iGaming Talks: Christoffer Ødegården on the How No-Wagering Bonuses Bring in Extra FTDs

In a sea of regular casino offers, it has become apparent that no-wagering bonuses have an edge. But why are these offers so popular? How do they compare to the usual deposits or no-deposit offers? Can they consistently bring in more FTDs, or is their power overstated?

We turned to industry insider and iGaming expert Christoffer Ødegården to pick his brain about how effective these offers are. He is the Head of Marketing at Bojoko, one of the UK’s leading affiliates, and they have made a name for themselves in measuring just what offers and features increase FTDs.

In this interview, Ødegården will share his insights on how no-wagering bonuses can drive growth and how operators can make the most out of their bonus promotions.

TheGamblest: How popular are no-wagering bonuses in the UK?

Christoffer: It’s almost unbelievable. Tens of thousands of Brits are looking for some form of no-wagering bonuses every single month. A notable number of them land on our overview of these offers and go on to sign up. Yes, many are looking for no-wagering free spins, which are a category of their own in some ways, but Brits are essentially interested in everything no-wagering related.

It’s easy to understand why. These bonuses let you win real money right away without having to meet complicated playthrough requirements. That simple idea is attracting more first-time depositors (FTDs) and building trust from the get-go. Of course, the amounts they can win are generally small, but they don’t seem to mind. The appeal is simply that high.

TheGamblest: Do you believe more UK casinos should offer no-wagering bonuses?

Christoffer: There’s strong data backing this up. We monitor what happens when a casino changes its bonuses and see the traffic it gets from individual pages on Bojoko; what we see is that just a tiny no-wagering bonus can lead to around 40 extra FTDs just from us. Bojoko is likely not unique in this respect, and you will likely see notable increases in FTDs from many other affiliate patterns.

Our data shows that no-wagering bonuses can be better in bringing in more FTDs from Bojoko than regular no-deposit offers. That’s not intuitive, but data doesn’t lie. Test it, and see the effect for yourself. Of course, another option is to increase your welcome bonus percentage. We have seen great results for this as well, though no-wagering bonuses still have the biggest impact unless you go for something like 400-500%.

TheGamblest: What are the main financial risks associated with no-wagering bonuses, and how can operators mitigate them?

Christoffer: There’s essentially none. The main risk is that players might win quickly and then leave, which can hurt the bottom line if not managed carefully. However, this risk is much lower when players make an actual deposit. With no-deposit bonuses, it’s easier for bonus hunters to come in, claim the offer, and never play again. With no-wagering deposit bonuses, players have skin in the game, which makes them more likely to stick around.

Essentially, no-wagering bonuses just come with the same risks as regular bonuses if managed correctly. All you need to do is set sensible terms and conditions, such as max bet and max win limits. Doing so stops pretty much all potential risk. It’s all about striking the right balance between being generous enough to attract players and controlling the financial risk.

TheGamblest: How can data help in designing more effective no-wagering bonus campaigns?

Christoffer: Data is our best friend in this industry. At Bojoko, we track player behaviour closely—from click-through rates on our bonus pages to actual conversion rates. When we see that a particular bonus offer, such as a no-wagering bonus, is driving significantly higher FTDs, that tells us it’s working. No matter what bonuses or offers you have, always follow the data.

TheGamblest: How do you ensure these bonus offers are clear and build trust with players?

Christoffer: Clarity is key. The moment a player lands on a slot site, they need to understand the offer and understand its appeal. That means avoiding overly complicated conditions or hidden fine print. When players can see a clear, transparent offer, it builds trust and makes them more likely to sign up. It’s not about over-promising and under-delivering; it’s about being honest from the outset. A bonus that’s easy to understand goes a long way in making a positive first impression.

TheGamblest: How can operators effectively promote these no-wagering bonuses through affiliate channels?

Christoffer: Affiliates play a crucial role in getting your offers in front of the right players. Platforms like Bojoko have dedicated bonus pages where we showcase the best no-wagering offers. This visibility is a huge advantage, as many players actively search for these kinds of deals. When an operator’s bonus is featured on a trusted affiliate site, it increases exposure and serves as an endorsement of quality. It’s a cost-effective way to drive quality traffic and improve conversion rates.

TheGamblest: How do you see the future of bonus promotions evolving in the UK slot market?

Christoffer: If operators follow the data, I think we will see more and more no-wagering offers, but we are seeing a degree of resistance. My advice is simple: don’t be afraid to change. Look at the data, understand your players and design bonus offers that resonate with them. Give it a shot, measure the results, and change it back if you are unhappy. In my view, the data for no-wagering bonuses and the comparative lack of competition is simply too great an opportunity to pass up.