What Makes A Good Casino Newsletter?

[Zarathustra]

Hi guys this is my first thread.

I am conducting some research regarding online casino newsletters. My main question is... what makes a good newsletter... what interests you, i.e. promotions, stories, winners information, game reviews, tips... etc.

Also what kind of subjects and issues interest you, what are your favourite online casino newsletters?


any feedback is greatly appreciated

Many thanks to one and all

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

 

[maxfalcon]

In my opinion, it all depends of the kind of audience you want to attract.

Good casino bonuses is the common thing 99% of the players like to see (I know some play without bonuses, but they are rare... ), after it is all about knowing the players that read your newsletter.

There's so much online gambling stuff around that it is very hard to come with something really unique!

 

[Zarathustra]

So its all about the money then?

That kind of matches my conclusions, though i would like to think that players make a personal connection with the casino they play with.

I think that Bodog has a very interesting approach to its players in terms of the image and design. Golden Palace is of course very well polished as well lots of zany stories and stuff about winners.

A side note... it is evident that the big Titans of the industry are branching out and investing in their own small scale media networks, radio etc. I think this is a fascinating development. With all the competition out there, one feels that casinos somehow have to make that personal connection with people to attract and retain players. This is why i am interested in the newsletter issue- does a newsletter make you feel part of a casino, are we interested in reading them. or are they a nuisance, would we rather just have a list of promotions sent to our inbox every week, or something more meaningful...

anyways... just thinking out loud

Thus spoke Zarathustra

 

[Petunia]

NO BS. That is what makes a newsletter.

**Hey there.
Well, it has been a while. Here are my personal and professional views on newsletters.
The days of “Spam them and they will buy” is long dead.
Gone, over with… In fact, there are laws against it now.
A good newsletter is one that keeps your interest. Stands out from the rest of the junk you sign up for, and is very specific to the ACTUAL reason why I requested it.
There are many people, with different tastes. Each person sign up to a newsletter, promotional letter or e-mail for a very specific reason.
1. To keep an eye on the competitor or market
2. Because they REALLY have an interest in the subject matter.

Now, for me, as a Black Jack and Poker Player, there is no real value in a general promotion, as it excludes these games for me. Besides all the terms and conditions, loopholes and absolutely ridiculous wagering requirement… there IS one thing that keeps me going back to a promotion or newsletter: NO BS.

Mean what you say, and say what you mean. Stop using the same ol’ same ol’ tag-lines.
“Free Money, no strings attached” – I see that, I see “We tell blatant lies”
“Specially designed to suite your needs” – Erm.. really? Then how come my buddy with the guest account received the same e-mail?

A newsletter should contain news. I like the newsletters from Bryan (for instance) because they contain NEWS. Stuff that is important. Stuff that is actually shaping the industry. IF I take up on a promotion (which will happen once in a leap-year, on a blue-moon Tuesday ONLY) it will be from a selection of the presentations as per Bryans newsletters. WHY? Well, HIS newsletter is NO BS, so subconsciously, I convince myself that the offers on them will contain no BS. They usually do, but that is not the point.

A promotion is designed to get your interest and have you part with your money. A newsletter should be designed to carry news. Personally, I hate most of the newsletters from the casinos, but I like the ones send by the webmasters. They relate to experiences, industry (GOOD OR BAD) – and carry advertising that one can safely assume was not trying to give you the impression that “It was specially designed for you”. You know the risk in taking it.

Well, those are my initial thoughts. Sorry, it is a bit long-winded. I would be interested myself in seeing if any of you could perhaps provide your own insights into this. Maybe one or two Reps participating? Petunia**

EDIT: A Newsletter should contain news. A promotional Letter should contain a promotion. Don't send promo stuff to me every day, and a million of them. GODS it frustrates me, and I ignore them. If you going to combine the two, then make sure you have GREAT planning, and don't bother me again unless it REALLY IS a "ONCE OFF SPECIAL OFFER".

 

[The Dude]

A good newsletter should have:

a) Content - something meaty whether it's an observance or something newsworthy.

b) an item that pertains to your website - you want to draw people's interest to your site - hopefully it's something unique, jazzy, quirky, or interesting.

c) a funny joke.

d) a picture of me at the bottom

https://www.casinomeister.com/newsletters/

 

[Zarathustra]

Can Online Casinos Adopt the Practices of the Webmasters?

