Casinos, just like any other business, use bonuses as a means of attracting new customers. The competition among operators is fierce, which explains the multitude of offers out there that players can take advantage of. But how good are casino bonuses, really? Are they worth claiming or should you avoid them at all costs? Stick with us until the end of this piece and the tricks of the trade will no longer hold their secrets from you.
What Is a Casino Bonus & Why They Exist
A casino bonus is a sum of money offered by an operator as an incentive for a player to complete a desired action. In most cases, the desired outcome is a first deposit on an empty casino account. That’s why the the majority of bonuses on the market are available to players who have just signed up with a casino site.
However, there can be exceptions to this rule. Some casinos are quite generous and reward their loyal customers for their commitment. Those operators come up with promotions that kick in after certain conditions have been met such as playing through a certain amount of cash or completing a specific number of bets.
While it may seem that casinos are giving away huge sums of cash for no reason, the truth is that big and small operators alike always have an agenda when introducing free money offers to their clients. Gambling businesses aren’t charities so the question arises – why do casino bonus offers exist? Well, we did mention that every operator shares one major characteristic with all other businesses out there – they all want to make profits. And while turning a casino bonus into a reality does not obligate you to hand over your firstborn, these offers do come with certain rules attached. These sets of conditions that determine how hard or easy it is to clear a particular bonus are known as Terms and Conditions. We dedicate the next section to going into detail regarding the most important ones so bookmark this page if you don’t want to mess them up!
How to Spot a Good Online Casino Bonus
Let’s say that you came across an offer that promises to double the size of your bankroll in an instant. On second thought, that doesn’t sound too good to be true and you are absolutely right. Because… why would anyone twice for one action? Of course, there must be a catch and more often than not, that catch comes in the auspicious form of wagering requirements.
Wagering requirements are essentially multipliers that determine the volume of playthrough you will need to do in order to clear your bonus. Let’s say that you are expected to play through the bonus 40 times before you are allowed to withdraw your winnings. This means that if you claim a £100 bonus, you will have to generate £4,000 in revenue for your account before you can request a withdrawal.
Casino bonus wagering is perhaps the most important term that you need to remember because all of the others are directly or indirectly linked with it. For starters, the higher the required playthrough is, the harder it is going to be to clear the bonus. Moreover, tougher wagering conditions are usually coupled with shorter periods of time within which you are expected to complete the bonus.
The validity period is yet another thing that you need to keep an eye out for. Most operators give their players anywhere between seven days to a month to meet the wagering requirements and turn their bonus into cash. If you fail to do so, the bonus funds as well as the qualifying deposit get removed from your account. In some extreme cases, the on-paper generous casino bonus gets taken even if you manage to fulfil the terms!
Given the abundance of offers that you can find both online and offline, you might consider hiring a team of lawyers and economists to go through the terms and condition clauses of each deal. While having a legal expert and an accountant by your side wouldn’t hurt, the casino bonus researchers per se aren’t that difficult to understand. First of all, every reputable establishment has its T&Cs easily accessible and displayed openly. If an operator tries to hide the details about its promos, better steer clear of it.
Secondly, even a high school dropout can spot the crucial information about a casino bonus. The Terms and Conditions section usually contains words and phrases like ‘wagering requirements’, ‘minimum odds’, ‘bonus code’, ‘validity period’ and so on. If you are confident that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements (we are getting to that soon), check if you can commit to the casino bonus playthrough within the stipulated period. Remember, you are not obligated to claim every single offer that you come across.
Minimum Deposit Requirements – Don’t Skip Them
There’s no perfect universal definition of what makes a casino bonus good but there are several factors that could point you in the right direction. Before you jump on the bandwagon and start claiming every promotion out there, make sure to check the minimum deposit requirement of the casino. You wouldn’t want to drive across town just to find out that your car is not welcome in the parking garage because it is one inch too tall, right?
