Are no-deposit bonuses killing real traffic?

[Johan van Der Walt]

So I have been noticing that a lot more casinos are leaning heavily on no-deposit bonuses to pull first-time signups, but it feels like it’s doing the opposite of what’s intended. Most of those users just jump in, claim the free spins or credit, and bounce. Very few end up depositing or engaging long-term.

Now from an operators POV, NDBS do attract a lot of what I like to call "Bonus hunters" and these are the type of people that are basically just recycling accounts or even using VPNs, which then obviously ups fraud and KYC workload. But working in the industry there are a lot of people who say that its still the easiest way to get eyeballs on a new brand.

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

[swogerino]

So I have been noticing that a lot more casinos are leaning heavily on no-deposit bonuses to pull first-time signups, but it feels like it’s doing the opposite of what’s intended. Most of those users just jump in, claim the free spins or credit, and bounce. Very few end up depositing or engaging long-term.

Now from an operators POV, NDBS do attract a lot of what I like to call "Bonus hunters" and these are the type of people that are basically just recycling accounts or even using VPNs, which then obviously ups fraud and KYC workload. But working in the industry there are a lot of people who say that its still the easiest way to get eyeballs on a new brand.

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

So far I never ever felt even checking out these no deposit bonuses offers as I don't find them amusing at all. They may be geared toward new users like you say yet just like you I also think most people will only register to try their luck and not engage in long time. For new users what I would recommend is something like most streamers offer in their Youtube channels, some kind of code which starts you from 0 but with advanced options like starting at some VIP level that entitles you directly to weekly and monthly bonuses plus sometimes they give you some dollars to start with by registering under their names. I cannot do that as I am a very old user in most casinos but I encourage new users to join this way as it is much better than the no deposit bonus thing and chances are high they to engage more.

[ultraBTC]

So I have been noticing that a lot more casinos are leaning heavily on no-deposit bonuses to pull first-time signups, but it feels like it’s doing the opposite of what’s intended. Most of those users just jump in, claim the free spins or credit, and bounce. Very few end up depositing or engaging long-term.

This is definitely true from both the operator and affiliate perspectives. You simply can't compare the conversion or retention rates from free/ND bonus traffic with other organic type-of-queries. It often brings more headaches than value, especially if the brand operates with a lighter KYC approach. That's a fact.

That being said, ND bonuses can still serve a purpose when used strategically-like rewarding loyal players or compensating unlucky streaks to improve retention and player sentiment. But that's a whole different story.

From an SEO standpoint, they can help with initial exposure through increased mentions and backlinks across multiple sources. However, that benefit heavily depends on the quality of those sources. Overall, it's not something I'd recommend as a core focus for any serious brand.

[DubemIfedigbo001]

So I have been noticing that a lot more casinos are leaning heavily on no-deposit bonuses to pull first-time signups, but it feels like it’s doing the opposite of what’s intended. Most of those users just jump in, claim the free spins or credit, and bounce. Very few end up depositing or engaging long-term. 

Most cool welcome bonuses I've seen always come after your first deposit and with terms and conditions and before you can fulfill them, it's a bit tasky and it works like a trap to make you attached to the casino and continue depositing. I can only Imagine the wagering requirements obtainable from the no-deposit bonuses but I bet you the casinos are not stupid, it's an advanced marketing feature that only a very few can convert and withdraw through, if at all.

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

No they are not, neither are they disrupting the actual gamblers visiting the casino, in marketing they are called prospects and there is a higher chance that they prospects can deposit and turn to the casino clients, it is a well calculated move to lure new clients by the casino.

[Upgrade00]

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

No, I do not think it is killing traffic or trust, it is more the case of abusers making it more difficult for casinos to actually give valuable bonuses.
Many times people complain about the strict deposit and wagering requirements that casinos set up, but this is definitely part of the reason that is.

I understand abusers are an inevitable part of the system, so the casinos need to find a balance giving more bonuses to return users and not having a very strict wagering requirement that almost makes it impossible for players to win.

