Casinos, both land-based and online ones, are known to offer various types of casino bonus offers as incentives to their patrons. These can be offered on deposits or even without any deposits needed. No deposit bonuses have become especially popular among players since they do not carry any risk.
If you are new to online casinos, knowing what these bonus offers actually mean can seem a bit daunting. We will go through all the most common bonus types, what they mean, and how they apply to your playing experience. If you already know the basics and wish to learn about the , we also have an extensive guide prepared just for you!
MGM Casino Promos You Can Do From Home (That Don’t Involve Gambling)Welcome Bonus
This type of bonus is usually the first one that a player encounters when joining a casino. It is an incentive to entice new players into signing up with them. A match bonus is probably the most well-known form of this kind of reward. In other words, if you deposit a certain amount of money into your account, the casino will match it in bonus funds, giving you double the money to play with. The size of the welcome bonus can vary widely from casino to casino, with some offering relatively small percentages (such as 10% or 25%) and others going much higher.
For example, let's say that you decide to sign up at an online casino that offers a 100% match bonus up to $500. This means that if you deposit $500, the casino will give you another $500 in bonus funds, effectively doubling your playing power. However, it's important to note that there are always terms and conditions attached to these kinds of bonuses. One common requirement is that the bonus must be "cleared" or "played through" before you can withdraw any associated winnings.
To continue with our example, let's say that the playthrough requirement for the welcome bonus at this particular casino is 30 times. That would mean that you would need to place 30 times ($500) worth of bets before you could cash out any winnings that you may have accumulated while playing with the bonus funds. Playthrough requirements can range anywhere from 10x all the way up to 70x or more, so it's essential to check this crucial detail before claiming a bonus.
Another thing to keep in mind is the validity period. This refers to the amount of time you have to clear the bonus before it expires. If you don't meet the playthrough requirement within the allotted timeframe, the bonus (and any winnings generated from it) will be forfeited. Validity periods can last anywhere from a few days to several months. So, make sure you understand and are comfortable with these terms before accepting a welcome bonus.
Here’s an example of how a welcome bonus could work in practice:
- A casino offers a 100% match bonus up to $500 with a 30x playthrough requirement and a 30-day validity period.
- You decide to take advantage of the offer and deposit $200 into your account.
- The casino matches your deposit with another $200 in bonus funds, giving you a total balance of $400.
- To clear the bonus, you need to place bets totaling $6,000 (($200 deposit) x 2 (deposit match) x 30 (playthrough requirement)).
- You have 30 days from the date of your deposit to meet the playthrough requirement and clear the bonus.
- Let's say you enjoy two weeks of active play and end up winning $800.
- However, you have only placed bets totaling $3,500 towards clearing the bonus during that time.
- Of your $1,000 in winnings, $200 is from your original deposit, which you are free to withdraw at any time.
- But the other $800 is tied up until you clear the rest of the bonus or it expires (whichever comes first).
- Assuming the bonus expires before you clear it, you would only be able to withdraw the $1,200 ($1,000 in winnings from your original deposit + the $200 in cleared bonus funds).
- The remaining $800 in winnings would be forfeited and disappeared.
It is very important to read the fine print before accepting any bonus, including the welcome offer. Different casinos have different rules, so what may seem like a great deal at one site might turn out to be quite restrictive at another. Make sure you understand the playthrough requirements, validity periods, game restrictions, and any other relevant details before clicking that "accept bonus" button. Otherwise, you could end up walking away empty-handed, despite having won money while playing.
Reload Bonus
A reload bonus is essentially the same as a match bonus (which we explained under the welcome bonus section), but it's offered to existing players as a way to encourage them to make another deposit. The structure is typically similar, where the casino will match a certain percentage of your deposit in bonus funds. For instance, a 50% reload bonus means that if you deposit $100, the casino will give you an additional $50 in bonus credits.