Best Free Slot Games (Online) - Try for FunWell, the same goes for casino deposits and bonus offers. There have been cases where operators advertise a lucrative bonus without specifying that the offer is available only if you deposit £50 or more. Now, if you don’t have the extra quid to spare, this offer won’t do you much good, right? That’s why you need to read the minimum eligibility requirements before making your mind up. Also, when talking about deposit limits, you should know that some sites set maximum thresholds on the amounts that customers from certain countries can transfer. So if you live in a place where the average income is rather low, you might want to plan your Bonusing strategy accordingly.
Furthermore, a lot of casinos distinguish between payment methods when it comes to bonus deposits. If you are diehard fan of alternative payment options such as Paysafecard or Apple Pay, you should definitely look into this matter in advance. Sometimes, using those services would render the bonus offer useless, whereas other casinos would limit the maximum amount you can deposit. Therefore, make sure that Utrogamble.com does not offer local payments in your area and pick an appropriate payment method from the .
Value and Reliability
Ok, now things are getting serious. As enticing as they might be, fast payout casino bonuses should never be perceived as additional income or freebies provided by the casinos. Not most of the time, at least. Given the fact that there are literally hundreds of offers available to UK gamblers at any given moment, it wouldn’t be smart to go for the biggest and brightest deals. More often than not, bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to casino bonuses.
If our intent was to promote a dishonest bonus regime – buffet, go back! Jokes aside, you should always aim at finding the right balance between the value and reliability of a casino bonus offer. A lot of rookie players fall into the trap of claiming massive promos only to see their efforts go down the drain a bit later. Needless to say, the whole experience puts them off gambling for life. However, if done properly, casino bonuses can help you boost your profits and enhance your gaming experience.
So, going back to our premise, we must find a way to estimate the value of a certain bonus offer. First and forectmost, you need to be able to estimate whether you would be able to complete the playthrough or not. Wagering casino bonuses is not everyone’s cup of tea and some players perform better than others. Having bad luck while trying to meet the terms and conditions isn’t something unusual. In fact, it happens to the best of us. Furthermore, not all games contribute equally towards the completion of a bonus. So, if you are not very fond of slots and an offer requires you to play exclusively this type of game, it might not be the best idea to commit to it. Check out our comprehensive guide on wagering requirements for further guidance.
Let’s assume for a second that you have found an offer whose wagering conditions you can meet. Moreover, the validity period doesn’t scare you and you manage to clear the bonus within a week. Finally, the casino allows you to fulfill its playthrough on table games, live dealer platforms, and slots, making all your favorite pastimes count toward completing the bonus. At this point, the only thing left for you to consider is the quality of the games. Even if two offers might seem equal in terms of magnitude, playing at a proven brand like, for instance, would always be a more reliable choice. With decades of experience under its belt, this giant provides top-notch gameplay, fast cashiers, quick payouts, and a clean reputation. All in all, if you ask us, reliability trumps everything else. If you claim a gigantic bonus from a shady website and something goes wrong – good luck getting in touch with their support team!
Types of Casino Offers
Up to this point, we have been describing casino bonuses in a very general way, without actually paying attention to the little nuances that differentiate one type from another. Well, buckle up buttercup, because we are about to change that! Different bonuses have different Terms and Conditions which ultimately determine whether they are worth claiming or not. Knowledge is power and once you are finished with this chapter, you will have all the necessary tools to recognize a good deal!
The Welcome Mat
As the name suggests, this type of offer is extended only to new customers. The majority of first deposit casino bonuses come in the form of a percentage of the initial transfer. To clarify, if you are promised 100% up to £100, this means that the casino will add one more sterling to your account for every pound you deposit, up until you hit the maximum limit. Generally speaking, the typical welcome bonus varies between 50 and 200%, although there are operators working out even more in favor for their new clients.
However, if you want to take advantage of the best first deposit casino bonus offers, be prepared to have your wallet ready. Sometimes, reaching the upper limit of £1,000 or more could be quite a challenge even if the percentage is impressive. Furthermore, many casinos don’t limit themselves to just the first transfer. If you feel that 30% is not enough, try to find websites that extend this percentage to the second, third, and fourth deposits as well. Just don’t get carried away with your calculations!
