is my second post already in this thread, but i totally agree with slotslover. If the rules are laid out so that people can understand them, and bonuses are even separated to different categories it is a great experience to play with a bonus.

I also can understand why people wouldn't use a bonus. It is so that they can play whatever games they wish and can cash out whenever they wan't to. And thats perfectly fine with me, but id say half of the players would take a GOOD bonus if there was one laying around . I personally play without bonuses and with them. So i prefer both. But bonuses are not what kills the industry...

 

[K2C]

Here are some quick stats of various ugly bonus terms, based on the sample of 941 SUBs in 381 casinos from my database:

Bonus is sticky (not cashable) 50%
Cashout limit imposed 10%
No table games allowed for WR 32%
No videopoker games allowed for WR 40%
No progressive slots allowed for WR 4%
Playing a not allowed game also voids winnings 48%
Using the "Double" feature voids winnings 18%
Making no-risk bets voids winnings 56%
Making an oversized bet voids winnings 57%
Bonus abuse (at casino discretion) voids winnings 50%
At least one of the above reasons voids winnings 94%

I have not pulled the stats for the trend, but I can assure you all that those percentages are increasing over time.
I only included the bonuses requiring a deposit, things are much worse with NDBs. And there are also other terms beyond the above list.


Bryan, asking casinos to take down or somehow hide the SUBs won't work I am afraid; it goes against of all game theory and social science postulates and findings, of which the

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is probably the best example. If all casinos cooperate they all will probably benefit, but if some do and others do not, those others would benefit dramatically on the account of the cooperative ones, therefore their best strategy would be not to cooperate and keep flashing the SUBs.

A better idea might be asking casinos to put all the important bonus terms under the same template and make it easily available on their bonus pages, so that it would take a regular player minutes, not hours to figure out what is allowed and what is not. Then you may want to increase the rating of those casinos which present clear bonus terms, or even make it a pre-requisite of the accreditation sometime in the future.

As someone who had read and processed many casinos' T&C I would be happy to help in this crusade.

 

[MaryJean]

I have not read ALL of the postings in this thread, but I get the idea.

I'd like to add one bonus that I think is Utterly Obnoxious.

The bonus with X number of FREE spins---usually at 1 penny per spin and THEN
to REQUIRE that the winnings of those FREE spins be played---at some casinos
at 60X the winnings of the FREE spins as if that is non-deposit money, when all
along you could not have taken the deposit/bonus without the FREE spins.

And even the casinos that only require the same amount of multiple as the original
bonus requires, add these winnings to your deposit/bonus and you suddenly have
more quota to play through.

It is a Trap through and through----LOVE that generosity of the FREE gift!

MaryJean

 

[Lucky Loser]

I generally deposit a few hundred $ at online casinos everyday and only play at those with reasonable bonus T&Cs. Very rarely do I play without a bonus as I like the extended playtime and the chance to bet higher which leads to much bigger wins

I haven't joined a new casino for at least 12 months as I get offered enough reload bonuses from a small group of casinos that I trust and play at regularly. If I was looking for a new casino a good match bonus for me is an absolute MUST. I wont bother trying them otherwise.

For example, I got an email from Redbet yesterday offering a 30% reload bonus which I normally would take, but with the new 25xD&B I wont touch it. As a result they have lost my business forever.

 

[Stovetopp]

I have not read ALL of the postings in this thread, but I get the idea.

I'd like to add one bonus that I think is Utterly Obnoxious.

The bonus with X number of FREE spins---usually at 1 penny per spin and THEN
to REQUIRE that the winnings of those FREE spins be played---at some casinos
at 60X the winnings of the FREE spins as if that is non-deposit money, when all
along you could not have taken the deposit/bonus without the FREE spins.

And even the casinos that only require the same amount of multiple as the original
bonus requires, add these winnings to your deposit/bonus and you suddenly have
more quota to play through.

It is a Trap through and through----LOVE that generosity of the FREE gift!

MaryJean

I totally agree! This is the biggest scam of all. You get free spin and if you win its 60x the winnings before you can collect...Its a joke and wish there was some way to "penalize: the casinos that do this! DONT EVER TAKE THE FREE SPIN ESPECIALLY IF ITS AWARDED AFTER A BONUS PLAY SKIP THIS type

 

[spintee]

I generally deposit a few hundred $ at online casinos everyday and only play at those with reasonable bonus T&Cs. Very rarely do I play without a bonus as I like the extended playtime and the chance to bet higher which leads to much bigger wins

I haven't joined a new casino for at least 12 months as I get offered enough reload bonuses from a small group of casinos that I trust and play at regularly. If I was looking for a new casino a good match bonus for me is an absolute MUST. I wont bother trying them otherwise.

For example, I got an email from Redbet yesterday offering a 30% reload bonus which I normally would take, but with the new 25xD&B I wont touch it. As a result they have lost my business forever.

I got the same email, D&B is a joke, These sort of bonus should binned altogether, What happened to the 50% reload we as all promised in the other thread? and getting rid of the 30%? Still even 50% I would not touch with wager on D&B

 

[MightyDuck]

I don not see the end of the SUB - not even a trend.

