Online casinos have grown so much in popularity that they’re a source of entertainment for almost anyone. So much so, in fact, that casinos themselves aim their marketing material and games differently, so that all demographics are catered to.
For athletes and those who enjoy running, online casinos can resonate with this inherent drive. It’s not only a futile passing of time, but a genuine capturing of the competitive spirit and honing in on the theme of sports.
What makes a casino bonus athlete-friendly?
Athletes and highly active people are a unique type of customer. It’s not only that they have an interest, but we can quite clearly define certain parts of their values or personality. When you explore at Legalcasino.uk, these features are more present as each year goes by.
A strong offering in sports-themed games isn’t where it ends (though, it is an impressive collection at this point). Instead, it’s the gamification elements like leaderboards and achievement systems that really taps into a competitive mindset, particularly with those who use Strava and other social running apps.
Loyalty and VIP programs genuinely reward consistent activity too, and this kind of discipline is what defines runners. There are some cases of promotions tying into major sporting events, like the Super Bowl, and so these can provide timely and relevant excitement. Underlying all these attractive features is the non-negotiable need for transparent bonus terms and fair play.
Top 5 online casinos for athletes
Arena Bet Casino
Arena Bet Casino is ideal for athletes who love watching and betting on sports. This is a European-focused platform that has broad sportsbook and casino gaming options. Athletes can bet on dozens of different sports, like soccer, golf, rugby, but also enjoy casino games from major developers like EGT and Microgaming, many of which have sports themes.
The platform has a TVBets section where users can wager on poker, baccarat, roulette and other games with live dealers. The site’s atmosphere mimics that of a sporting event.
Parimatch Casino
Parimatch is a clear stand-out for its strong connections to professional athletes. The casino has partnerships with numerous sports stars, such as boxing legend Mike Tyson and UFC champion Conor McGregor, who are brand ambassadors. According to CEO Sergey Portnov, Tyson “perfectly embodies our fighting spirit,” and it ties into the brand’s focus on competitive drive.
Beyond celebrity endorsements, Parimatch has one of the better live casino experiences available. It uses Evolution Gaming’s platform and athletes will appreciate the transition between sports betting and casino games.
PokerStars Casino
PokerStars Casino has various exclusive games with competitive elements in mind. The platform has unique casino games with “special bonuses and features”, like enhanced reward systems and progressive jackpots.
Athletes may enjoy the tournament structure of PokerStars offerings, with regular slot tournaments (also called slot races) that have leaderboards and big cash prizes that appeal to competitive personalities.
Betway Casino
Betway Casino does a great job of combining sports betting with casino gaming in a platform that rewards regular play. You will have seen Betway sponsorships all across the Premier League, and their New Games Tournament has a big prize pool. The Free Bet Club rewards punters who place weekly accumulators.
The casino has a big game collection from all the leading developers, and within these are a good selection of sports-themed slots. Regular players can unlock weekly rewards like bonus spins and free bets.
Peakplay Casino
While not specifically sports-themed, Peakplay has a sweepstakes model and competitive elements that would appeal to athletes looking for a different type of gaming experience. This is a newer platform in the U.S. and has high-quality games from top developers like Big Time Gaming, Red Tiger, Nolimit City and NetEnt.
The platform goes hard on player safety and it has values that resonate with athletes who appreciate fair competition. New players receive a generous welcome bonus, and it has an NHL, NBA, and MLB Daily Challenge, along with PGA Weekend Parlay. These contests are uniquely within the casino site itself (we often see them in sportsbooks).
Other considerations for the active gambler
While bonuses are certainly enticing, athletes and active individuals shouldn’t forget about the usual important features, like a great mobile experience, which is particularly useful if you’re always on the move. Convenient and fast payment methods will be needed for hassle-free deposits and withdrawals, as well as a casino that collaborates with responsible gambling practices, as knowing your limits is important.
Finding your rhythm
For athletes, online casinos may not be what you identify as a resonating hobby. But, online casinos are becoming gamified and trending more towards video games, not just with loyalty programs, but actual peer-to-peer competition. They’re also becoming more social too, like running has, and so it’s only a matter of time before more running-based slot themes keep appearing.
