Bookmakers (and casinos) compete to attract customers by offering various bonuses on their platforms. This has led to the rise of a new group of bettors — the so-called bonus hunters. In this article, we’ll explain what bonus hunting is in the world of bookmakers. How do players try to profit from bonuses, and how do sportsbook security teams respond to this behavior?

The most sought-after types of offers by these players are online gambling reload bonuses — recurring offers that may be used a number of times depending on certain terms. And with mobile proxy servers, they might be an amazing tool in the inventory of every bonus hunter because they offer a means to hide IP addresses.

What Is Bonus Hunting?

Bonus hunting is the practice of seeking and exploiting bonuses offered by bookmakers, sportsbooks, and other gambling websites. It is the process of utilising different methods for bonuses with a view to maximize profit or minimize risk.

Players perform the following reasons for bonus hunting at bookmakers:

• Receiving gratis money to wager with. Bonuses provide members with extra money without the requirement of depositing it. This improves their chances of winning without wagering their own money.
• Enjoying the services of new customers. Contemporary bookmakers provide many bonuses to entice prospective clients, like referral bonuses for bringing friends.
• Retaining existing users. Some bonuses are meant to retain existing users and make them use more. Schemes of loyalty and frequent promotions keep users engaged.
• Incentivizing high bets. Some bonuses are awarded to high-betting players as an incentive to high rollers.
• Competitiveness. Owing to fierce competition in the market, a majority of sportsbooks offer decent bonuses to enable them to compete and acquire new customers.

But players should remember that the activities have terms and conditions. It is necessary to understand the rules of each type of bonus before applying any bonus hunting strategies.

Types of Bonuses

Bookmakers and casinos commonly offer several types of bonuses that tempt bonus hunters. These are the most common ones found on nearly every site:

• Welcome bonus – Offered to new players when joining (usually a free bet or deposit match offer).
• Deposit bonus – The player receives additional money on top of their deposit, usually a percentage of their deposit.
• Free bet – A free bet that is risk-free on an event or match.
• Cashback – Some bookmakers reimburse the player with part of losing bets.
• Loyalty program rewards – These are additional bonuses for frequent users, better odds, or other benefits for frequent betting.

Every bookmaker has its own policies about issuing bonuses and using them, so players have to go through the terms carefully before joining in.

How Bookmakers React to Bonus Hunting

Bookmakers treat bonus hunters differently. Some will welcome bonus hunters as good players who bring business and attract others. But many sportsbooks have abuse protection systems, including:

• Placing limitations on the number of times bonuses can be claimed;
• Enforcing higher conditions for eligibility;
• Closely monitoring and excluding accounts due to suspicious activity.

It's important to appreciate that exploitation of bonus offers in ways that violate terms and conditions can result in suspension of accounts, held-up deposits, or even permanent bans. Players should always use bonuses responsibly and avoid merciless bonus hunting strategies.

How Mobile Proxies Enhance Bonus Hunting

There are cases where clients have started using mobile proxies in the course of bonus hunting. This is often designed to bypass bonus caps for IP addresses. If a sportsbook restricts a bonus to one for each IP, then changing your IP by using a proxy can allow multiple claims.

Mobile proxies give users the capability to alter their IP address and mimic being from a different place or device. This will allow them to bypass restrictions and reuse the same promotion.

But players should note that employing mobile proxies in an effort to break terms intentionally can be considered fraudulent behavior. Bookmakers can recognize and block such efforts, leading to account suspension or worse.

Anonymity in Bonus Hunting with Proxies

Mobile proxies may also provide some sort of anonymity by acting as intermediaries between the player's mobile phone and the sportsbook website. This hides the player's actual IP address and geolocation, making it harder for the bookmaker to trace and pursue the player.

However, this anonymity is never absolute. Various bookmakers use advanced detection methods to identify suspicious activity, including proxy usage. Some even request identification verification before processing withdrawals, thereby reducing the success of going undetected.

Final Thoughts

The advantages and risks of proxy server use for bonus hunting are self-evident. Proxies may help users qualify for more promotions, but they increase the chance of detection and closure of accounts. There are ethical and lawful ways of profiting from bonuses and utilizing them honestly that players should consider to avoid negative repercussions.