Petunia...

I concur with your observations on the webmaster newsletters... at the moment, if you want incisive news on the industry etc then they are a must.

Is there something that the online casinos can learn from this example, is the online casino industry in need of rethinking its approach to its players. Should online casinos stop thinking of players as anonymous, self interested gamblers, and instead view them as interested publics that would appreciate regular news, stories, commentary, opinion etc.

Why dont online casinos make their newsletters more informative, why do they seem to restrict themselves to cliched slogans and catch phrases, that as Petunia notes, are synonymous with "we are going to con you".

Do we want better quality newsletters, would they make a difference to the way we think about our online casinos... or is all this just a waste of time!

Thanks to all

Thus spoke Zarathustra

 

[Petunia]

For one

** Zara, the problem is that the casinos are having a hard time to be 'nice' about their promotions, because of bonus abusers, and players are having a hard time accepting bonuses, because the casinos are looking out for their own interests. It is a catch 22.
Bryan... Meaty. Yes, that is what I'm saying too. Give me something I can sink my teeth into, chew and spit out or digest. (That sentence could have gone horribly wrong! )

I have two suggestions:
1) PPLE relate to PPLE, not newsletters. The newsletters merely bridge the gap. That is why newspapers have survived. Reporters are real; they express THEIR opinion, even if it is 'biased'
2) Combine your promo and your newsletter, without it being a complete drain on the readers mind.

Just my opinion, again. Use it, don't use it. **

 

[spearmaster]

1) PPLE relate to PPLE, not newsletters. The newsletters merely bridge the gap. That is why newspapers have survived. Reporters are real; they express THEIR opinion, even if it is 'biased'

This is very true. At the end of every Got2Bet newsletter, there is a Thought of the Week - which, loosely translated, means "Spearmaster's Soapbox".

Although I used to always write something about gambling, there were times when I just had nothing interesting in my head related to gambling - so I would write about things like current events, the opening of my coffee shop, the tsunami, the dog ate my newsletter, etc... and I know that this human interaction, albeit mostly one way, works wonders.

Sometimes I get responses telling me where to put it (or what to do with my dog) - but more often than not, these responses always express some sort of appreciation or merely relaying the sender's abilty to relate to a particular situation. Never had a complaint saying "Why aren't you finding me huge bonuses" or "What's that crap you're writing about, has nothing to do with gambling". In fact, the only complaints I ever had were that my newsletter was in HTML and not easily read by some email programs (like AOL). And even then they were nice, and usually complimentary (after all, who would complain about not being able to read the newsletter if they weren't interested in it in the first place?)

One thing for sure - I have well more than the three readers I claim - and I know they know I'm human, and most of them can always find some way to relate to me.

It's this virtual bond that makes a newsletter successful - otherwise, you're practically no better than spam.

 

[Zarathustra]

So Personality Does Count After All!

Hmmm... interesting reply, and quite inspiring at that.

It is good to hear a seasoned pro relating their experiences. I would like to think that players do appreciate that personal touch...

I think one of the difficulties of producing a newsletter for a casino is the fact that anything interesting that happens at a rival casino has to be ignored, as that would only mean publicity for the competition.

I suppose, it is the writer who maybe must make a change of approach. Maybe it is the writer who must begin to think of his audience as an interested and engaged one. But then again, there is only so much a writer can do if company pressures restricts them.

Do players like to hear about, or make connections with other players out there, this might sound like a stupid question to post on a forum which serves exactly that purpose, but away from forums... does the average player like to hear or read about or know about what other players are doing and winning?

In producing newsletters I suppose there is the added complication which has already been mentioned in the above posts, namely that one must cater to a diverse audience, which generally shares only one common interest... gambling. But can a newsletter move away from strictly gaming related features and bonuses etc, towards more lifestyle, current affairs based articles... and still remain interesting to its subscribers...

with regards with this i would like to hope that spearmaster's opinion is accurate.

