Study: Free bonus games are losing their effectiveness

According to a recent study by the University of Nevada, free gambling incentives are no longer as effective as they once were, with sociologist Anthony Lucas noting a gradual decline in their benefits. As one of the most popular methods to attract players to online gambling sites, promotions offering free play allow gamers to sample offerings before committing to spending money.

However, Lucas's research found that cutting back on such incentives resulted in very little change. That is, free play promotions no longer work as intended.
The data is based on information received from casinos in the western United States.

Initially, the casino provided 400 players with a complimentary game after wagering $15. Subsequently, the establishment separated the participants into four groups, each receiving varying amounts, ranging from $0 to $15, before being offered a second chance to play for free. Surprisingly, the players showed little eagerness to spend their money on bets, opting to hold out for the chance of receiving a bonus opportunity to test their luck once more.

Lucas, a seasoned veteran in the gaming industry with over four decades of experience, believes that the effectiveness of free-to-play games has diminished over time. He suggests that operators should shift their marketing focus towards other forms of customer engagement, such as equipment maintenance and enhancements.