Offering big, juicy bonuses is one way that online casinos are assured of always attracting the attention of players. For newcomers to the real-money gaming scene, one offer might seem very much like another, but the reality is that they could be very different.
This can be in terms of what they offer you, what you get from them, and the terms and conditions attached to those offers. In this article, we explain the basic types of bonuses, let you know how they work, and offer an overview of some of the most common Ts and Cs.
What Is a Casino Bonus?
An online casino bonus is an amount of money or a number of Free Spins that a site gives to players who have met the required conditions. The money can be used only for gaming at the site, and the Free Spins cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash.
Some bonuses are offered as a trial offer, others as a welcome package, and yet others as special promotions. Some are offered as incentives for referring new players.
2 Main Types of Bonuses
There are two main types of bonus that are offered by top-rated casinos online. They are deposit match and no deposit bonuses.
If you claim an offer of the first type, you will need to make a deposit to qualify for the bonus. The site will match a percentage of your bonus, which may be as much as a 100% match. When you claim an offer of the second type, usually made as an incentive for prospective players to spend some time at the casino and see what is available, you will not need to make a deposit. However, you probably will need to sign up for an account at the site.
Furthermore, you will not be able to withdraw the bonus money from your casino account until you have fulfilled certain requirements.
Important Terms and Conditions
It is important that you read all the terms and conditions of every bonus offer you intend to claim. Doing so is the best way to avoid potential shocks or disappointments. Among the most important of them are those terms that deal with expiry dates and wagering requirements.
Almost every single bonus that you will be offered by an online casino comes with an expiry date. Unfortunately, if you do not use it, you lose it. Be sure to check for how long the money will remain in your gaming account.
Other important terms and conditions are the wagering requirements. They stipulate how much money you will need to deposit and bet before you can withdraw the money that you received from the site. Such requirements are usually multiples of the bonus you received.
If you want to claim an offer that throws Free Spins into the mix, be sure to check whether they are limited to certain real money slots. Some brands may offer a selection of games for those Spins, while others may limit you to a particular title.