First, some background on us. We've been building iPhone apps since the day the iPhone shipped (July 2nd, 2007) initially with web apps and then with native apps (20 in the store), including some of the most popular "Play for Fun" casino apps.
We've been watching some casinos release iPhone apps. Typically these free branded promotional apps consist of a "Play for Fun" game, usually slots, and some information about the Casino.
So here's what we are seeing. These casino apps have, to be frank, sub-par games. 3 wheel slots with so-so graphics as an example (and I'm being kind). Although we can't give exact figures, using available metrics we estimate downloads of a few 100 or even smaller numbers of these apps (we expect some may not even have 100 downloads).
OK, so for existing casino customers these apps may be useful to keep track of events, and sure ... some users are going to download them because they are free apps and maybe they want to find out about the casino.
BUT what a lost opportunity. Good (play for fun) casino games generate thousands of downloads, even at $5 a pop. Imagine what a free promotional app with one, two, or even three top notch "Play for Fun" games could do.
According to Pinch Media’s research, the average number of downloads for a paid app is 9,300, compared to about 71,000 for the average free application. So the poor performance of these Casino Promotional apps is a lost opportunity.
A quality promotional app could serve existing customers, with relevant casino information and promotions but more importantly bring new players into the casino. How much is a new player worth? How much are a 1000 new players worth?
In the app game you have to play to win or you might as well forget the idea and save your money.
As to the casinos who have released these promotional apps? I feel your pain.
We've been watching some casinos release iPhone apps. Typically these free branded promotional apps consist of a "Play for Fun" game, usually slots, and some information about the Casino.
So here's what we are seeing. These casino apps have, to be frank, sub-par games. 3 wheel slots with so-so graphics as an example (and I'm being kind). Although we can't give exact figures, using available metrics we estimate downloads of a few 100 or even smaller numbers of these apps (we expect some may not even have 100 downloads).
OK, so for existing casino customers these apps may be useful to keep track of events, and sure ... some users are going to download them because they are free apps and maybe they want to find out about the casino.
BUT what a lost opportunity. Good (play for fun) casino games generate thousands of downloads, even at $5 a pop. Imagine what a free promotional app with one, two, or even three top notch "Play for Fun" games could do.
According to Pinch Media’s research, the average number of downloads for a paid app is 9,300, compared to about 71,000 for the average free application. So the poor performance of these Casino Promotional apps is a lost opportunity.
A quality promotional app could serve existing customers, with relevant casino information and promotions but more importantly bring new players into the casino. How much is a new player worth? How much are a 1000 new players worth?
In the app game you have to play to win or you might as well forget the idea and save your money.
As to the casinos who have released these promotional apps? I feel your pain.
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