However, the terms and conditions attached to reload bonuses can often be more favorable to the player than those of a welcome bonus. The playthrough requirements may be lower, and the validity period could be shorter or non-existent. Additionally, reload bonuses may be offered more frequently, such as weekly or monthly promotions.
One significant difference is that reload bonuses are usually only available to players who have already made a deposit and are actively funding their accounts. They are not typically advertised as heavily as welcome bonuses and are often communicated via email or SMS to loyal customers.
It's essential to remember that while reload bonuses can provide extra value for your money, they should never be a deciding factor in whether or not you make a deposit. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set limits for yourself to ensure you're playing responsibly.
Cashback Bonus
Cashback bonuses are a unique type of promotion that gives players a percentage of their losses back in the form of bonus funds. For example, let's say you receive a 10% cashback bonus and you place $1,000 worth of bets and end up losing $200. As a result, you would receive $20 back into your account ($200 loss x 10% cashback).
At first glance, cashback bonuses might sound too good to be true. After all, isn't the goal of gambling to win money, not get refunded some of your losses? While it's true that no risk is involved when placing bets with cashback assurance, the benefit lies in the fact that it can help prolong your playing session and give you a second chance. It provides a psychological boost, allowing you to continue placing bets without the fear of depleting your bankroll as quickly.
However, it's important to note that casinos generally have minimum loss requirements in order to qualify for cashback. For example, if the minimum loss threshold is $50, this means that you must lose at least that much before any cashback can be calculated. Additionally, there may be maximum cashback limits as well.
While cashback bonuses can certainly be appealing, they shouldn't be the sole reason for you to choose one casino over another. It's always important to consider the overall quality of the gaming experience, the selection of games, customer support options, and other key factors.
Refer-a-Friend Bonus
Referring a friend to an online casino can sometimes come with perks, in the form of a referral bonus. If your referral signs up using your unique link or code and makes a deposit, you might receive a reward. The type of reward varies from casino to casino.
In some cases, you might receive a cash bonus equal to a percentage of your friend's initial deposit. Other casinos offer free spins or game credits. The terms and conditions surrounding referral bonuses are typically quite favorable, with low or no playthrough requirements.
2023's Best Connecticut Online Casinos & GamesOf course, there are a few catches. Firstly, not every friend you invite will necessarily sign up and deposit. Additionally, there's always the possibility that your friendship could be strained if your friend loses money or gets into gambling problems. It's essential to promote responsible gambling and only invite people who you know are of legal age and can afford to participate in online casino activities.
Furthermore, casinos may have limitations on how many friends you can refer or how many bonuses you can earn through the program. It's crucial to read the fine print and understand the specific rules surrounding the refer-a-friend promotion before running an ad campaign to get all your friends signed up.
Loyalty / VIP Bonus
Online casinos often have loyalty or VIP programs in place to reward their most dedicated players. These programs typically have multiple tiers, with each tier offering greater benefits and perks. The ultimate goal is to climb the loyalty ladder and eventually reach VIP status.
So, what exactly is VIP status, and how do you attain it? Each casino defines VIP status differently, but it generally boils down to two things: how often you play and how much money you wager. Some casinos place more emphasis on frequency, while others prioritize the total amount of money you've poured into their games.
The benefits of being a VIP can be quite substantial. You might receive a higher percentage match on your deposits, meaning more bonus funds for you. There could be lower or non-existent playthrough requirements on your bonuses. You may even be eligible for bonuses that don't require a deposit, such as cashback or free spins.
But perhaps the biggest perk of being a VIP is the personalized service. You'll likely have a dedicated account manager who caters to your every need. They can assist you with deposits and withdrawals, answer any questions you have, and even offer custom bonuses tailored specifically to your playing style.
