Online casinos are packed with exciting games, sleek interfaces, and an almost endless supply of bonuses offering gaming money, spins, or cashbacks. However, while these offers look enticing, there are a few things that you should know before claiming them. If you’ve ever accepted a bonus offer and found yourself confused about how to withdraw your winnings, you’re not alone.
Keep reading to learn about the most common types of online casino bonuses, how wagering requirements work, and common pitfalls to watch out for, so you can play smarter and enjoy more chances of winning.
Online Casino Bonuses In a Nutshell
Generally speaking, bonuses are promotional offers that Black Lotus online casino and other reputable gaming sites use to attract new players and keep existing ones engaged. These offers come in many forms, such as extra money to play with, free spins on slots, cashbacks, and more.
It’s important to remember that bonuses are never free in the truest sense of the word. Almost all of them come with strings attached, especially in the form of wagering requirements, which are explained below.
Types of Online Casino Bonuses
The most popular types of online casino bonuses you’re likely to encounter include welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, Free Spins, and refer-a-friend bonuses.
Welcome Bonuses
The most common type of bonus for new players, the welcome bonus usually offers a percentage match on your first deposit or across your first few deposits. For example, you might be offered a 100% bonus up to $500 and 100 Free Spins on your first deposit. This means that the casino will match 100% of your first deposit up to $500 and give you 100 Free Spins to use on online slots.
These bonuses often come with high wagering requirements. It’s also important to be aware that Free Spins usually apply to selected slots only.
No Deposit Bonuses
A favorite among players, no deposit bonuses give you bonus money or Free Spins without requiring you to make a deposit to claim them. For example, an online casino might offer you $10 in bonus money in exchange for signing up for an account.
These offers usually have stricter wagering requirements and lower withdrawal limits. They also may require ID verification before you can cash out.
Free Spins Bonuses
Often offered as part of welcome packages, promotions, or loyalty rewards, Free Spins bonuses are bonus spins that you can use on specific slot games. For example, a casino online might offer you 25 Free Spins on Starburst or on several slots from a specific developer, such as Apricot, previously called Microgaming.
It’s important to be aware that the winnings from Free Spins are usually credited as bonus money. Also, Free Spins often come with win caps, such as a maximum $50 win.
How Wagering Requirements Work
Also known as playthrough or rollover requirements, wagering requirements can be one of the most confusing aspects of online casino bonuses for new players. They determine how many times you must wager the bonus or bonus and deposit amount before you can withdraw any winnings you made when playing with your bonus money or Free Spins.
For example, you might accept a $100 bonus offer with a 30x wagering requirement. This means you must wager $100 x 30 or $3000 before you can withdraw your winnings. Make sure you check the terms and conditions before accepting a bonus, as these usually include wagering requirements such as 30x bonus, 30x deposit + bonus, or 30x winnings (common with Free Spins bonuses).
Common Bonus Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s vitally important to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions before accepting an online casino bonus. Here are the most common mistakes that players make and how you can avoid them.
Ignoring the Wagering Requirements
Some players claim bonuses expecting to withdraw winnings instantly. However, they might feel frustrated when they find out they need to fulfil the wagering requirements first.
Always check how wagering requirements are calculated. Are they based on the bonus only or on your deposit and the bonus? The difference can be huge.
Game Restrictions
Not all games count equally toward wagering. At most online casinos, slots contribute 100%, while Blackjack, Roulette, or other table games might only contribute 10% or less or nothing at all.
Read the game contribution breakdown in the casino bonus terms and conditions. Ensure you stick to playing eligible games to meet the wagering requirements faster.
Withdrawal Limits
Another common mistake is that some players don’t check whether online casino bonus offers cap the amount of winnings that they can withdraw. For example, you might receive a no deposit offer with a condition that states that the maximum cashout from the bonus is $100. This means you can only withdraw a maximum of $100 of the winnings you make when playing with the bonus money.
Make sure you look for this clause in the terms before playing with bonus money. It’s especially common with free or no deposit offers.
Betting Limits
Online casino bonuses often come with maximum bet limits. This is done to stop players from using large bets to clear the wagering quickly. For example, you might receive an offer that states that the maximum bet you can place with bonus money is $5.
Be aware of these limits, as exceeding the maximum bet, even if you do it accidentally, might void your bonus and winnings.
Bonus Expiration
Bonuses and Free Spins for online pokies usually come with an expiry date. If you don’t complete the wagering in time, both your bonus and any related winnings may disappear.
Make sure you know your bonus’ time limit, which is often seven, 14, or 30 days, and plan your gaming sessions accordingly.
Make Informed Casino Bonus Decisions
Online casino bonuses can be a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with a new online casino, extend your gaming sessions, try new games, and increase your chances of winning – if you understand how they work. By familiarizing yourself with wagering requirements, reading the terms and conditions, and recognizing common mistakes, you can make informed decisions.
As with anything in the online gambling realm, the key is moderation, understanding, and knowing when a bonus adds value. When in doubt, live chat with customer support before claiming a bonus. A quick question can make a world of difference to your experience.
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