Many thanks

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

 

[Petunia]

**Z - Gambling is such a diverse topic to begin with. I don't think that for one moment, anyone actually sugested that there should be 'gossip' going around about other casinos and their doings.
I did mention that one of the reasons one would subscribed to a casino newsletter is to 'keep an eye on the compitition/industry' but here, if you are stuck for topics are a few things that would keep me keen on reading.
(I would like to see maybe a list or two from some of the other members)

1. Events and oportunities where one can 'meet and greet' certain representatives of the favourite casino - [this pertain to your question, and to answer your: Yes there are many instances where webmasters, players and industry leaders get together to 'show their faces' and sort out a few things (over a couple of drinks).

2. USEFUL information - such as [perhaps] a status report on certain 'issues'.
i.e: There was a security feature messing with the installation of the MGS computers. Was it resolved, can it be resolved etc. When Neteller acted up for a month, HOW to deal with the situation, what to do and who to contact.

3. Direct communication informatio in the event that your e-mail is not answered in x number of days - please contact so-and-so.

Oh, and maybe, just ONCE introduce your 'forum rep' via a newsletter, with relevant experience and information details. It helps build that 'face to the name' thing, or at least another line of communication.

4. I am NOT a technical person in most regards, but there are small technical issues that crops up every now and again - relate that information in your newsletter (It took me AAAGES to figure out how to turn the stupid 'bling' sound off, without having to turn my computer's sound off)

These are all 'service orientated' ideas, but slip in a 'and wait, we have a bonus/promotion' and you have a well-rounded service. Me thinks.

5. I love humour. I enjoy wit, cheek and the odd 'oh my word, he did not say that' in my newsletters! Not everyone does, but then agian, you cannot please everyone. Like Spear said, he was told 'what to do with his dog' - BUT, still, the individual took the time to read, AND RESPOND.

These are, again, a few Ideas. How many of you care for the 'flashing banners' and the 'perfectly presented html' images? How many of you still care to see the "You have won" tag line (not even the bonus hunters care for those anymore I think)

I like reading, I sign up with newsletters to get 'news'.
Who's been 'spotted' at the MGS Conference?
What happened at the Vegas Affiliate get-together
Why NOBODY recognise your casino rep in Montreal
What are your affiliates doing? DO YOU HAVE affiliates?

I'm rambling again. Maybe because I'm bored. I have no good newsletters to read tonight. **

 

[The Dude]

...I'm rambling again. Maybe because I'm bored. I have no good newsletters to read tonight. **

The EIG Nice report should be out this evening

Seriously, I think one key item is that if you enjoy writing about something, it will show - and this is how you can engage your readers. Also keep in mind there are many cross-over interests; scuba diving for lost treasures, history of card games, gangster stories, weird tales from Hollywood - don't just focus on casinos. You'll find that you can only say so much.

 

[spearmaster]

If you're writing for a casino, the task is obviously a bit more difficult, since you take more risk by going off the beaten path. Us webmasters can take a beating and not worry about it too much because it probably doesn't affect our revenues - heck, might even increase our revenues - but the opposite would probably be true for an operator.

Basically, what Meister said is true. We have to show that we're not robots - that we actually have emotions, likes, dislikes, a mouth that sometimes needs cleaning with soap... Remember - especially with emails - people don't often respond to a personality unless it really shows - since a computer is basically a robot... people treat it like one. Bring your newsletter to life with colorful descriptions and thought-provoking comments and you're basically dragging the reader into your own home, office and life.

Look at it another way. If you take the posts in these forums, you'll discover that some people appear entirely mechanical - they mouth what they think they're expected to mouth, they toe whatever line the majority seems to support, they agree with everyone and anyone. As far as I am concerned, that's robotic.

Now look at some of the others, including a few in this thread - who call it like they see it - who aren't afraid of a fight - who are willing to provide suggestions and advice when asked - some even basically spill their guts in here.

It isn't difficult to tell who the life of the party is. Now your objective is - make yourself the life of the party!

 

[Petunia]

** Only tequila [and maybe beer] is the life of the party.

In all seriousness, what you said is dead acurate Spearmaster. Pple don't reply to a 'mailer'. I've had so many funny things that i've read in the newsletters of some of my fav casinos, but never bothered to reply, or answer as I expected and 'auto responder' to say "Thank you for your e-mail. Your comments and feedback is appreciated. Now please hand over your money". - or something.

