Redefining Continuity Gifting with Player Choice
For over three decades, the casino industry has relied on physical gifts to drive customer engagement and encourage visits to their properties. While this strategy has been effective, it has remained largely unchanged, failing to keep pace with the evolving expectations of today’s players. At Gift&Go, we’re leading a revolution in continuity gifting, placing player choice and convenience at the forefront to enhance the overall gaming experience.
The Evolution of Continuity Gifting
Traditionally, casino gifting programs have been straightforward but limited. Players often had to stand in long lines, confined to selecting a single gift from a narrow selection—an approach that no longer aligns with the desires of modern, tech-savvy players. These outdated methods lack the flexibility and personalization that today’s players expect.
Recognizing this, Gift&Go is pioneering a new era in continuity gifting. Our proprietary in-machine gifting product allows players to select and redeem multiple gifts directly from their slot machines. This innovative solution has already been launched across Light & Wonder’s CMS and is expanding through partnerships with Konami and IGT, marking a significant shift in how casinos can engage with their players.
The Power of Choice: Prioritizing Players Over Cost
The traditional mindset in continuity gifting has long been to focus on the perceived value of a gift, aiming to make it look more expensive or valuable to the player. However, this approach misses the mark. At Gift&Go, we believe the true power of continuity gifting lies not in the cost of the gift but in the freedom to choose the gift most relevant to the player.
Our platform is designed to prioritize player satisfaction, offering them a range of gifts that truly resonate with their preferences. By giving players the ability to choose from multiple gift options and redeem them without interrupting their gaming experience, we create a more engaging and satisfying environment. This player-first approach has been proven to increase time on device and reduce walkouts, clearly demonstrating that when players are given the gifts they want, they stay engaged longer.
Revolutionizing the Gifting Experience
The misconception that the price tag of a gift is what drives engagement has long been a barrier to innovation in the industry. Gift&Go is turning this outdated notion on its head by focusing on what really matters: the player experience. By offering choice and tracking data, we’re not just changing the way gifts are given—we’re transforming the entire continuity gifting landscape.
Leveraging Technology and Data
At the core of Gift & Go’s innovation is the seamless integration of technology on the casino floor and data. Our platform not only facilitates a choice of gifts but also continuously gathers and analyzes real-time data to refine and personalize the gifting experience each week. This data-driven approach ensures that the gifts offered are always aligned with player preferences based on past data, making the gifting process more relevant and impactful. Casinos can now make informed decisions backed by analytics, leading to more effective engagement strategies.
Scalability and Flexibility
Gift & Go’s solution is designed with scalability in mind. Whether a single property or a multi-location operation, our platform adapts to various market needs, making it a versatile tool for any casino. This flexibility ensures that as your business grows, Gift & Go can scale with you, maintaining a consistent and high-quality player experience across all properties.
Strengthening Brand Loyalty
While the immediate benefits of increased player engagement are clear, the long-term impact on brand loyalty is equally significant. By prioritizing the player with a choice of gifts delivered directly to their home by Amazon Prime, casinos can foster deeper connections with their players, turning one-time visitors into lifelong brand advocates. This approach not only enhances the player’s experience but also solidifies their loyalty to the casino.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
At Gift&Go, we believe in the importance of a feedback loop between the casino and its players. Our platform allows operators to gather direct feedback from players, enabling continuous improvement in the gifting experience. This commitment to listening and adapting to player needs further enhances engagement and ensures that the gifting program remains relevant and effective.
Best Practices for Operators
As we look to the future, it’s clear that continuity gifting must evolve to meet the needs of today’s players. Here are key considerations for operators looking to build an effective continuity gifting program:
- Understand Your Players: Invest time in gathering detailed insights into your players’ preferences. This allows for effective theme creation, which is crucial in making players feel excited about the promotion.
- Prioritize Player Choice Over Cost: The power of continuity gifting lies in offering players the choice rather than focusing on the perceived value of the gift. Empower players by providing a variety of options that resonate. This approach has been proven to increase engagement and drive more visits, as players feel more satisfied when they can choose gifts that genuinely matter to them.
- Seamless Integration and Convenience: Ensure that the gifting program integrates smoothly with existing casino management systems. Aim to reduce friction by allowing players to select and redeem gifts directly from their gaming device, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Quality Over Quantity: Opt for higher-quality, branded items rather than generic gifts. A single, well-considered gift can create a more lasting impression and deepen player loyalty.
- Avoid Generic Choices: Steer clear of one-size-fits-all gifts. Instead, focus on offering personalized, quality gifts that ensure the experience feels valuable and thoughtful.
- Monitor and Adjust: Continuously assess the effectiveness of your gifting strategy by seeking player feedback and analysing engagement metrics. Be willing to adapt and refine your approach to meet the evolving needs and preferences of your players.
- Empower Your Staff: Train your rewards club staff to guide players through the new in-machine gifting experience, explain the weekly gift choices, and gather feedback to enhance player satisfaction and program effectiveness.
How NOT to Run a Continuity Gifting Program
While these best practices are essential for building a successful program, it’s equally important to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine your efforts:
- Avoid Pre-Purchasing All Gifts in Advance: Planning and purchasing gifts 6 to 8 months ahead can lead to logistical issues such as oversupply, outdated offerings, or mismatched player preferences. This can result in rain checks or the need to move gifts from one property to another, creating friction and dissatisfaction.
- Don’t Ignore Data: Relying on assumptions rather than data-driven insights can lead to misaligned gifts that fail to resonate with players. Use data as the driving force behind your decisions to understand what your customers truly want, ensuring your gifting strategy is both relevant and impactful.
- Remember, Cost is Secondary: The focus should not be on the price tag of the gift but rather on the player’s experience. Offering a choice and ensuring that gifts align with player preferences is far more valuable than providing items that may not meet their needs.
Ready to transform your continuity gifting program? Connect with us today to discover how Gift&Go can drive deeper player engagement and loyalty at your casino. Email us at sales@giftandgo.com.