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Are Cashback Bonuses Bad for the Casino Industry?
By Shane Addinall Dec 04, 2022 OpinionAfter the Dutch Gaming Authority took action against online casinos for having cashback as a bonus feature - like most online casinos - regulators and game providers worldwide watch in anticipation to see how this might affect the casino industry.Some countries, like the Netherlands, have taken action towards online casinos for allowing cashbacks, indirectly encouraging players to spend more time on gambling websites. The Dutch Gaming Authority has requested the ease of these bonuses or faces potential enforcement action by regulators.
After the pandemic in 2020, several countries have responded to requests for an increase in responsible gaming with restrictions around advertising, deposit and stake limits, bonuses, and various product changes like spin times and cooling-off periods in between sessions.
From a financial point of view, the world's economy cannot afford an increase in irresponsible gamblers, which is an excellent way to diffuse the rise in those numbers.
Casino bonus structures are players' primary way of selecting the best casino for them. While some countries might agree to withdraw their Cashback bonus, players will disregard their loyalty and look at other online casinos that give them what they are looking for.
The Pros and Cons of Casino cashback bonuses
Many may wonder if cashback bonuses are any good for players and if they cause harm. Bonuses in any form could be seen as harmful or rewarding, but the most important factor is how customers put them to use. Here are a few pros to consider when looking at cashback bonuses:
- Players can possibly get extra money to play with and more on the return of money spent.
- Some casinos offer regular cashback payouts, encouraging regulars and attracting new players.
- Cashbacks are often called 'insurance policies' because players are guaranteed a chance at making their money back.
- Casino customers can play with peace of mind that they’ll still be rewarded even if they lose.
On the downside, cashback bonuses are a form of promotional advertisement; under specific laws, adverts may not encourage target audiences to engage in excessive gambling behaviour. Instead, these bonus features are a way of incentivising players to make riskier bets.
Focus on the Entertainment Factor
In conclusion, online casinos need to remember that they're there to provide entertainment. The moment playing stops being entertaining and rather a platform that enables a struggling player's vice, regulators need to step in and take action.
Game platforms have regulations and play-safe procedures to protect their players, and this should not be compromised.
Many factors contribute to gambling addiction; online casinos should not feed the problem but instead create a safe playing environment. If cashback bonuses cause more harm than good, it’s worth considering restricting how they work or removing them entirely.
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