I also agree with CM, we have a saying "What is on the mind, flow from the lips" in this case "flow from the pen". If you are passionate about what you write, or why you are writing it, it will show. I do write a bit, one would never say it with my spelling and bad grammer.. Truth is, I always get a reply... even if it is to say "What the hell are you on about?!" and the best thing is... I REPLY. That is the other side of it. I know that it can be overwhelming.. but a personal reply... aaaahhhh.... when last?! One of my favourite things to do is sending provocative answers to questionaires, just to see if anyone notice. Well, it turned out they don't... Once an operator did. The person replied "Oh, okay" - and I was happy! We became friends. I became a VIP. Easy. lol **

 

[webber286]

Thanks for the well thought out and detailed responses Petunia, Spearmaster and Meister. This was an important one to read and quite timely as I'm in the process of planning out a newsletter. It's good to hear that people want more than just the latest bonus offers, I really didn't have any interest in going down that road, and it certainly doesn't jive with my site's brand.

One question I have is the repetition with which you would want good information sent to your inbox. I subscribe to newsletters that send information daily, and some that send quarterly, but both seem to be about right for the subject matter. There certainly could be a daily newsletter with everything that happens in this industry, but a weekly or monthly timeline seems much more manageable and probably appreciated by the recipient. Or, maybe it's a question of only sending out a newsletter when there really is something to say, whether that be 3 days in a row or 3 weeks in between.

 

[spearmaster]

Select a period - depending on how active your site is, or how many events have occurred, or even depending on how much time you have.

Personally, I recommend weekly. If you write a good newsletter, like Meister, it becomes something to look forward to every week.

 

[amandajm]

Some newsletters I read come daily, some weekly. I drop those that send more frequent newsletters than frequency of updated content on the actual website.

I used to get involved with the Wizard's newsletter in the form of a mathematical quiz, which consisted of sending in the answers. Used to check the inbox for the leaders table and competed with a friend over the answers. Then we would correlate how we got the answers. I learned alot. Teach me things and I can't forget you.

Was more interesting to me than the actual gambling at the casinos, which I found more boring daily. That would be down to my horseracing background of checking the runners daily etc.

 

[KasinoKing]

Hi guys this is my first thread.
I am conducting some research regarding online casino newsletters. My main question is... what makes a good newsletter... what interests you, i.e. promotions, stories, winners information, game reviews, tips... etc.
Also what kind of subjects and issues interest you, what are your favourite online casino newsletters?
any feedback is greatly appreciated
Many thanks to one and all
Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Simple answer - the only good newsletters are the ones offering sensible promotions.
(I'm sure most people know what I mean by that! )
Everything else is just dross - I never read it.

I think casinos should let the PLAYER chose which type of newsletter they receive.
I would love to be able to unsubscribe from all those REALLY ANNOYING MG casino ones offering "Amazing 15-20% redeposit bonus!"
Please casino's; get a life and stop sending out this garbage!

 

[Petunia]

** Hmmm, how about a 'promotions' letter, that contain ALL the available bonusses and promotions in one, applicable to YOU, but still giving you a choice of which ones you take up on? What freaks me out, is the fact that one ONE day, I can get up to 5 promotions, ecluding 'FYI and Newsletters' from my casino. If I unsubscribe from the newsletter, then I don't see the promo, and if I unsubscribe from the promo,then I don't get the newsletter!! aaarrrrgggghhhh!!! Either way, I think, ONCE a week, per casino GROUP, would be puuuurrrfect for me. Most of the time, I don't even look at it. The delete button is 'turned on automatic'.**

 

[Zarathustra]

An interesting collection of responses....

Thanks to everybody who has contributed so far....

As we can see each person has their own individual take on this issue... those who appreciate the efforts of newsletter writers to entertain and inform, and those who just want to get the bonuses.

What the above discussion would seem to demonstrate to me is that there is a slight divergence between the expectations and desires of non-industry players (players with no internal experience of the industry) and industry players (people who work in the industry and play casino games).

