How Casino Bonuses Work
Intro
Casino bonuses often come hand in hand with playing on casino sites. They are among the first things most players look for when deciding which online casino to join.
As someone who plays online casinos nearly daily, I can’t emphasize enough the magnetic draw of casino bonuses for players like me. It’s akin to the siren song, and one of the first things we set our sights on when we’re looking for new casinos. And trust us, casinos are more than aware of this. Their primary strategy to attract new faces? Dangle those tempting bonus offers.
But how does a bonus work, what types are there, and what are the pros & cons of using them?
Let’s look at the bonuses.
How Do Casino Bonuses Work?
There are two reasons online casinos offer them: to reward players and to attract more customers.
Players can be rewarded for everything from opening a casino account to depositing money to playing regularly and referring friends. They keep players happy because they feel they are getting a good deal, and casinos know that their bonus offers will also attract new players to their doors.
Bonuses will have conditions and requirements attached to them so that players cannot simply take the money and run, but these are not as difficult to fulfill as they once were. Many players go bonus hunting to capitalize on as many offers as possible from online casinos
Bonuses will have conditions and requirements attached to them so that players cannot simply take the money and run, but these are not as difficult to fulfill as they once were. Many players go bonus hunting to capitalize on as many offers as possible from online casinos.
Types of Casino Bonuses
There are numerous types of casino bonuses for players to take advantage of and below we have listed some of the more common ones that you will see when playing online:
Welcome Bonus
The first and probably the most lucrative bonus that you will find at an online casino is their welcome bonus.
The welcome offer is the one casinos will use to attract new players – which would explain why it is the most lucrative as they gain a new player that will potentially keep playing at their casino.
Most of these welcome offers will be a match deposit bonus of a certain percentage. This could be a 100%, 200%, or even right up to a 500% match deposit. The casino will match your first deposit with the percentage stated, meaning that at a minimum, you’re going to get double the amount of your first deposit.
Nearly all online casinos have welcome bonuses, but here is a list of some popular ones:
Jackpot City Casino Get Bonus Here Exclusive welcome offer for all OnlineCasinos.net users: $1600 Welcome Bonus plus 450 Free Spins (Normal offer is only C$1600)
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Casino Days Get Bonus Here 100% Welcome Bonus up to $£€1000 +100 free spins on Sweet Bonanza! t&c apply 18+ begambleaware.org
Deposit Bonuses
These are essentially the same thing as what you might expect for a welcome bonus at a casino. However, these are not restricted to new players only, and thus, anyone can take advantage of them.
Generally speaking, you will not get as good a deal as you might with a welcome offer, but you can still find deposit bonuses of up to 200%.
It is always essential to read through the wagering requirements and the maximum withdrawal limits with bonuses like this. This is because you will need to know how much money you will have to wager before you’re able to withdraw any winnings earned from your free bonus money..
No Deposit Bonuses
Another type of offer is that of the no deposit bonus, a offer that is basically free money in exchange for creating an account at an online casino.
There is no need for a player to deposit any of their own money in order to claim the no deposit bonus.
These bonuses are generally relatively small, so do not expect much more than an amount between $5 and $20 at most. Additionally, you need to make sure you understand the conditions of these kinds of offers as it is not always easy to get your hands on any winnings.
You may have to eventually deposit some money and meet some playthrough requirements before you can withdraw any winnings.
Reload Bonuses
Many online casinos also offer their players reload bonuses on certain days of the week.
These are again usually similar to deposit bonuses, whereby you will be given a bit more on top of your deposit amount. You will not get a percentage anywhere near that of a welcome bonus, but who are we to turn our nose up when it is free money to play with?
Free Spins
Another very common type of bonus you will find offered at online casinos is that of free spins. Sometimes these will be given alongside a match deposit bonus in a welcome offer, but other times a casino may just offer them up to their loyal players.