Equal Deposit and Risk Bonuses
Different types of casino offers also include so-called fixed bonus rewards. Contrary to first deposit casino bonus percentages, these providers tell you from the get-go what you are going to get. Either they credit your account with a certain amount of money or they set a cap on your bonus depending on your transfer. The equal deposit casino bonus, on the hand, is a risk bonus that matches however much you decide to play with from your own pocket. A typical example would be ‘100% up to £50’ or ‘Deposit £20 Play with £30’. The latter falls under the category of ‘bet £20, get £30’ first deposit casino bonuses and while they might seem more lucrative at first sight, they are actually pretty much the same.
More often than not, equal deposit and risk casinos bonuses have easy wagering requirements when compared to their percentage-based counterparts. Plus, since you are not tempted to deposit more than you originally intended, this type of offer helps with sticking to your budget. After all, problem gambling prevention starts with responsible bonusing!
Cashable & Non-Cashable Casino Offers
Another thing that you need to figure out when evaluating the difficulty of meeting certain wagering casino bonus conditions is whether the promoted sum is cashable or non-cashable. Let’s say that you receive a £100 promo that is not cashable. This means that if you win £200 by playing with this bonus, your withdrawal request will be accepted for only £100. In other words, when the bonus is non-cashable, only the profit you’ve made is yours to keep. The initial sum will be wiped off from your account the moment you complete a successful withdrawal.
Cashable casino offers are much more desirable simply because you lock in the initial promo sum plus your potential winnings. Of course, even if you are offering freebies on a large scale, there gotta be some rules, huh? And indeed, sometimes players are required to play through a certain multiple of their winnings + the cashable bonus in order to take out cash. But hey, at least you get to keep both the money you deposited as well as your profiteering, am I right?
Sticky Bonuses
These types of casino offers resemble the non-cashable promos in one key aspect – you cannot withdraw them. However, there is a slight twist that needs to be addressed here – even though you cannot take the promo amount to your banking method of choice, your winnings can be withdrawn. Essentially, the ‘sticky’ label refers to the fact that the casino bonus becomes sort of a glue that binds you to play on the same site. Even if you meet the playthrough requirements, if the offer is sticky, you will not be able to withdraw the initial amount. In any other aspect, such types of bonuses are completely normal – you still get to keep your winnings, a partial or complete match of your deposit is available for betting, and so on.
Staged Bonuses
Although first deposit casino bonuses are undoubtedly the most popular type of staged offers, that doesn’t mean that you should disregard those that come in a different shape and form. In fact, sometimes, you can find truly spectacular promos if you know what terms and conditions to look for. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Staged bonuses are divided into several parts that become available after you complete the playthrough of the previous stage. In theory, this gives you the opportunity to evaluate whether the casino in question suits your needs. If you manage to claim the first part and you are happy with the overall service, staged bonuses often give you the chance to obtain even larger offers during the subsequent stages. However, things can get a tad bit tricky at times. Although they do provide certain flexibility, these types of casino bonuses also increase the chances of you getting tied down to a certain site. Once you claim the second or the third part of a staged offer, it becomes progressively harder to meet the wagering requirements. Moreover, some casinos add time restrictions on each individual stage thus creating a sense of urgency and increasing the likelihood of customers staying on the site to complete all parts of the offer.
Low Hanging Fruits
And finally, we got to the easiest bonuses to clear. As surprising as it may seem, sometimes the best casino bonuses are hidden in front of our nose. Yep, those flashy, two-digit-percentage offers might seem unattractive but they could prove to be very useful in certain situations. First of all, due to their modest nature, they rarely require any complex math skills to estimate whether they are worth the effort or not. Secondly, the low-hanging fruits, as we like to call them, can come in handy if you are thinking of making a small deposit. Even though the vast majorities of first deposit casino bonus offers have expiration dates between three and seven days, there are operators who give their customers one to two months to complete them. So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need some extra help, don’t discard the ‘small’ offers straightaway.
