The psychology behind casino bonuses: why they work

Many players and online casino experts evaluate the value of a casino by the weight of its bonuses and their terms and conditions. Bonuses have been a successful addition to the online gaming experience which has led many to ask why it works. What are the hidden psychological advantages that bonuses use to win players over? We take a deep dive into the psychology behind casino bonuses in this article.

Types of casino bonuses

There are different kinds of bonuses available to players at online casinos. The value of these bonuses differs depending on the operator but the structure of the bonus remains the same. As an online gambler, you would have encountered one or more of these bonuses at the numerous operators available online. Using review tips like this winz casino no deposit bonus article will help you to pick the best bonus for you. Common casino bonuses include: 

• Welcome bonus: This is the most common bonus available at all online casinos. It is given to new players who sign up for an online casino. They usually include cash rewards and free spins.

• Reload bonus: This bonus gives players a portion of the funds they deposited on the platform the previous week. Players must meet the deposit threshold to qualify for this bonus. 

• Cashback: This bonus is a portion of the funds players have used in playing specified games. It is a way to encourage players to play more games at the casino as their money will come back to them. 

• VIP bonus: This bonus is for players who are part of the casino's VIP program. The rewards from this bonus vary and it usually depends on the Player’s  VIP level. 

• No deposit bonus: These bonuses do not require players to perform any actions before they receive them. It is like free money that players can spend within the agreed terms and conditions.

• Promo code: Promo codes are letter and number combinations that give players bonus rewards. These codes can be periodic or one-time codes released by the operator. 

The psychological effects of casino bonuses

The reason for the success of casino bonuses is the psychological effects it has on players. These make players more open to the idea of bonuses and are willing to deposit their money to receive them. Here are the psychological effects of casino bonuses.

Rewards and dopamine

When players receive bonuses and other rewards, it triggers a dopamine rush in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that controls the feeling of joy after an accomplishment, pleasure, or as a motivator. Therefore, dopamine creates a feedback loop that keeps players engaged and coming back for more. Players will chase the next available bonus in a bid to get the maximum dopamine release from unlocking rewards and bonuses. Operators structure the bonuses as a give-and-take scenario so that players feel accomplished. A set of rules must be obeyed before the bonus can be claimed which increases the sense of accomplishment.

Trust building

Bonuses are the quickest way for casinos to build trust with their players. Players view bonuses as the casino rewarding them for their loyalty to the platform. This is apparent in VIP bonuses which are exclusive to players in the VIP  program. Most VIP programs can only be joined when players have spent a set amount or been members for a long time. This mutual trust keeps players on the platform as they know they will be rewarded for their playtime. When players develop trust with a casino, they are more likely to refer their friends and make larger deposits.

The principle of reciprocity

This principle states that when an individual does something for us we naturally want to repay the favor. Therefore, casinos will provide bonuses and promotions to their users because they know it will make them want to remain loyal. The more bonuses a player receives, the more they feel they must reciprocate the gesture. This reciprocation is done in various ways including spending more money, playing for longer hours, and engaging with the available services at the casino. This principle is at the center of every bonus provided by online casinos.

Cognitive biases

Casinos use the psychological effect of cognitive biases to keep players hooked on their bonuses. They may offer users a large welcome bonus and other great perks when they are new users then switch them out with lesser bonuses as players stay longer. The initial bonus received affects how players view the subsequent bonuses because their minds trick them into believing that the subsequent bonuses are as good as the initial ones. Therefore, players judge the subsequent actions of the casino based on their initial experience. This is why casinos spend a lot of money on their welcome bonuses to get players in the door and keep them hooked. 

Loss aversion

Psychologically, individuals are more sensitive to losses than gains. This means that the sadness felt from losing an opportunity is greater than the joy felt from gaining an opportunity. This is why players try to claim as many bonuses as possible even if some of the terms might be steep. The fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps players grinding to get the promotions even when they do not have a plan for the rewards. Casinos use this psychological bias to keep players wanting more promotions. As they play more games, the casino benefits from the money spent on their platform. 

The value illusion

Players usually focus on the amounts these bonuses carry rather than their terms and conditions. This gives an illusion of value which allows players to forget the hoops they will have to jump through to get the full worth of the bonus. This shallow estimation of the value of bonuses leads players to overestimate the value of a received bonus. This leaves players making impulsive decisions based on poor decisions instead of objective analysis.

Disclaimer: Players must be 18 years + to partake in any gambling, betting or casino activity. Players are urged to seek help if they require it. Players play at their own risk.