The European online casino industry is steadily growing, with more and more players signing up to play every day. For instance, estimations by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) show that there were over 100 million gambling accounts in Europe as of 2021.
Additionally, the total online gambling revenue in Europe was 30.5 billion euros in 2020, according to Statista, This figure is expected to grow to 50.1 billion euros by 2026. The rise of online gambling in Europe can also be seen in countries like Sweden, where most of its gambling market is online, standing at 60%.
What Bonuses Do Europeans Utilize the Most?
It is understood that the reason for the steady rise in online gambling could be attributed to the bonuses offered by online casinos. Statistics published by Statista revealed that over 70% of European online casino players consider bonus availability when choosing a gaming platform in 2022.
Bonuses come in various forms, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, no-deposit bonuses, and more. These promotions incentivise players to keep playing, making the gaming experience more exciting and enjoyable. The following are the most popular bonuses available to players in Europe.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are arguably the most popular bonuses used by players in Europe. As the name implies, these are the first bonuses players will encounter. They often serve the function of attracting new players to play the game.
Welcome bonuses also play a massive role in whether a player will choose one casino over the other. The higher a casino’s welcome bonus, the more likely a new player will choose that casino. The average welcome bonus in Europe sits at about 100 euros
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are like welcome bonuses but without the requirement of you making an initial deposit. They are used to attract new players who cannot part with their money. However, like with a welcome bonus, they may come with a catch. For instance, some no-deposit bonuses may have a withdrawal limit in their terms and conditions.
Free Spins
Statistics show that free spins are European players’ most popular online casino bonuses. According to inside gambling sources, spins accounted for nearly 60% of all claimed promotions in major EU markets last quarter. With their ability to let players test games risk-free, free spin offers cater to Europeans’ slots-loving preferences. Their high redemption rates confirm their prevalence across continental casinos and enduring appeal to EU gamblers seeking entertainment without upfront costs.
Emerging Bonus Trends in Europe
As technological advancements leave their mark on every facet of human existence, they continue to reinvent the gambling industry. This has led to many new bonus trends emerging all over Europe. They are as follows:
Gamification
European casinos today want to offer their players more than traditional financial incentives like no deposit bonuses. They have now found a way to make acquiring these incentives more entertaining by implementing video game elements. The introduction of features such as quests, complex storylines, and interactive avatars is becoming increasingly popular.
Cryptocurrency Bonuses
Blockchain technology has begun to reshape casino bonuses for the better. The technology guarantees transparency and trust, using tamper-proof ledgers and automated “smart contracts” to ensure bonuses are accurately disbursed. It will also eliminate manual verification headaches that come with authenticating bonuses. By leveraging this innovative technology, casinos can create a seamless and reliable experience for players, fostering enhanced confidence and engagement.
Virtual Reality
As virtual reality (VR) technology develops, its integration into the online casino industry shows great promise, particularly concerning bonus structures. While current bonus interactions remain confined to digital clicks, the future holds immense potential.
Imagine donning a VR headset and stepping into a meticulously crafted virtual casino. Here, bonuses would merely not be abstract online rewards. They could be tangible objects you pick up from virtual tables or graciously receive from immersive digital hosts. This level of interactive realism has the power to revolutionise the bonus experience, offering players unparalleled levels of excitement and engagement.
What is in Store for The Future?
The world of online gaming is set to go through unprecedented changes due to technological advancements, especially in the area of bonuses. Innovations in technology are set to change how Europeans interact with online casino bonuses, providing them with unique and exciting experiences. Players will no longer be enticed by the basic traditional incentives but will look towards bonuses that will provide more entertaining experiences.
