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Everybody loves a bonus
Everybody loves a bonus. What is not to like? Something extra, a little bit more, something for nothing. If you like to play at the slots and tables in a casino, then bonuses are what everyone wants to find. A bonus could be a bonus win, an extra go, or the chance to play without having to put any money down.
Other than a big jackpot win, bonuses are the holy grail when it comes to online play. They increase the fun, let you play for longer, and offer new chances of winning without spending anything.
Land-based versus Online
Land-based and online casino bonuses are very different things. An online casino bonus is there to get players to try out new games. Online bonuses can be substantial, particularly if the offer is to match the amount that has been deposited. Land-based casinos do not run this kind of offer. The promotions that they have are more about getting you to come to a particular venue instead of a rival one.
So you might get offered some branded merchandise or a free meal in their restaurant. Bricks and mortar casinos might also offer loyalty schemes to bring people back. For example, you might find that the casino runs a loyalty card promotion with points awarded the more times you come or over a certain spend. Then, because points mean prizes, you get to cash in your points for something like a two-for-one buffet in the diner.
Online casino bonuses are very different and are about getting customers playing and can offer significant incentives. But how do you find top online casino bonuses, and which of them are worth using? It is important to remember that most online casino bonuses come with lots of terms and conditions. Therefore, it is essential to read the small print to know what you must do to redeem the offer.
Do not necessarily be taken in by the flashiest headline. Do yourself a little bit of basic housekeeping first. Do not just rush straight in. You need to understand how the different bonuses work and which ones are best for you.
Do Your Research
Also, before you set up an account or deposit any money, ensure that the casino is legitimate. Is it licensed and legal in the state that you are in? If you play at an offshore or unregulated casino, you will have no one to fall back on if they decide not to pay out or honor your win.
Always play at recommended casinos and check out the rules. If the offer looks too good to be true, the chances are that it is. Here are the legitimate bonuses you should look out for.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are for new players to an online casino. They can be used on all casino games (subject to the small print). Welcome bonuses can let you play without risking your cash. These are no deposit bonuses. Alternatively, a casino might offer a deposit match bonus.
The best welcome bonuses offer to match your deposit, which could be up to $1000. Many deposit match bonuses can have high wagering requirements, however. For example, many casinos require a wagering requirement of 10 to 30 times the bonus amount before the money can be withdrawn. If your original deposit was $10, this is not so much. However, if you deposited a large sum to be matched, it could be ages before you can withdraw your money.
Casino Free Spins
These are online promotions for slots and are usually tied to specific video slot titles. These are not reliant on you being new to a particular casino – they are there for the loyal customer. Operators like to use this kind of online casino bonus and regularly offer them in large numbers.
They are a fun way to get players to engage with new titles. Be aware that free spin promos can come with wagering requirements for existing players. 10x and 30 x are the standard requirements for both deposit and no deposit spins.
No Deposit Bonuses
This is the bonus everyone is on the lookout for. A no deposit bonus is where you get to play without using your own money. You usually only need to register an account to receive the free casino bonus money. The amounts are generally around $10 to $20. No deposit bonuses are pretty rare in the USA, but they can be found.
Some online casinos make you use a special bonus code to claim the no deposit bonus. Essentially this is just an additional requirement and should not put you off claiming the offer. Most online casinos that offer no deposit bonuses will credit the money automatically, however, just as soon as the account is registered.
As with all the bonuses, there are strings attached. The old saying goes, ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch. In the case of no deposit bonuses, this means that there are wagering requirements. Usually, these are set at 1x and 5x, but they depend on the game type you are playing.
Remember, give yourself time to reflect whatever bonus you choose to play. Your casino visit should, above all else, be fun.
