Christoffer Ødegården: These bonuses are a game-changers

Standing out among the sea of casino bonuses has become a challenge for operators. As players increasingly turn to comparison sites to evaluate offers, casinos must adopt innovative strategies to capture attention and drive first-time deposits.

We spoke with Christoffer Ødegården, a frequently interviewed iGaming and Marketing expert currently serving as the Head of Marketing at iGaming giant Bojoko.com. In this interview, he will reveal what bonuses their readers jump on and what offers might end up being true game-changers when it comes to increasing your FTDs.

What types of bonuses are players most attracted to? Are there any types of bonus offers that tend to be particularly appealing to your readers?

Players are always looking for the best value, and that’s where bonuses play a critical role. In today’s market, players are often immediately drawn to high-percentage bonuses. It is easy to understand why. Bonuses of 100% are everywhere. They want casinos they feel give them more.

Often, even a change to 150% will make an impact, but if you want to see an incredible FTD boost, try offering 500%. It can be up to a very small bonus amount, and the terms can be strict - players will still jump on the chance.

Why are high-percentage bonuses, like 500%, so effective at driving FTDs?

It all comes down to visibility and perceived value. When players visit sites like Bojoko.com, they’re often overwhelmed by the sheer number of offers available. High-percentage bonuses, especially 500% offers, immediately stand out because they create a sense of incredible value, even if the actual bonus amount is relatively small.

For example, a 500% bonus on a £10 deposit gives players £60 to play with, which feels significant. It’s the psychological appeal of turning a small deposit into a much larger bankroll that grabs attention. Compared to more standard 100% or 200% bonuses, these high-percentage offers simply look more attractive in a list, making players far more likely to click through and sign up.

But aren’t 500% bonuses usually tied to lower deposit amounts? Does that affect their performance?

Not at all. In fact, that’s part of their genius. These bonuses typically target players who are hesitant to deposit large amounts upfront. By offering a high percentage on a smaller deposit, casinos lower the entry barrier and appeal to casual or budget-conscious players.

What’s really interesting is that we see incredibly strong conversion rates for these offers. Players are more likely to take the leap because the perceived value outweighs the initial risk. And once they’ve had a positive experience, they’re far more likely to return and make additional deposits in the future.

How does Bojoko.com help casinos highlight their high-percentage bonuses?

The impact will instantly happen across our website, as you will stand out more, more players will sign up, and as a result, we will generally also promote you more. We don’t sell position, but if we see that our users love your brand, it will usually impact your rankings.

We have also created a dedicated page highlighting every casino offering a 500% bonus. In addition to the players who are naturally drawn to these offers, thousands of Brits are specifically seeking them out, and many of them land on comparison pages like this one. There, they look over the offers available and sign up. This is why being present on such overviews can be highly advantageous.

How do these bonuses perform compared to traditional welcome offers like 100% or 200% matches?

The results we’ve seen are, frankly, staggering. We track these offers, and on average, just changing from 100% to 200% can boost your FTDs by 5-12 FTDS per month, just through us. However, moving to 500% shoots this number up significantly.

You really should test it, even if it is just as an exclusive bonus run through Bojoko, and see the results for yourself. There are many ways to stand out in a crowded market, but offering bonuses with a percentage over 100% is one of the most effective.

Are there risks or challenges for casinos offering 500% bonuses?

There are always risks when structuring bonuses, but they can be managed effectively. The key is to strike the right balance between attractiveness and sustainability. For example, 500% bonuses often come with lower maximum bonus amounts, such as £50. You can even implement slightly stricter wagering requirements without scaring players away. These conditions ensure that the offer remains profitable while still delivering significant perceived value to the player.

How can casinos ensure they maximize the impact of a 500% bonus?

First, it’s all about visibility. Partnering with affiliates like Bojoko is essential because we provide a platform where these offers can reach the right audience. Being listed on our dedicated 500% bonus page not only increases exposure but also builds credibility, as players trust our reviews and rankings.

Second, communication is key. Highlight the bonus's benefits in all marketing channels, from on-site banners to email campaigns and social media. Emphasize the value players are getting—turning a small deposit into a much larger bankroll—and make the terms as clear and appealing as possible.

Finally, track and optimize. Analyze which aspects of the bonus drive conversions and which might create friction. Small tweaks like adjusting the deposit amount or simplifying the wagering requirements can make a big difference.