Interview with Christoffer Ødegården on how low deposit limits can drive bigger wins for casinos

Online casinos are becoming increasingly established in Canada, and more players are taking the first steps of signing up. A big question that has arisen is how operators targeting Canadians should approach players who may not believe online gambling is entirely safe, and whether there is a need to adopt their acquisition strategies to stay ahead.

One idea touted is the value of lowering deposit limits, which would lower the barriers of entry and make players feel more comfortable.

We spoke with Christoffer Ødegården, who heads the marketing efforts at Bojoko, about whether or not lowering deposit limits can be a successful strategy. In this interview, we will discuss market trends in Canada, smarter positioning in search, and whether starting small can lead to bigger, long-term results.

What makes low-deposit casinos so appealing to players?

For many players, especially those who are new to gambling, lower deposit limits remove a major barrier. Trusting a platform is easier when you’re not being asked to put down $50 right out of the gate. A small deposit allows them to explore at their own pace and see if the experience feels right.

But this isn’t limited to new users. Even highly experienced players, some of whom might regularly deposit hundreds elsewhere, appreciate the option to start small. They use minimum deposit casinos to get a feel for a new site. Minimum deposit options act as a kind of soft onboarding. They invite players in without pressure, and that’s where trust starts.

So it's not just about affordability, but about exploration.

Exactly. It’s about giving players control and choice. You’d be surprised how many experienced players have a shortlist of things they check before committing to a new casino. For them, a $5 or $10 deposit is a smart way to explore the platform’s performance without taking unnecessary risk. And if they like what they see, for instance, in terms of fast withdrawals, responsive UI, and transparent terms, they’ll quite likely deposit again. Sometimes in much higher amounts.

It’s the digital equivalent of taking a test drive. You’re not going to buy the car based on a brochure. You want to feel the steering wheel, hear the engine, and see how it handles. The same logic applies here.

Yet many operators still seem to focus more heavily on “high rollers.” Why is that?

It’s a mindset that’s been baked into the industry for a long time. Although high rollers represent a small percentage of the player base, they generate a disproportionately high revenue. So, naturally, many operators focus their energy and resources on chasing that group.

But there’s a broader segment of players who don’t deposit large amounts and still represent strong long-term value. These are players who start small, return often, and gradually build trust in the brand. A player who deposits 10 dollars every week and sticks around will be more valuable than the player who deposits a thousand and never returns.

If you ignore those players or make your platform unwelcoming to them, you’re potentially cutting out a large share of your total addressable market. And in a competitive space like iGaming, that’s a missed opportunity.

What role does Bojoko play in this space?

Bojoko is built around transparency and user empowerment. We give players the ability to filter, compare, and choose casinos based on what matters most to them, whether that’s bonus terms, payout speeds, or minimum deposit requirements.

One of the most visited and consistently high-performing categories on our platform is low-deposit casinos. Canadians are actively searching for that type of low-commitment experience. Many are not just looking for any minimum deposit casino; they come to us to find and compare the best sites with a low threshold. This way, they don’t just get the low deposit perks, but a generally high-quality experience.

We make it easy for them to find exactly that. For operators, ranking well on these lists can lead to significant traffic and highly qualified leads, players who already know what they want and are ready to convert.

Could you tell us a bit more about how Canadians are interacting with low minimum deposit casinos right now?

Canada is a fascinating market at the moment, as players are becoming more well-informed and generally cautious. They’re looking for licensed operators, yes, even players in the grey market provinces. They are looking for clear terms and platforms that respect their time and money.

We’re seeing that Canadian players often search for low-deposit casinos because they want to try a new site without committing too much. Whether it's a $5 or $10 deposit, the goal is the same, namely, to test the waters first.

And the search volume for terms like “minimum deposit casino” or “$5 deposit casino” reflects that. There’s a clear intent. If you're an operator and you're not showing up in those results, you're missing a very engaged and ready-to-convert user base.

How should casinos approach these players differently?

First, don’t assume that a $5 player today won’t become a $500 player over time. You don’t just get the chance to bring in more FTDs. If they have a good experience, many will return, and return often. That’s where long-term value is built.

Second, make the entry experience smooth. That means fast and flexible payment methods, minimal friction in onboarding, and real transparency in your bonus terms. If a player deposits $5 and instantly regrets it because the bonus is confusing or the games are limited, you’ve lost them.

Finally, position your offering where these players are looking. That means visibility on platforms like Bojoko, where users are filtering based on minimum deposit and other clear criteria. These users are high-intent. Meet them where they are, and you’ll see stronger conversions.

What should operators take away from this?

Minimum deposit options are often misunderstood. They’re seen as a budget feature, but really, they’re a strategic lever.

They let you reach a wider audience, including cautious first-timers and smart, seasoned players who just want to get a feel for your platform. They can help you reduce acquisition costs, boost retention, and build real loyalty — if you treat those players with the same care and respect you’d give a high roller.

In short, small deposits don’t mean small value. They’re often just the beginning of something much bigger. This should not make you forget about other key factors that drive interest in online casinos, but it can be a great addition to your strategy.