However you see a dramatical decrease of the quality of the bonus. I agree with many here: Taking a good bonus from time to time is nice to extent your playtime and to test new games but if you are the occasional gambler like me and you want to have some fun without any strings attached a straight deposit without bonus is best.

K2C your statistic was very instructive. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Contraband]

I wouldn't bother signing up to a casino without a sign up bonus. I also don't play if a casino never has reloads or comp points or some other promo. They make it fun and you get more playing time out of your deposits. It's the advantage online casinos have over land based casinos, without them I'd play at my local casino more often even though I don't drink so free drink comps are worthless to me.

 

[vinylweatherman]

I don not see the end of the SUB - not even a trend.

However you see a dramatical decrease of the quality of the bonus. I agree with many here: Taking a good bonus from time to time is nice to extent your playtime and to test new games but if you are the occasional gambler like me and you want to have some fun without any strings attached a straight deposit without bonus is best.

K2C your statistic was very instructive. Thanks for sharing this.

What might get rid of it is regulators cracking down on misleading or dishonest representations of the SUB. Honesty would start to show players how BAD these offers can be when regulations prevent them from being "spun" by clever marketing, and important terms squirreled away under the more obscure headings of the general terms rather than clearly shown alongside the other, more positive, bonus terms and advertising copy. Casinos would face having to ditch the nasty terms, or announce them in a most obvious fashion. If they are to ditch them, they will have to make the offers worse, or find a new way to drive fresh traffic to their sites.

Ideally, an alternative to the SUB needs to be one that cannot get hammered by the smart players, but that also does not need a short novel to be read for the terms and conditions. The naïve player should also be able to simply deposit and play without having to worry about falling foul of the terms, with only the really clever players who might seek to hack the client or play in VERY unusual ways in order to gain an advantage ever having to worry about breaking any terms.

 

[nikantw]

What might get rid of it is regulators cracking down on misleading or dishonest representations of the SUB. Honesty would start to show players how BAD these offers can be when regulations prevent them from being "spun" by clever marketing, and important terms squirreled away under the more obscure headings of the general terms rather than clearly shown alongside the other, more positive, bonus terms and advertising copy. Casinos would face having to ditch the nasty terms, or announce them in a most obvious fashion. If they are to ditch them, they will have to make the offers worse, or find a new way to drive fresh traffic to their sites.

Ideally, an alternative to the SUB needs to be one that cannot get hammered by the smart players, but that also does not need a short novel to be read for the terms and conditions. The naïve player should also be able to simply deposit and play without having to worry about falling foul of the terms, with only the really clever players who might seek to hack the client or play in VERY unusual ways in order to gain an advantage ever having to worry about breaking any terms.

I Agree. Regulation is needed. Players need protection. That is also why bonuses are useful. Small depositors (with low income), 20-100 a month, need a way to get their fair share of playtime. With 20 a month you may get a year of 20% RTP easily, that’s some pretty crappy playtime. Getting a bonus could double that (40% RTP) or better, with no harm to the casino (small or 0 chance for withdrawal). So no, I don’t see their death. Change yes, death no.

But I can’t think of a way to keep bonus abusers away, other than better authentication process. Maybe one processor that would authenticate all players before they sign up at any casino.

 

[Zabier]

An interesting read. I first started off in the gambling market with online poker and bookmakers. I quickly found out that they weren't as good as they proposed to be. Ever since I've been playing at online casinos I've just been very ignorant to online casino bonuses partly due to my personal experiences in other areas but also because of the shared stories by other players. I think players would rather a free 10p with no strings attached than a 100% no deposit bonus that has huge layers of sub clauses and rules to it.

 

[Melloweitsj]

I also must admit that it is good to see that some of the casinos are starting to find alternative ways to entice their players to signup to their site. Although I do not have anything against the bonuses personally, I still feel it is kinda unethical and preying on those that are easily mislead.

For me the bonuses serves one purpose: let's me play for longer. I play poker and bet on sports semi-professionally, but if I want to relax and not think so much I sometimes head to the slots and I just want to click some buttons without thinking much. With a bonus I can play for longer which is what I want. I am not looking to (or expecting) to win a lot of money. I see it more like doing something fun, while at the same time getting a small thrill of maybe hitting a big jackpot. The days of "free" money from bonuses are long gone and I think they are now at the point they were initially meant to be: a means to let players get to try out the casino for real money without having to break their own bank.

As for a solution I am not sure, but I have seen some good mentions here; bonuses that works like a safety net (i.e. if you win you can just forfeit your bonus, but if you lose you can continue to play with bonus money), cash back or maybe higher RTP on the machines?

I doubt the use of signup bonuses (and other forms of bonuses) are going to go away as it is such a great marketing ploy to utilize. It is much easier to market a casino that offers you 4 times your deposit in bonus money rather than a casino that promises a RTP of 99% or higher for example. The last one is a great deal, but is really "boring" for your average player I would figure.