Of course, not everyone has what it takes to become a VIP. It requires a significant time and financial commitment. Some people are content with the occasional recreational gamble and wouldn't dream of sinking hours upon hours into online casino games. And that's perfectly fine. The key is to find the right balance that works for you and stick to it. Set limits on how much you're willing to spend and how long you're willing to play each day/week/month. Stick to those limits, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying the thrill of online casino gaming responsibly.
How to Choose the Best Online Casino Promotions and Bonuses
With so many different types of casino bonus offers out there, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out which ones are worth taking advantage of. Here are a few key factors to consider when evaluating promotions and bonuses:
Wagering Requirements
Otherwise known as rollover, this refers to the number of times you need to gamble the bonus amount (plus the deposit, in some cases) before you can cash out any associated winnings. Lower wagering requirements are generally better, as it becomes less of a stretch to meet the playthrough target. Look for bonuses with wagering requirements of 30x or less. Any requirement above 50x should raise a red flag.
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Not all games contribute equally toward clearing bonuses. Slots are almost always 100%, while table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, etc.) might only count for 20% or less. If you primarily play table games, a bonus with a high contribution from that game type will be more beneficial for you.
Time Restriction
Most bonuses come with an expiration date, usually ranging from a couple of weeks to six months. If you know you won't have much free time in the next month, it might not be wise to accept a bonus with a tight validity period. Remember that the deadline for clearing the bonus and the deadline for using your funds are not necessarily the same.
Maximum Bet Size
While you have a bonus active, there's usually a limit to how much you can wager in a single round. This prevents players from placing huge bets and depleting their bonus funds within minutes. However, it's important to note that casinos typically reset the max bet rule once you've cleared your bonus. If you like to place larger bets, make sure you understand how this rule works.
Eligibility
Some bonuses are only open to specific players, such as those who have made a minimum of three deposits or who have reached a certain tier in the loyalty program. Furthermore, bonuses may only be available during certain days of the week or at particular times of the day. Always read the fine print to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria before getting your hopes up.
Payment Method Restrictions
Believe it or not, some casinos do not offer bonuses for all payment methods. For instance, you might be able to claim a match bonus if you deposit with a credit card but be excluded if you use an e-wallet like Neteller or Skrill. If there's a particular payment method you prefer to use, double-check that it's eligible for the bonus you want to claim.
By taking these factors into consideration, you'll be better equipped to select promotions and bonuses that align with your playing style and goals. Remember, the objective is to enhance your gaming experience, not add unnecessary stress and restrictions.
What Is a Sticky Bonus?
When you sign up at an online casino and receive a welcome bonus, the question arises: what happens to that bonus money once you meet the wagering requirements? Do you get to keep it?
Unfortunately, in many cases, the answer is no. These are called "sticky" bonuses, and they remain permanently connected (stuck) to your casino account. In other words, when you request a withdrawal, you're only eligible to cash out your original deposit and any winnings above and beyond the bonus funds.
It can be discouraging to put in the effort to clear a sticky bonus only to realize you haven't actually gained anything financially. However, some casinos offer "transferable" bonuses, which function differently. With these bonuses, once you meet the wagering requirements, you can move the bonus funds and any winnings to your main playing account. From there, you can place withdrawal requests for both the bonus amount and any winnings as usual.
Transferable bonuses are preferred by many players because they deliver on the initial promise of getting free money. However, it's important to note that even with transferable bonuses, there are often maximum withdrawal limits in place. For instance, a casino might allow you to withdraw up to 5 times the value of your initial deposit. If your bonus is transferable and you end up with $10,000 in winnings, but the maximum withdrawal limit is $5,000, you'll need to make two separate withdrawal requests.
Regardless of whether you end up keeping the bonus or not, it's crucial to remember that these promotional offers should be seen as added perks rather than guaranteed profits. Gambling should always be done responsibly, and you should only bet money that you can afford to lose. Don't chase bonuses at the expense of your financial well-being. Enjoy the games and consider any winnings as a nice bonus (pun intended).
What Is a Wagering Casino?
