In iGambling, not all players come for the same reasons. Some are loyal fans of the brand. Others are casual users seeking entertainment. And then there’s a specific type of player that tends to trigger alarm bells in CRM and bonus teams: the Bonus Hunter.
These players don’t care about brand loyalty, UX storytelling, or emotional engagement.
They care about value extraction — specifically, how much bonus equity they can claim and how quickly they can convert it into cash.
To many operators, Bonus Hunters are seen as a problem:
They drain bonus budgets, inflate acquisition numbers without increasing revenue, and often raise suspicion of multi-accounting or abuse.
But here’s the truth:
Bonus Hunters are not inherently harmful. They’re predictable.
And predictable behavior can be managed, redirected — and even leveraged to your advantage.
What Is a Bonus Hunter?
A Bonus Hunter is a type of user who engages with your platform only when a financial incentive is present, usually in the form of:
- Welcome bonuses
- Free spins
- Cashback offers
- Wager-free promotions
- Reload promos with guaranteed value
They tend to have a short lifecycle — sign up, claim bonus, complete wagering requirements using a risk-minimized strategy, and leave.
But not all Bonus Hunters are the same. Some are serial hunters across multiple brands. Others are analytical users testing the waters. A few may eventually convert into stable, profitable customers if given the right reason to stay.
Behavioral Markers of Bonus Hunters
How do you recognize them? Look for the following behavioral patterns:
- Spike in activity aligned with promo start dates
- Inactivity outside of promotional windows
- Minimal betting amounts and linear wagering patterns
- Game selection focused on low-volatility slots with favorable RTP
- Repeat deposits just enough to unlock bonus tiers — and no more
- Signs of duplicated behavior across similar accounts or IPs
These users are not looking for fun — they’re looking for ROI.
But that doesn’t mean they’re useless.
Risks of Ignoring or Mismanaging Bonus Hunters
Let’s be honest: Bonus Hunters can be problematic — if left unmanaged.
Here are the core risks:
- Wasted bonus budget: Bonuses meant to encourage engagement may end up being instantly cashed out.
- Skewed KPIs: Campaigns show spikes in registration or bonus claims, but no impact on real revenue.
- Fraud flags: Clusters of similar accounts engaging in identical wagering behavior may trigger regulatory scrutiny.
- Operational load: Increased verification requests, withdrawal disputes, or customer support issues.
But these issues aren’t caused by Bonus Hunters themselves — they’re caused by a lack of segmentation and control.
How to Work With Bonus Hunters, Not Against Them
Let’s shift the mindset from defense to design. Here’s how to turn this audience into a strategic tool:
1. Segment and Contain
The most important first step is to identify and isolate Bonus Hunters into their own behavioral cluster. Once identified, apply targeted rules:
- Tighter wagering requirements
- One-time offers only — no re-qualification via loops
- Bonus delays or verification steps
- Exclusion from VIP programs or cashback triggers
This keeps your main budget safe, your KPIs clean, and your CRM logic lean.
2. Test Offers and UX with the “Toughest Audience”
Want to launch a new slot or test your updated bonus logic?
Send the first wave of traffic to Bonus Hunters.
Why?
They stress test everything — terms and conditions, payout mechanics, registration flows, and even UI responsiveness. If they can’t exploit it, chances are your system is well-built.
And if your product hooks even a few of them?
You may have a winner that broader segments will adopt.
3. Use Them to Boost Platform Activity — On Your Terms
Need to spike engagement on a new feature, slot, or vertical?
Bonus Hunters respond quickly to the right offer — especially if you structure it smartly:
- Low-cost, high-visibility campaigns (e.g., €5 bonus for testing a crash game)
- Conditional bonuses tied to new mechanics (e.g., earn free spins only after trying a new game)
- Event-based triggers (e.g., spin during a live stream or tournament)
You get buzz and volume. They get what they came for. Win-win — if you cap the cost.
4. Watch for Conversion — Then Reclassify
Not every Bonus Hunter leaves.
Some, surprisingly, convert.
They came for the free spins — but stayed for the UX.
They claimed cashback — and discovered a passion for poker.
Track these signs:
- Increased activity outside of promo windows
- Broader game preferences
- Engagement with CRM content (email, missions, gamification)
Once you see the shift, reclassify them into a retention-ready cluster — and tailor your offers accordingly.
5. Learn From Them
Bonus Hunters expose the cracks in your promo engine.
If a mechanic is too generous, exploitable, or confusing — they’ll be the first to exploit or abandon it.
- Are your wagering terms too soft?
- Is your bonus abuse protection working?
- Is your value proposition sustainable?
Use their behavior to harden your product, refine your acquisition logic, and create smarter promo structures.
Final Thought: From Risk to Leverage
Bonus Hunters are not broken players. They’re rational actors.
They simply respond to your system as it is — not as you wish it were.
So instead of trying to “filter them out,”
design for them.
Segment them. Study them. Limit their downside.
But also use their behavior to test, optimize, and even convert.
Because even the most transactional player can become a loyal one —
if you give them something worth staying for.
The Data Detective 