Boosting Your Bankroll With Casino Online Bonuses

Getting Acquainted With Bonuses

Casino online bonuses come in all shapes and sizes and at various stages of the game, they also may be available to new players or existing players. They can come in the form of free cash, complimentary play, or prizes, yet the common thread is that they go above and beyond. When you claim a bonus, you'll always get more out of your game. Let's take a look at the most common types of bonuses:

The Deposit Bonus - Sometimes referred to as a welcome bonus, this deal is basically given to you when you make your first deposit. Often operating on a multiplier basis, this bonus will reward you with a bonus cash amount that must then be released.

For example, if an online casino is offering a 100% deposit bonus, it means your initial transaction will be double. Thus, a £100 deposit will entitle you to a £ 100 cash bonus. After this bonus has been activated it will sit in a special bonus vault where it will be dripped into your account in set increments, usually £5 or £ 10. As you reach certain point milestones, the casino will release part of your bonus.

One thing to note with regards to deposit bonuses is that the maximum bonus is often capped. For example, you might see a 100% deposit bonus that offers up to £200 in free cash. In addition, there may be time limits associated with bonuses, meaning you'll need to meet the wagering requirements by playing a certain number of hands within a set number of weeks or months.

The Reload Bonus: Virtually identical to the welcome bonus, the reload bonus is given to existing customers who have already made their first deposit. In terms of logistics, claiming a reload bonus and working through it is exactly the same. However, it's important to note that these deals are often less lucrative than first time deposit bonuses.

Seasonal Offers: At various times throughout the year, a casino online will offer themed bonuses. Whether it's a series of free slot spins to mark the release of a new game or a returns boost on all roulette winnings because the operator feels like it, there will be certain times throughout the year when you can claim additional bonuses.

One of the best ways to keep up to date with the latest offers is to check out the promotions page on your chosen site and make sure that your account is always in credit so that you can act on any deals before they expire.

VIP Loyalty Rewards: On top of the aforementioned bonuses, online casino sites will reward you on a consistent basis through dedicated VIP schemes. Each operator will have its own unique system, but the general premise that runs through each system is that the more you play, the more you earn.

For example, an online casino might reward you with 10 loyalty points for every £1 you wager. After you earn 300 points you could be given the chance to convert your points into a cash reward, claim a special prize or even enjoy a free bet. Essentially, any time you ante-up online for real money, the operator will reward you in kind with points and bonuses.

Why Online Casinos Offer Bonuses

Have you ever noticed how many licensed and regulated gambling sites there are? You'll find hundreds in the United Kingdom if you count all the casinos, poker rooms, and bookmakers. While competition is certainly great for players, it's hard for individual gambling sites to get noticed by bettors. That is until online casinos open their wallets and entice players with free cash. By enticing players with free money and spins, casinos can show the world what they have to offer. If a gambling site is truly worth its salt then satisfied customers will keep coming back.

Although it seems like madness for online casinos to give away free cash, bets, and prizes in the form of bonuses, it's actually a smart move. The most obvious benefit to the casino is that it keeps customers happy. As we've established, all players can hit a run of bad luck online and if you don't have a way to reverse these losses or steady the ship, then it's unlikely you're going to ante-up again in the future. Online casinos could easily spend their advertising budgets on huge billboards or marketing blitzes, but isn't it better to reach players directly? Based on the response from players, gambling sites are on the right track.

Bonuses provide a safety net and it's this safety net that keeps players smiling and, therefore, active. Another reason casino online bonuses make good business sense is that they encourage a sense of loyalty. Like a major bank or supermarket offering rewards points for the money you spend, the best online casinos will give out credit each time you ante-up.

Usually taking the form of VIP or loyalty points, these credits will not only improve your status in a special club, but they will give you access to a range of cash rewards and free bets. Essentially, the more active you are, the more bonuses you can earn and the happier an online operator is.

Understanding Wagering Requirements

As we brushed upon earlier, bonuses do come with strings attached. While these are generally within reason, it's important that casinos are transparent about these requirements and you take the time to understand how they work. There's no denying that casinos are in the business to make money and their generosity has limits. It's just not financially feasible for a casino online to constantly dole out cash only to have players withdraw it immediately. The whole point of bonuses, at least from the casino's perspective, is to entice players to enjoy games. That's where wagering, rollover, or play through requirements come into play.

Play through requirements vary from site to site and even across games at the same casino. Yet they typically require you to wager a certain amount of money before you can fully access or withdraw your bonus cash. For example, a site might have 15X rollover requirements on slots, which would require you to wager £150 to receive your £10 bonus. At the same time, roulette might have a 30X rollover requirement, which would require you to wager £300 for the same £10 bonus. While that might seem like a lot of wagering, keep in mind that you will win many of those bets.

You can typically track your progress in meeting the rollover requirements in the cashier, and it's easier to satisfy these requirements than you might expect. Plus, when you consider that you are effectively playing with free money, every spin, hand, and roll of the dice is much sweeter.

Getting a Great Bonus

If you're going to gamble, it make sense to claim a bonus. There's no simple way to reduce the house edge. In fact, it's foolish not to take advantage of all the bonuses that are out there. When you claim a great bonus, you'll instantly stretch your gambling budget beyond its limits so, whether you win or lose, you'll be able to keep playing longer. Of course, when you remain in the game you'll have more chances to hit a jackpot or ride out a losing streak. Effectively, bonuses are the icing on the most delicious cake you've ever had, just make sure you don't miss your slice of casino generosity.