The bright lights and exciting sounds of a casino can lure even the most disciplined person to try their luck at the slot machines or card tables. Yet casinos often use an even more powerful tool to entice players to keep playing and spending: bonuses. At first glance, bonuses that offer free play money or reward points may seem like a great perk for players. However research shows that these tempting promotions have serious psychological and financial consequences that can trap players in dangerous gambling habits.
Allure of “Free” Money
One of the most common types of bonuses that casinos, like bCasino NZ, offer is the cashable bonus. This gives players a matching percentage based on the amount they deposit. For example, a 100% cashable bonus up to $500 means that if a player deposits $400, the casino will give them another $400 in bonus money. Most of these bonuses require a certain amount of play before the bonus money can be withdrawn as cash, usually at least 30-40 times the bonus amount.
This seems like a great deal, since you are basically getting “free” money to play with. Dr. Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University, explains the psychological appeal behind these types of offers: “The attractiveness of the bonus may lead gamblers to overestimate their chances of winning, underestimate the time they will spend gambling and overspend relative to planned expenditures.”
In essence, bonuses give players an inflated bankroll to play with, which can lead them to think their odds of winning are higher than the statistical average, especially in games of pure chance like slots or roulette. They may also justify spending more time and money by thinking they are not tapping into their own funds but “house money.”
Increased Time and Money Spent
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies demonstrated how the presence of a bonus promotes more gambling behavior. Players were divided into groups receiving either cash with no bonus, a 25% cashable bonus or a 50% cashable bonus to play online casino games.
Here are the results in spending and time played when given an initial $20 bankroll:
| Group | Avg. Time Played | Avg. Money Wagered |
|---|---|---|
| No Bonus | 21 minutes | $53 |
| 25% Bonus ($5 extra) | 28 minutes | $69 |
| 50% Bonus ($10 extra) | 34 minutes | $89 |
The data clearly shows that higher bonus percentages equate to more money bet and more time spent gambling. Players with a 50% bonus spent over 60% more money and time playing games versus the control group with no bonus.
Dr. Griffiths explains this tendency: “The increased starting balance of a consumer’s bankroll (due to bonuses) may increase confidence, reduce anxiety and prolong gambling sessions even after incurring losses. Players may assume losses will be covered by winnings before needing to withdraw personal funds.”
Other Types of Bonuses
While cashable bonuses may be the most lucrative type of offer from a player’s perspective, casinos have devised other promotional bonuses to further incentivize gambling. These include:
- Free Spins: A set number of free plays given for certain slot games, often tied to a deposit amount
- Reward Points: Players earn points for the money they wager which can be redeemed for casino credits or comps
- Referral Bonuses: Cash or free plays given to players that refer new customers
Similar to cashable bonuses requiring a certain level of playthrough, these bonuses also have wagering requirements that must be met before any winnings can be withdrawn. The allure of free spins and points can further influence players to justify excessive gambling in the hopes of redeeming these rewards.
Predatory Practices
While savvy players may think they can take advantage of bonuses, the reality is the casino always has the mathematical edge in games like slots, blackjack and roulette. The house advantage ensures the casino will make a profit over millions of bets, no matter how big a bonus they offer.
Some players can temporarily come out ahead by luck or skill in certain games but by attaching high wagering requirements to bonuses, the casinos ensure they make far more off those who lose than what they pay out to winners. Consumer advocacy groups have accused casinos of employing predatory practices by using bonuses to hide the true cost of gambling from players.
UK gambling researcher Dr. James Close even compared cashable bonuses to the tactics used by illegal drug dealers: “The first hit is cheap, or in this case, matched with a bonus. This distorts the true price of gambling and gets users psychologically committed to further, higher priced gambling.” In essence, bonuses provide that tempting first taste that gets players hooked into a cycle of chasing losses or trying to win big.
Tips to Use Bonuses Wisely
While casino bonuses may seem too good to pass up, it is important for players to approach them with a clear head and within a responsible gambling budget and time limit. Those struggling with gambling addiction should avoid bonuses entirely to limit temptation. However, others can take advantage of bonuses while minimizing the risks using these tips:
- Set a strict time and monetary limit before playing and stick to it once reached, even if still within a playing session
- Avoid chasing losses by continuing play after big losses in hopes of recouping – walk away
- Cash out winnings and initial deposit amount immediately once meeting playthrough requirement
- Take frequent breaks in play to avoid entering into a dopamine-induced hazed state of chasing wins
- Monitor emotions objectively – if feelings of frustration, anxiety or elation arise, walk away
- Use bonuses only as a buffer to an established entertainment budget – not primary bankroll source
Bottom Line
While the bright lights and exciting sounds of the casino attempt to mesmerize players into thinking everyone’s a winner, the reality is that the house always has the edge, no matter how flashy and enticing their bonus offers seem. By understanding the psychological and financial impacts of these promotion tactics, players can try to mitigate the traps set against them and hopefully walk away with their own money and a bit more from the casino’s marketing budget. Yet for those susceptible to addiction or loss of control, avoiding bonuses altogether may be the wisest choice. Because in the long run, no matter how you spin it, the casino will always come out the true winner off those dazzling bonuses.