Worst Christmas calendars ever?

[spintee]

To be charitable I wonder if the constantly growing amount of new casino's has increased competition so much and their need to advertise because of it has meant that profit margins are much tighter now?
This xmas I mostly relied on daily depositing deals rather than get roped into anything ongoing that needed regular deposits. GUTS promo stood out like a sore thumb as being one to avoid

It does seem to be that way, If casino used there brains and come on to sites like this and make sure players are getting looked after than I am sure it would go along way,

I said forums etc only get a small % of players but I will guarantee 90% of looked for answers somewhere and if they come to some where like this than they will find out,

I think its about greed, Yes they have alot of over heads but if it was not for a player there be no casino, As long as there making profit than that should be the main object, When they go all queit and do not want to know shit all, speak to the dirt box than one day the casino it self will need help and they can go an blow,

Vdeo slots have not got where they are by keeping quiet and giving shit all back, I know there is not many bonus but you do not really want a bonus there, You not eran much when a bonus is active and the rewards come when play, I love a upfront bonus but as there rare as rocket horse now days I rather give back to straight deposit where I will eventuall get things back like cashvback and race wins, plus perks such as free spins etc,

Rizk casino is another up there, I know theer has been problems with play but its out theer hands, Rizk now is what like Guts was when they first jumped on board, I do hope rizk will stay that way,

i am also hunting down some of my old joints to play, BGO is another one thats seem to have things going, Again they have gone big but still looking after players

so many casino joints now days, Most probs better of playing a bingo site for bonus and slots, If there was not money to be made than do you think all theses would be opening? Most are there to rincse you and thats it, Could not care less about experience or how you feel,

 

[brianmon]

It does seem to be that way, If casino used there brains and come on to sites like this and make sure players are getting looked after than I am sure it would go along way.

One thing which the casinos maybe don't realise, is the number of people who read the forums.
It's no good just going by the number of people posting, there are many more readers, who don't post, and even more readers who aren't even members.

Having just checked the home page, there where 28 members online and 157 non-members (almost 6x as many) reading the forums at that particular moment in time.

So far today there have been 306 members visit the forum, and if you extrapolate that number (as I cant see a figure for non-member visitors today). that comes to 1715 non-members

So all the criticisms and complaints about THEIR casino, may have been seen by over 2000 people, so far today (which, being boxing day, is probably much less than normal)

 

[spintee]

One thing which the casinos maybe don't realise, is the number of people who read the forums.
It's no good just going by the number of people posting, there are many more readers, who don't post, and even more readers who aren't even members.

Having just checked the home page, there where 28 members online and 157 non-members (almost 6x as many) reading the forums at that particular moment in time.

So far today there have been 306 members visit the forum, and if you extrapolate that number (as I cant see a figure for non-member visitors today). that comes to 1715 non-members

So all the criticisms and complaints about THEIR casino, may have been seen by over 2000 people, so far today (which, being boxing day, is probably much less than normal)

That my story, Albeit there only a small % of players that regerster to such sites as this, Alot of players would of read posts, A few % are just con artists and know its not worth there while to complain, a few % are members at other forum and a good % only look when into trouble, Than piss off,

There is not many gamblers that have not run into a fourm such as this, If they have not I will gaurantee they will do. There is many that read this fourm like I did b4 I got the bollox to sign up as the info was priceless,

There is many of new sites on the market and players and this is what sites are after, Look at the scandels EV did and than take a new player that bet and lost and ask to close account, They should not really know about close account but some lose money not relise how big the gambling scence is,

I read this fourm for like a few years b4 I sign up, But I was clued up and been riped of for lose change twice in many of year, one was because I not depo in 10 days and another was for penuts as I not played 10 ganes, How you ment to play 10 ganes with 10 bonus ??

 

[aceking123]

well if deposits in the region of 20k plus don't get you any free chips at various sites then sorry , another few accounts closed , thats not light funds funds being spent thats a good punter , ive closed 5 on xmas day , not many left now & im feeling pretty good about it

down to four casinos left now , no MG other than casino rewards , at least this group sent me something * i only play 4 times a year or max 6 , go figure that out.

