For years, bonus codes have been a major part of casino promotions, giving players access to exclusive deals, extra deposit bonuses, and free spins. But in today’s world, where many casinos automatically apply bonuses, do players even care about promo codes anymore? Are they still effective, or are they just a relic from the past?
According to Bojoko co-founder Joonas Karhu, the demand is still strong amongst Canadian players. In this interview, he breaks down why bonus codes are still relevant, what operators need to consider, and how they can be optimized for today’s players.
TheGamblest: Many casinos have removed promo codes, but players still search for them. Why do you think that is?
Joonas: It’s simple—players love feeling like they’re getting something exclusive. Even though a lot of casinos now apply bonuses automatically, people still go online every day to search for bonus codes. We see this all the time at Bojoko.
A big part of it is habit. Players who’ve been around for a while expect promo codes because they’ve always used them. But it’s also about psychology—there’s something satisfying about entering a code and unlocking a deal. It feels like getting VIP access.
TheGamblest: With so many casinos moving toward automated bonuses, should operators still bother with promo codes?
Joonas: Absolutely. Promo codes aren’t just about handing out bonuses—they’re a great marketing tool. You can use them in ads where you can’t add a link, of course, but affiliate marketing grants you added exposure with little effort.
In many cases, the bonus code will be loudly showcased on toplists, giving players a reason to pause, and more importantly, you will be added to lists of casinos with promo codes. These pages can give you a nice FTD boost. We see it firsthand at Bojoko. Players engage more with offers when there’s a code involved because they feel like they’re getting something special. It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference.
TheGamblest: How does Bojoko help Canadian players find the best bonus codes?
Joonas: We make it easy. Instead of searching through a dozen different casino sites, players can come to Bojoko and see all the best bonus codes in one place.
We also work directly with casinos to get exclusive promo codes that aren’t available anywhere else. Our team makes sure every code listed is verified and actually works, so players don’t waste their time on expired offers.
But beyond just listing bonus codes that apply in Canada, we help players understand them. Many people don’t realize that some promo codes have strict terms—high wagering requirements, game restrictions, and max withdrawal limits. We break all that down so players know what they’re getting before they claim a bonus.
TheGamblest: What should casinos keep in mind when designing a bonus code campaign?
Joonas: The most important thing? Keep it simple.
If you are advertising in non-online media, make the code easy to remember. A code like WELCOME500 is way better than something like XJF28ZTY.
Second, don’t run in with a complicated or weak deal that just destroys trust. Players are often already a little skeptical when depositing at a new casino. Any red flags can send players running.
TheGamblest: What are the main things operators should keep in mind if they are thinking about using or removing their bonus codes?
Joonas: Promo codes aren’t going anywhere. Sure, automatic bonuses are more convenient, but promo codes still bring a lot of value. They make players feel like they’re getting something exclusive, help operators track where sign-ups are coming from, and are an easy way to run targeted promotions.
At Bojoko, we see strong demand for promo codes in Canada every month. It is not one of the top bonus strategies we tend to recommend, but the impact is there. Players actively search for and use them and expect casinos to offer them. Any operator ignoring that is potentially leaving easy conversions on the table.