The comments and views of industry players expressed above have been useful to me as not only are they inspiring, but also, they have broadened my horizons of what is possible when writing casino newsletters... i.e. instead of simply relentlessly pushing promotions, a casino newsletter writer can with confidence branch out into unrelated subjects and inject a little personality into their work.

With regards to the non industry players, this is the group that I am most intersted to hear from... I want to know what the customers want. At the moment it would seem to me that the non-industry players can be situated on a spectrum:


interested....................................................................show me the $$$
in content

on the one hand we have those that appreciate the newsletter content and take the time out to read features, on the other hand we have those who couldnt care less, dont really like accepting regular newsletters as they find them a pain... and only give a damn about the promos.

This in turn raises the interesting questions....

1. Where do you sit on the spectrum? (i sit close the the "interested in content end)

2. What actually makes you open your email newsletters? (i.e. catchy subject line, or force of habit- as derived from your prior knowledge that it is a good quality, informative and interesting newsletter)

WOW THAT WAS VERY LONG WINDED....

HOPE I DIDNT BORE Y'ALL

Thanks

Thus said Zarathustra

 

[jetset]

Didn't bore me, in fact I've been reading this whole thread and the different opinions with interest.

I believe you are on the right track in listening to what experienced industry people have to say, but giving closer attention to what the "non-industry" players think, because they are going to be your primary audience.

This sort of attempt to get player opinion on an interesting issue is never wasted in my view, and I would like to read more player views on what they would like to see in a newsletter from an online casino or poker room.

Perhaps an easier way to get a focused response might be to set up a poll or a series of non-leading questions that will enable succinct answers that don't soak up too much of a respondent's time and energy?

 

[The Dude]

...Perhaps an easier way to get a focused response might be to set up a poll or a series of non-leading questions that will enable succinct answers that don't soak up too much of a respondent's time and energy?

Duh, I should have set this up right away. Let's vote!!

 

[Zarathustra]

WOW THANKS FOR THE POLL... AMAZING

I am blown away by the poll... it is an excellent idea, it is also really useful for all of us working in marketing and researching the industry at the moment.

Thanks jetset for the idea and casino meister for setting it up....

By the way guys, if any of you out there see any particularly good casino newsletters, please let me know, any examples of good work are of great interest to me.

once again thanks

thus spoke Zarathustra

 

[jetset]

Very interesting results so far!

C'mon, Casinomeister posters - get over here and put your preferences into the poll!

 

[Petunia]

Very interesting results so far!

C'mon, Casinomeister posters - get over here and put your preferences into the poll!

**This is the PERFECT oportunity for everyone to finally have a say about what matters. As we all know, there are many reps who watch this board, and if ONLY ONE pay attention to this thread, then you have made a difference.
Zarathustra - My compliments to you as a first time poster. At least you did not wait for something to go wrong first!
Jetset... I add my voice to yours!
And again, thanks Bryan! THIS is the stuff that makes the industry tick!
I hope that everyone who ever complained about a newsletter will contribute to this thread... and I do hope that those who don't won't ever complain again! hehehe.. **

 

[silcnlayc]

Grand Hotel Casino News Letter

Just a tidbit to pass along...

I receive Grand Hotel's newsletter with Archie's challenge every week and lots of good info in it and I DO READ IT all the way through.

This is the one and only one I read, cause I like the challenges Archie gives (I won too, and had my money in my account in a flash!) and all the info it has on whats happenning.

Thought this might be of interest.

 

[Petunia]

**Sylc shure. **

 

[silcnlayc]

Too funny Petunia!

I actually got 2nd place ($50) this week in the game of Archie's seaching for the answer. Really do enjoy thier weekly games in the newsletter.

 

[Petunia]

**Sylc, which brings me to another 'issue'. I like doing games, puzzles and the such (yeah yeah yeah, bored housewife, I know) ... Would you say it is the challenge of the game, the bonus or both that keeps you happy - or the content of the newsletter. I personally read Archie every so often... *grin* and since i don't care for the bonus or 'prizes' (as i am not into wagering requirements etc) I do read the content of the letter.. and have always wondered if ANYONE really wins! Good to see that you did! There are a few more letters from this group that I do enjoy though, but I guess it is all a matter of personal taste! Should the casinos have more interactive things too? Like Fortune Lounge's 'coffee break' editions? I LOVE those... **

 

[Zarathustra]

Interesting Results So Far....