Online Casinos with No Wagering Requirements in the US (2023)Best Games to Play with Casino Bonuses
Ok, now we know what types of casino offers exist and roughly what terms and conditions we are about to face. But how do we go about choosing the right bonus for our style of play? Well, unless you are planning to spin the reels of slot machines day and night, a generic first deposit casino bonus of 100% up to £100 might not be the perfect fit for your strategy. Therefore, we suggest that you take a minute and think about which games you enjoy playing the most. Then, scan through our list and try to find a bonus that fits your preferences. If by any chance, you cannot find an offer that ticks all boxes straightaway, don’t worry! Some tweaks and calculations are needed in almost all walks of life, especially when it comes to casino bonuses. With a bit of ingenuity, we are confident that you will be able to find a promo that comes close enough to your ideal deal!
Slots – Effortlessly Meet Your Casino Bonus Wagering Requirements
Not surprisingly, slot machines enjoy some of the most . First of all, the weighting factor of slots is usually set at 100%. This means that whatever you wager, 100% of it will be added to your bonus balance. Secondly, almost all slot variations are eligible games during the wagering process. No matter if you prefer video versions of classic casino games like Jungle Jim El Dorado or thematic titles inspired by music bands, movies, or TV shows, you will surely find a first deposit casino bonus suited to your taste. And last, but not least, slots are generally characterized by a low house edge, which means that you can rack up some serious numbers in a relatively short period of time. Of course, remember that the harder the casino bonus wagering, the less efficient slots will become. For instance, if you are supposed to play through your bonus 60 times, every £100 you wager will require an additional £6,000 in revenue from your end.
Blackjack – Hit or Miss?
Blackjack is one of the most intellectually and psychologically demanding games. However, most blackjack variations weigh only 5% when it comes to first deposit casino bonus wagering. This means that if 100 of your chips are stakes on blackjack, only five of those are counted toward completing your bonus. Needless to say, this can complicate matters greatly and make blackhead a not-so-profitable game during the wagering process.
On the flip side, if hitting the Jackpot is part of theEqsolutely! However, even if the game weights only 5%, some casinos divide that figure by three if you play with more than one table. So, instead of dividing the staked amount, divide it by the number of tables and voila – you will have a much more precise understanding of how much casino bonus wagering you need to do.
Roulette – A Wheel Full of Surprises
Most roulette variations are treated similarly to blackjack which means that they don’t contribute much to the fulfillment of a bonus. However, French Roulette is weighted at 15-20%, which is twice as good as blackjack. Needless to say, finding a first deposit casino bonus offer that allows French Roulette might be a bit challenging. But not impossible! And since this variation of the game boasts one of the lowest house edges and requires minimal actions on your behalf, it remains a preferred option for advanced players.
Video Poker – Double or Nothing
Some casinos classify video poker games as slot machines which means that they carry a 100% weighting. However, there are websites that either restrict the use of video poker during the wagering process or they minimize its impact to just 5%. Similarly to blackjack, you might be forced to repeat your actions twice if the casino asks for the combination of your game history. So, if you are a fan of video poker casinos bonuses, make sure to estimate the total number of actions before committing to the offer!
Live Dealer Platforms – Hit or Miss
Many gamblers wonder if they can use casino offers at live dealer platforms and vice versa. Well, the answer to both questions is yes! Of course, in addition to checking which of the two does not participate during the wagering process, you should also pay special attention to the validity period. Since you will be dealing with real people, setting 60+ wagers per hour in your attempt to meet the T&Cs might seem a bit too much even for professional players. Keep your eyes peeled for bonuses with gentler playthrough requirements if you plan on enjoying some of the in your quest for profit.
Step-by-Step Guide for Clearing Your Casino Bonus
Even if you find the right first deposit casino bonus that suits your style of play, things don’t just magically fall into place. You still need to put in the work and meet the wagering requirements. Fortunately, following the steps below will make your journey easier, so make sure to stick with us.
Check the Expiration Date First things first, you need to establish in which period you are supposed to complete the bonus. Make sure to keep an eye on the validity date and the time that’s left. Setting reminders on your phone or computer would also be a good idea.
Read the Small Print Twice We know it sounds boring but taking the time to go through the Terms and Conditions twice can save you a ton of headaches later on. Pay special attention to the weightings of the games and try to devise a strategy. Mind you, circumstances might force you to revise your plan along the way, but it’s better to have one than none.
