Interview with Ville Saari on the surprising popularity of promo codes in the canadian market

Ville Saari Casino Expert at Bojoko
21st Jan, 2025
Simon Colmenares Author Profile Photo Simon Colmenares

Promo codes were once the golden ticket in online gaming, allowing players to unlock bonuses and perks by simply entering a code. While many operators have moved toward seamless bonus activation without codes, the demand for promo codes hasn’t entirely disappeared. 

To unpack the relevance of promo codes in today’s market, we sat down with Ville Saari, who heads the team of Casino Experts at Bojoko. With his experience as a player, testing online gambling sites, tracking player behavior on their page, and showcasing casino promo codes available to Canadian players, Saari offers a unique perspective. 

In this conversation, we cover why promo codes remain significant, how they can still drive acquisitions, and whether they’re here to stay.

Promo codes feel like a thing of the past in many ways. Are they still relevant for Canadian players?

It’s true that promo codes aren’t as essential as they used to be. Most online casinos now just let their players opt in when they make a deposit, and it is instantly activated. Clicking on an offer in a promo section has, by and large, replaced promo codes, and to be frank, it is far clearer and more intuitive. 

However, although we have the technology to no longer use bonus codes to share offers, including exclusive bonuses, which can be done with activation links, players still assume the promo codes are out there. Perhaps because of this, they still are.

So, while promo codes might not be necessary anymore, they’re still an opportunity, as simply having them places you on the radar of these players. We are not talking about small numbers here. In Canada, it is in the thousands. Many are searching for offers from a specific brand, but others just want to see where and what they can find, and this is where affiliates can help casinos shine. 

What do you think drives this ongoing interest in promo codes?

What drives players to do this varies, but whether it’s nostalgia, habit, or a belief that codes unlock something special, the demand is there. It might feel old-school, but players associate promo codes with getting a better deal, and that mindset still resonates.

They might feel like they’re unlocking something exclusive, even if the bonus is the same as it would be without a code. There’s a psychological aspect to it—it’s like finding a coupon for your favorite shop.

How do casinos in Canada use promo codes to their advantage?

Promo codes can be a great way for casinos to set up and track offline marketing campaigns. You can offer codes via all kinds of ads, including TV and Radio, for offers that are different from what’s on your website.

Then there’s the practical side. Many affiliates, including Bojoko, still have pages dedicated to promo codes because they’re in demand. Players search for them, and when they find a site that lists active codes, it builds trust. They feel like they’re getting accurate and up-to-date information, which creates a positive first impression.

Are promo codes likely to disappear over the coming years?

It’s hard to say. If you had asked me 10 years ago, I would have said yes, but promo codes have proven to be extremely resilient. Promo codes may fade over time, especially as players realize they can get exclusive offers without them.

But for now, they’re still relevant, particularly in markets like Canada, where thousands of players still search for promo codes every month.

Ultimately, the future of promo codes will depend on player behavior. If the demand remains, casinos and affiliates will continue to use them. If players shift entirely to bonus systems that don’t require codes, we’ll likely see them phase out.

21st Jan, 2025
Simon Colmenares