Have to say I am in love with that poll you have set up... every morning I am checking up to see how many people have voted. So far the results are as one would expect, Bonuses are the biggest attraction!!!

But the stats speak for themselves so I suppose I need not go into an in depth commentary... all I can say is come on guys and gals on the casinomeister forum vote vote vote and let the industry know what you think and want from it in terms of newsletter based entertainment.

Once again to everyone out there who has voted so far thanks... this is all fascinating and inspiring stuff!!!

Thus spoke Zarathustra

 

[The Dude]

yeah yeah yeah, bored housewife, I know...

Hmmm...I've heard about them.

Sometimes when I'm away, Vortran takes the helm, and he includes weird links and things. And being the ex-professor (that I am), I have a reading assignment lined up when I come back to ensure that my dedicated readers are doing just that: paying attention and reading the newsletter.

Readers who submit the correct answers are awarded cash prizes or whatnots.

Here is an example of Vortran's newsletter:
https://www.casinomeister.com/static/newsletter/2005/16june2005.html

Here is the contest:
https://www.casinomeister.com/static/newsletter/2005/30june2005.html

 

[Zarathustra]

Lol Vortran and Spot The Difference...

Hahah Vortran... sounds like my kind of guy... "robotically yours"- genius!

Seriously though that spot the difference competition is definitely the most exhilirating experience I have had this morning... if anyone reading this hasnt tried to get their head round that puzzle check it out!

It must be nice to be able let your creativity run riot in your newsletters...

Thus spoke Zarathustra

 

[Vegasking]

The Casinomeister writes the only newsletter on the planet that I acually read. You know what you are doing dear Sir.

Keep up the POWER!

 

[maxfalcon]

Good points everyone.

I would like to bring an observation and question in this thread, which diverges a bit from the original question. It's related to technical stuff (newsletter delivery). How much players know that they can receive newsletters and other great stuff via RSS (with readers), while at the same time, avoid all spam and everything that is messing your email inbox?

Newsletters are very often delivered by email, and very rare are people using RSS, a few consumers crossed the line (apart webmasters). RSS can really simplify your life, when it comes to reading the stuff that interests you.

So, do you know what is RSS? Do you receive newsletters and/or content/news via RSS?

PS: I wrote an article about RSS highlighting their advantages, if sir Bryan allows me, I can post some parts here. I believe in this format, because it removes all spam & privacy problems (with emails) for consumers.

 

[dominique]

I am guilty of putting out an irregular newsletter - very irreegular issues. So, while I always end up rambling about this or that, I also try to make some content that will be useful for some time to come.

I really need to get regular with it again, I was enjoying writing it when I did it every weekend.

 

[rudepete]

Spearmaster

Hey you, I just checked out your site and signed up for your newsletter and I just about died laughing(get it) when I read "The Doctor's Pool". I had to copy it and send to my friends. Great site.

Pete

 

[The Dude]

...PS: I wrote an article about RSS highlighting their advantages, if sir Bryan allows me, I can post some parts here. I believe in this format, because it removes all spam & privacy problems (with emails) for consumers.

If it's webmasterly, I'd prefer it in the webmaster section. But if you feel it's good for general audiences - feel free to either start a new thread or post exceprts here. Thanks!

 

[maxfalcon]

Yes, it's general audience oriented. I will start a new thread and post some parts of the article. Hopefully it will help some persons to understand what RSS is.

 

[Zarathustra]

Vote People Vote

Greetings one all

Well I have been checking in on the thread over the past few days and it seems to have ground to a halt... time to inject a little life.

Well first up the results are very interesting, I am a little dissapointed that players are not that interested in feature type articles relating to the history of casino games etc. Personally that is what i find most entertaining, however it is understandable that players are most interested in news immediately relevant to their prefferred casinos and the industry.

A poll of 36 is useful, however it would be nice if more people voted, i hope casinomeister will keep the poll going for a while as i am sure more people will contribute over time.

thanks all

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

 

[dominique]

I agree, this is a great way players can influence what is available to them. I am all ears here too.

