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The Best Online Casino Bonuses
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What Is an Online Casino Bonus?
Casino bonuses are special offers designed to attract and retain players. These bonuses come in various forms, such as welcome bonuses for new players, regular promotions for existing users, and casino bonus codes that can be used to claim specific offers. To claim a casino bonus, players usually need to sign up for an account, make a deposit, or enter a bonus code, depending on the type of bonus. Details of the bonuses currently available are usually found on the casino’s promotions page.
It is important to note that terms and conditions (T&Cs) apply to each bonus offer. These T&Cs might include wagering requirements, which specify how many times the bonus amount must be bet before winnings can be withdrawn, and time limits for using the bonus. Additionally, the availability and specifics of casino offers vary depending on the gaming regulations of the country where the player is located.
However, at most high-quality online gambling sites, there will always be plenty of casino bonus variations available with reasonable terms and conditions, and they can add a great deal of enjoyment to the casino experience.
Choosing the Best Casino Bonus for You
Choosing the best casino bonuses for you is not complicated, but it does need a bit of thought. You need to understand what type of player you are and how this relates to whether or not a bonus is suitable for you. Below our experts at CasinoReviews have created a simple guide to help you do exactly that:
The Different Types of Casino Promotions
Most popular live online casinos have special bonus variations and different types of ongoing promotions. There is always a welcome bonus, which may even be a sign-up package containing a number of bonuses grouped together. Members will also usually be offered regular casino promotions, deposit bonuses, daily, weekly, and monthly benefits such as match bonuses and free spins, and more. Often, there will be seasonal themed bonuses such as during the runup to Christmas and Easter. Furthermore, many casinos operate loyalty schemes, giving members the chance to earn better benefits as a reward for regular play.
Welcome Bonuses
A casino welcome bonus is a promotional offer that casinos use to attract new players. The bonus often matches a percentage of the player’s first deposit up to a certain amount. For example, a common welcome bonus might be a 100% match of the first deposit up to £/$/€200, meaning if a player deposits £/$/€200, they receive an additional £/$/€200 as bonus funds.
It is important to always pay attention to the terms and conditions of the casino sign up bonus. Wagering requirements are a standard condition, specifying how many times the bonus amount must be bet before winnings can be withdrawn. They are often in the region of 20x to 50x. For instance, a 20x wagering requirement on a £/$/€200 bonus means the player must bet £/$/€4,000 before withdrawing any winnings.
Other conditions may include time limits, specifying how long the bonus is valid, and game restrictions, which limit the games on which the bonus money can be used. Some bonuses also have a maximum win cap.
Another type of casino welcome bonus is no-deposit bonuses, where players receive a small bonus, usually in the form of free spins, just for signing up.
Pros and Cons
- Boosts players bankroll
- Facilitates exploration of more games
- Provides potential of bigger winnings
- Wagering requirements are typically high
- Come with game restrictions
Reload Bonuses
A reload bonus is offered to existing players as a way of increasing the funds they add to their account. Unlike welcome bonuses, which are one-time offers for new sign-ups, reload bonuses can be claimed multiple times, providing players with extra funds or free spins on subsequent deposits. Every online casino bonus of this kind, vary in percentage and terms from one casino to another. However, they are often 100% match bonuses or higher.
Terms and conditions for reload bonuses are similar to those attached to welcome bonuses. They typically include wagering requirements, restrictions on the games that contribute to these requirements, maximum bet limits, and expiry dates. Some sites may impose restrictions on the casino payment methods eligible for claiming the bonus.
For example, a casino such as 888 may offer a 100% reload bonus on deposits that are at least £/$/€20 and up to £/$/€200. Typically, it may have 35x wagering requirements, can only be used to play slots, and be valid for a month. This means that players who budget monthly will always be able to increase their bankroll.
Cashback Bonuses
A casino cashback bonus is a type of promotion that refunds a portion of a player’s losses incurred over a specific period. The bonus is a way of helping players reduce their losses by a percentage of their lost bets back as cash or bonus money. The refund percentage varies by casino but typically ranges from 5% to 25% and often it is applied to losses incurred over a weekend, week or even month.