Free spins are what you might think they are. They are a set amount of free spins that can be used on a group or a specific online slot. As with any other bonus, however, it is essential to read the conditions and learn of any playthrough requirements that you might have to meet to unlock any winnings accrued.
Some Top Online Casinos with Free Spins:
Jackpot City Get Free Spins HERE – $1600 plus Exclusive 450 Free Spins t&c apply 18+ Only begambleaware.org
Spin Casino Get Free Spins HERE C$1000 + Exclusive 240 Free Spins t&c apply 18+
Loyalty Bonuses
Most online casinos will also offer a loyalty program for their players to keep rewarding them the longer they stay and the more that they play.
Each casino has its own variation of these schemes.
Those could be anything from free spins, deposit bonus, entries into leagues or competitions, or even prizes such as vacations. We suggest you read up about exactly what you can get before deciding on an online casino to use for their loyalty bonuses.
Rakeback
Rakeback: You get a small percentage of the money you wagered back. For example, if the rakeback is 5%, you’ll receive 5% of your total bets as a cashback reward, no matter if you win or lose.
Casino with a Rakeback Bonus:
Stake Visit HERE EXCL 5% RAKEBACK USE ON SIGNUP CODE: MYBONUS
Cashback
Sometimes you will also find online casinos that are a little more creative with their offers. Cashback bonuses for one are something a little out of the ordinary that is now starting to pop up at online casinos around the world.
Cashback: The percentage you get back depends on how many player points you earn. More points might mean a higher percentage back.
In short, with rakeback, you know the return percentage upfront, while cashback can vary based on your points.
VIP & High Roller Bonuses
While the majority of us are happy enough to gamble for small amounts at an online casino, there are some that have the budget and capabilities to wager a lot more.
These players are known as high rollers and these guys are not going to be content with a small $200 bonus that most of us would be more than happy with.
This is why many casinos will create high roller bonuses that are catered for their bigger spending players. These offers will differ from casino to casino, so if you’re a high roller, make sure you do your research on this type of bonus before deciding which to use.
Some High Roller Casino Bonuses:
Golden Tiger Casino Get The Bonus HERE $£€1500 welcome offer
Leo Vegas Get The Bonus HERE $£€ 1500 welcome offer
Casumo Casino Get The Bonus HERE $£€ 1200 Bonus
Other Types
Refer-a-Friend Bonuses
Online casinos are always looking for new players as you might expect, and they know that gamblers will always have other friends that like to gamble as well. For that reason, many put together special bonuses for anyone that recommends a friend and brings them some more custom.
You might be rewarded with some free money to play with, some free spins, or something else of good value to you as a player if you were to bring a new player into the casino. Your prizes will often get better the more people that you bring in too.
Insurance Bets
These kinds of bonuses will be used in the sportsbook area of an online casino if they were to have one. Not all online casinos have a sportsbook, but there are plenty that does. Insurance bets are basically given to players that make a deposit (usually their first deposit only), and a bet up to a certain value will be protected by insurance.
What this means is that your first bet up to a certain value will be returned to you if it doesn’t win – so that you can have another try.
Matching Bet Bonuses
Another offer you will fins at sportsbook only, is that of matching bet bonuses. You might be able to figure out how these work by the name alone, but if not, we will fill you in. Essentially, with this type of bonus, any bet that you place up to a certain amount will be matched by the sportsbook. This means a bet of $40 on your favorite football team to win will now become a bet of $80.
Casino Bonus Code
A bonus code is a special code online casinos provide players. When players enter this code (typically during the sign-up process or when making a deposit), they can unlock specific promotions, bonuses, or offers exclusive to that code. The offers can range from free spins on slots, a match bonus on deposits, free play credits, rakeback or other special promotions.
Bonus Conditions & Playthrough Requirements
We touched upon playthrough requirements (Also Called Wager Requirements) and conditions that many bonuses will have above, but here we will take you through what these are in more detail. These conditions and wagering requirements are put in place to protect the casino and to ensure that players stay around long enough to potentially deposit some more money.