Wagering, also known as betting or wager requirements, refers to the number of times you need to gamble the bonus amount (along with the deposit, in some instances) before you can withdraw any associated winnings. Let's say you sign up at an online casino and receive a welcome bonus of $500 with a 30x wagering requirement. That would mean you would need to place bets totaling $15,000 (($500 bonus) x 30 (wagering requirement)) before you can initiate a withdrawal.
Now, let's say you come across another casino that touts itself as a "non-wagering" casino. Does that mean you never have to worry about playthrough requirements? Unfortunately, the answer is still wagering – but in a different context. All online casinos require you to place wagers (aka bets) in order to win money. Therefore, a non-wagering casino is simply casino slang for a place where you're offered attractive bonuses without requiring any first deposits.
In summary, all online casinos have wagering; some just hide it better. When considering which casino is right for you, it's essential to evaluate the entire package, including the game selection, software platform, customer support options, and the terms and conditions surrounding their bonuses.
Advantages of Using Casino Bonuses
There are numerous advantages to taking advantage of casino bonuses, provided you understand the fine print and play smartly. Here are some potential benefits:
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Many bonuses are targeted towards specific games or game types, such as slots or live dealer games. This presents an opportunity for you to test drive these games risk-free. Since you're using bonus funds instead of your own money, you don't have to worry about losing too much if the games didn't suit your preferences. Once you clear the bonus and any associated winnings are moved to your main account, you can then choose to make a deposit and continue playing those games with real money.
Increased Bankroll
Let's face it, online casino games can be expensive. Even if you stick to penny slots, it doesn't take long for your bankroll to dwindle when you're constantly spinning the reels. Bonuses serve as a boost to your playing fund, giving you more ammo to tackle the games. Just be sure to read the wagering requirements carefully and create a betting strategy that takes the bonus into account.
Opportunity to Climb Loyalty Programs Faster
Loyalty programs are designed to reward players who make frequent deposits and wager substantial amounts of money. By taking advantage of bonuses and meeting the wagering requirements, you're essentially simulating multiple small deposits. This can help you progress through the loyalty tiers faster and potentially reach VIP status without having to spend as much of your own cash.
Free Spins
One of the most popular types of bonuses is the free spins offer. These allow you to play a specified number of rounds on a slot machine at no cost to you. Not only do free spins fall under the "risk-free" category, but they also give you the chance to win real money. And the best part is, any winnings from free spins are usually credited directly to your main playing account, bypassing the sticky bonus realm.
Cashback Bonus
We've already discussed how cashback bonuses provide a safety net, cushioning your falls and stretching your bankroll. But there's another aspect to consider. Some casinos offer cashback bonuses based on your wins as well as your losses. Essentially, they top up your account balance by a certain percentage after a successful streak. This allows you to make bigger deposments and place higher bets without draining your bankroll too quickly. Of course, it's important to note that even though these bonuses are refreshing, they're far from standard at online casinos. Many operators focus solely on the loss-based cashback model. It's a matter of finding the right casino that aligns with your playstyle.
online free slots games no downloadDisadvantages of Using Casino Bonuses
While bonuses can be tempting, it's crucial to approach them with caution. Here are some downsides to consider:
Strict Terms and Conditions
As we've discussed extensively, the terms and conditions attached to bonuses can be incredibly restrictive. High playthrough requirements, short validity periods, and limited game selection can significantly impact your ability to turn that bonus into withdrawable cash. Moreover, some casinos include hidden provisions, such as maximum bet sizes or country restrictions on promotions. It's essential to read the fine print carefully and seek clarification from customer support if anything seems unclear or unfair.
Time Consuming
Clearing bonuses is not a set-it-and-forget-it affair. It requires consistent gaming activity over a period of time. If you lead a busy lifestyle or prefer to play casually, attempting to meet the wagering requirements might feel like a full-time job. Additionally, changing game strategies to accommodate the bonus (if necessary) can detract from your overall enjoyment of the gaming experience.
