/**
* HTTP API: WP_Http_Curl class
*
* @package WordPress
* @subpackage HTTP
* @since 4.4.0
*/
/**
* Core class used to integrate Curl as an HTTP transport.
*
* HTTP request method uses Curl extension to retrieve the url.
*
* Requires the Curl extension to be installed.
*
* @since 2.7.0
* @deprecated 6.4.0 Use WP_Http
* @see WP_Http
*/
#[AllowDynamicProperties]
class WP_Http_Curl {
/**
* Temporary header storage for during requests.
*
* @since 3.2.0
* @var string
*/
private $headers = '';
/**
* Temporary body storage for during requests.
*
* @since 3.6.0
* @var string
*/
private $body = '';
/**
* The maximum amount of data to receive from the remote server.
*
* @since 3.6.0
* @var int|false
*/
private $max_body_length = false;
/**
* The file resource used for streaming to file.
*
* @since 3.6.0
* @var resource|false
*/
private $stream_handle = false;
/**
* The total bytes written in the current request.
*
* @since 4.1.0
* @var int
*/
private $bytes_written_total = 0;
/**
* Send a HTTP request to a URI using cURL extension.
*
* @since 2.7.0
*
* @param string $url The request URL.
* @param string|array $args Optional. Override the defaults.
* @return array|WP_Error Array containing 'headers', 'body', 'response', 'cookies', 'filename'. A WP_Error instance upon error
*/
public function request( $url, $args = array() ) {
$defaults = array(
'method' => 'GET',
'timeout' => 5,
'redirection' => 5,
'httpversion' => '1.0',
'blocking' => true,
'headers' => array(),
'body' => null,
'cookies' => array(),
'decompress' => false,
'stream' => false,
'filename' => null,
);
$parsed_args = wp_parse_args( $args, $defaults );
if ( isset( $parsed_args['headers']['User-Agent'] ) ) {
$parsed_args['user-agent'] = $parsed_args['headers']['User-Agent'];
unset( $parsed_args['headers']['User-Agent'] );
} elseif ( isset( $parsed_args['headers']['user-agent'] ) ) {
$parsed_args['user-agent'] = $parsed_args['headers']['user-agent'];
unset( $parsed_args['headers']['user-agent'] );
}
// Construct Cookie: header if any cookies are set.
WP_Http::buildCookieHeader( $parsed_args );
$handle = curl_init();
// cURL offers really easy proxy support.
$proxy = new WP_HTTP_Proxy();
if ( $proxy->is_enabled() && $proxy->send_through_proxy( $url ) ) {
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_PROXYTYPE, CURLPROXY_HTTP );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_PROXY, $proxy->host() );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_PROXYPORT, $proxy->port() );
if ( $proxy->use_authentication() ) {
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_PROXYAUTH, CURLAUTH_ANY );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_PROXYUSERPWD, $proxy->authentication() );
}
}
$is_local = isset( $parsed_args['local'] ) && $parsed_args['local'];
$ssl_verify = isset( $parsed_args['sslverify'] ) && $parsed_args['sslverify'];
if ( $is_local ) {
/** This filter is documented in wp-includes/class-wp-http-streams.php */
$ssl_verify = apply_filters( 'https_local_ssl_verify', $ssl_verify, $url );
} elseif ( ! $is_local ) {
/** This filter is documented in wp-includes/class-wp-http.php */
$ssl_verify = apply_filters( 'https_ssl_verify', $ssl_verify, $url );
}
/*
* CURLOPT_TIMEOUT and CURLOPT_CONNECTTIMEOUT expect integers. Have to use ceil since.
* a value of 0 will allow an unlimited timeout.
*/
$timeout = (int) ceil( $parsed_args['timeout'] );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_CONNECTTIMEOUT, $timeout );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_TIMEOUT, $timeout );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_URL, $url );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST, ( true === $ssl_verify ) ? 2 : false );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, $ssl_verify );
if ( $ssl_verify ) {
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_CAINFO, $parsed_args['sslcertificates'] );
}
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_USERAGENT, $parsed_args['user-agent'] );
/*
* The option doesn't work with safe mode or when open_basedir is set, and there's
* a bug #17490 with redirected POST requests, so handle redirections outside Curl.
*/
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, false );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_PROTOCOLS, CURLPROTO_HTTP | CURLPROTO_HTTPS );
switch ( $parsed_args['method'] ) {
case 'HEAD':
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_NOBODY, true );
break;
case 'POST':
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_POST, true );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $parsed_args['body'] );
break;
case 'PUT':
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_CUSTOMREQUEST, 'PUT' );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $parsed_args['body'] );
break;
default:
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_CUSTOMREQUEST, $parsed_args['method'] );
if ( ! is_null( $parsed_args['body'] ) ) {
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $parsed_args['body'] );
}
break;
}
if ( true === $parsed_args['blocking'] ) {
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_HEADERFUNCTION, array( $this, 'stream_headers' ) );
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_WRITEFUNCTION, array( $this, 'stream_body' ) );
}
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_HEADER, false );
if ( isset( $parsed_args['limit_response_size'] ) ) {
$this->max_body_length = (int) $parsed_args['limit_response_size'];
} else {
$this->max_body_length = false;
}
// If streaming to a file open a file handle, and setup our curl streaming handler.
