One of the joys of having an online casino account is the casino bonuses. All players are excited when they know they can claim a casino bonus. After all, everyone loves free things; whether they are free spins or bonus funds, it does not matter as long as they are free. The only thing better than a casino bonus is a low deposit casino bonus. Low deposit bonuses are casino bonuses that all players can claim with a low minimum deposit, generally either a $1 or $5 minimum deposit. Low deposit bonuses are popular among online casino players, as they are offered to new and existing players. Only a small deposit is required, so players won’t break the bank to activate these bonuses. Online casinos offer low deposit bonuses for several reasons, which we’ll explore in this article.
Reason #1: To attract new players
There are thousands of online casinos, and the industry is highly competitive. The best way for an online casino to stand out from the pack and attract new players is by offering them a welcome bonus. A low deposit welcome casino bonus is only available to new players who sign-up at an online casino. Offering a low deposit bonus is an excellent marketing tool to attract new players to the casino. New players will immediately feel welcomed and valued when they notice these bonuses. Some examples of low deposit welcome casino bonuses include; ‘Deposit $5 and get 50 free spins and $30 in bonus funds’ or ‘Claim 30 free spins when you make a $1 deposit’.
As mentioned, the online casino industry is diverse, and there are thousands of casinos, most are low deposit casinos. However, there is a difference between a low deposit casino and a low deposit bonus casino. Low deposit casinos allow players to make deposits from as low as $5 or $10 but can only activate a bonus from a minimum deposit of $20 or more. Whereas low deposit bonus casinos accept deposits from as little as $1 or $5 plus also allow players to activate bonuses with the same initial deposit, thus proving its attractiveness to players and making it easier for new and potential players to differentiate the casino from its competitors.
Reason #2: To encourage players to try new games
Casino games are an essential part of an online casino, as these games are the main reason a player opens a casino account. Hundreds of casino software providers in the industry provide thrilling games to players. Software developers are constantly introducing new games, and online casinos can use low deposit bonuses to incentivize players to try out new games.
For example, online casinos can offer players a bonus like ‘Claim 100 free spins on the new slot game Starburst when you make a $5 deposit’. This strategy has benefits for both the online casino and the player. The online casino can get players to play new games, thus expanding the gaming portfolio of players, which in turn, makes players play more, which results in more deposits and turnover for casinos. Players benefit from playing new games, learning more about the game and its features using bonus money or free spins, and not wasting their own real money.
Reason #3: To retain existing players
Getting new players to use an online casino is easy; the hard part is keeping players happy and not losing them to competitors. Online casinos can use low deposit bonuses to retain existing players and encourage them to continue playing at the casino. It is important to make existing players feel valued. Online casinos can offer their existing players weekly low deposit bonuses, including free spins and bonus funds. Another highly successful strategy that is widely used in the industry is a loyalty program. With a loyalty program, existing players at an online casino can earn rewards from making deposits and playing real money games. Players can earn points for every deposit and real money wager at the casino, and these points can be used to determine a player’s rewards level and prizes that can be claimed. Typical rewards available through a loyalty program include; free spins, cash prizes, low deposit bonuses, cashback, entertainment tickets and higher withdrawal and deposit limits.
Reason #4: To cater to low budget players
The standard of living has increased globally, and individuals from all countries struggle with rising food prices and other expenses. Today, most online casino players cannot deposit large amounts of money and play casino games. Low budget players play an important role in any online casino, and these players are the bread and butter of the casino. Research has shown that 43% of players in Canada spend around $1-$20 per month at an online casino, and the average monthly deposit at online casinos is $6.75. These statistics emphasise how important low budget players are to an online casino. By catering to these players and offering plenty of low deposit bonuses, online casinos can attract and retain a broader range of players.
Reason #5: To comply with regulatory requirements
Obtaining an online casino license is not straightforward, and the gambling boards are strict. Some global gambling boards include; the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, iGaming Ontario, the National Gambling Board of South Africa and the Curacao eGaming Association. There are no requirements that state that an online casino is forced to offer low deposit bonuses to its players. Still, there are guidelines in place that require online casinos to act responsibly towards all players.
Gambling laws differ for each country, but they impact online casino bonus offerings. For example, the UK Gambling Commission requires all online casinos to take up new bonuses and classify the difference between a bonus and real money funds. iGaming Ontario has outlined the criteria that online casinos must follow when issuing casino bonuses, including that all bonuses must be clearly stated. Players can feel free to stop using a bonus without risking losing their real money funds. Once activated, the terms and conditions of the bonus are not allowed to change.
Everyone loves low deposit bonuses, and they have been in the industry for many years, and these bonuses benefit both the online casino and the player. Online casinos offer low deposit bonuses for several reasons, including; attracting new players, encouraging players to try new games, retaining existing players, catering to low budget players, and complying with regulatory requirements.