Terms and conditions for these bonuses vary among casinos but often include a minimum loss amount to qualify, a maximum cashback limit, and specific games that qualify for the bonus. Some casinos may also set wagering requirements on the cashback received. Furthermore, usually it is not possible to win progressive jackpots from free spins.
Examples of typical cashback bonuses include:
- A weekly cashback bonus where players receive 10% back on their net losses from the week.
- A daily cashback offer giving 5% back on all losses incurred in a day.
- A VIP program cashback where higher-tier members receive a higher percentage of their losses back, such as 20%.
Free Spins
A free spins bonus allows players to spin slot machine reels without needing to bet their own money. Free spins often form part of a welcome package for new players, encouraging them to sign up and try the casino’s slots. The free spins are given a value, normally in the range of £/$/€0.05 to £/$/€0.20, but occasionally they are worth as much as £/$/€1.
The terms and conditions attached to these bonuses vary but usually include wagering requirements on free spins winnings. Another common condition is the expiry date, indicating when the free spins must be used before. Most casinos also limit the maximum amount that can be won from free spins.
Examples of typical free spins bonuses include:
- 20 free spins on a specific slot game upon registration, with a 30x wagering requirement upon winnings.
- 50 free spins as part of a welcome bonus package, split over the first three deposits, with a 25x wagering requirement.
- 100 free spins awarded to new players, with a 7-day expiry and a maximum win limit of £/$/€100.
Pros and Cons
- Risk free gaming
- Free exploration of new games
- Lower wagering requirements than deposit bonuses
- Cannot be used on all games
- Must be used before expiry date
No Deposit Bonuses
A no deposit bonus allows players to receive a bonus without the need to deposit their own money. This type of bonus is rare, but is typically given to new players as part of a welcome offer. It gives players the chance to try out games without any financial risk and to win real money while doing so.
However, these bonuses come with specific terms and conditions. Wagering requirements are common and often higher than those attached to deposit bonuses. For example, a £/$/€10 no deposit bonus with a 50x wagering requirement means the player must wager £/$/€500 before cashing out. Other conditions may include time limits and game restrictions.
An example of a typical no deposit bonus is at 888casino where new players are given 88 free spins to enjoy on a variety of popular slots. The free spins must be used within 14 days and each has a value of €0.10. Winnings from the spins come with 5x wagering requirements that must be met within 90 days.
Pros and Cons
- Risk free casino gambling
- Chance of real money winnings
- Chance to test a casino for free
- Time Restrictions Normally Apply
- Usually Restricted to Certain Games
Live Casino Bonuses
A live casino bonus is a promotional offer designed for players of live dealer games. It often takes the form of a welcome bonus for newcomers, providing extra funds, free bets, or cashback on losses for games played in the live casino.
Common terms and conditions include wagering requirements, time limits, game restrictions, and in the case of free bets, a cap on winnings. Most live casino bonuses are for table games rather than live slots or game shows and as such, the wagering requirements tend to be lower.
Examples of typical live casino bonuses include a 100% match on the first deposit up to a certain amount, such as £/$/€100, giving players £/$/€200 to play with if they deposit £/$/€100. Other examples include a fixed £/$/€10 free bet for any live casino table game or a 10% cashback offer on losses incurred within the first week of play.
There are also live casino bonuses for casual players. These may offer free spins on live slot games or free bets on game shows and they will also come with the standard terms and conditions.
Loyalty Programs
Online casino loyalty programs are designed to reward players for their continued patronage. These programs often operate on a points-based system, where players earn comp points for playing games, which can then be exchanged for cash or bonuses, such as free spins, cashback, or physical gifts. The specific rewards and how points are earned vary from one casino to another.
Terms and conditions are crucial to understand when participating in these programs. The bonuses that are awarded as part of the program will come with the usual T&Cs such as wagering requirements, time limitations, capped winnings, and so on. If the casino is offering cash or bonus money for comp points, then the conversion rate will be in the T&Cs. For example, £/$/€10 real cash for every 1000 comp points.
Casino loyalty programs often take the form of tiered VIP clubs, where players ascend through ranks based on their playing activity, unlocking progressively better rewards. At the top tiers, members are often assigned a personal account manager, bespoke bonuses, extremely high cashback percentages, and more.