if ( $parsed_args['stream'] ) {
if ( ! WP_DEBUG ) {
$this->stream_handle = @fopen( $parsed_args['filename'], 'w+' );
} else {
$this->stream_handle = fopen( $parsed_args['filename'], 'w+' );
}
if ( ! $this->stream_handle ) {
return new WP_Error(
'http_request_failed',
sprintf(
/* translators: 1: fopen(), 2: File name. */
__( 'Could not open handle for %1$s to %2$s.' ),
'fopen()',
$parsed_args['filename']
)
);
}
} else {
$this->stream_handle = false;
}
if ( ! empty( $parsed_args['headers'] ) ) {
// cURL expects full header strings in each element.
$headers = array();
foreach ( $parsed_args['headers'] as $name => $value ) {
$headers[] = "{$name}: $value";
}
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, $headers );
}
if ( '1.0' === $parsed_args['httpversion'] ) {
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_HTTP_VERSION, CURL_HTTP_VERSION_1_0 );
} else {
curl_setopt( $handle, CURLOPT_HTTP_VERSION, CURL_HTTP_VERSION_1_1 );
}
/**
* Fires before the cURL request is executed.
*
* Cookies are not currently handled by the HTTP API. This action allows
* plugins to handle cookies themselves.
*
* @since 2.8.0
*
* @param resource $handle The cURL handle returned by curl_init() (passed by reference).
* @param array $parsed_args The HTTP request arguments.
* @param string $url The request URL.
*/
do_action_ref_array( 'http_api_curl', array( &$handle, $parsed_args, $url ) );
// We don't need to return the body, so don't. Just execute request and return.
if ( ! $parsed_args['blocking'] ) {
curl_exec( $handle );
$curl_error = curl_error( $handle );
if ( $curl_error ) {
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
return new WP_Error( 'http_request_failed', $curl_error );
}
if ( in_array( curl_getinfo( $handle, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE ), array( 301, 302 ), true ) ) {
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
return new WP_Error( 'http_request_failed', __( 'Too many redirects.' ) );
}
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
return array(
'headers' => array(),
'body' => '',
'response' => array(
'code' => false,
'message' => false,
),
'cookies' => array(),
);
}
curl_exec( $handle );
$processed_headers = WP_Http::processHeaders( $this->headers, $url );
$body = $this->body;
$bytes_written_total = $this->bytes_written_total;
$this->headers = '';
$this->body = '';
$this->bytes_written_total = 0;
$curl_error = curl_errno( $handle );
// If an error occurred, or, no response.
if ( $curl_error || ( 0 === strlen( $body ) && empty( $processed_headers['headers'] ) ) ) {
if ( CURLE_WRITE_ERROR /* 23 */ === $curl_error ) {
if ( ! $this->max_body_length || $this->max_body_length !== $bytes_written_total ) {
if ( $parsed_args['stream'] ) {
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
fclose( $this->stream_handle );
return new WP_Error( 'http_request_failed', __( 'Failed to write request to temporary file.' ) );
} else {
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
return new WP_Error( 'http_request_failed', curl_error( $handle ) );
}
}
} else {
$curl_error = curl_error( $handle );
if ( $curl_error ) {
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
return new WP_Error( 'http_request_failed', $curl_error );
}
}
if ( in_array( curl_getinfo( $handle, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE ), array( 301, 302 ), true ) ) {
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
return new WP_Error( 'http_request_failed', __( 'Too many redirects.' ) );
}
}
if ( PHP_VERSION_ID < 80000 ) { // curl_close() has no effect as of PHP 8.0.
curl_close( $handle );
}
if ( $parsed_args['stream'] ) {
fclose( $this->stream_handle );
}
$response = array(
'headers' => $processed_headers['headers'],
'body' => null,
'response' => $processed_headers['response'],
'cookies' => $processed_headers['cookies'],
'filename' => $parsed_args['filename'],
);
// Handle redirects.
$redirect_response = WP_Http::handle_redirects( $url, $parsed_args, $response );
if ( false !== $redirect_response ) {
return $redirect_response;
}
if ( true === $parsed_args['decompress']
&& true === WP_Http_Encoding::should_decode( $processed_headers['headers'] )
) {
$body = WP_Http_Encoding::decompress( $body );
}
$response['body'] = $body;
return $response;
}
/**
* Grabs the headers of the cURL request.
*
* Each header is sent individually to this callback, and is appended to the `$header` property
* for temporary storage.
*
* @since 3.2.0
*
* @param resource $handle cURL handle.
* @param string $headers cURL request headers.
* @return int Length of the request headers.