 

[geordiecolin]

It does seem to be that way, If casino used there brains and come on to sites like this and make sure players are getting looked after than I am sure it would go along way,

I said forums etc only get a small % of players but I will guarantee 90% of looked for answers somewhere and if they come to some where like this than they will find out,

I think its about greed, Yes they have alot of over heads but if it was not for a player there be no casino, As long as there making profit than that should be the main object, When they go all queit and do not want to know shit all, speak to the dirt box than one day the casino it self will need help and they can go an blow,

Vdeo slots have not got where they are by keeping quiet and giving shit all back, I know there is not many bonus but you do not really want a bonus there, You not eran much when a bonus is active and the rewards come when play, I love a upfront bonus but as there rare as rocket horse now days I rather give back to straight deposit where I will eventuall get things back like cashvback and race wins, plus perks such as free spins etc,

Rizk casino is another up there, I know theer has been problems with play but its out theer hands, Rizk now is what like Guts was when they first jumped on board, I do hope rizk will stay that way,

i am also hunting down some of my old joints to play, BGO is another one thats seem to have things going, Again they have gone big but still looking after players

so many casino joints now days, Most probs better of playing a bingo site for bonus and slots, If there was not money to be made than do you think all theses would be opening? Most are there to rincse you and thats it, Could not care less about experience or how you feel,

I think that most new casino's are born out of the fact that a large amount of depositors are sign up bonus seekers and first time deposit seekers. This seems to be born out by so many of these new casinos being directly related to sister sites.
Maybe there is two tears of casino. One tear that targets loyalty and another tear which relies on bonus seekers who are most likely to visit only for what they can get for "free" or a related deposit bonus?

 

[spintee]

I think that most new casino's are born out of the fact that a large amount of depositors are sign up bonus seekers and first time deposit seekers. This seems to be born out by so many of these new casinos being directly related to sister sites.
Maybe there is two tears of casino. One tear that targets loyalty and another tear which relies on bonus seekers who are most likely to visit only for what they can get for "free" or a related deposit bonus?

Your maybe right, But ask any loyal player what are they getting?

think that twice

Sites rely on new players with the mega wager imposible to say the least,

 

[aceking123]

I think your find Harry was right they're getting just too greedy & loyalty is something of the past.

 

[brianmon]

well if deposits in the region of 20k plus don't get you any free chips at various sites then sorry , another few accounts closed , thats not light funds funds being spent thats a good punter , ive closed 5 on xmas day , not many left now & im feeling pretty good about it

down to four casinos left now , no MG other than casino rewards , at least this group sent me something * i only play 4 times a year or max 6 , go figure that out.

I have no idea exactly how much I've deposited this year. But I do know that my Neteller account has turned over $55k, making me a silver VIP.
From that $55k, I've transferred about $20k to my bank. so the other $35k has gone in deposits.
Then there are the deposit's I've made from my cards....

And I have had absolutely FUCK ALL from any casino this Christmas, apart from the feeble offerings which were available to anyone.
So there'll be a lot fewer deposits next year, and some casinos won't be seeing a single penny.

 

[interlog]

It really makes depressing reading.

I would love to hear from casino reps why there has been an apparent decline of comps / goodies during this festive period.

There will be a big thumbs up from me to those casinos that are willing to explain this.

 

[PNEFOREVER2]

Just spoke with Guts CS about the progress bars not filling upwith the boosts upon depositing, told me "there were absolutely no issues at all with the progress bars".

Complete nonsense of course because a few others have had the same issues.

One of the worst thought out promotions I've seen for a while.

 

[Tirilej]

Just spoke with Guts CS about the progress bars not filling upwith the boosts upon depositing, told me "there were absolutely no issues at all with the progress bars".

Complete nonsense of course because a few others have had the same issues.

One of the worst thought out promotions I've seen for a while.

