Around the world, there are millions of gamers who have delved into the online space to save money. With both handheld consoles and traditional consoles costing more and more with each variation – and the games themselves stretching into the hundreds of dollars – the online-verse promises a more affordable alternative, complete with a range of games and exclusive deals.
But it shouldn’t be taken for granted. If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s every chance you’ll end up overspending on microtransactions or missing out on the best discounts. Like any other form of entertainment, online gaming comes with its own set of money traps, but with a little know-how, you can find a way to avoid them and stretch every dollar to go further.
We’re not talking about purchasing budget-friendly mice or cheap controllers, or getting a great deal on a powerful console – although these can be pretty beneficial! – We’re talking about smarter spending within the games themselves and the platforms you use. With this in mind, here’s our ‘how to’ guide to stretching your dollars online, ensuring your online gaming experience is as cheap as possible.
Always Compare Platforms
The first thing you need to do – especially if you’re looking into the iGaming space – is to compare platforms. When it comes to online casinos, the differences can be huge. One site might offer generous welcome bonuses with a low wagering requirement, while another might offer what looks like a generous welcome bonus, only with a higher wagering requirement that makes it nearly impossible to cash out any winnings. By using a site to compare platforms, you can quickly see which one gives you the best overall value, making it easier to pick the site that gives you the best bang for your buck.
Make Sure You Use Promotions
Sticking with the world of iGaming for a second, it’s also a good idea to check which casinos have the best promotions. To give an example, playing a standard casino with no promo code might give you a good enough experience, but using a BetRivers promo code could give you the same experience, only with the possibility of claiming up to $500 in net losses. What does this mean? Well, it essentially means you can explore and play a number of games without the fear of losing your money – something which can be particularly helpful if you’re looking to stretch your dollars and maximise your overall gaming time.
Take Advantage of Free-to-Play Titles
One of the best things about the online space is that there are thousands of free-to-play titles, many of which can offer just as much as a paid title without costing a cent. Ranging from competitive multiplayer games to expansive MMOs, these games often deliver hundreds of hours of content with no upfront investment – the only thing you have to be wary of is microtransactions.
Limit Your Microtransactions
Speaking of the devil, microtransactions are one of the biggest pitfalls for gamers to fall into. While they might seem harmless at first – perhaps a cool-looking skin here, or a few extra coins there – they can quickly add up and eat into your budget, so you need to be careful about which microtransactions you’re investing in. Make sure you set a limit on how much you’re willing to spend each month per game, and try to stick to it even if a game tempts you with some flashy new content. As well as this, take time to evaluate whether the purchase will genuinely make your experience better off, or if it’s just an impulse buy that you’ll come to regret. Sometimes, patience pays off in these situations!
Wait for Seasonal Sales
It’s also a good idea to wait for seasonal sales, which can offer some of the best discounts on games, expansions, and in-game content throughout the year. Events like Black Friday, summer sales, and Christmas promotions often slash prices dramatically, allowing you to pick up titles or perform microtransactions for a fraction of the usual cost. Once again, patience is going to be key here. If you can hold off on buying new releases or pricey content until these sales roll around, believe us when we say, you’ll stretch your dollars in a way you didn’t even think was possible!
Check Out Some Bundle Deals
As well as seasonal sales, it’s also a good idea to look for bundle deals. While some can be hit or miss, many can offer great savings by packaging multiple games, in-game items, or credits together at a discounted rate – helping you to maximise the dollars you’re spending and effectively play more for less. Just be sure to read the fine print to ensure the bundle truly offers savings. While some might look good on the surface, it’s always possible that they’re including items you don’t actually need – or worse yet, bundling less popular games or content that won’t add much value to your overall gaming experience.
Join Loyalty Programs
Lastly, if you’re enjoying the gaming platform or online casino that you’re playing on, make sure you check out their loyalty program. Even if you’re not a regular player, these programs can be great for giving you extra value just for sticking around, so by signing up, you’re essentially unlocking a way to play and earn more without spending extra – turning your casual playing experience into something a little more rewarding!
