Online Casino Bonuses – How to Get the Best Out of Casino Promotions?

Online casino sites are taking over the gambling industry and one tool in their arsenal is the casino bonus.

Modern online casinos utilize bonuses as a strategic tool to draw in new players and keep current ones engaged, effectively standing out in a highly competitive market.

This approach not only increases the likelihood of players signing up and depositing but also fosters a sense of loyalty as players perceive more value in their gaming experience.

But wait, there’s more! Each bonus comes with its own terms and conditions. Some are fair, while others… not so much. 

To reap their benefits, you must fully understand them and that’s what this article is all about.

Terms and Conditions, Explained

Let’s start at the beginning. Bonuses are divided into two categories – deposit and no deposit. Deposit bonuses are welcome packages, match and reload bonuses. No deposit bonuses are free spins, bonus money and cashback bonuses. Regardless of the type of promo, you’ll have to meet their respective terms. That’s the only solution if you want to claim the bonus, use it and withdraw its winnings.

Minimum Deposit

The first term applies to deposit bonuses only. As the heading itself suggests, it suggests the minimum required deposit to claim the bonus. You shouldn’t mix this threshold with the minimum casino deposit. Sometimes, the minimum bonus deposit is higher than the minimum casino deposit.

Let’s say that you registered at a casino where the minimum deposit is $15. However, you’re claiming a 100% welcome bonus which has a $20 minimum deposit. That means that you can deposit $15, but you won’t claim the bonus.

Eligible Payment Methods and Games

Each bonus has its eligible payment methods. Usually, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are excluded. Additionally, every bonus applies to a certain group of games. Free spins are usable on slots only. Cashbacks are usually usable on table or live games.

Maximum Bonus, Bet and Win

Every promo has a maximum bonus limit. If the aforementioned 100% welcome promo says that the maximum bonus is $500, that means that even if you deposit $600, you’ll get $500 extra, not $600 (per the 100% match mathematics). Additionally, bonuses such as free spins and cashbacks always have limits regarding the maximum bet and win.

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements are the hardest part of every bonus. They tell you how much you need to stake at the casino before you can withdraw bonus winnings. To calculate them, you multiply the minimum deposit with the stated requirements.

So, if the 100% welcome bonus with a $20 minimum deposit has x30 wagering, that means that you must stake $600 ($20 multiplier with x30 wagering). Keep in mind that not every game has an equal contribution towards wagering. Slots usually contribute 100%, but table and live games can contribute as low as 10%.

Market Restrictions and Bonus Codes

Certain bonuses are exclusive to one market. For example, the 100% welcome bonus can be available to UK players only. Players from different regions of the world might have a different promo up for grabs.

There’s also the use of bonus codes. There are two reasons why a casino would implement them. The first one is to differentiate two promotions that have identical terms.

For example, that can be the minimum deposit. By entering the bonus code, you’re telling the casino which promo you like to receive. The second reason is a unique promo tailored just for yourself.

Validity Period

Finally, we have the period in which you are required to meet all terms and conditions. The validation period really depends on the bonus itself. No deposit bonuses tend to have shorter timeframes. If you don’t meet all terms within the specified period, then the casino will forfeit your bonus funds.