[yahoo62278]

Most no deposit bonuses I have seen lately have a cap or max cashout so in all honesty people should just be using them as an opportunity to check a site out. Those that are relying on them or making multiple accounts are probably poor and not going to gamble at the casino, so the target audience they are attracting are mostly bums. It's traffic, just not the right kind if the operator is trying to bring players. Much better to run some sort of depo bonus(without a 35x+ rollover, maybe 20x max) or have a wager contest of some sort to get players.

[GreatArkansas]

(....)
Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

Well, most of the victims that will fall here are the new ones. But if you've already been in this market for too long, you've already gotten used to it, you already know how this scheme works.
So for me, it's just like an advertisement, though, just to make their name hot.

Some people will also not fall into these, like they already knew there's no easy money like that.

[yhiaali3]

Yes, I have seen many of these casinos rely heavily on no-deposit bonuses to attract new users. Unfortunately, I believe the majority of these are bounty hunters who sign up just to claim these bonuses, and then most of them leave without making a deposit.

This doesn't serve the purpose of these free bonuses, which are intended to attract more customers and more deposits. If the casino doesn't generate more revenue through more deposits, what's the point of all these bonuses?

[joeperry]

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

If it's still there and a lot of gambling site do have this, I think it's working and I'm pretty sure that they are aware of those "Bonus Hunters". If I am not mistaken, those free bonuses usually have high wagering requirement and can't be easily achieved and it's a way for them to introduce their platform and test the site while having a chance to win money and possibly convert them to their loyal players. Honestly I will be hooked by this kind of promotion and I think a lot of genuine players would go for this, so I'll say that even though there are some users who try to abuse the promotion, there's still a lot of potential players that they can attract.

[Finebone]

So I have been noticing that a lot more casinos are leaning heavily on no-deposit bonuses to pull first-time signups, but it feels like it’s doing the opposite of what’s intended. Most of those users just jump in, claim the free spins or credit, and bounce. Very few end up depositing or engaging long-term.

Folks that engage in activities like this are not genuine gamblers from the onset, because those deposits bonuses are just added motivation that shouldn't be killing traffic, and traffic will always be there if the real gamers  are interested, but if they are not interested, their will be no traffic even though their are deposit bonuses.
All my time gambling, I don't give a shit about those deposits bonuses, it mostly expires because my routine is to open the gambling account, fund it, stake my game and move on.

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

They might be worth it to those that are interested in it, but as for me, i may not even notice it if they don't make it too obvious in their platform, but if it's killing genuine traffic? no, i don't think so.
What will happen will still happen, as humans, you will always find some folks that will always try to cheat , so don't be too surprised by it.

[davis196]

So I have been noticing that a lot more casinos are leaning heavily on no-deposit bonuses to pull first-time signups, but it feels like it’s doing the opposite of what’s intended. Most of those users just jump in, claim the free spins or credit, and bounce. Very few end up depositing or engaging long-term.

Now from an operators POV, NDBS do attract a lot of what I like to call "Bonus hunters" and these are the type of people that are basically just recycling accounts or even using VPNs, which then obviously ups fraud and KYC workload. But working in the industry there are a lot of people who say that its still the easiest way to get eyeballs on a new brand.

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

I've seen lots of no-deposit bonus offers about UK casinos(I don't live in the UK, so I haven't tried any of them). If the casino offers such no-deposit bonus, then it's pretty clear that the casino marketing team behind the offer knows what's necessary to pull in new users.
Many casinos are chasing fake clout and higher player volume. Maybe that's why the casinos don't mind the "bonus hunters". A casino claiming to have 1 million player accounts sounds pretty authoritative and trustworthy(despite the fact that 80% of those accounts might be dormant).
The casino always wins and I'm sure that the casinos won't suffer heavy financial loses, just because they offer a no-deposit bonus.

[Hazink]

​I don't see this as a traffic killer. No deposit bonus can attract new customers. Both those whose intention is to claim the bonus and leave. It also attracts those who are exploring to find a new casino.