Don't tell Yits. He thought it was an extremly generous and great calender.
I'm sure it was nice to get things with every deposit if you could afford it, so that was the main offers I believe. The bar was just something extra, but definately not special.
I must have lied yesterday because I got both a $5 nd and 25 free spins on Fruit shop. Maybe it corrected itself. It was not worth waiting for though, so so far it's only 32Red that have treated me like I matter.
I'm used to be spoiled but I guess I've lost my charm now

 

[brianmon]

They kind of redeemed it a bit yesterday but it's still easily been a very tight fisted year for free stuff

Who 'redeemed it' ?

It seems like most of the calendars I was following, ended on Christmas Eve.
No doubt, so they couldn't be expected to give anything of value on 'the big day'

 

[lockinlove]

Hi Jennifer,

I hope your Christmas has been an eventful one! I have reviewed your account and I notice you always refuse the free spin offers we offer you. We are curious as to why?

We appreciate any feedback you may have.

King regards,


My response.

If you reviewed my account, you would know I dont play 9 cents a spin.

Why would I ever want to play 9 cents a spin, 40x wagering and $100 max cashout?

Why would you offer me freespins at stakes that are no where close to what I play and with a max cashout. If you offered me even .25 a spin on them id take them assuming the max cashout is raised.

There is a reason why I rarely take bonuses in your casino. This is why. And there is a reason why I never accept free chips from you. Max cashout is $100. When im down $1200 in a few days and I take a free chip and hit something big, $100 cashout will only make me feel worse.

There has been many times I have lost $1200 over a few days, you offer me a freebie, I refuse and then I hit a hot streak for a few thousand. I recover and profit. Accepting your $100 max cashout would have cost me thousands and thousands many times over.

If you reviewed my account, you would know offering me 25 free spins on xmas with a 9 cent value per spin, is more of something to offer me on halloween as a joke. Or April Fools.

 

[Jasminebed]

well if deposits in the region of 20k plus don't get you any free chips at various sites then sorry , another few accounts closed , thats not light funds funds being spent thats a good punter , ive closed 5 on xmas day , not many left now & im feeling pretty good about it

down to four casinos left now ,no MG other than casino rewards , at least this group sent me something * i only play 4 times a year or max 6 , go figure that out.

I thanked them for the chip and and a nice match bonus. Before joining CM, they were the bulk of my deposits. I didn't play as often, yet they always remembered me. Yes, the pending period is longer, but only a couple more days than some others.

And for us Canucks, the EFT transfer is fee free.

I was really pleased to see them reach accredited status. But if you have problems with reversing withdrawals, not your best choice. I have a notebook on my computer desk from before I joined CM detailing how I reversed 2300 over the christmas season when I could have really used the money.

There's been a lot of other free chips over the years, at least once or twice the same as my last deposit, although for a free chip the wagering for the previous one is still activel

 

[L&L-Jan]

Hi Interlog,

Our calendar was a mix of free spins, challenges and offers that require a deposit. We have done a forecast for all the offers to make sure the spendings will remain within the limits of what is possible.

My assumption is that with an increase of active casinos in the market the volume of players per casino will decrease and as a result operators aren't really able to "go nuts" on comps and goodies during this season.
Also ongoing regulations increase operational costs and hence less budget for bonuses and comps. But again, thats just my thought, that does not have to apply for all casinos out there.

We did our best to offer freebies, attractive reloads, attractive free spins offers upon deposit and fun challanges. When looking back at our planning we had:
- 9 days with no deposit offers;
- 7 days with reloads;
- 1x a 25% cashback offer at 35x wagering (no maximum on the cashback!);
- 2 offers where we would double your win from the free spins bonus games on a specific slot
- one challenges where players were given 3 free spins and the best win of the day was rewarded with a 500 euro bonus;
- The last day we gave 5 free spins on the Net Ent Christmas themed slots + lucky angler.

For me personally it was a nice mix of no deposit bonuses and attractive offers that require a deposit.

Last year we ran offers with a few spins upon login and a deposit free spins promotion, on every single day. Although this was appreciated by a lot of players there were still many players complaining about the fact that the value of the offers was low. Therefore we aimed to mix it better this year with challenges, reloads and cashback deals.

I hope this answer helps you?

Kr. Jan

It really makes depressing reading.

I would love to hear from casino reps why there has been an apparent decline of comps / goodies during this festive period.