Generally speaking, a bonus will require a player to play and wager a certain amount before they can withdraw any winnings that we earned using bonus money. As for conditions, these are there for the benefit of the casino and will go a long way to stop players from trying to cheat their way to some free money.
Among the conditions that you’re likely to see include the following:
One bonus per person
Online casinos do not allow players to have multiple accounts, as this would be seen as an attempt to take advantage of a generous bonus more than once. In fact, most casinos will limit a single household or Ip address to a single account, which would mean that friends or relatives living in the same place would risk your account being suspended if they were to also open an account.
Account verification
Casinos will also require you to verify your identity before you are allowed to withdraw any winnings/funds. This means it is important to use your real personal information when creating an account. You will have to prove that this information is correct by sending in ID and other documents. Depending on the casino, this can take as long as weeks for your identity to be verified, which is why we suggest starting the process long before you need to make a withdrawal.
You have to meet wagering requirements
Requirements will change from casino to casino, but a player will always have to meet a set amount of wagering before they can withdraw bonus winnings. An example would be if the bonus had playthrough requirements of 30 and your bonus amount was $100. This would mean that you would have to wager 30x $100 at the casino before you would be qualified to withdraw the winnings. This is $3,000 in total, a number that is purposely quite big as the casino hopes you will lose those winnings before you can withdraw them.
Some games are restricted for use with the bonuses
It is important to read the conditions on which games are permitted to be played with your bonus funds. Some games will have higher payouts and will, therefore, be restricted as part of the bonus.
Withdrawal limits
This is a condition that is extremely unpopular with players. Some bonuses will come with a maximum withdrawal limit attached, which means that any winnings above this limit will be voided. An example would be winning $500 and then finding out that the maximum withdrawal limit is $200. Not good, we’re sure that you agree.
Be Wary About Some Bonuses
While most online casinos out there these days are fair and will honor their side of the deal; there are others that will do whatever they can to avoid paying out winnings from bonuses. For this reason, you should always take the time to do a lot of research before choosing an online casino.
You want to ensure that your potential casino has a good reputation, and this can be done by using the search engines or using the casinos we recommend. Just google the casino name with scam next to it and see what comes up. All casinos will have some complaints, but the truly untrustworthy ones will have hundreds of them – so avoid those ones at all costs.
Among the practices that untrustworthy casinos will try and pull is accusing a player that is trying to withdraw a bonus of abusing a bonus. They are covered with terms in their conditions, and there really is very little that you can do in this situation. If a casino does not want to pay out a bonus, it will look at any angle possible to ensure that it doesn’t have to.
For that reason, you should always read as many reviews of online casinos as possible and get the opinion of any other players before signing up. It is better to put in the work beforehand rather than wasting your time with a bonus that you’re never going to get despite wasting your time working through the wagering requirements.
Myths About Casino Bonuses
In my interactions with fellow players, I frequently encounter various myths about casino bonuses. I’ve decided to tackle and debunk some of these misconceptions.
Here are 3 myths:
- Taking a Casino Bonus Reduces the RTP of Games: Some players believe that accepting a bonus decreases the Return to Player (RTP) of games, causing them to win less frequently. In truth, the licensed game developer sets the RTP and remains constant regardless of whether a bonus is used or not. A bonus won’t change the underlying mechanics or odds of a game. However, that requires you to play at licensed online casinos like the ones we list.
- Bonuses Are Just a Trick to Make You Deposit More: While it’s true that casinos use bonuses to encourage deposits, they aren’t just about taking your money. Many bonuses offer real value and can improve your experience. They let you play longer or try out new games you might not have considered before.
- You Can Easily Withdraw Bonus Amounts Immediately: Some players mistakenly believe that once they receive a bonus, they can immediately withdraw it as cash. In most cases, there are wagering requirements in place, meaning you have to bet the bonus amount several times before it becomes withdrawable. Always check the terms and conditions of any offers to understand its requirements.