 

[Petunia]

** Hey guys, I find it intriguing that so much energy can be spend on complaining. I understand that one is more passionate about loosing money, yet it would seem that this poll is being supported by those who really wish to make a difference, yet, hardly ever have complained!
It is kind of ironic dont you think? Other than that, I am very pleased to see that some took time to voice their interests, or at least add it to the total. I have it on good authority that some of my favourite casinos are watching this thread with GREAT interest! So, honestly, I maintain. If you dont vote, or make your voice heard.. then you should take what comes your way in the form of a newsletter. **

 

[vinylweatherman]

View

I don't think any casino that stops all bonuses and comps will get very far. They don't have the option to give comps in the form of hospitality as B&M casinos can, so have to resort to the bonus method. Often these bonuses are badly designed, and allow too much "mechanical extraction" simply by setting Autoplay and going to bed. This is not really satisfying the need for entertainment, but is giving away money. The best model is to have a different type of promotion on each promotional day. One could be a deposit match, another could be a cashback on losses. There could be tournaments where prizes are awarded for achieving something (such as the new Slotjunkies program) - and they should be designed to prevent "whales" from being able to win them all. They could design really challenging events involving play that the "autoplay brigade" will not be able to master. Events should require the player to actually think for themselves, not follow a set recipe from bonuswhores.com The casinos on their part should not punish players who make minor slipups by confiscating everything, and should be absolutely certain before labelling a player as a "cheat" and then treating them like mud when they try to defend themselves.
Perhaps the best way to fund bonuses is to fund them from a predefined pot reflecting profit already made, and then work out the likely hit on a worst case scenario (100% takeup and all from bonuswhores.com). The casino will not come to grief from a bad promo, but will simply offer something with less exposure the next time to balance the books. Players will accept that the offers will vary and will not expect a fantastic give-away each week.

As for the other aspects of a casino newsletter, items about game history tend to appear in general gambling publications, so anything of this nature should be casino specific.
There should be a section on technical issues that have been brought to the attention of the helpdesk, and notes on how to resolve them. Use should be made of reference links to detailed resolutions for those affected to prevent the newsletter becoming too long.

To round it off there should be a bit of humour, an article about an exceptional win if one has occurred, and please, publish the results of any competitions, tournaments, draws etc that have been completed since the last newsletter.

Any giveaway bonus should be near the end, so readers do at least have to eyeball the thing, even if they don't read it! The layout should be fairly consistent, and the newsletter should be easily identifiable with the readers own membership of the brand it is promoting to distinguish it from affiliate spam that might look like a promotional mailer.

 

[maxlevine]

I'm interested in personal views. In a weekly newsletter, I expect an article about an event, product/service or establishment with the author's opinion on the subject. And once a month, or in a monthly newsletter, links to different articles/threads.

Max

 

[Petunia]

**Hey Vinyl & Max! Vinyl, you summed the whole thing up very nicely here, and I would like to add just one little thing. Promotions are good to have, some casinos does not give anything in the form of 'a bonus' but they do have very good promotions, and you are right! Without them (and not just in this industry, in pretty much ANY industry) there would be a bit of a 'dry spell' for the casinos.

I think the industry is chaning to the point where nobody wants to be bombarded by the same crap all the time. Like Vinyl said
" There could be tournaments where prizes are awarded for achieving something " - THIS is a very good sugestion. It will [eventaully] build a good solid communication foundation and interaction between the players and the casino.
It is easy enough, like Max suggested, to have links to threads and other newsletters. How many of the casinos that you play at, are partnered here with Casino Meister for instance? With permission [of course] why not SHOW us that you ARE paying attention to the gripes, growing pains and even compliments from this forum (and others!) by merely referring to a thread on this board?
There are many things that's being adressed here, from Neteller issues to the last/latest conference, and games releases! Bloody hell, the webmasters of this board does their best to 'keep it clean' - WHY NOT educate your players by LETTING THEM KNOW you are pro-active, and that help is on hand by merely reading this board and others?
Anyways.... Ranting again. Sorry. I like your post Vinyl, it seems like you have put a LOT of thought into it... I DO hope there are reps paying attention... maybe more will also participate or ask THEIR questions to be answered PUBLICALLY. Just a thought. Use it, don't use it. **