Online casinos today offer a huge variety of different bonuses, with loads of ways to claim them. In fact, according to data from trade group American Gaming Association – around 90% of online casinos in the US market offer some kind of welcome bonus. And 99% of casinos have rewards or other bonuses for regular play. That’s a lot of promos and offers to pick from – so which are the best?
This article will guide you through everything you need to know. From the options available, and how to get them, to the fine print and wagering requirements, to knowing what the average bonus is like so you can pick a good one, and all the way to long term play and responsible gambling. This, is what you need to get the most from an online casino bonus.
Understanding the Different Bonus Types
There are so many different types of casino bonuses available today, it can be quite overwhelming at first. But, it doesn’t have to be. Just know, that not all bonuses are created equally.
For example, a free spins no deposit bonus should be quite high on up on your radar. Expert comparison sites will help you find the very best of these coveted offers, all in one place, so you don’t need to trawl the small print yourself to see what’s the top option. Easy.
The main classes of casino promotions and bonuses you’ll find at sites on the market right now are:
- Welcome Bonus
- Deposit Match Bonus
- No Deposit Bonus
- Free Spins Bonus
- Reload Bonus
- Loyalty Bonuses and Rewards
- Seasonal / Promotional Bonus
- High Roller Bonus
- Reward Wheel Spins
Most of these are quite obvious as to the general idea, but a lot of the nuance is in the details. For example, one free spins offer might give you 100 free spins on a $10 deposit, while another might give you 200 free spins on a $30 deposit – but each has different games it can be played on, wagering requirements and time limits. This is why, you have to read the small print of the bonus terms and conditions (or find someone else who has done it for you).
You Need to Know The Fine Print and Wagering Requirements
Casinos aren’t in the business of giving out free money. Sure, some people win. But the house has a significant edge on all games, in the long run. So, when they give you a bonus, the same logic applies. Sure you might win, but, because you can win actual money from nothing, the casino puts in requirements and terms that even the odds in their favor.
Some common terms found on casino bonuses include:
- A wagering requirement (explained below)
- Maximum win limit from the offer
- Limited to specific slot games or certain kinds of games
- A time limit on how long you have to use the bonus and meet the terms
- A delayed release, for example 100 spins released in 10 free spins a day for 10 days
Wagering requirements are the most common on welcome bonuses. Although not as popular as they once were, say five years ago, you still see them everywhere. Especially with welcome bonuses. Quick example – 10x wagering on 10 free spins. This means, any winnings you make you will have to gamble with 10x before you can withdraw any of it. Say you win $10, you would have to turn that into $100 of total wagering before you can withdraw.
Of course, some casinos know that you’re more likely to be a repeat customer if they give you a generous bonus. It isn’t completely unknown to get, for example, 10 free spins with absolutely no terms and conditions on what happens with any potential winnings. These are the best kind of offers – the fewer terms on the page, the better.
What’s Good? Choosing the Right Option
That is a good starting point. But what kinds of bonuses offer the most value? Well, no deposit offers, loyalty rewards and wheel spin promotions tend to be the most long-term valuable. A great casino that sometimes pings you 10 free spins with no terms attached in your email inbox is always going to be a valued one.
Wheel spin promotions are also a fairly new kind of promo now offered by many online casinos. Some of them let you simply log in every day, once you’ve made your first deposit, to give the wheel a spin and maybe win other prizes like free spins, free sports bets or even cash prizes. Mostly small prizes like $0.10, 1 free spin or a $1 free bet these are worth trying for the bigger prizes and jackpots alone.
In terms of the above, well, terms, here is exactly what constitutes a decent or better online casino bonus clause:
- Wagering requirements – none at all, or low – around 10x to 30x maximum
- Maximum win limit – none or around $100 for every $10 or 10 free spins
- All slot games allowed from free spins is great, but rare
- No time limit is best, but most offers have three to seven days once claimed