Enable Cookies Believe it or not, some casinos will refuse cooking enthusiasts their hard-earned bonuses if they forget to enable the function. Unless you plan on constantly licking the dough, baking pies, and cakes, this should not be a problem. So, enable cookies, deposIT, and let the fun begin!
Best Casino Bonuses in USA (2023) + Guide on How They WorkTrack Your Progress Most modern platforms have a progress bar that shows how far you are into completing your casino bonus. If such is not the case with your site of choice, you should calculate roughly what percentage of the requirements you have covered. Then, try to keep track of your actions and compare them with the initial sum you Transfer Appropriate Amounts
It’s common knowledge that attempting to solve a riddle with too many details at once can drive even the sharpest minds crazy. Trying to complete sky-high wagering requirements while playing with low deposits is practically the same. Plan ahead, transfer reasonable amounts, and give yourself the best possible chance of success.
**Change of Fortunes?
Things aren’t going well and you want to change the type of games you are playing to complete your casino bonus? Chatting with other players, familiarizing yourself with alternative strategies, or taking a break and coming back later in the day are only some of the ways to shake off the bad luck. Whatever path you choose, always remember the initial plan you’ve made and adjust it according to the changes!
Best Casinos in the Caribbean – Top Gambling Locations in The CarribbeanAre Casino Bonuses Profitable in General?
We started this article by asking you to pause for a second and think whether casino bonuses are profitable. Now it’s time to switch perspectives and answer on behalf of the offers themselves. Truth be told, from a commercial standpoint, bonuses are extremely beneficial for operators. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so lavish and open handed to players. Free money is a powerful magnet and casinos are fully aware of it.
However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot beat the system. As we said earlier, each bonus has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. By identifying the challenges you might face and planning your strategy accordingly, you can turn first deposit casino bonuses into your most trustworthy allies. Embrace the Bonus Culture at , educate yourself, practice responsibly, and you will see that lucrative promotions are not just a marketing ploy.
Alternatives to Traditional Casino Offers
Yes, you heard it first at UtroGamble.com – alternatively, you can read it! In case you find it hard to embrace the bonus culture or you are simply looking for something different, we have prepared several interesting propositions that might spark your interest. You will be surprised to learn that some of the most persistent myths about gambling can be turned into advantages with the right mindset. If you are ready to test your lucky charms, superstition, or maybe even your fear of the wolf, then strap in tightly – we are about to take you on a wild ride!
Lucky Charms
Do you believe that certain objects can bring good fortune? If the answer is yes, then the next type might just be your cup of tea. Next time you feel that something is off with your chosen casino bonus, try rubbing your lucky rabbit’s foot or hopping over broomsticks on your way to winning big! Okay, okay, we are joking… Sort of! You should always approach gambling with caution and resist the urge to chase losses. Nevertheless, if you have a beloved talisman that helps you stay calm and collected, use it wisely, and it might actually come in handy!
Loyalty Programs
One of the best alternatives to traditional casino offers come in the form of loyalty programs. Instead of battling against complicated wagering requirements, you slowly climb through a VIP ladder by simply playing your favorite games. Many of the rewards that loyal customers get are similar to bonuses – extra spins, money prizes, and exclusive access to tournaments are just a few examples. Moreover, the thresholds those programs use are usually more player-friendly than the average playthrough. Long story short, if you hate wagering casino bonus amounts, try being a model citizen and doing what you love the most!
Cashback Offers
Instead of receiving a certain amount of cash upon completing a casino bonus, cashback offers return a percentage of your losses. Needless to say, such types of promotions appeal mainly to those who believe that fear is a powerful wings’ inhibitor or some birds just simpy shouldn’t fly after sunset. Ok, we’re kidding again… Kind of. Beliefs vary from completely rational to downright bizarre, so we won’t comment on this matter any further. That been said, if Superstition ever finds itself in a tight spot at a casino, the Bonus Culture advises consulting Clause 7 of its contract with Common Sense and considering cashback offers as alternatives!