There will be a big thumbs up from me to those casinos that are willing to explain this.

 

[theapple]

- 1x a 25% cashback offer at 35x wagering (no maximum on the cashback!);

I have a question. why is it called cashback when in fact you get a bonus back? And that exclamation mark was a bit over the top. Basically your offer is lose 100 - get 25 back WITH 35x wagering, and while that might look like a generous offer to you, well... its not.

i wish casinos would start using correct terms. Cash is not something you have to rollover 3, 30 or 335 times. thats a bonus, not cash so why on earth would you call that cashback ?

 

[spintee]

I have a question. why is it called cashback when in fact you get a bonus back? And that exclamation mark was a bit over the top. Basically your offer is lose 100 - get 25 back WITH 35x wagering, and while that might look like a generous offer to you, well... its not.

i wish casinos would start using correct terms. Cash is not something you have to rollover 3, 30 or 335 times. thats a bonus, not cash so why on earth would you call that cashback ?

I think a few sites have had a stiff warning about the words cash back,

In fact a couple of days a go I got such an email stating spend x amount and receive so much cash back, This cash back was actually a bonus cash with wager, I write them an email and beggers belive the next day the offers come in and they had change them to other wording, Not even a free spin in sight for my efforts but I not do it for spins,




Now the revised emails

 

[spintee]

Thats the trouble and to many sites, Thats why casino should offer and offer, I do not mean give away to free loaders but make sure players get value for money, Other wise they will head back to sites where they get something back after play,


You can hold tight and hope for players or treat them well where the word will get about, I would prefer to break even at the end of the month and have thousands of happy customers they only having a few hundrund moaning they get bugger all and disaper over night,

If your got the players other sites have not,
And where are the e emails? I had 1 in like 3 months

I mean you can get free email supliers now days so no excuse

Any way hope you had a good xmas and wish you the best for new year

Hi Interlog,

Our calendar was a mix of free spins, challenges and offers that require a deposit. We have done a forecast for all the offers to make sure the spendings will remain within the limits of what is possible.

My assumption is that with an increase of active casinos in the market the volume of players per casino will decrease and as a result operators aren't really able to "go nuts" on comps and goodies during this season.
Also ongoing regulations increase operational costs and hence less budget for bonuses and comps. But again, thats just my thought, that does not have to apply for all casinos out there.

We did our best to offer freebies, attractive reloads, attractive free spins offers upon deposit and fun challanges. When looking back at our planning we had:
- 9 days with no deposit offers;
- 7 days with reloads;
- 1x a 25% cashback offer at 35x wagering (no maximum on the cashback!);
- 2 offers where we would double your win from the free spins bonus games on a specific slot
- one challenges where players were given 3 free spins and the best win of the day was rewarded with a 500 euro bonus;
- The last day we gave 5 free spins on the Net Ent Christmas themed slots + lucky angler.

For me personally it was a nice mix of no deposit bonuses and attractive offers that require a deposit.

Last year we ran offers with a few spins upon login and a deposit free spins promotion, on every single day. Although this was appreciated by a lot of players there were still many players complaining about the fact that the value of the offers was low. Therefore we aimed to mix it better this year with challenges, reloads and cashback deals.

I hope this answer helps you?

Kr. Jan

 

[Harry_BKK]

Hi Interlog,

Our calendar was a mix of free spins, challenges and offers that require a deposit. We have done a forecast for all the offers to make sure the spendings will remain within the limits of what is possible.

My assumption is that with an increase of active casinos in the market the volume of players per casino will decrease and as a result operators aren't really able to "go nuts" on comps and goodies during this season.
Also ongoing regulations increase operational costs and hence less budget for bonuses and comps. But again, thats just my thought, that does not have to apply for all casinos out there.

We did our best to offer freebies, attractive reloads, attractive free spins offers upon deposit and fun challanges. When looking back at our planning we had:
- 9 days with no deposit offers;
- 7 days with reloads;
- 1x a 25% cashback offer at 35x wagering (no maximum on the cashback!);
- 2 offers where we would double your win from the free spins bonus games on a specific slot
- one challenges where players were given 3 free spins and the best win of the day was rewarded with a 500 euro bonus;
- The last day we gave 5 free spins on the Net Ent Christmas themed slots + lucky angler.