 

[jakov07]

Hi to all

Simmo's and Casinomeister's articles are I will say hot potato them. Bonuses in last years are almost impossible to wagering. I use it only as a free money in tournaments as for example on bet voyager casino and I totally agree with Casinomeister that bonuses are do more damage then benefits to both players and casinos.

best regards to all

 

[butterflyboogie]

Sign Up Bonuses

I personally agree with the "lack luster" of sign up bonuses. Too many rules and regulations; after all, who really wants to read a book before they play? power at the idea of "surprise cash" just popping up on your screen. Or how about after a bad run you get a pop up that says "try again" just say up to a certain amount with out any rules. For instance, you deposited $50, you didn't hit, and this screen pops up? I am not talking about every time either...just random. Another idea....send the player something...a box of chocolates...cigars...etc. Let the consumer fill out a small survey as to his or her likes. I have had an advertising business for 31 years; it pays to know your clientele. Every person likes a present. I believe it is all about the casino knowing their client; keep things interesting and they come back. For the players, make it more interesting... prize giveaways...the higher the level of the player, the more lucrative the gift. I have a lot of ideas however I will stop at that.

 

[goatwack]

It's become ridiculous at so many sites now, I am noticing casinos constantly updating their terms to include FU clauses almost everywhere!

Take one site I play at regularly, I thought I'd have a cursory glance at the terms I'd agreed to a million times before and......the bastards have only increased the WR x 10!!

I was rather annoyed about that to be fair, it's almost like it's become all the rage overnight to find new and inventive ways to screw players over. What the hell are they so afraid of all of a sudden to demonize players? It seems I'm better off going to loan sharks, their T&Cs seem a lot clearer:Read:

I can't even believe some of the stories I have heard on these boards about how 10+ years ago casinos gave you a bonus with say two or three times playthrough!

The way the industry is headed I can see 40x becoming the mainstay, and it wouldn't shock me to see 50- 60 in ten years' time

RIP bonuses, I loved thee (once)

 

[Realitybitez]

I dont get into deposit bonuses, mmmm well that depends. I dont mind taking the 32 Red deposit bonuses because I have cracked the wagering a few times on there so I know it is possible hehe.

I mainly prefer free chips. Therefore no strings, you either crack it or you dont I have been bugging the 2 casinos I play at most lately for free chips but thats just because I put a heck of a lot of money in them and its really just to play with when Im on my broke buzz which seems to be alot lately

In fact, I think I'll go bug them now lol

 

[rena35]

good luck

 

[Stovetopp]

I dont get into deposit bonuses, mmmm well that depends. I dont mind taking the 32 Red deposit bonuses because I have cracked the wagering a few times on there so I know it is possible hehe.

I mainly prefer free chips. Therefore no strings, you either crack it or you dont I have been bugging the 2 casinos I play at most lately for free chips but thats just because I put a heck of a lot of money in them and its really just to play with when Im on my broke buzz which seems to be alot lately

In fact, I think I'll go bug them now lol

WELL, at least tonight you can watch Canada play New Zealand in womens soccer. I think canada waz ROBBED in the last OLYMPICS giving the GOLD to USA. I AM ASSUMING YOU WILL HAVE BUSTED ON YOUR FREE CHIP BY THEN

 

[Geddes333]

Thank you!!

Did a little write-up on bonuses, and why their days are numbered:
https://www.casinomeister.com/bonus-offers/

This was inspired by Simmo!'s opinion piece on his site "The Funeral Of The Casino Signup Bonus". You can read this here:

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Please read these, think about it, and then continue with this thread.

I've never liked SUBs, and I am absolutely convinced that they need to be laid to rest. I'll be doing my part in asking Accred Casino reps to put on their thinking caps and try to steer away from this method of marketing. We're going to be looking at other positive aspects of gaming - focusing more on the games and other attributes that casinos can offer than offering a SUB. At this point in time, bonuses and their convoluted rules have just gotten a bit too much.

I'd like to hear from the community about any creative solutions that would replace the SUB.

Thank you this has helped me decide on opting out of bonuses.

 

[catapultaudio]

I've come to the opinion that SUB are a complete waste of time UNLESS they are the 2nd chance ones like Mr Green ,Betat do.They are a no brainer, .

Could any members advise on which other casinos have this type of bonus ? Or any other kind of especially player friendly promotions or bonus deals? I think that would provide an interesting angle to this debate

 

[dinahbrand]

This is interesting because I stopped using many bonuses, especially the so called "free" bonuses. There are only a few casinos that give loyalty or appreciation bonuses that are decent and have fewer restrictions. I have ignored many so called free bonuses because they just weren't worth using with all the restrictions. It would really annoy me to win and then be told I could only withdraw $50.

 

[Przecinek]

In this competitive market casinos need to have some form of edge. Imagine I want to start a new casino business. How else will I be able to attract customers if not with SUBs? Most players have already established their favorite outfits and have no real interest in trying out some new, potentially dogdy casino. Cashbacks, freespins are in the essence also a form of a bonus.

I agree rules these days seems more and more convulted. Players often accuse casinos of using bonuses on purpose as a bait, but what is the alternative?