The main work here which will determine if some of those new customers will stay or not is based on their experience. If they find the new casino very good and attractive, they will try to stay longer and make a deposit, but if the experience is not a positive one, you will see them going back to their old casino that they have been using before running into the new one.

[Johan van Der Walt]

Appreciate all the replies here, some really solid points from everyone.

It’s interesting how many people mentioned that no-deposit bonuses aren’t necessarily bad, it’s just how they’re being used. I fully agree with that. The issue isn’t the idea itself, but the way it’s become more of a quick numbers play than a real acquisition strategy.

From my side, I’ve seen how these promos can flood systems with fake or temporary users, which looks impressive for reports but doesn’t do much for actual growth. Most of the accounts that come in through NDBs end up inactive within a few days, and that traffic quality makes things harder for support, risk, and marketing teams too.

I still think there’s value in them when they’re targeted and limited, like when used as a test drive or part of a loyalty cycle. The problem is when everyone’s giving them out with almost no restriction. At that point it stops being a player incentive and just turns into noise.

It’s been cool hearing everyone’s experiences on this though, clearly a lot of us have seen both sides of it.

[Justbillywitt]

In marketing not all clients that you advertise to that ends up patronising you, also not all that come to patronise you for the first time will end up coming back or sticking with your brand. Many will come and go back but few will definitely stay with your brand. Even if you are able to gain only one loyal client as a result of that non deposit bonus, the casino have achieved something. From that one person others will hear about your brand and come as long as you are providing quality services. The few that stayed will spread the services of your casino to other gamblers.

[Free Market Capitalist]

Curious what you guys think? are they actually worth it or are the just killing genuine traffic and trust in the long run?

I don't think those bonuses are killing traffic either. Casinos know what is most profitable for them and what isn't, and for every bonus hunter who takes advantage of the bonus and doesn't come back, there are surely others who become regulars at the casino. Besides, there are also wagering requirements, as has been mentioned.

[jcojci]

That is just a casino marketing to attract people to join. From that promotion, casinos will see who will be the potential members in the long run so they will give another promotion. The casino will check the history of all the new member and know who uses the other promotion or deposits their money.

If new members abuse the system, the casino will know and do something so new members will not have a chance to cheat them. Some people will think that it is worth it to try before they start to deposit. But some others will think that it is not worth it for other reasons. So that still works for the casino because before they give that, they already research.

[rat03gopoh]

Now from an operators POV, NDBS do attract a lot of what I like to call "Bonus hunters" and these are the type of people that are basically just recycling accounts or even using VPNs, which then obviously ups fraud and KYC workload.

And I even imagine someone living in a third-world country could live with NDB if I look at the average value of this program offered by several casinos in my email.

But working in the industry there are a lot of people who say that its still the easiest way to get eyeballs on a new brand.

Perhaps their statistics say more than that; but from my perspective, if there's no player's personal money involved in each bonus program, it's difficult to attract new loyal users.

[Sim_card]

I don't think that welcome bonus is killing the casino traffic because everyone using the casino at that moment might ne attracted to the casino due to the bonus given aftwr your first deposit. However, you should know that people must abuse bonus but that doesn't mean that there a no legit gamblers that will be hooked to the casino after testing the site. It's a way to promote your casino and promotion will incur some losses in order to make more profit in the future.

[TastyChillySauce00]

No deposit bonus is not killing the real traffic of website, otherwise, it's pump traffic. i believe many bonus hunters will be flooding that site with the hope they can hit and run it.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

It's not killing the traffic, the casinos in question are operated by smart people, they knows how they are playing their marketing skills and for every form of promotion that they put out there to attract customers, they are constantly accessing the results of such promotion if it is positive or negative. They sometimes stops giving out a particular kind of bonus if the bait is not bringing new customers. Some of the no-deposit bonus has a condition that you must make deposits and gamble with your money before you can withdraw from the casinos, that's to confirm that you are not a bot.