The online casino industry is extremely popular, and it’s one that generates billions of dollars each year. Even when the overall economic climate is mixed, the sector continues to thrive.
Because of that popularity, online casinos exist in a competitive environment, with new operators coming on board on a regular basis. To survive in that landscape, those platforms have to stand out, and one way in which they do this is by offering bonus deals.
When To Land A Deal
Most, if not all online casinos publish a promotion for new customers. It’s a way to get players on board and encourage some brand loyalty. To back up that opening offer, many operators continue to list promos for the life of the account. At the start of the player’s journey, it may be possible to find a no deposit bonus casino, although most providers ask for an opening deposit to trigger the deal. Whatever approach they take, customers can get genuine value from these bonuses.
The welcome bonus is the most common promotion, but what kind of offers are in place, and what should players look for?
No Deposit Deals
A no deposit offer provides the player with a bonus and they don’t have to add any funds to receive it. The deal will likely give the customer a few free spins, or there may be a small credit such as $5 to play with.
Free spins will apply to a specific slot game, while any bonus credit could be used on slots, roulette, blackjack and possibly more.
Any no deposit deal will have terms and conditions attached, and there will likely be a rollover in place. Also known as a wagering requirement, a rollover means that the player must stake a certain amount of money before they can withdraw any funds. For example, if a free spins offer comes with a 10x wagering requirement on any profits, and you win £5, players must wager $50 before they withdraw.
Free Games (Deposit Required)
More casinos list a free spins bonus that requires a deposit to activate it. Typically, the operator will ask the player to add initial funds before playing through that opening credit.
For example, there may be a requirement to add $10 and play through that figure. Once the $10 has been used up, a set of 50 free spins will be released.
There may not be a rollover with this type of promotion, but players should always check the terms and conditions. Other rules may state a time limit in which to use those spins before they expire. Certain operators may also ask that the qualifying deposit be made using a bank card and that all the major digital wallet providers and other forms of funding be excluded.
Matched Deposits
This is the most common welcome bonus for casino operators based in North America. After successfully completing the registration process, the customer makes an opening deposit and the casino matches that to a certain percentage.
For example, a 100% match may be in place, but in some cases, this is higher. There will be minimum and maximum deposit levels to follow, and the entry level may typically be $10. The upper ceiling could be $1000, but once again, this could be higher.
With this type of offer, there will almost certainly be a rollover requirement. The exact wagering rules will differ depending on which operator you use, so it is essential that you read the terms and conditions before you proceed.
A time limit, typically 30 days, will also apply, so players must use their bonus funds within the timeframe. While there are rules to follow with this, and any type of promotion, a matched deposit deal can provide some serious value to your account.
Other Common Bonuses
Once onboard as a regular playing customer, casinos will look to list ongoing promotions. Many will publish a refer a friend bonus that provides a reward when you get others to sign up. Additional players sign up via a special referral link and the original customer enjoys a small bonus, typically some extra free spins or some bonus cash.
Most casinos also have a loyalty program in place that rewards customers as they stake and play. There will be several levels to aim for, with bonuses available at each point. Free spins may be available at the lower levels, while higher rollers could aim for luxury packages such as hotel stays.
Each casino operator is different, but all providers will aim to reward new and existing customers. There’s a host of bonuses around, and these are the key points to remember when you sign up and play.