For me personally it was a nice mix of no deposit bonuses and attractive offers that require a deposit.

Last year we ran offers with a few spins upon login and a deposit free spins promotion, on every single day. Although this was appreciated by a lot of players there were still many players complaining about the fact that the value of the offers was low. Therefore we aimed to mix it better this year with challenges, reloads and cashback deals.

I hope this answer helps you?

Kr. Jan

Hi Jan,
thank you very much for your clear and honest post.

i followed your calendar and thought it was one of the better ones as it did not ask for some humongous deposits and/or wagering to maybe get then something which was not worth the effort. A mix of offers is certainly the most rewarding way as it will appeal to all groups.

One question that has been going through my head for a long time seeing groups like Caddell, Progress Play, Nektan etc who throw skin after skin onto the market and mostly with some totally horrible terms. It must be costing them money to run all those sites, pay license fees etc., so why do it? My conclusion is that it must be hugely profitable otherwise these groups would not flourish as they do.

The online gambling market has exploded in the past few years and there is a constant stream of new players signing-up, i think the harder part is to make them stay past the welcome SUB.

 

[spintee]

Hi Jan,
thank you very much for your clear and honest post.

i followed your calendar and thought it was one of the better ones as it did not ask for some humongous deposits and/or wagering to maybe get then something which was not worth the effort. A mix of offers is certainly the most rewarding way as it will appeal to all groups.

One question that has been going through my head for a long time seeing groups like Caddell, Progress Play, Nektan etc who throw skin after skin onto the market and mostly with some totally horrible terms. It must be costing them money to run all those sites, pay license fees etc., so why do it? My conclusion is that it must be hugely profitable otherwise these groups would not flourish as they do.

The online gambling market has exploded in the past few years and there is a constant stream of new players signing-up, i think the harder part is to make them stay past the welcome SUB.

One of the main reason is like most of the U.K bent rules is they piggy back of each other, If you knowthe right routes or scams than the main site would only pay one charge than probably a back hander or a small charger to add site, Take note that mosts theses sites run of a main domain and just subletting, Even thou in the U.K gaming commison states alot of sites but all there doing is running of the back end of web adresse,

I know it goes beyond this but does still not mask the fact it relays back to one company /site. All the payments etc from sites such as rizk and any site under the icloud busness will get prosed by the sam team, Albeit rizk may push the faster prosses threw but at a cost, wort it? YES

Best stand alone site by miles is one and only casinoroom, You do not get many now days as its all about greed, I do not blame them as money talks and bull shit walks, But do not rip us of in the mean time,

I like all brithish as I know payments are about 24 hrs but s long as you know its coming its all good, when sites state up to 48 hrs or evan 24 and they pay dead on that or days later than it shows they have fek all in place, I just had a quick depo on allBritish, got a poxy bonus round on that demoltion squad at 40p spin and pays me like 5 bet, Now if I had aload of cash anddepo 1k and had a £4 spin I bet would pay no end,

Happy spinnig

 

[L&L-Jan]

I have a question. why is it called cashback when in fact you get a bonus back? And that exclamation mark was a bit over the top. Basically your offer is lose 100 - get 25 back WITH 35x wagering, and while that might look like a generous offer to you, well... its not.

i wish casinos would start using correct terms. Cash is not something you have to rollover 3, 30 or 335 times. thats a bonus, not cash so why on earth would you call that cashback ?

I shall use this feedback and inform our team to use the term: Bonus back, or something that sounds more attractive. Thanks a lot and I do agree, thats why we will adjust.

For a no-nonense cashback deal you can always join NoBonusCasino where we do not have any bonuses at all

Kr.

Jan

 

[L&L-Jan]

One question that has been going through my head for a long time seeing groups like Caddell, Progress Play, Nektan etc who throw skin after skin onto the market and mostly with some totally horrible terms. It must be costing them money to run all those sites, pay license fees etc., so why do it? My conclusion is that it must be hugely profitable otherwise these groups would not flourish as they do.