Seasonal bonuses
Seasonal bonuses are special offers given to players during certain times of the year, often coinciding with holidays or seasons such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or summer. These bonuses can take various forms, including free spins, deposit match bonuses, cashback offers, or tournaments with special prizes.
The terms and conditions attached to seasonal bonuses typically include wagering requirements, time limits for how long the bonus is available or how quickly it must be used, differing game contributions to wagering requirements, and a cap on the maximum winnings.
Examples of typical casino seasonal bonuses include 25 free spins on a spooky-themed slot game to celebrate Halloween, a 100% deposit match up to £/$/€200 as a Christmas special, or a summer slots tournament with a £/$/€5,000 prize pool.
Best Casinos by Bonus Type
Type of Bonus | Casinos |
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🤑 Highest Bonus Deal | Wow Vegas |
Popular Deposit Methods for Casino Bonuses
When examining a casino’s bonus offers, it is important to keep in mind that not all deposit methods will qualify for bonus offers. For example, many online casinos do not offer a welcome bonus or casino deposit bonus if the deposit was made using certain e-Wallets, such as Trustly or NETELLER. Conditions like this, often only found in the small print, demonstrate why it is hugely important that you have read and understood the T&Cs when looking for bonuses.
Many online casinos give a wide choice of deposit options in order to cater to as many players as possible. In some cases, the number of available payment methods is huge. For instance, some will have more than 40 cryptocurrency options while many others have more than 100 methods in total. This means, that there is a good chance of finding a method that you are both comfortable using and that qualifies for a bonus.
However, when choosing a deposit method, there is more to be aware of than whether it qualifies for a bonus. You need to look at whether it has minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal amounts that fit your budget. You also need to be comfortable with the level of privacy offered by the payment method.
The restrictions relating to deposit methods and their eligibility for bonuses will be detailed in the bonuses’ T&Cs. Therefore, understanding the T&Cs is essential if you want to maximize your casino experience and fully benefit from the bonuses offered.
Demystifying Casino Bonus Terms and Conditions
There is no such thing as a casino bonus without terms and conditions. Even no deposit bonuses or bonuses without wagering requirements have T&Cs. Understanding these T&Cs is crucial to knowing how to correctly use and benefit from the bonuses. However, at first, they can appear to be quite complex.
Typically bonus T&Cs will cover numerous aspects such as general terms, rollover or wagering requirements, game restrictions, contributions of different games towards the wagering requirements, maximum win amounts, and the timeframe within which these requirements must be met.
Not adhering to even a single term or requirement may result in your bonus funds being confiscated or withdrawing your funds and winnings becoming impossible. Therefore, it is imperative that you read and comprehend the full T&Cs associated with all online casino bonuses.
However, there is no need to worry or panic. While they may look complicated, terms and conditions are actually very straight forward. Familiarizing yourself with the following list of common T&Cs will ensure that you are always fully aware of what you are accepting:
Identifying a Good Value Casino Bonus
As soon as you enter the world of online casinos, you will be showered with bonus offers. This is why it’s essential that you are able to sort the wheat from the chaff and easily identify the best casino offers. There are several things to consider, and here we shall take you through each so that you have all the information you need.
Fair Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements are attached to nearly every bonus and it is vital you can judge whether they are fair or not. Obviously, the lower the wagering requirements the better. It is very common to have wagering requirements between 30x up to around 50x. Anything above that will be hard to fulfill. Within that range, you need to examine the game contributions, time limits, and so on to see if you think you can meet them without exceeding your budget.
Validity Period
It is important to check how long a bonus is valid for as you need to be aware of the timeframe in which the wagering requirements must be met. A reasonable timeframe for a bonus to be used is between 7 and 30 days. It of course depends on the other conditions attached, but usually this gives players enough time to enjoy the bonus and meet the wagering requirements at a comfortable pace.
Bonus Match
This applies to deposit bonuses and it is the percentage of your deposit that the casino will match. Most good casinos will offer at least a 100% match. This means if you deposit £/$/€10, the casino gives you another £/$/€10, doubling your funds. If the online casino offers give you less, it is not always a bad thing, as it can make the wagering requirements easier to meet. If a casino offers more, then you should consider whether the other conditions make it worthwhile.