Possibility of Losses
Even the best players sometimes hit losing streaks. When you're chasing a bonus, those losses sting a little more since you've already invested your own real money into meeting the wagering requirements. It's crucial to set limits on how much you're willing to lose before calling it quits and moving on. Bonuses should enhance your gambling experience, not drain your bank account.
Focus Shifted From Enjoyment to Profit
Gambling should be a source of entertainment, not a way to make quick bucks. When we start prioritizing bonuses over enjoyment, we run the risk of developing problematic behaviors and losing sight of why we initially started playing. It's essential to remind ourselves that winning is not guaranteed, and that's okay. There are countless games out there, each offering unique themes, features, and thrills. By focusing on the fun factor rather than the potential profits, we can maintain a healthy relationship with online casinos.
How to Use Casino Bonuses Effectively?
Now that we've covered the pros and cons let's discuss some tips on how to maximize the benefits of casino bonuses while minimizing the drawbacks:
Read the Fine Print Carefully
This cannot be stressed enough. Before accepting any bonus, take the time to review the terms and conditions in their entirety. Pay attention to details like wagering requirements, game contributions, time restrictions, and max bet limits. If anything seems unreasonably high or low, double-check with customer support to avoid any misunderstandings down the line.
Understand Wagering Requirements
As mentioned earlier, wagering requirements are a critical aspect of bonuses. They determine how difficult it will be to convert the bonus funds into withdrawable cash. Ideally, you want bonuses with low wagering, preferably below 30x. Some casinos even offer bonuses with no wagering, although these are somewhat rare. Regardless of the wagering level, it's crucial to adopt a strategic betting approach. Breakdown Betting Calculator is a helpful tool that assists in calculating optimal bet sizes to contribute towards clearing the bonus efficiently.
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Speaking of bet sizes, it's imperative to adjust your wagers according to the current state of the bonus. In the early stages, when the bonus is fresh in your account, it makes sense to place higher bets within the max allowed limit. As the balance shifts towards your main playing account, it's advisable to revert to your regular bet sizes. Neglecting to alter your bets based on the bonus status could result in excessive losses or failure to meet the wagering requirements. Our article explains the concept in greater detail and demonstrates how to calculate optimal bets.
Consider the Game Weight
An often-overlooked term in the T&C is "game weight." This refers to the varying contributions different games make towards clearing the bonus. Slots usually have a 100% weight, implying that $1 wagered on a slot game equals $1 reduction in the bonus balance. On the other hand, table games like blackjack might have a weight of 20%, meaning $1 wagered on a table game translates to 20 cents of bonus reduction. It's crucial to pick games with favorable weights, particularly in the final stages of clearing the bonus, to maximize progress.
Manage Your Bankroll
Bonuses should be viewed as supplementary funds, not substitutes for proper bankroll management. Before accepting a bonus, ensure you have a clear understanding of your financial limits and set deposit and loss limits accordingly. Stake amounts should be aligned with your bankroll, providing sustainable gaming sessions. Failure to manage your bankroll effectively can lead to considerable losses, negatively affecting your overall casino experience.
Don't Chase Unrealistic Goals
Some bonuses may seem too good to be true, promising impossibly low wagering or outrageously high game weights. While these offers might be legit, they could also be hidden traps. Extremely generous bonuses may come with strict currencies or country restrictions, making it challenging to fulfill the requirements. Steer clear of bonuses that don't align with your playing style or appear overly complex. Instead, focus on bonuses that enhance your enjoyment and fit within your budget.
Know When to Say No
Lastly, it's perfectly fine to decline bonuses that don't appeal to you. Sometimes, the best option is to explore the casino's game library without the added pressure of meeting wagering requirements. Not every promotion is compatible with your preferred games or strategy. Trust your instincts and stick to what feels right for you. Remember, the goal is to have an enjoyable and safe gambling experience.
