Bojoko.ca is establishing itself in the Canadian igaming industry, helping operators attract new players and increase their first-time deposits (FTDs). The platform strives to be known for its user-driven approach, offering players a chance to leave reviews, select online casinos based on their preferences, and enjoy a large number of filtering options and guides.

Canadian Gaming Business chats with Joonas Karhu, CEO of Bojoko, about how Canadian operators can effectively increase their FTDs and retain new players in a highly competitive market.

CGB: What strategies do you recommend for online casinos looking to increase FTDs in Canada?

My first piece of advice is to explore every avenue. Many casinos solely focus on bonuses, but many players are more interested in convenience. An easy example is how easily they can deposit and withdraw funds, i.e., if you cater to their preferred payment method. Offering a wide range of payment options, especially niche methods like Pay by Phone or even lesser-known e-wallets, is crucial. Adding them can increase your FTDs instantly, as you are attracting players who would previously have ignored you. 

Another strategy we have seen work repeatedly is to lower the minimum deposit threshold. By allowing players to start with a small deposit, operators can attract a broader audience, including those who may be hesitant to commit large amounts of money upfront. This lowers the barrier to entry and encourages users to make that all-important first deposit, which then opens the door to continued engagement with the platform. 

CGB: How important are niche payment methods?

Niche payment methods play a surprisingly significant role in increasing FTDs. In our experience, Canadian players have a strong preference for alternative payment options. This could be for a variety of reasons—some players don’t want to use traditional credit cards, and others might prefer more secure or anonymous methods of payment. By offering solutions like Payforit or Pay by Phone, operators are able to cater to a broader variety of user preferences. These methods are particularly appealing to casual players or those new to online gambling who might not want to go through the hassle of entering banking details upfront.

Casinos that ignore these payment options are missing out on a significant portion of the market. I recall you speaking to my colleague, Christoffer Ødegården, last year, and this was one of the key things he emphasized when discussing how to understand Canadian players as well. At Bojoko, we emphasize the importance of this kind of flexibility in payment choices because it leads to increased trust and, in turn, more FTDs.

CGB: Beyond payments, what other factors contribute to boosting FTDs?

Bonuses are the most obvious way to attract players for a reason. Great offers work. Of course, the better the offer, the lower the house edge, so you need to take this into account. The bonus that attracts the most players is obviously the no-deposit offer, but getting FTDs out of it and making it work long-term requires a thorough retention strategy.

Generally speaking, a high-percentage welcome bonus can be just as effective in bringing in extra FTDs, as here, everyone who claims the offer becomes an FTD. We have seen that any bonus above 100% increases the likelihood of enticing players through the door. Bonuses of 200% and up are especially effective.

You may also want to consider offering bonuses with low wagering requirements or perhaps even wager-free bonuses, as there are decent search volumes for both. 

Beyond bonuses and payment methods, fast payout speed is another critical factor. Players don’t want to wait days to access their winnings. Casinos that can provide quick and reliable payouts, ideally within hours, build a level of trust that encourages not only FTDs but also ongoing deposits. 

Additionally, game selection plays a vital role in boosting FTDs. Having all the popular game developers on board, from household names like Microgaming and NetEnt to more niche providers, ensures that players will find the games they love. The broader and more diverse the library, the more likely players will deposit to explore the offerings.

Casinos need to consider the way so much traffic comes from affiliates like Bojoko and exactly where this traffic comes from. By that, I mean the individual searches and affiliate pages that send traffic. Simply being included on a page covering casinos with a fast payout or which features games from NetEnt, etc., can mean instant new FTDs.

This means that a core priority should be to be present on as many individual pages that send traffic as possible. It is not enough just to be listed with an affiliate in general; the more lists you are on, the better your exposure and reach. Many times, you can only be on these lists if you have a particular feature, such as games from this or that provider, in which case adding in these options is also a marketing and FTD concern.

CGB: It sounds like being on the right affiliate pages can make a huge difference. How can casinos work more effectively with affiliates to ensure they’re targeting the right pages and features?

The key is collaboration. Casinos should speak directly with affiliates to get insights into what features, and lists are converting best. Affiliates like Bojoko gather a wealth of data on player preferences—whether it’s fast payouts, certain game developers, or specific bonuses—and they can pinpoint which lists drive the most traffic and FTDs. 

By working closely with affiliates, such as Bojoko, casinos can fine-tune their strategies to ensure they’re not just listed in general but are present on highly targeted, converting pages. This approach maximizes exposure and relevance to the audience searching for those features. Never be afraid to reach out, as your wins are our wins.