Minimum Deposit Amount
Usually, to qualify for a bonus, you will have to deposit a minimum amount. If this minimum is higher than you can afford, then it is a clear sign that it is not the right bonus for you. However, most often the minimum is in the region of £/$/€5 to £/$/€20, which most players can handle. Nonetheless, it is important to ensure the bonus is compatible with your bankroll.
Games Contribution
As explained, this is how much each game contributes to the wagering requirements. In general, slots will contribute 100% (progressive jackpot games are often excluded) and tables will contribute between 0% and 20%. You need to consider if you can meet the wagering requirements playing the games you are interested in. If you are playing games that contribute 0%, then you should find a different bonus.
Win Cap
The win cap should be enough to make the bonus attractive. If you are offered free spins or bonus money but cannot win a proportionately substantial amount, then the bonus is probably not very good value. However, if the win cap is a large multiple of the bonus amount (be it bet per spin or bonus money), then the bonus is worth considering.
Responsible Gambling Practices
Bonuses are designed to be enticing, and they very often are. As a result, it is imperative that you always keep responsible gambling techniques in mind. You need to set your limits before you start playing or looking at bonus offers. These limits include how much you deposit, how much you bet in a session, and how long you play in a single session.
As part of your bankroll management strategy, you need to consider if you can meet a bonus’s requirements while remaining within your budget. After accepting a bonus, you do not want to find yourself in a position where you need to make a further deposit to meet wagering requirements but doing so would exceed your budget. Therefore, it is important that you plan ahead when considering a bonus taking all the factors discussed on this page into account. That way you will truly be able to receive the best value from any bonuses that you accept.
FAQ
What Are Casino Welcome Bonuses?
Casino welcome bonuses are incentives offered by online casinos to new players who sign up. Usually, players are required to make a first deposit, but no deposit welcome bonuses do exist.
These bonuses often include extra funds to play with and may also come with free spins for slot games.
Why Do Casinos Offer Bonuses?
Casinos offer bonuses to attract new players and retain existing ones.
Bonuses provide players with additional playtime and a chance to explore the casino’s offerings without risking too much of their own money.
Do I Need Bonus Codes to Claim Casino Bonuses?
Not always. Some casino bonuses require a code to be entered during the deposit process, while others are automatically credited to your account.
Always check the terms and conditions of the offer for information about bonus codes.
Are Casino Bonuses Only Available to New Players?
No. While welcome bonuses are for new players, many casinos offer promotions and bonuses to existing players, such as reload bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards.
This ensures that members of a casino have reasons to return beyond the games on offer.
How Can I Find No Deposit Bonuses?
No deposit bonuses can be found on casino websites and if applicable, in the reviews on this site.
After joining a casino, signing up for its newsletters, promotional emails, and following it on social media can also alert you to these offers.
What Are the Best Casino Bonuses?
The best casino bonuses offer a good balance between the bonus amount, wagering requirements, and game restrictions.
Look for bonuses that are relevant to the games you wish to play and that provide a fair chance to win and withdraw real money.
What Is Bonus Abuse?
Bonus abuse involves exploiting casino bonuses for an unintended advantage, such as creating multiple accounts to claim the same bonus multiple times.
Casinos monitor for such activities and may penalize players found abusing bonuses.
Can I Withdraw My Casino Bonus Immediately?
No, you cannot withdraw your casino bonus immediately. Bonuses nearly always come with wagering requirements that must be met before any winnings or the bonus itself can be withdrawn.
These requirements vary by casino and bonus offer, so always read the terms and conditions.
Are There Restrictions on Which Games I Can Play with My Bonus?
Yes, there are often restrictions on which games you can play with your bonus. Some games may contribute less towards meeting wagering requirements, while others may be excluded altogether.
Check the bonus terms and conditions for specifics.
How Long Do Casino Bonuses Last?
Casino bonuses come with an expiration date, which can range from a few days to several months.
You must meet the wagering requirements within this timeframe to benefit from the bonus.
Can I Claim More Than One Bonus at a Time?
Typically, casinos do not allow players to claim multiple bonuses at the same time. You usually need to complete or cancel any active bonus before claiming a new one.
Review the casino’s terms to understand their policy on concurrent bonuses.