Second Chance Raffles
Have you ever believed that your luck would change if you visited a different country? Or maybe you thought that blowing on the dice would grant you that long-awaited flunder. Well, whatever myths you connect to the concept of superstition, if you ever feel like they can help you achieve greater things, there are casinos that organize second chance raffles. Every lost bet gets a ticket, and if lady luck is on your side, you might just walk away with a nice bonus or even cold hard cash!
Final Thoughts About Casino Bonuses
At UtroGamble.com, we are strong believers that knowledge is power. Having all this information about casino offers will not make you invincible, but it will give you an edge over players who blindly accept every single bonus thrown their way.
First deposit casino bonus offers are not good, evil, or anything in black and white. They are tools that operators use to attract new customers. Depending on how skilled you are, these same tools can be used to build a solid foundation for your gambling adventures or turn into a pile of scrap metal. Responsible gaming is all about respect – knowing your capabilities, understanding the challenges before you, and adapting on the go!
FAQ
If you have casino bonuses, you probably have a lot of questions racing through your mind. Luckily for you, we’ve got answers! Down below, you will find the most commonly raised queries on the subject. If you feel like we’ve missed out on something, don’t hesitate to drop us a line. Our customer support agents will study your case thoroughly and reply as quickly as they can.
📜 What is a casino bonus?
A casino bonus is a sum of money offered by a gaming platform as an incentive for new or existing customers. Depending on the specific offer, players might be required to meet certain wagering requirements if they want to cash out the promo and Lock in profits.
👍How to claim a bonus?
Typically, to claim a first deposit casino bonus, you need to create an account and opt-in for the specific offer. Afterwards, you deposit the desired amount and the promo gets credited automatically to your balance. Please note that failure to completing the registration process correctly can lead to the denial of some promotions.
💰What are first deposit casino bonuses?
This type of promotion is granted to newly registered customers. Upon making their first transaction on the platform, players receive a certain sum of money or a percentage match of their transfer. First deposit casino bonuses normally come with strict wagering requirements which need to be completed within a short timeframe.
❓Are casino bonuses profitable?
In theory, bonuses offer a risk-free way of playing casino games. However, meeting the wagering requirements can be very challenging, especially for slot machine offers. To increase your chances of beating the playthrough, you need to identify the easiest types, weightings, and other terms and conditions.
🤔How to clear a casino bonus?
Before trying to complete any bonus, it is imperative to read and understand the accompanying terms and conditions. Afterwards, you need to enable cookies, transfer the desired amount, and start playing games that contribute to the wagering requirements. Track your progress, revise your strategy if necessary, and transfer additional funds when needed.
🎰Which games contribute to wagering requirements?
Slots typically weight 100% towards wagering requirements. Most table variations, including blackjack and roulette, contribute 5% to the playthrough or none at all. Video poker can be worked off entirely if it is not restricted during the promotional period. And live dealer platforms provide partial contribution from each bet.
🕐How long are the bonus period?
The validity period of a casino offer can vary widely, ranging from 24 hours to one or two months. Short deadlines are usually associated with time-limited promotions, while longer validity is connected to first deposit bonuses. Whatever the case, players need to pay close attention to the exact date and make a plan in order to utilize the promotion fully.
legal online poker nevada✔️What does ‘enabled cookies’ mean?
If a casino bonus states that the user 'must enable cookies', he or she is basically required to allow the site to track the actions. This is done through internet browsers and simplifies the process of confirming whether a player qualified for the offer or not. Enabling cookies is not uncomfortable in any way and should not raise privacy concerns.
❌Can I quit a casino bonus once I've claimed it?
Each offer comes with specific terms and conditions that govern how it works. Some bonuses can be rather difficult to complete and gamblers may wish to abandon them mid-way. Unfortunately, most casinos do not allow that and players must continue playing until they either lock in a profit or lose all bonus-related deposits.
🔒Are casino offers safe?
Licensed and regulated platforms take proper care of their bonuses and make them as safe as possible. Still, you should never take anything for granted and always read the full Terms and Conditions of the offer in advance. This way, you will familiarize yourself with the main rules and avoid surprises down the road.
