Operators rely heavily on bonuses to attract, engage, and retain players. Whether it’s deposit bonuses, free spins, or special promotions, these incentives are a core part of the player experience.
But what happens when bonuses don’t work as expected? Unmet expectations!
It’s a sure way to frustrate players leading to lost engagement and a damaged reputation for the operator.
This is why bonus testing is so important. Testing bonuses to ensure they function correctly is crucial to keeping players satisfied and ensuring the operator’s promotions deliver the intended results. At TESTA, we leverage crowdsourced testing with real people on real devices, validating that bonuses work seamlessly across different platforms and markets.
Why bonus testing is critical
Imagine a player signs up for a casino after seeing an enticing 100% deposit match bonus. They make their first deposit, expecting the bonus to be applied instantly, but it doesn’t appear. Or perhaps the bonus comes with confusing terms, leading to dissatisfaction. Worse, the bonus may work for some players but not for others due to technical issues or device compatibility. These scenarios can lead to a negative user experience, causing players to churn before even giving the platform a real chance.
With bonus testing, operators can catch these issues early. By testing with real players in your target markets, TESTA ensures that bonuses are applied correctly, claims are smooth, and the terms are clear and met across different devices, browsers, and regions.
Key elements of bonus testing
Here are the primary bonus aspects that TESTA assesses:
- Bonus eligibility: Are players who qualify for the bonus actually able to claim it? This involves checking if the platform accurately tracks criteria such as deposit amounts, gameplay activity, or specific timeframes.
- Application of the bonus: Once the bonus is claimed, is it applied correctly? For example, does a deposit match bonus reflect the correct amount, and are free spins or other perks credited without error?
- Bonus usage: After the bonus is applied, can players use it as intended? This includes ensuring that free spins work on the correct games or that bonus funds are wagered according to the platform’s terms.
- Meeting wagering requirements: Some bonuses come with wagering requirements or other conditions. Testing ensures that these requirements are tracked and met without confusion or glitches.
Real people, real devices, real markets
TESTA’s strength lies in its crowdsourced testing approach. With real testers located in the same regions where your players are, we provide insights that reflect the true player experience. By using real devices and real networks, TESTA can uncover issues that may arise in specific markets, such as local payment issues or regional restrictions on bonuses.
For example, a bonus may function well on a desktop browser in one country but fail on a mobile device in another. By testing across different environments, TESTA helps operators ensure their bonuses work smoothly, no matter where their players are located.
Ensuring bonus testing leads to player trust
Operators invest heavily in bonuses because they’re a proven tool for acquiring and retaining players. However, if players encounter issues while trying to claim or use a bonus, that investment could be wasted. Worse, a poor bonus experience can lead to players sharing their frustrations online, damaging the brand’s reputation.
By integrating bonus testing into the platform’s QA process, operators can prevent these issues and provide a flawless experience. This not only ensures that bonuses deliver their intended value but also helps operators build trust and loyalty among their players.
The value of crowdsourced bonus testing with TESTA
At TESTA, we recognize that bonuses are not just an additional perk—they’re a critical part of the player journey. That’s why our bonus testing covers all stages, from eligibility to usage, across various devices and markets. With real testers providing valuable feedback, operators gain actionable insights into how their bonuses perform in the real world.
By testing in a real-world environment, operators can:
- Reduce player complaints: Fewer issues with bonus claims lead to happier players.
- Boost player retention: A smooth bonus experience can encourage players to return and continue engaging with the platform.
- Enhance brand reputation: Positive experiences with bonuses can lead to word-of-mouth recommendations and positive reviews.
Conclusion
In the highly competitive iGaming industry, bonuses are a key tool for attracting and keeping players. However, they can also be a source of frustration if they don’t work as expected. Bonus testing with TESTA ensures that your bonuses function correctly across different platforms, devices, and markets, providing a seamless experience for your players.
With crowdsourced testing that uses real people on real devices, TESTA helps operators catch issues before they impact the player experience. The result? Higher player satisfaction, increased retention, and a stronger brand reputation.
About the author
Ian McKinnon
TESTA Head of Marketing