The iGaming (social casino) industry is a high-stakes arena with fierce competition, and user engagement is the jackpot every developer chases. While acquiring new users is vital, keeping them engaged and bringing back those who have already shown interest is the real game changer. This is where AppSamurai DSP’s retargeting capabilities shine, helping social casino apps maximize retention and revenue. Dive in!
The State of Social Casino Gaming
Social casino gaming has seen impressive growth, with global revenue projected to reach $7.99 billion in 2024, up from $7.39 billion in 2023, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with revenues anticipated to hit $11.20 billion by 2028. PR Newswire
As high-value players become more challenging to acquire, re-engagement strategies have become more important than ever before. Studies show that re-engaging an existing user is five times more cost-effective than acquiring a new one—making retargeting an essential play for sustainable growth. Moloco
In addition, the mobile gambling market is expected to grow, with social casino apps leading the way due to their accessibility and engagement-driven monetization models. The rise in user acquisition costs has prompted app developers to seek out more efficient marketing solutions. Retargeting has proven to be a powerful tool for sustaining long-term profitability.
How AppSamurai DSP’s Retargeting Works
AppSamurai DSP leverages advanced machine learning and real-time bidding (RTB) technology to target the right users at the right time. Here’s how it helps social casino apps stay ahead:
1. Re-engaging Lapsed Players
The best retargeting candidates are players who once spun the reels or placed virtual bets but haven’t opened the app in weeks. To encourage players to return, AppSamurai DSP uses behavioral data to deliver personalized ads highlighting new features, special events, and exclusive offers.
For example, if a user previously engaged in a slot tournament but hasn’t played in a while, AppSamurai DSP can target them with ads featuring a similar upcoming event, enticing them to return.
2. Converting Non-Spenders into VIP Players
Social casino players often engage with a game without making in-app purchases. These users can be retargeted with tailored promotions, such as free chips and bonus spins, to increase their lifetime value and motivate them to make their first purchase. Research shows that users who make their first in-app purchase within the initial engagement period are more likely to become repeat spenders.
3. Encouraging Repeat Engagement with Personalized Offers
With retargeting, you can promote time-sensitive deals or limited-time tournaments to active users. Dynamic creative optimization allows AppSamurai DSP to serve ads that reflect a player’s past behavior, ensuring maximum relevance.
For instance, a user who frequently plays blackjack might receive a special bonus for a new blackjack event, while a slot player could see ads featuring newly released slot machines.
4. Cross-Promotion for Publisher Portfolios
If a developer has multiple social casino titles, AppSamurai DSP can drive engagement across different games within the portfolio. It is important to maintain a loyal user base within the ecosystem by retargeting disengaged users and introducing them to new titles.
For example, if a user is losing interest in a poker game, they can be retargeted with an ad promoting a new social bingo game, keeping them within the developer’s gaming ecosystem rather than losing them entirely.
Measuring the Impact of Retargeting on iGaming Growth
The success of retargeting campaigns can be measured through several KPIs:
- ROAS: Retargeted users generate a higher revenue than new users, resulting in a more profitable campaign.
- Retention Rate: Knowing how many users return after seeing retargeting ads offers insight into engagement.
- Conversion Rate: The percentage of non-spenders or lapsed players who become paying users after being retargeted.
- ARPU: Retargeting campaigns can increase ARPU by bringing back engaged players who are more likely to spend.
The Winning Strategy: Combining UA & Retargeting
Programmatic user acquisition helps fill the funnel, while retargeting keeps players engaged. Social casino apps need a well-balanced strategy that uses UA and re-engagement capabilities.
The AppSamurai DSP maximizes retention, improves monetization, and scales efficiently for iGaming developers by continuously analyzing player behavior and optimizing campaigns in real time. Players can have a more immersive experience and developers can boost engagement and drive revenue with the right approach.
Ready to Hit the Jackpot?
The iGaming industry is growing, but the real challenge isn’t just acquiring new users—it’s keeping them engaged. As retargeting is proving to be more cost-effective than standard UA strategies in reengaging users, developers need to use data-driven approaches to stay on top of their players.
If you’re looking to take your social casino app to the next level, AppSamurai DSP is your winning hand!