The online gambling market has exploded in the past few years and there is a constant stream of new players signing-up, i think the harder part is to make them stay past the welcome SUB.

I understand why that question is in your head for quite a while and honestly I can't fully answer the question.

Our philosophy is very different versus companies like EM or the ones mentioned above because for us, affiliates in the markets are our key partners. If I'm not mistaken you can get your own casino at one of the companies mentioned for a decent price. After the site is up and running they will provide you with additional services all at additonal costs. Even for the bonuses you would give away. So all bonuses granted, all wagers and all payments processed are activities where costs apply and which are an income for them, as a result their business model. Nothing wrong with that but I prefer not to operate our casinos in such a way. Although we have a few casinos, they all target a specific market (read: country) or niche.

Thank you for your positive feedback regarding our calendar!

Kind regards,

Jan

 

[spintee]

I shall use this feedback and inform our team to use the term: Bonus back, or something that sounds more attractive. Thanks a lot and I do agree, thats why we will adjust.

For a no-nonense cashback deal you can always join NoBonusCasino where we do not have any bonuses at all

Kr.

Jan

Bonus Cash Back it should be called, Thats sounds even better than cash back as there is a bonus there also

Most will know bonus has a wgar knocked on to it,

Its not that but I am sure casino has been punished in the passed by calling it cash back, U.K advertising would have a party over this term Bonus cash nack unless it is a straight cash that you can withdraw. You will find not many will with draw and play any way, very rare you get a win from bonus cash back and if you do it normally enought to cover any wager.

I only here to help. I could not give a shit what its called ut privaple in my eyes and just a heads up as words need to be correct as you will have the U.K commission and standerd agency chasing after a few extra quid

 

[interlog]

Hi Interlog,

Our calendar was a mix of free spins, challenges and offers that require a deposit. We have done a forecast for all the offers to make sure the spendings will remain within the limits of what is possible.

My assumption is that with an increase of active casinos in the market the volume of players per casino will decrease and as a result operators aren't really able to "go nuts" on comps and goodies during this season.
Also ongoing regulations increase operational costs and hence less budget for bonuses and comps. But again, thats just my thought, that does not have to apply for all casinos out there.

We did our best to offer freebies, attractive reloads, attractive free spins offers upon deposit and fun challanges. When looking back at our planning we had:
- 9 days with no deposit offers;
- 7 days with reloads;
- 1x a 25% cashback offer at 35x wagering (no maximum on the cashback!);
- 2 offers where we would double your win from the free spins bonus games on a specific slot
- one challenges where players were given 3 free spins and the best win of the day was rewarded with a 500 euro bonus;
- The last day we gave 5 free spins on the Net Ent Christmas themed slots + lucky angler.

For me personally it was a nice mix of no deposit bonuses and attractive offers that require a deposit.

Last year we ran offers with a few spins upon login and a deposit free spins promotion, on every single day. Although this was appreciated by a lot of players there were still many players complaining about the fact that the value of the offers was low. Therefore we aimed to mix it better this year with challenges, reloads and cashback deals.

I hope this answer helps you?

Kr. Jan

Hi Jan,

Kudos to you for being the first and maybe only rep to chip in here

With regards the remark that an increase of active casinos in the market the volume of players per casino will decrease, it is kind of a vicious circle. Surely it would be in the interest of the casino to retain the player by offering something during the festive season, something that was clearly lacking this year. If you don't look after active players then they will go elsewhere, it meaning fewer players, less budget and round and round it goes.

As Harry said, there must be money to be made considering these casinos opening up all over the place, some of which that are owned by the same group. All of this despite the increase of operating cost.

I am still miffed that I read here on Casinomeister that deposits in excess of £25000 are not enough to warrant a little extra for a player over the Christmas period. I work in retail where margins are low (2%) and a customer that spends £25,000 is one that you don't want to lose and do all that is possible to retain.

All I will say is look at the UK retail giant Tesco and the mistakes that they made taking customers for granted and treating them like a milk cow.

 

[paul7388]

Not bothered whether i got any christmas freebies or not.

All im glad is christmas is over for another year