Bonuses and promotions have long been used by online gaming platforms as a way to attract and retain players. The classic “deposit and get a 100% match” type bonus has become tired and overused in many markets. This has led operators to explore more creative options that offer longer-term value and a heightened sense of achievement.
One such innovation that has gained significant traction is the multi-stage bonus. These bonuses unlock new rewards as the player completes certain actions or reaches specific milestones. Structuring bonuses in this multi-layered way provides a range of benefits, both for operators and players alike.
Tracking Progress Adds Motivation
A key advantage of multi-stage bonuses lies in the incremental tracking of progress they facilitate. Unlike a standard bonus that is simply activated upon the first deposit, multi-stage variants allow the player to actively monitor their advancement through different tiers. Watching a progress bar slowly fill or collecting pieces of a puzzle delivers an innate sense of anticipation and achievement.
Research in behavioral economics speaks to the motivating power of monitoring progress over time. Known as the “endowed progress effect”, studies show that visualizing advancement towards a goal makes people more likely to complete further actions to reach it. Multi-stage bonuses tap directly into this tendency by displaying evolving progress towards unlocking the next reward.
Layering Bonuses Extends Value
In addition to motivating Casino Sunmaker players through progress tracking, multi-stage bonuses also lengthen the period of value delivery. Rather than gaining access to the full bonus amount on day one, players must actively engage with the platform over time to receive all components of the promotion.
| Stage | Requirement | Bonus Unlocked |
| 1 | Make a first deposit | 20 free spins |
| 2 | Wager $500 on slots | Additional 30 free spins |
| 3 | Make 5 more deposits | $50 casino bonus |
As the example stages show, operators can get creative with the specific requirements used to graduate between tiers. Requiring a certain number of deposits extends the customer lifetime and generates more revenue. Minimum wager levels encourage play of high margin slot titles.
No matter the exact requirements used, the tiered structure means the player experience and bonus value are steadily ramped up rather than delivered in a single burst. This helps on-board new players, while also elongating the lifespan of the bonus so it aids in long-term retention.
Completing Stages Triggers Achievement Response
Another psychological motivator activated by multi-stage bonuses is our innate desire to complete challenges and tick off accomplishments. A sense of achievement is triggered each time the player progresses to unlock another tier of rewards.
Studies focused on motivation and goal setting reveal useful insights. The Zeigarnik effect demonstrates that people have a better recollection of unfinished tasks and feel compelled to complete them. Multi-stage bonuses tap into this quirk of human behavior. Players receive a shot of motivation each time they unlock the next step, spurring them to take further actions towards fully finishing the bonus journey.
This sense of ongoing accomplishment combines potently with the progress tracking components discussed earlier. They imbue multi-stage bonuses with a level of engagement and incentive far beyond conventional deposit matches. Players feel they are working towards an evolving set of goals, rather than just receiving a one-time reward.
Final Takeaways
As competition continues to intensify in maturing online gaming markets, operators must find creative ways to differentiate. Offering multi-layered bonuses with progress tracking enables brands to stand out while also boosting metrics like customer lifetime value.
Compared to conventional bonuses, well-designed multi-stage variants feature:
- Progress tracking to visually motivate players as they advance through tiers
- Extended value delivery over a longer period to aid retention
- An amplified sense of achievement from completing incremental steps
With these advantages in mind, investing in multi-stage bonuses can be an impactful initiative for forward-thinking gaming brands. Just be sure to carefully test requirement levels and reward amounts during the design process. Get these elements right, and multi-stage promotions will unlock extra player engagement along with incremental long-term value.