*/
private function stream_headers( $handle, $headers ) {
$this->headers .= $headers;
return strlen( $headers );
}
/**
* Grabs the body of the cURL request.
*
* The contents of the document are passed in chunks, and are appended to the `$body`
* property for temporary storage. Returning a length shorter than the length of
* `$data` passed in will cause cURL to abort the request with `CURLE_WRITE_ERROR`.
*
* @since 3.6.0
*
* @param resource $handle cURL handle.
* @param string $data cURL request body.
* @return int Total bytes of data written.
*/
private function stream_body( $handle, $data ) {
$data_length = strlen( $data );
if ( $this->max_body_length && ( $this->bytes_written_total + $data_length ) > $this->max_body_length ) {
$data_length = ( $this->max_body_length - $this->bytes_written_total );
$data = substr( $data, 0, $data_length );
}
if ( $this->stream_handle ) {
$bytes_written = fwrite( $this->stream_handle, $data );
} else {
$this->body .= $data;
$bytes_written = $data_length;
}
$this->bytes_written_total += $bytes_written;
// Upon event of this function returning less than strlen( $data ) curl will error with CURLE_WRITE_ERROR.
return $bytes_written;
}
/**
* Determines whether this class can be used for retrieving a URL.
*
* @since 2.7.0
*
* @param array $args Optional. Array of request arguments. Default empty array.
* @return bool False means this class can not be used, true means it can.
*/
public static function test( $args = array() ) {
if ( ! function_exists( 'curl_init' ) || ! function_exists( 'curl_exec' ) ) {
return false;
}
$is_ssl = isset( $args['ssl'] ) && $args['ssl'];
if ( $is_ssl ) {
$curl_version = curl_version();
// Check whether this cURL version support SSL requests.
if ( ! ( CURL_VERSION_SSL & $curl_version['features'] ) ) {
return false;
}
}
/**
* Filters whether cURL can be used as a transport for retrieving a URL.
*
* @since 2.7.0
*
* @param bool $use_class Whether the class can be used. Default true.
* @param array $args An array of request arguments.
*/
return apply_filters( 'use_curl_transport', true, $args );
}
}
The Strategic Power of Welcome Bonuses in UK Online Casinos: Enhancing Engagement & Loyalty – Shweta Poddar Weddings Photography
The Strategic Power of Welcome Bonuses in UK Online Casinos: Enhancing Engagement & Loyalty
The rapidly evolving landscape of the online gambling industry in the United Kingdom has underscored the significance of innovative player acquisition and retention strategies. Among these, welcome bonuses stand out as pivotal tools that not only attract new players but also set the tone for ongoing engagement. As legal frameworks, technological advances, and consumer expectations continue to grow, firms are increasingly leveraging tailored offers to gain a competitive edge.
Understanding the Role of Welcome Bonuses in the UK Market
In the context of UK online casinos, a compelling welcome bonus often acts as a bridge between initial curiosity and sustained loyalty. According to the UK Gambling Commission’s latest market report, new player registrations surged by 12% in the past year, with a notable proportion driven by enticing bonus offers. These incentives serve as both marketing magnets and trust-building mechanisms, signaling a casino’s confidence and commitment to providing value.
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Data-Backed Best Practices for Structuring Welcome Bonuses
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Type of Bonus
Typical %/Offer
Key Benefits
Deposit Match Bonus
100% – 200%
Boosts initial bankroll; encourages larger wagers
Free Spins
15-50 spins on popular slots
Engages players with preferred games; low risk for operator
No-Deposit Bonuses
£10-£20 free credit
Incentivises sign-up without financial commitment
“In an oversaturated market, the most successful operators are those who craft offers that balance value with responsible gaming considerations.” — Industry Insider, CasinoDataReports 2023.
Emerging Trends and Industry Insights
Recent trends indicate a shift towards more personalized welcome bonuses, where offers are tailored to player preferences and behaviour patterns. For instance, data analytics enable operators to customize bonuses such as free spins on preferred slots or loyalty points for specific gaming segments.
Legal & Responsible Gaming Dimensions
In the UK, regulatory compliance is imperative. The Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act and recent codes of practice outline strict guidelines on bonus transparency, fair play, and anti-money laundering measures. Ethical approaches, such as setting wagering requirements that are manageable and clear communication, underpin sustainable growth in this space.
For operators seeking to understand how premium platforms curate competitive offers, Le Pharaoh exemplifies a strategic resource. Their comprehensive analysis of UK casino welcome bonuses provides insights into evolving industry standards, consumer preferences, and effective promotional tactics that fuel loyalty and responsible gaming practices.
Conclusion: The Strategic Imperative
In summation, well-designed UK casino welcome bonuses are not merely promotional trappings but strategic tools that underpin robust player acquisition and long-term retention. As the industry matures, transparency, personalization, and regulatory adherence will continue to define success stories. Forward-looking operators will leverage industry insights—such as those platformed by Le Pharaoh—to craft offers that resonate with today’s discerning UK players, fostering sustainable growth in a highly competitive environment.