Examining the Value of Free Play

Brendan Bussmann

Examining the Value of Free Play

The use of free play to stimulate demand and foster loyalty has increased dramatically over the past three years. Fueled by advances in technology, newer slot machines, more robust casino management systems and customer acceptance, free play has emerged as a formidable marketing tool for most casinos.

Free play is an umbrella term to describe non-negotiable slot credits that can be used by players for wagers on slot machines. While free play cannot normally be redeemed for cash, any winnings generated by those wagers can be redeemed or wagered again. Free play has essentially replaced cash in all but the largest prizes awarded to customers including bonus point redemptions, direct mail redemptions and a myriad of other demand stimulation programs such as bounce back offers, celebration jackpots and hot player awards. Some casinos even offer free play as a replacement for large scale cash premiums. Customer acceptance also appears high as even the least technologically adept players have figured out the procedure to convert bonus points or direct mail coupons into free play.

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