Everyone likes something for nothing and free-to-play games are an effective strategy when it comes to attracting and retaining players in the competitive world of online betting.
These games not only engage and entertain users without financial risk but also serve as a powerful marketing tool, driving user loyalty and providing valuable data for better user experience and targeted promotions.
Here’s why your sportsbook cannot ignore free-to-play games and how Altenar can help your brand grow.
How free-to-play games work
Free-to-play games offer ways to engage users and future bettors without requiring them to wager real money. Users are required to register with the platform to access free-to-play games which are available to both new and existing customers.
With various prediction and fantasy games available, users do not need to wager on free-to-play games but they can still be rewarded with various incentives.
Free-to-play games are a strategic way for sportsbooks to build a community, increase user engagement, and eventually convert casual users into regular bettors.
Problems free-to-play games solve
Regulatory Compliance: In some jurisdictions, free-to-play games can be a way to introduce users to the platform without immediately involving real money, helping to navigate complex regulatory environments in the process.
Increase User Engagement: Even existing users might appreciate the opportunity to engage with free games. They can practice strategies, test new features, or simply enjoy the thrill of playing without the worry of financial risk.
User Understanding And Navigation: With sportsbooks offering plenty of varying bets on numerous sports, it can sometimes be overwhelming for inexperienced bettors. Free-to-play games give users a fantastic tool to learn the different betting nuances for various sports and markets. This comes with no financial risk and can help improve bettors’ confidence and understanding.
Benefits of free-to-play games
Attract New Users: Free-to-play games are a great way to bring in potential customers who might be hesitant to start betting with real money. They can try the platform risk-free and feel a “buzz” for the excitement of sports betting as it encourages potential wagering.
Gather Valuable Data: Free-to-play games can generate valuable user behaviour data, which can be analysed to improve the overall user experience, identify popular features, and tailor marketing efforts. In addition to this, it can also be a useful means to grow a sportsbook's marketing reach as users often have to register in order to play free-to-play games.
Build Brand Loyalty: By offering free games, a sportsbook can build a community of loyal users who enjoy the platform for more than just betting. This can increase retention rates and encourage word-of-mouth referrals whilst also turning these free-to-play users into long-term bettors.
Cross-Promotion Opportunities: Free games can be used to cross-promote other features or services within the platform. For example, users might receive rewards or bonuses for participating in free games, which can then be used in real-money betting. Furthermore, free-to-play games can be utilised to promote additional free-to-play games that users may have never tried before. This can then increase a bettor’s betting portfolio of sports or games they are happy to bet on.
User Education: Free games can serve as a training ground for new users to learn how to place bets, understand odds, and get comfortable with the betting interface.
Boost Site Traffic: The option of a daily free-to-play game can encourage players to visit the site outside the times they would usually visit for their favourite sporting events. Once on the site, other promotional tools such as boosted odds can be used to entice players into placing bets and increasing revenue.
Conclusion
Offering free-to-play games is a win-win strategy that can help your sportsbook grow. The games are a powerful tool to attract new users, boost engagement, and build brand loyalty. They offer an entertaining, risk-free way for users to interact with the platform, providing valuable data and increasing retention rates. By educating users and offering rewards, free-to-play games create a seamless transition to real-money betting.
Additionally, they serve as a versatile marketing tool, helping your sportsbook navigate regulatory environments and effectively promote other services, markets and the various betting opportunities you have to offer.
Get in touch to learn more about Altenar’s range of free-to-play games and how they can be used to optimise your sportsbook offering.
