Online Casino Bonus
An online casino bonus is like an appetizer before the main course! It gives online casino players a taste of what they can expect from an online casino. There are different versions of online casino bonuses, although most are similar in nature. A no deposit bonus is offered at the sign-up level and can be further classified into a free spins no deposit bonus or bonus money no deposit bonus. It's important to understand that a no deposit bonus is less common and is available to fewer qualifying countries than a casino bonus on the first deposit. However, if you do qualify, it is well worth opting in as it's a risk-free way of playing at a casino. New players to a casino who make the first deposit (sometimes more) may qualify for a deposit bonus and often a free spins casino bonus. Qualifying countries for these bonuses tend to be broader than for a no deposit bonus.
No Deposit Bonus
The no deposit casino bonus is sometimes the first promotion that greets a potential online casino player. It's unique because it does not require a deposit for a player to claim it. In fact, the only thing that a casino player needs to do is sign up at an online casino that offers one. There are two types: free spins no deposit bonus and bonus money no deposit bonus.
As the free spins imply with the first type, this casino bonus only applies to slots. A little bit less obvious is that the qualifying slots are almost always chosen by the online casino. Still, these slots tend to be selected based on popularity with players, among other criteria. Any balance leftover at the end of the free spins then becomes bonus money.
With the latter bonus, free spins are replaced by a small amount of bonus money instead. This bonus money can be used on casino games determined by the casino operator.
Deposit Bonus
A new player who makes the first deposit may qualify for a free spins casino bonus. This may be in addition to a match deposit bonus. Here a percentage of your real money deposit is matched in bonus money up to a maximum amount. Although less frequent, some online casinos offer new players a cashback bonus on the first deposit instead.
Casino Bonus Terms & Conditions
Although general casino bonus T&Cs ultimately depend on the casino, at a high level, most are similar. It is crucial to review them beforehand as the devil's in the details. The main reason is to avoid a breach that can cost you your bonus and any connected winnings.
Playthrough Wagering Requirement
All casino bonuses come with a playthrough wagering requirement. You may also know it as a rollover or turnover requirement, but it's the same thing. A playthrough requirement requires that bonus money (or bonus money + deposit) be wagered a certain number of times before it becomes real money that you can withdraw.
A playthrough requirement is typically expressed as a multiplier, such as 35x. It's essential to confirm whether this multiplier applies only to the bonus money (more advantageous) or to the total of the bonus money and your real money deposit. All things being equal, the lower the playthrough requirement, the better.
If we look at an example, a player with €100 in bonus money and a 50x playthrough requirement on the bonus money must combine for €5,000 (50 x €100) in total bets.
General Bonus Terms & Conditions
Regardless of the casino, all casino bonuses are optional, which means you must opt-in if you wish to take advantage. Sometimes, you will need to enter a bonus code typically located on the promotions or cashier page. Alternatively, it may be available as a pulldown option on a menu during registration or making a depositing. Regardless, ensure that you specify that you wish to opt-in, or you will forfeit the bonus.
Also, consider that some online casino deposit methods may disqualify you from a bonus. For example, casino bonus T&Cs often state that deposits made using Neteller or Skrill are not permitted. This is not always the case but know for sure!
Casino bonuses have finite lives, which can last from a few hours to several days or weeks. Remember to use up your bonus before it expires.
Some other things to consider are that some casino bonuses will only allow players to make bets per round that don't exceed a predetermined level. For example, a casino may state that bets per spin on a slot game cannot exceed $5. While some casinos may lock the maximum bet for you, you'll want to be careful not to exceed the threshold as you could forfeit your winnings.
Real Money Withdrawals
Suppose you have money left over after having satisfied the playthrough requirement. In that case, there are a couple of other essential things to keep in mind. In the case of a no deposit bonus, keep in mind that the maximum amount of cash is always subject to a withdrawal limit. Typically, with a no deposit bonus, it ranges up to $/£/€100. This means that any winnings above this threshold are forfeit. This is less common but may also apply for deposit bonuses and free spins.
In the case of a no deposit bonus, a player will typically be required to make a minimum first deposit before being allowed to withdraw their winnings.