The Benefits of Casino Bonuses: A Player’s Perspective
Cruising the lively world of online casinos, I’ve leveraged many bonuses throughout my gambling journey. And trust me, they’re not just fancy baits; many of them come with real benefits.
Here’s why every experienced player, like myself, sees casino bonuses as opportunities:
- Boosted Bankroll: First and foremost, bonuses will give you more bang for your buck. Whether a deposit match or a no-deposit offer, it can greatly lengthen your playtime. So this not only means more fun but also more chances to hit that big win.
- Try Before You Buy: No-deposit bonuses can be smart to use. They let you experience a casino's offering without putting your money on the line. Think of it as a free sample; you get to test out games, get a feel of the platform, and decide if it's worth your time and money. Loyalty Rewards: Beyond the welcome bonuses, many casinos have a structured loyalty program. These reward regular play. Over time, you accumulate points that you can exchange for cash, free spins, or other perks. It's the casino's way of saying 'Thank You' for your loyalty.
- A Safety Net: Some casinos offer rakeback bonuses. These are particularly comforting. A percentage of losses over a specific period is returned to the player. It softens the blow of a losing streak and can provide some relief during tough times.
- Diverse Gaming Experience: Bonuses are often free spins for specific slots or credits for particular table games. This can encourage players to step out of their comfort zone, try new games, and discover new favorites.
The Drawback of Using Bonuses
Casino bonuses, while often appearing lucrative, come with several downsides that players should be aware of.
Here are some of the potential downsides:
- Wagering Requirements A big drawback is that you often have to bet the bonus amount(Also called wagering or playthrough requirements) many times before you can cash out any winnings. This means players must bet the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit amount) several times before they can cash out any winnings from the bonus.
- Game Restrictions Some offers you can only use on specific games. For example, free spins might be limited to a particular slot game. So this restricts your choice of how you can use the bonus.
- Maximum Win Cap: Some have a cap on how much you can win from the bonus. So, even if you win a large amount using the bonus, you can only withdraw a fraction of the amount.
- Time Limits: Many offers come with an expiration date. If you don't use the bonus or meet the wagering requirements within this time, the bonus and any associated winnings can be forfeited.
- Deposit to Claim: Some bonuses require you to deposit to claim them, tying up your money with the casino's terms and conditions.
- Potential for Overplay: The attraction of bonuses might encourage some players to deposit more money and play more often than they would have without the bonus, producing potential gambling problems.
- Withdrawal Restrictions: Some casinos place restrictions on when you can withdraw any winnings derived from bonuses, making it difficult for players to access their funds.
- Hidden Terms: Sometimes, casinos have hidden terms and conditions that make it difficult to utilize the bonus fully or withdraw winnings.
- Excluded Payment Methods: Some bonuses cannot be claimed when depositing with specific payment methods, like certain e-wallets.
- Bonuses as a Distraction: Sometimes, casinos use bonuses to distract players from noticing less favorable terms or game odds (RTP) on their platform.
In Conclusion
Casino bonuses can be worth going after, but only if you know what you are signing up for before you claim them. Most players run into trouble with wagering requirements, time limits, and game restrictions. The rules are not hidden; people just often skip reading them.
A good bonus from a fair casino can help your money last longer and give you a real chance to leave with more than you started with. A bad bonus from a casino with tough rules just ties up your money. Telling the difference is what makes someone a smart player instead of a frustrated one.
Take a moment to compare what is really being offered. The best bonuses are not always the biggest. A smaller bonus with low wagering requirements will usually be better than a huge offer that comes with 40x wagering.
FAQ
Casino Bonuses – Frequently Asked Questions
The most important questions Canadian players ask about online casino bonuses — answered honestly.
19+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Responsible Gambling · Problem Gambling Help
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Our Beginners Guide to Playing Casinos Online
