The mention of “no wagering requirements” to most operators makes them uneasy through fear of being targeted by bonus abusers. However, in recent years, many operators have embraced the trend in ‘no wagering’ promotions and have been revelling in their popularity and success.
It all started back in 2017 when the Gambling Commission, working alongside the Advertising Standards Authority, clamped down on operators for not being transparent enough about the significant T&Cs associated with a bonus or promotion.
Multiple fines were issued and the sanctions sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Every operator – and affiliate – scrambled frantically to comply by clearly advertising the terms of their bonuses next to every mention of them.
Overnight, the severity of some of the conditions attached to bonuses were suddenly made apparent to players, and as a result, they started seeking out other casinos with fairer offers and promotions.
Some bold operators spotted an opportunity – to be recognised as a ‘fair casino’ with player interests at heart. Wagering requirements were scrapped, and marketing campaigns were centered around player welfare rather than enormous bonuses lumbered with limitations.
One such brand is PlayOJO which has seen huge success with its ‘no wagering’ approach to bonuses, rewards and promotions across the board. Its owner, SkillOnNet, operates multiple brands, yet PlayOJO is the most profitable of them.
Julia Godal from SkillOnNet explained:
“PlayOJO is a very special casino where there is absolutely no wagering at all. We pride ourselves in fairness and transparency, being one of the very few casinos without any ridiculous Terms and Conditions leaving players to decipher what is what. In this industry player welfare is extremely important.”
While a blanket ‘wager-free’ approach isn’t viable for all operators (particularly those utilising third party software solutions), many have created bespoke no wagering free spins bonuses, and are enjoying the attention and success they bring.
The efforts of the GC and ASA have worked – players are now more aware and informed about the terms and conditions that come with promotions and, as a result, are gravitating towards those with fairer terms.
Naturally, bonus abusers will hone in on any offer without wagering requirements. But formulated correctly, these offers are profitable and attract good value players who stick around.
Pavlos Sideris, founder of NoWagering.com – a website dedicated to casinos and bonuses with low wagering requirements – says there are still too few operators adopting a fairer approach:
“There’s been a consistent increase in search volume over the past few years for terms relating to lower wagering requirements. Players want fairer terms, but not enough operators are responding to the demand. I urge them to get involved and jump on the wager-free bandwagon.”