In the online gambling world, it will be difficult to find an online casino that does not try to lure new players through its myriad of casino bonuses. Offering promotions and bonuses can not only attract new players but also retain existing players happy. These bonuses are, in no way, going to die out in the near future. Attracting new sign-ups is the main reason for gambling sites to offer casino bonuses. Players love to get something extra on top of the money deposited, so they are likely to shop around for the best deal before registering for an account. Exploring various casino bonus sites can help players find the most rewarding offers available.
While online casinos are continually working on developing new strategies to maintain and keep players’ interest, gambling fraud has been a dangerous and tricky obstacle, these businesses are continually trying to navigate. Casino bonuses themselves are abused by some players.
What are Online Casino Bonuses?
Casino bonuses are offered by gambling sites in a bid to encourage players to use their sites. These promotions can vary in type and size. Bonuses, however, are designed to both attract new players and encourage existing ones to continue betting by giving them something extra on top.
Both parties get something good in return – Players get a bonus on top of the money deposited, and the casino gets business. Here are the most popular types of casino bonuses available on the market:
- Sign-up/welcome bonus
- Deposit match deposit bonus
- No deposit bonus
- Reload bonus
- Free spins promotion
- Free bets
- Refer-a-friend bonus
- Reward program
What is bonus abuse and how does it impact the gambling industry?
Bonus abuse entails players signing up to a casino site to manipulate in some shape and form a promotion to their favor. This type of behavior undermines the purpose of these bonuses, which are typically designed to attract new, legitimate players.
Certain betting communities actively engage in some practices, seeking to capitalize on casino promotions. Thus, this behavior is known as bonus hunting or promo abuse. Members of these communities share tips and strategies on how to boost the benefits from these offers, at the expense of the casino’s rules and terms.
One specific method is known as multi-accounting, where fraudsters create multiple accounts to repeatedly claim bonuses intended for first-time players. Since most bonuses are structured to be a one-time offer per player, these persons bend the rules by setting up numerous accounts under different names and identities.
No deposit bonuses and free bet promotions that often require no deposit are the most common targets for such abuse.
While some people who actively participate in bonus abuse are casual gamblers, a significant portion of these abusers are tech-savvy. They use various tools and methods to evade detection. These include:
- Betting bots: Automated programs that can place bets and explicit bonuses.
- Virtual machines and emulators: These tools simulate different devices to create the illusion of multiple unique users.
It may be common to assume that those who participate in bonus abusers are criminals. However, most are regular players who do not fully understand that their actions could cross the thin line of fraud.
How Casinos Mitigate Bonus Abuse
As the online gambling sector continues to expand exponentially, it attracts both legitimate players and fraudulent ones who may be a little eager to exploit vulnerabilities within the system for their own gain. Bonus abuse stands out as one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today. To combat this issue, online casinos have various measures in place.
Track IP Addresses
As Their first line of defense, online casinos track the IP address of every player who signs up for an account. Without using such IP tracking tools, the casino would not have any way of knowing that a player has signed up for multiple accounts. That said, some players may opt for a VPN, so it is not completely foolproof.
Ban on Specific Countries
Some countries are sadly known for rampant casino bonus abuse. It is not yet clear why this is the case, but it is probably due to the lack of strict regulation in jurisdictions, enabling players to abuse the system.
Online casinos will actively ban specific countries that tend to generate more bonus abuse.
Monitoring Betting Patterns
Many online casino bonus abusers get quite creative with their staking, such as using volatility arbitrage or placing big bets. Casinos will track the betting patterns of all players and keep an eye out for any strange activity.
Wagering Requirements
Back when online casinos first came to fruition, casino bonuses came from of pesky wagering requirements. These days, they come part and parcel with every casino bonus and promotion. These wagering requirements are a necessary evil and are designed to ensure that players don’t abuse the system.
Of course, genuine players should also be wary of exceptionally high wagering requirements which could throw a damper on the gambling experience. After all, players want a fair chance of winning and cashing out.
Improved Security Protocols
One of the main strategies to curb bonus abuse entails the adoption of stricter security protocols. Both the staff of the casino and players are educated about the risks and signs of bonus abuse. This includes clear communication about the terms and conditions of bonuses.
KYC and AML Measures
Comprehensive Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering measures are important in reducing bonus abuse and other fraudulent activities. These measures are in place to help verify the identity of players and assess financial risks. It enables the casino to verify their identity and that they are who they say they are.
As a player, you will be asked to submit proof of identity, address of residence, and payment method.
Bonus Abuse – Conclusion
Here at Mr. Gamble, we know all too well that some measures that are in place to ward off bonus abusers can impede your enjoyment. Kirill Tsernov (Content Creator & Casino Expert) has added, “As casino players, we want to ensure that you have a fair chance of winning. We will always highlight the key terms of casino bonuses, so you can make an informed decision.”
Keeping casino bonus abusers at bay is an ongoing challenge for casinos and other businesses and more measures will in the future be implemented to ensure that only legitimate players can sign up and play.
