An award-winning iGaming affiliate, Bojoko is excited to celebrate its most successful year in history, achieving record-breaking results in just the first three quarters of...
Interview with Joonas Karhu – Co-Founder of Bojoko
AffPapa recently interviewed Joonas Karhu, Co-Founder of Bojoko, about the growing demand for no-wagering bonuses in Canada and what that means for operators looking to stand out in a competitive market.
Yeva: No-wagering bonuses are often viewed as more player-friendly. What impact do they have on acquiring new depositing users?
They can be very effective. What matters most is how well the bonus communicates value right away. With no-wagering, the message is simple: the player can keep what they win, without needing to meet any complicated playthrough conditions.
That type of offer appeals to a broad range of users, especially those ready to deposit. From what we have seen, the conversion from registration to deposit tends to improve when no-wagering is involved. There is less hesitation because players feel they are getting a fair deal upfront.
Yeva: Why do you think more operators haven’t adopted this format, even though players seem to be looking for it?
There are a few reasons. One of the big ones is that no-wagering bonuses can be seen as removing some of the protections operators are used to having. If a player wins on their bonus, nothing stops them from withdrawing immediately, making the model feel unpredictable.
Furthermore, these bonuses can be seen as being difficult to balance from a risk perspective. You have to build a structure that is still sustainable over time. That might explain why we still see more traditional match bonuses dominating the market, especially with high wagering requirements.
However, this really is not a large issue, as they can only withdraw their winnings, not the bonus. As you can set the max bet and even max win, these offers are just as safe as traditional bonuses. You just need to know how to implement them properly.
Yeva: How can a casino make its no-wagering bonus stand out when it decides to launch one?
Clarity is everything. When a player reads the offer, they should immediately understand how it works. The bonus is much more likely to convert if the communication is clear and honest.
The other part is making sure the bonus is genuinely competitive. Not all no-wagering offers are created equal. Some might look attractive on the surface but have very low max wins, limited games, or restrictions that reduce the actual value. Players pick up on those details quickly, so offering a solid, transparent deal can help a brand stand out, especially in listings or comparison tables.
Yeva: What role do affiliates like Bojoko play in helping these bonuses succeed?
Affiliates play a key role in aligning player expectations with the reality of the offer. At Bojoko, we present promotions clearly and unbiasedly, giving players a transparent look at how a bonus works in practice rather than just highlighting the headline.
For instance, when we feature no-wagering casinos in Canada, we provide a full overview of each offer. This includes aspects like payout conditions and all key terms. This helps players make informed decisions and choose offers that actually suit their preferences.
That level of clarity also benefits the operator. When expectations are set correctly from the beginning, players are more likely to deposit and remain active. A well-matched offer creates trust, which often translates into stronger long-term performance.
Yeva: Who are the typical players looking for no-wagering bonuses, based on what you see?
There is definitely a mix. Some are experienced players who have tried a few casinos already and are now looking for something clearer and more straightforward. Others might want to try a new brand without feeling tied to conditions they do not fully understand.
Of course, there are bonus hunters in every market segment, and no-wagering offers can attract them too. That is part of the reality. But at the same time, if the experience is solid, some of those users will stick around and convert into long-term players.
It comes down to the full journey, not just the bonus.
Yeva: Let’s focus on Canada for a moment. What are you seeing in terms of no-wagering interest there?
Canada is a strong and active market. There is a large player base that regularly compares offers, and users are comfortable reading the details of bonus terms before they deposit. We see this reflected in the traffic and behavior on Bojoko.
Search activity related to this type of promotion continues to trend upward. Players are showing more interest in simplified bonus models that remove friction, and they are specifically looking for casinos that clearly present this kind of value. Despite this, only a limited number of operators are addressing that demand, creating a clear market gap.
Yeva: What advice would you give to operators thinking about trying a no-wagering campaign for the first time?
Look at it as an opportunity to reach players who are ready to act. There is strong demand for these offers, and players often prioritize them when choosing where to deposit next.
If you are testing it for the first time, it makes sense to be cautious, but that does not mean cutting the value too much. Players are very aware of what is competitive and what is not. The key is to offer something real and fair that can deliver value for both sides.
Also, the immediate response and how those players behave over time should be monitored. That will give you a better understanding of whether no-wagering makes sense as a regular part of your bonus strategy.
Yeva: Do you think we will see more operators in Canada offering no-wagering bonuses in the near future?
It is possible, but it really depends on how operators view the trade-off. These bonuses do not offer the same margin protection or control as traditional formats, so they will not be a natural fit for every brand.
That said, the interest from players is clearly growing, and we have seen some operators test these formats with good results. If more brands become confident in managing the model and tracking the right metrics, it could become a more common strategy. Others may choose to focus on more traditional approaches or optimize bonuses in different ways, depending on their target audience and risk appetite.
But for now, no-wagering remains a point of differentiation for those willing to take that step.
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