Casino bonuses are an excellent opportunity for gamblers looking for a boost to their bankroll. These are additional incentives from gambling sites, usually given in the form of free spins or a cash bonus that matches the player’s deposit. However, there are many more different types of online casino bonuses available nowadays. To help you navigate this overwhelming variety, our gambling experts from Casinos Analyzer have compiled a guide to bonuses in online casinos. Based on our extensive expertise and first-hand experience, we cover the most common types in detail so you know how to make the most out of your gambling.
Welcome Bonus
Almost every casino rewards newly registered players with generous welcome promotions on their first deposit. You can expect a 100% match bonus of up to $500 plus some free spins. This means that a deposit of $100 will get you an additional $100 to your bonus balance. To claim the promo, you must make the qualifying minimum deposit ($10 or more). Such a gambling bonus allows new players to explore the casino and its game collection with extra cash. If you’re in luck, you can get a welcome package — bonuses for your first 4 or 5 consecutive deposits. In this case, the total bonus money can be as high as $2000-2500.
No Deposit Bonus
This promotion is a gem for beginners since it doesn’t require a deposit. No deposit bonuses are typically credited to new players as a gift for signing up at the casino. That way, you can get, e.g., 30 no deposit free spins or a $10 free chip. All you need to do to claim it is create a casino account. The reward may be activated by using a promo code, contacting support service, or it may be credited automatically after registration. Some sites offer no deposit promos to existing players, but such instances are uncommon. What makes this gambling bonus particularly attractive for all gamblers is a chance to win real money without risking your own funds.
Cashback
Cashback is designed to reward players for their losses in the casino. It can be credited on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Let’s say your chosen casino offers 10% cashback for weekly losses. The gambling site calculates your net losses by subtracting winnings for the past week from the total amount wagered or from the total deposit amount. If your net losses equal $100, you get $10 back. Some gambling sites do not impose wagering requirements on their cashback bonuses, while others provide cashback with lowered wagering requirements, e.g. around 3x. Typical cashback percentages to look for are from 5% to 25%.
Free Spins
Free spins are a dream come true for slot fans. Offered as a part of a welcome package or as a standalone promotion, free spins enable gamblers to spin the reels of a slot without spending their own money. Typically, they are awarded for specific slot games like Starburst, Sweet Bonanza or Gonzo’s Quest. Your winnings from free spins will be credited to you as bonus money, which you then need to wager a specific number of times, usually 30x-50x, depending on the casino.
Reload Bonus
Gambling sites encourage existing players to stay loyal and promote continued play by giving reload bonuses. Similar to welcome promotions, reload bonuses frequently match the player’s deposit or are credited as free spins. The main difference is that reload bonuses are given on subsequent deposits. Typically, these are promos like 150 FS for weekend deposits or 50% up to $300 for deposits on Wednesdays.
VIP Bonuses
VIP promos target high rollers who spend big bucks on a casino site. To qualify for such bonuses, you have to be a regular player. Most casinos run extensive VIP programs that include multiple levels based on player’s activity. Generally, the more you play, the more loyalty points you collect and the higher your VIP status. Gamblers of higher levels enjoy increased cashback, higher match bonuses, and numerous personalized promotions. For example, some casinos boast 20% cashback for VIP players or staggering no deposit bonuses.
Bonus Terms and Conditions
Regardless of the bonus type you pick, each is associated with certain terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before you can withdraw your bonus winning. The most noteworthy of them are covered below:
- Wagering requirements — you must play through the bonus a specified number of times before your winnings turn into withdrawable cash. Let’s say you won $50 bonus money. If the rollover is 25x, you need to play through 25x$50=$1250.
- Validity — the time you have to complete the wager requirements is limited (usually from 5 to 30 days).
- Maximum bet — while you play with an active bonus, the maximum bet per round is usually capped at $5.
- Maximum withdrawal amount — winnings you can withdraw from playing with a certain bonus are often limited.
- Games contribution — not all games contribute the same to wagering. Most slots have the highest contribution percentage of 100%, while table and other casino games contribute less — 5-20%.
- Maximum bonus amount — If you see a 100% match bonus up to $200, depositing $300 won’t earn you $300 in bonus money since the bonus amount is capped at $200.
Final Insights
Bonuses can significantly level up your gaming experience, but you should approach them wisely. Before going for a promotion, compare casino bonuses and analyze their pros and cons. Always carefully read bonus terms to ensure you understand what needs to be done to convert the bonus into real money. Opt for offers with fair conditions in addition to a decent bonus size. Remember to play responsibly and don’t chase losses. And, of course, have fun in the process!