At a time when many businesses and industries are suffering, one industry that hasn’t struggled is gambling.
More and more people are joining online casinos. So much so, that by 2030, the global turnover is expected to reach $155bn – bigger than the GDP output of most countries.
So, how do online casinos draw in new players? In this guide, we’ll explore the potential factors. We’ll look at the role of lucrative welcome bonuses, the range of games on offer and the improved mobile experiences players can now enjoy.
First, let’s take a look at what an online casino is.
What is an online casino?
An online casino is simply a digitized version of its brick-and-mortar equivalent. Players can log in on their computers, tablets or mobile phones to play games such as roulette, poker or pontoon, and an array of slot machine games.
It has become a fiercely competitive market, with many online casinos springing up and offering players lots of competitive deals – an example would be MegaRush casino. All this activity helps keep players interested and draws in new people too.
How do online casinos attract new players?
Online casinos employ a range of tactics to help them appeal to new players. Let’s take a look at some of the most widespread.
Welcome bonuses and offers
It’s commonplace in the industry for online casinos to offer new players a generous welcome bonus. It seems to be, by far, one of the most effective ways of attracting new players.
As a result, casinos tend to offer other, similar bonuses – they know it works. One of the most common examples is the matched first bet or deposit bonus.
This stands out as one of the most enticing rewards offered spicecinemas by casinos. While both options have their appeal, the matched first deposit undoubtedly holds the upper hand. This is because, upon making your initial deposit into your betting account, the casino will graciously match it. So, if you deposit $100, a corresponding credit of $100 will be added to your account.
Similarly, the first bet bonus functions in a similar fashion. For instance, if you place a $60 bet, the casino will match it, effectively doubling your stake to $120. If you emerge victorious, your returns will thus also be doubled.
Another alluring incentive comes in the form of free spins. Some betting companies entice new players by offering complimentary spins on slot machine games upon registration. Always check the terms, though; the spins might be limited to a specific game.
A wide range of games
One of the biggest attractions of online casinos is the wide range of games they offer. Casino games are some of the most played around the world. The likes of baccarat, poker and mahjong almost have cultural identities attached to them.
With the dramatic improvement in mobile technology, more people than ever before can play casino games, and all from the comfort of their own home. Betting companies continue to expand their offering too. Some, for example, specialize in slot machine games and offer up to 1,000 different varieties, from virtual reality editions to games mirrored on popular brands.
There’s also one type of game that’s become a big draw for many people, and that’s what we’ll look at next.
Live table experiences
One development in the offering of online casinos is the ability to play live table games. If you’re unfamiliar with what this is, it’s essentially a game that’s streamed live from a real casino.
Online players can, for example, join a live roulette table. They’ll watch a stream beamed from a physical casino and play in real-time against people sitting at the actual table. They’ll also be playing against other online players.
These type of games offers online players a more immersive experience than simply watching an animated game. Some casinos even offer players the ability to interact with each other and the dealer.
This is particularly popular with online poker games and tournaments. Some casinos that specialize in the likes of Texas Hold’em run regular poker competitions that anyone can join and potentially win significant sums.
Again, features such as this help make for a more engaging and inviting experience, which has no doubt helped online casinos attract new players. The biggest trick in such a competitive market, however, is keeping hold of them. And that’s why it’s important for betting companies to offer regular incentives, otherwise, their players may drift away elsewhere.